A bright dry morning after a couple of early light showers which cleared by 0815 hrs leaving some sun with 60% cloud on a light cool NW>3 at 3 degrees.
A good start off with 4 separate Barn Owls spread out across the moor but all at distance covering a wide range. A steady flow of Herring gulls >E but well to the south of me and only scope-able, possibly over Halifax.
Canada numbers are up to around 40 now and some already in the breeding area fields and moor whilst around 30 Mallards were in the NE corner.
A couple of Reed Buntings were present along with a Stonechat but no signs of over-wintering Meadow Pipits this year so far, even though a few were present at the back end of December.
The Oystercatcher seems well settled and will probably stay now, presumably one of the birds that bred here last year.
Other than that, just a few Red Grouse, 2 Raven and the usual corvids. Another day to go and then we,re on to the start of the interesting months.... says he, hopefully!!
Gale force SW winds and rain by late morning tomorrow. Luckily the lighter mornings allow an earlier start now.
BS