Soil Hill 1430-1600hrs Murky in the distance, cloudy, icy cold N>4
Quiet skies apart from a few small gulls and the jackdaws going to roost.
A kestrel glided over followed shortly by a female Sparrowhawk and around 80 corvids were in the shay fields.
This mornings Fieldfare and Redwing flocks had moved and now several were in the lower fields by the main road just above Ogcden lane.
Around 40 Fieldfares flew across Ned Hill top at last light and continued low over Soil Hill.
Nice to meet another lost soul up on the hill in the form of Dave Sutcliffe who kindly shared his Christmas maltesers with me as we chatted about birds past and present.
By 1600 hrs and last light we were both frozen to the bone and called it a day.
Just as I arrived home a Sparrowhawk shot over the gardens and landed on the peak of the roof so I quickly grabbed the camera, leaned out of the car , aimed, and yes you,ve guessed it, it flew off. Maybe next time.
Great photos of a good garden tick Dave, ( see Calderbirds)
BS
WEST YORKSHIRE BIRDING. BRIAN SUMNER. I am based at Queensbury and bird a patch within a 10 mile range of home incorporating 16 stretches of water, several plantations, a belt of woodland, stretches of river and canal and good areas of moorland. I specialize in upland birds, reservoir and sky watching. My local patch is Fly Flatts reservoir. Any reports can be sent by text or call to 07771 705024 or see profile for e mail address. All images on this blog are copyright.(2025).