A wintry Soil Hill & Ogden circular.

I thought I’d brave the weather this morning and take a hike over Soil Hill down to, and around, Ogden Water and back home via Peat Pits lane.

On the way up to SH Blue Tit, Great Tit & Chaffinch with a Pied Wagtail at the top of Ingham Lane. A farmer was unloading some manure in the field at the top of Ingham Lane so maybe this may bring some reward.

Soil Hill

I dropped some birdseed on the hill as I passed through on the contour footpath.

Not a lot happening (for me anyway) up there, just a Common Gull near the underground Res. fighting with the strong chilly wind.

A single Meadow Pipit , and a Blackbird sitting on the building next to the mast was all I could muster.

Looking towards Denholme from the North Slope 10 Canada Geese were feeding in the fields by the NK pond.

Ogden Plantation.

Approaching the plantation 5 or 6 Blackbird were feeding with my first Redwing this autumn.

I sheltered from a snow shower, for a while, under the trees here but nothing of note came to see me.

Ogden Water.

Had a quick chat with a birder from Shipley doing the rounds. I bet he was disappointed because the water was deserted.

A few Common & BHG on the waters edge with the usual Mallard but nowt else.

A few snow flurries came and went as I went around the circuit. 6 or so Goldfinch were feeding together. The usual mix of Robin,Chaffinch, Great, Blue & Coal Tit were feeding under the beech trees nearing the north end.

I went to look for the Dipper but failed to locate it. A Green Woodpecker flew over during my Dipper hunt and a second Green Woodpecker was calling from afar. A very friendly F. Bullfinch was in this area also, hanging about to allow me a few snaps.

The weather was not as bad as I had expected with some decent sunshine in amongst the snow showers. It was a bit muddy in places but quite an enjoyable couple of hours walk in the fresh air. Could have done with a Goldeneye or the like though.

As I write this the snow is sticking on Bradshaw Lane - YUK.

Soil Hill Common Gull

A snow flurry at Ogden

Today's Sneck

Bubble Bath

Ogden intake - in full flow