This winter there has been a small invasion of Parrot Crossbills into the UK and at least 12 birds have arrived in Derwent Dale, Derbyshire. Larger and much bulkier with a heavier bill and a metallic “chup chup” call helps to tell them apart from the more usual Common Crossbill. There was a flock of […]
During late autumn, early winter this year (2017), there has been an unprecedented arrival of Hawfinch into Britain, with most arriving from Eastern Europe. Birds are well spread throughout the UK and as far as Derbyshire is concerned, the Hawfinch is classified as a scarce resident. So it was inevitable that sooner or later, birds
The past few days have seen some heavy snow, resulting in 5 -10cms across Derbyshire, the worst snow conditions for a number of years. On the 8th December I made a trip up to Derwent Dale, as there had been a flock of Parrot Crossbill regularly visiting an area of open woodland near “Windy Corner”.
Spent a few hours recent at one of South Derbyshire’s prime spots – Willington Gravel Pits and also at Melbourne Pool. A few good photo opportunities presented themselves. Kingfisher – above 3 images – Willington GP, Derbyshire – Tony Davison© – This is a male as there is no orange to the base of the
A round-up of the last weekend’s Birding Trips. I have visited several sites over the past few days, including Rutland Water, Bridlington, Covenham and Cropwell Bishop in Nottinghamshire, as there have been a few good birds around including Red-necked Phalarope, American Wigeon, Red-necked Grebe and Great Grey Shrike. The mild weather has also seen many insects
A juvenile moulting Red-necked Phalarope has been present at Covenham Reservoir, in Lincolnshire, for nearly two weeks. This is an uncommon event for a Red-necked Phalarope to be present at an inland water in late November. I decided to visit Covenham today ( 17th November) to see it and it showed very well feeding along
I paid another visit to the superb woodlands at Calke Park, South Derbyshire. The Red Deer are now in Rut and there was one very obliging Stag posing well during the morning. Bird wise not a great deal at Staunton Harold Reservoir of note, but in Calke Park, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch,
“Red-breasted Snipe” is an old name for the North American Dowitcher, split into two species, the Long-billed Dowitcher and the Short-billed Dowitcher. The Long-billed Dowitcher is a more regular visitor to Britain and one of these smart waders has been frequenting the tidal creek and small coastal pool at Saltfleet Haven in Lincolnshire. I managed
