Wednesday, 5 June 2013

Six megabits!

Yes, I could have been on about my new camera which arrived today, but I'm not! - The Bittern watchers at the Reedbeds this afternoon were treated to no less than six Bitterns; 2 adults and four downy juveniles. Boom-boom! All four Med' Gulls were also seen at Old Moor today though only one of the sitting birds is normally visible, the other nest now blanked out by the rapidly growing vegetation. Other birds at Old Moor included 4+ drake Teal, LRP and 9 Common Terns. You wouldn't expect to see a Grey Wagtail highlighted, but one seen by the River Dearne today (Mick Rushton et al) is the first I'm aware of here since early spring. Anybody else noticed a decline on their patch? Finally, the nine Shelduck chicks are still surviving on Wombwell where there was also an LRP. No reports of either of the 'resident migrants' today (Little Gull or Whimbrel) but wouldn't be surprised to find out they're still around.

The Whimbrel from Wombwell Ings yesterday - Jeff Wragg

3 comments:

Martin Wells said...

Up to the 20th May I had only located four breeding pairs. But on that date I located no less than five pairs on the River Don at Tin Mill Rocher and Forge Rocher.
But, yes I think that numbers in the Don (to More Hall FS) and Little Don Valleys are overall down on last year, and particularly so in the whole of the Little Don Valley (Hordron to Deepcar).

Barnsley Blade said...

I had a Grey Wag on the river on Bolton on the 27th May. But you are quite right about the scarcity, that was the first one I had seen in the area since 2 on the river on the 3rd March. Regarding the Bitterns - Fantastic news!!!

The WIM Man said...

Thanks for that chaps.