1430 hrs and a look at Fly Flatts found an increase in wind from this morning up to near gale W>7 with dark clouds and quiet skies and water. A decision to check the west bank was soon decided for me with a dog walker with 2 off the lead dogs charging about along the banking making it pointless me walking on checking for Larks and Buntings so after a quick check of the boatyard I up stumps and headed for the shelter of Slaughter Gap.
The wind was almost as bad at this location with the west wind funneling down the track but at least it was dry and undisturbed.
Slaughter Gap may seem a strange venue for this time of year as it is a Wheatear, Ring Ouzel hotspot in the spring but its a good vantage point for sky watching in case Pinkies were on the move and I thought I may find out where some of the local Meadow pipits are over wintering as this is the first year I,ve had none, as well as Skylarks, at Fly Flatts since the late autumn.
Surprisingly no Golden Plover were found but 2 flocks of Fieldfare were flushed from a field by a passing quarry wagon thundering along the road , with a count of 28 and 35.
A charm of Goldfinch were active on thistle tops with around 40 in the flock working their way around the field edges.
Kestrels never seem to bother about the wind with 2 up over the quarry whilst a distant Buzzard was high up between Mixenden Reservoir and the golf course where a Short Eared Owl was quartering the top end of the course despite several golfers on the greens.
Several Common and Black Headed gulls were coming up from Cold Edge Dams and stopping off in the fields for a last pre roost feed but no sign of big gulls and certainly no Meadow Pipits.
Strong SW winds and rain forecast for the morning so I may be in for the first soaking of the year which does,nt matter as long as it brings some birds along with it.
A shopping trip early p.m.firstly to Sainsburys and then The Range found plenty Redwings and Blackbirds at each location and still plenty berries left but no signs of the elusive Waxwing flock. My last Waxwing sighting was 18th December on Pellon Lane with none seen since although I have,nt been looking for them other than the shopping trips.
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).