Mid afternoon in the heavy rain - not good !
Fly Flatts - nothing except a few Canadas
Withens Head - nothing
Cold Edge
110 Canada Geese
3 Greylag Geese
1 Tufted Duck
c12 Mallard
2 Oystercatchers
2 Curlew
3 Meadow Pipits
c200 Starlings - was nice to see !
Castle Carr Road
1 pair of Little Owls
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Buzzards
Monday, March 17, 2014
Common Buzzards
Other news
A pair of Redshank back at Ringstone Res'r this morning and a Great Black-backed Gull there briefly. (SL)
200 or so Brambling still in and around the beech woodland in Crimsworth Dean yesterday. (NCD DF)
60+ Twite at Rishworth earlier today. Nearby our first reported Wheatear this year and a Stonechat (TW)
200 or so Brambling still in and around the beech woodland in Crimsworth Dean yesterday. (NCD DF)
60+ Twite at Rishworth earlier today. Nearby our first reported Wheatear this year and a Stonechat (TW)
Mixenden and Stodfold
Not a lot about in the valley between Mixenden Res'r and Ogden golf course this afternoon but the weather was pleasant out of the cool westerley
2 Curlew
19 Canada's on Mixenden Res'r but nothing else!
A pair of Stock Dove nesting in an owl box
The totally white Carrion Crow is still at the top end of Lane Head Lane
Not much else!
2 Curlew
19 Canada's on Mixenden Res'r but nothing else!
A pair of Stock Dove nesting in an owl box
The totally white Carrion Crow is still at the top end of Lane Head Lane
Not much else!
Swales Moor
Late morning with a few large gulls moving west in one's and two's
11 Herring Gulls
8 L B B Gulls
5 Common Gulls
The highlight was 2 Ravens along the ridge tumbling and calling >N
2 Skylark singing
15 Meadow Pipits >NW
1 Kestrel >S
Usual glut of corvids on the top
11 Herring Gulls
8 L B B Gulls
5 Common Gulls
The highlight was 2 Ravens along the ridge tumbling and calling >N
2 Skylark singing
15 Meadow Pipits >NW
1 Kestrel >S
Usual glut of corvids on the top
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Erringden Moor
I also went out looking for early wheatear - without success. Just 2 curlew and a pair of sparrowhawk, and a pair of dippers on the river at Callis.
Castle Carr Road and Caty' area and Cold Edge
This afternoon still on a search for that early Wheatear without success in the dreadful windy and drizzly conditions. I think the WNW wind will need to ease before we start to pick them up.
1 Green Woodpecker singing
c65 Fieldfares went down towards Jerusalem Farm
c10 Stock Dove
2 Red Grouse
A pair of Little Owls on Castle Carr Road and another pair together at Balkram Edge near Wainstalls
Fogged off at Fly Flatts and Withens Head !
Cold Edge
160 Canada Geese
Pair of Tufted Duck
1 Little Grebe
2 Oystercatchers
12+ Lapwings
2 Curlew
1 Green Woodpecker singing
c65 Fieldfares went down towards Jerusalem Farm
c10 Stock Dove
2 Red Grouse
A pair of Little Owls on Castle Carr Road and another pair together at Balkram Edge near Wainstalls
Fogged off at Fly Flatts and Withens Head !
Cold Edge
160 Canada Geese
Pair of Tufted Duck
1 Little Grebe
2 Oystercatchers
12+ Lapwings
2 Curlew
Brambling
For the last 5 years we have had a single Brambling in the back garden
at some time during Jan/Feb/Mar but I was beginning to think we weren't
going to see one this year - until this lunchtime when one appeared with
9 Chaffinch and joined the Goldfinches, Greenfinches and Redpolls on
and under the feeders. Saw it (I assume just the one bird) twice more
during the afternoon. Sort of makes up for the couple of times I've gone after the Luddenden Dean and Crimsworth Dean flocks and not seen them!
HX4 again
5 Lapwing flying SE above fields near Jagger Green
Along Blackbrook from Bradley Farm to Sonoco
4 Nuthatch
1 Treecreeper
2 Dipper
1 Kingfisher
1 Green Woodpecker calling
1 Chiffchaff calling
9 Teal on Bowers Mill Pond (5F 4M)
GSW and Jay in Beestons Wood
Kestrel in hovering above field above Beestons Wood
Along Blackbrook from Bradley Farm to Sonoco
4 Nuthatch
1 Treecreeper
2 Dipper
1 Kingfisher
1 Green Woodpecker calling
1 Chiffchaff calling
9 Teal on Bowers Mill Pond (5F 4M)
GSW and Jay in Beestons Wood
Kestrel in hovering above field above Beestons Wood
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Bowers Mill Pond
6 Teal - 5M, 1F
2 Pied Wagtail
Further downstream on Black Brook
2 Grey Wagtail
1 Dipper
2 Pied Wagtail
Further downstream on Black Brook
2 Grey Wagtail
1 Dipper
Friday, March 14, 2014
Swales Moor
I tried along Ringby Lane this morning. Despite the hazy sunshine the wind was cold and strengthening from the west with little or no movement of birds though 3 Small Tortoiseshell butterflies was interesting.
5 Linnets
6 Meadow Pipits
1 Skylark singing
Little else other than the usual corvids
5 Linnets
6 Meadow Pipits
1 Skylark singing
Little else other than the usual corvids
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Today's news!
A pair of Gadwall on Ringstone this morning - a good record from Steve and Tony as we don't get many Gadwall in Calderdale. They were still there this afternoon. NCD and DF.
The drake Scaup is still on the ski-lake at Cromwell Bottom. Chiff chaff also singing there along the canal near the lagoon. NCD and DF
A report from Craig via BS of 2 Great Crested Grebes on Mixenden Res'r yesterday - maybe still there?
Also a report from Bradford Ornithological Group via AC of 7 Shoveler on Fly Flatts yesterday. That is another really good record for our area.
Doing well for duck sp... Recently!
The drake Scaup is still on the ski-lake at Cromwell Bottom. Chiff chaff also singing there along the canal near the lagoon. NCD and DF
A report from Craig via BS of 2 Great Crested Grebes on Mixenden Res'r yesterday - maybe still there?
Also a report from Bradford Ornithological Group via AC of 7 Shoveler on Fly Flatts yesterday. That is another really good record for our area.
Doing well for duck sp... Recently!
Mount Tabor Garden
My 5yr old son informed me this morning there was an owl in the garden. It turned out to be this robust looking Sparrowhawk. She is constantly around.
The last few days have been good from the garden with a Kestrel and a Buzzard over the field behind. A Little Owl was also calling yesterday evening.
The Skylarks and Lapwings have also been displaying at the top of the field for several days now.
The last few days have been good from the garden with a Kestrel and a Buzzard over the field behind. A Little Owl was also calling yesterday evening.
The Skylarks and Lapwings have also been displaying at the top of the field for several days now.
Mankinholes and Gaddings Dam this morning
It was a fine morning but the early morning mist was still rolling in and at times Stoodley Pike was obscurred by clouds.
Walking through Mankinholes the mist descended so visibility was very poor, although a Mistle Thrush singing from a tree top brightened things up.
Along towards Langfield there were Meadow Pipits singing and parachuting at last, and a Skylark could be heard from above Langfield Edge. Up to Gaddings Dam and 3 more Skylarks singing. At Gaddings it was clear for all of 2 minutes then the mist came in again and didn't look like clearing for a while so I set off along the dam wall rather than walking along the Western shore, not expecting to see much as there is very little shoreline. I put up 2 Ringed Plovers almost straight away and they flew off into the grey morning mist.
The lovely views from Gaddings are being changed by these things, just about visible through the murk:
Going down to Jail Hole to look for Wheatear, a Red Grouse took off into the mist - calling after me as it landed about 30 yards away.
Back through Lumbutts and Mankinholes the mist had gone and visibility was good. A Pied Wagtail flew over and a pair of Little Owls were in their usual place with a third also seen in its normal location at Cross Lane.
The final sighting for the walk was a pair of Stock Doves also at Cross Lane, we don't get many of them here so it was a good record.
Walking through Mankinholes the mist descended so visibility was very poor, although a Mistle Thrush singing from a tree top brightened things up.
Along towards Langfield there were Meadow Pipits singing and parachuting at last, and a Skylark could be heard from above Langfield Edge. Up to Gaddings Dam and 3 more Skylarks singing. At Gaddings it was clear for all of 2 minutes then the mist came in again and didn't look like clearing for a while so I set off along the dam wall rather than walking along the Western shore, not expecting to see much as there is very little shoreline. I put up 2 Ringed Plovers almost straight away and they flew off into the grey morning mist.
The lovely views from Gaddings are being changed by these things, just about visible through the murk:
Going down to Jail Hole to look for Wheatear, a Red Grouse took off into the mist - calling after me as it landed about 30 yards away.
Back through Lumbutts and Mankinholes the mist had gone and visibility was good. A Pied Wagtail flew over and a pair of Little Owls were in their usual place with a third also seen in its normal location at Cross Lane.
The final sighting for the walk was a pair of Stock Doves also at Cross Lane, we don't get many of them here so it was a good record.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Raven flight path
It appears I'm working right underneath a Raven flight path with a pair yesterday around 3pm flying north towards Ogden and another pair (presumably the same pair) today flying east towards Ploughcroft around 1pm.
Burning Issue
See below for a link to an RSPB article about the burning of moorland. The lower part of the article, which has been updated recently, refers to the issues at Walshaw Moor and the RSPB's actions.
http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/365565-a-burning-issue-for-englands-upland-wildlife
http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/365565-a-burning-issue-for-englands-upland-wildlife
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Crimsworth Dean
Almost a full day walking the dean today with an interesting mix of birds etc with 1 Roe Deer and 2 Small Tortoiseshell butterflies.
30+ Brambling still in the beech woodland on the eastern side of the dean
2 Sparrowhawks
1 Kestrel
2 Common Buzzards
1 Grey Partridge
1 Gt spotted Woodpecker drumming
3 Nuthatch
c20 Curlew
c40 Lapwing
2 Oystercatchers
Song Thrushes in full song
2 pairs of Mistle Thrush
1 L B B Gull over >E
Lots of Jackdaws and Woodpigeons in the dean
2 pairs of Pied Wagtails
The usual tits were in the woodlands but hardly any finches other than the Brambling
11 Jays together was unusual making a right racket over something - I couldn't discover what unless it was a dispute over a female. !
I also checked Grain Water bridge area for early Ring Ouzel or Wheatear but nothing doing yet. Not a single mipit either!
30+ Brambling still in the beech woodland on the eastern side of the dean
2 Sparrowhawks
1 Kestrel
2 Common Buzzards
1 Grey Partridge
1 Gt spotted Woodpecker drumming
3 Nuthatch
c20 Curlew
c40 Lapwing
2 Oystercatchers
Song Thrushes in full song
2 pairs of Mistle Thrush
1 L B B Gull over >E
Lots of Jackdaws and Woodpigeons in the dean
2 pairs of Pied Wagtails
The usual tits were in the woodlands but hardly any finches other than the Brambling
11 Jays together was unusual making a right racket over something - I couldn't discover what unless it was a dispute over a female. !
I also checked Grain Water bridge area for early Ring Ouzel or Wheatear but nothing doing yet. Not a single mipit either!
Murder puzzle
I came across this grizzly scene at Jumble Hole today. I have the answer, but any guesses at what species the victim was?
Monday, March 10, 2014
Lee Mount
An interesting afternoon in the garden with the weather perfect for birds using thermals!
I got a call from BS to say 4 Buzzards were drifting over Queensbury >SW about 13.15 so out in the garden with bins and scope to see if I could pick them up, maybe over Swales, but I couldn't find them in the bright blue sky. I did pick out a couple of female Sparrowhawks really high circling then a real belter of a bird with a single Raven over, quite high >N giving its customary cronking call. Only the second record over the house. Thanks Bri for the prompt!
I got a call from BS to say 4 Buzzards were drifting over Queensbury >SW about 13.15 so out in the garden with bins and scope to see if I could pick them up, maybe over Swales, but I couldn't find them in the bright blue sky. I did pick out a couple of female Sparrowhawks really high circling then a real belter of a bird with a single Raven over, quite high >N giving its customary cronking call. Only the second record over the house. Thanks Bri for the prompt!
Wainstalls and Castle Carr Road
From yesterday
2 Little Owls in different areas
1 Green Woodpecker heard in Luddenden Dean
c10 Curlew
3 pairs Lapwing + others using over towards Cold Edge
38 Fieldfares at Cold Edge
A few mipits and Skylarks
c10 Stock Dove
1 Small Tortoiseshell butterfly for good measure.
2 Little Owls in different areas
1 Green Woodpecker heard in Luddenden Dean
c10 Curlew
3 pairs Lapwing + others using over towards Cold Edge
38 Fieldfares at Cold Edge
A few mipits and Skylarks
c10 Stock Dove
1 Small Tortoiseshell butterfly for good measure.
Sunday, March 09, 2014
Out and About
Spent the weekend on a wild frog hunt, trying to find locations that don't suffer from to much noise pollution in an attempt to get some clean sound recordings. I managed a few recordings but none were free of background noise.
Yesterday,
Cromwell Bottom had the water boiling with frogs at Tag Cut with 13 clumps of spawn and some additional spawn in the wet woodland.
A pair of Little Grebes were calling on the lagoon
Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming
Bullfinches on the feeders
No frog activity at Roils Head.
Today, there were a small number of frogs at Shibden,
Sunny Vale had;
No frogs
Nuthatches calling,
a Grey Heron,
3 Black-headed Gulls,
Coot,
4 Moorhen and
2 Little Grebe.
Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming
Rishworth Mill also had;
Nuthatches calling
and no frogs.
Bowers Mill;
had no frogs but
8 Teal,
3 Buzzards displaying,
Kestrel circling
Moorhen
a pair of Pied Wagtails displaying,
a Grey Wagtail
pair of Long Tailed Tits nest building
Great, Blue and Coal Tits also present but no sign of any other tit species
Usual Dunnocks, Robin, Wren, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush
Wheatley;
Lots of Male frogs in a local garden, all busy croaking away, plus 4 clumps of spawn
Yesterday,
Cromwell Bottom had the water boiling with frogs at Tag Cut with 13 clumps of spawn and some additional spawn in the wet woodland.
A pair of Little Grebes were calling on the lagoon
Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming
Bullfinches on the feeders
No frog activity at Roils Head.
Today, there were a small number of frogs at Shibden,
Sunny Vale had;
No frogs
Nuthatches calling,
a Grey Heron,
3 Black-headed Gulls,
Coot,
4 Moorhen and
2 Little Grebe.
Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming
Rishworth Mill also had;
Nuthatches calling
and no frogs.
Bowers Mill;
had no frogs but
8 Teal,
3 Buzzards displaying,
Kestrel circling
Moorhen
a pair of Pied Wagtails displaying,
a Grey Wagtail
pair of Long Tailed Tits nest building
Great, Blue and Coal Tits also present but no sign of any other tit species
Usual Dunnocks, Robin, Wren, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush
Wheatley;
Lots of Male frogs in a local garden, all busy croaking away, plus 4 clumps of spawn
Jay House Lane Yesterday
Whilst feeding the tree sparrows I had a walk round the area. there are about 15 - 20 tree sparrows; the curlew are back and were calling. There seem to be quite a lot of rooks but not much sign of nest building yet. In the wood there was GSP drumming, chiff chaff singing,lots of blue and great tits, wren. robin 2 blackbirds Chaffinch singing, 3 red wings, gold finches, starlings ( but not the numbers seen recently) jackdaws and crows.
Yesterday!
23 Whooper Swans went west over Erringden Moor yesterday around 9.30 (DP) - maybe a few more in the next day or so if we are lucky!
Other migrants to watch out for - Osprey - one or two reported in the country the last few days and a Norther Wheatear near Manchester as well, think that was yesterday!
Other migrants to watch out for - Osprey - one or two reported in the country the last few days and a Norther Wheatear near Manchester as well, think that was yesterday!
Saturday, March 08, 2014
Can anyone shed light on where the plastic bin AND food have gone from Jayhouse lane???? It's a bitter blow if we are feeding other people's birds. I do not mind if it is more tree sparrows but by and large the seed is not eaten by birds other than sparrows and the occasional chaffinch!! I am going to try giving food to the individual 'topper uppers' but it is not so convenient for them.
Friday, March 07, 2014
Ringstone Res'r etc
From Steve L this morning 3 Shelduck at Ringstone but not a lot else.
2 Stonechat between Scammonden Dam and Dean Head Res'r earlier in the week.
New local bird for me this year with 3 Lesser Redpoll in trees just by the entrance to Manor Heath Park from Manor Heath Road. A few Redwing also in the park there mid morning.
2 Stonechat between Scammonden Dam and Dean Head Res'r earlier in the week.
New local bird for me this year with 3 Lesser Redpoll in trees just by the entrance to Manor Heath Park from Manor Heath Road. A few Redwing also in the park there mid morning.
Wednesday, March 05, 2014
Early arrivals?
Might be worth getting out and about this weekend. Here are a sample of arrival dates in Calderdale for migrants over recent years:
Osprey - 28 March ('12)
Little ringed plover - 22 March ('00)
Sand martin - 16 March ('08)
Wheatear - 12 March ('07)
Ring ouzel - 17 March ('02)
Chiffchaff - 2 March ('09)
And with the mild weather of late and forecast for the next few days, something could easily turn up around the weekend?
Osprey - 28 March ('12)
Little ringed plover - 22 March ('00)
Sand martin - 16 March ('08)
Wheatear - 12 March ('07)
Ring ouzel - 17 March ('02)
Chiffchaff - 2 March ('09)
And with the mild weather of late and forecast for the next few days, something could easily turn up around the weekend?
Monday, March 03, 2014
Fly Flatts and Cold Edge area
Fly Flatts
1 Oystercatcher
4 Curlew
95 Lapwings resting on the edge of the res'r
70 Canada Geese
c20 Mallard
c20 Red Grouse
Ovenden Moor
28+ Carrion Crows around a sheep carcass
6+ Red Grouse
Cold Edge
2 Curlew
45 Canada Geese
4 Greylag Geese
40+ Wodpigeons
6+ Red Grouse
Wainstalls
1 Little Owl
Castle Carr Road
1 Little Owl
30+ Lapwings
2 Curlew
1 Stock Dove
c30 Woodpigeons
1 Oystercatcher
4 Curlew
95 Lapwings resting on the edge of the res'r
70 Canada Geese
c20 Mallard
c20 Red Grouse
Ovenden Moor
28+ Carrion Crows around a sheep carcass
6+ Red Grouse
Cold Edge
2 Curlew
45 Canada Geese
4 Greylag Geese
40+ Wodpigeons
6+ Red Grouse
Wainstalls
1 Little Owl
Castle Carr Road
1 Little Owl
30+ Lapwings
2 Curlew
1 Stock Dove
c30 Woodpigeons
Recent news
Eider at the same location on the Rochdale canal this morning. (BL)
200+ Brambling still in Crimsworth Dean over the weekend (NCD DF)
Mistle Thrush on a nest near Burdock Way in Halifax seen yesterday also a single Siskin over Lee Mount yesterday ( DJS)
Curlews, lapwings and Oystercatchers all been seen in increasing numbers over the weekend as well (MH NCD DF et al.. And 2 Ringed Plovers at Whiteholme Res'r on Saturday (PG) along with 2 Stonechat in Withens Clough.
200+ Brambling still in Crimsworth Dean over the weekend (NCD DF)
Mistle Thrush on a nest near Burdock Way in Halifax seen yesterday also a single Siskin over Lee Mount yesterday ( DJS)
Curlews, lapwings and Oystercatchers all been seen in increasing numbers over the weekend as well (MH NCD DF et al.. And 2 Ringed Plovers at Whiteholme Res'r on Saturday (PG) along with 2 Stonechat in Withens Clough.
Sunday, March 02, 2014
Eider at Walsden - Rochdale Canal
It was still between bridge 31 and 32 at 17.15 (AC). We saw it earlier but light not good hence blurry pics from my compact camera. Well done Brian Leecy for finding it ! Must be a candidate for the Golden Balls Award. I can't remember any earlier Calderdale records for this species.
Bridge 31 is the one at the Bacup Rd junction. The Mason's Arms is there - the turn off for Gorpley Clough. 32 is upstream - Littleborough direction.
We had been at Withens Clough Res. No sign of HH to be seen here but two Goldeneye females on res left while we were there.
Eider at Walsden - 02/03/14
Thanks to Brian and the grapevine, I was able to catch up with the drake eider at Walsden. Here are a couple of photos taken in the rather poor light.
First kittiwake and now eider. What's the betting on puffin in People's Park?
First kittiwake and now eider. What's the betting on puffin in People's Park?
Short walk around Stainland this morning
1 Buzzard
1Kestrel
M+F Teal on Bowers Mill pond
3 Nuthatch
Green Woodpecker near Fall Spring Wood
GSW in woods near Scar Wood
GSW in wood near Golf course
1Kestrel
M+F Teal on Bowers Mill pond
3 Nuthatch
Green Woodpecker near Fall Spring Wood
GSW in woods near Scar Wood
GSW in wood near Golf course
Eider Duck
There's a report on Bird Guides today posted at 2.45pm - male eider on canal near Hollins Road/Rochdale Road junction. Just been to look and there's no sign of it on the two lengths of canal there. i.e. from Cross Keys down to next long length which goes under Hollins Bridge. Maybe it was scared off by 4 noisy Canada geese setting up territory there.
Sandra
Sandra
Saturday, March 01, 2014
Sightings from the kids
My son saw 2 buzzards near Cock Hill yesterday, and my 11 year old daughter saw 2 birds on the canal near Stubbing Wharf in Hebden, and couldn't ID them so took a photo on her phone. Turned out it was a pair of goosander.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Crow Hill Sowerby
Crow Hill near Sowerby late am, early pm.
2 curlew.
2 lapwing.
4 golden plover flew in. Flighty.
9 skylarks seen.
35 meadow pipits. 30 in a flock.
32 redwing.
6 fieldfare.
1 pied wagtail.
Plus usual species.
1 weasel.
2 curlew.
2 lapwing.
4 golden plover flew in. Flighty.
9 skylarks seen.
35 meadow pipits. 30 in a flock.
32 redwing.
6 fieldfare.
1 pied wagtail.
Plus usual species.
1 weasel.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Tester !!
A little tester from David Crawshaw at Orford Ness this last weekend - anyone like to have a go?
Other news today
All from Steve L - Ringstone Res'r this afternoon
1 Oystercatcher
1 Curlew
c300 Redwings in surrounding fields
Cromwell Bottom
Drake Scaup still showing on the ski-lake (but it can be difficult to find)
1 Oystercatcher
1 Curlew
c300 Redwings in surrounding fields
Cromwell Bottom
Drake Scaup still showing on the ski-lake (but it can be difficult to find)
Hardcastle Crags/Crimsworth Dean
Had a few hours up there this afternoon with Nick D mainly in Crimsworth Dean but it was pretty quiet.
1 Kestrel
2 Sparrowhawk sightings
1 Jay - mimicking a very convincing buzzard call! that was a new one on me.
2 Treecreepers
c20 Lapwings high over >W
2 Nuthatch
2+ Grey Heron
70+ Jackdaws
A few finch sp.. mainly Chaffs and Goldfinch but no Brambling found
And in the crags 300+ Woodpigeons
1 Kestrel
2 Sparrowhawk sightings
1 Jay - mimicking a very convincing buzzard call! that was a new one on me.
2 Treecreepers
c20 Lapwings high over >W
2 Nuthatch
2+ Grey Heron
70+ Jackdaws
A few finch sp.. mainly Chaffs and Goldfinch but no Brambling found
And in the crags 300+ Woodpigeons
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Yesterday
No news on the adult Kittiwake at Shibden Park yesterday but it could still be there?
200 or more Bramblings in Crimsworth Dean - the have been there several weeks now in the beech woodland. Also a Woodcock nearby. (Ncd and DF)
Red Kite over Cromwell Bottom early afternoon >N (JU)
No further news on the Waxwings around Skircoat Green , but they could still be there?
200 or more Bramblings in Crimsworth Dean - the have been there several weeks now in the beech woodland. Also a Woodcock nearby. (Ncd and DF)
Red Kite over Cromwell Bottom early afternoon >N (JU)
No further news on the Waxwings around Skircoat Green , but they could still be there?
Friday, February 21, 2014
Other news today
Adult Kittiwake still present today at Shibden Park boating lake.
c70 Pink-footed Geese over Lightcliffe area >NW around 11.20 from M St probably went over towards Queensbury as I couldn't pick them out over Lee Mount or Swales Moor. (AC and PG)
c70 Pink-footed Geese over Lightcliffe area >NW around 11.20 from M St probably went over towards Queensbury as I couldn't pick them out over Lee Mount or Swales Moor. (AC and PG)
Skircoat Green
We got a report across lunchtime from Jeff C to say Gus R had seen some Waxwings in the same general area as yesterday behind the hospital. We had a trip down and drive round in the pouring rain trying to find them. We eventually did, 9 Waxwings in the top of a berrying sorbus right at the bottom end of St Albans Road. They were all having a good preen after the downpour.
Many thanks for the message passed on. I gather Nigel and others saw them later on in the same spot.
Many thanks for the message passed on. I gather Nigel and others saw them later on in the same spot.
Ogden Garden
A male brambling in part breeding plumage on a cotoneaster bush with two chaffinches this afternoon
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Shibden Park & Elland GP
Kittiwake still at Shibden Park this afternoon.
Drake Scaup still on the ski lake at Elland GP-Ncd/DF
Ogden Water
Wednesday afternoon. A number of black headed gulls some in breeding plumage and a few common gulls. One male goldeneye.
WAXWINGS.
At least
eight, very vocal birds in a large Ash tree in the upper corner of the hospital
grounds on Godfrey Road at 11.00am today - next to the allotments.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Other news today
Another Curlew this morning over Stainland (Nick Dawson) so looks like they are filtering back now after one yesterday over Soil Hill (NK)
Shibden Park
An interesting message via the BS hub at Queensbury this afternoon of a possible Kittiwake on Shibden Park lake. PS confirmed the birds identity shortly afterwards and we managed to get down late afternoon along with Ian S - his local patch!
The bird is an adult coming out of winter plumage and was very confiding as it paddled around on the lake next to the footpath. It was not seen to feed though it was alert but we were not sure whether or not it was exhausted though it showed no apparent damage to plumage. It was not seen to fly but did flap its wings a couple of times. See what tomorrow brings!
Some photos later.
A very good find for our local area. Well done to the person who passed the info on to Brian.
.JPG)
The bird is an adult coming out of winter plumage and was very confiding as it paddled around on the lake next to the footpath. It was not seen to feed though it was alert but we were not sure whether or not it was exhausted though it showed no apparent damage to plumage. It was not seen to fly but did flap its wings a couple of times. See what tomorrow brings!
Some photos later.
A very good find for our local area. Well done to the person who passed the info on to Brian.
Yesterday!
No time for blogging last night so it's a catch up from yesterday!
c20 Redwings were in Shroggs Park yesterday morning still feeding on holly berries and last night, just on dark, a Tawny Owl was singing from the same holly bushes!
Checked some Calderdale Heronries yesterday for the BTO long running census and found 3 occupied nests each at 2 colonies. A lot of activity and squabbling at the nest sites which I guess is a very good sign.
I paid a visit to Hardcastle Crags later on in the afternoon but it was very quiet other than 1 Dipper and 70+ Jackdaws. Also Nuthatches and a Song Thrush singing near Midgehole car park and a few small tit flocks.
Crimsworth Dean was quiet as well with just 2 Kestrels, 2 Treecreepers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Stock Doves. I couldn't find any sign of the recent Brambling flocks in the beech woodland but I guess there is a possibility they are still around with so much beech woodland to go at between there and the crags.
Elsewhere a Red Kite was over the former gravel pits at Elland/ Cromwell Bottom early afternoon briefly but drifted of >SW. A nice surprise for DF.
Oops nearly forgot! - an early Curlew over Soil Hill for NK yesterday.
c20 Redwings were in Shroggs Park yesterday morning still feeding on holly berries and last night, just on dark, a Tawny Owl was singing from the same holly bushes!
Checked some Calderdale Heronries yesterday for the BTO long running census and found 3 occupied nests each at 2 colonies. A lot of activity and squabbling at the nest sites which I guess is a very good sign.
I paid a visit to Hardcastle Crags later on in the afternoon but it was very quiet other than 1 Dipper and 70+ Jackdaws. Also Nuthatches and a Song Thrush singing near Midgehole car park and a few small tit flocks.
Crimsworth Dean was quiet as well with just 2 Kestrels, 2 Treecreepers, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Stock Doves. I couldn't find any sign of the recent Brambling flocks in the beech woodland but I guess there is a possibility they are still around with so much beech woodland to go at between there and the crags.
Elsewhere a Red Kite was over the former gravel pits at Elland/ Cromwell Bottom early afternoon briefly but drifted of >SW. A nice surprise for DF.
Oops nearly forgot! - an early Curlew over Soil Hill for NK yesterday.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Monday, February 17, 2014
Jumble Hole area - 16 Feb
A pair of goosander were on the canal right by the sewage works. On the filter beds there was around 20 smart looking pied wagtails. A dipper was on the usual spot on the Calder nearby.
In Jumble Hole, nuthatch are as vocal as ever, as are green woodpecker. A single fieldfare was squaring up to a mistle thrush defending a berry bush. A raven flew over very low, cronking away.
In Jumble Hole, nuthatch are as vocal as ever, as are green woodpecker. A single fieldfare was squaring up to a mistle thrush defending a berry bush. A raven flew over very low, cronking away.
Ringstone and Scammonden
Ringstone with Nick D this afternoon but not a sign of the Med Gull from yesterday though there were a decent number of smaller gulls in the fields plus around c40 Lapwings and 9 Goosander (7 drakes) displaying later on in the afternoon in the middleof the res'r..
Scammonden
1 Kestrel
9 Grey Herons
1 Cormorant
2 Pink-footed Geese with the Canada Goose flock of c65 birds
Scammonden
1 Kestrel
9 Grey Herons
1 Cormorant
2 Pink-footed Geese with the Canada Goose flock of c65 birds
Sunday, February 16, 2014
What a day !
Some fine weather and a few birders doing the rounds turned up some very good birds today.
Ringstone Res'r - c40 Snipe and 2 Jack Snipe on the north shore late morning (GS) and later in the afternoon an adult Mediterranean Gull (black hood almost complete) with a large gull flock feeding in the fields near the res'r followed by a winter Dunlin with the Lapwing flock (NCD and DF)
Whiteholme Res'r turned up an early Ringed Plover this afternoon (PGr)
Soil Hill produced a Woodcock this afternoon (BS)
Elsewhere I found 5 Little Owls (2 and 2 and 1) in the upper Ludenden Dean area. Also 9 Stock Doves and 2 Kestrels but no sign of the recent Stonechat.
It's really good to get some good local birds after all the bad weather in recent weeks didn't seem to turn up much!
Ringstone Res'r - c40 Snipe and 2 Jack Snipe on the north shore late morning (GS) and later in the afternoon an adult Mediterranean Gull (black hood almost complete) with a large gull flock feeding in the fields near the res'r followed by a winter Dunlin with the Lapwing flock (NCD and DF)
Whiteholme Res'r turned up an early Ringed Plover this afternoon (PGr)
Soil Hill produced a Woodcock this afternoon (BS)
Elsewhere I found 5 Little Owls (2 and 2 and 1) in the upper Ludenden Dean area. Also 9 Stock Doves and 2 Kestrels but no sign of the recent Stonechat.
It's really good to get some good local birds after all the bad weather in recent weeks didn't seem to turn up much!
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Bins for Sale
I have a pair of Leica Ultravid 8x42 BR's for sale
They are showing signs of wear but then after 12years of use in the field around the world nothing out of the ordinary and optically they are as good as the day I bought them.
Come with case, strap and eye-cup guard.
£800 ovno
They are showing signs of wear but then after 12years of use in the field around the world nothing out of the ordinary and optically they are as good as the day I bought them.
Come with case, strap and eye-cup guard.
£800 ovno
Friday, February 14, 2014
Update!
Not a lot to report in the last day or so - the stormy weather hasn't helped, though several sites have been checked in the hope of something storm blown inland.
Ringstone and Scammonden checked and Cromwell Bottom where the 1st winter Scaup was showing again this morning. (SL). The few Golden Plover at Ringstone earlier in the week seem to have moved on but it will be good to look forward to numbers building in the coming weeks.
Ogden and Mixenden also checked this afternoon.
At Mixenden there were 5 female type Goldeneye and the dead drake is still floating about in the middle of the water. Only 6 B H Gulls was an unusually low count for this site. 5 Canada Geese flew over towards Stodfold with the usual Jackdaws nearby.
Ogden was deadly in a prolonged hail storm and I gave it up as a bad job with just around 120 B H Gulls and a few Common Gulls braving it out in the middle and 3 Canada Geese with the Mallards at the feeding area.
Ringstone and Scammonden checked and Cromwell Bottom where the 1st winter Scaup was showing again this morning. (SL). The few Golden Plover at Ringstone earlier in the week seem to have moved on but it will be good to look forward to numbers building in the coming weeks.
Ogden and Mixenden also checked this afternoon.
At Mixenden there were 5 female type Goldeneye and the dead drake is still floating about in the middle of the water. Only 6 B H Gulls was an unusually low count for this site. 5 Canada Geese flew over towards Stodfold with the usual Jackdaws nearby.
Ogden was deadly in a prolonged hail storm and I gave it up as a bad job with just around 120 B H Gulls and a few Common Gulls braving it out in the middle and 3 Canada Geese with the Mallards at the feeding area.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
More pinks!
138 over Northowran at 15:40 (AC) were over towards Swales Moor/Ploughcroft at 15:55. They were very high and only seemed to be making slow, but determined progress and changing direction though generally >W to NW.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Other news today
c300 Pink-footed Geese reported >W over Barkisland soon after 11:00 (SB) and another skein over Soil Hill around 11:30 (via NK)
Also from Soil Hill today (NK) 7 Skylark and some singing!
Also from Soil Hill today (NK) 7 Skylark and some singing!
Lee Mount
Not a lot about today but a nice surprise was a Common Buzzard drifting high overhead around 14:30 >SW closely followed by 4 Carrion Crows giving it some rough close encounters!
Sunday, February 09, 2014
Hardcastle Crags
c.70 Brambling up the path 100 yards from Gibson Mill on the way towards Widdop Road this lunchtime. Plus a grey heron on the mill pond, 4 nuthatch near the mill, and c.90 fieldfare battling strong winds up near the Widdop Road car park.
Saturday, February 08, 2014
Shibden Park - 08/02/14
The 2 mute swans are still on Shibden Mere.
Also present were:
4 coots
6 moorhen
4 canada geese
A large selection of mallard and other domestic type ducks.
Mistle thrush singing
Also a few calling nuthatch
Not much up on Beacon Hill but it was very windy.
Also present were:
4 coots
6 moorhen
4 canada geese
A large selection of mallard and other domestic type ducks.
Mistle thrush singing
Also a few calling nuthatch
Not much up on Beacon Hill but it was very windy.
Nuthatch
Since moving to mytholmroyd I have noticed there is a lot of nuthatch in the area. Today I counted 7 in various parts
Of the area
2 brearley by the canal
2 redacre wood
1 broadhead clough
1 Stubbs (singing)
1 near the nest estate
Very nice to see so many in the area they are doing very well. Not that long ago I think todmorden was the only place to see them.
Friday, February 07, 2014
Bewick swans over mytholmroyd
4 Bewick's swans just (18:49) flown east over mytholmroyd quite low and calling
Thursday, February 06, 2014
Great News for Swifts in Halifax Town Centre
I suggested to LDN Architects that while they were building a new library, they might as well incorporate some Swift nest boxes in the structure. This was last year, and yesterday I found out that they are going in !
I had support from Andrew Pitts and Carole Knowles, senior managers with the Council. I also got them to consult Hugh Firman, Conservation Officer with the Council.
Alex Liddell has consulted www.swift-conservation.org and intends to source their nesting blocks. He had taken on that there should be more than one at a site to satisfy the Swifts communal nesting habit.
The building is due to be ready in 2016.
I've mentioned a Peregrine tray and it has been speculated that one could be fitted later; maybe in the Square Chapel spire, though the loss of Kestrels from there would have to be thought about, as Peregrines would probably drive them away.
I've been attending meetings as representative of Halifax Scientific Society, and let them know about Calderdale Bird Conservation Group. The project affects HSS because we meet and have our books/archives in the current library.
I had support from Andrew Pitts and Carole Knowles, senior managers with the Council. I also got them to consult Hugh Firman, Conservation Officer with the Council.
Alex Liddell has consulted www.swift-conservation.org and intends to source their nesting blocks. He had taken on that there should be more than one at a site to satisfy the Swifts communal nesting habit.
The building is due to be ready in 2016.
I've mentioned a Peregrine tray and it has been speculated that one could be fitted later; maybe in the Square Chapel spire, though the loss of Kestrels from there would have to be thought about, as Peregrines would probably drive them away.
I've been attending meetings as representative of Halifax Scientific Society, and let them know about Calderdale Bird Conservation Group. The project affects HSS because we meet and have our books/archives in the current library.
View looking across Winding Road with the Square Chapel Centre for the Arts on the left and Industrial Museum on the right. The new library will be wrapped round the unused spire that stands there now. The main access will be through the re-paved Piece Hall. You can see more design projections in the current library, if you enquire.
Wednesday, February 05, 2014
Mixenden Res'r
24 Whooper Swans still there this morning at 8.15. Quite a bit of wing flapping going on and the birds looked very alert so maybe they will be on their way this morning?
3 female Goldeneye still there along with what looks like the dead male still floating about in the middle of the Res'r upside down.
Whoopers in the gloom this morning
3 female Goldeneye still there along with what looks like the dead male still floating about in the middle of the Res'r upside down.
Tuesday, February 04, 2014
Mixenden Res'r
All thanks to BS who earlier had a conversation with someone who had visited the res'r earlier and seen these yellow-billed swans. A great find, they are probably on a stage of heading back to Iceland in readiness for the next breeding season.
Also present at least 3 female Goldeneye and what looked like a dead male floating upside down in the middle.
A pair of goosander also present as well as BS and NK on a flying visit - like us!
Well done to the finder.
Monday, February 03, 2014
Ogden
This afternoon
A single Woodcock flushed in the woodland late afternoon flew off at speed towards the golf course. I nearly trod on it before it flushed and it was in more or less in the same area I have had them occasionally before.
It was very quiet for birds in the woodland areas but I did find a flock of around 10 Goldcrests in an area of small pines, birch and hazel in the NW woodland. No other species with them which was unusual though they were also feeding at ground level in bilberry bushes.
1 drake Goldeneye on the res'r
1 adult Cormorant
1 Canada Goose
c70 Mallard
c250 B H Gulls
c20 Common Gulls
2 Sparrowhawks
2 Stock Doves along Back lane and c60 Woodpigeons
A single Woodcock flushed in the woodland late afternoon flew off at speed towards the golf course. I nearly trod on it before it flushed and it was in more or less in the same area I have had them occasionally before.
It was very quiet for birds in the woodland areas but I did find a flock of around 10 Goldcrests in an area of small pines, birch and hazel in the NW woodland. No other species with them which was unusual though they were also feeding at ground level in bilberry bushes.
1 drake Goldeneye on the res'r
1 adult Cormorant
1 Canada Goose
c70 Mallard
c250 B H Gulls
c20 Common Gulls
2 Sparrowhawks
2 Stock Doves along Back lane and c60 Woodpigeons
Sunday, February 02, 2014
Luddenden Dean
This afternoon I managed a good 2hrs or more in the upper dean area from Booth to Jerusalem Farm then on to Castle Carr lower lodge then up the hillside to top lodge then back to Wainstalls via Castle Carr Road. A nice afternoon out with some sunshine thrown in!
A single Brambling was the highlight, feeding in the beech woodland just before Jerusalem Farm
There were also lots of Blue, Great and Coal Tits on the feeders at J Farm - thanks Ted!
Elsewhere a Nuthatch was on other feeders at The Lowe
Plenty corvids about including c60 Rooks
13 Common Gulls >W
15 Pheasants at one spot
2 Kestrels were the only raptors
2 pairs of Little Owls
Plenty Woodpigeons and the usual finch sp.. going to roost towards Castle Carr woodland
A single Brambling was the highlight, feeding in the beech woodland just before Jerusalem Farm
There were also lots of Blue, Great and Coal Tits on the feeders at J Farm - thanks Ted!
Elsewhere a Nuthatch was on other feeders at The Lowe
Plenty corvids about including c60 Rooks
13 Common Gulls >W
15 Pheasants at one spot
2 Kestrels were the only raptors
2 pairs of Little Owls
Plenty Woodpigeons and the usual finch sp.. going to roost towards Castle Carr woodland
Elsewhere, and long walk at an area in the north of our region provided just one common buzzard, and around 18 red grouse. Nothing on the water at all.
Saturday, February 01, 2014
Badger Culling in Calderdale
http://Www.ipetitions.com/petition/save-calderdale-councils-badgers-from-culling
Badger culling could come to Calderdale!
If you would like this to be avoided please sign the petition and give your opinion to the council.
The culling of badgers is cruel. There are other ways to do this if badgers must be controlled. Science has proved that this is not the way to go.
The Scientific Society feel that individuals should have the chance to voice their opposition. Members may have varying views on the cull and by posting this the Society is not voicing the opinion of the Society as a whole.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Cromwell Bottom etc.
5 Shoveler this morning on the ski-lake at Cromwell Bottom from Steve L was a very good find. Not a common bird locally. They were also seen later from Tony M and I managed to get down there later on and they were still on the ski-lake at 2 pm with the drake looking very smart!
No sign of the Scaup on the fishing lake unless it's hiding away on the ski-lake?
1 f Tufted Duck
1 Cormoramt >E
Earlier I picked out a singing Dipper in the stream at Dean Clough, Halifax - just by the car park where the culvert exits under the mills. It's really encouraging to find Dippers so close to the town centre, though this is a regular spot for them.
Mixenden Res'r held 5 Goldeneye still this afternoon 1 drake and 4 female type but the weather was terrible so I didn't stay long!
No sign of any Waxwings at King Cross !
Quite a few Redwings around this morning but not seen later in the day so perhaps they had been roosting nearby.
No sign of the Scaup on the fishing lake unless it's hiding away on the ski-lake?
1 f Tufted Duck
1 Cormoramt >E
Earlier I picked out a singing Dipper in the stream at Dean Clough, Halifax - just by the car park where the culvert exits under the mills. It's really encouraging to find Dippers so close to the town centre, though this is a regular spot for them.
Mixenden Res'r held 5 Goldeneye still this afternoon 1 drake and 4 female type but the weather was terrible so I didn't stay long!
No sign of any Waxwings at King Cross !
Quite a few Redwings around this morning but not seen later in the day so perhaps they had been roosting nearby.
Licencing of upland grouse moors and gamekeepers.
Responsible department: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Given the continuing levels of illegal persecution of birds of prey the Government is called upon to introduce a system of operating licences for upland grouse shoots. Following any proven offence
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Jayhouse Lane
Jayhouse Lane this dinner time
C400 Lapwings
C150 Golden Plover
Hundreds of Common and BH Gulls
1 Little Owl
17 Comorants on the pylon behind Sainsburys Brighouse this morning.
C400 Lapwings
C150 Golden Plover
Hundreds of Common and BH Gulls
1 Little Owl
17 Comorants on the pylon behind Sainsburys Brighouse this morning.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Fieldfares and Redwings
Had over 100 Fieldfares in the field behind the house this afternoon, feeding with 150+ Starlings. Tried to count them but they were very flighty so hard to get accurate number. Also picked out just 4 Redwings and a single Mistle Thrush on the wall trying to look superior to the flock.
3 Goosander on Longfield Dam as we drove past.
3 Goosander on Longfield Dam as we drove past.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
King Cross
A good find this morning with 3 Waxwings at 12 noon just by bottom of Warley Road (RH)
3 still there at 13.00 (NCD) and 10 >W over Tesco's at 13.10 (AC).
In between - we missed the lot !!!!- might have another try this afternoon.
There are still quite a lot of berries around King Cross on the small trees so the birds could stay around for a day or two. Easterly winds forecast in the next day or so - maybe a few more will turn up ?
Update! we tried again this afternoon tramping around King Cross for an hour but we couldn't track any Waxwings down though we did have a male Peregrine over heading towards Peoples Park from Wainhouse Tower direction. Also 3 male Bullfinch feeding on rowan berries, 20 Starlings and 2 adult L B B Gulls over >E.
3 still there at 13.00 (NCD) and 10 >W over Tesco's at 13.10 (AC).
In between - we missed the lot !!!!- might have another try this afternoon.
There are still quite a lot of berries around King Cross on the small trees so the birds could stay around for a day or two. Easterly winds forecast in the next day or so - maybe a few more will turn up ?
Update! we tried again this afternoon tramping around King Cross for an hour but we couldn't track any Waxwings down though we did have a male Peregrine over heading towards Peoples Park from Wainhouse Tower direction. Also 3 male Bullfinch feeding on rowan berries, 20 Starlings and 2 adult L B B Gulls over >E.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Swales Moor
This afternoon the Linnet flock was about 20 strong but I couldn't get anywhere near them to check for possible Twite
2 adult L B B Gulls >N
1 Sparrowhawk >N
1 Kestrel
2 Grey Partridge
8 Red-legged Partridge
A few Common Gulls around
2 adult L B B Gulls >N
1 Sparrowhawk >N
1 Kestrel
2 Grey Partridge
8 Red-legged Partridge
A few Common Gulls around
Mixenden and Cold Edge
Mixenden Res'r this morning
4 f Goldeneye
100+ B H Gulls adn c40 Common Gulls and that was it !
Cold Edge (and it was cold up there!!)
14 Canada Geese
4 Greylag Geese
2 Meadow Pipits
30+ Common Gull
c50 Carrion Crows
c30 Jackdaws
1 Pheasant
c20 Red Grouse
1 female Sparrowhawk, sitting the cold wind out behind a hedge near Balkram Edge but no sign of the usual pair of Little Owls - I guess they were seeking better shelter somewhere nearby instead of on a stone wall.
4 f Goldeneye
100+ B H Gulls adn c40 Common Gulls and that was it !
Cold Edge (and it was cold up there!!)
14 Canada Geese
4 Greylag Geese
2 Meadow Pipits
30+ Common Gull
c50 Carrion Crows
c30 Jackdaws
1 Pheasant
c20 Red Grouse
1 female Sparrowhawk, sitting the cold wind out behind a hedge near Balkram Edge but no sign of the usual pair of Little Owls - I guess they were seeking better shelter somewhere nearby instead of on a stone wall.
Waxwings
c15 briefly in a tree on Crowtrees Lane near Rastrick Library at 13:36hrs this afternoon. They flew off in the direction of Carr Green J&I School after a Mistle Thrush disturbed them.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
High Royd and River Calder
High Royd this afternoon
2 Teal
12+ Mallard
1 Grey Heron
2 Grey Wagtail
14+ Pied Wagtail
120+ Carrion Crows on the filter beds
2 Nuthatch
I tried for Water Rail but viewing the beds is almost impossible now - I guess there would be a chance of hearing them though! No Coot or Moorhens.
Luddenden Foot
1 Kingfisher on the Calder
Brearley
3 Goosander
1 Goldcrest (first of the year for me)
1 Jay
17 Canada Geese
Black-headed Gulls c100 on Brearley Fields
29 Herring Gulls >W late afternoon (17 and 11) following the calder and quite low down they looked really interesting - mostly adults.
2 Teal
12+ Mallard
1 Grey Heron
2 Grey Wagtail
14+ Pied Wagtail
120+ Carrion Crows on the filter beds
2 Nuthatch
I tried for Water Rail but viewing the beds is almost impossible now - I guess there would be a chance of hearing them though! No Coot or Moorhens.
Luddenden Foot
1 Kingfisher on the Calder
Brearley
3 Goosander
1 Goldcrest (first of the year for me)
1 Jay
17 Canada Geese
Black-headed Gulls c100 on Brearley Fields
29 Herring Gulls >W late afternoon (17 and 11) following the calder and quite low down they looked really interesting - mostly adults.
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Today's news!
The day started off well with 2 Shelduck at Ringstone Res'r followed this afternoon with the 1st winter Scaup still on the fishing lake at Brookfoot and a Water Rail on the River Calder - all thanks to JB.
This afternoon from NCD and DF a large flock of Brambling in the woodlands in Crimsworth Dean with probably 150 or so though they were flighty and difficult to pin down. They were in and around the woodland near the 'house in the dell' about a mile upstream from Midgehole car park. There is quite a lot of beech woodland up there so there is a good chance they could stay around for a while. (?)
And from NCD yesterday 3 Greylag Geese at Cold Edge but not a lot else.
This afternoon from NCD and DF a large flock of Brambling in the woodlands in Crimsworth Dean with probably 150 or so though they were flighty and difficult to pin down. They were in and around the woodland near the 'house in the dell' about a mile upstream from Midgehole car park. There is quite a lot of beech woodland up there so there is a good chance they could stay around for a while. (?)
And from NCD yesterday 3 Greylag Geese at Cold Edge but not a lot else.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
2013 Bird Records
Our recorder Nick Dawtrey thanks all those who have sent in their records and would welcome any further Calderdale records for last year - by the end of January please.
Nick is especially after any Water Rail records as so far it looks like we have none for last year!
Thanks to Nick too for his diligence and care as our local recorder.
Nick is especially after any Water Rail records as so far it looks like we have none for last year!
Thanks to Nick too for his diligence and care as our local recorder.
Swales Moor
Pretty dead up there this morning with nothing moving at all. The usual corvids were on the top in good numbers but the best I could find was 18 Meadow Pipits, 2 Bullfinch and 3 Greylag Geese over.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Fly Flatts, Withens Head and Mixenden Res'r
Nothing at all moving this morning but a lot of Red Grouse visible and flying about near the wind farm and across the moor.
The only other bird seen was a Golden Plover and calling on the moor, this is early though I have had them before in January up there even when snow has been on the ground.
Just 3 female Goldeneye on Mixenden along with 6 Mallard
Red Grouse
The only other bird seen was a Golden Plover and calling on the moor, this is early though I have had them before in January up there even when snow has been on the ground.
Just 3 female Goldeneye on Mixenden along with 6 Mallard
1st winter male Scaup
Photographed distantly yesterday (20 January) from the road as access is a problem here but interesting to notice the marked difference in plumage of this individual in comparison to the photographs taken on 5 January by DF.
Assuming it is the same bird it is rapidly moulting into adult plumage, it will be interesting to observe how its moult progresses providing it hangs around of course.
Assuming it is the same bird it is rapidly moulting into adult plumage, it will be interesting to observe how its moult progresses providing it hangs around of course.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Ogden
This afternoon
1 very red fox asleep and sunning itself on a wall.
1 Goldeneye drake
1 adult Cormorant in breeding plumage flew over
Red Grouse up by 'The Giants Tooth'
The woodland was very quiet
1 very red fox asleep and sunning itself on a wall.
1 Goldeneye drake
1 adult Cormorant in breeding plumage flew over
Red Grouse up by 'The Giants Tooth'
The woodland was very quiet
Woodcock
Check out Nigel's - Queensbury Birder blog for some great shots of a Woodcock picked up in a Queensbury garden today after flying into a window! Thankfully the bird was alive, though stunned and later released.
Swales Moor
A very interesting 2 hrs this morning up there picking up a light movement of big gulls and a skein of Pink-footed Geese (eventually)!!!
1 Common Buzzard over and another reported heading down the Wheatley Valley from Ogden late morning thanks to Nigel, but I couldn't pick it up!
54 'pinks' >NW changed to >W as they got over Mt Tabor at 11.05
28 Herring Gulls >W mostly singles though two groups of 9
5 Great Black- backed Gulls (2 and 3) >SW
10 Common Gulls >NE
230 Woodpigeons >NE
1 Pied Wagtail >SW
Around the site
1 Green Woodpecker heard
17 Linnets but no Twite
10 Meadow Pipits
c40 Lapwings over the fields toward Shelf
1 Kestrel
Masses of corvids
Great visibility high today though haze in the valleys - The Red Arrows were giving the sky a going over towards Lincolnshire too. I couldn't pick out the aircraft but the vapour trails gave it away!
1 Common Buzzard over and another reported heading down the Wheatley Valley from Ogden late morning thanks to Nigel, but I couldn't pick it up!
54 'pinks' >NW changed to >W as they got over Mt Tabor at 11.05
28 Herring Gulls >W mostly singles though two groups of 9
5 Great Black- backed Gulls (2 and 3) >SW
10 Common Gulls >NE
230 Woodpigeons >NE
1 Pied Wagtail >SW
Around the site
1 Green Woodpecker heard
17 Linnets but no Twite
10 Meadow Pipits
c40 Lapwings over the fields toward Shelf
1 Kestrel
Masses of corvids
Great visibility high today though haze in the valleys - The Red Arrows were giving the sky a going over towards Lincolnshire too. I couldn't pick out the aircraft but the vapour trails gave it away!
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Wainstalls area
A very good afternoon, especially for Little Owls with 2 at Balkram Edge, another 2 along Castle Carr Road and yet another 2 in the upper dean.
1 Sparrowhawk female
1 Common Buzzard over > SW
1 male Kestrel
2 Raven 'cronking' over very high >NW
1 male Stonechat
c180 Fieldfares off to roost
3 Goosander flyovers towards Cold Edge late afternoon
Also of interest were a few small groups of big gulls heading up the Calder Valley late afternoon but they were too far away for identification though they were probably Herring Gulls with Gt B Backs!
No sign of any 'pinkies'. !!
1 Sparrowhawk female
1 Common Buzzard over > SW
1 male Kestrel
2 Raven 'cronking' over very high >NW
1 male Stonechat
c180 Fieldfares off to roost
3 Goosander flyovers towards Cold Edge late afternoon
Also of interest were a few small groups of big gulls heading up the Calder Valley late afternoon but they were too far away for identification though they were probably Herring Gulls with Gt B Backs!
No sign of any 'pinkies'. !!
Starlings II
Went to look for the starling flock in Bacup Road. We were too early for the fly-past so we drove up Sourhall Road. Saw c200-300 birds on wires and in field then they gradually joined up in a huge flock - more birds joining all the time and flew onto one of the pylons on opposite side of the main road. By now we'd driven down to the main road and across it onto a track. After 10 mins or so they took off in a flock from the pylon and swirled above us for 10 mins before settling into long grass/reeds on the hillside. Bob estimated c2,000 birds in total. 20 fieldfare in field at the side of Sourhall Road.
Sandra
Sandra
Shelduck for Ogden
A nice surprise at Ogden this morning with 3 Shelduck on the water in thick fog.
As soon as the fog lifted so did the birds flying a full circuit then off >SW down the Calder Valley.
A site first for me, any more records of Shelduck for Ogden ?
Also present was an ad Cormorant in breeding plumage and a male Goldeneye.
BS
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Other news today
Lee Mount - 2 skeins of Pink-footed Geese, both very close together >W over Lee Mount across lunch - time totalling c200 birds (JS and KS) I was elsewhere!!! so missed another lot.
This is an unprecedented year for such a regular occurances in this New Year over Calderdale (though we are likely to miss a lot - especially at night). I have checked coastal reports and they don't appear to be coming in off the sea at east coast sites so they are unlikely from the continent. It is more likely they are movements from Norfolk and Linc's/Humberside and probably moving towards Southport, Ribble or perhaps The Solway Firth (or Ireland maybe)?
Please keep the reports coming in!
Also today - the 1st winter Scaup was still on the fishing lake at Brookfoot this afternoon (NCD and DF)
This is an unprecedented year for such a regular occurances in this New Year over Calderdale (though we are likely to miss a lot - especially at night). I have checked coastal reports and they don't appear to be coming in off the sea at east coast sites so they are unlikely from the continent. It is more likely they are movements from Norfolk and Linc's/Humberside and probably moving towards Southport, Ribble or perhaps The Solway Firth (or Ireland maybe)?
Please keep the reports coming in!
Also today - the 1st winter Scaup was still on the fishing lake at Brookfoot this afternoon (NCD and DF)
Friday, January 17, 2014
Amazing migration!!
I see on the BirdGuides web site, a report of a Red-necked Phalarope from the Hebrides was fitted there with a geo-locater in 2012 and returned to the same site in 2013. The amazing bit is that it was tracked in the mean time to the Pacific coast of South America - Peru. A round trip of 16,000 miles.
I've not been able to copy the link but the full story is on the BirdGuides and probably the RSPB site?.
Managed to copy part of the report thanks to Bird Guides and RSPB
A tracking device, which weighs less than a paperclip, has helped scientists uncover one of the world's great bird migrations. It revealed that a Scottish Red-necked Phalarope migrated thousands of miles west across the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, a journey never recorded for any other European breeding bird. In 2012, the RSPB, working in collaboration with the Swiss Ornithological Institute and Dave Okill of the Shetland Ringing Group, fitted individual geolocators to ten phalaropes nesting on Fetlar (Shetland), in the hope of learning where they spend the winter.
After successfully recapturing one of the tagged birds when it returned to Fetlar last spring, experts discovered it had made an epic 16,000-mile round trip during its annual migration — flying from Shetland across the Atlantic, south down the eastern seaboard of the US, across the Caribbean, and Mexico, ending up off the coast of Peru. After wintering in the Pacific, it returned to Fetlar, following a similar route.
I've not been able to copy the link but the full story is on the BirdGuides and probably the RSPB site?.
Managed to copy part of the report thanks to Bird Guides and RSPB
A tracking device, which weighs less than a paperclip, has helped scientists uncover one of the world's great bird migrations. It revealed that a Scottish Red-necked Phalarope migrated thousands of miles west across the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, a journey never recorded for any other European breeding bird. In 2012, the RSPB, working in collaboration with the Swiss Ornithological Institute and Dave Okill of the Shetland Ringing Group, fitted individual geolocators to ten phalaropes nesting on Fetlar (Shetland), in the hope of learning where they spend the winter.
After successfully recapturing one of the tagged birds when it returned to Fetlar last spring, experts discovered it had made an epic 16,000-mile round trip during its annual migration — flying from Shetland across the Atlantic, south down the eastern seaboard of the US, across the Caribbean, and Mexico, ending up off the coast of Peru. After wintering in the Pacific, it returned to Fetlar, following a similar route.
Wheatley Valley and Swales Moor
I checked the former landfill site this morning but it was a bit quieter than the last visit. The large grass area was soaked and didn't have the 'wellies' on ! So, I stuck to the tree belt areas.
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
1 Song Thrush
10+ Bullfinch - they must love this area
10+ Redwing
3 Jays
A few other usual finch sp. and a few tits around but no sign of Goldcrests
Without the car today so I legged it up to the top of Swales this afternoon in the hope of some 'pinkies' on the move - just my luck recently !!!! too late for Andy's 70 over Northowram about 11:00 and too early for Sheila D's (via NK) c200 over towards Ogden around 15:30
18 Linnet and 1 Twite - just in the weedy area at the top of the lane from Ploughcroft but they were soon off and I couldn't re-locate them.
1 Sparrowhawk
1 Kestrel
1 Grey Wagtail
1 Pied Wagtail
A few Common Gulls roaming around the tops and the usual multitude of corvids
c40 Lapwings were circling over towards Beacon Hill area. They must be feeding in the fields somewhere up Southowram area as they settled back down having probably been spooked by a raptor (?)
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
1 Song Thrush
10+ Bullfinch - they must love this area
10+ Redwing
3 Jays
A few other usual finch sp. and a few tits around but no sign of Goldcrests
Without the car today so I legged it up to the top of Swales this afternoon in the hope of some 'pinkies' on the move - just my luck recently !!!! too late for Andy's 70 over Northowram about 11:00 and too early for Sheila D's (via NK) c200 over towards Ogden around 15:30
18 Linnet and 1 Twite - just in the weedy area at the top of the lane from Ploughcroft but they were soon off and I couldn't re-locate them.
1 Sparrowhawk
1 Kestrel
1 Grey Wagtail
1 Pied Wagtail
A few Common Gulls roaming around the tops and the usual multitude of corvids
c40 Lapwings were circling over towards Beacon Hill area. They must be feeding in the fields somewhere up Southowram area as they settled back down having probably been spooked by a raptor (?)
