Stainburn Moor, Harrogate... fatigue! 08-11-2009

Stainburn Moor, Harrogate (N Yorks, England)
Sunday 8 November 2009
Counting period: 7:00-9:00
Weather: cold. 8 oktas. N 2-3 visibility 8 miles.
Observers: Andrew Hanby and John Blacker

Moving Birds:
Peregrine - 1
Fieldfare 37 -
Golden Plover 225 -
Redwing 12 36
Lapwing 410 -
Starling - 560
Common Gull 156 -
Chaffinch - 7
Woodpigeon 12 -
finch sp. - 5
Meadow Pipit 1 -

Totals: 1462 individuals, 11 species, 2:00 hours

Present: Kestrel 1, Lapwing 1200, Stock Dove 1, Blue Tit 1, Jackdaw 450, Rook 45, Carrion Crow 15, Linnet 2

Comments: A modest morning in which fatigue got the best of the observers and we didn't make it to 1100 hrs. Plovers still on the move with three flocks , 60, 15 and 150 coming in from the North at moderate height in v formation before rising at the ridge crest and disappearing into the cloud base and hence lost from sight. Lapwings were also restless with many flocks dithering but some making a definite move, including a single flock of 310 which headed S across the Wharfe. Starling were probably moving and the number given are the minimum, but may have been more- however commuting between large flocks in the fields confuses the issue. Again gulls moving N first thing- this time included 252 Black Heads first thing from the SW suggesting a roost origin that was not Eccup ?? Knotford Nook. Later as Dave noted a Southerly movement developed and our count of commons included a single flock of 130 common gulls headed SE low right passed us calling all the while- most impressive. The other main highlight was a male Peregrine low N overhead.

Andy and John