Clive A
Well-known member
Enjoy the detour Pam, should be some good wildlife still.
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Cromford Canal, Derbyshire (7 Viewers)
- Thread starter Clive A
- Start date
Enjoy the detour Pam, should be some good wildlife still.
Clive A
Well-known member
Went down on the canal yesterday,with the intention of cycling to Ambergate.Unfortunately I had totally forgotten about the towpath closure, despite having posted on here about it a couple of weeks ago! Anyway a detour was made, but it did mean I could not check the area between the aquaduct and Gregory tunnel.
Good to see a good mix of juveniles, indeed the first birds encountered were a family group of Moorhens, with 2 full grown juvs helping an adult with the feeding of 3 tiny chicks.
Further on a pair of Little Grebes were still nest building, and another pair were feeding tiny young.Also a fair few full grown young, which were independant.
A good number of Tufted Ducks with an adult with 7 well grown young, at least 4 broods in total.
Nice to hear a good few Greenfinches, following this species problems with Trichomoniasis. A Raven flew over near Ambergate.
Counts for the day were:
c250 Mallard
67 Moorhen
20 Little Grebe
20 Tufted Duck
14 Coot
Many more birds were probably missed because of the high vegetation on the banks.
Good to see a good mix of juveniles, indeed the first birds encountered were a family group of Moorhens, with 2 full grown juvs helping an adult with the feeding of 3 tiny chicks.
Further on a pair of Little Grebes were still nest building, and another pair were feeding tiny young.Also a fair few full grown young, which were independant.
A good number of Tufted Ducks with an adult with 7 well grown young, at least 4 broods in total.
Nice to hear a good few Greenfinches, following this species problems with Trichomoniasis. A Raven flew over near Ambergate.
Counts for the day were:
c250 Mallard
67 Moorhen
20 Little Grebe
20 Tufted Duck
14 Coot
Many more birds were probably missed because of the high vegetation on the banks.
Clive A
Well-known member
As I don't get down on the canal often these days, I really should make the effort to post my sightings.
Walked to High Peak Junction on friday, 42 Moorhen,17 Coot and 15 Little Grebe.
Walked along the river saturday, Dipper singing near the road bridge and a female Goosander also there. Thought I heard a Kingfisher but couldn't be sure.
Walked to High Peak Junction on friday, 42 Moorhen,17 Coot and 15 Little Grebe.
Walked along the river saturday, Dipper singing near the road bridge and a female Goosander also there. Thought I heard a Kingfisher but couldn't be sure.
DaveN
Derwent Valley Birder
Nice one mate. Wasn't it also the 15th last year when the first Hawfinch appeared?
Clive A
Well-known member
24th according to my records.
knotsbirder
Well-known member
Anybody any idea is the Hawfinch are back and showing regulary? Any particular spots?
Thanks, Sam
Thanks, Sam
Daniel Martin
Well-known member
Hi Sam, as ever the best area is over the bridge from the car park around the entrance to Willersley Castle (it's not a castle) in the tall trees by the entrance. Also the Yews in the church yard have been good for me and the tall trees in Cromford Wharf car park itself.
I have only seen two briefly this year so far but good enough for the year list. Clive will have the most up to date info I believe.
I have recently heard that a few have reliably been seen in a private wood near Holloway but there is no access.
Havent you been to Clumber being a dweller of the"dark side" (the God forsaken County of Nottingham and home to less then average football teams).
knotsbirder
Well-known member
Thanks Daniel,
Went to Rufford this afternoon and had a brief possible, but here and at Clumber the birds are always backlit and distant, and from what I've heard the Cromford birds aren't. Also, annoyingly I never seem to have a free morning so the Clumber birds are just about out of the question.
Cheers, Sam
Davebutterflyman
Well-known member
Been a few years since i have seen Hawfinch and would love to see them again but i have no transport. Is it possible to get off the train at either Cromford or Whatstandwell and walk to the location you have pointed out Clive? Or can you suggest any other way?
Cheers.
Cheers.
Finally got round to visiting Cromford yesterday. No sign of the hawfinches nor water voles, but still had a lovely walk along the canal. Some great photo chances with the little grebes. Just need to get the pics uploaded to see if any came out ok. Will post them if they do. My girlfriend was amazed that she could see them when they were under the water. Must admit, it isn't something you get to see at many places.
Great place. Hopefully it won't be too long before my next visit.
Adam
Great place. Hopefully it won't be too long before my next visit.
Adam
John Eaton
Well-known member
You can get a train from Derby to Cromford, they go almost hourly. The station is'nt very far from the church or canal.
Cheers
Davebutterflyman
Well-known member
Thanks for the info John.
Gomphus
Well-known member
Buses run along the A6 from Derby to Cromford and onwards too, and stop just near the crossroads at the Greyhound Hotel, its a short walk from there to to the Hawfinches at the Wharf and Church yard etc. Its the number 6.1 see here for time table http://www.derbysbus.info/times/tt_1_16.htm Plus I think the "Transpeak" stops too? But allow time, we were there bout 1 1/2 hours today before seeing them, and then we were able to spot them first from the Wharf cafe! But some had been there above 3hours and not seen 'em!
ATB
Steph'
Davebutterflyman
Well-known member
Typical Hawfinch! I spent many hours,and days, at the Silverdale (Woodwell Lane) site near Carnforth,Lancs,trying to spot Hawfinch. After 5 trips there i finally caught up with them but it is worth all the effort.
This was when i lived in Cheshire btw as it is a bit too much of a hike i would think from Belper!.
Many thanks for the additional info and i will look at paying the church area a visit ove the next week.
Dave.
This was when i lived in Cheshire btw as it is a bit too much of a hike i would think from Belper!.
Many thanks for the additional info and i will look at paying the church area a visit ove the next week.
Dave.
Clive A
Well-known member
Hi Dave, sorry I didn't reply I have been up at Flamborough for a few days. As others have said though, train or bus will get you there, the train station is very close, so probably your best bet. Post again if you want further info.
Davebutterflyman
Well-known member
Cheers Clive.
How did you go on at Flamborough?
How did you go on at Flamborough?
Clive A
Well-known member
Well not really a birding trip Dave, as I had my youngest son with me who gets a bit fed up if I do too much. But pretty decent really, all 3 Divers, loads of Gannets,Guillemots, Razorbills, waders included Barwit,Curlew,Redshank,Dunlin,Sanderling,Ringed Plover,Grey Plover, Lapwing,Turnstone and probably some I forgot. A fair few Rock Pipits about and a pair of Stonechat, Ducks included Eider, Common Scoter and Pintail.Like I say not really birding though.
