Page 7 - Out Birding Autumn 2024

Ughill Farm, Sheffield 11/05/2024
Following our Conserva􏰀on Fund dona􏰀on to The Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust to their appeal to raise money to help purchase land at Ughill Farm, they invited us to have a tour around the farm.
Three of us a􏰁ended: Ann, Paul and Dan on a wonderful sunny day so we saw the land at its best. We are greatly thankful to Mar􏰀n from the Trust who showed us round along with a few other wildlife trust members.
Situated near Upper Bradfield, north west of Sheffield, in the Peak District Na􏰀onal Park it is surrounded by land that is predominantly farmed for sheep or early grass cu􏰂ng, Ughill has been saved by coming into the ownership of the local Wildlife Trust. The farmland is low grade marginal farmland but is an oasis of wild flowers and birds. It looked beau􏰀ful in the sun with many flowers out, lots of birds and a bu􏰁erflies flying around, and a few mammals in the fields.
We were told that the name Ughill originates from 10th century and was a Viking se􏰁lement. The name derives from Old Norse Uhgil or Uggagil meaning Uggi’s Valley. (gil being old norse for a steep sided valley)
The Trust is currently surveying the land to see what wildlife lives there and our list from the day will contribute to their survey.
Birds seen were: Northern Wheatear, Greylag Goose, Meadow Pipit, Kestrel, Skylark, Curlew, Linnet, Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler, Chiffchaff, Swallow, Buzzard, Lapwing, Pheasant, Wood pigeon, Common Whitethroat, Reed Bunting, Blackcap, Goldfinch and Carrion Crow.
Mammals - Hare and roe deer. Butterflies - Orange tip, peacock, speckled wood. Bradfield had a nice pub with tea gardens and a bar for refreshments afterwards.
Ann Ellis
Rye Harbour 19/05 and 21/05/2024
We included these trips in our annual holiday at Rye Harbour staying in a Park Home. This year our Park Home was 25 yards from the edge of the nature reserve.
On Sunday we saw or heard 34 species of birds. On Tuesday we saw or heard 41 species. The combined species list was 45.
Highlights were:
4 members on Saturday
4 members on Tuesday (6 members in total because we attended twice).
The weather was good on Sunday. On Tuesday there was heavy rain before the event started, but this was replaced by occasional spells of drizzle.
On Sunday the car park and path up to sea was very busy with walkers but the hides were quiet.
Linnet provided a good photograph opportunity. There seemed to be Avocets where ever we looked.
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