The birds on the lake were on form as usual, the noise from them was a little overwhelming, they were expecting food of course.
We stopped at the little clearing where the birds and squirrels are fed, it was a little quiet but there were Jay, Nuthatch and various Tits around in the trees. We spoke to a chap there who was a regular at the dam and had a chat about the birds around the area.
At Adel Dam we sat and watched the feeders a while from the first hide - GS Woodpecker, Tits, Squirrels, Chaffinch, Mallards and Robins. Overhead a Red Kite flew past.
Elsewhere it was quiet no sign of any Mandarin or Kingfisher. A few Teal were in the distance on the main lake.
It was a pretty miserable day and we took time to have a cuppa in the cafe before heading out. We were on a Hawfinch hunt now and headed across to Ilkley using the scenic route, hoping for Curlews in the fields but there was nothing.
Hawfinch have been seen on and off at Ilkley cemetery for a while and today of course they were off!! We spoke to a guy who saw one earlier in the day and also saw the guy from Adel Dam but as far as I know they weren't seen again that day. Still we had a wonder around and saw quite few Goldcrest in the trees. It was raining a little and we decided to call it a day!
The Muscovy is cute trying to untie your husband's shoes...birds can be such characters. Sorry you dipped on the Hawfinch but you did not come home empty handed! That one Mallard in your shot is unique.
ReplyDeleteThey can, it followed him around quacking! That's true, I always enjoy being out birding even if I don't always see what I go for :) My daughter spotted the Mallard, she thought it was the best one there!
DeleteLove the Muscovy duck :) What a shame about the Hawfinches - even though there are a lot around I have also experienced how elusive they can be! Hope you catch up with them eventually although Goldcrest was a nice compensation :)
ReplyDeleteWe might try again this weekend!
DeleteElegant “below the knees” shot of a male Homo sapiens!
ReplyDeleteHa! Thank you!!
DeleteYou saw a good selection of birds on your walk. Shame about the Hawfinches, they are quite ellusive aren't they? The muscovy duck certainly took to your husband's shoe laces:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Rosie, they certainly are elusive!
DeleteNice day out even though you did not get to see the birds the trip was intended for. But that's birding for you... I would give both places another go, there had been reports of some Hawfinch been spotted at Otley Cemetery. But looking on Facebook Yorkshire Arboretum look one of the best places to go. A nice day out too.
ReplyDeleteWe still enjoyed the day out, i'm used to dippng on birds so I go with low expectations haha! I think we're going to give the Arboretum a try at the weekend.
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