Shipley Glen and Glovershaw,
It was very soggy underfoot after yet another downpour. However, the birding was interesting. A Green Woodpecker was disturbed on the Glen and a family of six Jays moved through the tallest trees. Along the Glen Road a pair of Stonechats were feeding three of their brood, Reed Buntings and Dunnocks were similarly engaged. A fresh-looking Whinchat appeared momentarily and two Wheatears were feeding in the newly cut meadow. A young Whitethroat showed briefly at Birch Close Lane where a pair of Stock Doves were moved on by marauding Jackdaws. All the breeding birds seen were occupying the ferns which dominate much of the upland at each side of the Glen Road. This clearly illustrates the value of these plants as a food source, a place of refuge and where the ecology can flourish.
Paul King.
