Oxenhope 13-09-2008

Ferrybridge and Drax through the Drizzle (c) 2008

0650 - 1200hr DB/HC and Josh

WSW F3 increasing F4, 12degC initially, 1km - 100km+, 8/8 heavy drizzle and low cloud initially, QNH 1015 rising 1018.

An improving morning with low cloud and heavy drizzle initially. Visibility becoming 3km and drizzle ceasing by 0815hr after which visibility increased rapidy out to the east. Meadow Pipits were moving exceptionally well in groups of up to 55 initially. Most if the 527 counted came through in the first hour..... the period of poor visibility and drizzle and it diddnt seem to worry them at all... The only problem was that you could only see a fraction of what would have been on the move, all were going south... birds were frequently heard but not seen above the low cloud base. Snipe were phenominal with twelve parties located throughout the morning the largest of which was 11, all were going fast west. The first Swallow not seen until 0830hr, numbers seen gradually increased throughout the morning with 723 up to 1100hrs and a further 526 in the final hour up to 1200hr. Most of the Swallows were travelling south east and nearly all were high and travelling in waves of groups the largest of which was estimated at 240 birds. Wigeon also deserve a mention, with a single skein of 10 going fast west at 0840hr. Visibility out to the east became very very clear mid morning underneath the cloudbase with buildings in Hull and a chimney thought to be in Grimsby never seen before becomming clearly visible. Beverley Minster could also be seen..... very infrequent from this site.

Moving Birds in order of appearance:

Meadow Pipit 527 > S

Siskin 3 > SW

Grey Wagtail 5 > W

Snipe 51 > W

Swallow 1249 > SE

Dunlin 1 > W

Chaffinch 5 > SW

alba wagtail 4 > SE

Wigeon 10 > W

Linnet 1 > W

Cormorant 1 > W

Starling 1 > W

Goosander 3 > S

Redpoll 3 > S

Dave