Ardley ERF - 1st half 2024
I decided to use Ardley as my 3km patch to take part in the Patchwork Challenge for 2024. I visit it a lot anyway so it's no great hardship and a short drive from home. Most of it is private but public rights of way run through it so most of the area is viewable. It is a great little site with a mixture of habitat and always feels like it can turn up almost anything, and has a good record of doing so. The main hope is for some good waders during the passage months. The lagoon next to the facility building is small, but when the water level is right, can be very attractive for passage waders. 2022 was a great year with spotted redshank and curlew sandpiper during the autumn migration. Last year disappointed with barely any waders on passage. I've seen all three species of egret here, but even little egrets are a good bird for the site and not regular. It is also a good site for passerines such as Wheatears, Redstarts, and Whinchat at the right time of year. January got off to a