2003 Report

2004 Report

2006 Report

SANDWICH TERN Sterna sandvicensis
Scarce passage migrant

A calling bird was seen in flight over Laycock on 9th April (PW). This is only the seventh record of the species, and the first since 1999.

COMMON TERN Sterna hirundo
Increasingly common passage and summer visitor and uncommon breeder.

Apart from regular sightings at Otley Wetland, birds were seen only intermittently at nine other locations, and it may be there has been a dip in the fortunes of this species locally. In particular, there were very few reports from Yeadon Tarn, where good numbers of birds have summered in recent years.

The first bird was seen at Elland Gravel Pits on 14th April. Up to three birds were then seen at Otley Wetland during April and May, and a pair was seen mating on 5th May, with this resulting in breeding success, and two young being ringed. What were clearly birds on passage were seen between 17th May and 10th September at Yeadon Tarn, Shipley, Elland Gravel Pits, Otley Wetland, Larkfield Tarn, and the reservoirs at Leeshaw, Lower Laithe, Thornton Moor, Silsden and Doe Park. Four birds were the most seen at any time.

A juvenile bird was present with an adult in the Doe Park sighting, but there is no suggestion breeding took place locally.

ARCTIC TERN Sterna paradisaea
Scarce but regular passage migrant

There were three records, probably involving that number of birds, a fairly typical showing.

May is the expected month for spring passage of the species, and two birds were at Otley Wetland on 1st (SJ), and a single at Elland Gravel Pits on 7th and 8th (HBC).