Brighouse to Elland

Another opportunity for some birding arose today when a very poor weather forecast sent Abi, Emma and Sue to Elland Rex cinema instead of Shibden Park and I had an enjoyable walk along the canal (mostly) from Brighouse to Elland.

A dullish day again with rain 'imminent' but staying away 'till I got to Elland.

Nothing out of the ordinary but the stretch from Ganny footbridge to the Avocet building was interesting.

A Kingfisher was near the weir, behind the Avocet building.
Also here, 2 Grey Wagtail and a distant F. Goosander.

The fields opposite Ganny footbridge had 29 Canada Geese.
A second Kingfisher (or possible the first, again) flew from Brighouse direction to land in trees near the river wall.
It was soon off again though.

A Cormorant flew overhead (there were no Cormorant on the usual pylon).
Both Mistle and Song Thrush were seen, the Song Thrush was singing loudly.

Further along the canal:

A very brief sighting of a Redpoll was frustrating when it left the tree mid shutter press!

5 Herring Gull.

I bumped into 2 young Leeds birders by the Ski Lake.
They had come from Headingly on the train hoping for the BBD.
They had a phone/video digiscope of a Dipper but thought their bird was 'brown'.

I did not see any Dippers today.
c7 Heron were on the far bank of the lake.
A M. Goosander flew overhead and a pr. Goosander were on the lake.

The feeding station was pretty quiet and here I realised that time was marching away from me and I had arranged to meet the ladies outside Rex in Elland.

A bit of a slog now.
Along this bit, Heron, Moorhen, Coot, Pr. Mute Swan, Bullfinch, Greenfinch and a few other sp.

From Elland bridge 2 pr of Goosander were seen on the river.
Definitely a Goosander day.

A pretty good afternoon out - but nothing rare (that I saw anyway).