Wednesday, April 04, 2012

Elland GP/Cromwell Bottom

Thanks to Steve L for the tip off earlier today!

30 to 40 mix of Swallows and Sand Martins over the ski lake still this afternoon along with at least 1 House Martin. As Steve said they were feeding low over the lake then heading up to feed high overhead - they must have been following insects. It obviously begs the question - what are insects doing out in this weather, never mind the hirundines !!!!!!!!!! Amazing that the birds are here, struggling in the conditions with strong winds and drifting snow overnight and all morning.

Also c40 B H Gulls and 1 Common Gull on the lake with conditions loooking good for an od gull passing through.
Pair of Goldeneye still present
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1 comment:

Steve Blacksmith said...

Funnily enough, I read a snippet last night about a house martin colony which seemed to disappear in the first light of dawn. The observer eventually found them straight up from the colony,so high they were only just visible.
The conclusion was that they had gone up to where the sun was already shining to get warmed up.

It is possible for air to be warmer higher up. I have friend in Bridport who described a curious phenomenon of freezing air blowing towards the sea, which changed, as he climbed the cliff path to a high part, into still warm air. He concluded it was a frost drain from the low valley of Bridport, cold air being heavier than warm, flowing out to sea in a gap in the sea-side hills. As he walked back down he found the current of freezing air was still flowing.

6:46 pm

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