Stainburn Moor, Harrogate... 28-10-2009

Stainburn Moor, Harrogate (N Yorks, England)
Wednesday 28 October 2009
Counting period: 6:35-8:35
Weather: SW/W 2-3 mild 4 Oktas Visibility moderate
Observers: Andrew Hanby

Moving Birds:
Common Snipe 1 -
Fieldfare 3470 -
Chaffinch 25 -
Common Gull 4 -
Song Thrush 2 -
finch sp. 25 -
Woodpigeon 385 -
Redwing 2756 -
Greenfinch 3 -
Skylark 25 -
Goldcrest 1 -
Goldfinch 3 -
Meadow Pipit 18 -
Magpie 3 -
Linnet 9 -
alba wagtail sp. 2 -
Jackdaw 16 -
Crossbill 2 -
Blackbird 5 -
Starling 477 -
Reed Bunting 1 -

Totals: 7233 individuals, 21 species, 2:00 hours

Present: Kestrel 2, Golden Plover 400, Lapwing 400

Comments: Hard work on my own with my head swiveling like a wryneck. None of the variety of other sites but more than my fair share of thrushes which were going low mainly to the north of me ( circa 90%) SW up the minor valley. The largest flock of Fieldfare was 600 ( give or take a few) with 180 peak for Redwing. Unfortunately they acted as chaff and I was unable to concentrate on the moderate no of other 'jobs' whistling through the air. Unlike the other day when the pigeons were well up these were also hugging the ground ( a curious expression that implies improbably long arms!). I had c 3000 small gulls going N first thing which I have not entered into the totals as I believe they were exiting the eccup roost. A Jackdaw with a v prominent white collar went through- I guess a 'Scandy'

Andy Hanby