Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Mon 31st October 2011

(This is a short video of the Starling roost at Leighton from 2009 - I managed to dig it out of the archives, I will be going for some new video later this week. Please enjoy....)

Visible Bird Migration - Monday October 31st 2011.
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0700-0900hrs
Wind: SSW 15mph

"Hauntingley quiet"

Fieldfare: 215 (All W, a party of approx 200 plus dribs and drabs up to 15)
Redwing: 7 W (3,2,2)
Blackbird: 1 W
Mistle Thrush: 1 W
Starling: None, but maybe a few hundred E from roost.
Goldfinch: 2 W
Chaffinch: 75 either E or W
Siskin: 5 (2,1,2)
Greenfinch: 13 (1,3,1,4,3)
LBBG: 300 in 30s all East presumed ex roost.

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Sun 30th October 2011

Visible Bird Migration - Sunday October 30th 2011.
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0645hrs - 0900hrs
Wind: SW 15mph, then swinging and decreasing S 12mph then SE 8mph
Movement: South unless stated.

Redwing: 83 (52 W and 31 NE)
Fieldfare: 71 (69 W and 2 NE)
Starling: 4 NW and (only a few hundred ex roost E - going high and missing them)
Blackbird: 2 W
Mistle Thrush: 2 E (I could hear several down on the Roof)
Chaffinch: 142 (split W and E)
Greenfinch: 8 W
Brambling: 2 E
Linnet: 7 W (one party 6)
Siskin: 5
Goldfinch: 2 W
Alba Wagtail: 2
Meadow Pipit: 1
Curlew: 1 SE

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Fri 28th & Sat 29th October 2011

Visible Bird Migration - Friday October 28th 2011
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0730hrs - 1130hrs.
Wind: W 3-5mph, Dry
Movement: South unless stated.

A pick up with Mipits today. A suprise House Martin.

Fieldfare: 301 (some West and some East) best: 70,50,50,30)
Redwing: 17 (16 W 1 E)
Mistle Thrush: 1 E
Blackbird: 1 W (But HR full of fresh Blackbirds scores+
Starling: 27 W (20,7) also about 2000 ex roost going E to feed
Chaffinch: 186 (some W some E)
Crossbill: 2+
Goldfinch: 16 E
Linnet: 4 W
Greenfinch: 12 W
Siskin: 5
Meadow Pipit: 76 (best 30,16,10 probably ex bloggers from North)
House Martin: 1 SW (being mobbed by a couple of Mipits)
Skylark: 1


Visible Bird Migration - Saturday October 29th 2011
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0800hrs - 0930hrs.
Wind: SE 10-12mph then S 10-12mph.
Movement: South unless stated.

Fieldfare: 126 (43W and 3NE and 40 SE)
Redwing: 30 W (20,10)
Chaffinch: 75 (E & W)
Greenfinch: 5 (2E 3W)
Brambling: 4 W (one party)
Linnet: 1 W
Alba Wagtail: 1
Woodpigeon: 12 (4S 8 NE)

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Thurs 27th October 2011

Visible Bird Migration - Thursday October 27th 2011.
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0730hrs 0930hrs.
Wind: SE 10mph (or force 3) Rain light/medium from 0830 up to 0900hrs.
Movement: South unless stated.

Fieldfare: 58 W (best: 30,10,8,7)
Redwing: 5 W (lots of calls where heard going over in early darkness)
Blackbirds: 2 W but lots on the roof, probably scores+ down on roof.
Mistle Thrush: 1 E
Chaffinch: 35 (some E some W) best: 4s and less
Alba Wagtail: 3
Goldfinch: 7 E
Siskin: 1 E
Meadow Pipit: 2
Starling: 21 W (plus 500-1000 x roost)

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Wed 26th October 2011

(Some of the Starling flyover this morning ex roost- Click over to enlarge).
Visible Bird Migration - Wednesday October 26th 2011.
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0730hrs-0930hrs
Wind: SE 8-10mph
Movement: South unless stated.

Still so quiet with the Thrushes.

Fieldfare: 66 (57 W and 9 NE) best: 18,10,9.
Redwing: 25 W (best: 6,5,4)
Blackbird: 2 W
Mistle Thrush: 3 W
Chaffinch: 137 W & E
Goldfinch: 15 W & E
Linnet: 3 W
Greenfinch: 5 W
Siskin: 3
Bullfinch: 2W
Alba Wagtail: 1
Meadow Pipit: 2
Starling: 50 W (30,20) and a spectacular 5000 in one ball ex roost to East. Plus another 1000 came through later.
(photo: can be seen at: http://arnsidesilverdale.blogspot.com/
LBBG: 12 E
Woodpigeon: 44 (35 E, 9SW)

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Tues 25th October 2011

Visible Bird Migration - Tuesday October 25th 2011.
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0730hrs - 1000hrs.
Wind: SE 12-15mph and dropping back.
Movement: South unless stated.

Virtually no Thrush movement after 0800hrs, just a few Starlings after yesterday. The Starling push yesterday is now beginning finally to show well in this mornings ex roost to the East with over 4000 coming directly over my head and close. The few fieldfare I had, came out of roost on Hutton Roof, and at first behaved just like racing pigeons on being released, and did a complete circle before they got their bearings and then headed West.

Large midge plumes on sides of Ivy covering Hawthorn trees at side of my watchpoint, even at first light 0730hrs, must be a serious indicator of how mild the weather is today.

Fieldfare: 74 (63W 11 SE)
Redwing: 10 (SW)
Blackbird: 5 W
Starling: 59 W (30,15,4,4,2,2)
Chaffinch: 168 W & E (50%)
Siskin: 10 E
Reed Bunting: 1
Goldfinch: 8 W
Greenfinch: 21 (90% W, rest E)
Meadow Pipit: 5
Alba Wagtail: 1
Woodpigeon: 21 (19SW 2 SE)
Stock Dove: 1 SW

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Mon 24th October 2011

(This mornings skyscape over Hutton Roof at 0730hrs - Click over to enlarge)

Visible Bird Migration - Mon Oct 24th 2011.
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0730hrs - 1130hrs.
Wind: SE 20mph with strong regular gust to 40mph
Movement: South unless stated.

Noticeable increase in Starling parties all West average parties 10-30.

Fieldfare: 705 W (500W 200SE) (1000hrs onwards last 5 parties (200 in total) all went SE) best: (200,70,60)
Redwing: 25 W
Starlings: 516 W (best parties: 80,80 and lots of 30s)
Chaffinch: 41 (E & W)
Goldfinch: 3 W
Greenfinch: 12 (8E 4W)
Woodpigeon: 1 W
Mistle Thrush: 1 W
Meadow Pipit: 2.

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Sun 23rd October 2011

Visible Bird Migration - Sunday October 23rd 2011.
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0700hrs-1130hrs.
Wind: S15mph, then South West 20mph then S15mph
Weather: Dry on landing, within 5 mins rain throughout up until 1000hrs.
Movement: S unless stated.

90% of the thrushes we had were within the first 30 mins. The wind must have been OK for them then (South), because they were cutting through to the West/WNW with good height and speed, and did not look to be encountering any difficulty with the winds. I did note that one of the early parties was crossing over the Roof and at a good height, and within seconds of the rain starting, the birds were seen to tumble down on to Hutton Roof and commence feeding, and giving the immpression they were not interested in flying during the heavy rain period. Like other counts over this past few days, the last party of Thrushes (120 at 1115hrs) were seen to be going in the South East direction, as though going back on themselves. Also noted on leaving, that hundreds of Fieldfare were actually down on Hutton Roof and feeding.

It was continual rain up until 1000hrs, and at least some birds braved the weather, mainly finches. When the rain cleared it made no difference, there was still not that many birds coming through.

Fieldfare: 330 W/WNW (best parties 120,50) 120 party seen to go SE at 1115hrs.
Redwing: 100 exactly W/WNW (best parties: 60,20)
Mistle Thrush: 2 E (probably local)
Blackbird: 2 W

Starling: 20 W (also noted approx 5-600 from Leighton Moss Roost to East for feeding between 0745hrs and 0830hrs) Over the past two years, I have had on most mornings from about the 15th October, anywhere between 1000 to 6000 birds ex roost and coming straight over my head whilst counting at Hutton Roof, most mornings would average between 2-4000. Its now over one week on and I dont seem to be getting a quarter of what I would usually get, so I am wondering if there is a shortage of Starling or are they just later this year? or have they found alternative roosting sites.......It will be interesting to see what comes into the LM roost this year......

Chaffinch: 93 (W and E, best party: 17) some birds very high from 1030hrs (after rain).
Greenfinch: 16 (W and mainly E)
Goldfinch: 14 (E & W)
Linnet: 6 (one party E)
Redpoll: 1 W
Meadow Pipit: 5
Crossbill: 2 E
Woodpigeon 8 SE

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Sat 22nd October 2011

(This cloud (altocumulus lenticularis) was over Hutton Roof from about 0800hrs and up until 1300hrs, I took the photo at about 0900hrs. It stayed in almost the same place while other cumulus cloud passed by. At about 1300hrs it started to evaporate finally dissapeard - Click over to enlarge). More photos added below which where taken just before evaporation at approx 1300hrs.

Visible Bird Migration - Sat October 22nd 2011.
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0800hrs - 1100hrs
Wind: W 15mph, then at 0900hrs swung to South 10-15mph
Movement: South unless stated.

Noticeable during the past few days that Chaffinch have took a dive which is regular by now, Mipits are virtually finished just odds. Thrushes still OK at early hours. Still no massive "push".

Fieldfare: 470 W (best: 120,60, all early parties 20s,30s or less)
Redwing: 76 W (best: 40,30,6)
Starling: 20 W (one party - also a few hundred x roost to E)
Chaffinch: 93 (W or E)
Redpoll: 6 W (one party)
Greenfinch: 10 W
Siskin: 2 W
Goldfinch: 7 W
Linnet: 10 W (one party 8)
Reed Bunting: 2 (1,1)
Meadow Pipit: 15
Skylark: 2
Alba Wagtail: 1
Stock Dove: 1 W
Woodpigeon: 27
Blue Tit: 5

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Fri 21st October 2011

Visible Bird Migration - Friday October 21st 2011.
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0700hrs - 1130hrs.
Wind: SW 15 - 20 mph and freshening. Also heavy rain at times and mist, vis down to 15 yards up to 0930hrs.
Movement: South unless stated.

Fieldfare: 421 (all W) best parties: 130,100,60)
Redwing: 113 (all W) best parties: 40,30,12)
Blackbird: 2 W
Chaffinch: 48 (W or E)
Greenfinch: 6 W
Goldfinch: 3 W
Woodpigeon: 6E
Meadow Pipit: 2
Starling: 5 W
Pink Footed Goose: 20 NE (1100hrs over Farleton)

Checked out HR from 1500 - 1700hrs, no birds, winds blowing SW 25-35.

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Thr 20th October 2011

(First proper frost - Hutton Roof looking West - Click over to enlarge)

Visible Bird Migration - Thursday October 20th 2011.
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0700hrs - 1100hrs
Wind: W 8 - 10mph, first proper frost.
Movement: South unless stated.

Some thrushes through first thing, then quiet, with a little upsurge of 3 parties at 0930hrs and then quiet once again up to leaving. Best party yet of 32 Linnet SW. One pair of Yellowhammers.
Blackbird: 5 NW (2,1,2)
Fieldfare: 197 NW (1 SE) best parties: 30,30,30.
Redwing: 12 NW (all singles or pairs)
Meadow Pipit: S 29
Chaffinch: 186 (Mainly W some E - best 6s)
Goldfinch: 17 (Mainly W some E)
Greenfinch: 13 W (best 8)
Linnet: 32 SW (one party)
Bullfinch: 1
Redpoll: 9 SW (one party)
Siskin: 14 W (2,4,2,6)
Yellowhammer: 2
Alba Wagtail: 3
Woodpigeon: 26 SW (there are hundreds at the top of the Lune Valley to my NE, going SE as though over Dent in parties of 50s+)
Starling: 400+ Ex Leighton roost to East, 22W (probable movers)
Great Spotted Woodpecker: 1 W

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Wed 19th October 2011

Visible Bird Migration - Wednesday October 19th 2011
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0700hrs - 0900hrs
Wind: W 8-10mph, very bright after 0830hrs
Movement: South unless stated.

Today never got going, not many thrushes, just stuff that came through in the first half hour and then stopped completely. Nice to see a Merlin. Disturbed a Snipe whilst walking across Hutton Roof.

Fieldfare: 146 NW (best: 40,20,20)
Redwing: 45 NW (best: 30)
Blackbird: 2 NW
Chaffinch: 105 (Mainly W but a lot went E)
Greenfinch: 14 W (best 6)
Goldfinch: 5
Linnet: 1 W
Alba Wagtail: 1
Meadow Pipit: 16
Woodpigeon: 16 all SW
Merlin: 1 SW
Redpoll: 1 W
Siskin: 1
Common Snipe 1

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Tues 18th October 2011

Visible Bird Migration - Tuesday October 18th 2011.
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0700hrs - 0900hrs.
Wind: Westerley 30mph with gust. speckly rain at times. Colder.
Movement: South unless stated.

Although some birds did brave the strong winds and took on the upward lifts, yet still on reach HR where within single figure feet above the ground weaving in and out of the contours etc. I did suspect, without any evidence that most of the Thrushes today would have preferred to have a more tolerant out of the wind passage by going North West down in the bottom on the Lupton Valley side. A special highlight was watching a Pintail come through to the West, again low to the ground and twisting and turning. Four early doors Pink Feet W. Sparrowhawk in pursuit of squealing Starling which got away, the Sparrowhawk seem to give up! (obviously not that important!)

Fieldfare: 237 all NW (best parties: 40,30,25,25,20,20,20)
Redwing: 96 all NW (best parties: 30,20,20)
Chaffinch: 42 all either W or E (best parties: 6,6)
Alba Wagtail: 1
Greenfinch: 2 W
Goldfinch: 4 W
Bullfinch: 1 W
Meadow Pipit: 2
Woodpigeon: 14 W
Pintail: 1 W
Pink Footed Goose: 4 SW at 0754hrs.

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Mon 17th October 2011

(Click over sketch to enlarge - Westerlies blocking Thrushes at Whin Yeats)

Visible Bird Migration - Monday October 17th 2011.
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0700hrs - 1000hrs
Wind: W 25mph increasing all the time to 30mph at leaving
Movement: South unless stated.

It was a absolutely superb experience for the watcher, and must have been a incredible hard challenge for the birds, though they just kept coming during that first hour, but in small groups and fragmented because of the extreme Westerley winds hindering them. They were at times almost touching the ground, with hundreds going directly over my head within inches. I watched them come up almost to Whin Yeats Farm (Windy Gap) and then finding it difficult to climb Farleton and so would arc back and swing around to come up directly over the gap where I stood.

Fieldfare: 1346 (all North West) (best party: 120,120,70,70, mainly, 20-40 parties) 1100 in the first hour, 200 in second hour and 55 in last hour)just pairs after 0930hrs.

Redwing: 577 (all North West) (best party: 70,50,50, and lots averaging 20 to 30 (470 in first hour) 100 approx after.

Blackbird: 18 (all North West) (2,5,2,2,8,1)

Chaffinch: 73 (all West or East, best parties: 5,5,4 etc)
Alba Wagtail: 4
Starling: 50 W (30,20)
Goldfinch: 3 W
Greenfinch: 8
Meadow Pipit: 1
Sparrowhawk: 1 (probably local).

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Sun 16th October 2011

Visible Bird Migration - Sunday October 16th 2011.
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0700hrs - 1200hrs
Wind: Westerley 10-15, Rain and mist with vis down to 30 yards.
Movement: South unless stated.

Today started with terrible weather with continual rain and visibility down to almost 30 yards. A few birds where seen to go directly overhead within 20 yards (almost all where Finches to a score or so), and odd Thrush calls where heard. At approx 0900hrs the mist started to lift and by 0945hrs it had 90% cleared also the rain had stopped. For the next 30 minutes or so it was very lively with lots of Thrush parties going through, again mainly Fieldfare. All birds went W to NW which is their normal routing. I just had one party of FF at 1055hrs which went SE. The wind seemed to have picked up a bit, and it was making the Thrushes cross from say Barbon direction to Whin Yeats Farm and then gain height to cross over Farleton. Pinkfeet heard but just could not get on them. First Bramblings.

Fieldfare: 1381 W or NW (just one party of about 180 went SE) (best parties: 250,180,150,100,100)
Redwing: 364 W or NW (best parties: 60,40, most around 20)
Blackbird: 15 NW (8,6,1)Mistle Thrush: 4 NW
Starling: 80 W (50,30)
Chaffinch: 138 W or E (best parties: 4s)
Brambling: 4 W (2,2)Goldfinch: 26 W or E (best parties: 8,7,6)
Siskin: 3
Redpoll: 2
Greenfinch: 40 W (best parties 20,11)
Alba Wagtail: 6
Meadow Pipit: 43
Reed Bunting: 1
Coal Tit: 3
Skylark: 1
Woodpigeon: 25 (24W 1E)
Pink Footed Goose (a good skein at 1040hrs, sounded as though to S or SW, very large, could hear for 10mins but just could not see)
Goose sp: A large V formation could be seen over the bay by Warton heading S, poss 75-150?

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Sat 15th October 2011

Visible Bird Migration - Saturday October 15th 2011.
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0730hrs to 1200hrs
Wind: SSE 5-8 mph
Movement: South unless stated.

Today was steady for the first three hours and then just trickles after. The Thrushes did start off very well going W and even NW, then this like yesterday turned for them to go W/SW and also N and NE and SE, so they almost did the full circle of directions. No fabulous large parties, but did have a 250 at 1130hrs.

Fieldfare: 2521 (Like I've said all directions, but started W/NW) (best parties: 250,150,120,80s)
Redwing: 1076 (mainly West, some East) (best parties: 100,80,70)
Chaffinch: 407 (as usual East or West - today 50%)
Mistle Thrush: 2 W
Meadow Pipit: 34 mainly SW some SE.
Alba Wagtail: 8
Bullfinch: 2
Woodpigeon: 98 (mainly E some SW)
Great Spotted Woodpecker: 1 E
Greenfinch: 24 (Mainly E some W)
Goldfinch: 80 (Mainly E odds W)
Blue Tit: 10
Coal Tit: 2
Great Tit 4
Siskin: 11 mainly W
Linnet: 2 W
Starling: 83 W (best: 60,20)
Song Thrush: 1W
Skylark: 5 W (best: 3)
Kestrel: 2 SW (plus local bird)
Yellowhammer: 1Goldcrest: 1 (possibly local)
Long Tailed Tit (one party 20+ possibly local)
Pink Footed Goose: 120 South

My thanks also to Jean Roberts and also to Bill, Jeff and Jenny of the L&DBWS.

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Fri 14th October 2011

(Please double click over notebook page to enlarge)

Visible Bird Migration - Friday October 14th 2011
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0700hrs - 1200hrs.
Wind: SE/SSE 10mph
Movement: South unless stated.

Today was good early with Thrushes, curtailing at 1000hrs, other than odd parties. Thrushes in the main were to South, South West, and West. Occasional parties to the NW and after 1000hrs odd parties started to go South East. At 1100hrs the 3 or 4 parties came through to the West.
Chaffinch Strong today. More Woodpigeon today.

Fieldfare: 4223 (mainly S to SW, but also W,NW,SE) (best parties:180,170,150,140,140,120,120).
Redwing: 998 (mainly West some E) (best parties: 150,60,60,60,50,40,40,40,40)
Chaffinch: 338 (mainly W but at least 25% E)
Greenfinch: 55 (mainly W some E) (best parties: 14,10,8)
Goldfinch: 58 (mainly W some E) (best parties: 20,12,8)
Siskin: 41 (mainly W some E) (best parties: 12,10)
Crossbill: 7 E (6,1)
Linnet: 4 W
Skylark: 5 SW (3,2)
Mistle Thrush: 1W
Starling: 33 W (all small groups gave the appearance of "continentals")
Woodpigeon: 75 (some E some W - best parties: 18,17,8)
Alba Wagtail: 8
Blue Tit: 8
Coal Tit: 2
Lapwing: 15 W

To check out party sizes double click over "notebook pages above"

1400-1600hrs
I have been to check out the area which lies a few hundred yards further on than Nanny Hall-Timberyard area (Dalton Road - Kirkby - Nr turn off for Hutton Roof - It collects stuff here going over to Docker and onward past Capernwray. Here there were thousands of birds, which included hundreds of Fieldfare feeding up along with hundreds of Starlings, all being very noisy.
Also here I had a party of 32 Skylark went overhead.

Then went up to Trig Point (Hutton Roof). Here I had 4 Redwing overhead going SE, and 30 Fieldfare overhead going SE. Also a party of at least 100 Fieldfare on Dalton deforested. Also some Redwing close to the communial roost, but did not count them because I did not want to disturb. Also still 40 Mistle Thrush, along with several Greenfinch in Lower Dalton Crags. I had 27 Meadow Pipit in Dalton deforested plus 4 overhead heading South.

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Thr 13th October 2011

Visible Bird Migration - Thursday October 13th 2011.
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0700-1200hrs
Wind: SE 8-10mph, with gust to 15
Cloudy at first, blue skies to W
Movement: South unless stated.

Nice to get some Fieldfare and Redwing. It was clear more or less from the start especially with the Fieldfare, some of them were not happy and came in to Hutton Roof and would then circle a couple of times and continue to go W, however some of the parties went back SE. Some of them came down into HR to rest and feed. Good mixture early on. Good Skylark move.

Chaffinch: 293 (mainly W but some E)
Meadow Pipit: 133
Reed Bunting: 3
Alba Wagtail: 30
Redpoll: 43 (all W or SW) (best party: 17)
Siskin: 48 (best parties 13,13)
Goldfinch: 93 (best parties 16,10,10)
Greenfinch: 63 (best party 22)
Crossbill: 8 E (2,2,4)
Skylark: 49 SE (best parties: 25,14)
Linnet: 17
Blackbird: 1
Song Thrush: 1
Redwing: 230 W (best parties: 60,50,50,24)
Fieldfare: 332 W (best parties: 250,80,40)
Mistle Thrush: 2 W
Starling: 9 W
Blue Tit: 5
Great Spotted Woodpecker: 5 (4 E 1W)


Also:
1300hrs - 1700hrs - Hutton Roof
Redwing: 275 W (best parties: 75,50,50,40,30,30)

Also brilliant to see birds where again this year using the same communial roost. Without wishing to disturb the birds, I did count at least 100 in the next tree, but there would probably be hundreds more in the close vicinity. Last year I counted no less than 370 birds

Fieldfare: 13 SW
Mistle Thrush: 2
Meadow Pipit: 7
Goldfinch: 10
Siskin: 3
Chaffinch: 21
Skylark: 5 SE (as late as 1715hrs)

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Wed 12th October 2011

Visible Bird Migration - Wednesday October 12th 2011.
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0915hrs - 1015hrs.
Wind: W 8mph
Weather: Drizzle at times and low cloud to both East and West flanks.
Movement: South unless stated.

Today turned out, yet another washout, with heavy rain from first light up until about 0900hrs, also mixed with this 30 yard visibility, I decided not to bother, and went when things looked a little better at 0915hrs. But by then it was very quiet, just simply no-birds. Left at 1015hrs.

Redpoll: 3SE
Woodpigeon: 16E
Goldfinch: 47 (one party 30 N which also had a couple Siskin as well as)
Siskin: 3
Chaffinch: 25 (7E)
Meadow Pipit: 7
Redwing: 1

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Tues 11th October 2011.

Visible Bird Migration - Tuesday October 11th 2011.
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0700hrs - 1030hrs.
Wind: W15-20mph, then NW decreasing to 12mph.
Weather: Gusty wind, drizzle and light rain at times, low cloud and vis to 30 yards at times.
Movement: South unless stated.

Could have been great if low cloud had not moved in and take visability down to 30 yards at best, it seemed to do just at the time (0845hrs) the larger Chaffinch parties where just about getting to go. Cleared at 1115hrs but too late. Mipits really taken a tumble. Greenfinch increasing. First Fieldfares. Late Swallows

Chaffinch: 269 (95% W 5%E) (best parties: 20,12,10,10,10)
Meadow Pipit: 20 all SW
Greenfinch: 43 all W (best parties 20,12,11,10)
Siskin: 15
Goldfinch: 43 all W (best party 10)
Linnet: 17 W (one party 10)
Great Spotted Woodpecker: 2
Redwing: 48 (best parties: 12,8,11 (4 came in with 5 Fieldfare) all W or NW
Fieldfare: 5 (came in with 4 Redwing) NW
Mistle Thrush: 4 all W
Blackbird: 3 W
Woodpigeon: 6 all E
Starling: 7 W
Alba Wagtail: 7 W
Blue Tit: 4
Great Tit: 2
Swallows: 2

1420hrs - 1620hrs Just returned from HR. Went from Plain Car Park to East of the Trig. Again nothing at all moving through and the winds still very strong.

Although I did have the following:
Dalton Crags & Dalton deforested:
At least 40 Mistle Thrushes, along with a few Redwing. Ravens 3, Greenfinch 1, Chaffinch 2. Also had at least 20 Mipits in Dalton Deforested, and counted at least another 57 on the Common around a 200 yard perimeter of the Trig.

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Mon 10th October 2011.

0700hrs-0800hrs I was there, but nothing on the move at all, I really cant blame them, when the wind was blowing at 40mph at times, with drizzle rain, and low cloud to both East and West.

1400-1600hrs - Just been out on Hutton Roof and lots of good stuff grounded: two Redwing parties 6,10. Mipits one area near Trig 50+, Greenfinch in Dalton Crags one party of 30+, Goldfinch: one party of 25 at (Dalton deforested) and one of 8, Crossbill: one party of 4 headed out to the NW and more grounded and calling towards Park Wood side. Several Siskin, Two Reed Bunting. A large party of 30+ Mistle Thrush (they've been there for a week or so) but more getting added daily.

So there is stuff there waiting to go. But in regards to moving birds this afternoon, well other than the Crossbill, it was nil. (and it is possible the Crossbill where just moving to other parts of Hutton Roof.

At last (well at least this afternoon), the weather is just about starting to improve eg: the winds calmed a bit!, stopped raining, and that low ceiling cloud is still there, but starting to move up altitude a peg or two and occasionally you can see little patches of blue skies in between. at least for now its not actually covering HR in low mist.

Hat lost to Canal & Pink Feet On their way to Morecambe.

(Click over sketch to enlarge)

Also whilst I have time waiting for the weather to albeit, I have done a quick sketch on last Thursdays episode of when the wind was blowing so strong that it blew my hat off into the nearby Canal. I had to do a bit of "hat fishing" but did eventually get it back, well sodden.... Not just the hat! cos I returned with wet socks and squelching boots.....

(Click over sketch to enlarge)

Today: Went up on Hutton Roof this morning and it was blowing strong, with heavy rain and to cap it all the visibility was down to maybe 30 yards with low cloud, so I gave up and came home.

Yesterday I reported having 63 Pink Footed Geese crossing over from Farleton to Hale and then veering left (South) towards Morecambe, this would have been around the 1345hrs. And it later transpired that Jeff down in Morecambe had approx 60 Pink Feet crossing over Torrisholme (1453hrs) and seen again onwards at Aldcliffe and onward to Sunderland Point.

I thought they may have been the same birds as I had earlier, and possibly they where. But if so it did seem a long time between me seeing them Nr. Hale at 1345hrs and Jeff seeing his at 1453hrs, so did it take them one hour eight minutes to traverse the short distance, seemed a long long time to me. In another post Jeff came up with the possible answer "Perhaps they were stacked by air traffic control" So I could not resist this morning doing a short sketch on the subject.

1500hrs. Just got back from going up to the Trig. The wind was probably a little stronger this morning, the rain had stopped and visibility was down to 30 yards when you got half way up Dalton deforested. In regards to birds, I heard some soft twittering which was coming from grounded Mipits, there was also two Goldfinches grounded and that was that..... Hope tomorrow comes better.....

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Sat 8th October 2011.REDWING ARRIVALS

Visible Bird Migration - Saturday October 8th 2011.
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0730hrs - 0900hrs
Wind: W 8-10mph and increasing
Movement: South unless stated.

Lightest of drizzle throughout count, but after 0800hrs the low mist started to arrive on Hutton Roof and before long it had completed brought visability down to about 30 yards. Not much then moving, just the odd Chaffinch or two.

Meadow Pipit: 12
Chaffinch: 50 exactly and going W
Starling: 8E
Linnet: 1
Stock Dove: 1
Alba Wagtail: 1
Crossbill: 6 (one party S)
Goldfinch: 6.

later at 0930hrs went up to Trig on Hutton Roof, where it had cleared but before long it was back with more mist. Just odds and sods moving, but did have a party of 6Redwing going over the woodland top (almost touching) in Dalton Crags and they went out in a N direction. Whether these where todays movers or just birds that had been around.

1239hrs: Just informed a few hundred Redwing came into Spurn this morning and now just reported that Redwing parties coming through Oxenhope Nr. Bradford at 1400ft cloudbase. Several parties already recorded, one party at 100 approx.

I had 63 Pink Footed Goose going from Farleton direction West across Moss Lane and just before Hale they turned South and on.

Hutton Roof has remained in a shroud of low cloud all afternoon.

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Fri 7th October 2011.

Visible Bird Migration - Friday October 7th 2011
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0700hrs - 1000hrs.
Wind: NW 3mph
Movement: South unless stated.

It never got going and the few birds that where around almost dried up by 0900hrs. Became hardly any wind and blue skies and warm!

Meadow Pipit: 121 (best parties 10s)
Chaffinch: 105 W or E (best parties 6s)
Goldfinch: 63 (all S or SW) (best parties: 15,15,10)
Siskin: 5 W
Linnet: 8
Redpoll: 8
Crossbill: 10 (one party S)
Greenfinch: 7 (3E)
Alba Wagtail: 2
Woodpigeon: 14E
Blackbird: 4W (2,2)
Redwing: 4W
Mistle Thrush: 2W
Blue Tit: 2
Great Spotted Woodpecker: 1W.

Any movement dried up by 0900hrs, so again I walked the full length of Kelker up toward the climbing areas. No activity anywhere along this stretch today.

at 1500hrs went up to Trig Point, just the odd Mipit going through South West and no Thrushes.

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Thr 6th October 2011.

(Click over sketch to enlarge)

Visible Bird Migration - Thr October 6th 2011
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0700hrs - 1030hrs
W25 - 35 mph
Movement: South unless stated.

Today again was very windy, but did manage to find a corridor the Mipits where using on the East Side (Kelker Gap). Here they were steadily trickling through with my best party of 40 (1000hrs). Few where also going over at the point approx 400 yards from the stile, as though at the first section of the shelter they got the lift and over, but without doubt a 100 yard wide corridor was very active at the spot I have marked "Kelker Gap". And a big thank you to Martin (from Potters Bar) who so kindly gave me the co-ordinances for the spot). Steady 6+ parties where still going through on leaving.

Meadow Pipit: 250 (best parties 40,22,20,12,10s,8s,6s etc)
Chaffinch: 83 (all West)
Siskin: 13
Goldfinch: 11
Alba Wagtail: 1
Woodpigeon: 3E
Raven: 1
Starling: 4E
Blue Tit: 2
Greenfinch: 2
Mistle Thrush: 2
Swallow: 3
Blackbird: 1
Reed Bunting: 3
Common Buzzard: 1

Also had a party of about 30 Swallows whilst traversing the Canal from Holme to Burton at around the 12noon mark.

Spent the afternoon going up to the Trig and beyond. Even in winds of 50mph there was up to 20 mipits over 30 minutes, went through, though they where struggling and most of the movements where in short distance ups and downs, but still covering distance.

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Wed 5th October 2011.

Visible Bird Migration - Wed Oct 5th 2011
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0700hrs - 0900hrs.
Wind: W 35mph gusting to 50mph.
Movement: South unless stated.

I checked out the lee side of Hutton Roof East - nothing but a few birds on the move today with such high winds, although sheltered birds where not prepared to brave on reaching the top. Checked out all "Gaps" along Hutton East for future, so mobile for most of the time.

Meadow Pipit: 14 (one party 8)
Siskin: 6
Chaffinch: 38 W (best parties 6,4,4)
Goldfinch: 2 W
Mistle Thrush: 2 NW

Lots Uv Little Wilburs Toneet... tha nus

(Please click over sketch to enlarge)

"Lots of Little Wilburs toneet tha nus"

(Inspired on a windy neet about 10 o'clock whilst driving past Deerslet on way to Burton)

A once had a maiss cowd "Wilbur".
Wilbur, Is that thee? that daft begger,
Why did ti run out in front tu car?
A cud hav killed tha, tha nus.

Hay Ek! thas a cute little begger,
Luckin up to mi wi that smile,
Eh, an nay thas givin meh a wink!
Well, well, hav sin it all nay.
Tha tails wagging like it might drop off!

Now finish crossin rood Wilbur,
Afore tha gets run ooer.

A lucked in mirror, Oh no!
Of all the places....
A cars gunna tek me!

It ran straight over little Wilbur,
Hi never stood a chance,
Hi were flattened.......eh
What a shame.

Winds strong toneet that nus,
Its blewing owd sycamore leaves all ooer rood.
And stalks are stickin up like....

Lots of little Wilburs.....

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Tues 4th October 2011. HIGH MIPIT NUMBERS

"Na then - thats moor like it" - Todays Notebook (showing party sizes) - Click over to enlarge"

Visible Bird Migration - Tuesday October 4th 2011.
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0700hrs - 1030hrs
Wind: W25mph and gusting to 30mph and swinging to NW.
Movement: S-SW

With such strong winds, the movement did not seem to get going at first, although in the far distant SE to where I was and to the rear of Kelker Well and the Rocky area where mountain climbers come on Hutton Roof, I could see the birds (mainly) Mipits piling out of the valleys below and then sort of ascending up the sides of Hutton Roof and over. So at 0800hrs (already missed the vital hour) I quickly traversed the path for several hundred yards until I could get a partial good vantage of what was happening, and they where at that point coming up and over my head in parties of between 20 and 30, most where about 22-25 and this seem to be going on the full breadth of the remainder of the East side of HR. I will certainly be going there for the next couple of days. Sadly when you move over, something has to lose out and in my case it will be the Chaffinch (and other finches). But I must check out whats going on with these Mipits.

When things slackened off at 0930hrs (like turning the tap off), I walked along the full stretch to the Mountain climbers area and that was more or less where the Mipit move finished off and the topography tapers down, but here they where still going through in trickles of parties up to 6. I seem to think that birds where not only coming down the Farleton side, but also across from Lupton and also possibly the other valley which lies further back (Sedbergh-Barbon- Areas to my NE). and all birds where heading in the direction of S as though towards the turbines at Caton.

It will certainly be interesting what turns up (if anything) during the next few days. Never had Mipits in these sort of numbers before (at HR), usually to a max c700 at peak times.

Meadow Pipits: 1004 S/SW (best parties: 40,30, lots at 22, 20, etc)
Chaffinch: 146,
Starling: 8E
Goldfinch: 59 (best parties at 8)
Swallow: 3 (almost touching the ground like mice or albas)
Linnet: 11 (one party 10)
Alba Wagtail: 11
Woodpigeon: 18E
Greenfinch: 5W
Mistle Thrush: 4
Siskin: 12
Redpoll: 8
Bullfinch: 2
Crossbill: 2 (party missed)
Skylark: 1

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Mon 3rd October 2011.

(Please double click over sketch to enlarge)

Visible Bird Migration - Monday October 3rd 2011.
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0700hrs - 1000hrs.
Wind: W25mph with strong gust, reducing at 0830 to W15mph
Low Cloud bring visibility down to 30 metre at times then lift at 0900hrs.
Movement: South unless stated.

Todays wind was strong at first and suprised any birds braved it, but they did (only a handful), also two small parties of Redwing, brilliant watching the close to ground contour control. Will probably see a lot of that this week!

Meadow Pipit: 32 (best (7,6,5) all SE
Chaffinch: 93 (best 9,8) mainly W some E
Goldfinch: 44 (best 7,6,5) mainly W
Greenfinch: 6 all W
Siskin: 2
Redpoll: 1
Linnet 50 SE (one party)
Alba Wagtail: 1
Starling: 2W
Stock Dove 2 SW
Common Gull: 2E
Redwing: 8 NW (3,5)
Common Snipe: 3 (one party)

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Sun 2nd October 2011.

Visible Bird Migration - Sunday October 2nd 2011.
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0630hrs-1000hrs
Wind: ESE 10-12mph then swung to SW15mph by 0930hrs.
Movement: South unless stated.

Rained throughout, moderating continually between heavy speckly to heavy rain. Spoilt count although still lots of birds moved through considering and still going through in slow trickles on leaving.

Meadow Pipit: 117 (W/SW when Wind at ESE, then strictly S with SW)
Chaffinch: 128
Goldfinch: 68 (best parties: 20,15,8,7,7)
Linnet: 23
Greenfinch 24 (2W)
Siskin: 4
Raven: 3
Starling: (approx 50 varying E or W)
Alba Wagtail: 3
Kestrel: 2
Swallow: 2

Visible Bird Migration at Hutton Roof - Sat 1st October 2011.

Visble Bird Migration - Saturday October 1st 2011.
Hutton Roof, Cumbria.
0730hrs - 1030hrs.
Wind: SE 10-12mph then swung to SSE and eventually round to SW
Movement: South unless stated.

Another little surge with Mipits in the first hour. Crossbill party to the SE.

Meadow Pipit: 541 (best parties: 19,18,15,11s, 10s, etc)
Chaffinch: 192 (best parties: 12s,7s,5s)
Linnet: 61 (best parties: first thing with 20,16,7) all S or SW
Alba Wagtail: 17
Starling: 8W
Reed Bunting: 1
Goldfinch: 18 (best parties 6,5)
Redpoll: 3 (1E)
Siskin: 27 SW (again at least 4 parties missed)
Great Spotted Woodpecker: 1
Greenfinch: 2
Crossbill: 5 (One party SE)
Blue Tit: 17 (mainly pairs)
Great Tit: 1
Blackbird: 1 SE
Woodpigeon: 2W
Mistle Thrush: 1W
Common Gull: 16W (one party).

1800hrs UPDATE: Mipits still going over Hutton Roof in small parties from 1400hrs right up to me leaving at 1730hrs, only trickles every 5-7minutes in singles, pairs or parties of 4s,6s,8s, but still going for it. So I wonder if this might mean it could be a good vis day tomorrow, we shall see!!

Nice to meet up with Fred and Carmen from Otley, please dont forget to check out the Gentians... also nice to meet up with Tim from Morecambe whilst on Lancelot this afternoon.