Today I went to a new location for me, recommended by james_owen, Brierley Forest Nature Reserve.
He warned me not to expect too much, as the site is relatively young. Well, what can I say?
Put it this way, I've just discovered a little goldmine!
We got there about 10am, the weather was as usual, NOT as forecast, being cloudy and dull, with high winds.
We set off down one of the paths, and within yards, had a sight of two pairs of Bullfinches.
Not a bad start at all! A few yards further along, in one of the fields I spotted a thrush:
Yet more Bullfinches, followed by the usual mix of Blackbird, Wren, Mistle Thrush, Blue Tit, Great Tit, and then Long Tailed Tits:
Crikey, we've only gone about 100 yard's! I was promised possible yellowhammer, but none seen so far. Next we came across a small pond, with a good mix of swans, ducks and gulls.
This continued, with sightings around every corner, yet more Bullfinches, 100+ House Sparrows, making a right old din! Numerous magpies were seen over the fields.
By now we headed back to the Visitors centre, quite chuffed with the morning. After a coffee and some lunch, we headed out again..Within 50 yards from the Visitors centre, we saw a HUGE flock of Goldfinches, 50+ birds, Plus a good 20+ Redpolls, with a few Linnets mixed in for good measure:
Mixed in with the thruses and the blackbirds were a good number or redwings:
This was getting ridiculous! I was told not to expect too much, this far exceeded my expectations.
Heading back, we then saw a Willow Tit:
Followed by a lone Yellowhammer, which was too fast for me!
We then headed to a nearby Reservoir, again one I've never been to. The day continued in the same vein:
I spotted a goldcrest within minutes of arriving:
Followed by a nice Great crested Grebe:
We walked a short distance to a nearby small river, and found a totally unexpected Heronry!
This chap was guarding his mate who was sitting on her nest:
We spotted a Grey Wagtail, having a bath in the river, an amazing sight which went on for a good few minutes. I apologise for the poor quality on these, by now it was getting quite dark.
That just about finished the day, it certainly finished me! I'm completely whacked..I'll be suffering tonight for this experience, but it was worth it.
It's also made me ashamed of myself. For over a year I've been going all over the place to get shots of birds, and here, within 20 minutes of my front door, are two amazing places. It will certainly not be the last time I go to Brierley Forest!
Fortunately this one did, I'm relieved to say!
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