Birding? Its Hard Work! @Natures_Voice

With reports of all sorts of rarities in easy travelling distance, we decided to go for a birdy wander. First stop was Temple Newsam. As we walked through the trees at the side of The Avenue the bluebells and wild garlic smelt wonderful, thanks to the recent rain. Bird song was all around. It made for a very relaxing and enjoyable saunter, but the promised birds didn't appear.

We ate lunch on one of the benches in The Avenue and met three fellow Swillys. They had as much luck as we did, so we didn't feel too cheated.

Then to Lin Dyke. This is part of the RSPB Fairburn Ings reserve and always offers a great walk and good birds. A juvenile Crane had been seen there earlier in the day. Jackpot!! Not only did we see the Crane, which was a lifer, but two Year Ticks as well, Whinchat and Sedge Warbler. That takes me to 143 for 2011. I managed to take record shots of all three, which I will put up on Flickr later.

Throughout the day the temperature rose, so that nearing the end of the afternoon it was a balmy 22 degrees. I think this picture says it all. What a relaxing day!

Thank you, Rebecca, for bringing me so much birding luck and for being great company. No greater love hath a woman for a man than when she indulges his birding!