Today was the first of two Prestige Tours organised as a 40th birthday surprise.  With our destination being the North Pennines, the tour where we cross the border from Northumberland into Upper Teesdale, the mist, drizzle and general murk first thing this morning didn’t look too promising.  Sometimes, though, the less promising days prove to be the really memorable ones…

Checking one of our favourite Black Grouse sites there were no birds in the field close to the road.  However, after watching that site for the last two years I guessed that the birds were probably at a lek site away across the moor.  Sure enough, we soon found three birds sitting around, another two flew in a few seconds later and then the lek started.  The cold wind and icy rain was barely noticeable as the birds postured around the clumps of rush.  More sightings of Black Grouse followed, including birds at two sites where I hadn’t seen them before; one of them producing excellent views of a Blackcock sitting near the road, and a rather more shy and retiring Greyhen.  Across in Upper Teesdale the views of Blackcock got even better, and were accompanied by drumming Snipe and displaying Curlew.

The walk to Cauldron Snout can seem bleak and devoid of wildlife but it is there; watching from amongst the heather were Red Grouse, some more Red Grouse, stunning Golden Plover and even more Red Grouse.  Meadow Pipits flitted back and forth, Snipe were calling, Curlew were singing their eerie song over the moorland and Lapwings demonstrated that their display flight and calls both defy belief.

One of the best days we’ve had in two years of NEWT.