Rough-legged Buzzards

2 Rough-legged Buzzards over Mickleden Beck at 2:45pm - per SBSG website.

Old Moor Area - March 31st

Back to winter today in the Old Moor area with a cold northerly wind, gloves definitely needed. On Edderthorpe Avocets were back up to 7, also present were Shelduck 7, Redshank 19, LRP 1, Ringed Plover 1 and Golden Plover 340. On Broomhill the 2 Egyptian Geese were still present along with Sand Martin 9, Goldeneye 1, Redshank 2, Buzzard 2, Green Sandpiper 1 and a drake Ruddy Duck. 2 Pink Footed Geese dropped onto Wombwell Ings at 12.55 along with a Grey Lag, also present were Shelduck 1, Redshank 8, LRP 4 and Green Sandpiper 1. Birds at Old Moor included LBB Gull 2, Common Gull 2, Shelduck 2, Redshank 11, Oystercatcher 6, Snipe 2, Goosander pair, Sand Martin 7 and the Pink Feet had been seen earlier. The first Willow Warbler was at the Brickworks Pond. A couple of additions for yesterday were 5 Water Rails on the reedbeds last night and 8 Oystercatchers together.

Willow Warbler

A Willow Warbler at Royd Moor Reservoir today -  per Nick Mallinson (HBWC).

Wintersett 31st March 2012

Anglers CP - new in - LITTLE RINGED PLOVER  1.  Also here, male Willow Warbler 1, Redshank 1, Pink Footed Goose 1, Snipe 3, Shoveler 2 males.  (Greenland White-fronted Goose not seen today).
Diminishing ducks - Teal 4,  Wigeon 56 (ACP) + 4 (WR),  Goosander 1 male (WR) and 1 Redhead (Moorhouse Lane Pond).
Flying over: ACP - Sand Martin 2,  HOUSE MARTIN 1
                    WR -  SWALLOW 1,  and a  Leucistic Great Crested Grebe
Also in the area -  7 singing Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs galore!

Swallow

1 at Underbank Reservoir this morning.
Watching some OWLS (on TV) now.

Little Owl at Oxspring today. Ron Marshall

Old Moor Area - March 30th

Spent all morning in the Old Moor area, started at Edderthorpe where the Avocets were down to 3, Shelduck 3, Redshank 7, Green Sandpiper 1, Ringed Plover 1, Snipe 1 and Golden Plover still an healthy 322. Next onto the mere at Old Moor where there were Oystercatcher 2, LBB Gull 2 and a Common Gull. On the Wader Scrape Avocets were down to 2 from 4 yesterday, Redshank 3 and Oystercatcher 1 (a Curlew was present yesterday). On the field pools were Oystercatcher 5, Redshank 4 and Snipe 9, I counted 44 Snipe on Wednesday on the Field Pools. I finished my visit on Bolton Ings where a female Goosander was present plus, Great Crested Grebe 6, Cormorant 10, a male Ruddy Duck, Oystercatcher 4, Redshank 1, Kestrel 1 and Sparrowhawk 1. Further reports came from Wombwell Ings where there were another 2 Avocets, Little Ringed Plover 3, Redshank 10+, Wigeon down to 36, and the circular trans pennine trail where 23 Chiffchaffs were counted plus 3 Blackcaps, Spaarowhawk 2 and a Kestrel.

Whitley Common

At least 150 fieldfare in field next to model aircraft flying area this evening plus 2 pair of curlew, 2 pair of lapwing and female merlin

Old Moor = Garbage

Unless you like looking at huge sheets of open water with nothing on it other than birds that you can find on any bog standed country park.
Take the black headed gulls away and it's more or less dead.

The Wader Scrape and Mere should be showing at least 1.5 meteres width of muddy edges around the islands at this important time of year.
Anybody with a modicum of knowledge about breeding and passage wading birds can see at a glance that things are not right at Old Moor.
I overheard several comments about the height of the water levels from people in the hides.
I'm sure the state of the site is keeping some birders away. Why should people visit Old Moor if there's no hope of finding anything?

It's heartbreaking to see the place in such poor condition.

Wintersett 30th March2012

Wintersett Res - Blackcap 3
Anglers - Goosander 1,  Wigeon 88,   Snipe 2

Ingbirchworth reservoirs

Good numbers of singing Skylarks during a near circular walk from Whitley Common to Royd Moor Reservoir, via Broadstones and Ingbirchworth with at least 28 singing birds.
Whitley Edge/Whitley Common - 35 Carrion Crows.
Broadstones Reserwoir - 8 Oystercatchers, 1 Common Ringed Plover, 1 Little Owl and 100+ Fieldfares.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 5 Tufted Ducks and 1 Little Grebe.
Royd Moor Reservoir - 1 drake Tufted Duck and 1 Little Grebe.

Also
4 Brown Hares at Whitley Common.
20+ Small Tortoiseshells throughout the area.

ADWICK WASHLANDS (morning) Lapwing 36, several pairs appear to be nesting, Redshank 7, Oystercatcher 1, Kestrel 1,  Grey Partridge 4 pairs, Fieldfare 42 flying north, Yellowhammer c30,  Reed Bunting 10,  Skylark 10 singing,  Linnet 3/4 pairs

4 Avocets Old Moor, on Wader Scrape.

Tony Hartley has kindly let us have this photo of an Eagle Owl taken by his wife in a Penistone garden on 21st March

Thursday 29th March

Elsecar Reservoir -1 Mute Swan, a pair of Gadwall, 2 drake Tufted Ducks and 8 Great Crested Grebes, but no sign of the Garganey at 11:30am.
Broomhill Flash - 2 Egyptian Geese, 14 Wigeon, 2 Redshank and 1 Green Sandpiper.
.. and yes, apologies for straying off my patch.

Wintersett - Duck Exodus Continues

Wintersett Res - 3 male Blackcaps.     1 Sand Martin flew north.
Butterflies -  1 male Brimstone,  1 male Orange Tip
Anglers - Greenland White-fronted Goose,  2 Pink-footed Geese. 2 Redshank.  3 Sand Martin flew north
Today's star migrant - 1 male Willow Warbler singing his heart out in the hot sunshine.
Diminishing Ducks - Wigeon 133 (no sign of American Wigeon today),   Goosander 1,   Teal - 1 pair, (also 1 female Wintersett Res)
Late news from Tuesday 27.03.12
Confirmation of Red Kite flying east over Country Park Centre at 10.40hrs

Edderthorpe early morning

Shelduck 7, Great Crested Grebe 2, Avocet 7, Oystercatcher 2, Redshank 12,

28th March - Park Springs area

A female Merlin charged across the industrial estate along Spring Vale Road this morning at about 7.25am

Edderthorpe late afternoon, 5 Avocets, 430 Golden Plovers, 2 LRPs, Green Sand, 10+ Redshank.
Broomhill, 3 Green Sands, 2 Egytian Goose

Crossbills

Broomhead Reservoir- a flock of c12 this afternnon with at least 3 juveniles.
Looks like a decent breeding season with at least twelve singing males located and flocks now forming.

5 LRP Wombwell Ings + White Wagtail. Curlew Bolton Ings. 2 Egyptian Geese Broomhill still + Peregrine, Little Owl.

Rough-leg Ewden Heights still.

Garganey

The pair of Garganey were still present on Elsecar reservoir, in front of the hide.

Garganey pair. Carl Dixon

Wintersett 28th March 2012

Anglers - Drake American Wigeon,  Greenland White-fronted Goose
Wintersett Res - 2 male Blackcap
Haw Park - 1 male Orange Tip - 2nd March record
Vis. Mig.   21 Fieldfare flew north.

Adwick. Tuesday 27th March

Just a note about developments there.
In the last few days the RSPB have re-wetted an area of reedbed and marsh; its looking great. Already a few things on there such as moorhens, coots, mallards, gadwall and redshank.

Old Moor - Tuesday 27th March

Highlights this morning:- Snipe 15, Redshank 3, Oystercatcher 2, LBB Gull 2 and Common Gull 2. No sign of the long staying colour ringed Little Egret this morning, has its origins ever been found out?

Edderthorpe - Tuesday 27th March

Highlights this morning, Avocets increased to 6, Shelduck 7, Redshank 16 and Golden Plover an impressive 472.

Old Moor Area - Monday 26th March

Off work this week so spent all day in the Old Moor Area. Highlights as follows:-
Edderthorpe Avocet 5, Shelduck 6, Redshank 10, Ringed Plover 1, Golden Plover 82.
Wombwell Ings Redshank 8, Oystercatcher 2, Golden Plover 29.
Old Moor Little Egret 1, Snipe 16, Redshank 5, Oystercatcher 5, LBB Gull 2, Buzzard 1, Sparrowhawk 1.
Bolton Ings Goosander 1, Pochard 9, Oystercatcher 2, Redshank 4, Green Sandpiper 1, LBB Gull 3, Common Gull 1, Chiffchaff 11, Blackcap 1 male, Grey Wagtail 2, Sparrowhawk 1.

News from Old Moor area today included a couple of Avocets that toured around as well as two the Egyptian Geese at Broomhill Flash.

The Egyptian Geese at Broomhill Flash today - John Hewitt. Unfortunately the grass makes it impossible to see the grains of sand between the toes, so characteristic of a genuine vagrant Egyptian Goose!

Modern technology - This Bittern shot was taken at 06.35 on the 18th March by a motion camera which had been set up in the Reedbeds. 

Shooting in the back field continues

Broomhill Flash looking rather good; Egyptian goose 2, green sand 2, goldeneye 5 plus a sprinkling of other bits and bobs. Everything looking good except for half dead wood pigeons flapping about on the ground just at the other side of the fence
to the nature reserve. Two guys with shotguns sat along the hawthorn hedgerow that separates Broomhill Flash and the back field. Nothing much being disturbed on the flash but I think breeding lapwings in this field will give it a miss this year.

The pair of Garganey were showing well at Elsecar on the island in front of the hide between 5.30 and 6.00pm and then flew off towards Wentworth.

Wintersett 27th March 2012

Anglers - Drake American Wigeon,  2 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Goosander.   1 Sand Martin flew north.
Wintersett Res - 1 singing Blackcap.  

Early breeders!!

Two pairs of Dippers were feeding young in the upper Little Don Valley this morning; a famliy party of 5 Crossbills was at Swinden Plantation, and most surprisingly a young Blackbird was being fed out of the nest here.
Also
upper Little Don Valley - 2 male Ring Ouzels and a female Wheatear.
Langsett Reservoir - 22 Canada Geese, 31 Mallard, a pair of Teal, 1 Cormorant and 1 Grey Heron.

Edderthorpe Flash 26th March

5 Avocet This beautiful and graceful wader with it's striking pied plumage and fine up curved bill has taken a shine to Edderthorpe Flash .The RSPB appear to have got the habitat just right

The pair of Garganey were still on Elsecar Res this evening, squeezed onto the spit infront of the hide between the packs of dogs and hundreds of people. Two Green Sands were on Broomhill. Temperature at Broomhill was -2 at  07:20 and  21 at 18:00.

Bolton Ings again

Blackcap male singing Bolton Ings this afternoon.

Bolton Ings - 25th March

Paid an afternoon visit to Bolton Ings yesterday, highlights being immature drake Goldeneye hanging on, 6 species of wader, 21 singing Chiffchaffs and a grass snake. Full list:- Grey Heron 1, Mute Swan 4 + 2 on river, Canada Goose 23, Greylag Goose 26, Cormorant 5, Mallard 27, Teal 5, Wigeon 10, Shoveler 2, Gadwall 28, Tufted Duck 74, Pochard 11, Goldeneye 1, Great Crested Grebe 5, Little Grebe 12, Coot 149, Moorhen 11, Lapwing 16, Redshank 4, Snipe 1, Green Sandpiper 1, Oystercatcher 2, Dunlin 1, Black Headed Gull 594 (my highest count ever), Kestrel 1, Jay 1, Kingfisher 1, Chiffchaff 21, Grass Snake 1.

Monday 26th March

No sign of the Black Redstart at Ewden this morning, just a solitary Common Buzzard and a Golden Plover.
Whitwell Moor - 2 Wheatears.
Midhope Reservoir - 11 Greylag Geese, 27 Canada Geese, 8 Teal, 3 Goldeneyes and 3 Goosanders.
Broadstones Reservoir - a pair of Red-legged Partridge and 12 Oystercatchers.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 6 Tufted Ducks and 1 drake Goldeneye,

Also -
1 Stoat at Whitwell Moor and 2 Mountain Hares at Windleden Edge.

Wintersett Sunshine and blue sky 26th March 2012 ..

Wintersett Res - 1 Goosander, 1 male Blackcap (east bank)
Haw Park Wood - 3 Orange Underwing.
Anglers - American Wigeon, Greenland White-fronted Goose, 2 Pink-footed Goose, 6 male and 1 female Shoveler.  7 Fieldfare flew north.
Star sighting today -  Orange Tip butterfly on Anglers Hill - the earliest ever recorded here.

Late news from Friday

22 Whooper Swans at Underbank Reservoir on 23rd March left north-west after the fog cleared.

Little Egret still at Old Moor today + LRP and 11 Whoopers Wombwell Ings. Red Kite through yesterday.

The five Little Gulls at Anglers CP Friday - Keith Pickering. They left shortly after the mist cleared.

Ewden Valley

The juv Rough-legged Buzzard showed on and off for most of the afternoon, along with 7 Common Buzzard. A female Black Redstart was feeding along the stone wall near to the first house below Thorpe's Brow.

Late News From Worsbrough Res.
A single Swallow on the 22nd, followed by 4 on the 23rd were the first. Four Whoopers were also present on the 23rd

Edderthorpe Flash

The forlorn-looking Whooper Swan is still here, not doing much except calling frequently;- perhaps the unfortunate bird at Darfield on Friday was its mate? 7 Shelduck, 1 Avocet, 20 Redshank, 340 Golden Plover, 74 Lapwing, 1 Fieldfare and a worryingly high count of 40 Carrion Crows!
WINTERSETT
additions to the earlier post;- a minimum of 19 Common Buzzards including at least 1 moving north-west and the first House Martin of spring blogged around before heading off north-west. A few large gulls were also north bound with;- GBBGull 1, LBBGull 10, Herring Gull 70.

Wintersett a.m. 25th March 2012

Another misty start to the day, but cleared faster than yesterday and revealed  ...
Anglers -American Wigeon, Greenland White-fronted Goose, 2 Pink-footed Geese, 5 Snipe, 1 male Shoveler
Wintersett - Drake Smew.  70 Golden Plover flew over.
Star migrant today is     ....
A singing male Blackcap - a first for the year.  Heard in Haw Park by Waterton's Tower Gate.
By late morning the sun was shining and at least 25 singing Chiffchaffs had been counted throughout  the area.

Red Kite

1 west from Harden at c 1 40 pm

Carlton Marsh - Sat 24th

Plenty of bird song all week with at least 7 Chiffchaffs leading the chorus.  Water Rails have been heard from at least two locations and both Great Spotted and Green Woodpeckers are active. A pair of Little Owls have been seen on a daily basis but our resident Buzzard has become more elusive. Highlight today was a single Whooper Swan flying ESE in the direct of Edderthorpe at 1710hrs, calling as it went.
                                                                                                                                  Dave Smith

Fog delays play

EDDERTHORPE FLASH
Couldn't see a thing before 9.30 but after this the fog slowly gave way to mist and clag. Managed to pick out;- Whooper Swan 1 still here from yesterday, Shelduck 9, Avocet 1, Golden Plover 284 Redshank 14, Ringed Plover 1, Tawny Owl 1, Chiffchaff 8.
WINTERSETT RES
American Wigeon 1 drake with 252 Wigeon, 'Greenland' White-front and 2 Pink-feet, Goosander 5, all on the park lake and the drake Smew still on the top res. Ringed Plover 1, Curlew 1 and Redshank 1. At least a dozen Chiffchaffs were singing around the top res. Not a bad tally considering the mist never cleared all day.

Buzzards

Ewden Valley - 1 juvenile Rough-legged Buzzard and 4+ Common Buzzard giving good views this afternoon.

Broomhead Moor - 1 male Stonechat at the Dukes Road - (thanks Mick, it must be an age thing)

belated news from Park Springs

Only just had chance to post this;

21st March - Grimethorpe Pit Tip Reclamation
A rather drab looking male Wheatear was behind the brickworks near the pit reclamation hillside on the edge of the industrial estate at Parks Springs. Had quite a few at the same location last year, both spring and autumn.

Wombwell Ings - Evening Update

3 Whooper Swans still present at 17.30, also 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Green Sandpiper, 8 Redshank, 12 Golden Plover, 1 Shelduck and good numbers of Wigeon, Shoveler and Teal.

Royd Moor & Scout Dike Reservoirs

Very steady at both waters but a female Gadwall was on Scout Dike Reservoir.
Plenty of singing birds with 4 Chiffchaffs, at least 8 Skylarks, 5 Reed Buntings and 4 Yellowhammers and a pair of Grey Partridges.
Gull have dropped off to just 2 Lesser Black-backs on Royd Moor Reservoir.

Wintersett 23rd March 2012

Wintersett Res - Drake Smew, 2 Goosander, 1 Redwing.
Anglers - Drake American Wigeon,  Greenland White-fronted Goose, 2 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 1 male Shoveler, 2 Goosander,  1 Sand Martin.
Today's star migrants brought down by mist and clag ....
Top Res 1 adult Whooper Swan  joined by 2 further adults 09.58.  All 3 left North at 10.58
Anglers - 5 adult, winter plumage Little Gulls feeding over lake in front of hide at 11.50 until they left NE at 2.18pm.

Drake Gaganey at Elsecar Reservoir today - Ron Marshall

mid-day update

3 (live) Whoopers Wombwell Ings

Pair Garganey, Elsecar still.

Wombwell Ings

Two whooper swans (ad + imm) this morning.
The adult continually calling - which obviously ties in with the adult found injured at Darfield roundabout. At a guess this bird has hit the overhead powerlines while its been foggy. The bird has since been caught by the RSPB and taken to a vet where it was put to sleep.
Its really sickening !!! Its not the first and I suppose it wont be the last whooper that hits these cables.

Could the one at Edderthorpe this morning be part of the same family group?

Also on Wombwell Ings this morning wigeon 182, goosander 3, golden plover 45 a few lapwings but only 2 redshank. Obviously a shortage of wading birds. But water levels are relatively high here and there are no signs yet of any muddy edges.

Darfield

Whooper Swan on grass verge by Cathill Roundabout until at least 9.00am.

Edderthorpe early morning

A Whooper Swan dropped in at 06.20. 9 Shelduck, 25 Shoveler, 31 Tufted, 3 Avocet, 80 Golden Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 12 Redshank.

Edderthorpe - Evening update

Called this evening in fading light but new in was a drake Garganey, couldnt see a female so probably different to Elsecar bird(s). Also present 4 Avocet, 12 Shelduck and at least 16 Redshank.

Edderthorpe Flash 22 March

Mid afternoon. 4 Avocet still there. 13. Redshank. 8. Shelduck. 1. Dunlin. 37. Golden Plover

LRP Broomhill this evening. First of spring unless you know different? Little Egret still at Old Moor.

The pair of Garganey reappeared at Elsecar Res today - photo Keith Pickering 

Thursday 22nd March

Elsecar Reservoir - a pair of Garganey (at 10:00hrs), also 42 Mallard, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 14 Coot, 8 Moorhen and a singing Chiffchaff.

Wintersett 22nd March 2012

Anglers - Heard but not seen -  A  flock of Whooper Swans flew NW in fog 09.30.
Seen and heard (fog then lifted quickly!) - 12 Golden Plover flew over.
Also American Wigeon, Greenland White-fronted Goose,  2 Pink-footed Geese, 1 male Shoveler,
2 Goosander present
Cold Hiendley Res. 1 male Green Woodpecker
Wintersett Res. - Drake Smew,  2 Goosander and ...
today's star bird (in bright sunshine) -  1 Twite flew in from east over  the res. calling, and then landed  by the west bank spillway 12.30.

Early aft update

A pair of Garganey were on Elsecar Res again, early afternoon at least. Meanwhile the White Stork reportedly flew off southeast from Adwick late morning.

Edderthorpe early morning

A fog shrouded flash held;- Shelduck 6, Avocet 4, Golden Plover 57, Curlew 1, Dunlin 1, Redshank 12, and a singing Chiffchaff.

Broadstones

15 Oystercatchers + 1 Little Owl, mid-afternoon.

Rough-leg becoming predictable?

The Rough-legged Buzzard has been showing itself off the last couple of days in the Ewden Heights area. Late afternoon and early evening it is sitting around on tree tops out on the open moor for prolonged spells. This evening it was best viewed from the trail that goes over Barnside Moor in the area that is favoured by Black Grouse, looking from the road meant looking directly towards the sun! It hung around until 6.15 pm before heading off over the moor towards the 'top' of the Ewden Valley. Also in this area;- Black Grouse 1 male, Stonechat and 80 Fieldfare. Meadow Pipits have arrived in big numbers during the last few days.

Plastic Fantastic?

Managed to dash through to Adwick in time to see the White Stork which remained until dusk. It was somewhat too approachable for comfort and on close inspection and contrary to earlier beliefs could be seen to be sporting a narrow ring just above the foot on the right leg. So, presumably it is the same bird that visited the Barnsley area last November and has since been seen in Notts and Lincs among other places. Sadly, it's surely an escapee.

The White Stork at Adwick this evening - John Hewitt

Eagle owl in Chapel Lane Penistone at c 5.30pm being mobbed by crows and jackdaws  and then relocated in Clarrel Street  in tree behind houses until dusk

very hot news!

White Stork, Adwick, unrung 17.45 at least.

Bye!

Black-headed Gulls

Yes, a post about BHG! We are reduced to such up here on't moors.

2 black-heads loafing on Harden res today in beautiful weather. Last year’s breeders returning?

Greenmoor 21  March
A really good day for birds  in our garden at Greenmoor,nr Stocksbridge

Singing song thrush, c8 tree sparrows, 2 long-tailed tits, yellowhammer, siskin and brambling moulting into summer plumage.

Earlier in the week Nuthatch and G Spotted Woodpecker at Wortley Top Forge but no L Spotted Woodpecker. Pair of  dippers at Deepcar

Wintersett 21st March 2012

Wintersett Res. - Drake Smew
Anglers - American Wigeon, Greenland White-fronted Goose, 2 Pink-footed Geese, 4 Oystercatchers, 1 female Pochard and  3 Shoveler 2 male, 1 female.
A rather quiet day.

late aft update

Broomhill Flash - 7 Goldeneye, Black-tailed Godwit, Green Sand.

Old Moor - Little Egret, Dunlin.

Off to look for some Magpies now!

KEETS

Apparantly a pair of Ring-necked Parakeets were seen flying south over Wentworth Ind. Est. yeasterday morning. (per R. Collis).

Little Don Valley reservoirs

Swinden Walls - 30+ Siskins and c10 Lesser Redpolls.
Langsett Reservoir - a pair of Greylag Geese, 24 Canada Geese, 49 Mallard, a pair of Teal, a pair of Tufted Duck, a pair of Moorhen and most interestingly a Kingfisher flying down the valley over the dam wall - a first here to my knowledge.
Midhope Reservoir - 6 Greylag Geese, 27 Canada Geese, 11 Mallard, 9 Teal, a pair of Little Grebes and two pairs of Moorhen.
Midhopestones - 34 Curlew and c60 Wood Pigeons.
Underbank Reservoir - 4 Canada Geese, 45 Mallard, 13 Tufted Ducks and a pair of Great Crested Grebes.

A steady passage of Meadow Pipits W/NW throughout the valley with a max 20+ at Midhope Reservoir

Also
2 Peacocks and 1 Small Tortoiseshell at Langsett Reservoir.

Wintersett - Spring has sprung.

Anglers - Newbies -  2 Whooper Swans flew in at 08.30.    A knot flew in at 09.16     2 male Scaup
Oldies still here - Drake American Wigeon, Greenland White-fronted Goose, 2 Pink-footed Geese.
Also present 2 male Shoveler,  2 male Pochard
Wintersett Res - 2 Sand Martin flew NW,  1 singing Water Rail, 1 Drake Smew
Also flying  -  1 Brimstone,   2 Peacocks, 1 Orange Underwing

'Hot News'

Pair of Garganey late morning at 'neck end' of Elsecar Res.

Edderthorpe early morning

Shelduck 9, Shoveler 37, Gadwall 28, Avocet 1, Redshank 13, Dunlin 1.

late news....

Ewden Height - 6 male Wheatears - per SBSG website.

Ferry Moor and Adwick

Ferry Moor (west of Sash and north of Symphony) - ringed plover 6, redshank 2 pr, lapwing c10 pr.

Adwick. Water levels raised in one field over this last week or so and its got c8pr lapwing and 1pr of redshank.

Roughleg again

Barnside Moor - Rough-legged Buzzard again late afternnon

springs arrived I see..............

Just back after a few weeks out of country but still jet-lagged so just a quick visit to Broomhill where four Goldeneye were present. On the short drive home chanced upon a flock of at least 20 Waxwings in the trees at Junction Close but they soon flew off (low) towards Wombwell. So glad to see spring has arrived!

News from Old Moor - Little Egret, Black-tailed Godwit on Field Pool.

Back to some sort of normality about Wednesday hopefully!

Wintersett 19th March 2011

 Wintersett Res. - Drake Smew, 3 Chiffchaffs,  Siskin - 8W
Anglers - American Wigeon, Greenland White-fronted Goose, 2 Pink-footed Geese, Female Pintail, 1 Redshank.

Mipits

Good numbers of Meadow Pipits in the uplands today with 50+ at Broadstones Reservoir alone.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 3 Goldeneyes, 2 Tufted Ducks, 69 Canada Geese and gull numbers well down on those of late last week with c350 Black-headed Gulls and c20 Common Gulls.
Spicer House Lane - large flock of c300 Starlings and c200 Fieldfares.
Whitley Edge - flock of 31 Carrion Crows.
A good search in the above area  drew a blank on Wheatears.
Underbank Reservoir - 2 Great Crested Grebes, 8 Tufted Duck, 1 Coot and 1 Common Buzzard.

Roughleg again

The juvenile Rough-legged Buzzard was showing well at Low Moor, Upper Midhope tihis afternoon (per Mick Cunningham) and was at Broomhead Moor later.

Old Moor - 18th March

Todays highlights as follows:- New in were 2 Wheatears on Wombwell Ings and a Black Tailed Godwit on Broomhill. Little Egret still on the Field Pools and Cettis (singing) and Water Rail on the Reedbeds. Green Sandpiper on the Mere and 6 Goosanders and Shelduck on the Wader Scrape. At least 5 singing Chiffchaffs and Shelduck and Goldeneye on Bolton Ings. Highlights from last few days include 15 Waxwings in car park on Thursday and 25 over on Saturday, Little Egret throughout and Cettis most days. A Bittern was seen on Bolton Ings on Tuesday and by the Cuckoo Tree on Wednesday. Finally a pair of Pintail were on the Wader Scrape yesterday.

Sunday 18th late afternoon

Wombwell Ings ~ 1 Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Wheatear.
Also 20 Pied Wagtail.
Edderthorpe ~ 3 Avocet still there after 5pm.

Sunday 18th March

EDDERTHORPE FLASH
9 Shelduck and 40 Wigeon. 3 Avocets were on the Flash this morning along with 31 Golden Plovers, 2 Dunlin and 2 Ringed Plovers.
WINTERSETT RES
The drake Smew is on the top res, American Wigeon, 5 Pintail and 2 Pink-feet on the park lake. A adult Kittiwake was on the park lake early afternoon, 4 Sand Martins moved through in the morning, 300 Golden Plovers, a Curlew and 4 singing Chiffchaffs are other notable birds.

MOORS THE MERRIER

The Rough-legged Buzzard was performing well late afternoon at Ewden Heights from 4.30pm sitting in tree tops out on the open moor. This is a similar time to yesterdays sighting and may be a good time to look for it here ? A ringtail Hen Harrier flew over the moor at the same time and both birds were seen together. 3 Common Buzzards were also seen. A male Black Grouse in the short grass fields showed well for a couple of hours.

WINTERSETT RES

The drake American Wigeon is still on the park lake with 330 Wigeon and the 'Greenland' White-front popped in mid morning for a hour from nearby Walton Hall. Drake Smew still on top res.A Black-tailed Godwit was on the park during the morning, 200 Golden Plovers are still in the area and a Dunlin passed through. Also on the move were;- 6 Curlew, 2 Sand Martins, 85 Woodies, 200 Starlings and 3 Meadow Pipits.
EDDERTHORPE FLASH
Shelduck 7, Shoveler 22, Gadwall 45, Teal 27, Wigeon 44, Ringed Plover 2 and Dunlin 3.

Saturday 17th March

Broadstones Reservoir - 7 Tufted Ducks, 1 Little Grebe, 16 Oystercatchers and a male Wheatear.
Barnside Moor - the juvenile Rough-legeed Buzzard again this pm.

late news from yesterday:-
Ewden Valley - the juvenile Rough-legged Buzzard with 6 Common Buzzards this time over Thorpe's Brow (the thin line of conifers between Barnside Moor and the Ewden Valley) - per SBSG website

... and another gull

The second-winter Iceland Gull roosted at Broomhead Reservoir again this evening.

Mr Marshall's Mouth Watering Photos

Crossbill-Broomhead Res. and Dipper-Deepcar. © Ron Marshall

Singing at sunny Wintersett 16th March 2012

Wintersett Res - Drake Smew, 5 Shoveler.
Songsters - 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Water Rail.
Anglers - Drake American Wigeon,  Greenland White-fronted Goose,  Pink-footed Goose, Female Pintail,  Redshank and 1 singing Chiffchaff.
Haw Park Wood  - 2 Crossbills.  3 Buzzards flew over, 150 Fieldfares
Vis. Mig. 1 Red Kite flew south at 8.00am
                1 Sand Martin flew  north
                1 Crossbill flew west over Country Park  15.52 hours

Gulls Gullore and 2 kits

A large increase in the number of gulls in the Ingbirchworth & Millhouse Green areas today, with many roosting in newly ploughed fields and following a plough on Annat Royd Lane.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 2 Goldeneyes, c300 Black-headed Gulls, 54 Common Gulls and 4 Herring Gulls.
Annat Royd Lane - c1300 Black-headed Gulls, c420 Common Gulls, 14 Herring Gulls and 4 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Royd Moor Res. - 3 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag Geese, a pair of Tufted Ducks, 10+ Black-headed Gulls and 2 adult Kittiwakes.
Millhouse Green/Fullshaw - 300+ Black-headed Gulls, c40 Common Gulls and 20+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls

Thursday 15th March

Elsecar Reservoir - 1 male Mute Swan, 39 Mallard, 12 Great Crested Grebes, 14 Coot and an early singing Chiffchaff

late news from yeseterday - Broomhead Reservoir - 8 Goosanders and among the roosting gulls the second-winter Iceland Gull and 1 adult Kittiwake -  per SBSG website.

Wintersett 15th March 2012

Anglers CP -  27 (2 immature) Whooper Swans grounded in mist but still present in afternoon sunshine 4.30pm..    22 Pied Wagtails   Drake American Wigeon, Greenland White-fronted Goose, Female Pintail, 4 drake Shoveler, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 5 goosanders.   Only 1 drake pochard remains.
Wintersett Res - Drake Smew,  3 Shoveler, 1 Redwing.
Vis. Mig. Meadow Pipit - 2 NW, 5 E.   Fieldfare  3 E.

Wednesday 14th March

Broadstones Reservoir - a pair of Red-legged Partridge.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 154 Canada Geese, 2 Goldeneyes, a pair of Great Crested Grebes, 10 Coot, 54 Common Gulls and c320 Black-headed Gulls.

also
Midhope Reservoir - 3 (2 drake Goosanders)
Langsett Banks - two broods of 4 + 3 Crossbills, 3 roding Woodcocks and a singing Song Thrush mimicking a Crossbill.
- per Brian Penistone.

Wintersett 14th March 202

Wintersett Res - Drake Smew,  4 Shovelers -3 male and  1 female.
Anglers - Drake American Wigeon, Greenland White-fronted Goose, Female Pintail, 1 Pink-footed Goose

Ferry Moor area

Yesterday and Today at Ferry Moor;Ringed Plover on the rough ground between Sash & Symphony warehouses.
Lapwing displaying over the same rough ground.
4 Ringed Plover were flying around over Spring Vale Road, Park Springs.


Tufted Duck, Teal and Shoveler on Ferry Moor Lake, but the Pochard have gone.
Kingfisher has been a daily sighting recently.

WEBS Sunday - Old Moor Area

A bit late but counts on Sunday turned up some impressive numbers especially grebes and waders. Highlights as follows, Great Crested Grebe 18, Little Grebe 47, Black Necked Grebe 1, Bittern 1, Little Egret 1, Cormorant 45, Shoveler 49, Gadwall 122, Wigeon 429, Tufted Duck 174, Pochard 38, Goosander 20, Goldeneye 9, Redshank 18, Green Sandpiper 4, Oystercatcher 12, Curlew 1, Water Rail 6. Also seen was the Cettis Warbler again.
Few reports since Sunday, nothing yesterday and Little Egret and Cettis Warbler today.

Cool and cloudy weather drops an Avocet at Wintersett.

An avocet was swimming in the middle of Anglers Country Park lake from early morning. It was catching insects and taking occasional siestas on the shallows in front of the hide.  At 4.26 p.m. it flew onto Wintersett Res, where it remained, swimming in the open water.
Also present - Drake American Wigeon, Greenland White-fronted Goose, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 female Pintail, 1 Redshank and 1 Redwing.
Wintersett Res. - Drake Smew,  1 pair of Shoveler.

ADWICK WASHLANDS

Lots of disturbance (from diggers) but still plenty of birds. 3 prs Lapwing displaying, at least 50 Stock Doves, pr of Kingfishers, 8+ singing Skylark, 9 Fieldfare, c.120 Linnet, 6+Yellowhammers, 1 Corn Bunting and 1 Reed Bunting.

Little Don Valley Reservoirs

Much the same at Langsett and Underbank but a little more at Midhope.
Swinden Walls - 1 Green Woodpecker yaffling.
Langsett Banks - 1 Green Woodpecker yaffling and 3+ Crossbills on territory.
Langsett Reservoir - 46 Mallard, 2 Teal, a pair of Tufted Duck and a pair of Greylag Geese.
Langsett Filters - 1 drake Tufted Duck, 1 redhead Goldeneye and a pair of Mallard.
Midhope Reservoir - 9 Greylag Geese, 13 Canada Geese, 11 Mallard, 8 Teal, 3 (2 redheads) Goldeneyes, 2 drake Goosanders, two pairs of Little Grebes, two pairs of Moorhen, 1 Coot and 1 Green Woodpecker yaffling.
Midhopestones - a pair of Grey Partridges, 24 Curlew and 120+ Jackdaws.
Underbank Reservoir - 38 Mallard, 13 Tufted Ducks, a pair of Great Crested Grebes, four pairs of Moorhen and 1 Siskin on territory + a flock of c30.

old news, not very exiting

I keep forgetting there's a Barnsley blog now - apols.

10^th March

All resers devoid of wind-blown birds until I went to Winscar this evening where a male shelduck was resting. 18 oystercatchers here, including the bird with a minimum of 3 red rings plus a bto silver one: seems to limp slightly. These birds now feed in the car park with feral ducks.

Rare birds of prey in the Barnsley area

I would ask all persons who contribute to this blog PLEASE, PLEASE do not publicise the whereabouts of displaying 'Schedule 1' and large raptors in the south-west of the area. As is common knowledge there are certain bodies/people who do not wish and WILL NOT tolerate any large (or small in some cases) raptors breeding in this area. As a result of such pressures many species have become extremely scarce or rare. Their demise in the Dark Peak is dire enough without us adding to it. Thank you.

Sunbathing Buzzard

Ewden - The Rough-legged Buzzard was present in the Ewden Valley from 15:10 - 15:25, where it then headed SW and lost from sight over the far horizon.

Shelduck Shock 12 March

A large amount of Shelduck on Edderthorpe Flash this morning 16. Shelduck, 9. Redshank. 1. Dunlin, 1 Ringed Plover, 3. Goosander, 34. Tufted Duck

Wintersett 12th March 2012

Wintersett Res - Drake Smew,  Bittern 8.15 a.m
Anglers - Drake American Wigeon,  Greenland White-fronted Goose, Female Pintail,  Pink-footed Goose.
Vis. Mig.  1 Curlew flew south
              13 Redwing flew over

Stainborough 12th March

Warren Wood (near Duke of Argyll monument) - singing Chiffchaff this morning.

Monday 12th March

Barnside Moor - 1 juvenile Rough-legged Buzzard (at 12:45hrs), 27 Curlews and a pair of Stonechats.
Midhope Reservoir - 2 drake Goosanders, a pair of Greylag Geese, two pairs of Mallard, three pairs of Teal, two pairs of Little Grebe and a redhead Goldeneye.

Wintersett - Earlier News 11.03.12

Wintersett Res - 2 Bitterns,  Drake Smew.
Anglers - Female Pintail, Greenland White-fronted Goose, Drake American Wigeon, Pink-footed Goose and 12 Buzzards in the area, 2 of which flew west.  A Merlin chased a small passerine very high over the CP for a few minutes from 15.35 then dropped away to the north.
The Spring sunshine brought out  Brimstone,  Comma and  Small Tortoiseshell butterflies.

Broomhead

Truanted from Hudds area to gull roost this evening where Andy D picked up the Iceland Gull. Certainly looks like a 2W but, with distance and light, I'd not want to get too categorical. 2 roding woodcocks chased each other near us, 1 landing on path within feet of us!

11.03.12 Late news from Wintersett - Bye,bye Bittern

One bittern in the boathouse reed bed climbed up the reeds at 18.30 hours.  It appeared restless and took flight at 18.40. It circled higher and higher, repeatedly calling 'Kau' and briefly being mobbed by 2 Carrion Crows.  It then left high to the east at 18.50 hours, still calling as it disappeared into the distance.

twice shy

Wintersett SE corner - Bittern first sighted 5.50pm.
Skulking most of the next half hour but occasionally showing really well.
Excellent views of one drake smew also in SE corner.

Bolton Ings - 11th March

WEBS count today and an early morning visit in the lovely weather turned up some good sightings. Highlights being the Black Necked Grebe still present and my first Chiffchaff of the year, a singing bird on Warbler Way. Full list as follows:- Mute Swan 4, Canada Goose 41, Greylag Goose 8, Cormorant 21, Great Crested Grebe 4, Little Grebe 16, BLACK NECKED GREBE 1, Mallard 18, Teal 6, Wigeon 35, Gadwall 45, Shoveler 2, Tufted Duck 48, Pochard 20, Goldeneye 5, Goosander 6, Coot 159, Moorhen 14, Lapwing 3, Redshank 4, Oystercatcher 2, Black Headed Gull 448, Common Gull 10, LBB Gull 2, Kestrel 1, Sparrowhawk 2, Buzzard 2, Chiifchaff 1.

Saturday 10th March

Broomhead Reservoir
The second-winter Iceland Gull roosted again this evening along with 289 Black-headed Gulls, 47 Common Gulls, 147 Great Black-backed Gulls and 184 Hering Gulls (c80 fewer than yesterday evening).

once bittern

Bittern appeared just before 6pm at Wintersett - SE corner.

Old Moor - 10th March

I had a walk onto Bolton Ings this afternoon to see the Black Necked Grebe, the temperature was 15c and bright sunshine made it feel like June not March. Other birds seen included 6 Goldeneye, female Goosander, Ruddy Duck, Redshank and 2 Oystercatchers. Over on Old Moor the Mediterranean Gull was on the mere along with Shelduck, 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Lesser Black Backs and 2 Buzzards passing over, 18 Goosanders roosted. The Bittern was seen again roosting on the Reedbeds, also the Cettis Warbler was seen and heard as well as 2 Water Rails. The Little Egret was again on the Field Pools and a Ringed Plover was on the Wader Scrape. There was at least 6 Oystercatchers seen on site. WEBS count tomorrow and the forecast is for another good day.
Regarding the Mediterranean Gull it is the ringed adult that was present last year but didnt attract a mate. Interestingly, last year it had a missing primary and this year the primary is still missing!

WINTERSETT

American Wigeon still with 368 Wigeon on country park. Drake Smew still on top res but no sign of the Black-necked Grebe today. Wildfowl counts include;- Teal 62, Goosander 17, Pintail 1 and Goldeneye 121. A 2nd-winter Iceland Gull flew north-west at 15.55 and looked a likely 'Kumliens' but unfortunatly it chose not to touch-down. A Jack Snipe and 14 Snipe on the country park, 6 Buzzards, and a Coot sitting on eggs in a area that was solid ice just 3 weeks ago. The gull roost attracted 3200 Black-heads, 200 Commons but just 3GBBG, 11 LBBG and 4 Herrings. And finally 2 Bitterns were roosting in the reedbeds at dusk

Early news Old Moor - 10th March

New arrival this morning is a summer plumaged Black Necked Grebe on Bolton Ings, it is favouring the western end of the eastern lake. At Old Moor the Little Egret still present and the Cettis Warbler is calling near to the old hide on the reedbeds. At Edderthorpe 16 Shelduck present. Last night the Bittern roosted in the usual place on the reedbeds.

Old Moor - 9th March

Sightings yesterday included Mediterranean Gull, Little Egret, Bittern, Curlew, 4 Green Sandpipers and 4 Oystercatchers.

Wintersett 9th March 2012

Anglers - Drake American Wigeon,  Female Pintail,    1 Redshank  4 Oystercatchers.
Wintersett Res - 1 Bittern seen at 8.20 a.m.  Black-necked Grebe,  Drake Smew,  1 colour ringed Oystercatcher and...
the first Sand Martin of spring flew North at 11.00

Harris's Hawk & Iceland Gull

A Harris's Hawk wearing jesses was over Walker Edge in the Ewden Valley late afternoon.
The second-winter Iceland Gull roosted at Broomhead Reservoir again this evening along with 269 Herring Gulls, 281 Black-headed Gulls, 25 Common Gulls, 131 Great Black-backed Gulls and 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

Excellent views of at least 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and 3 nuthatchs at feeding station in Rushy Wood nr Broomhead reservoir today. Plenty of siskins in tree tops and at least 2 crossbills.

Old Moor - 8th March

Few sightings yesterday included Mediterranean Gull, Little Egret and Green Sandpiper. No new at all today yet, unless you know different?

Friday 9th March

Underbank Reservoir - a pair of Canada Geese, 54 Mallard, 3 Wigeon, 13 Tufted Ducks and a pair of Great Crested Grebes.

Broomhead Reservoir

A second-winter Iceland Gull roosted at Broomhead Reservoir this evening - per SBSG website.

Wintersett 8th March 2012

Wintersett Res - Drake Smew,  Black-necked Grebe  Water Rail,  1 colour ringed Oystercatcher.  A Ringed Plover flew over.
Anglers - American Wigeon,  Female Pintail, 1 Redshank,  4 Oystercatchers,  27 Goosanders, 2 Buzzards
Walton Hall - Greenland White-fronted Goose.
See Ron and Carl's stunning pics below.

Thursday 8th March

Elsecar Reservoir - 2 Mute Swans, 3 Goosanders, 6 Tufted Ducks, 52 Mallard, 8 Great Crested Grebes, 14 Coots and 6 Moorhens.

Photos from Wintersett 08/03/12

Smew and Black-necked Grebe on Wintersett. Ron Marshall

Old Moor - 7th March

Highlights yesterday included Adult summer plumaged Mediterranean Gull, Little Egret, 2 Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, Curlew, 4 Oystercatchers, 31 Goosanders and 8 Goldeneye. The unconfirmed records of Avocet and Sand Martin from the weekend have since been confirmed. The Sand Martins are the earliest ever recorded beating the old record by 6 days!

Wintersett Wet and Windy Wild Goose Chase

Wintersett Res - Drake Smew, Black-necked Grebe.  3 Bitterns at dusk.
Walton Hall - Greenland White-fronted Goose
Anglers - American Wigeon and ...
3 adult, white phase, Snow Geese were disturbed from fields by farmer at 09.45, along with Canadas. They all flew around the lake and the Canadas settled quickly,  but the  Snow Geese circled around for 5 minutes before dropping on. They flew off NW towards fields at 10.10 and are presumed to have carried on,  as they could not be found in fields later, despite extensive searching.
Interestingly, 3 white phase Lesser Snow Geese have been wintering in the Leighton Moss area, (North Lancs) from November 29th 2011 to, at least,  late February 2012.  Could these be the same birds?

Wintersett Wonderland

A Red Kite flew north over Haw Park at 09:05, shortly followed by a Buzzard heading in the same direction. The American Wigeon is still showing well on the south bank of the CP with 30 Goosander, 5 Oystercatcher (inc. 1 colour-ringed) and 2 Redshank also present.

The drake Smew and Black-necked Grebe are still on the top res and 3 Bittern roosted this evening.

American Wigeon Anglers CP. Carl Dixon

Edderthorpe

13 Shelduck, 5 Redshank and 560 Golden Plover being the highlights.

Old news from Old Moor

Yesterdays sightings included a Woodcock, a Jack Snipe and 3 Snipe all on the Gypsy Marsh. Old Moor had 9 Goldeneye on the mere, Little Egret on the Field Pools and at least 6 Redshank, 4 Oystercatchers, 2 Ringed Plovers and a Green Sandpiper scattered about the reserve. A few sightings from the weekend which will be excellent if confirmed were an Avocet and Chiffchaff on Sunday and 2 Sand Martins on Saturday which would be the earliest ever , 4 were reported from Pugneys on Sunday. The Cettis Warbler was heard singing on Saturday.

Ingbirchworth group of reservoirs

Broadstones Reservoir - 22 Curlews, 10 Oystercatchers, c150 Common Gulls, c300 Black-headed Gulls and 28 Herring Gulls.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 65 + 38 + 28 Lapwings heading west, 151 Canada Geese, 35 Mallard, 2 (1 drake) Goldeneyes, a pair of Great Crested Grebes displaying and 2 Tufted Ducks.
Ingbirchworth Filter Station - 2 Willow Tits singing.
Royd Moor Reservoir - 2 Teal, 13 Mallard and 35 Canada Geese.
Scout Dike Reservoir - a pair Great Crested Grebes, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Moorhen , 5 Canada Geese, 14 Coots and a singing Willow Tit at Maze Brook.

Bamf had a Red Kite over Broomhill at 15:30. Barnacle Goose with Canadas and a pair of Oystercatchers on Flash.

Raptors over Wintersett 5th March 2012

Wintersett Res. -  2 Red Kites hunting over fields between Pitts Wood and Cold Hiendley at 10.35 hours before slowly drifting off westwards.  At least 6 Buzzards up in the air.
Still here -  Black-necked Grebe and Drake Smew
Anglers - Drake American Wigeon, 3 Whooper Swans and 1 Redshank.

Monday 5th March

As is usual at this time of year it was a fairly steady day at the upland waters.
Broadstones Reservoir - 8 Oystercatchers
+ 4 Brown Hares.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 319 Canada Geese and c300 Black-headed Gulls.
Castle Dam - 3 Tufted Ducks, 4 Mallards, 4 Moorhen, 9 Coots, a pair of Little Grebes and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

Evening visit at Wintersett 4th March 2012

An evening visit produced a curlew and  also 2 bitterns in their respective reedbeds at dusk.
The gull roost had 6 Greater Black-backed Gulls, 15 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 44 Herring Gulls.

Adwick

Lapwings displaying and also the first pair of redshank of the new era. Plus lots of yellow and reed buntings still on site.
Its brilliant !!! A place that's going to be hard to beat once properly up and running.
Lets hope the RSPB get the water management and the security of the site right.

A rainwashed Sunday

EDDERTHORPE FLASH
Little change from yesterday this morning although Shelduck are up to 13 and Redshank up to 10.
WINTERSETT RES
On the top res the Black-necked Grebe is starting to show traces of breeding plumage and the drake Smew is still there. On the country park the American Wigeon is still with 398 Wigeon (they are slowly departing).

Ewden Heights

c. 12.30-1.30,  single Black Grouse + brief sightings of Red Kite and Raven.

Wintersett Res

The 44 Whooper Swans that left Old Moor flew over here around 15 minutes later as they headed north-west. American Wigeon still on CP, Black-necked Grebe and drake Smew still on top res. Also 100 Goldeneye and 22 Goosanders. A black-tailed Godwit was down in the morning, $ Oystercatchers and a couple of Curlew. 720 Golden Plovers were flushed by a Peregrine and at least 7 Buzzards were present.
EDDERTHORPE FLASH
Shelduck 12, Shoveler 32, Gadwall 32, Pintail 2, Golden Plover 750, and Redshank 5.

Low Baurgh S.F.

No sign water pipit late a.m. but green sand, 2 oystercatchers, 3 goosanders on river. By the way, whose got the 2010 reports?

Early news Old Moor 3rd March

44 Whooper Swans on Wader Scrape

The Sights and Sounds of the Dearne Valley

Looking at some bird sightings is both disappointing and annoying.

There are certain bird species that in my view are the 'Sights and Sounds' of the Dearne Valley.
One of those species is Whooper Swan. The sight and sound of 20 to 30 of these magnificent birds flying along the valley is something that has been a great loss to the valley in recent years. We now only get them on their return journey back to Iceland.
We need to get them back throughout winter, but until we have the right habitat they will continue to pass us by. The problems surrounding Broomhill Flash need sorting out for a start.

Bitterns, Cetti's and Little Egrets are good birds to have - but these are recent additions.
My Sights and Sounds of the Dearne Valley also include:

Displaying LRPs.
Drumming snipe.
Displaying lapwings and redshanks over fields near Wath Ings.
The sound of calling greenshank in autumn as you walked towards the Wath hide.
The call of green sandpipers during any month of the year.

Old Moor - 2nd March - More News

A further 10 Whooper Swans dropped in from very high at 17.30, in addition to the 5 seen earlier in day. Cettis Warbler again reported. Regarding the Med Gull seen earlier it will be interesting to see if it is one of our "regular" birds or not. Last year the adult male that had successfully bred in 2010 arrived on the 16th March and the ringed adult male that hung about for months but didnt attract a mate arrived on the 26th February.

Old Moor - 2nd March

Had a day off work today and paid an unusual midweek visit to Old Moor, saw a lot of old faces and I mean old, only joking. No sign of Med Gull reported earlier in day and 5 Whoopers present earlier on the mere had already moved to Edderthorpe. Birds I did see were as follows:- Mere 7 Goldeneye (3 drakes, 1 immature drake and 3 females), Oystercatcher, Redshank, Green Sandpiper, c200 Golden plover over, 2 Lesser Black backs. Field Pools Little Egret, 3 Oystercatchers and Ringed Plover. Wader Scrape 6 Goosander, 2 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank. Reedbeds 2 Oystercatchers and Green Sandpiper.

Wintersett 2nd March 2012

Wintersett Res - Drake Smew,  Black-necked Grebe.
Anglers - Drake American Wigeon, 1 Redshank, 6 shovelers.
Walton Hall - Greenland White-fronted Goose.

Friday March 2nd

The 5 Whoopers still on Edderthorpe 2.15pm.
Mealy Redpoll (one definite and maybe a second) with Lesser Redpolls in Broomhill Park.

Friday 2nd March.

Rough-legged Buzzard at Broomhead Moor again at 11:45.

Edderthorpe Flash 2 March

5 Whooper Swan reported this morning on the flash by Alan Stonier

Ingbirchworth March 1st

Two Oystercatchers, single male Goldeneye and five singing Yellowhammers were the highlight yesterday. Many Curlew have returned to the fields around Broadstone Res also.

Early news Old Moor - 2nd March

Adult Mediterranean Gull seen from mere flying towards Bolton Ings.

Old Moor - 1st March

Sightings yesterday included Bittern, Little Egret, Cettis Warbler, 2 Oystercatcher and 2 Green Sandpipers.

important e-petition

This e-petition regarding protection of raptors needs signatures to force the government to raise the matter in parliament. Please read it, sign it and forward it to like-minded friends and family.

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/23089

follow the link and sign away!

Wintersett 1st March 2012

Wintersett Res - Black-necked Grebe, Drake Smew, Water Rail.
Anglers - Drake American Wigeon, 32 Goosanders.
Haw Park Wood - 2 calling Tawny Owls

Rough-legged Buzzard

The juvenile Rough-legged Buzzard was at Broomhead Moor again this afternoon at 16:45pm

Thursday 1st March

Elsecar Reservoir - 10 Great Crested Grebes, 18 Coot, 21 Mallard and 1 Grey Heron.