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Birding Discovery Day - Wetlands In Spring
Lower Derwent Valley
Wildfowl, Waders and Raptors of the Lower Derwent Valley
Birding Discovery Day - Wetlands In Spring
Wildfowl, Waders and Raptors of the Lower Derwent Valley
The Lower Derwent Valley is one of the most impressive sites for birding in the north of England. This magical area supports tens of thousands of migrant ducks, geese, swans and waders during the winter and early spring, when the riverside floodplain meadows are inundated by floodwater. A beautiful landscape on a large scale and surprisingly accessible within 10 miles of York city centre.
Icelandic Whooper Swans rub shoulders with Siberian-breeding Eurasian Wigeon and Common Teal, along with hordes of Northern Lapwings and European Golden Plovers from the uplands of Britain. With all this birdlife, predators are attracted and several species of birds of prey can be seen during the day. We will end each day seeking out Barn Owls hunting over the winter meadows.
These exclusive one-day tours are designed for everyone - from beginners to the more experienced – who'd like be part of small (maximum of four) group tour, creating a real 'team' adventure. Meeting Place; Wheldrake Ings, near the village of Wheldrake, York. Map and directions sent after a booking is made.
What you can expect on one of our Birding Discovery Days:
- A small group creates constant, great opportunities to interact with your guide
- Professional, local expert guide with a lifetime of birding knowledge in Yorkshire
- A fun-packed day; exciting locations, tuition, opportunities for photography and of course great birds!
- A free Yorkshire Wildlife Checklist
Jono Leadley BSc Hons
Birding/Wildlife Guide
Jono is a self-confessed nature geek. His passion started at an early age, firstly with birds and then broadening into all forms of wildlife and this interest has taken him all over the world. [image]3[/image] Jono obtained his first degree in Ecology at the/tutors/14/jono-leadley-bsc-hons
Barbara Hilton
East And North Yorkshire
I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the excellent Wetlands Birding Day on Thursday with Jono and the three other lovely people in our small group. We were so lucky with the weather and the birds – my first marsh harriers! As always with YCN, I was amazed at Jono’s ability to identify a dot in the sky and a tweet in a distant hedge as a particular species and I know it’s been a lifetime in achieving that expertise (I asked!) but it’s still impressive. The way you all have such a broad knowledge and want to pass it on and encourage people to enjoy, identify and learn about our wildlife is so inspiring. Jono also took us to ‘hidden places’ overlooking the LDV which I’ll return to next year to look for the birds and also explore the interesting villages and their historic churches in an area I thought I knew but obviously didn’t. So much to learn! Thanks for the opportunity for the great, full day out and please pass on my thanks to Jono.