BTO bird survey - late winter

We take part in the BTO annual bird survey which involves surveying a 4km sq local patch 4 times a year. This year our patch is to the north east of Gunnerside, taking in Barf End, Blades and alot of moorland. You have to visit the area 4 times a year and record what you see. In the spring and summer they also want details of any breeding activity. Winter up there is always going to be a little challenging to find anything much of interest, but anyway we gave it a bash on saturday morning. Predictably the results were not that impressive! Nevertheless it was good to find good numbers of lapwing already up there, about 6 golden plover (already in breeding plumage) and one solitary curlew! Otherwise there were plenty of grouse and not much else. We had heard reports of some twite up there but sadly they proved elusive. Hopefully when we come to survey in spring things will be little more busy with the moorland breeders arriving - fingers crossed!