@northcavewet.bsky.social
Nature news from North Cave Wetlands
The numbers of Redwings & Fieldfares this year seem to be lower, with the big flocks moving thro' fairly quickly.
This is confirmed by the number of berries still on the hawthorns (usually by now they would have been stripped).
The upside is an increased number of Blackbirds taking advantage of this
This is confirmed by the number of berries still on the hawthorns (usually by now they would have been stripped).
The upside is an increased number of Blackbirds taking advantage of this
November 21, 2025 at 6:44 PM
The numbers of Redwings & Fieldfares this year seem to be lower, with the big flocks moving thro' fairly quickly.
This is confirmed by the number of berries still on the hawthorns (usually by now they would have been stripped).
The upside is an increased number of Blackbirds taking advantage of this
This is confirmed by the number of berries still on the hawthorns (usually by now they would have been stripped).
The upside is an increased number of Blackbirds taking advantage of this
Friday,
A Woodcock was flushed from the path leading to the Dennis Wood's hide,
2 Eygtpian geese were on East Holm & then the North field,
A female Goldeneye was on Crossland's lake, with 36 Shelducks counted on the reserve,
Also seen was a single Whooper swan (west) & Bearded tits (Cell 'C')
A Woodcock was flushed from the path leading to the Dennis Wood's hide,
2 Eygtpian geese were on East Holm & then the North field,
A female Goldeneye was on Crossland's lake, with 36 Shelducks counted on the reserve,
Also seen was a single Whooper swan (west) & Bearded tits (Cell 'C')
November 21, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Friday,
A Woodcock was flushed from the path leading to the Dennis Wood's hide,
2 Eygtpian geese were on East Holm & then the North field,
A female Goldeneye was on Crossland's lake, with 36 Shelducks counted on the reserve,
Also seen was a single Whooper swan (west) & Bearded tits (Cell 'C')
A Woodcock was flushed from the path leading to the Dennis Wood's hide,
2 Eygtpian geese were on East Holm & then the North field,
A female Goldeneye was on Crossland's lake, with 36 Shelducks counted on the reserve,
Also seen was a single Whooper swan (west) & Bearded tits (Cell 'C')
Thursday,
There was a Woodcock by the East path, with a Green sandpiper on the 'Bungalow ' pond,
A Grey plover flew west over the Village lake mid-morning,
26 Curlews roosted on East Holm,
About 60,000 Starlings equally roosted in Dryham Ings & the Reed-bed,
Also 3 Marsh harriers (over West Holm)
There was a Woodcock by the East path, with a Green sandpiper on the 'Bungalow ' pond,
A Grey plover flew west over the Village lake mid-morning,
26 Curlews roosted on East Holm,
About 60,000 Starlings equally roosted in Dryham Ings & the Reed-bed,
Also 3 Marsh harriers (over West Holm)
November 20, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Thursday,
There was a Woodcock by the East path, with a Green sandpiper on the 'Bungalow ' pond,
A Grey plover flew west over the Village lake mid-morning,
26 Curlews roosted on East Holm,
About 60,000 Starlings equally roosted in Dryham Ings & the Reed-bed,
Also 3 Marsh harriers (over West Holm)
There was a Woodcock by the East path, with a Green sandpiper on the 'Bungalow ' pond,
A Grey plover flew west over the Village lake mid-morning,
26 Curlews roosted on East Holm,
About 60,000 Starlings equally roosted in Dryham Ings & the Reed-bed,
Also 3 Marsh harriers (over West Holm)
The north pair of Stonechats graced the Reed-bed in the sunshine this morning.
One of 2 pairs wintering, they can sometimes be difficult to see as they disappear into the North field.
Bute a little bit of sunshine after the recent rains, seemed to make the difference
One of 2 pairs wintering, they can sometimes be difficult to see as they disappear into the North field.
Bute a little bit of sunshine after the recent rains, seemed to make the difference
November 19, 2025 at 5:36 PM
The north pair of Stonechats graced the Reed-bed in the sunshine this morning.
One of 2 pairs wintering, they can sometimes be difficult to see as they disappear into the North field.
Bute a little bit of sunshine after the recent rains, seemed to make the difference
One of 2 pairs wintering, they can sometimes be difficult to see as they disappear into the North field.
Bute a little bit of sunshine after the recent rains, seemed to make the difference
Wednesday,
The pair of Stonechats shown well on the Reed-bed from the North path,
31 Shelducks were counted on Crossland's lake,
A Peregrine flew south over East Holm
The pair of Stonechats shown well on the Reed-bed from the North path,
31 Shelducks were counted on Crossland's lake,
A Peregrine flew south over East Holm
November 19, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Wednesday,
The pair of Stonechats shown well on the Reed-bed from the North path,
31 Shelducks were counted on Crossland's lake,
A Peregrine flew south over East Holm
The pair of Stonechats shown well on the Reed-bed from the North path,
31 Shelducks were counted on Crossland's lake,
A Peregrine flew south over East Holm
Tuesday,
22 Whooper swans alighted briefly on Crossland's lake before flying off south, with 2 others overflying south,
2 Woodcocks were by the East path, a Jack snipe was seen on the reserve,
About 80,000 Starlings were roosting in Dryham Ings
About 5,000 Pink-footed geese flew south at dusk,
22 Whooper swans alighted briefly on Crossland's lake before flying off south, with 2 others overflying south,
2 Woodcocks were by the East path, a Jack snipe was seen on the reserve,
About 80,000 Starlings were roosting in Dryham Ings
About 5,000 Pink-footed geese flew south at dusk,
November 18, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Tuesday,
22 Whooper swans alighted briefly on Crossland's lake before flying off south, with 2 others overflying south,
2 Woodcocks were by the East path, a Jack snipe was seen on the reserve,
About 80,000 Starlings were roosting in Dryham Ings
About 5,000 Pink-footed geese flew south at dusk,
22 Whooper swans alighted briefly on Crossland's lake before flying off south, with 2 others overflying south,
2 Woodcocks were by the East path, a Jack snipe was seen on the reserve,
About 80,000 Starlings were roosting in Dryham Ings
About 5,000 Pink-footed geese flew south at dusk,
Reposted
This Jack Snipe was found on our reserve using a thermal imaging camera. Great to see and record it without disturbance.
November 18, 2025 at 6:09 PM
This Jack Snipe was found on our reserve using a thermal imaging camera. Great to see and record it without disturbance.
Monday,
Whooper swan & Pink-footed geese were over the reserve in the early morning, with 15 Shelducks counted on East Holm,
Also seen was 2 Marsh harriers, Green sandpiper (New workings), male Stonechat (Reed-bed), Kingfisher, 10 Fieldfares (by Crossland's lake) & 14 Curlews (Village lake)
Whooper swan & Pink-footed geese were over the reserve in the early morning, with 15 Shelducks counted on East Holm,
Also seen was 2 Marsh harriers, Green sandpiper (New workings), male Stonechat (Reed-bed), Kingfisher, 10 Fieldfares (by Crossland's lake) & 14 Curlews (Village lake)
November 17, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Monday,
Whooper swan & Pink-footed geese were over the reserve in the early morning, with 15 Shelducks counted on East Holm,
Also seen was 2 Marsh harriers, Green sandpiper (New workings), male Stonechat (Reed-bed), Kingfisher, 10 Fieldfares (by Crossland's lake) & 14 Curlews (Village lake)
Whooper swan & Pink-footed geese were over the reserve in the early morning, with 15 Shelducks counted on East Holm,
Also seen was 2 Marsh harriers, Green sandpiper (New workings), male Stonechat (Reed-bed), Kingfisher, 10 Fieldfares (by Crossland's lake) & 14 Curlews (Village lake)
Reposted
I assume it’s recent 🌧️🌧️🌧️ which has triggered vivipary on teasels @northcavewet.bsky.social - water levels are definitely rising. Elsewhere: great spotted woodpecker, marsh harrier, siskins
November 17, 2025 at 12:53 PM
I assume it’s recent 🌧️🌧️🌧️ which has triggered vivipary on teasels @northcavewet.bsky.social - water levels are definitely rising. Elsewhere: great spotted woodpecker, marsh harrier, siskins
Sunday,
There were 34 Whooper swans thro' the reserve today, 11 & 3 overhead south & then 20 (including 13 juveniles) briefly on Crossland's lake before flying off south,
The Bittern was seen on both the Main & Village lakes,
At least 80,000 Starlings roosted in Cell 'C' this evening,
There were 34 Whooper swans thro' the reserve today, 11 & 3 overhead south & then 20 (including 13 juveniles) briefly on Crossland's lake before flying off south,
The Bittern was seen on both the Main & Village lakes,
At least 80,000 Starlings roosted in Cell 'C' this evening,
November 16, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Sunday,
There were 34 Whooper swans thro' the reserve today, 11 & 3 overhead south & then 20 (including 13 juveniles) briefly on Crossland's lake before flying off south,
The Bittern was seen on both the Main & Village lakes,
At least 80,000 Starlings roosted in Cell 'C' this evening,
There were 34 Whooper swans thro' the reserve today, 11 & 3 overhead south & then 20 (including 13 juveniles) briefly on Crossland's lake before flying off south,
The Bittern was seen on both the Main & Village lakes,
At least 80,000 Starlings roosted in Cell 'C' this evening,
Reposted
Amazing to see the thousands of Starlings through the thermal last night at North Cave Wetlands @northcavewet.bsky.social #ukbirding
November 16, 2025 at 8:53 AM
Amazing to see the thousands of Starlings through the thermal last night at North Cave Wetlands @northcavewet.bsky.social #ukbirding
Reposted
Family of Whooper Swans on Crosslands Lake, North Cave Wetlands this afternoon @northcavewet.bsky.social #ukbirding
November 15, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Family of Whooper Swans on Crosslands Lake, North Cave Wetlands this afternoon @northcavewet.bsky.social #ukbirding
Reposted
Starlings just kept coming into roost at North Cave Wetlands this evening (sound on to hear their chatter) @northcavewet.bsky.social #ukbirding
November 15, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Starlings just kept coming into roost at North Cave Wetlands this evening (sound on to hear their chatter) @northcavewet.bsky.social #ukbirding
Surprise of the morning, was this flock of 40 Golden plovers that not only over flew Esat Holm, but then wheeled round & landed in amongst the Lapwings, staying put for at least 30 minutes.
November 15, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Surprise of the morning, was this flock of 40 Golden plovers that not only over flew Esat Holm, but then wheeled round & landed in amongst the Lapwings, staying put for at least 30 minutes.
Saturday,
On East Holm, there were up to 10 Dunlins present, a Ruff & 26 Golden plovers dropped in,
There were 3 Goldeneyes on Crossland's Lake (including a drake) & a Woodcock was flushed nearby on the West path,
8 Whooper swans flew south east, with another 6 south in the afternoon
On East Holm, there were up to 10 Dunlins present, a Ruff & 26 Golden plovers dropped in,
There were 3 Goldeneyes on Crossland's Lake (including a drake) & a Woodcock was flushed nearby on the West path,
8 Whooper swans flew south east, with another 6 south in the afternoon
November 15, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Saturday,
On East Holm, there were up to 10 Dunlins present, a Ruff & 26 Golden plovers dropped in,
There were 3 Goldeneyes on Crossland's Lake (including a drake) & a Woodcock was flushed nearby on the West path,
8 Whooper swans flew south east, with another 6 south in the afternoon
On East Holm, there were up to 10 Dunlins present, a Ruff & 26 Golden plovers dropped in,
There were 3 Goldeneyes on Crossland's Lake (including a drake) & a Woodcock was flushed nearby on the West path,
8 Whooper swans flew south east, with another 6 south in the afternoon
On a very wet morning, it was good to enter the South hide & see the Main lake Teal pair right under the viewing windows of the South hide & be able to observe them quietly feeding for a while
November 14, 2025 at 6:58 PM
On a very wet morning, it was good to enter the South hide & see the Main lake Teal pair right under the viewing windows of the South hide & be able to observe them quietly feeding for a while
Friday,
A very wet day,
14 Whooper swans circled the Village lake & flew off to the west,
A pair of Goldeneye were on the Main lake, with 2 other females seen elsewhere,
About 70,000 Stralings roosted on Dryham Ings & left early in the morning,
A very wet day,
14 Whooper swans circled the Village lake & flew off to the west,
A pair of Goldeneye were on the Main lake, with 2 other females seen elsewhere,
About 70,000 Stralings roosted on Dryham Ings & left early in the morning,
November 14, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Friday,
A very wet day,
14 Whooper swans circled the Village lake & flew off to the west,
A pair of Goldeneye were on the Main lake, with 2 other females seen elsewhere,
About 70,000 Stralings roosted on Dryham Ings & left early in the morning,
A very wet day,
14 Whooper swans circled the Village lake & flew off to the west,
A pair of Goldeneye were on the Main lake, with 2 other females seen elsewhere,
About 70,000 Stralings roosted on Dryham Ings & left early in the morning,
Thursday,
6 Whooper swans were seen to fly south, with a single roosting on Crossland's lake (left early in the morning),
About 60 Pink-footed geese roosted on East Holm, with 3 Eygptian geese. Over 3,000 Pink footed geese north over the reserve,
The female Goldeneye was on East Holm & Far lake,
6 Whooper swans were seen to fly south, with a single roosting on Crossland's lake (left early in the morning),
About 60 Pink-footed geese roosted on East Holm, with 3 Eygptian geese. Over 3,000 Pink footed geese north over the reserve,
The female Goldeneye was on East Holm & Far lake,
November 13, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Thursday,
6 Whooper swans were seen to fly south, with a single roosting on Crossland's lake (left early in the morning),
About 60 Pink-footed geese roosted on East Holm, with 3 Eygptian geese. Over 3,000 Pink footed geese north over the reserve,
The female Goldeneye was on East Holm & Far lake,
6 Whooper swans were seen to fly south, with a single roosting on Crossland's lake (left early in the morning),
About 60 Pink-footed geese roosted on East Holm, with 3 Eygptian geese. Over 3,000 Pink footed geese north over the reserve,
The female Goldeneye was on East Holm & Far lake,
Wednesday,
21 Whooper swans flew south over the reserve in the morning (herds of 11, 4 & 6),
An Eygptian goose was on Crossland's lake, with a Dunlin on the causeway & a Ruff on East Holm, all in the early morning,
Grey wagtail was on East Holm, the pair of Stonechats by the Dragonfly ponds
21 Whooper swans flew south over the reserve in the morning (herds of 11, 4 & 6),
An Eygptian goose was on Crossland's lake, with a Dunlin on the causeway & a Ruff on East Holm, all in the early morning,
Grey wagtail was on East Holm, the pair of Stonechats by the Dragonfly ponds
November 12, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Wednesday,
21 Whooper swans flew south over the reserve in the morning (herds of 11, 4 & 6),
An Eygptian goose was on Crossland's lake, with a Dunlin on the causeway & a Ruff on East Holm, all in the early morning,
Grey wagtail was on East Holm, the pair of Stonechats by the Dragonfly ponds
21 Whooper swans flew south over the reserve in the morning (herds of 11, 4 & 6),
An Eygptian goose was on Crossland's lake, with a Dunlin on the causeway & a Ruff on East Holm, all in the early morning,
Grey wagtail was on East Holm, the pair of Stonechats by the Dragonfly ponds
In the afternoon, with poor light, looking over the Island lake & the Teal start coming out of the water onto dry land.
In the water goes an Otter & swims straight across the lake exiting into the reeds, with the Teal keeping a way eye on it.
Always a bit distant but great to see
In the water goes an Otter & swims straight across the lake exiting into the reeds, with the Teal keeping a way eye on it.
Always a bit distant but great to see
November 11, 2025 at 7:29 PM
In the afternoon, with poor light, looking over the Island lake & the Teal start coming out of the water onto dry land.
In the water goes an Otter & swims straight across the lake exiting into the reeds, with the Teal keeping a way eye on it.
Always a bit distant but great to see
In the water goes an Otter & swims straight across the lake exiting into the reeds, with the Teal keeping a way eye on it.
Always a bit distant but great to see
Tuesday,
5 Whooper swans flew south, with a drake Pintail & female Goldeneyes on Crossland's lake,
13 Pink-footed geese flew low over Crossland's lake, with 2 of them joining the Greylags there,
2 Dunlin dropped onto Crossland's causeway, with a Marsh harrier over the North field,
5 Whooper swans flew south, with a drake Pintail & female Goldeneyes on Crossland's lake,
13 Pink-footed geese flew low over Crossland's lake, with 2 of them joining the Greylags there,
2 Dunlin dropped onto Crossland's causeway, with a Marsh harrier over the North field,
November 11, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Tuesday,
5 Whooper swans flew south, with a drake Pintail & female Goldeneyes on Crossland's lake,
13 Pink-footed geese flew low over Crossland's lake, with 2 of them joining the Greylags there,
2 Dunlin dropped onto Crossland's causeway, with a Marsh harrier over the North field,
5 Whooper swans flew south, with a drake Pintail & female Goldeneyes on Crossland's lake,
13 Pink-footed geese flew low over Crossland's lake, with 2 of them joining the Greylags there,
2 Dunlin dropped onto Crossland's causeway, with a Marsh harrier over the North field,
Reposted
Sightings:10th November 2025.
Including WeBS Count Totals.
North Cave Wetlands.
@northcavewet.bsky.social
Including WeBS Count Totals.
North Cave Wetlands.
@northcavewet.bsky.social
November 10, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Sightings:10th November 2025.
Including WeBS Count Totals.
North Cave Wetlands.
@northcavewet.bsky.social
Including WeBS Count Totals.
North Cave Wetlands.
@northcavewet.bsky.social
Starlings, the highlight of the day
It started early in the morning, with the departure of the Dryham reservoir roosting birds (up to 60,000 present), but they can be difficult to photograph in the early morning light.
Then some birds in an Ash tree, provide the chance to see their gleamin plumage
It started early in the morning, with the departure of the Dryham reservoir roosting birds (up to 60,000 present), but they can be difficult to photograph in the early morning light.
Then some birds in an Ash tree, provide the chance to see their gleamin plumage
November 10, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Starlings, the highlight of the day
It started early in the morning, with the departure of the Dryham reservoir roosting birds (up to 60,000 present), but they can be difficult to photograph in the early morning light.
Then some birds in an Ash tree, provide the chance to see their gleamin plumage
It started early in the morning, with the departure of the Dryham reservoir roosting birds (up to 60,000 present), but they can be difficult to photograph in the early morning light.
Then some birds in an Ash tree, provide the chance to see their gleamin plumage
Monday,
The solitary Whooper swan was back on Crossland's lake in the morning, with the female Goldeneye still on the Far lake,
11 Curlews on the Island lake & a Ruff on East Holm,
Also a pair of Stonechats (North hedge), Marsh harrier (over Cell 'A'), male Blackcap (Dryham lane by Cell 'A'),
The solitary Whooper swan was back on Crossland's lake in the morning, with the female Goldeneye still on the Far lake,
11 Curlews on the Island lake & a Ruff on East Holm,
Also a pair of Stonechats (North hedge), Marsh harrier (over Cell 'A'), male Blackcap (Dryham lane by Cell 'A'),
November 10, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Monday,
The solitary Whooper swan was back on Crossland's lake in the morning, with the female Goldeneye still on the Far lake,
11 Curlews on the Island lake & a Ruff on East Holm,
Also a pair of Stonechats (North hedge), Marsh harrier (over Cell 'A'), male Blackcap (Dryham lane by Cell 'A'),
The solitary Whooper swan was back on Crossland's lake in the morning, with the female Goldeneye still on the Far lake,
11 Curlews on the Island lake & a Ruff on East Holm,
Also a pair of Stonechats (North hedge), Marsh harrier (over Cell 'A'), male Blackcap (Dryham lane by Cell 'A'),
Reposted
It’s the season to blend our single (-celled) bodies into the communal slime while we reproduce. If that’s not weird enough, let’s look like Dog Sick too! 🤣 Didymium spongiosum (Dog Sick Slime Mould) doing its amazing stuff @northcavewet.bsky.social. Elsewhere: Bittern @yorkswildlife.bsky.social
November 10, 2025 at 4:37 PM
It’s the season to blend our single (-celled) bodies into the communal slime while we reproduce. If that’s not weird enough, let’s look like Dog Sick too! 🤣 Didymium spongiosum (Dog Sick Slime Mould) doing its amazing stuff @northcavewet.bsky.social. Elsewhere: Bittern @yorkswildlife.bsky.social