Derbyshire County Birding (2 Viewers)

[Clive A]

Yes, Clive, the Green Sand is sticking. I didn't see it on Thursday morning though so it must have been hiding well. Unless of course It's a different bird. Lapwings have increased to 76. 135 BH Gulls inc 11 juveniles. The best of the day was the emergence of a female Gadwall with 10 tiny young. I had initially seen her and thought it was a Mallard. I then looked at her again and realised. After breeding for the first time last year I was beginning to think it wasn't happening this year. It's also 27 days later than last year. I'd been seeing the female on and off for a few weeks then she would disappear. No doubt back to her nest where ever that was.

10 young Gadwall! Superb. Those Lapwings building up makes it feel like autumn.

 

[Gomphus]

Great news on the Gadwall Dave!! Been wondering if they would try again this year.

Got to say Clive I'm loving the Canon... as I learn more its giving better and better results. The Small Heath was taken with the 1.5x converter at full zoom, I was very suprised at the result...and happy too. Think I'll try that more, it lets you get close without flushing... hoping to twitch Large Blues in Somerset tomorrow, so will be trying it out if one sits still enough in this heat!

Steph'

 

[Clive A]

Great news on the Gadwall Dave!! Been wondering if they would try again this year.

Got to say Clive I'm loving the Canon... as I learn more its giving better and better results. The Small Heath was taken with the 1.5x converter at full zoom, I was very suprised at the result...and happy too. Think I'll try that more, it lets you get close without flushing... hoping to twitch Large Blues in Somerset tomorrow, so will be trying it out if one sits still enough in this heat!

Steph'

On aperture priority Steph?

 

[Clive A]

Not brilliant at plants unless they are obvious like the Bee Orchids but might be Orange Hawkweed/Fox and Cubs?

Steph'

Thanks could well be.

 

[Daniel Martin]

Loving the pics you two. Those orchids are great.
Spoke to a buttie guy last week who said the large blues weren't on the wing yet due to weather etc so you sure they are showing Steph?

 

[Clive A]

Just had a pleasant hour on Rose End meadows. I could hear a Redstart calling near the bottom dew pond, and some way further on an adult was calling. Near the top dew pond 2+ juvs were perched up, so I recon probably a couple of pairs have bred up there.
Saw my first Ringlet of the year (at last) a few Meadow browns and Speckled woods also on the wing.
Pleanty of Common spotted orchids and a few Pyramidals too.
A few pics of Self-heal,Pyramidal orchid,Redstart (not the best!) and Ringlet.

 

[Gomphus]

Loving the pics you two. Those orchids are great.
Spoke to a buttie guy last week who said the large blues weren't on the wing yet due to weather etc so you sure they are showing Steph?

Ha! Yes they have been present in low numbers for a week or so. Very poor year but they recorded 7 individuals yesterday. Took ages but we got flight views.... but it was sooo hot they were mostly either hiding or on warp drive:eek!: So no pics:-C We did see Wasp Orchid too, but they had gone slightly past their best.

Great shots Clive, we were only saying the other day we hadn't been up Rose End for ages, might have to go now!

ATB

Steph'

 

[DaveN]

A Yellow-legged Gull down Wyver early evening today. My first there and only the 2nd record ever for Wyver. The last one being in Sep 2000 which I think was seen by Dan? It was probaby a 4th summer but something about it could have made it an advanced 3rd summer. The Green Sandpiper is stillpresent. Lapwings up to 94. Teal up to 9 and the female Gadwall still has her 10 young.

 

[Happisbirder]

First visit to Peak District...

Hi all. I spent last week in and around the Peaks, my first and definitely not last visit to this fantastic area; it is so different to NE Norfolk! It wasn't a birding holiday but my bins accompanied me everywhere and I was pleased to pick up a few species I'd not seen for a few years as we ventured around. Avian highlights were Raven, Red Grouse, Hawfinch, Dipper, Mandarin (a female with 4 young along a secluded stretch of river), breeding Redstart, Spotted Fly, Little Owl, Red Kite and town centre Goosanders. What really surprised me was the apparent lack of Starlings in the area with one in Tideswell on our last evening the only one I saw. I was also disappointed by the apparent lack of butterflies despite lots of wonderful flower rich habitat. The latter part of the week brought plenty of sunshine and rising temperatures which should really have induced some action. I'd thought that away from the chemically poisoned Norfolk countryside, blighted by bushwhackers, that we would've seen more butterfly activity...

Anyway, my good lady and I had a wonderful time with good weather, fantastic vistas, very friendly people and the some memorable local customs and celebrations... we'll be back for sure!

James

 

[Clive A]

Hi all. I spent last week in and around the Peaks, my first and definitely not last visit to this fantastic area; it is so different to NE Norfolk! It wasn't a birding holiday but my bins accompanied me everywhere and I was pleased to pick up a few species I'd not seen for a few years as we ventured around. Avian highlights were Raven, Red Grouse, Hawfinch, Dipper, Mandarin (a female with 4 young along a secluded stretch of river), breeding Redstart, Spotted Fly, Little Owl, Red Kite and town centre Goosanders. What really surprised me was the apparent lack of Starlings in the area with one in Tideswell on our last evening the only one I saw. I was also disappointed by the apparent lack of butterflies despite lots of wonderful flower rich habitat. The latter part of the week brought plenty of sunshine and rising temperatures which should really have induced some action. I'd thought that away from the chemically poisoned Norfolk countryside, blighted by bushwhackers, that we would've seen more butterfly activity...

Anyway, my good lady and I had a wonderful time with good weather, fantastic vistas, very friendly people and the some memorable local customs and celebrations... we'll be back for sure!

James

Butterflies in very short supply this year, the last couple of winters must be taking their toll. Glad you enjoyed your visit, where was Hawfinch?

 

[DaveN]

Currently a Greenshank and a Green Sandpiper down Wyver.

 

[DaveN]

Greenshank and Green Sand still present at 17.00. Also 4 Oycs and exactly 100 Lapwings. The female Gadwall still has her 10 young.

 

[Daniel Martin]

Called in Wyver approx 7pm and Eric was there. Green Sand on far bank and the Greenshank seemingly roosting with Lapwings. That was until a Peregrine shot through and flushed everything.
The Lapwing flock and Greenshank with it flew around in some panic with the Greenshank calling constantly. The Green Sand didn't budge!
Everything settled back down eventually so it should be there in the morning.
Heard Green Woodpecker and Redstart up the field.

Later two Peregrines interacted over the cricket pitch down the Meadows.

 

[Happisbirder]

Butterflies in very short supply this year, the last couple of winters must be taking their toll. Glad you enjoyed your visit, where was Hawfinch?

Have sent a PM Clive - not too keen on giving locations of breeding season Hawfinch on a public forum :t:

James

 

[cheshirebirder]

Speaking of butterflies , I had a very pleasant walk up Gratton dale yesterday where there were more butterflies than I've seen for a good while. Dark-green frits were seen in 1's and 2's all along the dale, ringlets , large and small skippers, lots of common blue and meadow brown , and the odd ( northern ? ) brown argus.
Also 6 species of warbler of which 5 were still in song.

 

[jtshooter]

Just seen a red kite on the road past bakewell golf club. As you finish the incline through the trees there's a short amount of flat before it goes into a decline and thats where it was. Crossed the road just 15/20m above my head!

James

 

[DaveN]

No sign of either the Greenshank or the Green Sandpiper down Wyver this morning. Best was a Peregrine and a Redstart. Also at least one juv Whitethroat in front of the hide.

 

[DaveN]

16 Common Scoters at Carsington.

 

[Gomphus]

This islandica Black tailed Godwit was on Horseshoe Island late last night, smart it was too.....

Steph'

 

[Clive A]

This islandica Black tailed Godwit was on Horseshoe Island late last night, smart it was too.....

Steph'

Cracker Steph, was up there with Dave Friday and took this shot of Spot fly in Wildlife centre creek where 2 birds were feeding young. Also Redstarts feeding young in the same area.