Seven birdwatchers took part in a visit to Rodley Nature reserve. This interesting site is a wonderful, peaceful reserve only a few miles from the centre of Leeds.

We were blessed with warm sunshine as we made our way round, visiting hides overlooking lagoons and marsh where we saw several species of water birds including Canada Geese with newly hatched young. Sand Martins were skimming the water for insects and flying to the holes in the nesting wall.

The trees were alive with the songs of warblers which tested our recognition skills. We were particularly pleased to see a Whitethroat and, later, a Lesser Whitethroat.

In the pleasant visitor centre, we were able to see Barn Owl and Kestrel in the camera-fitted nest boxes. Also, there was a cage of tiny Harvest mice, a species which has been introduced to the site.

Reed Bunting

Reed Bunting

Butterflies were also making the most of the sunshine.

Species seen: Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Goosander, Pheasant, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Feral Pigeon, Wood Pigeon, Sand Martin, Swallow, Wren, Robin, Dunnock, Blackbird, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Cetti’s Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Reed Bunting.

Butterflies: Orange Tip, Speckled Wood, Brimstone.

Win Clements