October was a very mild month with temperatures mostly above average with 70 degrees being recorded on 27th. Precipitation was relatively low until the wind changed to a westerly direction in the latter half of the month and the rainfall increased accordingly.

It was a month with a reasonable selection of species, evidence of winter visitors, and considerable numbers of more common species on migration.

Meadow Pipits continued to pour through the watch-points with nearly 1900 on the 2nd but this tailed off significantly towards the middle of the month. A movement of passerines resulted in 63 Siskin being noted at Paul Clough along with 268 Chaffinch and 150 Redpoll on the 2nd as 82 Swallows also passed through TMR, with the last one recorded on the 11th. On this day a Grey Plover and Red-throated Diver were seen passing over Denholme Clough as small flocks of Mistle Thrush began to establish a presence at various locations. Single records of Chiffchaff and Blackcap were received with the former still around on the 30th.

Water Rail was calling at Stockbridge Reserve where up to three birds had taken up residence, and a Ring Ouzel passed through TMR on the 22nd. Stonechats were seen in small family groups with Glovershaw and Sandwith Moor being the best places.

On the 13th 150 Pink-footed Geese flew over TMR at regular intervals and the first Snow Bunting of the season was noted at this watch-point, followed four there days later by four Lapland Bunting. Observers on Soil Hill, Queensbury recorded a Jack Snipe (16th) that seemed to be there until the end of the month. Soil Hill supplied us with records of reverse migration when both Greenland and Northern Wheatear were noted and there was also a report of Twite and a Raven at this spot.

Redwing were first recorded on the 7th from TMR and this heralded a major influx that started with a flood a week later with 610 (14th), 866 (15th), 1173 at Caldene Fields (18th), with observers at TMR recording 1400 on the 26th. Fieldfare numbers began to pick up from about the 18th and on the 26th, 2700 flooded past the TMR watch-point.

Timble Ings appeared to be a reliable spot to see Redwing going into roost. Timble was also a good place to see Brambling and Crossbill with over 250 and 15 (22nd) respectively. Ring Ouzel were still to be seen on the 30th with two birds on the moorland around Kex Gill.

Winter ducks were gathering within the area with Wigeon, Tufted, Pochard and Goldeneye reported from around the region and Golden Plover numbers were increasing with their favoured spot being Sandwith Moor, it produced 150 (29th), but Bowling Back Lane in the centre of Bradford had over 200 (28th).