No 25 Update

 As no one has read the first 2 posts that I have put on my blog in 2024, I will have to consider whether it is worth writing. The first one included the January walk bird sightings at Markeaton park. The second was a list of the first 6 proposed birding venues for 2024.

This is just a reminder that the next walk is a week tomorrow, Friday 2nd February 2024, to Attenborough Gravel Pits, meeting at 10.00am, near the ticket machine, finishing at 12.30.

NOTE    After my now resolved but unsatisfactory issue with my double charge for parking, I was informed that the parking payment procedure has slightly changed.    I visited the site yesterday and now see that the first 30 minutes is free. Also the sign states "You do not need to pay for parking on entry" , which means that you pay when you leave.   In that way you will only pay once.

I became aware of the slightly changed procedure, by a friend who paid on entry, and then paid again when he left.   Why he went to the machine twice, I've no idea!!!! He won't do that again.

So to reiterate, to park at Attenborough Gravel Pits, the maximum charge for one day is £3. HOWEVER I remain unsure whether leaving the car park, say to go to MacDonalds, and coming back for the afternoon, will be electronicly recorded as one or two visits.   Just be careful.

See you on the 2nd.

David

No 24 Allestree Bird Club Walks >>>>> 30th June 2024

 

Allestree Bird Club   Part of Allestree Library.

Proposed Birding Site Visits 2024

Always check Bird Club Blog   =  Allesbirdtree.blogspot.com

First Friday of each month. 9.30 > 12.30

 

January         5          Markeaton Park                  10.00am.  launch meeting – Library

February       2          Attenborough GP               10.00am. Attenborough car park

March            1          Carsington Water               10.00am  Visitor Centre

April               5          Willington Gravel Pits        10.00am  Gravel Pits car park

May                3          Wyver Lane Belper             10.00am  Half way down lane

May                24       MATLOCK MOOR  (New)    7.00 pm  local Car park.  3 hour evening walk

Most departure times geared to leaving Allestree at c9.30am.

Car sharing wherever possible… well recommended!! Mileage 15p per mile shared by car passengers! New participants very welcome!

Dates or sites could vary depending on circumstances. Keep up to date with changes at          Allesbirdtree.blogspot.com

Contact >>>      David Bennett     01332 557942   or  Library                    01332 559761

No 23. Squirrel mania at Markeaton!!!

With water levels frighteningly high in parts of Derbyshire, it was fortunate that the first walk for 2024 was to Markeaton Park.  Yes it was wet underfoot but the four birders on the walk had a non-muddy morning.  

We met at the library to distribute the timetable and plans for the forthcoming year and after a welcoming hot drink, set off for a couple of hours in the park.  Not a mind blowing number of species but better than the last visit to the site (19), and 23 ticks included one or two goodies and, for our troubles, we added a lifer to our all-time list.

Loitering in the woods behind the Mundy centre added a pair of Goldcrests and a single Tree Creeper, but it was on the return journey that the Mistle Thrush was identified by Mike, taking our life list to 85.

David put some mixed seed on the empty feeder table near the dog cemetery, with almost instant results. Coal Tits arrived quickly and in due course a goodly number of delicate Stock Doves joined in with 4 clamouring together on the table.   

But the hi-lite was not Avian....... it was the Grey Squirrels that had heard the news about the seed availability ! Despite our best efforts to shoo off the first Squirrel to arrive, when it got to 7 relatives we gave up and just stood and watched the feasting.

The only other notable birds were a Little Egret on the main lake, and Nuthatches on the bridge by the duck pond.

  Next walk is on Friday 2nd February, at Attenborough Notts Gravel Pits. Up to three people are welcome to share my car, leaving at 9.30, or meet at Attenborough car park at 10.00am.  The walk will last from 10.00am to 12.30, but birders can stay as long as they wish.

Happy Birding.        David