Scout Dike & Royd Moor

Scout Dike Reservoir - 13 Mallards, 1 Cormorant E, 1 Buzzard, 2 Kestrels, 1 Hobby and 400+ Jackdaws.
Royd Moor Reservoir - 94 Greylag Geese, 22 Canada Geese, 2 Wigeon, 49 Mallards, 2 Tufted Ducks, 5 + 1 E Cormorants, 3 Little Grebes, 1 Moorhen, 230+ Lapwings, c15 Black-headed Gulls, 80+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls and 1 Swallow.
Thurlstone - 155+ Lapwings (c70 came from Royd Moor Res.).

Carlton Marsh

Little Egret, 2 Green Sandpipers and 15 Teal were on the Wader scrape today. (Rod Heeley) Also of note Grey Wagtail, Water Rail and 2 Siskin.

Red Admiral and Comma were feeding on Buddleja.

Cudworth
2 Swallows flew south this morning.

Rabbit Ings
Black Darter male (Derek Wroe)

Wintersett 30.09.15

Foggy start again, but cleared by 10.00hrs, then sunshine with scattered cloud and an easterly breeze.
Anglers CP: A Rock Pipit with an orange ring left leg and a metal ring right leg was on the east bank early doors. (Steve Denny).  It flew east at 10.20hrs.   A Little Egret was wading (!! )in the MUD off the east bank mid morning,  until flushed to the shallows by a dog walker.  No sign of it this afternoon though.  Grey Wagtail 2,  Siskin 1 over and Teal 7 + 5 WRes..
Wintersett Res:  4 juvenile Swallows were on wires at the west of the village.  A Blackcap was heard on Botany railway path.  An adult Yellow-legged Gull was on a buoy and a Green Woodpecker was calling in the SW corner. 
Cold Hiendley Res: Goldeneye 1.
Butterflies: Small White 1 WRes. and Comma 1 on Golf Course.  

Carlton Marsh

Little Egret was present all day again and left south at 18.35hrs, presumably to roost at Old Moor.

New in today were 2 Wigeon, and Barn Owl was hunting this evening again at 17.40hrs.

(Dave Standish)

 

Butterflies included 3 Comma, Small Copper, 6 Red Admiral and Painted Lady. A Humming bird Hawk moth was also feeding on Buddleja.

(Chris Parkin)

 

Kilnsea - Spurn today

 Bluethroat (Richard Laverack)

Wintersett 28.09.15 and 29.09.15 + Gull Roost

Foggy and cool until midday on both days.  Then sunny  and warm with scattered cloud and a light easterly.
28.09.15
Anglers CP: Snipe 4,  Teal 8,  Little Grebe 5 and Kingfisher 1.
Walton Golf Course: 2 Ring-necked Parakeet flew over SW.  (per Kristian Whittaker) 
29.09.15
Anglers CP: Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult.  
Haw Park Wood: Siskin 2,  Treecreeper 1, Coal Tit 2, Goldcrests c10,   Nuthatch at least 2 calling.  (per Carlton Dream Team) 
Wintersett Res: Goldeneye 1 immature ♂,   Little Grebe 11 + 6 ACP,  Teal 5,  Water Rail 1,  Swallow 3 SE  + 4 over HPW. 
WResGull Roost: A gull trailing twine  flushed most of the other gulls and the rest were very  jumpy!!
3 Yellow-legged Gulls were all that could be salvaged.  (per Steve Denny) 
Insects:  Small White  1 WRes + 1 HPW.  Also in HPW 3 male Vapourer moths and a  Migrant Hawker. 

Carlton Marsh

Today's ringing provided 4 Reed Buntings, Blackcap and a Willow Tit re-trapped from 4/8/14. 2 Reed Warblers were ringed and Z889108 juv 62 wing weighing 11.1 is probably a Wintersett ringed bird?

Also of note 2 Siskin, Swallow 1 south, 51 Canada Geese leaving at dawn, Little Egret and Green Sandpiper. (Dave Standish)

6 species of butterfly included 5 Red Admiral, 20 + Speckled Wood and a Painted Lady. A Silver Y moth was feeding on buddleja and an ant damsel bug (himacerus mirmicoides) was identified.

(Chris Parkin)

Ingbirchworth - Midhope

Royd Moor - 6 adult Common Gulls at Royd Moor Wind Farm.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 3 Canada Geese, 2 Wigeon, 38 Teal, 51 Mallards, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Grebe, c20 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 3 Moorhens and 5 Coots.
Scout Dike - 2 Buzzards west.
Langsett Reservoir - 80+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 11+ Pied Wagtails.
Midhope Reservoir - c50 Goldfinch (at Shaw Brook), 16 Teal, 33 Mallards, 4 Little Grebes and 60+ Swallows.

Carlton Marsh

This evenings highlights were; 2 Ringed Plover and a Barn Owl, dive bombing a Jay before catching a small rodent, on the Western Meadow. A Fox  was also on the prowl.

(Dave Standish)

Low Moor/Midhope 27/9/15.

Sunny and warm with a gentle breeze. Near perfect conditions but very steady birding with Peregrine 1, Merlin 1, Buzzard 6, Kes 4, Sparrowhawk 1, Raven 1 pair. Similar number of Swallows to yesterday about 200 blogging about.

Wintersett 27.09.15

7 - 15°C,  a misty start that was slow to clear. Some sunny spells this afternoon and a light south easterly.
Wintersett Res: Teal 7 + 2 ACP,  Gadwall 75 + 23 CHRes + 6 ACP, Cetti's Warbler 1 male,
Anglers CP: Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult,  Wigeon 88 + 1 WRes., Pochard 72 + 4.  WRes, Goldcrest 1. 
A Kingfisher has been visiting the shallows for the past few days. Today it perched in several places giving good, prolonged views.
27 birds were ringed today, including: 11 Siskin,  1 Reed Warbler,  8 Chiffchaff and 3 Blackcap.
Insects: Small White ACP,   Peacock,  Brown Hawker and Southern Hawker WRes..

Wintersett 26.09.15

8 - 19° cold and calm with 7/8 cloud this morning.  Warmer and sunnier with a light easterly this afternoon.
Anglers CP Vis Mig: 07.00 - 09.35hrs. Going south - Meadow Pipit 63,  Siskin 3 + 6 over WRes., Skylark 4, and Chaffinch 6.  80 Pink-footed Goose SE and 28NW at 08.50hrs + 11 NW 09.35hrs.  (Also 50 NW over Rabbit Ings at 18.45hrs)
Anglers CP: Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull was on the small raft.  Snipe 5.
Wintersett Res: A Green Sandpiper went over west at 07.47hrs.  Water Rail 1,  Cetti's Warbler 1 singing male. 
72 birds were ringed this morning, including 23 Lesser Redpoll,  15 Chiffchaff,  9 Blackcap,  2 Reed Warbler,  1 Sedge Warbler,  3 Reed Bunting and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Insects: Green-veined White,  Small Tortoiseshell and  a male Common Hawker WRes.  Peacock ACP.
Of interest: A Golfer photographed a Grass Snake by a putting green on Walton Golf Course a few days ago.

Carlton Marsh

Little Egret was present all day again and 3 Kingfishers, but not much else until evening time, when 5 Jays, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Willow Tits (3709 & 3710) Water Rail and 4 Swallows flew south. 2 Barn Owls were hunting the Western Meadow before dusk with close up views.

(Richard Laverack/Dave Standish)

Low Moor/ Midhope corner 26/9/15.

Plenty of entertainment here with more mirth and merriment from the WaW team who amazingly stayed for over an hour. To complete the team even Ivan Martin got out his fold down chair. Totals - Marsh Harrier 1, Merlin 1, Sparrowhawk 2, Buzzard 6, Kes 2. 175 ish Pinkfeet w. mid aft. 150 to 200 Swallows blogging about with a few House Martins among. The WaW team had Goshawk, Merlin and 2 Ravens here last Wednesday.

Carlton Marsh

The highlights today were; Little Egret, Green Sandpiper (Keith Bannister) Little Grebe 5, Swallow 6 south, meadow Pipit 3 south, Kingfisher 2, Siskin 5 and Willow Tit 2. (SE3709) Just as I was about to go home a female Peregrine flew over the hide heading north at 17.51hrs. Then a Buzzard was calling to a very light phase bird on a post overlooking the wader scrape.

Butterflies included Red Admiral 10, Comma, Speckled Wood 62, Brown Argus, Common Blue and Small Copper.

Southern Hawker, Vapourer moth and Straw Dot moth were also on the wing.

(Chris Parkin)

Wintersett 25.09.15

 Up to 14°C with 5/8 scattered cloud and a cool westerly breeze.
Anglers CP Vis Mig 09.30 - 10.30hrs: Going south  66 Meadow Pipit,  6 Swallow,  3 House Martin and 1 Chaffinch.     Skylark 9 over.  Buzzard 5 in the area.
Anglers CP: Snipe 2,  Little Grebe 6,  Chiffchaff 4 and Pintail 1.
Wintersett Res: Goldeneye 1 and Cetti's Warbler 1°♂. 

The Edge 25th September

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1 Greylag, 43 Gadwall, 22 Teal, 12 Wigeon, 7 Mallard, 7 Shoveler, 4 Pochard, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Moorhen, 121 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 1 Kestrel, 22 BH Gull, 1 Swallow, 5 Linnet and 3 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 4+5y Mute Swan, 132 Canada Geese, 67 Greylag, 140 Mallard, 94 Teal, 64 Gadwall, 21 Shoveler, 12 Tufted Duck, 6 Wigeon, 2 Pochard, 1 Red Legged Partridge, 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret(5 early AM), 15 Little Grebe, 68 Coot, 6 Moorhen, and a singing Chiffchaff(car park).
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 8 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 10 Tufted Duck, 6 Pochard, 4 Gadwall, 4 Mallard, 2 Teal, 4 Cormorant, 15 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 99 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 13 BH Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 4 Grey Heron, 1 Great White Egret, 88 Lapwing, 2 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel and 1 Kingfisher.

Carlton Marsh

This evening the Little Egret was still present along with 2 Buzzards, 2 Kingfishers, Cormorant and 5 Jays. A Barn Owl was hunting the Western meadow and 2 male and 1 female Tawny Owl were calling as darkness fell.

(Dave Standish) 

The Edge 24th |September

Wombwell Ings - Walked onto the Ings to the sound of a singing Chiffchaff along the Bulling Dyke. Prior to the arrival of the digger and it starting to clear juncus grass around the edge of the flash, I counted 43 Mallard, 21 Wigeon, 11 Pochard, 5 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Little Grebe, 3 Moorhen, 1 Coot, 97 Lapwing, 170+ BH Gull and 1 Kestrel. Didn't have time to count the Teal or Gadwall before all the waterbirds left when the digger appeared.
Broomhill Flash -Noted were 2+5y Mute Swan, 82 Canada Geese, 13 Greylag, 116 Mallard, 73 Gadwall, 67 Teal, 18 Wigeon, 17 Shoveler, 6 Tufted Duck, 3 Pochard, 5 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 76 Coot, 8 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard and 14 Lapwing.
Bolton Ings -On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 10 Canada Geese, 18 Tufted Duck, 7 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 4 Pochard, 4 Teal, 13 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 112 Coot, 3 Moorhen and 55 BH Gull. Also present were 5 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 57 Lapwing, 1 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 Kingfisher, 4 House Martin (only hirundines seen today ) and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Wintersett + Gull Roosts 24.09.15

Up to 15°C with sunshine, scattered cloud and a strengthening westerly. (Just a very brief light shower early p.m.)
Anglers CP:  Shoveler 50.
Cold Hiendley Res: Goldeneye 2 (♀?),  Gadwall 26 + 4 WRes. and Greylag Goose 1.
Wintersett Res:  Yellow-legged Gulll 1 adult and Wigeon 31. A Tufted Duck and a Pochard, both in wing moult, were seen.
Gull Roost: 650 Lesser Black-backed Gull and 8 Yellow-legged Gull, most on Top Res. Also 2 Common Gulls. (per Steve Denny)
Other Critters:  WRes.  Brimstone 1♀,  Small White 2.  CHRes.  Brown Hawker 1 and Common Blue Damselfly 1.

Wintersett 23.09.15 Autumn Equinox

11°C with 7/8 high cloud and a cool south westerly. 
Anglers CP: Snipe 2,  Cormorant 13,  Shoveler 58,  Teal 2 and Kingfisher 1.
Wintersett Res:  A Weasel ran across the boat house entrance.

The Edge 23rd September

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 1 Greylag, 63 Wigeon, 51 Gadwall, 51 Mallard, 20 Teal, 11 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Cormorant, 4 Little Grebe, 1 Kestrel, 60+ Lapwing, 7 BH Gull, 1 Redstart and 8 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+5y Mute Swan, 62 Canada Geese, 112 Teal, 98 Mallard, 64 Gadwall, 61 Wigeon, 12 Shoveler, 10 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard, 2 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 75 Coot, 7 Moorhen, 1 Grey Heron, 20 Little Grebe, 5 Grey Partridge, 1 Buzzard and 1 Little Owl.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 13 Tufted Duck, 12 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 3 Pochard,  3 Teal, 118 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 44 BH Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 8 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 30 Lapwing, 4 Snipe and 1 Jay.

Wintersett 21.09.15 + 22.09.15

There is very little change here, but here are the notables.
 21.09.15
Anglers CP: Kingfisher 1,  Teal 5 and Shoveler 42 + 6 WRes.
Butterfly:  Small White 1 WRes.

22.09.15
Anglers CP: Lesser Whitethroat 1♂ singing,  Siskin 3S,  Shoveler 64. 
27 birds were ringed today, including: 12 Lesser Redpoll,  7 Reed Bunting,  4 Chiffchaff,  2 Reed Warbler and 1 Blackcap.
Butterflies:  A Brown Argus was on the Pol.  On WRes,  Ralph Hibbert and Les Corrall saw a Comma, 2 Green-veined White and a Large White.

Carlton Marsh

27 birds caught this morning included 3 Reed Buntings, one of which looks like a Wintersett bird Z338601. Can you give me details of this Pete? Also 2 juv Reed Warblers, 6 Chiffchaffs, Blackcap and Coal Tit, this is only the 8th ringed here since 1975.

 

Among the retraps were; Kingfisher SB59410 ringed here as a juv on August 8th and a Willow Tit ringed here on the same date.

 

Also of note were; Tawny Owl calling, Sedge Warbler, another Reed Warbler, c15 Chiffchaffs, 3 Water Rails calling, Snipe and Little Egret.

The Edge 22nd September

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 8 Greylag, 3 Canada Geese, 65 Mallard, 35 Wigeon, 34 Gadwall, 32 Wigeon, 11 Shoveler, 4 Pochard, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Great White Egret, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 4 Little Grebe, 5 Moorhen,1 Kestrel, 56 Lapwing, 13 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 calling Green Woodpecker, 4 Meadow Pipits and 1 singing Skylark.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+5y Mute Swan, 41 Canada Geese, 21 Greylag, 70 Mallard, 61 Teal, 48 Gadwall, 14 Tufted Duck, 7 Shoveler, 5 Wigeon, 21 Little Grebe, 3 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Cormorant, 78 Coot, 9 Moorhen, 6 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, 1 BH Gull and 1 Buzzard.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 13 Canada Geese, 16 Tufted Duck, 10 Mallard, 8 Gadwall, 3 Pochard, 3 Teal,16 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 101 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 55 BH Gull and 3 LBB Gull. Also present were 4 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 48 Lapwing,2 Snipe, 2 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Carlton Marsh

Little Egret, Kingfisher and brief view of Barn Owl this evening. Two male Tawny Owls were calling and an Angle Shades moth was caught this evening - by hand!

The Edge 21st September

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 106 Mallard, 28 Wigeon, 13 Gadwall, 12 Teal,10 Pochard, 9 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 3 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 4 Moorhen, 1 Coot, 1 Kestrel, 59 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, 8 BH Gull and 3 LBB Gull.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+5y Mute Swan, 16 Canada Geese, 56 Gadwall, 54 Teal, 28 Mallard, 12 Tufted Duck, 12 Wigeon, 3 Shoveler, 1 Pochard, 3 Cormorant, 3 Little Egret, 19 Little Grebe, 79 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 60+ Lapwing, 5 Snipe and 2 Meadow Pipits.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 11 Canada Geese, 13 Gadwall, 8 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 2 Teal, 18 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 114 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 24 BH Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 7 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 48 Lapwing, 4+ Snipe, 1 calling Green Woodpecker and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Hartcliff Hill 20-09-15

A few hours here today (10.30 - 13.30) produced a decent flock of c.150 Linnets, single Little Owl, an early 3rd winter Herring Gull flying W and a single Raven E. A few M'Pipits and Swallows were heading S but I'd clearly missed any significant earlier movements.
Also of note, an escaped Harris Hawk upsetting the local crows. Not really the dispersing raptor I had in mind!
Cheers
Russ
http://shapesthatsometimesfly.blogspot.co.uk/

Wintersett 20.09.15

Up to 18°C with light scattered cloud and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP Vis Mig to 10.00hrs:  Meadow Pipit 21S,  Siskin 1S, Golden Plover 1 S.
Anglers CP:  2 eclipse drake Pintail were new in.  100 House Martin were blogging around. A Woodcok flew over and a Lesser Whitethroat was singing.   Canada Goose 230,  Shoveler 51,  Pochard 77,  Wigeon 74,  Teal 2,  Little Grebe 6 and  Snipe 2.  Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull, was sitting on the small raft this afternoon.
Of interest: Brian Lee had a Peregrine attacking a Black-headed Gull, going SW at 12.30hrs,  over his Royston garden.  He also saw 10 Mistle Thrushes flying north.
45 birds were ringed today, including:  27 Lesser Redpoll,  6 Chiffchaff,  2 Blackcap,  2 Swallow,  1 House Martin,  1 Reed Warbler and 1 Siskin. 

Carlton Marsh

New in today were 2 Spotted Flycatcher. Also present Grey Wagtail, Reed Warbler, 2 Coal Tits, 2 Goldcrest, 10 Chiffchaff, 20 Swallow south, 10 Meadow Pipit, Little Egret, Buzzard, Cormorant (with BTO ring) 2 Kingfishers, 4 Willow Tit and a Weasel.

(Jim Plant)

Carlton Marsh

The highlights today were; Little Egret, Coal Tit, Siskin, Tawny, Little and, Barn Owl, briefly this evening. 2 Green Sandpipers arrived on the wader scrape at mid-day, but had gone by teatime. However, 1 flew over the main marsh at about 7pm.

 

This shot of a Kingfisher is for the two ladies, who I don't think managed to see one today. It could be the ringed juvenile I re-trapped this evening! 

Richard Laverack

Chiffchaff (Richard Laverack)

Another vapourer moth was flying and Migrant and Brown Hawker were also enjoying the afternoon sun. Speckled Wood were found in good numbers and Red Admiral was present.

Fungi included Fly Agaric, Poison Pie and Clouded Agaric.

Storrs Mill Wood Area
Painted Lady, Comma 12, Speckled Wood 206, Brown Argus, Brimstone 3 and a large female Grass Snake.
(Chris Parkin)

Wintersett 19.09.15

9 - 20°C with 4/8 cloud until late morning then sunny with a light westerly. 
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1♂ + 1  and Water Rail 1.
Anglers CP: Yellow-legged Gull 2 adults + 1 2ndW and Lesser Black-backed Gull 176  at 14.45hrs,  Shoveler 51,  Gadwall 52,  Teal 18 , Cormorant 11,  Little Grebe 4 + 9 WRes,  Snipe 2 and Grey Wagtail 1 + 3 CHRes..
54 Birds were ringed today, including: 11 Blackcap,  12 Chiffchaff,  6 Reed Warbler and 4 Meadow Pipit.
Odonata: Ruddy Darter 3,  Blue-tailed Damselfly 2,  Common Blue Damselfly 1 all on MLPond and  Brown Hawker 1 WRes..
Lepidoptera on Disposal Point:Common Blue 8 and Large White 4.

Moorlands 19/9/15.

Very steady. Ewden s lodge and return a total of 6 Stonechats, Raven 2, Buzzard 5, Kes 4, Siskin 40+, GS Pecker 1, Stock Dove 1, Golden Plover heard only. Low Moor/Midhope- the best raptor of the day a juv. imm. type Merlin spotted by J. Wasse late aft. + 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Buzzard, Kes 2. Yesterday eve. at Wilthorpe Marsh juv. Water Rail showing well + 2 Green Sandpipers. Of note 1 juv Swallow still being fed by adults here on 14th.

The Edge 18th September

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 75 Teal, 42 Gadwall, 26 Wigeon, 12 Mallard, 11 Shoveler, 5 Pochard, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 5 Little Grebe, 5 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 25 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 6 BH Gull and 1 Common Tern.
Broomhill Flash - The Common Tern that was on the ings made a short appearance on the flash before flying west at 9.55am. Also noted were 2a+5y Mute Swan, 7 Canada Geese, 57 Gadwall, 37 Teal, 21 Mallard, 12 Tufted Duck, 7 Shoveler, 6 Wigeon, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 16 Little Grebe, 96 Coot, 16 Moorhen, c25 Lapwing, 12 Snipe, 1 Ruff, c80 House Martin and c80 Swallows.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 13 Canada Geese, 21 Gadwall, 11 Tufted Duck, 4 Mallard, 4 Pochard, 3 Shoveler, 8 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 20 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 112 Coot, 5 Moorhen and 72 BH Gull. Also present were 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk,29 Lapwing, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Edderthorpe - the past week

Been some fantastic counts of wildfowl here during the last seven days, maximums for each species are;- Canada Goose 864, Greylag Goose 270, Mallard 865, Teal 240, Gadwall 120, Wigeon 16, Garganey 2, Shoveler 270 - a new record count, Pintail 1, Pochard 1, Tufted 15, Little Grebe 10, Moorhen 50, Coot 10,- that's over 2700 wildfowl. Add to this the waders and herons, Little Egret 7, Grey Heron 5, Cormorant 8, Lapwing 1043, Golden Plover 3, Ruff 10, Dunlin 4, Green Sandpiper 1, Common Snipe 12 and that's an amazing 3800 waterbirds regularly using the Flash!! Add in the gulls, around 300 Black-heads and up to 100 Lesser Black-backs (and a single Yellow-leg) and the count goes over 4000.......
On the debit side the landscape is now changed forever with the erection of three giant wind turbines on the edge of Park Spring Tip, overlooking the Flash.

Wintersett 17.09.15

10 - 13°C with 6/8 cloud and a strengthening westerly.   Hardly anything to report again.
8 Little Grebes in the area ( 3 ACP + 4 MLPond + 1 WRes).   A Green Woodpecker flew across and a Grey Wagtail flew over MLPond.
Odonata: Migrant Hawker 1,  Common Darter 2
Lepidoptera:  Speckled Wood 6,  Small White 1.
Of interest:  Blackberry,  Sloe,  Hawthorn and Elder have produced a very good berry harvest.  Apples were not as productive this year.

The Edge 17th September

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 103 Teal, 35 Gadwall, 31 Wigeon, 8 Mallard, 7 Shoveler, 6 Pochard, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Great White Egret, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Cormorant, 4 Little Grebe, 3 Moorhen,, 1 Kestrel, 36 Lapwing, 2 Snipe and 4 Skylark over.
Broomhill Flash - The sight of the Great White Egret , leaving Wombwell Ings for Old Moor, was surpassed by a kettle of 8 Buzzards circling over the eastern end of Cat Hill. Also noted were 2+5y Mute Swan, 49 Gadwall, 37 Teal, 30 Mallard, 17 Tufted Duck, 6 Wigeon, 5 Shoveler, 2 Little Egret, 5 Cormorant, 16 Little Grebe, 86 Coot, 12 Moorhen, 12 Snipe, 5 Lapwing, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, c20 Swallows and 1 Little Owl.
Bolton Ings - Highlight was a Bittern flying down the eastern pool. On the open water were 2a+4y Mute Swan, 25 Canada Geese, 40 Shoveler, 30 Gadwall, 11 Tufted Duck, 5 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 1 eclipse male Garganey,16 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 95 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 15 BH Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 5 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 72 Lapwing and 2 Grey Wagtail.

Carlton Marsh Update

The wader scrape sluice was opened this afternoon to lower the levels.  This evening Little Egret was back and Barn Owl was hunting.  (Dave Standish)

Cormorant north this afternoon (Richard Laverack)

The Edge 16th September

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 6 Canada Geese, 87+ Teal, 31 Gadwall, 26 Wigeon, 11 Shoveler, 6 Mallard, 5 Pochard, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Little Grebe, 5 Moorhen, 37+ Lapwing, 4+ Snipe, 1 Ruff, 8 BH Gull, c100 hirundines(mainly Swallows and House Martins), 2 Grey Wagtail and c100 Goldfinch.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 4a+5y Mute Swan, 31 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 41 Gadwall, 31 Teal, 11 Mallard, 8 Tufted Duck, 5 Wigeon, 4 Shoveler, 4 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 21 Little Grebe, 72 Coot, 8 Moorhen, 8 Lapwing, 8 Snipe and 1 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - Highlight was the kettle of 8 Buzzards that drifted east from the west end almost to directly in front of the hide and then drifted slowly back. A wonderful 10 minutes. On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 35 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 18 Tufted Duck, 11 Gadwall, 7 Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 3 Pochard, 2 Teal, 18 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 122 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 5 BH Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 4 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 73 Lapwing, 1 calling Green Woodpecker and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Carlton Marsh

The best bits today were; Kingfisher 2, Green Sandpiper, Willow Tit 1 (SE 3710) 1 (3709) Blackcap 6, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff 7,Goldcrest 2, 20 Swallows west, Treecreeper 2, Buzzard 2, Grey Wagtail, Jay 4 together, 2 Siskins south and Spotted Flycatcher (wader scrape-gap) at 11am.

2 male Vapourer moths were flying in sunshine this afternoon.

Castle Dam - Midhope

Castle Dam, Penistone  - 8 Canada Geese, 37 Mallards, 3 Tufted Ducks, 6 Moorhens and 22 Coots.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 118 Greylag Geese, 234 Canada Geese, 51 Mallards, 4 Tufted Ducks, 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Grebe, 6 Moorhens, 7 Coots, c20 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 2 Swallows.
Royd Moor - 9 Tree Sparrows at Windmill Nurseries.
Midhope Reservoir - 2 Mallards, 1 Tufted Duck, 3 Little Grebes and 1 Common Buzzard.

The Edge 15th September

Wombwell Ings - Birdwise a much better day than of late. Present were 2 Mute Swan, 7 Canada Geese, 202 Teal, 89 Gadwall, 19 Wigeon, 13 Shoveler, 5 Mallard, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 4 Little Grebe, 4 Moorhen, 1 Coot, 53 Lapwing, 9+ Snipe and 5 BH Gull.
 Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2a+5y Mute Swan, 7 Canada Geese, 48 Gadwall, 17 Mallard, 12 Tufted Duck, 4 Wigeon, 2 Pochard, 6 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 16 Little Grebe, 113 Coot, 8 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 12 Snipe, 2 LBB Gull, 3 Yellow Wagtail and 4 Linnet.
Bolton Ings East End- Highlight was a Whinchat seen briefly in the bushes along the dyke in front of the hide. On the open water were 1a+3y Mute Swan, 33 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 14 Gadwall, 12 Tufted Duck, 4 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 1 Teal, 3 Great Crested  Grebe, 15 Little Grebe, 102 Coot and 4 Moorhen. Also present were 2 Grey Heron, 3 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 77 Lapwing, 1 Black Tailed Godwit over at 12.20pm, 5 BH Gull and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Bolton Ings - Sunday 13th September

Started out at 10.30 yesterday morning for my visit onto Bolton Ings for WeBS count, a beautiful morning, clear blue skies, little wind and 14c. Clouded over later but weather remained fine. Highlight was a Hobby that first appeared up over the tip with a Buzzard and then flew over hide towards Manvers Lake. Full list :- Grey Heron 2, Cormorant 5, Mute Swan 14, Canada Goose 6, Grey Lag Goose 1, Great Crested Grebe 4, Little Grebe 33, Mallard 7, Gadwall 13, Teal 2, Tufted Duck 22, Pochard 2, Coot 192, Moorhen 13, Black Headed Gull 6, Lapwing 60, Green Sandpiper 1, Buzzard 2, Hobby 1, Kestrel 1, Sparrowhawk 1, Green Woodpecker 2, Grey Wagtail 2.

Ingbirchworth - Midhope

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 65 Greylag Geese, 204 Canada Geese, 86 Mallards, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Common Snipe, 6 Moorhens, 9 Coots, 4 Black-headed Gulls, 48 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Kingfisher, c150 Swallows, c40 House Martins, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, c10 Pied Wagtails and 3 Meadow Pipits.
Langsett FS - 1 Common Buzzard.
Midhope Reservoir - 16 Mallards and 1 Little Grebe.

Wintersett 14.09.15

8°C,  cold with 8/8 cloud and a light northeasterly.  Intermittent rain and drizzle throughout. Still very quiet here.
Anglers CP:  Cormorant 6,  Shoveler 3, Little Grebe 4 + 1 Wres., Snipe 2 and  Grey Wagtail 2. 

Weekend 12th,13th/ 9/15.

Ewden shooting cabin and return today 13th. Very steady with a couple of disappointments. On the plus side- 2 Peregrines with 1 chasing a pigeon briefly, Buzzard 6, Kestrel 6, Raven 7, Stonechat 4, Mistle Thrush 6, small flocks of Siskins all way up the valley with a total of 110. On the minus side- a very distant accipiter was thought to be a Goshawk, lost to view behind ewden height. A falcon on the way down was probably a fem type imm Merlin. Wilthorpe Marsh on 12th - Yellow Wagtail 1, Green Sandpiper 5, Siskin 2, G Pecker 1, Little Owl 1, Willow Tit 1 at s.f. This evening 13th- 1 Whinchat, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 13 Lapwing, 1 GS Pecker, 4 Willow Tits with a pair on the river, 1 at s.f. and 1 near oxbow pond.

Carlton Marsh

A Whinchat was found this morning and a Little Egret was present most of the day. Also of note 2 Little Owls, 2 Kingfishers, Meadow Pipit 1 south, 2 Buzzards, c75 Swallows south this afternoon and our first Goldcrest of the autumn.
A Barn Owl was hunting this evening as a Ring-necked Parakeet flew over and 2 Tawny Owls were calling at dusk. (Dave Standish)

Whinchat (Richard Laverack)

Taken from the hide (Richard Laverack)

Migrant Hawker, Southern Hawker (2 males) and Ruddy Darter were flying in the sunshine along with 106 Speckled Wood butterflies. (Chris Parkin)

Fungi included Brown Roll Rim and Brown Birch Bolete.

Wintersett WeBS count September 12th 2015

The WeBS area totals for  September were:

Mute Swan 13,   Canada Goose 128,   Greylag Goose 116,  Cormorant 8,   Teal 9,   Shoveler 16,   Gadwall 39,   Wigeon 30,   Pochard 41,   Tufted Duck 233,   Mallard 63,   Goldeneye 1♀,   Little Grebe 14,   Great Crested Grebe 33,  Moorhen 21,   Coot 765,    Snipe 4,   Lapwing 370  and Grey Heron 1. 

Wintersett 13.09.15

12 - 17°C with 4/8 wispy cloud and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP:  Little Grebe 4,  Wigeon 18, Snipe 4, Green Woodpecker 1,  Buzzard 6,  Dunlin 3 and Curlew Sand 1.
51 birds were ringed this morning, including: 15 Chiffchaff,  7 Blackcap,  8 Reed Bunting,  2 Willow Warbler,  1 Reed Warbler and 12 very early Redpoll.

Wintersett 12.09.15

11°C with 8/8 and intermittent rain throughout.  Perfect conditions, but Vis Mig Nil!
Anglers CP:  A juvenile Arctic Tern was in briefly at 16.00hrs.  Yellow-legged Gull  1 adult,  Common Gull  1 juvenile, Cormorant 8,  Greylag Goose 116,  Shoveler 9,  Teal 4,  Lapwing  370, Snipe 4,   Common Sandpiper 1.
Cold Hiendley Res: Goldeneye 1♀.
Wintersett Res: Yellow Wagtail 1 over.
Of interest:  Brian Lee saw an Osprey flying low NW, between Notton and Old Royston, at 13.00hrs. It was being mobbed by 4 corvids and was probably a juvenile brought down by imminent rain cloud. 

Ringed Herring Gull

For your interest I saw a colour ringed Herring Gull on Llandudno Pier last night, here are the details. Note how quick this info has come back, I only reported it last night to the BTO!

I would like to say hello to the Llandudno couple who helped me read the letters on the ring.

Although this bird has come back as being a Herring Gull note the primary tips - could it be an American Herring Gull or similar race? My apologies for the poor quality, it was taken on my tablet whilst it was moving around. Its eye colour was greyish, legs pink.

The Severn Estuary Gull Group

This is one of 343 caught in December 2009 at a Gloucestershire landfill site. Thanks to Peter Stewart for contacting me so promptly.

Recapture History

Blue EPM

  Ring                 Age/   Capture

  number   Type                               Date       Initials         Details

Herring Gull

  GC84978       N      10    Ringed           12/12/09    SGD    Gloucester Landfill Site, nr Hempsted, Gloucestershire

                   O     12   Sighted         01/11/10    JDS     Gloucester Landfill Site, nr Hempsted, Gloucestershire (324 days)

                   O     12   Sighted         15/12/10    JDS     Gloucester Landfill Site, nr Hempsted., Gloucestershire (1 yr 3days)

                   S     12   Sighted         09/03/11      PK       Seaforth, Liverpool, Merseyside (187 km, NNW, 1 yr 87days)

                   S     12   Sighted         21/04/12      CD      Llandudno, Conwy, Wales (191 km, NNW, 2 yrs 131days)

                   S     12   Sighted         22/04/12      CD      Llandudno, Conwy, Wales (191 km, NNW, 2 yrs 132days)

                          
                         S        12   Sighted   10/09/15      CG   Llandudno, Conwy, Wales (191 km, NNW, 5 yrs 272days

Wintersett 11.09.15

11 - 17°C with sunshine and an easterly breeze.
Anglers CP: Kingfisher 1,  Common Sandpiper 1,  Snipe 1,   Stock Dove 12,  Wigeon 30 + 6 WRes., Shoveler 6 + 2 WRes.,  Teal 10,   Little Grebe 4 + 10 WRes (incl a small flock of 8)  + 1 CHRes..
Wintersett Res: Whitethroat 1.  

Avocet

One of six Avocets seen at Ingbirchworth Reservoir on 12th August had been colour-ringed as a nestling at Seal Sands, Stockton-on-Tees, Teesmouth on 13th June this year. It had travelled a distance of 125 km SSW in 60 days.

Langsett

Langsett Reservoir - 27 Greylag Geese, 6 Canada Geese, 18 Mallards, 4 Tufted Ducks, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Chiffchaff.
Gull roost - 600 Black-headed Gulls, 2 (juvenile/first-winter) Common Gulls, 548 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 4 (3 adults & 1 third-winter) Yellow-legged Gulls.

The Edge 11th September

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 68 Teal, 18 Gadwall, 17 Mallard, 13 Wigeon, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 4 Little Grebe, 3 Moorhen, 2 Coot, 7 Lapwing and 18 BH Gull.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2a+5y Mute Swan, 14 Canada Geese, 103 Gadwall, 76 Teal, 44 Mallard, 13 Tufted Duck, 9 Wigeon, 3 Pochard, 3 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 112 Coot, 11 Moorhen, 8 Snipe, 5 Lapwing and 1 Kestrel.
Bolton Ings East Pool - On the open water were 2a+6y Mute Swan, 16 Greylag, 23 Tufted Duck, 16 Gadwall, 13 Mallard, 4 Pochard, 2 Grey Heron, 6 Cormorant, 17 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 123 Coot and 3 Moorhen. Also present were 1 Buzzard, 58 Lapwing, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Elsecar - Ingbirchworth

Elsecar Reservoir - 6 Great Crested Grebes, 16 Coots, 2 Chiffchaffs, 1 Willow Warbler and 4 Grey Wagtails.
Wortley - 3 Buzzards slowly S.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 111 Greylag Geese, 12 Canada Geese, 1 Gadwall, 5 Teal, 77 Mallards, 5 Tufted Ducks, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 7 Moorhens, 13 Coots, c40 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Willow Tit and 2 Chifchaffs.

Carlton Marsh

A buzzard and 2 Little Egrets were present today.

Wintersett 10.09.15

11 - 17°C  with sunshine and a light easterly.
Wintersett Res: 1 Sand Martin and 150 Goldfinch. 
Haw Park Wood: Hobby 1 adult.
Cold Hiendley Res: Kingfisher 2 and Goldeneye 1♀
Anglers CP: A Siskin flew over,  an adult Yellow-legged Gull and 6 Shoveler were in this afternoon.
31 birds were ringed this morning, including14 Chiffchaff,  3 Willow Warbler,  3 Blackcap,  2 Whitethroat ,  2 Reed Warbler and 5 Reed Bunting.
Odonata: A Southern Hawker and a Brown Hawker were on CHRes.

The Edge 10th September

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 5 Greylag, 1 Canada Goose, 67 Teal, 9 Mallard, 5 Wigeon, 4 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 2 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Little Grebe, 5 Moorhen, 1 Coot, 12 Lapwing, 1 Greenshank, 1 Kestrel, 3 BH Gull, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Reed Bunting and 2 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2a+5y Mute Swan, 9 Greylag, 6 Canada Geese, 137 Gadwall, 79 Teal, 18 Mallard, 16 Tufted Duck, 13 Wigeon, 1 Pochard, 30 Little Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 112 Coot, 13 Moorhen, 2 Sparrowhawk,1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 13 Lapwing, 8 Snipe, 1 Ringed Plover, 3 BH Gull and 2 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings East Pool - On the open water were 2a+5y Mute Swan, 13 Greylag, 3 Canada Geese, 17 Tufted Duck, 11 Gadwall, 11 Teal, 9 Pochard, 3 Shoveler, 2 Mallard, 17 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Cormorant, 114 Coot, 2 Moorhen and 1 LLB Gull. Also present were 1 Sparrowhawk, 63 Lapwing, 3 Snipe and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Carlton Marsh

Carlton Marsh achieves a Gold Award in the Yorkshire in Bloom Open Spaces category thanks to our volunteers, Cudworth Environment Group, BMBC Rangers and ward Councillors.

The Edge 9th September

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 11 Greylag, 6 Canada Geese, 28 Teal, 22 Mallard, 12 Gadwall, 3 Wigeon, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 5 Moorhen, 2 Coot, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, c25 Lapwing, 1 Greenshank, 17 BH Gull, c50 Goldfinch and 2 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2a+5y Mute Swan, 36 Canada Geese, 10 Greylag, 117 Gadwall, c80 Teal, 16 Wigeon, 16 Tufted Duck, 7 Mallard, 4 Pochard, 4 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 18 Little Grebe, 114 Coot, 9 Moorhen, 6 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 LBB Gull, c200 hirundines(mainly Swallows and Sand Martins) and 4 Yellow Wagtail.
Bolton Ings -  On the open water were 5a+4y Mute Swan, 17 Greylag, 5 Canada Geese, 44 Gadwall, 29 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 5 Pochard, 3 Teal, 3 Grey Heron, 7 Cormorant,16 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 128 Coot and 5 Moorhen. Also present were 28 Lapwing, 2 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker , 2 Jay and 2 Grey Wagtail.

Wintersett 09.09.15

11°C with 8/8 cloud and a very light easterly.
Anglers CP: There was a small influx of ducks today.  Wigeon were up to 52 + 3 WRes.,  Teal 21,  Shoveler 1
Wintersett Res:  Siskin 18S,  Meadow Pipit 1S,  Sand Martin 20,  Greenshank 1 over at 08.15hrs,   Cetti's Warbler 1♂ + 1,  Hobby 1 over,  Yellow Wagtail 1 over, Little Grebe 8 + 1 CHRes and Water Rail 1.
67 birds were ringed this morning, including: 14 Chiffchaff,  3 Willow Warbler,  9 Blackcap,  2 Reed Warbler,  3 Sedge Warbler,  12 Goldfinch and 18 Swallow.

Wintersett 08.09.15

10°C,  cool and damp with grey 8/8 cloud and a light south easterly.  Very quiet
Wintersett Res: Sand Martin 2, Whitethroat 1,  Gadwall 12, and Shoveler 2 + 5 ACP.
Cold Hiendley Res: Hobby 1 adult + 2 juveniles.
Anglers CP: Redpoll 2,  Common Sandpiper 1,  Little Grebe 5 + 1 WRes,  Wigeon 18 + 1 Wres,  Teal 2 and an adult Yellow-Legged Gull.

Barnsley Birdwatcher's Group (11th year)

Having visited many birding spots from The Daintree NP to Lammington NP spanning 1500 miles
Linda and Colin Graham are giving a presentation on 'The Birds of Queensland' on Monday 14th September - 7pm at Highstone Farm - all welcome.

Directions to Highstone Farm (S70 6NN): From the M1, junction 37, take the A628 (Dodworth Road) to Barnsley. At the first set of traffic lights turn right onto the A6133 (Broadway Road). At the 2nd set of traffic lights turn right onto Keresforth Hall Road, go past Locke Park car park and take the 2nd left (sharp turn) on to Race Common Lane (a no through road). Highstone Farm is approximately 0.3 mile on the right.

 

Wintersett 07.09.15

10 - 15°C  with 8/8 cloud and a  light north westerly.
Anglers CP: A Green Sandpiper flew NW at 07.30hrs and a Golden Plover flew east.   4 Siskin and  2 Meadow Pipit went south.    5 very early Redpoll, a  Snipe and  2 adult Hobbies were also of note.
67 birds were ringed this morning, including 23 Chiffchaff,  4, Blackcap,  3 Reed Warbler,  1 Whitethroat,  2 Lesser Redpoll and 10 Chaffinch.

The Edge 7th September

Wombwell Ings -Present were 25 Greylag, 1 Canada Goose, 19 Mallard, 18 Gadwall, 15 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 3 Little Egret, 2 Cormorant, 3 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 15 Lapwing, 1 Greenshank, 11 BH Gull, 5 LBB Gull and 1 Yellowhammer.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2a+5y Mute Swan, 24 Canada Geese, 142+ Gadwall, 36+ Teal, 29 Mallard, 10+ Tufted Duck, 2 Wigeon, 2 Pochard, 1 Shoveler, 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret,23 Little Grebe, 114 Coot, 13 Moorhen, 3 Red Legged Partridge, 6 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Snipe, 3 LBB Gull and 2 Kestrel.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4a+8y Mute Swan, 48 Greylag, 7 Canada Geese, 41 Gadwall, 25 Mallard, 20 Tufted Duck, 4 Pochard, 4 Teal, 1 Great White Egret, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 8 Cormorant, 26 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 115 Coot, 4 Moorhen and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 166 Lapwing, 3 Grey Wagtail and 1 cc Marsh Harrier.

Biodiversity in Schools - New Volunteers Welcome.

The Barnsley Biodiversity Trust are looking for new volunteers to install, clean out and record the contents of a variety of nest boxes in school grounds. If you know of anyone who may be interested please contact Colin Graham on 01226 791020 or email  colin-linda@bluebottle.com for further information. We are holding a training day on October 17th. 10am to 2pm. Thank you.

Withorpe Marsh a.m. 6/9/15.

Hobby 1, presumed imm. looked a bit different but lost to view and no further sign. Green Sandpiper 5, Spotted Flycatcher 1, GS Pecker 1, G Pecker 1, Willow Tit 2 at sewage f. An influx of Jays, up to 10.

Ewden shooting lodge and return 6/9/15.

Met D.Simmonite at the entrance gate at midday where we had 2 Spotted Flycatchers just to the left on the fence. From the track and lodge- 1 imm. Marsh Harrier, 1 pair of Hobbys, 1 imm. Peregrine, 6 Kestrels, 5 Buzzards, 3 Yellow Wagtails down on track, 1 Whinchat, 2 Stonechats, a party of 20+ House Martins going s.

Wintersett 06.09.15

8 -18°C with 3/8 cloud and a light westerly breeze.
 Anglers CP Vis Mig 07.30 - 10.00hrs: Going south - Swallow 106, Meadow Pipit 28,  Siskin 22 and a calling Greenshank flew south over at 09.25hrs. 
Anglers CP: Yellow-legged Gull  1 adult,  Common Sandpiper 1,  Sand Martin 4,  Mallard 102,  Pochard 65,  Teal 1 and Snipe 1.
Wintersett Res: A Ring-necked Parakeet went east over the NE bank at 08.00hrs, Yellow Wagtail 1S,  Whitethroat 1,  Willow Warbler 1 and Shoveler 3. 
Lepidoptera:   BROWN ARGUS (a lifer for me!),  Painted Lady,  Small Copper,  Small Heath,  Common Blue, Meadow Brown,  Green-veined White 3 and Small White were on Moorhouse Lane Pond.  Brian and Christine Lee had a Hummingbird Hawk-moth in their garden in Royston.
Odonata: Damsels: Common Blue,  Blue-tailed and Emerald  were on the Disposal Point
Dragons:   5♂ Southern Hawker (another lifer!) and  Brown Hawker, were on theDisposal Point.  Common Hawker, Common Darter and 15 Ruddy Darter were on Moorhouse Lane Pond

             Brown Argus         Moorhouse Lane Pond  ASmith

                Southern Hawker          Disposal Point     ASmith

Carlton Marsh

This morning Swift, Little Egret, Water Rail, Buzzard, Grey Wagtail, 4 Willow Tits, Coal Tit and 3 Kingfishers!

 

Rabbit Ings

Skylark 2, Meadow Pipit 5.

Butterflies included Brown Argus 2, Small Copper, Common Blue 123, Small Heath 6, Meadow Brown 5, Red Admiral 2 and a very late Gatekeeper.

 

Barnsley Road, Cudworth

Humming Bird Hawk Moth feeding on Valerian.

 

(Chris Parkin)

Siskin

Stocksbridge - first Siskin (juvenile) back on garden feeders.

Carlton Marsh

The best bits for today were Buzzard, Little Egret, Grey Wagtail, Water Rail 2, Treecreeper, Tawny Owl and Little Owl 2.
This must be the best site to see Kingfisher in South Yorkshire with 1, often 2, seen daily.  A juvenile this evening is the 7th caught here since May  (1 male + 6 juvs) 3 Willow Tits and a Yellowhammer were also caught.
Butterflies included 2 Common Blue and 10 Speckled Wood. 8 Copper Underwings were found on the toilet block walls.

Storrs Mill Wood butterflies
Painted Lady 1, Red Admiral 6, Small Tortoiseshell 33, Brown Argus 1, Small Copper 7, Speckled Wood 202, Meadow Brown 9.  A Gold Spot moth was found on Devil's Bit Scabious.
(Chris Parkin )

Wintersett 05.09.15

14°C with 4/8 cloud and a very cold north westerly wind. 
Anglers CP: Common Sandpiper 1,  Wigeon 15,  Teal 5, Cormorant 8 + CHRes,  Common Gull 2 and Yellow-legged Gull 2 adults
Haw Park Wood: Siskin 20 + 6 over CHRes,  Hobby 2 juvs mobbing a Buzzard  + 5 more Buzzard around the area.  Treecreeper 3, and  Nuthatch 1 + 1 WRes,
Wintersett Res: Meadow Pipit 1 S,   Yellow Wagtail 2 + 1 over CHRes,  Cetti's Warbler 1♂, Garden Warbler 1,  Shoveler 3 and Water Rail 1.  Hirundine totals for the area - Swallow 100,  House Martin 400 and Sand Martin 10.
92 birds were ringed today, including  49 House Martin,  1 Sand Martin,  14 Chiffchaff,  3 Willow Warbler,   9 Blackcap,  6 Reed Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler and 1 Whitethroat.

Low Moor/Midhope 5/9/15.

A cool breeze but warm in the sun with excellent light. Very steady birding with Hobby 1 hawking insects around pike lowe for a good 5 minutes, Sparrowhawk 1, Buzzard 5, Kestrel 4, Raven 5, Siskin 5. Light entertainment was provided by the waw team mid aft with the usual 5 minute Saturday visit.

The Edge 4th September

Wombwell Ings - Present were 76 Canada Geese, 11 Greylag, 72 Teal, 43 Gadwall, 13 Mallard, 3 Tufted Duck, 3 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 3 Moorhen, 3 Lapwing, 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 11 BH Gull and 1 Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2a+5y Mute Swan, 25 Canada Geese, 143 Gadwall, 25 Teal, 18 Mallard, 17 Tufted Duck, 2 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 3 Little Egret, 1 Cormorant, 17 Little Grebe, 141 Coot, 9 Moorhen, 1 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 2 LBB Gull, 1 juv Common Gull, 1 Kestrel and 2 Little Owl.
Bolton Ings - The Great White Egret was on the western pool late morning.On the open water were 2a+6y Mute Swan, 12 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 40 Gadwall, 22 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 7 Pochard, 5 Shoveler, 5 Cormorant, 20 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 149 Coot and 2 Moorhen. Also present were 3 Grey Heron, 28 Lapwing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Jay, 1 Bullfinch and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Wintersett 04.09.15

10°C with 8/8 cloud and a cold north westerly breeze.  Gloves and extra layers needed this morning.
Anglers CP:  Siskin 2 over + 11 over WRes.  Wigeon 12.
Cold Hiendley Res: The female Goldeneye in wing moult is probably the same bird as last year.
Wintersett Res: Tree Pipit 1 over, Meadow Pipit 1S,   Grey Wagtail 2,  Yellow Wagtail 1, Gadwall 13,  Shoveler 2,   Little Grebe 3 + 4 ACP + 1 Botany.  A 2ndW Yellow-legged Gull was on a buoy.
Hirundine numbers were higher than they have been of late.  The area totals: House Martin 300,  Swallows 100 and Sand Martin 20.

Record shot     2ndW YLGull      WRes  ASmith

Edderthorpe, Mon to Fri

Some pretty impressive numbers of wildfowl the last couple of days at dawn, despite the shooting (killing) season opening;- Canada Goose 864 (probably a record count for the site), Mallard 820 and Shoveler went from 215 at the end of August to a record breaking 263 on Friday 4th September. There are still 3 Garganey present. Little Egrets were noted roosting in the riverside trees for the first time this autumn on Thursday night/Friday morning, 4 birds were present. Many of the waders have now moved on after the water levels have risen but there are still;- up to 6 Ruff, 2 Greenshank, 1 Redshank and 4 Dunlin with a few Common Snipe and plenty of Lapwings. Lesser Black-backed Gulls have been far more numerous with up to 57 roosting overnight. At least 4 Yellow Wagtails are feeding around the Flash shore.

Carlton Marsh

Great White Egret left wader scrape just before 08.00hrs (Jim Plant)

Carlton Marsh

Today's highlights were Little Egret, Kingfisher 2, Meadow Pipit 2, Grey Wagtail, Canada Goose 11 and male and female Tawny Owl calling at dusk.
A Barn Owl was hunting the Western Meadow from 19.35hrs.

A pair of Little Owls have bred, on or near an old lorry chassis in a stone recycling yard nearby for at least 5 years, including this year. However, after massive reorganisation of the piles of stone, to make more room, it looked as though they had gone. No, they are still there, so maybe we can keep watching them for another 5 years.

Wintersett 03.09.15

10 - 12°C with 7/8 cloud and a cool northerly.
Anglers CP: Meadow Pipit 1 S,  Swift 1,  Sand Martin 1,  Siskin 1,  Common Sandpiper 1,  Kingfisher 1,  Little Grebe 3,   Wigeon 11 and  Pochard 36.  The Goldfinch flock has increased to 120. 

The Edge 3rd September

Wombwell Ings- Present were 25 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 17 Gadwall, 9 Teal, 7 Mallard, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Egret, 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Moorhen, 2 Kestrel, 14 Lapwing, 2 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 13 BH Gull, 6 LBB Gull, 30+ House Martin and 40+ Goldfinch.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2a+5y Mute Swan, 35 Canada Geese, 125+ Gadwall, 15 Tufted Duck, 10 Teal, 3 Pochard, 2 Shoveler, 3 Little Egret, 1 Cormorant, 17 Little Grebe, 127 Coot, 7 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 6 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 2 LBB Gull and 12 Linnet.
 Bolton Ings- On the open water were 4a+10y Mute Swan, 19 Greylag, 5 Canada Geese, 37 Gadwall, 28 Tufted Duck, 10 Mallard, 4 Pochard, 2 Grey Heron, 4 Cormorant, 23 Little Grebe, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 54 Lapwing,  146 Coot and 2 Moorhen. Also present were 5 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Bullfinch and 2 Willow Tit. Two Chiffchaff were singing on Warbler Way.

Carlton Marsh

This morning Little Egret, Shelduck, Kingfisher 2, Greylag 5 and Ringed Plover 1 SE. (Jim Plant)
Also seen 2 Buzzard soaring with 2 Sparrowhawk and a Lime Hawk Moth larvae was in the car park.

A late Swift passed over this afternoon. (Rod Heeley)

Monk Bretton butterflies
Meadow Brown 39, Gatekeeper 3, Brown Argus 1 and a Six Spot Burnet Moth.

South Kirkby Tip (yesterday 1/9)
114 Common Blue

(Chris Parkin)

A Mixed Bag

Early doors at the Ingbirchworth 'Triangle' this morning produced the following of note:
Scout Dike - two Ringed Plover, single Yellow Wagtail, single Common Buzzard and Common Gull.
Ingbirchworth - 17 Pied Wags and 100+ House Martins around the farm buildings to the north.
Royd Moor - 210 Greylags.
My first autumn foray at Hartcliff  - 4 Wheatears and a Grey Wag over.
Cheers
Russ
http://shapesthatsometimesfly.blogspot.co.uk/

Wintersett + Gull Roost 02.09.15

12 - 16°C with 4/8 cloud and a cool, light northerly.
Anglers CP: A Tree  Pipit  and a Yellow Wagtail flew over early doors.
Cold Hiendley Res: Goldeneye 1♀ in wing moult.
Wintersett Res: Redpoll 1 S and Meadow Pipit 2 S.  Cetti's Warbler 1♂ + 1 and Water Rail 1. An adult Yellow-legged Gull was on a buoy.
47 birds were ringed this morning, including 14 Chiffchaff,  11 Willow Warbler,  6 Blackcap,  Reed Warbler 4,  Sedge Warbler 2 and Swallow 6.
Gull Roosts per Stev Denny: - 122 Lesser Backbacked, 4 adult Yellow-legged & 500 Blackheaded Gulls.

The Edge 2nd Sept

Wombwell Ings - Present on a quiet morning were 1 Mute Swan, 13 Greylag, 10 Canada Geese, 29 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Mallard, 2 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Moorhen, 2 Kestrel, 21 Lapwing, 2 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 19 BH Gull and 3 Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2a+5y Mute Swan, 17 Canada Geese, 188 Gadwall, 25+ Teal, 18 Tufted Duck, 16 Mallard, 1 Pochard, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 22 Little Grebe, 114 Coot, 10 Moorhen, 16 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, 4 LBB Gull, c20 Linnet and 1 Fox.
Bolton Ings - On a normal day the highlight would be either the Great White Egret on the western pool, or the  Peregrine circling the west end, or the kettle of 9 Buzzards at c1.15pm. Today, it was the cream crown Marsh Harrier quartering the area between the two pools. Whilst hunting, it crashed into the overhead, power cables, dropped 10 metres before regaining flight control and calmly continued  hunting towards the west end. On the open water were 4a+10y Mute Swan, 1 Canada Goose, 30 Gadwall, 28 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 6 Shoveler, 3 Pochard, 30 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 139 Coot and 2 Moorhen. Also present were 4 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 55 Lapwing, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Jay, 3 Grey Wagtail and 1 singing Chiffchaff.

Edderthorpe Bank Holiday

Loads of wildfowl here over the holiday period, peak counts include;- Greylag Goose 285, Garganey 3 (including 1 drake), Shoveler 215 (the record is 243 on 31st October 2014), Teal 137. However, the shooting season opened today (1st Sept) and it seems the shooters were out this evening so it will be interesting to see how numbers compare in the coming week.
Waders continue to be attracted although in lower numbers after all the recent rain pushed up the water levels and since a juvenile Peregrine has been in daily attendance and terrifying everything. Highlights are, a Little Stint which arrived today and a couple of juvenile Knot which arrived yesterday (Monday) and are still present today. Up to 910 Lapwing, 20 Golden Plover, 5 Ruff, 2 Dunlin, 4 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Ringed Plover, 4 Greenshank and a Common Sandpiper are also present. At least 7 Common Buzzards were flying as the rain ceased yesterday afternoon.

Carlton Marsh

This evening a Barn Owl was hunting from 19.10hrs and Little Egret and Green Sandpiper are on the Wader Scrape. (Dave Standish)

Ingbirchworth and Broadstone Reservoirs

Ingbirchworth
Common Sandpiper, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Willow Warbler, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Grey Heron, 4 Willow Tit (family group), c200 Lesser Black-backed Gull and a Weasel. Continuous passage west of mainly Swallows but a few House Martin.

Broadstone
Redstart, 3 Whitethroat, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Willow Tit and Painted Lady.

The Edge 1st September

Wombwell Ings- Present were 1 Mute Swan, 25 Canada Geese, 9 Mallard, 2 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Cormorant, 1 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 24 Lapwing, 2 Greenshank, 45 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 10+ House Martin and 50+ Goldfinch.
Broomhill Flash - A Buzzard gave very good views for over an hour. As it sat on a fence at the back of the flash, two other Buzzards soared high above Darfield church. Also noted were 2a+5y Mute Swan, 159+ Gadwall, 28 Teal, 17 Tufted Duck, 11 Mallard, 3 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 1 Garganey, 1 Little Egret, 29 Little Grebe, 112 Coot, 9 Moorhen, 16 Lapwing, 3 Snipe,  1 Wheatear and 4 Yellow Wagtail.
Bolton Ings -Highlight was a cc Marsh Harrier hunting over the Eastern Pool followed by a different cc Marsh Harrier making brief sorties over the same pool. The second bird was distinguishable by the lack of a primary in each wing. On the open water were 5a+5y Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 47 Gadwall, 41 Tufted Duck, 17 Mallard, 8 Pochard , 4 Grey Heron, 5 Cormorant, 27 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 147 Coot, 5 Moorhen and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 180+ Lapwing, 2 Green Woodpecker and 1 singing Chiffchaff on Warbler Way.

Wintersett 01.09.15

11 - 16°C with 5/8 cloud and a cooling north westerly. 
Wintersett Res: A Ringed Plover flew over at 07.30hrs. 
Haw Park Wood:  Hobby 2
Anglers CP:  Meadow Pipit  1 S,  Siskin 12 over.
39 birds were ringed today, including: Garden Warbler 1,  Whitethroat 2,  Reed Warbler 2,  Willow Warbler 6,  Chiffchaff 19  and Blackcap 5.  A Spotted Flycatcher was a welcome catch. The first for many years.
Butterfly: Common Blue 1 ACP.

Spotted Flycatcher   ACP    ASmith