They only stayed at Mixenden 90 minutes.
Dense fog on the tops this morning throughout the day and still very thick at Ogden early a.m.
on a light E>2 at 2 degrees.
A dog walk at Ogden was just that with no visibility of the water other than the duck corner where a Moorhen was in with the Mallards.
A Chiffchaff was in the Willows at passerine alley whilst several Tits were around the west bank with mainly Coal Tits, which seem to have replaced Siskin and Redpoll this year. At least 4 Treecreepers were also present.
The first day of March and the first twitch of the month when NK found 14 Whooper Swans on Mixenden reservoir. This was relayed out by DJS on the updated Calderbirds grapevine, now up and running on a Whatsapp group.
On arrival at a poor light and misty reservoir the Whoopers were in a tight group near the west bank but were viewed from the east bank so as not to spook the birds which were already very unsettled . The birds were watched by myself, DJS, JL, and new member Harry C, but within a short time the Swans began to get very noisy and neck dipping before blasting off to the north. Seeming disorientated they flew a circuit then headed off high >NW then changed direction again and disappeared over the ridge heading >W. A good find by NK, hopefully this will be the start of a movement as they head off >N.
A single Buzzard was over the plantation being mobbed by corvids whilst around 80 small gulls were on the bank and water along with an adult LBB.
Despite the fog, a good start off to the month.
BS