November was generally more anticyclonic than a 'normal' November, with above average sunshine and a couple of unsettled periods either side of mid-month.

Snow Buntings were the most interesting winter passerines seen during the the month with observers at the Moorland Watch-point noting the first arrival (3rd) and on Soil Hill (11th) where seven birds were seen. During the month, other sightings were reported of up to four birds at Soil Hill.

Small flocks of Redpolls, Siskins and some Bramblings were reported from Timble Ings, the Moorland Watch-point, St. Ives, Stockbridge, Sun Lane Reserve, East Riddlesden Hall and Otley Wetland.

Raptor watchers in the Wharfe Valley regularly reported Hen Harriers, Peregrines and occasional Ravens.

There was a slower than expected build-up of wintering ducks with only small numbers reported. Goldeneye were seen at Otley Wetlands, Knotford Nook, the Moorland Watch-point and Wigeon in very small flocks at Swinsty (2nd), Knotford Nook (9th), Redcar Tarn (15th) and at Otley Wetlands where 24 birds were seen (24th). A Gadwall was at Knotford Nook (9th) and a Red-crested Pochard at Otley Wetland (2nd), whilst 28 Teal were recording at Fewston Reservoir (21st).

Visible Migration watchers recorded a significant passage of Wood Pigeons in the early weeks of the month with around 13 000 counted, the biggest daily total being 5 000 on the 4th. Big numbers of Starlings were also seen during this time with over 700 passing over the Moorland Watch-point (4th). A flock of 300 Golden Plovers were regularly seen in South Bradford, Water Rails were established at Stockbridge and single Knot, Dunlin and Redshank were recorded from around the area. A Jack Snipe was a visitor to a Crossflatts Garden (17th) and one was seen at Skipton Sewage Works together with a Green Sandpiper (16th)

There was a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker by the Pavilion at Bolton Abbey (1st) and 39 Mandarin Ducks were reported from further along the river close to the Strid (8th). Single Water Pipits were seen at Leeshaw Reservoir (12th) and Skipton Sewage Works (10th onwards), and the filter-beds at Dowley Gap contained up to 100 Pied Wagtails (14th).

Nine Whopper Swans stayed at Otley Wetlands for a few hours (9th) and Pink-footed Geese were on the move again with 160 seen heading SW at Queensbury (24th) whilst 200 passed Leathley on the same day.