A bit of a queue to get on the hill today which was surprising in the conditions. Angela and Gary gave it a coat of looking at late morning along with Bradshaw John and then myself late afternoon but all coming up with the same results.
Just as I was about to set off up there a howling sleet and snow blizzard appeared from nowhere lasting about 30 minutes so that delayed the start a bit then a bit more when I found Id left my boots outside from this morning and now they were full of snow.
On with the wellies and up the hill in a howling WSW>6-7 and light showers although I could see another mega downpour heading up the Calder valley in my direction.
A quick dash down the north slope tree line and a slow pant back up found no target birds and a check of another 2 spots nearby which are hot spots for Ring Ouzel produced the same.
By this time the skies were black and the rain and hailstones starting to come down so a dash across the mounds and east summit and back to the car just in time before another blizzard hit.
A third check today of the Raggalds flood found it void of birds. The water level is well down but a good area of wader inviting mud.
Soil Hill
1 pr Pheasant
1 Grey Partridge
3 pr Mallard
1 Heron
5 LBBs >N
+ usual Mipits and Skylarks.
A report from HC tonight of 82 Fieldfare at Oxenhope at tea time, sounds like they are ready for off. Thanks for that Howard.
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.(2025).