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

1987 – A single bird in Wharfedale on 27th September.

1988 – The first was in Wharfedale on 15th February with the next at Timble Ings on 27th March. There was one over Burley-in-Wharfedale on 11th September with the last drifting west over the Wasburn Valley on 23rd October.

1990 – The bird over-wintering on Morton Moor from 1989 remained until 10th March and another was at Draughton Heights on 30th January. In February, one was seen at Bolton Abbey on 14th, while, in the same are, an adult on 14th May was watched soaring over Laund Plantation and being mobbed by everything in sight!

1991 – The first report concerned two birds which flew west together at Elland Gravel Pits on 31st Common Buzzard photo: Paul Marfell August. In September, a single was at Newsholme Dean, Keighley, on 7th while it or another was seen at neighbouring Laycock on 19th. The last two of the year were in December in an area of Wharfedale where three were pre- sent on 8th and a single on 25th.

1992 – A good number of sightings but probably only involving half a dozen birds. The first, a single, was seen being mobbed by a Sparrowhawk at Copley on 17th February and the same bird no doubt was seen there again on 19th February. Wharfedale provided many records including one of a bird being mobbed by a Hen Harrier on 4th March and a very pale bird on 24th November. The only records away from these sites involved a bird in the Askwith area for two weeks in May and a single flying east over Timble on 4th October.

1993 – Remains an elusive raptor in our area with 17 sightings. Most were in Wharfedale where up to two were seen together on various dates in January, March, September and October. All other sightings were one-offs. The first was a single on Eldwick Moor on 7th January and the second flew up the Washburn Valley on 20th March. The next three records relate to singles being mobbed by Crows near Redcar Tarn on 27th March, by Jackdaws at Oxenhope on 4th April and again by Crows on Ilkley Moor on 28th August. The last group of records all came from September over Thruscross on 4th, over Paul Clough on 14th and over Marley on 20th.

1994 – Another raptor species with wintering birds on the increase in our area; numbers being boosted by the influx of birds of prey in October. The first was perched in a tree in Wharfedale on 8th January and was followed by a single at Elland ten days later. On 20th March up to three birds, including a pale-phase, were reported from Wharfedale and a single was on Farnhill Moor. There were two records for April: one in Wharfedale on 9th and one in Blubberhouses Moor on 17th. The only report for May was a single being mobbed by Lapwings on Oxenhope Moor on 1st. A single frequented Timble on dates between 4th and 11th June and a moulting bird was seen in Wharfedale on 8th June.

BOG 1987 - 1998, 2009 - 2018 1 24 August 2019 September saw birds returning with one at Kex Beck on 3rd, two in Wharfedale on 18th and singles at March Ghyll and wharfedale on 24th and 29th respectively. The influx continued in October with one at Embsay Crag on 4th and up to three in Wharfedale throughout the month. Two birds frequented the Beamsley Moor area in late October with one seen mobbing a Rough-legged Buzzard on 30th. Four days earlier one went at Kings Cross. In November there were singles in Wharfedale on 2nd and 6th at Timble on the latter date and on Beamsley Moor on 19th. Reports came from Wharfedale on six dates in December with five being seen together on 20th and four on 29th.

1995 – The majority of records relate to Wharfedale where up to five birds were seen in January and February, with a maximum of four in March. At Skipton Moor on 30th March a single was observed being mobbed by corvids. An increase in records in April and May, including displaying birds, fuelled speculations that breeding might place. However no further reports were able to suggest that this happened.

One, possibly two, birds in the Bradup area on 30th July were a good find. During September up to four were in Wharfedale with up to two around the Denton/Timble area. On 16th September one was observed soaring with two Ospreys over Fewston Reservoir. Between the end of September and the end of November a maximum of three were regularly seen in Wharfedale with the Beamsley Moor/March Ghyll area producing up to two birds. The only December records came from Wharfedale and involved two on 29th and one the next day. On 19th March at Glovershaw an escaped bird wearing ‘leg irons’ was seen hopping around molehills pre- sumably looking for earthworms.

1996 – Sightings of this bird appear to have increased in recent years, but there have been no proven breed- ing records. A well-reported species, over 100 records were received, covering all months except January. The majority of records came from Wharfedale, where at least four birds were present during the first winter period; single birds were also recorded there in May, June, July and August. Numbers in the second winter period peaked at five on 30th September, with up to four seen regularly until the year end. Away from Wharfedale, birds were seen at Denton on 19th and 29th October, at Dob Park on 29th April, also at Timble on 29th February and 2nd, 4th and 27th March. Records from less typical sites included Sugden End Tip on 14th February, Wilsden on 31st August, and a bird calling loudly in Alder Carr Woods on 9th July.

1997 – Another well-reported species, with over 160 records covering 93 days of observation. There were no records in June and only two in July, but birds were seen frequently during all months of the year.

Almost all records of this species come from the north of the Group’s recording area; 85% of them are from one particular locality in Wharfedale, where birds tend to be seen almost as a matter of routine. Despite (or perhaps because of) the paucity of records in high summer, one or two pairs might now be breeding (or at- tempting to breed) in this locality. It can surely only be a question of time before proof is forthcoming. An excellent year for the species – indeed, the situation seems to be improving annually.

1998 – Buzzard is now a common species within the BOG area with over 120 records annually.

1999 - 2008 Currently not available

2009 - Increasingly common resident, passage migrant and winter visitor.

BOG 1987 - 1998, 2009 - 2018 2 24 August 2019 Though evidently well established in the area, most reports continue to come from the Washburn Valley and, particularly, Barden Scale, which had birds all year and many double-figure counts of up to 12, slightly down on other recent years. The remaining few reports came principally from Lower Wharfedale and Airedale. Whilst there were few specific records, numerous pairs were reported to have bred successfully in Wharfedale and the Washburn.

2010 - In contrast to the single bird reported in the Group’s inaugural year of 1987, the point has now been reached where Buzzard is so well- established there is a suspicion of under-recording. As before, the majority of records came from Barden Scale, where up to 10 birds were routinely reported, and the maximum of 12 in March is in line with last year. However, birds have clearly extended their range to other parts of the Group area, and display was seen or juveniles noted at three sites away from the main Wharfedale and Washburn strongholds. All the specific breeding data continues to relate to these, however, and there were nine young from six nests in Wharfedale, and at least 14 from 10 nests in Washburn.

2011 - Clearly well-established, though records from Wharfedale and the Washburn Valley predominate, and all but one of the breeding reports come from here, though information from only one Washburn site was forthcoming. Eight locations, including one in Airedale, were involved, and a minimum of 16 young were raised. Birds are now routinely reported from the suburbs, and even included one seen within a garden, but urban records are still scarce, so sightings at Shipley, Heaton and Caldene Fields were noteworthy. A count of 12 at Barden Scale in March was this site’s only double-figure one, but probably reflects some reduced recording there, rather than a real reduction. An excellent autumn migration at Oxenhope produced 38 birds, with a maximum of 11 on 27th September.

2012 - Continues to be excellently reported, though the 350 records again come mainly from Wharfedale and the Washburn Valley, which were also the source of the 13 reports of breeding attempts, two of which failed, with 16 juveniles (some of which were ringed) resulting from the others. These figures are in line with last year, but, given the number of records of pairs and display, must represent only part of the real picture.

The downturn in regular big numbers around Barden, mentioned in last year’s Report, was, as anticipated, the result of some under-recording. This year, between five and nine birds were regularly seen daily, and more than this on several occasions, notably at least 14 on 2nd September. These figures were, however, eclipsed by the 23 birds in total passing Oxenhope watchpoint on 22nd September (DCB, HC, LW et al), comfortably a Group record, and part of an impressive autumn total of 61.

2013 - The number of sightings in this area supports the national trend in which this species is now Britain’s most numerous raptor. With 315 records, slightly down on last year, the bird continues to range across the whole area and there has been an increase in sightings from the south of the area. All but 45 of the records came from Wharfedale and the Washburn Valley, which were also the source of the 13 reports of breeding attempts, two of which failed, with 20 juveniles (some of which were ringed) resulting from the others. These figures are in-line with last year, but, given the number of records of pairs and displays, must represent only part of the real picture. Particular praise must go to the regular observers at Barden Scale who produced over 125 reports, recording these birds during each month of the year. Between four and nine birds were regularly seen daily, and more than this on several occasions, notably at least 15 on 22nd August. These figures were, however, eclipsed by the 17 birds in total passing Oxenhope watchpoint on 14th September (DCB, HC, et al). Elsewhere in the area, birds were often seen, occasionally in pairs, over Baildon Moor, East Morton, Whetstone Gate and Denso Marston Reserve. BOG 1987 - 1998, 2009 - 2018 3 24 August 2019 2014 - 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.

2015 - Increasingly common resident, passage migrant and winter visitor. Although the 250 records are slightly down on last year (probably for those reasons mentioned in the Editorial), the species continues to attract attention, and was reported throughout the recording area. In the first three months up to six birds were observed from Denton Moor, Askwith Moor, Barden Scale, Norwood Edge, Slippery Ford and Heights Lane (Bingley). There were also three birds on Shelf Moor in February, further evidence that this species has become established in the south of the area.

On 13th May seven birds, most of them on passage, were seen from Keighley Moor Reservoir and in autumn, an aggregate 47 birds was recorded at the Oxenhope Watchpoint. The largest group of these comprised 13 birds which drifted south-westwards on 16th September.

There were numerous reports of breeding, and breeding-related activity. In the north 11 sites produced up to 20 young, with breeding also proved in Airedale, where a family party of two adults and four young were disturbed whilst they fed on Baildon Golf Course on 12th August. In addition, courtship displays were witnessed on Keighley Moor, and at Rivock Edge and Riddlesden, all in the south, and in Wharfedale and the Washburn, where family parties were also noted.

2016 - In the 30 years the Group has been operating, this raptor has gone from a single record in 1987 to being one which richly justifies the epithet “common”.

With some 300 records, 2016 was in line with other recent years, but represents an increase in real terms, as fewer reports are now received from the known stronghold of Barden. Moreover, every part of the area, including urban and suburban areas, is now represented, and reports are no longer dominated by Wharfedale and the Washburn Valley. Against this background, it is unsurprising that a conservative estimate would indicate at least 230 birds were seen.

The maximum count was nine birds at Whetstone Gate in February, and between six and eight birds were noted from Middleton Moor, the Washburn, and the Barden/Bolton Abbey area. Visible migration watches accounted for totals of 21 birds past Caldene Fields and 22 from Oxenhope Watchpoint, and there were many other reports of birds evidently on passage.

BOG 1987 - 1998, 2009 - 2018 4 24 August 2019 Breeding success was particularly well-reported (thanks largely to the work of the assiduous ringer, PRo), and 18 pairs raised 31 young in the northern sector, with another five pairs in the south indicating potential breeding activity. However, given the probable number of birds in the area, it is still likely that breeding overall is under-recorded.

2017 - Up to 10 birds are now regularly seen in the area, although this figure was attained only once, at Barden Scale, and the bigger counts are generally made in Wharfedale and the Washburn. That said, seven were over Queensbury in March, and on autumn migration at Oxenhope, and increasing, numbers are being seen in the south and west of the recording area.

Breeding successes were in line with last year: 34 young were raised, all but four in the north of the area, though breeding was suspected at a further site in the south.

2018 - An increased number of records confirms the species’ abundance in our area, and there were many counts of between five and ten birds, the latter from Timble Ings, with slightly smaller counts at Marley, Warley Moor Reservoir, March Ghyll Reservoir, Barden and Oxenhope Watchpoint. Twenty-two nests were located from which 33 young were raised, in line with last year.

BOG 1987 - 1998, 2009 - 2018 5 24 August 2019