Yorkshire Birding (1 Viewer)

[ColonelBlimp]

Sorry to go OT but what exactly is the Barden Scale Raptor Viewpoint? Is it just the layby on the edge of the road that leads to Barden that I have seen chaps with scopes on?

 

[James Thomas]

Funnily enough I too have seen a small lizard on moorland in West Yorks, presumably Common. Only I saw it and my mate with me didn't believe me. That was in Calderdale.

Theres quite a few around calderdale, I've seen them at Green Withens, the hill above Baitings reservoir and Cold Edge.

 

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

Sorry to go OT but what exactly is the Barden Scale Raptor Viewpoint? Is it just the layby on the edge of the road that leads to Barden that I have seen chaps with scopes on?

Yes, that's the spot. I tend to find if you park here and then take the path West up Barden Scale that you see more. Not just raptors but I have had redpoll, twite, brambling, ring ousel etc at the right time of year.

In the words of the late great Desmond Nethersole-Thompson 'it depends if you're an arser or a legger'

 

[Eviepoohs]

Lizard

Theres quite a few around calderdale, I've seen them at Green Withens, the hill above Baitings reservoir and Cold Edge.

I've seen Lizard up at Top Withins above Haworth, there is a stone step path which eventually peters out and they bask on the stones. I fyou look on the Haworth website there is a lisy of what you might be able to see up there.

 

[liverpool_bob]

Seems the Wykeham boys may have hit the jackpot...

EDIT - just been texted by the lads
Jammy buggers!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just seen the report - GET IN! :t:


Cheers,
Bob.

 

[Mike Richardson]

Spent an evening on West Yorks moorland. My first day hunting Long Eared Owl spotted in daylight at 8PM, watched for 30 minutes. Also Ring ousel and stonechat. Was also pleasantly suprised to find a common lizard basking on the path. Do they occur often on the moors - I was approx 400M.

Common Lizard are very common on moorland up to quite high altitudes. They are especially numerous in boggy areas and around water.

Still an interesting find at 8PM.

 

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

First one I have processed from last night's encounter. Will post the others on the blog.

What a bird!

 

[Keith Dickinson]

The background's a bit fuzzy Marcus.


grrrrrr!

 

[Mike Richardson]

The background's a bit fuzzy Marcus.


grrrrrr!

If you look closely you can see the wires holding the owl in place.

 

[Chris-Leeds]

Good owl pic Marcus, getting a good bunch of photos now.

Juvenile bird poser- while out tonight close to the Barnbow area ( Brown Moor, between Barnbow and Thorpe park) I'd seen what seems to be a juve redstart. The view was from the front, about 8m away. Couldn't get a good view of markings but seemed a buffish colour below, greyish around the head with streaky spot markings to the throat and upper breast. Pale looking wing bars but the habit of flicking it's tail matches redstart behaviour. Not typical redstart habitat but I have seen an adult male nearby but over 20 year ago. Could young birds be on the move at this time of year? Haven't found really good pics of juve birds to be sure of the ID.

 

[pete wragg]

I think you'll find that's a Short-eared Owl.

 

[James Thomas]

Nice Short Eared Marcus!

Went out for a short walk round the back, counted 5 singing Song Thrushes including a beauty that was doing a brilliant Blackcap.

 

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

I think you'll find that's a Short-eared Owl.

Yup you're right... back to the drawing board.

 

[Birder101]

There have been reports of cranes at Nidd Gorge. Does anyone know owt about them? The sightings... not cranes in particular.

 

[Eviepoohs]

First one I have processed from last night's encounter. Will post the others on the blog.

What a bird!

Lovely picture

 

[symphony]

So it looks as though these Common Lizards are 'supposed' to be ont'moors? Certainly surprised the hell out of me to see one. Thought it had summat to do with Hebden Bridge, Ley Lines and Shaman shapeshifting into Lizards. Oh well.....

Little Owls calling a lot at the back of house as I write, sounds like a squabble going on too (not the locals for a change).

 

[KnockerNorton]

Yes, they're around on the moors, and also the wolds. That's what the adders eat

 

[Eviepoohs]

Lovely picture

she said whistfully, wishing she had seen/taken it

 

[Auntystatic]

Saw the avocets at nosterfield this evening, was told this is the furthest inland that they have been reported breeding, also the place is littered with bee orchids.

 

[Keith Dickinson]

Rob and I went to Graham's nightjar site Monday evening, no joy. Talking to a regular there who hasn't had them at all this year and he'd been up there several times.
There was a nice long eared owl showing itself for a few minutes.

Forgot to mention earlier....the flies are flippin atrocious up there, I'm still itching now and that's after a shower last night and this morning.