Stainburn Moor, Harrogate... vis of biblical proportions 13-10-2009

Dear All,
If you can get out get out!

A quick look before work at the new vis site mentioned last time (SE of old by about 1k) appeared to be disappointing for the first 10 mins and then an absolute torrent of thrushes came though both very high and low going SW into the Wharfe. If only I could have stayed!!! - I feel I would have raced passed 10k, but sadly it wasn't to be. They were moving so intensely I neglected other species- the dangers of being singlehanded.

3778 birds in 50 minutes!

Stainburn Moor, Harrogate (N Yorks, England)
Tuesday 13 October 2009
Counting period: 7:35-8:25
Weather: w1-2 4 oktas cool.
Observers: A Hanby

Moving Birds:

Greylag Goose 12 -
alba wagtail sp. 1 -
Greenfinch 6 -
Lapwing 15 -
Fieldfare 743 -
Goldfinch 1 -
Common Snipe 7 -
Redwing 2666 -
Siskin 7 -
? 18 -
Jackdaw 15 -
Linnet 13 -
Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 -
Starling 199 -
Lesser Redpoll 1 -
Woodpigeon 30 -
Chaffinch 7 -
Crossbill 4 -
Skylark 1 -
Brambling 1 -
Meadow Pipit 15 -
finch sp. 15 -

Totals: 3778 individuals, 22 species, 0:50 hours

Present: Golden Plover 200, Lapwing 80, Dunnock 1

Andy Hanby