What have you seen

Spotted a Kingfisher this morning during our prebreakfast walk along the bank of the Wharfe, just outside of Ilkley. Have seen a couple of Dippers and 4 Goosanders, 1 male & 3 females, this week too on the river, plus a pair of ducks I couldn't identify....a bit like Manderins in colour and with the upturned tail but longer in the body.

Saw our first Red Kites on this trip too, as we travelled north from Otley towards Harrogate. Obviously spreading out from the breeding centre at Harewood.

I love watching dippers in a clear stream. I think they are amazing. Only seen kingfisher half a dozen times. Best was in Cyprus where it was on a rock breakwater. I was in the sea and it seemed unconcerned even though I swam gently towards it and trod water for several minutes about 2 yards away. Beautiful to see.

Turned out an even better day/night as I saw a Barn Owl when out at 10:15 last night on our last walk.

I love watching birds but I am hopeless working out which little brown job amongst the reeds is which. Give me a simple bittern every time. That I can recognise. 

Strumpshaw yesterday morning, plenty of Marsh Tits, Marsh Harriers and a couple of Bullfinches but elusive.  Yesterday afternoon went to Oulton Marshes, No SEO although 1 x Barn owl quartering, seem to be catching food but too far away to see what it caught

Saw a squirrel this morning running between two trees on either side of busy road using a convenient overhead telephone wire as its means of safe passage. 

Saw another Kingfisher today, as it flew straight across in front of me as I was crossing the R. Ouse. Further on there were a pair of Hares sparring in a field next to the cycle way.....appropriately enough it is the 1st of March. 

Excellent website, many thanks, Oneputt. 

Trevor said he saw a Kingfisher at Ferry Meadows when walking the dog first thing in the morning,  shame I'd decided to have a lie in that morning. 

Didn't see a Kingfisher today, but did see over 20 Goosanders on Redhouse Ings Reservoir and the R.Ouse, as well as Long Tailed Tits, Lapwings and the odd Curlew.