An April ‘summer's' day.

A fantastic day from the very start though it was a little chilly to begin with an early frost.

We headed to Wharfedale to meet up with our group of 9 ladies, 1 man, 1 boy and two dogs at the bridge by Barden Tower.

We walked along the river and then up through the woods above the River Wharfe across from the Strid. You can see the river here below in my background shot but the stars of today were the birds. Seeing the movement of a bird flying up into the tree we were amazed to see it was a Mandarin duck!  (Top picture)  the first one I have ever seen. It's rather insignificant mate was in the undergrowth. You can just see it on the branch of the tree just above and to the left of the Robin. Whilst standing and photographing the duck the Robin appeared and wanted in on the act. I can never resist a Robin.

Returning back to the start from the Cavendish Pavilion we saw our first ducklings, two groups of four and this single one with its mum as well as the Mandarin in the water,  this time with it's smaller mate.

A fabulous 5 miles of lovely river views and wild flowers in the woodlands with the first bluebells just coming out and the smell of the wild garlic starting to scent the air.

As always with this outing we returned to Bolton Abbey for late morning scones and tea. Yum! I watched children going down to the river by the Abbey literally carrying buckets and spades to play on the river beaches. I think they have the right idea as it was definitely like a summers day and maybe it will be the best summer weather we get!

View Large to see the birds more clearly.