2003 Report

2005 Report

2006 Report

GREEN WOODPECKER Picus viridis
Fairly common resident breeder.

Unobtrusive for much of the year, but “yaffling” in spring gives us a clearer idea of just how widespread this species is. Woodland areas right across the region can yield birds, with the Lindley Wood and Timble Ings areas being particularly favoured, as is the open ground on Sandwith Moor. Records of juveniles again came from Kex Gill Quarry in the late summer and autumn months, and juveniles were also seen at John o’Gaunt’s Reservoir and Brookhouse.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus major
Common resident breeder.

Still our commonest woodpecker by far, with records covering the whole of the BOG area. The handful of breeding records does not give a clear picture of the status, as breeding will certainly occur in many areas of woodland and parkland.

LESSER-SPOTTED WOODPECKER Dendrocopus minor
Uncommon resident breeder.

There were just 13 records this year. Five of these related to one individual at Stockbridge during June and July. On one occasion it was seen to carry food towards the river. In January, singles were reported from Elland Gravel Pits and St Ives, as well as a male drumming in a private wood, and the following month a bird was seen in Luddenden Dean. Otley Wetland held a female in October and a female was seen on two dates in December at Baildon Bank, during which month there was another record of a male in the same private area as the January sighting. (MD, AJ, JH, TH, HBC, P&MR, SR, BS).

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