Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Thursday 25 April 2024
Lapwing on Walshaw Moor above Crimsworth Dean. After their exuberant aerial antics during the mating season, Lapwings become quieter as they settle down to breed. Although they’re still around in large numbers, they are less easy to spot as they deliberately avoid drawing attention to their nest.
Tweet of the Day - Wednesday 24 April 2024
Although Goldfinches are resident in Britain all year, they’re not commonly seen in the uplands during the winter. They’re back now, though, and can be seen in increasing numbers both in the valleys and up on the high pastures and fringes of the moor.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Tuesday 23 April 2024
Common Sandpipers are back in residence on the Walshaw Dean reservoirs, flying low and fast just above the water. These small birds with their buff and white plumage nest on the ground by the shore, camouflaged by the stones.
Tweet of the Day - Monday 22 April 2024
A welcome return for the Swallows, back from their winter migration to South Africa. They are often seen on the uplands and have been spotted over the last few days near the moorland above Hardcastle Crags.
Tweet of the Day - Celebrating World Curlew Day - Sunday 21 April 2024
Celebrating the remarkable colonies of Curlews on Walshaw Moor. This is one of their favoured breeding grounds and they flock back to this moorland in large numbers every February to nest and rear their chicks. Walshaw Moor has one of the largest populations of breeding Curlews in the whole of the UK. They have died out completely in many other areas of the country due to habitat loss, but they are thriving here because Walshaw Moor provides the ideal habitat and environment. Curlews are on the Conservation Red List, which means they are endangered. Walshaw Moor is not only designated as Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) but is also a Special Protection Area (SPA) because of the significance of its ground-nesting birds. This is the worst possible place for a wind farm. The Curlews will be driven away by this development and are unlikely to return.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Sunday 21 April 2024
Lapwing foraging on rough pasture where the Haworth Old Road ascends steeply onto Walshaw Moor above Crimsworth Dean. Although Lapwings have much shorter beaks than other waders, they feed in the same way by prodding the wet ground for worms, grubs and larvae.
Tweet of the Day - Saturday 20 April 2024
Greylag Goose nesting in the bracken in Walshaw Dean. Its dark wing feathers edged with pale grey create a striking pattern. Its orange beak has a distinctive white cap at the tip.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Friday 19 April 2024
Northern Wheatear on Walshaw Moor above Crimsworth Dean. An unusual view of a male Wheatear showing its black cheeks, wings and tail. This bird returns to the upland moors in Spring to breed after wintering in Africa.
Tweet of the Day - Thursday 18 April 2024
Grey Wagtail on Alcomden Water near the junction with Graining Water at Blake Dean, near the location of proposed turbines in Hardcastle Crags. Note the distinctive yellow plumage above its tail. It also has a yellow breast.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Wednesday 17 April 2024
In addition to large colonies of ground-nesting birds, Walshaw Moor is also an important breeding site for Brown Hares. One like this was spotted high up on the moor this morning where the Haworth Old Road track crosses the moor to Oxenhope.
Tweet of the Day - Wednesday 17 April 2024
Good action shot of a Curlew stepping out among the new-born lambs this morning on the pasture near Stairs at the head of Crimsworth Dean. Lots of Curlews and Lapwings happily co-habiting together there with the sheep.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Tuesday 16 April 2024
One of several Golden Plovers seen and heard this morning on either side of Dean Gate, the track over Walshaw Moor to Walshaw Dean from Walshaw Lodge. They nest on the highest ground so this is the best place to listen out for their soft lilting calls and gentle peeps.
Tweet of the Day - Monday 15 April 2024
The persistently wet weather over the last few months has not been much fun for humans but has been ideal for the waders who breed on Walshaw Moor. The muddy residue on the sturdy long orange beak of this Oystercatcher are tell-tale signs that it has been prodding the boggy ground for food.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Sunday 14 April 2024
Kestrel searching for prey while hovering over Wadsworth Moor. Its chestnut back and grey tail edged with black indicate that this is an adult male. It feeds mainly on small mammals, such as voles, mice and shrews.
Tweet of the Day - Saturday 13 April 2024
Goosanders often frequent reservoirs, particularly during the winter months. The females have a brown head, white chin and a narrow red bill. This pair were spotted at Walshaw Dean, which attracts many different wildfowl.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Friday 12 April 2024
Curlews are all-pervasive on and around Walshaw Moor each Spring. This year there seem to be more than ever, underlying the importance of this area as a breeding ground for these Red-listed birds . Their lyrical chorus hovers over the moorland and rebounds around the neighbouring valleys.
Tweet of the Day - Friday 12 April 2024
Curlews are extremely graceful in flight, especially when they glide gently downwards. This Curlew was photographed above Wadsworth Moor at the far end of Crimsworth Dean near Stairs. Its long curved beak is open as it was calling as it flew.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Thursday 11 April 2024
First Northern Wheatear sighting this Spring on Wadsworth Moor, its breast feathers ruffled by the wind. These birds winter in Africa but return to the uplands of Britain to breed. This is a male Wheatear; the female has buff coloured plumage.
Tweet of the Day - Wednesday 10 April 2024
Golden Plovers are easily disturbed, so it is rare to get the opportunity to photograph them at close quarters. This image, taken early this morning high up on Wadsworth Moor, shows their exquisite plumage in detail.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Tuesday 9 April 2024
Lapwing on rough pasture above Crimsworth Dean. Lapwings nest in open ground in slight depression known as a scrape. Although it is still a bit too early in the year for the eggs to be laid, this bird has perhaps identified a suitable site.
Tweet of the Day - Monday 8 April 2024
Stray Snow Geese occasionally appear in the UK, sometimes as a result of being blown off-course during migration. This bird was spotted on Walshaw Dean Lower Reservoir in close proximity to a group of Greylag Geesse.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Sunday 7 April 2024
One of four Grey Herons on the banks of Walshaw Dean Upper Reservoir and seen flying over the moorland above. Although Herons are generally associated with rivers, in this area they frequent the upland reservoirs as well.
Tweet of the Day - Saturday 6 April 2024
Oystercatcher in Walshaw Dean this morning, one of a large colony of Oystercatchers who have settled in for the season to breed near the shores of the Lower Reservoir.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Friday 5 April 2024
Male Lapwing on Walshaw Moor showing chestnut plumage under tail. This feature distinguishes it from the female.
Tweet of the Day - Thursday 4 April 2024
Meadow Pipits are commonly seen on upland pastures above Hardcastle Crags and Crimsworth Dean and on the lower reaches of Walshaw Moor. Viewed close up when they alight, their streaked plumage is very attractive.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Wednesday 3 April 2024
Crimsworth Dean is Curlew Centrale at the moment and will remain so until the end of the breeding season in July. The birds nest over a wide area from the riverside and meadows to the rough pasture on the moors. You can walk for hours and hear Curlews all the way.
Tweet of the Day - Tuesday 2 April 2024
In flight Lapwings appear black and white. It’s only when you see them close up on the ground that you can appreciate the iridescent plumage on their wings and their distinctive scrolling crest.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Monday 1 April 2024
Curlew getting stuck in on Walshaw Moor. The reason why Curlews are attracted to this particular location is because the moorland habitat provides such rich pickings.
Tweet of the Day - Sunday 31 March 2024
Greylag goose in Walshaw Dean. These geese favour heather moorland for their breeding sites so Walshaw Moor is an ideal spot. Once the only goose that bred in the UK, the Greylag’s name is thought to derive from the fact that it lagged behind when other geese migrated.
Tweet of the Day - Saturday 30 March 2024
Huge flock of Lapwings wheeling around over Walshaw Dean Lower Reservoir this afternoon. A spectacular display of formation flying, confirming the importance of Walshaw Moor as a breeding site for these Red-Listed endangered birds.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Friday 29 March 2024
Pheasants are widespread on Walshaw Moor. With their red face and dark green head, male Pheasants are the most colourful birds on the moor.
Tweet of the Day - Thursday 28 March 2024
Golden Plover on Wadsworth Moor. These ground-nesting birds favour the highest parts of the moor and have a soft peeping call. They are one of the most important species on Walshaw Moor and are protected at European level.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Wednesday 27 March 2024
Buzzards roost in tall trees in Crimsworth Dean and Hardcastle Crags but often seen hunting over nearby Walshaw Moor. A buzzard wheeling around over Wadsworth Moor this morning was driven away by an anxious Lapwing.
Tweet of the Day - Tuesday 26 March 2024
Oystercatcher near White Hole Farm above Crimsworth Dean this morning. Whereas in Swaledale, Oystercatchers sweep along the wide valley bottom near the river, on Walshaw Moor they breed high up on the moor.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Tuesday 26 March 2024
This Barn Owl is a Wadsworth resident and obligingly alighted on a post for its close-up this afternoon. It may be the same bird spotted hunting over Wadsworth Moor yesterday.
Tweet of the Day - Monday 25 March 2024
Although Barn Owls tend to roost in farm buildings on the shoulders of the hills in this area, usually near hay meadows , their hunting territories extend up onto the moor. As they can’t hunt in the rain, they often come out afterwards. This Barn Owl was photographed at dusk today flying over Wadsworth Moor.
Tweet of the Day - Monday 25 March 2024
Golden Plovers are much more elusive than Curlews and Lapwings, as well as being smaller, quieter and well-camouflaged, but they have their favoured breeding spots on Walshaw Moor to which they return year after year. They also have distinctive behaviour and are often seen perched on top of a tussocky clump, so once you know where to look and what to look for, they are easier to spot. This Golden Plover was filmed late this afternoon on Wadsworth Moor. Note the distinctive golden plumage which gives them their name.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Sunday 24 March 2024
Lapwings tend to nest slightly higher up on Walshaw Moor than Curlews, but the two species breed in close proximity and share some of the same foraging spots, as recorded in this photograph on Wadsworth Moor.
Tweet of the Day - Saturday 23 March 2024
Skylarks used to be commonplace but their numbers have rapidly declined in recent years so they are now on the Red list of endangered birds. Thankfully they are still thriving on Shackleton Moor where they can be heard in full song each morning at this time of year. The small crest on this skylark was slightly raised as it burst into song.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Friday 22 March 2024
It’s rare to see a Snipe close up like this but they are often heard on the moor at this time of year. Early this morning they were performing their courtship displays on Shackleton Moor, rising high in the air, then diving down with their tail feathers spread. The eery wurbling sound heard at ground level is caused by the vibration of their tail feathers as they go into a dive.
Tweet of the Day - Thursday 21 March 2024
A large colony of curlews have now settled into their breeding quarters in Crimsworth Dean and on the moorland above. This is one of the best places in the country for curlews and the worst possible place for a wind farm.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Wednesday 20 March 2024
Astonishing numbers of Lapwings on the Walshaw Moor Estate land at the far end of Crimsworth Dean at the moment. Flocks of 50 or so spotted on a daily basis. When seen close up, the iridescent plumage and crest are highly distinctive.
Tweet of the Day - Tuesday 19 March 2024
Kestrel hunting over Walshaw Moor on the lookout for small mammals in the tussocky moorland grass. Its yellow beak, chestnut back and grey head distinguish it from other raptors.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Monday 18 March 2024
Exciting to see a Red Kite on Wadsworth Moor above Crimsworth Dean but alarming that it was spotted near the proposed site of turbine 55. This large bird of prey has a distinctive forked tail and feeds on carrion.
Tweet of the Day - Sunday 17 March 2024
Meadow pipits are common on the fringes of Walshaw Moor and are often seen perched on walls or nestling among the bilberry and heather. They have orangey-brown legs with long hind claws, and are a favoured prey of merlins, who also frequent the moor.
Tweet of the Day - Saturday 16 March 2024
Skylark singing near Shackleton Knoll early this morning. Skylarks are more often heard singing in flight as they ascend, but this one was on the ground. This inspiring moorland sound will be drowned out by the roar of turbines if the wind farm goes ahead.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Friday 15 March 2024
Murmuration of starlings over Walshaw Moor, a characteristic sight at this time of year. A dramatic event to witness as hundreds of birds swoop en masse, then settle on the ground to graze.
Tweet of the Day - Thursday 14 March 2024
Grey Wagtail by Grain Water in Crimsworth Dean. Like Dippers, these birds are often seen by the fast-flowing streams of the Upper Calder Valley. This one is collecting nest-building materials.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Wednesday 13 March 2024
Thrushes inhabit a wide range of terrains near Walshaw Moor, from woodlands in the adjoining valleys to farmland on the shoulders of the hills close to the moor.
Tweet of the Day - Tuesday 12 March 2024
Curlew near Thurrish Farm in the upper reaches of Crimsworth Dean, a favoured breeding and nesting spot for large numbers of curlews and lapwings (see video below).
Tweet of the Day - Tuesday 12 March 2024
Lapwings engaged in a bit of rough and tumble on moorland near Stairs Lane at the far end of Crimsworth Dean
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Monday 11 March 2024
Lots of Lapwings on Wadsworth Moor this morning, their white underparts conspicuous in flight. Also known as Peewits because of their calls, Lapwings are particularly vociferous during the mating season.
Tweet of the Day - Sunday 10 March 2024
Dipper at Grain Water in Crimsworth Dean, near the proposed site of turbine 33. A reminder that riverside birds such as the Dipper, which dives for food in fast-flowing streams, will also be affected by the wind farm.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Saturday 9 March 2024
Huge flocks of Starlings are often seen on the fringes of Walshaw Moor, as here on the telegraph wires in Crimsworth Dean. Many are resident but their numbers increase between September and April when their ranks are swelled by continental migrants.
Tweet of the Day - Friday 8 March 2024
Nuthatch are common in the National Trust woodlands in Crimsworth Dean just below Shackleton Moor. The woods and moors lie cheek by jowl in the Upper Calder Valley. Both are teaming with wildlife at this time of year.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Tuesday 4 March 2024
Curlew on Walshaw Moor Estate land near Thurrish Farm the Crimsworth Dean. There seem to be more curlews than ever here this spring. One of the best breeding sites for curlews in the UK according to ornithologists, so the worst possible place to build a wind farm.
Tweet of the Day - Monday 3 March 2024
Fieldfare on Shackleton Moor above Crimsworth Dean. The moorland attracts birds of many species all year round. Large numbers of fieldfare arrive here in the autumn and stay until early spring.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Sunday 3 March 2024
Pied Wagtails are one of the most ubiquitous upland birds and are frequently seen on and around Walshaw Moor, particularly near streams but also on open moorland. They are easy to spot with their black and white plumage and long bobbing tail.
Tweet of the Day - Saturday 2 March 2024
Treecreeper in Blake Dean in Hardcastle Crags. The ecology of Walshaw Moor is integrally linked to the adjoining valleys, so what happens on the moor will have knock on effects for the wildlife in Hardcastle Crags and Crimsworth Dean.
Tweet of the Day - Friday 1 March 2024
Part of a large flock of curlews in Crimsworth Dean this morning, close to the proposed location of the turbines
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Thursday 29 Feb 2024
Reed bunting spotted amongst the rushes in Walshaw Dean. As its name suggests, the Reed Bunting favours marshy places near water. The reservoirs at Walshaw Dean are a good place to look out for it.
Tweet of the Day - Wednesday 28 Feb 2024
Stonechat on Wadsworth Moor. This small moorland bird takes its name from its call, which is similar to the sound of two stones being knocked together. It is often seen perched on dry stone walls.
Tweet of the Day - Wednesday 28 Feb 2024
Curlews on Wadsworth Moor prodding the ground with their long curved beaks in search of worms
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Tuesday 27 Feb 2024
First sighting of a Golden Plover flying over Wadsworth Moor today - just like this one. These birds are usually the first to arrive back on the moor but they’re small and very discreet, so not as easy to spot as Curlews. Listen out for their soft peeping sound.
Tweet of the Day - Sunday 25 Feb 2024
Skylarks singing near Shackleton Knoll, just near the proposed location of turbine no. 6. One of glorious moorland sounds that will be drowned out by the whirr of the turbines.
Tweet of the Day
Tweet of the Day - Friday 23 Feb 2024
Thrilling to see this large flock of curlews circling around Crimsworth Dean this morning and alighting near Grain Farm - at least 26 in all. This beautiful dale is a favoured nesting spot for curlews. You can hear their bubbling cries echoing around the valley - which will be hemmed in by turbines if the wind farm goes ahead.
Tweet of the Day - Friday 23 Feb 2024
A pair of newly-arrived curlews photographed near Stairs Lane at the end of Crimsworth Dean this morning.
Tweet of the Day - Monday 19 Feb 2024
A large flock of lapwings settling in on the fringes of Wadsworth Moor above Crimsworth Dean this morning - and more curlews arriving back to their spring quarters too.
Tweet of the Day - Sunday 18 Feb 2024
A pair of curlews staking their territory near Shackleton Moor above Crimsworth Dean
Tweet of the Day - Saturday 17 Feb 2024
The reinforcements have arrived! Eleven oystercatchers and at least 30 lapwings in Walshaw Dean today - and the first of many curlews on Walshaw Moor.
Tweet of the Day - Friday 16 Feb 2024
First lapwings of the season spotted by a local resident in Crimsworth Dean - just near where Turbines 33 and 54 would be sited.
