A beautiful morning at Fly Flatts with cloudless blue sky and full sunshine on a light SE>3 at 7 degrees, the first morning that the dogs and me did'nt have coats on. Not good news for photography with the first signs of the dreaded heat shimmer.
The birds present were much more active though mostly distance work with 5 Redshank along the west bank as well as the 2 remaining Oystercatchers plus several Lapwing and Curlew. At last, a small group of Golden Plovers appeared with 33 coming in from the SE and continuing high and fast over the water heading >N.
Several Meadow Pipits were around the area whilst a single Buzzard was over the wind turbines. The Canada and Greylag are very vocal now making it hard to listen for any fly-overs with all the noise going on.
On the way back 10 Whoopers Swan were on Mixenden reservoir, seen and photographed from the top of Whitegate as I drove home. These swans were fresh in as they were not present when I passed earlier on. Hopefully they won't stay long as YW say they are having trouble with scumbags with air rifles lately.
MC reported and photographed a cracking early male Wheatear at East Morton, Crossflatts area, this morning. My earliest record of a returning bird was 17th March at Fly Flatts. East Morton crossroads below Whetstone Gate was one of the last strongholds for Brambling in winter whilst the first returning Ring Ouzels turned up on the top. Also a good spot for Snow Bunting when I used to use it as one of my old stomping grounds.
A bit cloudier for tomorrow on a light easterly, strengthening by midday, but still starting off at 6 degrees.
BS