Nidderdale Birdwatchers is currently participating in a research project with Nidderdale AONB about the birds that breed on Greenhow Hill near Pateley Bridge. Among these birds are waders such as lapwings, oystercatchers and curlews, plus smaller birds such as meadow pipits, swallows, larks, and wheatears, and there are also jackdaws, ravens and some raptors.

 

Using cameras to constantly film various nest sites, the project records the life of birds 24 hours each day, so that we can learn more about their behaviour and how successful they are at raising their chicks. This will help us to protect their future in Nidderdale.

 

The project also allows members of the public to observe the birds, live via a video link and through selected recordings, which can be seen on the screens in the windows of Pet Pad in Pateley Bridge High Street. You can also see the pictures live on the Web by using the link given below.

 

Being able to record and watch bird behaviour like this is not normally possible as many bird nests are usually in inaccessible areas. Nests are also fully protected by law and permission to film has been made possible by the granting of licences. Having such constant and close-up views is therefore a real pleasure and privilege.

 

Further details of the project are available in the Birds on the Hill leaflet (PDF 631KB)

 

 

 

Our Oystercatcher appears to have left the nest over the weekend probably following the hatching of her chicks.