Mike's Natural Musings: Lake District March/April 2023, Day 6. River Kent Birding

Sunday 2 April 2023

Lake District March/April 2023, Day 6. River Kent Birding

Sitting by the site reception I suddenly became aware of a new bird call: the cronking of a raven. Looking up, the call, size and diamond shaped tail confirmed that I hadn't imagined a crow into a raven. We were starting out on one of our favourite walks: down into the valley and along the River Kent to Stavely before walking back over the fields to the site. We always enjoy our local wood as we leave the site and today we enjoyed the lichens and mosses typical of western temperate woodland. The bluebells were showing through now and will be in flower when we return in May. Crossing under the busy main road we revelled in the walk down the sunken green lane to Bowston Bridge on the Kent. Here we stopped at our usual spot for a very meagre lunch (I had plans for later!) where I was delighted to see a pair of grey wagtails. Moving on, it wasn't long before we found our first dipper and the first of two pairs of goosander. Passing the barn restoration project we were soon settled on the river bank sitting among the host of wild daffodils; lenten lillies. Here we had several sightings of dipper zipping up and down the river but none settled. Grey and pied wagtails did, however, pose for photography and a second pair of goosander surprised me when they appeared unexpectedly and surfed through the rapids. Continuing the walk I began to tire and regretted the decision to carry the birding camera, so it was with pleasure and satisfaction that I sat down to a Wilf's all day breakfast. Magnificent!!! All that remained was the flog uphill and across the fields back to the van and beer o'clock!!