We got there just after 9 and right away I spotted a guy taking photos of something at the top of the tree - Crossbills and right where they'd been described! We chatted to the guy and watched both males and females at the top of the tree. They were a bit distant for the camera but perfect through the binoculars, it was a gorgeous day and they looked stunning in the sun, a lifer for me. They were there around 20 minutes or so before they were spooked and flew off - 8 altogether.
This Chaffinch called above our heads whilst we watched the Crossbills, probably miffed we weren't paying it any attention!
Lots of sheep in the surrounding fields
The sunlight in between the trees was beautiful, my photos don't do it justice. We walked around a big chunk of the woods.
Where the woods opened out the views across the valley are stunning
A Kestrel flew overhead
Arncliffe Crag
There were quite a few birds in the trees, Goldcrest, Coal, Great, Blue Tits, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Song Thrush and Bullfinch, none however were willing to pose for a photo. A Red Kite flew over at one point too.
Bullfinch!
It's been years since i've been in these woods I think the last time was probably about twenty years ago and it was at night to watch shooting stars over the valley (I saw two!). It was well worth the visit, I need to make more of an effort to go more often.
Crossbills are wonderful to encounter. We have irruption years here when they are everywhere, and many years in between when we don’t see a one. This year could be a good year since the cone crop in the North is poor. One of the spots I bird regularly has many Tamaracks laden with cones, a sure magnet for crossbills, so if they do show up I should be well positioned to see them.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed they show up for you, they are beautiful birds!
DeleteA lovely view there too..SO Happy you got to see the Crossbill and add it to your list!
ReplyDeleteI was pretty happy too :)
DeleteLooks like a great place to visit and wonderful to see the Crossbills:)
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful setting to see them in!
DeleteGreat news that you saw the Crossbills :) It is a species I have sadly never seen. It looks a wonderful place and the views are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI'd been thinking of a trip to Dalby Forest to try for them, I didn't think they'd be so close to home!
DeleteSo pleased you got to see them as I have been up many more times and not spotted them at all, even though they are around.
ReplyDeleteA little Owl has been seen on more than one occasion out side the gate in the field.
The forest people are back in apparently to tidy up the mess they made removing the trees, it's been so long things had started to grow back, I thought it looked ok. Well they are now making a mess tidying it up !!!
So easy for me to pop to so I will let you know if there is anything interesting about, it's one of those places where you might see a lot or nothing at all.
Love the photos of the view.
Amanda xx
We saw some guys at Rodley later in the day who'd tried to see them in the morning and missed them! I think I saw a photo somewhere of the Little Owl.
DeleteThe woods looked ok to me as well!? Like a lot of places I suppose, a bit hit and miss but still it's worth visiting regardless and nice you're able to cycle around it too :) xx
What a treat to see the crossbills! I've never seen one. Those views are pretty good too.
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful birds!
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