Thursday 31 October 2019

The Edge 31/10/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 4 Mute Swan, 166 Canada Geese, 28 Shoveler, 12 Teal, 6 Wigeon, 6 Tufted Duck, 3 Mallard, 3 Gadwall, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 5 Moorhen, 4 Coot, c30 Golden Plover, 21 Lapwing, 81 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, c30 Fieldfare, 20+ Redwing, 4 Meadow Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtail, 5 Linnet and 6 Reed Bunting.
The Fleet - Viewable were 2 Teal, 1 Mallard, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Lapwing, 191 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 4 Skylark, 4 Meadow Pipit, 1 Pied Wagtail and 10+ Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 3+ 1juv Mute Swan, 19 Shoveler, 19 Mallard, 12 Tufted Duck, 12 Gadwall, 10 Teal, 3 Pochard, 2 Wigeon, 2 Little Grebe, 9 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 9 Coot, 1 Peregrine, 1 Kestrel, 49 Lapwing, 32 BH Gull, 6 LBB Gull and 2 Common Gull. Early morning, Peter Kent also had a Great White Egret and a Yellow Legged Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+1juv Mute Swan, 71 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 2 Mallard, 1 Goosander, 2 Little Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 208 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 13 BH Gull, 4 Common Gull and 2 Herring Gull. Also present were 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Jay and 15+ Redwing.

Wednesday 30 October 2019

The Edge 30/10/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 3+3juv Mute Swan, 30+ Teal, 23 Shoveler, 8 Tufted Duck, 5 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 4 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 5 Moorhen, 4 Coot, 150+ Lapwing, 21 BH Gull, 1 Yellow Legged Gull, 2 Kingfisher, 4 Skylark, 1 Treecreeper and 2 Pied Wagtail.
The Fleet - Viewable were 1 Canada Goose, 2 Mallard, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 8 Golden Plover, 194 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull, 15 Linnet, 2 Yellowhammer and 2 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+3juv Mute Swan, 126 Canada Geese, 23 Shoveler, 16 Tufted Duck, 14 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 2 Goosander, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 12 Coot, 1 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 6 Red Legged Partridge, 2 Barn Owl, 33 Lapwing, 20+ Golden Plover, 32 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Yellow Legged Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 17 Tufted Duck, 10 Wigeon, 8 Pochard, 4 Mallard, 3 Goosander, 2 Gadwall, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 193 Coot, 302 BH Gull, 5 Herring Gull, 4 Common Gull and 3 LBB Gull. Also present were 2 Buzzard,1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 38 Lapwing over, 1 Green Woodpecker and 2 Jay.

Tuesday 29 October 2019

Carlton Marsh

Returning after a week away, I see that I missed a 2nd winter Med Gull on the wader scrape at 14.20hrs. on the 22nd (Dave Smith).

Today 55 Pink Feet flew east at 10.30hrs. 15 Teal, 30 Gadwall, Little Egret, 20 Herring Gull and 3 Shoveler were present. 110 Redwing and 4 Fieldfare arrived at 15.15hrs (Dave Smith).

2 Foxes were prowling, one with a noticeable limp (DMS)

Earlier c100 Pink Feet flew west over the Birkwood estate in Cudworth at 07.40hrs (Arthur Vincent)

Wintersett + VisMig + Gull Roost 29.10.19

2 - 9 degrees with 4/8 cloud and a light north easterly.
Anglers CP VisMig:  
Going west: Starling 1050. Fieldfare 560.  Redwing 110.   Goosander 3.   Meadow Pipit 1.
Going north: Golden Plover 1.
Going north west: Pink-footed Goose 90 (60 at 10.20hrs and 30 at10.23 hrs)
Going south west: Wood Pigeon 310.  
Anglers CP:  Goosanger 16, then left west.
Wintersett Res: An influx of  24 Goldeneye +  11 on ACP.
Anglers CP Gull Roost: Great Black backed 51,  Herring Gull 270,  Lesser Black-backed Gull 85, Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult and Black-headed Gull 8000. 

The Edge 29/10/2019

A good westward passage of more than 1100 Pink Footed Geese in eight skeins between 7 and 10am.
Wombwell Ings - Present were 3+3juv Mute Swan, 54 Canada Geese, 61 Teal, 14 Shoveler, 11 Gadwall, 10 Mallard, 8 Tufted Duck, 6 Wigeon, 2 Cormorant, 4 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 71 Lapwing, 136 BH Gull, 5 Meadow Pipit, 3 Pied Wagtail, 2 Stonechat, 1 Treecreeper, 6 Linnet and 2 Reed Bunting.
The Fleet - Viewable were 4 Mute Swan, 8 Canada Geese, 2 Gadwall, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 8 Golden Plover, 197 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 3 Common Gull, 4 Meadow Pipit, 20+ Linnet and 20+ Goldfinch.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 6+3juv Mute Swan ( +6 over ), 84 Canada Geese, 21 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 12 Tufted Duck, 10 Mallard, 2 Goosander, 1 Pochard, 1 Little Grebe, 16 Cormorant,  1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 4 Coot, 2 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine and 1 Snipe. Peter Kent also had 500+ Fieldfare and 130+ Redwing early morning.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+1juv Mute Swan, 118 Canada Geese, 21 Greylag, 67 Wigeon, 28 Gadwall, 26 Shoveler, 14 Mallard, 5 Pochard, 2m+3f Goldeneye,1 Little Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 209 Coot, 69 BH Gull, 6 Common Gull, 3 LBB Gull and 2 Herring Gull. Also present were 3 Buzzard, 1 Snipe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Jay and 1 Bullfinch.

Monday 28 October 2019

The Edge 28/10/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 6+2juv Mute Swan, 11 Canada Geese, 46 Teal, 12 Shoveler, 11 Mallard, 10 Gadwall, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 5 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 63 Lapwing, 50+ BH Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 10+ Meadow Pipit, 1 Pied Wagtail, 4 Stonechat and 2 Reed Bunting.
The Fleet - Viewable were 1 Mute Swan, 7 Canada Geese, 1 Shoveler, 1 Teal, 1 Grey Heron, 197 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 3 Skylark, 5 Meadow Pipit and 30+ Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - A good early morning for Peter Kent with 3 Whooper Swan over at 7.50am, 2 Shelduck, 1 Great White Egret flying towards Edderthorpe, 1 Peregrine, 2 Sparrowhawk, c25 Golden Plover, c350 Redwing over west and 60 Fieldfare. Also seen later were 19 Shoveler, 17 Tufted Duck, 7 Gadwall, 7 Mallard, 1 female Goosander, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 12 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 2 Coot, 9 LBB Gull, 7 Herring Gull and 3 Common Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+1juv Mute Swan, 17 Tufted Duck,  5 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 2 juv male Goosander, 1 Pochard, 7 Little Grebe, 9 Cormorant, 219 Coot, 126 BH Gull and 5 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Bittern, 3 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, a group of about 15 Snipe and 40+ Fieldfare over west.

Wintersett + VisMig

Frosty start with0/0 cloud and a light westerly.
Anglers CP VisMig:
Going south: Whooper Swan 2 at 07.30hrs.  Meadow Pipit 2.
Going west: Redwing 137.  Fieldfare 430.  Starling 21. Chaffinch 14.

Sunday 27 October 2019

Wintersett + VisMig + pm update 27.10.19

6 - 11 degrees with 0/8 cloud and a cool north westerly.
Anglers CP VisMig: per@Fitzybirder  https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1100/20191027 
Going north: Greylag Goose 8 at 07.25hrs (returning after flying south at 07.10hrs - not locals).
Going south east: Whooper Swan  10 at 07.30 hrs + 4 south at 08.35hrs.  
Going south: Snipe 1.  Skylark 11.  Meadow Pipit 4.  Linnet 4.  Siskin 8. 
Going south west: Wood Pigeon 185.
Going west: Starling 80.  Brambling 1.
Anglers CP: A juvenile Peregrine was hunting over the north end at 08.15hrs.  Grey Heron 6 on the west bank.  Goosander 6.  
Wintersett Res: A male Cetti's Warbler and a calling Water Rail were in the boathouse reeds.
Botany Bay: Nuthatch 1.  Treecreeper 1.
Santingley Fields: Linnet 10.  Meadow Pipit 3.
Odonata: A pair of Common Darter in tandem  over a flood in Santingley field.
p.m. update per @StevieD131
Cold Hiendley Res: Green Sandpiper 1.   Whooper Swan 8 , then left east at 15.55hrs.
Anglers CP Roost: 24 Goosander and 12 Goldeneye on this afternoon. 

Whooper Swan  going south east over ACP        27.10.19   PMeredith

Whooper Swans on CHres this afternoon       SDenny

Saturday 26 October 2019

Wintersett 26.10.19

5 - 10 degrees, with floods in the village and the car park, 8/8 dull cloud and a light westerly.
Cold Hiendley Res: The juvenile Scaup and 6 Whooper Swans on this afternoon.

Wilthorpe Marsh 26/10/19.

J Snipe 2, C Snipe 3, L Egret 3, Peregrine 1.

Friday 25 October 2019

Wintersett + VisMig 25.10.19

8 to 11 degrees with 8/8 cloud, a light south easterly breeze and rain from 11.30 hrs.
Anglers CP VisMig: Highest count of Starlings so far this autumn.
Going west:  Starling - a total of 3116 (08.30.- 09.30   2621,     09.30 - 10.30  495).  Redwing 20.  Lesser Redpoll 4.  Chaffinch 4.
Going east: Whooper Swan 6 at 09.40hrs.
Going south:  Meadow Pipit 4.
Going south east: Skylark 5.

Wintersett Res: A Siberian Chiffchaff was seen, and heard calling, on the north bank at 10.55hrs.  Kingfisher 2.  Goldeneye 16 + 3 ACP. 

Thursday 24 October 2019

Wilthorpe Marsh sewage farm 24/10/19.

Water Pipit 1, Green Sand 1, juv Peregrine.

The Edge 24/10/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 7+1juv Mute Swan, 9 Canada Geese, 39 Shoveler, 25 Wigeon, 21 Gadwall, 13 Teal, 8 Mallard, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Moorhen, 2 Coot, 1 Sparrowhawk, 88 Lapwing, 12 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Kingfisher, 7 Skylark, 4 Meadow Pipit, 3 Pied Wagtail, 3 Stonechat, 1 Blackcap and 1 Treecreeper.
The Fleet - Viewable were 1 Mute Swan, 77 Canada Geese, 4 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Moorhen, 18 Lapwing, 363 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 7 Meadow Pipit and 20+ Linnet. Keith Fisher also had 6 Red Legged Partridge.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 3+3juv Mute Swan, 84 Canada Geese, 19 Gadwall, 19 Shoveler, 19 Tufted Duck, 6 Mallard, 4 Teal, 1 Pochard, 3 Little Grebe, 18 Coot, 6 Cormorant, 1 Barn Owl, 10 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 9 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - Highlight was a Bittern perched on the phragmites along the north edge of the east pool for 5+ minutes at 12.30pm. On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 152+ Canada Geese, 154+ Greylag, 20 Tufted Duck, 15 Mallard, 12 Pochard, 4 Gadwall, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 178 Coot, 6 BH Gull, 6 LBB Gull, 4 Herring Gull and 2 Common Gull.

Wednesday 23 October 2019

The Edge 23/10/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 5 Mute Swan, 86 Canada Geese, 28 Shoveler, 27 Gadwall, 21 Teal, 13 Wigeon, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Cormorant, 2 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 1 Sparrowhawk, 95 Lapwing, 20 Golden Plover, 37 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 3 Skylark, 2 Stonechat and 1 Pied Wagtail.
The Fleet - Viewable were 1 Mute Swan, 3 Mallard, 2 Teal, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 300+ BH Gull, 7 LBB Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 5 Skylark, 2 Stonechat, 40+ Linnet and 2 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 3+3juv Mute Swan, 71 Canada Geese, 25 Shoveler, 18 Tufted Duck, 9 Gadwall, 4 Teal, 3 Mallard, 5 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 9 Cormorant, 5 Little Egret, 21 Coot, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 15 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 50+ BH Gull, 4 LBB Gull and 2 Herring Gull.
Bolton Ings - Highlight was a Great White Egret flying east towards Adwick Washlands at 12.18pm. On the open water were 2+1juv Mute Swan, 41 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 10 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 217 Coot, 4 BH Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 2 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel and 1 female Blackcap.

Wintersett + VisMig + Ringing + Gull Roost 23.10.19

9 - 13 degrees with 1/8 cloud and a  very light south easterly.
Anglers CP VisMig: 
Going east: Pink-footed Goose 961. Going south: Brambling 3. Jackdaw 58 (may have been moving between roosting and feeding sites).   Skylark 8 + 3 east.  alba Wagtail 2.  Meadow Pipit 2. Lesser Redpoll 1.  Goldfinch 7.
Going south west: Stock Dove 7. Wood Pigeon 160.  Fieldfare 12.  Redwing 27. 
Going north west:  Chaffinch/Brambling 19  (probably Brambling. We don't get flocks of 19 Chaffinch!)Going WNW: Starling 961.
Going west:  Siskin 1.  
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 male north east bank.  Water Rail 2 - NE bank + SWbank pond.
Cold Hiendley Res: Scaup 1 juvenile.
Disposal Point: Green Woodpecker 1.  
6 birds were ringed today: 4 Redwing.  1 Lesser Redpoll.  1 Goldcrest.
Anglers CP Gull Roost: per Steve Denny.  A  2nd winter Mediterranean Gull was tonight, along with 216 Lesser Blackbacked Gulls , 3 Yellowlegged Gulls and 18 Great Blackbacked Gulls.
Lepidoptera:  Red Admiral 2  Pits Wood.   Comma 6 (1 NE bank, 2 SE bank,  1 Pits Wood + 2  boathouse). 
Odonata: Migrant Hawker  1 NW bank WRes + 2 boathouse reeds.  Ruddy Darter 1 Disposal Point.

2nd W   Mediterranean Gull                    ACP       SDenny

Tuesday 22 October 2019

Wintersett + VisMig + Ringing 22.10.19

9 - 11 degrees with 6/8 cloud and a very light southerly. 
Anglers CP VisMig:  https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1100/20191022 
Going east:   Whooper Swan 22 at 09.37hrs.   Pink-footed Goose 97 (27 at 09.42hrs + 70 at 10.25hrs).  Siskin 1.  Yellowhammer 4.  
Going south:  Goosander 1. Skylark 10. Mistle Thrush 1.  alba Wagtail 2. Meadow Pipit 21.  Linnet 5.  Goldfinch 4.  Reed Bunting 5.
Going south west: Golden Plover 1.  Stock Dove 3.  Wood Pigeon 1320. 
Going west:  Grey Heron 3.  Fieldfare 68.  Redwing 158.  Chaffinch 2.  Brambling 2.  Lesser Redpoll 15.
Going west north west: Starling 505.
Anglers CP: Peregrine 1.  30 Goosander roosted this evening.
Moorhouse Lane Ponds: Skylark 20 in fields. 
27  Birds were ringed: Highlights were - 17 Redwing,  1 Goldcrest,  1 Lesser Redpoll,  3 Goldfinch.  1 Tree Sparrow and 2 Reed Bunting. 

Monday 21 October 2019

Wintersett + VisMig 21.10.19

8 - 11 degrees, with 7/8 cloud, a couple of light drizzle showers, and a cold north west to northerly wind.
Anglers CP VisMig: 07.30 - 11.30hrs +  15.45 - 17.15hrs.
Highlight and a record Autumn Movement  of 85 Whooper Swans  east!
(21 at 08.00hrs. 5 at 10.10hrs. 52 at 10.38hrs.  2 at 11.00hrs and 5 at 11.35hrs
364 Pink-footed Goose (80 NW,  84 W,  80 NW and 50 E + 70 W)
Going north: Red Kite - 1 at 09.20hrs.  1 at 09.40hrs. 1 drifting slowly at 10.45hrs. 
Going west: Fieldfare 1310.  Redwing 490.   Starling 570.  Goosander 1.
Going south: Meadow Pipit 1.   Siskin 1.
Anglers CP: A Black-tailed Godwit flew over WNW at 09.35hrs.
Wintersett Res: Goldeneye 5 + 1 ACP.  Chiffchaff 1 near the boathouse.

Sunday 20 October 2019

Wintersett + VisMig + Fungi 20.10.19

9 - 12 degrees with 4/8 cloud and a cool north westerly breeze. 
Anglers CP VisMig:      per @Fitzybirder    https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1100/20191020
Good Thrush numbers until mid morning.  A Record count for Red Kite , otherwise not much moving. 
Going west: Fieldfare 535.  Redwing 770.  Mistle Thrush 2.  Starling 165.   Pink-footed Goose 35 at 08.35hrs + 40 east at 09.40hrs. 
Going south: Goosander 16 came in from the west at 08.50hrs (from Bretton?) then left south.  Skylark 1.  alba Wagtail 1.   A record number of 6 Red Kite with  5 south (1 at 09.57hrs,  2 low at 11.12hrs,  1 high at 11.24hrs and 1 very high at 11.38hrs.) + 1 west at 08.35hrs.  A Red Kite flew north at 15.55hrs - possibly one of this morning's birds returning
Anglers CP:  Dunlin 1 appeared to drop in at 08.40hrs.  Merlin 1 at 09.25, presumably the regular bird.
Botany Bay:  A Chiffchaff was heard from the road.
Cold Hiendley Res: Scaup 1 juvenile.  Goldeneye 3 + 1 WRes + 1 ACP..  Tufted Duck 263 + 51 WRes. + 42 ACP.
Haw Park Wood:  Siskin 1.
Haw Park Wood Mycology: Francis Hickenbotton and Hiram Wingust led the Friends of Haw Park Wood and Wintersett on a Fungus Foray in the wood.  More than 35 species were seen including the rare  earthtongue Yellow Fan  (Spathularia flavida).

  Earthtongue, Yellow Fan  (Spathularia flavida)   HPWood  @fhickenbottom
Here are more results of the foray in Haw Park Wood.  @fhickenbottom

Carlton Marsh

Approximately 217 Pink Feet Geese flew SE at 09.32hrs (Rod Heeley).

Saturday 19 October 2019

Wintersett + VisMig + Ringing

 9 - 11 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a light westerly.
Anglers CP VisMig:
Not much happened here.  Highlight was the autumn's first Fieldfare, heard only, direction unknown.
Going south:  Goosander 3 at 9.48hrs. Redwing 250.  alba Wagtail 7.  Meadow Pipit 7.  Skylark 4 + 4 west + 2 east.
Going west: Starling 81.
Anglers CP: Cetti's Warbler 1 SW corner + 2 males WRes. - north bank and boathouse. Lesser Redpoll 15.  Siskin 1.
Wintersett Res:  Red-crested Pochard still in SW corner.
Cold Hiendley Res:  Scaup 1 juvenile.  Goldeneye 4 + 1 ACP. 
32 birds were ringed this morning ACP Highlights were 5 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Blackbird, 1 Blackcap, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 9 Lesser Redpoll and 1 Tree Sparrow. 

Chiffchaff               ACP    RBailey

Friday 18 October 2019

Carlton Marsh

21 Shoveler were present this morning along with 3 Cormorant, c200 BH Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 2 LBB Gull and a Common Gull. 20 Skylark, 10 Pied Wagtail, 17 Lapwing and 40 Linnet were on the surrounding fields (Jim Plant). Not forgetting a calling Willow Tit.
A Collared Dove was chased by a an immature male Sparrowhawk in my garden this afternoon, both smacked into the kitchen window at speed. Of course there was only one winner, undeterred the hawk carried off the spoils. (CG)

Wintersett 18.10.19

10 to 13 degrees with 4/8 cloud and a south westerly breeze.
Wintersett Res: The male Red-crested Pochard still in south west corner,(2nd day). Kingfisher 2.  Water Rail 1 east bank.  Cetti's Warbler 4 males - south west, south east and northeast banks +  boathouse
Cold Hiendley Res: The juvenile Scaup still present. 
Pits Wood: Nuthatch 2
Lepidoptera: Red Admiral 2 Botany Bay +  2 Pits Wood.
Odonata: Migrant Hawker  1 1 west bank WRes + 1 Haw Park Lane.

Red-crested Pochard      WRes     SDenny
Scaup juvenile       CHRes      SDenny

Thursday 17 October 2019

Little Bunting - a first for Barnsley area!

The vismiggers at Harden, up above Winscar Reservoir hit the jackpot this morning with a Little Bunting flying past them calling.
It came in from the north calling at 07.28 hours, circled the three observers stationed there, constantly calling as it did so and then flew off to the south-west. Photographs (unfortunately not identifiable images) were obtained, but the views and calls left the fortunate observers in no doubt what they were seeing.
This is the first record of Little Bunting for the Barnsley area. One trapped a few years ago on the Broomhead Moor area just a few hundred metres outside the Barnsley area is the closest until today.

Harden is in a bit of a purple patch at present - a Hawfinch passed over there two days ago (15th).

Wintersett + VisMig Landmark for Mippits + Ringing + Gull Roost 17.10.19

11 - 15 degrees with  0/8 cloud and a light south easterly.
Anglers CP VisMig: per @Fitzybirder https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1100/20191017
A Landmark day for Meadow Pipit when our 30,000th bird of the autumn flew south at 09.02 hrs - 320 is a good count for the date.  A Little Egret flew in to the shallows at dusk but flew towards Wres after 10 minutes.
Going south: Meadow Pipit 320.  Skylark 82.  Mistle Thrush 1.  alba Wagtail 46. Bullfinch 2.  Greenfinch 2.  Linnet 96.  Goldfinch 23.  Reed bunting 12.    
Going south west: Wood Pigeon 500.
Going west: Snipe 2.  Redwing 196.  Chaffinch 11. Siskin 22.
Going west north west: Starling 910 (including flocks of 400 and 260)
Going east: Pink-footed Goose  400 + 46 west.

Anglers CP:  Goosander 12 present,  then left west,  presumably to Bretton Hall Lake.  The regular female type Merlin was seen at 07.59hrs.  Blackcap 1 female ringed.ringed. Lesser Redpoll 3 + 10 Disposal Point.  Greylag Goose 104.  Shoveler 60.  Wigeon 110.
Wintersett Res: Red-crested Pochard, 1 drake.  Cetti's Warbler males - north bank, north east bank  + 1 SW CHRes. + 1 1stY male ringed ACP.
Cold Hiendley Res: Scaup 1 juvenile.  Chiffchaff 1 + 1 boathouse WRes..
Haw Park Wood: Goldfinch 70.
Disposal Point: Siskin 3.

29 Birds were ringed ACP:  Cetti's Warbler 1 male.  Blackcap 1 female.  Goldcrest 4.  Redwing 9.  Song Thrush 1  Blackbird 1.  Goldfinch 4.  Lesser Redpoll 2.  

Anglers CP Gull Roost per @StevieD131
Lesser Black-backed Gull 178.  Great Black-backed Gull 11.  Common Gull 10,  Herring Gull 34.  Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult.

Odonata: Common Darter 1 ACP.  Migrant Hawker 1 WRes..
Lepidoptera: Red Admiral 6 WRes + 2 HPWood.  Comma 4, Speckled Wood 1 and Small White WRes.
Red-crested Pochard     WRes   SDenny
Little Egret     ACP shallows        SDenny

Carlton Marsh

Management work today entailed removing scrub from one of the viewing points over the marsh (Carlton Marsh Wildlife Group). Shoveler numbers increased from 12 yesterday to 23 today, the highest this year! (Rod Heeley)

Wednesday 16 October 2019

Wintersett + VisMig 16.10.19

Rain to 09.00hrs. 9 - 12 degrees with 8/8 and a very light south easterly, switching to a light south westerly by midday.
Anglers CP VisMig: per @Fitzybirder  https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1100/20191016
Good variety today, Grey Plover and Raven being the singular highlights, but an awesome flock of 70 Skylarks, straight over our heads, the most memorable sight.  Redwings did well for an hour once the rain had stopped, then dried up for a while and started coming through in pulses prior to midday.
Going west: Pink-footed Goose 260 at 08.07hrs.   Raven 1 low overhead, calling at 12.10hrs.   Redwing 1486 - veering SW as the wind changed. Mostly small parties with some larger flocks including a 250 and a 130. Chaffinch 7.  Brambling 11.  Siskin 26.
Going west north west: Starling 182. 
Going south:  Goosander 7 redheads at 10.04hrs + a pair high west at 10.15hrs. Swallow 3.  Blackbird 2.  Song Thrush 3 + 3 west + 1 east.  alba Wagtail 4.  Meadow Pipit 6. Yellowhammer 2.  Reed Bunting 4.
Going south west: Golden Plover 80.  Grey Plover 2 at 09.10hrs.  Skylark 94 (including a fabulous flock of 70 at 10.53hrs) + 3 east. 
Going north east: Snipe 1.
Anglers CP: Chiffchaff 5 + 4 CHRes.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 3 males + 1 male ACP + 1 male CHRes.  Pied Wagtail 70 in the west bank field.
Cold Hiendley Res: Scaup 1 juvenile.  Grey Wagtail 3 + 1 WRes..  A juvenile Peregrine flew over the field.

The Edge 16/10/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 6+1juv Mute Swan, 83 Canada Geese, 51 Pink Footed Goose over west at 8.45am, 38 Teal, 37 Mallard, 31 Shoveler, 13 Gadwall, 12 Wigeon, 3 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 1 Sparrowhawk, 113 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 12 BH Gull,1 Swallow, 1 Kingfisher and 2 Stonechat.
The Fleet - Viewable were 2 Mute Swan, 1 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 1 Grey Heron, 87 Lapwing, 19 BH Gull, 10+ Skylark, 7 Meadow Pipit and c30 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 5+3juv Mute Swan, 33 Shoveler, 23 Tufted Duck, 22 Gadwall, 9 Mallard, 2 Teal, 1 Pochard, 6 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 19 Coot, 1 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard, 200+ Golden Plover over east, 1 Snipe and 1 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+1juv Mute Swan, 1 Greylag, 36 Wigeon, 18 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 5 Pochard, 3 Tufted Duck, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 9 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 215 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 9 BH Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 5 Buzzard, three groups of Lapwing over west (20,22 and 34 ), 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Jay, 50+ Redwing and 1 Stonechat.

Tuesday 15 October 2019

Wintersett + VisMig 15.10.19

10 - 12 degrees with 7/8 cloud cover and a very light WNWesterly
Anglers CP VisMig: per @Fitzybirder https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1100/20191015
After a very steady start things picked up from mid morning, with the first good push of continental Starling, quite a few Redwing and Skylarks again in decent numbers.  Peaked late morning but nothing much after midday.
Going east: Pink-footed Goose:  870  + 4 NW + 120 NW + 19W.
Going north east: Jack Snipe 1 at 10.45hrs.
Going north west: Goosander 11 at 07.33.  (presumably roosted on Wintersett Res.)
Going south: Snipe 1 south.  Skylark 130.  Swallow 6.  House Martin 12.  alba Wagtail 11.  Meadow Pipit 85.   Chaffinch 5 + 5 west.  Linnet 19.  Goldfinch 11. Siskin 4 + 11 west.  Reed Bunting 3.
Going west: Redwing 541.  Brambling 1.  Finch sp. 25.   
Going south west: Pintail 7 at 11.27hrs.  Goosander 6 at 11.47hrs.  Stock Dove 8.  Wood Pigeon 300.
Going west north west: Starling 407.
Anglers CP: Chiffchaff 2 + 2 WRes.  Snipe 5.  Greylag Goose 12.  Grey Heron 6 + 1 WRes..  Goldeneye 3.
Wintersett Res: 2 adult Whooper Swans flew in briefly at 11.00hrs.  Cetti's Warbler 3 males - NE, SE and SW pond  + 1 calling on south Bank ACP.  Swallow 5 + 1 south over Disposal Point. Redpoll 1 south + 1 south Disposal Point.
Lepidoptera:  Red Admiral 2 Haw Park Lane (RH + LC)

Carlton Marsh

This morning c150 Pink Feet flew north at 09.55hrs (Keith Bannister).
New in today 2m and 1f Wigeon and an adult and 1 immature Mute Swan. 12 Shoveler, 43 Gadwall and an adult Common Gull were enjoying the flood water. Also present juv. Buzzard, 2 Treecreeper, Goldcrest and Willow Tit at the wader scrape view point (Dave Smith).

At around mid-day, Chris Parkin had 2 Red Admiral, 2 Comma, 1 Speckled Wood and 1 Painted Lady.

This afternoon a Little Egret was on the wader scrape, but there was no sign of the Wigeon. Of note 6 Redwing, 6 Mistle Thrush, 2 Siskin, Water Rail, Kingfisher, Sparrowhawk, 2 Linnet south with 2 Pied Wagtail. Our resident female Mute Swan must have chased off the incoming adult from this morning and persistently harassed the immature all afternoon.

2 foxes were abroad and a male Migrant Hawker on the wing braved the cool late afternoon temperature (c12c). (CG)

The Edge 15/10/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 9+1juv Mute Swan, 26 Canada Geese, 8 Greylag, 71 Teal, 34 Shoveler, 28 Gadwall, 23 Mallard,, 21 Wigeon, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 1 Coot, 2 Moorhen, c150 Lapwing, 20+ Golden Plover, 1 Grey Wagtail, 6 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush and 2 Stonechat.
The Fleet - Viewable were 61 Canada Geese, 3 Mallard, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Sparrowhawk, c50 Lapwing, c20 Golden Plover, 26 BH Gull, 3 Skylark, 2 Pied Wagtail, 15+ Meadow Pipit, 1 Stonechat and 10+ Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+3juv Mute Swan, 2 Shoveler, 23 Mallard, 23 Shoveler, 22 Tufted Duck, 13 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 5 Little Grebe, 11 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel, 28 Coot, 46 Lapwing, 28 BH Gull and 2 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 106 Greylag, 3 Canada Geese, 22 Wigeon, 9 Mallard, 8 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 6 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 9 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 215 Coot, 5 BH Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 1 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Bittern, 1 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard, 2 Green Woodpecker, 3 Jay and 1 Goldcrest.

Monday 14 October 2019

Wintersett + VisMig + Ringing 14.10.19

10 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a light south easterly.
Anglers CP VisMig:
Going WNW  Pinkfooted Goose 499.  Starling 43
Going west: Siskin 10.   Skylark 13 + 4 N+4 S + 10E.   Meadow Pipit 219.  Finch sp. 18 
Going south west: Redwing 30
Going south: A Merlin at 08.20hrs + another at 09.25hrs.  Swallow 3.  Song Thrush 2. alba wagtail 68.  Meadow Pipit 219.   Linnet 37.   Goldfinch 23.
Anglers CP: Chiffchaff 1.   Goldeneye 2.   SAND MARTIN 1 still present at 07.55hrs 
Haw Park Wood: A Red Kite was over at 10.00hrs. 
Wintersett: Barn Owl 1
Wintersett Res:Cetti's Warbler 1 male west bank + 1 female ringed.  Water Rail 1 west bank + 1 SW corner.  Black Tern 1 over briefly this afternoon.
Botany Bay: Common Buzzard 1. 
26 Birds were ringed: 1 female Cetti's Warbler.   3 Chiffchaffs   1 Goldcrest   9 Long-tailed Tits
3 Reed Buntings   7 Greenfinch
Lepidoptera: Speckled Wood 1 Botany path.  A Peacock was on Dockshire.

Common Buzzard    Botany Bay    SDenny

The Edge 14/10/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 8 Mute Swan, 57 Teal, 41 Mallard, 37 Shoveler, 34 Gadwall, 23 Wigeon, 6 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 81 Lapwing, 1 Swallow, 11 Meadow Pipit, 1 Redwing, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Goldcrest and 2 Bullfinch.
The Fleet - Viewable were 27 Canada Geese, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Moorhen, 205 Lapwing, 41 BH Gull, 3 LBB Gull, 10+ Skylark and 20+ Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+3juv Mute Swan, 150+ Pink Footed Geese over west at 10.35am, 8 Canada Geese, 21 Tufted Duck, 16 Gadwall, 16 Shoveler, 12 Mallard, 5 Little Grebe, 13 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 31 Coot, 1 Peregrine, 1 Kestrel and 102 Lapwing.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 187 Greylag, 102 Canada Geese, 51 Tufted Duck, 7 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 7 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 228 Coot, 2 Herring Gull and 1 BH Gull. Also present were 1 Bittern which flew  the length of the eastern pool at 12 o'clock, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Jay and 1 Mistle Thrush. Just packing up for the return walk at 12.30pm when a skein of 250+ Pink Footed Geese flew over west and a few minutes later 12 Swallow flew south east.

Sunday 13 October 2019

Barnsley Nats' meeting on Wednesday

People who saw a talk given by Professor John Reilly at BBSG in early January this year will remember how thought-provoking, original and incredibly well researched the presentation was.
For anyone who missed the talk (and indeed anyone who wants educating about the worlds birds) then John is returning to Barnsley this week, being hosted by Barnsley Nats'.

Wednesday 16th October 2019 at Barnsley Town Hall starting at 7pm.
John Reilly on 'The Ascent of Birds', the evolution of birds and how they got where they are in the world today.
All welcome.

Wintersett WeBS for October 2019

Here are the October 2019  WeBS totals for the Wintersett Area.

Mute Swan 66   Canada Goose 6   Greylag 0   Cormorant 27   Great Crested Grebe 58   Little Grebe 10  Coot 747   Mallard 92   Teal 14   Shoveler 70   Wigeon 53   Gadwall 120   Tufted Duck 330   Pochard 148   Goldeneye 2   Scaup 2   Grey Heron 2   Lapwing300   Snipe 1.

Wintersett + VisMig 13.10.19

Light drizzle turned to continuous rain from 08.00hrs with 8/8 cloud and a very light south easterly.
Anglers CP VisMig: Per @Fitzybirder   https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1100/20191013
Better than expected given the conditions.   
Going south: Golden Plover 14 (1+8+5)     Snipe 15 (14 +1)     Swallow 1     House Martin 1.
Song Thrush 10 (6 singles and 2 parties of 2)     alba Wagtail 57 (including flocks of 23 and 14)    Meadow Pipit 54     Skylark 158 in just 6 flocks ((27, 20, 8, 36, 38, 29)  with 47 S + 67 ESE + 44SE. 
Going south west: Redwing 16.
Going south east: Reed Bunting 2
Going west north west: Starling 11
Highlight was a very late Sand Martin, that dropped in with a Swallow, just prior to midday - possibly the latest here since the 1970s, then joined by 2 more Swallows. 
Anglers CP: Yellow-legged Gull 2 adults + 1 1stW.    
Wintersett Res: Chiffchaff 2.  Cetti's Warbler 3 males.
Cold Hiendley Res: Scaup 2 juveniles.


A very late Sand Martin   Anglers CP     PMeredith

Saturday 12 October 2019

Carlton Marsh

This mornings highlights c150 Pink Feet east at 10.00hrs (Geoff Miller). 15 Teal, 11 Shoveler, G.S. Woodpecker, 3 Jay, 6 Redwing, Water Rail, Common Gull and juv Buzzard (Dave Smith).

Late afternoon 20 Canada Geese south, Water Rail, Tawny Owl and as darkness fell 6 maybe 7 Whooper Swans, seen in very poor light, called as they headed SE at 18.56hrs (CG).

A lone bat flew high NE at dusk, which could have been Noctule?

Wintersett Vis Mig. + Ringing 12.10.19

 12 - 16 degrees with 5/8 cloud and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP VisMig: Per @Fitzybirder   https://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1100/20191012
An awesome watch with perfect conditions.   No fewer  than four vis mig records broken and an amazing number of Meadow Pipits for the date. A remarkable morning!
The 4 Record Counts are:  Going east:Pink-footed Goose 1992 in 15 skeins! Going south:   Skylark 509 - with some south west and maximum flocks of 20 and 35.   alba Wagtail 135 south  with maximum flock 14.   Linnet 397  
Also going south - Chaffinch 33.   Goldfinch 51.  Meadow Pipit 2505.  Siskin 4  Reed Bunting 6. Swallow 54  - a very good number for this date.   House Martin 3.   Golden Plover 19 (2 + 2+ 17). Jay 2 - plenty moving around - not sure if they were migrating.   Blackbird 2. Lesser Redpoll 1.
Marsh Harrier 1 female type at 12.30hrs 
Going south west: Starling 72.  Redwing 171.
Going west:  Song Thrush  3.   Mistle Thrush 7.  Brambling 1. 
Anglers CP: Snipe 9 (2 +7 dropped in)  Peregrine 1 juvenile 08.00hrs.
CHRes:  Chiffchaff 5
Lepidoptera Mig:  Painted Lady 1 west.
92 Birds were ringed: Highlights were -  4 Chiffchaff.  52 Goldfinch.  25  Greenfinch.  1 Redwing. 4 Reed Bunting. 

Friday 11 October 2019

Wintersett Ringing Recovery - Chiffchaff 11.10.19

 Image
 per @BeckyBailey101
Chiffchaff LED830 was ringed as a juvenile
 by Archie on 17/07/19  @Wintersett1 
It then took 75 days to go 137km south to Stanford Reservoir, Northants,
where it was retrapped by Stanford RG on 30/09/19.

Wintersett 11.10.19

12 - 14 degrees with 8/8 cloud, light rain all morning and a westerly breeze.  Dry from 13.00hrs with some sun.
Per @StevieD131
Cold Hiendley STW:  Green Sandpiper 1
Cold Hiendley Res: Eclipse drake Goosander,  2 Brambling  and  3 Chiffchaffs in SW corner. 

Thursday 10 October 2019

Carlton Marsh

8 Whooper Swans flew SE at 10.52hrs (Keith Bannister et al).

The Edge 10/10/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 9 Mute Swan, 26 Canada Geese, 47 Shoveler, 34 Teal, 24 Mallard, 14 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 1 Tufted Duck, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey heron, 1 Little Egret, 4 Coot, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 50+ Lapwing, 7 Golden Plover, 4+ Skylark, 2 Stonechat and 6 Redwing.
The Fleet - Viewable were 6 Canada Geese, 1 Mallard, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 67 Lapwing, 7 Golden Plover, 98 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 10+ Skylark and 20+ Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+3juv Mute Swan, 66 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 37 Tufted Duck, 30 Shoveler, 30 Gadwall, 4 Mallard, 8 Little Grebe, 7 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 48 Coot, 1 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine, 2 Kestrel, 49 Lapwing, 4 Golden Plover, 3+1juv LBB Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 2 Swallow, 40+ Stock Dove, 1 Kingfisher and 15+ Fieldfare.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 juv Mute Swan, 74 Greylag, 32 Canada Geese, 28 Wigeon, 10 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe,19 Cormorant, 1 Grey heron and 171 Coot. Also present were 3 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk and 5 Jay.

Wednesday 9 October 2019

Wintersett + VIsMig 09.10.19

9 - 12 degrees with 7/8 cloud, squally showers and a a southerly breeze.
Anglers CP VisMig: per @Fitzybirder. 
Pink-footed Goose  65 east a t 10.08 hrs.  
Going south:  Goosander 1 very high.  Golden Plover 14.  Skylark 42.  Swallow 8.  House Martin  8. alba Wagtail 30.  Meadow Pipit 415.  Linnet 9.  Reed Bunting 4. 
Going west: Snipe 4.  Redwing 817.
Going north:  Rock Pipit 1 at 08.33hrs
Wintersett Res: A Merlin flew over at 16.23hrs. 
WRes: Boathouse Hedge:  Chiffchaff 5 ( 3 + 2 Haw Park Lane).  Brambling 1 dropped in. Goldcrest 4.   An interesting Lesser Whitethroat, with an Eastern look to it in sunlight, was in at 08.00hrs.  Late afternoon afternoon, the Lesser Whitethroat  looked warmer brown than this morning,  with nothing here to suggest anything other than curruca.


 Lesser Whitethroat   WRes. boathouse hedge  09.10.19  PMeredith

The Edge 09/10/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 8 Mute Swan, 76 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 54 Shoveler, 28 Wigeon, 17 Teal, 14 Mallard, 3 Gadwall, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel, 4 Coot, 182 Lapwing and 2 Stonechat. Early morning P. Kent and K. Fisher also had 250+ Redwing, c40 Skylark, c40 Pied Wagtail, 8 Goldcrest, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Swallow.
The Fleet - Viewable were 1 Mute Swan, 5 Mallard, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, c80 Lapwing, 65 BH Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 2 Swallow, 5+ Skylark, 20+ Linnet and 7 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 3+3juv Mute Swan, 36 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 55 Gadwall, 32 Tufted Duck, 20+ Shoveler, 3 Teal, 2 Wigeon, 1 male Goldeneye, 6 Little Grebe, 7 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 80+ Lapwing, 12 LBB Gull and 4 Jay.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1+1juv Mute Swan, 172 Greylag, 115 Canada Geese, 55 Wigeon, 14 Shoveler, 13 Tufted Duck, 9 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 18 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron and 212 Coot. Also present were 3 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Jay and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Tuesday 8 October 2019

Carlton Marsh

Today was pretty well covered from first light. 10+2+2 Redwing dropped in with 3 Song Thrush and 13 Starling flew south. 21 Canada geese came in off the fields at dawn and 2 Greylags and c150 BH Gulls flew south. 3 Water Rails called from their respective territories and Kingfisher and Grey Partridge called. A Siskin was hanging in with a charm of Goldfinches (CG).

Adult male Bullfinch (CG)
Also of note 11 Shoveler, 3 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 2 Cormorant, 2 Chiffchaff and 6 skylark flew south (Keith Bannister/Jim Plant) 

This afternoon Little Egret, 36 Gadwall, 10 Teal, Green Woodpecker, 2 GBB Gull south and 21 Lapwing. Also 2 Migrant Hawker, 6 Common Darter and a Fox (Dave Smith).

Butterflies enjoying the sun were, 4 Painted Lady, 10 Red Admiral, 24 Comma, 1 Peacock, 4 Large White, 1 GV White, 2 Small White, 3 Small Copper and a Silver Y moth (Chris Parkin) 
  










Wintersett Ringing Recovery - Reed Warbler

 per @BeckyBailey:

ADJ4606 is a Reed Warbler ringed as a juvenile
 by Pete Smith on 08/08/19 at Wintersett.
It was recaptured at Strensham Water Works on 02/09/19
That's a move SSW of 180km in 25 days!

 Image



Wintersett + VisMig - Pomarine Skua 08.10.19

11 - 15 degrees with 5/8 cloud and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP VisMig:per @Fitztbirder  07.10 - 12.10hrs.
A good number of Redwing moving from dawn, but had all but dried up by 09.00, when high flocks of Pink-footed Geese started moving east.  We ended up with a record count in 11 skeins! Undoubted highlight though was a juvenile Pomarine Skua that went north at 10.20 - (3rd Wintersett record, the others being in 1993 and 1989). Almost as unexpected was a covey of nine Grey Partridge that noisily u-turned past the watch point and flew back to nearby fields (Only second record for a vismig watch, I think!)
Pomarine Skua - 1 juvenile went north at 10.20hrs.   
Pink-footed Goose:  A record count of 1545 in 11 skeins!
Going south: Redwing  1352Skylark 18.  Swallow 11.  House Martin 2.  Song Thrush 7.  Mistle Thrush 2.  alba Wagtail 43.  Meadow Pipit 53.  Linnet 32.  Goldfinch 24. Reed Bunting 4.  Siskin 4 + 2 west.
Going west: Chaffinch 1 
Going north east:  Jay 4, very high.
Anglers CP:  Merlin 1.  Rock Pipit still present north bank per @Croftonbirder. 
Wintersett Res: A Lesser Whitethroat was in the boathouse hedge. 

Monday 7 October 2019

The Edge 07/10/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 12 Mute Swan, 3 Canada Geese, 49 Teal, 39 Shoveler, 27 Wigeon, 17 Mallard, 14 Gadwall, 1 Tufted Duck, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 150+ Lapwing, c40 Golden Plover, 12 Mistle Thrush and 3 Stonechat.
The Fleet - Viewable were 9 Mallard, 1 Cormorant, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Moorhen, 100+ Lapwing, 45 BH Gull and c40 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+3juv Mute Swan, 4 Canada Geese, 47 Gadwall, 33 Shoveler, 32 Tufted Duck, 27 Mallard, 15 Teal, 14 Little Grebe, 16 Cormorant, 3 Little Egret, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 38 Coot, 160+ Lapwing, 15+ Snipe, 2 LBB Gull, 2 Common Gull, 3 House Martin and 200+ Redwing over west ( P. Kent early morning ).
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+3juv Mute Swan, 302 Canada Geese, 150 Greylag, 31 Tufted Duck, 13 Mallard, 3 Gadwall, 1 Pochard, 4 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 12 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron and 194 Coot. Also present were 1 Bittern, 2 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Jay and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Wintersett VisMig 07.10.19

11 - 14 degrees with rain until 09.10hrs,  8/8 cloud and a light southerly.
Anglers CP VisMig: per @Fitzybirder
Going south: Skylark 11.   Redwing 1169.  Thrush sp. 35.   Song Thrush 37.  alba Wagtail 5.  Meadow Pipit 4.
Going west: Starling 84
Thrushes started moving as soon as the rain stopped. The Song Thrush count is significant, and a record here!   Many of the singles and small parties, close overhead in the first hour of movement,  proved to be this species.  Probably many over looked - suspect that most of the thrush sp. were Song Thrush. 
Anglers CP: per Steve Denny.  A Rock Pipit was on the north east shoreline  at 17.30hrs.

                         Rock Pipit        NE ACP      SDenny

Sunday 6 October 2019

Weekend news 6/10/19.

Very steady. 5/10/19, Wilthorpe Marsh,- 31 Pinkfeet nw at 11am, 5 L Egret is the highest count so far. Green Sand 2, C Snipe 3, 1 G and 1 GS Peckers. 6/10/19, Ewden valley.- Too windy with c120 Pinkfeet e at 12-48pm, Stonechat 2, Meadow Pipit 16, Siskin 1. C Buzzard 1, Kestrel 4. Low Moor/Midhope,- Raven 1, Siskin 5, Swallow 5, Meadow Pipit 5, C Buzzard 3, Kestrel 3.

Carlton Marsh

8 Shoveler and a Wigeon (our first this year), were on the main scrape today and c150 Pink Feet flew east. 10 Skylarks flew west and 2 Goldcrests were present (Jim Plant/Keith Bannister). 

Wintersett + VisMig 06.10.19

9 - 12 degrees with 6/8 cloud and a light westerly.  Rain shower mid afternoon.
Anglers CP VisMig: per @Fitzybirder
Going west: Redwing 538.  Goosander 6 female type.  Starling 18 WNW.  
Going south: Wood Pigeon 30.  Swallow 5 + 2 ACP.    Song Thrush 1.
Going south west: Skylark 5 + 3 north east.  Chaffinch 3. 
Going east north east:  Jay 3 flying higher than any we have ever seen here! 
Anglers CP: Shoveler 59.  Teal 13.  Cormorant 17.  House Martin 7.
Cold Hiendley Res: 4 Whooper Swans still present.   Cetti's Warbler 1 singing male Per @CroftonBirder
Wintersett Res: House Martin 3 south at 11.30hrs.(CS)  Little Gull 2 1st W this afternoon Per @StevieD131

Goosander - Mergus merganser -west over ACP  06.10.19 PMeredith

Saturday 5 October 2019

Wintersett + VisMig + Ringing 05.10.19

11 - 14 degrees, calm, with rolling low level fog all morning.
Anglers CP VisMig: per @Fitzybirder   Very very quiet!
Going south: alba Wagtail  3.   Meadow Pipit 7.  Swallow 1.
Going west: Skylark 24.  Redwing 57.  Chaffinch 7.
Anglers CP: Siskin 1 over.
Botany Bay: Kingfisher 1.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 3 singing males - north east bank, west bank and boathouse reeds.
76 Birds were ringed: Highlights were - Blackcap 1 male.  Chiffchaff 10.   Goldcrest 2.  Chaffinch 29.  Greenfinch 20.  Reed Bunting 3. 
Odonata:  Migrant Hawker 3 Pol  + 1 WRes.
Lepidoptera: Comma 1 WRes. bench.  Small White 1 Pol. 

Friday 4 October 2019

Wintersett + VisMig 04.10.19

10 - 13 degrees with 7/8 cloud, a light south westerly, and light drizzle for most of the morning.
Anglers CP VisMig: per @Fitzybirder  
Not much happening here, highlights being the first Redpoll and first few small packs of continental Starlings of the autumn
Going south: Grey Heron 3.  Skylark 9.  House Martin 3.  alba Wagtail 1.  Meadow Pipit 9 + 3 west.  Linnet 15.
Going West: Goosander 4.   50 Starling (WNW).   Redwing 68.  Lesser Redpoll 1.
Anglers CP: A Reed Warbler was on the east bank.  Teal 13.  Snipe 2.  Chiffchaff 1.
Disposal Point: Willow Tit 1.  Green Woodpecker 1.


Thursday 3 October 2019

Carlton Marsh

First thing this morning 10 Shoveler, 15 Lapwing, 4 Cormorants (1N+ 3 south), 60+ Canada Geese, 9 Greylags and 7 Pink Feet south at 09.30hrs (Jim Plant).
Meanwhile our working group was hard at it fettling the embankment and car park.

Wintersett + VisMig + Ringing 03.10.19

10 - 12 degrees with 4/8 cloud and a light south easterly.
Anglers CP VisMig: per Paul Meredith
First significant arrival of Redwing with flocks of up to 130 passing through from just after 9am .
Going west: Redwing 587.  Song Thrush 1.   Mistle Thrush 3 + 1 east.  Chaffinch 20.

Going south:  Sparrowhawk 2.   Marsh Harrier 1 cream crowned at 07.58hrs.  Skylark 95.
alba Wagtail 29.   Meadow Pipit 257.  Linnet 76.  Goldfinch 49.  Reed Bunting 2.   Swallow 167.  House Martin 4. 
Going south west: Red Kite 1 at 07.30hrs.   Grey Wagtail 1.
Going north east:  Teal 6

Anglers CP:  A Twite was  feeding amongst rocks in the NE corner. 
38 Birds were ringed: Highlights were - Blackcap 1.   Chiffchaff 9.   Goldcrest 3.  Goldfinch 8 and Reed Bunting 11.

Twite                   ACP            SDenny.

Wednesday 2 October 2019

Wintersett + VisMig 02.10.19

3 - 13 degrees  with 0/8 cloud and a cold north westerly breeze.
Anglers CP VisMig. per Paul Meredith.
Red-breasted Merganser - 2 female type west..   RBM was once, more or less annual here, but these are the first for a few years. 
Barnacle Goose -  6 flew in from the south at 09.50hrs and spent 15 very flighty minutes aorund ACP, then left south.   Wild Barnacle Geese are rare here, the last being in similar conditions in early October 2011.  The 6 wild birds today would be from Svalbard, heading towards the Caerlaverock wintering grounds. They have been pushed south on the strong northerlies blowing over the North Sea. There was a record count of birds south over Fair Isle on 28.08.19 and birds moving south down the Yorshire coast on 01.10.19.
Pink-footed Goose-  409 (50 south east and  359 east). 
Going south: Cormorant 5. Swallow 51.  House Martin 20 (WRes).  Skylark 61  + 23 north,  Starling 7 high.  Mistle Thrush 4.  alba Wagtail  43.  Meadow Pipit 365.  Greenfinch 1.  Linnet 74.  Goldfinch  16.  Reed Bunting 12.  Skylark 61 + 23 north. 
Going west:  Snipe 1.  Redwing 6.
Wintersett Res:  21 Common Buzzard were up!   Siskin  1 west bank.  Blackcap 1 near boathouse. Goldeneye 4.  Chiffchaff 5 + 1 ACP
Cold Hiendley Res: Tufted Duck 247 + 25 ACP.   Whooper Swan 4 adults.
Haw Park: Hobby 1.
Lepidoptera in the area: Comma 5.  Red Admiral 6.  Small White 11.  Speckled Wood 4.  Brimstone 1.
Odonata: Migrant Hawker 30.  Common Darter 4.  Ruddy Darter 1.

        Barnacle Geese             ACP     PMeredith
Pink-footed  Geese           ACP  PMeredith

Carlton Marsh

A late Reed Warbler and a Chiffchaff were ringed this morning along with a controlled Reed Bunting ARD0848.
Other birds of note were 50 Canada Geese, 2 Swallows, 2 Redwings, 2 Great Spot Woodpeckers, Treecreeper, Goldcrest, 2 Cormorants  and 2 Water Rails. (CG/Dave Smith)

c20 Pied Wagtails, 10 Meadow Pipits and 6 Skylarks were feeding on adjacent arable land (Jim Plant).

Butterflies included 2 Painted Ladies, 6 Red Admirals, 22 Commas, 1 Peacock, 1 Large White, 2 Small White and a G.V. White. 33 Common Darters were also on the wing (Chris Parkin)

The Edge 02/10/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 28 Greylag, 24 Canada Geese, 61 Teal, 36 Shoveler, 18 Mallard, 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 150+ Lapwing, 14 Golden Plover, 84 BH Gull, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Skylark, 1 Swallow, 3 Pied Wagtail, 2 Mistle Thrush and 3 Reed Bunting.
The Fleet - Viewable were 4 Mute Swan, 4 Mallard, 1 Cormorant, 1 Kestrel, 2 BH Gull, 3 House Martin and 30+ Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 4+3juv Mute Swan, 62 Canada Geese, 18 Greylag, 30 Shoveler, 23 Tufted Duck, 17 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 2 Pochard, 1 Mallard, 12 Little Grebe, 5 Cormorant, 3 Little Egret, 62 Coot, 1 Kestrel, 28 Lapwing, 6+ House Martin and 2+ Swallow.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+3juv Mute Swan, 282 Greylag, 19 Canada Geese, 11 Pochard, 4 Gadwall, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Mallard, 4 Little Grebe, 2+1juv Great Crested Grebe, 6 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 3 BH Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 5 Buzzard, 2 Marsh Harrier and 3 Jay.

Tuesday 1 October 2019

Wintersett 01.10.19

8 - 12 degrees with rain of varying intensity and a cool northerly wind.
Anglers CP: Chiffchaff 1 + 1 near boathouse WRes..  Snipe 3.  Teal 12.
Wintersett Res: Swallow 17.   Water Rail 1 NE bank + 1 Botany  Bay.  Cetti's Warbler 1 male north bank.

Wilthorpe Marsh 1/10/19.

Very steady again, highlights, - Peregrine 1, C Buzzard 2, Green Sand 1, L Egret 1, C Snipe 7. Sewage farm - c25 Swallow, c300 Starling.