SEMER WATER
Waders, wildfowl and moorland birds in one site
This is Yorkshire’s second largest natural lake, after Malham Tarn, dug out by a glacier with moraine dumped at its outflow. It is in an area with several new birding sites along the River Ure, and all need more coverage, as birds drop in from afar. It includes a wonderful circular walk of four miles, offering open water, scattered woodland, freshwater marsh, hay fields and running water. The area could also brings you into contact with moorland birds, while driving over the top to get here. The area has a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Reserve at the south- west end, covering 91 acres, mainly of lowland meadow and marsh. The valley is full of breeding waders with lots of Curlew, Lapwing, Oystercatchers and a few Redshank. Common Sandpiper is found around the edge, and even Dunlin are seen in spring and autumn, along with Golden Plover. The wet areas are ideal for Snipe breeding and even Jack Snipe have been found in winter. Both Sedge Warbler and Reed Bunting breed here and it looks perfect for Grasshopper Warbler and Water Rail, never mind rare crakes; with Cuckoos calling over the marsh. Barn Owls hunt the marsh areas, as do Short-eared Owls in winter. There are several old copses around the area with some Oak and plenty of Sycamore. Look out for Redstarts in spring singing here, with both Great Spotted Woodpecker and Treecreeper also here. Both Teal and Wigeon are here in winter and may breed locally, while gulls use the fresh water after feeding in the nearby fields. Yellowlegged Gull has been found and the waders have included Pectoral Sandpiper. Sea ducks like Eider and Common Scoter have dropped in, along with Barnacle Goose.