On our trip to the north Yorkshire dales we first visited Swaledale before moving further north to Arkengarthdale to see what the area had to offer. The long winding narrow track roads were again very quiet with little traffic to be see but there were lots of the ground nesting species of birds on show with grassy mounds, rocky outcrops and dry stone wall offering good perches.

There were many Meadow Pipits on show, mainly resting up on the dry stone walls that accompany the winding roads. Some were fairly easy to photograph, seeming quite used to cars stopping whilst others fled before coming into range.

We saw just the one Wheatear, fortunately it allowed us the photograph it as it basked in the early morning sun.

Skylarks are often heard but not seen as they cascade in the sky chattering away constantly, this one had found a tasty morsel in some grass by the roadside.

The Curlews were a fairly constant companion, often heard with their distinctive call before landing close by.

A small group of Oystercatchers settled on a wall just about close enough to capture.