What is fascinating about this rise is that previously the birds fed almost exclusively to the south and generally avoided the north bank, whereas there have been frequent reports of 'thousands' flying to and from the Wolds. What's less clear is exactly where they are going to feed - stubbles seem to be the preferred habitat.
Anyway, I'm in danger of rambling here :)
Records of Pinkies in the Kelk area over the last decade have mostly involved skeins, typically 50-100, flying south in autumn, with a much lesser northerly movement in spring. Only a handful of birds have been seen on the ground, never more than 6 at once.
Fast forward to last weekend. A whopping 940 flew north over Kelk and into the distant Wolds on Saturday lunchtime. Easily the most I've seen in a day here. Then on Sunday we found a flock of 135 feeding on stubbles near the beck. A further 95 flew south mid-afternoon.
Is this the new normal? Oh I do hope so, they're such wonderful creatures!
There are a few stubble fields so I will be keeping an eye out.
They did a fly-past at one point but soon came down again.
Feel free to count them for yourself.
Summary of other stuff coming soon...
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