Birding at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

  I know a lot of people have mixed feelings about wildlife parks and zoos as no one really wants to see animals in captivity.If the Human Race wasn't a diabolical killing machine and could live in harmony with our planet and its inhabitants then maybe we wouldn't have to.

  Parks and Zoos are a necessity though with their endangered animals breeding programs and conservation projects around the globe and the Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster is one of the UK's best.They have fantastic animal management and some of the largest enclosures in the world which is why they have had recent success with breeding rare Amur Tigers and Amur Leopards.
  It is a great place to take your kids to educate them and to get them enthused about our Global wildlife.Not only that, it is a fantastic place to do a bit of birding too, so I'm proud to say I renew my annual membership each year:)

  During my numerous visits to the YWP I have now logged over 40 wild bird species in the park.The man made pools in the Baboon enclosure and waterfall in the Tiger enclosure are great for Grey Wagtails.

  Depending on the Season the hedgerows and bushes are alive with Robins, Long-tailed Tits, Goldcrests, Redwings, Goldfinches & Linnets.
  Goldfinch near the Polar Bear enclosures.

  Linnet in the Lion Territory

 Fieldfares, Pied Wagtails, Song Thrushes can be found in the African Plains field along with an array of Corvids.
  Fieldfare on African Plains

  Tree Creepers, Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Jays occupy the wooded areas around the children's playground and in the Oak woodland nature reserve adjacent to the Lemur Walkthrough.

  Jay in Oak woodland

  Having protected wetlands at the rear of the park also helps.As well as numerous Black-headed Gulls, Teal, Moorhens & Greylag Geese you can also find waders along the banks.Black-tailed Godwits, Snipe, Redshank & Common Sandpipers have all been observed there by us.

  Greylag Geese on the Wetlands.

 Part of the protected wetlands behind YWP

 Snipe in the wetlands.

Add to these great views of Raptors such as Common Buzzards, Kestrels, Sparrowhawks and Little Owls and you have a pretty good birding patch.

  Little Owl near Lion Territory

 Fly over by Common Buzzard

 Kestrel at the Polar Bear enclosure.

  So if you fancy a trip to Doncaster and Yorkshire Wildlife Park to see the Amur Tigers, Lions and Giant Otters just remember to bring your binoculars too:)