Trip reports

Birdwatching Trip to RSPB Old Moor

Sunday, 22 March 2009

RSPB Old Moor is in the Dearne Valley in Yorkshire. There were formerly over 30 coal mines in the valley and the reclaimed land has been converted into a pleasant reserve with large pools, walks suitable for wheelchairs and an excellent visitors centre with a much-visited cafe. Although the weather was cool and windy the 38 members of the Group who visited Old Moor were grateful that it stayed dry. The staff in the visitors centre were most helpful guiding us to where we were most likely to see the star species. The lucky, or perhaps the patient, ones among us saw the water rails which were calling regularly near the observation screen on the way out to the new hide. Other specials were the ringed plovers, goosander and ruddy duck. The feeding station yielded twelve species including male bullfinches in prime condition and willow tit. We saw 63 species. Photograph courtesy of Carl Jervis.