WFV, Shibden Park (Mystery Outing), 1st Dec 2015

Submitted by Wildlife Field… on Sat, 5th Dec 2015, 10:36am
Shibden HallShibden Hall

Our annual mystery trip was not as well attended as usual but health problems had forced the withdrawal of our original leader and then two subsequent proposed leaders. We wish them well. 

Stuart took on the mantle of leadership although Sally became an honorary guide on the day as she had good knowledge of Shibden Park. The original plan for the day was to do a walk of approximately 4 miles through parkland, woodland and fields but heavy prolonged rainfall in recent weeks made this impossible. Besides, the weather on the day was not the most inviting and we opted to just have a stroll around the park. A circuit of the lake gave excellent views of a grey heron which actually stood in one of the paddle boats for a time. Not a sight I've seen before. There was a strange looking duck of uncetain provenance, probably a hybrid. We then headed towards the hall, taking the tunnel under the road to reach Cunnery Wood where we had lunch. Birds were thin on the ground......and in the trees! We did note long-tailed tits, jay, green woodpecker, nuthatch and goldfinch. We saw several interesting fungi including olive oysterling, dead moll's fingers and exidia nucleata. 

By lunchtime the rain had started and the attraction of the cafe was growing. En route to the cafe we passed through an area bordered by dry stone walls with various features and information boards with explanations of these features. There was also a very impressive wooden eagle sculpture close to the entrance road to the park. The majority of the group had hot drinks in the cafe before we left in the early afternoon and were dropped off just in time for me to catch the latest episode of the Archers. Thanks to Robert for driving.  Photos from today can be seen here.

Sue 

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 5th Dec 2015, 3:25pm

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Well done for ensuring the day was a success without the established leaders. Also from creating a link to the stunning pics of the day in the Gallery. I have enjoyed discovering how your day went. Margaret

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