Joint leaders Sue and Win

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The Society’s visit to the Broughton Estate on 21 May 2024 was a great success.  Twenty UWFS members were shown around by Kelly Hollick (Estate Project Manager) and Prof Alastair Driver (ecologist, conservationist and rewilding specialist).

We learnt about the nature recovery plans, and walked among some of the 350,000 native trees recently planted.  There was a wealth of information about the developing floral and fauna habitats, which run alongside profitable quality food production. The way close-cropped sheep pasture had changed in less than a handful of years was most striking, together with the success of new tree planting.

Many thanks to Wendy Berrington for organising the trip.  Our thanks to Kelly and Alastair for giving their time to show us around.

Rushy pasture and new tree planting by Chris Alder

Keith Berrington

Chris Alder

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Tony Serjeant

Micrommata advert

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Hunt for Micrommata advert

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Path side Chiffchaff nesting site in low vegetation by Chris Alder

There were lots of small birds in the trees, testing our sound recognition skills (not a problem for some). Some were resident like the Robin but some were recent arrivals like the Chiffchaff and Blackcap. We saw a pair of Chiffchaffs carrying nesting material in to a site within 2 metres of the path. Would they cope with visitor numbers, especially dogs?

When we reached the aqueduct, we were pleased to see the Dipper and a Common Sandpiper. On the water we had good sightings of a pair of Goosander. As we reached the woodland on the far side, we saw a very smart male Pied Flycatcher near one of the nest boxes. In the welcome sunshine we were also pleased to see Swallows and Sand Martins flying over the river. Spring at last! Our optimism was soon dampened, literally, as rain came in the afternoon and we had no new sightings. But a great day out with some surprises.

Badger paw prints in mud, Strid wood by Chris Alder

Ornithology Group outings aren’t exclusive to birds, but can branch out to cover other areas of interest. For example, on this visit we also saw badger paw prints rather messily left in a muddy route crossing the path. The botanists also pointed out a spreading clump of Allium paradoxum (few-flowered leek). This is a non-native invasive species which it is now an offence to plant or cause to grow in the wild.

Few-flowered Leek, Strid Wood by Chris Alder

Mandarin male Ducks in Strid Wood by Chris Alder

Another non-native is the exotic looking Mandarin Duck, two drakes of which joined us for lunch. Whether these become an introduction of conservation concern depends on how they interact in future with other native hole nesting duck – Goosander and Goldeneye, both uncommon, especially the latter.

35 Species seen.

Greylag Goose, Mandarin Duck, Mallard, Red Kite, Goosander, Pheasant, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Woodcock, Curlew, Common Sandpiper, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sand Martin, Swallow, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Dipper, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Pied Flycatcher, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Jackdaw, Chaffinch, Goldfinch

Win Clements

Chris Alder

The post Bird Group outing to Strid Wood, Bolton Abbey 18 April 2024 appeared first on Upper Wharfedale Field Society.

2024 Ornithology Summer Visit Programme

The expected Ornithology Special Interest Group events for the forthcoming season have been almost finalised. If you would like to print out a list, you may do so here.

2024 Ornithology Summer Programme

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2024 Local History and Vernacular Building Visit Programme

The expected Local History/Vernacular Building Special Interest Group events for the forthcoming season have been finalised. If you would like to print out a list, you may do so here.

2024 Local History Programme

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11 members of the bird watching group gathered in the main car park of the reserve at 09.30am.  The weather was quite promising; overcast but no rain.  However, the water level in all the lakes was significantly high.  We began our day in the Main Hide.  So many interesting species to view from there, including Sand Martins swooping across the water.  Other species seen:-  Black-headed Gull, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Wigeon, Coot, Redshank, Mute Swan, Goldeneye, Gadwall, Pintail, Curlew, Canada Goose, Black-tailed Godwit, Red Kite, Magpie and Buzzards, a male and female together on the hedging across the main lake.

Our next venue was the Tanfield Hide and more species to spot:-  Mallard, Pied Wagtail, Pheasant, Greylag Goose, Shelduck and Great Crested Grebe.

Walking on the path towards North Lake and the viewing screen, we passed the dipping ponds and continued along the footpath, clearly hearing the Chiffchaff, but unable to see the bird.

From the viewing screen we spotted Dunlin, Ruff, Avocet, Lesser Black-backed Gull, more Curlew and many more Oystercatchers.

We gathered for lunch in The Quarry Visitors Centre.  Afterwards making our way through the restored areas for nature, along good footpaths towards the lakes and reed beds.

Further species seen:-  Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Feral Pigeon, Blackbird, Wood Pigeon, Blue Tit, Robin, Dunnock, Reed Bunting, Little Grebe, Ringed Plover, Great White Egret, Heron, Cormorant and Green Woodpecker (spotted in the same area when we visited this site one year ago).  Finally, a Tawny Owl sheltering in an opening on the side of a tall dead tree.

Another successful and enjoyable day.  Total sightings 46.

Judith Goodings

The post Ornithology visit to Nosterfield Nature Reserve and Nosterfield Quarry, 21 March 2024 appeared first on Upper Wharfedale Field Society.

The expected Botany Special Interest Group events for the forthcoming season have been finalized. If you would like to print out a list, you may do so here.

UWFS Botany SIG Programme 2024

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Of particular interest were the calls of birds establishing their territories. First the booming Bittern males – we were told 5. Then the piglet-like calls of Water Rail. There was also the distinctive song of several Cetti’s Warbler – one was briefly seen lurking in the reeds by Clare but we heard several of those in the reed bed. This was a very unusual sighting, Cetti’s are usually heard, but not seen.

The resident Marsh Harriers were seen, both male and female.

Warned to wear wellies, we visited the Morecambe hide on the saltmarsh where unfortunately the water level was very high leaving little space for waders. However, we did spot some of the expected waders, Redshank, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit and Curlew. One unusual bird was spotted – a Turnstone, more usually spotted on a beach.

Then the mist came down making visibility difficult so we called it a day, very pleased that we had made the effort. Total number of species seen or heard was 43, a good start to the season.

Overall, our list of birds seen was:

Cormorant, Bittern, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Pintail, Pochard, Shoveler, Marsh Harrier, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Black tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Black headed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Cetti’s Warbler, Long tailed Tit, Blue Tit, great Tit, Treecreeper, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch – An impressive list of 43 species

Special thanks to Clare for negotiating the puddles and bumps down to the saltmarsh car park.

Win Clements

The post Ornithology visit to Leighton Moss, 15 February 2024 appeared first on Upper Wharfedale Field Society.

Eccup Reservoir – Treecreeper © UWFS

Malham Nuthatch © UWFS

Given the sociable nature of the outing, the chat along the way, and the intermittent and sometimes brief views of birds meant that not everyone saw everything, but the many eyes on the skies ensured that we all saw a decent share of what was about. Luck was particularly with us when we stopped for a collective coffee break below Birks Wood (standing up – unfortunately no seats available). A hoped for flock of small birds was working over a collection of small trees nearby. Along with the mixed tits, there were also Goldcrest, Nuthatch and Treecreeper, the latter especially nice to see as it is a relatively uncommon bird with interesting habits and excellent camouflage. The river itself proved unproductive apart from views of a Little Egret. Even 10 years ago, reporting an over-wintering Little Egret at Buckden would have stretched the credulity of the reporter. Now, as a result of climate change, they are regular, if only in low numbers.  The Goldcrests may have been Scandinavian winter migrants – it’s astonishing to think that 5g of bird can make such a journey.

“Goldcrest, eating the silver birch buds” by Wildlife Boy1 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

This rewarding walk was followed by a very convivial lunch at the Buck Inn. The participants thanked Win very much for arranging such an enjoyable end to the season.

Overall, our list of birds seen was:

Pheasant, Cormorant, Little Egret, Buzzard, Kestrel, Common Gull, Woodpigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Robin, Blackbird, Goldcrest, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Jackdaw, Rook.

Winter days are short and the weather often bad, so there is no January outing. For further information consult the Calendar.

Chris Alder

Images from a variety of sources

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