Otley Wetland held a singing bird in May and June in the purposely-created phragmites reedbed. Ringing studies at the same site in July yielded four adults and a juvenile.

It was thought more would be present but inclement weather in early August prevented further sessions. Up to two birds were noted at Elland Gravel Pits but no evidence of breeding was forthcoming.

The first record of 2005 was a singing bird at Silsden on 28th May. This relatively late arrival was mirrored at Otley Wetland Nature Reserve, which has, since the creation of a phragmites reedbed, become the species’ stronghold locally. There, the first reported birds were seen on 1st June, and the last record was dated 7th August, though it is possible birds were there after that.

Up to five singing males were present at Otley, but the only breeding report was of two pairs feeding young. However, in the absence of any ringing activity at the site in 2005, this may not represent the total breeding success there of this elusive species. At Elland Gravel Pits, which used to be the area’s only breeding location, food-carrying was observed in late June.

The creation of the phragmites bed at Otley Wetland means this is now a reliable location for the species, and, with the exception of one report, all the 2006 records came from there.

At least one singing male had returned by 8th May, and up to three birds were heard mid-month, and on three days in June. On the 29th an additional pair was seen carrying food, and this was until then the only indication that breeding had taken place. However, subsequent ringing activity accounted for 12 juvenile birds, indicating that at least some of these had been raised in the area.

Song continued to be heard on three days in July, but the only record here after 18th July, was a bird, presumably on migration, on 3rd September. However, two days earlier Stockbridge Nature Reserve had broken Otley’s monopoly with another obviously relocating bird.

In the main, only two locations held this warbler, the now usual ones of Stockbridge and Otley Wetland, which last site had the first back on 29th April and the final three birds on 14th September. The exception was Denholme Clough, where there was an excellent find of a migrant on 27th August.

At least four singing males were heard at Otley on a number of occasions, but it was Stockbridge, with probably just one pair, which took pride of place, as successful breeding was proved there for the first time in August, when two fledged young were seen with parents. Whilst food-carrying was noted at Otley Wetland in the same month, nothing more specific was forthcoming.