Oxenhope 19-04-2009

Fog Stratus base 300feet (c) 2009


Fog Stratus Evapourating c1000hr (c) 2009


Lesser Black-backed Gulls Overhead > NW pm (c) 2009


Lesser Black-backed Gulls Overhead > NW (c) 2009


Lesser Black-backed Gulls Overhead > NW (c) 2009

0630 - 1100hr D Barker / C King
E F1/2 becoming SE F2, 3degC initially, 5-10km, 8/8 fog stratus becoming 1/8, ONH 1025 steady.

OXENHOPE SENTRY: Initially a dismal bitter cold birdless morning with fog stratus at 300feet. As the stratus began to evapourate by 1000hr a few birds began to appear. The birds of the day were three Jays in a well spaced train, high over the moor travelling SE.... they kept on going till lost from view. By 1100hr it was obvious things were picking up, so home for an early lunch in preparation for another go this afternoon!!!

Morning, Moving birds in order of appearance:

Alba wagtail 4 > N
Meadow Pipit 11 > NW
Linnet 2 > NW
Rook 1 > NW
LBB Gull 10 > NW
Starling 3 > NW
Skylark 2 > W
Cormorant 2 > E
Swallow 9 > N
Goldfinch 2 > NW
Woodpigeon 2 > NE
Golden Plover 3 > E
Common Gull 1 fst sum > E
Sand Martin 2 > E
Jay 3 > SE
Chaffinch 1 > E
Canada Goose 1 high > E

1445 - 1645 hr D Barker
ENE F2, 16degC, 65km, 0/8 open sky, QNH 1026 steady.

A hot afternoon with a light ENE wind birds were well on the move with gulls and Swallows all very high. LBBGulls were especially interesting with a continuous stream NW and N on a broad front as far as the scope could see out over Airedale. Much soaring and gliding but some in level flight.

Swallow 51 > N
LBBGull 361 > NW
Curlew 2 > NW
Meadow Pipit 2 > W

Dave