Colds had forced two people to stay home, leaving seven minibus travellers to rendezvous at Old Moor RSPB reserve with Stuart and Gillian and a newly acquired friend from their recent travels.
After a briefing from Julia we had an update from Shaun, a volunteer at the reserve, about potential sightings before we started out on the Green Lane route with only a brief stop at the feeders as volunteer activity nearby meant little chance of bird activity. The Green Lane is a loop with five hides, many of which have been revamped and a lot of vegetation has been cleared to provide better viewing opportunities and there was indeed plenty to see.
We eagerly searched for the reported Caspian Gull but finding it in a sea of gulls left us all at sea!! There was one gull that stood out from the rest being mobbed and made unwelcome by the other gulls. We referred to a bird book but the array of images of gulls in 1st winter, 2nd winter, adult breeding plumage etc left us scratching our heads. Would John with his marvellous memory, dogged determination and attention to detail have fared better in making a definitive identification?
More easily identified were the Teal, Shoveler, Goosander and Oyster Catcher. As we watched a distant Little Egret venture closer, our eye was caught by a flock of small birds which kept flying back and forth and only resting briefly making identification tricky. We did however see a similar flock a little later and when they has a lengthier rest in a tree, the general consensus was that they were Linnets.
The group became increasingly fragmented over the day with some spending more time than others in the various hides. As we sat in one hide admiring the Teal, Wigeon and Shovelers a Robin came incredibly close perching close to the ledge of the viewing flap, lingering long enough for us to get some lovely close up photos and putting a smile on everyone's faces.
The strange "took took" call of the Shovelers was clearly heard.
It was fascinating to see a sizable group of Cormorants with varied colours and tones in their plumage. one Cormorant really stood out from the crowd with its eye-catching predominantly white feathered head.
An RSPB volunteer called in to a hide to report the arrival of four Avocetswhich were on the water on the very far side of the lake.
After having lunch in a hide, we headed back towards the visitor centre tp pick up the Discovery Zone/Reedbed Trail on the other side of the reserve. At the reedbed hide a pair of Great-crested Grebes was showing well whilst the song of a Cetti's Warbler rose from the reeds. Several of the group heard the boom of Bitterns on the reedbed trail.
As Julia was leaving the Bittern hide, Kevin called her back in to see a Marsh Harrier quartering left and right over the reeds before landing in a tree, showing off its bright yellow legs. Then when they left the hide they were able to match a loud, long trilling call with a Little Grebe.
Old Moor is known for its Tree Sparrows but they are no longer seen here. My garden Tree Sparrows returned after a fairly lengthy absence so let's hope they return to Old Moor too.
Alice noted that shrubs were flowering well in advance of Bradford, only about 30 miles away; Blackthorn were covered in flower buds and some flowers were fully open. Willow catkins were clearly visible including some Goat Willow with pollen. Both male and female Hazel catkins were seen and also male Alder catkins.
Most of the group enjoyed refreshments in the cafe towards the end of the day. With a little time to spare Sally and I then considered returning to the feeding area but on hearing about a congregation of eighteen Golden Plover at Wader Scrape Hide, we hurried there with Julia joining us en route. However, by the time we got to the hide most of the flock had flown leaving a solitary Plover to admire. We also spotted Lapwing that hadn't been evident here earlier in the day.
The weather had been kind to us with the sun making longer appearances during the day; it was rather chilly when it disappeared.
Thanks to Julia and Kevin who shared the driving.
See the photos here.
Sue Z