Lake District

[robert]

Hi all,

Going to cumbria tomorrow for roughly 3 days. Using this as an excuse to do a bit of birding and wondered if anybody had been up to that area recently? If so anything about or any good areas to visit? Will be in Keswick briefly and then simply roaming. Any advice much appreciated.

Thanks,
Robert

[Colin Key]

Hi Robert,

Only just seen this post, and not sure if there are any forum members from Cumbria (Cockermouth is my home town). Unless you have internet access "on the move" I am probably too late with this information.

Best sites are probably coastal at this time of year: Grune Point and Anthorn Marshes, on opposite sides of Moricambe (NOT Morcambe) Bay on the Solway, Siddick Ponds (between Workington and Maryport), Workington Harbour, and St Bees Head (RSPB) can all be good. If you were prepared for a longer drive then Leighton Moss (RSPB) to the south or Caerlaverock (WWT) on the Scottish side of the Solway can be highly recommended.

You might get some recent info from: http://www.cumbriabirdclub.org.uk/ (the County Recorder's contact details are on the site).

Oh, and I hope you have packed your wellies, thick vests and long-johns - the weather is horrendous at the moment. :ohdear:

Colin

[robert]

Hi Colin.

Unfortunately you were correct and I had already left, but thankyou very much for your information as we will be returning early next year. Spent the trip inland and a long hike up Helvellyn produced raven, buzzard and dipper. Good views of stonechat on the way back. Otherwise fairly quiet. Thanks again,

Robert

[PeterD]

Hi Colin.

Unfortunately you were correct and I had already left, but thankyou very much for your information as we will be returning early next year. Spent the trip inland and a long hike up Helvellyn produced raven, buzzard and dipper. Good views of stonechat on the way back. Otherwise fairly quiet. Thanks again,

Robert
Robert,

Whenever I go to the lake district I make a point of driving up Hardknot pass. A tremendous view from the top.

Peter

[Colin Key]

Robert,

Whenever I go to the lake district I make a point of driving up Hardknot pass. A tremendous view from the top.

Peter

But not many birds there Peter!!

Colin :smile:

P.S. Agree, it is a beautiful view though.

[John Bell]

Hi Robert, Colin, Peter et al

I've be up Helvellyn a good few times: Peregrine and Ring Ousel are probably the only notable birds. If your in this area again then Ullswater has a gull roost at the north end though not spectacular and mainly smaller gulls. Also at the north end there are Dippers, Kingfishers and Lesser Whitethroats around Pooley Bridge.

Yeah Hardknot is indeed fun although given the state my current car is in I might not risk it! Like driving over to Applecross in the Highlands: it's not one you forget!

Think Coniston has Hawfinch and possibly Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.

regards,
John