Signs of Spring?

Work trip to Ripon City Quarry yesterday, to look at some restoration works and boundary issues. The weather was dreadfully cold and wet, as the 'Mini Beast from the East' started blowing in. Nevertheless, the hardy shapes of two Sand Martins fluttered low across Canal Field lagoon and nearby, a single Little Ringed Plover hunkered down on the Silt Lake, heralding the spring. Also seen, were two Green Sandpipers, a Ringed Plover, two Dunlins, c30 Tufted Ducks and five Teal. Adam, the quarry manager reported an Avocet on the Silt Lake a couple of weeks ago.

 This was how RCQ looked a couple of years ago. Yorkshire Wildlife Trust will be given the central part of this photo to manage as a nature reserve next March. Restoration works are well underway.

The silt lake, with blue boundary marker denoting the line of the boundary fence to be installed shortly.