In-flight! Welcome to the Spring 2014 edition of the & Local Group Newsletter. This edition has been edited and produced by Judy Robinson, the next edition is due in the autumn. Any contributions to future editions of this newsletter would be gratefully received: either speak to Judy, Paul (Treasurer) or e-mail [email protected]. Views expressed in this Newsletter are those of individual contributors and not necessarily of the RSPB. Our Group website not only has a digital copy of this and earlier newsletters (with photographs in full colour), but provides most useful information of what is happening within the group plus tips and ideas of how increase your pleasure and enjoyment of the wildlife around you. www.rspb.org.uk/groups/airedaleandbradford/ Volunteering has its Benefits

We would like volunteers to help run our Indoor Meetings and participate in other events that the group or- ganises or is invited to. Our current priority is to find an organiser for our Guided Walks. Birding expertise is not a requirement, just a love of the outdoors and a willingness to reconnoitre half a dozen short walks (of approximately 2 hours) every year. If you wish to volunteer or join our committee, contact us on the number below or make yourself known at one of our Indoor Meetings. To make it easier, anyone joining our committee can be 'without portfolio' for the first few months whilst they find their feet. In addition to the monthly public meetings, the committee also meets once a month to plan activities and discuss wider issues regarding the RSPB. The benefits? Five years ago, Carol and Paul joined the committee. Within 12 months a family of bullfinches started to visit their garden. Debbie joined the committee three years ago; the bullfinches have now arrived in her garden. The conclusion is obvious: if you want to attract bullfinches to your gar- den, volunteer for the RSPB! They are also many other ways in which you can help. See the Volunteering pages - http://www.rspb.org.uk/volunteering/ opportunities/groups.asp For more information contact Carol or Paul on 01274 582078 or [email protected]

On Other Pages: Photo: Paul Barrett 2. Guided Walks Indoor Meetings Programme Big Garden Birdwatch

Book Review It’s garden birdwatch time again, however do they know, The blackbird and the dunnock, the magpie and the crow, 3/5. Guided Walk Reports The blue tit and the great tit, the robin and the wren? Rodley Nature Reserve Just when I want to count them, they’ve gone AWOL again! Low Wood Our garden’s not palatial but there’s food and drink aplenty; Doe Park Reservoir- They often come to visit, but today the garden’s EMPTY. Falling Leaves Event The same thing happened last year, the reason is un- clear. Goitstock Woods, Harden But ever optimistic, we’ll try again next year!

6. Richard Crossley. Pamela Manktelow

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered1 charity: and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no.SC037654 Guided Walks Book Review

2013/4 “Birdwatching with your eyes closed – an These will commence at 10.00am. introduction to birdsong”, by Simon Barnes. Provisional Programme (weather conditions - and birds! – permitting) Unlike me, you are probably very good at recognising bird Sunday 9 February songs and calls. In an attempt to improve, I went Raw Nook, Low Moor on a “birdsong recognition”

walk. It was enjoyable and Sunday 9 March informative; previously I had Beckfoot and Myrtle Park, been blissfully ignorant of how many birds are good Saturday 5 April mimics of others! Moor If, like me, you could do with Directions to the sites will be given at some help in addition to your CDs and phone apps, this Indoor Meetings and on-line at: book is for you. Besides www.rspb.org.uk/groups/airedalebradford anything else, it will demonstrate that you know more than you think you do. Simon Barnes conveys lots of Details of other events and trips will be practical information in a light-hearted, readable way. given at He creates background and context for the songs which I found helpful. Whether you are a novice or an Indoor Meetings and On-line. expert, this book is a good read.

2013/4 Indoor Meetings A quotation from Bill Oddie on the front cover says: “Most of us can see, but not everyone looks. Most of Friday 7 February us can hear, but not everyone listens. This book will To The Tibetan Plateau help you do both. And above all, it will tell you how to Tom Lawson enjoy.”

Friday 7 March Pamela Manktelow The white tailed eagle Terry Pickford RECYCLING Over the years, the RSPB has raised over £200,000 Friday 4 April through recycling your used mobile phones and AGM at 7.00pm, followed by printer cartridges whilst diverting thousands of tonnes The River from landfill. ♦ We collect used postage stamps which are Paul Hobson forwarded to the RSPB: it would be very helpful if stamps could be trimmed with about ¼” of Details will also be posted on our Web Site. surrounding paper and sorted into UK Definitive, UK Commemorative and Foreign RSPB Sales packets. ♦ We are also collecting, on behalf of the RSPB, We have a sales table at each indoor meeting and disused: Mobile telephones (remove SIM and at an increasing number of local events. Carol memory cards), Inkjet cartridges, Digital holds a range of the more popular goods but can Cameras*, Sat navs*, iPods, Game consoles* order other items for you – saving you the postage (Nintendo DS / Sony PSP), Binoculars, costs. Items can be found in the catalogue and Telescopes and Tripods. (*Please return with there is an even greater range of goods in the their charger.) RSPB's on-line shop. Make a note of the item, let ♦ Please bring any you no longer require to an Carol know and she'll have it for the next meeting. indoor meeting and we will send them to the She will also deliver locally. Regional Office. All the monies from sales we generate go to ♦ We have discontinued collecting aluminium etc. support the RSPB in its conservation work. - it is no longer worth the time and effort. 2 Guided Walk Reports

Rodley Nature Reserve Low Wood - Saturday 14 September 2013 Sunday 13 October 2013

We started the new season of outdoor walks at The Wildlife Trust run a small nature Rodley Nature Reserve with guides, Peter and reserve at Low Wood, Riddlesden. On Sunday 13 Barbara Murphy. A small group of us made the October 2013, the Group undertook a walk along walk which was on a sunny but cool day, perfect for the canal to this quiet woodland area. spotting birds. A small group of us started our walk at Stockbridge The Rodley Nature Reserve site was previously a Wharf where we quickly sighted a heron. We sewage works and is now a man-made habitat for continued our walk in a westerly direction along the attracting wildlife to the Leeds area. We started out canal. Lots of mallard ducks were seen including at the lagoon which was dug on a flood plain. A some interesting hybrid ducks. kingfisher was spotted and he was obviously in the We also spotted a few different birds in the trees mood for showing off as he posed on a little perch along the canal and the fields to the South of it. Our before doing an aerial display and some diving for second heron of the day was seen swooping down us. low along the canal just before we reached Low The duck marsh hide was our next stop. A family of Wood where our party was joined by three more mute swans were in this area, however trouble was people. brewing, as a black swan turned up to disturb the Low Wood itself is a small wooded area tucked peace. Lots of squabbles and fighting ensued, away behind the Scout camp. We walked along the causing a lot more drama than watching the soaps. path and were able to add nuthatch and treecreeper Next, we received exclusive access to the fish pass, to our birds seen list. Walking up through the wood which we were told was the best place to spot grey we were able to see a badger sett but none of the wagtails and dippers. The fish pass has been built mammals were about when we were there. We for fish migrating upstream so that they can bypass were then distracted from bird spotting by all the the weir. Some of us spotted one of the dippers fungi, which was very apt as it was UK Fungus Day. and we also saw our second kingfisher of the day. There were fresh otter tracks in the sand banks, but the nocturnal mammals were not about when we were there. We were advised that they have only been seen on the cameras at night. No grey wagtails were seen in the fish pass area, although one of the elusive birds flew over as we made our way around Tim’s field. This was previously a sunken field, however is now level, as all the soil removed when digging the lagoon was Birch Bracket Fungi placed here. The field is now planted with flowers Photo: Paul Barrett to attract birds. We then moved on to the dragonfly ponds which After we explored the wood we were welcomed into was a tranquil area of ponds. As the name Riddlesden Golf Club for a lunch break. As we had suggests, there were lots of dragonflies to be let them know we would be dropping in they had spotted in this area as well as other pond life. made us a very tasty home-made meal which we all Our next stop was the visitor centre, where we were thoroughly enjoyed. able to have hot drinks and refreshments before we We continued our walk around the edge of the golf ended our walk in the manager’s garden. There course where more birds and fungi were seen. were lots of feeding stations to attract the birds, so Once finished with the golf course we made our we were able to add lots of finches to our 'birds way back to Stockbridge Wharf via the surrounding spotted' list and finished off our walk by seeing a farmland. Unfortunately, as we made our way back female pheasant which brought our total of birds the rain started to fall and so not many more birds spotted to 28. were sighted. Birds seen: mute swan, mallard, gadwall, We got back to our starting point, feeling slightly moorhen, black swan, kingfisher, black headed gull, soggy, with a final count of 21 different birds seen. little grebe, magpie, wood pigeon, teal, jay, grey Birds seen: heron, mallard, moorhen, black- heron, great tit, blue tit, robin, chiffchaff, dipper, headed gull, crow, starling, wood pigeon, magpie, cormorant, grey wagtail, dunnock, crow, goldfinch, jackdaw, wren, black bird, chaffinch, great tit, jay, greenfinch, swallow, chaffinch, bullfinch and blue tit, treecreeper, nuthatch, robin, long tailed tit, pheasant. dove and pheasant. 3 Doe Park Reservoir - Denholme pigeon and pheasant were seen. Sunday 10 November 2013 Fine views of the reservoir can be achieved from the level plateau at the far end of the woodland and one can watch the activity of sail boats as they go back and forth on the shimmering surface of the water, catching glimpses of waterfowl hidden in the quieter corners of the reservoir. Flocks of black headed gulls and starlings took flight as a kestrel flew over the copse and we descended through the field down to the reservoir. Here we found the edible Chanterelle fungus with its smooth golden cap. There are over 4000 species of larger fungi recorded in Britain, many of them poisonous. The object that we usually refer to as the fungus, most often seen during the autumn, is actually only the fruiting body of the organism that is underground. Once down by the reservoir, we chose to return via the footpath back towards the sailing club, as recent heavy rain has left the path parallel with the reservoir under water and very slippery in places. A mistle thrush, the largest of the European thrushes, was seen perched on the top of a pole near the reservoir dam defending berry-laden trees against other birds, although as yet there hasn't been Photo: Paul Barrett the influx of redwings and fieldfares which herald the start of Winter. Our November walk took us to Denholme. "Not necessarily the first place you would think of to go for On returning to the village we all agreed how lucky a countryside walk," is what the 'Countryside & we are to have access to such beautiful countryside Rights of Way' site (see link below) by the of on the fringe of the urban area of the village of Bradford MDC write in their walk information, "but Denholme. you're in for a surprise." Birds seen: starling, house sparrow, crow, Starting from the main gate into Foster Park, our blackbird, mistle thrush, black headed gull, magpie, group set out on a glorious Sunday morning wren, chaffinch, pied wagtail, great tit, robin, wood alongside Foster Park before taking a narrow rough pigeon, pheasant, kestrel, blue tit, mallard. path over a stile and down a grassy path towards the dismantled railway. The views here are spectacular About the RSPB over a range of habitats including open farmland, mixed woodland and Doe Park reservoir in the The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling distance. the problems that threaten our environment. We rely upon memberships and donations to fund our work. Starlings, house sparrows, blackbirds and crows Nature is amazing - help us keep it that way. were showing here and, although birdsong was generally very sparse, we enjoyed the peaceful and Our work is driven by a passionate belief that we colourful autumnal scene before us. all have a responsibility to protect birds and the Crossing over Denholme Beck we briefly watched environment. Bird populations reflect the health the antics of a wren foraging for insects as it flitted in of the planet on which our future depends. and around a garden shed alongside Wheel Race The need for an effective bird conservation cottages. Growing on a deciduous tree beside the organisation has never been greater. Climate beck, we identified one of the most spectacular change, agricultural intensification, expansion of bracket fungi called 'Chicken of the woods'. The urban areas and transport infrastructure, and over- bright yellow fungus forms large, tiered clusters of exploitation of our seas all pose major threats to fan-shaped fruitbodies and virtually covered one side birds. of the trunk from top to bottom. Following the rough access road, we stopped to The RSPB could not exist without its supporters and greet three very inquisitive llamas (yes, really!) in a members. Whether you join us, give a donation, paddock. purchase items from us or undertake voluntary work, your support is vital to the future of birds and the The walk continued beneath the trees of Cripple Croft plantation through a boggy area where wood places where they live. 4 Goitstock Woods - Harden According to an article in Magazine, 'Goit Stock is now considered to be a well kept local Saturday 11 January 2014 secret... but in the 1920s Goit Stock was a thriving On Saturday 11 January, a dozen of us gathered in pleasure resort, drawing a record crowd of 20,000 Harden to undertake a short walk through Goit Stock one bank holiday Monday in 1927. However, tragedy Woods to the falls. The temperature was about 5 struck that same evening when the old cotton mill, degrees, but the winter sun was shining through the converted to a ballroom and café, caught fire, top of the canopy. It was a very pleasant walk only destroying both the famous dance floor and the occasionally interrupted with sightings of birds! instruments of the Brass Band. Things were Anecdotal evidence seems to suggest that there are never quite the same, and "Happy Valley" - as the far fewer birds around than normal, the experience resort was known - never returned to its former glory, on this walk seemed to back this up. Perhaps the Big closing in 1932.' Garden Birdwatch on 25/26 January will shed more It is a little over 170 years since the death of John light on this. Nicholson, "The Airedale Poet". Nicholson was a The walk begins alongside and feted celebrity within his own lifetime, a Romantic continues along the valley bottom, mainly through poet from the ranks of the working classes. Yet now woodland on unsurfaced paths which can be wet and his lilting, melodic rhymes have been all but boggy. forgotten. There were plenty of grey squirrels scampering Lines Written at Goit Stock around the area of the caravan park and a badger Hail! thou sequester'd rural seat, sighting was also reported. Which ever beauteous dost appear, Once past the caravan site, the walk continues into Where the sweet songsters oft repeat Goit Stock Wood. Great tits, long tailed tits and blue Their varied concerts, wild and clear! tits were active along this section of the walk and Upon thy crystal-bosom'd lake about 8 wood pigeons were high up in the canopy, Th' inverted rocks and trees are seen, 'puffing up' their feathers to keep warm. We stopped Adorn'd with many a snowy flake, to observe a wren foraging on the ground amongst Or in their leafy robes of green. leaves and brambles and observed a few crows Here may the contemplative mind flying over fields in the distance. Even magpies Trace Nature and her beauties o'er seemed to be in short supply. We followed the path And meditation rest reclin'd, through the woodland, walking parallel with Harden Lull'd by the neighbouring cataract's roar. Beck on the right hand side. Extract from "Lines Written at Goit Stock", 1824 Only eleven species of bird were identified. However, More information about John Nicholson can be found the dearth of birds was quickly forgotten when the here group got a superb view of a dipper. The dipper was http://www.bingleylife.co.uk/the-bingley-byron/ unmistakable with its conspicuous white front and its habit of bobbing up and down on a rock in mid Falling Leaves Event stream. For one member of the group, it was a first Saturday 26 October 2013 ever sighting. We were later rewarded with yet another view on our return through the wood. A total of 79 people came through the doors into the Birds seen: great tit, long tailed tit, wood pigeon, Education Room at to take part blackbird, robin,blue tit, wren, crow, magpie, black in a variety of activities for our annual event. headed gull, and dipper. Children of all ages (and adults!) became engrossed in making bird thaumatropes, gift tags, pipe cleaner animals and bird snappers as well as completing wildlife sudokus. A guided walk with Steve Warrillow (Warden of Denso-Marston Nature Reserve) took nine adults and six children, all armed with binoculars, through the park on a bright sunny afternoon. The autumnal colours were particularly spectacular and the squir- rels were busy scampering around gathering food for the winter ahead. Unfortunately, birds were some- what scarce but the following were identified: robin. pigeon, carrion crow, black-headed gull, great tit, red- “It’s on that rock!” - Photo: Paul Barrett wing, nuthatch, magpie, blackbird, chaffinch, blue tit. 5 Richard Crossley

Richard Crossley, author of ‘The Crossley ID Guide: Britain and Ireland’, is visiting the UK during October and November 2014 and we are happy to announce that he will be presenting his talk to our Group on Friday 7 November. Richard is an internationally acclaimed birder, award winning author and photographer. Crazy, wildly passionate, driven and single-minded are just a few of the words used to describe his love of birding and the outdoors. Born in Yorkshire, Richard first visited Cape May, USA after graduating, and moved there in 1991 after falling in love with the birding and town. After 20 years of hiding in the business world while raising his family (wife, 2 kids and a dog – all blondes), Richard co-authored the successful The Shorebird Guide. He quickly became obsessed with the newfound opportunities provided by digital technology, Photoshop and book design. The Crossley ID Guide series was created. The innovative design shows a more lifelike and complete picture, challenging many of the traditional ‘old- school’ book designs. This allows kids and beginners a better understanding of the looks and lives of birds. Recognized with multiple awards, this series has created a movement for other wildlife guides to put more emphasis on habitat, behaviour and other imagery that we can relate to in real life. Richard is also co-founder of the global birding initiative Pledge to Fledge (www.pledgetofledge.org ) and co-founder for the Cape May Young Birders Club. He has contributed to most major birding publications, is frequently heard on radio and is a highly sought-after public speaker. He firmly believes that the time is right to popularise birding in the USA and other parts of the world. When recently asked why he takes on so many projects, his answer, “it beats working” sums up his passion for everything outdoors.

Don’t Miss! Coach trip to Saltholme RSPB Nature Reserve

Saturday 26 April 9.00 am Price: £15 for members and non members Booking essential The Group is undertaking a trip to the RSPB Reserve at Saltholme, Teeside. The minibus will leave Shipley Town Centre at 9am, returning at 6.30 pm. Please 'phone Carol or Paul on 01274 582078 to reserve your place. RSPB Airedale and Bradford Local Group was established over 40 years ago and is run by volunteers. We hold regular events to which RSPB members, their families and members of the public are all welcome. We would like volunteers to help run our Indoor Meetings and participate in other events that the group organises or is invited to. Our current priority is to find individuals who are willing to make and serve the tea and coffee at our indoor meetings. New committee members are always welcome. If you wish to volunteer or join our committee, contact us by 'phone or e-mail or make yourself known at one of our Indoor Meetings. To make it easier, anyone joining our committee can be 'without portfolio' for the first few months whilst they find their feet. In addition to the monthly public meetings, the committee also meets once a month to plan activities and discuss wider issues regarding the RSPB. They are also many other ways in which you can help. See the Volunteering pages - http://www.rspb.org.uk/volunteering/opportunities/groups.asp If you wish to help in any way please make yourself known at one of our Indoor Meetings.

The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. We belong to BirdLife International, the global Nature is amazing - help us keep it that way. partnership of bird conservation organizations. 6