Another morning of thick fog at Queensbury and in the valleys but Fly Flatts was way above the clouds in wall to wall sunshine , 20% cloud cover and a very light SE>3.
A new arrival overnight of Dunlins with a minimum of 11 present along with 10 Common Sandpipers at the south end with others scurrying about on the north shore but impossible to count through the scope in the heat shimmer.
At least 5 Redshank are present with more around the north ponds along with 2 Oystercatchers whilst 4 Snipe were chipping. A Merlin went over high probably attracted by a good number of Swallows moving through all >S and very low, some head height skimming past me.
Otherwise it was down to Lapwings, Canadas, Greylags and Curlew with the usual 2 Red Legged Partridge down the track area. A low count of Meadow pipits this year up to the usual high numbers.
Just as I thought it was all over a first Swift was overhead as I drove past Mixenden reservoir heading >N in no great rush. This is my earliest back by one day .
BS