The Lower Derwent Valley local patch

I had a cracking afternoon dropping into 4 locations within the Lower Derwent Valley prior to dusk (Bank Island, Thorganby, North Duffield Carrs and Bubwith Ings). It was cold but the light was fantastic (apart from a little while whilst at Thorganby) and birds were abundant, especially Wigeon and Teal.


Common Teal: Image © Steve Garvie 2010

The following counts are likely to be lower than what was actually present but the birds have a habit of being able to vanish amongst the vegetation in an instant, also the amount of area I covered was tiny compared to the whole area. However it was still incredibly enjoyable and hardly anyone about!

Highlights included:

Wigeon x3169

Teal x1331

Canada Goose x250

Mallard x199

Shelduck x75

Pintail x60

Greylag Goose x55

Mute Swan x45

Tufted Duck x27

Shoveler x8

Whooper Swan x6

Goldeneye x5

Gadwall x4

Black Swan x1


Lapwing x516

Dunlin x152

Ruff x32

Curlew x25

Golden Plover x17


Barn Owl x1

Peregrine x1 (Juvenile Female)

Kestrel x1

Sparrowhawk x1

Buzzard x3

Other bits and pieces included Fieldfare, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Starling, Tree Sparrow, Reed Bunting, Yellowhammer, Bullfinch, Stock Dove etc etc...

I'm looking forward to the Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend, I best get my feeders filled up!