Visited Old Moor this evening to take a look at the Starling roost that has developed recently on Wath Ings. The number of birds was very difficult to count, I estimated 2500, a long way short of the 12000 estimated on Saturday night. However they put on a fine show, the first birds appeared at 19.10 and they finally dropped into the reeds at 8 o'clock. Also on the Main Marsh were c20 Sand Martins but didn't see the Ruff.
2 Bitterns were booming well tonight and could be heard from the Wath Ings hide. Also heard calling tonight were Green Sandpiper (2), Pink Footed Goose/Geese and a Tawny Owl.
Monday, 31 March 2014
Carlton Marsh
Kingfisher, Siskin 2, Willow Tit 1 singing, Buzzard, Little Owl.
Cudworth Station
Orange-tip and Brimstone butterflies. (Chris Parkin)
Low Cudworth
Small White (Les Corrall)
Cudworth Station
Orange-tip and Brimstone butterflies. (Chris Parkin)
Low Cudworth
Small White (Les Corrall)
After the Lord Mayors show?
Old Moor: 3 Meds', male Brambling in bird garden.
Wombwell Ings this eve: Wigeon 160, Shelduck 5, Redshank 6, Snipe 5.
Wombwell Ings this eve: Wigeon 160, Shelduck 5, Redshank 6, Snipe 5.
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| The Sandwich Tern this morning, post flying-off! - Jim Thompson |
Wintersett 31.03.14
7°C and misty at 09.00hrs. 14°C with hazy sunshine at midday. Light north westerly. Another quiet day so a long walk around the area today.
Anglers CP: Grey Wagtail 1 male, Oystercatcher 5 and Redshank 1.
Cold Hiendley Res: Kingfisher 1
Wintersett Res: The singing Cetti's Warbler was roving on the west bank area. Willow Tit 1 and Redwing .
Botany Area: Little Owl 1 and Siskin 1 over. A small flock of 13 Golden Plover in George's fields next to the old railway path.
Moorhouse Lane Ponds: Teal 6.
Anglers CP: Grey Wagtail 1 male, Oystercatcher 5 and Redshank 1.
Cold Hiendley Res: Kingfisher 1
Wintersett Res: The singing Cetti's Warbler was roving on the west bank area. Willow Tit 1 and Redwing .
Botany Area: Little Owl 1 and Siskin 1 over. A small flock of 13 Golden Plover in George's fields next to the old railway path.
Moorhouse Lane Ponds: Teal 6.
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| A Millipede was wandering over the concrete path on the Disposal Point |
The Edge 31st Mar
Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 3 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 2a+2j Mute Swan, 64 Canada Geese, 21 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 4 Shelduck, 120+ Wigeon, 29 Tufted Duck, 26 Mallard, 17 Teal, 15 Gadwall, 9 Pochard, 5m+3f Shoveler, 66 BH Gull, 25 Lapwing, 5 Redshank, 15 Sand Martin, 6 Skylark, 2 singing Chiffchaff, 1 Red Legged Partridge and 1 Song Thrush.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM-On the open water were 6 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 2 Mute Swan, 30 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 6 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 2f Goldeneye, c500 BH Gull and 2 Common Gull. Also present were 11 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kingfisher and 5 Chiffchaff(TPT).
Broomhill Flash, early/mid PM- Noted were 3 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 15 Canada Geese, 33 Wigeon, 16 Tufted Duck, 7 Gadwall, 6 Mallard, 2m+f Shoveler, 2 Pochard and c250 BH Gull.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM-On the open water were 6 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 2 Mute Swan, 30 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 6 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 2f Goldeneye, c500 BH Gull and 2 Common Gull. Also present were 11 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kingfisher and 5 Chiffchaff(TPT).
Broomhill Flash, early/mid PM- Noted were 3 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 15 Canada Geese, 33 Wigeon, 16 Tufted Duck, 7 Gadwall, 6 Mallard, 2m+f Shoveler, 2 Pochard and c250 BH Gull.
Leaving the Best 'til Last
Gunthwaite Dam - 2 Canada Geese, 5 Mallards, 1 drake Tufted Duck, a pair of Little Grebes, 1 Water Rail, two pairs of Moorhens, a pair of Coots and a Coal Tit taking nest material into a stone wall.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 12 Canada Geese, 27 Mallards, 6 Tufted Ducks, a pair of Little Grebes, a pair of Great Crested Grebes, three pairs of Moorhen, 14 Coots, 7 Black-headed Gulls and 2 Common Gulls.
Whitley Common - 6 Mallards, 2 Grey Partridges, 4 Oystercatchers, 1 displaying Lapwing, 1 Snipe chippering', 4 Curlews, 20+ Jackdaws and 5 Fieldfares.
Whitley Edge - 50+ Carrion Crows - probably explaining the lack of breeding waders in this area..
Lower Maythorn - 2 Oystercatchers and 6 Curlews.
Broadstone Reservoir - 9 Mallards, c200 Black-headed Gulls, c20 Common Gulls, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Oystercatchers and 40+ Meadow Pipits - mainly N/W.
Royd Moor Hill - 3 displaying Lapwings.
Low Moor, Upper Midhope - a pair of Oystercatchers, 10+ Lapwing sitting, 3 'chippering' Snipe and three pairs of Curlews.
Midhope Reservoir - two pairs of Teal, 5 Mallards, 3 Little Grebes, 2 singing Mistle Thrushes and 2 singing Chiffchaffs.
Barnside - 1 Pink-footed Goose, 16 Greylag Geese, 5 Mallards and at least five pairs of Lapwings.
On arriving home at Stocksbridge I was just about about to unlock the door when I heard a Raven and when looking up located the bird mobbing a (male on size) Goshawk. - not bad from the back garden!
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 12 Canada Geese, 27 Mallards, 6 Tufted Ducks, a pair of Little Grebes, a pair of Great Crested Grebes, three pairs of Moorhen, 14 Coots, 7 Black-headed Gulls and 2 Common Gulls.
Whitley Common - 6 Mallards, 2 Grey Partridges, 4 Oystercatchers, 1 displaying Lapwing, 1 Snipe chippering', 4 Curlews, 20+ Jackdaws and 5 Fieldfares.
Whitley Edge - 50+ Carrion Crows - probably explaining the lack of breeding waders in this area..
Lower Maythorn - 2 Oystercatchers and 6 Curlews.
Broadstone Reservoir - 9 Mallards, c200 Black-headed Gulls, c20 Common Gulls, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Oystercatchers and 40+ Meadow Pipits - mainly N/W.
Royd Moor Hill - 3 displaying Lapwings.
Low Moor, Upper Midhope - a pair of Oystercatchers, 10+ Lapwing sitting, 3 'chippering' Snipe and three pairs of Curlews.
Midhope Reservoir - two pairs of Teal, 5 Mallards, 3 Little Grebes, 2 singing Mistle Thrushes and 2 singing Chiffchaffs.
Barnside - 1 Pink-footed Goose, 16 Greylag Geese, 5 Mallards and at least five pairs of Lapwings.
On arriving home at Stocksbridge I was just about about to unlock the door when I heard a Raven and when looking up located the bird mobbing a (male on size) Goshawk. - not bad from the back garden!
Getting the bird!
The Sandwich Tern at Old Moor left north at about 10.45. With impeccable timing I was driving from a job in Darfield to another in Hoyland and was on the bypass just as it departed and was thus able to pull into a lay-by and join the party!. Special thanks to those who gave constant and accurate location details over the radio. If you think I was lucky what about the 'Wath regular' who just made it in time after 36 years and 11 months of pain? Still, most of our 'Swich Terns' do pass through in the morning..................
Latest update (per a breathless Chris Harris!): Kittiwake Mere (now departed), Ruff Wath Ings.
Latest update (per a breathless Chris Harris!): Kittiwake Mere (now departed), Ruff Wath Ings.
Adwick washlands (am)
Shelduck 4, Wigeon 12, Shoveler 7, Avocet 3, LRP 2, Ringed Plover 1, Redshank c12, Snipe1, Willow Warbler 1 Adwick tip, Chiffchaff 6.
Sunday, 30 March 2014
Bolton Ings - Sunday 30th March
A misty start this morning at 9 o'clock (or was it 8 o'clock), 9c rising to 14c mid afternoon. Could nearly copy last weeks blog, the Pink Footed Goose was still with the Grey Lags ( 2 more on Wombwell Ings from the old road), still 3 female Goldeneye hanging on and 18 singing Chiffchaffs. Full list:- Mute Swan 5, Canada Goose 18, Grey Lag Goose 11, Pink Footed Goose 1, Great Crested Grebe 7, Little Grebe 12, Cormorant 2, Mallard 9, Teal 4, Gadwall 10, Tufted Duck 49, Pochard 20, Goldeneye 3, Coot 140, Moorhen 18, Lapwing 1, Oystercatcher 2, Black Headed Gull 548, Common Gull 5, LBB Gull 1, Kestrel 2, Green Woodpecker 2, Grey Wagtail 1, Kingfisher 1, Chiffchaff 18.
Further news from Old Moor where there were 3 Mediterranean Gulls on the Mere today. The regular adult male with the metal ring, the one legged adult female and her mate 2E26 whose ring was read today. Interestingly the pair haven't been seen for a week, where have they been?
Further news from Old Moor where there were 3 Mediterranean Gulls on the Mere today. The regular adult male with the metal ring, the one legged adult female and her mate 2E26 whose ring was read today. Interestingly the pair haven't been seen for a week, where have they been?
A right murmuration!
Old Moor: (per Jeff Wragg) Bittern, Goosander 2, Med' Gull 2, Sand Martin 47. Starling roost yesterday on Wath Ings in excess of 12, 000.
Broomhill Flash
Todays sightings for Mothering Sunday included :-
Shoveler 3,
Teal 1,
Little Grebe 8,
Mallard c8,
Pochard 20 ( this was put in logbook but were only 2 females when I went to lockup),
Mute Swan 2,
Pink Feet 2 (which came off Wombwell Ings),
Wigeon 33,
Tufted Duck 20,
Gadwall c8.
Also a drake Garganey came on pager but no sign as I locked up.
Red-legged Partridge 1.
Kestrel 1.
Rabbit 2,
Brown Hare 1.
Shoveler 3,
Teal 1,
Little Grebe 8,
Mallard c8,
Pochard 20 ( this was put in logbook but were only 2 females when I went to lockup),
Mute Swan 2,
Pink Feet 2 (which came off Wombwell Ings),
Wigeon 33,
Tufted Duck 20,
Gadwall c8.
Also a drake Garganey came on pager but no sign as I locked up.
Red-legged Partridge 1.
Kestrel 1.
Rabbit 2,
Brown Hare 1.
Wintersett - JOHN WINT
It is sad to report
that John Wint died on Friday 28th
March after losing his fourth battle with cancer.
John was one of
the Wintersett stalwarts in the late 70s and early 80s, where he trained to
become a ringer. He ringed here for
several years before work took him to another part of the country. He returned to East
Yorkshire and continued ringing and training new ringers. He remained active, despite his illness, and
he went on many ringing weeks to Spurn.
He was the President of the
Yorkshire Naturalists Union for a period, and at present held the post of Vice Chairman.
He made a huge contribution
to birding and will be greatly missed by all his friends and aquaintances. I will post details of funeral arrangements as
soon as they are finalised.
Pete Smith
Midhope
Midhope Reservoir - 5 Teal, 3 Little Grebes, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Goldcrest singing, 4 Chiffchaffs singing and 5 Siskins.
Barnside Moor - 2 Ravens W.
per Dave Woodriff.
Barnside Moor - 2 Ravens W.
per Dave Woodriff.
Little Don
upper Little Don Valley - 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Merlin, 1 Peregrine Falcon, 8+ Ravens, 1 Dipper, 10 Ring Ouzels and a pair of Stonechats
Langsett Reservoir - 8 Teal and 1 Little Grebe.
per Carl Dixon.
Langsett Reservoir - 8 Teal and 1 Little Grebe.
per Carl Dixon.
Edderthorpe Flash
Misty and hazy all morning. Highlights from this morning;- Shelduck 5, Wigeon 33, Pochard 5, Tufted 61, Goosander 1, Little Grebe 8, Snipe 25, Redshank 3, Tawny Owl 1.
Worsbrough Res;
Ten Whooper Swans were on here early afternoon (John Clarkson)
Worsbrough Res;
Ten Whooper Swans were on here early afternoon (John Clarkson)
Wintersett 30.03.14
6°C rising to 12°C by midday. It was a misty start and stayed hazy all morning. Birdwise, it was very quiet. Cyclists and joggers in big numbers!
Cold Hiendley Res: Redwing 2
Wintersett Res: Siskin 3 N + 2 E, Willow Tit 3 and Cetti's Warbler 1 male.
Haw Park Wood: Crossbill 5.
Anglers CP: Wigeon 109 and Shoveler 4.
Cold Hiendley Res: Redwing 2
Wintersett Res: Siskin 3 N + 2 E, Willow Tit 3 and Cetti's Warbler 1 male.
Haw Park Wood: Crossbill 5.
Anglers CP: Wigeon 109 and Shoveler 4.
Moorland Avocet
Langsett Filter Station - 1 Avocet leaving north at 13:50hrs.
Barnside - 16 Greylag Geese, 5 Mallards, 10 Pheasants, five pairs of Lapwings and 200+ Woodpigeons.
Barnside - 16 Greylag Geese, 5 Mallards, 10 Pheasants, five pairs of Lapwings and 200+ Woodpigeons.
Whitwell Moor/Stone Moor
Whitwell Moor/Millstones Wood - 7 Red Grouse, 1 'chippering' Snipe, 2 Curlews, 2 singing Skylarks, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 singing Mistle Thrushes, c250 Meadow Pipits including 150+ W and 2 Lesser Redpoll.
Stone Moor - 2 drake Mallards, 5 Lapwings sitting, 1 'chippering' Snipe, 2 Curlews, 4 singing Skylarks and 2 male Wheatears.
New Hall Lane, Stocksbridge - 1 male Wheatear.
Oxley Park, Stocksbridge - 4 Blackbirds mobbing a Little Owl and 2 Chiffchaffs.
Stone Moor - 2 drake Mallards, 5 Lapwings sitting, 1 'chippering' Snipe, 2 Curlews, 4 singing Skylarks and 2 male Wheatears.
New Hall Lane, Stocksbridge - 1 male Wheatear.
Oxley Park, Stocksbridge - 4 Blackbirds mobbing a Little Owl and 2 Chiffchaffs.
Worsbrough Res 30/03/14
10 whooper
swans on Worsbrough res this afternoon, still there at 5pm.
S Robinson
S Robinson
Saturday, 29 March 2014
Broomhill Flash & Wombwell Ings
Today's sightings for Broomhill Flash included:-
Mute Swan 2,
Shoveler 1♂,
Goldeneye 2♀,
Pochard 1♀,
Little Grebe 8+,
Greater black-backed Gull 3.
Red-legged Partridge 1.
Kestrel 1,
Sparrowhawk 1.
For Wombwell Ings there were
Avocet 2,
Shelduck 2
Wheatear 2 (♂ & ♀).
Mute Swan 2,
Shoveler 1♂,
Goldeneye 2♀,
Pochard 1♀,
Little Grebe 8+,
Greater black-backed Gull 3.
Red-legged Partridge 1.
Kestrel 1,
Sparrowhawk 1.
For Wombwell Ings there were
Avocet 2,
Shelduck 2
Wheatear 2 (♂ & ♀).
Old Moor - Saturday 29th March
A slow start today but got better this afternoon. New in is a drake Garganey on the Wader scrape and also a new Mediterranean Gull present on the banking between the Mere and the Wader Scrape. This new bird is an adult with a metal ring but unlike the regular bird it has a full wing. Also today 2 booming male Bitterns, 1 on the reedbeds and 1 on the wildlife ponds. Also 1 Bittern seen in flight on the Reedbeds.
Edderthorpe, Saturday, and Wintersett
As reported yesterday, the River Dearne came over the floodbank and started to fill up the Flash, but fortunately this only lasted about a hour before the river level began falling. It still put about nine inches of unwanted water into the Flash though. Still could have been worse, at least some grass and the islands are still above water. And Houghton Washland has been filled up a bit and looks much fresher. Highlights this morning;- Shelduck 3, Gadwall 110, Shoveler 32, Teal 80, Goosander 1, Pochard 6, Great Crested Grebe 1, Little Grebe 6, Redshank 7, Snipe 6, Lapwing 4 birds still sitting on eggs.
Cudworth Common
Wigeon 18, Shoveler 4, Redshank 11, Ringed Plover 1.
Wintersett
Misty most of the morning, slowly clearing during the afternoon with a light easterly wind.
Considering the conditions it was a rather disappointing day;- Goldeneye 47, Wigeon 104, Golden Plover 100, Sand Martin 7 went north, Meadow Pipit 20 north. In Haw Park the morning ringing session yielded little, but 2 Crossbills, a Brambling and a Redwing were seen
Cudworth Common
Wigeon 18, Shoveler 4, Redshank 11, Ringed Plover 1.
Wintersett
Misty most of the morning, slowly clearing during the afternoon with a light easterly wind.
Considering the conditions it was a rather disappointing day;- Goldeneye 47, Wigeon 104, Golden Plover 100, Sand Martin 7 went north, Meadow Pipit 20 north. In Haw Park the morning ringing session yielded little, but 2 Crossbills, a Brambling and a Redwing were seen
Wilthorpe Marsh fri.aft.28-3-14.
common snipe 10,jack snipe 6,chiffchaff 6,water rail 4,grey partridge 2, oystercatcher 2, long eared owl 1,buzzard 1, green woodpecker 1.
Friday, 28 March 2014
Med in where?
This Mediterranean Gull has been with us several summers now, sporting a ring on its left leg. But as nobody had managed to read it a cunning plan was hatched. The remote camera has been set in its favorite spot this year but so far this is the best result. The ring can be seen but the number cannot be read leaving us still wondering -where was it Med?
Adwick @ 5pm
The central stream was still over the banks flooding the area either side of the cattle pens this afternoon. On the plus side this new area attracted lots of Widgeon, Teal, Gadwall, Mallard ect to feed in the newly flooded area on the minus the split of land where the ringed plovers usually are was submerged and despite a good search cudn't be found. No doubt they will soon show back up?. only other change from steves earlier report is 1 extra Avocet and Shelduck.
The Edege 28th Mar
Wombwell Ings mid AM-Present were 96 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 130+ Wigeon, 34 Tufted Duck, 25 Teal, 22 Mallard, 14 Gadwall, 8 Pochard, 1m+2f Shoveler, 27 Lapwing, 6 Redshank, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Oystercatcher, 99 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 1 Green Woodpecker(calling from the canyon), 3 singing Chiffchaff and 7 Skylark.
Bolton Ings late AM-On the open water were 4 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Mute Swan, 6 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 22 Tufted Duck, 12 Mallard, 6 Pochard, 2 Teal, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 283+ BH Gull and 2 Common Gull. Also noted were 1 Cormorant, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing and 1 Grey Wagtail.
TPT- 4 singing Chiffchaff and 1 Jay
Broomhill Flash early pm- Present were 3 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 16 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 18 Tufted Duck, 8+ Mallard, 8 Gadwall, 6 Wigeon, 1m+1f Shoveler, 157+ BH Gull, 2 Kestrel and 4 Red Legged Partridge.
Bolton Ings late AM-On the open water were 4 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Mute Swan, 6 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 22 Tufted Duck, 12 Mallard, 6 Pochard, 2 Teal, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 283+ BH Gull and 2 Common Gull. Also noted were 1 Cormorant, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing and 1 Grey Wagtail.
TPT- 4 singing Chiffchaff and 1 Jay
Broomhill Flash early pm- Present were 3 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 16 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 18 Tufted Duck, 8+ Mallard, 8 Gadwall, 6 Wigeon, 1m+1f Shoveler, 157+ BH Gull, 2 Kestrel and 4 Red Legged Partridge.
Adwick Wet Wet Wet Lands
There were 6 Avocet at the East Side main scrape (too far away for this "point & press", at least 14 Redshank, 26 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 6, Gadwall, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Shelduck, 6 Shoveler, 6 Reed Bunting, 4 Little Grebe, 22 Mallard, 1 Sparrow Hawk, 4 Pied wag, 2 Linnet and 1 Treecreeper
Wintersett Missed Osprey 28.03.14
7°C, grey and damp. Very wet underfoot after the heavy downpours last night. Pretty quiet this morning.
Brian Lee alerted us to an Osprey which had flown low over his house at Royston. It then circled up high east into the clag at 11.40hrs. We hurried to the nearest high view point on Haw Park Lane but, unfortunately, were unable to pick it up.
Wintersett Res: Shoveler 5 and Wigeon 1 male.
Anglers CP: The adult Yellow-legged and Lesser Black-backed Gull were on the rocks. Sand Martin 1 north. Oystercatcher 4, Snipe 2 and Grey Partridge 2 in back field.
Disposal Point: Green Woodpecker 1 male.
Haw Park Wood: Nuthatch 1at Blue Bridge and Goldcrest 2 male.
Brian Lee alerted us to an Osprey which had flown low over his house at Royston. It then circled up high east into the clag at 11.40hrs. We hurried to the nearest high view point on Haw Park Lane but, unfortunately, were unable to pick it up.
Wintersett Res: Shoveler 5 and Wigeon 1 male.
Anglers CP: The adult Yellow-legged and Lesser Black-backed Gull were on the rocks. Sand Martin 1 north. Oystercatcher 4, Snipe 2 and Grey Partridge 2 in back field.
Disposal Point: Green Woodpecker 1 male.
Haw Park Wood: Nuthatch 1at Blue Bridge and Goldcrest 2 male.
Edderthorpe/Ferrymoor Friday am
Edderthorpe Flash starting to flood again due to bank been breached resulting in very little in way of waders. 3 Oystercatchers flew south on arrival at 8.45.1 solitary Redshank,4 Shellduck,1 Chiffchaff.
Ferrymoor a little better with 5 Ringed Plovers,3 Redshank +3 Redshank flew towards Symphony.
Ferrymoor a little better with 5 Ringed Plovers,3 Redshank +3 Redshank flew towards Symphony.
Thursday, 27 March 2014
Cudworth Common
Yesterday (26th)
c150 Golden Plover circling, 3 Redshank, 4 Ringed Plover (on ash plateau) 6 Meadow Pipit (1 displaying) c10 Skylark singing, Green Woodpecker calling, 20 Wigeon and 4 Shoveler.
c150 Golden Plover circling, 3 Redshank, 4 Ringed Plover (on ash plateau) 6 Meadow Pipit (1 displaying) c10 Skylark singing, Green Woodpecker calling, 20 Wigeon and 4 Shoveler.
Wintersett 27.03.14
5°C, cloudy with heavy showers midday.
Anglers CP: The Yellow-legged Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull were mobbing one of the local Buzzards at 09.30hrs. Curlew 1 over, Cormorant 11 + 2 WRes, Teal 2, Sand Martin 1 north, Green Woodpecker calling, Oystercatcher 3 and a Water Rail on the Pol.
Haw Park Wood: The Carlton Dream Team had a mixed flock of 40 (Redpoll, Siskin and Goldfinch) mainly comprised of Redpoll.
Cold Hiendley Res: Buzzard 4
Wintersett Res: Redwing 1 and Water Rail 1 on north bank. A Little Grebe was on Botany. A Cetti's Warbler was singing on the west bank marsh.
Anglers CP: The Yellow-legged Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull were mobbing one of the local Buzzards at 09.30hrs. Curlew 1 over, Cormorant 11 + 2 WRes, Teal 2, Sand Martin 1 north, Green Woodpecker calling, Oystercatcher 3 and a Water Rail on the Pol.
Haw Park Wood: The Carlton Dream Team had a mixed flock of 40 (Redpoll, Siskin and Goldfinch) mainly comprised of Redpoll.
Cold Hiendley Res: Buzzard 4
Wintersett Res: Redwing 1 and Water Rail 1 on north bank. A Little Grebe was on Botany. A Cetti's Warbler was singing on the west bank marsh.
Carlton Marsh
A quick walk round this afternoon saw a Kingfisher and a lone Mealy Redpoll before the rain set in again.
Cold Moor this evening
A very wet and cold finish to the day at Old Moor. Highlights today: Bittern 2, Goosander 5, Peregrine, Med Gull, and a rather elusive adult Kittiwake on the Mere until dusk. A few large gulls (mainly Herring) came and went but no sign of yesterday's Iceland despite the perfect climate!
The Edge 27th Mar
Wombwell Ings early/mid AM- Present were 1 Grey Heron, 7 imm Mute Swan, 85+ Canada Geese, 11 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 140+ Wigeon, 19 Tufted Duck, 14 Gadwall, 12 Mallard, 10 Pochard, 9 Teal, 5m+4f Shoveler, 18 Lapwing, 5 Redshank, 1 Ringed Plover, 43 BH Gull, 7 Skylark, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Redwing.
Broomhill Flash mid AM- Noted were 4 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 9 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 31 Wigeon, 18 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 3m Shoveler, 3 Mallard, 2m+1f Pochard, 2 Teal, 9 Lapwing, c120 BH Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Kestrel and 2 Buzzard.
2 Green Sandpiper (on Little Broomhill ) and 1 Little Owl ( on the lane west of Clegg's Meadow) were seen by J Thompson.
Bolton Ins late AM/early PM- On the open water were 7 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Mute Swan, 37 Tufted Duck, 17 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 6 Pochard, 1m+3f Goldeneye, 2 Teal, 257+ BH Gull, 3 Common Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 11 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Bullfinch and 12 singing Chiffchaff.
Broomhill Flash mid AM- Noted were 4 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 9 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 31 Wigeon, 18 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 3m Shoveler, 3 Mallard, 2m+1f Pochard, 2 Teal, 9 Lapwing, c120 BH Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 2 Kestrel and 2 Buzzard.
2 Green Sandpiper (on Little Broomhill ) and 1 Little Owl ( on the lane west of Clegg's Meadow) were seen by J Thompson.
Bolton Ins late AM/early PM- On the open water were 7 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Mute Swan, 37 Tufted Duck, 17 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 6 Pochard, 1m+3f Goldeneye, 2 Teal, 257+ BH Gull, 3 Common Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 11 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Bullfinch and 12 singing Chiffchaff.
Quiet on t' Tops
Elsecar Reservoir - 2 Canada Geese, c40 Mallards, 10 Great Crested Grebes, 8 Moorhens, 12 Coots and c30 Black-headed Gulls.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 5 Greylag Geese, 7 Canada Geese, 22 Mallards, 4 Tufted Ducks, 1 drake Goldeneye, 5 Great Crested Grebes, 12 Coots, three pairs of Moorhens, 2 Oystercatchers and 10 Black-headed Gulls.
Midhope Reservoir - two pairs of Teal and 2 Mallards.
Barnside - 10 Greylag Geese, 3 Mallards. 15 Pheasants, three pairs of Lapwings and 4 Fieldfares.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 5 Greylag Geese, 7 Canada Geese, 22 Mallards, 4 Tufted Ducks, 1 drake Goldeneye, 5 Great Crested Grebes, 12 Coots, three pairs of Moorhens, 2 Oystercatchers and 10 Black-headed Gulls.
Midhope Reservoir - two pairs of Teal and 2 Mallards.
Barnside - 10 Greylag Geese, 3 Mallards. 15 Pheasants, three pairs of Lapwings and 4 Fieldfares.
Wednesday, 26 March 2014
Cold as Iceland tonight
Record shot of tonight's Iceland Gull on Wader Scrape.
Also 1 Redwing in Broomhill Park.
Wintersett 26.03.14
5°C, sunny with scattered cloud, but with a cold north easterly. Showers after midday.
Anglers CP: 2 Whooper Swans left NW at 06.35hrs and 23 flew in at 09.20hrs. (Thanks to Lynz Harston for the pictures). Sand Martin 1, Redshank 1, Wigeon 114, Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult and Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 adult. A deceased 1stW Black-headed Gull was wearing a metal German ring. Teal 6 + 14 MHLPonds + 2 WRes..
Wintersett Res: 30 Pink-footed Geese went NW at 12.10hrs. Nuthatch (Pits Wood) and Great Black-backed Gull 1.
Anglers CP: 2 Whooper Swans left NW at 06.35hrs and 23 flew in at 09.20hrs. (Thanks to Lynz Harston for the pictures). Sand Martin 1, Redshank 1, Wigeon 114, Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult and Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 adult. A deceased 1stW Black-headed Gull was wearing a metal German ring. Teal 6 + 14 MHLPonds + 2 WRes..
Wintersett Res: 30 Pink-footed Geese went NW at 12.10hrs. Nuthatch (Pits Wood) and Great Black-backed Gull 1.
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| Incoming Whoopers ACP LH |
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| Fly by Whoopers ACP LH |
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| Chiffchaff ACP LH |
Wintersett Tuesday 25.03.14
Late post due to me jaunting off to the sunny east coast. I heard the weather here was showery and cold.
Anglers CP: The adult Yellow-legged Gull stole another Canada Goose egg. Lesser Back-backed Gull 1 adult. Pied Wagtail 10, Meadow Pipit 20, Redshank 1 and Curlew 1 in fields.
Wintersett Res: Sand Martin 20 + 19north, Willow Tit 2, Cetti's Warbler 1 male, Green Woodpecker 1 male, Great Black-backed Gull 1 and Redwing 1.
Mammals: A Water Shrew (deceased) was near the boathouse.
Anglers CP: The adult Yellow-legged Gull stole another Canada Goose egg. Lesser Back-backed Gull 1 adult. Pied Wagtail 10, Meadow Pipit 20, Redshank 1 and Curlew 1 in fields.
Wintersett Res: Sand Martin 20 + 19north, Willow Tit 2, Cetti's Warbler 1 male, Green Woodpecker 1 male, Great Black-backed Gull 1 and Redwing 1.
Mammals: A Water Shrew (deceased) was near the boathouse.
Ice ice baby!
An Iceland Gull (probably 2nd-winter) was on the Wader Scrape this evening until about 18.15 when it was seen-off by 'the Lesser's' and flew towards Bolton (Bamf). A rare bird down here nowadays. At least one Bittern was also seen and heard 'booming'.
The 18 Whooper Swans were still on Wombwell Ings this evening. Photos - Keith Pickering
The 18 Whooper Swans were still on Wombwell Ings this evening. Photos - Keith Pickering
The Edge 26th Mar
Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 2 Grey Heron, 18 Whooper Swan, 6 juv Mute Swan, 35 Canada Geese, 9 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 125+ Wigeon, 22 Tufted Duck, 19 Mallard, 16 Gadwall, 11 Teal, 5m+1f Shoveler, 5 Pochard, 2f Goosander, 24 Lapwing, 8 Redshank, 5 Golden Plover, 56 BH Gull, 7 Skylark, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Sand Martin.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- On the open water were 5 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Mute Swan, 23 Tufted Duck, 18 Mallard, 10 Pochard, 5 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 1f Goldeneye, 348+ BH Gull and 2 Common Gull. Also present were 13 Canada Geese, 12 Greylag, 1 Kestrel, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Grey Wagtail and 10 singing Chiffchaff.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- On the open water were 5 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Mute Swan, 23 Tufted Duck, 18 Mallard, 10 Pochard, 5 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 1f Goldeneye, 348+ BH Gull and 2 Common Gull. Also present were 13 Canada Geese, 12 Greylag, 1 Kestrel, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Grey Wagtail and 10 singing Chiffchaff.
Another Two-bar Update
Broomhead Reservoir - a male Two-barred Crossbill singing and courtship feeding a female near Rushy Moor Wood (feeders). Also c15 Siskins, 2 Lesser Redpolls and c30 Common Crossbills.
Tuesday, 25 March 2014
Old Moor - Tuesday 25th March
Had a day of work today so spent it at Old Moor, a completely different morning to yesterday weather wise. Cold (6c) and constant drizzle this morning and didn't get any warmer all day, rain got heavier at times but cleared by end of day. Highlights today were c80 Pink feet south west at 11.10, 4 Avocets on Wader Scrape/Field Pools and the adult male Mediterranean Gull with the metal ring. Wigeon moving out and down to 22 but Shoveler a very healthy 63. Counted the Black Headed Gulls on the Mere/Wader Scrape at 2 o'clock and there were 1140 present. Counted them again at 5 o'clock and they had increased to 2650, however 1 was taken by the Peregrine and eaten on one of the islands on the Mere so make that 2649. No sight or sound of any Bitterns on the Reedbeds tonight but did see a Barn Owl and heard a Tawny Owl calling, Bitterns were seen in flight today by others.
Full List :- Grey Heron 2, Mute Swan 15, Canada Goose 72, Grey Lag Goose 3, Pink Footed Goose c80 sw @ 11.10, Cormorant 6, Great Crested Grebe 8, Little Grebe 20, Shelduck 1, Mallard 25, Teal 49, Wigeon 22, Shoveler 63, Gadwall 122, Tufted Duck 87, Pochard 14, Goosander 5, Coot 156, Moorhen 35, Lapwing 16, Oystercatcher 6, Redshank 10, Avocet 4, Black Headed Gull c2650, Common Gull 1, Mediterranean Gull 1, LBB Gull 2, Kestrel 1, Peregrine 1, Barn Owl 1, Tawny Owl 1, Green Woodpecker 1, Chiffchaff 5.
Full List :- Grey Heron 2, Mute Swan 15, Canada Goose 72, Grey Lag Goose 3, Pink Footed Goose c80 sw @ 11.10, Cormorant 6, Great Crested Grebe 8, Little Grebe 20, Shelduck 1, Mallard 25, Teal 49, Wigeon 22, Shoveler 63, Gadwall 122, Tufted Duck 87, Pochard 14, Goosander 5, Coot 156, Moorhen 35, Lapwing 16, Oystercatcher 6, Redshank 10, Avocet 4, Black Headed Gull c2650, Common Gull 1, Mediterranean Gull 1, LBB Gull 2, Kestrel 1, Peregrine 1, Barn Owl 1, Tawny Owl 1, Green Woodpecker 1, Chiffchaff 5.
Reality check?
Visit to Old Moor late afternoon - highlights: Bittern Reedbeds, 5 Goosanders Wader Scrape, Peregrine eating a Black-headed Gull Mere, Med' Gull adult Mere. Around 80 Pink-feet were seen passing over this morning.
Evening check on Wombwell Ings where additional to Alan's post were 18 Whoopers (presumably from Edderthorpe although large numbers have passed through the County today) and 2 Sand Martins.
Three Two-barred Crossbills (two males) still at Broomhead today (per pager).
Evening check on Wombwell Ings where additional to Alan's post were 18 Whoopers (presumably from Edderthorpe although large numbers have passed through the County today) and 2 Sand Martins.
Three Two-barred Crossbills (two males) still at Broomhead today (per pager).
The Edge 25th Mar
Wombwell Ings(So good I named it twice yesterday) mid AM- Present were 2 Mute Swan,65 Canada Geese, 21 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 120+ Wigeon, 25 Tufted Duck, 21 Mallard, 14 Teal, 13 Gadwall, 8 Pochard, 5m+2f Shoveler, 19 Lapwing, 5 Redshank, 4 Golden Plover, 2 Avocet, 33 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 1 Common Gull, 7 Skylark, 2 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Wheatear(back field), 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Gt Spotted Woodpecker.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 7 Little Grebe, 24 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 14 Tufted Duck, 11 Gadwall, 6 Wigeon, 3 Mallard, 3 Teal, 2 Pochard, 18 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 2 Snipe, c110 BH Gull, 2 Kestrel, 4 Red Legged Partridge, 2 Skylark and 1 Yellowhammer.
Bolton Ings late AM- On the open water were 2 Cormorant, 4 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Mute Swan, 21 Tufted Duck, 15 Pochard, 11 Gadwall, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 2 Mallard, 2 Teal, 220+ BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 2 Common Gull. Also present were 14 Canada Geese, 10 Greylag, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Chiffchaff(TPT), 3 Jay, 2 Kingfisher, and 1 Green Woodpecker.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 7 Little Grebe, 24 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 14 Tufted Duck, 11 Gadwall, 6 Wigeon, 3 Mallard, 3 Teal, 2 Pochard, 18 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 2 Snipe, c110 BH Gull, 2 Kestrel, 4 Red Legged Partridge, 2 Skylark and 1 Yellowhammer.
Bolton Ings late AM- On the open water were 2 Cormorant, 4 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Mute Swan, 21 Tufted Duck, 15 Pochard, 11 Gadwall, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 2 Mallard, 2 Teal, 220+ BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 2 Common Gull. Also present were 14 Canada Geese, 10 Greylag, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Chiffchaff(TPT), 3 Jay, 2 Kingfisher, and 1 Green Woodpecker.
EDDERTHORPE FLASH
18 Whooper Swans mid morning, 1 White Wagtail, 2 Avocet, 3 Goosander, 7 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 5 Shelduck, 6 Sand Martin and 5 Snipe.
Adwick washlands (am)
Heron 2, Little Grebe 2, Wigeon 24, Teal c20, Gadwall 14, Shoveler 6, Avocet 9, Ringed Plover 2, Snipe 5, Redshank 6 pair, Lapwing seems to be around 30/35 pairs, Green Woodpecker 2, Chiffchaff 3, Little Owl 1, Yellowhammer 10.
BUTTER BUMP. 25 March.
Of interest regarding the Bittern. The Acorn Brewery ale naming competition. The winning entry was Butter Bump an old English name for the Bittern. Second choice was Pride of Bittern and the third was Barrel Maker, another old English name for the Bittern.
Monday, 24 March 2014
Crossbill Update
Broomhead Reservoir - 8 Bramblings, 5 Two-barred Crossbills and 24+ Common Crossbillls.
per SBSG website.
per SBSG website.
On the tops
Royd Moor-Annat Royd Lane-Ingbirchworth Reservoir 24/03 1730-1830
The hoped for Wheatear didn't materialise but had: Lapwing 30+ (6 displaying), 4 displaying Curlew, Meadow Pipit 3, Linnet 1, Yellowhammer 3, Stock Dove 1 and 21 Fieldfare
The hoped for Wheatear didn't materialise but had: Lapwing 30+ (6 displaying), 4 displaying Curlew, Meadow Pipit 3, Linnet 1, Yellowhammer 3, Stock Dove 1 and 21 Fieldfare
Wintersett - 2 Year Ticks 24.03.14
O°C start to10°C by midday. Sunny with 5/8cloud, and a cold south easterly.
Two birds new for the year today. One was a surprising and very welcome visitor. An adult Dark-bellied Brent Goose was at Anglers CP from 10.48hrs until 13.00 hrs at least. The last Brent Goose here was in 2008! The other was a Mealy Redpoll ringed this morning in Haw Park Wood.
Wintersett Res held another surprise - a hybrid drake Lesser Scaup type was swimming with, and behaving like the Tufted Ducks. Note the black tip on its bill. Lots of birders here also. Thanks for all the sightings.
Anglers CP: Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult, Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 adult, Shoveler 1 male + 1 female, Snipe 16, Redshank 2 and a Tawny Owl calling at 09.35hrs.
Two birds new for the year today. One was a surprising and very welcome visitor. An adult Dark-bellied Brent Goose was at Anglers CP from 10.48hrs until 13.00 hrs at least. The last Brent Goose here was in 2008! The other was a Mealy Redpoll ringed this morning in Haw Park Wood.
Wintersett Res held another surprise - a hybrid drake Lesser Scaup type was swimming with, and behaving like the Tufted Ducks. Note the black tip on its bill. Lots of birders here also. Thanks for all the sightings.
Anglers CP: Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult, Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 adult, Shoveler 1 male + 1 female, Snipe 16, Redshank 2 and a Tawny Owl calling at 09.35hrs.
Anglers CP Vis mig: 08.45 - 11.00. Meadow Pipit 7 NW, Lesser Redpoll 4 S Sand Martin 1 + 3 N + 2WRes.. Going South: GBB Gull 8 S, Herring Gull 6, LBB Gull 2 . 9 Buzzards were up late morning (5 Hare Park area, 3 Haw Park, 1 Nostell).
Wintersett Res: , Cetti's Warbler 1 male.
Haw Park Wood: Brambling 1 female, Crossbill 8 (but only 1 female was at the drinking pool at 12.00hrs).
Butterflies: Comma 1WRes + 2 HPW and Peacock 1.
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| Dark-bellied Brent Goose Anglers CP PM |
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| Dark-bellied Brent Goose Anglers CP PM |
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| Aythya Hybrid WRes. SD |
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| Aythya Hybrid WRes. AS |
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| Female Brambling, Haw Park AS |
Carlton Marsh
A lovely frosty morning saw a herd of 65 Whooper Swans NNW at o8.30hrs and 2 Little owls in the usual place. (Keith Bannister)
This afternoon
Water Rail, Kingfisher, 2 R.L. Partridge, 2 Redpolls, 2 Meadow Pipits, 3 Linnets, Coal Tit and a white Pheasant.
Edderthorpe - Monday Evening
Called in at Edderthorpe on way home from work - Goosander 2, Shelduck 5, Oystercatcher 2, Avocet 4, Redshank 11, Kestrel 1.
The Edge 24th Mar
Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 2 Grey Heron, 1a+5j Mute Swan, 18 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 114+ Wigeon, 26 Tufted Duck, 22 Teal, 12 Mallard, 11 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, 1f Goosander, 1m Shoveler, 25 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 13 Lapwing, 8 Redshank, 2 Avocet, 1 Oystercatcher, 7 Skylark, 3 Meadow Pipit, 3 Reed Bunting, 2 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Chiffchaff and 1m Wheatear.
Wombwell Ings late AM/early PM-On the open water were 6+ Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Mute Swan, 14 Canada Geese, 10 Greylag, 28 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 6 Pochard, 5 Gadwall, 3m+2f Shoveler, 1m+3f Goldeneye, 364 BH Gull and 5 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Green Woodpecker and 11m+1f Chiffchaff.
Broomhill Flash mid PM- Noted were 5 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 69 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 37 Wigeon, 16 Tufted Duck, 15 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 2 Teal, 1f Pochard, 138 BH Gull, 2 Kestrel, 2 Buzzard and 2 Red Legged Partridge.
Wombwell Ings late AM/early PM-On the open water were 6+ Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Mute Swan, 14 Canada Geese, 10 Greylag, 28 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 6 Pochard, 5 Gadwall, 3m+2f Shoveler, 1m+3f Goldeneye, 364 BH Gull and 5 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Green Woodpecker and 11m+1f Chiffchaff.
Broomhill Flash mid PM- Noted were 5 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 69 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 37 Wigeon, 16 Tufted Duck, 15 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 2 Teal, 1f Pochard, 138 BH Gull, 2 Kestrel, 2 Buzzard and 2 Red Legged Partridge.
Nice Day For It
Windleden Edge - 3 display Lapwings, 2 displaying Curlews and 3+ Ravens.
Upper Windleden Reservoir - 38 Canada Geese.
Winscar Reservoir - 38 Canada Geese, c70 Mallards, 6 Oystercatchers and c20 Black-headed Gulls.
Maythorn Slack - 12 Curlews and c300 Starlings.
Lower Maythorn - 5 Wheatears.
Whitley Common - 13 Common Gulls.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 18 Canada Geese, 24 Mallards, 9 Tufted Ducks, 2 Little Grebes, 3 Great Crested Grebes (including a pair displaying), three pairs of Moorhens, 23 Coots, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Lapwing, c300 Black-headed Gulls and 48 Common Gulls.
Royd Moor Reservoir - 2 Greylag Geese, 4 Canada Geese, 7 Mallards, two pairs of Tufted Ducks, 1 drake Goldeneye, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Kestrel, four pairs Moorhen, 2 Willow Tits in separate areas (1 singing & 1 calling) and 1+ Siskin.
Midhope Reservoir - 6 Greylag Geese, 12 Canada Geese, 7 Teal (three pairs and a spare), 2 Mallards, 1 drake Goldeneye, 2 Little Grebes and 1 Moorhen.
Barnside - 10 Greylag Geese, 2 Mallards, 6 Pheasants, three pairs of Lapwings, 11 Curlews, c100 Wood Pigeon, 4 Stock Dove, 20+ Starlings and 8 Fieldfare.
Millstones - 53 Curlews.
Upper Windleden Reservoir - 38 Canada Geese.
Winscar Reservoir - 38 Canada Geese, c70 Mallards, 6 Oystercatchers and c20 Black-headed Gulls.
Maythorn Slack - 12 Curlews and c300 Starlings.
Lower Maythorn - 5 Wheatears.
Whitley Common - 13 Common Gulls.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 18 Canada Geese, 24 Mallards, 9 Tufted Ducks, 2 Little Grebes, 3 Great Crested Grebes (including a pair displaying), three pairs of Moorhens, 23 Coots, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Lapwing, c300 Black-headed Gulls and 48 Common Gulls.
Royd Moor Reservoir - 2 Greylag Geese, 4 Canada Geese, 7 Mallards, two pairs of Tufted Ducks, 1 drake Goldeneye, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Kestrel, four pairs Moorhen, 2 Willow Tits in separate areas (1 singing & 1 calling) and 1+ Siskin.
Midhope Reservoir - 6 Greylag Geese, 12 Canada Geese, 7 Teal (three pairs and a spare), 2 Mallards, 1 drake Goldeneye, 2 Little Grebes and 1 Moorhen.
Barnside - 10 Greylag Geese, 2 Mallards, 6 Pheasants, three pairs of Lapwings, 11 Curlews, c100 Wood Pigeon, 4 Stock Dove, 20+ Starlings and 8 Fieldfare.
Millstones - 53 Curlews.
ADWICK REQUEST
CAN ANYONE SEEING PEOPLE HUNTING WITH DOGS AT ADWICK, PLEASE REPORT THIS TO THE POLICE AND ASK FOR AN INCIDENT NUMBER?
SAME FOR MOTORCYCLES AND QUADS ON THE FOOTPATHS. PERHAPS IF ENOUGH INCIDENT NUMBERS ARE ISSUED, THE POLICE MIGHT DO SOMETHING.
SAME FOR MOTORCYCLES AND QUADS ON THE FOOTPATHS. PERHAPS IF ENOUGH INCIDENT NUMBERS ARE ISSUED, THE POLICE MIGHT DO SOMETHING.
Adwick a.m.
Lovely crisp; frosty morning. Ten Avocets: regular six plus 4) then 2 left S at 9.10. 10+Redshanl; plenty of Lapwing displaying; 1 Chiffchaff.
Sunday, 23 March 2014
Bolton Ings et al - Sunday 23rd March
Cold this morning 7c at 8 o'clock when I started out, a strong wind again and a few hail showers but sunny inbetween them. Again few highlights today, a Pink Footed Goose was with 4 Grey Lags, still 5 Goldeneye (1 drake) and 14 singing Chiffchaffs. Full list :- Mute Swan 4, Canada Goose 30, Grey Lag Goose 4, Pink Footed Goose 1, Great Crested Grebe 3, Little Grebe 15, Mallard 13, Teal 5, Gadwall 5, Shoveler 2, Tufted Duck 52, Pochard 9, Goldeneye 5, Coot 128, Moorhen 12, Lapwing 2, Oystercatcher 6, Black Headed Gull 371, Common Gull 6, LBB Gull 1, GBB Gull 5 west, Herring Gull 2 west, Buzzard 1, Kestrel 1, Grey Wagtail 2, Green Woodpecker 1, Meadow Pipit 1, Chiffchaff 14.
Looking onto the Wader Scrape from Warbler Way I could see 7 Avocets but looking onto Wombwell Ings from the old road I couldn't see any Wheatears.
Visited Old Moor this evening, first stop Mere where the 3 Mediterranean Gulls were on Island 1. Wader Scrape next where the 7 Avocets were still present and 8 Sand Martins were over the water.
Onto the Reedbeds, no Booming Bitterns tonight but did see 2 birds including 1 in the channel in front of the hide as Friday night, again giving fantastic views. Also present - Sand Martin 28, Green Sandpiper 1, Tawny Owl calling and I could here 1 of the Med Gulls calling.
Looking onto the Wader Scrape from Warbler Way I could see 7 Avocets but looking onto Wombwell Ings from the old road I couldn't see any Wheatears.
Visited Old Moor this evening, first stop Mere where the 3 Mediterranean Gulls were on Island 1. Wader Scrape next where the 7 Avocets were still present and 8 Sand Martins were over the water.
Onto the Reedbeds, no Booming Bitterns tonight but did see 2 birds including 1 in the channel in front of the hide as Friday night, again giving fantastic views. Also present - Sand Martin 28, Green Sandpiper 1, Tawny Owl calling and I could here 1 of the Med Gulls calling.
Broomhill Flash
Todays sightings for Broomhill Flash consisted of:-
Goldeneye ♂ & ♀,
Tufted Duck 16,
Wigeon 16,
Little Grebe 2,
Gadwall 4,
Mallard 4,
Mute Swan 2,
Curlew 1,
Buzzard 2.
Wombwell Ings 9am 3 Wheatear.
Goldeneye ♂ & ♀,
Tufted Duck 16,
Wigeon 16,
Little Grebe 2,
Gadwall 4,
Mallard 4,
Mute Swan 2,
Curlew 1,
Buzzard 2.
Wombwell Ings 9am 3 Wheatear.
Wintersett 23.03.14
Frosty start, rising to 8°C by mid morning, sunny with a moderate north westerly.
Anglers CP: Common Scoter 1 male, Sand Martin 2, Golden Plover 40 W, Curlew 1 + 1 N, Snipe 8, Redshank 1, Oystercatcher 5, Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult, Lesser Black-backed Gull 1, Great Black-backed Gull 5N, Cormorant 15 and Redwing 2.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 male, Willow Tit 1 + 1 CHRes.,
Cold Hiendley Res: Pochard 1 female.
Haw Park Wood: Goldcrest 1 male.
Moths: Orange Under Wing 1 ACP + 1 WRes..
Anglers CP: Common Scoter 1 male, Sand Martin 2, Golden Plover 40 W, Curlew 1 + 1 N, Snipe 8, Redshank 1, Oystercatcher 5, Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult, Lesser Black-backed Gull 1, Great Black-backed Gull 5N, Cormorant 15 and Redwing 2.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 male, Willow Tit 1 + 1 CHRes.,
Cold Hiendley Res: Pochard 1 female.
Haw Park Wood: Goldcrest 1 male.
Moths: Orange Under Wing 1 ACP + 1 WRes..
Low Moor 23/3/14
Another decent afternoon despite the odd shower ..
Results were;
Common buzzard 5, Kestrel 2, Sparrowhawk 2, Merlin 1- female/imm seen a couple of times sunning itself on one of the dry stone walls, Crossbill 11, Fieldfare 15 +c45, Mistle thrush 2, Redwing 1, Chiffchaff 1 - brief snippets of song heard, Raven 1, Jay 1, Snipe - at least 2 birds chippering, Curlew c15, Lapwing c30, Oystercatcher 2, Red-legged partridge 1 - perched on dry stone wall and calling , Canada geese 5, Goldeneye drake 1 - seen on Midhope Res ..
Results were;
Common buzzard 5, Kestrel 2, Sparrowhawk 2, Merlin 1- female/imm seen a couple of times sunning itself on one of the dry stone walls, Crossbill 11, Fieldfare 15 +c45, Mistle thrush 2, Redwing 1, Chiffchaff 1 - brief snippets of song heard, Raven 1, Jay 1, Snipe - at least 2 birds chippering, Curlew c15, Lapwing c30, Oystercatcher 2, Red-legged partridge 1 - perched on dry stone wall and calling , Canada geese 5, Goldeneye drake 1 - seen on Midhope Res ..
Two-Barred Crossbills today at Broomhead
Three males and a female in the feeder clearing early on between 7.30 - 8.15am. Some chasing around the trees involving at least two males, calling and some song I believe although I am not familiar with the song.
Noticed a male taking pale lichen from the branches of the conifers - see photos
Also 4 Common Crossbill, 2 Chiff-chaff, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Bullfinch (feeding in Larch)
Noticed a male taking pale lichen from the branches of the conifers - see photos
Also 4 Common Crossbill, 2 Chiff-chaff, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Bullfinch (feeding in Larch)
Barrow Tip
2 male Wheatears, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting, Yellowhammer, Chiffchaff (at least 12 singing), 2 Kestrels, 3 Buzzards, Green Woodpecker.
Butterflies: Small Tortoiseshell and Comma
Butterflies: Small Tortoiseshell and Comma
Wheatears
Wombwell Ings this morning ~ 2 male and 1 female Wheatear on the Ings at about 11.30 then by 12.30 1 of each had moved across the dike onto the cultivated field and the other male was still on the Ings side. Also at 11.30 one dead Canada Goose on the rough pasture and two guys with a gun behind the hedge on the cultivated field - guys and goose gone by 12.30.
Two-bars
Broomhead Reservoir - 2 Chiffchaffs, 4 (3 males & 1 female) Two-barred Crossbills and 11+ Common Crossbills.
per SBSG website.
per SBSG website.
Saturday, 22 March 2014
Wintersett, Saturday
Not much change from reports earlier in the week bird wise. The adult Yellow-legged Gull is still playing hard-to-get with the female Lesser Black-backed Gull and is either shy or has some concept of evolution and realises he really shouldn't go there (lets hope he doesn't discover alcohol this spring). Wigeon are down to 115 as they slowly leave, a Water Rail on the Pol, Oystercatcher 4, Redshank 1, a Curlew over, a flock of 200 Golden Plovers over Haw Park, up to 12 Sand Martins feeding over the lakes, Common Crossbills showing very well in Haw Park, the Cettis Warbler singing briefly in the morning and six Chiffchaffs singing were the highlights from today.
Edderthorpe, Saturday morning
A cold, windy start (had to scrape ice off the windscreen) and most areas of the flash were covered;- Shelduck 5, Teal 60, Shoveler 37, Goosander 2, Golden Plover 40, Redshank 13, Dunlin 1, 'White' Wagtail 2 feeding on river floodbank with a Pied Wagtail.
Wheatear
Whitley Edge - 20+ Lapwings, c30 Black-headed Gulls, 30+ Carrion Crows and 1 male Wheatear.
Friday, 21 March 2014
Old Moor - Friday 21st March
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| The 3 Med Gulls on the Mere today, from left to right, Male, 2E26, Female. Photo - Keith Pickering |
Onto the Reedbeds where I observed some fantastic Bittern behaviour, the male was booming strongly from his usual spot when I arrived. After a minute he had a fly round and landed in reeds near to Old Bittern hide. Five minutes later he returned to his favourite spot and started booming again. Another bird flew into reeds in front of hide and 10 minutes later flew into open channel in front of hide and remained in full view for 30 minutes. She (assuming a female) then flew to reeds where male was booming from, a lot of crashing around in the reeds and saw both birds flapping about tops of reeds.
Saw another bird flying after this but it was quite dark and not sure if third bird or one of the two. Also seen were 7 Sand Martins and a Great Spotted Woodpecker flying over, 2 Green Sandpipers and a Redshank on the Reedbeds.
Footnote - we haven't actually read 2E26's ring yet but it would be probably more interesting and I would be amazed if it isn't him. If it is it will be his 5th year gracing Old Moor, a fantastic record and this year I hope he is successful in breeding and follow in his fathers pioneering footsteps. After all he is the first ever Mediterranean Gull raised in Yorkshire, quite a celebrity.
Wintersett Crossbills 21.03.14
10 Common Crossbills flew over Anglers CP at 06.50hrs. We dropped on them late morning on Haw Park Lane. Although they have been around all winter we had the closest views of a male and six females in trees near the small, hidden pond opposite the wood at the top of the hill. One female was very pale grey. Paul Meredith took these great shots.
+small.jpg)
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| The male Crossbill dropped down to drink. |
Wintersett 21.03.14
7°C, sunny spells with showers from midday, with a southerly wind.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 singing male, Buzzard 1 over + 2 ACP.
Anglers CP: Redshank 1, Snipe 12, SAND MARTIN 17, Water Rail 2 + 1 WRes., Green Woodpecker 1, Cormrant 15. The adult Yellow-legged Gull and the Lesser Blck-backed Gull were in.
The ringed 1st W Black-headed Gull was recorded today by Dave Lomas. It wore a metal ring on the left leg and a DARVIC on the right leg, white letters on black background VY 14. Cliff Gorman sent this picture of the same bird yesterday where the ring was unreadable.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 singing male, Buzzard 1 over + 2 ACP.
Anglers CP: Redshank 1, Snipe 12, SAND MARTIN 17, Water Rail 2 + 1 WRes., Green Woodpecker 1, Cormrant 15. The adult Yellow-legged Gull and the Lesser Blck-backed Gull were in.
The ringed 1st W Black-headed Gull was recorded today by Dave Lomas. It wore a metal ring on the left leg and a DARVIC on the right leg, white letters on black background VY 14. Cliff Gorman sent this picture of the same bird yesterday where the ring was unreadable.
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| DARVIC ringed Black-headed Gull 20.03.14 CG |
Broomhead part 2
After we spoke to the bloke that had just had an osprey we spent more than 4 hours in and around the feeders from 10.45am, looking for the Two Barreds, but no luck. However, there were up to 20 Common Crossbills, 30 Siskins, 2 Nuthatches and the odd Redpoll.
The Edge 21st Mar
Broomhill Flash mid AM- Present were 2 Little Grebe, 1 Mute Swan, 35 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 40+ Wigeon, 14 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall, 3 Mallard, 2 Teal, 4 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, c150 BH Gull, 20+ Lapwing,2 Redshank and 1 Snipe.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- 1 Pink Footed Goose ,amongst the 17 Canada Geese and 10 Greylag, feeding between the east and west pools.. Also present were 6 Little Grebe, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 3a+ 2j Mute Swan, 27 Tufted Duck, 11 Pochard, 9 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 1m+3f Goldeneye, 280+ BH Gull, 4 Common Gull, 3 Kestrel, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 singing Chiffchaff(TPT) and 2 Green Woodpecker.
Wombwell Ings mid PM- Noted were 4 Grey Heron, 1 Mute Swan, 89 Canada Geese, 16 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 160+ Wigeon, 18 Tufted Duck, 14 Teal, 12 Gadwall, 9 Pochard, 8 Mallard, 1m Pintail, 1m Shoveler, 110+ BH Gull, 17 Lapwing, 4 Skylark, 3 Linnet, 2 Grey Wagtail and 1 Sand Martin.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- 1 Pink Footed Goose ,amongst the 17 Canada Geese and 10 Greylag, feeding between the east and west pools.. Also present were 6 Little Grebe, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 3a+ 2j Mute Swan, 27 Tufted Duck, 11 Pochard, 9 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 1m+3f Goldeneye, 280+ BH Gull, 4 Common Gull, 3 Kestrel, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 singing Chiffchaff(TPT) and 2 Green Woodpecker.
Wombwell Ings mid PM- Noted were 4 Grey Heron, 1 Mute Swan, 89 Canada Geese, 16 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 160+ Wigeon, 18 Tufted Duck, 14 Teal, 12 Gadwall, 9 Pochard, 8 Mallard, 1m Pintail, 1m Shoveler, 110+ BH Gull, 17 Lapwing, 4 Skylark, 3 Linnet, 2 Grey Wagtail and 1 Sand Martin.
Broomhead
Broomhead Reservoir - 3 Cormoramts, 1 Osprey low NE, 1 Chiiffchaff, 10+ Common Crossbills and 6+ (4+ males & 2 females) Two-barred Crossbills - some males giving short outbursts of song.
per SBSG website.
per SBSG website.
Wombwell Ings
Wombwell Ings - 1 Mute Swan, 77 Canada Geese, 12 Greylag Geese, 2 Shelducks,173 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 6 Mallards, 12 Teal, 1 drake Pintail, 12 Pochards, 28 Tufted Ducks, 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Herons, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 24 Lapwings, 2 Curlews, 7 Redshanks, 4 singing Skylarks, 1 Sand Martin and 1 Long-tailed Tit collecting nest material along the Bulling Dyke.
Adwick washlands (am)
Heron 3, Little Grebe 2, Wigeon 10, Shoveler 6, Gadwall 12, Teal 24, Avocet 4, Ringed Plover 1, Lapwing c100, Redshank 12, Chiffchaff 3, Skylark c6 singing.
Thursday, 20 March 2014
Old Moor - Thursday
The only news I have for today are - Bittern 2 boomers, Med Gull and 20 Sand Martins.
Wintersett Psycho at it again! 20.03.14
5°C, overcast with a strong south westerly.
The adult Yellow-legged Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull cruised the area this morning and were seen over Walton Hall, Wintersett Res and at Anglers CP
This afternoon at ACP, Keith Bannister saw these two gulls fly in. The adult Yellow-legged Gull menaced and flushed all the Black-headed Gulls and Lapwings, and harrassed the Canada Geese until he had the island to himself. He then stole a Canada Goose egg and dropped it to break the shell before tucking in. He left it to take a drink and the Lesser Black-backed Gull moved in for a taste, but it wasn't having that. He flew back and drove her away before finishing it off. What a brute!
Haw Park Lane: Crossbill 9.
Anglers CP: Sand Martin 5 + 4 CHRes + 1 WRes., Dunlin 1, Redshank 1, Goldcrest 1 male, Fieldfare 4 NW + 2W and Lesser Black-backed
Stubbs Wood: Green Woodpecker 1 male.
Walton Hall and Canal: Great Crested Grebe 4, Little Grebe 2, Nuthatch 2, Redwing 6 and Stock Dove 14. A Rookery with 14 nests is developing near Lake View on the canal.
Thanks to Lynz Harston for great flight shot of a Kestrel from yesterday at ACP.
The adult Yellow-legged Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull cruised the area this morning and were seen over Walton Hall, Wintersett Res and at Anglers CP
This afternoon at ACP, Keith Bannister saw these two gulls fly in. The adult Yellow-legged Gull menaced and flushed all the Black-headed Gulls and Lapwings, and harrassed the Canada Geese until he had the island to himself. He then stole a Canada Goose egg and dropped it to break the shell before tucking in. He left it to take a drink and the Lesser Black-backed Gull moved in for a taste, but it wasn't having that. He flew back and drove her away before finishing it off. What a brute!
Haw Park Lane: Crossbill 9.
Anglers CP: Sand Martin 5 + 4 CHRes + 1 WRes., Dunlin 1, Redshank 1, Goldcrest 1 male, Fieldfare 4 NW + 2W and Lesser Black-backed
Stubbs Wood: Green Woodpecker 1 male.
Walton Hall and Canal: Great Crested Grebe 4, Little Grebe 2, Nuthatch 2, Redwing 6 and Stock Dove 14. A Rookery with 14 nests is developing near Lake View on the canal.
Thanks to Lynz Harston for great flight shot of a Kestrel from yesterday at ACP.
Wombwell Spr(ings)time
March 20th- The Vernal Equinox
Wombwell Ings mid afternoon- Thought it was going to be a quiet day with only 1 singing Skylark as I walked on the Ings. Maybe the best sighting was going to be the Dad trying to rescue his son's floating welly from the Bulling Dyke. Don't know how I kept a straight face when his efforts caused it to sink. When I went in the hide it looked like the usual suspects were present and then I noticed a small wader on the far side of the flash- a Ringed Plover. Then another small wader dropped in on the near edge- a Little Ringed Plover. Within a minute another Little Ringed Plover joined its mate. Shortly afterwards 11 Sand Martin started feeding over the water and 5 minutes later another 6 joined them. 4 Linnet and 1 Meadow Pipit, passing through, added to the impression that finally Spring had arrived on the Ings.
Also present were 1 Mute Swan, 151 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 130+ Wigeon, 29 Teal, 17 Mallard, 16 Tufted Duck, 11 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, 3m Shoveler, 2f Goosander, 1m Pintail, 17 Lapwing, 6 Redshank, 61 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull and 6 Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash mid AM-Present were 4 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 23 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 21+ Wigeon, 15 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 6 Pochard, 5 Mallard, c150 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 31+ Lapwing, 1 Kestrel, 1 Chiffchaff(car park) and 1 Hare.
Bolton Ings lateAM/early PM- Walked on via the TPT and heard 4 singing Chiffchaff. On the open water were 8 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 3a+4j Mute Swan, 17 Canada Geese, 7Greylag, 25 Tufted Duck, 11 Gadwall, 8 Pochard, 6 Mallard, 4 Wigeon, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 4 Wigeon, 210+ BH Gull and 4 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Green Woodpecker and 8 flyover LBB Gulls. Tom Hibbert, a young birder from Notts, had 3 fly through Sand Martin at 11.25 am.
Wombwell Ings mid afternoon- Thought it was going to be a quiet day with only 1 singing Skylark as I walked on the Ings. Maybe the best sighting was going to be the Dad trying to rescue his son's floating welly from the Bulling Dyke. Don't know how I kept a straight face when his efforts caused it to sink. When I went in the hide it looked like the usual suspects were present and then I noticed a small wader on the far side of the flash- a Ringed Plover. Then another small wader dropped in on the near edge- a Little Ringed Plover. Within a minute another Little Ringed Plover joined its mate. Shortly afterwards 11 Sand Martin started feeding over the water and 5 minutes later another 6 joined them. 4 Linnet and 1 Meadow Pipit, passing through, added to the impression that finally Spring had arrived on the Ings.
Also present were 1 Mute Swan, 151 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 130+ Wigeon, 29 Teal, 17 Mallard, 16 Tufted Duck, 11 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, 3m Shoveler, 2f Goosander, 1m Pintail, 17 Lapwing, 6 Redshank, 61 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull and 6 Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash mid AM-Present were 4 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 23 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 21+ Wigeon, 15 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 6 Pochard, 5 Mallard, c150 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 31+ Lapwing, 1 Kestrel, 1 Chiffchaff(car park) and 1 Hare.
Bolton Ings lateAM/early PM- Walked on via the TPT and heard 4 singing Chiffchaff. On the open water were 8 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 3a+4j Mute Swan, 17 Canada Geese, 7Greylag, 25 Tufted Duck, 11 Gadwall, 8 Pochard, 6 Mallard, 4 Wigeon, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 4 Wigeon, 210+ BH Gull and 4 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Green Woodpecker and 8 flyover LBB Gulls. Tom Hibbert, a young birder from Notts, had 3 fly through Sand Martin at 11.25 am.
Elsecar & Dams
Harley - 1 Raven S.
Elsecar Reservoir - c40 Mallards, 8 Great Crested Grebes, 7 Moorhens, 11 Coots, c30 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Stock Doves, c20 Redwing SW and 3 Chiffchaffs.
Gunthwaite Dam - 7 Mallards, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Grebes, 2 Moorhens, 2 Coots and 1 Kingfisher.
Castle Dam - 1 drake Wigeon, 7 Mallards, 2 Moorhens and 12 Coots.
Roughbirchworth Common - 500+ Fieldfares.
Elsecar Reservoir - c40 Mallards, 8 Great Crested Grebes, 7 Moorhens, 11 Coots, c30 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Stock Doves, c20 Redwing SW and 3 Chiffchaffs.
Gunthwaite Dam - 7 Mallards, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Grebes, 2 Moorhens, 2 Coots and 1 Kingfisher.
Castle Dam - 1 drake Wigeon, 7 Mallards, 2 Moorhens and 12 Coots.
Roughbirchworth Common - 500+ Fieldfares.
Wednesday, 19 March 2014
Old Moor Late Evening Update
Paid another visit onto the Reedbeds at Old Moor this evening, weather better than last night and more Bittern excitement as 2 males were booming tonight, also 1 male seen. A Barn Owl was hunting, a Water Rail calling and a Peregrine was chasing the Black Headed Gulls. 4 Goosander flew towards the Wader Scrape and a Chiffchaff was singing near to the visitor centre.
Other birds seen today at Old Moor included both the Mediterranean Gulls and a Curlew.
Other birds seen today at Old Moor included both the Mediterranean Gulls and a Curlew.
Old Moor
Med Gull with two legs on the long spit rounding up the BH Gulls.
At least 10 Sand Martin through and flying west between 10am and 12am and taking into account Chas's early birds at Broomhill and another 5 at the same place recorded by Jim Thompson it looks at least 20 Sand Martin through during the morning.
At least 10 Sand Martin through and flying west between 10am and 12am and taking into account Chas's early birds at Broomhill and another 5 at the same place recorded by Jim Thompson it looks at least 20 Sand Martin through during the morning.
Carlton Marsh
Yesterday 23 Redwing.
Today's highlights were; 7 Siskin, 2 Coal Tit, 4 singing Chiffchaff, 4 Redwing, Little Owl, Water Rail and Kingfisher. Also on the wing at least 10 Orange Underwing moths.
Today's highlights were; 7 Siskin, 2 Coal Tit, 4 singing Chiffchaff, 4 Redwing, Little Owl, Water Rail and Kingfisher. Also on the wing at least 10 Orange Underwing moths.
Rabbit Ings
Mute Swan pair (female on nest) and the larvae of a Drinker Moth. (Ray Dye)
The Edge 19th Mar
Wombwell Ings mid AM-Present were 3 Grey Heron, 3a+2j Mute Swan, 86 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 5 Shelduck, 120+ Wigeon, 21 Teal, 18 Mallard, 17 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 6 Gadwall, 3m+1f Shoveler, 2f Goosander, 1m Pintail, 64 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull, 46 Golden Plover, 13 Lapwing, 5 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher, 4 Skylark and 2 Mistle Thrush.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM-On the open water were 9 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4a+3j Mute Swan, 21 Tufted Duck, 11 Mallard, 8 Gadwall, 7 Pochard, 3m+3f Goldeneye, 4 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 295 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Cormorant,17 Canada Geese, 11 Greylag, 2 Kestrel, 11 singing Chiffchaff, 1 Bullfinch and 2 Grey Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash - Chas had 5 Sand Martin through early AM. Also noted mid PM were 4 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 48 Canada Geese, 7 Greylag, 31 Wigeon, 11 Tufted Duck, 11 Gadwall, 8 Teal, 7 Mallard, 1m Shoveler, c150 BH Gull and 38 Lapwing.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM-On the open water were 9 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4a+3j Mute Swan, 21 Tufted Duck, 11 Mallard, 8 Gadwall, 7 Pochard, 3m+3f Goldeneye, 4 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 295 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Cormorant,17 Canada Geese, 11 Greylag, 2 Kestrel, 11 singing Chiffchaff, 1 Bullfinch and 2 Grey Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash - Chas had 5 Sand Martin through early AM. Also noted mid PM were 4 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 48 Canada Geese, 7 Greylag, 31 Wigeon, 11 Tufted Duck, 11 Gadwall, 8 Teal, 7 Mallard, 1m Shoveler, c150 BH Gull and 38 Lapwing.
Wintersett 19.03.14
10°C, warm and bright with scattered cloud and a gusty south westerly.
Wintersett Res: The Cetti's Warbler is still singing in the west bank marsh.
Anglers CP: Redshank 2, Redwing 12, Fieldfare 95, Oystercatcher 5, Snipe 7, Water Rail 1 (Pol), Teal 5 + 5 MHLPonds, Adult Yellow-legged Gull 1 and Lesser Black-backed Gull 2.
Wintersett Res: The Cetti's Warbler is still singing in the west bank marsh.
Anglers CP: Redshank 2, Redwing 12, Fieldfare 95, Oystercatcher 5, Snipe 7, Water Rail 1 (Pol), Teal 5 + 5 MHLPonds, Adult Yellow-legged Gull 1 and Lesser Black-backed Gull 2.
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| Will they, won't they? ASmith |
Tuesday, 18 March 2014
Old Moor/Adwick - Tuesday 18th March
Went onto the Reedbeds at Old Moor this evening after work, wish I hadn't when the first bird I saw was an Oystercatcher killed flying into the overhead power lines. After yesterdays no show and the strong wind I didn't think it would be a good night for Bitterns but I was wrong. 3 birds were present with a male booming despite the weather and another 2 birds seen in flight. Only other bird of note was a Kestrel.
Other sightings at Old Moor today included both Mediterranean Gulls and the first Sand Martins - 6.
Sightings at Adwick included Avocet 4, Curlew 3, Ringed Plover 2, Dunlin 1 and Sand Martin 1.
Other sightings at Old Moor today included both Mediterranean Gulls and the first Sand Martins - 6.
Sightings at Adwick included Avocet 4, Curlew 3, Ringed Plover 2, Dunlin 1 and Sand Martin 1.
Mac on the moors....
Johnny Mac sent the following news from the Moors today;-
Broomhead, at least 6 Two-barred Crossbills (4 males, 2 females) were feeding in the usual area from the roadside around the larches and 2 Lesser Redpolls around the feeders.
Ewden Height, a Raven was over here
Whitley Common, 90 Fieldfare.
Broomhead, at least 6 Two-barred Crossbills (4 males, 2 females) were feeding in the usual area from the roadside around the larches and 2 Lesser Redpolls around the feeders.
Ewden Height, a Raven was over here
Whitley Common, 90 Fieldfare.
Adwick Washlands
Late am
10 Greylag Geese, 11 Redshank, 45 Mallard, 2 Avocet, 2 Ringed Plover, 6 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 19 Teal, 4 Skylark, 3 Reed Bunting, c100 Lapwing, 9 Pied Wagtail, 2 Little Grebe, c 20 Wigeon
10 Greylag Geese, 11 Redshank, 45 Mallard, 2 Avocet, 2 Ringed Plover, 6 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 19 Teal, 4 Skylark, 3 Reed Bunting, c100 Lapwing, 9 Pied Wagtail, 2 Little Grebe, c 20 Wigeon
Wintersett 18.03.14
7°C, overcast, showers on and off with a brisk westerly. We finally cleared the islands this morning.
Anglers CP + brief Vis Mig. Redwing 24 W + 20 HPLane, Fieldfare 134 W, Curlew 1S, Meadow Pipit 23 NW. Goosander 1, Redshank 2, Grey Wagtail 1 and Snipe 5. Water Rail 1 and Green Woodpecker 1 (Pol). The adult Yellow-legged Gull was on a raft ignoring the attentions of the Lesser Black-backed Gull.
Anglers CP + brief Vis Mig. Redwing 24 W + 20 HPLane, Fieldfare 134 W, Curlew 1S, Meadow Pipit 23 NW. Goosander 1, Redshank 2, Grey Wagtail 1 and Snipe 5. Water Rail 1 and Green Woodpecker 1 (Pol). The adult Yellow-legged Gull was on a raft ignoring the attentions of the Lesser Black-backed Gull.
The Edge 18th Mar
Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 3 Grey Heron, 3j Mute Swan, 115 Canada Geese, 8 Greylag, 4 Shelduck, c140 Wigeon, 15 Tufted Duck, 14 Teal, 12 Mallard, 10 Gadwall, 9 Pochard, 1m Pintail, 1m Shoveler, 94 BH Gull, 2 Herring Gull(over), 5 Redshank and 4 Skylark.
Bolton Ings late AM- On the open water were 1 Cormorant, 7 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4a+ 4j Mute Swan, 51 Tufted Duck, 18 Pochard, 11 Mallard, 9 Gadwall, 3m+6f Goldeneye, 2 Wigeon, 2 Teal, c300 BH Gull and 4 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 18 Canada Geese, 15 Greylag, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Sparrowhawk, 7 singing Chiffchaff and 1 Green Woodpecker.
Broomhill Flash early PM- Noted were 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, c160 Canada Geese, 12 Greylag, c30 Wigeon, 12 Tufted Duck, 12 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 4 Teal, 2m Shoveler, 2 Kestrel, c30 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 2 Grey Partridge and 1 Red Legged Partridge.
Bolton Ings late AM- On the open water were 1 Cormorant, 7 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4a+ 4j Mute Swan, 51 Tufted Duck, 18 Pochard, 11 Mallard, 9 Gadwall, 3m+6f Goldeneye, 2 Wigeon, 2 Teal, c300 BH Gull and 4 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 18 Canada Geese, 15 Greylag, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Sparrowhawk, 7 singing Chiffchaff and 1 Green Woodpecker.
Broomhill Flash early PM- Noted were 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, c160 Canada Geese, 12 Greylag, c30 Wigeon, 12 Tufted Duck, 12 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 4 Teal, 2m Shoveler, 2 Kestrel, c30 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 2 Grey Partridge and 1 Red Legged Partridge.
Monday, 17 March 2014
Old Moor - Monday 17th March
Main news today is the appearance of a second adult Mediterranean Gull on the Mere as well as the usual ringed adult male. The new bird has only one leg so is probably the second summer female from last year, she paired with 2E26 the juvenile reared at Old Moor in 2010. They built a nest and sat for a long time but breeding was unsuccessful, she was either inexperienced or her disability hampered her breeding efforts and she spent long periods away from the nest. She arrived on 6th May last year so is nearly 2 months earlier this time, she may be more determined to succeed this year. 2E26 arrived on 30th March last year so will she wait for him or get together with the ringed male that has never attracted a mate. Further updates to follow.
Not much other news today, Redwing 10, Goldcrest 1, Redshank 2, Goosander 6, Pochard 12 (Jeff Wragg).
Paid another late evening visit to the Reedbeds, no sight or sound of any Bitterns tonight, Barn Owl hunting, Water Rail calling and a Green Sandpiper flew over.
Not much other news today, Redwing 10, Goldcrest 1, Redshank 2, Goosander 6, Pochard 12 (Jeff Wragg).
Paid another late evening visit to the Reedbeds, no sight or sound of any Bitterns tonight, Barn Owl hunting, Water Rail calling and a Green Sandpiper flew over.
Broomhead Two-barred Crossbills.
A nice selection of Two-barred Crossbills taken by Paul Meredith, this afternoon at Broomhead Res near the Feeders.
Four males and a female.
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A female.
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One of the males.Note the very worn tertials showing hardly any white tips.
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Wintersett 17.03.14
7°C, overcast with a brisk westerly.
Wintersett Res: John Baxter saw the first returning SAND MARTIN at 08.30hrs. It flew around for a few minutes and then left north. Water Rail 2 and Cetti's Warbler singing in the west bank marsh. Buzzard 1.
Haw Park Wood: Crossbill 1 male + 5 female. BRAMBLING 1 male, Siskin 60, Lesser Redpoll 40
Anglers CP Pol: Jack Snipe 4, Water Rail 2 and Common Snipe 2 + 13 ACP.
Anglers CP: A Curlew flew over at 10.12hrs. Meadow Pipit 6 NW, Redshank 4, Fieldfare 120, Redwing 10 + 1 HPW. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was on the shallows this morning.
Cliff Gorman reported that the usual adult Yellow-legged Gull was in13.15 - 13.45hrs, after an absence of 11days. The YL Gull and the LBB Gull began doing a classic ground courtship display both side by side on one of the islands facing the same way strutting with necks outstretched, bills open, billing and cooing to each other before the YL Gull tried to mate, it happened very quickly and in the end, the impression was that the LBB Gull repelled the YL Gull's advances. He left towards Walton Hall closely followed by the adult Lesser Black-backed Gull. Maybe it's last years 3rd Summer LBB that hung around with him in Spring (that was April) 2013.
Wintersett Res: John Baxter saw the first returning SAND MARTIN at 08.30hrs. It flew around for a few minutes and then left north. Water Rail 2 and Cetti's Warbler singing in the west bank marsh. Buzzard 1.
Haw Park Wood: Crossbill 1 male + 5 female. BRAMBLING 1 male, Siskin 60, Lesser Redpoll 40
Anglers CP Pol: Jack Snipe 4, Water Rail 2 and Common Snipe 2 + 13 ACP.
Anglers CP: A Curlew flew over at 10.12hrs. Meadow Pipit 6 NW, Redshank 4, Fieldfare 120, Redwing 10 + 1 HPW. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was on the shallows this morning.
Cliff Gorman reported that the usual adult Yellow-legged Gull was in13.15 - 13.45hrs, after an absence of 11days. The YL Gull and the LBB Gull began doing a classic ground courtship display both side by side on one of the islands facing the same way strutting with necks outstretched, bills open, billing and cooing to each other before the YL Gull tried to mate, it happened very quickly and in the end, the impression was that the LBB Gull repelled the YL Gull's advances. He left towards Walton Hall closely followed by the adult Lesser Black-backed Gull. Maybe it's last years 3rd Summer LBB that hung around with him in Spring (that was April) 2013.
Carlton Marsh
31 Fieldfare on arable land and 20 Snipe leaving the roost at dusk. (K. Bannister D. Standish)
Uplands & Moorlands
Upper Windleden Reservoir - four pairs of Canada Geese.
Winscar Reservoir - 28 Canada Geese, 94 Mallards, 3 Oystercatchers and c30 Black-headed Gulls.
Harden Reservoir - a pair of Mallards and 2 Oystercatchers.
Whitley Common - c300 Black-headed Gulls and c30 Meadow Pipits.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 24 Greylag Geese, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 92 Canada Geese, 18 Mallards, 14 Tufted Ducks, 2 Little Grebes, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Moorhens, 16 Coots, c60 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Herring Gull and 2 Willow Tits.
Royd Moor Reservoir - a pair of Canada Geese, 1 drake Gadwall, 6 Mallards, 1 drake Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 3 Curlews, c40 Black-headed Gulls, 1 singing Willow Tit and 1 Nuthatch (the first here to my knowledge).
Scout Dike Reservoir - 51 Canada Geese, two pairs of Teal, 15 Mallards, 1 female Tufted Deck, a pair of Little Grebes, 5 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Cormorant, six pairs of Moorhens, 23 Coot, c30 Black-headed Gulls, 1 singing Willow Tit and 3 Reed Buntings.
Royd Moor Hill - 1 male White Wagtail.
Midhope Reservoir - a pair of Mallards and a pair of Little Grebes.
Barnside - 15 Greylag Geese, 4 Mallards, 11 Pheasants, 11 Lapwings, 23 Curlews, 3 Stock Doves, ,c150 Wood Pigeons
Winscar Reservoir - 28 Canada Geese, 94 Mallards, 3 Oystercatchers and c30 Black-headed Gulls.
Harden Reservoir - a pair of Mallards and 2 Oystercatchers.
Whitley Common - c300 Black-headed Gulls and c30 Meadow Pipits.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 24 Greylag Geese, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 92 Canada Geese, 18 Mallards, 14 Tufted Ducks, 2 Little Grebes, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 4 Moorhens, 16 Coots, c60 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Herring Gull and 2 Willow Tits.
Royd Moor Reservoir - a pair of Canada Geese, 1 drake Gadwall, 6 Mallards, 1 drake Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 3 Curlews, c40 Black-headed Gulls, 1 singing Willow Tit and 1 Nuthatch (the first here to my knowledge).
Scout Dike Reservoir - 51 Canada Geese, two pairs of Teal, 15 Mallards, 1 female Tufted Deck, a pair of Little Grebes, 5 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Cormorant, six pairs of Moorhens, 23 Coot, c30 Black-headed Gulls, 1 singing Willow Tit and 3 Reed Buntings.
Royd Moor Hill - 1 male White Wagtail.
Midhope Reservoir - a pair of Mallards and a pair of Little Grebes.
Barnside - 15 Greylag Geese, 4 Mallards, 11 Pheasants, 11 Lapwings, 23 Curlews, 3 Stock Doves, ,c150 Wood Pigeons
The Edge 17th Mar
Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 1 Mute Swan, 129 Canada Geese, 9 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, c150 Wigeon, 29 Mallard, 29 Tufted Duck, 28 Teal, 14 Gadwall, 9 Pochard, 3f Goosander, 2m+1f Shoveler, 1m Pintail, 13 Lapwing, 8 Golden Plover, 6 Redshank, 95 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 7 Skylark and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Bolton Ings late AM- On the open water were 7 Little Grebe, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 3a+2j Mute Swan, 21 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 34 Tufted Duck, 15 Pochard, 12 Gadwall, 9 Mallard, 3m+3f Goldeneye, 2 Wigeon, 243 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Cormorant, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Oystercatcher, 2 Green Woodpecker, 8 singing Chiffchaff, 2 Bullfinch and 1 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash early PM- Noted were 2 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 2 Mute Swan, 35 Wigeon, 22 Gadwall, 21 Tufted Duck, 14 Mallard, 3 Teal, 2m+1f Pochard, c120 BH Gull, 13+ Lapwing and 1 Redshank.
Bolton Ings late AM- On the open water were 7 Little Grebe, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 3a+2j Mute Swan, 21 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 34 Tufted Duck, 15 Pochard, 12 Gadwall, 9 Mallard, 3m+3f Goldeneye, 2 Wigeon, 243 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Cormorant, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Oystercatcher, 2 Green Woodpecker, 8 singing Chiffchaff, 2 Bullfinch and 1 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash early PM- Noted were 2 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 2 Mute Swan, 35 Wigeon, 22 Gadwall, 21 Tufted Duck, 14 Mallard, 3 Teal, 2m+1f Pochard, c120 BH Gull, 13+ Lapwing and 1 Redshank.
Sunday, 16 March 2014
Bolton Ings et al - Sunday 16th March
Clear blue skies this morning but a very strong westerly made viewing difficult, 11c when I started out at 10.00 am. Highlights today were winter birds hanging on with 7 Goldeneye including 3 drakes, spring arrivals with 5 singing Chiffchaffs and first signs of breeding with both Mute Swans sitting. Full list :- Mute Swan 7, Canada Goose 24, Grey Lag Goose 11, Cormorant 2, Great Crested Grebe 4, Little Grebe 11, Mallard 10, Teal 10, Wigeon 6, Gadwall 16, Tufted Duck 56, Pochard 14, Goldeneye 7, Coot 144, Moorhen 8, Lapwing 2, Oystercatcher 4, Black Headed Gull 295, Common Gull 6, LBB Gull 5, Herring Gull 14, Kestrel 1, Grey Wagtail 2, Kingfisher 1, Chiffchaff 5.
Paid a visit onto the Reedbeds at Old Moor this evening, no booming Bitterns heard but 2 birds seen in flight. Also the Mediterranean Gull was flying about, a Water Rail was calling, a Barn Owl was hunting and a Tawny Owl calling.
WeBS count day today, selected highlights being - Goosander 24, Little Grebe 71, Tufted Duck 273, Redshank 13, Pintail 1 drake, Shelduck 2, Jack Snipe 1 and Green Sandpiper 2.
Paid a visit onto the Reedbeds at Old Moor this evening, no booming Bitterns heard but 2 birds seen in flight. Also the Mediterranean Gull was flying about, a Water Rail was calling, a Barn Owl was hunting and a Tawny Owl calling.
WeBS count day today, selected highlights being - Goosander 24, Little Grebe 71, Tufted Duck 273, Redshank 13, Pintail 1 drake, Shelduck 2, Jack Snipe 1 and Green Sandpiper 2.
Chifchaffs
Chiffchaffs were singing at Broomhead Reservoir (1), More Hall Reservoir (1) and Wharncliffe Wood (2) today.
Wintersett WeBS count March 2014
The following are totals from Wintersett Res., Cold Hiendley Res. and Anglers CP.
Coot 99, Moorhen 22, Cormorant 23, Mute Swan 13, Canada Goose 31, Great Crested Grebe 22, Mallard 30, Gadwall 30, Teal 4, Wigeon 131, Tufted Duck 136, Pochard 2, Goldeneye 71, Goosander 1.
Coot 99, Moorhen 22, Cormorant 23, Mute Swan 13, Canada Goose 31, Great Crested Grebe 22, Mallard 30, Gadwall 30, Teal 4, Wigeon 131, Tufted Duck 136, Pochard 2, Goldeneye 71, Goosander 1.
Wintersett 16.03.14
7°C, sunny but with a very brisk westerly.
Anglers CP: Redshank 2, Snipe 5, Oystercatcher 4, Grey Partridge 2, Buzzard 2, Fieldfare 20 and Lapwing 29. A 2nd W Yellow-legged Gull was in at 12.55hrs, probably the Pugneys bird. Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 adult.
Haw Park Wood: Crossbill 1 mlae + 1 female. Redwing 1 + 2 CHRes..
Many thanks to Lynz Harston for more great flight shots.
Anglers CP: Redshank 2, Snipe 5, Oystercatcher 4, Grey Partridge 2, Buzzard 2, Fieldfare 20 and Lapwing 29. A 2nd W Yellow-legged Gull was in at 12.55hrs, probably the Pugneys bird. Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 adult.
Haw Park Wood: Crossbill 1 mlae + 1 female. Redwing 1 + 2 CHRes..
Many thanks to Lynz Harston for more great flight shots.
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