With an afternoon free it was off to Leeshaw to see if things were any better over the hill which they were,nt.
Around 100 small gulls were on the water along with 2 Cormorants and a few Mallard whilst 21 Canadas were in a nearby field. Usually at this time of year the area is alive with geese having had in the past Pink Footed and Barnacles in amongst the large flocks of Canadas and Greylags but in the last couple of years Leeshaw has gone downhill . Hopefully it will bounce back in the not too distant future.
Flyflatts held 6 Teal across near the far shore along with 8 Mallard and 9 Canadas with a distant, in the sun, fly over of 3 Pink Footed geese >W. Another good day for moving Pinkies with typically small break away skeins now as they make their way to the west coast ready to head >N and home , soon they will be gone.
Otherwise it was just down to a couple of Red Grouse which seem a bit sparse on the moor just now after the shooting season.
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).