NEW SIGHTINGS BLOG

Thank you for visiting this sightings blog for the Bradford Ornithological Group's recording area.
This site is now an archive as a new blog has been created.

The new site can be found at http://bradfordbirders.blogspot.co.uk/

For any sightings you wish to be included in our records and on the web send an email to - 

recorder@bradfordbirding.org 

28th April 2013

Wilsden, Main Street opposite fish shop
10x Waxwings

M Doveston

Sunday 21 April 2013

Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - 37 species recorded this morning including - Whitethroat, pair of Bullfinch, Kestrel, 20 Redpoll with up to 10 birds on the feeder at one time, Reed Bunting, Willow Warbler, Chiff-Chaff, Sand Martin, Swallow, Cormorant.
Fred Drake et al

PLEASE SEND ANY SIGHTINGS IN THE BOG RECORDING AREA TO PAUL KING FOR THE NEXT WEEK. THANKYOU.

Saturday continued

Private Wetlands (permit holders only) -Goldeneye, Goosander (pair on river), Grey Partridge -pair, Redshank -2, Lesser Black-backed Gull -1, Common Tern -2, Stock Dove -1, Sand Martin -c8, Redwing , Sedge Warbler, Blackcap -2 singing males, Willow Warbler -at least 4, Chiffchaff -many, Jay -1, Siskin -pair, Bullfinch -2 pairs.
John Armstrong




Saturday, 20th April 2013

Glovershaw
A glorious morning for birding and Glovershaw was at its best. A pair of Red Grouse sailed off into the mist whilst Snipe were belting round or calling from fence posts.  A flock of 50 Golden Plovers occupied the damp fields near Golcar Farm and Lapwing protected their territory from marauding crows.  Five Wheatears, three males and two females, rested in the sun at Birch Close Lane, Skylarks and Meadow Pipits were everywhere and the evocative call of Curlews drifted across the moorland.
Paul King.

East Riddlesden Hall
Blackcap and Chiffchaff singing.

St.Ives
Chiffchaff, Blackcap, several Swallows,
Noctule Bat flying around over Coppice Pond at 12.30pm
Siskin singing in trees around Coppice Pond.

M Doveston

Friday continued

67 Waxwings in front of Morrisons HQ, Gain Lane, Bradford
R Wilkinson

Birch Close Lane - by this afternoon, only a single male Wheatear seen so the birds are moving on quickly.
Shaun Radcliffe

Bingley garden - male Blackcap.
Paul Croft

Bingley Bog North and Myrtle Park
Common Sandpiper 3 in Myrtle Park passing upstream but had paused by the weir, later saw one of them along Riverside Walk (photographed in both spots). Willow Warbler 4, Chiffchaff 4 - 5
Mallard - two broods seen, one already reduced to two remaining chicks, Swallow 1, Goosander pair in Myrtle Park, Nuthatch prominent in both areas, A few pairs of House Sparrows breeding (carrying food into holes) not far from 5-rise Locks, Great Black-backed Gull 2 passed down the valley, Jackdaws breeding at the Mansions and on Lady Lane, Lady Lane rookery now 12 nests with a pair of Carrion Crows nesting a few trees away
P Matthews

East Riddlesden Hall - Chiffchaff
M Doveston

Friday 19th April 2013

Birch Close Lane, Glovershaw
It appears the mass movement of Wheatears is underway.  This morning nine birds, five males and four females were feeding just across the race track at Birch Close Lane.
Paul King.

Tuesday continued

I seem to miss Paul's golfing Wheatears but had one below Weecher. My count at Glovershaw was 100 Golden Plover but the flock keeps moving around.
Sconce Lane area - Swallows around the farms, 6 singing Willow Warblers amongst the dead bracken area on small trees, Little Grebe on small pond, 4 Tufted Duck flew over plus a House Martin.
Also Willow Warblers singing in Shipley Glen.
Pair of Linnet on Glen Road.
Shaun Radcliffe

Thackley - 12 Waxwings flew over.
Casper Pottle

Stockbridge (Members Only Reserve)
Male & Female Kestrel visited all three nest boxes during this afternoon.
The Female then remained in the middle one for over an hour

P Croft


Tuesday 16th April 2013

Glovershaw
A Wheatear was feeding on the Golf Course and there was also a good number of pairs of Skylarks and Meadow Pipits.  A flock of 40 Golden Plovers flew from a field by Golcar Farm where a pair of Curlew were feeding and Snipe could be heard from their nest site and one was calling from on top of a fence post.
Paul King.

Monday 15 April 2013

Caldene Fields - 3 Sand Martin, 7 Swallows plus Willow Warbler at Raw Nook N R, South Bradford
Martyn Priestley
Walk from Bingley to Saltaire along R Aire - 2 Grey Wagtail at Ireland Bridge, 3 Chiff-Chaff in Myrtle Park, Wagon Lane area - 2 singing Blackcap and 2 singing Willow Warblers. Plenty of Sand Martin and Swallows with the odd House Martin.
Shaun Radcliffe
Whetstone - male Wheatear, male Stonechat, Snipe, Redshank, Kestrel.
Mike Bloomfield

Sunday 14 April 2013

Marley Farm - Willow Warbler, 5 Swallow.
Stephen Lilley
Leeshaw Res. – 40 Canada Geese, 4 Greylags, 6 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, Reed Bunting, Little Owl, Lapwings and Curlew.
Andrew Greenwood
High Royds, Menston - House Martins
Chelker Res. - Swallow
Shipley Station - 2 Chiff-Chaff
John Healey




Saturday 13 April 2013

Graincliffe Res. - in conifer plantation at 10.41 this morning, Firecrest. Photo taken.
Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - Swallow, Sand Martin
Fred Drake

Whestone Gate- 3 Linnet, Wheatear.
Stephen Lilley

Scargill Pasture - 200 Golden Plover, 250 flock of winter thrushes, Swallow.
Scargill Res. - male Goldeneye, 2 pair of Goosander, pair of Redshank, Chiff-Chaff
Beaverdyke Res. - Swallow, 7 Tree Sparrow and nearby, 2 Marsh Tit (on call), Swallow.
John o'Gaunt Res. - single Barnacle Goose with Canadas, 20 Tufted Duck, 12 Teal and pair of Redshank.
Shaun Radcliffe

Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits - Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, 6 Goosander, Chiff-Chaff, Oystercatcher.
Steve Parkes

Oxenhope area
2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Red Legged Partridge
2 Swallow, 10 Snipe, C60 Meadow Pipit
23 Skylark, 1 Stonechat, 1 Lesser Black Back Gull
26 Curlew, C40 Lapwing, 8 Woodpigeon
2 Redshank, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander
1 Song Thrush, 4 Oystercatcher, 15 Black headed Gull
4 Greylag, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler

J Brass

Friday 12 April 2013

Riddlesden Garden - single Brambling with other finches.
Stephen Lilley

Hawksworth common (guiseley)
18 waxwing today. Chiffchaff singing

Roger Wilkinson

Thursday 11 April 2013

Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - Swallow, a few Redwing, pair of Bullfinch, 6 Redpoll, 4 Reed Bunting.
Fred Drake et al

9th April 2013

evening walk through Judy Woods to Norwood Green
Treecreeper, 2 Lapwing, C20 Meadowpipit
Kestrel, Pied Wagtail, Sparrowhawk, 2 Mistle Thrush

J Brass

Monday continued

Riddlesden Garden - 6 Siskin
Peter Sutcliffe

Sconce Lane - singing Chiff-Chaff in small plantation, Raven flying east.
Glovershaw - didn't see Paul's Wheatears unfortunately but 4 drumming Snipe plus 100 Golden Plover was worth the effort.
Shaun Radcliffe

Monday 8th April 2013

Glovershaw
Two male Wheatears on the 12th fairway of Baildon Golf Course at 8.30am.
Paul King.

Weekend catchup

Have been away so sorry for late entries.
A Chiffchaff at Toad Holes Beck and a Curlew flew N/W over Caldene Fields on Saturday morning.
Martyn Priestley

Sunday - A busy day for birds in my Riddlesden garden. 17 species in all including :-
10 Waxwings (a first in my garden), 4 Lesser Redpoll, 12 Siskin, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Greenfinch
Stephen Lillley

John O’Gaunts Res. - 3 Redshank, small flock of Redwings
Scargill Res. - female Common Scoter, 2 Redshank, singing Chiffchaff showing well and several arriving Meadow Pipits
John Flood






Sunday, 7th April 2013

Glovershaw and Baildon Moor
The air was filled by the sound of singing Skylarks as a Red Grouse walked across the fairway.  The flock of Golden Plover had grown to about 150, some of them roosted at Golcar and a second group were feeding near Birch Close.  Snipe were 'belting' round, a pair of noisy Oystercatchers raced by and Meadow Pipits indulged in their courtship and display.
Paul King.

Saturday 6th April 2013

Shipley Glen
A Green Woodpecker spent the morning calling from around the Glen, a GSW was drumming and a pair of Oystercatchers flew over.
Glovershaw
On the wet fields by Golcar Farm, 80 Golden PLovers had settled and 15 or so pairs of Lapwings were in situ.  A pair of Grey Partridge foraged by Glovershaw farm, Curlew were active and Snipe were displaying over their breeding territory.
Paul King.

Saturday 6th April 2013

Queensbury - 1 Redpoll, 3 Bulfinch, 2 Goldcrest, 8 Waxwing (There have been up to 30 Waxwing in Queensbury all this week).

Thursday 4 April 2013

Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - 36 species recorded this morning including -  2 Woodcock, pair of Bullfinch, Kingfisher, 2 Snipe, a few Herring Gulls passing down the valley, Redpoll, Reed Bunting, Siskin.
Steve Webb et al

Graincliffe Reservoir area - flock of 5 Crossbill flew over plus a pair feeding on cones, 2 Woodcock (nearly stood on), 3 male Siskin, pair of copulating Curlew (just to prove it is spring).
Shaun Radcliffe

Baildon Garden - pair of Brambing
Paul Marfell

Monday 1 April 2013

Baildon Garden - Brambling
Paul Marfell
Glovershaw - 40 Golden Plover, a few Lapwing, 300 Starling
Birch Close Lane - 15 Greylag, 7 Oystercatchers, 3 Stock Dove, 3 Curlew
Shaun Radcliffe

Sunday 31 March 2013

Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - 3 Woodcock flushed, single Snipe feeding, pair of Bullfinch, a few Redpoll, 5 Redwing, 4 Reed Bunting, pair of Goosanders in flight display.
Steve Webb et al

Friday 29 March 2013

Walsh Lane, above Bingley - this afternoon, Little Owl (expected)

Shaun Radcliffe

Thursday 28 March 2013

Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - 2 Snipe feeding, Woodcock flew from behind the hide and across the lake, 3 Redpoll, 4 Reed Bunting, pair of Bullfinch, Greenfinch, song & displaying in flight, Cormorant.
Steve Webb et al

Wednesday 27 March 2013

Longwood Avenue, Bingley - brief visit by 14 Waxwings, eight of which fed on Cotoneaster at No 8!!
Flock has returned a few times so still in the area.
Shaun Radcliffe
Redcar Tarn - 4 Bramblings in bushes at far end of tarn.
John Preshaw

Sunday 24 March 2013

Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - 40 species recorded this morning including - 6 Snipe, 2 Meadow Pipit (uncommon at this site), Water Rail, 4 Redpoll, Kingfisher, Bullfinch, Reed Bunting, Sparrowhawk, Goosander, a few winter thrushes, Long-Tailed Tit with a short tail!
Fred Drake et al

Thursday 21 March 2013

Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - 30 species recorded including 9 Redpoll, Kestrel, Siskin, Bullfinch, Goosander.
John Preshaw et al
Glovershaw - 80 Golden Plover with hundreds of Starlings and a few Lapwing.
Sconce Lane - 2 Stock Dove
Shaun Radcliffe

Wednesday 20 March 2013

Fewston Res. - Raven, 11 Tufted, 5 Goldeneye, 4 Goosander, 2 Oyks.
Swinsty Res. - G C G , 2 Teal, 2 Oyks, Redshank, 9 Curlew.
Shaun Radcliffe

50+waxwings in horton park on the popular trees in the middle

A Robinson

small group of 5 waxwings in Cullingworth yesterday about 14-30 and today 9-35 in trees near the village hall, churchyard & George Pub area

I Skayman

Tuesday continued

Leeshaw Res. - Cormorant 3, Little Owl 1, Redshank 1, Golden Plover 35,
Fieldfare 50+, Oystercatcher 2
Brian Vickers

Tuesday 19th March 2013

Whetstone Gate

On a lovely sunny, still, chilly morning with some snow still on the ground, I took what is becoming a fairly regular walk for me, up to Whetstone Gate.
Early signs were good when a Little Owl, seen last week also, was sitting in a tree below Upwood Farm, in the field opposite two Common Partridge were feeding.
  
As I approached the stream below Bradup  two Pied Wagtail were seen, the first there for me since the Autumn.  Further along the road toward  Bradup the air was filled with the sound of calling birds. Lapwing, Curlew, Snipe and Meadow Pipit were heard. The Lapwings were widely dispersed on the ground and difficult to count , 30+ would be an estimate. Snipe were heard only , probably a single bird. Meadow Pipits were flyovers in two's and three's at a time, but fairly regular. As I approached the quarry I was chuffed to see a female Stonechat, followed shortly afterwards by a male. On the way down , some 300yds below the first pair of Stonechats yet another pair  were in evidence.  
Stephen Lilley

Sunday 17 March 2013

Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - 35 species recorded including - brief view of Water Rail, Redpoll, Siskin, Kingfisher, Oystercatcher, Reed Bunting.
Fred Drake et al

Brambling in Saltaire Garden.
Nick Tonge

5 waxwings in a tree outside a garden off Villa Road, Bingley for an hour this afternoon, coming down to feed in bushes.

A Josephs

Friday 15 March 2013

Leeshaw Res at 1800 - Oystercatcher 4, Curlew 60, Canada Geese 81.
Brian Vickers
Bradup - pre-breeding flock of 56 Lapwing. A Snipe was heard from the undergrowth.
Shaun Radcliffe

Thursday 14 March 2013

Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - 2 Snipe feeding in prepared ground area, 9 Redpoll coming to feeders, 4 Siskin, Sparrowhawk, pair of Bullfinch, LTT nearly finished nest building, now collecting feathers.
Steve Webb et al

Tuesday 12 March 2013

Note 26 mute swans in Otley area.
Knotford Nook - a female Smew; 4 Great Crested Grebe, 44 Wigeon, 13 Goldeneye.
Private Wetlands (permit holders only) - 3 Great Crested Grebe, 86 Wigeon, 2 pairs Teal, 4 Pochard, 20 Goldeneye
Denton Hall (in fields in front of Hall) - 7 Golden Plover (unusual for this site).
John Flood
Strid Woods -Birds seen today were flock of 150 winter thrushes which included Redwing, Fieldfare & Mistle Thrushes, 3 Dippers (2 Singing), 1 Treecreeper, Nuthatches, 1 Male 3 Female Goosanders 2 Grey Wagtails and 2 Pair Oystercatches, 2 Curlews and 1 Stock Dove + 1 Tawny Owl roosting in tree

Malc & Fran Stones




Tuesday 12 March 2013

Note 26 mute swans in Otley area.
Knotford Nook - a female Smew; 4 Great Crested Grebe, 44 Wigeon, 13 Goldeneye.
Private Wetlands (permit holders only) - 3 Great Crested Grebe, 86 Wigeon, 2 pairs Teal, 4 Pochard, 20 Goldeneye
Denton Hall (in fields in front of Hall) - 7 Golden Plover (unusual for this site).
John Flood





Monday 11 March 2013


Leeshaw Res. - Oystercatcher 4, Cormorant 2, Canada Geese 80 , Pink feet Geese 8.
Brian Vickers
Information just received - Thursday, 7th March - Denton Hall (in fields in front)
6 Pink-feet in fields in group amongst good numbers of Greylag
32 Wigeon on grass around Hall lake.
John Flood








Monday 11 March 2013


Leeshaw Res. - Oystercatcher 4, Cormorant 2, Canada Geese 80 , Pink feet Geese 8.
Brian Vickers



Thursday 7 March 2013

Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - 31 species including Water Rail, Kingfisher, 9 Redpoll on feeders, pair of Bullfinch, 5 Reed Bunting, 3 Jay, flock of LTT one without a tail whilst a pair are nest building in the gorse. Grey Heron enjoying plenty of frogs in diet.
Steve Webb et al
Found a Water Rail this morning at Toad Hole Beck, South Bradford, could well be a migrant as I have been watching regularly though the winter period with no luck!
Martyn Priestley



Tuesday 5 March 2013

Sunnydale Reservoir area - 2 Cormorant, Grey Wagtail, Nuthatch, GSW, calling Stock Dove. Somewhere in the mist to the north, Curlews & a Redshank calling ( probably a Bradup bird).
Shaun Radcliffe
Upper Marsh Oxenhope - 41 Golden Plover, 
Oxenhope - Raven,
Leeshaw Res. - Pair Teal, 9 Pink feet Geese, Oystercatcher 2,
Brian Vickers

Approx 60 peewit over the rough field next to Denholme Clough cricket ground 5.30pm

D Ogden



Tuesday 5 March 2013

Sunnydale Reservoir area - 2 Cormorant, Grey Wagtail, Nuthatch, GSW, calling Stock Dove. Somewhere in the mist to the north, Curlews & a Redshank calling ( probably a Bradup bird).
Shaun Radcliffe

3rd March 2013

Bingley, Villa Road
Siskins feeding on the ground and on seed.

A Josephs

East Riddlesden Hall
Kingfisher, Siskins, Common Gull, Cormorant

M Doveston

6 waxwings in trees next to primary school Tyersal Way Bradford

D Ogden

Saturday 2nd March, 2013

Glovershaw, Balidon
On this splendid day for birding, 25 Golden Plovers had gathered in the fields near Golcar Farm and 42 Lapwings were settling into their traditional breeding site.  A couple of Curlew flew by and a Skylark was singing from the moorland edge.  I was informed that last week a flock of over 40 Waxwings were feeding on berries in the Pendle Avenue area of Eldwick.
Paul King

Friday 1 March 2013

Shipley - 30 Waxwings in Springhurst Road, Shipley this morning.
Yesterday, Common Buzzard over Northcliffe Park.
Casper Pottle
Glovershaw - flock of 100 Golden Plover, 30 Lapwing
Sconce Lane - Little Owl.
Shaun Radcliffe

Thursday 28 February 2013

Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - Kingfisher, Sparrowhawk, 4 Reed Bunting, Jay, 2 Redpoll ( bird singing).
Shaun Radcliffe et al

Tuesday 26 February 2013

Low Wood, Keighley - 4 Buzzards seen.
Jon Middleton
Thackley - Flock of 50 Waxwings. This flock watched from my front doorstep!
There was a flock of 20 in Shipley yesterday too (in the small park at the back of Asda where they often turn up).
Casper Pottle

Thursday 21 February 2013

Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - Kingfisher, Water Rail, 2 Siskin, 4 Redpoll, 4 Reed Bunting
Fred Drake et al

Tuesday 19 February 2013

Kex Gill - 2 Redshank
Steve Parkes

18th February 2013

 flock of Fieldfares 50+ at Cullingworth Fields this morning about 11-15. In the fields on the right as you head towards The Flappit pub. A few Redwings max.10 birds and pair of Mistle Thrush.

I Skayman

Sunday 17 February 2013

Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - over 30 species recorded this morning including - Water Rail, Kingfisher, 100 Pinkfeet flying west, flushed Woodcock, Redpoll, Siskin, Reed Bunting, Bullfinch, Oystercatcher.
Fred Drake et al

Denton Hall (in fields in front)~100 Lapwings, 200+ Greylag

Private Wetlands (permit holders only) - (lakes partly frozen but 36 species)
2 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 87 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 6 male Pochard, 55 Tufted Duck, 26 Goldeneye, 1 male and 2 female Goosander, 21 Oystercatchers, 4 Lapwing, 3 Curlew over
John Flood

Cullingworth - 2x Skeins of Pink-feet about 100 strong each

D Ogden

Saturday 16 February 2013

Hirst Wood - Lesser Pecker drumming.
Alan Cooper
Glovershaw - small flock of 6 Skylark, 3 Stock Dove, a few Lapwing.
Sconce Lane - Little Owl, Curlew
High Eldwick - 60 Fieldfare.
Shaun Radcliffe

Thursday 14 February 2013

Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - 2 Kingfisher, 6 Reed Bunting, pair of Goosander.
Fred Drake et al

Sunday 10 February 2013

Baildon Garden - 10 Siskin, 6 Brambling, pair of Bullfinch, male & female Blackcap.
Shipley Glen Woods - plenty of activity from Nuthatch, Tit families & Treecreeper.
Paul Marfell
Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - male lesser Redpoll, pair of Goosander with flight display seen over Stock Dove nest box. Female attempted to enter it. Grey Heron took probably a pike about a foot in  length, 4 Reed Bunting.
Steve Webb et al

Saturday 9 February 2013

Denton Hall (in fields in front)~150 Curlew, 2 Mute Swans (unusual), 14 Lapwing
Scargill Res. - male Goldeneye, 1Grey Wagtail in overflow channel
John O’Gaunts: Teal 32 (large number achieved because birds flushed from reeds by two dog-walkers  looking for their mislaid dog).
John Flood
Court Road, Pool - 55 Waxwing
Small Private Lake - 15 Goldeneye, 4 Wigeon
Knotford Nook - 62 Wigeon
Private Wetland (permit holders only) - 112 Wigeon, 43 Goldeneye, 6 Snipe
Yeadon Tarn - 9 Pochard
Andy Jowett



Friday 8th February, 2013

Shipley Glen
A Dipper was seen from the bridge on the Higher Coach Road.
Paul King
Missing Parrot - if anyone comes across an African Grey Parrot in the Fell Lane, Braithwaite area of Keighley, please would you e-mail me at bogmembership@live.co.uk and I will let the owner know. Many Thanks

Thursday 7 February 2013

Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - Water Rail, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Bullfinch, 4 Reed Bunting and a small flock of 10 Siskin. Yesterday a Tree Sparrow visited the feeders.
Fred Drake et al
10 Waxwings feeding on berries this lunchtime in Rose Meadows, off Fell Lane, Keighley.
Fred Drake

3 Waxwings in the bush opposite the Co-op in Riddlesden in the morning (+ 1 Redwing).

Also 9 Pinkfeet flew over Riddlesden at about 3pm, heading east.          P Taylor

Wednesday 6 February 2013

Sandwith Moor - a flock of 70 Golden Plovers
John O'Gaunt Reservoir - 8 Tufted, 17 Teal, Kestrel
Shaun Radcliffe

Tuesday 5 February 2013

Cononley Village - 30 Fieldfare. On the river walk upstream, 5 Goosander, Grey Wagtail plus distant Buzzard.
Cross Hills - 20 Teal in flooded field next to railway.
Shaun Radcliffe

10 waxwings in garden at top of cooper lane feeding on cotoneaster berries.
A Robinson

Sunday continued

Silsden Floods - Oystercatchers 3, Redwing 24, Lapwing 140.
Brian Vickers

3rd February 2013

Riddlesden, Grange Road.
30+Waxwings feeding on the large cotoneaster opposite the Co-op.


M Doveston

Saturday 2 February 2013

Knotford Nook - Slav Grebe still there.
Andy Jowett
Micklethwaite - Buzzard, yaffing Green Woodpecker.
Shaun Radcliffe
14 Brambling near to Redcar Tarn
Fred Drake

Friday 1 February 2013

Cononley Ings -Curlew 8, Great Blk Backed Gull 2, Wigeon 140+, Teal 100+,
Also a large flock of Lapwing.
Brian Vickers



Thursday 31 January 2013

Northcliffe Park, Shipley - Flock of 70 Waxwings in trees near the tennis courts this morning.

Casper Pottle

DEADLINE DATE FOR YOUR RECORDS IS TODAY.
Please get your sightings on record today so to help the preparation of the 2012 Annual Report.
Thank you.

Wednesday 30th January 2013

Knotford Nook
Slavonian Grebe was very close to the lakeside and gave very good views from the road and the area alongside the metal fence recently erected, at great expense, by the fishermen.

Yeadon Tarn
8 Pochard, a few Goldeneye, Goosander etc.
Paul King.

Wednesday 30 January 2013

Dowley Gap: Three Chiffchaffs showing exceptionally well this morning, including the very pale bird, present intermittently since December 21. Close views and many photos confirm that the bird shows many (probably all) of the currently accepted characteristics of the race P.c.tristis.


All the birds favour the far end of the boundary fence scrub and bushes just before the path turns up to the aqueduct. The aqueduct is now closed, so there is no passing pedestrian traffic, making for easier viewing, and probably explaining why the birds are now more obliging.
Keith Moir

Tuesday 29 January 2013

Two Chiff-Chaffs showing well at Dowley Gap and 9 Waxwings feeding on rosehips on bushes overlooking cricket field, Wagon Lane this morning
Malc & Fran Stones
Knotford Nook (take wellingtons!) - Slavonian still present on large lake
Also 2 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Cormorant, 82 Wigeon, 20 Tufted Duck, 10 Goldeneye including 3 pairs,  male Goosander and 87 Coot.
John Flood
Something for the bog sightings.


Redcar Tarn - I spotted a Blackheaded Gull which had a large ring (darvic) on its leg. I reported it and it was ringed in Paris in June 2012. Thought people might like to know.
Jon Middleton






Tuesday 29 January 2013

Two Chiff-Chaffs showing well at Dowley Gap and 9 Waxwings feeding on rosehips on bushes overlooking cricket field, Wagon Lane this morning

Malc & Fran Stones

2012 RECORDS - CUT OFF DATE

Please make sure your 2012 sightings in BOG recording area are sent in by the end of January.
Many thanks. 

Monday 28 January 2013

Slavonian Grebe still on north lake at Knotford Nook.
Alan Tremthick 

Sunday 27 January 2013

Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - 2 Kingfisher (river in flood), Kestrel, 2 Reed Bunting, Cormorant.
Steve Webb

Late news from Knotford Nook of  a Slavonian Grebe on Saturday 26th January.
P Morris, A Tremethick

Slav. Grebe and 48 Wigeon at Knotford Nook

Private Wetlands (permit holders only) -Willow tit, 39 Goldeneye, 242 Wigeon (inc 216 on and around first lake, 3 Pochard, 118 Canadas, 6 Bullfinch
7 Tufted -  Yeadon Tarn
Andy Jowett



26th January 2013

Knotford Nook 14.30pm
Slavonian Grebe
170+ Wigeon, pairs each of Goldeneye and Goosander and a pale Buzzard flew over

P Morris, A Tremethick

Friday 25 January 2013

Glovershaw this morning - 13 Reed Bunting in one flock feeding, 23 Red Grouse in one flock feeding,
a Skylark & 4 Stock Dove flew over.
Birch Close Lane - Little Owl, 2 Red Kite
Sconce Lane - Two coveys, 6 & 7 Grey Partridge, Little Owl
Shaun Radcliffe

Thursday 24 January 2013

Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - single Snipe, Water Rail, pair of Bullfinch, 4 Reed Bunting, the odd Redwing.
Steve Webb et al

Wednesday 23 January 2013

Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - Tawny Owl, ( Mobbed by two Jays )
Brian Vickers
Yesterday - Water Rail, Woodcock.
Fred Drake

Sunday 20 January 2013

Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - 2 Snipe (1 chased by Sparrowhawk), Kestrel, 4 Reed Bunting.
Fred Drake
At 14:30hrs – 60+ waxwing feeding on cotoneaster tree berries in Moorfield Ind. Estate (back of Murgatoyds Fish and Chip Restaurant) Yeadon. Berries disappearing fast!!
Mike Bloomfield

Saturday continued

c80 Waxwings today 14:30hrs Britannia Bridge area feeding on Rosehips on bypass in Bingley. Dowley Gap plenty Meadow Pipit, Redwings and Pied Wag on Dowley gap sewage works Sparrowhawk making freqent attacks, 3 Goldcrest nearby. 1 Kingfisher,several pair Goosander canal.
Alan Tremethick

19th January 2013

Bingley, Slip road onto Bypass
25+Waxwings in the trees and flying around at 14.30

M Doveston

2012 RECORDS

Thankyou to all who have sent in their 2012 sightings.

For those outstanding, the cut-off date is the end of January so please do all you can to meet this deadline.

Many thanks.

Thursday 17 January 2013

Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - 31 species recorded this morning including - 3 Snipe, 5 Bullfinch, 5 Siskin, 4 Reed Bunting, 18 Fieldfare.
Shaun Radcliffe
Dowley Gap: Two Chiffchaffs, one of which is the pale bird seen before Christmas, but now photographed and considered to show characteristics of the eastern race 'P.c. tristis'. It's very unreliable, but tends to favour around GR122383, ie between Ivy House and the river, where, if present, it could be deep in the scrub between the wall and the sewage works boundary fence, but, on occasion, has emerged to feed in vegetation on the path itself.

It should be stressed that anybody looking for the bird should respect the privacy of local residents, and under no circumstances leave the public footpath.
Keith Moir

Tuesday 15th January, 2013

Shipley Glen
A flock of 50 or so Redwings were feeding amongst dead leaves by Broadstones Park.  The bright sunlight had encouraged other species including a flock of Long-tailed Tits, three Jays, a couple of Treecreepers, three Nuthatches and one or two Great Spotted Woodpeckers to be active.  A pair of GSW flew across the Glen and Robins were also paired-up whilst Great Tits sang their song.
Paul King

Tuesday 15 January 2013

Private Wetlands (permit holders only) - Little Grebe, 10 Goldeneye (some males displaying), GCG,
24 Tufted, 27 Wigeon, 11 Lapwing, 4 Bullfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Red Kite, 3 GSW (bird drumming).
Weecher Res. Red Kite.
Shaun Radcliffe
Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - 4 Snipe feeding in area cleared by volunteers, small flock of 9 Fieldfare.
Fred Drake

Sunday 13 January 2013

Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - Water Rail, 2 Reed Bunting.
Over a Bingley garden - Buzzard
Shaun Radcliffe

12th January 2013

Cullingworth
Flock of 30+ Redwing through Cullingworth

D Ogden

YOUR 2012 RECORDS

Please get your sightings on record as soon as possible. Thank you.

Friday 11 January 2013

Around 200 Pink Feet  flying west this morning, came through Riddlesden about 10.45

Peter Sutcliffe

large group of Waxwings, around the hundred mark, seen at 14:00 in trees by Habasit Ltd in John Escritt Rd Bingley. They seem to be using the trees between feeding on bushes along the side of the railway line. 
Robert Mackley

Thursday 10 January 2013

Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - pair of Teal, Kingfisher, 3 Reed Bunting.
Fred Drake

Wednesday, 9th January 2013

Shipley Glen
A flock of up to 50 Redwing were feeding in a field across from Broadstones Park, Gilstead. Two Great Spotted Woodpeckers were seen, one at the top of the Glen and another by Lucy Hall Drive, sitting and calling from the top most branches of trees. Six Jays were countered during the walk around the Glen.
Paul King

Tuesday 8 January 2013

Lunchtime walk today around Salts Sports/Robert's Park (13:00 - 13:45).

28 Redwing in riverside trees and on cricket pitch at Salts Sports, with 5 Mistle Thrush.
3 Lesser Redpoll with 30+ Goldfinch in the same area. (8 Lesser Redpoll seen in trees on across River Aire yesterday, 7/1/13).
Treecreeper and 2 Goosander (1 male, 1 fem/imm).
Also Mandarin and American Wood Duck still on canal at Saltaire.
Nick Tonge

50+ flock of waxwings in trees flying out and catching insects( huge numbers of midges due to mild weather) on Leeds/Liverpool canal at Dowley Gap Locks. There at !0-30 when I started circular walk through Hirst Wood and back along River Aire, still there at 1-30 when I came back. Huge numbers( 60+) of Pied Wagtails on filter beds plus 2 Grey Wagtails in spite of regular disturbance form site workers. Nothing much about in Hirst Woods due to chain saw gang lopping trees on the canal bank. Several Goosander ( 1 male, 3 female) on River Aire near railway bridge plus 1 Kingfisher.

Ian Skayman

Monday 7 January 2013

15 Pink Footed Geese refuelling on a field at Upper Marsh Lane Oxenhope this afternoon.

Brian Vickers

Sunday 6 January 2013

Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - Peregrine seen carrying prey, 6 Reed Bunting, 20 Siskin,
4 Cormorant, Kestrel, Jay.
Fred Drake et al
About 80 waxwings on the apples on Beck Lane allotments this morning.
A Josephs
A flock of the same number flew in about 15.30 at Beck Lane but after a few minutes, made off in the direction of Crossflatts. Found again there but moved on up the valley towards Keighley.
Shaun Radcliffe

Saturday 5th January 2013

Shipley Glen
17 Grey herons were roosting at the bottom of the Glen where a Mistle Thrush was in full voice. A flock of 12 or more Long-tailed Tits flitted through the tree tops and Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jay and a Grey Wagtail were all seen during the walk.
Paul King.

Bingley to Dowley Gap (via canal) to Beckfoot (via river) to Myrtle Park
34 bird species seen - highlights:
Wood Pigeon / gulls sp (0815 as day broke) 100+ Wood Pigeon in small groups, over a few minutes, from area of St Ives towards town in Ireland Bridge area; followed shortly after by 200+ gulls heading up the valley in various sized groups. Long-tailed Tit two groups of 9 and 7 in Bingley
Goosander a total of 10 males and 11 females seen (i suspect some duplication) 2 males on the canal near Britannia Wharf in Bingley, at least 3 males and 4 females along river (more if none duplicated), 3 males and 2 females on river within Myrtle Park. Pied Wagtail 60+ on filter beds and surrouding areas at Dowley Gap. Grey Heron at least 6 seen (saw two groups of 3 plus 3 singles, I am sure the 3s were the same birds). Kingfisher 1 on canal approaching Dowley Gap. Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 drumming in trees near Dowley Lock. Meadow Pipit 1 on filter beds at Dowley. Chiffchaff 1 on the island under the Dowley Gap viaduct. Treecreeper 2. Redwing 5. Redpoll 3 (along Beckfoot Lane).
Roe Deer a female swimming in the river near Ireland Bridge.

P Matthews

Saturday 5th January 2013

35 Barnacle Geese this morning on Leeshaw Reservoir - 9a.m.
In addition 1 - Cormorant & 1 - Kestrel.
N & D Priestley.
Leeshaw Reservoir - flock of Barnacle Geese reported at 12.15.
David Barker
This afternoon at Glovershaw, 3 skein of Pinkfeet of 100, 60 & 60 came past going west at 15.15 within minutes of each other.
Shaun Radcliffe
Redcar Tarn -140 Pinkfeet heading West at 1455.
Leeshaw Res. -37 Barnacle Geese, 3 Pinkfeet. Greylag & Canada Geese,on the water at 1615.
Brian Vickers

Friday 4 January 2013

Stockbridge Reserve (members only) - 29 Waxwings flew through this morning.
Fred Drake
More Waxwings - this time 30-40 feeding on pink rowan berries close to the Flying Club entrance on Harrogate Road, Yeadon near to the airport.
Mike Bloomfield

An adult Med Gull at Redcar Tarn at 1pm.
Keith Moir

3rd January 2013

Sainsbury's Car Park, Keighley
150 Waxwings still present at 14.00hrs

D Melling

Royds Hall Lake - 11 Goosander

J Brass

YOUR 2012 RECORDS

Please place on record all your sightings in the BOG area for 2012 as soon as possible.
Thank you.

Wednesday continued

Waxwings: At least 210 commuting between Sainsbury's car park, Keighley, and trees in Lawkholme Lane (near The Factory Shop). Seen at about 1.45.

Keith Moir

Wednesday 2nd January 2013

Sainsbury's Car Park, Keighley
150 to 200 Waxwings feeding on berries alongside the railway line.
Paul King.

Tuesday continued

Sainsbury's in Keighley this morning, 120 Waxwings. Water Rail seen yesterday at Stockbridge Reserve (members only).
Fred Drake
Edge of Harden Moor - 35 Lapwing, 40 Fieldfare with 200 Starling.
Shaun Radcliffe

WISHING YOU ALL THE VERY BEST BIRDING FOR 2013.

1st January 2013

Redcar Tarn
400+ Black-headed Gulls, 30+Common Gull,
Herring Gull 1st Winter, Lesser Black-backed Gull,
Pied Wagtails, 12 Tufted Duck, Goosander,
Canada Goose, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, 25+Lapwing

Silsden Ings - floods stretch to Keighley
1000+Black-headed Gulls, few Common Gulls,
2 Mute Swan

East Riddlesden Garden
Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tits, Nuthatch,
Great Spotted Woodpecker, Bullfinch

M Doveston

Garden views (Bingley):
Blackbird, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Goldfinch, Starling, Carrion Crow, Wood Pigeon, Robin, Collared Dove, Jackdaw, Greenfinch, Dunnock, Magpie, Great Tit, Bullfinch 2, Siskin 1, Nuthatch 2, Chaffinch.

Short walk to canal and back added:
Buzzard 1 (exceptional views of a low-flying individual on Lady Lane, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Moorhen, Mallard, Mistle Thrush, Rook, House Sparrow, Treecreeper, Long-tailed Tit and Kestrel

Short walk around Heights Lane and POW Park added:
Jay, Fieldfare 20+, Redwing 5+ and Goldcrest 2 (The Fieldfare and Redwings were in the tank field on Heights Lane with lots of Starlings, reduced in number from the flock seen here on Boxing Day)

 P Matthews