Monday, 6 September 2021

Hewenden Reservoir Osprey

 Monday September 6th a.m.

 After a misty start the sun began to come through so I decided to have a walk to Hewenden Reservior, the temperature was 15°C.  When I got to the viaduct I could see c50 House Martins flying around feeding, on the water there were three Wigeons, four Teal, Canadas, Mallards, Mute Swan with a Grey Wagtail in the overflow.  Then the Teal suddenly took off so I tried to get a flight shot which was hopeful with my bridge camera and needless to say didn't happen.  Then my attention was drawn by another very large bird which had appeared, Osprey! which was fishing and then flew over near the dam wall before going in to the trees.

  I had seen reports of an Osprey being here and at Doe Park Reservoir so I was delighted to finally see it and so close to home to get a lifer for myself.  I walked round the Reservoir and got another view of the Osprey as it flew to another tree where it was visible and so I was able to get some more pictures.  In the tree it was hounded by several Magpies which led it to fly off towards Doe Park Res at about 10:30 a.m.

I picked it up high in the sky probably above Doe Park Res which it will have glided to in a minute, takes me about 30 minutes walk between Reservoirs.  Great morning seeing this majestic bird.

Osprey









Osprey hounded by Magpies

Flying near the Dam wall

Hewenden Reservoir 6/9/2021


Saturday, 28 August 2021

Leeming Reservoir

 Saturday 28th August a.m.

 A sunny morning with a temperature of 13°C as I walked round Leeming Reservoir seeing a Grey Wagtail in the over flow area.  A couple of Grey Herons were also present and a Cormorant was on the water.  Also on the water were six Tufteds and three Wigeons with a couple of Swallows overhead and a Jay making a brief appearance.

Grey Heron


Grey Wagtail


Wigeon



Leeming Reservoir 28/8/2021


Saturday, 24 July 2021

Redcar Tarn

 Saturday 24th July a.m.

A Cool morning with cloud cover and a temperature of 15°C up at Redcar Tarn.  A good number of c50 LBB Gulls with around 30 BH Gulls.  Several Lapwings were on the island and a couple of Pied Wagtails were seen along with the usual species.

Pied Wagtail


BH Gull Juvenile


LBB Gull

BH & LBB Gulls

Lapwings

Redcar Tarn 24/07/2021


Sunday, 18 July 2021

Denholme Clough

Sunday 18th July a.m.

  Another warm sunny morning starting off at 21°C and quickly rising as I walked through the Clough towards Doe Park Reservoir.  An enjoyable walk not many birds to be seen though with Blackcap, Bullfinch, Whitethroat and Willow Warbler seen.  Near the reservoir I saw what I think is a Stoat as it had a black tip to its tail whereas Weasels don't.  At the side of the Reservoir there was an Oystercatcher, on my way back I added Swift and a couple of Green Woodpeckers.

Stoat




Oystercatcher

Whitethroat

Willow Warbler

Denholme Clough 18/7/2021


Saturday, 17 July 2021

Harden Moor

 Saturday 17th July a.m.

A lovely sunny morning with the temperature rising quickly from the 18°C starting point, the area is now overgrown with vegetation making birding hard work.  Still overhead were Swallows, House Martin, Swift and a Sand MartinWhitethroat, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Song Thrush were all up singing, others seen were Mipit, Blackcap and plenty Butterflies.

Whitethroat



Blackcap

Chiffchaff

Goldfinch

Mipit

Sand Martin

Swallow exiting left

Swift

Willow Warbler

Song Thrush


Large Skipper

Ringlet

Whitethroat

Harden Moor 17/7/2021