Cavorting Corvids!!

Friday 31^st March and that’s the first quarter of the year over. I’m pleased to be on 152, because that’s the highest I’ve ever reached in the first quarter of the year, in fact 10 higher than any previous year. 

All bodes well for the 2017 objective.

Sunday 2^nd April was my BWB day, and 25 people enjoyed a lovely morning, sunny and bright but with a bit of a chill until 11’ish. 

8 of the group were new to the walk, and within the first 20 minutes they were en-raptored!! Starting with a Buzzard this was soon followed by a Sparrowhawk, and then brilliant views of a Peregrine Falcon flying North. Admittedly it was not doing its potential 200mph, but it was at one hell of a lick!  Not surprising that it was the bird of the morning walk.

Whilst Carsington was not yet heavy with migrants, there were good views of singing Chiffchaffs, and fortunately a Willow Warbler. A few people saw a Blackcap, but it quickly buried itself in the bushes. More will follow as the months pass.

Tuesday 4^th April together with Gill and Chris I went to the Upper Derwent Valley, up to Kings Corner and on to Slippery Stones. Goshawk and/or Grouse were the targets, but low cloud meant that nothing was seen above us, nor where the skylines visible, so we returned empty handed.

We drove to Tittesworth (via Buxton and ticking off a couple of Muscovy Ducks), and checked out one of the 2 hides. Goosander, Willow Tit, Oystercatcher were seen, so all in all a quiet day. That’s birding for you.

Sunday 9^th April

Another nice fine and warm day, and Carsington was pulling in the crowds big time. For all the parking spaces and the overflow field, on a nice weekend, the place fills very quickly, and children were enjoying the Treasure Hunt. (No Cadbury Easter Eggs here!)

16 people turned up for the bonus Birdwatching for Beginners walk in the hope of seeing an Osprey. Statistics show April is the best month to see them at Carsington, and one had been seen two days ago on Friday, on its way through, but the only raptor today was a distant Buzzard.

We had the same 3 warblers as on the 2^nd, with this time a few more Willow Warblers on Stones Island, both very vocal and visible. Only Keith spotted the Swallow racing through, but I did spot a Swallow at a traditional farm location on the way home at Weston Underwood.

Some of the group latched on to a Little Ringed Plover jizzing about near the Sailing Club, but BOD went to the 2 Ravens on water Sports Island, clearly seen through 3 telescopes, setting about increasing the Carsington Raven population!!!

We did manage 39 species, but by 11.00am there were more people on the water edge than birds. A good Number of Barnacle Geese safely way in the fields was a good ending to the walk.

A couple of dates for your diaries – well 3 actually!   

Next Sunday (Easter Sunday,) the 90 minute BWB walk at Markeaton Park in Derby takes place at 10.00am. NOTE – NO walk in May

***And the next BWB at Carsington is Sunday 7^th May, which should be a good Warbler day, even if the foliage is getting denser.

            ***And the Annual evening search for Yellow Wagtails (at Carsington) is 6pm on Tuesday 25^th April. We will have some of the Carsington Bird Club experts with us, and they don’t miss much!!

   

*** Ensure you book for these events.

Happy Osprey finding…..KEEP LOOKING UP!