The Tundra Bean Goose that visited Leeshaw during the month. photo by Sean Gray ©
After the continuing mild weather, February certainly had a sting in its tail with night frosts, snow, but also some wonderfully sunny, clear days.
Redwings continued to use the Grange conifer plantation, about half a mile east of Kildwick. On the 2nd 4650 were counted, most of the birds appearing in small parties and then diving into the trees, a male Sparrowhawk added to the entertainment, as it flew in and out without appearing to succeed in its quest. At about this time in Bowling Back Lane, Bradford a flock of 500 Lapwing were settling down to roost.Buzzard numbers were impressive throughout the month, particularly in the Wharfe Valley where they seem to be establishing a stronghold and Red Kites were often seen in this area. By the 5th, Lindley Wood Reservoir had 89 Goosander and flocks of Siskin with a few Redpoll were reported from Sun Lane, St. Ives and the Wharfe Valley. Up to three Jack Snipe were noted at Otley Wetlands Reserve (12th) and a single bird on Soil Hill. A female Lesser-Spotted Woodpecker was again seen by the Mobile Homes on the western side of Shipley Glen (8th).A first winter Tundra Bean Goose was amongst the Greylags at Leeshaw on the 14th and was still there as the month drew to a close. 30 Brambling were recorded at Bolton Abbey, east of the stepping-stones and seven oystercatchers were on this stretch of the river (17th). Redpolls were seen more widely in the Aire Valley, by end of the month there had been six at Stockbridge (27th) and ten on Baildon Bank (25th). Golden Plovers were also making an appearance around the region with 150 over Thornton Moor (19th), 70 Weecher (26th), 100 in the Wharfe Valley (16th) and 200 at Leeshaw (20th).
Yellowhammer numbers were so far disappointing, with only two males and one female at the feeding site in Sconce Lane (26th). Skylarks were also making an appearance with a high of six at Reva (16th) and a few at St. Ives and Soil Hill. A flock of 50 Goldfinch (5th) in Sun Lane and a count of five Dippers at Goit Stock, Harden was certainly cheerful news and the exotica this month was provided by a Harris Hawk seen being ‘mobbed’ by magpies over Dowley Gap.