Waders (2 Viewers)

[HnehpetS]

Hi
I'm looking for tips on where I might be have a good chance to see waders, especially where there might be reasonable views. I'm based in the Wetherby area.
My birdwatching has been sporadic over the last quarter of a century or so, and I find I have lost the ability to identify even the commonest waders with any confidence. I feel I need to do some sessions where I can refamiliarise myself with them, but trying to do so with birds that are made small by distance (even through a 30x scope) is very difficult.
I know there are lots of nature reserves around but I suspect some sites have a higher chance/better viewing than others.
Thanks
Stephen

 

[Keith Dickinson]

Hi Stephen,
Based in Wetherby you have a good selection of sites not too far away. Nosterfield nature reserve is just up the A1 whilst Fairburn Ings and St Aidan's are just down the A1. All three offer good chances to see waders during migration times. There can be good numbers of waders in the Lower Derwent Valley south of York but that is a much larger area and it is easy to miss the birds.

 

[Weasel1]

Blacktoft Sands might be worth a visit, only about an hours drive from Wetherby.

 

[Keith Dickinson]

Blacktoft isn't as good as it was, Alkborough seems to get the waders now rather than Blacktoft. North Cave is better IMHO.

 

[HnehpetS]

Thanks. For your advice, it's much appreciated.
I visited Nosterfield for the first time last week, but I found the birds were really quite a way from the viewing positions. At the time didn't realise there were two sites their - I'll give the quarry car park a visit next time.
I like to to keep my travelling time to a minimum as the time I can dedicate to watching is a little restricted at the moment. I'll give the sites you mention a visit.
I'm not suggesting the sites I'm visiting are a waste of space - waders are not the only birds (I had great views of Marsh Harrier at Staveley yesterday), but when you want to be able to if stuff you have to see it well.

 

[Keith Dickinson]

There are 3 viewing points at Nosterfield nature reserve, the viewing screen at the quarry has limited use as the water is now a fair distance away. Flask Lake is better as the mud is closer. I go to Nosterfield fairly frequently so if you want to join me I can give you a hand with honing your id skills.

 

[HnehpetS]

There are 3 viewing points at Nosterfield nature reserve, the viewing screen at the quarry has limited use as the water is now a fair distance away. Flask Lake is better as the mud is closer. I go to Nosterfield fairly frequently so if you want to join me I can give you a hand with honing your id skills.

Hi Keith,
You make a very thoughtful and generous offer, thanks. For the moment, I'm going to pass on your kind offer. I may take you up on your offer during Spring next year if the offer is still on the table though, if that's okay. Between now and then I'll be paying attention to the sites suggested by yourself and others who have kindly offered advice.
Thanks all.

Stephen