Two-barred Crossbill update

Further information since yesterdays posting does not add a much, only that that there were 2 (1 adult male and 1 juvenile) Two-barred Crossbills at Broomhead Reservoir yesterday (30th August) and the same number 2 (1 adult male and 1 juvenile) today. Again if anybody has anything to the contrary , please feel free to post the number seen in the comments box

Wintersett 31.08.13

A much cooler (10 degrees) this morning, cloudy with a gusty westerly. 
For the sixth day there was no visible migration this morning.   However, a phone call  from 5 observers, who had seen  Honey Buzzard in the area for a short time,  released us from the viewing point late morning.  Unfortunately the bird could not be relocated. 
Anglers CP:  Black-necked Grebe 1,  3rd Summer Yellow-legged Gull,  Lapwing 200,  Common Sandpiper 1,  Goldeneye 1 female and  House Martin 100.
Wintersett Res:  A juvenile Hobby was chasing Swallows.  3 Yellow Wagtail flew south.  A flock of 50 Goldfinch was around the west bank.
A total of 78 birds were ringed this morning,  including: 15 Swallow,  12 Reed Warbler,  6 Sedge Warbler,  6 Whitethroat,  4 Lesser Whitethroat,  5 Blackcap,  10 Chiffchaff,  9 Willow Warbler and a Kingfisher.

Kingfisher ringed and photographed by Becky Hill

Edderthorpe Flash 31st August

This morning, Garganey 1, Curlew Sandpiper 1, Ruff 10, Greenshank 2, Dunlin 5, Golden Plover 2, Common Sandpiper 1, Snipe 9, Ringed Plover 3, Little Egret 6 and 2 Shelduck.

Carlton Marsh

This evenings ringing session produced 16 birds that included 6 Bullfinch, 2 Blackcap, 2 Yellow Bunting and 2 Swallows.

A Turtle Dove flew south at 18.00hrs, around 30 Swallows roosted and a Tawny Owl called as night fell.

Crossbills

Broomhead Reservoir - 1 have only heard of 1 juvenile Two-barred Crossbill today bur there are c100 Common Crossbills.
The Two-barred Crossbills have become very scarce over the last last three or four days.
If anybody has seen (or heard of) any more than 4 birds since the 26th August would they please post in the comments box.

Wintersett 30.08.13

18°C warm with a south westerly breeze this morning.  Another very quiet day with no visible migration.
Anglers CP: Black-necked Grebe still present on the shallows in front of the main hide.  3rd Summer Yellow-legged Gull,  Wigeon numbers up to 52.  Shoveler 5,  Teal 6 + 3 CHRes.,  Goldeneye 1 ♀ and  Little Grebe 5 + 1 WRes..
Wintersett Res:  Common Tern 1.    Also flying here:  Small Copper 1 and Common Blue 1.
Moth highlights from overnight traps included: Oak Nycteoline,  Dusky Thorn,  Centre-barred Sallow and 2 angle-striped Sallow.   The moth trap in Haw Park attracted 2 Hornets, Vespa crabro, and a Forest bug Pentatoma rufipes.

Oak Nycteoline   Nycteola revayana         ASmith

Forest bug   Pentatoma rufipes.            ASmith

Elsecar, Wombwell and Broomhill

Elsecar Reservoir - 40+ Mallards, 2 Grey Herons, 7 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Moorhens and 11 Coots.
Wombwell Ings - 43 Greylag Geese, 359 Canada Geese, 18 Mallards, 2 Gadwall, 2 Little Egrets, 6 Grey Herons, 230+ Lapwings, 5 Greenshanks, 3 juvenile Yellow Wagtails and 20+ Pied Wagtails..
Broomhill Flash - 2 Mute Swans, 24 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 144 Mallards, 1 Shoveler, 3 Common Pochards, 42+ Tufted Ducks, 5 Grey Partridges, 7+ Little Egrets, 2 Grey Herons, 28 Little Grebes, 1 juvenile Great Crested Grebe, 21 Moorhen, 77 Coots, 4 Snipe, 4 Greenshanks, 30+ Sand Martins and 2 Yellow Wagtails.

Another Creamcrown

Low Moor, Upper Midhope - 1 creamcrown Marsh Harrier this morning possibly the same that drifted S between Carlecotes and Townhead on the 28th..

Edderthorpe, Friday morning

Little change from yesterday;- Shelduck 2, Garganey 1, Shoveler 112, Ringed Plover 4, LRP 1, Snipe 11, Curlew Sandpiper 1 juv. Ruff 11, Dunlin 5, Green Sand 1, Barn Owl 1.

Eve update

Highlights: Old Moor: Spoonbill still this evening, also Teal 455, Wigeon 28,Ruff 24, Wheatear.

Also the first winter visitor, a Jack Snipe, was flushed yesterday from Field Pools.

Broomhead: At least one Two-barred Crossbill + Marsh Harrier.

The Edge 29th August

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 6 Little Egret, 4 Grey Heron, 381 Canada Geese, 8 Greylag, 136 Teal, 66 Mallard, 19 Gadwall, 6 Wigeon, 6 Tufted Duck(on R.Dearne), 2 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 44 BH Gull, 221 Lapwing, 4 Greenshank, 1 Dunlin, 5+ Yellow Wagtail, 20+ Pied Wagtail, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker and 11 Linnet.

Broomhill Flash late AM- Present were 2 Cormorant, 20+ Little Grebe, 1 juv Great Crested Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Little Egret, 2 Mute Swan, 70+ Mallard, 54 Tufted Duck, 24 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 150+ Lapwing, 3 Greenshank, 7 Snipe, 1 Ruff and 1 Golden Plover. A Peregrine made at least three passes between 9.00 and 10.30am.

Bolton Ings early PM- Present were 11 Cormorant, 15 Little Grebe, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Great Crested Grebe +4 juv, 2 Mute Swan +6 juv, 2 Greylag, 63 Gadwall, 34 Tufted Duck, 13 Mallard, 9 Teal, 5+ Shoveler, 4 Wigeon, 4 Pochard, 299 Lapwing, 6 Snipe, 1 LBB Gull over and 1 Kestrel.

Yellow Wagtail - Wombwell Ings

Silkstone Golf Course

A new Robber-fly for the Barnsley area - Machimus atricapillus.

Wintersett 29.08.13

20°C warm and sunny start but a strengthening westerly, and increasing cloud cover  made it feel cooler from mid morning.  Yet another very quiet morning with no visible migration.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 1 adult.
Anglers CP: Highlight today was a juvenile Peregrine that flew over at 11.10hrs.  Black-necked Grebe 1 still present.  Common Sandpiper 1,  Snipe 2,  Common Gull  1 juv.,  Yellow-legged Gull 1 3rd Summer,  Goldeneye 1♀,  Teal 7,  Little Grebe 4, Shoveler 9 and Gadwall12.

Early thurs highlights

Broomhill Flash: Water Rail, Little Egret 3, Greenshank 4, Snipe 11, Barn Owl.

Wombwell Ings: Little Egret 7, Greenshank 4, Yellow Wag 23, Tree Pipit  (rough grass just beyond park).

Old Moor: Spoonbill, Ringed Plover 10, Ruff 12, Greenshank 2, Black-t Godwit 4.

Edderthorpe, Thursday a.m.

Shelduck 2, Garganey 1, Wigeon 5, Little Egret 1, Ruff 11, Curlew Sandpiper 1 juv, Dunlin 4, Greenshank 1, Ringed Plover 4, LRP 2, Green Sand' 1, Snipe 15

Edderthorpe Flash

A brief visit between from 13.00 -14.00hrs
Common Sandpiper 1, Curlew Sandpiper 1, Ruff 11, Snipe 4, Greenshank 2, Green Sandpiper 1, Ringed Plover 2, LRP 1, Golden Plover 12 and Little Egret 2. (Les Corrall)

Wintersett 28.08.13

18 degrees, warm with hazy sunshine.
Wintersett Res:  Pochard 18,  Common Tern 1
Anglers CP: Black-necked Grebe still present.   3rd Summer Yellow-legged Gull,  Teal 7 + 1WRes.,  Shoveler 5 + 9 ChRes., Common Sandpiper 1,  Dunlin 1,  Little Grebe 4 + 2 Wres. + 1 CHRes..
ACP Vis. Mig.  Spotted Flycatcher 1 SW at 08.50 + 1 E at 11.12,  Yellow Wagtail 2 S,  Meadow Pipit 1 S and  Hobby 4 over Haw Park at 11.20

Another Creamcrown

1 creamcrown Marsh Harrier drifted slowly S between Carlecotes and Townhead this morning.
Spicer House Lane - 1 Wheatear.
No news either way on the Scaup at Ingbirchworth Reservoir.
per HBC website.

Langsett

Langsett Reservoir - 15 Canada Geese, 1 Canada Goose x Greylag Goose, 103 Mallards, 10 Tufted Duck, 2 Grey Herons, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 1 juvenile Moorhen, 11 Long-tailed Tits and 6 Bullfinches.
Gull roost - 343 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 396 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls.

Another quickie but next time Icky?

Bush bashing today for me nothing to trouble you with. Apart from the stuff I've been 'edged' out with not much change at Old Moor which included the Spoonbill still. No reports of Night Heron have reached me.

Managed to view some phone footage of the Hooded Crow taken at Cawthorne Park on 20th July and I can't see anything to suggest it isn't the 'real deal'. Wouldn't bother searching for it though, as it would appear it was shot as vermin.

Rabbit Ings

2 coveys of Grey partridge today totalled 27 birds and a Wheatear was also present. (Ray Dye)

Common Blue (Ray Dye)

Small Copper (Ray Dye)

Cudworth (my garden)

All that's left of the male Blackbird

Broomhead Res Pics 28-8-13

 A very long shot from a group of about 40 birds

Coal Tit with ring...

The Edge 28th August

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 2 Cormorant, 7 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, 2 Mute Swan, 266 Canada Geese, 7 Greylag, 2 Mallard, 98 Lapwing, 5 Greenshank, 2 LRP, 1 Snipe, 25 BH Gull, 20+ Pied Wagtail, 5 Yellow Wagtail, a flock of 25+ Goldfinch and 6 Linnet.

Broomhill Flash late AM- Present were 27 Little Grebe, 1 juv Great Crested Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 4 Little Egret+2 flyover, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan, 6 Greylag, 3 Canada Geese, 163 Mallard, 42 Tufted Duck, 13 Teal, 3 Pochard, 26 Lapwing, 4 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 LRP, 13 Snipe and 1 singing Chiffchaff. Also seen early AM were 1 Ruff, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Common Gull and 4+ Grey Partridge.

Bolton Ings early PM- Present were 10 Cormorant, 18 Little Grebe, 4a+5 juv Great Crested Grebe, 3 Grey Heron, 4a+6juv Mute Swan, 24 Canada Geese, 49 Gadwall, 31 Tufted Duck, 10+ Mallard, 3 Shoveler, 3 Teal, 2 Pochard, 1 Wigeon, 212 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, 2 Green Sandpiper, 47 BH Gull, 2 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Kestrel.

Two-barred Crossbills

Broomhead Reservoir - No reports of Two-barred Crossbills yesterday but 4+ (2 adult females and 2+ juveniles) here today (07:05 - 07:30) - per SBSG website.

Quick highlights

Old Moor: Night Heron, ('Cuckoo tree late aft), Spoonbill, Ruff 12, Black-tailed Godwit 12,Wood Sand, Wheatear.

Broomhill Flash: Water Rail 2, Spotted Flycatcher.

Flavas, Albas and Scaup

Royd Moor Hill - 1 Wheatear, 2 flava Wagtails and 50+ alba Wagtails in nearby fields on Whitley Lane.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - the juvenile/female Scaup still present.
per Mick Cunningham

Wintersett - Another Med! 27.08.13

Another  Mediterranean Gull showed up in the gull roost at Wintersett Res. tonight. This one is a 1st winter bird.   That's at least 4 Meds over the past couple of weeks.

1st Winter Mediterranean Gull - record shot                      KDenny

Anglers CP Updates: Wigeon 23 and  Buzzard 5.
WRes:  Pochard 9 + 4 ACP.   300 Swallows roosted in the reedbeds.  Shelduck 1 Juv. W at 20.23hrs.

The Edge 27th August

Wombwell Ings mid AM- After the fog lifted a little, it was possible to see 1 Cormorant, 8 Grey Heron, 6 Little Egret, 60 Canada Geese, 8 Greylag, 15+ Mallard, 50+ Lapwing, 2 Greenshank, 9 Snipe, 31 BH Gull,  20+ Pied Wagtail, 2 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Sedge Warbler. A mid PM check revealed  increases to 205 Canada, 29 Greylag, 3 Greenshank and 4 Yellow Wagtail. Fresh were 10 Linnet, 9 Teal and 2 Kestrel.

Broomhill Flash late AM- Present were 3 Cormorant, 1 juv Great Crested Grebe, 18 Little Grebe, 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan, 84+ Mallard, 41 Tufted Duck, 10+ Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 2 Shoveler, 40+ Lapwing, 2 Greenshank, 2 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper and 2 Red Legged Partridge.

Bolton Ings early PM- Best sighting, of what was now a sunny day, was a cream crowned Marsh Harrier which flew in 1.45pm but fed up of being mobbed for 5 minutes by a Crow and Kestrel it gained height and flew off eastwards. Also present were 8 Cormorant, 22 Little Grebe, 3a+4j Great Crested Grebe, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 3a+2j Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 51 Gadwall, 44 Tufted Duck, 3 Pochard, 1 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 1 Kestrel a and a calling Willow Tit. On the way back to the Old Moor car park at 2.20pm  a Peregrine was seen over Wath Ings.

Wintersett 27.08.13

16 degrees  rising to 21 degrees,  cloudy and hazy early, sunshine from mid morning.
Anglers CP: Black-necked Grebe 1,  Common Sandpiper 2,  Ringed Plover 1 juv.,  3rd Summer Yellow-legged Gull and Teal 20
ACP a.m. Vis. Mig. .  Yellow Wagtail 1 S,  Dunlin 2 W at 07.45,  Meadow Pipit 1 N,  Ringed Plover 1 SW at 10.24 and 2 E at 10.27.  Black-tailed Godwit 1 S at 11.11 and 1 NW at 11.46,  Snipe 1 S and Swallow 5 S.
87 birds were ringed this morning, including: 20 Swallow,  1 House Martin,  4 Sand Martin,  14 Linnet,  5 Reed Warbler,  3 Sedge Warbler,  5 Blackcap,  1 Garden Warbler,  2 Lesser Whitethroat,  12 Chiffchaff,  3 Willow Warbler,  1 Jay and 1 Sparrowhawk.

Adwick washlands

Little Egret 1, Ruff 10+, Snipe 8, Ringed Plover 1, Lapwing c30, Hobby 1, Kingfisher 3 (2 juvs), Willow Tit.

Edderthorpe, Tuesday a.m.

A foggy start but clearing enough just to see the following;- Garganey 1, Curlew Sandpiper 1 juvenile, Little Stint 1 juvenile, Ruff, Ringed Plover 2, Snipe 9, Greenshank 1. About three quarters of the flash remained fog bound.

Broomhead Two-barred Crossbills

A couple of hours this afternoon in the usual area around the feeders produced just one Two-barred Crossbill - a streaky juvenile with a hint of yellow on the underparts and around 40 Common Crossbills. The news services report the adult male Two-barred still being present this morning.

Carlton Marsh

Jim Plant sent a text to say he had a male Redstart this morning, but as I was at Old Moor I didn't get to see it until mid-afternoon. By which time there were 2 cracking males feeding together. A Little Owl surfaced shortly after and they appear to have retreated into the hedgerow. 

Wintersett 26.08.13

Misty start,  16 degrees,  overcast this morning, 23 degrees and sunny this afternoon.
An even quieter day than yesterday.  No visible migration observed from 08.30 - 12.30!
Anglers CP:  Black-necked Grebe 1,  Snipe 2,  Common Tern 4,  Goldeneye 1 female, Shoveler 4, Teal 3.  Yellow Wagtail 1 S and 1 E .  Highlight  was an adult HOBBY over at 12.17hrs.

The Edge 26th August

Wombwell Ings late AM- Present were 5 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 122 Canada Geese, 33 Greylag, 35 Mallard, 22 Teal, 2 Wigeon, 1 Kestrel, 104 Lapwing, 23 Greenshank, 15 BH Gull, 12 Grey Partridge, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail and 3 Linnet.

Broomhill Flash early PM- Present were 5 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 29 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 80+ Mallard, 53 Tufted Duck, 20+ Gadwall, 19 Teal, 2 Greenshank and 2 Snipe.

Bolton Ings early/mid PM- Present were 11 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 21 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe+1 juv, 4 Mute Swan+6 juv(also 2a+4 juv on R.Dearne), 66 Gadwall, 38 Tufted Duck, 5 Teal, 4 Pochard, 131 Lapwing and 1 Kestrel.

Old Moor et al - Bank Holiday Weekend

First chance I have had to post this weekend, as posted by others wildfowl and waders have really increased in last few days in both quantity and quality. In addition the Night Heron has been seen frequently and the Spoonbill ever present. Little Egrets have increased further and a minimum of 20 were seen Saturday morning including 16 on Wombwell Ings.

Saturday - 24th August - Common Scoter 2 drakes on Mere and 3 drakes on Broomhill, Night Heron seen up untill 05.50 when it went to roost, Spoonbill 1, Little Egret minimum of 20, Wood Sandpiper 1, Black Tailed Godwit 15, Redshank 1, Green Sandpiper 14, LRP 2, Ringed Plover 4, Dunlin 2, Ruff 7, Common Sandpiper 2, Greenshank 3, Curlew 1, Whimbrel 2, Golden Plover 1, Lapwing 754, Snipe 45, Oystercatcher 2, (16 species of wader). Teal 417, Wigeon 26, Arctic Tern 1 juv, hirondines c2000. Wombwell Ings - Dunlin 5, Greenshank 3, Oystercatcher 1, Teal 58.

Sunday - 25th August - Paid a morning visit onto Bolton Ings, highlights being a flock of 17 Ruff through at 09.25 and a count of 59 Little Grebes. Full list :- Grey Heron 5, Little Egret 1, Mute Swan 2+2juvs, 2+4 juvs and 2+4 juvs on river, Canada Goose 114, Grey Lag Goose 1, Cormorant 7, Great Crested Grebe 2+2y, 2+3y, 2+2y, Little Grebe 59, Mallard 19, Gadwall 38, Teal 4, Shoveler 6, Tufted Duck 66, Pochard 8, Coot 275, Moorhen 21, Lapwing 240, Ruff 17, LBB Gull 2, Kestrel 1, Green Woodpecker 2, Jay 2, Kingfisher 2, Grey Wagtail 1, Reed Warbler 1, Willow Warbler 2, Sand Martin 10, House Martin 20.

Went down to Old Moor last night for the Little Egret roost, 16 birds were counted plus the Spoonbill and the Night Heron flew in at 20.40 right in front of the hide, fantastic views but light not good. In addition 23 Ruff were on the Main Marsh and Wood Sandpipers increased to 2.

The following counts are from an email from Dave Waddington for the Web counts for Sunday, highlight being a new area record count for Little Grebe.

Webs Old Moor area

Night Heron, Spoonbill, Little Egret 16, heron 21.

Lapwing 875, Golden Plover 8, Ringed Plover 4, LRP 1, Redshank 1, Greenshank 8, Ruff 32, Snipe 62, Black Tailed Godwit 15, Green Sand 14,  Wood Sand 2, Common Sand 6, Whimbrel 1, Curlew 2, Dunlin 5, Oystercatcher 2 (16 species of wader again).

Teal 555, Gadwall 407, Shoveler 53 , Wigeon 28,  Mallard 330.

Little Grebe 146, Moorhen 139,  Kingfisher 1.

Barn owl.

Adwick

Teal 31, Gadwall 47, Wigeon 4, Mallard 132, Little Egret 4 , Greenshank 3, Green Sand 3, Snipe 11, Ruff 1.

 

Monday - 26th August - Fairly quiet this morning compared to above, Spoonbill, Little Egret 5, Black Tailed Godwit 9, Wood Sandpiper 1, Common Sandpiper 7, Ruff 11, Dunlin 3, Herring Gull 1, Yellow Wagtail 3.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adwick ( morning)

Mist lingering until late morning, Grey Heron 2, Little Egret 1, Shelduck 3 juvs, Ruff 14, Green Sandpiper 1, Ringed Plover 1.

Edderthorpe, Monday morning

Not much change from yesterday, with most of the birds still present. The eclipse drake Garganey is amongst the Teal, Shoveler up to 130, Curlew Sandpiper 1 juvenile, Little Stint 1 juvenile, Ruff 10 all juveniles, Greenshank 2, Ringed Plover 2, Snipe 8, Green Sand 2, and Little Egret 2.

Carlton Marsh

Buzzard 2 east this afternoon. Butterfly counts included Brimstone 1 (female) Brown Argus 1, Purple Hairstreak 4 & Red Admiral 2. Blood Vein moth 2 up to 50 Silver Y & a Southern Hawker.

Gull Roost - Wintersett - Sunday 24th Aug

Quite an entertaining roost tonight. Roosting numbers were 2377 Black-headed Gulls, plus 44 Lesser-black Backs and 6 Common Gulls.
The regular 3rd summer Yellow-legged Gull doesn't appear to roost here, but there was a first winter bird and an adult in the roost to compensate.

The ringed first winter Med Gull also joined the roost, but an adult Kittiwake flew over the Top Res and continued to the west at 19.40 hrs.

Finally, a Long-eared Owl was picked up in the field at the southwestern corner of the reservoir as I was walking back to the car, and flew north along the west bank of the res and over the Low Lake ruin at 2045 hrs.

Edderthorpe Flash August WeBS count

I wont bore readers with everything but the highlights from todays counts are;- Greylag Goose 2, Canada Goose 470, Shelduck 2, Mallard 490, Garganey eclipse drake, Teal 440, Shoveler 110, Gadwall 104, Wigeon 12, Lapwing 646, Ruff 10, Golden Plover 1, Common Sand 2, Green Sand 2, Greenshank 4, Ringed Plover 6, Curlew Sandpiper 1 juvenile came in at 08.40 and was still present late afternoon, Little Stint 2 juveniles were present late afternoon, Snipe 6, Little Egret 2, Grey Heron 5, Moorhen 60. And gulls;- Black-headed 520, Common 2, LBB 10. In total there were about 3200 birds to be counted on the flash! And still about 2700 not including gulls.

Wintersett 25.08.13

14°C  hazy and overcast this morning rising to 21°C and sunny with a NW wind.
After the flying start yesterday, a much quieter day was a  let down for the regulars,  especially the two who  were equipped with lounging chairs!  I'll refrain from posting the photos marking the beginning of the end.
Anglers CP   A juvenile Mediterranean Gull flew in to the shallows this afternoon wearing a  white DARVIC ring with 3AAE,  in black, on its left leg.  It also had a metal ring on its right leg.
Black-necked Grebe 1,  Common Sandpiper,  Common Tern 4 and 3rd Summer Yellow-legged Gull, 
ACP Vis Mig:  Common Tern 6 N at 08.57   Arctic Tern  1 juvenile NE at 08.30,  Snipe 1 N,  Merlin 1E at 10.47 and Cormorant 19 N at 11.37.

Juv. Med Gull  Ring   25.08.13      SDenny

Juvenile Mediterranean Gull                              SDenny

Juvenile Mediterranean Gull                              SDenny

Ewden Height/Broomhead Moor ..

Decided to have a change of scenery today and did Ewden Height ..

Results were .. Cream crown marsh harrier, at least 3 common buzzards, 3 kestrels, 1 sprawk, 3 curlews and 3 golden plovers ..

Mr Tyke did the shooting cabin end and had 4 buzzards, 3 sprawks, 5 kestrels, 1 hobby, 3 ravens and a curlew ..

Wintersett WeBS count 25.08.13

Little Grebe 7,   Black-necked Grebe 1,   Coot 528,   Moorhen 35,  Grey Heron 2,   Cormorant 9,   Wigeon 21,   Shoveler 7,   Gadwall 29,   Mallard 56,   Teal 9,   Pochard 18,   Tufted Duck 554,   Goldeneye 1♀,   Canada Goose 106,  Greylag Goose 27  and  Lapwing 220.

Beware of white faces

The juvenile Greater Scaup was at Ingbirchworth Reservoir again this morning. A note of caution though; there are also 2 Tufted Ducks with white markings around the bill - one quite substantially so, and perhaps a hybrid.  However, both are slightly smaller and less robust than the Scaup, show slight crests and have black tips to their bills. The Scaup typically has a more round headed appearance. Also present here - 15 Greylag Geese, 36 Canada Geese, 85 Mallards, 22 Tufted Ducks, 3 juvenile Little Grebes, 3 adult  + 1 juvenile Great Crested Grebes, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Moorhens, 18 Coots and 15 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Spicer House Lane - 75 Greylag Geese, 50+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 1 second-summer Yellow-legged Gull.
Royd Moor Hill - 500+ Starlings.

Any advance on 4?

I have visited Broomhead Reservoir the last couple of mornings (24th & 25th) - both admittedly for a short period of time and have only seen four Two-barred Crossbills (1 male, 1 female and 2 juveniles). Has anybody seen more?

Cudworth Common

A Greenshank was feeding on the top pond as 3 Curlews flew south and alighted on Edderthorpe Flash at 18.15hrs.

Broomhead Res.

Had a few hours from the viewing bench today to wait for the next osprey ...

Results were .. Osprey 0, common buzzard 1, sparrowhawk 1, kestrel 3, spotted flycatcher 3 (1adult and 2 juvs) bird of the day was a cream crown marsh harrier which was wing tagged with 2 green tags. Seen over Whitwell Moor.

Ingbirchworth

Horn Lane - 8 Common Snipe
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 1 female/immature Scaup.
100's of Lesser Black-backed Gulls in field around the reservoirs
per Nick Mallinson.

Wintersett vismig off to a flyer!....

ANGLERS CP; the Black-necked Grebe is still present, feeding in the shallows in front of the hide. A good influx of dabbling duck overnight with Teal 130 (probably the largest ever August count here), Wigeon 12 and Shoveler 3, as Well as a Shelduck and the Goldeneye. WINTERSETT RES; a adult Arctic Tern and 6 Common Terns were on here. The dull and overcast weather looked ideal for migrating birds and we were to be proved right. Watching from the viewpoint on the hill; a Turnstone came in at 09.30 for 20 minutes before leaving northeast, a Great Crested Grebe high up flew northwest (unusual),a calling flock of Whimbrel couldn't be found in the cloud but clearly contained at least 2 birds and then a little later a flock of 38 Whimbrel flew northwest (40 is a new site record). Greenshank were also moving with a 3 and a 1 all northwards, a Ruff came in at 12.30 and a Common Sand appeared on the rocks in front of the hide. A single Snipe dropped in briefly before also heading off north. The Lapwing flock is up to 220 and a few small Golden Plover flocks were noted flying over.The first passage Common Buzzards of autumn were seen today - 2 singles heading west and southwest as well as at least 6 resident birds floating around their respective territorries. Raptor of the day went to a fine male Marsh Harrier (the first of this age and sex Pete Smith has ever seen here - thats how rare this is) which came in from the east at 14.55 circled and gained height before departing to the west. Two drake Common Scoters appeared on the lake around lunchtime stretching their wings and necks having clearly just come in unseen by us! Another single drake Common Scoter flew southwest at 12.54 and then to put the final coating on a excellent day a flock of 59 Common Scoters (accompanied by a single Teal) flew west at 15.55.A total of 62 Common Scoters today. Also in the area were a Hobby and 3 Yellow Wagtails. So quite a good day and if it's beaten this autumn I hope that I'm there to witness it.

Edderthorpe, Saturday morning

A large influx of dabbling duck overnight which is mirrored elsewhere in the area too. Teal 356 (up from 126 last night) Shoveler 117 (up from 78), Gadwall 90, Mallard 490, a drake (eclipse) Garganey, Shelduck 1. The 10 Ruff are still present as are Greenshank 3, Green Sand 2, Common Sand 2, Black-tailed Godwit 1, Snipe 5, Lapwing 300, Ringed Plover 2, Golden Plover 1 and 2 Whimbrel flew south.

Adwick (afternoon)

Greenshank 3, Ringed Plover 1, Snipe 8, Green Sandpiper 3, Hobby 1, Buzzard 2, Yellow Wagtail 2, Grey Partridge 14.

Late(ish) Cuckoo

Broomhead Reservoir - Along with the crossbills etc. there was also a juvenile Cuckoo this morning.

Edderthorpe, Friday

Lots of wildfowl on here this evening;- Greylag Goose 238, Canada Goose 471, Shelduck 2, Shoveler 78, Teal 126 were the counted species. Little Egret 6, Greenshank 3, Green Sandpiper 3 and by dusk 'just' 10 Ruff (all juveniles) were left from the 29 seen earlier in the afternoon. A Hobby was hunting over the area in the afternoon.

Wintersett 23.08.13

20°C  warm and increasingly humid, sunny with scattered cloud and a promising east wind.
Anglers CP:  Highlight today was a Black-necked Grebe on the south side of the lake.  A Ruff flew into the shallows at 13.58hrs.Common Sandpiper 1,  Dunlin 1,  3rd Summer Yellow-legged Gull,   Shoveler 8,  Wigeon 3,  Common Gull 1,  Goldeneye 1♀,  Pochard 7,  Teal 1,  Great crested Grebe 13 and Little Grebe 4.  Many  thanks to the marvellous Mr M for the following photos.

 

Black-necked Grebe           Ron Marshall

Black-necked Grebe                                       Ron  Marshall          

Vis Mig: Ringed Plover 1 SW 08.35,  Hobby 1 S 09.00hrs   Green Sandpiper 1 over 09.05hrs, Redshank 3 SE at 14.45hrs and Yellow Wagtail 4 S.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 2
Also flying WRes: Painted Lady,  Clouded Yellow,  Green-veined White,  Meadow Brown, and Gatekeeper.
Moth trapping last night was fairly quiet with highlights being 2 ♂ Vapourer, 2 Dusky Thorn,  1 Olive and 1 Angle-striped Sallow.  The first Hornet Vespa crabro, was in the trap at Haw Park.

Hornet   Vespa Crabro                      ASmith

Lots o' Rooks

Thurgoland - 200+ Rooks feeding in cut grass near Todd Hall Farm about 17:00hrs.

The Edge 23rd August

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 10 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 1 Mute Swan, 4 Mallard, 75+ Lapwing, 5 Greenshank, 4 Dunlin, 1 Ringed Plover, 29 BH Gull, 15+ Pied Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, and 20+ Linnet.

Broomhill Flash late AM- Present were 30 Little Grebe, 1 juv Great Crested Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 10 Cormorant, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Greylag, 30+ Gadwall, 29 Tufted Duck, 27 Mallard, 6+ Teal, 2 Pochard, 28 Lapwing, 1 Greenshank, 1 Snipe and 1 Kestrel.

Bolton Ings early PM- Present were 19 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe+5 young, 11 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan+2 young, 6 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 66 Gadwall, 45 Tufted Duck, 19 Mallard, 5 Pochard, 4 Shoveler, 301 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Kestrel and 1 Peregrine.

Edderthorpe looking Ruff!

29 Ruff at Edderthorpe this afternoon (John Clarkson). This is not an area record or even a site record however. 32 were at Edderthorpe on 5th September 1998 and 45 were logged at the mighty Wath Ings on 4th September 1965 although 30 flew over. Why?

Update from Old Moor this afternoon includes Bittern, 4 Golden Plovers, Curlew, 7 Ruff,

Curlew - Keith Pickering

Black-tailed Godwit - Keith Pickering

15 Black-tailed Godwits, Wood Sand, 15 Green Sands and 8 Dunlin.

Wood Sand'- Keith Pickering

 The Night Heron has gone to ground however.

The Night Heron today - Keith Pickering

And finally 2x male TBC's seen this afternoon presumably means a minimum of nine today.

Moor stuff at Broomhead

In addition to Martin's post (the TBCs were showing well early morning) Broomhead Moor - Buzzard 6, Red Kite 1, Peregrine 2, Raven 2, Whinchat 4, Stonechat 4+ (inc 3 recently fledged young), Yellow Wagtail 3 south, Mipit 110+, Mistle Thrush 22+. Plenty of silver Y's present. Also had an impressive large ichneumon Rhyssa persuasoria at the TBC site.

Two-barred Crossbill - Friday update

Broomhead Reservoir - 8 (1 male, 3 females and 4 juveniles) Two-barred Crossbills this morning, also 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 5+ Lesser Redpolls and 70+ Common Crossbills,

early Friday news

Early news from Old Moor: Night Heron viewable from Wader Scrape hide, Spoonbill Wath Ings + 15 Black t Godwits.

Edderthorpe Flash

Late morning -2 Little Egrets, 1 Green Sandpiper & 1 Greenshank. (R. Hibbert & L. Corrall)

Two-barred Crossbill

A couple of photos of the bright male Two-barred Crossbill at Broomhead Reservoir taken by Ron Marshall

eveup

Wombwell Ings tonight: Heron 10, Little Egret 3, Greenshank 4, Yellow Wag 9.

Extras from Old Moor: Little Egret 13 roosted, LRP 2, Black-tailed Godwit 15, Ruff 6, Greenshank 7 (3 probably from Wombwell).

Barrow Tip

18 species of butterfly today didn't include Red Admiral or Ringlet, but Chris did have another Clouded Yellow, watch out for more coming in. Others included Purple Hairstreak 1, Brown Argus 1, Small Skipper 2, Common Blue 43, Brimstone 2 males & a Painted Lady. Migrant Silver Y moths were very common , a conservative estimate of c70. (Chris Parkin)

Just a quickie

Spoonbill still on Wath late pm when Night Heron was showing from Wader Scrape Hide. No sign of Spot Red.

Birdwell

A Clouded Yellow was in the Academy Theatre Take 2 car park at 09.15hrs (Les Corrall)

Carlton Marsh

Only 8 birds ringed from 07.00hrs which included 2 Blackcaps & 3 Reed Warblers. Also present were Spotted Flycatcher and at least 1 Buzzard, 2 Purple Hairstreaks & 1 Gatekeeper.

Low Cudworth
2 Buzzards & 16 Red Legged Partridges

Wintersett 22.08.13

13°C and dry this morning, with none of the predicted showers,  rising to 22°C and sunny, with an easterly breeze this afternoon.
Anglers CP: Wigeon 2,  Teal 3,  Goldeneye 1♀ and Little Grebe 3.
Wintersett  Res:  Yellow Wagtail 1 over  Grey wagtail 1,  Curlew 1 over at 08.53hrs and Common Tern 4.
70 birds were ringed today including:  24 Swallow,  4 Sedge Warbler,  5 Reed Warbler,  6 Blackcap,  1 Garden Warbler and 1 Lesser Whitethroat. 

Morning News - Two-barred Crossbills 22.08.13

13°C and sunny.
A calling TBC  flew over at 06.10hrs just after I arrived.  Then there were small groups of Common Crossbills moving around the viewing area and a large flock of around 60  flew over before 07.00hrs.  At 08.15 one TBC flew over calling and then another did the same at 10.00 hrs.   At 10.15 the stunning male TBC was seen preening and feeding, giving good views, until 10.45hrs. At the same time there were 2 females and a least 3 juveniles present.   All in all  6 Two-barred Crossbills were confirmed this morning but there were more birds present that weren't confirmed because their features couldn't be seen clearly due to the sun.

Broomhead

Broomhead Reservoir - 1 Osprey low S, only 4 Two-barred Crossbills (1 male, 1 female and 2 juveniles) showing at 12:00hrs and Common Crossbills down to c40.

No crossbills & a few gulls

Langsett Banks - a good slog round produced no Crossbills of any sort or much else for that matter - just a few hirundines and a couple of Willow Warblers - about right then.
Langsett Reservoir - 41 Mallards, 4 Teal, 18 Tufted Ducks, 1 immature Cormorant W, 1 Common Sandpiper and 3 Grey Wagtails
Gull roost - 114 Black-headed Gulls, 364 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls.
Mammals - at least three species of bats going by size - a Pipistrelle sp, one about the size of a Sand Martin and the other a bit bigger - about as far as my knowledge of bats goes.

Wintersett late-on Weds 21st Oct 2013

Roosting gulls building up nicely now on Wintersett Top Res - over 2,000 Black-headed Gulls and 45 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. However, the yatchs were out tonight, so viewing was difficult.

450 Starlings also roosted on the north bank of the Top Res.

evening update

Old Moor: The Night Heron was on the Reedbeds today and later flew onto the Wader Scrape at dusk.

Wombwell Ings this evening: Little Egret 1, Greenshank 2, Dunlin 7, Yellow Wagtail 7, Pied Wagtail 27.

The Spotted Redshank was still at Broomhill this evening. Apparently the RSPB site carried news of a Redshank on Wombwell Ings yesterday but not sure who saw it? Whilst this is far from impossible, Common Redshank is at best a scarce bird here at this time of year. Perhaps someone can confirm this report as reliable; otherwise might it have been the Spot Red which also visited Wombwell Ings today?

Another Visit to Broomhead - Some ID shots plus "HIM"

Can't keep away but here's a few useful shots plus a couple of the Giant Wood Wasps. TBCs today included a Male, 2 Females and four juveniles (Including a patchy green one - see photo alongside Male).

Male with Patchy Green Juv

Juvenile with the dodgy juvenile from yesterday

Dodgy

Giant Wood Wasp - Drilling

The Edge 21st August

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 11 Little Egrets, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Mute Swan, 3 Greylag, 24 Mallard, 7 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 107+ Lapwing, 7 Dunlin, 2 Greenshank,  35 BH Gull, 20+ Pied Wagtail, 5 Yellow Wagtail( 4 juv), 1 Grey Wagtail, 11 Grey Partridge and 20+ Linnet.

Broomhill Flash mid/late AM- Highlight was 1 Spotted Redshank which flew in at 10.10am and was still present at 11.00. Also present were 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 6 Cormorant,  27 Little Grebe, 1juv Great Crested Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 54 Tufted Duck, 31 Gadwall,  20+ Mallard, 5 flyover Wigeon, 3 Teal, 2 Pochard, 3 Snipe, 1 Greenshank(flew in at 10.50), 2 Kestrel, 50+ House Martins, 20+ Sand Martins and 1 singing Chiffchaff.

Bolton Ings early PM- Spoonbill present from noon to 1.15pm. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 10 Cormorant, 25 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe+2 juv, 2 Mute Swan+ 2 juv, 141 Canada Geese, 17 Greylag, 95 Gadwall, 57 Tufted, 30+ Mallard, 37 Teal, 8+ Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 144 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 1 Green Woodpecker,1 Jay and 1 Kestrel.

more tbc stuff

Spoonbill still on Wath Ings late-aft. Also 16 Black-tailed Godwits.

Two-barred Crossbills at Broomhead today included two males, the usual cracking bright red one + a peach-coloured bird.

I haven't conclusively seen six juvs Gray, but have been there when there were six crossbills 'popped' after we had only seen juv two-barreds in the tree  (6 juvs came on pager later). Not a safe claim in my opinion, but that is not to say that someone else hasn't reliably seen six - we just need them to come forward.

Wintersett 21.08.13

19°C cloudy with a light shower mid morning and a westerly wind.
Anglers CP: Spotted flycatcher 1,  Ringed Plover 1 over at 10.50hrs, Yellow Wagtail 1 N,  Wigeon 3,  Shoveler 4,  Gadwall 6,  Lapwing 120,  Cormorant 10,  Buzzard 4 and 3rd Summer yellow-legged Gull.
Wintersett Res:  Arctic Tern 1 juv.,  Teal 12 + 7 ACP + 2 CHRes.  Pochard  4 + 3 ACP + 4 CHRes.,  Little Grebe 6 + 1 ACP and Common Tern 9.
Also flying:  Painted Lady  1 on the west bank WRes..
Here are two recent pictures of the 3rd Summer Yellow-legged Gull.  Spot the difference!

3rd Summer Yellow-legged Gull                        SDenny

3rd Summer Yellow-legged Gull  21.08.13                  ASmith

Beware when identifying gulls by leg colour.  It is not always a reliable feature,  especially when there has been lots of slurry spreading in the area!

am news

Old Moor: Spoonbill, Oystercatcher 3, Black-tailed Godwit 9, Green Sand 15, Greenshank 3, Ruff 6.

Broomhill Flash: Spotted Redshank 1 in 10.10 still pres mid-day.

Edderthorpe, Wednesday morning

An influx of dabbling duck overnight; Shoveler up to 64, Teal up to 140 and Gadwall 72. Shelduck 6 and Pochard 10 complete my duck counts. Waders continue to be disappointing (it seems Old Moor is nicking them all in it's usual selfish way); Lapwing 450, Greenshank 2, Green Sandpiper 2, Black-tailed Godwit 2, Ringed Plover 1, LRP 1

Evening updates.....

Two-barred Crossbills; It was finally proven this morning (as suspected since Saturday) that there are 3 females amongst the flock. Andy Deighton watched all 3 together - 2 bright yellow birds (as in the photo in a earlier posting) and a dull patchy (probably juvenile) bird. This means there were at least 8 birds seen today. Is anyone aware who claims to have seen 6 juvenile birds (this number was being claimed last week ). At present we can document a male, 3 females and 4 or possibly 5 juveniles. Edderthorpe This evening on the flash;- Greylag Goose 116, Shelduck 7, Teal 87, Shoveler 41, Gadwall 72, Pochard 6, Little Egret 4 - left for the Old Moor roost at 20.15, Greenshank 1, Green Sandpiper 4, Black-tailed Godwit 2. A Hobby was hunting a flock of about 800 hirundines at 20.30 (half hour before dark).-

Tues News

Old Moor: The Night Heron was seen on several occasions today and eventually flew onto Wader Scrape at dusk where it was heard calling. Also, Spoonbill, Little Egret 16, Black-tailed Godwit 2, Dunlin 10, Greenshank 4, Green Sand 17, Common Sand 3, Ruff 6, Common Tern 2, Barn Owl 3, Swift.

Exras: Adult Water Rail, Broomhill, Hobby, Bolton Ings.

Broomhead Moor/Broomhead.

A post on behalf of Mr Tyke ..

Broomhead Shooting Cabin .. 4 common buzzards, 4 kestrels, 1+ hobby, 1 peregrine, 8 ravens, 3 whinchat and 3 stonechat ..

Also seen at Broomhead were a male, a female and 2 juvenile 2 barred crossbills in the usual area around the feeders at 5:40pm.

Two-barred Crossbill at Broomhead - a few photos

A few fairly soft photos attached which are a bit disappointing given the number of times I have been at the scene. I will keep trying but either a big lens or digiscope looks favourite to get sharper images. The birds were very kind this morning but the light wasn't great first thing. Monday morning was perfect light but the birds were not showing as well. I expect someone will get some crackers!

Male 20-08-13

Male 20-08-13

Male 20-08-13

19-08-13

Female 14-08-13

Juv 19-08-13

A better Juv

Wintersett 20.08.13

19 degrees, cloudy, south westerly breeze.
Anglers CP:  Little Grebe 2,  Common Tern 9,  3rd Summer Yellow-legged Gull and Goldeneye 1 female.
Vis. Mig. Ringed Plover 1 SW at 08.30hrs,    Yellow Wagtail 3 SW,   Crossbill 1 W at 09.00hrs,   Snipe 19 W.
Also spent 4 hours at Broomhead (from 11 -3) - only Common Crossbills seen and heard,  and  1 Spotted Flycatcher.

Two-barred Crossbills, Tuesday

Broomhead Two-barred Crossbills were showing well this morning in trees around the feeders from 06.20. A minimum of 7 birds were present including the adult male, two females and four juveniles. Mixed in the flock are plenty of Common Crossbills - about 30 were seen this morning.

Mondays news

Old Moor: The Night Heron flew towards the Reedbeds at 8.30 tonight. The Spoonbill remains on Wath Ings. Other birds include Water Rail, Peregrine, 2 LRP, 14 Black-tailed Godwits, 14 Green Sands, 3 Common Sands, 5 Ruff, 4 Greenshank, Wheatear on Wader Scrape.

Green Sandpiper - Jim Thompson At least 17 in the area today.

Broomhill Flash (early eve): 7 Little Egret, Water Rail (probably a juv), Hobby, Green Sand 3, Greenshank.

Wombwell Ings: 7 Little Egrets, 172 Lapwing, Greenshank 3, Dunlin 9.

Still at least five Two-barred Crossbills at Broomhead today.

The male Two-barred Crossbill at Broomhead - Ian Higginson

Even Younger Med Gull

Following confirmation that last nights Med Gull at Wintersett was a younger bird, and therefore different, to the Edderthorpe bird, an even younger almost fully juvenile bird was in the Top Res roost from 20.10 hrs tonight. Tonights birds was in almost full juvenile plumage, whereas yesterdays bird had an almost full set of first winter greater coverts. No pics unfortunately due to the distance and dull light.

Otherwise, roosting numbers were the same as last night.

Old Moor Ringing Recovery.

A Sand Martin ringed as a nesting (brood 5) at Old Moor Wetlands on 17th August 2012 was controlled at Boseilanden, Zwaanshoek (Noord-Holland) The Netherlands on 4th July 2013. A distance of 425 km ESE.

Bit more from Harden

Harden - 1 first-winter Redstart and 1 Wheatear in a garden this morning.
per Mick Cunningham.

Whimbrel & Two-bars

Winscar Reservoir - 14 Canada Geese, 96 Mallards, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Whimbrel S  and 1 Curlew.
Harden - female Pheasants with 5 young by the roadside.
Broomhead Reservoir - 6 Two-barred Crossbills (1 male, 1 female & 4 juveniles) and 80+ Common Crossbills.

Wintersett 19.08.13

19°C, cloudy, with a westerly wind - felt cooler today.
Anglers CP:  Peregrine 1 juvenile flew over and left NE .  8 Shoveler were new in and Teal were up to 7.  Pochard 3 + 3 WRes..  Common Tern 7.  The usual  3rd summer Yellow-legged Gull and female Goldeneye were present. 
Wintersett Res:  Archie ringed an adult  Grasshopper Warbler.  12 Feral Doves were in the West Bank track field. 
Haw Park:  2 Yellow Wagtails over.

Wintersett Gull Roost 18.08.13

Per Steve Denny

A juvenile Med Gull moulting to first winter was on the Country Park shallows at Wintersett from 19.45 to at least 20.30, catching flies - is this the same bird as the one from Edderthorpe or is that one more advanced ?

The 3rd summer Yellow-legged Gull was also there, and a flock of 10 Black-tailed Godwits flew around the Park Lake before leaving to the southwest at 19.50 hrs.

Most of the gulls were flying over to Wintersett res to roost, so I dashed over there to count the following:-

Lesser Black-backed Gull - 17

Common Gull - 1 first winter

Black-headed Gull - c1,000.

Another two Blackwits flew over the reservoir at 20.50 hrs, leaving south.

Night star?

The Night Heron was seen at Old Moor until 5.30 am before flying to roost. A new area record 18 Little Egrets left the roost around that time.

Other birds at Old Moor today included the Spoonbill, 14 Green Sandpiper, 5 Ruff and 4 Greenshank.

Wombwell Ings sightings included 18 Golden Plover, 4 Dunlin and 3 Greenshank.

The Night Heron eventually reappeared this evening at 8.15pm when it flew from the Willow Pool to the Wader Scrape and then to the River Dearne.

Special thanks are due to RSPB and volunteers for keeping the reserve open until dusk over the weekend. Please be aware that closing time returns to 8pm unless announced otherwise. And special thanks also to Keith Pickering for this stunning series of photos of a bird that has kept many people waiting a long time before finally giving itself up.

And finally up to six Two-barred Crossbills seen today at Broomhead including the adult male.