What a strange and exciting day from the start. Unfortunately I missed the show this morning with work but many thanks to, firstly Dave Barker for a phone call informing me of a Marsh Harrier over the windfarm between Oxenhope and Soil Hill.
Secondly to Howard Creber for his text messages telling me of firstly 7 Buzzard >S over Oxenhope then a second text with 15 Buzzard >S over Oxenhope. These messages were passed on to DCB at the Halifax grapevine.
And thirdly to Denise Shields who kindly called in the garage to inform me that the fall of Willow Warblers from yesterday at Ogden were still present along with Chiffchaff and Goldcrests. Four Cormorant were also present. Other than that she had also just found 2 Golden Plover on the cricket field down Old Guy Rd, probably a first for that location.
Thanks to all for the contact which is what birding is all about, getting the message around quickly which brings me on to my episode late afternoon.
It was 1500hrs before I was free today so thinking Oxenhope may be a good location to catch any straggling raptors I headed off there only to find the area heaving with saddo gun men so it was on to Leeshaw hoping for yesterdays Garganey and Wigeon but the reservoir was quiet other than Canadas and Mallards despite the water being so low the northern end is getting near to being breached with the shore.
Then when all was near lost the ever faithful Halifax grapevine rang out, music to my ears with DJS reporting that Martin Hayes had just found a Turnstone at Fly Flatts.
With sandwiches half eaten it was load the car and off over Paul Clough to Fly Flatts where Martyn was just leaving.
After a quick word it was down to the res where the bird was easily located thanks to Martyn and some pictures taken. As I was taking the shots another Turnstone flew from lower down the banking flying a full circuit before dropping down in the SW corner, unfortunately which was also alive with more little sad men and guns so I didnt attempt to re locate that one. At least now we know why we the public have been stopped from walking down that end.
A Common Sandpiper also flew to the far banking from the northern end.
Many thanks to MH and the Halifax grapevine smoothly run by DJS.
BS