Derbyshire County Birding (1 Viewer)

[lesf]

Yes, Carsington has been a little dissapointing of late. Just got back from up there, again little of note, other than the Diver,a Goosander, Raven and a nice little group of Goldeneye displaying infront of Sheepwash hide.Lots of Gulls though I was unable to find anything unusual amongst them. Had the Fug Duck myself on Tuesday, what a cracking looking bird.
There were only 2 Hawfinches showing on Saturday,not sure about today. They should be viewable for another month or so, although a little luck and patience is often required. I have regularly seen them lately in the trees near the cattle grid, where they will perch for a while before dropping into the Yew trees in the churchyard.

Clive.

Carsington you will find dissapoints more often than not, even though I visit this site often it mostly flatters to decieve and there are far far better sites in Derbyshire

 

[James_Owen]

Carsington you will find dissapoints more often than not, even though I visit this site often it mostly flatters to decieve and there are far far better sites in Derbyshire

Oh I don't know about that, we've just had a poor winter for the rarer grebes is all, compared to the last few.

 

[mooskibaby]

In a few months time there's an open day at Ogston Bird Club, would anyone be interested in joining if your not already a member?

 

[Gomphus]

Carsington you will find dissapoints more often than not, even though I visit this site often it mostly flatters to decieve and there are far far better sites in Derbyshire

OOOH controversial:eek!:.....must say Carsington can be hard work as its size makes it hard to see all of it, but I have always found that this pays off, I am actually very unlikely to come away disappointed. Its not always about how many rares you see! I find myself a little disappointed about Carr Vale at times too! I rarely think of visiting, its just another marsh, I've got one down the road! :-O:-O

Joking asside, Carsington has been a little quiet for rare stuff this year, mind you a resident Great Northern throughout the winter is not to be sneezed at, we are just a little complacent about it now! But the common birds have all shown well and things like Peregrine etc have been regular. Depends I suppose what you rate as a good site, there is always something to look at at Carsi whatever the time of year.

Cheers

 

[mooskibaby]

I've just been to Ogston for a couple of hours this afternoon, and saw 4 common snipe, and I sort of managed to film them feed as well, which was an achievement.

 

[lesf]

OOOH controversial:eek!:.....must say Carsington can be hard work as its size makes it hard to see all of it, but I have always found that this pays off, I am actually very unlikely to come away disappointed. Its not always about how many rares you see! I find myself a little disappointed about Carr Vale at times too! I rarely think of visiting, its just another marsh, I've got one down the road! :-O:-O

Joking asside, Carsington has been a little quiet for rare stuff this year, mind you a resident Great Northern throughout the winter is not to be sneezed at, we are just a little complacent about it now! But the common birds have all shown well and things like Peregrine etc have been regular. Depends I suppose what you rate as a good site, there is always something to look at at Carsi whatever the time of year.

Cheers

We are you will agree entitled to our own opinions. My personal feelings about Carsington is that the Hides are to few for such a large site, the hides that are there with the exception of the Paul Stanley hide are badly sited. There are not enough varieties of habitat within the lake area ie Reed beds, scrapes etc and I get fed up with screaming kids entering the hides. As for my local patch the Marsh LOL at Carvale I too can be disappointed sometimes but I always know that it will produce all year round and has this year alone had 2 bitterns at the same time, the site regularly has a higher yearly count than Carsington. Basically Carsington is too big, to commercial ie Bikers, Horses, Windsurfers etc. Too little emphasis on the birds and birders. This site could be so much better, pity it isn't

 

[lesf]

In a few months time there's an open day at Ogston Bird Club, would anyone be interested in joining if your not already a member?

Sorry matey but I don't know you at all but I do know some of the birders in the Ogston Bird Club and it's fair to say I will not be rejoining your illustrious club, far to much snobbery, oneupmanship and oversize egos for a down to Earth bloke like myself

 

[Gomphus]

We are you will agree entitled to our own opinions. My personal feelings about Carsington is that the Hides are to few for such a large site, the hides that are there with the exception of the Paul Stanley hide are badly sited. There are not enough varieties of habitat within the lake area ie Reed beds, scrapes etc and I get fed up with screaming kids entering the hides. As for my local patch the Marsh LOL at Carvale I too can be disappointed sometimes but I always know that it will produce all year round and has this year alone had 2 bitterns at the same time, the site regularly has a higher yearly count than Carsington. Basically Carsington is too big, to commercial ie Bikers, Horses, Windsurfers etc. Too little emphasis on the birds and birders. This site could be so much better, pity it isn't

Humm ...STW have done what could be done within the site at Carsington and still do IMO, you have to realise that this site IS commercial, it is not a nature reserve but a working reservoir, work is constantly on going to improve what is there ie new reed beds etc, it is not designed as a nature reserve so everything fits in around the main purpose. Also you must remember a lot of users at Carsington pay more money etc than birdwatchers, all birders do generally pay is parking...and they don't always do that:C There is no "god given right" that birds and birders come first, they don't! As for kids, tourists etc...if we can get them interested all to the good surely, if you don't like it fair enough, but try evenings...there is no-one there most of the time, just the regular birders! I can go and see no-one but a single dog walker or jogger for hours on a spring/summer evening.
The BAP for the site seems excellent and the stirling work done on this side of things is to praised IMO. It must be difficult juggling the different needs of such a wide range of activities and requirements.
I suppose, thankfully, everyone has their own way of birding and the type of birds they enjoy seeing and they will go to sites that satisfy that. It would be boring if we all enjoyed the samethings/places!

I wasn't dissing Carr Vale by the way, MarkB etc do a stirling job going around and finding the birds etc and I admire them for it! B I reckon if the same skill and time was put in at other sites they too could produce much more stuff. When I do visit I have seen good birds, the Vale has a great track record for rare's but is that down to just the site or does the amount of coverage to site size etc have an impact? I reckon/know we miss loads at Carsington due to the amount of habitat! I guess its just I personally don't feel inclined to drive for 45+mins to walk round Carr Vale when I have two (IMO) good reservoirs, a nice marsh, a canal etc all less than 20mins away plus of course the moors to keep me occupied! If I lived next door I'd be there all the time! But I don't think there is vast differences between good sites in Derbyshire the county is lucky in having loads of great habitat and sites depending on your personal preferences!

Will say too the insect life etc at Carr Vale is excellent (even allowing for the release of the Large Coppers!). The Dragonflies and Damselflies are superb and I would heartily recommend a summer visit! I wonder does anyone moth trap on site???

As for Ogston Bird Club I've been a member for many, many years and have found the members friendly and helpful, sorry you feel the way you do about the place and the club...its nothing like my experiences clearly!
I would personally heartily recommed joining OBC to get access to the members hides etc I've spent many a happy afternoon watching the world go by from them! Also OBC have been working well with STW to improve habitats at the site and on their own at their own Jim Mart reserve.
Thanks Anna for mentioning the Ogi open day!

Cheers

 

[mooskibaby]

Humm ...STW have done what could be done within the site at Carsington and still do IMO, you have to realise that this site IS commercial, it is not a nature reserve but a working reservoir, work is constantly on going to improve what is there ie new reed beds etc, it is not designed as a nature reserve so everything fits in around the main purpose. Also you must remember a lot of users at Carsington pay more money etc than birdwatchers, all birders do generally pay is parking...and they don't always do that:C There is no "god given right" that birds and birders come first, they don't! As for kids, tourists etc...if we can get them interested all to the good surely, if you don't like it fair enough, but try evenings...there is no-one there most of the time, just the regular birders! I can go and see no-one but a single dog walker or jogger for hours on a spring/summer evening.
The BAP for the site seems excellent and the stirling work done on this side of things is to praised IMO. It must be difficult juggling the different needs of such a wide range of activities and requirements.
I suppose, thankfully, everyone has their own way of birding and the type of birds they enjoy seeing and they will go to sites that satisfy that. It would be boring if we all enjoyed the samethings/places!

I wasn't dissing Carr Vale by the way, MarkB etc do a stirling job going around and finding the birds etc and I admire them for it! B I reckon if the same skill and time was put in at other sites they too could produce much more stuff. When I do visit I have seen good birds, the Vale has a great track record for rare's but is that down to just the site or does the amount of coverage to site size etc have an impact? I reckon/know we miss loads at Carsington due to the amount of habitat! I guess its just I personally don't feel inclined to drive for 45+mins to walk round Carr Vale when I have two (IMO) good reservoirs, a nice marsh, a canal etc all less than 20mins away plus of course the moors to keep me occupied! If I lived next door I'd be there all the time! But I don't think there is vast differences between good sites in Derbyshire the county is lucky in having loads of great habitat and sites depending on your personal preferences!

Will say too the insect life etc at Carr Vale is excellent (even allowing for the release of the Large Coppers!). The Dragonflies and Damselflies are superb and I would heartily recommend a summer visit! I wonder does anyone moth trap on site???

As for Ogston Bird Club I've been a member for many, many years and have found the members friendly and helpful, sorry you feel the way you do about the place and the club...its nothing like my experiences clearly!
I would personally heartily recommed joining OBC to get access to the members hides etc I've spent many a happy afternoon watching the world go by from them! Also OBC have been working well with STW to improve habitats at the site and on their own at their own Jim Mart reserve.
Thanks Anna for mentioning the Ogi open day!

Cheers

Hi Gomphus,
If you don't mind me asking what's your off line name, because I may know you, because I'm a member of Ogston Bird Club as well.
Anna

 

[mooskibaby]

Does anyone know of any starling roosts in the area?
AND
is that waxwing still at Derby?

Thanks

 

[Gomphus]

Hi Gomphus,
If you don't mind me asking what's your off line name, because I may know you, because I'm a member of Ogston Bird Club as well.
Anna

PM sent Anna!!! Not heard of the Waxwing lately, was getting through the berries quite quick but was moving round too, maybe worth a stroll round anyway? As to starlings I'd be interested too if there is a large roost. They didn't come back to Carsington...but they apparantly don't everyyear anyway.

GNDiver still at Carsi on Sunday I believe. The Oystercatchers are back too, saw two on the dam wall, right next to the road from the car on Saturday without even stopping!
I still have up to 15 Bramblings coming to my garden feeder, nice to see now as some are starting to get darker on the heads as the feathers abrade! Attached couple of dodgy photo's taken yesterday in the rain...terribly grainy !

Cheers

 

[James_Owen]

The GND still at Carsington today, 4+ pairs of Oystercatcher, a flock of 14 Curlew, the usual Buzzards, Raven, Little and Tawny Owls, a few Goldeneye left, and my first Chiffchaff on the season.

A pair of GCG displayed marvellously right in front of the wildlife centre, three times with the climatic weed dance until they were chased away by a lone badass of their own kind. It properly thrilled the few members of the public who turned up for today's ABB event.

The news I've heard from locals in Allestree is that the Waxwing left a couple of days ago. Odd enough that it stayed so long in the first place if you ask me.

(BTW, nice Brambling!)

 

[Gomphus]

The GND still at Carsington today, 4+ pairs of Oystercatcher, a flock of 14 Curlew, the usual Buzzards, Raven, Little and Tawny Owls, a few Goldeneye left, and my first Chiffchaff on the season.

A pair of GCG displayed marvellously right in front of the wildlife centre, three times with the climatic weed dance until they were chased away by a lone badass of their own kind. It properly thrilled the few members of the public who turned up for today's ABB event.

The news I've heard from locals in Allestree is that the Waxwing left a couple of days ago. Odd enough that it stayed so long in the first place if you ask me.

(BTW, nice Brambling!)

Thanks James. The Brambling have been asource of enjoyment for the last 3 months, I just love the colours!

Allestree is a very traditional site for long staying Waxies, they have been there for long periods before. The area is ideal as it has loads of berry trees along the roads etc. It seems to attract WW even in poor winters for them (two mates who live there were so relaxed they didn't even go to see it for a while, just stopped for a look on the way shopping!). I find they usually seem to stay till the berries run out!!!!! Or spring arrives, whichever comes first!

I wonder if the birds learn good areas and return (or their offspring)? As it seems that certain traditional areas pick up WW even in poor years and other areas that seem ideal just get ignored even in good years!

Hear tell that a Firecrest was seen in Allestree Park about a week ago...anyone have more details? Saw it reported on the DOS website.

Cheers

 

[James_Owen]

Noticed that Golden Plover flock again today, c.350, between Stanley and Hardwick Inn. Several pairs of Lapwing also defending territories there too, and big flocks of Woodpigeon. Makes me wonder what else there is to find around those big arable fields up there.

 

[Gomphus]

Cannot believe it...I missed the two Avocets at Carsington by 5minutes...had to go shopping and apparantly they came back about 10mins after I left, Oh well you cannot win 'em all! Was hoping they would be there today but no news so far!
3 Shelduck, 3 drake Shoveler and the GN Diver were nice but not much compensation, still it was my own fault for giving up so quick!!!

Cheers

 

[JimMorris]

Waxwings at Cutthorpe, Derbyshire.

Hi to all you Derbyshire birders. I nipped across the border yesterday to Cutthorpe to see the 4 Waxwings there. They are at the junction of Cutthorpe road and Common road 100 yards from the Three Merry Lads pub.

There are still a lot of berries left on the tree so I think they will be there for a few days yet.
Here are a few photos from yesterday.

HAPPY BIRDING
Jim

 

[peter hill]

35 swans flew over whaley bridge today i think they were whoopers ,but could not see there beaks ,the other swans seem unlikely

 

[James_Owen]

Another day at Carsington - the GND showed most of the day from the wildlife centre, 2 Little Owls were very cosily sat together early evening, at least 6 Buzzard up over Hall Wood, and 1 Raven, 1 Pinkie with the Canadas and Barnies, a Chiffchaff calling on Stones Island, a handful of Curlew about, reports of Sand Martin (one saying 100 in Millfields Bay which sounds an awful lot to me, the other saying 2 past Sheepwash).
Otherwise, the regular crew.

 

[mooskibaby]

Hi to all you Derbyshire birders. I nipped across the border yesterday to Cutthorpe to see the 4 Waxwings there. They are at the junction of Cutthorpe road and Common road 100 yards from the Three Merry Lads pub.

There are still a lot of berries left on the tree so I think they will be there for a few days yet.
Here are a few photos from yesterday.

HAPPY BIRDING
Jim

Hi Jim,
Great photographs of the waxwing, is it still there do you know? I haven't seen a single waxwing yet.
Thanks
Anna

 

[mooskibaby]

I went to Ogston 2 weeks back, and heard a chiffchaff, a few days later, someone saw it. So I was the first person to hear the first chiffchaff of the year there, which was a great. Chiffchaff seem to be coming earlier and earlier to Britain every year I've noticed.

I had a chiffchaff last year in my garden, which stayed for a few weeks, I hope it comes back this year, so I can take some photographs.

I'm so glad I can get to do some photography for a couple of days, now I'm off school, and I don't have any more coursework, which is nice. Any advice on local rarities including local waxwing observations would be great.

Thanks