Barden Bridge – Strid café – Bolton Pavillion.

11:00 – 16:30

A Lovely sunny day for a walk by the river Wharf.

We just managed to squeeze the car in at the free Barden Bridge parking area this morning.

Leaving Barden Bridge there were a dozen or so Sand Martin buzzing around sussing out nest holes in the sandy banks of the River Wharf. Also a few Swallow and Swift knocking about.

A fly fisherman was wading in the water and caught a brown trout as we were passing.

Near the bridge there were several Pied Wagtail , the day saw 8 in all. Also 4+ Grey Wagtail were feeding near the water.

As we neared the Strid café Curlew were calling and we later spotted 2 Curlew on a field wall. Opposite the café a Cuckoo was calling loudly.

After a cuppa and some crumpet we resumed our walk.

Other birds seen approaching the pavilion:-

4 Dipper. 3 Oystercatcher with Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff  also heard.

A Wind-in-the-Willows production must be coming to Bolton Abbey because Ratty made a brief appearance running on the river bank.

On the return journey we spotted 5 Nuthatch a Wren a Pr. Bullfinch a Coal Tit and a Jay.

The treat of the day was a Wood Warbler happily singing in the trees 500 yds from the pavilion wooded bridge. I heard it but Sue spotted it and I managed to get a few pics. This is only the third Wood Warbler I have seen – all at Bolton Abbey.

A GSW was heard but not seen.

It looks like some of the smaller trees have caught a disease, they were covered with some sort of grey cob-web stuff with their leaves and buds dying.

Arriving at the stone shelter (where feeders are sometimes left) we spotted a Pr. Pied Flycatcher, this is also my first for a year or two.

Just as we arrived back at the car a spotted flycatcher was kind enough to make an appearance .

Also nearby a Pr. Greylag goose with 3 goslings and a solitary LBB Gull on the river.

I have also included a picture of a fledgling in a tree - I would be obliged if someone could tell me what it was - I thought at first Blackbird- but not sure when I look at the picture.

After yesterdays nightmare a real treat of a walk with some very good birds for me.