Oxenhope... diversity increases! 28-02-2010

Oxenhope, Bradford (W Yorks, England)
Sunday 28 February 2010
Counting period: 7:45-11:15
Weather: E F3 becoming N F2, 1degC, 30km, 8/8 high translucidus, dry throughout, QNH 990 rising
Observers: Dave Barker

Moving Birds:
Canada Goose - 23
Black-headed Gull 107 -
Meadow Pipit - 3
Mallard - 2
Common Gull - 21
Grey Wagtail - 1
Goosander - 1
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1
Magpie 1 -
Sparrowhawk - 1
Herring Gull - 3
Jackdaw - 14
Oystercatcher - 2
Stock Dove - 2
Carrion Crow - 25
Golden Plover - 52
Woodpigeon - 5
Starling - 64
Lapwing - 89
Skylark - 27

Totals: 444 individuals, 20 species, 3:30 hours

Comments: Best morning so far albeit bitingly cold with waders on the move and Skylarks trickling through east with a few northeast all morning. None were very high with all that were seen just within audiability range... the largest group were six not including three straglers behind. Canadas going through in small numbers, most likely returning to the moors. a Grey Wagtail went high east... the first one this year. A single large group of Black headed gulls went south east towards the end of the visit. Much more diversity than of late. A couple of Grey Herons went south west up on to the moor but it was assumed they were just out hunting? Also a call from BS with word from DS of a skein of c70 pinks NW over Birstall.... but none seen here despite constant searching the skies

Dave