The car park is surfaced and holds c15 cars. It is accessed off quite a fast road so care is needed. Up a set of steep steps we went, though you can view down the flash from the roadbridge. You can walk a nice loop of the nature reserve which the Trust has managed since the 1960s. The first section follows the top of a large embankment, a former railway line, with the flash down to your left and the River Dearne down to your right. On the far side of the river is the Trans-Pennine Trail. There is a hide overlooking the first flash and then a second overlooking Cadeby Flash.
The site teemed with ducks including c50 Gadwall, c70 Teal and smaller numbers of Tufted Ducks and Mallard. From the second hide, I was delighted to find a loafing flock of 12 Goosanders, the males creamy bodies and bottle green heads looking smart even in the dreary light.
The Goosanders are just visible on the far side.
About 20 Cormorants were hanging out in the large dead trees and Black-headed and Common Gulls rested on the water. I scrutinised the flock though could not find anything more unusual among them. After a short walk, we headed back to the car, noting a singing Goldcrest on the way. A very pleasant site.
Just popping by to say thank you for doing this, I'll be following your blog to get some ideas as to where to visit as the weather warms :)
ReplyDeleteNo problem Nikki. I might have to revisit them all in nicer weather! jono
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