Long Preston Bird Report 2015

Compiled by

Ian Court

For more information on the Floodplain Project visit

http://longprestonfloodplainproject.org/

The Long Preston Floodplain Project is a partnership between the RSPB, Natural , the Environment Agency, the Dales Millennium Trust, County Council, the Ribble Rivers Trust, the National Park Authority, local landowners and farmers Introduction Welcome to the 2015 Long Preston bird report. One of the many achievements of the Long Preston Wet Grassland Project in 2014 was the installation of the bird hide, and given the number of records entered into the log book this year, it is certainly encouraging more birdwatchers to visit the area.

This report includes all the bird sightings from both Long Preston Deeps and Flash. Thanks to everyone who has submitted records during the year, it is allowing us to build a clearer picture of the status of many bird species in the area.

Seasonal Highlights of 2015 It was a relatively quiet start to the year, other than 344 teal on Long Preston Deeps on the January WeBS count; the second highest count in the recording area. A colour-ringed Shelduck at Hellifield Flash in early February gave a tantalising insight into the natal area of at least one species visiting the area, and a Green-winged Teal arrived at Long Preston Deeps late in the month, but spent most of its time out of sight somewhere in the floodplain. The recent spring gathering of Black-tailed Godwits at Hellifield Flash continued in 2015, with two arriving early in February. Varying numbers were present for several months but were much lower than the previous year, peaking at 18 in early April. The regular movement of Oystercatchers through the area included 73 on 6th March at the small roadside flood pool near Settle Sewage Works. This was the highest flock total recorded, exceeding the previous record count of 71 on Long Preston Deeps in March 2007. There was also the annual spring passage of Whooper Swans through the area in March, including 62 on flood pools below Hollow Gill Wood on 16th; the highest count within the recording area. Unfortunately, April was very disappointing with very few passage birds recorded. Hellifield Flash attracted three Wood Sandpipers in May, continuing the excellent near annual run of this species at this site. A cream crown Marsh Harrier summered in the wider area with a number of sightings at Long Preston Deeps between 9th May and 27th September.

A juvenile Great Crested Grebe on the Ribble on 19th July was a surprise on the WeBS count and was only the ninth record for the recording area. A Yellow Wagtail at Hellifield Flash at the end of July was the only record of the year, highlighting the dramatic decline of what was formerly a regular breeding species in area. Unfortunately, a juvenile Curlew Sandpiper at Hellifield Flash on 30th July did not linger. The latter months of the year were very quiet with a Grey Plover at Hellifield Flash on 4th October one of the few birds of note. Heavy rainfall in December resulted in prolonged flooding of the south eastern floodplain resulting in record counts of several species of wildfowl including 1300 Wigeon, 920 Teal, 222 Pintail (over double the previous highest count) and 51 Shoveler.

Long Preston Recording Area Long Preston Deeps is in the area of the upper Ribble Valley between Long Preston and Settle, lying between the Forest of Bowland and Yorkshire Dales National Park. This unique area of lowland wet grassland stretches from Settle south to Cow Bridge, where the to Long Preston Road crosses the river, and is bordered on the east by Long Preston and the A65 and the Wigglesworth to road on the west. Along with the nearby Hellifield Flash, these habitats provide an important area for breeding, passage and wintering birds.

The recording area combines the Long Preston Wetland Grassland Project area, and the adjacent area to the south, including Hellifield Flash. A map of the recording area including details of access points can be found on the following page.

The conservation management that has been implemented by the project has only been possible because of the close cooperation with the local farmers, other land users and local residents. We would ask that visitors are considerate when parking and do not block any access. Visitors should also be aware that fishermen are regularly present along the river and wildfowling takes place between 1st September and 31st January.

In order to maintain these positive relationships the project would like to remind visitors that the Long Preston floodplain is in private ownership and should only be accessed using the public rights of way shown on the project trail map. There are good but limited opportunities for watching the area from the surrounding roads, with a series of viewpoints also shown on the trail map, but please be aware that the birds can be distant and a telescope is strongly recommended.

The bird hide can be accessed along the Ribble Way, north from Cow Bridge. Car parking is very limited so please ensure that you do not block any roads or access tracks. Park carefully by the bridge at SD 82799 57022.

Hellifield Flash is viewable from Waterside Lane, accessed from the A65 approximately 1 km north of Hellifield. Please park sensibly on the roadside to avoid blocking any access and view from the road. The Flash can also be viewed from public footpaths but please be aware that that birds can be flushed, so it is recommended that it is viewed from the road. Visitors should be aware that water levels fluctuate depending on rainfall, and so during the summer the Flash may dry out completely.

Bird Records If visiting the area we hope that you will take the time to submit your bird records. There is a log book in the bird hide where sightings can be recorded. Alternatively, details can be submitted to the YNU North Yorkshire Bird Recorder Ian Court [email protected] .We are also encouraging observers to submit records to BirdTrack via the British Trust for Ornithology website. The area is also covered by the East Lancashire Ornithologists’ Club and details of recent sightings can be found on their website http://www.eastlancsornithologists.org.uk/Rep-Birdlist.aspx . Details of any bird sightings can be submitted via the website and will be incorporated into future Long Preston bird reports. A Map of the Long Preston Recording Area and Access Information

Birds of Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps 2015 The species categories in this report follow the definitions used by the British Ornithologists’ Union. Any records of rare birds are subject to acceptance by the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union.

There can be a considerable movement of birds between Hellifield Flash and the Long Preston Deeps area, even on a daily basis, and so for many wildfowl and some species of wader, the peak monthly counts derived from casual observations are included along with a summary of the monthly Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS) counts (dates are shown in appendix 1).

Category A Species Species recorded in an apparently natural state at least once since 1st January 1950.

MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor An average year for this species with no evidence of breeding.

Monthly WeBS Counts for Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash in 2015

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 0 2 4 4 6 4 3 0 2 3 5 3 Hellifield Flash 0 0 4 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Monthly maxima at Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 4 4 - 3 3 3 - - - 8 3 2 Hellifield Flash - 5 2 3 ------

WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus Cygnus It was a good spring with 23 at Hellifield Flash on 23rd January, with ten still present the following day. In February, four adults were on the southern floodplain on 7th and 8th, and 16 were present on 15thFebruary. On 16th March 62 were on flood pools below Hollow Gill Wood, representing the highest count in the recording area, following 60 at Hellifield Flash on 18th March 2009 and 58 flying south over Long Preston Deeps on a single date in March 1961. A further 36 were on Hellifield Flash on 22nd March, on which date there was a large movement of birds across northern England.

In the latter half of the year records on Long Preston Deeps included five on Snipe Ground on 12th November with four adults he following day, two on the floodplain on 21st November, with one adult still present the following day.

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE Anser brachyrhynchus It was another good year for sightings at Long Preston Deeps with 130 on 13th January the first records of the year. There were further sightings in February of 320 feeding on Rathmell Bottoms on 15th, with counts of 300 flying over on 18th, 250 on 25th and 100 on 27th. In March there were 175 on 8th and another skein of 350 heading over later in the day.

There were very few records in the second winter period with a single bird was on the southern floodplain on 9th October, three on 22nd November and 180 north west on 26th November. In December, there was one present on 4th and five on 24th. The only record at Hellifield Flash were three on 19th March.

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (Greater White-fronted Goose) Anser albifrons Two birds were present below Rathmell in a flock of Canada Geese on 25th February (IRC). Although both birds were feeding together one was of the Russian race A.a.albifrons and one larger, darker bird showed characteristics of the Greenland race A.a.flavirostris. This was the first record of any White-fronted Geese in the recording area since 2012 and was only the second record of a Greenland White-front since six were near Long Preston between 8th and 15th December 1977.

Greenland (left bird) and Eurasian (right bird) White-fronted Geese. Photo IR Court

Eurasian White-fronted Goose left and Greenland White-fronted Goose right. Photo IR Court

GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser Numbers were comparable with those in recent years with the month peak counts shown in the tables below. An adult and juvenile were present at Hellifield Flash on 12th August.

Monthly WeBS Counts for Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash in 2015

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 0 0 4 5 3 0 10 1 3 4 3 0 Hellifield Flash 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Monthly maxima at Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston - - 20 3 7 - - - - - 6 10 Hellifield Flash - - 5 2 - - - 2 2 - - -

A single Greylag x Canada Goose hybrid was present at Hellifield Flash on 18th August with two on 18th September and three on 22nd November.

CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis Numbers appear to be increasing slightly, with 670 at Hellifield Flash in September a new highest count within the recording area. The only breeding record was a pair that nested on the bird hide scrape and hatched at least four young.

Monthly WeBS Counts for Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash in 2015

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 73 138 206 16 17 6 17 79 30 193 106 242 Hellifield Flash 14 2 0 4 0 3 0 70 24 0 0 9

Monthly maxima at Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 510 257 245 18 11 9 - 27 - - 240 530 Hellifield Flash 50 - - 4 12 8 129 200 670 290 260 -

BARNACLE GOOSE Branta leucopsis In spring, one was present at Hellifield Flash on 16th April had colour rings indicative of captive origin. Later in the year a single was at Hellifield Flash on 18th and 24th September, and six were on Long Preston Deeps on 20th December. All birds were with present in flocks of Canada Geese.

SHELDUCK (Common Shelduck) Tadorna tadorna The first record of the year at Hellifield Flash was a single on 3rd January that remained throughout the month. There were four on 7th February, including a colour-ringed bird that had been ringed as a duckling at Wheldrake Ings in the Lower Derwent Valley on 17th June 2007. This was the first re-sighting of the bird since it was ringed and is also only the second re-sighting of any of the ducklings away from the study area, the other being one of its siblings from the same brood that was seen at Bull Island, Dublin Bay, Eire on 23rd November 2009 (Craig Ralston pers. comm.). As there were no further sightings it was presumed to have been a passage bird. Also in February six birds were present at Hellifield Flash between 14th and 25th, with 13 on 18th and eight on 26th. In March, nine were present on 6th with five on 22nd and nine on 27th. There appeared to be a further turnover of birds in April with counts of seven on 1st, six on 2nd, 12 on 8th, nine on 10th, eight on 21st but only two on 20th.

At least one pair remained at Hellifield Flash in May with an adult and five small ducklings noted on at least 10th June. Five young were still present on 23rd June until at least 19th July with two juveniles still present until 7th August. There were no further sightings until December when there was an adult on 9th and 19th, with two on 24th.

At Long Preston Deeps there were regular sightings from the bird hide with a pair frequenting the scrape from 18th February until mid-April, with four birds on 6th and three on 25th. There was considerable movement of birds between the various scrapes and wetland areas on the floodplain making it difficult to determine how many pairs were present. However, it appeared that there were four separate pairs on 10th April with two on 21st April that remained until at least 9th May. At least one pair bred successful as they were accompanied by four young on the ‘middle scrape’ on at least 13th June. There were also groups of six birds on 13th May and 11 on 23rd May that may have been failed or non- breeders.

Monthly WeBS Counts for Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash in 2015

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 0 2 3 7 5 8 1 0 0 0 0 0 Hellifield Flash 0 2 4 2 2 2 6 0 0 0 0 0

Monthly maxima at Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 0 2 - 8 11 5 - - - - - 2 Hellifield Flash 1 13 9 12 2 5 6 - 2 - - 1

WIGEON (Eurasian Wigeon) Anas Penelope The cumulative total present within the recording area in the first winter period was higher than in 2014, peaking at over 1250 birds in January, with good numbers remaining throughout the period. A small group were regularly seen loafing on the Ribble, viewed from the Wigglesworth Beck outflow, peaking at 80 on 25th February. At Hellifield Flash numbers declined throughout in April from 200 at start of month to 150 on 2nd, 20 on 8th, six on 10th, eight on 16th and nine on 21st. The only records in May were three males that lingered on Long Preston Deeps until at least 9th May.

The first birds of the autumn were at Hellifield Flash were a single on 22nd and two eclipse males and female on 28th. Numbers were slow to build up during the autumn with numbers slightly down on the previous year. However, the wet weather in December resulted in prolonged flooding of the valley leading to some outstanding numbers in the Sour Dale Lane and Goosemire area with 1300 on 9th and a minimum of 1270 on 20th. These numbers surpassed the previous highest count of 1150 present at Hellifield Flash on 28th December the previous year.

Monthly WeBS Counts for Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash in 2015

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 909 382 459 3 0 0 0 0 0 45 186 839 Hellifield Flash 356 621 278 13 0 0 0 0 28 204 16 68

Monthly maxima at Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Long Preston - 250 ------191 1300 Hellifield Flash 500 600 300 200 - - 3 89 180 396 240

GADWALL Anas strepera An average year for this species at both Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps. At Hellifield Flash a pair was present on 31st January, with four on 14th February, and a pair on 18th and 25th February. Two pairs were present on 6th March and remained until the 16th, with a single pair on 22nd. Three present on 19th June were very unseasonal. In the latter part of the year two pairs were present on 22nd November, with a male on 20th and 26th December.

At Long Preston Deeps a pair was present on the scrapes on at least 16th March and 13th May, with three birds present on 22nd April. A male was still present in potentially suitable breeding habitat 12th May, when it flew into pool at the back of the main sluice.

Monthly WeBS Counts for Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 0 0 2 5 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Hellifield Flash 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

TEAL (Eurasian Teal) Anas crecca There were high counts in the first winter period with the January WeBS count the second highest total for the recording area, with good numbers remaining for the rest of the period. A pair lingered at Hellifield Flash until late June. There were regular sightings from the bird hide between February and April with a pair and a male were present on in the wider area until 9th May, with a pair also seen on the southern floodplain on 9th June.

In the latter half of the year number at Hellifield Flash increased from five on 7th August to 50 by the end of the month. The numbers in early autumn and winter were not exceptional until December when the Long Preston floods attracted 535 on 4th, 600 on 6th and 920 on 9th. The latter count exceeded the previous record count of 700 reported on 15th September 2012.

Monthly WeBS Counts for Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash in 2015

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 344 113 258 67 0 4 0 0 64 54 42 184 Hellifield Flash 37 18 6 23 0 1 0 29 0 11 32 58

Monthly maxima at Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 16 190 6 12 ------300 920 Hellifield Flash 95 50 40 49 - 7 2 50 80 33 86 90

GREEN-WINGED TEAL Anas carolinensi One was present with an influx of Teal on the central floodplain viewed from Hollow Gill Wood on 26th February (IRC). What was presumably the same bird was present on the pool on Middle Moss viewed distantly from the Ribble Way on 14th April (IRC: AS). This was presumabaly the same bird that was present at Stocks Reservoir earlier in the year. It represents the third record for the recording area following one present in the Long Preston Deeps area on 8th and 9th March 1983 and what was presumed to be the same bird in the same area from 4th until 9th March 1984, and one on floodwater near Sour Dale Barn on 16th December 2007.

Green-winged Teal. Photo: IR Court

MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos The records are probably an under-estimate of actual numbers because apart from the WeBS counts, this species is often overlooked.

Monthly WeBS Counts for Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash in 2015

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 88 40 45 6 16 22 16 12 25 24 77 297 Hellifield Flash 53 36 5 4 0 21 0 91 67 70 20 60

Monthly maxima at Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston - - - 4 ------280 150 Hellifield Flash 150 25 - 7 - 30 36 169 - 160 170 330

PINTAIL (Northern Pintail) Anas acuta There were records from the start of the year until late March and again from 1st November until the year end. Two were present on the scape in front of the bird hide on 8th March. For most of the year counts were comparable to those in previous years, but the floods in December attracted record numbers, with 222 at Long Preston on 20th December (MH) over double the previous total of 108 recorded on the February WeBS count 2014.

Monthly WeBS Counts for Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash in 2015

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 82 85 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 175 Hellifield Flash 0 23 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Monthly maxima at Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 60 - 2 ------50 222 Hellifield Flash 15 30 19 ------

SHOVELER (Northern Shoveler) Anas clypeata Numbers at Hellifield Flash increased during first months of year peaking at 32 on 6th March. Eight were still present on 1st April with two pairs and a single present from 10th until 16th, and a single pair present to 21st. Small numbers were also present at Long Preston Deeps in the early part of the year with a pair still present until at least 10th April, a male remaining until 9th May and two birds seen on the June WeBS count on 14th.

A female or immature was present on 30th July Eclipse male at Hellifield Flash on 13th August, with five birds present by the month end. Numbers were relatively low at both Hellifield and Long Preston in the latter months of the year peaking at 22 on 28th November. As with other wildfowl, the floods in December resulted in a record count with 51 on 20th December the highest number following 40 birds in the Long Preston Deeps area in the autumn of 1985.

Monthly WeBS Counts for Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash in 2015

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 0 2 8 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 8 30 Hellifield Flash 10 3 16 3 0 0 0 4 0 2 2 0

Monthly maxima at Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 6 - - - 1 - - - - - 5 51 Hellifield Flash 20 24 32 - - - 1 5 10 - 22 1

POCHARD (Common Pochard) Aythya farina It was a relatively good year for this species, particularly given the decline in wintering birds in the UK. At Hellifield Flash in January there was a male on 10th and 18th, with 13 (12 males and a female) present on 23rd January. There were no further records until April when a pair was present on 1st April, with the male still present the following day. The only records in the latter half of the year were in December when there were two males at Hellifield Flash on 10th December, six males and female on 14th, and a female on 6th. The latter bird may have been the same one that was on flood water below Long Preston on 20th December which, was joined by a second on 29th.

TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula Numbers at Hellifield in January increased from four on 3rd, to eight on 10th and 19 by end of month. There was a further turnover of birds in February with four on 14th, ten on 20th, eight on 25th and six on 26th. In March there were five on 6th, decreasing to three on 16th with a pair still present at the end of the month. There were ten at start of April, but only five remained mid-month and only two males were still present by the end of month. In May there were five on 13th and two males on 31st, with 2 on 14th June the only records for that month.

Although there were not many records in the latter part of the year, there were several notable counts including 30 on 2nd September and 37 on 6th November.

There were only two records at Long Preston Deeps with one on the scrape opposite the bird hide on 9th April and six on floodwater on 4th and 20th December.

Monthly WeBS Counts for Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash in 2015

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 6 0 2 1 5 2 0 0 0 0 1 0

Monthly maxima at Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 19 10 5 10 5 4 - 16 30 - 37 2

SCAUP (Greater Scaup) Aythya marchila One was reported at Hellifield Flash on 6th December (per Rare Bird Alert).

GOLDENEYE (Common Goldeneye) Bucephala clangula It was a normal year for this species at Hellifield Flash with two males and three females present on 5th January, with two females and a male regularly reported until at least 27th March. There was some movement of birds with two males and two females on 20th and 25th February, a male and four females on 6th March, three males on 1st April, two males and four females on 2nd, two females on 8th, one female on 10th, three females on 16th with one remaining until 21st. A female was present on Hellifield Flash on 17th November, two females on 20th, a male on 22nd with five females on 28th. In December between one and six birds were reported during the month.

In the Long Preston Deeps area two males and a female were on the Ribble near Cow Bridge on 23rd January, with a single pair in February on 8th and two pairs on 15th. Later in the year floodwater at Long Preston attracted a single on 26th November and 10th December, with five females present on 20th December.

Monthly WeBS Counts for Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash in 2015

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 Hellifield Flash 1 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Monthly maxima at Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 3 3 ------1 1 Hellifield Flash 5 4 5 6 ------5 6

GOOSANDER (Common Merganser) Mergus merganser The only records that were received were on WeBS counts along the Ribble with five on 23rd January, a single on 15th February and 6th June, and finally two on 16th August.

RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE Alectoris rufa One at Hellifield Flash on 16th June was the only record received.

PHEASANT (Common Pheasant) Phasianus colchicus Low numbers were present throughout the year but no notable records were received.

CORMORANT (Great Cormorant) Phalacrocorax carbo The peak count was 11 that flew east over the floodplain on 7th February, with ten reported the following day. Very few other records were received but did include two adults on the Ribble on 22nd November with another flying south west over the floodplain, and three on floodwater near Long Preston on 20th December.

Monthly WeBS Counts for Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash in 2015

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 7 10 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 3 0 0

Monthly maxima at Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 1 11 - - - 1 - - - - 3 3

LITTLE EGRET Egretta garzetta An increase in records this year following just one in 2014. Singles were seen feeding in the ditch alongside the horse paddocks at Cow Bridge on 15th January, along Wigglesworth Beck on 15th February and on Long Preston Deeps on 8th March WeBS count. Three were seen on the pools in the middle of the floodplain viewed from Hollow Gill lay-by on 23rd May.

Two were at Hellifield Flash on 27th August before flying off north west.

GREY HERON Ardea cinerea One or two, occasionally three birds were present on Long Preston Deeps throughout the year with six on 5th June, seven on 19th July, four on 16th August and five on 20th December. Singles were also seen occasionally on Hellifield Flash during the year.

LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis One, occasionally two birds, were seen along the Ribble on a number of dates between January and March, and again from 4th September until the year end.

GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus A juvenile was on the Ribble on 19th July (AS) was only the ninth record for the recording area, and the first since two were on Hellifield Flash between 5th and 8th May 2005.

MARSH HARRIER (Western Marsh Harrier) Circus aeruginosus At least one cream-crown summered in the wider area with sightings over the floodplain on 9th, 10th, 12th and 17th May. There were further sightings on 14th and 16th June, 15th July and on 4th, 5th, 10th and 27th September.

HEN HARRIER (Northern Harrier) Circus cyaneus There were three records during the year with an adult female hunting Snipe Ground on 11th April, and in October a juvenile was over the floodplain on 16th with a male on 22nd.

SPARROWHAWK (Eurasian Sparrowhawk) Accipter nisus There were four records from Hellifield Flash on 6th March, 16th April, 13th August and 18th September. There were also sightings over the southern floodplain on 18th, 20th and 26th February, and 14th September. 6th December

BUZZARD (Common Buzzard) Buteo buteo One or two birds were recorded on numerous dates in all months of the year over Long Preston Deeps. At least one pair was seen displaying and attempted to nest in the recording area. Away from the floodplain there were two over Hellifield Flash on 16th June.

OSPREY Pandion haliaetus This is still a very scarce bird in the recording area, but perhaps an increase in coverage during peak passage periods would result in more records. There were two records in 2015 with singles north over Long Preston Deeps on 4th April (PD) and one that flew upriver from Cow Bridge on 16th October (RC).

KESTREL (Common Kestrel) Falco tinnunculus One or two birds were seen on Long Preston Deeps in all months of the year. There was also a record of a single bird at Hellifield Flash on 3rd and 6th March.

MERLIN Falco columbarius The only record was a female or immature that flew over Hellifield Flash on 6th August. Rather surprisingly there were no records at Long Preston Deeps.

PEREGRINE (Peregrine Falcon) Falco peregrinus At least three different birds were seen over Long Preston Deeps in the first winter period with an adult female, immature female and a male. All sightings were of single birds seen on 12th January, 7th, 27th and 28th February with another on 8th March. In the second winter period an adult female on 20th December was seen to catch a Teal, with further sightings of what was presumed to be the same bird on 13th and 24th December.

At Hellifield Flash there were singles on 25th February, and 18th August with a juvenile later in the month on 28th.

MOORHEN (Common Moorhen) Gallinula chloropus This is quite a scarce bird in the area that may well be under recorded. At Hellifield Flash the only records were singles on 19th April and 16th August. At Long Preston Deeps singles were noted on a number of dates in February, March, May and September, with four seen on WeBS counts on 19th April and five on 16th August.

COOT (Common Coot) Fulica atra Once again, numbers were very low in the winter months with singles noted at Hellifield Flash on only 1st and 31st January. This is in stark contrast to an average of 30 birds that were present most winter in the 1970s and 80s. At Hellifield Flash at least six pairs attempted to nest but high water levels in early May washed out a number of nests. There were, however, still three incubating birds on 25th May that were presumed to have attempted to re-nest. High water in the first half of June attracted 37 on 10th and 33 on 13th but as water levels rapidly dropped levels late in the month, numbers declined to only four on 23rd. One pair also attempted to nest on the pool near Settle SW, with five birds present there on 25th May. One was also present on a flood pool on Long Preston Deeps on 9th May. There was only one record in the second winter period with a single on Hellifield Flash on 6th December. Monthly WeBS Counts for Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash in 2015

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 1 0 0 4 9 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 Hellifield Flash 1 0 11 16 20 24 2 0 0 0 0 0

Monthly maxima at Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Hellifield Flash 1 22 27 23 24 37 2 1 - - - 1

OYSTERCATCHER (Eurasian Oystercatcher) Haematopus ostralegus The first records of the year were two at Hellifield Flash on 3rd January and three at Long Preston Deeps on 22nd January. Numbers gradually increased later in the month, with numbers fluctuating dramatically on almost a daily basis between February and early May with peak counts shown in the tables below. Further north on the floodplain there were notable counts of 73 on 6th and 43 on 16th March at the small roadside flood pool near Settle SW. The former record appears to be the highest flock recorded, just exceeding 71 on Long Preston Deeps in March 2007.

At least three pairs were on the southern floodplain during breeding season including a pair regularly seen on ‘Snipe Ground’ opposite the bird hide. Despite the best efforts of the project staff and farmers to enhance the grasslands for breeding waders, one pair decided to nest in the fork of one of the mature Ash trees along Long Preston Beck! An incubating bird was visible from the Ribble Way near the gorse bushes on at least 9th and 13th May but the outcome of the breeding attempt is not known.

Monthly WeBS Counts for Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash in 2015

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 0 5 62 8 12 9 2 0 0 0 0 0 Hellifield Flash 0 14 33 5 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0

Monthly maxima at Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 3 44 6 7 7 ------Hellifield Flash 2 30 36 21 2 4 1 - - - - -

LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius At Hellifield Flash the first record of the year was five on 10th April, followed by a pair that were present from 14th April through to at least 16th June. During this period nest- scrapping and display was noted on several occasions. On 13th June a third bird was present provoking considerable territorial behaviour from what was presumed to be the resident male. Although two adults and a juvenile were present on 28th July and 12th August, with four juveniles on 14th August, they were not thought to have bred successfully at the site. There were then regular sightings of a single bird from the end of July until 10th August with four present on 18th August. Away from the Flash, the only other record were nine that flew over the middle moss area of the floodplain on 30th June.

RINGED PLOVER (Common Ringed Plover) Charadrius hiaticula It was another poor year at Hellifield Flash with seven on 31st May and two on 19th July the only records. Likewise, the only records at Long Preston Deeps was a single on 8th March on the flood pool below Hollow Gill Wood, with three there on 19th April. On 9th May seven were on the ploughed field near Wigglesworth Hall Farm and three also on the flood below Hollow Gill Wood.

GOLDEN PLOVER (European Golden Plover) Pluvialis apricaria Although it can be difficult to accurately determine the number of birds on Long Preston Deeps there were fewer records during the first few months of the years. The exception was in February when numbers fluctuated between 50 on 18th and 300 on 28th.

The first birds of the autumn were two at Hellifield Flash on 18th August which proved to be the forerunners of what proved to be a good second winter period for this species with good numbers present at both Hellifield Flash and Long Preston Deeps from September through to the year end.

Monthly WeBS Counts for Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash in 2015

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 42 0 13 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 6 Hellifield Flash 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 18 0 0 0

Monthly maxima at Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston - 300 1 ------170 120 Hellifield Flash ------2 41 42 261 166

GREY PLOVER Pluvialis squatarola One was at Hellifield Flash on 4th October (MS). This is the first sighting since a single at the Flash on 28th Oct 2005.

LAPWING (Northern Lapwing) Vanellus vanellus Good numbers of birds were present in both winter periods, with mild weather and a lot of floodwater encouraging many birds to remain during the second winter period. Post- breeding numbers at Hellifield Flash increased from six on 10th June to between 200 and 500 in July and August, reaching a peak of 2500 during the latter month.

No breeding wader survey work was undertaken across the area, but there was a minimum of seven territorial pairs present in ploughed fields near Wigglesworth Hall in May, including at least two birds that appeared to be incubating.

Monthly WeBS Counts for Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash in 2015

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 348 215 128 22 16 0 56 486 215 22 26 119 Hellifield Flash 24 134 5 0 0 6 64 206 349 73 0 4

Monthly maxima at Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 75 1000 - 40 8 - - 100 200 150 2000 3000 Hellifield Flash 430 500 - - - 57 650 2500 2000 550 820 -

CURLEW SANDPIPER Calidris ferruginea A juvenile was at Hellifield Flash on 30th July (TC) was the first record since 2000.

DUNLIN Calidris alpina schinzii It was a poor year with only a single spring record of four at Hellifield Flash on 6th May. These were followed by mid-summer sightings at the Flash of an adult on 14th and 19th July, a juvenile on 30th July and another adult on 7th August.

At Long Preston Deeps there was a single on 25th February, three on 8th March and two on 25th May. There were a further two records towards the end of the year with singles on 22nd November and 10th December.

RUFF Philomachus pugnax This species was very scarce in the early part of the year, with records at Long Preston Deeps including one on 25th February, and three reported on at least 8th and 20th March. Eight at Hellifield Flash on 22nd April was a notable spring count but the only other record in the first half of the year was a single at Long Preston Deeps on 19th July.

It was an excellent autumn at Hellifield Flash starting in August records when there was a juvenile on 13th and 14th, two juveniles on 18th and 19th, five on 21st and 22nd, two on 23rd and 24th, three on 27th and two on 28th. In September, 15 on 2nd (MB) constituted the second highest count of ruff in the recording area after 19 on Long Preston Deeps on 23rd September 1985. The flock included a colour ringed bird with a yellow ‘flag’ on the left leg and red colour ring above the knee on the right leg but unfortunately, according to the BTO there is a missing ring(s) that means the ringing location cannot be traced (Mark Breaks pers. comm.). Five birds including the colour ringed one were still present on 5th to 7th September, with seven on 10th and two remaining until 19th.

SNIPE (Common Snipe) Gallinago gallinago There was a similar number of records as in previous years with no apparent change in status. The bulk of the records were at Hellifield Flash although there were between one and five birds seen from the bird hide at Long Preston Deeps regularly up until early April. The only possible breeding records were two drumming birds over the aptly named ‘Snipe Ground’ in late April, with at least one territorial bird still present up until mid-May at least. There was also a chipping bird at Hellifield Flash on 2nd April. The highest count of the year was 63 at Hellifield Flash on 1st November.

Monthly WeBS Counts for Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash in 2015

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 40 9 17 22 4 10 0 0 5 9 1 5 Hellifield Flash 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Monthly maxima at Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston - 6 5 5 1 1 ------Hellifield Flash 10 15 15 14 - - - 9 18 15 63 35

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa Birds were once again present at Hellifield Flash during the late winter/early spring period but in lower numbers than in 2014. The first two were present on 18th February, with six on 25th, five the following day, seven on 27th and four on 28th. In March numbers fluctuated between five on 6th, six on 13th, 16 on 16th, 13 on 22nd, 17 on 27th and 16 on 28th. April records included 18 on 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 7th, with six on 8th, 12 on 11th, 20 on 14th, 18 on 15th, and 14 on 16th. The only records at Long Preston Deeps were in March with two on 8th and one on 20th.

CURLEW (Eurasian Curlew) Numenius arquata It was an average year for this species in the recording area with records at Long Preston Deeps. Records early in the year consisted of 20 on 27th January, seven on 25th February with 25 the following day. Very few were seen in subsequent months with one to four birds present between March and May. Curlew are very rarely recorded during the late winter period and so two on the 9th and one over the floodplain on 10th December were notable.

Monthly WeBS Counts for Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash in 2015

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 0 0 8 4 2 4 0 0 0 0 0 0

Monthly maxima at Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 20 25 2 8 1 - - 1 - - - 2 Hellifield Flash - 6 - - - 9 ------

COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos The first of the year was on the Ribble near Cow Bridge on 14th April, followed by other records in the same area of two on 18th April, with one on 10th and two on 20th May. Additional spring records at Hellifield Flash were two on 18th April followed by singles on 19th and 30th, whilst in May there were singles 6th and 25th. The only possible breeding records were three birds seen along the Ribble on WeBS count on 19th July. Autumn passage was limited to singles on the riverbank opposite the hide on 2nd August and at Hellifield Flash on 6th August.

GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus Following several sightings in late 2014 at least one bird overwintered with sightings on the Ribble at the Wigglesworth Beck outflow on 7th February and on the bird hide scrape on 22nd March, 15th and 21st April. The only other birds seen in spring were two were flushed from the hide scrape on 30th June. It is difficult to know whether three birds located on 19th July during the WeBS count were late spring passage migrants or early returning autumn birds.

What were presumed to be returning autumn migrants were two at Hellifield Flash on 3rd August with further singles on 10th, 21st and 24th. Also in August there were two were on the hide scape and along Wigglesworth Beck on 2nd and 10th. A single bird was recorded on the floodplain on WeBS counts on 13th September, 18th October and 13th December. It was presumed to be the same bird that was present on Wigglesworth Beck in front of the bird hide on 22nd November and again along Wigglesworth Beck between the hide and confluence with the Ribble on 24th and 28th December.

GREENSHANK (Common Greenshank) Tringa nebularia A single bird that dropped into Hellifield Flash at 17.20hrs on 7th August was the only record of the year.

WOOD SANDPIPER Tringa glareola Hellifield Flash continued its exceptional run of records, with this species virtually annual at the site. There were three records in 2015 with singles reported on 27th April (per rare Bird Alert), on 5th May (MH), and another on 9th May (IRC) that was still present the following day prior to 13.05 hrs, when it flew towards Gargrave.

REDSHANK (Common Redshank) Tringa totanus The first records of the year at Hellifield Flash were in February with one on 18th, two on 25th and one present on 27th. Three were then present during early March, increasing to four at the end of the month. These were still present in early April with five present on 8th, six on 11th, five again on 21st when at least one pair were displaying, and seven on 30th when there was also considerable display and territorial behaviour. A pair remained during May and may have attempted to breed. Three were present on 31st May with five on 13th June.

At Long Preston Deeps one was on the flood pool below Hollow Gill Wood on 16th March. Four birds were present around the pools in the middle of the flood plain in potentially suitable breeding habitat in mid-April, with one or two present until 31st July. A pair were also present at the roadside pool near Settle SW from at least 6th March until 25th May.

As expected, there were very few records during the late winter period with singles on the flood pool below Hollow Gill Wood on 20th November and 9th December.

Monthly WeBS Counts for Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash in 2015

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 0 0 7 6 4 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 Hellifield Flash 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Monthly maxima at Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 0 0 2 4 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 1 Hellifield Flash 0 2 4 7 2 5 0 0 0 0 1 0

BLACK-HEADED GULL Chroicocephalus ridibundus Once again there were very few records submitted, with the relative low numbers reported during year undoubtedly an under-estimate of the actual numbers present. The first record of juveniles was three with 40 adults at Hellifield Flash on 23rd June. Large numbers were present in the flooded valley in December, with at least 1500 present on several dates.

Monthly maxima at Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 21 12 81 9 40 5 1 - - 14 4 1500 Hellifield Flash - - 20 - - 43 100 - - 40 30 -

MEDITERRANEAN GULL Larus melanocephalus

At Hellifield Flash a third calendar year bird was present on 28th July (GT) and a juvenile flew in at 1640hrs on 30th July (IRC).

Juvenile Mediterranean Gull. Photo IR Court

COMMON GULL (Mew Gull) Larus canus As with the previous species, the number of common gulls are often not recorded. Other than 300 at Hellifield Flash in mid-January there were no other notable records in the first half of the year. Mid-summer records did include a third calendar year bird at Hellifield Flash on 14th July with two adults and a juvenile present on 30th. There were very few records in the autumn but high numbers were present on floodwater at Long Preston in November and December.

Monthly maxima at Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston - - - - 2 - 3 - - - 2000 1000 Hellifield Flash 300 - 185 - 21 30 12 - - 200 200

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus fuscus The first record of the year was a single at Hellifield Flash on 25th February, followed by seven on 22nd March. These were followed by low single figure counts during April and May, and again in July, August and September. The only later records were an adult on 11th October and three on 1st and 21st November. The only double figure count during the year was 13 on 14th September. Similarly at Long Preston Deep, following a single on 26th February and five on 8th March there many records regularly up until late September, primarily of low single figure numbers.

Monthly maxima at Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Long Preston 0 1 5 30 31 1 26 0 1 50 0 0 Hellifield Flash 0 1 7 4 5 - 5 5 13 1 3 0

HERRING GULL (European Herring Gull) Larus argentatus This is still a relatively scarce bird in the recording area with the only records relating to a juvenile at Hellifield Flash on 6th Aug, and two records at Long Preston Deeps: six adults flying north- west over the floodplain on 1st April and a second calendar year bird on flood pools on 20th December.

YELLOW-LEGGED GULL Larus michahellis A first calendar year bird was at Hellifield Flash on 13th August (IRC). This was the third record for the area.

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus Marinus There was the usual scattering of records during the year with two flying over the floodplain on 12th January, a single north on 26th February and five on the northern floodplain on the pool below Hollow Gill on 16th March. Later in the year an adult was present on floodwater below long Preston on 22nd November when a further three adults flew north -west. One was also present in the same area on 19th December.

At Hellifield Flash an adult was present on 4th February, a juvenile on 13th August, with two birds present on 19th.

ROCK DOVE/FERAL PIGEON (Common Pigeon) Columba livia No notable records were received.

STOCK DOVE Columba oenas This species was very scarce during the year with all the records at Long Preston Deeps. Singles were seen from the bird hide on 7th February and 1st April, with three on 21st, two on 7th May and one on 13th June.

WOODPIGEON (Common Wood Pigeon) Columba palumbas Low numbers were present throughout the year but no notable records were received.

COLLARED DOVE (Eurasian Collared Dove) Streptopelia decaocto One or two birds were noted at Hellifield Flash during the year, with one over the Ribble Way on 26th February the only record on Long Preston Deeps.

BARN OWL Tyto alba The increase in the Barn Owl population in and around the Yorkshire Dales continued with a further increase in sightings in the recording area. There was at least one confirmed and one probable pair in the area, with at least one other pair nesting nearby. One or occasionally two birds were seen from the hide in June, October, November and December sometimes affording some exceptionally close views both in flight and perched on the fence posts.

LITTLE OWL Athene noctua There were very few sightings but occasional records of single calling birds between Cow Bridge and Sour Dale Lane during the year with two birds in the same area on 19th April.

TAWNY OWL Strix aluco One was reported at Hollow Gill Wood on 27th February.

SWIFT (Common Swift) Apus apus There were very few records submitted other than five at Hellifield Flash on 9th, three on 12th and ten on 25th May. One or two were also reported at both Hellifield and Long Preston Deeps until June.

KINGFISHER (Common Kingfisher) Alcedo atthis There were a number of records of single birds between March and October, all seen along the Ribble or Wigglesworth Beck.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus major One along Flat Lane on 15th February was the only record received.

MAGPIE (Eurasian Magpie) Pica pica Low numbers were present throughout the year but no notable records were received.

JAY (Eurasian Jay) Garrulus glandarius There were only three records: two seen below Hollow Gill Wood on 13th January, one flying into Hollow Gill Wood on 9th May and one around the end of Sour Dale Lane on 22nd November.

JACKDAW (Western Jackdaw) Corvus monedula This is a widespread species in the recording area with several hundred present in the Long Preston Deeps area during the winter months. Two birds present on 10th April showed distinct white neck collars, one of the features suggestive of ‘Nordic Jackdaw’ of one the eastern races monedula (breeding from Scandinavia to south-central Europe) or soemmerringii (breeding from Northern Russia south to Turkey, Israel and the Himalayas).

BBRC state that whilst monedula is thought to be a regular but under-recorded migrant to the UK, soemmerringii is not on the British List but could, possibly, occur. However, given the variation within sub-species and intergradation, it is not possible to identify any of the races with certainty.

Possible ‘Nordic Jackdaws’ Photo: IR Court

ROOK Corvus frugilegus Low numbers were present throughout the year but no notable records were received.

CARRION CROW Corvus corone A minimum of four birds were reported on Long Preston Deeps throughout the year but more birds were undoubtedly present. A minimum of one pair nested.

RAVEN (Northern Raven) Corvus corax One flew low over Hellifield Flash on 7th February, with two over on 18th February and a single on 25th November. Further sightings over the Long Preston floodplain included singles on 16th April, 7th September, two on 1st and 4th November and a further single on 26th November. In December up to three were present during the month.

GOLDCREST Regulus regulus One at Hellifield Flash on 13th December was the only record received.

BLUE TIT Cyanistes caeruleus Most records related to birds present on the feeders near the bird hide with four present in October and six in November.

GREAT TIT Parus major One or two were on the bird feeder and in the hedge between September and November. This species was also present in Hollow Gill Wood.

COAL TIT Periparus ater In November there were two on the bird feeders near the hide on 22nd and one on 26th November. There were one or two birds regularly reported at Hollow Gill Wood.

SKYLARK Alauda arvensis Light spring passage was noted at Long Preston Deeps with two over on 18th and ten north- west on 25th February, with ten present in mid-March. Three were near Hollow Gill Wood on 3rd April with two seen from the bird hide the following day and seven on 19th. At least one singing male was present in April and May at ‘snipe ground’ with six recorded on WeBS counts on 17th May, seven on 14th June, with two on 19th July and 16th August.

The only record at Hellifield Flash was a single on 14th July.

SAND MARTIN Riparia ripriaa The first sighting of the year was a single at Hellifield Flash on 27th March followed by low single figure counts at the Flash, from the bird hide and near Cow Bridge in early April and throughout the summer. The highest count of the year was 50 at Hellifield Flash on several dates in April during cloudy and overcast weather. No details of any breeding colonies were received although several pairs nested just outside the recording area to the south of Cow Bridge.

SWALLOW (Barn Swallow) Hirundo rustica Two near Cow Bridge on 10th and a single on 13th April were the first of the year with further low single figure counts in this area throughout the summer. The only double figure counts were at Hellifield Flash with 20 on 16th April, 50 on 25th May, 15 on 7th August. The last sighting of the year was on 10th September.

HOUSE MARTIN (Common House Martin) Delichon urbicum Small numbers were present over Long Preston Deeps and Hellifield Flash, with 30 feeding at the latter site in poor weather on 25th May the only count of note.

LONG-TAILED TIT Aegithalos caudatus There were records of two birds at Hellifield Flash, Hollow Gill Wood and in the hedge near the bird hide on a number of dates during the year, with five in the latter area on 22nd November.

CHIFFCHAFF (Common Chiffchaff) Phylloscopus collybita A phylloscopus warbler in the hedge near the hide on 22nd March was almost certainly this species, with a singing male near the bird hide on 3rd April. WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus A singing male present near the hide from 10th April until at least 20th May, with two present on 21st April and a single bird on 9th June were the only records received.

BLACKCAP (Eurasian Blackcap) Sylvia atricapilla Singing males were present in Hollow Gill Wood on 23rd May, at Hellifield Flash on 13th June and near the bird hide on 24th July.

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER (Common Grasshopper Warbler) Locustella naevia An adult carrying food and alarm calling was along Wigglesworth Beck north of the hide on 13th June, indicative of having dependent young nearby. One was also heard reeling from the footpath near the hide on 1st July.

SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenabaenus The only records were from ‘Snipe Ground’ and the adjacent Wigglesworth Beck area where a singing male was present on 9th May. Two singing males were present on 13th May with three on 13th June.

NUTHATCH (Eurasian Nuthatch) Sitta europaea There were a number of records at Hollow Gill Wood where at least one territorial bird was present. One was also heard calling in woodland adjacent to Hellifield Flash on 6th March.

WREN (Winter Wren) Troglodytes troglodytes One or two birds were present along Wigglesworth Beck near the hide throughout the year.

STARLING (Common Starling) Sturnus vulgaris Numbers reported on Long Preston Deeps were varied but were primarily single figure counts in most months. Notablecounts included 2000 on 25th and 3000 on 27th February with 1000 the following day. There were also 100 on 6th March and 300 on 12th November. There were also numerous reports at Hellifield Flash but the only three figure counts were 200 on 3rd August and 150 on 21st and 22nd August and 1st November.

DIPPER (White-throated Dipper) Cinclus cinclus Singles were recorded along Wigglesworth Beck on a number of dates in January, April, November and December with two or 25th September.

BLACKBIRD (Common Blackbird) Turdus merula One or two were reported at Hellifield Flash, Hollow Gill Wood and in the hedge near to the hide, with four at the latter location on 26 November the highest count. This species is almost certainly more widespread than records suggest.

FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris Varying numbers were present on Long Preston Deeps in the early part of the year with low single figure counts on a number of dates and peak monthly counts of 300 on 12th January with 200 the following day. In February there were 300 on 20th and 750 on 27th, with 150 on 6th March.

The first records in autumn were five on 16th October with 120 on 26th October but there were very few records received for the remainder of the year.

SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos At least one bird present in the hedge near the bird hide in the first half of the year. A singing male was also at Hollow Gill Wood on 6th March

REDWING Turdus iliacus In January, 20 were at Hellifield Flash on 7th and 19 were near the bird hide at Long Preston Deeps on 20th. There was evidence of birds moving north in early spring including 500 on 27th February and 400 the following day. Other than 20 on 16th October and two on 26th November, there were no other records in the second winter period.

MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus There were single pairs in the Cow Bridge and Hollow Gill areas, with records of one or two birds at both these sites throughout the year.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata One in the hedge near the bird hide on 8th and 10th August was the only record received.

ROBIN (European Robin) Erithacus rubecula Low numbers were present throughout the year but no notable records were received.

REDSTART (Common Redstart) Phoenicurus phoenicurus Singles were in the hedge between Cow Bridge the bird hide 31st July and also 10th August. No records of potential breeding birds were received.

WHEATEAR (Northern Wheatear) Oenanthe oenanthe A small number of passage birds were noted with males between Cow Bridge and the bird hide on 10th and 14th April. In May a female was at the pool near Settle Sewage Works on 9th, with single males in the field north of the main sluice on 12th and near Cow Bridge on 13th.

DUNNOCK Prunella modularis Low numbers were present throughout the year but no notable records were received.

HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus Other than a few records of up to six birds in the Cow Bridge area, no other sightings were reported.

TREE SPARROW (Eurasian Tree Sparrow) Passer montanus A small population remains in the area with two at Hellifield Flash on 25th February and16th April, a single on 9th and two on 12th May, with further singles on 9th June, 30th July and 12th August. At Cow Bridge at least one was present from 25th February through to 13th June, and was heard singing near the nest boxes.

YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava A juvenile at Hellifield Flash on 28th July was the only record of the year.

GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea One or two birds were seen throughout the year in the Cow Bridge and Wigglesworth Beck area with four present on 27th August and on 1st November. Singles were also seen at Hellifield Flash on a number of dates in February with two present on 6th March.

PIED WAGTAIL (White Wagtail) Motacilla alba At Hellifield Flash there were only single birds reported in January and February. The number of passage birds in spring was very low with up to ten reported in March, and a peak of 14 on 1st April, followed by four on 8th and a single on 21st. There were up to three present during May but there was no evidence of breeding at the site. Once again post-breeding numbers increased from an adult and juvenile on 23rd June to 56 on 14th July, with 48 on 28th and 35 on 30th. In August there were 30 on 7th and 12th, 40 on 13th, 20 on 14th, 32 on 18th and 22 on 21st.

One or two were also present in April and November in the Cow Bridge area with three on 6th March.

White Wagtail Motacilla alba alba Given the low numbers of Pied Wagtails on passage it was perhaps no surprise that there was only a single record of a male at Hellifield Flash on 21st April.

MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis Small numbers were recorded on Long Preston Deeps in all months of the year with the majority of records seen from the bird hide. Double figure counts included 11 on 13th and 15 on 22nd January, 12 on 18th February, 20 on 22nd March and ten on 14th April. The only record of note at Hellifield flash was six on 27th March.

CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs On Long Preston Deeps a singing bird was near the hide in May, and up to two birds at the feeders near the hide in both winter periods were the only records received.

GREENFINCH (European Greenfinch) Carduelis chloris There were regular records at the bird feeders primarily in the latter months of the year with 20 on 24th October the highest count of the year.

GOLDFINCH (European Goldfinch) Carduelis carduelis There were a numerous of records of birds taking advantage of the bird feeders near the hide with up to three in January, five in September and four in December.

SISKIN (Eurasian Siskin) Carduelis spinus Three over the hide on 20th December was the only record received.

LINNET (Common Linnet) Carduelis cannabina At Hellifield Flash 20 on 13th January was an unusually high count for the time of year. More expected was the presence of at least one pair, including a singing male, that were present between 10th April and 28th July, with four on 16th April and five on 12th May. An adult and four juveniles that were present on 12th August may well have bred nearby. The post breeding flock was lower than the previous year peaking at 60 on 13th August. In September there were 42 on 15th, 80 on 14th and 90 on 24th. These birds normally disperse by the end of September but in 2015 there were still 40 present on 6th October and 30 on 21st November. Up to four were also seen in the Cow Bridge area in April, including a singing male at the gorse bushes on several dates, but the only other record was two birds present on 24th July.

LESSER REDPOLL Carduelis cabaret Singles were seen in the hedge near the hide on 16th March, 16th April, 24th July, 8th August and 11th November at least, with four on 4th November. A singing male was near Hollow Gill Wood on 11th October. Two flew over Hellifield Flash on 15th September were the only records at the site.

REED BUNTING (Common Reed Bunting) Emberiza schoeniclus One or two birds were recorded on the floodplain between January and March, with up to five in March and nine in April. There were at least five singing males on Snipe Ground on 12th May and 13th June. In the latter part of the year one or two birds were present near the hide in November and December.

Additions and Amendments to the 2014 Report The record of a Great White Egret seen over Long Preston Deeps on 14th August has been accepted by the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union. Acknowledgments and List of Contributors I would like to thank Tony Cooper at East Lancashire Ornithological Club for encouraging sightings to be included on the LOC website and for sending records submitted to the club. I would also like to thank Andy Jowett for proof reading the report.

The following people have submitted records with apologies for any omissions:

T Bearup, J Bray, M Breaks, B Brown, T Carroll, E Caton, D Chew, A & D Clarke, J Clarke, R Clarke, A Clunes, P Cross, D Cook, T Cooper, IR Court, P Davis, R Dewhurst, T Ellis, D Elston, D & H Ferguson, S & R Grace, I Grainger, PR Griffin, J Hall, M Holmes, D Hope, M & D Hurst, J Hutchinson, G Jones, J Langton, S Laycock, M & P Leat, R Lonsdale, C Lord, K Maylor, T Moverley, G & A Nolan, G Norman, A Patten, M Patten, S & E Robertshaw, D Sampson, O Sampson, GF Scott, M Scott, D Sharrod, A Shepherd, B Shepherd, B Shorrock, SP Singleton, H Snowden, T Snowden, C Storey, P & M Sutton, G Thomas, N Thompson, E & J Thornber, H R Thorpe, C Vickers, A Walmsley, B Ward, E Ward, D Wilkinson, and members of the Nidderdale Birding Group.

Appendix 1. WeBS Count Dates 2015

18th January 8th February 8th March 19th April 17th May 14th June 19th July 16th August 13th September 18th October 15th November 13th December