A Day in the Dales

Day off today to enjoy the nice weather, decided on a proper session at Bolton Abbey Woods, parked up at Barden Bridge with Dipper, Grey Wagtail and Common Sandpiper showing from the off then at the next bridge a male Redstart put on a good show as he went about his business, the woods however proved hard work and although I saw and photographed Wood Warbler and Pied Flycatcher they certainly weren’t forthcoming and I didn’t get the photo session I had been hoping for, also of note were a female Mandarin with four ducklings that she was hard pressed to protect from the marauding Lesser Black Backed Gulls, a few Spotted Flycatchers were still around and a Garden Warbler was attending a nest near the parking area back at Barden Bridge.  Mid-afternoon I headed across to Kilnsey Park with a new Orchid in mind but it clouded up then started raining, it cleared after an hour however and I set off on my quest, I ended up with three new ones, Early Marsh, Narrow-leaved Marsh although the main one, Lady Slipper that was in cages anyway had largely gone over already.

on the look out for stray ducklings

Redstart in the bag at last

didn't see many of these this morning

Wood Warbler, although two were singing across the river this one was just calling but only hung around for
a couple of minutes

female Mandarin with her brood

Dipper attending its nest

Garden Warbler warbling

Flowers at Kilnsey Park included Water Avens

Marsh Marigold

Early Marsh Orchid

Narrow-leaved Marsh Orchid

and caged Lady Slipper Orchid that had seen better days

this one was a bit yellower but in a bit of a state

tame Willow Warbler