Water
Rail |
Moorhen
|
Coot |
WATER
RAIL
Rallus aquaticus
Uncommon but regular winter visitor.
Stockbridge remains the most reliable site to see this species in the recording area, with up to three present in the latter months. Views at this site are often very close, as the birds feed out in the open directly in front of the hide. High Royds Sewage Works, Otley Wetland and Esholt Sewage Works had up to two birds in the early months, and, in the case of Otley, at the year end as well. Singles were noted at Marley Sewage Works, Doe Park Reservoir and Sun Lane, Burley.
MOORHEN
Gallinula chloropus
Resident breeder.
A widespread species found on many watercourses, particularly the ones rich in bank-side vegetation. Sewage works are a favourite haunt of this species, with double-figure counts coming from Esholt, Marley and Burley/Menston. Small areas of water can be productive, evidenced by breeding records coming from Ilkley Tarn, Sun Lane, Shipley Glen, St Ives, Kex Gill Quarry, Stockbridge, Tong Park and Weecher Reservoir among others. One pair bred in a half-submerged car tyre at Crossflatts.
COMMON
COOT Fulica atra
Resident breeder, passage/winter visitor.
In the early months
Otley Wetland held up to 39 in February and 58 in March, whilst nearby
Knotford Nook hosted 52, also in March. Chelker Reservoir managed just
19 during February, but eight on the lower dam at Reva Reservoir was encouraging.
Breeding was reported from Knotford Nook, Otley Wetland and Chelker and
John o’ Gaunt’s Reservoirs, St Ives, Redcar Tarn and Marley
Sewage Works. Knotford was the only site holding significant numbers in
the second winter period. This gathering had built to 355 by 11th November,
with 300 still being there at the year-end.