A foggy start to the morning at Fly Flatts but very soon cleared to leave a bright day with blue skies and sunshine but still that cold SW>4 wind at 6 degrees plus the wind chill.
A very hard days work birding today with things at a standstill until the temperature risers slightly.
Ringed Plovers were up to 4 but no Wheatear or Redshank today although I didnt get as far as the north end of the water. A good year for Curlew up there with around 12 present in the area as well as Lapwings and Golden Plover.
A single Grey Wagtail flew over the boatyard whilst 3 Raven were over the quarry.
Late afternoon at Mixenden was very disappointing with not a single gull present and just 7 Canadas plus a Cormorant on the water, the Cormorant having full courtship plumage with the white hood. A full circuit of the water just found 5 Meadow Pipits on the east bank, an unusual species for this sight, plus 2 Grey Wagtail fly overs >N.
Whilst tackling up ready to leave a single Buzzard flew high over the water >SW.
A Swallow was seen today in MCs area of Oxford so they are on their way.
Fly Flatts
4 Ringed Plover
3 Raven
1 Grey Wagtail
+ usual sp.
Mixenden
7 Canadas
5 Mallard
1 Buzzard
2 Grey Wagtail
5 Mipits.
+ usual sp.
BS