Places to see birds locally
When you venture from your gardens you do not have to go far to find excellent places to see bird life.
We are blessed with superb nature reserves at Nosterfield which enjoys a wide variety of waterfowl and wading birds. Rare birds like Bitterns are being encouraged to breed, an Osprey uses Nosterfield to fish during the summer months and migratory birds like Black Tailed Godwits, Pintail ducks and Whopper Swans drop in on their journeys north (springtime and south in the autumn).
https://www.luct.org.uk/nosterfield
High Batts is a splendid reserve near West Tanfield with hides along the river Ure. Here you will find rare butterflies and moths and an abundance of woodland birds. It is a membership organisation before you can visit but the annual fee is very modest and well worth the investment.
Ripon City Wetlands This is a reserve run by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. It is a natural floodplain next Ripon racecourse where you may see Bitterns, Reed Warblers and Marsh Harriers along with many wading birds. It is famous for its Starling murmurations which can best be seen at dusk.
https://www.ywt.org.uk/nature-reserves/ripon-city-wetlands
Marfield Wetlands near Masham. This site consists of ponds, lakes, wet grasslands and fen. The Wetlands are designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) and located adjacent to Marfield Fen SSSI and the River Ure corridor. The site has year-round interest, particularly in winter for visiting wildfowl. Note during April and May the main paths through the reserve are closed to protect ground nesting birds but access to hides are open. Circular, outer paths are also accessible.
https://www.hdns.org.uk/wildlife-locations/marfield-wetlands