Oxenhope 08-09-2008

0800 - 1130hr
SW F1/F2, 12degC, 16km, 6/8 overcast stratocumulus, QNH 1012 rising.

Good visibility out to 3 peaks albeit mainly cloudy (stratocumulus with cumulonimbus out to east) though interspersed with a few sunny intervals. Warm with light SW wind.

A very "birdy" morning with much vis-mig activity throughout - peak time being 09.15 to 10.15 - didn`t know which way to look at times ! HIGHLIGHTS - good Mipit movement and juvenile Hobby.

VIS-MIG

Mipits - 670 mainly South West, largest group numbering 75 birds
Alba Wag - 6 NW
Linnet - 17 SE
Siskin - 15 NW
Swallow - 121 South
Sand Martin - 1 South (moving with Swallows)
House Martin - 2 South (moving at back of Swallow bunch)
Skylark - 2 West
Chaffinch - 1 South
Goldfinch - 26 South
Grey Wagtail - 3 NW
Wheatear - 8 SW (one bird travelling with a single Mipit)
Grey Lag Goose - skein of 22 NE
BH Gull - 10 SW
LBB - 18 SW
Peregrine - 1
Hobby (Juv) - 1 - in from NW over sand pits & circled to land on fence post next to quarry. After several mins preening, headed off South at speed over moor.

OTHER

Willow Warbler - 1 in wood
Goldfinch - 16 around wood
Greenfinch - 1 in wood
Robin - 1 wood
Starling - 91 (three groups - largest 61 birds)
Kestrel - 3
Sparrowhawk - 1
Goosander - redhead - 1 res
Mallard - 8 on res
Tufted Duck - 1 on res
Jackdaw - 77
Carrion Crow - 15
Stock Dove - 2


Cheers

Howard Creber

Caldene Fields Watchpoint 08-09-2008

Caldene Fields Watchpoint

8th September 08 Watch 0.7.00 – 08.30
Weather: 80% cloud cover with clearing skies to the S/E, No wind of note and a ground visibility of over 3 miles, dry with a temp of 10c

Comments: A fairly good watch for early September with a good movement of BH Gull and the first Snipe and moving Meadow Pipit of the autumn.

BH Gull 628 > S/S/E
Snipe 1> S
Wood Pigeon 9> W/N/W
Meadow Pipit 5> W/N/W
Swallow 16> S + 3 E = 19
Carrion Crow 1> S/E
Greenfinch 6> S/W + 3 E = 9
Goldfinch 8> S/W

18 unidentified Geese S/E

Martyn Priestley