The early bird

We decided last night that whatever the weather we would have a walk this morning. Just a short  circuit around Goit Stock and back to the village.

 Chris felt the best of the weather would be early. It was slightly but still pretty murky and damp when we set off just after 7.30 am.

It was worth it as very shortly after reaching the lane alongside Harden Beck we spotted a Dipper. I do love to see them and this is the best time when the trees are bare and the water can be clearly seen. Also it’s this time when they start collecting nest material. 

It was on these rocks for quite a while doing a bit of grooming. It’s rapid movements made it hard to get clear shots but I was relatively happy with these two. It flew off up the beck and we sighted it again on the banking near the bridge before flying off again under the bridge and up the beck past the park homes. This seems to be a favoured corner and I think it probably nests around here.

Returning via Leech Lane and the village. We stopped briefly to do a bit of tidying up of my son’s garden wall.

Whist eating my breakfast porridge back home the rain came down in earnest and it’s been pretty grim all day!