Get up with the birds for the dawn chorus

Eight weary eyed members got up at 5:00am on Saturday 16th May to witness the dawn chorus over Rivelin Valley and the moorland up to Stanage Edge. Within the group there were a least three enthusiastic bird watchers. So there was a good chance that the group would spot a large number of birds. The group particularly wanted to catch the sight of a wood warbler as there were suggestions that they might be nesting in the woods.

The group were greeted with fabulous sunshine at the start of their walk. This created a tranquil misty scenery as the sunlight teased through the woodland canopy within Fox Hagg woods. The sound of birds calling in the background just completed the scene and made the early start all the worthwhile. However, as the group came out onto the moorland leading up to Redmires Reservoir the weather turned more overcast and wet. Yet, this did not discourage the group. They were rewarded with sights of a Golden Plover, March Hares, Curlews and Skylarks even with reduced viability. As the walk finished the group saw two hen harriers soaring high above. In total, the group heard the call or had a positive sighting of 43 birds. This was a particularly educational , rewarding and enjoyable walk for someone who knew nothing about birds before the event , learning about habitat and picking out the distinctive calls of each bird.