View Of The Turret Hide And Village LakeAn epic day out. Marilyn and I set out around 8.30 am and returned around 9.45 pm. Others did similarly. We departed from North Cave Wetlands after a successful day out at 2.45 pm to join the tailback of traffic from the Ouse bridge. There had been a traffic accident relative to the high winds that prevailed during the day. It took approximately three hours to cover a short distance of 6 miles. Considerable patience and good humour was displayed by all. It was needed! Our driver Robert was excellent.
New Viewing Screen
Our day out in "birding city" the North Cave Wetlands proved to be most enjoyable, this in spite of the extreme windy conditions. We managed to dodge showers by hopping from one hide to another and were sustained by the produce of the Wild Bird Cafe. We enjoyed lunch in the Turret hide with shelter and good views of the Reserve. We ended our day in the hide built from straw bales. A great variety of birds was seen around the lakes and the ridge and furrow meadow called Dryham Ings. They included good numbers of Black-headed Gulls, Shelduck, Shoveler, Greylag Geese and Mallard. Other ducks included Tufted Duck,Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall and Little Grebe. Great Crested Grebes were seen in courtship mode. The waders included Redshank, Oystercatchers and Ringed Plover. A Kingfisher flew in front of the South Hide overlooking the Main Lake. Brambling, Tree Sparrow, Blue and Great Tits were seen at the feeders. 40 species of bird were recorded.
Mr and Mrs Grebe
10 species of flowers were recorded including Red Dead Nettle, Celandine and Coltsfoot.
The Reserve is continuing to develop. A viewing platform and feeders have been constructed near the entrance overlooking the Village Lake. Two composting toilets are now in place. The area of ridge and furrow is proving to be attracting waders as well as geese and ducks. Phase 2 of the development is now complete. Phase 3 will take in the area currently subject to sand and gravel extraction. The birds are certainly pleased to have found a treasure and we feel likewise. A party of 12 enjoyed this day out 3 of which were making their first visit. They were Dorothy, Sally and Vera.
Margaret