Ogden & Soil Hill – Swhooper Day

We were on our way to Leeds this morning when I got texts from the Queensbury boys telling me about Ogden Whoopers.

As soon as we got back from Leeds Sue dropped me at Ogden and thankfully 4 Whooper Swan were still on the water.

Also there I met Peter from Shibden and had a nice chat before he headed off to Mixenden and I continued around the circuit.

Birds:

Ogden: 11:40

2 Adult & 2 Juv. Whooper Swan.

2 Collard Dove, Dunnock, Kestrel.

Lots of Robin & Wren enjoying the warmth in the sunshine.

Goldcrest , LTT, Jay, Chaffinch.

2 M 1 F Bullfinch, Woodpigeon.

The usual gull sp. as far as I could see.

Ogden Plantation

2 Moorhen nearby.

The pine trees were looking  resplendent  in the  sunshine and they were full of life with Goldcrest, Blue, Great & Coal Tit all enjoying the sunshine.

Also a couple of LBBG’s went over.

Soil Hill

Beautiful up here this afternoon.

A Kestrel was waiting for me, perched on a wall, as I reached the summit path.

There was not a lot happening as I followed the contour path – the NK pond was deserted. 

I began to get that SH feeling.

Then a lovely surprise a small bird on the path in front of me was kind enough to land clinging to the grass – a Reed Bunting. Managed a lovely picture as well – magic.

Nearing the mast a Pheasant was feeding on the birdseed that I put down yesterday,

I tried to explain to it that the birdseed is for twite but it didn't appear to be listening.

Out of the blue a Heron took to the sky (well actually into the blue).

Not a lot after that, just a Wren on the wall near home and in the tree opposite the house a few Goldfinch.

A really beautiful and memorable day - what's next at Ogden?

Sue is making good progress now and I'm hoping we will walk to Haworth on Boxing Day or thereabouts for some scran in the White Lion.

Neighbour John's just phoned , time to go to the Fleece... not a bad day at all.

Always start with a stunning Kestrel shot I say.

This reminds me of a rock star in the 60's - can't remember who

Today's Post 

Pheasant in the distance nicking my birdseed

Heron into the blue