ROYD MOOR RESERVOIR
Water, farmland, and mature oaks mean a variety of birds
Royd Moor Reservoir is part of a trio of reservoirs, including Scout Dike and Ingbirchworth, located north of the market town of Penistone. This peaceful reservoir offers a short, circular walk, with a couple of benches placed to sit and view wildlife.
The waters are home to a variety of waterfowl, including Canada Geese, Tufted Duck and Cormorant. Grey Heron are often found wading in the shallows. The small lake at the north-western tip of the reservoir is busy with common waterfowl, like Mallard and Moorhen.
Buzzard, Kestrel and Sky Lark are often seen above the fields, while the wooded area attracts Bullfinch, Chiffchaff, Goldfinch, Nuthatch and other regular woodland species. CAROLE TIDBALL
WHERE TO WATCH
1
A good place to get close to the water and view Canada Geese, Grey Heron and Cormorant. Walking north, keep a look out in the fields for Curlew and Lapwing in spring and summer. Pheasant and Common Gull visit year-round, and Yellowhammer and Meadow Pipit are often seen near drystone walls.
2
The wooden footbridge affords a clear view across the small, separate lake where you’ll find Mallard, Moorhen and Coot. The surrounding trees are busy with Chaffinch, warblers, Siskin and Jay.
3
The bench placed near here overlooks the sloping reservoir wall where Grey Wagtail are often seen running along the water’s edge. Look out for Tufted Duck and Little Grebe.
4
Gain one last view of the reservoir from this bench. In early evening Black-headed Gull and Canada Geese fly in to rest overnight. You might also spot Little Egret. On the walk back to the car park you’ll hear warning songs from Robin, Blackbird and Wren.