A real washout this morning with torrential rain, low clouds and a moderate WSW>4. With Fly Flatts in the clouds it was a wet dog walk at Ogden to check the water and get ourselves a good soaking.
With nothing present but a few BH gulls and the usual Mallards it was another early finish.
Late afternoon looked promising with blue skies and some sunshine so with my birding head back on we set off for Fly Flatts. As soon as we got near Mixenden I could smell the plastic burning smell from yesterdays fire and once again the road was closed but at the junction with Moorend Road , making it look as is the fire was possibly the recycle centre at the top of the hill. At least today I could go on Moorend Rd then back on towards Fly Flatts. That was until I got near the Crossroads Inn where a police van with blue lights flashing was across the road with accident, road closed signs, blocking the way.
Unbelievable, another turn round and another harassing drive to Leeshaw reservoir with more stop starts than a Bradford bus at rush hour.
A dog walk at Leeshaw, in thickening cloud and drizzle, then a check round of the water and sky which were both very quiet with just a few Mallard , 4 Cormorant and 6 BH gulls.
After 15 minutes watching some joker decided to start blasting a 12 bore in the fields above the water which immediately spooked the dogs and sent them in the shivers so once again it was abandon ship and get off home. Two write offs in two days must be a record for me and another 3 days of cloud and heavy rain to look forward to yet.
Its a good job DF, PD, DR and AH were out there clocking up the Terns, well done lads.
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.(2024).