Bradford Ornithological Group

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!1 From the Chairman

Our members not only enjoy the hobby of bird watching but many now take photographs of various species and this is reflected in this, the 2013 Annual Report.

My sincere thanks go to Paul King, not just as the Publications Secretary of BOG but also the writer of the Report. He has been ably assisted by our Group Recorder, Stephen Lilley plus a team of members who have supported the production, so my gratitude extends to them too.

Please keep entering your records on the data base or post them to us along with any birding observations or experiences arising in our recording area. This data ensures information is available for future reference.

Finally, I hope you enjoy this issue. Shaun Radcliffe

Report Production

Compiler and Editor: Paul King

Records Collation: Stephen Lilley, with assistance from Shaun Radcliffe and Paul King

Photographs

Front Cover: Common Tern at Saltaire, July 2013 by Paul Marfell

Inside Front Cover: A pair of Blackcaps at Stockbridge Grey Wagtail (male) both by Brian Vickers

Back Cover: Great Spotted Woodpeckers in Shipley Glen by Stephen Lilley

Inside Back Cover: Juvenile Great Spotted Woodpecker by Stephen Lilley

Others: As individually credited

!2 Editorial

It has been a pleasure to compile and edit the 2013 Report, a task which was so well-handled by Keith Moir for many years. In taking over this position I hope to build on his tremendous legacy and incorporate a few changes along the way. Compiling the Report is not straightforward and without the assistance of a team of efficient supporters this process would fall unfairly on too few shoulders. The team, consisting of Committee members, has worked tirelessly to ensure that all the data, made up of some 17,000 records, has been very carefully assessed and its accuracy thoroughly checked. This is the 27th Report of the Bradford Ornithological Group and the first to fully use technology in all our communications. We’ve completely avoided any unnecessary printing, posting and delays and comfortably reached the target date for publication.

The number of 179 species, which is slightly more than last year, includes some unusual sightings, none more so than the Rock Bunting, which, although seen in 2011, can only be described as ‘mega’. It was only the sixth British record and the first since 1967. In what was probably a typical year there were some surprises. These included a Slavonian Grebe at Knotford Nook, a Purple Heron at Snaygill Ings, a White-fronted Goose at Chelker, an impressive flock of Barnacle Geese, a good year for Hobby and the second ever Yellow-browed Warbler.

The Annual Report represents the cornerstone of the Group’s activities. It is very important that we make every effort to publish an accurate and reliable account of our sightings as part of the ongoing study of birds. Our records are important, they tell a story about this region and that information is then incorporated into the national picture. Everyone has a part to play and your own records are vital. Ensure that you record everything you see and send the details to the Group recorder.

Make sure we receive your records by 31st December by either of these methods:

1. E-mail records to [email protected] or 2. Pass written sightings to Stephen Lilley or Shaun Radcliffe at meetings. 3. Fill in the on-line electronic form on the website. 4. Send an Excel file to the recorder, Stephen Lilley by 31st December.

Paul King

!3 CLASSIFIED LIST OF SPECIES FOR 2013

SLAVONIAN GREBE Podiceps auritus Rare winter and passage visitor.

A well-watched adult bird spent over two weeks at Knotford Nook in January. It was first reported on the 26th, the first since a moulting adult on Leeming Reservoir in 2004. Only the ninth record (WNS, RP, AJ et al).

Slavonian Grebe at Knotford Nook in January photo: Stephen Lilley

LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis Fairly common resident breeder, winter and passage visitor.

As in recent years, most of the reports related to the Washburn Valley and Otley Wetland Nature Reserve, though the highest count of seven was at Ogden Reservoir on 29th September. Successful breeding again took place at Park Dam (Low Moor, Bradford), Kex Gill, Tong Park (Baildon), Chelker Reservoir and Scargill Reservoir.

GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus Common resident breeder, and passage visitor.

During the winter months, the biggest concentrations were at Yeadon Tarn, Knotford Nook and Otley Wetland. Up to ten adults were seen at Yeadon on !4 17th March and there were respectable numbers at Knotford and Otley Wetland throughout the winter period. Breeding was attempted at Harold Park Lake, Lindley Wood Reservoir, Knotford Nook, Royds Hall Dam, Park Dam, Chelker Reservoir and Lindley Wood Reservoir. Juvenile birds were seen at all these places with the highest, an impressive four, at Harold Park Lake in Low Moor. It is possible that attempted breeding also took place at Dob Park, Otley Wetland and Yeadon Tarn. In all, around 15 juveniles were seen, in line with last year.

BLACK-NECKED GREBE Podiceps nigricollis Scarce passage visitor.

A single bird, in winter plumage, was seen at Otley Wetland on 12th January, making this the eighth recorded sighting and the first since 2009 (WNS).

GANNET Morus bassanus Scarce vagrant.

An unlikely two birds were seen approaching the Oxenhope Watchpoint from the east during the visible migration watch on 14th October. The birds made a U turn and returned eastwards, making them only the eighth and ninth recorded in this area (DB).

CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo Locally common resident, passage and winter visitor.

This bird was reported throughout the year from a wide variety of locations, with the most favoured spots being in Wharfedale and the Washburn Valley. In 2012 it was reported that Lindley Wood Reservoir was attracting many fewer birds than previously. However, there appears to have been something of a significant turn around, as over 50 were there throughout August and September. Away from here, Otley Wetland consistently recorded double figures, with up to 40 in January. Numbers suggest that the seasons determine their preferred habitat.

Autumn migration counts at the Oxenhope watchpoint were well down on the previous year with only about 50 birds counted on passage. Three birds seen at Leeshaw Reservoir on 18 February showed the diagnostic features of Continental birds (P.c.sinensis).

SHAG Phalacrocorax aristotelis Very scarce passage visitor.

This species was seen fairly regularly up to the late 1990’s but last year’s record of a single bird was the first since 2001. This year, there was something of a repeat, with two birds flying over Caldene Fields on 17th October at almost exactly the same date as in 2012. (MVP).

!5 BITTERN Botaurus stellaris Scarce winter visitor.

This is the fourth year in succession a Bittern has been discovered at Otley Wetland. On two occasions in January a bird was seen flying up from the reedbed, gliding and landing, but on 20th February a dog, put into the reeds to flush out a fox, instead disturbed two Bitterns. This is the ninth Group record, but the first time more than one bird has been reported from the same spot.

LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta Scarce local passage migrant.

Despite healthy increases in the UK population, this species has still to make an impact in our recording area. A bird was seen feeding in a channel at the top of Lindley Wood Reservoir on 10th November and there was the possibility of a bird, glimpsed briefly from a passing car, on the playing fields at Ben Rhydding on the 9th December.

GREY HERON Ardea cinerea Common resident and colonial breeder.

Though well distributed throughout the area, numbers do appear to be much lower than one would expect, especially in Wharfedale and the Washburn. In Airedale, particularly in Shipley Glen, a winter roost of 12 and 17 were the only double-figure counts. Breeding records were confined to two locations, one near Askwith and the other in the Washburn. At the former, 30 occupied nests produced 58 young, and five nests at the latter site produced 10 juveniles, both in line with last year.

PURPLE HERON Ardea purpurea Scarce national vagrant.

A bird, identified as a Purple Heron at Snaygill Ings photos: Roy Clarke

!6 A bird seen at Snaygill Ings on 4th May was watched from about 50 metres before it flew off, circled high above and drifted away towards the north-east (RC). A full description and distant photos have been submitted to the YNU. This is only the second recorded sighting of this bird, the first by an observer at Otley Wetland in 1997.

WHITE STORK Ciconia ciconia Possible scarce vagrant and annual escapee.

A bird over Otley Chevin on 15th May probably originated from Harewood House collection.

MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor Common resident breeder.

The River Wharfe, its surrounding lakes and watercourses has, once more, predominately been the source of most of our records. In May, a double-figure count of 19 was reported at Otley Wetland and throughout the winter months there were smaller but not insignificant counts from here and at nearby Knotford Nook.

Away from here, on the 18th May, there were Mute Swan, seen at Redcar 10 Mute Swans on Fewston Reservoir and an Tarn, carrying ring ZZ4 which amazing 17 on Yeadon Tarn, a figure which was attached when it was a has probably not been previously surpassed at cygnet on 23/09/2011 at this location. Widnes, Cheshire. photo: Ian Hargreaves As in 2012, there was successful breeding at Otley Wetland, Knotford Nook and Farnley, as well as Park Dam, where it failed the previous year, and the total of 25 young was much in line.

WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus cygnus Uncommon but regular passage visitor.

There was a considerable decline in the number of records from twenty four in 2011 to just eight this year and the number birds were correspondingly down from 275 to just 88.

Eight birds were seen on the water at Warley Moor Reservoir (Fly Flatts) on 17th February and six were picked out in thick fog at the nearby Ogden Reservoir on 8th March (BS). A skein of 54 calling Whoopers, in a striking V formation, passed over Clayton in a north-westerly direction on 19 March (SH). The other record from the first part of the year was a couple flying west over Barden Scale on 31st March. !7 Eight Whooper Swans at Warley Moor Reservoir. photo: Brian Sumner

There were 18 passing birds during the autumn. Six of them passed nicely over the moor in two groups at Oxenhope on 11th October and two days later a single was noted flying north along the Aire Valley. On the first day of November a tight V formation of seven birds was seen south east over Menston and on the 7th four passed over Lower Baildon.

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE Anser brachyrhynchus Seen regularly overflying on passage, and occasionally as a winter visitor.

The high numbers of 2012 were maintained with what is nearly another Group record aggregate of 13,138, mainly overflying birds. This in itself is likely to be an understatement, as probably significant numbers of birds only heard are not included, nor are flocks of unidentified grey geese. The total in the early months was, at 8454, over twice as many as that recorded in 2012, with an incredible 3157 passing over Oxenhope Watchpoint on 3rd January. There was a significant drop to 4684, from the 10,133 of 2012, during the final three months, with most of that total once more recorded by migration watchers at Oxenhope.

As has often been the case, the south of the area has the monopoly, but there were also good numbers of birds seen overflying Wharfedale in January with 250 on the 5th and 300 on the following day. In all, there were 31 day counts of between 100 and the massive high of 3157 birds. Other notable day totals were around the last week of October and the first week of November consisting of 655, 850 and 400. Not all birds were passing over the area, as seven were feeding at Leeshaw on 5th January and on 3rd March another nine had descended. In the north of the area at Denton, six birds were amongst a flock of Greylags on 7th March and possibly the same group was at Otley Wetland in early April.

!8 GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser Common resident breeder, and passage visitor.

All of the nine three-figure counts originated from Wharfedale and the Washburn, but it is possible to see reasonable numbers of these birds right across the area. The biggest counts came from Denton, where over 200 birds were feeding in the fields in front of the Hall on 17th February. Other notable counts comprised 260 at John o’ Gaunt’s Reservoir in November, 225 at Lindley Wood Reservoir on 28th August, and 188 around Thruscross in March. Over 240 young were seen (considerably more than last year), and specific details were provided for Otley Wetland, Barden, Kex Gill, Rombald’s Moor, Thruscross, and Denton Moor where the biggest gathering of 50 adults and 120 juveniles of various ages were noted in the Dunkirk pond area on 6th June. Breeding was also reported from Leeshaw and Addingham, but without numbers.

CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis Common resident breeder.

The decline in the number of this species indicated in the past few years appears to be continuing. There were just 12 three-figure counts, five fewer than in 2012. The highest counts of 241 and 221 were at Fewston Reservoir and at nearby John o’ Gaunt’s, both in December and each of them were well down on the previous year’s highest figure. Of the rest, 128 at Otley Wetland in January, a couple of reports of a build-up at Fewston in the early months, and just Lister Park in Bradford where congregations reached 100. Breeding, where adults and juveniles were seen together, was reported at John o’ Gaunt’s, Kex Gill, on the Wharfe at Otley, at the Wetlands, Scargill and Thruscross Reservoirs. This is a bird that has bred well on our moorland in previous years, but there has been a distinct change and the suggestion that some form of control has been imposed. A bird which appeared to be a hybrid Canada and Greylag was at Thornton Moor Reservoir on 1st August.

EGYPTIAN GOOSE Alopochen aegyptiacus Scarce visitor/possible escapee.

There were just two reports. One was a bird seen with Canada Geese in a field near Leeshaw Reservoir on 24th May and another was a bird seen in the Ilkley area during 2012. This latter, considered to be an escapee, was still there on 16th June (D&HK).

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE Anser albifrons Scarce autumn/winter visitor.

Two birds, thought to be albifrons, flew into Chelker Reservoir in the company of 166 Greylag Geese. This was the first record since 2008 (J&FTo).

!9 BARNACLE GOOSE Branta leucopsis Probable escapee and uncommon passage/winter visitor.

Part of the flock of Barnacle Geese at Leeshaw. photo: David Barker This bird has been reported in most years, usually as singles and often in the company of Greylag Geese and assumed to be an escapee from a collection. This year there can be no doubts, as an impressive 44 descended on Leeshaw Reservoir on 5th January, the previous highest count of these birds being six recorded at this location in 2012 (N&DP, et al). Elsewhere, a bird thought to have escaped from captivity was seen on four occasions, once in the Washburn and the others at High Mill Addingham, where it had taken on the role of ‘guard dog’. It was often seen closely shepherding an adopted family of Mallards!

SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna Passage/winter visitor and occasional breeder.

There were just nine records, almost half the number reported in 2012 and these concerned 25 birds. In January, a female was on the flooded stretch at Cononley Ings and on 11th February there were a couple of birds on Fewston Reservoir. During spring a single was seen on Scargill Reservoir and a couple at Leeshaw Reservoir, which might have been the same birds seen two days later, on 15th May, by pools near the Raggalds Inn, Queensbury. Two juvenile birds were at Scargill Reservoir at the end of July and a month later one flew over Thornton Moor Reservoir. Ten birds, which included three juveniles, stayed around during the afternoon of 3rd September at Lower Laithe Reservoir . The year ended with four birds reported on Swinsty Reservoir on 4th December.

!10 MANDARIN DUCK Aix galericulata Uncommon, but increasingly frequent visitor and breeder, and probable escapee.

Sightings of this bird continue to increase and there is plenty of evidence to suggest that its range is widening. The bird was seen at twelve different locations, the area between Bolton Abbey and Barden predominating. Here, the bird numbers were regularly in double-figures, particularly in the autumn when there was an increase from September to a high count of 70 in November.

Small numbers, usually one or two birds, were also recorded along the River Wharfe, River Aire, Yeadon Tarn and Lindley Wood Reservoir. Other localities in which birds were seen included Yeadon Tarn, Low Mill, Saltaire, Gallows Hill, Lindley Wood Reservoir and there was a single visitor to Stockbridge in May. Breeding was noted at Farnley, where a breeding female nested in an Owl box and hatched ten eggs. The breeding birds at Gallows Hill, Otley produced seven chicks and all were seen on the river with the female.

WIGEON Anas penelope Regular passage migrant and winter visitor.

Very good numbers again this year were boosted by favourable conditions at the seasonally flooded Cononley Ings, which had monthly maxima of 130 in January, and 220 in December. Three other locations approached these figures and in the case of Otley Wetland surpassed them with a high of 242 on the 27th January. There were up to 152 birds in February and 122 in March, whilst Knotford Nook’s best totals were around 170 in January and at Lindley Wood Reservoir there were 166 on 29th March. In all, there were 22 counts of between 50 and 100, and 18 over this level. These records are very much in line with the 2012 picture.

GADWALL Anas strepera Increasingly regular passage migrant and winter visitor.

There were just four reports from two locations: Otley Wetland and John o’ Gaunt’s. There were two birds, identified as a pair, at the former site on 16th February and a single was there a month later on 11th March. At John o’ Gaunt’s there were two reports of possibly the same pair on 3rd and 6th April. The regular site of Knotford Nook did not produce any records.

TEAL Anas crecca Passage and winter visitor, uncommon resident and occasional breeder.

Once more, the inclusion of Cononley Ings in our reporting area has considerably boosted the number of Teal reported. Out of 16 locations, Cononley produced the only three-figure gatherings, with a total which had increased steadily to 230 on 1st February (KM). In the second winter period, that total peaked at 150 on Christmas Eve. Elsewhere, there was a flock of 40 on Lindley Wood Reservoir and up to 30 birds on Guiseley Ings, near the railway line, in January.

!11 Notable summer gatherings were 58 at John o’ Gaunt’s Reservoir at the end of August, 30 at Otley Wetland and seven at Doe Park Reservoir during the same period.

GARGANEY Anas querquedula Scarce passage visitor.

A female bird was seen with six Wigeon at Leeshaw Reservoir on the morning of 12th September (BV).

MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos Common resident breeder; passage/winter visitor.

The reports were gathered from 55 locations and these accounted for some 320 records, from only a limited number of observers. However, this bird retains its abundant status despite many chicks being on the menu of predators. Most of the 33 three-figure counts related to the winter months, with particularly notable congregations of 195 at Lindley Wood Reservoir, 250 at Strid Wood and 200 at Redcar Tarn.

Breeding was reported from a wide range of locations and the better conditions this year undoubtedly led to a rise in the numbers seen. In Shipley Glen, it was a surprise to see a gathering of ducks using the old mill dam. The numbers had reached 82 until the birds abruptly departed when a hooligan/marksman shot one of their number with an air rifle.

PINTAIL Anas acuta Regular passage and occasional winter visitor, usually in small numbers.

After a run of good years when the number of individuals noted had reached impressive levels, this year saw an abrupt return to more meagre rations. There were just three records accounting for 13 birds. The first concerned two males and a female on Bradley Ings on 7th January (KM). At Knotford Nook, a male was located on the main lake on 15th March, but the highlight was a flock of nine flying over Queensbury on 4th September (DS).

SHOVELER Anas clypeata Passage/winter visitor in small numbers; has bred.

A pair of birds on Leeshaw Reservoir on 17th May (KM & RHP) and three males at Otley Wetland on 6th April were the only records. A disappointing decline after the good run of records in 2012.

RED-CRESTED POCHARD Netta Refina Scarce vagrant and possible escapee.

A bird seen at Stockbridge on 7th July was the first since 2009 (SW). The popularity of this species as ornamental wildfowl means there is the possibility of it being an escaped bird.

!12 POCHARD Aythya ferina Passage/winter visitor.

This was another typical year with only four locations featured. There were regular double-figure counts at Yeadon Tarn, where between 11 and 14 birds could be seen in January and February, and Otley Wetland, which held up to eight birds at this time.

One of the many Pochards at Yeadon Tarn photo: Phil Matthews

TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula Passage/winter visitor and increasing breeding resident.

This was a well-documented species with 186 records. Although the numbers were slightly down on last year there were 88 double-figure counts and of these, 42 were over 20 from eight of 24 sites where birds were seen. As usual, Otley Wetland led the way, having high numbers throughout, and a maximum total of 78 on 30th January. Other notable gatherings were 43 at Lister Park (Manningham) on 1st January, 30 at Knotford on 6th November, and 30 at Yeadon Tarn on 6th January. About 25 young were identified, with breeding being noted at Otley Wetland, Fewston, John o’ Gaunt’s, Denton, Kex Gill Quarry, Lister Park, Farnley and Haverah Park.

COMMON SCOTER Melanitta nigra Scarce, but regular, passage visitor.

It was a very poor year for this species; a single record is well below average. The bird was a female at Scargill Reservoir on 7th April (JF).

!13 GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula Common passage/winter visitor; occasionally summers.

Though 14 sites hosted birds, Otley Wetland had the majority of them, with between 20 and 46 from late January to the end of March, the higher count being made on the 7th February. Many fewer were present there in the second winter period, there being no double-figure counts. Other than these, double figures were attained only at Knotford (maximum 43 in February) and Farnley Lake, where there were 15 in February. The latest departing bird was one at Ogden on 23rd April.

SMEW Mercus albellus Scarce winter visitor.

Recorded for the fourth successive year, a 1st-winter/female bird was found at Knotford Nook on 12th & 13th March (JF, AGG. et al).

GOOSANDER Mergus merganser Resident breeder, passage/winter visitor.

With 262 records, up on last year, this was a well-reported species. The majority of the records came from along the main water courses of the Aire and Wharfe. There was a gathering, which probably contained juvenile birds, of 52 roosting birds at Thornton Moor Reservoir on 9th September and another of 37 at Lindley Wood Reservoir on 24th August. Smaller counts, of around 20 were recorded at Strid Wood and Yeadon Tarn in January and December respectively.

A ‘super’ creche of nearly 20 birds stretched out across the breadth of the Wharfe at Knotford on 7th August. The young birds were seen to scuttling, flapping and scurrying, breaking the relative calm with a tumultuous noise. Over 50 young were noted from a few sites, these included Strid Wood and various places between Ilkley and Otley. On the River Aire at Snaygill nine young birds were seen.

RED KITE Milvus milvus Resident and scarce breeder.

With 244 records, much in-line with last year, the Red Kite continues to be well- reported and although concern has been expressed, numbers appear to have stabilised. Breeding successes were similar, and five pairs at that number of fairly adjacent sites produced 12 young, all of which were ringed. A bird seen at Barden bore a pink tag on each wing that identifies it as being from the Gateshead population and hatched in 2009. The bird was seen eating prey in front of Lower Fell Plantation. Only small numbers were regularly seen here, but the main concentration appears to be elsewhere. In the Otley area, eight birds circled over Weston on the 8th February and in the Washburn, six were over Norwood on 15th April and four over Lindley Wood on 30th March.

Although Wharfedale remains the stronghold, the bird is dispersing into Airedale, perhaps more slowly than anticipated. There were 46 reports from around the !14 south of the area, almost four times the number recorded in 2012. Most birds were seen over Baildon, Hawksworth and Bingley Moors, with one at Leeshaw, and others at Queensbury and Wyke.

MARSH HARRIER Circus aeruginosus Uncommon but regular passage visitor.

Following last year’s record haul of 37 reports featuring 30 birds, we returned to more prosaic times with just 14 records of single birds, of which four were in the spring. One of these birds, a female, flew south-east from Leeshaw on 27th March. On the final day of March, a similar bird flew down the valley over Snaygill Ings (IC). The final two spring reports were of two more females seen from Barden Scale on 20th April and 1st May (AGG et al). Watchers at Barden had two female birds, one on the 22nd August and another four days later (BV).

On the first of these dates, a well-watched juvenile was first seen quartering the moor to the west of Whetstone Gate before following the edge of Rivock Plantation and down to Bradup Allotment. Later, it was picked up by observers at Glovershaw who could see the bird hunting beyond Weecher Reservoir (IH, TK & PCK). A female bird was seen at Leeshaw and then over the adjacent Haworth Moor on the 30th July, and a juvenile, seen at close quarters, flew from a fence post and headed north across Kex Gill Moor on 19th August (TK). The results of intensive watching were also evident at the Oxenhope watchpoint, where birds were sighted on the 7th, 14th September and 5th October (DCB et al). The remaining report was a bird in the south of the area, passing over Leeshaw Reservoir on the 9th September (BV).

HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus Passage and possible winter visitor.

This harrier’s fortunes nationally continue to be a cause for grave concern, but, once more, reasonable numbers of birds were seen for the third successive year, with a minimum total of 19 records. Barden Scale was again predominant, with a single female and a juvenile male in the middle of March. Two birds were again seen here between 20th and 22nd April, with the male engaged in a display. During the first week of May a pair was once more reported (AGG, KM et al) and a single female was seen at Timble Ings on the 20th and 21st of the that month (AJ).

An individual female was seen hunting near the Cow and Calf Hotel in the early evening of 6th June (JG). The rump was clearly seen as it chased prey before dipping below the height of a wall. Observers at Barden were rewarded with views of single birds on 21st September, 12th November and on 19th October, when a male spent a few minutes hunting over Barden Fell before it continued its journey. The final report was of a bird which was seen around Little Almscliffe and remained for at least seven days from the 26th November.

!15 MONTAGU’S HARRIER Circus pygargus Rare passage migrant.

The Group’s fourth record was a bird that was seen from Barden Scale as it flew over Lower Fell Plantation on the afternoon of 29th June. The record has been submitted to YNU.

SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus Common resident breeder.

There were 217 records, slightly more than the last two years, covering a wide range of habitat across the area, with a maximum day count of seven at the Oxenhope watchpoint on 14th September. The final number was 22 birds, which represents a good tally at the watchpoint during the autumn migration. At Barden Scale, four birds were seen on the 7th May and pairs at other times during the spring, but most reports came from gardens, where this spectacular raptor is drawn to passerines as they feed. Four chicks were ringed at a nest in Middleton Woods, whilst at Burley were three more were similarly dealt with. The two breeding records appear totally unrepresentative, as pairs and display were seen elsewhere, and the species clearly remains common.

Common Buzzard and Sparrowhawk photos: Phil Matthews

!16 COMMON BUZZARD Buteo buteo Increasingly common resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

The number of sightings in this area supports the national trend in which this species is now Britain’s most numerous raptor. With 315 records, slightly down on last year, the bird continues to range across the whole area and there has been an increase in sightings from the south of the area. All but 45 of the records came from Wharfedale and the Washburn Valley, which were also the source of the 13 reports of breeding attempts, two of which failed, with 20 juveniles (some of which were ringed) resulting from the others. These figures are in-line with last year, but, given the number of records of pairs and displays, must represent only part of the real picture.

Particular praise must go to the regular observers at Barden Scale who produced over 125 reports, recording these birds during each month of the year. Between four and nine birds were regularly seen daily, and more than this on several occasions, notably at least 15 on 22nd August. These figures were, however, eclipsed by the 17 birds in total passing Oxenhope watchpoint on 14th September (DCB, HC, et al). Elsewhere in the area, birds were often seen, occasionally in pairs, over Baildon Moor, East Morton, Whetstone Gate and Denso Marston Reserve.

OSPREY Pandion haliaetus Uncommon but regular passage visitor.

It was an average year by recent standards, with seven birds recorded on spring passage and three in August. It was mid April before there were any birds passing through, when an adult was seen at Barden. The following day, the 16th, another passed the same vantage point and three days later, a third bird was recorded here (both AGG). At Swinsty Reservoir, on the 12th May, a bird was watched as it caught a fish, which it consumed before continuing northwards (PR). Another bird passed Barden Scale on the 16th May and at Pool, on the River Wharfe, a bird was seen flying upstream on the 24th May. The following day, the final bird in this sequence followed the River Wharfe past Barden.

The return passage got underway with a sighting at Barden on 6th August and three days later, at this location, a bird was repeatedly attacked by a Peregrine causing the Osprey to roll over and present its talons (AGG). The final record was a bird that stopped off at Lindley Wood Reservoir on 16th August, it flew round for 15 minutes, attempted to land, but was moved along by an irate Heron.

KESTREL Falco tinnunculus Common resident breeder/passage migrant.

Perhaps surprisingly, not our best-reported raptor, but self-evidently abundant despite numbers falling nationally. The highest day’s site counts, six from Barden Scale on two dates, were slightly down on last year, but breeding records were quite productive. A pair, following two barren years, successfully raised four young in the nest box at Stockbridge. At Timble Ings and Swinsty !17 Reservoir, a total of 11 chicks were ringed and at other sites, particularly in the north of the area, there was noticeable activity from adult birds during the breeding time.

MERLIN Falco columbarius Resident breeder and passage/winter visitor.

There were records from 5 fairly widespread moorland areas during the breeding season, and there were two nests, one where three young were ringed and another where four were similarly treated. At another site, on the same moor, all four juveniles were predated by a fox. There was strong indication of breeding having taken place elsewhere, based on the behaviour of adults and young birds.

Most of the late summer and early autumn reports came, as in previous years, from the Oxenhope watchpoint and there were singles seen at Sandwith Moor, Glovershaw and Leeshaw.

HOBBY Falco subbuteo Uncommon but regular summer visitor/passage migrant.

This was another strong year for this small raptor with 27 records, two more than in 2012 which was one of the best on record. Once more, as with most raptors, Barden Scale led the way with a single bird on 2nd May. However, on the next day and again on the 6th, two birds were seen together hawking insects over Barden Fell. Single birds were seen on the 19th, 25th May, 1st June and on the 4th June, two birds were once more together, this time sparring with each other. Throughout July there were many sightings, until the 15th, which was a busy day when there were at least three different individuals on the Fell (AGG, BV et al).

On the 14th August, at Barden, what was believed to be a juvenile Hobby, behaving unusually, convinced the observer that this newly fledged bird was an indication that breeding had taken place nearby. On the 22nd August, two more birds were seen in this area, but if more proof of local breeding was needed, there were several sightings of up to three birds together on the 29th August, all adjudged to be juveniles. A single was seen sparring with a Sparrowhawk over Lower Fell Plantation and later in this protracted scenario, a couple of the birds were engaged with a male Peregrine (AGG).

On the 25th August, and away from the excitements at Barden, a bird with narrow-pointed, swift-like wings was seen flying quickly and directly east over the Whetstone Allotment (TK). The following day another Hobby was watched as it chased Swallows at Leeshaw Reservoir (BS). Other records were from Knotford in late July (via AJ) and a single bird was recorded on two occasions at Swinsty Reservoir on 10th September. A late bird on the 15th October was thought to be a juvenile (WNS).

!18 PEREGRINE Falco peregrinus Resident and occasional breeder; passage/winter visitor.

There was no definite indication of successful breeding from any of the sites where the birds were actively seen in the early months of the year. What remains of our industrial landscape has proved to be a magnet for a bird that obviously finds urban living very much to its liking. It's no surprise, therefore, that of the 52 records, most came from the Aire Valley. Away from here, birds were watched over Barden Fell, on occasions they were seen sparring with other raptors and one was seen to attack a passing Osprey (AGG). Additionally, up to five birds were watched from the Oxenhope watchpoint in the autumn.

RED GROUSE Lagopus lagopus Resident breeder.

There were 58 records submitted covering each month and these suggest that healthy populations are being maintained, particularly across the shooters’ haunts of Blubberhouses, Barden Moor and Fell. Up to 70 birds were counted here in the early spring and during the breeding season. Adults and chicks were seen across Rombalds Moor and at the aforementioned Barden Fell. A strong population of about 80 healthy birds occupied the high ground at the head of the Washburn and for the first time perhaps, there was a record of breeding by a couple of pairs on Baildon Moor. They were often seen feeding on the fairways and sauntering over the road! Unfortunately, there were no records from the south of the region, as it would have been of interest to establish if the situation was improving after a very poor 2012.

RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Alectoris rufa Resident, probably all from introduced stock.

Most of the local birds which are reported tend to be releases such as the 57 seen on Barden Fell in February and a mixed flock that included Grey Partridge near Lindley Trout Farm in January, but there was evidence of a few birds breaking away and becoming self-sustaining. Four birds were seen with Grey Partridges at Heights Lane, Bingley, two at Thornton Moor Reservoir and a single bird was in the Leeming area in the early months.

GREY PARTRIDGE Perdix perdix Resident breeder.

Even though there were 49 reports, most were from the Glovershaw, Sconce, Eldwick triangle, and probably covered many of the same birds. A family group of a dozen birds was seen at the former site on the 12th September, but only smaller coveys elsewhere, continuing, what is feared, is a recent downward trend. Breeding certainly took place at Sconce, Otley Wetland, Bradup, Heights Lane, Barden Fell and at Slippery Ford where a pair had six juveniles. There was also the possibility of breeding at Swinsty Reservoir, Addingham Moorside, and Askwith, where pairs were recorded in the spring.

!19 QUAIL Coturnix coturnix Resident breeder, passage/winter visitor.

A single Quail was heard calling repeatedly on the 6th June from fields above Wilsden (DB) and another was flushed a week later above Riddlesden (AC).

PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus Resident breeder.

This is a well dispersed species, much of which is from managed stock, and the double-figure counts at Bradup, Heights Lane, Leeshaw, Barden and at Haverah Park certainly are from these collections. However, there were individuals that frequented gardens in search of scraps and in Ilkley, during the winter months, up to eight birds made regular visits to a sizeable plot. Breeding was confirmed at Heights Lane, Glovershaw, Stainburn and Leeshaw Reservoir where juveniles were seen.

WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus Uncommon but regular winter visitor.

There were reports from four locations, with Stockbridge and Otley Wetland holding birds in the first and second winter periods. The bird at the Keighley reserve was seen throughout the first three months; the final sighting was on 21st March (SR, M&PR). The second winter visitor was not located until 17th December. At the Wharfedale site, there was possibly more than one bird as several were heard during a working party on 16th November. At Snaygill Ings there was at least one bird seen regularly during January (IC) and at Toad Holes Beck a bird stayed until 18th March (MVP).

MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus Resident breeder.

This bird’s widespread and common status is clearly unchanged, with four double-figure counts, two in spring and two in early autumn. Breeding success was reported from 12 sites right across the area from Harold Park in the south to John O’Gaunt’s in the north. Over 20 juveniles were noted and one bird, at Otley Wetland, was sitting on eight eggs and along with other records probably indicates reasonable breeding success locally.

COOT Fulica atra Resident breeder, passage/winter visitor.

There was a noticeable decline in the numbers of birds reported from the regular sites in Wharfedale, i.e. Knotford Nook and Otley Wetland. At the end of January, maxima of 87 at the former site and 65 at the latter were in sharp contrast to the two previous year’s totals of 94 and 162 respectively. In the second winter period, whilst numbers remained sluggish in Wharfedale, Harold Park at Wibsey consistently produced over 50 birds with a high of 78 on 19th October. Significant maxima at a wide range of other sites were, 56 at Chelker !20 Reservoir and 34 at Redcar Tarn. Breeding successes were, however, markedly improved, with young birds reported from 9 widespread locations.

Two Coot were ringed at Redcar Tarn by Jon Middleton, A3H on 2nd November and A3F on 29th September

OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus Common migrant breeder/passage visitor.

Birds have once more been recorded in the area in December with a bird at Lower Barden Reservoir on the 10th and another five days later on the dam wall at Chelker. There were sporadic reports during January, but by 17th February, there were 21 birds at Otley Wetland, climbing to 30 in the middle of March.

Of the seven sites where breeding was attempted, one was in the south of the area, an indication that the species is now more widespread. The breeding data received also indicates a much better year than 2012. At Redcar Tarn, a pair raised four young in rough pasture and in the north, two adult pairs were recorded with juveniles at Kex Gill. Two pairs were also successful on Denton Moor, where a timber raft on Dunkirk pond was used, and at another site nearby the brood was caught and ringed. Young birds were also seen at Strid Woods and Glovershaw and two pairs were reported on Scargill Reservoir and another at Slippery Ford, but no further records of successful breeding were submitted.

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius Migrant breeder/passage visitor.

Up to two birds were seen from May to July at four sites, half the number of 2012. A pair were engaged in a courtship display over the fields in Upper Wharfedale on 3rd May before flying away to the south. Similar activity was witnessed in the south of the area where the outcome was uncertain, but two birds were still there on 21st July. In the Washburn, on a couple of occasions in May and again in July, a single bird was watched, but at one site, a bird was seen sitting on a nest. Although there were obviously some suggestions of breeding there were no positive outcomes to record.

!21 RINGED PLOVER Charadrius haticula Passage visitor and erratic breeder.

High shoreline conditions around the area have again caused a dramatic reduction in most numbers of passage waders, and the data for this species, although slightly better than 2012, is rather dismal. 15 birds featured in the eight records received and of these, six related to birds passing Oxenhope watchpoint on 25th September. Other than this, singles were seen at Raggalds Pond on 17th May and there were three birds at Leeshaw Reservoir on 11th May. Single passage birds were reported at Doe Park and Thornton Moor Reservoirs on 25th August. This contrasts with a 2011 total of about 90 birds!

GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis apricaria Resident breeder/passage and winter visitor.

The huge flocks associated with Sandwith Moor and Scargill Pasture in late winter and early spring did not materialise in quite such big numbers this year. The highest total at this location was just 330 on the 4th March, and on the same day, at Barden Scale, a distant flock of 250 birds flew to the SW. Other three figure flocks included 110 at Cononley Ings in February and a high of 150 at Glovershaw during early April. As usual, a number of northern race birds were identified amongst the Baildon flock.

During the autumn, 75 birds had gathered near Redcar Tarn and three-figure counts were registered on the Chevin, Sandwith Moor and Barden Scale, with the highest, 156, at Chelker Reservoir on 15th October.

There were indications that 2013 was a better breeding season with nine pairs identified over the expanse of Rombalds Moor, most of which successfully bred. Elsewhere, pairs were seen at Addingham Moorside, Barden Fell, Warley Moor Reservoir and on the moor above Oxenhope, but any breeding outcomes remain unknown.

LAPWING Vanellus vanellus Resident breeder/passage and winter visitor.

This species attracted a considerable 260 records, but these numbers recorded were not of the same magnitude as the huge congregations we have seen in the two previous years. Cononley Ings, which has reliably had the largest gatherings, managed 850 on 8th January (KM), this is in contrast to the 2,000 which had assembled in 2012.

Pairs of these showy and demonstrative Juvenile Lapwing at Heights Lane, birds were seen at 24 sites, but juvenile Bingley photo: Phil Matthews birds were only seen at 14 of them, !22 exactly the same as last year. However, the figure of 35 young is considerably more, 17 of which were ringed.

A post-breeding flock of 520 had gathered at Leeshaw Reservoir on 20th August and one of 300 was to the east of Otley on 29th September. The numbers moving over the Oxenhope Watchpoint peaked at 742 on 10th November with a couple of tallies of about 450 in mid October. Later, into December, over- wintering flocks of about 300 were seen at Redcar Tarn and on Shelf Moor, with a massive flock of 1,000 (approx), seen flying over Chelker Reservoir (J&FTo). On the final day of the year the build-up at Cononley had surpassed any January figure and stood at 900 (KM).

CURLEW SANDPIPER Calidris ferruginea A scarce autumn passage migrant.

A juvenile at Warley Moor Reservoir on 12th September was the first bird since 2005 and only the 6th record for the area. As usual the bird only stayed briefly (BV).

DUNLIN Calidris alpina Fairly common passage migrant/scarce and sporadic breeder.

This was a relatively poor year with just 34 birds in conditions that were much more favourable than the previous year. All the records came from the high moorland areas to the south of the area with the first, a bird on Soil Hill, on the remarkably early date of 11th January. Four months later, on the 6th May, a single bird was at Warley Moor Reservoir and five days later, three birds were feeding with Ringed Plovers at Leeshaw Reservoir. There were two other individuals in the area on the 13th, one at Raggalds Pond and the other, in summer plumage, at Leeshaw Reservoir. In June, as many as six birds were feeding on Warley Moor Reservoir before the autumn passage commenced with three at Leeshaw Reservoir and four at Thornton Moor Reservoir on the 21st July followed next day by a single, and another four days later. The seasonal total of 12 at Oxenhope, included a good day count of 11 on the 16th September.

JACK SNIPE Lymnocryptes minimus Uncommon but annual passage/winter visitor.

This was not quite the remarkable year of 2012, due almost entirely to the fewer sightings on Soil Hill. It was thought, though not confirmed, that up to three birds were seen at this location, normally only singles were seen and reported initially in October, with another individual on 17th December (KM). In contrast to previous years, there were four other sightings away from this hostile outpost. On 3rd March, a bird was flushed at Otley Wetland (WNS) and another was similarly found at Cononley Ings at the end of that month (IC). Later in the year, on the 17th October, a bird startled a walker on Middleton Moor, when it flew from just in front of his boot and landed a short distance away (via DB). On the final day of the year a bird was seen on Braithwaite Edge (KM).

!23 COMMON SNIPE Gallinago gallinago Resident breeder; passage/winter visitor.

There was no repeat of the large concentrations of 2012, though the 48 on Shelf Moor on 8th December did match previous totals. Elsewhere, in the winter months, 12 birds were flushed at Guiseley Ings in January and 17 at John o’ Gaunt’s in December. There was a day count of 40 at Oxenhope Watchpoint on 21st September, all part of a seasonal total of 209, 30% down on 2012. Displaying birds were noted at Addingham Moorside, Barden, Thruscross, Scargill Pasture and on Baildon Moor where they bred, though young were not sighted.

WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola Resident breeder, passage /winter visitor.

There were only 30 records covering 22 sites, and display was noted at five of them: Norwood Edge, Graincliffe Reservoir, Stainburn Forest, Timble Ings and St. Ives. These sites also featured last year, and during the Group’s Woodcock Survey at St. Ives, seven flypasts took place within a 45 minute period as birds performed their ‘roding’ flight. It was impossible to tell how many birds were involved. The eight records from the winter month concerned only individuals.

WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus Uncommon passage migrant.

It was a relatively poor year with just six records equally split between spring and autumn migration. Within a three day period, 12th to 15th May, two birds flew over Bingley Moor (AJ), a single was seen off Leeshaw Lane (KM) and a fourth bird was feeding on Sandwith Moor (MB et al). During the autumn passage, two birds were on the shore at Leeshaw Reservoir on 28th July and a single passed Oxenhope on 28th September. The final bird was another single seen flying west over Leeshaw on 12th October.

CURLEW Numenius arquata Common resident breeder and passage/winter visitor.

Denton Hall was once more the scene of a large congregation of birds at the end of October, when 650 were counted in the fields below the imposing Hall. This was in contrast to the first winter period, when relatively low numbers were reported and there were no records at all from Cononley Ings where, in the past, there has been a build-up in late February.

By early March some birds were back on breeding territory, particularly on the Whetstone Allotment, around Leeshaw Reservoir, Heights Lane, Thornton Moor and Swinsty Reservoir. Widespread summer reports of active pairs resulted in a small amount of direct evidence of successful breeding. Adults protecting juveniles were seen at Bradup, Leeshaw Reservoir, above Oxenhope village, on Scargill Pasture, Glovershaw Lane, Timble Ings and Sconce. 25 young birds were identified, nine of which, on Hawksworth Moor, Morton Moor and at Clifton, were ringed. !24 REDSHANK Tringa totanus Migrant breeder/passage and occasional winter visitor.

A bird arrived at Otley Wetland on 8th February, but it was early March before the next report: a bird at Sunnydale. During early April birds had established their territory, particularly at the traditional sites of Haverah Park, Hawksworth Moor, and around Scargill, Leeshaw and Leeming Reservoirs. Indications of breeding activity and definite pairs were then noted at nine other (mainly moorland) sites, and this was proved at Menston (High Royds), Rombalds Moor and Kex Gill, where young were seen. This year post-breeding movements went unrecorded.

GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia Increasingly uncommon passage migrant.

Just four records, all of them over a ten day period at the end of August. On the 21st, there was a bird recorded at Fewston Reservoir (WNS). Three days later, in the south of the area, four birds flew over Thornton Moor Reservoir, but two more came down to feed on the shoreline. On the 29th another bird was sighted at Ogden Reservoir and on the last day of the month a single dropped in to Leeshaw Reservoir (BS, RHP).

GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus Increasingly uncommon passage migrant and occasional winter visitor.

A fairly average year, with nine birds recorded at six locations. There were no spring sightings, all but one of the recordings came from a three week period in August when birds were returning from their breeding areas to the north. On the 2nd of August a bird touched down at Stockbridge, stayed for a few brief moments until it was moved along by a Moorhen (FD). There then followed reports of singles on the reservoirs at Warley Moor, Thornton Moor, Lindley Wood and John O’Gaunt’s before two birds were seen on Keighley Reservoir on the 22nd. The final bird was another single at Lindley Wood Reservoir on 24th September (BS, IH, MB & AJ).

COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos Migrant breeder/passage migrant.

Following the first sighting of a bird on the river in Strid Woods on the 13th April, there followed records from 22 more locations during the spring.

Apparent pairs were seen at 12 widely distributed locations, with breeding confirmed at Kex Gill where two pairs each produced young, one of which was ringed (PR). Young birds were also seen at Warley Moor Reservoir and at Lindley Wood Reservoir (BS & WNS).

RUFF Philomachus pugnax Scarce passage visitor.

After a blank year, three birds were located at Doe Park Reservoir on 27th September (MD, MJ & SR). !25 TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres Scarce but fairly regular passage migrant.

Two birds were present at Thornton Moor Reservoir on 21st July (DB) and there were two more records: a single here on 16th September and two at the nearby Warley Moor Reservoir on the previous day (BS both).

ARCTIC SKUA Stercorarius parasiticus Scarce passage migrant.

A bird flew directly over the head of an experienced birder at Yeadon Tarn on the afternoon of 28th September and it was identified as a juvenile, in its dark morph phase (CL). This species has now been recorded in consecutive years and this was the seventh Group record. On the 20th October, a bird believed to be a Skua species was watched from Oxenhope watchpoint as it traversed the Aire Valley.

MEDITERRANEAN GULL Larus melanocephalus Uncommon but regular winter and passage visitor.

The Mediterranean Gull that paid a summer visit to Keighley. photo Ian Hargreaves

!26 The excellent run, which commenced in 2010, continued with 17 reports of 13 different birds, mostly from Airedale. The locations were as follows: Redcar Tarn: Adult birds were recorded here on 4th January and 28th March. On 26th July, a bird which was seen on a number of occasions, was last reported on the 5th August on Highfield Road Playing Fields . A small bird, presumably a female, was present here on the 9th December (all KM). Cullingworth Fields: Whilst there was a bird at Redcar Tarn, a different adult was located amongst Black-headed Gulls on 30th July. In the following month (24th), a juvenile, moulting into 1st-winter plumage, was noted and on 28th November another adult was found. Barden: A bird was heard calling at the upper reservoir on 20th April (IC). Bolton Abbey: A bird seen displaying to a Black-headed Gull was watched on 12th May (KM & RHP). Thornton Moor Reservoir: An adult bird on 4th August (BS). Lindley Wood Reservoir: A juvenile bird was seen on the evening of 28th August and another bird a month later (AJ). Leeshaw Reservoir: The final sighting was a 2nd-winter bird which flew off to the north-west on 26th December (BS).

LITTLE GULL Larus minutus Scarce passage visitor.

For the second consecutive year, there was a record of this attractive Gull. A bird was seen near Yeadon Tarn on 23rd June as it swooped down into a field. The observer reported that there may have been a second bird which clearly showed a black head and black bill (DU).

BLACK-HEADED GULL Larus ridibundus Common resident breeder and abundant passage/winter visitor.

This bird continues to be the area’s most common and widespread Gull species and was regularly seen in flocks of several hundred. Both early and late in the year, roosts of 2000 were seen at Thornton Moor Reservoir, 1600 at Swinsty and 1200 at Denso Marston. Over 2000 were noted in May at their traditional breeding site at Upper Barden Reservoir, but no further information regarding outcomes was forthcoming. However, three nests were also located at Kex Gill in June and chicks were ringed. In August, Cullingworth Fields hosted a post-breeding flock of 1150 An adult Black-headed Gull which birds and the highest count of 360 birds, was ringed as a pullus at a breeding considerably down on previous years, site near Calais in June 2012. was the only offering of note from the photo: Ian Hargreaves Oxenhope watchpoint on 19th October. !27 COMMON GULL Larus canus Common passage/winter visitor and erratic breeder.

A similar picture to the last three years, the 13 three-figure counts are typical, with three notable totals of between 500 and 900 at Sandwith Moor, and Swinsty and Thornton Moor Reservoirs in the winter months. Four-figure totals at the third site comprised 1,000 and 1,200 birds at roosts in January and February, when there were also 1,200 at Swinsty Reservoir.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus fuscus Common passage migrant and occasional breeder.

This fairly widespread species was seen throughout the area with a build-up in numbers, as in previous years, between April and October when birds were relocating. Unfortunately, there was a severe drop in the number of records from the Oxenhope watchpoint and this drastically cut the number of three-figure counts there from 31 in 2012, to just one, an aggregate of 212 on 4th August. On the same day, a flock of 241 birds had assembled at the Denso Marston Reserve, Baildon. In the spring, a relocating flock of over 200 birds passed over John O’Gaunt’s at dusk on 6th April. Throughout the late spring and summer numbers steadily increased at Cullingworth Fields culminating in 600 on 28th July. This flock was seen well enough to identify a significant number of dark- mantled Continental birds.

An interesting 1st-summer bird, with a Darvic ring, was located at Leeming Reservoir on 6th August. Later research identified it as a bird which was ringed on 12th July 2012 at St. Serf’s Island, Loch Leven, Scotland.

HERRING GULL Larus argentatus Increasingly uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor.

With 80 records, this represents a more than a 50% increase on 2012. Almost all those sightings came from one observer, either at Redcar Tarn or Brown Royd, Thornton (KM). Up to three birds were seen at the former site during the first winter months, but in spring, during a period of relocation, five, mostly 1st- winter birds, were present on 14th April. A week earlier 20 birds, in small groups, passed over Walsh Lane, Bingley and headed towards the north-west (PM). Day counts were again modest, with 13 seen from the Oxenhope watchpoint in November, but Brown Royd accounted for the only other double-figure counts with three in December. During this period about five birds of the Scandinavian race L.a.argentatus were identified (KM).

!28 YELLOW-LEGGED GULL Larus cachinnans Increasingly common and regular passage migrant.

After a couple of years in which this bird was well-recorded, there was a drop to just nine reports, all but one from the south of the area. There were three, assumed to be different birds, at Thornton Moor Reservoir from the 27th July until 4th August (KM & BS) and a 1st-summer bird at Redcar Tarn. At this time, another three birds frequented Cullingworth Fields (KM). The exception to this activity was at Strid Woods where a bird was well-studied on 7th November (J&FTo) and finally a 1st-winter bird was at Brown Royd, Bradford on 22nd November (KM).

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus marinus Increasingly uncommon and passage and winter visitor.

This was another species that has suffered a drop in its fortunes. Although well- distributed, there were just nine records, all of them single birds seen from March to December. The first was a bird seen over Heights Lane, Bingley on 31st March and there were further sightings at Redcar Tarn, Warley Moor Reservoir, Cullingworth Fields, Oxenhope watchpoint, Brown Royd, Thornton and the final bird on 10th December at Lower Barden Reservoir.

COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo Passage and summer visitor and uncommon breeder.

This was a more routine year and nothing like the impressive flock that passed the Oxenhope watchpoint in 2012, with birds seen mostly, as expected, at Otley Wetland. Three birds were seen here on the 20th April and a month later there were often four birds fishing, giving rise to speculation about breeding. There was no actual confirmation of any positive outcomes, though behaviour, indicated by birds carrying fish on 16th July and settling onto an island, suggests that there might have been. The remaining records were of birds seen in July. There were up to two birds occasionally seen fishing in Yeadon Tarn, but on the 3rd, three birds were seen flying along and diving into the canal between Saltaire and Hirst Lock and later at Fairview Lakes, Cottingley.

FERAL PIGEON Columba livia Abundant urban breeding resident.

Records for this ubiquitous species came from only six different sites which represents a huge under representation of what must be a considerable urban population. As expected, most of the records were from places in or near Bradford, where there was a high count of around 150 in Lister Park.

!29 STOCK DOVE Columba oenas Resident breeder.

Though widespread, Stock Dove is generally seen in good numbers only in the winter months, as borne out by the year’s highest counts of 46 at Cullingworth Fields (a regular spot) on 21st December and over 30 at Coney Warren on Barden Fell on 1st November. Up to five birds were regularly seen at Glovershaw in May and a small flock of six birds which included juveniles was in fields on the Glen Road towards the end of July. Other small flocks of half a dozen birds, which included juveniles, were seen at High Royds, Menston and Otley Wetland during June and July.

WOODPIGEON Columba palumbus Resident breeder, winter visitor, and passage migrant.

There were 400 records, which represents a drop of a third, to a situation which is much more in-line with 2011. Although this is another ubiquitous species, evidence of nest-building and subsequent breeding is more difficult to come by. Nest-building was seen in the Otley area, at Gallows Hill, the nearby Wetland and at Stockbridge. This process was also seen in a few gardens, but only at Otley Wetland were there any juveniles recorded.

The highest non-migration counts were 250 birds at Judy Woods and 130 at Barden Fell in January. There were 110 in the fields in front of the hall at Denton on 1st February and 190 in fields by Otley Rugby Club in early March.

We have now become used to massive migration totals at the observation sites of Caldene Fields and Oxenhope watchpoint, but this year, joined by Denso Marston Nature Reserve in Baildon, the seasonal aggregates were astonishing! This was a record year, beating the daily and aggregate totals of 2011, which itself had been the best in 25 years of collecting local data. Over a six day period between the 4th and 10th of November, 78,015 birds were recorded heading through the area. It may be appropriate to preface these remarks with an element of caution as the Oxenhope Watchpoint does, however, have a commanding view across the entire width of the Bradford recording area and so there may be an element of double counting.

Nov Caldene Fields Oxenhope Denso Marston Watchpoint

4th 7378 3858 720

8th 11293 10316 3531

10th 20351 26147 5413

total 38032 40321 9664 Despite the possibility of duplication these figures point to a marked increase in the preponderance of this species. !30 COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia decaocto Common resident breeder.

With just over 200 reports, there is a remarkable consistency in the recording of this dove, and, as in previous years, only a few observers were involved. There is certainly no reason to doubt the species’ continuing common status, although there were only eight counts of more than five birds. Two of these involved roosts, one of them was of a flock of nine birds in Cullingworth in March and the other of 13 birds in Oxenhope in October. There was much improved reporting of breeding and six successful attempts were recorded, all but two in Wharfedale and they concerned eight juveniles.

ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET Psittacula krameri Uncommon visitor/possible escapee.

Yet again, these birds of unknown origin turned up once more, but this time there were three reports, two probably involving the same bird. As in 2012, a bird flew over Caldene Fields on 15th October and another was seen and photographed on a feeder in Saltaire later that month. The bird seen on Lucy Hall Drive, Baildon on 3rd December could well have been the same one.

CUCKOO Cuculus canorus Migrant breeder.

There were over 100 reports of birds, most of which came from Wharfdale where birds were heard and just occasionally seen, but few involved any reference to their predatory behaviour. An incident on Addingham Moorside on the 1st May, involved a pair of birds in which the female was mobbed by agitated Meadow Pipits. Another pair was seen around the plantation at Timble six days later. As in 2012, breeding went unrecorded, and no juveniles were seen. The final report was on 12th July.

BARN OWL Tyto alba Scarce visitor/breeder.

There were more positive reports of this attractive Owl, helped in no small measure by the provision of nest-boxes. Pairs at five fairly widespread sites reared more than 15 young, and birds were also seen at another nest-box (AJ, PR, IC). Birds were also seen at other locations, particularly in the winter months and early spring and a major surprise was at Stockbridge, where a bird sat for two hours at the entrance to a nest box on 27th January, but this was its only visit. In addition, over the winter, there were sightings near the airport, on Baildon Moor, around Ilkley and at John O’Gaunt’s.

!31 LITTLE OWL Athene noctua Common resident breeder.

Very similar to recent years with about 90 records from 25 sites, most of which this species has often favoured. Breeding successes were again similar, with 12 juveniles noted at Kex Gill, Sconce, Eldwick, Hawksworth and Riddlesden. The three juvenile birds at Sconce were ringed and at Riddlesden two young birds and their parents were watched as they hunted for morsels.

TAWNY OWL Strix aluco Common resident breeder.

Another year with around 100 records, of what is our commonest and best- reported owl. These reports were of birds seen and heard in every month, in a wide range of habitats, in both rural and suburban locations. There were 16 nest sites discovered, all but two were in the north of the area. A box in a Baildon garden had been fitted with CCTV and the owner watched, from his arm-chair, as the pair successfully raised three juveniles. 23 healthy juveniles were accounted for, almost 50% more than 2012, and some of them were ringed. As usual there were, for various reasons some casualties. A bird visited Stockbridge in February, sat on the edge of the box for a while, but unfortunately did not return to breed.

This Long-eared Owl was seen on Heights Lane, Bingley on 7th April. photo: Phil Matthews

!32 LONG-EARED OWL Asio otus Uncommon resident breeder.

Slightly down on 2012, with nine young birds identified, some of them ringed from the broods of six pairs at five general locations (AJ, PR, CJK). A bird was watched on a couple of occasions during July as it hunted in an area west of Bradford, but there was no further evidence to suggest it was paired or breeding. There were three other records of birds seen in the winter months, but all in the south of the area, including one well-watched bird that roosted occasionally on the roadside at Heights Lane, Bingley.

SHORT-EARED OWL Asio flammeus Uncommon resident, winter visitor and occasional breeder.

This was an exceptionally poor year. There was a dramatic drop in sightings from even 2010, which was considered to be a relatively mediocre year with 17 records, to this year, when only four birds were identified. This is even more surprising when, in 2012, we were much cheered by the bumper crop of records. The only bird seen during the winter months was one at Draughton Heights in February. Two of the other three birds were on the southern edge of Rombalds Moor, one in June and the other in August. The final bird was seen on consecutive days on Barden Moor in May, and was the only one which could be considered as a possible breeder.

NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus europaeus Rare summer visitor. Has bred.

Deforestation of the sites at Stainburn Forest and Norwood Edge have provided new locations where at least three pairs have been watched late into the summer evenings. Although there was no evidence, it is reasonable to assume that breeding did take place at these locations (AJ, MB, WNS). Another pair was identified during July at Rivock Plantation, where churring and display flights were witnessed (MD).

SWIFT Apus apus Migrant breeder and passage visitor.

This was a relatively poor year. Although there were 150 records, there was a distinct suggestion that we were witnessing a decline in the numbers we would expect to see. There were none of the large congregations that were recorded as recently as 2012. On the 11th May at Denso Marston, 89 birds passed over the Reserve and at Oxenhope watchpoint, where records were taken on only two days in August, the highest day count was 94 on the 4th. However, despite the gloom associated with this bird, there were records which showed that breeding had taken place in the Aire Valley at Baildon, Bingley and Keighley and in Wharfedale, in similar locations, at Otley, Addingham and Burley. The first returnee was at Queensbury on 25th April and the final record was a bird over Cottingley on 20th August.

!33 KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis Fairly common resident breeder.

This bird has again been well-reported along the main water courses in both Airedale and Wharfedale. Many of the sites are fairly adjacent, so may well involve the same birds, but it’s heartening to know that this species finds adequate habitats in the area. During the winter period there were sightings, particularly in the Hirst Wood area, at Stockbridge, Leeming Reservoir and Toad Holes Beck. In all, the species was recorded at 17 sites and breeding was confirmed at two of them. Remarkably, a pair at Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits fledged 12 young from three broods, in two holes 12 feet apart! There was also a successful outcome at Skipton Sewage Works and probably breeding took place close to Denso Marston NR, at Cottingley and Addingham where pairs were seen during May and June.

GREEN WOODPECKER Picus viridis Fairly common resident breeder.

This is now a well-recorded species across the area and reports were received from 20 locations. The first ‘yaffling’ calls were heard in Shipley Glen in March and there were a consistency of sightings right through to the final report of a bird at John O’Gaunt’s in November. Breeding was confirmed at Shipley Glen, Bradup, Stainburn and Paul Clough where juveniles were noted. It is quite possible that there was also breeding at Scargill Reservoir, Baildon Bank and Timble Ings in particular, as birds were seen on more than one occasion during July and early August.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus major Common resident breeder.

There were less than 200 records, a marked drop on 2012, but more in-line with previous years. This may indicate a degree of under-recording as the bird has become more common. Drumming, chasing and activity associated with establishing territory and pair-bonding was seen as early as the 3rd January. This in turn led to an impressive collection of records, which showed the presence of juveniles in 16 places mainly in Airedale and Wharfedale. In some of the more mature woodlands there was an indication that a few pairs were breeding; this was certainly confirmed at a private estate in Wharfedale where two, possibly three, pairs were successful.

LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus minor Uncommon resident breeder.

The search for what is undoubtedly our ‘star’ woodland bird was, once more, full of frustration. The first record was a bird at Barden on 8th January (J&FTo) and there was a female bird, seen on a couple of occasions, in Hirst Wood in February (FD & BV photo). During spring, a male bird was drumming on a dead oak branch at Norwood Bottom (WNS) and another male was located in Strid Woods (J&FTo). There were also two December records, a bird at Leaventhorpe, Bradford (KM) and a male at Norwood Edge (WNS). This was a !34 rather disappointing year, with just six birds involved and, as in 2012, no breeding records.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker photographed in Hirst Wood, Shipley on 16th February by Brian Vickers

SKY LARK Alauda arvensis Resident breeder/passage migrant.

Birds were back on their moorland territory by the middle to end of February, though one was seen and heard flying over Glovershaw on 25th January. During the spring, 19 birds were reported on Thornton Moor and up to 16 near Redcar Tarn where nest building was in progress. At least 20 birds were noted on Soil Hill in July, suggesting that breeding was underway, as well as around Rombalds, Baildon and Bingley Moors, Reva Hill and various sites above the Washburn Valley. The numbers of departing birds at the Oxenhope watchpoint were 40% up on last years with an autumn total of 372 birds which included 124, the highest day count, on 5th October.

SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia Common migrant breeder/passage visitor.

The first bird appeared on the 11th April and by the 22nd birds were congregating around the traditional sites along the Wharfe and into the Washburn. Of the 30 nests on Mickling Beck, 16 were willfully dug out by local vandals and some were stuffed with turf. Fortunately, other breeding pairs along the Wharfe, were spared this treatment and there may have been up to 90 active pairs over the entire stretch. In Airedale, there was also reports of breeding activity at East Riddlesden, Harden Quarry and Leeshaw.

!35 !36 SWALLOW Hirundo rustica Common migrant breeder and passage visitor.

As with the previous species, it was April 11th when the first sighting was made and this was in the same area, east of Otley. In the next seven days there were a further 28 reports. Breeding was in full swing from 2nd May, when over 15 nests were located at Stainburn Farm, and in June ten chicks were ringed at Timble Ings and Low Snowden. Post-breeding flocks were seen on the wing, around farms and over water courses in July but the movement of flocks was under way by the 4th August when 200 passed over the Oxenhope watchpoint. On 10th September, over 1000 birds flew west over Barden Fell (J&FTo) and twelve days later, 2141 passed observers at Oxenhope. Recording at this location was much more intermittent than previously and, as a consequence, an aggregate total of 4090 represented a drop of over 65%.

HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbica Common migrant and passage visitor.

There was a noticeable drop in the large counts often recorded in the past and the 100 over Shipley Glen in early August and a bigger flock of 150 at Royds Hall Dam, represent a gathering prior to migration. This was at a time when some birds were still feeding young, particularly those at Castle Road, Ilkley who were seen on 18th September. Breeding attempts were reported from Otley, Addingham, Farnley, Bingley, Baildon, Cullingworth, Timble, Menston and Thornton.

TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis Migrant breeder/passage visitor.

As in previous years, most of the records came from the Washburn, but the highest total was of five birds near Ogden Reservoir in June. The two birds located at Heather Park, St. Ives, were not seen again after the 9th May, and at the end of that month, two at Soil Hill similarly dispersed. The only proven breeding was at Stainburn Forest, but almost certainly occurred elsewhere, particularly at Timble Ings, where display flights were watched. The autumn passage, surprisingly well recorded in 2012, did not materialise to the same degree, with no records from Denholme Clough and only a couple of birds at Oxenhope watchpoint.

MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis Common resident/migrant breeder and passage visitor.

The only significant winter totals were 70 birds at Dowley Gap Sewage Works on the 23rd January and 108 reported on Shelf Moor at the beginning of February. Although birds were recorded around the moorland habitats throughout the summer, there were only a few concerning breeding birds, clearly an under- recording. A nest with four eggs was found near Ellar Carr Pike, but birds carrying food were watched at Glovershaw, Redcar Tarn, Thornton Moor and Scargill Reservoirs.

!37 Post-breeding flocks of up to 200 birds gathered at Leeshaw Reservoir and smaller, but still impressive groupings were witnessed at Glovershaw during September. There followed, as in previous years, a great surge of these birds out and away from the area, an event carefully monitored from Oxenhope watchpoint. Although the aggregated total was down to 14,325, a considerable drop from 2012, there were still six impressive four-figure days. On the 18th September the day count was 2,305, and over the next few days the numbers fluctuated wildly, until the 5th October when 2,762 birds moved through in very strong waves.

YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava Increasingly uncommon migrant breeder/passage visitor.

There was a slight improvement on 2012, but the number of sightings remains pitifully small. Two males and a female were reported at Dowley Gap Sewage Works on 17th April (KM) and on the 13th May a male bird was feeding on grass cropped by horses at a once traditional site by Knotford Nook (WNS). The other reports concerned six birds all seen within seven days at the beginning of September. Firstly there was a single bird at Lindley Wood Reservoir (2nd), then three birds flew south over Caldene Fields, and finally a couple briefly dropped into fields at Glovershaw (9th) (AJ, MVP & JM).

GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea Resident breeder and winter visitor.

In the first three months of the year, there were regular reports from 17 different locations across the area. The highest count came from Dowley Gap where eight birds were seen in March. Breeding was reported from 13 localities, four more than 2012. These sites included the usual spots in Wharfedale, around Bolton Abbey, and on the stretch from Addingham to Otley. In the south of the area, breeding certainly took place at Leeming Reservoir, in Shipley Glen and on the River Worth in the centre of Keighley. Juveniles were also seen along the Aire and at Ben Rhydding, on the Wharfe, ten chicks were ringed from two nests.

PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla alba Resident/migrant breeder, passage migrant, and winter visitor.

The biggest counts were, as expected, made in the winter months with up to a 100 regularly seen at Dowley Gap Sewage Works. During February there were 120 at Marley and a similar number at Denso Marston NR. Numbers had again increased towards the end of the year and over 150 were recorded at Dowley Gap in December. Breeding was observed in Haverah Park, Shipley Glen and Redcar Tarn. In the Otley and Menston areas nine chicks were ringed. Visible migration numbers at Oxenhope reached 300, very much in-line with 2012, all generally assigned as alba species. A bird showing characteristics of nominate White Wagtail (M.a.alba) was seen at Redcar Tarn on 25th April (KM).

!38 WAXWING Bombycilla garrulus Increasingly regular and numerous winter visitor. The flocks of these birds reported at the latter end of December 2012 continued to attract attention. On the second day of the new year, in extremely dark and gloomy conditions, over 200 birds fed on berries in Sainsbury’s car park, Keighley. A similar flock caught the eye in Otley, in the middle of the month and this trend continued, with almost daily reports of smaller splinter groups flooding into gardens throughout the area until the final report on 21st April. Unfortunately, there was to be no repeat of these extraordinary spectacles in the second winter period, as no birds were reported.

Waxwing photo: Paul King DIPPER Cinclus cinclus Common resident breeder.

The Dipper is a well-reported species and is well-established, particularly along the Wharfe and the tributaries of the Aire. Up to nine birds were counted between Bolton Abbey and Barden Bridge in February and nest building was seen to be under way here in early March. Feeding was observed at the end of April, and on the 2nd May juveniles were out of the nest and the process of feeding was taking place along the river.

Further down the Wharfe, adult birds were displaying at Addingham, Ilkley and at Burley Weir at the end of March and a pair were near Leathley in April. In Airedale, breeding pairs were seen at Cullingworth, Bingley and two at Leathley. There may also have been breeding near Denso Marston Reserve, Baildon and in Shipley Glen, where the remains of a nest was seen in June. !39 WREN Troglodytes troglodytes Common resident breeder.

There were 100 fewer records than in 2012 of this tiny abundant bird. The

A female Black Redstart at Ilkley Lido on 1st May photo: Mike Bloomfield highest counts also took a dip with 16 in Haverah Park, beating the 12 in Strid Wood, 11 at Norwood Bottom and 10 at Dowley Gap during the first part of the year. Post-breeding numbers were of a slightly lower order and in similar places. Definite breeding was recorded at Norwood Bottom, Ogden Reservoir, Glovershaw, Cullingworth, Elam, Strid and Folly Hall Woods.

DUNNOCK Prunella modularis Common resident breeder.

Like the previous species, this is also well-reported. With nearly 300 records its presence is noticed throughout the area, in all habitats, particularly gardens, allotments, parks and riversides as well on the moorland fringes. Together with breeding records, this species’ status remains largely unchanged. Breeding was observed at six sites in Wharfedale, and four in Airedale. At Stockbridge, three newly fledged birds were on the feeder in May.

ROBIN Erithacus rubecula Resident breeder/winter visitor.

With 350 records this, probably our most loved bird, was seen in a wide range of habitats which included many gardens, parks, thickets, woodland and areas surrounding rivers and streams. Breeding was probably successful throughout the area, but it was definitely successful at Menston, Langbar, Ilkley, John O’Gaunt’s and Strid Wood, where juveniles were seen. !40 REDSTART Phoenicurus phoenicurus Migrant breeder/passage visitor.

Three birds were seen at Strid Woods on the 4th April, the earliest recorded since 2006. Indications throughout the spring suggested that numbers were holding up well, particularly in the Washburn. This was confirmed with five breeding pairs around John O’Gaunt’s and other pairs actively involved in breeding at seven other sites. A total of 45 young birds and a couple of adults were ringed, mostly from nest boxes, at these locations. A much improved picture over 2012.

!41 BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochruros Uncommon passage visitor, casual breeder.

A female bird was seen and photographed outside Ilkley Lido on 1st May (AGG, MB et al). This was the first record since 2010, when nine birds were reported. WHINCHAT Saxicola rubetra Migrant breeder/passage visitor.

This was a far better year for this species with definite breeding records of two pairs on Barden Moor, where singing males were seen in May, followed at the end of June by juvenile birds, possibly up to six, calling from the bracken. These pairs were well-documented, as their progress was monitored until the middle of August. In the spring, seven birds were seen arriving in the area, five of these at Glovershaw between 30th April and 7th May. On the return passage, this location around Baildon Moor attracted 21 individuals from the 16th August to 10th September; occasionally some of the individuals were trapped and ringed. Also during this period there were records of ones and twos on Snowden Moor, Nab Water Lane, Oxenhope, Burley Moor, Leeshaw, Whetstone Allotment, Paul Clough and Ringby Top, Queensbury. An altogether much more satisfying year.

STONECHAT Saxicola torquata Fairly common passage /winter visitor and breeder.

The drop in numbers which caused alarm in 2012, did not show any miraculous improvement. Once more there was a dearth of sightings of this once prominent bird. Only six pairs were identified during the breeding season, in marked contrast to 2007, when 25 pairs bred and 270 adult birds were counted. There were two pairs located on the Whetstone Allotment, another two were seen on Barden Moor, with the others at Marley and near Paul Clough. From this meagre cluster, eight juveniles were seen. During the autumn, singles and occasional doubles were reported from Hawksworth Moor, Keighley Reservoir, Pennythorn Hill and Sandwith Moor.

WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe Migrant breeder/passage visitor.

This was another average year with a late spring passage that started on 8th April and continued until 31st May, resulting in a total of 280 birds recorded, exactly the same as 2012. Of seven double-figure day counts during this period, the best were 17 at Leeshaw and 16 at Warley Moor Reservoirs. Return passage commenced at the end of July and 212 birds were counted before a very late, and final bird was seen at Addingham Moorside on 28th October. As has occasionally been seen in the past, this species often travels in the company of Whinchats and this behaviour was witnessed on 24th May near John O’Gaunt’s and again on 19th August at Glovershaw. A member also identified a bird which showed the characteristics of a Greenland Wheatear (O.o.leucorhoa) at Whetstone Quarry on 6th May (AGG), but unfortunately, there was no repeat of the breeding success, reported at Low Snowden in 2012.

RING OUZEL Turdus torquatus !42 Increasingly uncommon migrant breeder.

After the improvements shown in 2012, this was a disappointing year. There were just seven records which featured eight birds on passage, a situation comparable with the depressingly low point of two years ago. The earliest report was of a bird at the likely spot of Warley Moor on 14th April (BS). Two of the three other spring records came from Barden Moor, where a male bird was heard on two occasions, six days apart, in May (IC), raising the distinct possibility of breeding. Later, between 18th September and 5th November, two birds were seen on Addingham Moorside (WNS), singles at Paul Clough (BV), from the Oxenhope watchpoint (DB) and finally a bird was with a mixed flock on Ikley Moor (PF).

BLACKBIRD Turdus merula Very common resident breeder/winter visitor.

The huge number of sightings makes this the Group’s commonest and best- reported bird. The 400 records confirm that it is ever present around human habitation, in hedgerows, parks, allotments, riverbanks and along moorland fringes. There were 37 double-figure counts with the highest, a staggering 38 around the perimeter of Ogden Water in October and a similarly impressive 34 at Otley Wetland in December. Nest material was seen being gathered from late March and there were widespread reports of successful breeding with 20 juveniles ringed in Wharfedale, including four in a nest on top of a squirrel’s drey in a Kestrel box. A large male bird, killed in Addingham when it flew into a garden hut, was found to be carrying a ring attached by a Swedish Museum.

!43 FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris Winter visitor and passage migrant.

Once more, the Fieldfare’s visits were well-documented and the trend to smaller, rather than the gigantic gatherings we used to see, was evident. In the first winter period, there were four such three-figure flocks, all of them contained Redwings; the largest was estimated to be about 250 on Sandwith Moor on 13th April. Remarkably, there was a very late report of 30 birds feeding with 150 Redwing at Denton Hall on 28th June (PR), far and away the latest ever departure. Autumn migration, as always, is dominated by the passage of these birds sweeping down through the country from Scandanavia. During a 16 day period from the 10th to the 26th October, over 25,700 passed over our watchpoints. This total included the amazing day count of 15,796 at the Oxenhope watchpoint on 19th October, which almost totally overwhelmed the observers. An obvious record, beating the 2011 day total of 11,900. During December, six three-figure flocks were reported, including up to 400 birds roosting in Sandwith Moor plantation.

SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos Resident breeder/winter visitor.

There were, as usual, many reports of singing birds; one was heard at 4am on a March morning! All this activity was reported, as expected, from gardens, hedgerows and along riversides. Despite these many references to singing and the possibility of breeding there were no sightings of young birds other than a party of five birds in December which may have included juveniles. Overall, the species remains well-established.

REDWING Turdus iliacus Winter visitor and passage migrant.

There were six three-figure counts in the first winter period including a flock of 150 with 30 Fieldfares at Denton Hall on the remarkably late date of 28th June (PR). This year, the autumn movement took place between the 10th and 26th October, coinciding with that of Fieldfares, and once again there were flocks of enormous proportions. The aggregate count at Caldene Fields was 17,748 and at Oxenhope watchpoint it was 21,749. The latter site recorded 17,200 birds at the height of the passage on the 10th and 11th October, just a few days ahead of the major Fieldfare push. On the 26th December, 200 of these birds were roosting in the centre of Bradford.

MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus Resident breeder and passage migrant.

There were 15 breeding pairs identified from across the area, including the centre of Bradford. The 100 birds which passed Oxenhope watchpoint was considerably down on 2012 and there was, once more, only a limited number of post-breeding flocks of any size. These were 24 at Barden Scale on 7th October and at nearby Coney Warren, 11 days later.

!44 GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locustella naevia Uncommon passage migrant and occasional breeder.

Similar to the past two years, two singing birds were discovered near Harden Cricket Club on 20th May (CW) and were still present during the first week of June (RHP). Four birds were reported in July, at Denso Marston Reserve (SWd), Cullingworth and Leeming Reservoir (N&DP). On the 27th July the final bird, was seen atop a bramble patch off the Glen Road, above Shipley Glen, the same place one had been located in 2006 (RS). There were no breeding records.

SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Migrant breeder/passage visitor.

There was a noticeable drop in the number of records, with none from the usually reliable sites of Knotford Nook and Haverah Park. At Stockbridge Nature Reserve a bird was there for just one day on 1st May. This year, up to six birds were present at Otley Wetland and breeding probably took place there, though no evidence was forthcoming. However, there was definitely better news from Chelker Reservoir, where an adult and a juvenile were sighted (J&FTo). The single birds seen at Pennythorn Hill and Doe Park in September, were on passage.

REED WARBLER Acrocephalus scirpaceus Scarce passage visitor/uncommon breeder.

The only two places to record this species were Otley Wetland and Stockbridge Nature Reserve. At the former site, nine birds were recorded on 2nd June, when breeding, though not confirmed, was presumably underway. There was certainly breeding evidence at Stockbridge in the form of a juvenile bird on the feeder cage on the 8th July (see photo by Paul Croft).

LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca Increasingly uncommon migrant and passage visitor.

Just one record of this increasingly uncommon species. There were no records from the previously reliable sites in South Bradford, but a bird was seen and heard on 30th April at Lindley Wood Reservoir (WNS).

!45 WHITETHROAT Sylvia communis Passage visitor/fairly uncommon breeder.

The slight recovery over the past three years was certainly maintained, with birds noted at 28 locations and singing males at ten of them. There were indications that breeding had taken place at six sites and these were at Stockbridge, Glovershaw, Sconce, Otley Wetland, Gallows Hill and near Pool. Activity in late August and early September was once more well-recorded around Glovershaw and Sconce, which had the highest post-breeding flock of six.

GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin Migrant breeder/passage visitor.

There were many singing males in spring, particularly around the Park plantation on Barden Fell, at Bolton Abbey and in the Washburn Valley. Each of these sites recorded up to six birds. There was a well-documented garden record from Ilkley, but no indication of breeding. However, birds carrying food were seen in Otley at Gallows Hill, at Folly Hall Wood in the Washburn and at Strid Woods.

BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla Migrant breeder and passage/winter visitor.

Of the 150 records, the biggest proportion came, as usual, from Wharfedale and the lower Washburn. There were several good day counts, the highest 18, was recorded between Barden Bridge and Cavendish Pavilion on 2nd May. Reference was made to numerous singing males and pairs of birds but there were only five definite records of breeding, all in the north of the area. Wintering birds numbered four in each of the winter periods, mainly in Airedale and Wharfedale gardens.

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER Phylloscopus inornatus Vagrant: scarce at inland sites.

Remarkably, following the first ever report of one of these scarce warblers in the area in 2012, we received confirmation that another was seen and heard at Denton Hall on 6th October (SB Male Pied Flycatcher in the et al). A sound recording was made and Washburn photo: Stephen Lilley it can be heard on the Soundcloud website and the Group’s Blog. !46 WOOD WARBLER Phylloscopus sibilatrix Migrant breeder and occasional passage migrant.

There was no positive improvement on the extremely bleak picture painted in 2012. Only Strid Woods held out any prospect of breeding pairs and, though one couple were watched, no evidence of a favourable outcome was forthcoming. During spring, single males had been seen at Burley, Heber’s Ghyll , St. Ives and once more in Shipley Glen, where a male sang for a few days before, alas, departing.

!47 CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita Common migrant breeder; passage and winter visitor.

The bird first reported at Dowley Gap Sewage Works in December, 2012 was seen again on four dates between 11th and 30th January, when it was positively identified as the race P.c.tristis (Siberian Chiffchaff) (BV, KM). In the spring big counts were made of singing birds, particularly in the Washburn Valley, with up to 15 males heard around Norwood Bottom and Dob Park. Unfortunately, all this early activity did not translate into very much breeding evidence. There were two records of nest building, at Barden Bridge and Knotford Nook and a juvenile was seen nearby at Pool.

Siberian Chiffchaff P.c.tristis at Dowley Gap photo: Brian Vickers WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus Common migrant breeder/passage visitor.

Double-figure counts in spring of at least 20 birds were made at Timble Ings in the north and Harden Park in Airedale and there were some lesser, but not insignificant totals from other diverse locations. This year there was more evidence of breeding activity and occasionally the sight of juveniles. Nest building was witnessed at the two sites referred to and also in Howgill Wood, where three pairs were identified. On Denton Moor there was a pair with four juveniles and at Leeming Reservoir a nest contained a brood of six. During the autumn dispersal, 16 birds were noted near Ogden Reservoir on 13th September.

GOLDCREST Regulus regulus Passage/winter visitor and occasional breeder.

The largest flock of this species was recorded at the car park at Swinsty Reservoir in February and elsewhere, during this period, other sightings consisted of mostly singles, some in gardens. 20 birds were ringed at Timble Ings in October, fewer than in 2012, but interestingly, one of those trapped was ringed the previous year (AJ). The only breeding record concerned a juvenile !48 that became disorientated and flew and perched on a shoulder before flying into the hallway of a house.

FIRECREST Regulus ignicapillus Scarce passage visitor.

Two birds were found, the first since 2010. One bird was seen regularly in a garden near Beamsley Beacon in January (via AJ) and the other was located at Ogden Reservoir on the 2nd November (BS).

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata Fairly uncommon migrant breeder/passage visitor.

Quite a good number of pairs were located, all but one in the north of the area, where breeding activity was watched and at two sites where four chicks were ringed. Breeding definitely took place at Farnley, Denton Moor, Langbar, Fewston and on the back-road below Barden Fell, at the end of July, 16 birds, including adults, were seen feeding. Pairs were reported at Bolton Abbey, Norwood Bottom, Dob Park and in Airedale at Upwood Farm where two young were fledged. During the late summer movement, birds turned regularly at Glovershaw, Denholme Clough and Paul Clough. There was also a late record of a bird seen at Hawksworth on 28th and 29th October.

PIED FLYCATCHER Ficedula hypoleuca Common migrant breeder/uncommon on passage.

Once more the provision of nest-boxes showed real value, with an impressive return of 113 young (all of them ringed) at Folly Hall Wood, Dob Park and Low Snowden. The species was occupying 20 boxes in Strid Wood and birds were seen feeding, but there was no further information. In June, the members on the Group walk watched a pair using a natural hole, in the woods below Scargill Reservoir. Interestingly, eight adults trapped at Folly Hall Wood had been ringed in the valley between 2010 and 2012 and the breeding female at Hanging Wood had been ringed there two years earlier. There were two late records: a bird in Bolton Abbey car park on 2nd July (AGG) and another in Paul Clough on 21st August (BV).

LONG-TAILED TIT Aegithalus caudatus Common resident breeder.

A popular bird, often seen in gardens and thus well-reported. It was seen throughout the year, usually in small groups, but in the winter months in larger feeding flocks numbering up to 30 individuals. Four breeding pairs were located in Wharfedale and some juveniles were seen with adults, but the biggest post- breeding flock of over 20 birds was seen at Ogden Reservoir in August.

MARSH TIT Parus palustris Scarce and decreasing resident. !49 Once more this tit was scarce, the only reliable place was at Haverah Park where an individual had been seen on 18th February (WNS). The following week, two birds were amongst a mixed flock of birds and on the 13th April another individual was noted (J&FTo, SR). Away from here another single was recorded in Burley-in-Wharfedale on 16th April (WNS).

WILLOW TIT Parus montanus Scarce and decreasing resident.

A single bird, bearing a leg ring, was seen at feeders at Otley Wetland on a few occasions between 9th January and 8th February.

COAL TIT Parus ater Resident breeder.

There was a double-figure count of 20 birds in Strid Woods in January and another of 12 birds at John O’Gaunt’s in August, but it was often only seen in low numbers, mostly in gardens. It was in such locations that individual juveniles were noted in summer at Ilkley and Bingley, indicating possible local breeding.

BLUE TIT Parus caeruleus Abundant resident breeder.

If there was any doubt that this year was a better breeding season than 2012, then we need to look no further than this year’s much improved breeding records of this abundant species. The number of juveniles ringed at sites in the north of the area was 305, nearly a 200% improvement. There were 120 juveniles in the Washburn Valley, and in the surrounding areas of Lower Wharfedale 27 nest boxes produced 167 juveniles.

!50 GREAT TIT Parus major Abundant resident breeder.

Although there were 112 juveniles ringed from 18 boxes in Lower Wharfedale, itself a very respectable total, this information should be considered in the light of the report from the Washburn. In that valley there appeared to be a dramatic drop in the number of breeding pairs, from a fairly constant 50 over an eight year period, to just 32. It is suggested that the avian pox virus may be the cause. Elsewhere, the species was monitored during the breeding period in gardens, parks and woodland and more than 20 juveniles were seen. To indicate the abundance of this species, 17 birds were counted in Middleton Woods and 14 at Haverah Park during February.

NUTHATCH Sitta europaea Resident breeder.

This has now become a well-established species and is often seen in gardens, particularly those close to deciduous woodland, where the bird is beginning to flourish. The locations reporting the greatest numbers included Middleton Woods, Strid Woods, Norwood Bottom, Shipley Glen and Hirst Wood where the bird was seen throughout the year engaged in courtship and breeding activities. In the Washburn Valley, six broods produced 43 young, down slightly on 2012, but still a remarkable advance when compared to the paucity of reports before 2002 when there were only three reports of any kind.

TREECREEPER Certhia familiaris Resident breeder.

Almost always seen as a single, very occasionally a pair, the species was recorded in 35 well-distributed locations. Pairs were recorded in spring engaged in bonding and inspecting prospective nest holes, but there were no definite indications of breeding, though it may have taken place in Middleton Woods, Shipley Glen, Hirst Wood and Farnley, where this behaviour was seen.

JAY Garrulus glanarius Resident breeder.

In contrast to last year there were no records of an autumn passage at Oxenhope and the only counts of any size were at Denso Marston Reserve with nine in April, and six birds regularly seen Shipley Glen and in Middleton Woods. There were no direct breeding records, but young birds seen around Shipley Glen, Burley-in-Wharfedale, Ilkley and Judy Woods suggested local activity.

MAGPIE Pica pica Resident breeder.

With well over 400 records we can see quite clearly that this species remains plentiful and wide-spread. There were 11 double-figure counts from September to April, with the 80 roosting at Dowley Gap in February the most notable. Nest !51 building was watched at a couple of places in Wharfedale, with the resultant sight of juveniles and adults in these gardens. Unfortunately, there was little else to report of this common bird about which there is general disdain.

JACKDAW Corvus monedula Resident breeder and winter visitor.

There were, as is now customary, a number of impressive three-figure counts from observers during the winter months, none more so than at Denso Marston, where 577 birds were in the area on 7th February. This was the highest of 17 double-figure day counts at this reserve. Elsewhere, 250 at John O’Gaunt’s, 128 at Swinsty Reservoir and a post-breeding flock of 170 on Barden Fell were the other notable gatherings. The autumn migration total at Oxenhope, at 810, showed a considerable drop from the 2012 figure of over 2,000. There were reports of breeding where nest-building was observed and juveniles were, in one garden, seen on the bird-table, but a nest of four young in Addingham was

A male Siskin photo: Stephen Lilley completely predated. Once more, Baildon Bank was one of the main breeding locations for this species with over 20 nests.

ROOK Corvus frugilegus Resident breeder.

This is a much under-reported species that generally receives very little attention. However, there were, as previously, large rookeries at Haverah Park and at Middleton Woods, where a total of 39 nests were occupied. There were other, smaller gatherings at Menston and Bingley, where breeding was underway, and post-breeding flocks were seen in the summer. The best of these was flock of 130 which had descended on a newly mown hay-field at Norwood Bottom in July. There was only one more three-figure count, 110 at Fewston Reservoir in December.

!52 CARRION CROW Corvus corone Resident breeder.

With over 400 records, there were just three that featured the results of breeding. These young birds were seen at Dudley Hill, at Burley where three of them attacked a fat ball, and at Ilkley where a demanding juvenile could be heard in the nest. There were no reports of large congregations, as in previous years, the largest a meagre 50 at Leeming Reservoir in December.

RAVEN Corvus corax Increasingly common resident/scarce breeder.

This year confirmed that there has been a steady improvement in the fortunes of this species. The sightings were again widespread across the whole area, amazingly birds were twice seen flying over the unlikely location of Baildon. In the main, sightings comprised three places in Wharfedale, five in and around Airedale, four in the Washburn, and eight on the Worth Valley moorlands. Birds were seen mainly as pairs or singles in the first part of the year, but seven, presumed to be a family party, were seen in the north of the area. A record of ten on the moors above Oxenhope, was considered to be a record count. Adult birds were present at the now established nest site, but no young were seen.

STARLING Sturnus vulgaris Resident breeder/winter visitor.

After last year’s spectacular roost, seen throughout January and February at Silsden, this was very much a return to the normal, with reasonable sized flocks and an orderly migration. There were 26 three-figure counts, much the biggest was 760 on Middleton Moor in March. Surprisingly, this was one of the few first winter counts, the vast majority were seen later in the year, the biggest was 400 at Redcar Tarn and at Thruscross. There were two of about 300 on Rombalds Moor in November. This year’s migration watches at Oxenhope reported a total of 6,687 which included two day counts of 1037 and 1194 on consecutive days at the beginning of November and five smaller totals of between 500 and 1,000. There were seven reports of breeding birds, with juveniles being fed at the nest and in fields and gardens, and later many young birds were noted amongst the post-breeding flocks that descended on farmland.

HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus Resident breeder.

The recent improvements in the reporting of this mainly urban resident has continued. Two flocks of up to 30 birds were seen on a Bradford estate in August, suggesting that the breeding season had been good and that the numbers probably correlate to the availability of nesting sites where cavities under roof tiles have been left open. There was another count of similar size in October at Park Dam, but generally the numbers reported were in single figures.

!53 Breeding activity was much better documented, with juveniles being identified particularly in gardens and 13 young were ringed at Menston and Clifton.

TREE SPARROW Passer montanus Increasingly common, resident breeder.

The remarkable progress of this species is due to the tireless work of one Wharfedale birder who has almost single-handedly continued the monitoring of nest-boxes in that area. This year, at least 200 juveniles were counted, and most ringed, at the main sites at Timble (57), Sun Lane Reserve (Burley) (52), Clifton (64), and Farnley (30) (PR). In addition, there was evidence of breeding at Stainburn, Otley, Burley and at Haverah Park, where at least ten birds could be seen in June. In the winter months, and away from these locations, flocks of between eight and 19 were recorded at Leathley, Addingham Moorside, Askwith and the biggest at Rose Tree Farm, Lindley Wood.

CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs Resident breeder, passage/winter visitor.

There were up to 400 records, and as is usual, the widespread under-recording means that the data represents only a partial assessment of the birds’ fortunes. At the end of March, when birds were settling into their territories, there was a count of 47 birds along the Wharfe through Strid Woods. In the following months, up to 20 singing males were heard on the Chevin and in Middleton Woods. An intensive survey at Timble Ings and Norwood Bottom produced over 30 pairs in June. Breeding, where juveniles were seen, was noted at five locations in Wharfedale and at two of them, Stainburn and Dob Park, four birds were ringed. Autumn migration was once more well-documented at Oxenhope which produced a total of nearly 600, including a day count of 113 on the 5th October.

BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla Passage/winter visitor.

Throughout November and December a large flock fed on beech mast close to the Cavendish Pavilion at Strid Woods. The reports varied as to exact number, but a figure of at least 100 was generally agreed. Elsewhere, during this period, small flocks were seen at Norwood Bottom and the Chevin. Earlier in the year, numbers were much lighter, but 24 at Shann Lane, Keighley and 18 at Norwood Bottom were the largest, with eight seen in a Menston garden. During autumn migration a total of 41 birds was recorded at Oxenhope.

GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris Resident breeder,passage and winter visitor.

!54 The migration figure at Oxenhope was dramatically down once more to a rather miserable one of 170, with two days accounting for almost 50% of the total. On the other 26 days, the species barely registered and this decline is almost certainly related to the virus trichomonosis which is seriously affecting the species. A drop from a relatively low figure of 500, recorded in the same period last year, to this one, gives cause for concern. Other flock sizes were again modest; there were 20 birds at Birch Close in July, but the 40 at Lower Laithe in March was by far the year’s best. One of the six breeding records concerned nest building but the others were related to juveniles either on feeders or in small post-breeding groups.

GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis Resident breeder, passage visitor.

There were over 270 records of this abundant species, 30% of which were of flocks of more than10 birds. Both of the two three-figure counts came, unusually, from the north of the area and contained several juveniles. At John O’Gaunt’s in August, a flock of 137 was counted, but on Middleton Moor in September a huge flock of about 300 had gathered. This represents a new Group record. All but one of the breeding reports concerned juveniles in feeding parties in summer, particularly where clusters of thistles and short seed-bearing plants grow. There was a day count of 256 birds passing Caldene Fields in October and an aggregate total of just 650 birds at Oxenhope during the autumn migration period.

SISKIN Carduelis spinus Scarce resident/possible breeder, common passage and winter visitor.

This year there were 60 double-figure counts, a much higher total than previously, with flocks generally in line with normal sizes. The notable totals of between 50 and 70 were seen at Otley Wetland, Norwood Bottom, Menston and in Otley during the winter months. There was an autumn migration total at Oxenhope of 143, a drop of almost a half compared to the 2012 total. Once more, there was strong evidence of local breeding as juveniles were seen at Strid Wood and Addingham and adult birds were active in Bingley and Ben Rhydding during June. LINNET Carduelis cannabina Resident breeder and passage migrant.

Three Airedale records came from the winter months and featured singles, or in one case a flock of six birds above Shipley Glen in November. In spring and summer, small numbers of birds were well distributed and pairs clearly bred at Bradup, Menston and probably at Glovershaw. A post-breeding flock of 35 was seen at Sconce, another of 80 at Denholme Clough and an enormous one of 200 at Queensbury, all of them on the first two days of August. On the penultimate day of that month, 62 birds were counted passing through Glovershaw (JM).

!55 TWITE Carduelis flavirostris Increasingly uncommon and local migrant.

Just two records, both from the previously reliable Warley Moor feeding station, represents the nadir for this moorland species. Two birds were feeding on niger seeds on 21st April and 6th May (BS).

A male Twite, just two records in 2013. photo: Brian Sumner

LESSER REDPOLL Carduelis cabaret Passage/winter visitor. Occasional breeder.

This was another average year with wide-spread sightings away from the summer months, although there were 11 records in May and one in June, a single in Stainburn Forest. There weren’t definite signs of breeding, though pairs were seen at Timble Ings in late spring, and interestingly, a bird trapped there had been first caught in Dumfries and Galloway, in the previous October. Visitors to Timble Ings in October and November reported flocks of up to 50 birds and on one day, 26 of these birds were trapped and ringed (AJ).

MEALY REDPOLL Carduelis flammea Erratic winter visitor/passage migrant.

Five birds were ringed at Timble Ings on 30th October (AJ).

CROSSBILL Loxia curvirostra Passage/winter visitor, and occasional summer resident and breeder.

There were five sizeable flocks of between 20 and 50 recorded from April to December in the north of the area. The first was at Swinsty Reservoir where a flock was feeding on conifers in April. Apart from others of similar size at Stainburn and Norwood Edge in December, the largest, a flock of 50, was !56 located at Timble Ings at the end of October. Other sites that featured included Graincliffe Reservoir and Ogden Reservoir where small numbers of birds were seen in April. A reasonable total of 34 birds passed Oxenhope during autumn migration watches.

BULLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula Resident breeder.

This was probably a slightly better year for this attractive species with 11 reports of small flocks of between six and nine birds. The feeders at Otley Wetland regularly attracted up to eight birds, and other similar groups were seen in Addingham, Otley, Stainburn Forest and Judy Woods during the winter months. Juvenile birds, with adults, were seen in gardens in Baildon and Bingley and in the plantation at Ogden Reservoir. The eight birds which passed through Paul Clough on 20th August were all identified as juveniles.

HAWFINCH Coccothraustes coccothraustes Rare visitor: mainly winter

With three records, this was the best year since 1990. Single birds were seen at Bolton Abbey on 15th May (WNS), Coppice Pond, St. Ives on 19th September (TM) and one flew north over Denholme Clough on 6th October (MD).

SNOW BUNTING Plectrophenax nivalis Infrequent passage/winter visitor.

There were four records, all in the latter part of the year and concerned a total of five birds. The first was a bird at Timble Ings on 30th October (AJ), and another was feeding at the roadside at Whetstone Gate on 18th November (SR). A week later, two birds were seen on Burley Moor (WNS) and the final report, a single on the normally reliable location of Soil Hill on 21st December (BS).

YELLOWHAMMER Emberiza citrinella Scarce and local resident/possible breeder.

Although there was a welcome return to reports featuring this once-thriving species, none of them point with any certainty to better times ahead. A bird in a mixed flock of finches was seen on Askwith Moor on the 21st August and three birds flew across Baildon Moor and another was noted at the Oxenhope Watchpoint in October. In February a bird was seen on Harden Moor, but there were no further reports from here.

REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus Resident breeder/passage visitor.

Once more breeding was reasonably well-recorded, particularly from Baildon Moor, where several singing males were the prelude to successful breeding by at least five pairs. Other successes were at Otley Wetland, Rombalds Moor, Whetstone Gate, John O’Gaunt’s and Stockbridge NR where adults were seen !57 feeding young. There were two winter roosts of interest, one at Marley which numbered 13 birds and another of similar size at Glovershaw, where they fed amongst heather and grasses not covered by thick snow. The autumn migration total of 16 at Oxenhope was way below the usual average.

ROCK BUNTING Emberiza cia AN ADDITION TO THE 2011 REPORT Exceptionally rare vagrant

A male bird, seen and photographed by a single observer close to Bolton Abbey on 8th May 2011, has now been accepted by the British Birds Rarities Committee. This is the sixth British record, only the third within the last 60 years. The last was in 1967. The observer’s name has been withheld as he wished to shun fame and fortune.

Escaped or Released Species

BLACK SWAN Cygnus atratus

The bird, which has been reported from Harold Park (Low Moor) for the past two years, was seen there again on four dates between 13th January and 21st April, and on nearby Park Dam on 29th March. Intriguingly, another bird has been noticed in the Otley area, being reported on four dates in April.

BAR-HEADED GOOSE Anser indicus

All the reports came from the western end of the area with three birds at Addingham Moorside on 3rd April and a single on 29th April. A bird was seen on Keighley Reservoir on 19th May, another flew by Barden Scale 21st May and two settled onto a garden pond late in the evening of 7th June at Cowling Hill Lane End.

WOOD DUCK Aix sponsa

The presumed same drake was at the Saltaire location of Robert’s Park and Dowley Gap in January, at Bingley on 15th July and in December.

Decisions Outstanding

RICHARD’S PIPIT Anthus richardi

A bird heard calling overhead at the Thornton Moor Watchpoint on 14th October is only the second record for the area, the last being in 2001.

!58 Contributors List 2013

The initials shown below are those which appear in the Report.

John Armstrong Paul Marfell David Barker (DCB) Phil Matthews (PM) Jenny Barker D Melling Sheila Barton Tim Melling (TM) Steve Blain (SB) Jon Middleton (JM) Chris Binns Keith Moir (KM) Mike Bloomfield (MB) Paul Morris Jamie Brass Jonathan Morton Richard Butler David Ogden Roy Clarke (RC) Simon Parkes Andrew Cockcroft (AC) Brenda & Derek Parkin (PD&JBP) Robert Conderson Damian Pearson Chris Coupland John Poland Ian Court (IC) Ruth Porter Howard Creber (HC) Casper Pottle (CP) Paul Croft John Preshaw Paul Disken (PD) Martyn Priestley (MVP) Mark Doveston (MD) Nigel & Daniel Priestley (N&DP) Fred Drake (FD) Rod Proctor (RHP) Clare Dunn Shaun Radcliffe (SR) John Flood (JF) Margaret & Peter Riley (M&PR) Penny French (PF) Alan Robinson Jill Garforth (JG) Pete Roe (PR) Simon & Sarah Goodwin Richard Scullion (RS) Tony Gough (AGG) Pete Seaman Andrew Greenwood Denise Shields (DS) Richard Greenwood Ian Skayman Halifax Birdwatchers’ Club Fran & Malcolm Stones Graham Hanlon Brian Sumner (BS) Ian Hargreaves (IH) Peter Sutcliffe John Healey Richard Tassell Sue Hepton (SH) Martin Taunton Simon Johnson Phil Taylor Alan Josephs Nick Tonge Andy Jowett (AJ) Freda & John Topham (J&FTo) Mike Joyce (MJ) Alan Tremethick Helen & David Kidman Tony Tudor Chris King (CJK) David Urwin (DU) Paul King (PCK) Brian Vickers (BV) Theo Kuechel (TK) Steve Waddilove (SWd) Stephen Lilley Steve Webb (SW) Pat & Ken Limb Wharfedale Naturalists’ Soc. (WNS) Crispin Little (CL) Roger Wilkinson Richard Lobley Cameron Wilson (CW) Robert Mackley !59