Nosterfield Nature Reserve hasn’t looked so good or been more exciting in Winter for a long time. 16/12/19
Photo: Great Crested Grebe by Gareth Jones
Our trustees and volunteers were close to despair in early autumn when water levels were at a record low and birds were in short supply. For ducks, geese and waders we had nothing to offer them - water or precious food.
The rainfall over the last few weeks has changed all that. Water levels have risen the best part of six feet (and they are still going up), the wet grassland of which we are so proud is, well, wet, and insect-rich once again, the main and north lakes are full and the birds have flocked back. A count in mid- December revealed more than 4000 individuals, which included eight species of duck. Records included 2370 lapwing, 672 wigeon, 416 teal, 116 mallard, 20 goldeneye, a little egret, a snow goose and 400 greylag geese.
At our quarry site, (Kiln and Flasks lakes and the reedbed) there were more duck, little egrets, a couple of water rail and on a mammalian note, an otter gave visitors good views. Add in regular visits from a great white egret and a peregrine visiting on almost a daily basis and it all adds up to a very exciting feast of wildlife on offer.