Stainburn Moor, Harrogate.... 17-07-2010

Stainburn Moor, Harrogate (N Yorks, England)
Saturday 17 July 2010
Counting period: 7:55-9:05
Weather: E F4 40km 5/8 intermitant light rain showers
Observers: John Blacker

Moving Birds:
Curlew - 1
alba wagtail sp. 1 -
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 7
Starling 23 -
Grey Wagtail 2 -

Totals: 34 individuals, 5 species, 1:10 hours

Present: Sparrowhawk 1, Oystercatcher 24, Lapwing 21, Black-headed Gull 11, Woodpigeon 7, Skylark 3, Swallow 20, Magpie 2, Jackdaw 50, Rook 20, Starling 1000, Goldfinch 2

Comments: Signs of movement but sporadic and difficult to keep attention

John

Counting period: 9:10-10:45
Weather: F4-5 occas light rain 4 Oktas; cool in rain
Observers: A Hanby


Moving Birds:
Golden Plover 3 -
Lesser Black-backed Gull 15 -
Lapwing 7 -
Sand Martin 1 -
Curlew 2 -
Grey Wagtail 1 -
Black-headed Gull 154 -
Goldfinch 2 -
Common Gull 1 -
Linnet 11 -

Totals: 197 individuals, 10 species, 1:35 hours

Present: Common Buzzard 3, Kestrel 1, Oystercatcher 6, Lapwing 87, Curlew 8, Swift 10, Skylark 8, Swallow 35, Meadow Pipit 2, alba wagtail sp. 2, Great Tit 1, Rook 100, Carrion Crow 20, Starling 80, Greenfinch 1, Goldfinch 4

Comments: Didn't know John was out earlier- my timings largely dictated by my indolence at this time of year. First noticeable movement of Linnets for some while and also a single Grey Wagtail, which with Johns 2 makes a definite movement of those. The Oystercatchers dropped from Johns first thing count suggesting that the locals had been augmented by some migrants that then moved on.


Counting period: 14:25-15:25
Weather: As before but with shorter, but heavier showers
Observers: A Hanby


Moving birds:
Black-headed Gull 96 -
Starling 120 -
Common Gull 2 -
Linnet 1 -
Lesser Black-backed Gull 10 -

Totals: 229 individuals, 5 species, 1:00 hours

Present: Golden Plover 8, Lapwing 270, Redshank 3

Comments: Counted between the Briscoe ridge site and also old site on Moor itself- where three Redshank were present in with the plover flock. With regard to the gulls the movement has been more W than S, with a flow appearing to come down the Vale of York- 20% appear to carry on SW, while the rest turn go either due W over Stainburn or up the Wharfe.

Andy