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Derbyshire County Birding (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter mooskibaby
- Start date
Daniel Martin
Well-known member
Think I can help with that! once parked, near railway museum, then cross railway lines and head to far side of res (as if going towards A38). Walk along path towards sewage farm and view the weedy fields for Linnet flock. It gets up on a hawthorn hedge near a chain link fence.
I spoke with Tim earlier on and it was there today, but you have to put some time in! once on the deck you have no chance, so need to wait for it to pop out.
SEOs still showing well at Bennerley, and Barn Owl there.
I spoke with Tim earlier on and it was there today, but you have to put some time in! once on the deck you have no chance, so need to wait for it to pop out.
SEOs still showing well at Bennerley, and Barn Owl there.
Gomphus
Well-known member
Ooops I've just been wandering round the wrong bit then no wonder I didn't see much... just a grumpy looking Buzzard!! And to add to that I have just had to wash the car 'cause I got it stuck on a muddy verge and got mud down one side.... it was nice clean blue green one side nasty brown 'tother:-O
Darn...If I'd waited a few more minutes and rechecked here I'd have not made the mistake
Will try again tomorrow!! Hopefully in the right place! Cheers Daniel!
ATB
Steph'
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Hi, hoping for some info please
I'm looking to visit Bennerley soon to see the SEO as it would be a first for me. I am aware of a circular walk starting at Ilkeston FC, can you advise where is the most likely place to see it?
Thanks in advance, Mick.
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Daniel Martin
Well-known member
Hi Mick - there must be closer SEO's to you!? Have you been on to Beeley or Leash Fen recently? If you drive out of Chesterfield and head towards Upper Loads for example, there is plenty of good habitat out there. I havent been for the past few weeks, but they have been on the "triangle" and last winter they were superb on Leash Fen - saw 4 one afternoon and the GG Shrike! I took my eldest son with me who is 10 and he saw them all too - now his favourite bird.........you can also bird this area from the car, which brings me onto Bennerley..............
This area you cant really do from a car and involves some leg work. It used to be a great area and I belonged to a Bennerley group that met regularly to protect the area and raise funds etc.
There will be people on here who can better point out the access points, but basically anywhere from the Erewash Meadows DWT reserve right up to Ilkeston. I have seen the SEOs at the DWT reserve (and this is great for Barnies especially around the new fishing club) and also further up on Bennerley reserve itself. On that occasion I went with two local guys (one of which is a vol warden) and we parked outside Eastwood and accessed from here (I didnt pay much attention to the road Im afraid). I have also used a track that is right after KFC at Langley Mill and then another from the canal towpath near Cotmanhay (where the Waxwings get!).
The issue with SEO is that they do wander, and this is some area to cover.
I am not sure if these ramblings help, but if you are going then concentrate on the habitat, rather than specific location. They love grassy areas (voles are the key) and there are plenty of unkempt such fields around the walk. I have never started at the football ground by the way, and think that you may be some way out there.
Best of luck, Dan
This area you cant really do from a car and involves some leg work. It used to be a great area and I belonged to a Bennerley group that met regularly to protect the area and raise funds etc.
There will be people on here who can better point out the access points, but basically anywhere from the Erewash Meadows DWT reserve right up to Ilkeston. I have seen the SEOs at the DWT reserve (and this is great for Barnies especially around the new fishing club) and also further up on Bennerley reserve itself. On that occasion I went with two local guys (one of which is a vol warden) and we parked outside Eastwood and accessed from here (I didnt pay much attention to the road Im afraid). I have also used a track that is right after KFC at Langley Mill and then another from the canal towpath near Cotmanhay (where the Waxwings get!).
The issue with SEO is that they do wander, and this is some area to cover.
I am not sure if these ramblings help, but if you are going then concentrate on the habitat, rather than specific location. They love grassy areas (voles are the key) and there are plenty of unkempt such fields around the walk. I have never started at the football ground by the way, and think that you may be some way out there.
Best of luck, Dan
ChrisLuv
Improving Birder
Hi Mick,
Without wanting to contradict Dan then I'd say you're fine approaching from the Football Ground end.
The walk you're talking about is presumably this one at Notts Birdwatchers: http://www.nottsbirders.net/images/bennerleymarshwalkb.gif
The area the SEO is consistently seen (from my point of view) is around the north-east of this walk (after crossing the Erewash and walking up towards the A610 and before crossing back over the Erewash toward the old Coal Plant) - an area known as Chat corner (up to 4 Stonechats there). It can be viewed well here if its not disturbed as there are quite a few posts to perch on. Though like Dan says its more about habitat than one particular location - the walk along the Erewash Valley between Bennerley and Erewash Meadows is one I'd recommend if you have the time.
Bennerley sightings link below:
http://www.bennerley.blogspot.com/
Cheers,
Chris
Without wanting to contradict Dan then I'd say you're fine approaching from the Football Ground end.
The walk you're talking about is presumably this one at Notts Birdwatchers: http://www.nottsbirders.net/images/bennerleymarshwalkb.gif
The area the SEO is consistently seen (from my point of view) is around the north-east of this walk (after crossing the Erewash and walking up towards the A610 and before crossing back over the Erewash toward the old Coal Plant) - an area known as Chat corner (up to 4 Stonechats there). It can be viewed well here if its not disturbed as there are quite a few posts to perch on. Though like Dan says its more about habitat than one particular location - the walk along the Erewash Valley between Bennerley and Erewash Meadows is one I'd recommend if you have the time.
Bennerley sightings link below:
http://www.bennerley.blogspot.com/
Cheers,
Chris
Dan/Chris
Thanks to both of you for the comprehensive replies.
I was aware of Beeley but wasn't sure how reliable the chances of seeing any SEO's were. Whereas they appear to be fairly regular at Bennerley reading these forums. So I thought I'd have a better chance there. Plus it's always nice to try somewhere new!
Chris - Yes that was the walk I was referring to.
Cheers
Mick
Thanks to both of you for the comprehensive replies.
I was aware of Beeley but wasn't sure how reliable the chances of seeing any SEO's were. Whereas they appear to be fairly regular at Bennerley reading these forums. So I thought I'd have a better chance there. Plus it's always nice to try somewhere new!
Chris - Yes that was the walk I was referring to.
Cheers
Mick
Gomphus
Well-known member
Hi all,
I've just come back from successfully seeing the Twite at Butterley. Its distant but you can get good views if you are patient. As Daniel said earlier park at the Midland Railway/anglers car park and cross the railway lines via the crossing... then head along the edge of the causeway on the bridge/path than runs below the causeway banking just above the water till you reach the far side, then turn right and walk along the far bank till you can see the sewage works across the stream. Wear wellies its a bit muddy!
Just before the actual works you will see a weedy field on the opposite side of the stream, which is edged by a chain link fence on the right side separating it from the works compound itself, if you look across from the obvious best gap in the trees (roughly in straight in line with the end of the chain link fence line along the edge of the works) and view the opposite hedge running along the back of the weedy field in front of you and the works compound. You will see an obvious Ash tree (its the tallest tree in that bit of hedge!). There is some longish rough vegetation behind the tree and hedge there (which is mostly obscured by the hedge etc) and the birds are feeding in that and occasionally flying up into the hedge and tree where you can sort through them, there are about 40 odd Linnet (which the bird is generally with), some Reed Buntings, Chaffinches, Goldfinches etc in there! Also loads of Pied Wags on the Sewage works along with the odd Grey. The Res held Wigeon, Tufted etc and BHG's and Common Gulls. There was at least one Chiffy calling too.
ATB
Steph'
I've just come back from successfully seeing the Twite at Butterley. Its distant but you can get good views if you are patient. As Daniel said earlier park at the Midland Railway/anglers car park and cross the railway lines via the crossing... then head along the edge of the causeway on the bridge/path than runs below the causeway banking just above the water till you reach the far side, then turn right and walk along the far bank till you can see the sewage works across the stream. Wear wellies its a bit muddy!
Just before the actual works you will see a weedy field on the opposite side of the stream, which is edged by a chain link fence on the right side separating it from the works compound itself, if you look across from the obvious best gap in the trees (roughly in straight in line with the end of the chain link fence line along the edge of the works) and view the opposite hedge running along the back of the weedy field in front of you and the works compound. You will see an obvious Ash tree (its the tallest tree in that bit of hedge!). There is some longish rough vegetation behind the tree and hedge there (which is mostly obscured by the hedge etc) and the birds are feeding in that and occasionally flying up into the hedge and tree where you can sort through them, there are about 40 odd Linnet (which the bird is generally with), some Reed Buntings, Chaffinches, Goldfinches etc in there! Also loads of Pied Wags on the Sewage works along with the odd Grey. The Res held Wigeon, Tufted etc and BHG's and Common Gulls. There was at least one Chiffy calling too.
ATB
Steph'
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DaveN
Derwent Valley Birder
Got to Carsington this morning with Clive only to greeted by a thick blanket of fog covering the water. We decided to go down to Cromford to see if there were any Hawfinches and we got one in the tall trees near to the cricket pitch.
Got back up to Carsi around lunch time with the fog still lingering although not as bad as earlier on. Had the two Great Northern Divers from Millfields, and the escaped Chiloe Wigeon flying around. Only other birds of note was an adult Yellow-legged Gull and 8 Goldeneye.
Got back up to Carsi around lunch time with the fog still lingering although not as bad as earlier on. Had the two Great Northern Divers from Millfields, and the escaped Chiloe Wigeon flying around. Only other birds of note was an adult Yellow-legged Gull and 8 Goldeneye.
Attachments
Large Bird Of Prey Over Kilburn!
Hi everyone not long been informed of a large bird of prey of the between lower kilburn and kilburn villages, at 10:45 this morning, apparently it approached heron in size! Soaring/gliding Fingered wingtips were black and rest of underside appeared pale, not sure of any other features yet, but worth a look out, there were no signs of any jesses or anything like that.
Its just typical, i was concentrating on willow tits this morning in my garden, and just didnt look in the air! So im going to keep my eyes out.
All the best evryone.
Hi everyone not long been informed of a large bird of prey of the between lower kilburn and kilburn villages, at 10:45 this morning, apparently it approached heron in size! Soaring/gliding Fingered wingtips were black and rest of underside appeared pale, not sure of any other features yet, but worth a look out, there were no signs of any jesses or anything like that.
Its just typical, i was concentrating on willow tits this morning in my garden, and just didnt look in the air! So im going to keep my eyes out.
All the best evryone.
Brief visit to carsington this evening to glimpse the gull roost, which was incredibly difficult, the gulls were all over the place! by the time i got there the light was not really ideal, an adult yellow legged gull on sheepwash spit, that was a really smart bird, plenty of common gulls knocking around, popped upto lane end literally 5 mins after i got to sheepwash, they had not long flown up there. picked out a couple of yellow legged, BUT there was an interesting michahellis type, it was slightly darker than the usual yellow legged but not as dark as LBB Gull, its head, nape and breast was covered in dark grey streaking, making it look quite a "brute" defo not like any yellowlegged i have seen myself.
Back in sheepwash carpark whilst gazing at Jupiter and 5 of its moons, 2 tawny owls and a little owl too.
B
Back in sheepwash carpark whilst gazing at Jupiter and 5 of its moons, 2 tawny owls and a little owl too.
B
DaveN
Derwent Valley Birder
We had a similar problem on wednesday with all the Gulls well scattered across the water. They had started to build up on flat island but they got flushed so that was that. We had the resident Yellow-legged Gull which has apparently taken two Little Grebes recently.
Any more news on the large bird of prey? I was talking to someone in sheepwash the week before last and they mentioned an Eagle Owl around Elton. A few miles away from Kilburn but you never know.
Any more news on the large bird of prey? I was talking to someone in sheepwash the week before last and they mentioned an Eagle Owl around Elton. A few miles away from Kilburn but you never know.
Hi dave, so far nothing else on the bird of prey, but still looking out for it! Eagle owl sounds interesting, i shall mention it to the person who saw it.
Cheers.
Cheers.
ChrisLuv
Improving Birder
I went down to Carsington this morning. The remains of the Gull Roost around Paul Stanley Hide were made up mainly of BH Gulls and Common Gulls (good few of these). One of the BH Gulls threw me as it was in summer plumage (i.e. with its cap on) but fortunately someone popped in to help me out with the ID. The YLG and quite a few LBBG were also out later.
I also flushed a bird out of the woodland as I arrived a first light, possibly a woodcock but I was going on its flight and size as opposed to anything concrete. Wish I'd got a longer view.
Willow Tits (2) and Bullfinchs (at least 2 males, but probably more - they were everywhere) were nice to see, also a Siskin with a flock of Goldcrest. Redshank (at least 3) were also knocking about quite a lot.
A Kingfisher was in the bay on the walk between Lane End Hide and the Wildlife Centre, with a few Redwing also in the trees.
Didn't manage to track down the GND, which is a shame but had a good day with some nice, if not that rare, species.
All the best,
Chris
I also flushed a bird out of the woodland as I arrived a first light, possibly a woodcock but I was going on its flight and size as opposed to anything concrete. Wish I'd got a longer view.
Willow Tits (2) and Bullfinchs (at least 2 males, but probably more - they were everywhere) were nice to see, also a Siskin with a flock of Goldcrest. Redshank (at least 3) were also knocking about quite a lot.
A Kingfisher was in the bay on the walk between Lane End Hide and the Wildlife Centre, with a few Redwing also in the trees.
Didn't manage to track down the GND, which is a shame but had a good day with some nice, if not that rare, species.
All the best,
Chris
Re Large Bird Of Prey Over Kilburn
Hi everyone, had a bit of a chat with the person who saw the large bird of prey last thursday, showed the observer my book, and the bird picked out most similar to the bird seen just happens to be a short toed eagle. An escape from somewhere i wonder...??? But no sign of it since.
All the best.
Hi everyone, had a bit of a chat with the person who saw the large bird of prey last thursday, showed the observer my book, and the bird picked out most similar to the bird seen just happens to be a short toed eagle. An escape from somewhere i wonder...??? But no sign of it since.
All the best.
Daniel Martin
Well-known member
Just a thought, but I would have shown him all the common birds first as they usually point to one of those..............
No chance of ST Eagle naturally occuring at this time of year (and the UK has only ever had one!) and an escapee would be widely publiscized on here I think. I have visited many raptor displays and have yet to see a ST Eagle, so I doubt if they are common in captivity, and they would be made most secure if they had one.
Anyway, would be nice to get some pics of it!
Hi daniel, went through the common things too, no pics im afraid, so i guess its just one that got away, i was thinking on the same lines that if there was a known escape, we would know about it, can you think of any other possibilities for it? I keep looking out eagerly for it hoping whatever it is will show its self again!
All the best.
Daniel Martin
Well-known member
If a non birder saw a pale Buzzard floating over Kilburn, I would expect them to react exactly as this guy has - I have followed up lots of large raptors that turned out to be dark, nominate and then pale phase Common Buzzards.
"Size of a Heron"? possible at distance obviously.
As Buzzard is now our most often recorded raptor in the County it is being noticed by many more non birders. I drove to Derby from Belper via the A38 last weekend to the football and had 3 kids in the back who counted (and I verified) 8 Buzzards between home and there, with the majority around Drum Hill.
Eagle Owl isnt impossible (my avatar is one we found near Shipley Park) but I think highly unlikely - quite different in flight jizz, dont soar around and are very inactive during day light.
Good luck! Dan
thanks again dan, as long as im well enough,(been ill with a migraine fo last 4 days) going to have a scout around the disused railway in the morning after dropping my daughter off at nursery,
On the subject of buzzards, it reminded me of some pics a took of one, which i thought looked a little odd at the time, and appears to look quite pale underneath, i had forgot about these pics and i just thought i will look again, totally rubbish :-O
On the subject of buzzards, it reminded me of some pics a took of one, which i thought looked a little odd at the time, and appears to look quite pale underneath, i had forgot about these pics and i just thought i will look again, totally rubbish :-O
