Cuckoo & Reservoir Run

I had a run around a few local reservoirs this morning.

Leeshaw 10:15

The water was quiet with just 2 LBBG.

C30 Lapwing soon left the reservoir for the fields.

2 Little Owl were calling but not seen.

2 Wren were in the small  bushes next to the lane and a Red Grouse was kind enough to pose on a wall for a photo.

Just one more Red Grouse heard calling from the moor.

There were plenty of Woodpigeon in the fields.

3 Meadow Pipit were chasing each other about.

A Kestrel and 2 Linnet over.

Lower Laithe

There were a good few small gulls mostly on the valve tower and a few others were in a convoy on the water.

Also about 4 or so LBBG and a few Canada Goose were on the "weir" at the far end.

Ponden 12:15.

The water was quiet here also.

It was nice to chat to two hikers from Bradshaw who, it transpired are distantly related to D.S.

They had seen a good few Red Grouse on the tops of the moors.

A pheasant a few Mallard and a very noisy juv. Kestrel that seemed to be 'crying" to be fed were around the res.

A couple of Jay flew into the trees and a second Kestrel spooked c12 Woodpigeon.

Fly Flats 13:15

Cool and windy here, and, again the water was very quiet.

A couple of LBBG and 4/5 gulls flew low across the water.

3 Kestrel were hunting, enjoying the stiff breeze

2 Meadow Pipit and 2 Wheatear were flitting about.

I had quite a long walk along the drainage channel to opposite the "Castle Carr clough" area hoping for Owl but nothing at all about.

The sky went very dark but just a few spots rain came along.

Just one calling Red Grouse heard on the return trip.

While at Fly Flats, a text from B.S. regarding the Bradshaw juv. Cuckoo, had me calling at Taylor Lane on my way home.

With my history of NOT locating birds pointed out to me, I don't normally chase after them but this time it paid off!!

I parked at the top of Taylor Lane and had a nosey about the Koi Carp farm area before driving down to the bottom of Taylor Lane.

I spotted the Cuckoo, doing a poor tightrope walk, on the telegraph wires.

There was a car parked lower down from me, with a guy standing beside it with some big tackle.

I went down to tell him the location of the bird but he had already got some great shots of it. Well done Dave B.

I did get a few mediocre shots in the fading light before the Cuckoo flew north to Beany’s farm.

It was very rewarding to find the Cuckoo - thanks to Daniel B. who found it and B.S. for the text(s).

Also about here c12 Common Gull and yet another Kestrel.

A rush home to Abigail followed.

Leeshaw

Lower Laithe

Ponden

"Crying Kestrel"

Fly Flats:

Taylor Lane: