Moth night sat 1st

 4.30 to 5.00pm start, clothing and footwear for weather, torch useful.

First session of a new year, see whoever then.

From the undergrowth. Male and Female Pheasant

 

Moth night sat 18th

 4.30 to 5.00pm, warm clothing, stout footwear and torch will be useful. Quite a few November moths about last time.See whoever then.

November 2021 Bird Sightings

Mute Swan, Pink-footed Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Goldeneye, Goosander, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Yellow Legged Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Barn Owl, Kingfisher, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Dipper, Dunnock, Robin, Redwing, Blackbird, Firecrest, Goldcrest, Wren, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Linnet, Goldfinch, Siskin, Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Reed Bunting. With Thanks to Jeff Milne and Mike Henshaw for their contributions. ,

Pied Wagtail and Song Thrush today.

 

Moth night sat 4th dec

 Start 4.30 to 5.00pm, warm clothing and stout footwear for woods, see whoever then.

Moth night 20th

 Start 4.30 to 5.00pm, clothing for weather, footwear for wood walking, and a torch is all you need. Some sugaring will be out.

See whoever then.

In the winter feed.

 

25 Stock Doves and 150 Pinkies

 

 

October 2021 Bird Sightings

Mute Swan, Pink-footed Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Goosander, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Stock Dove, Woodpigeon, Kingfisher, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Dipper, Dunnock, Robin, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Wren, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Reed Bunting. With thanks to Jeff Milne, Mike Henshaw, David Langley and Allan Wolfenden form their contributions.

Moth night sat 6th

 5.30pm start, good footwear, warm clothing and torch would be useful. I should have sugaring out for wood walking. All over after a couple of hours these days.

See whoever then.

Moth night 23rd

 Start 6.30pm, usual clothing for weather, drop in wind strength would be good.

Signs of Autumn and spooky witches

IF YOU CANNOT READ THE ABOVE CODE THEN USE THIS DIRECT LINK BELOW

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/discover/aaaarrgghh-spider-at-cromwell-bottom/e-xqlkpx

PLEASE NOTE: There is no vehicle access from Elland end of the A6025 at the moment.

Also there will be a guided walk, around the Reserve  called 'Signs of Autumn'

This will be on Thursday 28th October (half term week)  Those wanting to attend should gather in the outdoor cafe area by 10.00am. The cabin will be open for refreshments ( cash donations only please)

 And,  there'll be a spooky QR code trail around the reserve during half term week also, on the theme of Witches.

Moth night sat 9th

 Clothing to suit weather, start time 7.30pm. See whoever then.

Bird Sightings September 2021

Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Mallard, Goosander, Pheasant, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Peregrine, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Swift, Kingfisher, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Swallow, House Martin, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Dipper, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Wheatear, Blackbird, Wren, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Magpie, Jay, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch and Reed Bunting. With thanks to Jeff Milne, Chris HT Beard and Allan Wolfenden for their contributions.

Latest Newsletter

 The latest Newsletter is now available

Many thanks to Val and all the contributors.

Download from here:- https://cromwellbottomlnr.co.uk/newsletter-downloads/

BAT & MOTH NIGHT SAT 18TH

(4th attempt) Repeat of 2 weeks ago, walk round the reserve with detectors and Torches.

Start at 8.30pm, stout shoes and warm clothes optional.

Moth trap will be running and plenty of specimens around on return. Little netters welcome.

See whoever then.

August 2021 Bird Sightings

Mute Swan, Canada Goose,Mallard, Goosander, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Buzzard, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Little Owl, Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Dipper, Dunnock, Robin, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Blackbird, Reed Warbler, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Wren, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Linnet, Goldfinch, Bullfinch. With thanks to Jeff Milne, Mike Henshaw and Chris HT Beard for sharing their sightings.

BAT WALK AND MOTH NIGHT SAT 4th 8.30pm.

 Meet at cabin area around 8.30pm. Meet the real wildlife of Brighouse and Elland.

There will be walk round with detectors and torches, you may get the chance to see a few flying mice! + spiders, owls, fox, and moths.

Whilst out the moth trap should produce a few specimens, and will be in full swing on returning for a nice cuppa. See if you can net a Large Yellow Underwing?

Clothing to suit the night, stout shoes, walk is round reserve, and a torch would be useful, but only if you want to see where your going.

All assuming it's not lashing it down.

See some of you then.

Interested in Bees??

 

 

  

CROMWELL BOTTOM WILDLIFE GROUP IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HALIFAX CHILDREN’S LIBRARY AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY EVENTS  BEE TRAIL   A ‘bee trail’ at Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve will run over the August Bank Holiday weekend Saturday to Monday 28th - 30th August 7 Bee trail QR codes will be placed around part of the Reserve in a circular route between the 2 kissing gates passing the bird viewing area, dipping pond and returning by the Weir. The final QR code will be placed in the seating area outside our cabin where you can listen to a short story about bees and enjoy some refreshments ( donations in cash only please) Toilets incl accessible Bee Trail map, quiz sheets and information available from the cabin between 10am and 4pm each day To find the start of the trail, continue past the cabin, cross over either bridge on left and enter the Reserve via the 1st gate on left ( QR code 1 will be there) Follow the QR codes in the circular route until you reach the next gate, then turn right to re-trace your steps back to the cabin for the Story OTHER EVENTS RUN BY THE WILDLIFE GROUP Sunday 29th Aug - 1.00 Guided walk around the Reserve.  1-3pm drop-in pond dipping session Monday 30th Aug - 1.00 Guided walk around Reserve THURSDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER - STORY READING SESSIONS AND ART WORKSHOP FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN (ACCOMPANIED) led by  Calderdale Library staff   LOCATION: Cromwell Bottom Wildlife Group cabin Story telling ( 'Where the Wild Things Are') in wooded area opposite cabin  at 11am 1pm and 3pm

Moth night sat 21st

 Starting from 8.30pm onwards - trap running by 9pm. Clothing to suit weather, cooler when dark now.

See whomever then.

July 2021 Bird Sightings

Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Mallard, Goosander, Cormorant, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Barn Owl, Swift, Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Blackbird, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Wren, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Reed Bunting. With thanks to Jeff Milne, Mike Henshaw and Chris HT Beard for sharing their sightings.

Moth night Sat 7th

 9PM start again - see whoever then.

August Bank Holidays

On Sunday 29th August. 1 to 3pm there will be a Guided walk, also 1 to 3pm there is pond dipping.

And on Monday 30th 1 to 3pm there will be a Guided walk around the Reserve.

Moth night 24th

 Usual start time 9PM onwards, see whoever then. Looking like a stonking night with current weather conditions.

 

This can be purchased from the Cabin on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Sundays

June 2021 Bird Sightings

Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Mallard, Cormorant, Goosander, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Tawny Owl, Swift, Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Skylark, Sand Martin, Swallow, House Martin, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Blackbird, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Chiffchaff, Wren, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Linnet, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Reed Bunting. With thanks to Jeff Milne, Mike Henshaw and Chris HT Beard (via Love Cromwell) for their contributions.

Just Giving

Please donate to our Wildlife Group 

Visit our Facebook page (on the left) and then

click the "Just Giving" on that page. Or DIRECT LINK 

 Kestrel,Buzzard and Goosanders

Moth night 10th

 Its that time again, start from 9PM onwards. I expect a good night's haul as long as no high winds or rain. 58 species were recorded 2weeks ago.

See whoever then.

Moth Photos from June 26th

 https://calderdalemoths.blogspot.com This link now works

The other link is a bad address - Bruce

Try a repost Charlie

Saturday Volunteering Days

Sadly, we will not be able to re-start Saturday volunteer days, scheduled for Saturday 10th July, as hoped. This is due to the remaining uncertainty over outside numbers allowed and pending a decision from Calderdale. We are aiming to re-start these monthly Saturday volunteer days, in September, subject to all restrictions being lifted. Sincere apologies to all those who had planned to join us on that day - we thank you for your patience and hope to see you in September. An update will be posted on our website and Facebook sites in due course.

Thank you

Cromwell \Bottom Wildlife Group 

Moth night sat 26th

 Should start getting lots of species now, starting from 9PM but darkness will be much later now.

See whoever then.

Broad-bodied Chasers and Banded Damoiselle

 

Bird Sightings May 2021

Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Mallard, Mandarin Duck, Tufted Duck, Goosander, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Tern sp, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Swift, Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sand Martin, Swallow, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Dunnock, Robin, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Blackbird, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Willow Warble, Chiffchaff, Wren, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch With thanks to Jeff, Mike and Allan for contributing their sightings

Moth night sat 12th

 From 9pm onwards, see whoever then.

😃 The Cabin is re-opening this Sunday the 6th of June. 10am till 4pm 🍫👪👦👧

Tea, Coffee, Soft drinks and snacks available, toilets. 

Covid safety in place.

Also we are planning to resume monthly Saturday volunteering days from July, starting Saturday 10th July and then on the 2nd Saturday of each month. 

We meet at 9.30 in the compound next to our cabin, sign in and then we hold an informal chat about what tasks there are to do, including some health and safety reminders.

These volunteering days will be led alternately by members of CBWG and then by Robin Dalton, one of Calderdale's Countryside Rangers. As July is the first one, we'll both be there on that day.

 Volunteers are advised to come dressed for working outdoors with strong footwear and bring a packed lunch if they intend to stay into the afternoon. The amount of time volunteers spend with us is totally flexible and up to the individual's own discretion. Toilet facilities open.

We do have refreshment available such as hot/cold drinks, crisps and wrapped biscuits which we do not directly charge for but ask volunteers for a donation to the work of the Wildlife group. If you have any further questions, just email cromwellbottom@gmail.com  We'll look forward to you volunteering with us.

Moth night sat 29th

Forward swing practice, this sat from 9pm, clothing to suit weather on the night.

See whoever then.

Moth night sat 8th

 I think it's time to brave the cold and get the trap dusted off.

So I shall run a moth night this sat 8th from about 8.30pm onwards. Please dress in warm clothing, as we will be outside all evening due to covid restrictions. Warm drinks can be supplied through the evèning, and it may run until 4am if my all night crew are around, and moths keep coming.

Hope to see you there!

Bird Sightings April 2021

Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Mandarin Duck, Goosander, Pheasant, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Snipe, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Tawny Owl, Kingfisher, Sand Martin, Swallow, House Martin, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Dipper, Dunnock, Robin, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Blackbird, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Wren, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Redpoll, Goldfinch, Siskin, Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Reed Bunting, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker. With thanks to all who contributed, especially, Allan Wolfenden, Jeff Milne and Mike Henshaw.

An Enquiry about running moth nights at Cromwell Bottom LNR

 I was contacted recently by Anthony Arak who is about my age and was a member of the Halifax Scientific Society as a teenager, long before I joined. He has or has had a career in Ecology. I knew his name because his project, along with another teenage member, to reintroduce Emperor Moths onto Norland Moor in the 1960s is written about by Clifford Lees in one of our publications, ("The Natural History of Norland Moor.")

He refound the HSS via me on Facebook. What luck he did that when we are still called HSS! (I hope we always are.)

He has been introducing us to the delights the Emperor Moth as I told him we had never seen one, only the caterpillars. So now we've seen them on Wadsworth Moor (above Hebden Bridge,) Whirlaw Common (above Todmorden,) and Stiperden Moor (above the Long Causeway - the Burnley Old Rd -  above Todmorden.) We used an artificial pheremone lure briefly. It is very effective! If the weather is warm enough and there is a light breeze the males, which are day fliers, arrive very quickly! Now we just have to be lucky and find a female, as they sit still, pumping out their pheremone, and wait for the males to arrive.

Anthony would like to resume his great interest in moths. He has asked me by email if he needs permission to run moth evenings at Cromwell Bottom. I've said I will put him in touch with the various people already involved in this.

He says he would like to try, apart from a light trap, sugaring, wine ropes and "mad moth netting by torchlight."

I have mentioned the CBWG enthusiasts who already do moth nights. Is Robin Dalton still involved for the Council? I was going to ask about how Graham Haigh is but just remembered I might be able to find out on Facebook.

Bird Sightings March 2021

Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Goose, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Shoveler, Goldeneye, Goosander, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Common Sandpiper, Woodcock, Snipe, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Grey Wagtail, Dipper, Dunnock, Robin, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Firecrest, Goldcrest, Wren, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Magpie, Jay, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Lesser Redpoll, Goldfinch, Siskin, Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Reed Bunting Thanks to Jeff Milne, Mike Henshaw and Graham Haigh for sharing their sightings

Grey Heron and Meadow Pipit

 

Meadow Pipits North Loop

 

Spring/Summer Newsletter

 View and download our 2021 Newsletter and also the earlier ones (LINK). 

Another excellent piece of work from Val, the rest of the team and the contributors.

Site visit.

 Nuthatch,Wren,Stock Dove,Goosanders.  Nice to meet up many I have not seen for a long time.

February 2021 Bird Sightings

Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Canada Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Goosander, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Woodcock, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Tawny Owl, Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Dipper, Dunnock, Robin, Song Thrush, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Blackbird, Firecrest, Goldcrest, Wren, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Magpie, Jay, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Linnet, Lesser Redpoll, Goldfinch, Siskin, Bullfinch, Reed Bunting. Many thanks to Jeff, Dan, Mike H, David, Graham and Allan for sharing their sightings.

Todays Visit

    Redpoll, Siskin and LTT seen today, also seen were, 

    Firecrest, Jay, Cormorant, Gooseander, Heron, Wren,

   lots of Bullfinch and 100's of Wood Pigeons on the move.

 A few recent photos from Cromwell Bottom, finishing with a bit of moorhen synchronised swimming.