Poor conditions late afternoon at Fly Flatts and fading light even as I arrived at 1500 hrs with 100% dark cloud cover on a near gale S >7 blowing at 31 m.p.h. and light drizzle.
All the Mallards today (28) were lined up along the south shore sheltering from the wind before moving off in dribs and drabs down to Dean Head to roost.
Otherwise it was down to Kestrels and Crows plus a few Red Grouse. Its beginning to look a bit grim on the Ring Ouzel scene this year with none at Fly Flatts and very few reports throughout the area.
The wind is forecast to drop overnight so hopefully the morning will be as productive as last Sunday although visible migration is near enough at an end for another year.
Target birds now are :- Snow Bunting, Lapland Bunting, Waxwing, Black Redstart , White winged gulls and winter wildfowl.
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).