Friday 6 April 2012

Willow Warblers and Blackcap have arrived



0545hrs-0700hrs. Good dawn chorus. Chiffchaff "Pear" had returned overnight and was singing away near Pear Tree Cottage in Dalton Hamlet.

0800hrs - 0930hrs. Plain Quarry to Trig, and return via Burton Fell, Lancelot.
The weather for movement was without doubt the best day for at least 3-4 weeks, cloudy throughout with a Westerley wind of 4-8 mph. Meadow Pipits were definately on the move today and the few I had showed some large parties. I had a total of 52 over one hour approx (under count) and these came through in parties or singles as follows: 4,10,1,8,2,1,4,4,2,9,7. Also again several Redpoll, Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Linnet. No Willow Warbler arrivals in Dalton. Without doubt the best areas to actually watch the Mipits come through is to the left side of the gate which goes from the Dalton (upper) on to the Common. Quite close to the new gate been put up for entry from the Common to Lancelot. (SD5547874 and below at 553774 and further below at 552775). This is definately the main flightpath at this side of Hutton Roof.

It was really good news however, with a Willow Warbler overnight fall, with a confirmed 4 birds (with a possibly up to 8) all within about 50 yards of large boulder (top side) in Burton Fell., obviously they had just come in together overnight and had not yet had time to disperse.

4 Chiffchaffs singing away in Burton Fell, and all 3 present in Lancelot including "Miss A Note".
Also had first singing "Blackcap" which came in overnight at Pickles Wood in Lancelot