This morning, Jenna and I explored Wildboarclough in the Eastern Hills, and it wasn’t long before we located our first target of the day: the Dipper, busily foraging along the stream. One of the two birds observed was even carrying nesting materials, a promising sign that the breeding season is not far away.
Wildboarclough
Following these fantastic views, we continued our journey to Carsington Water in Derbyshire. At the Millfields car park, we eventually located the first-winter female Lesser Scaup, a highlight for the day.
Carsington Water
Lesser scaup
The reservoir was alive with other interesting waterfowl. Among those noted were Red-throated Diver, Great Northern Diver, and a Ring-necked Duck, all providing excellent photographic opportunities and satisfying views.
Ring-necked duck
Red-throated diver
It was a highly rewarding morning, combining classic streamside birding with open-water specialities, and a reminder of the diverse avian life on offer in the region.