were taken at mega distance from the top of the viaduct
with 600mm x 1.4 converter x 1.6 crop factor camera = 1344mm.
Another dark but workable morning at Leeshaw reservoir with 100% cloud cover on a W>4 with some light drizzle.
No sign of the Greylag flock today but the Woodpig roost blasted off making an amazing sight with at least 500 birds as well as a flock of around 200 Fieldfare shortly afterwards.
Very few gulls about with around 100 small gulls and just 2 Herrings.
The mornings highlight was a group of 8 male and 3 female Goosanders coming into the water from the east mid watch.
Late afternoon found me at a little used location, Hewenden reservoir, Cullingworth
which is a decent location with a mix of fields and woodland and a good walk over the viaduct.
Access to the water is limited hence I viewed from the viaduct and the field top having not yet sussed out how to get near the water at the top end where most of the activity seemed to be taking place.
A pair of Goldeneye and Goosander were at the viaduct end of the water along with 2 Mute Swans, Canadas and a single Moorhen.
As with Leeshaw, gulls were poor with several small gulls and only 2 Herring though the flight path to the Oxenhope gull roost is directly over the viaduct where big and small gulls were piling over last light.
Many thanks to blog watchers Malcolm and Hilary answering my query about the shortest day being the 22nd as opposed to the usual 21st. Apparently this is due to next year being a Leap year so the official winter solstice has to move one day when a Leap year is coming up.
Thanks again for the reply taking the time and interest .
Leeshaw reservoir
2 Greylag
5 Canada
c 500 Woodpigs
c 200 Fieldfare
1 Cormorant
2 Herring gull
14 Mallard
8m 3f Goosander
sev small gulls
Hewenden reservoir
1 Moorhen
2 Herring gull
sev small gulls
2 Mute Swan
1pr Goldeneye
1pr Goosander
8 Mallard
Plenty pre roost gulls over.
BS