Wednesday 31 January 2018

Wintersett + Gull Roost 31.01.18

2 - 4 degrees with 8/8 cloud,  rain and sleet showers on and off  throughout the day and a westerly wind.
Anglers CP:  A second  Oystercatcher has returned - so we have one from each of the usual pairs.  Greylag Goose 133.  Shoveler 1 m + 1 f.  Green Woodpecker 1.
Wintersett Res. Roost: Lots of gulls were coming in from the Hampole direction this afternoon.  An adult Iceland Gull was in from 16.15hrs.
The Wintersett Year List at the end of January stands at  92.

Adult Iceland Gull   (record shot)   ACP    CSwaine

Tuesday 30 January 2018

Wintersett + Gull Roost 30.01.18

3 - 5 degrees, cool with 4/8 cloud and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP: Oystercatcher 1. 
Wintersett Res: Circa 300 Pink-footed Geese flew high west at 10.50hrs.
WRes. Roost:  This is getting repetitive!  Plenty of gulls in, but no notables.
NB:  The 2ndW Kumlien's Gull seen here on Friday 26th January,   has been seen at Eccup Res. Roost, near Leeds,  for the past 3 evenings (including today.)
A juvenile Glaucous Gull is in Fairburn roost tonight - per John Glendinning.

Monday 29 January 2018

Carlton Marsh

Bittern flew across the scrape at 13.45hrs (Dave Standish).

Wintersett + Gull Roosts 29.01.18

5 degrees, dull with  8/8 cloud, rain until 10.00hrs and a light north westerly.
Anglers CP: 12 Whooper Swans flew over north east at 09.02hrs.   Shoveler 3 m + 2 f.   Oystercatcher 1.   Grace, from the cafĂ©,  spotted a Red Kite flying over north at 14.15hrs.
Wintersett Res: Kingfisher 1.
Gull Roosts: Both waters were checked tonight, but no notables again.
Sunset at Anglers CP              CSwaine

The Edge 29/01/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 7 Mute Swan, 2 Shelduck, 122 Wigeon, 35 Teal, 11 Mallard, 9 Gadwall, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 14 Grey Partridge, c250 Lapwing, 12 Golden Plover, 91 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 3+ Skylark, 5 Meadow Pipit, 1 Mistle Thrush and 2 Stonechat.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 54 Canada Geese, 31 Gadwall, 26 Teal, 16 Tufted Duck, 11 Shoveler, 9 Pochard, 8 Mallard, 6 Wigeon, 1 female Goldeneye, 2 Cormorant, 25 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 8 Lapwing, 28 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 31 Tufted Duck, 16 Pochard, 14 Gadwall, 8 Shoveler, 4 Mallard, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 2 Teal, 1m+1f Goosander, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 276 Coot, 15 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present were 1 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Tit and 1 Willow Tit.

Sunday 28 January 2018

Barnsley Bird Study Group

THURSDAY 1ST FEBRUARY 2018 at the OLD MOOR VISITOR CENTRE starting 7.15pm

RICHARD BAINES with an illustrated talk on
 'THE NORTH YORKSHIRE TURTLE DOVE PROJECT'

Most of us remember the not too distant past when Turtle Doves were common summer visitors to the Barnsley countryside, now anyone who see's a Turtle Dove in Barnsley can count themselves very fortunate, they occur far less frequently than Osprey or Great White Egret at the present time!!!
Come along and hear about a project in North Yorkshire that is doing all it can to help stop the rapid decline of this iconic summer visitor.

All welcome, £2.50 entrance charge includes interval drink.

Edderthorpe & Houghton

It's good to report that both waters are now holding good winter water levels. Houghton Washlands was purposely left to dry up in the autumn to allow important maintenance work to be done and Edderthorpe Flash dried out far too much after a dry autumn. Both are now looking fine.
There are very good numbers of dabbling duck using the two adjacent sites with;- Mallard 300, Teal up to 400, Wigeon around 200, Gadwall 65, Shelduck 4, Shoveler 6 and Pochard 23. Up to 3 Pink-footed Geese are amongst the 150 or so Greylags, 300 Lapwings are joined by 50ish Golden Plover, a Redshank and a very early returning Ringed Plover was on one of the islands on Friday - today there are 3 Ringed Plovers on the nearby ashfield up by the Sash factory - the local breeding birds returning very early this year. Up to 3 Stonechats have survived the winter on the Flash and can usually be seen amongst the juncus from the bench.

Wintersett + Gull Roost 28.01.18

A very mild 10 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a cool SW wind.
Anglers CP: Oystercatcher 1.  Goldeneye 62 + 6 CHRes.. 
Wintersett Res: Water Rail 1 west bank.
WRes. Gull Roost:  Herring Gull 720.  Great Black-baked Gull 10.  Lesser Black-backed Gull 3. No notables in tonight.

Wilthorpe Marsh - C Dixon, G Haywood, S Green, 28/1/18.

Water Pipit showed well today on muddy area s of sewage farm this a.m. and in the same area this aft. on wires. Also seen on wires at roost site. Also Chiffchaff, 2 Green Sands, Peregrine, calling Cettis at oxbow pond and L. Egret here. Plenty Lapwing, with about 170 in the area. 120+ e., 40 w., and a hint of Spring with 6+ back on territory. 8 Grey Wags were on the sewage farm and 80 Pied Wags in adjacent field, c 45 Goldfinch.

Saturday 27 January 2018

Carlton Marsh

The highlights for today were; 5 Goosander (3m) on a small pond at Bleachcroft Farm, which is just south of the wader scrape. (Mick Littlewood) On the former was Little Egret, 35 Herring Gull, 2 Common Gull, Cormorant and 2 Snipe. Also of note a flock of c25 Linnets on an adjacent ploughed field, Willow Tit, 5 Bullfinch, 8 Tufted Duck and a Peregrine. (J. PLant/ R. Heeley)

The site will be disturbed from Monday due to management work.

Wintersett + Gull Roost 27.01.18

7 - 10 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a westerly breeze.
Wintersett Res: The earliest ever returning  Oystercatcher  flew over  and later dropped on ACP.  30 Yellowhammers were on the SE side.  A Willow Tit was on the west bank.  Mute Swan 35 + 7 CHRes + 2 ACP. 
Anglers CP:  Shelduck 4.  Teal 23.  Shoveler 3.  123 Fieldfare and 2 Redwing were in the Pol field.  11 House Sparrows were in the car park.
Wintersett Res Gull Roost was disappointing due to too much disturbance,  gulls flushing and flying around.  No notables picked up.   (NB A 1stW Glaucous Gull and a 2ndW Iceland Gull were in at Potteric Carr) 

Friday 26 January 2018

Carlton Marsh

A Little Egret was feeding in the dyke this morning. This afternoon Buzzard, Willow Tit, Linnet and 13 Yellow Buntings came to roost. 3 Water Rails called, Tawny Owl flew across the scrape at dusk just before the Bittern nipped over to its roosting site at 17.07hrs. 

Wintersett + Gull Roost 26.01.18

7 - 9 degrees with sun and clear sky and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP:  36 Fieldfare were in the Pol field.  A Linnet flew north.    Teal 21.  Cormorant 7.     A Shelduck was new for the year.
Wintersett Res: A male Cetti's Warbler was in the boathouse reeds.  Kingfisher 1.  Tawny Owl 1.  Goosander 7.
WRes. Gull roost: There were lots of gulls in today but all attention was directed to a  2nd Winter  Kumlien's Gull  from 16.10hrs - 17.05hrs.  See Chris Swaine's photos below.





The Edge 26/01/2016

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1 Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 151 Wigeon, 39 Teal, 13 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 female Goosander, 15 Grey Partridge, 7 Coot, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 155 Lapwing, 35 Golden Plover, 29 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 8+ Skylark and 2 Stonechat.
 Broomhill Flash - Noted were 7 Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 43 Gadwall, 22 Teal, 19 Wigeon, 14 Pochard, 9 Mallard, 6 Tufted Duck, 3 Shoveler, 4 Cormorant, 6 Red Legged Partridge, 24 Coot, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 31 Lapwing, 34 BH Gull, 4 Common Gull, 3 Herring Gull, 1 LBB Gull and c30 Redwing. A Barn Owl and a Hawfinch were seen early morning.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 18 Pochard, 14 Tufted Duck, 11 Gadwall, 4m+3f Goosander, 4 Mallard, 3 Shoveler, 11m+1f Goldeneye, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 303 Coot, 3 BH Gull and 3 Common Gull. Also present were 7 Canada Geese, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk1 Snipe, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Jay, 1 Song Thrush and 1 Marsh Tit.

Thursday 25 January 2018

Wintersett + Gull Roost 25.01.18

5 -7 degrees,  a cloudy start,  that changed to sun and blue sky by 09.45hrs, with a light south westerly breeze.
Anglers CP:  Lapwing 232.  Siskin 2.
Wintersett Res. Gull Roost: An juvenile Mediterranean Gull was in at 16.15hrs and an juvenile Glaucous Gull was in at 16.55hrs.

The Edge 25/01/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 7 Mute Swan, 22 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 111 Wigeon, 35 Teal, 13 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 1 female Goosander, 1 Shoveler, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel,  4 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 171 Lapwing, 28 Golden Plover, 141 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 5+ Skylark and 1 Stonechat.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 250+ Canada Geese, 36 Greylag, 45 Teal, 31 Gadwall, 22 Tufted Duck, 17 Wigeon, 16 Pochard, 14 Shoveler, 11 Mallard, 2m+1 Goldeneye, 6 Cormorant, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 24 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 81 Lapwing, 5 Herring Gull, 3 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull and 1 Hawfinch.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 54 Tufted Duck, 27 Gadwall, 18 Pochard, 11 Shoveler, 6 Goosander, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 284 Coot and 3 BH Gull. Also present were 19 Cormorant, 3 Buzzard, 1 Snipe, 2 Jay, 1 Marsh Tit and 1 Willow Tit.

Wednesday 24 January 2018

Wintersett + Gull Roost 24.01.18

5 - 7 degrees with rain all morning.  Sun from mid afternoon and a cool, strong south westerly.
 Anglers CP: Teal 58.
Wintersett Res:  Kingfisher 1.
Wintersett Res. Roost: A juvenile Glaucous Gull was picked up  at 15.50hrs.
Yesterday,  Ralph Hibbert spotted the first Celandine of the year in flower.

The Edge 24/01/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 7 Mute Swan, 131 Canada Geese, 35 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 53 Wigeon, 36 Teal, 14 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 2m+2f Goosander, 9 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 131 Golden Plover, 129 Lapwing, 58 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 2 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Meadow Pipit and 1 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 27 Gadwall, 17 Wigeon, 14 Pochard, 11 Teal, 11 Shoveler, 9 Tufted Duck, 2 Mallard, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 2 Cormorant, 28 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 68 Lapwing, 14 BH Gull, 8 Common Gull, 3 Herring Gull and 1 LBB Gull. A Hawfinch was seen early morning.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 11 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 8 Gadwall, 5 Pochard, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 1 Goosander, 1 Shoveler, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 8 BH Gull and 2 Common Gull. Also present were 5 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Bullfinch and 1 Marsh Tit.

Tuesday 23 January 2018

Carlton Marsh

On the mildest day so far this year (12.5c) 36 Greylag Geese flew north at 09.10hrs and Bittern climbed up on the reeds just before 10am. At 10.46hrs it flew across the scrape towards the hide and landed in a reed bed nearby. (CG/Vivien Hartwell)

Vivien Hartwell
It was last seen flying to its favourite roosting site at 16.56hrs. (D. Standish)
A Peregrine flew south over Dave Smith's Carlton garden and he also noticed a Queen Red-tailed Bumble Bee.

The Edge 23/01/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 6 Mute Swan, 5 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 65 Wigeon, 38 Teal, 17 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 3m+3f Goosander, 5 Tufted Duck, 2 Shoveler, 14 Moorhen, 7 Coot, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 202 Golden Plover, 46 Lapwing, 96 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 6+ Skylark, 2 Stonechat, 50+ Goldfinch and 4 Greenfinch.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 88 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 33 Gadwall, 14 Pochard, 14 Teal, 9 Wigeon, 1 Mallard, 1 female Goldeneye, 1 Buzzard, 26 Coot, 200+ Lapwing, 12 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 20+ Redwing, 5+ Greenfinch and 1 Hawfinch.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 5 Mute Swan, 13 Gadwall, 9 Tufted Duck, 5m+4f Goosander, 6 Pochard, 5 Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 2m+1f Goldeneye, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 292 Coot, 3 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present were 14 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 7 Cormorant, 2 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 1 Jay, 1 Marsh Tit and 2 Stonechat.

Monday 22 January 2018

Carlton Marsh

Birds of prey were in evidence today with 2 different Sparrowhawks, 2 Buzzards, 1 tusselling in the air with a male and a female Peregrine. The Bittern was seen 12 metres in front of the hide allowing cracking views as it slowly meandered through the flattened reeds. A little later it flew across the scrape at 15.46hrs. (D.M. Smith/D. Standish)
Kingfisher, Water Rail, Great Spot Woodpecker, Herring Gull 10 west + 7 on Wader scrape with a Cormorant. Willow Tit, Redpoll, 3 Bullfinch and least 22 Yellow Buntings and c40 Magpies roosted.

The Edge 22/01/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 7 Canada Geese, 83 Wigeon, 61 Teal, 39 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 1 female Goosander, 2 Grey Heron, 7 Moorhen, 5 Coot, 171 Lapwing, 150+ Golden Plover, 119 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 4 Skylark and 5 Greenfinch.
 Broomhill Flash - Noted were 7 Mute Swan, 184 Canada Geese, 103 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 34 Gadwall, 30+ Wigeon, 29 Teal, 14 Shoveler, 9 Pochard, 6 Tufted Duck, 4 Mallard, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 23 Coot, 1 Buzzard, 5 Red Legged Partridge, 79 Lapwing, 64 BH Gull, 9 Herring Gull, 3 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 4 Mistle Thrush, 5 Greenfinch and 1 Hawfinch( seen 8.08 am ).
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 87 Tufted Duck, 15 Gadwall, 7 Mallard, 5 Pochard, 3 Shoveler, 2m+1f Goldeneye, 1m+2f Goosander, 304 Coot, 2 Common Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 1 LBB Gull and 1 BH Gull. Also present were 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Jay and 1 Marsh Tit. Year ticks were Angie Smith and Pete Smith who had migrated south from Wintersett for part of the day.

Sunday 21 January 2018

Wintersett + Gull Roost 21.01.18

0 - 3 degrees with 8/8 cloud,  sleety snow from 09.30hrs and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP: Canada Goose 111.   Teal 51 + 5 WRes.   Shoveler 3.   Wigeon 218  + 65 WRes.   Little Grebe 10 + 9 Wres.   Snipe 6.   Golden Plover 7. 
Anglers CP Gull Roost: Great Black-backed Gull 132.   Lesser Black-backed Gull 2. 

Wilthorpe Marsh 21/1/18.

Challenging weather conditions and greeted with horizontal snow at the sewage farm. Present here were Water Pipit, 80+ Meadow Pipits, 80+ Pied Wags, 4 Grey Wags, 200+ BH Gulls, 40+ Lapwing over. Adjacent field had small covey of 3 Grey Partridges which have been around for a while. Surprisingly low on Snipe with 1 Jack and 1 Common. Oxbow pond quiet with just Green Sandpiper of note and 1 Willow Tit in the same place as yesterday on the canal at footbridge.

Carlton Marsh

There wasn't much in the way of wildfowl to count as most of the water areas are frozen, but at least the Bittern revealed itself as it flew across the scrape into another reed bed. 6 Redwing, Willow Tit, 5 Herring Gull were also of note.

Some nice Velvet Shank (Flammulina velutipes) fungi is thriving on Goat Willow in the car park.

Saturday 20 January 2018

Carlton Marsh

New in today were a pair of Goosanders, our first of the year (Keith Bannister).

Wintersett WeBS January 20th 2018

Here are the January 2018  WeBS totals for the Wintersett Area.

Mute Swan 44   Canada Goose 10   Greylag Goose 111   Cormorant 12   Great Crested Grebe 11   Little Grebe 13   Mallard 24   Teal 8   Shoveler 3   Gadwall 240   Wigeon 211   Pochard 51   Tufted Duck 104   Goldeneye 52   Goosander 12   Moorhen 15   Coot 645   Grey Heron 5   Lapwing 141   Kingfisher 1. 

Wilthorpe Marsh 20/1/18.

Oxbow pond 12pm to 1pm. Good birds despite the depressing weather. - 5 Parakeets in flight over trees just e. of tinkers ponds, 2 Green Sandpipers, 7 Goosanders flew w. up river. Green Pecker 1, Willow Tit 1 heard only, 1 Rail, 30+ grazing Moorhens and a pair of ad. Mute Swans.

Wintersett + Gull Roost 20.01.18

0 - 2 degrees with sun,  showers and eventually 8/8 cloud and a north westerly breeze.
Anglers CP:  Collared Dove 11.  Siskin 30.  Fieldfare 60 + 34 Canal sheep field.   Redwing 30 + 4 Canal sheep field.
9 birds were ringed in the first session of the year at ACP.   1  Bullfinch,  1 Goldfinch,
1 Coal Tit,  1 Wren1 Redwing,  1 Blackbird and 3 Blue Tit.
Walton Canal
Wintersett Res:  Willow Tit 1  SW bank.
WRes.Gull Roost: Herring Gull 2200,  Lesser Black-backed Gull 2.  Great Black-backed Gull 7.

This Redwing was the first bird ringed in 2018.       ACP       R Bailey

Silkstone Wagonway


Dippers showing well this afternoon by stream next to sewage works. Also Tree Creeper and Siskin flock nearby.

Thursday 18 January 2018

Wintersett 18.01.18

1 - 4 degrees 7/8 cloud and a cool, westerly wind.
Anglers CP:  32 Blackbirds were around the area,  14 Cormorants were on the rock wall.

Cormorant in breeding plumage    ACP      ASmith

Carlton Marsh

I have been asked to advertise the Willow Tit 'Back from the Brink' project for volunteers to survey them. So far 5 have been colour ringed at Carlton Marsh, 1 at Old Moor and 2 at Worsbro.


Worsbrough Village 17-01-2018

Still 3 Hawfinch around the village yesterday















Wednesday 17 January 2018

Wintersett Ringed Mute Swan December 2017

A ringed  Mute Swan 955 black on Yellow CR, seen at Wintersett in Dec 2017,
was ringed in Oct 2014 as a cygnet at Carlton Towers near Selby,

Wintersett 17.01.18

3 - 5 degrees, with 8/8 but decreasing cloud, a light covering of melting snow,  a few icy patches,   and a very cold south westerly wind.
Anglers CP: Cormorant 12.  Shoveler 4. 
Walton Hall:  26 Cormorants roosted.  Woodcock 1
It's taken a while,  but today, Barnsleybirdsblogspot.com has had over half a million unique page views.

Monday 15 January 2018

Wintersett 15.01.18

5 degrees, very dull with frequent showers from 09.00hrsand a light westerly.
Anglers CP: A Green Woodpecker was new for the year list. (JBaxter)   3 Siskin were in alder on the edge of the Pol.  

Sunday 14 January 2018

Wilthorpe Marsh 14/1/18.

Water Pipit on s.f. earlier then seen going to roost with c90 Meadow Pipits. Pied Wag c100 at s.f. + 50 Goldfinch, 50 Lapwing over and down. Green Pecker in valley.

Wintersett 14.01.18

5 degrees, dull with 8/8 cloud and a light south westerly breeze.
Anglers CP: Siskin 1,.  Grey Partridge 16 in the area.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1male on NW bank.  Magpie 14 roosting on west bank.
WRes. Gull Roost was checked, but no notables tonight.

Saturday 13 January 2018

Wintersett 13.01.18

4 degrees, dull with 8/8 cloud and a south easterly breeze.
Anglers CP: Shoveler 5. 
Wintersett Res:  120 Pink-footed Geese flew west at 14.50hrs.  14 Yellowhammers were on the south east side.  4 Water Rail - 1 boathouse reeds + 3 NW bank.  3 Nuthatch -  Pits Wood + Stubbs Wood + Walton Canal.
WRes. Gull Roost: An adult Mediterranean Gull was in at 15.20hrs.   Great Black-backed Gull 17.  Lesser Black-backed Gull 3 and Herring Gull 1100.

Wilthorpe Marsh friday 12/1/18.

Brief late afternoon visit turned out quite productive with Water Pipit away from the sewage farm on wires and in hawthorn before seen going to roost with c.90 Meadow Pipits. 2 Common and 1 Jack Snipe nearby, Green Sand 1, Redwing 70. Oxbow pond had 7 Wigeon, Little Egret 1.

Friday 12 January 2018

Carlton Marsh

Today's highlights were 57 Pink Feet Geese NW at 3pm just as Bittern flew across the scrape. It showed again briefly at 16.20hrs as it flew into its usual roosting area at the back of the scrape. If the hide is locked, it can seen just as easily from the disused railway embankment. (Dave Standish/CG) Also of note Kingfisher and 1 Fieldfare. There no reports of this species in December for the first time since records began in 1972! 
As dusk approached 4 Water Rails called (2 seen in front of hide) and at least 2 Tawny Owls (1 seen ) were calling.

Wintersett 12.10.18

5 degrees,  dull with 8/8 cloud and a light south easterly.
Anglers CP:  60 Pink-footed Geese flew west at 10.45hrs.  32 Fieldfare were in the back field.
Disposal Point: Yellowhammer 5.
Wintersett Res. Gull Roost: Plenty of gulls in tonight but no notables were seen.

The Edge 12/01/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 7 Mute Swan, 174 Greylag, 2 Canada Geese, 96 Wigeon, 57 Teal, 11 Gadwall, 10 Mallard, 1m+3f Goosander, 2 Shoveler, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 86 Golden Plover, 82 Lapwing, 94 BH Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 Mistle Thrush and 1 Stonechat.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were c250 Canada Geese, 27 Gadwall, 16 Teal, 15 Wigeon, 11 Mallard, 9 Pochard, 8 Tufted Duck, 6 Shoveler, 2f Goldeneye, 2 Cormorant, 16 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 1 Redshank, 35 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull and 1 Hawfinch. A Little Owl was heard calling at first light by K.Fisher.
TPT - 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Bullfinch.
Bolton Ings -  On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 17 Tufted Duck, 10 Gadwall, 6 Mallard, 6m Shoveler, 4 Pochard, 2m+1f Goldeneye, 315 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 13 Common Gull, 7 Herring Gull and 6 BH Gull. Also present were 11 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 1 Marsh Harrier, 18 Lapwing over, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush and 1 Marsh Tit.

Thursday 11 January 2018

Carlton Marsh

I hope you saw Pete Wall, Carlton Marsh and the Dearne Valley feature by Tom Clarke on Channel 4 News this evening. The weather for filming the Willow Tits was drizzly, but the camera picked them out okay.
This morning was quiet apart from 2 pairs of Tufted Duck a male Shoveler, 2 pairs of Willow Tits, Coal Tit and Mistle Thrush singing. Little Egret and 12 Herring Gulls were feeding on the wader scrape and corvids included 36 Magpies, 23 Crows and c25 Jackdaws. A Peregrine was lurking nearby.
To round the day off Bittern stood in front of one of the islands from 15.50hrs to 16.05hrs before swimming across to an adjacent island. (Karen Pickard)

Wintersett 11.01.18

This morning 4 degrees with  mainly 8/8 but decreasing cloud and a very light north westerly.
Wintersett Res: A male Cetti's Warbler,  a  singing Willow Tit and a Water Rail were on the west bank.   A  Grey Wagtail was on the spillway.
Cold Hiendley Res: 2 Shoveler  and 127 Greylag Geese were seen.

The Edge 11/01/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 10 Mute Swan, 191 Greylag, 56 Canada Geese, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 99 Wigeon, 18 Teal, 10 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 2m+4f Goosander. 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel,  8 Moorhen, 1 Coot, c100 Golden Plover, 72 Lapwing, 61 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Redwing, 2 Meadow Pipit and 2 Stonechat.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 43 Canada Geese, 23 Teal, 20 Gadwall, 11 Tufted Duck, 10 Shoveler, 5 Pochard, 2m+3f Goldeneye, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 20 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 350+ Lapwing, 39 BH Gull, 7 Herring Gull, 3 Common Gull and 25 Redwing.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 14 Tufted Duck, 13 Gadwall, 7 Pochard, 4 Mallard, 4 Shoveler, 4 Teal, 1m Goosander, 340 Coot, 8 BH Gull, 7 Herring Gull and 4 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Marsh Tit and 1 Bullfinch.

Wednesday 10 January 2018

Carlton Marsh

A Channel 4 news crew arrived this morning to interview Pete Wall about the Willow Tit 'Back from the Brink' project. Thankfully two birds visited the feeder (at least one colour ringed) allowing the jubilant camera crew to film them. I was told the feature will go out on tomorrow night's Channel 4 News at 7pm.
2 more colour ringed Willow Tits were seen at the southern end of the reserve, 2 Coal Tits were singing and 2 Redwing were feeding on Haws.

Wintersett 10.01.18

3 - 5 degrees, damp, misty and  dull,  calm to light north westerly.
Wintersett Res:  5 Yellowhammer SE area.      21 Teal.
Anglers CP:  A adult Yellow-legged Gull was in at 15.25hrs.


The Edge 10/01/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 134 Greylag, 2 Canada Geese, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 134 Wigeon, 86 Teal, 8 Mallard, 8 Gadwall, 1 Little Egret, 11 Moorhen, 1 Coot, c30 Lapwing, 6 Golden Plover, 79 BH Gull, 1 Mistle Thrush, 7 Meadow Pipit, 1 Pied Wagtail and 2 Stonechat.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 7 Mute Swan, c300 Canada Geese, 53 Greylag, 26 Gadwall, 20+ Teal, 9 Shoveler, 9 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 2 Pochard, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 1 Wigeon, 13 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 1 Sparrowhawk, 244 Lapwing, 22 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull and 1 Hawfinch.
Bolton Ings - Highlight was a  female Goshawk, picked up by Seev as it flew east over the reedbeds  before landing in a tree on the eastern end of the eastern pool. During its ten minute stay , from 12.45 to 12.55, it was briefly joined on the opposite side of the tree by a male Sparrowhawk, This offered a good comparison in terms of size, breast colour  and eye stripe. Unfortunately the Goshawk was observed to have jesses on its legs. On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 64 Greylag, 27 Tufted Duck, 12 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 8 Pochard, 5 Wigeon, 1f Goldeneye, 359 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 11 Herring Gull, 7 Common Gull and 3 BH Gull. Also present were 1 Marsh Harrier ( mid AM ), 1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Marsh Tit.

Wintersett 10.01.18 Herring Gull with Yellow Darvic Y J88 seen 08.01.18

Thanks to Mike Jackson for such a speedy reply regarding the  Herring Gull with a Yellow Darvic Ring Y J88 that was seen on WRes. on Monday 08.01.18   by @Carloslad 91.
"Thank you for reporting your sighting of a colour ringed Gull.    It’s a bird which was colour-ringed ringed at Harewood Whin landfill site, to the west of York, (53.960 -1.177). The bird was caught using a Cannon Net and is one of around 2500 Gulls which have been caught and colour ringed to date.
Harewood Whin is one of the decreasing number of Landfill sites in the UK where it is possible to operate for the catching and ringing of gulls. Whilst with us the gulls feed on the Landfill site during the day and roost on the floods in Lower Derwent Valley National Nature Reserve or on the Humber Estuary.
The bird was rung on 28th July 2017 and yours is the first sighting since it was rung
I hope you find this of interest and many thanks for taking the time to report your sighting."

Tuesday 9 January 2018

Wintersett 09.01.18

3 degrees,  with 8/8 dull cloud, light mist and a very light south easterly.
Anglers CP:   An adult Mediterranean Gull on the ice at 15.55hrs was the only notable today.

The Edge 09/01/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 225 Canada Geese, 27 Greylag, 124 Wigeon, 25 Teal, 14 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 1 Cormorant, 8 Moorhen, 44 Lapwing, 14 Golden Plover, 136 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 20+ Skylark, 10+ Pied Wagtail, 1 Meadow Pipit and 1 Stonechat.
Brooomhill Flash - Noted were 7 Mute Swan, 135 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 40+ Wigeon, 23 Shoveler, 20+ Teal, 1 Buzzard, 19 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 206 Lapwing, 7 BH Gull and 3 Common Gull.
TPT - 11 Mallard and 5 Teal could be seen on Knoll Beck.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 81 Tufted Duck, 39 Mallard, 30 Shoveler, 14 Gadwall, 8 Teal, 4m+3f Goosander, 4 Pochard, 1m Goldeneye, 5 Cormorant, 324 Coot, 31 BH Gull, 8 Common Gull and 7 Herring Gull. Also present were 1 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier ( through at 12.30pm ), 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Marsh Tit.

Carlton Marsh

This morning Herring Gull with yellow darvic ring (left leg) too far away. 4 Lesser Redpoll, Siskin, Coal Tit, Willow Tit 2 and Water Rail calling in front of hide.
At dusk the Bittern flew across the scrape at 16.03hrs. (Dave Standish)

Monday 8 January 2018

Bretton cp 8/1/18.

Top lake totally frozen and birdless as was its surrounding woodland. Lower lake 95 per cent ice but the small open area held 6 Goosanders, 52 Coot, 6 Tufted Duck and 1 GC Grebe. Little Egret was perched on the island, 1 GS Pecker and 20 Lapwing over e.

Wintersett 08.01.18

A very cold, frosty -2 to 2 degrees with 4/8 cloud and a light south easterly.
ICE: Anglers CP  95%,   Wintersett Res. 98%,   Cold Hiendley Res.   99%  Botany Bay 100%

Area Totals:                                ACP             WRes            CHRes
Goldeneye                      60             37                  23          
Mallard                         135           101                  16                  18
Teal                              131           125                    6
Shoveler                          7               6                     1
Wigeon                         433          390                   40                   3
Gadwall                        307           74                  212                 21
Pochard                                        115
Tufted Duck                 268          238                    30
Great Crested Grebe    12              5                     7
Little Grebe                   16            10                     6
Goosander                     15              
Water Rail                       2              1                      1
Cormorant                     10
Pink-footed Goose          1              1
Kingfisher                       1                                       1
Grey Partridge                5              5
Willow Tit                       1                                      1 (SEcorner)

A Fox was snacking on a male Goldeneye.  ACP   and a Herring Gull with a Yellow Darvic Ring Y J88 was seen on WRes.   both  by @Carloslad 91.

Carlton Marsh

Bittern is back! It was stood on the ice at the back of the scrape at 13.30hrs before flying into a more vegetated area under some large Crack Willows at the back. (Dave Standish)

Sunday 7 January 2018

Carlton Marsh

The water areas were 95% frozen over. A Water Rail was very vocal in front of the hide this morning. A colour ringed Willow Tit was fitted with a transmitter by Vivian Hartwell. The following recent re-traps are getting on a bit.
This Long-tailed Tit  BLX658  ringed 18/11/13 was re-trapped today 7/1/18    4years 50 days later.

These two were caught again in 2017                                                                      
Great Tit  Y392561   juv female  26/1/12  re-trapped 8/3/17       5yrs 43 days

Great Tit  Y392667  male  18/11/13  re-trapped 28/11/17  4yrs 10 days (makes it at least 5 years old as it was an adult when it was ringed)

Sash Pond, Grimethorpe
17 Shoveler included 10 drakes (K. Bannister). 

Moorland news 7/1/18.

Ewden valley.- Very sunny with excellent light. As expected not many birds but a pleasant walk to the lodge and back. Few highlights were c 100 Pinkfeet se over the lodge at 1-40pm, Sparrowhawk fem., 2 pairs C Buzzard, 2 Ravens. - On to Midhope/Low Moor where the light was poor. Again few highlights but surprises with 2 drake Goldeneyes on the res. and 7 Meadow Pipits down. Not much else apart from 3 Fieldfares down and 1 Kestrel. Roll on Spring.

Broomhill Flash 07-01-2018 - Hawfinch

Ever reliable at 8.20 - 9.50am this morning, also going down for a drink in the pig field across the road.



















Wintersett Bird Race and Gull Roost 07.01.18

-1 to 3 degrees,  frosty start with clear sky and a light north easterly.
The Wintersett Wonders Bird Racers, (Pete Smith,  Paul Meredith, Pete Williamson and Chris Swaine), were out from  06.45hrs to 17.30hrs.  In that time they saw a fantastic total of 86 species,  81 in the Wintersett recording area and 5 more at other sites.  
Highlight was a juvenile Iceland Gull leaving north from Anglers CP at 07.45hrs.
Other notables were 2 Jack Snipe,  13 Snipe and a Linnet at Anglers CP.  
At Wintersett Res.  a Water Rail  was in the boathouse reeds, a male Cetti's Warbler was on the north bank and a  Willow Tit was in the south east corner.    
3 skeins of Pink-footed Geese flew over the area  35 + 80 west and 96 south east.
WRes. Gull Roost:  Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult.  Great Black-backed Gull 60.  Herring Gull 1200.

Saturday 6 January 2018

Wintersett 06.01.18

3- 4 degrees with 5/8 but increasing cloud and a north easterly breeze.
4 skeins of Pink-footed Goose flew west in 20 minutes this morning.
30 at 09.05hrs.   120 at 09.15hrs.    76 at 09.20hrs.     56 at 09.25hrs. 
Anglers CP: Shoveler 2. 

Wilthorpe Marsh sewage farm 6/1/18.

Early aft. Water Pipit showed well with scope on carousel wires, viewable through footpath fence. Also c 100 Pied Wag, c 40 M Pipit, 2 Grey Wag, 65 Starling, c 90 BH Gull, 50 Lapwing over.

Friday 5 January 2018

Broomhill Flash 05-01-2018

HAWFINCH - The ever reliable bird appeared again in the gloom at around 8.30am and stayed for around an hour or so.
















Wintersett 05.01.18

3 - 6 degrees, dull  with 8/8 cloud and a cold north westerly breeze.
Pink-footed Goose sightings:
170 + 60 west over Anglers CP a 10.50hrs.
60 SE over Wintersett Res. at 11.25hrs.
32 west over Disposal Point at 12.14hrs.
Cold Hiendley Res: Kingfisher 1.

The Edge 05/01/2018

Pink Footed Goose Passage - Several skeins passed over this morning and included:- 
( i ) c180 west at 8.50am.
(ii) c150 west at 10.00am.
(iii) c70 north at 11.00 am.
(iv) c80 west at 11.05 am.
Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 160+ Greylag ( with an accompanying Pink Footed Goose), 3 Canada Geese, 1 Shelduck, 122 Wigeon, 53 Teal, 17 Gadwall, 9 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 1f Goosander, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 5 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 1 Water Rail ( Green Sand Dyke ), 129 Golden Plover, 56 Lapwing, 26 BH Gull, 5 Meadow Pipit, 3 Pied Wagtail, 10+ Linnet and 2 Bullfinch.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 8 Mute Swan, c200 Canada Geese, 25 Teal, 16 Gadwall, 13 Shoveler, 10 Mallard, 7 Tufted Duck, 1 Wigeon, 8 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Buzzard, 8 Red Legged Partridge, 6 Grey Partridge, 12 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 25 BH Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 1 Hawfinch.
TPT - 5 Bullfinch and 3 Redpoll.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 15 Tufted Duck, 13 Mallard, 8m+4f Goosander, 9 Gadwall, 8 Pochard, 4 Shoveler, 2m+2f Goldeneye (K.Fisher), 6 Cormorant, 337 Coot, 8 Common Gull, 5 BH Gull and 2 Herring Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 1 Lapwing, 1 Marsh Tit and 5 Bullfinch. 

Thursday 4 January 2018

Carlton Marsh

The rain stopped and the sun showed briefly as c250 Pink Feet flew NW at 13.39hrs. A Water Rail called and 2 Willow Tits were on the feeder.

Wilthorpe Marsh 4/1/18. J Lunn, S Green.

Sewage farm - Water Pipit on carousel viewable from footpath fence with scope. Meadow Pipit 15, Pied Wag c 100, Grey Wag 4, Starling c 100, Green Sand 1. BH Gull c 200 in the area and 14 H Gulls over. Nearby flushed, were 12 Jack and 1 Common Snipe, 3 Grey Partridge twice and 1 W Rail. Oxbow pond - 5 L Grebe, 13 Teal, 32 Moorhen grazing. Again no sign of any Cetti`s. Nearly forgot 80 Lapwing at w. end with 6 of them down.

The Edge 04/01/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 151 Canada Geese, 100 + Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 1 Shelduck, 65 Teal, 62 Wigeon, 15 Mallard, 12 Gadwall, 1 Shoveler, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 11 Moorhen, 6 Coot, c150 Golden Plover, 27 Lapwing, 62 BH Gull, 6 Meadow Pipit, 1 Stonechat, and 3 Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash.- Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 8 Greylag, 29 Gadwall, 26 Mallard, 24 Shoveler, 6 Wigeon, 5 Teal, 5 Tufted Duck, 5 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 11 Coot, 1 Kestrel, c150 Lapwing, c50 Golden Plover, 11 BH Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 1 Common Gull. A Hawfinch and a Buzzard were seen early AM.
TPT - 8 Siskin, 2 Redpoll and a Bullfinch.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 +1y Mute Swan, 63 Tufted Duck, 14 Pochard, 9m+4f Goosander, 13 Gadwall, 12 Mallard, 3 Shoveler, 318 Coot, 11 Common Gull, 3 BH Gull and 2 Herring Gull. Also present were 6 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 5 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Jay, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Marsh Tit and 2 Bullfinch.

Wednesday 3 January 2018

Wintersett 03.01.18

Strong wind and heavy rain overnight.  5 - 8 degrees with 8/8 cloud and still a very strong, gusty, westerly wind.
Anglers CP: Teal 82,  Mallard 37,  Pochard 69 + 15 WRes.,  Cormorant 13.  The Todd's Canada Goose is still present. Pink-footed Goose 1.  Lesser Redpoll 6.   A Whooper Swan flew over. 

Woolley Dam/Mill Lane 3/1/18.

Viewing at low barugh sf. aborted due to maintenance going on. The short walk at woolley dam always pleasant and well sheltered from wind and rain. Fewer birds than expected with no sign of any peckers. - Fieldfare 85, TCreeper 1 pair, c 120+ W Pigeon, 8 G Heron, 6 Teal.

Tuesday 2 January 2018

Wintersett 02.01.18

3 - 5 degrees with 8/8 dark cloud and a south westerly wind.  Rain showers from 11.00hrs.  Amber warning for wind tonight.
Anglers CP:  Teal 23,  Shoveler 1,  Little Grebe 3 + 5 WRes., 
Wintersett Res: 2 male Cetti's Warblers - north bank and west bank.  A Little Egret flew over west at 16.10hrs.
WRes. Gull Roost: Poor gull numbers again, with no notables.

Wilthorpe oxbow pond 2/1/18.

Late aft. No sign of any audible Cettis but Green Sand showing well preening and then asleep. 2 calling W Rail, 3 L Grebes, 40 Moorhen grazing.

BARNSLEY BIRD STUDY GROUP

Thursday 4th January 2018 at 7.15pm, at the Old Moor visitor centre;-

TIM JONES with an illustrated talk on 'MAGICAL SPURN'.
We've all visited Spurn, seen lots of good birds there and probably wondered - why is Spurn so good? Come along and learn how and why Spurn works, the best sites and the best times for a visit.

All welcome, £2.50 entrance charge includes interval drink.

The Edge 02/01/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2+4y Mute Swan, 111 Canada Geese, 109 Greylag, 67 Wigeon, 11 Gadwall, 9 Mallard, 7 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 1f Goosander, 1 Marsh Harrier over at 8.55am, 1 Kestrel, 5 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 160 Golden Plover, 31 Lapwing, 66 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull and 5 Pied Wagtail.
 Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+3y Mute Swan, 162 Canada Geese, 20 Shoveler, 13 Teal, 11 Mallard, 8 Tufted Duck, 3 Gadwall, 1 Pochard, 1f Goldeneye, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 4 Cormorant, 11 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 171 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 51 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull and 1 Hawfinch.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+1y Mute Swan, 24 Shoveler, 18 Tufted Duck, 16 Mallard, 15 Gadwall, 3m+6f Goosander, 9 Pochard, 2m+2f Goldeneye, 369 Coot, 2 Herring Gull, 2 Common Gull and 2 BH Gull. Also present were 11 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 5 Cormorant, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 3 Jay, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Bullfinch and 1 Goldcrest. A Marsh Tit and 1 Willow Tit were seen at the feeding station on Warbler Way.

Monday 1 January 2018

Carlton Marsh

A Little Egret flew north at 12.25hrs. 2 Water Rails, 1 calling and one flying across scrape, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, 2 Linnet, 2 Bullfinch, 10 Redwing and 12 Lapwing = 35 species today.

Fox 1

Wintersett + Gull Roost 01.01.18 HAPPY NEW YEAR

Up to 6 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a cold north westerly, with rain from15.30hrs.
Anglers CP: Pink-footed Goose 1.  Canada X Greylag Goose Hybrid 2.  Cormorant 17.
Haw Park Wood.  Siskin 1.
Anglers CP Gull Roost:  Poor numbers of gulls coming in to roost.  No notables tonight. 
Other news:  Chris Swaine sited 3 more nest boxes in the area for Kestrel, Tawny & Little Owl.
Here's the day list for today.  ( 5 fewer that 2017)

WINTERSETT AREA DAY LIST      TOTAL 62 SPECIES           01.01.18
1
Mute Swan
32
Pied Wagtail
2
Greylag Goose
33
Dunnock
3
Canada Goose
34
Robin
4
Pink-footed Goose
35
Song Thrush
5
Mallard
36
Mistle Thrush
6
Gadwall
37
Redwing
7
Wigeon
38
Blackbird
8
Teal
39
Goldcrest
9
Pochard
40
Wren
10
Tufted Duck
41
Great Tit
11
Goldeneye
42
Coal Tit
12
Goosander
43
Blue Tit
13
Grey Partridge
44
Long-tailed Tit
14
Pheasant
45
Nuthatch
15
Little Grebe
46
Treecreeper
16
Great Crested Grebe
47
Magpie
17
Cormorant
48
Jay
18
Grey Heron
49
Jackdaw
19
Sparrowhawk
50
Rook
20
Kestrel
51
Carrion Crow
21
Moorhen
52
Starling
22
Coot
53
House Sparrow
23
Lapwing
54
Tree Sparrow
24
Black-headed Gull
55
Chaffinch
25
Common Gull
56
Lesser Redpoll
26
Herring Gull
57
Goldfinch
27
Great Black-backed Gull
58
Greenfinch
28
Wood Pigeon
59
Siskin
29
Collared Dove
60
Bullfinch
30
Great Spotted Woodpecker
61
Yellowhammer
31
Meadow Pipit
62
Reed Bunting