A hectic business schedule meant I had very little “Birding Time” this weekend. So made the most of the time I had by spending a few hours around Melbourne Pool, one of my local patches. Good for photographic opportunities of common birds and also nice to see at least 6 pairs of Herons on […]
The weather this morning was a complete contrast to last weekend. Upon arrival at Carsington Water this morning, we were met with a freezing cold mixture of snow & heavy rain. The front lasted for well over an hour, then grey but very calm conditions and Carsington turned into a “Mill Pond”. The
At the crack of dawn this morning, we were watching and listening to a male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, drumming away and really knocking hell out of some dead ash trees. It was a superb morning, clear blue skies and bright spring sunshine. The celandines and primroses were out and bluebells are well on their
Red & Green Flashes before my eyes. Spent the morning in the north of my county, calling in for Hawfinch at Cromford and eventually saw 3 – 4 birds very well. You simply can’t get enough of these stunning finches. Several Dipper were nest building along the river. Up onto the moors and several Goshawk
A mixture of poor weather and domestic duties lead to a pretty much “birdless” weekend. I did manage the gull roost at nearby Foremark Reservoir on Saturday afternoon. Two superb adult summer Mediterranean Gulls were in the roost. Obviously a pair, as they continued to call to each other to ensure close contact
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
A first winter male American Common Yellowthroat was discovered last week in fields at an unpronounceable Welsh Village in Gwent called Riwhderyn (I believe pronounced something like Ruth Derran ). Nevertheless a very nice and friendly village and a totally unexpected place to find a “Yankie Passerine” in February. The bird had obviously managed
I discovered that Martin Garner was running one of his successful Gull Master Classes at Stubbers Green, near Walsall, West Midlands on 18th February, so I decided to register and join in the fun!! I was not to be disappointed. (Further information at http://birdingfrontiers.com). Martin has a unique way of passing
