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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

Graphs of the number of Moorhen I've seen along the Beck, each week over the last 4 years. Zero counts are true zeroes. Gaps are where no data recorded that week. Values recovered from BirdTrack using the "explore data" function with "peak count per week" option. Thank you @birdtrack.bsky.social

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

A Moorhen, a large juvenile, on the Beck was the first in months. In recent years, 2 adults regularly seen early in the year, then 4-5 birds as chicks appear in spring. This year, no sign of chicks and only 1 adult max. Floods, dogs, the pond silting up making the area less attractive? #ukbirding

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

And sunshine - what a lovely day you've had.

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

Along the Beck this week, a Kingfisher (only the second on this patch this year), a Moorhen (first in months) and a Grey wagtail. More Pied wagtails arrived and a Redwing flock fast and low over the park. Just 27 spp for the week - quality not quantity. #patchbirding #BirdTrack #Leeds

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Yup, my first Brambling of the autumn spotted yesterday, with a dozen Chaffinches in Beech trees.

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

First Redwing of the Autumn in the park (Woodhouse Moor). Hopefully lots more to come. But no Spotted flycatcher and likely none this year now we're into October - records only on Aug/Sept other years (grey bars on the graph). 31 spp for the week of birding in the city. #ukbirding #patchbirding

Graph of peak count of my Redwing versus Spotted flycatcher records in an urban park over 10+ years. Spotted flycatcher, grey bars, a few records in August and September as birds pass through. Redwing, orange bars, arrive in October and then present through the winter, eventually leaving in April.

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

"House Martin, House Sparrow, Starling and Swift" - it's good to see unusual birds but also good to see more of these "common" birds which your project will hopefully make more common.

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

"Been a good year for Jackdaw", probably no-one ever said. Patch record counts of Jackdaw (graph) and Rook in the park in recent weeks though. Lots of crows plus Magpie and Jay to collect the set of corvids this week. Dipper and Grey wagtail along the Beck for more attractive birding. #patchbirding

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Survey design modelled on the BTO Breeding Bird Survey. @bbs-birds.bsky.social Linear transects of 2x 1km, recording in 200m segments. 9 routes east-west along the contours & north-south altitudinal transects. 3 visits April - June, covering water bodies, woodland, moor & marsh. #ornithology 2/2

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

In 2025, Friends of Ilkley Moor started a bird survey of Ilkley Moor SSSI. My 2025 report now online. www.ilkleymoor.org/news-blog/ 60+ species recorded. Mipit, Red grouse & Willow warbler the top 3 breeding birds. Whitethroat & Crossbill among the less-common birds. #Yorkshire #ukbirding 1/2

ilkleymoor.org

News & Blog | Friends Of Ilkley Moor

News & Blog | Friends Of Ilkley Moor - Working to preserve and improve understanding and awareness of Ilkley Moor

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Thanks Jamie. Yes, never seen Twite in the Dales, but then Linnet not common - only on ~2% of 150+ of my species lists in this area of the Dales. Here's another photo. Meadow pipit also in this one with the finches.

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Can't decide if these are actually Twite - from a week ago on heather moorland in the #YorkshireDales. I couldn't get close enough for better views. I heard a Linnet in a flock of restless birds but didn't see anything clearly a Linnet. Any thoughts @j-dunning.net, @rodshelf.bsky.social?

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Yes, to Birds-eye primrose, from above Arncliffe. Melancholy thistle and Sweet cicely. Creeping thistle because it's great for butterflies. Love the little yellow flowers of Mouse-ear hawkweed I think it is. The fields between Hubberholme and Yockenthwaite are great in summer.

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

There were an amazing 17 pairs of Yellow wagtail in 1966. Therefore a baseline expectation back then of seeing YW every spring. I’ve only ever seen 2 Yellow wagtail in the Yorkshire Dales. My baseline expectation is that I won’t see one - not good. 😢 www.wharfedale-nats.org.uk/nature-notes 5/5

wharfedale-nats.org.uk

Publications | Wharfedalenats

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

A publication from 1966 reports bird surveys around Malham Tarn - 60 years ago. Willow warbler was by far the most abundant bird. Chiffchaff not even mentioned in the report. This spring I heard Chiffchaff at the Tarn, reflecting national northward range shift. 4/5

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

I survey a site for the BTO Breeding Bird Survey, overlooking Malham Tarn. The site has been surveyed for 20 years - the last few years by me. A view to Malham Tarn during a Winter Bird Survey. @bbs-birds.bsky.social How about a much longer timeframe? 3/5

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

In the last ~5 years, I’ve seen Little egret regularly (yellow bars on the graph) but in the previous 5 years only once. Great white egret also only recently (orange bars). The green bars showing number of Mallard records indicate similar birding effort. Changes over longer time-frames? 2/5

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

“Shifting baselines” - My July “Nature Notes” article for Wharfedale Naturalists. I see Little egrets each year in the Yorkshire Dales. Even a Great white egret recently. In 2024, I saw a GWE & 4 Little egrets together. How do we know what’s changed? Going back in time… #ornithology #ukbirding

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

A Painted lady from yesterday on our monthly "Wildlife wander" around Leeds University campus. Also Red admiral, Small white, Green-veined white and Holly blue. @universityofleeds.bsky.social

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

I love seeing those bright Willow warblers come through my patch at a Leeds park.

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Not sure we could provide a web-cam to bring you butterflies as effectively as the Peregrine cameras. There's always your graduation day for a visit...

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Some people have pushed to get more flowers (less of the manicured lawn) and that looks to be working for wildlife. Nice - could be an Emperor. I've seen a large, orange dragonfly. And that's the limit of my dragonfly ID skills unless something stays still for long enough for me to get good photos.

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Loving the "Campus Biodiversity" boards around @universityofleeds.bsky.social campus and launch of a "Greenery Trail". When that greenery flowers beautiful things happen. I've recorded an amazing 16 butterfly species around campus this year, including this Gatekeeper. @savebutterflies.bsky.social

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Reposted by Iain Manfield

Leo Hickman @leohickman.carbonbrief.org · 30/07/2026

++BREAKING++ The UK and Spanish governments have issued a joint statement overnight: "[We] agreed that this summer’s wildfires demonstrated that climate change was now a national security emergency facing Europe and threatening our way of life." www.gov.uk/government/n...

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

June and July records added to my Skye holiday #patchbirding year. Some nice changes in just 2 weeks. Cuckoo singing in June, not in July. Ringed plover & Common Sandpiper both weeks then Sanderling & Greenshank in week 2. Probable Quail for my 100th Skye species. #skyebirds #ukbirding #birdtrack

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

A Whinchat on Skye last week. I usually see them, if at all, on Autumn migration so it was nice to see one in breeding season. Disappointed to see only one in two weeks, even though we walked through lots of similar habitat. #skyebirds #highlandbirds #ukbirding

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Spotted flycatcher on Skye this week. Pleased to see this one feeding a juvenile nearby. #skyebirds #highlandbirds #ukbirding

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

Common sandpiper at a lochan on Skye this week - perhaps on every loch and most beaches. Ringed plover and Oystercatcher on every beach. Snipe displaying over the moors. #Skyebirds #highlandbirds #birdingscotland

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Identification of Little Brown Jobs is a lot easier when they come with a pink flash - one of a few Twite on beaches in Skye this week. #Skyebirds #highlandbirds #birdingscotland

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Just two of the many Painted lady butterflies which have made it north to Skye. These two on the coast in Sleat, south of Skye. Even in chilly, breezy conditions often saw them along paths, on the coast and on moorland. More than all other species put together. @savebutterflies.bsky.social

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

Large skipper and Small skipper this week. Leaving an unmown area of Woodhouse Moor park growing rough and flower-rich is paying dividends. Also Meadow brown and Ringlet plus Red admiral, Comma, Small tortoiseshell and Painted lady. @bcyorkshire.bsky.social @leedscitycouncil.bsky.social #Leeds

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

A Heron feeling the heat for our bird discovery day on Leeds Uni campus. 20+ species found - Peregrine was good, Treecreeper was a surprise. Thanks Alysia, RSPB/Uni ambassador, for organising @rspbleedslocalgr.bsky.social to help look for birds. @universityofleeds.bsky.social @rspb.bsky.social

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Breeding Bird Survey late visit in the hills at the weekend. #YorkshireDales. Best was this Short-eared owl but wish I'd revised SEO vs LEO to be sure. #Audiomoth recorders left out at the early visit have lots of am and pm recordings to check for anything missed in person. @bbs-birds.bsky.social

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Dipper the best of this week's birding in the city - first of the year and none in 2025. Some Black-headed gulls back in the park (graph) after only ~3 months away. Lots (~80) of Woodpigeon arrived too. Ok, not the most glamorous migrants. 29 species for the week. #patchbirding #Leeds #BirdTrack

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

Breeding Bird Survey late visit today up in the hills and limestone pavement. #YorkshireDales Mipits, Skylark and Wheatear. Already juvenile Starlings and Rooks with adults. 10 species across both visits. Needed most of my winter layers in not ideal conditions for birding. @bbs-birds.bsky.social

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Coach trip last weekend to Bolton Abbey with @rspbleedslocalgr.bsky.social. "Nah, I'm not going to need a 'scope for a woodland walk", but would have been useful for better views of this Redstart. Pied flycatchers using nest-boxes and Spotted flycatchers. #Yorkshirebirding

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

Much better breeding evidence on the patch this week. This Great spotted woodpecker chick has been stretching out of the nest hole more each day this week. Mandarin duck with 10 ducklings, Mallard ducks with ducklings. 30 species for the week of birding in the city. #BirdTrack #patchbirding

An adult male Great spotted woodpecker, black-white contrast but red band across the back of the neck. It's feeding a gaping-mouthed chick leaning out of the nest hole in an oak tree.

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

And an interesting read even if you're not doing the Dales Way. Birding around Cam houses last weekend, there were Cuckoos singing plus owls presumably hunting the voles scurrying through that restored bog.

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

Quality birding in the city last week. Mandarin duck along the Beck - female (pictured) plus two males. First Kingfisher of the year. Swifts back over the park - 5 days earlier than average but still later than last year. And a Painted lady - lots about. 26 species for the week. #patchbirding

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

Still an amazing place to not see birds. I hope that helps. 😉

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

Yes, the Black terns were special. Super film of them you've posted.

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

Yes, breeding in Golden Acre Park in Leeds and also along the River Wharfe in the Yorkshire Dales.

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

A super day looking for nature around campus. Talking nature & engagement with @rspb.bsky.social (St Aidans), @rspbleedslocalgr.bsky.social , @bcyorkshire.bsky.social, Wharfedale Nats, Hollybush Conservation volunteers, bats/swifts and Hyde Park Source. Organised by Leeds Uni Sustainability unit.

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

When you want lots of species, sometimes they actually show up - for the Leeds Uni campus Bioblitz. Mandarin duck on the pond - campus first? At least for me. Plus Brimstone, Green-veined white, Peacock & Small tortoiseshell 🦋. More flowers = more butterflies please @universityofleeds.bsky.social.

A male Mandarin duck, a showy orange, with streaks along it's neck, and the unusual sticking-up orange tail feather "sail" they have. He was chasing after a female Mallard duck already with ducklings. The water shows the reflection of the tall, narrow windows of the building beside the pond, edges broken by the ripples in the water made by the duck moving.

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

I'm running a birding walk around Leeds Uni campus Friday 1pm, as part of our Bioblitz program. Hoping to add some butterflies in the forecast sunshine. More info from link reposted below.

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Iain Manfield @iainmanfield.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

Willow warbler still singing in the park, joining multiple Chiffchaff & Blackcap in the park & along the Beck. Unusually this time of year Black-headed, Lesser black-backed & Herring gulls - boosting the week list to 31 spp. In the sun, Orange tip, GV white, Speckled wood & Holly blue. #ukbirding

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