In a peak migration month, September proved to be as interesting and exciting as usual with some good sightings being reported via the website. On the 1st, four Curlew Sandpipers and eight Dunlin, called briefly at Thornton Moor Reservoir. Two Curlew Sandpipers and a Dunlin were present on the following day and at the well-watched Paul Clough, eighteen Siskins passed through. Two days later over 50 Siskin were noted at this excellent spot. Over 1300 Swallows were recorded over Thornton Moor Reservoir (4th) and 25 Snipe were seen at Cold Edge Dams.

A Marsh Harrier was seen over Ilkley Moor (7th) and a Wryneck at TMR where Meadow Pipit numbers were rising by the day, with 787 on the 11th. At this Member’s Only Reserve an adult Mediterranean Gull on the 12th and a roost of 22 Goosander on the following day and two Ruff (15th). Roosting Goosander numbers had climbed to 36 by the 17th and on that day at Doe Park a Bar-tailed Godwit and 34 Pink-footed Geese were noted.

A Little Egret was at Cringles Lane, Silsden on the 18th and an Osprey was over Oxenhope on the 20th of the month. 628 Meadow Pipits were counted in Paul Clough (21st) and also five Ring Ouzels, twenty-two Redpoll and a large flock of finches. On the same day, over 1000 Mipits were recorded at the TMR Watchpoint. It was here that the first Snow Buntings were seen (25th) with four birds, together with nearly 2000 Meadow Pipits, 64 Golden Plover, nine Ringed Plover and fourteen Snipe. Throughout the latter days of September high numbers of Meadow Pipits were recorded from many places, another good day was the 28th when over 2000 were seen over Thornton Moor.

On the 29th, a Peregrine was seen by a passenger from Keighley station, and a note of concern was expressed at the sight of seven Cormorants on the Eldwick Compensation Reservoir (3rd) taking advantage of the reduced water-level.