The weather during August was disappointing, after the very high temperatures of July we were subjected to long unsettled periods, with heavy downpours, cooler temperatures, and strong north and north-westerly breezes.

Despite the relatively poor weather, members’ attention was focused on the changing conditions and any signs of reverse-migration. These were most apparent with the movement of post-breeding summer migrants at reliable sites such as our moorland watch-point, Barden Scale, Glovershaw, Paul Clough and Fly Flats. There was also the additional incentive to spot a rare passage gull or wader on the fields around Cullingworth, on the exposed mud at the moorland watch-point, or Otley Wetland Nature Reserve

On the 1st of the month an adult Turnstone in full summer plumage was at the moorland watch-point together with a juvenile Dunlin, two Ringed Plovers and two Yellow-legged Gulls. These latter Gulls were present for the first week of August occasionally joined by a Mediterranean Gull. On the 4th, four Dunlins were seen there, on the 6th two Whimbrels passed through and the next day a Little Ringed Plover. Visitors to the moorland site on the 14th included nine Ringed Plovers and on the 21st eighteen Shelduck and a female Red-brested Merganser. On the 20th a Green Sandpiper was briefly at Stockbridge, two Greenshanks were at Lindley Woods Reservoir (20th), and four Black-tailed Godwits were on the exposed mud at John o’ Gaunts (12th).

Wheatears were probably the most prominent amongst the passage migrants with sightings from a variety of places. Over 80 of these birds were reported to the website with a high of nine at Glovershaw and Trough Lane (28th) and good numbers at Birch Close Lane, Nab Water Lane and Keighley Moor. Stonechats and Whinchats were also leaving their breeding areas and passing along moorland fringes. Quiet high counts of these birds were seen, particularly at Glovershaw where separate family parties of six and five Stonechats were noted (24th), and five Whinchats were using the field alongside the Glen Road. A pair of Spotted Flycatchers stayed around Golcar Farm, Glovershaw for most of the month and nine of these birds passed through Paul Clough (25th). The movement of Tree Pipits was noted with sightings of five at Denholme Clough and the same number at the moorland watch-point (26th).

Raptor watchers reported two sightings of Marsh Harrier (4th and 25th) and an Osprey (25th), with good numbers of Buzzards, Red Kites and a solitary Hobby (6th).

Of other interesting reports there was a Black Redstart (4th), and Yellow Wagtail (26th) at the moorland watch-point, and on the 4th a Willow Tit was caught and ringed at Otley Wetland, and on the 11th a Lesser-spotted Woodpecker was seen at Hirst Wood.