I had quite a long exercise walk today.
Pretty cold at the outset but the sun came out later on 'warming' things up a bit and helping with the great views.
I went down to, and, through Bradshaw Park to Holdsworth Road, retraced my steps a bit to go through Oats Royd where the ponds were frozen so I did not linger.
The Willow Trees here are showing small white buds.
Up 'The Struggle' towards Roper Lane with a short diversion near the comms mast to check out the rough area there.
Up Roper Lane to the Raggalds where the views were superb.
A look at the frozen 'flood' - deserted and back home via Bradshaw Lane.
Mostly frozen ground again today with some squelchy bits.
There were a few decent birds popping up to keep the interest going.
Birds:
Chaffinch and Greenfinch in the park (both rare for me this year).
A large group of Gulls in the air, far off towards Illingworth Road.
Another Solitary Gull, distant, had very dark wings - probably a Common Gull?
10 Rook feeding together in a frozen field.
12 Long Tailed Tit in the copse approaching Holdsworth House.
Jay, 2 Mistle Thrush.
2 Redwing - very elusive around here so far this winter.
Great Spotted Woodpecker called and seen.
Green Woodpecker flushed as I went up the Oats Royd 'struggle' it called loudly 3 times also seen in flight. The photo is not my best.
Nothing much seen from Oats Royd to home, the fields becoming more frozen the higher I climbed.
A solitary Lapwing was in the Bonnet fields.
A really enjoyable walk.
I spent a good deal of time sky gazing out of the lounge window hoping for a Buzzard or other Raptor over Oats Royd but birds moving were mostly distant Gulls.
A nice reward though was 12 Fieldfare that left the tree in front of the house.
Some great views today John
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