√Ring Ouzel (at last) and Blackcap at Shibden Park

During the morning, at Shibden Park with Abigail and Emma, they took a train ride on the little green train and I took a short mosey about.

The usual birds on the water, Moorhen, Mallard, Mute Swan, Coot plus 2 Grey Wagtail flitting about.

A walk across the miniature railway line, proved successful, with a Blackcap singing it's heart out in the trees beyond - it remained well hidden alas.

15:10 - 17:35

The usual Saturday afternoon pilgrimage to Soil Hill.

I had a walk up to the Raggalds flood field, which is now in need of a top up.
On the way up just a Swallow and a Pied Wagtail seen.
Raggalds fields held just 1 Pied Wagtail.

Going up Percy Road a Wheatear was in a field, far off to my left, just opposite Small Tail Farm.

At the bend I went ahead, through the wall stile.

Looking towards the farm shop and Kelham, I picked out a second Wheatear on a field wall.

On the way to Soil Hill a Pheasant called and 2 Partridge flushed.
I didn't get much on them through the bins but they were probably Grey Partridge - didn't see 'em land alas. 


Pr. Canada Geese nesting near the large quarry pool.

Pied Wagtail on the quarry workings.

On Soil Hill two farmers with  diggers were in the lower north end fields , digging a land drain.

The usual stuff on the hill - Curlew, Lapwing, Woodpigeon, Meadow Pipit, 2 Stock Dove - at distance - possibly more, Lesser Black-backed Gull overhead.

A Meadow Pipit in a tree, left the tree and flew high - I was trying to take note of it's downward shape as it landed to see if it was a Tree Pipit - no wiser though after watching the bird land!!

Leaving via Ned Hill Track a would be Meadow Pipit morphed into a M. Reed Bunting as it landed in a bush - glad I kept the bins on it.

It left the tree, soon joined by a second bird, probably it's mate.

A very distant Linnet was in the lower tree line here.

A Pied Wagtail was in the field opposite the Threshing Machine.

Then a real, real bonus - M. Ring Ouzel seen feeding, one field up from the Midden on Taylor Lane - magic.

Shibden Park:

Raggalds - Soil Hill:-