Pipts and Goldcrests on the move

A break in the weather at last - but only for a day. I've been unable to spend any time at the coast and consequently missed all these Sabine's Gulls that have been around. Numbers of Leach's Petrels have been surprising few. I did manage to find a littl shelter on Rishton Res on Tuesday and was rewarded with a first-winter Little Gull and a juvenile Hobby.

Today, Mark and I took advantage a a fine spell up at Newton. Spotted Flycatchers were hunting from the farm buildings but none came down to the netting area. However, Meadow Pipits did in abundance with nearly 30 getting themselves ensnared as they were attracted into the boggy area by the willows. Many more escaped though and large flocks were heading over the fell.

A few Chiffchaffs were caught as well as 13 Goldcrests by the time I'd left. We also caught  six year old Blue and Coal Tits - quite amazing that they both came through on the same day.

Later in the evening, I joined a few of the Lancaster ringing group at Hornby where we trapped a couple of hundred Swallows at their roost. Mainly juveniles, these were joined by a couple of House and Sand Martins whilst a total of thirteen Ravens flew north overhead seemingly heading for a roost site.

More wind and rain this weekend so the seabirds may put in a re-appearance with a bit of luck.

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