1500 hrs at Fly Flatts with blue skies and sunshine on a cool NE> 5. Only 20 % cloud cover. A bracing hour in decent conditions but a light cloud cover would have been better for the birds.
A count of 33 Mallards were out on the water at the NE corner in the lee of the wind but the skies overhead were empty.
Several Red Grouse were out on the moor whilst a single male Stonechat was near the overflow briefly. Otherwise the whole area was void of any bird life other than a male Pheasant which nearly got itself run over on the way home.
Talking to DJS on the phone from Ringby who said he was getting Meadow Pipits brought to light that this is the first winter that I have had at Fly Flatts with no over wintering Meadow Pipits for some strange reason.
Ending on a good note, I did,nt leave the reservoir until 1600 hrs tonight and it was still light with the sun just setting so slowly our daylight is returning.
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).