Birding Sites

Yorkshire boasts some wonderful and varied habitats for birds. Such variety provides a home to several different and diverse species. Some of which are common and some extremely rare and local. The county has recorded over three hundred species of bird, some of which from as far away as the USA, China, Southern Europe and Siberia. At the right time of year and with guidance and a little luck, we may find some of these birds at the broad representation of sites listed below.

Local Nature Reserve
Mining subsidence has created a two mile stretch of wetlands along the River Aire Valley. Marshes and shallow pools are the predominant habitat which is extremely attractive to Wildfowl and Shorebirds. Some scarce and rare birds can be found in this area including Kingfisher, Black necked Grebe and Garganey.

Expect also to see Bullfinch, Willow Tit and Green Woodpecker in the local area of woodland and farmland that is also home to some good songbirds including Wren, Robin, common warblers, Thrushes and Finches. Any time of year can be good but spring and winter is best.

The Yorkshire Dales
Beautiful countryside and riparian habitat is home to several upland species of bird. European Dipper and Grey Wagtail can be found on the fast flowing river Wharfe while the trees in Spring will find singing Redstarts, Pied Flycatchers and the commoner Warblers while with a little luck we may see European Sparrowhawk.

If the birds decide not to show, then enjoy the beautiful abbey, a 12th century, Augustinian priory. The surrounding estate belongs to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. We will be free to roam the land in search of birds. Shorebirds may be found on their breeding grounds in Spring. Species likely to be encountered are Northern Lapwing, European Golden Plover, European Curlew, Oystercatcher, Snipe, Redshank and Dunlin. The Dales and moors will produce Red Grouse, Meadow Pipit and possibly Buzzard, Merlin or Peregrine Falcon.

Lagoon Habitat
Large reed beds and shallow lagoons on the confluence where two rivers meet, host some rare and very local birds. Some of the birds can only be found in this specialised habitat and depend on the good work of the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) for survival. Expect to see, Marsh and Hen Harrier, Barn Owl breeds locally, Short Eared Owl winters regularly. Tree Sparrow and Turtle Dove can be found with some searching while the main draw for birders are the lagoons which attract several species of Shorebirds. Among the common waders, a scarcity is often found. Expect to see, Avocet, Black Tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Green, Common and Wood Sandpipers. Mid to late summer is best.

The Yorkshire Coastline
A Prominent headland protruding into the North Sea is Yorkshire's premier site for watching migrating seabirds. In the autumn, Skuas and Shearwaters may be seen in the right conditions. In spring and autumn, migrating passerines are attracted to the beam from the lighthouse and birds may number in the hundreds. The area has attracted some very rare birds. The cliff tops may hold Lapland Longspurs and Snow Buntings in the winter, or Linnets and Goldfinches all year round. The cliffs here are good for breeding seabirds.

Nearby you can discover the UK's largest mainland Gannetry. Other birds to be found here include Atlantic Puffin, Guillemot, Razorbill, Kittiwake, and Shag. Best time of year is spring to summer when sea birds come to the cliffs to breed. The sights, sounds and smells are unforgettable as are the very close views of the beautiful Puffins. Expect also to see Short Eared Owl in the winter and the very scarce Corn Bunting, given away by their 'jangling keys' song.

Woodand Areas
Just out of the region, this site has some great woodland habitat and gives birders the very real chance of seeing Hawfinch and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. Several species of tit can also be found along with Great spotted Woodpecker, Finches, Treecreepers and Nuthatch. Spring and winter are best before leaves on the trees make observation difficult. Not too far away is the 'mighty Oak' of Sherwood Forest, where Robin Hood was said to have courted Maid Marrion. Several common woodland birds can also be found here.

A Yorkshire Park
Something a bit different here! There are several large sculptures by one of Yorkshires famous sons, Henry Moore. The sculptures are located around the park. A tree lined lake is also home to woodland species. Another good opportunity to see Hawfinch. Best time is early spring and winter before leaves appear on the trees.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
Is a long sandy spit, reaching out into the North Sea, which acts as a funnel for migrating birds. Spring and autumn can be fantastic for birding in the right conditions. Large arrivals of migrants are truly a sight to behold. These arrivals or 'falls' often include scare and rare birds, but the fall of thousands of Thrushes, Robins and Chats is a wonderful experience. Peak birding times are April and May and then late August to early November, but any time of year can be good. The nearby lagoons play host to several species of wildfowl and shorebirds.

High tide is the best time to watch shorebirds as the tide pushes the birds closer to strategically placed hides. This is still a truly wild place, where nature still has the upper hand. The surrounding villages are also of interest to birders, especially in the spring and autumn. Expect also to see other interesting plants and animals. For another view of this site CLICK HERE.


Lower River Valley And Heathland
Wildfowl predominate in this riparian habitat. Flood meadows created by the river Derwent and maintained by English Nature is a good place to see many species of duck and geese. Spring and winter can see large numbers of birds. This is also a good area for raptors with Peregrine, Merlin, Sparrowhawk and Goshawk heading the cast. Here there is a very good chance of seeing or more often hearing Lesser Spotted Woodpecker along with other woodland birds. The area is home to European Nightjar, Long Eared Owl, Woodcock and Grasshopper Warbler and is best visited in early to mid summer, on warm still evenings.

All the above sites have played host to lots of interesting and rare birds. Far too many to mention all the birds here. In recent times, the area has played host to European Spoonbill, White Winged Tern and Marsh Sandpiper, Red necked and Temminck's Stints, Bluethroat and Cetti's Warbler. The Yorshire area can and regularly does produce migrants from far and wide. Bee Eater, Pied Wheatear, Red Rumped Swallow and Red Footed Falcon to name but a few.

The above sites give a broad representation of what Yorkshire has to offer. If you have a desire to visit another site you may have heard of then I would be more than happy to oblige. If you have a hire car, then I can drive for you as I know the roads well, otherwise, I can provide the transport. All sites listed above can be accessed by a normal saloon car.