Wheldrake Ings

 Barbara and I visited Wheldrake Ings today in preparation for a local group walk in the area on November 9th. The car park at Bank island was full, as the contractors are still working on the new building. We drove down the lane to Wheldrake Ings and parked near the river.

As we walked along the riverside path towards Bank Island we saw lots of bullfinches,mostly males. ^ were sat close together on the top of one bush. Goldfinches, blue and great tits were also flitting from bush to bush.

The hide at Toms Ponds has been the home to an owl, lots of droppings and owl pellets on the floor. No water in any of the scrapes in front of the hide. Cheesecake hide has been extended and a ramp walkway added. This hide has also been home to an owl. A small pool of water remains, but only carrion crows near it. Lots of woodpigeons feeding in the fields and a jay flew towards us but went into the hedge. We stayed in the hide while a rain shower passed overhead.

We then walked back to the car and walked over the Bailey bridge onto Wheldrake Ings. The farmer was gathering his sheep together, so there was some disturbance.

From the Tower hide was saw a male reed bunting and a pair of stonechats. We then walked to the pool hide. Just outside the hide were a party of redpolls.

Still some water in the pool, but it is not very deep. A cormorant landed and soon found itself stood up not swimming! We heard but did not see a tawny owl.

These green sandpipers were the highlight of our visit. As we walked around to Swantail hide we heard the sound of swans flying and saw mute swans flying in the distance. we also heard pink-footed geese but were unable to find them.

There is some water in front of Swantail hide, but it is partially covered by vegetation. 3 teal appeared briefly while a marsh harrier hunted over the fields behind the hide.

A pleasant day with a list of 29 birds.