Hoping October would start off with a bang it was instead a damp squib with a very quiet watch in ,once again, poor conditions.
On arrival conditions were perfect with a light grey 100 % cloud cover and a WNW >4 but 15 minutes into the watch, and as always, as I got 3 parts of the way on the west bank, the wind increased to moderate >NW >5 at 23 m.p.h. and dark clouds rolled over bringing wave after wave of heavy drizzle and mist. To make matters worse thick smoke was drifting across the moor from keepers burning heather on the moor beyond the western ridge.
Unbelievably a single LBB gull and 3 Red Grouse were the only birds found after walking to the NW corner and back but as I got back to the car the sky cleared slightly and the showers stopped.
The last 30 minutes were used for sky watching with a few Mipits over high and >S whilst a Swallow came over very high and fast in migration mode also >S. My last 2 Swallows in 2017 were at Fly Flatts on 12th October so chance of more yet.
The usual Kestrels were up as well as a Buzzard and that was about it.
Had I had more time I,d have called at Cold Edge Dams for Pete Smiths 4 Whooper Swans but with a vet appointment pressing, for Bobby not me, I,ll have to wait for the next lot through.
Cross over time is always a special time of year, like today, with a Swallow going out and Whoopers coming in. Winter Thrushes will be the next on the arrivals list.
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).