Oxenhope... a real drenching! 20-07-2010

S F2, 18degC, v humid, recent v heavy rain this PM, 65km to 300m in torrential rain, mist hanging in valleys, 8/8 nimbostratus with lower fractus, QNH 1007 falling all day.
1715 - 2100hr

Same frontal system as yesterday still working longitudinally up country tracking in morning through Wales, Lancashire and up into the NE again bringing exceptionally heavy rain in these areas as the morning progressed... Again a total block from the west and north. During the morning and early afternoon there was little rain this side of the Pennines but later on a different story with absolutely torrential downpours but only in short bursts as the frontal rain broadend out to cross the Pennine ridge... upon arrival at 1715 there was little difference in the water inflow level to that of the last few days but on leaving.... flood filling was in progress with rain still sheeting down!... a very difficult drive home with flooding roads as surcharging drains to contend with. The fair weather birders expected on the Group excursion failed to materialise... only the hardy (and keen) were out tonight... DCB, CJK, MS and MJ.

Ringed Plover 4 probably the same birds as this morning
LBB Gull 10
BH Gull 3

BV visited twice during the day together with a short stay by KM. Few Gulls passing but a continuing turn over of small plovers:

0900 - 1015hr

Ringed Plover 4
LR Plover 3
Common Gull 3
Oystercatcher 1

1345-1445hr
Ringed Plover increased to 5 and possibly 6
LBB Gull 70
BH Gull 166

Brian Vickers