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

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Due to an unfavourable weather forecast, the original destination of Fairburn Ings was changed following discussions at the UWFS meeting last Monday evening. The new venue being Nosterfield Nature Reserve, where 9 members of the bird watching group met in the car park at 09.30am. Conditions were overcast but no rain. We began our viewing in the hide close to the carpark. Excellent scenes over the water and across to the surrounding grassy areas.

A host of species identified, Canada geese, Greylag geese, Oyster catcher, Curlew, Redshank, Lapwing, Snipe, Ring Plover, Dunlin, Goldeneye, Little Grebe, Gadwall, Coot, Shoveler, Widgeon, Mallard, Teal, Moorhen, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan and Black Headed Gulls.

As we made our way along the foot path towards the next hide we encountered Kestrel, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Blackbird, Starling and Carrion Crow. Great Tit, Goldfinch and Grey Heron also sighted as the path circled another stretch of water. Audible identification of a Wren and a Robin, unfortunately not seen.

On returning to our vehicles, we decided to drive on to The Quarry site and have lunch in the Visitors Centre. It was a welcome discovery to find we had the place to ourselves. After lunch we set out on the paths between mature hedges with lots more birds to view. Able to spot them easily with little foliage yet. Here we saw Chaffinch, Thrush (unsure whether Song or Mistle), Magpie, Jackdaw, a group of Fieldfare (or possibly Redwing), Pheasant and a Yellowhammer. Our arrival at the next stretch of water revealed Common Gulls, Great Crested Grebes, Cormorant, Black-tailed Godwit and the final treat as we made ready to return was a magnificent Green Woodpecker.

A successful and very enjoyable day. Total sightings 42.

Report by Judith Goodings

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It was a glorious sunny autumn day for our bird outing this month as nine members ventured out to Nosterfield, just north of Ripon. Although Nosterfield is a working Quarry, the extraction of sand and gravel results in quarried areas naturally filling with water. With the help of ecological experts these areas have become outstanding habitats for wildlife.
Nosterfield is well known as an excellent site for bird watchers throughout the year. Our September ornithology visit was no disappointment. With two superb hides and three viewing screens, we were able to record 40 of the 200 species known to visit this little haven for wildlife.
As we drew into the car park we were treated to a skein of pink-footed geese above us. Heavily camouflaged amidst a flock of over 72 curlew along the banks of a very low lake were the Ruff.

Ruff amongst Curlews

Ruff

The raptors (sparrowhawk, buzzard, kestrel and merlin) treated us to numerous displays and perhaps accounted for the lack of our normally sighted little birds.

Buzzard

There was a discussion of whether we had seen a chiffchaff or a willow warbler, both so similar in looks, and normally identified by song but not at this time of year when their calls are virtually indistinguishable. The swallows had not yet left this part of Yorkshire confirming that we still must have a few lovely warm days left in the season.
Gadwall, Teal, Tufted ducks and Grebes all put in an appearance and flocks of Lapwing gave wonderful aerial displays when disturbed by the raptors.

Great Crested Grebe

Little Grebe with big fish

Lapwing island

Another enjoyable day with our group.

Report: Stella Hughes

Photos: Ian Hughes

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On our visit we recorded 37 species of bird during the day, including a rare visitor, the Pectoral Sandpiper. As is often the case, most of the interesting birds were either on the far bank or high in the sky, so photography was challenging.

At the Quarry site, the shoreline nearest to Tanfield was flanked with colonies of Greylag, Curlew, and Lapwing creating a cacophony of bird call. A sighting of a Sparrowhawk was followed by that of a Hawk T2 Mk167 jet trainer much to the consternation of all those in earshot, bird and human! A raptor-like drone taking measurements for the quarry and a buzzard circling were also unwelcome visitors to the waterfowl. Workmen present in the vicinity of the Reed Bed viewing screen thwarted our success at viewing Bitterns or Reed Buntings.

At the main hide, the presence of Dunlin, Ruff, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwits and Greenshanks, combined with the glorious weather all made the visit a most successful day for the 8 members that were able to join us. The highlight of the day was seeing the Godwit, Pectoral Sandpiper and Greenshank wading together along the shoreline.

Black-tailed Godwit, Pectoral Sandpiper and Greenshank

Report: Stella Hughes, Photos: Ian Hughes

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Wigeon

Lapwing

The only waders were flocks of Lapwing accompanied by Starlings, a few Curlew and a solitary Redshank.  2 members had a brief glimpse of a Merlin as it dashed between the bushes. The chief interest near the hide were about 8 Buzzards calling and circling on the thermals.

At the Tarmac quarry area we spotted a Red Kite flying close to a Buzzard.  Also seen were Mute Swans, Little Egret, Greylag and Canada Geese. The height of the bushes obscured clear views over the water and some work was in progress near the reed beds or we might have seen more species.

There were still butterflies around, particularly Speckled Wood.  Also dragonflies which were happy to pose

Common Darter

:  these were Common Darter and Common Hawker.

Common Hawker

In all we spotted 36 species. A most enjoyable day.

leader : Win Clements,   photos : Ian Hughes

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Nosterfield

21 September 2017.

Pintail Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve.
Photo: Marg Smith.

We recorded 46 species on this visit. However, bird watching on the main lake was disappointing as the water level was very low. Nevertheless, we saw an Avocet and other summer visitors, Chiffchaff and Blackcap feeding on abundant berries and seeds in the bushes, together with Goldfinches and Blackbirds. Beside the working quarry we saw more birds: ducks, geese and waders and Great Crested and Little Grebe. We also spotted a Stoat running ‘wild’. A highlight later in the day was a Kingfisher flying over the reeds. (Leader Sheila Ginger)

Ruff Old Moor RSPB Reserve.
Photo: Marg Smith.

Old Moor RSPB Wetlands Reserve

12 October 2017.

Three members made the visit to this popular site in the Dearne Valley.

At this time of year we expect to see wintering waders and we spotted Ruff, Lapwing, Dunlin, Green Sandpiper, Black Tailed Godwit, Ringed Plover and Spotted Redshank. In the past we have seen large flocks of Golden Plover, but not today, as they were apparently put off by the presence of raptors. The only raptor we actually observed was a female Kestrel. The surrounding bushes were full of hips and berries ready for the wintering Thrushes. (Leader Win Clements)

Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve

16 November 2017.

Nine members made the trip to our nearest RSPB reserve. From the Causeway hide we saw good numbers of Pintail and Shoveler. Nearby, Bearded Tits could be heard but were not easily seen. We did, however, see Marsh Tits and the Robins appeared everywhere. A new viewing tower gave good views of Little Egret and a Great White Egret. The highlight from the saltmarsh was a female Merlin which stayed on a grassy mound long enough for us to admire it through the telescope. As we left, we saw another raptor, a Sparrowhawk mobbed by Jackdaws. (Leader Gerald Light)

Merlin, Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve.
Photo: Marg Smith.

Marshside RSPB Reserve

15 February 2018.

Again, the weather affected our sightings at this coastal reserve north of Southport. We faced a strong cold wind so were grateful for the sun-warmed hide. We saw many duck, including Wigeon, which were put up by a hunting Peregrine, and Pochard, a bird we do not see often. Among the waders were numerous Lapwing, the smaller, fast-moving Dunlin and a group of Black Tailed Godwit. We also spotted a flock of Golden Plover, and Pink Footed Geese were flying in. Very few small birds were braving the strong wind. Although only 30 species were recorded we had an enjoyable sunny outing. (Leader Josephine Drake)

Report compiled by Sheila Ginger and Win Clements.
Photos: Marg Smith.

The Ornithology Group Coordinator is Win Clements.
Glenholme, Kilnsey.

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