Welcome to the RSPB Communities Christmas Advent calendar! Rather than chocolates (sorry), with each day that leads up to the big day, why not open a virtual Advent calendar window and reveal a teaser for you to ponder or post a picture. There is no right or wrong answer, the answers will simply be what you want to appear in that window. It’s Christmas, so let’s have some fun!Claire
DAY 2:What's your favourite RSPB reserve, and why?
Total no-brainer, this one. Minsmere - for the warm welcome, the coastal location, the terrific caff, the great variety of goods in the shop.......and most importantly, the enormous variety of birds and wildlife. You will always, always see something of interest at this reserve and it's so good having such a fantastic place so close to home.
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
Well, I've only been to two RSPB reserves so far: Burton Mere on the Wirral and Leighton Moss in Cumbria; birdwise, I like them both equally - I saw my first Kingfishers at B.Mere (3 KF's flying together over the lake) but facilities are better at L.Moss and we've already heard about the wonderful staff and cakes in the cafe at L.Moss from Chris Packham and gang !!! So I vote for Leighton Moss :)
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Regards, Hazel
As I have yet to find one for myself, I can only say that all the reserves I 'visit' here in CF through the courtesy of Forumates look very interesting with such diverse variety of birds & other creatures & cake!!
(Memo to self: must get out more!)
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
I too have only visited two RSPB reserves, Vane Farm at Loch Leven and Balranald on the Hebridean Island of North Uist. While I love Vane Farm and the staff and facilities are excellent I think I would have to say my favourite is Balranald. Although there are only basic facilities there the remoteness and beauty of the place is superb. We had visited it several times over a number of years while on holiday. A first for me was seeing a Corn Bunting there and a magical moment of seeing my first and only Corncrake which was happily chasing a butterfly along the single track road. The wild flowers on the Machair and also the Atlantic coastline make this reserve a very beautiful place to visit.
Paul
My bird photos HERE
Dec 1 - Fave bird and why: Cuckoo - simply find them a fascinating species and although some may find their call a little 'boring' compared to some, it's a sound that I find utterly bewitching!!
Dec 2 - Fave RSPB reserve and why: Not been to as many as I'd like yet, but I think it has to be Dungeness although I haven't been for years now!! Used to spend many a happy day there when I lived in Kent. Never really knew what was going to turn up and there was always plenty of other wildlife there to enjoy!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
Toss up between Leighton Moss and Saltholme both got great birds and staff,maybe Saltholme as it is nearer for us and I have known some of the local vols for years,both have great cafes as well.
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can
I've only been to a few RSPB reserves, but for the variety of birds it has to be Minsmere although Leighton Moss is very good as well. I hav'nt been to Saltholme as of yet, although I will be going there early in the New Year so can't comment about that reserve.
Regards,
Ian.
No worries Doggie, I'm sure you're not alone. Perhaps there will be a few later on that you'll have no problems with. My favourite reserve thus far is Lake Vyrnwy. Despite the whole Thomas pack getting totally drenched, it was worth it for the views (when it wasn't raining) and the exercise. That said, once we had dried off the lovely hot chocolate and slice of coffee cake we had afterwards put paid to any calories burnt off!
Ooh I forgot about Lake Vyrnwy! Lol! Don't know how but there we go! Well, as probably my nearest, it has to be my joint fave with Dungeness! :-)