This morning the Primroses at Toad Holes Beck were really showing well and are producing a wonderful display. Talking of displays, A Kingfisher must have been at the middle pond as it as it swooped up low and flew towards…
Spring is here…It’s Official!
Yes, after a few days wait the first spring returning Chiffchaff has arrived back at Toad Holes Beck. It’s a bit difficult to say if he is a passage bird or a returning breeding bird. I air on the former.…
Meadow Pipits starting to return…
Today a number of Meadow Pipits were observed moving back N over Caldene fields following their winter in the S. Also there were a party of 7 Tufted Duck ( 6 males+1 female at Toad Holes Beck. The males were…
Signs of Spring!
Yesterday 59 Pink-footed Geese flew N/N/W over Caldene fields probably returning to their breeding grounds in Greenland and Iceland after over wintering in the UK. My heart was lifted as I thought, Is this a sign of the pending spring?…
Local bird sightings…
There has been some interesting birds close to our recording area recently. There has been 4 famous Waxwings visiting a berry laden tree in Tesco’s car park on Halifax road with a good number of birders photographing the birds and…
New and old bird lists…
Finally got round to having a look at last years (2022) bird species list. The total number of birds recorded for our area of Caldene fields, Raw Nook NR & Toad Holes Beck was 68 different species. This total is…
Are we Mad or just Conservationists?
On Saturday morning it was our conservation groups work day. The outside temperature was -2c and the ground was covered in a light dusting of snow. And I have to admit I did think ‘ Our we Mad?’ However, the…
Workday magic!
Regular visitors to Toad Holes Beck will have noticed the excellent new steps and board walk which leads to the middle pond. This area whilst good for the Southern Marsh orchids is always muddy and difficult to walk along. A…
Found her!
During the last few weeks I have been asked about an unidentified large bird of prey (Raptor) that has been seen in the Low Moor area. I saw the bird (A female Sparrow Hawk) about a week ago at distance…
Record smashed…
The Twite Linaria flavirostris is a fairly common bird found in moorland habitats in the north of England and Scotland. However, in autumn some birds including continental birds, move to the coast of eastern England for the winter where they…