Filter Beds |
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This is the largest single area of the site
and is entirely fenced off so viewing is only from the perimeter.
Birds attracted to this area include Gulls (mainly Black-headed Gull
but Common Gull also occur in winter), Corvids, Pied and Grey Wagtails and Meadow Pipits. Large numbers of hirundines appear in spring.
In the fields opposite the Filter beds there
are often roosting Grey Heron whilst Reed
Bunting can often be found in the damp ditches at the side of the road.
The large water treatment plant opposite the
filter beds is the last port of call for the cleansed water before being
discharged back into the River Aire. There
is even a fish tank inside that proves that the water is clean! This area has not proved to have any real value for birds all
though there is a track that runs down to the river along side waste ground
that can occasionally turn up something of interest. Stonechat has occurred here and Lapwings attempt to breed annually though there are no confirmed records of
their success.
Esholt Hall |
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The hall is now a conference and training
centre for Yorkshire Water
and is located in the very centre of the site.
It is heavily wooded all round with a mixture of deciduous and
coniferous trees. A small stream
runs through. It is a good spot
all year round for common woodland birds in particularly Goldcrest and all
four common species of Tit. Great
Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch and Treecreeper are all resident.
In winter the Ivy clad trees around the Hall
car park attract Chaffinch and Greenfinch in to roost and can pull in good numbers of Brambling in influx
years. These large numbers of
roosting finches often attract Sparrowhawk.
This area also provides the best access to
the River Aire. Mallard and Moorhen abound whilst Teal and occasionally Goosander appear in winter. Kingfisher is found though the water is probably not clear enough for Dipper.
At dusk Woodcock can often be seen roding and
Tawny
Owls call from around the Hall at night.
Some of the fields around Esholt Hall have
been planted with Willow that is being managed as an alternative fuel source,
where it is harvested every three years.
These areas provide good hunting grounds for Kestrels. There are two farms
around the Hall and the fields here can be good for winter thrushes.
Ainsbury House |
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Ainsbury House is the main centre of Esholt Sewage Works and also the site incinerator. This is where members should park and sign in (see Site Rules).
The old Pressing House opposite Ainsbury
House was originally used for pressing solid effluent before it was shipped
away by rail for incineration. There
is still evidence of the old Esholt railway line at the back of the building.
This is a good spot in spring for migrant
warblers in particularly Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Whitethroat;
also Bullfinch can often be seen here. The
old settling beds in the same area hold Reed
Bunting and Sedge Warbler and the small lake there hold Teal in winter. The track
back towards Coronation Avenue often holds Goldfinch.
Starling, Jackdaw, Dunnock, Blackbird and Wren all nest in and around the Pressing House.
Tanks |
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The large tanks at the north end of the site
are often disappointing, but unlike Marley Sewage Works, never seem to attract
passage waders. Gulls seem to be
the only attraction (!) and it was indeed this spot that hosted an Iceland
Gull for many winters though quite a few years ago, so it is worth checking
through. The occasional Pipit and
Wagtail occur. With a gate pass,
it is possible to walk the full circumference of the tanks albeit outside of
the perimeter. This will lead you
back to the next area.
Settling Beds |
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This area lies immediately to the south of
the tanks and is arguably one of the best areas of the site. In summer, the embankment is alive with warblers such as Blackcap, Garden Warbler and Whitethroat. Long-tailed Tits nest in the tall weeds and Stock Doves are regular.
In winter, Snipe can be found and Teal are often heard in what little water remains
in the centre of the beds. Water
Rail has also been heard here. The
path along side the River Aire can turn up Siskin and Redpoll as well as Blue
Tit, Great Tit and Coal Tit before
leading back to Esholt Hall or the bridge across the river to Ainsbury House.
