Whisby Nature Park

 

RSPB York Local Group coach trip to Whisby Nature Park on Saturday October 19th.

Not the best weather for a coach trip due to the constant rain. However by the time that we reached the reserve, which is near Lincoln, the rain had eased a little and by lunchtime it had stopped.

We decided to do the Grebe walk as there were hides to shelter in. Mute swans, gadwall, shoveler and my first goldeneye of the winter were the birds we saw on the Grebe Lake.

The viewpoint at the Teal lake was our next stop. From here we could see lots of wigeon, lapwings, mallard, mute swans, greylag and canada geese.

We returned to the centre for lunch. Barbara and I ate ours while watching the bird feeders. Blue and great tit were the more numerous birds. A single female chaffinch, two dunnocks and several woodpigeons were also there, as was a jay for a few seconds.

After lunch we walked past the Dragonfly Lakes.

A ruddy darter had landed on a fence rail, no doubt enjoying the heat of the sun.

As we made our way to the Willow Lake we saw several examples of fungi.

This was our view from the Willow Lake hide.

A little egret was perched on the branches to the left of the hide, but it soon flew off. Not long after it left a kingfisher appeared and this was joined by another. We could see a third on the far bank of the lake. During our stay in the hide we had some excellent views of the kingfishers as they flew around.

Long tailed tits were also flitting around on a tree to the right of the hide.

On the way back to the coach and visitor centre we noticed this strange growth on a tree.

Near the footbridge over the railway line we saw lots of sloes.

A pleasant trip with excellent company.