A late kick off and dark heavy clouds over Fly Flatts so off to Ogden where on arrival the rain was coming down in stair rods . Fifteen minutes wait in the car and the rain dropped from torrential to heavy so looking like that was the best I would get I ventured out. Luckily the wind had dropped so it was,nt too unpleasant but you,ll be pleased to know that as of tonight I,ll be giving up my rain dance.
Looking at the un inviting dark plantation and empty water I thought I,d try a tour of the golf course which is a long hard trek round but as I,d left the dogs at home I could cover some ground.
All the activity was down in the bottom of the course and despite the rain plenty birds were about but mobile and keeping low in the shelter of the small trees.
Meadow Pipits were everywhere, some already carrying food whilst Chaffinches and Bullfinches were in good numbers , the Bullfinches enjoying the new tree buds.
Several Blackbirds all got a second check for Ring Ouzel but not to be and the best of the bunch being a female Stonechat which soon disappeared into a dry stone wall.
Back at the water 6 LBB gulls and 2 Herring gulls landed briefly before heading off towards Mixenden and a drake Tufted duck came in to land alongside Mallards.
Back home then to get my gear dry ready to get it wet again tomorrow by the look of the forecast.
BS