RED-FOOTED FALCON in Derbyshire

After yesterday's complete wash out we decided to lounge around the garden today and take advantage of the fine weather . There was plenty of weeding to be done and we were keen to see what wildlife was lurking around the cottage. It has been pretty good from the garden over the past few weeks with our first sightings of Short-eared Owl and Red Kite as well as a displaying pair of Hobby and a pair of Yellow Wagtails collecting nesting material.  There have also been both Grey Partridge and Red-legged Partridge in addition to our resident Little Owls and Tawny Owls.

Our priorities suddenly changed however when news of a RED-FOOTED FALCON filtered through this morning.  I have seen quite a few in England over the years however the species was high on Nadia's 'wanted list'. As it was located just twenty-five minutes up the road at Willington Pits we decided to make a move for it as soon as it was pinned down.

Upon arrival the bird could be seen with a bit of patience every now and then as it fed on flying insects along a small section of the River Trent. It would also show perched up on a series of fence posts occasionally where it showed well despite the distance and the bouts of heat haze.  All I need now is for it to fly south into Shakespeare's County and I will be well chuffed.

RED-FOOTED FALCON (first summer male)
Willington Pits, Derbyshire
Photo by Paul of
EREWASH VALLEY WILDLIFE

This excellent Derbyshire Wildlife Trust reserve also provided us with a couple of Hobby sightings in addition to Kestrel and Common Buzzard. There were also a few pairs of Common Tern in the area as well as a good selection of singing warblers.  We also enjoyed good numbers of the stunning Banded Demoiselle damselfly around the reserve entrance.