Derbyshire is blessed with some terrific birds. We may not have the coastal areas, mudflats and sea cliffs, but we make up for that with wild rugged moorland, peak dales and river valleys. These habitats harbour some excellent birding opportunities. With patience, local knowledge and a little bit of luck, Derbyshire’s specialists will eventually give themselves up. What a treat…. The weather looked perfect for a morning’s “Gos” watching but before that, Hawfinches had been showing well during the week at a traditional site. The “Crack of Sparrows” is the best time to see them, before the […]
The morning started at Willington Gravel Pits to catch-up on the Black-throated Diver that was discovered by RMRJ on 1st February. This was the first in the county since 2005. Little else here other than 3 Goldeneye, “Redhead” Goosander & a singing Willow Tit. We then decided to head-off for Cannock Chase and hopefully a Great Grey Shrike. It wasn’t long before we were watching the bird in a little valley out on the chase sheltering from the strong wind blowing across the heathland at the time. Also here a Raven. With Tawny Owl in the week, the year list […]