Bill Halling

Some sad news received yesterday about Bill - he died recently, just before Easter. Not everyone will know Bill but he had a long and keen interest in birds and other wildlife and conservation issues. In fact he did some work on green issues for the Diocese of Wakefield. During the time I knew him he had retired as a Church of England Vicar. A lovely friendly person.

He has been struggling with his health over recent years and has unfortunately not been able to get around the former haunts which included many parts of Calderderdale. He still remained part of the grapevine team and Calderdale bird blog follower.

I first met Bill on the top at Swales Moor on 28th December 2006 looking (and finding together the then present Shorelark) which stayed on that site until 26th March 2007.

We also met Bill and his wife up on the hill near the M62 and enjoyed the site of 3 Dotterel there in late April 2009.

We always seemed to meet at 'cold spots' including Fly Flatts on several occasions and Ovenden Moor on 23rd November 2010 when the late staying Wheatear was still present that day along with a Black Redstart. It was freezing that day!

On behalf of the local 'birders' we offer our thanks for Bill's friendship and encouragement and valuable contribution to local birding and offer our condolences to Bill's wife and family at this sad time.