Pendle Buntings

Gus and I went on a mission with Matt and the spaniels to Pendle Hill. The objective was to catch up with the flock of wintering snow buntings that has been frequenting the top and the north facing slopes. This involved rather more ascent than Gus and I have been used to lately, and demonstrated that yes, I am fitter than I was a few months ago, but not as fit as I was used to pre-leukaemia.

We got to the top quite quickly, and had a fleeting glimpse or two of the flock being moved on by a surprisingly large number of walkers. We had rather better views of first two golden plovers, and then a flock of about 30. We also saw our first red grouse of the year, and Lily embarrassed Matt with her enthusiasm to get a closer look at them.

Then it was a quick trot down and home by 2pm (after a quick scan of Pine Lake) to prepare for arrival of J&M who were staying overnight. 

Gus did well, faithfully trotting along with us, and mercifully not trying to round up the ever energetic Lily. Alas, this sort of hill-walking is perhaps no longer advisable for a dog of Gus's seniority. The poor lad was very tired later and showed no interest in going for his evening walk. In this photo, we are close to the top, on a day of very strange cloud and light. Pendle Hill is more than three times the height of Arnside Knott at about 1800 feet, and the ascent was about x5 what we do on our morning walks up the Knott.

The bird list now stands at 101.