At last, a decent W>4 with 80% cloud and hazy sunshine at 6 degrees. A west wind at Fly Flatts is the most prominent for moving birds.
A big move day with Whooper Swans being reported from several locations and areas though none over Fly Flatts air space with a thick bank of clag along the western ridge, and for some reason, Whoopers rarely use the water at this location, possibly due to the condition of the water which is very brown and peaty.
With no Ringed Plovers showing yesterday, it was a surprise to find 7 birds here today, possibly a new wave moving through as these birds were very unsettled and flighty.
The first Dunlins came through at speed ,low over the water, with a tight knit group of 4 birds but much too fast for the auto focus on the camera that I,m using at the moment. Also 4 Cormorant headed >N along with several waves of Mipits and Linnets.
A male Merlin was on a wall up near the top road whilst 4 Herring gull were back on egg watch. With 16 Whooper related messages during the morning I checked Mixenden from the top road on the way home to find 28 Whoopers on the reservoir.
A return to Mixenden later in the day found the swans to be still present so after stopping 3 teenage lads from throwing stones at them by threatening to dunk them in the water, I got some photos and them waited for them to fly but as I left, at 1500 hrs, they still seemed settled and by this time the wind had increased and the fog was drifting in.
Thanks to all group members involved for getting the messages round, once again proving the new system to be much more efficient and speedy.
Fly Flatts
7 Ringed Plover
4 Dunlin..........................>N
4 Cormorant...................>N
4 Herring gull
Several mixed flocks of Mipits and Linnets......>N
+ usual sp.
Mixenden
28 Whoopers
4 1w Herrings
c 40 small gulls
1 Moorhen
6 Mallard.
BS