17:10 – 18:25
A late afternoon trip to Swalesmoor, an area I seldom visit, to have a try
for DJS’s Juv. Yellow Wagtail.
Knowing my birding recognition skills I thought I’d
have a job on!
I was unsure of the exact location to go-a-looking.
I parked near the Swinmrite building and took the
bridleway opposite.
It was a bright and breezy afternoon with splendid
views over Halifax and well beyond.
Things started with a bang with 2 Green Woodpeckers
leaving the trees at the bottom of the track and flying parallel to the track
before disappearing.
(On the return trip the same, presumably, 2 Green
Woodpeckers were seen individually).
At the top of the track there was a bit of a breeze and
a few Swallow were zipping about. A few Lesser Black-backed Gull hung on the
breeze and lots of Caaaavids seemed to enjoy fighting each other, using the
breeze to get up steam.
I reached the metal fence and guessed this was the
place, because there were a few Pied Wagtail in the scrubby field by a metal gate, and 2 large blue plastic feeders.
There were 5 or 6 Wagtails seen and I took quite a
few pictures.
I think I may have the Juv. Yellow Wagtail – the call
and the colouring was different – but it could easily be a Grey Wagtail.
10 + 2 Linnet were seen in the bushes here – a lovely
bird and a single Meadow Pipit called from a wall top.
Looking at the terrain I wondered if Twite have ever
been seen hereabouts.
Amazing photos of the Yellow Wag John, don,t know how you managed to get it out in the open like that. I had 2 hours this aft and just came away with rubbish shots from about 50 yds away.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bri.
ReplyDeleteJust lucky that's all - but according to granddaughter Abigail, Yellow is my favourite colour.(She has a colour for all of us - wether we like it or not).
Dave did a great job to pick it out - I doubt if I'd have seen it, but I know what to look for in future.
John
Yes it's a Y/wag ok John - nice one. Still there this afternoon (Tuesday). have you seen a male Yellow Wag - now that is a treat !!!
ReplyDeleteI've seen Yellow Wagtails at Tong Garden Centre, on the riverside path at Otley and nr. Kilnsey Crag.
ReplyDeleteI remember all my sightings, because as you say they are a real treat.
My 4 sightings cover 20 years (walking more than birding really).
Well picked out in the first place Dave.
John