Thursday 5th November: Wood Pigeon Migration
Today there were some very large numbers (e.g. 25,000+) of wood pigeons recorded in vis. mig. sessions in neighbouring counties from elevated view points. Whilst the Meadow is anything but elevated, this morning I happened to look out of my window and in 5 minutes I saw three flocks, totally about 150 birds flying rapidly south, following the line of the canal (and therefore in Port Meadow patch air space!).
A brief late afternoon visit found the same birds as usual and the modest flood water still in place. It was interesting to watch a golden plover flock come in to roost: the flock made a number of rapid passes over the area, initially from a reasonable height and then gradually getting lower and lower with each pass until they are only a dozen feet or so of the ground before eventually decide to land. They made an impressive sight in the evening sunlight flashing alternately gold and white as they twisted and turned.
A brief late afternoon visit found the same birds as usual and the modest flood water still in place. It was interesting to watch a golden plover flock come in to roost: the flock made a number of rapid passes over the area, initially from a reasonable height and then gradually getting lower and lower with each pass until they are only a dozen feet or so of the ground before eventually decide to land. They made an impressive sight in the evening sunlight flashing alternately gold and white as they twisted and turned.