A bright sunny morning at Leeshaw reservoir but spoilt with a moderate cold SW>5 at 4 degrees.
About half of the Greylag geese were present in a top field with no sign of the Pink Footed among them but I unfortunately missed the initial blast off and just got them as they flew low over the water then off in the direction of Lower Marsh.
The water held around 150 small gulls, 2 Canadas, 2 male and 1 female Goosander and about a dozen Mallard.
Around 300 Woodpigeons were flying around over the farm to the north as well as a flock of 70+ Fieldfare and about 100 Starling. Disappointingly no big gulls present though Cullingworth fields held plenty as usual.
Late afternoon at Fly Flatts was again ridiculously quiet though a turn in the weather didnt help with the wind moved around to W>5 with low cloud and drizzle.
A female Merlin went over fast and low flushing a group of 53 Fieldfare and 2 Red Grouse whilst 6 Mallard were on the water and that was it. I,m going to have to accept that this venue is not going to produce now until February when the first Curlew and Oystercatchers should be returning then hopefully waders galore come May.
One day to go now in 2019 in which to bag up, though with a light easterly wind promised for tomorrow the tops could well be fog bound.
BS