. - Wood Warbler in the low tree line on the slope near the Stones, although very difficult to photograph as camera wouldn't focus on the bird, more so the vegetation.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Friday 9th of August 2013 11:45:15 AM
I misidentified this bird, it looks like it was a Chiffchaff, I think sunlight may have had a factor initially. Chiffchaff it is!
This site is a minter, nice one Chris! Well worth the long drive, some good species seen in accessible places, although my camera couldn't deal with some of the birds habits, ie. being active in low vegetation. The camera kept focusing on straggling shrubbery and sods of grass.
Spotted Flycatchers heard in a few places but not seen, the buzzing 'zeeee' call quite evident.
Took the path at the side of the river Dove and got to the Stepping Stones at the side of Thorpe Cloud. Ravens with large young - a few family groups Carrion Crows the same. Redstart heard but not seen.
Took the valley path to higher ground away from the mass of people, within minutes the sightings started coming thick and fast Birds of note :
- Redstart pair with what appeared to be 2 juv males catching own food. - Raven and Carrion Crow in abundance. - Green Woodpecker (1 in treetop level with me as I was on a craggy slope, more heard) - 1 Ring Ouzel flying low over the upland heath - 3 Buzzard - 1 Kestrel - 1 Sparrowhawk gliding over treetops below - alot of flies, butterflies, moths, and a few Swallows (Probably why a Hobby did a couple of flyovers) - another pair of Redstarts in different area of the craggy heath
Back over towards the Stepping Stones - Redstart heard earlier now showing well as a pair, very active and noisy. - Wood Warbler in the low tree line on the slope near the Stones, although very difficult to photograph as camera wouldn't focus on the bird, more so the vegetation.
Spotted Flycatcher very active in an almost empty car park and showing well, sheer amount of people must have put them off earlier.
Cracking site, beautiful scenery, and some belting species seen with little effort, well worth the journey.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Friday 9th of August 2013 11:45:15 AM
Very brief visit last Sun pm, primarily to look for Whinchat and Spotted Flycatcher.
Latter soon showed well in Thorpe village, around gardens in the village green area.
No Whinchat, but track 'behind' Thorpe Cloud produced 7 Wheatear.
Also probable High Brown Fritillary, got a good half a second look before it raced off.
Hi Chris, It is much more likely to be Dark Green Fritillary in the Derbyshire dales and you would need more than a half second to sort these out. Have a look at http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/species.php?species=adippe
Had my first visit here yesterday, and couldn't find reference on the pages, so thought I'd start a thread and spread the word on what I thought was a great site. Around the stepping stones were 3 Redstart, Wood warbler, Marsh Tit, Spotted Flycatcher, Nuthatch, Green and GS Woodpeckers. Also probable High Brown Fritillary, got a good half a second look before it raced off.
Track back to Thorpe village produced: 8 Wheatear, Whinchat, 3 Kestrel, 2 more Redstart
Thorpe village had at least 3 different areas where Spotted Flycatchers were feeding.
Great site, easy access, and only went about 500m up the Dove valley. I will definately be back for a longer visit.
