Monday 7 May 2018

A Quick Trip to West Yorkshire

The weather was so fine today, I thought it would be good to try out one of the most beautiful places in Yorkshire, where there are several bird species which we don't often see locally.  We arrived at Barden Bridge shortly after 10am, but the free parking spaces had already gone.  We met some West Yorkshire birders who were just leaving after being there since 6.30am.  They had seen 2 Tawny Owls, Pied Flycatchers high in the tree, Redstarts, Dippers, Common Sandpipers, but no Wood Warblers, perhaps it is just a little early for the latter. 
Pied Flycatcher
Over 3 hours later we saw most of the daytime species, but didn't travel as far to see the Dippers.   We thought we would be able to change car parks and see them near the Abbey, but by 1.30 the road in the opposite direction was almost gridlocked, so we called it a day.  Two species we saw not mentioned by the early arrivals were a Goosander flying up river, and Sand Martins which seemed to  be                                                           examining a bank in the hope of nesting.  Sure enough the Pied Flycatcher was very high in the canopy, but on the way back it was briefly at eye level.  A Redstart was perched on a dead twig on the opposite bank, but was too far to be photographed.  We didn't see the Tawny Owls or the Dippers, and the Wood Warbler remained undetected.  It would be great to hear their beautiful song once again.  
Common Sandpiper
 Ditto
 Ditto
 Ditto
 Female Goosander
 Ditto
 Ditto
 Ditto
 Grey Wagtail
 Mandarin
 Pied Flycatcher
 Ditto
 Barden House
 River Wharfe

No comments: