Caldene Fields, Low Moor... starlings not thrushes! 31-10-2009

Caldene Fields, Bradford (W Yorks, England)
Saturday 31 October 2009
Counting period: 6:45-10:45
Weather: : A dry start with a rising temperature of 10c and a F1 S/E wind. 40% cloud mainly to the E/S/E and increasing visibility from 3 to 6 miles as cloud and mist gradually cleared from the E/S/E.
Observers: Martyn Priestley

Moving Birds:
Mallard - 7
alba wagtail sp. 17 -
Chaffinch 14 -
Black-headed Gull 69 -
Fieldfare 47 -
finch sp. 20 -
Common Gull 9 -
Redwing 503 -
Greenfinch 84 -
Lesser Black-backed Gull 7 -
Mistle Thrush - 1
Goldfinch 39 -
Stock Dove 6 -
Magpie 1 -
Bullfinch 5 -
Woodpigeon 166 -
Carrion Crow 25 -
Skylark 1 -
Starling 3159 -

Totals: 4180 individuals, 19 species, 4:00 hours

Comments: The expected rush of thrushes did not happen here despite hearing many over head calls the pervious night from Low Moor to Scholemoor a distance of over 8 miles. Even in the city centre of Bradford calls of Redwings were heard up to 01.00. What did come through in excellent numbers were Starlings. The movement was S/W and on a broad front however, the bulk of the birds moved over the Scholes and Wyke area and some birds were very low to the ground. The movement started around 07.10 with a single bird and lasted throughout the watch. Starling breakdown: The majority of parties were under 50 these totalled 47, between 50 x 100 = 6, Over 100 = 6, Over 200= 1 5 Bullfinch including a party of 3 moved S and a single large/ bulky Plover Sp possibly a Grey flew S

Martyn Priestley