as a windsurfer.
A decent morning with a bright start then 100% cloud cover on a light W>4 which increased late afternoon to W>5 with light rain throughout.
Still a count of over 40 Dunlin with 22 on the south shore alone and at least 20 on the east shore but only 2 Ringed Plover present today along with the usual Redshanks and Common Sandpipers.
Several Snipe are still up displaying whilst Curlews have quietened down now, many busy guarding young.
At least 30 Golden plover are on the Flat Moor but are only seen when spooked by a raptor. Short Eared Owl are seen regular and a report from a lady dog walker see,s Barn Owl regular at the northern end, this is probably one of the Oxenhope birds.
The Greylag goslings are growing well now and are about the size of Teal with only 1 lost out of two families of 3 and 7. Plenty Canada goslings now coming off the moor which strangely the gulls show very little interest in but would rather search for eggs or Lapwing and Curlew chicks though gull numbers are decreasing daily with only 23 this morning and none this afternoon though this could have been due to windsurfers on the water.
Quiet in the skies with just a few LBB gulls over and one very noisy BH gull. Strong westerlies for tomorrow and rain which may spice the job up a bit for reservoir watchers.
BS