As I am always a sucker to go and see White Winged Black Terns anywhere, it followed that when one toured Yorkshire and settled at Rother Valley C.P that we would go. Myself at the wheel and Steve`s B & K left a drizzly Rochdale at 8am and soon found the country park around 9-15am. The last time we were there was to miss a Red Rumped Swallow, but on this time we connected after about 15 minutes. The bird paraded around the large lake with a few of the local Common Terns and at times came fairly close allowing the photographers to obtain some good shots. We met a few of the lads from York and had a good laugh about our Scotland trip the week before. News filtered through that the tern was showing well at the nature reserve lake, so, we all dashed up there. The bird had gone back to the main lake as we arrived, typical! It did return and gave really good views.

    Our next stop was Ledsham Bank N.R. to find Marbled White butterfly`s that where on the wing and to look for any orchids growing in this micro climate area. Ledsham Bank is quite close to Fairbairn Ings N.R. The beautiful, natural meadow was full of wild flowers and lots of insects. The Marbled Whites were soon seen and upwards of 20 individuals counted. Meadow Brown, Small Skipper and small White were also seen. Around 4 types of orchid, my favourite, Twayblade, was found. We had a good walk around this fascinating area until Steve B heard a Buzzard call, we looked up and watched a Hobby chasing the Buzzard for about five minutes, what a duel and right above our heads!
At Lin Dyke area, Fairbairn Ings N.R. we soon found the Spoonbill and our master Garganey finder Steve K, got us onto three of them, well done Steve. Most of the ducks are now well into eclipse plumage as our summer quiet period will be ending soon with the waders starting to return. We had enjoyed the short day out and reached home by 4pm. Thanks for the company Steve & Steve.
Dave O.