Trip reports

OLD MOOR RSPB RESERVE

Saturday, 30 September 2006

The Group had a very successful visit to the Old Moor reserve near Barnsley. Although surrounded by urban and industrial sprawl, the reserve is a little gem. Situated on a migration route, this 200 acre reserve of fens, reedbed, marshland and open water attracts many resident and migratory birds, as well as vagrants and rarities. The reserve has 5 hides, plus shop and cafe and despite its relatively small size, one can happily spend a full day bird, butterfly or dragonfly watching. It's a long time since we have seen such large flocks of lapwings, golden plover and starlings. In all, the Group saw fifty species of bird including six snipe with the sun highlighting the golden stripes on their backs and heads; many tree sparrows taking advantage of the feeders and the communal nestboxes provided for them; willow tits on the feeders; green sandpiper, little stint, ruff and little egret.