Overnight snow but not amounting to anything leaving a clear morning so set off for Fly Flatts. As I got over the Mountain it was heavy sleet and snow and fog clouds over Fly Flatts and to the NW towards Leeshaw so a quick about turn and back to Mixenden.
Mixenden was atrocious with heavy rain, sleet and hail on a SW>4 at 2 degrees. A quick walk on the east bank was enough after a drenching for the sake of 5 Canadas, 1 BH gull, 2 Mallard and a Heron.
On then to Ogden where it remained dry with some sunshine but way too boggy to walk the dogs round, plus little time left, so just checked the water etc from the promenade.
Not much better, bird-wise, here with 2 Canadas, usual Mallard, Kingfisher, 1 BH gull plus a few Gold and Chaffinch.
After an unprofitable morning I shot up to Fly Flatts p.m. to check the wader situation and also the Skylark field, both of which proved a good move. A pair of Ringed Plover were present, presumably last years birds whilst a single 1st winter bird was further along the east bank which is possible one of last years offspring bred here. A group of 7 Oystercatcher were still on the west bank but otherwise quiet in the squally rain and snow showers.
On the way back I got a surprise as I pulled up by the Skylark field below Nolstar. The field was crawling with Skylark with an exceptionally high count of 48 birds all actively feeding but no Meadow Pipits back yet and no over-wintering birds this year.
Looking dry and bright for tomorrow on a very light westerly but a threat of early morning fog.
BS