Very Cold, icy wind.
I caught the 13:30 , Number 504 bus, from Bradshaw Church to Foreside Lane area, Denholme.
This saved me walking into the nasty easterly gale on my way to Ogden this afternoon.
From Denholme I followed a few bridleways and paths across moorland to exit high on Back Lane, Ogden.
I thought I might just get an early Wheatear, dream on, I got a White Ear as compensation.
A light coloured Hare shot out and teared across the snowy moor into reeds with no chance of a photo - my first goodie.
I heard a sharp call from nearby but couldn't locate a bird until I looked skyward, where a Snipe was flying away fast overhead.
3 Fieldfare were feeding near sheep in the snow fields just off Back Lane.
Ogden water had a nice, short lived, sunny bit.
On the water were Pr. Goosander, Pr Tufted Duck, a few Black Headed Gull and fewer Common Gull.
The Mallards had 4 Canada Geese for company.
I gave BS a quick wave as he was leaving.
I gave BS a quick wave as he was leaving.
A very quick flypast in a snowy interlude, nearly caught me out, but I managed a few pics.
c40 birds blasted overhead as I crossed the Promenade - Curlew, a nice surprise?
c30 Goldfinch were calling loudly to each other in a tree in the car park area, before they shot off across the water.
I took a few very distant photos, but cannot see any Siskin in with them.
The feeders held a Nuthatch as I walked past on the way home
c30 Goldfinch were calling loudly to each other in a tree in the car park area, before they shot off across the water.
I took a few very distant photos, but cannot see any Siskin in with them.
The feeders held a Nuthatch as I walked past on the way home
The walk home was grim, weather wise with mostly blizzard conditions.
Nevertheless a really enjoyable trudge, good for the soul, through the snow and a few decent birds on Ogden Water as a bonus.
Blackbird see from Matalan's car park this morning
Pretty on the moors at times
A bit grim at times.
Ogden Water through the trees
Curlew
The Hare sounds interesting John - any pictures ?
ReplyDeleteA good count of Curlew as well - it's tough for them out there at the moment.
Sorry Dave, no photos of the Hare.
ReplyDeleteI've seen Hares before in this area, normally Brown.
I only got a view of its rear as it left at speed.
It looked lighter though, but it immediately dropped down over a hill alas.
The Curlew were a nice surprise.
They looked very Gull like at the time, with the long bill not reply apparent.
The frost won't help them much.
Its been a long winter.
John