Tuesday, 31 March 2015

Wintersett 31.03.15

6°C and dry all morning after the howling gale throughout last night.  Variously cloudy and sunny but with a continual very strong and gusty north westerly wind.
Anglers CP: Sand Martin 1 north,  Common Scoter 1 female,   Goosander 1,  Wigeon 22,  Teal 8, 
Wintersett Res: Pochard 1 female and the 1ST  SWALLOW of spring   was blown in over the westbank.

Woolley Dyke a.m. 31/3/15.

Fem. Lesser Spotted Pecker showed well at 8am from A61 + fem. GS Pecker, Nuthatch, T creeper 4. Mill Lane - GS Pecker 1, Nuthatch 2, Chiffchaff 1. Carlton Marsh - I did a late afternoon visit walking from the car park to bleachcroft farm and back. It looks great and i'm sure i'll be back for the waders +, cheers.

The Edge 31st March

Wombwell Ings mid AM-Present were 2 Mute Swan, 74 Canada Geese, 21 Greylag, 5 Shelduck, 1 Egyptian Goose, 62 Wigeon, 13 Tufted Duck, 12 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 1f Goosander, 1 Grey Heron, 10 Coot, 7 Moorhen, 14 Lapwing, 14 BH Gull , 3 Skylark and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Broom hill Flash late AM-Noted were 8 Canada Geese, 1 Shelduck, 22 Wigeon, 19 Tufted, 13 Pochard, 5 Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 9 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 14 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 6 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 250+ BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 2 Fieldfare and 3 Hare.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM-Surprisingly remained dry both going and coming back. On the open water were1 Mute Swan, 8 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 19 Tufted Duck, 6 Pochard, 5 Mallard, 3 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 2f Goldeneye, 1m Goosander, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 33 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 278 BH Gull, 3 LBB Gull, 1 Common Gull and1 Herring Gull. Also present were 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Green Woodpecker and 4 Chiffchaff.

Monday, 30 March 2015

Carlton Marsh

Our first Sand Martin today headed north. (D M Smith G. Miller)
Present were Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 2 Little Owl, Kingfisher, Green & Great Spotted Woodpecker and Lesser Blacked Gull 1 immature north.

Butterflies 2 Peacock, Comma & Small Tortoiseshell. (Chris Parkin)

Wintersett 30.03.15

6°C and dry until late afternoon, with a gusty south westerly.   Quiet again.
Anglers CP: Sand Martin 6 + 1 NW + 4 WRes. and Goosander 1.
Wintersett Res:  Common Scoter 2 f,  Pochard 1f,  Golden Plover 50 over.   

The Edge 30th March

 Wombwell Ings mid AM-Present were  5 Mute Swan, 58 Canada Geese, 13 Greylag, 1 Egyptian Goose, 68+ Wigeon, 11 Tufted Duck, 9 Teal, 8 Gadwall, 7 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 1 Grey Heron, 11 Coot, 8 Moorhen, 16 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 9 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 6 Skylark and 3 Pied Wagtail.
Broom Hill Flash late AM- Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 11 Canada Geese, 16 Tufted Duck, 14 Pochard, 11 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 6 Wigeon, 3 Teal, 1 Red Legged Partridge, 8 Little Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 21 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 13 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 250+ BH Gull and 3 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM-On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 7 Greylag, 18 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 5 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 2 Teal, 1 Shoveler, 1 Goldeneye, 7 Little Grebe, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 35 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 378 BH Gull, 3 LBB Gull and 3 Common Gull. Also present were7 Canada Geese, 3 Cormorant, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker and 6 Chiffchaff.

Sunday, 29 March 2015

Wintersett 29.03.15

6°C with 8/8 cloud, dry until mid morning then drizzle followed by showers later.
Anglers CP: Common Scoter 1f + 1f  WRes.,   Redshank 1,   Sand Martin 22,   Snipe 20,  Curlew 4,  Goosander 2,  Wigeon 47,   Goldeneye 73 + 11 CHRes.,   Tufted Duck 27 + 96 CHRes.,  Teal 2,  Green Woodpecker 1 and Pied Wagtail 15.  
There was a stand off  between the Adult Yellow-legged Gull/Lesser Black-backed Gull  pair and the nesting pair of Canada Geese this morning.   The Geese backed off.   This afternoon Psycho stole the 1st Canada Goose egg from the nest.  Here they are just before they shared the loot. 

Lesser and Psycho          ACP       SDenny

Upper Midhope G G Shrike

Finally got to grips with the Shrike today at 4.15pm after a number of failed visits. Was just passing by and not a soul in site. Here's a few grainy shots, not good light, well that's my excuse anyway!



















Wilthorpe Marsh, winter v's spring 29/3/15.

Definitely felt like winter but 2 Barn Swallows feeding over the oxbow lake. + 5 Lapwings, 1 displaying and still holding on as a breeding bird here mostly at the e end. 1 pair of Goosanders on the river thought to be last years breeding pair. Jack Snipe 3, Common Snipe 7, Oystercatcher 2, Water Rail 1, C Buzzard 1.

Saturday, 28 March 2015

Carlton Marsh

A Barn Owl was hunting at dusk last night. (Rod Heeley)
Today Little Owl, Woodcock, 2 Kingfisher, 2 Willow Tit (SE3710) Cormorant.

Butterflies; warm conditions provided Peacock 7, S. Tort 8, Comma 2 & 1 day flying Orange Underwing moth. (Chris Parkin)

Wintersett 28.03.15

8°C with 8/8 cloud, some light rain showers and a strong,  gusty  south westerly.
Anglers CP:  Common Scoter 1 female,  Snipe 3.  The usual  adult Lesser Black-backed Gull seized  a piece of fish as a Cormorant was regurgitating it.  Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull flew over and took it from her and ate half of it.  The piece left can't have been appetising because,  after a short tug of war,  Psycho gave up,  and the Lesser Black-backed Gull pecked at it half heartedly before leaving it. 
 
 Tug-of War                             ACP                             ASmith

Friday, 27 March 2015

Wintersett 27.03.15

8°C and very pleasant in the sunny intervals,  with a light north westerly.
Anglers CP:   Common Scoter 1 female,  Sand Martin 1,  Goosander 1 redhead,   Shoveler 1m,  Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult,  Lesser Black-backed Gull  1 adult,  Redwing 2 and  Fieldfare 5.
Moorhouse Lane Pond: Teal 4,  Great Crested Grebe 2 and Little Grebe 4.

The Edge 27th March

Wombwell Ings mid AM-Present were 3 Mute Swan, 74 Canada Geese, 21 Greylag, 1 Egyptian Goose, 2 Shelduck, 105+ Wigeon, 14 Teal, 9 Tufted Duck, 5 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 2f Goosander, 1 Shoveler, 1 Pochard, 2 Grey Heron, 12 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 7 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 14 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 4 Skylark, 3 Reed Bunting and 1 Chiffchaff.
Broomhill Flash late AM-Not so fresh in was Seev whose got a cold due to his recent migration from the Far East. Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 9 Canada Geese, 32+ Wigeon, 15 Tufted Duck, 11 Pochard, 5 Mallard, 4 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 2 Goldeneye, 8 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 32 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 15 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 250+ BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull (not looking good for BH Gull chicks if they nest!!!), 1 Common Gull, 1 Buzzard and 1 Kestrel.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM-On the open water were 23 Mute Swan, 8 Greylag, 7 Canada Geese, 13 Tufted Duck, 9 Pochard, 7 Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 4 Goldeneye, 2 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 4 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 41 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 243+ BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were the light-coloured Buzzard hunting between the pools, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker and 5 Chiffchaff.

Edderthorpe AM

Shelduck 17,all sat on far bank together. Redshank 12, Little Egret 2, Goosander 1 (female) ,Wigeon 60+ , Common Buzzard 1, Jay (5 in South copse) Chiffchaff 2 singing.

Thursday, 26 March 2015

Wintersett 26.03.15

6°C with sunny intervals and a cool, strong and gusty north westerly.  Not a great deal to report today.
Anglers CP: Sand Martin 1,  Wigeon 155 and Teal 2.  The adult Yellow-legged Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull  were in until mid-morning then flew off towards Walton Hall.

Bretton / Midhope , 26/3/15.

Bretton - 2 Green Sandpipers, 6 singing Chiffchaffs, GS pecker 1, G pecker 1. Not much wildfowl with just 1 pair of Goosander and 30+ Teal. Midhope - GG shrike showing well at times this aft. Nowt else apart from a Raven w. over barnside moor.

Carlton Marsh

Here are a couple of recent aerial photos taken by a drone commissioned by Pete Wall of the Dearne Valley Green Heart Partnership. I think you will agree they are amazing.
The highlights today were Kingfisher, 8 Tufted Duck, 2 Redwing west and a male Peregrine.



The Edge 26th March

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Highlight was the two short views of a male Wheatear at the western end of the side pool. Also present were 4 Mute Swan, 58 Canada Geese, 17 Greylag, 1 Egyptian Goose, 2 Shelduck, 110+ Wigeon, 18 Tufted Duck, 14 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 3 Goosander, 3 Teal, 2 Grey Heron, 11 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 14 Golden Plover, 12 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 28 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Song Thrush.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 16 Canada Geese, 42+ Wigeon, 12 Pochard, 11 Tufted Duck, 4 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 3 Mallard, 3 Shoveler, 8 Little Grebe, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 2 Cormorant, 21 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 6 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 250+ BH Gull and 2 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- Wind had really increased in strength by the time I reached the Cormorant Hide. As a result many of the waterbirds were avoiding the wind/waves  and sheltering in the juncus grass on the islands or staying in the lee of the near bank. With birds only occasionally venturing out, it meant several recounts of most species. The final numbers  were 2 Mute Swan, 4 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 18 Tufted Duck, 7 Pochard, 3 Mallard, 3 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 1 Goldeneye, 1 Shoveler, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Oystercatcher, 299 BH Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 2 Common Gull, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Grey Wagtail and 3 Chiffchaff.

Wednesday, 25 March 2015

Carlton Marsh

The lads, along with BMBC Environment team, tidying the site up. Altogether 26 bags of rubbish included tyres, beer bottles, cans, carpet etc. Meanwhile Buzzard was overhead, Great Spot Woodpecker was 'drumming, Green Woodpecker was 'yaffling' and 4 Chiffchaffs were singing along with Coal Tit. Water Rail and Kingfisher were also present.


Photos by David Gill

Wintersett 25.03.15

3°C frosty start with 4/8 cloud and a very light southerly.
Anglers CP:  Redshank 2,  Meadow Pipit 17 and Snipe 24.  A WILLOW TIT  visited the car park feeding station.
Wintersett Res:  Water Rail 1.   The first Small Tortoiseshell of the year was seen in a sunny sheltered area.

Woolley Dyke. 25/3/15.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker seen and heard at 7-45 am, viewable from A61 + 1 GS Woodpecker. If anyone visits here don't park on the A61 as its very very busy.

The Edge 25th March

Wombwell Ings mid AM-Present were 8 Mute Swan, 65 Canada Geese, 24 Greylag, 1 Egyptian Goose, 2 Shelduck, 157 Wigeon, 19 Tufted Duck, 5 Mallard, 5 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 1m Goosander, 1 Grey Heron, 15 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 14 Golden Plover, 12 Lapwing, 4 Redshank, 27 BH Gull, 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker, 1 drumming Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 8/9 Skylark and 1 Song Thrush.
Broomhill Flash late AM-Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 28 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 49+ Wigeon, 17 Tufted Duck, 12 Pochard, 10 Gadwall, 6 Mallard, 2 Teal, 2f Goosander, 2 Goldeneye,1 Shoveler, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 8 Little Grebe, 24 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 11 Lapwing, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 321 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Kestrel.
Bolton Ings early PM- Highlight was seeing 5 Buzzard  drifting slowly north with two passes involving talon grappling. Later a 'light-coloured' Buzzard was hunting in the area between the pools. Also present were 1 Mute Swan, 7 Greylag, 4 Canada Geese, 26 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 7 Pochard, 6 Gadwall, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Wigeon, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 52 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 283 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull,1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Jay, 1 Grey Wagtail and 3 Chiffchaff.

Tuesday, 24 March 2015

Wintersett 24.03.15

7°C with 4/8 cloud and a light westerly.
Anglers CP: Common Scoter 1m + 1f,  Redshank 1,  Snipe 10,  Green Woodpecker 1,  Goosander 1,  Teal 3,  Redwing 5 and Water Rail 1.
Wintersett Res:  WILLOW  TIT 1 SW corner.  2 Buzzards and a Peregrine were circling together. high over the Res,  at 10.50hrs. 

The Edge 24th March

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 2 Mute Swan, 47 Canada Geese, 13 Greylag, 1 Egyptian Goose, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 10 Shelduck, 189+ Wigeon, 21 Tufted Duck, 13 Mallard, 9 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 11 Coot, 8 Moorhen, 14 Golden Plover, 11 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 8 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 3 Buzzard, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 5 Skylark and 4 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 1 Mute Swan, 58 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 78+ Wigeon, 15 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 7 Pochard, 7 Shoveler, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 30 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 2 Redshank, 250+ BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 2 Red Legged Partridge.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM-On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 25 Tufted Duck, 12 Pochard, 8 Goldeneye, 4 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 1 Shoveler, 1 Teal, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 47 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 2 Cormorant, 236+ BH Gull, 4 Common Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 3 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 6+ Chiffchaff and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Monday, 23 March 2015

Carlton Marsh

Two rare birds visited today, they were Pete Smith & Ange Smith, here to look at the recent habitat creation. It was good to see them both here. Before I arrived they had 8 Lesser Redpolls and a Redshank.  A little earlier 2 Redshanks came in for a short while. (Dave Standish/Phil Dunn)
 
Also present was Kingfisher, 11 Tufted Duck & Peregrine.
 
A very small fungi called Scarlet Elf Cup was identified in the car park area. (Ralph Hibbert)

Wintersett 23.03.15

7°C,  mainly sunny with a cool north westerly
Wintersett Res:  2 Common Scoter (1m+ 1f) were still present.
Anglers CP: Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult and Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 adult.  Shoveler 1m,  Redshank 1 and Snipe 5. 

The Edge 23rd March

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 2 Mute Swan, 65 Canada Geese, 8 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 4 Shelduck(flew to Broomhill at 8.30am), 120+ Wigeon, 18 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 7 Mallard, 6 Teal, 1 Grey Heron, 13 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 11 Lapwing, 10 Golden Plover, 3 Redshank, 17 BH Gull, 3 Skylark and 2 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash late AM-Noted were 1 Mute Swan, 38 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 4 Shelduck, 62 Wigeon, 29 Tufted Duck, 10 Gadwall, 7 Pochard, 5 Shoveler, 5 Teal, 5 Mallard, 10 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 16 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 250+ BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 1 Herring Gull and 1 Kestrel.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM-On the open water were 4 Mute Swan, 21 Tufted Duck, 11 Pochard, 8 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 1 Shoveler, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 45 Coot,1 Moorhen, 246+ BH Gull, 23 Common Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present were 5 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 3 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Redshank over, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Grey Wagtail and 3 Chiffchaff.

Dodworth Capitol Park 'wetland'

1 Jack Snipe flushed at mid-day.

G.G.SHRIKE (COMMON OR JACK SNIPE)


I have seen on Twitter some people asking for more photos of the Shrike with the Snipe for I/D of Commom or Jack,

Do these help as well as the ones I posted Saturday (dont know if people on Twitter look at this blof as well?) There was also a person taking photos with me with a much better camera than mine?

Sunday, 22 March 2015

Wintersett 22.03.15

6°C and mainly cloudy until late morning, then sunny and warm with a light south westerly.
Anglers CP Vis Mig.    2 adult Kittiwake left NW at 07.20hrs.,  Redwing 2,  Common Buzzard 16, Whooper Swan 37 N at 09.12hrs and 7  NW at 11.22hrs.   Wigeon 9 E,  Meadow Pipit 21 N,   Starling 220 NE,  Pied Wagtail 1 N  and Siskin 1over.  
Anglers CP: The usual adult Yellow-legged Gull and adult Lesser  Black-backed Gull  were in.  Shoveler 9 ( 7m + 2f),  Redshank 1,  Oystercatcher 4,  Fieldfare 10 in fields,  Goosander 2,  Lapwing 38,  Pochard 6 and Teal 6.
Wintersett Res: Common Scoter 2 (1m,1f) and  Water Rail 1.
Cold Hiendley Res: Grey Wagtail 1,  Kingfisher1  and WILLOW TIT 1 north bank.
Thanks to Lynz Harston for the photo of one of the few waders we see at Anglers CP.

             Redshank        ACP                 LHarston

Carlton Marsh

35 Whooper flew NW at 09.07hrs & 5 went the same way at 09.35hrs. (Mick Littlewood) Also present 9 Tufted Duck, Kingfisher, Water Rail, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Lesser Redpoll and 2 Oystercatcher flew NW at 13.25 and 1 more south at 13.40hrs.
 
Butterflies; 3 Comma & 1 Peacock. The first Cowslip and Red Campion are in flower. (Chris Parkin)

Saturday, 21 March 2015

Edderthorpe, Saturday morning

Whooper Swan 22 flew north-west at 09.15, Pink-footed Goose with the Grey-lags, Shelduck 12, Shoveler 14, Pintail 1 drake, Wigeon 78, Goosander 1, Little Egret 2, Curlew 2 Houghton Washland, Fieldfare 15, Redwing 12.

Wintersett 21.03.15

Officailly first day of Spring but it was perishing here.  5°C with 7/8 cloud and a  strong, biting northerly.
Anglers CP:  Oystercatcher 6.  The usual adult Yellow-legged Gull and adult  Lesser Black-backed Gull  were on an island.  Shoveler 2 m,  Cormorant 10, Goosander 1,   Meadow Pipit 17 and  Sand Martin 2.
Wintersett Res:  Common Scoter 1 m + 1 f,  Grey Partridge 2,  Water Rail 1 and   WILLOW TIT 1 boathouse reeds.

SNIPE FOR LUNCH!!

The Midhopw Great Grey Shrike killed a Snipe stashed it and tried to get 2 more but they escaped!!
It then eat it on the wall. Happened about 11.30am, lost sight of it at 12.45.

Also Female Hen Harrier,Curlew 1, Grey Lag Geece 12, Canada Geece 4, Snipe 3 (1 Deceaced!!)



Cudworth Common

5 Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank.

Sash Pond
Male and female Goosander and 5 Pochard

WHOOPERS ON INGBIRCHWORTH SATURDAY MORNING

3 Beautiful Whooper Swans on Inbirchworth 9am this Morning! Still there at 9.35

Also 2 Goldeneye (male and female) 2 Great Crested Grebe,1 Little Grebe,44 Canada Geese,10 Tufted Ducks,9 Coot, 44 Mallard, 4 Moorhens and 1 Pied Wagtail.


Friday, 20 March 2015

Storrs Mill Wood area

6 Buzzard, 3 Grey Wagtail, 3 Comma, 4 Small Tortoiseshell, Grass Snake and Wood Anemone is in flower. (Chris Parkin)

Carlton Marsh
The 2014 Annual Report is now in the bird hide for our regulars.

Friday 20/3/15.

Scout Dyke res. 1 White fronted goose with Canada's in field n side of res. Ewden shooting cabin - Cut short after an hour by low cloud and mist. Red Kite 1 over upper commons drifted w., Pair of Golden plovers displaying over broomhead moor, Bullfinch 2, 2 bright white Mountain hares. Kexboro - Curlews on territory are 2 pairs at upperfield lane and a pair at cawthorne lane. On Wednesday just s of dukes road 9 Ravens together over emlin ridge.

Wintersett 20.03.15

6°C,  with broken cloud for the solar eclipse,  sunny from late morning with a light north westerly.
Wintersett Res: A flock of 14 Common Scoter (7 pairs), flew in at 08.05hrs and also 1 drake ACP.   Teal 2°.
Haw Park Wood: Orange Underwing 1
Cold Hiendley Res:  An American Mink was on the north bank.
Anglers CP:  The adult Yellow-legged Gull + adult Lesser Black-backed Gull were on the raft this morning. Great Black-backed Gull 1,  Dunlin 1, SAND MARTIN 4 N,  Fieldfare 6 W, Goosander 3, Teal 11,   Shoveler 2 drake,  Pochard 17,  Buzzard 4 over,  Snipe 10 and Green Woodpecker 1.
Solar Eclipse ACP:  Thanks to two photographers (Jason Ridge and Mark Crowther) who allowed us to look through their cameras to view the partial solar eclipse.  It was touch and go first thing, but fortunately when it was time for the main event there was a break in the clouds and great views were had by all.  It did stay quite light but the birds were significantly quieter.

Atmospheric Solar Eclipse at Anglers CP  © @JasonRidgePhoto

The Edge 20th March

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Surprised how light it was during the eclipse. No 'Silence of the Birds' on the Ings. Present were 3 Mute Swan, 38 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 236 Wigeon, 24 Teal, 21 Tufted Duck, 14 Shoveler, 11 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 1 Grey Heron, 12 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 14 Golden Plover, 14 Lapwing, 4 Redshank, 39 BH Gull, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Skylark, 4 Reed Bunting and 1 Chiffchaff.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 3 Mute Swan, 33 Canada Geese, 9 Greylag, 74 Wigeon, 13 Mallard, 13 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 6 Pochard, 2 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 2 Cormorant, 6 Little Grebe, 15 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 2 Kestrel, 16 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher, 250+ BH Gull, 1 Common Gull and a flock of 50+ Jackdaw. M.Rushton had a Goldcrest on the top lane.
TPT- Singing males- 2 Song Thrush, 1 Chiffchaff and 2 yaffling Green Woodpecker.
Bolton Ings early PM-On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 7 Canada Geese, 11 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 18 Tufted Duck, 14 Goldeneye, 14 Pochard, 9 Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe,1 Cormorant, 39 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 195 BH Gull, 7 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 3 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk and 2 Grey Wagtail.

Edderthorpe Friday PM.

Buzzard 4+ Peregrine over tip. Pintail(Drake), Shelduck 12, Oystercatcher 2 , Redshank 3, Little Egret 3. Fox with gammy back leg on flash before crows forced it to retreat into South copse.

Thursday, 19 March 2015

Carlton Marsh

More work was done by the lads today to open a better view over the new scrape in the southern meadow.
Present were 2 Kingfisher, Buzzard, Water Rail 3, Grey Wagtail, Meadow Pipit and 2 Peregrine (nearby). A dog Mink was also seen.

Common  Cudworth
16 Wigeon, 20 Lapwing, 2 Mute Swan, 7 Canada Geese, 20 Skylark singing, Redshank & 5 Meadow Pipit. (Les Corrall & Ralph Hibbert)

Rabbit Ings
This Asio owl was found today by Mick Birkinshaw. The skull was missing - Short Eared? Your opinion please.


Wintersett 19.03.15

5°C cool but sunny with a very light north westerly.
Anglers CP:  The adult Yellow-legged Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull were resting on an island, Meadow Pipit 8,  Linnet 1,  Water Rail 1, Pochard 8 and Shoveler 1 drake.
Wintersett Res:  Goosander 2 + 1 ACP and Grey Wagtail 1♂.

The Edge 19th March

Wombwell Ings mid AM-Well done to the person who thought to place the wood chippings over the the previously muddy entrance  surround of the hide. Present were 2 Mute Swan, 52 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 196+ Wigeon, 15 Tufted Duck, 10 Mallard, 7 Teal, 7 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 1 Grey Heron, 12 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 16 Golden Plover, 5 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 3 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 84 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 7 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin and 3 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash late AM-Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 58 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, c50 Wigeon, 19 Tufted Duck, 11 Mallard, 10 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 5 Pochard, 2 Teal, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 4+ Little Grebe, 17 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 250+ BH Gull, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Kingfisher.
TPT- Singing males- 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Song Thrush. Also 1 drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM-On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 8 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 29 Tufted Duck, 11 Pochard, 6 Mallard, 6 Goldeneye, 2 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 1 Shoveler, 2 Cormorant, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Grebe, 39 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 265 BH Gull and 4 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Snipe 2 Green Woodpecker and 2 Grey Wagtail.

Silkstone Sewage Works





White Wagtail yesterday







Wednesday, 18 March 2015

Wintersett 18.03.15

3°C cold and frosty start,  sunny spells with a light northerly.
Anglers CP:  The first 2 Sand Martin of the year were seen by 2 visitors from Rochdale.   The Rock Pipit was seen early this morning.  Snipe 21,   Curlew 1 over,   Linnet 1 over,  Pochard 13,  Goosander 3,  Grey Partridge 2,  Green Woodpecker 1 + 1 Stubbs Wood.
Stubbs Wood:  Tawny Owl 1.
Thanks to Lynz Harston who  photographed this dapper male Reed Bunting this morning.

     Reed Bunting      ACP          LH

Wombwell Ings tree cutting

I have been asked to put the following message on the blog regarding the tree felling taking place on Wombwell Ings-; The Environment Agency has started work today on the flood bank at Wombwell Ings. These works are a result of an inspection by a Panel Engineer, who has recommended the removal of the hedge on the flood bank. This should also reduce the impact of poaching by horses, and will also allow the EA to maintain the flood bank in a more appropriate manner. Permissions have been obtained from Natural England, and the RSPB has fed back, although it is a mature hedge, there is little species conservation value and no significant breeding nesting birds in the hedgerow. Please note that due to a change in the Law, recommendations set out by Panel Engineers are now a legal requirement. The Environment Agency have agreed to plant a compensation hedgerow. Thank You.

The Edge 18th March

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Despite the  noise from the Environment Agency(What a misnomer!!!!)  cutting the hawthorn bushes between the hide and the gipsy camp, still present were 2 Mute Swan, 51 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 1 Egyptian Goose, 270+ Wigeon, 12 Tufted Duck, 11 Mallard, 9 Gadwall, 9 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 1m Goosander, 2 Grey Heron, 11 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 21 Golden Plover, 13 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 74 BH Gull and 4 Common Gull. An early Spring migrant was Barry Stanley, a regular summer visitor from Oldham. In Broomhill Park were 1 singing Song Thrush, 2 Chiffchaff and 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker.
Broomhill Flash late AM-No unusual gulls to confuse me today  but noted were 2 Mute Swan, 82 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 1 Egyptian Goose(moving over the from the Wombwell side to the Broomhill side of the back grass field), 51+ Wigeon, 19 Tufted Duck, 13 Gadwall, 11 Shoveler, 8 Pochard, 7 Mallard, 4 Teal, 3 Red Legged Partridge, 13 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 2 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 16 Lapwing, 3 Oystercatcher, 3 Redshank, 200+ BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 1 Little Owl and 1 Sand Martin.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM-Work on the Mere resulted in an influx of waterfowl. On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 16 Greylag + 1 Pink Footed Goose in tow(feral?), 21 Tufted Duck, 15 Goldeneye, 10 Goosander, 10 Mallard, 8 Pochard, 2 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 6  Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 31 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 357+ BH Gull, 15 Common Gull and 6 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 3 Kestrel, 3 Buzzard, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Song Thrush, 4 Grey Wagtail and 2 Chiffchaff.

Tuesday, 17 March 2015

Wintersett 17.03.15

A flat calm, mostly cloudy day with some sunny spells and a few spots of rain.
Wintersett Res:  20 Whooper Swan went NW at 08.07hrs.  Water Rail3,  Shelduck 2,  Cormorant 3 and  Goosander 1m + 5 ACP.   WILLOW TIT  4 ( 1SE corner,  2 SW corner, 1 Boathouse).
Anglers CP:  The 1st W Mediterranean Gull  was on the rock wall and the usual adult Yellow-legged Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull were in.  Grey Wagtail1,  ROCK PIPIT 1,  Pochard 13,  Gadwall 16 + 14 WRes, Shoveler 1m,  Little Grebe 3 + 2 ACP and Green Woodpecker 1.

Carlton Marsh

A lovely day for birding with a light easterly and some brightness. This morning a pair of Lapwing were displaying, 2 Chiffchaff were singing along with 2 Mistle Thrush, 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Water Rail and 3 Song Thrush. A pair of Buzzards were airborne along with 2 Sparrowhawk, a pair of kestrel and, 2 Peregrine were harassing Wood Pigeon. Also present were 3 Red-legged Partridge and a Redwing. Later c30 Whooper Swans flew NW over Upper Cudworth and the reserve at 16.03hrs.
 
2 Small Tortoiseshell butterflies were basking in the warmth of the sun.
 

Meanwhile in Cudworth, Geoff Miller had 8 Reed Buntings (6 males) visit his bird table, a record for his garden.

Tuesday 17/3/15.

Wilthorpe Marsh - Jack Snipe 4, Common Snipe 10, Water Rail 1, Oystercatcher 2 on territory, Chiffchaff 4 singing, Green Woodpecker 4. Woolley Dyke - still quiet, GS Woodpecker 2, Nuthatch 1.

The Edge 17th March

Wombwell Ings mid AM-Present were 2 Mute Swan, 57 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 2 Shelduck. 1 Egyptian Goose, 170+ Wigeon, 19 Tufted Duck, 12 Teal, 11 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 7 Shoveler, 1f Goosander(R.Dearne), 3 Grey Heron, 12 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 23 Lapwing, 13 Golden Plover, 2 Redshank, 91 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 1 Song Thrush, 5 Skylark and 3 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash late AM-Noted were 4 Mute Swan, 22 Canada Geese, 30+ Wigeon, 11 Tufted Duck, 10 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 4 Goldeneye, 2 Pochard, 3 Grey Partridge, 1 Red Legged Partridge, 8 Little Grebe, 2 Kestrel, 1 Redshank, 300+ Bh Gull and  3 Common Gull. The gull that ticked a lot of boxes for Caspian Gull when checked against a bird app, and some fellow birders experience, could be an odd looking Herring Gull. It looked to have a black eye but enlarging photos when I got home there seemed to be a white iris on some shots. Be interesting to see what other people who took photos think. So apologies for any inconvenience.
TPT- 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Song Thrush and 1 Greater Spotted woodpecker.
Bolton Ings early PM-On the open water were 4 Mute Swan, 15 Canada Geese, 14 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 23 Tufted Duck, 13 Pochard, 13 Mallard, 3 Shoveler, 2 Teal, 1 Gadwall, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 45 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 254 BHGull, 3 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Cormorant, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel and 1 singing WillowTit.

Edderthorpe 12:45-1:15

Whooper swans 23, Shelduck 12, Redshank 5, Golden Plover 3, Oystercatcher 2, Ringed Plover 2, Little Egret 2.  Chiffchaff along dyke.

Monday, 16 March 2015

Broomhill Birder

The Caspian Gull which was reported Saturday reappeared again on Broomhill Flash this afternoon and headed towards Oldmoor c13.15.

Wintersett 16.03.15

6°C with 8/8 cloud and a very cold easterly.
Anglers CP: Teal 12,  Shoveler 1 m,  Goosander 2,  Gadwall 4 + 10 WRes  + 4 CHRes.,  Redwing 2 and Goldcrest 1 on Pol. 
Wintersett Res: Grey Partridge 2 and Golden Plover 8 over.

         Anyone for tennis?                ACP 15.03.15                    AS

Carlton Marsh

Our first Chiffchaff was singing yesterday. (Ralph Hibbert) Today Buzzard, Kingfisher, 6 singing Song Thrush and 2 Water Rails.

The Edge 16th March

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 2 Mute Swan, 42 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 170+ Wigeon, 13 Mallard, 10 Tufted Duck, 8 Teal, 6 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler, 2 Grey Heron, 11 Coot, 7 Moorhen, 20 Golden Plover thro west at 9.20am, 15 Lapwing, 2 Dunlin, 72 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 5 Skylark and 4 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 9 Canada Geese, 27+ Wigeon, 17 Gadwall, 10 Tufted Duck, 5 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 8 Little Grebe, 28 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 9 Lapwing, 361+ BH Gull, 9 Herring Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 2 Kestrel.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 8 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 22 Tufted Duck, 10 Shoveler, 9 Pochard, 8 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 45 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 204 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 4 Cormorant, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Snipe, 3 GreenWoodpecker, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 singing Song Thrush and 1 Chiffchaff.

Sunday, 15 March 2015

Dearne Valley Weekender

Broomhill Flash - Saturday
The weekend got off to a great start Saturday afternoon with a 3rd year Caspian Gull present on Broomhill Flash, it eventually flew off towards Old Moor at 14.15. Subject to acceptance this a new species for the Old Moor Area and the 107th species seen this year. Also on Broomhill were 9 Pink Footed Geese in the back field which flew over to Wombwell Ings, Little Egret 1, Oystercatcher 2 and Redshank 1.

Old Moor - Saturday
We followed the Caspian Gull down to Old Moor but couldn't relocate it, the Lessers probably saw it off. We did see the following - Mediterranean Gull 1, Shelduck 17, Buzzard 3, Sparrowhawk 1, Goosander 21, Goldeneye 6, Redshank 2 and Whooper Swan 23 flew North at 17.00. I went onto the Reedbeds for last hour and recorded the following - Water Rail 4 calling, Jay 2, Sparrowhawk 1, Barn Owl 1. Roosting in the Willows were Little Egret 1 and Cormorant 7.

Old Moor - Sunday Morning
I arrived at Old Moor at 05.45, still dark and 2c. At this time of year thousands of Black Headed Gulls gather at Old Moor before dusk and then leave East before dark. We still don't 100% know where they go, Southfield Res, Lakeside and Thrybergh are some of the options, perhaps someone can confirm. Wherever they go they provide a spectacular sight. At 05.45 all the Gulls were back at Old Moor so they don't stay away long. Also seen this morning - Mediterranean Gull 1, Little Egret 3 left roost, Shelduck 19, Goldeneye 19, Goosander 46, Cormorant 16, LBB Gull 3, Barn Owl 1, Oystercatcher 6, Redshank 3, Snipe 3.

Bolton Ings - Sunday
Very quiet on Bolton today, highlights being at least 4 Grey Wagtails and my first 2 singing Chiffchaffs, full list - Grey Heron 2, Mute Swan 4, Canada Goose 30, Grey Lag Goose 2, Great Crested Grebe 8, Little Grebe 11, Mallard 23, Teal 9, Shoveler 1, Gadwall 14, Pochard 8, Tufted Duck 17, Coot 46, Moorhen 4, Black Headed Gull 190, Common Gull 16, LBB Gull 1, Kestrel 2, Grey Wagtail 4, Great Spotted Woodpecker 1, Green Woodpecker 1, Skylark 1, Chiffchaff 2.

Old Moor - Sunday Evening
I returned to Old Moor for the roost and a flock of c1000 Starlings put on a great display before roosting at back of Mere hide. Also - Mediterranean Gull 1, Little Egret 2, Cormorant 5, Shelduck 19, Goldeneye 15, Goosander 44, Shoveler 44, Pochard 36, Dunlin 3 and Tawny Owl.

Adwick Washland - Sunday
Birds seen at Adwick today included the following - Avocet 6, Redshank 18, Lapwing 125, Dunlin 1, Ringed Plover 1, Golden Plover 2, Shelduck 2, Wigeon 75, Little Grebe 4.

Moorland roundup

Dave Pearce spent the day 'doing the rounds'up here and came up with the following;- The three White-fronted Geese seen distantly at Royd Moor, just a single Great Grey Shrike at Low Moor, Upper Midhope, a Red Kite which headed north-east at 11.30 - 11.40, and a skein of 32 Whooper Swans flying west at 11.10. Also 'drumming' Common Snipe and plenty of Lapwings and Curlews at Low Moor.

Wintersett 15.03.15

5°C and mainly cloudy with a moderate easterly.
Anglers CP: The 1st W Mediterranean Gull, the adult Yellow-legged Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull were all here this morning.  Great Black-backed Gull 20,  Grey Wagtail 1,  Buzzard 1 + 1 Botany,  Lapwing 27,  Goosander 2,  Pochard 14. Shoveler 3 m + 1 f,  Snipe 4 and Jack Snipe 3.   A Shelduck appeared this afternoon and was probably the one seen at Old Royston Flash earlier.
Wintersett Res: There was an influx of Chiffchaffs overnight,  with 12 heard in the area this morning.  A total 96 Goldeneye were counted in the area  (37 Res's + 59 ACP).   Curlew 1 over,  Fieldfare 20 W,  Redwing 10 W,  Water Rail 2,  Little Grebe 3 + 1 Botany,  Tree Sparrow 4 and  Great Black-backed Gull 20
ROCK PIPIT was heard on the west bank just before midday.  The white of the outer tail feather is a good indication that it is a Scandinavian Rock Pipit (Anthus petrosus littoralis)  in non-breeding plumage.

                     Scandinavian Rock Pipit          WRes                 AS

Broomhill Flash

Redshank 1, Oystercatcher 3, Little Grebe 5, Goldeneye 2, Shelduck 2, Wigeon 10+, Shoveler 3, Tufted Duck 11, Teal 2 Gadwall 2.

Saturday, 14 March 2015

Edderthorpe, Saturday morning

Gadwall 88, Wigeon 130, Shoveler 20, Shelduck 4, Goosander 1, Little Egret 1, Woodcock 1, Redshank 11, Fieldfare 15, Redwing 3, Chiffchaff 1.

Wintersett 14.03.15

3°C with 8/8 cloud and a cold northerly breeze.
Anglers CP:  7 Whooper Swans flew NW at 09.15hrs and 21 went the same way at 12.45hrs.  The adult Yellow-legged Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull were on the raft.  The 1st W Mediterranean Gull was in at 10.30hrs.  Oystercatcher 4,  Goldeneye 52 + 14 ACP  and Pochard 12 + 4 WRes.
Wintersett Res:  Chiffchaff 4 singing.  Water Rail 1,  Buzzard 2,  Goosander 10 + 1 ACP, Little Grebe 2 and Golden Plover 14 flew over.   

Broomhill Flash

Here's todays entries into the logbook for Saturday 14th March.

Mute Swan 5, Tufted Duck 40, Little Grebe 8, Goldeneye 2♂ & 2♀, Redshank 2, Oystercatcher 2, Teal 2, Shoveler 8, Pochard 7, Lesser black-backed Gull 1, 9 Pink footed Geese on back field, Shelduck 4, Caspian Gull (C.H. , DMW, NS 3rd year), Little Egret 1.

INGBIRCHWORTH 14TH MARCH


3 Geenland White Fronted Geece with 1 Pink Foot in field near road to Winmills,left 10.56 East towards Scout Dyke.

Coot 17, Tufted Duck 10, Canada Geece 20, Grey Lag Geese 4, Oystercatcher 1, Moorhen 3,Mallard 30,Great Crested Grebe 2,, c 400 Mainly Black Headed Gulls and a few Common Gulls.

Wombwell Ings

Egyptian Goose still there 9.30.First time I have been there,nice spot,pity thers loads of dogs off the lead despite the sign at the entrance?

Friday, 13 March 2015

Carlton Marsh

Towards dusk 4 Water Rails were 'Sharming', 17 Redwings and a Fieldfare came into roost. Willow Tit called SE 3709 and Little Owl & Tawny Owl were present along with 4 Canada Geese and 7 Tufted Ducks and a Snipe.

A Mink was found dead on the road at Storrs Mill this afternoon. (Chris Parkin)

Wintersett 13.03.15

3°C, very cold, with 8/8 cloud and a brisk northerly.
Anglers CP: The 1st W Mediterranean Gull was on the rock wall at 10.35hrs along with the 'white' Black-headed Gull that has been around this winter.  Oystercatcher 7,   Shoveler 1 male,  Pochard 12 and Green Woodpecker 1.
Wintersett Res:  Goosander 5, Little Grebe 1,  Gadwall 9,  Redwing 2,  Tree Sparrow 8 and Yellowhammer 2.
1stW Mediterranean Gull   ACP      AS

The Edge 13th March

Wombwell Ings mid AM-Present were 2 Mute Swan, 72 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 1 Egyptian Goose, 220+ Wigeon, 16 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 10 Teal, 8 Shoveler, 5 Gadwall, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 12 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 16 Golden Plover, 14 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 1 Song Thrush, 5+ Skylark and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash late AM-Noted were 11 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 21+ Wigeon,19 Gadwall, 14 Tufted Duck, 6 Mallard, 2 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 2 Cormorant, 32 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 4 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Kestrel, 250+ BH Gull, 3 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull.
Bolton Ings early PM- On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 8 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 25 Tufted Duck, 7 Mallard, 6 Pochard, 3 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 1m Goosander, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 45 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 204+ BH Gull, 10 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Grey Wagtail and 2 yaffling Green Woodpecker.

Edderthorpe Friday 9:00 - 9:30

Quick visit saw Shelduck 3, Oystercatcher 2, Curlew 1, good count of 12 Redshank.

Thursday, 12 March 2015

Ringed Buzzard

For your interest, Tony Guest whilst working on the railway in Cleland, North Lanarkshire picked up a dead Buzzard MA16949 on 26/2/15. It was ringed and wing-tagged as a nestling at Greenfoot in the same county on 14/6/14. It had moved 13kms SSE from the natal site.

Wintersett 12.03.15

7°C up to 12°C  by midday,   mainly cloudy with a few short sunny spells and a light south easterly.
Wintersett Res:  The first 2 singing Chiffchaff of the year were heard. One in the NE corner and one on the west bank.
Anglers CP:  Grey Wagtail 2,  Pochard 14,  Shoveler 1 male,  Canada Goose 137 and Great Black-backed Gull 1.  A Water Rail was chased along the west bank by a Moorhen. 

The Edge 12th March

 Sand Martin on Wombwell, singing Chiffchaffs on Bolton and the pleasant weather(no need for gloves) suggested the first real day of Spring.
Wombwell Ings mid AM- Highlight was 3 Sand Martin through at 9.43am. Also present were 2 Mute Swan, 78 Canada Geese, 2 Shelduck, 210+ Wigeon, 21 Teal, 14 Tufted Duck, 14 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 7 Mallard, 1 Grey Heron, 12 Coot, 5 Moorhen,1 Cormorant, 9 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 92 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, and 5+ Skylark.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 1 Mute Swan, 72 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 1 Egyptian Goose, 21 Wigeon, 20 Tufted Duck, 14 Gadwall, c10 Mallard, 5 Goldeneye, 2 Teal, 1 Shoveler, 1 Pochard, 3 Red Legged Partridge, 7 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 27 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 14 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 250+ BH Gull and 1 Little Owl( top lane - J.Thompson ).
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM-Of particular interest was a light-morph Buzzard ( Collins suggests 'mainly North Germany and Sweden' ) that was hunting between the east and west pools. On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 3 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 22 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 2 Shoveler, 2 Teal, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Gadwall, 1 Teal, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 49 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 205 BH Gull, 10 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant over, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 3 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Grey Wagtail and 3 singing Chiffchaff.

Wintersett Ringing Recoveries 12.03.15

An Oystercatcher ringed as a chick at Anglers CP on 17th May 2005 was retrapped at  Penmon Quarry,  Beaumaris (Isle of Anglesey) on 23rd of November 2014 at a distance of 177 kms WSW.

A juvenile, female Cetti's Warblerringed at Wintersett Reservoir on 22nd July 2014 was retrapped at Middleton Nature Reserve (Lancashire) on 28th September 2014 at a distance of 106 kms WNW.

A juvenile Goldfinch ringed atWintersett Reservoir on 11th September 2014 was found freshly dead in a greenhouse at Brodsworth (South Yorkshire) on 7th December 2014 at a distance of 15kms ESE.

Edderthorpe 8:30-10:00

Shelduck2,Oystercatcher2,Goosander2,Redshank3,Pintail1(male).Buzzard over tip.
Symphony- Ringed Plover6,Redshank2

Wednesday, 11 March 2015

Wintersett 11.03.15

6°C, bright but with a cold south westerly.
Anglers CP: There was a small influx of birds overnight.  A drake Pintail and a Shelduck were seen early doors.   Great Crested Grebe 9 + 8 WRes.,  Teal 5 + 2 WRes,  Pochard 13 and Snipe 5.  The adult Yellow-legged Gull with his Lesser Black-backed mate were resting on the islands.    A 1st W MEDITERRANEAN GULL was on the rocks at 09.55hrs and a Buzzard flew over NE at 10.00hrs.
Wintersett Res: Little Grebe 1,  Grey Wagtail 1 and Goosander 7.
Haw Park Lane: Fieldfare 46 and Red wing 3.
 
!st W Mediterranean Gull                   ACP     KDenny

Carlton Marsh

Water Rail 2, Kingfisher, Goldcrest, Red legged Partridge, Willow Tit 1+1 SE 3709, Tawny Owl.


This aerial view was taken on the 5th of March with a drone commissioned by Pete Wall of the Dearne Valley Green Heart Partnership. Looking north with the disused Hull & Barnsley Railway embankment on the left, Paul Bichen was making good progress accessing places that I thought would have been next to impossible due to c200 years of deep silt (more than 2 metres in places)
Since this photo was taken the site has been totally transformed just in time for the spring migration.
Peter will be taking more aerial photos when the work is complete.

The Edge 11th March

The Spring is sprung. The grass is riz.
I wonder where the birdies iz.
Another day with little change.
Wombwell Ings mid AM-Present were 7 Mute Swan, 67 Canada Geese, 8 Greylag, 173+ Wigeon, 12 Tufted Duck, 11 Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 5 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 12 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 11 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 144 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 5 Skylark and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Highlight was an Egyptian Goose with a dodgy wing which appears to be affecting its flight. Also noted were 5 Mute Swan, 105+ Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 53 Wigeon, 12 Gadwall, 11 Mallard, 9 Tufted Duck, 8 Teal, 4 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Shoveler, 2 Grey Partridge, 5 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 21 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, 27 Coot, 2 Moorhen and 205+ BH Gull.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM-On the open water were 4 Mute Swan, 17 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 8 Pochard, 6 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 49 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 174 BH Gull, 12 Common Gull and 2 Herring Gull. Also present were 7 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 1 Cormorant over, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Snipe, 1 Grey Wagtail  and 2 Stonechat.

Tuesday, 10 March 2015

Carlton Marsh

Today's sightings included, Water Rail, 2 Kingfisher, 2 Buzzard, 2 Willow Tit, Chiffchaff (not singing) 4 singing Song Thrush, 3 adult LBB Gull North, Redpoll, Linnet, Little Owl, c40 Pink Feet Geese late morning NW, 3 Jay, Kestrel 2 displaying, Green & Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 singing Yellow Bunting. Small Tortoiseshell.
Below are a couple of photos to show how the work at the marsh is progressing. I will try and get some original aerial shots from Pete Wall soon. Pete of the Dearne Valley Green Heart Partnership is leading on this Nature Improvement Area project funded by Defra.
The planning and implementation of the work by Pete and the contractor, Paul Bichen, is now beginning to enhance the potential to attract a great deal more wildfowl and waders to the site, as well as creating flood alleviation on the Cudworth Dike/River Dearne system. The excavation work may be completed by the end of this week leaving just the sluices to be fitted. The only way is up!
 


 

 
Meanwhile at Storrs Mill Wood
Woodcock, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Green Woodpecker, Buzzard, 4 Peacock & 2 S. Tortoiseshell butterflies. (Chris Parkin)

Old Moor Sofa

An update on the number of species recorded in the Old Moor area this year, I said the total at the end of January was 97 but I had missed one therefore revised total is 98. A further 5 species were added in February as follows :- Merlin on 9th (99), Egyptian Goose on 10th (100), Oystercatcher on 15th (101), Mandarin on 18th (102), and finally Red Kite on 23rd (103).

Already in March a further 2 species have been added, Sand Martin on Sunday (104) and Bean Goose today (105).

For comparison some other inland sites totals are as follows, Lound Nottinghamshire 112, Swillington West Yorkshire 112 and Upton Warren Worcestershire 93.

The Edge 10th March

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 5 Mute Swan, 55 Canada Geese, 3 Shelduck, 140+ Wigeon, 10 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 7 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, 3 Grey Heron, 15 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 6 Golden Plover, 32 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 155 BH Gull, 6 Common Gull, 5 Skylark, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Mistle Thrush and 3 Reed Bunting. Late AM- 2 Redshank and 1 Little Egret were also seen.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 5 Mute Swan, 105 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 63 Wigeon, 26 Tufted Duck, 15 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 3 Pochard, 3 Goldeneye, 1 Shoveler, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 5 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 21 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 200+ BH Gull and 2 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings late AM/ early PM- On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 35 Tufted Duck, 18 Pochard, 10 Shoveler, 9 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Teal, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 12 Little Grebe, 33 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 186+ BH Gull, 13 Common Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 11 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Monday, 9 March 2015

Wintersett 09.03.15

Frosty start rising to 6°C but felt very cold in a brisk westerly.  Rain  from mid morning.   Very quiet all round the area today with very little to report.
Wintersett Res:  Buzzard 2,  Goosander 6 and WILLOW TIT 1.

The Edge 9th March

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 4juv Mute Swan, 35 Canada Geese, 3 Shelduck, 143+ Wigeon, 13 Teal, 11 Tufted Duck, 10 Mallard, 6 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 1 Cormorant, 10 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 9 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 246 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 3 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Skylark, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail and 2 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 6 Mute Swan, 22 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 70+ Wigeon, 14 Tufted Duck, 9 Gadwall, 5 Teal, 4 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 3 Cormorant, 1 Red Legged Partridge, 6 Little Grebe, 21 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 40+ Lapwing, 1 Buzzard and 1 Kestrel.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 22 Tufted Duck, 6 Mallard, 6 Pochard, 4 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 2 Teal, 2 Wigeon, 1m+1f Goleneye, 168 BH Gull, 19 Common Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 38 Coot. Also present were 4 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 2 Grey Heron, 4 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Oystercatcher, 3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 male Stonechat and 1 Goldcrest..

Sunday, 8 March 2015

Edderthorpe, Sunday WeBS counts

Highlights from todays wildfowl counts at this end of the valley;- EDDERTHORPE FLASH & HOUGHTON WASHLAND;- Shelduck 3, Mallard 124, Teal 81, Gadwall 68, Shoveler 13, Tufted 32, Pochard 5, Goosander 3, Little Egret 1, Grey Heron 4, Little Grebe 3, Coot 53, Moorhen 20, Lapwing 270, Redshank 3, Common Snipe 3. FERRYMOOR & CUDWORTH COMMON;- Mallard 58, Teal 22, Gadwall 8, Wigeon 7, Tufted 15, Pochard 2, Little Grebe 1, Coot 18, Moorhen 14, Lapwing 37, Ringed Plover 9, Redshank 3, Skylark 18 singing, Stonechat 1 male by the western end of the settling lagoons.

Wintersett 08.03.15

6°C with a couple of light showers mid morning and a cool north westerly breeze. 
Anglers CP: The usual adult Yellow-legged Gull and his Lesser Black-backed Gull mate were on the islands this morning.  Meadow Pipit 2 NW,  Green Woodpecker 1 and  WILLOW TIT 2.   124 Golden Plover flew west. 

Wintersett March WeBS Counts 08.03.15

WeBS totals for the Wintersett area today were: -
Canada Goose 88,  Greylag Goose 4,  Mallard 47,  Gadwall 26,   Teal 5,   Wigeon 298,   Tufted Duck 143,   Goldeneye 65,   Goosander 5,   Shoveler 3,   Pochard 16,   Cormorant 22,   Moorhen 29.   Coot 141,   Mute Swan 12,   Grey Heron 2,    Great Crested Grebe 5,   Little Grebe 1,   Water Rail 2,   Lapwing 43,   Dunlin 1,   Oysteratcher 4  and  Snipe 7.  

Carlton Marsh - A New Beginnng?






A recent pic from the works at Carlton Marsh. Much better aerial ones coming soon, though! The work's progressing very nicely!Thanks to Pete Wall from the Dearne Valley Green Heart Project who's led on this flood alleviation/habitat improvement scheme. Looks like all the waders will soon be leaving Old Moor!
Cheers
Russ
http://shapesthatsometimesfly.blogspot.co.uk/

Saturday, 7 March 2015

Nether Cudworth

Cudworth railway bridges were removed by 01.30hrs last night forever. Taken away by low loading lorries. Road re-opened by teatime.



Cudworth Sewage Works
Chiffchaff 2 (not singing)

Disused Midland Railway to Storrs Mill
Buzzard 4, Grass Snake 2 males & 1 female basking in the warmth of the sun and 2 Peacock butterflies.
(Chris Parkin)

Carlton Industrial Estate
The first Frog spawn of the year.
(Ralph Hibbert)

VERY WINDY MORNING AT INGBIRCGWORTH 7TH MARCH

Canada Geese 28, Oystercatcer 2, Coot 9, Goldeneye 3 (2 males,1 female), Cormorant 1, Tufted Duck, 11, Great Crested Grebe 1, Reed Bunting 1, Mallared 33, Morrhen 3, Sparrowhawk 1, and Yellowhammer 1.

Little Owl - Broomhill Flash

Top lane 5th March- J.Thompson

Wintersett 07.03.15

9°C with  7/8 cloud that cleared by mid morning. Sunny with a cool brisk south westerly.
 Wintersett Res: 19 adult Whooper Swan left NW at 11.45hrs,  were seen over Pugneys at 11.55hrs and then dropped in on the western reed bed at Swillington Ings.  A Red Kite drifted slowly south at 12.05hrs.  Goosander 19 + 2 ACP,  Gadwall 7 + 2 ACP and Tufted Duck 59.
Anglers CP:    Redshank 1, Snipe 3,  Pochard 14,  Teal 9, Shoverler 1m,  Cormorant 24 and Little Grebe 1 + 1 WRes.
Wintersett Res Roost: No big gulls on tonight, but 4200 Black-headed Gull  and 300 Common Gull. A Barn Owl was on the south bank at dusk.

Whooper Swan                       WRes                         AS

Friday, 6 March 2015

The Edge 6th March

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 4 Mute Swan, 52 Canada Geese, 2 Shelduck, 178+ Wigeon, 12 Gadwall, 9 Tufed Duck, 8 Shoveler, 7 Teal, 6 Mallard,  4 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Great Crested Grebe( on Bulling Dyke), 10 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 32 Lapwing, 16 Golden Plover, 1 Kestrel, 121 BH Gull, 7 Common Gull, 3 Skylark, 2 Redwing and 1 Song Thrush.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 4 Mute Swan, 23 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 12 Tufted Duck, 11 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Cormorant, 2 Little Grebe, 25 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 23 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher, 175+ BH Gull and 2 Common Gull. A pair of Tree Sparrows were  showing a great deal of interest in one of the car park nest boxes.
Bolton Ings early PM- On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 6 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 1 Canada Goose, 15 Tufted Duck, 11 Pochard, 7 Mallard, 4 Shoveler, 3 Teal, 3 Gadwall, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 45 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 257+ BH Gull, 26 Common Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present were 1 Buzzard and 1 Kestrel.

Thursday, 5 March 2015

Wintersett 05.03.15

5°C with 8/8 cloud and a brisk south westerly.
Anglers CP: Grey Wagtail 1, Oystercatcher 4,  Teal 12  (8),  Cormorant 19.  The usual adult Yellow-legged Gull was on the raft early morning left before midday.  WILLOW TIT  1 at the feeding station.
Wintersett Res: Goosander 18  (8°)  and Common Buzzard 1.
NB: An adult Kumliens Gull and 3 (new) Glaucous Gulls (2 x  1stW and a 2nd W) -  Rufforth Airfield this afternoon,  per @YorkBirding
An adult and a 2nd W Iceland Gull was at Pools Brook CP this morning,  per BirdGuides.

The Edge 5th March

Wombwell Ings mid AM- A timely call by J.Thompson on the CB radio put me onto 3 juvenile Whooper Swan as they flew over west at 9.52am. Also present were 77 Canada Geese, 2 Shelduck, 172 Wigeon, 12 Mallard, 10 Tufted Duck, 8 Teal, 8 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, 4 Grey Heron, 10 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 3 Lapwing, 133 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull, 1 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush and 4 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 15 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 16 Tufted Duck, 2m+2f Goldeneye, 3 Teal, 2 Pochard, 1 Gadwall, 3 Red Legged Partridge, 3 Little Grebe, 5 Cormorant, 29 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 16 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher, 250+ BH Gull and 3 Common Gull. J. Thompson recorded a Little Owl on the top lane.
Bolton Ings early PM- On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 17 Greylag, 1 Canada Goose, 12 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 7 Mallard, 3 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 1f Goosander, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 51 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 251 BH Gull, 11 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. The only raptor was a single Kestrel. No sign of Stonechats today.

Wednesday, 4 March 2015

The Edge - The real 4th March

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 2 Mute Swan, 126 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 143+ Wigeon, 9 Teal, 8 Tufted Duck, 7 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 1 Shoveler, 5 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 10 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 151 BH Gull, 9 Common Gull, 3 Lapwing, 1 singing Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 5 Skylark and 3 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Highlight was 2 Ringed Plover doing several circuits of the flash before heading off  north at 10.45am. Also noted were 13 Canada Geese, 53 Wigeon, 14 Gadwall, 9 Tufted Duck, 7 Shoveler, 5 Teal, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 2 Mallard, 1 Pochard, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 1 Oystercatcher, 320+ BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Kestrel.
Bolton Ings early PM- On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 11 Greylag, 9 Pochard, 8 Tufted Duck, 7 Mallard, 7 Shoveler, 3 Gadwall, 1m+1j+2f Goldeneye, 2 Teal, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 45 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 22 Lapwing over, 186 BH Gull, 10 Common Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 calling Green Woodpecker, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 female Stonechat.

Willow Tit - fao Geoff Carr

Occasionally last autumn/winter I heard and/or saw a willow tit on my local patch.  It also made brief visits to my feeder in the garden.  Only ever seen one bird.  Last seen January 1st so I was worried it was a goner but yesterday it turned up on the feeder.
Details ~
West bank of Athersley Fishing Lake SE 35614 10144
NE corner of Athersley Fishing Lake SE 35760 10188 (January 1st)
My garden SE 35976 10235
As all these locations are very close together I am only claiming the one bird and I will let you know if this changes.
 

Tuesday, 3 March 2015

Carlton Marsh

The lads worked hard this morning trying to create better views over the new scrape. Thanks go to everyone especially Chris Wharton Lovett for the chainsaw work he did. Work continues in the marsh, but more of that from my boss Russ Boland later. I can say that this work will rejuvenate this site well into the future with Pete Wall from the Dearne Valley Green Heart Partnership at the helm.

Later in the day Buzzard, Tawny Owl, Little Owl, 2 Water Rail, Kingfisher, Linnet west and Grey Wagtail were on show before dusk.

White-frontless

Had a good look around Ingbirchworth & Scout Dike Res. before the bitterly could wind got the better of me, but failed to find the White-fronts.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 2 Pink-footed Geese, 18 Greylag Geese, 195 Canada Geese, 31 Mallards, a pair Goldeneye, 2 Little Grebes, 2 Moorhens, 14 Coots and 1 Curlew W.
Scout Dike Reservoir - 28 Greylag Geese, 153 Canada Geese, 4 Mallards, 3 Great Crested Grebes, 12 Coots and 22 Carrion Crows.
Castle Dam - 34 Canada Geese, 10 Wigeon, 10 Mallards, 4 Moorhens and 16 Coots.
Snowden Hill - 4 Golden Plovers, 150+ Lapwings and 4 Stock Doves.

The Edge 3rd March

Wombwell Ings mid AM- First for me on the Ings, this year,  were 13 Golden Plover and 1 Oystercatcher. Is it 'Spring'? Also present were 91 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 78+ Wigeon, 9 Tufted Duck, 6 Teal, 4 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 8 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 9 Lapwing, 6 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 1 singing Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 5 Skylark, 1 Grey Wagtail over and 1 Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 19 Canada Geese, 32+ Wigeon, 12 Mallard, 11 Tufted Duck, 9 Teal, 6 Shoveler, 6 Pochard, 5 Gadwall, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 3 Little Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 25 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 300+ BH Gull and 3 Common Gull.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 9 Greylag, 13 Shoveler, 7 Tufted Duck, 7 Teal, 6 Mallard, 2m+2f Goldeneye, 3 Pochard, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 39 Coot, 84 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present were 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker,  2 Stonechat and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Monday, 2 March 2015

Wintersett 02.03.15

1°C with 8/8 cloud and snow falling on and off all morning, and a strong, gusty south westerly. Some sunshine late morning.
Anglers CP: Green Woodpecker 1,  Mute Swan 9 juveniles,  Shoveler 2 male + 2 female,  Oystercatcher 2,  Snipe 6 and  Cormorant 15.
Wintersett Res:  A pair of Great Crested Grebes were displaying, undeterred by the snow. 

The Edge 2nd March

Generally, a quiet day due to snowstorms(NOT to Seev being away in Malaya!!!)
Wombwell Ings mid AM-Present were 2 Mute Swan, 75 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 85 Wigeon, 9 Mallard, 8 Tufted Duck, 7 Teal, 5 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 3 Grey Heron, 9 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 3 Lapwing, 83 BH Gull, 6 Common Gull, 4 LBB Gull, c15 Meadow Pipit and 1 singing Skylark( a redoubtable soul considering the snowstorms).
Broomhill Flash late AM-Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 26 Canada Geese, 50+ Wigeon, 11 Pochard, 6 Tufted Duck, 4 Shoveler, 4 Teal, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 3 Gadwall, 2 Mallard, 3 Cormorant, 4 Little Grebe, 28 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 253 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 6 Lapwing and 1 Kestrel.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- On the choppy open water were 2 Mute Swan, 15 Shoveler, 13 Pochard, 11 Tufted Duck, 2m+1juv+2f Goldeneye, 3 Mallard, 3 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 1m Goosander, 2 Grey Heron, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 53 Coot, 49 BH Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 1 Common Gull. The pair of Stonechat were favoring the fenceline to the front and right of the Cormorant Hide(AKA Nigel's sofa).

Sunday, 1 March 2015

Bolton Ings et al - Sunday 1st March

Very un-spring like weather when I started out this morning at 08.00 am, 7c but with a strong cold wind felt a lot colder. The strong wind made viewing difficult and today was quiet with few highlights. A pair of Buzzards were up early displaying and the pair of Stonechats are surviving on the fence by the Western pool. A couple of Skylarks were singing which was nice, full list :- Grey Heron 1, Mute Swan 6, Canada Goose 13, Cormorant 1, Great Crested Grebe 5, Little Grebe 6, Mallard 31, Gadwall 57, Shoveler 24, Teal 8, Pochard 21, Tufted Duck 45, Goldeneye 3, Coot 65, Moorhen 2, Oystercatcher 1, Black Headed Gull 110, Common Gull 10, Buzzard 2, Stonechat pair, Grey Wagtail 2, Goldcrest 1, Skylark 2.

Visited Old Moor this evening for the roost, on the Mere were 18 Goldeneye with another 1 on the Wader scrape with 41 Goosanders. Also on the Mere was a Ringed Plover, the Med Gull and a Curlew. On the Main Marsh were 18 Shelduck and 2 Redshank and in the Willows were 1 Little Egret and 3 Cormorants. Also seen were 4 Oystercatchers and a Goldcrest.

BARNSLEY BIRD STUDY GROUP

THURSDAY 5th MARCH 2015 at the OLD MOOR RSPB VISITOR CENTRE 7.15 pm. JON HORNBUCKLE will give an illustrated talk on 'WORLD BIRDING'. Jon has seen more species of bird than anyone else in the World and has probably travelled more extensively around the globe than anyone else. Come along and hear of some of his travels and experiences at the final meeting of the 2014-15 winter season. All welcome, £2.50 entrance fee includes interval drink.

Carlton Marsh

Just received details of one of our new resident Mute Swans. BTO Ring W31790 Darvic Y890 Ringed by Sorby Breck Group at Doncaster Dome on 12/9/11. This pair will hopefully breed, the previous resident pair did not.

(Rod Heeley)

Wintersett 01.03.15

6°C with 6/8 cloud and a brisk, cold westerly.
Anglers CP: Shoveler 1 male and 1 female.  Oystercatcher 4,  Cormorant 15 and Mute Swan 8 juveniles.
Wintersett Res: Grey Wagtail 1 on spillway.
Haw Park Wood: Lesser Redpoll >20,  Siskin >12, Goldfinch >150,  Goldcrest >10,  Treecreeper 3, Coal Tit 1 and Great Spotted Woodpecker 2.  Common Buzzard 1.
Thanks to Mark Dillingham for the Lesser Redpoll photos.



Great Spotted Woodpecker     Stubbs Wood      Lynz Harston