Glorious Twelfth

  There is little doubt that the high moorlands of the Yorkshire Dales are at their very best when covered in purple heather during August. On the 23rd I drove through thick mist in the valleys to reach the high tops before 7am. It was a magnificent morning with no wind, no traffic and Red Grouse everywhere. The warm dry weather of June has been perfect for the young grouse and both Red and Black Grouse have had their best season for decades. In two glorious hours I obtained all the shots I was after of Red Grouse in purple heather. A Whinchat was also present providing a bonus but not a bird of prey was seen. I wonder why! Click here to view the Grouse and scenery of the Dales. On 22nd August a party of tits in the trees at the bottom of the garden included a record seventeen Long Tailed Tits. Four Wood Pigeons are still feeding regularly as are a reduced number of Redpolls.