The first day of December and three stalwart birders arrived at 9.45am at Willington Gravel Pits.
Believing that the floods had all run off, the wearers of a mixture of three different footwears set off only to find a VERY icy and flooded pathway. There was evidence of much flooding, all frozen, but a number of vehicles had broken the ice and the pathway was truly hazardous with cracked ice and mud all the way through to the hides.
In view of the above navigation problems and with just 6 species recorded, the walk was aborted and vehicles moved to Egginton church to look for the reported 10+ Cattle Egrets in a nearby field.
Sadly the only Egret in the field was a Great White Egret, a species that the club seems to find regularly!! The trees adjacent to the church had a good number of woodland species taking the walk total to 16, including Jay and heard Buzzards.
Not surprisingly the Great White Egret was voted BOD. Mike also ticked 4 redwings as we headed home.
As a heads-up, this is my thinking for 2024. I have asked all the birders who have been out with me in 2023, and taking into account their opinions, this is the planned timetable for 2024.
We will continue to go out on the first Friday of each month, and we will plan to be at the scheduled bird site for 10.00am. I will leave my home in Allestree at 9.30, and can take up to three people.The intention will be to get back to Allestree by 1.00pm.
Dates and Locations
January 5. For the start of the year, Meet at Library 10.00 for a briefing session. 10.30 adjourn to Markeaton Park
February 2. Meet at Attenborough Gravel Pits 10.00
March 1. Meet at Carsington Water. 10.00
April 5. Meet at Willington Gravel Pits 10.00
May 3 Meet at Wyver Lane Belper 10.00
May 24. Something different. First of all it is not a Friday as I will be abroad. We are going to Matlock Moor to try and see Nightjar, Woodcock, Cuckoo, Owls etc. These birds are best seen at dusk. We will meet at Matlock Moor at c7.00pm, and expect to be away by 10.00pm...a good experience for people new to birding....... and regulars !!!
That's the first 6 months. The second 6 months are expected to include an annual costal trip, this time to RSPB Frampton Marsh for a full day. Great bird site - well worth going on this escorted walk with expert guiders.
So, (I don't like starting with so!!!) I hope we will meet on January 5th, and our library publicity lady is hoping to get some further birders to join our group. Meanwhile, a very happy Xmas to you, keep feeding the hungry birders!! and I'll see you in 2024.
David
