On Sunday 6th March, I spent a pleasurable hour at my nearby National Trust Country Park at Calke Abbey, Ticknall. During the winter there has been plenty of activity at one of the bird feeding stations in the park. Having recently returned from a hectic business trip to Hong Kong, I can’t think of a better way to idle away an hour or so with Brambling, Common Redpoll, Siskin, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Long Tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Tree Creeper. Until of course the inevitable Sparrowhawk attack. Brambling is an uncommon winter visitor to South Derbyshire, so this winter it has been a privilege to be able to spend quality time with this attractive finch. The majority of the adult males are still in their winter plumage but if they hang around for a few more weeks, there’s a good chance some will have moulted into full summer garb.
Brambling – A selection of moulting males – above 7 images – Calke Park, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©
Brambling – female – Calke Park, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©
Great Spotted Woodpecker – male – Calke Park, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©
Siskin – male – Calke Park, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©
Long-tailed Tit – Above 4 images – Calke Park, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©
Nuthatch – male – Above 2 images – Calke Park, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©
Tree Creeper – Above 3 images – Calke Park, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©
Goldfinch – Above 3 images – Calke Park, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©
Blue Tit – Above 2 images – Calke Park, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©
Greenfinch – male – Calke Park, Derbyshire – Tony Davison©
Nice set Tony.