A Walk on the Day of the Snow Moon 27th February 2021

Twelve hours of the Snow Moon.

A Hedge accentor (Dunnock) on The Riverside, Saltney.

A Grey squirrel strays into Wales!

A Daffodil on the The Cop, Sealand Road, trying to turn its head towards Wales.

Looking towards The Groves from the Old Dee Bridge, Handbridge with no signs of the weir.

Is it a Raven, or just a large Carrion crow.

A Common buzzard heads for hunting ground over Chester Golf Course.

Roger at Saltney Quay - before the parting of the ways!

A Blue tit on Saltney Ferry Road, Saltney Ferry.

Lesser ceelendine are flowering in my garden - noticed today for the first time.

Distance: 11.8 miles. Climb: 145'.
Time: 5 hours 6 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.9 m.ph (I must have had too much breakfast!). Overall walk average: 2.3 m.p.h (But I dis sop for a lunch break!)

Wind speed: Too small to worth trying to measure!

Temperature: 11.2 - 17.4 Celsius.

Group: Martyn and Roger (for 7.5 miles.)

This was a glorious day for walking, especially as for the second time this wek, i was able to meet up with a friend on route and walk together for most of our walk, with both of us having to do a little bit extra mileage to get back home.

The day didn't start quite as planned, I had hoped to see the Snow Moon at its best at about 08-00 in the morning, but by this time it had disappeared below the horizon, At least I did manage to catch a couple of photos earlier on.

Birdwise it did seem quite quiet, but we did at least stand to listen to a Song thrush singing on The Riverside in Saltney, and Roger said to me "Whats's that lbj?" when we were by the Roodee Racecourse. It was in fact a Treecreeper, the first one that I have seen for over a year. Alas I wasn't quick enough to be able to photograph it!

It seems a regular grumble at the moment, so many seem to remember that they should be out exercising with only one other person, shouldn't be going into Wales to start ba walk or cycle and should be social distancing at all times (95% none-compliancy!).

As we crossed the Old Dee Bridge, we could see that The Groves was a hot spot for peple enjoying the wonderful warm weather, but thanfully we weren't going that way.

We stopped for lunch, using one of he benches in Edgar's Field, seranaded by the raucous calls from a Carrion crow in the tree above us, but the better sounds came form young children enjoying themselves nearby.  the adventure playground there seems to offer more than when I was young, when you were lucky if there was even a swing!

AS ever the sraight mile along the west side of the golf course, always seems longer than it is, but at least this time, we were distracted by the sound of a Common buzzard mewing, and took time to see if we couls actually see one,. Thankfully we did, and weere able to get good views as they went towards the golf course.

AArriving at Saltney Quay and River Lane, Roger and I departed company, both heading homeward, but in opposite directions.

It was still so nice as I arrived back at tge Saltney Ferry Footbridge, that I decideed to do the Thornleigh Park Farm loop,  in the hope of seenig a Little egret or Kingisher. In fact I saw neither, the best I got was a Redwing!

Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, Dunnock, European robin, Oystercatcher, Blue tit, Great tit, Great spotted woodpecker, Woodpigeon, Song thrush, Greenfinch, Oystercatcher, Long tailed tit, Great cormorant, Mallard, Moorhen, Teal, Common buzzard, Carrion crow, Black headed gull, House sparrow, Raven, Winter wren, Redwing, Common starling, Herring gull, Black billed magpie and Treecreeper (bird of the day spotted by Roger).

Overall a really enjoyable walk o a day that I had to wear both my photochromic specs and a sunhat!

Another Good Clean Boots Walk 25th February 2021

A Dunnock singing at The Riverside, Saltney.

A singing Hedge accentor.

A singing European robin.

A Song thrush hiding in the hedge.

A hovering Common kestrel.

A Common kestrel resting after a spell of hunting.

Daffodils and Snowdrops by the path at Sealand.

The first Seaplane that I have seen coming into land at Hawarden Airport.

Distance: 13.1 miles. Climb: 215'.
Time: 4 hours 57 minutes. On the move walking average: 3.2 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.6 m.p.h.
Wind speed: 0 - 5.2 m.p.h.
Temperature: 11.1 - 13.2 Celsius.

This was another almost perfect day for walking, dry, warm and sunny with only the occasional breeze.

The birds seemed to be quite quiet, except for the numerous European robins that were singing everywhere, but it was good to hear several Dunnocks singing and even better at least four Skylarks, but as yet I have failed to spot even one.  The challenge continues.

Surprisingly, the four Whooper swans were still in the same field near Deeside House, and I did get good views of A Common kestrel hunting.

In the past I have often grumbled about cyclists on the Wales Coast Path, but today most did "share with care" except for one who came so close to 85 year old Archie that he fell over backwards down the side of the embankment. Thankfully he was OK and continued homeward.

However the cyclists on the Millenium Greenway were out in numbers, not usually solo riders but in groups, one having about ten riders all cycling close to each other - once again covid social distancing rules being totally ignored.

Birds seen or heard today included: Mallard, Moorhen, Long tailed tit, Woodpigeon, Blue tit, Great tit, Black billed magpie, Dunnock, Common blackbird, European robin, Carrion crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Oystercatcher, Common redshank, Canada goose.Great cormorant, Common chaffinch, Skylark, Stonechat, Whooper swan, Black headed gull, Herring gull, Goldfinch, Common starling, Feral pigeon, House sparrow, Common kestrel and Common buzzard.

I was back home early enough to watch the last hour or so of the India v England Test match, but when I switched the TV on, they were already shaking hands. England had lost the test match that had only lasted two days - doesn't seem like a wicket made for a five day test match!

A Riverside Walk with a Click and Collect Mission 22nd February 2021

A Blue tit at The Riverside, River Lane, Saltney.

A Common blackbird The Riverside, River Lane, Saltney.

A song thrush close to the Wales Coast Path.

A Song thrush sings.

A song thrush does its best to compete with the noise of a jet engine flying nearby.

An avenue of Daffodils to welcome everyone crossing the border onto the Wales Coast Path.

Two male Common pheasants in a face off - oblivious to the noise of the jet overhead.

Goosander on the River Dee.

Flowering crocus at Nowhere.

Flowering crocus at Nowhere.

Mike enjoying the view towards Moel Famau from the Saltney Ferry Footbridge.

The Beluga ST 5 coming into land - taken from Flint Road, Saltney Ferry.

Distance: 9.8 miles Climb: 145'.

Time: 4 hours 28 minutes. On the move walking average: 2.8 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.2 m.p.h.

Temperature: 12.1 - 17.2 Celsius.  Max wind speed: 4.1 m.p.h.

Group: Martyn and Mike ( for the second part of the walk).

This really was a gloriously warm and sunny day for walk - perfect after about 10-30. The Song thrushes thought so as well as I saw and heard several, particularly along the Wales Coast Path.

Birds seen and heard today included: House sparrow, Woodpigeon, Collared dove, Moorhen, Magpie, Greenfinch, Blue tit, Great tit, Black billed magpie, European robin, Carrion crow, Raven, Jackdaw, Oystercatcher, Great cormorant, Common pheasant, Black headed gull, Dunnock, Common blackbird, Goldfinch, Feral pigeon, Little egret, Teal, Common buzzard, Goosander and Song thrush.

In all I saw 9 Goosander, 5 females and 4 males - the first time I have seen more females than males.

I had arranged to meet Mike at The Cop on Sealand Road, so that I could give him some dehumidifiers that I had spare after ordering more than I needed online.

Mike decided to accompany me on the rest of my walk as far as the Saltney Ferry Footbridge. Here we parted company, I headed home via Mold Junction / Saltney Ferry and Mike crossed the footbridge, heading for home, following the same route back to The Cop as I had earlier.

Along the Riverside Promenae Trail by the Roodee Racecourse, we met Carol and Steve and spent about twenty minutes chatting to them before carrying on our way.

I was less than 100 m from home when I ended talking to an out of walk bricky (another Evertonian) and it was over thirty minutes later that I managed to escape!

Overall a very enjoyable walk, especially good being able to talk to someone you know face to face in the great outdoors.

Thankfully i still arrived home in plenty of time to be able to clean my boots outside in the warm sunshine.

An Afternoon Stroll - My First Shorts Walk of The Year 21st February 2021

On the wales Coast Path before it became busy.

Problem parking at Higher Ferry.

Common redshank on the bank of the River Dee.

Whooper swans in a field near Deeside House.

Pictures that have appeared on the former Presbyterian Chapel at Saltney Ferry.

I assume the picture on the right is one of Bob Manifold, the last Ferryman.

Distance: 7.1 miles. Climb: 85'.

Time: 2 hours 54 minutes. On the move walking average: 3.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.5 m.p.h.
Max wind speed: 7.2 m.p.h. Max temperature: 11.2 Celsius.
Group: Martyn.

I don't usually walk on a Sunday, but having missed out on the previous three days, I decided to set off after I had watched my church, WEF''s online service. The forecast was good, temperature of 12 Celsius, little wind and <10% chance of rain. I suppose I can't complain at getting about ten minutes of "spots of rain".

This was my first walk this year when I have walked in shorts, having chickened out on a few occasions earlier in the month.

The birds seemed quiet at the start of my walk, except for the European robin that seemed to be everywhere.

Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, Moorhen, Mallard, Blue tit, Great tit, Dunnock, Greenfinch, Raven, Carrion crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Little egret, Woodpigeon, Common blackbird, Common redshank, Goldfinch, Common starling, Black headed gull, Great cormorant and Whooper swan.

As ever parkling areas at both ends of the footbridge were packed with cars, so it looks like Welsh Government Laws saying you must not travel to the start of your walk is just being ignored by people from Wales and England.

Far too many cyclists out today to make it pleasant walking on the Wales Coast Path, especially when frequently they go past very close (less than 0.5m) from you.

At one point I almost thought I was in Poland and not on the Wales Coast Path as so many people passed me speaking Polish.

This was my first shorts walk of 2021, but hopefully this will be the start of the shorts seaon proper!

The Wales Coast Path and Thornleigh Park Farm Round 17th Febrary 2021

The Wales Coast Path and Thornleigh Park Farm Round.

Distance: 10.5 miles, Climb: 110'.

Time: 4 hours 20 minutes. On the move walking average: 3.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.4 m.p.h.

Max wind speed: 5.2 m.p.h.  Temperature: 10.2 -11.2 Celsius.

Group: Martyn.

A Great tt on The Riverside.

A singing male Common chaffinch.

One of three par of Goosander on river south east of Sandycroft.

One of the Great cormorants showing leucistic markings around the head and neck.

This is the first time that I have seen ponies grazing o the grassy bank of the River Dee between Sandycroft and Queensferry.

Distant views of Whooper swans withLapwings anf gulls.

Whooper swans withLapwings and gulls.

The forecast for today was good, particularly in the afternoon, <10% chance of rain, sunny spells, gentle winds and temperature of 12 Celsius.

They got it pretty well right, although thee was a short period of extremely light rain as I set off, but it thankfully only lasted until I reached the top of the road.

It was a really pleasant day for walking and cycling. This was reflected by lots of young fanilies walking and cycling as well as the usual dog walkers and speed cycle merchants.

With Spring on its way, all walks in the countryside give chances of birds singing and setting up territory. The singing stars today were the Song thrush and Skylark.  The latter was the first time this year for me to hear this iconic bird singing - next time it will be a challenge to see it as well.

Birds seen or heard today included: Common blackbird, Moorhen, Black billed magpie, Dunnock, Blue tit, Great tit, Greenfinch, Long tailed tit, Song thrush, Black headed gull, Herring gull, Lesser black back gull, Lapwing, Whooper swan, Raven, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, House sparrow, Pied agtail, Mallard, Goosander, Little egret, Common starling, Common redshank, Great cororant, Pied wagtail, Common kestrel, Rook, European robin, Woodpigeon, Goldfinch, Feral pigeon, Common chaffinch and Skylark.

The Old Dee Bridge Circuit Again 15th February 2021

The Old Dee Bridge Circuit Again.

Snowdrops blooming always enough to raise your spirits.

A Woodpigeon - my bird of the day?

Daffodils looking longingly over the fence towards sunny Wales.

The higher river water near the Chester Riveside Promenade pat at the Roodee Racecourse.

A Great cormorant in typical pose.

The Beluga ST4, wheels down, coming into land at Airbus, Broughton.

One of the resident Ravens on this patch.

Towards the end of the walk, views toward Hope Mountain.

Photo taken from Mold Junction road bridge, Saltney Ferry.

Distance: 9.7 miles. Climb: 184'.
Time: 3 hours 42 minutes. On the move walking average: 3.0 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.6 m.p.h.
Max wind speed: 14.1 m.p.h. Max temperature: 12.1 Celsius.
Group: Martyn.

The forecast for today looked good, especially in the afternoon with sunny periods and temperatures above 10 Celsius, but feeling like about 7 on the cards. They got it right, except there was a couple of spells of extremely light rain, just enough to annoy those unfortunate enough to need to where spectales!

Being a sad person, I watched the test match from Chennai to the end, beforegetting ready to set off.

I was about to set off when my doorbell went, it was my pastor from WEF, Robin, delivering a booklet "#LIVE LENT" produced by the Church of England. it includes a daily Bible reading, meditaion and prayer for each day from 17th February upto Easter. WEF members including me, plan to follow it. It is available on line as well and you can listen to someone else reading the Bible passage.

I arrived at the riverside to find the river very high and the incoming tide flowing at pace towards Chester.

The birds seemed very quiet and at one point I thought the best bird spot would be the Woodpigeon.

It did get better, especially when the Sun came out, so the birds that I saw or heard included: Mallard, Moorhen, Black headed gull, Herring gull, Raven, Blue tit, Great tit, Song thrush Greenfinch, Common chaffinch, Common blackbird, Canada goose, Great cormorant, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Winter wren, Long tailed tit,  Woodpigeon, Collared dove, House sparrow, Feral pigeon. Grey heron, European robin, Common starling, Goldfinch and Goosander.

What made my day was a dog walker that I had encountered a few times on this route during the various periods of "lockdown" and he asked "have you been OK, as he hadn't seen me for a few weeks".

Except for the cricket, this has been a really good day!

A Saltney Ferry Riverside and Sealand Shooting School Round 12th February 2021

A Saltney Ferry Riverside and Sealand Shooting School Round.

Two Whooper swans on flooded fields near Deeside House.

Three Great cormorants keeping their heads down as they dry out.

Alas not a Whinchat - just a female Stonechat.

On the way to Sealand Shooting School.

A line of new footpath marker post.

I was surprised and overjoyed to see this!

Flooded frozen fields south of Deeside Lane, Sealand.

Distance: 9.8 miles. Climb: 1045' GPS wind assisted reading, more like 88'.
Time: 3 hour 49 minutes. On the move walking average: 3.1 m.p.h. Overall walk average: 2.6 m.p.h.
Max wind speed: 14.2 m.p.h (South easterly). Lowest temperature: 2.0 Celsius.
Group: Martyn.

The day didn't start as planned. I had in my mind that the second India v England Cricket test match started on Friday.  On time I got up ready to watch the match live at 04-00, only to find that I had got up 24 hours too early.

However, this did give me the opportunity to go on a walk route via Sealand Shooting School and through what is usually muddy fields to pick up a track to The Bowery on Deeside Lane. After several days of freezing temperatures,  I thought the mud would be frozen as well. It was, but I was overjoyed to find the farmer had no only put in clear marker posts, but had repaired/replaced the footbridge over the drainage ditch but had made steps and a hand rail to get down to the footbridge. Thank you to at least one more farmer that doesn't hate walkers!

This was a glorious day for walking, but the cold south easterly wind meant that removing mits to take photos had to be brief, but it did had rewards.

Along the Wales Coast Path, I took a photo of a bird that from its behaviour, I though was a Stonechat, but on looking at the photo when I got home and comparing it in bird id books, i thought it mght be a Whinchat, but far too early sin the year for a Whinchat. The Kingfisher and Whooper swan are still my top birds for 2021.

Birds seen or heard today included: House sparrow, European robin, Common blackbird, Moorhen, Mallard, Black billed magpie, Fieldfare, Redwing, Great cormorant, Common redshank, Goldfinch, Common chaffinch, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Rook, Raven, Mistle thrush, Blue tit, Greenfinch, Pied wagtail, Common buzzard, Goldfinch, Lapwing, Whooper swan, Black headed gull Herring gull, Common starling and Stonechat.

A disappointment start to the day, ending up with a day to celebrate and I can look forward to the cricket tomorrow morning!