Upland birds in Yorkshire

Paul Miguel · #1 (**permalink**) 20-11-2008, 06:57 PM

Hi everyone,

I am a professional nature photographer based in West Yorkshire. I'm always looking for new sites for wildlife and hope that some of you might be able to help? There seems to be a lot of knowledgeable people on here with some good advice - I'll put on specific posts from time to time no doubt.

If anyone wants any tips on nature photography etc. then hopefully I can help too.. Have just entered the Royal Photographic Society competition so fingers crossed there - any photographers ever entered this one.?

Paul

ChrisJB · #2 (**permalink**) 20-11-2008, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Miguel

Just wondering if anyone knows of any good locations in Yorkshire to photograph curlews? I know of a good spot for other upland birds such as grouse and lapwing which I have been able to get from the car, but curlews are always more difficult to get close to. I'm also keen to get other upland waders such as oystercatcher and redshank.

There is a place in Scotland, Kingussie Wildlife Park - which might be a better option.. anyone been here at all..?

Hi Paul. The Yorkshire Dales National Park is your best bet. Any of the upper reaches of the main dales should put you in contact with Curlew, Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper (near the rivers) and Redshank. Try upper Swaledale, Wharfedale, Wensleydale, Dentdale or Garsdale, to name a few. The wonderful moorland roads between the dales would be a good place to start. The road from Kirkby Stephen to Keld is a good one, as is the one from Keld to Tan Hill (you have the possible bonus of Black Grouse on this one too). Another couple of good moorland drives which should reveal the species you seek, includes the one from Upper Wharfedale to Hawes (over Oughtershaw) and also the one from Upper Wharfedale to Bishopdale (Kidstones Pass).
A bit closer to Leeds are the uplands of Calderdale (try Widdop, Oxenhope Moor and Rishworth Moor).
Good luck. The Pennine uplands are a marvellous landscape to explore.

Regards, Chris

deer boy · #3 (**permalink**) 20-11-2008, 07:42 PM

Hi Paul welcome to WAB look forward to chatting, have fun

Morph · #4 (**permalink**) 21-11-2008, 05:56 PM

Hello and welcome. I live on the outskirts of east Manchester. If you want any sites in this area (which I don't think would be too far from you?) you only have to ask. Most of the sites I visit are for birds but you often see other local wildlife as well.