RSPB Dearne Valley - Old Moor

We had more of a day out today unlike the small outing we had to Fairburn Ings!
Today, we went to RSPB Dearne Valley - Old Moor.
The weather wasn't the best, it was bitterly cold but at least it did not rain on us!

We arrived around lunchtime. So after signing in to the reserve and browsing the shop, we went up to the cafe for some lunch.
There was a good selection to choose from! I went with the vegetarian version of the Sunday roast and had a slice of the vegetable pie, with roast vegetables on the side, gravy and of course, a pot of tea!

It was delicious!
And for pudding, we had fruit scones!

There was plenty to see on the reserve. Some hides clearly better than others...

Near the visitor centre was a viewing screen looking over a small garden area.
This had more birds feasting on the seeds than the rest of the reserve combined! (not literally!)

I can not wait to come back in summer. The reserve will be thriving with life!

Chilly stunning sunset

Today, a friend and I had a bit of a late start to the day but that didn't stop us from going to Fairburn Ings for the afternoon!

It's amazing what you can see, just ask at reception of any nature reserve and they will happily tell what has been spotted where and when.

Arriving about mid afternoon, we were informed a green woodpecker, bearded tit and a water rail had been spotted on the reserve. Fortunately for us we saw the water rail but neither of the other 2!

There were some fantastic views of Fairburn village from across the lake.

By this point, the sun was setting but it made for a very pleasant afternoon walk round the reserve.
Further up the same path, we saw another fellow walker taking pictures. When we turned round, we understood why!

The orange of the sun was beautiful!
It was a short day out but it was worth it!

Chilly walk and Red kites

As chilly as it was today, it was a very pleasant day for a walk and where better but at Harewood House.
There were some fantastic views of the house gleaming in the sun across the field from us.

And not forgetting to mention the red kites! Dozens of them circling the small village that is Harewood.

Their magnificent rusty red plumage was even more striking in the progressively setting sun.
What a fantastic bird!

New Year and old friends

New Year at long last!
2016 for most of the country, and the world really, has been a bit of a downer.
For me, it has been full of adventure, new possibilities and lastly, new friends!

As I waited for my friend Teddy to arrive. I ate.
I ate chocolates from Christmas...

pork pies and mini sausage rolls...

cookies and shortbread...

and alot more!
Eventually Teddy arrived and we watched the annual fireworks on telly.

Happy New Year everyone!