The Wharfedale Naturalist
Review of the year 2000
Volume 55
Foreword
The best value £6 I know.
Where else could we get the benefits provided by membership of
the Wharfedale Naturalists Society for so little. If it was only
the programme of Summer and Winter events set out on the previous
pages it would be considerable, but this is only part of it. More
important is the fellowship and sharing aspects of a common interest
in nature with others who also love and appreciate our fauna and
flora. A shared interest in and enjoyment of natural things of
great value to each of us. We are fortunate indeed. No wonder
we currently have in excess of 250 members, and in the region
of 80-120 regularly attending our Winter Programme meetings.
During 2000 we enjoyed together two successful
trips. In the summer to reserves at Waitby Greenriggs and Smardale,
where amongst many interesting sightings, particularly memorable
were the show of orchids, especially Marsh Helleborines at Waitby,
and the all too brief views of Hummingbird Hawkmoth and Red Squirrel
at Smardale. In the autumn our destination was Martin Mere where
in addition to the fascinating spectacle of wild Whooper Swans and
other wild fowl, extra interest was provided by the Northern Bird
Fair programme and exhibits.
At our Open Evening and Members Evening we
rely heavily upon member participation and this year we were well
supported with a good variety of exhibits and slide contributions,
once again proving that there is much ability within our membership.
Member support and participation was again much in evidence at our
coffee morning, many providing items to be sold and manning the
various stalls which enabled us to make a number of donations to
Nature Conservation.
Our Society depends for its existence on
those who have the interest of Natural History and Nature Conservation
at heart and who are willing to devote time to it in various different
ways. It currently has a strong backbone, i.e. its Officers, Committee
and Recorders who I know devote much personal time on behalf of
the membership, especially so the Secretary and Treasurer upon whom
we rely greatly and who handle their considerable duties with such
enthusiasm and efficiency, and I wish here to record how much we
all appreciate their work. Also valuable are the efforts of many
others who help in so many ways to ensure the smooth running of
this Society which means so much to us all. Thank you everyone.
As I write this I am conscious of the delight
experienced recently by numerous members in viewing the Waxwings
present for a week or so in Ilkley, and following Doug Simpsons
lecture, Red Kites Restored, the sightings some members have had
of these graceful birds in the Harewood area. Just two recent examples
of the delights of nature which as members of the Wharfedale Naturalists
Society we share and enjoy.
David Alred
Editorial
The current Review for 2000 brings the decade
to an end and the ten issues for 1991-2000 will now be bound to
match the other five volumes in the Societys possession, which
provide a fascinating insight into the Societys development
of more than half a century.
As you look through this, Vol 55 of the Review,
you will see that, as usual, it includes articles, reports and records.
We now have records going back to 1945. Ken Limbs article
about a beetle on Ilkley Moor, first recorded in 1891, emphasises
the importance of this aspect of the Societys activities.
We should like draw your attention to an
important report on part of Ilkley Moor, a Countryside Stewardship
Agreement Area. This survey continues the Societys interest
in Ilkley Moor from one century to the next. Ilkley Moor is not
only a SSSI but part of a larger Special Protection Area of the
North Pennines. The interest, now on a European scale, is mainly
connected with its unique patchwork of vegetation which in turn
attracts insects and birdlife. We look forward to further studies
in this direction.
We thank all those who have contributed.
DL and JD
Against all Odds!
How plants adapt to beat the competition
Life is tough if youre a plant! Any
place with good growing conditions light, water, air and
fertile soil will be snapped up before your flowers are even
fertilised unless you can ensure that you are first off the stocks,
or you adapt to life where others fear to tread!
In this country, the dandelion stands out
to me as a successful plant it has a tough tap root to anchor
it in the soil (and even if this is broken, the remaining part will
grow two or more new shoots); the leaves lie low, or even flat,
to catch the sun and rain (which is funnelled to the centre around
the root) and to make it difficult for grazing animals to eat them
(they are bitter to the taste as well); the flowers open early in
the year (traditionally at their peak on St. Georges Day,
23rd. April), are bright yellow to attract fertilising insects,
and quickly turn to seed; the seeds are produced in large numbers
and have their own little parachutes to carry them far and wide
in search of new land to conquer. Meadows and verges carpeted with
dandelion blooms in the spring show how successful they are!
In other places plants have other challenges
in countries where bush fires are frequent (e.g. South Africa,
the Mediterranean countries and Australia) some plants survive by
having an insulating layer, like the Australian Grass Tree (often
called the Black Boy, although Im told that this is not considered
politically correct so perhaps it should be the sun tanned
young person) which has the protection of a thick layer of
dead foliage, or the cork oak with its thick bark. Another strategy
against fire is to ensure that there is a new generation to follow
even if the adults are lost the seeds of the Banksia trees
in Australia, together with the Eucalypts and many plants of the
African fienbos, will only germinate after they have
been exposed to smoke (it is now known that it is chemicals in the
smoke, rather than the heat of fire, which initiate germination)
and the Banksia actually waits for fire before it ejects its seeds
from the cones (nuts). This also means that the seeds
have clear, fertilised ground in which to start their life.
Another strategy for success could be summed
up as If you cant stand the heat (of competition) get
out of the scrum the mangrove type plants in the tropics
have found that there is little competition for the soft salty mud
beside river estuaries (which is hardly surprising!) and they have
made this habitat their own by growing aerial roots to provide oxygen
to their anchoring roots, developing glands on their leaves to exude
excess salt, and seeds that germinate on the tree and grow there
until they are big enough (up to three feet long! see picture)
to plant themselves in the mud by spearing down into it. If they
land when the tide is in, then another clever trick comes into play
they float horizontally in sea water but if they float into
more congenial brackish or fresh water, the difference in the density
causes them to float vertically until they run aground and settle
into the mud.
Another difficult environment in which to
get established is the dark of the tropical rainforest where as
little as three percent of the light penetrates to the forest floor.
Here some of the trees drop their seeds to the ground, where they
germinate and grow a foot or so tall but then run out of energy
and stagnate until a tree falls and lets in the light. If this doesnt
happen they live for ten or even twenty years and then die frustrated,
poor things! Another way of coping with the rainforest is to stay
in the canopy theres plenty of light up there, and
water, but a distinct lack of soil! However, by developing fleshy
leaves or pseudo-bulbs (and by making the most of the humid air
and the accumulations of dead leaves in the tree forks) orchids,
bromeliads and ferns manage to find their niche. Some of the figs
start the same way but then send roots down to the ground to give
them extra nutrients which enable them to grow more roots, eventually
surrounding and murdering the tree which is supporting them, by
strangulation.
However, I suppose that the ultimate in adaptation
must be the desert plants; to survive long periods of drought the
cacti have turned their leaves into spines (which limits water loss
and protect the plant), and formed a globular or cylindrical trunk
in which to store water, with chlorophyll in the surface skin to
make up for the loss of leaves. Some succulents protect themselves
by growing almost underground, with only the ends of the stems flush
with the ground surface, but these stem ends are almost transparent
to let in light to the underground chlorophyll.
I have mentioned just some of the ways in
which plants succeed others include the carnivorous plants
which eat flesh to compensate for the lack of nitrogen in the bogs,
and there are many more. Aint nature marvellous!
Don Barrett
Carabus nitens 18911998
Carabus nitens is a species of ground beetle
described as being confined to sandy regions, moors and boggy country,
mainly in the north and centred on the North York Moors and Pennines,
with outlying populations on the New Forest and Dorset Heaths. Its
status in Britain is described as very local. (Notable B)
In May 1998 I was searching for Hoverflies
on Ilkley Moor and was attracted by 3 beetles running at the side
of a bog. I eventually caught one of these beetles in a glass tube
and inspected it with a hand lens. The elytra were golden green,
with a series of dark ridges and bordered with gold, head and thorax
were also gold. I later identified the specimen, with the aid of
a Field Guide to Beetles, to be the above species.
Last year Joan Duncan passed on to me the
old insect records compiled by Dr F.H. Fidler, who was once the
insect recorder for the Society, together with a box containing
specimens which he had collected. I was interested to see that Carabus
nitens had previously been recorded twice before. The first entry
for this species was "1891 Ilkley Moor from John Flint in sphagnum
bog". John Flint, who I had the pleasure to meet 30 years ago,
was an eminent Yorkshire entomologist. The second record was for
"May 1961 Burley Moor recorded by Freda Draper and determined
by Dr F.H.Fidler".
I was delighted that this splendid insect
still survives in our area, 107 years since it was first recorded
and hope that in another 100 years some future member of this society
has the opportunity to observe it.
Ken Limb
Icelandic saga
Having reached the age of taking things slowly,
Eric and I have become dedicated cruisers and when we read that
Saga Rose (the ship for re-cycled teenagers) was heading for Iceland
on a Natural History cruise we knew we just had to be aboard, and
what a wonderful experience it turned out to be. Our guest lecturer
was Simon Davey who has visited Wharfedale Naturalists' and is well
known to several members. Joining him at the ships rail early
one morning I saw just one seabird whilst he spotted 3 cormorants,
9 puffins and a whale - even Nevil Bowland could not have beaten
that.
In a voyage packed full of interesting experiences,
I think the small island of Heimaey stands out most in memory. I
well remember seeing dramatic pictures on the TV news in January
1973, (yes, Iceland fascinated me even then) when in the middle
of the night of the 23rd the volcano began to erupt. Fortunately
there had been a storm at sea the previous day so the fishing boats
were in harbour and everyone got safely away to the mainland. The
eruption continued for 5 months and it was realised that the lava
flow was going to block the harbour entrance so giant hoses were
brought in and turned on the molten rock as it poured out of the
crater, successfully diverting the flow and creating a new sea wall
which now gives shelter to boats approaching the harbour entrance
in stormy weather. Homes and possessions were all lost under the
relentless flow of lava and volcanic ash so the houses today look
quite new apart from one, left as a reminder of what happened, with
just a corner of its roof showing above the debris. The crater is
still warm to the touch and spirals of smoke still emerge here and
there; indeed for 15 years following the eruption the volcano provided
all the heating for the island.
Our time in the crater was all too short
for I was finding small plants and flowers emerging from the ash
and how I wished for Joyce Hartley at my side to tell me what they
all were. Incidentally, the bits of lava I picked up look exquisite
under the microscope. There is a strange beauty in a volcanic crater
that can be utterly spellbinding as one considers the forces that
lie beneath the Earths surface, and this was enhanced by the
simple wooden cross which expresses the islanders gratitude
that no lives were lost in the eruption.
Heimaey has its large colony of puffins.
I was disappointed that by the time of our visit the adult birds
had finished feeding their young and gone off to sea. However, the
youngsters were still around and, driven by hunger, they are attracted
by the lights from the houses. They clumsily descend into streets
and gardens, totally disoriented, thus putting themselves in danger
from predators. We were delighted to learn that during this period
the children of Heimaey go out at night with cardboard boxes, rescuing
the bemused birds and releasing them down on the shore the following
morning. A few children like these in Ilkley and the WNS would soon
have some junior members again.
Easily visible from Heimaey is the "new"
(1963) island of Surtsey still in the process of being formed. Only
scientists and conservationists are allowed to land there. Conditions
being calm and clear, our ship circled Surtsey and it was a sobering
thought that millions of years ago our own island was being formed
in this way. Surtsey is a golden opportunity for environmentalists
to monitor step-by-step what happened "in the beginning".
One does not visit Iceland for palm-fringed
beaches and constant sunshine, indeed the early astronauts were
shown the centre of the country, as it was anticipated that similar
conditions would be found on the moon. For us it was a journey that
filled us with awe, admiration and a very healthy respect for the
unbounded force hidden in the heart of our planet.
Margaret Hutchinson
Trees
For some trees 2000 was a bumper year. Beech
nuts were found in profusion on the ground and fallen horse chestnut
fruits opened to reveal large healthy conkers. In Ilkley walnuts
fell from the tree on the Grove at a more ripened stage than usual
with the kernels brown and nearly edible. Among the garden conifers
some cupressus bushes produced copious and crowded tiny cones, many
more than usual.
It is interesting to relate the performance
and development of trees to the weather conditions, careful observations
through the seasons being needed.
The above examples would all have been wind-pollinated,
but in the case of blossom trees which depend on insects for pollination,
bad weather at flowering time would keep the pollinating insects
away. Flowers which are not pollinated would not continue their
normal cycle and so wither and fall instead of producing fruit.
The growth and development of different species
of tree through the seasons can be an interesting study and sometimes
any relevant or unusual effects are included in our records.
Observations, with dates, of the following
would be of interest:
opening of buds and leafing,
abundance of foliage,
flowering and fruiting,
autumn colours,
leaf fall.
Results from any particular area may be compared
from year to year.
Joan Duncan
The road to Corryvreckan
The Isle of Jura (Deer Island)
is a rugged and sparsely populated island 30 miles by 7 with only
one road, about 200 human inhabitants and almost 6,000 red deer.
Most of it is made up of quartzite, an ancient
metamorphic rock that forms part of a basin which curves under the
sea towards the mainland and surfaces further east. This dip means
that Juras rocks are tilted to the east ( about 30°) and
brings about a rugged wilderness of rocky outcrops, lochans and
waterfalls. Around 65 million years ago, molten rock was forced
up into cracks to form the Tertiary volcanic dykes. The fine-grained,
black rock, known as epidiorite, is harder than the surrounding
rocks and today the dykes are left standing as walls. During the
Ice Age the weight of ice pushed the land downwards, then as it
melted, some 15,000 years ago, the land rebounded, raising beaches
and sea caves well above sea level. Great stretches of boulders,
weathered by the sea, are found 30 feet and 100 feet above sea level.
Juras west coast is virtually uninhabited,
save for deer, otter, wild goats and adders, whereas the sheltered
east coast is more gentle with some sandy beaches and a few settlements.
At the northern end of the island, between
Jura and its uninhabited neighbour Scarba, is the Whirlpool of Corryvreckan.
This maelstrom, the graveyard of many ships, is the third largest
in Europe. At times it can look unimpressive, but when a strong
westerly wind blows in opposition to a high spring tide, its great
turbulence is very powerful. To this day it is classed as un-navigable
by the Royal Navy.
I have been fascinated by Corryvreckan since,
as a child, I saw the film I Know Where Im Going in which
the whirlpool is featured, and in later years, when walking on the
mainland and seeing the silhouette of Scarba and Jura from a distance.
Then, in early May last year we were finally able to visit Jura
and view the phenomenon from close by.
Access to Jura is via the Feolin Ferry from
Islay. We stayed at Craighouse, eight miles from Feolin, which left
a journey of nineteen miles along a narrow, one-track twisty road,
six miles of rough Landrover track, then 2½ miles on foot.
From Craighouse the road skirts Small Isles
Bay, each inlet bringing a new delight. Some were sandy with bushes
birch, willow and alder alive with thrushes and wrens,
others rocky and colourful with crotal lichen, brilliant gorse and
thrift. Grey seals lazed on the rocks, shag kept guard from outlying
skerries, and stonechats searched among the rocks. Damper areas
were covered with milkmaid, marsh marigold and flag. We saw several
herons and, in the bay, were about twenty mute swans, including
a pair of black swans. It is said there are a pair of otters for
every three miles of coastline, but we saw none. On the landward
side was an area of lazy beds, Hebridean cultivation
strips where seaweed is heaped on the land, both as a fertiliser
and to stabilise the soil.
Further along, the view of the Paps of Jura
(of pink, white and grey quartzite) is spectacular, whether they
are beginning to emerge from the morning mist or bathed in evening
sunshine. As the road climbed onto the moorland there were masses
of cottongrass and a few rowans surviving on cliffs. Here a pair
of buzzards were circling lazily. There were many meadow pipits
and several curlews around, and later we saw a hen harrier swooping
low over the heathland. Deer were going to the coast to graze on
the new growth, now showing at these lower and more sheltered areas.
Among them would be some Cromie stags with a crooked antler formation,
unique to Jura. As we dropped towards Tarbert, the deer were sharing
the grazing with a herd of cattle. In deep ravines mosses, ferns
and liverworts grow in abundance. There were gnarled oak trees,
covered with lichens, lady fern and golden saxifrage, shady banks
with violets and primroses and open glades with anemones, bluebells
and greater stitchwort.
Willow warblers frequent these wooded areas,
also whitethroat, blackcap, chiffchaff and wood warbler which favour
mixed woodland with thick scrub.
As we drove on, the strip of grass in the
middle of the road became wider and, just beyond Lealt Bridge, we
reached the end of the road where we parked and met up with Mike,
whose Landrover would take us along the rough road for the next
six miles. Driving across moorland we watched as a cuckoo was mobbed
by three meadow pipits, then descended across watercourses with
rue-leaved saxifrage and bogbean. Scree vegetation in the dry gorges
included wild thyme, stonecrop and foliate lichen.
We eventually reached Kinuachdrachd, the
sole remaining dwelling in the township at one time the preferred
crossing to the mainland. The jetty is still there, and sheep and
cattle were brought over this way, too. As we set out on the last
stretch on foot, Mike reminded us to watch out for sea eagles from
their nest sites in Rhum. Jura is home to fifteen pairs of golden
eagles, but we saw neither. Underfoot were all shades of milkwort
white, mauve, purple, pale and deep blue also tormentil,
heath spotted orchid and masses of bog cotton. In a fenced off regeneration
area, rowan trees were flourishing. The rocky end of Scarba came
into view and after several bumpy hillocks we came into full view
of the Gulf of Corryvreckan. Low tide and the calmest of seas meant
the whirlpool wasnt the maelstrom it could be in stormy weather,
even so it was entrancing to see the small white-edged waves circling
so strangely.
As we walked back we found a perfect pair
of antlers; we were crossing a boggy patch when Doug looked down
to see that the stick he was standing on was an antler,
and close by was the other! Antlers are shed in April and May with
the increase in food supply and the onset of the new antlers in
velvet. We arrived back at Kinuachdrachd with our prize and the
sight of the whirlpool in our memories, and happy to have the bumpy
ride back to the car. Wed had a superb day. Jura is a wonderful
island and a trip to Corryvreckan must be one of the best in the
Hebrides.
Olwen M Middleton
Bird observation
With much flapping of wings a big brown bird
landed on the roof of the bird table. It was probably attracted
by a piece of food on the shelf below. There was still more clumsy
flapping as it moved to the apple tree nearby, but it didnt
seem to be capable of manoeuvring onto the shelf. In fact, it was
thoroughly gawky.
We estimated its length at about twelve inches,
and we saw that the feathers in the neck region were a lighter blown
than the rest.
The bird finally flew off, but it reappeared
a few minutes later accompanied by an adult jackdaw. The adult flew
straight onto the bird table and demolished the food, a first class
demonstration of how to tackle a bird table with a roof. Junior,
watching from the front, must have felt frustrated, but no doubt
he will learn in due course, when he can manage his wings better.
M M Kennedy
Local Geology
Some results and remaining problems arising
from recent British Geological Survey (BGS) work in the Bradford
District
Some readers interested in geology may not
be aware that the BGS has recently published new geological maps
of the Bradford district on a scale of 1:50 000 that
include an area of Wharfedale from Skipton Moor and Farfield Hall
to Leathley and Bramhope. Maps at the 1:10 000 scale have also been
produced. These maps result from a geological survey carried out
mainly in 1993-1996. The advances in knowledge they represent are
derived largely from an analysis of the huge amount of new underground
data from the records of boreholes. Most of these were drilled for
site investigation purposes in urban areas and road routes. However,
three on or near Rombalds Moor, at Jaytail Farm, Bradup and Hag
Farm, were drilled by the BGS to obtain new details of the succession
of the various rock types, their relative ages from their fossils,
and their mode of deposition, in the middle part of the Millstone
Grit succession.
A glance at the geological map shows nine
separately named sandstones (or gritstones) cropping out on Rombalds
Moor in the uppermost part of the recently redefined Millstone Grit
Group. It was known from boreholes elsewhere that shaly strata between
these sandstones contain bands of marine fossils and it is only
when these marine bands are found that the sandstones
can be correlated and identified with confidence; none are exposed
on Rombalds Moor. The lowest four sandstones have been given names
after the features they form on the moor namely, from the lowest
upwards: Addingham Edge Grit, Long Ridge Sandstone, Doubler Stones
Sandstone and High Moor Sandstone and it is this succession together
with the essential intercalated marine shales, that was proved by
the three BGS boreholes. Unfortunately, although the Hag Farm Borehole
managed with difficulty to reach a depth of 74.59m (c. 245ft) below
the base of the Addingham Edge Grit, the lowest sandstone, it failed
to reach a marine band that would indicate this sandstones
position in the succession and this is the main unsolved stratigraphical
problem.
It is now tentatively concluded that the
Addingham Edge Grit is also the sandstone, previously mapped as
the Caley Crag Grit, capping the Otley Chevin escarpment where it
closely overlies the remarkably fossiliferous, but now poorly exposed,
marine band known as the Otley Shell Bed. However, although a long
list of fossils has been recorded from this band, this list does
not include any diagnostic species that would indicate its precise
stratigraphical position. It seems likely that the Addingham Edge
Grit in part represents the fill of a valley incised into previously
deposited sediments including perhaps the Otley Shell Bed, thus
explaining its absence from the Hag Farm Borehole.
Some day, excavations for road or building
foundations in or around Ilkley may turn out fossiliferous strata
that would help to solve the problem outlined above, and interested
readers of this article are urged to report any such excavations,
especially in dark shale, to David Leather or me. The recent excavations
for the new hospital building on Springs Lane exposed about 3m of
promising-looking dark grey shaly mudstone with ironstone nodules,
but only yielded a few small bivalves which are unlikely to be diagnostic
of any particular level in the succession.
Neil Aitkenhead
Ilkley Moor
WNS Botany Group Survey of Countryside Stewardship
Agreement Area
The official designation and status of Ilkley
Moor has changed significantly within the last decade. In 1994 the
whole of Ilkley Moor was classified, by English Nature, as a Site
of Special Scientific Interest. The Moor was included as part of
the designation of the South Pennine Moors as nationally important
habitats for upland birds under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
In 1997 the European Commission recognised the importance of the
South Pennine Moors SSSI internationally, and an additional designation
as a Special Protection Area was confirmed under a European Directive.
These designations mean that Bradford Metropolitan
District Council, in consultation with English Nature is legally
obliged to ensure that the management of the Moor at least conserves,
and where appropriate increases, the habitats and species of conservation
value. A management plan has been drawn up covering Ilkley Moor
as a whole and its habitat types have been listed as Upland Heath,
Upland Acid Grassland, Wetlands and Open Water, Woodland, and finally
Bracken. Upland Heath (formed of a mosaic of Heather, Cross-leaved
Heath, Crowberry and Bilberry) is further sub-divided into areas
where Heather is dominant and those, now relatively small, where
Crowberry is dominant.
The Survey Area on Ilkley Moor
In addition to this overall plan, a 10 year
Countryside Stewardship Scheme agreement has been entered into with
the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (MAFF) to manage
a small area of the Moor so as to deliver particular environmental
benefits. This area comprises two previously enclosed allotments
(south of Panorama Reservoir and west of Silver Well Cottage) which
are outside the Urban Common boundary, but still under
Bradford Councils ownership. This factor is significant as
it means sheep grazing levels can be controlled whereas in
the main part of the Moor which is designated Urban Common,
grazing rights are held by others. The aim is to restore drystone
walling and improve vegetation cover so that regeneration of Heather
and other shrub species is encouraged.
Following a suggestion from Midge Leather
who lives on the edge of the enclosed area, as a Society we felt
it would be of interest as a long-term project if we recorded the
existing vegetation and monitored it again in 5 and 10 years time.
The limited size of the area made the project feasible for us. The
date for the main survey was fixed for 27h July, but before then
several recces were made to ascertain the lie of the land. The base
of the area is along the back of the houses in Panorama Drive, past
Panorama Reservoir to the top of Hebers Ghyll and the Swastika
Stone as far as the next wall up the Moor. In this area the Moor
has three distinct terraces separated by resistant bands
of Millstone Grit, the scheme area lying mainly along the lowest
terrace and the first Millstone Grit band. The terrace slopes quite
steeply upwards and bisected by Black Beck (which then descends
into Hebers Ghyll).
Looking down across the site from the top
south-western corner, the greens and fairways of the old last century
golf course can be made out, emphasised by the differing vegetation
they appear as bracken-free. Of the five habitat types designated
for the whole of Ilkley Moor, two are hardly represented here
Woodland, and Wetlands and Open Water. A very few isolated trees
are to be seen scattered across the terrace and a few more in the
steep bouldery area below Woodhouse Crag. (Silver Well Cottage and
its shelter belt are excluded from the area.) The mire at Crawshaw
Moss, important for breeding birds, is out of the area, being above
on the next terrace. Also from this viewpoint, the extent of the
bracken problem is evident, particularly on the steeper parts which
were presumably wooded in the past. Bracken is said to have an approximate
upper limit of the 1100 foot (340m) contour and this seemed to be
borne out when we climbed up the side of Black Beck all through
Bracken until we reached the top, when we came out into a large
area of Heather. Another recce was made by Midge Leather particularly
to record the steep, difficult area below Woodhouse Crag.
On 27th July 2000 a dozen members assembled
at the Leather household and conveniently spilt up into three groups
to cover the area. The western section, including Black beck was
taken by one group. The eastern section being much larger and going
further up the Moor, was covered by two groups, one taking the land
above Silver Well Cottage, and the other the land below. Each set
off with a request to record separately (1) Trees and Shrubs, (2)
Ferns, Rushes and Grasses and (3) all other flowering plants and
particularly the amount of Heather. They were also asked to give
their conclusions as to the dominant species in their section. Stationery
was provided and we arranged to meet at midday at the top of Hebers
Ghyll. As we were returning from there to Panorama Drive, a very
heavy thundershower came and the last few hundred yards were covered
at a sprint. The rain drummed down on the conservatory roof as we
had lunch, collected the reports and tried to discuss the conclusions.
The sound of the rain was so loud, conversation was difficult.
Conclusions
A. Western Section The dominant species was
without doubt Bracken. There were some small areas of Heather along
the line of the old golf course and a significant amount right up
at the top on the southern boundary. There were very small areas
of Cross-leaved Heath. Bilberry and Crowberry were also present
lower down, and they together with Cranberry were also in the two
wet areas not far from Black Beck. The becksides themselves were
not very productive. Most of the trees were in this section, but
even then there were less than two dozen mainly Rowan. There
was a full range of ferns especially in the boulder area. Up near
the top boundary was an unusual patch which appeared to have been
treated (sprayed?) in the past, and this had been colonised by Sheeps
Sorrel. A group of Foxgloves was nearby.
B. Upper Eastern Section No species was dominant
over the whole area. There was a wide band of Heather from the Neb
Stone all along the top boundary wall westwards until just before
the head of Black beck, where it was replaced by rushes. The next
band across lower down was comprised of Bracken at the eastern end
changing halfway to a mixture of Heather, Crowberry and grasses.
The lowest band just above Silverwell Cottage was Bracken throughout.
There were many patches of Cross-leaved Heath, both Cottongrasses
were present, many mosses and lichens, but only one fern and four
trees.
C. Lower Eastern Section Under Silver Well
Cottage was a long steep bank of Bracken, the only break in it being
a very large patch of Cross-leaved Heath. Below this was a spring,
the water from which flowed diagonally across to the bottom ditch
creating a large marshy area. Going westwards, there was an area
of rough grass, with Bilberry, some Crowberry and vestigial amounts
of Heather. Continuing along the line of the old golf course and
opposite Panorama Reservoir, the Heather areas increased until rocks
came near the surface when Bilberry took over, though still mixed
with some Heather and with Crowberry, Cranberry and grass. An area
of Bracken was crossed, a small stream, and then Heather occurred
again. There were two trees only. Although Heather seems to be holding
its own on the line of the old golf course, in many places especially
on the uphill side (adjoining the lower band of the previous section)
it is surrounded by encroaching Bracken. A strip alongside the bottom
track had vegetation very different from the rest of the area, there
being more species typical of rough grassland rather than moorland.
A full list of species follows. It is appreciated
that although the optimum time was chosen, one survey cannot guarantee
to find all, and particularly some of the early species may have
been missed out.
Species seen within the Countryside Stewardship
Agreement Area.
A = Western Section. B = Upper Eastern Section.
C = Lower Eastern Section
|
Species
|
Section
|
Species
|
Section
|
|
TREES
Silver Birch
Elder
Hawthorn
Larch
Oak (small sapling)
Rowan
Sycamore
Goat Willow
FERNS
Bracken
Broad Buckler-fern
Hard Fern
Lady Fern
Lemon-scented
Fern
Male Fern
SEDGES RUSHES
GRASSES
Common Sedge
Star Sedge
Common Yellow-sedge
Heath Wood-rush
Compact Rush
Hard Rush
Heath Rush
Jointed Rush
Sharp-flowered
Rush
Soft Rush
Toad Rush
Common Cottongrass
Hares-tail Cottongrass
Mat-grass
Tufted Hair-grass
Wavy Hair-grass
Purple Moor-grass
(small amounts)
Yorkshire Fog
Common Bent
Perennial Rye-grass
Crested Dogs-tail
Cocks-foot
Sweet Vernal-grass
Sheeps-fescue
Timothy
Rough Meadow-grass
|
A
A
A
A
A
A B C
A
C
A B C
A C
A
A C
A B C
A
B
B
B
B C
A C
A C
A B C
A B C
B C
A B C
C
A B C
A B C
A B C
B C
A B C
A B C
B C
A B C
A C
B C
C
C
C
C
C
|
Other flowering
plants
Heather
Cross-leaved
Heath
Bilberry
Crowberry
Cranberry
Heath Bedstraw
Common Marsh-bedstraw
Foxglove
Sheeps Sorrel
Common Sorrel
Creeping Thistle
Marsh Thistle
Spear Thistle
Tormentil
Greater Birds-foot-trefoil
Cleavers
Rosebay Willowherb
Broad-leaved
Willowherb
Great Willowherb
Marsh Willowherb
Wood Sorrel
Broad-leaved
Dock
White Clover
Nettle
Cuckooflower
Common Chickweed
Common Mouse-ear
Sticky Mouse-ear
Bog Stitchwort
Selfheal
Lesser Spearwort
Creeping Buttercup
Meadow Buttercup
Marsh Pennywort
Hawkweed sp.
Common Water-starwort
Wavy Bitter-cress
Greater Plantain
Dandelion
Germander Speedwell
Wood Avens
Pineappleweed
Bramble
Daisy
Ground-elder
White Dead-nettle
|
A B C
A B C
A B C
A B C
A C
A B C
A B C
A B C
A B C
C
A B C
A B C
A C
A B C
A B C
A C
A
A
C
A C
A
A C
A C
A C
B C
A
B C
A
A C
A C
B C
C
C
B
B
A C
A
A C
A C
A C
A C
A
A
A
C
C
|
Thanks to all who took part in the survey: Mike Atkinson, Nevil
Bowland, Heather Burrow, Audrey Gramshaw, Sam Hartley, Jim and Joan
Horsman, Midge Leather, Olwen Middleton, Joan Powell and Anne Tupholme.
Even more special thanks are due to Midge Leather for the help and
background information as she knows the area so well, for the photos
she took specially for the presentation board and finally for her
hospitality at the crucial moment when the members would otherwise
have been soaked.
Bradford Council hope to complete restoring
the walls of the area by 2003 and thereafter to operate low controlled
stocking with sheep and with Bracken control if necessary. Sheep
(at the rate of one ewe per hectare) will be allowed into the area
only from early May to early August, with no grazing for the rest
of the year, until such time as Heather cover reaches 40%. From
what we have seen we feel sure that this will take some considerable
time, and it would appear that separate Bracken control will be
needed. It is encroaching on the patches of pure Heather and also
covering up areas of mixed Heather, Bilberry and Crowberry. In these
circumstances English Nature, who do not agree with total eradication,
do permit its control.
We hope when we survey again in five years
time to see some progress.
Joyce Hartley
Cranberry HB
Winter Walks 2000 2001
Hi folks, its Review time again and,
as in times of yore, it falls to me to remind you all of the fun
we have had on the past seasons winter walks.
In February last year we started our first
walk from Leathley near the ancient almshouses and proceeded along
Leefield Lane, up through Riffa Wood, pausing by the enigmatic carved
stone, onwards through the fields passing Bogridge Farm and continuing
by way of Round Hill where we were amused by a herd (if thats
the right word) of dancing ostriches who decidedly didnt bury
their heads in the sand at our approach but keenly followed our
progress as we went sedately on our way. Further on we contemplated
the charming little church of St. Marys at Stainburn with
its odd windows. Later we passed Lindley Bridge and the fish farm
where, as usual, we observed the besieging army of grey herons and
so returned to the cars at the end of yet another days walking.
March found us on what has become one of
our favourite jaunts, namely the world-famous Mosaic Walk at Dallowgill
near Kirby Malzeard. Even if you do not see anything special as
you trundle along the twenty-two charming little mosaics you encounter
on the way make up for it. They are a delight to the eye and so
excellently executed it makes you wonder at the patience and hard
work that has gone into the making of them. They were put down about
five years ago to commemorate the designation of the Nidderdale
Moors as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and they depict
the culture and wildlife to be found there. One bonus of the day
was meeting up with Tom Holman of Dallowgill, the stickmaker and
dresser, a great character with many a tale to tell. His sticks
topped with every type of horn are marvellous to behold, and Les
Dewdney, a fellow craftsman, was particularly pleased to see them.
After the walk a few of us tasted the delights of Roselea Tea-room
at Kirby, an unforgettable experience and a reward for a good days
walking.
I always like to finish the season off on
a limestone high, so in April we were to be observed gathering at
the National Park car park at Colvend in Grassington for an assault
on the tops and a stroll to Coniston. The day was rather dree and
dowly but we were in high spirits as we cantered up the high street
and lugged it up Hungry Laugh Hill and onto Yarnbury. Here we introduced
Lorelei Fox to the mournful moonscape setting of the old lead-mining
operations with the humps and bumps of the long lines of bellpits
which so scar the landscape around here. We proceeded along Limekiln
Lane to the romantic ruin of Bare House, a typical Dales longhouse
which in its day would have housed both humans and their beasts,
Homo sapiens inhabiting one end and the cows etc living at tother.
After a good look around and a contemplation of what life might
have been like up here in this lonely spot we girded up our loins
and passed on our merry way, carrying on towards the top of Coniston
Dib where we took Lorelei to see the fine stretch of limestone pavement
on Wassa Bank. This is one of the many jewels to be found in the
Park, for the grykes, the gaps between the clints, harbour many
rare species of plants. Afterwards we wandered down the spectacular
gorge of Gurling Trough into Coniston, then up by Dib Scar, along
the back of Grass Wood Reserve and, by way of Lea Green, to Grassington,
and so ended yet another season of winter walks.
However, once again the wheel has turned
full circle and another series began in October when our intrepid
band met once again - this time at the Cavendish Pavilion, for our
grand assault on Simons Seat. Wending our way up via Hammerthorne
Gate, we crossed the moors, always on the lookout for what we could
see. We soon spotted a lone meadow pipit fluttering about the tussocks
of heather. We also had fine views over into the Washburn Valley
and beyond. On the summit we paused to take in the splendid vistas
of upper Wharfedale before sauntering down the well known Bielby
track towards the Valley of Desolation with its wild cataracts of
white water tumbling over the ragged rocks into the deep pools far
below. How well did the silent traveller describe the scene, likening
it to similar ones in his homeland of China. Here the Chatsworth
Estate has erected some picture boards showing what life must have
been like here during the time of the early hunter-gatherers. Near
this point a kestrel demonstrated its keen dexterity by plunging
into a chicane around a tree trunk, plucking forth a vole and flying
out again without mishap. This fine example of avian aerobatics
had us transfixed for a while. When we had recovered we came down
via Waterfall Cottage and so back to our vehicles.
Mid November saw us sampling the delights
of Gargrave where we were somewhat rained upon. Here we were joined
for the first time by new WNS member John Giles. The constant rain
never once fazed him - long may he walk with us. We set off along
the Pennine Way, went around by East Marton with its unusual double-arched
bridge and, venturing round Ingthorpe Grange, followed the canal
back towards Gargrave keeping an eye on the well known collection
of wildfowl to be seen on its silver waters. Back at Gargrave the
Alreds had a treat in store kindly taking us to a favourite hang-out
of theirs, the local bistro, where we enjoyed hot steaming mugs
of chocolate and marshmallows, a welcome finishing touch to the
days walking.
December took us to another of our favourite
haunts, the lonely Washburn Valley, at Blubberhouses to be precise.
From the little car park below the church we wended our way past
the site of the former Westhouse Mill and on through the fields
towards Thruscross Dam. Here the river was racing along like a thing
possessed, which could only mean that water was being released from
the mighty reservoir; and so it proved to be. As we hove in sight
of the awesome edifice we could see three columns of it slithering
down the overflow, looking for all the world like three lacy curtains
flapping in the breeze. Climbing out of the chasm we made our way
through the fields to Spitalhouse Farm where we followed the track
out onto the desolate moors. In spite of the heavy rainfall we managed
to successfully negotiate the treacherous Willow Bog to eat our
luncheon well within sight of the A59. We returned by the historic
Kex Gill road to our cars and farewells after another days
strolling.
The turn into the new year, and, according
to some pundits, the new millennium, we embarked on our next little
jaunt from Draughton, by the alluring little chantry of St Augustines.
We set off in the direction of Haw Pike, climbing steadily with
views opening up towards Wharfedale and Bolton Priory. Looking to
our left we could see towering into the air the great gaunt alien
pillars of the four wind vanes at Chelker. Descending to the road,
we crossed over and made our way to the riverside where we were
greeted by the sight and sound of a whirlybird coming in to land
at the Devonshire Arms. Recovering from that experience we ambled
on to the Priory where we ate our snap, chatted for a while and
passed some time away in the shop by the village car park. We continued
on our way to Halton East and then across the fields and back to
Draughton. I have to say, however, that the highlight of the day
was not on the walk itself but in Ilkley car park where we encountered
a small band of waxwings. These buccaneering little rascals sally
forth from their Scandinavian homes during the winter when food
there is short and come, like the Vikings of old to plunder our
rich granaries of berries. So here they were with one lone mistle
thrush playing the role of an avian Alfred the Great trying to drive
them away but with little success. It was my first sighting of these
delightful small birds and I calculated that there were about 40
of them all resplendent with their buff crests, russet bodies and
the brilliant reds and yellows on their wing-tips and tails. This
colouring looks as if has been applied in wax, giving the birds
their name, and once seen never forgotten. I shall certainly look
out in case they arrive next year.
As we go to press there are three more walks
in this seasons programme - in Nidderdale, Wharfedale and
Littondale. I hope that if you would like to join our happy fellowship
you will soon have a go.
Chris Hartley
Summer outing to Waitby Greenriggs and
Smardale nature reserves, Saturday 15th July 2000
There is nothing like a thrilling start to
up the anticipation, and we had it on this trip. The difficulty
with Waitby Greenriggs Reserve is access. It is reasonable for a
private car to go round the minor roads at the back of Kirkby Stephen
to an old railway bridge and park on a small verge the official
entrance to the reserve is just opposite. For a large coach this
is impossible and a different approach had had to be devised with
much forward planning. Going up the M6 towards Kirkby Stephen, our
leader David Leather announced over the intercom that the coach
would be drawing up very briefly on the roadside approaching the
town at an unauthorised place. To avoid the driver being prosecuted,
would we please get all our gear ready for a commando style exit
and disappear up the alleyway nearby. You have never seen such a
prompt response we popped out like rabbits. The excitement
did not end there. No right of way to the Reserve exists from this
end and permission had been obtained from the local farmer to go
through his farmyard, unfortunately his dogs did not appreciate
this and a chorus of barks and growls accompanied us as we hastened
through. A very rough field had to be negotiated (no path) and a
dodgy fence climbed before we entered woodland and then finally
emerged on to the Reserve to take stock of our surroundings.
The Reserve is on part of an old disused
railway line which eventually curves round and goes to Smardale.
At the Reserve the line went through a deep cutting in the Carboniferous
limestone which forms a broad band between Orton and Kirkby Stephen.
Now all that remains are just two well-drained grass-covered banks,
one far steeper than the other, with a damper area in between in
the bottom. The flora they support is remarkable.
A member of the Cumbria Trust which cares
for the Reserve was there to meet us and show us round. Orchids
are a speciality of the site and they were in a concentration and
variety that few of us had ever seen before. We were told there
had been 94 flowering spikes of the Lesser Butterfly Orchid which
flowers quite early. This had just finished but the ten other species
were in full bloom. The first we saw were the Fragrant Orchids of
which there were three different kinds. The normal one (which we
get in Wharfedale) varied widely in colour, some being the typical
mauvy-pink, whilst others were much deeper in colour and a few were
pure white. Then there was the rarer Marsh Fragrant Orchid (previously
called Dense-flowered) a much bigger and more robust plant, up to
18 inches tall, with in some cases a six inch long spike of flowers
cherry-coloured making it a very striking species.
Both these species were present in dozens. Finally there was one
plant of an extremely rare sub-species borealis (no
English name) which has a lip which is scarcely lobed. Common Spotted-orchids
were common and the Twayblades were huge.
In addition to the usual Frog Orchids there
were a group which were obviously different having very long
bracts these also are very rare and were protected by a cage.
Marsh Helleborines formed large patches at various places and when
we eventually went down to the damper area, there was a Fly Orchid
and several Northern Marsh-orchids.
Orchids however were only the start of the
colourful spectacle. On the steep north-facing slope there were
the red (or pink) flowers of Betony, Great Burnet, Salad Burnet,
Zig-zag Clover, Herb Robert and the beautifully marked buds of the
rare Saw-wort, which had great variation in the shape and colour
of its leaves. Yellow was provided by St Johns-wort, Kidney
Vetch, Yellow rattle, Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Creeping Cinquefoil,
Meadow Vetchling, Rough Hawkbit, Autumn Hawkbit and in a damper
hollow, Globeflower. Blue came from Common Milkwort, Tufted Vetch,
Germander Speedwell and Devils-bit Scabious. White was mainly
provided by the numerous Oxeye Daisies and Fairy Flax. The clumps
of Black Bog-rush were enormous over two feet across
and up from them came the very dark flower heads, over a foot tall,
making a striking contrast with the colour around. The Hoary Plantains
were also of giant size. There were areas of Blue Moor-grass. The
other slope, south facing and not so high, seemed to have some quite
different flowers there were very large patches of yellow
Ladys Bedstraw, white Hedge-bedstraw and pink Wild Thyme.
Towards the foot of the slope were Cowslips in seed and larger plants
such as Foxglove and Meadowsweet together with one clump of its
daintier relative, Dropwort. The bottom of the Reserve the
track-bed of the old railway line was much damper with consequently
an entirely different flora. Birds-eye Primrose and Common
Butterwort had their last few flowers whilst Field Gentian was just
coming into flower and Grass-of-Parnassus was in bud. There was
also Round-leaved Sundew, Eyebright, Long-stalked Yellow-sedge and
Jointed Rush.
Because of the extensive flora, it had been
hoped to see many butterflies, but unfortunately the weather was
cloudy-bright rather than sunny and as a result only
three species were seen all day Ringlet, Common Blue and
Meadow Brown. A Six Spot Burnet moth was found which had just emerged
from its chrysalis, and also seen were Chimney Sweeper, Large Yellow
Underwing and Hummingbird Hawk moth. A Grasshopper was hiding in
the vegetation at the side of the track.
After lunch at the Reserve, we walked down
the country lane to Waitby village and then continued on to rejoin
the old railway line near Smardale Hall. Thereafter we were revisiting
Smardale Reserve where we had last been on the 1996 Outing.
The views from the lane over rolling countryside
were very pleasant. The hedges were largely Blackthorn with some
Downy Roses and the verges were full of the normal common wayside
flowers including Field Scabious, Goats-beard, Meadow Cranes-bill
and there was a long stretch of Sweet Cicely now in seed. Wood Cranes-bill
was over here, but was later seen in flower in the wood.
Entering Smardale Reserve along the railway
line, the first section is a wooded gorge and here we refound Common
Wintergreen which had been such an attraction last time. Unfortunately
this year many of the plants were past their best. We saw Common
Spotted-orchid, Valerian, Bitter Vetch, Marjoram and all three Scabious,
Field, Small and Devils-bit. The Bloody Cranes-bill
made a beautiful sight, with patches stretching for many yards
most were the usual colour, but we did find a pure white, and also
a very unusual flower with deep blue patches around the rim, but
red in the middle. The variety Lancastriense (pale pink
flowers with dark maroon pencil lines) was still there. Nearing
the end of the wooded section, just before the viaduct there was
the highlight of the afternoon. Several members noticed chewed pine
cones on the ground usually the action of a Red Squirrel
and then they caught sight of the Squirrel itself high up
in a tree. They had excellent views as it gradually came down to
a lower branch before disappearing in undergrowth. After a break
at the viaduct, there was the level walk along the line with fields
on either side, distant views of the Howgills and many wild flowers.
Particularly noticeable were large clumps of Melancholy Thistle,
Common Restharrow and Hop Trefoil. There was also a little Heather
and one Jacobs-ladder. A few energetic members detoured into
the quarry and found Carline Thistle, Greater Knapweed and Mountain
Pansy.
Ken Limb reported that the ornithologists
had seen 19 different species during the day, almost all of them
in the afternoon. There was one raptor, Common Buzzard. The other
birds were Curlew, Swift, Swallow, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Wren,
Robin, Redstart, Stonechat, Northern Wheatear, Blackbird, Song Thrush,
Goldcrest, Spotted Flycatcher, Blue Tit, Rook, House Sparrow and
Goldfinch. Interestingly although the bird lists for this year and
for 1996 were roughly of the same length, only seven species were
common to both.
The final treat of the day awaited us at
Newbiggin-on-Lune, with tea and home-made cakes at the little café.
Gratefully, members sank down. It had been a long day, but a very
rewarding one to a beautiful area, difficult of access and only
made possible for us by careful planning. Our appreciation was shown
to David for all his work.
Joyce Hartley
Winter Outing to Martin Mere reserve,
18th November 2000
This years winter outing to the Wildfowl
and Wetlands Trust Reserve at Martin Mere near Ormskirk in Lancashire
was particularly well attended, necessitating a small minibus in
addition to our usual coach. It was a wet and misty morning as we
began our journey, and the rain accompanied us for most of the way.
Then, as we approached the reserve, the weather cleared and a watery
sun appeared.
Martin Mere Reserve comprises a series of
pens and pools for the Trusts captive collection of wetland
species from all over the world including some of our own residents
and visitors. Beyond these is an extensive area of lake, pools and
connecting waterways backed by low lying fields intersected by dikes.
There are several well placed and roomy hides; one is actually heated!
From these we were able to have splendid views of the overwintering
waterfowl for which Martin Mere is famous.
There were over 5000 whooper swans on the
reserve and a large proportion of these could be observed from the
"Swan Lake" hide together with a few mutes. It was fascinating
to watch the interactions within and between the various family
groups as they greeted each other or postured to protect their own
small area of water. The morning sunshine highlighted the brilliant
colours of the various species of duck on the lake and ponds including
pochard, teal , shelduck and a few handsome pintail.
Further along the track from the lake hides the Trust has set up
a feeding station in a small bushy dell. Here we were able to watch
various finches and tits visiting the feeders and goldcrests foraging
among the alder twigs. From the hide overlooking the fields we could
watch great flocks of geese flying in to graze or rest: there were
large numbers of pink-footed geese and grey-lag and a sprinkling
of barnacle geese. The only raptor on view was a rather distant
peregrine falcon which spent a great deal of time sitting on a fence
post.
By lunchtime the weather was changing and
the afternoon saw a return of the mist and rain. However, we had
once again planned our visit to coincide with the annual Northwest
Bird Fair so there was plenty to do under cover. There was a full
programme of lectures on offer, ranging from "The Secret Life
of Garden Birds" to "Wildlife on the Galapagos",
and lots of stalls selling books and tapes, outdoor clothing and
paintings and photographs. There was also the usual display and
demonstration of binoculars and telescopes. So, with all these delights
and the Visitors Centre cafe, we were well occupied until
it was time to return over the Pennines after a most enjoyable day
out.
Thanks to Ken Limb who supplied the following
bird list for the day:
Great Cormorant, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Whooper
Swan, Pink-footed Goose, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose,
Shelduck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Shoveler,
Common Pochard, Goldeneye, Peregrine Falcon, Pheasant, Moorhen,
Coot, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Greater Black-backed Gull, Wood
Pigeon, Pied Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Goldcrest, Blue
Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch.
Jenny Dixon
Geology excursions
Crummackdale and the Norber Erratics (18
May 2000) Not just one, but two classic sites in one, at this easily
traversed miniature Yorkshire Dale. First we walked up to see the
Norber erratic boulders, huge chunks of Austwick sandstone scattered
about (of Silurian age), many of them perched on a base or plinth
of Carboniferous Limestone. At Nappa Scars we stepped along the
ancient eroded surface of the basement rocks where we could view
the first pebbly (even bouldery) beds of the Carboniferous Limestone,
representing an ancient shoreline. We saw where the Norber erratics
had originated and crossed a syncline in the Austwick sandstones.
At Moughton Whetstone Hole a spring emerges around which are pieces
of rock striped red and green. They are of Ordovician age and show
changes in the rock (liesegang rings) that came about probably before
the Carboniferous Limestone was laid down.
Conistone Dib and Mossdale Scar (8 June 2000)
The dry gorge of Conistone Dib evidently was once full of rushing
water when the ground below was still deep frozen the narrowest
part is less than a metre across. Above the Dib we examined some
of the best limestone pavements in the area. We passed a limekiln
and dew pond before striding out along the Bycliffe Road to Mossdale
Scar. Here a stream dramatically disappears beneath a limestone
cliff. Some of the limestone appears glazed by the water and we
found many examples of the large Gigantoproductus shells in cross
section. There was so much water in the beck that it was difficult
to cross. The track had been surfaced by rubble from an old leadmine
and contained good examples of galena.
Dowber Gill, Kettlewell (20 July 2000) This
is a pretty little valley whatever the season and makes for a pleasant
stroll. We looked out for anything of geological interest along
the way, soon passing from the Great Scar Limestone to the Yoredales,
where there was a sandstone layer, a rarity in the Yoredales of
Wharfedale. We examined leadmine tips and the entrance to Providence
Pot. The shales round the corner appeared rather barren of fossils.
On the way back we had a closer look at a small recent landslip
and discovered several loose specimens of Gigantoproductus.
Scotgate Ash Quarry, Pateley Bridge (26 Oct
2000) The sandstone band at Scotgate Ash is near the middle of the
Millstone Grit Group and is named the Libishaw Sandstone. Above
it is the Brimham Grit which forms Brimham Rocks. The stone has
been used in many famous buildings including the museum at South
Kensington. We examined structures and evidence of biological activity
in the sandstone. These included a swirling shape which represented
a feeding burrow system called Zoophycus. There were also many worm
tracks, some small ones were dotted across broad ripple marks. One
of our members searched for a possible coal seam in the shales but
without success. After returning down the incline most of us visited
Coldstones Quarry at Greenhow to look down into what must be the
biggest hole in Yorkshire, invisible unless you are right on its
rim.
Impression of Scotgate Ash quarry at work,
late nineteenth century
The September meeting to Helwith Bridge and
upper Ribblesdale was postponed until further notice.
David Leather
Microscope group
Over the last year the group has covered
many aspects of flora and fauna and held a number of practical workshop
sessions.
We looked at geology, freshwater pond life
and had a second session on lichens with Albert Hendersons
help in recognising thallus, folliose or crustose forms and their
fruiting bodies.
An evening on ferns with the Curator of the
British Pteridological Society one of John Hobsons
many contacts included a demonstration on how to make a microscope
slide of the fern spores, used to identify hybrids. Then it was
our turn to try with the specimens and equipment provided and to
realise that its not quite as easy as the expert makes it
look.
Spores of a different kind, fungal, were
provided by Ann Bickley and Joan Powell who instructed us on making
spore prints and cutting gill sections as an aid to fungi identification,
again with specimens and help on hand.
Thank you to all those who have introduced
topics and brought along specimens and given so generously of their
time.
Heather Burrow
Obituaries
During the year 2000 we were sorry to hear
of the deaths of eight of our members.
Mr R A Craven
Bob Craven, who died 4 August 2000, joined
the Society in 1970 together with his wife Dorothy. They attended
evening lectures and summer evening walks over many years, but Bobs
main interest was geology. He attended a WEA geology course at Ilkley
College and later gained an O-level in the subject.
Bob trained as an engineer and later went into teaching, as a tutor
at Shipley College. He was a member of Pudsey Rambling Club as well
as the Evergreens, joining in their many activities. He enjoyed
walking the Dales, geology outings, and was always keen to share
his interest with his friends.
Mr R W Draper
Bob Draper who died in July was one of those
members who worked quietly behind the scenes. When his wife Freda
was lecturing with her excellent colour slides, it was Bob who worked
the projector; they were so well attuned that the presentation would
go without a hitch. Working together in the Ilkley Moor Survey in
the 1960s they studied ecological features which Bob photographed
and these monochrome prints form a valuable historical record in
the Societys report. Other WNS projects were shared by Freda
and Bob, such as Ben Rhydding gravel pits and the Sun Lane tip at
Burley. Bob constructed some ponds in their garden which attracted
pondlife colonisers of interesting species. Bobs records,
especially of birds, were diligently passed to the recorders and
will remain a lasting contribution by a respected member. Although
latterly Bob found it difficult to attend meetings, he valiantly
came as a guest to the Annual Dinner of the year 2000 and members
were pleased to greet him.
Mr John Kennedy
John Kennedy returned to his profession after
war service and eventually came to Ilkley where he was a highly
respected solicitor. When he joined the Society in 1954 someone
asked him what was his main interest in natural history. With his
quiet sense of humour he replied that he was interested in the secretary!
then Margaret Bartle. They were married in 1955.
Johns chief hobby was photography.
He took excellent landscapes (prints and slides) of the countryside
where he enjoyed long walks and cycling. He did later combine photography
with natural history, taking close-ups of flowers and fungi. Margaret
and john with their two boys spent happy holidays caravanning and
walking in the Dales, Lake District, Scotland and Ireland. This
favourite kind of holiday continued throughout their married life.
John attended the WNS lectures as long as he was able, maintaining
his interest and supporting the Society.
Miss N Rosemary Payne
Rosemary Payne died on 18 May 2000 in Threshfield
Court. A member of WNS since 1954, her interests in botany, archaeology
and geology led her to play a full part in the Society. From 1960-70
she was Geology Recorder chiefly for Upper Wharfedale. She was an
exceptionally observant naturalist, enjoyed field meetings and helped
Joyce Hartley with the recording squares in Wharfedale, as well
as contributing to her own meticulous records. Rosemary joined in
YNU field meetings and weekend Fungus Forays.
As a worker, warden and Committee member,
Grass Wood YWT Reserve was a high priority for her to the end of
her life. (She read and commented on the National Vegetation Classification
survey of the wood in her last weeks.) She grew hundreds of trees
from Grass Wood stock, which have been planted there as the conifers
are felled. These trees are now a living memorial to her practical
conservation interests. A good listener with a quiet, dry sense
of humour, Rosemary made many long-standing friends. It was a privilege
to be among them.
Miss Nellie Saunders
Miss Saunders was a Founder Member, one of
those enthusiasts who started the Society. As an early Committee
member she was always ready to help and make suggestions for activities.
She enjoyed the Societys lectures, outings and friendship.
It is some years since Nellie left Ilkley and could no longer attend
meetings but her contribution in the early days was recognised by
making her a Life Member.
We are also sad to record the deaths of Dr
J Southern (joined in 1994), Mrs Maxted (joined 1996)
and Miss R M Prior (joined 1998) . We extend our sympathies
to their families and particularly to Mrs Southern who is still
a member.
Records for 2000
The weather in 2000
General Most people may remember
2000 as a very wet year which was rather cooler than usual. As for
rainfall that memory is undoubtedly correct. The UK as a whole suffered
the wettest year for over a century (probably much longer) and Ilkley
was no exception. Its total rainfall of 1292mm (50.88 inches) was
42% above the long term average and far exceeded the previous wettest
year of 1980 when there was 1112mm (43.78 in). As for temperature,
memories may be clouded because the last three months of the year
were all very cool but for the year as a whole the temperature exceeded
the long term average by 0.5%. This was much in line with the figure
for the UK as a whole. The year was probably one of the twenty warmest
since records began 350 years ago.
Month by month in brief:
| Month |
Comment |
Deviations
from Average |
| |
|
Temperature |
Rainfall |
| January |
Warm and
rather dry |
+0.5°C |
-19% |
| February |
Much warmer
than average. Quite a lot wetter |
+1.4°C |
+38% |
| March |
Much warmer
than average. A little drier |
+1.4°C |
-10% |
| April |
Temperatures
average. Rainfall a little above average |
+0.1°C |
+15% |
| May |
Much warmer
than average. Rainfall average |
+0.1°C |
-2% |
| June |
Temperature
and rainfall well above average |
+1.3°C |
+57% |
| July |
Cooler than
average. Rainfall average |
-0.4°C |
-2% |
| August |
Much warmer
than average. Fairly dry |
+0.9°C |
-17% |
| September |
Much warmer
and very much wetter than average |
+0.9°C |
+107% |
| October |
Much cooler
than average. Exceptionally wet |
-0.6°C |
+158% |
| November |
Much cooler
than average. Exceptionally wet |
-0.7°C |
+132% |
| December |
Cooler than
average. A little wetter |
-0.4°C |
+8% |
Temperature
Eight months of the year were warmer than average; those which were
cooler were July, October, November and December but no records
were broken either for heat or for cold. Probably the best spell
of the year was in the first half of May which was consistently
dry and produced no less than nine days with temperatures of 20°C
or more. The warmest days were the 14th and 15th when the thermometer
went up to 25°C. Of the other days which produced temperatures
of 20°C or more, ten were in June, only nine in July and nineteen
in August. Surprisingly there was only one such day in September;
the high average temperature for that month can be attributed to
a series of very warm nights. The hottest spell was in mid-June
with temperatures on two days reaching 31°C.
The coldest nights were at the end of December
when the thermometer fell to 7°C on three occasions and
when there were four days in which the temperatures was below zero
all day. The last spring frost was on April 7th. The first frost
of the Autumn in my garden was not until the extraordinarily late
date of December 14th but the thermometer just managed to fall to
zero on October 22nd so it is possible that others in the area might
have experience frost on that night.
Rainfall The year broke all records.
Not only was the year as a whole the wettest for at least 75 years
(and probably much longer) but October and November also broke long
term records. From September 9th to December 13th there were only
three days on which there was no measurable rain but it was the
quantity of rain as well as its persistence which was so remarkable.
The wettest spell of the year was one of nine days at the end of
October and the beginning of November on which almost 8 inches of
rain fell. Included in that period are the following extraordinary
records 1.54 inches on October 29th, 1.47 inches on October
30th, 1.22 inches on November 1st, 1.17 inches on November 2nd and
1.42 inches on November 5th. There was however one day which beat
all of them and that was on June 3rd when 1.71 inches of rain fell.
It was this day alone which produced a very much above average fall
for the month as a whole, a somewhat curious result because in the
UK as a whole, June was a dry month.
The driest spell was one of eighteen days
beginning on 28th April. The only snow of significance was on 15th
February and over the Christmas period.
Note I am grateful to Jenny Dixon for providing
me with her weather records for periods when I was away; also to
Heather Burrow for letting me have her records for Addingham. The
total rainfall for the year at Addingham, 49.42 inches, was slightly
less than in Ilkley and the month by month picture followed the
Ilkley pattern very closely.
John Ward
Botany
It has been a most unusual year. At the beginning,
the relatively mild winter resulted in a wide range of early flowering
reports: Snowdrop (ADL) and Primrose (UWFS) on 7th February followed
by Celandine (OM) and Marsh-marigold (CJD) later in the month, and
in March Butterbur, Coltsfoot, Ground-ivy and Wild Daffodil (N&AB).
At the end of the year December was also very mild with Common Centaury,
Bitter-vetch and Nipplewort still in flower (FCD).In between, the
summer was dull and at times very wet.
In the following report the scientific name
is added the first time a species occurs.
Special Records
Wood Club-rush (Scirpus sylvaticus)
- 1st record. Thrispen Beck woodland (PPA).
Knotted Cranes-bill (Geranium nodosum)
- An alien. 1st record. Burley Old Tip Field (FCD).
Orpine (Sedum telephium) - 2nd modern
record. Mossdale Scar (MHA).
Broad-leaved Ragwort - previously Saracens
Woundwort (Senecio fluviatilis) - 3rd record. Parceval Hall
grounds (AT).
Alpine Cinquefoil (Potentilla crantzii)
- 3rd record. Dowber Gill (PPA).
Fools Parsley (Aethusa cynapium)
- 4th record. Burley-in-Wharfedale (FCD).
5th record - new site in Otley centre (SH).
Adders-tongue (Ophioglossum vulgatum)
- exceptionally large specimen 8 inches tall with flower over two
inches. Menwith Hill (JH).
Marsh Arrowgrass (Triglochin palustris)
- hundreds were found on the side of the Blubberhouses - Duck Street
road near Humberstone Bank. This plant is not frequent in our area
and normally occurs only in small numbers (JH).
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) - a
group of female plants on the small island on the Wharfe behind
Burnsall Church. This is our most northerly record for female plants,
which are uncommon (J&SW).
Flourishing plants this year
Goldilocks Buttercup (Ranunculus auricomus)
- was reported from widely spaced sites all through the area. It
was flowering profusely at Castley (Botany Outing) and down the
Wharfe from Grassington to Burnsall. (J&SW, MHA). It was also
seen at Threshfield (Botany Outing), Hudson Wood (MHA), Menston
Old Lane, Burley (Sarah Ward) and Clarence Drive, Menston (Sarah
Ward).
Herb Paris (Paris quadrifolia) - over
a hundred seen in woodland on the east bank of the Wharfe at Bolton
Abbey (Society evening outing).
Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem (Gagea lutea)
- excellent displays at the main sites in Ilkley and Addingham (HMB)
and a new site in Ilkley (MHA). At the site in Bolton Abbey Woods
flowering was seen and there were many seedlings (AMG).
Botany Section outings
We had mixed weather for the outings this
year - two beautiful days, two which were reasonable and one very
wet.
Castley area 4th May
The outing was to explore further this eastern
section included in WNS recording area last year.
The vegetation was much more advanced than
up-river. As we passed through the village, the grass on the verges
was already so high it covered the Celandines (Ranunculus ficaria)
and male Butterburs which were already dying back. The usual spring
flowers were in abundance Dames-violet (Hesperis
matronalis), White Dead-nettle (Lamium album), Red Dead-nettle
(Lamium purpureum), Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris),
Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), Sticky Mouse-ear (Cerastium
Glomeratum), Garlic (Allium ursinum), Crosswort (Cruciata
laevipes), and in wet places Cuckooflower (Cardamine pratensis).
The hedges were white with flowering Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)
and there were considerable colonies of Leopards-bane (Doronicum
pardalianches). Following the lane uphill away from the river,
steep banks had large areas of Greater Stitchwort (Stellaria
holostea) and Bulbous Buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus),
and also far more Goldilocks Buttercup than we normally find (see
special records).
Along the top road to Weeton were several
clumps of Winter-cress (Barbarea vulgaris) and in a plantation
at the side of the railway embankment many Bluebells (Hyacinthoides
non-scripta). Returning through the fields alongside the railway
there was little of interest until we came to a small stream at
the bottom, whose banks were covered with Common Dog-violet (Viola
riviniana) and Field Wood-rush (Luzula campestris). In
a damp hollow nearby, amongst many rushes, were Slender Tufted-sedge
(Carex acuta) and Square-stalked St. Johns-wort (Hypericum
tetrapterum). After going through the underpass, the embankment
sides which in the past have had hundreds of Cowslips (Primula
veris), this year unfortunately had less than two dozen clumps.
(It appears that considerable railway maintenance work has taken
place, disturbing the ground, and this has encouraged the spread
Brambles to the detriment of everything else.)
In the afternoon the verges and riverbank
westwards towards Pool were explored. Many Allium were found on
the verges, Field Garlic (Allium oleraceum), Sand Leek (Allium
scorodoprasum) and Few-flowered Leek (Allium paradoxum),
together with Slender Speedwell (Veronica filiformis) and
more Leopards-bane. On the riverbank were several Water Figwort
(Scrophularia auriculata) and on a sizeable island in the
middle of the river were over a hundred female Butterbur
striking even at a distance.
Chester Wood, Threshfield May 25th
The trip was ruined by pouring rain. Although
several interesting species including Goldilocks Buttercup,
Moschatel (Adoxa moschatellina) and Bird Cherry (Prunus
padus) were seen on the approach path, it was too dangerous
to proceed into this limestone woodland. We returned home.
Arncliffe to Litton June 15th
A beautiful day. As we left Arncliffe, the
old limestone walls were covered with small plants Ivy-leaved
Toadflax (Cymbalaria muralis), Rue-leaved Saxifrage (Saxifraga
tridactylites), Biting Stonecrop (Sedum acre), White
Stonecrop (Sedum album), Wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria),
Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes) and Polypody
(Polypodium vulgare). Broad-leaved Ragwort was thriving at
its classic site by the bridge and Dames-violet was also there
in profusion along with the large leaves of Butterbur.
At first, as it goes up the valley, the track
follows a deep ditch full of plants - Water Mint (Mentha aquatica),
Water Forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides), Large Bitter-cress
(Cardamine amara), Bog Stitchwort (Stellaria uliginosa),
Cuckooflower, Sticky Mouse-ear, Silverweed (Potentilla anserina)
and Creeping Cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans).
It then goes into open fields, well sheep
grazed, where the most interesting items occur along the many streams
which cut across on their way down to the river. They were edged
with Yellow-sedges both Common and Long-stalked (Carex viridula
ssp oedocarpa and ssp brachyrrhyncha). Pyrenean Scurvygrass
(Cochlearia pyrenaica) was present, along with Marsh Arrowgrass
and Brooklime (Veronica beccabunga). Three other Veronicas
were seen. In places where the sheep could not get were Birds-eye
Primrose (Primula farinosa), Common Rock-rose (Helianthemum
nummularium), Mouse-ear Hawkweed (Pilosella officinarum),
Wild Angelica (Angelica sylvestris), Common Birds-foot-trefoil
(Lotus corniculatus), Wild Thyme (Thymus polytrichus),
Salad Burnet (Sanguisorba minor ssp minor), Common Milkwort
(Polygala vulgaris), Burnet-saxifrage (Pimpinella saxifraga)
and, in shady places, Primroses (Primula vulgaris) were still
in flower. A beautiful deep red Rose with a pale centre and downy
leaves could not be reached - only seen through binoculars. Down
by the river again there was Common Figwort (Scrophularia nodosa)
with Dames-violet and in many shady areas were stands of Wood
Cranes-bill (Geranium sylvaticum). Part of a site,
which had been occupied as a settlement in times past, contained
a barn with Good-King-Henry (Chenopodium bonus-henricus)
nearby and an old Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) under which unusually
were a large number of Sand Leek, presumably brought by some high
flood.
Up the steep slopes of Scoska Wood were seen
Common Spotted-Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii), Yellow Pimpernel
(Lysimachia nemorum), Melancholy Thistle (Cirsium heterophyllum),
Marsh Hawks-beard (Crepis paludosa) and more Scurvygrass.
The enclosed hay meadows were brilliantly yellow with Meadow Buttercup
(Ranunculus acris), but also contained Red Clover (Trifolium
pratense), Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa), Pignut (Conopodium
majus) and Common Mouse-ear (Cerastium fontanum). Along
a rough section by the river just before Litton there were all three
Avens Water Avens, (Geum rivale), Wood Avens (Geum
urbanum) and Hybrid Avens (Geum x intermedium), Dogs
Mercury (Mercurialis perennis) and many Male-fern (Dryopteris
filix-mas). By a stile was a Harts-tongue (Phyllitis
scolopendrium) and at the entry to the village was an area of
Common Bistort (Persicaria bistorta).
Returning by the road down the other side
of the valley the verges were tall with Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis
odorata) in seed. There was much Meadow Cranes-bill (Geranium
pratense), but as yet with only a few flowers, and at intervals
there were Gooseberry bushes (Ribes uva-crispa). In one section
along the road Blackthorn was infected by Banana Gall. Interspersed
amongst these main species were Hairy St. Johns-wort (Hypericum
hirsutum), Melancholy Thistle, Hairy Rock-cress (Arabis hirsuta)
and Giant Bellflower (Campanula latifolia).
Malham Tarn - 6th July
Heavy rain early in the morning fortunately
cleared by the time we arrived although it remained dull all day.
We were kindly taken round by the National Trust Property Manager,
Martin Davies. We went down a track and onto the board walk which
took us through different areas, some wetter than others and some
more acid than others, some through woodland and finally onto the
edge of the open raised bog. The resultant variety of plants was
remarkable, many of them we do not have in our area or they are
very rare here. Some of the most interesting were Bogbean (Menyanthes
trifoliata), Common Wintergreen (Pyrola minor), Marsh
Cinquefoil (Potentilla palustris), Northern Marsh-orchid
(Dactylorhiza purpurella), Marsh Lousewort (Pedicularis
palustris), Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos), Fragrant
Orchid (Gymnadenia conopsea), both pale and dark forms, Marsh
Arrowgrass, Deergrass (Trichophorum cespitosum), Round-leaved
Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), Star Sedge (Carex echinata)
And Fibrous tussock-sedge (Carex appropinquata).
In the afternoon we had permission to go
up onto the hill and the limestone pavement behind the Tarn. On
the way up there was a white form of Fairy Foxglove (Erinus alpinus)
on a wall, and nearby a magnificent stand of Melancholy Thistle.
Going up the hill we found Limestone Bedstraw (Galium sterneri)
Blue Moor-grass (Sesleria caerulea), Flea Sedge (Carex
pulicaria), Small Scabious (Scabiosa columbaria), Autumn
Gentian (Gentianella amarella) and a white Selfheal (Prunella
vulgaris). Amongst the grikes of the limestone pavement were
a wide range of ferns:- Harts-tongue, Hard Shield-fern (Polystichum
aculeatum), Black Spleenwort (Asplenium adiantum-nigrum),
Green Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes-ramosum), Brittle
Bladder-fern (Cystopteris fragilis), Lady-fern (Athyrium
filix-femina) and Male-fern.
Ilkley Moor (Countryside Stewardship Agreement
area) - 27th July morning
See separate article.
Burley Old Tip Field - 27th July afternoon
Mrs Draper took us round as the rain stopped.
Due to the dull weather the hundreds of Common Centaury (Centaurium
erythraea) now covering part of the site were closed up. In
the same area there was also a large number of Red Bartsia (Odontites
verna) and the Large Evening Primrose (Oenothera glazioviana).
New species seen were Monks Rhubarb (Rumex pseudoalpinus),
Southern Marsh-orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa), one only,
Yellow Pimpernel (Lysimachia nemorum), Slender St. Johns-wort
(Hypericum pulchrum) and Giant Bellflower (Campanula latifolia).
There was also a good specimen of Nettle-leaved Bellflower (Campanula
trachelium). The huge Water Dock (Rumex hydrolapathum)
has survived and has several heads this year. Pendulous Sedge (Carex
pendula) is increasing and there are now three clumps of Hemp
Agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum). Greater Spearwort (Ranunculus
lingua) is however under intense competition in the ditch although
it is still present in two places, but Water-violet (Hottonia
palustris) has disappeared from the pond. White Bryony (Bryonia
dioica) is still thriving in the hedge and Vipers-bugloss
(Echium vulgare) is doing well up the stony track. There
are now two quite different clones of Yellow Loosestrife (Lysimachia
vulgaris); that in the side ditch brought in by the contractors
during the reclamation work has short fat spikes, but the one that
has appeared this year in the bottom ditch is the usual type found
in our area. The biggest surprise was shown to us last of all, for
in addition to the existing Meadow Cranes-bill, French Cranes-bill
(Geranium endressii) and Dusky Cranes-bill (Geranium
phaeum), there is now one plant of Knotted Cranes-bill
(see Special Records).
This is a site with a constantly changing
vegetation. We have comprehensive records of the arrival of species
since work started on the reclamation, but we do not have equally
full records of when any disappeared. This has certainly happened
as smaller species have been swamped by larger and more aggressive
ones. Mrs Draper hopes this year to make a record of all now present,
so that comparison can be made with previous records.
Local Surveys
An Orchid Day - 1st July (SH & JH)
One of our northern orchid specialists, Neil
Barrett, accompanied us on a visit round several of our sites. First
to be visited was Lindley Moor Plantation where last year amongst
the Common Spotted-orchid colony were found over two dozen of the
special beautiful "Var rhodochila". This year all
the orchids were late in flowering and unfortunately only five of
the special ones were found and these were not as good as previously.
We then went to Menwith Hill again looking for the same specialities.
The area had become more overgrown than last year but two excellent
specimens were found. Also present were Southern Marsh-orchid, a
few Northern Marsh-orchid and an unusual Common Twayblade (Listera
ovata) with three leaves. In the afternoon we went to Grass
Wood to meet Audrey Gramshaw who then took us to see a newly appeared
plant. This had unusual features but was determined as 95% Southern
Marsh-orchid with a little other ingredients. (Orchids are an evolving
species and frequently cross). Next we visited the old railway site
at Westville Road, Ilkley (intended for school development) where
last year several orchids had been found and, with permission, moved
to a members garden for safe-keeping until they could be returned
later (see article in 1999 Review). This year it had been discovered
that several others still remained. By now they were past their
best, but were certainly hybrids exhibiting some of the features
of Southern Marsh-orchid with the rest of the parentage being uncertain.
Finally we went to see the plants at the eastern end of the Ben
Rhydding Gravel Pits as described elsewhere.
Yockenthwaite - 25th July (AMG) and 26th
July (SH & JH)
Just before cutting, the meadows downstream
from the hamlet were magnificent. They were brilliant with sheets
of Betony (Stachys officinalis) and Small Scabious, many
Fragrant Orchid, including one pure white, Common Spotted-orchid
and Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis). Closer investigation
also revealed Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus minor), Tufted Vetch
(Vicia cracca), Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra),
Rough Hawkbit (Leontodon hispidus), Selfheal, three Clovers
- Zig-zag, White and Red (Trifolium medium, repens and pratense),
Melancholy Thistle, Hare-bell (Campanula rotundifolia), Ladys
Bedstraw (Galium verum), both Meadow Cranes-bill and
Wood Cranes-bill, Eyebright (Euphrasia agg.), Field
Forget-me-not (Myosotis arvensis) and many others. It was
the best spectacle for many years.
Grass Wood (AMG)
Several new records were reported from the
wood: Hard Fern (Blechnum spicant), Square-stalked St. Johns-wort,
New Zealand Willowherb (Epilobium brunnescens) and Southern
Marsh-orchid (see Orchid Day Report). Horse-shoe Vetch (Hippocrepis
comosa) was doing well and Alpine Penny-cress (Thlaspi caerulescens)
was nearby. Sixty-four Early-purple Orchids (Orchis mascula)
were counted and four Fragrant Orchid. Unfortunately again it was
not a good year for Autumn Gentian - it was present in several places
but only in small numbers.
Bolton Abbey Woods
There was one of the best displays for years
of Primroses all along the East Bank to Posforth Gill. In woodland
on the same bank were over a hundred Herb Paris - they have been
seen in this area before, but not in such numbers (see Flourishing
Plants). Just on entry to the woods was a new site for Toothwort
(Lathraea squamaria) - twelve heads being counted. Other
new records for this section of the East Bank upstream from the
Cavendish Bridge were:- Hairy Wood-rush (Luzula pilosa),
Early Dog-violet (Viola reichenbachiana), Wood Stitchwort
(Stellaria nemorum), Greater Stitchwort and Wood-sedge (Carex
sylvatica). On the Western Bank near the Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem
site was Moschatel and Few-flowered Leek (AMG).
Bolton Abbey Station - 17th August
Anne Tupholme received permission for us
to make another check of the flora at the station and along the
line. Surprisingly the most striking sight was of numerous Wood
Dock (Rumex sanguineus var. viridis) the flowering
stems of which at this time of year were a beautiful red. There
were also several Rose bushes of the Downy Rose group, with bright
red globose fruit covered with prickles. Plants recorded for the
first time were Smooth Hawks-beard (Crepis capillaris),
Ladys Bedstraw (Galium verum), Fen Bedstraw (Galium
uliginosum), Marsh Cudweed (Gnaphalium uliginosum), Cut-leaved
Cranes-bill (Geranium dissectum), Lesser Hawkbit (Leontodon
saxatilis), Water Mint, Tufted Forget-me-not (Myosotis laxa),
Burnet Saxifrage (Pimpinella saxifraga), Oxford Ragwort (Senecio
squalidus) and Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca). The St. Johns-worts
seen this time were - Hairy (Hypericum hirsutum) all along
the line, Square-stalked in dampish sites and, near the station
buildings, a large hybrid swarm of Hypericum x desetangsii.
This hybrid can occur in the absence of both parents and this seems
to have been the case here as neither Perforate (Hypericum perforatum)
nor Imperforate (Hypericum maculatum) were found. It was
pleasing that Small Toadflax (Chaenorhinum minus) had spread
very well along the line. Devils-bit Scabious (Succisa
pratensis) and Common Knapweed were there in profusion and a
good clump of Weld (Reseda luteola) was photographed. Regretfully
Common Fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica) and Common Toadflax
(Linaria vulgaris) which were seen previously could not be
found this year. Anne sent a copy of the up-to-date list - now containing
197 species - to the Railway Museum Trust.
Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits - June 16th and
July 1st
The ever-changing nature of this site provides
its fascination. This year on entering, the ground was seen to be
covered with Changing Forget-me-not (Myosotis discolor) and
Common Birds-foot-trefoil. To the left in a damp area were
about 50 orchids, mainly Southern Marsh-orchids. Just ahead were
several Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera), small and partly eaten,
and a striking pair of Common Spotted-orchid, one normal colour,
the other white with purple line markings. Continuing towards the
river the only orchids found were three Common Twayblade, this where
previously there had been a very large colony of hybrid orchids.
Pendulous Sedge has spread considerably in this area and also to
the east. Along the riverside towards the east Lagoon shrubs and
brambles were evermore rampant. The stout Tall Eryngo (Eryngium
giganteum) is holding its own, but the colony of Perforate St.
Johns-wort is being overwhelmed. In the midst of the tangle
were several beautiful Rose bushes (Rosa ssp), mostly pale
pink, but one with very deep colour. Approach to the bank of the
lagoon was not possible.
The area immediately to the east of the lagoon
was a sea of orchids estimated at between 500 and 600, mostly Southern
Marsh-orchids or hybrids, with possibly 5% Common Spotted of which
two were of the pure white form - s.sp. OKellyi. In
one corner was a group of Northern Marsh-orchids. Further east were
several Bee Orchids, with one magnificent specimen bearing ten flowers
(this was found by JMC).
Grass Vetchling (Lathyrus nissolia),
one of the specialities of the Gravel Pits, was in full flower and
has spread, now being found in three widely spaced places. There
were considerable patches of Ragged-Robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi),
a good clump of Remote Sedge (Carex remota) and Narrow-leaved
Vetch (Vicia sativa ssp I) in profusion. In the open area
between the lagoons there were hundreds of Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum)
and a good number of Large-flowered Evening-primrose and Musk Mallow
(Malva moschata) both pink and white.
Otley (GW)
Mrs Woolliscrofts record of the 1km
square in which she lives revealed the trend that several species
had disappeared and that the riverside was being overwhelmed by
the spread of Indian Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera).
Washburn (OM)
A section of Askwith Moor Road had a wide
group of species together including Cut-leaved Cranes-bill,
Common Centaury, Oxford Ragwort, Common Poppy (Papaver rhoeas),
Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) and Weld. In the same
area of the valley were Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) and
Marsh Woundwort (Stachys palustris). At the head of the valley
Knotted Pearlwort (Sagina nodosa) and Eyebright (Euphrasia
agg.) were found. near Swinsty were new sites for Sneezewort (Achillea
ptarmica) and Yellow Archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon)
and further south were Wild Angelica (Angelica sylvestris)
and Bitter-vetch (Lathyrus linifolius var. montanus).
U.W.F.S.
The Field Society travelled far afield this
year with the result that most of their records were made outside
our area.
B.S.B.I Records
Tetrad - Humberstone Bank - 13th June and
8th July (HMB), (SH)&(JH)
This area is at the head of the Washburn
Valley at over 1100ft and extends to the Blubberhouses - Duck St.
Road. Much of it is rough grassland but there are plantations, marshy
areas and stream and roadside verges. Almost two hundred species
were recorded which was quite surprising for such unpromising land.
Most of the trees were plantations of conifers
including European Larch (Larix decidua), but near the farmhouse
was a mixed wood shelter belt containing Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia),
Beech (Fagus sylvatica), Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus),
Downy Birch (Betula pubescens) and Sessile Oak (Quercus
petraea). On some of the drier hillsides amongst the Heather
(Calluna vulgaris) were extensive patches of Sheep Sorrel
(Rumex acetosella) which at this time of year was more colourful
than the Heather. There was also Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus),
Heath Rush (Juncus squarrosus) and Purple Moor-grass (Molinia
caerulea).
A large marshy hollow contained Cranberry
(Vaccinium oxycoccos), Marsh Pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris)
and Marsh Violet (Viola palustris) - both in profusion, also
Heath Milkwort (Polygala serpyllifolia), Spring Sedge (Carex
caryophyllea), Hares-tail Cotton-grass (Eriophorum
vaginatum) and Toad Rush (Juncus bufonius). Near the
stream were found Water Horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile),
Bog Stitchwort (Stellaria uliginosa), Blinks ( Montia
fontana), Round-leaved Crowfoot (Ranunculus omiophyllus),
Field Forget-me-not, Greater Birds-foot-trefoil (Lotus
pedunculatus) and two ferns, Hard Fern and Lemon-scented Fern
(Oreopteris limbosperma).
The roadside verges are very wide with deep
ditches and the flora was prolific and diverse. At intervals all
the way along were the tall spikes of Monks-rhubarb - this
being its main site in our area. Similarly for very long distances
just at the edge of the tarmac were hundreds of Marsh Arrowgrass
(see Special Records). Hemlock (Conium maculatum) appeared
quite frequently, as did Ragged-robin, Goats-beard (Tragopogon
pratensis), Greater Burnet-saxifrage (Pimpinella major)
and all three Avens - Water, Wood and Hybrid. Both Wood and Meadow
Cranes-bill were present along with Red Campion (Silene
Dioica), but we saw only one clump of the much rarer White Campion
(Silene alba). The road is renowned for its orchids, but
on this section we found only Twayblades. There were large bushes
of Goat Willow (Salix caprea), Blackthorn and Rose - Harsh
Downy-rose (Rosa tomentosa) with deep pink flowers. The ferns
seen were Male, Lady (Athyrium felix-femina) and Broad Buckler-fern
(Dryopteris dilatata). In the bottom of the ditches were
found Marsh-marigold (Caltha palustris) Pyrenean Scurvygrass
and Square-stalked St. Johns-wort.
OTHER MISCELLANEOUS RECORDS - in order from
Rougemont up the dale
Wild Daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus)
Riffa Wood (Sarah Ward)
Wild Daffodil Farnley Lake (NB & AB)
Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata) Thrispin
Beck (PPA)
Pendulous Sedge Path by stream below Lindley
Res. (AMG & JMC)
Wood Stitchwort " " " "
Giant Bellflower " " " "
Butterbur (female) " " " "
Marsh Violet Blubberhouses A59 (PPA)
Bog Asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum)
" "
Round-leaved Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia)
" "
Narrow Buckler-fern (Dryopteris carthusiana)
Between Blubberhouses and Thruscross (PPA)
Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna)
Thruscross, below dam (PPA)
Pale Forget-me-not (Myosotis stolonifera)
Thruscross Reservoir, northern tip (PPA)
Bristle Club-rush (Isolepis setacea)
" " " "
Meadow Cranes-bill (white form) Menwith
Hill (JH)
Common Spotted-orchid Menston, Halstead Drive
(JMC)
Wild Carrot (Daucus carota) Burley
Bypass roundabout, a few still remaining on Otley side (JH)
Common Spotted-orchid - in profusion Bow
Beck Gill (PPA)
Ragged-Robin " "
Giant Horsetail (Equisetum telemateia)
" "
Marsh Hawks-beard " "
Shoreweed (Littorella uniflora) March
Ghyll Reservoir (PPA)
Celandine (Ranunculus ficaria ssp
bulbifera) Ilkley, Westville Road (JED)
Pendulous Sedge Ilkley, Lido (MHA)
Goats-beard Ilkley, riverside path
(MHA)
Pink Purslane (Claytonia sibirica)
Ilkley, Hebers Ghyll (MHA)
Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) Addingham,
Gatecroft Lane (ADL)
Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris) Howgill,
Wharfe gorge (JH)
Hard Fern - in profusion " " "
Meadow Cranes-bill (double form) Skyreholme
(JMC)
Ragged-Robin Parceval Hall woods (AT)
Water Figwort " " "
Water-plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica)
" " "
Mountain Pansy (Viola lutea)in flower
2nd May Bastow Wood (AMG)
Birds-eye Primrose - in flower 17th
May " "
Primrose - in flower 6th Feb. Lea Green (UWFS)
Lesser Meadow-rue (Thalictrum minus)
Mossdale Scar (MHA)
Smooth Ladys-mantle (Alchemilla
glabia) " "
Shining Cranes-bill (Geranium lucidum)
" "
Black Bog-rush (Schoenus nigricans)
North bank of Skirfare, upstream from bridge (AB)
Selfheal (white form) Dowber Gill Beck (MHA)
Lesser Meadow-rue " "
Records were received from the following
(with apologies for any omissions):
P P Abbott (YNU Recorder) C J Dixon A Tupholme
M H Atkinson F C Draper J K & S Ward
A Bickley A M Gramshaw Sarah Ward
N. & A. Bowland S Hartley G Woolliscroft
H M Burrow A D & M Leather
J M Clapham O Middleton
Thank you all. Joyce Hartley and Joan Duncan
Fungi
A mycological explosion was one
description given for the 2000 main season - a naturally occurring
Millennium event perhaps?
Colourful Russulas fruited well, noted particularly
in the Washburn valley, as did Milk-caps (Lactarius) and
Wax-caps (Hygrocybe etc.) in the usual open areas. An uncommon
Russula, R. curtipes, with bright yellow gills, was a new
record for Strid Wood (3rd Oct.). It was useful to go otter surveying
with a friend, as Lactarius lilacinus, not in our records,
was abundant in the alder habitat (10th Oct.).
Three new Wax-caps in Bastow Wood were Cuphophyllus
colemannianus, the aptly named orange-red Hygrocybe aurantiosplendens
and small H. laeta (17th Oct.). We recorded seven Wax-caps in a
rather small patch, including the pink Hygrocybe calyptraeformis.
Some keen-eyed members made interesting discoveries,
such as the tiny Field Birds Nest, (Cyathus olla) in
a Farnley field (N Bowland, 17th Sept.). When members were asked
to look for target species, Common Birds Nest (Crucibulum
laeve) was on the list. That has not turned up again, but Cyathus
is part of the group.
Dog Stinkhorn (Mutinus caninus), on
Otley Chevin, was the only record from a site that once had many
(D Alred, 15th Sept.). The striking Panther Cap (Amanita pantherina)
by the river near Barden, and Cauliflower Fungus (Sparassis crispa)
again in Strid Wood, were good finds (DA, 27th Sept.).
Regular visits throughout the season added
to the Grass Wood list. Most memorable was the amazing quantity,
but there was quality too in that some species fruit only at intervals
and were refound last season. There were three new Cortinarius,
C. caroviolaceus, C. osmophorus and C. simulatus. Other records
were Common Morel (Morchella esculenta) (22nd April, MYFG),
Melanophyllum eyrei with blue gills ( Sept. UWFS), a cup-shaped
Helvella ( Macroscyphus macropus) (14th Oct.) and a new small
Parasol Fungus (Echinoderma echinaceum) (J Powell, Oct.).
An uncommon Club Fungus, (Macrotyphula fistulosa) in beech
litter, is perhaps under-recorded (E. Tinsley, Nov.).
The Joint Foray in Rudding Park on 1st October
was organised by Jim Neary, HDNS recorder. It was very well supported,
partly due to outside publicity. In the private grounds, one hundred
species were found, making it one of the most productive joint forays
so far.
Pseudohydnum gelatinosum, a jelly
fungus with spines, and Earth Fan (Thelephora terrestris)
were among the distinctive fungi collected for the display
We were once more grateful to Tom Hering
for his patient teaching and expertise.
An excellent and well-attended Society Microscope
evening on Fungi was organised by Ann Bickley and Joan Powell as
a follow-up to the Joint Foray, with plenty of material to determine
and discuss. It is hoped this will encourage more members to work
on fungi.
Much has been written in journals recently
about popularising fungi by inventing English names. The suggestion
that this could happen for all species seems unattainable. Accepted
names in use such as Sulphur Tuft and Poison Pie are fine, but incorporating
a Latin generic name is also questioned. Is it easier to remember
Russula or Brittle-gills? Common Yellow Russula has been in use
for some years. The choice of names will be difficult to agree.
Once again, I express my thanks to P &
J Andrews, T Hering and F Remblance for the invaluable help with
identification, and for records from D Alred, N Bowland, J M Clapham,
J Powell, E Tinsley (Skipton) and UWFS members, with apologies for
any omissions.
Audrey Gramshaw
Vertebrates other than birds
AMPHIBIANS
Caudata tailed amphibians
Great Crested Newt Triturus cristatus
No records.
PALMATE NEWT Triturus helveticus
No records
SMOOTH NEWT Triturus vulgaris
No records
SALIENTIA tail-less amphibians
COMMON TOAD Bufo bufo
7 March many Toads crossing lane Grass Wood
(UWFS). 8 March lots of spawn in dam below Thruscross (DA). 25 Apr
spawn and 2 Toads same area (R&HB). 16 Aug 1 disturbed in Grass
Wood (AG). 19 Sep Toad in Ilkley garden (D&ML).
COMMON FROG Rana temporaria
7 Feb first seen. By 23 Feb 80 Frogs plus
spawn, then only one batch seemed to hatch and mature, Ilkley garden
pond (JWB). 26 Feb 3 batches of spawn at Hoodstorth and 14 at Harden
Gill (N&AB). 1 March masses of spawn and Frogs calling and mating
Harden Gill (N&AB). 8 Mar 20 batches of spawn Bleach Mill (N&AB).
12 Mar many Frogs in amplexus Greenhow (DA). 13 Mar 50 plus spawn
Hawksworth Moor (N&AB). 14 Mar 22 Frogs with spawn Grimwith
(JMC&AMG). 18 Mar spawn in Chevin pond and White Rose pond (N&AB).
20 Mar Plenty of spawn Gallows Hill (DA). 25 Mar tadpoles in spring
at Hebers Ghyll (D&ML). 25 Apr 5 Frogs below Thruscross
(R&HB). 16 Aug large red/brown Frog and 19 Sep 3 yellow/brown
Frogs in Ilkley garden (D&ML).
REPTILES
SQUAMATA scaly reptiles
ADDER Vipera berus
26 Feb 3 females Hoodstorth (N&AB). 1
Mar 5 females Harden Gill (N&AB). 4 Mar 10 Adders above Thruscross
(DA). 16 Mar 6 at Hoodstorth (N&AB). 18 Mar 10 at Harden Gill
(DA).
SLOW WORM Anguis fragilis
4 Aug 1 at Lindley Wood (DA).
COMMON LIZARD Lacerta vivipara
19 Mar 1 seen Hoodstorth (DA), and 3 seen
near Twelve Apostles (JWB). 6 Aug 2 seen and 11 Sep 3 at Lindley
Wood (DA).
MAMMALS
CARNIVORES flesh-eaters
FOX Vulpes vulpes
9 Jan 1 dead on Burley bypass (JD). 25 Jan
1 dead Lindley (JMC). 19 Sep 1 seen above Lindley Wood Reservoir
(PR).
OTTER Lutra lutra
18 Apr B Parkin saw an otter near Knotford
Nook. The sighting was confirmed by Sylvia Joy (Otter and Rivers
Project Officer). From an otter survey, spraints and a print have
been found in our area (JMC).
POLECAT or POLECAT FERRET Mustela putorius
18 Jul a badly damaged specimen found dead
on road near the Strid (N&AB, KL). 9 Aug a full grown adult
female found dead near Farfield Hall, taken to Cliffe Castle Museum
for identification. DNA testing is the only way to prove true
Polecat and at the moment this is too expensive, therefore:
Polecat/Polecat Ferret.
STOAT Mustela erminea
21 Jan Stoat in ermine all white
Farnley Moor (PR). 19 Mar 1 seen Lindley (N&AB). 10 Apr 1 at
Beaverdyke (PR). 27 Jun 2 playing on road Timble, on return 1 dead
Nats walk Timble, N&AB). 2 Jul 1 dead Snowden Moor (N&AB).
26 Jul 1 seen Snowden Carr road (PR). 21 Aug 2 seen near Skirfare
Bridge (R&HB). 25 Aug 1 at Timble (KL). 12 Sep 1 Timble Ings
(PR). 20 Sep 1 at Thruscross (DA). 16 Oct 1 on Barden Moor (R&HB)
WEASEL Mustela nivalis
20 Mar 1 on edge of Farnley Moor (PR). 22
Mar 1 near Norwood mast (R&HB). 29 Mar 1 at Beaverdyke (PR).
23 Sep 1 Timble Ings (KL).
AMERICAN MINK Mustela vision
17 Jan 1 near Lindley Wood (PR). 10 Aug 1
seen below Swinsty Dam (PR). 10 Oct Mink scat at Lindley (JMC).
BADGER Meles meles
25 Jan 1 nearly run over on Westwood Drive
(D&ML). 12 Feb small Badger seen near Addingham Bypass (JD).
8 Apr 1 in front garden, on 22 Aug 2 seen again (D&ML). 28 Apr
1 Addingham Moorside (N&AB). Prints seen in Grass Wood (AG).
All setts active, between 2 and 4 animals seen (JD, N&AB). At
one sett cubs playing with inquisitive lamb (JD).
ARTIODACTYLA even-toed ungulates
RED DEER Cervus elaphus
12 Oct Red Deer stag with sheep between Askwith
and Snowden Moor. Still there Dec (LD, N&AB).
ROE DEER Capreolus capreolus
Many reports again this year from Ilkley,
Thruscross, Swinsty, Lindley Wood, Leathley, Long Ashes, garden
Panorama Drive (buck and doe), Grass Wood, Castley, Fewston, Timble
and Addingham. 2 Feb 3 seen below trout farm (PR). 25 Apr doe with
kid Grass Wood (AG). 30 Nov 4 near Dob Bridge (PR).
MUNTJAC Muntiacus reevsi No reports.
INSECTIVORES insect-eaters
HEDGEHOG Erinaceus europaeus
Often seen Menston Garden (KL). 30 Apr 1
seen at Hubberholme (D&ML). 20 May 1 seen Ilkley garden (JD).
13 Jun 1 several times Ilkley (JD). 23 Jun 1 dead Buckden Gill (J&SH).
10 Sep 1 dead Nell Bank (D&ML).
MOLE Talpa europaea
As usual great activity early in the year.
12 Jul 1 foraging above ground near seat at Fewston inlet (PR).
3 Sep 1 dead Lindley Wood (DA). 8 Sep 2 dead Moles at Lindley with
burying beetles (N&AB).
COMMON SHREW Sorex araneus
8 Aug 1 dead Hebden Gill (AG).
PYGMY SHREW Sorex minutus
5 Aug 1 dead Hawksworth Moor (N&AB)
WATER SHREW Neomys fodiens No reports.
RODENTS gnawing animals
GREY SQUIRREL Sciurus carolinensis
Very many reports. If anything they seem
to be on the increase (PR, JMC, N&AB). 9 Sep 1 dead Panorama
Drive (D&ML).
BANK VOLE Clethrionomys glariolus
No reports.
FIELD VOLE Microtus agrestis
No reports
WATER VOLE Arvicola terrestris
1 seen River Wharfe near caravans WNS walk
Addingham (JMC)
WOOD MOUSE Apodemus sylvaticus
19 Jan 1 on wood pile in garden (D&ML).
2 Aug and 3 Aug 1 on peanut feeder in garden (JMC). 7 Sep 1 on compost
heap (D&ML).
COMMON RAT Rattus norvegicus
30 Jan 1 on Westwood Drive Ilkley (D&ML).
29 Aug 1 below Grass Wood (N&AB). Oct in Menston garden (KL).
LAGOMORPHA rabbits and hares
RABBIT Oryctolagus cuniculus
Still prolific in WNS area with signs of
myxomatosis early in the year. Seen near Pool, Hoodstorth, Barden
Moor, Hawksworth Moor, Menston, Grassington, Buckden, Marsh Gill.
(D&ML, N&AB).
BROWN HARE Lepus europaeus
More sightings than last year. Seen Leathley,
Denton Moor, Hoodstorth, Harden Beck, Hawksworth Moor, Lindley Wood,
Castley, Swinsty, Timble, Thruscross. 30 Apr 11 seen east of Leathley
Hall (PR). 27 Jun 5 seen Timble (Nats walk). 4 edge of Denton Moor
(PR). 26 Jul 3 Dob Bridge (PR).
Chiroptera bats
PIPISTRELLE Pipistrellus pipistrellus
30 Apr 2 bats Addingham (R&HB). 8 Jun
1 flying above garden (D&ML).
NOCTULE Nyctalus noctula
4 Sep 1 flying over house (D&ML).
Contributors:
DA D Alred AG A Gramshaw
JWB J W Bell CH C Hartley
N&AB N & A Bowland J&SH J &
S Hartley
R&HB R & H Burrow M&DL M &
D Leather
JMC J M Clapham KL K Limb
LD L Dewdney UWFS Upper Wharfedale Field
Society
JD J Dixon PR P Riley
Many thanks to the above for their records.
Nevil Bowland
Badgers JD
Entomology Section
ORDER LEPIDOPTERA BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS
The species follow the order, nomenclature
and serial numbers of Bradley and Fletcher (1986). These numbers
are widely accepted and included in Butterflies and Moths of Yorkshire
(YNU, 1989)
Butterflies
For the third year running most members noted
the scarcity of the Small Tortoiseshell butterfly, this year in
line with many comments nationwide. Generally however, many of our
residents had satisfactory years, indeed several species thrived,
and there were a pleasing number of migrant sightings, notably of
the Clouded Yellow. The Holly Blue was expected to have entered
a cyclic decline, and so it proved.
It became clear this year just how rich in
butterflies were the grassy borders of the forest footpaths around
the Stainburn Moor/Lindley Moor Wood complex (SLM).
HESPERIIDAE
1526 SMALL SKIPPER Thymelicus sylvestris
Recorded from sites around Ilkley and Otley,
but little further up the dales this year. Still expanding its range
in Yorkshire, but in our area had a slightly poorer year than last
year.
Recorded first on 4th July along the forest
footpath at SLM and last on 25th August at Timble Ings. A peak count
of 65 at SLM on 11th August, and there were counts of over 40 at
Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits (BRGP) and Timble Ings. The counts at Burley
and on the Middleton Hospital site were well down on last year.
1531 LARGE SKIPPER Ochlodes venata
Not as common as the Small Skipper, with
no records far up the dales, in fact none beyond Bolton Abbey. Its
range seems to have remained constant here and in Yorkshire over
many years, although a recent Welsh survey showed an alarming decline
in its numbers.
First seen on 20 June at BRGP, last seen
on 11 August at SLM. Counts were in single figures, with the exception
of 34 seen on 30 June at SLM. Unfortunately there was no record
from the promising Middleton Hospital site.
PIERIDAE
1545 CLOUDED YELLOW Colias croceus
Eight reports of singletons, five around
Ilkley and Burley, three near Blubberhouses and Thruscross. Nationally,
the insect was widespread this year.
First seen, a female of the pale variety
helice, on 26 June at BRGP. The last report was on 23 September,
a male near Blubberhouses.
1546 BRIMSTONE Gonepteryx rhamni
Once again there were sightings of this wandering
resident, five in all. The dates range from 18th March, at BRGP,
to 30th May at Grass Wood. Unfortunately there have been no reports
of larvae on the alder buckthorn in Burley. In Yorkshire, brimstones
are only reported in numbers well to the East or South of our area.
1549 LARGE WHITE Pieris brassicae
Many sightings of small numbers. The first
was on 8th May in Ben Rhydding, the last on 18th September also
in Ben Rhydding, and the largest number was 15 on 19th July at Oughtershaw,
Upper Wharfedale.
The status in upland areas, where we had
several records, is of interest as it is usually thought of as a
town insect. Both Large and Small Whites have at least two generations
a year, sometimes supplemented by immigrants.
1550 SMALL WHITE Pieris rapae
Like the previous insect, many sightings
of small numbers. The first was on 19th April, at Castley, and the
last was of 10 at the Middleton Hospital site on 3rd September.
The largest number, again, was 15 at Oughtershaw, Upper Wharfedale.
NB In flight this species is very difficult
to separate from the Green-veined White so when many whites
are around an acceptable way forward is to count the flying insects
and allocate them to the two species in the proportion of the numbers
of those seen settled!
1551 GREEN-VEINED WHITE Pieris napi
Numerous records of this widespread species,
which seems to have had a good year. The first seen was on 30th
April at BRGP. The last noted was on 22nd September at the Old Tip
Field, Burley. There were several counts in double figures, amongst
them 30 on 20th August at Fewston reservoir, and 20 on 11th and
15th August near Pool Bridge. No records from sites in the higher
reaches of the dales, where the insect can be numerous.
1553 ORANGE TIP Anthocharis cardamines
Many single-figure counts of this distinctive
insect, which is widespread in the Southern part of our area, and
for which there are previous records right up the dales. There is
a single generation a year. First seen on 20th April near Addingham,
last seen on 16th June close to Ilkley golf course. The highest
count was 4, on 9th May near Lindley.
LYCAENIDAE
1555 GREEN HAIRSTREAK Callophrys rubi
The number and distribution of sites is one
of the delights of Wharfedale there must be more to be learned
about this spring-time gem.
First recorded on 23rd April at Badgers Gate,
Langbar Moor, and the last on 31st May on Ilkley Moor just off Cowpasture
Road. The largest number seen was 30 on 4th May at Badgers Gate.
The Burley Moor site yielded sightings well up onto the moor, and
possibly round to Rushy Beck. Others were noted on Barden Moor,
Snowden Carr, and singletons in a garden near the Old Bridge Ilkley
(on a guests trousers), and in Grass Wood.
1557 PURPLE HAIRSTREAK Quercusia quercus
No sightingsyet very probably present
in our area it has been seen just outside at Hollins Hall.
It may be most fruitful to search late on a fine summer afternoon
or into the early evening, particularly on sunlit oak tree-tops,
and neighbouring trees such as ash, situated on the south facing
edges of woods or wood rides.
1558 WHITE-LETTER HAIRSTREAK Satyrium
w-album
A new colony was discovered this year by
Dave Curran, in the elm trees on the Addingham Old Road. There were
sightings by several observers on 19th to 21st July. The maximum
number seen in the tree tops at any time was 4.
Unfortunately there were no sightings again
at the other known site, the Old Tip Field Burley, where Bob Drapers
presence is sadly missed.
1561 SMALL COPPER Lycaena phlaeas
Most records were of singletons, and once
again there were few first generation (April-June) records, the
earliest being on 15th June at Humberstone Bank, Washburn. The best
second generation record was 15 on 28th August at Timble Ings. An
experienced observer has been quoted as seeing 65 on Barden Moor
this summer but unfortunately we have no date.
The latest record was 16th September at BRGP,
so no third generation records this year.
1573 NORTHERN BROWN ARGUS Aricia artaxerxes
ssp. salmacis
The status of the small number of North of
England Brown Argus colonies has recently been reconsidered, and
we await the findings. Whatever these may be, the Wharfedale colonies
are important, and under-recorded.
This year we have good records from just
two of the five known colonies. On 17th June 72 insects were seen
near Bastow Wood. On 27th June 17 insects were seen near Skirethorns.
None were seen on a visit to the site near Buckden, or the possible
site near Parceval Hall.
1574 COMMON BLUE Polyommatus icarus
Some good records from the limestone regions
of Wharfedale, although few records from the Southern part of our
area. First recorded on 17th June, 2 males near Bastow Wood. Last
recorded on 1st August, 2 near Trollers Ghyll. The largest number
seen was 32, on 27th June near Skirethorns. 15 insects were noted
at Oughtershaw, Upper Wharfedale on 19th July.
1580 HOLLY BLUE Celastrina argiolus
Few records this year, only singletons being
seen around Menston, Burley, and Ilkley. The first was on 30th April
in Menston, the last on 1st October in Burley. A second-generation
female was seen in Burley by Freda Draper.
NYMPHALIDAE
1590 RED ADMIRAL Vanessa atalanta
A large number of records, seven of which
were in double figures, shows that the Red Admiral had a good year.
The first sighting was on 12th June at Manor Park, the last on 19th
October in Ben Rhydding. The largest number was 24 between Farnley
and Leathley, on 19th September.
1591 PAINTED LADY Cynthia cardui
Like the previous insect, a large number
of records, although no double figure counts. The first sighting
was on 11th June at Ben Rhydding, the last on 4th October in the
same area. The largest number seen was 7 on 3rd September at the
Middleton Hospital site, and 7 on 21st September in Menston.
1593 SMALL TORTOISESHELL Aglais urticae
A large number of records, mostly of small
numbers. Felt by most observers to have had a disappointing year.
First seen on 11th March near Otley, last on 13th October near Lindley.
Interestingly, the largest numbers recorded were seen well way from
observers gardens. These were 15 on 8th August at Yarnbury
near Grassington, 35 between Pool Bridge and Castley on 15th August,
and a remarkable 150 on creeping thistle in the same area on 11th
August. In gardens, however, there were generally few in comparison
with the peacock.
1597 PEACOCK Inachis io
Seems to have had a reasonable and lengthy
season, and there are many records. However we had to wait until
August to obtain them in double figures. The first seen was on 26th
February on the edge of Middleton Wood. The last was on 4th November
at the Chevin. The largest counts were 30 on 20th August near Fewston,
and 36 on 3rd September at the Middleton Hospital site.
1598 COMMA Polygonia c-album
Plenty of sightings, including one up the
dale at Grass Wood. Again a long season with the first seen on 11th
March at Burley, the last two on 19th October on different sites
at Ben Rhydding. The largest number in the first generation was
4, seen at Farnley Lake on 22nd March, and at BRGP on 5th April.
In the second generation 7 were seen at Timble Ings on 25th August,
and 7 at BRGP on 19th October. The hutchinsoni variety was again
noted.
SATYRIDAE
1614 SPECKLED WOOD Pararge aegeria
No record this year, but we can hope for
better things as this woodland butterfly is spreading in Yorkshire.
1615 WALL Lasiommata megera
A better year than last year, with a good
scattering of records across the Southern part of our area. The
first on13th May at Manor Park, the last on 23rd September at Timble
Ings. The highest count was 12 on 4th September near Dob Park.
1625 GATEKEEPER Pyronia tithonus
New locations and much larger numbers than
previously reported. It is now clear that there is a large colony
along the forest track at SLM, and that the colony at the Old Tip
Field Burley is doing well. Also reported at Timble Ings and near
Swinsty reservoir. The first sighting was of 6 on 6th August at
Burley, the last of 3 on 25th August in the same area. The largest
number reported from the Burley site was 17, but there was a count
of 100 at SLM on 11th August notwithstanding a curtailed visit.
1626 MEADOW BROWN Maniola jurtina
Another successful season with many records,
although numbers a little less than last year. Nevertheless, almost
exclusively observed in the Southern part of our region. First seen
on 13th June at SLM, last on 4th September near Dob Park. The largest
numbers were 104 on 18th July at BRGP, 140 on 19th July at the Old
Tip Field, Burley, and 87 on 10th August at the Middleton Hospital
site.
1627 SMALL HEATH Coenonympha pamphilus
Again this year few recordings and small
numbers. Primarily an upland insect, Butterfly Conservation has
commented that perhaps many sites are unvisited. The first record
also was the largest, 10 seen on 17th June near Bastow Wood. 7 were
seen near Skirethorns on 27th June, and the last one was seen near
Fewston reservoir on 20th August.
1629 RINGLET Aphantopus hyperantus
Wet summers seem to suit this insect and
certainly this has been another successful season. The ringlet is
extending its range in Yorkshire, although virtually unknown in
Lancashire.
This year it has been seen on more sites
than ever, Middleton Hospital and Cocking End being new in Wharfedale,
Timble Ings and Menwith Hill being two of several new sites in Washburndale.
The first was seen on 27th June at BRGP, and the last record was
of 40 on 11th August at SLM. Var. caeca was seen as usual at BRGP.
The largest number recorded was 125 on 19th July at SLM. Included
were several var. caeca, and one var. lanceolata.
(1999 records suggest there may be three
distinct sites in the SLM area. The figures above refer to one).
Records were received from the following
observers:
D & J Alred, M Atkinson, A Baines, Dr
& Mrs JW Bell, N & A Bowland, RJ & H Burrow, JM Clapham,
CJ & P Cope, D Curran, M & R Densley, FC Draper, JE Duncan,
AM Gramshaw, S & J Hartley, B Hockey, D & R Howson, L &
M Jones, AD & M Leather, K Limb, C Moore, PC Quin, P Riley,
D Storey, A & B Thompson
As a new recorder I feel a real debt to everyone
who has contributed. All the records and comments have been of interest,
and you have all helped to build up an understanding of the overall
scene. I apologise for any errors or omissions.
DP Howson
MOTHS
A disappointing year. Heavy rain and some
frost affected early trapping, with only small counts of even the
common spring moths such as Clouded Drab, Common Quaker and Hebrew
Character. Results improved in the summer but the late autumn moths
were again rain affected. The WNS has purchased a new moth trap
which will extend recording opportunities in 2001. The second National
Moth Night was held on 23rd September when the Society ran three
traps and contributed to the national records.
GEOMETRIDAE
1760 RED-GREEN CARPET Chloroclysta siterata
Two specimens were taken at the Menston trap
on 18 October. There are only four previous WNS records for this
fairly scarce moth.
1827 FREYERS PUG Eupithecia intricata.
A single was trapped at Otley on 18 June,
only the fifth WNS record since the first in 1994. First recorded
in Yorkshire in 1990.
1904 SCORCHED WING Plagodis dolabraria
Not a common moth; singles were recorded
from Menston and Roseville Burley-in-W. The only previous records
were in 1988 and 1989 from Roseville.
1909 SPECKLED YELLOW Pseudopanthera macularia
Again recorded from Grass Wood. There were
two sightings of this unmistakable day-flying moth 30 May.
1919 PURPLE THORN Selenia tetralunaria
A single was taken at the Menston trap on
8 May. More common in southern England, this was only the fourth
WNS record. The first in 1984 at Menston, in 1996 at Nell Bank,
and in 1997 at Roseville, B-in-W.
1926 PALE BRINDLED BEAUTY Apocheima pilosaria
Only occasionally recorded, probably due
to its early flight period. A specimen was taken at the window on
11 Feb in Menston.
SPHINGIDAE
1979 LIME HAWK-MOTH Mimas tiliae
Continues to be recorded in small numbers
since the first record in 1993. Two males were trapped at Menston
on 6 June.
1984 HUMMING-BIRD HAWK-MOTH Macroglossum
stellatarum
A regular migrant, recorded only intermittently
in our area. Recorded at Otley, Ben Rhydding, Burley in Wharfedale
and Ilkley feeding on Red Valerian and Lavender. There have
been reports of a number of sightings in the County of this day-flying
moth.
1992 SMALL ELEPHANT HAWK MOTH Deilephila
porcellus
Again only one record, a single trapped at
Menston on 18 June.
LYMANTRIIDAE
2026 the vapourer Orgyia antiqua
Several males were reported from Manor Park,
Burley in Wharfedale in late August. A day-flying moth not recorded
since 1997.
2028 PALE TUSSOCK Calliteara pudibunda
Occasional records since the first in 1986.
A single was trapped at Bradford Road, Otley on 18 June.
NOCTUIDAE
2091 DARK SWORD GRASS Agrotis ipsilon
An annual immigrant, recorded occasionally,
usually as singles. One was taken at Menston on 15 October.
2179 PINE BEAUTY Panolis flammea
Again there were two records of this spring
moth from the Menston trap which is adjacent to a group of Pine
trees.
2240 BLAIRS SHOULDER-KNOT Lithophane
leautieri
Still maintaining its status in Wharfedale
since the first Yorkshire record in 1991.
2247 MERVEILLE DU JOUR Dichonia aprilina
A female of this beautiful green autumn moth
was trapped at Menston. Only occasional records previously and always
as singles.
2452 RED UNDERWING Catocala nupta
A single from Ilkley was the only record
of this very large distinctive moth
Records were received from the following:
D Alred G Parkinson
A M Atkinson P C Quin
F C Draper B Rhodes (Nell Bank)
A M Gramshaw P Senior
D P Howson A I Wilson
I would like to thank everyone for their
records and comments and to apologise for any omissions.
Jeanette M Clapham
DRAGONFLIES AND DAMSELFLIES
ORDER ODONATA
Sightings in species order as follows:
LARGE RED DAMSELFLY Pyrrhosoma nymphula
Recorded 30th April to end of June at usual
sites in Wharfedale and Washburn Valley.
30 at BRGP 25th June.
BLUE TAILED DAMSELFLY Ischnura elegans
Recorded 28th May to 26th July, all in Otley,
Burley and Ilkley areas.
30 at BRGP 29th May
30 at Burley 25th June
AZURE DAMSELFLY Coenagrion puella
Recorded 29th May to 15th July at BRGP, Timble
Ings pond and Thruscross
COMMON BLUE DAMSELFLY Enellagma cyathigerum
Recorded 6th June to 28th August, mainly
at Otley, Burley and Timble Ings.
EMERALD DAMSELFLY Lestes sponsa
Recorded only at Beaver Dam, Yarnbury and
Timble Ings between 8th August and 23rd Sept.
BANDED DEMOISELLE Calopterix splendens
Recorded 7th July to 11th August in Wharfedale
at Pool, Otley, Burley and BRGP.
Also on 19th June way out of expected area
at Timble Ings Pond.
BROWN HAWKER Aeshna grandis
Recorded 25th June to 9th September from
Pool, Otley GP, Chevin Pond, Sun Lane Burley and BRGP.
COMMON HAWKER Aeshna juncea
Recorded 21st June to 23 September from Lindley,
Timble, Thruscross,
Hebden and Grassington areas.
SOUTHERN HAWKER Aeshna cyanea
Recorded 15th July to 13th September at Lindley,
Timble, Ben Rhydding and Ilkley.
On 18th July at Lindley Pond 4 flying and
10 exuvia collected (this pond was previously
a stronghold for Aeshna Juncea).
MIGRANT HAWKER Aeshna mixta
One record only this year. 1 at Otley Gravel
Pits 19th October.
BLACK DARTER Sympetrum danae
Recorded in August and September at Yarnbury
and Thruscross.
COMMON DARTER Sympetrum striolatum
Recorded 21st July to 19th October at Lindley,
Timble, ,John O'Gaunts Reservoir, Swinsty,
Thruscross, Otley GP, Burley and BRGP.
RUDDY DARTER Sympetrum sanguineum
Not recorded this year.
EMPEROR Anax imperator
Recorded 21st and 27th July at Otley Gravel
Pits and 30th July at Timble Ings Pond.
GOLDEN RINGED Cordulegaster boltonii
Two records at Timble Ings, 19th June and
16th July, and in centre of Ilkley 8th August.
FOUR SPOTTED CHASER Libellula quadrimaculata
Recorded at 3 sites between 18th June and
30th July.
Two at Low Dam, Thruscross, Two at Timble
Ings Pond and one at Otley GP.
BROAD BODIED CHASER Libellula depressa
Recorded 18th and 19th June at Timble Ings
Pond.
1 male holding territory on both days. On
19th 1 female ovipositing for a short period.
Records of main interest in 2000 were from
Timble Ings pond with sightings of Calopterix splendens,
Libellula depressa and Anax imperator, and the Anax
imperator at Otley gravel pits.
Records submitted by: D & J Alred, N
& A Bowland, M Densley, F C Draper, A Gramshaw, D Howson, M
& D Leather, K Limb and K Moir.
David Alred
LADYBIRDS Order Coleoptera (beetles)
Family Coccinellidae (ladybirds) Again numbers
well down.
SEVEN-SPOT LADYBIRD Coccinella 7-punctata
Seen Otley Chevin, Farnley and the Washburn
FOURTEEN-SPOT LADYBIRD Propylea 14-punctata
8 Sep 2 seen at Lindley
TWO-SPOT LADYBIRD Adalia 2-punctata
21 June (has two crosses on its carapace
instead of spots) seen at the Gravel Pits. 12 July typical form
seen Otley Chevin and 20 July many at Weston on Creeping Thistle.
17 Sept the melanic form, Adalia 2-punctata
f quadrimaculata, seen at Farnley
CREAM SPOT LADYBIRD Clavia 14 guttata
23 April at Beacon Hall (DPH)
Twenty-two SPOT LADYBIRD Psyllobora 22-punctata
6 May Otley Chevin, mating pair.
11 and 16 Sept again on the Chevin
KIDNEY-SPOT LADYBIRD Chilocorus renipustulatus
8 Sept 20 on a wall below an Ash tree at
Lindley Wood. A new record for WNS area.
Contributors: N & A Bowland, D P Howson.
Help is still urgently needed. Nevil Bowland
Ornithology
The year 2000 was one of mixed fortunes for
birds in our area in terms of both breeding success and the incidence
of unusual passage migrants. As always the weather was the critical
factor with a continuation of trends established in the nineties
namely a mild winter, a relatively poor spring, some decent summer
spells although occasionally unsettled, and a lack of east winds
in late summer/autumn thereby significantly reducing the potential
for misplaced migrants from the continent.
The mild winter undoubtedly encouraged early
nesting a large family of Mallard chicks were seen at Lindley
Wood Reservoir on 30th March for example. Herons, Tawny Owls, Doves
and Pigeons, Dippers, Thrushes (singing in early January) etc found
the conditions much to their liking for breeding purposes and a
settled and sunny March did nothing to discourage them. Yet again
however April proved a damp squib with almost winter-like conditions
for the first part of the month which must have caused substantial
loss of broods and this was exacerbated by a period of high winds
sufficient to damage tree-nesting species such as Rooks. In addition
the heavy rain and regular downpours were bad news for ground-nesting
species such as Pipits and game birds some of which, such as Grey
Partridge, can ill-afford this additional handicap to any prospect
of reversing their downward trend. Similarly later nesting birds
and early migrant species had to put their breeding operations on
hold thus probably reducing their later prospects for multiple broods.
The winds shifted to the south and east in
late-April and early-May which caused migrants, some of which will
have been delayed, to flood into the country. This relatively settled
spell of weather did not last as a change in mid-May brought a return
to unsettled weather with showers and cool days. This lasted through
much of June but at least it was a warm month so breeding operations
in our area were not too disrupted with many species successfully
raising families. The main exception to this was the torrential
downpour on the night of 3rd/4th June which caused extensive flooding
and washed out nests in some instances. The worst affected were
riverine species with Sand Martins and Kingfishers, for example,
losing broods to drowning from the high water levels. Fortunately
most species will usually settle down and breed again but, for Sand
Martins, this meant only one brood was produced instead of the usual
two.
Average temperatures in July and August and
below-average rainfall were generally of assistance in completing
nesting operations but September to November produced consistent
westerly winds and heavy rain which meant the migration watching
at this time was less than exciting with waders, for example, generally
being restricted to the usual species with few, if any, exceptional
records.
The year ended on a cold note which produced
interesting wildfowl sightings on local reservoirs to give an upbeat
end to the ornithological year.
The weather conditions for the year 2000
are now becoming fairly typical resulting in clearly-discernible
trends in the bird world. Mild winters mean that more of our smaller
resident species are surviving producing high winter populations
of species such as Long-tailed Tits, Coal Tits, Wrens, Robins, Grey
Wagtails and Kingfishers. Also larger species such as Herons are
thriving. This trend goes a long way to mitigating the effects of
poor breeding conditions, such as cold/wet weather, which are causing
problems for some of our commonest birds such as Blue and Great
Tits. In addition the mix of species, particularly in winter, is
showing signs of changing Stonechat for example are now becoming
quite a common sighting on local moors throughout the year and more
species are finding they do not necessarily have to move out of
the area to survive. For the birdwatcher however this pattern is
reducing the opportunity for sightings of unusual birds as is evidenced
by the rash of more unusual observations when a cold spell makes
its mark.
The concern must be that the weather trends
outlined above, especially the mild winters, are perhaps masking
the negative impact on bird populations of agricultural intensification
(there is little doubt now that this factor is the main problem)
and keeping these populations artificially high until
such time that a hard winter and enhanced bird mortality reveals
the true picture. Only time will tell.
Nonetheless I remain convinced that our area
has been spared the worst of the ravages of recent decades and our
bird populations, even where declining, remain generally healthier
than the national average let us hope not only that this
picture does not change but that we start to see real improvements
as general conservation awareness and specific programmes to assist
target species gather momentum. With this in mind you will see that
all the species reports given below now start with a simple
statement of the status of each species (e.g. common
breeding resident) followed by, in the case of breeding birds, a
comment on their current population trend (e.g. population declining).
These comments are based on my own observations, national trends
gleaned from BTO surveys and magazine articles etc. and discussions
with other local ornithologists. I hope they are accurate but please
tell me if you disagree.
At the end of the species accounts
you will find an article by Brin Best about his sighting of a Little
Gull at Otley Gravel Pits in May I think you will agree that
his delight at seeing this beautiful bird is amply conveyed to the
reader. This is followed by a final few thoughts by myself entitled
In Defence of the Sparrowhawk. Regrettably there is
much misunderstanding about the impact of the Sparrowhawk (and other
raptors for that matter) on local bird populations. In particular
the attempt to blame the decline in songbird populations on the
Sparrowhawk is unscientific and misguided. As naturalists, I hope
you will agree it is our duty to set the record straight and in
fact welcome the prevalence of the Sparrowhawk in our area as an
indicator of a relatively healthy environment.
Finally, once again many thanks to all contributors
to this report and especially those who submitted their sightings
in the order given in the report it really is a very great
help at this end. Please keep your observations coming in through
the year, including your own views about local bird populations
and trends and examples of unusual behaviour, all of which helps
me make the report a more interesting read.
CLASSIFIED LIST
In the Classified List I have used the usual
abbreviations of GP for Gravel Pit. Burley is Burley-in-Wharfedale,
and when referring to Lindley, Swinsty, Fewston, Thruscross, Chelker
and Grimwith, I mean the reservoirs or their vicinity at these locations.
Lower Wharfedale is taken to mean the area downstream from Barden
Bridge and Upper Wharfedale the area above Barden Bridge. The sequence
and nomenclature used is that of Voous, K.H., List of Recent Holarctic
Species (1973 & 1977), B.O.U. 1977.
LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus ruficollis
Uncommon breeding/local migrant. Population
stable.
Sightings were received for most months of
the year mainly from Knotford (maximum of 9 on February 10th), Otley
GP, Low Dam (below Thruscross) and along the Wharfe at various locations.
At least 2 broods were reared at one site and breeding was suspected
from at least one more site. Maximum count was 4 at Knotford in
January and September. (PJC, JKW, CJC, KL, MVB, BP, D&HB, LD,
PR, GSH)
GREAT CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus
Common breeding resident/local migrant. Population
stable.
Common and widely reported throughout the
year for much of Lower Wharfedale, the Washburn and Chelker, with
a maximum of 14 birds at Otley GP on March 8th. Breeding was confirmed
at Knotford and attempts were made elsewhere, including Lindley,
but were not thought successful probably due to disturbance and/or
fluctuating water levels, both of which appear to be a real problem
for this species in the Washburn Valley. (KL, MB, N&AB, PD&JBP,
CJC, BP, PR, PJC)
BLACK-NECKED GREBE Podiceps nigricollis
Rare passage migrant.
Just one sighting this year at Otley GP between
April 14th - 16th. (PJC, PD&JBP, BOG)
CORMORANT Phalacrocorax carbo
Common passage/long-staying visitor. Population
numbers markedly rising.
Reported increasingly in both Wharfedale
and the Washburn, with a maximum of 50+ birds at the Lindley roost
in November. Although no evidence of breeding, presence is now noted
throughout the year. Several 'sinensis' birds (i.e. of the race
P. carbo sinensis which is from central and southern Europe and
Asia) were present in the Washburn for part of the year. (PJC, N&AB,
PRW, CJC, KL, PD&JBP, JW, MHA, DLR, GT, GSH, JMC&AMG, PQ,
PR, MVB)
GREY HERON Ardea cinerea
Common breeding resident. Population stable/increasing.
Continues to prosper both nationally and
in our area no doubt partly due to the absence of severe winters.
Widely reported throughout the year from our area, usually involving
single birds or small groups outside the main Heronries an
exception to this is the large number (up to 20) often present at
Leathley Trout Farm outside the breeding season. Breeding was reported
from Askwith, and in the Washburn.
WHITE STORK Ciconia ciconia
There were several reports of this species
in the lower Wharfe but there seems little doubt that these are
free-flying birds from the Harewood Bird Garden which, unfortunately,
are not tagged in any way.
MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor
Common local breeding resident. Population
stable.
Only reported from Lower Wharfedale with
apparently successful breeding noted at Otley GP with up to 8 cygnets
present in September. A maximum of 25 birds were present at Otley
GP on January 26th and December 27th. They are rare in the Washburn
with the only records this year from Farnley and a pair, seemingly
looking for a nest site, at Lindley, Swinsty and Fewston. (CJC,
PD&JBP, PJC, PR, GSH)
WHOOPER SWAN Cygnus cygnus
Scarce passage migrant. Usually just a few
sightings each year.
Apart from 12 birds at Chelker on March 20th
the only other record was the marvellous sight of 51 birds on Fewston
on April 6th, presumably on their northern migration a splendid
record for those lucky enough to witness it. The hybrid Mute/Whooper
at Knotford has continued to cause some comment through the year.
(BOG, PD&JBP, BP, PJC)
PINK FOOTED GOOSE Anser brachyrhynchus
Scarce passage migrant/visitor.
Single birds were observed at several sites
in the Lower Wharfedale and the Washburn between March and May with
2 at Knotford Nook on April 21st. There were 5 birds by Swinsty
dam wall on May 7th and 3 on the river near Knotford on April 27th.
A skein of c100 was observed flying over Burley Woodhead on October
13th. Otley GP produced sightings of a single bird in November and
December. Finally there were 7 at Otley GP on December 28th. (CM,
SR, PJC, PD&JBP, BP, DLR, CJC, PR)
GREYLAG GOOSE Anser anser
Common resident breeder/visitor. Recent significant
population increase.
The local, presumably originally feral, population
continues to prosper with breeding suspected at Lindley and Fewston.
However breeding must have occurred much more widely judging by
the numbers of juveniles and the size of flocks which included 186
on Fewston on December 24th, 157 at Lindley on September 14th and
120 at Manor Park on March 1st. Juveniles were observed at a wide
variety of sites including Ben Rhydding (6 broods), Fewston, near
Askwith, Lindley Wood, Swinsty and Knotford. Most sightings were
for the early months of the year at sites throughout Lower Wharfedale,
with a relative dearth for the second half the post-breeding
moult appears to take place outside our recording area. (PD&JBP,
GT, D&HB, PQ, JW, KL, PR, JMC&AMG, BP, N&AB, DLD, GSH,
PJC, MVB)
CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis
Common breeding resident/visitor. Recent
significant population increase.
Now occurs commonly at Grimwith and downstream,
with breeding at a wide variety of sites. However there is evidence
to suggest that it is no longer increasing in numbers in our area.
Although observed virtually throughout the year most numbers are
noted in the early half of the year. There was a maximum of 221
at Otley GP on June 12th, 157 at Grimwith on June 24th and 100+
at Fewston on January 7th. (PJC, N&AB, O&DM, CJC, GSH, PD&JBP,
GT, PR)
BARNACLE GOOSE Branta leucopsis
Scarce passage migrant sightings may
be escaped/feral birds.
One sighting of 2 birds at Otley GP on January
26th, and singles at the same site in June, July and September.
Also a single bird at Grimwith, on June 10th, and July 18th, with
Canada Geese. (CJC, PJC, PR)
BRENT GOOSE Branta bernicla
Rare passage migrant/visitor.
There were three sightings this year namely
2 birds at Lower Barden on April 27th, a single bird at Thruscross
for several days in mid-May and one at Fewston (possibly the same
bird) on June 11th.
SHELDUCK Tadorna tadorna
Scarce passage migrant/visitor may
breed some years.
The maximum number seen was 10 at Otley GP on March 13th. Single
birds were seen occasionally at Otley GP for much of the year and
3 were observed on the river at Burley on May 10th. A single bird
was also seen at Fewston on September 12th. (PJC, PR, CJC, CM)
MANDARIN DUCK Aix galericulata
Rare visitor/escaped species.
Seen on several occasions in April/May in
the Strid/Barden Bridge area and may have bred in the vicinity.
A party of 5 were seen on the river at Haugh Wood on December 22nd
but the most significant sighting was 27 (16male/11female) at Drebley
on December 26th presumably (?) released/escaped birds. (MVB,
PD&JBP, PR CJC, JMD & AMG)
WIGEON Anas penelope
Scarce breeding resident and passage migrant
with breeding probably confined to one site. Population stable/increasing.
Some 80+ birds were observed at the breeding
site on February 25th and other records for this location were observed
throughout the year. Further records (small numbers) were received
from Knotford, Swinsty, Lindley and Thruscross for all months outside
the breeding season. (GSH, JW, DLR, PJC, PR, CJC, PR, PD&JBP,
BP, JMC&AMG)
TEAL Anas crecca
Common breeding resident/passage/winter visitor.
Probably in shallow decline.
Regularly present at a number of sites in
the Washburn and Wharfedale valleys and breeding certainly occurs
in the area. A female with 4 juveniles was observed on the roadside
at Bingley Road-end above Menston on June 7th and a female with
7 juveniles was seen at Grimwith on June 10th. Winter gatherings
are usually in small numbers so a count of 83 on Swinsty on December
27th was exceptional. (CJC, PJC, PR, PD&JBP, KL)
GARGANEY Anas querquedula
Rare passage migrant.
One sighting of 2 birds at Otley on May 26th/27th.
(BOG, CM)
MALLARD Anas platyrhynchos
Common breeding resident/passage/winter visitor.
Population stable.
Broods of ducklings with adults were reported
throughout the breeding season at a variety of sites, the earliest
being a female with 11 young at Lindley on March 30th. Breeding
no doubt occurred throughout our area. In late December there were
reports of 395 between Linton Falls and Grass Wood, 243 between
Cavendish Pavilion and Barden Bridge and 123 between Barden Bridge
and Burnsall. Large numbers (up to 100) were also reported from
Lindley and Swinsty in the late autumn/winter. A female was found
dead on the nest (thought to be a fox kill) on Ilkley Moor on June
11th. (GT, PR, O&DM, PD&JBP, MVB, PJC)
NORTHERN PINTAIL Anas acuta
Scarce passage migrant/winter visitor.
One sighting of 2 birds at Otley on February
29th. (BOG)
GADWALL Anas strepera
Scarce passage migrant/winter visitor.
Three records only namely a single male at
Knotford between mid-February and mid-March, a family party of 6
at Otley GP on Sept. 13th and 2 birds on Fewston on December 23rd.
(BOG, CJC, PJC, BP, CM)
SHOVELER Anas clypeata
Scarce passage migrant. Bred this year for
the first time.
Sightings from one site only where breeding
was eventually confirmed. This may be a first for our area. (PR,
BOG, PJC)
POCHARD Aythya ferina
Uncommon passage/winter visitor.
This species remains relatively uncommon
throughout our area sightings being generally restricted to the
colder months. It is not thought to breed. Otley GP produced the
most number of sightings with a maximum of 51 birds on November
11th and other large counts through the winter months. Knotford
occasionally had small numbers in winter as did Chelker and the
lower Washburn reservoirs. (PR, N&AB, CJC, PD&JBP, GSH,
PJC)
TUFTED DUCK Aythya fuligula
Common passage/winter visitor/local breeder.
Population probably stable.
Widespread on reservoirs in the lower valleys
at most times of the year and breeds at selected sites. Good numbers
included c50 at Knotford from January 13th - 17th and 58 at Otley
GP on February 23rd. A juvenile was observed at Knotford on July
12th. (PR, PJC, CJC, PQ, GSH, KL, PD&JBP, MHA)
EIDER Somateria mollissima
Rare passage migrant.
Given the rarity of this species in our area
a sighting of 14 birds at Otley GP on May 9th was a significant
event. (BOG)
LONG-TAILED DUCK Clangula hyemalis
Rare passage/winter visitor.
One sighting only namely a female at Grimwith
on April 19th. (PR)
SCAUP Aythya marila
Rare passage/winter visitor.
A male was present at Otley GP/Knotford (thought
to be the same bird) in January, February and March. Later in the
year 4 were seen at Otley GP in mid-October, 2 in November and 1
through December. (BOG, PD&JBP, CJC, KL, BP, GSH, PR, PJC)
COMMON SCOTER. Melanitta nigra
Rare passage migrant.
The only sighting was 2 birds at Swinsty
on April 6th. (BOG, PD&JBP, BP, PJC)
GOLDENEYE Bucephala clangula
Regular passage/winter visitor.
Present at a few sites in the Lower Wharfe
and Washburn with some birds still being seen into April. Regularly
observed at Knotford with up to 34 on March 3rd and a surprising
record of 30+ at Grimwith on December 17th. For the second year
running Otley hosted a female bird all through the summer. The maximum
at Lindley was 16 on December 26th. (PJC, PR, PD&JBP, CJC, GSH,
BP, AB, JW)
SMEW Mergellus albellus
Rare winter visitor.
A drake was present at Lindley between December
19th - 22nd giving splendid views at the upstream end of the reservoir.
(PR, BOG, PJC)
GOOSANDER Mergus merganser
Scarce breeding resident and common winter
visitor. Population significantly increased in recent decades but
a marked downturn in the last year or so is thought to be due to
culling by fishing interests.
Widespread throughout our area as a wintering
and breeding species. The highest winter number reported was 25
at Lindley (well down on the previous year) on March 2nd. Reports
from other sites in winter included various stretches of the Wharfe,
Knotford, Otley GP, Thruscross, Fewston and Swinsty, although numbers
were generally small. Adults with young were reported from Burley,
Barden, Starbotton, Addingham, and Ilkley. (N&AB, CJC, MVB,
PR, MHA, JD&MB, PD&JBP, PJC, JW, GT, LGD, JMC&AMG, DLR)
RUDDY DUCK Oxyura jamaicensis
Scarce passage migrant/local breeder. Population
probably stable.
A relatively recent addition to our fauna
with a few sightings each year and now breeding. A private site
again proved to be a regular haunt with up to 4 birds present in
April. Other sightings of up to 2 birds occurred at Knotford and
Otley GP. (PJC, PR, DLR, CJC)
HONEY- BUZZARD Pernis apivorus
Rare passage visitor.
Our area shared in the late-September/early-October
influx with 5 birds roosting on the edge of Ilkley Moor (near the
old Ilkley College site) on Sept. 26th and 2 birds at Kex Gill on
October 8th. (BOG, CM)
RED KITE Milvus milvus
Very scarce passage migrant.
There were sightings of 4 individual birds
over Barden Fell between February and May and 2 near Weeton (just
in our area) on December 2nd. It remains surprising that the Harewood
released birds show so little inclination to come into our area
the reason being that most are showing a clear inclination to roam
in an easterly direction. Nonetheless there is still every reason
to be optimistic that this marvellous raptor will become a regular
feature of these reports as the release project gathers momentum.
(CJC, BOG - subject to adjudication by the relevant ornithological
authorities)
MARSH HARRIER Circus aeruginosus
Very scarce passage migrant.
Barden Fell produced 5 sightings between
April and September with a single bird at Timble on June 11th and
another over Pockstones Moor on August 8th. (BOG, KM, CM)
HEN HARRIER Circus cyaneus
Uncommon passage/winter visitor.
There were 5 sightings this year (a low number),
at Snowden Crags on February 14th, Hardisty Hill on February 15th,
Kex Gill on October 8th and Barden Moor October 25th and November
22nd. (PJC, BOG, PR)
GOSHAWK Accipiter gentilis
Scarce passage migrant. May breed in the
area.
Single birds were seen over Timble Ings on
April 5th, Blubberhouses on March 11th, Valley of Desolation on
March 12th, Thruscross on May 22nd and Pockstones Moor on August
8th. Otherwise sightings were restricted to one site in the area
on a number of occasions through the year breeding may have
occurred here but could not be confirmed. (KL, BP, KM, CM, PJC)
SPARROWHAWK Accipiter nisus
Common breeding resident/passage visitor.
Population stable.
The number and range of sightings reflect
the widespread distribution of this species and reports were received
from a large number of sites in Wharfedale and the Washburn. This
is a bird likely to be seen at any locality where woodland is in
the vicinity and a number of reports have been received of hunting
(occasionally successful) in gardens. From accounts received prey
includes Collared Doves, white Doves, Tits, Finches,
Blackbirds and Starlings. A nest at Timble fledged 4 young. (N&AB,
KL, CJC, GT, JD, PD&JBP, JWB, GSH, PR, DLR, MHA, PJC)
BUZZARD Buteo buteo
Scarce passage migrant/visitor. Thought to
have bred. Population increasing.
Thought to be spreading back into the area
after a long absence. Another interesting set of records this year
with sightings covering most months. Reports were from all areas
up to Yockenthwaite with a maximum of 8 seen at Halton Gill on September
1st, 5 at Barden on October 25th and 4 at Barden and Buckden on
February 20th and October 13th respectively. Observations, usually
of 1-2 birds, were also submitted from Starbotton, Conistone, Littondale,
Beamsley, Grass Wood, Hawkswick, Valley of Desolation, Kilnsey,
Parceval Hall and Kettlewell. (N&AB, PD&JBP, MVB, PR, O&DM,
GT, PJC, D&HB, BOG, MVB)
OSPREY Pandion haliaetus
Scarce passage migrant.
Usually seen at local reservoirs en route
to breeding/wintering grounds. Number of sightings increasing no
doubt linked to the steady rise in numbers on the breeding grounds
in Scotland. This year there were more sightings in Spring/early
Summer than in Autumn with single birds seen at Otley GP, Barden,
Timble, Fewston, Thruscross, Valley of Desolation and Chelker. There
was just one record of 2 birds, over the river at Barden. One bird
appeared to linger in the vicinity of Barden for a number of weeks
in May/June and again in August. Unusually there were no Sept/Oct.
records. (BOG, DA, PR, PJC, PD&JBP, CM)
KESTREL Falco tinnunculus
Common breeding resident/passage visitor.
Population probably stable.
Reported in small numbers, usually individuals
or pairs. Sightings were year-round (although concentrated in Spring/Summer)
covering much of the Washburn and Lower Wharfedale with several
sightings from Upper Wharfedale including Grimwith, Grassington
and Buckden. Winter sightings may include birds from the continent.
Noteworthy records included 5 juveniles at Barden on July 6th, a
bird in the middle of a flock of Sand Martins (looking quite confused)
on July 21st and 2 birds in a melee with 3 Peregrines! (N&AB,
PJC, GT, PR, CJC, O&DM, JW, MVB, KL, GSH)
MERLIN Falco columbarius
Scarce breeding resident/passage/winter visitor.
Population in recent decline.
A number of reports were received through
Spring, Summer and Autumn from moorland areas. Poor weather, yet
again, in June would not have helped breeding birds but there were
a number of reports of breeding success at the usual sites albeit
somewhat down on a few years ago. Most reports were for single birds
with an occasional pair including juveniles. One report referred
to aggression between this species and Kestrel. The first record
was on March 18th and the last was on September 2nd. (JW, GT, PD&JBP,
N&AB, KL, MVB, BP, GSH, PR, CJC, JW)
HOBBY Falco subbuteo
Scarce summer visitor/possible breeder. Population
increasing.
This species is undoubtedly spreading northwards
and the number of sightings is consequently increasing in our area.
Single birds were reported from Otley, Ilkley Moor, Barden, Sun
Lane, Lindley and Kex Gill between the beginning of May and the
beginning of October. Any confirmed records of future breeding activity
would be much appreciated. (BOG, PR, CJC, CM)
PEREGRINE Falco peregrinus
Scarce resident/passage/winter visitor. Probable
breeder. Population increasing.
A number of sightings this year although information about potential
breeding (likely to be in the upper Wharfe valley) was scarce. There
were two separate reports of 3 birds at Grimwith (with 2
Kestrel) on July 30th and Trollers Gill on August 11th. There were
also sightings at Barden (most reports from this site), Hawksworth
Moor and Lindley. (PR, JW, PJC, MVB, MHA, BOG, CJC)
RED GROUSE Lagopus lagopus
Common breeding resident (UK endemic). Population
generally stable but subject to setbacks.
Numbers were mostly reported as being on
the low side and there were reports that some moorland owners abandoned
shooting for the year to help stocks recover. In part this is cyclical
caused by, for example, disease and several recent difficult breeding
seasons due to weather. High counts included c20 on Round Hill on
August 8th . (PD&JBP, CJC, PR, GSH, PJC)
RED LEGGED PARTRIDGE Alectoris rufa
Uncommon breeding resident all emanating
from released birds. Population stable except where releases occur.
A smaller number of sightings this year although
a majority were from one Washburn observer with records throughout
the year. Grimwith again produced several sightings of large numbers
of released birds with c200 on September 2nd. Even outside Grimwith
it may safely be assumed that the vast majority of sightings would
be released birds. (PR, MVB, D&HB, GSH, JW)
GREY PARTRIDGE Perdix perdix
Uncommon breeding resident. Population thought
to be declining except where releases occur.
Last year was thought to be another difficult
breeding year given the poor weather in Spring/early Summer and
this may explain the absence of any reports of large coveys this
year the most observed was c20 near Kettlewell. Coveys were
also reported from Catton Wood (c15) and below Swinsty (8). Most
other reports were of either 1 or 2 pairs, covering most months
of the year, mainly in the lower reaches of the valleys. A covey
of 75 was seen at Grimwith on December 3rd, presumably released
birds. (N&AB, PD&JBP, CJC, PR, KL, DLR, JW, DLR, PJC)
COMMON PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus
Common breeding resident subject to extensive
rearing/releases. Population stable overall.
The rearing programmes ensure these birds
are numerous in most areas, mainly on the valley sides and moorland
fringes. Unusually, a Menston garden has had a resident pair through
the year that successfully reared 3 youngsters. (KL, PR, N&AB,
AMG)
WATER RAIL Rallus aquaticus
Rare passage/winter visitor.
Single birds were seen at Sun Lane on March
22nd and at Otley GP on February 2nd and March 24th (PD&JBP,
CJC, CM)
MOORHEN Gallinula chloropus
Common breeding resident/passage visitor.
Population increasing.
Reports were received from throughout the
year mostly from the lower parts of the valleys. Elsewhere breeding
was proven on the river at Barden and Burley, at Sun Lane, a number
of sites in the Washburn including Timble and Blubberhouses Quarry,
and Otley GP. The maximum number recorded was 22 on May 15th at
the latter site. Declined severely in the Washburn through the eighties
but appears to have recovered well almost certainly following
local efforts to control Mink which find the Moorhen an easy meal.
(CJC, KL, PR, GSH, GT, PJC, LD, MVB)
COOT Fulica atra
Locally common breeding migrant. Population
stable.
Breeding bird which undertakes local migration
to the lowest reaches of our area in winter. This species continues
to do well in the valleys with sightings as far upstream as Grimwith.
Maximum counts were again at Knotford with an astonishing 353 on
January 13th. There was evidence of breeding at Fewston, Lindley,
Knotford, Otley GP, Chelker and Sun Lane. (PR, MVB, GT, CJC, GSH,
PJC)
OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus ostralegus
Locally common breeding migrant. Population
probably increasing.
Breeding bird which leaves our area in winter.
There was again plenty of evidence of an early return to breeding
areas, this species having widely established itself in the area
as a breeding bird in recent times. The earliest record was 2 birds
on the river at Burley on February 2nd followed by 16 and 36 at
Otley GP on February 5th and 21st - 23rd respectively. There were
plenty of other February records. The maximum number at any site
was c65 at Grass Wood on March 26th. Breeding was no doubt successful
at a variety of locations although there were no positive records
and the early-June rains may have destroyed a number of attempts.
(N&AB, PD&JBP, CJC, GT, PR, AMG & JMC, GSH, PQ, PJC)
LITTLE RINGED PLOVER Charadrius dubius
Scarce breeding migrant. Population stable.
Present on occasions, up to a maximum of
5, at two sites in the area. Breeding was confirmed this year at
one of these sites with juveniles being seen. (PR, CJC, GT, PD&JBP,
PJC)
COMMON RINGED PLOVER Charadrius hiaticula
Scarce breeding migrant. Population stable.
Recorded at two sites, with sightings of
up to 7 birds. Successfully bred in the area with one of the adults
returning to the breeding site as early as February 25th. (BOG,
PR, JW, PD&JBP, MVB, DLR, PJC, JMC&AMG, CM)
DOTTEREL Charadrius morinellus
Rare passage migrant.
Again a very poor year with just one sighting,
namely 7 birds on the slopes of Great Whernside May 6th. (GT)
GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis apricaria
Uncommon moorland breeding migrant/passage
visitor. Population probably in decline.
Returns to the moor for breeding in February
the earliest record being February 6th with a single bird on Burley
Moor. The only report of large numbers were c2000 on Lindley Moor
on March 25th and c300 near March Ghyll Reservoir on April 3rd.
Juveniles were observed on Rombalds and Beamsley Moors on July 1st
and July 19th respectively. The latest reports were 16 birds over-flying
near the Sun Inn on September 9th and 21 birds at Otley GP on December
12th. (CJC, JW, GT, PR, KL, N&AB, CM, PJC)
NORTHERN LAPWING Vanellus vanellus
Common breeding migrant/passage visitor.
Population probably declining.
Breeding bird which usually migrates west
and/or south out of the recording area in winter. Winter sightings
of large flocks are likely to be from the continent. Maximum assemblies
were c500 at Otley GP on December 28th and c420 on January 19th,
c400 at Denton on January 24th and 300 at the same site on November
27th (with a Curlew flock of a similar size). Denton produced a
number of other reports of 200/300. Other sites with good numbers
included 350 at Askwith, 150 at Ash Holme, Burley on February 17th,
60 at Timble Ings on March 1st, 80 on Hawksworth Moor on March 18th,
120 at Hebden on July 6th, 100 at Burley Woodhead on June 28th,
and c250 at Chelker on December 7th. There were many reports of
display flights and breeding was proven throughout suitable areas
of the valley sides. Many reports were received of birds seen in
the lower valleys and in the breeding season but there were very
few reports for the period September to December when the birds
move away. Concern remains that numbers are gradually reducing in
accordance with current national trends. (GSH, N&AB, PR, KL,
CJC, MVB, PD&JBP, PJC, O&DM, GT, S&JH, JWB, DLR, CM)
KNOT Calidris canutus
Rare passage migrant.
Otley GP produced 2 birds on May 5th. (BOG)
DUNLIN Calidris alpina
Scarce passage visitor. Probably still breeds
in the area but numbers much reduced.
There was a single bird at Otley GP on March
13th, 2 birds reeling on Great Whernside on May 6th
and a pair were at Grimwith on April 23rd. The final records were
a single bird at Lindley on September 12th - 14th and 2 at Otley
GP on September 13th. (CM, GT, PD&JBP, PR, PJC)
JACK SNIPE Lymnocryptes minimus
Rare migrant/winter visitor.
Secretive, with sightings usually limited
to birds flying away when inadvertently nearly trodden on! True
to form there was only one record of a flushed bird on Barden Moor
on March 5th. (BOG, CM)
COMMON SNIPE Gallinago gallinago
Uncommon breeding resident/passage/winter
visitor. Population either stable or in shallow decline.
This is a well-established breeding species
in the area thanks to the extensive availability of its breeding
habitat of marshland, especially around moorland sites. It is subject
to movement out of the area in winter but may retain a presence
at lower valley sites such as Otley GP if the winter weather is
not severe. The earliest record this year was a single bird on Burley
Moor on February 9th and the latest was 8 birds on Middleton Moor
on November 11th. There was a group of 42 at Otley GP on March 12th.
A particularly interesting record was a single bird drumming
at Timble Ings by moonlight at 11-25 pm! The only large flock was
c120 at Mossybank Reservoir, Hebden on July 6th a noteworthy
record. (PD&JBP, GT, CJC, KL, MVB, BP, D&HB, GSH, PR, CM,
PJC)
WOODCOCK Scolopax rusticola
Scarce breeding resident/passage migrant/winter
visitor. Possibly in decline.
Thought to breed extensively throughout the
area at appropriate sites. Numbers are supplemented by continental
migrants in winter with resident birds thought to over-winter if
not too cold. Roding birds were seen at Strid Wood,
Timble Ings, Bolton Abbey, Beecroft Moor, Menston and Addingham
Moorside, all records coming from May to early July. Birds were
also flushed at Lindley, Timble Ings, Thruscross, Bolton Abbey and
Litton, all these being winter records. (N&AB, KL, PJC, CJC,
PR, GT, D&HB, JD, MB, MHA, JMC&AMG,)
CURLEW Numenius arquata
Common breeding migrant/passage visitor.
Population stable.
A widespread breeding bird throughout the
area at suitable sites, which usually moves west and south for winter.
Appears to be doing well. Also over-winters in the Wharfe valley
bottom (although these are thought to be usually continental birds)
if there is no severe weather to drive them away. Denton yielded
the largest count with c600 on February 19th and other large counts
between late January and late February. More noteworthy winter flocks
included c150 at Ash Holme, Burley and at Otley GP, c50 at Grass
Wood and c250 at Manor Park. Reports of singles, pairs and small/medium
groups were received from many sites extending as far up the valley
as Kettlewell. Sightings were concentrated in the early half of
the year with several examples of successful breeding. (N&AB,
PD&JBP, PR, KL, CJC, GSH, GT, JW, PJC, MVB, AMG, O&DM, JD,
PQ, S&JH, D&ML)
WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus
Scarce passage migrant.
A small group was seen over-flying Otley
GP on May 12th. (BOG)
COMMON REDSHANK Tringa totanus
Uncommon breeding migrant/passage visitor.
Population probably stable.
Breeding in small numbers was proved or suspected
from a number of sites in the Washburn and Wharfedale including
Grimwith, Thruscross and March Ghyll. Small numbers were also seen
at a number of additional sites throughout the recording area, with
a maximum of 9 birds at Otley GP on March 22nd. The first record
was a single bird at Otley GP on January 19th and the last was 2
birds at Otley GP on December 27th. (PD&JBP, PR, CJC, GT, JW,
PJC, N&AB, MVB, BP, AB)
COMMON GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia
Scarce passage visitor.
This is an uncommon migrant for the area
with records usually restricted to summer. All records were for
the period August to early-September and all involved single birds
at Lindley, Otley GP and Burley. (PD&JBP, PR, PJC)
GREEN SANDPIPER Tringa ochropus
Scarce passage visitor.
There was one record of 2 birds at Otley
GP on July 11th. Records of single birds were received from Kex
Gill on August 7th and Lindley on August 21st and 22nd. The latter
sighting was terminated by a Swallow chasing the Sandpiper round
and round the reservoir until it disappeared (with the Swallow in
hot pursuit) never to be seen again! (CJC, PR)
COMMON SANDPIPER Actitis hypoleucos
Common breeding migrant/passage visitor.
Population possibly in shallow decline.
Present throughout the area at suitable sites
in spring/summer. Many records were received, usually of 1/2 birds,
between April 11th and September 19th, from Barden, Grimwith, Grass
Wood, Strid Wood, Lindley, Fewston, Swinsty, Burley, Otley GP, Knotford,
Grassington/Addingham (6 pairs on a river walk), and Kex Gill. There
was a high count of 10 at Grimwith on June 19th. Breeding was confirmed
at Barden Bridge, Strid Wood and Kex Gill. (PR, CJC, MVB, GT, PD&JBP,
PQ, GSH, JD, LD, AB, DLR, N&AB)
BLACK HEADED GULL Larus ridibundus
Common breeding resident/passage/winter visitor.
Population may be declining after big increase in recent decades.
This species winters in the area in large
numbers with roosts of c3000 at Swinsty for example. These large
roosts commence in late September and build to a peak by February
then rapidly diminish towards the breeding season. Breeding occurs
on local moors insofar as it is allowed by gamekeepers who usually
discourage large colonies. The main site is at Upper Barden Reservoir
which held some 2500 breeding pairs this year. Most Gulls seen in
the area through the year will be this species. (CJC, PR)
COMMON GULL Larus canus
Common passage/winter visitor.
A species which usually only winters in the
area although a few immatures have been observed through summer
and a small number are thought to breed in the Upper Barden Black-headed
Gull colony. There were a few reports of flocks over 100 with the
best being 1500 at the Swinsty gull roost in November. Otley GP
had between 240 and 560 birds on several occasions early and late
in the year. Other sites include Grassington, Thruscross, Knotford
and Lindley. (N&AB, PD&JBP, PR, PJC)
LITTLE GULL Larus minutus
Rare passage migrant.
A single bird was seen at Otley GP on May
13th.
LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL Larus fuscus
Uncommon breeding resident/passage visitor.
Probably declining due to control at breeding sites.
This species both winters in the area and
breeds on local moors where not disturbed by gamekeepers concerned
by their propensity to eat anything that moves! The largest number
seen was c30 at the Upper Barden Black-headed Gull colony in July.
Small numbers were seen throughout the area in all months of the
year. (PR, CJC, GT, PJC)
GREATER BLACK BACKED GULL Larus marinus
Uncommon passage/winter visitor.
A few birds winter in the area eventually
flying north to their breeding grounds. The odd immature may stay
all year. Sightings were received from Grimwith, Chelker, Thruscross,
Swinsty, and Otley GP. (PR, CJC, AB, DLR)
HERRING GULL Larus argentatus
Scarce visitor.
Less common than other Gulls with just a
few reports each year. There are a small number of breeding pairs
at the Upper Barden Black-headed Gull colony. Seen at a variety
of sites, mainly in winter, in both valleys. (CJC, PR)
KITTIWAKE Rissa tridactyla
Rare passage/winter visitor.
A single bird was seen at Knotford on March
13th. (BOG)
GLAUCOUS GULL Larus hyperboreus
Rare passage/winter visitor.
A first-winter bird was seen at the Swinsty
Gull roost on December 24th. (BOG)
ICELAND GULL Larus glaucoides
Rare passage/winter visitor.
An adult was seen at the Swinsty Gull roost
on December 23rd. (BOG)
COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo
Scarce passage migrant. Occasionally breeds.
Usually a few birds pass through in spring/summer
and this year was no exception with six sightings at Otley GP between
May and July including 6 birds on July 12th. May have bred in our
area at another (unknown) site. (PD&JBP, CJC, PR, BOG, PJC)
BLACK TERN Chlidonias niger
Rare passage migrant.
One sighting of a single bird at Otley GP
on May 7th. (BOG)
FERAL PIGEON Columba livia
Uncommon resident breeder. Population probably
stable.
Mainly seen in urban areas of Ilkley and
Otley with a few small groups also in rural areas.
STOCK DOVE Columba oenas
Common breeding resident. Population stable.
Although probably present all year in most
years, numbers likely to fluctuate during winter as resident birds
move out in a cold snap and it may disappear altogether for a time.
This is very much a rural bird in the area and is certainly under-recorded.
Extensive observations in the Washburn valley suggest that this
area is a stronghold with up to c20 birds seen at one time in late
winter. There are a number of breeding sites and there is every
reason to expect that the bird holds a similar status in the Wharfe
valley. There was one unusual record of a garden sighting
a juvenile feeding with Collared Doves. (PR, N&AB, PD&JBP,
KL, DLR)
WOOD PIGEON Columba palumbus
Common breeding resident. Population stable.
Present all year in good numbers throughout
the area but with a tendency to move to the lower parts of the valleys
in winter and may disappear in a severe cold spell. Nonetheless
there was a surprising record of c1000 at Grass Wood on December
27th and this appears to be part of a significant winter influx.
The largest flock reported elsewhere was c800 in the lower Washburn
valley on November 15th. The largest flock in the early part of
the year was c400 in the same area on February 15th. Garden records
are now quite common particularly where regular feeding occurs.
(PR, N&AB, GT, GSH, DLR, JW, PJC, CM, MVB)
COLLARED DOVE Streptopelia decaocto
Common breeding resident. Population stable.
Present in the area with a significant concentration
in urban, suburban and village environments. Surprisingly rare in
rural habitats in the Washburn, for example, the only record
upstream of Leathley was at Timble where breeding is thought to
have occurred. At Stockeld Road, Ilkley there were c25 feeding on
beech mast on the roadway. May nest for most of the year
a Burley garden had juveniles on the lawn in mid-December. (PD&JBP,
DLR, JW, PR, MHA, PJC, CM)
CUCKOO Cuculus canorus
Scarce breeding migrant. Population declining.
The earliest calling bird was from Barden
on April 19th. Five more April records were received. More records
came through May and there were a further 7 records for June including
one from as far up the valley as Starbotton. Disturbingly there
were no records received beyond June and consequently no juveniles
were recorded. There was a distinct impression of numbers again
being reduced this year this would be consistent with the
national trend over the last five years at least. (GT, CJC, PD&JBP,
JW, PR, LD, GSH, PJC, JD, MHA)
LITTLE OWL Athene noctua
Locally common breeding resident. Population
stable.
Apparently still doing well but markedly fewer records from the
upper sections of the valleys. Single birds and pairs were widely
reported from Otley up to Starbotton and Foxup and a few breeding
sites were noted. Records were concentrated in the period April
- August. (MVB, KL, CJC, GT, PD&JBP, D&HB, PR, PJC, O&DM,
JWB)
TAWNY OWL Strix aluco
Common breeding resident. Population stable.
Again sparsely recorded in Upper Wharfedale,
no doubt linked to the reduced woodland cover, but apparently widespread
elsewhere. Records were received for all months of the year. Evidence
of breeding was received from Barden and Menston and several sites
in the Washburn. (PD&JBP, PR, GT, KL, MVB, GSH, AMG, PQ, PJC,
D&ML)
SHORT EARED OWL Asio flammeus
Scarce breeding migrant/resident. Population
either stable or in shallow decline.
Mostly vacates our area in winter although
winter records can occur. All records this year were for the period
May to August with the exception of a Thruscross sighting in March.
Other observations came from Denton Moor, Beamsley Moor, Barden
and Middleton. Not a vintage year for sightings with no confirmed
breeding records. (PR, PD&JBP, GT, AB, GSH)
SWIFT Apus apus
Common breeding migrant/passage visitor.
Population probably stable/may be in shallow decline.
The first of the year was a single bird over
Burley on May 4th. Subsequently seen throughout Wharfedale and the
Washburn but concentrated in the lower valleys with nest sites typically
in urban areas. More sightings through to July although concentrated
in May. The largest flocks observed were c50 over Burley on June
26th and July 16th. The last record was a single bird over Lindley
on September 8th. (N&AB, CJC, GT, PD&JBP, JW, D&HB,
DLR, PJC)
KINGFISHER Alcedo atthis
Uncommon breeding resident along suitable
rivers and lagoons. Population probably stable.
Reports from throughout the lower part of
the area with sightings as far up the Wharfe as Barden. Birds were
seen throughout the year although the records tended to be concentrated
in the spring/summer presumably linked to greater activity through
the breeding season. This species appears to be thriving at the
moment presumably linked to the absence of prolonged, hard, winters
but broods were certainly lost in the early-June flooding. There
was evidence of breeding along the Wharfe although not, this year,
along the Washburn. (KL, CJC, DLR, D&HB, PD&JBP, AB, MHA,
GT, BP, PJC, MVB, PQ, LD, DA, J&JD)
GREEN WOODPECKER Picus viridis
Common breeding resident. Population stable.
Appears to be holding its own throughout
the area. Records received were usually of single birds often detected
by their distinctive 'yaffle' and they covered as far up the Wharfe
valley as Grass Wood. There were also a good number of records for
the Washburn up to and beyond Thruscross. A number of the records
involved juvenile birds including several sites in the Washburn,
Drebley and Strid Wood. (N&AB, PD&JBP, CJC, GT, MVB, PQ,
MHA, LD, PR, JW, AMG, O&DM, GSH, PJC)
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus major
Common breeding resident. Population stable.
A good number of reports for a species that
appears to be doing well in our area. Breeding was noted for Middleton
Woods, Bastow Wood, Ben Rhydding, Lindley, Thruscross, Addingham,
Strid Woods and Burley. There were a number of reports of garden
visiting at various times of the year but most commonly in winter
and, with juveniles, in summer. (PR, DLR, D&HB, GSH, AMG &
JMC, GT, CJC, JW, JD, PJC)
LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus
minor
Scarce breeding resident. Population possibly
in decline.
This species is not far from the northern
limit of its range and obviously remains difficult to find from
the few sightings received. Reported from near Ilkley, along the
lower Washburn and, unusually, from Howgill. The observations in
the Washburn were between late-March and late-April when a pair
were observed nest-building over a period of a week. Regrettably
however the site was then taken over by a pair of Blue Tits and
the Woodpeckers were not seen again. Apparently this is not unusual
behaviour as the male usually excavates several sites. (GT, BOG,
S&JH, PR, CM)
SKYLARK Alauda arvensis
Common breeding resident. Population declining
in danger of becoming scarce.
Records received this year numbered less
than a third of the previous year which must be cause for concern
although my own observations suggest a fairly stable picture. Nonetheless
the steep national decline is well-documented and is perhaps being
reflected in our area. Favoured sites were Great Whernside, Hawksworth
Moor, Harden, Hoodstorth, Lindley, Pool, Otley Chevin, Middleton
Moor, Grimwith (6 heard here), Timble (an October migrating party
of 11 birds) West End, Burley Moor, Denton Moor, Ilkley Moor (6
singing here) and Littondale. Records were usually of 1-3 singing
birds. This species usually vacates our area through the depths
of winter and the first record of the year was March 19th at Thruscross
with the latest being Nov. 15th on the edge of Denton Moor. (N&AB,
CM, PR, KL, CJC, BP, GSH, GT, PJC, CM)
SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia
Common breeding migrant/passage visitor.
Population liable to fluctuate strongly.
The main event this year affecting this species
was the torrential overnight downpour and flooding on June 3rd/4th
which must have washed out many colonies at a critical time. As
would be expected the adults rapidly resumed breeding and a number
of sites were successful eventually, although overall numbers fledged
for the year for this double-brooded species must have been well
down. Nesting sites were noted along the Wharfe at a number of suitable
sites between Castley and Buckden although the only known site in
the Washburn was a small colony at Hoodstorth just north of Thruscross.
The most seen was c350 on May 3rd at Otley GP. The earliest record
was 2 at Otley GP on March 18th and the latest was 2 at Fewston
on September 21st. (CJC, DLR, MVB, PD&JBP, PQ, PR, MHA, BP,
KL)
BARN SWALLOW Hirundo rustica
Common breeding migrant/passage visitor.
Population stable.
This species appears to be well distributed
throughout the area, mainly in rural areas wherever suitable nesting
sites exist. The earliest arrivals were 6 birds at Otley GP on April
8th and c50 at Lindley on the same date, although most reports commenced
around mid-April. The return migration produced several hundred
over-flying the Washburn in mid-September and the last record was
of a single bird over a Burley garden on October 14th. (MVB, PR,
N&AB, CJC, DLR, S&JH, JMC & AMG, PJC)
HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbica
Common breeding migrant/passage visitor.
Population stable.
An under-reported species which, despite
population concerns, appears to be doing well in our area. None
of the observations received referred to a decline whilst several
reported a possible increase. Some significant numbers were mentioned
with several reports of 100+ in the migration period including one
report of c400 moving south on September 7th. The first sighting
was April 18th with a single bird at Timble and the last was from
October 10th with 2 birds over-flying Burley. One memorable sighting
was c150 seemingly sunbathing on a chapel roof at Lindley September
3rd and then all abruptly flying south as if in response to some
pre-determined signal. (CJC, DLR, N&AB, PR, PJC)
TREE PIPIT Anthus trivialis
Scarce breeding migrant/passage visitor.
Population increasing.
Although still uncommon in the area the Washburn
valley has certainly seen an increase in recent years at suitable
sites on the valley side. Numbers in the Norwood Edge/Sword Point
area of the Washburn were again high compared with several years
ago and it is thought that successful breeding occurred here with
up to 5 birds being seen on several occasions. Other sites included
Ilkley Moor, Timble Ings, Snowden Crags, Gallows Hill, Langstrothdale
and around Buckden, with up to 5 birds being seen in the area from
Kettlewell to Hubberholme. The earliest and latest sightings were
from the Washburn on April 23rd and August 25th respectively. (PR,
PD&JBP, CJC, GT, PJC)
MEADOW PIPIT Anthus pratensis
Common breeding resident/migrant/passage
visitor. Population probably in decline.
Mainly found high on the valley sides but
usually moves off the moors and down the valleys in winter. Seemingly
enjoyed a reasonable season, with good numbers of birds, and breeding
reported from most suitable areas within our region. Overall numbers
however are probably reduced from a few years ago. Birds were being
seen as early as January including 7 birds on Denton Moor on January
10th. Return to upland areas was well underway by March and good
numbers were being reported at suitable sites by April e.g. Barden,
Linton (c80)) and the Washburn valley. Flocks of 50+ were noted
in September and October around Otley Chevin, Otley GP, Grimwith
and Kex Gill. At the latter site observers from BOG have observed
autumn early-morning migration of numbers running into thousands.
A few birds were still being seen in the valleys in December. (BOG,
N&AB, PR, KL, GT, CJC, JW, PJC, GSH, MVB)
WATER PIPIT Anthus spinoletta
Rare visitor.
One record from Otley GP from March 11th/12th.
(BOG, CM)
YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava
Scarce breeding migrant/passage visitor.
Still holding on despite significant decline.
As usual most reports were from the upper
valley with breeding confirmed at Halton Gill, Coniston, Foxup and
Kettlewell/Starbotton. On July 8th a total of 9 birds were seen
at Halton Gill. There was no report of a repeat of last years
breeding success at a site near Otley although a pair was seen at
Knotford on May 26th and a single bird at Otley GP on May 9th and
August 22nd. The latest record was a single bird at Otley GP on
September 9th. (CM, MVB, PD&JBP, DLR, JW, GT, N&AB, JWB,
CJC, PJC, LD, GSH)
GREY WAGTAIL Motacilla cinerea
Common breeding resident/partial migrant.
Population possibly increasing.
Appears to have had another good season
this is one of those species that benefits significantly from the
absence of harsh winters and is currently plentiful and widespread
at suitable sites. Reports of successful breeding came from both
the Wharfe and Washburn valleys including Conistone, Addingham,
Barden, Ilkley Moor, Burley Moor, Otley GP, the river at Burley
and Dob Bridge. Sightings were submitted from throughout the area.
One unfortunate report of a pair killed by a car in Ilkley. (PR,
JD, MVB, PD&JBP, MHA, GT, DLR, AMG, GSH, PJC)
PIED WAGTAIL Motacilla alba
Common breeding resident/partial migrant.
Population possibly increasing.
Present throughout the year with some local
movement including coming together in large roosting flocks in winter
in the lower stretches of the valleys such as central Ilkley
the roost (c200) opposite Lloyds Bank is still in use. There was
also an interesting report of c25 following a farmers drill
at Farnley. A good number of reports from the area including evidence
of breeding. The population of this species would appear to be in
a healthy state. (N&AB, O&DM, PQ, PR, KL, JMC & AMG,
S&JH, CJC, GSH, PJC)
WAXWING Bombycilla garrulus
Scarce winter visitor with reports in most
years.
This year there were three reports namely
34 birds going in to roost at Timble Ings on January 15th, c40 on
a cotoneaster in a Burley garden on February 6th and 3 birds in
the Sun Lane area on December 31st. (BOG, CJC, JD)
DIPPER Cinclus cinclus
Scarce breeding resident. Population stable.
Seemingly unchanged in status, with single
birds and/or pairs reported along the Wharfe from Yockenthwaite
to Burley. Also in the upper and lower stretches of the Washburn,
including a number of confirmed breeding reports from Bolton Abbey,
Strid Wood, Barden and Thruscross. As usual sightings were all year
round. (JD, MHA, PD&JBP, KL, N&AB, CJC, GT, PR, PJC)
WREN Troglodytes troglodytes
Common breeding resident. Population has
probably increased.
A widespread breeder even up on to the moors.
Plenty of evidence of successful breeding. This is one of our commonest
birds which is benefiting from our current mild winters.
DUNNOCK Prunella modularis
Common breeding resident. Population stable.
Status apparently unchanged a widespread
and successful resident. Reports were received from most areas covering
the whole year. A common garden species.
ROBIN Erithacus rubecula
Common breeding resident/winter visitor. Population stable/increasing.
A familiar and much-loved resident in good
numbers throughout our region. Seems to be doing well. Reported
again feeding from peanut feeders in several gardens and plenty
of evidence of successful breeding. One garden was host to 4 birds
on January 15th (JD) whilst an observer at Timble watched up to
8 fighting vigorously (N&AB).
BLACK REDSTART Phoenicurus ochrurus
Rare passage visitor. Has bred in the past.
Three sightings this year a male at
Lindley on August 6th, one at Manor Park trying to feed on peanuts
on November 17th and a female at Grimwith on Dec. 3rd.
COMMON REDSTART Phoenicurus phoenicurus
Common breeding migrant/passage visitor.
Population probably increasing.
Appears to have had another good year in
the area. The first record was on April 18th (later than usual)
at Dob Bridge many sightings were submitted for May, June
and July. Records cover the whole area from Leathley to Langstrothdale
and extend through to late-August although most of these later records
are thought to be migrants passing through the area. Successful
breeding was noted at several sites in the Wharfe and the Washburn
including juveniles in an Addingham garden on July 6th and August
7th. The last record was August 28th near Timble. (DLR, GT, PR,
CJC, PD&JBP, PJC, JW)
COMMON STONECHAT Saxicola torquata
Scarce breeder/passage/winter visitor. Population
increasing.
The number of sightings this year has increased
dramatically presumably linked to the recent pattern of mild winters.
There were confirmed breeding records from Burley Moor, Barden Fell
and Denton Moor. Other sightings were reported from Askwith Moor,
Blubberhouses, Bordley, Kex Gill, and Whetstone Gate with an astonishing
14 at the latter site on October 19th. Most of these records were
for pairs. (PD&JBP, GT, BP, DA, BOG, DA, GSH)
WHINCHAT Saxicola rubetra
Scarce breeding migrant/passage visitor.
Population may be in shallow decline.
Continues to be found in a few favoured localities.
The first record was May 2nd from Snowden Crags and numerous other
records were received from Ilkley and Burley Moors, Farnley, Otley
GP, Barden and Grimwith. Several of these reports gave evidence
of breeding. There were the usual late records, probably of passage
migrants from the north, with the last being a single bird near
Bland Hill on August 30th. (PD&JBP, CJC, GT, GSH, PR, DA, PJC)
WHEATEAR Oenanthe oenanthe
Uncommon breeding migrant/passage visitor.
Population probably stable.
Many reports were received going as far up
the valley as Kettlewell with some evidence of breeding, from sightings
of juvenile birds, around Conistone/Kettlewell, Barden, Burley Moor
and Kilnsey. The earliest record was on March 26th on Conistone
Moor and the latest was a single bird on September 16th on a wall
at Menston. Late August and September records are thought to be
mostly passage migrants from the northern breeding areas. (N&AB,
PR, CJC, PD&JBP, GT, GSH, AB, DA)
RING OUZEL Turdus torquatus
Scarce breeding migrant/passage visitor.
Population declining.
There were a number of early records this
year beginning on March 14th with a female at Grimwith and March
22nd with a pair on Burley Moor. Others quickly followed on local
moors. There was evidence of successful breeding but only from one
locality. The last sighting was very late with 4 passage birds at
Kex Gill on October 22nd. There were the usual reports from the
Grimwith area but none from higher up the valley except for a single
record on Conistone Moor, on June 8th, although more are likely
to be present in the higher reaches. (GT, PR, CJC, BOG, MHA)
BLACKBIRD Turdus merula
Common breeding resident/winter visitor.
Population stable.
Remains a common and widespread breeding
bird present throughout the year, with winter numbers being significantly
enhanced due to the influx of continental migrants. Nationally there
is some evidence of a decline in breeding numbers but this trend
is not yet obvious in our area with gardens reporting breeding success
from a number of broods.
FIELDFARE Turdus pilaris
Common winter/passage visitor.
The last report in the early part of the
year was from May 6th (a very late date) with 2 birds at Lindley
and the first for the second half of the year was October 23rd with
c40 birds on Pockstones Moor. Reports of large flocks were mostly
from early in the year and presumably were caused by passage birds
stopping to feed one such group near Lindley numbered c800.
By contrast the reports of flocks later in the year did not exceed
c200. Otherwise most reports were for between 25 and 100 from Grimwith
south with one report of flocks at Littondale. The change
in the second half of winter from berry-feeding to ground-feeding,
as the former supply became exhausted, was again noticeable and
flock numbers tended to reduce somewhat around this time, prior
to building again just prior to departure. (MVB, KL, CJC, JD, DLR,
GSH, PJC, D&ML)
SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos
Common breeding resident/winter visitor.
Population increasing.
Although birds are present in autumn/early-winter
they are generally very skulking and difficult to see in addition
to which migration south and west occurs which is exacerbated if
winter conditions turn harsh. Many records were received although
almost exclusively concentrated in the Lower Wharfe and Washburn.
Several observers commented that there were good numbers of singing
birds compared with several years ago and it now seems clear that
an improvement is occurring in our area might this be related
to the mid-nineties drought and the feeding difficulties this might
have caused for this species? There were numerous records of singing
birds one as early as January 12th in a Burley garden. There
was also a December record of a songster. Plenty of evidence of
nest building was received but few sightings of young birds the
best being 4 in an Addingham garden on July 7th the heavy
rain in early June may have washed out some nest attempts. One unusual
record was c50 passage birds feeding on the edge of Ilkley Moor
having been forced down by heavy rain. (BP, D&HB, PR, KL, CJC,
PD&JBP, GT, DLR, PJC)
REDWING Turdus iliacus
Common winter/passage visitor.
Few large flocks were observed the best being
c550 at Otley GP and two records of c200 in late January for the
Washburn and at least 200 in the Sun Lane area on December 31st
otherwise most submissions were for between 20 and 100. The
'latest' record was April 10th near Lindley and the 'earliest' was
October 17th with 30 around Ilkley graveyard. Several instances
of garden feeding were reported particularly in the cold snap at
the end of the year. (JD, BP, CJC, DLR, PD&JBP, PR, GSH, PJC,
D&ML, MVB)
MISTLE THRUSH Turdus viscivorus
Common breeding resident/passage breeder.
Population stable.
Apparently widespread and prospering. Easily
observed virtually throughout the year although does become rather
more elusive whilst breeding. Song was reported by many observers
in January. Post breeding flocks numbered 20+ through late-summer/autumn,
with 30+ on October 13th at Dobpark. Proof of breeding came from
Conistone, Middleton Woods, Strid Wood, Barden and Timble. Singing
birds were reported from October onwards and there were a number
of examples of them guarding berry-covered trees. Again the reported
national decline does not appear to be replicated in our area. (N&AB,
KL, MB, CJC, JK&SDW, GT, PR, PJC)
SEDGE WARBLER Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
Scarce breeding migrant. Population stable.
Most sightings came from Fewston where successful
breeding occurred once again. Otherwise there were several sightings
at Otley GP with 2 birds on May 5th, June 2nd, July 4th, July 7th
and finally on September 10th. Also 2 at Grimwith on June 19th.
A Burley garden had one feeding for 2 hours on September 13th. (CJC,
JW, PJC, PR)
LESSER WHITETHROAT Sylvia curruca
Scarce breeding migrant/passage visitor.
Population fluctuates but currently in decline.
Only five records received with single birds
at Castley on May 4th, Lindley on June 6th, Otley GP on July 16th,
Ben Rhydding GP on June 24th and a pair in an Otley garden from
April 24th to June 28th.which successfully produced two broods.
The number of reports were well down on the previous year. (CJC,
KL, PR, PJC, CM)
COMMON WHITETHROAT Sylvia communis
Scarce breeding migrant/passage visitor.
Population probably increasing.
The first sighting was a single bird feeding
on gorse near Dob Bridge on April 27th and there were numerous other
sightings concentrated in the period May to July. Evidence of breeding
came from Fewston and Gallows Hill and, possibly, near Dobpark and
Sun Lane. Other sightings came from Middleton Wood, Otley GP, Weeton
and Yockenthwaite. The last sighting was at Fewston on August 3rd.
(GSH, PD&JBP, CJC, DLR, N&AB, MHA, PR, PJC)
GARDEN WARBLER Sylvia borin
Common breeding migrant/passage visitor.
Population stable.
Well distributed in the Lower Wharfe and
Washburn. First reported from Lindley on May 1st followed by numerous
sightings in May and June from Barden, Ben Rhydding GP, Ilkley,
Gallows Hill, Bolton Abbey, Starbotton, and the Strid. Breeding
was proven at Gallows Hill and Ben Rhydding GP at the latter
site there was a most surprising record of 9 birds, on July 5th,
including an agitated parent. This record was also the last for
this species this year. (JMC&AMG, PJC, KL, CJC, GT, MVB, PD&JBP,
MHA, DLR, PR)
BLACKCAP Sylvia atricapilla
Common breeding migrant/passage visitor/winter
visitor. Population increasing.
Distributed throughout the area (but not
on higher ground) though rather scarce in the upper reaches of the
Wharfe. The recent national increase appears to be reflected in
our area with many reports, including evidence of breeding. There
is also evidence of birds, believed to be from the continent, over-wintering
in the area and many winter records (usually garden) were received.
(NB. The latest estimate of over-wintering Blackcaps is 55,000 for
the whole of the U.K. and rising). Apart from winter records birds
were observed from April to September. The first record
was April 9th in a Burley garden and the last was September
21st from below Lindley Wood dam. Though there were many sightings
the only proof of breeding came from Gallows Hill. (JD, CM, KL,
CJC, DLR, MVB, PD&JBP, PQ, PR, AMG & JMC, PJC, BP, DA)
WOOD WARBLER Phylloscopus sibilatrix
Uncommon breeding migrant. Population declining.
Nationally in decline and this is being reflected
in our area with numbers well down in the Washburn valley for example
and numbers of records submitted on a declining trend. However Strid
Wood remains a stronghold and most reports were from here including
one count of 8 birds on May 29th. Other sites were Middleton Wood
and Grass Wood. The first sighting was 3 birds at Strid Wood on
April 27th and the last was on July 5th when a pair were feeding
young, at the nest, in Strid Wood. (N&AB, JMC&AMG, GT, PR,
KL, CJC, PJC)
CHIFFCHAFF Phylloscopus collybita
Common breeding migrant/passage/winter visitor.
Population probably increasing.
There were no reports of wintering birds
this year. The first presumed migrant was at Ben Rhydding GP on
March 16th. Reports were received from suitable sites (on lower
ground) throughout the Washburn and Lower Wharfe with good numbers
of singing birds, again apparently mirroring the national increase
in recent years. Breeding was extensive throughout the area wherever
suitable habitat exists. The last presumed migrants were seen on
October 7th in an Addingham garden. (KL, DLR, MVB, PD&JBP, CJC,
ADL&ML, PJC, MHA, JW, GT, BP, JMC&AMG, O&DM)
WILLOW WARBLER Phylloscopus trochilus
Common breeding migrant/passage visitor.
Population stable/possibly increasing.
Breeds in good numbers throughout the area
including the upper reaches of the Wharfe. This is another species
that may be increasing in numbers at the present time. The first
birds were seen at Lindley with 3 on April 10th, building to high
numbers throughout the area towards the end of April. There were
no proven breeding records submitted. The last record was for October
7th in an Addingham garden. (PR, MVB, PJC, DLR, GT, MHA)
GOLDCREST Regulus regulus
Common breeding resident/passage/winter visitor.
Population increasing.
Although resident, local movement does occur
particularly in prolonged cold weather. This is another bird that
has benefited from the absence of harsh winters. Unobtrusive, and
generally located by unique, but somewhat indistinct, high-pitched
call and thus elusive and undoubtedly under-recorded. However, appears
to be present, and doing well, throughout the recording area at
suitable sites particularly around stands of conifers. Garden records
are becoming increasingly common including feeding on peanuts and
fat. (GT, MHA, JD, N&AB, PR, CJC, PJC)
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER Muscicapa striata
Uncommon breeding migrant/passage visitor.
Population decreasing.
This species has been in long term decline
both nationally and locally, a trend that seems to be showing no
sign of abating. The first record was in Strid Wood on April 28th
followed by a number of reports through May to August including
evidence of successful breeding at Appletreewick, Conistone and
Barden.
A number of family parties were noted and
records extended along the valleys and valley sides up to Yockenthwaite.
A walk between Grassington and Addingham produced at least six pairs.
As usual late-August produced several records of good numbers of
passage birds including 20 on August 25th at several sites in the
middle-Washburn. The last record by far was a single bird on September
13th in an Addingham garden. (N&AB, KL, GT, DLR, MB, PJC, PD&JBP,
CJC, SR, GSH, BOG)
PIED FLYCATCHER Ficedula hypoleuca
Uncommon breeding migrant/passage visitor.
Population possibly declining.
This species is generally restricted to a
few selected breeding sites. At least one observer thought numbers
were somewhat down this year. First reported from near Bolton Abbey
Woods on April 16th the next record being April 20th near
Burnsall. Further reported from Strid Wood (which remains a stronghold),
Barden, Dob Bridge, Middleton, Thruscross, Grass Wood, Starbotton,
Manor Park and several sites along the Washburn river where breeding
was confirmed, as it was at Barden and Middleton. The last sighting
was a pair of juveniles on June 19th at Barden. (KL, GT, PJC, PR,
JMC&AMG, PQ, GSH, PD&JBP, CJC, D&HB)
LONG TAILED TIT Aegithalos caudatus
Common breeding resident. Population increasing.
Thought to be doing well at the present time,
a trend no doubt linked to our mild winters. Large flocks were reported
from both the Wharfe and Washburn valleys in autumn/winter with
groups of 20+ birds being commonplace. A number of examples of successful
breeding were also reported including a pair nesting at Manor Park
(PQ) in March with young successfully fledged on May 10th. There
was also a continuation of the trend for birds seen feeding on peanuts
in gardens.
MARSH TIT Parus palustris
Rare passage visitor/possible breeder(?).
One record only from an Otley garden on September
8th. (PJC)
COAL TIT Parus ater
Common breeding resident. Population stable
if not increasing.
No apparent change in status appears
to be doing well at suitable sites in both valleys and often frequents
gardens. A Menston garden (KL) has had up to 4 regular visitors
throughout the year.
BLUE TIT Parus caeruleus
Common breeding resident. Population stable.
Clearly very common, widespread and successful.
However, once again the poor June weather led to concerns about
nesting success. Nonetheless, a Burley garden (CJC) reported all
young fledging successfully and leaving the box on June 14th.
GREAT TIT Parus major
Common breeding resident. Population stable.
Comments much as for Blue Tit including evidence
of only limited nesting success in June. Birds were heard singing
on January 1st.
NUTHATCH Sitta europaea
Locally common breeding resident. Population
probably stable but has declined in the Washburn valley.
No apparent overall change in status this
year doing well in Wharfedale and nationally thought to be
doing very well with generally increased numbers. Sightings in the
Washburn however continue to be virtually non-existent (just three
reports from the middle valley) following a marked downturn over
the last decade there appears to be no obvious explanation
for this phenomenon. A significant number of sightings were received
in Wharfedale as far as north as Starbotton. Garden sightings, usually
on peanuts, were common and there were several examples of breeding
success including Strid Wood where this species is particularly
easy to see/hear. (N&AB, KL, CJC, PR, PJC, PD&JBP, GT, JD,
LD, JMC&AMG, DA, BP, MHA, GSH, DLR, S&JH, DLR, D&ML)
TREECREEPER Certhia familiaris
Common breeding resident. Population stable/possibly
increasing.
Although present throughout our area tends
to be concentrated in the lower valleys where numbers are thought
to be at a high level. No specific breeding records but there is
no reason to doubt that this species has had another successful
year. A few garden records were submitted. (N&AB, PJC, AD&ML,
GSH, JMC&AMG, O&DM, PR)
JAY Garrulus glandarius
Common breeding resident. Population stable.
Widespread and successful throughout our
area but less so in Upper Wharfedale, presumably linked to the sparse
woodland cover. Coming increasingly into gardens sometimes on a
regular basis, especially in the winter, in the Addingham/Ilkley/Burley
area. Juveniles were observed in gardens and in Riffa Wood. (N&AB,
CJC, PR, PJC, PQ, LD, GSH, MVB, AMG)
MAGPIE Pica pica
Common breeding resident. Population stable.
Widespread in suburban locations although
surprisingly scarce in rural situations perhaps due to competition
with game rearing interests? Despite continuing concern about the
impact of this predator on local songbird/garden populations BTO
research has shown a negligible effect on overall numbers. However
the destruction of a Song Thrushs nest in a Burley garden
is illustrative of why this handsome species is so disliked in suburbia.
JACKDAW Corvus monedula
Common breeding resident/winter visitor.
Population stable.
Large winter flocks running into hundreds,
often mixed with Rooks. No apparent change in status. Their cheerful
calls are especially welcome in winter when there may be very few
other birds to be heard.
ROOK Corvus frugilegus
Common breeding resident/winter visitor.
Population probably increasing.
Rookeries are common at suitable wooded sites
in Lower Wharfedale and the Washburn. Winter flocks can number several
hundred often mixed with Jackdaws. Increasingly inclined to visit
gardens albeit remaining very wary. As with Jackdaws their winter
calling can be very welcome at a time when few other species are
vocalising.
CARRION CROW Corvus corone
Common breeding resident. Population increasing.
Remains numerous throughout, including the
high dales and moors, notwithstanding the inevitable competition
with game rearing interests. Numbers are thought to have increased
in recent decades as culling has somewhat diminished and this will
certainly cause problems for other species (e.g. Lapwing) whose
nests and chicks it readily predates. Liable to nest wherever suitable
trees occur, including in suburbia, and will visit gardens if suitable
food is available.
RAVEN Corvus corax
Scarce breeding resident. Population increasing.
Another good year for sightings appearing
to suggest that this bird is continuing to slowly make breeding
inroads into our area albeit limited to Upper Wharfedale where at
least one breeding record was confirmed. Observations were mostly
of 1/2 birds spread virtually throughout the year. The Barden area
appears to be a favoured site but they may now be seen almost anywhere
in our area as is evidenced by 2 birds over a Burley garden on July
29th, coming from the north and flying off in an easterly direction.
There were records of 4 birds around Norwood Edge on November 11th
and Barden on June 21st, and an observation of 2 birds, in seemingly
playful interaction with Buzzards, on September 8th at Beamsley
Beacon. (BOG, CM, PD&JBP, PR, GT, MHA, KM, CJC, PJC)
STARLING Sturnus vulgaris
Common breeding resident/winter visitor.
Population probably decreasing.
Although there is no obvious change in status
it seems likely that the significant national reduction of recent
times has been felt in this area. Winter flocks may be found anywhere
around the valleys and often run into hundreds, quite regularly
seen in mixed flocks with winter thrushes. One flock near Cracoe
was counted at c1000 (GSH) but the best numbers were at an Otley
garden roost (PJC) with up to 9000 in January/February, often raided
by two Sparrowhawks. Breeding occurs throughout the area in suitable
tree holes and buildings.
HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus
Locally common breeding resident. Population
decreasing.
Undoubtedly declining in the area in accordance
with the national trend over at least the last 25 years, as measured
by the BTO. One Menston garden with an average count of 20 throughout
1990 has been reduced to a maximum of 4 in July and August of this
year. It is not far from being extinct in the Washburn valley (although
one farm in particular is maintaining a healthy population for some
unknown reason) the decline would appear to be particularly
marked in rural areas. Declines in garden visitors were reported
from villages/towns in the lower valley although there were also
reports of maintenance of numbers. Overall this is a disturbing
trend with no clear explanation as yet national research
is ongoing. In sum there would appear to have been an overall decline
in our area in the last decade or two but the effect has been patchy
and there are examples of numbers being at least retained. (GT,
DLR, KL, O&DM, N&AB, CJC, PD&JBP, D&HB, AB, MHA,
GSH, PJC, PR)
TREE SPARROW Passer montanus
Rare breeding resident. Population declining,
probably near extinction in our area.
Probably just hanging on as a breeding bird
after a significant decline in the lower reaches of the Wharfe valley
in parallel with the precipitous national decline. Sightings restricted
to 1/2 birds at Knotford seen on three occasions in March, May and
June, once carrying food. (PD&JBP, CJC, DLR, BP, CM)
CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs
Common breeding resident/passage/winter visitor.
Population stable.
Widespread throughout the area. No exceptionally
large flocks reported, the most being c100 in the Washburn valley
in June. Winter numbers are significantly augmented by visitors
from the continent. Garden records of 20+ were received for the
winter months.
BRAMBLING Fringilla montifringilla
Scarce passage/winter visitor.
A winter non-breeding migrant from the continent.
The beech mast harvests were poor in both 1998 and 1999 so sightings
for this period and early-2000 have been few and far between and
generally restricted to gardens, with no large flocks being reported.
The 'last' sighting was April 24th in a Menston garden and the 'first'
was November 10th at Fewston. This year produced an exceptionally
good beech mast harvest and sightings consequently increased significantly
towards the end of the year. (DLR, CM, KL, PR, PJC, PD&JBP,
AMG, CJC, JD, D&ML)
GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris
Common breeding resident/passage/winter visitor.
Population increasing.
Thought to be doing well at the moment not
least because of its increasing propensity to utilise garden feeding
stations. Consequently most sightings tend to be from gardens, with
up to 20 in a Burley garden in December. One exception to this is
roosting sites although numbers reported from these were lower than
in previous years with c30 birds on the edge of Burley Moor in January.
There were a number of examples of successful breeding. (KL, CJC,
PR, PJC, DLR, D&HB, PR)
GOLDFINCH Carduelis carduelis
Common breeding resident/migrant/passage
visitor. Population stable/increasing.
Reports from throughout our area as far north
as Parceval Hall. Increasing evidence of garden feeding including
use of peanuts and, more particularly, sunflower seeds. Although
still not common, several observers thought that an overall increase
appeared to have occurred in recent times. Good numbers (c50) seen
in several flocks around Thruscross and the lower Washburn in September.
(KL, PR, CJC, PJC, DLR, PQ, JD, JWB, GSH, PR)
SISKIN Carduelis spinus
Uncommon breeding resident/passage/winter
visitor. Breeding population increasing.
Most often seen in over-wintering flocks
prior to a northerly breeding movement but evidence is increasing
of birds staying, and presumably breeding, in the locality. There
were numerous reports of small flocks of 20/30 birds with occasional
higher numbers of 50+ both early and late in the year. Sometimes
seen with Redpoll. Records were concentrated in the lower valleys.
Garden sightings were plentiful (up to 6) with the last
sighting in mid-May in an Ilkley garden and the first
on December 12th in a Burley garden. There was also an isolated
record of a male in the garden on July 24th. (PD&JBP, KL, PR,
D&HB, DLR, CJC, PJC, JK&SDW, AMG, JMC, JW, DA, O&DM,
BP, GSH, MVB)
LINNET Carduelis cannabina
Uncommon breeding migrant. Population stable/possibly
declining.
A summer visitor which migrates south for
winter. Records were received from March 22nd to November 5th the
latter from the Washburn valley. Breeding occurs in small numbers
at suitable sites in the area, often linked to gorse bushes. Small
flocks can be seen through August/September with one observation
of c60 on September 4th near Thruscross. (PR, N&AB, KL, CJC,
PJC, PD&JBP)
TWITE Carduelis flavirostris
Scarce breeding resident/passage migrant.
Population declining.
The decline of this species is continuing
and it is now very scarce in our area. There were sightings at Grimwith
of 3 birds on April 24th, a few on June 19th and 4 on July 18th.
This may be the last remaining stronghold in the area although breeding
in the upper reaches of Wharfedale is still possible. Grimwith is
a 'traditional' site having had this species present at least 25
years ago. National efforts are now underway to try to reverse this
species decline. (PD&JBP, PR, PJC)
COMMON REDPOLL Carduelis flammea
Uncommon breeding resident/passage/winter
visitor. Population probably declining.
Most records were of small numbers with the
maximum being 35 at Otley GP. Sightings covered most months of the
year. Reports were mainly from the Washburn and Otley GP although
there were two separate garden records from Burley 4 birds
on December 23rd and a single bird on a garage roof at around the
same time. Breeding is thought to occur at Timble Ings and several
other areas of coniferous woodland. (PD&JBP, KL, CJC, BP, PR,
PJC)
COMMON CROSSBILL Loxia curvirostra
Rare breeding resident/passage/winter visitor.
Population erratic due to irruptive behaviour.
A rare breeding bird which occasionally irrupts
into the area from the continent. Such an event occurred in 1997
and numbers of sightings were above the norm for several years but
are now back to their normal rare level. The largest number was
6 in Timble Ings on April 21st. The only other site to produce a
record was Middleton Woods with 2 on January 25th. (PD&JBP,
PR, BOG, CM)
BULLFINCH Pyrrhula pyrrhula
Common breeding resident. Population stable/declining.
National downward trends continue to give
considerable cause for concern but there were again an interesting
set of reports for our area albeit down on the previous year. Reports
covered the whole year but were exclusively from the Lower Wharfe
and Washburn valleys with many being garden records. Successful
breeding was confirmed for sites at Ben Rhydding, Burley and in
an Otley garden. (N&AB, CJC, PR, DLR, PJC, GSH, D&HB, JD)
REED BUNTING Emberiza schoeniclus
Uncommon breeding resident/passage visitor.
Population probably stable.
Generally scarce species which is subject
to local winter movement out of our area and/or to lowland sites
such as Otley GP. Most reports are therefore for the breeding season
from March to July at a few suitable localities such as Grimwith
(now a stronghold), Knotford, Otley GP, Sun Lane, Ben Rhydding GP,
Gallows Hill, Pool, Fewston, Lindley, Burley Moor and Swinsty. Unusual
late records were a female on the moor edge near Panorama Drive
on December 29th and several birds wintering on a farm in the Washburn
with a House Sparrow flock. There were also several garden records.
Many reports were of singing birds and breeding was proven at several
of these sites. This species appears to have benefited from the
ending of the mid-nineties drought, given its preference for nesting
in damper areas. (N&AB, PR, CJC, DLR, PD&JBP, AMG &
JMC, PJC, JW, GSH, D&ML)
LAPLAND BUNTING Colcarius lapponicus
Rare passage migrant.
There were two sightings of a single bird
at Kex Gill on October 17th and 22nd. (BOG)
SNOW BUNTING Plectrophenax nivalis
Rare passage migrant/winter visitor.
Records are usually from moorland areas.
Only one report this year of a single bird at Kex Gill on October
23rd and 24th. (BOG, PR)
YELLOWHAMMER Emberiza citrinella
Scarce breeding resident subject to local
movement down the valley in winter. Population declining.
Apart from Castley (a single bird on May
29th) and Weeton (6 birds on May 20th and a splendid 25 on December
2nd), all reports were from a site north-west of Leathley where
breeding was thought to have occurred with 10 birds being seen in
a stubble field on December 15th. Sightings occurred at this site
at regular intervals from March to December. (PD&JBP, CJC, AB,
PR)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.
Thanks are due to the following individuals
and organisations, with apologies for any inadvertent omissions,
without whose records the compilation of this report would not have
been possible:
D Alred
G S Harris
M H Atkinson
S & J Hartley
A Baines
A D & M Leather
M Baulch
K P Limb
J W Bell
O & D Middleton
M V Bell
K Moir
N & A Bowland.
C Moore
Bradford Ornithological Group
P D & J B Parkin
R J & H M Burrow
B Pullan
P J Carlton.
P Quin
J M Clapham
S Radcliffe
C J Cope
P Riley
L G Dewdney
D L Robinson
J Dixon
G Todd
A Gramshaw
J Ward
These records are, where appropriate, subject
to adjudication by the relevant local, Regional and National ornithological
authorities.
GUIDANCE FOR CONTRIBUTORS.
The schedule for the production of the Annual
Report is very tight it normally has to reach the Editors
by the end of January. Thus, the Recorders must start work by the
first few days of the New Year. Please ensure that all remaining
records are submitted for inclusion in the report by then. You can
greatly assist the Recorders further by submitting your reports
in batches throughout the year monthly if you generate a
lot, quarterly or half-yearly if you have fewer. In any case, please
try to avoid submitting large amounts all at the end of the year.
In the case of bird records, at least, we can do the most justice
to your records if they are submitted on the Forms produced by the
Society ( available from the Recorders if not at the meetings),
and please try to enter them in the correct scientific species order
i.e. the order in which they appear in this report. Your
co-operation will greatly assist us in making the greatest possible
use of your records, and enable us to produce a comprehensive report.
Peter Riley
LITTLE GULL AT OTLEY GRAVEL PITS, MAY 13th
2000
I was delighted to find a superb Little Gull
in breeding plumage at Otley Gravel Pits on May 13th. I regularly
visit this site as it is close to my home, and the pools that have
been created close to the auction mart have been proving very attractive
to birds. May is always an exciting month for birds and I arrived
hoping thered be something unusual on the pits. I wasnt
disappointed.
I raised my binoculars to see a tern-like
bird hawking insects over the water. I soon realised it was a gull
and as it banked round I caught a flash of the dark, almost black
underwing and white trailing edge to the upperwing that could only
mean Little Gull. Little Gulls are tiny: the worlds smallest
gull and have a distinctive tern-like flight. My bird was in full
breeding plumage, with a black hood, much darker and fuller than
on Black-headed Gull. The upperwings lacked the black tips of many
gulls and when perched its legs were tiny.
The gull spent about half an hour hawking
insects in the warm May sunshine. It also settled on the water and
on a muddy island in the company of some Black-headed Gulls. Through
binoculars and a telescope I was able to get excellent views and
was pleased when another Otley bird-watcher arrived and I could
share this little gem. However, when I returned in the early evening
the bird had gone.
Little Gulls breed in freshwater marshes
in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. They are regular spring visitors
on migration to the east coast of England, but are rare inland.
They can also be found at sea in winter off the Yorkshire coast.
Most birds visiting this country in spring are young birds, so it
was particularly pleasing that Wharfedale was host to such a fine
example of the species in breeding plumage. Perhaps it had overshot
its breeding grounds due the fine weather that Europe was experiencing
at the time?
Wharfedale Naturalists Society is part of
a team producing a new management plan for the Otley Gravel Pits.
We hope to be able to negotiate a future that will ensure that a
variety of migrant birds such as Little Gulls, together with a healthy
population of breeding waders and waterfowl, grace the site in years
to come.
Brin Best
In defence of the sparrowhawk
The Sparrowhawk must be one of the bird
worlds most exciting hunters, especially in the limited confines
of a suburban garden where its amazing agility and sheer speed can
take the breath away if you are lucky enough to be looking at the
right time. Regrettably however it is this talent that no doubt
is contributing to the ongoing campaign against raptors in general
and Sparrowhawks in particular, not least by people feeling (somewhat
understandably) aggrieved as the hunter disappears round the corner
with their Robin in its talons.
This campaign has recently been fuelled by
articles in one of our broadsheet newspapers (not renowned for its
support of avian raptors) in which a member of the land-owning aristocracy
has accused the Sparrowhawk of being a major reason for the decline
of Skylarks, Tree Sparrows, Thrushes, Linnets, Spotted Flycatchers,
Greenfinches, Woodpeckers and the rest (my italics). This
was followed by the suggestion that we should not bother with scientific
research on the grounds that responsible writers in this area would
be better leaving their offices for a while and going into
the country. I could quote more but I think the gist of the
article is clear.
As Naturalists, it is incumbent on us to
take a more considered and scientific view on this issue and, from
this standpoint, the Sparrowhawk is, without any shadow of a doubt,
a good thing. Let us consider the following facts, based
of course on extensive scientific research :
no studies have shown a sustained decline
in songbird populations as a consequence of Sparrowhawks.
there was no subsequent rise in songbird
populations when organochlorine pesticide poisoning nearly eliminated
the Sparrowhawk from large parts of the UK in the sixties.
many of the principal prey species of the
Sparrowhawk are actually not in decline (e.g. Chaffinch, Robin,
Great Tit, Woodpigeon, Greenfinch etc.)
Even leaving aside these demonstrable facts
this anti-Sparrowhawk view is totally at odds with predator/prey
dynamics which demonstrates that the populations of raptors are
ultimately controlled by the populations of their prey, not vice
versa. The Sparrowhawk is an integral part of our native fauna
it has evolved with, and has both influenced and been influenced
by, its prey. Both parties involved have developed together to a
position of equilibrium whereby both can co-exist satisfactorily
in the natural world. This relationship will of course continue
to evolve but, if Sparrowhawks were removed from the equation, this
would, in the longer term, be to the detriment of songbirds who
would become subject to over-population and genetic stagnation as
the weaker, less-fit, members of the population are less likely
to be removed.
The purpose of this short article is to urge
all members of the Society to resist the temptation to join the
anti-Sparrowhawk campaign. I am personally well aware of the ambivalent
feeling when I see yet another pile of feathers on my lawn but our
duty as naturalists is clear to support the Sparrowhawk and
other raptors against those who would wish, be it for benign or
malign reasons, to allow emotion and ignorance to overrule science.
Peter Riley
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