Just back from 5 days in the Yorkshire Dales. Most of my time was spent working, but in between I managed to spot some wildlife. On the way to Wharfedale, stopped at Hawes where we came across a hedge full of chirping House Sparrows (maybe 20 in all) followed by another 10 on a nearby wall. Later in the day, saw lots of Pheasants in Langstrothdale and Upper Wharfedale. Other birds around Kettlewell included a flock of 20 or so gulls (? Black headeds) and odd crows.
The walk to Conistone Pie on day 2 was remarkable only for the virtual absence of any bird life (except a Buzzard circling the crags above Scargill and two separate Ravens "cronking" overhead). The grikes on Conistone Pie were unremarkable. The only colour here (or anywhere) was contributed by a few hardy Herb Roberts.
Day 3 saw small flocks of Fieldfare flighting between the treetops beneath Scargill. Also a single Rabbit and male Pheasant in the grounds.
Day 4 included a walk to Kettlewell. More crows and gulls, plus a Dipper on the beck in the middle of the village.
The journey home today was enlivened by three Snow Buntings flying up from the road at the top of the pass over to Wensleydale [NB 11 seen there, 15th Nov, and reported on Craven Birds website], two separate motorway Buzzards, miles and miles of berry-laden Hawthorns and a gaggle? of motley Mallards at Tebay services.