June was mainly dry, with a mixture of heavy overcast conditions and sunny spells; but a strong wind, at times near gale force, was perhaps the dominant feature of the month. There were numerous reports of successful breeding from a range of species, occasionally accompanied by excellent photos taken by members. The main highlights of the month consisted of a pair of breeding Yellow Wagtails between Knotford Nook and Gallows Hill, and a pair of Black Redstarts, seen by members in Bradford City Centre. Elsewhere, three pairs of Stonechats on Baildon Moor produced at least ten juveniles (8th), and pairs of this species, with young birds, were also present at Nab End and on the Whetstone Allotments. A pair of Whinchats were also noted at the latter location, so carrying on the pattern of previous years, and a male Yellowhammer was seen and heard on the Glen Road, at Glovershaw, Baildon (4th).

Of the visiting breeding birds, Garden Warblers seemed quite common this year, particularly prominent in the Washburn Valley and at Gallows Hill, Otley, where five singing males were heard (24th). Whitethroats were also seen here and at nearby Knotford Nook, Sconce, Doe Park, Marley Playing Fields and Stockbridge where adults were seen feeding young birds. Also at our reserve Sedge Warbler and Reed Warbler had both settled in. So far, there were only a few reports of Spotted Flycatcher with reports from Knotford Nook (9th), Barden Bridge (13th), St. Ives (14th) and Low Wood where the adults were feeding juveniles (19th). It was here, that a possible pair of Pied Flycatchers had become established during the month.

Birds of Prey featured during the month with two breeding pairs of Peregrines reported, numerous breeding Kestrels, Buzzards and visiting Hobbies (6th & 17th), a female Marsh Harrier at Otley Wetland (4th), and an Osprey appeared over Leeshaw on the 27th. The following day, a Common Scoter was on this reservoir and another was at the moorland watchpoint.

Sand Martins had established colonies at various locations, including Ponden, Riddlesden, Ben Rhydding and Barden. Common Sandpipers were seen along our rivers and reservoirs and Little Ringed Plovers had bred successfully, by a seasonal pond, besides the A650, and others were reported from Soil Hill and Doe Park Reservoir. Redstarts were reported from John o’ Gaunt’s, Gallows Hill, Strid Wood, Barden Aqueduct and Storiths, where feeding was observed. Crossbill and Siskin were still present with more than 50 of the former in the larches of the adjacent wood at Barden Bridge (13th). Exotic bird of the month was a White Stork over Wharfedale, seen on a couple of occasions from the 15th.