Nice to get the cloud back today along with the birds after yesterdays blue and bird less skies.
A mix of heavy drizzle and very heavy rain with full cloud on a WNW>5 at 8 degrees.
A much better morning bird wise in more realistic weather conditions with some sky movement and a few surprises on the water.
A female Goldeneye was an unexpected guest and a site first for me here whilst 2 Wigeon were way over on the NW shore in with Canada geese.
A group of 5 Pink Footed Geese were over on the north shore before flying a circuit to get their bearings then off high and west during a very heavy rain shower.
Several species on the move as well as a Great Spotted Woodpecker high over the water >W , plus the usual supply of gulls.
My first returning Goldeneye last year were the same date as today at Mixenden reservoir with 2 females so a trip there mid afternoon to check the water.
A disastrous visit with 3 Black Headed gulls and nothing more apart from a few scumbags, mad dogs running wild and a fellow swimming plus piles of rubbish around the shoreline.
My last 4 visits here has produced nothing which is strange for what used to be a classic venue. Despite this I,m sure it will produce the usual good supply of Goldeneye over the next few days.
Leeshaw
5 Pinkies on shore then.............>W
2 Wigeon
1 f Goldeneye
8 Herring gull
32 LBB gull
c 150 BH gull
1 Cormorant
1 Gt Spotted Wdpeck....>W
51 Starling....................>NW
39 Woodpigs................>S
3 Mipits.......................>S
6 Mistle Thrush...........>NW
14 Stock Dove.............>W
21 Lapwing..................>W
+ usual sp.
BS