Print pageStar species
Our star species are some of the most interesting birds you may see on your visit to the reserve.
Look along the rocky stream for dippers' weird and wonderful behaviour. As their name suggests, they plunge underwater looking for insect food and fish fry before bobbing to the surface like a cork. |  |
On sunny days from late winter onwards, listen for the drumming of male great spotted woodpeckers as they proclaim their territory and try to attract a mate. |  |
It is easy to see how this bird gets its name on a spring walk around the woodland at Coombes and Churnet Valleys. Stop and wait for them to dash out from prominent perches in the trees to snap up flies in their beaks. |  |
Redstarts are typical birds of these upland woodlands. Watch out for them in spring and summer shivering their reddish tails. |  |
The display flight of the male woodcock is known as 'roding'. You can see and hear this easily at dusk on warm spring nights - watch for the shape of this chunky wading bird as it flies over woodland clearings and listen for their strange 'oinking' sound! |  |