Summary

It was the group’s first ever visit to this wetland reserve and we were rewarded with a wide range of species.  The sky was largely overcast but the sun did break through in the afternoon.  The reserve is managed by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and sits to the north of the Humber.  Previously, sand and gravel were extracted from the site and that activity continues on adjacent land.  There are a good number of hides and screens overlooking various lagoons.

From the car park we headed north on the perimeter path, alongside Island Lake,  stopping at the various hides, screens and other viewing areas.  It was another opportunity to test our memory on bird song, particularly following our last indoor meeting of the season with sound recordist, David Williams.  The Cetti’s warbler was unmistakable, as was the squeal of a Water Rail.  One of the highlights was watching the Sand Martins at the sand bank where the burrows were the result of Sand Martin DIY, rather than man-made pipes.

We found the tree where a Little Owl likes to perch when it’s sunny but, sadly, no sun nor Little Owl!

Members participating:    15

Bird list (54 species seen and/or heard)

North Cave YWT reserve – Martyn Grandy

Sand Martins – Martyn Grandy

Sand Martins – Chris Byrne

Large White – Chris Byrne

Greylag Goose with goslings – Martyn Grandy

Mute Swan and Black-headed Gulls – Martyn Grandy

Little Grebe – Chris Byrne

Linnet – Martyn Grandy

Reed Bunting (female) – Chris Byrne

Blackcap (male) – Martyn Grandy