Local am and Ogden pm

A day of weather contrasts today, dull and dry this morning, dull wet then very wet this afternoon.

Local:

In the garden this morning followed by a walk for a game of football in Bradshaw Park.

Birds:

Kestrel, Buzzard heard.

2 Raven over the house.

Just 2 of the resident Swallows seem to be left now.

Green Woodpecker calling.

8 Mistle Thrush.

10 Canada Geese.

A flock of Racing Pigeon?

c30 Woodpigeon?

I took a mega distant photo, looking towards farm buildings, opposite the Cricket Club on the way to the park, of a few birds.

Probably Linnet.

Ogden:

14:00 - 16:00 (ish).

The rain came along so I had a drive over to Ogden.

Bottom car park full again and some of the top car parks cobbles are missing leaving a big crater that could swallow my little car if I'm not careful!

The weather started off with light rain, which was ok but my second circuit of the water was very unpleasant when the heavy stuff arrived.

I was going to try for DJS's Redstart but with the rain and the wind direction not favourable I chickened out - softy.

Birds:

2 Great Crested Grebe - one diving regular seemed to be finding food.

Green Woodpecker, Nuthatch and Great Spotted Woodpecker herad but not seen.

Chiffchaff and Willow Warblers difficult to see and photograph.

2 Bullfinch, Cormorant.

c100 Gulls - mostly Black Headed, c20  Lesser Black-backed,with a few Common and a few Herring Gulls.

A very, very dark Juv. large Gull that will have me scratching my head for a while this evening. Probably get a spell in my finger.

Then I'll have to decide if  it's a Juv. or 1cy Lesser Black-backed Gull!

With the heavy rain a small flock of birds landed in the high canopy of  the west side conifers, I struggled to ID any of 'em except a Willow Warbler!