Oxenhope Reservoirs

On a bright and breezy day I had a drive out to Oxenhope, hoping something exciting might take pity on me.

13:45 Leeshaw

The far shoreline held quite a few birds lazing about in the sun. I realise I need a scope here really, with the distance to the far shore being just on the zoom limit of my tackle.

However I find carrying a scope a pain in the bum so I'll just keep on moaning I guess.

Originally I counted c75 Lapwing lazing in the sun but something spooked the birds and c150 took to the sky, the other 100 were out of sight under the banking.

A Grey Heron came in and landed on the draining ditch wall before dropping down into the ditch itself.

Also about were 2 Cormorant and c20 small gulls and, top of the shop, an Oystercatcher.

I had a good scan about but I only saw just one Oyk.

Swallows were gathering on the telephone lines and I believe there was a House Martin flying in amongst.

A Kestrel, a Pied Wagtail and a couple of Pheasant completed the stock take.

14:45 Lower Laithe

I had a 5min. stop at Lower Laithe where there were c60 small gulls, 3 Cormorant and a Pied Wagtail.

15:05 Ponden

Ponden water was disappointing with a few Mallard, 2 LBBG, a few smaller gulls and a Little Owl amazingly well camouflaged. Sitting on the central wall opposite me.

15:45 Leeming

Here again the water was quiet with c10 small gulls, 3 White Geese, a Pheasant and a few Mallard.

"Snooker / Pool after tea with John Acrosstheroad - better get my skates on"

 13:45 Leeshaw:

 14:45 Lower Laithe

15:05 Ponden

Photo above has a Little Owl on the central field wall

Little Owl on full zoom

15:45 Leeming