November continued to provide further helpings of birds seen during October, with only a few noteworthy sightings. It was mild in the early days but a cold snap from the middle onwards brought a few more winter ducks and geese. The number of wintering ducks and geese was particularly poor with few sizeable flocks recorded. 123 Wigeon at Lindley Wood Reservoir (5th) and 70 Teal at Sandbeds Flash, were the only occasion when a reasonable flock of Ducks was sighted, though two Pintail on Silsden Reservoir (19th), a Red-breasted Merganser (6th), a male Shoveler at Redcar Tarn (6th) and a female Scaup and a Ruddy Duck at Otley Wetlands (28th) were the other highlights. Two Bewicks at Leeshaw (10th) was the only record sent to us of wintering swans in the area. The passage of birds through the watchpoints slowed considerably after an initial burst of Fieldfare (582) and Redwing (421) on the 5th. On that day 1157 Woodpigeons passed our moorland watchpoint.

Members on the watch for raptors reported sightings of Hen Harrier, Red Kite, Pergrine, Buzzard and Merlin from a number of locations.Winter visitors included a snow bunting at Whetstone Gate (15th), and also on this day, three Madarin Ducks at the Strid. A few Waxwings were noted at Crossflatts, (19th), Burley (21st) and in the centre of Ilkley (29th). Parties of Brambling were moving in with 32 at Caldene Fields (1st) and Crossbills were seen at Timble and there was a flock of six in Fewston Car Park (9th).There were Jack Snipe records from Soil Hill (5th) and Caldene Fields (20th) and Water Rails were present at Stockbridge throughout the month. a single bird was heard by the Coppice Pond at St. Ives (6th).Mild weather during the early part of the month encouraged Lapwings to stay in the area with 400 at Denton Park (9th) and over 300 at Bowling Back Lane (16th), a flock of 200 at Glovershaw was accompanied by 25 Golden Plover (15th).The remnants of summer lingered on into the month with a Ring Ouzel at Soil Hill (5th) and two Skylarks on the 27th. On this day, a male Blackcap was seen in an Otley garden.

Of general interest was a Water Pipit at Marley (17th), and a first winter Little Gull at Leeshaw (7th)