A clearer morning in Queensbury but Fly Flatts was still up in the clouds.
Leeshaw was clear but very dark on a light N>3 and heavy rain throughout.
Just a normal steady mornings birding with nothing to get the adrenaline going with around 200 BH gulls around the water with several others in surrounding fields. Just the one male Goosander
on the water along with 17 Mallard and 2 distant Teal half hiding in the reed beds. At least 2 Meadow Pipits were in the conduit as well as a single Reed Bunting whilst 7 Stock doves were in a field across the water along with 23 Pheasants.
By late afternoon the fog had cleared from the tops and the rain had stopped leaving decent conditions with a light N>3 and even a hint of blue sky . At last, after almost a weeks absence due to fog it was back to my home base at Fly Flatts where the Bentleys team welcomed me back saying they thought I must be dead. They have now completed bypassing the NW inlet to stop the reservoir refilling by laying nearly a mile of large diameter pipes through into the conduit to take the water directly back down the stream and into Dean Head. This has left the water at its lowest level which is now near enough for them to start their work in the reservoir basin and fortunately leaving enough water to support wildfowl although there may not be enough to invite Whooper Swans down but we shall see.
As expected, this late in the afternoon and not far off last light, things were quiet with just
3 Herring gulls, 2 LBB gulls and 4 Black Headeds on the far shore. A single Meadow Pipit and 3 Reed Buntings were around the top track feeding area whilst 2 cronking Ravens flew overhead.
By the time I,d replenished all the seed it was 1515 hrs and on the edge of darkness so head for home in the knowledge that hopefully we are in for a few good days birding weather at last and only 23 days to the shortest day.
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).