Fly Flatts early a.m. was wet and windy but the rain cleared by 0830 hrs leaving a stiff S>4 at 6 degrees
with full cloud but good visibility.
The water level is dropping slowly and is now below the overflow with water being released to keep the stream flowing so hopefully, with no heavy rain, I should soon start to see some shore.
Very little movement today in the moderate wind with just 8 Herring gull >SE plus 9 Curlews, a Kestrel and 3 Raven whilst 2 Buzzard were very high up in the cloud.
Representing the waders on the deck were just the 2 Ringed Plovers and 2 Oystercatchers.
The Nolstar field held several Fieldfare along with 3 Mistle Thrush and 8 Lapwing whilst a few BH gulls were in the opposite field.
Cold Edge and Mixenden reservoir were both clear of Whooper Swan.
Mid afternoon and just one hour to spare so a check on Soil Hill. Its a long time since I birded Soil Hill last and it soon became apparent why after leaving the hill with nothing but a few Woodpigs and Corvids. Other than the north slope tree line and a few boggy areas the bird habitat is non existent, all being overgrown long grass. Quad and trial bikes are also using the area as well as two youths down in the bottom with air rifles.
The only advantage now of this habitat is a few summer warblers and a perfect vantage point with 360 degrees visibility and excellent views of the Aire Valley bird passage.
With petrol prices soaring and me clocking up 200 miles a week, if I do 2 Fly Flatts or Leeshaws a day, even though they are only 7 miles away from home, plus out with Lynda midday daily , shopping etc, I was thinking of using Soil Hill as a nearby afternoon venue as well as Ogden but I think I will have to think again on Soil Hill.
BS