What a nice start to our 2024 field trip programme. Whilst the wind chill factor was significant, eleven of us enjoyed a dry day, with some winter sunshine.
The first section of the walk was along the canal towpath heading west out of Gargrave. Easy walking made it possible to catch up with each other after the Christmas break, whilst keeping an eye out for any birds. There were Mallards and Moorhens in the water, and a Chaffinch and Blue Tits in the trees. We paused for a while by the stand of Alder trees in case we might be lucky enough to see birds such as Redpoll or Siskins. A flock of small birds flew away, but we didn’t get a good sight of them, and it was a bit too cool to hang around.
We passed a hedge that the BEES volunteers had helped plant a few years ago. It was doing surprisingly well considering it was planted on an old wall. As we progressed into an area of open fields we could see two Grey Herons and a Little Egret hunkered down in the long vegetation. We passed a couple of locks and it was here that we saw our first Redwing, soon followed by views of a flock of about 30 on the grassy banks of the river.
We needed to pay attention to the trees for our next sighting, and we were really pleased to spot quite a few Waxwings in a large Ash. At this point we were leaving the towpath and the bridge we needed to cross provided the perfect vantage point for great views of these lovely birds, both in the Ash and feeding in the Hawthorn shrubs. We think this might be the first time we have seen Waxwings on a BEES trip, and they were a real treat for everyone, whether it was a new experience or not.
Eventually we had to drag ourselves away to find our lunch spot by the Bank Newton Locks. We last walked this route five years ago when Donald led us for our New Year’s Walk. We took this opportunity to raise a toast to Donald, who offered so much to the group and who we will all miss.
After lunch some of us headed over the fields to complete the loop, and the rest retraced their steps along the canal. The canal group had another look at the Waxwings, but also had great views of a Great Spotted Woodpecker and Long-tailed Tits.
It was muddy across the fields, but manageable. The slight elevation gave us a great panorama and some interesting wind blown trees and shadows on the lynchets.
The Gargrave Moat was home to a group of Black-headed Gulls, a single Shelduck and a few Teal.
Looking over the wall into the churchyard we saw our first Lesser Celandine of the year, and a few Snowdrops. The other plants of note during the day were the ferns, in particular the Black Spleenwort near the Waxwings.
We had arranged to rendezvous at the cafe, but as it was closed we found people sheltering at the bus stop. Steve had missed one train so we were obliged (!) to go to The Old Swan as an alternative venue for a cuppa until his next train was due. Sue made her own way home and we look forward to her photos in the gallery, while the rest of us had an easy journey back to Bradford in the minibus. Happy New Year.
Julia