Decided the other day to follow the coastal path to Goldcliff. Half way there came across a hide in what appears to be the middle of nowhere overlooking a marshy area. lots of canada geese, widgeon, teal, snipe and lapwings, although you need a scope to view properly. Spent so much time here that we didn't get to Goldcliff but had to turn back. Had the map reference in the hide in case of emergencies 3557 8307 so need now to work out how to get to by road and where to park so that the locals don't have a go at me.
This is the hide by Red Barn Farm and there is parking for a few vehicles just off the Goldcliff road.
Thank you David. I am away for a fortnight tomorrow but will certainly take a trip there when I get back.
Like the tap dancing cormorant in the other post, you caught it well.
I've glimpsed a hide when driving to Goldcliffe but on other occasions I can't see it anywhere; as if its a figment of my imagination. I will definitely take a closer look one of these weeks.
Hi Jenksnpt. I've been to that hide a few times, parking by Red House Barn (headquarters of the N.R.W.) and walking through their yard to get to the field. I've got to be honest to say that I've not seen anybody else in there or anything from that beautiful hide to make it worth the investment - but then I haven't got a scope! I can't help but wish they'd placed it either closer to Boat Lane, somewhere in Uskmouth because one hide isn't enough or where they've just put the viewing platform in Goldcliff. It is probably the best constructed hide down in the wetlands and I bet it doesn't get more than a couple of visitors a month!
Having spoken to people from NRW, over the last few years, this hide is in an ideal position for viewing the flooded areas of the reserve, the winter foraging area for the majority of our winter duck and wader flocks. over the years this area has been generally under-watched, but at times I have seen counts in the thousands here.
A scope does make viewing of the area around Boat lane easier at other times of the year but I can assure you that at times the use of binoculars is not even essential :)
@John, We'll have to get that scope issue sorted :);)
Best regardsNigel
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I think the area is pretty flooded now so maybe it is time to check it out.
Yes all the weather we've had lately should have produced the right conditions. Unfortunately most of the weather pattens have been blowing in from the West and South West, so we may not have the migrants to take advantage of the area - we need so North, north easterly or Easterly winds to drive the migrants this way ;)
Great to hear from you Nigel, hope you're feeling better. I know that the flooded fields around Boat Lane where we saw the Glossy Ibis are absolutely packed with Wigeon, Teal etc. and that there are often loads of Lapwing in the pool by the screen between the Red Barn hide and Salt Marsh Lane but the fields immediately around it have always drawn a blank for me, very jealous of you seeing so many birds there!
Gotta say I have been down there quite a few times in the autumn and winter and found it completely useless. Must be a very expensive building and with a bit of thought could have been much better sited. Like you John I have always drawn a blank and now don't bother going there.
Same as me then Dai!