As we drove past the Raggalds field early afternoon on a shopping trip I could see there were plenty mixed gulls in there waiting to be checked. With no time and at the risk of getting an ear bashing I put it out on CKs Bradford grapevine and luckily Chris was available to check them out so after a good scoping he informed me that there was nothing special among them. Thanks for that Chris.
On the way to Fly Flatts late p.m. I had a scan through them again but only Black Headed, Common and Lesser Black Backs to be found with no Herring present.
Fly Flatts was again spoilt with the weather with 24 degree heat as the sun blasted down and a light SW>3-4 making it workable but far from good conditions with the same forecast for tomorrow. The only pleasing thing about today was the thoughts of days to come as we head into the second half of July and hopefully back to some proper British weather.
The only gulls present today were 19 BHGs on the water and east bank along with the usual Common Sandpipers but no sign of Dunlin for 3 days now.
Post breeding Mipit numbers are rising with around 100 along the waters edge. These numbers will continue to rise now as they start to group ready for the big push >S late September.
Last nights blast of heavy rain looked promising but as they say up here in Queensbury " It was nobbut enough to sleck the dust ".
Hopefully I,ll beat the heat in the morning.
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.(2024).