birdman
Орнитол&
First of all, I have to say that I had one of those days that I have from time to time, where for no apparent reason I just get totally stressed... no idea why... but unfortunately today was one of those days!
As such, I'm not going to give any objective opinions about Goyt Valley, as they will no doubt be clouded by me being in the worst mood of all time!
So to keep it to birding, well considering we only did about a third of what we were going to do, I have to say - with the benefit of hindsight and a whisky - I was pleased with what we saw (and heard).
We did a quick walk from Derbyshire Bridge, up the old Buxton Road then across the moor top and down into the valley - I'll be suprised if it took more than 2 and a half hours, including snack break.
The reason I am particularly glad we went is because I was able to add Red Grouse to my year list. I used to visit the Derbyshire Dark Peak on a regular basis in my late teens, and so I consider Red Grouse to be a bit "old hat"... until it occured to me just recently that I hadn't seen any for at least 15 years... probably more!
Today put that right, as we we're frequently implored to "go-back, go-back, go-back". At the same time, Curlews were calling, and the occasional melancholy interjection by Golden Plover made the moorland stroll particularly evocative.
Actually, for anyone who wants to add any of these birds, Derbyshire Bridge (near the Cat and Fiddle) is a particularly easy place to go for these moorland species, that might otherwise require a long trudge over the peat.
In addition, amongst others, we saw a surprise Grey Heron and a few Stonechat, and watched a mother duck leading her ten (!) chicks up a long steep hillside.
Just wish I'd been in a better mood!!!
As such, I'm not going to give any objective opinions about Goyt Valley, as they will no doubt be clouded by me being in the worst mood of all time!
So to keep it to birding, well considering we only did about a third of what we were going to do, I have to say - with the benefit of hindsight and a whisky - I was pleased with what we saw (and heard).
We did a quick walk from Derbyshire Bridge, up the old Buxton Road then across the moor top and down into the valley - I'll be suprised if it took more than 2 and a half hours, including snack break.
The reason I am particularly glad we went is because I was able to add Red Grouse to my year list. I used to visit the Derbyshire Dark Peak on a regular basis in my late teens, and so I consider Red Grouse to be a bit "old hat"... until it occured to me just recently that I hadn't seen any for at least 15 years... probably more!
Today put that right, as we we're frequently implored to "go-back, go-back, go-back". At the same time, Curlews were calling, and the occasional melancholy interjection by Golden Plover made the moorland stroll particularly evocative.
Actually, for anyone who wants to add any of these birds, Derbyshire Bridge (near the Cat and Fiddle) is a particularly easy place to go for these moorland species, that might otherwise require a long trudge over the peat.
In addition, amongst others, we saw a surprise Grey Heron and a few Stonechat, and watched a mother duck leading her ten (!) chicks up a long steep hillside.
Just wish I'd been in a better mood!!!
