Edderthorpe, Sunday

As expected many of yesterdays waders had cleared out this morning, carrying on their north bound journey (still a couple of thousand miles to go for the Sanderlings). Fifteen Ringed Plovers were present as the rain started to ease at 07.00, another 7 came in with 4 winter plumaged Sanderlings at 07.35 but the Sanderlings only stayed for 10 minutes, and another 3 Ringed Plover came in putting the total up to 25. Four LRPs and 3 drake Teal. In the evening there were still at least 24 Ringed Plovers present and a Dunlin as well as 4 noisy Oystercatchers. A surprise was 28 Lesser Black-backed Gulls which came in to roost at dusk.

Wintersett 31.05.15

8° with 8/8 cloud and a strong,  gusty, cold westerly wind. Still in winter gear.  Surely we'll be casting a clout now May is out!
The area was filled with 2880  Swift and 250 House Martin today, with the majority over WRes.. 
Anglers CP:   Black-necked Grebe 2,  Turnstone 1,  Common Tern 7 + 5 WRes.   2 Dunlin flew over at 10.30hrs + 3 over NW at14.27hrs.   Oystercatcher 5 adults + 2 young and Greylag Goose 8.  
Wintersett Res: Willow Tit 1. 

Wharncliffe area, 31st May

Wheata Wood and Prior Royd LNR - 1 Tawny Owl mobbed by Blackbirds, 1 Garden Warbler, 4 Blackcap, 10+ Stock Dove.

Wharncliffe Wood - 1 Wood Warbler, 3 Blackcap, 1 Cuckoo.

Wharncliffe Chase - c500 Starling (large group on N of Chase), 3 Tree Pipit, 6 Swift, 1 Cuckoo.

Carlton Marsh

The highlights today were 2 Grey Wagtails, 2 Oystercatchers, Redshank and a Ringed Plover north just after 3pm. (Jim Plant)

A ringing session provided a male Pied Wagtail, the first for 26 years!

Damselflies included 2 Large Red, 10 Azure Blue and 2 Common. A Four Spot chaser was airborne along with 3 Common Blue and 2 Dingy Skipper butterflies.

Rabbit Ings
Several Sand Martins were seen with other hirundines and 3 Small Heath and 3 Common Blue were enjoying the warmth of the sun. (Ray Dye)

Wintersett 30.05.15

8°C with 4/8 cloud and a strong cold south westerly this morning.  Very little to report even after an early start!
Anglers CP:  Curlew 1,  Turnstone 1,  Oystercatcher 2 young.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 2.

Edderthorpe, Saturday

Surprisingly, most of the waders present last night were still present this morning (and I received a telling off for tweeting the news out too early and waking up a not-so-early-riser who had forgotten to turn her alerts off on her bedside phone), the 5 Sanderlings were joined by another mid morning making a total of 6, along with the 2 Dunlin, up to 18 Ringed and 4 Little Ringed Plovers, and 16 Redshank. A Hobby flew over the Flash at 07.40 and a cream-crown Marsh Harrier was low over Houghton Washland at 08.40 before drifting off down the valley. A Shelduck, 2 drake Teal and 117 Coot make up some of the numbers with 2 Cuckoos still present but generally elusive.

Low Moor/Midhope 30/5/15.

1-20pm to 4-40pm. Hobby 1, Kestrel 4 possibly 6, Buzzard 6, Sparrowhawk 1, Oystercatcher 2 feeding young, chipping and displaying Snipe 10+, LBB Gull 15, BH Gull 1, Jay 1, Swift a steady flow e. to w. 46. On the down side not a single harrier or kite sighting all month.

Edderthorpe, Friday

Arctic bound waders are still very much on the move;- 12 Ringed Plover early morning were up to 21 by the evening, 5 Sanderlings were present late afternoon and remained to dusk with 2 Dunlin present all day. A flock of 10 Shelduck were present early morning but these departed early leaving the 4 local birds fighting in their pairs.

Carlton Marsh

Little Owl was on his usual perch and a Grey Wagtail was feeding young near Bleachcroft Farm. The marsh held 2 pairs of Canada Geese with 5 young each and a pair of Greylags with 5 young. At least 5 pairs of Tufted Duck were chasing around and a Kingfisher was busy (hopefully) fishing to feed young. A Redshank departed south at 16.40hrs. 5 Coot were on eggs and Dabchick, Green Woodpecker and Kestrel were also present. Lesser Whitethroat was singing along with other common warblers and there were plenty of hirundines flying low because of the moderate wind and cool temperatures.

The Edge 29th May

Wombwell Ings - Through the incessant rain I was able to record 2 Mute Swan, 1 Canada Goose, 3 Shelduck, 13 Mallard, 11 Gadwall, 10 Tufted Duck, 3 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon, 1 Pochard, 2 Cormorant, 18 Coot, 3 Moorhen + 1chick, 6 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Avocet, 13 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Meadow Pipit, 3 Pied Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 4 Skylark.
Broomhill Flash-Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 21 Canada Geese, 14 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 22 Tufted Duck, 14 Mallard, 6 Gadwall,5m + 1f + 2y Pochard,2 Red Legged Partridge,  4 Little Grebe, 14 Coot, 1 Redshank and 1 Kestrel.
Brickyard Pond -By the time the rain cleared there wasn't  enough time to go 'Bolton Wandering'  and  a stroll around the Brickworks and Tip was decided upon. The Bickworks Pond revealed 1 Mute Swan, 1 brooding Canada Goose, 5 Tufted Duck, 1 Mallard, 1 buff domestic duck ( Orpington? ) and 2 Coot.

Wintersett 29.05.15

7°C,  cold with rain from 07.00 - 11.00hrs. 
Anglers CP: 2 adult and 2 young Oystercatcher.   Turnstone 1
Wintersett Res:  Common Tern 3 + 2 ACP.

Wintersett 28.05.15

9°C with 5/8 cloud and a cold south westerly wind.  
Anglers CP: The good news today is a young Oystercatcher, with an adult, was seen on the water's edge.  A further 2 Oystercatchers were resting on top of the Sand Martin box.  Common Tern 2 + 2 WRes.  Water Rail 1.
Wintersett Res: Arctic Tern 1 and Willow Tit 1.

The Edge 28th May

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 24 Greylag, 18 Canada Geese, 2 Shelduck, 9 Mallard, 8 Tufted Duck, 7 Gadwall, 23 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 5 Lapwing, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank, 39 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull, c30 House Martin, 20+ Swift, 3 Skylark and 1 Meadow Pipit.
Warbler Way - Singing males included 8 Chiffchaff, 9 Willow Warbler, 8 Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat and 1 Sedge Warbler.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan + 7cygnets, 1 Canada Goose, 1 Greylag, 41 Tufted Duck, 14 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Little Grebe, 41 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 2 Cormorant, 178 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Oystercatcher and 200+ Swift.
Broomhill Flash - ( As per J.Seeviour ) Noted were 2 Mute Swan, Canada Geese (broods of 5, 2 and 2), 6 Shelduck, 29 Tufted Duck,12 Gadwall,  6m + 1f + 2y Pochard, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank and 1 Kestrel.

Edderthorpe, Thursday

Little change from yesterday, but no sign of the Wood Sandpiper this morning. A Wheatear by the Flash is an interesting late migrant, particularly as it looked like a 'normal' British bird which ought to have been on its breeding grounds for the last six weeks. It is a strange spring! Black-tailed Godwit 7, Ringed Plover 13, LRP 4, Redshank 14, Yellow Wagtail 1.

Carlton Marsh

A ten minute visit to the new scrape this evening provided 4 Lapwing, 10 BH Gulls and an adult Common Gull.

Cudworth
5 Buzzards circled over the Newtown estate at 14.00hrs, 4 stayed together and drifted north.

Edderthorpe, Wednesday

Highlight today is a Wood Sandpiper found in the afternoon on Houghton Washland, the first of the year. The expanse of mud on Edderthorpe Flash is looking impressive at present and holds;- Ringed Plover 16, LRP 3, Dunlin 1, Black-tailed Godwit 7 and up to 12 Redshank.

Ingbirchworth area

Royd Moor Reservoir - 3 Tufted Ducks, 1 whinneying Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe and two pairs of Coot. The following singing warblers were present- Blackcap (8), Garden Warbler (3), Common Whitethroat (3), Chiffchaff (1) and Willow Warbler (18).
Whitley Common - 46 Stock Doves, 30+ Jackdaws, 80+ Rooks and c10 Carrion Crows. Also with the corvids was the very strange looking hybrid Rook x Jackdaw/runt Carrion Crow/runt Rook.. It is associating with Rooks and Jacdaws and is intermediate in size. The bill was rook shape but it has no bare skin at the base. The back is a brownish-grey as is the belly and head and upper breast is black. If I were to stick my neck out I would go for a runt/aberrant Rook, but I could well be wrong and would not rule out any of the other possibilities or a combination of any. A weird looking bird!
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 4 Geylag Geese, 31 Canada Geese, 40 Mallards, 1 drake Tufted Duck, two pairs of Little Grebes, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 14 Coots, two pairs Moorhen, 1 Oystercatcher, 4 Black-headed Gulls ,6 (4 first-summers & 2 second summer) Lesser Black-backed Gull and a Great Spotted Woodpecker feeding young in the nest by the reservoir side.

The Edge 27th May

Wombwell Ings -Signs of a bit more bird activity this morning. Present were 2 Mute Swan, 28 Greylag, 14 Canada Geese, 2 Shelduck, 13 Mallard, 10 Gadwall, 9 Tufted Duck, 4 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon, 1 Little Egret, 1 Little Grebe, 22 Coot, 7 Lapwing, 4 Redshank. 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Avocet, 25 BH Gull, 3 Skylark, 2 Pied Wagtail and 1 Meadow Pipit.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 23 Canada Geese, 15 Greylag, 5 Shelduck, 22 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 8 Gadwall, 6m+1f+2y Pochard, 1 Shoveler, 1 Teal, 4 Little Grebe, 15 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel and 1 LBB Gull.
Warbler Way - Singing males included 10 Chiffchaff, 10 Blackcap, 9 Willow Warbler, 5 Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler and 1 Garden Warbler.
Bolton Ings - The highlight of the day was a Bittern being mobbed by Black Headed Gulls as it flew over the reed beds.  On the open water were 3 Mute Swan + 7 cygnets, 1 Canada Goose, 33 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 1 Pochard, 1 Shoveler, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 1 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Song Thrush and 1 Grey Wagtail,

Carlton Marsh

The best bits today were Redshank, Kingfisher, hovering over the scrape, Cuckoo, Great Spot Woodpecker and Grey Wagtail. Azure damselfly and 4 Spot Chaser were on the wing. Southern Marsh Orchid and Pignut are now flowering.

A Red Kite flew north over Beech Avenue, Cudworth at 19.08hrs. (Geoff Miller) Geoff's home is about half a mile as the crow flies from the marsh.

The Edge 26th May

Wombwell Ings- Present were 42 Greylag, 17 Canada Geese, 1 Shelduck, 12 Tufted Duck, 11 Gadwall, 7 Mallard( +1 female and 8 ducklings on Bulling Dyke ), 1m Wigeon, 2 Grey Partridge, 1 Grey Heron, 21 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 6 Lapwing, 3+ Redshank, 1 Ruff, 26 BH Gull, 3 Skylark and 3 Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash-  Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 28 Canada Geese, 10 Greylag, 7 Shelduck, 15 Gadwall, 12 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 5 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 19 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 2 Kestrel, 5 Lapwing  and 1 LBB Gull.
Warbler Way- Singing males included 10 Willow Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 5 Chiffchaff, 5 Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler and 1 Song Thrush.
Bolton Ings- On the open water were 3 Mute Swan + 6 cygnets, 6 Canada Geese, 33 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 6 Mallard, 4 Pochard, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 38 Coot, 2 Moorhen and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 2 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Kestrel and 1 Green Woodpecker.

Wintersett 26.05.15

10°C with 4/8 cloud and  a cold north westerly breeze this morning.   Cloud cleared and up to 14°c by midday.
Anglers CP: Oystercatcher 2 adults (north pair).  No sign of the other Oystercatcher family.  Common Tern 2 + 1 WRes.
Cold Hiendley Res: Buzzard 2. 
Of note:   Ralph Hibbert spotted a Muslin  moth  on the west bank WRes. 

Muslin    Diaphora mendica       ASmith

This large bracket fungi is also on the west bank WRes.

Dryad's Saddle Polyporous squamos.    WRes     ASmith

Carlton Marsh

This evening 2 Buzzards circled and another large bird of prey heading north was thought to be an Osprey at 18.39hrs. Also present Grey Wagtail.

Cudworth Common/Symphony
This morning 9 Ringed Plovers, 1pair with 2 young (Symphony) 6 Redshank and a Hobby west.

Edderthorpe Flash
14 Black-tailed Godwits (Les Corrall/Ralph Hibbert)

Edderthorpe etc Monday

The 14 Black-tailed Godwits seen on the Flash yesterday are the largest flock seen in Barnsley this spring and they all flew in again this morning at 08.10. Ringed Plover 9 and LRP 2 were also on the quite extensive muddy edges but little else. Little Egret 1. A Red Kite was seen from the Trans Pennine Trail below Stainborough as it flew from that direction towards Gilroyd at 17.00, closely pursued by a pair of the local Common Buzzards whose territory it presumably wandered through.

Hordron Road 25/5/15.

Midday till 5-30pm with Simmo. Merlin 2, Buzzard 5, Raven 6, Ring Ouzel 6+, Kestrel 2, Golden Plover 1, Stock Dove 5, Wheatear 1, Reed Bunting 1 male at upper hordron with a pair of Blackbirds here feeding young in the barn. 1 chipping Snipe at fox clough, north barmings.

Wintersett 25.05.15

8°C,  with 8/8 cloud and a cold north westerly breeze this morning. Gloves and layers back on.
Anglers CP:  Psycho,  the adult Yellow-legged Gull paid a flying visit over the shallows and left west at 10.15hrs.   A reconnaissance mission no doubt!    Oystercatcher 5 adults and 2 young.  One of the adults, an interloper, was quickly chased off.
Wintersett  Res:  A late date Meadow Pipit heading north was a surprise.  Willow Tit 1 and Common Tern 3.
NB:   Butterflies have been in very short supply here this spring.

The Edge 25th May

Wombwell Ings- Present were 1 Mute Swan, 32 Greylag, 21 Canada Geese, 1 Shelduck, 11 Mallard, 8 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Duck, 1m Wigeon, 1 Shoveler, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 23 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 5 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 2 Kestrel, 31 BH Gull, 5 Skylark, 2 Pied Wagtail and 1 Kingfisher.
Warbler Way- Singing males 12 Willow Warbler, 9 Blackcap, 7 Whitethroat, 7 Chiffchaff, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Wren, 6 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch and 1 Song Thrush
Bolton Ings-.On the open water were 2 Mute Swan+ 6 cygnets, 12 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag + 2 goslings, 37 Tufted Duck,6 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe,  120+ BH Gull, 3 LBB Gull, 31 Coot and 1 Moorhen. Also present were 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Oystercatcher and 1 Kingfisher.
Broomhill Flash-Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 36 Canada Geese + 6y, 6 Greylag + 2y, 24 Tufted Duck, 15 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 13 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 56+ BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 3 Lapwing, 1 Redshank and 1 Kestrel.

Seckar Wood - 25 May

This morning's list from Seckar:

Fairly standard mix in the woodland, of carrion crow, woodpigeon, wren, song thrush, blackcap, jay, mistle thrush, great tit, pheasant, chaffinch, blue tit, blackbird, dunnock, robin, tree creeper.

A solitary mallard on the pond, with the heathland providing the highlights of yellowhammer, red-legged partridge & green woodpecker.

Black Stork over Midhope, Saturday

News reached me today (Sunday 24th) of a "Black Stork seen over Midhope viewpoint 10.45, Saturday 23.5.2015. Passed over going southwest then turned west" followed by a brief description of what was clearly a Black Stork!! seen by Colin and Margaret Bower. Presumably the bird that had headed northwards up the southern half of the UK during the previous 2 days, being last reported in Lincolnshire on the day before this sighting (Friday). Is it coincidence that this was seen the same Spring Bank Holiday weekend as that over Wintersett last year? Same bird?

Wintersett 24.05.15

10°C,  scattered cloud and sunny intervals with a cool north westerly breeze.  Even quieter today!
Anglers CP: Common Sandpiper 1,  Oystercatcher 2 young.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 5.

Low Moor/Midhope, 24/5/15.

Teamed up with Simmo at 1.30pm and we left at 5-30pm. The time went surprisingly fast in once again a shocking north westerly wind. Very steady with the best raptor a Peregrine over pike lowe. + Buzzard 6, Kestrel 3, Raven 1, Oystercatcher 2, 1 fem. Teal, Jay 1, Siskin 1, 1 juv Dunnock on wall, Snipe 9 seen displaying but thought to be in double figures. Again a steady movement of Swifts east to west but not as many as Wednesday.

Newmillerdam - 24 May

Good walk round this morning produced the following list:

Mallard, blackbird, black-headed gull, grey heron, coot, carrion crow, woodpigeon, grey wagtail, robin, blue tit, great tit, wren, song thrush, nuthatch, chaffinch, blackcap, great spotted woodpecker, long-tailed tit, pheasant, lapwing, pied wagtail, jackdaw, chiffchaff, moorhen, Canada goose, great crested grebe, greylag goose, mute swan, swift, magpie, goldfinch, collared dove and a buzzard over Seckar Wood.

The last of the mute swan eggs has hatched and the pair have produced six young.

Wintersett 23.05.15

10° with 8/8 cloud until mid morning, then sunny and 14°C,  with a light southerly. 
 Wintersett Res: Common Tern 4.
Walton Hall Golf Course: Cuckoo 1
Anglers CP: Redshank 1,  Shoveler 1 m,  Cormorant 2,  Common Gull 1 1st summer.  3 pairs of Sand Martin are using the Sand Martin Box.

Red Kite and Goldies

I managed to re-locate 14 Golden Plover at Hartcliff  this morning. Frustratingly, they were in a field I think looks excellent for Dotterel, rather than in the longer sward they often favour. A couple of weeks ago I think I may have had a chance of them pulling one in. A splendid Red Kite (my first here) drifted NW at 11.55 after briefly circling the hill. Also of note - c.60 Bhg's (mainly 1st summers) and 3 Buzzards.
Cheers
Russ
http://shapesthatsometimesfly.blogspot.co.uk/

Carlton Marsh

Last night 22nd Redshank and an adult Common Gull (New Scrape) Also Noctule Bat at dusk.

Today singing males included 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler and 7 Reed Warbler. Kingfisher and 12 Tufted Duck were also on show.

Wintersett 22.05.15

13°C, sunny and  humid with south westerly breeze.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 8.  The first fledged Longtailed Tit was in the SW corner.
Anglers CP: There are 4 broods of Black-headed Gulls on the rafts.  The Oystercatchers are down to 2 young (from 4).
Other critters:  Two Yellow-bellied Sliders were on WRes.  The first Blue-tailed Damselfly was at the north east end of WRes.

The Edge 22nd May

There continues to be very little change in the variety of birds recorded on the Edge. The usual breeding migrants have moved in and set up territories but there has been a dearth of passage migrants. We seem to have gone very quickly from winter to the summer lull. Hoping for a few late Spring surprises on the Edge of Old Moor.
Wombwell Ings- Present were 2 Mute Swan, 34 Canada Geese, 30 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 15 Gadwall, 11 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 2 Wigeon, 1 Cormorant, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 21 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 26 BH Gull, 2 Mistle Thrush, 5 Skylark  and 1 Meadow Pipit.
Broomhill Flash- Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 18 Canada Geese, 29 Greylag, 7 Shelduck, 13 Tufted Duck, 13 Mallard, 11 Gadwall, 5 Pochard, 3 Little Grebe, 19 Coot, 3 Moorhen and 1 Pied Wagtail.
Warbler Way- Singing males 10 Willow Warbler, 8 Chiffchaff, 7 Blackcap, 6 Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Willow Tit and 1 Song Thrush. 9 Avocet were counted on the Waderscrape.
Bolton Ings- On the open water were 2 Mute Swan + 6 cygnets, 3 Canada Geese, 26 Tufted Duck, 11 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, 2 Mallard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 39 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 3 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also noted were 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing and 2 Bullfinch.

Carlton Marsh

A Peregrine was heading towards the New Scrape area at 12.52hrs. (Geoff Miller) At Carlton a Weasel appeared on Dave Smith's patio and a Cuckoo was singing near his home. 

Edderthorpe, Thursday

Still excellent for waders down here at the moment. The Little Stint remains for its fourth day, Dunlin 6, Ruff 1, Ringed Plover 24 (at least 9 had left high to the north by 07.00), LRP 3, no sign of the drake Garganey which was still present yesterday. Lapwings appear to be having a disastrous breeding season on the Flash and at Houghton Washlands. Only 2 broods of chicks have been seen and each for only a single day before disappearing, 3 nests were ploughed over by the farmer and most adults appear to have given up the breeding attempt this year, only 35 were counted today, most stood around in silage fields. Thank goodness for the adjacent fenced area at Symphony where once again Lapwings are raising plenty of chicks!

The Edge 21st May

Wombwell Ings-Present were 2 Mute Swan, 37 Canada Goose, 31 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 12 Gadwall, 11 Tufted Duck,10 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 17 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 5 Lapwing, 4+ Redshank, 1 Ruff, 18 BH Gull, 6 Skylark and 2 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash-Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 58 Canada Geese, 48 Greylag, 8 Shelduck, 12 Tufted Duck, 5 Gadwall, 4 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 4 Little Grebe, 23 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 3 Lapwing, 1 Redshank and 3 LBB Gull.
Warbler Way- Singing males 11 Willow Warbler, 9 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler and 2 Reed Bunting.Also of note were the year's first male Banded Demoiselle Damselflies.
Bolton Ings-On the open water were 2 Mute Swan + 7 cygnets, 9 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 24 Tufted Duck, 6 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 5 Pochard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 34 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Buzzard, 1 Grey Wagtail  and 1 Kingfisher.

Surprises at Ingbirchworth

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 23 Mallards + broods of  6+4+2 ducklings (including a golden one in brood of 6), 4 Tufted Ducks, 2 Little Grebes, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Black-headed Gulls, 2 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 2 first-summer Herring Gulls, 4 Moorhens, 18 Coots, 1 Kingfisher, 2 singing Garden Warblers, 3 singing Whitethroats and 3 singing Yellowhammers

Old Moor Sofa

Again apologies for late blog, still haven't sorted internet/laptop problems and too lazy to buy a new one.

An update on the number of species recorded in the Old Moor Area this year, at the end of March the total was 112.

A further 26 species were added in April as follows - Swallow on 1st (113), Marsh Harrier on 4th (114), Osprey on 5th (115), Ruff on 6th (116), Whimbrel on 8th (117), Little Gull on 10th (118), Willow Warbler on 10th (119), Common Sandpiper on 11th (120), House Martin on 14th (121), Black Tailed Godwit on 14th (122), Reed Warbler on 15th (123), Yellow Wagtail on 15th (124), Sedge Warbler on 16th (125), Whitethroat on 16th (126), Grasshopper Warbler on 17th (127), Swift on 18th (128), Cuckoo on 20th (129), Tree Pipit on 22nd (130), Lesser Whitethroat on 24th (131), Gareden Warbler on 24th (132), Black Tern on 24th (133), Grey Plover on 24th (134), Common Tern on 25th (135), Hobby on 25th (136), Whinchat on 28th (137), and finally Yellow Legged Gull on 29th (138).

A further 5 species have been added in May as follows - Garganey on 2nd (139), Bar Tailed Godwit on 11th (140), Arctic Tern on 12th (141), Turnstone on 12th (142) and Sanderling on 12th (143).

Personally I think it has been one of the worst Springs on record if not the worst. Maybe because of the weather, seems to have been windy and cold nearly all the time and still is today. Wader passage has been very poor with no Greenshank and only 2 Black Tailed Godwits, 1 record of Little Gull, hardly any Arctic Terns and whats happened to the Mediterranean Gulls. Of couse it could all change tomorrow (probably won't) but we live in hope and it's always good to be out enjoying the birds that are with us.

For comparison some other inland sites totals are as follows - Lound, Nottinghamshire 153, Swillington Ings, West Yorkshire 159 (Wow), Upton Warren, Worcestershire 123, Hatfield Moors, South Yorkshire 157 and Potteric Carr, South Yorkshire 146.

Ewden stone circle track./ Low Moor, Midhope. 20/5/15.

Ewden - No escaping winter here in a cold n.w. wind. Up to the cabin and back had 2 pairs of Stonechats possibly 3 with another bird heard. 2 calling Cuckoo's, Golden Plover 1, Swift 6, chipping Snipe 1, Ring Ouzel 1, Raven 2 and a party of 5, Buzzard 6, Kestrel 2 and a pair of Pied Wagtails at the cabin. Low Moor/ Midhope - A coat warmer here and a pleasant lunch in the sun. Buzzard 6, Kestrel 2, Sparrowhawk 1, Raven 2, Oystercatcher 2, Siskin 2, Snipe 6 and a constant steady movement of Swifts going east to west. Over 100 counted but many more. Light entertainment was provided mid-aft by the week a Wednesday team who had come for the GG Shrike.

The Edge 20th May

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 30 Canada Geese, 24 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 2 Shelduck, 14 Mallard, 12 Gadwall, 12 Tufted Duck, 2 Grey Haron, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 18 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 5 Lapwing, 1 Avocet, 1 Redshank, 1 Ruff, 1 Little  Ringed Plover, 21 BH Gull and 4 Skylark.
Broomhill Flash- Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 28 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 23 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 1 Red Legged Partridge, 4 Little Grebe, 28 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 1 Redshank, 3 LBB Gull and 1 Buzzard.
Warbler Way- Singing males  8 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 7 Blackcap, 5 Whitethroat, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler and 2 Song Thrush. Also seen 1 Barn Owl.
Bolton Ings- On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 4 Canada Geese, 37 Tufted Duck, 7 Gadwall, 5 Pochard, 5 Mallard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 42 Moorhen, 1 Moorhen,and 5 LBB Gull. Also seen were 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Carlton Marsh

It was great to be warm again outdoors! Todays highlights included 20 Tufted Duck, which equalled the record. 2 Dabchick, a new brood of 5 Canada Geese and 2 Kingfishers. If the latter breed it will be a first for this site! Lesser Whitethroat was singing along with at least 7 Reed Warblers.

On route to my mothers', an Osprey mobbed by a Crow at 16.13hrs, flew North over the new cemetery in Cudworth, as it ambled towards Rabbit Ings. Cudworth cemetery is about three quarters of a mile east of Carlton Marsh.

Ingbirchworth & Midhope

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 50+ Swifts.
Midhope Reservoir - 2 drake Teal.

Wintersett 20.05.15

8°C with 7/8 cloud and a moderate north westerly this morning.  Sunny this afternoon but still windy.
Anglers CP: Oystercatcher 4 adults + 3 young.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 9
Moorhouse Lane Pond: Large Red Damselfly.
Of interest:  Brian Lee reported an Osprey over his house in Royston heading NW at 11.55hrs.  There was an Osprey at Broomhill going west 15.15hrs  and then one at Carlton Marsh ambling slowly north towards Rabbit Ings at 16.13hrs.  Could this be the same bird?   Maybe a two year old returning to the UK for the first time?  Unfortunately there was no one on site at Wintersett to await its probable arrival. 

Edderthorpe, Tuesday

Following the influx of Tundra Ringed Plover here yesterday evening it was no real surprise to find them all gone this morning, clearly pressing on with their northward bound migration. The Little Stint is rather surprisingly still present as are the 9 Dunlin, but everything else appears to have moved on. A Ruff is different from the very small individual present yesterday, a winter plumaged Sanderling with 3 Ringed Plovers dropped in at 05.55 but only stayed for 2 minutes before leaving to the north and a further 13 Ringed Plovers were present later in the afternoon. LRP 4, Common Sandpiper 1, Redshank 16 were also present and a Peregrine put in an appearance during the afternoon.

Wilthorpe Marsh 19/5/15.

Not much new here. About 150 House Martins feeding at sewage farm and a notable increase this year of Bullfinchs. 2 young Tawny Owls were showing well at the end of April.

Wintersett 19.05.15

7°C with 8/8 cloud,  intermittent rain and hail showers with a cool north westerly.  Some short sunny intervals from midday.
Anglers CP: A 1st Summer BLACK  TERN was a surprise this morning. It stayed here until mid afternoon and then went to Wintersett Res.   Oystercatcher 4 young and  Cormorant 2.  More Sand Martins were prospecting around the Sand Martin Box.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 11,  Willow Tit 1.

special views

This morning I had distant views of the splendid black tern at Anglers and then lost it until I realised it was flying over the rocks in front of the hide.  It then settled on a rock at 11am and stayed there preening for 20 minutes providing crippling views before flying off to feed across the lake.
At Old Moor at 12.10 I had a brief sighting of a bittern in low flight over the reeds.

Wader passage - at last...

Edderthorpe Flash, Monday. It has been rather slow going this spring at this site but finally things looked up today, clearly a day when lots of waders are on the move. A breeding plumage Sanderling was the first decent bird to appear, followed by a Little Stint a Avocet, a Ruff and a few Dunlin and Ringed Plovers. By late evening Ringed Plovers had built up to 31 and Dunlin to 9, with 4 LRPs and 18 Redshank for company. The drake Garganey is still present on the Flash, Teal 2 and Shelduck 4.

Wintersett 18.05.15

8°C,  drizzle,  showers,  mainly cloudy with a cool south westerly.
Despite an extensive search of the area there was no sign of the Lesser Scaup today.  Not a lot else to report.
Anglers CP:  Redshank 1.  4 young Oystercatchers.  Common Tern 2 + 8 WRes.. 

The Edge 18th May

Back from birdwatching around Lake Kerkini, Northern Greece-a wonderful spot.
Wombwell Ings mid AM-Present were 4 Mute Swan, 34 Greylag, 21 Canada Geese, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 7 Shelduck, 20 Gadwall, 11 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 18 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 3 Redshank + 2 very young chicks, 5 Lapwing, 26 BH Gull, 5 Skylark, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Linnet and 2 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash late AM-Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 7 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 6 Shelduck, 11 Tufted Duck, 7 Gadwall, 6 Pochard, 4 Mallard, 1 Red Legged Partridge, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Grebe, 11 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 2 Redshank, 1 Kestrel, 2 LBB Gull, 40+ Swift, 20+ Swallow, 20+ House Martin and c6 Sand Martin.
Warbler Way-Singing males- 1 Song Thrush, 7 Chiffchaff, 6 Willow Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Whitethroat and 2 Blackcap. 14 Avocet could be seen on an island on The Waderscrape.
Bolton Ings early PM-On the open water were 3 Mute Swans+ a brood of  7 cygnets, 7 Canada Geese, 29 Tufted Duck, 5 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, 2 Mallard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 38 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 191 BH Gull and 3 LBB Gull. Also present were 2 Grey Partridge and 1 Oystercatcher.

Willow Tit Survey

Results from the spring Willow Tit Survey were excellent and far more than expected.
The main focus was the Dearne Nature Improvement Area (NIA) which roughly is north to Rabbit Ings, east to Barnburgh/Sprotborough, south to Swinton/Wentworth and west to Worsbrough. The NIA covers 200 sq km and Willow Tit were found in 43 sqs.
A total of 63 territories were located in mainly damp/wet habitats with a strong emphasis on the post industrial habitats. Some territories were only 250-300 metres apart in ideal habitats.
So, thanks to everyone who put records on this blog or sent me info via email and text.
Keep any records coming in for the rest of the BBSG recording area.
Thanks to Alwyn Timms for the image.

 

Wharncliffe Wood / Low Moor, Midhope. 17-5-15.

Wharncliffe Wood- 2 Wood Warblers, possibly 3 close together still on east side. Low Moor/Midhope 2pm to 4-30pm,- excellent light but too cold- Hobby 1 over ewden height probably same bird seen by Simmo, Buzzard 2, Kestrel 2, Snipe difficult to count but thought to be 6 displaying, 3 Lapwing chicks seen and adult Curlew with 4 chicks. Oystercatcher 1, Siskin 2, Redpoll 1, Linnet 4.

Newmillerdam WeBS 17 May

Mallard 92, Canada goose 7, coot 14, greylag goose 8, great crested grebe 6, black-headed gull 14, moorhen 1, mute swan 2, grey heron 1

Hartcliff Hill Pm

Pretty hard going here this afternoon. All the goldies appear to have departed. Only notable was a Spotted Flycatcher in the copse at the rear of the lodge. Although limited, the habitat here looks rather good for this species, so I'll be keeping a eye on it in the coming weeks.
Cheers
Russ
http://shapesthatsometimesfly.blogspot.co.uk/

Edderthorpe, Sunday

WEbS count weekend again, the following are highlights from Edderthorpe Flash and Houghton Washland;- Garganey 1 drake started the early morning on Houghton before nipping over to Edderthorpe where it remained to the afternoon at least, Teal 2 drakes, Mallard 124, Gadwall 110, Shoveler 6 (5 drakes), Tufted Duck 30, Cormorant 2, Little Grebe 6, Moorhen 50, Coot 99, Oystercatcher 3, Lapwing 52, Redshank 12, Ruff 1, Ringed Plover 6, LRP 5, Dunlin 5. Cuckoo 1.

Wintersett 17.05.15

8°C  with 8/8 cloud and a light but cool south westerly this morning.  Sunny and warmer this afternoon.
Anglers CP: The adult drake Scaup continued to attract visiting birders and photographers.  A Little Egret flew through south at 09.35hrs.  2 Arctic Terns were on the rocks in front of the hide. Common Tern 2 + 17 WRes.
This afternoon we were honoured to walk through the Wintersett Recording Area with Roy Taylor on his Wheelchair Challenge - raising money for better disabled access in the countryside and across RSPB nature reserves. 
To donate visit:   www.virginmoneygiving.com/wheelchairchallenge2

Pete Smith,  Roy Taylor  Graham Speight 

Carlton Marsh

The highlights today were; Redshank 2, Common Sandpiper 1, Lapwing 4 (2 on nests) Kingfisher, Buzzard, Little Owl, Cuckoo, Tufted Duck 13, Whitethroat 6 and Reed Warbler 7 singing males. The recently excavated areas are now maturing and are becoming much more attractive to birds.

Ferry Moor and Cudworth Common

A walk over all this interesting area this morning revealed;- Greylag Goose 19, Canada Goose 28 + 3 broods chicks, Mallard 60, Moorhen 36, Coot 16, Lapwing 46 with plenty broods of chicks in the Symphony fenced area, Redshank 10, Ringed Plover 8, LRP 4, Oystercatcher 2, Common Sandpiper 2, Cuckoo 2. Warblers singing in territories include;- Grasshopper 1, Reed 3, Garden 1, Blackcap 16, Common Whitethroat 10, Willow 12, Chiffchaff 1. Just 2 pairs of Yellowhammer were found.

Edderthorpe, Saturday

At long last we got a decent wader this spring;- a breeding plumage Turnstone was down early morning with 8 Dunlin but was spooked by a Lesser Black-backed Gull, the Turnstone left northwards but the Dunlin returned and spent the remainder of the day here - until the flock was attacked at 16.45 by a Hobby which singled one out and pursued it rapidly into the distance (the Dunlin did appear to be getting further away by the time I lost them). Shelduck 2, Ringed Plover 8 plus recently hatched young, LRP 5, Oystercatcher 4, Common Sandpiper 1, Redshank 12, Lapwing 52, Common Buzzard 6, Common Tern 2

Wintersett WeBS count May 2015

Here are the WeBS count totals for the Wintersett Area.

Coot 94,    Moorhen 11,    Mallard 40,    Tufted Duck 57,
Great Crested Grebe 12,   Gadwall 10,   Mute Swan 8,  
Canada Goose 24,   Cormorant 1,   Lesser Scaup 1.

Wintersett 16.05.15

9°C  and sunny with a cool brisk westerly.
Anglers CP:  The adult drake LESSER  SCAUP gave brilliant views in front of the hide all day.  The southern pair of Oystercatchers have 4 young. 
Wintersett Res:  An Arctic Tern at 16.40hrs left west.  Common Tern 14,  Kingfisher 1 and Lapwing 4.

Carlton Marsh

2 Redshank and Kingfisher tonight

Wintersett 15.05.15

A cold start but sunny and up to 16° this afternoon with a light south westerly.
Wintersett Res:  The adult drake Lesser Scaup spent most of the day on the boathouse slipway.  Willow Tit 1 and Mallard 6 small young.
Cold Hiendley Res: Kingfisher 1.
Disposal Point:  Green Woodpecker 1.
Anglers CP: Oystercatchers - north pair have lost their young but south pair have 2 young.

Broomhill Flash 15th May

Mute Swan 2, Pochard 6♂ & 1♀, Tufted 10, Gadwall 10, Lesser black backed Gull 6, R.L. Part 2, Shelduck 8, Mallard 10+, Whitethroat 2, Little Grebe 3, Oystercatcher 1, Kestrel 1, Grey Wag 1, Pied Wag 1, Pink Footed goose 1, Buzzard 1, Cormorant 1, Ruff 1♂, Avocet 1, Swallow 20+, Swift 70+, House Martin 20+.

Broomhill Flash

Shelduck 8, Pochard 4♂, Gadwall 7, Tufted Duck 14, Mallard 3, Little Grebe 2, Lesser black-backed Gull 4, Swallow 50+, Swift 70+, House Martin 20+, Redshank 2, Mute Swan 2, Kestrel 1, Hobby 1, Buzzard 4.

Wintersett 14.05.15

A cold 6°C with 5/8 cloud and a moderate north easterly. 
 Wintersett Res: The adult drake LESSER  SCAUP was on the boathouse slipway first thing but moved to the south west corner late morning.   Common Tern 15,  Common Sandpiper 1,  Little Ringed Plover 1 over and Mallard 3 small ducklings.

Anglers CP:   A 1st Summer LITTLE  GULL flew in mid afternoon.  A 1st Summer Common Gull flew north.   The  Oystercatchers (northern pair) have hatched young.  Water Rail 2 calling.   SWIFT 900  and House Martin 100. 

Other good news today - The Sand Martins are nest building in the Sand Martin box!

A Pigeon Day.

Very quiet and very cold up on t' moors.
Carlecotes - 1 Oystercatcher.
Winscar Reservoir - 2 Oystercatchers, at least six 'sitting' Black-headed Gulls and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Whitley Common - 32 Stock Doves including the very pale bird.
Whitley Edge - 31 Stock Doves.
Barnside - c100 Woodpigeons.

Carlton Marsh

This years first ringing session this evening provided 5 Reed Warblers, which included a retrap from June last year, 1 Yellow Bunting 1 Reed Bunting and a male Kingfisher.

Also present 7 Greylags, 12 Canada Geese, 2 Little Grebes, 3 Grey Herons, Grey Wagtail, Water Rail, Little owl, 2 singing Lesser Whitethroats, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 5 pairs of Tufted Duck, 2 singing Sedge Warblers and 7 Reed Warblers. 2 Rooks flew north this morning and 3 south this evening. They are quite scarce here. A Redshank was on the New Scrape when I left at 21.00hrs and a Cuckoo was singing.

South Kirkby reclaimed spoil tip-yesterday
Brown Argus, Common Blue & 25 Dingy Skippers

(Chris Parkin)

Edderthorpe, Wednesday

A few new arrivals this morning;- a Hobby flew over the Flash just after 7 am in the direction of Ardsley, Oystercatcher 2, Ringed Plover 3, LRP 1, Dunlin 8, Common Sandpiper 2, Redshank 8, Teal 2, Common Tern 1, Sedge Warbler 1 by the bench is new in and another 2 are singing by Park Spring Tip (Sedgies appear to be very thin on the ground this spring).

Wintersett 13.05.15

Up to 12°C,  sunny with a light easterly.
Wintersett Res: Little Ringed Plover 1,  Arctic Tern 1 and Common Tern 7. 
Anglers CP:  The Lesser Scaup showed up here in the afternoon.  Sanderling 1,  Common Sandpiper 1,  Shoveler 1m and Mallard with 1 small young.  The first young Black-headed Gulls have hatched on the big raft.
Butterfly:  The first Dingy Skipper was seen.
 

                    Dingy Skipper                    ACP   13.05.15

Wintersett 12.05.15

9°C  with 4/8 cloud and a strong south westerly.
Cold Hiendley Res: The adult drake LESSER SCAUP was present  this morning but relocated to Anglers CP mid afternoon. 
Anglers CP:  Dunlin 10 NW at 09.15 hrs. There was further wader movement this afternoon.  A Sanderling, 2 Ringed Plovers and 2 Dunlin dropped into the shallows  at 14.20hrs  but left at 14.35hrs. 
Wintersett Res:  Common Sandpiper 1,  Dunlin 1 and a further 3 Dunlin at 15.37hrs.  ARCTIC TERN 1,  Common Tern 15  Greylag 2 and  Mallard 7m young, 
Other Critters:  The first Small White butterfly of the year was on the west bank WRes.   Another Yellow-bellied Slider was in the NE corner of WRes.

Carlton Marsh

Our first Common Sandpiper of the year was present yesterday.

Today Kingfisher and 5 pairs of Tufted Duck.

Dunford Bridge
16 Green Hairstreaks

Monk Bretton (reclaimed spoil tip)
Small Heath 1, 36 Dingy Skippers and 1 Small Yellow Underwing

(Chris Parkin)

Edderthorpe, Monday

The heavy rain Friday afternoon and evening have filled the Flash up and covered most of the mud that was beginning to show. Highlights from this morning;- Shelduck 4, Teal 3, Shoveler 4, Redshank 6, Common Sandpiper 1, Grey Partridge 2. With it being a nice, mild morning there were loads of birds singing and a pleasure to be out.

Wintersett 11.05.15

A warm 13°C start with lots of sunshine and a strong south westerly.
Cold Hiendley Res: The adult drake Lesser Scaup was with a small group of Tufted Ducks.
Wintersett Res: Common Sandpiper 1,  Common Tern 10 and Willow Tit 1. 
Anglers CP: A Turnstone was working its way around the islands.  Goosander 1 1st summer male.

Elsecar, Ingbirchworth & Midhope

Elsecar Reservoir - 3 Canada Geese, c75 Mallards, pair Shoveler, 2 drake Tufted Ducks, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Great Crested Grebes, c30 Black-headed Gulls and 2 Common Terns.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 10 Canada Geese, 21 Mallards, 14 Tufted Ducks, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 3 Moorhens and 22 Coots.
Midhope Reservoir - 1 drake Teal, two pairs Little Grebe, 1 Cuckoo and 1 singing Pied Flycatcher.

Hartcliff Hill

A couple of hour around the windy hill this aft. Looking through the 32 Golden Plover in nearby fields produced a spanking summer-plumaged Dunlin. A nice patch tick! It's obviously the goldies that have pulled this in, rather than the uninspiring habitat, so what's next? Dunlin wasn't the first 'grassland' wader that comes to mind. Also, two Wheatear, one showing characters of the Greenland form and 20+ swifts overhead.
Cheers
Russ
http://shapesthatsometimesfly.blogspot.co.uk/

Newmillerdam 10 May

List from this morning's walk round:

Woodpigeon, chaffinch, mallard, wren, robin, great tit, blue tit, blackbird, blackcap, treecreeper, carrion crow, jay, song thrush, great spotted woodpecker, mistle thrush, magpie, coal tit, long-tailed tit, black-headed gull, coot, Canada goose, mute swan, great crested grebe, moorhen, tufted duck, cormorant, nuthatch.

27 species. A personal best at Newmillerdam.

Wintersett 10.05.15

A mild 8°C, initially overcast but the cloud cleared gradually, then sunny and warm with a light south westerly.
It was great to see lots of visiting birders and photographers of all ages  today. The Black-necked Grebe put on a prolonged and close performance at Anglers CP.    The adult drake Lesser Scaup was on Wintersett Res until flushed by boats mid morning when it relocated to Cold Hiendley Res.
Anglers CP: An AVOCET dropped in front of the hide briefly,  circled the lake and left south at 08.50hrs.  Cuckoo 1m, Turnstone 1,  Dunlin 1,  Common Sandpiper 1,  Goosander 3 ( 2m+1 imm.m),  Shoveler 1m,   Shelduck 3.  A Mallard had 8 vs ducklings.   Bird of the day was a RINGTAIL HEN HARRIER that flew over west at 11.25hrs.
Wintersett Res:  Common Tern 11.    The Yellow-bellied Slider showed in the boathouse reed bed.  

Cliff Wood

The following were singing/holding breeding territories at Cliff Wood, Langsett today:-
Woodpigeon (1), Great Spotted Woodpecker (1), Blue Tit (12), Great Tit (7), Blackcap (2), Garden Warbler (1), Chiffchaff (1), Willow Warbler (2), Nuthatch (3), Treecreeper (1), Wren (8), Blackbird (2), Song Thrush (adult with 2 fledglings), Mistle Thrush (1), Robin (6), Redstart (1+), Pied Flycatcher (2+) and Chaffinch (9),

Wintersett 09.05.15

6°C with 6/8 cloud and a strong westerly.

The adult drake Lesser Scaup and a drake Pochard were flushed off  Winterset  Res by the boats.  Both relocated to Anglers CP.  The Lesser Scaup was in the shallows in front of the hide, where it gave close up views.  

Anglers CP: Black-necked Grebe 1,  Dunlin 3,  Turnstone 1,  Common Sandpiper 2 + 1 WRes., Goosander 1 1st summer male,  Teal 1 male, Cormorant 1  Greylag Goose 18,  Great Crested Grebe 5, 

Wintersett Res: Little Ringed Plover 1 on the slipway, Common Tern  16, Swallow 300,  House Martin 90 + 150 ACP andSand Martin 50.

Cold Hiendley Res: A CUCKOO was calling.
Many thanks to Andy Deighton  for these cracking shots of the Lesser Scaup.   The nasal saddle is not pretty but this bird is making a huge contribution to science. 

Adwick Washlands

Last nights heavy rain on top of the showers that we have had over the last several days have filled up the thirsty ponds, ditches and scrapes around the reserve (overfilled in a lot of places) and the River Dearne was high at Bolton

These were the highlights from 10:30 to 12: this am

Whitethroat 3, Ringed Plover 7, plenty of Reed Buntings, Redshank, Swift and House Martin, 1 Whimbel flew in at 11am to rest from the strong westerly but only stayed a few mins before leaving NW, Yellow Hammer 1, Grey Partridge 3, Sedge Warbler 1, Sparrow Hawk 1.

Many people say it is difficult to find this reserve. For those looking for it; the Car Park for this reserve is at 53.516157, -1.283569 on Furlong Road between Adwick on Dearne and Harlington.
Walk in a westerly direction along the northern bank of the River Dearne for about 350m, the reserve is over on the right

Barrow Tip - Worsbro

Some of the first day flying moths were airborne yesterday, which included 4 Burnet Companion, 3 Mother Shipton and 1 Beautiful Yellow Underwing. Also present 14 Dingy Skippers, Grass Snake and Bee Fly.

(Chris Parkin)

Wintersett 08.05.15

8°C with 4/8 cloud and a light south easterly.  Rain from 15.00hrs.
A 1st summer drake  Greater Scaup caused some confusion  at Anglers CP this morning before the adult drake Lesser Scaup was seen on Wintersett Res.   The Black-necked Grebe was still present (ACP) and these three birds attracted many visiting birders. A Whimbrel,on the boathouse slipway,  a Common Sandpiper,  a male Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Grey Heron were also around WRes.  3 Turnstone were brought in to Anglers CP by the rain this afternoon.   A drake Shoveler,  a drake Teal and 100 Swallow were also at ACP. 

Greater Scaup 1st Summer Drake   ACP        PSmith

Black-necked Grebe        ACP    Lynz Harston

Carlton Marsh

The highlights today were, Kingfisher, Canada Geese with 5 young, both Little Grebes constructing a nest, 3 pairs of Tufted Duck, 13 Swifts north, 3 Sand Martins north, 10 blackcaps, 7 Reed Warblers, 2 Sedge Warblers, 3 Whitethroats all singing.

11 species of butterfly this afternoon included 1 Dingy Skipper, 1 Comma, 6 Peacock, 8 Orange tip and 2 Speckled Wood.
Also Hoverfly Leucozona lucorum and macro moth Pinion White Spotted - only the second record for this site. (Chris Parkin)

Wintersett 07.5.15

8°C, warm with 6/8 cloud and a light south westerly. 

It was great to meet the many visitors who came to to see the adult drake LESSER SCAUP  still on Wintersett Res today.   An added bonus was 4 Whimbrel on the boathouse slipway, before they flew over to Anglers CP shallows  mid afternoon.  Also around WRes were: - a Cuckoo calling in the south east corner,  Common Tern 7,  Sedge Warbler 7 males, Common Sandpiper 1 + 1 ACP,  and 4 very small Mallard ducklings. 

At Anglers CP the BLACK-NECKED GREBE was still present but diving continually.  3 Shelduck were in first thing.  One was chased off but two were still around in the afternoon. 

Wilthorpe Marsh 7/5/15.

Very steady but Spotted Flycatcher on river this aft. Green Pecker 1, GS Pecker 1, Willow Tit 1 at w end of canal at SE 328 085.

Ingbirchworth - Stocksbridge

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 27 Mallards, 8 Tufted Ducks, one pair Little Grebe, two pairs Great Crested Grebe, 1 Sparrowhawk, 18 Coots, 2 Common Sandpipers, 1 Black-headed Gull, 100+ Swifts, 1 Sand Martin, 20+ Swallows, c50 House Martins.
Midhope Reservoir - 3 drake Teal, two pairs Little Grebe and 1 singing Chiffchaff.
Whitwell Moor - 1 female Merlin hunting along Long Lane.

Broomhill Flash

Mute Swan 2, Pink footed Goose 1, Gadwall 4, Pochard 2♂ & 1♀, Tufted Duck 14, Mallard c12, Redshank 1, Blackcap 1.

Wintersett 06.05.15

8°C, mostly cloudy with rain showers  and a strong gusty westerly.
Wintersett Res: The adult drake Lesser Scaup moved around the res today.  I hope all visitors managed to connect with it.  Common Tern 10 and Common Sandpiper 1 + 1 ACP.
Anglers CP: A summer plumage Black-necked Grebe was nice for me,  having missed the group of 6 due to Hebs jaunt.    Teal 1 drake.
The total Swift count for the area was 800 and Sand Martin 150.

Edderthorpe, Wednesday am

An Egyptian Goose flew into Houghton Washlands at 06.00 and a pair of Little Grebes have taken up residence on there. On Edderthorpe Flash;- Shelduck 2, Teal 4, Shoveler 6, Peregrine 1, Oystercatcher 2, Grey Plover 1 left north 07.45, Ringed Plover 6, LRP 2, Common Sandpiper 1, Whimbrel 1 in field over river, Common Gull 1.

Ingbirchworth area

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 6 Tufted Ducks, one pair Little Grebe, two pairs Great Crested Grebe, c500 Swallows, c300 House Martins, and 1 singing Garden Warbler.
Whitley Common - 4 Lapwings and 9 Wheatears on the 'airfield'.
Winscar Reservoir - a pair Moorhen, two pairs Oystercatcher, two pairs Common Sandpiper, 40+ Black-headed Gulls including 7 'sitting' and a pair copulating, 4 (3 adults & 1 first-summer) Lesser Black-backed Gulls and three pair Stock Doves. .

Wintersett 05.05.15

Wintersett Res:   LESSER SCAUP 1 drake,  Ringed Plover 1 - first for year,  White Wagtail 3,  Peregrine 1 adult over at 11.55hrs,
Anglers CP:  Snipe 1,   Teal 1m,  Pochard 1m + 1f,  Lesser Whitethroat  1m, Yellow Wagtail 3,  Common Tern 2 +6 Wres,  Yellow-legged adult 1 briefly, left west,  Canada Goose 3 broods 3,4,2.   Sand Martin 2 going into Sand Martin Box.  There were 200 Swift in the area today.

Wharncliffe Area, 4th May

Late report from yesterday...

Wharncliffe Wood - 5 Wood Warbler, 3 Tree Pipit, 1 Cuckoo, 2 Garden Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 13 Willow Warbler.

Wharncliffe Chase - 9 Tree Pipit, 7 Redstart (including 5 singing), 1 Cuckoo, 3 Garden Warbler, 11 Willow Warbler, 2 Wheatear, 2 Green Woodpecker.

Wheata Wood & Prior Royd LNR - 1 Tree Pipit singing in fields.

Broomhill Flash Nature Reserve Tuesday 5th May

Mid Morning
Tufted Duck 17, Little Grebe 4, Gadwall 6+, Mute Swan 2, Mallard 4+, Pochard 2♂ & 1♀, House Martin 12+, Canada Geese 36 & 3 Gosling, Greylag Geese 2, Blackcap 1, Coot 23, Moorhen 3, Lapwing 9, Skylark 2, Meadow Pipit 2, Swallow 2, Oystercatcher 2, Reed Bunting 3, Black-headed Gull c160, Lesser black-backed Gull 4, Shelduck 4.

Wintersett May Day Monday

A very happy May Day Monday in fact. Bird of the day is a drake LESSER SCAUP found with a group of about six Tufted Ducks in the south-west corner of the Top Res. It showed very well throughout the day, spending much of the morning sleeping and then feeding actively in the evening. This is the third Lesser Scaup for Wintersett and the fourth for the Barnsley area. To add to the interest this drake is 'wearing' a red-orange nasal saddle. This is a coloured plastic patch which carries a unique code and is attached to the bill of wildfowl by 'ringers' so the birds movements can be followed and easily read in the field. This nasal saddle is marked 'VH' so we can easily source where it's been since it was captured and marked. It was first trapped on 20th December 2013 as a juvenile drake at Sao Jacinto Dunes NR in Portugal and it remained here for the winter through to 3rd February 2014. It was next noted in southern Wales at Llangorse Lake in the Brecon Beacons National Park from 17th October 2014 to February 2015. And then it went 'missing' again until turning up on the Top Res this morning. And this is not the first duck marked with a nasal saddle to travel from Sao Jacinto to Wintersett,- a Pochard did exactly the same thing a few years ago!

Showing the orange-red nasal saddle and note the markings VH in the centre.

An Osprey appeared over the Country Park at 09:10 then moved on to the Top Reservoir before heading southwards and was later picked up at Carlton Marsh. Common Tern 12, Common Sandpiper 1, Common Snipe 1, Barn Owl 1 hunting over the Top Res at 07:50, Swift 90. And another exciting development, 2 Sand Martins were watched entering holes in the nesting box on the Country Park, the first time that this has been observed and hopefully not the last.

Ewden, stone circle track 4/5/15.

12pm to 4-15pm. group of 3 calling Whimbrel flew e, 2 Ring Ouzels, 1 male Stonechat, Raven 1, chipping Snipe 1. Poor for raptors with 6 Buzzards, 2 Kestrels.

The Edge 4th May

Wombwell Ings-Present were 2 Mute Swan, 19 Canada Geese, 16 Greylag, 2 Pink Footed Geese, 5 Shelduck, 16 Gadwall, 14 Tufted Duck, 12 Mallard, 2 Wigeon, 1 Red Legged Partridge,1 Grey Heron, 19 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 9 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 1 Ringed Plover, 16 BH Gull, 40+ Swift, 4 Pied Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Linnet.
Warbler Way- Singing males- 12 Willow Warbler, 9 Chiffchaff, 9 Whitethroat, 8 Blackcap, 4 Sedge Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Grasshopper Warbler and 1 Willow Tit.
Bolton Ings-On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 8 Greylag, 5 Canada Geese, 33 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 3 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 52 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 470+ BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present were 1 Cormorant, 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Green Woodpecker.
Broomhill Flash- Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 22 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 1 Egyptian Goose, 16 Gadwall, 15 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 1 Shoveler, 4 Little Grebe, 22 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 9 Lapwing and  3 LBB Gull.

Ingbirchworth area

Broadstone Res. - 1 Cormorant.
Whitley Common - 3 Wheatears.
Ingbirchworth Res. - 4 Canada Geese, 4 Tufted Ducks and c5 Swifts.
Annat Royd Lane - three broods Lapwing totalling 10+ chicks.

Carlton Marsh

Keith Bannister just phoned to say an Osprey was high drifting south at 0935, last seen over Cudworth Station. I then saw it from my house heading over towards Lundwood, before it was lost to sight near Ardsley Viaduct.at 09.40hrs.

Only One Good Tern

 I tried ingbirchworth this morning hoping the weather might produce. Well, it would've if I'd not been there! Quickly moving on to scout dike I got a result - sort of. A Common Tern dropped in at 10.35 hrs.  I never had them annually when I 'worked' this patch up to a few years ago, so on a day when most other waters would have scored with the rarer species, at least I got in on the supporting act!
Cheers
Russ
http://shapesthatsometimesfly.blogspot.co.uk/

Wintersett 03.05.15

Heavy rain overnight flooded most of the car park and continued until 10.00hrs.  7°C, with an easterly,  cloud cleared gradually.  Sunny and warm 14°C this afternoon. 
For this time of year, there was a phenomenal 700 Sand Martin in the area this morning (420 WRes + 280 ACP).    Also  Common Tern 19 (13 WRes + 6 ACP).
Anglers CP: Day 6 for the drake Garganey.  Yellow Wagtail 7,  White Wagtail 1,  Common Sandpiper 4,  Snipe 4,  Dunlin 1,  Teal 1m,    A HOBBY flew over SW at 14.55hrs.  Herring Gull 13,  Great Black-backed Gull 1.
Wintersett Res:  Mallard with a brood of 10 ducklings.

                  Hirundines in reeds              WRes      ASmith     

Wharncliffe area, 3rd May

Grenoside - 2 Garden Warbler singing on Hill Top Lane.

Wharncliffe Wood - 2 Wood Warbler still singing in close proximity on E side of wood.

Broomhill Flash

Tufted Duck 18, Little Grebe 4, Pink-footed Goose 2, Greylag Goose 12, Cormorant 1, House Martin 14, Swallow 8, Blackcap 1, Egyptian Goose 1.

(Steve Sedgewick)

Silkstone Wagonway

Toothwort, an unusual flower found by the path.

Wintersett 02.05.15

6°C,  with 8/8 cloud and a very cold south easterly.  Drizzle then rain in the afternoon.
Anglers CP: Day 5 for the drake Garganey.  2 Little Egret flew SE at 08.30hrs - 1st for the year.  There was an amazing number of Sand Martin in the area, 450 + 200  WRes. They were probably held up by the cold and wet weather.  There were  8m + 1f  Yellow Wagtail + 1m WRes..   Tufted Duck 91 + 14 WRes. Shoveler 1m + 1 f,   Teal 1m,  Snipe 1 Cormorant  1, Little Grebe 1 and Black-headed Gull 195.  
Wintersett Res: A Cuckoo was singing  by the boathouse,and shortly after,  at Botany.  There was also a newly fledged Pied Wagtail and a juvenile Swallow at the boathouse.   A handful of Lesser Whitethroat were singing 4 + 1 ACP,  Sedge Warbler 5,   WILLOW TIT 1 and  Common Tern 12.
Thanks to Lynz Harston for the following photos.

Sand Martin

Yellow Wagtail.

Carlton Marsh

Looking back over the last few days 2 Redshanks, Ringed and Little Ringed Plover have visited the new scrape. Pete Wall filmed a Water Shrew on April 30th.

Today
Redshank 2, Little Ringed Plover, Water Rail, Kingfisher, 17 Canada Geese + 5 young, Tufted Duck 3pairs, Grey Wagtail feeding young, Little Owl, Whitethroat 6, Reed Warbler 3 singing males, Sedge Warbler 1 singing male. (Jim Plant/Dave Standish)

Ingbirchworth and Hartcliff

A brief call early at Ingbirchworth this morning revealed a pair of Shoveler, single LRP and a cracking Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall. Two Common Sands and a Whitethroat  at Scout Dike were the only things of note here. At Hartcliff it felt more like early March than May. I was expecting good count of Wheatear but could only muster 5! A flock of 58 Golden Plover was more promising, but a search for something smaller and brighter among them brought no joy!
Blog updated on my next post!
Cheers
Russ

Wintersett + p.m. update 01.05.15

6°C with 7/8 cloud and a cool, moderate north easterly.
Anglers CP:  The drake Garganey is present for the 4th day.   Pochard 1♂,  Teal 1♂,  Shoveler 1 ♂ + 1♀ and 1♂ WRes.  Sand Martin 500, House Martin 70,  and  Common Sandpiper 2.  The pair of Mute Swan sitting on the Sandy Box island have had an egg stolen by a fox that swam out to get it.
Wintersett Res: A juvenile Swallow was on the boathouse fence this afternoon.  A Little Ringed Plover was on the slipway.  Grasshopper Warbler 1♂,  Sedge Warbler 3♂,   Yellow Wagtail 6 and Water Rail 1.
Thanks to Gerry McShane for  sending the following photos taken yesterday.
Psycho, the Yellow-legged Gull  showing his softer side by feeding his mate the Lesser Black-backed Gull.    

 

Male Yellow Wagtail         ACP  JMcShane

Edderthorpe, Friday

An Arctic Tern dropped in briefly before carrying on northwards at 05.40. Shelduck 4, Greenshank 1, Common Sandpiper 3, Dunlin 1, LRP 1, Ringed Plover 2, Common Snipe 1, Cuckoo 1.

The Edge 1st May

Wombwell Ings- Present were 2 Mute Swan, 12 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 28 Tufted Duck, 15 Gadwall, 12 Mallard, 5 Teal, 2 Wigeon, 1 Shoveler, 19 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 7 Lapwing, 1 Dunlin, 1 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher, 5 Skylark, 1 Meadow Pipit, 4 Pied Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Linnet and 1 Sedge Warbler.
Broomhill Flash- . Highlight was the Barn Owll over the old tip. Also noted were 2 Mute Swan, 27 Canada Geese, 9 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 1 Egyptian Goose, 23 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 7 Gadwall,1 Shoveler, 5 Little Grebe, 12 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 2 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 LBB Gull, 1 Blackcap  and 1 Sedge Warbler.
 Warbler Way- Singing males- 10 Willow Warbler, 9 Chiffchaff, 9 Whitethroat, 8 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler and 1 Song Thrush.
Bolton Ings- On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 15 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 18 Tufted Duck, 6 Pochard, 5 Gadwall, 3 Mallard, 7 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Buzzard, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Grey Wagtail.

Ingbirchworth area

Still no Dotterels!
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 2 Canada Geese, first brood of 8 Mallard ducklings, but being harassed by a Carrion Crow, 8 Tufted Ducks, one pair Little Grebe, two pairs Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Ringed Plover and 1 Common Sandpiper.
Whitley Common - air traffic control was very busy at the 'airfield' but 10 Wheatears in a field to the East.
Midhope Reservoir - 4 Greylag Geese, 10 Mallards, 1 Sparrowhawk and two pairs Little Grebe.