February trip to the LDV

Nine members spent most of the day around the Derwent Valley on 7th, meeting some other members on site who had gone for the Great Skua. Some 70 species were seen and, as well as the Great Skua, other highlights were the large numbers of Lapwings and Whooper Swans. Pintail, Scaup & Goldeneye were enjoyed as well as many Wigeon & Teal. Waders included Golden Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Oystercatcher & Snipe. Raptors included Common Buzzard, Marsh Harrier and Merlin. We started at Bank island and then on to Tower Hide & Pool Hide in considerable mud. We then moved to Thorganby before North Duffield and Bubwith Bridge. The wind was now increasing and there was little at Aughton and many birds were sheltering out of view at Ellerton. We finally at dusk went to Church Bridge.

Peter Watson