1700-1800 hrs. Bright with some dark clouds, strong W>5.
Not one of my better choices for an evening but needed to check the water for Scoter so decided on a joint dog walk and watch in one on the top road.
The road around this time is like the M62 with cars steaming past in both directions using it as a rat run between Halifax and Keighley so the dog walk was limited to short and sweet.
Druggies were parked in every space making me keep the camera in the car and the highlight was 2 cars full of scummies racing and one spinning round on the new road chippings and ending up nose first down a ditch where it got left abandoned,probably stolen anyway.
The bit of birding I got in amongst all this was just the usual Canadas on the water along with a pair of Mallard with young.
Several LBB gulls were over the moor and a Peregrine flew >S along the horizon.
The stars of the show were Swifts with the sky alive with them slowly making their way >N with several young in tow.
Its a shame a good spot like Fly Flatts has been lost to the scum but if you dare,nt leave your car and walk down to the water early morning and its unsafe to use the top road at evening theres not much else going for it .
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).