12 members enjoyed glorious, still weather for this trip out on to the moors. Our first stop came after less than a 100 m, which, while made a bit unpleasant with the proximity of the noisy A57, gave a good view over the nearby Derwent moorland allowing us sightings of Curlew, Lapwing and for most of us, the first Willow Warbler of the year. Moving up into the woodland, we were extremely surprised to be able to watch a Song Thrush foraging on the ground only a few metres away from the ’crowd’.
Foraging Song Thrush
At the final patch of trees, we got excellent views of 3 or more Goldcrest as well as a single Siskin. Then all was silent except for the huffing and puffing as members made the short sharp ascent to the upper moor. While taking a breather, a very accommodating Wheatear
Male Wheatear posing for the crowd
posed on a rock for minutes on end allowing those with cameras to get their photos. There was also a possible siting of a Redstart – just a brief glimpse of a rusty under-tail but then it disappeared. Also of note was a pair of perched Ravens and a solitary Stonechat.
At this point, the group seemed to split into 3, half the group started the plod up to Stanage Edge, while the other half stayed put, chatting, leaving just Jane Smith paying attention and spotting a pair of Ring Ouzels in the clough. That brought everyone back together. While they were distant, it was easy to see the difference between the sexes with the more subdued colours of the female quite apparent.
The group below Stanage Edge with Win Hill and Kinder Scout on the horizon
Finally, up on the edge, we parked ourselves for a birding lunch and were entertained throughout with closer views of both male and female Ouzels, Wheatears, Meadow Pipits, Red Grouse and Skylark songsters.
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- Male Ring Ouzel showing leg ring
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- Male Ring Ouzel showing several leg rings
Male Red Grouse
An excellent day although with the only raptor sited – a distant Buzzard. This year, no Kestrel, Red Kite or Peregrine as has been the norm in the past. Maybe the lack of wind meant that flying was a waste of energy?
photos thanks to J Hankinson, J Heap and M Kaye