Cromford and Carsington Water 11th February 2023

Canada Goose (J Wharton)

Cromford and Carsington Water

11^th February 2023

Weather: Mild.

Members and friends: 38 Driver: Glenn

A great turn-out of thirty-eight members and friends took the relatively short trip into Derbyshire for our February field trip. On the coach journey Buzzard were seen in a variety of places as we travelled into the Peak District. After we had passed through Buxton a number of the party had brief views of Dipper on the stream adjacent to the A6. Further Dipper sightings were had around the Bakewell area, Mute Swan and Pheasant were also added to the day’s list.

Dipper ( S Fuentes)

Arriving at Cromford most of the party headed to the fields by the carpark to secure a wide view of the surrounding area. Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Jackdaw and Goldfinch were quickly picked up. A pair of Buzzard circled over a distant wood and a party of Cormorant flew over. Our first target bird of the day was relatively easily picked up, with up to five Hawfinch showing in the tree line above Willersley Castle. Views were distant but the light was good so scoped views were satisfactory. A steep climb up the adjacent Scarthin Rock gave clearer views with the Hawfinch showing at eye level, rather than silhouetted against the sky.

Redwing (J Wharton)

A short walk along the River Derwent added Grey Wagtail, Siskin and Goldcrest to our list. Dipper were also noted here and a fortunate few had views of a Kingfisher. A pair of Peregrine passed overhead and a hunting Sparrowhawk caused havoc with the local Jackdaw and Woodpigeon populations. Other birds noted in the area included Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Moorhen and Coal Tit, as well as the commoner tit species.

Dunnock (S Fuentes)

The party returned to the coach and we moved on to Carsington Water. The first stop was at the Paul Stanley Hide where the group sat down to view over Brown Ale Bay. Duck were present with Mallard, Teal, Gadwall and Goldeneye showing well. The adjacent feeding station was visited by our second target bird of the day, Willow Tit, as well as the commoner tit species. Close views were had of the birds and the diagnostic features of the Willow Tit were discussing amongst the watching group.

Mallard (J Wharton)

Sheepwash Bird Hide was closed for maintenance so the group walked on taking the footpath adjacent to the reservoir. We noted Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Canada and Grey Lag Geese. The third target species of the day was then added as we identified the distinctive shape of a Great Northern Diver sleeping in the middle of the lake. It did awake and we were rewarded with a few wing stretches and a bit of diving. The bird over-winters here so we had a few more sightings through the day.

Lapwing (S Fuentes)

At the main feeding station the plentiful supply of seed had attracted a variety of birds and we had good views of Chaffinch, Dunnock, Coal, Great, Blue and Willow Tits. A few of our party had Tree Sparrow at the bird hide by Horseshoe Island. A Sparrowhawk was also noted at this location.

Nuthatch (J Wharton)

On the shoreline of the reservoir we found Oystercatcher, Lapwing, the occasional Redshank and a few Pied Wagtail. Further out on the water we recorded Little Grebe. Grey Wagtail and Meadow Pipit were seen at the dam end of the reservoir and the only Grey Heron of the day was spotted in a small pool down the valley.

Tree Sparrow (S Fuentes)

Around Stones Island we added views of distant Red Kite and later in the day a few of our party were lucky to witness an interaction between a kite and a juvenile Peregrine on a kill. Both birds rising into the air, with the Peregrine striking at the Red Kite. Dramatic action indeed.

75 species and pleasant weather had made for an enjoyable day out in Derbyshire.