Overnight gales continued throughout the day today with a mixture of heavy rain and drizzle. WSW >8-9 blew gale to severe gale force causing some structural damage around Queensbury , not to mention the hazards of air born wheelie bins.
A detour on the way back from Halifax this afternoon took us through Bradshaw to try catch up to JLs Redpolls but not surprisingly no birds were present in the conditions. A good area for Alders with plenty around so the birds, if locals, would have moved to a more sheltered area. Years ago I got 28 Siskin in this area of Alders so well worth keeping an eye on.
By 1500 hrs I was battling the elements at Ogden where chaos was ongoing with cars everywhere, for some reason the car park gates were all locked and I was told they had,nt been opened all day.
The water was like the North sea with crashing waves and white horses along with horizontal drizzle.
Even the Mallards were sheltering in the bird table area under the shed.
Around 75 hardy small gulls were out in the middle of the water.
With darkness now fast approaching it was back through Bradshaw for a second check of the redpoll site with the same results then on to the Raggalds Flood which held 4 Common gull and 2 Lapwing.
Another c80 Lapwing and c100 small gulls were on the football pitch.
Hopefully the wind will blow itself out before morning but I,m not holding my breath.
BS
WEST YORKSHIRE BIRDING. BRIAN SUMNER. I am based at Queensbury and bird a patch within a 10 mile range of home incorporating 16 stretches of water, several plantations, a belt of woodland, stretches of river and canal and good areas of moorland. I specialize in upland birds, reservoir and sky watching. My local patch is Fly Flatts reservoir. Any reports can be sent by text or call to 07771 705024 or see profile for e mail address. All images on this blog are copyright.(2024).