September: Kite Flying

Not before time, a review for September. It wasn't a vintage month by any stretch of the imagination. Recent weather had been generous to migrants so it's hardly surprising most had left with barely any sign of birds getting a bit lost or early winter arrivals. The two most notable records were an exceptionally late Swift over Little Kelk and a Red Kite drifting north-west. Treecreeper was the sole year-tick.

24-25th September

Mute Swan - 16
Greylag Goose - 70
Canada Goose - 2
Teal - 50+
Mallard - 85+
Little Grebe - 2
Grey Heron - 14
Red Kite - 1 NW over Kelk Lake
Marsh Harrier - 1 female at Kelk Beck
Sparrowhawk - 6
Buzzard - 24
Kestrel - 11
Hobby - 1
Lapwing - 32
'small gulls' - approx 3000 flying E to roost
Swift - 1 on 24th is the latest record for the area
Great Spotted Woodpecker - 1
House Martin - 50+ at Harpham
Swallow - 'several'
Meadow Pipit - 6
Mistle Thrush - 19 is an excellent count
Chiffchaff - still 2 in song!
Treecreeper - 1
Rook/Jackdaw - 1800 pre-roost gathering
Goldfinch - 60+ flock
Bullfinch - 1

It was that time of year again, tame Pheasants everywhere, recently released from their pens in the woods at Harpham/Lowthorpe.

Just the one year tick...

105 Treecreeper