Leeshaw a.m. started well with a S >5 and full cloud at 5 degrees but heavy rain moved in by 0915 hrs which didnt bother me as by that time I,d got my birding and dog walking done and was sheltered at the back of the car.
Only 2 Herring gull this morning along with around 200 small gulls and just a dozen Mallard on the water. The highlight this morning was a count of 293 Greylags in the stubble field along with the long staying Pink Footed goose. Even at this high count not all the flock was present with several white and part white geese missing.
Late afternoon and after a local dog walk I set off dog less to Redcar Tarn in hopes of picking up the Iceland gull ,found yesterday by B.O.G. member IH, the dogs are not allowed on a twitch in case they bark at the wrong time.
On arrival the weather was clear and dry on a cool but light S>4. First scan of the water picked up the target bird along with the 1st winter Caspian which was later replaced with the 2nd winter Caspian. The Iceland stood out on the water among the Herrings and was obliging for photos drifting near to the shore along the car parking area.
Good to see another 6 birders present as well as the arrival of KM and then JL.
Well done to John for making the effort twice over, firstly to see the Caspian and then today to see the Iceland and it was pleasing that he got a result and photos each time, a very enthusiastic and active birder. Its worrying to see that at these twitches you rarely get a birder under 60 years of age, pardon me if any of you are under 60, you may just look that way with years of weathering . When we are gone, birding in this area will end if we dont get any young blood soon.
So, what a great find for the area , and thanks to Ian Hargreaves for getting the message round. Its got to be a Glaucous gull next.
Leeshaw
293 Greylag
1 Pink Footed goose
2 Herring gull
+ usual sp.
Redcar Tarn
1st winter Iceland gull
1st winter Caspian gull
2nd winter Caspian gull
+ usual sp
Is this really Keighley ????
BS