Posted by Ian Mason on October 23, 2008 at 5:30 PM
I could have a full day spare in Yorkshire next weekend and would like to have a blast somewhere. Blacktoft sands looks inviting. I've never seen either a bearded tit or a kingfisher so those would be high on my list. I'd be delighted if anyone could give me ideas and suggestions please. I'll be in Harrogate but an hour's drive would be fine. Thanks in anticipation!
Blacktoft would be a top choice - although if photography is the main aim, the birds aren't always bang next to the hides. However, if you want to see bearded tit, it is the best spot outside of East Anglia I'd say. Plus there should be a few waders around and harriers and barn owl - well worth the time. From what I can gather, there seems to have been a few errupting from the reed beds in recent weeks - if you can get there very early, they might be pinging there way overhead! Otherwise, pray for a windless day. Second hide to the left of the reception hide (make sure you have you RSPB card if you have one to get in free) is productive for Bearded Tit - look low down in the reeds by the water's edge. The car park can be surprisingly good for photos so give that a bit of time.
A bit closer, and a better bet for kingfisher would be Fairburn Ings RSPB reserve (north of Castleford - details on RSPB website). Go to Pick Up hide from the visitor centre and there is a good chance of Kingfisher - plus a feeding station close behind some screens with slats. Little Owl should be seen on the way (again, ask at the centre). And if you park in the village and bird the far end of the reserve, there are more kingfisher opportunities.
Very close to Harrogate - on the way to Leeds, is Harewood House. Red Kites were reintroduced here and there are over 50 pairs breeding in the area now. The terrace of the House is an excellent place to see them from - sometimes at eye level - but of course you do have to pay to get into the House and it isn't cheap. If you carry on past the entrance to the House, after a mile or so there is a turning to the left where there are some parking spaces. Park here, go over the road and you can get into the park at the opposite end for free. There is a bench just inside the park with lovely panoramic views and frequent kite fly pasts.
Roundhay Park in Leeds is okay for woodland stuff and bits and bobs on the lake - but not in the league of the sites above.
Hope all that helps. Whatever you do, have a good day!
Matthew
Posted by Ian Mason on October 24, 2008 at 9:45 AM
Matthew - this is absolutely fantastic! Many thanks indeed. I'll keep my fingers crossed for the weather now.
Foxglove covert nature reserve in catterick garrison have a resident kingfisher that was first ringed 3 years ago, they also have water voles which I photograph with a 24-105mm lens, yep I get to within 12 inches of them, many other birds like woodpeckers etc, feeders are filled often and the main hide is 2 stories high, up in the trees. Don't let the people with guns put you off, they are friendly really.
Kingfishers are also on the ripon canal just a few hundred yards off the main ring road, near the lock gates.
Discussion
3 repliesA bit closer, and a better bet for kingfisher would be Fairburn Ings RSPB reserve (north of Castleford - details on RSPB website). Go to Pick Up hide from the visitor centre and there is a good chance of Kingfisher - plus a feeding station close behind some screens with slats. Little Owl should be seen on the way (again, ask at the centre). And if you park in the village and bird the far end of the reserve, there are more kingfisher opportunities.
Very close to Harrogate - on the way to Leeds, is Harewood House. Red Kites were reintroduced here and there are over 50 pairs breeding in the area now. The terrace of the House is an excellent place to see them from - sometimes at eye level - but of course you do have to pay to get into the House and it isn't cheap. If you carry on past the entrance to the House, after a mile or so there is a turning to the left where there are some parking spaces. Park here, go over the road and you can get into the park at the opposite end for free. There is a bench just inside the park with lovely panoramic views and frequent kite fly pasts.
Roundhay Park in Leeds is okay for woodland stuff and bits and bobs on the lake - but not in the league of the sites above.
Hope all that helps. Whatever you do, have a good day!
Matthew
Kingfishers are also on the ripon canal just a few hundred yards off the main ring road, near the lock gates.