DERBYSHIRE
Riverside birding with farmland birds too
The road running from Swarkestone Bridge to Repton stays close to the south side of the River Trent for much of its route, making it a good route to use to watch for winter wildfowl, while in spring and summer there are several spots at which to look for passage migrants and summer visitors.
WHERE TO WATCH
1 There’s a pull-in opposite the lane from Stanton-by-Bridge. The meadows on either side of the Trent here are great places to look for winter wildfowl. While most geese will be Canadas and Greylags, recent winters have seen visits from Russian White-fronted and Tundra Bean, plus Whooper Swans. Ducks can include Goosander, as well as Mallard, Teal, Tufted and Wigeon, while Oystercatchers are the most likely waders. Sky Larks and Meadow Pipits are found in the nearby fields.
2 The farmland here usually holds good numbers of species such as Linnet and Meadow Pipit, usually with a few Yellowhammers and Reed Buntings. The nearby woodland can hold Lesser Redpolls and Siskins in winter. Check the skies for soaring Buzzards, occasional Red Kite, plus Kestrel and Sparrowhawk, while Peregrines are possible, especially in winter. In summer, Hobbies hawk above the river, and the area has seen Red-footed Falcon in spring.
3 The sewage works at Milton is a great place to look for Yellow Wagtails on passage – there’s a public footpath down the side of the works, allowing views inside, but check the surrounding fields, especially those holding cattle and sheep, too. Pied Wagtails are regular, plus occasional Grey, and Chiffchaffs winter here, while in spring you should also get Blackcap, Garden Warbler and Whitethroat in the vicinity.
PRACTICAL INFO
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