at Fly Flatts then get one at Ogden.
Blue clear skies this morning so off to Fly Flatts but on arrival the fog was dense once again so a quick turn around and back to Ogden which turned out to be an excellent move.
Cloud was just above the plantation but soon cleared to 5 okts on a WSW>3 increasing as the morning went on. A cool 8 degrees.
As soon as I got out of the back door this morning Redwings were piling over as well as Woodpigs but the Redwings were low and obviously post roosting birds the same as those at Ogden.
Vis mig was alive with mainly Thrushes whilst several Blackbirds were blogging.
Whilst counting Woodpigs coming past the wind turbines a thrush type bird was coming from the Fly Flatts area towards the plantation and reservoir. At first I thought Redwing then as it got nearer I got it as Blackbird until it got over the north end of the water to reveal it as a Ring Ouzel high and east towards Soil Hill. I had about 30 seconds in which to grab the camera from my belt and snap it before it disappeared over the east plantation which was just enough time for Big Bertha to get some record shots. Shortly afterwards 3 separate Gt Spotted Woodpeckers went over high and west in migration mode ,each one disappearing over the wind turbines.
A flock of around 40 birds kept flying around over the plantation with Goldfinch,
Redpoll and Siskin with plenty Chaffinch in the area but no Brambling showing as yet.
Fly Flatts late afternoon was wild to say the least with a strong WSW>7 near gale blowing at 32 m.p.h. which felt a bit gusty walking the west bank although it was dry and bright.
Just a single Tufted on the water and a few BH gulls around the shoreline and another Ring Ouzel check just came up with 2 Wheatear.
Sky watching back at the boatyard just produced a few more BH gulls and a single Peregrine over making a half hearted attempt at the Tufted duck .
Surely with the strong wind to carry on tomorrow there will be no fog at Fly Flatts in the morning which will be the first time for a week if it happens.
Ogden Vis Mig
61 Starling.................>NW
327 Mipits................>S
297 Redwing...........>S
115 Woodpigs.........>S
7 Fieldfare..............>W
2 Song Thrush.......>W
15 Mistle Thrush...>W
1 Ring Ouzel........>E
3 Gt Spotted Wdpecks...>W
3 Swallow............>S
Present
Mixed flock of Goldfinch, Redpoll and Siskin
12 Blackbird by lodge house
Sparrowhawk
Common gulls
Black Headed gulls
Fly Flatts
sev BH gulls
1 Tufted
2 Wheatear
1 Peregrine
BS
Note... The Pomerine Skua over Anglers country park today would have been very welcome over Fly Flatts. It just shows whats possible in these conditions.