A cloudy start to the day which soon brightened with pleasant sunshine & a start temperature
of 10.5°C on our arrival at the BOG members Nature Reserve at Stocksbridge.We joined other
members at the hide where we saw a couple of female Goosanders,Reed Bunting,Oystercatcher,
Sand Martin,Whitethroat,Kestrel & our first Swifts of the year.
We soon headed off to the Leeds-Liverpool canal heading for the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust Nature
Reseve at Low Wood.As we walked along we saw several broods of Mallard chicks with the
constant chorus of Chiffchaff with Song Thrush joining in.Another annual was heard as Blackcaps
were singing we later caught sight of one in Low Wood.As we approached Low Wood a
Garden Warbler was heard singing which was located giving us a good view of it in the sunshine,
another first this year for us. This was closely followed by a Cuckoo calling again the first this year for
us, I always enjoy hearing this bird,a Moorhen had 3 or 4 chicks on the other side of the canal.
We crossed over the canal & went into the ancient Woodland of Low Wood which was dominated
by a sea of Bluebells, a wonderful sight. A GSW was seen hear as well as Mistle Thrush,Wren &
Chiffchaffs were still very vocal.
We headed back to Stocksbridge taking a different route along the narrow road hearing Willow
Warbler & Greenfinch on our way back.We enjoyed the walk & all the birds we saw in dry sunny
weather, with the forecast heavy rain staying away.
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| Goosander |
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| Chiffchaff |
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| Garden Warbler |
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| Moorhen with chick |
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| Stocksbridge BOG members reserve |
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| Bluebells |
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| Low Wood YWT Reserve |
Some good stuff there Danny - still awaiting the swift.
ReplyDeleteLooked like you got good weather as well - bit grim at Queensbury this a.m.