Cromford Canal, Derbyshire

[Clive A]

Following a recent(9 th Jan) failed trip to my local patch, Carsington Water,when I was fogged off, I decided to try a walk at lower level where visibility was better. I chose my village of Cromford, and decided to try the area around the church, which is well known by birders as a prime area for Hawfinch. Peering through the gloom however, does not produce one on this occassion.Feeling somewhat downcast I decide to move on to an area of the canal further down, namely the area between the sewage works on the Lea road, and Gregory tunnel.
My mood begins to lift as I get out of the car as an unseen Great Tit competes with a similarly invisible Coal Tit for singing rights..Teacher, Teacher,Teacher....Weecho,Weecho,Weecho.In a nearby Alder tree a small group of Siskins hang silently, probing for seeds, and from the bridge over the river Derwent the slow almost warbler like notes of a Dipper can be heard. I stop a while, as the Dipper perches on a large rock, before plunging into the fast flowing water almost disappearing below the rapids, before returning to its perch.
On the canal a group of 5 Little Grebes are immediately visible,along with a few Moorhens. I make a mental note to count the numbers of both of these birds, which are common along the canal. The usual Blue/Great and Coal tits are seen in the trees around High Peak Junction (the area where the canal meets up with the former High Peak Railway) also a group of about 20 Long tailed tits make their presence known, si,si,si..trr,trr,trr.
Onwards past the Leawood Pumping Station, where water was pumped into the canal from the Derwent,and over the aquaduct which carries the canal over the river.Nuthatch and Great spotted Woodpecker are added to the list in this area, along with Dunnock, Wren and Robin. The canal itself also has good numbers of Mallards,the males looking splendid with their metallic green heads- maybe I should have counted these,as they are more numerous than the Little Grebes and Moorhens (8 of each at this point).
As I reach Gregory tunnel (a 42 yards long plunge into darkness, where the makers of the canal cut through an outcrop) the harsh tones of a Jay can be heard, and through the other side a Green Woodpecker is heard on the fields over the canal. Little Grebes 13, Moorhens 13 a high scoring draw, and as I look on the fields behind me 13 Wood Pigeons are feeding on some unknown morsels. The number 13 proves unlucky as I promptly knock my new flask off a bench, where it shatters on a discarded fence post!
I don't feel unlucky though as I retrace my steps, I decide I must come down here more often as the sense of history and the bird life has lifted my mood. The birds seen are not mega rarities,but it has been an enjoyable day, one I hope to repeat at least monthly to show the changing seasons. I recount the Grebes and Moorhens on the way back, with a score of 15-14 to Little Grebes, maybe my luck has changed? Fifty Redwing are in the trees around the car park and a Grey Heron is on the fields near the river.
I decide to try for a Hawfinch again as I drive towards the Church, and immediately pick one in flight, and get brief views of it perched, before it once more disappears.
More in February, hopefully.

[ColonelBlimp]

I always get Little Grebe on Cromford canal as well. Really great views of them when they come close.

[Clive A]

I always get Little Grebe on Cromford canal as well. Really great views of them when they come close.

Yes Colonel, one of my favourite birds, and as you say really close views are guaranteed on the canal. Looking forward to seeing the young ones in a few months.

[peter hill]

Went to cromford today to do a walk on the canal decieded to ceck for hawfinches first checked over the bridge first nothing ,then by the church picked1 up on a tree top witch soon flew off then someone else picked up some in a tree over the river a trip back over the bridge revieled 5 in the top of a tree getting blown about managed a few snaps did not come out too wel due to distance wind a lack of light forgot about the walk when we were told of some waxwings showing well near tibself ,best shot i could manage on the day

[Clive A]

Went to cromford today to do a walk on the canal decieded to ceck for hawfinches first checked over the bridge first nothing ,then by the church picked1 up on a tree top witch soon flew off then someone else picked up some in a tree over the river a trip back over the bridge revieled 5 in the top of a tree getting blown about managed a few snaps did not come out too wel due to distance wind a lack of light forgot about the walk when we were told of some waxwings showing well near tibself ,best shot i could manage on the day

The Hawfinches haven't really performed too well this year, though 5 matches my best count to date. They have been fairly reliable, but usually distant.Did you get the Waxies?There has been a flock of 29 in Cromford recently, a neighbour reported seeing them yesterday.

[peter hill]

Yes 22 in a tree by the school dropping down to feed on berries again poor light

[Clive A]

Yes 22 in a tree by the school dropping down to feed on berries again poor light

Nice one Peter:t:

[Clive A]

Back down on the canal today (12th Feb), my route is different however as the canal towpath is closed south of the aquaduct.
I start at Cromford Meadows where a lady birder informs me that 8 Hawfinch have been feeding on the ground below the large Beech in the car park,but have flown after being disturbed by a dog walker. I pick 2 in the trees by the Cricket Club and they soon become 4, which eventually fly off across the river.
On the meadows themselves Black headed gulls,Jackdaws and Redwing search for food. A couple of Siskins fly over calling their nasal "peu, peu" and a Blue Tit is in the trees near the cattle grid.A Buzzard soars over the snow covered fields across the railway line.
On the canal itself c70 Mallards and a single Tufted Duck are around the wharf area, 8 Moorhens are also here.Parts of the canal are still frozen, following the bitterly cold conditions of the last week or so,and the towpath is treachorous.As I carefully pick my way along,a Greefinch offers it's "dreez" call, Chaffinch and Robins sing,and a Great spotted Woodpecker calls.
As I approach the first bridge 6 Wood Pigeons sit motionless in a nearby tree, as if too cold to move, and a Magpie flies in to join them .Little Grebes begin to show themselves in this area, already paired up, these birds are now coming into breeding plumage, with their chestnut coloured face and throats and yellow gape spots . A Nuthatch calls, though remains unseen, and a Great Tit sings out from a tree top.
Further along I catch a glimpse of something in the roots of Alder trees, at the waters edge,I watch as a Wren emerges, I wonder how these tiny birds manage in such harsh conditions,but it looks in fine condition.A Treecreeper makes its way up the trunk of one of the Alders, then flies down to the base of the next tree and starts its journey again. A Mistle Thrush sings mournfully, and a pair of Little Grebes make their high pitched laughing calls.
On past High Peak junction I disturb 2 Moorhens from the towpath, and a comedy moment follows as they land on the frozen surface skidding into the edge of the bank.Over the aquaduct, I take the Leawood arm at the side of the now derelict cottage.By a house at the end of this off shoot, a pair of Nuthatch a singing Dunnock and an alarm calling Blackbird are added to the list, and further on a pair of Dippers call from a fast flowing stream which runs into the Derwent.
Back on the canal by the sewage works I check the sewage beds and notice many Pied Wagtails,probably 30+, and surprisingly a couple of Meadow Pipits.I watch the wagtails riding on the revolving arms of the sewage treatment machinery and they are joined by a single Grey Wagtail.Nearby 2 Bullfinches give out their feeble whistle.
On the return journey I stop to watch a Moorhen,trying to swallow a fish (Bullhead)it has caught. It tries several times to swallow it tail first, but is unable to get the bulbous head down its throat, and eventually moves out of sight with its prey.
Back down by the meadows a Sparrowhawk puts in an appearance, gliding over the Rugby pitches before landing in a tree, and Goldfinches call out anxiously whilst the killer moves over.
Moorhens outnumber Little Grebes today by 25 to 20.

[Clive A]

Can anyone tell me how rare it is for a Moorhen to take a fish? It is the first time I have ever seen it.

[Clive A]

Just a quick visit this morning,with the other half and the dog.
Of note:
8 Hawfinch in trees near the cattle grid at the entrance to the meadows,2 Grey Heron, c50 Wood Pigeon and a GS Woodpecker drumming.

[DaveN]

Nice one, Clive. Regarding your previous post about Moorhen eating a fish. I done a bit searching and although they mainly eat water plants, seeds, fruit, grasses, insects, snails and worms. They will also eat other birds' eggs and have been observed eating fish. You been to the res at all?

[Clive A]

Hi Dave,yeah read that about Moorhens myself,first time I've ever seeen it though.Not been to the res, might try and get up this afto.

[Clive A]

Hawfinch numbers really building up now, a report of 16 a few days ago.

[Clive A]

Couple of brief visits to the Cromford meadows area this weekend;
2 pairs of Goosander on the river yesterday and 7 Hawfinch this morning, incuding the first time I have ever seen them on the ground.

[DaveN]

Couple of brief visits to the Cromford meadows area this weekend;
2 pairs of Goosander on the river yesterday and 7 Hawfinch this morning, incuding the first time I have ever seen them on the ground.

Bird Guides also mentions 7 Hawfinch by the castle entrance. Did you send that one in?

[Clive A]

Bird Guides also mentions 7 Hawfinch by the castle entrance. Did you send that one in?

No Dave, must have been another birder.
Might leave the March walk a week or two, and see if I can pick up a few warblers.

[DaveN]

No Dave, must have been another birder.
Might leave the March walk a week or two, and see if I can pick up a few warblers.

I didn't think you had as you mentioned the one feeding on the floor. Yes it shouldn't be long now before there's a few Warblers down there.

[Clive A]

Sunday 22nd March,I opt for an early start (06:30) to beat the weekend crowds.The car thermometer reads 4C, despite the sunny skies a cold wind means winter has not totally lost it's grip.
I start again at Cromford meadows and as I get out of the car bird song fills the air,Goldfinch,Greenfinch,Mistle Thrush and a Chiffchaff can all be heard.The now familiar tick of a Hawfinch alerts me to a flyover bird and looking around I can see Wood Pigeons and Jackdaws, also a pair of Mallards are sunning themselves near the river.
As I start to walk a couple of Siskins fly overhead and a Great Spotted Woodpecker is drumming somewhere in the surrounding trees.Around the wharf area Great Tit,Robin,Song Thrush and Chaffinch are in song and a lone Dunnock pecks around on the towpath.The canal here is relatively quiet with only 11 Mallards and a couple of Moorhens.The cold wind forces me to put on my hat and I am glad I decided to wear my coat,though it is a far cry from the bitter conditions af February.Opposite the rugby pitches a Wren sings and Crows and a Pheasant can also be heard.The chack,chack calls of a group of 9 Fieldfares rings out as they fly over in a fittingly Northerly direction and a 2nd Chiffchaff sings nearby as if to emphasize the changing face of the bird life.
Beyond the first bridge a pair of Little Grebes are busy constructing a nest, a small weed lined platform on the water, though I fear they are too close to the near bank.By the garden centre a pair of Jays fly over the canal.
Near to High Peak Junction a small bird table attracts a Coal Tit and a bright male Bullfinch is in the trees above.Towards Leawood pump a Little Grebe nest already contains 2 small eggs, but again their choice of nest site looks perilous.A 3rd Chiffchaff sings out its monotonous song. By the pump house itself a pair of Blue Tits ignore a nest box and instead plump for a hole in the building for their breeding attempts, it will be interesting to see how they get on.By the aquaduct, as canal crosses river, a Treecreeper flies over to the other side and a couple of Long tailed Tits and a Goldcrest search for tiny morsels in the trees.Scanning the adjacent woods produces a Buzzard, soaring on broad wings, and closer inspection of a blob in the trees yields a beautiful male Sparrowhawk, still, but alert, only his head and eyes move as he awaits his first meal of the day.
The towpath is still closed south of this point, however a jogger and then a dog walker squeeze past the barrier and so I am tempted to investigate myself. The canal has been drained in part to facilitate the repairs to the railway bridge, and a good deal of tree clearing has also taken place. A Grey Heron flies over and 2 more Chiffchaffs sing as I decide to turn back to the rightful side of the barrier.Hopefully this section of the canal will be open soon as it contains some of the more interesting species of migrants later in the year.
I take the Leawood, or Nightingale, arm but it produces little other than another Chiffchaff and a couple of Moorhens.As I make my way down towards the road a Dipper is seen in the stream that runs into the river Derwent and a pair of Bullfinches are in a garden nearby.Back on the canal by the sewage works I scan the beds for wagtails, no Pieds are seen but a pair of Grey fly over.Heading back to my start point, a large rock in the river at the back of the marble works, holds a striking male Goosander but there is no sign of his mate.Coming towards the meadows again I detour and cross the railway bringing me back alongside the river, here 2 more Treecreepers and a singing Dipper are in the area.Back on the meadows I walk up river towards the car,suddenly a flash of blue and orange low over the water betrays the presence of a Kingfisher and another pair of Dippers speed under the bridge.A Blackbird is feeding on Ivy berries near the car and a further 4 Hawfinches are present in the trees, overhead a cloud of 200 Jackdaws swirl against the now blue and white sky.

Moorhens 16,Little Grebes 13 and 8 Chiffchaffs.

[DaveN]

Good stuff mate, good species count there. Off for a walk myself after dinner. Will let you know if I see anything of note.

[Clive A]

Good stuff mate, good species count there. Off for a walk myself after dinner. Will let you know if I see anything of note.

Cheers Dave,hope you have a good walk.Very surprised not to get any Pied Wag or Nuthatch today also must be about time for some Blackcaps.

[Clive A]

Sunday 19th April, another early start 07:00. As I pull into the car park on the meadows a Hawfinch shaped blob is in the trees by the cattle grid, however it has vanished by the time I get out of the car so I draw a blank on that one.In the area of the car, Chaffinch,Goldfinch,Magpie, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush,Jackdaw, Robin and Wren are all seen or heard.
Moving up to the canal itself, a few Mallard and 3 Tufted Duck are immediately visible and a Pied Wagtail is on the towpath.A brood of 3 Moorhens are on the opposite side and their anxious parents rush along towards them.A Great spotted Woodpecker is drumming and a pair of Great Tits are also here.A Blackcap sings its flutey song, but remains unseen in the scrub,these birds are present in good numbers on the Canal so I hope for more now that spring has arrived.
Towards the first bridge, a Little Grebe is struggling to swallow a Bullhead, but is eventually successful and I flush a Grey Heron from the reeds at the canal edge.
As I approach the garden centre, a Song Thrush sings its repeated phrases and a Chiffchaff competes with its monotonous song. A Willow Warbler becomes the 3rd warbler of the day, with its more pleasing wistful notes.Here the wood is carpeted with Wood Anemone and wild Garlic and a few Bluebells are also in flower.
Further on a Blackcap does a fair impression of a Garden Warbler, and so keeps me searching,but Blackcap it is.Towards High Peak junction a Moorhen is sitting on a nest in the water and barely 2 feet away is a Litle Grebe nest with a single egg.In this area I watch 2 water Voles, these once plentiful creatures are now quite scarce on the canal, probably due to Mink predation.
At HP junction Coal Tit,Blue Tits, Greenfinch,Goldcrest and Long tailed Tit are seen and 2 Swallows have returned to their summering area.A further pair of Tufted Duck are in this area, these ducks breed on the canal in small numbers so hopefully a brood or two will be seen later in the year.Around the aquaduct a couple of small Pike swim in the clear water,and a pair of Nuthatch are in the trees, I watch them at head height,as the tree is rooted far below on the river bank.Three Goosander fly over here, 2 females and a male,before splitting into a pair and a solitary female, which continues to fly round and round.A Raven flies over gronking, and as I move on a male Blackcap sings and is joined by his mate.I stop to watch the handsome pair, their black and russet brown caps respectfully set off their otherwise grey/brown plumage perfectly.In the same area a Chiffchaff is gathering nesting material.
Further on towards Gregory tunnel where Bluebells and Stitchwort are in flower a Pair of Jays reveal their presence and a Kestrel does likewise.
The return journey reveals a Buzzard soaring,Treecreeper,Greylag Goose overhead, and back on the meadows a Dipper is on the river and a pair of Sparrowhawk grapple high overhead.
At some point along the walk I hear a Lesser spotted Woodpecker drumming and calling, but I will not reveal the location of this now rare bird.
Counts for the day are:
24 Moorhen,14 Little Grebe,13 Blackcap,9 Chiffchaff and 2 Willow Warbler.

[Clive A]

Cycled along the canal this afternoon,good to see 4 Little Grebe chicks being fed by their attentive parents.Took a few photos along the way which I will try to upload.

[Clive A]

Here is a shot of a Little Grebe taken on the canal.

[DaveN]

Nice one, Clive. Cracking photo mate.

[Sandpiper]

Thanks Clive for sharing your observations. I have visited that area and have enjoyed reading your bird news. Looking forward to further reports from you over the next few months.

[Clive A]

Nice one, Clive. Cracking photo mate.

Cheers Dave, even I can take a half decent photo from 10 feet.Will try and resize and upload a few others later.

[DaveN]

Cheers Dave, even I can take a half decent photo from 10 feet.Will try and resize and upload a few others later.

Don't do yourself an injustice, It was at least 11 feet.

[Clive A]

Thanks Clive for sharing your observations. I have visited that area and have enjoyed reading your bird news. Looking forward to further reports from you over the next few months.

Thanks Sandpiper, glad you enjoyed it.

[Clive A]

Quick visit down on the meadows this afternoon, with the dog, yielded a juv. Mistle Thrush, about a dozen House Martins and a pair of Dipper. Also the unusual sight of a pair of Canada Geese on the river, dull I know but another species to the list.

[Clive A]

Back canal side again this morning,May 2nd.
I start at Cromford meadows,where Jackdaws are strutting confidently amongst the sheep,Magpie,Wood Pigeon,Greenfinch,Great Tit,Robin,Pied Wagtail and Pheasant are also in evidence.
Moving onto the canal itself 2 of the 3 young Moorhens, from my last visit, are still around but has the 3rd perished? Goldfinch and Chaffinch sing here and a few Mallards are on the water.A Mistle Thrush sings from a tree top, I hope this doesn't mean rain as the country name of Stormcock indicates.
Blue Tits,Carrion Crow,Song Thrush and Bullfinch all reveal themselves around the area and a Jackdaw flies over with what looks ominously like a young chick in its bill, nature can be cruel.
Further on around the garden centre warblers make themselves known, as first Blackcap and then Chiffchaff sing, a Coal Tit is in a small area of conifers here too.This area is alive with Wrens, as they belt out their powerful song from both sides of the canal..
By the marble works I check the large rock in the river, as this often holds Goosander, but only a pair of Tufted Duck are present today. A pair of Canada Geese fly noisily along the river, and another Bullfinch gives out its feeble whistle.
At High Peak Junction, a Swallow is perched in a Silver Birch, its sleek frame offering a contrast to the Wood Pigeon in the next tree.A Willow Warbler is present here, though this warbler is greatly outnumbered on the canal by its lookalike Chiffchaff.All along the canal here Little Grebes are sitting on nests, and another pair is hurriedly building as though time is against them.Towards the aquaduct the 4 young Grebes from my last trip are still fine, and their doting parents are diving for food constantly.On the aquaduct a Nuthatch calls and a Goldcrest is singing its "Sicily, Sicily, Sicily" notes.
By the bridge over the railway a Great spotted Woodpecker is drumming, here work is ongoing to repair the cast iron trough that carries the canal over the railway line.Further on a pair of Jays are again here, and pair of Chaffinches are clearly not happy with their presence.Two more broods of Little Grebe are between here and Gregory tunnel, though it is hard to count them as they sit under their parents.
I retrace my steps and somehow must have missed a brood of 8 Mallards, that are at the waters edge with their mother.Back by the aquaduct I think I can hear a distant Pied Flycatcher, but cannot be sure.I am sure however when I reach High Peak Junction, and spot the singing bird in trees towards the sewage works, one of my favourite birds and annual on the canal,its " ching,ching,ching" song rings out.
On the way back a Water Vole puts in an appearance, and back down by the river Long tailed Tits, Treecreeper and a female Goosander are all seen.Another brood of Mallard are on the river, though only 2 youngsters remain.
Back on the meadows a Siskin flies over calling, and a Dipper flies under the road bridge.Here I scan the sky for raptors, and pick up a Kestrel towards the village and a soaring Buzzard in the opposite direction.

Little Grebes22, Moorhen 21.

[Clive A]

A few pictures from todays walk:
Moorhen, Blackcap,Little Grebe young,High Peak junction and the bridge over the river Derwent, Cromford.

[DaveN]

Some good photos there, Clive. Nice to see some Little Grebe young and a Pied Fly down there.

[Clive A]

Cheers Dave,pretty sure I heard a Pied Fly by the aquaduct, sure it couldn't be the same bird at HPJ my hearing aint that good, so probably 2 birds.

[Clive A]

Popped down by the river this morning, and picked up a couple of new birds. A Lesser Whitethroat was rattling away in scrub near the railway line,and large numbers of Swifts were over the river,also a Cormorant flying over the meadows.The usual Dippers and Grey Wagtail were also seen. A Mistle Thrush was busy defending itself, and probable young,mobbing first a male Sparrowhawk and then a Jay, makes you realise how hard it is for them to raise a brood.A tree with large holes in, holds a couple of pairs of nesting Jackdaws, and young could be heard calling from within.

[Clive A]

Just nipped on the canal on the bike,very busy on there because of the glorious weather.Good numbers of broods of Mallard,Moorhen and Little Grebe, including 4 freshly hatched tiny "humbugs" being tended by their parents.
Blackbird, Great Tit and Blue Tit also feeding young.

[Clive A]

Couple of photos from todays visit.
Little Grebe young and a pair af Mallards enjoying the sunshine.

[Clive A]

Spurred on by the early morning sunshine, I decided to cycle down to the canal again today.I wanted to try and count the broods of water birds, and ended up cycling all the way to Ambergate where the canal ends for a section.
Results were:
14 Broods of Mallard, although the largest of these was only 6 Ducklings.(1x6,2x5,3x3,7x2 and 1x1)
5 Broods of Little Grebe (3X4 and 2x2)
6 Broods of Moorhen (1x4,3x2 and 1x1)
I almost certainly missed a few broods amongst the reeds, overhanging trees etc. and some birds were still sitting on nests.
The section beyond Whatstandwell is not one I visit very often, though it did turn up a couple of Garden Warblers and a Lesser Whitethroat.
Nice also to see a couple of young Water Voles.
A few pictures showing some of the new arrivals,Moorhens, Little Grebe with parent and Mallard.

[Clive A]

11th June.
Cycled down to the canal this afternoon, in lovely sunshine.Starting around the wharf area, around 40 Mallards are here, many of the males now going into eclipse plumage.Several Moorhens and a couple of well grown young show themselves along with Jackdaw,Pied Wagtail, Magpie and Goldfinches.
Further on beyond Lawn Bridge, Little Grebes start to appear, 1 pair is busy building a nest for a second brood. Blackcap, Chiffchaff,Song Thrush,Treecreeper and Chaffinch are all singing between here and high Peak junction as is a Goldcrest.
The area beyond HPJ,is alive with damselflies, both Large Red and Azure,also at least 3 Four spotted Chasers are whizzing about over the water.A pair of Great Tits are feeding young and Wren,Robin,Mistle Thrush, Blackbird and Wood Pigeon are all in song and Swallows hunt insects over the canal.
Beyond the aquaduct a couple are photographing something, which turns out to be a large Grass Snake, 2-3 feet in length, we watch as it swims along the far bank into the undergrowth.Here Blue Tits are present and a Bullfinch is calling.
On past Whatstandwell, where Crows and Rooks are heard, and at the tiny sewage treatment plant a Grey Wagtail competes with a Blackbird and a Magpie for food. A Dunnock is singing its song in the same area, and further on a Garden Warbler is again present,here also a pair of Moorhens have 5 tiny newly hatched chicks.A male Bullfinch stops at the canal side to drink in this area.Towards Ambergate I note a pair of Broad bodied Chaser dragonflies.
Retracing my steps to Gregory tunnel, I take to the woods but they reveal little other than a screaching Jay a family of Great Tits and some churring Long tailed Tits along with the usual Robins and Blackbirds.
On a clearing on higher ground a few Swifts are present and a Kestrel is hovering against the blue sky.Here also a Small Copper butterfly avoids my efforts to photograph it successfully.
Back on the canal I look again for Grass Snakes, but only a Banded Demoiselle is present and unfortunately it has been trained by the Small Copper in the art of photo avoidance.
Homewards now, and by the river a few House Martins and a single Greenfinch are seen.
Totals of Moorhen are 40 (including 15 young) and Little Grebe 28 (including 15 young).
A few photos from today,
Juv. Moorhen,Azure Damselflies (I think!), Large Red Damselfly,Four spotted Chaser and Moorhen with young.

[michael23]

went down there yesterday afternoon, fairly quiet, started off with a very good number of jackdaws at the start of the canal, plenty of mallards, a few pairs of moorhen with young, it was great to see so many Little grebes, they have done incredibly well by the look of things, i actually forgot to count how many young there were, but i would say there were at least 12, also there was one pair that appeared to be sitting on a fresh egg whilst the young were feeding very well, a good 50 or so goldfinch in a flock. 5 great spotted woodpeckers, nuthatch, good number of wrens robins etc, swallows swifts and martins were in a mixed flock of about 100, didnt here chiffchaffs until later on as it cooled a little, with 6 birds sining in different locals, at high peak junction the pair of tufted ducks were there.

As a none bird note, also saw plenty of young pikes, more so than i have done before, plus the orchids at highpeak junction end were a lovely sight.
Damselflies were very numerous, a few banded agreons

Michael

[Clive A]

went down there yesterday afternoon, fairly quiet, started off with a very good number of jackdaws at the start of the canal, plenty of mallards, a few pairs of moorhen with young, it was great to see so many Little grebes, they have done incredibly well by the look of things, i actually forgot to count how many young there were, but i would say there were at least 12, also there was one pair that appeared to be sitting on a fresh egg whilst the young were feeding very well, a good 50 or so goldfinch in a flock. 5 great spotted woodpeckers, nuthatch, good number of wrens robins etc, swallows swifts and martins were in a mixed flock of about 100, didnt here chiffchaffs until later on as it cooled a little, with 6 birds sining in different locals, at high peak junction the pair of tufted ducks were there.

As a none bird note, also saw plenty of young pikes, more so than i have done before, plus the orchids at highpeak junction end were a lovely sight.
Damselflies were very numerous, a few banded agreons

Michael

Glad you saw the Tufties Michael, I haven't seen them for a while, hope they manage to raise a few young.Must try and get a few photos of the Orchids.On the fishy side, I have seen a couple of Tench at Ambergate the last couple of trips. Did you see any Water Voles?As you say the Little Grebes have done well, amazing how much earlier they breed down there than at Carsington, where I have not seen a single brood yet.

[michael23]

didnt actually see any water voles, heard a few distinc Water vole "plops" though,
Butterflies were represented by small and large whites, there were a large number over the meadows, speckeled woods were lovely, Think i missed jay out on my previous post, there was one at the highpeak junction next to the tables.

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[Clive A]

Went down on the canal again this afternoon,the situation with young Grebes/Moorhens is changing by the day with several adults now sitting on nests again and another large brood of 8 newly hatched Moorhens.
A large number of Swifts and House Martins were over the river by the sewage works, a Buzzard and a pair of Kestrels were there also.Very few Damsels/Dragons or Butterflies, with the weather being quite overcast.Once again failed to see the Tufties.As the groundsman mowed the cricket pitch, on the meadows, a group of swallows were feeding on the disturbed insects. Could not resist a few more shots of young,three of the new Moorhens and a juv.Grebe.

[michael23]

had a walk down the canal this afternoon/evening. At the start there were 2 female tufted ducks, but no sign of the male anywhere. As usual big numbers of mallards. Moorhens seemed to be doing well, esp 1 pair with 8 (quite) young chicks! Other birds including Great spotted woodpecker, only 1 of this time. A few song thrushes singing along the canal. Little greebes, quite a few sitting again, really great to see. It was lovely to here so many chiffchaffs today, around about 15 birds singing away as i walked down to high peak junction. Only 1 willow warbler though. There were 2 jays skwarking like mad from deep cover. Sparrowhawk as well over the garden centre area.
there were plenty of damselflies around today, represented by azure and large red (assuming i got the ids correct, have posted them up for id on the dragonfly thread) Dragonfly wise there were only 2 of 1 species i did not recognise.
http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv283/michael23_photo/Cromford008.jpg

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv283/michael23_photo/Cromford029.jpg

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv283/michael23_photo/Cromford018.jpg

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv283/michael23_photo/Cromford031.jpg

http://i692.photobucket.com/albums/vv283/michael23_photo/Cromford038.jpg

[Clive A]

Cheers Michael,good to hear so many Chiffs, quite a few when I was last there but didn't count. The Tufties are a bit of a mystery at times, watch them suddenly appear with a couple of young. Mind you plenty of hiding places down there, with a the canal now quite overgrown.
Your Dragon is a Four spotted Chaser, see my pic from 11th June.
Thanks again for posting, makes the thread more interesting if it's not just me.

[Clive A]

A few hours this afternoon, in brilliant sunshine,cycled straight down the road to High Peak Junction to avoid walkers around the wharf.
Highlights were:
3 female Goosander on the river by the sewage works.
The brood of 8 Moorhens by Leawood pump are still all present, and have been joined by another large brood of 8 ,beyond the aquaduct, and one of 5 beyond Gregory tunnel (21 in 3 broods massively adding to the counts)
Female Banded Demoiselle and Water Vole past the aquaduct.
The usual Tree Creepers, Nuthatch, GS Woodpecker were joined by a yaffling Green Woodpecker at Gregory tunnel.
Single Tufted on the wharf.
Plenty of big lenses around High Peak Junction photographing the Grebes, which appeared to be less in number, are they dispersing already?
Lots of Chiffchaff singing and calling.
A few snaps, more Moors, distant Banded Dem and Gregory tunnel.

[michael23]

hi clive, where did you see the banded demoiselle? they eluded me when i was there last.

[Clive A]

hi clive, where did you see the banded demoiselle? they eluded me when i was there last.

Just beyond the temporary walkway over the railway, betwen the aquaduct and Gregory tunnel.I have seen a single female on 2 occassions, but they have avoided close scrutiny.Look out for Grass Snake in this area also.

[michael23]

Thanks clive, didnt actually get that far last time. Will have a look for the snakes next time i get to go.


Just beyond the temporary walkway over the railway, betwen the aquaduct and Gregory tunnel.I have seen a single female on 2 occassions, but they have avoided close scrutiny.Look out for Grass Snake in this area also.

[Clive A]

Thanks clive, didnt actually get that far last time. Will have a look for the snakes next time i get to go.

Far from guaranteed I am affraid, but worth keeping a look out.

[Clive A]

Cycled down to Ambergate again today.Attempted to count the Little Grebes,and got 12 adult and 14 juv, with 4 birds still sitting on nests.It is getting very difficult to do accurate counts, with the canal edges being overgrown with vegetation, so could well have missed some.Moorhens continue to do extremely well, with yet another fresh brood of 5, though as these favour the overgrown areas, counting is next to impossible.
Also 3 new broods of Mallard,including one of 7.
Other birds of note were Green Woodpecker, near Ambergate, a couple of Ravens at least 3 Garden Warblers, plenty of Chiffchaffs and good numbers of Goldcrests singing.
Plenty of Damsels and Dragons, including Azure and Large Red Damselflies, female and male Banded Demoiselle, Sothern Hawker, Brown Hawker,Four spotted Chaser and Broad Bodied Chaser.

[Clive A]

Cycled down again today, July 13th.
For some reason I decide to take a look at the river first, and stop on the bridge near the church, Goldfinch,Greenfinch, Coal Tit, Great Tit and Blue Tit are all in evidence. I then notice a little brown job fly into an Ash tree, upstream of the bridge,closer inspection reveals a lovely Spotted Flycatcher, a bird I had been hoping for, so a good start to the day.A Robin is singing and a Blackbird is alarm calling.Overhead are a few Jackdaws some Swallows and a couple of scruffy looking Magpies.
Onto the canal, and around the wharf c30 Mallards are sunning themselves along with a pair of Tufted Ducks.Towards Lawn bridge a pair of Moorhens have 4 fresh young, a Bullfinch whistles weekly, Wood Pigeons sing and a Great Spotted Woodpecker gives it's "chick" call.Beyond the bridge several Little Grebes are on nests again, one eventually reveals 3 tiny young, and many Moorhens of varying sizes are present.Blackcap,Chiffchaff,Song Thrush,Long tailed Tit, Wren and Goldcrest are all seen/heard, as is a Buzzard, "mewing" somewhere in the distance.The canal side here is lined with Meadowsweet and Great Willowherb.
Heading towards High Peak Junction, many more Grebes, Moorhens and Mallards are seen, one Mallard has 4 fresh young.Just beyond the workshops, a female Tufted Duck has 6 young, they always seem to appear out of the blue at this stage in the summer.A Pied Wagtail gives its "Chiswick" call somewhere by the sewage works. Around the aquaduct, Nuthatch is heard, and further on a couple of Treecreepers are singing. Butterflies seen, up to now, are Gatekeeper,Speckled Wood, Small and Large White and Comma.
In the area around Gregory tunnel a Jay is screeching and a Chaffinch "chinks" from a tree top, Rooks are heard in the fields nearby.
Approaching Whatstandwell, a tiny Moorhen chick is alone, apart from a well grown juvenile.The chick seems to be begging for food from the juv. when eventually 4 more tiny chicks and 2 adults emerge from the reeds. The first chick however continues to beg from the juvenile, which helps out it's parents by feeding the youngster.
At Whatstandwell House Sparrows are chirruping by the houses and further on, by the treatment plant, a family of Grey wagtails, 2 ad and 3 juv, are feeding on insects along with a juvenile Robin. A few Carrion Crows are here and Collared Doves can be heard as I watch a family of Goldcrests.
Almost at Ambergate now, and a Kestrel soars over adjacent woods, along with another Buzzard.A Green Woodpecker yaffles from the fields, a Stock Dove flies by and Swifts hunt insects high overhead.An area of brambles here, is alive with Butterflies, Meadow Brown,Gatekeeper,Small Tortoiseshell and Comma are joined by a single Small Skipper on a thistle head.
The journey back yields 3 Southern Hawkers, lots more Commas (10+ in total) . At one point a Grass snake is sunning itself on the toepath but slithers off as I reach for the camera.
A quick look in at the river by the sewage works provides views of 2 Dipper, 4 Canada Geese and a Grey Heron.

Counts today:
72 Moorhen (31 ad, 41 juv and surely some missed)
26 Little Grebe (12 ad 14 young)
13 Blackcap,6 Chiffchaff and encouragingly good numbers of Bullfinch, their feeble whistle was a feature of the day.

A few photos,Gatekeeper, Tufted with young,Small Tortoiseshell,Meadow Brown and Comma.

[michael23]

a very good day by the look of things, glad to see the tufteds have got young.

[Clive A]

a very good day by the look of things, glad to see the tufteds have got young.

A productive day indeed, good to get Spot Fly.Not sure where those Tufties emerge from, but nice to see as you say. Nearly ran over the Grass snake, stopped just in time. I thought it was dead at first so just hopped off the bike, and spooked it, shame I didn't get a photo.Heck of a count of Moorhen, and interesting to see the large juv. feeding the young chick.

[Clive A]

Went down to Ambergate on the bike today.Birds of note were a Sparrowhawk being mobbed by House Martins, families of Nuthatch, Grey Wagtail,Long tailed Tit,Wren,Blackbird, Blue Tit and Chiffchaff.
A massive count of 92 Moorhen and 39 Little Grebe (new broods of 3,3 and 4)
The 6 young Tufties growing well.

Dragonflies: 2 Brown Hawker, 3 Southern Hawker and 1 Common Darter.

Also spotted another Grass Snake and a Water Vole.

A few photos of the snake and Tufties.

[Clive A]

Back by the canal again this morning, early at that- 06:30. I check the area over the river first , and reveal a couple of Nuthatch,4 Mistle Thrush, a party of Long tailed Tits,Wren,Chaffinch,Coal Tit,Wood Pigeon and Jackdaws
Onto the wharf area of the canal, and 50+ Mallards,8 Moorhens and a couple of Tufted Ducks are present.
Also here I watch a juvenile Little Grebe attempting to swallow a Bullhead,it is constantly harried by a Mallard, attempting to steal it's prey.A Robin is in song and Blue Tits are scolding somewhere in the bushes.
Around High Peak Junction a Moorhen is still nest building in an attempt at a late brood, the area here is plentiful with Grebes and Moorhens of all sizes.Several Water Voles are present on the grass banks near to the workshops.
Beyond here a Great Spotted Woodpecker calls, a Dunnock is on the toepath and Treecreepers can be heard in the trees.
By the aquaduct the family of Tufties appears to have been reduced by one, similarly the brood of 8 Moorhens now appears to be 7.In this area Goldcrests are heard as is a Chiffchaff, calling not singing.
Just beyond Gregory tunnel I disturb a fox by the canal edge, in it's panic it leaps over a wall, crashing into the undergrowth 6 feet below.Further on Bullfinches are heard,and by a small fishing pool between canal and river, a Coot has 2 young (another new species).The harsh call of the Jay is heard in this area, and soon a battle ensues between 2 of the afore mentioned and a pair of Magpies.Onwards towards Whatstandwell, Crows, Rooks and House Martins are added to the species list.
By the treatment plant the family of Grey Wagtails are again riding the revolving arms of the machinery, searching for insects, and are joined by 2 Dunnocks, a Robin and a Chiffchaff.
Towards Ambergate and I am surprised to hear a couple of Blackcaps in full song and a brief song from a Willow Warbler.
The only birds of note on the return are a couple of Swallows, some Great Tits and a juv/female Blackcap.
Very few Butterflies about, because of the early start, only a few "Whites" and a Gatekeeper. Similarly just the one Southern Hawker Dragonfly, good however to see at least 5 Water Voles.
Counts: 86 Moorhen,23 Little Grebe,10 Nuthatch and 5 Great spotted Woodpecker.

A few photos: Sleepy Mallard youngsters,Guelder Rose berries and Water Mint.

[Clive A]

Took the dog out early this morning, and got a new bird for the "patch"..a Tawny Owl was calling by the river.

[Daniel Martin]

Hi Clive - any idea how Lesser Peckers have done this year?

[Clive A]

Hi Clive - any idea how Lesser Peckers have done this year?

No Daniel, only heard the one that time early in the year, at a known site. To be honest, I should have made more effort and tried to get some views.

[Clive A]

Decided to have a run down on the bike today 11th Sept.
By the meadows the usual Jackdaws are calling overhead, and Wood Pigeons can also be heard. A Magpie flies towards the canal and as I walk by the wharf a flock of Goldfinches are present, their tinkling call alerting me to them.
The wharf holds the usual Mallards and Moorhens, and further on Blue,Great and Coal Tits are in the trees by the water. A female Pheasant is on the fields, and a Jay flies towards the rugby pitches, fittingly straight between the posts! Little Grebes start to show now, but the numbers are down at this time of year.I count 31 Moorhens and 14 Little Grebes by the time I reach High Peak Junction, but gone are the fluffy little blobs of a few months ago, now replaced by independent juvenilles.
A couple of Water Voles are around the work shops, and a Raven flies over by Leawood Pump where a single Tufted Duck is present.
Long tailed Tits are calling near the aquaduct, and a feature of the trip so far is the number of Robins singing and "ticking", there are also many Wrens.
Beyond the aquaduct 4 Swallows are over woodland, and a couple of Nuthatch are calling.
At the other side of Gregory tunnel I stop for a while on a seat, here an area where the canal is not tree lined allows wider views. I see very little,however I can hear many species including a Great spotted Woodpecker and a Chiffchaff which sings briefly, no doubt spurred on by the beautiful sunshine.
Just beyond here an area of Willows is alive with birds,and I stop again to watch a smart male Blackcap and a a juv/female feasting on Elderberries. A couple of juvenile Bullfinches are feeding on Meadowsweet seed heads, their beaks cramed with seed, several Blackbirds join the feeding frenzy, in a fruit laden Rowan.Suddenly I am joined on my seat by a very tame Robin, and I share some of my sandwich with the little chap.
By Crich chase woods I hear an early Siskin, in Alders, and Dragonflies start to appear here, with several Southern Hawkers and some Common Darters a little further on. A single battered Comma a distant couple of Whites and a fair few Speckled Woods make up the butterfly species.
The return journey yields a couple of Buzzards, a Kestrel, 2 Grey Wagtails and a few Crows and Rooks.

A quiet day, as to be expected at this time of year.

74 Moorhen, 16 Litte Grebes, 7 Nuthatch.


A shot of the confiding Robin, and a pair of Common Darters.

[Clive A]

With a flat tyre on the bike, I had to take to foot today.
I start ,as usual, on the meadows where the normal Jackdaws, Wood Pigeons and Magpies are seen. A Buzzard comes into view and soars low over the river.I hear a Grey Wagtail call, and a flock of 20 Redwing pass through towards the village.A Falcon over towards Willersley castle looks interesting..but it is only a Kestrel.
Moving on, a couple of Chaffinches are noted and the first of many Robins is singing. The canal holds the usual Mallards,Moorhens and Little Grebes, though numbers are down at this time of year. A few Goldfiches are in the Alders at the canal side, and a group of 6 or 7 Siskins fly over calling, two Wrens and a Dunnock are seen here too.
On the rugby pitches a group of Black headed Gulls are feeding, and on the opposite side of the canal a group of Wood Pigeons and 4 Pheasants are doing likewise, a Jay screetches from nearby woodland.
Most of the canal is quiet appart from a few Tit flocks containing Blue, Great and Long tailed, a Nuthatch calls as do a couple of Treecreepers. Only a single Blackbird is seen, but as I said, Robins are very numerous. A Tufted Duck is with Mallards at High Peak junction.
I stop for a while at the aquaduct, and soon hear a Dipper call as it flies upstream, I watch it for a while as it lands on a rock in the river, and another Grey Wagtail lands nearby.
By Gregory tunnel 2 Lesser Black backed Gulls fly over and a Sparrowhawk calls noisily from the woods.
The return journey reveals a second " Sprawk" soaring over the meadows.
41 Moorhen and 14 Little Grebe is a healthy count considering I only went as far as the tunnel. A couple of Water Voles were also seen.

[Clive A]

Had an hour down on the meadows this morning,lots of birds moving through:
430 Wood Pigeons w/sw
100 Fieldfare w/sw
60 Redwing w/sw
25 Starling n/w

Also present, a large female Sparrowhawk,Buzzard,Nuthatch,GS Woodpecker,Siskin,Grey Wagtail,male Goosander,35 BH Gulls and good numbers of Goldfinch.A first for the patch this year were 2 Skylarks flying over.
Hoped for an early Hawfinch, but no luck, though the Yews by the church have plenty of berries this year.

[Clive A]

Wood Pigeon movements continue with 840 w/sw in an hour this morning.
Also 200 Redwing in the same direction and 23 Fieldfare south.
Also present 2 Dipper under the bridge,2 Grey Wagtail, Goosander (m),Sparrowhawk (m),plenty of Mistle Thrush and Greenfinch.

[s40mfc]

Wood Pigeon movements continue with 840 w/sw in an hour this morning.
Also 200 Redwing in the same direction and 23 Fieldfare south.
Also present 2 Dipper under the bridge,2 Grey Wagtail, Goosander (m),Sparrowhawk (m),plenty of Mistle Thrush and Greenfinch.

Clive everytime I've visited the churchyard I've dipped on the Hawfinch. Which month would be best in your opinion to try and see them? They are a real bogey bird for me.

Cheers in advance - Mick

[DaveN]

Clive everytime I've visited the churchyard I've dipped on the Hawfinch. Which month would be best in your opinion to try and see them? They are a real bogey bird for me.

Cheers in advance - Mick

I've been many times with Clive and found the best months are between December/January until March. Although they're sometimes seen just outside these months this should be the best time to see them.

[s40mfc]

I've been many times with Clive and found the best months are between December/January until March. Although they're sometimes seen just outside these months this should be the best time to see them.

Thanks Dave

[Clive A]

Thanks Dave

Dave is spot on there, I will try to post on here when they are showing well.

[Clive A]

Down again today, 19th November,on a mild but quite overcast day.I get out of the car on the meadows and the area is alive with birds, a mixed flock of Goldfinches and Siskins are flying around calling, near the cattle grid. Overhead a group of 60 or so Jackdaws are suddenly calling loudly and a Blackbird is alarm calling also, a Mistle Thrush joins in the panic with its football rattle call.I scan the sky for a passing raptor, but to no avail,though a Grey Heron does fly over. All around birds are calling, and eventually a male Sparrowhawk moves over, though I am not sure it was him that caused the comotion.A group of 8 Magpies are still agitated and a Wren calls from somewhere unseen.A Great spotted Woodpecker flies over, with its distinctive undulating flight, and a group of 60+ Redwing are in the air too. More Jackdaws are swirling around and they must number close to 200 now, they are joined by a large Corvid which turns out to be a Raven, and a second Raven lands "gronking" in a tree before moving off to mob a passing Buzzard.Another raptor, this time a Kestrel, comes into view and hovers over the meadows. A dog walker goes by seemingly oblivious to the show being put on over her head.More and more birds are now in the area,Mallards, Greenfinches,Wood Pigeons,Black headed Gulls and a group of Long tailed Tits, which are searching for food in a Hawthorn tree, along with a single Blue Tit.
Spectacle over, I move onto the canal where a group of Moorhens are feeding on the grass, their tails flicking to reveal their white undertail coverts, 30 or so Mallards are also present here. A Dunnock flies out of a hedge, and more Siskins are hanging in the Alders at the canal side.A Jay flies across the Rugby pitches and further on in a small wooded area are at least 10 Blackbirds,Great Tits and a Song Thrush, which is in sub song. Robin,Wren and Dunnock are also singing along this stretch of the canal.
Heading towards High Peak Junction a couple of Goldcrests are seen,also there are the usual Little Grebes, but from here onwards there are less birds around.
Between the aquaduct and Gregory tunnel, I locate a few Treecreepers and stop to watch them as they probe for food amongst the bark. Only a couple of Nuthatch are added to the list until I turn to retrace my steps, where I finally get the first Chaffinch of the day. Back by HPJ a Grey Wagtail is on the roof of the work sheds. Back near the meadows and I hear Lesser Redpoll amongst another flock of Siskins.

39 Moorhen,15 Little Grebe.
Good numbers of Siskins and Redwing.