Wednesday June 11th
A group of 10 met at Annesley with another two who decided that the company was better in the Chesterfield RSPB group coming later.
A very warm and still day meant progress was gentle. Birdsong in the trees was noticeably absent at the start of the walk but at the second pond we picked up a Little Ringed Plover, Grey Wagtail and Egyptian Goose with a group of Canada Geese. A Willow Warbler and Blackcap could be heard buried in the nearby trees but little else. At the top pond, the Black-Necked Grebe didn’t disappoint with probably 4 birds noted, the best view coming from a close in bird near the top shore. Oystercatchers with chicks kept them relatively quiet appreciated by a couple of dozen roosting Lapwings. A Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting were picked up by the screen. A Little Egret, several Greylag Geese with Goslings, Moorhen, Coot and Lesser Black-Backed Gull chilled out around the lake.
Down the hill we managed to pick up a couple of Common Whitethroat and Long Tails and Blue tits. A single Jay
Again, we dropped down to the meadow under the pylons. A Whitethroat was noted and a Garden Warbler didn’t show itself. Rather than retrace our steps,we walked along the meadow bottom. Plenty of wildflowers to distract from the lack of birds although a silent Green Woodpecker flew across and a couple of Common Buzzards soared high above us. The last leg was through trees by the railway line and the shade was very much appreciated by all. Blackcap and a Garden Warbler the birds noted with the group’s attention diverted to butterflies (what few there were).
We got back to the car park just before the RSPB group. Unsurprisingly, sightings between the groups matched.
A nice gentle day.
Steve