Sunday 26 April 2015

Hanchurch

Had a quick morning walk with Gem this morning around Hanchurch Woods around the area near the Wood-mans cottage.
Plenty of Willow Warbler were around as we walked along the paths.


As we made our way back to the car park I noted a Tree Pipit always a nice bird to bump into in fine voice and even allowed me to grab a few shots.


Tree Pipit Hanchurch Woods

Around the car park were several Black Cap, Nuthatch and Chaffinch and again Willow Warbler.

Not bad for an hours walk.

Saturday 25 April 2015

Claymills Pumping Station

I often go Claymills just outside Burton its a nice and friendly and well run heritage centre and if you are into your industrial heritage I can't recommended it more, Gemma loves doing the Rat hunt (looking for cuddly Rats hidden around the site).

Today they were holding a 1st World War event as one of the workers had sadly lost their life at Gallipoli and this was their tribute to them.

There was a group of reenactment group their along with a fly pass of the Red Baron himself.







After this we headed down to Branston home of the pickle and also LH Barton for a spot of shunter bashing.



Moorland Birding

Started off the day at Coombes Valley RSPB reserve just outside Leek although a little early we still thought it worth a bash and see what Summer migrants had arrived.

As we walked into the valley plenty of Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler were seen plus a single Black Cap thrown in for good measure.

Along the meadow we had a all too brief view of a Common Redstart a wonderful male as well which was a nice tick for the year, around the pond although we gave it a while the male Pied Flycatcher was no where to be seen, although having already seen the one opposite the Dickturpin pub in the Westlands I wasn't too bothered.

We then headed for the moors properly it was rather windy on top around the Roaches with nothing really on show apart from plenty of Meadow Pipit and the odd Red Grouse, everything else had more sense and was staying out of the wind.

Crossing Axe Edge again more Grouse were seen and the weather was clearing, by the time we reached Dane Bower it was sunny although still cool, with plenty of Wheater on show.