Monday, October 12, 2009

River Calder E and W of Brighouse

Dipper behind the 'Avocet' factory
Chiffchaff near EGP
2 Jays, one 'bathing' at the water's edge
12 Canada Geese
3 Little Grebes - look like juvs
Kingfisher
Grey Wagtail
12 Moorhens inc those on Anglers lake

Bradley Hall area:
Kingfisher
local resident reports Dippers rearing two young near Anchor Pit Lock
Chiffchaff with mixed Tit flock
2 Treecreepers
2 Jays
Pheasant flushed opposite the Old Corn Mill
2 Grey Wagtails
180 Crows, Rooks and Jackdaws in a mixed flock on fields
30+ Goldfinches in and out of hedgerow with
at least 6 Yellowhammers, including 3 males: these flew down to take food off the ground at the edge of the field.
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2 comments:

Steve Cummings said...

Yet another Yellowhammer anomolie!
During the spring and summer, I, and other observers, have had about 6 birds including, about 3 (singing) males. I think similar numbers have been reported over the last couple of years but would need to check. At this time of year I would have expected more birds to be kicking about. As far as I know, there have been no reports of birds seen carrying nest material, nor of visible mating nor of adults feeding young. Does this indicate failed breeding? Or have the young dispersed? Were the males singing by any chance? They usually sing right through till August, sugesting that they may be double (or even triple) brooders. Odd??

11:52 pm
Mike Stead said...

I didn't hear any birds singing, Steve,they were making more of a 'tsik' noise.
Difficult to sort out the juvs from the females, and with lots of Goldfinches flying in and out of the hedgerow, it was difficult to get a precise number of Yellowhammers: there could well be more than six.
Will try to check again in a few days.

7:29 pm

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