RUDDY SHELDUCK Tadorna ferruginea
Scarce vagrant and possible escapee
2009 -
A female with Greylag Geese at Lindley Wood on 6th January was one of the few recorded in the Group area, but could well have been an escape.
2012 -
One was present at Cononley Ings for two weeks from 30th June. A scarce bird in the area, but an escape is probable.
2016
- A probable male was with Canada Geese at Otley Wetland on 27th June
EGYPTIAN GOOSE Branta bernicla
Scarce visitor/possible escapee.
1987
A wandering individual was at Baildon Bridge on 27th May and a pair frequented Otley Gravel Pits between 4th June and 15th August.
1990
A bird discovered at Elland Gravel Pits on 25th February stayed until 21st April.
1991
A single at Leeshaw on 13th March.
1996
One was recorded at Copgrove Lake on 30th March.
1998
This unusual species was reported from Otley Gravel Pits on several dates between 30th March and 31st May. It was un-ringed, and was described as a ‘grey phase’ bird.
2002
There were two records: a bird was at Otley Gravel Pits on 15th May and another at Doe Park Reservoir on 13th August.
2003
On 4th January, one flew over Glovershaw, heading for Shipley Glen.
2010
Three were seen at Otley Wetland on 3rd April.
2011
Last year’s birds were followed up by two at Redcar Tarn from 27th August to 6th September (IH et al).
2012
A bird (considered an escapee), seen around Ilkley on many dates between 14th April and 3rd October may have been the one reported from Otley Wetland on 2nd February.
2013
There were just two reports. One was a bird seen with Canada Geese in a field near Leeshaw Reservoir on 24th May and another was a bird seen in the Ilkley area during 2012. This latter, considered to be an escapee, was still there on 16th June
2016
- What may well have been the same pair was seen on the Washburn Valley reservoirs on several dates between July and October. Specific sightings were at John o’Gaunt’s on 25th July and 31st October, Scargill on 29th August, 11th and 28th September and 2nd October, and at Fewston three days later.
2017
- One was at Knotford Nook between 2nd and 11th May.
2018
- Two were at Knotford Nook on 27th June.