A free afternoon whilst waiting to pick Ollie up from the groomers so 2 hour to enjoy Fly Flatts.
Conditions were near perfect with a cool NW>4 and 80 % cloud cover and hazy sunshine.
Unfortunately the birds did,nt seem to approve of the weather with deathly quiet skies only producing Woodpigeon and Raven fly overs whilst the water provided at least 26 Mallard. The moors were alive with Red Grouse along with a calling Golden Plover but keeping out of sight.
The session was once again saved with the hardy Stonechats producing 3 down near the feeding station and 5 along the top road. Nothing else materialized but good to get back up there after the stretch of wind and fog.
Driving back down Pellon Lane a group of small Siskin type birds flew over the road from Alder trees by the working mans club. I stopped and walked round the bowling green where the tall Alder trees were full of Goldfinch and Chaffinch but no sign of Siskin. This looks like a good spot to watch for Brambling.
BS