BIRD OF THE MONTH

David Tattersley found and photographed this Water Rail on the River Calder at Horbury on 22nd December. Rare shots from our area of this difficult to see and camera shy species.

Dave Pogson made this excellent find of a Rock Pipit at Deer Hill, 9th to 12th October
Photos courtesy of David Pennington and David Tattersley.

Up to three Black Redstarts were in the Langsett area from 4th September into October.
Photos courtesy of David Pennington and David Tattersley.

A 'wader fest' started in July and built up in August, with low water and large exposed margins on several resevoirs attracting several species of passage birds, perhaps most notably this Ruff at Ingbirchworth on 16th and 17th August. Photos courtesy of David Pennington.

Common Scoter made appearances during the month at Broadstones, Blackmoorfoot and Scout Dike. These photos from Scout Dike, courtesy of David Pennington

Grasshopper Warblers made appearances during the month at Clayton Hall Farm, Blackmoorfoot, Yateholme and Horbury. These photos from Horbury, courtesy of David Tattersley.

David Pennington found this Grey-headed Wagtail at Deer Hill on 10th May, a just reward for much hard work.

These Crossbills were photographed at Langsett on 10th April by Nick Mallinson

A party of four Whooper Swans (two adults and two immatures) visited Blackmoorfoot Reservoir on 26th March.

A Ring-billed Gull showed intermittently at Sands Lane GP from 23rd to beyond the month end.
Photos courtesy of David Pennington, field sketch by Russ Boland.

A drake Smew was first seen at Horbury on 28th December 2009 and on various dates to at least 3rd February 2010. Photos courtesy of David Pennington.