Bird Report

The 2004 Bird Report is selling well, but we are still 82 pounds short of breaking even. Can I remind people to forward any money owed, to me as soon as possible so I can balance the books.

Also this is a good time to ask folks for thier records for 2005. The sooner I get them the sooner work can start on the next report.

All the best Nick..

Happy New Year

Just a quick post to wish all contributors and readers of this Blog a happy and bird filled 2006. A special thanks to Matt who's initial idea this Blog was and to all for your contributions and comments. I would like to offer a personal thankyou to all those who have worked for the Cons Comm during the year, there has been a lot of hard work done by a lot of people.

Northowram 31st

Happy new year to you all
2 snipe, 2 skylark,1 bullfinch,1 golfinch,50+Greenfinch,15 Chaffinch,2 fieldfare,3 redwing,30 common Gull,20BH Gull,1 grey Heron,40 Jackdaw and 19 Magpie

Calderdale Birds

Wainstalls etc- still one pair of stonechats toughing in out in the cold on 29th December. Also Green Woodpecker on the golf course at Ogden. Little Owl and one Lapwing nearby at Stodfold Farm below the golf course. White Carrion Crow still around Mixenden area.

New species for garden list 29th December

A male Reed Bunting this afternoon was a new species for Moor End Gardens.
Pete Grba has reported a Willow Tit at EGP sometime last week and Darrel flushed a Long-eared Owl at the back of High Royd sometime last week.

Jumble Hole/Underbank

Woodcock flushed from cover. Sparrowhawk, 3 bullfinch, 2 goldcrest, 12 redwing.

Northowram 29th Dec

2 Ruff in fields with 85 lapwing unfortunately they were flushed by a dog walker and flew off west.2 Skylark,3 Meadow Pipit,35 Redwing,2 Fieldfare,2 Golden Plover ,1 Snipe ,11 Herring gull and 1 Song Thrush.A brilliant afternoon.

Roils Head 27th December

5 Bullfinch, 1 Reed Bunting and 2 Wrens. 1 GBBGull west at Mount Tabor and a Great Spotted Woodpecker at Pellon again.

Ringstone Edge

Quick check this lunchtime produced only 6 Goosanders.

Walshaw Dean

1 m. goldeneye on Lower Walshaw
2 mallard
15 fieldfare
1 Great spotted woodpecker
7 red grouse

High Royd sewage works

3 water rails reported today (JB)

Waxwing/s

Reported from a garden at Dale Avenue, Kilnhurst (Todmorden) on Sunday 18 Dec, record via Hugh Firman.

Ringstone today

1 Reed Bunting
3 Teal
2 mallard
10 grey Partridge
1 Pheasant
1 Meadow Pipit
50+ Common Gull
20 BH Gull
1 Female Stonechat
20 Greenfinch
10 Chaffinch
3 Pied wags
2 Blackbird
1 Herring Gull

Injured short-eared owl

This short eared owl was picked up by a farmer whilst cutting hay at Slack Top, Hebden Bridge. It had an injured wing, and is being cared for by a falconer who is attempting to hack it back to the wild, though the wing is still damaged.

Lower Gorple

2 robin, 2 wren, m. kestrel, 2 red grouse, chaffinch, great tit, meadpw pipit, 24+ reed buntings in larch by the house.

Red letter day for recorder

A 1 hour local walk this afternoon started with a Sparrowhawk being mobbed by Carrion Crows at West End Golf Course. 2 minutes later and a large raptor was picked up being chased by another Carrion Crow ? fantastic a superb Female HEN HARRIER flew slowly south west over Norton Tower towards Sowerby Bridge and into the distance heading for the Baitings area (thank goodness for corvids). 100 yards further and the local Stonechat appeared, this was followed by a Little Owl and 100+ Redwings at Heath Hill Road. Over High Road Well Moor and 3 Golden Plovers were sat in the fields replacing yesterdays Hare. On to Moor End Road and 100+ more Redwings were feeding in the fields with the odd Mistle Thrush. Finally 3 Roe Deer stood out in the open for 5 minutes on my way back home.

More Waxwings

3 Waxwings reported today by Steve Cummings at Horne Street, Pellon Lane.

Roils Head and Heath Hill Road yesterday
Stonechat, 2 Reed Buntings, Little Owl and c40 Fieldfare.

Christmas pint

Just a reminder that we are meeting next Thursday (22nd) for a quick pint at "The Works" in Sowerby Bridge. All welcome. Even Adie.

walshaw Dean

2 Raven
2 stonechat
3 Carrion crow
1 Kestrel
10 Red Grouse

More Waxwings

News was sent out today on the birders text grapevine of 4 Waxwings on Burdock Way roundabout that were seen to fly towards Sainsbury's. Info from Sean Gray.

Lighthazzles

Report from unknown birders passed onto Brian L of a couple of Snow Buntings at the Lighthazzles Twite seed sometime during last week. Sorry to be so vague but that's all the info I have! Any birders on the text grapevine that haven't recently paid subs need to do so ASAP please.

Blackstone Edge res

1 Shelduck today (per BL) and c30 Twite at the Lighthazzles seed

EGPits 9th December

29 Cormorants
11 Tufted Duck
1 widgeon
2 pochard
50+ goosander
4 goldeneye
4 Redpoll
4 grey heron

Lower Gorple

f. kestrel, 2 red grouse, pheasant, meadow pipit, 2 fieldfare. Also 5 mallard and 3 canada geese on Widdop.

EGPits

28 Cormorant (min)
2 pochard (males)
4 goldeneye(1male,1fst winter male & 2 Females)
1 Widgeon
8 tufted duck
1 GC Grebe
2 little Grebe
22 Coot
8 Moorhen
3 Mute swan
50+ Goosander
2Kingfisher(male & female)
1 Grey wagtail
40+Mallard

Crosley gardens
2 Waxwing

Waxwings

The waxwings are back. Or at least two anyway. On the corner of Crossley Gardens 1:00pm today. Checked again an hour later, but no sign around the area.

EGPits

70+ Goosander
20 Cormorant (apparently there have been up to 24 last week)
1 Goldeneye
30 Mallard
2 Little Grebes
7 Tufted duck

Hen Harrier

A female reported today in usual area (BL)

EGPits and Ringstone

EGP
21 Cormorant
2 Little Grebe
1 Goldeneye (MALE)
6 Tufted Duck
22 Goosander
RINGSTONE
7 Bullfinch
11 meadow Pipit
8 Fieldfare
3 Redwing
1 Grey Wagtail
2 Blue Tit

Dean Clough Chimney!

Peregrine on the top south facing ledge of the chimney (out of the wind) feeding on prey between at least 2.30 and 3.30 this afternoon.

Halifax Town Centre - Bull Green 29/11/05

Lots of Pied Wagtails roosting in the shrubs between the roundabout and car park last night as I drove round it!! No chance of counting but there were a lot diving into the bushes. I think we had this a few years ago in winter with lots of P Wags roosting in the Woolshops area shrubberies. Will have a closer look as soon as I get chance! Anyone else seen them in town centre areas recently?

EGPits

Cold and misty

19 Cormorant
3 Goldeneye
30+ Goosander
40+ mallard
1 Kingfisher
2 Grey Wagtail
4 Tufted Duck

Ogden/Fly Flats 29/11/05

Not much about today - very cold but sunny!

White Carrion Crow still about in the Mixenden valley area. It's been about for several years now - there used to be two of them!

Ogden - 6 Grey Partridge in fields east side of Res'r also Green Woodpecker and m Sparrowhawk . No waterfowl of note.

30+ Red Grouse on Ovenden Moor and Fly Flats area. 1 Kestrel and also a falconer with dogs and f Peregrine flying near the windfarm - bit hazardous I thought - for the bird! Quarries checked to n/w of windfarm for Snow Buntings etc but nothing doing. 1f Stonechat at the Withens was toughing it out a bit in the cold!

2004 Bird Report

The Halifax Bird Report is available NOW!!! for £5 (£5.50 incl postage), to obtain your copy contact Nick Carter via email MIDGLEYBIRDER@YAHOO.CO.UK

More Photo's

Bit of a cheat as this was taken on our trip this Saturday at Pennington Flash.

EGPits(all from roadside)

17 Cormorant
25+ goosander
20 Coot
7 tufted Duck
3 Mute Swan(2adults +1 juv)
8 Moorhen
20 Mallard
1 LBBGull

2004 Bird Report

Sadly no birding for me this weekend but I contacted the printers on Friday re the bird report and received an answerphone message tonight from Matt to say the report will be ready to collect from the printers on Monday. Full details of how to obtain your copy will be posted on here in the near future.

Roils Head Road, Norton Tower 27th November

Stonechat still present, also 60+ Fieldfare over and c100 Lapwings over Mount Tabor.

Ringstone 3.00

3 Gooseander,3 Snipe ,!7 Golden Plover ,2 Mistle Thrush,! Stonechat,7 Fieldfare,1 Kestrel and 20 Starling

Elland Gravel Pits

Not much about really, 12 Cormorants on Ski lake, 5 Bullfinch, 1 Reed Bunting, small numbers of Blue tit, Great tit, Long Tailed tit, 10 Goosander on the River and 1, possibly 2 Little Grebe and 1 very charming Robin.

Ringstone

Another very grey day at Ringstone with heavy sleet and high winds.
5 Bewick's Swan
1 Goldeneye
3 Teal
3 Mallard
5 Greenfinch
2 gooseander

Testing

testing

Roils Head 23rd November

Apart from thick fog, 1 Stonechat and 15 Golden Plovers over.

RINGSTONE 12 - 14:30

Photo's of some of todays feeder visitors.

HARDCASTLE CRAGS 11AM-2PM

Without really venturing far from the car park recorded, Great,Blue and Coal tits, Goldcrest, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, Male Sparrowhawk, Mistle Thrush, half dozen Redwings, Nuthatch, Treecreeper. Spent most of time photographing several grey squirrels and the dozens of Coal tits near a feeding station over the other side of the river close to the houses.

Donna Nook Twite details

I have now received the following E mail from Andre Raine who is co-ordinating the Twite colour ringing project...

Glad you guys managed to pick up the twite flock at donna - you've bagged
the largest confirmed flock this winter - the others are only at the
30mark. however, there are rumours of a flock of 300 in norfolk which im
hoping to catch up with when i return from kenya.....

info on your sightings (all 2 colour birds are cohort combos. triple
ringed birds will have individual data included):

> Pink/Black white - light hazzles bird ringed in post breeding season 2004.

> Red/ Black white - cant clough bird ringed in post-breed 2004

> Pink/White orange Green/BTO - this bird is a bit of a problem. i had
this bird at walberswick, suffolk, on 11/11/2005. now last year we had
a similar incident, around this time, with 2 birds at walberswick flying
the 163km back north to donna nook (and one subsequently heading back
down to walberswick later in the winter) - i have no idea why!!
anyways, are you guys SURE this is the correct combo as there is a
Pink/w-o bto/dark green combo as well, so it could possibly be mixed up.
pete said he was sure of it - if you can confirm then we will accept it
and this will be the third odd-ball winter movement of a s pennines
twite!!

> White/Pink black BTO - no idea what this is, as there are no white/pink
or pink/black spilt rings (at least none we use). there is a pulli
combo white/pink darkblu/bto, but that doesnt appear to be what youve
written. also, of course combos of white/black pink and pink
black/white.....

> Red/White orange - bird ringed at cant clough in postbreed 2005

> Red/Blue orange - bird ringed at c clough in postbreed 2003

> Red/Yellow - one of the old school! bird ringed at c clough in prebreed
2003, making it a contender for the oldest known twite. any birds w
this combo at the beginning of next year will beat the longevity record
for this species....

> Dark blue/Orange Green/BTO - great resighting! bird ringed in the nest
at cupwith moor in 2004, wintered in donna nook last year as well (in
fact i think it was you guys who found it there last winter!). shows
winter site fidelity.

> White black/Pink - bird ringed in postbreed 2005 at light hazzles

> Red/White orange - BTO/Black white - bird ringed as a 3female (first
year bird) at c clough on 05/08/05. not seen since.

so, great stuff! cheers for going to have a look at them - i will try to
come along on your next foray in the new year. and please do pass this on
to local birders - we would really like to get people to check these
flocks as regularly as poss to get a handle on how long birds are staying
at wintering sites and if there is any between site movement in the winter
(ie the weird donna-walberswick connection).

I need to double check the Pink/White orange Green/BTO bird with Andy and Iain but as far as I remember this was correct. Not sure what has happened with the White/Pink black BTO perhaps we were mistaken with this bird or I misinterpreted what someone called out. I am sure the Andy and Iain will agree that birds feeding in Sea Aster were difficult to get good views of!

Nick

Heading West

Following 2 successful trips to the East Coast in the last 5/6 weeks, this Saturday I'm planning on heading west(yes I know snow has been forecast!) Myself, Iain Greenwood and his girlfriend are taking up 3 spaces which leaves 1 more for anyone who'd like a lift or more if someone wants to join us and drive. There is also the possibilty that Iain's girlfriend won't be able to come along due to work commitments. The exact site/s to be visited are yet to be decided, open to suggestions.

ROUND THE BENDS TO HEBDEN AND BACK

Set off this afternoon up by the side of the Railway station in Mytholmroyd and onto Brearley then back along the Canal and on through to Hebden before returning via the Canal. Good mixed tit flocks incl Long tailed, Blue, Great & Coal along with Goldcrests in woods along the side of the railway also Tawny Owl heard. Down by the Cricket club a single Female Bullfinch. Passing the sewage works upto 5 Redpoll in trees by the canal bank opposite side to the tow path, also small numbers of Goldfinch.

No sign of Kingfisher by Railway Bridge in Hebden, 1 Grey Heron in the river though, on our return Male and Female Goosander on the river close to Walkley Clogs Mill flew towards Hebden. No sign of Redpoll as we returned to Mytholmroyd.

Whiteholme 19th November

Martyn Hayes reports a Snow Bunting, 32 Twite, 2 Raven and 8 Wigeon at Whiteholme on Saturday. Several of us went off to Donna Nook on Sunday to look for colour ringed Twite amongst the flock there. A total of at least 11 ringed birds were seen, I will post further details when I receive the info back from Andre Raine.

Roils Head 21st November

1 Stonechat, 1 Reed Bunting and 2 Goldcrests.
2 Bullfinch at Ovenden Wood.

High Road Well Moor, Mount Tabor 20th November

Peregrine Falcon flew east, putting up 50+ Lapwing, circled for 2-3 minutes over Illingworth before moving off to the east.
7 Golden Plover and a Hare present in fields.

Cold Edge and Fly Flats 19th November

1 Goldeneye and a Grey Heron over Fly Flats.
2 Goldeneye, 1 Tufted Duck, 5 Greylag Geese, Kestrel, Wren, good numbers of Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 50+ Common Gull at Cold Edge.
Goldcrest, 2 Mistle Thrush and Pied Wagtail at Wainstalls.
2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers at Moor End Road, Pellon.

West End Golf Course

8+ Redpoll at north end of Golf Course PM.
16 birds flying south over Pellon at dusk may have been Waxwings???

Wainstalls/Fly Flats/High Brown Knoll/Luddenden Dean

Lovely day for walking but pretty quiet bird-wise except for 34 Golden Plover along Wainstalls-Withens Road. 1 pair Stonechats at the gate to the sailing club. One drake Goosander on Fly Flats. c20 Red Grouse over the moor to High Brown Knoll. Another pair of Stonechats at Wainstalls just past the terrace houses on Castle Carr Road. Not one raptor today!

Also (as yet) an un-identified parrot flying free at the head of Luddenden Dean with Chaffinch/Greenfinch etc feeding under oak trees.

Bird Report

Birdwatching at Cromwellbottom/EGP is now out and for sale at 7.oo(7 quid) per copy.Please send a cheque made payable to Friends of Cromwell Bottom.-
Andrew Cockroft
9 Hedge top Lane
Northowram
Halifax
HX3 7 ER
or Telephone 07724320999(to order your copy) 

Elland Gravel Pits

2 possible shag reported flying towards ski lake.
Awaiting further detail and confirmation

Luddenden Dean

4 yellow billed - (probably) Whooper Swans over the Dean at 11.15 am today flying down from Fly Flats area going south. No chance of hearing any calls as the wind was so strong!

Not much else found in the Dean because of the wind - other than one mixed flock (35 - 40 birds) of Blue, Great, Coal and Long-tailed Tits and Goldcrests. Also 15 Redwings feeding on holly berries. One Little Owl and 2 Kestrels at Wainstalls.

No sign today of any flocks of Woodpigeons as the Dean is normally a very good place for large winter flocks with big roosts at Castle Carr.

Elland GP 13th November

No sign of possible G N Diver ???, but winter plumage Great Crested Grebe present !!!, also 4 Goosander, Kingfisher, G S Woodpecker, 5 Siskin 2 Bullfinch and numerous Long-tailed Tits present.

Hen Harrier reported at Walshaw Dean, midday.

Hebden Bridge

Female wood duck on canal at Hebden Bridge Marina.

Kingfisher now a regular on the river as you pass over the bridge walking towards the train station.

Northowram /early November

30th Oct- 2 Nov
At least 5000 Starlings west
5th Nov
1 Cormorant west
7 Pinkfeet west
7th Nov
104 Pinkfeet west
10th Nov
2 Whooper Swans west
Anyone had any large numbers of Woodpigeons yet?

Ringstone

It was a grey day,howling wind and driving horizontal rain.perfect for -
2 Bar - tailed Godwits
7 Teal
100+ Golden Plover
150 + Lapwing
1 Meadow Pipit
150 B.H Gull
30 Fieldfare
30 + Redwing
1 Mistle Thrush
10 Greenfinch
4 Common Gull

Walshaw Dean - 1:00pm

150+ fieldfare
6 pairs of stonechat between lower and upper Walshaw res.
4 meadow pipit
2 f. pheasant
6 red grouse
Blackbird at Middle Walshaw
Robin at car park
2 kestrel

Lumbutts Area

Monday 7th Nov 10am - 1130
Lee Dam
1M Blackcap feeding in conifer
2F Goosander, flew off SE at 10:10
2M, 1F Pochard
Flock of Long-tailed Tits, few Chaffinch.
Also, in fields to SW, large flock of mixed thrushes and Starlings.

Longfield Dam and near Shepherd's Rest
More good flocks of Fieldfare and Starling, there seemed to be slightly less Redwing. One flock had well over 100 Fieldfare and probably 200+ Starling. I suspect there could be at least 3-400 Fieldfare scattered around the fields.
Also at the dam:
6M Tufted Duck
35 Black-headed Gull
1 Common Gull
1 Lapwing
65 Canada Geese
c25 Mallard and hybrids
1 Meadow Pipit heard

Wainstalls/Luddenden Dean

5th November. 2 Sparrowhaws probably immatures working together above Jerusalem Farm area chasing small birds as lots of tits/finches and Redwings about. Not much else found in the Dean other than 15 Long-tailed Tits.
One pair of Stonechats together near cottages in Castle Carr Road and 2 Female/immature Kestrels.

Ringstone 8:00 - 11:00 5/11/2005

Newly seeded field:-

10 Grey Partridge
60+ Lapwing
16 Golden Plover
3 Meadow Pipit

Feeders

Greenfinch in good numbers
Great tit
Blue tit
3 Bullfinch (1 female)

Res

34 Black headed gull

Top field

30 Golden Plover (NB On taking flight some of these may have formed the 16 in the newly seeded field - lost sight of the flock as the flew off NE)

Lower Gorple & Widdop - 3pm

Gorple - Pheasant, meadow pipit, bunting sp. (probable f. reed bunting)
Widdop - 3 ring ouzel between car park and dam wall.

Volunteer required!

I've had a request from the Alternative Technology Centre in Hebden Bridge. This weekend is their Big Green event, and they did have someone booked in to do nestbox making with kids. Just basic stuff. However, they've had an accident and can't do it.

I can't make it as it's my sons birthday (excuses, excuses), so if anyone can spare some time, ideally 11-4, this Saturday or Sunday (either would do), it would be hugely appreciated. Also, it's helping the next generation of birders get interested.

If you can help or know anyone who can, please contact Susie or Polly at the ATC on 01422 842121

Roils Head 2nd November

1 Stonechat (3 present yesterday) 5+ Goldcrests

Walshaw Dean

Reported from Walshaw Dean today House Martin and juv Ring Ouzel (Pete Grice)

Cold cold Edge Dams

8.15 - 10.30
Rain and black cloud improving to clear blue sky strong wind.
247 Redwing west
40 Fieldfare west
15 Meadow Pipit s/w
60 Lapwing South
35 Woodpigs west
3 Herring Gull north
100 starling west
6 Reed Bunts south
Other
1 Tufted Duck
3 Teal
2 Stonechat
4 Greylags
1 Blackbird
27 Mallard
2 Kestrel

Shroggs Park

Several Bramblings at various locations in the park last 4 days but mobile. Also occasional Siskin passsing over in last few days.

Cold Edge 31st October

1 Wigeon, 1 Tufted Duck, 4 Greylag Geese, 2 Snipe, Red Grouse, 4 Stonechats, Song Thrush, 20+ Redwing and 20+ Fieldfare. Stonechat at Withens Hotel and Sparrowhawk hunting at Wainstalls.

Roils Head 30th October

3 Stonechats

Ringstone Feeders more visitors....

Ringstone Feeders 13:30 - 14:00

28th October Norton Tower - Roils Head

Wheatear(greenland?) and Stonechat at Norton Tower, another Stonechat at Roils Head.

Ringstone Feeder Station 181005

Your probably all looking at the Greenfinch ( and with good cause ) however the reason I've put this picture on is to see if anyone is aware that the peanut feeder is missing!! Picture taken on the 18th however feeder missing tonight at 18:00

Southerly over SH

As expected with such a wind on a sunny day, nothing much doing. 4 Mipit, 3 Skylark, 4 Mallard, pr Kestrel, grounded Song Thrush. A plus point however, the diggers have removed the old cars, freezers and wotsits by the Radio Mast.

Soil Hill

Calderdale Birds

taken from the bradford ornithological groups website tonight..

Soil Hill
raven, 80 pinkfeet east and jack snipe

Cold edge vis

08.00 - 10. 30
heavy showers and clear spells
254 Fieldfare s/w
162 Redwing s/w
2 Blackbirds s/w
42 Meadow Pipit s/w
6 Golden Plover south
27 Chaffinch s/w
2 Greenfinch s/w
1 Reed Bunting south
54 Starling south
Other birds present
2 Stonechat
4 goldfinch
4 Greylags
1 Raven
1 moorhen
14 mallard
17 Canada Geese
Cheers

Survey help wanted!

Below is an E mail I received today from Steve Atkins of the BTO with regard to pilot survey work for the BTO National Atlas. Several of us discussed this survey at one of our meetings but it would appear from Steve's E mail that perhaps there isn't quite the commitment required we first thought, anyone interested or wanting more info please contact me and I'll pass on Steve's details. perhaps a few of us could co-ordinate something between us?



Dear Nick,


Would you please circulate the following to any members of the Halifax Birdwatcher’s Club who might be interested in helping out with this pilot survey. At present we are looking for volunteers to do timed counts in the following tetrads: Blackstone Edge Reservoir, Soyland Moor, Green Withens Reservoir, Moss Moor and White Hill. If it will be of help I can provide you with a list of the 1km squares that fall within these tetrads, which are all either wholly or partly within the HBC’s recording area. We are also keen to find people willing to take on the roving recorder role anywhere within the 10 km square.

In the winter of 2005/2006 we will be undertaking pilot work for the forthcoming National Bird Atlas. The atlas will cover both breeding and wintering birds and between 1st November and the end of February this winter we will be testing two different methods for counting wintering species. Trials will take place in the 10km square SD91 which is the area East of Rochdale town centre, from Denshaw in the South to Light Hazzles/White Holme Reservoir in the North. This area contains a wide variety of habitats, from urban through to moorland, and will test our ability to survey the more remote parts of our region. Whilst there are some popular birdwatching sites here (Watergrove Reservoir, Hollingworth Lake and the Piethorne Valley) it is equally important to survey less attractive urban areas.

The two survey methods, "Roving Recorders" and "Timed Counts", will be trialled in the same area by two different groups of observers and Steve Atkins has agreed to assist with the co-ordination of this work, which will be more intensive than the actual survey work for the atlas. If you would like to help with these survey trials, you need to choose which one you would rather do - you can't do both! The survey period for both types is 1st Nov - 28th Feb.

"Timed Visits" involve making 2 visits to a chosen tetrad (2km by 2km square) and counting all the birds you see or hear using the area (not ones which just fly over). Each visit will take at least 1 hour 20 minutes and no more than 3 hours (depending on the number of birds there are - so moorland visits will probably be shorter).

The second type is called "Roving Recorder" where you can make as many visits as you like anywhere within the whole 10km by 10km square (SD91) and record all the species that you see or hear using the square. You don't need to count the birds but note down which tetrads they were in. I will provide maps for you as well as instructions and the recording forms.

Would anyone who is interested in taking part please contact either of us indicating which survey method they would prefer to help with. If Timed Visits, please indicate which tetrad (s) you would be willing to survey. If you would like any more information please get back to me or Steve Atkins.

Thanks

Steve Suttill

Steve Atkins

on behalf of the British Trust for Ornithology (Manchester Region)

Pellon area 23rd October

Reed Bunting at Roils Head, Siskin at Silverwood and a Merlin over Moor End Road followed by an injured blackbird.

Cold Edge Vis Mig

Just to say that I will have to stop the vis mig watch at CED due to my wife being taken to hospital after a stroke which looks like it could be a long job.If anyone wants to carry it on for the remaining few weekends it would be good. Brian.

Twite sighting

Of interest, a Twite ringed in Midgley in 2004 (as a pulli) and reported later that year at Lighthazzles (03/10/04) has been seen again, this time at Cant Clough (Burnley area) on 14/10/05. Colour combination is dark blue/bw orange/bto

1/2 PLACES LEFT

STILL 1 COMFORTABLE SPACE AND 2 @ A SQUEEZE FOR TOMORROWS TRIP TO SPURN, BIRDS IN THE AREA TODAY INCLUDE FIRECREST, YELLOW BROWED WARBLER AND NORTHERN LONG TAILED TIT. I'LL ALSO HAVE BIRDGUIDES TEXT ALERT SWITCHED ON IN CASE ANYTHING REALLY EXCITING TURNS UP. ANYONE WISHING TO JOIN ME AND IAIN G PLEASE LEAVE CONTACT NUMBER ON MY EMAIL ANDREWHUYTON@HOTMAIL.COM, THOSE OF YOU NOT COMING ALONG HAVE A GREAT DAY ON YOUR LOCAL PATCH.

Lower Gorple & Widdop - pm

Very little about today. 4 red grouse, goldcrest and tawny owl calling in plantation. Probable ring ouzel flushed from moor. Absolutely nothing on, or at the edge of, either res' despite loads of mud.

Cold Edge 19th October

5 Wigeon, Adult male Sparrowhawk, Stonechat, 2 Red Grouse, Kestrel and 6 Goldfinch.

TRIP TO SPURN

Does anyone fancy joining me for a day at Spurn this coming Saturday, sorry it's short notice but thats my life I'm afraid. I'm happy to drive and have room for 3 comfortably, 4 at a squeeze.
Leave your names and numbers to arrange, early start suggested; open to ideas on exact time. I've not checked high tides, weather reports etc as yet.

Underbank

Chiffchaff (still) in my garden.

Ringstone 11.00 - 12.00

220 Lapwing
21 Golden Plover
1 Dunlin
19 Widgeon(18 female types 1 male)
3 Skylark
2 Cormorant
30 Meadow pipit

Curlew chicks spring 2005

Hi all apologies for moth photos but it looks like ive sussed this photo thing at last.Andy 

Testing Photo

moth 

Ringstone 14:30 - 16:00

1 Wheatear North East shore, 1 Snipe > E, 8 Greenfinch on feeders, 2 Blue tits, 2 Great Tits, Dunnock, 7 Common Gulls on Res., c80 B H Gulls on Res and in surrounding Fields, 5 Golden Plover in Field to West before flying off SE. 17 Lapwing in same field.

Meeting at Cromwell bottom

Wenesday morning at 10.00 at car park.This meeting is about, what happens next at Cromwell.it would be good if a birder could be there,J beaumont,G,denison and myself canot attend.For futher details call me at home or on my mobile.There is talk of chopping down large areas of bramble and Fragmites.this would be a disaster for breeding warblers.
Thanks andy

Ringstone

Sean and andy
2500 + ( largest flock 120)s/e
54 Brambling ( 50 + 4)s/e
Siskin 35 ( 16 + 4 + 15)s/e
Woodpigeon 30 S/e
Chaffinch 100 +
Greenfinch 20 +
Redpoll 10 S/e
1 Collared Dove
220 Pinkfeet ( i40 + 80 ) west
20 Goldfinch s/w
30 meadow Pipit S/w
20 Fieldfwre s/w
60 Lapwing
1 Golden Plover
1 Song Thrush s/w
3 Blackbird s/w
1 Sparrowhawk (male following finches)
1 bullfinch
A great vis mig day

Hebden Bridge /top football pitch

3 Swallow south
200 Redwing s/w
80 Pinkfeet west
20 Fieldfare s/w

COLD EDGE DAMS

16/10/05 0715-1030 Vis Mig

254 MIPIT >SE
2 ALBA WAG >W
13 REED BUNT >W
148 STARLING >S
41 GOLDFINCH >W
192 REDWING >E 1 flock of 170

Other 1f Stonechat 1 Tufted 1 Wren 31 BH Gull + usual.
What should have been a mega morning spoilt by rolling fog and mist banks.
BS

Ringstone./Lapland Bunting

A second bite today!.total fog this morning. Almost on top of the fog at times with periods of good
vertical visibility through to open sky. Redwings constantly on the move with
biggest parties of 60 and 45 going south-west together with lots of smaller
groups. As usual with Redwings on the move, more
groups were heard than seen and counted. Small parties of Fieldfare the largest been 50.The bushes around the feeding station(east side )Held large numbers of Greenfich ,Chaffinch,Goldfinch and 1 Brambling called loudly as they all took to the sky.I then walked up the track next to the farm, large numbers of Meadow Pipit were streaming through and then i herd the call of Lapland Bunting above me moving south.I herd the call another time before seeing the bird dissapearing southward (brilliant).2 Skylarks, 1 jack snipe ,35 Snipe ,10 Twite near where Nick placed nijer seed and 65 Pinkfeet made for a great hour at Ringstone

Ringstone 4-5pm

Walked the eastern section of the new "Ringstone Recording Area". Pinkfeet now down across the road in the East fields. 90 Redwing over going Southeast.

Cold Edge 14th October

Wigeon, 2 Stonechats, Goldcrest, Red Grouse, Grey Partridge and 7 Linnets.

Roils Head
Stonechat, 3 Goldcrest and 40+ Redwings over.

Ringstone 11.00 - 11.45

1 Dunlin
1 Tufted Duck
1 Blackcap (male)
8 Snipe
9 Golden Plover
65 Pinkfeet
100 Canada Geese
Small parties of Redwing ,Chaffinch,greenfinch,redpoll and meadow pipit heading s/w

Ringstone

I think we can agree it was a Hobby.The latest record in calderdale by along way(16th Sept previous record)There have been a few october records from Paul Clough and the Bradford area,so its not that late.Today had a real winter feel with the wind turning northerly.
65 Pinkfeet in the north field
4 Whooper swans
35 redwing south
6 Teal
1 male Goosander
8 snipe
6 Reed Bunts
2 Jays

Cold Edge 12th October

Wigeon, 2 Tufted Duck, Goosander, Red Grouse and a Short-eared Owl near the Withens Hotel.

Yellow-browed warbler

Early today briefly at Scammonden Dam (John Beaumont).
No sign later that morning.

Ringstone 14:45 - 17:30

5 Snipe over, 17 Lapwing, 8 Goosander, c50 BH Gulls, 4 Common Gulls, 3 Pied Wagtail.

On and around the feeding station on the South shore, 1 GS Woodpecker, 3 Bullfinch incl 1 female, 6 Blue tit, 1 Wren, 1 Robin, 1 Great tit and a Blackbird.

1 Adult Peregrine sat in the field above the North shore.

Down the road in the newly seeded field 7 Golden Plover.

COLD EDGE DAMS

Vis Mig 09/10/05 0715-1100hrs

805 MIPIT >S
3 SKYLARK >S
8 SNIPE >W
359 STARLING >S
27 ALBA WAG >SW
11 GREENFINCH >SW
66 CHAFFINCH >SW
4 SWALLOW >S
430 PF GEESE >E 250---150---30 to the far S of me.

Also 1m Stonechat 1 Heron 32 Mallard

MIXENDEN RESERVOIR 3 Swallows. BS

Roils Head 8th October

Ring Ouzel first winter bird, fourth record for the Pellon/Mount Tabor area. Also present Goldcrest, 4 Skylarks and 28 Lapwings in nearby fields.
Anybody with any photographs of birds taken in Calderdale in 2004 should send them to me as soon as possible on a disc for possible inclusion in the forthcoming bird report.

Thanks

Just a quick post to thank all those of you who have taken the time to post their sightings, photos, thoughts and comments on this Blog, we weren't sure how it would go when it was originally suggested by Matt but it is obviously proving very popular! Please spread the word as it helps us to increase the records received for inclusion in the annual report as well as being an interesting read. Now that I am back on line I can hopefully contribute a little more myself!

The Bird Club has recently received its complimentary copy of the Huddersfield Birdwatchers Club annual report for 2003 anyone wanting to see it can contact me, or better still buy their own personal copy I can supply a contact address etc.

Peering through the Gloom!!!

A quick hours watching at Ringstone on the way home is very quickly turning into a half hour and not because the traffic is bad. The poor light over the last 2 evenings has made it difficult to pick out some species and near impossible to give definate counts but this should give you a rough idea:- Thurs 18:15 till last light, 11 Goosander, 17 Mallard, 2 GC Grebe, 1 BH Gull, 4 Lapwings and some unconfirmed wigeon. Tonight approx sametime, 23 Lapwings, 5 Tufted Ducks, 4 Goosander, c25 Canada Geese, 9 unconfirmed Golden Plover in top field, 12 Mallard, 2 GC Grebe and unconfirmed wigeon and teal on far bank. Planning an early morning trip up to hopefully get some confirmation on what may have stayed the night. Here's hoping it's dry and lighter.

7th October

2 Chiffchaffs at Moor End Gardens this afternoon. Sparrowhawk tried to take a Stonechat at Roils Head PM. Yesterday at Cold Edge Dams 6 Stonechat, 1 Goosander, 2 Teal, 4 Greylag Geese and 30+ Goldfinch.

Jumble Hole Clough - 9:30

Chiffchaff, green woodpecker, g.sp. woodpecker, dozens of long-tailed tits

Booth Wood

The steep sided valley leading up to the M62 from the road bridge above Booth Wood produced 4 Stonechats and a female Sparrowhawk on a telegraph pole this afternoon. There seem to be a lot of Stonechats about!

Crimsworth Dean and Walshaw Dean

A long trek round today - very quiet for birds in perfect weather! Controlled burning heather on the moor at Widdop and Gorple.

Crimsworth Dean - 1 Little Owl, 5 Lapwings, 7 Swallows going through and 10 Grey Partridge. c20 Red Grouse over the moor.

Walshaw Dean - 4 Stonechats in different areas, 1 Dipper in the catchwater drain at Middle Walshaw - also 2 Reed Buntings there and 1f Sparrowhawk over. 10 Teal on Lower Walshaw and an odd Kestrel and a few M Pipits.

Lee Mount - Redwings heard going over this evening.

Any Batmen out there??

Only 3 Goosander tonight at Ringstone between 18:15 - 19:00, matched by 3 GC Grebe along with 5 Lapwing, 1 Dunlin, 2 Mallard and c100 BH Gulls before they flew off leaving only the odd couple at last light. 1 Little Owl in fields on the left hand side of Krumlin road. Rishworth Rd produced 1 large bat sp. hunting round the street lights between the open fields, any ideas guys??

Baitings - 3:00pm

8 teal on reservoir. 1 Greylag goose in with a flock of 12 canadas. Peregrine overhead.

A Calm still evening

Not often you can say that about Ringstone but you could this evening between 18:20 and 19:00. The contingent of female Goosanders has grown to 13, 7 Golden Plover flew into the top field before moving on didn't see which direction they went in but they came in straight over my head as I stood in the layby. Also present c50 Canada Geese with 1 white farm goose, 2 Male Mallard 1 female and c50 Black headed gulls with 1 Common Gull, 1 female/juv Kestrel and 1 Great Crested Grebe.

Badger Lane, Blackshaw Head

Party of 8 twite this morning reported by Joe Fleming. Also told me of a ring ouzel coming from the direction of the Crags towards Heptonstall around 6 weeks ago

Shroggs Park/Lee Mount

c20 House Martins still around this morning and 2 Goosander going south. Also 1 Redpoll over and c50 mixed Chaffinch/Greenfinch in the park and a flock of c40 Goldfinch over. Lots of Blackbirds arrived in the last few days but no sign of Redwings yet as they usually arrive for the Sorbus berries.

COLD EDGE DAMS

Vis Mig 02/10/05 0645-1045hrs

815 MIPITS >S and SW
4 REDPOLL >W
42 CHAFFINCH >W
109 GREENFINCH >W
3 SKYLARK >SW
11 SNIPE >W
14 LINNET >W
7 ALBA WAG >W
2 SWALLOWS >S
OTHER... 2 Red Grouse 1m Stonechat 1 Kestrel 2 Linnets on seed
BS.

2 swallows

High, moving west, over Callis Bridge, Charlestown.

Cold & Windy Ringstone 18:20 - 19:00

6 female Goosander this evening, 1 GC Grebe, Curlew and 8 Lapwings + approx 50 BH Gulls. AND THATS ALL FOLKS !!!!!!

Peering >S under the low cloud at C.E.D. this a.m. BS 

COLD EDGE DAMS

25/09/05 0730-1045hrs Vis Mig

487 MIPIT >S
1 TREE PIPIT >SE
36 GOLDFINCH >W
4 JAY >W
5 SNIPE >W
3 ALBA WAGS >W
11 REED BUNT >W
3 SKYLARK >W
2 FIELDFARE in plantation then >NE

Other 1pr Stonechat 38 Mallard 4 Teal 2 Heron 1f Goosander
BS

Roils Head 24th September

Chiffchaff
Stonechat
Great Spotted Woodpecker

Roils Head 23rd September

1 Chiffchaff
1 Sand Martin west
5 Swallows West
20+Long-tailed Tit
20+Blue Tit
2 Coal Tit
5 Skylarks
2 Kestrels
1 Sparrowhawk
1 Goldfinch
1 Stonechat

Gorple - 9:30am

Wheatear nr. the Pack Horse pub. Not a lot else, as it was p*ssing down! However, there's a hell of a shoreline on Lower Gorple, so might be worth a look during suitable conditions.

Ogden/Fly Flats

20/09/05
Redpoll (2) and several Siskin at Ogden over the plantations. Lots of Meadow Pipits and Skylarks on Ovenden Moor and large groups of Swallows going through and feeding over the moor and high over the plantations.
Wheatear at The Withens and 14 Tufted Duck on Fly Flats - also 2 Stoats together there and one Red Grouse.

22/09/05
Fly Flats - 6 Tufted Duck, 2 Stonechats at the small bridge near the road to the sailing club, 4 Wheatears, lots of Meadow Pipits. Also small groups of Swallows going through at the far end of Res'r heading down into Luddenden Dean and a few P/Wags. One Red Grouse and one Golden Plover and one Twite over.

Dipper

Had an adult Dipper in the Calder in Todmorden whilst walking to Netto just now. It was visible at 11:55 from the bridge at Wellington Road (just up Burnley Road from the town centre), and appeared to have caught something on a dive, but had gone a few minutes later when I walked back. I presume it had flown downstream into the centre, as this bridge is the start of a long culvert heading upstream.
Ashamed to say it's my first one this year!

A murky start to Sundays vis mig at Cold Edge Dams. BS 

Luddenden Dean

18/09/05 2 - 4 pm
c160 Goldfinch on thistles/telephone wires in fields below Castle Carr Road - also 2 Redpoll over and 1 Wheatear.
Lots of Swallows/House Martins (300 approx) going through the Dean in groups coming down the valley from Castle Carr.
2 Sparrowhawks also passing through.
Lots of rabbits in the area towards the lower lodge including several with Myxamatosis and one albino.

COLD EDGE DAMS

18/09/05 0715-1045hrs Vis Mig

156 MIPIT >W
17 SWALLOW >SW
18 CHAFFINCH >W
3 ALBA WAG >W
4 SKYLARK >W
22 SNIPE >W
5 WIGEON >SE
Other :- 1f Stonechat 5 Teal 1 Common Sand 1 Pere 2 Heron
BS.

Cold Edge Dams

11/09/05 Vis Mig 0715-1100hrs.

1 Common Sand
1 Wheatear
24 Snipe >W
450 Swallow >SE
32 House Martin >SE
352 Mipit >E & SE
12 Siskin >W
15 Coal Tit >W
8 Pied Wag >W
36 Goldfinch >SE
146 Starling >S
9 Wigeon >S
1 Buzzard >W
15 Linnet on seed
Approx 50 bloggers in nearby field, Goldfinch,Linnet and Mipits. BS

Birding Journals

As many of you will know Alastair Forsyth recently left our area after over 10 years living close to Withens Clough, he now resides in the Whitby area and has taken on Kettleness as his local patch (already showing excellent results with Cory's and Balearic Shearwater amongst others!). As part of his "clear out" prior to the move he has passed on quite a large number of birding journals and magazines (BB, Birding World, Yorkshire Birding etc), he has asked that these be made available to any interested bird club member on a loan basis. At the moment these magazines are in my possesion so if anyone is interested please contact me for further details. As I have limited storage space does anyone want to take on the role of "librarian" and find a permanent home for this genorous donation?

Ovenden Moor/Fly Flats

Hobby directly over me today when I was crossing Ovenden Moor at the back of the windfarm above Ogden at 1.15 pm. Stunning view so close and chasing mipit but away at speed! Probably an immature as quite brown underneath especially on the chest with heavy dark streaking and barred tail. The moustachial face pattern was clear but no red seen on the thighs.

24 Siskin fly-over Fly Flats but not a sign of a wader though some mud. RL Partridges in field on Haworth side below the Res'r.

More Siskin over the plantation at Ogden along with hundreds (600+?)of Hirundines approx half Swallows/House Martins.

Ringstone 18:30 - 19:35

43 BH Gulls, 2 LBB, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Mallard, 2 Meadow Pipits, 1 Female Kestrel, 1 Juv Peregrine chasing Gulls and Crows, 21 Canada Geese. All in all fairly quiet and very windy.

Cold Edge Dams

07/09/05 1815-1915hrs

Mipit 22 High and >W
Swallow 15 >W
Snipe 5 >W + 6 on deck
1m Stonechat
1f Tufted + usual
BS.

ringstone 6th

4 golden plover
1 wheatear
1 Tree pipit
1 goldcrest
1 willow warbler
1 skylark
50 + meadow pipit
2 house martin
50 Swallows

1 speckled wood(first for Ringstone?)

Ringstone 5th

108 Meadow pipit s/w
35 pied Wagtail moving south
18 Snipe s/w
155 swallow s/w
210 House martin (at least s/w)
1 Peregrine
42 goldfinch
1 sand martin south

6 Wigeon at Cold Edge Dams this a.m. BS 

COLD EDGE DAMS

04/09/05 0720-1100hrs Vis Mig
Thick fog till 0900 then misty in valley.
Swallow 61 >SE
House Martin 5 >SE
Mipit 19 >SE
Snipe 25 >SW
Wigeon 6 on water then >E
Tufted 6 on water then >N
BS.

2nd hand report - 3 Sept

Buzzard over Slack Top (Widdop Road) reported from very reliable source. Also short eared owl injured by hay making machine and taken into care at same site.

Additionally, juv. cormorant on the canal at Mytholmroyd, and flew up towards Hebden Bridge.

3rd September update

Walshaw Dean, Pete Grice reports female/juv Hen Harrier.
NCD has Swift at Mount Tabor.

Text grapevine funds

The text grapevine funds have run out. Please send your five pounds to either Nick C or Nick D for further messages, as soon as possible.For the while I will post the texts on the blogg site.
3rd Sept, Pete Grba reports 13 Wigeon, 3 Pintail, 5 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover at Whiteholme.

Ringstone 1st sept(second update

All afternoon birds seemed to be moving through,small parties of hirrundines skimmed the water and the newly made pools were full of meadow pipits and Pied Wagtails.The first taste of autumn.All birds seemed to be moving in a westerly direction.
30 + Pied wagtail
200 Mipits
200 swallows
50+ house martin
4 sand martin
1 Artic tern(sat in a ploughed field ?)
1 yellow wag

A couple more shots

Blown up using Adobe photoshop.

A Lesson well learnt.

Once again driving down Crag Rd produces photo opportunity from the car and this time with my camera by my side I was able to take advantage. Perfect late evening light also helped show this Short Eared Owl at it's very best.

Underbank 1:00pm

6 blackcap (3m, 3f) together in one small hawthorn. Also, chiffchaff calling, willow warbler, c.50 swallows gathering with c.20 house martins. 2 raven high over Erringden, plus juv. peregrine buzzing the jackdaws and woodpig's.

Ringstone 1st sept

29 Dunlin(4 North then 25 North )
20 + Snipe
3 wheatear
3 bullfinch
150 + Mipits
6 lapwing.

Of interest

Hummingbird Hawk Moth at Moor End Gardens, in recorders back yard this afternoon feeding on budlia bush

Ringstone 31st august

1 black tern(still present at 3.30)
1 Wheatear
7 teal
2 G,C. grebe
3 Stock Dove
1 sand martin
20 house martin
150 + swallow
5 meadow pipit

Underbank - 5:00pm

Peregrine (juv.) low over, mobbed by 12 swallows, sparrowhawk and jackdaw. Green and GS woodpecker, 2 bullfinch. Also, very early pip' bat flying around.

Northowram Vis 29th and 30th

165 Swallows s/w
9 house martin s/w
3 meadow pipit s/w
8 pied wagtail high south
2 grey Wagtail high south

other birds in northowram
52 Collared dove
95 goldfinch
35 greenfinch
2 little owl
5 linnet
1 skylark
19 mistle thrush
1 gs woodpecker

COLD EDGE DAMS

29/08/05 0715- 0915
Vis Mig. Some early movement till forced to abandon through strong SW,
horizontal heavy drizzle and poor visibility.
Swallow 5 >W
Mipit 21 >W
Pied Wag 1 >W

Other. Usual mallard and Canadas, BS

CAUGHT ON CAMERA... Its suprising what you pick up with a scan across the moor. GD above Cold Edge this morning. BS 

COLD EDGE DAMS

Vis Mig 0730-1045 28/08/05
Swallow 46 >SW
House Martin 3 >SW
Pied Wag 4 >W
Snipe 4 >W
Mipit 48 >S

Other :- 1 Hybrid Garganey 1f Teal 3 m Tufted + usual. BS

Walshaw Dean Estate fined

Of interest, see

http://www.english-nature.org.uk/news/story.asp?ID=756

Walshaw Dean estate fined for damaging moorland.

Spotted flycatcher

Spotted fly in bushes on Underbank, nr. Jumble Hole. This is a first for this site for me. It's extremely overgrown up there, so it could easily have been there all summer, or just as likely been brought down by heavy rains this morning.

Nuthatch

Hi Matt
the first record in calderdale was in hardcastle craggs in october 1950.A pair bred in centre vale park todmorden in 1987(this may be near the schoo?).With the recent explosion of this species it is not uncommon to see/hear them almost anywhere these days.

Todmorden

Nuthatch calling from the woods behind Tod High School. Is this a usual site?

Nortowram...vis 21 and 22 august

185 Swallows s/w
2 Sand martin s/w
1 swift south
16 house martin s/w
1 tree pipit south
(No mipits at all so far?)

Other birds
Little Owl ,18 mistle thrush,1 peregrine (flew towards Halifax)50 goldfinch,7 linnet and 4 Skylark.

Withens Clough

My first visit unfortunately for almost 2 weeks and it's gone very quiet, 1 common sandpiper, 2 Wheatear, Female Mallard has 4 young left, 20+ BH Gulls and 1 poss more Goldcrests in small copse to the right of the Res. The big news however is that the breeding LRP have now left on my last visit I only sawthe single adult bird and 1 def although poss there was a second juv bird present (very mobile and independant although they weren't fledged, it has become impossible to see all the shore line due to the extremely low water levels.) I would appreciate any other news on these birds.

Also on drive down Juv Peregrine sat on fence post next to Crag road by Blackstone Edge Res. typically moved out of range having driven past stopped and made a grab for my camera. (must remember to carry it in the front seat and not the boot hey Sean!) The bird flew onto a nearby pylon before heading off NW towards Whiteholme Res.

Cold Edge Dams

VIS MIG 0715-1045hrs 21/08/05

Swallow 140 >W
House Martin 18 >W
Swift 2 >W
Mipit 84 >W
Snipe 8 >W
Pied Wag 4 >W
Grey Wag 2 >W

Other.....2 Red Grouse 2 Heron + usual BS

Twite feeding stations

Hi all

In an attempt to improve the fortunes of local twite and also to increase sightings of colour ringed birds several feeding stations are currently in operation locally, any sightings from these areas (or indeed anywhere else!) will be gratefully received. The feeding stations are located as follows..

Midgley SE033276 (on track leading to dams)
Cold Edge SE045294 (on track leading towards reservoirs)
Fly Flatts SE029315 (on track adjacent to pump house)
Withens Gap SE045305 (on track at right angled bend)
Lighthazzles res SD965197 (on track between reservoirs)
Ringstone Edge SE047183 (NW corner of res) Please note as a result of an impending lease agreement with Yorkshire water access to this site is only available to invitees of the HBWC, please contact midgleybirder@yahoo.co.uk for further details.

Please forward any sightings to midgleybirder@yahoo.co.uk

Thanks are expressed to Green Business Network for assistance with grant aid for this project.

Thanks

Nick

Ex-house martin

I was sat outside having a cup of tea about 8:30 this morning, and this house martin literally dropped out of the sky onto the lawn, took a couple of breaths, and died. There were no other martins around (though there have been lots passing through recently) and they don't nest anywhere nearby. Poor sod.

Elland GP

Mike Stead reports a Green Sandpiper at Elland GP today.

COLD EDGE DAMS

14/08/05 0730-1045hrs
Vis Mig Swallow 45 >SW
Swift 2 >W
House Martin 4 >W
Sand Martin 2 >W
Other... 4 Linnets on seed
108 Canadas in from E. Not the resident flock
32 Mallard BS

Birding on the Radio

Don't know if anyone is interested but there was a programme on Radio 4 today about twitching, can be heard again by going to

www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/progs/listenagain.shtml#f

and picking out " Four hundred plus club" from the list of available programmes.

Wheatears starting to move with 6 at Cold Edge this a.m. BS 

COLD EDGE DAMS

Vis Mig 0730-1045hrs
57 Swallow >SW
4 Swift >SW
2 Lapwing >E
1 Green Sandpiper >NE 0945hrs
6 Wheatear on deck
1 Willow Warbler
OTHER 1 Moorhen with full grown juv. 1 Heron 8 Linnet on seed. BS

Cold Edge Dams

1800hrs
2 Wheatears, mega for here. 1 Dunlin 2 Lapwings Several blogging Mipits arrived since Wed night. BS

Whiteholme

Gordon Denison reports a Whimbrel on the island at Whiteholme today.

Withens Clough Reservoir

Withens Clough Reservoir
(Where Andy had his Swallows)

Withens Clough Reservoir looking East (c)


Withens Clough Reservoir looking South (c)


Dave.

Swallows

Hi Andy
After migration counting for the full season last year (the first full year for me!), what I believe would be happening with the Swallows now is that the juvs of the early broods (quite a lot of these @ c 4 to 6 juvs per pair per brood ie many more juvs than adults) would be dispersing, more randomly in July but by the beginning of August, starting to move south as migration kicks in. Last year I was shocked as to how frequently and how many we could count on the move at this time of year. At a guess the early broods tend to leave the breeding areas, whilst the ads stop on to have two, sometimes three broods. Thus we found that Swallow movement here was double peaked, first in August with primarily the juvs on the move, followed by the adults and younger juvs in September. Again from what I have seen in the field, or hills might be a better description round here!, Swallows can be seen moving In at least two ways, the larger groups that you describe, sometimes feeding over a water, there one minute and gone the next and this can be quite dramatic, or a more steady flow which keeps going for longer, usually straight through but sometimes feeding en-route….. Very interested in any more visible migration sightings, especially of the common birds that you may have.
Best Wishes,
Dave.

Pied fly anyone?

I know the season isn't over, but has anyone seen any pied flycatchers in Calderdale this year? We have one record of a female at the Crags, but I'm not aware of any more sightings??? Let me know if you know different

Cold Edge Dams

03/08/05 1830hrs
1 Dunlin 2 Snipe in beck 12 Swallows >SW 2 Kestrels 4 Red Grouse,these seem to be getting scarce in this area. BS.

Have all the Swallows GONE????

A visit to Withens Clough Res tonight produced approx 250+ Swallows all heading S/SW, in truth the number could have been much greater I'm trying to be conservative. They came through in 5 different waves, visit also turned up a flock of 40+ mainly goldfinches but including Greenfinches and Linnets, on wires by the Keepers house.

Along with Common Sandpiper, Mallard with 4 young, Whinchat, 2 Curlew and a personal best of 19 BH Gulls.

Streamlining. A flies eye view of an approaching Swift. Well its summat to look at int it .BS 

Peregrine Falcon

A peregrine falcon was seen to go to roost on wainhouse tower last night,

Crimsworth Dean

I was just driving on the Haworth to Hebden Road (7:00pm) and a c. buzzard passed over the car at about 200 feet. It came from where the dotterels were and flew over Crimsworth Dean, possibly heading for Walshaw.

Plenty Swifts heading >E in the dark skies over Cold Edge this morning. BS 

Cold Edge Dams

First day of Autumn Vis Mig watch. 0730-1100hrs 31/07/05
135 Swift >E
59 Swallow >SW
Other... 33 Canada 2 Mallard 1 Pied Wag 1 Heron >W
All Curlew Common Sand Mipits and Stonechat seem to have gone. BS

Ringstone

1 yellow legged gull(3rd different individual this month central tail feather missing)
40 Swallow east
30 house martin east
1 swift South
7 lBB Gull west
1 Curlew west
1 Grey Wag
1 green woodpecker
3 Kestrel
20 linnet

Ringstone Edge

Two Whimbrel flew through immediately prior to rain with a Green Sandpiper arriving soon afterwards, Yellow legged Gull present also.

Lesser spotted woodpecker

On the Calderdale Wildlife network website Steve Blacksmith has reported a LSW seen 8:30am Monday 25th ".... flew in and perched on the tip of a fruit tree in the garden of Barkisland Hall. The garden is about 700 mtrs from Beestones Wood SE069196."

A Wonder Round Withens.

19:00 - 21:00 a good night turned up Whimbrel passing through at 20:45, came in from the N and left heading SW towards Warland Res. Snipe flushed from drainage ditch on the left hand side of res. 3 Common Sandpipers, 1 female and 2 Juv Wheatears, 1 male and 1 Juv Whinchat. 5 BH gulls and other usual occupants.

Elland Gravel Pits. How it used to be,when Pere could always be seen on top of one of the towers. BS