Difficult to believe that the week before all this area was buried under an early May snowfall.
At just over 1800ft high as hills go Pendle is big. In fact its not just big it’s also very steep. Due to its isolated location it forms a prominent landmark that can be seen for miles. Perhaps this helps to explain its attraction as a traditional stopover point for Dotterel on their migration north to the Scottish Highlands. Other stopover points include the summit of Ingleborough – 2,372 ft, Skiddaw – 3,054 ft and Cairn Gorm – 4084 ft. Occasionally they can be found in coastal areas but in general they prefer tundra like conditions.Dotterel
Historical data available at Birdtrack suggests there’s a 6 week window where its just about possible to see a Dotterel on its Spring migration with mid May being the best time.
A glorious morning in early May and time for a walk. Probably around a 1:10 chance of finding a Dotterel not great odds but if Leicester City can win the Premier League you never know.
Hmmm…… 50 minutes later and I arrive at the Trig Point. No sign of any Dotterel. Plenty of Meadow Pipits, a Cuckoo, 2 Ravens, a Kestrel, a pair of Wheatears but despite spending nearly 2 hours wandering around the summit absolutely no Dotterels.
A long way down
The first Green Hairstreak of the year sheltering from the wind
We’ll be back.