2004 Report

2005 Report

2006 Report

SAND MARTIN Riparia riparia.
Common migrant breeder/passage visitor.
Lower numbers reported this year with only 69 young being ringed at the main Ben Rhydding colony and a further ten young at Michley Beck. Seven nest holes were noted at Kildwick with a further eight at Marley. Many nest holes were also noted at Barden Bridge but no accurate counts were forthcoming.
Extreme dates were 15th March at Knotford Nook and Elland Gravel Pits, and 18th September at Lindley Wood Reservoir and the years highest count was a miserable 50 at Otley Gravel Pits in April, followed by 40 at Marley in June.

BARN SWALLOW Hirundo rustica
Common migrant breeder and passage visitor.
Recorded between 6th April and 26th October when one flew over Barden on both dates. The best counts were 200 at Cottingley on 3rd September and 222 over Denholme Clough on 20th September.
Breeding was noted at many sites including Timble Ings, Denton and Knotford Nook.

HOUSE MARTIN Delichon urbica
Common migrant and passage visitor.
The earliest was at Knotford on 11th April while the latest this year was at Thornton Moor on 12th October. Breeding was noted at many sites and high counts included 150 at Esholt in May, 120 at Otley Gravel Pits in September and 108 at Thornton Moor Reservoir in August.

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