A short walk to the paper shop turned into a 3 hour birding trip (with 2 papers and the supplement to lug about).
It was a glorious day, blue skies, Walter Wall sunshine and a light breeze.
From the School Lane shops,where there were a few House Sparrow and Greenfinch, I walked down to the Holdsworth schools and took a left along the Calderdale way.
The trees here held 6 or so Redwing.
My route was very pleasant indeed.
After passing the small CL caravan site,I took a left through the small wood towards Oats Royd.
This small wood seems to be attracting more birds as it matures.
c10 Redwing were here with Blue Tit, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch and 6 Long Tailed Tits moving along together.
A very pleasing find was that of Male Great Spotted Woodpecker feeding at the base of a small tree.
I tried to video the GSW but failed to get the camera to focus.
On the way to Oats Royd a man reported that he had disturbed the Ring-necked Parakeet in the woods at O.R. 11 days ago - so it's good to know it's still around.
Oats Royd was having some improvements done with a small digger in action near the south ponds - I gave this area a miss.
The other ponds were frozen and the area very quiet - a Bullfinch called but I did not see it.
Bradshaw Park was interesting with a Kestrel quickly leaving as I arrived.
It was nice to pick up 4 Meadow Pipit that were walking/running in the snow fields by the bottom of the park.
Maybe the Kestrel had its "beady" on one of these?
2 flighty Mistle Thrush were near the bowling hut.
A detour past Brandy Hall to look for a Little Owl nearly failed but I did eventually pick it out on the wall top.
A really interesting circuit, one that I'll have to do again soon, without the papers.
While I was making a Snowman with Abigail (and some snow) later in the afternoon, a Heron flew over the garden.
Robin of the day
Near Oats Royd, two clever bunnies were making a snowman
Bradshaw Park - looking towards Roper Lane / Raggalds
Meadow Pipit - long time no see
The bridleway to Bradshaw Farms
A Cracking day for you John, nice one and they were clever bunnies making a snowman.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave.
ReplyDeleteIts a nice bit of the Calderdale Way through Bradshaw.
We've walked the whole route a couple of times and it ain't easy.(That was when I was young - a few years back).
Keep your eyes open for LEO!!
John
Where's the LEO mate, mind you I probably wouldn't see it in this weather.
ReplyDelete