Changing of the Guard

It's that time of year, when I get a bit twitchy and excited about what might be turning up nearby. Each year my search for migrants gets earlier and earlier, in the hope that something unusual might just pop in on the off chance. This tends to just leave me frustrated and moaning that 'everything is late this year'. In reality, it's just me being impatient. With all that said, by me getting out there and searching hard, I do get to see quite a few other birds that I might overlook on regular days. Then there are also some I haven't seen for a while and enjoy watching, knowing that they will be doing the reverse and leaving our shores until the autumn/winter months.

One such bird is the Fieldfare. I'd seen very few over winter, but on several early mornings recently I've seen flocks of over 100 feeding on the ground. A really good looking Thrush. Can't wait until I hear their call again in the Autumn, but not before I've ticked off all our summer migrants first.

Fieldfare

Goosander

Great Crested Grebe

Grey Wagtail

Long-tailed Tit

The Delights of the Derbyshire Dales

I spent a very cold frosty morning in Derbyshire, just a short drive from home, watching some really great birds. The forecast was for blue skies and sunshine, and for once it was correct. My first stop was up on the moors above Bakewell to see a Great Grey Shrike that had been wintering in the area. I got onto it without even getting out of the car, as it perched on a bush about 100 yards away. I was looking right into the sun, and it didn't move much, as I think it was just warming itself in the first sunlight of the day. I left it after about half an hour. A great start to the day.

Great Grey Shrike

I moved on to an area of woodland where I knew some Crossbills had been seen recently, and as luck would have it, there was a flock of about 10 right above my head in the trees where I parked my car. I've not been able to see these birds properly for a few years following a change to there habitat where I usually watch them, so it was great to catch up with them properly again.

 Female Crossbill

I moved onto the canal at Cromford, hoping for a possible Hawfinch, but had no joy. I was pleased though to be able to watch a pair of Dippers potentially nest-building under a bridge.

Dipper

The Dippers were joined by a Grey Wagtail on a log.

Mixed Bag

A few weeks ago I popped over to Macclesfield to see what was around, and because if I'm honest I get withdrawal symptoms if I don't go. There is always something to see, and add to that a wonderful place to just be in. I can always find a quiet area away from others, and this usually coincides with being out early in the morning. This visit was no different, and I was content once I had been.

There were quite a few juvenile birds of all sorts around. Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps especially were numerous. On the reservoirs the young Great Crested Grebes with their stripy heads were now a good size and there were lots of juvenile Grey Wagtails around Bottoms reservoir (that name always makes me smile). Grey Herons were making quite a racket, as they do, but it all added up to a good morning and put my mind at ease that all was well in one of my favourite local areas. It seems nature can get on on it's own whether I'm watching it or not.  

Juvenile Blackcap

Common Buzzard

Coots chilling (look at those feet)

Grey Heron enjoying the morning sunshine

Grey Wagtail, of which there were almost a dozen youngsters.

Looking for some old friends.

The weather is improving, the temperature is warming up. The blossom is on the trees, and some of our Summer migrants are starting to return. Things are looking good again, and the air is filled with bird song that I've not heard for a long time. Chiffchaffs in particular are now here in abundance, and they aren't wasting any time in letting people know that they are here. Other than the Wrens, Tits and other garden birds, they are a real noticeable call to hear, and it makes me smile. They will soon be joined by Willow Warblers, Whitethroats and some other more exotic looking birds, but right now I'm loving hearing them call incessantly. It adds a little extra joy to my walks.

Chiffchaff

Grey Wagtail

Treecreeper

Feeding Time

We've had some lovely weather recently. (I do appreciate that here in the North West of England that  only needs to constitute 'not raining') Thankfully for our feathered friends it has been quite warm and dry, meaning that there have been plenty of insects and caterpillars for the adults to take to their nests.

I spent a nice couple of hours in the hills after work and it was fascinating to watch the Grey Wagtails at work, catching all sorts of insects. This one has a beak crammed full of protein rich goodies.

One of the juvenile Grey Wagtails, waiting patiently for some snacks.

This male Common Redstart was very actively dropping down to pick up spiders and other insects.

The Spotted Flycatchers are masters at the art of catching small flying insects, but in between they will sit patiently, almost posing on a nice branch.

Happy Place

When you're feeling a bit down I've always found it a big help to go to a place where you feel happy. I'm lucky to have that place not too far away and it's somewhere I can escape the hustle and bustle of city life. I've been social distancing here for many years now. It's a real joy to go early, when you almost own the landscape and the nature within it. Peace and quiet and a sense that many have been here before me and not much has changed. The birds are still around and there was a nice surprise for me too in the form of a Whinchat. This bird must have been on his way to his winter home. It was great to watch it though as it foraged for food, but sad to think that our summer migrants will soon be gone for another year. 

Along the river there were a couple of Grey Wagtails looking very good once again after the busy breeding period.

A pair of Nuthatches were picking at the bark looking for food.

Here's the Whinchat that typically kept it's distance. Hope to see you again next year.

The Bollin Valley

I've recently discovered the Bollin Valley less than a mile from my front door. It runs for 25 miles from Macclesfield to Partington, following the River Bollin and is a real wildlife hot spot. How I've not come across it in the last 3 years, I have no idea.
I've only walked a couple of miles along the route, but have seen Kingfishers, Dippers, Buzzards, Woodpeckers and Bullfinch, to name just a few species of bird. Dragonflies, insects, fungi and Longhorn cattle all add to its appeal. A stunning place that needs a lot more investigation by me and my camera.

One of the weirs in Wilmslow.

A great surprise to see this Dipper on the river.

In the very sandy banks of the river I came across this Digger Wasp.

Longhorn Cattle are free to graze.

Grey Wagtail

Macclesfield

My recent walk in the Cheshire countryside led me to some of my favourite spots. Clough Brook runs along beneath Macclesfield Forest and is a very good spot for Dippers and Grey Wagtails. I only managed to see one Dipper, but there were plenty of Grey Wags, with busy parents feeding their young.

This juvenile Grey Wagtail was sitting patiently while Mum and Dad were off looking for food nearby.

Grey Heron in the gloom.

A Robin looking a little dishevelled. It's probably had a busy time raising a family.