Wednesday 29th December
A quieter birding year for me not being able to get out as much due to Corvid restrictions and often poor weather conditions over the weekends. Still I did see some good birds and an undoubted highlight being seeing my first Osprey which was close by on Hewenden Reservoir. So here is my top ten and looking forward to a better 2022, Happy New Year to all.
10. Kestrel - Doe Park Reservoir. Always good to see a Kestrel when your out walking, they are usually in silhouette but the light was good on this occasion to get a decent picture.
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Kestrel - 7/9/21
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9. Wheatear - Doe Park Reservoir. I often see Wheatears at distance so was delighted to see this one close by.
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| Wheatear - 7/9/21 |
8. Common Sandpiper - Doe Park Reservoir. This Common Sandpiper was in front of a Mallard which was keeping an eye on it making for a good picture.
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| Common Sandpiper & Mallard - 11/5/21 |
7. Shoveler - Redcar Tarn. Not a common bird to see locally but this one gave some good views.
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| Shoveler - 3/4/21 |
6. Gadwall - Redcar Tarn. Another bird that does not show up much in the Bradford area, so was pleased to see this pair.
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| Gadwall - 21/3/21 |
5. Black-necked Grebe - Swillington Ings. You have to travel out of the local area to have a good chance of seeing these colourful birds.
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| Black-necked Grebe - 7/5/21 |
4. Garden Warbler - Harden Moor. Great to hear these birds singing in the spring and to get a picture of one is a bonus.
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| Garden Warbler - 5/5/21 |
3. Spotted Flycatcher - Doe Park Reservoir. I try and catch up with these bird as they pass through the area in Autumn on this occasion I also got a picture.
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| Spotted Flycatcher - 7/9/21 |
2. Barn Owl - Harden Moor. It was a long time before I saw one of these birds locally but their numbers seem to be growing, lets hope that continues as they are a fantastic bird.
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| Barn Owl - 5/5/21 |
1. Osprey - Hewenden Reservoir. I had seen reports of an Osprey in the local area for a couple of weeks and finally got to see it at my local reservoir. A majestic bird flying round catching fish before it went back to the trees where I manged to get a picture of it perched. This was a red letter day for me, a lifer and the highlight of my birding year.
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| Osprey - 6/9/21 |
