Surprise over the canal

The local canal runs through agricultural land and is a haven for many species of wildlife. My last visit was too long ago and so I decided it was time for a quick trip ( these quick trips usually turn into longer adventures).

I arrived mid morning and set off with the intention of walking to the first bridge which is a mile or so from the car park. Each section of the canal has a character of its own with different wildlife being attracted to different sections between the locks. One stretch where I usually find nesting swans had a much lower water level than usual and this year it looks as though the swans have moved elsewhere.I did however see a Grey wagtail in an area I saw them last year. I managed a couple of photos before it was disturbed by paddling dogs. 

Apart from the dogs and their walkers there was nobody else about and I enjoyed the sound of the Reed buntings and a Willow warbler.

A little sunshine appeared which brought out a few butterflies including this Orange-tip.

A few sedge flies could be seen clinging to the backside vegetation.

The white dead-nettles were in flower as was this Garlic mustard (also known as Jack-by-the-hedge). 

There were also the yellow flowers of Lesser celandine.

The water in the canal is generally very clear and the pads of the Yellow water-lily could be seen rising up. In one place these had reached the surface and an early flower was appearing.

On the far bank of the canal a moorhen was busy feeding young.

The canal is a special place and often presents me with a surprise. It could be a hare running up the towpath, a sighting of Roe deer in the fields or the flash of blue as a Kingfisher flies past. 

Today however my surprise although experienced at the canal was not realised until I had returned home. I saw what at first I thought was a large gull but then as it turned towards me I decided it was a buzzard as they are a common site in this area. Now some may have guessed already but I was non the wiser until looking closely at my photographs something nagged me about the id. Closer inspection revealed some white on the birds head and it dawned on me that what I had seen was Osprey. I did later hear of one that had passed through the area.

Once again the canal had managed to surprise me. I look forward to my next visit. 

A Reason to Return

The recent launch of the Yorkshire Nature Triangle website made me decide it was time I visited Tophill Low Nature reserve . It has been on my list of places to visit and with the membership starting on April 1st I thought it a good idea to have a quick walk around to see if I wanted to join this year.

Having a bit of work to do over on the coast it seemed a good plan to call in on my way. With the sat nav guiding me it was not long before I was approaching the reserve. Things looked good as I drove along with fields at the side. Heading to the car park there was a sign warning of crossing toads but I did not see any. There was a hose over the road with a metal ramp - my car is very low and I think the underside of it made slight contact - a gentler ramp would be better.

Amazingly the sun had decided to join me but there were few cars in the car park. I bought my ticket and picked up the useful leaflet. I got the impression the place was well run.

With limited time I headed to what they call D reservoir and was slightly disappointed that it had a wall running around it but then I saw the good sized hides.

Entering one of the hides I saw what a good view of the reservoir it offered. There were plenty of Tufted duck about and some Goldeneye (a first for me  - it is one of those species that seems to have evaded me).

Coots seem to be everywhere and I was not surprised to see plenty here.

There was only a gentle breeze and it was very peaceful. The only sound was the regular noise of a pump. It seemed like the heart of the place beating with a regular and quite relaxing beat.

There were also a few Pochard about. This one needed a run for takeoff.

Leaving the hide I walked along the woodland path listening to the Chiffchaffs and a Comma butterfly fluttered past - it seemed a repeat of the other day.

At a feeding station there were Goldfinches and Greenfinches together with a pheasant that was mopping up the food on the ground.

I stopped at another hide but as time was short I headed back on the long straight section of the reservoir.

This Small tortoiseshell was basking in the sun.

An Oystercatcher was snoozing on the wall.

A few Pied wagtails flew over and I saw more Goldfinches in some of the bushes.

Reaching the car park I saw a few more people had arrived but I had hardly seen anybody.

I was told that a Bittern had been seen on the other side of the reserve so I think word had got around and everybody had gone to the nearest hide.

Time sadly did not allow me to go and see the Bittern but I always think that you should leave nice places with a reason to go back. The Bittern will be one of the reasons I return and I will be paying the annual membership come April 1st.

Driving out of the car park I had to stop for a Toad (and passenger) that was crossing the road. It decided to stop in front of me but a helpful birder encouraged it to continue.