Not the best of conditions at Fly Flatts although I've been there in a lot worse. A moderate W>4 with continuous rain and drizzle showers under very dark clouds at 8 degrees.
For a second day, on route, I picked up the Long Eared Owl and jumping out of the car quickly I managed to get some closer views, confirming it to be LEO rather than SEO with the deep orange eye showing. This bird has a slightly lighter plumage which had me thinking yesterday, but no doubts today.
The bird was about a mile away from yesterdays location though it headed back in that direction.
The water at the reservoir is now gushing down the overflow and the level is as high as I,ve seen it mid winter and starting to breach the track in places. Not an ounce of shore left now leaving just the cobbled banking and boat slipway for the waders to feed from.
A threatening looking group of 18 LBB gulls were across on the north bank near to the main Lapwing breeding area, whilst a few Swallows were overhead. Otherwise, just the usual species present.
Looking like the same conditions for the morning with sunshine and showers on a moderate NW.
BS