Bradford Ornithological Group

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!1 From the Chairman

Another interesting year of bird watching is reflected in this the 2014 Annual Report. Thank you for your records, now on the data base for future reference, along with the many photographs sent in.

Our Publications Secretary has written the Report having successfully taken on the job last year so many thanks go to Paul King. I know that the previous writer, Keith Moir, has kindly given his time to assist, along with our Group Recorder, Stephen Lilley making it possible to have the edition ready for the new membership year in May. With Keith’s experience and Stephen’s organisation, they have helped Paul in collating the data, ready for writing.

Finally, without your input of records, this Report could not be possible so please keep sending them in. For birding we hope BOG provides the opportunity to share local knowledge so why not tell a friend about us?

I hope you enjoy reading 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: Lapwing by Stephen Lilley

Inside Front Cover: Shelduck at Snaygill by Brian Vickers Little Egret at Lindley Wood by Stephen Lilley

Back Cover: Sparrowhawk (male) via Roger Wilkinson

Inside Back Cover: Clockwise from top left - Juvenile Curlew by Roger Nelson Juvenile Snipe by Phil Matthews Juvenile Oystercatcher by Brian Sumner Juvenile Lapwing by Stephen Lilley

Others: As individually credited

!2 Editorial

I wish to thank members for co-operating fully with the request to submit all records by 31st December. This has worked well and it has enabled us to satisfactorily compile the data and commence the writing of the report in early January. All the checking and analysis of the 18,000 records was completed by the end of March and thanks must go to Stephen Lilley, Shaun Radcliffe, Phil Matthews and Keith Moir for their unstinting help and support during this lengthy process. I must also thank the members who have submitted excellent photographs which have been used to enhance and compliment the records.

This, the 28th Annual Report, uses the reformed Voous Order with the Anseriformes and Galliformes brought to the start of the list. This system has been adopted by all European Countries. There is also the reappearance of the map showing the BOG recording area, published in the hope that it will encourage you all to visit more of the sites mentioned in these pages.

This year there were record numbers of Whooper Swans and Pink-footed Geese and also by Woodpigeons which streamed over in huge numbers late in October. At Cononley Ings, impressive flocks of Wigeon and Teal gathered, and a big flock of Barnacle Geese was seen at Chelker. The number of Mandarin Ducks at Strid Wood rose steadily and peaked before Christmas at a new record high of 163. Visitors to lakes and reservoirs included Scaup, Red-breasted Merganser, Great Northern Diver, Godwits, Knot and Sanderling. Little Egret was seen more often, Jack Snipe was located in good numbers and a Little Gull appeared once again. Migration brought a Turtle Dove, an Arctic Tern and possibly a Roseate Tern, though this record is awaiting verification from YNU. Six Ring Ouzels was a lucky find and a Willow Tit and a Marsh Tit both fed regularly at a feeder in a Leathley cottage garden. Barn Owls had a good breeding season, Peregrines bred atop the tallest chimney in Bradford and a female Montagu’s Harrier might have stayed longer if she’d found a mate. A Wheatear was reported on 27th November, making it the latest ever recorded, and there was evidence to suggest that this species may have bred on Baildon Moor.

On the debit side, Pochard numbers have declined once again, Yellow Wagtail and Twite are just about hanging on, but unfortunately, Yellowhammer has disappeared completely.

Please ensure we receive your records by 31st December by any 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.

We look forward to a year when every member submits records, thus enhancing the overview of species - common and rare - which lies at the heart of and is a major focus of BOG activities Paul King !3 CLASSIFIED LIST OF SPECIES FOR 2014

MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor Common resident breeder.

As has been the case in previous years, the River Wharfe at Otley, its neighbouring wetlands and the tarn at Yeadon, have attracted the largest groupings. 26 of these majestic birds were on the calmer river stretches at Otley on 5th April and three other double-figure counts of 15 or more were also recorded here. 13 double-figure counts were also reported, particularly at Yeadon Tarn, where a high of 15 was reached on 2nd April. Away from these locations, small numbers were attracted to Park Dam at Low Moor, Harold Park at Wibsey, the Leeds to Liverpool Canal and Tong Park, Baildon.

There was successful breeding at Otley Wetland, Farnley Lake, on the canal at Riddlesden, Park Dam and at Harold Lake an attempt was suspected.

WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus cygnus Uncommon but regular passage visitor.

This was a remarkable year for this species with no fewer than 32 reports of 326 birds, by far the highest numbers ever recorded in the BOG area. There were 11 double-figure counts, the biggest, being a skein of 40 birds over Baildon Moor on 5th April (CJK), whilst at Oxenhope, during the visual migration watches on 29th October, four skeins produced a total of 31 birds. There was a repeat performance on 5th November, when 32 birds in three skeins, occasionally with Pink-footed Geese, passed over the observers. Other large groups flew over Redcar Tarn (11 on 19th January), Ogden (24 on 5th February), Fewston Reservoir (18 on 26th March), Oxenhope (16 on 16th October), and Caldene Fields (11 on 27th October and a group of the same size on 16th November).

17 birds had rested on Chelker Reservoir on 9th March and, on the last day of the month, the number had risen to 23. Other sightings of feeding groups were as follows: nine at Leeshaw Reservoir on 23rd November, up to eight birds at Silsden Ings between 21st and 23rd December, eight birds at Ogden Reservoir recorded on four occasions, 4th and 12th March, 3rd April and 3rd December, and seven at Royds Hall Dam on 29th October.

Other smaller flocks were recorded, particularly flying over during migration in autumn, but those that remained for a short while included two adults at Silsden Ings, first reported on 28th March with one of the birds remaining until 3rd May, usually in the company of a sub-adult Mute Swan. There were also two birds at Redcar Tarn on 12th February, at Warley Moor Reservoir (Fly Flatts) on 7th November, and at Ogden Reservoir on 12th October and 10th December.

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

The aggregate totals of the two previous years, records in themselves, were somewhat eclipsed by a staggering 15,099 birds recorded as they crossed the region. A third of the birds were seen in the first part of the year as they generally moved from east to west, but the return passage in autumn consisted of a remarkable 10,205 birds, in-line with a similar figure recorded in 2012.

In all, there were 41 day counts of between 100 and a massive high of 2500. This figure was reported at Yeadon on 11th February, but there were other impressive counts: 1414 at Caldene Fields on 26th October, 11 skeins totalling a thousand birds over Wharfedale on 24th September and 909 seen from Oxenhope watchpoint on 4th November.

There were, however, some birds that did decide to land. Of these, three birds were at Redcar Tarn on 6th and 7th December when three others flew in and landed in a roadside field. Two birds were seen flying very low near here on 1st March and another duo was on Shelf Moor on 11 October. There was a single bird that fed amongst Mallards and Greylags at Bolton Abbey at the end of January and another that was seen with Canada Geese at Stockbridge during February.

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

There were six three-figure counts, all originating from Wharfedale and the Washburn, but it was possible to see reasonable numbers right across the area. The biggest count was at Lindley Wood Reservoir, where an amazing 585 birds arrived on 27th September; this was the second time this total has been recorded, but well below the record of 900 set at Denton Hall in 2011. Other notable counts comprised 310 at Swinsty Reservoir in January and totals around 200 at Thruscross, John o’ Gaunt’s Reservoir and Denton Hall during January.

Breeding was certainly successful at Dowley Gap, where 37 goslings were watched amongst the 11 adults present, also at Eldwick Reservoir where nine goslings were seen, and at Fewston Reservoir where a pair was marshalling 15 juveniles. Other successes were confirmed at Leeshaw Reservoir, Strid Woods, Swinsty Reservoir, along the Leeds to Liverpool Canal and on Burley Moor.

CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis Common resident breeder.

Although there were 23 counts of over three figures, more than received in the past two years, they concerned flocks at just seven locations. Lister Park, Manningham, consistently held over 100 birds during the winter months, but the main groupings were either in the south of the area or around the reservoirs of the Washburn. The flock at Warley Moor Reservoir (Fly Flatts) was well-watched during the breeding season and numbers climbed to around three hundred, with many juvenile birds in evidence. In the north of the area wintering numbers !5 reached 330 around Swinsty Reservoir, with a smaller groups of around 150 at Thruscross Reservoir and John O’Gaunt’s in January. This species was seen in a wide range of locations, but regularly gathered in sizeable numbers at Leeshaw Reservoir, Otley Wetland, Redcar Tarn, Harold Park, Hewenden Reservoir and Yeadon Tarn.

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

This bird, usually seen as a single in the company of other geese species and assumed to be an escapee, was once more reported. This time an individual was often seen amongst the Canada Geese at Warley Moor Reservoir (Fly Flatts) from June until September. It was also thought to be the same bird which was reported to be on Soil Hill on 15th October. Another single, again with Canada Geese, was seen at Thruscross Reservoir on 5th October. Last year, a record number of 44 birds descended on Leeshaw Reservoir and this year on 22nd September, a wild flock of 50 of this species was seen flying low over Chelker Reservoir. The birds rested briefly before taking off towards the west. (WNS).

SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna Passage/winter visitor and occasional breeder.

There were 15 records, much better than last year and more in-line with 2012, and these concerned 33 birds. During the first winter period, up to two birds were seen on the flooded fields at Silsden and Cononley. Three birds visited Ogden Reservoir on 19th January, two were seen from Caldene Fields and single males visited Embsay, Lower Laithe and Leeshaw Reservoirs. On 2nd April, Otley Wetland attracted six birds and a week later, at Lower Laithe, five birds spent time on the reservoir. Two birds were seen around Swinsty Reservoir in early May and on 1st September, four birds were reported at Leeshaw Reservoir, The only autumn sighting was two males on Thornton Moor Reservoir on 10th November.

Breeding was reported at Kex Gill, where a pair successfully reared six flying individuals. There was also a successful outcome on Kempley Pond, Halton East, where two adult birds were seen with eight juveniles in the middle of June.

MANDARIN DUCK Aix galericulata Increasingly common winter visitor and breeder.

Once again the sightings and the numbers of this bird have increased dramatically. The bird was seen at 13 different locations, with the area between Bolton Abbey and Barden predominating. During November and December the figures from Strid Wood were consistently into three-figures with the maximum, a Group record of 163, recorded on 27th November (IH). Away from here, five birds were seen flying over Farnley in March and in April, two pairs were watched at Lindley Wood Reservoir and three birds were seen at Tong Park, Baildon. The first record of a bird in the south of the area was on 5th August, when an eclipsed male visited Lower Laithe Reservoir. !6 Breeding, involving 40 fledged birds, was reported at four sites, one along the Wharfe at Barden Bridge and at three others in the Washburn Valley. The breeding birds at the latter three sites all nested in Barn Owl boxes. Elsewhere, breeding was suspected at five other places where pairs were showing interest, but no further information was forthcoming.

WIGEON Anas penelope Regular passage migrant and winter visitor.

This was a remarkable year in which record numbers were recorded at Cononley Ings during January and early February. A maximum of 470 was reached on 1st February (KM), comfortably eclipsing the previous highest count of 242 at Otley Wetland on 27th January 2013. Elsewhere, a respectable total of 180 at Lindley Wood Reservoir on 10th March and one of 164 at the Otley site in the middle of February, seemed rather insignificant by comparison. There were only eight counts of between 50 and a 100, all from the areas mentioned, but small numbers of these birds did appear away from here. There were 49 birds at Thornton Moor Reservoir and 24 on Leeming Reservoir on 7th October and occasional visits were made by small numbers to Leeshaw, Leeming and Ogden Reservoirs.

GADWALL Anas strepera Increasingly regular passage migrant and winter visitor.

There were four reports concerning two pairs and two single birds. At Tong Park Reservoir a male was watched in the middle of January and another was seen at Esholt Sewage Works at the beginning of May. On 22nd February a pair was feeding on Silsden Ings and later in the year, on 9th November, male and female birds were together on the Leeds and Liverpool canal.

Gadwall Photo: Nigel Priestley

!7 TEAL Anas crecca Common passage and winter visitor and occasional breeder.

It would seem that we need the heavy winter rains and the flooding of the water meadows at Cononley and Silsden to really bring these birds into the area. Once again, the high numbers recorded in this area, when the conditions were favourable, have been impressive. From a high of 220 birds on 10th January, the numbers remained in three-figures, only dropping to 110 by 4th April. At the end of the year, significant numbers had assembled once more, with a maximum of 270 present on 15th December.

Away from here this bird was seen, outside the breeding season, in smaller groups on ponds and lakes across the area. 32 birds were on Fly Flatts Reservoir on 1st April, 27 at John O’Gaunt’s Reservoir in early March and Fewston Reservoir had 22 on 31st January. Amongst the less-likely locations was a pond at Intake Farm Menston, where up to 15 birds were feeding on 7th March, Raggalds Flood, Queensbury and Eldwick Reservoir where a couple of birds were seen.

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

This year saw a welcome increase in the number and quality of records for our commonest duck. Many people reported breeding successes, which once more came from a wide range of locations ,with highest counts made at Redcar Tarn, Lindley Wood Reservoir and Strid Wood (285, 215 and 143 respectively).

There were 46 records in which breeding activity and its outcomes were mentioned, often in some detail, with very accurate counts of broods and the status of ducklings. In all, 375 young birds were seen, the earliest being ten ducklings with a female on Hazlewood Moor on 5th April. Sizeable broods were reported at Strid Woods, Redcar Tarn, Ilkley, Thornton Moor Reservoir, Swinsty Reservoir and Barden Bridge. However, it still remains a mystery as to how a female and eight chicks arrived at a cattle wallow on Heights Lane, Bingley!

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

As suspected in 2013, the run of good years was probably behind us as 2014 continued those meagre rations with just four records concerning ten birds. A pair of this species was a surprise sighting at Lower Laithe Reservoir on 13th March (the first for 17 years at this location) (BV). Four birds were recorded on Thornton Moor Reservoir on 7th October and two drakes in eclipse plumage were at Leeshaw Reservoir on 30th October. There were then two males on the flooded expanse of Silsden Ings on 22nd December (all three records KM).

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

After a disappointing 2013, when there was only two records, this year there was a big improvement with 12 records consisting of 24 birds, half of them from the prolific areas around Silsden and Cononley Ings. A pair was present on these flooded meadows on 13th January and a drake was there six days later. Two more pairs were noted, one on 30th January and another on 11th February and two days later a further four birds, a female and three males, were present before a final pair completed the season on 4th April. However, this species did appear at other sites. The biggest group was one of six birds, five males and a female at Warley Moor Reservoir (Fly Flatts) on 12th March. A drake was on the canal at Bingley on 21st January and another was feeding on Yeadon Tarn on 7th March. During autumn a male visited Thornton Moor Reservoir on 29th September and two birds were also there on 7th October. The final sighting of the year was a female bird which spent two days at Redcar Tarn on 3rd & 4th November.

POCHARD Aythya ferina Increasingly uncommon winter visitor.

Three locations featured in the records, Yeadon Tarn, Otley Wetland and Royds Dam, South Bradford. The numbers at the former site were very much in line with last year, building up to a maximum of 12 birds on 28th February. During the same first winter period up to three birds could be seen at Otley Wetland and there was an excellent record of a single bird at Royds Hall Dam on 16th December.

The decline in this bird’s fortunes, well-documented throughout the past 27 years, can be best illustrated by the entry for 1989 which spoke of between 15 to 30+ birds regularly seen at Knotford Nook, Otley Wetland, Silsden and Chelker Reservoirs, with the maximum count of 47 at Lindley Wood Reservoir in September.

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

It was an almost identical response to last year with 187 records of which 83 were of double-figures; 24 were over 20 from nine of the 28 sites where birds were seen. On 29th November, the biggest congregation of 50 was in Lister Park, Bradford, a lake much favoured by this bird. Otley Wetland Nature Reserve, which has provided impressive numbers in the past, could only muster a high of 35 in January, down by more than a half on the 2013 figure. Other double-figure gatherings of more than 20 were at Knotford Nook, John O’Gaunt’s, Yeadon Tarn and Redcar Tarn.

Breeding was confirmed at Kex Ghyll and Lister Park, where adults were seen with ducklings. At Wagon Lane, Bingley, there was an unusual record of a female with two small ducklings negotiating the currents in the River Aire. These records accounted for 11 young birds but pairings at Yeadon Tarn, Fewston !9 Reservoir, Peel Park, Bradford, Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits, Farnley Lake and Buck Quarry, Cullingworth, where courtship was sometimes seen, did not result in further evidence being submitted.

SCAUP Aythya marila Uncommon passage/winter visitor

After no sightings during 2013 there was just one record of a female bird which visited Warley Moor Reservoir (Fly Flatts) on 12th October and stayed for a further five days. (BS)

Scaup Photo: Brian Sumner COMMON SCOTER Melanitta nigra Uncommon, but regular passage visitor.

This was a much better than average year with 11 records, mainly single birds, but there were two triples and a flock of 14 males which descended on Warley Moor Reservoir (Fly Flatts), on 21st August (HBC). One of the threesomes was seen on Fly Flatts on 8th September and the other, consisting of three males, was at Ogden Reservoir on 9th and 10th August (KM & BS). All the single birds were also seen in the south of the area, with both Ogden Reservoir and Leeshaw Reservoir hosting male birds on 13th July. Another male was seen on Lower Laithe Reservoir on the 19th July and the sub-adult male that appeared on 7th August remained for a week. Fly Flatts in addition to hosting those larger groups, had single birds on 6th August and 14th and 21st September and 16th October (KM, BV, BS & HBC).

GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula Common winter visitor.

There appears to have been a significant drop in the size of flocks reported, particularly from the regular watercourses of Otley Wetland and Knotford Nook. A highest count of 20 at the former site compares poorly with the maximum of 46 during the same period in 2013. Similarly at Knotford, a high of 21 on 26th December and 17 on 16th February are well-down on the maximum of 43 for the same time the previous year. Goldeneye was recorded at ten other sites, four less than the previous year; one of the most interesting reports was of six birds on the River Aire at Marley on 19th January (KM). Sites where other groups appeared included Farnley, Chelker Reservoir, Lower Laithe Reservoir and Hewenden Reservoir.

!10 RED-BREASTED MERGANSER Mergus serrator Scarce passage visitor

A juvenile bird, often seen in the company of Goosanders, was well-watched as it spent time at Redcar Tarn and in the roost at Thornton Moor Reservoir from 13th till 23rd October (KM, IH, D&NP et al). This was the first record since 2011.

Red-breasted Merganser Photo: Stephen Lilley

GOOSANDER Mergus merganser Common resident breeder and winter visitor.

This is a well-recorded species, though this year the numbers were down on last year. It is often seen along the main rivers of our region and on many of the local lakes and reservoirs. Roosts at Thornton Moor Reservoir produced a maximum count of 60 on 11th October, and 40 birds assumed to be part of this group were seen on Redcar Tarn. Both included a number of juveniles. At Stockbridge 17 birds were seen on 11th May, and there were also parties at Yeadon Tarn and Park Dam during the first winter period.

There’s probably no finer sight than to watch a female Goosander battle, the current with a train of ducklings scurrying behind. These precious moments were witnessed on the Aire at East Riddlesden, Myrtle Park, Esholt and in the Washburn at Norwood Bottom. About 50 young birds were recorded and at Stockbridge nine eggs were found in a box usually inhabited by Stock Doves.

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

Most of the local birds which are reported will be releases and they tend to gather in flocks of variable size. This year these farm-bred birds were seen on Barden Fell, Cullingworth Fields, Heights Lane Bingley, around Oxenhope and Thornton Moor in groups of up to eight. !11 RED GROUSE Lagopus lagopus Resident breeder.

With nearly 100 records, most of them from the Aire Valley northwards, this species appears to be maintaining the improvements reported in 2013. Up to 92 birds were counted on the walk through the Valley of Desolation and onto Simon Seat at the end of February and this adds to the impression that stocks were plentiful. Other birders also suggested that the moorland areas above Ilkley, Denton, Barden and around Warley Moor Reservoir (Fly Flatts) had attracted good numbers. Breeding was confirmed at a number of these places, in particular on Haworth Moor, near Top Withins, where a female was seen with four chicks on 13th June.

Red Grouse Photo: Roger Nelson GREY PARTRIDGE Perdix perdix Resident breeder.

There were reports from 15 different locations and at all but two of them, pairs were seen. At least four pairs were located in the fields around Baildon Moor, but only at Golcar Farm was there an indication of breeding success, when seven juveniles were recorded. Elsewhere, to the north of Bingley, five juveniles were seen at Walsh Lane and another ten at Heights Lane. Breeding success was also confirmed in the west of the area around Slippery Ford, with up to nine young birds, and at Keighley Moor Reservoir, where two pairs were said to have been successful.

!12 PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus Resident breeder.

Pheasants in this area come mainly from managed stock and amongst this well- dispersed species those at the Valley of Desolation, Sconce, Norwood Bottom, Heights Lane, Bingley and the huge flock between Scargill Reservoir and John O’Gaunt’s almost certainly were. At the latter site, in August, a count was made that revealed 92 birds. Other breeding successes were reported at Glovershaw, Heights Lane, Bingley North Bog, Otley Wetland Nature Reserve and surprisingly, in an Ilkley garden, where a female displayed chicks in May.

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER Gavia immer Rare winter visitor

A bird visited Warley Moor Reservoir (Fly Flatts) on the unlikely date of 9th July and stayed for at least two days. The bird was thought to be the same one that spent several months at Lady Lake, Sands Lane, Mirfield. Close observation showed that it was only in partial breeding plumage and it was thought to be either injured or ill (AGG, KM et al).

CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo Locally common passage and winter visitor.

Once more this species was reported throughout the year, with the more favoured spots being at Keighley Moor Reservoir, Leeshaw Reservoir, Otley Wetland Nature Reserve and Lindley Wood Reservoir. There were 21 birds at the Keighley Moor site on 9th November, and a week later 20 were seen roosting in trees at Lindley Wood. This is a species whose fortunes have declined significantly since 2001. An average roost count of 41 and a highest count of 89 in October 2003 at Lindley Wood Reservoir, appear to be a thing of the past.

Autumn migration counts at Oxenhope were similar to last year with only about 65 birds seen on passage. A bird at Lower Laithe Reservoir on 18th July showed the diagnostic features of a continental bird (P.c.sinensis).

LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta Uncommon passage migrant.

Gradually, this species is now making more appearances in the area. 2014 was possibly a breakthrough year, as a record number of reports involved at least 11 birds. The first was a single at Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits (D&HK) on 27th April, followed on 11th May by two on the River Aire at East Riddlesden Hall (MD) and another the next day seen flying over Caldene Fields (MVP). A single bird flew over Otley Wetland on 17th June (WNS) and two birds were seen around the nearby sewage works from 13th July until 10th August (PRo). Up to four birds were reported from the Washburn Valley, mainly at Lindley Wood Reservoir during August and September (AGG, KM et al).

!13 GREY HERON Ardea cinerea Common resident and colonial breeder.

This is a species seen throughout the area, but not often recorded in more than ones or twos except at roosts. Up to four birds occasionally gathered around Farnley in the spring and five birds, adults and juveniles, were feeding at Leeshaw Reservoir on 21st September. In Airedale, around Shipley Glen, the winter roost reached 16 on 8th January and at Stockbridge the island regularly attracted up to five birds in October.

Breeding records from a site in the Washburn showed that 30 nests produced 64 young, slightly up on last year and the heronry at Harden, although much smaller, had five nests from which at least seven young emerged. Of the 150 reports, only five mentioned juvenile birds away from the nest site.

WHITE STORK Ciconia ciconia Possible scarce vagrant and annual escapee.

A bird seen in trees at Stoney Ridge on 22nd September, was probably from the Harewood House collection.

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

This small grebe was reported at 20 well-spread locations across the area. This year the south of the region featured much more than previously, with four birds seen at Park Dam, Low Moor in August, where breeding was successful. Four birds were also seen at Bank Top Country Park in December and a similar number at Tong Park Lake in March. Successful breeding also took place at Low Dam, between Fewston and Thruscross Reservoirs, and at Kex Gill where two juveniles were seen and Farnley Lake.

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

Breeding birds and post-breeding groups were recorded at Harold Park, Wibsey, Hewenden Reservoir, Ogden Water and Park Dam at Low Moor, where adults were seen on nests and later with juveniles. Similarly, in the north of the area, Yeadon Tarn and Lindley Wood Reservoir each recorded adults with young birds. Breeding was suspected at Farnley Lake, Royds Hall Dam and at Otley Wetland, though no juveniles were reported at these sites. In all, around 13 juveniles were seen, slightly down on last year.

Later reports showed that up to ten birds, consisting of adults and first-year birds, could be seen on Yeadon Tarn in late November.

!14 RED KITE Milvus milvus Resident and scarce breeder.

With over 200 records, slightly lower than the last two years, the Red Kite has continued to make solid progress and is well-established, particularly in Wharfedale. Breeding success occurred at four sites where seven juveniles were ringed. Unfortunately at one site a nest was dislodged from a tree and two nestlings were found dead. A young bird seen over March Ghyll Reservoir on Middleton Moor wore a tag which suggested it had spread from the collection of Kites released in Cumbria (AGG). A particularly exciting moment occurred when eight Kites were watched circling a newly cut hay meadow east of Otley on 24th June (PK). During the winter period up to five birds were seen at Weeton, Norwood Bottom, Snowden Moor and Middleton Moor.

Away from Wharfedale, birds continued to spread into Airedale, with regular sightings of pairs over Bingley and Baildon, and there were reports of birds over Esholt in April and Eccleshill in July. There was also a scattering of reports from further south. In July a bird was seen from Penistone Hill, Oxenhope and on 12th September another flew over Queensbury. On a warm sunny day in early September, a Red Kite was watched as it flew about 2 metres from the ground over Oldfield Road, near Stanbury.

MARSH HARRIER Circus aeruginosus Uncommon but regular passage visitor.

There were 12 records concerning eight birds, fewer than last year and well down on the 30 birds that featured in 2012, but still, it was much better than the poor years between 2004 and 2011. Watchers at Barden Scale reported a cream-crowned bird in heavy flight feather moult, which was often seen flying over the adjacent moorland between 20th June and 8th July (AGG, BV). Two other individuals were seen from this vantage point, the first on 24th August and the other on 2nd September. Each of them was watched until disappearing up the valley and over the skyline (AGG).

A bird flew south over Hazlewood Moor on 8th May (RN) and in early autumn a juvenile male was seen on Burley Moor (KM). The other three sightings involved birds in the south of the area. On 22 August, at Redcar Tarn, a juvenile bird came from the north and was watched as it flew towards the south-west (KM). In the following month (11th) an adult female crossed over Warley Moor Reservoir in mid-afternoon (BV), and the final report was of a bird seen flying north-west at Leaventhorpe, Bradford on 22nd November (KM).

HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus Increasingly uncommon passage and winter visitor.

This was an average year for a bird that has nationally suffered a serious decline, with breeding activities in particular under constant threat. There were 11 records, all but one from Wharfedale, covering 12 birds. On 19th February a superb male was seen from Barden Scale and watched as it headed towards Lower Barden Reservoir (BV). On the final day of that month and again on 12th !15 May, a similar situation was witnessed, but this time it was female birds that crossed the moorland (BV).

The other sightings occurred in the second part of the year. The first was reported from Oxenhope watchpoint on 11th October (DB, HC, RP); on the same day two birds were seen from Barden Scale (AGG). There were then three more single birds, the first was a juvenile, and each of them was reported at Barden Scale in November (BV).

GOSHAWK Accipiter gentilis

There were two reports of birds in the north of the area, one on 1st February and the other on 13th March, which was a male seen sitting out on the edge of a plantation (KM). These were the first records since 2012.

SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus Common resident breeder.

There were nearly 200 records, very much in line with previous years, from a wide-range of locations right across the area. This raptor was seen on numerous occasions, soaring over woods, chasing other birds through gardens and flashing through woodland habitats. At Oxenhope, during the autumn migration watch, a seasonal total of 21 birds represents a satisfactory return and is about the same as in 2013. At Barden Scale, on 31st October, five birds, all together at one stage, were thought to be a family party. In Wharfedale five young were ringed at one nest and four more at another, but a third was less fortunate, having been abandoned (PRo).

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

The numbers once more confirm that this raptor has become well established in our area. With over 310 reports, in line with the two previous years, the bird continues to attract attention, as many of the records signify. One observer at Barden Scale watchpoint reported this species on 78 days from January to December and this certainly illustrates the quantity and the overall presence of the species. On half of those days, five or more birds were seen, and on three days double-figures, the highest on 28 April, when at least 13 birds were recorded (AGG).

At other locations, there were impressive totals of five or more, particularly in the Washburn, where eight birds were seen on 10th March. Migration watchers at Oxenhope recorded an aggregate of 69 birds during the autumn, with a maximum day count of nine on 11th October, when six spiralling birds were seen.

Breeding records showed a relatively healthy situation, particularly in the north of the area, where 22 birds were ringed, but alas, two of these young were later predated as were eggs at a site elsewhere in the area (PRo). A pair nested in the south of area, but there was no further information regarding the outcome. !16 OSPREY Pandion haliaetus Uncommon but regular passage visitor.

This year there were just six records, one less than 2013. There were three in spring, one in mid-summer, one at the end of July and the final bird was seen in August. The first bird appeared over Esholt on 18th March (MR) and the second one, seen from Sunnydale, drifted north-west on 5th April (MG). A bird, showing its white head and underwings and mobbed by gulls, slowly meandered between Swinsty and Lindley Reservoirs on 27th April. The other three birds were seen in the Barden area; one on 21st June, another on 29th July as it flew determinedly north-west whilst being mobbed by a Kestrel and the final one on 23rd August (AGG, WNS).

KESTREL Falco tinnunculus Common resident breeder/passage migrant.

The Kestrel has regained top spot as our most reported raptor. 25% of the 370 records came from observations from Barden Scale where the resident pair, and occasional interlopers, were noted throughout the year. On 1st July, this pair and their three juveniles, were seen perched and then hunting over Barden Moor. From this vantage point, a Kestel and Sparrowhawk were watched as they sparred and a Grey Heron came in for some attention from the local female.

Kestrel Photo: Brian Vickers

!17 Elsewhere, there was plenty of evidence of breeding activity with birds engaged in aerial courtship and food carrying. At Stockbridge, a pair showing interest in the new nest box had to fight off Jackdaws and Magpies, before having further battles with a Goosander which they eventually won and took over the site. Unfortunately there was no happy ending as the female suddenly disappeared and the box fell off the tree as the supports were rotten. Did she sense this?

Breeding reports of birds in Wharfedale and the Washburn Valley came from seven sites where 37 birds were ringed (PRo, CoH). Families of Kestrels were watched at Warley Moor Reservoir (Fly Flatts), Leeshaw Reservoir, Sconce and Keighley Moor and together with those at Barden accounted for about 24 juveniles.

MERLIN Falco columbarius Uncommon resident breeder and passage migrant.

This year there were no breeding records submitted but there were plenty of detailed reports that suggested that breeding was underway across our moorland. In Wharfedale a male bird was watched as it aggressively attacked Buzzards near what was certainly a nest site, and later in August, an adult and juvenile were seen here (AGG). During the breeding season birds were also recorded in the south of the area, and once more these involved birds chasing passerines and confronting other raptors. At one location, on two different occasions, a male bird was seen mobbing a family group of Kestrels and it was later seen to assault a Raven. Observations during the autumn migration accounted for 12 birds that passed within range of the Oxenhope watchpoint between 20th September and 29th October (DB, HC et al).

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

A bird on the 5th April over Hazlewood Moor, was the earliest ever date for this species (TK). It was followed nine days later by another bird on the same moor which was seen spiralling up and gradually moving eastwards (KM). There were many fewer records, just 15 compared with the strong showing in 2013 when there were 27. However, this small raptor did grab the attention of observers throughout the entire length of the area. On 17th April a bird flew in from the east at Stockbridge Reserve (SR) and in the middle of May there were two sightings, of possibly the same bird, at Barden Scale (AGG).

On 8th June a bird was watched at Warley Moor Reservoir as it flew towards Thornton Moor (BS) and on the 26th of that month there was another sighting at Barden Scale (BV). During July there were six records, one near Ogden Reservoir (BS), three on Haworth Moor where a bird was seen jousting with two Kestrels (KM,BV), another at Barden (AGG), and the last one was over Hollins Hall Golf Course where it was seen chasing Swifts in advance of a cloud front (RW). Finally, there was a second sighting at Warley Moor Reservoir on 16th August (BS) and on 16th September, at Glovershaw, a bird swept in from the west in pursuit of hirundines (PCK).

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

Observations of this raptor can be split into four groups. The first concerns a pair that bred atop a Bradford mill chimney and was watched for ten months, from the appearance of the adult birds in January, to the successful raising of two healthy juveniles (JL, KM). The second concerns another breeding pair in the centre of Keighley, where food was seen being taken into the site, but unfortunately there were no reports of a successful outcome (SR, KM et al).

Thirdly, there were 15 reports of birds seen from Barden Scale between 22nd February and 1st November, all singles, except in late October when two females were seen together (AGG). The final group can be considered to be those birds seen at a variety of locations and involves 22 birds, though some of these sightings may include the Bradford and Keighley birds, particularly those seen in the Aire Valley and surrounding moorland. On 16th October, a day of mass movement of Redwing over Oxenhope, five Peregrines were logged during the nine hour watch period (DB, HC & RP). Further afield, there were sightings of birds at Menston and Timble in the first two months and two males were seen moving towards Otley Wetland Nature Reserve on 4th September (PRo).

WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus Uncommon but regular winter visitor.

Five locations featured this year, two which regularly receive winter visitors, namely Stockbridge Nature Reserve and Otley Wetland Nature Reserve and three others in Airedale. Two birds spent the first winter period at Stockbridge, their presence being confirmed when they were seen together feeding in January by the only ice-free area available. Birds were present here and at Otley Wetland in the autumn.

The Airedale reports featured single birds at Marley on 5th January (KM), in reed beds at Wagon Lane, Bingley in February (JM) and at Tong Park, Baildon in November (RW).

MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus Resident breeder.

Records from 40 different locations and six double-figure counts confirm that this remains a common and widespread species. Breeding success was registered at nine locations where the species is strongest namely Yeadon Tarn, Otley Wetland, Lister Park Lake and along the Aire and the Wharfe and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. 28 juveniles were noted, almost certainly an under-statement considering the high number of pairs reported.

!19 COOT Fulica atra Resident breeder, passage/winter visitor.

Numbers seemed to be in line with last year and the bird was reported to be present on all our main lakes at all times of the year. Where counts were made during the first and second winter periods, the maxima were as follows:

First winter period Second winter period (maximum) (maximum)

Redcar Tarn 25th January 36 19th November 26

Otley Wetland 25th January 38 6th December 98

Knotford Nook 5th January 55 25th December 40

Harold Park, 11th January 35 6th December 45 Wibsey

Park Dam, Wyke 6th December 30

Breeding pairs were reported at eight places with 36 chicks seen. The most detailed account was at Yeadon Tarn where five pairs produced an average brood of four.

It was at Redcar Tarn, above Keighley, that a colour-ringed bird, which was seen here at the end of 2012, through 2013 and once more on 29th August, was reported as being first ringed at Northwich, Cheshire on 28th August 2011.

OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus Common migrant breeder/passage visitor.

Sightings of the Oystercatcher in winter have become a regular feature. Birds were seen at Lindley Wood Reservoir and Chelker Reservoir in January, whilst the numbers at Otley Wetland built steadily to a maximum of 22 on 11th February and those at Silsden Ings reached 18 later in the month. In the latter part of the year, three had been present throughout December on Cononley Ings.

Many pairs were reported in May, but actual breeding where juvenile birds were seen was confined to just six sites. Two pairs were successful at Carr Bottom Reservoir on Burley Moor, and at Otley Wetland four juveniles were identified. The three pairs from Weecher and their offspring were often seen making use of Baildon Golf Course and two chicks were noted amongst the three pairs at Leeshaw Reservoir. At Kex Gill, there were also three juveniles and a rather touching scene was witnessed at Dowley Gap Sewage Works where an adult bird watched helplessly as its chick had fallen into the settling bed.

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

As expected, the largest late winter flocks had assembled in the north of the area where 300 birds had settled on Scargill Pasture on 2nd March and 400 birds flew around Halton Heights on 11th March. There were other counts of about 300 during this period; one flock flew over Caldene Fields on 11th February, another was on the edge of Ilkley Moor on 10th March, and on 20th April 263 birds were counted at Leeshaw. The flock in the Reva/Glovershaw area numbered up to 150 and close inspection of these and the ones at Leeshaw, showed that they contained birds of the northern race.

During late July and in August, post-breeding flocks of up 160 had gathered in fields by Leeshaw Reservoir and by the 9th October a sizeable 450 were reported on Stainburn Moor. On Whetstone Allotment, on 8th November, a flock of about 300 was seen being harried by a bird of prey, thought to be a Peregrine. It’s highly probable that much of the breeding on our moorland goes unreported, though there is an indication that it is certainly widespread, particularly across Rombald’s Moor. From an estimated ten pairs on Hawksworth and Bingley Moors one chick was ringed and a birder on Burley Moor reported a nest containing four eggs and other signs of breeding activity during May. On 15 June an observer witnessed an adult giving the “broken wing” distraction display.

GREY PLOVER Pluvialis squatarola Fairly irregular and scarce passage migrant.

There were two records, both from the Oxenhope watchpoint. The first was a bird that crossed from east to west on 27th September (DB, HC, CK & RP) and the other passed the observer on 20th October (HC). These were the first Grey Plovers since 2012, when two records were submitted.

LAPWING Vanellus vanellus Resident breeder/passage and winter visitor.

Almost 300 records were submitted, most of them reporting huge wintering flocks in the valleys or pairs of birds on their breeding territory across farmland and moorland fringes. The largest congregations in the first winter period were 1000 at Cononley Ings on 11th February and 600 at Redcar Tarn on 17th January.

Breeding was reported at eight locations where chicks and juvenile birds were watched. These included Whetstone Allotment, where six chicks were seen, and close to the Doubler Stones, where breeding had taken place on the moor top. There were also young birds at Weston, Low Snowden, Denton Moor and Burley Moor, where 16 birds were ringed. Adults with their broods were also seen at Glovershaw, Redcar Tarn, High Withins and Slack Lane, Oakworth, where Lapwings bred for the first time in eight years.

Post-breeding flocks were also reported at the end of the summer and early autumn with the largest being 650 at Thornton Moor on the 27th September. At the close of the year the wintering flock at Cononley Ings had built up to 1200. !21 LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius Migrant breeder/passage visitor.

With more sites and more breeding activity than in 2013, this year was in line with what we’ve come to expect. This small plover was reported at 11 locations throughout the area. At two of the five sites in the north, where breeding was successful the birds each produced two young (KM, SR, PRo et al).

At a site in the south, a pair was noted on 12th April and subsequent records taken over the summer, identified up to four very small chicks, resulting in two growing to maturity when seen on 4th August (IH). Unfortunately, one pair had their nest washed out and at two other sites no breeding activity was reported.

RINGED PLOVER Charadrius haticula Passage visitor and erratic breeder.

The high shorelines at our reservoirs, which have contributed to a drop in the number of waders visiting the area once more had a significant effect, with just 10 birds recorded. By contrast, in 2010, when conditions were favourable, 112 birds were logged between late May and the end of September and exceptionally low water at Warley Moor Reservoir the following year, brought in 90 birds up to the end of July. This year, that location managed just two birds on 19th September. Leeshaw Reservoir had two visitors, one on 27th April and the other on 28th June and at Thornton Moor Reservoir there were two birds on 13th September and a single on 7th October. The flooded fields at Silsden accounted for three birds on 9th April.

DOTTEREL Charadrius morinellus Irregular passage visitor.

There were just two records. Two birds spent a couple of days on Blubberhouses Moor on 23rd and 24th April and a single bird was seen with Golden Plovers and Lapwings at Thornton Moor Reservoir on 20th October (KM).

WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus Uncommon passage migrant.

This was another poor year with just one record. On the 9th July, a bird at Leeshaw Reservoir flew off to the east with Curlews (KM).

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

Big congregations were registered at the main gathering sites of Denton and Silsden Ings in February, with over 500 in the fields in front of the Hall and 320 on the water meadows in the Aire Valley. There were many reports of breeding activity and ultimate successes where juveniles and adults were seen together. Young birds were seen at more than ten locations, in particular on Whetstone !22 Allotment, at Glovershaw where birds were often seen feeding on the Golf Course, and Broad Lane, Oakworth where they have regularly bred.

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa Regular but uncommon passage migrant

Two birds flew from east to west over Oxenhope watchpoint on 27th September (DB, HC, CJK, RP). The first record since 2012.

BAR-TAILED GODWIT Limosa lapponica Increasingly scarce passage migrant A single bird was seen at Thornton Moor Reservoir on 3rd October (KM). This was the first record since 2011.

KNOT Calidris canutus Uncommon and irregular passage migrant.

On 6th October, a single bird was seen on a day of driving rain and strong winds on the north shore of Warley Moor Reservoir (Fly Flatts) (HBC). This was the first record since 2012 when two birds passed Oxenhope watchpoint.

RUFF Philomachus pugnax Uncommon passage visitor.

This was an exceptional year, with ten birds involved. Two males had been present at Cononley Ings in the middle of December and six birds were amongst the large Lapwing flock on 26th December (KM). This was the biggest single group of Ruff since nine birds visited Otley Wetland on 21st and 22nd April 1992. On 4th April a single bird was feeding at Silsden Ings (KM, BV) and on 15th December a bird was seen in the fields adjacent to Redcar Tarn (IH).

SANDERLING Calidris alba Uncommon and irregular passage migrant.

Two birds, the first birds since 2011 were seen on Keighley Moor Reservoir on 16th August, at a time when there was a large amount of exposed shoreline during major redevelopments (PW).

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

Allowing, where possible, for overlapping daily totals, this was a very productive year considering the less than optimum conditions. All but five of the 29 reports came from the south of the area and involved a total of 103 birds. At Silsden Ings the first bird was a single on 22nd February, followed by seven birds on 14th April. At Warley Moor Reservoir where birds were recorded from 10th March to 5th November in groups of up to four, the gathering on 5th July included a juvenile. On 5th August nine birds were in the vicinity of Leeshaw Reservoir and the reports from Oxenhope watchpoint during October indicate a strong showing of passage birds. On 17th October, 20 birds flew west, to be !23 followed on the penultimate day of that month by 25 others which were accompanied by six Snipe.

COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos Migrant breeder/passage migrant.

This is a bird that is reasonably common, particularly along the Wharfe, around the reservoirs of the Washburn and those in the south of the area. The first sighting was on the Wharfe at Otley on the relatively early date of 6th April. There was a record of two newly-arrived birds at Tong Park Lake, Baildon on the 23rd April an unusual site for this species.

As a well-established breeder, there were many references to pairs and, in some cases, juveniles were watched. Pairs were identified along the Wharfe, at Strid Wood, Barden Bridge, Burley, Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits and Otley Wetland. In the Washburn, at Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs, three pairs were reported and two pairs bred at Kex Gill. It was the moorland reservoirs around Oxenhope that received the most attention, with Warley Moor Reservoir supplying evidence of breeding with 12 birds, including juveniles, on 30th June. Thornton Moor Reservoir held three breeding pairs and a pair was present throughout the breeding season at Keighley Moor Reservoir where well-grown chicks were noted on 6th July.

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

With just four records, it was a disappointing year. Leeshaw Reservoir was visited by two birds, one on the 8th and the other on the 21st July (KM, BS). On 15th October, one was seen at Lindley Wood Reservoir (WNS) and ten days later a bird dropped into Toad Holes Beck from the south-east before departing northwards (MVP).

GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia Increasingly uncommon passage migrant.

Once more, as last year, there were only four records. A bird was at Thornton Moor Reservoir on 20th and 21st July (BS) and another was present on 13th September (DB, HC). At Keighley Moor Reservoir a bird was seen on 3rd August and a second bird, present on the 18th August, was probably the same bird that was there four days later (IH).

REDSHANK Tringa totanus Migrant breeder/passage and occasional winter visitor.

Birds began to assemble on their breeding areas in the middle of March, with pairs first noted at John O’Gaunt’s Reservoir, Lower Barden Reservoir and Leeshaw Reservoir. Later on pairs were established near Intake Farm, Menston, Bradup, Warley Moor Reservoir and near Thornton Moor Reservoir. The largest gathering was at the beginning of April when 12 birds were taking advantage of the conditions at Silsden Ings. !24 From the many pairs reported the sightings of juveniles were few, though success was evident at Warley Moor Reservoir, where two young birds were seen. Two young were also reported at Kex Gill, where pairs have often been successful, and at Whetstone Gate where parents with a small chick showed obvious signs of agitation.

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

As many as 15 birds were involved in the reports which came from the usual environs of Soil Hill, and Braithwaite Edge, above Keighley as well as Farnley Moor. The reports from the bleak summit of Soil Hill clearly concerned three birds, seen as singles during January, April and December (BS). The Farnley Moor record was another winter bird on 30th January (WNS), but the sightings at Braithwaite Edge consisted of 11 reports of single birds, spread throughout the second winter period from the middle of October to the end of the year (KM).

WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola Resident breeder, passage /winter visitor.

18 locations were mentioned in the 28 reports, from Ogden Reservoir in the south to Timble Ings in the north. Birds were either disturbed when resting or seen whilst they performed their roding flights. The main concentrations appeared to be at Timble, Norwood Edge and St. Ives, where late evening vigils were rewarded by dramatic fly-pasts of rapidly flying birds repeatedly calling. Nine of the records concerned winter sites and at one, Slippery Ford, a bird flew low across the car park in mid-afternoon and, according to the gamekeeper, birds had returned to the heather and bracken of a nearby ghyll, well away from any woodland.

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

There were 19 double-figure counts with the highest, 43 on Shelf Moor on 6th February, followed by 39 at Braithwaite Edge on 11th October and two gatherings at Thornton Moor Reservoir in September of 36 and 24.

Birds were seen displaying at numerous sites and breeding was assumed, though there was less actual evidence of adults with chicks. In June, an adult and a juvenile were seen on Soil Hill and two chicks with their parent were in the fields at Bradup. A juvenile was also watched at John O’Gaunt’s, whilst young birds were disturbed in the fields at Glovershaw and an adult bird was seen leading three chicks along the edge of the road near Thruscross Reservoir.

During the autumn migration period, 152 birds were counted passing the watchpoints in the south of the area, with the major movement from the 23rd to 27th September when 50 birds flew through.

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

Yeadon Tarn supplied the first records of the year, with three birds passing through on 14th April (TK) followed by a single on 22nd (KM) and then three more on the following day (D&NP). At Otley Wetland, where breeding has often been successful, though not since 2011, a pair was seen in May and again in August, but there was no evidence of further activity. On 1st July, a bird was seen at Ogden Reservoir (HBC).

ARCTIC TERN Sterna paradisea Uncommon passage visitor

A bird showing very long tail streamers was seen at Yeadon Tarn on 20th April and departed the next day (RL, TK). A second bird was briefly seen at Redcar Tarn on 27th April (IH).

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

With almost 350 reports, this bird continues to attract attention across our area, particularly in winter, when they gather in huge numbers on reservoirs and lakes. Roosts of up to 2000 were reported at Thornton Moor in January but the autumn build-up was much more fascinating. Following counts of three figures in September, the numbers rose to 4,500 on 17th October before reaching a maximum of 5,500 on 12th November and then declining sharply towards the end of the year (KM). There was a roost of 4,100 at Swinsty Reservoir on 22nd January and 3,000 feeding birds in the fields at Cullingworth on 26th January. Three-figure counts were reported at many locations, including Redcar Tarn, Cononley Black-headed Gull Photo: Brian Sumner Ings, Ogden Reservoir and Dowley Gap.

Unfortunately, there were no reports from the breeding site at Upper Barden Reservoir, though juvenile birds were seen with adults at Leeshaw Reservoir and Redcar Tarn. The bird with a colour ring (R46R), featured in last year’s Report,

!26 was once more located at the latter site and was seen until the beginning of February (IH).

LITTLE GULL Larus minutus Scarce passage visitor.

This small attractive gull was reported for the third consecutive year. A bird, first seen on 20th April at Yeadon Tarn, stayed for a further day before departing northwards in late afternoon (AGG).

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

There were six reports, all from the same observer, involving single birds at three sites. An adult bird was identified at Swinsty Reservoir on 22nd January and three more adults were seen in the south of the area in October: at Thornton Moor Reservoir on 17th and 24th and at Leeshaw Reservoir on the 28th. Two further Thorton Moor records comprised a 2nd-winter bird on 3rd November and a 1st-winter on the 14th (KM).

COMMON GULL Larus canus Very common passage/winter visitor.

In the large gull roosts, particularly at Thornton Moor Reservoir and Swinsty Reservoir, reports show that this bird is present in significant numbers. At the first site on 11th January, 43% of the 3,500 birds were of this species. Remarkably, at Swinsty Reservoir on the same day, where 3,000 birds roosted, the figure of 43% Common Gulls exactly matched that at Thornton Moor. During the autumn, when 7,000 birds had gathered at the moorland location, the percentage of Common Gulls had dropped slightly to 36%. Interestingly, these figures were similar in feeding flocks, particularly at Cullingworth on 13th January, where about a third of the 2000 gulls were of this species. Another sizeable flock of 500 was at Silsden Ings on 3rd April and smaller ones of around 100 were reported at Ogden Reservoir and Queensbury in autumn.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus fuscus Common passage migrant.

Although this species is seen throughout the year, the majority of the reports concern birds that are relocating between April and October, with the bulk of the sightings in the summer. There was a daily July average of 350 birds in the roost at Thornton Moor Reservoir, with a peak of 600 on the 26th. Five reports during June and July showed that most of these birds found their way to Cullingworth Fields, with numbers approaching 500 in the middle of June. Amongst these and in smaller flocks at Redcar Tarn, birds with a dark mantle of the Continental race (L.f.intermedius) were identified. Of great concern was the report of an adult and two juveniles found dead on the water’s edge of Keighley Moor Reservoir on 4th August. There were no obvious signs of injury nor has any explanation been forthcoming.

!27 HERRING GULL Larus argentatus Fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor.

The number of records in the last two years have increased dramatically, giving rise to the probability that the bird has been under-recorded in the recent past. With more than twice the number of records submitted in 2013, we are now beginning to create a more accurate picture of the bird’s current status. Although 77 birds roosting at Thornton Moor Reservoir on 18th November is certainly the highest for the year, it should be compared with a roost of 900 that settled there 20 years ago when these birds were attracted by open land-fill sites.

During the winter months, at three or four sites along Thornton Road, Bradford, Herring Gulls were almost always present in small numbers and at one of them, Brown Royd, a monthly total of 123 was recorded in January. At Thornton Moor Reservoir, site totals and daily maxima for the period from September to November were as follows: August: monthly total - 12 maximum count - 7 on 18th August September: monthly total - 104 maximum counts - 12 on 5th, 24 on 7th, 15 on 30th October: monthly total - 228 - 16 visits maximum counts - 20 on 3rd, 32 on 16th, 22 on 17th, 25 on 20th and 30 on 29th November: monthly total - 261 - 9 visits maximum counts - 31 on 3rd, 30 on 14th, 31 on 17th, 77 on 18th, 35 on 20th At this site and also at Brown Royd, birds of the Scandinavian race (L.a.argentatus) were seen (KM).

YELLOW-LEGGED GULL Larus michahellis Increasingly common and regular passage migrant.

Apart from an adult bird seen amongst 4,100 Gulls on Swinsty Reservoir on 22nd January (KM), the other reports all came from seven sites in the south of the area. The 21 birds included adults and first and second-summer birds at Cullingworth Fields in June (KM), two sightings at Warley Moor Reservoir, one at Ogden Reservoir (HBC) and a first-summer bird at Leeshaw Reservoir that was there until the middle of October (KM). On 11th September, at Thornton Moor Reservoir, there were two adults and within the following three weeks four first- winter birds were reported. Three first-winter birds found their way to Redcar Tarn during this period (AGG, KM).

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

There were 21 reports spread throughout the year, concerning 31 birds. An adult bird was roosting at Swinsty Reservoir on 22nd January but the next reports concerned birds relocating in May. A party of three birds flew west over Thornton on 4th May, and three more were seen from Heights Lane, Bingley during that month. Several single birds were also seen during the summer from this location and at Cullingworth Fields.

!28 In the period from September to December, six juvenile birds were seen on five visits to Thornton Moor Reservoir, a total of four birds was recorded at watchpoints during October and three of these large gulls, accompanied by Lesser Black-backed Gulls, were seen over Queensbury on 28th October.

FERAL PIGEON Columba livia Abundant urban breeding resident.

The largest gatherings were as expected in urban areas, where this bird proliferates. Up to 100 birds were noted in Lister Park in late November and there were two flocks of up to 90 birds in Otley Town Centre during the same month. Interestingly, 17 birds were around a farm at John O’Gaunt’s Reservoir in March and a similar group was seen near farm buildings at Weston in January.

STOCK DOVE Columba oenas Resident breeder.

A wintering flock of 50 of these birds was recorded on Cullingworth Fields on 25th January and a summer gathering of 34, at the same location, was something of a surprise (KM). There were no other comparable records, just three small parties of eight - one at Redcar Tarn in July, another at Leeshaw and a third on Stainburn Moor, both in October.

Pairs of these doves were seen at a good number of locations, in particular Hirst Wood, Shipley Glen, Glovershaw and Sconce. At Low Wood, Riddlesden, eggs were seen in a Tawny Owl box and at Scargill Reservoir two adults sat atop an owl box whilst a couple of juveniles peered out (SR).

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

As indicated in 2013, this bird continues to proliferate to such an extent that under-recording is now a distinct possibility. Although in line with recent years the 440 records together with the comments from contributors certainly show that there’s been a definite increase in numbers and a spread of the species into new areas. Counts made outside the autumn migration period were at Leeshaw Reservoir, with 400 on 1st May, 135 at Farnley in March and over 100 feeding on bilberries at Warley Moor Reservoir in July.

Once more the seasonal migration totals were very impressive. At the two sites, Caldene Fields and Oxenhope, between the watch dates of 20th September to 8th November, 115,432 birds were recorded. The mass movement day was 29th October, when watchers at Oxenhope accounted for 60,894 birds streaming through at great height, many in flocks of over 1000, with a few more than twice that size (DB, HC, CJK). Of course this figure completely smashes the previous record day-count of 26,147 set last year and represents a staggering 133% increase. The charts show a comparison of four of the last five years, when numbers have dramatically increased during the autumn.

!29 There were a number of reports of these birds becoming established in gardens and nesting in conifers and trees close to habitation. Juvenile birds were seen in Ilkley, Baildon and Riddlesden and many others probably went unreported

Autumn Total

2010 2011 2013 2014

Oxenhope 34,260 37,700 47,671 86,453

Caldene Fields 35,800 34,450 53,376 28,979 overall total 70,060 72,150 101,047 115,432

Highest Day Count

2010 2011 2013 2014

Oxenhope 20,000 20,600 26,147 60,894

Caldene Fields 13,200 13,730 20,351 9,927

COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia decaocto Common resident breeder.

There was a significant drop in the number of records, falling to less than 100, and this certainly reflects the feeling that the bird’s high point has been reached. It may be that this bird’s status is being challenged by the spread of Woodpigeons into certain urban areas where Collared Doves have remained unchallenged for many years. In October, a flock of 22 in an Addingham garden is impressive, and 12 birds found the trees on the island on Yeadon Tarn a suitable roosting spot. There were other reports of between six and eight birds in gardens and villages at Cullingworth and Leathley and a flock of nine birds flew eastwards over the watchers at Oxenhope on 22nd September.

TURTLE DOVE Streptopelia turtur Scarce passage visitor

On the 22nd September a bird was seen from Oxenhope watchpoint as it flew northwards (DB, CLK, HC). This was the first since 2004 and the 11th recorded in the BOG area.

!30 ROSE-RINGED PARAKEET Psittacula krameri Uncommon, possible escapee.

There were four reports involving eight birds that were seen in gardens and parkland in urban areas. The first, on 8th February, was in an Allerton garden, followed a month later by two birds in Northcliffe Woods. Two birds were also seen in Myrtle Park, Bingley in June and just before Christmas three visited Northcliffe, Shipley.

CUCKOO Cuculus canorus Migrant breeder.

This is always a well-reported species with the major proportion being calling birds. There were a few sightings of individuals and possible pairs, and this year there were reports of juveniles. The first bird was heard on 22nd April as it called from Otley Chevin, followed in the next seven days by ten other reports from across the area.

At Addingham Moorside, a bird was seen on 24th April with six Ring Ouzels (JP) and on 30th April a male was sitting atop trees and calling from Pennythorn Plantation on Baildon Moor. A week later, two birds flew across Hope Hill, Baildon and other pairings were reported at Coldstone Beck, Addingham Moorside and possibly at St. Ives, where the ‘bubbling’ call of a female was heard.

A juvenile bird was watched as it was fed by a pair of Meadow Pipits near Coldstone Beck on Burley Moor and another young bird flew over the head of an observer on Denton Moor on 4th August.

BARN OWL Tyto alba Uncommon resident breeder.

Evidence shows that this species had an exceptionally good year, with breeding taking place in nine locations at least where 28 young birds were ringed (PRo). Most, if not all the specially designed boxes which had been erected, appeared to be in use. Early in the year, birds were seen in pairs, and later, once established and with breeding underway, actively engaged adults were seen delivering food. Single birds were also seen outside the breeding season in Wharfedale, at Stockbridge and near the Airport; a dead bird was found by the roadside at Chellow Dean in January.

LITTLE OWL Athene noctua Common resident breeder.

This well-distributed small owl was reported at over 30 sites, with pairs often being identified. The bird succeeds very well in habitats where field boundaries, particularly gritstone walls, provide cover and opportunities for breeding. This is borne out by the presence of many pairs in the Aire Valley, where suitable conditions exist around farms. On the upland areas around Sconce, Birch Close Lane and Heights Lane adults and juveniles were seen. They were also noted at !31 Thruscross Reservoir and Denton Moor further north, and at Leeshaw Reservoir and Queensbury in the south.

TAWNY OWL Strix aluco Common resident breeder.

Extensive breeding reports showed that nine broods produced 16 juveniles in the Washburn Valley (CoH). Elsewhere, in the north of the area, 17 young birds were ringed, but unfortunately a nest box at Nell Bank containing 10 eggs was predated by a squirrel (PRo). Other juveniles with adults were recorded at Strid Wood, Bolton Abbey and St. Ives during May and June. Part of the attraction of this species is that it frequents gardens, Juvenile Little Owls Photo: Tracy Collier and once more in Baildon a pair bred and their activities were monitored on CCTV. Calling birds were also reported at Queensbury, Bingley and throughout Wharfedale.

LONG-EARED OWL Asio otus Uncommon resident breeder.

Five breeding pairs were located, three in the north of the area and two on the edges of Rombalds Moor, where young birds were heard calling from plantations in June. Most records referred to birds during the breeding season, the only exception being a single bird seen at Timble Ings on 6th December (IS).

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

Definite breeding evidence came from a site in the south, where adults were seen hunting and then delivering food (KM, BV). In May at Short-eared Owl Photo: Brian Vickers a location in Airedale, a pair was !32 watched for an hour as they communicated and then flew together across moorland (PF, MDw). Three other sightings of solitary birds were reported later in the month from this area, and on moorland in the Washburn Valley single birds were seen in June. There was a single bird over Keighley Moor in November (IH) and two birds were watched in Upper Wharfedale at the beginning of March (CD).

NIGHTJAR Caprimulgus europaeus Scarce summer visitor.

As in recent years, the areas where deforestation has taken place have provided excellent habitats for this species. The newly-cleared areas at Sandwith Moor, Norwood Edge, and Rivock Plantation have remained prime locations. At Sandwith Moor two pairs were active, with two birds seen in one location and a third was heard elsewhere (MB, RB). At Norwood Edge a male was heard in July and at the Rivock Plantation up to three birds were identified (MDw).

SWIFT Apus apus Migrant breeder and passage visitor.

The decline of this species, mentioned in recent Reports, was confirmed with yet another poor set of records. The first arrival was at Barden Scale on 2nd May and over the next few days there were many more, with 50 seen passing over Redcar Tarn in a two-hour period on the 7th. The largest count was at Warley Moor Reservoir when 168 birds, all moving south-westwards, were seen over a one-hour period on 14th July. Another three-figure count occurred in the middle of June at Thornton Moor Reservoir and a third was at the same location at the end of July.

There were at least five pairs breeding at Burley-in-Wharfedale, two pairs in Menston and a bird was seen entering a nest at Wagon Lane, Bingley. In Baildon and Saltaire post-breeding flocks were seen actively feeding on summer evenings.

KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis Fairly common resident breeder.

Birds were seen at 22 locations from April to September and breeding was confirmed on the Wharfe at Ilkley and at Esholt on the Aire. At Leeshaw Reservoir, Myrtle Park and Stockbridge the presence of pairs suggests attempts to breed may have taken place, but no evidence was forthcoming. Several singles and a few pairs were also seen in the winter months at sites where breeding may have happened in May and June. These were on the River Aire at Hirst Wood and on the River Wharfe at Low Dam, Addingham.

GREEN WOODPECKER Picus viridis Fairly common resident breeder.

Once more there were reports from across the area, with the first ‘yaffle’ heard on 16th February when a bird flew towards Shipley Glen. Breeding was !33 confirmed here by regular sightings of adults and one of these parent birds was with a juvenile in late July. Three young birds were ringed at Dob Park and three more at Farnley (PRo). Other pairs seen in spring were in Bradford at Bell Dean near Thornton. A report spoke of an adult bird flushed on two separate occasions from the side of the path on Keighley Moor, and in another similar incident a Green Woodpecker flew over Warley Moor Reservoir.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus major Common resident breeder.

About a quarter of the 200 records were from gardens and many others were from woodland and copses close to housing. Male birds were noted calling from the highest branches of the tallest trees in winter, prior to beginning their drumming routine at the end of February and early March.

Breeding in spring was indicated by chasing and nest-building and in summer juveniles were seen. In Low Wood adults were watched as they fed at the nest, and young birds on the wing were seen in Shipley Glen and gardens in Bingley, Riddlesden and Addingham.

LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus minor Uncommon and erratic resident breeder.

There were just five reports of this elusive bird, which has declined dramatically from the dizzy heights of 1990 when there were 34 records. A bird was heard calling on the edge of Hirst Wood on 18th March (JM) and there was a report of one visiting an Eccleshill garden in June (MW). The main focus was in the Washburn, where observers reported lots of activity from what might have been two breeding pairs near a private lake. Further up the valley, at Dob Park, a bird was seen on 17th February and at Norwood Bottom another bird was watched on 26th March.

MAGPIE Pica pica Abundant resident breeder.

With over 350 records of this much maligned bird, it still remains widespread and plentiful. There were 21 double-figure counts during late autumn and winter, with the highest a roost of 60 around the sewage works at Dowley Gap. Almost all the other sizeable flocks were seen in Airedale, where the birds form into groups outside the breeding season. Prompted by the BTO Garden Watch, there was a suggestion that Magpies visit gardens in summer to catch young fledglings.

JAY Garrulus glanarius Resident breeder.

An interesting set of records shows that this bird is established throughout our mature deciduous woodland and has taken to frequenting gardens which are adjacent to these habitats. Four breeding pairs were identified around Hirst Wood (Shipley) and in nearby Shipley Glen a nest was located and three juveniles were seen being fed on 10th July. In Spring Wood, Baildon, two adults !34 were watched as they coped with four young birds, and at Northcliffe, Shipley another family party, which included two juveniles, was seen in August.

Birds relocating were well-recorded in early autumn. At Caldene Fields, on five days between 21st September and 2nd October, 90 birds passed the watchpoint; the largest party of 21 recorded on 23rd September. At Oxenhope during the same period 83 birds were recorded moving away from the area towards the south and west.

JACKDAW Corvus monedula Resident breeder and winter visitor.

The only winter count of note was a massive 650 birds on Cullingworth Fields in January. During June, birds nesting on the roofs of the old Bingley College were successful, as were about 20 pairs that used the traditional site along Baildon Bank. Migration watchers at Oxenhope and Caldene Fields reported an aggregate of about 1000 birds passing in early autumn.

ROOK Corvus frugilegus Resident breeder.

There was a solitary three-figure count of 300 birds seen leaving their roost near Bolton Bridge on the morning of 8th January. This year the only rookeries noted were on Lady Lane, Bingley (ten nests) and at the junction of the main roads in Menston (five nests). Two nests on Lucy Hall Drive, Baildon, constructed by birds in the autumn, were abandoned in early spring. At the Oxenhope watchpoint, 93 birds were noted relocating on 27th September.

CARRION CROW Corvus corone Resident breeder.

Once more there were 400 records, in line with recent years, but none of these mentioned the huge flocks that were regularly reported some years ago. The biggest that could be mustered was 50 near Otley in August and 36 at Knotford Nook, where the birds were eating food put there for the benefit of a flock of sheep. Another count of just over 30 in July would, like the other gatherings at this time, have contained juveniles.

RAVEN Corvus corax Increasingly common resident/scarce breeder.

With nearly 90 records covering each month of the year, it can be assumed that this species has now become well-established. On 7th July, and again two months later, a party of four juveniles, believed to be siblings, was seen from Barden Scale. Also in July, a family party was observed over moorland in the south, where there had been reports of displaying birds in spring. There was no breeding at a site in the south which was used in recent years, but a pair were seen elsewhere collecting nesting materials, but there were no developments. On the western edge of the area at Ponden Clough, three birds were seen in

!35 June and confrontations with Buzzards were reported at Cononley in January and near Laycock in April.

GOLDCREST Regulus regulus Passage/winter visitor and occasional breeder.

There were three double-figure counts, two from Ogden Plantation and the highest, 12 birds, seen in Judy Woods (South Bradford) on 1st November. Other reasonable counts in spring and autumn came from Oats Royd (Queensbury), Ogden, John O’Gaunt’s and Timble Ings, a site where numbers have traditionally built-up towards the end of the year.

FIRECREST Regulus ignicapillus Scarce passage visitor.

A Firecrest was reported at Beaverdyke Reservoir on 23rd March (JPo) and a female bird was seen amongst a mixed flock of birds on Hollins Hall Golf Course on 10th September (RW).

BLUE TIT Parus caeruleus Abundant resident breeder.

Records of breeding birds amounted to 30 and included nestlings ringed in boxes and juveniles that had fledged. In the Washburn Valley 143 broods were recorded, a 20% rise on 2013 (CoH) and in Wharfedale at 38 nests, 300 young birds were ringed (PRo). Garden feeders proved a strong attraction to family parties and observers reported regular visits from these groups. Juveniles in nest boxes were also reported at Queensbury, Strid Woods, Timble Ings and Low Wood, Riddlesden.

GREAT TIT Parus major Abundant resident breeder.

This year a better picture has emerged regarding the fortunes of this common species. In Wharfedale 55% more nests than last year were discovered, and the number of young birds showed a corresponding increase from 117 to 188. In the Washburn, where there was an alarming dip in 2013, numbers had recovered from 32 broods to 63 broods. Elsewhere, particularly in the Aire Valley, breeding activity was observed throughout May and June and adults and juveniles were seen in Myrtle Park, Riddlesden, Shipley Glen, Cottingley and at Stockbridge Nature Reserve.

COAL TIT Parus ater Resident breeder.

There were double-figure counts in Ogden Plantation and Judy Woods in winter, and reports from woodlands of singing birds in spring. Many of the records highlighted the attraction of garden feeders for this species and this was usually the best way to track adults and juveniles. In Strid Wood adults were seen feeding young in a nest between roots at the base of a tree. Later, in the same !36 wood, young birds were heard calling and three juveniles were watched as they were fed by adults.

WILLOW TIT Parus montanus Scarce and decreasing resident.

Willow Tit Photo: Brian Vickers

A single bird was watched as it made regular visits to feeders in Cinder Lane, Lindley during January and February (AGG).

MARSH TIT Parus palustris Scarce and decreasing resident.

There were five records: in Wharfedale a bird was seen at Barden Scale on 24th August (AGG) and one was near Knotford Nook on 25th June (PM). The other reports all came from the Washburn. A bird visited the same Lindley feeder as the Willow Tit from 22nd January till 12th March (AGG) and singles were seen in Scargill Woods on 30th June (SR) and 2nd September (WNS).

SKY LARK Alauda arvensis Resident breeder/passage migrant.

Birds were back and established on their usual moorland territory by the end of February, though they had been located at Soil Hill and Heights Lane, Bingley on 4th & 5th January. Singing commenced from 18th January at Bradup, Heights Lane and Redcar Tarn. Double-figure counts were made at Soil Hill, Glovershaw and Redcar Tarn in March and April. At Glovershaw more than ten pairs were engaged in breeding and these birds could be seen daily feeding on the Golf Course fairways. Adult and juvenile birds were seen here and also noted regularly on the cricket field at Roper Lane, Queensbury. The migration watchers at Oxenhope recorded a total of 185 birds on passage, with six double- figure day-counts, the highest being 44 on 16th October. !37 SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia Common migrant breeder/passage visitor.

Six birds flew over Tong Park and two more flew along the Wharfe at Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits on 9th March, a very early date for these migratory birds. Three more Sand Martins flew over the Aire at Keighley Golf Club on the following day. Another half a dozen were seen on 21st March and there was then a steady stream of records until the main arrivals in the middle of April, when 50 birds were feeding over Yeadon Tarn. Nests were established at a quarry on Harden Moor, at Apperley Bridge, on the Wharfe at Ilkley and at the traditional sites of Otley Wetland and in the area of Barden Bridge. There was also a small breeding population at Cottingley and another in a cliff at Thruscross Reservoir, a site which has been used for many years.

SWALLOW Hirundo rustica Common migrant breeder and passage visitor.

A bird passed the Oxenhope watchpoint on 26th March and other singles flew over Silsden on 4th April before the major influx in the middle of that month. On a warm spring day at Yeadon, in the middle of April, 100 birds were feeding over the Tarn and half that number were swooping over Dowley Gap Sewage Works. From 30 nests in Wharfedale, 22 pairs of birds successfully raised 63 young, seven were predated and at the other, all five fledglings were found dead. Prior to their move south, a post-breeding flock of 150 birds gathered at Shipley Glen on 19th September. During the migration period watchers at Oxenhope accounted for 2500 birds, whilst other monitors at Caldene Fields and Queensbury recorded 665 and 570 respectively.

HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbica Common migrant breeder and passage visitor.

Birds recorded on 9th April around Barden Tower were the first of the year, but according to comments, numbers were generally down throughout the summer. 50 in July in the Hewenden area, and similar counts in late August in Menston, Queensbury and Bingley, were probably more associated with migration. Breeding was reported at some of the traditional sites, namely Farnley School, Blubberhouses Hall, Bland Hill and Timble village, where from 15 nests double broods were produced. Small nest sites were also established in Cottingley and at Laund House on Barden Fell. Migration watchers reported very little during the autumn movement, and 72 passing Caldene Fields on 21st September was the most significant count.

LONG-TAILED TIT Aegithalus caudatus Common resident breeder.

A well-reported bird, often seen in gardens and occasionally on feeders. In May, pairs with young birds were seen at Bingley Bog North and in Prince of Wales Park and family parties were reported at Esholt in June. A post-breeding flock of 40 birds near Otley in September was by far the best of the seasonal counts. !38 Double figures were reported in the winter months, the largest being 18 at Marley Farm in December.

WOOD WARBLER Phylloscopus sibilatrix Uncommon migrant breeder/occasionally on passage.

A male bird was located in Low Wood on 24th April and there was another at Ogden Reservoir in late June. There were also records of a singing male in Cottingley Wood in May and June. In May two males were seen at Strid Wood, and at Heber’s Ghyll snatches of song were heard on a few occasions. None these spring sightings resulted in any evidence of breeding, though during June a pair was definitely identified in Strid Wood. In August, a bird was seen on Pennythorn Hill, Baildon and another was at the top of Heber’s Ghyll, both in mixed flocks.

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

Over-wintering birds were evident once more, with sightings at the beginning and end of the year. A bird was located at Marley on 5th January and in the same week one was singing at Stockbridge Nature Reserve. On 23rd December, two birds were seen below the aqueduct at Dowley Gap, a regular site for these birds at this time of year. Once spring was underway, 15 birds were heard in the Esholt area and there were also double-figure counts at St. Ives and Norwood Bottom, where nest building was reported. Young birds fledged at a nest in Addingham and a family party was watched at Fewston Reservoir in September. On 5th September, nine birds were reported in Denholme Clough.

Chiffchaff Photo: Brian Vickers

!39 WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus Common migrant breeder/passage visitor.

A bird was singing at Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits on 5th April, and by the 18th we had recorded the first of the 11 double-figure counts made in spring. The greatest concentration was in an area around Baildon Moor, Sconce and Shipley Glen, where 30 male birds were heard. An adult bird was seen at a nest site at Fewston Reservoir, where six young fledged in June. Young birds, often with adults, were also seen at Ogden Reservoir, Pennythorn Hill, Glovershaw and in the Bingley area. Mixed flocks of passerines during August were not unusual. One of these, seen at Shipley Glen, contained mainly Willow Warblers and Long- tailed Tits and amounted to over 40 birds.

BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla Common migrant breeder and passage/winter visitor.

Blackcaps in gardens during winter were well-recorded with these birds visiting feeders at ten different locations. On New Year’s Day a female made one of its frequent visits to a Baildon garden. At another in Riddlesden, a pair first seen on 15th February made repeated visits until 20th March. During spring there were nine males singing at Norwood Bottom, seven at Esholt and 14 in the Gallows Hill/Knotford Nook area of Otley. Breeding information was a little harder to find, but three juveniles were seen from the hide at Stockbridge NR in June, and others were with adults at Queensbury Old Station in July.

GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin Migrant breeder/passage visitor.

The first of 40 records was a bird singing in Addingham on 15th April. Further reports were well spread across Airedale, Wharfedale and the Washburn Valley, with the greatest concentrations around Low Wood, Esholt and Stockbridge NR and Otley Wetland NR. During a spring survey at the former site, an impressive five birds were found, with three males reported at each of the others. Birds collecting nesting materials were seen at Otley Wetland and an adult was seen carrying food at Stockbridge on 13th June.

LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca Increasingly uncommon migrant and passage visitor.

The six records represent the best haul since 2011. The first was a bird in full song on 1st May at Wyke Beck, an old breeding site for this species (MVP). Four days later at Tong, another was seen (VC) and a further bird at Toad Holes Beck on 7th May (MVP). On the same day, also in the south of the area, there was a bird at Judy Woods (JB). In Wharfedale there was a singing bird at Sun Lane NR on 3rd May (PD&JBP), and on 21st June a bird was seen and heard at Knotford Nook (WNS).

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

This species prefers scrubby areas and deep undergrowth, but its attractive song, delivered from an open aspect, has no doubt contributed to the 100 records received from 38 locations. In May there were five birds in an area around Esholt Sewage Works, four at Lower Laithe Reservoir and three on Otley Chevin. Breeding was also well-covered, with juveniles produced by pairs on Soil Hill, Redcar Tarn, Glovershaw, Sconce, and Otley Wetland and Stockbridge Nature Reserves.

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER Locustella naevia Uncommon passage migrant and occasional breeder.

There were just four records. A bird was located on Soil Hill on 5th May and another, possibly the same one, was there at the end of that month (BS). A third was reported at Denholme Clough on 6th May (N&DP) and a reeling bird was identified three days later at Glovershaw (SR).

SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Migrant breeder/passage visitor.

With one exception this year’s modest collection of records came from ten sites in May and June and concerned singing birds. Three were at Snaygill (PD&JBP) and two others on Soil Hill (BS). Individual males were recorded at East Riddlesden Hall, Esholt, Redcar Tarn and Stockbridge NR. There were also others at Thornton Moor Reservoir, Toad Holes Beck, John O’Gaunt’s Reservoir and Otley Wetland. In 2012 there were six birds at the latter site, and breeding probably took place, but unfortunately this time there were no records of such activities and a noticeable drop in numbers. The one record seen outside this period was a bird on passage at Stockbridge NR on 31st August.

REED WARBLER Acrocephalus scirpaceus Scarce passage visitor/ regular but local breeder.

At Otley Wetland up to nine birds were recorded on 12th May (WNS), prompting the view that several breeding pairs were present. An adult with three juveniles was seen Reed Warbler Photo: Stephen Lilley here on 21st July (SR). At !41 Stockbridge NR food was seen being taken to a nest and a juvenile was subsequently watched from the hide on 13th July (SR). On Wagon Lane, Bingley a singing bird, first located in reeds on 13th June, was still there on 26th June (SR).

WAXWING Bombycilla garrulus Erratic but numerous winter visitor.

The only record was two birds seen on Oakworth Road, Keighley on 16th February (AGG).

NUTHATCH Sitta europaea Resident breeder.

This well-established species seen widely in deciduous woodland, and often in adjacent gardens, was once more reported throughout the area. In the Washburn, where the bird is now much more common, seven pairs raised at least 40 young (CoH). Three pairs were identified in Shipley Glen and also in Hirst Wood, and in Northcliffe Shipley two family parties were seen in August. Pairs were also prominent in Strid Wood, Norwood Bottom, Riddlesden, and Middleton Woods. Juveniles with adults visited feeders in Addingham and Ben Rhydding.

TREECREEPER Certhia familiaris Resident breeder.

Pairs were identified in spring at a dozen widespread sites in mature woodland. In Hirst Wood three pairs were reported in March and there were two more pairs at nearby Shipley Glen. In Airedale there were also possible breeding pairs at Cullingworth, Prince of Wales and Myrtle Parks and Riddlesden. In the north of the area there were reports of couples at Farnley, Fewston, Menston, Norwood Bottom and Strid Wood. At the latter location adults were seen feeding young at a nest in a rotten bough, and at Low Wood (Riddlesden) an adult was seen with a juvenile.

WREN Troglodytes troglodytes Common resident breeder.

This species is often overlooked, but when details are reported from a woodland survey such as the one at Low Wood, Riddlesden, it’s easy to see how abundant this tiny bird is. Up to seven birds were singing there in April and further evidence gathered at the beginning of May in Strid Wood, as far as Barden Bridge, showed that 21 birds were present. In June five juveniles were seen here and other fledglings were recorded in Elam Wood (Riddlesden) and at Timble Ings, where seven young were ringed from two nests.

!42 STARLING Sturnus vulgaris Resident breeder/winter visitor.

There were no massive winter roosts to report, but feeding flocks at Weecher and Leeshaw Reservoirs, Trough Lane and Denton ranged in number between 400 and 700 during that time. Some reports mentioned nesting activity in buildings and subsequently adults and juveniles in gardens. A post-breeding flock of over 70 birds at Glovershaw in May contained a high proportion of juveniles.

This year’s migration watches at Oxenhope reported a total of 14,104 birds counted over 30 days, two thirds of them passing between 28th October and 31st October. At Caldene Fields, a third of the 2,990 birds registered there during the migration watch, flew over on 31st October.

DIPPER Cinclus cinclus Common resident breeder.

This species remains well-reported, particularly along our main rivers, though a maximum of five birds on the Wharfe in the Strid Wood area during the winter months was noticeably down on last year. Pairs were reported here at their traditional sites in February, particularly around the Barden aqueduct, below the Strid and outside the Cavendish Pavilion. Other pairs were seen down- stream at Ilkley and by the weir at Burley. Pairs were noticed at Leathley and at Lindley Trout Farm, where breeding took place. In the Aire Valley, a pair nested under a footbridge at Hirst Weir and there was another nest on Harden Beck. Birds were also seen carrying nesting materials near Ireland Bridge. The only juveniles reported were on the Wharfe at Barden.

RING OUZEL Turdus torquatus Passage migrant and increasingly uncommon breeder.

A pair seen in Wharfedale on 21st May gave an indication that they were engaged in establishing a possible breeding site (RN). This area was traditionally used by the species until 1995, but no further reports of any outcome were submitted. Earlier, three birds visited Soil Hill on 9th April and a male was there on 9th May (HBC, BS). On 24th April, at Addingham Moorside, a feeding flock contained six Ring Ouzels (four males and two females) and a Cuckoo (JP). Other sightings were limited to returning birds: three on Soil Hill on 4th September (HBC) and singles at Paul Clough on 20th and 27th September (BV). On 21st September an adult and a juvenile were feeding on rowan berries at Slippery Ford (IH), and migration watchers at Oxenhope supplied records of single birds on 11th and 14th October; a threesome was present there on 16th October (DB, HC, RP). The final bird was a male seen at Thornton Moor Reservoir on the following day (KM). This was a very pleasing year and equalled the 25 reported in 2012.

!43 BLACKBIRD Turdus merula Very common resident breeder/winter visitor.

With 500 records, 70% of them from four contributors, it remains the most- reported species, due to its liking for urban environments and deciduous woodland. Surveys of such habitats in spring showed the density of breeding pairs, particularly in Strid Wood, Prince of Wales Park, Bingley and Shipley Glen, where 14 pairs were identified. Twelve young birds were ringed in Menston, and pairs having as many as three broods, were mentioned in reports.

FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris Winter visitor and passage migrant.

During the first winter period the largest counts of over 300 birds were recorded at Leeshaw Reservoir, Cullingworth Fields and Weecher Reservoir in January. Ten other three-figure counts were recorded in the south of the area until the final one on 1st May, a flock of 150 birds at Leeshaw Reservoir. The first birds to return to the area in autumn were seen at the Oxenhope watchpoint on 20th September, when three flew over. There followed a period of sustained watching at Oxenhope, and over 28 days from 11th October to 8th November, 19,305 birds were recorded. At Caldene Fields, during a similar period, 9,441 birds headed across the area from north-east to south-west and limited periods of watching at Queensbury over five days accounted for 1,740 birds. Three other counts, taken during the autumn at different locations, concerned the passage of several smaller flocks. On Keighley Moor on 31st October 350 birds attracted the attention of a Merlin and a Peregrine as the flock flew very low in a southerly direction. On 6th November a strong movement was recorded at Hazlehead Moor and another at Keighley Moor registered over 1000 birds in several flocks.

SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos Resident breeder/winter visitor.

A singing bird was heard at the beginning of January in a Ben Rhydding garden and by the middle of February others had begun to enchant their listeners at Farnley, Norwood and in Shipley Glen. Throughout March and April there were widespread reports and the first sign of breeding, when a fledgling was seen being fed on Lady Lane, Bingley on 13th April. Birds carrying food were also seen in Strid Wood in May and in July activity at a couple of nest sites was witnessed once more in the Bingley area. Juveniles, sometimes with adults, were seen during the summer at Ogden Reservoir and Glovershaw. At Caldene Fields, during the autumn migration watch on 15th October, 35 Song Thrushes were seen amongst the large flocks of Redwings. On the penultimate day of October, up to 18 more seen were here, and over at Oxenhope, on the same day, 27 birds were amongst the passing flocks.

!44 REDWING Turdus iliacus Winter visitor and passage migrant.

In the first winter period, seven three-figure counts were reported of up to 150 birds. These were at Cullingworth, Menston, Baildon and Leeshaw Reservoir. Birds were still here at the end of April, 44 being seen in the Crossflatts area. The return movement started at the beginning of October and migration watchers at Oxenhope and Caldene Fields were reporting mass movements by the middle of that month. On 14th October 6,019 birds were counted at the moorland site, and two days later 8,470 birds formed a continuous stream from the north-east towards the south-west. A final total at this site showed that 20,394 birds passed during 18 days of watching. A similar picture in South Bradford showed three four-figure counts: 2,354 on 15th October, 7,005 on 31st October and 1,946 on 1st November. Here 13,161 birds flew over in 18 days.

MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus Resident breeder and passage migrant.

In January 20 birds were seen in a single flock at Leeshaw, and another 11 were feeding in fields at the bottom of Shipley Glen, where nest-building was underway in March. Juveniles with adults were seen here in July, and there was a post-breeding flock of 16 birds feeding on bilberries at Ogden Reservoir later that month. A larger flock of 34 moved westwards at Caldene Fields on 1st September and later that month on the 21st, at Oxenhope watchpoint, 49 birds were recorded during the morning. On 27th September 58 birds were seen, reported to be one of the highest counts in Great Britain on that day, and part of a total of 297 registered here during this period.

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

At two nests at Fewston Reservoir seven juveniles were ringed (PRo), and a pair bred in an open box at Blubberhouses and raised three young (CoH). A pair was regularly watched near Bolton Bridge in July and others were seen in Strid Wood and at Addingham and Ogden Reservoir. An adult with at least two fledged juveniles was watched at Barden Scale in August and others were reported at the end of the month near farms around Baildon. Four birds were seen in Denholme Clough on 5th September.

ROBIN Erithacus rubecula Resident breeder/winter visitor.

With nearly 400 records, this species continues to be well-reported from gardens, parks, woodland, areas of scrub, along riverbanks and many other habitats. In the Washburn, good counts of up to 12 birds were reported around Fewston and Norwood in March. Two pairs near Riddlesden, with at least four fledged juveniles between them, were seen in June. Other young birds visiting gardens were reported at Ben Rhydding and at five locations in the Aire Valley. Counts of 13 and 14 birds were reported in Strid Wood and at Otley Wetland in September. !45 PIED FLYCATCHER Ficedula hypoleuca Regular migrant breeder/uncommon on passage.

In Folly Hall Wood, 12 successful broods produced 75 young birds, with four of the breeding females carrying rings that showed they had been ringed in this wood in 2013. One other had been ringed in Strid Wood (CoH). Six boxes at Dob Park Wood were occupied, where seven young birds were seen (PRo), and birds used another box at Norwood Bottom. Feeding activity was seen around boxes in Strid Wood, where 18 adult birds were counted in May.

REDSTART Phoenicurus phoenicurus Migrant breeder/passage visitor.

Reports, particularly from the Washburn and Strid Wood, suggested that this species was doing well and seven singing birds at Norwood Bottom on 23rd April appeared to confirm this view. In May at Denton, 14 young were ringed at two nests and another box at Norwood Bottom produced six juveniles (PRo). In June, adults feeding young were reported in Strid Wood and at John O’Gaunt’s Reservoir whilst the watchers at Barden Scale were entertained by a male bird feeding up to four young near the car park. Once birds began to disperse in August, they were seen more frequently outside these areas. A male and two juveniles found their way onto Soil Hill and others were noted in Denholme Clough and at Glovershaw and nearby Pennythorn Plantation, where three birds were briefly feeding.

WHINCHAT Saxicola rubetra Migrant breeder/passage visitor.

male Whinchat on Barden Moor Photo: Brian Vickers !46 A pair seen with Wheatears at Glovershaw on 24th April was the first reported in the area. Six other birds, all singles, were seen during the spring, and a male bird was seen on Barden Moor in June. A careful search of Keighley Moor in early August showed that two family parties were present, as was another on Snowden Moor, where two adults and their six juveniles were seen. In addition, reports from the moorland fringes in Airedale and the Worth Valley from 4th August to 21st September, produced records of 50 birds on passage.

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

Most of the 80 records, covering each month of the year, concerned pairs, giving rise to the feeling that the bird’s fortunes are beginning to improve, confirmed by several definite breeding reports. At Warley Moor Reservoir eight pairs were located in May, including three pairs attending nests, and juveniles were on the wing in June. A family party was located between Keighley Moor and Slippery Ford on 5th August. Breeding pairs were also reported at Trough Lane and at Bradup, Nab Water Lane and Sconce, where family parties were seen in September.

WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe Very common passage visitor and occasional breeder.

Two males, seen at Trough Lane on 15th March, heralded the start of the influx that continued until the middle of May. During this spring period 495 birds were counted, 150 of these at Glovershaw and 83 at Trough Lane. At Warley Moor Reservoir the single day-count was 38 on 5th May, and this included two birds showing the characteristics of the Greenland race (O.o.leucorhoa). There were sightings of single birds in June at Bradup and Scargill Pasture, and a juvenile was seen at Warley Moor Reservoir on 1st July. On the following day, three fledglings and an adult female were seen on Bingley Moor (MB, RB). A week later on 11th July, a very young bird was watched near a rabbit burrow on the 12th green of Baildon Golf Course. This juvenile (see photo), occasionally seen with an adult, was juvenile Wheatear Photo: Phil Matthews present in the same area until the end of August (PK, PM).

The number of birds recorded during return migration, which commenced at the end of July, was just over 500, with 60% of the total seen at Warley Moor !47 Reservoir. This location provided nine double-figure records and seasonal day- counts of 31 on 3rd August, and again three weeks later. The final report of this remarkable year was a bird at Addingham Low Moor on 27th November, the Group’s latest ever (WNS).

DUNNOCK Prunella modularis Common resident breeder.

This species remains abundant and flourishes in the hedges of gardens, parks, allotments and the dense undergrowth along riverbanks and pathways. Twelve reports, concerning five or more birds, were submitted and there were two records where breeding had taken place.

HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus Resident breeder.

About a quarter of the 90 reports that featured this species were of flocks containing ten or more birds. They ranged widely and were, as expected, near human habitation in towns and villages such as Leathley and around farm buildings. It was at such a place that nine young birds were ringed, and in a Menston garden five more were similarly treated in summer (PRo). The largest flocks of over 30 were in Baildon, Queensbury, Ilkley and at Denholme Clough, but the biggest of all was one of 60 at Embsay in August.

TREE SPARROW Passer montanus Increasingly common, resident breeder.

The remarkable progress referred to in recent Reports has been maintained for this species. This is almost certainly due to the tireless work of one individual who has continued the monitoring of nest-boxes in Wharfedale (PRo). Once more over 200 nestlings were accounted for and most were ringed at the main sites at Timble (44), Sun Lane (58) and Clifton (93). At Farnley School, there were four nests all in House Martin boxes and there was a similar situation at Timble village, where it was thought there may have been broods totalling 20 birds. In the Washburn, four broods raised 18 young (CoH) and there was probable breeding at Beaverdyke, Addingham, and Embsay.

YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava Increasingly uncommon passage visitor.

The number of these birds locally, as well as nationally, has collapsed dramatically over the past 25 years, due to significant changes in farming methods. The species is now unable to sustain sufficient breeding numbers and sightings have become rare. However, there were two reports, the first being a female at Manywells on 17th April (DO) and the second a bird seen amongst horses at Faweather Farm, Sconce on 31st August (SL).

!48 GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea Resident breeder and winter visitor.

In May and June pairs were reported from sixteen locations along our main rivers and streams. At the traditional sites, particularly at Barden Bridge, Strid Wood and at Norwood Bottom and Swinsty Reservoir in the Washburn Valley, pairs feeding juveniles were reported. Other successful pairings were seen along the Wharfe at Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits, and at Ilkley and Burley pairs were active, but juveniles were not recorded. In Airedale more juveniles were noted at Myrtle Park and pairs were seen along the river between here and Shipley during the breeding period. In the south, pairs bred at a traditional site at Oakenshaw and also at Ogden and Leeshaw Reservoirs. On 7th September at Warley Moor Reservoir 15 birds were feeding prior to flying off to the west.

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

Regular three-figure counts were reported at Dowley Gap Sewage Works during the winter months, with over 150 estimated to be feeding on the filter beds at the end of April. A gathering of twice this size was witnessed at Keighley Bus Station late on the afternoon of 12th December, when 300 birds roosted together in trees (JP). In early October, a post-breeding flock of at least 75 birds was feeding on the practice area of Bradford Golf Course, Hawksworth.

A few reports mentioned breeding birds, and pairs were certainly evident in a number of places, particularly adjacent to farms in the Aire Valley, where food- carrying and juveniles were seen. At Queensbury the local cricket field provided the ideal food table for family parties and in the first couple of weeks of August up to nine juveniles were amongst the 14 birds on show. From five nests examined in the Wharfedale area, 22 birds were ringed (PRo).

Over 1,000 birds were recorded during the autumn migration watch at the two main sites in the south of the area. 70% of the birds passed over Oxenhope during the 39 days of recording. The main period was between 17th September and 7th October, when over 500 passed through. At Caldene Fields there were 15 double-figure counts, the highest being 29 on 10th October. In spring there were three records of birds showing the characteristics of nominate White Wagtail (M.a.alba); two birds were at Leeshaw Reservoir on 18th April (BV), another was there a month later (BS) and a fourth bird was at Thornton Moor Reservoir on 21st May (CJK). There was a record on 7th October concerning another bird at Leeshaw (KM).

TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis Uncommon migrant breeder/passage visitor.

Three birds at Norwood Edge on 16th April were the first reported arrivals (WNS). Birds were also noted in May at Stainburn Forest and Timble Ings in the Washburn Valley and at Coney Warren on Barden Fell. Breeding was confirmed at Norwood and Timble Ings and at Ogden Reservoir in the south of the area.

!49 Finally, three singles migrating southwards were seen at Oxenhope on 17th, 19th and 22nd September.

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

Birds had begun to move back onto moorland by early March and within a month numbers had reached their peak and breeding was underway. At the end of May, birds carrying food were watched on Baildon Moor, at Leeshaw Reservoir and Heights Lane, Bingley. A survey on Pennythorn Hill on 3rd June showed that 25 pairs were active, and over the next six weeks many young birds were seen here and over much of the high moors to the south. As ever, the autumn period was dominated by visible migration counts, which this year produced 17,700 birds past Oxenhope, 890 at Caldene Fields and 2,000 at four other sites. The Oxenhope total included six four-figure day counts, with a maximum of 5,389 on 27th September, when the watchers were inundated.

CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs Resident breeder, passage/winter visitor.

Over two-thirds of the 370 reports came from five birders and their attention to detail was rewarded with many double-figure counts, especially in spring. Totals of between 20 and 30 birds were reported on the slopes of Barden Fell, and at Lindley Wood, Swinsty Reservoir and Strid Wood during March. Pairs were also identified here and at many other sites, but only at Ogden Reservoir was there a record of young being fed. However, a nest at Timble Ings produced four young, which were all ringed (PRo). Migration watchers at Oxenhope reported three flocks of over 50, the biggest being one of 94 on 5th October. There was another good count of 73 at Caldene Fields in late October, but 200 was by far the most impressive flock, seen moving up and out of Paul Clough on 27th September.

BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla Regular but erratic winter visitor.

During 12th & 13th January two large flocks were reported the first of which was one of 50 on Otley Chevin and the other one at Strid Wood was twice that size (WNS). Both flocks were feeding under beech trees in areas where these birds have been seen in the past. On 19th January there was another report of 31 birds in a flock at Swinsty Reservoir (JM), and amongst 18 other reports received until early May, four were of double-figures including 12 seen in March at Stockbridge NR. Six reports mentioned garden visitors, and the second winter period included flocks of 70 at Strid Wood on 15th November (RN) and over 20 at Redcar Lane in early December (BV).

GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris Resident breeder,passage and winter visitor.

This was a much better year for a species that has been under severe pressure since the outbreak of the disease Trichomonosis in 2005. Although the numbers !50 are well below those of the 1990’s there does appear to be signs of stability. Garden records from Wharfedale were regularly of single figures, but in one case a flock of 18 descended on a feeder at Burley. A post-breeding flock of over 70 birds roosted in the Lower Laithe area and another one of 40 birds rested near Weecher Reservoir in July. The autumn migration totals at the two watchpoints showed a noticeable improvement and they were: Oxenhope 288, with a high of 32 on 2nd October, and Caldene Fields 344, with highs of 23 on 8th October and 6th November.

GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis Resident breeder, passage visitor.

There was a 25% increase in the number of records, and these confirm the comments that this species has become more widespread and numerous. Double-figure counts were common, with post-breeding flocks reaching up to 100. In September, one such gathering was near Bolton Abbey and another one of over 50 was in the same area. At Bingley along Helghts Lane, four separate flocks seen feeding on thistles totalled over 100. At nearby Glovershaw, over 50 birds were often in the area and a similar number was seen at three locations around Queensbury. The intensive work done by migration watchers produced impressive figures, with Caldene Fields recording an aggregate of 1,565 birds, and at Oxenhope there were 722 over a similar period in autumn.

SISKIN Carduelis spinus Resident/possible breeder, fairly common passage and winter visitor.

This species is a regular winter visitor, and amongst the 18 double-figure counts there were five where birds visited garden feeders. Of special interest were two of these counts, concerning up to 12 birds, which visited a Riddlesden garden on 4th June and again on 12th July, giving rise to the suggestion that they may be breeding in the area. Flocks of between 20 and 30 were recorded at Stockbridge Nature Reserve and in the Fewston and Swinsty Reservoir areas during the winter months. On 16th October, 64 birds were reported by migration watchers at Oxenhope.

LINNET Carduelis cannabina Passage migrant, winter visitor and uncommon breeder.

All the 110 records came from the period between March and October, and although the species has declined over the past 20 years, there were an encouraging 18 double-figure counts. At the beginning of September, 70 birds had found hay seeds near the stables at Faweather Farm, and by the old reservoirs above Baildon another 30 were feeding. A week later at Queensbury another 30 were recorded, but the most impressive count was a post-breeding flock of 120 in Cullingworth Fields on 15th August (KM). From the migration watchpoint at Oxenhope 90 birds were counted during the final week of September.

!51 TWITE Carduelis flavirostris Very uncommon and local migrant.

This was the worst-ever year with just two records, both from the south of the area. A single bird was seen by the roadside at Warley Moor Reservoir on 11th June (BV) and the other was seen flying over Oxenhope watchpoint on 4th November (DB, HC).

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

There were just five double-figure counts, all of them in the period between October and December, the largest being flocks of 30, at Barden Scale in November and at Swinsty Reservoir car-park in December. Twenty birds visited Stockbridge NR on 17th November and there were many reports of smaller numbers visiting feeders throughout the winter period, with up to eight in a Riddlesden garden in March. Birds were seen at Timble Ings and Harden Moor during the summer months and a bird was seen carrying nest materials at Stockbridge on 20th April.

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

In January birds were seen in flocks of up to 20 between Norwood Edge and Fewston Reservoir and also at Stainburn Forest. There were eight birds at Sandwith Moor on 5th April, and whilst waiting patiently for the Tour de France to pass, a birder saw three birds on Addingham by-pass. Away from the north of the area, seven birds flew over Tong Park on 3rd March.

BULLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula Resident breeder.

There were 225 reports, a third of them from gardens in Ben Rhydding, where a maximum of four birds were seen during the winter months. At three other locations in Wharfedale during this period, up to five birds were seen, but at Ogden Plantation five males and three females made up the largest flock when seen on 28th December. Breeding reports concerned a total of five pairs and their juveniles seen feeding in Shipley Glen, at Stockbridge Nature Reserve, by the old station at Queensbury, Ben Rhydding and at Oakwood Park in Bingley. At Stockbridge a male bird sang the full song, a piping warble, instead of the regular single note.

HAWFINCH Coccothraustes coccothraustes Scarce: mainly passage migrant.

The only record was a bird which seen flying over Caldene Fields on 9th October, the first ever for this location (MVP).

!52 SNOW BUNTING Plectrophenax nivalis Regular but uncommon passage/winter visitor.

There were nine records, all single birds, two in the first winter period and the others between October and December. In February, a bird was seen at Slippery Ford (IH) and on 12th March another was taking advantage of the seed beneath the masts at Whetstone Gate (SR). On three dates between 10th October and 5th November, single birds flew over Oxenhope watchpoint. A bird was seen at Kex Gill on 5th November (WNS) and four days later one was located on Soil Hill (BS). The final two birds were seen in December, a single at Keighley Moor Reservoir (IH) and the other at Addingham Moorside (WNS).

Snow Bunting Photo: Stephen Lilley

REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus Resident breeder/passage visitor.

Once more the moorland in the south of the area proved to have habitats which suited this species. Singing males were widely reported, and pairs and their juveniles were recorded at the strongholds around Baildon Moor, Keighley Moor Reservoir, Soil Hill and Leeshaw Reservoir. Elsewhere, small flocks and families were seen near Menston, at John O’Gaunt’s Reservoir, and on Harden Moor. A male carrying food was seen at Bradup. During the winter months six birds regularly visited the feeders at Stockbridge Nature Reserve.

!53 Escaped or Released Species

LADY AMHERST’S PHEASANT Chrysolophus amherstiae

A free-flying individual, assumed to be an escapee, was seen on Hollins Hall Golf Course on 29th January (RW). This was the second record for this species in the BOG area. The first was on 2nd October 1993, when one was seen by the station at Steeton.

Decisions Outstanding

MONTAGU’S HARRIER Circus pygargus Rare passage migrant.

An adult female was seen on moorland from 8th June to 22 July. This record has been submitted to YNU and awaits their adjudication, as does a bird seen at Barden Scale on 29th June 2013 and mentioned in last year’s Report.

Montagu’s Harrier (2014)

ROSEATE TERN Sterna dougallii Rare vagrant

A bird reported at Yeadon Tarn on 21st April, is the first for the area and awaits a decision from the YNU (AGG).

!54 Contributors List 2014

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

Ken Bailey Richard Lobley (RL) David Barker (DCB) Phil Matthews (PM) Jenny Barker Jon Middleton (JM) Matthew Bell Keith Moir (KM) Mike Bloomfield (MB) Paul Morris Jamie Brass (JB) Roger Nelson (RN) Richard Butler (RB) David Ogden (DO) Howard Creber (HC) Stephen Parkes Mark Dawson (MDw) Brenda & Derek Parkin (PD&JBP) Mark Doveston (MD) Damian Pearson Clare Dunn (CD) John Poland (JPo) John Flood Casper Pottle Penny French (PF) John Preshaw (JP) Tony Gough (AGG) Martyn Priestley (MVP) Mike Gurney (MG) Nigel & Daniel Priestley (N&DP) Halifax Birdwatchers’ Club (HBC) Rod Proctor (RP) A. Hanby Shaun Radcliffe (SR) Ian Hargreaves (IH) Matthew Rawnsley (MR) Colin Harrison (CoH) Pete Roe (PR) Simon Johnson Ian Skayman Helen & David Kidman Brian Sumner (BS) Chris King (CJK) Peter Sutcliffe Paul King (PCK) Nick Tonge Vic Kolodziejczyk (VC) Brian Vickers (BV) Theo Kuechel (TK) Mike Welsh (MW) Joy Leach (JL) Roger Wilkinson (RW) Stephen Lilley Peter Williams (PW) Pat & Ken Limb Wharfedale Naturalists’ Soc. (WNS)

!55 The Bradford Ornithological Group Recording Area

!56