Nosterfield – 9th March

Places visited: 

Nosterfield Quarry, Nosterfield Nature Reserve, and a “drive by” Ladybridge, Langwith and Well flooded fields.

23 members attended and 74 species were recorded (thanks to Paul for keeping the bird list on the day)

A sunny but cold start to the day saw us explore the Nosterfield Quarry Reserve. The group started at the viewing screen at Lingham lake where there was a lovely male Smew showing well, albeit distantly. It was a bit of squeeze getting everyone in but scopes were shared and everyone managed to get a view.

We then walked the footpath to Flask (no sign of Little Owl on way) where there were mainly Gulls, Oystercatcher and Lapwing on the mud. Moving on, we walked past the greenhouse and growing area that Simon Warwick referred to in his recent talk and down the causeway where we watched a skein of 70 Pink Footed Geese fly over. The group split into two at this point with Group A heading to the Reedbed Viewing Screen and Group B walking along the higher-level footpath to a viewing point that overlooks Kiln lake. The two groups subsequently swapped over before meeting up again back on the causeway. Best birds here were Great Egret, a lone Sand Martin, Sparrowhawk and a Green Woodpecker. We retraced our steps back to the Car Park and this time were rewarded with a Little Owl doing its best to keep Jackdaws out of its nest box.

After lunch in the warm sunshine we drove the mile or so down to Nosterfield Nature Reserve. The sun was, by now, at midpoint in the sky and very brightly reflecting on the water so we decided not to visit the Tanfield hide but to focus on the Main hide/Viewing screen area and North Lake hide. Fresh in that morning were a pair of Avocets, and a strong supporting cast of Ringed Plover, Ruff, Black-Tailed Godwit and displaying Goldeneye kept everyone’s attention. We rounded the day off with a lovely male Kestrel, Barn Owl and Peregrine which brough the days total to 74 (excluding the Black Swan on Lingham).

Finally, for those who wanted an introduction to the other key places of interest outside of the Quarry reserve perimeter, but still within their recording area, a convoy of 8 cars drove the narrow country lanes taking in Ladybridge lake, Langwith lake and the flooded fields close to Well.

The weather was fine, the birds were good and the company even better. Many thanks to all who attended for your support, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Alan Swain

[Thanks to Alan for planning and leading the trip. Ed]