Early Vis Mig - North Yorks

This morning I conducted a dawn vantage point survey up in the hills of North Yorkshire with a beautiful sunrise in the east and a setting full moon in the west with a nice clear sky. It was no suprise therefore that the thermals were required due to the low temperature.

The usual waders were in evidence, Golden Plover, Curlew and Lapwing, however a flock of 5, then 11 Snipe flying through was less expected as they strongly flew southwest. There was little raptor activity today, just the resident Kestrels, however as the morning hit about 0800hrs passerine migration was noted, with getting on for 150 Meadow Pipit and 250 Swallow noted flying southwest in 2 hours. In amongst these was at least 5 Wheatear (1 briefly landed right next to me) and several Linnet.

Whislt walking off the hill a small patch of plantation that generally has nothing but Willow Warbler and Lesser Redpolls seemed more 'noisy' than usual with several Goldcrest and single Spotted Flycatcher, Wood Warbler, Tree Pipit and a very showy Grasshopper Warbler all found. An interesting if not somewhat unexpected morning.

At one point I was buzzed by an RAF Merlin Helicopter as it flew about 30m overhead before landing next to me.

Apparently the pilot saw me and wanted to get my number...

You're welcome....