Date/Time: Saturday 18 May 2019,  09.30 to 12.30

Summary

Padley Gorge, as its name suggests, is a steep-sided valley, located to the north of Grindleford.  The gorge passes through mature woodland, either side of Burbage Brook.  It is an area well-known in birding circles for its population of Pied Flycatchers.  Several nest boxes have been placed in the trees to encourage these and other species to raise their young.

There were a few spots of rain as we were gathering but they soon cleared and the lack of wind enabled us to enjoy the birdsong unhindered.  We set off from the roadside parking area near the top of the gorge on the B6521 and headed across Burbage Brook to pick up the path that leads down the gorge towards Grindleford.  Before we entered the woodland we spotted a Grey Wagtail on rocks at the edge of the Brook.

There were a number of sightings of Pied Flycatchers and two of the group saw a Spotted Flycatcher.  It was encouraging to hear a Cuckoo and a Redstart, though neither were seen.  However, we had several good views of both Nutchatches and Treecreepers.

We ran out of time to investigate the moorland to the northwest of our start point but there is potential there for exploring a rather different bird habitat.

Members participating:    12

Bird list (22 species seen and/or heard)