Oxenhope... steady away! 02-08-2009

0750 - 1300hr D Barker, S Lilley
W F3 increasing W F4, 15degC at 0800hr, 65km, 6/8 cu sp, QNH 1010 rising.

Initial open skies overdrawing from the west, then beginning to break again.... nevertheless an improving morning with little in the sky to start off with but by mid morning things beginning to improve with Swallows, Swifts, LBBGulls and Cormorant all on the move albeit in small numbers. Swallows were flying low and fast virtually all below eye height, mainly west but with a few higher ones (max group 10) going south. Swifts were high in the sky with ones and threes all going SW. Two lots of two Cormorant went high west as did a single Curlew. A hand full of Linnets also went west along with two mipits. Not an exciting morning but the Swallows were moving with intent. It is worth noting that not a single BH Gull was seen! Mistle Thrushes and Blackbirds cleared off since last weekend and virtually no other species blogging here now. The moors are silent!

Moving Birds:
Meadow Pipit 2 > W, 1 > N and 1 > S...total 4
Swallow 71 > S and W
Starling 40 > W
Curlew 1 > W
Swift 21 > SW
Cormorant 4 > W
Common Gull 1 > W
LBB Gull 186 > NW and a few SW
Linnet 8 > W

Dave