24th November, more mud and kingfishers!!

I did briefly harbour hopes of a day on the moors today, a look from the back garden disclosed a murky clinging layer of cloud that was hanging across the moor like a heavy curtain. Realism is a necessary tool for the outdoor lover so I decided to try and further my knowledge of the kingfishers I have worked so hard to locate recently.

Luck plays a part in virtually all wildlife sightings, being in the right place at the right time helps enormously but I would add that the more you can learn about the behaviour and habits of your subject the likely your success will become.

Starting from Kildwick I realised quite swiftly that the grey and dull light would offer a challenge for wildlife shots, a nice atmospheric photograph though........

The state of the towpath is pretty dreadful for walking, reaching the first of my likely kingfisher viewpoints though my luck was in...almost...just as I focused off it went!!!

I resisted the momentary urge to sprint after it:-)) A few patrols up and down the bank yielded little and I took a coffee break by my usual bridge, this lovely cygnet joined me for a while.

I wandered back and forth looking for birds, I did manage to find some siskins flitting from tree to tree and a lovely little wren.

A glance across the valley told me the day wasn't really going to improve...

The glaring sun is a result of my exposure and ISO levels being incorrect, photography can be such hard work!!

A couple of elegant swans paddled past...

Fieldfares are becoming more numerous in the valley, if they also become more approachable it would be much appreciated!

Goosanders are another great challenge for me, they seem to flee very swiftly but by approaching very carefully I managed to get a bit closer then usual. The mistrust which shows in the eye probably says it all......

The migrant geese come ever onwards....

And mostly pass by................

Almost back into Silsden the view up to the moor where I might have been discloses I made a wise decision.......

I did have some kingfisher sightings and photographs by this time, unfortunately the light had meant the pix were pretty grotty:-(( Miraculously a little bright spell appeared as I was on the outskirts of the village, I have had occasional sights around here and I scanned around through my binoculars, sure enough there was a lovely kingfisher...maybe not my best shots but in drab light they were very welcome:-))

Another muddy and mucky walk over I know where the beck is so I can clean my boots before my visit to the pub, aah beer and the mud is quickly forgotten!!