With the Mixenden Whoopers and the Ringby Snow Bunting all moved on it was up to Ringby late afternoon in a hope of going out of February in style with something like a Shorelark or even a good fly over, neither of which developed.
As I arrived up there the low scud clouds swept in bringing rain, sleet and snow which eventually settled down to a light drizzle on a SW>4.
After a sweep of the Snow Bunt field, again confirming the bird had flown, I trekked on in thick mud, like walking in rice pudding, to check the Yellow Wag field for Larks but only came up with Pied Wags and Skylarks.
A pair of Stonechat were very mobile whilst 14 Meadow Pipits were in the quarry. Overhead was the usual Common gulls with a few LBBs and Herrings heading >W whilst a Sparrowhawk soared up in the mist.
So here endeth February and on into March, a real cross over month with winter birds leaving and summer birds trickling in, a month where anything can happen.
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).