Inspired by an e mail from KM this afternoon reporting a 1st year and 2 third year YL Herring gulls, different from the Leeshaw bird, at Oxenhope during the week plus 2 adults I,ve had and the Leeshaw 3rd year bird making 6 Yellow Legged Herring gulls through the area July/Aug plus another 2 Common Scoters so I thought I,d better get up there sharpish.
On arrival at 1600 hrs the banking the whole length of the reservoir was packed with gulls but no Scoters or waders present.
A scoped count revealed over 800 LBBs, c 300 BHGs and 27 Herring gull.
Now was the task of checking through 1200 + gulls for goodies . Then a phone call from a distraught Lynda that one of the dogs was having fits and needed to get to the vets a.s.a.p. so it was up stumps and a dash back home leaving the gulls unchecked.
Rooney the Poodle has to stay in overnight for checks and probably have to be picked up in the morning which sounds like the Sunday mornings birding session scuppered and probably me having fits when they hit me with the bill.
Well done to KM for his time and effort sorting the birds at Oxenhope.
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).