After a successful twitch of the Waxwing at Higher Poynton. three of us headed for Nottingham along the scenic route. Minimum of 10 Hawfinch around St Helen's churchyard in Darley Dale this morning, in bare trees to the right of the church, with possibly some more at the back left. Then a larger flock (C.40?) birds circled around from behind the trees and houses facing the church. We looked for them along the lane in both directions but failed to relocate them, However, a couple of Sheffield birders we met reported a flock of at least 21. Some of the local congregation seemed very pleased by the fame of 'their' Hawfinches.
2 Hawfinch gave some decent views for me this afternoon in the Yew tree in the Rectory gardens opposite St.Helens Church but generally a bit elusive overall.
Also:
1 Peregrine over - mobbed by a noisy BH Gull
1 Treecreeper
1 Nuthatch
4 Greenfinch
5 Coal Tit
-- Edited by Steven Nelson on Sunday 7th of January 2018 10:16:21 PM
Dave and I had a run down to Darley Dale this morning to try and bag him a new bird. Within 10 mins. of arrival we got onto a small group of 5-6 Hawfinch feeding in the large Yew in the Rectory garden, as indicated by Roger below. They showed beautifully feeding for 20 minutes or so.
With a bright blue sky and a nice backdrop of garden birdsong it was another blissful birding experience. Over the next hour or so we managed a few flight views and poses from a couple of the birds in the bare twigs of one of the other big trees. As the church bells started ringing out and the local parish began to gather we headed off well-satisfied. Hawfinch is the feelgood bird right now!
Really lucky, We picked up on the birds as soon as we arrived, they were perched up at the top of a tall leafless tree for well over 30 mins until a soaring Sparrowhawk seemed to rattle them and they dropped down into the Yews. Odd ones kept returning to the tall tree and were still showing when we left at 10.30 hrs.
All these sightings were in the garden of the rectory which is the building opposite the churchyard gate.
Roger.
-- Edited by Roger Baker 3 on Sunday 31st of December 2017 12:33:56 PM
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Sunday 31st of December 2017 01:47:04 PM
Finally went to see the Dusky Thrush today with Steven H, really good views of the bird in field at end of Pig Lane. Lots of birders there and easy to find, would really recommend a trip if any GM birders(like me and Steven) have not bothered yet. Cheers Ian
-- Edited by Ian Campbell on Wednesday 18th of January 2017 04:28:48 PM
Sunday 8th Jan, 9.45-11.30am with Simon Gough and Chris Chandler.
3 years to the day since my Dad passed so rather than stay in I decided to get out and do what he loved doing.
- Dusky Thrush Showed well albeit distant in field at end of Pig Lane. But the whole flock of Redwings and Fieldfares and the Dusky became very flighty and were constantly put up by what we can only assume were the Corvids. The bird also showed well for a short while in the field behind the activity centre but it was flushed by walkers and flew back to Pig Lane.
Also of note around the old barn... 1 male Bullfinch 1 Treecreeper were 1 Coal Tit
I wasn't going to go back to Beeley, but with a day free and Carys free too we decided to go the 49 miles to add a lifer to her 430+ UK List, seemed rude not to! On arrival at 11.10am the Dusky Thrush was showing well, if a wee bit distant, in its usual field to the right of the top end of Pig Lane. It favoured the grass and bushes where a large elm is flanked on both sides by a few hawthorns. One thing I hadn't seen before was the level of aggression that this bird showed. It never stopped flying at, and chasing, the feeding Redwings around it. The bird showed almost continually for the next 45 minutes after which we headed off to try another local site.
We next drove up to Beeley Moor to check out Beeley Triangle where a Great Grey Shrike had been showing in recent days. However we were greeted by a few disgruntled birders and a fog which meant visibility was too bad to scan the moor for the shrike. At least three Stonechats were seen close to the road however, our first of 2017, so all was not lost!
On the way home the moors between Buxton and Congleton were similarly foggy but a single Red Grouse was spotted from the car, thus adding another 'yeartick' for the journey. The short trip allowed us to be home for lunch and Carys's UK List had increased by one
-- Edited by Doc Brewster on Sunday 8th of January 2017 03:58:03 PM
Took a trip to see the Dusky Thrush at Beeley today. It showed really well in the field off Pig Lane from my arrival at 10.30am until when I left at 11.30am. It occasionally disappeared for a few minutes in it's favoured Hawthorn hedge before feeding for long periods in the field often amongst a flock of Redwings, a Song Thrush and a Blackbird. Lifer!
Managed to negotiate a slight detour following the family walk to take in Beeley and the Dusky Thrush.
1.30 - 2.30pm
After 15 minutes scanning the trees and watching Fieldfares eating the apples at the Dukes Barn orchard, we relocated to Pig Lane and quickly found a large group of birders. The bird proved elusive at first, but was found after 20 minutes on top of a row of Hawthorns. It gave good, but distant views and was still on show when we left 15 minutes later. Very fortunate it stuck around so long and a late Christmas present (lifer)!
Also in the area-
Lots of Redwing with smaller numbers of Fieldfare, Blackbird and Mistle Thrush Goldfinch Greenfinch Bullfinch Great Spotted Woodpecker Kestrel
Dusky Thrush present again at Beeley, Derbyshire. After being reported at 10.20, it did a disappearing act until it was relocated in fields north of Pig Lane around 13.15 hrs. Mobile and distant, it certainly took some finding but there were plenty of eyes. Nice to bump into Ian Lyth again.
Couldn't resist another go for the Dusky Thrush before Xmas shopping with the Gf. I wanted to try for a decent record shot but once again the chance didn't arise as it favoured the top field in murky weather and then a quick stop near the top of a tree with a Great Spotted Woodpecker but I didn't see it again after that. There may be a 3rd time lucky!!!
- 1 Dusky Thrush - lots of Redwing / Fieldfare / Blackbirds - 2 Peregrine circling calling over Dukes Barn - 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker at least - 2 Nuthatch at least - 2 Treecreeper - 1 Siskin - 2 Lesser Redpoll - 1 Bullfinch - 1 Coal Tit Plus usuals
The Dusky Thrush, that seems to have taken up residence in the small village of Beeley in Derbyshire, was still giving decent views in the orchard at Dukes Barn Recreation Centre, so, a trip with 2 of the A Team was organised. The two Steve`s B and K both needed to add this species to their lists, so a 7am start from Norden was sorted with Steve K at the wheel. We followed a much better route than I had followed last Tuesday and traffic was very light. We arrived at the Chatsworth House car park and waited to be transported by bus to the village. Myself and Steve B decided to walk even though the service was free, Steve K enjoyed the bus ride!
Upon arrival in Beeley village news that the bird was still present greeted us but it was not on show at the moment. We had a walk around until we found the right place to watch the orchard and after negotiating the adventure playground we saw around 100 birders squashed together. This was a bit of a shock to us all seeing so many birders. Steve B decided upon having a little more adventure and fell from the boardwalk and into a muddy pit. Some people will do anything to get to the front of a crowd! During our wait for the bird to arrive the ladies of the activity centre were selling bacon & sausage sandwiches to the gathering flock. Nigel and Paz from York joined us just as the Dusky Thrush flew in and gave excellent views as it fed on fallen apples and various other food. What a cracking bird to see fairly close, it was very flighty though and was soon off into the shelter of the trees. The bird repeated this performance before disappearing around midday.
We adjourned to the centre and enjoyed the catering that the ladies had worked to provide us all with, then with not much else to go and see we decided to head home. The two Steve`s both had a lifer and we had been able to sample what real hospitality is from the people of Beeley, excellent.
DUSKY THRUSH (lifer) showed well in the orchard at dukes barn this morning at 11.20am, it was feeding on the ground at first before flying into the tree & flying off after almost 10mins. I had a good wonder around in the other locations it had been seen but never caught up with it again. very busy with hundreds of birders around. other birds around... redwings fieldfares blackbirds nuthatch great spotted woodpecker coal tits goldcrests pied wagtails plus usuals.
Dusky Thrush still showing well in Beeley village this morning from first light, Quite flighty and ranging over a wide area, although the orchard seems to be its regular spot, Well organised park and ride service in operation, For anyone going tomorrow there is a useful little map on Twitter @RSPB birders. Highlighting its favoured locations,
Dusky Thrush still present early afternoon. Initially, I waited for around 45 mins by the orchard along School Lane just past Duke's Barn. I had missed it by about 10 minutes. I then had a wander to the large field north of Duke's a Barn where the bird was showing well, albeit fairly distant. Too far away for decent photographs but good scope views were had. It was on the ground most of the time but also gave good flight views and perched views in and on the nearby hedge down the right hand side of the field.
Dropped gf at work 6am and headed over to Beeley before our weekend away, approx 20 people there when I arrived and 100's when I left.
- Dusky Thrush (Lifer) Poor light due to light drizzle and cloud, but after an hour wait it showed at the edge of the Dukes Barn orchard briefly, then another wait for the same result, then it was relocated right up at the top of the field to the rear, then it flew off and was relocated in another orchard down School Lane, then in the treetops, wasn't reported in the Pig Lane area whilst I was there, favouring more the fields. Good scope views but poor record shots so may be back soon if it hangs around.
Other birds of note... - lots of Redwing / Fieldfare - 1 Goldcrest - 2 Nuthatch - 2 Coal Tit - 3 Raven plus usuals
Info for anyone going... I managed to get 1 of the last spaces in the Dukes Barn Activity Centre car park as it isn't that big, and seeing as though it's a charity for under-privileged and special needs kids I gave an extra donation surplus to the car park £3. Also the sausage barms at £2 were excellent. Very nice staff here and they told me this bird has provided an opportunity for much needed financial help. I believe there is a free shuttle bus running this weekend from Chatsworth Hall to the village. ...and the orchard viewing area is thick with mud, take spare footwear!
I arrived at 13.30 hrs and had much the same experience as Tim W.
On being told there had not been a positive sighting for 30 mins in the orchard I followed Tims advice and had a walk down the lane .... it is actually called "Pig Lane".
There were already 6 birders present who told me that the D.Thrush had just flown from the field into the hedge ... other birders came and went but a few of us stuck it out grilling the Redwings that were gradually moving back to feed in the field ...... eventually being rewarded by the Dusky Thrush feeding for a few minutes out in the open with the Redwing and a couple of Fieldfare..
As an aside, I've seen a lot of Redwing over the years but scanning this lot made me realise what a lot of variation there is from bird to bird.
Roger.
-- Edited by Roger Baker 3 on Thursday 8th of December 2016 10:51:30 PM
__________________
Blessed is the man who expecteth little reward ..... for he shall seldom be disappointed.
Sorry that I must have just missed you Sid, but with so many folk there that is very possible! I arrived around 10.45am and watched the bird initially in the hawthorns at the back of the orchard and then feeding on the ground and in the apple trees in the orchard. The first-winter Dusky Thrush gave fabulous views and everyone there got on it. We all shared our scopes for those who hadn't seen it and the behaviour was impeccable, great to see at such a well attended twitch. As Sid says the locals were brilliant, I had food with me but availed myself of a coffee and a chat at the centre. Everyone donated generously and I am sure that so far the villagers are looking favourably on the birding fraternity. It will be interesting to see how the limited parking copes with the first weekend coming up, hopefully it will still be amicable and even more money will be raised for the Duke's Barn Activity Centre. I left around 12.30pm with dark clouds bubbling up again, numbers of birders were consistently over 100 all the time I was there, good luck to anyone going at the weekend
A record shot attached, light wasn't good and the crowded viewing area made digiscoping difficult, but views were excellent
I went over to Derbyshire this morning and had three good sightings of the Dusky Thrush in the orchard of the Duke's Barn in Beeley, initially in pouring rain and finally in quite bright conditions at about 11o'clock. It was seen feeding on apples on the trees and rummaging around on the ground. Quite a distinctive bird.
Being curious as to the name of the place I found out that the barn was originally built in 1791 to house the 5th Duke of Devonshire's shire horses but is today the home of an outdoor activity centre, run by a charity to help disadvantaged and special needs children. The bird is helping to boost the centre's funds with the collection bucket for car parking/donations as well as profits from the sale of chips, burgers, hot drinks etc from very friendly staff. Also the toilets are open for the free use of birders. So if you go over bung some money in the bucket, it's for a good cause .
-- Edited by sid ashton on Thursday 8th of December 2016 10:18:43 PM
Saw the Dusky Thrush yesterday morning. When I arrived the throng were all staring hopefully into the small orchard garden. It had not been seen for 45 minutes I was told. 'Well if it's not there' I reasoned, 'it's probably somewhere else'. I walked round onto a footpath north where a couple of other birders were scanning around. Then I spotted a birder across the fields up a lane leading north of the village past some pigsties. The few of us hastened round and just 5 of us had superb scope views of it sat preening in a hawthorn bush. It took about 10 minutes for news to somehow get through then the other 100 birders piled up the lane. I was at the front with my scope on it on zoom so invited all and sundry to get on it in case it flew. Thanks to the villagers of Beeley for being so understanding having their lovely stone village overrun for days.
The news late on Sunday of a Dusky Thrush in the small village of Beeley, Derbyshire was kept a little hush hush until access etc could be arranged. A minor invasion of the village on Monday afternoon followed and the bird was seen by all who went to see this Siberian gem. Could I resist going to see it even though I had already seen one down in Margate a few years ago? The weather forecast in the area was for fog with not much wind to blow it away. I said to myself, if its there on Tuesday I will go for it
I woke up to the news that the bird was still present (its supposedly been in the area for 2 weeks) I grabbed my gear and set of on the 54 mile journey. Clogged up motorways, roadworks, bad visibility on the Snake Pass and finally, a huge steel structure stuck in the middle of a tiny village made the journey quite forgettable, but around 11-00am I reached the pleasant village of Beeley which is situated right next to Chatsworth House.
The bird was still present and had been showing really well 5 minutes before I arrived (bloody traffic). I joined about 12 people on a small school playing field and looked towards the trees in an orchard that the Dusky Thrush was usually seen in. The crowd gradually grew to around a 100 or so birders as we all waited for the bird to show. Redwing, Song Thrush, Robin, Dunnock and various tits kept us on our toes as they all flew in and fed on the berries etc. At 2-10pm a bird flew into the trees, it was the Dusky Thrush! The bird was on show in the trees for about 5 minutes, it was in cracking plumage and it was probably an adult female. Due to the poor weather conditions I could not get any pictures of the bird. Set of for home and went back a different way to miss all the confusion. Might go again to see this beauty.
dotterel still showing in the field at four winds farm on holestone gate road. when I arrived it was on the far side of the field but eventually came just past mid way giving better views. also wheatear on the far wall several skylarks around
I enjoyed my first trip to Cromford on Saturday 23rd Feb - arrived 8am in the rugby club car park, walked past the church and along the river, then doubled back past the church, over the small bridge and saw at least 6 hawfinch in a conifer in the garden of Lea Bridge House. I got a good 5 minutes of viewing from a bus stop, distance only about 30 yards. The birds were very active and mobile, so there may well have been more than 6. Beautiful start to the day. Followed up by a 15 minute drive, onto the Rowsley - Wingerworth road, and located Great Grey Shrike close to Wraggs Quarry. Great views in good light - a beautiful bird. I watched the bird hover for a few seconds and swoop, but it didn't connect with prey. Hopefully this is posted in the right place - none of the other Derbyshire locations on the blog are any closer to Wraggs than Matlock.
-- Edited by Chris Mitchell on Sunday 24th of February 2013 09:41:01 PM
cracking morning at cromford on saturday, 3 hawfinch sighted all singles, and 3 dippers on the river by the church, one singing his little beak off while the other 2 chased each other up and down the river, very nice to get the singer on video too plenty of more usual stuff including soaring sparrowhawk and buzzard flyover, put about 7 species on the year list
opportunity to walk along Cromford Canal lots of little grebe, large flocks of siskin and goldfinches, dipper on river, great spootted woodpecker and usuals. Also one coot sitting on a newly made nest assume with eggs as would not budge and NO water voles from cromford to ambersgate just devices for detecting mink. Surveys 12 months ago showed good activity for voles but 2 mink have been trapped in the River Noe in the Hope Edale Valley which is much higher up the derwent catchment than Matlock. Hopefully ratty survives.
-- Edited by Ian Boote on Sunday 6th of January 2013 05:16:10 PM
A quickly arranged visit was made this afternoon to Screetham Lane, Matlock for the reported Richard's Pipit.
After about an hour of waiting with my friend and some other birders present and watching lots of Meadow Pipits and a few Skylarks, we were actually beginning to think the bird had disappared off somewhere else.
A few minutes later and to our relief, out it popped from the long grass and flew over a dry stone wall and into the next field.
The bird then showed well and in flight on quite a few occasions as it kept flying around then returning to it's favoured spot in the rough weedy field.
Great to have been able to compare it's size and long tail in flight against the Meadow Pipits and Skylarks there.
A cracking bird and a nice Sunny afternoon's birding!!!
-- Edited by Phil Owen on Saturday 6th of November 2010 05:26:52 PM
