Birding Review of 2024

  During 2024 there were some good birds to be seen both locally to Bradford and at some of the Nature Reserves I have visited during the year.  The weather is a key factor in my chances of getting out and taking some decent pictures, in 2024 we had a poor spring and early summer with many days spoilt by rain and fog but it didn't turn out to be too bad a year in the end.

  Going back to 26th January one of my regular spots Redcar Tarn came up trumps with a Waxwing which I don't see many of.  Also a Pintail was seen on the same day another rare bird locally, but there was one around last Winter at the Tarn and probably the same bird I have seen during several visits this Winter.

Waxwing at Redcar Tarn 26/1/2024

   

Pintail

  During the summer I went for a few walks around Cullingworth, the village in West Yorkshire where I live, there are several routes I use providing different habitats in the surrounding countryside.  The most regular is a ten minute walk on to Hewenden Reservoir where I see some good birds, but on the 23rd July I went on a walk to the NE side of the village.  Heading up a long steep footpath I was rewarded with a Redstart, a bird I rarely see but to find one in Cullingworth was a delight.

Redstart, Cullingworth 23/7/2024

My favourite Nature Reserve to visit is Swillington Ings aka St Aidens RSPB Reserve which is in West Yorkshire and only a forty minute drive away from home.  Here is a great spot to see birds that are not to be seen in the Bradford area unless you are very lucky.  In spring you can hear Bitterns booming but during a visit on the 27th October I was fortunate to see a Bittern at the edge of the reeds enjoying the sunshine.

Bittern, Swillington Ings 27/10/2024

Finally to another couple of spots Harold Park and Park Dam I have visited regularly over many years but recently had not been providing as many birds so my visits have reduced.  However this year it excelled when a Great White Egret showed up and has stayed for several weeks, a fantastic bird to see in the Bradford area.

Great White Egret, Harold Park 14/11/202