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Snowing At Fewston Reservoir A memorable day out for seven hardy birding enthusiasts. The day was very much dictated by the weather which was wintry and variable.The day started with sunshine, blue sky and excellent light conditions following the overnight covering of snow. Temperatures were low but we were well wrapped up. As the day progressed we encountered intermittent and then prolonged snow showers. Again these eased and on our homeward journey we saw little evidence of snow. Our initial port of call was Knotford Knook in the Lower Wharfe Valley. John had learnt via the BOG web site that a Slavonian grebe had been seen. None of us was familiar with this diver which breeds in Iceland, N Scotland and N and E Europe. In winter it is mostly seen on the sea in NW Europe especially on muddy estuaries more rarely on reservoirs and pits inland. John saught out further information from a local couple on site. It was picked up on our bins - an hyperactive, small, elegant diving duck. One minute it was up the next it was down. Numerous ducks had congregated in this sheltered spot including golden eye, wigeon,(in good numbers), tufted duck ,black headed gulls and Canada geese. 
Slavonian Grebe At Knotford NookOn the lake opposite we saw several cormorants in addition great tit and blue tit in the trees in the lane. On leaving Otley a red kite was seen. We drove along the western side of the Washburn Valley enjoying extensive views of the snow covered valley and hills. We descended to the car park at Swinsty and took a short walk by the reservoir and on the edge of a conifer woodland. A solitary greylag goose was seen on the reservoir and a pheasant was viewed from the minibus where lunch was taken because of the cold conditions. Our final short walk was taken on the eastern shore of Fewston ( the Blubberhouses end ). Teal, goldeneye, mallard and tufted duck were seen. The conditions were dire. Snow was falling in sheets however it created a wonderful etheral atmosphere . Snow drops and a clump of moss in seed were seen by the footpath. The Hoppa Hotel was a popular refuge offering warmth, conversation and those unusual tea pots and timers. This was an exciting, challenging day which was enjoyed by a small, companiable and dedicated group of birders. Around 20 species of birds were recorded. Thanks to Stuart for being prepared to take this one on. Margaret
Snowing At Fewston Reservoir A memorable day out for seven hardy birding enthusiasts. The day was very much dictated by the weather which was wintry and variable.The day started with sunshine, blue sky and excellent light conditions following the overnight covering of snow. Temperatures were low but we were well wrapped up. As the day progressed we encountered intermittent and then prolonged snow showers. Again these eased and on our homeward journey we saw little evidence of snow. Our initial port of call was Knotford Knook in the Lower Wharfe Valley. John had learnt via the BOG web site that a Slavonian grebe had been seen. None of us was familiar with this diver which breeds in Iceland, N Scotland and N and E Europe. In winter it is mostly seen on the sea in NW Europe especially on muddy estuaries more rarely on reservoirs and pits inland. John saught out further information from a local couple on site. It was picked up on our bins - an hyperactive, small, elegant diving duck. One minute it was up the next it was down. Numerous ducks had congregated in this sheltered spot including golden eye, wigeon,(in good numbers), tufted duck ,black headed gulls and Canada geese. Slavonian Grebe At Knotford NookOn the lake opposite we saw several cormorants in addition great tit and blue tit in the trees in the lane. On leaving Otley a red kite was seen. We drove along the western side of the Washburn Valley enjoying extensive views of the snow covered valley and hills. We descended to the car park at Swinsty and took a short walk by the reservoir and on the edge of a conifer woodland. A solitary greylag goose was seen on the reservoir and a pheasant was viewed from the minibus where lunch was taken because of the cold conditions. Our final short walk was taken on the eastern shore of Fewston ( the Blubberhouses end ). Teal, goldeneye, mallard and tufted duck were seen. The conditions were dire. Snow was falling in sheets however it created a wonderful etheral atmosphere . Snow drops and a clump of moss in seed were seen by the footpath. The Hoppa Hotel was a popular refuge offering warmth, conversation and those unusual tea pots and timers. This was an exciting, challenging day which was enjoyed by a small, companiable and dedicated group of birders. Around 20 species of birds were recorded. Thanks to Stuart for being prepared to take this one on. Margaret