A cloudy morning on a SE>3 at 1 degrees but fine with mist on the tops. Taking heed to the threat of snow, plus the deep, heavy clouds to the west and not wanting to risk getting stranded at Oxenhope, I reluctantly headed for the nearest port of call, Ogden. Luckily the snow held off until 0945 hrs when it came down thick and fast till around 1300 hrs giving a good covering but very wet, and soon started thawing.
After a check of the water at Ogden, plus the west bank Alders, it soon became apparent that the area was bird-less with just 4 BH gulls on the water and the Kingfisher down in the sluice gate area.
Next move was a walk up Back Lane to the moor and plantation to check for Crossbill etc which also drew a blank although there was more signs of bird life than down below.
A good size flock of Goldfinch were mobile over the plantation top whilst around 40 Woodpigeons and 30 Black Headed gulls were in the field along with 4 Curlew.
A single Buzzard spooked everything as it headed beyond the plantation as well as 2 Raven.
Whilst up on the moor I could hear sirens blasting nearby and as I got back by the car park there was a mass of blue lights with 5 fire engines, several fire brigade special rescue units, police cars and paramedics. Other emergency vehicles were down by the info centre with firemen going along the promenade. No idea what was going on but absolute chaos in the car park and a real problem getting out of there. I should'nt moan as it was the only exciting thing of the morning.
The good thing now is March can only get better, if I stay away from Ogden!
Looking like the same for tomorrow with another capful of rain and snow but with the wind turned >NE.
BS