Sunday 31 March 2013

Carlton Marsh

Buzzard, Little Owl, Tawny Owl & Water Rail this morning.

Short-eared Owl & Woodcock at dusk.

Bolton Ings et al - 31st March

Paid my first visit to Bolton Ings for three weeks following my break in Spain, nothing much changed really. -1c at 9 oclock this morning but with no wind and sunny skies didn't feel too bad, soon clouded over though and easterly wind picked up, it was freezing. Only change birdwise were 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 singing males on Warbler Way and a third bird not singing or calling. Full list :- Grey Heron 1, Mute Swan 4, Canada Goose 23, Grey Lag Goose 28, Cormorant 1, Great Crested Grebe 4, Little Grebe 15+, Mallard 25, Wigeon 16, Shoveler 12, Teal 8, Gadwall 43, Tufted Duck 40, Pochard 19, Coot 110, Moorhen 8, Oystercatcher 5, Black Headed Gull 390, Common Gull 5, Kestrel 1, Chiffchaff 3.

Following Bolton went onto Wombwell Ings to look for yesterdays LRP's, no luck but did see 2 Avocets in front of hide. After about 30 mins. they flew off towards Old Moor. Also on Wombwell were 3 Shelduck, 1 Little Egret, 2 Redshank, 2 Snipe and a calling Chiffchaff. Best bird of day was a Red Kite that flew over my head as I was leaving but I didnt see it untill it was a spec over Cat Hill after being alerted by the finder who saw it from his car near the Old Moor Tavern.

Onto Broomhill Flash next where the best birds were 2 Pink Footed Geese and 9 Goldeneye (3 Drakes).

Finally Old Moor where the Bittern was booming loudly and frequently, I could hear it from the Bolton today. Mere first where the adult Mediterranean Gull was on island 1, 14 Goldeneye were on the Main Marsh (2 drakes, 3 imm. drakes and 9 females), the second adult Mediterranean Gull was on the Wader Scrape sporting its Darvic ring. As suspected yesterday it is the juvenile from 2010, Yellow Darvic 2E26 on its left leg, lets hope it finds a mate this year, in fact lets hope they both do. As previously reported by Martin Wells this bird was present at Old Moor last year from the 3rd May to the 4th July and was still at Seaforth on the 24th February this year. The 2 Avocets from Wombwell were also now on the Wader Scrape. I had a walk onto the Reedbeds hoping to see a Bittern but didnt but did flush a Water Rail from the path. Finally as I was now really freezing I counted 20 Goosanders on the Wader Scrape and a Barn Owl was hunting along the river.

Broomhill Flash

Happy Easter to everyone! Here are the counts for today.

1 Green Sand, 5 Snipe, 1 Kingfisher, 8 Goldeneye, 3 Pochard, 13 Gadwall, 9 Teal, 5 Mallard, 4 Shovelor, 15 Tufted, 3 Pink Footed Goose, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Grey Partridge, 1 Kestrel.

Wombwell Ings

2 Avocet, 1 Little Egret, 2 Lrp entered into Broomhill Logbook.

Goldies

Stone Moor - 18 Golden Plovers.

Wintersett p.m. update 31.03.13

6 degrees by mid afternoon and all water bodies ice free.
Steve Denny had the first singing  Chiffchaff  in the Willow Wood on Wintersett Res. Also 2 male Shoveler.
A Curlew was in Anglers CP field.

More Moor ...

Spent a few hours with Mr Tyke at Low Moor again today ..

Lapwings and curlews still present in the same numbers as yesterday .. Rest of the stuff was .. Oystercatchers x2, snipe x1, raven x10+. kestrel x3, common buzzard x2 (including a very pale phase bird which had us wondering at first when it was hanging in the air current in a fashion which could have been seen as hovering) crossbills x5 feeding in conifers beside Midhope Res, jay x2 and a single mipit ..

Cudworth Common

Mute Swan 2 + 2 north, Wigeon 25, Tufted Duck 8, Teal 2, Shoveler, Gadwall 17, Little Grebe, Coot 11, Snipe, Redshank, Green Woodpecker, Buzzard 2, Meadow Pipit 2, Lapwing 3 pairs & at least 8 Skylarks singing.

Ferrymoor Flash
Redhead Goosander, Teal 6, Pochard down to 1 female.

Storrs Mill Wood
Nuthatch 2 (1 singing) Looks like they are going to breed for the first time!

Wintersett Icy Easter 31.03.13

Sunshine but minus 1 at 09.00hrs.   Anglers CP,  Wintersett Res., and Cold Hiendley REs were all 95% ice.
Anglers CP: Female Long-tailed Duck ,  Lesser Black-backed Gull 2 adults,  Goosander 6,  Redwing 11 and  Goldeneye 51 +35 CHRes..
Wintersett Res:  Shoveler 1 male and 1 female,  Teal 25 + 26 ACP,   Buzzard 4 and Fieldfare 12.

Adwick washlands (morning)

Cormorant 5, Wigeon 17, Gadwall 8, Tufted 6, Teal 28, Mallard c20, Lapwing 64 birds in the area, Redshank 10, Snipe 14, Short eared Owl 1 over the marsh, 1 bird reported dead on Stickin Hill, Kestrel 3, Buzzard 2, Skylark 5 or 6 singing, Linnet 12, Yellowhammer 4.

Saturday 30 March 2013

Old Moor - Saturday

At last a few signs of spring migrants, not many but a few signs. Posted earlier a cream crown Marsh Harrier this morning commuting between the Reedbeds and Bolton Ings. Not seen after 9.30 but could still be around. 2 Little Ringed Plovers and a White Wagtail new in on Wombwell Ings where there were also a Little Egret and a Whooper Swan. The regular adult Mediterranean Gull on the Mere and a second adult on the Wader Scrape wearing a Darvic ring, ring number not read but probably one of the juveniles from 2010, watch this space. The Bittern was booming as usual and a Chiffchaff was singing by the Reservoir. 5 Goldeneye and 45 Shoveler were on the Main Marsh, 32 Cormorants on the Mere and 13 Goosander on the Wader Scrape. 6 Oystercatchers and 6 Redshank were also seen on site. The sacrificial crop had plenty of birds again including 11 Brambling, 15 Yellowhammers, 50 Tree Sparrows and 70 Reed Buntings.

Last day of the month tomorrow, if no hirundines are reported it will be the first time ever (I think) that we will have reached April with no records.

Broomhill Flash

Only thing of note this morning was a single Whooper Swan and 5 Mute Swan this P.M.

Wintersett p.m. update 30.03.13

Highlight this afternoon was a Curlew flying NW at 15.40 hrs.  Goldeneye 44 Anglers CP + 16 WRes and Fieldfare 38 at Moorhouse Lane Ponds.

ADWICK

a.m.:  Quiet. Redshank 3+ pairs;  Ringed Plover 1

p.m.  Green Woodpecker 1; Cormorant 16 E; Short-eared Owl 2.

Low Moor 30/03/2013

A good day at Low Moor today with quite a bit to see for a nice change ..

Totals were .. c25 lapwings, c5 curlews, 2 oystercatchers (as per Mayor's report), 1 snipe, 2 red-legged partridges, 1 great spotted pecker, 1 sprawk, 2 kestrels, 4 common buzzards, 4 greylag geese, ravens 4 + 1 + 5 (although to be fair, there's half a chance that some of the ravens counted were the same birds returning from the moor ..)

Upper Midhope

Very picturesque here today with the sunshine and the snow and the lapwings displaying.  Also 2 Oystercatchers and 3 Ravens over Barnside Moor.

Wintersett 30.03.13

Sunny spells,  cold north east wind this morning.
Anglers CP: Highlight today was a redhead  Red-breasted Merganser that flew off with  a male Goosander at 09.55hrs.  Also here: Redhead Goosander 3,  Gadwall 9,  Teal 5 + 3 WRes.,  Lesser Black-backed Gull 2 adults,   Redwing 20,  Fieldfare 1,  Starling 300,   Common Buzzard  7 + 3 WRes and Water Rail 1.
The female Long-tailed Duck has been here since  25th November 2012.  Many thanks to Lynz Harston  for these great photos.
Female Long-tailed Duck       Lynz Harston

Female Long-tailed Duck       Lynz  Harston

Female Long-tailed  Duck         Lynz Harston

Female Long-tailed  Duck           Lynz  Harston 

Early Old Moor-ning

Bittern still 'booming' at Reedbeds + 'cream crown' Marsh Harrier.

Little Egret, Wombwell Ings.

Friday 29 March 2013

Adwick

3 Short-eared Owls at the Bolton end of Adwick tip at around 17.30

The Edge 29th March

Broomhill Flash mid AM-Present were 3 Greylag, 2 Pink Footed Geese, 71 Wigeon, 14 Tufted Duck, 8 Teal, 2m+5f Goldeneye, 6 Gadwall, 5 Pochard,  2 Shoveler, 6 Snipe, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew, 2 Grey Partridge, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 2 Kestrel, 231+ BH Gull, 1 Common Gull and 1 Redwing.

Bolton Ings late AM- Present were 4 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 3adult+1juv Mute Swan, 16 Canada Geese, 8 Greylag, 41 Gadwall, 22 Tufted Duck, 8 Wigeon, 7 Mallard, 7 Teal, 4 Pochard, 483 BH Gull, 7 Common Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Kestrel.

Wintersett - Not so good Friday 29.0313

The unseasonal weather continues. This morning it was minus 3 degrees and there was ICE!     Anglers CP: 70% ice, Wintersett Res: 80% ice,  Cold Hiendley Res: 98% ice.    These water bodies have never had ice as late in the year as this, and weather forecasters are predicting below freezing night temperatures for the next two nights.
Anglers CP: A CHIFFCHAFF was calling at the north end of the lake.
Also here: Female Long-tailed Duck,  Shoveler 1 male, Snipe 10, Redwing 50, Green Woodpecker 1,  Lesser Black-backed Gull 2 adults, Water Rail 1  and  Pochard 52 + 1WRes.
Cold Hiendley Res: A Mute Swan was sitting on a nest.
Wintersett Res: Common Buzzard 7 + 2 ACP,  Little Grebe 3 and a Siskin flew over.
The first of the year Orange Underwing  moth  was also flying here.
Walton Hall:  Barnacle Goose.

Carlton Marsh

Chiffchaff today - not singing or calling. (Keith Bannister)

Thursday 28 March 2013

Silent killer

This Blackbird met an unfortunate end in Lynz Harston's Athersley garden today!


Old Moor - Thursday

Another good day at Old Moor - The booming Bittern still, adult Mediterranean Gull, Stonechat, 4 Black Tailed Godwits and a Ringed Plover. Loads of birds in the sacrificial crop included minimums of Brambling 7, Yellowhammer 10, Tree Sparrow 50, Reed Bunting 70 and Redwing 30.

Rabbit Ings

This little fellow was obviously feeling the cold coming within 10 yards of the observer.
Ray Dye

Elsecar

Elsecar Reservoir - 42 Mallards, 2 Gadwalls, 4 Tufted Ducks, 3 Goosanders, 8 Great Crested Grebes, 10 Moorhens, 14 Coots and c40 Black-headed Gulls.
Platts Common - 2 Golden Plovers.
28th March 2013 2.41pm
Spotted approximately 30 Waxwings at Sparrow Park, Summer Lane, Townend, Barnsley (SE341,064) while driving towards town.
Colin Graham

The Edge 28 th March

Bolton Ings late AM- On the open water were 3 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe. 5 Mute Swan, 48 Gadwall, 14 Tufted Duck, 8 Wigeon,  6 Pochard, 4 Mallard, 2 Shoveler,  382+ BH Gull, 11 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull.Also noted were 13 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Redwing, 1 Jay and 300+ Woodpigeon over Bolton Tip.

Wombwell Ings early PM- Present were 2 Whooper Swan, 118 Canada Geese, 9 Greylag, 2 Pink Footed Geese, 1m Shelduck, 128 Wigeon, 25 Mallard, 20+ Teal, 7 Tufted Duck, 5 Gadwall, 2m+2f Goosander, 2m+1f Shoveler, 39 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 3 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 1 Meadow Pipit, 3 Pied Wagtail and 100+ Jackdaw.

Broomhill Flash mid PM- 3 Curlew flew in at 2.30pm but only stayed for 15 minutes before flying west. Also noted 1 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 2 Shelduck, 71 Wigeon, 5 Tufted Duck, 3 Pochard, 3 Gadwall, 3 Goldeneye, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 2 Grey Partridge, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Kestrel.

Wintersett 28.03.13

Continuing cold weather,  east wind and grey all morning. Wellies still required all areas.
Anglers CP:Highlight today was 7 Curlew flew east at 09.40hrs.  Shelduck 1,  Meadow Pipit 1 NW and 3 NE.   Female Long-tailed Duck,  Redhead Goosander,  Green Woodpecker,  Redwing 2, Lesser Black-backed Gull 2 adults.
Wintersett Res: Teal 4.

Wednesday 27 March 2013

Ringing recoveries

A Woodpigeon (ring no FC06382)  ringed as a first-year at Cudworth on 24th July 2011 was found dead at Taunton, Somerset om 3rd February 2013, a distance of 306kms SSW in 560days.
A Sedge Warbler (ring no X076077) ringed as a juvenile at Carlton Marsh on 6th August 2011 was controlled (caught and released) at Mars-Ouest, Saint-Philbert-de-Grand Lieu, Loire Atlantique, France on 12th August 2012, a distance of 728kms S in 372 days.

Old Moor - 27th March

Sightings at Old Moor today included the following :- Booming Bittern, adult Mediterranean Gull, Stonechat on footpath to Reedbeds. New in today were 4 Black Tailed Godwits on the Mere this morning and were still present at 17.30. Goldeneye up to 14 on the Main Marsh and also 59 Shoveler. 24 Goosanders, Ringed Plover and 6 Oystercatchers on the Wader Scrape. At least 3 Brambling around the visitor centre and 6 Waxwings in Broomhill Village.

Stonechat or Tesia?

Stonechat  photographed by Kieth Pickering on path to Reed Beds Old Moor today. Also Med Gull and 3 Black-tailed Godwits on OM.

Cudworth Common

13 Wigeon, 11 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall, Litle Grebe & 2 Redshank.

Ferrymoor Flash
17 Pochard & 6 Tufted Duck.

Worsbrough 27-3-13

 male lesser spotted woodpecker + female great spotted woodpecker showing well near recently cut tree on rockley dyke at 1-30pm.

Wintersett 27.03.13

Still a very cold east wind  with fine snow for most of the morning. 
Anglers CP: Female Long-tailed Duck,  Barnacle Goose 1,   Lesser Black-backed Gull  2 adults,  Green Woodpecker 1,  Redwing 2,  Fieldfare 1, Song Thush 5 (car park field).
Wintersett Res: Curlew 1 over at 11.05.

The Edge 27th March

Broomhill Flash mid AM- On the open water were 1 Little Grebe, 2 Whooper Swan, 2 Mute Swan, 6 Pochard, 6 Tufted Duck, 4 Teal, 3f+1m Goldeneye, 2 Mallard, 100+ BH Gull, 2 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present 62 Canada Geese, c60 Wigeon, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 2 Grey Partridge, 10+ Rook and 1 Hare.

Bolton Ings late AM- On the open water 3 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 2a+2juv Mute Swan, 58 Gadwall, 16 Tufted Duck, 14 Wigeon, 10+ Mallard, 4 Greylag, 3 Pochard, 1 Teal, 349+ BH Gull, 6 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also noted 12 Canada Geese, 2 Oystercatcher and 1 Redshank.

Tuesday 26 March 2013

Old Moor - Tuesday

Sightings from Old Moor today included the following :- Bittern booming on the Reedbeds, adult Mediterranean Gull with BTO ring and missing primary that has been with us for the last 2 years. This evening a first year Yellow Legged Gull was on the mere as well as 6 Oystercatchers, 18 Goosanders and 12 Goldeneye. A male Stonechat was on the path to the reedbeds and 40 Meadow Pipits and 52 Redwing were in the meadow adjacent to the path. Around the visitor centre were 4 Brambling, 6 Yellowhammers, 50+ Tree Sparrows and the male Blackcap.

More good news for the Bitterns today as approx. 2000 (300kg) of Rudd were released into the Reedbeds. The snow has flattened about 30% of the reeds on the reedbeds but they should recover once it has melted.

Just got back from Spain where there are thousands of Swifts and Hirundines at the moment waiting for the weather to get better before they migrate further North. Dont know when they will get here though as the forecast for the next 10 days isn't going to see much change. This year could be the latest Spring for quite some time, we will have to wait and see.

Wintersett 26.03.13

Still lots of lying snow,  a very cold east wind.  Some sunny spells early morning, but clouded over by mid morning.  Track to west bank Wintersett Res. flooded again. The evening weatherman has just said the cold weather and east wind may continue for next 10 days.
Anglers CP: Female Long-tailed Duck,  Redwing 30,  Fieldfare 2,  Starling 300,  Wigeon 232,  Green Woodpecker 1 and  Goldcrest 1.
Pits Wood: Nuthatch 1
Wintersett Res: Willow Tit 2,  Lesser Black-backed Gull 2 adults.

Looking back  to the 25th March 2012 we had 25 singing Chiffchaffs!  On this day last year it was 19 degrees and we had the earliest ever Orange Tip butterfly.

.... and our kid's movements

Further to the post of 19th March, I have received, thanks to Dave Waddington, the movements of the sibling Mediterranean Gull of 2E28 that hatched at Old Moor Wetlands in 2010.
Metal ring EG61726. Colour ring 2E26.
Ringed as a nesting at Old Moor Wetlands on 9th July 2010.
Sight record  at Seaforth NR, Merseyside on 23rd August 2011.
Sight record at Seaforth NR, Merseyside on 5th September 2011.
Sight record at Seaforth NR Merseyside on 13th October 2011.
Sight records at Old Moor from 3rd May to 4th July 2012.
Sight records at Seaforth NR, Merseyside from 13th January to 24th February 2013.

No birding locally, still practically snowed-in, (though an improvement today)

Worsbro' Wax

41 Waxwings along Clayroyd this afternoon

The Edge

Bolton Ings late AM-On the open water were 3 Little Grebe, 4 adut+1juv Mute Swan,15 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 87 Gadwall, 17 Tufted Duck, 11 Pochard, 12 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 5 Mallard, 3 Teal, 366 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Also present 5 flyover Cormorant, 2 Oysercatcher, 1 Bullfinch and 1 Green Woodpecker.

Wombwel Ings early PM- On the open water were 1juv Mute Swan, 4 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck and 1 Shelduck. Most bird activity was on the land at the eastern end with 92 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 2 Pink Footed Geese, 45 Wigeon, 15 Teal, 12 Mallard, 80+ BH Gull, 4 Common Gull, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 singing Skylark and a flock of c10 Linnet.

Broomhill Flash mid PM- On the water were 2 Little Grebe, 2 Whooper Swan, 4f+1m Goldeneye (8 early AM -M.Rushton), 10 Pochard, 5 Tufted Duck, 2 Shelduck, 100+ BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 2 Common Gull. Also noted were 56 Wigeon, 1m flyover Goosander, 2 Kestrel and 1 Sparrowhawk.

Brierley Meadows

Perhaps the best wildflower meadow in the whole of Barnsley Borough has been trashed.  I have had a look today and at least 35% has been ploughed and a hedgerow removed.  It made me feel sick.  It was full of yellow rattle and eyebright and not a blade of ryegrass in sight.

Ferry Moor today: Pochard 17, Tufted 19, Gadwall 8, Mute swan 6, Wigeon 19, Lapwing (3 pair), Teal 3, Shoveler 2, Little Grebe 2, Coot 8 and Greylag 2.

Wilthorpe marsh w. + sewage farm.

A brief visit had 2 j. snipe in regular place, 2 oystercatchers, green pecker. Still good numbers of pipits and wagtails on the s.f. but a lot feeding in surrounding fields after a thaw.

Monday 25 March 2013

Whooper Evening

12 Whooper Swans north over Carlton Marsh at 18.10hrs were probably the Edderthorpe birds reported this morning.  Buzzard and Kingfisher were present.

BROOMHILL FLASH

Here's todays entries from the Broomhill Logbook.

1 Redshank, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Mute Swan, 2 Whooper, 4 Gadwall, 15 Tufted Duck, 7 Pochard, 35 Wigeon, 8 Goldeneye, 3 Shelduck, 3 Teal, 6 Common Gull, 5 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing, 1 Red-legged Partridge, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Little Owl (per Dave Waddington).

Wintersett Red Kite 25.03.13

Roads clear but everywhere else still snow covered. Cutting east wind, a good sunny spell before clouding over late morning.
Wintersett Res: A wing tagged RED KITE flew east at 09.40hrs.  25 Whooper Swans were in very early this morning but moved on before 09.30hrs. The Barnacle Goose was in with a group of 8 Canada Geese.
Anglers CP: The female Long-tailed Duck is still with us and the usual 3rd W Yellow-legged Gull was here. Also Redwing 21 + 2 WRes.
Haw Park Wood: Siskin 2

Bretton 25-3-13 +.

smew still on lower lake, 2 g.s. peckers, 1 goldcrest, 1 buzzard. Yesterday at wilthorpe marsh w. 1 pale phase common buzzard showing well, really low. 6 golden plover down feeding, 150 starling. On the sewage farm 100+ pied wagtail, 100+ meadow pipit, 2 grey wags, 4 reed bunting, 4 lapwing.

Whooper Morning

(Per Alan Stonier) Edderthorpe Flash, Whooper Swan 12, Pink-footed Geese 3, Golden Plover 23, Redwing 16,

Sunday 24 March 2013

Old Moor Area

Highlights per Dave Waddington

Old Moor:  Bittern 2 (1 booming), Adult Med Gull, Ringed Plover, Redshank 6, Oystercatcher 6 Golden Plover 98, Goldeneye 11.  On the feeders; Brambling 3, Tree Sparrow 50, Yellowhammer 10 and Blackcap.

Broomhill:  Goldeneye 5, Little owl.

Wombwell Ings:  Whooper Swan 2


Wintersett Gulls

The freezing Arctic weather has consolidated the roost again, with good numbers in tonight on the Top Res. There were 80 Herring Gulls, 33 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 58 Great Black-backed Gulls, 600 Common Gulls and c1,000 Black-headed Gulls.

Arctic Ingbirchworth

Bit of an ordeal getting there today because of the snow drifts on all the roads west of Barnsley.  This place does't have much these days because of the path all around.  Nevertheless, it was better than being in the house all day.  The best was a pair of Goldeneye, along with 51 Canada's, 19 Mallard, 18 Coot, 5 Tufted three Moorhen and 3 Little Grebes.

Wintersett Drifts 24.03.13

Snow drifts  all around the area today.  Worst was one that blocked Crofton to Wintersett road early this morning. Sunshine mid morning started a slow thaw. Strong east wind. 
Anglers CP: Female Long-tailed Duck in among the long-staying Pochard 44 + 1 WRes.  Gadwall 9 + 7.    Oystercatchers 4 looked desperate as they tried to feed on the wave battered edges of the water.
Wintersett Res.   Redwing 5,  Fieldfare 2.
Fitzwilliam: At least 92 Waxwing were present but mobile. The flock was outside 'Pizza paradise' near Catchpenny at 09.00 but  flew over Farm Lane heading towards Kinsley an hour later.
 Fitzwilliam  Waxwing                          P. Meredith

Fitzwilliam Waxwing                       Paul Meredith

Broomhill Flash

An early count for Broomhill between 7.00 and 8.15.

3+ Snipe, 1 Redshank, 11 Golden Plover, 2 Teal, 5 Goldeneye, 9 Tufted Duck, 2 Shovelor, c20 Wigeon, 8+ Mallard, 2 Common Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Herring Gull, c230 Black-headed Gull, 34 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 2 Greylag Goose, 29 Canada Goose,  1 Kestrel, 6 Red-legged Partridge, 3 Meadow Pipit, 2 Brown Hare, 2 Rabbit.

Broomhill Flash

A WARNING car park is very slippy this morning!!!

Saturday 23 March 2013

Broomhill Flash

Just to let everyone know that the car park at Broomhill Flash has been cleared of snow!

wilthorpe marsh

Hi can anyone give me directions on how to get to
wilthorpe marsh from barnsley town centre .also anyone with info on adwick wash lands .and directions please ..

Adwick late

2 Short-Eared Owls, 1 Barn Owl on the wash. Also 12+ Snipe, 10+ Redshank 35 Meadow Pipit, 1 Kestrel.

Wintersett Snow 23.03.13

Anglers CP:  It shows how bad the weather is when 6 Whooper Swans are grounded  overnight because it snowed continuously with a biting easterly wind.  This morning there was a good 4 inch (10cm) layer of snow everywhere, with much, much  deeper drifts in places.  However, the Whoopers moved on by mid afternoon, presumably when the snow stopped. 
Birds moving in snowy or cold weather always seem to fly into the wind no matter what the direction. 
 Flying through east today were:  Redwing 27,  Meadow Pipit 2,  Starling 16,  Fieldfare 7,  Skylark 2 and Golden Plover 13.    
Also here - female Long-tailed Duck,  Shelduck 2,  Goosander 1 and Teal 11.
Wintersett Res:Water Rail 1  and a  Chiffchaff  was on the east bank.
Old Royson Flash: Pink-footed Goose 1
Fitzwilliam: A flock of 80 Waxwing near Catchpenny crossroads.

Wilthorpe Marsh

A great days birding this morning in the snow at Wilthorpe Marsh in Barnsley with Upland Tyke.
Upland Tyke looking for Jack Snipe.

Highlights this morning:  Jack Snipe 11 (ELEVEN) a site record, Common Snipe 26, Lapwing 60, Golden Plover 29, Heron 4, Fieldfare 20.  Also on the sewage farm; Green Sandpiper 1, Meadow Pipit 120+, Pied Wagtail 100, Grey Wagtail 2, Starling 150 and Reed Bunting 4.

Latest image of recording area

The black line is the political boundary and the red line is the recording area.  The bit of Barnsley that sticks out to the east that includes Adwick Washlands has now been included but the map needs updating.  Cowell flats is on the border so thats why it has crept into the report.

Friday 22 March 2013

Broomhill Additions

Brrrooommmhill additions are:-

1 Shelduck, 5 Pochard and 20+ Meadow Pipits.

Map of Barnsley Bird Study Group Recording Area

After recent misunderstandings here is a photo of the BBSG recording area from the 1992 report.  Can someone from the old guard check to make sure this is still current please?   This map could also do with updating to show/name all the birding sites.  Anyone?

Wintersett Blizzard 22.03.13

SNOW!  Blizzard conditions with a bitter east wind. 
Anglers CP: Highlight today was 6 adult Whooper Swans at the north end of the lake.
The female Long-tailed Duck is still here. Also here are 2 Shelduck,  2 adult Lesser Black-backed Gull and 3 Redwing.   Flying over were Meadow Pipit 5E and Skylark 8E.
Wintersett Res: Goosander 4
Cold Hiendley SF:  Pied Wagtail 30,  Grey Wagtail 1, Meadow Pipit 15.
Whooper Swans on Anglers CP

Wilthorpe Marsh w. +

4 jack snipe still, 4 common snipe, 30 magpies in flock, 2 oystercatchers on sewage farm pond wall. A quick dash round Bretton had the smew still on lower lake, 1 g.s. pecker and a garden shed with a large silver bowl on top.

Broomhill Flash early a.m.

The count was done between 7.00 and 7.45.

2 Pochard, 6 Gadwall, 5 Goldeneye (4 Female 1 Male), 18 Wigeon, 12 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Cormorant, 2 Common Gull, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Kestrel.

Thursday 21 March 2013

Wintersett 21.03.13

Overcast, freezing NE wind.
Anglers CP: Female Long-tailed Duck,  Goosander 5, Shelduck 2, Redwing 3, Fieldfare 40,  Gadwall 11 + 4 WRes.   Teal 9 + 2 Botany + 1 WRes.
Wintersett Res:  Meadow Pipit 30 in SW field,
Old Royston Flash: Pink-footed Goose.
Pits Wood: A female Sparrowhawk was flying low,carrying a Teal.  It dropped on the ground next to a pool and held the Teal down.  It then dragged and fluttered the Teal into the water and held it under. The Sparrowhawk fluttered and dragged the Teal to the other side of the pool and held it under again.  I moved and the Sparrowhawk flew off and the Teal surfaced, visibly shaking and looking in a very sorry state.  It eventually went and sat at the base of a tree.   I left it there and expected the Sparrowhawk to return and finish the job.   However, a search for the expected remains of the Teal two hours later,  flushed the Sparrowhawk and then, surprisingly,  the Teal, which flew off towards Wintersett Res. Lucky escape!
Female Sparrowhawk holding a Teal under water

Adwick late pm.

2 Black-Tailed Godwit still present at 5.15pm on 1st pool Bolton end with 2 redshank. Also 1 Kestrel, 4 Gadwall, 34 Teal, 20 wigeon. On the tip 1 Barn Owl, 1 Short-Eared Owl, 1 Kestrel at 6pm to 6.30.

Broomhill Flash Late Addition

late additions to Broomhill are 4 Pink-footed Goose in back field.

Little bits lower down

Elsecar Reservoir - 1 Canada Goose, 61 Mallards, 1 drake Goosander, 8 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Cormorant, 6 Moorhens and 10 Coots.
Tankersley - 40+ Linnets in field to the south of Tankersley Church.

Recent black grouse at spring moor.

Heyup martin. I assume you had it somewhere on the woodland edge.

Rockley

Lesser-spotted Woodpecker 1 near caravan park, then flew to Moor Leys Wood. Buzzard 5, Yellowhammer 4, Fieldfare 30+.

Adwick a.m.

Greylag 6, Wigeon 9, Gadwall 6, Teal c.20, Ringed Plover pair with male displaying (fingers crissed), Lapwing c.50, Snipe 5, Black-tailed Godwit 2 still but not seen after 10.15, Redshank c.10. Yellowhammer 1.

Wombwell Ings

Late am, a very cold easterly wind on the exposed ings.

2 Greylag Geese, 1 Oystercatcher, Circ 125 Wigeon, 3 Whooper Swans, 2 Goosander, 2 Red Shank, circ 60 lapwing & 40 Tufted.
Steve

Waxwings

c60 in tree tops on Saville Rd, Wath upon Dearne @ 08:15.

Broomhill Flash

Heres the count between 7.00 - 7.45am.

1 green Sandpiper, 28 Wigeon, 16 Teal, 2 Pochard, 5+ Little Grebe, 1 Shelduck (Drake), Goldeneye 6 (3 pair), 14+ Mallard, 10 Tufted Duck, 1 Kestrel, 2 Little Owls (Under Pylon), 2 Mute Swan, 3 Rabbits, 1 Brown Hare.

Wednesday 20 March 2013

Broomhill Flash

A little late but here's the count for today.

8+ Lapwing, 21 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard, 6 Goldeneye, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 5 Cormorant, 2 Whooper Swan, 1 Herring Gull, 1 Yellowhammer, 3 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Kestrel, 2 Little Owl (per Dave Waddington).

Curlews

Low Moor, Upper Midhope - single group of 56 Curlews - per SBSG website.

Wintersett Spring Equinox 20.03.13

Snow and sleet showers, grey, very cold all morning.  Absolutely dire for this time of year! So much so that we migrated southwards this afternoon.
Anglers CP:  Female Long-tailed Duck,   Redwing  2,  Water Rail,   Green Woodpecker,  Pochard 32 + 1 WRes,  Shelduck 2,  Goosander 7,   Teal 9.  The 3rd W Yellow-legged Gull came in this afternoon.
Old Royston Flash:  Pink-footed Goose.
Old Moor p.m:  Adult Mediterranean Gull,   Whooper Swan 2.  A Bittern boomed once.
Mediterranean Gull  on the Mere              A Smith

              Whooper Swan on the Mere               K Denny                

Old Moor and other Lower Dearne valley wetlands

Highlights today per Dave Waddington.

Old Moor - 2 Kittiwakes (adult and 1st summer), Adult Med Gull and 3 Bitterns.

Wombwell Ings - 2 Whooper swans, 6 Redshank and 1 Dunlin.

Broomhill - 2 Little owls.

Edderthorpe flash - 2 Avocets, 2 Shelduck and 1 Pintail.

Adwick - 2 Black-tailed godwits, 1 Short-eared owl, 40 Teal and 6 Redshank.

Wilthorpe and Bretton in the rain

Went Jack Snipe hunting at the west end of Wilthorpe Marsh this morning with Upland Tyke.  We were soon rewarded with 4 which is the best count four a while.  Also there were 6 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Water rail, 6 Gadwall, 20 Mallard, 14 Canada and 150 Starlings.

We then went to Bretton and the highlights there were: 1 Smew, 2 Goosander, 8 GC Grebes, 13 Gadwall, 30 Tufted,  Green woodpecker and a Chiff Chaff.

Tuesday 19 March 2013

Late news from Old Moor

(per Dave Waddington)

Highlights today:

50+ Whooper Swans north at 16.45, 2 Bitterns (1 booming) and 1 adult summer Med Gull.

Bolton Ings

Late A.M/Midday.

1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Oystercatcher, 24 Greylag Goose, 5 Tufted Duck, 14 Teal, 28 Wigeon, 1 Pochard, 4 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 46 Gadwall, 21 Common Gull, c441 Black Headed Gull, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, c100 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Kestrel.

Broomhill Flash

On Broomhill Flash today were:-
8+ Lapwing, 2 Green sandpiper, 4 Little Grebe, 4 Goldeneye, 27 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 2 Mute Swan, 11 Teal, 45+ Wigeon, 3 Shovelor, 6 Gadwall, 6 Mallard, 4 Pink Footed Goose, 2 Common Gull, 4 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Grey Partridge, 2 Little Owl, 2 Kestrel.

Adwick late pm

A pair of Goosander were on the river Dearne nr lowfield lakes. 2 Redshank on the 1st pool on Adwick Wash Bolton end also lots of Lapwings in this area and a further c50 Lapwings in the north-east corner pool. Also 10 Teal,12 Wigeon, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Heron 4 Reed Buntings 4 Grey Partridge.   A Fox and Brown Hare nr the old maggot farm site. On Adwick tip Bolton end were 2 Short-eared Owls, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Kestrel.

Cudworth

c30 Whooper Swans came in from the east heading west and then NW at about 4.30pm.

Edderthorpe Flash.

(Per Alan Stonier). Redshank 6, Ringed Plover 2, Dunlin 1, Golden Plover 1 Lapwing 142, + Goosander 2, Buzzard 1, Oystercatcher 2 and 6 Common Gull.

Wintersett Ringing Recoveries 19.03.13

per Pete Smith.
Just received some recoveries from last autumn that show how quickly some of our birds move on autumn migration.
A first year Sand  Martin,  ringed at Wintersett Res. on 26th August 2012,  was recaught at Icklesham (East Sussex) on 31st August 2012,  a  distance of 334kms,  SSE in  5 days.
A first year Willow  Warbler, ringed at Eshton Tarn (North Yorks.) on 10th August 2012,  was recaught at Wintersett Res. on 15th August 2012,  a distance of 63kms SE in 5 days.
A first year Lesser  Redpoll,  ringed at Wintersett Res. on 6th October 2012,  was recaught at Eccles-on-Sea (Norfolk) on 20th October 2012, a distance of 220kms  ESE in 14 days.

March SPOONBILL

One flew south over Worsbrough reservoir at 17:25, the very second as I arrived at the res!
This is the 3rd record for the reservoir with the last two records being one on 20th Oct 1982 and 7th Sept 1988.

Wintersett 19.03.13

Frosty start,  Botany 100% ice, but quickly warmed up with blue skies and sunshine until midday. 
Anglers CP:  Female Long-tailed Duck,    Oystercatcher 4,  Little Grebe  4, Redshank 1,  Lesser Black-backed Gull 2 adults and  Fieldfare 28.
From Anglers hill we saw:  12 Buzzards up at one time.  A Peregrine went over at 11.03hrs.   Meadow Pipit   10 NW,   Siskin 1 over +  2 Walton Hall.
Old Royston Flash: Pink-footed Goose 1
Walton Hall: Nuthatch 1
Wintersett Res: The usual 3rd W Yellow-legged Gull was in late afternoon.
Broomhill. Four Pink-feet, two on flash and two dropped onto Wombwell Ings at c10 oclock. Two Green Sands and two Little Owls.
Little Egret flew towards Old Moor from Broomhill at 18:30.

The wanderings of an Old Moor Med. Gull

Belated news of one of the nestling Mediterranean Gulls that bred at Old Moor in 2010 has just reached me, thanks to Dave Waddington.
The chick was ringed with metal ring EG61729 and colou-ring 2E28 . The details are:
Ringed on 9th July 2010 at Old Moor Wetlands.
Still at (colour ring read) Old Moor Wetlands on 11th August 2010.
Sighted (colour ring read) at Hayling Island, Hampshire on 21st January 2012.

Whoops .....

Forgot to mention
Low Moor, Upper Midhope - 6 Whooper Swans NNE at 08:25hrs per SBSG Website.

Ingbirchworth & Midhope

Whitley Edge - c1000 Starlings.
Broadstones Reservoir - 2 Canada Geese, 28 Wigeons, 7 Mallards, 16 Curlews, 11 Oystercatchers, 200+ Black-headed Gulls, 63 Common Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, 3 Moorhens, 1 singing Song Thrush and 2 Reed Buntings.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 32 Canada Geese, 22 Mallards, 1 Little Grebe, c120 Black-headed Gulls, 10 Common Gulls, 2 Moorhens and 10 Coots.
Royd Moor Reservoir - 32 Canada Geese, 5 Mallards, 5 Teal, 2 Tufted Ducks, 2 Goldeneyes, 1 Little Grebe, c10 Black-headed Gulls, 3 Moorhens and 1 singing Song Thrush.
Midhope Reservoir - 16 Greylag Geese, 3 Canada Geese, 4 Mallards, 6 Teal and 2 Little Grebes.
Spring Moor, Midhope Reservoir - 1 male Black Grouse.

Mammals
Spicer House Lane - 1 Brown Hare

Monday 18 March 2013

Broomhill Flash Late Additions

Mid  to Late afternoon.
55 Wigeon, 4 Little Grebe, c500 Starling, 4 Goldeneye and the re-appearance of the Kittiwake for a short spell (Steve Abbott) also 4 Brown Hare.

Woodcock

Stocksbridge - 1 Woodcock low (just above the rooftops) west at 18:00hrs.
I'll have to stop in more

Old Moor Area

(News per Dave Waddington)

Highlights for today from the lower Dearne Valley include: 3 Avocets at Houghton washlands. 1 Little egret at Wombwell Ings. 1 kittiwake, 1 Little owl and 3 Goldeneye at Broomhill.  Also, 1 booming Bittern and 11 Goldeneye at Old Moor, and at Adwick 1 adult kittiwake, 1 short eared owl, 1 Peregrine, 30 Snipe, 6 Jack snipe, 6 Redshank, 45 Pied wags and 16 Meadow pipits.

Wintersett Gulls 18.03.13

Anglers CP: The usual 3rd W Yellow-legged Gull was in from mid afternoon.  19 adult Lesser Black-backed Gull, including the territorial pair, were in the roost.
Wintersett Res: An adult Kittiwake was in the roost at 17.10hrs and  the 6 Common Scoter (5 male + 1 female) were still present.

Worsbrough Oik

In addition to Upland Tyke's post, Worsbrough res. also had; Oystercatcher 1, Shelduck 1, Curlew 1 west 0725, Little Grebe 2, Pochard 2 and Tufted 6.

Worsborough res. 18-3-13.

Pair of lesser spotted woodpeckers showing very well early aft. + 1 great spotted and 10 redpolls. I assume from the regular place at the recently cut down tree at the side of the path on rockley dyke. A few bits from yesterday - wilthorpe marsh, no sign of any j. snipe but 10 linnets in ploughed field + 4 lapwings on territory, one displaying. Now 2 pairs of curlews at upperfield lane fields just w. of kexboro. Finished off with a couple of hours at low moor, midhope, - 3+ displaying snipe showing well and 7+ lapwings some displaying made it feel quite spring like. A total of 5 ravens but raptors scarce with 1 buzzard, 1 kestrel and 1 sparrowhawk. A pair of golden plovers came over calling and landed on barnside moor + 150 fieldfares in trees at upper midhope village.

Small Beer

Low Moor, Upper Midhope - 3+ Curlew. c70 Fieldfares, 2+ Redwings and 50+ Starlings.
Midhope Reservoir - 4 Mallards and 1 'trilling' Little Grebe.
T(h)rilling!

Wintersett 18.03.13

Clear weather to the south of here brought some migrants that were stopped in their tracks by the sleety, drizzly showers this morning.   7  Common Scoters  were in early doors.  5 males and 1 female on WRes.  and  a  male on Anglers CP.  
Also on WRes. were 3 Greylag Geese and a male Shoveler.   The female Long-tailed Duck,  6 Goosander and 6 Redwing were at Anglers C.P.
A Pink-footed Goose was on Old Royston Flash this afternoon.
At last!  The vegetation clearing was finished today.   Hooray!
A beetle found on the Pol last week has been identified as  Agelastica  alni, which is given the national status of pRDB1 (provisionally Red Data Book 1) which is a rare species.   This is the first record for the Wintersett area.  The species was recorded in Barnsley in 2009 and at Walton NR on a single bush in 2011.    Thanks to Mike Denton for this information.
Alder leaf beetle  -  Agelastica alni                  A Smith
Alder leaf beetle  - Agelastica alni      A Smith

Super Ferry Moor

On the pond near Sash at Ferry Moor today were: 1 Goosander, 12 Pochard, 3 Tufted, 56 Mallard 2 Greylag, 9 Canada, 3 Coot, 3 Moorhen and 150 Starlings.  Whilst on the ajacent Ferry Moor wetland area and development land were 6 Ringed Plover, 1 Oystercatcher, 15 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 82 Blackheads, 10 Skylarks, 3 Grey Partridge, 2 Mute swan, 7 Canada, 13 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 11 Tufted, 13 Gardwall, 5 Mallard, 5 Coot and a Little grebe.

Wombwell Ings

I tried to relocate the Kittiwake which had been on Broomhill Flash but no joy!

Dunlin 4, Redshank 1, Golden plover c13, Grey heron 1, Teal 10, Mute Swan 1 Juvenile, Shovelor (pair), Goosander 3 (2 female), Wigeon 70+, Common Gull 4, Gadwall 8.

Also no sign of the Stonechat on Wombwell Ings.

Broomhill Flash

Broomhill Flash Monday 18th March.

 
The count for Broomhill Flash is as follows :-
 
 
Gadwall 8, Shelduck 2, Goldeneye 3 (2 females), Tufted Duck 9, Shovelor 2 (pair), Teal 7, Pochard 4 (3 Drake), Wigeon 2, Mallard 10, Mute Swan and a Kittiwake which stayed for around 10 minutes. Also Mute Swan 2, Red-legged Partridge 4.

WORSBORO RES LESSER PECKER AT LAST !!!

Sun 17/03/13
Having spent three afternoons totalling ten hours after work last week trying to find  the elusive lesser pecker.
I finally decided on a sunday morning foray and was rewarded within fifiteen minutes of getting there.
 The male LSW flew into the alder trees where its been sighted, began drumming and calling .
10 mins later the female arrived where they stayed for 15 mins before flying off towards the M1 Motorway .
Also spotted 6 treecreepers , 1 male nuthatch.....

Sunday 17 March 2013

Another last post

I can't help but agree with neighbour, What's the point of having a bird blog that only a chosen few can post on to...I joined because I love wildlife and thought it would be a good place to share photo's sightings etc, but I can see it's a bit of an elitist club only interested in number crunching and scoring points over each other at who saw what and when and how many and make sure it's recorded properly..To be honest I just love to watch animals and birds and see them as a marvel of mother nature...I also didn't particularly like the way neighbour was slapped down for posting what he thought was a genuine L S Woodpecker...I understand the importance of an accurate record of birds in the area, but don't deceive people into thinking they are welcome here when they're clearly not and only if they do as they're told...Me, I'll still be out and a bout watching and photographing wildlife and enjoying every hour, but I won't be posting anymore here. May I suggest that people wanting to join this group are made aware it's not for nature lovers but for serious bird study and accurate information gathering, which is a commendable thing, but not for me...And lighten up a bit and don't take yourselves so seriously, you may be missing out on the fun bit.

Carlton Marsh

7 Canada Goose, 28 Teal (the most for a while) and 10 Snipe leaving at dusk.
Also a mixed flock of finches that included Redpoll, Siskin and Goldfinch. Mainly the latter.

Yesterday 3 Water Rails and 2 Buzzards, one of which took a Magpie out that was mobbing its mate! (Rod Heeley)


Photos by Keith Pickering of Fridays Kittiwakes on Old Moor.

Old Moor Area

(Per Dave Waddington)

2 Bitterns today at Old Moor one of which was booming, also 13 Goldeneye, 45 Goosander, 47 Shoveler, 1 Dunlin.  On the sacrificial crop near the visitor centre was 10 Brambling, 8 yellowhammers, 75 Reed Buntings and 55 Tree Sparrows with 5 Waxwings over.  Also Little Owl at Broomhill and 50 Waxwings on Church Road in Wath.  Late news from yesterday; 1 Little Egret at Adwick.

Broomhill Flash - late

Per Mick Rushton
Birds counted 2 Mute Swan, 16 Tufted Duck, 2 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 2 pair of Goldeneye, 1drake Pochard, 3 Wigeon, c12 Lapwing, 3 Red Legged Partridge and 2 Kestrel.

THE LAST POST.........!!!

Having paid hard earned money to make myself a RSPB member at OLD MOOR two weeks ago I asked to join BBS and was made welcome.. After two weeks and one small mistake I am being told that I am no longer allowed to post on the blog.. Only TWO people are allowed to post on OLD MOOR sightings now!!!! I find this very childish and wrong..The blog is for anybody to say what they have seen not just TWO people........ You won't hear from me again. Thanks for spoiling my enjoyment......... :-( (PS the "welcome" should say. " Only certain people welcome " )

Wintersett 17.03.13

Cloudy, mild, dry.
Anglers CP: Highlight of he day was a Red Kite thet flew over NE at 14.40 hrs.
Female Long-tailed Duck,  Oystercatcher 6,  Redwing 3,  Meadow Pipit 8 NW,  Curlew 1 SW,  Common Buzzard 6,   Goldeneye 40,  Pochard 32 + 1,  WRes, Goosander 8 + 2 WRes.  2 Grey Partridge and a Water Rail were on the Pol.
2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls were on the islands in front of the main hide and displayed territorial behaviour by mobbing, and driving away, a Buzzard that flew over the lake.  

Ringing Recoveries

After 18 days away and 13 days without a computer I have open my inbox to find - two recoveries.

Kestrel ringed as a nestling at Birthwaite Hall Farm, Kexbrough on 8th June 2012 and found dead at Underbank Reservoir on 18th Februruar 2013, a distance of 13 kms SSW.

Barn Owl ringed as a nestling at Haigh on 8th June 2012 and reported as takenn into care by Abbey Vets having been found near Barnsley on 30th July 2013, a distance of about 5kms S.

Saturday 16 March 2013

Old Moor, Saturday

A adult Mediterranean Gull was present today and carries a metal ring - it is presumed to be the same bird seen for the previous two summers. Six thousand Black-headed Gulls were also counted today. The Bittern is still booming regular. (news per Dave Waddington).

Broomhill late

Per Mick Rushton

Late additions-1 Grey Heron, 50+ Wigeon, 1 Shoveler and 2 Little Owl.

Broomhill Flash Early AM

Per Mick Rushton
 Birds noted were 4 Cormorant,1 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 20+ Canada Geese, 1 Shelduck, 13 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 2m+2f Goldeneye, 2 Pochard,1 Green Sandpiper, 41 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 3 Red Legged Partridge, 2 Kestrel and 1 Brown Hare.

Wintersett 16.03.13

Rain very early morning,  dry by 08.00hrs, cloudy but milder.
Anglers CP: Female Long-tailed Duck,  Curlew,  Oystercatcher 4,  Cormorant 8,  Shoveler 1 male,  Green Woodpecker 1 and Meadow Pipit 2 NW.
Waxwings:  A flock of 27 on Farm Lane,  Fitzwilliam  from 07.30 - 08.45hrs  at least.   Another flock of 23 on Kings Close,  Kinsley at 07.45hrs - per P. Meredith.

Bretton late a.m. 16-3-13.

smew still lower lake, 5 buzzards together, 3 siskins, 2 g.s. peckers.

Edderthorpe and Houghton, Saturday morning

A few birds have returned to Houghton but all these below are on Edderthorpe;-
Shelduck 4, Wigeon 73, Shoveler 7, Pochard 16, Goosander 3, Oystercatcher 2, Redshank 3.
Ferrymoor;- Pochard 12 but no sign of any Ringed Plovers by 'Sash factory'.

Friday 15 March 2013

Old Moor - Friday

An excellent day today at Old Moor with two good records backed up with other goodies. Firstly Kittiwakes, 39 dropped onto the Mere prior to 11.40, 21 left immediately  and the other 18 left within the next 6 hours leaving 1 at 16.00 and none at 16.30. Added to the 39 were the 17 seen flying east over Broomhill at 18.13 making a total of 56 birds creating a new area maximum. The previous area maximum was 36 seen on the 13th March 1988, incredibly almost 25 years ago to the day.

Secondly a second male Bittern was seen in the Mere Reedbed with the regular male still booming from the Reedbeds. Presumably the regular male is not allowing the second male onto "his" territory on the Reedbeds.

Other sightings today not already posted included the following:- Ringed Plover 2, Oystercatcher 6, Water Rail 3, Green Sandpiper 1, Goosander 25+, Blackcap, Brambling 2 and finally 5 Waxwings over Broomhill Village at 06.50.

Broomhill Flash Late Extra

Late message from Mick Rushton -1 Little Egret. 17 Kittiwake flew east at 18.13.

Polite request

This blog has been a great success enabling Barnsley birders to keep up to date on sightings in the Barnsley recording area.  However, there is concern over one or two people using it like it was ther own personal blog.  There is nothing wrong with putting common species on the blog but only do so if the numbers are noteworthy and always include counts.  Also, Barnsley birders do not want to read or indeed see photos of birds that are from other areas, (Remember, the blog is called Barnsley Bird Sightings).  Yesterday news went on the blog of a lesser spotted woodpecker at Old Moor, which has not been verified.  I therefore wish to politly request that posting sightings for the Old Moor area is left to both WIM Man and Barnsley Blade in order to avoid any problems.  We would like the blog to be informative and acurate for all Barnsley Birders and visitors to remain well informed.
    

Broomhill Flash 15th March

Per Mick Rushton
2 Mute Swan, 80+ Canada Geese, 17 Tufted Duck, 4 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 3 Shelduck, 1 Goldeneye,  2 Teal, 2 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 6 Red Legged Partridge, 2 Kestrel, 1 Little Owl and 1 Hare.

Worse burgh

1 male Lesser Pecker in Alders by bridge at c11.00 a.m. + at least 8 Treecreepers.

Cudworth

36 Waxwings were perching on telegraph wires after feeding on rose hips at White Cross Road at 3pm. (Les Corrall)

Wintersett 15.03.13

Cool and drizzly. SW wind.
Anglers CP:  Curlew  1 east at 10.15hrs.  Female Long-tailed Duck,  a Redshank and 10 Redwing were the only birds of note here today.   Paul Meredith  (Fitzy)  reported 22 Waxwings  outside his house at 13.00hrs.   

Once Bittern........... ;-)

OLD MOOR : My first Bittern seen from Family Hide. Also 39 Kittiwake, Snipe and the other usual suspects.......... :-)

Redwing with a crossed bill

Worsbrough - 12 Crossbill with similar number of Redwing east at 08:00. m

Thursday 14 March 2013

Cudworth/Grimethorpe area

Cudworth Common
2 Mute Swan, 10 Wigeon, 14 Gadwall, 9 Teal, 12 Lapwing, Snipe.

Symphony
15 Lapwing

Edderthorpe Flash
3 Shelduck, 70 Golden Plover & 2 Oystercatcher.

Cudworth Sewage Works
Little Owl, 50 Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail

Low Cudworth
50 Yellow Bunting, 6 Reed Bunting & Peacock Butterfly.
(L. Corrall & R. Hibbert)

I heard this morning that Jim Plant had a Wheatear in the Hemsorth area! So they are coming despite the cold conditions

Carlton Marsh

Buzzard 2, Water Rail, Common Gull, Lesser Redpoll 10, Siskin 2, Coal Tit 2 (1 singing) Longtailed Tit nest building.

Castle Dam 14/03/13

Quick check after work. 4 Wigeon still present with 1 Grey Heron and 63 Canada Geese. Curlew over calling and also single Lapwing over.

Old Moor / Adwick - Thursday

More to report today - Old Moor - Booming Bittern, Water Rail 1, Buzzard 1, Green Sandpiper 1, Ringed Plover 2, Brambling 6, Blackcap 1, Tree Sparrow 50 and Yellowhammer 8.

Adwick - Buzzard 2, Redshank 1, Lapwing 70, Linnet 70, Teal 22, Wigeon 15 and Skylark 12.

ELSECAR

7. Buzzard between Elsecar and Rainboro Wood late this morning. 1 pair performing display flight.

Wintersett 14.03.13

Cold, dry sunny this morning with some very light rain showers this afternoon.  Wind moving to SW.  Small amounts of ice but thawed by mid afternoon.
Wintersett Res:  Drake Smew
Anglers CP: Female Long-tailed DuckEgyptian Goose and  2 Common Buzzard.  On the Pol marsh (which is now worth looking over) - 2 Water Rail and 2 Meadow Pipit NW.

Not a bad morning :-)

A good morning at OLD MOOR.In the feeding areas: Yellow Hammer,Brambling,Goldfinch,Chaffinch,Bullfinch,Wrens,Tree Sparrows,Great and Blue Tits,Reed Bunting,Robins and Pheasants :-) Female GREATER Spotted Woodpecker in Cafe feeding area. On the water : Oyster Catchers, Goldeneye and Tufted, Teal, Gadwall,Shovelers,Little Grebe,Heron and SEVEN Snipe seen in Field Pool hide :-)

The Edge 14th March

Broomhill Flash mid AM - 85% ice-covered. On the water were 2 Mute Swan, 87 Wigeon, 36 Tufted Duck, 35 Teal, 15 Mallard, 8 Pochard, 5 Shelduck, 4 Gadwall, 2m+2f Goldeneye, 186+ BH Gull and 5 Common Gull. Also noted 2 Grey Heron, 81+ Canada Geese, 1 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 3 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Peregrine, 1 Buzzard, 4 Red Legged Partridge and 1 Little Owl.

Bolton Ings late AM- 60% ice-covered at start but virtually ice-free by 12.15pm. On the water were 1 Cormorant,4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 4a+1juv Mute Swan, 51 Gadwall, 34 Pochard, 26 Tufted Duck, 23 Wigeon, 6m+2f Shoveler, 7 Mallard, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 414+ BH Gull and 19 Common Gull. Also noted 1 Grey Heron, 13 Canada Geese, 11 Greylag, 2 Oystercatcher and 1 Green Sandpiper.

Wombwell Ings early/mid PM- Ice-free. On the water were 1 Cormorant, 102 Wigeon, 31 Teal, 9 Mallard, 4 Shelduck, 2 Gadwall, 62 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull and 3 Common Gull. Also noted 2 Grey Heron, 66 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 1 Redshank,38 Lapwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Goldcrest and 1 Stonechat. 3+ singing Skylark,

Wednesday 13 March 2013

Old Moor/ / Adwick - 13th March

Again very little news today, Old Moor booming Bittern plus Blackcap still around visitor centre.

Adwick Wash, 3 Jack Snipe and 12 Snipe flushed by work party, also Short Eared Owl hunting late afternoon.

Old Pontefract Road

                                             Stonechat-Mick Rushton Sunday 10th March

                                          Goldcrest- Mick Rushton Wednesday 13th March
 

Wintersett 13.03.13

2 degrees,  sunny and dry this morning. 
Anglers CP: Female Long-tailed Duck,  2 Common Buzzard and 2 Water Rail.
Wintersett Res: Redhead Smew
Botany Bay: Drake Smew

The Edge

Broomhill Flash mid AM- 2 Little Owl near the Jackdaw-occupied owl box at the top of Clegg's Meadow. On the water were 2 Mute Swan, 2 Shelduck,  80 Wigeon, 14 Tufted Duck, 10 Gadwall, 8 Teal, 6 Mallard, 6 Pochard, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 1m Goosander, 200+ BH Gull and 2 Common Gull. Also present 98 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 2 Red Legged Partridge and 1 Hare.

Wombwell Ings late AM- On the water were 76 Wigeon, 37 Teal, 7 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 172+ BH Gull, 1 GBB Gull, 1 Herring Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present 1 Stonechat( eastern end), 1 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 13 Lapwing1, 57 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, and 1 Kestrel. Near the bridge on Od Pontefract Road were 3+ Goldcrest and 1 Chiffchaff( J.Thompson)

Bolton Ings early PM- On the water were 2 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 3adult+1juv Mute Swan, 47 Gadwall, 19 Wigeon,14 Mallard, 13 Tufted Duck, 8 Teal, 5 Pochard, 2 Shoveler, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 352+ BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull,  and 13 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 17 Canada Geese 7 Greylag, 2 Oystercatcher and 1 Redshank.

Old Moor....... :-)

Not a lot to see this morning on the water :-/ in the bird gardens: Greenfinch,Goldfinch,Bullfinch,Chaffinch,Yellow Hammer, Wren,Robins and Tree Sparrows.. Also one Blackcap seen on path to Family Hide....... ;-)

Tuesday 12 March 2013

Old Moor - Tuesday

Very little to report, the only news I have is Bittern booming, Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, Brambling 2, Yellowhammer 10, Tree Sparrow 50 and male Blackcap.

Cudworth Common

Wildfowl counts this afternoon were similar to Sunday, but for the record there were 2 Mute Swan, 15 Wigeon, 11 Tufted Duck, 17 Gadwall, 12 Mallard, 6 Teal, Heron and Little Grebe.  Also present 'displaying' Lapwing, Meadow Pipit, Green Woodpecker and 18 Fieldfare. No sign of Ringed Plover.

Ferrymoor Flash
Pochard 10 (7M 3F) 2 Goosanders, 6 Common Gull and c150 Starlings.

Anglers Country Park

Today Tuesday 12 March

Female Long Tailed Duck

2 Oystercatchers
Flock of Wigeon


Wintersett 12.03.13

Zero degrees, still very cold NNE wind but sunny.  Not a lot to report.
Wintersett Res: Drake and Redhead Smew.
Cold Hiendley: Common Buzzard
Anglers CP: Female Long-tailed Duck,  Pochard 29 + 2 WRes.

Worsbrough Waxwings

A relatively good day for the reservoir this morning. GCGrebe 7, Little Grebe 1, Tufted 24, Pochard 2, Wigeon 4 and Goosander 6.

16 Waxwings along Park Rd were a surprise as I headed home this morning, but not as much as a surprise as the 90 (exactly) that were in the backs of my garden this afternoon as I headed out to sweep the paths. I guess house chores do pay off from time to time!


Freezing............. :-/

Duke of Kent at Old Moor today ( Didn't see him ) Bittern booming every 10 mins but no show :-( Oyster Catchers,Snipe,Redshank,Three Herons, Tufted and Goldeneye Ducks and Little and Great Crested Grebe.. Plus the usual assortment of other ducks and gulls........... 4 hrs later home to thaw out....... :-)

The Edge

Broomhill Flash mid AM-  On the ice-free water were 1 Cormorant, 3 Mute Swan, 80 Wigeon, 28 Tufted Duck, 17 Mallard, 16 Teal, 6 Pochard, 4 Shoveler, 3 Shelduck, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 180+ BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull and 2 Common Gull. Also present 2 Grey Heron, 65 Canada Geese, 120+ Woodpigeon, 24 Carrion Crow, 2 Kestrel,1 Little Owl, 2 Red Legged Partridge and 3 Snipe.

Bolton Ings late AM- On the ice-free water were 6 Cormorant, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Little Grebe, 4 adult+1juv Mute Swan, 44 Gadwall, 18 Pochard, 17 Tufted Duck, 16 Wigeon, 7 Mallard, 6 Shoveler, 6 Teal,  2m+1f  Goldeneye, 1m Goosander, 310+ BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 13 Common Gull. Also present 22 Canada Geese, 2 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 200+ Woodpigeon, 1 Green Woodpecker and 4 Lapwing.

Wombwell Ings early AM- (per S. Abbott) "Virtually frozen over". Noted were 2a+1juv Mute Swan, 38 Teal, 9+ Mallard, 2 Wigeon, 1 Redwing, 8 Pied Wagtail, 6 Skylark, 30+ Carrion Crow, 150+ Woodpigeon and 1 Stonechat.

Monday 11 March 2013

Ingbirchworth Res

11 adult Whooper Swans on Ingbirchworth Res mid morning and 1 Pink-footed Goose with Grey-lags/Canada's, 2 Goosander.

Old Moor closed 11am-1pm tomorrow




Advance Notice – closure of Old Moor 11am – 1pm on 12th March

Please be aware that Old Moor will be closed tomorrow between 11am and 1pm due to a visit by HRH The Duke of Kent.

The reserve will open at 09.30 as usual but people will either need to leave the site by 11am or stay on the reedbed trail or Green Lane from 11am to 1pm during the period of closure. Access back to the Visitor Centre from both trails will be closed during that time.

RSPB are suggesting that anyone arriving whilst the reserve is closed, heads to one of the satellite sites until 1pm when the site re-opens. Maps to other sites will be available from staff at the top of the drive. The cafe will also re-open but with a limited service at 1pm.

RSPB would like to pass on their apologies to anyone who might be inconvenienced but hopefully it will be possible for visitors to work round things with a bit of forward planning.

Wintersett 11.03.13

Factor in the wind chill, and this has been the coldest day of the year.   Minus 2degrees start and an icy north to northeast wind, with snow showers this afternoon.
Wintersett Res: A drake and a redhead SMEW were present at midday, after being seen separately on Botany Bay and CHRes in the morning. 
Drake Smew on Botany            Ron Marshall
Anglers CP: The female Long-tailed Duck and the Barnacle Goose were here.   2 Curlew flew over.  Also here - 16 Goosander,  20 Redwing, 10 Fieldfare and a Buzzard.
Didn't expect to see waves making icicles.       A.Smith          

A ROYAL TICK

His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent, will visit the RSPB Old Moor tomorrow.

Sunday 10-3-13.

wilthorpe marsh w. + s.f. - jack snipe 1, grey partridge 2, oystercatcher 2 back on t., 70 ish pied wagtail, 4 grey wagtail, peregrine showing well, landed on pylon before flying off towards fleets. ewden, dukes rd. triangle- poor showing, just buzzard, curlew and 5 bullfinchs at mortimer rd.

The Edge

A bitterly cold day when feeling the full force of the wind.
Broomhill Flash mid AM- On the open water were1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 2 Mute Swan,63+ Wigeon, 18 Tufted Duck,15 Mallard, 6+ Teal, 5 Pochard, 4 Gadwall,1m+1f Goldeneye, 200+ BH Gull, 12 Common Gull and a first winter LBB Gull. Also present were 45 Canada Geese, 2  Kestrel, 2 Curlew(flew east at 8.45am), 2 Red Legged Partridge and 1 Little Owl.

Bolton Ings late AM- On the open water were 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 4 Mute Swan, 40 Gadwall, 11 Wigeon,10 Tufted Duck, 7 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 2m+1f Goldeneye, 2 Shelduck, 9 Common Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 20 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 23 Lapwing, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Kestrel and 3 Mistle Thrush.

Sunday 10 March 2013

Old Moor - March 10th

Old Moor totals today, Goldeneye 18, Little Grebe 16, Tufted Duck 65, Gadwall 60, Mallard 52, Pochard 15, Oystercatcher 5, Wigeon 144, Coot 192, Moorhen 28, Redshank 4, Teal 50, Goosander 51, LBB Gull 8+, GBB Gull 4, Herring Gull 8+, Shoveler 47, Lapwing 276, Yellow Legged Gull a 3rd winter and a 1st winter, Brambling 2, Waxwing 14, Yellowhammer 10+, Great Spotted Woodpecker 1, Comorant 30, Great Crested Grebe 4, Common Gull 25+, Black Headed Gull c4250, Mute Swan 4.

Wombell Ings :- Dunlin 8, Ringed Plover 1, Curlew 5 west, Shelduck 1, Wigeon 110, Gadwall 27, Teal 45.

Broomhill Flash :- Shelduck 2, Oystercatcher 5, Little Owl 1.

Cat Hill Road :- The Stonechat and Chiffchaff still present.


Bolton Ings - 10th March

A bitterly cold day today, 0c at 9am when I started out only rising to 3c mid afternoon. Light snow this morning but then brightened up but with a strong easterly wind it was freezing. Bird-wise poor again, as last week,  all numbers low (a typical Webs count day) although Oystercatchers up to 5. Full List :- Grey Heron 1, Mute Swan 5, Canada Goose 44, Grey lag Goose 12, Cormorant 2, Great Crested Grebe 2, Little Grebe 10, Mallard 14, Teal 2, Wigeon 18, Shoveler 2, Gadwall 60, Shelduck 1, Tufted Duck 26, Pochard 14, Goldeneye 3, Coot 115, Moorhen 1, Oystercatcher 5, Black Headed Gull 455, Common Gull 8, Kestrel 1, Sparrowhawk 1.

Spent last couple of hours at Old Moor where the Bittern was booming strongly and another flew into roost. With the temperature down to minus 1c I called it a day.

Frozen pecker

Highlights at a bitter cold Worsbrough this morning; Whooper Swan 3, Goosander 6,  Pochard 2, Tufted 10, Water Rail 1, Buzzard 1, Fieldfare 60 east, Willow Tit 4, Nuthatch 4, Treecreeper 6+.

Edderthorpe and nearby

National WeBS count day so wildfowl was counted on all the areas close to Edderthorpe - highlights include;-
Edderthorpe Flash - Shelduck 5, Pintail 1, Gadwall 26, Wigeon 68, Teal 107, Pochard 17, Tufted 44, Oystercatcher 2, Golden Plover 90, Lapwing 145.
Houghton Wash - Actually some birds on here today (just) Mallard 2, Green Sand 1, Ringed Plover 2.
Ferrymoor and Cudworth Common - Pochard 9, Tufted 23, Wigeon 18, Gadwall 11, Little Grebe 2, Ringed Plover 10.

Low Moor 10/03/2013

Did a few hours at Low Moor today but nothing particularly exciting happening ..

Results were Kestrel 1,  Sprawk 1, Snipe 1, Lapwings 2, Curlews 3, Greylags 6, Grey Heron 1, Stock Doves 2..

Frozen gonads 2 ...

;-)

Old Moor Today 10/3/13

Redpoll
Redwing
Wren
Waxwing
Group of Waxwings
Waxwing




Wintersett a.m. 10.03.13

An overcast start that brightened mid morning, but with a biting, cold, east wind.
Anglers CP: Female Long-tailed Duck,  11 Goosander,   1 Little Grebe 1 and  5 Cormorant + 2 WRes.
Wintersett Res: Drake Smew,   2 Redwing,  2 Kingfisher and 3 Buzzard.

Bretton

Smew 1, Goosander 4, Great C Grebe 6, Goldeneye 2, Mallard 41, Curlew 1,  Canada 196, Greylag 2, Heron 30, Moorhen 15, Blackhead 59, Teal 5, Pochard 1, Tufted 39, Mute swan 2, Gadwall 4, Coot 4 and Little grebe 2

Saturday 9 March 2013

Wintersett update on the update

The seven Kittiwakes(4 adults and 3 first-winters) all left north-west at 17.15 during a lull in the rain. The usual third-winter Yellow-legged Gull came onto the CP before relocating to the Top Res where it was joined by a adult Yellow-legged Gull. Gull numbers on the Top Res roost included ;- GBBGull 23, LBBGull 26, Herring Gull 50. A few duck counts are ;- Wigeon 176, Goldeneye 98, Goosander 20. The Bittern was roosting in its usual reedbed at dusk.

Wintersett Update and Star Tick! 09.03.13

Still grey and raining.
2 Siskin were on the feeding  station in the car park.   A total of  7 Kittiwakes (4 adults and 3 1stW)  were in the Anglers CP gull roost which may include the 4 adult Kittiwakes that  flew north over the Pol at 16.15hrs.

The STAR TICK  was  Sir DAVID  ATTENBOROUGH  who dropped by today after opening the new museum in Wakefield.
Sir David Attenborough             A.Smith

Wilthorpe Marsh

Highlights today are 1 Jack snipe, 9 Common snipe and 3 Water rails.  Also 5 Great crested grebes on the Fleets.

Wintersett a.m. 09.03.13

Rain with a very cold north to north easterly wind.
Anglers CP:5 Oystercatchers, a female Long-tailed Duck,  a Barnacle Goose, 22 Pochard  and 16 Teal present.  2 Siskin flew north and  5 Curlew  flew north at 11.08hrs.

Polite Notice to all authors.

Liquid refreshments by all means. i will be joining in myself but no references please to alcohol or tobacco as barnsley council filter the posts and block this blog on their computers. Cheers.