Goosander, Mandarin and a record count of Hawfinch
Although the main roads are all clear of snow the minor roads are still snow covered so again I've not ventured far from Darley Dale.
Simon Roddis and Alan Stewardson had an amazing count of 51 Hawfinch at St Helen's Church this morning which must be one of the largest flocks recorded in the County. Roy Frost & Steve Shaw's 'The Birds of Derbyshire' cites a winter roost in 1979/80 of up to 50 birds at Chatsworth which is the only reference to a similar number. At St Helen's this afternoon I could 'only' find a dozen birds and I wonder if they have started to roost at the church, dispersing to feed more widely during the day?
Moving on to Peak Village I was rewarded with nice views of a pair each of Goosander and Mandarin.
Lots of thrushes about, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing and Fieldfare, presumably moving west to avoid the cold weather.
Simon Roddis and Alan Stewardson had an amazing count of 51 Hawfinch at St Helen's Church this morning which must be one of the largest flocks recorded in the County. Roy Frost & Steve Shaw's 'The Birds of Derbyshire' cites a winter roost in 1979/80 of up to 50 birds at Chatsworth which is the only reference to a similar number. At St Helen's this afternoon I could 'only' find a dozen birds and I wonder if they have started to roost at the church, dispersing to feed more widely during the day?
Moving on to Peak Village I was rewarded with nice views of a pair each of Goosander and Mandarin.
Lots of thrushes about, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Redwing and Fieldfare, presumably moving west to avoid the cold weather.
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| Goosander - male |
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| Mandarin - pair |
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