- Once again dense fog at Fly Flatts so back to Leeshaw where the weather was good with clear skies other than to the south where the mist was hanging. Patches of blue with some sun on a calm NE>2 at 9 degrees.
- Extremely lively throughout the watch with Fieldfares piling over in large flocks, the largest being 78, then Redwings over nearing the end of the watch as I was ready for leaving where BV arrived and took over.
- A good variation of species moving as well as 2 Swallows over the water whilst a single Wigeon and Teal were among the Mallards. A very hectic morning.
- Back to Fly Flatts late p.m. just in time to be greeted by the biggest black cloud I,ve ever seen which was being lit up with lightening and then the heavens opened with torrential rain for 15 minutes before passing over leaving it bright with an increased wind of NE>5 at 10 degrees with occasional showers.
- A few Fieldfare and Redwing were still moving over as well as Starlings whilst 2 groups of Wigeon were on the water along with a good count of Mallards as well as Canadas and Greylags.
- Unfortunately 3 canoes were on the water and by the time I,d got half way along the west bank to get within range of the Wigeon the canoes went towards the birds and away they went >SW.
- Another good day for the memory box.
- VISIBLE MIGRATION Leeshaw
- 93 Starling....................>NW
- 15 Starling...................>NE
- 1296 Fieldfare...........>NW
- 143 Redwing............>NW
- 12 Lapwing..............>N
- 4 Cormorant.............>W
- 3 Herring gull...........>SW
- 2 Buzzard................>SE
- 2 Swallow................>S
- PRESENT
- 1 Wigeon
- 1 Teal
- + usual sp
- VISIBLE MIGRATION Fly Flatts
- 63 Fieldfare............>NW
- 18 Redwing...........>NW
- 5 Alba Wagtail......>SE
- 38 Starling............>NW
- 8 Wigeon.............on water then...>SW
- PRESENT
- 39 Mallard
- 5 Greylag
- 21 Canada
Yesterday afternoon I watched in low cloud and pouring rain for 1 hour expecting a Kittiwake over Fly Flatts in perfect conditions just to hear that KM had pipped me to the post with one on Redcar Tarn. Yet another good find by Keith.
BS