Oxenhope 06-09-2008 Afternoon

1230 - 1530hr
SIGNIFICANT SWALLOW MOVEMENT

As Dave knows, I had to sort car out this morning, hence my late show at the watchpoint. A very pleasant afternoon with light southerlies and plenty of sunshine. Heavy rain clouds to far NW. QNH 994 and rising.

VIS MIG :-

Swallow - circa 450 South. Steady movement throughout but characterised by two heavy streams at 13.00 hrs and 14.30 hrs, both groups numbering circa 150 birds. Vast majority were couple of hundred feet over res, with a small number moving through fast just over surface of water.

Meadow Pipit - 16 South (3 groups).

OTHER :-

Spotted Flycatcher - single on telegraph wires near Jacks wood at end of stay.

Linnet - 15

Meadow Pipt - 8 bloggers

Willow Warbler - single in wood

Blackbird - single fly through NW behind treatment works

Kestrel - at least 7 different birds - all points of compass

Sparrowhawk - 1 over Oxenhope moor

Red Grouse - 1

LBB - 64

BH - 23


ALSO noted a strong movement of Peacock butterflies West over res throughout - counted 43 and 5 Dragonfly sp.

Cheers

Howard.

Good job you visited this afternoon Howard in the dramatically improved conditions as I diddnt have a single Swallow this morning. First Meadow Pipits south also interesting - up to now the vast majority have been travelling west.... the changing season!

Dave