IanF
Moderator
Hi Ian
Called in at Cowpen Bewley as our last stop of a good day's birding on Saturday that took in the Leas, Blackhall Rocks, Crimdon Dene, Saltholme and Seals Sands. It's a few months since we last visited the feeding station and I must admit we were shocked to see how overgrown and neglected it appeared to be with the paths to the feeding station disappearing into the undergrowth and the the grasses and vegetation almost up to the height of the feeders, none of which had any food on them. This was at about 4pm on the Saturday afternoon. Needless to say there was no activity at the feeding station and we wondered what the reason for this sad state of affairs was. Not being from this area we didn't know who was responsible for maintaining the feeding station but it seemed a real shame that it was in such a neglected state.
- slightly off topic - but Saltholme's facilities are coming on a treat and the birder's breakfast can't be beaten for value - so long as you don't care too much about the carbs!
Hi John,
It's just a winter feeding station here run on behalf of the council by the park staff. It's only in use between November and the end of April. During the summer it's left to it's own devices before being cleared again in November.
Food is still provided on the tables in the car park, mostly by visitors.
I've mixed feelings about whether it should be on the go all through the year round. It would be a magnet to see more birds in the summer but few normally nest in that area leaving them to disperse around the Park to breed. It also avoids the problem of unsuitable food being available to feed nestlings.
Like most areas though it means in summer locating birds to see becomes much more difficult away from the ponds.
I agree about Saltholme. It's coming along nicely though I think it will be a few years yet before it fully reaches it's potential. A few others have said the best bit at the moment is the cafe!