Huddersfield Birdwatchers’ Club Birds in Huddersfield 2003 Registered charity no 1098296 ‘Birds in Huddersfield 2003’ is a publication of Huddersfield Birdwatchers’ Club and the latest in an unbroken series of such reports produced annually by the Club since 1966. It is based upon records of bird sightings submitted and a number of systematic surveys undertaken over the year by Club members and other volunteer birdwatchers. Huddersfield Birdwatchers' Club is a registered charity (no 1098296). Front cover illustration: Dotterel (Charadrius morinellus) by Stuart Brocklehurst. ISSN 0962-5925 © Huddersfield Birdwatchers' Club, 2005 This publication is copyright. It may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the Club’s written permission Huddersfield Birdwatchers’ Club BIRDS IN HUDDERSFIELD 2003 compiled by Brian Armitage CONTENTS Page 2 About Huddersfield Birdwatchers’ Club 3 President’s Report 4 Some features of the birding year 6 The Weather in 2003 7 Notes on the Classified List 8 The Classified List 97 Escaped/introduced species 98 Early and late dates of summer and winter migrants 99 List of contributors 100 Some observations on Rooks & Jackdaws in Jan/Feb 2003 103 Twite at Deer Hill in 2003 105 National Trust Marsden Moor Estate - Survey of Clough Breeding Birds June 2003 108 How others see us – Expert opinions of our Annual Reports 111 Grid References of sites 116 Lists of species requiring a description 118 The Huddersfield List Inside rear cover Club Officials for 2005-6 Rear cover Map of the Club area ILLUSTRATIONS by Stuart Brocklehurst (SB) & Trevor Sutton (JTS) Front cover: Dotterel (SB) Page 16 Teal (SB) Page 58 Meadow Pipit (SB) 24 Common Buzzards (JTS) 66 Wheatear (SB) 27 Peregrine (SB) 78 Long-tailed Tit (SB) 33 Little Ringed Plover (SB) 81 Treecreeper (SB) 38 Woodcock (SB) 82 Jay (SB) 43 Black-headed Gull (SB) 89 Siskin (SB) 52 Swift (SB) 95 Yellowhammer (SB) Registered charity no 1098296 ABOUT HUDDERSFIELD BIRDWATCHERS’ CLUB Huddersfield Birdwatchers’ Club was formed in 1966 and registered as a charity in July of 2003, with the aims of: Studying and recording the wild birds of the area and publishing an annual report: Members and other bird watching supporters are out and about throughout the year observing birds across the area and submitting records for analysis by our Club Recorder. We now have a wealth of data covering some 38 years, an invaluable source for showing the trends in local bird populations. The Club is the only organization in the area undertaking this kind of ornithological research and Birds in Huddersfield 2003 is the latest in an unbroken series of such reports since the Club was formed. From time to time we also publish more specific, one-off work, including in 2001 an Atlas of the Breeding Birds of the Huddersfield Area and, in 2004, Birds of Blackmoorfoot Reservoir 1985-2003. Our publications are to be found in the Huddersfield Public Library and go to many regional and national ornithological and wildlife conservation bodies. Promoting education of the public about wild birds and their habitats: We run a lecture and meeting programme between September and May each year, at which visiting experts present on a wide range of birding topics, from local to overseas, with some stunning still and video photography. Supporting research into conservation of wild birds and their habitats: Most readers will be only too well aware of the threat to many of our wild birds, but if conservation is to be effective, it needs to be based upon hard evidence and research. This is where the Club comes in. We have members with substantial experience in bird observation and surveying and there is also a role for less experienced volunteers. The Club has played a major role in many bird life surveys of local, regional and national importance, including over 50 for the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), RSPB, National Trust, English Nature, Peak District National Park, Kirklees Metropolitan Council and The Friends of Beaumont Park. We also advise Kirklees Council on bird life issues through our representation on two of its conservation committees. Our research is undertaken wholly by un-paid volunteers and the Club relies entirely upon the generosity of its members and upon voluntary donations to continue its work. Members of the public are welcome to all of our meetings, free of charge (voluntary donation), and we try to provide something for birdwatchers of all tastes and experience. It is a great way to learn about birds and to meet fellow birders. So, whether old hand or beginner, why not come along and join us ? Simply contact any member of the Committee (see inside rear cover) for more information. PRESIDENT’S REPORT Once again it gives me much pleasure to write the President’s Report in “Birds in Huddersfield”. This latest Annual Report for 2003 has once more been compiled by Brian Armitage. The slightest glance at its contents will convince anyone that it is a formidable task to undertake. Reports from our diligent observers arrive throughout the year, are then recorded and classified, and finally shaped for publication. Brian gives most generously of his time and draws upon his first-rate knowledge to produce an informative record, including comparisons with earlier years. He can be proud of his work and we can only say how grateful we are to him, to Stuart Brocklehurst and Trevor Sutton for the enhancing illustrations and to his loyal informants. He has once again been ably assisted by Mike Wainman, who has arranged the printing. I know readers of this Report will enjoy studying it as much as I have. In the previous Report I spoke of some of our national problems. One of the enduring concerns birdwatchers have had is the influence of certain farming practices on various bird populations. It is therefore something of a relief to learn that from April 2005 new inducements are available from the government for farmers to preserve and provide bird- friendly habitats such as hedgerows (not so long ago there were payments to destroy them!), field margins, water meadows, beetle banks, bare patches in cornfields and so on. Perhaps we have seen the end of the destruction of so much that many farmland birds need to flourish. We shall all be eager to see what happens. In our own small way Huddersfield Birdwatchers’ Club contributes to research on bird populations. Recently we conducted a survey of our SW area, which has been relatively neglected, and hope to do a follow-up. We have just completed a rook survey involving a good proportion of our members and are at present carrying out a bird survey for The Friends of Beaumont Park. Recently, too, we published another splendid report, Birds of Blackmoorfoot Reservoir 1985-2003, compiled by Mike Denton and illustrated by Mike Pinder. Some of our members also undertake surveys for other bodies such as BTO or represent us on Kirklees Wildlife Forum. On the latter body we have been exercised by the effects of tree planting on habitats for such moorland birds as Twite, an interesting case, since it might be natural to think that birdwatchers would want to see as many trees as possible. We are grateful to all who contribute in any way to these activities. The Club continues to thrive. Its membership holds up well, with a very good number able to attend a strong, varied programme of lectures. The lectures, whether they be about one particular species, or a local or neighbouring area, or another country, or an aspect of birdlife are always informative and attractive. Our Local Patch Outings have been better supported this year, giving us hope that they will continue. From my own experience, or from report, I can say that they have been excellent, and the leaders of all deserve thanks for their time and effort. The Committee continues to do its work most efficiently and without fuss or show. But for their initiative and support, the Club would be all the poorer and my task impossible. As ever, the membership, by continuing its support, endorses the direction of the Club. We are fortunate in having so many loyal and enthusiastic members. Michael Rayner SOME FEATURES OF THE BIRDING YEAR After the excesses of last year when three species new to the area were found (the American Wigeon at Dewsbury SF on 9th December was accepted by the YNU Rarities Committee), 2003 produced no new additions in the 175 species reliably reported. The year began well for one observer with the discovery of a female Black Redstart at Horbury SF on 1st January; its stay of more than a week enabled several others to get an excellent year tick. January produced the only record of the year of Hawfinch, but large numbers of Common Crossbills were in evidence from mid-month at several sites and breeding occurred in at least one area and probably in others. Good numbers of Bramblings remained from 2002 in the early months, several sites had three figure counts of Siskin, and Mealy Redpolls accompanied their Lesser relatives at five localities. The only Glaucous Gull of the year was found at Blackley Tip on 17th January and a Kittiwake flew through Dewsbury SF on 27th. February produced a Corn Bunting at Lepton from 18th to 27th, only the second record since 1997 of this once common and widespread breeding species. Waxwings were a source of delight for many between 3rd January and 22nd April, but passage of Pink-footed Geese in the early months was well below average. Whooper Swans on return passage were recorded at four sites in March, which also produced some early migrants on typical dates, Chiffchaff on 13th, Sand Martin on 15th, Wheatear on 21st, Ring Ouzel on 23rd, a very early Willow Warbler on 24th and Blackcap on 31st, but adverse weather conditions in April halted early arrivals until south-easterlies from mid- month allowed a further influx.