Incoming Buzzard at Eccup

Passing through Eccup we watched a Buzzard swoop down to settle on a fence post. We've seldom seen a Buzzard at rest here as they're predominantly soaring high over the fields in search of prey.

Not sure the nearby Wood Pigeons were too happy at the arrival of their new neighbour, but within minutes it was chased off by a tag team of Crows.

Harewood

Out today at Harewood on a beautiful day roadtesting my new camera.  Was expecting lots of red kites - which there were - but came across this lovely buzzard too.  Nice to see one quite close to see the markings on the underwing and to see how different it looks in the air from the kites.

Saw a movement out of the corner of my eye and thought it was a long tailed tit - to my amazement it was a bat - a pipistrelle, I think. It was 2.30 in the afternoon and really bright sunshine. It was flapping around near a stream for a few minutes and then disappeared. I saw it again further up the track, this time being chased by a red kite. Thankfully the kite was not agile enough and the bat escaped...

And I couldn't come back from Harewood without at least one red kite picture, so here it is!

Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits

During this weekend we visited Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits, near Ilkley. One of four reserves managed by The Wharfedale Naturalists Society since 2007. The reserve consists of land around two reclaimed gravel pits adjacent to the river Wharfe. Thanks to Amanda for recommending the site which on first reading I mistook for Otley Gravel Pits that we visited last year, but this is a great addition to our list of places to visit.

The pond was our first port of call, during our visit the weather was overcast and breezy with little butterfly activity other than a Small White on the wing, no Damselfly/Dragonfly activity yet, but I imagine it'll be a good spot for both in the summer months. Walking around the opposite side of the pond Andrea took a nice shot looking up towards Cow and Calf rocks.

Bird sightings included Grey Heron, Oystercatcher, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Curlew, here we watched 20 Sand Martins across the river, constantly on the go.

Whilst watching the Sand Martins a pair of Goosander appeared from downstream and settled on the opposite bank.

We spotted a Buzzard on the horizon and within moments another two appeared, I've never seen three in one spot before.

Its a super spot for wildflowers, with many patches of Lords and Ladies (Arum maculatum) those in shade on the verge of opening and those in a sunnier aspect now in bloom.

On our way back, near the roadside we passed beside a carpet of Ramsons (Allium ursinum) in dappled shade.

Wood Forget Me Not, clusters of tiny powder blue flowers with yellow centres.

Common Solomon's-Seal (Polygonatum multiflorum), arching stems, alternate leaves, hanging clusters of bell shaped flowers.

Fern fronds unfurling, the golden brown stems predominant.

And a patch of fully open ferns swaying in the breeze and adding a splash of emerald green to the woodland floor.

Ogden Water, Calderdale

On a recent jaunt to Ogden Water Country Park, 4 miles north of Halifax, we enjoyed spectacular views, caught a few rays of sunshine and indulged in Mr Whippy 99's. Nature saw us and we saw nature. Up on the valley top this buzzard soared high overhead, Meadow Pipits kept a low profile nearby and Skylarks filled the air with song.

Occupying the reservoir, a fair few Canada Geese, Mallards and a lone but not lonesome Barnacle Goose.

We watched this female Roe Deer for 10 minutes or so before it wandered off into the forest.
This bracket fungi grew in the deeply fissured bark of a mature conifer.

Buzzard Bonanza

On our Dumfries & Galloway adventure, exploring the coastline, we stopped at Port William for provisions. Having driven this coastal road before we recalled observing birds soaring above the escarpment. Heading northwards on the A747, seawards we spotted Shellduck, Oystercatchers, Turnstones & Gulls & sure enough above the highland we caught sight of 2 Buzzards. That was pretty exciting, we're used to seeing the Red Kites around Leeds, so it was great to see the how different they are in terms of shape and in flight.

On another occasion, leaving New Abbey, approaching the bridge, a Buzzard descended onto the bridge side, just 3 metres from the car, obviously that was the one moment I didn't have my camera within reach. Anyway it flew off to sit in a nearby tree.

And no sooner had it settled, it was off.

On the way to Auchtenbrain 2 Buzzards perched on telephone posts, and once they spotted us they didn't hang around for long.

Our final Buzzard sighting on the way out of Rockcliffe, as the light was failing.

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