Sand Martin influx...and more. 18-03-2010

According to all of the information sources available to me there has been an influx of Sand Martins today penetrating as far north as us here in Yorkshire. Worth keeping an eye out for passage groups and individuals on the move now....

Also Brian Sumner reports a movement of Wood Pigeons over Queensbury this morning... see:

http://birderbri.blogspot.com/2010/03/woodpigs-on-move.html

for further details. Skype is a wonderful thing for keeping in touch and all for free!!

Things are "hotting" up!... what will the weekend bring?

Dave

Stainburn Moor, Harrogate.... shortfall! 18-03-2010

Stainburn Moor, Harrogate (N Yorks, England)
Thursday 18 March 2010
Counting period: 6:37-8:10
Weather: 6c rising to 8c; wind SSE 3 visibility poor 5/8 cloud
Observers: John Blacker, Andy Hanby

Moving Birds:
Canada Goose - 2
Fieldfare - 98
Goosander 2 -
Redwing - 8
Golden Plover - 15
Starling - 53
Lesser Black-backed Gull - 1
finch sp. - 12
Woodpigeon - 106
Greenfinch - 2
Collared Dove - 4
Goldfinch - 1
Meadow Pipit - 12
Linnet - 2
alba wagtail sp. - 5

Totals: 323 individuals, 15 species, 1:33 hours

Present: Kestrel 1, Curlew 6, Common Gull 280, Stock Dove 6, Skylark 8, alba wagtail sp. 1, Dunnock 1, Blackbird 3, Mistle Thrush 3, Great Tit 2, Jackdaw 4, Carrion Crow 18, Starling 45, Chaffinch 6

Comments: Things fell well short of the expectations generated by yesterdays mipit rush which fizzled markedly. The high points were 'low altitude'- a record count of Collared Doves and also a modest Fieldfare movement ( modest to the point of bashful!).

Andy and John