0830 hrs at Fly Flatts once again in thick fog but decent conditions otherwise with a light W>3 and dry.
Again no visibility over the water or skyward so once again a check along the south and west bank which brought a pleasant surprise. Half way on the banking a Curlew gave one sharp call before lifting off from the waters edge about 30 yards in front of me appearing through the fog low over head quickly disappearing back into the fog >SW. This bird was in nearly the same spot as a Greenshank I got up there 9/12/2007 but to be fair I,ve had Curlew in the past over the hill at Leeshaw Reservoir both December and January and several over winter in lowland fields, one of the biggest roosts nearby being Otley.
Its possible the bird had been disturbed from the west where a Boxing day shoot was taking place beyond the western ridge, possibly Walshaw/ Gorple area with plenty guns blasting throughout.
Otherwise just 1 Reed Bunting near the seed and some BH gulls calling from the water but unseen in the fog whilst a single Mistle Thrush flew from the single tree by the Lagoon.
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).