Sunday started with a journey to inland Northumberland, birdwatching on some heather moorland in order to complete our final 2 ‘early season’ visits for the BTO Bird Atlas. Contrary to the forecast weather, it was cold, windy and drizzly. However, we set off and were eventually rewarded with a dramatic improvement as the sun came out and so did the birds. Alongside all of the Willow Warblers, Chaffinches, Skylarks and Meadow Pipits the highlights were at least 3 Spotted Flycatchers and a stunning male Whinchat. A pair of Curlew began alarming as we crossed the moorland, constantly changing position to draw us away from their nest location.
After a walk of just over 5 miles we headed home and decided that we would venture out towards dusk in search of badgers. We’ve got an Otter and Badger trip on Thursday so we needed to check on the current status of a couple of setts that we’ve been watching for some time. As we settled into position, with what appeared to be a horde of bats flying around, Blackbirds and Mistle Thrushes were alarming (as they often do late in the day). Soon, movement on the hillside opposite revealed our first badger of the evening. Very grey, with cream stripes, it came out of a sett, squatted on a patch of bare earth and then vanished into the undergrowth. A second animal quickly followed, much more gingery than the first, and then a third, starkly black and white. It really is a privilege to sit and watch these magnificent animals as they go about their business (no pun intended).
After such a successful evening, getting a ‘phone call earlier today “can you take us out to look for Red Squirrels, Otters and Badgers tomorrow please” was exactly what we wanted. Once upon a time I wouldn’t have been happy working on a Bank Holiday weekend, now it’s an enjoyable part of my career choice. Just over 2 years in, and I don’t regret even a tiny part of that decision.