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.