Thursday 31 May 2018

Wintersett + Moths 31.05.18

15 - 19 degrees, warm and sunny with a light east to south easterly.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 4.
Anglers CP: An Egyptian Goose was on the east bank.   2 medium young Black-headed Gulls left from the 3 on small raft.
Reptile: A Red-eared Terrapin was in the north east corner of Wintersett Res..
Odonata:  2 male Red-eyed Damselflies were on Persicaria amphibia, north east corner Wintersett Res..
Lepidoptera: Overnight moth trapping highlights included: Yellow-barred Brindle 1,  Seraphim 3,  Orange Footman 1,  Green Silver-lines 1,  Dingy Shell 1,  Alder Moth 1,  Marbled White-spot 1 and Silver Y 33 - clearly an influx!

                                          Egyptian Goose        ACP           A Smith

The Edge 31/05/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 9 Mute Swan, 22+6y Canada Geese, 16 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 23 Gadwall, 11 Mallard, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Shoveler, 1 Pochard, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 10 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 5 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 16 BH Gull, 4 Skylark, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 2 Linnet and 2 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 1 Mute Swan, 15 Canada Geese, 13 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 25 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 5 Pochard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Lapwing, 1 Redshank and 1 LBB Gull.
TPT - Singing males 5 Willow Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler and 2 Song Thrush.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+8y Mute Swan, 3 Greylag, 2 Canada Geese, 19 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 4 Gadwall, 3 Mallard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 29+14y Coot, 1 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Bullfinch and 1 Linnet.

Carlton Marsh 30/5/18

(Wednesday) On the wader scrape there were 12 L.B.B. Gulls (1 with a dark green darvic ring left leg) and 70 Herring Gulls (1st summer with yellow darvic ring left leg ).
Later in the evening Harry Beaumont joined us in a moth session. It was a good night with muggy overcast conditions around 14c. Here are some of the scarcer more colourful of the 43 macro species caught.

 Alder Moth (CG)
 Clouded Bordered Brindle
 Marbled White Spot
 Peach Blossom
 Peppered Moth
 Small Elephant Hawk Moth
Others in included the beautiful Lime Hawk Moth, Blood Vein, Figure of Eighty, Mottled Pug, Silky Wainscot, Pale Tussock, Pebble Hook-tip and White Pinion-spotted.

Today (Thursday 31/5/18)
Keith Bannister saw what he thought was a Egyptian Goose leaving the wader scrape around 8am. I believe that one turned up at Anglers soon after.
Then at 08.52hrs Russ Boland phoned in to say that a male Mandarin was on the wader scrape. It had relocated to the main scrape and was still here this evening.

 Mandarin (Dave Standish)
Cetti's Warbler, Kingfisher, Buzzard and Pink Foot Goose were present.

Wednesday 30 May 2018

Wintersett 30.05.18

Just back from a successful cruise from Aberdeen to Svalbard with Nigel Goodgame for Wild Wings.  Wonderful mammals, cetaceans and birds.

12 - 14 degrees with rain at first.  Dry but dull by mid morning with 8/8 cloud and a light easterly.
Anglers CP: Arctic Tern 1 1st summer.  Common Tern 4 + 3 WRes..  Swift 400.  Oystercatcher 1 large young to north pair.  South pair Oystercatchers have lost their young.  The Mute Swans nesting on the east bank have young.    One very small  Canada Goose was killed by a Mute Swan in front of the hide this morning. 

The Edge 30/05/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 19 Mute Swan, 41+6y Canada Geese, 39 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 23 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 5 Tufted Duck, 3 Shoveler, 3 Pochard, 13 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 4+ Lapwing, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Grey Plover, 1 Redshank, 19 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 4 Skylark, 50+ House Martin, 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Pied Wagtail and 1 Sedge Warbler.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 13 Tufted Duck, 11+11y Mallard, 11 Gadwall, 3 Pochard, 1 Shoveler, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 14 Coot, 4 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher and 150+ Swift.
TPT - Singing males 6 Willow Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler and 2 Song Thrush
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+8y Mute Swan, 1 Greylag, 31 Tufted Duck, 16 Gadwall, 9 Pochard, 4 Mallard, 1 female Goosander, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 41+31y Coot, and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Cormorant and 1 LBB Gull.

Tuesday 29 May 2018

Carlton Marsh

14 Herring Gulls, 12 LBB Gulls and a Sand Martin were on the wader scrape this afternoon. Garden Warbler and Red-legged Partridge were also present.

The Edge 29/05/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 19 Mute Swan, 51 Canada Geese, 19 Greylag, 2 Pink Footed Geese, 27 Gadwall, 12 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Red Legged Partridge, 1 Buzzard, 9 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 5 Lapwing, 2 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 Avocet, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Redshank, 26 BH Gull, 3+ Skylark, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Linnet and 3 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 23 Canada Geese, 7 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 16 Mallard, 15 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, 3 Pochard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 16 Coot, 12 Common Tern (flew towards Wombwell Ings at 10.20am ) and 100+ Swift.
TPT - Singing males included 8 Willow Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler and 1 Song Thrush.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+8y Mute Swan, 8 Greylag, 22 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 7 Pochard, 4 Mallard, 1female Goosander, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 23+2y Coot and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 1 Hobby, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 LBB Gull and 1 Kingfisher.

Monday 28 May 2018

Carlton Marsh

The highlights today were; Kingfisher, Buzzard, Pink Footed Goose, 3 Sand Martin briefly on the wader scrape (unusual here at this time of year), Lesser Whitethroat and a female Cuckoo calling as she flew over.

Dragonflies included Blue-tailed Damsel, c50 Azure Damsel, 16 Four Spot Chaser and 3 male Broad-bodied Chaser.
Butterflies on show were; GV White, Orange-tip, Speckled Wood, Small Heath, 7 Dingy Skipper and 2 Common Blue mating.

Ewden valley 28/5/18. G Wasse, J Wasse, S Green.

Mist started to lift late morning and the viewing improving as it went on but never perfect light and always hazy. Another good day with Osprey, cc Marsh Harrier, Merlin 2, probably more with 4 sightings which included a pair. C Buzzard 10+, Peregrine 1, Kestrel 5. Raven 5+ and probably into double figures. Ring Ouzel 2+ includes 1 singing on the cabin fence, 1 chipping Snipe, 2 calling Cuckoo, 3 Golden Plover. Total Meadow Pipits 40, 5 Swifts north and calling Siskin at entrance gate.

The Edge 28/05/2018

Warbler Way - Singing males included 9 Blackcap, 9 Chiffchaff, 7 Willow Warbler, 6 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler and 2 Song Thrush.
Bolton Ings - On the open Water were 4+13y Mute Swan, 6 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 19 Tufted Duck, 9 Gadwall, 5+10y Mallard, 3 Pochard, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 28+25y Coot, 1 Moorhen, 250+ BH Gull and 1 Common Gull.
Wombwell Ings - Present were 19 Mute Swan, 20 Greylag, 8+6y Canada Geese, 2 Pink Footed Geese, 33 Gadwall, 18 Mallard, 3 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Cormorant, 8 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 3 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 4 Skylark, 2 Mistle Thrush and 3 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 24 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 14 Tufted Duck, 11 Mallard, 9 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, 1 Shoveler, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 25+2y Coot, 2 Moorhen, 5 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper and 1 Pied Wagtail.

Sunday 27 May 2018

Carlton Marsh

New in today 2 Redshanks on the wader scrape (Keith Bannister).

Saturday 26 May 2018

Moorland news 26/5/18.

Ewden valley - 2+ Marsh Harrier, Merlin 2, Red Kite 1, Peregrine 1, C Buzzard 8, Kestrel 4. Movement of Swifts going north all afternoon with 158 counted. 2 Ring Ouzels at the s bend and thought to be another pair at the cabin. Raven 3, Golden Plover 5 includes 2 down, LBB Gull 9, Cuckoo 1, Meadow Pipit total 47 includes 3 feeding young. Earlier at Low Moor, 1 Red Kite blogging, 4 C Buzzard, 4 Kestrel and per J Wasse 1 Marsh Harrier.

Carlton Marsh

70 Herrings gulls and 1 LRP were on the wader scrape this morning. On the marsh was a Pink Foot Goose with broods of Mallard and Coot. Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Green & Great Spotted Woodpeckers were around. 3 Sedge Warblers, 2 Garden Warblers, Lesser Whitethroat and a Cetti's Warbler were singing. 30 Swifts and 6 House Martins was pleasing to see. (D.M Smith/R. Laverack)

Gunthwaite 26th May

Pleased to re-find this rare old-woodland hoverfly Brachypalpus laphriformis, at Gunthwaite,
34 years after its original discovery at this site.

(Correction; this is the superficially similar Criorhina asilica, also a hoverfly predominantly of
ancient broad-leaved woodland, also first recorded about the same time as Brachypalpus.

Friday 25 May 2018

The Edge 25/05/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 17 Mute Swan, 42+6y Canada Geese, 31 Greylag, 24 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Coot, 6 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 23 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 4+ Skylark, 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 singing Song Thrush and 1 Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 1 Mute Swan, 26 Canada Geese, 11 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 14 Mallard, 11 Gadwall, 9 Tufted Duck, 3 Pochard, 1 Shoveler, 5 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 17 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 200+ BH Gull, 5 Lapwing and 50+ Swift.
TPT - Singing males included 7 Willow Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler and 2 Song Thrush.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+8y Mute Swan, 3 Greylag, 2 Canada Geese, 15 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 4 Gadwall, 1 Mallard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, and 31+18y Coot.

Thursday 24 May 2018

Carlton Marsh

An Oystercatcher flew south over the wader scrape at 08.55hrs. 160+ Herring Gulls came to bathe with 8 LBB Gulls, most had gone by 09.20hrs. A Pink Foot Goose was amongst the Greylags and Canadas. Kingfisher, Garden Warbler an Cetti's were all singing.

Littleworth, Monk Bretton
Butterflies
Brown Argus, Common Blue 20, Dingy Skipper 55 and Small Heath 21. The dayflying, Mother Shipton Moth 15, Broad -bodied Chaser 2 males and 2 Large Red Damselfy mating (Chris Parkin).

Seev's Pics

Pictures taken by John Seevour on Bolton Ings - Tuesday 22nd May 2018.
Bittern

Carrion Crow

Green Woodpecker

Jay

The Edge 24/05/2018

Wombwell Ings -Present were 17 Mute Swan, 61+6y Canada Geese, 37 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 2 Shelduck, 23 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 4 Tufted Duck, 3 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 12 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Coot, 6+ Lapwing, 2+1y Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher, 24 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 6+ Skylark, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Chiffchaff and 2 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - For the third day running 100+ Swift have been feeding low over the car park. Noted were 1 Mute Swan, 29 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 17 Tufted Duck, 17 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, 1 Shoveler, 5 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 15 Coot, 6 Lapwing, 1 Common Tern and 1 Pied Wagtail. A Barn Owl was seen hunting over the old tip.
TPT - Singing males included 7 Chiffchaff, 7 Willow Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whitethroat and 1 Song Thrush.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+8y Mute Swan, 6 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 14 Tufted Duck, 7 Gadwall, 5 Pochard, 4 Mallard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 26+10y Coot and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Kingfisher.

Wednesday 23 May 2018

Carlton Marsh

This afternoon between 17.15hrs and 18.15hrs 105 Herring and 6 LBB Gulls came in to the wader scrape, but no sign of Iceland. Large Gulls regularly leave SE around 7pm and fly over where I live at Newtown, Cudworth, but now I know they are roosting at Edderthorpe, that's good. 
A Little Ringed Plover was also present.

Tuesday 22 May 2018

Carlton Marsh

A group of 21 Herring and 4 LBB Gulls accompanied an immature Iceland Gull at 09.00hrs as they came in to the wader scrape, but as they were about to alight they saw a Fox on the prowl. The Iceland (probably a 2nd summer) quickly left south. I contacted Alan Stonier to keep a lookout at Edderthorpe, but he wasn't on site. This is the first record for this site since 20/2/1996.
A pair of Little Ringed Plovers were also present, one displaying. Also of note Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Buzzard, Garden Warbler, Cetti's Warbler and 11 singing Reed warblers.

Red Kite over Higham


Red Kite that flew over Higham last Sunday morning but added now to provide moult reference in case different birds are seen in the near future. I presume this was a different bird to what Russ Boland had mid-day on the same date?

The Edge 22/05/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 16 Mute Swan, 27 Greylag, 16 Canada Geese, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 18 Gadwall, 12 Mallard, 6 Tufted Duck, 5 Shoveler, 8 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 6+ Lapwing, 2+1y Redshank, 31 BH Gull, 4+ Skylark, 1 Pied Wagtail and 2 Blackcap.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 1 Mute Swan, 59 Canada Geese, 27 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Geese, 8 Tufted Duck, 6 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 1 Shoveler, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Kestrel, 12 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 5 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher and 100+ Swift.
TPT - Singing males included 9 Blackcap, 7 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler and 1 Lesser Whitethroat.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+8y Mute Swan, 3 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 17 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 4+9y Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 21+9y Coot and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Buzzard, 1 Little Egret, 3 LBB Gull , 1 Kingfisher and 2 Bullfinch.

Monday 21 May 2018

Carlton Marsh

Its good to know that more Swifts and House Martins have arrived back safely to the local breeding colonies. (G. Miller J. Plant)
45 Herring Gulls were on the wader scrape and the Pink Foot is still with the greylags and seems content. Grey Wagtails are feeding fledged young and a male Peregrine was nearby.

A Little Egret flew SE over the Newtown estate, Cudworth at 17.35hrs (D. Standish)

Dunford Bridge
9 Green Hairstreak butterflies were on the wing along with c100 Common Heath Moths.

Thurlstone
7 Wall Brown were airborne and 3 Brown Hares were seen. (Chris Parkin)

The Edge 21/05/2018

Broomhill Flash - Highlight was the Red Necked Phalarope , present for a second day. Noted, on a clearing misty flash, were 1 Mute Swan, 5 Canada Geese, 7 Tufted Duck, 5 Mallard, 5+12y Gadwall, 1 Pochard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Red Legged Partridge,  2 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing and 2 LBB Gull.
Wombwell Ings - Present were 27 Mute Swan, 32 Greylag, 24+4y Canada Geese, 2 Pink Footed Geese, 14 Mallard, 13 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler, 4 Pochard, 2 Tufted Duck, 7 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 6 Lapwing, 3+1y Redshank, 31 BH Gull, 4+ Skylark, 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Linnet and 4+ Reed Bunting.
TPT - Singing males included 7 Willow Warbler, 7 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff and 3 Whitethroat. On the return walk from Bolton Ings good views were had of a Glossy Ibis on the Field Pool West of Old Moor Rspb.
Bolton Ings - Highlight was a Bittern flying in from Wath Ings at 12.08pm  and flying back at 12.14pm. On the open water were 2+8y Mute Swan, 3 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 14 Tufted Duck, 7 Pochard, 6 Gadwall, 1 Mallard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 23+22y Coot and 200+ BH Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 3 Little Egret over, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Jay.

Sunday 20 May 2018

Red-necked Phalarope, Old Moor & Broomhill



These two shots of the Red-necked Phalarope were taken by Ron Marshall on the Wader Scrape at Old Moor yesterday (Saturday). Today (Sunday) the bird has spent the full day feeding on Broomhill Flash and is viewable from the hide there. The Glossy Ibis is still feeding at Old Moor.
A bit of a purple patch for the valley at the moment!

Saturday 19 May 2018

Wintersett. 19th May 2018

Cuckoo calling early morning at the Low Lake. A pair of Black-necked Grebes were on the Country Park, whilst a Sanderling showed at close range on the boathouse slipway on the Top Res.


Carlton Marsh

There were 65 Herring Gulls and 4 LBB Gulls on the wader scrape this morning. Also of note 2 singing Garden Warblers, Cetti's Warbler, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Pink Foot Goose and 2 Buzzards. (J Plant/CG)

A Vixen was with her 2 cubs.

Low Moor/Midhope/ Cliff Wood 19/5/18.

Cliff Wood early aft., surprisingly quiet. The only thing of note a pair of Pied Flycatchers with the singing male showing very well. 2 hours at Low Moor very steady. - 2 C Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 3 Siskin, 1 Jay, 1 Snipe showing well, Cuckoo still shaw brook.

Friday 18 May 2018

Wintersett + Tree Sparrows 18.05.18

9 - 14 degrees with 4/8 cloud and a south easterly breeze.
Anglers CP: A Cuckoo was calling behind the hide this morning + 1 calling this afternoon in Haw Park.  Common Tern 2 + 1 WRes..   A Curlew was in the back fields.  Oystercatcher with at least 1 young, southern pair.  Teal 1 m.  Little Grebe 1.  Herring Gull 4.  
Tree Sparrows: Brilliant news!  Pete Smith ringed the first broods.  60 pulli today, with most pairs having 5 young.  The chicks looked healthy due to the warm sunny weather bringing out the insects. No losses so far.

Langsett Reservoir

A Common Sandpiper and a Little Ringed Plover were on the dam wall and another possibly 2 Common Sand and an Oystercatcher were seen later at the far end. 2 drake Teal, Tufted Duck and Cormorant were among the Canada Geese. A Cuckoo was calling in North America Wood along with a singing Goldcrest.
Over the moor 2 Buzzards were harassed by Curlews. In the Little Don Valley 2 Goldcrests were singing and a few Siskins were flying around calling, but there was no Redstart or Spotted Flycatcher. We talked to two local birders, who had the same negative result in Cliffe Wood.

South Kirkby Tip
Kestrel, Green Woodpecker and Cuckoo.
Butterflies included Dingy Skipper 115, Small Copper 3, Brimstone 4 males, Small Heath 3 and Holly Blue 1.
Other insects Light Emerald, Green Carpet and Mother Shipton moth 8, and Broad-bodied Chaser (Chris Parkin)

The Edge 18/05/2018

Warbler Way - Singing males included 11 Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 10 Blackcap, 5 Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Cettis Warbler, 1 Song Thrush and 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker.
Bolton Ings mid morning - On the open water were 4+8y Mute Swan, 13 Greylag, 9 Canada Geese, 39 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 7 Pochard, 5 Gadwall, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 25+26y Coot, 2 LBB Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Buzzard, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Bullfinch and 1 Linnet.
Wombwell Ings late morning - Present were 12 Mute Swan, 9 Greylag, 5+6y Canada Geese, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 21 Gadwall, 14 Mallard, 11 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard, 1 Shoveler, 1 male Goosander, 2 Grey Heron, 9 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 6 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher, 39 BH Gull, 2 Pied Wagtail and 3 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash early PM- Noted were 1 Mute Swan, 25 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 19 Tufted Duck, 18 Gadwall, 11 Mallard, 4 Pochard, 1 Shoveler, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Red Legged Partridge, 1 Buzzard, 17 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 4 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Herring Gull and 1 LBB Gull.

Thursday 17 May 2018

Carlton Marsh

Pretty much the same as yesterday Herring Gull 22, LBB Gull 4, Grey Wagtail with young. Tufted Duck increased to 6 pairs and new Mallard broods totalled 26 young. 2 Lesser Whitethroats were singing and 6 Swallows and 2 Swifts passed through. Geoff Miller informs me that his Beech Avenue, Cudworth colony only has around 6 pairs instead of the usual 20 pairs. Its difficult to argue that it's because of bad weather after recent fine settled conditions. So if this is reflected elsewhere where are they?
A male Peregrine was perched up nearby and a Pink Foot Goose was present.

Wintersett 17.05.18

9 - 13 degrees,  4/8 cloud with a cool north easterly breeze.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 1.
Anglers CP: The second pair of Oystercatchers have hatched at least 1 young.
Cold Hiendley Field:  2m + 1 f Yellow Wagtail.
Old Royston Flash: Oystercatcher 2 adults.  Red-legged Partridge 2.

The Edge 17/05/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 22 Mute Swan (most I've seen on the Ings), 37 Canada Geese, 33 Greylag, 2 Pink Footed Geese, 19 Gadwall, 15 Mallard, 10 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard, 2 Shoveler, 1 male Goosander, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 2 Grey Heron, 9 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 8 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Common Sandpiper, 28 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 5+ Skylark, 5+ House Martin, 3 Pied Wagtail, 3 Reed Bunting and 1 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 18 Canada Geese, 17 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 10 Gadwall, 10 Mallard, 10 Tufted Duck, 2 Shoveler, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Red Legged Partridge, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 10 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 6 Lapwing, c200 BH Gull and 1 Pied Wagtail.
TPT - 7 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Reed Bunting and 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+8y Mute Swan, 4 Greylag, 2 Canada Geese, 19 Tufted Duck, 9 Gadwall, 8 Pochard, 4 Mallard, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 30+13y Coot, 300+ BH Gull and 1 Common Gull.

Wednesday 16 May 2018

Wintersett 16.05.18

9 degrees with 8/8 but decreasing cloud and a cold north easterly.  A quiet day here. 
Wintersett Res: A Common Sandpiper was on the boathouse slipway.  3 Arctic  and 1 Common Tern were feeding.
Anglers CP: Oystercatchers 3 young.

The Edge 16/05/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 11 Mute Swan, 48 Canada Geese, 18 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 17 Mallard, 17 Tufted Duck, 15 Gadwall, 9 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 5 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 30+ Swift, 20+ Swallow, 15+ House Martin and 2 Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 1 Mute Swan, 12 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 9 Tufted Duck, 8+6y Gadwall, 7 Mallard, 5 Pochard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Grebe, 13 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel and 100+ Swift.
TPT - Singing males 7 Willow Warbler, 7 Blackcap, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Whitethroat and 1 Lesser Whitethroat.
 Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+6y Mute Swan, 7 Greylag, 3 Canada Geese, 20 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall, 6 Pochard, 2 Mallard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 27+7y Coot and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Lapwing over, 50+ Swift and 2 Bullfinch.

Carlton Marsh

This mornings sightings included 51 Herring, 1 immature GBB and 4 LBB Gulls on the wader scrape with 3 broods of Canada Geese and 2 broods of Greylag geese. Cetti's, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Sedge and Reed Warbler, Blackcap and Chiffchaff were all singing.
9 Swifts flew north and 6 House Martins were feeding over the marsh. Kingfisher, Cormorant and Great Spotted Woodpecker were around.
A Pink Foot Goose arrived at 15.00hrs (Rod Heeley)

Tuesday 15 May 2018

Wintersett 15.05.18

10 - 15 degrees, sunny with 2/8 cloud and a light north westerly.
Anglers CP: A Red Kite was circling to the north at 09.30hrs.  Oystercatcher 3 young.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 1.  4m Cetti's Warblers - east bank, west bank, ruin and 1 alarming at Botany Road.
Old Royston Flash: Red-legged Partridge 2.  Grey Partridge 1.  Yellow Wagtail 1. Lapwing 2. Mallard 8 young + 8 small/medium young WRes..
Lepidoptera: A Holly Blue was on the west bank WRes..
Odonata: Azure Damselfly 1 west bank WRes..

The Edge 15/05/2018

Wombwell Ings - Interesting to watch the 6+ House Martin as they dropped in periodically  to collect mud  for nest construction. Also present were 6 Mute Swan, 21 Canada Geese, 20 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 19 Gadwall, 14 Tufted Duck, 11 Mallard, 3 Shoveler, 1 Grey Heron, 10 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 5 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 29 BH Gull, 5+ Skylark, 2 Swift , 2 Mistle Thrush, 3 Pied Wagtail and 2 Linnet.
TPT -  From the entrance to Old Moor Rspb, Seev and I  got brief views of the Glossy Ibis on the Field Pool. Singing males 7 Blackcap, 7 Chiffchaff, 6 Willow Warbler and 1 Sedge Warbler.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 5 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 19 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 7 Pochard, 4+12y Mallard, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 25+7y Coot, 3 Herring Gull, 1 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Birds flying over included 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret and 4 Lapwing. Also present were 6+ Whitethroat (2 singing males) and 1 Bullfinch.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 1 Mute Swan, 36+2y Canada Geese, 28 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 18 Gadwall, 16 Tufted Duck, 5+4y Mallard, 5 Pochard, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 21 Coot, 2 LBB Gull and 2 Common Tern.

Monday 14 May 2018

Carlton Marsh

Today's highlights were Pink Foot Goose, 3 Herring Gulls, 2 LBB Gulls (displaying) and female Mallards with broods of 10 and 7 on the wader scrape. Cetti's Warbler is still singing very regularly along with 8 Reed Warblers, 2 Sedge Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 5 Whitethroats and a Garden Warbler.

Fungi
Bay Polypore (Polyporus badius) was found in the car park on a dead log.

Wintersett 14.05.18

10 - 18 degrees with a few scattered clouds that decreased to midday, then hot and sunny with a light north easterly breeze.
Old Royston Flash: Red-legged Partridge 2.  Mallard 8 very small young.
Anglers CP: Oystercatcher 3 young.  Shelduck 1.

The Edge 14/04/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 5 Mute Swan, 13 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 19 Gadwall, 10 Mallard, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Shoveler, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 13 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 6 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 11 BH Gull,  6+ Skylark, 6+ House Martin, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff and 2 Linnet.
TPT - Singing males 1 Song Thrush, 5 Chiffchaff, 5 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap and 2 Whitethroat.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 6 Greylag, 4 Canada Geese, 14 Tufted Duck, 9 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, 3 Mallard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 22+4y Coot, 3 Herring Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 1 Lapwing over, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grey Wagtail and 2 Bullfinch.

Sunday 13 May 2018

Wintersett 13.05.18

9 - 13 degrees with 8/8 but decreasing cloud. Sunny with scattered cloud and a light north westerly this afternoon.
Anglers CP: Dunlin 2 flew north and 2 on boathouse slipway WRes..   Teal 1 pair.  Canada Goose broods totalling 8 young.  Cormorants 2.  Sand Martin 1.  A Hobby flew over at 18.30hrs. 
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 3.  Common Sandpiper boathouse slipway.  Common Scoter 2m + 1f4 Cetti's Warblers - Ruin, west bank, east bank and Botany road.  
Old Royston Flash: Ringed Plover 2.  Red-legged Partridge 2. 
Reptile: Yellow- Bellied Slider north east reeds WRes..

Midhope / Low Moor 13/5/18 plus.

Very steady all round. Good viewing with plenty cloud to keep off heat haze. - Seen, was 1 Red Kite regular, Sparrowhawk 1, C Buzzard 2, Kestrel 4. Cuckoo calling in shaw brook area, displaying Snipe 2, flyover Siskin 7, Oystercatcher 3, small flock of 8 Curlews flying around were impressive. Probables due to brief poor views were what was thought to be yesterdays reported Marsh Harrier and a falcon chasing briefly thought to be Merlin. Yesterday at wilthorpe marsh, Sedge Warbler now rare 1, Reed Warbler 6, GS Pecker 1 in usual breeding area, c 300 Woodpigeon down. Sand Martin increase with now 2 small colonies.

Saturday 12 May 2018

Carlton Marsh

New in today a Common Sandpiper. 5 Buzzards were in the air over Carlton (Dave Smith).
A Pink Foot was with the Canada and Greylag geese again. Coot have their first young and there are now 4 broods of Canada and 2 of Greylag.

Our first Dingy Skipper was airborne along with a Small Yellow Underwing moth. (Chris Parkin)

Wintersett 12.05.18

8 - 13 degrees with 7/8 cloud and a south easterly breeze.
Anglers CP:A pair of Teal were displaying.  Red Kite 1 over.   Raven 2 NE at 09.56hrs. A Hobby flew east over at 15.25hrs.  Oystercatcher 4 adults + 3 young + 2 ORF. 
Moorhouse Lane Ponds: Great Crested Grebe with 3 young.  Mallard with 5 vs young. 
Disposal Point: A Grasshopper Warbler was reeling late morning.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 2.   Cuckoo 1m west bank at 17.00hrs

Old Royston Flash: Ringed Plover 2 (1st since 2016).  Red-legged Partridge 2.  Stock Dove 7.  Lapwing young 2 + 3.  Yellow Wagtail 1.  Oystercatcher 2.

Friday 11 May 2018

Carlton Marsh

A Pink Foot Goose was with the Canada Geese. The latter now have 4 broods. A Cetti's warbler continues to sing near the hide (Rod Heeley).

Wintersett 11.05.18

7 - 14 degrees witn 6/8 cloud and a cold southerly.
A very quiet day today.
Wintersett Res:  2m Cetti's Warblers - east bank and west bank.  A Common Sandpiper was on the boathouse slipway.
Cold Hiendley Res: Common Tern 3.
Odonata: Common Blue Damselfly - first of the year.

Thursday 10 May 2018

Carlton Marsh

House Martins continue to arrive c60 were feeding over the marsh this afternoon. (Rod Heeley)

South Kirkby tip
8 Dingy Skipper, 1 Holly Blue, Large Red and Blue-tailed damseflies were on the wing. (Chris Parkin)

Wintersett 10.05.18

9 - 12 degrees with sun, scattered cloud and a cold north westerly.
Wintersett Res: A Common Sandpiper was on the boathouse slipway.  Common Tern 3.
Anglers CP: Arctic Tern 3,  Teal 1m + 1f.  Swift 70 + 30 WRes..
Moorhouse Lane Ponds: Little Grebe 3 pairs.
Botany Bay area: 2 Grey Partridge. 

Wednesday 9 May 2018

Carlton Marsh

Today 5 House Martins and 2 Pink Feet Geese with Greylags and Canada Geese (Rod Heeley). They were probably the Dearne Valley birds having a day out.

Rod Heeley

Wintersett 09.05.18

7 - 13 degrees, with sun and scattered, but increasing cloud and a south westerly breeze.
Anglers CP:The Oystercatchers on the Sand Martin box have 2 young. Teal 1m + 1f.. 
Wintersett Res: A Dunlin and a Common Sandpiper were on the boathouse slipway.   Lesser Whitethroat 1 m in NE area.  Cetti's Warbler 4m - Botany Road,  east bank,  west bank and north bank CHRes..
Old Royston Flash: Lapwing  3 vs young + 3 vs young.  Oystercatcher 2.  Yellow Wagtail 2.

Old Moor Sofa

An update on the number of species recorded in the Old Moor Area this year, at the end of March the total was 124.

A further 28 species were added in April as follows - Swallow on 2nd (125), House Martin on 4th (126), Little Ringed Plover on 4th (127), Yellow Legged Gull on 4th (128), Greenshank on 6th (129), Blackcap on 6th (130), Whimbrel on 7th (131), Willow Warbler on 7th (132), Common Tern on 8th (133), Caspian Gull on 12th (134), Little Gull on 13th (135), Arctic Tern on 13th (136), Common Sandpiper on 14th (137), Whitethroat on 15th (138), Reed Warbler on 15th (139), Black Necked Grebe on 15th (140), Lesser Whitethroat on 16th (141), Garganey on 17th (142), Cuckoo on 18th (143), Sedge Warbler on 18th (144), Yellow Wagtail on 19th (145), Great White Egret on 20th (146), Swift on 21st (147), Hobby on 22nd (148), Grasshopper Warbler on 26th (149), Garden Warbler on 28th (150), Raven on 29th (151) and finally Wood Sandpiper on 30th (152).

At the end of April 2015 the total was 138 and at the end of April 2016 the total was 146 therefore a lot better than 2015 but very similar to 2016.

A further nine species were seen up to the end of April in those two years but not seen this year - Red Necked Grebe, Egyptian Goose, Mandarin, Red Crested Pochard, Grey Plover, Ruff, Black Tern, Alpine Swift and Rock Pipit.

A very average April followed the very average March, again the month was dominated by the weather, cold nearly all month with snow at the start and a few very wet spells. Although all the expected summer visitors arrived during the month they were mainly late and in very few numbers, a depressing picture. No raritys during the month, the best probably the now annual Great White Egret on the 20th. Lets hope for a better May both birdwise and weatherwise.

For comparison some other inland sites totals are as follows Swillington Ings, West Yorkshire 154, Upton Warren, Worcestershire 128 and Potteric Carr, South Yorkshire 134.

Tuesday 8 May 2018

Carlton Marsh

Group members were overseeing work on renewing the Shool Pond. Greylag, Canada and Mallard all have young now.

Wintersett + Reptiles and a Moth 1st. 08.05.18

16 - 24 degrees with 0/8 cloud. Sunny and hot with a light north westerly until late afternoon, then a 10 degree drop in temperature and light, steady rain for an hour.
Anglers CP: A Red Kite was circling to the north east at 10.25hrs.
Teal 1m + 1 f..  Oystercatcher 4 + 2  Cold Hiendley SF.
Old Royston Flash: Lapwing 11 adults + 3 young.
Reptiles:  2 Grass Snakes were seen in the area.   A Terrapin was in the north east reed bed WRes..
Overnight moth trapping was brilliant,  with 2 Lunar Marbled Brown (1st record for the area), Barred Hook-tip (2nd record, previous one was in 1997!) and Yellow-barred Brindle the highlights.

Lunar Marbled Brown  (1st Record for area)             ACP         ASmith
Barred Hook-tip   (2nd area record)         ACP     ASmith
                 Yellow-barred Brindle            ACP          ASmith
 

Monday 7 May 2018

The Edge 07/05/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 11 Mute Swan, 13 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 2 Shelduck, 18 Gadwall, 16 Tufted Duck, 15 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 1 male Goosander, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 9 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 7 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 2 Avocet, 5 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 7+ Skylark, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Sedge Warbler and 3 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 9 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 25 Tufted Duck, 11 Pochard, 10 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 11 Coot, 1 Red Legged Partridge, 1 Kestrel, 7 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher, 200+ BH Gull and 16 Herring Gull.
TPT - Singing males 7 Chiffchaff, 7 Blackcap, 5 Willow Warbler and 2 Common Whitethroat.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 7 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 18 Tufted Duck, 11 Gadwall, 4+12y Mallard, 4 Pochard, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe and 16+3y Coot. Also present were 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Grey Heron and 1 Jay.

Carlton Marsh

Today's highlights were Buzzard 2, Sedge Warbler 2, Cetti's and Garden Warbler (Jim Plant).

Sunday 6 May 2018

Wintersett 06.05.18

16 - 21 degrees,  0/8 sunny and hot with a very light southerly.
Wintersett Res:  A Cuckoo called briefly on the east bank.  A Red Kite flew over Botany field at 11.30 hrs, then flew off east. 
Anglers CP:  Teal 1m.  Pochard 1m.  Cormorant 3.  Yellow Wagtail 1m + 1f.   The Oystercatchers nesting on the Sand Martin box have hatched.
Disposal Point: A Grasshopper Warbler was reeling near the railway bridge per @jonnybirder
Lepidoptera: 8 species of butterfly were seen today.  Brimstone,  Green-veined White,  Holly Blue, Orange Tip Speckled Wood,  Small White,  Large White and Peacock.

                                     Holly Blue                       ACP    ASmith

Ewden valley 6/5/18.

Great weather conditions but very steady birding. 2 Ring Ouzels seen together and 1 singing regular. Merlin 1, probably 2, Red Kite 1, C Buzzard 6, Kestrel 1. Raven scarce, just 1, Cuckoo 1, chipping Snipe 1, Meadow Pipit total 45. Siskin 1 at entrance gate, Stock Dove 3.

Saturday 5 May 2018

Wintersett 05.05.18

16 - 20 degrees with 0/8 cloud and a very light westerly.
Disposal Point: A Raven  flew over at 14.20hrs  after circling over Crofton.
Anglers CP: Gadwall 8 + 2 WRes..  Teal 1m.  Tufted Duck 52
Wintersett Res: A Cuckoo was in the Willow Wood.  Archie ringed a Sparrowhawk this morning.




Carlton Marsh

3 Whitethroats were amongst several warbler species singing including Ceti's. 6 House Sparrows were the first for this year! A vixen and her 4 Cubs were taking the morning sunshine (Jim Plant)

Friday 4 May 2018

Wintersett 04.05.18

7 - 17 degrees with sun, 4/8 cloud and a westerly breeze.
Anglers CP:  Arctic Tern 1.  Common Tern 2.  Willow Tit 1m in south west area.  Cormorant 2.  Herring Gull 10.   Oystercatcher 4 + 2 WRes..   Wheatear 1m + 1f in Santingley Field.
Walton Hall: Mallard 2 large young.
Haw Park: Greeon Woodpecker 1.  Goldcrest 1 m. 
Cold Hiendley Res: Lesser Whitethroat 1m.  A Hobby was circling over the fields. 

The Edge 04/05/2018

Warbler Way - Singing males included 10 Chiffchaff, 10 Blackcap. 7 Willow Warbler, 5 Whitethroat, 2 Cettis Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Song Thrush and 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker.
Bolton Ings mid morning- On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 16 Canada Geese, 9 Greylag, 22 Tufted Duck, 6+10y Mallard, 14 Pochard, 6 Gadwall, 4 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 26+3y Coot, c700 BH Gull, 4 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Oystercatcher and 2 Bullfinch.
Wombwell Ings late AM/early PM - Present were 3 Mute Swan, 23 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 2 Pink Footed Geese, 2 Shelduck, 29 Tufted Duck, 27 Gadwall, 21 Mallard, 2 Teal, 2 Pochard, 2 Shoveler, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Kestrel, 12 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 4 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Avocet, 2 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3+ Skylark, 2 Rook, 1 Wheatear, 2 Mistle Thrush and 5 Linnet. Early morning P.Kent also had 1 Ruff over north east, 4 LBB Gull, 1 Little Gull and 1 Whinchat.
Broomhill Flash early PM -Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 9 Canada Geese, 1 Barnacle Goose, 21 Tufted Duck, 14 Gadwall, 7 Mallard, 5 Pochard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 13 Coot, 3 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, c250 BH Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 1 Little Gull and 1 Common Tern.

Thursday 3 May 2018

Cettis Warbler on Bolton Ings


Photos taken in elderberry bush next to Cormorant Hide by John Seeviour

Carlton Marsh

Larger sites have seen good numbers of House Martin over recent days, but none have returned to their breeding sites in our area yet. Carlton Marsh saw its first H. Martin last evening heading north. (Dave Smith)
Today few hirundines were moving, the best birds here were Cetti's, Grasshopper Warbler and Cuckoo.

Wintersett 03.05.18

7 - 14 degrees with 6/8 high cloud and sunny spells, but a cold south westerly wind.
Anglers CP:  2 Red Kites were circling together, high over north east of CP, at 09.15hrs   Swift 70.  Common Sandpiper 1.  Oystercatcher 4 + 2 WRes..  An  Osprey flew over high south at 16.25hrs- first for the year list, per Chris Swaine.
Disposal Point:  A Yellow Wagtail flew north.   1 Lesser Whitethroat and at least 7 pairs of Yellowhammers.
Wintersett Res: A Willow Tit 1 and  5 m Sedge Warblers west bank.   11 very small Mallard ducklings were in the south west corner. 
Cold Hiendley Res: Common Tern 3.
Lepidoptera: The first Red Admiral of the year was on the east bank WRes..


The Edge 03/05/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 13 Canada Geese, 11 Greylag, 2 Pink Footed Geese, 2 Shelduck, 26 Tufted Duck, 19 Gadwall, 14 Mallard, 5 Pochard, 1 Shoveler, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 6 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Oystercatcher, 12 BH Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 3+ Skylark, 3 Rook and 1female Wheatear. Early AM, P.Kent also had 2 Sparrowhawk,  2 Snipe drumming, 1 Avocet and 1 Cuckoo over north west.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 11 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 1 Barnacle Goose, 18 Tufted Duck, 10 Gadwall, 9 Mallard, 1 Pochard, 1 Shoveler, 9 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 3 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing, 200+ BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Little Gull and 50+ Swift.
TPT - Singing males included 7 Chiffchaff, 7 Blackcap, 5 Willow Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whitethroat  and 1 Lesser Whitethroat.
Bolton Ings - Highlight was a Cettis Warbler singing next to the Cormorant Hide. On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 3 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 18 Tufted Duck, 13 Pochard, 9 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 1 Mallard, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 17+5y Coot, 576+ BH Gull, 4 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker and 2 Bullfinch.

Wednesday 2 May 2018

Wintersett 02.05.18

 5 - 9 degrees, with rain and a cold westerly until late morning. Dry and bright with scattered cloud this afternoon.
Anglers CP: 200 Sand Martins were feeding over the lake.  2 immature Great Black-backed Gulls flew south.
Wintersett Res:   A male Cuckoo was singing on the west bank this morning and Chris Swaine had a pair of Cuckoos in the same place late afternoon.
Cold Hiendley Res: Common Tern 4. 

Tuesday 1 May 2018

Wintersett 01.05.18

4 - 13 degrees, clear, cold start with cloud increasing. Sunny and warm by mid morning with a light south westerly breeze.
Anglers CP: A female Wheatear  and 2 Yellowhammers were in Santingley field.  Garden Warbler  2m + 1 west bank WRes..  Common Sandpiper 2.  Grey Wagtail 1.  Black-headed Gull 96, almost all 1st summer birds.
Wintersett Village: Grey Partridge 1.
Wintersett Res: A non-singing Cuckoo was on the west bank this morning - per Keith &Yvonne.
In April 27 new birds were added to the list, bringing the year to date  total to 131.

Carlton Marsh

It was a cold start to the day, but it soon warmed up. On the wader scrape first thing Little Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher, Grey Wagtail, 2 LBB Gulls and 5 Herring Gulls. A Garden Warbler was quietly feeding below the view point and Cuckoo, Cetti's Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat were singing. 3 Buzzards, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk were soaring on the thermals and Kingfisher was about. (Richard Laverack/CG)
This evening 2 Swifts flew over at 18.50hrs (Dave Standish).

 Cetti's Warbler (Richard Laverack)
Note the extent of orange beyond the discal spot on this Orange-tip
(Richard Laverack)

Cudworth
A 'Cream Crown' Marsh Harrier flew west over the field at the back of my home in Newtown at 13.05hrs.

The Edge 01/05/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 4 Mute Swan, 13 Canada Geese, 11 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 21 Gadwall, 17 Tufted Duck, 11 Mallard, 3 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Grey Heron, 7 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 5 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Greenshank, 1 Wood Sandpiper(seen early AM by P.Kent), 15 BH Gull, 1 Little Gull, 20+ Swift, 3+ Skylark, 5 Rook, 1 White Wagtail and 1 Mistle Thrush.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 17 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 18 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 8 Pochard, 8 Mallard, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 11 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 2 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 260+ BH Gull, 8 LBB Gull, 6 Herring Gull, 1 Little Gull and 30+ Swift. Also one Orange Tipped Butterfly.
TPT - Singing males 7 Chiffchaff, 5 Willow Warbler and 5 Blackcap.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 5 Greylag, 3 Canada Geese, 12 Tufted Duck, 7 Gadwall, 5 Pochard, 5 Mallard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 15 Coot, 592+ BH Gull, 4 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Whitethroat and 1 Reed Bunting.