Another of those horror days up on the tops with a howling SW>7 near gale at 32 m.p.h. along with some real heavy frequent showers.
Ogden this morning was a washout getting me a good soaking for little reward other than the Gt Spotted Woodpecker was in the same area but too dark for clear photos. A few small gulls on the water along with the usual Mallards and that was it.
Late afternoon saw a few bright intervals but some horrendous showers in among. One caught me as I was heading back to the car with the sky turning jet black making me retreat towards the car but as I got around 50 yards away the wind increased and the rain came down in torrents like a white wall of water. I quickly threw the dogs in the back of the car and stood behind the tailgate as it passed through like a hurricane and within 10 minutes it was gone.
Bird wise, 27 Mallards dropped onto the water near last light whilst around 80 Fieldfare dropped into trees to roost.
A small group of 7 Meadow Pipits were in the stubble field along with 3 Redwing but not a goose or gull in sight today, obviously on lower ground whilst the wind drops.
Tomorrow looks like a drier day but the strong wind continues.
As they used to say in Queensbury, " When tha can ear t' wind whistling downt lum tha mun mek sure thas plenty sleck in t'coil oile".
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).