Old Royston Flash 31/08

this afternoon - 2 Greenshanks and 1 Yellow Wagtail

Old Moor area pm

Old Moor: 3 Garganey, 9 Wigeon, Marsh Harrier, 2 Buzzards, Peregrine, 2 Ringed Plover, 12 Golden Plover, 5 Greenshank , 3 Spotted Redshank (2 ads, 1 juv), 10 Green Sands, 4 Common Sands, 3 Ruff, 4 Black-tailed Godwits.

Wombwell Ings: 3 Wigeon, Garganey, 104 Gadwall, 12 Shoveler, Marsh Harrier, 5 Greenshank.

Broomhill Flash: Black-necked Grebe.

I did not see the Wood Sand (though it has been reported) but suspect it has gone as it was extremely vociferous at dusk yesterday, normally a cue for the off. A Garganey on Wombwell Ings whilst three were on Wath Ings confirmed as suspected there are four in the area. An Osprey is written in the book for this morning but with no other details than 'through'. Known reliable observers who were down all morning didn't see it but obviously its not unlikely with one blogging nearby at the moment. And finally the report of 20 Greenshank this morning was a mix-up but there are probably about ten in the area in total.

Picture story time now..........

A newly arriving Ruff at Wath Ings

clearly likes what it sees

and soon learns you can mix-it with the Moorhens.......................

but you should never mess with the Wath Coots!

Adwick p.m.

Little Grebe 2ads + 2 juvs, Little Egret 4, Grey Heron 3, Canada Goose c.100, Pochard 2 (new), Mallard 1 flew into wires, Marsh Harrier 1 cc 16.50 to 17.05, Kestrel c.6.

Wintersett Ringing information request 31.08.12

To Old Moor:  A Sand Martin with the ring number L488222 was caught at Wintersett today.   Could it be from your Sand Martin nesting site?  Any ringing details you can supply would be appreciated. 

Autumn Number 2 Wintersett 31.08.12

 Very cold start becoming warmer throughout the morning.
Autumn OSPREY number two came circling high over fields to the west of Anglers CP at 10.42hrs. It flew off to the east at 10.47hrs.
Wintersett Res Flyovers: Meadow Pipit 4,  Yellow Wagtail 2 west,  Greenshank 2 at 08.20hrs, Pintail 1
Also present: Water Rail 1, Wigeon 4,  Sand Martin 300, Willow Warbler 1, Lesser Whitethroat 1 ringed, Whitethroat 2 ringed.
Haw Park Wood: Buzzard 3.

A good walk though

Midhope Reservoir - 58 Canada Geese, 14 Mallards and 1 Crossbill.
Underbank Reservoir - 28 Canada Geese, 40 Mallards, 3 Grey Herons and 2 Great Crested Grebes + 3 young.

Old Moor - Early news

Spotted Redshank 1, Green Sandpiper 12, Greenshank 20, Ruff 4, Black Tailed Godwit 4, Golden Plover 2, Ringed plover 2, Marsh Harrier 2, Garganey 2, Wigeon 9. Birds moving south Yellow Wagtail 4 and Meadow Pipit 35. No sign of yesterdays Red Necked Phalarope but the Black Necked Grebe still showing well at Broomhill Flash.

Hat-trick!

Juvenile Red-necked Phalarope on Wath Ings - Keith Pickering

 The Red-necked Phal' remained on Wath Ings until dusk along with 3 Garganey, 4 Dunlin, Wood Sandpiper and 3 Spotted Redshanks. Four Little Egrets roosted on Willow Pool and a Hobby flew over carrying prey. Two Marsh Harriers were seen earlier. A Black-necked Grebe that featured on the pager at Old Moor is presumed erroneous or just a Broomhill mix-up, unless of course you know different?

The RNP with Lapwings - It's the slightly smaller one! - Keith Pickering

Juvenile Red-necked Phalarope on Wath Ings - Keith Pickering. We had been talking about a phalarope hat-trick ever since the appearance of a Red-necked in May and a Grey in July. Not quite what we meant but who's complaining?

Elsecar a.m.

Elsecar Reservoir - 79 Mallards, 2 Tufted Ducks, 5 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Grey Herons, 11 Coots, 11 Moorhens, 150+ Swallows and 1 Lesser Whitethroat.

Autumn Number 1 at Wintersett 30.08.12

A very cold and overcast day (13C)  for the time of year.  Extra layers, gloves and wellies needed.
The first OSPREY of the Autumn arrived this afternoon at 13.25. It was a juvenile,  fishing over Botany Bay and Wintersett Res until 13.43hrs.  It then slowly circled around, gaining height, before heading south.   Notably the same date as the first autumn Osprey last year,
A dark juvenile Marsh Harrier was hunting at Old Royson Flash at 13.10hrs before leaving to the north east.  An adult Hobby was hunting hirundines at Anglers ACP late this morning and again at 14.25 hours.
Wintersett Res:Common Sandpiper 2, Swift 2, Whitethroat 1,   Mallard 106, Gadwall 9, Wigeon 4, Teat 3 + 1 ACP,  Common Tern 1 adult.
Old Royston Flash: Greenshank 6, Ruff 1.
Cold  Hiendley Res:Yellow Wagtail 3 + 1 WRes + 1ORF, Grey Wagtail 1,  Feral Pigeon 16 (in west field)
Haw Park Wood: Siskin 1
Anglers CP:Pintail 1

What a place !!!

Black necked grebe, red necked phal, marsh harrier, wood sand, 3 spot reds, 3 garganey.
It gets better and better.

We must count ourselves very very lucky to have this wonderful site on our doorsteps.

Stop Press

Red-necked Phalarope, juv on Wath Ings, 13.45 at least.

Old Moor late am update

Little Egret 1, Wigeon 4+, Garganey 3+, Marsh Harrier 1 'cc', Ringed Plover 11, Golden Plover 6, Dunlin 1, Green Sand 11, Common Sand 5, Wood Sand 1 juv, Ruff 1, Black-tailed Godwit 4, Spotted Redshank 1 ad, Greenshank 5. Marsh Harrier photos - John Hewitt

Black-necked Grebe still at Broomhill Flash.

Carlton Marsh

What a beautiful end to a bad weather day! As I arrived a Buzzard was circling low over the marsh sending the Wood Pigeons scattering for cover.  2 Kingfishers circling the scrape were in addition to one I had seen a little earlier at the south side of the reserve.
As the light faded a full moon began to shine in a cloudless sky, perfect conditions for observing a Noctule Bat as it began to feed over the scrape.  As it got darker up to 6 Pipistrelle Bats came out and were performing their butterfly-like flight patterns in front of the hide.

Langsett gull roost

Langsett Reservoir - 1 Canada Goose, 66 Mallards, 15 Tufted Ducks and 1 Osprey for 10mins before leaving southeast at 7:10pm. Gull roost was disappointing with 69 Black-headed Gulls and 211+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls. LBBGs were late coming in with some still arriving at 8:25pm in rapidly fading light.

Dusky update

No, not warbler or even thrush - just the time of day!

4 Little Egrets + Hobby perched on Pylons near Reedbeds.

And a-bittern news from this afternoon

Additional for Old Moor: Marsh Harrier 'cream crown' + Bittern seen in flight dropping into Reedbeds. This is the first confirmed sighting since the family dispersed in mid-July although there have been a couple of unsubstantiated reports which could of course be genuine.

Wintersett WET 29.08.12

Continuous rain from 9.00am to 12.00.
Unexpected highlight today was a juvenile Marsh Harrier that flew to trees on the west bank of ACP in very heavy rain at 10.40hrs. It made several attempts at hunting before being mobbed by crows and forced to perch up as the rain continued. When the rain abated it flew around hunting again before leaving west at 12.10hrs.
Anglers CP: Greylag Goose 87,  Canada Goose 295, Teal 12, Common Tern 1, Little Grebe 6 + 1 WRes, Swift 1, Goldfinch 60
Wintersett Res:Shoveler 21 + 9 ACP,  Pochard 22 + 4 ACP, Wigeon 3.
Old Royston Flash: Greenshank 6, Ruff 1, Yellow Wagtail 3.

Old Moor-ning

The morning at Old Moor: Little Egret 3, Wigeon 5+, Garganey 2, Ringed Plover 5, Golden Plover 6, Dunlin 1, Green Sand 13, Common Sand 7, Wood Sand 1, Ruff 7, Black-tailed Godwit 5, Spotted Redshank 2, Greenshank 5. So, not a lot of change in the heavy rain but maybe things will start to happen as it clears?

Black-necked Grebe still at Broomhill Flash.

Bolton on Dearne

Two hobbys together over Furlong Road in the middle of Bolton this morning at 9 oclock.
Flew towards Adwick Washland.

Carlton Marsh

This morning there were still 3 Little Owls in Lidster's yard and a male Vapourer moth  on the wing over the marsh.

Cudworth Common this evening - 25 Meadow Pipits, 6 Skylarks, 2 Mute Swans, kingfisher, 2 Teal, 4 Snipe leaving west at dusk and a Long Eared Owl hunting the horse pasture at 19.45hrs.

Symphony (south side) 15 Mistle Thrushes and 6 Red legged Partridges.

The Edge

Broomhill Flash  mid morning- In addition to those mentioned in the early morning update, birds present included 9 Little Grebe, 1 juv Great Crested Grebe, 48 Mallard, 48 Gadwall, 49 Teal, 17 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 3 Shoveler,2 Mute Swan, 1 Greenshank, 2 LBB Gull, 3 Kestrel and 1 Sparrowhawk.

Bolton Ings Late morning- Birds present included 17 Cormorant, 21 Tufted Duck, 50+ Mallard , 40+ Gadwall, 6 Pochard, 1 Shelduck, 10+ Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 4 adult Mute swan + 6 cygnets, 2 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine, 1 Kestrel and 1 Green Woodpecker.

late afternoon visit

Just an update from Old Moor this afternoon: Pretty much status quo the exception being 6 Ruff. Good birds still early evening included 2 Garganey, 2 Spot Reds and Wood Sand.

Meanwhile Ian Butler has sent a couple of fantastic shots of the Osprey that flew over Old Moor last Friday morning. Thanks Ian.

Wintersett 28.08.12

Old Royston Flash: Greenshank 6, Yellow Wagtail 3.
Anglers CP:  Meadow Pipit 1 south,  Snipe 1, Swift 2 + 1 WRes, Garden Warbler 1, Lesser Whitethroat 1,   Mallard 61,  Teal 14.  A Red Admiral was also flying.
Haw Park: Buzzard 7.
Disposal Point:  Spotted Flycatcher 1, Goldfinch 100, Little Grebe 2 adults + 3 young and 1 adult + 1 young, Tufted Duck 1 female + 6 young.
Wintersett Res: Pintail 1 immature/female,  Common Sandpiper 2,  Common Tern 2 adults.  Wigeon 3 + 1 ACP, Shoveler 9 + 9 ACP, Pochard 24 + 2 ACP.

Ingbirchworth Res's.

Lower Maythorn - 100+ Starlings.
Broadstone Reservoir - 20 Mallards, 1 juvenile Great Crested Grebe, 2 Common Sandpipers, c50 Jackdaws and c100 Rooks.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 47 Canada Geese, 26 Mallards, 1 drake Common Pochard, 11 Tufted Ducks and 9 Little Grebes.
Royd Moor Reservoir - 58 Greylag Geese, 103 Canada Geese, 17 Mallards, 3 Moorhens and 5+ Common Whitethroats.
Scout Dike Reservoir - c40 Lapwings and c100 Starlings.

Damselflies & dragonflies - 6+ Common Blue Damselflies, 1 Common Hawker and 1 Brown Hawker (all RMR)

Butterflies - 3 Small Skippers, 1 Large Skipper, 10+ Large Whites, 10+ Small Whites, 5+ Green-veined Whites, 1 Brown Argus, 20+ Small Tortoiseshells, 5+ Peacocks, c5 Gatekeepers, 30+ Meadow Browns and 3 Small Heaths (all RMR).

Not be long nar.............

early am update

Additional Old Moor: Garganey 2 (ad, juv), Ruff 3.

Broomhill Flash: Black-necked Grebe, Ringed Plover, Com Sand 3, Green Sand 2.

Wombwell Ings: Little Egret 1,Wigeon 1, Greenshank 3, Yell Wag 1.

Edderthorpe: Marsh Harrier 1, Ruff 3

Old Moor - Early A.M.

Little Egret 2, Oystercatcher 2, Greenshank 4, Green Sandpiper 17, Common Sandpiper 9, Wood Sandpiper 1, Black Tailed Godwit 5, Spotted Redshank 2, Golden Plover 6, Ruff 2, Dunlin 1, Ringed Plover 9.

a few pics from today

Black-necked Grebe (with Coot) at Broomhill Flash - John Hewitt

Black-necked Grebe at Broomhill Flash - John Hewitt

Juvenile Peregrine at Old Moor - Keith Pickering

Juvenile Peregrine at Old Moor - Keith Pickering

The Edge

Broomhill Flash mid morning- 2 cc Marsh  Harriers appeared at 10.02am , with one departing west towards the brickyard 5 mins later. The remaining bird quartered the area for the next 45 minutes. At 10.05 a low flying Buzzard flew NW after being mobbed by Crows.Other birds present included 6 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 11 Snipe, 1 Black Necked Grebe, 1 juv Yellow Wagtail, 3 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, juv Great Crested Grebe, 9 Little Grebe, 38 Mallard, 33 Teal, 30 Gadwall, 11 Tufted Duck, 11 Pochard, 8 Shoveler, 40 House Martin, 24 Sand Martin, 2 Swift, 30+ Swallow, 3 Kestrel, 1 Hobby, 2 Mute Swan, 1 LBB Gull and  1 Chiffchaff.

Bolton Ings late morning-  A Peregrine seen leaving Wath Ings passed its prey to a juvenile over Bolton tip. On the open water were 50+ Mallard, 40 + Gadwall, 41 Tufted Duck, 2 adult Mute Swan + 2 cygnets, 4 adult +1 juv Great Crested Grebe, 10+ Little Grebe, 6 Pochard, 6 Shoveler, 1 adult Shelduck and 12 Cormorant. Also present were Jay, Greenwoodpecker, Kestrel, cc Marsh Harrier, and 2 LBB Gull.

Ingbirchworth & Upper Midhope

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 11 Curlews NW.
Low Moor, Upper Midhope - 60+ House Martins

per Brian Penistone.

Wintersett 27.08.12

Anglers CP:  Peregrine 1 juvenile flew over at 09.23 and then left north,  Tree Pipit 1 flew south at 08.00hrs.  Swift 5, Shoveler 9 + 14 flew in and 10 on WRes.,
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 2, Herring Gull 2 adults. Pochard 7 + 3ACP.
Old Royston Flash: Greenshank 8,  Ruff 1

No change but............

Fantastic birding at Old Moor this morning: Little Egret 1, Garganey 1, Peregrine 2, Hobby 1, Marsh Harrier 2 'cc' (one with trailing leg, cf Adwick), Oystercatcher 2,Lapwing 1200, Golden Plover 29, Ringed Plover 9, Dunlin 2, Wood Sand 1, Green Sand 13, Common Sand 9, Spotted Redshank 2, Greenshank 5, Ruff 3, Knot 1 juv, Black t Godwit 7, Common Tern 2, Swift c100. I said no change, but actually there was as I didn't see the Black Tern. Maybe it's done a bunk?

Broomhill Flash highlight: Black-necked Grebe 1, 2 Marsh Harriers (same).

Wombwell Ings: Yellow Wag 4 juvs.

Adwick washlands (08.15)

Little Grebe 1pr plus 4 newly hatched young, Little Egret 3, Teal 14, Tufted 3, Marsh Harrier 1cc appeared to have a  trailing leg, Buzzard 2, Kestel 2, Swallow 10, House Martin c20, Kingfisher 2, Linnet 16, Common Whitethroat 3, Blackcap 2.

Viz Mig at Harden & Whitley extras

Figures for the viz mig count at Harden Quarries for 26th August.
Time: 06:00-08:30.
Observers: Mick Cunningham & Nick Mallinson.
Grey Heron 1 NE, Swallow 37 SW & 9 NE, Meadow Pipit 22 SW & 18 NE, Grey Wagtail 1 NE, Chaffinch 3 SW, finch sp. 14 SW & 5 NE, Siskin 1 SW, Crossbill 5 SW. Also present - Cormorant 2, Kestrel 3, Black-headed Gull 2, Lesser Black-backed Gull 2 and Spotted Flycatcher 1.

Additions for Whitley Edge - 1 Common Snipe, 13 Curlew (migrating), 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 juvenile Herring Gulls and 3 Wheatears.

All records per Mick Cunningham.

Old Moor area early eve update

Wombwell Ings: Heron 13, Little Egret 1, Wigeon 1, Marsh Harrier 1 'cc', Black t Godwit 1, Greenshank 2, Little Gull juv till early afternoon, Yellow Wag 2 juvs

The juvenile Little Gull on Wombwell Ings this morning - Dave Pickering

Old Moor: Little Egret 2, Wigeon 3, Garganey 2, Marsh Harrier 1 'cc', Buzzard 6 south, Hobby 1, Peregrine 1,Oystercatcher 2, Ringed Plover 14, Lapwing 1500, Green Sand 15, Common Sand 6, Wood Sand 2, Dunlin 2, Spot Redhank 2, Greenshank 4, Black t Godwit 6, Ruff 3, Knot 1, Snipe 30+, Black Tern 1, Kingfisher 2, Wheatear 1. (totals from Jeff Wragg, Chris Harris and Sid Renouf).

All three pictures of the adult Black Tern below taken by Keith Pickering.

Broomhill Flash: Common Sand 4, Green Sand 2, Greenshank 2.

Night shift in place - any late updates will follow.

Ewden Height 26/08/2012

Early report from myself and Dave Woodriff ..

Goosander - c15 - Seemed to alight from Langsett Res around 9.15am before flying SE towards Broomhead Res. ; Crossbill - 42 - Calling groups of 5, 33 and 4 flew SE. Thought to be local movement as 5 also returned NW. ; House Martin - c35 - c30 south + 5 feeding ; Lesser Black-backed Gull - c90 - all E-SE 9-11am, presumably from Langsett Res roost? ; Swallow - c50 - c25 south ; Willow Warbler - 1-2 - 1 singing ; Tree Pipit - 3 - singles south ; Meadow Pipit - c60; Greylag Goose - c30+ - Moving between Midhope and Broomhead Res several times. ; Lesser Redpoll - 1 ; Yellow Wagtail - 1 - south calling 11.15am ; Linnet - 5+, Raven -3, Peregrine -2, Common Buzzard -c13, 2 seperate groups of 5 birds in the air together plus singles also seen ..Sparrowhawk -2, Kestrel -2, Black Grouse -1, Green Pecker -2 ...

Wintersett 26.08.12

After an unpromising start the highlights today were:
A juvenile Marsh Harrier flew south  from the SW corner fields on WRes. at 12.20 hrs.  Then a few minutes later it drifted off high SW with 4 Buzzards at Old Royston Flash.
A Little Gull flew briefly into Anglers CP at 11.58hrs.
Anglers CP:  Ruff 1 male flew over at 16.04, then appeared to drop in a field near Haw Park Wood. 5 Snipe flew SW,  1 Golden Plover went W. 1juv. Common Tern left NE, 1 Herring Gull went east. 1 Wigeon, 1 Swift. A Barn Owl was seen at 06.30hrs.
Wintersett Res: 2 Common Tern, 11 Pochard, 1Yellow Wagtail SE, 80 Sand Martins. 1 Garden Warbler was ringed.
Old Royston Flash: 9 Greenshank, 1 female Ruff, 1 Teal, 1 Yellow Wagtail and a Hobby flew NE at 12.25 hrs.

The other edge

Whitley Edge - c400 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 1 juvenile Herring Gull.

Adwick washlands (09.00)

Little Egret 4, the only birds of note.

LG on WC

Whitley Common - 1 juvenile Little Gull. per Mick Cunningham.

Carlton Marsh

A Redstart was still present this morning and 2 Kingfishers were whizzing around the scrape. (Jim Plant)

The three pellets I found beneath a temporary Barn Owl roost last week contained 5 Short Tailed Field Voles and 3 Wood Mouse skulls.

Wintersett 25.08.12

Mixed weather today - warmish but overcast with sunny spells in the morning and sharp showers in the afternoon.
Anglers CP: Dunlin 1 flew over,  Greenshank 1 left south,  Snipe 11 flew SW,  Arctic Tern 1 juv.dropped in briefly 09.25hs then left NE,  Yellow Wagtail 3 went SE, Wigeon 3 left NW,  Common Gull 1 adult flew west.  Swift 7,  Little Grebe 5, Pochard 11, Shoveler 6, Greylag Goose 62, Canada Goose 323.
Wintersett Res: Common Sandpiper 1,  Common Tern 2 adults.
Old Royston Flash: Greenshank 6,  Ruff 1.

Mick's news

Harden Quarries - proposed viz mig watch thwarted by rain & mist but 1 c/c Marsh Harrier and 2 Crossbills seen.
Broadstone Reservoir - 1 Wheatear.
Scout Dike Reservoir - 3 Willow Tits.

Butterflies - 1 Purpe Hairsteak, 1 male Common Blue and 1 Wall (at SDR).

Damselflies - 1 Banded Demoiselle (at SDR).

All records per Mick Cunningham & Nick Mallinson.

And...........

Old Moor - Wheatear 2, Little Egret 2, Golden Plover 6, Dunlin 1, Hobby 1.
Marsh Harrier 1cc at Edderthorpe and one seen at Bolton Ings (same bird?).
Edderthorpe Ings - Black Wit 2, Ruff 2.
Wombwell Ings - Greenshank 2, Wigeon 1, Yellow Wag 2.

Old Moor - Early A.M.

Black Tern 1, Garganey 2, Oystercatcher 2, Greenshank 5, Green Sandpiper 13, Common Sandpiper 11, Wood Sandpiper 1, Black Tailed Godwit 7, Spotted Redshank 2, Golden Plover 1, Ringed Plover 17 and Whimbrel 1 over.

A dick wash

Little Grebe 2, Cormorant 1, Little Egret 1, Buzzard 1, Oystercatcher 1, Snipe 2, Greenshank 2, Grey Partridge 5+.

Wintersett 24.08.12

Anglers CP: Whimbrel 6 went south at 07.15, Shelduck 11 juveniles left NW at 08.00, Marsh Harrier 1 circling high to the NW, being mobbed by a corvid, at 13.47,  Greenshank 1 went south 14.15, Yellow Wagtail 1 flew east. 
Teal 9, Great Crested Grebe 35 (several in wing moult) Pochard 11 + 5 WRes, Shoveler 6, Swift 3, Tufted Duck brood of  5 + brood of 3 WRes., Buzzard 3 up.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 2 adults, Common Sandpiper 1.
Also a Red Underwing moth was trapped last night.

Red Underwing

Late broods of Little Grebes.

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - two broods of 2+3 Little Grebes (brood of two also noted on 20th August) are to my knowledge the first young to have hatched here this year. Also 72 Mallards, 14 Tufted Ducks, 2 Great Crested Grebes and 14 Coots (a fall in numbers of each species since Monday).
Winscar Reservoir - 97 Mallards plus a fresh brood of 6 ducklings and 1 Moorhen.

Old Moor - Midday Update

Osprey over at 10.54.

Old Moor - Early A.M.

Black Tern 1, Garganey 1, Oystercatcher 1, Greenshank 10, Green Sandpiper 10, Common Sandpiper 6, Wood Sandpiper 1, Black Tailed Godwit 6, Spotted Redshank 2, Dunlin 3, Ringed Plover 9, Curlew 1, Little Egret 1.

Carlton Marsh

This evening - Male Redstart ( Dave Standish) 2 Kingfishers, 50 Canada Geese and a Little Owl.

Wintersett 23.08.12

Wintersett Res: Common Tern 2,  Water Rail 1.
Anglers CP: Little Grebe 2, Great Crested Grebe 34, Wigeon 2, Swift 1.
Moorhouse Lane Ponds: A new brood of 6 Tufted Ducklings.

Steady to Dead

Elsecar Reservoir - 1 Mute Swan, 41 Mallards, 2 Tufted Ducks, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Grey Heron and 20 Coots.

Old Moor

Additional to Niges post (see below).
Marsh harrier 1, Hobby 2, Spot Red 2. Black Wit 7.
Claimed - Ruff 2 wader scrape and spot fly Broomhill Park.
The whole of Old Moor looks dangerous at the moment - and as they used to say on Stingray 'anything can happen in the next half hour'.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E06cNv55jTs

Old Moor - Early A.M.

Old Moor this morning:- Black Tern 1, Garganey 1, Oystercatcher 2, Greenshank 7, Green Sandpiper 14, Common Sandpiper 6, Wood Sandpiper 1, Black Tailed Godwit 6, Spotted Redshank 1. Last night in addition to Mick's post earlier:- Little Egret 2, Green Sandpiper 13, Greenshank 4, Oystercatcher 1, Common Sandpiper 4, LBB Gull 2 and 9 Common Terns roosting on mere.

Adwick washlands (mid afternoon)

Little Egret 3, Snipe 4, Marsh Harrier 1cc, 14.40 left east at 15.00.

Old Moor this evening. Black tern adult on Mere, 4 Common terns, 8 Green Sands, Wood Sand, dulin, 2 Greenshank, 6 Black tailed Godwits, 2 Spotted Reds, c1000 Lapwing, Water Rail on main marsh, Apparently Osprey and Marsh Harrier earlier.

Wintersett 22.08.12

Bright with a SW breeze today. 
Wintersett Res: House Martin 50, Wigeon 1, Common Tern 1 adult.
Anglers CP: Hobby 2, Swift 3, Wigeon 1, Cormorant 13, Buzzard 6.

Langsett this evening

Langsett Reservoir - 23 Canada Geese, 73 Mallards, 1 Teal, 14 Tufted Ducks, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Dunlin and 1 Green Woodpecker. Gull roost - 35 Black-headed Gulls, 522 Lesser Black-backed Guls, 1 third-year Herring Gull, 5 (4 adults & 1 second-year) Yellow-legged Gulls and 1 probable second-year Caspian Gull.

Wintersett 21.08.12

Wintersett Res. Flyovers: Dunlin  1 at 05.40hrs,  Tree Pipit  2 south at 06.51 and 1 at 07.02,  Greenshank  1 south west at 06.53 and 1 at 08.31,  Green Sandpiper  1 at 07.30,  Yellow Wagtail 2 and  Grey Wagtail 1 south.
Also here:  Water Rail 2, Common Tern 2, Sand Martin 50
Anglers CP: Spotted Flycatcher 1 moving north, Shoveler 9, Swift 1 and Spotted Redshank 1 that flew south at 17.16hrs.

Old Moor late aft

Highlights: Garganey 3, Wood Sand 1, Black Tern, Whimbrel through.

Off to drink some Murphy's - speak in a few days!

Edderthorpe early a.m.

Shelduck 1 juv, Shoveler 44, Wigeon 1, Teal 90, Ringed Plover 3, Common Sand 2, Ruff 2.

Edderthorpe morning

Ruff 1, LRP 1, Common Sand 4

The six-o'clock news

Old Moor: Little Egret 1, Shelduck 1, 3 Garganey, Hobby 1, Marsh Harrier 1, LRP 1, RP 1, Curlew 5, Black-wit 8, Spot Red 2, Com Sand 10, Green Sand 16, Ruff 1.

Wombwell Ings: Wood Sand 1.

Royd Moor, Broadstone & Ingbirchworth

Royd Moor Reservoir - 53 Greylag Geese, 10 Canada Geese, 7 Mallard, 4 Tufted Ducks, 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebes and 6 Moorhens.
Lower Maythorn - c300 Starlings.
Broadstone Reservoir - 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Whimbrel SW, 7 Curlews, c100 Black-headed Gulls, 120+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 3 Blackcaps.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 88 Mallards, 27 Tufted Ducks, 2 Little Grebes + 2 young, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 16 Coots, 2 Common Sandpipers and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Butterflies - 4 Small Skippers, 2 Large Whites, 5+ Small Whites, 30+ Green-veined Whites, 4 Small Tortoiseshells, 1 Comma, 3 Speckled Woods, 250+ Gatekeepers, c70 Meadow Browns, 2 Ringlets and 2 Small Heaths (at RMR), and 4 Large Whites, c10 Green-veined Whites, 15+ Small Tortoiseshells, 4 Peacocks, c20 Gatekeepers, c10 Meadow Browns and 4 Small Heaths (at BR).

Damselflies & Dragonflies - 7 Common Blue Damselflies, 2 Common Hawkers and 1 Southern Hawker 1 (all RMR).

Mammals - 1 Weasel (at RMR).

Carlton Marsh

This morning- Buzzard, Kingfisher, 3 Little Owls and a Grey Wagtail. (Dave Standish)

Dragonflies - Emperor 2 males, Brown Hawker, Migrant Hawker, 12 Ruddy Darters (included 2 females) and c15 Emerald Damselfies.

Cudworth Station this afternoon - Brimstone (male) butterfly and a Elephant Hawk moth larvae feeding on Rosebay Willowherb.

Wintersett 20.08.12

Highlights this morning were a Marsh Harrier that flew east over Anglers CP at 06.35hrs,  3 Tree Pipits (1S +2SE) that flew over at 06.26, 06.37 and 10.00hrs.   2 Turnstone flew north over Wintersett Res at 08.20hrs.
Anglers CP:Greylag Goose 50, Common Tern 1, Swift 1,  Wigeon 1, Yellow Wagtail  1 flew SE. Also flying Black-tailed Skimmer 1.
Moth trapping last night produced: Rush Veneer, Bulrush Wainscot and Miller.

Miller

 

 

 

Wintersett WeBS count 19.08.12

Gadwall 36, Pochard 10, Mallard 76, Tufted Duck 348, Shoveler 16, Coot 339, Moorhen 18, Great Crested Grebe 57, Little Grebe 6, Mute Swan 19, Cormorant 10, Canada Goose 178, Greylag Goose 4, Lapwing 70, Grey Heron 2 and a Green Sandpiper flew over ACP 13.55.

sunday 19th

Ewden- half an hour at the shooting lodge, then heavy rain ending it, early aft., produced 3 ravens showing well over upper commons + hobby hawking insects. Up to 3 hobbys this weekend at cawthorne.

Adwick washlands (am)

Little Egret 3, Grey Heron 2, Grey Lag 54, Canada Geese 11, Mallard c80, Gadwall 10, Tufted Duck 3, Green Sandpiper 2, Grey Partridge 15, Yellow Wagtail 2, Willow Tit 1, Spotted Flycatcher 1 (Adwick tip).

Old Moor - 19th August

Night shift today at Old Moor, Buzzard and Marsh Harrier over Bolton Tip, 3 Little Egrets roosted on Willow Pool, Garganey 3, Lapwing 560+, LRP 2, Common Sandpiper 6, Green Sandpiper 15, Wood Sandpiper 1, Greenshank 7, Spotted Redshank 2 (ad & juv), Snipe 8, Oystercatcher 3, Black Tailed Godwit 7 and 9 Common Terns. Seen earlier was a Whimbrel, 2 Yellow Wagtails and 2 Buzzards.

Wombwell Ings - 19th August

Carried onto Wombwell Ings for Webs count, highlights being Little Egret 1, good numbers of wildfowl and I finally managed to see the Marsh Harrier, over fields between Broomhill and Wombwell at 14.25. Full list :- Grey Heron 7, Little Egret 1, Mute Swan 2 + 5y, Canada Goose 70, Grey Lag Goose 58, Cormorant 4, Mallard 45, Teal 36, Gadwall 109, Shelduck 1 juv, Wigeon 1, Tufted Duck 5, Coot 33, Moorhen 6, Lapwing 25, Greenshank 2, Snipe 4, Kestrel 2, Marsh Harrier 1.

Bolton Ings - 19th August

Webs count today, highlights Little Egret, Yellow Wagtail and a new brood of Great Crested Grebes. Full List :- Grey Heron 2, Little Egret 1, Mute Swan 4 adults + 6 juvs + 3 adults on river, Canada Goose 54, Grey Lag Goose 27, Great Crested Grebe 6 adults + 1 juv + new brood of 2, Little Grebe 31, Mallard 52, Gadwall 60, Shoveler 3, Tufted Duck 44, Pochard 2, Coot 176, Moorhen 10, Lapwing 1, Black Headed Gull 26, Common Tern 1, Kestrel 1, Green Woodpecker 1, Kingfisher 1, Yellow Wagtail 1.

Visible Migration

Figures for the viz mig count at Harden Quarries and Harden on 19th August.
All movements between southeast and west.
Time - 06:00 to 08:00 (Harden Quarries), 08:05 to 17:00 intermittantly (Harden).
Observers - Mick Cunningham.
Red Kite 1, Marsh Harrier 1, Lapwing 19, Swift 1, Swallow 60, House Martin 4, Tree Pipit 2, Meadow Pipit 33, Grey Wagtail 1, alba wagtail sp 2, Song Thrush 1, Chaffinch 2, finch sp 13, Greenfinch 2 and Crossbill 3.
Also present/grounded - Grey Heron 1, Kestrel 3, Hobby 1, Lapwing 45, Black-headed Gull 1, Lesser Black-backed Gull 3, Short-eared Owl 1, Song Thrush 1, Sedge Warbler 1, Blackcap 2, Willow Warbler 5 and Pied Flycatcher 1.
per Mick Cunningham.

Ewden Height 19/08/2012

A morning visit from Dave Woodriff had the following from Ewden Height/Broomhead Moor ..

Grey Heron - 2 - south ; Willow Warbler - 5+ - 4 singing around Thorpe's Brow ; Swallow - 100+ ; Meadow Pipit - 100+ ; Yellow Wagtail - 1 - south calling ; Spotted Flycatcher - 1 - Thorpe's Brow ; Stock Dove - 2 south ; House Martin - 5+ ; Lesser Black-backed Gull - 8 - 3+4 SE,1 NW ; Cuckoo - 1 - Juvenile being fed by host Meadow Pipit ; Lesser Redpoll - 2+ ; Osprey - 1 - Flew in eastwards before heading south towards Agden around 9.15am. ; Tree Pipit - 10 - 1+1+1+2+5 south ; Red Grouse - c40 ; Linnet - 5 - presumed family group ; Sparrowhawk - 1 ; Kestrel - 1

I did the 'afternoon shift' but it was fairly quiet .. The juv cuckoo was still present and I was able to add black grouse, raven , hobby and curlew to the list ..

Edderthorpe August WeBS count

Mute Swan 23, Canada Goose 525, Greylag Goose 52, Mallard 380, Teal 80, Shoveler 41, Gadwall 58, Wigeon 1, Tufted 20, Garganey 1, Little Grebe 1, Cormorant 4, Grey Heron 5, Coot 167, Moorhen 40, Lapwing 190, LRP 1, Snipe 8, Green Sand 2, Common Sand 6, Ruff 1, Greenshank 2, Common Tern 2, Yellow Wagtail 1.
and for completion - Ferrymoor and Cudworth Common;-
Canada Goose 4, Mallard 85, Gadwall 2, Shoveler 2, Little Grebe 1, Grey Heron 2, Coot 12, Moorhen 12.

Viz Mig at Harden

Good passage and unusual migrants at Harden today.
1 Red Kite west, 1 Marsh Harrier west, 1 Hobby, 1 Pied Flycatcher (in garden), 1 Sedge Warbler (in garden), 4/5 Willow Warblers (in garden), 2 Blackcaps west and 1 Tree Pipit west.
All records per Mick Cunningham.
Remarkable records when you consider the remote moorland location (390m a.s.l.).

Visible Migration

Figures for the first viz mig count at Harden Quarries on 18th August.
All movemenrs between southeast and southwest unless stated.
Time - 06:05hrs to 11:00hrs
Observers - Mick Cunningham and Nick Mallinson.
Cormorant 1, Mallard 1, Marsh Harrier 1, Curlew 6, Swift 1, Green Woodpecker 1, Swallow 320, House Martin 24, Meadow Pipit 61, alba wagtail sp - 2, finch sp 11, Siskin 1, Linnet 6 northeast & Crossbill 13.
per Mick Cunningham.

Wharncliffe Chase 18/08/2012

Had a couple of hours out on 'The Chase' today to see what was about ..

Fairly quiet really considering the area covered ..

Results were 2 female redstarts, c25 mipits, c6 linnets, 5 female reed bunts, 3 willow warblers, a whitethroat, male and female blackcaps plus 1 juv, 2 kestrels, a green woodpecker. a great spotted woodpecker, c 30 swallows ..

Back to Ewden tomorrow methinks ...

Edderthorpe early a.m.

Wood Sand 1, Common Sand 9, Ruff 1, Dunlin 1, LRP 1.

News from the west

Harden Quarries - 1 juvenile Marsh Harrier this a.m. during viz. mig. watch.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 4 Shovelers.
Both sightings per Mick Cunningham (who is having computor problems at the moment).

Wintersett 18.08.12

Very warm and humid with a south westerly wind this morning.
Wintersett Res: Water Rail 1 juv.,  Siskin 4 south,  Green Woodpecker 1.   Birds ringed this morning included: 15 Reed Warbler,  15 Willow  Warbler and a Garden Warbler.
Cold Hiendley Res: Gadwall 11
Anglers CP: Swift 34 + 1 WR,  Common Sandpiper 1, Common Tern 2 and a Greenshank flew NE.

Barnsley Council

Barnsley Council in their wisdom have just released a planning document for public consultation called 'Local Development Framework'.

In this document the area of land south of the A635 road between Darfield and Goldthorpe (Billingley Ings / Goldy Fields) have been earmarked for business development. These fields are vital for the future of Old Moor - for example, over the last few weeks they have held 1 to 3 marsh harriers.
Plus a field adjacent to Park Hill Nature Reserve has been earmarked for housing.

On a more positive note; called at Old Moor this morning and Wath Ings looks brilliant.

For all you guys that don't get there very often it is well worth a visit right now.

Old Moor - Early Morning - 18th August

More or less same as last night, Garganey 3, Wigeon 1, Oystercatcher 3, Greenshank 5, Spotted Redshank 1, Green Sandpiper 14, Common Sandpiper 4, Wood Sandpiper 1, Dunlin 1, LRP 4, Ringed Plover 1, Common Tern 9, Siskin.

Old Moor - Last Night

Night Shift - Marsh Harrier and Hobby (Carl & Bamf), Little Egret 2, Garganey 3, Wigeon 1, Oystercatcher 3, Greenshank 5, Spotted Redshank 1, Green Sandpiper 13, Common Sandpiper 4, Wood Sandpiper 1, Dunlin 1, LRP 4, Common Tern 9, Swift c50.

Edderthorpe late evening

Far more wildfowl on the Flash than this morning;- Canada Goose 351, Greylag Goose 40, Mallard 362, a recently fledged Water Rail with a stubby bill as dusk was setting in grabbed my attention until I saw its white undertail coverts. And new in is a Bar-tailed Godwit on the mud/rubble peninsula amongst the Lapwing.

The Edge

Broomhill Flash mid morning-  Birds present included 45 Mallard, 13 Tufted Duck, 1 Gadwall +7 young, 5 Little Grebe, 1 juv Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 3 Kestrel, 1 Grey Heron, 5+ Snipe,2 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 juv Yellow Wagtail, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker and 3 Sand Martin.

Bolton Ings - A cream crown Marsh Harrier appeared over the tip at 11.40am and flew off in the direction of Wath Ings. At 12.20 pm  2 cream crown Marsh Harriers broke the skyline of Bolton tip and gave a fine aerial display before disappearing over the ridge 10 minutes later. Other birds present included 40+ Tufted Duck ( with broods of 6,5,4,and 3 ), 13 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, 7 Pochard, 14 Cormorant, 8adult Little Grebe + 4 young, 4 adult Great Crested Grebe +1 juv, 2 Mute Swan + 2 cygnets, 1 Kestrel, 2 Kingfisher and 1 Green Woodpecker.

Wombwell Ings ( J. Thompson )- The highlights were 30 Teal, 3 Greenshank and 1 juv Shelduck.

Fri aft update

Old Moor highlights: Garganey 3, Hobby, Marsh Harrier 2 (Bolton), Wood Sand, Spot Red.

Wintersett 17.08.12

Warm, overcast and windy with one very brief shower.
Wintersett Res: Common Sandpiper 1,  Common Tern 1, Swift 10.
Anglers CP: Gadwall 9,  Shoveler 5 + 3 WR,  Tufted ducklings 3.
Cold Hiendley Res: Shelduck 2 juvs.

Edderthorpe early a.m.

Teal 68, Wigeon 1, Greenshank 2, Dunlin 1, Common Sand 5, LRP 1, Snipe 3 and a Hobby which headed east over the Tip at 07.05.

Carlton Marsh

2 Mute Swans, a new brood of Coot and a Kingfisher were present as 2 Cormorants flew south. Meanwhile a juv Little Owl was sitting on an old lorry chassis in Lidster's yard and our Barn Owl was fast asleep in its Birch tree roost.

Dragonflies included Migrant Hawker 1 male, Brown Hawker 1 and 6 + Ruddy Darter males.

Thankfully Peacock butterfly numbers increased from the 12th with 78 feeding on Buddleja.  Also on the same day were 158 Meadow Brown, 91 Gatekeeper, 10 Comma and 1 Brown Argus. (Chris Parkin)

Night shift

A late visit to Old Moor tonight - today's highlights as I know of: Little Egret 4 ( 2+ roosted), Garganey 3 (2 juvs), Marsh Harrier 1+ cc, Oystercatcher 3, LRP 4, Dunlin 2, Green Sand 15, Common Sand 11, Wood Sand juv, Ruff 1,Spot Red 1 ad, Greenshank 5, Whimbrel 1 Field Pool left west this eve, Common Tern 9( roosted), Swift 10+

Steady Ellie

Elsecar Reservoir - 1 Mute Swan, 68 Mallards, 6 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Grey Heron and 26 Coots.
Stairfoot - c300 Wood Pigeons feeding in stubble.

Wintersett 16.08.12

Anglers CP: Highlights today were a Spotted Redshank adult in summer plumage that flew over, calling, at 09.20 hrs and then left south, an Oystercatcher flew south at 08.10hrs and a juvenile Black Tern that flew in at 13.38 hrs.  Also present were: Common Sandpiper 1, Buzzard 5, Pochard 5,  Shoveler 4 + 3WR.
Wintersett Res: Swift 5,  Siskin 1 south.
In the area: 5 Great Crested Grebe broods 2,1,3,1,2 and 2 broods Tufted Duck 4,3.
Also flying a male Black-tailed Skimmer.

Adwick washlands (am)

Little  Grebe 3, Mallard 26, Gadwall 8, Heron 5, Greenshank 2, Snipe 3, Lapwing c30, Hobby 1, Sparrow Hawk 1, Kestrel 2, Common Tern 1, Yellow Wagtail 6 juvs.

Slowly gaining momentum

EDDERTHORPE early a.m.
Teal 61, Shoveler 34, Spotted Redshank 1 juvenile left north at 06.15, Common Sand 5, Dunlin 1, Snipe 8, Golden Plover 1, Ruff 1 female juvenile,

The Edge

Broomhill Flash mid morning- Not the excitement of recent days but still a good list of birds which included 70 Mallard, 7 Tufted Duck, 4 Gadwall, 1 Shoveler, 1 Teal, 4 Cormorant, 4 Little Grebe, 3 Common Sandpiper, 4 Green Sandpiper, 2 Snipe, 1juvenile Yellow Wagtail and 40+ Sand Martin.

Bolton Ings mid morning-  A male Sparrowhawk in front of the Cormorant Hide prevented a raptorless day. On the open water were 51 Tufted Duck ( + broods of 5,4,4 and 2 ), 27 Gadwall, 6 Pochard, 3 Shoveler, 13 Greylag Goose, 4 adult Mute Swan + 6 cygnets, 13 Cormorant, 4 adult + 1 juvenile Great Crested Grebe, 6 adult +4 young Little Grebe, 2 Grey Heron and 1 LBB Gull. Only 1 Swift was seen. A Green Woodpecker was yaffling along the old railway line.

Old Moor

A very wet but excellent few hours birding at Old Moor late aft / early eve.: Black-necked Grebe 1 on Mere (from Broomhill), Cormorant 11, Little Egret 3, Wigeon 3, Garganey 3 (2 juvs), LRP 2, Dunlin 2, Greenshank 8, Spotted Redshank 2 (ad, juv), Green Sand 12, Common Sand 2, Wood Sand 1 juv, Common Tern 3. Also seen today: Marsh Harrier 1 'cc', Arctic Tern 1 juv.

Wintersett 15.08.12

A warm morning with south easterly to easterly winds before rain showers from mid afternoon. A good day for Vis. Mig.
Anglers CP: Tree Pipit 1 south at 06.05hrs,  Knot 1 over, calling  06.25,  Green Sandpiper 1 north 06.40, Yellow Wag 3 south,  Snipe 1 north and 1 south east, Greenshank 4 south 08.40,  Golden Plover 1 east 09.20, Heron 5 over,  Wigeon 5 flew in from east 10.10, Black-tailed Godwit 1 in summer plumage flew south east 10.38,  Peregrine 1 juv. south east 13.05,  Yellow-legged  Gull 1 dropped in 13.35 and left north 13.41 hrs.
Also present: Shoveler 13, Gadwall 6, Pochard 5,  Teal 2, Common Tern 2, Green Woodpecker 1 juv., Buzzard 9.
Wintersett Res: Swift 1, Common Sandpiper 1, Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult 12.00hrs.  Also a Holly Blue was egg laying on ivy SE corner.
Moth trapping last night produced: Fen Wainscot,  Brown-veined Wainscot,  Crescent,  Dusky Thorn, Dingy Footman and White Satin

Cawthorne 14th.aug. evening.

Hobby 4, possibly 5, presumed family party. Same place in oak trees.

Edderthorpe Weds AM

2 little Egrets, at 7am

Edderthorpe early a.m.

Mallard 225, Gadwall 46, Black-tailed Godwit 14 dropped in at 06.00 stayed 50 minutes and then left south, Dunlin 1, Common Sand 2, Snipe 4.

Ingbirchworth, Monday the 13th.

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 24+ Tufted Ducks, 3 Common Sandpipers and 1 Kingfisher - per HBC website.

status quo impresses

Not much change at Old Moor this evening but impressive none the less: Heron 12, Wigeon , Garganey 2++, Buzzard 1+, Marsh Harrier 1 'cream crown' Reedbeds, Hobby 1, Lapwing c800, LRP 3, Dunlin 1, Greenshank 6, Spotted Redshank 1 (adult, near-winter plumage), Wood Sand 1 juv, Green Sand 12, Common Sand 4, Black-tailed Godwit 3.

Not much

at Adwick today, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 4 Grey Herons, 2 new Moorhen broods (3+1), 1 Dunlin and c.30 Swift (1st for around 2 weeks)

The Edge

Broomhill Flash- The cream crowned Marsh Harrier timetable was a bit out today with the the first bird arriving 10 minutes late at 10am. It gave good views, for 15 minutes,  as it quartered over the back of Broomhill. Then it gradually gained height as it travelled east towards Bolton Ings. 5 minutes later a second Marsh Harrier appeared low down on the western edge  of the flash. Other birds present included 9 Tufted Duck, 4 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 4 Little Grebe, 1 Black Necked Grebe, 5 Snipe, 3 Shoveler, 1 Teal, 1 LBB Gull and 10+ Sand Martins.

Bolton Ings- A cream crowned Marsh Harrier , harrassed by 3 Sparrowhawks, was over Bolton tip from 12 to 12.15pm. A Buzzard over Bolton Tip flew off  north at 12.35pm. Another Buzzard( this one lacking a few primaries) was seen over Bolton west end at 1.30pm. On the open water were 17 Tufted Duck + a brood of 3, 7 Pochard, 8 Cormorant, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 8 adult Little Grebe + 8 young, 4 adult Mute Swan +6 cygnets and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 2 Kestrel, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Kingfisher.

Wombwell Ings mid afternoon- Birds present included 3 Little Egret, 1 Greenshank, 2 Mute Swan + 4 cygnets, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Teal and 1 female Wigeon.

Midhope & Underbank

Midhope Reservoir - 1 Canada Goose, 12 Mallard, 2 Common Buzzards, 1 Kestrel  and 1 singing Willow Warbler.
Underbank Reservoir - 36 Mallard, a pair Great Crested Grebes + 3 young, 1 Coot and 1 Grey Heron.
Now that's what you call tame, Graham.

Butterflies (all at MR) - 2 Large Whites, 10+ Small Whites, c5 Green-veined Whites, c10 Small Tortoiseshells, 300+ Gatekeepers, c20 Meadow Browns, 4 Ringlets and 3 Small Heaths.

Wintersett 14.08.12

Sunny and warm with a SE breeze.
Anglers CP: Yellow Wagtail 1,  Common Sandpiper 1,  Cormorant 12, Pochard 2 (1 in wing moult).
Wintersett Res: Common Tern  4,  Shoveler 15,  Tufted Duck broods 3 + 5 ACP,  Little Grebe 3 + 3 ACP.  
Also flying: Holly Blue 2

Edderthorpe Flash

Addition to Edderthorpe this morning, Spotted Redshank.

mid-day update

Broomhill Flash: Black-necked Grebe still, 1+ Marsh Harrier/s in area.

Old Moor - Early news

Spotted Redshank 1 adult in winter plumage, Wood Sandpiper 1, Black Tailed Godwit 3, Green Sandpiper 13, Common Sandpiper 4, Little Ringed Plover 3, Dunlin 1, Greenshank 5, Oystercatcher 3, Snipe 4, Garganey 2, Little Egret 3.

Edderthorpe - early a.m.

Shoveler 27, Teal 45, Lapwing 217, Dunlin 1, Common Sand 2, Snipe 1, Yellow Wagtail 2. All rather tame stuff considering what else is being posted on this blog.

Old Moor update

This evening: 13 Green Sandpipers on Wath Ings + 5 Greenshank, 3 Ringed Plover, LRP, Common Sand', 3 Oystercatchers, 3 Little Egrets. Birds seen earlier included Wigeon, 2 Garganey, 5 Little Egrets + the two Marsh Harriers one of which appears below:

Juvenile Marsh Harrier - Keith Pickering

Juvenile Marsh Harrier - Keith Pickering

Wintersett Long-tailed Skua Photos 13.08.12

As promised -  Photos from Paul Meredith (Fitzy)

Edging It.

Broomhill Flash- Oh what a beautiful morning. Whilst trying to identify an unusual juvenile grebe( turned out to be a Black Necked Grebe) in flew two cream crowned Marsh Harriers at 9.50 am. One decided to stay for the next hour but the other flew off towards Old Moor. A few minutes later a pair of Little Egrets were seen flying from Wombwell Ings towards Old Moor, to a backdrop of a soaring Buzzard over Bolton west end. 2 juvenile Little Ringed Plover , 1 juvenile Ringed Plover and 1 Dunlin flew in at 10 am, below 8 Snipe disturbed by the circling Marsh Harrier. The extras included 3 Green Sandpiper,1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Little Grebe, juvenile Great Crested Grebe, 3 Shoveler , 2 Teal, 2 Cormorant and 2 juvenile LBB Gull.

Bolton Ings-  Very quiet on the old railway track with few calling birds . On the open water were 28 Tufted Duck ( + broods of 5,4,3,3and1), 4 Pochard, 3 adult Great Crested Grebe + 1 juvenile, 2 adult Mute Swan + 2 cygnets, 8 Little Grebe + brood of 4, 7 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 LBB Gull, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 cream crown Marsh Harrier at 12.25pm.

Autumn begins. Game On!

Wintersett Res:  A cracking, juvenile LONG-TAILED SKUA performed brilliantly at very close range off the west bank at 11.30 hrs.  It spent a lot of time picking up insects from the water surface and occasionally ventured into the middle, and off the south bank,  before circling up and flying off low to the north at 13.17hrs.  An immediate check on Anglers CP failed to relocate the bird, so presumably it carried on north.  This is the 3rd record for the res. -the last one being 19 years ago, so it was a welcome pull back for most of the local birders. (More photos to follow)

Long-tailed Skua                 Record Shot   L.Corral

Also present: Common Sandpiper 1, Crossbill 1 flew west, Shoveler 1. 
Anglers CP: Little Egret 2  high north at 07.06hrs, Ringed Plover 1 west 07.35hrs, Grey Partridge 7,  Swift 1, Teal 17.
Moth trapping last night produced: Twin-spotted wainscot, Lempke's Gold Spot, Lychnis, Chevron, Dark Spinach,  Angle-striped Sallow 6,  Dingy Footman 2, Buff Footman.

Lychnis

Twin-spotted Wainscot

Lempke's Gold Spot

The news so far:

Broomhill Flash: Black-necked Grebe 1 juv, 7 Green Sands. At least two 'cream crown' Marsh Harriers in area so far today. Evening visit to Old Moor to follow shortly.

Today's major bird in the area concerns a Long-tailed Skua which was at Wintersett Reservoir from about 11.30am - 1.17pm. I'm sure we will hear more on this later and I am led to believe there are photos too. Great record - should of flown south!

The Good and the Dead

Snailsden Reservoir - 1 creamcrown Marsh Harrier.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 69 Mallards, 22 Tufted Ducks, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 16 Coots and 1 Common Sandpiper.
Spicer House Lane - 1 Grey Heron southwest.
near Uskers, Midhopestones - 1 Barn Owl dead at the side of the A616.

Old Moor - 12th August

Just got back from the night shift, the 5 Little Egrets roosted on the Willow Pool, Wigeon 2, Oystercatcher 2 adults + 1 juv on wader scrape, Greenshank 6, Green Sandpiper 6, Common Sandpiper 3, Dunlin 1, Ringed Plover 1, Snipe 1, Common Tern 11. Seen earlier in day were Garganey 2 (adult on mm and juv on wader scrape), Teal 162, Shoveler 48, Ruff, Green Sand 7 and Snipe 6. Regarding the water levels which are now looking perfect its worth remembering that only 4 weeks ago you needed wellingtons to access the Wader Scrape and Wath Ings along Green Lane. A lot of water has been shifted in a short time.

Bolton Ings - 12th August

Paid a visit onto Bolton for the first time in 2 weeks, highlights being 2 Buzzards over west end early on, Little Grebes up to 35 and a flock of 200 Goldfinches. Full list :- Grey Heron 2, Mute Swan 4 ads + 6 juvs, Canada Goose 21, Grey Lag Goose 31, Cormorant 4, Great Crested Grebe 5 + 1 juv, Little Grebe 35, Mallard 44, Gadwall 38, Tufted Duck 56 + new broods of 9 and 3, Pochard 6, Coot 154 + new broods of 2 and 1, Moorhen 22, Lapwing 2, Common Sandpiper 1, Black Headed Gull 19, Common Tern 1, Buzzard 2, Kestrel 2, Green Woodpecker 2, Goldfinch c200. After Bolton called at Broomhill and Wombwell Ings. Fairly quiet at both but of note, Broomhill Green Sandpiper 3, Teal 1 and Yellow Wagtail 1. Wombwell Ings Teal 3, Green Sandpiper 1 and Little Ringed Plover 1.

Wintersett 12.08.12

Anglers CP: LITTLE  GULL 2 juveniles flew east at 09.20hrs.   Snipe 10  flew north and 1 NE,  Teal 29,  Yellow Wagtail 1.
Over Haw Park Wood: House Martin 60 ,  Swift 5,  Buzzard 3.
Wintersett Res:  Wigeon 4 - then over ACP and left west,  Common Tern 2 + 2 ACP

Old Moor August 12th

Early morning visit to Wath Ings,which contains a lot of mud,it's a waders paradise. 5 Little Egret, Garganey, Ruff, 3 Greenshank, 4 Green-Sanpiper, 2 Common-Sandpiper and Dunlin.

Cudworth Common

No mucho pajaros excepto 2 juv Sparrowhawks, 8 Meadow Pipits, 10 Skylarks, 6 Grey Partridge, Green Woodpecker, Green Sandpiper and 2 Jays.

4 Snipe left Edderthorpe Flash and appeared to alight on the River.

The Wild West

4 juvenile Ravens over the moors.
Broadstone Reservoir - 1 Hobby.
Foxhouse Moss - 1 first-summer Yellow-legged Gull.
all records per Mick Cunningham.

Wintersett 11.08.12

Cool and cloudy today with an easterly wind, becoming bright and sunny in the afternoon.
Anglers CP:Highlight today was a juvenile  LITTLE GULL that flew in at 15.00hrs.  Common Gull 3,  Black-headed Gull 500, Great Crested Grebe 18.
Wintersett Res: Water Rail 1, Common Tern 4

Wellsy's got a camera!

Got myself a camera, and thought I'd share my first effort.

Great Crested Grebe, Scout Dike Reservoir, 27th July.

Langsett late evening

Langsett Reservoir - 77 Mallards, 14 Tufted Ducks and 1 Green Woodpecker. Gull roost - 46 Black-headed Gulls, 7 Common Gulls, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls and 318 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

Wintersett 10.08.12

Wintersett Res: The highlight today was a cream crown Marsh Harrier that flew low from the west bank towards Botany Bay at 08.12hrs.
Anglers CP: Teal 1,  Shoveler 2, Gadwall 3, Pochard 5,  Little Ringed Plover 1 flew over,  Little Grebe 5 + 1 WRes.,  Tufted Duck 5 young + 3 juvs at Walton Hall.  It was great to see a flock of 90 Tree Sparrows in fields at Wintersett village.
Dragonflies: Emperor  2, Black-tailed Skimmer 1,  Migrant Hawker 1.

working progress?

Not much news received today from Old Moor area although I was told there was no change but no species mentioned. My visit to Broomhill Flash yielded 3 Green Sands and 5 Snipe but no sign of the Whimbrel which I believe was there earlier. A surprise for me at work today was a Nuthatch in the grounds of Glebe Court at Tankersley. It was the first time I'd ever had one there though when you think about it there's pretty much woodland from there all the way up to Wortley Forge where I assume the species remains common? Anyway, rekindled memories of a Nuthatch I had in the early 70s whilst working at Cannon Hall, the first Barnsley record for many years. Cannon Hall to this - how did that happen?

Carlton Marsh

This afternoons highlight were 3 Little Owls enjoying the sun and a Barn Owl inadvertently disturbed from a roost.  3 juv sparrowhawks were calling and flying over the scrape and Green Woodpecker and Jay offspring were calling at their peril.

Butterflies included Holly Blue, Comma and Peacock, but the latter is still way down on average numbers.
Dragonflies: Emperor 2 males, Brown Hawker, Emerald Damselfy c15, Common Darter and Ruddy Darter 4 males.

Dave Bamforth sent me this cracking photo of a Leopard Moth recently, it was found by his dad in Wombwell Woods a week last Wednesday.  The only modern records for Barnsley that I could find were; 1 in Wombwell in 1968 and 1 in Worsborough Country Park in 1992.

Night shift

On site at Old Moor this evening for the night shift along with the Barnsley Blade. Highlights: Wigeon 1, Garganey eclipse drake (now on Wath Ings which is beginning to to look the part), Greenshank 3, Redshank 1, Common Sand' 2, Green Sand' 4, Curlew 1, Snipe 7, Common Tern 11 roosted. Also at least one Cormorant roosted on Willow Pool. Earlier today a Wood Sand' was on Wader Scrape before being flushed during one of several Hobby raids.

Broomhill Flash: 9 Green Sands', Common Sand.

Wintersett 09.08.12

Another sunny and hot day.
Wintersett Res: Highlight today was a Belgian ringed Lesser Whitethroat caught this morning. Mallard 51,  Little Grebe 1 + 6 ACP.  Great Crested Grebe  1 + 3 WRes,  2 Botany,  1 CHRes.
Anglers CP: Shoveler 2, Pochard 3,  Yellow Wagtail 1 flew over. 

Good spot?

A bit limited for time today so settled for a mid-evening visit to Wombwell Ings, knowing Old Moor was in capable hands (C.H.).

Wombwell: LRP 3, Redshank 4, Snipe 3, Green Sand 2, Spotted Flycatcher 1 (along Bulling Dike just as you exit Broomhill Park).

Old Moor: Little Egret 1 adult, Garganey 1, Hobby 1, Greenshank 4, Green Sandpiper 8, Dunlin 3, Curlew 2.

Two 'reeling' Grasshopper Warblers were still at Brickworks Pond yesterday.

The Hobby at Old Moor this morning - Keith Pickering

Wintersett 08.08.12

Sunny and hot all day
Wintersett Res: Water Rail 2,  Buzzard 1,  Common Tern 4,   Sand Martin 50,   Siskin 1 flew NW, Yellow Wagtail 2 flew S.  Willow Warblers 20 ringed and Lesser Whitethroat 2 ringed.

The Edge

Broomhill Flash mid morning - 100+ Sand martin came in periodically to feed over the water. On the mud were 10 Snipe, 5 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Dunlin and 1 Greenshank. Also present were 4 Cormorant, 3 Common Tern, 1 Grey Heron, juvenile Great Crested  Grebe, 5 Little Grebe, 60 Mallard(+ brood of 7), 16 Tufted Duck, 4 Kestrel, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 juvenile Yellow Wagtail.

Bolton Ings late morning - On the open water were 10 Little Grebe ( +brood of 4), 9 Gadwall( + brood of 5), 6 Pochard, 26 Tufted Duck( + broods of 5 and 2), 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant and 4 adult Mute Swan along with 6 cygnets. Also present were 3 Grey Heron, 2 LBB Gull, 1 Greenshank, 1 Jay, 2 Bullfinch, and  1 Green Woodpecker. A lone Blackcap was the only singing male.

Double-B Ouzels!

Mickleden Beck - female Ring Ouzel feeding 2 young out of the nest this a.m. - late second brood.

Old Moor this evening: Garganey 1, Hobby 1,  Oystercatcher 4 + 1 young, LRP 1, RP 1, Dunlin 1, Greenshank 5, Redshank 1, Common Sand 1, Green Sand 5, Curlew 6 (2 Wader Scrape + 4 west).

Managed a record shot of Hobbly + a few juv Greenshank shots below:

Adwick a.m.

Quiet with 1 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 48 Greylags, 95 Canadas, 1 Cormorant blogging, 1 Whimbrel east (at 10.40) and 2 Common Terns.

mid-evening update

Managed the Old Moor late afternoon/early evening shift at last - highlights: Hobby (terrorising the 500+ Lapwings over Wader Scrape), Garganey (eclipse drake), 5 Greenshank, 5 Green Sands', Common Sand'. Also seen today, Peregrine, Buzzard. 2 Wood Sands' reported still on Wombwell Ings this morning.

Ingbirchworth & Royd Moor

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 26 Canada Geese, 67 Mallard, 1 drake Common Pochard, 20 Tufted Ducks, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 16 Coots, 1 Common Sandpiper and c50 House Martins.
Royd Moor Reservoir - 47 Greylag Geese, 22 Canada Geese, 5 Tufted Ducks, 40+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls, c120 Rooks and c40 Jackdaws.

Dragonflies - 1 Southern Hawker at RMR.

Butterflies - 5+ Large Whites, 10+ Green-veined Whites, 3 Small Tortoiseshells, 50+ Gatekeepers, c20 Meadow Browns and 30+ Ringlets - all RMR.

Adwick washlands early afternoon

Marsh Harrier 1 cream crown 13.50, left high NE at 14.10.

Adwick washlands (am)

Fairly quiet but, Redstart 1  female still present, Wheatear 1, Little Egret 1.

'Casper'

A couple of shots of the Caspian Gull which was still in fields at Royd Moor yesterday (Sunday) where a Hobby was also seen.

Caspian Gull - Nick Mallison

Caspian Gull - Dave Pennington

Folly Lane

The adult Caspian Gull and a 3rd cy Yellow-legged Gull in fields off Folly Lane (the lane between Scout Dike Reservoir and Royd Moor Reservoir this a.m.) per Mick Cunningham

Ewden Height

A pretty productive couple of hours !! .. A cream crown marsh harrier passed over at around 12:15 .. Also seen were 9 common buzzards with 5 in the scope all at once along with a peregrine ! .. Totals were 9 common buzzards, 2 peregrines, marsh harrier, 3 kestrels and a single raven  ..Plenty of hirundines along with the usual mippets and linnets ..

A sexton beetle was seen dealing with a dead rabbit and an Emperor moth caterpillar was also seen ..

A nearly morning visit by Dave Woodriff  had  ..Swallow - c41 - South 8-10.30am ; Tree Pipit - 1 - South ; Yellow Wagtail - 1 - South ; Lesser Black-backed Gull - c40 - Mainly SE leaving Langsett Res roost ; House Martin - c43 - South, main group c40 birds ; Meadow Pipit - c20 ; Stock Dove - 6 - SW ; Willow Warbler - 3 - 1 singing, 1 feeding with Stonechats on Moor. ; Wheatear - 1 - Female ; Crossbill - 3+ ; Black-headed Gull - c100 ; Red Grouse - 5 ; Spotted Flycatcher - 1 - Flew south to Thorpe's Brow ; Stonechat - 4 - Family party ; Lesser Redpoll - 1 ; Kestrel - 3 ...

Wetland Trio 5th August

Wombwell Ings this morning, 2 Wood Sandpiper still showing, 3 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Ringed Plover, and 2 Redshank. Broomhill Flash, 1 Greenshank, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper,and 2 Snipe. Edderthorpe Flash, 1 Golden Plover, 120 Lapwing and 1 Buzzard.

Wintersett 05.08.12

Anglers CP: A flock of 11 Redshank flew over early this morning.  Common Tern 4

Gull roost plus

Langsett Reservoir - 1 Canada Goose/Grey Lag Goose, 51 Mallard + 4 small ducklings, 3 Teal and 18 Tufted Ducks. Gull roost - 485+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull and 105 Black-headed Gulls.

Royd Moor

1 adult Caspian Gull in fields at Royd Moor, also 1 Hobby per Mick Cunningham.
The Caspian Gull roosted at Langsett Reservoir last night - per SBSG Website.

Also Green Sandpiper/s at Ingbirchworth Reservoir and Broadstone Reservoir per HBC website.

A few friday night jars. 3-8-12.

Without any nightjars. No joy at midhope or stone circle areas in brief visit 10p.m.ish.

Wintersett 04.08.12

Highlights today from Anglers Hill were RED KITE flying over Pol Fields and Haw Park Lane Wood from 10.12 hrs to 10.40 before leaving high to the south.  A HOBBY flew over at 12.05 hrs and 239 Swift flew south.
Anglers CP lake: Tufted Duck 1 female + 6 small young, Shoveler 6.
Wintersett Res: Gadwall 2 and a male Black-tailed Skimmer.
Moth trapping last night produced Lempke's Gold Spot - the 2nd record for Wintersett, White Satin 2, Dingy Footman, Brown-veined Wainscott, Scarce Footman, Pine Hawk-moth 2, Scallop Shell, Olive and Slender Brindle.

Slender  Brindle

Lempke's Gold Spot

Brown-veined Wainscott

Adwick washlands (am)

Little Egret 2, Common Sandpiper 1, Snipe 5, Marsh Harrier 1 male, (09.15 to 09.40), Peregrine 1 adult chasing Lapwings, Redstart 1 female, Yellow Wagtail 3, Skylark 12.

Ingbirchworth area

Most of the gulls have moved out of the area.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 1 Common Sandpiper, 5 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Little Grebe, 1 drake Pochard, 8 Tufted Ducks, 13 Coots and c20 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Lower Maythorn - 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull, 4 Common Gulls and 7 Black-headed Gulls.

Mammals - 1 Grey Squirrel bounding over the cut grass fields at Lower Maythorn and 1 Brown Hare at Whitley Common.

A Raptorous Morning Over The Edge

3 Marsh Harriers(1 at Broomhill and 2 over Bolton Tip), Peregrine and Hobby onWombwell Ings plus Buzzard , Sparrowhawk and 3 Kestrel on Bolton Ings . What a morning for the Edge.

Broomhill Flash supporting cast included 50+ Lapwing, 40+ Sand Martin, 38 Mallard, 5 Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Common Tern, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Kestrel and a juvenile Great Crested Grebe.

Bolton Ings extras included 4 Mute Swan and 6 cygnets, 1 singing Blackcap and 2 singing Reed Bunting, 5adult Little Grebe( +brood of 2), 3 Great Crested Grebe, 18 Tufted Duck ( + 2  broods of  4), 3 Pochard, 6 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, Green Woodpecker, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Greenshank .

Wintersett 03.08.12

In the area:  3 juv. Barn Owls,  1 juv Buzzard,  1 curlew SW.

mid-day update

Old Moor: Garganey, Greenshank + 2 Marsh Harriers (male, cream-crown) viewable over Bolton Tip and another cream-crown Broomhill etc.

Wombwell Ings: Hobby, Peregrine, 2 Wood Sandpipers reported, Black-tailed Godwit.

Broomhill Flash: Greenshank, 2 Green Sands', Common Sand'.

Adwick washlands (am)

Marsh Harrier 1 male at 09.00 until 09.40, Little Egret 2, Shelduck 1 juv, Snipe 7,  Grey Partridge adult with 10 juvs, Yellow Wagtail 5 juvs.

late evening update

Old Moor: Little Egret, 2 Marsh Harriers 'blogging' over Bolton (male + 'cream crown'), Garganey, 2 Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit.

The Caspian Gull was still at Royd Moor late afternoon, however, by the time I showed up most of the large gulls had dispersed and extensive searching produced nothing better than a couple of nice pints of John Smiths in The Fountain. Birding can be tough sometimes!

Meanwhile, a couple of cute looking Little Owls were showing near Stocksbridge, proving that there are still some left despite the species taking a knock-back in the recent harsh winters. Photos - Ron Marshall