It was Hard to believe, as we set off from a dark, windy and wet Rochdale, that the forecast for where we were headed was for a bright sunny day. But as we arrived at our destination in North Yorkshire, the skies cleared and the sun shone all day on the two remarkable nature reserves. RFNS had not visited Nosterfield for several years and was new to many of us. It consists of two adjacent extraction sites, one still a working quarry during the week and both being managed for nature. There are large shallow meres which are a magnet for water birds in winter. And many native trees have been planted.
In the January sunshine, the light and the views were spectacular, giving us hope that we would be able to see the rare birds that had already been reported by locals. Birds were not the only attraction however as rabbits, several hares and an otter were spotted, as well as the workings of busy moles. Fungi were past their peak season but at least five species were identified on the day, with more to follow once books have been consulted. Flowering plants were understandably in short supply, but as ever, gorse bushes carried a few hardy flowers. A white dead nettle with fresh green leaves and white flowers was a reminder of what a mild winter we have had so far, as were the emerging arum leaves and several species of catkins. Few trees and bushes seemed to have many berries left. No insects were specifically identified but midges could be seen flying in the sunbeams.
The birds were the main attraction as expected. We had been told look out for three in particular, a lesser yellowlegs, a smew and a scaup. All are unusual, and the lesser yellowlegs, which is a north American wader, was lifetime first for many when it was pointed out to us soon after leaving our bus. Most also saw the smew and scaup eventually. More of a spectacle were the large flocks of common birds close to or on the lakes. A huge flock of lapwings and golden plover caught the sun as they flew to avoid a possible predator, maybe the buzzard or peregrine that some of us saw. Wildfowl on the lakes included goldeneye, pintail and gadwall as well as large numbers of the usual suspects like wigeon mallard and teal. A skein of pinkfoot geese passed over and there was a black swan amongst the mute ones. There were herons, curlew and a few egrets patrolling the lake banks. Further from the water, common small birds showed themselves infrequently but a green woodpecker flew through as did a barn owl. Winter thrushes had perhaps moved on as few berries were left but a few redwing were seen. In all 51 bird species were spotted.
The light was still bright though the shadows were long as we returned to the coach, well satisfied with a great day out.
Maggie Culkin