Birdwatching in West Yorkshire: A Personal Tally of 38 Species
On a frost-bitten morning at Swillington Ings in West Yorkshire, I embarked on a winter walk through a landscape of water, wetland, and waterside scrub. Unlike three acquaintances who recently spotted an impressive 84 bird species here during the Michael Clegg Memorial Bird Race for Yorkshire Swifts, my approach is more modest. I keep a list when birdwatching, but it is for form's sake rather than for scientific contribution or bragging rights.
The Art of Not Counting While Counting
As I wandered through the creaking icescape, I noted down species such as magpie, long-tailed tit, pochard, and goldeneye. Redwings and fieldfares heckled from berry hedges like punters in a peanut gallery, while a marsh harrier cruised overhead. A heron stood on a stone pillar, striking with its cheekbones and eyeliner-like markings. My philosophy is to love the birds you're with, and I rarely travel far to seek out specific species.
Gentleman Thugs: The Greater Black-Backed Gulls
The highlight of the day was observing the greater black-backed gulls on the far side of the lake. By this point, my fingers were so frozen that my notebook entry read g-bb guis. These birds are scavengers, kleptoparasites, and killers—I feared for the local rabbits. Dressed in naval trim, they are gentleman thugs. In flight, they come in like bombers; as I tracked one through binoculars, it crossed paths with a cormorant, which looked like a nine-stone weakling in comparison.
A Final Tally and Reflection
I wound up with 37 species, but on my way out, I remembered to look for the little owl who lives near the gates. There she was, bringing my total to 38. While I lack the expertise, commitment, and gumption to spot 84 species in a day, I am content with my haul. It is a reminder that birdwatching is not just about numbers but about the joy of connecting with nature in a post-industrial setting.
