Thursday 28th May 2026: Harthope Valley

We headed inland today to the beautiful Harthope Valley. Our main target bird was the Dipper, so we parked close to a bridge crossing the river, enjoying a pair of a Mistle Thrushes in a nearby bush, and a bobbing Grey Wagtail which flew onto a rock below us. Taking a short walk along a riverside path, we quickly stumbled across our target bird, standing on a rock with a mouthful of insects. We spent several minutes watching, noting the nictating membrane resembling a blinking white eyelid. 

Dipper

Continuing on into the valley, we heard the distinctive call of Curlew, and noted a couple of birds fly overhead. Elsewhere, we encountered a pair of Oystercatcher. It always seems a surprise to encounter these wading birds so far from the estuary on their upland breeding territories. 

We parked up and took a walk along the track. Highlights seen were a Spotted Flycatcher, a frequently heard but only briefly seen Cuckoo, and a similarly fleeting view of a Siskin. 

Spotted Flycatcher

Returning to the car park, we ate our picnic lunch beside the river, with more sightings of Grey wagtail, a Wren and a lovely male Chaffinch chasing flies over the water.

The bird count was not high, but it had been a beautiful walk, and the birds we did find were a contrast to the coastal species encountered so far.