The Magpie's Hoard

High Bradfield to Malin Bridge

Agden Side, originally uploaded by Roger B..

Meteorologically speaking, today was the best day we’ve had for three weeks or more. Liz and I decided to make the most of the good weather by catching an early bus out to High Bradfield.

We walked along the top of the cliffs that overlook Rocher Wood, then followed the lane to Agden Side. As we ate our lunch at the top of the slope, several small flocks of fieldfares and redwings passed overhead. One flock was intercepted by a sparrowhawk which, despite a high speed chase, failed to make a kill.

After lunch, we dropped down to Low Bradfield via the track that runs around Agden Reservoir. We then took the popular path along the north bank of Damflask, which was extremely busy. It looked as though lots of people had made New Year's Resolutions about getting more exercise!

Leaving the crowds behind, we headed down Stacey Lane into the Loxley Valley. The first daffodil buds were just starting to open on the bank next to the lane - they seem to get earlier every year.

Unusually, the triangular dam at Loxley Fisheries was deserted. As we walked along the bank, we disturbed a kingfisher from its perch above the goit. Further down the valley, Old Wheel Dam held an assortment of waterfowl, including two female goldeneyes.

Female Goldeneye, originally uploaded by Roger B..

The light was fading as we wearily trudged up the hill from Malin Bridge on our way home to Walkley. Just as we reached the top of Rivelin Bank, a skein of about 200 geese flew over. Judging by their calls, I think they were pink-footed geese. They were heading north-west - next stop Martin Mere perhaps?

A fitting end to a great winter walk!

Dark Peak

Dark Peak, originally uploaded by Roger B..

Today Liz and I caught a bus out to Fairholmes, then walked across the moors to Low Bradfield.

Although the weather was grey and wintry, the grouse were very active on the moorland. As we walked, we could hear rival males calling to each other on either side of the path. It won't be long before the nesting season gets underway!

A Photo Walk

Having been "rudely awakened by the dustmen" first thing this morning, I decided to take my camera for an early walk. I caught the 8.00am bus to High Bradfield and walked back via Agden, Damflask and Loxley Common.

There was still frost on the grass as I cut through the churchyard at Bradfield. A bird of prey swooped low over the church roof, scattering the jackdaws in panic. Although I only caught a brief glimpse, I recognised the unmistakeable profile of an accipiter - rounded wings and a long tail. I found myself wondering whether it was a goshawk... or just a large sparrowhawk. Whilst the former is a possibility, the latter is much more likely.

I walked on to the ruined farm at Rocher Head, then round to Agden Side. It was blissfully quiet - I didn't see another living soul until I reached Agden Reservoir, where I stopped to photograph the bank voles that scurry out of the dry stone wall to pick up bits of bird seed.

After calling in for a coffee at Bradfield Post Office, I sat by the cricket pitch and watched the swallows skimming low across the short turf. I made a couple of half-hearted attempts at photographing them, but they were just too quick for me. I had a more success with a small flock of long-tailed tits that were foraging in the bushes along the edge of Damflask.