An evening on Plumstone Mountain

Plumstone Mountain, and the large area of heath towards Dudwell Mountain, felt pretty quiet this evening (approx 2000-2100), despite a warm afternoon and the mist having lifted. On the way to the car park we saw a solitary Red-legged Partridge. On the heath itself there were regular but not numerous Mipits and Linnets. We found 4 male Stonechats, at least 3 of which holding territory,and one of which, an exceptionally black individual, had 4 young. There were 3 Yellowhammers singing across the heath, a single reeling Grasshopper Warbler, at least one Whitethroat and, best of all, a calling Cuckoo. It still felt a bit empty, though; an early morning visit might be more productive.