Trip reports
Fieldtrip - the Derwent Gorge
Pied Flycatcher - photograph by Harold Dobson
Saturday, 9 May 2009
By now Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Grey Heron and Willow Warbler had all been seen or heard. Whilst studying the river for birds a Cuckoo was faintly heard north of the valley. Obligingly, a Dipper duly appeared and perched on a rather distant rock though I think everyone eventually saw it well.
We then plunged into the woodland along an undulating path. Rabbits and two Roe Deer were seen at this point. Here the highlights were a Sparrowhawk, Grey Wagtail, Mistle and Song Thrushes. Later, when in more open farmland, two Hares were well seen crossing fields. Here too were Lapwings, Curlew, Starlings and Goldfinches. A Kestrel made a brief appearance above us.
After having crossed the open farmland the walk again entered deciduous woodland on the south side of the river. Walking here required some concentration as the path was narrow and indistinct. During our lunch stop - in a sunny glade - our target bird was spotted:- the Pied Flycatcher. A male in full breeding plumage was seen perching in a leafy tree and a female was seen by some of the group entering and leaving a small hole in an adjacent tree - presumably a nest site.
The rest of the walk consisted of retracing our outward footsteps and seeing most of the above mentioned species again. Highlights on the return walk included a single female Redstart, Long-tailed Tits and a Garden Warbler.
There were relatively few butterflies about probably due to the intermittent rainfall but a Speckled Wood was identified. Both White-tailed and Buff-tailed Bumble Bees were also seen.
One objective of this expedition was to see the wild flowers. There were plenty of these. Violets in varying forms were ubiquitous in the woodland and grassy banks.
Primroses, Wood Sorrel, Celandine and Wild Garlic were present in profusion. The Bluebells were in bud as were the Lily of the Valley.
The weather was not unkind through the walk though warm sun alternated with drizzly showers and cool winds to make us glad of fleeces. We returned around 2 pm and after making our goodbyes wended our ways home.
A most enjoyable outing with good birds, flowers and company.
Richard Lee
BIRD LIST
Pied wagtail
Grey wagtail
Blackbird
Mistle thrush
Song thrush
Chaffinch
Grey heron
Willow warbler
Cuckoo
Dipper
Robin
Chiffchaff
Sparrowhawk
Swallow
Pheasant
Crow
Blue tit
Great tit
Coal tit
Woodpigeon
Black-headed gull
Starling
Lapwing
Goldfinch
Curlew
Kestrel
Pied flycatcher
Long-tailed tits
Mallard
Redstart
House martin
Magpie
Garden warbler
BUTTERFLIES
Speckled wood
MAMMALS
Rabbits
Roe deer
Hares