A quick check of the Station Road area of Queensbury at lunch time found very little of interest in the icy cold NW>5.
The mature trees near the top held 15 Magpies, part of the 30+ roost from the station along with several Woodpigeons and Corvids. Distant fields lower down had a flock of around 20 Fieldfare alternating between the fields and the Hawthorn bushes whilst a group of around 15 House Sparrows were in shrubs by the equestrian centre.
A few LBB gulls were heading up the Aire Valley and a check on a nearby winter Tawny Owl roost failed to find any returning birds.
A chat with RM at work today was interesting when he commented how quiet things were whilst out on his walks. Roy covers Queensbury station, Oats Royd and Coley on a near daily basis and says he is getting very little in the way of bird life. Noticeable by their absence this autumn/ winter have been Woodcock which he gets regular as they get flushed by his dogs.
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).