Displaying Mandarin

Mandarin leave the rivers in the autumn and winter on small lakes or ponds. Linacre Reservoir appears to be a favourite but they can also be found on smaller ponds closer to home such as those in Ladygrove or Ashford Lake where I photographed these birds displaying, in a group of about 30 yesterday.

Mandarin Duck - drake

Waxwings are still the main attraction of the winter with around 200 birds at Hassop Station on the Monsal Trail feeding on Hawthorn berries. There have been occasional sightings of 1 or 2 birds in Darley Dale but no larger groups.

The Hawfinch are back at Cromford with 5 birds seen fairly regularly.

Hoping for some better weather in the New Year!

Waxwing numbers increasing in Darley Dale

 The first two Waxwing were joined by 5 more on Thursday and they were there again this morning, but numbers jumped up this afternooon with at least 22 birds present in the same area opposite the Whitworth.Either sat at the top of the tall Lime trees and occasionally flying up to catch flies or deeding on a Rowan bush.

They all flew off north around 14:45, presumably going to roost.

Waxwing

Waxwing in Darley Dale

 Since returning from France last week I've been checking the berry bushes Waxwing have used in the past and was successful this morning when I found two birds feeding on Rowan berries on Columbell Way, opposite the Whitworth. 

Almost immediately they flew up in to the large Lime trees by the A6 and sat there for a while where I was able to get a record photo. I looked away and they disappeared but hopefully they will return to feed on the tree which still has plenty of berries.

Surprisingly, the female Teal is still on the Whitworth Pond.

I've checked the flooded field for gulls, plenty of Black-headed, single Common but just 3 Lesser Black-backed so far.

Waxwing

Green Woodpecker - Beeley Village

Back after two weeks away, and it looks like I've missed the Waxwings so no photos I'm afraid. Still, there's a good chance that some more will turn up I think.

Apart from the Waxwings I don't think I've missed too much although a Great Grey Shrike has taken up residence at Ramsley reservoir which would be nice to see, if it would just come a little closer.

Walked round Chatsworth yesterday which produced a Green Woodpecker at the back of Beeley village, only my third record this year. It's a surprisingly scarce bird locally and I just seem to pick up occasional wandering birds.

Green Woodpecker - probably adult female, with the black moustache