Fly Flatts 1445 hrs in gruesome weather with a howling E>6 increasing to near gale E>7 at 33 m.p.h. on the west bank with a temperature of 3 degrees but feeling much colder with the chill factor. The sky was darkening throughout making it nearly too dark to see across the water by the end of the watch and way too dark to attempt photos. By 1530 hrs down came the rain.
The only movement sky wise was 19 Herring gulls >NE with a few Mipits braving the wind. Two Grey Partridge ran across the track and a Snipe flushed from the reed bed.
Down at the feeding station the Wheatears had either moved through or sheltering on the moor whilst a single Mistle Thrush was present, perhaps the bird I found a few days back as not a common bird in that area.
The 3 Barnacles were up in the top fields before flying down onto the water, one of which is still paired up with a Canada.
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).