Stainburn Moor, Harrogate... inconsistant flow! 19-03-2010

Stainburn Moor, Harrogate (N Yorks, England)
Friday 19 March 2010
Counting period: 6:30-10:30
Weather: 8-11 C 5/8 cloud, wind W 4
Observers: John Blacker 6:30-8:00 Andrew Hanby 9:00-10:30

Moving Birds:
Greylag Goose 1 + 6
Woodpigeon - 12
Redwing - 20
Canada Goose 2 -
Great Spotted Woodpecker - 1
Mistle Thrush - 2
Golden Plover - 40
Skylark - 3
Starling - 30
Lapwing - 6
Sand Martin 1 -
Chaffinch - 13
Curlew - 2
Meadow Pipit - 95
finch sp. - 5
Black-headed Gull - 6
alba wagtail sp. - 6
Greenfinch - 3
Common Gull - 87
Dunnock - 1
Goldfinch - 8
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1
Fieldfare - 150

Totals: 501 individuals, 23 species, 4:00 hours

Present: Common Buzzard 5, Oystercatcher 1, Golden Plover 3, Curlew 8, Common Gull 982, Stock Dove 6, Collared Dove 2, Fieldfare 8

Comments: 1. Mig good but inconsistant flow of birds 2. Thought I'd take an impromptu days leave as it seemed so nice. Was on 'drop kids at school duty' so arrived rather late. Not gripping but a Sand Martin South and huge numbers of Common Gulls gave the day a distinctive flavour. Out of a close flock of 432 resting nearest me on the fields no more that 25 were first years, most were adults. The Dunnock I thought was a mip till it got closer- once they get going they are quite strong flyers!

Andy and John