A late start today with Ollie at the groomers p.m. for his 6 weekly make over which ran late so it was a combined dog walk and birding session in one.
Ever the optimist it was back to Ogden to check the water which once again was disappointing holding a few Mallard, 2 Canadas, and the Tufted. Three Song thrush were up singing around the car park area.
With nothing doing there it was up to Back Lane to check the plantations for Crossbills, in my dreams ! Plenty Pine cones but no Crossbills. 2 Siskin were flitting around the tree tops along with several Chaffinch but that was all.
Walking up the moor to Ogden Kirk several Swallows and Swifts were overhead whilst a Cuckoo was calling from the plantation up near the golf course.
The days of breeding Snipe and Curlew seem to have gone in this location along with Ring Ouzel sightings. When HC and myself used to come up here as lads it was alive with drumming Snipe and noisy Curlew.
For anyone that did,nt get my grapevine message this morning and wants to know, Tony Goughs funeral is at Nab Wood Cemetery , Bingley Road, Shipley , Tuesday 9th June at 12.40pm.
It was lovely to have a long talk to Tonys brother on the phone this evening exchanging comments about events that we have had in the past with Tony.
BS