Harold Park and Park Dam

Sunday 12th February a.m.
 A Bitterly cold morning with frequent snow showers and a biting wind and feeling a lot colder than the 1°C temperature reading.On the lake at Harold Park was a Goosander along with the expected Coots, Canadas,Tufteds,BH and Common Gulls.Higher in the park was a charm of c20 Goldfinch by the smaller pond.
 Down the road at Park Dam the more exposed spot made it feel even colder so I didn't hang around for long here.There were a male and female Goosander,Little Grebe, GC Grebe,Tufteds,Canadas and three Cormorants braving the wind on the over head Pylon wires.The Starlings were on another wire huddled together to try and keep warm.
Nigel.

Goosander

Canadas

Cormorant hanging on in the strong wind

Goldfinch

Starlings

Harold Park 12/2/2017

Cononley Ings

Monday 6th February p.m.
 A rare visit to Cononley Ings this afternoon with cloudy skies and a temperature of 5°C. Cononley lies between Keighley and Skipton and is surrounded by low lying area near the river that often floods during the Winter which makes it a good spot for wildfowl and waders.I parked up in the village and took the track down to the the river which was very muddy and often covered with water so wellies are a must for this mile or so walk.After my trek I was rewarded with c750 Lapwings, c250 Wigeon, c100 BH Gulls, 60 Golden Plover, 4 Shelduck and at least 2 Teal.They were still a long way off so pictures were difficult but a great site when they all took to the air after being spooked by something, maybe a passing train.On my way back I added Goldcrest, LT Tit, Pheasant, Robin and other common species.
Nigel.

Shelduck

muddy track to the river

male Teal

BH Gulls,Lapwings and Golden Plover having a wash

Golden Plover

Wigeon

Good to see Golden Plover again

Wigeon some distance away

Wigeon at Cononley Ings 6/2/2017

 

Redcar Tarn

Sunday 5th February a.m.
A cloudy start to the morning with a slow improvement and the sun finally coming out late morning with a start temperature of 3°C.On my way to Redcar Tarn I called at a spot that is well known to have Peregrine and fortunately for me it was in residence eating its breakfast, a messy eater if you ask me, or maybe saving some for later.Then at Redcar Tarn good numbers of BH,Common,Herring and LBB Gulls with a flock of c200 Lapwings also in a nearby field.Walking round a Dunnock was singing and nearby I was pleased to see a Reed Bunting and with several Chaffinch was a Siskin a first for me here.This proved difficult to get a picture of as it was behind branches but after some patience it showed well for a few pics.Others here included Robin,Jackdaw,Rook,Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit,Canadas,Tufteds and Muscovy Ducks.
Nigel.

Lapwing

Lapwings on the move

Peregrine seen on way to the Tarn 

Siskin

singing Dunnock

Rook

Pied Wagtail

Common Gull

Herring Gull

LBB Gull

Redcar Tarn 5/2/2017

Leeming Reservoir

Saturday 4th February a.m.
 When I arrived at Leeming Reservoir the temperature had risen slightly to 3°C but felt much warmer with the sun coming out and more shelter from the wind.My view of the valve tower provided me with the second Oystercatcher of the morning along with BH and Common Gulls, one of which was ringed with 1811 white numbers on a green background.Walking round there were some usual species such as Mallards on the water with a good addition of a pair of Goosanders. A Chaffinch, Song Thrush,Jackdaws,Rooks and others were added to the list.
Nigel.

Oystercatcher

Common Gulls (Tag 1811)

male Goosander

female Goosander

Goosander pair

Mallards

Song Thrush

male Chaffinch

Leeming

Leeming Reservoir 4/2/2017