Birds were seen in nearly every month, but with only three records covering the final two months of the year, and there was also a surprising absence of garden records. The greatest number of reports came from the south of the recording area, influenced largely by the considerable number of visible-migration records.

Migrating and relocating birds are not normally a feature of this species within the area, but in 2005 a large movement clearly took place, between the end of August and early October. A remarkable total of 182 birds was counted in this period, a Group record, as were several double-figure day counts. These came from Thornton Moor Reservoir and Denholme Clough, as did most of the reports, and started with 25 birds over the second location on 11th September (MD, SJ), which figure was quickly surpassed by 36 at Thornton Moor four days later (DCB). Denholme Clough produced further totals of 20 on 22nd September, and 28 on 2nd October.

Elsewhere, and earlier in the year, up to five birds were seen at St. Ives, including one singing on 19th March, something not often noted for this species. Breeding clearly took place at this location, as a young bird was seen in July. It was also reported from nearby Druid’s Alter, and birds carrying nest material were seen in Low Wood, near Keighley.

A good number of records is reflected in the better spread of sightings throughout the year, and the larger numbers of birds seen, other than on migration. After last year’s exceptional autumn total of getting on for 200 birds, normality returned in 2006, and the seasonal total of 23 is lower than many of the daily counts in 2005.

Aside from this aspect, the highest location day total last year was five. This year it was surpassed on eight occasions when six were seen, and seven were noted at Baildon Bank, Stockbridge, Oxenhope and St. Ives. Whether this indicates a genuine increase in numbers or better coverage remains to be seen. The birds seen at Stockbridge were mobbing a Tawny Owl, whereas a bird at Otley Chevin at the end of May was on the receiving end, when it was chased off by Linnets.After an absence of garden records in 2005, there was a welcome return this year, with ten reports, though only three locations were involved, in Baildon, Ilkley and Ben Rhydding.

Birds were actively disputing and establishing territory in Shipley Glen in March and April, but breeding wasn’t definitely proved there, or, indeed elsewhere. However, there was circumstantial evidence in the form of family parties seen on Ilkley Moor and at Baildon Bank, and birds were also thought to have bred in the Glovershaw area.

Jay continues to be a popular bird, with around 175 records, and good numbers of birds seen. Though many of these were on migration, the reports tend to indicate a genuine increase in the local population.

Last year, parties of more than five birds were noted on eight occasions: this year it was attained 23 times. Particularly notable counts were eight birds in Shipley Glen, nine at Tong Street, ten at Warley Moor Reservoir, 14 at St. Ives, and up to 15 at Denholme Clough. Many of these counts were made during visible migration watches, when a good seasonal total of getting on for 100 birds was logged; over four times more than last year. An impressive 42 birds passed through Denholme Clough, and there were 17 at Warley Moor, and 15 at Paul Clough.

The high count at St. Ives was made in April, just prior to the breeding season, when the birds were described as being almost conversational, but no subsequent breeding success was established. However, this was generally better-reported than in 2006, with probable breeding suspected in Shipley Glen, and the presence of family parties confirming it near Oxenhope and at Riddlesden. The last referred to garden visitors, and gardens in Ben Rhydding and Baildon also attracted birds, the latter having the high number of five present in August.

A good spread of records from across the area, including an increasing number from suburban gardens. Only one nest was found, and few family groups were seen, but the species appears to be still well-established.