97 Species recorded
Written by Hans Rieder
29th March 2014
We have a new bird sighting at our Reserve
During a visit on the 28th March 2014 Paul Highman saw a Peregrine Falcon flying over the Reserve towards the city centre of Derby. Presumably it was one of the Derby Cathedral bird. It is the 97th species recorded in our Reserve.
Description
One of the larger falcons, the adult has a blue-grey back, barred white underparts, a black head with a broad, black moustachial stripe, yellow legs, a yellow eye-ring and yellow cere (top of the beak). The juvenile is browner above, more heavily marked underparts, blueish eye-ring and cere.
Habitat
It nests on cliff faces and recently on tall man-made buildings.
When to see it
All year round
Life History
This spectacular bird can reach speeds of over 200 mph when diving after prey, making it the fastest animal on earth. It primarily eats medium-sized birds, with pigeons being a common meal.
UK Status
It is the most widespread bird of prey in the world, reaching every major land mass except the Antarctic and New Zealand. In Britain it is most common in Scotland and in the west but has recently started breeding in cities, including a nest on Derby Cathedral and certain quarry sites in Leicestershire.
Celebrating 100 Visits
Written by Hans Rieder
24th July 2012
Paul Highman a staunch supporter of Nutwood LNR and life long wildlife enthusiast, has reported about his latest visit to the Reserve:
'I visited Darley and Nutwood LNR at 8.05am today, and although it was a lovely sunny day, a lot of the paths were still very muddy and in a lot of places, especially by the river, very overgrown. I was also constantly attacked by flying insects and received a number of bites to go with the nettle stings on my arms.
Today is a special day for me, as it was my 100th visit to the Reserve since I first discovered it in April 2010.
Since then, I have seen some 80 birds of the 93 recorded and also a good number of butterflies and dragonflies. The wild flowers have also been a delight, with an ever changing variety, some I know and some I don't recognise.
It is most of all, a restful quiet place, where you can relax and wander at your leisure.'
During this one visit, Paul saw well over 20 species of our birds. Paul, in his closing remark, states the most important aspect of the Reserve:
'A restful place, where you can relax and wander at your leisure'
