As predicted, the cold North wind brought with it an invasion of firstly Redwings followed mid morning by Fieldfares.
As I walked to work all was quiet then a text from AC at Northowram via DJS grapevine to say he was getting flocks of Redwing over. This was followed shortly after with a text from HC Oxenhope reporting thousands of them heading over by which time they were coming over my area although not over the garage but slightly to the south and north of me and very low skimming the house tops.
Because of the low flying many were missed, also being at work did,nt help but I estimated over 500 in the short time that I could watch.
Shortly afterwards a flock of Fieldfare came out of trees down Station Rd and over the garage followed by a few small flocks following on.
All the thrushes were moving low and fast in the strong wind and all >W or >SW.
By midday all was quiet with empty skies over Foxhill park, probably because I,d taken the big camera up there at the ready, especially as DJS had reported a Buzzard earlier over Soil Hill heading my way but this did,nt materialize.
As I walked home this evening 3 f Goosanders flew low and fast above me and disappeared over the houses >N, a first for me up Chapel Lane.
Many thanks to HC, AC , IS and DJS for texts.
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).