Soil Hill

  It's been a steady old month of birding. The weather has been shocking, and it is largely a consequence of the horrendous weather that I have found myself giving the Hill a wide berth. Today, however, despite the gales and the passing rainstorms, I headed up and was rewarded with probably the best views I've ever had of the local Grey Partridges. They were feeding near the Taylor Lane turnoff from Perseverance Road, on my walk, and were still present on my return, so decided to drive back up, and using the car as a hide I was able to approach the birds nice and close. Presumably, the same family group that has been around since the summer, indicating another successful breeding season at this site.

-Grey Partridge

Species List:
Soil Hill: Pink-footed Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Grey Partridge, Common Pheasant, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Common Wood Pigeon, Common Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, European Herring Gull, Grey Heron, Common Buzzard, Western Barn Owl, Common Kestrel, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Eurasian Wren, Common Starling, Redwing, Common Blackbird, European Robin, Dunnock, Meadow Pipit, Eurasian Bullfinch, 

Arden Road twitching Waxwing

With Waxwings continuing to inhabit various suburban districts of Halifax, I decided to head down and have another look, this time a very nice flock of 42 birds on Arden Road. Upon arriving, there was not a sight or sound of any, only a very tasty-looking berry tree on the edge of the school. Fortunately, no sooner had I got out of the car, than the flock arrived and after perching up for a few minutes, they nervously descended to gorge themselves. It is a pleasure to enjoy these fantastic birds once again, with hopefully more to come this winter.

-Waxwing

Species List:
Arden Road: Feral Pigeon, Common Wood Pigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Western Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Eurasian Blue Tit, Redwing, Common Blackbird, European Robin, Bohemian Waxwing, Pied Wagtail, European Goldfinch,

Skircoat Green twitching Waxwing

  I was sat at home organising my papers from Madagascar before starting again for Thailand, when the Calderdale Birders WhatsApp group pinged with a message from DJS about Waxwings in Skircoat Green. Finally, after seemingly turning up everywhere, these stunning birds have reached Halifax. Huge thanks to DJS for checking all the old hotspots in order to turn them up.

  After a twenty-minute drive I arrived and in the company of DJS we enjoyed watching the birds move around between the tall trees. In total we counted 15 individuals, sticking together. Sadly the light was already failing, but perhaps more enjoyable was simply listening to the birds as the noise did not stop the entire time we were there.

  In the end they flew off towards Saville Park and with the light almost gone, I decided to head home. Still, they will no doubt remain in the area for a few days, so I may well pay another visit before too long, to maybe get some photos in better light conditions.  

-Waxwings

Species List:
Skircoat Green: Stock Dove, Common Wood Pigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Eurasian Magpie, Western Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Eurasian Blue Tit, Great Tit, Mistle Thrush, Redwing, Common Blackbird, Bohemian Waxwing, House Sparrow, European Greenfinch,