Today's Wildlife Encounter

[Travs]

Interesting observation about the Red Grouse. We've been avoiding the honey-pot areas of Kinder recently, spending more time on Bleaklow or the northern edge of Kinder. There are definitely Red Grouse around, but possibly fewer than usual. However the Curlew appear to have had a great time - there are thousands everywhere! Also, plenty of Golden Plover, especially on Bleaklow.

Have just looked both these birds up on google... yes i saw loads of these on Bleaklow last week!

[Wheeze]

Encounter did you say? Well does being belly-butted on the back of the head by a buzzard count??! Not to mention the scram on my ear from his bloody talons! Ok, I get he's just defending his nest but I draw the line at physical assault!!

[molehill]

Did he get you? Cool
Few years ago I was buzzed by Mr Buzzard on an event, followed me for a good 1/2 mile swooping but never touched me - damn close though!

[Travs]

Tens and tens of wild horses on the Long Mynd today. Also some young ones which had grown in size but still very gangly and unsteady on their long legs.

Also a great long view of a Red Kite soaring above me on the summit of Callow. First time I've had the chance for a real good look at one.

[noel]

I'm impressed by the buzzard encounter. My son had a very similar (not really) encounter while sitting in the living room. A chaffinch flew in through the open door and for a split second landed on his finger before flying off, trying to kill itself against several windows, then flying back out again. He said he could feel its tiny claws gripping his finger.

[Wheeze]

Did he get you? Cool
Few years ago I was buzzed by Mr Buzzard on an event, followed me for a good 1/2 mile swooping but never touched me - damn close though!

I think he was dazzled by my bald spot cos it was a full blooded thwack on the back of the head from his body. His trailing leg scratched my ear...drew blood! He came back for a few more passes. Got really close but I was ducking and diving by then! Wore a hat when I went by today...but no sign of him.

[RichA]

I think he was dazzled by my bald spot cos it was a full blooded thwack on the back of the head from his body. His trailing leg scratched my ear...drew blood! He came back for a few more passes. Got really close but I was ducking and diving by then! Wore a hat when I went by today...but no sign of him.

Got dive bombed by curlew today on Whinash - no talons just curved beaks

[MattPo]

You want to try Skua's - the're aggresive birds.

[Llani Boy]

You want to try Skua's - the're aggresive birds.

Your not wrong. Many years ago whilst on Unst in the Shetlands I had a run out to Herma Ness and Hermaness Hill. Happily minding my own business when I had this great thud to the top of my head. A Skua. Silly me was running through their nest site, on a public footpath I hasten to add. After a couple of more blows I made it to a hide/hut at the far end.
After hiding there shitting myself for a few minutes I plucked up enough courage for my return. As I was wearing nothing but shorts and a vest my only protection was running with one hand in the air. After taking lots of hits from many different assailants I made it back to Burrafirth and on to Saxa Vord. I remember that the back of my right hand was red raw having had the skin grazed away by beak and feet.

A beautiful part of the world but only myself to blame!

[Travs]

We had a Buzzard come screaming through the back garden this afternoon...

In light of the previous few posts, i remained safely inside the house!