TALLA Woodland birds plus possible wildfowl
Varied birding in a superb historic setting
The Border Forest Trust took ownership of this 4,527 acre (1,832 hectare) site in 2013, to add to their 1,500 acres over the watershed at Carrifran. Native planting and little grazing will allow the valley to expand its wildlife, but there’s already plenty to see.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
After leaving the A701, make your way along the side of the Talla Reservoir. Here you can look out for a number of duck species such as Mallard, Teal and Goldeneye. The conifers by the side of the road may well give you a chance of Crossbills or even Siskin. Look out for raptors, especially Buzzard and Goshawk.
2
Coming to the end of the reservoir, you have a great view over the surrounding area, so look out for Osprey in summer, along with Common Sandpiper and Goosander. Meadow Pipits will be moving up the valley of the Gameshope in spring.
3
The river here looks ideal for both Dipper and Grey Wagtail. Check through the Pied Wagtails for the chance of a migrating White Wagtail. A small nursery is found here for the many native trees to be planted by the Border Forest Trust, making this one of the most exciting schemes in Britain, as they will plant right over the watershed into Carrifran.
4
A gorge with trees is already here, so look for species like Willow Warbler, Wren, Chaffinch and Robin, and you may even have the chance of Redstart in the old plantation above the gorge.
5
The sheer size of the screes here are amazing, with the chance of the ‘mountain blackbird’, better known as the Ring Ouzel. I had Ravens flying high above these, with the crannies ideal for the nest of a Peregrine. Always check your Buzzards here, as a Golden Eagle is never too far away!
6
The upper valley is so vast, with only one or two trees remaining, but with many more to be planted. Although species like Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl will visit this area to feed on the voles, it seems unlikely they will breed there until the vegetation thickens.
Birdoswald is one of the best stretches of Hadrian’s Wall in Cumbria. It is run by English Heritage, and it has a mixture of wall, fort and visitor centre, not forgetting one of the best river meanders in Britain. Its mixed habitat allows a mixture of birds and mammals to survive around a popular visitor attraction.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
As you park up, scan across Midgeholme Moss for raptors and listen for singing Grasshopper and Sedge Warbler, Sky Lark and drumming Snipe. Winter sees hunting Hen Harrier and Merlin coming to the area, with flocks of Starlings and thrushes.
2
Walk past the Roman fort to gaze over this amazing meander in the River Irthing below. Check for raptors circling up over the river and listen out for warblers nesting around the rim. A large village once was found in the fields behind you when the fort was occupied.
3
Walk down the footpath towards the bridge over the river. There is a large Sand Martin colony on one of the meanders and Hobby has been seen hunting here. Both Barn and Tawny Owl hunt this area with Oystercatcher and Common Sandpiper breeding along the river. 4
Crossing the bridge, the woodland here is ideal for species like Redstart and Pied Flycatcher, with nestboxes added by myself. Both Pied and Grey Wagtail nest here, along with Dipper and Goosander. Look out for both Buzzard and Kestrel, with Goshawks arriving from the big plantations to the north. Otters and Badgers are common along the river.
5 Walk back along the minor road, passing Gilsland, looking out for Swifts, Swallows and House Martins over the village in spring and summer. You walk above an area of ‘wood pasture’, dropping down to the river where Tree Pipits, Redstarts and even Hawfinch have been seen.