ABC Allestree Bird Club.
With the January walk cancelled due to my enjoying the catering at the Derby Royal Hospital!!!, it was February 3 before we got back to birding and for our first walk in 2023.
Once again unfortunately only one person decided to join me, so Mike and I had two cold hours at Willington Gravel Pits, but once again digging out some lovely and rare beauties. When we visited last November we did very well with 32 species of which 15 were new to the bird club all time list. This time, between the two of us we listed 34 species, the best ever count for a morning walk, and added ten new tickable species to our all-time list.
An excellent bird within 5 minutes was a brief view of a Tree Creeper. Soon after, being such a big bird, the Great White Egret only had to lift it's head for a brief look round the reed bed and it's bright yellow beak made it instantly unmistakable.
Another big bird was one Great Black Backed Gull, whereas both male and female Goldeneyes were much in evidence. Other nice additions included Water Rail (at least 3), and male and female Reed Buntings on the feeding station.
The next trip should be Friday 3rd March but in view of the low number of participants this is up for discussion. For Mike and I todays record number was very rewarding - in just 5 short walks the club has recorded 50 different species.
I look forward to any feedback for the future.
