December was a settled, dry, rather cold month and generally very quiet with only a fraction of the normal number of bird reports. The month was however dominated by Waxwings with birds turning up a variety of parks, gardens and those hedgerows with decorative foliage. Reports of these colourful visitors were received from urban areas across the region; Thackley, Shipley, Yeadon, Bradford University, Bingley and the biggest group of 174 on Barkerend Road in Bradford (15th) and 118 in a tree on St. Stephen’s Road, West Bowling (27th). A roost of approximately 50 Waxwings was found at Timble Ings (27th).

Despite the quiet conditions there were, however, some notable sightings, particularly at Snaygill where a Little Egret was flushed by Gulls (2nd) and a Water Pipit was seen (7th to 11th) and photographed. A Water Rail was also heard here and at the Private Wetlands in Wharfedale, but at Stockbridge up to three of these birds could be regularly located.

Large flocks of wintering birds were noted at Denton Hall where a mixed flock of 155 Curlew and over 700 Lapwings had become well established. A flock of 150 Redwing and 50 Fieldfare spent time in the fields behind Brackenhall Centre and a roost of 140 Goldfinch was seen at the ‘triangle’ on Sconce Lane.

The numbers of ducks in the area remained at a very low level with only a Gadwall at Knotford Nook (6th) worthy of note.

The year ended with Mistle Thrush singing at East Riddlesden Hall and Shipley Glen, a Chiffchaff at Dowley Gap, and a male Eider, seen swimming down the River Aire, just above Ireland Bridge (31st).