10. Cancellation

 The trip to Wyver Lane, Belper on Friday March 3rd will not be lead by David due to a hospital commitment. 

You can contact him on 07721325345 or the library on 01332 559761 for information about future walks. 

Or keep tabs on this blog!!

No 9. Allestree Library Bird Club

 Three weeks from today, Friday 3rd March, will be our next outdoor walk and I have found another venue were there are no parking charges!!

Wyver Lane nature reserve may not be known to many people, but birders know it as the birding jewel in the crown for Belper. It is a long narrow winding road, running north and on the west side of the Derwent.

So we have the two alternative ways of getting to the site.

We can meet at 10.00am (prompt) to drive to the site, which should not take more than 15 minutes, and I can take 5 people in my car (including me!!).  We would leave to come back after 2 hours at 12.15.

This should mean that from parking at Park Farm, to getting back to the car, would be well within the free 3 hours parking (9.45 > 12.45.) To avoid parking charges, arrive as close as possible to 10.00am!!

OR

Meet at 10.15 at Wyver Lane. The route is up the A6 to Belper, turn left at Strutts Mill, the turn to Ashbourne (A517).  After 100 yards turn right at the sharp left bend, and right again into Wyver Lane. Initially the narrow lane passes cottages on the left and then progresses for about 1 mile in a tree lined lane. When the lane opens out, there is an interpretation board on the right, and a field gate on the left. Park where possible but sensibly.     I understand that it is now possible to drive further down the lane allegedly to a small car park, which I will try and research before the day. 

You may be aware of all the publicity about closing Derby libraries. Allestree is involved in the saga and as a volunteer I watch developments without any more information than is in the press. The future of the bird club may depend on the outcome for the library.

David

  

No 8 Willington never let's us down!!

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.