[sidrat]

In July we are going to Sheffield and would like to know of any good birding sites that can be recommended. One thing we would like to see if possible would be Dippers.

Hope you can help

Pete

[John Eaton]

Padley Gorge is a good spot for Dipper (near Grindleford, south west of Sheffield). Also good place for Pied Flycatcher, Redstarts, Wheatear, etc. Beautiful place to walk. If you go at weekend make sure it's very early am before the tourists arrive.

Another good area to bird (and walk) is the Derwent Valley off A57. Good earlier in the year for Goshawk. Crossbills possible.

[sidrat]

Thanks John

Pete

[Clive Watson]

I spent three years in Sheffield as a student many years ago. You can (or could) get Dipper in Endcliffe Park near the university, in winter they'd come right down to the bottom, in summer you have to walk up the valley for a while to find breeding birds. The moors out near Stanedge edge are good for Red Grouse and Ring Ouzel and Short-eared Owl are possible. We used to visit Wyming Brook as the best site for Wood Warbler, not sure if it's so good now. Goshawk can be seen around Ladybower and Strines reservoirs in early spring. July isn't a great time to go though, I was always back at home then as it was uni holidays, don't know when is good then. Might be advisable to wait until the floods subside too.

[ColinD]

Originally Posted by sidrat

In July we are going to Sheffield and would like to know of any good birding sites that can be recommended. One thing we would like to see if possible would be Dippers.

Hi Pete,
I don't know exactly where in Sheffield you are going, but if you watch the news you will know that as things stand, not even birders based in Sheffield will be able to give you definate information on Dippers.

I'm sure that not everywhere is as badly effected as others, but some rivers have risen by as much as 12 feet, with more heavy rain predicted this weekend. Who knows where the Dippers are now? I think it might be better asking the question again nearer the time you go.

[sidrat]

Thanks for the info Clive.

Bobby we are going up there next week, we intend going into the peak district to the west of Sheffield.

Pete

[sidrat]

Just to say thanks for the info given we had a good couple of days, got our target bird on the first day morning at Lathkill Dale. We walked along the river and within half an hour we came across this bird who sat and obliged us for over 10 mins, we were no more than seven feet from it.

Pete

[John Eaton]

Pete,

Glad to see you scored in a great location - nice pic. You were lucky with choice of days as its been terrible up here until this weekend.

John