A First For Me For Calderdale

A poor week, where we seemed to be in the car 'all the time'.

Today was no exception with a trip to Sowerby Bridge then Keighley to order a new wheelchair for Emma.

We had a snack in the excellent Wildes café at Crossroads before going on a very scenic drive through Haworth, across the moors to Hebden Bridge, through Mytholmroyd and up past Craggies back to Sowerby Bridge.

On our way home a Group  WhatsApp message from DJS reporting a great find by N K of Common Scoter on Mixenden Reservoir.

We made a detour and I  managed a few poor photos of the Scoters from the top road, before heading home

Nearly home and a second Group WhatsApp message again from DJS of a Drake Shoveler on Ogden another great find this time by B.S.

I got togged up and Sue kindly dropped me at the  pub by Ogden Lane.

As I trudged along Ogden lane DJB stopped in his car and gave me a lift (on his way for the Shoveler).

We saw the Shoveler on the east side water pretty soon and as we walked along the track to get a better view I heard DJB say.

"Aye up - what's this!" .

He had pulled the proverbial rabbit out of the hat spotting a Mediterranean Gull on the water preening - fantastic!

I did my best Mr. Magoo impression , but I did soon eyeball it and we stood watching and photographing the bird for 15 mins or so before it flew across the  water to land on the west bank.

We walked around the water and watched it preening for another 15 mins or so before it flew off  south-ish ( mobbed by a Black Headed Gull).

Mediterranean  Gull is a first for me in Calderdale although I usually see them on our annual visit to the Isle of Wight.

DJB soon left and I continued along the circuit going home via Ogden Lane, Syke Lane, The Farms and Bradshaw fields.

A really memorable day  - with a little help from a friend or three.

Leaving Ogden a Raptor mobbed by 2 Crows put all the Gulls up.

However my photo apparatus went on strike at the same instant.

Quiz.

What is an anemometer used for?

Birds:-

Mediterranean Gull.

SIX Common Scoter.

Drake Shoveler.

Black Headed Gull.

Common Gull.

Herring Gull.

Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Goosander.

2 Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Barn Owl mobbed by Magpie.

Canada Geese.

8 Mistle Thrush.

and....... a few others.

Lapwing flock over Craggies farm shop.

Quiz Answer:

The speed of  the wind.