December started very wet and windy and then a settled period of cold, dry weather preceded a return to wet weather as the year ended.

This was a month of few highlights, with the exception of a very late Greenshank at Fly Flatts (9th) and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, west of Silsden (2nd). Duck numbers built up during the month, but not to the levels we associate with winters of ten or more years ago. A Red-crested Pochard and a male Scaup were at the private wetlands in Wharfedale, the latter being there for most of the month. Here Tufted Duck numbers had reached a high of 38 (9th) and there was a flock of 25 at Redcar Tarn (5th). Goldeneye were reported in small numbers from various sites around the area with the biggest group, a flock of over 20, seen at the Private Wetlands (16th) and a flock of nine along the Wharfe near Manor Park Bends. Single numbers of Pochards were reported from Redcar Tarn (30th), Yeadon Tarn (18th), Knotford Nook (8th) and the private wetlands (16th) where 24 Wigeons had gathered (16th).

The heavy rain of early December produced ideal conditions for ducks on the water meadows of Airedale. A flock of 45 Teal had assembled at Cononley Ings (5th) and two days later, they were joined by three Shoveler and three Pintail. On this day (7th), two Redshanks were feeding on the flooded area accompanied by over 350 Lapwings. All this activity attracted the attention of a Merlin which was seen hunting over Silsden Floods on the 30th. Other over-wintering flocks of Lapwings could be seen at Cullingworth Fields (150), Yeadon Tarn (150), Chelker Reservoir (600) and Redcar Tarn (400), and it was on this small lake where a male Shoveler was seen (23rd). A Golden Plover flock was noted at Chelker (9th) and Water Rails continued to be heard and occasionally seen at Stockbridge, reports suggesting that they were also present at Bingley South Bog and at the private wetlands in Wharfedale. A group of six Snipe were airborne on Soil Hill (16th) and a Jack Snipe was flushed at Fly Flatts on the same day.

Crossbills continued to be seen at Timble Ings during the month, and at the private wetland site, 75 Siskins were feeding (16th) whilst another smaller group of 30 were seen at East Riddlesden Hall (22nd). A roost of 40 Goldfinchs was discovered near Weecher Reservoir (25th) and at Stockbridge there was evidence of Water Vole activity (30th).