Stainburn Moor... Mip Buzz Day!! 30-08-2009

Knabs Ridge from Sandwith Moor (c) John Blacker 2009


Stainburn Moor (c) John Blacker 2009


Sandwith Moor... towards Harrogate (c) John Blacker 2009

0700-1100 A Hanby, J Blacker.

Wind variable SW, but flitting more S or W from time to time 2-4 poss 5 at times. Cloud variable from 8/8, low with drizzle to 3/8. Cool and getting cooler.

A very good day with Buzzards and Mipits the highlights.

Mipit 865 SW ( av direction, some more W others more S). Coming through in groups of up to 65. Sometimes there would be a lull with no birds for up to 10 mins then another 'wave'. The first three hours counts were 352, 231 and 191

Buzzard 19 of which 17 SW, biggest groups 8 and 6 respectively. Only odd ones and twos over last couple of months so a real influx passing through.

Marsh Harrier 1 NE- came from general region of yesterdays bird and looked similar, though distant- headed off over Harrogate. Could well be same bird hanging around.

Red Kite- up to 6 loafing mostly.

Swallow- poss up to 300 visible at any one time but hard to gauge movement and they seem to progress in large swirling feeding parties.

Sand Martin 1 W

H Martin- up to 6 comments as per swallow.

LBBG 22 SW

Wheatear 4 in

Golden Plover 45 in from East- landed.

Woodpigeon 28 W- seems always to be a drip of these going west- i'd love to know whether they keep going or return 'home' in the evening.

Blue Tit 8 SW

Alba 5S

grey Wag, 1S, 2 in

Snipe 9 SW ( not always taking the most direct path!)

Ringed Plover 1N

BHG 5E

Andy and John