Birds

The Baslow 50 Bird Challenge

You may think there are very few birds to be seen in your garden these days. You are right that both the number and the variety of birds are decreasing at a worrying rate, due to pollution, disturbance, climate change, and perhaps to increasing numbers of predators including cats, hawks and magpies.

However, you would be surprised how many can be seen in the next 6 months in and around the village. Why not see if you can beat the challenge and see 50 or more species before Christmas Day 2025?

There are in fact at least 90 possible species, of which about 60 are certain to be seen with some perseverance, but who knows, you may also see some more unusual birds as well.


The full list of 90 and some tips on where they can be found here.


Please let us know (text only to 07771 808017) if you take up the challenge and when you reach 50 , and which birds you have seen. Let us know immediately if you see any birds not mentioned or listed as gone from the village.

The results will be published in the Parish Magazine, and will help the newly formed Baslow Bird Group understand what species we have here. (To offer hope, last year in the same period I saw 80 species within 2 miles of the church, so they really are mostly viewable here).

Ian Johnston

April 2025

The Baslow, Bubnell and Chatsworth Bird List

Ian Johnston has compiled a bird list for the area.

Stock Dove

Stock Dove - a good one to get on your Baslow 50 list!

Free Village Bird Walks

For people wanting to learn more about the birds that can be found in spring, singing around the village and in Chatsworth Park, the Baslow Environment Group (now formally a community benefit organisation Baslow Environment Projects Limited BEPL) is organising some free bird walks.

The walks normally start in the village or in Chatsworth Park, and will last about 2 hours. Last year we saw 45 species in total spread across a few walks, so 25+ for a walk is normal.

The  dates are ;

Saturday 10 May 2025 at 8.00am

Monday 12 May 2025 at 8.00am

Saturday 24 May 2025 (TBC)

Reservations

Places will be limited and can be reserved with (by texting ONLY please) Ian Johnston on 07771 808017 who will confirm your reservation. Please start your message "bird walks".

Reservations can be accepted up to the day beforehand. Under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. We will mainly be on footpaths but may walk off the path over rough ground for short distances.

On 10 May 2025 the walk is intended for novices, on 12 May, for those keen to see flycatchers, redstarts and warblers, and on 24 May to find woodcock and nightjars, if they return to the same spot this year (NB. this walk will be just beyond Chatsworth and will need a private car).

Birds heard and possibly seen are likely to include some of:

Ducks

Swallows & Martins

Thrushes

Warblers

Tits

Crows

Finches

Others

Important Information

The walks are free of charge and BEPL  accepts no responsibility for your health and safety or any other possible loss , including unforeseen cancellation. There is no contract of service involved. Making a reservation signifies that you agree and accept these terms. All that is offered is to identify and hopefully show singing or calling birds. Please bring binoculars if you have them, but a spare pair will be available. High winds, heavy rain or thunder are unsuitable conditions and a text postponing the walk will be sent if these occur.