Fly Flatts this morning was horrendous with a howling WSW>5 and continuous horizontal heavy drizzle throughout. Visibility was poor with mist banks moving across from the west though it was always possible to see across the water.
Scoping the shorelines was a task and a half but the large Dunlin flock was still present along with Common Sandpipers and Redshanks. No gulls on the shoreline again this morning either due to the winds or just getting bored with the place.
An ideal moving day but no Terns through as yet but several Herring gulls all >NE as well as an unusual 4 Mistle Thrush and a pair of Tufted in the same direction.
Swifts were the bird of the morning with possibly around 100 over the water all >NW , these being either movers or a feeding party moving ahead of the weather front, either way, a spectacular sight to see.
By 1000 hrs I had achieved a reet good soaking, got 3 soggy dogs and with bins, camera and scope wet and steamed up I let common sense take over, which is unusual for me, and headed home to get my gear dried off ready for a possible second soaking late afternoon.
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).