With a SE then turning E>4 at Fly Flatts today it was surprising that there was no fog, which is the norm for any light winds from easterly directions, though the skies were very hazy with little visibility beyond 5 miles. Temperatures remained low at 2 degrees and, this afternoon especially, the sky was very dark giving no chance of anything in the way of decent photos, even if there had have been something worth taking.
The skies remained empty throughout other than 2 Herring gull >NE and a single Black Headed gull which hung around most of the day. A Kestrel and 3 Raven were also present over the quarry area.
With empty water and shoreline I spent my time scratting about for any small passerines which may be grounded in the area checking all the accessible dykes , drains and ditches , with special attention to the seeded areas and SE ponds which are 100% perfect for Snow Bunting , Twite and Shorelark. This area also has had a good covering of seed which so far has just kept the 2 local long staying Crows happy.
This search was part successful turning up 3 separate Reed Buntings,
5 Stonechat, 2 Meadow Pipits, a Wren and a single Dunnock, both the 2 latter being rare at this site in the autumn/winter. The pond area has water in the ponds and weeds,along with short water grass growing around them with good areas of sand and silt. Also the shoreline along the front of the boathouse is now a good silt and sandy beach area with several types of low weed and grass species growing. One of these areas has got to temp a Shorelark come December.
A report yesterday from one of the Bentley workers of a Barn Owl in the area at 1700 hrs as he was leaving and again this morning at first light but no more sightings as yet.
This could possibly turn out to be the commoner Short Eared Owl usual to this site but not seen since the summer.
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).