An afternoon up on the fell.
First stop Craig Y Longridge where I do some easy low level traversing. There is only one other climber here, a friendly bearded wonder from Southport, he is trying far harder things than I. As part of my training programme, those were the days, I rest every few feet. To justify this I do a little bird song identification with the help of Merlin. At the far end of the crag where I hide out there are trees and bushes, I often see wrens, blackbirds and goldfinches. Leaving my phone recording for five minutes brings up Robin, Goldfinch, Chiffchaff, Blackbird, Wren, Wood Pigeon and Blue Tit. Not a bad sample from an urban site. My friend from Southport is perplexed. Oh, and the Grebes are back on the little reservoir across the road. 
Moving on I drive to the far end of the fell and mosey about in the hidden quarry there. First I spot a couple of Roe Deer disappearing on my approach. I do a little low level traversing again, finding the lowest traverse too hard, before I sit and listen. All trees and in the countryside – so what will I hear? Wren, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Siskin, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Pheasant, Blackbird, Wood Pigeon, Robin, Goldcrest. 
Moving on I visit another hidden quarry and dream about climbing one of its steeper walls. Whilst I’m there – Blackbird, Wren, Willow Warbler. Coal Tit, Pheasant, Siskin, Jay. This quarry is common land yet the neighbouring property is trying to fence it in. 
On the way home I can’t resist a brief walk around my favourite plantation. Proper ‘twitchers’ are hoping to see the Barn Owls quartering the fell. I disappear into the trees, but I can hear the Cuckoo across the way. I’ve never seen him of her, but they always return to the same spot. A spell binding call. In the higher quarry pond Mother Mallard has eight ducklings, only one in the photo, I wish them all the best. 
So back to the bouldering – Its not all about the grade, its all about the song.
I just discovered Merlin, having used ChirpOMatic for years. Merlin is loads better!
Supposed to be 95 percent accurate. You can’t get a Cuckoo wrong.
I love the sound of a cuckoo but never hear them around here – unless I’m never in the right place at the right time. I last heard one back in 2013 while camping on a beach site a few miles from Mallaig, previous to that I hadn’t heard one for several years.
Always come back to the same place on Longridge Fell.
Merlin is certainly proving to be addictive for me too. I’ve never worked out how to learn the songs of birds when you can’t actually see the bird making the sound.
It’s like being out with an expert, hopefully it is accurate. I’ve learnt to recognise more songs in the last month than over the many years. Never too old to learn. It is good fun to play their song back to them.
Love Merlin too, it’s amazing to know who exactly is singing in the trees. I keep hearing Back caps in primrose nature reserve, though have yet to catch a glimpse of one. Fab that you heard a cuckoo.
Time I revisited your nature reserves.
After your recommendation, I’m now yet another Merlin Fan. A lot of Robins around my way but I’ve picked up quite a few other woodland birds with the app.
Glad to see you getting out and enjoying what you love, especially after all the sad news you’ve had of late.
Thanks.