October was another mild month with some unusually warm days and average rainfall.

Autumn migration continued apace, but there were few rarities, attention was taken by a single Black Redstart at the moorland watch-point (1st), a Willow Tit was at nearby Denholme Clough for most of the month and a Dartford Warbler was recorded at Lippersley Pike, Timble (13th to 15th). A Grey Plover was at Denholme Clough (2nd) and another was seen over Timble Ings (18th). A late Swallow passed the moorland watch-point on the 29th and two House Martins were seen over Denolme Clough (24th). The passage of Wheatears was noted at many places including the moorland watch-point (1st), Caldene Fields (1st), Sandwith Moor (2nd) and Glovershaw (9th).

Birds of prey reported within the area included Hen Harrier, Goshawk, Merlin, Pergerine and Red Kite.

Members reported a good influx of Brambling, Redpoll and Siskin and winter Thrushes were seen in increasingly large numbers with 2800 Redwing and 770 Fieldfare passing observers at Paul Clough (27th). It’s early days for Golden Plover, but signs were good, with reports of small flocks at Chelker (25th) and Denolme Clough (23rd). 800 Pink-footed Geese flew over Caldene Fields (9th) and at this site three Shoveler appeared on the 18th.
Two Whooper Swans were using the reservoir at Fly Flatts (24th) and a male Scoter was seen on Thruscross Reservoir (8th).