Stockbridge ReserveA bright blue sky and low temperatures were experienced for our winter Bird Safari. The first port of call was the Stocksbridge reserve of BOG - Bradford Ornithological Group - where we were greeted by one of their members, John Preshaw. We spent some time looking out onto the partially frozen lake from the hide and later completed a circular walk around the reserve.Birds seen from the hide included dunnock, tits including long-tailed tits, robin, chaffinch, brambling ( identified by John and Sally) also heron and snipe. A sparrowhawk was later spotted by Joan. On our tour we observed two bullfinches in their colourful plumage also a wren.
On The Leeds Liverpool CanalWe later found our way onto the towpath of the Leeds & Liverpool canal. An armada of mallard greeted us as well as a single female goosander. The canal walk which afforded excellent views of the snow-covered tops was not as productive as anticipated as much of the canal was frozen, however long-tailed tits and redwing were seen in the surrounding vegetation and fields. A kestrel was seen flying above the River Aire while awaiting the arrival of the minibus to take us to Cliffe Castle museum.
Goosander Following lunch in the conservatory and a piece of Janet's delicious cake, the party split into two groups. One group took a tour of the gardens led by Janet while those who preferred warmth stayed in the museum. A total of 27 species of bird were recorded and 9 species of plants in flower. There were signs that spring was round the corner in the form of flowering hazel, gorse, dogs mercury and snowdrops. There were 9 participants for this outing.
Thanks go to Robert, Margaret and Janet for organising this safari.
Margaret