A continuation of Woodpigeon movement this morning with again hundreds over the garage all >S whilst good numbers of Starling moved their usual migration direction of >NW. The show ended around 0945 hrs with just straggler Woodpigeons after that until midday.
1500 hrs at Fly Flatts with conditions one extreme to the other since yesterday from E>3 yesterday to W>5 gusting 6 today with 60 % cloud cover.
The watch started well with firstly a Ringed Plover flushed from the south shore which headed fast and low across the water towards the peninsular area but not to be relocated. Next off was 2 Fieldfare moving around the Robin rock which silhouetted by the sun had me going for Ring Ouzel until they flew low down the valley towards Dean Head.
A walk along the west banking was unworkable in the strong wind but a scope from squat down below the banking failed to provide anything other than 28 Mallard and 5 blogging Mipits with no Golden Plover present and no sign of yesterdays Pintail or DJSs Wigeon from earlier in the day.
Back at the car on the south bank and an empty camera and notebook so as a last resort I went through the boatyard and along the east bank cobbles where I picked up yesterdays Dunlin in the distance. When within a decent distance I set up for a bit of a photographic session but now the sun was opposite me throwing shadows on the bird and the wind was also coming from opposite me making the bird face the wind with its back to me. Luckily the Dunlin was busy feeding so I had to keep snapping it as it turned towards me occasionally to probe in the waters edge.
Pleased that the Dunlin saved the day we could now go home and get some tea.
BS