Waders and songbirds in a moorland setting
Cowgreen is a manmade reservoir, built for the former industries in Middlesbrough. It caused a lot of ill-feeling when it was constructed as it took away a large chunk of Teesdale’s famous Alpine plant life. It sits between 8,800 hectares of upland country forming the Moor House-Upper Teesdale National Nature Reserve.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
As you approach the reservoir you must check for species en route. This flat area is ideal for waders in spring like Snipe, Lapwing and
Redshank. Look out for Pied Wagtail and a passing Yellow Wagtail. Check the walls for Wheatear and Sky Lark.
2
Rising up you soon start to notice moorland with its Curlew and Golden Plover. Look for taller vegetation which may hold Stonechat and Bracken for Whinchat. Dotterel have been found on passage here but normally they are found higher on Cross Fell.
3 Once reaching the reservoir, scan the water for gulls or any duck, grebe or diver that might have dropped in. The levels here can change depending on the amount of rain in the area. Look for Swifts dropping in or even the odd Osprey.
4 Walking towards the dam check the edge of the water for feeding waders. Common Sandpiper breed here most years and even Ringed Plover depending on the levels. Listen out for Twite, not to be confused with the many Linnets in the area.
5 Walking down the outflow is a great way to find Dippers and Grey Wagtails. Scan for birds of prey with Merlin breeding locally along with Kestrel but nearly anything else will be passage due to the management of the area for grouse, because Short-eared Owls should be here in numbers along with Hen Harrier.