WHITENDALE
Look out for some unusual raptors and owls
The Forest of Bowland has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) since 1964, with Whitendale part of it. The valley starts at Dunsop Bridge, with the name ‘Trough’ describing the entrance into the area. It is a very popular part of these uplands, and is one of the most visited areas for birdwatching. The AONB signs show a Hen Harrier. By 1974, there were 39 nesting females, but by 1977 all breeding Hen Harriers had disappeared from the Red Grouse moors. After recent comebacks, Hen Harriers have failed to breed in recent years, but individuals pass through. In 2017, many people visited the area to watch a male Pallid Harrier, which held territory here. With so many people watching, immature male Hen Harriers were seen, as well as an immature White-tailed Eagle, all being chased off by the Pallid Harrier. The normal pilgrimage to this valley, though, is to watch for Eagle Owls nesting, which they have done for more than 10 years. Two young were reared in 2017. The area is also noted for the Merlin. Other notable raptors include Goshawk, Buzzard and Red Kite. Short-eared Owls are common here, along with Barn Owls, often nesting high up the fell in natural crags, with Tawny Owl more likely down the valley. Lower woods along the river have a number of Redstarts and Pied Flycatchers, with both Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers likely. Bracken is the favourite nesting site of Whinchats and Reed Buntings up the fell, with Stonechats preferring heather. The more open riversides have Common Sandpiper and Oystercatcher, with Dipper and Grey Wagtail found throughout. The valley has several Cuckoos, which enjoy the many nests of Meadow Pipit as well as Tree Pipit if they can find them to lay their eggs.