Thursday, 31 December 2015
Wintersett + Gull Roost 31.12.15
5 - 9 degrees with clear sky and a strong south westerly this morning. Drizzly rain and wind went westerly mid afternoon.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 2 singing males - boathouse reeds and north bank reeds. Willow Tit 1 SW corner + 1 car park feeders. Teal 2, Water Rail 2 and Siskin 1 over + 1 ACP.
Anglers CP: Redshank 1 and Barn Owl 1.
ACP Gull Roost was phenomenal! A steady build up of birds yielded an adult Yellow-legged Gull at 15.30hrs. Around 15.45hrs there was a huge influx of thousands of large gulls from the direction of Hampole. They split into two groups with many flying over to Wintersett Res. A rain squall, a change in wind direction and failing light made it difficult to pick birds out. However, the 3rdW ICELAND GULL was found at 16.05hrs and the juvenile GLAUCOUS GULL put on its latest, late show at 16.26hrs. These two birds have appeared in the roost previously. There were many birds still dropping in after dark, but it was a good end to the year!
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 2 singing males - boathouse reeds and north bank reeds. Willow Tit 1 SW corner + 1 car park feeders. Teal 2, Water Rail 2 and Siskin 1 over + 1 ACP.
Anglers CP: Redshank 1 and Barn Owl 1.
ACP Gull Roost was phenomenal! A steady build up of birds yielded an adult Yellow-legged Gull at 15.30hrs. Around 15.45hrs there was a huge influx of thousands of large gulls from the direction of Hampole. They split into two groups with many flying over to Wintersett Res. A rain squall, a change in wind direction and failing light made it difficult to pick birds out. However, the 3rdW ICELAND GULL was found at 16.05hrs and the juvenile GLAUCOUS GULL put on its latest, late show at 16.26hrs. These two birds have appeared in the roost previously. There were many birds still dropping in after dark, but it was a good end to the year!
Edging towards the New Year
Broomhill Flash - A quick visit revealed 62 Canada Geese, 27 Gadwall, 18 Tufted Duck, 11 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 6 Pochard, 6 Mallard, 1 Cormorant, 11 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 24 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull and 1 Buzzard (hunting for worms in the back field).
Wombwell Ings - Present were 258 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 5 Shelduck ( 2 flew west at 8.55am and 3 flew south at 9.45am), 76 Wigeon, 13 Mallard, 9 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 3 Tufted Duck, 3 Goosander, 1 Cormorant, 6 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 8 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 114 Golden Plover, 42 Lapwing, 26 BH Gull, 1 Mistle Thrush and 1 Meadow Pipit.
TPT - 7 Siskin feeding on the Alders and 1 calling Green Woodpecker.
Bolton Ings - On the eastern pool were 2 Mute Swan, 36 Tufted Duck, 17 Pochard, 5m+2f Goosander, 2m+4f Goldeneye, 4 Mallard, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 153 Coot, 28 BH Gull and 15 Common Gull. Also present were 3 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Bullfinch.
Wombwell Ings - Present were 258 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 5 Shelduck ( 2 flew west at 8.55am and 3 flew south at 9.45am), 76 Wigeon, 13 Mallard, 9 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 3 Tufted Duck, 3 Goosander, 1 Cormorant, 6 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 8 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 114 Golden Plover, 42 Lapwing, 26 BH Gull, 1 Mistle Thrush and 1 Meadow Pipit.
TPT - 7 Siskin feeding on the Alders and 1 calling Green Woodpecker.
Bolton Ings - On the eastern pool were 2 Mute Swan, 36 Tufted Duck, 17 Pochard, 5m+2f Goosander, 2m+4f Goldeneye, 4 Mallard, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 153 Coot, 28 BH Gull and 15 Common Gull. Also present were 3 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Bullfinch.
Wednesday, 30 December 2015
Wintersett + Gull Roost 30.12.15
11 degrees with drizzly rain all day and a gusty south westerly that faded late afternoon.
Wintersett Res: Shoveler 2, Water Rail 1, Grey Heron 2 + 2 ACP + 2 CHRes..
Anglers CP: Shelduck 2 + 1 CHRes., Pochard 198 + 25 WRes., Great Crested Grebe 11 and Little Owl 1.
ACP Gull Roost: Good numbers of big gulls were in by late afternoon, but stayed distant. Unfortunately, no notables were found tonight. However, many birds were still dropping in after dark.
Wintersett Res: Shoveler 2, Water Rail 1, Grey Heron 2 + 2 ACP + 2 CHRes..
Anglers CP: Shelduck 2 + 1 CHRes., Pochard 198 + 25 WRes., Great Crested Grebe 11 and Little Owl 1.
ACP Gull Roost: Good numbers of big gulls were in by late afternoon, but stayed distant. Unfortunately, no notables were found tonight. However, many birds were still dropping in after dark.
Tuesday, 29 December 2015
The Edge 29/12/15
WombwellIngs - Present were2Mute Swan, 241 Canada Goose, 2 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 91 Wigeon, 41 Teal, 12 Mallard, 5 Tufted Duck, 2 Shoveler, 2m Goldeneye, 2 Gadwall, 2 Goosander, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 11 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 80+ Golden Plover, 24 Lapwing, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Mistletoe Thrush and 3 Pied Wagtail.
TPT - 7+ Siskin.
Bolton Ings - On the eastern pool were 4 Mute Swan, 3 Canada Goose, 35 Tufted Duck, 15 Wigeon, 6 Mallard, 2m+2f Goldeneye, 1 Shoveler, 2 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested, 165 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 107 BH Gull, 32 Common Gull and 2 Herring Gull. Also present were 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk and 2 Green Woodpecker.
On the west pool Ken Foundation had 4 Mute Swan, 8 Teal, 7 Pochard, 6 Tufted Duck, 3 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler and 1 Little Egret.
TPT - 7+ Siskin.
Bolton Ings - On the eastern pool were 4 Mute Swan, 3 Canada Goose, 35 Tufted Duck, 15 Wigeon, 6 Mallard, 2m+2f Goldeneye, 1 Shoveler, 2 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested, 165 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 107 BH Gull, 32 Common Gull and 2 Herring Gull. Also present were 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk and 2 Green Woodpecker.
On the west pool Ken Foundation had 4 Mute Swan, 8 Teal, 7 Pochard, 6 Tufted Duck, 3 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler and 1 Little Egret.
Carlton Marsh
Today's sightings included Buzzard, Kingfisher, 2 Siskin and Barn Owl hunting from 14.00hrs.
Photos by Richard Laverack
15 Herald moths were roosting under a nearby railway bridge. (Ralph Hibbert Les Corrall and a
Peacock butterfly was flying in sunshine near Ardagh glassworks. (Mick Littlewood)
Low Barugh Sewage Farm 29/12/15.
Late afternoon/dusk.- The Magpie roost had 121 birds going in. Also going in to roost were a party of 15 LT Tits and 4 Goldcrests. Flyovers were G.Pecker, Buzzard, 50 Pied Wagtails towards the town centre and a distant skein of about 200 Pinkfeet w. at 4-10pm.
Wintersett + Gull Roost 29.12.15
9 degrees, cool with blue sky, sunshine and a light southerly.
Anglers CP: Green Woodpecker 1, Shoveler 3 and Teal 5. The Barn Owl was hunting at 15.20hrs. A Woodcock flew over at dusk.
ACP Gull Roost: A 3rd W ICELAND GULL was in at 15.35hrs. Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull was the only other notable tonight. No birds came in from the direction of Hampole, but birds were still arriving after dark.
Anglers CP: Green Woodpecker 1, Shoveler 3 and Teal 5. The Barn Owl was hunting at 15.20hrs. A Woodcock flew over at dusk.
ACP Gull Roost: A 3rd W ICELAND GULL was in at 15.35hrs. Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull was the only other notable tonight. No birds came in from the direction of Hampole, but birds were still arriving after dark.
Monday, 28 December 2015
Carlton Marsh
A Barn Owl was hunting the Western Meadow from 13.45hrs to 14.00hrs when it was disturbed by a dog walker. (Dave Standish)
A Shoveler and 2 Water Rails were seen on the main marsh and a female Shelduck was feeding on the wader scrape. Song Thrush and Mistle Thrush were singing.
Because of the lack of frost Red Campion, Hogweed and White Dead Nettle are still flowering. Blackthorn also had a few flowers. (Chris Parkin)
A Shoveler and 2 Water Rails were seen on the main marsh and a female Shelduck was feeding on the wader scrape. Song Thrush and Mistle Thrush were singing.
Because of the lack of frost Red Campion, Hogweed and White Dead Nettle are still flowering. Blackthorn also had a few flowers. (Chris Parkin)
Wintersett + Gull Roost 28.12.15
11 degrees, mainly cloudy with a cool south easterly.
Wintersett Res: 5 skeins of Pink-footed Geese - 90W at 08.48hrs, 24W at 08.50hrs, 110W at 08.58hrs, 54W at 09.20hrs and 100W at 09.22hrs. Cetti's Warbler 1m north bank. Willow Tit 1 SE corner and Kingfisher 1.
15 Fieldfare were in the Botany Area and 25 Redwing were on Haw Park Lane.
Anglers CP: Psycho the adult Yellow-legged Gull was here this morning. Teal 20. Pochard numbers are creeping up, with 183 + 24 WRes. 120 Golden Plover flew over this afternoon and a Barn Owl was hunting behind the hide at 15.45hrs.
ACP Gull Roost: The juvenile Glaucous Gull eventually showed up at 16.24hrs. Great Black-backed Gull 200, Lesser Black-backed Gull 4 and Herring Gull 1350.
Wintersett Res: 5 skeins of Pink-footed Geese - 90W at 08.48hrs, 24W at 08.50hrs, 110W at 08.58hrs, 54W at 09.20hrs and 100W at 09.22hrs. Cetti's Warbler 1m north bank. Willow Tit 1 SE corner and Kingfisher 1.
15 Fieldfare were in the Botany Area and 25 Redwing were on Haw Park Lane.
Anglers CP: Psycho the adult Yellow-legged Gull was here this morning. Teal 20. Pochard numbers are creeping up, with 183 + 24 WRes. 120 Golden Plover flew over this afternoon and a Barn Owl was hunting behind the hide at 15.45hrs.
ACP Gull Roost: The juvenile Glaucous Gull eventually showed up at 16.24hrs. Great Black-backed Gull 200, Lesser Black-backed Gull 4 and Herring Gull 1350.
DARK BRENT and G W F GOOSE at Ingbirchworth this morning
Called for the Greenland White-fronted Goose today and found a Dark Brent around 10.00am amongst Canada Geese off Horn Lane - not very often I find anything but occasionally it does happen - a few photos, some digiscoped and some with the DSLR.
The Edge 29th December
Wombwell Ings- Highlight was the 3 Curlews which dropped in for a brief stay at 9.20am.They left at 9.44am , heading towards Broom hill Flash. Also present were 2 Mute Swan, 204 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 59 Wigeon, 26 Mallard, 19 Teal, 11 Shoveler, 8 Tufted Duck, 6 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 17 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 94 Golden Plover, c80 Lapwing, 14 BH Gull and 2 Pied Wagtail.
Bolton Ings- An unexpected wader day with 2 Curlew, 1 Ruff, 6 Snipe and c100 Lapwing being noted. On the open water were 6 Mute Swan, 6 Canada Geese, 38 Pochard, 36 Tufted Duck, 7 Mallard, 2f+3m Goldeneye, 3f+1m Goosander over, 1 Shoveler, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant 2 Grey Heron, 151 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 71 BH Gull, 43 Common Gull and 3 Herring Gull.
TPT- A Kingfisher was seen fishing along Knoll Beck.
Bolton Ings- An unexpected wader day with 2 Curlew, 1 Ruff, 6 Snipe and c100 Lapwing being noted. On the open water were 6 Mute Swan, 6 Canada Geese, 38 Pochard, 36 Tufted Duck, 7 Mallard, 2f+3m Goldeneye, 3f+1m Goosander over, 1 Shoveler, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant 2 Grey Heron, 151 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 71 BH Gull, 43 Common Gull and 3 Herring Gull.
TPT- A Kingfisher was seen fishing along Knoll Beck.
Sunday, 27 December 2015
Storrs Mill Wood
Nuthatch, Treecreeper, 2 Goldcrests and 2 Cormorants over. (Chris Parkin)
Carlton Marsh
Water Rail, 6 GBB Gull SE and a very white breast-banded Buzzard eating worms in the meadow.
Carlton Marsh
Water Rail, 6 GBB Gull SE and a very white breast-banded Buzzard eating worms in the meadow.
Royd Moor & Ingbirchworth
High Bank, Millhouse Green - 1 Raven.
Royd Moor Reservoir - 11 Mallards, 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Grebe, 30 Lapwings, c100 Black-headed Gulls, c10 Common Gulls and c100 Fieldfares.
Ingbircworth Common - 1 Greenland White-fronted Goose, 200+ Greylag Geese and 150+ Canada Geese.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 38 Mallards, 1 female Pochard, 12 Tufted Ducks, 2 Coots, 120+ Black-headed Gulls, 19 Common Gulls and 6 Herring Gulls.
Midhope Reservoir - 5 Mallards and 1 Little Grebe.
Royd Moor Reservoir - 11 Mallards, 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Grebe, 30 Lapwings, c100 Black-headed Gulls, c10 Common Gulls and c100 Fieldfares.
Ingbircworth Common - 1 Greenland White-fronted Goose, 200+ Greylag Geese and 150+ Canada Geese.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 38 Mallards, 1 female Pochard, 12 Tufted Ducks, 2 Coots, 120+ Black-headed Gulls, 19 Common Gulls and 6 Herring Gulls.
Midhope Reservoir - 5 Mallards and 1 Little Grebe.
Ewden cabin and return 27/12/15.
Poor for raptors with no sign of the ringtail, just 3+ Common Buzzard and a couple of Kestrels. 2 skeins of Pinkfeet at 12-10pm going w totalled about 400. Raven 6, a flock of 50 Golden Plover over, Meadow Pipit 10, Linnet 12, GS Pecker 1, 2 singing Mistle Thrush, Blue Tit 1 at the cabin and a Snipe flushed off broomhead moor by D. Simmonite. 2 Parakeets showing well at the fleets dam this morning.
Newmillerdam - 27 December 2015
There has been some pretty severe scrub clearance in the woodland to the east of the lake to remove rhododendron. It has left the woodland looking very much like a plantation with no understorey,except the windrows of piled scrub. Be interesting to see what it looks like in the spring.
Lovely calm day, but very, very busy, especially around the lake.
List for the day: robin, blue tit, nuthatch, treecreeper, carrion crow, black-headed gull, mistle thrush, blackbird, magpie, long-tailed tit, woodpigeon, goldcrest, jay, goosander (10), mallard, moorhen, Canada goose, coot, tufted duck, mute swan, greylag goose, little grebe, great crested grebe.
Lovely calm day, but very, very busy, especially around the lake.
List for the day: robin, blue tit, nuthatch, treecreeper, carrion crow, black-headed gull, mistle thrush, blackbird, magpie, long-tailed tit, woodpigeon, goldcrest, jay, goosander (10), mallard, moorhen, Canada goose, coot, tufted duck, mute swan, greylag goose, little grebe, great crested grebe.
Wintersett 27.12.15
10 degrees with sunshine and blue sky and a light south easterly.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 2 singing males - north bank and west bank. Water Rail 3, Cormorant 6.
Anglers CP: Pink-footed Goose 32 E at 09.15 hrs and 60 W at 13.50 hrs. Pochard 166 + 15 WRes.. A Barn Owl was hunting at 14.03hrs.
The Gull Roost at ACP was good tonight, with appearances by a 4th W Caspian Gull at 15.00hrs, and a juvenile Glaucous from the direction of Hampole at 16.07hrs. No complete counts were done tonight.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 2 singing males - north bank and west bank. Water Rail 3, Cormorant 6.
Anglers CP: Pink-footed Goose 32 E at 09.15 hrs and 60 W at 13.50 hrs. Pochard 166 + 15 WRes.. A Barn Owl was hunting at 14.03hrs.
The Gull Roost at ACP was good tonight, with appearances by a 4th W Caspian Gull at 15.00hrs, and a juvenile Glaucous from the direction of Hampole at 16.07hrs. No complete counts were done tonight.
Saturday, 26 December 2015
Boxing Day 2015.
Woolley Dam - no sign of any Peckers but Siskin 40+, Teal 3, Fieldfare 4, Treecreeper 3, Nuthatch 1. Wilthorpe Marsh - first bird of note was a GS Pecker + juv Peregrine landed on pylon then on ground briefly. Jack Snipe 2, Mistle Thrush 13.
Friday, 25 December 2015
Wintersett Gull Roost 25.12.15
Very mild -13 degrees. Rain all day with a brisk south westerly.
Anglers CP Gull Roost had a/the juvenile Glaucous Gull and the usual adult Yellow-legged Gull - per Pete Smith.
Anglers CP Gull Roost had a/the juvenile Glaucous Gull and the usual adult Yellow-legged Gull - per Pete Smith.
Stocking Fillers 25/12/15.
WF Goose still early aft. w of ingbirchworth res. - Wilthorpe Marsh east, just south of smithies gypsy camp, Jack Snipe 1, Common Snipe 21, Jay 6, a few flocks of Linnets moving about thought to total about 150.
Thursday, 24 December 2015
Bretton/Wilthorpe Marsh 24/12/15.
Both sites very steady, at Bretton - Green Sandpiper 1, Siskin 10, Goosander only 1 pair, Jay 6. Wilthorpe Marsh - Jack Snipe 3 together with 1 Rail, GS Pecker 1, Goldcrest 3.
Greenland White-Fronted Goose at Ingbirchworth
Wintersett + Gull Roost 24.12.15
13 degrees, dull and rainy with a strong south westerly to 11.00hrs Short hail storm at 15.00hrs.
Wintersett Res: Water Rail 2.
Anglers CP: Pochard 144 + 20 WRes. The Barn Owl was hunting around the hide at 15.07hrs.
ACP Gull Roost: Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull came in at 16.15hrs. Then, frustratingly at dusk, huge numbers of large gulls flew in from Hampole direction, but managed to pick out a juvenile Glaucous Gull at 16.25hrs - per Pete Smith
Of interest: The Great Northern Diver is still on Pugneys boating Lake plus 4 Yellow-legged Gulls - 2 adults, a 3rd W and a 1st W per John McLoughlin.
Wintersett Res: Water Rail 2.
Anglers CP: Pochard 144 + 20 WRes. The Barn Owl was hunting around the hide at 15.07hrs.
ACP Gull Roost: Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull came in at 16.15hrs. Then, frustratingly at dusk, huge numbers of large gulls flew in from Hampole direction, but managed to pick out a juvenile Glaucous Gull at 16.25hrs - per Pete Smith
Of interest: The Great Northern Diver is still on Pugneys boating Lake plus 4 Yellow-legged Gulls - 2 adults, a 3rd W and a 1st W per John McLoughlin.
Wednesday, 23 December 2015
Ingbirchworth
Ingbirchworth Moor- 1 Greenland White-fronted Goose, 203 Greylag Geese and 258 Canada Geese.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 27 Mallards, 2 (m&f) Pochard, 10 Tufted Ducks,1 Little Grebe, 2 Coots, c150 Black-headed Gulls, 14 Common Gulls and 2 Herring Gulls.
Midhope Reservoir - still 1 Little Grebe.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 27 Mallards, 2 (m&f) Pochard, 10 Tufted Ducks,1 Little Grebe, 2 Coots, c150 Black-headed Gulls, 14 Common Gulls and 2 Herring Gulls.
Midhope Reservoir - still 1 Little Grebe.
Wintersett + Gull Roosts 23.12.15
6 - 9 degrees, but felt cooler with the south westerly breeze, 1/8 cloud.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 male and Water Rail west bank.
Anglers CP: Yesterday 3 Shelduck flew south at 09.00 hrs. Today a juvenile Peregrine was hunting over at 09.15hrs. A Barn Owl was hunting at 15.15hrs. Siskin 2. Willow Tits are seen regularly at the feeders in the car park.
ACP Gull Roost: The usual adult Yellow-legged Gull was on the small raft - per PS
WRes Gull Roost: 4thW CASPIAN GULL - per SD.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 male and Water Rail west bank.
Anglers CP: Yesterday 3 Shelduck flew south at 09.00 hrs. Today a juvenile Peregrine was hunting over at 09.15hrs. A Barn Owl was hunting at 15.15hrs. Siskin 2. Willow Tits are seen regularly at the feeders in the car park.
ACP Gull Roost: The usual adult Yellow-legged Gull was on the small raft - per PS
WRes Gull Roost: 4thW CASPIAN GULL - per SD.
The Edge 23rd December
Wombwell Ings - Present were 242 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 90+ Wigeon, 11 Mallard, 7 Shoveler, 6 Tufted Duck, 3 Teal, 2 Goosander, 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 13 Coot, 87 Lapwing, 54 Golden Plover, 1 Ruff, c10 Red Legged Partridge, 3 Grey Partridge and 1 Mistle Thrush.
TPT - A flock of c30 Siskin.( K.Foundation )
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 38 Pochard, 14 Tufted Duck, 2m+3f Goldeneye, 5 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 2 Goosander, 1 Mallard, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 135 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 96 BH Gull, 7 Common Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present were 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron and 1 Green Woodpecker.
TPT - A flock of c30 Siskin.( K.Foundation )
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 38 Pochard, 14 Tufted Duck, 2m+3f Goldeneye, 5 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 2 Goosander, 1 Mallard, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 135 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 96 BH Gull, 7 Common Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present were 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron and 1 Green Woodpecker.
Tuesday, 22 December 2015
The Edge 22nd December
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 1 Mute Swan, 12 Canada Geese, 48 Gadwall, 14 Tufted Duck, 7 Shoveler, 5 Pochard, 4 Mallard, 2 Teal, 2 Wigeon, 2 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 21 Coot, 31 BH Gull and 1 Buzzard ( the dark coloured bird often seen sitting on the posts on the northern side of the flash.)
Wombwell Ings - Present were 1 Mute Swan, 174 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 116 Wigeon, 12 Mallard,11 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 5 Goosander, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Coot, 33 Golden Plover, 1 Lapwing, 49 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull and 1 Herring Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 44 Tufted Duck, 32 Pochard, 4 Goldeneye, 3 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 1m Goosander, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 111 Coot, 41 BH Gull, 25 Common Gull and 2 Herring Gull. Also present were 22 Canada Geese, 5 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Mistle Thrush and 2 Bullfinch.
Wombwell Ings - Present were 1 Mute Swan, 174 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 116 Wigeon, 12 Mallard,11 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 5 Goosander, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Coot, 33 Golden Plover, 1 Lapwing, 49 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull and 1 Herring Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 44 Tufted Duck, 32 Pochard, 4 Goldeneye, 3 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 1m Goosander, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 111 Coot, 41 BH Gull, 25 Common Gull and 2 Herring Gull. Also present were 22 Canada Geese, 5 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Mistle Thrush and 2 Bullfinch.
Monday, 21 December 2015
Wintersett 21.12.15
A much cooler 5 degrees, with 8/8 cloud and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP: 3 skeins of Pink-footed Geese flew over - 52 + 40 west and 60 east. The adult, female Sparrowhawk was feeding on the dead Greylag Goose at 09.00hrs. Canada Goose 141.
Anglers CP: 3 skeins of Pink-footed Geese flew over - 52 + 40 west and 60 east. The adult, female Sparrowhawk was feeding on the dead Greylag Goose at 09.00hrs. Canada Goose 141.
The Edge 21st December
Wombwell Ings - A good start with a Little Egret in the dyke across from the Old Moor Tavern. On the Ings were 3 Mute Swan, 79 Canada Geese, 127 Wigeon, 10 Mallard, 6 Tufted Duck, 56 Shoveler, 5 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 1 male Goosander, 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 11 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 62 Golden Plover, 47 Lapwing, 63 BH Gull and 1 Mistle Thrush.
TPT - 3 Siskin, 1 Jay, 1 Redwing.
Bolton Ings -On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 24 Tufted Duck, 13 Pochard, 2m+3f Goosander, 2m+2f Goldeneye, 4 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 4 Cormorant, 1 Heron, 1 Little Egret, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 148 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 11 BH Gull and 5 Common Gull.
TPT - 3 Siskin, 1 Jay, 1 Redwing.
Bolton Ings -On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 24 Tufted Duck, 13 Pochard, 2m+3f Goosander, 2m+2f Goldeneye, 4 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 4 Cormorant, 1 Heron, 1 Little Egret, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 148 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 11 BH Gull and 5 Common Gull.
Sunday, 20 December 2015
Ewden, shooting lodge and return 20/12/15.
Sunny spells with good light but birds scarce probably down to the strong winds. Peregrine 1, Kestrel 1, again no Buzzards, Raven 1, Bullfinch 3, Linnet 2, Fieldfare 1, Meadow Pipit 1 and a small party of 3 Blue Tits at the lodge in side head beck.
Wintersett + Gull Roosts 20.12.15
11 degrees with 4/8 cloud and a south westerly breeze.
Wintersett Res: The redhead Red-breasted Merganser was off the east bank until 11.00hrs when it was flushed by boats. It relocated to the northern end of Anglers CP. Cetti's Warbler 1 male north bank. Great Crested Grebe 23 + 9 ACP + 1 CHRes.. Water Rail 2 in the boathouse reedbed.
Anglers CP: Shoveler 3, Teal 5 and Siskin 8.
Gull Roosts: Psycho the adult Yellow-legged Gull flew in, calling loudly - ACP. The combined totals from both roosts:- Great Black-backed Gull 417, Lesser Black-backed Gull 6, and a crazy number of 3070 Herring Gull considering how mild it is. This number is not usually seen until mid winter! Also a juv Kumliens? type was seen on WRes but better views are needed to confirm.
Wintersett Res: The redhead Red-breasted Merganser was off the east bank until 11.00hrs when it was flushed by boats. It relocated to the northern end of Anglers CP. Cetti's Warbler 1 male north bank. Great Crested Grebe 23 + 9 ACP + 1 CHRes.. Water Rail 2 in the boathouse reedbed.
Anglers CP: Shoveler 3, Teal 5 and Siskin 8.
Gull Roosts: Psycho the adult Yellow-legged Gull flew in, calling loudly - ACP. The combined totals from both roosts:- Great Black-backed Gull 417, Lesser Black-backed Gull 6, and a crazy number of 3070 Herring Gull considering how mild it is. This number is not usually seen until mid winter! Also a juv Kumliens? type was seen on WRes but better views are needed to confirm.
 |
| Sparrowhawk feeding on a dead Greylag Goose - ACP island. Steve Denny |
Saturday, 19 December 2015
Wintersett + Gull Roost 19.12.15
Still very mild. 14 degrees, with 8/8 cloud and a light south westerly. Rain showers from midday.
Wintersett Res: The redhead Red-breasted Merganser was off the east bank this morning. A Cetti's Warbler was heard in the south east corner.
Anglers CP Gull Roost: Viewing conditions were poor this afternoon, dull, rainy and only two observers - one being under the weather after Mad Friday!No notables were seen but totals were Great Black-backed Gull 325, Lesser Black-backed Gull 8, Herring Gull 2215 and Goosander 28.
Wintersett Res: The redhead Red-breasted Merganser was off the east bank this morning. A Cetti's Warbler was heard in the south east corner.
Anglers CP Gull Roost: Viewing conditions were poor this afternoon, dull, rainy and only two observers - one being under the weather after Mad Friday!No notables were seen but totals were Great Black-backed Gull 325, Lesser Black-backed Gull 8, Herring Gull 2215 and Goosander 28.
Friday, 18 December 2015
Wintersett 18.12.12
Still mild. 12 degrees with 6/8 cloud and a south westerly breeze.
Wintersett Res: A Red-breasted Merganser redhead, off the east bank , was a welcome addition to the year list. 3 Cetti's Warblers were heard this morning - north bank, south east corner and west bank. 3 Water Rails were heard - north east bank, boathouse reeds and west bank. Grey Wagtail 1.
Anglers CP: Siskin 4 and Little Grebe 9 + 3 WRes..
Wintersett Res: A Red-breasted Merganser redhead, off the east bank , was a welcome addition to the year list. 3 Cetti's Warblers were heard this morning - north bank, south east corner and west bank. 3 Water Rails were heard - north east bank, boathouse reeds and west bank. Grey Wagtail 1.
Anglers CP: Siskin 4 and Little Grebe 9 + 3 WRes..
The Edge 18th December
Apparently, so far, December has been as warm as May but you know it is unseasonably warm when you can hear a Mistle Thrush singing in Broomhill Park, see catkins on the hazels and Wrens pairing off on the TPT, a tree in blossom on Old Moor and displaying Goldeneye on Bolton Ings. To quote Game of Thrones "Winter is coming", but when?
Wombwell Ings - Present were 4 Mute Swan, 166 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 73 Wigeon, 19 Mallard, 17 Teal, 12 Shoveler. 10 Tufted Duck, 3 Goosander, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 13 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 143 Lapwing, 65 Golden Plover, 1 Ruff, 1 Snipe, 1 Mistle Thrush, 41 BH Gull and 1 Common Gull.
TPT- 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Kingfisher(on Knoll Beck), a pair of Wren.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 14 Tufted Duck, 14 Pochard, 8 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 3m+4f Goldeneye, 3 Shoveler, 2 Goosander, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 143 Coot, 21 BH Gull and 15 Common Gull. Also present were 16 Canada Geese,24 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, and 1 Sparrowhawk.
Wombwell Ings - Present were 4 Mute Swan, 166 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 73 Wigeon, 19 Mallard, 17 Teal, 12 Shoveler. 10 Tufted Duck, 3 Goosander, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 13 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 143 Lapwing, 65 Golden Plover, 1 Ruff, 1 Snipe, 1 Mistle Thrush, 41 BH Gull and 1 Common Gull.
TPT- 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Kingfisher(on Knoll Beck), a pair of Wren.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 14 Tufted Duck, 14 Pochard, 8 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 3m+4f Goldeneye, 3 Shoveler, 2 Goosander, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 143 Coot, 21 BH Gull and 15 Common Gull. Also present were 16 Canada Geese,24 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, and 1 Sparrowhawk.
Thursday, 17 December 2015
Goose Count
Ingbirchworth Common - 1 Greenland White-fronted Goose, 227 Greylag Geese, 188 Canada Geese 200+ Black-headed Gulls and 2 Common Gulls.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 37 Mallards, 6 Tufted Ducks, 1 Moorhen, 2 Coots, 150+ Black-headed Gulls,36 Common Gulls and 3 Herring Gulls.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 37 Mallards, 6 Tufted Ducks, 1 Moorhen, 2 Coots, 150+ Black-headed Gulls,36 Common Gulls and 3 Herring Gulls.
Wintersett 17.12.12
Still mild. 13 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP: Yellow-legged Gull 1 1stW, Jack Snipe 1, Shoveler 9, Pochard 128 + 10 WRes..
The feeders in the car park attracted 40 Tree Sparrows and 50 Chaffinch. A Red-breasted Merganser was reported early doors but couldn't be relocated.
Wintersett Res: Goosander 12 and Little Grebe 4 + 4 ACP.
Amphibian: An adult toad was in the Pol ditch.
Anglers CP: Yellow-legged Gull 1 1stW, Jack Snipe 1, Shoveler 9, Pochard 128 + 10 WRes..
The feeders in the car park attracted 40 Tree Sparrows and 50 Chaffinch. A Red-breasted Merganser was reported early doors but couldn't be relocated.
Wintersett Res: Goosander 12 and Little Grebe 4 + 4 ACP.
Amphibian: An adult toad was in the Pol ditch.
The Edge 17th December
Generally a very quiet day.
Wombwell Ings- Present were 1 Mute Swan, 163 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 64 Wigeon, 20 Mallard, 16 Teal, 9 Shoveler, 7 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 2 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret (also one in dyke opposite Old Moor Tavern ), 9 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 73 Lapwing, 1 Kestrel and 1 Bullfinch.
TPT - c20 Siskin
Bolton Ings- On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 25 Canada Geese, 17 Pochard, 13 Tufted Duck, 5 Mallard, 4 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 119 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 39 BH Gull, 19 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 2 Grey Heron and 2 Cormorant.
Wombwell Ings- Present were 1 Mute Swan, 163 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 64 Wigeon, 20 Mallard, 16 Teal, 9 Shoveler, 7 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 2 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret (also one in dyke opposite Old Moor Tavern ), 9 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 73 Lapwing, 1 Kestrel and 1 Bullfinch.
TPT - c20 Siskin
Bolton Ings- On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 25 Canada Geese, 17 Pochard, 13 Tufted Duck, 5 Mallard, 4 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 119 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 39 BH Gull, 19 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 2 Grey Heron and 2 Cormorant.
 |
| Little Egret - Wombwell Ings |
Wednesday, 16 December 2015
Wintersett 16.12.15
A warm 14 degrees, with sunshine and a light southerly.
Anglers CP: Chiffchaff 1, Green Woodpecker 1, Shoveler 3, Little Grebe 8, Teal 11 and Siskin 2.
Anglers CP: Chiffchaff 1, Green Woodpecker 1, Shoveler 3, Little Grebe 8, Teal 11 and Siskin 2.
Red List Breeding Species, Barnsley 16/12/15.
Six species I can comment on regards my own observations.- MERLIN, thought to be doing as well as can be on the moorlands. Regular sightings and known successful, undisturbed breeding at ewden every year. RING OUZEL- a similar thing, appears to be more than stable. WOOD WARBLER- a known reduction but at least 2 singing males in wharnclffe woods this year. LS WOODPECKER- appears to be extinct at Bretton, but not at nearby woolley with a pair seen mating in april. WHINCHAT - correct me if im wrong but appears to be already extinct at ewden. The last singing male I had here was in 2012. TREE PIPIT- another declining moorland bird, unless ive overlooked them I didn't hear a singing male this year.
The Edge 16th December
Wombwell Ings - Present were 4 Mute Swan, 216 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 51 Wigeon, 47 Teal, 12 Mallard, 12 Pochard, 11 Shoveler, 6 Tufted Duck, 2 Gadwall, 1 female Goldeneye, 2 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 11 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 7 Red Legged Partridge (the two small young in the covey looked as though they were from a late brood ), 89 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 8 BH Gull and 1 Common Gull.
TPT- A flock of c20 Siskin, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker and 1 Bullfinch.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 18 Canada Geese, 17 Tufted Duck, 11 Pochard, 9 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 2 female Goldeneye, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 113 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 29 Common Gull, 25 BH Gull and 2 Herring Gull. Also present were 2 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Snipe, 1 Lapwing, 1 Jay, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 Redpoll.
TPT- A flock of c20 Siskin, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker and 1 Bullfinch.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 18 Canada Geese, 17 Tufted Duck, 11 Pochard, 9 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 2 female Goldeneye, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 113 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 29 Common Gull, 25 BH Gull and 2 Herring Gull. Also present were 2 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Snipe, 1 Lapwing, 1 Jay, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 Redpoll.
 |
| Redpoll - Bolton Ings |
 |
| Siskin - Trans Pennine Trail |
Tuesday, 15 December 2015
Carlton Marsh
Like everywhere else visibility was much reduced due mist and fog, although that was on show was a couple of Shoveler and Grey Heron.
Message for John Seviour.
John there is a B1 Steam engine due to arrive at Doncaster on route for York at 12.26hrs tomorrow and on Thursday Duchess of Sutherland is due in at Doncaster between 12 & 1pm on route for York returning on Saturday.
Message for John Seviour.
John there is a B1 Steam engine due to arrive at Doncaster on route for York at 12.26hrs tomorrow and on Thursday Duchess of Sutherland is due in at Doncaster between 12 & 1pm on route for York returning on Saturday.
The Edge 15th December
Wombwell Ings- Present were 6 Mute Swan, 218 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 71 Wigeon, 9 Shoveler, 8 Tufted Duck, 6 Mallard, 5 Pochard, 4 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 1 Goosander, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Red Legged Partridge, 7 Coot, 4 Moorhen, c100 Golden Plover, 157 Lapwing, 31 BH Gull, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush and 1 Song Thrush.
TPT - 12 Redpoll
Bolton Ings- On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 7 Canada Geese, 17 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 4 Goldeneye, 1 Mallard, 1 Goosander, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 139 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 25 Common Gull and 23 BH Gull.
TPT - 12 Redpoll
Bolton Ings- On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 7 Canada Geese, 17 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 4 Goldeneye, 1 Mallard, 1 Goosander, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 139 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 25 Common Gull and 23 BH Gull.
Wintersett 15.12.15
7 - 10°C, but felt much colder, with mist thickening to fog and drizzle/rain throughout.
Wintersett Res: A Cetti's Warbler was calling in brambles off the east bank. Water Rail 1 in north bank reeds. Goosander 11 and Kingfisher 1.
Anglers CP: Shelduck 1 and Teal 7.
Wintersett Res: A Cetti's Warbler was calling in brambles off the east bank. Water Rail 1 in north bank reeds. Goosander 11 and Kingfisher 1.
Anglers CP: Shelduck 1 and Teal 7.
Monday, 14 December 2015
Carlton Marsh
Still plenty of flood water, but not quite as discoloured. This afternoon Buzzard, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Red-legged Partridge, Song Thrush, Redwing, 21 Teal, 2 Shoveler, Kingfisher, 3 Siskin and a Ring-necked Parakeet from 15.30hrs.
A Stoat was hunting the railway embankment.
A Stoat was hunting the railway embankment.
Walton Hall WeBS December 2015
Walton Hall WeBS Totals 10.45 - 11.15hrs 13.12.15.
Coot 103, Canada Goose 70, Mute Swan 2, Tufted Duck 12, Gadwall 1, Little Grebe 4, Mallard 36, Moorhen 12, Cormorant1, Great Crested Grebe 1, Pochard 10 (6m + 4f)
Coot 103, Canada Goose 70, Mute Swan 2, Tufted Duck 12, Gadwall 1, Little Grebe 4, Mallard 36, Moorhen 12, Cormorant1, Great Crested Grebe 1, Pochard 10 (6m + 4f)
Wintersett 14th December
7 degrees, mild with 8/8 cloud.
Anglers CP: Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult, Meadow Pipit 1 over.
Wintersett Res: Golden Plover 2 over and Kingfisher 1. Nuthatch 1.
Of interest: A Great Northern Diver was on Calder Wetlands, behind Swan & Cygnet, today.
Anglers CP: Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult, Meadow Pipit 1 over.
Wintersett Res: Golden Plover 2 over and Kingfisher 1. Nuthatch 1.
Of interest: A Great Northern Diver was on Calder Wetlands, behind Swan & Cygnet, today.
Wintersett WeBS December 2015
Wintersett Area WeBS totals for December 2015 are:
Canada Goose 86, Greylag Goose 119, Mute Swan 26, Grey Heron 4, Lapwing 83, Tufted Duck 281, Great Crested Grebe 24, Coot 811, Mallard 68, Pochard 134 (113m + 21f), Moorhen 18, Gadwall 118, Teal 12, Goldeneye 50, Goosander 37, Wigeon 199, Cormorant 21, Little Grebe 11, Shoveler 1, Water Rail 1, Kingfisher 1.
Canada Goose 86, Greylag Goose 119, Mute Swan 26, Grey Heron 4, Lapwing 83, Tufted Duck 281, Great Crested Grebe 24, Coot 811, Mallard 68, Pochard 134 (113m + 21f), Moorhen 18, Gadwall 118, Teal 12, Goldeneye 50, Goosander 37, Wigeon 199, Cormorant 21, Little Grebe 11, Shoveler 1, Water Rail 1, Kingfisher 1.
Newmillerdam WeBS count
Yesterday's WeBS count from Newmillerdam.
Black-headed Gull 150, Canada Goose 22, Coot 35, Goosander
11, Grey Heron 1, Greylag Goose 1, Little Grebe 1, Mallard 215, Moorhen
12, Mute Swan 7, Tufted Duck 40
The Edge 14th December
Wombwell Ings - Present were 3a+3y Mute Swan, 154 Canada Geese, 89+ Wigeon, 22 Teal, 10 Mallard, 9 Shoveler, 8 Tufted Duck, 2 Goosander, 2 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 16 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 192 Lapwing, 75 Golden Plover, 1 Snipe, 83 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull and 1 Mistle Thrush. A Water Rail was showing well in the dyke just across from the Old Moor Tavern.
TPT- 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Jay, 2 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush and 11 Siskin.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 23 Tufted Duck, 17 Pochard, 4 Gadwall,2 Goldeneye, 1 Teal, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 132 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 32 BH Gull and 24 Common Gull. Also present were 4 Canada Geese, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Grey Wagtail..
TPT- 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Jay, 2 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush and 11 Siskin.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 23 Tufted Duck, 17 Pochard, 4 Gadwall,2 Goldeneye, 1 Teal, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 132 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 32 BH Gull and 24 Common Gull. Also present were 4 Canada Geese, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Grey Wagtail..
Sunday, 13 December 2015
Wilthorpe Marsh / Bretton, 13/12/15.
Wilthorpe - Peregrine 1 on pylons, a big reduction in snipe with 2 Jacks and 2 Commons + 2 W Rails. Also 6 Goldcrests, Little Owl and G Pecker. Bretton - poor with not much of note. 500+ BH Gulls were on the lower lake and just 1 rh Goosander.
Edderthorpe WeBS counts
The river came over the floodbank spillways at both Edderthorpe Flash and Houghton Washland last night after the constant rain throughout Saturday but, fortunately, it didn't spill over for long and had stopped come daybreak. The good news is it has left both areas of wetland at an optimum winter level for wildfowl with lots of vegetation now in the water and clearly plenty of food. What we don't want now is more rain....
Edderthorpe & Houghton highlights
Canada Goose 112, Shelduck 2, Mallard 600, Gadwall 51, Wigeon 117, Shoveler 15, Teal 435, Tufted 10, Pochard 2, Goosander 2, Little Egret 1, Grey Heron 4, Lapwing 170, Golden Plover 43, Common Snipe 1.
Ferry Moor & Cudworth Common
Canada Goose 83, Mallard 66, Teal 14, Wigeon 8, Lapwing 5, Green Woodpecker 3, Skylark 3, Meadow Pipit 4.
Edderthorpe & Houghton highlights
Canada Goose 112, Shelduck 2, Mallard 600, Gadwall 51, Wigeon 117, Shoveler 15, Teal 435, Tufted 10, Pochard 2, Goosander 2, Little Egret 1, Grey Heron 4, Lapwing 170, Golden Plover 43, Common Snipe 1.
Ferry Moor & Cudworth Common
Canada Goose 83, Mallard 66, Teal 14, Wigeon 8, Lapwing 5, Green Woodpecker 3, Skylark 3, Meadow Pipit 4.
Wintersett + Gull Roosts 13.12.15
Frosty start this morning, 2° - 4°C with light, patchy mist. Showers this afternoon.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 north bank, Little Grebe 3 + 8 ACP and Little Owl 1 in village.
Anglers CP: Barn Owl 1, Linnet 1 over, Shoveler 1, Teal 9 and Cormorant 18,
The Gull Roosts totals in windy, rainy conditions: Great Black-backed Gull 130, Lesser Blackbacked Gull 10, Herring Gull 1920, Common Gull 1500 and Black-headed Gull 9500 - per GJS
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 north bank, Little Grebe 3 + 8 ACP and Little Owl 1 in village.
Anglers CP: Barn Owl 1, Linnet 1 over, Shoveler 1, Teal 9 and Cormorant 18,
The Gull Roosts totals in windy, rainy conditions: Great Black-backed Gull 130, Lesser Blackbacked Gull 10, Herring Gull 1920, Common Gull 1500 and Black-headed Gull 9500 - per GJS
The 27th Wintersett Annual report
is now available from Anglers CP Visitor Centre £5.
or contact sdenny@supanet.com £6 including postage.
Saturday, 12 December 2015
Wintersett + Gull Roosts 12.12.15
A cold 3 degrees with constant rain until 18.30hrs. and a light westerly.
Anglers CP: Cormorant 20 + 1 WRes. and Teal 1
Wintersett Res: Bullfinch 12 on the north east bank.
Gull Roosts : Wind and heavy rain prevented counts, but Wintersett Res had an adult Caspian Gull and an adult Yellow-legged Gull - per GJS. Anglers CP had 4th W Caspian Gull per PS.
Anglers CP: Cormorant 20 + 1 WRes. and Teal 1
Wintersett Res: Bullfinch 12 on the north east bank.
Gull Roosts : Wind and heavy rain prevented counts, but Wintersett Res had an adult Caspian Gull and an adult Yellow-legged Gull - per GJS. Anglers CP had 4th W Caspian Gull per PS.
Friday, 11 December 2015
Wintersett 11.12.15
A more seasonal 6-7 degrees this morning with a light south westerly.
Anglers CP: A Woodcock was the highlight today.
Anglers CP: A Woodcock was the highlight today.
The Edge 11th December
Broomhil Flash - A short late AM visit revealed 2a+5y Mute Swa, 26 Canada Geese, 102 Gadwall, 9 Tufted Duck, 8 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 3 Mallard, 1 Grey Heron, 28 Coot, 62 BH Gull and 1 Common Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 16 Pochard, 10 Tufted Duck, 7 Mallard, 1 female Goldeneye, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 128 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 34 BH Gull, 7 Common Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present were 1 Green Sandpiper over, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Jay and 1 Bullfinch.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 16 Pochard, 10 Tufted Duck, 7 Mallard, 1 female Goldeneye, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 128 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 34 BH Gull, 7 Common Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present were 1 Green Sandpiper over, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Jay and 1 Bullfinch.
Thursday, 10 December 2015
Wintersett 10.12.15
6°C with rain until 11.00hrs, then 8/8 cloud and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP: Pink-footed Goose 4 flew south 10.00hrs, Cormorant 18, Snipe 2 and Barn Owl 1.
Anglers CP: Pink-footed Goose 4 flew south 10.00hrs, Cormorant 18, Snipe 2 and Barn Owl 1.
Just in time for Christmas ....
The 27th Wintersett Annual report
is now available from Anglers CP Visitor Centre £5.
or contact sdenny@supanet.com £6 including postage.
Bits
Elsecar Reservoir - 88 Mallards, 4 Tufted Ducks, 5 Great Crested Grebes, 15 Moorhens, 21 Coots and c20 Black-headed Gulls.
Castle Dam, Penistone - 62 Canada Geese, 1 drake Wigeon, 18 Mallards, 2 Tufted Ducks, 5 Moorhens, 28 Coots and 10+ Black-headed Gulls.
Snowden Hill, Penistone - 110+ Linnets.
Castle Dam, Penistone - 62 Canada Geese, 1 drake Wigeon, 18 Mallards, 2 Tufted Ducks, 5 Moorhens, 28 Coots and 10+ Black-headed Gulls.
Snowden Hill, Penistone - 110+ Linnets.
Wednesday, 9 December 2015
Wintersett Catch-up 21.11.15 - 07.12.15
I heard the weather has been mostly windy and wet but mild.
November
21st: ACP A Little Egret flew over north 14.25hrs. 2 adult Wooper Swan on CHRes.
22nd ACP A Chiffchaff was ringed. 8 Common and 1 Jack Snipe. 90 Starling flew west. Barn Owl 1 at 15.35hrs, Caspian Gull 1 adult 16.15hrs, Yellow-legged Gulll adult (Psycho) and 47 Goosander at dark. WRes A Dunlin flew over 11.10hrs. 41 Goldeneye in the area.
23rd ACP A Dunlin flew over. Chiffchaff 1, Barn Owl 1. WRes: Cetti's Warbler 1 male west bank, Water Rail 1.
24th WRes Cetti's Warbler 1 male north bank, Greylag Goose 121 ACP.
25th ACP Caspian Gull 1 4th W at 15.35hrs (last years big usual 3rdW), Woodcock 1 at dark WRes Cetti's Warbler 1 male north bank + a Pipistrelle Bat at dark.
26th ACP Starling 46 west, Barn Owl 1. WRes Linnet 1 over, Water Rail 1 north bank.
27th ACP Yellow-legged Gull 2 2ndW + 1 adult (Psycho). Herring Gull 1 ringed -LLegJ8620 RLeg 2 metal - large above small. (no response re origin, as of 09.12.12)
28th ACP Red Kite 1 west 11.38hrs, Peregrine 1 over 11.40hrs. Yellow-legged Gull 1 2ndW + adult (Psycho). WRes Cetti's Warbler 1 south east corner, Water Rail 2.
29th WRes Mediterranean Gull 1 ringed adult 10.45hrs then to ACP E551, Caspian Gull 1 4thW (different). ACP Yellow-legged Gull 1 2ndW
30th WRes Cetti's Warbler 1 male south east corner, Goosander 17.
December
1st Area totals: Cormorant 18, Little Grebe 10, Goosander 19, Shoveler 4, Pochard 119, Teal 2
2nd Area Totals: Greylag 119, Little Grebe 10, Shoveler 5, Goosander 17
3rd Area Totals Pochard 136. Teal 12, WRes Cetti's Warbler 1 - south east corner.
4th WRes Cormorant 4, Water Rail 1.
5th + 6th See Graham's Blog Posts
7th WRes Whooper Swan 5, Cetti's 2 - west bank and boathouse reeds, Water Rail 2. ACP Shoveler 5, Greylag Goose 121.
November
21st: ACP A Little Egret flew over north 14.25hrs. 2 adult Wooper Swan on CHRes.
22nd ACP A Chiffchaff was ringed. 8 Common and 1 Jack Snipe. 90 Starling flew west. Barn Owl 1 at 15.35hrs, Caspian Gull 1 adult 16.15hrs, Yellow-legged Gulll adult (Psycho) and 47 Goosander at dark. WRes A Dunlin flew over 11.10hrs. 41 Goldeneye in the area.
23rd ACP A Dunlin flew over. Chiffchaff 1, Barn Owl 1. WRes: Cetti's Warbler 1 male west bank, Water Rail 1.
24th WRes Cetti's Warbler 1 male north bank, Greylag Goose 121 ACP.
25th ACP Caspian Gull 1 4th W at 15.35hrs (last years big usual 3rdW), Woodcock 1 at dark WRes Cetti's Warbler 1 male north bank + a Pipistrelle Bat at dark.
26th ACP Starling 46 west, Barn Owl 1. WRes Linnet 1 over, Water Rail 1 north bank.
27th ACP Yellow-legged Gull 2 2ndW + 1 adult (Psycho). Herring Gull 1 ringed -LLegJ8620 RLeg 2 metal - large above small. (no response re origin, as of 09.12.12)
28th ACP Red Kite 1 west 11.38hrs, Peregrine 1 over 11.40hrs. Yellow-legged Gull 1 2ndW + adult (Psycho). WRes Cetti's Warbler 1 south east corner, Water Rail 2.
29th WRes Mediterranean Gull 1 ringed adult 10.45hrs then to ACP E551, Caspian Gull 1 4thW (different). ACP Yellow-legged Gull 1 2ndW
30th WRes Cetti's Warbler 1 male south east corner, Goosander 17.
December
1st Area totals: Cormorant 18, Little Grebe 10, Goosander 19, Shoveler 4, Pochard 119, Teal 2
2nd Area Totals: Greylag 119, Little Grebe 10, Shoveler 5, Goosander 17
3rd Area Totals Pochard 136. Teal 12, WRes Cetti's Warbler 1 - south east corner.
4th WRes Cormorant 4, Water Rail 1.
5th + 6th See Graham's Blog Posts
7th WRes Whooper Swan 5, Cetti's 2 - west bank and boathouse reeds, Water Rail 2. ACP Shoveler 5, Greylag Goose 121.
Wintersett 09.12.15
A colder 6°C today, moslty cloudy and a strong south westerly.
Too windy for the Cetti's today - none were heard. A small flock of 11 Siskin were on Anglers CP and a Nuthatch was in the Willow Wood, Wintersett Res.
Too windy for the Cetti's today - none were heard. A small flock of 11 Siskin were on Anglers CP and a Nuthatch was in the Willow Wood, Wintersett Res.
Carlton Marsh
For those of you who don't already know, the 30 year land dispute here is being resolved so that it will come into public ownership in the near future! That means that after 3 years of neglect the site will be managed for wildlife once again.
A pair of Goosanders, 2 Water Rails, 2 Shovelers, 5 Greylags, Kingfsher, Redpoll and 3 siskin were present today.
A pair of Goosanders, 2 Water Rails, 2 Shovelers, 5 Greylags, Kingfsher, Redpoll and 3 siskin were present today.
The Edge 9th December
Wombwell Ings - A good start to the day with 4 Fieldfare in the park, 4 Red Legged Partridge just on the ings, 2 Goldcrest in a flock of 9+ Long Tailed Tit along the Bulling Dyke, 3 Grey Partridge halfway towards the hide and then a Buzzard foraging in the middle of the back field. Wasn't bad either when I got to the hide with 220+ Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 72 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 11 Mallard, 9 Tufted Duck, 9 Shoveler, 6 Goosander, 3 Gadwall, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 17 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 91 Lapwing, 32 Golden Plover and 57 BH Gull.
TPT - 6+ Long Tailed Tit, 1 Jay, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush, and 3 Redpoll.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 11+ Canada Geese, 17 Tufted Duck, 10 Mallard, 7 Pochard, 2 Gadwall, 1 female Goldeneye, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 131 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 13 BH Gull and 4 Common Gull. Also present were 6 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Lapwing and 2 Jay.
TPT - 6+ Long Tailed Tit, 1 Jay, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush, and 3 Redpoll.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 11+ Canada Geese, 17 Tufted Duck, 10 Mallard, 7 Pochard, 2 Gadwall, 1 female Goldeneye, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 131 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 13 BH Gull and 4 Common Gull. Also present were 6 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Lapwing and 2 Jay.
Tuesday, 8 December 2015
More on Red List Species
Following my last comment on this blog about Red List species in the Barnsley recording area and the four extinctions during the past 10 years a few people have been asking how threatened are the remain 28 species. The reality is, we have 11 species with less than 40 pairs at the Atlas survey and one species now down to only two pair with others in between (some already lower). If these breeding numbers keep dropping at the same national rate we could have up to 11 more species extinct within the next 10 years in Barnsley. These species are: Ringed Plover, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Merlin, Wood Warbler, Ring Ousel, Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Whinchat, Yellow Wagtail, Tree Pipit and Lesser Redpoll.
What do you think?
Merry Christmas!!
What do you think?
Merry Christmas!!
The Edge 8th December
Wombwell Ings - Present were 51 Canada Geese, 52 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 171 Wigeon, 24 Teal, 15 Mallard, 11 Tufted Duck, 9 Shoveler, 5 Goosander, 5 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 14 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 88 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 1 Golden Plover, 22 BH Gull, 2 Pied Wagtail and 1 Reed Bunting.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 9 Mute Swan, 46 Canada Geese, 31 Greylag, 47 Mallard, 29 Pochard, 25 Tufted Duck, 9 Teal, 5 Gadwall, 3 Goosander, 1 female Goldeneye, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 127 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 32 BH Gull, 11 Common Gull and 2 Herring Gull. Also present were 5 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, Lapwing ( flocks of 20 and 50 over),1 Kestrel, 6 Fieldfare, 4 Redwing and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 9 Mute Swan, 46 Canada Geese, 31 Greylag, 47 Mallard, 29 Pochard, 25 Tufted Duck, 9 Teal, 5 Gadwall, 3 Goosander, 1 female Goldeneye, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 127 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 32 BH Gull, 11 Common Gull and 2 Herring Gull. Also present were 5 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, Lapwing ( flocks of 20 and 50 over),1 Kestrel, 6 Fieldfare, 4 Redwing and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Wintersett 08.12.15
Hello all - still reeling from my mindblowing Costa Rica jaunt. But it was fantastic to see ducks and geese this morning!
A very mild 11°C, cloudy with sunny spells and a south westerly breeze.
Wintersett Res: 3 male Cetti's Warblers - north and west bank and boathouse reedbed were the highlight today. A Water Rail was also heard.
After I've restored order at home I'll do a catch up blog to keep the records straight.
A very mild 11°C, cloudy with sunny spells and a south westerly breeze.
Wintersett Res: 3 male Cetti's Warblers - north and west bank and boathouse reedbed were the highlight today. A Water Rail was also heard.
After I've restored order at home I'll do a catch up blog to keep the records straight.
Monday, 7 December 2015
Carlton Marsh
Is it really December? My garden thermometer peaked at 15.2c today equalling the highest I have ever recorded in 1994 and 2011.
Not much different to report in the way of birds, 9 Siskin and 41 Yellow Buntings coming in to roost.
Insects
A Comma took to the air in a sunny spot near the reserve and a Red Admiral showed briefly in the Newtown area of Cudworth on Ivy at mid-day. (Chris Parkin)
Meanwhile 5 Herald moths were languishing under a nearby railway tunnel. (Ralph Hibbert)
Not much different to report in the way of birds, 9 Siskin and 41 Yellow Buntings coming in to roost.
Insects
A Comma took to the air in a sunny spot near the reserve and a Red Admiral showed briefly in the Newtown area of Cudworth on Ivy at mid-day. (Chris Parkin)
Meanwhile 5 Herald moths were languishing under a nearby railway tunnel. (Ralph Hibbert)
The Edge 7th December
Wombwell Ings - Present were 209 Canada Geese, 11 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 102 Wigeon, 24 Teal, 17 Mallard, 8 Shoveler, 7 Tufted Duck, 4 Pochard, 2 Goosander, 7 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 15 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 99 Lapwing, 57 Golden Plover, 3 Snipe, 43 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull and 4 Meadow Pipit.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 39 Canada Geese, 15 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 5 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 128 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 21 Common Gull, 17 BH Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk and a flock of 15+ Long Tailed Tits.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 39 Canada Geese, 15 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 5 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 128 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 21 Common Gull, 17 BH Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk and a flock of 15+ Long Tailed Tits.
Geese galore
Ingbirchworth Common/Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 1 Greenland White-fronted Goose, 268 Greylags Geese, 234 Canada Geese, 38 Mallards, 1 drake Gadwall, 5 Tufted Ducks, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Coots, <20 Black-headed Gulls (very conspicuous by their low numbers) and 1 Pied Wagtail.
Sunday, 6 December 2015
Lower Dearne Valley - Sunday 6th December 2015
Adwick Washland
Started out this morning at Adwick, fortunately arrived just after a heavy shower passed through so avoided a soaking. The wind was still blowing strong but soon died down and with a temperature of 13c the weather was very unseasonable. Highlight today was 3 Little Egrets, plenty of wildfowl with the following counts - Wigeon 46, Teal 95, Gadwall 14 and Shoveler 9. Only 1 Lapwing was seen down but c80 flew over, a Common Gull was in with the Black Heads.
Old Moor
Onto Old Moor this afternoon primarily for the roost, arrived mid afternoon so spent some time on the Mere. The water level is high on the Mere, "Death Island" is submerged so the Cormorants are using other Islands. Loads of wildfowl on the Mere but I could only pick out 1 female Goldeneye. Onto the Wader Scrape where there were 2 Shelduck and 5 Goosanders finally building up to 18 roosting birds. A Barn Owl was hunting on the Reedbeds and another was at the bottom end of the Main Marsh. A good roost tonight, the first Sunday for a few weeks with decent weather. A total of 20 Cormorants with a further 4 flying down to Denaby, 7 Little Egrets roosted tonight with the 3 from Adwick coming in about 15.30. A Redshank was on the Main Marsh as were 11 Snipe, the Ruff hasn't been seen since Thursday.
Other birds seen in the area today included 4 Whooper Swans briefly at Broomhill, an adult Kittiwake at Old Moor late morning, 3 Cettis Warblers on the Reedbeds and a Bittern seen several times this afternoon also on the Reedbeds.
Started out this morning at Adwick, fortunately arrived just after a heavy shower passed through so avoided a soaking. The wind was still blowing strong but soon died down and with a temperature of 13c the weather was very unseasonable. Highlight today was 3 Little Egrets, plenty of wildfowl with the following counts - Wigeon 46, Teal 95, Gadwall 14 and Shoveler 9. Only 1 Lapwing was seen down but c80 flew over, a Common Gull was in with the Black Heads.
Old Moor
Onto Old Moor this afternoon primarily for the roost, arrived mid afternoon so spent some time on the Mere. The water level is high on the Mere, "Death Island" is submerged so the Cormorants are using other Islands. Loads of wildfowl on the Mere but I could only pick out 1 female Goldeneye. Onto the Wader Scrape where there were 2 Shelduck and 5 Goosanders finally building up to 18 roosting birds. A Barn Owl was hunting on the Reedbeds and another was at the bottom end of the Main Marsh. A good roost tonight, the first Sunday for a few weeks with decent weather. A total of 20 Cormorants with a further 4 flying down to Denaby, 7 Little Egrets roosted tonight with the 3 from Adwick coming in about 15.30. A Redshank was on the Main Marsh as were 11 Snipe, the Ruff hasn't been seen since Thursday.
Other birds seen in the area today included 4 Whooper Swans briefly at Broomhill, an adult Kittiwake at Old Moor late morning, 3 Cettis Warblers on the Reedbeds and a Bittern seen several times this afternoon also on the Reedbeds.
Ewden s. lodge and return 6/12/15.
Accompanied by D.Simmonite on a cold and breezy afternoon with very few birds. The assumed same rt Hen Harrier was showing quite well a couple of times and 3 Kestrels. Not much else apart from a few Meadow Pipits and 6 Goldfinchs at the entrance gate. Incredibly no sign of any Buzzards or Ravens.
Wintersett Sunday
A few duck counts include;- Gadwall 135, Goldeneye 43,and Goosander 46.
With the wind finally dying down through the afternoon, both lakes were covered this evening for the gull roosts. The following are combined totals;- Great Black-backed Gull 228, Lesser Black-backed Gull 5, Herring Gull 1300, Caspian Gull 1 fourth-winter, Top Res (usual bird), Yellow-legged Gull 8 (7 on CP, 1 on TR), Mediterranean Gull 1 first-winter, Top Res (new bird)
With the wind finally dying down through the afternoon, both lakes were covered this evening for the gull roosts. The following are combined totals;- Great Black-backed Gull 228, Lesser Black-backed Gull 5, Herring Gull 1300, Caspian Gull 1 fourth-winter, Top Res (usual bird), Yellow-legged Gull 8 (7 on CP, 1 on TR), Mediterranean Gull 1 first-winter, Top Res (new bird)
Ingbirchworth
Ingbirchworth Common (fields off Spicer House Lane)- 1 Greenland White-fronted Goose, 221 Greylag Geese (including 1 leucistic bird), 141 Canada Geese, c40 Lapwings and 200+ Black-headed Gulls.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - gulls apart, very quiet again - 18 Mallards, 1 Coot, 150+ Black-headed Gulls, c10 Common Gulls and 2 Herring Gulls.
Midhope Reservoir - 6 Mallards and 1 Little Grebe.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - gulls apart, very quiet again - 18 Mallards, 1 Coot, 150+ Black-headed Gulls, c10 Common Gulls and 2 Herring Gulls.
Midhope Reservoir - 6 Mallards and 1 Little Grebe.
Saturday, 5 December 2015
Wintersett, Saturday
On the Country Park a drake Pintail and a single Pink-footed Goose are new in. The very windy conditions today meant the more sheltered Top Res would likely be the best site for the evening gull roost. This was probably the case with an impressive roost on here but loads of large gulls were coming in at dusk from the Country Park after all the counts had been made and it was too dark to see how many were involved. The following are minimums;- Great Black-backed Gull 325, Lesser Black-backed Gull 7, Herring Gull 1200+, Caspian Gull 1 fourth-winter (last weekends bird), Yellow-legged Gull first-winter, second-winter and third-winter, Mediterranean Gull 1 adult (last weekends bird), Common Gull 1000+.
And the 'scope is fine Thank You.
And the 'scope is fine Thank You.
Bretton 5/12/15.
No wind blown s urprises but still enjoyable with most birds showing well., - 60 Siskin, 100+ Lapwing down, 100+ BH Gulls, 70 Teal, 5 Goosander, 3 GS Peckers, 4 Nuthatch.
Edderthorpe, Friday
A Cettis Warbler was calling in the corner, triangle pond reedbed at 08.15 but wasn't heard again in the next hour of listening. This is the second record for the Flash following a bird in the same reedbed in mid November 2009. Still loads of dabbling duck but difficult to count as they constantly move between here and Houghton Washland;- Shoveler 48, Wigeon 115, Tufted 28.
As a clumsy aside and to give readers something to laugh at ;- I couldn't wade over the dike as I usually do due to the high levels with all the recent rain and as I was getting short on time and needed to get to work I had to find an alternative crossing. A fallen tree provided a bridge, half way across my telescope strap snagged on one of many branches, ripped off and I felt the 'scope and tripod falling. It hit the trunk and stopped, phew, before I could get my wellied boot on it, it slid again and my nearly new Swarovski and tripod fell into the dike! Nightmare! But it floats and the current was moving it downstream. After a short panic I retrieved it and hopefully with it being gas filled should be no worse for it's fall.
As a clumsy aside and to give readers something to laugh at ;- I couldn't wade over the dike as I usually do due to the high levels with all the recent rain and as I was getting short on time and needed to get to work I had to find an alternative crossing. A fallen tree provided a bridge, half way across my telescope strap snagged on one of many branches, ripped off and I felt the 'scope and tripod falling. It hit the trunk and stopped, phew, before I could get my wellied boot on it, it slid again and my nearly new Swarovski and tripod fell into the dike! Nightmare! But it floats and the current was moving it downstream. After a short panic I retrieved it and hopefully with it being gas filled should be no worse for it's fall.
Friday, 4 December 2015
Carlton Marsh
A Buzzard was at the Wader Scrape and a Little Egret flew south at 15.30hrs. Our first December record! (Dave Standish)
Meanwhile a female Blackcap was feeding on Cotoneaster berries in Dave Smith's mum's garden, Fish Dam Lane, Monk Breton at 12.30hrs.
Meanwhile a female Blackcap was feeding on Cotoneaster berries in Dave Smith's mum's garden, Fish Dam Lane, Monk Breton at 12.30hrs.
Red List Birds in Barnsley
Just been looking over the recent new Red List for the UK and fitting it into what we have (or have not now) in the Barnsley recording area.
We have 28 species breeding but some struggling in the area but a few such as Tree Sparrow, House Sparrow and Willow Tit are holding their own if localised in some parts.
4 species appear to be now extinct - Turtle Dove, Hawfinch, Twite and Corn Bunting. Probably Whinchat may be the next to go?
On the positive side a number of Schedule 1 and Amber List species doing quite well!!
We have 28 species breeding but some struggling in the area but a few such as Tree Sparrow, House Sparrow and Willow Tit are holding their own if localised in some parts.
4 species appear to be now extinct - Turtle Dove, Hawfinch, Twite and Corn Bunting. Probably Whinchat may be the next to go?
On the positive side a number of Schedule 1 and Amber List species doing quite well!!
The Edge 4th December
Wombwell Ings - Present were 3a+1y Mute Swan, 253 Canada Geese, 49 Greylag, 89 Wigeon, 13 Mallard, 11 Teal, 7 Tufted Duck, 6 Shoveler, 3 Pochard, 2 Gadwall, 3 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 11 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 109 Lapwing, 12 Golden Plover, 2 Snipe, 87 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 Kestrel, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Mistle Thrush and 1 Bullfinch.
TPT - Noted were 1 Sparrowhawk, 6 Redwing, 1 Jay and 7 Siskin.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2a+1y Mute Swan, 20 Pochard, 12 Tufted Duck, 5 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 124 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 19 BH Gull, 6 Common Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 331 Canada Geese, 3 Cormorant and 1 Grey Heron.
TPT - Noted were 1 Sparrowhawk, 6 Redwing, 1 Jay and 7 Siskin.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2a+1y Mute Swan, 20 Pochard, 12 Tufted Duck, 5 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 124 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 19 BH Gull, 6 Common Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 331 Canada Geese, 3 Cormorant and 1 Grey Heron.
Thursday, 3 December 2015
The Edge 3rd December
Wombwell Ings - Present were2+1y Mute Swan, 200+ Canada Geese, 94+ Wigeon, 21 Mallard, 13 Tufted Duck, 9 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 2 Goosander, 6 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 15 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 71 Lapwing, 12 Golden Plover (also 60+ over9.30am ), 52 BH Gull and 2 Pied Wagtail.
TPT - Noted were 4 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Jay, 6 Redpoll, 6+ Long Tailed Tit, 1 Goldcrest and 2 Grey Wagtail.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4+3y Mute Swan, 11 Canada Geese, 13 Tufted Duck, 7 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 1 Teal, 2 Cormorant, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 117 Coot, 7 Moorhen, 15 BH Gull and 11 Common Gull.
TPT - Noted were 4 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Jay, 6 Redpoll, 6+ Long Tailed Tit, 1 Goldcrest and 2 Grey Wagtail.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4+3y Mute Swan, 11 Canada Geese, 13 Tufted Duck, 7 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 1 Teal, 2 Cormorant, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 117 Coot, 7 Moorhen, 15 BH Gull and 11 Common Gull.
Wednesday, 2 December 2015
Carlton Marsh
Today Buzzard, Willow Tit 4, Goldcrest 2, Teal 15, 11 Herring south and a Redhead Goosander.
Richard Laverack
Red Admiral and Comma were flying in the sunshine this morning. (Chris Parkin)
Ingbirchworth - Midhope
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 65 Canada Geese, 42 Mallards, 2 Tufted Ducks, 4 Coots, c250 Lapwings and c300 Black-headed Gulls.
Thurlstone - 160+ Rooks.
Royd Moor Reservoir - 1+ Mallards, 1 Tufted Ducks, 15+ Black-headed Gulls, 1 Common Gull. 10 Great Tits, 8 Blue Tits and 1 Willow Tit (in one flock) and 40+ Fieldfares.
Midhope Reservoir - 2 Mallards and 1 Little Grebe.
All reservoirs (not surprisingly) are now full and overflowing. Strong winds still making conditions very difficult up here ont' tops.
Thurlstone - 160+ Rooks.
Royd Moor Reservoir - 1+ Mallards, 1 Tufted Ducks, 15+ Black-headed Gulls, 1 Common Gull. 10 Great Tits, 8 Blue Tits and 1 Willow Tit (in one flock) and 40+ Fieldfares.
Midhope Reservoir - 2 Mallards and 1 Little Grebe.
All reservoirs (not surprisingly) are now full and overflowing. Strong winds still making conditions very difficult up here ont' tops.
The Edge 2nd December
Wombwell Ings - Thought it was a quiet day with 2a+1y Mute Swan, 243 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 111+ Wigeon, 34 Mallard, 9 Tufted Duck, 7 Shoveler, 5 Teal, 5 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 15 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 1 Sparrowhawk, 52 Lapwing, 81 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Fieldfare and 1 Kingfisher. Whilst waiting at the bridge for Seev to appear, I looked back onto the Ings and saw that 1 Shelduck and 3 Goosander had dropped in.
Bolton Ings - Having been informed that Nige's Sofa( Cormorant Hide ) was being repainted, we decided to take the path on the other side of the dyke to Warbler Way. A bad idea!! The sight of two old fogeys with dodgy knees trying to cross a deep, muddy trench was reminiscent of a Compo/Foggy scene from Last of the Summer Wine and certainly worth £250 from You've been framed. Anyway, on the open water were 4+3y Mute Swan, 37 Canada Geese, 44 Pochard, 35 Mallard, 22 Gadwall, 19 Tufted Duck, 3 Goldeneye, 2 Shoveler, 2 Teal, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 15 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 20+ BH Gull and 8 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron,1 Green Woodpecker, 22 Fieldfare, 6 Redwing and 1 Bullfinch.
Bolton Ings - Having been informed that Nige's Sofa( Cormorant Hide ) was being repainted, we decided to take the path on the other side of the dyke to Warbler Way. A bad idea!! The sight of two old fogeys with dodgy knees trying to cross a deep, muddy trench was reminiscent of a Compo/Foggy scene from Last of the Summer Wine and certainly worth £250 from You've been framed. Anyway, on the open water were 4+3y Mute Swan, 37 Canada Geese, 44 Pochard, 35 Mallard, 22 Gadwall, 19 Tufted Duck, 3 Goldeneye, 2 Shoveler, 2 Teal, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 15 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 20+ BH Gull and 8 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron,1 Green Woodpecker, 22 Fieldfare, 6 Redwing and 1 Bullfinch.
Tuesday, 1 December 2015
The Edge 1st December
Wombwell Ings - Highlight was a Ruff feeding amongst the 124 Lapwing, 12 Golden Plover and 2 Snipe. Also present were 2a+1y Mute Swan, 103 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 114 Wigeon, 9 Mallard, 8 Tufted Duck, 7 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Cormorant, 12 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 2 Kestrel, 73 BH Gull, 4 Common Gull and 1 Green Woodpecker.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4a+3y Mute Swan, 32 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 40 Pochard, 31 Tufted Duck, 19 Mallard, 13 Gadwall, 4 Goldeneye, 1 Shoveler, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 117 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 13 Common Gull, 11 BH Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 4 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 50+ Lapwing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 8 Redwing, 1 Willow Tit and 4 Bullfinch
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4a+3y Mute Swan, 32 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 40 Pochard, 31 Tufted Duck, 19 Mallard, 13 Gadwall, 4 Goldeneye, 1 Shoveler, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 117 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 13 Common Gull, 11 BH Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 4 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 50+ Lapwing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 8 Redwing, 1 Willow Tit and 4 Bullfinch
Monday, 30 November 2015
Fleets Dam 30/11/15.
3 Parakeets in willows then flew off towards Wickes mid afternoon. Steady at Bretton yesterday with 50 Siskin, 70 + Teal, 7 Goosanders included 6 males.
Sunday, 29 November 2015
Barnsley Bird Study Group Meeting
Thursday 3rd December 2015 at the Old Moor Visitor Centre, starting 7.15 pm.
Justin Carr will give an illustrated talk on 'A Digiscopers Journey'. Learn how to use a camera (or a smartphone) with your telescope (or binoculars) and get some stunning results, from the man who has won awards for his efforts!
All welcome, £2.50 entry fee includes interval drink.
Justin Carr will give an illustrated talk on 'A Digiscopers Journey'. Learn how to use a camera (or a smartphone) with your telescope (or binoculars) and get some stunning results, from the man who has won awards for his efforts!
All welcome, £2.50 entry fee includes interval drink.
Friday, 27 November 2015
The Edge 27th November
Wombwell Ings - Present were 3 Mute Swan, 217 Canada Geese, 17 Greylag, 47+ Wigeon, 13 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 8 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 15 Coot, 23 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 27 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, 72 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 10+ Redwing and 4 Pied Wagtail.
TPT - 3 Redpoll, 2 Siskin, 1 Jay.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4+3y Mute Swan, 53 Pochard, 37 Tufted Duck, 18 Mallard, 15 Gadwall, 10 Shoveler, 2 Goldeneye, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 103 Coot, 26 BH Gull and 26 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 5 Moorhen, 2 Green Sandpiper and 2 Green Woodpecker.
TPT - 3 Redpoll, 2 Siskin, 1 Jay.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4+3y Mute Swan, 53 Pochard, 37 Tufted Duck, 18 Mallard, 15 Gadwall, 10 Shoveler, 2 Goldeneye, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 103 Coot, 26 BH Gull and 26 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 5 Moorhen, 2 Green Sandpiper and 2 Green Woodpecker.
Thursday, 26 November 2015
Elsecar & Ingbirchworth
Elsecar Reservoir - 84 Mallards, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Cormorant (left NE), 10 Great Crested Grebes, 12 Moorhens, 23 Coots and c100 Black-headed Gulls.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 228 Greylag Geese (including 1 leucistic bird), 22 Mallards, 8 Tufted Ducks, 20 Canada Geese, 40+ Black-headed Gulls and 15+ Common Gulls.
Midhope Reservoir - 8 Mallards.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 228 Greylag Geese (including 1 leucistic bird), 22 Mallards, 8 Tufted Ducks, 20 Canada Geese, 40+ Black-headed Gulls and 15+ Common Gulls.
Midhope Reservoir - 8 Mallards.
The Edge 26th November
Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 195 Canada Geese, 17 Greylag, 114 Wigeon, 9 Mallard, 8 Tufted Duck, 4 Shoveler, 3 Teal, 3 Grey Heron, 6 Moorhen, 85 Lapwing, 46 Golden Plover, 4 Snipe, 3 Black Tailed Godwit, 110 BH Gull, 6 Skylark, 4 Pied Wagtail, 1 Meadow Pipit, 18 Fieldfare and 7 Redwing.
Bolton Ings - Highlight was a Bittern flying over the reedbeds on the eastern pool. On the open water were 4+3y Mute Swan, 1 Greylag, 57 Tufted Duck, 45 Pochard, 14 Gadwall, 5 Goldeneye, 2 Mallard, 1 Teal, 1 Shoveler, 1 Goosander, 4 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 112 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 21 BH Gull and 10 Common Gull. Also present were 4 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret ( roosting in the hawthorns on Warbler Way ), 2 Cormorant, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Reed Bunting and 1 Bullfinch.
Bolton Ings - Highlight was a Bittern flying over the reedbeds on the eastern pool. On the open water were 4+3y Mute Swan, 1 Greylag, 57 Tufted Duck, 45 Pochard, 14 Gadwall, 5 Goldeneye, 2 Mallard, 1 Teal, 1 Shoveler, 1 Goosander, 4 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 112 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 21 BH Gull and 10 Common Gull. Also present were 4 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret ( roosting in the hawthorns on Warbler Way ), 2 Cormorant, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Reed Bunting and 1 Bullfinch.
Wednesday, 25 November 2015
Ewden Valley Res's
More Hall Reservoir - 128 Mallards, 1 female Goosander, 4 Moorhens, c60 Black-headed Gulls and 1 adult Herring Gull.
Broomhead Reservoir - 3 (2 drakes) Mandarin Ducks, 6 Teal, 86 Mallards and 2 Tufted Ducks.
Broomhead Reservoir - 3 (2 drakes) Mandarin Ducks, 6 Teal, 86 Mallards and 2 Tufted Ducks.
Carlton Marsh
Today's best bits were; 4 Shoveler, 30 Gadwall, 15 Teal, Kingfisher, Water Rail, Treecreeper, 2 Goldcrest, Buzzard, 4 Skylark, 3 Siskin, 2 Redpoll and at dusk 2 male Tawny Owls and a female calling.
A Fox was carrying a rabbit in its mouth. (Dave Smith)
Rabbit Ings
4 Woodcocks were reported this morning. (Per Mick Birkinshaw)
Tuesday, 24 November 2015
The Edge 24th November
Wombwell Ings - Present were 3 Mute Swan, 267 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 114 Wigeon, 13 Mallard, 9 Tufted Duck, 9 Shoveler, 7 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 2 male Goosander, 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 14 Coot, 7 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 54 Lapwing, 27 Golden Plover, 1 Snipe, 91 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush and 4 Pied Wagtail.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 5+3y Mute Swan, 23 Greylag, 18 Pochard, 17 Tufted Duck, 12 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 2m+2f Goldeneye, 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Little Grebe, 116 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 10 Common Gull and 7 BH Gull. Also present were 1 Buzzard, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Jay, 1 Kingfisher and 2 Redpoll.
Broomhill Flash - The new hide is expected to be completed by Christmas.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 5+3y Mute Swan, 23 Greylag, 18 Pochard, 17 Tufted Duck, 12 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 2m+2f Goldeneye, 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Little Grebe, 116 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 10 Common Gull and 7 BH Gull. Also present were 1 Buzzard, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Jay, 1 Kingfisher and 2 Redpoll.
Broomhill Flash - The new hide is expected to be completed by Christmas.
Monday, 23 November 2015
Carlton Marsh
9 Greylags came in this afternoon then headed east just after I had disturbed a Woodcock at 13.50hrs. Also present Kingfisher, Great Spot Woodpecker, 30 +15 + 9 Starlings north and 3 Willow Tits. (SE3709)
Penistone - Royd Moor
Castle Dam, Penistone - 119 Canada Geese, 4 Mallards, 6 Moorhens, 25 Coots and c80 Black-headed Gulls.
Scout Dike Reservoir - 4 Canada Geese, 24 Mallards, 1 Tufted Duck, 20 Cormorants (highest ever count here), 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 4 Lapwings, c30 Black-headed Gulls and 10 Blackbirds.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 4 Pink-footed Geese, 152 Greylag Geese, 74 Canada Geese, 38 Mallards, 5 Tufted Ducks, c60 Black-headed Gulls and 4 Common Gulls.
Royd Moor Reservoir - 8 Wigeon. 9 Mallards, 2 Tufted Ducks, 1 Cormorant, 2 Little Grebes, c100 Black-headed Gulls, 3 Common Gulls, 120+ Fieldfares and 1 Chiffchaff.
Scout Dike Reservoir - 4 Canada Geese, 24 Mallards, 1 Tufted Duck, 20 Cormorants (highest ever count here), 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 4 Lapwings, c30 Black-headed Gulls and 10 Blackbirds.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 4 Pink-footed Geese, 152 Greylag Geese, 74 Canada Geese, 38 Mallards, 5 Tufted Ducks, c60 Black-headed Gulls and 4 Common Gulls.
Royd Moor Reservoir - 8 Wigeon. 9 Mallards, 2 Tufted Ducks, 1 Cormorant, 2 Little Grebes, c100 Black-headed Gulls, 3 Common Gulls, 120+ Fieldfares and 1 Chiffchaff.
The Edge 23rd November
Wombwell Ings - c85% ice covered. Present were 2+2y Mute Swan, 46 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 67+ Wigeon, 13 Mallard, 7 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 2 Goosander, 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 7 Grey Partridge, 15 Coot. 4 Moorhen, 63 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Kestrel, 136 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 4 Redwing, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Song Thrush.
Bolton Ings - Ice free. On the open water were 5+3y Mute Swan, 138 Greylag, 24 Pochard, 19 Tufted Duck, 15 Shoveler, 9 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 4 Goosander, 2m+1f Goldeneye, 3 Teal, 2 Little Grebe, 130 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 15 BH Gull and 9 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 4 Bullfinch and 1 Green Woodpecker.
Bolton Ings - Ice free. On the open water were 5+3y Mute Swan, 138 Greylag, 24 Pochard, 19 Tufted Duck, 15 Shoveler, 9 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 4 Goosander, 2m+1f Goldeneye, 3 Teal, 2 Little Grebe, 130 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 15 BH Gull and 9 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 4 Bullfinch and 1 Green Woodpecker.
Sunday, 22 November 2015
Ewden shooting lodge and return 22/11/15.
Low cloud a problem here and the cold made birds scarce. No sign of any harriers or shrikes but Merlin, probable Peregrine, Raven 3, Buzzard 1, Kestrel 3. Surprises were a Great Tit at the lodge and a party of 4 calling Rooks over broomhead moor.
Lower Dearne Valley Weekender
Old Moor - Saturday 21st November
Paid a quick visit onto Old Moor yesterday morning and was rewarded with 4 adult Whooper Swans present on the Mere. They were on an island in front of the Mere hide but unfortunately spent all the time asleep only occasionally lifting their heads, a great sight though. Also on the Mere were 30 Cormorants and at least 3 Goldeneye. Onto the Main Marsh where the Spotted Redshank was still present along with a Redshank.
Adwick Washland - Sunday 22nd November
A visit to Adwick this morning produced a shock with the waters 95% iced over. All the wildfowl were on the pools to the left of the path to the viewpoint which was the only water ice free. I counted 55 Wigeon, 53 Teal, 14 Gadwall and 4 female Shoveler. There were 26 Common Gulls stood on the ice with the Black Headed Gulls and 15 Herring Gulls flew North with a Greater Black Backed Gull. A flock of 14 Lapwings flew over and settled in a field on the northern boundary.
Old Moor - Sunday 22nd November
Onto Old Moor this afternoon for the roost, most of the waters were ice free apart from the Main Marsh/Willow Pool which had c25% ice. A couple of Goldeneye were on the Mere and from the Wader Scrape hide 10 Dunlin were busily feeding on the one of the islands on the Mere and 1 Ruff was feeding on "Death Island" with a few Lapwings. A couple of Goosanders were on the Wader Scrape and from the Wath Ings hide a Redshank was present on the Willow Pool. No sign of the Spotted Redshank today, has the cold weather forced it out? The Cormorants started coming into roost but the first 9 flew down the valley to Denaby, the final count roosting were 35 birds. Only 2 Little Egrets were seen coming in, again probably weather related. Jeff came up with the goods after finding a Jack Snipe feeding out in the open on the new workings on the Main Marsh along with 8 Snipe. There were 2 Barn Owls out hunting and Jeff returned to the Wader Scrape to count the Goosanders as they came into roost, total of 13 with 7 drakes, he also counted 87 Shoveler.
Paid a quick visit onto Old Moor yesterday morning and was rewarded with 4 adult Whooper Swans present on the Mere. They were on an island in front of the Mere hide but unfortunately spent all the time asleep only occasionally lifting their heads, a great sight though. Also on the Mere were 30 Cormorants and at least 3 Goldeneye. Onto the Main Marsh where the Spotted Redshank was still present along with a Redshank.
Adwick Washland - Sunday 22nd November
A visit to Adwick this morning produced a shock with the waters 95% iced over. All the wildfowl were on the pools to the left of the path to the viewpoint which was the only water ice free. I counted 55 Wigeon, 53 Teal, 14 Gadwall and 4 female Shoveler. There were 26 Common Gulls stood on the ice with the Black Headed Gulls and 15 Herring Gulls flew North with a Greater Black Backed Gull. A flock of 14 Lapwings flew over and settled in a field on the northern boundary.
Old Moor - Sunday 22nd November
Onto Old Moor this afternoon for the roost, most of the waters were ice free apart from the Main Marsh/Willow Pool which had c25% ice. A couple of Goldeneye were on the Mere and from the Wader Scrape hide 10 Dunlin were busily feeding on the one of the islands on the Mere and 1 Ruff was feeding on "Death Island" with a few Lapwings. A couple of Goosanders were on the Wader Scrape and from the Wath Ings hide a Redshank was present on the Willow Pool. No sign of the Spotted Redshank today, has the cold weather forced it out? The Cormorants started coming into roost but the first 9 flew down the valley to Denaby, the final count roosting were 35 birds. Only 2 Little Egrets were seen coming in, again probably weather related. Jeff came up with the goods after finding a Jack Snipe feeding out in the open on the new workings on the Main Marsh along with 8 Snipe. There were 2 Barn Owls out hunting and Jeff returned to the Wader Scrape to count the Goosanders as they came into roost, total of 13 with 7 drakes, he also counted 87 Shoveler.
Reservoirs and The Flouch
Enjoyed a few hours ambling around the local resers this morning. Low expectations as usual but a few things of note.
At Ingbirchworth - 13 Tufted Duck, female Pochard, 10 Wigeon and 7 Teal. At an unseasonaly low Scout Dike - 18 Cormorants (very probably a site record for me, here), 215 Lapwings in fields to the E, single Golden Plover W, 8 Grey Partridge off Folly Lane and two Tree Sparrows were in a garden between here and Thurlstone - the first time I've seen them here. A steady procession of starlings were also heading west.
At the Flouch - 17 Herring Gulls and a single Great-Black-back Gull flew west.
Cheers
Russ
http://shapesthatsometimesfly.blogspot.co.uk/
At Ingbirchworth - 13 Tufted Duck, female Pochard, 10 Wigeon and 7 Teal. At an unseasonaly low Scout Dike - 18 Cormorants (very probably a site record for me, here), 215 Lapwings in fields to the E, single Golden Plover W, 8 Grey Partridge off Folly Lane and two Tree Sparrows were in a garden between here and Thurlstone - the first time I've seen them here. A steady procession of starlings were also heading west.
At the Flouch - 17 Herring Gulls and a single Great-Black-back Gull flew west.
Cheers
Russ
http://shapesthatsometimesfly.blogspot.co.uk/
Windleden - Midhope
Upper Windleden Reservoir - 1 Kestrel.
Winscar Reservoir - 1 drake Goldeneye, 1 Kestrel and 1 Woodcock.
Broadstone Reservoir - 20 Wigeon.2 Mallards, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Kestrel, c15 Black-headed Gulls, 4 Common Gulls and 8 Herring Guls.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 44 Canada Geese (Annat Royd Lane), 9 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 40 Mallard, 1 female Pochard, 9 Tufted Ducks, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Kestrel, 2 Moorhens, 3 Coots, c80 Black-headed Gulls, 22 Common Gulls and 10 Herring Gulls.
Midhope Reservoir - 4 Teal, 24 Mallards and 1 Little Grebe.
Winscar Reservoir - 1 drake Goldeneye, 1 Kestrel and 1 Woodcock.
Broadstone Reservoir - 20 Wigeon.2 Mallards, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Kestrel, c15 Black-headed Gulls, 4 Common Gulls and 8 Herring Guls.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 44 Canada Geese (Annat Royd Lane), 9 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 40 Mallard, 1 female Pochard, 9 Tufted Ducks, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Kestrel, 2 Moorhens, 3 Coots, c80 Black-headed Gulls, 22 Common Gulls and 10 Herring Gulls.
Midhope Reservoir - 4 Teal, 24 Mallards and 1 Little Grebe.
Saturday, 21 November 2015
Wilthorpe Marsh 21/11/15.
Very steady with no notable change after the overnight weather apart from 3 Golden Plovers which thought about landing but went w. Also - 4 Jack Snipe, Lapwing 9 down, Redpoll 3 down + 1 over, Siskin 2, Bullfinch 10, Buzzard 1, 1 GS Pecker and 1 G Pecker.
Carlton Marsh
Much colder today with a maximum of only 4c and a covering of snow. The highlight today was a Woodcock that flew past the wader scrape observation point at 10.45hrs. Greenfinch and Blackbird were feeding on Rose Hips, Bullfinch on Guelder Rose
Friday, 20 November 2015
Wintersett 20.11.15
A shock to the system 4 - 6°C, with occasional glimpses of sun and a strong but very cold wind.
Wintersett Res: 3 male Cetti's were heard this morning (NE corner + N bank + W bank) Goosander 5 + 3 ACP, Water Rail 2 + 2 ACP.
Anglers CP: Starling 85 west and Siskin 6.
Wintersett Res: 3 male Cetti's were heard this morning (NE corner + N bank + W bank) Goosander 5 + 3 ACP, Water Rail 2 + 2 ACP.
Anglers CP: Starling 85 west and Siskin 6.
The Edge 20th November
Wombwell Ings - Present were 3+2y Mute Swan, 127 Greylag, 75+ Wigeon, 17 Mallard, 14 Teal, 12 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 7 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 4 Cormorant, 17 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 51 Lapwing, 21 Golden Plover, 98 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 Kestrel, 10+ Redwing, 1 Grey Wagtail and 2 Reed Bunting.
Bolton Ings - A Greater Spotted Woodpecker was noted on the TPT. On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 28 Pochard, 13 Tufted Duck, 4 Mallard, 4 Goosander, 2 Teal, 1 female Goldeneye, 117 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 9 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 2 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush, 12+ Long Tailed Tit, 3 Bullfinch and 1 Reed Bunting.
Bolton Ings - A Greater Spotted Woodpecker was noted on the TPT. On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 28 Pochard, 13 Tufted Duck, 4 Mallard, 4 Goosander, 2 Teal, 1 female Goldeneye, 117 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 9 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 2 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush, 12+ Long Tailed Tit, 3 Bullfinch and 1 Reed Bunting.
Elsecar - Gunthwaite
Elsecar Reservoir - 60+ Mallards. 7 Great Crested Grebes, 7 Moorhens, 13 Coots and 30+ Black-headed Gulls.
Gunthwaite Dam - 4 Mallards, 4 Tufted Ducks, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Grebes, 2+ Moorhens and 7 Coots.
Gunthwaite Dam - 4 Mallards, 4 Tufted Ducks, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Grebes, 2+ Moorhens and 7 Coots.
Thursday, 19 November 2015
Wintersett 19.11.15
7 - 10°C with 6/8 cloud and a strong westerly.
Anglers CP: 40 Tree Sparrows visited the feeding station this morning.
Wintersett Res: Goosander 3 + 3 ACP, Little Grebe 11 + 7 ACP, Kingfisher 2, Chiffchaff 1 and Redpoll 24 in one flock.
Anglers CP: 40 Tree Sparrows visited the feeding station this morning.
Wintersett Res: Goosander 3 + 3 ACP, Little Grebe 11 + 7 ACP, Kingfisher 2, Chiffchaff 1 and Redpoll 24 in one flock.
Wednesday, 18 November 2015
Wintersett 18.11.15
10 - 13°C with some sunshine and a moderate south westerly.
Wintersett Res: Goosander 9, Kingfisher 1 and Willow Tit 1. Nuthatch 1 in Pits Wood.
Wintersett Res: Goosander 9, Kingfisher 1 and Willow Tit 1. Nuthatch 1 in Pits Wood.
Tuesday, 17 November 2015
Carlton Marsh
c130 Pink Feet Geese east at 08.26hrs & another c100 west over Cudworth at 15.35hrs.
(Keith Bannister)
(Keith Bannister)
The Edge 17th November
Wombwell Ings - Present were 4+2y Mute Swan, 74 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, c100 Pink Footed Geese through flying east at 9.13am, 1 Shelduck, 80+ Wigeon, 12 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 9 Pochard, 7 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 4 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 16 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 2 Grey Partridge, 78 Lapwing, 24 Golden Plover, 84 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker and 1 Fox.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4+3y Mute Swan, 10 Canada Geese, 44 Gadwall, 36 Pochard, 20 Mallard, 14 Tufted Duck, 2 Shoveler, 1 Teal, 1 male Goldeneye, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 117 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 19 Common Gull, 17 BH Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 2 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Jay, 20+ Fieldfare, 10+ Redwing, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Willow Tit ( feeding area across from Old Moor Pub), 1 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Bullfinch and 1 Fox.
TPT- Noted were 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Goldcrest and 6 Siskin.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4+3y Mute Swan, 10 Canada Geese, 44 Gadwall, 36 Pochard, 20 Mallard, 14 Tufted Duck, 2 Shoveler, 1 Teal, 1 male Goldeneye, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 117 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 19 Common Gull, 17 BH Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 2 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Jay, 20+ Fieldfare, 10+ Redwing, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Willow Tit ( feeding area across from Old Moor Pub), 1 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Bullfinch and 1 Fox.
TPT- Noted were 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Goldcrest and 6 Siskin.
Wintersett 17.11.15
9 -14°C with 8/8 cloud and a strengthening south westerly wind.
Wintersett Res: 6000 corvids flew from Haw ParkWood roost and a Bittern flew across reeds in the south east corner at 07.13hrs- per Steve Denny. Cetti's Warbler 1♂ on the west bank, Goosander 4 and Water Rail 1 southeast corner 1 west bank.
Anglers CP: Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult, Shoveler 7 and Chiffchaff 1.
Wintersett Res: 6000 corvids flew from Haw ParkWood roost and a Bittern flew across reeds in the south east corner at 07.13hrs- per Steve Denny. Cetti's Warbler 1♂ on the west bank, Goosander 4 and Water Rail 1 southeast corner 1 west bank.
Anglers CP: Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult, Shoveler 7 and Chiffchaff 1.
Underbank
Surprisingly the water levels at Underbank Reservoir are still extremely low and have probably not risen more than a couple of inches over the past two weeks, despite the heavy rains. Northing of not as usual.
56 Mallards, 2 Cormorants, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1Moorhen, 1 Coot, 110+ Black-headed Gulls and 1 Jay.
56 Mallards, 2 Cormorants, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1Moorhen, 1 Coot, 110+ Black-headed Gulls and 1 Jay.
Monday, 16 November 2015
Carlton Marsh
New in today a male Wigeon. Also present Kingfisher, Cormorant, Willow Tit (SE3709) 2 Goldcrest and Buzzard. The latter caught a Wood Pigeon on the edge of the wader scrape and carried it off to a nearby hawthorn, where it was harassed by several Crows and Magpies.
2 Snipe left at dusk and a Barn Owl was hunting the Western Meadow. (Dave Standish)
South Kirkby Industrial estate (tip)
On the lake were Little Egret with a number of Common and Black Headed Gulls and also of note were 2 Buzzard and 10 Grey Partridge.
The embankments on the access road to the new units were planted with wild flowers earlier in the summer and include the very striking blue Cornflower. The importance of planting wild flowers like this cannot be overstated, and as there has been no frost, butterflies continue to be attracted to them. Today Red Admiral and Large White were seen.
Chris Parkin
2 Snipe left at dusk and a Barn Owl was hunting the Western Meadow. (Dave Standish)
South Kirkby Industrial estate (tip)
On the lake were Little Egret with a number of Common and Black Headed Gulls and also of note were 2 Buzzard and 10 Grey Partridge.
The embankments on the access road to the new units were planted with wild flowers earlier in the summer and include the very striking blue Cornflower. The importance of planting wild flowers like this cannot be overstated, and as there has been no frost, butterflies continue to be attracted to them. Today Red Admiral and Large White were seen.
Chris Parkin
The Edge 16th November
Wombwell Ings - Present were 4+2y Mute Sawn, 144 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 82+ Wigeon, 13 Mallard, 11 Tufted Duck, 11 Pochard, 6 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 4 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 5 Little Egret, 16 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 73 Lapwing, 149 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 6 Pied Wagtail and 2 Reed Bunting.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 22 Pochard, 13 Mallard, 12 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 117 Coot, 18 BH Gull and 4 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Kingfisher, 40+ Rook, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Blackcap and 2 Bullfinch.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 22 Pochard, 13 Mallard, 12 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 117 Coot, 18 BH Gull and 4 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Kingfisher, 40+ Rook, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Blackcap and 2 Bullfinch.
Sunday, 15 November 2015
Wilthorpe Marsh / Woolley 15/11/15.
Wilthorpe - 6 Jack Snipe, 12 Common Snipe + 5 Water Rails. 1 fem Goosander on river. Woolley - Woodpeckers scarce with just 1 GS. Fields near haw top had 80+ Lapwing, 100+ Fieldfare, 250 Woodpigeon, 5 Grey Partridge. P Middleton had a Brambling in is Huddersfield road garden on Friday morning.
Old Moor Sofa
First update of the number of species seen in the Old Moor area for some time, since July 8th to be exact.
At the end of June the total was 149.
A further 6 species were added in July as follows:- Black Necked Grebe on 4th (150), American Wigeon on 4th (151), Greenshank 0n 7th (152), Redstart on 12th (153), Wood Sandpiper on 13th (154) and Night Heron on 24th (155).
Therefore at the end of July the total was 155.
A further 3 species were added in August as follows:- Great White Egret on 10th (156), Spotted Redshank on 24th (157) and Spotted Flycatcher on 28th (158).
Therefore at the end of August the total was 158.
A further 2 species were added in September as follows:- Cettis Warbler on 11th (159) and Pectoral Sandpiper on 29th (160).
Therefore at the end of September the total was 160.
A further 4 species were added in October as follows:- Spoonbill on 11th (161), Short Eared Owl on 14th (162), Yellow Browed Warbler also on 14th (163) and Twite on 18th (164).
Therefore at the end of October and to date the total is 164.
For comparison some other inland sites totals are as follows- Upton Warren, Worcestershire (141), Lound, Nottinghamshire (166), Potteric Carr, South Yorkshire (157), Hatfield Moors, South Yorkshire (169), Swillington Ings, West Yorkshire (175).
At the end of June the total was 149.
A further 6 species were added in July as follows:- Black Necked Grebe on 4th (150), American Wigeon on 4th (151), Greenshank 0n 7th (152), Redstart on 12th (153), Wood Sandpiper on 13th (154) and Night Heron on 24th (155).
Therefore at the end of July the total was 155.
A further 3 species were added in August as follows:- Great White Egret on 10th (156), Spotted Redshank on 24th (157) and Spotted Flycatcher on 28th (158).
Therefore at the end of August the total was 158.
A further 2 species were added in September as follows:- Cettis Warbler on 11th (159) and Pectoral Sandpiper on 29th (160).
Therefore at the end of September the total was 160.
A further 4 species were added in October as follows:- Spoonbill on 11th (161), Short Eared Owl on 14th (162), Yellow Browed Warbler also on 14th (163) and Twite on 18th (164).
Therefore at the end of October and to date the total is 164.
For comparison some other inland sites totals are as follows- Upton Warren, Worcestershire (141), Lound, Nottinghamshire (166), Potteric Carr, South Yorkshire (157), Hatfield Moors, South Yorkshire (169), Swillington Ings, West Yorkshire (175).
Lower Dearne Valley - 15th November 2015
I spent today at various sites in the Lower Dearne Valley, the weather again was very unseasonal with a high today of 17c, quite blustery and cloudy but the rain kept off. I started this morning at Adwick Washlands, onto Bolton Ings this afternoon and finished at Old Moor for the roost.
Adwick Washlands
Obviously a lot more water than last week after the recent rainfall but no increase in the birds. Highlights being:- Little Egret 1, Wigeon 47, Teal 66, Gadwall 16, Shoveler 3, Tufted Duck 4, Snipe 2 and Common Gull 26.
Bolton Ings
Had a walk along the Trans Pennine Trail onto the Cormorant Hide this afternoon from the Old Moor car park. Many of the wildfowl were sheltering on the near edge and therefore difficult to count. A Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk had a duel over the tip when the Sparrowhawk suddenly had a stoop at a Collared Dove but luckily for the Dove it escaped. Highlights:- Grey Heron 3, Cormorant 2, Mute Swan 5, Great Crested Grebe 4, Little Grebe 3, Mallard 4, Gadwall 4, Teal 2, Tufted Duck 31, Pochard 17, Coot 138, Moorhen 3, Snipe 1, Lapwing 1, Black Headed Gull 65, Common Gull 11, Kestrel 1, Sparrowhawk 1, Green Woodpecker 2, Grey Wagtail 1.
Old Moor
Onto Old Moor for the roost, had a quick visit to the Wader Scrape to count the Cormorants already into roost and saw my first Goldeneye of the winter?? on the Mere. Onto the Main Marsh, again the water level had risen since last week but still a scattering of waders, no Golden Plover or Snipe though. Highlights:- Cormorant 24 & Little Egret 7 roosting, Goldeneye 1, Spotted Redshank 1, Redshank 1, Ruff 2, Green Sandpiper 2, Barn Owl 1 hunting.
Adwick Washlands
Obviously a lot more water than last week after the recent rainfall but no increase in the birds. Highlights being:- Little Egret 1, Wigeon 47, Teal 66, Gadwall 16, Shoveler 3, Tufted Duck 4, Snipe 2 and Common Gull 26.
Bolton Ings
Had a walk along the Trans Pennine Trail onto the Cormorant Hide this afternoon from the Old Moor car park. Many of the wildfowl were sheltering on the near edge and therefore difficult to count. A Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk had a duel over the tip when the Sparrowhawk suddenly had a stoop at a Collared Dove but luckily for the Dove it escaped. Highlights:- Grey Heron 3, Cormorant 2, Mute Swan 5, Great Crested Grebe 4, Little Grebe 3, Mallard 4, Gadwall 4, Teal 2, Tufted Duck 31, Pochard 17, Coot 138, Moorhen 3, Snipe 1, Lapwing 1, Black Headed Gull 65, Common Gull 11, Kestrel 1, Sparrowhawk 1, Green Woodpecker 2, Grey Wagtail 1.
Old Moor
Onto Old Moor for the roost, had a quick visit to the Wader Scrape to count the Cormorants already into roost and saw my first Goldeneye of the winter?? on the Mere. Onto the Main Marsh, again the water level had risen since last week but still a scattering of waders, no Golden Plover or Snipe though. Highlights:- Cormorant 24 & Little Egret 7 roosting, Goldeneye 1, Spotted Redshank 1, Redshank 1, Ruff 2, Green Sandpiper 2, Barn Owl 1 hunting.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)