Ogden – Stod Fold – Mixenden – Bradshaw

A decent hike today in cold bright weather.

Ogden 9:45

There were more dog walkers, joggers and pram pushers here today than I’d would have expected at this early(ish) hour. The water was very quiet with the usual Common Gull, Black Headed Gull and Mallard population. A Kestrel very kindly landed in a tree above my head allowing a half decent photo.

Jays were arguing in the trees. There were the usual small birds on the circuit with a very healthy number of Coal Tit.

A bit of a lacklustre trip was improved slightly when, as I was scouring the waters edge for a Little Grebe or the like, a Dipper flew low across the water disappearing over the east side stream/bridge.

A trip towards the golf course improved things even more with a pr. Reed Bunting sitting high in a small tree. This is one of my favourite birds.

On the way to Stod Fold Jay, Collard Dove and a Bullfinch were seen. I was unsure of the Barnacle Goose location so I did not linger here looking for it.

In the stream near the bridge approaching stod Fold buildings a second Dipper was feeding in the water.

I was going to walk home from here but met up with a birder who had just left Mixenden Res. and who confirmed that the GND was still there so I decided to plod on.

Mixenden 12:15.

Met 2 birders from Wakefield here to have a look at the GND – it must be getting a reputation now.

Mixenden held a good number of small gulls together with the Great Northern Diver (I was not able to get a decent photo however). A Mistle Thrush landed in a tree near the path.

I only had time for a quick look here before heading home.

On the journey home just Starling, Goldfinch, House Sparrow and a few others to mention.

Granddaughter for a day or two from tomorrow. 

Todays (old) Post

Bradshaw Church