Tuesday, 12 May 2020

Lockdown day 49 - Gadwall at Chatsworth

Walked over the moors to Chatsworth yesterday, it was probably 5°C but felt colder with a strong northerly wind. The Stonechats were still feeding their young and I flushed a recently fledged Skylark. Stopped at the top end of the old Deer Park for Redstart and Pied Flycatcher. 
The lake at Swiss Cottage is still dry but Emperor Lake held 4 Tufted Duck and a single drake Gadwall which is new for the lockdown list. A drake at this time of year could indicate possible breeding so worth checking again later.
Gadwall - drake
Pied Flycatcher - male
 
The pair of Little Grebe were still there and presumably breeding, this is the only pair I've found in the area although they were present at Conksbury in the late winter so there could be a pair there also but it's a little far to walk! 
A single Common Sandpiper on the river whilst personnel from Chatsworth House were clearing all the debris from the river bank including some of the large tree trunks. I saw the Oystercatchers but fear their nest may have been a casualty of the clean-up operation. Presumably Chatsworth will be re-opening their car parks shortly with changes to the lockdown restrictions taking effect on Wednesday. 
A single Red Kite flew across the skyline as I left the park for Beeley.
This Lesser Black-backed Gull was a sad sight, caught by a length of rope and it will be very lucky to survive.
Lesser Black-backed Gull caught with rope

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