Hi All,

  Just been surprised to see a dipper in the middle of Huddersfield, on the river at Aspley. I know they do turn up in the area, but is this a common sight here? I normally keep my eyes open going over the bridge because there's often a heron there, but this is the first time I've seen a dipper.

   Also, I've seen on several occasions recently a falcon-like bird on Kilner Bank. It's not a kestrel, and I'm pretty sure it's not a peregrine, although I've usually only seen it in silhouette. It tends to fly in wide sweeping arcs, about 10m above the treeline, and I've seen it stoop at about 45 degrees towards something by the river. The underside appears to be beige and brown, and I had the impression of some mottling but no clear bars or other striking markings. It appeared to be slightly larger than a kestrel. I've not heard it call, and it never hovers. Any ideas, or does someone actually know what it is? It's there quite regularly.

   Cheers,

Joe