mipits surge!... 2011-10-04

Sunrise this morning.... two images (c) Howard Creber 2011

Oxenhope, Bradford (W Yorks, England)
Tuesday 4 October 2011
Counting period: 6:30-11:00
Weather: wind WSW F5/6, cloud-cover 7/8, visibility 40000m, temperature 11 ℃, WSW F5/6, 7ok, 11degC, 60 becoming 40km, QNH 1016 ridging
Observers: Howard Creber

Golden Plover 14 -
Starling 7 -
Snipe 7 -
Chaffinch 6 -
Stock Dove 13 -
Greenfinch 4 -
Woodpigeon 1 -
Goldfinch 68 -
Meadow Pipit 1240 -
Siskin 9 -
alba wagtail sp. 13 -
Linnet 18 -
Mistle Thrush 1 -
Reed Bunting 1 -
Raven 1 -

Totals: 1403 individuals, 15 species, 4:30 hours

Comments: Passage picked up well after the first birdless hour. Mipits maintained a steady flow from 07.30 hrs (largest flock 28 birds), despite very cold windy conditions. They were flying suprisingly high, taking full advantage of the lift afforded by the WSW winds. A very distant harriersp. (not included in count), was seen moving far out high and towards the xxxxxx and quickly lost to sight - clearly a migrating bird. Two flocks of Canada Geese totalling 39 birds came in from the east and settled down in the in-bye close to the plantation. Interestingly, no hirundines observed whatsoever.

Howard Creber