10:50 - 15:50.
A good five hour hike on a cold bright day.
The walk.
From home I went up Bradshaw Lane to the
Raggalds, left along Denholme Gate Road past Asa Nicholson's cafe and left up
Crag Lane, across the Keighley road and up Foreside bridleway. I took the first
right to Black Edge Lane (Sandy Gallops) turned up the lane a bit then left to
return to Foreside Lane.
Here a left and first right brought me to a pure bog of a field.
The official path followed the wall but I had to walk down to the centre
of the field to find enough thick reeds to let me get across (and no Snipe!) to
another bridleway. Here a right and first left brought me past a ruin where a
Brown Hare disappeared into the reeds. Then on to the higher part of Ogden Back Lane
bridleway.
I went down to Ogden did the circuit then up to back lane across
through the plantation and Another World adventure field to exit onto Keighley
Road opposite Coal Lane.
A tough hike over Soil Hill followed, then down Taylor
Lane and Home.
Birds:
First birds seen were half way up Crag Lane looking over to Soil
Hill where there was c10 Fieldfare, 2 Mistle Thrush and c30 Starlings all
feeding together.
Three groups of Lapwing were seen at different times during the
day.
C20 seen from Crag Lane, landing below soil Hill. C50 seen from
Black Edge Lane heading over Thornton. C30 seen from Foreside Lane bridleway
far off over Thornton Moor reservoir – there was possibly 3 Golden Plover in
amongst.
On Black Edge Lane 2 unid’s had me flummoxed for a while, but they
were Skylark.
The familiar croaking sound of a Raven was heard from Foreside
Lane area and pr. Raven headed over > W towards TMR.
On the way to Ogden a Brown Hare was in the reeds with a couple of
Skylark nearby.
13:30 Ogden Environs.
Ogden car park was HEAVING and I played traffic cop helping a
young lady reverse out of a tight spot, having been boxed in by a Black BMW.
Following my instruction she managed not to bump the BMW – but only
just – Phew!
I did not do the circuit justice today, intent on getting home
really.
I crossed the prom, had a squint for the Kingfisher, he was not at
home and commenced the circuit. C150 small gulls were on the water – I did
attempt to check them for a Med. Gull but failed to get one!
Just a Goldcrest
seen on the way around until 150 yds from the last green bridge a “female Blackbird
type” flew like a rocket along the path and disappeared down into the trees on
the right 40 yds from the bridge.
I knew it was a Falcon.
A couple of crows were very unhappy, presumably upset by its
presence.
It left the trees below the path and I was within 5 feet of the
bird and saw it from above – a rare
event.
It was very angular with what looked like a completely brown back
and wings.
It had a thin longish tail with cream barring.
I am pretty sure it was a Merlin.
It flew fast but very awkwardly into the conifers and away – well I
didn’t eyeball it again anyway.
I though Male Sparrowhawk at first but I think it was too angular
for a Sparrowhawk.
Still, it was a strange place for a Merlin to be and of course no
flipping chance of a photo!!
There was just a cock Pheasant seen in the plantation area.
A quick circuit of the hill revealed a solitary Skylark.
A friendly soil Hill snow shower accompanied me all the way home.
An interesting day - well I though so anyway.
Can't remember much about this!
View North East from Kelam
View from Black Edge Lane
Lapwing with possibly 3 Goldies
Soil Hill from Black Edge Lane Area
Some awesome Raven Pics!!
Still plenty of boggy paths
Ogden:
Soil Hill
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