Despite thick fog over Greenhow, 10 members of the Ornithology group remained hopeful that the weather would improve once we reached Nidderdale. We were not disappointed. The light improved and we soon enjoyed sunshine.
At the car park we spotted a flock of Siskins feeding on alder catkins – a real treat – as we don’t often see them “in the wild”. On the reservoir there were many geese, Greylag and Canada, and many ducks with pleasing views of male Goldeneye, a new species for some of the group.
We were very pleased to hear and then see a group of Curlew – a sure sign of spring. A very large flock of Lapwing often wheeling over the water looked spectacular as they turned as one and the sunlight caught their plumage.
We ventured further up the reservoir and had good views of Teal and Wigeon in fine breeding plumage. After a picnic lunch at the car park, some of us sitting out in the sunshine, we decided to call at Grimwith on our way home.
We were rewarded with views of a Stonechat and 2 Ringed Plovers as well as more Lapwing, Oystercatchers and Gulls. From the dam we finished with brief views of a Barn Owl.
As a whole, the group saw 38 species. A lovely day out, near to home.
Win Clements
