September was predominantly mild and dry, until the final week, when the weather became unsettled. Conditions for migration were not always what we would have liked, and it was not until the weather changed at the end of the month, when flocks of Redwings arrived and Swallows departed in large numbers, that birding became particularly interesting.

The first winter thrushes were seen at Paul Clough on the 22nd when a single Redwing and a Fieldfare flew over. By the 27th, Redwings were surging into the country, as 3850 were counted during a four hour period at the moorland watch-point, and over 5000 had been reported by the month end. As this was happening, Swallows were leaving in large numbers with up to 5000 birds counted moving southwards during the month. Over 1000 Swallows passed the moorland watch-point on the 9th, and on this date the flood of passing Meadow Pipits began and by the end of the month, over 8000 had been counted. Pink-footed Geese were also seen passing over various locations with skeins of over 100 at the moorland watch-point on 26th and 30th.

Other passing migrants of note included Ring Ouzels which were seen at the moorland watch-point, and at Lower Barden and on six occasions at Paul Clough. Spotted Flycatchers were seen at seven different locations, including Villa Road in Bingley, and a Redstart was noted in Denholme Clough on two occasions (2nd and 9th). 76 Wheatears were seen, at the usual places, with the highest counts being eight at Nab Water Lane (3rd and 6th) and Glovershaw (8th).

Stonechats have now become a relatively common moorland bird, and September is the perfect month to see family parties. This very attractive bird was very much in evidence, with 30 records of 110 birds seen throughout the region on our moorland fringes. Its close cousin the Whinchat seems to have had a good month with 14 reports, Nab Water Lane, Oxenhope and Glovershaw, Baildon, being the most likely location.

The final passing of summer was recorded by the presence of Whitethroats at Glovershaw (4th), Stockbridge (6th), Slippery Ford (9th), and three Reed Warblers at Otley Wetland (15th). A Wood Warbler in Denholme Clough on the 3rd and a Swift over the moorland watch-point (22nd) were certainly highlights.

Winter passerines were becoming more common during the month with the first Bramblings seen at the moorland watch-point (27th and 30th). Redpoll and Siskin were both recorded with 35 of the former in Denholme Clough (22nd) and about 100 of the latter species at Paul Clough (20th). Three Crossbills were seen bathing in Kettlewell Reservoir, St. Ives (9th), and four more were at Timble (30th).

The high-water levels of our reservoirs has had a devastating affect on migrating waders and as a consequence there were few reports, only a solitary Green Sandpiper calling at Scargill Reservoir on the 3rd was of note.

The most interesting birds of prey consisted of Marsh Harriers, one was seen over Oxenhope (7th) and then a juvenile bird was seen passing Denholme Clough (16th). There was also a report of a Hobby heading towards the Flappit, Cullingworth (23rd) and another over the moorland watch-point (27th).

Sizeable flocks of Mistle Thrushes were seen in the area with the biggest being 42 at Paul Clough (10th). 46 Skylarks were grounded on Norr Hill, Wilsden (25th), 12 Bullfinches passed through Paul Clough (20th) and 16 Twites were seen at Fly Flatts, perilously close to an interested Sparrowhawk!

Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers were reported from Baildon Bank (7th) and Kettlewell Reservoir, in St. Ives (9th). A Red-breasted Merganser visited Ogden Water (29th), a Black Redstart was still present on Soil Hill until the 3rd, and a male Common Scoter was seen from the moorland watch-point (20th). The exotic sighting of the month was probably a Rose-ringed Parakeet which was seen by many people who visited Shipley Glen during the second week of the month.