The weather during March was rather poor. Strong winds from the west brought heavy rain during the first part and the second half was dominated by cold winds from the north which brought snow showers during the third week. The month ended on a quieter note with some sunshine developing.

Despite the rather unsettled conditions, members reported plenty of interest from around the area with some highlights. A Red-throated Diver, was found ‘grounded’ by a local farmer (20th) who, with the help of friends, captured the bird and released it Embsay Reservoir where it remained until the end of the month, happily fishing. A Scaup and Red-crested Pochard were still in residence at Wharfedale’s private wetland site and a Rough-legged Buzzard was seen heading towards the Worth Valley and Airedale on the 29th. An adult Kittiwake was identified on Redcar Tarn (29th) and a Common Scoter frequented Silsden and Chelker Reservoirs (28th), whilst on the previous day an Osprey was seen heading north from the watch-point at Barden. On the 17th, four Waxwings appeared on Church Street, Bingley and were content to feed until into April.

Whooper Swans appeared in small groups around the area with three on Chelker (9th), at least ten on Lindley (20th), six over Wilsden (23rd), seven on Fly Flatts (24th), three on Swinsty (31st) and one bird at the private wetland site (31st). Other interesting visitors included an adult Mediterranean Gull in full adult plumage at Holden Park, Riddlesden (30th) and a Firecrest was photographed whilst visiting a Queensbury garden (16th).

18 Pink-footed Geese were seen on Lower Laithe (1st) and later in the month at Scarhouse Reservoir, 116 dropped in (28th). Golden Plovers were returning to the moorland areas with flocks seen at Moorside Lane, Oxenhope (1st), Leeshaw (16th) and Glovershaw (27th). Curlew also were seen in large flocks with 145 on the flooded fields of Cononley (11th) and another 46 at nearby Silsden. Other birds gathered in good numbers included 92 Teal at Cononley Ings (13th), 44 Oystercatchers near Bolton Bridge (23rd) and 24 Goldeneye at the private wetlands (23rd). Six Redshank were observed on Leeshaw Reservoir (17th), two White Wagtails at Swinsty Reservoir (24th) and a Shelduck was at Cononley Ings (13th).

The ‘Wheatear Count’ was beginning to spring into action with a bird registered on Barden Fell (20th), following which, they were seen on Soil Hill, Fly Flatts, Whetstone Gate, Trough Lane, the moorland watch-point, in addition to more sightings from Barden. Pairs of Stonechats were also noted at most of these places.

The first Sand Martins were seen in Wharfedale (14th), and a Swallow was seen in the Aire Valley on the 30th. A Common Sandpiper on Swinsty Reservoir (24th), was possibly an over-wintering bird re-found and the elusive Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was seen once more on the Higher Coach Road, Baildon (30th) and on the previous day at Cragg Wood.

Saltaire was the place to see exotic birds with an Alexandrine Parakeet, a male Mandarin and an overflying White Stork (9th) making an appearance.