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.