Shortest Day walk - Bradshaw and Holdsworth

13:35 - 15:30

With Soil Hill shrouded in low cloud I opted for a short stroll around my local area today.
It was calm, cold and damp for the most part, the sun coming on as sunstitue with just 5 mins to go.

At least we are past the shortest day so the light must improve soon.

Birds:-

Really quiet again for the walk across the fields to Holdsworth.
A few small gulls (mainly Common Gull) were seen in the fields with 2 Herring Gull.
A couple of Herring Gull passed overhead also.

A Mistle Thrush and a Redwing helped things a little bit.

On the return route, a nosy at the fields beyond Brandy Hall paid dividends with the sighting of a very distant Green Woodpecker.
Quite a rare bird locally.

The Little Owl took some finding, but I did eventually eyeball it.

I enjoyed a chat with Carpet Mick who was playing tennis with Finn, his dog (and a ball).
He tells me that the Little Owl(s) allow him within 5ft or so ,with the lawn mower , before vacating their perch on his garden wall in summer!

A quick looks at the Raggalds after an earlier visit to Kelham Farm Shop reveal c65 Lapwing with the Black Headed Gulls.

             Spot the Green Woodpecker (above).