Another foggy start to the day which didnt clear until after 0900 hrs despite the moderate W>4, then leaving 100% cloud cover and what seemed like good moving conditions. By late afternoon it had deteriorated to clear blue skies and sunshine on a light SW>3.
Water was gushing into the reservoir from both the south and north ends and the water level is now back to where it was 2 weeks ago so filling much faster than draining at the moment. The exposed islands are now back under water whilst the ponds and lagoon are brimming.
Despite all that , birding was terrible with once again the whole of the north and east bank being void of birds due to the frequent Peregrine visits. Even the geese and gulls have stopped using that area. The south shore just held the usual geese and Mallards, including Daffy duck with her sole surviving young which somehow has miraculously survived and looks almost ready to fly now.
Just 1 Canada goose waiting to fly, which looks about 2 weeks away and then all is clear.
Nothing in the air other than Ravens and Crows whilst a single drake Tufted in eclipse kept to the middle of the water trying to make me think it was a Scoter, and very nearly succeeding until I scoped it.
Thunderstorms on an E>4 tomorrow so that should liven things up a bit although I won,t be standing on the west bank with the tripod up if the storms appear.
Quiet at the moment but I suppose I should,nt moan with a count of 82 species up there this year so far with 15 of those being wader species.
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).