Pheasant & chicksIt was raining when we set off from Bradford heading for Kirkby Lonsdale. En route, a buzzard was spotted flying overhead.Todays' walk should have been led by Margaret, but unfortunately she is still unwell.Stuart and Joan stepped in and worked out an amended walk, approximately 5 miles long. Rain was a feature for the best part of the day and could have stopped play, but BEES folk are a hardy group, and fortified by refreshments from the van on Devils Bridge we set off clad in waterproofs, brollies aloft and Alan wearing his wellies.
As we walked alongside the River Lune we saw several goosanders and two noisy oystercatchers flew low overhead. The more observant of the walkers were rewarded with a view of two kingfishers, shortly before we reached the fishermen’s hut, where we stopped to eat lunch. Shame it wasn’t open!
After lunch we headed inland passing through fields with black sheep and stopping briefly at the old church in Whittington. There was a beautiful mosaic picture of a knight at the church entrance. (See gallery).
We continued along a hedgerow lined lane which afforded a little more shelter. We nearly didn’t spot a pheasant with two chicks in a field where horses were grazing. A brief dry spell gave way to rain once more and we elected to return via the road. With waterproofs peeled off, we were wetter than we’d realised. An enjoyable day, but not quite what we’d hoped for. In spite of the weather, Joan managed to record 149 plants!
Sue