Pennine Skywatch: 17 Mar 2009

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Oxenhope 16-03-2009 (Monday)

Sorry the report is late!

0730 - 0945hr

SSW F2, 5degC, 20km, 4/8 altostratus to N, QNH 1032 steady.

A big let down after yesterdays surge but nevertheless some interesting movement with several skeins of mixed large gulls comprising mainly Herring Gulls with a few Greater black backs and Lesser back backs mixed in going north and northwest seen from both the watchpoint and later on Leeshaw. In addition several singles and small parties of Lessers also went north west. A small party of Goosanders overflew high north as did a small skein of Golden Plovers. Meadow Pipits were very sparse but all were going north and somewhat higher than yesterdays surge. A small skein of Canadas also overflew north. Later in the morning a skein of 26 Whoopers dropped into Lower Barden Reservoir from the south east and were either joined by or joined an additional group of 15 making a total of 41 on the water. These were photographed at lunch time and were still there mid afternoon.

Moving birds in order of appearance:

Meadow Pipit 23 > N

alba wagtail 3 > N

Canada Goose 9 > N

Carrion Crow 3 > N

Goosander 5 > N

Golden Plover 24 > N

Herring Gull 24 > N

Greater black backed Gull 4 > N

Lesser black backed Gull 11 > N and NW

Curlew 5 (3 > E and 2 > W)

Skylark 2 > W