Atrocious conditions at Leeshaw reservoir this morning which was just hanging on below a very low and dense cloud base with torrential rain for a time reducing from 'lashing down' to 'bouncing down' on a light SE>3 at 6 degrees. Visibility was birdable across the water but no sky viewing.
There are 2 categories that a birder can be classed as for going out in these conditions, one being very dedicated, the other being ' lame under t'cap'. I class missen as qualifying to fit both these categories nicely although ,as I always say " if you don,t go, you don,t know", and some of my best upland and water fowl species have turned up in similar conditions.
Unfortunately, today was,nt one of those days with no Herrings or LBBs present among the c 300 small gulls. A Dipper was down in the beck whilst a good count of Mallard were on the water along with Canadas. A small group of Meadow Pipits dropped into the big field.
So other than a very wet dog walk it was up stumps for an early finish but had I not gone I,d still be wondering if I,d missed anything.
Had my Mr Fixit head on again at the daughters this afternoon so no second session though conditions were still unworkable up here on the tops with the fog so thick you could cut through it with a knife.
Leeshaw
c 300 Small gulls
27 Mallard
61 Canadas
1 Dipper
4 Mipits
2 Cormorant
+ usual sp.
BS.