Warbler

On a morning walk out to Sconce the soundscape was dominated by Willow Warbler, with territories being proclaimed from Rowan saplings all along the route. This one was kind enough to remain perched at the side of the path while I captured a few pictures. A couple of Stonechat also showed themselves en route, and I paused to appreciate the Cranberry patch (extra).

Out at the cabins there was no sound of the Cuckoo, but a Little Owl was in residence at one of their usual spots. On the return I had my first proper sighting of this year’s Swallows at Moorside.

Later, it was into town for City’s final game of the season, with Carlisle United the visitors. For Carlisle this is effectively their local derby, and many fans had travelled down the Settle-Carlisle route joining my train at Shipley. This might explain the unusually high police presence as we got of the train, with everyone channeled so that the drug sniffing dogs could give us the once over. (As context, it is beginning to be understood that use of cocaine has fuelled an upsurge in disorder around football matches across the country this season.). 

At the last home fixture of the season it is also customary to mark the anniversary of the Bradford stadium fire, and remember the 56 people that lost their lives on 11 May 1985 (extra).

City got the win, their third in a row which marked their best run of the season, but a final position of 14th is still a long way below expectations. The reality is many of the players on the field won’t be here next season, with yet another rebuilding under the latest manager, Mark Hughes.