A decent morning at Leeshaw with 80% clear sky on a SW>2 at 3 degrees. By 0930 hrs the cloud started coming in from the west bringing fog on the peaks but not affecting my area. The wind also increased to SW>4.
A very lively morning with a good mix of species though a smaller amount of gulls. Still plenty small gulls to scope through and a decent count of Herring. Strangely no LBBs present again and a noticeable scarcity of Great Black Backed this winter with only one sighting over Fly Flatts in October and none seen at the end of last winter.
Thrushes were everywhere with flocks of mixed Redwing and Fieldfare moving around the area along with several Mistle Thrush whilst a group of over-wintering Meadow Pipit were moving field to field.
Very little wildfowl on the water with 2 male and 1 female Goosander along with a single male Teal and 32 Mallard. Otherwise just Stock Dove and Lapwing of note and the usual species.
A strong SW in the morning and showers which could be interesting for the gulls and wildfowl but a rise in temperature.
Its that time of year again so I,d just like to wish all my readers a very
Merry Christmas and a healthy 2023.
BS