It must be stated that records of Mandarin Ducks Aix galericulata in the Society’s Bird Reports between the years 2012 to 2019, attributed to Spence Dam, should be Hartwith Mill Dam, both names having been inexplicably published in the same reports. Spence Dam was the old original name in the 19th Century and has never been used for recording purposes by the Society since its formation in 1947 and, to avoid further confusion, should be referred to as Hartwith Mill Dam. Having been born at nearby Summerbridge in 1930, I have always known it by that name and the name Spence Dam is beyond the memory of several long-term Dale’s residents with whom I have spoken.
This secluded water is typical habitat for the species and attracts the largest assemblies in the district, with regular counts of around 30 birds. However, on 8th November 2021, that Knaresborough stalwart Bobby Evison was watching at the dam when he counted 67 Mandarins on the water. They suddenly took flight and with them rose a previously unseen 60 more which were then joined by a further 25 that had been perching low in the surrounding trees. This unprecedented total of 150 plus gives a clear indication of their success in the district.
Just for interest, in 1958, when the surrounding trees were much smaller and the water thus more exposed, the dam played host to a Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica on 14th and 15th January.
Dr. John R. Mather.