WFV, Potteric Carr, 3.2.26

On a fine, but bitingly cold day, 7 of us made good time in reaching today’s destination of Potteric Carr, a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserve near Doncaster.  This reserve has an extensive range of habitats which support a diverse range of species.  We decided to take the longer route round the reserve initially, as this afforded us the opportunity to visit a number of hides that overlook the various stretches of water.  These produced a wealth of sightings which included mallard, mute swan, gadwall, shoveler, shelduck, pochard, pintail, wigeon, teal, tufted duck and coot.  A sizable flock of lapwings were present on one of the small islands alongside a considerable number of cormorants as well as lesser black-backed, herring and common gulls.  A couple of cormorants were seen in a nearby tree on a nest site.  A deer was spotted by Julia in the woodland area as we walked round but did not remain for the rest of the group to see it.  

Elder leaves were beginning to show and a red dead-nettle was seen in flower.  The statuesque remains of weld were a feature and the seed heads of old man’s beard looked particularly attractive trailing over the bare branches of some trees.  Small woodland birds were conspicuous by their absence.  The only sightings of note were a small flock of siskins, high in the canopy, spotted by Viv, an orchard volunteer who had joined us for the day and a couple of robins that were not in the least intimidated by our presence.  Fungi identified by John were hoof fungus, birch polypore, hairy curtain crust, turkeytail, elder whitewash, yellow brain and some young smoky brackets, which proved problematic to identify because of their presentation.  

A hot drink in the cafe before we left helped us thaw out as we reflected on our day’s sightings.  This is a site that has a lot to offer whatever time of year we visit.  Our thanks to Julia for her able leadership and careful driving.

Sally Tetlow