BIRDRACE 2012

The all Yorkshire birdrace took place today with 2 teams competing from the Barnsley area. Both teams reported a excellant days birding and amassed totals of 92 and 84. Highlights from the day included;- American Wigeon, 'Greenland' White-front, Smew at Wintersett, Great Grey Shrike at High Hoyland behind the church, Bean Geese at Ingbirchworth, 470 Pink-feet heading north-west in 5 skeins over Ewden, Raven at Ewden, Crossbills at Broomhead, Bittern and Barn Owl at Old Moor and the final bird- Little Owl at Broomhill. Bad 'misses' included;- LBBGull, Grey Wag (only seen by 2 people in the team), Redshank, Dunlin, Green Sand, Woodcock, with Stonechat and Cettis Warbler also deciding to stay hidden. Over a hundred species were recorded in the Barnsley area today but will a single team ever manage to see that magical number in a winter birdrace?? Maybe next year!