A blustery day with a moderate SW>6 increasing to near gale SW>7 late afternoon at a temp of 5 degrees with 50% cloud cover. Rain after dark.
Making the most of Redcar Tarn before the full work force and schools get back in action next week I did my usual gull and wildfowl check of the water before spending the rest of the time watching the Brambling flock, now up to around 40 birds as well as about the same again Chaffinch. The field nearby was heaving with Redwing and Fieldfare.
A much better count of Herring gulls today with 35 present but still no return of the Caspian with a few birders there living in hopes.
Tufted duck numbers were up with 26 and about 12 Coot and a single Moorhen.
Late p.m. with the wind blowing and dark clouds approaching fast and not much daylight left I decided on Ogden just to check the water and get the dogs out. I,ll have to remember to tell the doctor that I,m still getting silly thoughts even with the medication. After a struggle to get on Ogden Lane, a struggle to turn round, and a struggle to get back off Ogden Lane with cars gridlocked ,I steamed away with neck pumping and headed for Hewenden Reservoir which I should have done to start with. The Happy New Year feeling seems to have worn off quick with the amount of horn blowing as well as shouting and swearing at Ogden.
Back to a peaceful Hewenden most of the wildfowl were up at the top end of the reservoir out of the wind plus there was a fishing match going on across at the far bank.
With limited viewing at the top end of the water I struggled to pick out, 2m, 1f Goldeneye,
2m, 3f Goosander, 2 Mute Swan 1 Coot and several Mallard with no sign of MDs Wigeon.
The water by the dam wall held around 200 small gulls as well as 6 Herring and 2 LBBs along with 3 Cormorant.
Another windy but dry day tomorrow and still no fog as yet this year.!
BS