Out On The Wiley, Windy Moors

To steal from Ms Bush it certainly was wild and windy when I ventured onto the moors recently.

As soon as I stepped out of the car I was greeted by a pair of hunting kestrels who both hovered above my head before swooping away to try another spot. They were joined by a third at one point and there was always at least one clearly visible.

The ground was frozen solid and there was a harsh wind which really bit through your clothes. It didn’t seem to bother a flock of fieldfares who were feeding on one of the fields. These winter visitors arrive each year from more Northern climates so the freezing moors were probably a milder place than their usual feeding grounds. There were around 20 mixed in with a flock of starlings who flew from field to wire and back again.

A trip to the moors wouldn’t be complete without my usual shock from disturbing a pheasant and this trip was no different as this handsome fellow jumped out from behind a wall just as I looked over. He was joined later by a stunning female resplendent in the winter sun.