Tuesday, October 06, 2015

Whiteholme

This morning I checked to see if the Curlew Sandpiper was still there from the weekend but it had gone though I didn't have time to check Warland and Lighthazzles.
2 winter plumage Dunlin
3 Ravens high >S
c20 Meadow Pipits
2 Wheatear (looked like Greenlands)
Wheatear
 
Whiteholme Reservoir
Whiteholme Reservoir
 
No sign of any Redwings over Whiteholme today though there were reports, via BS, of a few over the Oxenhope watchpoint this morning including a flock of 21 and another of 85 as well as a few Song Thrushes.
We might hear Redwings tonight or the next few nights, calling as they fly over in the dark !? Always worth listening for at this time of year.

4 comments:

Dave Brotherton said...

Nice shots Dave, Curlew Sandpiper might of been camera shy Dave. Like the look of the Wheatear are the Greenland one a bit lighter in colour.

Brian Sumner . said...

A few Fieldfare creeping in also Dave.
See BTO link from my blog for YB Warbs

David Sutcliffe said...

Dave - As far as I know there is no hard and fast rule on Greenland / Icelandic birds (Oenanthe leucorhoa). Breeding birds (according to Collins) are slightly larger and darker rufous in fresh plumage. In autumn the later birds are probably Greenland but even 'ringers' with birds in the hand is not conclusive evidence as to their origins unless they have been ringed in Greenland or visa versa recovered in Greenland. The nominate race (Oenanthe oenanthe) may also be similar as they breed in Scandinavian and Rushian tundra and size may help them survive better in that harsh environment.??
In my mind it's just an impression of the two birds I saw today (which of course is not at all scientific !!!! the other bird to the one in the photo was also much deeper buff on the breast.
Maybe others have comments to add to this ..

Bradshaw Rambler said...

Super photos Dave.

(Quiet at Lighthazzle this aft. as far as I could tell-but some stunning moorland scenery up there).

John