to think of Bean Goose.
Pink foot.
To start the day a call from AC reporting Pinkies heading my way so after a grapevine call I went on watch in the garage car park until another call from DJS saying they had drifted west of me and he got them over Wainstalls. Another Brownie point for the grapevine. See Calderbirds and Northowram blogs for reports, counts and pics.
A free afternoon and as I was setting off for Fly Flatts a call from DJS saying that during the morning he had found a bit of an odd looking Pink Footed Goose at Cold Edge Dams so a detour on my way to check it out. The bird was a bit rough feathered though the head pointed to Pink Footed until it stood up to reveal Orange legs which set alarm bells ringing towards Bean goose or a hybrid.
After I was satisfied that I had all I needed on the photos it was back to the car and out with the Macmillan field guide to bird I.D. which stated that juv Pinkies can have orange legs mainly in the autumn. Problem solved but a good find by Dave and good to find a bird that makes you consult the book once in a while . Theres always something new to learn in this job.
The fields were alive with Fieldfare and Starling making an impressive sight as they flew around together.
On then to Fly Flatts in near perfect conditions with 90 % light grey cloud cover and the wind dropped from previous visits to WSW>6 which made it more workable.
Two very white Greylags flew over, these being from a brood 2 years ago over the Nab at Oxenhope whilst 4 Canadas and 31 Mallard were on the water.
A Peregrine skimmed low over the moor with a Kestrel hovering overhead, otherwise quiet and no more signs of Pinkie movement. Several Herring gulls headed >W.
Back by the boathouse 2m and 1f Stonechat were on the wire fence.
A great afternoons birding.
Thanks to AC and DJS for calls and updates.
Fly Flatts
BS