Gouthwaite Reservoir
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Location: 2.5 miles north west of Pateley Bridge on the B6265. There is a small car park on the left hand side approximately half way along the reservoir and there are good views of the reservoir from the roadside. Gouthwaite Reservoir is a nature reserve and a Site of
Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The reservoir is owned by
Yorkshire Water which has created three viewing areas for bird
watchers on the edge of the reservoir. Tree and shrub cover
along the shoreline provides a habitat for small birds such as
Willow Warbler and Blackcap. Other records include woodland
specialists like Great Spotted Woodpecker and Nuthatch.
Green Woodpecker is has also been recorded.
In winter, after the summer migrants have gone, the reservoir
margins are good for Fieldfares and Redwings. On the
reservoir itself, Canada Geese are always present and are joined
during the autumn and winter by Goosanders and Goldeneye
accompanied by Mallard, Tufted Duck and Pochard. Whooper swans from
Iceland frequently join them.
Winter is also a good time for birds of prey with Buzzard, Red
Kite, Hen Harriers, Merlins and Kestrels being observed around the
reservoir and the surrounding moorland. Ospreys and Golden
Eagles are frequently observed on passage.
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