April 2007 was the warmest on record and probably the sunniest with very long dry spells and excellent conditions for migration.
Approximately 700 Wheatears had been recorded passing through the area by the end of April, with over 300 at Trough Lane. At times big flocks were noted with 20+ being often seen, but on the 20th, during drizzle and heavy clouds, an amazing 44 birds passed through. However, the biggest total was recorded on the slopes of Soil Hill on the 25th, when an astonishing 90 birds were seen feeding following a night of heavy rain.

Ring Ouzels on passage, have also created lots of excitement, with at least 40 birds reported during the month. Fifteen birds ‘dropped’ into Newsholme Dene on the 21st when conditions for movement were excellent with low clouds, fine drizzle and light winds.

Three Ospreys were seen passing through the area over the Easter weekend. One was seen over Oxenhope Moor (6th), and on the 10th, one went over the Aire Valley and another was seen sitting in a tree at Barden.

Stonechats have been seen at a variety of places with the biggest congregation between Lower and Upper Barden Reservoirs where five pairs were noted. At Whetstone Gate and Bradup there were three pairs and a lone female, (3rd), and pairs have also been seen at Trough Lane, Glovershaw, the moorland watch-point and Fly Flatts. A few Whinchats were also reported with the first seen on the 19th at Bradup and others were noted at Glovershaw (23rd to 25th), Soil Hill (24th) and Trough Lane (26th).

Winter visitors lingering in the area included up to two pairs of Brambling near East Riddlesden Hall, which stayed until at least the 23rd. On the 11th a male Brambling was in song at this location, and a day later twelve Fieldfares were noted along Street Lane, East Morton and a late Redwing was seen in the Shibden Head area on the 21st.

Up to 16 Twite were at the feeding area at Fly Flatts (13th) and smaller numbers were seen during the month at Soil Hill, Leeshaw and the moorland watch-point. On the 21st two pairs of Yellowhammers had returned to the Sconce area of Baildon and Common Sandpipers were reported from likely sites including Leeshaw and Lindley Wood Reservoirs, Lower Barden, Fly Flatts, the moorland watch-point and Kex Gill.

A pair of Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers were watched in Shipley Glen over the Easter weekend. Notable visitors included a Common Scoter on Leeshaw Reservoir (3rd to 6th), a Greenshank at Otley Wetlands (22nd), a Whimbrel flew over Wilsden Cricket Ground on the 19th and a Rock Pipit at the moorland watch-point (18th) where a Hobby had been seen four days earlier.

Spring migrants continued to arrive in small numbers with Swallows and House Martins noted at Stockbridge (3rd); a Willow Warbler at Glovershaw (8th); a reeling Grasshopper Warbler at Low Moor (15th); three Redstarts at Timble Ings (18th); a singing Lesser Whitethroat at Toad Halls Beck (18th); a surprise Common Whitethroat on Barden Moor of all places (20th) and the first Sedge Warbler at Stockbridge (22nd). Swifts were appearing from the 22nd; Little Ringed Plovers were thankfully back at two locations by the 13th; Pied Flycatchers were at nest boxes in the Strid Wood and Folly Hall Woods (21st); a Yellow Wagtail was noted at Kex Gill (21st) and the first Cuckoo was heard at Burley Woodhead on the 24th.

Please note : This data is provisional and is dependent on the submission of accurate records from members of BOG.