Fly Flatts 1500- 1645 hrs
This has got to be the most elusive bird I have ever gone after. DJS has always been good at setting me a challenge but this one wins the prize.
Half way to Fly Flatts with target bird Black Redstart when a text from DJS saying he was already there and had sighted the bird.
When I arrived Dave had scoped the bird about half a mile across the moor on a broken wall, don,t ask me how he saw it because I,m still working that one out.
Anyway, off we trekked over the boggy moor and 3 walls later we came across the Wheatears exactly where Dave had explained.
After a lot of scanning the Black Red appeared on the wall top in amongst the 3 Wheatears and half a dozen Meadow Pipits.
One of the Wheatears stood out as a Greenland being much brighter orange coloured and a larger long legged bird.
Even then it was very elusive flitting from the wall onto the moor with the group slowly working their way back away from Slade farm towards the farm opposite the wind farm car park.
The bird kept its distance and in the milky light from the sun photos were difficult, hopefully DJS will have some better than mine.
The 3 Wheatears, Black Red and a dozen Mipits ended up on the wall opposite the wind farm car park working their way along as far as the mast but with the sun directly behind them viewing was poor.
A great bird for the area and yet another feather in the cap for eagle eyed Dave Sutcliffe. Dave said it was down to luck finding the bird and re locating it 3 times to which I have to disagree, it was down to dedication, perseverance and patience. Thanks again Dave.
PS. If it was down to luck Dave you,d better fill the lottery in tonight.
BS