Although the relatively dry conditions of this winter
seem set to continue, it’s certainly felt somewhat more wintery and colder of
late. Armed with the correct footwear and clothing to keep out that winter
chill, the LDV is a fantastic place to visit at this time of year. The local
Barn Owls have been out in force and showing well at Bank Island, as the cold
conditions have forced them to hunt throughout the day to maintain their body
condition. As well as at the NNR Base, a number of individuals have also been seen
throughout the wider area – Wheldrake Ings, North Duffield Carrs, Ellerton churchyard
and the Pocklington Canal towpath around Melbourne are great places to look out
for these birds.
The same freezing conditions have caused a mass departure of
the valley’s wintering waders, with the 8000+ strong Lapwing flocks present
throughout much of January having been displaced to find easier feeding
opportunities – perhaps on the Humber Estuary, whilst many of our ducks have
taken refuge away from the frozen Ings to the sanctuary and open water of the
river. Please respect the signs around the valley concerning access and
the need to reduce disturbance, especially at this difficult time when the
birds need to conserve as much energy as possible – thank you.
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