A quick dash to Fly Flatts last light failed to produce the goods with just the usual Kestrels , Mallards and game birds. The rain held off till I was leaving as the last bit of light faded at 1350 hrs then mist clouds rolled across the moor on a WSW>5 with heavy to torrential drizzle.
Half way up the track towards the top gate I sat and watched a Short Eared Owl quartering the Fill Belly Flat area barely visible now in the rain and darkness which did,nt seem to bother the bird.
End of an era......... After 53 years none stop of mending cars, today I closed my toolbox for the last time, at work that is, probably not at home, and finally joined the ranks of the unemployed by taking full time retirement.
It will feel strange never to go in the garage again but it will give me more time to get Lynda out and the feeling will lessen when I,m photographing Ospreys over Fly Flatts in springtime.
Lynda says I havent to get under her feet in the mornings so I,ll have to find something else to do, I wonder what !!!!
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).