Sunday 31 August 2014

Bolton Ings

I called in this morning on my way to Adwick and had half an hour with Nige. A Cream Crown showed briefly at 11.50hrs and again when I returned, at about 15.20 and 15.40hrs. A Buzzard was hovering over the wood on the far bank around 15.00hrs and a Green Woodpecker called.

Ardsley Viaduct area

This afternoon 2 Spotted Flycatchers together, 4 Buzzards and a male Brimstone Butterfly.

Edderthorpe
3 Little Egrets (Chris Parkin)

Wintersett Sunday

A lighter westerly breeze (f2-3) with a mostly sunny day. Well, Sunday was very similar to Saturday for visible migration - hardly any birds moving, but unfortunatly today there were no highlights either. The best of a morning session are;- Common Buzzard 1 south (plus 6 locals), Swallow 78 south, House Martin 21 south, Meadow Pipit 10 south, yawn....zzzzz. 'Psycho' the adult Yellow-legged Gull spent most of the day stood on his raft on the Country Park, the four hybrid Canada/Barnacle Geese are still here, Pochard 28, Goldeneye 1, Common Sandpiper 1, Swift still 8 over the Top Res and a Nuthatch in Pits Wood. And Edderthorpe was no better early morning with virtually no change from yesterday;- Shoveler 90, Pochard 10, Little Egret 5.

Broadstones Reservoir

Few bits and pieces here today.

Redstart - along track to resv
Sand Martin 1, Chiffchaff (singing), Lapwing 100+

Harden vis mig

Harden Quariies - 2 Tree Pipits W was the highlight of a poor vis mig session this a.m.
per Mick Cunningham

Royd Moor

Royd Moor Reservoir - 128 Greylag Geese, 171 Canada Geese, 19 Mallards, 2 Tufted ducks, 3 Little Grebes, 1 Great Crested Grebe, c25 Black-headed Gull, 1 adult Common Gull, 15+ Swallows and 3 Willow Warblers.
Gilbert Hill, Langsett - 1 Common Buzzard.
Midhope Reservoir - 21 Canada Geese, 1 Tufted Duck and 4 Little Grebes.

Butterflies - six species of common butterflies at Royd Moor Reservoir  plus 2 Walls (that I believe are not so common now in this area).

Adwick (am)

Little Egret 5, Black t Godwit 3, Dunlin 1, Redshank 1, Hobby 1, Buzzard 2, Whinchat 4, Wheatear 1, Whitethroat 3, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Blackcap 1, Yellow Wagtail 10.

Saturday 30 August 2014

Wintersett Saturday

Overnight rain followed by a brisk westerly wind (f3-4) with cloud all morning and sunny spells through the afternoon. Highlights of the day went to the vis migging team on the hill (most birders here);- a dark Marsh Harrier went south at 09.40. It carried obvious tags on its wings (white on the right, yellow-orange on the left at the carpels) and hopefully we'll be able to trace its origin from these. A Common Buzzard went east (in addition to 7 local birds). Two adult Hobbies flew south together at 12.55. The highlight was a Osprey which was picked up circling towards Wakefield (Pugneys way)and as it gained height the strong wind pushed it our way before it obviously gained enough height and glided off southwards over Haw Park at 15.50 to 15.55. Two Swifts and around 50 Swallows were the only other birds moving during a ten hour watch! Greylag Goose 131 and Canada Goose 483 were on the park lake. A Spotted Flycatcher was on the west bank of the Top Res and 6 Swifts are still feeding over there.

Edderthorpe, Saturday morning

Still loads of waterbirds here;- Gadwall 285, Shoveler 84, Teal 145, Wigeon 14, Little Grebe 49, Little Egret 4 (but nothing larger with them). A Yellow-legged Gull dropped on with LBBGulls yesterday afternoon.

The Edge 30th Aug

Wombwell Ings mid/late AM- Present were 2 Cormorant, 4 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 16 Canada Geese, 22 Teal, 10 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 1 Garganey, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 BH Gull, 150+ Lapwing, 4 Dunlin, 3 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 11+ Yellow Wagtail, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Swift, 4 Whinchat and 1 Wheatear. T. Hibberd  had a female Redstart along the Bulling Dyke.
Broomhill Flash lateAM/early PM- Noted were 9 Little Grebe, 1 juv Great Crested Grebe, 8 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 1a+2y Mute Swan, 3 Canada Geese, 16 Tufted Duck, 11 Mallard, 6 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 114 Lapwing, 3 Common Sandpiper, 43 BH Gull and 1 Wheatear.

Whimbrel

Harden Quarries - 1 Whimbrel W.
per Mick Cunningham

Friday 29 August 2014

Great White Egret

Apologies for the late post, have been unable to get on here all day.

Great White Egret - 1 flying east(ish) over Scout Dike Reservoir at 0655 this morning. Cue frantic for binoculars as driving! Presume this then touched down in Edderthorpe at 0715 (post below).

Edderthorpe

Great white egret dropped in this morning about 07-15, sadly I couldn't stop as I had work commitments, so no idea how long it stopped?

Wintersett 29.08.14

16°C but felt cooler in the north easterly,  6/8 cloud.   Today was what passes for a wader day here!
Anglers CP:  Dunlin 1 left 09.20hrs,  A Whimbrel flew over SW at 10.43hrs, Common Sandpiper 2 and Snipe1. Common Gull 1 juv.,  Shoveler 3,  Teal 3, Mallard Young 1 fledged+ 1 medium. 
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 1 adult and  Swift 1 + 1 ACP.

The Edge 29th Aug

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Highlight was the 3 Whinchat that J. Thompson located on the eastern end of the ings, near the sluice gate on the R.Dearne. With the help of the CB radio, Jim was able to help me locate them from the confines of the hide. Many thanks. Also present were 4 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan, 156 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 16 Mallard, 8 Teal, 29 Lapwing, 4 Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, 2 Spotted Redshank, 1 Ringed Plover, 13 BH Gull, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Kingfisher, 7+ Yellow Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Willow Tit and 7 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash late AM-Noted were 14 Little Grebe, 11 Cormorant ( +31 thro west at 10.20am ), 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1a+2y Mute Swan, 20+ Mallard, 12 Tufted Duck, 8 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 59 Lapwing, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 8 BH Gull and 1 Yellow Wagtail. Early AM a Buzzard was sat on the marker pole.
Bolton Ings early PM-A cream crowned Marsh Harrier made a short appearance before dropping into the reeds at 12.05pm. Also present were 10 Little Grebe, 7a+3y Great Crested Grebe, 5 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2a+8y Mute Swan, 23 Greylag, 3 Canada Geese, 26 Tufted Duck, 11 Gadwall, 7 Mallard, 4 Pochard, 2 Shoveler, 220+ Lapwing, 1 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard, 1 Swift and 1 Green Woodpecker.
Green Sandpiper- Broomhill Flash


Midhope Castle

Midhope Reservoir - 26 Canada Geese, 2 Teal, 7 Mallards, 2 Tufted Ducks and 4 Little Grebes.
Castle Dam - 8 Mallards, 3 Tufted Ducks, 2 Moorhens, 18 Coots, 10+ Swallows and 100+ Jackdaws.

Old Moor Nocturnal Report - Thursday 28th August

Main Marsh - Barnacle Goose 1, Wigeon 2, Lapwing c750, Spotted Redshank 2, Green Sandpiper 6, Common Sandpiper 2, Ruff 3, Dunlin 3, Black Tailed Godwit 10, Snipe 7, Common Tern 1, Peregrine 1, Barn Owl 1, Green Woodpecker 1, Chiffchaff 1 singing.

Roost in willows on Willow Pool - Grey Heron 3, Cormorant 19, Little Egret 12.

Tonight the Egrets came in as follows - 1 already in, 1 at 20.06, 1 at 20.08, 1 at 20.20, 2 at 20.22, 2 at 20.24, 2 at 20.27, 1 at 20.29 and finally 1 at 20.43. 8 birds came in from up the valley and 3 birds from down the valley. The total of 12 means the numbers have dropped by more than 50% in less than a week, 26 last Saturday. Of course last night could be a blip and I could have missed some, they are coming in late and fast and easy to miss. 12 is still a great total and it will be interesting to see what happens in the next couple of weeks.

The Main Marsh looked fantastic tonight, birds everywhere, ducks and geese flying in/flying out in big numbers plus all the wildfowl and waders on the deck. Long may it continue.

Thursday 28 August 2014

Edderthorpe, nocturnal update

Two Little Egrets roosted tonight in the riverside willows. Mallard were coming in from all directions and a minimum of 765 were present just before dark. Lapwing 860, Barn Owl 1 and Swift 12.

Wintersett 28.08.14

18°C,  calm,warm and humid.  8/8 cloud up to mid morning.  Sunny spells with scattered cloud from late morning. 
Anglers CP Vis Mig:  Common Buzzard 3 S (2 at 13.15 and 1 at 14.45hrs), Meadow Pipit 2,  Swift 11 S,  Sand Martin 20 S,  Swallow 410  (370S + 40SW). 
Anglers CP:  Hobby 1 juv. and Grey Wagtail 1. 
Botany Bay:  2 Spotted Flycatchers were in hedges on Botany path.  Sadly, the hedgerow at the top of Botany field was grubbed out last week.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 2 adults + 2 juvs..   4 Black Tern were flying around from 10.40hrs.   Yellow-legged Gull - the usual adult.  Goldeneye 1 female.  Swift 2 and Lesser Whitethroat 1.
Photos by Paul Meredith
Spotted Flycatcher                  Botany         

Spotted Flycatcher            Botany

The Edge 28th Aug

Wombwell Ings mid AM- A good start to the day with a Spotted Flycatcher showing in the hawthorns along the Bulling Dyke. Also present were 1 Little Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Mute Swan, 242 Canada Geese, 33 Mallard, 19 Teal, 6 Gadwall, 1 Garganey, 1 Kestrel, 11 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 48 Lapwing, 5 Black Tailed Godwit, 4 Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, 2 Spotted Redshank, c10 Pied Wagtail, 4+ Yellow Wagtail and 1 Kingfisher. J Thompson had 1 Whimbrel late AM.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Standing room only in the hide with the restoration work dragging in the birds and the punters. Noted were 15 Little Grebe, 9 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1a+2y Mute Swan, 3 Canada Geese, 22 Mallard, 19 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 40+ Lapwing, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 distant Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 5 Grey Partridge, 1 Red Legged Partridge, and 9 Yellow Wagtail,.
TPT- 1 Green Woodpecker and 2 singing Chiffchaff.
Bolton Ings early AM- Present were 12 Little Grebe, 6a+2y Great Crested Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2a+10y Mute Swan, 49 Greylag, 13 Canada Geese, 30 Gadwall, 24 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 5 Mallard, 5 Wigeon, 3 Shoveler, 1 Teal, 250+ Lapwing, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Kestrel, 3 Swift and 1 Bullfinch.
Spotted Flycatcher - Bulling Dyke

Adwick (am)

Little Egret 3, Teal 28, Garganey 1, Shoveler 11, Tufted 2, Black t Godwit 5, Snipe 3, Whimbrel calling, flying west at 08.20, Green Sandpiper 1, LRP 1, Whinchat 1, Yellow Wagtail at least 34 feeding  amongst the cattle, Kingfisher 3.

Edderthorpe, Thursday morning

A very wet cream-crown Marsh Harrier had a fly around before dropping into the softrush nearest the layby at 07.00. Greylag Goose 166, Teal 176, Pochard 9, Wigeon 8, Little Grebe 48, Little Egret 12, Common Sandpiper 1.

Wednesday 27 August 2014

Wintersett Gulls 27th Aug

Sharp increase in numbers on the Top Res tonight, although yachts meant that they didn't settle till late. Counts were :-

Lesser Black-backed Gull - 462
Yellow-legged Gull - 6 adults
Great Black-backed Gull - 1 jug
Black-headed Gull - 1200.


Midhope Red Kite

Low Moor, Upper Midhope - 1 juvenile Red Kite and 1 'creamcrown' Marsh Harrier.
Upper Midhope - 1 Hobby hunting Swallow before leaving NW.
per Jonathan Wasse
 
 
 
Juvenile Red Kite at Low Moor, Upper Midhope today.
 
 
photos by Ron Marshall.

Carlton Marsh - Update

1 Spotted Flycatcher was still present this afternoon. (Dave Standish)

Ingbirchworth

Stocksbridge - 1 Raven E.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 14 Canada Geese, 149 Mallards, 10 Tufted Ducks, 3 Little Grebes, 3 Moorhens, 3 Coots, 5 Grey Wagtails and 3 Pied Wagtails.
Royd Moor Reservoir - 181 Canada Geese.
Midhope Reservoir - 3 Little Grebes and c6 Siskins.

Langsett

Langett Reservoir - 1 juvenile Red Kite, 1 juvenile Common Buzzard food begging from an  adult and 4 Ravens.
per Mick Cunningham

The Edge 27th Aug

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 2 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 4 Grey Heron, 257 Canada Geese, 12 Greylag, 19 Mallard, 15 Teal, 1 Garganey, 73 Lapwing, 3 Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, 1 Kestrel, 7 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 5 Pied Wagtail, 2 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash late AM-  Noted were 15 Little Grebe, 8 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1a+2y Mute Swan, 12 Mallard, 10 Tufted Duck, 7 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 39 Lapwing, 2 Greenshank(+2 thro 10.50am), 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 LBB Gull and 9 Yellow Wagtail.
Bolton Ings early PM- Present were 10 Little Grebe, 10a+3y Great Crested Grebe, 12 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 4a+11y Mute Swan, 77 Gadwall, 22 Tufted Duck, 16 Shoveler, 15 Mallard, 2 Pochard, 76 Lapwing, 1 Curlew (thro east at 12.20pm), 8 BH Gull, 1 Kestrel,1 Swift, 1 Jay and 1 Green Woodpecker.

Wintersett 2014 - Cetti's Warbler Breeding Success!



From Pete Smith:
 This species first bred at Wintersett Reservoir in 2011, when a male and female nested, but failed to fledge any young.  There were no records in 2012 but a male arrived on 10th November 2013 and remained throughout the winter.  He began singing on territory in March 2014 and we hoped he could attract a female, as we hadn’t been able to confirm that any other birds were present during the winter.            
Cetti’s Warblers are extremely secretive, and a territorial male can have up to four breeding females.  Due to our ringing activities, we have been able to confirm that our territorial male had two breeding females, and both successfully fledged a brood of young .
We trapped and ringed four juveniles between 30th June and 22nd July confirming the first successful breeding of this species at Wintersett, and indeed the Barnsley area.  

Juvenile Cetti's Warbler Ringed 30.06.14       Becky Hill

Wintersett 27.08.14

Warmer today, up to 14°C with 8/8 and a light north easterly. 
Anglers CP Vis. Mig. 6 Shoveler flew in at 08.30hrs.  A Redshank flew over from WRes at 09.17 and left N by 09.20. Goosander 3 S at  10.07hrs,  Meadow Pipit 1 S,  Teal 19 W at 10.25hrs,  Yellow Wagtail 1S, Linnet 4 S, Greenfinch 8 S and Sand Martin 75 S.
Also presentACP: Grey Wagtail 2  and the usual adult Yellow-legged Gull. 
Cold Hiendley Res: Common Tern 1 adult + 2 juvs.  and Gadwall 7 + 3 WRes.. 
Wintersett Res: A Curlew flew west at 06.50hrs. Cetti's Warbler 1 male + 1 juv.,   Swift 6,  Pochard 16,  Goldeneye 1 female and Kingfisher, Water Rail 1.
57 Birds were ringed this morning including:  14 Reed Warbler,  4Sedge Warbler, 1Whitethroat,  6 Blackcap,  Willow Warbler 10,  Chiffchaff 16 and Goldcrest 1.

Carlton Marsh

A Buzzard was calling at first light, Little Owl was on his usual perch and 2 Kingfishers were feeding on the scrape. 5 Jays were very vocal, as were the breeding pair of Water Rails and a Curlew flew SW at 07.02hrs. Treecreeper and both common woodpeckers were also present.
 
21 birds caught this morning included 4 Reed Warblers, 3 Chiffchaffs and 4 Reed Buntings.

Tuesday 26 August 2014

Langsett

Langsett Reservoir - c65 Mallards - gull roost - 361+ Black-headed Gulls, 13 Common Gulls, 471+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 8+ juvenile Herring Gulls, 3 (2 second-summers/third-winters & 1 third winter) Yellow-legged Gulls and 1 adult Caspian Gull.

Wintersett 26th Aug 2014 Evening update

The Gull roost was split between the Country Park and the Top Res early on, but eventually most moved onto the Top Res with combined totals of:-

Lesser Black-backed Gull - 152
Yellow-legged Gull - 3 adults and 1 juv (including resident bird)
Herring Gull - 1 juvenile
Common Gull - 3 juveniles

A Common Sandpiper was also on the Top Res at dusk.

Wintersett Skuas and Sarnies 26.08.14

Just having the power of Graham's chair on vis. mig hill was enough to bring in the goodies today!   Well - that and the weather.  Rain over night, then 13°C, dry but overcast with a steady easterly all day. Some sunshine this afternoon.
Anglers CP Vis. Mig Morning Session:  A Shelduck went north at 08.17 hours and then, at 08.48hrs, 2  ARCTIC SKUAS  flew over  before  leaving high north at 09.05hrs.  It was originally thought that one bird was a juv, because we could not see any tail streamers, but photos clearly show that both had streamers so both must be adults - one dark, one intermediate phase.  (What a first tick for Gray's Chair!)
Then a Snipe flew in.  A Dunlin flew north at 10.15hrs.  A Hobby went south at 11.00hrs and a juv. went over at 15.29hrs.  3 Yellow Wagtails went over and a Grey Wagtail was in.  2 Curlew went north at 12.40hrs.
An adult Common Tern was on Wintersett Res,  and an  adult and 2 juvs flew through Anglers.
An adult and a juv.. Common Gull flew south and another adult flew north.  An adult Herring Gull went north. The usual adult Yellow-legged Gull was present and another adult went south at 10.44hrs.
Anglers CP Vis. Mig. Afternoon Session:  A lunchtime Tweet from Calder Wetlands alerted us to 6 SANDWICH TERN flying towards us. We managed to get back on the hill  as they came in from the north at 13.28hrs before they left south at 13.32hrs. ( Tick number 2 for Gray's chair).   This is the largest number of Sandwich Terns ever seen here.
A total of 57 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew through.  22 Swallows went south. 
Also present: Female Goldeneye  1 ACP + 1 WRes + 1 CHRes. The 4 Barnacle/Canada hybrids were in with the Canada flock ACP.   Swift 8 ACP + 1WRes and Teal 6.
Photos of Arctic Skuas by Paul Meredith.


Carlton Marsh

3 Spotted Flycatchers were feeding together south of the double benches on the railway embankment this evening! Both photos taken by Dave Standish. These 3 equalled the previous maximum of 3 set in 1980, 1983 and 1995.


The Edge 26th Aug

Wombwell Ings mid AM-  Present were 4 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 381 Canada Geese, 36 Greylag, 34 Teal, 27 Mallard, 11 Gadwall, 1 Garganey, 35 Lapwing, 9 Black Tailed Godwit, 4 Dunlin, 3 Greenshank, 2 Snipe, 9 BH Gull, 4+ Pied Wagtail and 1 female Wheatear.
 Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 15 Little Grebe, 8 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1a+1y Mute Swan, 3 Canada Geese, 22 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 12 Lapwing and 1 Common Sandpiper.
Bolton Ings early PM- After four years of laboriously scanning the fence and frequently saying to me " I can't understand why we don't get more  -----" , Seev finally saw another Whinchat on the Ings. It was left to me to get the record shot. Also noted were 11 Little Grebe, 7a+1y Great Crested Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2a+4y Mute Swan, 37 Greylag, 3 Canada Geese, 46 Tufted Duck, 26 Gadwall, 6 Pochard, 6 Mallard, 3 Teal, 34 Lapwing, and 6+ Swift.
Whinchat - Bolton Ings

Edderthorpe, Tuesday morning

Not a lot of change despite the very good conditions for movement. A Little Egret was still roosting in the river willows when I arrived at 05.57, up to 8 on the Flash with 2 leaving up valley at 06.45 (heading for Wilthorpe?). Shoveler 76, Little Grebe 44, Common Sandpiper 2, a Ringed Plover flew around looking for somewhere to land but appeared to fail.

Monday 25 August 2014

Old Moor - August Bank Holiday Monday

Arrived at the Wath Ings hide at 05.10, very dark this morning and all quiet, the Egrets started calling at 05.15 and the first 10 left at 05.37 towards Edderthorpe. These were followed by 2 at 05.39, 5 at 05.45 and the last 1 at 05.53, also 8 Grey Herons left the roost but the Cormorants are lazy and none had left by 07.30 when I moved on.
Made my way home for a coffee, had my breakfast at the Old Moor cafe and then spent the day until 3.30 at Old Moor, covered all the hides and counted the wildfowl to get an idea of numbers. As you know the weather was poor all day with low temperatures and drizzle on and off which made viewing difficult. A few more waders about and the Peregrine seen frequently bothering them, a Willow Warbler was singing early on Green Lane and I also received reports of Chiffchaff and Blackcap singing. Lots of Geese were on the Main Marsh early especially Grey Lags but unfortunately I didn't count them.
The birds I did count are as follows:- Grey Heron 8, Little Egret 18, Mute Swan 10, Canada Goose 60, Grey Lag Goose 18, Cormorant 15, Great Crested Grebe 1, Little Grebe 12, Mallard 198, Teal 131, Shoveler 97, Gadwall 256, Wigeon 3, Tufted Duck 41, Pochard 3, Coot 166, Moorhen 61, Lapwing 700+, Golden Plover 1, Black Tailed Godwit 17, Greenshank 2, Redshank 1, Green Sandpiper 5, Common Sandpiper 2, Little Ringed Plover 1, Ringed Plover 2, Dunlin 2, Snipe 12, Kestrel 1, Peregrine 1, Sparrowhawk 1, Barn Owl 1, Kingfisher 2, Swift 4, Willow Warbler 1.

Monday 25-8-14. rby

Wilthorpe Marsh- Little Egret 1, Green Sandpiper 3, Spotted Flycatcher, Linnet flock up to about 100.

Edderthorpe, Bank Holiday Monday

Early doors on the Flash;- Little Egret 14, Little Grebe 46, Teal 140 (almost doubled overnight), Wigeon 5, Common Sandpiper 1.

Sunday24-8-14

High Hoyland, Deep Haigh Wood- Hobby1, Buzzard 6+.Ewden stone circle track and shooting lodge- cc Marsh Harrier1, Peregrine1, Buzzard 8+, Kestrel 2, Raven 5, Stonechat 5, Wheatear 1, LBB Gull 1

The Edge 25th Aug

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Highlight was the Wheatear, showing well for 10 minutes, on the short grass in front of the hide. Also present were 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan, 117 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 29 Mallard, 27 Teal, 10 Gadwall, 1 Garganey, 92 Lapwing, 3 Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, 1 Redshank, 1 Kestrel, 8 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 4+ Pied Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 30+ Goldfinch.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 14+ Little Grebe, 10 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Mute Swan, 3 Canada Geese, 20 Mallard, 18 Tufted Duck, 1 Gadwall, 1 Teal, 45 Lapwing, 5 Snipe and 1 Black Tailed Godwit (thro east c.10.30am).
Bolton Ings early PM- A large number of geese present- 291 Canada Geese and 89 Greylag. Also present were 12 Little Grebe, 5a+2y Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Mute Swan+ 4y, 22 Gadwall, 21 Tufted Duck, 5 Mallard, 2 Pochard, 1 Shoveler, 41 Lapwing, 7 BH Gull, 2 Green Woodpecker and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Wintersett + p.m. update 25.08.14

11°C,  8/8 cloud, cool and dry at first, but by late morning a light easterly stirred up enough drizzle to keep the Bank Holiday hordes away.
Anglers CP Vis Mig: 14 Teal dropped in at 08.30hrs + 8 WRes..   11 Yellow Wagtail went in several directions (3 over, 1N, 5SW and 2S).   Swift 1S  + 4 WRes..  An adult Peregrine flew east at 09.32hrs..  4 Canada/Barnacle Hybrid Geese flew over from WRes and dropped in near the shallows. A Common Gull went south.  By lunchtime, 668 Sand Martin had flown south - any updates will follow later this evening.
Also seen on Anglers CP: Wigeon 2 and Gadwall 13, Little Grebe 1
Wintersett Res: 15 Pochard, 113 Greylag Goose and the usual adult Yellow-legged Gull.
The  afternoon Vis mig session carried on until 14.30hrs.
Hirundine final totals were: Swallow 10 and another record breaking count of 760 Sand Martin,  all going south.  2 Snipe went east.   A Whimbrel flew SE at 13.10hrs and a flock of 12 Whimberl flew NW at 15.30hrs.

Old Moor Nocturnal Report - Sunday 24th August

Mere - Shelduck 1 juv, Common Sandpiper 2.

Field Pool - Barnacle Goose 1, Wigeon 2.

Main Marsh - Lapwing 600+, Golden Plover 1, Green Sandpiper 4, Greenshank 1, Dunlin 1, Black Tailed Godwit 15, Snipe 1, Peregrine 1, Barn Owl 1, Green Woodpecker 2, Kingfisher 1, LBB Gull 1, Swift 1, Swallow/Sand Martin 500+.

Roost in willows on Willow Pool - Grey Heron 2, Cormorant c15, Little Egret 19.

The Little Egrets came in as follows tonight - 1 at 18.46, 2 at 19.55, 3 at 19.57, 3 at 19.59, 1 at 20.03, 1 at 20.05, 1 at 20.06, 1 at 20.09, 3 at 20.16, 1 at 20.20 and finally 2 at 20.43. 12 birds came in from up the valley and 7 from down the valley. Interestingly nearly all (17) of the Egrets were in by 20.20 whereas on Saturday night none were in by this time, thanks to John and Jim for info. This difference was probably weather related as it was dark early due to black clouds.

Sunday 24 August 2014

Edderthorpe Sunday

Early morning there were;- Little Egret 12, Mallard 581, Teal 73, Shoveler 68, Pochard 11, Wigeon 5, Little Grebe 44 Common Sandpiper 1. An evening visit to mainly see if any egrets are roosting came with a positive answer. Seven were present at 19.00, one left towards Old Moor at 19.52 and six flew into the riverside trees. When a couple of Grey Herons joined them in the same trees three of the Little Egrets decided to leave and headed off for Old Moor at 20.10. A further Little Egret came in from the north at 20.30 to join the already roosting birds and make a total of four which could still be picked out at dark (21.00) when I left. So there you are Barnsley Blade, there are others roosting in the valley. Also 496 Canada Geese came in to roost and a Hobby flew over the Flash at 20.15. At present there are over 1800 waterfowl and 1000 waders present on the Flash - quite a spectacle.

Wintersett + p.m. update. 24.08.14

A cold 10°C,  5/8 cloud with a westerly. breeze.
Anglers CP: The first Autumn Vis. Mig session this morning produced:
Going south -Swallow 30,  House Martin 30, Sand Martin 288.
Meadow Pipit  11 SW,  Ruff 4 (1female) N at 08.40 hrs,  Hobby 1 at 08.58hrs, Buzzard 1 juv SE at 09.20,  Black-tailed Godwit 1S at 09.55hrs, Common Tern 1 NW at 10.15hrs, and, star bird was a RED KITE that drifted slowly SW at 11.05hrs.
The usual adult Yellow-legged Gull dropped in late morning.
Wintersett Res: The first autumn WIGEON was in.  Common Tern 1 juv., Kingfisher 1,  Cetti's Warbler 2 and Swift 3.
The  afternoon Vis mig session carried on until 16.00hrs.
Hirundine final totals were: Swallow 40,  House Martin 30 and a record breaking 670 Sand Martin  all going south.  A juvenile Mediterranean  Gull flew south at 14.55 hrs,  2 Hobbies flew over Haw Park and 12+ Buzzards were in the area.  6 Swift were blogging about.
42 birds were ringed today, including 9 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, 5 Reed Warbler,  2 Whitethroat and 1 Lesser Whitethroat.

Saturday 23 August 2014

Langsett

Langsett Reservoir - gull roost - 1 adult Caspian Gull and 2 juvenile/first winter Yellow-legged Gulls.
per Mick Cunningham

Edderthorpe, Saturday pm

Good numbers of wildfowl on the Flash but it's looking bleak for waders (except Lapwing). Highlight this afternoon was a juvenile Mediterranean Gull amongst the Black-heads. Canada Goose 303, Greylag Goose 105, Gadwall 248, Shoveler 76, Teal 66, Wigeon 5, Pochard 6, Little Egret 4, Lapwing 932, Sand Martin 500 were pushed low over the Flash with the shower just before 17.00, Yellow Wagtail 2. Plenty of warblers moving along the railway embankment - Garden Warbler 1, Whitethroat 4, Blackcap 6, Willow Warbler 6, Chiffchaff 1.

Wilthorpe Marsh 23-8-14, a,m.

At least 2 spotted flycatchers, 1 green sandpiper + water rail at oxbow lake and calling willow tit, 2 juv grey partridges at w end of canal.

.????

Caterpillar found in Hoyland....... 🐛🐝🐛

Wintersett 23.08.14

13°C,  4/8 cloud with a cool north westerly.
Anglers CP: Highlight today was a juvenile Peregrine  that flew over and chased one of the 180 Lapwing that spooked off the islands.   Snipe 2 west,  Yellow Wagtail 3 over, Grey Wagtail 1,  usual adult Yellow-legged Gull, Pochard 14 + 2 WRes.. 

Wintersett CP: Swift 2, Goldeneye 1 female, Greylag 54,

Little Egret record broken again

Another record breaking morning at Old Moor, 26 Little Egrets left the roost between 05.21 and 05.39. Arrived at the Wath Ings hide at 05.00 and could hear the Egrets calling as I approached the hide which was worrying, I hoped they hadn't left already. Couldn't see any, not surprising really as it was still dark, anyway the calling continued and the first 14 left at 05.21. Followed by 6 at 05.28, 1 at 05.30 and finally 5 at 05.39, 8 birds left down the valley and 18 left up the valley. This weekend is usually the peak time for Little Egrets, who knows if they have peaked or not.

A juvenile Marsh Harrier flew over the Willow Pool towards the Reedbeds at 06.00 and landed in the Cuckoo Tree, it was still there at 07.00 when I left. Other birds seen this morning included the following:- Black Tailed Godwit 16, Lapwing 600+, Golden Plover 2, LRP 2, Ringed Plover 1, Greenshank 1, Green Sandpiper 1, Common Sandpiper 3, Barn Owl 1, Moorhen on Field Pool with 6 newly hatched chicks.

Last night I counted 25 Little Egrets into roost, other sightings much as this morning plus Redshank 1, Common Tern 1 and Swift 100+ which appeared just before dark. Also at 21.00 a group of 25 Lesser Black Backed Gulls dropped onto the Main Marsh.

Friday 22 August 2014

Cudworth

Just back from the Yorkshire Dales. Whilst I was there I received a call from Geoff Miller on Tuesday the 19th to say that an Osprey had just flown low over his home in Beech Avenue heading south towards the Dearne Valley at 16.10hrs. It would appear that nobody else picked it up at the usual hot spots.

Wintersett 22.08.14

13°C start with 6/8 cloud and a cool north westerly.
Anglers CP: Cormorant 9  and Pochard 8. 
Cold Hiendley Res: Shoveler 3 + 1 ACP.  Common Tern 1 adult.
Wintersett Res: 500 Black-headed Gulls were roosting first thing.  Cetti's Warbler 1 male + 1 female,  Water Rail 1,  Yellow Wagtail 2 over, Swift 2 and  Goldeneye 1 female.
50 birds were ringed this morning, including: Blackcap 11,  Sedge Warbler 8,  Reed Warbler 5,  Whitethroat 1,  Reed Bunting 6,  Willow Warbler 4 and Chiffchaff 10.

The Edge 22nd Aug

Wombwell Ings mid PM- Present were 4 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan, 55 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 31 Teal, 13 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 1 Garganey, 89 Lapwing, 4 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 11 BH Gull, 2 Coot and 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker.
Broomhilll Flash late AM- Noted were 24 Little Grebe, 8 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Mute Swan +2y, 3 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 24 Tufted Duck, 9 Gadwall, 9 Mallard, 5 Teal, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank and 1 Red Legged Partridge.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- Present were 7 Little Grebe, 7a+3y Great Crested Grebe, 5 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Mute Swan +2y, 49 Gadwall, 16 Tufted Duck, 5 Mallard, 2 Teal, 1 Pochard, 22 Lapwing, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Green Woodpecker.

Thursday 21 August 2014

Wintersett and Anglers CP Gull Roosts 21.08.14

For those who are not in with the Twitterati, here are the gull totals from this evening per Steve Denny.
Wintersett Res:  20 LBBS,  C1000 BH Gulls.
Anglers CP: 33 LBBs and usual adult YL Gull . 

Langsett

Langsett Reservoir - 78 Mallards, 2 Tufted Ducks and 1 Common Sandpiper - gull roost - 369+ Black-headed Gulls, 1 adult Common Gull, 319+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 2 (1 adult & 1 third-summer) Yellow-legged Gulls.

The Edge 21st Aug

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 1 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 1 Shelduck, 28 Teal, 10 Mallard, 1 Garganey, 107 Lapwing, 12 Black Tailed Godwit, 3 Dunlin, 1 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 15 BH Gull, 60+ Goldfinch, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap and 3 Swift.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 23 Little Grebe, 7 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan +2y, 14 Tufted Duck, 14 Mallard, 6 Teal, 1 Pochard, 100+ Lapwing, 3 Greenshank, 3 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 Snipe, 1 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard and 1 Barn Owl.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM-Present were 8 Little Grebe, 9a+3y Great Crested Grebe, 10 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan + 7y, 6 Canada Geese, 43 Gadwall, 19 Tufted Duck, 3 Pochard, 3 Mallard, 58 Lapwing, 1 Kestrel, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Jay and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Wintersett 21.08.14

14°C,  6/8 cloud  with a south westerly breeze.
Anglers CP: A Little Egret flew over north at 07.25hrs.  3 Shelduck flew in from WRes at 07.40.  A juv. Shelduck was on the islands mid morning.   Swift 2 + 1 WRes..
Wintersett Village:  Little Owl 1
Walton Hall: Common Tern 1 adult.  A Nuthatch was heard at Stoneheaps (on the canal).

Adwick (am)

Little Egret 4, Lapwing 80, Redshank 1 west at 10.30, Peregrine 1, Grey Partridge 6, Little Owl 1, Yellow Wagtail 4, Willow Tit 3,

Wednesday 20 August 2014

The Edge 20th AUG

Wombwell Ings mid AM-Highlight was the cream crowned Marsh Harrier that flew in at 9.10am but mobbing by Lapwings resulted in it leaving northwards. Also present were 1 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Mute Swan, 4 Canada Geese, 1 Shelduck, 7 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, c150 Lapwing, 3 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 2 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank(flew towards Broomhill at 8.55am), 1 Kestrel, 43 BH Gull, 10+ Yellow Wagtail and 6+ Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 8 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 27 Little Grebe, 1 Mute Swan +2y, 3 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 21 Mallard, 19 Tufted Duck, 8+ Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 1 Garganey(seen early AM leaving Wombwell Ings by J.Hewitt), 80+ Lapwing, 1 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 17 BH Gull and 1 Barn Owl.
Bolton Ings early PM-Present were 4 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 9 Little Grebe, 6a+2y Great Crested Grebe, 2 Mute Swan +6y, 53 Greylag, 14 Canada Geese, 45 Gadwall, 12 Tufted Duck, 6 Shoveler, 3 Pochard, 3 Mallard, 14 Lapwing, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Swift.

To Tesco & back

Elsecar Reservoir - 1 Grey Heron, 9 Great Crested Grebes, 14+ Coot and 3 Grey Wagtails.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 19 Canada Geese, 90 Mallards, 13 Tufted Ducks, 6 Little Grebes, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Moorhen, 4 Coots, 1 Common Sandpiper, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Grey Wagtails and 14 Pied Wagtails.
Midhope Reservoir - 34 Canada Geese, 2 Tufted Ducks, 7 Little Grebes and 1 male Redstart.

Wintersett 20.08.14

13°C,   some sunshine with 4/8 cloud and a cool north westerly.  There was a light shower early afternoon.
Anglers CP: Teal 8 left east  + 1 WRes., Shoveler 1,  Pochard 6 + 15 WRes. and  Gadwall 2. Canada Goose 276,  Greylag Goose 108,  Mallard 84.   A Curlew flew NW at 14.55hrs..
Wintersett Res: Yellow-legged Gull,  usual adult,  Swift 1 + 2 ACP,  Common Tern 2 adults + 2 juvs., Goldeneye 1 female.  Cetti's 1 male.  Tufted Duck 5 fledged young + 2 fledged CHRes..
Archie was ringing in the NE corner this morning: His catch included:-  Garden Warbler 1, Blackcap 14 and Chiffchaff 10.
Alien: The long term resident  Red-eared Terrapin Trechemys scripta elegans, was seen basking just under the surface of the water in the NE corner of WRes..

Tuesday 19 August 2014

The Edge 19th Aug

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Highlight was the 2  Redstart in Broomhill Park. Also present were 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Mute Swan, 23 Canada Geese, 7 Teal, 5 Mallard, 1 Garganey, 44+ Lapwing, 5 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 53 BH Gull, 1 Kestrel, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Bunting and 2 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 10 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 23+ Little Grebe, 1 Mute Swan +2y, 29 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 35 Mallard, 16+ Tufted Duck, 13 Teal, 5 Gadwall, 60+ Lapwing, 11 BH Gull, 1 GBB Gull, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel and 1 Hobby.
Bolton Ings early PM-  Present were 6 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 8 Little Grebe, 6a+2y Great Crested Grebe, 2 Mute Swan +6y, 1 Canada Goose, 1 Greylag, 32 Gadwall, 19 Tufted Duck, 4 Pochard, 2 Mallard, 8 Lapwing, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Swift .

Wintersett 19.08.14

15°C,  sunny but cool with a light north westerly. 
Anglers CP: Yellow Wagtail 4 + 1 SE WRes., Grey Wagtail 1,  Common Tern 1 + 1 NW,  Shelduck 1 juv. east,  Pochard 4,  Shoveler 2,  usual adult Yellow-legged Gull, Buzzard 4 and a Meadow Pipit went south.
Wintersett Res: Redshank 2,  Sand Martin 400,  Swift 1,  Common Tern 2 adults + 2 juvs. and a Hobby over at 14.22hrs.

Monday 18 August 2014

Old moor Nocturnal Report - Monday 18th August

Mere - Green Sandpiper 4, Common Sandpiper 2, Dunlin 2, Ringed Plover 1, Little Ringed Plover 3.

Main Marsh - Barnacle Goose 1, Wigeon 1, Lapwing 900+, Black Tailed Godwit 2, Greenshank 1, Green Sandpiper 4, Snipe 5,  LBB Gull 13, Common Gull 1, Peregrine 1, Hobby 1.

Roost in willows on Willow Pool - Grey Heron 3, Cormorant 20, Little Egret 25.

The Little Egrets came in as follows - 1 at 19.55, 1 at 20.06, 1 at 20.08, 1 at 20.17, 1 at 20.19, 5 at 20.26, 4 at 20.28, 2 at 20.31, 2 at 20.32, 1 at 20.34, 1 at 20.41, 2 at 20.44, 2 at 20.45 and finally 1 at 20.56. Tonight 9 came in from up the valley and 16 from down the valley.

Wintersett 18.08.14

14°C start,  dry but cold with 8/8 cloud and a moderate north westerly.  Very quiet birdwise.
Anglers CP: Swift 1,  Snipe 1, Grey Wagtail 1,  Pochard 9 + 1 CHRes., Teal 3,  Shoveler 3, Mallard Broods  1 large young + 1 small young.  Buzzard 2 and the usual adult Yellow-legged Gull.
Botany Bay: Cetti's Warbler 1 calling on the north bank.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 1 adult and 2 juveniles.    Goldeneye 2 female + 1 female CHRes..   Yellow Wagtail 2 over and  Goldfinch 35.

The Edge 18th Aug

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 12 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 11 Teal, 5 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 1 Garganey, 188 Lapwing, 3 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 25 BH Gull, 1 Kestrel, 2 Whitethroat, 20+ Goldfinch and 2 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 9 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 21 Little Grebe, 1 Mute Swan +2y, 3 Greylag,  18 Mallard, 17 Tufted Duck, 4 Shoveler, 76 Lapwing, 4+ Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper and 1 Barn Owl.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- Present were 6 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 10 Little Grebe, 6a+2y Great Crested Grebe, 2 Mute Swan +6y, 11 Greylag, 2 Canada Geese, 54 Gadwall, 19 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 5 Mallard, 1 Teal, 56 Lapwing, 5 Black Tailed Godwit and 1 Kestrel.

Edderthorpe Flash 18 August

This morning, Black-tailed Godwit, Golden Plover s/p, 3 Little Egret, 1 Dunlin, 12 Little Grebe 6 Snipe and 124 Lapwing.

Bolton Ings - Sunday 17th August

I started out at 09.30, the weather was dry but with a very strong wind. Highlight was a juvenile Marsh Harrier quartering over the reeds before making its way onto the Western pool and out of sight. Full list :- Grey Heron 1, Little Egret 1, Mute Swan 16, Canada Goose 3, Grey Lag Goose 10, Cormorant 6, Great Crested Grebe 11, Little Grebe 16, Mallard 28, Teal 1, Wigeon 3, Gadwall 91, Tufted Duck 32, Pochard 6, Coot 262, Moorhen 4, Lapwing 21, Black Headed Gull 5, Marsh Harrier 1, Kestrel 1, Sand Martin c50.

Not the Nocturnal Report - Saturday 16th August

Decided to check the Little Egret roost on Saturday morning, that meant an early start, a very early start.  Up at 04.30 I was in position in the Wath Ings hide at 04.55, still dark the roost was quiet. At 05.10 2 Grey Herons flew out of the roost and the Little Egrets started calling. At 05.23 the first 8 Egrets flew out, followed by 6 at 05.26, 2 at 05.28, 4 at 05.29, 3 at 05.31 and the last 2 at 05.33. The 25 Egrets had all left the roost in ten minutes, 20 left up the valley and 5 down the valley.

Also seen were Greenshank 3, Ruff 1, Common Sandpiper 6, Green Sandpiper 7, Little Ringed Plover 3, Black Tailed Godwit 12, Golden Plover 3, Dunlin 1, Yellow Wagtail 1, Chiffchaff 1 singing, Sand Martin c650.

Went to the Bird Fair at Rutland Water later and only saw 2 Little Egrets, thats rubbish. Heard that the roost on the Ouse Washes was a bit better with 299 counted last week.

Sunday 17 August 2014

Wintersett 17.08.14

Oops!  I made two omissions yesterday.  A juvenile Cuckoo was seen on the Disposal Point and a Common Sandpiper was on Anglers CP
16°C,  sunny spells and a light shower this morning, with a brisk westerly.
Anglers CP: Yellow-legged Gull, usual adult, Shoveler 4,  Goldeneye 2 female, Pochard 9,  Common Sandpiper 1 and Swift 2.
Butterfly:  Holly Blue near the boathouse bench WRes..


Help!!!

 

Can anybody identify this for me please.
Insects? I must be catching the bug

Adwick a.m.

Male Redstart still on fence from animal pen. Little Egret 2.

Of interest: Dipper still at Conisbrough this morning, 100m upstream of hairdressers near traffic lights, on small stream.

Saturday 16 August 2014

Langsett

Langsett Reservoir - 1 Canada Goose, c60 Mallards and 5 Tufted Duck.
gull roost - a difficult evening but the following counts - 314+ Black-headed Gulls, 3+ Common Gulls, 222+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 3 (2 first-winters & 1 third cy) Yellow-legged Gulls, 1 first cy/second cy Caspian Gull (plus a possible adult that disappeared behind some large rocks and into a 'gutter' on landing and could not be relocated), 2 juvenile Herring Gulls and possibly the best of all for this site - 1 Common Tern.

Wintersett 16.08.14

13°C start,  7/8 cloud and a cool north westerly this morning.
Anglers CP: Common Tern 1 + 2 adults and 2 juvs north,  Grey Wagtail 1,  Greylag Goose 108, 
Haw Park Lane: Tawny Owl 1
Wintersett Res: Swift 1,  Sand Martin 400,  Yellow Wagtail 1over and Canada Goose 32.   The usual Yellow-legged Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull adults were present.
101 birds were ringed this morning including: 18 Chiffchaff,  15 Reed Warbler,  Garden Warbler 1,  Sedge Warbler 4,  Blackcap 5,  Sand Martin 44,  Lesser Whitethroat 1,  Whitethroat 1 and Willow Warbler 4.
(Oops!   I omitted  the following: A juvenile Cuckoo was seen on the Disposal Point and a Common Sandpiper was on Anglers CP)

Carlton Marsh

Where have all the Sylvia warblers gone? Blackcap and Whitethroat adults returned in good numbers during the spring, but judging by recent ringing results productivity in both species appears to be surprisingly low. Conversely Chiffchaffs here are being caught in record numbers with 53 so far and Willow Warbler just 23. Evening sessions are particularly good for catching both species. When I think back to the 1980's Chiffchaff was only a passage migrant here!
Of the 20 adult Reed Warblers caught here during the spring, some may have left already and the remainder are double brooding. However, juveniles are not exactly queuing up to be caught at 19 so far. As for Sedge Warbler, it's another disastrous year here with only 2 adults caught during the spring, both appear to have moved on. This must be a bird in crisis if this situation is reflected more widely. I know that Wintersett for example is well down on singing birds and ring captures.

Today's ringing produced 2 Reed Warblers, 3 Blackcaps, 2 Whitethroats and 2 Chiffchaffs.

A pair of Water Rails spent some considerable time calling/singing whilst feeding at least 2 very small chicks in the shallows. Another adult called near the ringing rides and a Treecreeper somehow managed to avoid the nets. All in all though it was good to be out.

Ewden, stone circle track/ shooting lodge- 15-8-14.

Not many highs here after two and half hours at the lodge. Raven 2, Stonechat 5, Buzzard 2, Kestrel 2.

Old Moor Record Breaking Nocturnal Report - August 15th

Finally, the Little Egret record count was broken tonight as 25 birds came into roost. I predicted the counts usually peak about August Bank Holiday so we are about a week early unless numbers build further next week, they could well do. The Little Egret numbers in the area have increased steadily since the turn of the century, I think there were only 2 records of single birds last century. The Little Egret is a real 21st Century bird. For the record they came in as follows:- 1 already in, 1 at 19.11, 1 at 19.43, 1 at 20.04, 1 at 20.14, 2 at 20.18, 1 at 20.26, 1 at 20.28, 2 at 20.31, 1 at 20.35, 5 at 20.39, 1 at 20.46, 1 at 20.48, 2 at 20.55, 2 at 20.57 and finally 2 at 21.06. Tonight 13 birds came in from down the valley and 11 from up the valley. Also in the roost tonight were 5 Grey Herons and 18 Cormorants.

Again didn't have much time to look elsewhere but did record the following:-

Mere - Green Sandpiper 1, Dunlin 1, Little Ringed Plover 2.

Wader Scrape - Ruff 4, Green Sandpiper 3, Common Sandpiper 2.

Main Marsh - Wigeon 3, Lapwing 1000+, Golden Plover 1, Black Tailed Godwit 5, Greenshank 4, Green Sandpiper 4, Kestrel 1, Barn Owl 1.

It would be good to know if any Little Egrets roosted at Denaby Ings tonight as 34 birds were in the valley a couple of weeks ago. Have the numbers increased further or are more birds roosting at Old Moor?? Watch this space.


Friday 15 August 2014

Langsett again

Langsett Reservoir - gull roost - 1 adult Caspian Gull again and 3rd calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull
per Mick Cunningham & Nick Mallinson.

Wintersett 15.08.14

17°C,  sunny with scattered cloud and a very light westerly.  Rain held off until 15.30hrs.
Anglers CP: 5 Yellow-legged Gulls were on the lake mid afternoon, 3 adults a 2nd W and a juvenile. Common Tern1, Common Sandpiper 1,  Kingfisher 1,  Yellow Wagtail 2 over,  Great Crested Grebe 37, Swift 3 and Sand Martin 200.

South Kirkby (reclaimed spoil tip)

This site is probably just out of the Barnsley recording area, but it does produce some cracking butterflies. 16 species today included a Brown Argus and 5 Clouded Yellows. One seen here in mid-June may have produced these offspring.

Chris Parkin

Langsett Caspian Gull

Guilty of the cardinal sin of not taking the sketchbook out with me at Langsett last night, I had to commit the most important features to memory and get something down on paper as soon as I got in!
Not good, but I hope these drawings convey something of the bird and how striking it appeared. For me, all the boxes are ticked bar the primary pattern(s). Is P10 critical? There was definitely something resembling a 'white tongue' on P10, but it was difficult to be certain in the failing light. Also, after looking at pics on Birdguides of the recent Northumberland bird it shows what I assume is wear on the greater coverts. Would anyone know if this is a particular feature consistent with Caspian Gull at this time of year or is just another 'gull' variation?
I'm sticking my neck above the parapet with this as conditions weren't ideal. Hopefully it'll return and not metamorphose into a strange Yellow-legged!
Any comments are most welcome
Cheers
Russ

Langsett

Langsett Reservoir - 9 Canada Geese, 21 Mallards, 6 Tufted Ducks and 1 Whimbrel leaving W.
Mickleden Edge - 30+ Meadow Pipits SW in 30mins.

Yesterdays rare bird.

Well Ladybird actually. Cream-streaked Ladybird in Goldthorpe yesterday. Only the 4th site in Barnsley and the first sighting since 1986. How can people not love Insects?

                                               Cream-streaked Ladybird    A Cawthrow













Adwick (am)

Little Egret 7, Heron 6, Green Sandpiper 2, Greenshank 1, Lapwing c100, Grey Partridge 5, Little Owl 1, Redstart 1male still present, Reed Warbler 1 still singing, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Blackcap 2, also several Whitethroat and Willow Warblers in evidence.

Thursday 14 August 2014

Langsett

Langsett Reservoir - gull roost - 256 Black-headed Gulls, 182 Lesser Black-backed Gull and 1 adult Caspian Gull (MW & Russ Boland)

Edderthorpe Flash 14 August

6 Red-crested Pochard, 3 Little Egret, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 2 Ringed Plover, 68 Lapwing, 16 Little Grebe, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kingfisher, a few Shoveler, Tufted ducks and numerous Gadwall.

The Edge 14th AUG

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 4 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 3 Cormorant, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Mute Swan, 3 Canada Geese, 6 Teal, 5 Mallard, 3 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 1 Garganey, 85+ Lapwing, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 63 BH Gull, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 4+ Pied Wagtail, 2 Linnet and 100+ Sand Martin.
Broom Hill Flash late AM- Noted were 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Cormorant, 27 Little Grebe, 1 Mute Swan +2y, 3 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 28 Mallard, 15 Tufted Duck, 12 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 101 Lapwing, 7+ Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 23 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 2 Kestrel, 1 Barn Owl and 4+ Pied Wagtail.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- Present were 7 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 7 Little Grebe, 4a+1y Great Crested Grebe, 2 Mute Swan +2y, 31 Canada Geese, 13 Greylag, 35 Gadwall, 12 Tufted Duck, 11 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 7 Lapwing, 1 Green Sandpiper, 13 BH Gull, 2 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Kingfisher.
Edged out tomorrow by the Bird Fair.

Wintersett 14.08.14

18°C,  mainly sunny with a light south westerly this morning.
Anglers CP:  Common Tern 2,  Common Sandpiper 1, Goldeneye 2 female + 1 female CHRes., Pochard 11,   Great Crested Grebe 36,  Greylag Goose 99, Yellow Wagtail 1 over, Green Woodpecker 1 and the usual adult Yellow-legged Gull.
Wintersett Res: Ringed Plover 1.

All o'er

Elsecar Reservoir - 7 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Common Tern and 1 juvenile Grey Wagtail.
Scout Dike Reservoir - c220 Canada Geese.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 3 Canada Geese, 128 Mallards, 10 Tufted Ducks, 5 Little Grebes, 7 Moorhens and 15 Coots.
Midhope Reservoir - 4 Tufted ducks, 2 Little Grebes and 4 Lapwings.

Wednesday 13 August 2014

Carlton Marsh

A ringing session this evening produced 19 new ringed birds and only 2 retraps. The majority were Phylloscopus warblers 10 Chiffchaffs and 2 Willow Warblers along with 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap and 6 Blue Tits.
A Green Sandpiper flew south at 8.10pm and both male and female Southern Hawker were hunting over their territory.

Edderthorpe Flash 13 Aug

This morning no waders but plenty of ducks. 6 Red-crested Pochard, 105 Gadwall, 17 Little Grebe, 2 Wigeon, a few Sedge Warblers, 2 Buzzards, and 5 Black-Tailed Godwits yesterday. (re Alan Stonier)

The Edge 13th AUG

Wombwell Ings mid AM- A good start to the day  when walking  through Broomhill Rec  I could see a Barn Owl at the entrance to the box at the top of Clegg's Meadow. Then the bare hawthorn on the Bulling Dyke contained 15+ Goldfinch, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Common Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap, 3 Greenfinch, 1 Chaffinch  and 1 Wren. Further up the dyke a Kingfisher shot out of a hawthorn bush. On entering the hide, a quick glance round for waders revealed 1 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 Knot and 1 Dunlin, but not for long. At 9am, something disturbed  most of the birds and the Blackwit  and Knot departed eastwards. So it was back to counting what remained - 2 Cormorant, 3 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Mute Swan, 12 Gadwall, 2 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 150+ Lapwing, 44 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull,1 Kestrel, 4 Yellow Wagtail and 3 Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Present were 3 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 28+ Little Grebe, 1 Mute Swan +2 y, 3 Greylag, 3 Canada Geese, 26 Mallard, 19 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 8 Shoveler, 1 Pochard, 65+ Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Kestrel, 1 Hobby(thro at 10.20am), 1a+6 juv LBB Gull, a group of 30+ Swift, c60 Sand Martin, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Red Legged Partridge, 2 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Kingfisher.
Bolton Ings early PM- Noted were 8 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 12 Little Grebe, 8a+2y Great Crested Grebe, 2 Mute Swan + 8y, 2 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 45 Gadwall, 18 Tufted Duck, 7 Pochard, 4 Mallard, 1 Shoveler. 32 BH Gull, 100+ Lapwing, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker and 2 Bullfinch.

More Hall to Midhope

More Hall Reservoir - 105 Mallards and 4 Moorhens.
Broomhead Reservoir - 4 Mallards, 5 Tufted Ducks and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Midhope Reservoir - 8 Mallards, 4 Tufted Ducks, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Common Buzzard, 2 Moorhens and 1 adult Little Ringed Plover.

Adwick a.m.

Green Sandpiper 2; Little Egret 2; Yellow Wagtail 1; Lapwing 24 + 22 west.

Wintersett 13.08.14

Up to 19°C,  warm with 4/8 cloud,  a westerly breeze and a few spots of rain this morning.
Anglers CP: 6  ARCTIC TERNS  flew from ACP to WRes at 07.25hrs, then left west at 07.45hrs. A Hobby flew over west.   Common Sandpiper 1 + 1 WRes..
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 2.
Cold Hiendley Res:  Pochard 1 and Goldeneye 1 female.
Haw Park Wood:  Nuthatch 1.

Re blog of 12th August

If you are in favour of banning driven grouse shooting you can go direct to Dr Mark Avery's petition @epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/65627 

Tuesday 12 August 2014

Old Moor Nocturnal Report - Tuesday 12th August

Roost in willows on Willow Pool - Grey Heron 5, Cormorant 9, Little Egret 19.

The Egrets came in tonight as follows - 1 at 19.58, 2 at 20.17, 1 at 20.22, 2 at 20.25, 1 at 20.32, 1 at 20.34, 2 at 20.43, 1 at 20.47, 2 at 20.51, 4 at 20.59 and finally 2 at 21.04. Tonight 11 Egrets came in from down the valley and 8 from up the valley.

Last night 17 Little Egrets came into roost, 15 from down the valley and only 2 from up the valley. In addition 2 were still on Wombwell Ings after 9 o'clock which I didn't see come into roost. On Sunday night there were 18 Egrets in by 20.30 but last night only 1 by that time. Tonight they were late as well, could the reason be the super moon that has risen over Bolton-On-Dearne the last 2 nights?

I don't have much time to look at other stuff now the nights are drawing in but the Teatime Team and Paul White recorded the following (apologies if anything incorrect) :- Mute Swan only 6 on Main Marsh, looks like they have moved on, Shelduck 1 juv, Wigeon 1, Garganey 1, Lapwing 1000+, Black Tailed Godwit 10, Greenshank 1, Ruff 2, Snipe, Little Ringed Plover 5, Dunlin 2, Green Sandpiper 5, Common Sandpiper 10, Wood Sandpiper 1, Sparrowhawk 1, Barn Owl 2, Kingfisher 1, Wheatear 1.

Steady

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 5 Greylag Geese, 36 Mallards, 10 Tufted Ducks, 4 Little Grebes, 4 Moorhens, 11 Coots, c5 Swifts (3+ carrying foodballs), 10+ Swallows and 49+ House Martins.
Royd Moor Hill - 250+ Jackdaws and 70+ Rooks.
Midhope Reservoir - 11 Greylag Geese, 16 Mallards, 3 Little Grebes and 2 Moorhens.

Beaters, gamekeepers and shooters out in force in the Thurstone Moor & Snailsden areas.
Timely reminder, on this NOT SO GLORIOUS 12TH, that if you have not already done so, to sign the e-petition to ban driven grouse shoots. Accessible via Hen Harrier Day Link.

The Edge 12th AUG

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 3 Grey Heron, 1 Mute Swan, 4 Canada Geese, 11 Gadwall, 2 Mallard, 92 Lapwing, 3 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 juv Knot, 1 Common Sandpiper, 55 BH Gull, 1 Kestrel, 1 Kingfisher, and 3 Linnet. Garganey seen early AM( J.Hewitt)
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 8+ Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 24+ Little Grebe, 1 Black Necked Grebe, 1 Mute Swan +2y, 6 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 29 Gadwall, 21+ Tufted Duck, 2 Teal, 51 Lapwing, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 Snipe, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Common Tern, 2 Barn Owl, 2 Yellow Wagtail and 3 Linnet.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- Present were 4 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 10 Little Grebe, 7a+1y Great Crested Grebe, 2 Mute Swan +8y, 1 Canada Goose, 41 Gadwall, 27 Tufted Duck, 6 Pochard, 4 Teal,2 Shoveler, 1 Wigeon, 19 Lapwing, 12 BH Gull, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Bullfinch.

Wintersett 12.08.14

17°C,  7/8 cloud with cooling, gusty, south westerly.  Short, sharp showers after midday.
Anglers CP:  2  TREE PIPITS went south at 06.35hours.  2 TURNSTONE, summer plumaged adults,  flew over at 09.20hrs. Common Sandpiper 3,  Common Tern 3 adults, Pochard 9 + 1 CHRes., Gadwall 4 + 7 CHRes.,  Cormorant 10 + 1 CHRes., Buzzard 6 and Yellow-legged Gull 3 adults (including Psycho).
Wintersett Res: Swift 30,.  Sand Martin 200 + 100 CHRes..
Cold Hiendley Res: Kingfisher 1 and Goldeneye 1 + 1 WRes..
Odonata: The Carlton Dream Team saw a female Southern Hawker in Haw Park Wood + a male CHRes.

Female Southern Hawker        HPW      CGorman

Monday 11 August 2014

Rabbit Ings

A Hobby was chasing hirundines here this afternoon. (Mick Birkinshaw)

This Asio owl primary feather was found, is it Long eared or Short eared?
 

Wintersett 11.08.14

18°C,  warm with 4/8 cloud,  with a moderate south westerly.  Short but heavy showers on and off late afternoon.
Anglers CP: Highlights today were a juvenile Mediterranean Gull from 12.10hrs to 12.40hrs and 2 Little Ringed Plovers (an adult and a juv) that dropped in briefly.  Common Sandpiper1,    Common Tern 2,  Pochard 3 and Green Woodpecker 1.
Moorhouse Lane BigPond: Kingfisher 1.

Juv. Mediterranean Gull         ACP            ASmith

Juv. Mediterranean Gull        ACP             ASmith

The Edge 11th AUG

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Very quiet with 2 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 19 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 22 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 121 Lapwing, 55 BH Gull, 3+ Pied Wagtail and 2 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 3 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 28+ Little Grebe, 1 juv Great Crested Grebe, 1 Black Necked Grebe, 1 Mute Swan + 2 juv, 7 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 25 Gadwall, 21 Mallard, 22a+3y Tufted Duck, 67 Lapwing,4 Snipe, 3 Common Sandpiper, 3 Black Tailed Godwit, 2 Little Ringed Plover,  2 LBB Gull, 1 Kestrel and 1 Barn Owl.
Bolton Ings early AM- Present were 7 Cormorant, 3 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 11 Little Grebe, 6a+1y Great Crested Grebe, 2 Mute Swan +8 juv, 10 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 34 Gadwall, 18 Tufted Duck, 5 Mallard, 2 Teal, 3 Pochard, 1 Shoveler, 1 Wigeon, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 14 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull and 1 Green Woodpecker.

Sunday 10 August 2014

Old Moor Nocturnal Report - Sunday 10th August

Mere/Wader Scrape/Main Marsh - Mute Swan 14, Barnacle Goose 1, Wigeon 4, Shelduck 3, Shoveler 55, Lapwing 1000+, Black Tailed Godwit 5, Greenshank 1, Redshank 1, Little Ringed Plover 6, Ringed Plover 2, Green Sandpiper 10, Common Sandpiper 9, Wood Sandpiper 1.

Roost In willows on Willow Pool - Grey Heron 9, Cormorant 11, Little Egret 20.

The Little Egrets came in tonight as follows - 4 already in, 1 at 19.10, 1 at 19.25, 1 at 19.28, 2 at 19.46, 1 at 19.59, 1 at 20.04, 2 at 20.07, 2 at 20.12, 1 at 20.15, 2 at 20.20, 1 at 20.46 and finally 1 at 20.56. Tonight 11 Egrets came in from down the valley and 5 from up the valley. Because of the strong northerly wind all the Egrets were sheltering on the Wath Ings side of the willows and interestingly instead of flying straight into the trees they first dropped onto the mud under the trees. That meant I could see them instead of normally disappearing, the most I saw on the mud were 14, a fine sight. We are getting close to breaking the record of 22 and the peak time of August Bank Holiday is only 2 weeks away.


Bolton Ings - Sunday 10th August

Wet, wet, wet today, the rain started at 9.00 am just as I set off and stopped at 13.00 when I got home. It was cold as well, only 13c and with a strong northerly wind made viewing nearly impossible. Despite the conditions I managed to count the following for WeBS day:- Grey Heron 2, Little Egret 1, Mute Swan 2+8y, 2+4y, Canada Goose 320, Grey Lag Goose 8, Cormorant 1, Great Crested Grebe 6 ads + 2y, Little Grebe 26, Mallard 80, Teal 2, Gadwall 106, Shoveler 3, Wigeon 1, Tufted Duck 38, Pochard 13, Coot 275, Moorhen 14, Lapwing 13, Black Headed Gull 13, Sparrowhawk 1, Swift 2, Swallow c25, Sand Martin c25.

Wintersett + August WeBS totals. 10.08.14

Mild, dry start, heavy rain mid morning, with a light south easterly, that turned to a stronger NE then NW this afternoon.
Anglers CP: Grey Wagtail 2.  Yellow Wagtail 1 + 2 CHRes..
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 2,  Sand Martin 250.
August WeBS Totals:
Coot 278,  Moorhen 31,  Canada 161,  Mute Swan 11,  Cormorant 6,  Grey Heron 1,   Mallard 50,  Gadwall 13, Pochard 2,  Tufted Duck 302,  Goldeneye 3,  Great Crested Grebe 44,  Common Sandpiper 2 (ACP),  Snipe 2 (ACP),  Curlew, (1 over ACP),  Lapwing 68 (ACP).
Thanks to Lynz Harston for the photos taken at ACP this morning.

      Grey Wagtail      ACP                         LH
Common  Sandpiper         ACP                  LH

The Edge 10th Aug

Wombwell Ings early AM to late AM- Present were 1 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 8 Little Egret, 4 Grey Heron, 16 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 47 Mallard, 22 Gadwall, 4 Teal, 1 Garganey, 1 Shoveler, 7a+2juv Moorhen, 5 Coot, 255 Lapwing, 8 Snipe, 3 Black Tailed Godwit, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank( short stay for a minute then flew east at 10.08am), 99 Black Headed Gull, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 6+ Pied Wagtail and 2 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash late AM/early PM- Noted were 36 Little Grebe, 1 Black Necked Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 4 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Mute Swan + 2 juv, 3 Greylag, 3 Canada Geese, 41 Mallard, 27 Gadwall, 24a+3y Tufted Duck, 2 Teal, 1 Pochard, 69 Coot, 23 Moorhen, 41 Lapwing,4 Snipe,  2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Greenshank( seen flying west at 11.57am,  having been heard calling during the previous 10 minutes), 3 BH Gull and 3+ Pied Wagtail.

High Tide Returns 10 Aug

Edderthorpe Flash flooded again, very little hope of autumnal waders. Minimal chance of water receding.

Bleachcroft Farm - Cudworth

4 Little Egrets alighted on a flash flood at 08.47hrs viewable from the Bleachcroft turn off on Cudworth bypass (Keith Bannister)

Saturday 9 August 2014

Carlton Marsh

After the deluge last night the dike breached again engulfing the marsh. As we have no way of releasing the flood water any chance of getting any waders has gone.

This morning Kingfisher 2, Buzzard 1, House Martins 80, Little Owl 2, Yellow Wagtail 1 south and a pair of Water Rails were feeding 3 young, with good views for 15 minutes. (Jim Plant)

Insects included a late Ringlet, Painted Lady and a Brown Argus. (Chris Parkin)

Wintersett 09.08.14

Up to 20°C by midday,  4/8 cloud with a strengthening south westerly.
Anglers CP:  Grey Wagtail 1, Cormorant 9 and 3 vs Mallard ducklings. 
Wintersett Res:  House Martin 300,  Sand Martin 200,  Swift 50, Coot 170,  Common Tern 2 adults.
Butterfly:  Purple Hairstreak 1 Haw Park Lane.

Friday 8 August 2014

Wintersett 08.08.14

Up to 20°C,  4/8 cloud,  hot and humid with a light south easterly. There was a short but heavy shower at 10.00hrs.  Thunder, lightning and persistent rain, came from the east,  from 15.30 hrs. At 16.45hrs rain looks like it's set in for some time.  Not a lot happening birdwise.
Wintersett Res: Oystercatcher 1 over at 05.40hrs.  Common Tern 2 adults.  Yellow Wagtail 2 over.
Anglers CP: Yellow-legged Gull the usual adult  and a 2nd winter bird.   Lesser Black-backed Gull 1.  Pochard 2. Common Sandpiper 1.
CHRes: Gadwall 6.  Tufted Duckling 1 vsmall.
Butterfly: Holly Blue 1 ACP.

The Edge 8th Aug

Wombwell Ings - A relatively quiet mid-morning with 5 Grey Heron, 4 Little Egret, 58 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 63 Mallard, 14 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 43 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 42 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 3 Kestrel, 15+ Pied Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Skylark and 60+ Goldfinch.
Broomhill Flash late AM-  Noted were 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 36 Little Grebe, 1 Black Neck Grebe, 1 Mute Swan+2 juv, 61 Gadwall, 42 Mallard, 17 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 6+ Snipe, 3 Black Tailed Godwit( left east at 10.20am), 2 Common Sandpiper, 1a+3 juv LBB Gull and 1 Barn Owl.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- Present were 3 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 13 Little Grebe, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Mute Swan + 11 juv, 204+ Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 64 Gadwall, 28 Tufted Duck, 17 Mallard, 3 Shoveler, 3 Pochard, 13 BH Gull, 1 Common Tern, 2 Lapwing and 2 Green Woodpecker.

Fur Coat

Wooly Caterpillar at Wintersett. Is it a Moth or what?

Old Moor Nocturnal Report - Thursday 7th August

Mere/Wader Scrape/Main Marsh - Mute Swan 17, Barnacle Goose 1, Shelduck 3 juvs, Wigeon 1, Lapwing 1000+, Black Tailed Godwit 5, Green Sandpiper 8, Common Sandpiper 7, Wood Sandpiper 1, Dunlin 1, Little Ringed Plover 3, Snipe 8, Common Tern 1 adult & 1 juv, Peregrine 1, Sparrowhawk 2, Barn Owl 2, Green Woodpecker 1, Wheatear 1 on Field Pool. 

Roost in willows on Willow Pool - Grey Heron 6, Cormorant 17, Little Egret 19, Great White Egret 1.

The Great White Egret was feeding on the Wader Scrape until 20.40 when it flew into roost.

19 Little Egrets came into roost tonight as follows - 1 at 19.27, 4 at 19.31, 1 at 19.40, 4 at 19.52, 1 at 20.19, 1 at 20.24, 5 at 20.40, 1 at 20.51 and finally 1 at 21.08. Tonight 15 Egrets came in from up the valley, 1 (the last one) from down the valley and the other 3 were on the Wader Scrape when I arrived.

Brian Davies visited Denaby Ings again tonight and posted the following counts - Grey Heron 6, Cormorant 55+ and Little Egret 15. Therefore we have at least 34 Little Egrets in the Lower Dearne Valley, who would have predicted that?

Thursday 7 August 2014

Cudworth Common

A Barn was hunting this morning (Keith Bannister) and a Clouded Yellow was seen by Ralph Hibbert and Les Corral. Les apologises for the poor quality of this record shot.


Clouded Yellow

Carlton Marsh

Another successful ringing session tonight, its heaving with birds. Of the 34 caught in 2 nets from 18.00hrs to 21.00hrs 31 were new birds. They included 12 Chiffchaffs, 10 Willow Warblers, 2 Blackcaps, 1 Whitethroat and a Willow Tit. A Water Rail called nearby.

Last night's moths in my garden included Old Lady and Six Striped Rustic.

Langsett

Langsett Reservoir - 4 Canada Geese, 94 Mallards, 10 Tufted Ducks, 3 Sanderlings, 1 Woodcock, 1 Curlew, 1 Common Sandpiper, 10+ Willow Warblers and 1 Yellow Wagtail.
Gull Roost - 148 Black-headed Gulls, 1 juvenile Common Gull, 161 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls.

The Edge 7th Aug

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 8 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 106 Canada Geese, 9 Greylag, 41 Mallard, 3 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 58 BH Gull, 80+ Lapwing, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Kestrel, 12 Pied Wagtail, 2+ Yellow Wagtail, 1 juv Skylark, 1 Grey Partridge, 2 Sedge Warbler(Bulling Dyke), 1 Linnet and a flock of 50+ Goldfinch.
Broomhill Flash late AM-  Noted were 1 Cormorant, 41 Little Grebe, 1 Black Necked Grebe, 1 Mute Swan + 2 juv, 18 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 61 Gadwall, 42 Mallard, 17 Tufted Duck, 68 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 3 Black Tailed Godwit, 2 Common Sandpiper, 36 BH Gull, 4+ Yellow Wagtail and 1 Barn Owl(box entrance).
Bolton Ings early PM- Present were 8 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 11 Little Grebe, 6a+1y Great Crested Grebe, 3 Mute Swan +8 juv, 5 Canada Geese, 55 Gadwall, 29 Tufted Duck, 7 Pochard, 3 Wigeon, 2 Mallard, 18 BH Gull, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhak, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Bullfinch.
TPT- Going on Bolton Ings  the Great White Egret was visible on the Waderscrape but by the time we came off it was seen on Wath Ings. At the same time , 2.15 pm, a Marsh Harrier could be seen  being mobbed by gulls and it quickly sought the refuge of Bolton west end.

Wintersett 07.08.14

Up to 20°C, 7/8 cloud but  hot with a light south westerly. 
Anglers CP: A Peregrine flew north at 10.30hrs.  Common Sandpiper 1,   Goldeneye 2 females + 1 female CHRes.  Common Tern 3 adults + 1 juv..  Usual YLGull and LBBGull adults, Cormorant 7, Great Crested Grebe 25, Green Woodpecker 1 and Grey Wagtail 2.  
Wintersett Res:  A calling Greenshank flew south.

Wednesday 6 August 2014

Old Moor Nocturnal Report - Wednesday 6th August

Mere/Wader Scrape/Main Marsh - Mute Swan 14, Barnacle Goose 1, Shelduck 2 juvs, Wigeon 1, Lapwing 896, Black Tailed Godwit 6, Curlew 1 (heard only), Green Sandpiper 14, Common Sandpiper 7, Wood Sandpiper 1, Little Ringed Plover 3, Snipe 15, Common Tern 1, Marsh Harrier 1, Peregrine 1, Hobby 1, Kestrel 1, Sparrowhawk 1, Barn Owl 1, Kingfisher 1, Green Woodpecker 1, Great Spotted Woodpecker 1.

Roost in willows on Willow Pool - Grey Heron 6, Cormorant 14, Little Egret 19+, Great White Egret 1.

The Great White Egret was feeding on the Wader Scrape until 21.17 when it flew into roost with a Grey Heron.

19 Little Egrets came into roost tonight as follows - 1 at 19.31, 1 at 19.39, 1 at 19.41, 1 at 19.42, 1 at 19.49, 2 at 19.51, 2 at 19.55, 2 at 20.00, 1 at 20.10, 1 at 20.20, 1 at 20.48, 1 at 20.50, 1 at 20.52, 1 at 21.07, 1 at 21.10 and finally 1 at 21.17. Interestingly a Little Egret flew over the roost and straight down the valley at 20.03, first time I have seen that happen, wether it returned or not we will never know. Thanks go to Brian Davies for checking the roost at Denaby Ings last night ( Grey Heron 10+, Cormorant 44+, Little Egret 17). Unfortunately the roost at Old Moor wasn't covered last night, hopefully someone was at Denaby tonight to add to the numbers from Old Moor. Tonight 7 Egrets came in from down the valley and 12 from up the valley which ties in nicely with 11 seen during the day on Wombwell Ings and 5 seen at Adwick.

Carlton Marsh

Talking of insects Dave Smith found this hoverfly on knapweed today, which is new for here. Is it new for Barnsley Oxycera, as I can't find it in your book.

Volucella inanis

Wintersett 06.08.14

Up to 20°C, hot and humid with sunny spells, a couple of very brief light showers and a light south westerly this morning.
Anglers CP: A Green Sandpiper left the shallows at 08.25hrs. A juvenile CUCKOO posed for photos in the south west corner from 10.30 - 10.40hrs.   Psycho the adult Yellow-legged Gull took a Mallard duckling and ate it this afternoon, reducing a brood to 3 vs..  Common Gull 1.   A Yellow Wagtail flew over.   A Curlew flew west. Common Sandpiper 2,  Gadwall 6 + 2 CHRes.  Goldeneye 2  + 1 female in wing moult CHRes.(A high number for August).   
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 2, 
Cold Hienldey Res: Pochard 1.
Butterflies: A Holly Blue was on the Woodland Walk, behind the Visitor Centre.
Col Denny spotted an unusual, but very worn butterfly, on Haw Park Lane at 13.30 hrs.  Many thanks to Phil Lowe who identified it as an escaped  Common Mormon - the cyrus form of Papilio polytesThis is a Swallowtail butterfly usually found in South Asia, and is a female form.    It flew off, and was picked up a little later  on ACP Woodland Walk.
This butterfly sparked a very long, but interesting, Twitter conversation regarding escapees. 

    Common Mormon   Cyrus form               ASmith

     Common Mormon Cyrus form - underwing        ASmith

Juv. Cuckoo                    ACP                  PMeredith

Juv. Cuckoo          ACP  PMeredith