The weather was fine and surprisingly warm, perfect conditions as we commenced our bird watching at this beautiful wetland reserve.  It’s filled with lakes, reedbeds, grassy banks and meadows. The proportions are constantly increasing, stretching over the landscape as the aggregate quarry company turn excavated areas successfully over to nature.

5 Members of the group met at 10.30am in the car park of the reserve.  First stop the covered platform hide close to the entrance of the reserve and served by the Butty Bus, offering tea, coffee and cooked breakfast sandwiches which were very popular with lots of people, many just stopping off to eat and not birdwatchers. The platform is furnished with good picnic tables and lovely to enjoy morning coffee while watching out over the Village Lake.

Sightings from this platform included, Mute Swan, Mallard, Lapwing, Cormorant, Pheasant, Pochard, Little Grebe, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Greylag geese, Robin and Great Tit.

Moving along the good pathway to the East Hide we spotted Moorhen, Magpie, Black-tailed Godwit, Ruff, Carrion Crow, Pied Wagtail and Kestrel.

Onward to the Turret Hide overlooking the Island Lake. Walking along the path we spotted the Kestrel again, hovering and dipping. More sightings included Curlew and an exciting view of a Greenshank. Returning on the path, we clearly heard a Woodpecker, but not seen.

Continuing along Dryham Lane reserve pathway, past South Hide overlooking the Main Lake then on towards Crosslands Lake, where there is additional parking and good views over this end of the lake. Here we viewed the Jack Snipe, one of a few stars we encountered today. The lane has plenty of shrubs and trees as we approached the Main Lake, sighting Long-tailed Tits, Chaffinch and Woodpigeon.  Turning right by the edge of Crosslands Lake we made our way to The Dennis Wood Hide, good viewing with water on both sides. Sightings here include Black-headed Gulls, Little Grebes in abundance, Lapwings also in abundance, Coot, Greylag geese again, Black-backed Gull, Starling and Shelduck.  On leaving this hide, we ventured towards a small group of birdwatchers very intently viewing another of our stars of the day, Pectoral Sandpiper. Followed by further sighting of the Jack Snipe.

Our last stop was to the Crossland Hide, sighting Teal, Grey Heron, Redshank and another star, Green Sandpiper.

A very good day out with 35 sightings including a few rarely seen.

Judith Goodings

The weather was a big let down on the visit to this new site for our Bird Group. We managed to choose the first really wet day for some weeks  so a coffee break in cars or cafe was extended to nearly lunch time!

Glasson Dock is at the end of the Lancaster canal where it enters the Lune estuary and the Glasson Marina and is still a small working dock. There are several information boards explaining the history and nature of the area, a smokehouse, a good car park toilets and cafe so all needs provided for even in the rain.

Sadly, the thing missing was birds! Only Mallard in eclipse were on the marina, Black-headed Gulls in the empty dock, one Black-backed Gull and an occasional Heron looking very wet and sorry for itself.

We had arrived at low tide so there were plenty of birds on the Lune estuary, but a bit far away and too wet for the telescope, though recognisable as Redshank Lapwing and more Gulls with the occasional Cormorant.

It was too wet to take the 20-minute walk along the estuary side to Conder Green so we drove round instead. Here we walked onto the bridge over the Lune end, but it was pretty full of rain water after the heavy showers so only a few Redshank and Oystercatchers. On the hot sunny recce, the muddy base of the Lune was full of birds hunting the food at a similar state of tide.

Only about 20 species were seen on a dispiriting visit, but it has wetted our appetite for a repeat visit when more Ducks and Waders have returned from their Summer trips. However, it is a fascinating area to visit whatever your interest but do check tide times, previously I have been held up on the road waiting for the Spring tide to retreat and allow passage!

Josephine Drake

28^th May 2026

 A group of eight set off on the annual visit to Rodley Nature Reserve on the floodplains of the River Aire on the edge of Leeds. The journey was in an unexpected flash thunderstorm with torrential rain and large hailstones clattering on the car roof. Luckily it cleared nicely on arrival.

We were immediately greeted by the familiar call of a song thrush which was hard to spot in the thick foliage of the trees and shrubs. We were reminded that it was going to be one of those days when more birds would be heard than seen. On the way to the riverside and wetlands the group saw or heard an array of resident and migrant birds including Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Blackbird, Robin, Wren, Dunnock, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Sedge Warbler. As it got hotter damselflies, Small Whites, Orange-tips, Painted Lady and Peacocks fluttered around. The metallic blue body and black bands on the wings of a male Banded Demoiselle and the shiny green body of a female looked stunning in the sunlight.  A Red kite circled over the Scrub followed by a Buzzard being mobbed by a corvid. At this point the group decided to settle at the picnic benches by the river for a mid morning coffee break and was treated to the display flight and song of a Whitethroat which is always a delight. From the hide overlooking the wetland, Little egrets, Herons, Oystercatchers and Lapwings were seen and Cetties, Reed Warbler and Reed Bunting were heard. The quick torpedo flight of a Kingfisher going over the hide with a flash of blue as it disappeared into the reedbeds caused a bit of excitement. 

We ate lunch in the cool comfort of the visitor centre while watching the display screens showing live coverage of five Barn Owl and four Kestrel chicks. After lunch more wetland species Moorhen, Tufted Duck, Coot, Mallard, Mute Swan with six cygnets, Gadwall were seen. Disappointingly the Little and Great-crested Grebes remained elusive! Sand Martins, Swallows and Swifts swooped around us catching insects and the bright green of a Ring-necked Parakeet flashed by. 43 three species in all were seen .

 An enjoyable day!

Report by Pragna Unia

Only four members of the bird group were able to come to the day’s very pleasant outing to a nature reserve just south of York. As soon as we stepped out of the car we were surrounded by glorious birdsong, much of which was being delivered by warblers – Willow, Garden, Sedge, Reed, and Cetti’s warblers, Blackcap, Whitethroat, and Chiffchaff.  Reed Buntings, Song Thrush, Robins, Blackbirds, and Skylarks, also made lovely contributions throughout the day.

A male Marsh Harrier gave us several very nice sightings, as well as both Little Egret and the Great White. There were a number of Herons, along with a few species of ducks on the pools, and a sedate pair of Mute Swans with cygnets.

Although we prepared for rain, there were only a couple of light showers when we were luckily in hides.

A peaceful and quiet reserve, apart from the sound of the birds!

We saw 43 species.

Report: Clare Dunn

A group of 6 members met at Leighton Moss and the weather was perfect for a springtime day out birdwatching, with blue skies and sunshine, although quite a stiff breeze from the sea.

High tide would be at 11.30am, so we arrived firstly at the Allen Hide a little before high tide, viewing an abundant number of waders and gulls crowded onto the islands and the grassy edges of the water, waiting for the tide to begin its retreat.

Our walk along the path towards the Allen Hide bordered by shrubs and trees rewarded us with the song of a Wren, heard clearly but not seen. Also, good sightings of Robin and Cetti’s Warbler, both singing loudly.

Once inside the Hide, the multitude of birds across the water was amazing. Black-headed Gulls, a huge number of Redshank, a real treat to see so many together, mostly gathered on the islands and patches of grass at the water’s edge, occasionally rising up and taking flight altogether before quickly settling back to earth. Other great sightings were Oystercatcher, Black-tailed Godwits, Avocet, Little Egret, Shelduck, Great Black-backed Gull, Gadwall, Shoveler, Dunlin, Pochard, Wigeon and Mute Swan.

Leaving the Allen Hide to walk on to The Morecambe Hide, we enjoyed sightings of Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Skylark and Chaffinch. Also, hearing the song of Reed Warbler and Reed Bunting, but not seen.  Inside The Morecambe Hide the views over Morecambe bay and our previous view point presented many of our earlier sightings.

Next, we made the short drive to Warton Sands Nature Reserve, an interesting landscape with evidence of past industry and now returned to nature, a haven for birdlife. A good footpath following the riverside running towards Morecambe bay presented so many sightings, Swallows, House Sparrow, Feral Pigeon, Goldfinch, Skylarks gathering nest material, Grey Heron, Pied Wagtail, Lapwing, Mallard, Goosander, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Curlew, Sandpiper, Ringed Plover, Linnet and Wheatear.

Also, a huge crowd of Redshank and multitude of other waders all busy running around and feeding as the tide ebbed away revealing the sand and mud rich in nourishment.  Many of these waders we had seen earlier in our outing.

On our return walk to the car park, we saw Greylag and Canada geese.

39 sightings + 4 heard but not seen.

A great day out.

Judith Goodings

A group of seven members had a beautiful sunny mild day for a visit to this reserve of pools opposite the sea shore at the north end of Southport.

 From the car park we looked out to sea across the vegetated mud flats and we could see the heads and dark necks of several groups of Pink-footed Geese. Next we heard the loud call of a Cetti’s Warbler but as usual were not able to see it.

On the walk to the first hide we saw Goldfinch and heard Skylark.

 Over coffee we were able to see Ducks, Waders and Gulls but not the special Little Stint that had been seen the day before. However we were very happy to identify Bar-tailed Godwits, Redshank and Dunlin, described as large medium and small waders. Here were only Canada Geese, a pair of Greylag Geese were seen from another hide.

Through the day Gulls were abundant, Black-headed, Herring, Black-backed but, as no legs  seen, we were unable to identify further, and a few Common Gulls. Most of the usual Ducks were seen and several Little Grebes and Avocets.

 Walking west we visited a screen then the other hide where we had our lunches. Plants provided other interest along the way with small birds including Wren and Goldcrest. Two members found a Dune Stinkhorn some of the rest found European Spindle just coming into leaf and bud, having remembered it from a previous visit in autumn when it was showing its orange and red berries.

 An excellent day having seen over 40 species of bird and the added benefit of flowers, plants, good company and weather.

 Josephine Drake

A range of unfortunate events meant that on a cold February morning only three ornithology group members were free to travel to Staveley.  The 19^th of February started cold, dull and damp and whilst the temperature rose slightly during the day the dull and damp remained!  Despite this we had a good day with nearly all the usual suspects seen!  We had good views of Goldeneye, Teal, Lapwing, Shoveler, Gadwall, Little Egret and Shelduck and a fleeting glimpse of a Great Egret on the East Lagoon.  On the return walk to the car park we had managed a total of 36 species and were still hoping to make it 40!

A magpie kindly gave us 37 and then as we turned onto the Willow Wood path, we had the great pleasure of seeing a Gold Crest, a Treecreeper and best of all a Marsh Tit!  An inauspicious start had turned into good days ‘birding’ with 40 species seen.

Leader Cynthia Colley.

5 members of the ornithology  group visited Nidderdale, hoping that the forecast of no rain before midday would hold.

Our first spot was a large group of Lapwings lying over the water. They were around all the time, changing direction and splitting up into groups and then reforming, it was a joy to see them.  Other highlights were Red Kite , Buzzard and Great Spotted Woodpecker.

In all we saw 22 species.

Canada Goose, Wigeon, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Goosander, Red Kite, Buzzard, Pheasant, Lapwing, Black headed Gull, Common Gull, Wood Pigeon, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Long tailed tit, Coal tit, Great tit, Common Crow , Jackdaw, Chaffinch.

We adjourned for lunch where we met up with more members. As we sat down the heavens opened with heavy mist, so we counted ourselves very lucky to have a successful visit.

Win Clements

This being our first bird watching outing of the new 2025/2026 season, 7 members gathered at 10.30am at the Reserve car park, the weather was fine and warm.

North Cave Wetlands has developed in the footprint of a large sand and gravel quarry. There are several shallow and deep-water lakes, interspersed with islands. Varied habitats include reedbeds, grassy banks and meadows, hedgerows and wooded fringes. Bird life, wildlife, insects and flowers are abundant in this excellent reserve. There is a good circular path around the perimeter of the reserve, 6 hides and many benches located along the route as we made our way through the reserve.

We began our bird watching from the first covered platform hide, near the Reserve entrance and the welcome Butty Van, serving Tea, Coffee and tempting bacon or sausage sandwiches. Great views over the lake presented so many bird sightings, Lapwings, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Greylag geese, Mallard, Coot, Teal, Shoveler, Tufted duck, Heron and Moorhen. Other birds in the trees and shrubs close by, Robin, Great tit, Feral Pigeon, Wood Pigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw.

Continuing along the path towards the South Hide, we clearly heard Curlew but were unable to see it here. Also, sighted Blackbird, Long-tailed Tit and Dunnock. Once inside South Hide the Curlew could be spotted along with Mute Swan and a Greater Spotted Woodpecker could be heard.

Onto the next lake where we encountered Little Egret, Gadwall and Wigeon. The Dennis Wood Hide revealed the sighting of the day, a Bar Headed Goose in the company of many Greylag geese, it looked strikingly different from its Greylag cousins. Very unusual to see one here. Other sightings, Redshank, juvenile Shelduck, Black-headed Gull and Green Sandpiper.

The Crossland Hide gave us sightings of many of the Waterfowl already seen, plus a Carrion Crow. Onto the East Hide then further to the Turret Hide, this has an elevated position with good views over reeds, shrubs and grassy areas with lots of teasels, looking towards the lake. Lovely view of a Kestrel hovering. A Snipe spotted, Pheasant and close to the hide sighting of Goldfinches feeding on the Teasel heads.

A successful and enjoyable outing with 38 sightings.

Judith Goodings

On Thursday 18 September the Ornithology Group visited Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve at Staveley near Boroughbridge.  The weather was sunny and warm and the only evidence of the wind and rain we had had was puddles in the car park!

The vegetation had grown to obscure views over the rough wetland where we often saw snipe and ducks.  But we did see quite a few Hirundines, Swallows and House Martins.  A short detour to overlook a cut meadow only revealed some glorious wild plum trees full of nicely ripe fruits.  Back onto the main path through the woodland.

Through the woodland a Great Tit was seen but birds heard but not seen were Blackbird and Wren.

At the first hide we met a group from York u3a who were watching a Hobby (a first for me) hunting over the fields and lake.  Also from here we saw Kestrel, Great White Egret, Lapwing and distant Buzzard.

From the second hide we had a great view of a Marsh Harrier being mobbed by five Corvids and a fleeting view of two warblers.  After much discussion it was decided one was a Willow Warbler and the other a Reed Warbler.

We walked on to the third hide which, disappointingly, is now out of bounds due to safety issues and the whole area is quite over grown.

Returning to the first hide we now had the place to ourselves and had lunch!  Jo managed to find the first wader, a Ruff!

Walking on to the Church Hide we had another magnificent view of the Hobby directly overhead with good views of it’s white cheeks and black ‘moustaches’.  We also heard but did not see Cetti and Chiff Chaff.  At the hide once again there was disappointment at the growth of vegetation hiding the scrapes.  We managed to see a Ruff again – perhaps the same one!  No other waders were spotted – perhaps they are put off by the large number of geese!

A good day out with altogether 32 species seen.  Despite ‘interrogation’ from Kevin the York group did not reveal any other interesting sites they visit round York.

Report: Cynthia Colley