Moth Morning and Redwing Ramble at High Leas Farm

Date: 30/01/2024
Category: Half Day Guided Wildlife Walks

Moth Morning and Redwing Ramble at High Leas Farm – Saturday 17th February 2024

Most people don’t associate winter with moths, but several species will overwinter and with a bit of luck (and some warmth) these moths can be tempted out to visit moth traps. We’ll be running two traps and trying to catch as many as we can to show everyone in the morning before the bird walk.

Local moth expert Steve Thorpe will be identifying and recording the different species that we have caught between 8am and 9am. Feel free to drop in to take a look at what we have caught and enjoy a warming cuppa. After examining and identifying the contents of Steve’s Moth Trap we will head out at 9am for a leisurely wander around the farm looking for the bird species that winter here.

Buzzard at High Leas by Shaun Wootton, 2023

Flocks of nomadic Redwing and Fieldfare criss-cross the fields settling in the Berry laden Holly trees and Hawthorns – much to the irritation of the local Mistle Thrushes and Blackbird! Mixed flocks of Tits work the way along the hedgerows with the chance of Treecreeper, Nuthatch and maybe even a wintering Chiffchaff joining the more gregarious species – many pairs of eyes make finding food and watching out for a hungry Sparrowhawk much easier! Good number Finch species will be using the farm too with Brambling, Siskin and Lesser Redpoll all recorded during the winter period. Could we spot a Crossbill or maybe even a Waxwing that have been present in such good numbers in the county this winter.

A sunny day should get us good views of the hungry raptors that use the farm with Buzzard and Kestrel regular and a chance to spot or find signs of the resident Barn Owl – whilst the local Ravens (one of our earliest breeding species) will already be nesting. By mid February the first signs of Spring may be showing and with luck we’ll get enjoy the sounds of resident early songsters such as Robin, Blackbird, Great Tit and Mistle Thrush.

We’ll end the walk with another welcome hot drink (or two!) back at the farm.

Agenda

Meet from 8am
Bird walk departing at 9am
Return to the yard for 11am

What to bring

Please dress for the great outdoors and wear sturdy and waterproof footwear. We will be walking on undulating and sometimes uneven ground.

Tickets are available for the bargain price of just £5 per person (which will cover the costs of the event) and to book your place(s) just follow the link below:

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/heartwood/1131886

What Our Visitors Say ...

"I had a half-day walk with Antony, hoping to see a Ring Ouzel, and to see Waders in their nesting habitat. I achieved both of these, and saw several other good birds as well, including an owl and several Pied Flycatchers (another first for me). Anthony was not only very knowledgeable but also good company, and I would recommend his walks for anyone who enjoys wildlife but would benefit from some local expertise."
Tim Bucknall - Dorset.

"Antony's guided tour began in Hartington, and included an upland area, Biggin Dale and Wolfscote Dale. This gave us experience of a great variety of habitats, and a chance to see lots of birds, including ravens, rooks, jackdaws, a peregrine falcon, wheatears and stonechats, dippers and wagtails and chiffchaffs. The weather was variable, but Antony made the whole tour really entertaining and informative. He is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of nature, and birds in particular. Just as important, he is a very friendly and approachable guide, always willing to engage in discussion on any aspect of the area. We felt that, in addition to having a most interesting walk, we came away with really useful advice about how to observe birds on our future walks. The weather improved as we walked along the River Dove, and we were treated to some very special moments of bird observation, aided by Antony's telescope and tripod. We would highly recommend Antony to anyone keen to learn more about local wildlife as part of a most enjoyable walk in Derbyshire."
D & C Longson - Derbyshire.

"My mum and I had a fantastic bespoke walk with Antony around the Brassington area and Rose End Meadows in Cromford. Beautiful scenery, glorious sunshine and a wealth of interesting facts about the flowers, birds, insects and butterflies we met along the way. We had a truly magical time watching a Silver-washed Fritillary dancing and gliding around right in front of us for fifteen minutes. The walk was a birthday present for my mum and Antony took the time to find out what her specific interests and level of knowledge were in advance so that he could plan the route accordingly. He even sent us more information afterwards to confirm a couple of butterfly and dragonfly IDs. Antony really knows his stuff and his enthusiasm is infectious. He also has an unbelievable eye and ear for tiny creatures, plants and sounds that would have passed me by completely. A relaxing, hugely informative and very enjoyable day all round. Many thanks again, Antony!"
L Breakwell - Nottingham.

"Thank you ever so much for the Dawn Chorus experience last Saturday. Even though the weather was terrible we really enjoyed it. We all said would do it again regardless of the weather."
J Tagg - Derbyshire.

"Thoroughly enjoyed two fantastic nature walks with Antony in September 2020. Loved our walk on the Eastern Moors spotting moorland birds and lots and lots of red deer, just starting their rut. Our second walk was an early morning exploration of the very different habitat of the Derwent river and Cromford Canal. Spent ages watching a beautiful pair of dippers dabbling in the river, a streaking Kingfisher and tons of little Grebe diving in the clear water. Antony was an absolutely brilliant guide. He has amazing knowledge about every single species of bird, mammal and lots of plants across the Peak District and knows exactly where to find them. He has such a friendly and welcoming manner that you never feel you're not 'expert' enough and he patiently answers every question. I would thoroughly recommend a nature walk with Antony to get to know the Peak District through the eyes of a wildlife fan! Very best wishes and see you next spring!"
N Marshall - London.

"Antony was not only very knowledgeable about swifts but also provided valuable information to participants on the walks regarding support for the various swift habitats in their neighbourhood. Highly recommended."
D Howson - Derby.

"A great evening watching swifts, and learning about other local wildlife. The leader was very friendly and knowledgeable. He gave us lots of interesting information about swifts, and how we could help with their conservation. There was plenty of time to ask questions, and the walk was taken at a leisurely pace to enable everyone to keep up and get involved. A lovely evening stroll that everyone seemed to enjoy!"
H Naylor - Derbyshire.

Walking Tours In Derbyshire

Walking based wildlife tours in Derbyshire for up to 4 people (walks for larger groups can be arranged).
Walks to suit all abilities/fitness’s.
Full day, shorter and bespoke walks available.
Expert local guide.
Prices include use of optics and identification books/charts, a delicious packed lunch (full day walks only) and hot drinks.
Transport for up to 4 people available to and from accommodation.
5% of each booking will be donated to the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

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Telephone:
07989 218860

Email:
info@naturalderbyshiretours.uk

Moth Morning and Redwing Ramble at High Leas Farm – Saturday 17th February 2024