Chatsworth in the snow

 With the snow and freezing temperatures over the last couple of days I didn't think it was a good idea to drive up on to the moor so I went to Chatsworth instead. I was hoping that with the freezing weather some waterfowl might have been forced on to the river but the only unexpected birds were two drake Tufted Duck but they were accompanied by the hybrid Tufted/ Pochard which is the first time I've seen it this winter. I first saw it in February 2014 so it's been wintering in the area for quite some time.

Tufted/ Pochard hybrid with two drake Tufted Duck

There were lots of Siskin feeding in the Alders along the river and they looked very festive in the snow laden trees.

Siskin

Evidence of birds being forced of the higher moors came in the form of two Common Snipe flushed from the river edge and a lone female Stonechat, both species are very scarce along the river.

Common Snipe

There were plenty of Redwing around and one or two Brambling but the scenery made up for any disappointment on the bird front.

River Derwent at Chatsworth

Chatsworth Swiss Cottage - autumn colour

Another walk around Chatsworth produced a couple of male Wigeon feeding with Mallards by the river, 70 Pink-footed Geese but little else of note on another grey and wet day. With the trees still carrying a lot of leaves there are some great colours at the moment. No Mandarin on the lake which is unusual.

Swiss Cottage

Chatsworth - River Derwent

After the heavy rain last night the River Derwent was carrying a lot of water this morning. None of the rocks were visible below the wear, few birds though, a party of Crossbill, several well grown broods of Mandarin and a single Kingfisher by the Sand Martin colony.

River Derwent at Chatsworth