Kirkstall and Headingley sightings

More snow fell last night following yesterday's icy conditions which made this morning's walk into work somewhat crispy underfoot. Throughout the week Redwing have been a familiar sight in the woodland around Beckett Park and the hedgerow adjacent to the railway line.

The rose bushes outside of James Graham building are dotted with rosehips that stand out against the snow covered thorned stems.

On the walk in to work I notice that the bare trees appear silhouetted against the grey-white sky, almost devoid of colour and certainly worth a second glance.

Kirkstall Abbey & the River Aire

This afternoon we took a short stroll by the River Aire and around Kirkstall Abbey without the camera. There were some infrequent visitors by the weir including 3 overwintering Goosander and 1 Little Grebe all busy diving for fish. A Grey Wagtail bobbed around the water's edge. A small wader quickly flew by and settled out of view, (markings & bill like that of a Common Sandpiper) it had a similar shape & flight pattern as that of a bird I noticed at a small fresh water spring at Beckett Park last week, must keep my eyes peeled! Three Canada Geese headed upstream whilst the fourth made its way up the weir bank. The regular occupants were present - Mute Swan, Mallard, Moor Hen, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Jackdaw, Crow, Blue Tit, Long Tail Tit.

Fieldfare and Redwing in Park Square

Earlier in the week I mentioned that there was a flock of Fieldfare in Park Square, Leeds City Centre. The birds were feeding on berries in the park and in the trees nearby. On Friday we popped into town to see if they were still there & to hopefully get a better look. Although there were much fewer birds approximately 6 Fieldfare remained, they were accompanied by a couple of Redwing and what we think was a juvenile Mistle Thrush (I'd appreciate feedback on this). A lovely clear sky made for some good pics, it was a delight to spend some time watching these beautiful winter visitors.

Fieldfare and Redwing feed alongside each other.

This is what we thought might be a juvenile Mistle Thrush, attracted by fruit & seed that we scattered on cleared ground to help them along.

Beckett Park

No snow fell overnight in Leeds, today's clear skies and sunshine may help to shift some of this snow. On the way in to work this morning I noticed a few bits and bobs.

Early morning sunlight filtering through the snow covered hedgerow.

Gulls on rooftop

Teasels in the snow

Kirkstall & Beckett Park

And even more snow overnight... A few views on the way into work this morning.

In the snow covered trees & hedgerows a couple of Redwing, Wren, Robin, Wood Pigeon, Blackbird, Chaffinch.