It was cold and misty as I entered the cemetery, midafternoon and I was going to be lucky to get round my walk in the daylight. I walked half a circuit of the woodland burial ground and then squeezed through the gap in the fence to reach the Horsefield. Although trees are rapidly losing their leaves now, those left still glowed gold, yellow and bronze, like stained glass windows. There were quite a few birds in evidence today, surprising after a much quieter visit a few days ago. Hazel and alder catkins are now well formed and ready for the first warm days next year. A lap of the Horsefield took me back through the fence from where I completed my circuit of woodland burial ground and cemetery in the gathering darkness. It was good to return home and settle down in front of the fire with a cup of tea and my book.
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We began the stage from Healing on overcast but dry weather. Our route took us out of Healing via the sports field followning the railway line. Crossing the access road to the A180 we dropped down onto a field path I had offten looked down on but never walked. We followed this into Great Coates and made our way to the Freshney Parkway which we followed nearly to Laceby Springs with views of the the area's only remaing elm tree. We then climbed up to the A47 where we made our way back to the cars in the gathering dusk and fast approaching rain. We made it just in time! After shuttling cars around we drove to The Swallow for an excellent early evening meal and some rehydration.
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As usual we received a warm welcome from the RSPB wardens when we arrived at the Leighton Moss Visitor Centre on a pleasant sunny morning. They always take real pleasure in pointing out to us where the plum species might be seen. We began our morning at the feeding station where, among other species I was delighted to see several marsh tits. We then moved on keen to get round to Lower Hide. On the way we called in at the bearded tit grit trays and Causeway Hide. There were no beardies to be seen but for some reason it did seem to be attracting plenty of small birds including a coulple more marsh tits. Lower Hide produced the bird of the day: a female long-tailed duck, although it never really came close enough for successful photography. Back at the centre we met up with Peter and Linda for a cup of tea and then made our way to Lillian's Hide where we were delighted to see a jack snipe. On the way to Grizedale and Tim Jackson's Hides we heard cettis warblers; they seem to be doing really well on the reserve and we heard several. By now the weather had closed in and while in Tim Jackson Hide the rain set in big time. Time to dash back to the cars and head for the Strickland Arms at Sizerh for another excellent meal.
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