Soil Hill (a lifer) and Denholme to Back Lane

We were enjoying our exercise walk this morning when a phone call from DJB had me abandon Sue and head off (camera less) up to Soil Hill.

A worth while diversion with a lifer in the shape of a Grasshopper Warbler, was kindly pointed out to me - eventually.

I have heard GW reeling before but never eyeballed one.

The 2 birds were very elusive but with a bit of patience we did get some decent views and even a very distant record photograph.

4 or so Reed Bunting, 4 Red Legged Partridge and a family of Sedge Warbler were also hereabouts.

Another cracker was a Juv. Wheatear seen as we neared Percy Rd from the main track.

Along Taylor Lane a Siskin made a flyover calling, making for a really enjoyable morning's birding.

Denholme Area to Back Lane, Ogden and back.

The usual outing this afternoon, breezy but dry.

After a quick walk along Thornton Rd to look at the North Side of Soil Hill....

A walk towards 'Les Kellets' old place and a left to and beyond the ruin etc.

I had a lovely chat with a lady called Irene, who lives near by,  she told me the 'Les Kellet' bit.

Birds:-

3 Kestrel - 2 Juvs I think.

2 Reed Bunting.

Dunnock.

Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Snipe flushed, fast, no call.

Raven.

Linnet.

Goldfinch.

c80 Lapwing flock, airborne.

Lots of Woodpigeon.

Curlew.

Swallow.

and a few other sp.

First 3 record shot photos curtesy of DJB.

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