This species was very well recorded from sites ranging right across the area. Although it is almost certain that many pairs bred the only actual confirmation of breeding came from Trough Lane and Thornton Moor, Leeshaw Reservoirs.

There were far too many sites to mention but ones where birds were reported frequently included High Pole Farm at Keighley, Sconce Lane, Denton, Barden, Thornton Moor Reservoir and Lee Lane at Cottingley

From the records received it appears that the population remains healthy, with a spread of records covering every corner of the group’s recording area. Farmland and moorland edge are favoured habitats in the recording area while the high tops and the urban areas tend to be shunned.

Breeding success appears to be in line with previous years.

As a diurnal, and apparently popular owl, this species is well-recorded, and its healthy status in the area appears unchanged.

The many reports came from nearly 40 locations, essentially rural, though birds were seen within four miles of the centre of Bradford. Most concerned single birds, but up to three were seen together on occasion.

Young birds were seen in the Yeadon area, where the population seems particularly healthy, near Barden, St. Ives, Baildon and Leeshaw, and a bird was seen attending a nest on Black Moor, near Oxenhope.

As owls go, Little Owl is usually fairly obliging, and this is reflected in the 90 records from 36 varied locations across the area. Moorland fringes predominated, but there were several reports from the suburbs, and a rare garden record, from Sconce Lane, Baildon.

Breeding was proved near this location, and also took place at John o’ Gaunt’s Reservoir and Marley Hall Farm, somewhat down on last year. Most of the reports concerned single birds, including an interesting one of a bird using a nest-box at Ogden Reservoir as a roost in October and November, and pairs were seen occasionally. The exceptions were four birds at Thornton Moor Reservoir and near Yeadon, and three at Barden and Burley-in-Wharfedale.

The 110 records of this diurnal owl are about average, although the number of locations involved is slightly down. Birds continue to be seen mainly at moorland fringes, but a few can still be found near habitation. One and often two birds was the norm, but with two pairs regularly seen at Leeshaw.

Breeding successes seem to be back to the standards of some earlier years, and were reported from Leeshaw, Glovershaw, Baildon, Askwith, Barden Scale and Coney Warren. At least 13 young were raised.

Still much in evidence right across the Group area, including a few records from the suburbs. Pairs were seen on several occasions, and breeding took place at Leeshaw, Rombald’s Moor, Trough Lane, Barden Fell, and at two sites on Baildon Moor.

Surprisingly, there were no reports of successful breeding, though nests were found at Leeshaw and Hawksworth Moor, and pairs were seen at six other locations. Overall, the common status appears unchanged.