Weir At OtleyNo rare migrants but a long list of birds were seen by our party of 15. John recorded a total of 38 species. After the recent storms and floods we were lucky to experience a fine day with some sunny periods. A storm was predicted for the next day.
We started our safari at Yeadon Tarn where we saw a good gathering of ducks - Tufted and Pochard, flotillas of Goosander male and female, Great Crested Grebe as well as resident Mute Swans, Black-Headed Gulls and Mallard. Following our call at Waitrose supermarket we drove to Weston Lane and scanned the lakes of Otley wetland and surrounding fields. A Cormorant was seen on the lake, a large flock of Curlew was seen feeding in the adjacent field. 
Signs Of Spring On arrival at Wharfedale Meadows two very old birds of prey were seen.They had been carved on the stone work of the gatehouses dated 1618 forming the entrance to the Farnley Hall estate (Farnley Hall is owned by the Fawkes family who had strong connections with the painter William Turner). Their identity proved to be a mystery! The weir which was in full spate was spectacular however of considerable interest to several group members was the drone which was being used to photograph the environs of a large housebuilding site which is being built on the site where Garnett's Mill had previously stood. 
Long-Tailed TitOur afternoon walk down Castley Lane beyond Pool in Wharfedale was to be productive providing sightings of the aerial acrobatics of red kite and buzzard. Teal, Moorhen and Heron were seen in an area of wetland. The Tits - Blue,Great and Long-Tailed also Finches, Chaffinch and Bullfinch were seen in the hedgerow and woodland. Other birds sighted on the day were Dunnock, Sparrow, Kestrel, Lapwing, Robin, Crow, Blackbird, Goldfinch but no Wren, Raven or Thrushes. 16 species of plants and trees in flower were recorded. Keeping to tarmaced paths and quiet roads we had been successful in avoiding muddy boots and clothes. Our day was yet further proof that Tuesday is a good day to be out even in winter. Margaret