As expected this morning, the tops were shrouded in dense fog but Leeshaw reservoir was again below the cloud base with patches of blue sky and the sun trying, but failing to get out. The temperature was up slightly to 4 degrees but feeling colder in the SE>3.
The sky was very lively with small gulls as well as in the fields and on the water along with Herring gulls but only a single LBB. The Greylag flock was missing but 72 Canadas were out on the water plus a few Mallard. Plenty to watch and check through but nothing to get the adrenaline pumping.
With reports of 20 Whoopers over Halifax heading west in the afternoon I went down to Mixenden reservoir just on a long shot of them coming down for the night but no such luck.
It was very dark over the water with low cloud and light drizzle and rather quiet bird wise. A single Goldeneye was on the water but skulking in the darkness of the west bank whilst 3 female Goosander came in from the east and after 2 circuits over the water, and a near land ,they took off towards Ogden, probably heading for the TMR roost.
Pre roost small gulls were coming and going throughout, stopping on the water to preen before heading off >N, but only 2 Herrings showed up.
A flock of 12 Stock Doves came over >N, which was unusual whilst several Woodpigs were dropping into the plantation to roost.
A light SE again tomorrow will no doubt bring fog but thats a thing we should be getting used to by now as its been going on since September.
Leeshaw
16 Herring gull
1 LBB gull
c 500 small gull
72 Canada geese
1 Kestrel
+ usual sp
Mixenden
3 f Goosander
1 f Goldeneye
2 Herring gull
c 100 Small gull
12 Stock Dove
+ usual sp.
BS