With dense fog all over the tops I was just harnessing up the dogs for a trip to Ogden when a grapevine text from Chris, the Ogden ranger reporting 4 Whoopers on the water close in by the duck corner but then disappearing out on the water and into the fog.
When I arrived the fog was thick with no visibility over the water and a very light NE>3 which was not enough to move the fog. I met Chris who had,nt seen them since but I thought it unlikely that they would move in the fog.
By the time I,d walked down the west bank and back the fog was starting to lift with visibility out to the depth float but still no sight or sound of swans.
Half way down the east bank I could just make out 4 white images , Whoopers, and minutes later the fog lifted with the swans out in the centre. I continued around the water and found a flock of around 40 Siskin high in the Alders and badly silhouetted but managed some shots by over exposing the background sky.
Further on the west bank the swans had now come closer but were getting ready to leave honking and neck dipping but luckily AC arrived on the scene before they went. I left Andy taking photos and by the time I got on the promenade they lifted off flying in a large circuit over my head then away high and >NE disappearing into the mist.
Late afternoon at Fly Flatts found it cool in the NE>4 but sunny with some massive areas of dark sky. Plenty activity on the islands with Lapwing, Canada and Mallard but no sign of the Ringed Plover or Oystercatcher. I,ll just have to wait for the next wader to appear now.
Thanks to Chris for his quick alert from Ogden, keep em coming Chris.
Ogden
4 Whoopers
c 40 Siskin
3 Redpoll
+ usual sp.
Fly Flatts
49 Canada
19 Lapwing
12 Mallard.
BS