Derbyshire Spring Watch 2011 CBS & BBC - 14/15 May

As the dust settles 24 hours after the end of the weekender it is time to reflect.

DAY 1
RDO and SjS eventually met JW at Goyt Valley 1/2 late due to poor organisation (according to JW). After an early bicker and disagreement of which way was West the intrepid trio headed off over the moor and down valley, succeeding in getting windswept and watering eyes but scoring a few early blows with stonechats and grouse.

SjS goes it alone after some heavy bickering

SjS poses for this months Esquire magazine feature on most stylish birders

E L Wisty

Mulligan and O’Hare visit the Valley of Intolerance

Lunch was a traditional 'pack-up' as the body temps dropped. Luckily the Tree Pipit, followed by classic RDO spotting of Pied Flycatchers in the very same tree did the job. The Dipper for SjS brought much relief.
Not an Ousel or Redstart in sight but a late chase after a Barn Owl was worthwhile. Torrential rain and a tea break later and it was off to Middleton Moor (or less). Quality barred wire hurdling and dry stone walls resulted in naff-all.

High risk birding

The 100 year old landlady cunningly put the boys off their stride by confirming that lamb shanks would be served in 7 days time, but the rooms were ready. JW used his skills to rustle up some sarnies and 20 bags of pork scratchings and proceeded to produce the War & Peace of quizzes. Prizes aplently and a storming win for the giant dog edging out RDO with SjS a poor 3rd (unlike the year-list).

DAY -1
CM cunningly warmed up at Bempton Cliffs where he nailed a range of cliff birds with ease. Quality use of annual leave, and no need for the new super scope... yet.

DAY 2
Early start over a great fry up and off to meet CM complete with ruck sack, mule pack and thin inappropriate fashion jacket.

Unbridled joy as the GND shows itself

Carsington was a good set up with early Red Crested Pochard, JW continuing to use his new fave phrase - 'stick that on the list Sharpey', as he continued to clock up sport on the unofficial meter. A tea break and sensible jacket purchase later and JW departed in cords and trainers to go and do his Tavare impression in Manchester. Meanwhile the revised intrepid trio hooked up with an advisor and proceeded to Sheepwash Hide to unblock the GND - Great northern Diver. Best of the weekend and the Twitchellscope came into into own.

Off to Ogston later and the day started to peter out.

Two men lost and confused in a field

Members hides - annoying, but little doing anyway. Twitchell opted to go it alone at Goyt but only succeeded in getting a soggy grouse. RDO landed at Alfreton station which was locked as he crossed his legs and waited for his train looking very beige indeed. SS proceeded to drive back to the sticks to plot his £140 trip to Bempton.

Battle resumes in November, but not before RDO uses his new illegal bird songs to good effect in a bush near you.

That is all, and well done to the CBS and BBC.

Evans Lee 142