Welcome to the LDV NNR ringing blog, this blog is designed to share the experiences, findings and tales from a group of dedicated ringers. We specialise in conservation orientated research projects, largely focusing on wildfowl, waders, owls and birds of conservation concern, in and around the Vale of York NNR's.

NB - Whilst the purpose of this blog was initially designed to cover our nationally important wildfowl ringing activities, it now also features wildlife and work posts, explaining how we manage the NNR for both wildlife and people.

For daily sightings please visit our Twitter account: https://twitter.com/ldv_nnr (@LDV_NNR)

For details of events, volunteer tasks and wildlife images please visit our Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/Lower-Derwent-Valley-Skipwith-Common-NNR

Friday 13 January 2017

10/01/17 - Flashback

This time last year we were completely flooded out in the valley, with our main three sites - Bank Island, Wheldrake and North Duffield Carrs all under several feet of water. North Duffield Carrs was the worst hit, with the water reaching the roof of the hide (pictured below), resulting in an ongoing repair job to both the hide and path throughout the spring. The hides at Bank Island were out of bounds by us (but fortunately also out of reach from the water), however the Wheldrake boardwalk took a hammering after the river burst over the banks, flooding the track down to the hides, leaving only Tower Hide accessible – Reserve Manager Fallon Mahon is pictured here making his way down to do the monthly WeBS count. 

This year? Well it’s relatively dry, but that could soon change of course, whilst all the sites and hides remain accessible why not come down and see the wildlife that the valley has to offer – Wheldrake and North Duffield Carrs currently have vast flocks of Wigeon and Teal, along with Shoveler, Pintail, Goldeneye, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Scaup, Shelduck, Gadwall, Whooper Swans and many more. As always when visiting the reserve please let us know of any wildlife you see by using the log books provided in the hides – thank you.