Harrop Edge... mip surge today! 18-09-2009

From Out of the Murk came Mipits!.... stratocumulus (c) 2009

0700 - 0800hr Dave Barker
NE F1 / Calm, 10degC at 0600hhr, 20km, 8/8 stratocumulus, QNH 1022 falling 1021.

The first pick up of mipits after mid September here today. Still hard work but the movement was direct and urgent and all was just east of south. All were coming in from over the valley at ridge top level from the north and overflying. Most were in small groups of up to 10 but the two largest groups were in excess of 60.... a sure sign of better things to come before too long!!! Other species also involved here today, see below. A further increase in the numbers of albas feeding up in the same field as the last few days again up to a staggering 65.... again a few looking interesting but little time to look!

Moving Birds:
Meadow Pipit 358 > S
Chaffinch 3 > S
Alba 1 > S

Starlings, Goosanders, BH Gulls and Goldfinches were also moving in the sky but not certain yet from this new watchpoint just what may be roost dispersal... suspect all of this movement was.

Dave