Skirr Cottage Diary.

It proved to be a bitter cold day but the sun did eventually make a tentative appearance from behind some dark grey cloud that to me hinted at forth-coming snow. After some thought I decided a quick trip down Goyt Valley, near Buxton was in order; perhaps a tick for the New Year’s list might manifest itself? I walked from the main car park, glimpsing a cormorant perched on a buoy bobbing about on Errwood Reservoir and some Canada geese. Very soon I heard and spotted my first treecreeper of the year, always a terrific bird to see anytime. The tiny bird explored and probed one of the many oaks by the river as it entered the reservoir. Sad to related that after a circular walk encompassing the Riverside Walk the valley became bird-less.  The question has to be asked: where do all the woodland birds disappear to on a cold winter’s day? After much scanning of trees and moors I saw nothing more on my walk. The only other bird to be seen was a lone raven as I drove out of the valley on my way home. But the Goyt Valley, bird-less or not is always a great place to be – and besides, two ticks for the new list are not to be sneered at!!!