Torrential rain showers together with a force 5 westerly wind until late afternoon made it a somewhat non birdable day although Woodpigeons leaving the roost and Ferals over the Victoria Hall did,nt seem to mind the rain at all. The Woodpigeon roost in trees down Station Rd has now reached about 80 birds which leave in small groups each morning to the fields in search of food. The roost will build up to about 150, then by the end of October all will move south. Woodpigeons are one of the last birds to move on visible migration so as the flocks of finches and Mipits cease to show theres always the Woodpigs to look forward to. Sometimes the flocks moving south on a typical vis mig morning, red ball sunrise, mist in the valleys and a light SW breeze, can be almost uncountable as they go past at distance in their thousands. The red sunrise makes the purple on their bodies shine and the fast flapping of their wings makes them look to sparkle.
This sight has to be seen to be appreciated and once seen you,ll be hooked on vismig forever.
Although our resident Woodpigeons move south they are soon replaced with northern birds 3 fold over creating massive roosts over the winter months, one of the largest around here being opposite Elland Gravel Pits in the trees at Park Wood.
BS
WEST YORKSHIRE BIRDING. BRIAN SUMNER. I am based at Queensbury and bird a patch within a 10 mile range of home incorporating 16 stretches of water, several plantations, a belt of woodland, stretches of river and canal and good areas of moorland. I specialize in upland birds, reservoir and sky watching. My local patch is Fly Flatts reservoir. Any reports can be sent by text or call to 07771 705024 or see profile for e mail address. All images on this blog are copyright.(2024).