Wednesday 15th July 2015 (2 day delay in reporting due to obtaining confirmation of species) Walk from Alsop en le Dale, Biggin Dale, Tissington Trail
River Wye: 2 Dipper, 2 juvenile Mallards Biggin Dale: 4 Chiffchaff, 1 male Redstart and 3 juvenile Redstart, newly fledged Blackcaps (that same morning by looks of it) - at least 4 juvenile Blackcaps on the ground amongst the moss and grass close to stone wall trying to find their legs and wings ! Close up photos of one chick as it had to be gently picked up and moved away from rocky public pathway and placed back by stone walling, mossy rocks and its siblings. Photos and record shots on some of the species: https://www.flickr.com/photos/128754406@N03/ Other birds - Swallow or House Martin photographed but I'm not an expert to ID them correctly and distant shots had to be hard cropped. Biggin Village: House sparrows plus juveniles, Mistle Thrush on pasture, jackdaws and crows. Tissington Trail: Dozens of common Blue male and female butterflies, Meadow Browns, small skipper, ringlets, small white, several small Tortoiseshell, Red Admirals and what looked like a dark green fritillary. Many wildflowers including two Orchid (spotted poss.) varieties, Scabious, Birds Foot Trefoil, wild daisies, thistles all attracting plenty of butterflies and bees. Also what I believe to be (with birding friend's confirmation) distant shot of Spotted flycatchers, family of Bullfinch who were feeding 3 young, numerous Great Tits, Blue Tits, many juveniles. All in all a fabulous day with some lovely sightings and good weather too ! Certainly recommend a trip along the Biggin Dale and Tissington Trail for some nice sightings.
-- Edited by Hazel Rothwell on Friday 17th of July 2015 06:19:28 PM
