A strong wind, low cloud and drizzle sent me to Ogden this morning where conditions were reasonable though dark and damp but sheltered from the wind at 7 degrees.
Around 50 small gulls present plus a single ad LBB gull whilst 4 female Goosander were on the water. Good to know that Goosander are on the move now giving hopes of a repeat of last years Smew that I came across at Mixenden in December.
The small passerine flocks took some finding in the dark conditions, one holding several Blue, Great and Coal Tits as well as a few Goldcrest, Goldfinch and my first Nuthatch of the year which was foraging in the fallen leaves on the track.
The Chaffinch flock is about 50 strong now but very hard to get to grips with moving along the waterside trees low down and dropping onto the shore to feed where they disappear into the high weeds.
Just managed to pick out 1 female Brambling but I,m sure there will be more.
Walking back under the Alders I nearly missed several Siskin and Redpoll hidden in the very tops of the trees silently feeding but given away by small particles of seed shells floating down.
Just got 2 good photos sent from Carolyn, Queensbury birder and bird artist, of the Pied Wheatear that,s turned up at Whitley Bay. They were taken by a friend of hers up there. I could do with one of those at Fly Flatts !
BS