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.

Nine members were well rewarded on the annual trip to Blacktoft with good weather and excellent birding. Immediately sightings of Bearded Tits were had from the visitors centre before we’d even had a chance to get properly started.  Juveniles or females were then seen from a number of the hides throughout the day.  Excitement rose when two Barn Owl chicks were spotted in the owl box. A closer inspection however, revealed them to be juvenile Kestrels.  Of the 43 species of bird identified, the stars (other than the Bearded Tits) were undoubtedly the Green Sandpipers, Ruff in a variety of plumages, Spotted Redshank still with considerable remnants of their summer plumage, a juvenile Water Rail spotted skulking in the reeds by Mr Conroy, three Greenshank and finally a flock of 6 Spoonbills which definitely didn’t skulk. The Marsh Harriers put on a grand display with both male and female birds flying by at closish quarters. A thoroughly excellent trip – Blacktoft never seems to let us down at this time of year.

Spotted Redshank

Bearded Tit – terrible photo included to prove that we saw at least one

Spoonbills