At long last, a full 2 sessions at Fly Flatts with 50% cloud and sunshine on a N>2 turning
NW>3 by pm at 0 degrees this morning rising to 3 degrees this afternoon but very little thawing.
Again the ground was frozen so a walk on the west bank before the work starts in that area tomorrow. Herring gulls were the main feature this morning coming over continuous all >NE , some close by over the water whilst the majority were in the far distance beyond the western ridge with groups of 80 + .
At least 5 Stonechat were down the entrance track and unusual to see them actually on the track checking out the seed which has now had several bags full scattered from top to bottom as well as the ponds area.
A good count of Mallard on the water and a Peregrine present for a second day, this time on the north bank, making me wonder what is present to attract it back to the area that I may be missing with acres of mud and shore to scan over now. The area is 100% right for Pipits, Buntings and Larks.
To end the day, a cracking golden sunset dropping down below the western ridge. Its amazing how many cars stop on the top road to take photos with their phones.
5 Stonechat
1 Kestrel
1 Merlin
1 Peregrine
2 Raven
3 Carrion Crows
51 Mallard
23 LBB gulls
9 BH gulls
c 500 Herring gulls.........>NE
BS