Snow gone, back on track, Fly Flatts

                                  Clunter Clough stream was like the rapids

                       The overflow well had backed up level with the top
           where there is usually a 20 ft drop.

                2m 3f Wheatear but very flighty

         Focused on a Wheatear when a Reed Bunting appeared
                      briefly on the wires

                                       Golden Plover over Fill Belly Flat.

    Iffy shot of a female Merlin taken through the car windscreen.

Fly Flatts late afternoon and amazingly the snow had nearly all gone but leaving the reservoir full to the top and breaching the track in places. The overflow was frightening with the pressure of water blasting down it.
                          Wheatear numbers are increasing with 2 males and 3 females down by the feeding station but as always with new in spring birds they are very flighty and mobile unlike the more confining birds in autumn. They soon moved across to Robin Rock before I,d chance to snap 1 female which was very bright and stood out , a cracking bird.
                                                       Reed Buntings are starting to show with 3 present whilst 8 Linnet were near the top gate. The Golden Plover flock on the flat moor kept getting spooked and taking to the air along with Curlews and Lapwings.
                                                  On the way back I noticed a bird on a fence post which made me anchor on and grab the camera. It was a female Merlin but flew before I had chance to do anything so I just took it through the windscreen as it flew off.
A pleasing return to Fly Flatts.
BS