the shape of the Gular patch with the Gular line
dropping vertical as opposed to angled (Carbo)
These continentals are now common on inland
waters but there are several interbred with Carbo.
see Calderbirds. Pics taken in grim light
at distance.
A bright sunny morning at Fly Flatts with blue skies but a threatening fog bank along the western ridge and down the Calder Valley. By the time I,d got geared up and scanned the water the fog piled in cutting visibility to a few yards , end of story, as I knew there was no chance of it clearing for some time.
Next stop was Mixenden reservoir which was clear but very dark and murky as well as no dog access without throwing them over the wall so all viewing was distant.
A single female Goldeneye along with a male Goosander were across the far end of the water whilst a Moorhen and 2 Mallard were under the west bank trees at the waters edge. The east bank held 39 BH gull, 11 Common gulls and a single 1st year Herring gull.
Pete Smiths possible continental sinensis Cormorant was feeding well out on the water with a fish every dive though this species is very iffy now with interbreeding between Carbo and Sinensis making it very difficult to say one way or the other. MC once sent me details and drawings on the two plus hybrids which is very involving.
On then to Ogden which was just below the cloud base but in a neck throbbing region with 2 mini buses full of school kiddies and the car park heaving with cars so a quick turn around and head for home.
With very little time late afternoon and not chancing Ogden again I headed for Bank Tops,s Horton country park to check out the gull situation where around 50 small gulls were present but no big gulls at all. Two of Judy Hoggs rung adult Mute swans and a juv were by the waters edge before an adult and the juv came out of the water with Bobby thinking they wanted to play but the swans had other ideas so it was time to make a retreat.
Otherwise it was just down to the usual duck pond species with Coot, Moorhen, Tufted and Mallards plus a few very unsavoury characters hanging around in the car park that is now closed off to cars due to drug dealing in the past.
Not a place I,d recommend and I,d have felt better carrying a baseball bat instead of the camera.
BS