As expected, dense fog this morning up here on the tops but luckily cleared by mid afternoon leaving dark clouds and drizzle on a mild SW>4 at 9 degrees.
Fly Flatts seems a very quiet place now with sailing finished for the year and several of the boats gone into winter storage. Even the marker buoys have been taken out of the water and tethered in the boatyard for winter.
Nice to get back up there and walk the west bank even though the area was void of bird life. A walk the full length of the west bank, plus checking the compound, water and skies, produced a single Red Grouse which is probably a record dip for 2021.
I went with the expectation of Snow Bunt on the west bank and at least one species of waterfowl on the reservoir but hopes were soon dashed. The birding day is very short at the moment with dark mornings until after 0900 hrs and lack of birding light by 1445 hrs in the afternoon but only 9 days left to the shortest day.
A good report from K.M. today with an Iceland gull at Redcar Tarn, Keighley. This bird is earlier than usual with previous sightings being in the new year, Jan, Feb and March so hopefully there will be a few turn up around the area.
BS