Oats Royd

15:15 - 17:15

We had a long stroll up to Asa Nicholson's cafe, for a snack at lunchtime, and continued down to Crag Lane and along the road, past Ogden to Bradshaw.

Later I had the usual jaunt again this afternoon, down to and around Oats Royd.
It was another cool day with a stiff easterly breeze, but pleasant enough in the shelter at Oats Royd , when the sun came out.

An interesting couple of hours with a lot of noisy corvids keeping things ticking over.

The highlight of the outing was that of a Buzzard seen at 3 different intervals.

First time the Buzzard flew close by,across the track, being persued by a solitary Crow.

Second time, the Buzzard was perched high,far off , in the conifers. I was trying to decide if this bird was a Crow, when a few Crows mobbed it and it left its perch.

Third time it was high overhead and being mobbed by Crows - a hard life if your a Buzzard in Oats Royd, Crow country.

Other birds here, were , 2 Jay, A Green Woodpecker, calling 3 or 4 times, but it kept well hidden.

2 Heron, 4 Moorhen.

2 Sparrowhawk.

The first Sparrowhawk was brown with a pronounced , long tail with light bands across. 
This bird was being mobbed by a solitary Magpie.

The second was flying high and was soon out of sight.

2 Bullfinch were seen but alas no picture.
2 Common Gull and a Black Headed Gull in the fields (gosh!).
3 Chaffinch, 2 Little Owl calling but not seen.

Pied Wagtail overhead near the park.

Another enjoyable afternoon out and about, just need a megga now!!



This little chap (chapess) was on it's way to cross the busy A629 by the Raggalds until I moved it into the field.

Added this recently released book to my collection - very impressed with it.

(Don't know if it will improve my ID skills though!!)

M Bullfinch here - somewhere!!