A midday check on the growing Lapwing flock at the Shelf Moor trailer park found them spread through 3 fields with 87 Lapwing, 8 Golden Plover and 9 BH Gulls. The Lapwings seem to be back using this winter site with Raggalds Flood now none existent.
Mixenden Reservoir held a pair of Tufted and around 30 small gulls during a quick check on the way to Fly Flatts.
Although Fly Flatts had perfect conditions with light grey sky on a light W>3 the birding was terrible with just 43 Mallard, 1 Black Headed gull and 1 Herring gull >NE. No sign of Goldies or yesterdays Dunlin.
By 1600 hours the photographic light had gone and another 15 minutes the visual light faded meaning time to pack up and head home.
Plenty Brambling heading our way plus a Snow Bunting found above Otley as well as the first few Waxwings being spotted by vis miggers.
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).