Some local people may have noticed an increase in Swallows flying around the Raw Nook area between around 19.00 -20.00 during the last few days. I counted 800+ on the 3/9 and on the 4/9 I saw a distance view…
Late Swifts…
This morning 2 late Swifts flew west over Caldene fields and an Autumnal Rustic moth was also seen in the fields my third record of the species. Autumnal Rustic
Exciting news…
Last night at Caldene fields I noticed a large gathering of Swallows overhead. At this time of year Swallow gather at dusk in swarms and roost together in reeds etc. Over 30 years ago this was a regular event in…
Heath Rustic moth turns up again…
Last night I caught a Heath Rustic moth at Caldene fields my fifth record to date. The Yorkshire status of this moth is: Scarce and thinly distributed or restricted resident. All my records of the species are from late August…
First signs of autumn…
This morning I did an hours visible migration watching from the watch point. Whilst it was a nice sunny morning a single passage Sand Martin south and 4 Meadow pipits also south reminded me that autumn is just around the…
Red Kite alert…
Received some information from Stuart Tordoff from the Woodlands cricket club at Oakenshaw that a single Red Kite circled Toad Holes Beck yesterday at 12.40. It came in from the S/W and drifted N/E. Stuart also stated that there was…
Feeling Blue at Caldene fields…
Had a nice surprise this morning at the top end of Caldene fields by the heather patch. Firstly I disturbed a newly emerged male Common Blue butterfly. Sadly the Common Blue has not been as common in our area for…
Butterfly survey and moth news…
On Saturday the 4th of August I did a butterfly survey at Raw Nook NR and Caldene fields. Only 6 species were recorded which is worryingly poor. Small White at RN=16. CFs =4 Large White at RN= 3. Speckled Wood…
Rare moth found and sightings update…
On the 19th of July I found a Isophrictis striatella mico moth at Caldene fields. The moth is only about 6mm in length and was nearly overlooked. It is predominantly a southern species but is gradually moving north and at present is…
Red Kite alert!
Received a report yesterday of a possible Red Kite in the East Bierley/ Birkenshaw area. There was a number of sightings of Red Kites in south Bradford in 2016 but nothing really since. I would really appreciate any sightings of…