It all started with a phone call from DJS as I was walking back to work at lunchtime informing me of an odd Buzzard sp seen by NCD from Roils Head which was now soaring over Soil Hill. I could see Soil Hill mast from where I was but no bird so it was time to get the local cavalry involved. A phone call to NK proved fruitful as he was in the vicinity of Soil Hill at Bradshaw but could see no raptor. NCD described the bird as having some feathers missing and very pale making him suspect Rough Legged Buzzard.
Shortly after I got a return call from NK saying he was on the bird which was being mobbed by corvids but had not got an i.d. at that time. The Buzzard was taking the usual raptor flight path SE over Oats Royd, Swalesmoor and Shibden valley so I rang IG who was watching from home and AC who overlooks Shibden but there was no answer from the latter. Later in the afternoon a weary NK appeared at the garage to confirm the bird to be a pale phase Common Buzzard so after several phone calls and text messages the story was complete and the case closed.
Well done to all concerned for their efforts and communications,with a team effort like this nowt will get past us!
For full report and photos see, Queensburybirder blog and Calderbirds site.
BS
WEST YORKSHIRE BIRDING. BRIAN SUMNER. I am based at Queensbury and bird a patch within a 10 mile range of home incorporating 16 stretches of water, several plantations, a belt of woodland, stretches of river and canal and good areas of moorland. I specialize in upland birds, reservoir and sky watching. My local patch is Fly Flatts reservoir. Any reports can be sent by text or call to 07771 705024 or see profile for e mail address. All images on this blog are copyright.(2025).