Birding Highlights Pages

Monday, 30 December 2024

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

 

 

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