WFV, Potteric Carr Nature Reserve, 18th March 2014

From Piper Marsh Hide

A party of 14 led by Donald set off for YWT's flagship reserve. This large site lies 2 miles south of Doncaster, alongside the M18 at DN4 8DB. It has 13 hides and is bissected by a main railway line, so not the quietest place in the world. The Sedum House entrance is opposite B and Q. There is ample car parking and various toilet facilities.

The weather wasn't as good as it usually is on our outings as we suffered several short light showers and it was breezy throughout. However, had we stayed in Bradford we would have had rain for most of the day! We were luckier, as for most of the afternoon we had sunshine; albeit accompanied by a cold wind. Unsurprisingly no butterflies or moths.

Female Reed BuntingDonald recorded 38 species of birds which included: Willow Tit, Reed Bunting, Wren, Gadwall, Pochard, Shoveler, Dabchick and Marsh Harrier. There were large numbers of Black-headed Gulls and a few Lesser-black backs so yet more layers of noise! Towards the end of the afternoon, Martin, Marilyn and myself found ourselves in the Piper Marsh hide where we were treated to the sight of a nesting Kingfisher. This had been spotted by Marilyn, despite not having brought her binoculars. Whilst we were observing this bird she noticed a large bird flying above the reedbed. Marilyn had hit the jackpot as it was the site's star attraction; a Bittern!

If only Annie had arrived 30 seconds earlier she would have seen it too. Mind you, the Kingfisher was still there! On the way back we heard our first Chiff Chaffs of the year.

Joan recorded 17 plants and 3 ferns including Early Dog Violets and Celandines. Willow TitOnly fungi seen were Turkeytail, Bich and Blushing Brackets. There was also plenty of evidence of leaf mining on brambles by the micro moth 'Stigmella aurella'.

Janet was distressed when she realised she had left her rucksack in the previous hide; fortunately, it was still there. The tearoom was well attended by the group, some of us making 2 visits!

The driving was shared by Robert and Sue.

John Gavaghan