Ten members enjoyed a warm, wind and bird free visit to some of the RSPB reserves in the Dearne Valley. Bird free sounds pretty bad – well 50 species were identified but there was little that was unusual, a fact that was bemoaned by another Ogston member who often volunteers at Old Moor so knows the place intimately.
We started at Edderthorpe Flash where the only bird of note was a Pintail, observed by Hilary who had been there since the break of day, but by the time the trip started, it had disappeared leaving just more common species of wildfowl.
Then onto Wombwell Ings where the start was delayed by folks following their SATNAVs ending up at the wrong place. However, since the reserve has been fenced, to distance humans and dogs from the wildlife, this place usually delivers an interesting variety. On this occasion, there were Dunlin, a Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper and a flock of Linnets. Also a Kestrel – our first raptor of the day.
And then to Old Moor where we saw a further 3 Green Sandpipers, a single Redshank and a Great Egret. Three of the group who had had to leave early, also saw a flock of Pink-footed Geese fly over and, to their great surprise, a Cettis Warbler singing from the top of a tree.
Now for a few lovely photos courtesy of Hilary Hodkinson.
Pintail at Edderthorpe Flash
Green Sandpiper at Wombwell Ings
Dunlin at Wombwell Ings
Linnet at Wombwell Ings
Great White Egret at Old Moor
Wigeon at Old Moor
Gadwall at Old Moor