In search of Twite in Derbyshire

The Twite has probably never been a common bird on the Derbyshire uplands but changes to agricultural practices in the hay meadows bordering the moors has almost led to their extinction as a breeding bird in the County. The population in the southern Pennines is estimated to have decreased by 80 per cent between 1990 and 2000 according to the RSPB.
A seed-eater the Twite is reliant on seed from the traditional hay meadows to feed their young and it is thought that the loss of these food sources is one of the main reason for their decline.
A small population can still be found in the Doveholes area where birds are nesting in quarries and, through the support of the quarry operators and the RSPB, this small population is part of a long term study of the species. Since 2015 over 200 birds have been caught and fitted with a unique combination of coloured rings so that their movements can be monitored. This has shown that the majority move to the north Norfolk coast in the winter but some have gone to Wales and Northumberland.
I visited the area today and managed to see 8 individuals although according to Peter Walsh, one of the volunteers monitoring the population, this doesn't appear to have been a good breeding season with possibly only a single pair fledging young.
I've never seen Twite in the Beeley area although birds may cross the moor as they head to Norfolk. Three birds were seen in Wraggs Quarry last year so there is a chance of seeing them but would be easily overlooked unless the distinctive nasal call that gives the bird its name is heard.

Twite

Twite bearing colour rings