Where to go in Yorkshire?

[david156]

Hi all.

Will be in Yorkshire for a few days in mid June. Apart from a trip to Bempton Cliffs for the seabirds, what other sites in Yorkshire are good for a bit of Birdwatching.

Cheers David

[RKB]

TopHill Low, Hornsea Mere, Spurn Point and easington Lagoons on the east coast, North Cave Wetlands west of Hull. Far bank of the Humber Bridge: Far Ings NNR. Near Leeds: Fairburn Ings and Old Moor.

An itinerary could be starting at Bempton, stopping off at Bridlington for fish n chips, then down to either Hornsea Mere or inland to Tophill Low, then a dash down to Spurn for the sunset.

Spurn may be a bit quiet in June, but the scenery is unusual and nearby Easington Lagoons have tern colonies. There are Avocet colonies on the Humber on Read's Island, and you'll usually see birds at North Cave or Paull Holme Strays wetland.

Alternatively, you could go inland from Bempton to Rosedale on the NY Moors, where you'll get Red Grouse etc.

[diggleken]

If you're going down Humber direction, fit Blacktoft Sands and local peaty wetlands (Thorne) in too. Harriers and waders depending a bit on tides for views.
Cheers
Ken

[davecatt]

Hi David
Cant add much to RKBs suggestions, but as your coming up north a short detour to RSPB Blacktoft Sands near Goole is a must, check theire web site.

Another website of use maybe The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust They manage Spurn point and there is also a bird observetory there.

When your near Bempton, there are boat trips for bird watchers from Bridlington to veiw the cliffs from the sea, when tide and weather permit they get in amazingly close to the cliffs.
Google Yorkshire Bell for timtables and contact info.
Enjoy
Dave

[shenk1]

Again I highly recommend Blacktoft and if coming more inland Old Moor near us in Barnsley.Yorkshire a very big area with a very varied landscape from mountains and moorland to marshland and coastline, something for everyone.Any idea where you will be staying and willing to travel? (Here ends the commercial for the Yorkshire Tourist Board.)

[david156]

Thanks for the info.

Shenk1. is the yorkshire tourist board job part time or full time?

Really going to bempton for the seabird colony, (did scotland last year but don't fancy the traveling this year), so will stay in that area to begin with but can travel and stay elsewhere as I have not made any definate plans yet. Will take up RKB's red grouse idea as we don't get them in Norfolk.
Dave, thanks for the boat trip idea - i had forgot about that.
Will start having a dig around the internet regarding some of the sites you all have mentioned.

Thanks a lot, David

[shenk1]

As this is Yorkshire part-time and unpaid!!!

[Cowgirl]

Can't add anything useful to the list but as a piece of advice, if you go to Brid or any of the coastal towns for fish & chips & lets face it you just have to it's the law!), ware the seagulls! They'll launch an intelligent & co-ordinated attack & make off with your fish!

[ChrisJB]

If you get chance, I'd try to whizz inland a bit further and aim for Wheldrake Ings. I've not been a for a few years, but it used to be splendid for barn owls at dusk. They even had the odd corncrake, but not sure if they are still there. Nearby Skipwith Common, at dusk, was the first place I ever went for nightjars as well, but have been told they are no longer there. Skipwith was good for roding woodcock also.
Have fun. Yorkshire is a cracking birding county.

Regards, Chris

[david156]

Originally Posted by Cowgirl

Can't add anything useful to the list but as a piece of advice, if you go to Brid or any of the coastal towns for fish & chips & lets face it you just have to it's the law!), ware the seagulls! They'll launch an intelligent & co-ordinated attack & make off with your fish!

Will make sure i have the camera, should get some good gull pictures then