Jammy Sod!!

On the buses today with the 526 bus to Halifax and then one to Todmorden.

(It took the 526 nearly 15 minutes to get from Burdock Roundabout to the Bus Station).

Bright sunshine in Bradshaw but as we left Halifax we went in and out of thick misty stuff then sun off and on. 

On arrival in Todmorden, it was cold as we were greeted by the thick misty stuff.

We called at the excellent Oddies bakery for a toasted T. cake , mince pie and a coffee. 

(It's a real shame that this bakery and all Oddies are closing down apparently.

I think if this bakery was in prime position on the high street it would flourish.)

After our eleven's we walked along the canal towards Hebden Bridge with the weather improving very quickly.

Not a lot was seen along the canal and  just a small camera with me today.

As we neared Hebden Bridge the Calderdale Birding App pinged with news from Matt B. of a sighting of a Red Throated Diver via Hebden Bridge Facebook - "On the canal in town now!".

Soon after an update was received via MJB "On canal in the marina".

We were 30 minutes away (on foot) and I was hoping that the birds would remain a while.

We were also aware that our connecting, hourly,  bus towards Keighley was due just after 13:00.

Anyway as we approached Hebden Bridge Marina near the Park Sue exclaimed " There it is".

(I obviously had seen the bird several seconds before .....

As I sit here scribbling this, I seemed to have acquired pinochio's nose?).

The bird was swimming calmly , but away from us towards Mytholmroyd, as I got some poor  record shots.

I had a walk further along, but Barges blocked the view before it was even further off.

Very very jammy today - right time - right place - nice.

I legged it for the bus and we caught it very nicely getting off at Cross Roads and connecting with the 502 from Keighley to Bradshaw.

A memorable walk and a very memorable sighting with this being a 1st for Calderdale for me.

Apparently they are now know as Red Throated Loon - but I prefer Diver to Loon any day.

Quiz:

Which book features the fictional drug 'soma'?

Birds:

Tod - H.Bridge.

Red Throated Diver (Loon).

2 Heron.

2 Goosander.

Nuthatch.

Local Fields:

2 Little Owl.

6 Red Legged Partridge.

1 Barn Owl.

1 Kestrel.

Tod - H.Bridge.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Local Fields:

Quiz Answer:

Brave New World.