Contrary to the forecast of a light wind and milder temperature, Fly Flatts was unworkable with a near gale force W>6, drizzle and dark at 2 degrees.
Mixenden was much less windy, even on the east bank, and dead calm on the west back with some sun at 4 degrees.
A quick dog walk at Fly Flatts with not a bird in sight in the strong wind, so up stumps and move on to Mixenden.
Around 50 small gulls on the water along with 18 Herring and 2 LBBs with nothing special among them other than a Common gull with a head full of dark streaks.
The west bank had a few Redwing on the Holly berries whilst half a dozen Siskin were very mobile through the tree canopy. The long hedge had a good size Tit flock moving through with Great, Blue and Coal along with a pair of Bullfinch.
Just a few Mallard on the water plus a single Canada goose.
An afternoon shout from NK with a possible, but unconfirmed, Yellow Legged Herring gull at Horton Bank Top, just as I was going to take the dogs out, got me throwing the dogs in the car and off down there.
A good array of Herring gulls but could,nt pick out a YL with all the adults present being pale mantled though gulls were coming and going all the while. Around 100 small gulls were present along with c 30 Herring of all ages, with this being the place to pick up a YL, Iceland or Med gull as its the nearest thing we have to a local Redcar Tarn.
A pair of Goosander were present plus loads of Mallard, Coot and Moorhen plus a single Mute Swan.
A very strong westerly tomorrow and a chance of rain.
BS