Oxenhope... a desolate day! 21-10-2009

Last light this evening.... looking NW (c) 2009


Congested but clearing late afternoon sky... looking NW (c) 2009


Oxenhope, Bradford (W Yorks, England)
Wednesday 21 October 2009
Counting period: 8:30-12:00
Weather: S F2, 10degC, 100m improving 4000m, 8/8 fog stratus, QNH 995 falling then rising
Observers: Dave Barker


Moving birds:
Starling - 76

Totals: 76 individuals, 1 species, 3:30 hours

Comments: A morning at deep fog with a little drizzle at the main watchpoint so diversified to a lower point nearby and stuck out albeit with one or two walks round to keep the circulation going. No thrushes seen but several Redwings / parties of Redwing went over in the fog and Fieldfare calls were heard. Starlings were the only birds actually seen moving close to the ground as the fog started to raise. Three parties totalling 76 were seen. Cloudbase lifting well now at c1315hr so off out after lunch now for another go!

Dave

Counting period: 16:00-18:00
Weather: SSE F5, 11degC, 6km E - 10km W, 8/8 stratus, cu fractus, cu congestus, QNH 995 rising
Observers: Dave Barker


Moving birds:
Meadow Pipit 5 -

Totals: 5 individuals, 1 species, 2:00 hours

Present: Goosander 45, Lesser Black-backed Gull 6, Herring Gull 1, small gull spec. 3500, alba wagtail sp. 43

Comments: A late afternoon visit specifically to check that starlings wernt going back to the SE!... they wernt and infact no Starlings were seen at all, confirming the authenticity of the vis. The mipits went thro at 1720, 1733 and 1759hr. Gull, goosander and alba roosts were doing well and expanding nicely!

Dave