Choices were limited today, the light was not good and snow was forecast for later in the day. Road conditions were OK though and we decided on a riverbank and woodland wander over at Bolton Abbey, parking places at our preferred start of Barden Bridge were all occupied so we returned up the road and found a space by the Priests House at Barden.
The priory ruins looked atmospheric with the covering of snow and the slate grey sky..
We didn't have to wait long for a bird sighting, everyones favourite..a robin..
The river Wharfe was in good flow as it gushed past the aqueduct..
The cold nature of the weather is portrayed quite well by these riverbank icicles reflected in the dark water.
A short diversion off path by a tributary stream found us no wildlife but the cascades were in good form..
Trying to get a decent focus on this blue tit proved beyond my frozen fingers!
Resuming our walk by the river we then found a nuthatch posing somewhat strangely by parking its bum in some snow!
Walkers had left food for the birds and we watched a coal tit feeding happily...well they were titbits!
The path was extremely icy, some were slipping and sliding their way round, our yaktrax proved their worth again as we walked without mishap even on the steeper sections.
Peering through the riverbank shrubbery I managed a shot of a male goosander..
We listened to the sweet song of a nuthatch and looking around for the source we found another nuthatch listening intently.
Brief sightings of dippers occurred but none close enough for the camera in these conditions, as we reached the cafe and the bridge we would cross for the return I did manage a couple of shots..
A group of goosanders resting out of the water were spotted just up stream..
Some kind soul had wedged a fatball in a tree, great and blue tits queued up for a bite!
Food scattered on the path was being zealously guarded by a blackbird..
Another lovely robin posed happily..
We were walking briskly to keep warm, despite plenty of suitable clothing the cold wind soon bit if we loitered for any time.
The view down to the river through snowy trees was enchanting at times.
Just before the uphill road walk back to the car we found the abominable snowman:-))
We hurried from this point!
The robin steals the show for me again, but had plenty of competition. Kind of folk to leave food and fatballs. I wonder, do you take food with you for the birds at any time Dave ?
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