Blencathra Via Sharp Edge

A stunning walk today up Blencathra, via Sharp Edge and back down Halls Fell Ridge.



Sharp Edge from the A66



A stunning location, Sharp Edge above Scales tarn



Sharp Edge from the approach path



Looking up Sharp Edge to Foule Crag



The notorious 'Bad Step' from the rock tower, but not too bad!!



The climb off the ridge up Foule Crag



Looking back down Sharp Edge



A stunning view down to the arete and Scales Tarn



Sharp Edge from the path to Blencathra summit



and a bit further along



Looking across Gategill Fell to the North Western fells



View across the summit ridge to Skiddaw



Looking down the Vale towards Thirlmere



Zoomed in shot of Grisedale Pike



Route of ascent down Halls Fell Ridge



The north western fells

Meresands Wood - Kingfishers

After getting the briefest of glimpses of a Kingfisher up at Leighton Moss last week, I took myself off to Meresands Wood, a haven for Kingfishers in the hope of getting some nice shots. I had a full morning to patiently sit it out waiting for Kingfishers to land on the branches outside the hide. And my patience was well and truly rewarded with the Kingfishers busy all morning. But these shots were only achieved with a little patience, so many people were in the hide asking ''any kingfishers about?'' and then giving up after 5 minutes and moving off, just shows all good things are certainly worth waiting for. Whilst waiting for the Kingfishers was amused watching a Grey Heron constantly getting chased off by the resident Canada geese, and also the abundance of Dragon flies, a great place to visit with the combination of ancient oak woodland and the large lake.

First Kingfisher of the morning brings in his catch



The next bird certainly bit off more than he could chew, I honestly dont know whether it managed to swallow it, he spent a good 5 minutes perched with it in his beak obviously contemplating '' i've caught it now what do I do with it!!''





This silver birch branch has been ideally positioned for the birds to perch and fish close in













A alternative view, that clearly shows off that vivid orange breast, stunning.



As mentioned this Grey Heron was only after a peaceful mornings fishing but wherever he landed the Canada Geese saw him off!











Lots of different Dragon flies about, great to watch but almost impossible to catch with the camera, managed a few but not a clue what they are if any Dragonfly experts could let me know, thanks

Leighton Moss - Red Deer

On a beautiful Bank holiday morning I made the early hours trip up to Leighton Moss to get in the hides as the dawn broke, to hopefully get some nice shots of the Red Deer, hopefully some good stag shots. What a morning it was, with not a soul around there was a lot of Deer out in the open around the pools, and being quiet moving about I was rewarded, and well pleased I made the effort of getting up at 5.30am on a bank holiday morning.

This elegant stag waded through the pool right in front of me











His antler points are nicely sharpened for the forthcoming rutt.



I dont think that they will be this friendly to each other over the coming weeks





A hind with her offspring





This hind came so close to me, within 10 yards, I was holding my breath as i fired the shutter!!















I saw this Marsh Harrier flying low across the reed beds towards me, hoping it stayed on course and flew close by, thankfully it did





I think this is a Whitethroat, that refused to fully expose itself out of the reeds.



Down at the Eric Morecambe hide overlooking the saltwater pools, there was lots of Little Egrets, Redshank, and a Kingfisher just not close enough to the hide, but nice to see nonetheless.

















This one had a good shake and fluffed up all its feathers





On the way home called in at Warton Crag, in the faint hope of catching a Peregrine, and there was one perched high up on the cliff face, well out of range for a decent shot, but pleased with the record shot



A superb morning at a delightful place, and so glad I made the effort to get up early, those arriving as I left dont know what they missed!!