Caldene Fields, Low Moor.... woodies dominate! 29-10-2009

Caldene Fields, Bradford (W Yorks, England)
Thursday 29 October 2009
Counting period: 6:45-10:45
Weather: Dry and bright with 60% high thin patchy cloud and mist to the E/S/E and a temp of 9c. Moderate visibility ranging from 5 to 8 miles. No wind was noted thought the watch. These conditions basically remained throughout the watch.
Observers: Martyn Priestley

Moving Birds:
Grey Heron 1 -
Woodpigeon 2007 -
Carrion Crow 24 + 7
Pink-footed Goose 879 -
Meadow Pipit 12 -
Starling 401 -
Mallard 3 -
alba wagtail sp. 17 -
Chaffinch 12 -
Golden Plover 67 + 52
Blackbird 1 + 1
finch sp. 30 -
Lapwing 2 + 106
Fieldfare 141 -
Greenfinch 99 -
Black-headed Gull 108 + 7
Song Thrush - 1
Goldfinch 12 -
Common Gull 7 -
Redwing 311 -
Lesser Redpoll 1 -
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 3
Mistle Thrush - 1
Bullfinch - 1
Stock Dove 2 -
Jackdaw 21 -

Totals: 4337 individuals, 26 species, 4:00 hours

Comments: An excellent watch with Woodies and Geese moving. The Woodies moved to the S and S/W and in general were in relatively small parties 47 under 100 and only 1 large party of 300. The movement was on a broad band and not restricted to the pasture areas of Bierley and Birkenshaw as parties were observed over the industrial areas of Low Moor. A possible question here could be do Woodies require more fuel in cold weather thus keep to the pasture areas where more food is available. Pinks also showed well and 7 skeins were noted flying in various directions. Waders also moved and a high flying Bullfinch, this time to the N was interesting. The tail end of the thrush movement was also noted.


Martyn Priestley