1500 hrs and what seemed to be a pleasant afternoon soon altered when I reached the summit of Soil Hill. It was just as sunny with blue skies but a strong SW>5-6 gusting across the tops.
Visibility was poor up to yesterday with around 30 miles to the NE, Ingleborough just visible through the haze to the N and Saddleworth Moor to the S. Looking west is restricted to Stoodley Pike beyond which the land drops off .
Several Greylag geese were moving >N way out across the Aire Valley with 32 counted in threes and fours whilst LBB gulls again headed >SW. A single Cormorant headed >N high above the wind turbines whilst 2 Hirundines followed on the same track a few minutes later but too distant and fast to split House or Sand Martin.
The hill just held the usual Skylarks and Meadow Pipits with an addition to the NK pond of at least 7 Mallard ducklings. Luckily for them the local Heron has moved on now that its finished off all the frog spawn.
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).