With the dreaded sun beating down relentlessly from a clear blue sky I did,nt fancy facing Fly Flatts with no shade and very little breeze . Other than this it was boat day with nothing on the water so I took the opportunity to check out Leeshaw for waders and gulls seeing as we,re getting close to Yellow Legged Herring gull time. What a bad decision this turned out to be!
The farmer that has opened the camp sites above Leeshaw reservoir has now opened another field between the farm and the water and is advertising childrens parties which was what was going on this afternoon so with the disturbance from that and fly fishermen walking around the shoreline the scene was not good.
I gave it a 30 minutes looking at then , with the dogs and me starting to pant, we got out of there sharpish.
In the short time there I just managed :-
10 Oystercatcher
1 Snipe
several House Martins over the water
+ usual s.p.
On the way back around 30 Curlews were in the TMR fields showing that the post breeding roost is building up.
Whilst in the garden centre on our travels this afternoon I saw a wall plaque that amused me and Lynda said suited me in this weather, it said, Start the day with a smile and get it over with.
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).