Horrific conditions up at Fly Flatts late afternoon with dense fog and heavy horizontal drizzle brought across the moor on a near gale WSW>6. The visibility was down to 20 yards but good enough to check the west bank for target birds, Shorelark and Snow Bunting , in what I call rarity weather, just the sort of stuff these species of birds usually turn up in but not today.
A walk to the far NW corner found the last 30 yards clear of fog giving me chance to check the water which produced the usual Mallards and 2 Herring gull skimming the water as if to land but then heading off >SW into the fog. A near pure white cock Pheasant flushed from the side of the track making me look twice whilst a few Red Grouse were vocal.
Back at the south banking , soaked to the skin, the fog was now patchy with bank after bank rolling over the moor but giving better visibility although now it was just on the edge of dark so just time to check the boatyard area before lights out.
Walking on the track to the compound I picked up the contact calls of Pink Footed Geese getting nearer but up in the fog before suddenly appearing briefly over the water then disappearing back into the fog off >SW calling as they went.
So despite the conditions an interesting watch with always the chance of a second Snow Bunting under my belt.
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).