I regret that some of the 2024 bird walks have been cancelled due to health reasons, but yesterday, 4th October, the three surviving and fit members!!!, had a very pleasant couple of hours at Allestree Park. Because of the loitering, watching, hoping and in one case actively using Merlin, a bird identification app on his phone, we did little more than circle the lake.
But it was worth while. The weather was sunny and calm, and we identified 25 species. A small number identified by Merlin have not been included as we are a bird watching group, not a hearing group.
Many years ago on a walk round Drakelow nature reserve my partner hear the call of a Grasshopper warbler, but as it was not seen we had to take his word for it!!!
Yesterday, BOD was contentious. We had to choose between Jay (flew passed twice) Great Spotted Woodpecker, Tree Creeper (2 together on Jack's Island,) elusive male Mandarin but finally spotted sitting on a branch. Jack's island turned out to be very productive, with the sun in the right direction.
So an enjoyable morning. Next walk is to Willington Gravel Pits (no flooding expected!!) meeting at the site at 9.30. The site access area has been increased so it will be a case of deciding our route when we get there.
Transport can be shared if fellow birders liaise with ne.
Happy Birding
