Saltaire , Ogden & Soil Hill

Cold dry dull (and that’s just me!).

Wood.

I went for a walk with Sue today. We parked in Hurst Wood car park near the canal at Saltaire. It makes a nice change not to have to pay for parking.

Immediately inside the wood I could hear Woodpecker drumming. There was a lot of activity with Woodpecker calls – result 3 GSW also Robin, Blackbird.

Near the far end of the wood 4 Nuthatch were cavorting in the same bush also long tailed tit. 3 squirrels were running madly about. 3 Jackdaw a Jay and a Treecreeper made an appearance as we were leaving the wood.

12 Magpies were present on the water treatment beds and a cormorant flew over.

After crossing the aqueduct we headed off down the river Aire.

River.

A few Mallard on the river and 3F 2M Goosander were constantly diving for food.

A pretty Wren popped up on a wall a few inches from us. Near the boat house a Moorhen with a very poorly leg was hopping about on the grass by the river. It seemed to be coping Ok with the injury. I also spotted a Song Thrush here.

Nearing Roberts Park a man was swimming in the river Aire! I thought he may be “Icelandic” but decided not to ask his name.

On the way to the café , House Sparrows were active in the hedge. We called in the half Moon café for a toasted teacake and a well earned cuppa.

On the grass opposite the café 9 Canada Geese were feeding. On the river by the bridge , C80 BHG and C50 Mallard – no doubt waiting for some bread from passers by. A few snowdrops made an appearance – maybe spring is here?

Canal.

On the return via the canal a GSW left the trees and did a wild loop-the-loop type flight (most odd?)

On the football field to the right of the canal c50 Redwing were feeding even though there was a petrol rolling machine in use in the adjacent football field. In among the Redwing were 2 Mistle Thrush picking a fight now and again.

Ogden.(14:00 ish).

On the way back Sue dropped me at Ogden.

It was a lot colder here but an OK day for a walk.

There was plenty of bird life here today . Usual Gulls & Mallard on the pond. Whilst going around the circuit I spotted, 4 Dunnock, Coal – Blue – Great tit. Tame Robins and a Woodpigeon on the feeder. Also 4 Goldcrest.

At the northern end of the res. after the last footbridge over the intake, I heard an unusual bird call. 2 calls of “Kroor, Kroor” then a gap of approx. 10 mins before the same call was repeated. It was definitely not Carrion Crow more like a Raven call yet I did not think “Raven” when I heard it. Where is Nigel when you need him? Sorry about the description – best I could do.

Soil Hill 15:15

Unusual for Soil Hill it was not cold – or was it the hike up there?

The part resident Kestrel made a brief appearance. First time I’ve seen it on SH for a few days. A few crows present and a single Skylark.

Leaving SH on the track out to Perseverance a Kestrel was on the telegraph wire near the farm. Most Prob. the same bird I had seen earlier. Nearer home in a tree on Taylor Lane a Kestrel was perched.

12 Starling on the pylon lines and a Blackbird were about on Bradshaw Lane and 6 Goldfinch in the tree opposite our house.

I was quite tired when I got in but I will not be out and about tomorrow so happily tired.

There is a Goldcrest here - use your bins - you'll see it.

Kestrel in the mist.