Wednesday, 13 March 2019

Leeshaw Reservoir / Raggalds Flood

A rough day today with strong winds interspersed with squally, heavy showers - not a day for a stroll.

I decided to have an hour's birding at Leeshaw Reservoir, Oxenhope this afternoon where I could park the car and watch from it, without getting soaked.

It was cold, wet and very windy here and there were 'zero' birds on the water when I arrived.

A couple of Cormorants were with 6 or maybe 8 Oystercatcher, huddled down on the west end in the long grass.

Probably around 16 Oystercatcher here all told.
Although they were flitting about here and there.

Others:

Lapwing very adept at dealing with the gale.
A few Black Headed Gull came in low over the water, struggling with the wind.
16 Canada Geese were sheltering under the wall and a couple landed on the water for a short period.
4 Greylag Geese.
5 Curlew overhead.
5 Pheasant and a large group of Starling.
A couple of Lesser Black-backed Gull and Herring Gull came over as I was leaving.

A Kestrel flew low across a field as I went along the Oxenhope Road.

Raggalds Flood:

I had a short stop on the way home, at the Raggalds Flood.
It was difficult to open the car door against the strong wind here.
As I got out of the car, the Redshank flew overhead calling loudly.
It headed towards the lower flood but did not land.
I guess I flushed it from the adjacent flooded field, when I stopped the car.
The Redshank's call reminded me of the seaside, a great sound.
4 Common Gulls, Pr. Mallard and a Pied Wagtail were here also.











2 comments:

  1. Very nice Pied Wag shot John. Not had many this year.

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  2. Ta Dave - neither have I when I think obout it.

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