1530 hrs and with the weather just what I did,nt want with blue skies and scorching sunshine I thought it worth a try at Hunter Hill to see if any migrants were down in Slaughter Gap after DJSs Redstarts there.
After nearly 2 hour of trekking up and down the gap I came away with 1 LBB gull, 1 Woodpig and 1 Sparrowhawk with not a single bird down in the valley. By the time I got back to the car I was as red as a Turkey Cock and feeling to have lead boots on.
The depression soon lifted as a Grapevine message arrived from DB via DJS of 2 Spotted Flycatchers and a juv Cuckoo down Taylor Lane, Soil Hill.
" I,ll be back in 15 minutes" I shouted to Lynda as I shot out of the door, camera in hand.
After a few minutes looking I got the 2 Spotted Flycatchers briefly from a distance , one on a pole, the other on a wire but then the rain came down and the birds dived down for cover not to be seen again.
Back home and the weather brightening it was throw the dogs in the car and head for Ogden where the gull count was very impressive with 31 LBB, 19 Common and over 200 BHGs.
The 2 Great Crested Grebe were present on the water and a bit of sky watching produced 5 Cormorant over >W.
By now dark clouds were appearing and wondering whether to walk round the water or not was decided when a clap of thunder spooked Ollie who dragged the other 2 dogs and me sharpish back to the car.
On the way home the rain was that heavy over Soil Hill I had to pull in until it eased slightly so I could see where I was going.
Not the best of Saturday sessions but thanks to Hawkeye Branch the day was saved with the 2 Spotted Flycatchers on the doorstep.
Vis Mig
5 Cormorant...........................>W
2 Spotted Flycatchers...........> blogging
8 Swallows...........................>S
BS