Page 1

From the Chairman

After a snow free winter and many glorious spring days we are rapidly approaching summer. Where have those spring days gone so rapidly? Two outstanding events fixed it for me. I was lucky enough to take part in the trip to Silverdale for a Nidderdale Birdwatchers away weekend based on the Kent estuary at Arneside.. At Warton Crag we found two Peregrines calling and displaying and Ravens sitting on a nest. We also found two erstwhile members, Sheila and Geoff, on a jaunt down from Scotland, by complete coincidence. Which only goes to prove that birdwatchers flock together. The other outstanding event was an Updale Safari to Scar House where we got not two but three or more male and female Ring Ouzels bouncing about the scree and even on the footpath at the other side of the dam. I heard and saw a female Ouzel giving her scratchy call, a first for me. Now there is all of summer to come. Just look through all the events we have lined up for you. They include an early morning walk at Strid Woods on May 17th, a visit to Malham Tarn and Cove; famous for its Peregrine, Yellow Wagtails and Green Woodpeckers on June 13th. A full day at Flamborough Head with a guided morning walk led by Richard Baines, local ornithologist and conservationist on June 22nd and a Photography Day at Grimwith Reservoir on July 11th and there are many more mouth watering events to enjoy with your ice-cream. Happy bird watching

Ros Wade

Flying Times The Newsletter of Nidderdale Birdwatchers

Issue Summer 2014

On Thursday 27th Feb, whilst walking along the river Laver, I thought I heard a Sedge Warbler, and then I thought it might be a Reed Warbler and then I realised it is not April yet. Any ideas?

Sue Harrison February the first, and the first sighting of a blue tit investigating a nest box - one of ours at Glasshouses Dam. Spring’s on its way!

Tony Knowles 26th Feb Just thought i’d let you know my pair of oyster catchers came back onto my barn wall this last weekend-they didn’t stay long but it was great to see them-this is the 4th year they have returned !!

Angus Gosman 2nd April June Atkinson of Harrogate NATS reports 2 pairs of Ring Ouzel and 3 Wheatear at Scar Reservoir yesterday.

Ros Wade 27th April We had a super walk early on Easter Saturday morning from Barden

Bridge to Bolton Abbey and counted 8 male Pied Flycatchers. At the

shelter half way down, we had very close views of birds coming for seed, Tits, Finches, Nuthatches, 2 pairs of

Mandarin Ducks, - and a wood mouse. Tony &

Alwin Knowles

Contents Page

From the Chairman Chirps

1

Club events for your diary

2/3

Your pin-up of summer events

4

Reports on Club events

5/8

Red Kites Club News & Notices

9

10/11

Pete’s Corner Contacts

12

Page 2

SUMMER EVENTS PROGRAMME The description of each outdoor event gives the name and contact details of the Event Organiser. Please let the Organiser know if you intend to go on a trip. This does not mean that you cannot

attend at the last minute but trips may be cancelled if there appears to be insufficient interest, so we need to know in advance who wants to go. Some events demand a reasonable level of fitness

depending on distances and terrain to be covered so if in doubt contact the organiser. Under 16s should be accompanied by an

adult on all outdoor events. Non members are welcome at events. We would also advise that you check the website or ring the Organiser just before the event to ensure that it is still happening and the arrangements haven’t changed.

The rendezvous point for car sharing is the car park in Pateley Bridge opposite Towler’s newsagent at the bottom of the High Street unless otherwise notified.

An all day visit to the North York Moors with a visit to Danby Beacon. Will there be Dotterel? The magnificent views should be accompanied by the call of the Golden Plover and Curlew and other moorland birds. We will visit the Esk valley woods and The Moors Centre, the National Park visitors centre where there is currently an exhibition by Peter Hicks, painter of wonderful landscapes. Bring a packed lunch. Meet at PBCP 8.30 or The Moors Centre, Danby at 10.00(car park fee). To find the Centre, travel up the A19 to the A172 to Stokesley, then the minor road east to KIldale and then Danby. The visitor centre is beyond Danby on the Lealholm road. The organiser is Sheila Nash

Saturday 17th May Strid Woods

An early morning visit listening for the 'Dawn Chorus' in this beautiful area of Wharfedale. Bring warm clothing, sturdy footwear and a flask. Meet at 6am at Pateley bottom car park opposite Towlers. The organiser is Colin Slator

Friday 9th May Danby Beacon and Woods and Moors of North York Moors National Park

Monday 19th May (Evening) Evening Walk from Ripley – Nidderdale Greenway

An evening walk exploring the wildlife of this new cycle and walking route between Ripley and Harrogate. The path follows the course of the old Nidd Valley Railway which was closed in 1964. Meet at Pateley bottom car park opposite Towlers at 6pm to car share or 6.30pm at Killinghall Old Bridge. (This is just off the A61 on the left immediately after the new traffic lights and there is plenty of parking here). The organiser is Will Rich

Picture courtesy of Matt O’Brien

Page 3

We take the boardwalk to explore the unique habitat of Malham Tarn NNR raised bog, which should be full of warblers and other songbirds. After a break in the National Trust’s hide overlooking the Tarn, we will drive via YWT’s delightful globeflower wood to the south side of the Tarn to look for yellow wagtails around Malham Water. There is the option to make a full day by driving down to the main carpark in the village (loos, cafes) and walking back to the RSPB Peregrine watch at the cove, where Little Owls, Redstarts and Green Woodpeckers are also regularly seen. Meet at Pateley at 8.30am or in the old quarry (carpark) on the Settle-Arncliffe road on the north side of the tarn at GR883672 at 9.30am. The organiser is Lesley Knight

Monday 21st July (Evening) Duck Street Quarry

Monday 16th June (Evening) Timble Ings

This is an evening walk and bird watch through the woods and clearings at Timble on the edge of moorland. We hope for Tree Pipit and for Long-eared Owls. For those who would like to, we will wait until dusk for roding woodcock and to see if night-jars are present. For car sharers meet at the Pateley rendezvous at 7 pm or if going direct at 7.30pm at the parking area in Timble which can be reached by taking the Otley road from the A59 at Blubberhouses and turning right at Timble/Swinsty crossroads; there is parking on the left a few hundred metres along this track.PS Bring midge repellent! The organiser is Ros Wade

Sunday 22nd June Flamborough Head

Friday 11th July Photography Day at Grimwith Reservoir with Veronica Caperon

Veronica is a professional photographer based in Austwick who leads photography walks and workshops for groups including RSPB. We meet in Pateley Bridge Council Chamber at 9.30. After an introduction to the workshop we will proceed to Grimwith and take a short stroll around the shore and adjacent woods looking for photogenic habitats, preferably with birds in, and the views for ambience. Veronica’s style is informal: she will advise on choosing and framing interesting images and provide technical tips and advice for all types of camera and levels of experience. Weather permitting, we will have a picnic lunch (loos available) and later in the afternoon return to Pateley to review our efforts. Bring a memory stick or PC connector and a laptop/tripod if you like. *If you take a camera, the fee for the day will be £35, but non photographers are welcome to come along and bird watch without charge. The organiser is Lesley Knight

Friday June 13th (half or full day) Malham Tarn and Cove

This is a full day trip including a 2 hour guided morning walk by Richard Baines who is a local ornithologist and conservationist. He will tell us about wildlife conservation on Flamborough Head and give us up to date information about local bird sightings. There will be time to explore the area further after lunch. Meet at Flamborough Head Lighthouse car park at 10.15pm. ( There are toilets and 2 cafes). *There will be a charge for this visit to cover the cost of the guided walk. This will be no more than £5 and depends on the number attending The organiser is Chris Seaman

A natural history evening on Greenhow. This nature reserve on Greenhow is marvellous for flowers and butterflies and we should see some birds too. Bring a flower guide and/or butterfly book if that is your interest. Meet PBCP at 6.30 or 6.45 in the layby outside Duck Street Quarry The organiser is Sheila Nash

Page 4

A NEW PIN-UP FOR YOUR KITCHEN NOTICE BOARD

to remind you of what’s on offer this summer and early autumn

Month Date Venue and Type of Event Organiser

May Friday 9th Danby Beacon and Forest Full day trip

Sheila Nash

Saturday 17th Strid Woods Early morning walk

Colin Slator

Monday 19th Ripley – Nidderdale Greenway Evening Walk

Will Rich

June Friday 13th Malham Tarn and Cove Half or full day trip – your choice

Lesley Knight

Monday 16th Timble Ings Evening Walk round the NT Woods

Ros Wade

Sunday 22nd Flamborough Head Full Day Trip with guided walk There will be a charge for the walk

Chris Seaman

July Friday 11th Photography Day at Grimwith Photography with Veronica Caperon Charge (£35) for photographers only

Lesley Knight

Monday 21st

Duck Street Quarry Evening Walk

Sheila Nash

August Friday 8th Staveley Half Day Visit

Monday 18th Pateley to Glasshouses Ramble Evening Walk

September Friday 12th Blacktoft and Alkborough A full day visit

Monday 15th Kamchatka Travels by Tony Knowles An illustrated talk at The Royal Oak

Monday 22nd Nidderdale Show Visit the Club stand at the Show

Saturday 27th Hackfall Half day trip

Page 5

CLUB EVENTS Reports from members on past outings

It was a surprisingly dry and bright Valentine’s morning and on arrival at Nosterfield reserve some of the twelve members were greeted by the song of a Skylark. This was one of many excellent sights and sounds during our visit. Simon Warwick very kindly met up with us and gave an overview of the birds which were on the reserve as well as pointing out two fighting Skylarks, a Pintail and four Ruff on the main lake. There were reports of well over 1000 Wigeon and over 300 Teal on the reserve. As the weather was fine we decided to walk over to the North Lake which was a new area for some members. On the way we heard and saw a Chaffinch in full song. From the screen at the North Lake we saw flocks of Golden Plover and Lapwing disturbed by a Sparrowhawk. At lunch time a few of us went over to Lingham and managed to increase the species list for the day to at least 44 with views of Redwing, Bullfinch, Shoveler and more. As we left the car park it was starting to rain so a walk to the reed beds to look for Bittern would have to wait for another day. Pete Seaman

Friday 14th February Nosterfield

Adrian Roberts gave us a fascinating insight into his job as a manager of a Shooting Estate. He described how the estate is controlled and how the birds are raised and how an ethical estate deals with predators. A question session after the talk raised some interesting points for discussion.

Monday 17th February Management of a Shooting Estate

Saturday 22nd February South Humberside—Brough Haven and Far Ings

It was great to encounter a new site (for me at least) at Brough Haven. It is a pleasant and safe spot for the five of us to explore the northern banks of the Humber (as Sue Moizer pointed out – we were currently in North Humberland!) Sue and Jill Hicks, our organizers for the day, had carried out a ‘recky’ previously but although the weather was fine and blustery the bird life was rather quiet. With the weather having been so severe lately, the bird count was never going to be that high but Waders were particularly lacking with only distant Curlew, Redshank and Oystercatcher to be seen. Ducks were a little more in number with Shellduck, Goldeneye, Teal, Mallard, Pochard, Tufted and Shoveller. Our trawl along the bank rewarded us with a short viewing of Marsh Harrier, Stone chat, Greenfinch, Pied Wagtail and also Reed Bunting. We then crossed over the Humber to explore the South side at Far Ings. Again this was a new section for me since the area around the new centre with which I am familiar was flooded. Its always good to tap into local knowledge and we soon were armed with information that four Bittern were known to be in residence. The hide, which overlooked the most likely site for Bittern, was rather impressive being two tiered and double sided. In fact, one gentleman had taken up residence and ended up staking out the place all day since early morning. He had managed to capture a Bittern on camera at 8.30am when it had left its favourite spot in a triangle of reeds. He was determined to capture it upon its return, which was calculated to generally be around 3.30pm! The magic hour came and went and some of us lingered, eager to bid the Bittern Goodnight. Although the Bittern got the better of us, our vigil wasn’t in vain. Our focused examination of this small area

(which was basically a cut in between the reeds), revealed close, detailed and persistent views of Snipe (which I now feel I can draw from memory without looking at the book!) For the first time I discovered that their tail feathers can have a beautiful rusty red colour. Their behaviour seemed quite coordinated as a group and their ability to appear and disappear even as you watch them was intriguing. I mustn’t forget to mention the Water Rail that scuttled past in the distance, and I almost forgot to mention the beautifully displaying Great Crested Grebes. Looking at my list which I have just found I discover that in total we had 40 species. Not too bad considering! Many thanks to Jill and Sue. Sue Harrison

Page 6

Ten birdwatchers made it past the armed guards into Foxglove Covert on the 15th March. After meeting up at the visitor centre, we set off on a leisurely tour of the reserve. In the birch woodland we had Chiffchaff (the first of the year for some of us), Willow Tit and Bullfinch and Woodcock as well as the more expected woodland species. In a stand of larches we picked up Siskin and Lesser Redpoll, with a supporting cast of multiple Chaffinches, Greenfinches and Goldfinches. The lake was quiet with just a pair of Mallard and a Moorhen. Stock Dove and Goldcrest were noted in the next patch of woodland, as was Buzzard. Out onto the open part of the reserve next, made up of heath and rough pasture. The wind was wild here and consequently few

birds were seen, though we did have Lapwing and Lesser Black-backed Gull from the hide here. Back towards the visitor centre through a mixture of dense pines with patches of deciduous woodland, which was rather quiet, with Long-tailed Tit, Goldcrest and more Siskin being the only birds of note, as well as two Roe Deer. The feeding station at the centre was the place to be, and we sat with hot drinks and watched two pairs of Bullfinch, five Brambling and multiple Siskins, Redpolls and Great-spotted Woodpeckers, along with the usual tits and finches. A day of quality over quantity, with a total of thirty species seen. Alex Penn

Saturday 15th March Foxglove Covert—Catterick Garrison

Monday 17th March ‘Avian Adventures on the High Seas’

Friday 11th April An Updale Safari

When 11 members met for one of the clubs regular “Updale Safaris” the weather was ideal for exploring this wonderful part of our club recording area. Starting off at the Gouthwaite viewing area the water was almost mill pond still but a little high, not leaving a lot of mud to encourage many waders. Despite this minor setback there was still plenty of action out on the water with views of Goldeneye, Great Crested Grebe, Mallard and the usual Canada and Greylag Geese. Sorting through the many gulls we had mainly Black headed with small numbers of Common and Herring but none of the rarer gulls that have been seen in the Yorkshire area recently. Scanning the fields and hillside across the road from the viewpoint there were Oystercatchers and Pheasants feeding

among the spring lambs as well as Redshanks and a lone Mistle Thrush. It was in this direction that we saw a Red Kite briefly, Common Buzzards in the air and feeding on the ground and a small raptor we could not identify. While at the viewpoint we were entertained by a lot of birdsong including Chiffchaff, Siskin and Goldfinch. Driving further up the Dale we saw both Song and Mistle Thrushes and some of the early Swallows back in the Dale before our next stop by the tunnel on the Scar road. Here we had few birds while looking round the nest boxes probably because of the wood cutting of the roadside trees. A few of us did have good views of a Sparrowhawk with some missing primaries and a distant Kestrel before heading for our final birding stop of the day at Scar House reservoir. From the car park we soon got onto one of our target birds for this spring outing, the Ring Ouzel. One was spotted on the skyline and then at least four others were soon seen playing hide and seek among the the stones of the scree. It was here that we saw our first Wheatear looking as if it was prospecting rabbit holes as likely nest

holes. After this we crossed over the dam and walked along the track towards Lodge. Here we had another good view of a male Ring Ouzel as well as Wheatear and Meadow Pipits both species giving good close up views. Scanning the ridge we had a brief sighting of a Kestrel and what we thought to be a female Merlin over the old quarry. On returning back towards the car park we heard the call of Common Sandpiper but none of us were able to locate the bird along the rocky shore. It was an enjoyable morning taking advantage of the spring-like weather to explore the birdlife of our local area ending the day with a count of 48 species.

Pete Seaman

A good turnout enjoyed sailing by proxy round the coastline of Britain. Sue Harrison had taken some astonish-ingly good pictures of the sea birds encountered on a sometimes hazardous voyage. Sue and husband Alan met all weathers. Sue had caught the drama in her pictures of setting off to places unknown and getting into safe harbour from rough seas. Well done to both Sue and Alan and to Spot the dog for being such fearless seafarers and for

sharing their experience with us of their journey from Portland in Dorset and back in an anticlockwise direction. Ros Wade

Page 7

Friday to Sunday 21st to 23rd March Weekend Trip to Silverdale

Day 1. Fifteen people joined us for all or part of the weekend. The weather was cold after the front cleared, with showers mostly on Saturday. Friday morning was unexpectedly barren as we gathered at the Reserve in Heysham, and not much better at Hess Bank where the cold weather brought the tide in too quickly. There were rafts of eider but not large numbers of waders. Things looked up at Eric Morecambe and Allen hides where there was a flock of Black tailed Godwit in breeding plumage - marvellous! The Spotted Redshank was excellent, Pintails are always a delight, as is Greenshank. A Merlin sheltered from the weather by some driftwood. We made our way to The Olde Fighting Cocks Inn on Arnside Parade - gave us excellent views of the Kent Estuary, especially for those in the right bedrooms! Then a pleasant meal and early to bed for most of us. (We’re not as young as we used to be.) Day 2. Dave, Hannah and Ruth were waiting for us at Leighton Moss from 8.40am, the rest of us gathered there by 10.00AM. We all did our own thing around the Reserve, avoiding the sleety showers. Highlights of the day were the female Long-Tailed Duck, Scaup, two otters, one eating up a fish, and excellent views of Marsh Harriers, male and female. Some of us saw Sand Martins over the water. Followed by excellent lemon drizzle cake and hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream at the café. Later, we re-assembled for a visit to Warton Crags with views of a pair of Peregrines with food and nesting ravens. We had a big and pleasant surprise there when Sheila and Geoffrey from Scotland arrived. They were staying locally and did not know we were in the area! Some of us made a return visit to Morecambe and Allen hides. Back to the hotel for all of us, except Ruth who was visiting her Aunt, for

recuperation before a meal and live music. Day 3. Wonderful morning’s walk from the hotel, up-stream on the Kent estuary to a SSSI of tidal grasslands. There were beautiful views of the snow-capped Lakeland Fells, and the extensive sands of the Estuary as the tide was out. There were numerous Shelduck, a few Redshank and Oystercatcher and one Little Egret. We returned to eat our sandwiches and sat in occasional bursts of sunshine in the pub garden overlooking the estuary. After lunch a few people left and the rest of us walked

southwards along the banks with the intention of walking up the hill searching for summer visitors. Amongst other things, a Goldcrest was spotted and a Crow harrying a Raven. This part of Arnside/Silverdale is an AONB. About 3pm we gathered together for the last time and said our goodbyes.

Written by members of the group.

Run for your lives, guys—it’s the Nidderdale Bird Watchers!!

Page 8

Saturday 26th April Guise Cliff

On a rather damp and foggy morning a group of eleven members and a keen young bird watcher (Holly) met by Glasshouses Dam and set off on the Dam side, hoping to see a Mandarin which had been present for about two weeks, but no luck. There were three Grey Herons perched on top of the boat house and three more on the ground. A few Mallard and Greylag Geese made up the tally for the Dam, but a good find was a Moorhen nest with eggs on the side of the goit. A short stop on the bridge produced a Dipper and a Coal Tit. Most of the birds were heard rather than seen on the way up the wood, but a Willow Warbler was spotted. The main songsters were Wren, Willow Warbler, Blackbird, Chiff Chaff and Blue and Great Tits. Red Grouse at the top was the only moorland bird and Dunnock was seen.

At the tarn on the return was a Mallard with ducklings and a Buzzard and Wood Pigeon overhead. The weather relented as we came down and Great Spotted Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush, Swallow, House Sparrow, Robin, Siskin, Goldfinch , Jay and Rook were the most notable birds. A total of 31 species were seen or heard which was good considering the weather. A cup of coffee at

Greenlea to finalise our list ended our morning walk.

Audrey Summersgill

And an extra Chirp from Audrey Some friends in Glasshouses were sitting in their conservatory and a Song Thrush was singing lustily from the top of a nearby Larch tree. Their attention was drawn to a Great Spotted Woodpecker climbing the trunk of the same tree. The Song Thrush seemed unaware of the Woodpecker until it made a move on him: feathers flew, but no major damage and the Thrush departed hastily.

Seventeen people attended. There was unanimous agreement that the Constitution should be changed to bring it in line with Charity Commission requirements in order that we can apply for Charitable status. This will allow us to ‘Gift Aid’ some of our income and may also help with grant applications. The changes were that should we disband, any remaining funds must be passed to another Charity and also that in future it will be possible to make changes to our Constitution at an Extraordinary General Meeting as

well as at the AGM. Grateful thanks to Sheila Nash and to Ann Crouch for six years of service on the Committee. Under the Constitution no one can serve more than six years without a one year break. Thanks also to Angus who has served five years. He will remain as Membership Secretary. Lynda Fussell has new concerns with a job based in London. She will still be available for advice on the website. All our Committee members have worked hard to make sure we have a growing, healthy organisation. Chris Seaman joins the Committee but we have space for a couple more people, so if you think you might be interested please let one of the Committee know. We have a vibrant and active Society, but this does take some organising, so do please consider if you could help in this way. The evening finished with a bird-related quiz which was enjoyed by all, but modesty forbids us telling you who won. Ros & Sue

Monday 21st April Annual General Meeting

Page 9

Red Kites

WE have all been delighted by the number of Red Kites to be seen in our local skies. This has been a real success story and Angus thought that the following, taken from the Yorkshire Red Kites Website may be of interest. The full article can be read on their website. This issue of the Newsletter (15) highlights two landmarks reached by the Yorkshire Red Kite Project. Firstly, details of 6 further pairs have since been received, bringing the total number of confirmed territorial pairs in 2012 to exactly 100. Secondly, the number of young known to have been raised in Yorkshire nests has now topped the 1000 mark. More information about the birds and the Project is available on the website, where there is also a facility for reporting sightings and other information.

Breeding in 2013: Territorial pairs: The checking of sites which were occupied in 2012 showed 17 territories to be vacant. This was half-expected at two locations, one of the adults from each pair having died due to illegal poisoning and accidental causes, respectively. Both were tagged, one being from the Northern Kites’ release near Gateshead whilst the other was from Wales, the first kite of Welsh origin known to have bred in Yorkshire. Pairs were located at 24 sites at which a presence had not been recorded in 2012. It is likely that these were a combination of new pairs; pairs which had been present but had been previously undetected and some which had moved from other locations. Overall, 99 territorial pairs were located, a fractional decrease on the 2012 figure of 100. It is encouraging that some of these pairs were in new areas, so confirming the gradual geographical spread of the population away from the core area. Three pairs were in residential gardens and 7 pairs were on golf courses. It is of particular concern that the number of pairs in the western part of the established breeding range has significantly reduced. This coincides with the ongoing detection of illegally poisoned birds, this being an issue which is being addressed by Natural England and North Yorkshire Police. Confirmed breeding: 88 breeding pairs were confirmed – 7 fewer than in 2012. 75 pairs were successful and raised at least 144 young. It is highly likely that there were other territorial/breeding pairs which were not located. Sightings: Reports of sightings of Red Kites submitted to our website show how widespread they have become. Of particular interest are the reports of birds seen in urban areas, notably in Leeds. Issue 14 recorded that the Continental Supermarket in Roundhay Road had become a regular landmark for sightings. The late summer saw a spate of records from other urban areas of Leeds, notably Bramley, Armley and Farnley. With single birds already resident in several other areas, including Horsforth, Chapel Allerton, Headingley, Meanwood, Seacroft and Crossgates, it appears that they are intent on emulating the tactics of a particular supermarket chain in having a presence in every postcode area! Similarly, kites are regularly seen over the town centres of Harrogate and Wetherby. However, despite this widespread presence, breeding in an urban area is not yet known to have occurred. A regular presence of kites in a particular area of the North York Moors has been noted in 2013. There has been no confirmation of breeding, but their presence there shows the extent to which the population is expanding. Records of kites from this area would be very welcome. Records of birds, whether singles or pairs, seen to be regularly frequenting a new area are particularly welcome. This helps us to confirm new breeding pairs and monitor the progress of the expanding population. They can be reported either through the website www.yorkshireredkites.net or to the appropriate contact as shown below. Illegal poisoning: Shortly after Issue 14 was published, two further illegal poisoning victims were reported – bringing the number of known deaths from this cause in 2012 up to three – all in North Yorkshire. In May 2013 a further poisoned kite was found less than 2 miles from where one of the 2012 victims was discovered. It had died from the same poison – alphachloralose – and is the 10th confirmed illegal poisoning victim in that general area since 2001. A further casualty was retrieved from that area in mid-October and post-mortem examination results are awaited. There have been at least 25 Yorkshire-related Red Kite illegal poisonings recorded since 2000, 20 of which have occurred in North Yorkshire. This area has the unenviable record of being one of the worst in the UK for offences involving birds of prey. Casualties: If it is suspected that a bird has been poisoned or shot, or that its nest has been illegally interfered with, the Police should be informed by phoning 101. It should be requested that the information be reported immediately to a Wildlife Crime Officer. Further advice can be obtained from the RSPB Investigations team on 01767 680551 (07595 654947 out of office hours). Suspected poisoning incidents (eg multiple deaths; obvious bait and victim(s) etc.) should be reported to the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS) on 0800 321600 in addition to the Police. Sick or injured birds may be reported to the RSPCA on 0300 1234999. Thanks to Doug Simpson for permission to use the article and to Mike Ashford and Clare Scott for the pictures. Website:

www.yorkshireredkites.net

Page 10

Gouthwaite Wildlife Project

In the previous newsletter we told you about the early plans for a hide at Gouthwaite. We are in discussions to put a well built, eco-hide below the viewing platform. Rob Lees, one of our members has done some brilliant initial views of the kind of hide we would like. An exterior view is shown below. If the project goes ahead then it will take some two to three years to realise. All our planning will be done with partners and in consultation with interested parties.

We will, of course, keep you informed of any progress.

The hide will be in the same area as the existing viewing platform opposite the car park on the Pateley to Ramsgill road. The viewing platform is shown in the sketch at the back.

CONSERVATION REPORT Two hundred nest boxes in the Dale have been checked, cleaned out and repaired for the Spring inva-sion which has now begun. Boxes in Bryan’s Wood have been checked twice and contain 51 nests, a few finished, most at a work in progress stage. Two of the boxes have nuthatch nests. Boxes in Old

Spring Wood have been checked once and have 18 nests at a w.i.p stage including one nuthatch. We’re hoping for continued success with pied flys once they return. Four bat boxes, a kind gift from a friend, have been put up in Bryan’s Wood. The winter has caused a fair amount of damage in the wood with quite a few trees blown over including part of one massive beech tree where the Pied flycatchers have nested in the past. This has landed in the farmer’s field and will need some serious chain saw work to clear. The two trees containing owl boxes haven’t suffered and under one there are some recent pellets and last week a tawny owl was flying nearby. The task now is to monitor all the boxes in Bryan’s Wood and Old Spring Wood - about 135 - on a regular basis of once every week or fortnight so that the resulting data can be added to club records and passed on to the BTO. Anyone suffering from boredom? Come and join us!

Tony Knowles

Page 11

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to the Newsletter. Please keep things coming. Thanks particularly for the pictures which make the issues so attractive and readable. Special thanks to Alex Penn for his excellent pictures and to Tony Knowles who so kindly furnishes me with pictures of virtually any bird I ask for.

Sue

Nidderdale Birdwatchers’ Library

New books

Bird Sense by Tim Birkhead. What it’s Like to be a Bird

What is it like to be a swift, flying at over one hundred kilometres an hour? Or a flamingo sensing invisible rain falling hundreds of kilometres away? Or a kiwi, plodding through humid undergrowth in the pitch dark of a New Zealand night: And what does a gannet feel on being reunited with its partner after a win-ter apart? Bird Sense addresses these and many other questions.

Observations of Wildlife by Peter Scott

Stunning sketches from his notebooks and reproductions of his paintings with commentary.

Harrogate Naturalists – Records for 2012

The Library is available to all members at Nidderdale Plus Offices , round the back of the Council building, open from 10am-4pm Monday to Friday Tel: 01423 714593. There is a

signing in and out book for borrowers.

Yorkshire Bird Report for 21012

Copies now available from Jill Warwick by post: Sharow Grange Sharow Ripon HG4 5BN Tel:01765 602832 email: jill@swland.co.uk £12.00 or from: RSPB Old Moor, Fairburn Ings, Bempton or from Yorkshire Wildlife Trust - Potteric Carr, North Cave Wetlands, Spurn. Packed full of useful information about the county's birds for 2012 and a fascinating article on the breeding Firecrests around Sheffield (news to me too!)

Ros

HAVE YOU RENEWED YOUR MEMBERSHIP for 2014? A heartfelt plea from Angus Please send your membershop fee (£10) to: Angus Gosman Boggle Dyke Cottage Ramsgill Harrogate HG3 5RL 01423 755276

Page 12

Nidderdale Birdwatchers is a voluntary organisation which exists to promote interest in and understanding and knowledge of birds, their environment and conservation, and in particular to promote the study and welfare of the birds within Nidderdale. Membership is open to all interested individuals; for details contact the

Membership Secretary, Angus Gosman on 01423 755276 or visit our website www.niddbirds.org.uk

Items for inclusion in the Newsletter are welcome and should be sent to Sue Hickson

The Committee for 2014/2015 is

Ros Wade – Chairman Sue Hickson – Secretary

Barry Slaymaker

Adrian Roberts Chris Seaman

Number Two 2014 The early part of spring can often be confusing in the birding world. We can be watching some of our winter visitors one minute then listening to the first of our warblers singing or watching the early Swallows and Martins feeding over the water only moments later. During mid February visits to nearby Nosterfield gave us views of the early movement of waders such as Redshank, Golden Plover, Ruff and Dunlin. Many would be moving further North to their breeding grounds and maybe some staying closer to breed on our local moors. The long distance movement of waders has always been of interest to birdwatchers ever since watchers studied birds. Even in modern times when birds are sometimes radio tagged we are still often amazed at the distances these migrating birds travel to their breeding grounds. While the long distance birds are making their way northwards many of our local waders such as Lapwing, Curlew and Golden Plover are displaying and claiming territory on the nearby moors. An early March ride around the Fell Beck and Dallowgill moors with Red Kites and Common Buzzard showing well over the moorland edges while fairly large flocks of Starlings and Golden Plover were feeding in the rough pastures. Up on Pateley Moor we spent a long time watching cock Red Grouse strutting their stuff while we listened to the piping call of Golden Plover claiming his bit of moorland. At nearby Harper Hill newly arrived Swallows were flying over a flock of wintering Fieldfares. A hen Merlin sat on a fence post eyeing up the Fieldfare looking to see if she could handle one. A walk along the track gave us early views of Meadow Pipit and our first Skylark of the year. Early April saw the arrival of more migrants in the upper Dale with the arrival of Ring Ouzel, Wheatear and Meadow Pipits at Scar House reservoir. Chiffchaff were soon singing in the lower areas before working their way further up the Dale to be followed by Willow Warblers and Blackcaps. A small number of members made a couple of visits to Brimham Rocks, an area not often visited even though it is near to many of us. The visits were as part of the B.T.O. national Peregrine Survey which the club is helping with. We saw no Peregrines but Red Kites and Buzzard were logged along with general moorland birds and it was a good excuse to visit this interesting area. Certainly an interesting time of year for bird watching in this fantastic area and it may be worth watching the skies around Gouthwaite Reservoir to see if we get a repeat of last years long staying Ospreys. Let us hope the weather is kind to us and we can all get out there to enjoy it.

Pete Seaman