Bradford Lister Park, with records back to 1906, recorded its driest, sunniest warmest April on record making conditions perfect for birds and birders alike.

A Rock Pipit spent a few hours in the overfall at Leeming Reservoir (29th) and a Yellow Wagtail was near Leeshaw Reservoir (20th). A pair of Common Terns were giving positive signs of courtship at the private wetland site where three Whimbrel had flown in and settled for a little while (18th). A male Yellowhammer was singing on Baildon Moor (9th) and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was drumming in Woodlands Drive, Rawdon (19th). A Spotted Redshank, in summer plumage, was feeding at Silsden Reservoir (28th) and a Common Crane flew over this area a few days earlier (20th). Along the Upper Wharfe, Mandarin ducks were present, with a group of five seen beyond Barden Bridge (25th). Twite were again seen at the feeding station at Fly Flatts and a White Wagtail was in the area (6th).

The last of the winter migrants were still with us in the shape of Brambling and Waxwing. Farnley held 12 of the former in resplendent summer plumage (14th), and the final report of Waxwings was on the 21st when 20 flew over Sandbeds.

Three singing Wood Warblers were heard in Strid Wood (29th) and two males were noted at the Racecourse Plantation, St. Ives (24th). A Lesser Whitethroat had returned to Caldene Fields (25th), four pairs of Pied Flycatchers were using the boxes in Strid Wood and a single male was present by Monk Pond, St. Ives (24th). Stockbridge held Sedge and Garden Warbler and at the private wetlands, Reed Warblers were in residence (18th).

Birds of prey passing over the area included an Osprey which disturbed a flock of 30 Golden Plover at Glovershaw (2nd) and three Marsh Harriers, one, a cream-crowned, was seen in the early morning of the 10th heading ENE over St. Ives. Another passed over Ilkley Moor (14th) and the third bird went across Scone Lane (21st).

Early Redstarts were recorded in trees at the top end of Thruscross on the 6th and three days later another was at St. Ives. Four more were seen near Laund House (29th) and up to 12 at Lindley Wood where there were obvious signs of nest building (20th).

Wheatears passed through the area with about 60 recorded, the main spots being at Trough Lane and Glovershaw where 11 birds were feeding at the bottom of Birch Close Lane (8th). Cuckoo was first heard on the 18th at Coldstone Beck and later at four other locations, a Ring Ouzel was near Thruscross Reservoir (6th) and a male Whinchat was near the bridge at Bradup (25th).

High pressure over the UK meant April was largely a settled month with long spells of sunshine, but cold northerly winds kept the temperature down. However, ash from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland caused severe air travel disruption.

The highlight of the month was undoubtedly a White-tailed Eagle that was seen on moorlands between Thruscross and Barden and later in the Wharfe Valley (10th). An Osprey sailed high over Barden Scale (17th), a male Common Scoter was on the water at Fly Flatts (10th) and a Black-tailed Godwit paid a visit to Wharfedale’s private wetlands (19th). At the beginning of the month a first winter Mediterranean Gull was on Redcar Tarn and on the nearby A650 at Keighley, two Little Ringed Plovers were seen. Whilst towards the end of the month, a pair of Garganey were resting on the shore at Leeshaw Reservoir (22nd).

The migration of species was somewhat hampered by a persistent northerly air-flow with the expected Wheatear passage being delayed until about the 18th when conditions improved. On that day 21 Wheatears were recorded at the Oxenhope watch-point with over 50 at Trough Lane during a three day day period (20th to 22nd). During the month 150 of these attractive migrants were reported by members.

Swallows were reported from the 2nd and over 15 Sand Martins were feeding at Marley on the following day. A Ring Ouzel was noted at Trough Lane (3rd) and three more were at Nab End, Rombalds Moor (20th) and then another above Oxenhope (24th). Two female Whinchats were reported at Trough Lane (30th) and six Tree Pipits were established at Stainburn Plantation (29th). Redstarts, Pied Flycatchers were watched in the Folly Hall Wood area and in Strid Wood.

A large flock of 51 Whooper Swans were seen on Fewston Reservoir (5th) and on the same day, there was a couple of juvenile birds on Coppice Pond, St. Ives. On the 12th, eight rather tame Whoopers spent a little while at the Oxenhope watch-point.

Of our winter visitors, up to 250 Golden Plovers, resplendent in their breeding plumage, occupied the fields alongside Glovershaw Lane, Baildon and a similar flock was by Scargill Reservoir, before they dispersed to their moorland breeding grounds. During the first few days, Fieldfares lingered awhile in ever diminishing flocks, up to six Waxwings were frequently seen in Kings Road, Ilkley, and a little later a pair were seen in Eldwick (15th),

Of the waders, Redshanks were recorded at Leeshaw, Bradup, John o’ Gaunts, Beaverdyke, Reva Hill, Stockbridge, Kex Gill and Common Sandpipers were just at widespread, being seen at Leeming Reservoir, Fly Flatts Reservoir, Oxenhope Watchpoint, Barden Bridge, Strid Wood, Kex Gill, Leeshaw Reservoir and Hirstwood. A Green Sandpiper was at Lindley Reservoir (25th), a Greenshank made a brief visit to Redcar Tarn (11th) and a Dunlin was on Leeshaw Reservoir (30th).

During this busy month, Cuckoos were heard at Coldstone Beck (19th), Blubberhouses (21st), Lindley Wood (26th), near Haworth (24th). Pairs of Grasshopper Warblers were recorded in the Skipton area (26th) and at Cragg Wood, Appleby Bridge (28th). Two Common Terns were seen at the private wetland site (25th) where three Shovelers were present along with three Egyptian Geese (3rd). In the woods below Beaverdyke Reservoir a pair of Willow Tits were located (11th) and at the other end of our region, at Caldene Fields, a Lesser Whitethroat was in full song (23rd).

On the 8th members at Stockbridge witnessed feathers flying when a pair of Stock Dove ventured into the Kestrel box whilst they were away. When the male Kestrel returned it flew directly towards the box. Contact was made with a Dove and observers saw feathers in the air from the impact. Fortunately, no bird was badly injured in the encounter.

April was a very dry month, with long sunny spells, spoilt only by a persistent northerly wind that probably delayed much of the migration until the final week when warmer, more unsettled weather brought an influx of migrants.

On the 1st a Swallow was reported at Dowley Gap, the first of many that flooded in during the month, and the first Swift was probably the one over Oxenhope on the 19th. Other notable arrivals included Whitethroat (18th) and Sedge Warbler at Stockbridge (19th), a Grasshopper Warbler at the moorland watchpoint and in the Skipton area (23rd) and a Wood Warbler in Strid Wood (28th). It was here that seven male Pied Flycatchers were seen, with six being observed by member’s on the Group’s morning walk through the Washburn valley (25th).

On the 7th, an adult Osprey was watched whilst it fished and perched near Barden Bridge. There were four reports of Ring Ouzels, a male at the Oxenhope watchpoint (5th), two at the moorland watchpoint (11th), one near Shaw Lane, Oxenhope (12th), and a female on Otley Chevin (14th). A Redstart was seen at Storiths (17th) and then others were reported from Timble (20th) and the Washburn valley, as Cuckoos moved into the area with up to six heard at Thruscross (25th).

Reports of Whinchats came from Trough Lane (18th), Nab Water Lane (20th), the moorland watchpoint (26th) and Glovershaw (29th), but Stonechat numbers seemed down on previous years, however, a pair were seen feeding young at Farnhill (29th).

April is the month when members indulge in Wheatear counting, and this time we had to wait until the 26th before birds arrived in good numbers. 42 went through Trough Lane over a three day period from the 28th to 30th and 25 were seen at Glovershaw at the same time. During the month, over 175 Wheatears were reported by members.

Whilst this influx was taking place there were still the remnants of winter migration in the form of flocks of Waxwings in the Keighley area (3rd to 9th), Bradford Road, Shipley (19th to 23rd), and 125 Fieldfare at the Doubler Stones (9th) and Glovershaw (5th) where they lingered in diminishing numbers until the 22nd.

Surprise visitors included a Red-throated Diver on Swinsty Reservoir (18th to 23rd) and a pair of Garganey in the Skipton area (24th to 26th). Birds flying over the area included a Mediterranean Gull over the moorland watchpoint (30th), a Whimbrel over Wilsden (23rd) and a couple of Ravens in East Morton area (10th & 14th). A very active female Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was noted in Hirst Wood and presumably the same bird on the Coach Road, Baildon (9th & 10th), whilst a male bird was near a private lake in Wharfedale (5th).

April was a cool month dominated by winds from the north or north-east for the first three weeks which then developed into an unsettled period with rain and showers as the wind changed to the north west.

There were some spectacular reports of migrating birds moving through the area mixed with sightings of those returning to breed. The four Waxwings, which were first seen in Bingley during March, continued to feed in trees in the Church Street area until finally reported on the 20th. Observers decided that they formed a family group of two adults and two first year juveniles.

Of the summer migrants, a Grasshopper Warbler at Stockbridge attracted member’s attention (24th), as did a single Dotterel on Soil Hill which also arrived on the 27th, when there was an influx of birds into the area. Included in this movement was a Montegu’s Harrier seen flying north, west of Soil Hill (27th) and Ospreys passed our watchpoints on the 3rd, 4th and 10th. There was the sighting of four different Terns: Arctic Tern (18th), Common Tern, Sandwich Tern (27th) all at the Private Wetlands and Little Tern at Skipton Sewage Works (28th). Three Yellow Wagtails were at John o’ Gaunt’s (20th) and two at Trough Lane (28th) and there was also a Black Redstart near Queensbury (13th), seven Ring Ouzels at Nab End, near Silsden (18th) and the first Cuckoo was heard at Barden (25th). Pied Flycatchers and Redstarts could be seen using boxes at Strid Wood and Folly Hall Wood and Tree Pipits were becoming established amongst the felled plantations at Timble and Stainburn.Double-figure counts of Sand Martins were seen in the early part of the month with over 50 at Knotford Nook on the 6th and two days earlier, a couple of Swallows crossed Warley Moor.

The first Swifts were first seen in the Aire Valley on the 26th. Over 250 returning Wheatears were recorded in good numbers, if not to same amazing levels as in 2007, their presence was noted at the usual locations around Oxenhope, Glovershaw, Whetstone Gate and Barden. Of the waders, there were two Black-tailed Godwits on the flooded fields at Snaygill (2nd), a Dunlin at Bradup, Common Sandpipers on the Wharfe, and small numbers of Redshank and Snipe were seen returning to our upland areas.

At Kex Gill a Ringed Plover (27th) and 21 Oystercatchers (8th) were there, whilst three reports of Little Ringed Plovers in the Aire Valley were received and156 Golden Plovers, in their full breeding plumage, had gathered at Birch Close Lane (20th). Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers had been noted at two locations: a private lake in Wharfedale (1st) and in Hirst Wood, Saltaire, where a pair of birds were keenly watched (3rd). Up to four pairs of Stonechats were established on Baildon Moor where a female was seen carrying nesting materials (4th) and at Barden Moor where six males were prominent (25th). The first Whinchat was reported on the 28th and a Marsh Tit was at John o’ Gaunt’s where they have been seen in the past (20th).

The Red-throated Diver that was present during March was still on Embsay Reservoir (6th) and the Red-crested Pochard was occasionally seen at the private wetland site.

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.

The weather during early April was particularly cold with northerly winds dominating. During the second week there was a westerly air flow with rain and typical April weather of showers and more sustained rain. The latter two weeks were noticeably warmer and brighter and spring had duly arrived by the end of the month with warm sunshine and dry days.

It was natural to expect a slowing in the flow of migrants into the country, but generally this was not so, Swallows had been seen by the 2nd April over the Aire Valley and Sand Martins were flooding into Wharfedale with over 50 at Knotford Nook (2nd). A colony of Sand Martins had been established at Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits and at Ponden Reservoir, where they were using drainage pipes as nest sites and. A House Martin was seen over Baildon Green (3rd) and at Knotord Nook (5th).

Chiffchaffs were singing at many places from the 1st of the month and Willow Warblers were heard for the first time at Otley Wetland on the 9th and three days later, Blackcap could be heard at Dob Park. Whitethroats were in the area from the 23rd with a few seen at a variety of locations including the canal bank at Thackley, Shibden Head and Stockbridge. Other warblers reported were Wood Warblers in Strid Woods, Garden Warbler and Sedge Warbler at Marley, a Grasshopper Warbler by the Glen Road at Baildon and a Lesser Whitethroat in Bradford City Centre (28th).

Redshanks were reported from numerous places including Otley Wetland (2nd) Leeshaw Reservoir (3rd), Swinsty Reservoir (3rd), Stockbridge (5th), Sandbeds (9th), Reva (16th), Whetstone Gate (23rd) and Scargill Reservoir (28th). Other wader reports have included a Green Sandpiper at Caldene Fields, Low Moor (8th and 9th), Snipe in the fields around Glovershaw and at Whetstone Gate, a Wimbrel over Wilsden (23rd) and Greenshank from a private site (20th). The first Common Sandpipers passed through Birdholme on the 16th and over Keighley Moor (22nd), they were also reported from Otley Wetland (23rd) and the River Wharfe at Strid Woods (25th). A Dunlin was noted at Birdholme on the 27th.Watching for Wheatears has proved particularly profitable with a total of 228 being reported from a wide variety of locations including Trough Lane, Oxenhope, Fly Flatts, Glovershaw, Baildon, Caldene Fields, Barden, Otley Wetland and Nab Water Lane.

An unusual report concerned a Woodcock over Bradford City Centre at 8.20am on the 3rd and sightings of ‘roding’ males came from St. Ives (10th), Shipley Glen, Sandwith Moor Plantation and Timble Ings.

On the 2nd large flocks of Fieldfares were reported, with numbers of over 200 from two places in the north of the region, and a report of over a 1000 in the Sandwith Moor area on the 7th. Fieldfares continued to be seen, albeit in much smaller numbers, until the end of the month with ten at John o’ Gaunts (28th) and three at Doe Park (30th). Other winter visitors still present included 30 Waxwings in a Harden garden (10th), a male Brambling in Queensbury (2nd) and three at Riddlesden (15th). There were 25 Crosbills at Timble Ings (15th) and three at Sandwith Moor Plantation. 23 Redpolls were seen at Toad Holes Beck (23rd).

Good views could be had of a pair of Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers in Shipley Glen during early April, and at a private site where there is early evidence of breeding taking place. A bird was also seen in Middleton Woods, Ilkley (23rd).

Golden Plover had assembled at Sandwith Moor in a very large flock, where over 2000 were noted on the 20th, much smaller flocks were seen at Sconce (14th) and by Golcar Farm (29th).The only reports of Yellowhammer were from the Sconce Lane and Glovershaw area of Baildon where up to four males were heard at various times during the month.

Redstarts began appearing in the area from the 26th April with Timble and John o’ Gaunts being the best places to see these attractive birds. Two Common Terns appeared at Otley Wetland on 26th April.

Members watching for raptors reported sightings of Osprey (7th, 14th and 18th), Goshawk (2nd) as well as Peregrines, Red Kites, Buzzards, Short-eared Owls , Hen Harrier, Merlin and a number of Ravens over the high moorlands. Last year’s successful breeding bird, the Long-eared Owl has already been located and seen performing their wing-clapping display.

Tree Pipits were first noted on the 15th at Barden Fell along with an unusually high number of seven Ring Ouzels. Another Ring Ouzel was at Birdholme on the following day, as were two birds on the 29th.Eight Twite were seen around Leeshaw Reservoir on 15th and 20 at Fly Flatts on the last day of April.The first Yellow Wagtail into the area was reported from Birdholme (16th) and another was noted at Leeshaw (30th).The first report of a Pied Flycatcher was on 17th April at Strid Woods where the boxes are being used.

A Spotted Flycatcher was noted at Beamsley (27th). The first Cuckoos were heard at Burley Woodhead and around Lower Barden Reservoir (22nd) and on the next day, the first report of a Swift came from Wharfedale.

A few ducks were reported from around the area, namely a Gadwall at Otley Wetland (2nd), a Shelduck at Stockbridge (23rd), a pair of Shoveler at Knotford Nook (24th), a pair of Mandarins at Strid Woods (25th). An early breeding record came from Kildwick where a Goosander was seen carrying five young birds.

Of the unusual reports a White Stork over Saltaire on the 11th April.

The weather was typically April with some unsettled spells, showers and bright, clear days that lift the spirit. The month opened with singing Chiffchaff at St. Ives and Otley Wetlands and Willow Warbler at Barden (2nd).

Short-eared Owls were reported back on upland areas and drumming Great Spotted Woodpeckers were many and well spread throughout the region.

On the 2nd ten Sand Martin were noted in the Otley area, by the 9th numbers had risen to over 200. On the 3rd a Swallow was seen over Stockbridge and Marley had a Green Sandpiper. Eight Twite were noted at our Reservoir Watchpoint and a few at Fly Flatts and Cold Edge Dams where they also had a Raven and a Wheatear. Silsden Reservoir had two Whoopers also on this day (3rd). Up to 200 Golden Plover had assembled at Glovershaw (4th) and a Wheatear passed through Whetstone Gate.

It was a good time to be at Barden Scale with displaying raptors entertaining the members, 17 Whoopers passed on the 5th. On the 6th the first of six Ospreys noted throughout the area, passed the watch site and another went by at 10.50am on the 8th. Members watching at Leeshaw saw an Osprey on 15th and 21st. Wharfedale watchers again were rewarded on the 16th when an Osprey went towards the east, and another passed by on the 19th.

The first Common Sandpiper was seen, having just arrived, at Cottingley on the 9th. Two Ring Ouzel were noted around Coldstone Beck (11th) and a Little Ringed Plover was seen in Wharfedale (12th). Trough Lane was undoubtedly the most reliable spot for Wheatears with six on the 13th rising to 18 by the 29th.

The first Pied Flycatchers (a pair) were spotted in Hirst Wood (17th). Sunday 23rd was a settled, sunny day which brought forth a clutch of early arrivals with the first Sedge Warbler and House Martin, and a very obliging Whitethroat at Stockbridge, Tree Pipit at St. Ives and Timble where there was also a Redstart. A Common Tern and a Swift passed through Otley on this date (23rd). The improvement in the weather produced a Spotted Flycatcher in Middleton Woods (24th) and a Cuckoo and Yellow Wagtail at Leeshaw (25th). The first Garden Warbler was heard at Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits on the 29th.

In contrast to summer migrants, some of our winter visitors were still with us. 150 Fieldfare were at Clifton (3rd), 20 Redpoll at Norwood Edge (5th) and over 30 were in St. Ives (9th) and 50 by 23rd. A few Brambling visited a Riddlesden garden on the (11th), and some were seen in Queensbury (16th), but over 50 of these birds had congregated on the Chevin on the 22nd.Over 50 Waxwing attracted attention outside the Surgery in Baildon (17th), 20 were counted in Queensbury and 4 in Cullingworth (26th).

Other interesting records from around the region showed that six Mandarin ducks were on the Wharfe near Bolton Abbey (12th), a Sandwich Tern passed over Laycock (19th), a couple of Whimbrel at Otley Wetlands (20th), from an undisclosed site a male Marsh Harrier (21st) and on that date at Trough Lane a pair of Black Redstart.

It was pleasing to report that during the month, Yellowhammers had been seen at Sconce and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker were seen in the Washburn (10th) and Strid Woods (19th) together with a Marsh Tit.