Vis-migging from the Mammoth

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Yesterday morning I did a bit of  Vis-migging (Visible Migration) from the Mammoth at Watermead CP South.
The scores on the doors included the first Meadow Pipits of the autumn moving south. However the highlight of the morning was two"probable" Honey Buzzards which flew south-west over the valley. The first was a dark-phase type at around 9.45am and then another juvenile pale phase type at around 10.15am.
Although most people will think its bollocks to the sightings, but between the sightings I watched the regular Common Buzzards which breed in the area and the two birds looked totally different in shape and jizz to the other Buzzards!
Also I have always wondered why Honey Buzzards are not recorded more in the county, as there seem to breed in nearby counties and regularly recorded on passage? Maybe these birds are just not on Leicestershire's birders radar?
If you want to see the full list of species seen yesterday check out the link for the Trektellen site.

Comments

The Leicester Llama said…
Having seen Common Buzzards, Marsh Harriers and on one occasion a Sparrowhawk misidentified as Honey Buzzards, I suspect it's more a case of many records elsewhere being bollocks rather than them not being on Leicestershire birders' radar.

Other than in 'invasion' years such as 2000 (which only happen under very specific weather conditions), genuine Honey Buzzards are pretty damn rare on passage away from the east coast. But that's not to say that some aren't overlooked of course!
14 September 2010 at 16:28
davidearlgray said…
Wise words Andy,I just wished more people did Vis-migging during the autumn as unusual birds do pass through Leicestershire.
16 September 2010 at 09:44
davidearlgray said…
Also in hindsight I may have made a mistake I-Ding the birds but there were not Common Buzzards!!
16 September 2010 at 09:53
The Leicester Llama said…
I would do more vis-migging, but it involves getting up early, which I'm not very good at! Having said that, I may have a go at Burrough Hill tomorrow morning, as it looks like the wind's going to drop a bit. Those Laps have got to start flying over Leics soon!
16 September 2010 at 11:43
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