Staveley Gravel Pits and Nature Reserve

We visited this place on the recommendation of Andy Jowett from BOG. The lakes (actually reclaimed gravel pits) directly to the north of Staveley (close to Knaresborough in North Yorkshire) are a reserve of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

At the gravel pits between the church and Model Farm we saw good numbers of various dragonflies as well as Canada and Greylag geese, Greenshank (I think), Common sandpiper, Snipe and Lapwing.

I think this is a female Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum) because shortly after this shot was taken it was leapt upon and appeared to mate with a bright red partner. Either that or the bright red one was trying to eat it. It did look a bit rough!

Later, at the Nature Reserve proper, the main spectacle was provided by a Great Crested Grebe feeding three chicks and by four Roe deer which walked by on the far side of the lagoon.

Two well-grown GC Grebe chicks wait expectantly for another fish.

As dusk approached, large numbers of starlings began to congregate prior to roosting in the reeds. As they settled, two Sparrowhawks made their presence known.

"Common or garden" starlings make a spectacular sight as they gather in huge pre-roost flocks.

We waited in the hide until after sunset in the hope of seeing Barn owls. They were a no show but the wait was worth it.

Staveley sunset.