Thursday, 28 February 2013

Carlton Marsh

I was very surprised to see the 'scrape' etc was ice free. Winterset lakes were pretty well iced over. Amongst the other wildfowl were 2 Greylag Geese, Water Rail and 7 Teal. Buzzard and Green Woodpecker were also present.

The warm sunshine this afternoon tempted Small Tortoiseshell and Comma from hibernation on the Cudworth section of the old Midland Railway. (Chris Parkin)

additional bits

Additional for Old Moor from bits already mentioned by others: 2 Water Rail, 1 Woodcock.

Edderthorpe: Drake Pintail, 5 Shelduck.

Ewden (Jaff Wragg): Black Grouse, male.

The Edge

Broomhill Flash mid AM- 50% ice cover. On the open water were 2 Cormorant, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 52 Wigeon, 24 Tufted Duck, 14 Mallard, 14 Gadwall, 9 Pochard, 6 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 300+ BH Gull and 4 Common Gull.Also present 112+ Canada Geese, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 30+ Lapwing (taking up territories on the back field and Clegg's Meadow) and 2 Hare practising for March by running here ,there and mating.

Bolton Ings late AM- 20% ice cover. On the open water were 4 Little Grebe, 4adult+2juv Mute Swan, 39 Gadwall, 24 Tufted Duck, 17 Pochard, 6 Mallard, 6 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 352+ BH Gull, 20 Common Gull and 1 second year Herring Gull. Also present 1 Grey Heron, 10 Greylag, 10 Canada Geese, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk and 200+ Rook.

Another good morning at Old Moor....... :-)

A cold start but warmed up nicely. Bittern heard but not seen :-( but Smew, Oyster Catchers, Goosander, Tufted and Goldeneye Ducks and the other usual suspects more than made up for it! Lapwings spooked by Peregrine Falcon. Great, Long Tailed and Blue Tits,Bull Finch, Gold Finch And Chaffinch, Robins, Wrens and Loads of Tree Sparrows and Woodpecker in feeding areas............. :o)

Still Winter-here-sett. 28.02.13

Last day of winter had an icy and frosty start,  but warmed up quickly - sunshine blue skies but cool breeze.
Wintersett Res: 95% ice.    Gadwall 7,  Bittern 1 in reedbeds.
Haw Park Wood:  Buzzard,  Nuthatch 1,  Goldcrest 5. 
Anglers CP: 95% ice.   Female Long-tailed Duck,  Redhead Smew,  Redshank 1.  A Water Shrew and Water Rail were seen on the Pol.

Wednesday, 27 February 2013

'frankly' spring has sprung

Old Moor: Bittern 'booming' Reedbeds, Redhead Smew, 24 Goldeneye, 43 Goosander, 2 Water Rail, Buzzard, 4 Oytercatchers, Ringed Plover, Barn Owl, 4 Brambling, Waxwing flew over Reedbeds this afternoon.

Seven or eight Heron nests located today at a heronry in the Barnsley area where I believe they first nested in 2010. Has spring sprung at last?

'Frank' on the nest today - Ron Marshall


Today on old moor...Little Grebe,  A gathering of Goosander, Redshank, Ringed Plover with one leg hopping about for an hour,  a few Goldeneye. And a fox bolted from the front of the family hide as I opened the door at 9.30 ish, it went under the fence in the direction of the entrance building

Edderthorpe Flash

1 male Pintail, 5 Shelduck, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Snipe, 38 Golden Plover, 2 Goosander. Plus many Gadwall, Teal, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Lapwing, Shoveler, and Wigeon. Ferry Moor 2 Ringed Plover.

Adwick Washlands

Little Grebe 2, Heron 1, Mallard 30, Teal 8, Wigeon 2, Gadwall 14, Lapwing c70, several pairs now moving onto territories, Golden Plover 27, Redshank 1, Grey Partridge 4, Fieldfare 17, Bullfinch 5, Yellowhammer 8, Skylark 4 singing birds, Grey Wagtail 1, Pied Wagtail 16, Water Vole 1 swimming across a main dyke. Short eared Owl 1 (Adwick tip).

Wintersett 27.02.13

Dry and sunny, 7 degrees.   The Pol is beginning to open up after we cleared even more vegetation.
Anglers CP: The female Long-tailed Duck was diving on the lake after eluding us yesterday and a Water Rail was heard.    It began to feel like spring when a Curlew  flew over at 09.55hrs.   14 Snipe were in front of the hide and the regular 3rd W YL Gull was on the rafts at 15.30.

The Edge

Broomhill Flash mid AM- On the open water were 3 Cormorant, 2 Mute Swan, 13 Tufted Duck,  12 Mallard, 7 Teal, 7 Gadwall, 6 Pochard, 3m+1f Goldeneye, 2 Wigeon, 87 BH Gull and 4 Common Gull. Also present 114 Canada Geese, 13 Greylag 3 Red Legged Partridge, 1 Bullfinch and 1 Kestrel. 

Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- On the open water were 3 Cormorant, 4 Little Grebe, 4adult+1juv Mute Swan, 35 Gadwall, 17 Pochard, 11 Mallard, 10 Tufted Duck, 8 Shoveler, 7 Teal, 5 Wigeon, 1m+3f Goosander, 314+ BH Gull, 20 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present 14 Canada Geese, 11 Greylag, flyover Lapwing(30and 70), 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Buzzard.

Wintersett........

Very quiet again. Two Snipe, Goosander, Gadwall, Oyster Catchers and Tufted and Goldeneye Ducks. Loads of Widgeon on bank.

Wombwell s. f.

10 waxwings flew west over Wombwell sewage farm and appeared to land at 08.45 this morning (per Rich Collis)

Tuesday, 26 February 2013

Things on the move.....

Broomhill Flash
Not one for the twitchers but interesting in that spring is just around the corner with movement late morning when there were 42 Pied Wagtail and 23 Meadow Pipit feeding in the grass field adjacent to Knoll Beck.
Wombwell Ings 
c60 Canada Goose, c120 Wigeon, c60 Teal, c20 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler and 1 female Goosander but no wader.
Perhaps only a week to go for a Little Ringed Plover/Sand Martin/Wheatear? What's going to be the first?

A bit of bits

Old Moor: Smew redhead, 4 Brambling.

The Edge

Broomhill Flash mid AM- On the open water were 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 20 Wigeon, 11 Tufted, 8 Pochard, 7 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 4 Teal, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 71 BH Gull and 4 Common Gull. Also noted were 15 Canada Geese, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel and 1 Hare.

Bolton Ings lateAM/early PM- On the open water were 2 Little Grebe, 4adult+1juv Mute Swan, 34 Gadwall, 8 Pochard, 5 Tufted Duck, 5 Mallard, 3 Teal,  2 Greylag, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 244+ BH Gull, 12 Common Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Also present 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 13 Canada Geese, 2 Oystercatcher and 1 Kestrel.

Wombwell Ings mid PM- On the open water were 128 Wigeon, 74 Teal,  28 Gadwall, 11 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck and 1f Goosander. Also present 5 Grey Heron, 86 Canada Geese, 37 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 11 Lapwing and 1 Sparrowhawk.

Good morning at Old Moor.......

Lesser Redpoll in Cafe feeding area.... ( not actual photo ) Ringed Plover, Oyster Catchers, Goosander, Goldeneye and Tufted Duck.. Loads of Lapwings and Gulls. Crows feeding on dead swan ........ Very cold but well worth the morning out...... :-)

Monday, 25 February 2013

Hoyle Mill

16 Waxwings were seen briefly near the 'Lite Spot' store on Pontefract Road today at 15.10hrs (Keith Bannister)

Monday's bits

Old Moor (Jeff Wragg, Dave Waddington et al) : Bittern 2 Reedbeds, Little Egret roosted on Willow Pool, Smew redhead, Goldeneye 13, Oystercatcher 5, Ringed Plover, Green Sand' , Dunlin,  Brambling 4.

Elsecar: Great Crested Grebe 11

Not bad on a grey day

A grey day at Wilthorpe Marsh this afternoon produced 1 Jack snipe, 2 Snipe, 4 water rails, 56 Redwing, 8 teal, 4 Gadwall and 2 Buzzards.  Also 2 Willow tits on canal.

Moorland news 24-2-13.

Low moor/ midhope- 2 ravens, pike lowe area, 2 crossbills over calling towards langsett + 1gbb gull. Then did dukes rd. triangle. No sign of any bullfinchs at mortimer rd. and nothing to report on dukes rd. The gloom was soon lifted by a pair of short eared owls flushed from the gulley south of the shooting lodge. They only flew a short distance before getting back down to roost. A very pale buzzard near the lodge looked good, but the tail didnt look right by which time there was an howling hail storm and the wind was incredibly cold. 2 buzzards in the distance a short time later looked like commons so i assumed it was one of those. Maybe better luck next visit.

Wintersett 25.02.13

Cold, grey and drizzly all morning as we cleared more vegetation.
Anglers CP:  A Merlin flew over SW at 07.00hrs.   The Female Long-tailed Duck still here. A flock of 40 Siskin were seen by the Carlton Dream Team, who also saw a Redhead Smew on Wintersett Res.

Anglers Country Park.........

Not much to report. Two Oyster Catchers, Snipe, Goosander, Tufted Duck, Lapwing and Long tailed Duck..  Wintersett Res.... Goldeneye, Great Crested Grebe and Woodpecker........... :-)

Castle Dam and area - 24/02/13

Quick walk around the area late yesterday afternoon was productive with a pair of Goosander joining the now almost resident wintering pair of Wigeon on Castle Dam. 78 Canada Geese on the banks. 
75 Golden Plover and 30 Lapwing flew over.

Sunday, 24 February 2013

Bolton Ings - 24th February

Another bitterly cold day, we will have to wait a little longer for spring. 0c at 8 o'clock this morning only rising to 3c this afternoon, a few snow flurries and an icy north easterly. No ice on main ponds but very quiet bird-wise, Gadwall up to 80 and a couple each of Goldeneye and Oystercatcher. Full List:- Grey Heron 1, Mute Swan 10, Canada Goose 16, Grey Lag Goose 4, Great Crested Grebe 1, Little Grebe 4, Cormorant 1, Mallard 15, Teal 9, Gadwall 80, Shoveler 6, Wigeon 6, Tufted Duck 26, Pochard 12, Goldeneye pair, Goosander 2, Coot 155, Moorhen 4, Lapwing 1, Oystercatcher 2, Black Headed Gull 260, LBB Gull 1, Common Gull 12, Jay 2, Willow Tit 1.

Spent rest of day at Old Moor/Broomhill Flash, highlight being a possible area maximum for Goldeneye. 19 birds were present on the Main Marsh this evening (2 adult males, 2 imm. males and 15 females), 3 were on the Mere (drake and 2 females). With a pair on Broomhill and the pair on Bolton a total of 26, the current area max. was 23 I think. Other numbers at Old Moor today to add to The WIM Man's earlier post are as follows:- Cormorant 39, Shoveler 63, Gadwall 210+, Wigeon 430, Teal 180+, Tufted Duck 90+, Pochard 30+, Goosander 45 roosting on Wader Scrape, Redshank 2, Golden Plover 12, Yellowhammer 12, Reed Bunting 70+, Bullfinch 9, Chaffinch 90+.


Wintersett Update

The gull roost on the Top Res did the business again this evening when a first-winter Glaucous Gull came in at 17.03 and stayed until dark. The usual third-winter Yellow-legged Gull was also present along with good numbers of other large gulls;- GBBGull 60, LBBGull 10, Herring Gull 460. Just a couple of weeks ago most of the large gulls roosting were adults but now most are immature (mostly first-winters), as most of the adults have moved on, back to their breeding grounds. The Bittern was sat up in its usual reedbed at dusk.

Broomhill Flash

Per Mick Rushton.

2 Mute Swan, 9 Tufted Duck, 7 Mallard, 16 Gadwall , 2 Goldeneye, 37 Wigeon, 5 Pochard, 2 Teal, 1 Shelduck, 3 Cormorant, 210 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag,32 Coot, 1 Moorhen and 1 Kestrel. Female Mute Swan has a brass ring on right leg

Edderthorpe Flash early a.m.

The Flash is beginning to look the part and hopefully with a dry spring it might be better this year. Birds include;- Shelduck 3, Gadwall 38, Wigeon 62, Teal 170, Shoveler 3, Tufted 49, Pochard 15, Goosander 3, Oystercatcher 2, Lapwing 305, Golden Plover 39 and Snipe 10.
Ferrymoor;- Pochard 3, Ringed Plover 3- on the shale at the end of Sash factory.
Houghton;- Looks very good but completly devoid of birds!

welcome back!

As promised the main news provider is back from his non-birding trip to Venice! -Old Moor highlights today: Bittern 'booming' + Smew Reedbeds, 19 Goldeneye (total), 6 Oytercatchers, Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper Wader Scrape, 65 GBB Gulls north this morning, 3 Brambling, 55 Tree Sparrows at feeders. Wombwell Ings: Little Egret.

Photo below taken yesterday. Is this possibly the Bretton bird? I know it (or another) was seen at Bretton yesterday too but it's not far for a Smew to fly. Anyone know the answer?

Smew at Cawthorne yesterday - Nick Mallinson


Ewden Height 24/02/2013

Good news from Ewden Height today as there was a female black grouse feeding alongside a male in the tops of the trees in the plantation ..

Also seen were 2 ravens and 6 bullfinches in the usual area beside the path at Thorpe's Brow ..
Bittern at Edderthorpe! Also Grey Heron, Shelduck,Teal, Canada and Greylag Geese,Lapwing and the other usual suspects :-) Ferrymoor Flash nothing much at all 7 Greylag, Teal and Tufted

Wintersett a.m. 24.02.13

Cold, grey start, one or two sunny spells this morning but freezing north wind.
Anglers CP: Female Long-tailed Duck,  Barnacle Goose and 2 Shoveler.

Saturday, 23 February 2013

Wintersett Update.....

Freezing conditions watching the gull roost on the Top Res didn't produce too much;- GBBGull 10, LBBGull 15 and Herring Gull 35. A Water Rail was found dead near the top of a bush where it had presumably roosted and died overnight. It was well emaciated and starvation was probably the cause of death. And finally a Barn Owl left Cold Hiendley village at dusk heading towards the Top Res.

Smew at Cannon Hall !

Mick Cunningham reports a redhead Smew on the river at Cannon Hall on the lower section after the 'waterfall'. It must have been showing well on there. Also a Water Rail near the 'green bridge'. Quite a day for this locality.

Wintersett 23.02.13

Yet another quiet, cold, grey day with light snow flurries.
Anglers CP: Long-tailed Duck.   7 Reed Buntings on the car park feeding station.  The Barnacle Goose dropped in with the Canadas after they were all scared from the ruin field.
Barnacle Goose with Canadas       A.Smith

Wombwell Ings

Just before lunch
1 Kestrel, 150 Wigeon, 50 Lapwing, 800 BH Gull, 6 Yellow Hammer, 8 Pied Wagtail, Robin,
1 Wren
Steve

Bretton saturday a.m. 23-2-13.

smew showing well bottom res., goosander 31, g.c. grebe 11, little grebe 1, teal 21, tufted duck 70+, gadwall 9, pochard 3, g.s. pecker 3, grey wagtail 3.

Elsecar Res

Plenty of birds around this morning on the pond and hedge rows
8 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Goosander, 1 Heron, 60 BH Gulls, 60 Mallard, 8 Tufted Duck, 2 Mute Swans flew east at 9.45, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Wren, 10 Goldfinch and just one fisherman
Steve

Friday, 22 February 2013

One for the ladies?

The only news I received today was from John Seeviour - 2 Waxwings briefly at Old Moor c13.10 and not much change on Bolton Ings. Nobody on channel and despite efforts to find out, I don't even know if the Smew has been seen (not to worry, the main news supplier is back from his much deserved romantic break this evening!). Knowing there must have been some level of coverage at Old Moor I decided to go onto Wombwell Ings after work: Heron 5, Canada Goose 467, Greylag 1, Pink-footed Goose 1, Wigeon c120, Teal c40, Shelduck 2, Goosander 2.

Checked-in at Broomhill Flash where there were a lot of small gulls due to the farmer ploughing: Black-headed c1,100, Common 27. Couldn't find a Med' but it looks likely.

An earlier quick scan at Elsecar Reservoir revealed an increase in Great Crested Grebes (12) as well as 5 Goosanders.

Finally, Kate kindly sent some photos of Bitterns captured on the remote camera at the Reedbeds over the last week or so. At least two birds appear to have been posing.

Male Bittern at the Reedbeds - R.E. Mote. Note the well marked blue-grey lores which indicate a male in good breeding condition. Ladies like that!

Wintersett 22.02.13

Grey, cold with light snow flurries early afternoon.  Another quiet day
Anglers CP: Female Long-tailed Duck.  We disturbed a Water Shrew on the Pol this morning when clearing vegetation.
Haw Park Wood: 6 Crossbill.

Poor show!

Ferrymoor Flash very quiet. 1 Female Goosander, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Teal,Common Gull and Canada Geese.No sign of the Kingfisher today.. And very cold!!!!!!!

Thursday, 21 February 2013

Carlton Marsh

3 Whooper Swans flew north at 09.30hrs, (Rod Heeley) Red Legged Partridge 2, Grey Partridge 3, Kingfisher, Greylags 2 north, 3 Mute Swans (1 SE) Little Grebe, Buzzard, Siskin, Redpoll, Great Spotted Woodpecker and an oh so sleepy Fox outsde the Earth.

Rod Heeley

The Edge

Broomhill Flash mid AM- On the open water were 4 Cormorant, 1 Little Grebe, 30 Wigeon, 14 Tufted Duck, 7 Pochard, 5 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 1 Shelduck, 39 BH Gull,3 Common Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also noted were 1 Grey Heron, 190+ Canada Geese,  5 Red Legged Partridge, 1 Sparrowhawk and 2 Kestrel( on the eastern nest box).

Bolton Ings late AM- On the open water were 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 4 adult+2juv Mute Swan, 2 Greylag,  71 Gadwall, 12 Tufted Duck, 8 Shoveler, 8 Pochard, 8 Teal,6 Mallard,  2m+2f Goosander, 2 Wigeon, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 208+ BH Gull and 9 Common Gull. Also presnt were 1 Grey Heron, 11 Canada Geese, 2 Oystercatcher and 1 Kestrel.

Wintersett 21.02.13

Very cold, east wind and grey all day.   Only 2 to report!
Anglers CP: Female Long-tailed Duck,  Redshank.  That's it!

''Big news'

The 'big news' (literally) from Old Moor this morning is that of a Raven seen on a pylon before flying off towards Manvers Lake. Assuming acceptance this would be only the second site record. Ravens have been breeding only a few miles away for many years and it has long been expected that one might stray into our recording area and stick around although they are notoriously site loyal. Hopefully this one will break the mould?

Wednesday, 20 February 2013

Carlton Marsh

4 Mute Swans (2 left E at 10.30hrs), 3 Canada Geese, 3 tufted duck, 4 Coot, 13 mallard, 8 Gadwall & c20 Redpolls & siskins in the car park plantation.
2 Buzzards, one a  lighter colour morph than the other, were harassing a large flock of Wood Pigeons. (Rod Heeley)
 
Photos supplied by Trevor Kemp


A Goldcrest from yesterday
 

swanning-off!

Whooper Swan, Broomhill Flash - Jim Thompson
No sign of the alleged Whooper Swan at Broomhill Flash this evening, just a Mute (per Chaz). Nor was it on Wombwell Ings where I counted 170 Wigeon, 80 Teal but no sign of the Little Egret. The Smew remains at Old Moor where there were at least four Bramblings again.

The Smew doing wheelies! - Jeff Wragg 

"Cold" Old Moor........

Freezing cold at Old Moor....... 30 plus Goosander,4 Oyster Catchers, 100 Widgeon, Tufted Duck, Shoveler and one Golden Plover...... :-)

The Edge

Broomhill Flash mid AM- Highlight was a Whooper Swan which flew in at 9.05am. A male Peregrine was perched on the top of the pylon in Clegg's Meadow for 30 mins from 10am. A female Peregrine dropped into the back field at 10.50am. On the open water were 7 Cormorant, 1 Little Grebe, 3adult+1juv Mute Swan, 44 Wigeon, 20 Tufted Duck, 13 Mallard, 7 Pochard, 5 Gadwall, 5 Teal, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 92+ BH Gull and 3 Common Gull. Also present were 300+ Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 5 Red Legged Partridge, 2 Skylark, 2 Reed Bunting and 1 Oystercatcher.

Bolton Ings late AM- On the open water were 1 Cormorant, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 3a+1juv Mute Swan, 2 Greylag, 75 Gadwall, 14 Tufted Duck, 12 Teal, 8 Pochard, 8+ Mallard, 3 Shoveler, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 395+ BH Gull and 11 Common Gull. Also noted were 20 CanadaGeese, 50+ flyover Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Gt Spotted Woodpecker, 10+ Redpoll, 1 Kestrel and 1 Grey Wagtail( on R.Dearne).



Tuesday, Spotted Woodpecker in Haw Park Wood...Pochard, Old Moor...Shorty flying on Rabbit Ings....Today Wednesday Shoveler and a Smew in the distance in low light, Old Moor

Wintersett 20.02.13

Grey with a very cold east wind.
Anglers CP: Female Long-tailed Duck.  30 Fieldfare and 8 Redwing in back field.
Haw Park Wood: 8 Crossbill,  1 Siskin and 1 calling Tawny Owl.
Walton Hall: Barnacle Goose.
Wintersett Res: RSPCA out in boats - training.

Rabbit Ings......

Kestrel at sunset Rabbit Ings Tuesday........

Carlton Marsh.........

My first visit to Carlton Marsh. Very quiet. One Kestrel, loads of small birds Great Tit, Robins, Dunnock Etc.. Will be going again soon..........

Tuesday, 19 February 2013

Carlton Marsh

Barbed wire fences were removed this morning by BMBC Rangers with a police escort!

Starting with yesterday, 6 Waxwings were seen in Valley Park, Cudworth. (Dave Standish)

Highlights for Carlton Marsh today were: 3 Buzzards, Cormorant, Kingfisher and 4 Mute Swans. As the light began to fade a Fox walked in front of the hide and moments later a Water Vole swam across the 'scrape'. It's great to see them making a comeback here.

Earlier Chris Parkin found the first flowers of Blackthorn and Coltsfoot, a sure sign that we are gradually heading towards spring.

Buzzard (Rod Heeley)

15 Whooper Swans west over Carlton at 09.05hrs (Dave Smith) almost certainly flew over the reserve? They appear to be heading home early this year.

I spent the early afternoon on Cudworth Common where I found a Ringed Plover near the Symphony factory. (Ivan had it the other day here) Also present in the warm sunshine were Green Woodpecker, a singing Red Legged partridge and 3 Siskin.

Ferrymoor Flash had at least 18 Tufted Ducks, a female Goosander and 5 Redwings.  A ringed adult Black Headed Gull was just too far away to be able to read the ring with binnoculars.

Whoopers heading off.......

A  flock of 15 Whooper Swans flew north-west over West End Avenue at Royston this morning at 09.20. Looks like they might be heading off early this year.

Tues News

Old Moor today: Bittern 'booming' still + at least 2 others, 64 Shoveler,redhead Smew, 48 Goosanders, 16 Goldeneye, Water Rail, 6 Oytercatchers, 2 Barn Owls. No sign of Red-crested Pochards on Bolton Ings or elsewhere.

Wintersett 19.02.13

Cold, frosty start, becoming much warmer, bright and sunny.
Wintersett Res 80% ice: 10 Pochard
Cold Hiendley REs 95% ice.
Anglers CP 70% ice: Female Long-tailed Duck,  a Redhead Smew and 23 Snipe. A Siskin flew over.
116 Pink-footed Geese flew north at 13.55 hrs.     2 Whooper Swans flew into CP at 17.28hrs

Wilthorpe Marsh (west)

Highlights today: Jack snipe flushed just before Imm female Peregrine flew by and then perched on a pilon.  I sat on a old pallet in the sun watching the Peregrine when a water rail flew by me,  This place is water rail city.

Rabbit Ings....... 🐔

Thanks to the eagle eyes of my mate Paul Round: Long eared Owl roosting 4-45 Also Short eared Owls in flight and perching on post, Kestrels and Grey Partridge............ :)

Not a lot......... 😦

Ferrymoor Flash 11-30 Not a lot to report. Partly covered with thin ice. One female Goosander, Tufted Duck, Teal, Greylag and Canada Geese, Common Gulls and the Kingfisher was back in its usual spot! Oh and one field fare. 😆

The Edge

Broomhill Flash midAM- 15%  ice covered at 10am. On the open water were 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Grebe, 3 Mute Swan, 72 Wigeon, 28 Tufted Duck, 15 Mallard,10 Pochard, 6 Gadwall, 2 Shelduck, 95 BH Gull and 3 Common Gull. Also noted were 200+ Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 1 Peregrine, 2 Skylark and 1 Reed Bunting.

Bolton Ings late AM - 60% ice-cover at 11am down to25% by1pm. On the open water were 3 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 64 Gadwall, 27 Tufted Duck, 11 Pochard, 11+ Mallard, 9 Shoveler, 7 Teal, 5 Wigeon, 210+ BH Gull and 13 Common Gull. Also noted were 1flyover Cormorant, 17 Canada Geese, 8 Greylag, 1 flyover Goosander, 2 Snipe and 1 Oystercatcher.

Monday, 18 February 2013

Four Oyster Catchers Wintersett 18-2-13 Also Goosander, Snipe, Goldeneye and the other usual suspects.

Miss tit - just.............

A 'white-winged gull', flew from northwest towards Old Moor at 16.20 and was thought probably to be a first-winter Glaucous. (John Goddard).

The Edge

Broomhill Flash mid AM- On the open water were 5 Cormorant, 2 Mute Swan, 50+ Wigeon, 12 Pochard, 11 Tufted Duck, 8 Teal, 6 Mallard, 4 Wigeon, 2m+1f Shoveler, 104+ BH Gull and 3 Common Gull. In the back field were 10 Red Legged Partridge, 4 Skylark and 30+ Pied Wagtail. Also noted were187+ Canada Geese, 6 flyover Herring Gull and  flyover Lapwing(15and 45) . In the car park were 1 Bullfinch and a pair of Tree Sparrow.

Bolton Ings late AM- Highlight was 3m+2f  Red Crested Pochard. On the open water were 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 3adult+1juv Mute Swan, 22 Canada Geese, 14 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose( flew west with 2 Greylag at 12.01pm), 61 Gadwall, 17 Tufted Duck, 12 Pochard, 7 Shoveler, 6 Mallard, 6 Teal, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 2 Wigeon, 312 BH Gull, 12 Common Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 40 Lapwing and 1 Snipe.

Wintersett 18.02.13

Lovely morning - mild, and sunny.  Not a lot to report though.
Angler CP: Female Long-tailed Duck and a Redshank.
Wintersett Res: Just 1 Redhead Smew,  1 Linnet flew east and a Nuthatch in Pits Wood.
Here's a record shot of the 3 Smew that were on Wintersett Res on the 15th.
Drake and 2 Redheads                J Wragg  

monday morning news

Old Moor: Bittern still booming Reedbeds, Smew still present.

Bolton Ings: (per John Seeviour) Pink-footed Goose, 5 Red-crested Pochard (3 males)

Sunday, 17 February 2013

Bleachcroft Farm Bittern

Spent the day up at Rabbit Ings, a cracking day. Got home to find an email from Rod Heeley and this photo of a Bittern at Bleachcroft Farm. For those of you who don't know, this is just north of Cudworth bridges. Rod photographed the bird from the railway embankment just left of the large square pond this morning at 08.30hrs when it was misty.


Bolton Ings - 17th February

A late start this morning following previous 2 nights alcohol intake, a bright sunny day with a temp. of 3c at 10.30 following heavy overnight frost had risen to 10c by mid afternoon. Both ponds about 50% ice early on but all had gone by mid day. Good counts of diving duck today, 2 Goldeneye, Shelduck and the first Oystercatcher of the year were the best birds. Black Headed Gulls more vocal as they prepare for nesting. Full list :- Mute Swan 8, Canada Goose 17, Grey Lag Goose 9, Cormorant 1, Great Crested Grebe 1, Little Grebe 2, Mallard 8, Gadwall 71, Teal 8, Shoveler 8, Wigeon 4, Shelduck 1, Tufted Duck 45, Pochard 44, Goldeneye pair, Goosander 1, Coot 160, Moorhen 9, Oystercatcher 1, Lapwing 1, Black Headed Gull 455, Common Gull 13, Jay 4, Kestrel 2, Green Woodpecker 1.

Saw the Smew on the Wader Scrape from the old railway line and then went onto Old Moor at 4 oclock. 11 Goldeneye on the Main Marsh was a good sight, another 2 females were on the Mere. There was a Redshank on the Wader Scrape and the Little Egret roosted on the Willow Pool. 57 Goosanders roosted tonight, all on the Wader Scrape apart from 2 on the Mere. Didn't see the Smew, back on the Reedbeds apparently.
Med Gull, Ingbirchworth / Whitley Common. Curlews and Oystercatchers moving up onto the moors in very very low numbers this weekend. per Mick Cunningham.

Wintersett p.m.

The Barnacle Goose remains at Walton Hall. And the gull roost;- The 3rd-winter Yellow-legged Gull was on the CP before relocating to the Top Res and then heading off southwards before dusk. Another Yellow-legged Gull (1st-winter) roosted on the CP. The Polish ringed 1st-winter Caspian Gull was on the Top Res before also leaving southwards before dusk along with lots of other large gulls (where are they going to just a half hour before darkness?). A Woodcock flew over the car park in the fading light of injury time.

More Whoopers

16 Whooper Swans North West over Hemingfield this morning.

mud, glorious mud!

With most of the coverage at Old Moor (Smew, 4 Oystercatchers, Green Sand) I decided to get some real mud on my wellies to cover the recent coating of West Yorkshire clay. Wombwell Ings first where apart from the bits already mentioned the Little Egret remained.

The Little Egret on Wombwell Ings - Dave Pickering
Then it was onto Bolton for a four hour trudge through the fields, tip and Ings. Not many birds but the mud made it worthwhile! A small flock of 20 Skylarks in the 'Goldie fields' and a couple of Reed Buntings were all I could find below bush level - not a Linnet in sight. The bushes weren't  great either, 10 Goldfinch, a couple of Siskin and a pair of Goldcrests displaying. A few Herring Gulls and the odd GBB flew south pre-roost time. Have they deserted West Yorkshire too? A Green Woodpecker on the telegraph poles was about the last bird worthy of mention (just!) apart from the counts on Bolton Ings itself which should be with you shortly when the Barnsley Blade sobers up.

Pager news: Rough-legged Buzzard1mile west of Wharncliffe Side at Spout House Hill over Tinker Brook/Bent Hills Lane at 2.20pm then flew east. Not too sure where this is but if it isn't in our area it must be just outside? The moorland knowledge is in India at the moment! Definitely out of our area but of interest 54 Whooper Swans flew west over Orgreave Lagoon early evening. So with 14 at Broomhead also, it looks like Whoopers are (or at least were) on the move. Keep looking up!

Broomhead Moor 17/02/2013

Did the 'triangle' walk to day with Mr Tyke taking in part of Dukes Rd and then around the shooting cabin ..

Today's results were 5 common buzzards (2 at Low Moor), 6 ravens and c16 bullfinches in the birches beside Mortimer Road .. There were 10 whooper swans reported today on Broomhead Res but by 4:45 this number had increased to 14 ..

Sparrowhawk in my garden

Sparrowhawk, I've been seeing this one in my garden  in Cudworth over the last year and this is the first time I've had the chance to pick up my camera before it was gone. It was taken through the glass of my kitchen window

Treecreeper

Saturday..Haw Park Woods...Saw at least eight Treecreeper's in one area.

Cliffe Road (Brampton Bierlow)

House Sparrow : pair taking nesting material into regular nest site (above my eldest daughters bedroom window).
Hedgehog : 1 hibernating (found while doing some tidying up in the back garden).


Wintersett a.m. 17.02.13

Frosty start, mild and sunny.
Wintersett Res: 27 Pink-footed Geese flew west at 09.20hrs.  2 drake Scaup, and a male and female Teal,  were also present.   Willow Tits were very vocal in Pits Wood and in the SW corner.
Anglers CP: Female Long-tailed duck and 4 Oystercatchers and 225 Wigeon were present.  A Buzzard flew over,  so did a Siskin and 25 Golden Plover.  A BRAMBLING visited the feeding station in the car park just after midday. 
Haw Park Wood:2 Crossbill

rabbit ings sunday

Green woodpecker at side of canal,skylarks top of hill.Triangle area produced a female sparrowhawk a reed bunting and 2 buzzards drifted towards ryhill.No sign of se owls this morning.

Wombwell Ings

A beautiful sunny morning again and the skylarks were singing

2 Shelducks
6 Heron
150 Wigeon
200 BH Gull
2 Male & 3 Female Goosanders
4 Mute Swan
Some Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Teal, Lapwing and Mallard
Steve

Saturday, 16 February 2013

Carlton Marsh

To say it has been a difficult week is an under statement. Last Saturday and today access to the railway embankment has been barb-wired off and signs put up saying its private land by adjacent landowners! Some of us have been waking this path for 40 years. Its now up to BMBC to sort out this long running dispute.


Les Corrall & Lucy Cheetham
On a more positive theme the lovely Lucy Cheetham and the not so lovely Mick Birkinshaw from the Groundwork Trust & Jackie & Ben from the The Dearne Valley Green Heart project, came to inform the general public about the Nature Improvement Area and what's been acheived already in tems of water quality. This event, held in the car park area, went well and without interference.

Wildlife sightings over the past few days have included; 12th 8 Snipe & 5 Water Rails. 15th Weasel, Water Vole, 3 Buzzards, a mixed flock of mainly Redpolls & Siskins & Coal Tit singing, 16th Little Owl, Buzzard & 2 Treecreepers .

Wintersett update

The gull roost was rather poor tonight with only low counts of the large gulls and the usual third-winter Yellow-legged Gull being the only 'scarcity'. There were a thousand Common Gulls and 6500 Black-headed Gulls on the Top Res. The Bittern was in its usual reedbed roosting place and Oystercatchers were up to 4 on the CP.

Ewden Height 16/02/2013

A fairly quiet day again today  ..

Results were 5 common buzzards, 4 ravens, 6 bullfinches alongside the path heading from Mortimer Rd and then a male black grouse which was feeding in the top of one of the trees in the plantation at 4:15 .. Good to see that there is at least 1 left ..

Less welcome sightings were 22 blokes, c20 hounds and 3 lurchers seen combing the moor to the South side of the path leading to the shooting cabin ...


Bretton, early aft. 16-2-13

smew on top res. goosander 6, g.c. grebe 5, l. grebe 2, tufted duck 55, pochard 5, gadwall 8, mute swan 2, buzzard 4, + 1 buzzard at birthwaite hall.

Wombwell Ings

11am
1 Little Egret, could have been 2 but not confimed

4 Goosanders

4 Skylarks singing

1 Kestrel

60 Wigeon

5 Grey Heron

2 Pied Wagtail

12 Tufted Duck

and a pony in the middle of the pond, struggled a bit but eventually retraced its steps out

Steve

Wintersett - a.m 16.02.13

Frosty start but milder and sunny by mid morning.
Anglers CP: 10% ice. New in today, 2 drake Red-Crested Pochard.  Also here female Long-tailed Duck, 3 Oystercatcher, a Water Rail and 15 Redwing.
Wintersett Res: 90% ice, but held onto male Scaup and drake and Redhead Smew.  Also 2 Little Grebe,14 Goosander and 66 Goldeneye + 8 CHRes.

pre-city news

Old Moor: Smew, redhead on Reedbeds, skeins of 240 and 140 Pink-feet over (including a leucistic bird in latter), 4 Oystercatchers, Redshank.

Wombwell Ings: Little Egret.

rabbit ings

at least 2 short eared seen for long periods between 2.45pm and 4pm.1 up stack and 1 in triangle area yesterday.

Friday, 15 February 2013

Bullies Galore

Slow week work wise so the back garden has had a good watching over the last few days.

Up to 10 Blue tits have been visiting, a dozen or so Long Tailed, our usual 2 Willow,a couple of Coal and 6 Great have also put in appearances.

Getting regular visits from 2 Nuthatches now (had been 1 for a few months but I think its pulled ;))

Large flocks of Goldfinches flitting through the trees in the field behind us with varying numbers feeding.

Counted together in the garden and the trees/bushes in the field up to 12 Bullfinches with a total of 8 in the garden in one visit!

M and F G/S Woodpecker.

3 Robins chasing each other and getting up at 5am for a little sing song.

Around 100 Woodpigeons are in the trees each day with a few venturing in.

Good numbers too of Chaffinch, Blackbird ,Collared, Dunnock and even a couple of Lesser Spotted Greenfinch (lesser spotted 'cos we don't see them much!)

Oh, and a Sparrowhawk trying for a takeaway.

Used to have 3 horses in the field behind us but haven't seen them for a while......got to go my burgers ready :D.

Wintersett - 3 Smews 15.02.13

Much milder, sunny and breezy.
Anglers CP:  3 Oystercatchers new in.  Drake Scaup 
Wintersett Res: Drake and 2 redhead Smew and  Female Long-tailed Duck.

pre-tarn news

Old Moor: The Bittern was still 'bashing it out' at the Reedbeds tonight where the read-head Smew remains. At least 40 Goosander had arrived. Two Peregrines were up together and a minimum three Brambling were by the feeders.

Houghton Wash: Ringed Plover (Ivan Martin).

Anglers CP. The adult 'Kumlien's Gull' was seen again early morning before leaving north.

The Edge

Broomhill Flash mid AM- On the open water were 3 Cormorant, 7 Mute Swan, 44+ Wigeon, 30 Teal, 17 Pochard, 8 Tufted Duck, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 2 Mallard, 1 Shelduck,155+ BH Gull and 6 Common Gull. The Peregrine posed on its' mole hill at 10am. Also present were 66+ Canada Geese, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 2 Skylark and 1 Kestrel.

Bolton Ings late AM- On the open water were 3 Cormorant, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 3 Mute Swan, 70 Gadwall, 15 Pochard, 15 Tufted Duck, 12+ Teal, 7 Shoveler, 6 Mallard, 2 Wigeon, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 310+ BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull and 6 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 20 Canada Geese, 4 Snipe, 1 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 1 Kestrel and 6 Siskin.

Thursday, 14 February 2013

eve update

13+ Waxwings, Hoyland Common on Sheffield Road near bowling green (G Wasse) 68 Goosander roosted at Old Moor, 70+ Tree Sparrows, 9 Yellow hammers 3 Brambling in Bird Garden
Much the same reported from Old Moor today with the Bittern still 'booming' from the Reedbeds where the Smew continues to hang out.

The Smew on the Reedbeds today - Jim Thompson

Wintersett - Morning Gulls 14.02.12

Anglers a.m. Gulls -per Steve Denny - viewing from NE corner..
Only 15 large gulls in the CP roost this morning.  Some others came through from Wintersett Res  from 07.15hrs onwards but visibility was poor.  A 1st W Glaucous Gull went NW at 07.20 hrs and the 3rd W Yellow-legged Gull was also on the lake.
Anglers a.m. Gull update - per Dave Waddington - viewing from south bank picnic area.
1 adult Kumlein's Gull flew in from WRes early on and landed briefly on the CP lake  before leaving NW.
Jonathan sent a link which has an interesting post, on February 1st 2013,  with photos and ID features of Kumlien's from Newfoundland.     http://chrisgibbins-gullsbirds.blogspot.co.uk/
All the usual birds also here this morning:
Anglers CP - Female Long-tailed Duck.
Haw Park Lane Field:  Field fare 100,  Redwing 2.
Wintersett Res: Redhead Smew,  drake Scaup,  Buzzard 1 over.

The Edge

Broomhill Flash mid AM- On the open water were 3 Cormorant, 1 Little Grebe, c20 Wigeon, 14 Pochard, 10 Tufted Duck, 7+ Mallard, 3m+3f Goldeneye, 2 Gadwall, 44 BH Gull and 2 Common Gull. Also present were 100+ Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Skylark and 1 Peregrine( which after  one hunting sortie, settled on a mole hill in the back field ).

Wombwell Ings late AM- On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 100+ Wigeon, 25+ Teal, 22 Mallard, 7 Tufted Duck, 2 Gadwall, 1f Goosander, 155+ BH Gull and 2 Common Gull. Also present were 4 Grey Heron, 93 Canada Geese, 9 Lapwing and 1 Mistle Thrush.

Bolton Ings early AM- On the open water were 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2adult+1juv Mute Swan, 59 Gadwall, 20 Shoveler, 15 Pochard, 14+ Teal, 12 Mallard, 5 Tufted Duck, 5 Wigeon,  2m+2f Goosander, 138 BH Gull and 7 Common Gull. Also noted were 24 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 48 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 2m+1f flyover Goosander, 1 Kestrel and 40+ Redwing.

Wednesday, 13 February 2013

SIBERIA. ( nearly )

Edderthorpe flash, very cold morning the wind chill felt like - 10c. Pink-footed Goose 1, Shelduck 4, Goosander 4, Greylag 148, Teal 85, Lapwing 74, Golden Plover 5, Snipe 7.

The Edge

Broomhill Flash mid AM- On the open water were1 Little Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 1 Mute Swan, 57 Wigeon, 10 Tufted Duck,7 Teal, 3 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, 100+ BH Gull and 5 Common Gull. Also present were 200+ Canada Geese, 1 flyover male Goosander, 9 Red Legged Partridge and 1 Peregrine.

Bolton Ings late AM- On the open water were 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 3 adult+1juv Mute Swan, 63 Gadwall, 14 Pochard, 13 Tufted Duck, 8+ Mallard, 7 Teal, 7+ Shoveler, 2m+1f Goldeneye, 250+BH Gull and 13 Common Gull. Also noted were 24 Canada Geese, 7 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 40+ Redwing, 8 Fieldfare and 1 Bullfinch.

Wintersett 13.02.13

Overcast,  bitterly cold, snow started midday.
Anglers CP: Female Long-tailed Duck,  34 Teal + 1 WRes.
Wintersett Res: Redhead Smew and Drake Scaup.
Walton Hall:  Barnacle Goose.

The Early bird........

……catches the Kumlien’s Gull. After tantalising brief encounters the previous two mornings, I got my backside out of bed a bit earlier and was in place on the point in the northeast corner of Anglers Lake by 06.55 and was able to begin scanning the roost shortly after. I picked up the Kumlien’s Gull at 07.05 hrs and had an excellent 20 minutes with it as it sat on the lake, preened and flew around a bit. It left to the northwest at 07.25.
Also present was the large 1st winter Caspian Gull and female Long-tailed Duck.

Tuesday, 12 February 2013

Wintersett 12.02.12

 Cold east wind, overcast.
Wintersett Res: Scaup 1 male,   Smew  1 Redhead.
Walton Hall: Barnacle Goose 1.
Anglers CP: Long-tailed Duck 1 female,  Shoveler 1 male, Teal 35.
ACP Gull Roost: The dark/big 1st W Caspian Gull was in at 15.20hrs  and the 3rd W Yellow-legged Gull came in at 16.50hrs.
Smew still Old Moor on Reedbeds.

'Mealy Redpoll' Derwent Place, Wombwell (Jeff Wragg).

Request for info

In the Barnsley reports Stone Moor is mentioned a lot, Does anyone know where it is?

Kumlien's Suprise

After not being picked up in last nights roost, it was a nice surprise to see the Adult Kumlien’s Gull at the top end of Anglers Country Park this morning. It left to the north at 07.20 hrs with other large gulls. Also present was the polish ringed Caspian Gull.

Monday, 11 February 2013

Wintersett Gull Roost 11.02.13

A large audience waited, in very cold conditions, for the gull roost on Anglers CP. but they  just? saw the usual, large 1st W  Caspian Gull  that came in at 15.10hrs.   Two Yellow-legged Gulls, a 1st W and a 3rd W that came in at 16.50hrs and the Polish-ringed 1st W Caspian Gull that came in at 17.20.    A Dunlin flew over.  (No sign of the Glauc or the Kumlien's.)

Sunday 10-2-13.

Wilthorpe marsh w. + s.f. Failed for j. snipe, just 2 common snipe, green sand, 60ish pied wag still, 1 greywag, 10 meadow pipits, a very restless flock of 10 linnets.

Wintersett a.m 11.02.13

 Light snow overnight cleared quickly ,1 degree with a bitterly cold east wind.
The adult Kumlein's Gull was still present in Anglers CP roost at 07.00hrs but left north with the other large gulls at 07.10.  Here are a couple more record shots from last night.
Adult Kumlien's Gull               Kev Denny
Adult Kumlien's Gull             Kev Denny
One 1st W Caspian Gull  and the 3rd W Yellow-legged Gull were also still  present at first light.  The 3rd W Yellow legged Gull was seen later at Walton Hall  along with a Barnacle Goose.
Wintersett Res.  had the female Long-tailed Duck,  the male Scaup and a Redhead Smew.  A Buzzard flew over. 
Cold Hiendley Res. had a Grey Wagtail.

Birdwell Waxwings

Approximately 20 birds briefly at corner of Alverley Way and Sheffield Road at 11.30am. Eyeing up cotoneaster berries.

Added photos a little later after a quick run round the Alverley Estate, a smaller group of 13 were still around at about 12.50.

Only one definite adult amongst them see photos.




Adult Waxwing -Birdwell




Rave On

Stocksbridge - 1 Raven SE.

Sunday, 10 February 2013

Bolton Ings - 10th February

A truly miserable day weather-wise, 1c at 8 o'clock this morning with persistent snow/sleet which turned to rain and lasted all day.  Viewing very difficult but managed to see/count the following:- Mute Swan 6, Canada Goose 17, Little Grebe 2, Great Crested Grebe 1, Mallard 15, Gadwall 77, Wigeon 2, Teal 4, Shoveler 4, Tufted Duck 17, Pochard 23, Godeneye 3(1 drake), Goosander 2, Coot 134, Moorhen 5, Black Headed Gull 131, Common Gull 1. All counts down on last week, as per usual for Webs count day, no Cormorants and no raptors or waders for second week running.

After a hot drink in the cafe onto Old Moor where the weather was the same but the birds were much better. 4 Oystercatchers were new in on the Mere and a Black Tailed Godwit was flying onto the field pools with the Lapwing flock. Also on the field pools were plenty of Golden Plover and Shoveler, they had already been counted. On the Main Marsh were 9 Goldeneye with 2 on the Mere also. 2 Jays were in the slag willows. On the mere were 2 Redshank and a Shelduck.

I returned later for the Goosander roost which numbered 43 all on the Wader Scrape where Shelduck had increased to 5. The Black Tailed Godwit was now feeding on the Mere.

Highlights from todays Webs count:- Shoveler 74, Wigeon 549, Teal 297, Gadwall 320, Tufted Duck 144, Pochard 72, Goldeneye 19, Little Grebe 15, Coot 483.

Record busting Gull Roost at Wintersett 10.02.13

Tonight a record 9 species of gull were seen in the roost on Anglers CP.  The usual 1st W Caspian Gull flew in at  15.35 hrs closely followed by a 1st W Glaucous Gull.  Next in was the Polish ringed 1st W Caspian Gull and then the usual 3rd W Yellow-leggedGull.  Finally, the star bird of the show, an ADULT  KUMLIEN'S  GULL  was found by Steve Denny at 16.20hrs and it performed, until dark,  to a packed hide. 

Adult  Kumlien's Gull  - record shot       Kev Denny
It is unfortunate that  this shot has the bill of the bird behind protruding under the bill of the Kumlien's.  Hopefully it will return when the lighting conditions are more favourable.
In addition the Redhead Smew was seen earlier on Wintersett Res.

A Busy Day on the Garden Feeders

Today on our garden feeders at Greenmoor in the snowy conditions we had a least 20 species including 2 jays, 3 lesser redpolls, 6 siskins, 3 yellowhammers,c15 tree sparrows,house sparrows,dunnock, blue + coal+great+long-tailed tits, chaffinch, greenfinch, goldfinch, 2 bullfinch, collared dove, woodpigeon, starling, pheasant

Cannon Hall WeBS Count

Not a big count area but some interesting stuff mid morning WeBS count.
556 Canada Goose (some of the Bretton birds?), 117 Mallard, 15 Teal, 23 Moorhen, 1 Grey-lag Goose.
25 Waxwing north, 22 Siskin and 3 Bullfinch.

Wintersett 10.02.13

One degree, overcast,  light but continuous snow turned to sleet, then turned to rain with a east to north easterly wind.
Anglers CP:  Female Long-tailed Duck,  9 Shelduck, 16 Snipe and 12 Teal.  A Dunlin flew north at 12.40hrs.
Wintersett Res: 1 male Scaup. New bird for today (and the year) was an unringed Barnacle Goose in with the Canada flock  on  the ruin field. The bird was seen later by Pete Smith at Walton Hall.

no snow yet but.........

a bit of movement on the wader front: News from Old Moor so far: Bittern still at Reedbeds + redhead Smew. 11 Goldeneye at Old Moor and at least 2 at Broomhill Flash. An improvement in the wader situ' with 118 Golden Plovers, 4 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank and best of all a Black-tailed Godwit on Field Pools. At least 6 Brambling are still around the Car Park feeders.

Todays WeBs

Very poor numbers of wildfowl at Bretton today, only 3 Goosander, 2 GC Grebes, 5 Little Grebes.  Most common duck was Tufted with 73. Red head Smew still on top Lake though.

2 Goosander and 3 GC Grebes at Elsecar Res together with the common stuff.

Edderthorpe - Sunday a.m.

WEBS count day. Highlights from a cold and snowy Flash include;-
Shelduck 12, Pintail 6 (4 drakes)  Teal 200, Gadwall 14, Shoveler 8, Goosander 2, Lapwing 130, Dunlin 1, Golden Plover 7, Snipe 25

Saturday, 9 February 2013

Wintersett - Glorious Gulls 09.02.13

The stupendous gull roost on Anglers CP last night spurred the most reluctant to pay a visit,  and ensured a hide full of birders this evening.  The gulls didn't let them down. The Glaucous showed well after a time, and  also repeated yesterday's performance with the Caspian, by appearing in the same field of view. What a show!
 1st W Caspian Gull   and   1st W Glaucous Gull   Paul Meredith







 1st W Glaucous Gull     Paul  Meredith

She's back

My female Blackcap has returned to the garden after an eight day absence.



Pale Brindled Beauty in Ray Dye's garden last night

Wintersett, Saturday

No sign of the Great Northern Diver today but the drake Scaup and redhead Smew remain on the Top Res and the female Long-tailed Duck is on the Country Park. Ninety-eight Goosanders were on the CP at dusk. Two skeins of Pink-feet, 65 west and 100 north-west, a Dunlin south and a Redshank on the CP. Six Crossbills are in Haw Park. The gull roost on the Country Park again held eight species with the highlights;- Glaucous Gull yesterdays first-winter came in again and eventually showed very well sitting on the rocks in front of the hide, the usual first-winter Caspian Gull also eventually came close to the hide, the usual third-winter Yellow-legged Gull, GBBGull 61, LBBGull 6 and Herring Gull 250. And finally a Bittern was roosting in the Top Res reedbeds at dusk.

Broomhead Moor

A half decent day in comparison to some I've endured of late ..

A woodcock flew past the Stone Circle at 12:55, 3+ ravens, common buzzard over Ewden Height, 9 Canada geese heading South over shooting cabin and then a short-eared owl hunting near to Pike Low to finish ..

Upland bits

Guthwaite Dam - 4 Teal, 1 Water Rail and 1 Kingsher
Royd Moor Res. - 70+ Greylag Geese and 1 Pink-footed Goose.,
per Nick Mallinson.

Wilthorpe Marsh

Highlights today are: Jack Snipe, Green Sandpiper, 5 Water Rails and 25 Reed Buntings.  Also 120 Pink Feet NW at 11.00.

More Pinks

Two skeins of Pink-footed Geese each of c90, WNW from Midhope Reservoir today - per Mick Cunningham

Bretton, saturday morning 9-2-13.

smew still top res. usually visible from cascade bridge. 190 pinkfeet w. at 11-24a.m., 8 nuthatch, 2 goldcrest, 3 great spotted peckers, 1 green pecker but still no sign of the legendary one.

Common Pink-feet 9-2-2013

190 Pink-footed Geese over Hoyland Common 12-15 pm flying west.

Saturday morning

Old Moor: Bittern 'booming' Reedbeds, Smew Wader Scrape, skein of Pink-feet over.

Wintersett Area: No sign of GND. Long-tailed Duck and Smew still, 2 skeins of Pink-feet over.

Bolton-on-Dearne: skein of c150 Pink-feet west c10am.

Friday, 8 February 2013

Carlton Marsh

Buzzard, Little Owl, 20 Siskin & Water Vole (R. Heeley)

Ferrymoor Flash Pochard 4 male & 1 female with 4 Tufted Ducks this afternoon (K. Bannister)

Shafton
Dotted Border (T. Guest)

Old Moor

Smew still Old Moor/Bolton Ings but mobile. 4+ Bramblings by car park feeders still.

Wintersett - What a day! 08.02.13

Cool, light N/Wwind with bright spells.  Quite a lot to report today.
First the return of the Great Norther Diver which swam and dived all around Anglers CP this morning. (No apologies for adding another of Ron's superb photos) At one point it was in the same field of view as the female Long-tailed Duck. It stayed into the afternoon but was seen to fly off around 14.30 hrs.  Will it come back tomorrow?
Great Northern Diver         Ron Marshall

Wintersett Res had the Redhead Smew in the NE corner - however, it is elusive, skulking around in the reedbed.  The male Scaup was out towards the south bank today and a Buzzard flew over Cold Hiendley Res.
For the few who had the staying power to remain while it got dark ,a stupendous gull roost was the just reward.    The 3rdW Yellow-legged Gull visited this morning and was also in the roost from 16.45hrs.
3rdW Yellow-legged Gull                       ASmith
3rdW Yellow-legged  Gull              ASmith
 The usual big 1st W Caspian Gull flew in at 16.07 hrs and at one point was in the same field of view as a 1st W GLAUCOUS GULL which was picked up by Graham.  Finally! A white-winger that gave brilliant views from the hide.
Glaucous Gull   record shot        Kev Denny
81 Goosanders  were also on ACP and a Bittern roosted in the reedbeds on WRes. at dusk.
Ron also had a fox.
Fox                 Ron Marshall
I'm sure you'll agree.  What a day!!