RSPB Conwy, 17th September 2019
Eight members turned out for a sunny day at the RSPB Conwy reserve. This is always a rewarding reserve with plenty of hides and viewpoints around the water areas. The sight of 17 Little Egrets on the side of one of the islands was a highlight. Many thanks to Ian Bunker for generously letting us view birds through his telescope. We also spotted Curlew, Little Grebe, lots of Redshank and Dunlin, Gadwall, Cormorant and Black tailed Godwit. The tide was coming in and pushed the Curlew and Oystercatchers onto the reserve. Lovely views across the estuary of the Conway valley hills and the castle. Super day out. 36 species in total.
Eight members turned out for a sunny day at the RSPB Conwy reserve. This is always a rewarding reserve with plenty of hides and viewpoints around the water areas. The sight of 17 Little Egrets on the side of one of the islands was a highlight. Many thanks to Ian Bunker for generously letting us view birds through his telescope. We also spotted Curlew, Little Grebe, lots of Redshank and Dunlin, Gadwall, Cormorant and Black tailed Godwit. The tide was coming in and pushed the Curlew and Oystercatchers onto the reserve. Lovely views across the estuary of the Conway valley hills and the castle. Super day out. 36 species in total.
Stephen Williams
Brockholes Nature Reserve, 22nd October 2019
Fourteen members met at Brockholes Nature reserve run by Lancashire Wildlife trust just off junction 31 of the M6. It was a new venue for all of us. We walked round the perimeter of the reserve starting with a path along the banks of the River Ribble which had been in flood the previous week. Well done to Heather Luk for spotting 2 Kingfishers on the opposite bank giving her the accolade of birder of the day! We got great views of the Kingfishers as they hung around for a while. At the far end of the reserve we went through the mature woodland of Bolton Wood and then along the lakes left from quarrying. But we did get good views of a Sparrowhawk and a Kestrel. Plenty of waterfowl on the lakes, Shoveler, Gadwall, Teal, Cormorant and Great Crested Grebe. There was motorway noise at this spot. Also the hides were rather spartan - old metal containers. But the cafe and toilets on the floating village were appreciated and it was a worthwhile visit. 27 species in total.
Fourteen members met at Brockholes Nature reserve run by Lancashire Wildlife trust just off junction 31 of the M6. It was a new venue for all of us. We walked round the perimeter of the reserve starting with a path along the banks of the River Ribble which had been in flood the previous week. Well done to Heather Luk for spotting 2 Kingfishers on the opposite bank giving her the accolade of birder of the day! We got great views of the Kingfishers as they hung around for a while. At the far end of the reserve we went through the mature woodland of Bolton Wood and then along the lakes left from quarrying. But we did get good views of a Sparrowhawk and a Kestrel. Plenty of waterfowl on the lakes, Shoveler, Gadwall, Teal, Cormorant and Great Crested Grebe. There was motorway noise at this spot. Also the hides were rather spartan - old metal containers. But the cafe and toilets on the floating village were appreciated and it was a worthwhile visit. 27 species in total.
Stephen Williams
Mid-Cheshire Ornithological Society
