As I looked out of the bedroom window early morn I could see the mist hanging over Fly Flatts with heavy overnight rain leaving full cloud and drizzle on a light, but increasing, WNW>3 at 14 degrees, perfect for the expected Common Scoters.
On arrival at Fly Flatts it was still light drizzle but the mist was starting to lift with visibility over the water. First scope found a small raft of Common Scoter but very distant in the centre of the water but near the north end.
A quick tackle up and dogs harnessed and away towards the west bank where another scope found them very restless and looking ready to move as the mist was clearing. A few yards further on the bank I got the camera up on legs to get some record shots in case they lifted off, which was a good move as they suddenly took flight doing a high circuit over the water then disappearing over the Nab >NE.
With 7 male and 1 female it just equalled my record of 8 from 2023, which was a good year with a total of 18 throughout the season and also birds on Mixenden and Leeshaw.
Strangely I had no Fly Flatts visitors last year and just the one female briefly on Leeshaw. DJS had the best count for Fly Flatts with 27 on the 4th July 2011.
Otherwise down to the usual Ringed Plover, 3 Common Sandpiper and 1 juv Oystercatcher plus the usual species with several Swallows moving >S but no Swifts.
Cloudy sunshine for morning on a moderate westerly kicking off at 12 degrees.
BS