With no reports of Dotterel since pm yesterday I thought I,d better get up to Nolstar and check it out.
After 1 hour scanning and scoping all the usual hiding places and surrounding fields I believe that the 3 Dotterel have moved on. Several Wheatear were in the field as well as 2 Curlew and 23 Golden Plover but a disappointment for the birders that have missed the Dotterel although theres still time for more to appear yet.
A early evening dog walk at Ogden to get NKs 2 Mute Swans from this morning which are a real rarity for Ogden and throughout our area unless you go to one of the nearby parks.
The 2 first year birds seemed settled enough and were settling down on the NW shore as I left.
I bet Nigel thought " what late Whoopers" when he first saw them this morning.
Otherwise Ogden just held the usual Willow Warblers etc with quiet skies and no gulls.
On the way back near Ned Hill I had to stand the car on its nose as a Fox leaped over the wall and across the road in front of me 2 ft from my bumper before disappearing over the opposite wall.
Well, I,ve have a great few days bird wise but my luck finally ran out today . Yesterday I spent most of the afternoon at Fly Flatts sky watching and then this afternoon at Fly Flatts an Osprey was soaring over the water then drifting >E probably over Ogden and Soil Hill (MH), and where was I, shopping with Lynda in Brighouse, oh well, you can,t have everything.
Halifax Grape Vine.
Whilst at the Dotterel, or ex Dotterel, site this afternoon I had the pleasure of bumping into Hebden birder Richard who had come to see the Dotterel but was unfortunately too late.
When he asked me how I first heard of them I told him about DJSs grapevine to which he immediately joined. He didnt get any info on these birds till it was too late but luckily this won,t happen again now he has joined the grapevine.
You need up to date info and we need extra eyes out there sending in reports so why not join in. Its the best £5 you,ll ever spend bird wise and the money goes back into Calderdale birds in the form of much needed nest boxes etc.
Even if the reported birds are out of your local area its gives you an idea of whats on the move and what to look out for and its priceless in winter telling where and which direction skeins of Pink Footed geese are moving so you immediately know if they are heading your way.
If you are interested just contact Dave or myself to join the 39 members we have on board already.
Right Dave, about my commission.
BS