After the Lord Mayor's Show

Bolton Abbey.

Bolton Abbey was busy with half-term visitors today. The car park is free until March 15^th (except half-term apparently – when it is £7). The weather was dull but mainly dry but the birdlife seemed quieter than our last visit.

Birds seen:-

Dipper 2: Mallard c30: Chaffinch: Song Thrush: Nuthatch 5 – one inspecting an ex woodpecker abode. Wren 5: Goosander M/F. Greylag Goose 5: Mandarin Duck 10M 8F. Pheasant M. Also the first lambs of ‘spring’. Usual Chaffinch and small tit brigade.

On the way home Sue dropped me off at Ogden.

Ogden

Yesterday’s serendipity soon deserted me. The heavens opened and after a real good pour down the birdlife deserted me also, although when the rain packed in the blue & great tit population came out to play.

On the water: Canada Goose 16:Usual gulls:

Going around the circuit: Chaffinch: Robin: Blackbird:

After another good soaking I decided to call it a day and headed home the quickest way – over soil hill.

What ‘s the difference between Soil Hill and a small bath?

You can’t get a good soak in a small bath.

The rain held off until SH apex - then not – 3 Skylark on the top.

Ogden looking to Soil Hill