Nine members of the above group had a very satisfying visit to the Ripon Wetlands Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Reserve on the morning of Thursday 20th February. There was a wide range of birds and some interesting sightings. Whilst still in the car park a flock of Lapwing flew over our heads, and by the riverbank just alongside the race course fencing, Curlews and Oystercatchers.
Ripon City Wetlands Sign by K Goodings
Small birds were seen intermittently throughout the morning although not in great numbers or variety. It was very surprising that no robin was seen.
Getting to the lake we were delighted to see several Goldeneye along with Tufted duck. Cormorants were seen further away along with Swans and the common geese, Greylag and Canada.
A highlight was to see two Kites flying low over the water so that we could see the variation of colour in the wings. At the same time a Kestrel was hovering nearby soon to be seen off by the Kites.
Goldeneye by Tapani Hellman
Walking down the canal path to the more substantial hide, Great Crested Grebes were seen and along the way were Black-headed Gulls.
There are several viewing screens around site but no fully enclosed hide, so a dry weather reserve. However, there are several different habitats and an interesting reserve to spend a half-day. After the long walk from the canal hide to the car park everyone was ready to go for lunch at the Toft Barn café on the way home.
The amalgamated list of birds – Blackbird, Blue-tit, Magpie, Crow, Dunnock, Pheasant, Lapwing, Curlew, Oystercatcher, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Grey Heron, Cormorant, Golden-eye, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Mallard, Gadwall, Coot, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Great Crested Grebe, Kestrel, Red Kite, Wren, Siskin.
Christine Bell
