Flying TimesThe Newsletter of Nidderdale Birdwatchers

From theChairman We’ve had some great trips these past couple of months. Of course, great weather does help but we would be

nowhere without the volunteers who have led them so thanks again to all concerned. Thanks are also due to Sue (Hickson) who will be handing over the reins of the Newsletter to Andy if all goes according to plan. I’m sure everyone will want to join with me in sending many thanks to Sue for all her expert publications and to wish Andy good luck in learning the ropes.Thanks for volunteering Andy.

I must confess that I have had enough of the hot weather now and am praying for rain (but not at night because of the owls!). Most of the birdsI have been watching seem to be back on track now after some very late arrivals - some are still fitting in last minute broods. Some birds have either failed or chosen not to breed this year (including my Moorhens). Maybe the bad weather earlier in the year stopped them getting into breeding condition.Hopefully, a year off will give them more energy for next year.

Sue Harrison

12th JuneI went to watch the Sand Martin wall yesterday, but saw no activity in the half hour I was there, although there were four sand martins lower down the reservoir. But I did see an Osprey heading up the Dale, harassed by a Black Headed Gull. If anyone has any knowledge of Sand Martin activity at Gouthwaite I would be interested to hear it.

Up at Scar there were plenty of Wheatears around and the young birds haven’t learned to be afraid so some photos were easier to get. But no Skylarks singing, and very few House Martins compared to previous years.Tony Knowles

18th JuneSitting in friends’ garden just south of Vancouver,

two Bald Eagles flew lazily overhead and landed in a not very tall tree just across from us. Later in Alaska we saw 20 in one tree. The books says they are territorial but these all looked quite happy to associate.Sue Hickson

The Crane at Gouthwaite is now at the Ramsgill end of the reservoir at present sitting asleep on the bank. Best seen from the viewing point above the Sand Martin wall seen at 1.00 from the view point. Seen today 3rd of JulySheila Nash

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Issue Summer / Autumn 2018Contents Page

Chairman’s Welcome Chirps

1

Club Trips 2/3

Your events pin-up 4

Reports on Club events Club matters

5/8

Nest Boxes

Members’ Trip

Wildwatch Newsletter

9

10

Blogger’s Bits Bird Club Details

11

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Mon 20th AugustLocal Visual Migration Spotting

EVENTS PROGRAMMEThe description of each outdoor event gives the name and contactdetails 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 or there is poor weather, so we need to know in advance who plans 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 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

The first event in our Migration theme. Birds are on the move already with different ones turning up any- where. By the end of August there will be much more movement and we hope to see some of this by staying in one place watching and listening. This will involve being patient and alert but we are bound to see something: waders, hirundines, raptors, common birds or rarities. Greenhow is covered in Starlings as I write this but will they still be here by the 20th August? This meeting will be held on Monday evening at Toftgate car park on Greenhow. This is the car park for the walk up to the Coldstones Cut where the views over Nidderdale are superb. Anyone wanting to climb up to the viewing platform can do so from here. Come prepared for the weather. It could be chilly and or wet. A hot drink might be good.Meet at Toftgate car park at 6.30pmThe organiser is Sheila Nash

A full day visit to enjoy part of our series of Autumn Migration events. Blacktoft Sands RSPB Reserve Friday 24 August 2018 Blacktoft Sands is on the south bank of the river Ouse, near where the waterway widens into the Humber Estuary. The site consists of a tidal reedbed, lagoons,and grazing marsh. There are 6 hides either side of the reception hide. It is a breeding site for marsh harriers, bitterns avocets, bearded tits, warblers and tree sparrows amoungst others.Waders are on the move, you can get a good variety of waders here at this time. It is a good spot for butterflies and dragonflies. Later in the day barn owls can be seen hunting from the bottom hide.

This is an all day trip, as it takes an hour and a half to get there.There is plenty to see. A good day out!Car park on site, near the reception hide. Toilet on site.Please bring a packed lunch.Could you let Becky Huff know if you intend to come. Meeting at Pateley Bridge car Park 8.30amThe Organiser is Becky Huff

The walk will encompass the YWT Ripon Loop Reserve and then public footpaths around Ripon Parks. The Loop lies alongside a meander of the River Ure and is a very dynamic place prone to flooding after heavy rain, so this part may have to be cancelled at short notice. See https://www.ywt.org.uk/nature-reserves?location=Ripon+Loop . Nevertheless there is plenty more to see in Ripon Parks, with two medium-sized lakes and a seasonally flooded meadow. Participants may like to visit High Batts Nature Reserve at the end of the morning, where there is a toilet and hides where packed lunches may be eaten. There should be plenty of bird life in the ar- ea at this time of year and there is a chance of seeing otter. The going can be quite rough at the Loop, so boots are advisable.

Meet at High Batts Carpark - directions are as follows: From the Ripon-Masham road take the Han- son's Quarry track which is approx 250yds on the right past the Lightwater Valley entrance. Ignoring two turnings on the left, both of which lead to the quarry processing area, and then bearing right you will find the HBCP on your left about 1/2 mile from the Ripon-Masham road. Take care crossing the rough track used by heavy plant taking aggregate to the quarry processing plant. .

The Organiser is Will Rich

Friday 24th August RSPB Blacktoft SandsPlease note change of date

Friday 14th September Visual Migration Part 3

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Wednesday 19th & Thursday 20th September Spurn Point

A two night stay to take in the AutumnMigration.

We will be staying two nights at Spurn Bird Observatory September - 19/20th September 2018. We already have6 residential participants and a couple of possible non- residential ones so there is the possibility of space for two more but that would probably mean the top bunk. Please bear in mind that it is unisex but at the moment our party is all female (but that is not to include any chaps who might want to come. I will contact participants closer to the time to arrange car share, rations and rendezvous details.

The accommodation is newly built but basic.There are two rooms which can occupy four people - they each have two single beds and one bunk. If you are a friend of Spurnthese are charged at £16 per person per night. Non-friends pay £20 pppn. At these rates you bring your own bedding and make your own breakfast.

The downstairs room is more delux having bedding provided. It comprises of a single and double bed. £19 pppn if a friend, £23 pppn if a non friend. If you want to book this room, please contact Spurn Bird Obs separately - I don’t know if this one is still available

The advantage of going for this type of accommodation is that it puts us at the centre of the information gathering and would make us feel more involved. If you don't fancy ‘roughing it’ (although there are showers and facilities) you could always do your own thing and meet up with us. The funds you pay go directly to keeping the Bird Observatory running. THEY NEED OUR HELP.

I do need to finalise this quite soon so please let me know as soon as possible if you're interested. Ring or message if you want to talk about it a bit more. Sue Harrison

Join us to support our stand in the Heritage Marquee at the famous Show in Pateley Bridge . If you can spare an hour to man the stand let us know – niddbirds@gmail.com

A trip to explore the important bird corridor to the south of York. Meet in the Quarry Moor car park, on the south side of Ripon, adjacent to the south bypass roundabout, at 8:30am. We can double up or whatever with cars from here and leave any empty parked up. I have no end time but I think we should have one, so I am going to suggest we get back to Ripon by 5pm. Of course bring a packed lunch and wet weather gear as we could be well away from any vehicles once we get there and walked to the hides.The Organiser is Colin Slator

A sign that Autumn is here. No more pleasant evening walks, but back at the Royal Oak, Dacre Banks, for convivial evenings with interesting talks and a chance to share your birding experiences.

This first evening please bring your photos on memory sticks and any other interesting items on the night. This is always a very pleasant social evening.

A visit to Soil Hill and the Cromwell Bottom Local Nature Reserve (http://cromwellbottom.blogspot.com/in West Yorkshire

Meet 9.15am Southlands car park for car share or 10.30am atCauseway Foot inn, Halifax, HX2 8XX to make our way Soil Hill where we will look for visible migration ( prepare forrougher weather as higher up). Then we will descend for a more sheltered experience at Cromwell Bottom. Add Jane’s phone numbersThe Organiser is Jane Uttley

Monday 25th September Nidderdale Show

Friday 12th October Sites in the Derwent Valley

Monday (Evening) 15th October Members’ Night at the Royal Oak

Saturday 27th October Calderdale

* There will be an individual charge for these events.Page 4

A NEW PIN-UP FOR YOUR KITCHEN NOTICE BOARDto remind you of what’s on offer in the coming months

August Monday 20st Local Visual Migration SpottingEvening Walk

Sheila Nash

Friday 24th RSPB Blacktoft SandsFull day visitPlease note change of date

Becky Huff

September Friday 1414h Visual Migration Part 3Half day visit

Will Rich

Wed 19th & Thurs 20th

Spurn Point*Two Night Stay

Sue Harrison

Monday 24th Nidderdale ShowVisit the Club Stand

October Friday 123h Sites in the Derwent ValleyFull day visit

Colin Slator

Monday 15th Members’ NightEvening at the Royal Oak

Sheila Nash

Saturday 27th CalderdaleFull day visit

Jane Uttley

November Friday 9th RSPB St Aidan’sFull day visit

Anne Boneham

Monday 19th Talk by Brian WoodEvening at the Royal Oak

Date to be rearranged

Sue Harrison’s PatchHalf day visit

Sue Harrison

December Friday 14th

Monday 17th

NosterfieldFollowed by Christmas Lunch*

Christmas Social Event *at The Royal Oak

Ros Wade

Anne Boneham

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Monday 21st May Evening Walk up Great Whernside

Friday 11th May Littondale and Halton GillNine of us met at Windy Bank on the north bank of the river

Skirfare. It was a cool wind, woolly hat weather rather than sun hats.A lot of aerial activity with 16/20 sand martins and some swallows using the wider stretches of the river and the banks. Pied wagtails and oystercatchers using the pebbly banks and flying overhead. Kestrel and Red Kite flying overhead.

Next stop, the fish farm on the way up Littondale. Yellow wagtails have been seen here in the past, and two members were pretty certain they saw them flying overhead towards the river bank. A number of different birds were feeding on the ground, alongside the cattle and sheep, linnets goldfinch, meadow pipits oystercatchers and curlew overhead. Lesser black back gull and black headed patrolling

the sky. A steep high banking on the south side of the Skirfare, was being well used by sand martins.Moving up the Dale to Blue Scar on the left, parking by farm buildings, and we scanned the cliff face

extensively with scopes. Many jackdows using the cracks and the ledges, but eventually Jill spotted movement of a grey falcon. With many eyes searching, a peregrine was spotted perched on a grassy ledge. The screes and crags on the north of the river produced a buzzard overhead. In amongst, mistle thrush, song thrush, and blackbirds calling with curlews and oystercatchers making their present felt. Redshank was also heard down along the river bank. Maggie joined us here, just in time to see the peregrine before moving onto Arncliffe. Here we had a look around the wood surrounding the church, and onto the river bridge. Grey wagtails were seen gathering food, and a dipper seen disappearing under the bridge with food in its beak. As we came back this way down the valley, we saw Great spotted woodpecker in these trees by the roadside.

Next stop, Halton Gill, parking the cars in the village, and most members then walked up the river to Fox up. and back along the road. Along the river they spotted common sandpiper and curlews and in the sheltered tussocky fields spotted lapwings with their chicks, a good site with no corvids overhead.

We finished the walk at Katies Cafe, a do it yourself cafe in a barn at Halton Gill, with coffee and cakes and an honesty box, even a toilet and shower, with seats outside.Very pleasant.

The skies around Halton Gill were alive with swifts, house martins and swallows. The first swifts i have seen this year, a goodly site. In amoungst, willow warblers, chaffinch sparrows meadow pipits robin and wren greenfinch red legged partridge and pheasent everywhere. 40 species in all.Members attended, Sheila, Gill, Ian and Allan, Maggie Steve and Sue. Thanks for your company. Becky Huff

Eleven people met at the cattle grid at Tor Dyke at 6.30 pm to climb Gt Whernnside, which is the hill at the head of Nidderdale, and the birds on the summit are in our club recording area. As we gathered the first bird was a nearby Curlew but then 2 Lapwing began a defensive display and a small swift raptor was briefly seen. We decided on Merlin. The next special upland species was much more accommodating. As we set off on the walk a distant Short-eared Owl was seen sitting on a post. We all thought ‘great’ what a good start. However we saw it again, and again, taking our minds off the steep section of the walk. We believe there were 2 birds, a pair. One was watched diving and wing clapping in display flight. Then we watched one again on the summit. This behaviour has been stud- ied in Scotland where the Short-eared Owl hunts in the evening and at night on higher ground. This was definitely the bird of the evening, everyone getting good views.

As we approached the summit ridge a group of Golden Plover were heard calling and as we came over the crest a single bird was seen standing on the ridge. The long bill and dark back told us we had found our target bird, Dunlin. The view was not ideal, being distant, but Ian’s photo confirmed our sighting. Golden Plover and Dunlin are

known to associate together on their breeding grounds. We walked further on the Nidderdale side of the hill and watched a distant Golden Plover calling and doing their habitual guarding behaviour on raised ground. I felt the need

of a telescope but we decided a definite Golden Plover, the call, posture, black belly and short plover bill confirmed it.The summit was reached with splendid views, including the magnificent cumulonimbus clouds out to the

west with both the light of the setting sun and the heavy rain over Birks Fell and Penyghent. We felt very lucky to have a beautiful evening for the walk.On the way down we had good views of Wheatear and Red Grouse, with a serendipitous finding of a Meadow Pipit nest in a beautiful cup nest well hidden in the grass by the side of the path. The 5 eggs were very dark and it was hard to see the colour. The people who came were Sheila, Ros, and Adrian, Ian, Caroline. Anne, Glenda, Julie and Steve, Sue and Nimi. Nimi was a lady from Bristol whom Sue picked up off the street. Some of us then went to the pub for a well- earned pint. Sheila Nash

Friday 8th June Fairburn Ings

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Sunday 20th May Big Day Birdwatch in the AONB

The fine weather helped although raptors were hard to come by. We had good sightings of Cuckoos (13) in various locations and managed to get 4 species of Owl. Some of the new ones this year are Twite, Osprey, Little Ring plover, Barnacle goose and Wood warbler. Another one we thought we should have which we didn’t get last year as well was the Mute swan. A common bird you would think but took some tracking down this year.

Another bird which is of national concern is the Grey partridge yet we had 4 separate sightings again this year.This is the fourth year for the big bird count and it is building up a valuable picture of the bird life in Nidderdale.It is great fun to do, the tea and cake at Teacups gives us chance to compare results and see what we still need tolook for.Full details of birds seen on our blog.

Adrian Roberts

Six of us gathered at the Visitor Centre carpark and immediately made a bee-line through fields not normally accessible to the public for a specially-opened viewpoint to see the nesting Spoonbills – reportedly the first pair to breed in Yorkshire for 400 years! While we watched, only one parent bird was visible, and it was rather hunkered down so we only got a glimpse of that amazing bill, but I for one was very happy to see it.

As a couple of us were only able to stay for the morning, we then decided to make our way directly to the spot where the Black-necked Grebes might be seen, at the ‘Coal Tips’ pool. On the way we managed many of the usual suspects and were pleased to hear at least one male cuckoo – maybe 2 as the calls seemed to be coming from opposite direc- tions. Sheila managed to locate one sitting in a low bush some distance away across the ‘Big hole’. A bit later the cuckoo flew over our heads and landed in the top of a tree nearby, calling repeatedly. And then a female flew over, doing her strange bubbling. On reaching the Coal Tips pool we rested and had a bite to eat, and waited, and waited. There were many birds about, including dozens of low-flying Swifts, a Linnet, and Bearded tits (briefly glimpsed by some of our party – I was looking the wrong way as usual), but no Black-necked Grebes- yet. Then Sheila and Janet had to leave, so the rest of us decided to walk on and do a circuit of the pool. We hadn’t gone far when we were called back by a couple who had spotted them, and eventually a couple of these delightful little birds put in an appearance for us too – great!

As we walked on to do our circuit of the pool, somebody shouted‘Bittern flying!’ – another brilliant spot. Later we also bagged a pair of Great Crested Grebes with two young – one of which clambered onto the back of one of the adult birds. At the end of the afternoon we sat watching the feeders and added a few more species to our list, including 2 male bullfinches. Before leaving a couple of us walked down the boardwalk to look over the Main Bay and bagged 2 Avocets with 3 chicks.

The addition of the Coal Tips trail, which connects the main part of the reserve with Lin Dike, has really improved this nature reserve, and in spite of rather cloudy skies we had a good time. At the end of the day we had about 50 species, including a few we only heard, with some very special sight-

ings.Thanks to Ian for the great photos. (He re- turned to Fairburn on Sunday, when the Spoonbills were more active and the light was better!)

Anne Boneham

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Monday 18th June Stainburn Forest

On Monday the 18th June a group of 12 members met in the car park at Stainburn woods for the evening walk. It was a bit damp on the evening but we had high hopes of spotting a Nightjar, I had been up a couple of days earlier and seen at least 2 different birds. We proceeded along the track being greeted by the songs of Wil- low warbler Chiffchaff and a Curlew but no Tree pipit was to be found.As the evening drew on the Woodcock started Roding and we got good views of them above us,It was about 10pm when the first Nightjar appeared over the

track and flew over most of us, some of the members got a photo,As it got darker we started to walk out of the area were a couple

more Nightjar calling,It good to know that the Nightjar are still returning to this area and gavethe members a chance to see them and a lifer for a couple of members.

Adrian Roberts

Sun for weeks, so it rained as we wended our way. Rained as we arrived. The crew of ten set off for the Causeway Hide in gentle drizzle. We immediately were on high alert as an RSPB warden warned that toadlets/froglets were on the move across the paths. Every step we took a danger to these small creatures enjoying their first experience of rain. The Causeway hide gave us brilliant views of an otter fishing and then carrying a large fish perhaps to feed young. We also saw Marsh Harriers. Then a Waterail was spotted close to us and another quite a way out revealed a tiny ‘chick’, all black, running in and out of the reed margin close to some geese. Great Crested Grebe were with humbug young and there were many Gadwall and Mallard. Also Little Egrets, Cormorants and Greater Blackbacks. Also Pied Wagtails. Later we went up the Tower hide for views across the reedbed and saw more Marsh Harriers. A visit to Allen and

Morecambe hides gave views only of smelly mud for miles with the odd pool. A stark illustration of the lack of rain. However we were treated to a family of Sedge Warblers calling in the scrub off the path. We rounded off the visit with the obligatory cake and drink in the café. A good crew and a good day out. Thanks to Ian for pics.

Ros Wade

Friday 13th July Leighton Moss

Welcome to our Wild Newsletter!As our wildlife gets in a buzz in the summer months, we’ve been creating a buzz too! Our ambition to conduct the AONB’s biggest wildlife survey is going from strength to strength. We’ll be announcing the latest results soon, with maps highlighting where we still need your help.

We want to take this opportunity to give all our volunteers a huge ‘thank you’ and virtual hug!

In June, we celebrated National Volunteers’ Week over on Twitter - a chance to say THANK YOU to all who help protect, safe- guard and care for our wildlife in our beautiful and protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The work you do really is vital, helping inform future conservation strategies to protect Britain’s wildlife, which is under shocking threat.

Apocalypse!?It’s a word that generated headlines. Chris Packham spoke out about an ‘ecological apocalypse’ and the urgent need to take ac- tion.Over 50% of species are in decline in Britain from the Curlew to the Water vole to the Bilberry bumblebee. It’s more reason why we want you to get involved with The Wild Watch and become a volunteer (and wildlife hero!) We cannot look after our wildlife if we do not know how it is doing, and what habitats they require to flourish. Think Global, Act Local!

Warmest wishes AliceThe Wild Watch Project Officer

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Momday 16th June Lofthouse MoorEleven members, confident that despite the weather forecast they

wouldn’t get wet because Bill Wade was with us, met at Lofthouse before car sharing to the start of the walk. Not much to see at Lofthouse other than a few Swallows and some House sparrows, but Nigel Heptinstall had told us in advance that his son, Danny, had seen two pairs of Short eared owls up on the moor a few days before so we had high hopes when we set off along the track. One of the first sightings when we start- ed walking was a single Short Eared Owl, always a delightful find.

There seemed to be a good number of Grouse but they were keep- ing a low profile; the waders had mostly gone, but three Curlews provided a fly past. About a mile further on we found three more Short eared owls, perhaps a count of four in totalor a new pair with the owl we’d seen earlier. Plenty of Meadow pipits, no other small birds, but one Buzzard was seen on the way out and was heard again

lower down the slope on the way back. Just before we returned to the cars Adrian spotted a Kestrel hovering in the distance.

So the variety of birds was limited but the views of the dale were excellent, and although we could see rain falling in the surrounding hills we stayed dry. But as soon as we got back to the cars the rain cascaded down and the drive back down the dale gave the tyres and wheel arches a good clean. We even got a couple of flashes of lightning.

Alwin and Tony Knowles

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BTO Nest Record Scheme 2018We haven’t finished running up and

down ladders but the NRS is almost completed apart from on-line computer work, a new software system demanding a steep learning curve.

In Old Spring Wood there is still one box with three Great tit chicks ready to fledge, plus one infertile egg. All the other boxes have been cleared out at the end of the nesting season. Without going into a lot of detail, these are the numbers of young birds that have fledged successfully there:

84 Blue tits33 Great tits (with three more to go)17 Nuthatches21 Pied flycatchers.

Not all nests have been successful of course and there seem to be more infertile eggs than usual, but taking into account the late start to the nesting season these results are good.

Ros checking a Nuthatch box

Ten Blue tit eggs that failed to hatch

At Mayfield Farm only three boxes were occupied, 8 Great tits fledged successfully from one, 4 Blue tits from another, but the third nest failed with ten Blue tit eggs remaining unhatched despite the parent laying then incubating for at least 35 days. As fourteen days is the average hatching period you can’t say she didn’t try. There were more wasps in the MF boxes than expected but we’re hoping for better use of the eleven boxes next year.

We still have to clean out the other boxes in the dale, at schools, Millennium Green and those further up the dale. For some, we will need help from Audrey and Barry but will celebrate finishing the work with lunch at How Stean - where we have also put up boxes.However, there’s plenty of other work - ongoing bird surveys at High Batts which other NB members are involved in, three more visits to an area to survey reptiles, and a request for more nest boxes to be

made for an area near Summerbridge.

One of these days we may decide to retire?Tony Knowles

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Northen Flicker

Birds In CanadaOn a trip to Canada, I wasn’t particularly looking for birds (but of course, took my bins). However, arriving in Jasper a local

group of birdwatchers offered a bird walk which was irresistible. We were taken in various cars to the woods a couple of miles outside the town. It was warmish but had been raining so the

mosquitoes were out in force but liberally

applied deterrent helped.The problem withbirding in a totally

Bald Eagle

different country, I find, is that you havelittle knowledge of Yellow Rumped Warbler what you are likely tosee and not a lot of chance of getting youreye in but the people running the walkwere really excellent and knew their ‘patch’ well. Another

couple from Somerset were also on the walk and as he (Richard) had a serious looking

White Crowned Sparrow camera, I asked if he could email me some of the pictures which when

Yellow Warblerback in England he did, so here are a selection. Something you don’t

get on an English bird walk – we were told not to worry too much about bears as as long as they heard you coming they were unlikely to attack. We didn’t see a bear on this walk but later in

the trip a black bear wandered across the road in front of us and we also saw a wolf.One comment I will make is that we were aware, when travelling by car or train, that there seem to be far fewer common birds around. Here you can guarantee seeing Pigeons, corvids, Black Birds, Starlings etc as you move around but you could travel for miles without seeing much. Has anyone else found this?Sue Hickson

Birds seen on Walk:American Robin Cedar Waxwing Ring Necked

Duck Baffle Headed DuckRuby Crowned Kinglet

Yellow Warbler Yellow Rumped Warbler Sap Sucker Dark Eyed JuncoWhite Throated Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Wilson’s Snipe

Northern Harrier Greater Yellowlegs Tree SwallowCanada Goose (of course!)

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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. It is particularly pleasing that a number of our newer members have made such a good contribution

Blogger’s BitsNews of our local area

I hope more of you are visiting the blognow. It’s a good way to get an overview of the year and understand the impact of the changing seasons. You certainly get a glimpse of the highs and lows (including water levels!). This month’s blog ends with the optimistic photographs of ne Spotted Flycatcher fledglings about to leave the nest for the first time.Sue Harrison

CLUBBIRDRECORDSWould members please send their records of birds seen in the Nidderdale A.O.N.B. to Pete Seaman

Items for inclusion in the Newsletter are welcome and should be sent toAndy Ackroyd

The Committee for 2017/2018 isSue Harrison – Chairman

Barry Slaymaker—Treasurer Sue Hickson –Secretary

Andy AyckroydPam BakerBecky Huff

Sheila Nash

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