1500 hrs and back to Fly Flatts and another walk down the icy track to the water. The fog had now gone leaving a decent 100 % light grey cloud cover with a moderate SW>4 but black clouds rolled in bringing an early last light.
The second walk along the west bank of the day produced next to nothing with a few Mallards on the water, 2 Carrion Crow and about a dozen Red Grouse with no sign of geese or swans on the move.
A 15 minute watch from back at the car by the top road produced 1 distant Buzzard, 1 Short Eared Owl and a single Raven. Around 30 Golden Plover appeared from the east briefly before dropping down onto the flat moor to roost.
Just as I was leaving a Stoat in full winter Ermine coat darted across the track. This was also seen and reported to me a few days previous by DP.
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).