With Saturday boating at Fly Flatts I went over the Nab to Leeshaw with target birds, House Martin,
Swift and Cuckoo, none of which transpired.
Apart from fog it was my worst possible conditions with wall to wall blue skies and hot sunshine with very little breeze which immediately knocks off the upland birds and brings out the nuggets.
Two large campsites were in full swing thanks to the farm by the water with 2 fields full of tents and 1 field turned into a playground area with what seemed like competitions going on to see who could scream the loudest. Several nuggets with dogs off the lead were walking around the reservoir edge, which is strictly private, letting the dogs go in the water as well as flushing several nesting Lapwings from their nests. I find it strange why people head for the peace and quiet of the country side to make a lot of noise, or maybe its just the Victor Meldrew side of me coming out.
Needless to say, birding was poor with just the usual Curlews, Lapwings, Redshank, Oystercatchers, geese etc with no returning Cuckoos as yet.
I,ll be returning to Leeshaw when the weather turns grim.
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).