CUMBRIA ULLSWATER
Beat the Lakeland crowds for better birds
Ullswater has become a major site in summer for campers, especially around Pooley Bridge, but winter has a much calmer feel and more often better birding. New farming methods are being tried on the local fells to reduce water and chemical run- off which will help to improve the bird habitats.
WHERE TO WATCH
1
Approaching from the north, your first stop is the lovely village of Pooley Bridge, where you can wonder around checking areas, especially the River Eamont, for species such as Goosander, Dipper, Pied and Grey Wagtail. A viewpoint to check this end of the lake is off the ferry jetty just down from the river.
Here in winter there is a gull roost where you can look for species like Common, Herring, Great Blackbacked and Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
2
The A592 runs alongside the lake but is a narrow twisty affair with few viewpoints in this part of the lake. When a Bufflehead appeared in this area, side roads were used to park and then walk back to view the lake. Winter here produces many Goldeneye, Tufted Duck and the odd Pochard.
3
The area around Aira Force has more parking, with woodland walks offering a good mix of birds. Back on the lake, look out for wintering divers or Red-breasted Merganser. Scan the fell sides for moving raptors. The area holds breeding Buzzard, Sparrowhawk,
Goshawk, Peregrine and Kestrel. Red Kites can drift through along with summering Ospreys.
4
The Glenridding end of the lake has a mixed habitat with marsh and carr along with various streams. Look out for Greylag and Canada Geese here, but also feral Barnacle Geese. Grey Herons are common, with Mallard and Teal in winter. Check the gulls loafing around for the odd Mediterranean. Redpolls and Siskins feed around here in winter.
5
The east side road is much quieter and you have the chance to scan from the road or camp sites. Again winter is best, with the chance of feeding Wigeon along the edge, Rafts of Tufted Duck along with Goldeneye but try Howtown Bay for grebes like Great Crested and Little with the odd record of Red-necked Grebe.