Fourteen members met beside Budby Common and unlike the previous trip to the Upper Derwent Valley, didn’t suffer from high winds or interminable up hill sections. Indeed, the entire trip could be described as more or less flat. All in all 55 species were identified although we did miss out on the target species of Woodlark and Goshawk. Shortly after setting off, we heard the first Willow Warbler of the year but couldn’t find it. This set the pattern for the first 10-15 minutes when birds could be heard but not seen but it made good practice for honing rusty ID skills on bird song. Interesting birds that were seen early in the trip included a Grey Partridge, Fieldfare,

Linnet

Linnets and a Yellow Hammer. We then headed for the trees at the edge of Sherwood Forest where a flock of Siskin and another of Lesser Redpoll kept the party entertained for some time. From there we headed into the forest in what proved to be a vain quest for a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker but as some compensation, we were able to watch a female Nuthatch fashioning the entrance to her nest hole

Nuthatch at the nest site

while the male scolded us from a nearby branch.  On the way back, the Siskins and Redpoll drew even more attention and in addition, it was

Mrs Marshall was just tired and not suffering from an infectious disease

thought that a Crossbill could be heard calling but unfortunately with no visual confirmation. Returning to the cars, the majority of the party then headed for Welbeck Raptor Watch Point where one member had a brief possible sighting of a Goshawk but then, other than Buzzards, the main entertainment was from the water birds on or near the lake.

Thanks to Steve Walker for the bird photos and Bill Padley for the group.

Nine members had a very energetic birding trip in the Upper Derwent Valley in fine but windy weather. Initially all seemed calm as we spent time by the Derwent Dam Wall waiting for folk to arrive while viewing across the reservoir. Here, a Kestrel showed particularly well as did a pair of Grey Wagtails. When all were assembled, we drove to the road end at the King’s Tree from where we continued on foot to the base of the climb up to our planned high point. As we ascended, the wind increased dramatically and in a misguided judgement, it was decided to go to the top where it was planned to shelter beside the small crags. Upon arrival we found that the only sheltered spot was in a tiny hollow into which everyone crowded. Sadly, this far, very little bird life had been encountered so we retreated to the valley floor where we caught sight of a lovely pair of Stonechats and the dawdlers in the party fleetingly saw a Red Grouse. In the woodland our luck improved with sighting of several small flocks of Siskins and a single Lesser Redpoll. Just before reaching the cars, we caught a brief glimpse of a raptor circling above the woods but what was it – female Sparrowhawk of a male Goshawk.  Too late it was gone. After lunch, 4 sane members of the expedition departed while the remaining 5 went for a second walk on to the moor above the nearby River Westend. The ascent was described by one individual as vomit inducing. But hey, we did get to see a pair of Peregrines carrying out their courting display.
All in all we clocked 24 species plus the unknown raptor and everyone got a lot of exercise in fabulous scenery. Disappointing not to see more, especially Goshawk but that’s birding.

In spite of the rather dodgy weather forecast, this was a well attended trip with 12 members arriving at the allotted hour.  Half the party then retired to the visitors’ centre for hot drinks and a guided tour by the warden of the birds that could be seen through the windows. The more independent half of the group walked a few metres down the track and did the same thing but without the hot drink and free ID help. Both groups however, did spot a Little Stint, Ruff, 100s of Dunlin and Ringed Plovers and the 5000+ Black-tailed

One of the 5000

Godwits that had retreated from the Wash in the face of an extremely high tide.
Reunited, we all made our way down towards the sea wall anxious to get a view of the Long-billed Dowitcher (North American vagrant). On the way we got excellent views of 4 elegant Spotted Redshank. This delayed us somewhat so that when we arrived at the spot from where the Dowitcher could be seen, it unobligingly went and hid in the rushes.
In a state of considerable disappointment, the team then trekked along the sea wall where we were rewarded by a ‘hoard’ of Yellow Wagtails. On to the East Hide where lunch was taken and then to the Reed Bed Hide where a Water Rail was Spotted and then to the 360 Degree Hide. Two of the group, driven by the call of nature, had in the meantime, retreated to the visitors’ centre. On their return, they diverted to the Dowitcher view spot and were able to phone through to the rest of us that it was showing well. Immediately scopes were shouldered and it was amazing to see how fast folks could walk with the possibility of seeing a ‘Lifer’. All the effort was then rewarded with excellent fairly close views.

Long-billed Dowitcher with Common Snipe

As we were returning to the Visitors Centre, a female Marsh Harrier put in an appearance. It drifted lazily across the reserve causing consternation where ever it went. In all 53 species were identified, the stars of the show other than the Dowitcher being the Spotted Redshanks, Little Stints, Curlew Sandpipers, Green Sandpipers, a Hobby and a Black-necked Grebe. As we drove away, we were well entertained by a female Sparrowhawk which flew along in front of us  for several hundred yards rarely more than a metre above the ground.