Today, I went to Nosterfield Gravel Pits Nature Reserve and the temperature was an icey -2C. The lakes were frozen and so were the local Rabbits who appeared from their burrows. Scanning around from the observation hide / visitor centre I found a Common Buzzard siting on a fence post surveying the area. Over the hedgerow and flock of about 80 Lapwing were feeding amongst the remains of a crop along with loads of Woodpigeon. A cry from overhead was heard and I looked up to see 20 Greylag Geese and 2 Pink-footed Geese. As toes and fingers started to freeze a couple of Curlew flew by and along the bottom of the hedgerows Fieldfare, Song Thrush and Blackbird were feeding.
After leaving the hide, we went to Flask Lake near the village of Nosterfield following a report from a local that a female Ring-necked Duck was present. Two small areas of unfrozen water were all that was available to about 100 birds of various wildlfowl species such as, Coot, Little Grebe, Mallard, Wigeon, Greylag Geese, Canada Geese, Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, Teal and Goldeneye. In amongst the frenzy of swiming birds was the female Ring-necked Duck - success. The day was finished with a warm by the fire in the pub at Masham.
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