Oxenhope 25-09-2008

The Long Wall......Fog Stratus again at Dawn (c) 2008

Becoming Shallow Fog by 0735hr..... vertical visibility to Altocumulus perlucidus upper cloud (c) 2008

0720-1000hr
E F2 reducing E F1, 11.5degC rising 11.9, 200m - 2km, 7/8 Shallow Fog Altocumulus perlucidus, QNH 1033 rising.

A very poor morning for the vis.... when are these anticyclonic conditions with easterlies going to move off!!!!......Initially deep fog stratus but soon improving to shallow fog with good vertical visibility by 0735hr when the first Redwing of the autumn could be heard seeeping as it passed high overhead. In addition to this there was much activity above the fog this morning but most was visually out of reach just above or in the the fog top. Large groups of mipits were constantly heard going over but few could be counted. Albas, Chaffinch, Siskin and a few Redpoll were doing similar. Movement however was short lived and by 0815hr deathly silence prevailed in the quietening wind, punctuated only by the odd party of birds going over. By 0915hr the ceiling had closed and the fog was drawing in again, thus it remained until the end of the visit.

Moving birds in order of appearance:

Goldcrest calls from the fog upon arrival.
Meadow Pipit 156 > various
alba wagtail 18 > various
Chaffinch 14 > various
Redwing 1 calls heard
Siskin 4 lots heard > SW
Redpoll 3 lots heard > S
Reed Bunting 1
Goldfinch 66 > S
BH Gull 124
LBB Gull 7

Dave