An atrocious day with rain from start to finish with wind picking up as the day went on.
A wet shopping spree in Halifax this afternoon but as we came out of Sainsburys the sky was brightening with even a glimpse of the sum and the rain easing.
By the time I,d got home, geared up and driven to Mixenden the brightness had gone with a wind increase to SSW>5 and the rain coming down it stair rods.
Luckily rain doesnt affect reservoir watching apart from being unpleasant and no good for photos so all was not lost.
The water was void of wildfowl with around 50 small gulls sitting it out on the east banking so it was back to Ogden in the hope of an improvement in sightings.
The rain was still coming down although it was a little more sheltered but already soaked to the skin now it mattered not.
The Goldeneye was still present but very timid heading out for deep water every time someone walked near.
The Kingfisher was present throughout but way down in the darkest corner of the sluice gate and with rain blowing straight at the camera there was no chance of decent photos.
A few small gulls and the usual Mallards made up the rest of species present.
A walk up Back Lane to the moor was by no means one of my best ideas in the now SSW>6 and near torrential rain but with thoughts of an early Curlew or Goldie I thought it could be worth it although neither of the 2 appeared.
Interestingly the horse field held 43 Magpie, 28 Stock Dove and around 70 Woodpigeons taking advantage of a last light feed.
I,d planned on doing Ned Hill track on the way back but with light now fading it was back home to get the wet clothes on the radiators ready to get them soaked again in the morning.
Have a good look through those small gull flocks as several Kittiwakes are reported inland.
BS