Blue Tit OasisOur 2013 New Year walk started in Mirfield where the group of 13 followed the Calder and Hebble Navigation as far as the Shepley Bridge Marina. Just before turning off onto the uphill road, we had distant views of a kingfisher perched in a tree near the water's edge. The uphill route took us close to the Ladywood fishing lakes where we saw great crested and little grebe. From the road we headed through the Dewsbury District Golf Club taking care to avoid any flying golf balls and then continued on the muddy path down through Hagg Wood. On the road back down to our starting point we saw a flock of long-tailed tits. We had lunch by the canal. Although mild, the morning had been overcast but the sky was looking increasingly threatening so the afternoon's walk was cut short in favour of a trip to the local tea room whilst others went shopping. About 20 birds were seen and 17 plants in flower were recorded. Many thanks to Peter for leading this enjoyable walk. Sue