Signs of Spring in Upper Swaledale

photo courtesy of Ian Short Photography

The call of the curlew heralds the arrival of spring in the upper dale. Last evening I counted 16 curlews as they circled Pry House Farm home field. A wonderful sight and a wonderful sound. As I watched them make their way towards the moor several more joined them until there was a large flock heading west. It was a privilege to see.

We have exchanged snowdrifts for drifts of snowdrops.

The lapwings are back along with the cheeky oyster catchers. Both have very distinctive cries; the oyster catchers’call being much harsher than the haunting pee-wit, pee-wit of the lapwing.