Friday 18 September 2009

More night migrants, less vis

Heysham Obs
Anticyclonic gloom was the order of the day this morning and vis mig was much reduced

Ringing at Middleton IE and by the office
Willow Warbler - 2
Grey Wagtail - 3 (out of just 5 heard/seen) at Middleton and 3 together (the only ones heard/seen) at Heysham NR [41 colour-ringed this autumn so far, down on 2008 due to very poor weather for west coast 'vis' during the first two weeks of migration period.........and proportionately higher numbers along the Pennines/east coast]
Chiffchaff - 5
Robin - 2
Blackcap - 1
plus a few Meadow Pipit and tit species

Raven - 2 on transmission tower by hut.

Vis
available later

Pink footed goose - flock of 50 south 08.50

Ocean Edge at high tide
Pretty useless - as is usually the case on a high spring tide
Med Gull - ad flying around the wooden jetty area
Kingfisher - one on Red Nab
Wheatear - 3 fleeing a multiple Scottie chase

Heliport
Wheatear - 4
Pied Wagtail - 2
Meadow Pipit - 3
All around during mowing operations.

Elsewhere
Quite a few juvenile Curlew Sandpiper with e.g. 6 at the Allen/EM Pools

More night migrants, less vis