Birding site recommendations anyone? (1 Viewer)

I'll be visiting Yorkshire mid-September and wondered if anyone could recommend a couple of prime sites as I'll only have ta couple of days free to do a bit of bird photography.

Blacktoft Sands RSPB reserve is very good in September for waders and the Marsh Harriers should be still around.

rokermartin said:

Blacktoft Sands RSPB reserve is very good in September for waders and the Marsh Harriers should be still around.

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Blacktoft can be tricky because birds are often quite distant from the hides, although the marsh harriers do give a good show.

Other places that can be good for quick visits include:

Potteric Carr (near Doncaster) - good range of species, with a good hide overlooking feeders where you'll get cracking shots of great spotted woodpecker, jay etc.

Old Moor (near Barnsley) - good range of waterfowl and some waders, plus feeders which will have bullfinch, willow tit, tree sparrow, stock dove etc.

Fairburn Ings (near Castleford) - a good place for waterfowl (although it's slightly early for most of the best stuff), and kingfishers, plus a good feeding station for common passerines.

Filey Brigg - a good site for waders, including purple sandpiper, bar-tailed godwit, knot etc.

It's a great time of year to search for passage migrants at Flamborough Head and Spurn, although photographic opportunities may not be guaranteed. The RSPB also do cruises from Bridlington searching for skuas and shearwaters during that time, but these need to be booked in advance.

Much depends on where you are staying and what your transport is. As Atlanta is a fair way from the sea I'd be looking to do Bempton and Filey, if you are around on the 11th get yourself on the RSPB cruise.

I live in Yorkshire and have found this book to be very useful http://www.amazon.co.uk/Where-Watch...=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1278149926&sr=1-3 .

peterbod said:

I'll be visiting Yorkshire mid-September and wondered if anyone could recommend a couple of prime sites as I'll only have ta couple of days free to do a bit of bird photography.

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A feeding station would probably be a good place for bird photography:
Forge Valley near Scarboro for Nuthatches, Tits etc.
Tophill Low - variety of birds should be there at that time. Feeding station & possibly waders.

Check high tide times when here & then Filey Brigg & the bad road at Spurn can give you v. close views of waders. Also Bridlington harbour good for waders & excellent fish & chips!

Thanks for all the birding spot suggestions. You can be sure I'll be following up on them...and the fish & chips too!

If you fancy a walk in the countryside whilst taking in some birding try here http://www.boltonabbey.com/whattodo/walking.htm you will see all sorts in strid woods and along the river!