Nick Carter Birding Day client review 2014

Wed 6th May, 2020

For anyone who has an interest in the natural world and especially birds, there are many facets to the species we want to see. There are the rarities, the hard-to-finds, the challenges of identification and the downright “blow your socks off” spectacular species that everyone really wants to see. Imagine therefore a species that covers all these and you’ve got the Goshawk, famed for its spectacular “ghost of the forest” image. It’s a much sought-after bird. So with this quarry in mind I set about seeking experts who might be able to help. Highly recommended in this bracket was the Yorkshire Coast Nature team. I decided on one of their Goshawk excursions into the North Yorkshire forests; if their reputation was anything to go by, a Goshawk should be possible at least. But could they deliver? Time would tell.

North Yorkshire Forests © Richard Baines

The atmosphere was immediately very relaxed and everyone quickly felt like old friends. These guys clearly love this area. After a 20-minute drive we were soon out of the very comfortable vehicle and scanning the woodland ridges for target number 1: Goshawk. Top quality optics were on offer for those that needed them and scopes quickly set up ready for anything that might show. All the while the friendly banter and flow of information and knowledge continued; we were learning so much already and hadn’t seen the target yet! That was soon to alter with the cry of “Gos!”

Raptor watching with YCN

Almost immediately and right above our heads was the ghost of the forest, huge and powerful, like a Sparrowhawk on steroids, this bird didn’t disappoint. We were quickly taken through the key ID features and then the bird treated us to a short bit of display before disappearing across the valley. Wow, everyone was blown away and that would have been enough, but it didn’t stop there - by the time another hour had passed we had around 8 or so sightings of what could well have been 5 or 6 different birds. Lots of time to fully get to grips with the ID features and to appreciate the magnetism of one of the country’s most sought-after raptors. As well as the jewel in the crown there were lots of other birds on offer, including Buzzard, Peregrine and a wide selection of other species, all complete with a short natural history lesson on each one. It didn’t stop at birds either; every time a small butterfly or bee flew past Dan was on it, passing on lots of really interesting info. These guys know their stuff!

Could YCN come up with the goods? Yes, they most certainly could and all with a warmth and friendliness that made it feel like a day out with old friends. Highly recommended.