Willow BracketsThe Bees group usually obtain some unusual sightings on our Birds Safaris and today's outing was no different. We enjoyed the amazingly colourful sight of five Mandarin drakes and their less colourful partners from the Adel Dam hide. Also the sweeping flight and aerial acrobatics of was it 3,4,or 5 Red Kite at Eccup? The group was somewhat depleted in terms of the original number that had planned to come on the outing however it numbered 14. Our most significant absentee was our photographer Sue. Luckily John produced his camera at the Adel Dam hide.
The group seemed rather reluctant to step outside of the minibus when we arrived at our destination Bank House Farm into the cold blustery conditions outside. We immediately spotted a Red Kite gliding in the sky above. The small birds had taken shelter in the banks and hedgerows however we saw Wood Pigeon and Crow circling around the farm. We travelled along the access road to the water treatment works and on arrival did walks in both directions.The bridle path leading to Harewood House gave us extensive views over the countryside but due to prevailing extremely windy conditions there was little avian life to be seen the exception being a Red Kite. Conditions were considerably calmer on the downward path to the reservoir. It brightened up on our return and all of a sudden the birds appeared - flocks of Field fare and Redwings in the sky, a pair of Mistle Thrush also Grey Wagtail on the wires and a Heron in the field. Signs of spring were noted including the male and female Hazel catkins.
We departed for Golden Acre Park as promised. Here we lost three of our group who diverted to the cafe while the loyal band of birders followed their leader towards the Adel Dam YWT reserve. Chaffinches and tits were seen, a Jay was heard and then we came upon two red breasted male Bullfinch and a female in a tree. The hide which was full on arrival was an excellent place for lunch. The feeders were fully replaced with nuts and suet attracting a variety of Tits, Nuthatch and Greater Spotted Woodpecker. However the Mandarins were the stars. Three of us ventured to the Lakeside hide to view Heron and Coot. We saw Swan, Mallard, and Tufted duck on the lake on our return to the minibus. The total bird species for the day was 28, plants in flower 6.
By the time we arrived at Caring for Life the enthusiasm for further bird spotting had faded. We had covered considerable ground during the day and were deserving of a treat. Our newest recruits Barbara and Denis appeared to enjoy the Bees experience and people seemed appreciative of the opportunity to have fresh air (in abundance) exercise and company on a rather dreary winter's day. See the photos here.
Margaret