Low Moor and Oakenshaw Wildlife

As yet we have not been blessed with many spring migrants.

Yes, Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and Blackcaps are all claiming breeding territories in our area but there are very few other species at the moment, but I think the northerly cool air flow maybe causing some problems.

However, there was a male Common Whitethroat in song at Low Moor Banks on 27/4 but as yet no signs of any Lesser Whitethroats.

However, our local birds are doing better including a good number of Robins & Blackbirds observed collecting food for their chicks.

Interestingly yesterday at Toad Holes Beck was a pair of Common Buzzards displaying.

It would be a dream come true to have them breeding at the site but I think I am dreaming as firstly the trees are not mature enough for nesting and disturbance.

Also at the site was a male Blackcap in full song with at least 6 Chiffchaffs.

No other migrants have been noted as yet.

A Great Spotted Woodpecker was drumming in Raw Nook Nr.

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 me!

Thankfully it veered and flew towards the beck giving further views.

Sadly I am not that quick with the camera…But there will be another chance , I’m sure.

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.

Another sign is this Blue Tit which was exploring a possible nesting hole in an Elder tree at Raw Nook NR

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 in the early stages of courtship.

This a record count for the species at this site.

Sadly I could find no frog spawn at the pond at Raw Nook NR.

There maybe a slim possibility spawn was laid before the heavy snow and rain which has raised the pond level. Fingers crossed.

If your going for a walk in Raw Nook NR look out for the masses of Scarlet Elf cups which are showing really well just now.

A Common Buzzard was mobbed by a party of passing Herring Gulls over Toad Holes Beck.

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?

Then I noticed a Blue tit inspecting a nest box and with the lighter nights now starting, I thought Yes, we may well be turning the corner. Although I feel mother nature will once again turn down the temperature before the proper spring emerges.

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 they even made news in the local press!

I so far have missed the birds however, there was good news as I called into Harold Park and found a Kingfisher feeding metres away from people feeding the ducks!

I have not recorded the species there before.

Last year a semi tame male Shoveler spent the winter at Wibsey Park lake.

So today I went to see if he had returned and sure enough he had. So if your in the area check him out!

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 slightly down on previous years.

Normally I don’t like to comment of our breeding birds but once again both the Common & Lesser Whitethroat did not breed or attempt to breed in our area, which is a great shame.

There were some interesting highlights with a Little Egret seen flying S/W over Caldene fields on the 7/10 and a party of 19 Common Snipe moving S/W over the same location.

On the 6th of January 2023 I did a bird survey in our local area and also visited Harold Park lake in Low Moor. The total number of species was 35 which sadly is on the low side balancing against previous years.

Sadly only one Greenfinch was recorded. Also no Linnets were seen which cement the point that they leave our area in winter only to return in the spring to bred.

Sorry no photos..camera in for repairs back early Feb.