News broke on Sunday night that a Dusky Thrush had been found by local birder Rachel Jones in her home village of Beeley, Derbyshire. The bird was frequenting an orchard near the Duke’s Barn Activity Centre, immediately creating a buzz among local and visiting birders.
Despite having seen the Margate Dusky Thrush back in 2013, the proximity of this bird—just an hour’s drive from work—made it irresistible. After reports confirmed the bird’s continued presence on Monday morning and arrangements were made for birders to access the orchard, I planned my visit immediately after finishing my night shift.
Leaving work at 7:30am, I navigated the thick morning fog and arrived in Beeley just before 9:00am. Almost immediately, the Dusky Thrush appeared in the orchard, busily feeding on fallen apples. My heart leapt—this was my second Dusky Thrush in Britain.
The bird, however, was elusive. It only lingered briefly before flying off, and despite spending a couple of hours trying for better photographs, it remained largely perched high in trees or hidden from view. Exhausted but exhilarated, I made my way home, satisfied that the journey had been well worth it to witness this magnificent Siberian vagrant.
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