With little spare time today it was down to a quick check of Fly Flatts this evening in cloudy skies and a stiff WNW>5 with light drizzle.
Still no Scoter for this location with just the usual Canadas on the water along with the Barnacle goose and 5 Greylags.
The 2 Tufted were still present whilst a Common Sandpiper was moving along the west banking.
A Snipe was calling from the field above the water but kept hidden in the reeds and Meadow pipit numbers are increasing with post breeding birds starting to group ready for the off.
Sadly all last years Short Eared Owls have completely disappeared from the grouse shooting areas and may just have moved on due to a shortage of mice but I have my own ideas of what has happened to them.
A quick look at Mixenden reservoir on the way home found it void of bird life.
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).