Owls, Midges and Paths

The Tuesday volunteers were busy at Foxglove today, clearing all of the weeds from the pathway at the back of the Lake Hide. The Water Voles were seen regularly throughout the day. With a large team we made good progress, and the volunteers battled on despite being hampered by a large number of voracious midges!

At lunchtime we were delivered a young Tawny Owl that had fallen out of a tree into the road.

The Dales School children were in and were able to get a chance to see it close up, and learn a bit about how they are adapted to catch their prey and survive.

As it didn’t appear to be damaged in any way, it was returned to where it was found, where its parents should continue to care for it.

After lunch the heavens opened and path clearance had to be halted. Some volunteers sensibly decided to call it a day. Others remained behind and weighed out some seed for selling in the field centre, and removed moss from the gutters.

We have heard from the Cape Wrath team who appear to have reached the end of their spell of fine weather, and are now being battered by rain and winds. However, they have sent more pictures through of the sunnier days. Here is the Scottish Primrose.

A Fulmar.

A very well camouflaged Oystercatcher chick.

Thanks to everyone who came to help out today. The footpaths are a vast improvement.