A flying unplanned visit to Soil Hill at 1500 hrs got the adrenaline going when , what I would say was a Snow Bunting , flew from the east summit seeded area landing some 50 yds further north near the start of the mounds.
It flushed as I got onto the top near the big stone in a patchy area that looks good for Snow Bunt where I have been spreading Nyjer the last 2 weeks. The light was fading fast but as I got the bins on it just as it went down I got a bright white flank. It also had the jizz of a Snow Bunt flying briefly before dropping again unlike Mipits which tend to move further away when flushed although Mipits can look to have a light flank in the wind with feathers blowing open.
Knowing that there has been no Mipits up there the last week I stuck to Snow Bunt and walked on to try relocate it without success with the light now almost gone.
I did,nt put the bird out as it was too late for anyone to check tonight and the birders that visit the hill read my blog anyway so hopefully someone or myself will re locate it tomorrow. Apart from that, 90% sure isnt good enough. 3 Fieldfares were moving around the east summit whilst 9 Redwing went over towards Ogden.
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.(2024).