Trip reports

Dawn chorus walk at Padley Gorge

Sunday, 18 May 2008

Another great walk around this popular site started with a singing Garden Warbler in the car park, a new species. This was quickly followed by the commoner summer visitors such as Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and then the lovely call of the Cuckoo. As the group progressed towards the moors so the birds changed and we were soon watching Stonechat, Wheatear, but unfortunately this year, no Ring Ouzel. Descending back down to the Gorge we caught up with Whinchat, Dipper, Grey Wagtail and displaying Meadow and Tree Pipit. On arrival at the woodlands we soon got great views of singing Redstart, male and female Pied Flycatcher and ,for the first time in a few years, 2 singing Wood Warbler. After a superb breakfast at the café in Grindleford we started the walk back up the gorge onto the National Trust's Longshaw Estate where we were again treated to the sight and sound of more Cuckoos and Green Woodpecker. A great trip with 43 species seen.