Winter clear out - back for spring!

 

Very little to add to Bernard's earlier blog for Old Moor apart from the regular female Pintail. Belated news however, of a Red Kite north over Broomhill at 15.45 yesterday. A nice selection of shots of the Whoopers and Pinks here provided by - Keith Pickering. 

About to take some advice from the 'Dead Kennedy's' for those of you old enough to remember - back for the LRP's hopefully!

Wintersett 28.02.14

1°C start,  cool but sunny,  rose to 7°C by  midday.
Anglers CP:  Teal 4.  Goosander 7 +  10 WRes.. The usual adult Yellow-legged Gull came in at 16.40hrs.
Wintersett Res: Shoveler 1 male,  Cetti's Warbler 1 west bank marsh, and a Siskin flew over west.  The 1st W Yellow-legged Gull came in to roost at 17.30hrs. 

Old Moor 28 FEB.

Mid morning, 8 Pink-footed Goose, 2 Whooper Swan, Med Gull, Bittern, 2 Redshank, 4 Goldeneye, Peregrine Falcon, Buzzard, Goosander and a Brambling.

The Edge 28th Feb

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 1 Grey Heron, 2a+3j Mute Swan, 113 Canada Geese, 3 Shelduck, 147+ Wigeon, 15+ Mallard, 11 Gadwall, 10 Tufted Duck, 4m+4f Goosander, 3m+2f Shoveler, 4 Teal, 12 Lapwing, 1 Kestrel, 85 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, c60 Redwing, 5 Skylark, 2 Reed Bunting and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash mid AM- Noted were 1 Cormorant, 4 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 95 Canada Geese, 12 Tufted Duck, 6 Teal, 3f+1m Goldeneye, 3 Pochard, 2 Gadwall, 45+ Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 89 BH Gull, 2 Kestrel and 2 Red Legged Partridge.
Bolton Ings late AM- Present were 4 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested, 1 Cormorant, 4a+2j Mute Swan, 15 Canada Geese, 11 Greylag, 18 Tufted Duck, 12 Gadwall, 12 Pochard, 8 Mallard, 5m Shoveler, 1m+1f Goosander, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 1 Buzzard, 2 Oystercatcher, 107 BH Gull, 13 Common Gull, c30 Redpoll(TPT) and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Carlton Marsh

The highlights today were - Buzzard, Hare & Weasel.

Cudworth Common - Late afternoon
13 Ringed Plovers (on the ash), 4 Grey Herons, 3 Linnets, 6 Meadow Pipits & Green Woodpecker

Edderthorpe

Called in at Edderthorpe on my way home from work, highlight being a Peregrine terrorising the waders and wildfowl. Also Shelduck 2, Oystercatcher 3, Kestrel 1 and Barn Owl 1.

No change?

No that's not a reference to the Wintersett blog yesterday but the situation today at Old Moor: Pintail, Peregrine, 4+ Oystercatchers, Med' Gull.

Wintersett 27.02.14

5°C,   cool westerly wind,  scattered cloud with some sunny spells.
Highlight today was a RED  KITE  circling slowly N at 14.20hrs to the north west  of Moor House Lane Ponds.
Anglers CP: Water Rail 1,  Green Woodpecker 1 male,  Snipe 6,  Siskin 4W,  Lesser Redpoll 6,  Redwing 3 and Little Owl 1.
No notables reported from the gull roosts tonight, although we may have the answer to where the large number of birds came from that flew in from the east to WRes. roost on Wednesday. 
The Doncaster Birding website reported on Wednesday 26.02.14, that Hampole Tip had 1000+ Black-headed Gulls,  800+ Herring Gulls and 200+ Great Black-backed Gulls.  Hampole Tip is 10 miles slightly SE of Wintersett.  It's where Barnsley sends some of their waste after the Barnsley, Doncaster & Rotherham Joint Strategic Waste Development Plan.  

The Edge 27th Feb

Wombwell Ings mid Am- Present were 4 Grey Heron, 2a+3j Mute Swan, 197 Canada Geese, 2 Shelduck, 117 Wigeon, 14 Mallard, 9 Teal, 9 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall, 3m+2f Goosander, 95 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 12 Lapwing, 60+ Redwing, 6 Skylark and 2 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 4 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 10 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 4 Mallard, 4 Teal, 3m+1f Pochard, 3f+1m Goldeneye, 10 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 91 BH Gull and 3 Kestrel.
Bolton Ings early PM- Present were 2 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 4a+3j Mute Swan, 7 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 25 Gadwall, 16 Tufted Duck, 6 Pochard, 4 Mallard, 2 Teal, 2 Wigeon, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 260+ BH Gull, 20 Common Gull, 2 Oystercatcher and 1 Kestrel.

Newtown - Cudworth

A herd of around 50 Wild Swans heading west at 07.15hrs this morning clearly impressed one of my near neighbours enough to impart this information to me.

Wintersett 26.02.14

7°C,  cloudy with some sunny spells, and a cool south westerly.
Wintersett Res: Meadow Pipit 1 over and 8flew NW and Goosander 13 + 4 CHRes..
Anglers CP: Redshank 2
Haw Park Wood: A male Green Woodpecker flew over from Stubbs Wood.  Crossbill 6 and  Siskin 30.  A Nuthatch was in the woodyard.
Mammals: A Bank Vole, Myodes glareolus, was on the west bank and a Pygmy Shrew Sorex minutus was on the west bank track,  both deceased.
Both gull roosts were observed tonight.  The usual adult Yellow-legged Gull was on ACP at 16.20 hrs. There were lots of big gulls on WRes. but the only notable was a 1st W Yellow-legged Gull at 17.25hrs.

Bank Vole                                              ASmith

Pygmy Shrew                                          ASmith

tail of eight ducks.........

There was an arrival of Pintail at Old Moor this morning. Photo - Keith Pickering

Old Moor highlights: 2 Bitterns (Reedbeds), 8 Pintail (three drakes four females Field Pool + usual female on Mere), Peregrine, Woodcock (near centre at dusk), adult Med' Gull.

The Med' Gull today - Keith Pickering

Gunthwaite Dam (aka Spa Bottom)

Gunthwaite Dam - 10 Teal, 6 Mallards, 2 Little Grebes, 2 Moorhens and 2 Coots
per Brian Penistone.
Off on m' jollies ... cheerio.

The Edge 26th Feb

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 5 Grey Heron, 1a+2j Mute Swan, 59 Canada Geese, 4 Shelduck, 126 Wigeon, 24 Teal, 19 Mallard, 4f+2m Goosander, 5 Tufted Duck, 4 Gadwall, 2m+1f Shoveler,123 BH Gull, 4 Common Gull, 1 Peregrine, 8 Skylark, 2 Reed Bunting and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 1a+1j Mute Swan, 71 Canada Geese, 11 Tufted Duck, 4 Teal, 4f+1f Goldeneye, 3 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 103 BH Gull, 2 Kestrel, 1 Redshank, 6 Red Legged Partridge, 2 Grey Partridge and 1 Reed Bunting.
1 Peregrine and 1 large Sparrowhawk seen early AM. J.Thompson had a circling Curlew at noon.
Bolton Ings early PM- Present were 4 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 4a+1j Mute Swan, 23 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 15 Gadwall, 13 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 8 Wigeon. 7 Pochard, 4 Teal, 3m Shoveler, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 219 BH Gull, 23 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 12 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank and a pair of Kingfisher.

The Avocet at Old Moor today - Keith Pickering. It was still present late afternoon.

Wintersett 25.02.14

6°C,  cloudy with a light south westerly.
Anglers CP: A Curlew flew south at 10.22hrs.  Pochard 34.   Redwing 40 in fields.
Haw Park Wood:  Fieldfare 60,  Crossbill 7 and Treecreeper 1.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1.
WRes. Gull Roost held impressive numbers of gulls this evening.  Notables were the adult Yellow-legged Gull at 16.05hrs and a 1stW Yellow-legged Gull at 17.05hrs.  Unfortunately there were hundreds of big gulls coming in from the east  just as it got dark, which made it difficult to pick out anymore interesting gulls.

Carlton Marsh

Red Kite drifted south at 10.30hrs (Rod Heeley)

Tyers Hall-Darfield

c300 Fieldfares (Arthur Vincent)

The Edge 25th Feb

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 3 Grey Heron, 2a+2j Mute Swan, 114 Canada Geese, 4 Shelduck, 150+ Wigeon, 19 Teal, 17 Mallard, 12 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall, 109 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Peregrine, 1 Kestrel, 6 Grey Partridge, c60 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 3 Skylark and 2 Yellowhammer.
Broomhill late AM- Noted were 1 Little Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 68 Canada Geese, 12 Tufted Duck, 6 Teal, 5 Gadwall, 4f+1m Goldeneye, 2 Pochard, 127 BH Gull, 1 Kestrel and 3 Red Legged Partridge. S.Abbott had 2 Curlew flyover early AM.
Bolton Ings early PM-Highlight was 2 singing Chiffchaff , 1 either side of the Cormorant Hide. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 6 Little Grebe 2 Great Crested Grebe, 4a+2j Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 16 Tufted Duck, 10 Gadwall, 6 Mallard, 4 Pochard, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 200+ BH Gull, 29 Common Gull, 1 juv Herring Gull, 14 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank,1 'resident' Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Kestrel.

EARLY BIRD 25th February

Old Moor highlights this morning. AVOCET, Mediterranean.Gull, Pintail, Peregrine falcon, Brambling, Common Buzzard, Redshank and 2 Curlew.

Cobblers awl morning!

The main news from Old Moor this morning was the first returning Avocet (on The Mere), still present late morning. Other bits included the adult Med' Gull, Bittern, Peregrine, Buzzard, Pintail,11 Goldeneye and a Redshank. There were also 4 Goldeneye at Broomhill where 2 Curlews flew south. No sign of the drake Mandarin so far, however its cryptic plumage caused some to overlook it yesterday!

Carlton Marsh

Dusk-14 Snipe left at dusk (16 yesterday) Water Rail, Little Grebe 1 singing male and Fox. (Dave Standish)

Rabbit Ings

The wintering pair of Stonechats are still here along with these Longtailed Tits enjoying the new fatball feeder (Ray Dye)

Wintersett 24.02.14

13°C,  sunny with a light southerly.
Anglers CP: 16 Whooper Swans flew over and then dropped in at 09.20hrs.  They stayed all day and then were seen flying west over Pugneys at 17.50hrs.   Oystercatchers 4,  Cormorants 42,  Golden Plover 15 W.  The usual adult Yellow-legged Gull was the only bird of note in a very scant roost tonight.
Wintersett Res:  A group of 10 WhoopersSwans spent the day here today.  Meadow Pipit 16,  Cetti's Warbler 1 singing.  Water Rail 1.
Haw Park Wood:  Tawny Owl 1.  80 Fieldfare were on Haw Park Lane -  per Carlton Dream Team.

The Edge 24th Feb

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Walked on to the  singing sound of 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Song Thrush and 4 Skylark. Spirits also raised by the sight of c100 Redwing in the hawthorn and 2 flyover Curlew(9.20). Also present were 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 3a+2j Mute Swan, c100 Canada Geese, 4 Shelduck, c100 Wigeon, 12 Mallard, 12 Teal, 6 Gadwall, 2f+1m Goosander, 1m+1f Shoveler, 87 BH Gull, 7 Common Gull and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Little Owl showing intermittently near the hedge below the pylon(top of Clegg's Meadow). Also present were 2 Cormorant, 68 Canada Geese, 16 Wigeon, 13 Gadwall, 12 Tufted Duck, 6 Teal, 4 Mallard, 2f+1m Goldeneye, 1 Pochard, 2 Kestrel, 22 Lapwing, 78 BH Gull, 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Red Legged Partridge and 1 Hare.
Bolton Ings early AM- Present were 2 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 3 Mute Swan, 11 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 17 Tufted Duck, 16 Gadwall, 6m+3f Shoveler, 7 Wigeon, 7 Mallard, 6 Pochard, 4 Teal, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 1 Buzzard(usual place between the east and west pools), 1 Kestrel, 250+ BH Gull, 26 Common Gull, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Herring Gull, 1 calling Green Woodpecker, c10 Redpoll and 1 Siskin.

'sailing in'?

A stunning drake Mandarin was found at Broomhill Flash late afternoon. Also there today were at least 4 Goldeneye, 2 Herring Gulls and a Little Owl. Highlights from Old Moor included three of the regulars, Pintail, Peregrine and Brambling as well as at least 12 Goldeneye.

A quick stop-off at Elsecar today revealed an increase in Great-crested Grebes with a minimum of 15.

Adwick Wash (Dave Waddington): Shelduck, Ringed Plover 2, Dunlin 2, Little Owl.

At least three Two-barred Crossbills were still at Broomhead today.

Ingbirchworth & Midhope area

Castle Dam - 12 Wigeon, 10 Mallards,  3 Tufted Ducks, 1 Grey Heron, 17 Coots, c300 Black-headed Gulls and 6 Common Gulls.
Scout Dike Reservoir - 31 Canada Geese, 6 Mallards, 3 Cormorants and 10 Coots.
Gadding Moor (Gunthwaite) - c350 Rooks.
Gunthwaite Dam - 1 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 7 Mallards, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Water Rail, 6 Moorhens, 2 Coots, 1 Kingfisher and 4 Long-tailed Tits.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 32 Greylag Geese, 178 Canada Geese, 11 Mallards, 1 drake Goldeneye, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Moorhens, 16 Coots, 1 Curlew W, c400 Black-headed Gulls, 58 Common Gulls, 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull, 6 Herring Gulls, 1 Great Black-backed Gull and 4 singing Chaffinches.
Midhope Reservoir - 6 Mallards, 3 Tufted Ducks, 2 Common Buzzards and one pair Little Grebes.
Mammals:-
1 day flying (12:30hrs) Noctule Bat at Gunthwaite Dam.
2 Brown Hares at Ingbirchworth Common.

WAXWING'S RING.

I've just noticed this waxwing from Winter of 2011/12 has a ring on.  Seems to read ...29  and WT. Any ideas?

Broomhill Flash

Todays sightings for Broomhill Flash included:-

Grey Heron 1.

Tufted Duck 9,
Gadwall 8,
Wigeon 2,
Goldeneye 5,
Teal 9,
Mallard 1,
Goosander 11,
Shelduck 2,
Great crested Grebe 1,
Little Grebe 2.

Red-legged Partridge 1.

Kestrel 1.

Wintersett Gull Fest! 23.02.14

A mild 8°C, overcast with a  light southerly. 
Anglers CP Roost:
 A juvenile ICELAND Gull visited briefly at 09.30hrs,  and then returned at 13.55 - 14.30 hrs before leaving west.  
The 1st W Glaucous x Herring Hybrid was in at 15.45hrs.  
A 1st W Caspian Gull was in from 16.05 - 16.10hrs.  
The usual adult Yellow-legged Gull flew in at 15.45hrs. 
 A 2nd W Caspian Gull was seen at 16.40 hrs. 
A 1st W Yellow-legged  Gull dropped in at 17.10hrs.
Wintersett Res. Roost:   Unprecedented numbers of large gulls present for this late in February in recent years. Herring Gull  1000 + 100ACP.   Great Black-backed Gull 100. 
Many thanks to Jason Spedding for the fantastic Iceland Gull shots.

Juvenile Iceland Gull         J Spedding

Juvenile Iceland Gull            JSpedding

2ndW Caspian Gull                 ASmith

Other sightings today:

Anglers CP:  Curlew 1,  Snipe 11,   Dunlin 4 came in at 14.50 then left south. Little Grebe 1,  Teal 4,  Cormorant 38.

WRes: A Nuthatch was in Pits Wood.

OMA Highlights

Old Moor area highlights (Dave Waddington, Nigel Smith): Pintail, Goldeneye 11, Goosander 50, Buzzard, Peregrine,  Oystercatcher 9 (5 Old Moor, 4 Bolton Ings), Woodcock (Gypsy Marsh), Redshank, Brambling, Tree Sparrow 22.

Another Kite

Stocksbridge - 1 Red Kite W at 0830hrs

Ewden Reservoirs

More Hall Reservoir - 3 Cormorants and 1 Great Crested Grebe.
Broomhead Reservoir - 5 Tufted Ducks, 6 Goosanders, 5 Two-barred Crossbills and 20+ Common Crossbills.
per SBSG website.

Cudworth Common

6 Ringed Plovers on the on ash plateau near the Symphony factory, at 16.50hrs.

Wintersett Gull Roost 22.02.14

Wintersett Roost tonight held a 1stW Yellow-legged Gull. 350 Herring Gull,  28 Great Black-backed Gull and 20 Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Low Moor 22/2/14

It looks like things are waking up at last ..

Seen today were a total of 17 curlews which eventually formed 1 flock and stayed feeding in the set-aside field. Also here were c15 lapwings, 2 chippering snipe, 2 skylarks, 28 greylag geese plus the pinkfoot again, 2 kestrels, 5 common buzzards, a redwing, 2 singing mistle thrushes and 9 common crossbills ..

Cliff Wood

After a fruitless visit to Ingbirchworth Reservoir for the Bean Geese, I decided to do some well overdue maintenance to the nest-boxes in Cliff Wood. Surprisingly quite a few birds were in full song among them - Great Tit, Blue Tit, Nuthatch, Wren, Mistle Thrush, Robin and Chaffinch. A total of 23 Lapwings moved west and 2 Crossbill also rested briefly,
Barnside - 300+ Starlings and 20+ Fieldfare,

Wintersett a.m. 22.02.14

9°C,  sunny with a light south westerly.
Anglers CP:  The first Curlew of the year was on the shallows. Oystercatcher4,  Cormorant 36 and Water Rail 1 Pol.
Disposal Point: Little Owl
Haw Park Wood:  Crossbill 1
Cold Hiendley Res: Grey Wagtail 1.

Wintersett Gull Roost 21.02.14

The only birds of note here today were 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls that dropped in to WRes. roost this evening.  One at 16.15 hrs and one at 17.00hrs.

The Edge 21st Feb

Broomhill Flash mid AM- Present were 1 Little Grebe, 12 Canada Geese, 11 Wigeon, 7 Tufted Duck, 5 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 4 Mallard, 3f+1m Goldeneye, 3 flyover Goosander, 15 Lapwing, 1 Kestrel and 6 Grey Partridge.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- Noted were 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 5a+2j Mute Swan, 27 Canada Geese, c50 Greylag(dropped into western pool), 24 Tufted Duck, 11 Pochard, 9 Mallard, 6 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 1f+1m Goldeneye, 400+ BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull, c40 Lapwing, 1 Kestrel and 3 Grey Partridge.
Wombwell Ings early PM- Present were 6 Grey Heron, 2a+2j Mute Swan, 200+ Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 4 Shelduck, 5f+6m Goosander,130+ Wigeon, 37+ Teal, 9 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 8 Tufted Duck, 78 BH Gull, 2 Skylark and 4 Pied Wagtail.

Cudda Bean Wus

Midhopestones - 200+ Jackdaws.
Bullhouse Mill - 1 Grey Heron W.
Whitley Edge - 10 Stock Doves and c60 Carrion Crows.
Whitley Common - 1 Red Kite left NW pursued by Carrion Crows.
Low Common, Ingbirchworth - 160+ Rooks.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 5 Tundra Bean Geese, 2 Pink-footed Geese, 52 Greylag Geese, 225 Canada Geese, 1 Wigeon, 46 Mallards, 2 Tufted Ducks, 2 Little Grebes, 14 Coots and 7 Moorhens,  All the geese, including the Bean Geese, left the reservoir at 13:45hrs and settled in fields to the north-west. The Bean Geese remained detached from the other geese at all times.
Castle Dam - 11 Wigeon, 6 Mallards, 3 Tufted Ducks, 16 Coots amd 2 Moorhens

Wintersett 20.02.14

A very pleasant 10°C, sunny with a light south westerly. Some light showers late afternoon.
Anglers CP: Siskin 2 over,  Oystercatcher 4,  Snipe 12,  Water Rail 1 and Teal 4,
Haw Park Wood: Siskin 40 and Treecreeper 1.
Cold Hiendley Res: Kingfisher 1 and Buzzard 1.  Grey Wagtail 1 on the outflow.
Wintersett Res.  Cetti's Warbler 1 male. 
WRes. Gull Roost: A new 2nd W Caspian Gull came over  from Pugneys at 17.00hrs.
Thanks to Lynz Harston for a great photo of the Grey Wagtail.

Thursday eve update

A few bits from Old Moor: Peregrine, Oystercatcher 2, Curlew (through), Brambling 3 feeders (2 male, female).

Broomhead: 2+ male Two-barred Crossbills by feeders.

The Edge 20th Feb

Broomhill Flash mid AM- The Peregrine continued this week's mid morning brunch fly through. Also present were 44 Canada Geese, 15 Wigeon, 13 Tufted Duck, 9 Teal, 6 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 3f+2m Goldeneye, 2f Pochard, 13 Lapwing, 280+ BH Gull, 3 Kestrel and 1 Red Legged Partridge.


Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- The resident Buzzard still seems to be finding plenty of food to forage between the eastern and western pools. Other birds included 3 Cormorant, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 4a+4j Mute Swan, 59 Greylag, 14 Canada Geese, 17 Tufted Duck, 12 Pochard, 12 Teal, 6 Wigeon, 4 Mallard, 1f+1m Goldeneye, 1 Shoveler, 300+ BH Gull, 31 Common Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 37 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Kestrel, 5 Siskin(TPT), and 1 Jay.


Wombwell Ings early PM- A short visit noted 1 Cormorant, 9 Grey Heron, 3a+2j Mute Swan, 168 Canada Geese, 6 Shelduck. 130+ Wigeon, 7f+6m Goosander, 14+ Mallard, 12+ Teal, 8 Tufted Duck, 3m+3f Shoveler, 1 Gadwall, 4 Lapwing, 100+ BH Gull, a mob of 50+ Jackdaw and 2 Skylark.


Edderthorpe early AM- S. Abbott's highlights were 5 Ringed Plover, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Goosander and 1 Shelduck.

Hoyle Mill Barnsley

Fabulous February 14.8c maximum today. Kingfisher 1, Goldcrest 2 and Comma 1 (Chris Parkin)

Wintersett Glaucous x Herring Gull Hybrid

Thanks to Alan Tremethick for the following photos

 and to Dave Britton for the following comment.

BirdNet are reporting a hybrid Glaucous/Herring Gull at Shirecliffe Tip (near Sheffield) this morning (19.02.14). They wrongly call it a Nelson's Gull (that term is usually reserved for hybrids of Glaucous and American Herring Gull). I've let them know this error. This might be a different bird of course but interesting as the adult Kumlien's Gull has wandered between these sites.

Link to video clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YcyUcILT-k

Wintersett 19.02.14

9 degrees,  sunny blue sky. Spring in the air.

Anglers CP:The second pair of Oystercatchers returned today.  A Green Woodpecker was calling.  Redwing 8,  Siskin 3 over and  a Water Rail was heard on the Pol.

Wintersett Res: Cetti’s Warbler singing,  Meadow Pipit 1 over.

Haw Park Wood:  A bee flew over.

Other news - A film crew were in the woodyard preparing to make a thriller called Utopia for Channel 4.  When I left at 17.30hrs there was a huge light extending above the trees that could be seen from the top of Chevet Hill. 

Wintersett - Normal service resumed. 19.02.14

I’m back from my fantastic Icelandic jaunt so here is a quick round up of recent notable sightings from Wintersett.

Thursday 13.02.14   Yellow-legged Gull - usual adult and a 1^st W, ACP.  8 Crossbills HPWood.

Friday 14.02.14 The Cetti’s Warbler was singing on the west bank marsh WRes.Yellow-legged Gull - usual adult and a 1^st W,  ACP.  Redwing 30.

Saturday 15.02.14  A male Oystercatcher came in and immediately mated with the female that has been here for a while.  Yellow-legged Gull - usual adult, a 1^st W and a 3^rd W.  A 1^st W Glaucous xHerring Hybrid Gull was a late arrival just on dark at ACP.  (I'll post some photos, a video link and some info on next post.)

February 2014 WeBS totals.  Cormorant 38,  Greylag Goose 63,  Mute Swan 9, Moorhen 14, Coot 116,  Shoveler 9,  Tufted Duck 107,  Mallard 40,  Goldeneye 46,  Gadwall 10,  Wigeon 162,  Goosander 43,  Pochard 66,  Teal 6,  Snipe 1, Great Crested Grebe 49,  Little Grebe 1, Grey Heron 8  and Lapwing 130.   

Sunday 16.02.14  Green Woodpecker 1 male,  Buzzard 3 and the 1^st W Glaucous xHerring Hybrid Gull.

Monday 17.02.14  Cetti’s Warbler 1 singing.  Whooper Swan 4.

Yellow-legged Gull - usual adult and a 3rd W, ACP. An adult Mediterranean Gull flew south over ACP to WRes. at 16.25hrs. It had a metal ring – maybe Old Moor Bird.  It had a small white patch on forehead and was white on top of its crown.  Gull numbers are decreasing, particularly Great Black-backed and adult Herrings.

Tuesday 18.02.14  Cetti’s Warbler 1 singing.  Pink-footed Geese 280 NW.  1^st W Glaucous xHerring Hybrid Gull at 16.15 hrs.  Yellow-legged Gull - usual adult at 16.40hrs.  A Red Admiral was seen in HP Wood.

Can't sleep, wont sleep?

A much quieter day at Old Moor - highlights: Goldeneye 11, Peregrine, Brambling, Tree Sparrow 28.

A first-winter Iceland Gull was on Broomhead Res this evening (Roy Twigg) but at 17.45 all the gull lifted and headed off northwest. Wintersett? At least seven Two-barred Crossbills (5 males) remain in Larches near the Low Bradfield junction or near the feeders.

The Edge 19th Feb

Wombwell Ings early AM- Present were 5 Grey Heron, 4a+3j Mute Swan, 79 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 163 Wigeon, 20+ Mallard, 21 Teal, 8 Tufted Duck, 1f+2m Shoveler, 2f+1m Goosander, 126 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 37 Lapwing, 50+ Redwing, 2 Kestrel, 2 singing Mistle Thrush, 4 Skylark, 3m Reed Bunting and 1 calling Gt Spotted Woodpecker.
Broomhill Flash mid AM- Noted were 1 Cormorant, 74 Canada Geese, 16 Tufted Duck, 15 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 6 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 3f+1m Goldeneye, 1f Pochard, 1 Peregrine, 1 Kestrel and 6 Grey Partridge.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM-Present were 2 Cormorant, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4a+3j Mute Swan,60+ Greylag, 15 Canada Geese, 39 Tufted Duck, 14+ Wigeon, 9 Pochard, 6 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 1f+1m Goldeneye, 325 BH Gull, 26 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 3 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1Jay and 1 Chiffchaff(bush next to Cormorant Hide). Signs of Spring were 1 Brimstone butterfly and 1 Bumblebee.

Scout Dike & Ingbirchworth

Scout Dike Reservoir - 72 Canada Geese and 2 Coots.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 97 Greylag Geese, 126 Canada Geese, 39 Mallards, 2 Tufted Ducks, 1 Little Grebe, 7 Moorhens, 14 Coots, 2 Oystercatchers, 300+ Black-headed Gulls, 16 Common Gulls, 6 Herring Gulls and 25 Fieldfares.
Ingbirchworth Common - 1000+ Starlings.
Low Moor, Upper Midhope - 1 'chippering' Common Snipe.
Midhope Reservoir - 4 Greylag Geese, 2 Teal, 8 Mallards and 2 Little Grebes.

Redpolls...... ;-)

                                                                    Redpolls in garden this morning...... :-)

Haw Park

Beautiful sunshine this morning produced spring-like temperatures, which in turn provided Less Corrall and I with with yet more proof of successful overwintering of a Red Admiral, basking in the sunshine.

Also of note were Crossbill 1, Siskin 12, Nuthatch, Great Spotted Woodpecker 2 and Tawny Owl 2 males singing around mid-day. 

Anglers CP

Oystercatcher 2

Storrs Mill Wood - Cudworth

2 male Brimstone, Small Tortoiseshell and a Peacock butterfly this morning. ( Arthur Vincent & Chris Parkin)

Carlton Marsh 

3 Linnet south and 2 Little Owls. 

Mediterranean weather at last

Old Moor: The main news today was the return of an adult Mediterranean Gull to the Mere. It is sporting a metal ring and is thought to be the unpaired male which has been visiting since 2010. Also today: Bittern, Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, Goosander 20, Brambling.

Bolton Ings (Tip): Lesser Redpoll 70, 'Mealy Redpoll', Siskin 30.

At least one Two-barred Crossbill reported from Broomhead today.

The Edge 18th Feb

Wombwell Ings early AM- Certainly felt like an early Spring day when a chorus of birdsong greeted me on getting out of the car. A singing Mistle Thrush dominated the more numerous Robin, Blackbird and  Chaffinch voices. Walking on to the Ings was even more of a pleasure with at least 3 singing Skylarks. Other birds noted were 6 Grey Heron, 4a+3j Mute Swan, 151 Canada Geese, 5 Shelduck, 200+ Wigeon, 21 Mallard, 12 Teal, 8 Tufted Duck, 4 Shoveler, 3m Goosander, 7 Lapwing, 47 BH Gull, 7 Common Gull, 2 Kestrel, 6 Red Legged Partridge, 30+ Redwing, 7 Pied Wagtail, 5m+2f Reed Bunting(all in the large central bush), 5+ Skylark and 1 Kingfisher.


Broomhill Flash mid AM- A Peregrine  sitting in the back field was upstaged by a hunting Stoat that eventually ran its rabbit prey to ground. Also present were 95 Canada Geese, 28 Wigeon, 10 Tufted Duck, 9 Teal, 7 Gadwall, 2f+1m Goldeneye, 1f+1m Pochard, 116 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 18 Lapwing, 2 Kestrel, 2 Grey Partridge and 1 Hare. J Thompson saw a Little Owl in the hedge between the Flash and Clegg's Meadow.


Bolton Ings late PM/early PM- Present were 2 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 flyover Cormorant, 4a+3j Mute Swan, 19 Canada Geese, 7 Greylag, 29 Tufted Duck, 15 Pochard, 13 Gadwall, 5f+4m Goosander, 4 Wigeon, 3 Shoveler, 25+ Lapwing, 1 flyover Golden Plover, 120+ BH Gull, 19 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Buzzard and 1 singing Reed Bunting.

Adwick washlands (am)

Little Owl 1 on the old ruined buildings.

Whoopers

3 (2 ad + 1 juv) at Ingbirchworth Reservoir this morning until 0835 when they flew off north

Wintersett Mon 17th Feb 2014

Four Whooper Swans were on the Country Park Lake all day.

The gull roost was watched on the Country Park, with over 600 Herring Gulls, but just 20 Great Black-backed Gulls most of which were immatures.

Also of interest was this hybrid Glaucous x Herring Gull which was on the rocks in front of the hide:-

Turning back the clock?

Old Moor: 29 Whooper Swans (mostly adults) were on the Mere at 10am although 7 soon departed (Bernard Emson). The remaining 22 left west at 11.10 (John Seeviour, Jim Thompson). Also Pintail, Goldeneye 7 (when 5 were at Broomhill), Peregrine, Buzzard 3, Brambling.

Interestingly, 29 Whooper Swans (2 juvs) were at Ingbirchworth Reservoir (still) at 17.10 (Johnny Mac') which one would assume to be the same herd, however, confusingly 28 were reported on the pager to have dropped in there at 11am (Ivan Martin). So, either well more than 29 birds involved or else one (or more) of the observers was a bit slow!

Seven Two-barred Crossbills (5 males) were still at Broomhead Reservoir this morning.

Whoopers

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 29 Whooper Swans.
per Alf King & David Pennington via HBC website.

Adwick washlands (am)

Wigeon 34, Shoveler 10, Teal 22, Gadwall 14, Shelduck 2, Lapwing c70, Ringed Plover 1, Grey Partridge 3, Fieldfare 27, Song Thrush 2 singing, Skylark 10, Linnet 15, Yellowhammer c50, Reed Bunting 20, Pied Wagtail 54.

Gone to Merseyside

The latest (and full history of the) movements of the Old Moor bred Mediterranean Gull EG61728.
pullus   09/07/10  Old Moor Wetlands.
seen     23/08/11, 05/09/11 & 12/10/11,14/01/12 Seaforth NR, Merseyside.
                           03/05/12 to 04/07/12                 Old Moor Wetlands..
                    11/08/12, 13/01/13 & 24/02/13        Seaforth NR, Merseyside.
                           30/03/13 to 11/07/13                 Old Moor Wetlands.
                                     03/08/13                          Seaforth NR, Merseyside.
                                     30/01/14                          Crosby Beach, Merseyside

This birds sibling EG61729 has taken up wintering quarters in Hampshire - see posting on 10th February for a full history of that bird.. .  
         

Chiffchaff

One along River Don near South Yorks Home Improvements, Thurlstone at 0815 today

Three pairs of Willows!

News from Old Moor (per Dave Waddington): Marsh Harrier, Buzzard 13, Peregrine, Pintail, Goldeneye 13, Goosander 41, Oystercatcher 4, Green Sand 2, Tree Sparrow c20, Yellowhammer 15, Willow Tit 3 pair, Bullfinch 25.

Castle Dam and area 16/02

Sightings from this afternoon:

300+ Black-headed Gull (seem to be using the area much more frequently this winter. Especially as a pre-roost loafing site)
2 Common Gull
11 Wigeon (7m 4f)
3 Tufted Duck
10 Tree Sparrow
1 Stock Dove

Worsborough

Male Lesser spotted woodpecker in larches , goldcrest along footpath near hide  .Willow titsx2 near feeding area along with 2 nuthatch

Uplands

Fullshaw - c500 Starlings.
Whitley Edge - c110 Carrion Crows.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 101 Greylag Geese, 195 Canada Geese, 34 Mallards, 3 Tufted Ducks, 2 Little Grebes, 2 Moorhens, 9 Coots, c250 Black-headed Gulls and 4 Common Gulls.
Royd Moor Reservoir - 34 Canada Geese, 14 Mallards, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Peregrine SW, 1 Coot, c300 Black-headed Gulls, 4 Common Gulls, 1 Goldcrest and 1 singing Willow Tit..
Barnside - flock c600 Starlings and c100 Fieldfares.

Low Moor 16/2/14

Finally, a bit more to see today, it's been hard work for the past few weeks.

Today's results were;

Snipe 1, lapwing  7+18+10+23, greylags  27 (+1 pinkfoot in flock), common buzzard 3, kestrel 3, grey wagtail 1 over, mistle thrush 2 (1 singing), fieldfare 3, thrush sp a single flock of at least 200 birds heading North, starlings single flock of c90 birds, grey heron 1, red-legged partridge 1, x-bill flock of 10 heading over towards Langsett.

Carlton Marsh

Wildfowl counts - Mallard 20, Gadwall 15, Teal 25, Tufted Duck 1, Grey Heron 1, Moorhen 15, Coot 4, Little Grebe 1, Water Rail 1, Common Gull 2, B. H. Gull 10.

Also present 2 Little Owls on lorry chassis, 2 Buzzards up, Sparrowhawk 1 'displaying', 23 Yellow Buntings and 15 Skylarks.  

Adwick WeBS

Water levels very high today.

Coot 19, Shoveler 11, Black-headed Gull 81, Moorhen 31, Mallard 30, Gadwall 4, Mute swan 2, Lapwing 25, Wigeon 39, Teal 22, Shelduck 2, Greylag goose 2.

Broomhead Gull Roost

Broomhead Reservoir - gull roost - 2000+ Black-headed Gulls, 40+ Common Gulls, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, c150 Herring Gulls, 22 Great Black-backed Gulls and 1 immature (first-winter/second winter) Iceland Gull - photo of the latter on SBSG website.
per Andy Deighton via SBSG website.

Carlton Marsh

Plenty of duck on the flooded marsh (by our standards) that included 30 Teal, 4 Tufted Duck, 25 Gadwall, 3 Goosander, 2 Mute Swan and a Little Grebe. The Little Owl was on its usual perch and a Tawny Owl sang at dusk. 6 Yellow bunting flew south and a Willow Tit called.

Deepcar/More Hall

Bitholmes Wood - 1 Red Kite low SW.

Broomhill Flash

Todays sightings for a very changeable Broomhill are :-

Snipe 1.

Wigeon 12,
Teal 16,
Gadwall 4♂,
Mallard 4♂,
Tufted Duck 13,
Goldeneye 4,
Cormorant 1,
Little Grebe 1,
Pochard 3♂.

Skylark 1.

Grey Partridge 2.

Valentines (ever) present

Old Moor: Bittern 2, Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, Pintail, Goosander 30, Oystercatcher 2, Green Sand', Tree Sparrow c20, Yellowhammer 18, Reed Bunting c45, Brambling.

Hope there's not too many gaffs - had to borrow Fred Flintstone's monitor as mine is kaput!

Cudworth

This tree came down in Geoff Miller's garden during the recent bad weather blocking his access to the back door! 3 Stock Doves and 3 Reed Buntings visited his garden feeders today.

Red-legged Partridge in my garden today. (This one's for Pete Smith)

Carlton Marsh

This afternoon a Linnet flew over and 70 Fieldfares were with 30 Starlings in a wheat field. Both Little Owls were on the lorry chassis near Bleachcroft Farm.

Broomhill Flash & Bolton Ings

Todays sightings for Broomhill Flash & Bolton Ings C/o John Seeviour.

Broomhill Flash.


Grey Heron 1.

Mute Swan 1,
Teal 17,
Shoveler 1♂,
Wigeon 22,
Tufted Duck 13,
Pochard 2,
Gadwall 6.

Grey Partridge 2,
Red-legged Partridge 4.


Bolton Ings sightings.


Mallard 10,
Teal 26,
Gadwall 10,
Wigeon 7,
Shoveler 4,
Little Grebe 3,
Great-crested Grebe 1,
Tufted Duck 10,
Pochard 10,
Goosander 1♂,
Muscovey Duck 1,
Mute Swan 8,
Cormorant 1,
Goldeneye 6 (4♂ & 2♀),
Canada Geese 31,
Greylag Geese 68+,
Lesser Black-backed Gull 1,
Common Gull 5,
Black-headed Gull c160.

Common Buzzard 1,
Marsh Harrier 1♂ (Juvenile),
Kestrel 1.

Ingbirchworth

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 1 Pink-footed Goose, 84 Greylag Geese 102 Canada Geese, 24 Mallards, 8 Tufted Ducks, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Moorhen, 11 Coots, 300+ Black-headed Gulls, 14 Common Gulls and 1 Herring Gull.

Wintersett Gulls - 13.02.14

Despite the horrendous weather Wintersett Res roost was checked.
A 2nd W Caspian Gull was the only notable.  Lesser Black-backed 8.  40 Goldeneye were counted at dusk.

Broomhill Splash!

Nice weather for ducks, keeps getting banded about so i'll use it as well!

Todays accounts for a soggy Broomhill Flash are as follows.

Grey Heron 1,
Lapwing 11.

Mute Swan 2,
Gadwall 4,
Tufted Duck 14,
Goldeneye 5,
Mallard 11,
Teal 15,
Wigeon 28,
Canada Geese 103,
Coot 39,
Moorhen 13.

Kestrel 1.

Booming crackers?

Old Moor: Bittern heard 'booming' despite the weather, Marsh Harrier, Buzzard, Cormorant 14, Pink-footed Goose 2 west, Shoveler 73, Pintail female, Goosander 31, Goldeneye 5, Oystercatcher 2, Tree Sparrow 20 Yellowhammer 22, Reed Bunting 45.

The two Oystercatcher's at Old Moor today - Keith Pickering

This Marsh Harrier was seen throughout the day and roosted at the Reedbeds - Kieth Pickering

And news from Broomhead Monday included 3+ Two-barred Crossbill's, + Raven and a cock Black Grouse at Ewden Heights.

A 'phone-scope' shot of Sunday's Kittiwake at Broomhead - Roy Twigg

Edderthorpe flash and Ferrymoor 12 Feb

A short visit to Edderthorpe trying to seek shelter from the relentless weather failed. Species observed, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Goosander,1 Buzzard, numerous Pochard, Tufted duck, Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall, Shoveler, Goldeneye and Great Crested Grebe.

Wintersett 12.02.14 + Killer Cormorant pics.

2°C dry until  11.30 with light southerly, then rain and increasingly strong wind, amber gale warning for this evening.
Wintersett Res:  Steve Denny gets the notables for the 3rd early morning in a row, with  8  Whooper Swans that left west at 08.35hrs.  Also here Goosander 28 + 5 ChRes., Willow Tit 2,  Grey Wagtail CHSF.
Anglers CP:  Oystercatcher 1
Stubbs Wood: Nuthatch 1.
Here a a few pics I took of the ACP murder two days ago.

9 - 1

11 - 1

12 - 1

 

Game Over

Wombwell Ings

70 Lapwing, 5m & 2 fm Goosander, 10 Pied Wagtails, 2 Yellow Hammer amongst a flock of c80 Redwing, 2 RL Partridge. c160 Wigeon, 30 Teal, and c140 Canada Geese.

Carlton Marsh

170 Pink Feet Geese NW at 09.00hrs in the rain. (Dave Standish)
80 Lapwing NW 14.25hrs (Rod Heeley)

Carlton 
Yesterday (10th) of note were 18 Linnet amongst 25 Goldfinch visiting Dave Smith's garden.

Wintersett Ringing Recoveries.

A 1st year Lesser Redpoll ringed at Kilnsea (East Yorks.) on 12th October 2013
was retrapped  at Wintersett Reservoir on 30th October 2013
at a distance of 104 kms west.

A 1st year Lesser Redpoll ringed at Wintersett Reservoir on 13th October 2012
was retrapped at Bellshill (North Lanarkshire) SCOTLAND on 16th May 2013
at a distance of 295 kms to the NNW.

Wintersett 11.02.14

Rain all morning,  dry but increasingly cold this afternoon.  18.00hrs heavy sleet shower, down to 0°C.
Anglers CP:  A 1st W Mediterranean Gull left at 07.20hrs.  Oystercatcher 1,  Golden Plover 150 over. Peregrine 1 over at 15.00hrs.
Gull Roost: 3 Yellow-legged Gulls were the only notables tonight - 1stW,  3rdW and the usual adult.
Wintersett Res:  Cetti's Warbler 1,  Willow Tit 1.

Oystercatcher

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 1 Oystercatcher
per Nick Mallinson.

Stainborough Monday 10th

Highlight was about 250 Pinkfeet over going just north of westwards at 10.35am.  More down to earth but just as remarkable for this site were 3 Greylags on Walkers Pond.  About 20 Fieldfare near Cold Bath Farm and a Tawny Owl singing at noon at Rockley.

Bolton Ings et al - 9th February

Main talking point yesterday was the weather and its consequences, again mild 7c with heavy showers and a strong wind hampering viewing.  After all the recent rain obviously the river was high but thankfully a good couple of feet off flooding Old Moor. Struggling for highlights this week, still 6 Goldeneye (2 males) and the first Redshank of the year. No sign of the 'resident' Buzzard. Full list :- Grey Heron 1, Mute Swan 8, Canada Goose 28, Grey Lag Goose 75, Cormorant 2, Great Crested Grebe 2, Little Grebe 5, Mallard 7, Teal 24, Wigeon 12, Gadwall 24, Shoveler 6, Tufted Duck 21, Pochard 6, Goldeneye 6, Goosander 6, Coot 152, Moorhen 12, Lapwing c150, Redshank 1, Black Headed Gull 144, Common Gull 8, LBB Gull 1, Kestrel 1.

Looking onto Wombwell Ings from the Old Road, plenty of water and 11 Grey Herons.

Went onto the Reedbeds at Old Moor late on, the male Bittern appeared at 5.25 climbing the reeds and booming a couple of times , great views again. At least 2 Barn Owls also present. 

Wintersett Threesomes 10.02.14

Anglers CP Gull Roost tonight held:
3 Caspian Gulls -  a 1st W at 16.30hrs,  and 2 2nd W's at 1625 and 16,40hrs.
3 Yellow-legged Gulls - a 1st W at 16.05hrs,  a 3rd W at 17.10 hrs and an adult at 16.50hrs.
Here's a nice shot of the 1stW Caspian from Paul Meredith.

1st W Caspian Gull                                                          PM

Edderthorpe, Monday

Good news on the river (for today at least) which subsided overnight and the level is well down from yesterday. A Great Crested Grebe is new in, Pochard 43. A flock of mixed finches around 'Symphony' contained -Lesser Redpoll 15, Siskin 2, Bullfinch 7, few Goldcrests and a Chiffchaff..
Contributed by John Clarkson.

Gone to Hampshire

The latest (and a full history of the) movements of the Old Moor bred Mediterranean Gull EG61729.

pullus 09/07/10 Old Moor Wetlands
seen   21/01/12 Hayling Island, Hampshire
           03/03/13, 16/03/13, 13/04/13 to 15/04/13, 19/04/13 and 29/04/13 Titchfield Haven, Hill Head, Hampshire
           07/02/14 Eastney, Portsmouth, Hamphire

Langsett

Langsett Banks - 1 Kestrel, 17 Lapwings, 1 Nuthatch and 6 singing Mistle Thrushes.
Langsett Reservoir - 30 Canada Geese, 45 Mallards, 1 Tufted Duck and a pre-roost c400 Black-headed Gulls (at 16:15hrs).

The Edge 10th Feb

Broomhill Flash mid AM- Present were 1 Cormorant, 3a+2j Mute Swan, 11 Canada Geese, 28 Wigeon, 19 Gadwall, 19 Teal, 13 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 3f Goldeneye, 1m+1f Pochard, 120+ BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 6 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher(early AM by WIM Man), 3m  Reed Bunting and 1 Red Legged Partridge.


Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- Noted were 4 Grey Heron, 3 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 8a Mute Swan, 60+ Greylag, 19 Tufted Duck, 17 Teal, 10 Mallard, 5 Pochard, 5m Shoveler, 5 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 1m+1f Goosander, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 61  BH Gull. 7 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 34 Lapwing, 1 Green Sandpiper and 12 Redpoll( on TPT).


Wombwell Ings mid PM- Present were 5 Grey Heron, 2a+4j Mute Swan, 127 Canada Geese, 1 Shelduck, 160+ Wigeon, 35+ Teal, 9 Mallard, 8 Tufted Duck, 4 Gadwall, 1m+1f Pochard, 1m+1f Goosander, 80+ BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 13 Lapwing, c20 Redwing and 1 Kingfisher.

Wintersett 10.02.14

0°c,  frosty start but calm, bright and sunny.
Anglers CP:  The day got off to a cracking start when Steve Denny had a Red-throated Diver flying over the car park at 07.45hrs.   However, it couldn't be found on any of the waters.  During a walk around the lake  430 Pink-footed Geese  in 3 skeins flew over.  140W at 09.58hrs  +  130 NW at 10.39  +  160 NW at 10.40   Looking from the hide,  there was a  tug of war  going on between 2 Cormorants  over what appeared to be a large fish, but in fact turned out to be an adult Kittiwake.  Before long 11 other cormorants had joined in the fight and pecked it to death.  Quite gruesome! 
Also seen Redpoll 15,  Oystercatcher 1,  Snipe 14 and Little Grebe 4.
Wintersett Res:  The Cetti's Warbler  and a Water Rail were heard in the west bank marsh.

Adwick Washlands

Mid am
Shelduck 2, Mallard 40, Teal 22, Bullfinch 8, Gadwall 4, Shoveler 8, Yellowhammer circ 50, Reed Bunting 16, Kingfisher 1, Wigeon 34, Lapwing 42, Common Gull 2, Sparrowhawk 1, and 2 GS Woodpecker in the wooded area near the car park,

Wintersett Gulls - all the twos!

2 Roosts -Wintersett Res and Anglers CP roosts were watched today.
2 Mediterranean Gulls.   1 1st Winter on  WRes  16.22 hrs  and 1 adult on Anglers at 16.30 wearing an unreadable yellow ring.
2 Caspian Gulls  on WRes. a 1st W Caspian at 1620, and a new 2nd W Caspian at 1725.  The 1st W Caspian relocated to Anglers CP  16.50 after a  dread on WRes.
2 Yellow-legged Gulls at Anglers.    A 1st W bird  and the  usual adult . The latter probably relocated to Wres at dusk.
A 1st W Herring with an ureadabke DARVIC ring was also on Anglers. That's 2 unreadable rings tonight.
WRes. Counts. Herring Gull  678,  Lesser Black-backed Gull 2,  Great Black-backed Gull 74.
Nearly forgot  - A Peregrine was blogging east at 15.15.

Wintersett a.m 09.02.14

5°C,  showery with a cool south westerly.
Anglers CP: A flock of around a 100  Golden Plover flew over at 10.15hrs.  Oystercatcher 1,  Teal 6, Gadwall 20,   Buzzard 1,  Lapwing 150,  Little Grebe 3  and 300 Wood Pigeon  in fields.

Sundays bit

News from Old Moor (Jeff Wragg): Bittern Reedbeds climbing up reeds and 'booming', Shelduck 2, Goldeneye 13, Goosander 32, Buzzard, Oystercatcher, Barn Owl 2, Brambling + 12 Yellowhammers at feeders.

Adult Kittiwake in Broomhead roost this evening (Roy Twigg).

Joe Seymour has kindly allowed me to post this cracking picture of a male Two-barred Crossbill he took at Broomhead on Thursday, surely the best yet? Thanks Joe.

Male Two-barred Crossbill, Broomhead Reservoir - Joe Seymour 

Odd Blackbird & Other things



Blackbird photo taken this morning near Broomhill Park

 







 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Wombwell Ings were 2 pair of Goosander, 1 pair of Shelduck, 10 Grey Heron along with the usual numbers of, wigeon, teal and large Canada Geese flock.

Edderthorpe, Sunday

A very blustery and wet morning. The Flash is very full with all the rain but fortunately the river has not yet breached, but it is within inches of doing so!
This mornings highlights;- Pink-footed Goose 1, Shelduck 3, Pochard 51, Tufted 25, Goosander 2, Peregrine 1 immature, Dunlin 1.
Ferrymoor - a couple of Ringed Plovers on the shale beyond Sash.

Broomhead

Broomhead Reservoir - 6 Tufted Ducks and 7 Goosanders. Gull roost - 1000+ Black-headed Gulls, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 290 Herring Gulls, 27 Great Black-backed Gulls and 1 adult Kumlien's Gull. The Kumliens Gull was not seen after 4pm and possibly moved on to Langsett Reservoir.
per Mick Cunningham and SBSG website

Please note that only 1 Kumlien's Gull roosted on the 7th, not 2 as was originally posted - this has been amended.

Carlton Marsh

This morning - 20 Teal, 2 Buzzards, Kingfisher, Little owl and 6 Siskins.

Wintersett, Saturday......

A brisk south-westerly wind but no rain until late afternoon.
On the CP;- Greylag Goose 105, Canada Goose 195, Wigeon 224, Cormorant 30, Oystercatcher 2, Snipe 5. A Willow Tit was in the north-east corner of the Top Res.
The gull roost was again split between both lakes with the larger numbers on the Top Res; combined totals are, GBBGull 260, LBBGull 8, Herring Gull 1700, Yellow-legged Gull 2 (first-winter and third-winter), Caspian Gull 1 second-winter - the ringed bird which was last seen a couple of weeks ago was on the CP from 15.15 until dusk, Mediterranean Gull 1 adult top res from 16.25, Common Gull 1700.

Old Moor, Dusk Friday 7th Feb

Good views of two Barn Owls; Bittern boomed once, but had two Woodcock fly over my head as I walked off.

Broomhead Gull Roost

Broomhead Reservoir - 1 adult Kumlien's Gulls and 1 first-winter Iceland Gull roosted last night (7th).
per SBSG website

Carlton Marsh

Dusk - c40 Yellow Buntings with 13 Skylarks in stubble. Main marsh - 2 Water Rails calling and 7 Snipe left SW.

Dearne Valley Park - Hoyle Mill

8 Goosanders, Kingfisher and the first flowering Coltsfoot! (Chris Parkin)

Storrs Mill Wood - Cudworth

2 Nuthatches (Arthur Vincent) 

Arthur has dedicated his life to feeding the birds in this wood. He tops his feeders up 3 times per week throughout the winter months in all kinds of weather and as you know we have had some bad weather in recent winters. Well done Arthur let's hope the Nuthatches breed this year for the first time.

Wintersett Gulls 07.02.14

Anglers CP roost held the usual adult Yellow-legged Gull and a 1st W Yellow-legged Gull.  2 Barn Owls were at Wintersett.

The Edge 7th Feb

Broomhill Flash late AM- Present were 1 flyover Cormorant, 4a+3j Mute Swan, 5 Canada Geese, 18 Gadwall, 11 Teal, 10 Tufted Duck, 6 Mallard, 3f Goldeneye, pair of Shoveler, 117 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull, 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk and 3 Skylark.


Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- Present were 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 4a+4j Mute Swan, 17 Mallard, 12 Tufted Duck, 9 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 3 Pochard, 1m+1f Goosander, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 188 BH Gull, 13 Common Gull, 1a+1j LBB Gull, c100 Lapwing, 1 Buzzard and 1 Kestrel.


Trans Pennine Trail- 5 Redpoll, 3 Bullfinch and 1 Siskin.


Wombwell Ings mid PM- Noted were 10 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 3a+3j Mute Swan, c250 Canada Geese, 150+ Wigeon, 50+ Teal, 6 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 3 Tufted Duck, 1m+1f Goosander, 1 m Shoveler, 100+ BH Gull, 23 Lapwing, 1 Kingfisher and 5 Skylark.

Not had any news from Old Moor today.

Broomhill Flash: 3 Goldeneye and the alleged 1 of 7 (male)!

Wombwell Ings and Manvers Lake both covered - little change.

Broomhead Reservoir gull roost (Roy Twigg): 652 Herring, first-winter Iceland Gull.

Wintersett 07.02.14

4°C,  sunny with a cool westerly.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1,  Willow Tit 1 and Kingfisher 1
Anglers CP:  Oystercatcher 1,  Cormorant 24 and  Greylag Goose 101
Haw Park Wood: Tawny Owl 1 calling.   5 Buzzards ( 3 + 2) circled over slowly, west + 1 ACP and Green Woodpecker 1 calling.

Broomhead

Broomhead Reservoir - 1 first-winter Iceland Gull and 1 adult Kumlien's Gulls roosted tonight.
per SBSG website.

Carlton Marsh

Scrub bashing day to maintain open views of the 'Whin Pool'. On the scrape were 2 Tufted Duck, our first of the year. Also Little Grebe, Siskin, Willow Tit, Jay, 8 Jackdaws, 10 Herring Gulls south, 2 Sparrowhawks and 2 Buzzards.

Wintersett Spring Heralds 06.02.14

7°C  and sunny this morning with a light north easterly.
Within a minute of arriving at Anglers CP this morning an adult Peregrine had put up the birds from the islands. A Dunlin was with the flock of Lapwings and the first Oystercatcher to return flew low over the lake. Skylarks were serenading and hedgrows were full of birdsong.   Spring is on its way!
Also a Linnet flew NW and 88 Pochard were present.
The Anglers CP Gull Roost had only  one notable this afternoon,  the usual adult Yellow-legged Gull.

Yellowhammers ....beat that!!

Forgot to send this in but yesterday I had 95 Yellowhammer in a feeding flock on a stubble field (rare habitat now-days) off Silkstone Wagon Road. I did 3 counts to try to get over100 but had to stick to a 95 max. I see Cliff had 40 at Carlton so it would be interesting if there are other large groups in the Barnsley area. Any info?

Carlton Marsh

Before the rain 40 Yellowhammers and 6 Skylarks were still present. (Rod Heeley)

Wintersett 05.02.14

6°C,  grey but dry this morning, with a strengthening south westerly and then rain showers on an off from midday until dark.
Wintersett Res:  Gadwall 8 + 6 ACP,  Shoveler 10. 
Despite the appalling weather conditions, both gull roosts were checked today.  A 1st W Caspian Gull, (the small bird from yesterday) was in the roost on  WRes from 17.05hrs.  The usual adult Yellow-legged Gull was on Walton Hall lake at 11.20hrs and then came to Anglers CP roost from 16.10hrs.

Sweet FA (Cup!)

The only news I have for today as follows: Old Moor: Peregrine, Brambling.
Broomhead: 10+ Crossbills, adult Kumlien's Gull roosted on Res again.

The Edge 5th Feb

Broomhill Flash mid AM- Rather quiet with 3 Cormorant, 3a+4j Mute Swan, c70 Canada Geese, 26 Gadwall, 12 Tufted Duck, 5 Teal, 2f Goldeneye, c120 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull, 31 Lapwing, 2 Kestrel, 16 Grey Partridge and 1 Mistle Thrush( Clegg's Meadow ).


Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- Present were 2 Cormorant, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4a+4j Mute Swan, 9 Canada Geese, 12 Pochard, 8 Tufted Duck, 7 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 5 Mallard, 3m+2f Shoveler, 2m+3f Goldeneye, 2 Wigeon, 158 BH Gull, 10 Herring Gull, 5 Common Gull and 106 Lapwing.


Trans Pennine Trail- 1 flyover Grey Heron, 1 Jay and c20 Redpoll.

Carlton Marsh

Plenty of duck on today including 2 Goosander and Little Grebe. Also present 2 Buzzards, 2 Little Owls, 2 Siskins, c100 Redwings, 6 Fieldfares, 2 Great Spot Woodpeckers and 2 Willow Tits.

Unfortunately the stubble field has been ploughed! but hopefully the birds using it will have moved onto another set-aside nearby. 

Cudworth

A Song Thrush was singing in the quarry near Cudworth Bridges and Keith Bannister had a Small Tortoiseshell in his garden!

Broomhead

At least five 'very vocal' Two-barred Crossbills were at Broomhead this afternoon as well as 30+ Commons. The adult Kumlien's Gull roosted on the Reservoir having been seen at Shirecliffe Tip during the day (Sheffield area).

I will hopefully be bringing some copies of the Breeding Birds of the Sheffield area (Bird Atlas) to the BBSG meeting on Thursday which will available for £20 and thus a substantial saving on postage. First come, first served and for those who have already ordered, your copy is reserved for you.

Wintersett Gulls 04.02.14

2  1st W Caspian Gulls  graced Anglers CP roost this afternoon.  Last nights bird came in at 16.20 hrs and a smaller bird flew in at 16.50hrs.  Both remained until dark.  Also a 3rd W Yellow-legged Gull was in at 16.30hrs.  Unusally, the usual  adult Yellow-legged Gull was absent.

The Edge 4th Feb

Wombwell Ings mid AM- From a distance looked like yesterday' s family of swans but got a pleasant surprise when I saw 3 Whooper Swans(2adult+1 juv) in front of the hide. Also present were 2 Grey Heron, 150+ Canada Geese, 2 Shelduck, c 200 Wigeon, 32 Teal, 15 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 4 Tufted Duck, 1f Goosander, 145 BH Gull, 20+ Redwing, 2 Reed Bunting and 2 Skylark. A close and prolonged view of a Stoat with it's prey.


Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 1 Cormorant, 1a+4j Mute Swan, 70+ Canada Geese, 38 Gadwall, 14 Tufted Duck, 9 Teal, 6 Mallard, 3f Goldeneye, 1m Pochard, 81 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 3 flyover LBB Gull, 39 Lapwing, distant Buzzard over Cat Hill, 2 flyover Yellowhammer and 1 Hare.


 Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- Only 'Wanderer' today. Present were 3 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4a+1j Mute Swan, 73 Greylag, 14 Canada Geese, 13 Pochard, 10 Teal, 8 Wigeon, 8 Gadwall, 7 Tufted Duck, 3 pair Goosander, 3 displaying male+3 female Goldeneye, 5 Mallard, 220+ BH Gull, 8 Common Gull, 1 juv LBB Gull, 101 Lapwing, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk , 1 Kestrel and 1 Jay.

Wintersett 04.02.14

3°C,  sunny with a  cold south easterly.
Anglers CP:  Golden Plover 1 W.  Dunlin 2 in at 09.30hrs.  Little Owl 1 at Santingley
Wintersett Res:  Cetti's Warbler 1,  Grey Wagtail 1,  Willow Tit 1 south bank + 1 west bank, Treecreeper 1. 
Haw Park Wood: Crossbill 15,  Siskin 7.

Castle Dam

Castle Dam - 15 Wigeon, 3 Mallards, 16 Coots and 271 Black-headed Gulls.
per Brian Penistone.

Rabbit Ings............... 8-)

Had a walk round Rabbit Ings this afternoon. Quite a few Yellowhammer, Reed Buntings and Dunnock. Also Mistle Thrush 2, Long Tailed and Great Tits,Pied Wagtails 8, Kestrels 2 and a pair of Stonechat on path...... :-)

Wintersett 03.02.14

2°C,  cool and grey.
Anglers CP: Mute Swan 6 + 1 WRes + 2 CHRes.   A Water Rail and 6 Snipe were on Pol.   Siskin 1 SE.
ACP Gull Roost was really slow to get going this afternoon.    A 1st W Caspian Gull flew in at 16.55hrs - until dark.  The usual Yellow-legged Gull came in at 17.20hrs.

1st W Caspo   record shot                         ASmith