The old oak woodlands of the Derbyshire Peak District hold a variety of special birds that are summer visitors to Britain. Sadly, they are becoming increasingly scarce, so these habitats are of vital importance. The Pied Flycatcher and Common Redstart are two migrants that arrive in late April, followed by Tree Pipit, Wood Warbler and […]
Since returning from Mull, birding the local patch at Staunton Harold Reservoir has been hard work. The 22nd April produced the first returning Common Tern, House Martin, and Common Whitethroat. On the 24th April there was a good fall of hirundines, the most I’ve seen this spring, with c20 Sand Martin, c 30 Swallow and
16th – 21st April – During the week we covered most of the island in search of Eagles, Harriers, Owls and Otters. Both Eagles were seen well, as was Otter and Hen Harrier. Plenty of good views of several “Grey Male’ Hen Harriers but alas heat haze beat us, and birds remained distant, having been
During the back end of March a few early spring migrants arrived on my local patch, with a sprinkling of Sand Martins and Chiffchaffs. Chiffchaffs were well established by early April, with 7 birds singing on territories at Staunton Harold Reservoir from 1st April . A Great White Egret was a good patch year tick
My wife and I have recently returned from a second visit to Fuertaventura, one of the Canary Islands. We first visited the island last year (2022), and I had a very successful day, bird-watching around the Tindaya Plain and various other locations. Managing to see virtually all of the local speciality species, with the exception
Just goes to show if you keep watching your local patch, birds will turn up. This morning I wasn’t expecting to find a smart drake Common Scoter at Staunton Harold Reservoir. Another nice find though, along with a flyover Curlew, calling as it headed northwards. I also noted a few ducks had arrived, so maybe
Today, 1st March, I took part in my first Harvest Mouse Nest Survey, organised by the local National Trust Team from Calke Park. The survey is part of a national project that takes place during February & March, which are the best months to look for last years summer nests. The nests are very tiny,
Another trip to Attenborough this morning paid off. I managed to get a few shots of the Pallas’s Warbler which I’m fairly happy with. The bird spent all morning in the hedgerow at the west side of the sailing pit, and by the railway line. It was very difficult trying to pick it up amongst
