Today was our delayed ‘New Year’s Walk’, and it was great that 12 of us gathered for what would be better described as a wander than a walk. We adopted a casual pace along the tow path, taking time to check out the trees, plants and birds as we progressed, as well as catching up with each other’s news.
The stretch between Saltaire and Hirst Lock was fairly quiet; a few Mallards, Greylag Geese, and a Wren. Alice started to note a few plants in flower. It’s the beginning of February so we wouldn’t expect to see much, but the list included Common Chickweed, Groundsel, Shepherd’s Purse, Field Speedwell, Snowdrop and Hazel.
Beyond the lock we had a view into Hirst Wood and down to the river. We saw male and female Goosanders and a Cormorant flew past. John spotted a woodpecker, and we also saw one fly overhead.
The aqueduct gave us a perfect vantage point for great views of Long-tailed Tits, a Coal Tit, a pair of Treecreepers and at least two Goldcrests. (It turned out to be great Goldcrest day for me, seeing another on the return route, and then one in the garden when I got home. I don’t recall seeing one on my feeder before, but it was enjoying the deluxe fat balls I bought at Potteric Carr).
After quite a while watching these birds the group split, with half returning along the riverside path and the rest carrying on to benches by The Fisherman’s for a convenient lunch spot.
We then started our return, with half of us choosing the riverside path, and the others going into Hirst Wood.
The woodlanders enjoyed plenty of birdsong but only got good views of a robin. Curtain Crust fungi was spotted, as were many planted daffodils emerging. Their afternoon was finished off with an agreeable stop at Higher Ground Cafe.
The first riverside group spotted a Dabchick on the water, a group of Jays in the treetops and a fungus (yet to be identified).
The second riverside group had a decent view of Great Spotted Woodpecker at the top of a tree, perhaps the one we had seen earlier. We had been been drawn to look up as a nuthatch had flown into the branch above our heads. And then, as we returned our gaze to the river, Sue spotted two Kingfishers sitting on a branch. Unusually, we ended up walking away from them rather than just being treated to a brief glance. They were just hanging out; stretching and bobbing (but not looking like they were feeding).
Interesting, but much less welcome, was the sight of a mink slithering up and down several trees as well as entering the water. It is seen here regularly, and is no doubt having an adverse impact on the native fauna.
More welcome sights were the Dipper on the weir by the Rowing Club and the crocuses emerging in Robert’s Park, adding to the colour of the dogwood stems.
It’s unusual that we all disperse gradually to our final destinations, but it was good to able to incorporate everyone’s needs, whilst having a stimulating local outing.
I’m sure you will enjoy Sue’s photos in the gallery.
Julia