A bright start to Fly Flatts with blue sky and sunshine on a moderate S>3 at 3 degrees. By 0845 hrs dark clouds rolled in bringing some drizzle then rain later.
A field full of Fieldfare and Redwing were opposite the Withins on my way up there this morning but very mobile and soon disappearing over the ridge.
As I drove down the track at Fly Flatts I could see the 3 Whoopers on the water but unfortunately they kept very distant at the far side of the water and as I walked the west bank they moved well over into the NE corner leaving me with just a few poor record shots but a very welcome visitor to the water.
I hoped to make the smaller of the 3 into a Bewick,s but turned out to be just a juvenile. All my returning Whooper sightings are usually late February and mainly March so these swans are particularly early.
Very little else around with just 12 Canada and 8 Mallard on the water but a lucky choice to head to Fly Flatts rather than Leeshaw.
Looking like a bumpy ride ahead with a full week of strong wind and rain but not to grumble, we could be snowed in by now.
BS.