Annual Fix Time

Its that time of year when we just have to have a fix of Gods own country - the Yorkshire Dales, still one of the best places on earth to me.  We had a quick two day stint covering Bolton Abbey and Malham and was immediately aware that the flowers were way behind on last year due to the very cold winter the UK has just had - there was even snow still lying on the very tops, something I have never seen at this time of year so hardly any flower shots.  I'm pleased to report though that there are plenty of Pied Flycatchers and Redstarts in but sadly not a single Wood Warbler.  To see what the flowers should look like look at last years post of the same date!

 Pied Flycatcher

 Butterbur

 Wood Anenome

Bolton Abbey

Bolton Abbey - Pied Flys and Redstarts with a few flowers

Wood dog violet

Each year on our wedding anniversary it seems to have become tradition that we go somewhere to see Pied Flycatchers and Redstarts and so with that in mind yesterday on our 10th anniversary we went to Bolton Abbey in Yorkshire.  The birds did not disappoint (if only Wayne had taken his big lens!) the flowers were magnificent (good job I took my little lens!) and the scenery stunning (good job Wayne took his wide angle lens!).

Bird Highlights - 8 Pied Flys, 3 Redstarts, 2 Woodcock, 2 Mandarin Duck, 4 Dippers watched a pair making nest, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Raven, 3 Goosanders, Grey Wagtails, 1 Redkite (Harewood), 1 Hen Harrier (Grassington Moor)

Bluebell
Great wood-rush
Wood Anemone
Water AvensWood-sorrel
Fern sp
Wood sorrel
Primrose
Sweet Cicely
Bird no-shows - Wood Warbler!