In the shadow of a tor

We spent an enjoyable morning with a local bird spotting group on Dartmoor.   It was fairly sunny as we slowly ambled around the Venford Reservoir up a nearby hill and into the woods.  It was good to walk so slowly it gave  time to pick up on the atmosphere, especially in the wooded area with its dappled sunshine, mossy rocks, and old oak and silver birch trees, see extra photo.  There were spectacular views as we emerged and climbed up Bench Tor.  A one point you could see people up the top of Hay Tor, with your binoculars.

Birds spotted included Meadow pippet, cuckoo, house martins, swifts, yellow siskin, willow warbler, spotted flycreeper, tree pippet, tree creeper, pied flycatcher, wood warbler.  A very productive day.