Wednesday 31 August 2016

Carlton Marsh

A Little Egret made a welcome return after an absence of 3 weeks and a Swift flew in this evening. Two Southern Hawker male dragonflies were patrolling their respective territories. (Dave Standish)

The Edge 31.08.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 58 Canada Geese, 13 Greylag, 29 Mallard, 20 Teal, 11 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 7 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 2 Moorhen, 41 Lapwing, 44 BH Gull, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Blackcap and 1 singing Chiffchaff.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 36 Canada Geese, 30 Tufted Duck, 28 Gadwall, 24 Mallard, 21 Teal, 6 Wigeon, 31 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Cormorant, 12 Little Egret, 23 Coot, 15 Moorhen, 10+ Snipe, 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 18 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 4 Red Legged Partridge, 12 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, and 2 Yellow Wagtail.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+2y Mute Swan, 41 Greylag, 39 Canada Geese, 20 Gadwall, 18 Tufted Duck, 6 Pochard, 2 Shoveler, 1 Teal, 13 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 59 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 2 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 5 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 31 Lapwing, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Blackcap and c80 Goldfinch.

Adwick 30/08

In addition to Nigel's list for Adwick yesterday there was also one, maybe two, Whinchat on the mound.

Tuesday 30 August 2016

Carlton Marsh

Work on cutting back vegetation around the wader scrape is now complete and the water levels should be more suitable for waders.  Today's highlights were juv Buzzard, Grey Wagtail, Shoveler, Kingfisher 2, Barn Owl this afternoon and Tawny Owl this evening. Also present singing Chiffchaff and singing Coal Tit.

Butterflies included Holly Blue 1, Painted Lady 4 and Peacock 1. A Red Underwing and a Vapourer moth were abroad.

Storrs Mill Wood - River Dearne (yesterday 29th)
Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail and Little Egret. Butterflies in evidence were Painted Lady 2, Red Admiral 4, Peacock 1, Small Tortoiseshell 4, Comma 1, Gatekeeper 1, Brown Argus 1 and Small Copper 3. A Vapourer moth was on the wing and 4 Red Underwings were sunning themselves on the river bridge. (Chris Parkin) For a nocturnal species it might seem unusual behaviour and it is, but I have witnessed this on two previous occasions on the same bridge.

Ingbirchworth & Royd Moor

Royd Moor Hill - 2 Kestrels.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - highlights - 298 Canada Geese, 2 Little Egrets, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Chiffchaffs, 6 Willow warblers, 3 Blackcaps, 11+ Long-tailed Tits and 1 Spotted Flycatcher.
Royd Moor Reservoir - highlights - 1 Little Egret - the first record here to my knowledge.

c200 Speckled Woods (c80 Ingbirchworth & c120 Royd Moor).

The Edge 30.08.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 70 Canada Geese, 12 Greylag, 38 Teal, 31 Mallard, 8 Gadwall, 7 Shoveler, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 1 Moorhen, 85 Lapwing, 3 Greenshank, 1 Ruff, 47 BH Gull, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 singing Chiffchaff (Broomhill Park) and  a flock of 70+ Goldfich.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 44 Canada Geese, 58 Gadwall, 39 Teal, 24 Tufted Duck, 19 Mallard, 5 Wigeon, 28 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Cormorant, 11 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 39 Coot, 13 Moorhen, 22 Lapwing, 10+ Snipe, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 2 Sparrowhawk and 2 LBB Gull.
TPT- A singing Chiffchaff (near Old Moor entrance gates), a female Blackcap and a Bullfinch.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+2y Mute Swan, 10 Greylag, 2 Canada Geese, 20 Tufted Duck, 9 Gadwall, 7 Pochard, 3 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 9 Little Grebe, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 71 Coot and 1 BH  Gull. Also present were 3 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 5 Kestrel and a flock of c30 Goldfinch.

Monday 29 August 2016

Ewden cabin + return 29/8/16, D Simmonite, S Green.

An excellent afternoon in much improved weather. Very good light and a fairly cool breeze kept the heat haze away. Results - Osprey south past the cabin at 1-05pm, Marsh Harrier 2 both together at one point, Peregrine 2 1 adult and 1 streaked imm scene twice. C Buzzard 6+, Kestrel 6+, Sparrowhawk 3 with 2 together showing well. Raven 8+ and probably into double figures. Stonechat party of 5 on the plantation fence left of the entrance gate. Redstart 1 in the first plantation and a calling Bullfinch, Curlew down to 1, Meadow Pipit a slow build up of about 20, Stock Dove 2 and an interesting passage of 200+ House Martins going s early afternoon. Lastly, the cabin Swallows were going in and out all afternoon still appear to be feeding young.

The Edge 29.08.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 24 Canada Geese, 67 Teal, 17 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 3 |Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 101 Lapwing, 1 Greenshank, 43 BH Gull, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Linnet and a flock of 40+ Goldfinch.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 32 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 29 Tufted Duck, 24 Gadwall, 15 Teal, 12 Mallard, 5 Wigeon, 1 Garganey, 23 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 9 Cormorant, 8 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 58 Coot, 18 Moorhen, 74 Lapwing, 15 Snipe, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 17 BH Gull and 1 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+3y Mute Swan, 45 Greylag, 20 Tufted Duck, 13 Pochard, 8 Gadwall, 3 Mallard, 9 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 62 Coot and 2 BH Gull.Also present were 3 Grey Heron, 3 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard, 31 Lapwing and 1 Green Woodpecker.

Sunday 28 August 2016

Ewden cabin and return 28/8/16, D Simmonite, S Green.

Annoying drizzle at times made for poor light but improving as it went on. Good for raptors but nowt else moving. Results - at least 1 cc Marsh Harrier, thought to be 2, 1 Red Kite, 1 juv Hobby, C Buzzard 4, Sparrowhawk 1, Kestrel 5, Raven 7 possibly more, a flock of 35 Siskin and 4 Curlews which are getting scarce now.

Friday 26 August 2016

Carlton Marsh

2 Green Sandpipers paid a brief visit at 12.31hrs and a Barn Owl was hunting from 18.50hrs. Also present juv Buzzard, Kingfisher 2, Greylag 6, Shoveler and 20 Swallows came in to roost.  Southern Hawker male and female were on the wing and a Stoat killed a rabbit yesterday. (Dave Standish)

Littleworth (Monk Bretton tip)
Red Admiral, Brown Argus, Holly Blue, 19 Common Blue and Gold Spot moth. (Chris Parkin)  

Edderthorpe, Monday 22nd to Friday 26th August

It's been much quieter since the excitement of last Sunday but still plenty of good birds to be seen. The rains on a couple of days this week have pushed the water levels up, particularly on Houghton and the mud area on Edderthorpe was about half the expanse at the end of the week from the beginning.
The goose flock has been rapidly building up and although it's possible to visit and see no geese when they are in the fields feeding, Canadas reached an all time high on Friday when 1177 along with 239 Greylags were counted. Dabbling duck numbers are also raising daily with Teal up to 265, Shoveler 156 and Wigeon 5. The four Garganey have been present all week and can usually be found on the water area closest to the layby (by the fence in the water). Greenshank are still seen daily with 3 in the area, 2 Ruff, the adult Knot was still present Monday, up to 4 Green Sandpipers and similar counts of Common Sandpipers, Black-tailed Godwits on a couple of days with 3 on Friday and a Little Ringed Plover all week. Water Rails are regular on Houghton. The Marsh Harrier was still present early in the week and a Peregrine is a regular visitor. A Moorhen with just hatched chicks was very late in the season.

The Edge 26.08.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 57 Teal, 24 Mallard, 3 Gadwall, 1 Cormorant, 5 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, 1 Moorhen, 87 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 25 BH Gull, 8 juv LBB Gull and 2 Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 79 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 31 Tufted Duck, 24 Teal, 9 Gadwall, 7 Mallard, 3 Wigeon, 3 Shoveler, 38 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Cormorant, 15 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 57 Coot, 14 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 40+ Lapwing, 10+ Snipe, 5 Common Sandpiper, 3 Ringed Plover, 1 Green Sandpiper, 27 BH Gull and 1 Linnet.
TPT - A Chiffchaff was singing  near the entrance gates to Old Moor Rspb.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+4y Mute Swan, 23 Greylag Geese, 17 Tufted Duck, 16 Pochard, 11 Gadwall, 3 Mallard, 5 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 78 Coot, 23 BH Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 5 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 42 Lapwing and 1 Kestrel.

Ingbirchworth

Royd Moor Hill - 1 Kestrel.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - highlights - 174 Greylag Geese; 295 Canada Geese; 111 Mallards; 1 Cormorant; 2 Little Egrets; 2 Grey Heron; 2 Little Grebes; 1 Great Crested Grebe; 2 Common Sandpipers; c120 Lapwings; 50+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls; 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull; 1 Willow Tit; 20+ House Martins; 14 Willow Warblers, 1 Whitethroat; 1 juvenile Redstart, and 4 Pied/White Wagtails.
Hartcliff Hill - 2 Kestrels.

Thursday 25 August 2016

The Edge 25.08.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 5 Canada Geese, 46 Gadwall, 43 Teal, 39 Mallard, 11 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 5 Little Egret, 4 Grey Heron, 2 Moorhen, 75 Lapwing, 2 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 29 BH Gull and 3 Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 12 Canada Geese, 61 Gadwall, 27 Tufted Duck, 16 Teal, 4 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 1 Garganey, 31 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 11 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Cormorant, 56 Coot, 11 Moorhen, 27 Lapwing, 10 Snipe, 6 Common Sandpiper, 2 Ringed Plover, 45 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Common Tern.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+3y Mute Swan, 286 Canada Geese, 51 Greylag, 16 Tufted Duck, 16 Mallard, 11 Gadwall, 6 Pochard, 8 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 52 Coot, 2 Moorhen and 4 BH Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 13 Lapwing, 1 Kingfisher and 2 Bullfinch.

Wintersett 25.08.16

A cool 14 degrees,  damp after overnight rain, with 8/8 cloud, a north easterly breeze and variable visibility.
Anglers CP:    A Grey Plover flew in from the north east  at 07.20hrs,  circled for five minutes and left  north east.  A Greenshank flew north east.   An adult Common Tern flew north at 10.35hrs and 2 Yellow Wagtails 2 south.  Wigeon 1 and Pochard 5.

Wednesday 24 August 2016

Wintersett 24.08.16

17 - 22 degrees,  humid with high cloud and a very light north easterly.
Anglers CP: Teal 1 + 1 CHRes. and Pochard 5 + 1 WRes..  
2 GREENSHANK were in this evening. 
Cold Hiendley Res: Shoveler 3,   Yellow Wagtail 1 south,   Wigeon 3 and Goldeneye 1 female.
Wintersett Res: Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult. 
Moorhouse Lane Pond: Tufted Duck 1 large fledged young. 
Lepidoptera: Red Admiral 1 HPWood.   Brown Argus 1 Disposal Point.
Odonata: Southern Hawker  1 HPWood + 1 Disp.Pt..  Emerald Damselfly 1 Disp.Pt.   A Blue-tailed Damselfly  and several Ruddy Darters were on Moorhouse Lane Pond.

Broomhead OSPREY 24.08.16

Ron Marshall  was in the right place at the right time and got these great shots of the
Osprey at Broomhead  today at 12-15pm.



The Edge 24.08.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 27 Canada Geese, 13 Greylag, 20 Mallard, 10 Teal, 1 Gadwall, 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 43 Lapwing, 2 Dunlin, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Greenshank and 42 BH Gull.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 6 Mute Swan, 46 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 63 Gadwall, 35 Teal, 31 Tufted Duck, 21 Mallard, 2 Wigeon, 2 Garganey, 1 Pochard, 31 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 10 Little Egret, 6 Cormorant, 59 Coot, 11 Moorhen, 5 Red Legged Partridge, 1 Sparrowhawk, 51 Lapwing, 6 Common Sandpiper, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 1 Dunlin, 67 BH Gull and 3 LBB Gull.
TPT - A Chiffchaff was singing near the entrance gates to Old Moor Rspb. At 1.55pm a Curlew could be heard calling as it circled Wath Ings.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+3y Mute Swan, 96 Canada Geese, 29 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 20 Tufted Duck, 17 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, 4 Mallard, 13 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 56 Coot, 56 BH Gull and 5 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret (dropped in at 1.20pm ), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 22 Lapwing and 2 Blackcap.

Osprey at Broomhead

Broomhead Reservoir - 1 Osprey S at 12:15hrs - Dave Standring, Alan Archer, Ron Marshall and Jim Gosling.

Ingbirchworth

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - highlights - 282 Greylag Geese; 154 Canada Geese; 153 Mallards; 1 Little Egret; 1+ Common Sandpiper; 1 Peregrine hunting fields to the S; 1 Spotted Flycatcher; 1 Yellow Wagtail and 1 Lesser Redpoll.

Tuesday 23 August 2016

Carlton Marsh

Juv Buzzard, kingfisher 2, Water Rail, Barn Owl and 2 Tawny Owls. Also 1 Painted Lady, 1 Peacock and 1 Holly Blue.

A Red Kite flew north over upper Cudworth at 14.18hrs. (Geoff Miller)

South Kirkby Tip
2 Spotted Flycatcher (Corral & Hibbert) and 90 Common Blue, 1 Small Copper and 5 Brown Argus (Chris Parkin)

Wintersett 23.08.16

Up to 25 degrees today, sunny with scattered cloud and a light south easterly.
Anglers CP: A Ringed Plover flew SW at 06.35hrs.  A  RAVEN flew east over the car park at 09.03hrs.    Snipe 1.
Wintersett Res: A juvenile LITTLE  GULL was on early,  but couldn't be relocated mid morning.
A Tree Pipit flew over.  Shoveler 2.
40 birds were ringed today, including 1st year male REDSTART (the first ringed here for several years),  a Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Garden Warblers. Hardly any Willow Warblers here, in contrast to the east coast.
Overnight moth trapping produced Twin-spotted Wainscott,  Crescent,  3 Dingy Footmen,  3 Dusky Thorn and Cenre-barred Sallow.  Also attracted to the light trap was this Sexton Beetle.

Nicrophorus humator      ACP   ASmith

The Edge 23.08.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 59 Canada Geese, 27 Greylag, 28 Mallard, 17 Teal, 13 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, 1 Cormorant, 4 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Moorhen, 76 Lapwing, 3 Dunlin, 2 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Greenshank, 32 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull and 1 singing Willow Warbler along the Bulling Dyke. J. Thompson also had 4 Grey Wagtail on the R.Dearne near the bridge and 3 Yellow Wagtail+2 Pied Wagtail feeding amongst the feet of the horses.
Broomhill Flash - Highlight was the elusive Wheatear in the north east corner. Also present were 2 Mute Swan, 72 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 56 Gadwall, 29 Tufted Duck, 20 Mallard, 4 Teal, 1 Pochard, 1 Shoveler, 33 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Cormorant, 10 Little Egret, 57 Coot, 11 Moorhen, 113 Lapwing, 12 Snipe, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 Hobby, 32 BH Gull and 2 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+5y Mute Swan, 326 Canada Geese, 8 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 19 Tufted Duck, 12 Pochard, 10 Gadwall, 3 Mallard, 9 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 61 Coot, and 2 Moorhen. Also present were 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel and 1 Willow Tit.

Monday 22 August 2016

Wintersett 22.08.16

16 - 20 degrees with sunny spells and a warm south westerly breeze.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 2 adults + 1 juvenile.   Great Crested Grebe  2 small young and Little Grebe 2. 
Anglers CP: Common Sandpiper 1,  WIGEON 2,  Gadwall 7 and Teal 2.

Carlton Marsh

Higher water levels, shooting and the daily presence of a juv Buzzard (as nice as that is) is probably reducing the capability of the wader scrape. However, a Shoveler, 2 Kingfishers, 3 Lapwings, 5 Greylags, 4 Little Grebes, several Teal and Tufted Duck were in evidence.
A Little Egret flew over The Manse in Upper Cudworth at 17.05hrs heading straight towards the reserve.
Insects included Migrant and Brown Hawker and 10 Speckled Wood butterflies. The lack of the Peacock butterfly over recent weeks is blatantly obvious and must be the worst year for them since the 1960's!

Ingbirchworth

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - full list - 306 Canada Geese; 206 Greylag Geese; 110 Mallards; 11 Tufted Ducks; 1 Little Egret; 1 Grey Heron; 2 Little Grebes; 1 Great Crested Grebe; 3 Moorhens; 12 Coots; 1 Common Sandpiper; 20+ Black-headed Gulls; 200+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Fox Hill; 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull; 9 Woodpigeons; 1 Magpie; 14 Jackdaws; 11 Carrion Crows; 2 Goldcrests; 7 Swallows S; 40+ House Martins; 1 Great Tit; 7 Long-tailed Tits; 1 Chiffchaff; 6 Willow Warblers; 1 Blackcap; 1 Robin; 5 Pied/White Wagtails, and 1 Bullfinch.

The Edge 22.08.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 62 Teal, 41 Gadwall, 35 Mallard, 3 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 24 Lapwing, 4 Dunlin 3 Ringed Plover, 1 Greenshank, 1 Whimbrel (flew west at 9.10am), 31 BH Gull, 3 Pied Wagtail and 2 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 14 Canada Geese, 45 Gadwall, 31 Tufted Duck,15 Mallard, 10 Teal, 1 Pochard, 2 Cormorant, 10 Little Egret, 28 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 83 Coot, 11 Moorhen, 18 Lapwing, 7 Snipe, 5 Common Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 18 BH Gull and 2 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+1y Mute Swan, 149 Canada Geese, 18 Greylag, 20 Tufted Duck, 14 Pochard, 11 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 1 Cormorant, 7 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 79 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 9 BH Gull and 3 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 3 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 1 Lapwing and 1 Bullfinch.

Sunday 21 August 2016

Wintersett 21.08.16

15 - 20 degrees with 4/8 cloud and a south westerly breeze.
Anglers CP Vis Mig:  A much better watch today.    A Greenshank and 2 Sanderling were in briefly, early doors. An adult KITTIWAKE flew in to shallows at 08.30hrs and left south at 10.15hrs.   A KNOT  came over 09.55hrs and left north.  A Little Egret went south at 10.50hrs and 2 more dropped on shallows from 13.30hrs onwards.   A juvenile, male Peregrine flew over at 14.30hrs, harassing the Black-headed Gulls and Starlings.  2 Ringed Plover went south at 15.35hrs  2 Common Tern were around for a short time.    2 Teal came in and 4 Shoveler went south.  A Yellow Wagtail flew over, so did a Swift + 1 over WRes.
Anglers CP: Common Sandpiper 1 + 2 WRes.,    A Cetti's Warbler sang briefly, but loudly, from the Pol area early morning.  3 Pochard and 4 adult Yellow-legged Gulls were also present.
Haw Park Area: Hobby 1 over and  Buzzard 5 over.
Here's a couple of flight shots of the adult Kittiwake per Paul Meredith.



Edderthorpe & Houghton, Monday 15th to Sunday 21st August

It's been quite a week down here now the water levels are ideal and the feeding perfect for resident and migrant birds. Houghton is a bit low now and most of the following birds are to be found on Edderthorpe. The WeBS count today (Sunday) is one of our highest totals ever, 3056 waterbirds were counted (not including any gulls) and the following are selected highlights;-
Canada Goose 402, Greylag Goose 183, Mallard 840, Teal 240, Shoveler 104, Gadwall 209, Garganey 4, Pochard 22, Moorhen 77, Water Rail 1, Lapwing 830, Common Sandpiper 4, Green Sandpiper 4, Knot 1 adult, Little Ringed Plover 1, Ruff 2, Greenshank 13 (largest count for many years).
During the week a Little Stint has been present most days, 3 Turnstone on Thursday, 5 Greenshank on Monday, Dunlin most days, up to 19 Little Egrets, cream-crown Marsh Harriers have been seen most days with 2 hunting together on Friday. The Marsh Harriers are causing havoc amongst the waders and smaller wildfowl, as is a Peregrine which is also visiting regularly.
However, these were all put firmly in the shadow this morning (Sunday) when a adult Honey Buzzard went over the Flash disturbing all the waders as it slowly circled away southwards watched by 4 lucky observers at 09.20 for 5 minutes (it would have been 5 but John Clarkson had just left for his breakfast - unlucky). Quite a week! (and we haven't been able to say that often during the last few relatively barren years!)

Low Moor + 21/8/16.

Low Moor - 12-30 to 4pm. Weather improving as it went on but steady birding. Results - Marsh Harrier 1, C Buzzard 6, Kes 3, Raven 1 pair, Common Gull 1 ad., LBB Gull 6, GS Pecker 2, Spotted Flycatcher 1 in hawthorns, House Martin about 150 blogging and going w. Ingbirchworth - drk Common Scoter still at 5pm + Common Sand 2, Redshank 1, Oystercatcher 1. Only 1 Little Egret of note in yesterdays brief visit to Wilthorpe Marsh.

Saturday 20 August 2016

Wintersett WeBS for August 2016

The WeBS totals for the Wintersett area for August 2016 are:

Mute Swan 25,   Canada Goose 145,   Greylag Goose 93,   Cormorant 9,   Coot 482,   Moorhen 27,   Great Crested Grebe35,   Little Grebe 2,   Mallard 101,   Teal 5,   Gadwall 37,   Pochard 7,   Tufted Duck 378,   Goldeneye 1,   Lapwing 320 and Grey Heron 2.

Wintersett 20.08.16

13 - 17 degrees with a fresh  south westerly wind.
Anglers CP Vis.Mig: A very disappointing watch with hardly any movement.  67 Swift south best of day.
Anglers CP: Yellow-legged Gull 3 adults and 1 juvenile (including Psycho).  The adult, white Black-headed Gull flew over south.  Feral Pigeon 160 in field.  Common Tern 4,  Teal 4,  Lapwing 320.  Hobby 2 over at 09.25hrs.
Wintersett Res: Yellow Wagtail 2 over. 

Friday 19 August 2016

Wintersett 19.08.16

             
14 - 16 degrees with 8/8 cloud and rain from 11.00hrs - 15.30hrs and a moderate easterly.
Anglers CP: Yellow-legged Gull 3 adults.   Swift 3 + 1 WRes.,  Teal 6 and  Shoveler 2.   Curlew 4 flew east at 15.15hrs
Wintersett Res:  Yellow Wagtail 2 over.
55 birds were ringed this morning, including 1 Goldcrest,  17 Chiffchaff, 10 Reed Warblers.and  15 Willow Warblers.  One of the Willow Warblers was a 1st year female of the Northern, - Scandinavian, Acredula race, brought in by the easterly winds.  Becky took photos of the bird and a 'regular' 1st year female Willow Warbler to show the differences. A female Cetti's Warbler and a juvenile female Cetti's Warbler were retrapped.

1st year female Willow Warbler of  Acredula race
                                                                 RLBailey

1st year female Willow Warbler   RLBailey

The Edge 19.08.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 20 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 33 Mallard, 36 Teal, 3 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 1 Wigeon, 1 Cormorant, 4 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Moorhen, 37 Lapwing, 4 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 1 Greenshank, 39 BH Gull, 8 Pied Wagtail and c100 House Martin.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 27 Canada Geese, 57 Gadwall, 29 Mallard, 29 Tufted Duck, 24 Teal, 28 Little Grebe, 1+1y Great Crested Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 10 Little Egret, 112 Coot, 22 Moorhen, 41 Lapwing, 10+ Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank and 32 BH Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+4y Mute Swan, 71 Canada Geese, 25 Greylag, 20 Pochard, 18 Gadwall, 13 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 1 Wigeon, 7 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 66 Coot, 1 Moorhen and 5 LBB Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron and 41 Lapwing (+ a flock of c150 flying NE at 11.40am ).

Thursday 18 August 2016

Ingbirchworth

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - highlights - 106 Mallards; 1 Grey Heron; 180+ Black-headed Gulls, c100 Lesser black-backed Gulls; 2 (1 adult & 1 second-summer/third-winter) Yellow-legged Gulls, 1 adult Caspian Gull; 3+  juvenile Herring Gulls, and 1 Siskin.

The Edge 18.08.16

Wombwell Ings - As I walked onto the ings I noticed a Marsh Harrier quartering over the backfield, gradually moving onto Broomhill Flash where it was joined by a second cream crown( Seen by PUK ). Also present were 2 Mute Swan, 59 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 38 Gadwall, 31 Mallard, 26 Teal, 1 Wigeon, 1 Cormorant, 12 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 33 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover, 39 BH Gull, 4 Yellow Wagtail, 7+ Pied Wagtail, 50+ Goldfinch and 2 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 46 Gadwall, 29 Mallard, 10+ Teal, 32 Tufted Duck, 6 Pochard, 7 Cormorant, 8 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Red Legged Partridge, 26 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 115 Coot, 18 Moorhen, 49 Lapwing, 6 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Greenshank, 2 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 32 BH Gull and 2 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+4y Mute Swan, 35 Greylag, 25 Canada Geese, 28 Tufted Duck, 16 Gadwall, 13 Pochard, 4 Mallard, 3 Shoveler, 8+ Little Grebe, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 66 Coot and 4 Moorhen. Also present were 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 9 Lapwing and 1 Green Woodpecker.

Wintersett 18.08.16

13 - 19 degrees with sunny spells and a light to moderate easterly.
Anglers CP: A Golden Plover flew north at 08.20hrs.  Yellow Wagtail 2 over.    Pochard 15 + 1 CHRes and  Common Tern 1.
Cold Hiendley Res:  Kingfisher 1.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 and Shoveler 3. 


Wednesday 17 August 2016

Langsett + roost

Langsett Reservoir - full list - movement of Greylag Geese with 114 + 14 SE + 35 + 8 all arriving from the W; 20 Canada Geese; 5 Teal; 43 Mallards; 3 Tufted Ducks; 1 Little Egret (only the second record here); 1 Sparrowhawk; 1 Woodcock; 1 Common Tern; 16 Woodpigeons; 1 calling Tawny Owl; 1 Green Woodpecker; 1 Willow Warbler; 1 Blackbird, and 2 Robins.
Gull roost - 353 Black-headed Gulls; 11 Common Gulls; 4+ (2 adults, 2 second-summers + 2 juveniles?); Yellow-legged Gulls; 644 Lesser Black-backed Gulls; 3+ juvenile Herring Gulls, and 1 adult Caspian Gull. 

Wintersett 17.08.16

13 - 21 degrees with 8/8 cloud and flat calm this morning, sunny spells  and a light to moderate easterly this afternoon.
Wintersett Res: A Peregrine flew over at 11.40hrs.  Common Tern 1 adult.
Anglers CP: Yellow-legged Gull 3 adults, including Psycho.  Grey Wagtail 2,  Pochard 2,  Greylag Goose 83 and  Canada x Greylag Hybrid Goose 6.  A total of  42 Great Crested Grebe in the area. 15 ACP + 21 WRes, + 6  CHRes..

Tuesday 16 August 2016

Wintersett 16.08.16

15 - 21 degrees with scattered cloud and an easterly breeze turned southerly late morning.
Anglers CP: A flock(!) of 5 Little Egret flew over west at 06.09hrs.  A juvenile Mediterranean Gull came off the lake onto the rock  wall.   Common Tern 2,  Little Grebe 2 + 1 CHRes.,  Teal 3 + 1 CHRes..  3 Goosander redheads flew north over the hill at 13.30hrs.
Wintersett Res: Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult flew over to south west corner.
Cold Hiendley Res: Gadwall 17,  Goldeneye 1 female in wing moult.
Haw Park Wood: 4 Swift flew over south.
Lepidoptera: Purple Hairstreak 1 HPLane.

Monday 15 August 2016

Wintersett 15.08.16

16 - 22 degrees with blue sky, thin high cloud and a light easterly.
Anglers CP: A Greenshank left SW at 06.45hrs.   Little Egret 1,   Leucistic Black-headed Gull,  Teal 8 + 1 CHRes.,   Pochard 2 + 1 WRes. and  Mute Swan 3 large young.   Yellow-legged Gulls 2 adults (Psycho + 1)
Cold Hiendley Res and fields.  Shelduck 1 juvenile,  Red-legged Partridge 7,  Buzzard 1 adult + 2 juveniles.
Wintersett Res:  Cetti's Warbler 1 north bank,  Little Grebe 3,  Kingfisher 1,  Grey Wagtail  3 and Tufted Duck 6 fledged young.

Ingbirchworth & Royd Moor

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - full list - 191 Greylag Geese; 93 Canada Geese; 5 Teal; 110 Mallards;16 Tufted Ducks; 1 Cormorant; 1 Little Egret; 1 Grey Heron; 1 Great Crested Grebe; 2 Moorhens; 15 Coots; 2 Common Sandpipers; 1 Black-headed Gull; 35+ Lesser Black-back Gulls (most moving off NW); 10 Woodpigeons; 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker; 1 Kestrel; 3 Carrion Crows; 8 Blue Tits; 30+ Swallows; 40+ House Martins; 8 Willow Warblers; 1 Blackcap; 2 Common Whitethroats; 1 Wren; 4 Blackbirds; 2 Robins; 1 Meadow Pipits; 2 Linnets, and 3 Goldfinches.
Ingbirchworth Lane - c40 'large gulls' NW towards Ingbirchworth/Broadstone Reservoir.
Royd Moor Reservoir - full list - 8 Greylag Geese; 312 Canada Geese; 5 Mallards; 2 Cormorants; 2 Great Crested Grebes;1 Sparrowhawk; 6 Moorhens; 1 Coot; 70+ Lapwings; 70+ Black-headed Gulls; 13 Lesser Black-backed Gulls; 11 Woodpigeons; 1 Magpie; 12 Carrion Crows; 4 Blue Tits; c40 Swallows (most S);11 Willow Warblers; 2 Blackcaps; 2 Common Whitethroats; 1 Sedge Warbler; 5 Blackbirds; 5 Robins; 3 Wrens; 2 Pied Wagtails, and 2 Reed Buntings.

The Edge 15.08.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1 Mute Swan, 19 Canada Geese, 41 Mallard, 38 Gadwall, 8 Teal, 10 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 32 Lapwing, 4 Dunlin, 73 BH Gull, 4+ Pied Wagtail, a flock of 40+ Goldfinch and 1 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 21 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 64 Gadwall, 32 Tufted Duck, 26 Mallard, 11 Teal, 6 Pochard, 6 Cormorant, 3 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 26 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 117 Coot, 18 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 62 Lapwing, 59 BH Gull and 2 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - Highlight was the cc Marsh Harrier sat on a fencepost at the western end of the east pool. On the open water were 2+2y Mute Swan, 14 Greylag, 11 Canada Geese, 15 Tufted Duck, 13 Gadwall, 13 Pochard, 8 Mallard, 10 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 69 Coot, 2 Moorhen and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 139 Lapwing and 1 calling Green Woodpecker.

Sunday 14 August 2016

Wintersett 14.08.16

16 - 20 degrees with  4/8 cloud and a cool north westerly breeze.
Anglers CP Vis. Mig. A Little Egret flew north at 07.40hrs.  A small group of  7 Black-tailed Godwit flew east at 09.08hrs.  A Common Buzzard flew  through south at 09.14hrs.
Anglers CP:  2 juvenile Mediterranean Gulls flew in early morning.  Common Sandpiper 1,  Oystercatcher 1 and Hobby 1 adult.   Adult Yellow-legged Gull 1,  leucistic Black-headed Gull 1,  Pochard 2 and Lapwing 230.
Cold Hiendley Res:  Shelduck 1 juvenile and Goldeneye 1 female.
Wintersett Res: A Green Sandpiper flew over north at 07.40hrs and was heard, shortly after, over ACP. A Yellow Wagtail flew over.  The Cetti's Warbler west bank brood were heard.  Common Tern 6 adults + 3 juveniles. 

Low Moor corner 14/8/16. D Simmonite, S Green.

Good dry, bright afternoon with good light. More expected but totals were, - cc Marsh Harrier 1, Peregrine 1, Common Buzzard 10, Kestrel 6, Sparrowhawk 2, Raven 2, Curlew 2, Mistle Thrush 10, Green Woodpecker 1 calling regular.

Wilthorpe Marsh a.m. 14/8/16.

Quiet, with the noteables on the oxbow lake just north of tinkers pond. 7 Green Sandpipers, 1 Little Egret, 4 Lapwings down and 1 Water Rail showing well swimming. The river dearne looks pristine clean with Chub showing well from the sewage farm bridge.

The glorious 13th.

Shock of the day was a Honey Buzzard low over the old police station and towngate, staincross at 7-57 pm going west. Very quiet 2 hours at low moor in the afternoon with just Common Buzzard and 4 Kestrels. Highlight here was a group of about 60 House Martins going west.

Saturday 13 August 2016

Carlton Marsh

Redstart was new in today and 2 Little Ringed Plovers were on the wader scrape

Wintersett 13.08.16

Up to 18 degrees with sunny spells and a cool westerly in the normal world.   Quite cold on Vis. Mig. Hill this morning from 08.30 to 11.00hrs.
Anglers CP:  2 juvenile Mediterrranean Gulls were on the lake.   A  juvenile Peregrine flew over.   3 juvenile Kestrels were along the hill all morning as the farmer turned the hay meadow.  Common Sandpiper 1,  Little Grebe 1, Teal 1 and Pochard 3.
Wintersett Res: A Hobby was hunting over.  Swift 50, and Common Tern 5.
Lepidoptera: A Holly Blue flew part WRes bench, where we went to warm up, after what turned out to be a non- migration watch.

                Mediterranean Gull  Juv.     ACP   PMeredith

             Mediterranean Gull  Juv.     ACP   PMeredith

One of three juvenile Kestrels hunting over ACP      PMeredith


Friday 12 August 2016

Wintersett 12.08.16

15 - 18 degrees with scattered cloud and a strong cool westerly.
Anglers CP: The  juvenile Mediterranean Gull was on the rock wall again early morning. A Little Egret was on the shallows.  Pochard 11 and  Little Grebe 1 + 1 CHRes.
Wintersett Res: A Hobby flew over the north bank field.  An adult Yellow-legged Gull was on the buoy in the SW corner.   Common Tern 6.  A very small, young  Great Crested Grebe was near the boathouse reeds. 
Lepidoptera: A Painted Lady and a Small Copper were on the north bank WRes..

                       Little Egret   ACP      CSwaine

Edderthorpe, Monday 8th to Friday 12th August

These are sightings from Edderthorpe Flash and Houghton Washlands RSPBs during the last five days;-

Both wetlands are looking good at the moment with lots of exposed mud on Houghton and some good edges on Edderthorpe.
There are close to 2000 water related birds using the waters at present with these being maximum counts;  Canada 414 and Greylag Goose 130 are present early morning along with Mallard 550, Gadwall 170, Shelduck 1, Teal 61, Shoveler 44, Wigeon 1, Garganey 2 (on Edderthorpe), Pochard 2.
Lapwing peaked at 460, Common Snipe at 51 (mostly on Houghton), Dunlin are present daily with a peak of 5, Green Sandpipers are usually on Houghton and peaked at 7, Common Sandpiper 2, a couple of juvenile Little Ringed Plovers and a couple of Ringed Plovers are present, a single Greenshank all week, 4 Redshank on Tuesday, a single Black-tailed Godwit all week and 2 Ruff (adult and juvenile arrived on Friday). There are also excellent numbers of Moorhen - 50 are on Houghton alone.
An adult and juvenile Common Tern (presumably from Old Moor) are usually present and a couple of Sedge Warblers are still in Houghton reeds.

The Edge on the inglorious twelfth

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1 Mute Swan, 11 Canada Geese, 28 Mallard, 3 Teal, 2 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 6 Lapwing, 6 Dunlin, 1 Ringed Plover, 46 BH Gull, 1 Kestrel, 1 Meadow Pipit and 6 Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 25 Canada Geese, 67 Gadwall, 43 Mallard, 32 Tufted Duck, 6 Teal, 5 Pochard, 33 Little Grebe, 1+1y Great Crested Grebe, 5 Cormorant,  4+ Little Egret, 3 Red Legged Partridge, 100+ Coot, 8 Moorhen, 42 Lapwing, 3 Curlew (through early AM ), 2 Snipe, 32 BH Gull, 1 Little Owl and 2 Hare.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+6y Mute Swan, 12 Greylag, 25 Gadwall, 22 Pochard, 20 Tufted Duck, 3 Shoveler, 2 Mallard, 7 Little Grebe, 5 Great Crested Grebe and 54 Coot. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 cc Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Lapwing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1f  Blackcap and 1 singing Chiffchaff.

Thursday 11 August 2016

Old Moor Record Breaking Nocturnal Report - Tuesday August 9th 2016

Tuesday night saw the Little Egret record broken again when 37 birds were counted roosting in the Willows on the Willow Pool. I arrived quite late in the Wath Ings hide at 19.15 and five Egrets were already in the trees. Birds were late to arrive with only eight in by 20.39, however there was a real rush between 20.40 and 21.21 when the last Egret flew in from down the valley. At 20.59 a couple of Foxes appeared on the spit at Wath Ings and disturbed the roosting Egrets, they were very vocal and eventually 11 birds flew out and started circling the Foxes. At the same time another eight Egrets arrived from up the valley and all 19 birds were in the air for a few minutes before settling back into the Willows, a fantastic spectacle.

For the record the Egrets came in as follows - 5 already in, 1 @ 19.15, 1 @ 19.20, 1 @ 20.00, 2 @ 20.40, 4 @ 20.45, 3 @ 20.48, 2 @ 20.49, 2 @ 20.50, 8 @ 20.59, 1 @ 21.02, 4 @ 21.08, 2 @ 21.11 and finally 1 @ 21.21. All the Egrets came in from up the valley apart from five which came in from down the valley. In recent days up to 15 Egrets have been seen at Broomhill Flash in the daytime and up to 10 have been at Adwick.

Thanks go to Dave Waddington for counting the Egrets from the River Bank and Dave Bamforth for reports from Broomhill Flash. At least 2 colour ringed birds are in the area, our old favourite FJ and also NL which has also been with us some time.

Also roosting were 38 Cormorants and a steady Northerly passage of 220 Swifts and c400 House Martins were a pleasant sight. At least 4 Barn Owls were out hunting, 2 juvenile Shelducks were flying about and an adult and juvenile Common Tern flew over to the Mere to roost.

Other birds seen on the Reserve by Dave Waddington included the following :- Bittern 1, Garganey 1, Water Rail 6, Tawny Owl 3, Little Stint 1, Dunlin 2 and Oystercatcher 2.

A great nights birding and I plan to do it all again as soon as possible.

Little Egrets in the Lower Dearne Valley

After many years of thinking it would happen, finally in 2016 it has happened, Little Egrets have bred for the first time in the Lower Dearne Valley. 2 pairs have successfully reared 6 young and the adults and juveniles have now left the breeding area. I am also 99.99% sure that this is the first time Little Egrets have bred in South Yorkshire.

Little Egrets have become a common sight in the Lower Dearne Valley these days with birds seen daily throughout the year and a maximum of 32 birds roosting in the Willows on the Willow Pool at Old Moor last summer. Already this summer that record has been broken again with 37 roosting on Tuesday night. Weather that record is broken again this year remains to be seen but I am sure you will agree that Little Egrets are a welcome addition to the areas birdlife.

Thanks go to the many volunteers and avid birders whom have monitored the Egrets throughout the breeding season and also the RSPB and YWT for providing and maintaining the habitat that attracted the Egrets to the area in the first place.

The Edge 11.08.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 6 Mute Swan, 5 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 41 Mallard, 3 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, 1 Teal, 2 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 4 Moorhen, 38 Lapwing, 5 Dunlin, 42 BH Gull, 4 Pied Wagtail, 2 Linnet and a flock of 30+ Goldfinch.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 64 Gadwall, 43 Mallard, 26 Tufted Duck, 9 Teal, 5 Pochard, 2 Garganey, 3 Cormorant, 9 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 100+ Coot, 11 Moorhen, 25 Lapwing and 31 BH Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1+2y Mute Swan, 152 Canada Geese, 43 Greylag, 21 Gadwall, 19 Pochard, 11 Tufted Duck, 7 Mallard, 3 Cormorant, 9 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 57 Coot and 1 Moorhen. Also present were was 1 Little Egret.

Carlton Marsh

Yesterday 10th
Green Sandpiper 3, Common Sandpiper, Little Egret 4, LRP and Kingfisher 2
Today 11th Little Egret 2 plus 2 north, Kingfisher 2 and Coal Tit 3.

Wintersett 11.08.16

Up to 17 degrees with showers to start then 8/8 with a strong, cold westerly.  Sunny spells from mid afternoon.
 Wintersett Res: Sand Martin 100,  Swift 30 and Common Tern 7.
Cold Hiendley Res: Goldeneye 1f and Pochard 1.
Anglers CP: Common Sandpiper 1.
Amphibian: A Smooth newt  Lissotriton vulgaris was seen CHRes.

Wednesday 10 August 2016

Wintersett 10.08.16

15 - 18 degrees with sunny spells and a cool north westerly.
Anglers CP: A TREE  PIPIT flew south at 07.45hrs.  A Yellow Wagtail flew over.
119 birds were ringed in the area, including: 29 Chiffchaff,  28 Willow Warbler,   23 Reed Warbler,  12 Tree Sparrow,  7 Whitethroat,  2 Garden Warbler and 1 Lesser Whitethroat. 

Peat Pits Farm, Nr Bolsterstone 10.08.16

Ron Marshall took this shot of a Marsh Harrier at Peat Pits Farm this afternoon.

The Edge 10.08.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 7 Mute Swan, 9 Greylag, 7 Canada Geese, 31 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 1 Tufted Duck, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 4 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 39 Lapwing, 1+1juv Ringed Plover, 75 BH Gull, 1 Greateter Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Pied Wagtail and 3 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 15 Canada Geese, 83 Gadwall, 57 Mallard, 26 Tufted Duck, 11 Teal, 6 Pochard, 2 Garganey, 20 Little Grebe, 1+1y Great Crested Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 10 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 100+ Coot, 11 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier (through c9.15am ), 1 Little Owl, 1 Ringed Plover, 25 BH Gull and 2 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+4y Mute Swan, 52 Canada Geese, 42 Greylag, 18 Tufted Duck, 17 Gadwall, 10 Pochard, 7 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 10 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 58 Coot, 1 Moorhen and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 2 Grey Heron, 3 Lapwing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Lessser Whitethroat and 1 Blackcap.

Adwick 10/8

This afternoon ~ Greenshank flushed along with everything else by Peregrine ~ all the Lapwings returned but I didn't see the Greenshank again.  Also Little Owl.

Ingbirchworth

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - highlights - 168 Greylag Geese; 323 Canada Geese; 2 Cormorants; 2 Little Egrets; 2 Dunlin; 3 Common Sandpipers, 1 probable adult Caspian Gull (no telescope as I was walking); 1 second-summer Yellow-legged Gull; 2 Willow Tits; 1 Yellow Wagtail, and 4 Grey Wagtails.

1 Painted Lady; c20 Gatekeepers and c3 Small Skippers  at Ingbirchworth Lane

late news from yesterday - juv Marsh Harrier at Annat Royd Lane.

Spot the local birder......




Been meaning to send this for a while - opening of the new hide at Broomhill.
The good, the bad and the ugly!!

Tuesday 9 August 2016

Carlton Marsh

This morning 2 Green Sandpipers. 1 Little Ringed Plover and 1 Little Egret. Then this evening at 18.15hrs 2 Little Egrets came up the valley, presumably from Edderthorpe, and over my home and arrived shortly after on the wader scrape joining the 2 already there. By this time there were 3 Green Sandpipers and 1 LRP. As the light began to fade a Barn Owl was hunting (3 last night) and a Hobby flew north. 6 Swifts were feeding late and Tawny Owl was calling.

Latest sighting of drake Lesser Scaup with red nasal saddle

The drake Lesser Scaup with red nasal saddle
that was in the Wintersett area  from 4th - 17th May 2015

has been seen seen at Vane Farm,  Perth/Kinross
on July 30th and 31st July 2016.



It was first trapped on 20th December 2013 as a juvenile drake at Sao Jacinto Dunes NR in Portugal and it remained here for the winter through to 3rd February 2014. It was next noted in southern Wales at Llangorse Lake in the Brecon Beacons National Park from 17th October 2014 to February 2015. And then it went 'missing' again until turning up on the Wintersett Res 04.05.15




Photos per Andy Deighton 09.05.15 Anglers CP

The Edge 09.08.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1 Mute Swan, 15 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 17 Mallard, 7 Little Grebe, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 2 Moorhen, 17 Lapwing, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 101 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 3 Pied Wagtail and 2 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 57 Gadwall, 44 Mallard, 25 Tufted Duck, 7 Teal, 6 Pochard, 2 Garganey, 7 Cormorant, 11 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 27 Little Grebe, 3+1y Great Crested Grebe, 119 Coot, 13 Moorhen, 9 Lapwing and 1 Little Owl.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1+2y Mute Swan, 27 Greylag, 37 Gadwall, 18 Pochard, 14 Tufted Duck, 12 Mallard, 11 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon, 11 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 58 Coot and 2 Moorhen.

Wintersett 09.08.16

Up to 19 degrees with sun and scattered cloud  and a fresh north westerly.
Anglers CP: Common Sandpiper 1,  Little Grebe 1 + 1 WRes.,  Canada x Greylag Hybrids 6,  Grey Wagtail 1, Pochard 1 and Mallard 2 large young.
Walton Hall Lake: Great Crested Grebe 2 adults sitting and 2 adults with 4 large young.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 9.
Haw Park Wood: Southern Hawker 1.

Monday 8 August 2016

Wintersett 08.08.16

Up to 20 degrees with sun,  scattered cloud and a cool, strong north westerly.
Anglers CP:  3 Black-tailed Godwit flew over at 08.25hrsCommon Sandpiper 1,  Pochard 3 + 1 WRes., and Little Grebe 1.   Adult Yellow-legged Gull  1 + adult YLG Psycho was on WRes.. A juvenile Mediterranean Gull  was on the shallows  at 20.00hrs.
Wintersett Res: A Dunlin was on the boathouse slipway.  Common Tern 10,   Cetti's Warbler 2 on north bank and Swift 50.

                       Juv. Meditteranean Gull         ACP    SDenny

The Edge 08.08.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1 Mute Swan, 11 Canada Geese, 63 Mallard, 10 Teal, 3 Gadwall, 1 Shoveler, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Moorhen, 15 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 78 BH Gull, 6 Pied Wagtail and 2 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 17 Canada Geese, 53 Gadwall, 24 Tufted Duck, 20 Mallard, 10 Teal, 6 Pochard, 2 Garganey, 27 Little Grebe, 1+1y Great Crested Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 9+ Little Egret, 115 Coot, 11 Moorhen, 27 Lapwing, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Kestrel, 1 Little Owl, 1 Barn Owl, 74 BH Gull and 3 LBB Gull.
TPT - A strange sight was 1+1y Tufted Duck waddling down the TPT and then just disappearing ino the woodland.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 14 Greylag, 27 Pochard, 15 Gadwall, 10 Tufted Duck, 1 Mallard, 8 Little Grebe, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 51 Coot and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 Bullfinch.

Adwick 8/8 pm

6 or more Little Egrets, 4 Blackwits and at 3.30 a Hobby chasing a swallow in a spectacular but ultimately unsuccessful manner.

Ingbirchworth

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - full list - 146 Greylag Geese; 311 Canada Geese; 95 Mallards;12 Tufted Duck; 2 Cormorants; 1 Grey Heron; 4 Great Crested Grebes; 1 Common Buzzard; 1 Moorhen; 12 Coots; 13 Black-tailed Godwits; 2 Common Sandpipers; 75+ Black-headed Gulls; 60+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls; 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (1 adult & 1 second-summer); 12 Woodpigeons; 1 Swift; 7 Carrion Crows; 3+ Blue Tits; 1 Great Tit; 3 Sand Martins; 5 Swallows; 50+ House Martins; 11 Long-tailed Tits; 9+ Willow Warblers; 2 Blackcaps; 1 Lesser Whitethroat; 3 Common Whitethroats; 1 Treecreeper; 3 Blackbirds; 1 Robin; 2 Bullfinches; 2 Goldfinches, and 1 Reed Bunting.

Carlton Marsh

2 Little Egrets and 2 Little Ringed Plovers were on the wader scrape this morning. Also present Treecreeper, juv Buzzard and juv Sparrowhawk. A male Southern Hawker dragonfly was patrolling the disused railway.
The large bracket fungus Dryad's Saddle, growing on a coppiced Sycamore in the car park, is a new species for the reserve.

Sunday 7 August 2016

Wintersett 07.08. 16

19 degrees with scattered cloud and a moderate, gusty  westerly wind.
Anglers CP: Common Sandpiper 1, Oystercatcher 2,  Canada x Greylag hybrid 6,  Tufted duck 1f + 7 vs young + 6 large young WRes.,  Pochard 2 + 1 WRes. and  Little Grebe 1 + 1 WRes..  Little Owl 1.   An adult Yellow-legged Gull (not Psycho) left west. 
Wintersett Res:   A juvenile MARSH  HARRIER flew along the west bank then over CHRes.  at 10.45hrs.  Dunlin 1 on the boathouse  slipway and then on ACP this afternoon..  Swift 20,  Cetti's Warbler 1 north bank and  Common Tern 10.

Saturday 6 August 2016

Storrs Mill Wood - River Dearne

Kingfisher 2, Buzzard 2, Green Woodpecker 2 and Red-legged Partridge 6.
16 species of butterfly included Purple Hairstreak 9, Painted Lady 3, Brimstone 3, Red Admiral 6, Peacock 6 and an Antler Moth. (Chris Parkin)

Wintersett 06.08.16

17 - 23 degrees with scattered cloud and a light, south westerly breeze.
Anglers CP:  Little Grebe 1,  Common Sandpiper 1 and Cormorant 9.  6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls went south.
Cold Hiendley Res: Goldeneye 1f. 
Wintersett Res:   Water Rail 1 juvenile.
65 birds were ringed this morning including:  a juvenile Grasshopper Warbler,  30 Chiffchaff,  11 Willow Warbler,  6 Sedge Warbler and 7 Reed Warbler.   An adult with 2nd brood of Cetti's Warblers were calling and 1 of these juveniles, just out of nest, was caught and ringed.
Mammal: A stoat was seen on HPLane.
Lepidoptera:  At ACP - Brimstone ,  Red Admiral ,  Holly Blue and Small Skipper.   Painted Lady 1 ACP + 2 WRes,
Odonata:  Migrant Hawker 1 NWbank WRes  + 2 ACP.   Southern Hawker 1m HPWood
This evening Stacey and Chris Swaine had a Little Owl,  and an adult Grey Partridge with 3 juveniles in the area. 
                                     Little Owl                    CSwaine
                    Grey Partridge juveniles                 CSwaine
              Grey Partridge                    CSwaine

Friday 5 August 2016

Langsett

Langsett gull roost tonight with Russ Boland.
Langsett Reservoir - 30+ Canada Geese; 42 Mallards, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Oystercatchers; 1 Curlew left SE; 1+ Green Woodpecker and a pre-roost 10+ alba wagtails on the dam wall.
Gull roost - 166 Black-headed Gulls; 1 Common Gull; 1 adult Caspian Gull (the Ingbirchworth & Broadstone bird of last week), and 84 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

Wintersett 05.08.16

16 - 19 degrees with sunny spells and a westerly breeze.
WintersettRes:  2 Cetti's Warblers were calling on the north bank.   The first  autumn Golden Plover flew over at 09.26hrs. Common Tern 13
Cold Hiendley Res: A pristine, cream-crowned Marsh Harrier flew west at 12.07hrs.  Goldeneye 1f
Anglers CP:  Shoveler 1. Teal 2
Lepidoptera: A Painted Lady was flying near the Willow Wood.

The Edge 05.08.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 5 Mute Swan, 81 Mallard, 7 Teal, 6 Gadwall, 1 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 33 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 29 BH Gull, 3 Pied Wagtail and 2 Linnet.
 Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 35 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 64 Gadwall, 23 Tufted Duck, 15 Mallard, 7 Pochard, 18 Little Grebe, 1+1y Great Crested Grebe, 104 Coot, 7 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 100+ Lapwing, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 17 BH Gull and 8+ Linnet.
TPT - A Willow Warbler was singing near the Old Moor RSPB entrance gates. Also present 2 Blackcap and a Willow Tit.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+5y Mute Swan, 15 Canada Geese, 7 Greylag, 19 Pochard, 16 Gadwall, 16 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 53 Coot, 1 Moorhen and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 4 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 35 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Thursday 4 August 2016

Carlton Marsh

A Common Tern heading north this morning was our first this year! (Dave Smith)
Tonight a Barn Owl was hunting from 21.15hrs and 3 males and 1 female Tawny Owl were calling to each other at dusk.

Low Moor corner, 4/8/16, D Simmonite,S Green.

11-30am to 4-30pm. Rather rainy at first with hazy light but the weather improving as it went on. Pretty much a repeat of recent sightings but birds always good to see with a Hobby going past quite close at midhope res. Brief views of the Marsh Harrier were had when it broke the skyline over midhope moors. Also 8 Buzzards, 6 Kestrels, 3 Ravens, 3 LBB Gulls, a flock of about 40 Lapwing above fields near the Manchester road. Good numbers of House Martins blogging about, thought to be in 3 figures, Curlews thin now with 3 heard and seen. Heard only were Crossbill 1 and 3 Siskin.

Wintersett 04.08.16

16 - 19 degrees with 6/8 cloud, light showers first thing, then sunny spells with a westerly breeze.
Anglers CP:  The 2 Garganey were still dabbling around in the shallows.  Common Scoter 1 drake,  Shoveler 1,  Dunlin 1,  Common Sandpiper 2 and Little Grebe 1,  
Wintersett Res:  Common Tern 10.
Cold Hiendley Res: Grey Wagtail 5  and Goldeneye 1f. 

The Edge 04.08.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 4 Mute Swan, 25 Canada Geese, 1 Shelduck, 77 Mallard, 6 Teal, 2 Garganey, 2 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 5 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 26 Lapwing, 2 Black Tailed Godwit, 2 Ringed Plover, 44 BH Gull, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Linnet and 40+ Goldfinch.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 45 Canada Geese, 65 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 25 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 15 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 6 Cormorant, 21 Little Grebe, 1+1y Great Crested Grebe, 114 Coot, 11 Moorhen, 120+ Lapwing, 2 Kestrel and 1 Red Legged Partridge.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 48 Greylag, 10 Canada Geese, 24 Pochard, 21 Gadwall, 16 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 9 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Cormorant and 51 Coot. Also present were 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 40 Lapwing and 1 Blackcap.

Wednesday 3 August 2016

Wintersett 03.08.16

Up to 19 degrees with short sunny spells and a moderate south westerly.
Wintersett Res: A juvenile Bittern was flying over north bank at 10.12hrs, but veered off towards ACP.   Common Tern 14 and Pochard 1.
Anglers CP:.  At 12.20hrs a/the  juvenile Bittern flew along the west bank and landed in reeds behind the Sand Martin box.  At 14.25hrs it climbed up the reeds and showed well until 14.35hrs, allowing confirmation of age.   At 14.40hrs the Bittern flew out of the reeds and along in front of the hide, heading for the SW corner of the lake.   Steve Denny saw a Little Egret flew over south a 07.30hrs  2 Garganey were on the shallows.   Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull, looking very dishevelled around the face, flew in at 14.15hrs.   Little Grebe 1, Cormorant 9,  Common Sandpiper 1 and Yellow Wagtail 1.
Haw Park Wood:   A Grass Snake moving fast across the path,  just inside the woods, by the woodyard entrance was seen by  Francis Hickenbottom and his daughter.

Chris Swaine got a couple of record shots of the Bittern on ACP. 


Low Moor corner 3/8/16.

Just over 2 hours this aft. Great light but probably too windy with neither buzzard or raven. Presumed same Marsh Harrier was over midhope moors before lost to view. An adult Common Gull was over the nearby fields + Sparrowhawk 1, Kestrel 4, Stock Dove 2, 1 flyover calling Redpoll.

The Edge 03.08.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 5 Mute Swan, 29 Canada Geese, 86 Mallard, 16 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 1 Garganey, 8 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 36 Lapwing, 3 Ringed Plover, 1 Black Tailed Godwit, 3 Pied Wagtail and 4 Linnet.
 Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 25 Canada Geese, 39 Gadwall, 30 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 7 Pochard, 22 Little Grebe, 1+1y Great Crested Grebe, 91 Coot, 9 Moorhen, 130+ Lapwing, 6+ Snipe, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 1 Green Sandpiper, 13 BH Gull and 6 Common Tern (through west  at 9.25am).
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+6y Mute Swan, 11 Greylag, 28 Pochard, 14 Gadwall, 9 Tufted Duck, 2 Mallard, 1 Wigeon, 7 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 51 Coot and 1 Moorhen. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 3 Kestrel, 3 Lapwing and 1 Common Tern.

Tuesday 2 August 2016

Wintersett 02.08.16

A cool 16 degrees, with 8/8 cloud and a south westerly breeze.
Anglers CP:  A Greenshank  flew over SW at 06.45hrs.  Common Sandpiper 2 and Cormorant 7.
Cold Hiendley Res:   2 Garganey still present.  Pochard 1 and Goldeneye 1f. 
Wintersett  Res:  A Black Tern,  the juvenile Arctic Tern and 11 Common Terns were seen.
Overnight moth highlights:  Bordered Beauty,  Spectacle,  Double-lobed,  Oak Hook-tip and Southern Wainscott.
Lepidoptera: A White letter Hairstreak perched on my car  in the car park at ACP. 

                 Bordered Beauty          ACP    ASmith

Monday 1 August 2016

Wintersett 01.08.16 Yorkshire Day

17 degrees with sun, scattered cloud and a light westerly.
Cold Hiendley Res: .The juvenile Arctic Tern,  the 2 Garganey and the female Goldeneye were all still present this morning.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 6.
Anglers CP: Pochard 3 + 1 CHRes..

Ingbirchworth

Full list
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 153 Greylag Geese; 133 Canada Geese; 1 Teal; 71 Mallards; 12 Tufted Ducks; 1 Little Egret; 1 Little Grebe; 1 Great Crested Grebe; 1 Common Buzzard; 1 Moorhen; 18 Coots; 1 Curlew; 70+ Black-headed Gulls; 34++ Lesser Black-backed Gulls; 1 (second-summer) Yellow-legged Gull; 2 (1 juvenile & 1 adult); Caspian Gulls - most of the large gulls drifting off in the direction of Broadstone Reservoir; 2 Stock Doves; 11 Woodpigeons; 6 Carrion Crows; 6 Blue Tits; 6 Swallows; 40+ House Martins; 7+ Willow Warblers; 3 Common Whitethroats; 2 Wrens; 5 Blackbirds; 3 Robins; 1 Pied Wagtail; 1 House Sparrow; 4 Chaffinches, 1 singing Greenfinch; 2 Goldfinches and 1 Reed Bunting.
Millhouse Green - Kestrel and Sparrowhawk interacting over High Bank.

The Edge 01.08.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 5 Mute Swan, 34 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 73 Malllard, 2 Garganey, 1 Gadwall, 8 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 4 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 87 Lapwing, 2+1juv Ringed Plover, 2 Snipe, 1 Dunlin, 56 BH Gull, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Linnet and a flock of 30+ Goldfinch.
Broomhill Flash - Surprised to see 10 Little Egrets considering the number on Wombwell. Also noted were 2 Mute Swan, 41 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 45 Gadwall, 9+14y Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 2 Pochard, 3 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 113 Coot, 10 Moorhen, 18 Little Grebe, 1+1y Great Crested Grebe, 131 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Buzzard, 17 BH Gull and 2 Yellow Wagtail.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+3y Mute Swan, 41 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 23 Gadwall, 12 Pochard, 8 Tufted Duck, 2 Mallard, 1 Wigeon, 4 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 63 Coot and 3 Moorhen. Also present were 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel and 1 Jay.

Dearne Valley Sunday 31st July 2016

Bolton Ings

I had a walk onto Bolton Ings yesterday for the first time in 4 months, started out at 08.15 from Broomhill. Weather was bright and sunny, fairly warm but with a strong North Westerley breeze. Highlight of the day was a cream crowned Marsh Harrier that quartered the reedbed for about 15 minutes before dropping into the grassland between the 2 pools. An adult Common Tern was fishing and I counted a healthy 23 Pochard. A group of 4 Kingfishers on the River were encouraging. Full list :- Grey Heron 2, Great Crested Grebe 4, Little Grebe 10+1y, Mute Swan 2+6y, Canada Goose 25, Grey Lag Goose 1, Mallard 48, Gadwall 10, Shoveler 3, Tufted Duck 21+7y, Pochard 23, Coot 119+3y, Moorhen 6, Black Headed Gull 2, LBB Gull 1, Marsh Harrier 1, Green Woodpecker 2, Kingfisher 4, Grey Wagtail 1, Willow Warbler 2 singing, Blackcap 2 singing.

Adwick Washland

Following some lunch I had a walk onto Adwick for the first time since last Sunday, I hadn't received any reports from Adwick for a week so didn't know what to expect. The superb male Redstart was still present in the hedge North of the viewpoint, a group of 4 Dunlin were on the Eastern Pool and as I left there were 6 Little Egrets on Bolton Pool including 3 juveniles. Full list :- Grey Heron 8, Little Egret 6, Grey Lag Goose c250, Lapwing c200, Snipe 3, Dunlin 4, Ringed Plover 1 adult, Common Sandpiper 1, Oystercatcher 1, Redstart 1 male.

Old Moor

In the evening I went down to Old Moor for the Little Egret roost, I made my way straight to the Wath Ings Hide arriving at 18.45. Recently the Egrets have proved difficult to count as they have been arriving early and late so to obtain an accurate count a 4 hour visit is required. The maximum number last week has been 13 but with increasing numbers in the valley over the last couple of days especially at Wombwell Ings and Broomhill Flash I was optimistic. Final counts last night were Cormorant 12 and Little Egret 24 roosting. The Egrets came in as follows:- 1 @ 18.59, 1 @19.15, 2 @19.20, 2 @19.40, 1 @20.03, 1 @ 20.08, 3 @20.27, 1 @ 20.36, 2 @ 20.41, 4 @20.53, 1 @20.54, 1 @20.57, 2 @ 21.03, 1 @ 21.14 and finally 1 @ 21.23. All the Egrets apart from 4 came in from up the valley, at least 2 juveniles were noted. Therefore as I thought the Egrets have come into the valley over the last few days with numbers nearly doubling. Last year the maximum count of 32 was actually on 31st July but I think last year was a one off with numbers normally peaking around August Bank Holiday. On 31st July 2014 there were 13 Egrets in the roost.