A riverside walk with some great birds to find
The town is famous for its ‘Devil Arrows’ standing stones, found on the road to Roecliffe, but it was built here for its crossing of the River Ure. Now bypassed by the A1M, there are several walks you can do, but the river is an ideal location to look for birds.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
Above the bridge is an attractive area of islands with a man-made waterfall and Salmon ladder. Check out for Mute Swan, Goosander and Grey Wagtail here. In summer, you will find both Swallow and House Martin along with Swifts.
2 A walk down to the lock gates can give you good views of
Kingfisher, with several warblers using the river vegetation to nest, such as Whitethroat, Blackcap and Willow Warbler. Check the Alders in winter along the canal for redpoll and Siskin. Walk to the junction of the canal and river to look for ducks and waders. 3
For a longer walk, head towards Aldborough, taking the public footpath back down to the river using the flood bank to walk around the river. The wood here may have both Nuthatch and Great Spotted Woodpecker. The old cricket ground may have both Pied and Yellow Wagtails. Check the side of the river for Sand Martins and Common Sandpiper. Both Kestrel and Red Kite may be drifting over. 4
Over the years, I have found migrants here such as Dunlin, Hobby and a passing Great Grey Shrike using the dead Giant Hogweed as a perch! The large cereal fields across the river in winter hold both Golden Plover and Lapwing. Check out the duck for Goldeneye, Teal and Wigeon. Winter may also hold Green Sandpiper along the edge and Little Grebe by the willows.
5 Walk back up the lane looking for farmland birds like Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting and Sky Lark. The big Yew hedge by Aldborough Manor is ideal for attracting thrushes like Blackbird, Redwing and Fieldfare. Walk back into Boroughbridge looking out for garden birds.