Harris Hikers Solo Adventures Friday 29th May 2020

An Early Morning Stroll to Catch the Dawn Chorus and Rising Sun.

Early morning - looking east along Chester Road towards Saltney.

The Wales Coast Path from the Riverside Path south east of Saltney Ferry Footbridge.

Looking across the river towards the Deva stadium.

A Winter wren giving it all he is worth.

A Winter wren burst out in song at the Riverside on River Lane, Saltney.

Looking across the river towards Chester from the Riverside on River Lane, Saltney.

The sun peeps out above the trees.

The sun has just about risen above the trees.

A final lo back towards the Saltney Ferry Footbridge.

A last look across the river towards the rising Sun.

Distance: 2.8 miles. Climb: 34'.

Time: 1 hour 18 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.7 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2. 2 m.p.h.

Sunrise was at 04-52, so I thought setting off half an hour earlier would be early enough. It was early enough to se the Sun rise, but too late to catch the dawn chorus as it starts. Even at 04-15 the dawn chorus was well underway with at least three Blackbirds singing frrom roof tops in the terrace. The Winter wren was another bird that was letting its presence known everywhere on this walk.

Birds seen, but mainly heard this morning included: House sparrow, Woodpigeon, Common starling, Raven, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Canada goose, Dunnock, Common whitethroat, Greenfinch, Barn swallow, Mallard, Moorhen, Goldfinch, Collared dove, Oystercatcher, Blue tit and Blackcap.

As early as it was vehicles were still on the road, one was a milkman on his delivery round, another was a bakery van, presumably the others, including a cyclist were people on their way to work.

On my side of the river, I didn't see anyone, but on the Wales Coast Path several cyclists were heading towards the Higher Ferry Footbridge - they didn't look like the lycra loony brigrade.

The weather this mornng was perfect for walking or even as I did standing on The Riverside on River Lane for ten minutes to watching the Sun start to rise over Chester.

A very enjoyable stroll, well work getting up early and for the first time this week, I didn't need to wear a sunhat on my daily walk.