Yorkshire Dales birds & sites

[tommo800]

Hi,

I was just wondering where abouts in the yorkshire dales I could go to find Goshawks, black grouse and crossbills.

I read somewhere that goshawks are now declining but despite a bit of research, I havent been able to find anywhere that says where goshawks still occur in the Dales.

Cheers,
Tom

[ChrisJB]

Goshawks are very rare in the Dales and you would be hard pushed to see one. If you want a decent Black Groues site, PM me, as info' regarding these fabulous birds is rather sensitive.

Regards, Chris

[aeshna5]

I think given the level of illegal persecution of Goshawks by gamekeepers,. etc no responsible birder would advertise sites for these fabulous birds.

[John]

To be honest Chris I have answered this post as I don't know the poster. As you say, Black Grouse sites are sensitive and shouldn't really be given out to anyone you don't know.

No disrespect to tommo800 but this is his first post. We don't know who he is and we don't know what his motives are (more than likely the right ones, but how do we know).

I'm sorry Tom if you think I have offended you, I don't mean to, but put yourself in our place. If it was my first post would you give sensitive information over to me without knowing what I was going to do with it.

Anyway, can I wish you a genuine warm welcome to WAB. I do mean that, despite what I have just said.

John

Originally Posted by ChrisJB

Goshawks are very rare in the Dales and you would be hard pushed to see one. If you want a decent Black Groues site, PM me, as info' regarding these fabulous birds is rather sensitive.

Regards, Chris

[tommo800]

Cheers John,
Thanks for the kind welcome
I can fully understand your comment and I agree it's probably not a good idea to post publically where to see endangered birds like these, nice as it would be to know (the birds come first).
Just have to go looking for suitable habitats I guess, but nver mind thats the fun of birding.



Regards,
Tom

[barontan2418]

Hi Tom

I have to echo Johns sentiments re Goshawks, sufficient to say you would be hard pushed to find them breading anywhere in the Dales, why not try the Wykeham Forest Raptor Watch point March/April time this is a recognised site for Gos. As for Crossbill I've had parties of well over 300 birds in Fewston & Timble Ings Woods, just have to be lucky as they can appear in any suitable woodland. Hope this helps.

Mick baron
Leeds.

[John]

There are well publicised Black Grouse sites up north and a search on the internet should find them, but they are outside of Yorkshire.

John

Originally Posted by tommo800

Cheers John,
Thanks for the kind welcome
I can fully understand your comment and I agree it's probably not a good idea to post publically where to see endangered birds like these, nice as it would be to know (the birds come first).
Just have to go looking for suitable habitats I guess, but nver mind thats the fun of birding.



Regards,
Tom

[ChrisJB]

Originally Posted by John

To be honest Chris I have answered this post as I don't know the poster. As you say, Black Grouse sites are sensitive and shouldn't really be given out to anyone you don't know.

No disrespect to tommo800 but this is his first post. We don't know who he is and we don't know what his motives are (more than likely the right ones, but how do we know).

I'm sorry Tom if you think I have offended you, I don't mean to, but put yourself in our place. If it was my first post would you give sensitive information over to me without knowing what I was going to do with it.

Anyway, can I wish you a genuine warm welcome to WAB. I do mean that, despite what I have just said.

John

You are absolutely right John, but the only Black Grouse sites I know are already in the public domain. I found them pretty well publicised on the 'net anyway and it was through them that I saw my own first Black Grouse.

Regards, Chris

[tommo800]

Hi Mick
Thank You for that point of Tmble Ings Wood. Is Timble Ings Wood the one bordering Fewston Reservoir or the larger one to the west?

Cheers,
Tom

[barontan2418]

Hi Tommo

Yes it's the large woodland to the West, I had a party of about 12 birds yesterday so there are some around. Traveling from Otley to Blubberhouses when you reach the small crossroads for Swinsty/Fewston reservoir turn left onto track, parking is 400 mts further on the left. Follow the track and turn right at the bottom, they could be seen anywhere along the edge of these tracks. If you get chance take a look on the moorland to the west of the woods, wintering Hen harrier are quite regular.

regards

Mick