When two adult Night Herons were found on the 6th of April by the River Calder, Ossett, Yorkshire it meant a trip to see these overshooting migrants was planned. I have not seen one in this country for about 25 years, so an early start leaving Kevin C`s house at 7am along with Craig B was arranged. At around 7-30am the news was good that the birds were still present, a nice drive through Mirfield and Dewsbury followed until we reached the River Calder, near Healey Mills Ind.Est. The sign brought back a few memories about my train spotting days, visiting one of the largest freight yards in Great Britain, mainly supplying all the coal trains from the Yorkshire pits to the power stations, its abandoned and nature has reclaimed it. We parked up and walked over the River Calder via a footbridge, we followed the river west until we reached a large metal bowser (placed there to stop quads, motorbikes etc) the climb over this obstacle was good fun! In the distance we could see 20 + birders, but as we arrived one of the Night Herons, that are smartly attired birds, was feeding on the edge of the river, result! The other bird had nipped off for a sleep I was told! Also seen here: - Kingfisher, Swallow, Grey Wagtail, Sand Martin, real tales of the riverbank stuff. I nice catch up with the Rochdale birding crew also. As it was cold and a little misty we decided to move along, by now the Night Heron had clambered up the bank into a tree for a well-earned rest.
News of a juvenile Great Northern Diver at Skelton Lake (near the services of the same name) had us going to see it, if we could. After a walk all the way around the lake, it was apparent that the bird had flown, prior to our arrival. Other birds there: -Little Ringed Plover, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, House Martin, Sand Martin and various ducks, a new place to visit and quite nice.
We headed back to RSPB St Aidans/ Swillington and managed to see the sleeping Little Owl sat in a bush behind the Dragging Machine that used to drag coal from the ground at open cast mines. Much the same as last weeks visit with a few Black-necked Grebe`s showing a little better, the weather had really turned good with the sun trying to show itself. An early start meant an early finish as we headed home by 4pm.
