22/02/2021 Winter Hill, Lancashire

Snow Bunting: This marvelous male snow bunt  was found a few days ago at the Trigg Point on top of Winter Hill. Snow bunts are attractive little birds, that often give you a chance to get some nice images as they are typically bold and not shy of the camera.

So today, after being sent not too far from the office (based in Bolton) to Rivington for another wildlife survey.  I drove up Winter Hill to see the snow bunt. 

Winter Hill is the highest point in the West Pennine area and towers over Rivington and its surroundings, although it is not tall enough to be classed as a mountain. Winter Hill is really a large, raised plateau of moorland with several summits named as hills in their own right, one being Rivington Pike.

The bird was sticking pretty loyal to the Trigg Point foraging within 20 meters or of the  stone triangulation pillar. 

Although it did also spend some time behind the palisade fencing of the nearby building.

The North West has seen a record number of snow bunting across the region, with maybe 20 birds on North Wirral, one on Bull Hill, two at Cockersands Abbey, one at Wray Lancashire,  there are also a couple on the Great Orme in North Wales in recent days. 

I suspect a place like this can get pretty busy on the weekends with dog walker, hills walkers and cyclists and there's nothing wrong with that, if folk are sticking to the rules and exercising outdoors enjoying a wonderful place that this part of lancashire has to offer. But on a Monday morning it was relatively quiet. 

With a backdrop of black peaty soil, purple moor grass and rush pasture the bird stood out as I approached the Trigg point. 

And with a spot of with a bit of patience and the with the knowledge that you will get a muddy knee or wet bottom as you crouch down for a picture the bird came pretty close.  

Another safe, socially distance short walk to exercise my camar lifting arm.