July’s weather was rather average, it was dominated by a westerly airflow that brought lots of cloud, some rain and a steady breeze making for unspectacular birding. Only a few waders were seen on passage, mostly at the moorland watchpoint, Cononley Ings and occasionally where there were limited areas of exposed shoreline.

Two adult Mediterranean Gulls were seen at Cononley Ings (12th) and single birds at Redcar Tarn (18th) and the moorland watchpoint (25th). A Yellow-legged Gull was here two days later and on that day a Greenshank, a Whimbrel and four Dunlin passed through. A Green Sandpiper was reported on Redcar Tarn on the 30th, and it was here that a Little Tern was also watched on the same day. Other Terns in the area, were two Commons, seen occasionally at the private wetland site, and an Arctic Tern was feeding over Leeshaw Reservoir (15th).

Breeding Whinchats were seen by members near Upper Barden Reservoir, Whetstone Allotments (10th) and at Leeshaw Reservoir (9th) where a family party of six were located. Stonechats, now on their second broods, were again prominent from a wide variety of locations including Whetstone Allotments, Beamsley, Glovershaw and on Barden Moor where numbers were very good.

Spotted Flycatcher is always a delight to see and this month members reported their presence at Folly Hall and Barden Tower where feeding was taking place. Breeding Tree Pipits could be seen at Timble and Stainburn Plantation.

Of the sumer migrants a Grasshopper Warbler at Timble (3rd) and two Reed Warblers at the private wetlands (4th) were amongst the highlights. Unusually, two Turtle Doves were seen at Leatley (16th). Returning Wheatears were recorded towards the end of the month and other signs that summer is quickly passing by, came on the 27th, when 500 Swifts passed over the moorland watchpoint.

Sightings of Hobbies came during the early part of the month from between Otley and Askwith, and another was seen near Lindley Wood Reservoir (4th). A Short-eared Owl, successfully hunting over the moorland edge at Glovershaw (29th), was witnessed by a member.

Crossbills were recorded at Timble (2nd), a Wharfe Valley site, and surprisingly, in a Baldon Garden (3rd) and an old favorite, the White Stork, made a couple of ventures into our territory during the month.