As expected, thick fog in Queensbury this morning but as I set off with Leeshaw in mind I could see the sky through the fog showing that it was dropping rather than lifting and already starting to show in the valleys. A risky change of plan which worked well finding Fly Flatts clear with fog just hanging over the western moor. A light S>2 with full cloud at 7 degrees.
First bird seen at Fly Flatts as I drove down the track was a single Wheatear which is the first back at this site this year. No more were found and this was not re-located on the way back.
The second bird seen, also by the entrance track, and one I did'nt want to see, was a dead Redshank being devoured by crows. A Skylark was in the se corner, not a common sight to find one in the reservoir grounds.
Otherwise, the Common Sandpiper was still present but very flighty today whilst only 2 distant Ringed Plover were located. Curlews were everywhere, very noisy overhead with several more present than there were last year.
Still 6 Oystercatchers present along with 3 LBB gulls on egg watch and 2 Heron on frog alert. Up to 12 Greylags are now with the Canadas and 2 Red Legged Partridge were in the top field.
An hour to spare in the afternoon so combined the dog walk with a quick check of Ogden, the target birds being Common Sandpiper and Willow Warbler.
No waders present with just 4 Canadas and a Greylag on the water plus a low number of Mallards and a single LBB gull.
A muddy trek onto passerine alley produced several Long Tailed Tits and Treecreepers whilst the waterside Willows held at least 5 Chiffchaff and a single Willow Warbler, a first for this year.
Looking half decent for morning with a low westerly but turning to a strong WNW midday and heavy rain.
BS