A project to create a nesting site for kingfishers took place in January 2004.

Birds (you are likely to see) at Three Sisters Recreation Area.

Ian Crossen

Around the Visitor Centre and lake the regular inhabitants include: Canada Geese, Coots, Mute Swans, Waterhen and a variety of Mallard and cross-bred ducks. Black headed and occasional Common Gulls frequent the lake - more usually in Winter. Daily visitors can include Grey Heron, Cormorant and recently (November/December 2003) kingfishers have been seen. In 2003 Goosander were seen on the lake together with Common Terns and a Mandarin Duck. During winter months Pochard and Tufted Duck are regular visitors.

Around the lakeside common sights are: Blackbird, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Magpie, Mistle Thrush, Robin, Song Thrush, Starling, and Wren.

At the feeding station - approximately 200 yards from the Visitor Centre - where daily feed is put out for the birds from October to early Spring - regulars include: Blackbird, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Willow Tit, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Greenfinch, Jay, Magpie, Robin, Wren and Great Spotted Woodpecker as well as the resident Grey Squirrels! Bullfinch, Goldfinch and Reed Bunting have been seen in the area of the station as well as Long Tailed Tits.

Also on Three Sisters can be seen, dependent on time of year and area: Chiff-Chaff, Crow, Fieldfare, Goldcrest, Goldfinch, Grey Partridge, Grey Wagtail, Kestrel, Lapwing, Pheasant, Redwing, Siskin, Snipe, Sparrowhawk, Tree Creeper, Willow Warbler. In 2003 a notable regular visitor has been a Green Woodpecker - you will hear its unmistakeable call before you see it!

There have been Long Eared and Tawny Owls breeding in past years but they have not been seen recently.

Undoubtedly there are other birds on and around Three Sisters - Yellowhammers and Pied Wagtails, for instance - in the surrounding fields which are easy enough to see. It would be of interest if any others that are seen are reported to any of the Rangers.

©2003-4. Ian Crossen.