Bohemian
Waxwing |
Dipper |
BOHEMIAN
WAXWING
Bombycilla garrulus.
Irregular but fairly numerous winter visitor.
Recorded in both winter periods. In the early part of the year up to four loitered in Ilkley town centre in the first week in January and two were in Morrison’s car park at Five Lane Ends on 10th January. There were no reports in February but March got off to a great start with up to 250 located at Greengates on 2nd + 3rd.
Timble Ings once again proved reliable for attracting flocks coming into roost with 44 on 19th March, thirteen on 12th April and 35 the following day.
In the second winter period the arrival was slightly earlier than normal with up to three in Blubberhouses between the 1st and 4th November and four at nearby Timble Ings on 18th November. A flock of up to 17 took up residence in Ilkley town centre for three days from 22nd November.
In December one was reported from the University on 16th, 50 at Hanson’s Lane on 17th and 75 in Halifax on 19th.
DIPPER
Cinclus cinclus.
Common resident breeder.
Regular but local along most of the rivers and large streams in the area. The River Wharfe is very favourable for this species, particularly the stretches around Barden and Bolton Abbey and around Denton and Ben Rhydding. Up to eight birds were seen at Bolton Abbey.
Birds were also noted along the River Aire at Esholt, also at Elland Gravel Pits and along the River Worth. Breeding records came from the Wharfe at Barden Bridge, Strid Woods, Gallows Hill, Goit Stock and Menston.
Breeding was suspected
along the Washburn near Lindley Trout Farm but this site suffers from
canoeing activities further up this valley although records of single
birds still came from the area around Thruscross Reservoir.
WREN
Troglodytes troglodytes
Common resident breeder.
No apparent change in status.
HEDGE
ACCENTOR (DUNNOCK)
Prunella modularis
Common resident breeder.
No apparent change in status.
ROBIN
Erithacus rubecula.
Common resident breeder/winter visitor.
No apparent change in status.