Oxenhope Watchpoint 25-09-2007

Sunrise at the Watchpoint... Clear Skies to the East (c) 2007

Leaden Grey Skies and Low Cloud in Westerly Airflow (c) 2007

0700 -1100hr (Dave Barker / Howard Creber)

W F3 swinging NNW F3, 8degC rising 12, 45 increasing 100km, 7/8 decreasing 2/8, heavy showers initially, QNH 1008 rising.

A very interesting morning in all respects but with the weather initially being a complete dog. Heavy showers were very wetting and did for a while completely stop the birds and the watch but soon back to "all go". Meadow Pipits were moving in a constant uniform flow throughout the watch (possibly a few more after 0930hr), at first glance quite diffuse but upon constantly probing the skies, as usual the considerable broad front passage was very obvious. The forecast wind swing into the NW hit us at 0930hrs and in conjunction with rapidly clearing skies and dropping temperature brought improved conditions and very obvious change in the profile of species on the move. Nearly all of the albas and all of the Reed Bunts went through in these conditions after 0930. It was also very noteable that the mipits were flying much higher and in bigger groups with tail winds rather than cross winds. Goosanders, Common Gulls and many LBB Gulls were also on the move. By the end of the watch the upper winds (cloud movement direction) had further shifted to NNE. The best birds of the day were a Teal > SW and two Grey Herons > NW. Awaiting tomorrow with interest!!!!

Moving Birds:
Meadow Pipit 770 > S
Swallow 93 > S
Greenfinch 14 > W
alba wagtail 36 > S and W
Grey Heron 2 > NW
Snipe 5 > W
Starling 23 > W
Linnet 13 > S
Goldfinch 20
Jackdaw 60
Mistle Thrush 7 > W
Skylark 2 > W
Chaffinch 25 > W
Great Tit 1
Teal 1 > SW
Reed Bunting 13 > W
Great Spotted Woodpecker 2 > W
Goosander 6 > S
Common Gull 10 > W
Bullfinch 1
LBB Gull 75+ > NW
BH Gull 1 > S
Kestrel 3
Sparrowhawk 1

Dave

Rapidly Clearing Skies in NW Airflow (c) 2007

Back Edge of the Departing Cloud - looking south (c) 2007