Friday 8 February 2013

Major Pinkfoot exodus

Heysham Observatory
At least 4,000 and probably 5,000 Pink-footed Geese headed purposefully north over the bay about 0925hrs, but an accurate count was not possible due to Twite ringing duties.  A single northbound Grey Wagtail was a clear-cut example of early 'vis'.  The darvic-ringed Kittiwake is still around.

Coastal areas dawn to 1200hrs
Kittiwake - 5-6 around the harbour/outfalls, including the darvic-ringed bird
Little Gull - 2 x 2CY outfalls
Guillemot - 3 offshore, including one in summer plumage
Red-throated Diver - one offshore
Med Gull - 2 x ad, 1 x 3CY Fishers roof - the same bird as on Middleton the other day.  3CY by the heliport.
Pink-footed Goose - 4000-5000 N at c0925 in one straggling flock, 63 NW later
No sign Purple Sandpiper

Twite - at least 70 - 11 unringed birds caught, all but two of the 30 retraps were from this current winter period
Goldfinch - 2 unringed and 2 ringed birds caught
Linnet - at least 2 around
Grey Wagtail - one purposefully north

Moth
Dotted Border