Saturday 31 October 2015

BARNSLEY BIRD STUDY GROUP

It's that time of year again, the winter Meetings are once again here;-
THURSDAY 5th NOVEMBER,   at the   OLD MOOR VISITOR CENTRE.
start 7.15 pm. Come along and see and hear about Barnsley's own  popular speaker GEOFF CARR on a recent visit to 'GEORGIA AND THE CAUCASUS MOUNTAINS' .
Entrance fee £2.50 includes interval drink. All welcome.

Carlton Marsh

Shoveler 5, Water Rail 2, Fieldfare 25 left east, Yellowhammer 20 and Skylark 10. (Jim Plant)
5 Common Darters were on the wing.

Storrs Mill - Cudworth
Buzzard, Green Woodpecker and 3 Goldcrest.

Butterflies 
3 Speckled Wood, 1 Peacock, 1 Small Copper, 10 Comma and 2 Red Admiral. (Chris Parkin)

Wintersett + VisMig + Gull Roosts 31.10.15

A very mild 10 - 16°C.  Clear at dawn. followed by  cloud and mist, then hazy sun from mid morning. Sunshine with scattered cloud this afternoon. 
Anglers CP Vis Mig.  07.30 - 12.10hrs: At last!  A good number of thrushes moving through.
Going south - A Rock Pipit at 10.15hrs.   Fieldfare 1268,  Redwing 477,  Song Thrush 3, Wood Pigeon 240,  Brambling 6, Meadow Pipit 17,  Linnet 12,  Skylark 28 and Common Buzzard 1 
Going west: Starling 250.
Wintersett Res: Shoveler 10 and  Goldeneye 10  + 13 ACP . 
Anglers CP:  Red-crested Pochard 1♂,  Golden Plover 15 over,  Lapwing 220,   Snipe 16 and Water Rail 2.  A Short eared Owl  flew through, being mobbed by Black-headed Gulls at 15.40hrs and left west.
34 birds were ringed this morning - 31 Lesser Redpoll,  2 Goldcrest and 1 Long-tailed Tit.  A Chiffchaff was retrapped.  
Gull Roost ACP:  150 Lesser Black-backed Gull and  25 Herring Gull.  Psycho the adult Yellow-legged Gull was on the small raft.
Gull Roost WRes: A first winter Mediterranean Gull,  5 Herring Gull, 217 Lesser Black-backed Gull and 6500 Black-headed Gull
Other critters: Migrant Hawker 3. 

Friday 30 October 2015

Carlton Marsh

Very mild with a high of 16.4c this afternoon. Present were 3 Shoveler, Green Sandpiper, Water Rail, 12 Grey Partridge, 3 Siskin and 2 Redpoll. A passage of Fieldfare this afternoon saw groups of 115 and 150 south.

In the sun were Speckled Wood and Common Darter. 2 Red Admirals were feeding in Les Corrall's garden.

Ingbirchworth & beyond

Whitley Edge - 600+ Starlings.
Broadstone Reservoir - 11 Mallards, 1 Little Grebe, 1200+ Black-headed Gulls (at Bird's Nest Lane/Grime Lane), 1 second-winter Mediterranean Gull, 47 Common Gulls, 23 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 248 Greylag Geese, 73 Canada Geese, 1 Teal, 38 Mallards, 4 Tufted Ducks, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Moorhen, 4 Coots, c50 Black-headed Gulls, 6 Common Gulls, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 2 Willow Tits.
Midhope Reservoir - 1 Little Grebe, 34 Mallards and 1 Tufted Duck.

Wintersett 30.10.15

A very  mild 10 degrees with drizzly rain first thing but dry by 09.30, then up to a very warm 16 degrees with sunshine and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP: The drake Red-crested Pochard was still off the east bank.  Goosander 16,  Teal 11,  Chiffchaff 1 and an adult Yellow-legged Gull
Wintersett Res: One male Cetti's Warbler was singing on the north bank spit and another was on the west bank.  Little Grebe 13 + 6 ACP,  Great Crested Grebe 22 + 10 ACP + 1 CHRes. and Water Rail 1.
Other critters: Speckled Wood 1 and Migrant Hawker off the east bank WRes.

Wilthorpe Marsh, Low Moor 30/10/15.

W.M. - 7 Goosanders flushed off river, 7 Jacks on Wednesday. Low Moor 2 till 4pm - rt Hen Harrier over barnside moor at 2-30pm lost in bright sunshine over pike lowe. Merlin 1, Buzzard 1, Kes 4, Raven 1, Fieldfare 250/300.

The Edge 30th October

Wombwell Ings - Present were 32 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 41 Wigeon, 37 Mallard, 16 Gadwall, 8 Tufted Duck, 5 Shoveler, 3 Teal, 1 Pochard, 1 Little Grebe, 3 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 7 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 58 Lapwing, 16 Snipe, 1 Golden Plover, 59 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull and 4+ Pied Wagtail.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 17 Mallard, 15 Pochard, 6 Tufted Duck, 2 Teal, 3 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 97 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 53 BH Gull, 7 Common Gull and 4 LBB Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 60+ Lapwing, 13 Snipe, 4 Jay, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Thursday 29 October 2015

Carlton Marsh

40 Fieldfare moved through this morning and a mixed flock of finches included mainly Goldfinch with several Siskin. 2 Water Rails flew between the reedbeds together and 3 Shoveler and a Cormorant were present.

Wintersett Ringing Recoveries 29.10.15

A first year Willow Warbler ringed at Steyning (West Sussex)on 7th August 2014, 
was retrapped at Anglers CP on 2nd August 2015,  at a distance of 315 kms to the NNW.

A first year Willow Warbler ringed at Wintersett Reservoir on 24th July 2015,
was retrapped at Litlington  (East Sussex) on 7th August 2015, at a distance of 333kms to the SSE.

A first year male Blackcap ringed at Birtley Sewage Works (Tyne and Wear)
on 29th August 2015, was retrapped at Wintersett Reservoir
on 9th September at a distance of 144kms to the south.

A first year Reed Warbler ringed At Wintersett Reservoir on 15th August 2015,
was retrapped at Stanford Reservoir (Northamptonshire) on 1st September 2015,
at a distance 0f 135kms to the south.

Wintersett 29.10.15

10 degrees , mild and grey with intermittent light rain and a south easterly wind this morning.  Calm with light showers this afternoon.
Anglers CP: A very welcome  adult male RED-CRESTED POCHARD was new in,  and a Little Egret flew into the shallows at 11.35hrs for a brief visit before leaving north.  Goosander 8,  Pochard 103 + 4 WRes and Teal 8.  A Water Rail was bathing in the shallows.
Wintersett Res: Goldeneye 8 + 6 ACP and Little Grebe 11.
Of note: 80 Pink-footed Geese flew west over Woolley at 14.15hrs per Brian Lee.

Wednesday 28 October 2015

Wintersett 28.10.15

10°C, calm, with rain, mist/fog.
Anglers CP: There was a small influx of 42 Teal.   3 Swallows flew around the shallows this afternoon - per Keith Bannister.  Goosander 6,  Dunlin 2, Golden Plover 24,  Snipe 9, Little Grebe 6,   Redwing 20,  Starling 80 through,  Goldeneye 5 + 2 WRes.
Wintersett Res: An adult Yellow-legged Gull was on a buoy.  300 Lesser Black-backed Gull were in late morning and Cormorant 4.

Tuesday 27 October 2015

Wintersett 27.10.15

7°C, foggy, grey and drizzly all morning. Wintersett Res: Water Rail 1, Siskin 1 and Chiffchaff 1. Anglers CP: A Dunlin and 2 Pintail were new in. Snipe 4. The male Shoveler with the bulbous growth on its head is still present.

The Edge 27th October

Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 22 Teal, 21 Gadwall, 20 Tufted Duck, 15 Wigeon, 6 Shoveler, 3 Pochard, 6 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 46 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 1 Sparrowhawk, 29 Lapwing, 65 BH Gull and 1 LBB Gull.
Wombwell Ings - Present were 122m Wigeon, 21 Gadwall, 12 Mallard, 11 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 6 Tufted Duck, 4 Red Legged Partridge, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 4 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 1 Sparrowhawk, 49 Lapwing, 9+ Snipe, 29 BH Gull, 4 Meadow Pipit and 30+ Goldfinch.
 Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4a+1y Mute Swan, 118 Gadwall, 56 Pochard, 21 Mallard, 13 Tufted Duck, 8 Shoveler, 3 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 82 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 29 BH Gull and 12 Common Gull. Also present were 22 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Jay, 1 Song Thrush and 10+ Redwing.

Monday 26 October 2015

The Edge 26th October

Wombwell Ings - Had to shoo two horses out of the hide before I could go in. So please check , before entering, if you see horses using the hide as a scratching post. Otherwise it was a quiet day with 2 Mute Swan, 79 Wigeon, 16 Mallard, 10 Gadwall, 10 Shoveler, 8 Tufted Duck, 7 Teal, 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 5 Red Legged Partridge, 5 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 2 Kestrel, 46 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 61 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Kingfisher, 8 Stock Dove, 10+ Redwing, 6+ Pied Wagtail, 40+ Goldfinch and 1 Bullfinch.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2a+2y Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 34 Pochard, 19 Mallard, 6 Tufted Duck, 5 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 2 female Goosander, 6 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 101 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 45 BH Gull, 15 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 3 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 4 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 2 Sparrowhawk and 3 Jay.
Broomhill Flash - The workmen were busy building the base for the new hide. NB. There is a viewing screen accessible from the car park.

Wintersett 26.10.15

7- 11°C with much more sun than forecast and a south westerly breeze.
Anglers CP: A stunning male Brambling visited the feeding station in the car park.  Goldeneye 1 + 2 WRes. 
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1♂ west bank. 
Butterflies:  Speckled Wood 1 WRes + 1 HPLane + 1 ACP.

Sunday 25 October 2015

Carlton Marsh

A Peregrine, 2 late Red Admirals, Small Tortoiseshell, 7 Speckled Wood and a Silver Y moth were of note today. (Chris Parkin)

Ewden shooting lodge and return 25/10/15.

From 10-15am till dusk with D.Simmonite. Breezy with good light but chilly with not much warmth from the sun. Totals - 1 rt Hen Harrier, 1 Short Eared Owl, 1 Peregrine, Sparrowhawk 1, Common Buzzard 6, Kestrel 5. A very good 13+ Ravens with 3 showing very well. Movement with 1+ Golden Plover, 1 Brambling, 3 Skylarks, 150+ Fieldfares, 8 Redpolls, 10+ Siskin, Meadow Pipit 25+, Mistle Thrush 4, and a suprising band of 5 Long Tailed Tits at the lodge. Additions were a pair of Stonechats, 3 Jays and 1 GS Pecker.

Wintersett 25.10.15

7 - 11°C,  8/8  with some hazy sunny intervals and a light southerly.
Wintersett Res: First job today was a Cetti's Warbler search, resulting in 1♂ SE corner, 1♂ West Bank and 1 'chicking' North Bank.  A MERLIN ♀ flew south at 08.35hrs (new for the year).    Water Rail 2,  Goldeneye 2 + 1 ACP,  Canada Goose 54 and  Siskin 1 over + 3 ACP
Anglers CP: 75 Starling and 3  Common Buzzard flew west.    Snipe 5,  Wigeon 286,  Greylag Goose 104,  Shoveler 28 (including bulbous head) and Great Crested Grebe 13. 
Anglers CP Gull Roost:  Great Black-backed Gull 2,  Lesser Black-backed Gull 250,  Herring Gull 25  and Yellow-legged Gull 2 ( adult and 3rd W).
Other Critters: Common Darter 3 (MLPond),  Migrant Hawker and Speckled Wood (Disp.Point).

Woodpigeon Movement

At least 1000 Woodpigeon moving south along the M1 corridor past Higham this morning during the first hour of daylight (yes I forgot to put my clocks back). This is the first large movement of autumn but as in most years will continue for a couple of weeks no doubt. Generally thought to be UK birds moving south, not continentals, and only small numbers continuing over the channel with most remaining in the south and Midlands (they say!)

Saturday 24 October 2015

Wintersett 24.10.15

10°C with 8/8 cloud and rain from 10.00 - 10.50hrs with a light south westerly.
Wintersett Res: A male Cetti's Warbler was singing in the north east corner.  Lesser Black-backed Gull 169 + 52 ACP late morning. 
Anglers CP: Shoveler 1 male, with bulbous growth and blind in one eye.   Cormorant 20,  Water Rail  1 and Yellow-legged Gull 2 adults. 

Wilthorpe Marsh 24/10/15.

V. steady, highlights were 2 Little Egrets, 5 Jack Snipe, 1 G. Pecker and 7 Willow Tits, a pair and 5 individuals, possibly up to 10.

Friday 23 October 2015

Bits

Elsecar Reservoir - 60+ Mallards, 1 drake Tufted Duck, 5 Great Crested Grebes, c10 Coots, c5 Moorhens and c80 Black-headed Gulls.
Lundhill - 12+ Common Pheasants and 1 cock Reeves's Pheasant.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 64 Mallards, 2 Tufted Ducks, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Kestrel, 3 Moorhens, 5 Coots, 150+ Black-headed Gulls, 7 Common gulls, 30+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls; and 12 Stcok Doves and c100 Rooks at Annat Royd Lane.
Midhope Reservoir - 35 Greylag Geese, 35 Mallards, 1 Kestrel and 15+ Siskins.
Whitwell, Stocksbridge - 800+ Starlings.

Wintersett 23.10.15

9 - 11°C with 8/8 cloud and a light south to south westerly.
Anglers CP: Golden Plover 1 S,  Goosander 1 redhead,  Goldeneye 1 + 1 CHRes.
40 birds were ringed today, including: 33 Lesser Redpoll,  4 Greenfinch and 1 Goldfinch.  A Chiffchaff, ringed on 08.10.15 was retrapped.

The Edge 23rd October

Wombwell Ings - Present were 3 Mute Swan, 131 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 102 Wigeon, 46 Mallard, 17 Gadwall, 11 Teal, 8 Shoveler, 7 Tufted Duck, 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Red Legged Partridge, 1 Kestrel, 5 Moorhen, 4 Coot, 151 Lapwing, 9 Snipe, 1 Golden Plover, 80+ BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 20+ Blackbird, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Song Thrush and 1 Meadow Pipit.
Bolton Ings - Another day with excellent views of a cc Marsh Harrier. Unfortunately not close enough for my bridge camera!! On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 33 Pochard, 25 Mallard, 10 Gadwall, 9 Tufted Duck, 4 Shoveler, 2 Teal, 1 female Goosander, 8 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 79 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 85 BH Gull, 6 Common Gull and 5 LBB Gull. Also present were 4 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 6+ Jay, 30+ Redwing, 10+ Blackbird, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Goldcrest and 1 Bullfinch.

Thursday 22 October 2015

Carlton Marsh

Little Egret, 7 Shoveler, 2 Siskin, 10 Redwing and 3 Common Gull north.

Speckled Wood 3 and Common Darter 1.

Wintersett 22.10.15

8 - 12°C with 4/8 cloud and a moderate westerly.
Anglers CP: A male Shoveler with a large bulbous growth on the side of its head was new in today.  Teal 8 and Greylag Goose 1.
Wintersett Res: A Cetti's Warbler was heard in the south east corner.  Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult.
Butterflies: Speckled Wood 1 WRes + 3 Haw Park Wood.

The Edge 21st October

Wombwell Ings- Present were 3 Mute Swan, 37 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 51 Wigeon. 40 Mallard, 28 Teal,12 Gadwall, 10 Tufted Duck, 9 Shoveler, 3 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 8 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 55 Lapwing, 7+ Snipe, 69 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull and 4 Meadow Pipit. A Stoat was seen at the R.Dearne Bridge.
Bolton Ings- Highlight was the female Goldeneye, my first of the Autumn. On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 37 Pochard, 19 Mallard, 10 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall, 7 Shoveler, 2 Teal, 11 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 81 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 61 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 1 Herring Gull and1 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Kestrel, 23 Lapwing, 1 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 Green Woodpecker, 40+ Fieldfare and 6 Redwing.

Wednesday 21 October 2015

Rabbit Ings

A pair of Stonechats have taken up residence. (Mick Birkinshaw)

Wintersett 21.10.15

10° C with 4/8  cloud and a westerly breeze. 
Wintersett Res: Grey Heron 3 + 1 CP,  Shoveler 7 + 19 CP,  Goldeneye 3 CP and 12 Cormorant.

The Edge 21st October

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1y Mute Swan, 8 Canada Geese, 49 Wigeon, 33 Mallard, 26 Teal, 21 Gadwall, 13 Shoveler, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 7 Red Legged Partridge, 7 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 51 Lapwing, 7 Snipe, 2 Ruff, 14 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Fieldfare, 6+ Pied Wagtail and 2 Meadow Pipit. In the dead bush near the R.Dearne bridge were 1 Chiffchaff and 4 Goldcrest.
Bolton Ings - Sat down at 11.10am and a Bittern flew along the back edge before dropping into the back channel. The appearance of a cc Marsh Harrier at 11.35 am made the walk from Broomhill even more worthwhile. The Marsh Harrier spent about 10 minutes hovering over waterfowl causing them to dive repeatedly. An hour later it tried its luck at the eastern end of the pool before disappearing westwards pursued by an aggressive Carrion Crow. On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 14 Canada Geese, 37 Pochard, 30 Mallard, 17 Tufted Duck, 14 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, 2 Teal, 10 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 90 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 86 BH Gull, 7 Common Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 4 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 15 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, 2 Jay, 1 Green Woodpecker and 6 Redwing.

Tuesday 20 October 2015

Wintersett 20.10.15

7 -12°C with 2/8 cloud and a light south westerly.
Wintersett Res:  70 Pink-footed Goose went south east at 10.02hrs.  Goldeneye 2,  Water Rail 2 and a singing ♂  Cetti's Warbler.
24 birds were ringed, including: a Jay,  a Sparrowhawk,  14 Lesser Redpoll,  2 Goldcrest and 2 Bullfinch.
                 Jay    WRes                           ASmith
Sparrowhawk   WRes          ASmith
What a glare!  Sparrowhawk       WRes           ASmith

Carlton Marsh

Little Egret, Shoveler 7 and Cormorant were the notables today.

4 Speckled Wood, Common Darter and Migrant Hawker were flying in the afternoon sunshine.

A Spiked Shield Bug was new for the reserve. (Chris Parkin)

The Edge 20th October

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1y Mute Swan, 54 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 13 Shoveler, 13 Gadwall, 9 Mallard, 7 Tufted Duck, 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 4 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 16 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 138 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 1 Kingfisher, 4 Skylark, 12+ Pied Wagtail, 4 Meadow Pipit, 40+ Redwing, 2 Song Thrush and 1 Yellowhammer.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 61 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 30 Tufted Duck, 29 Pochard, 29 Mallard, 10 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler, 3 Teal, 4 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 11 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 157 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 39 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 2 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 12 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Rook, 11 Redwing and 1 Grey Wagtail.  A Speckled Wood butterfly was taking in the sun on a Buddleia .
Broomhill Flash - A Little Owl was showing on the top lane( J.Seeviour ).

Monday 19 October 2015

Carlton Marsh

New in today 13 Fieldfare. (Dave Standish)

The Edge 19th October

Wombwell Ings - Highlight was 6 Grey Partridge in the back field. Also present were 1y Mute Swan, 15 Canada Geese, 75 Wigeon, 17 Shoveler, 10 Teal, 8 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 7 Tufted Duck, 2 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 23 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, 113 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, c40 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 6 Meadow Pipit, 5 Pied Wagtail and 2 Skylark.
Bolton Ings- Amongst the 200+ Lapwing, flushed from Wath Ings was a Spotted Redshank. On the open water were 4a+3y Mute Swan, 8 Canada Geese, 28 Pochard, 22 Tufted Duck, 20 Mallard, 13 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 10 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 117 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 47 BH Gull, 7 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also noted were 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 3 Snipe, 3 Jay, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Wintersett 19.10.15

7 - 12°C,  clear and calm at first light but fog by 08.00hrs, cleared by 10.30hrs. Then scattered cloud and a light northerly.
39 birds were ringed this morning, including: 26 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Siskin,  2 Song Thrush and a Chaffinch.
Anglers CP: Chaffinch 1,  Little Grebe 3. 
Butterflies: 3 Speckled Wood,  1 Small White and 1 Comma on the west bank of WRes. 

Sunday 18 October 2015

Wintersett WeBS totals for October 2015

The Wintersett area  WeBS totals for October 2015 are:

Great-Crested Grebe 31,   Little Grebe 16,   Cormorant 12,   Mute Swan 26,  Canada Goose 11,   Greylag Goose 1,   Mallard 86,   Gadwall 149,   Teal 5,   Wigeon 278,   Shoveler 22,  Tufted Duck 338,  Pochard 101,   Goldeneye 5,   Goosander 1,   Common Scoter 3,   Coot 951,   Moorhen 33,   Snipe 3,   Lapwing 120,   Water Rail 1  and Grey Heron 3.

Wintersett 18.10.15

7 - 12°C with 8/8 cloud, a couple of short drizzly spells and a light northerly. 
Haw Park Wood:  A  Short-eared Owl flew over west at 15.30hrs.
Wintersett Res: Chiffchaff 2 + 1 ACP,  Kingfisher 1 and Cetti's Warbler 1°♂.
Anglers CP:  3 Common Scoter were new in today.  Goosander 1and Little Grebe 7.  This afternoon there were 10 Yellow-legged Gull,  4 Great Black-backed Gull and 15 Herring Gull - per Steve Denny.

Saturday 17 October 2015

Carlton Marsh

Not much change over recent days, on show today were; 4 Shoveler, 20 Teal, c25 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, Kingfisher, Buzzard, 2 Siskin, 2 Willow Tit, Treecreeper and 20 Redwing.

Butterflies
2 Red Admiral, 6 Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell, Comma and Small White. (Chris Parkin)

Wilthorpe Marsh + Fleets Dam, 17/10/15.

W. Marsh - Jack Snipe 3, Common Snipe 25, Little Egret 1, 50 Pinkfeet n. at midday, Teal 20, Willow Tit 4, Chiffchaff 1, Redwing over and in the area 150+. Fleets - 3 Parakeets noisy and showing well at car park end + Siskin 1 and Coal Tit 1.

Wintersett + Gull Roost 17.10.15

7°C and a drizzly start,  8/8 cloud and a strengthening northerly. Dry with a short sunny spell this afternoon.
Anglers CP: Redwing 76 over.  Goosander 1 redheadChiffchaff 1 + 1 WRes.
36 birds were ringed this morning, including: 19 Goldfinch and 10 Lesser Redpoll.
Cold Hiendley Res: Goldeneye 2.
Other Critters:  Small White ,  Comma, Speckled Wood and Migrant Hawker all on WRes.
Gull Roost ACP: 200 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 4 Great Black-backed Gull, 7 Yellow-Legged Gull, 5 Herring Gull, 60 Common Gull and 3500 Black-headed in CP roost. per Steve Denny.

Hartcliff Hill Pm


A few hour around the hill after a reasonable vis-mig session at Harden in the morning. Very steady. Of note were c.100 Pink-footed Geese flying west at 13.20, 47 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare, 3 Yellowhammers, single Common Gull, 200+ Starlings and 90 Lapwings.
Cheers
Russ
http://shapesthatsometimesfly.blogspot.co.uk/

Friday 16 October 2015

The Edge 16th October

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1 Mute Swan, 100+ Canada Geese, 17 Greylag, 67+ Mallard, 55 Wigeon, 31 Teal, 8 Gadwall, 7 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 3 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 1 Sparrowhawk, 73 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 71 BH Gull and 5 Skylark.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4a+2y Mute Swan, 60 Gadwall, 28 Shoveler. 17 Mallard, 17 Pochard, 15 Tufted Duck, 7 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 11 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 127 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 31 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 8 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel, 1 Marsh Harrier, 8 Lapwing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Jay and  1 Grey Wagtail. Calling Goldcrest and Chiffchaff were noted on Warbler Way.

Thursday 15 October 2015

Wintersett 15.10.15

7°C with 8/8 cloud and a cool northerly breeze. Intermittent showers from mid morning.
Anglers CP: A Brambling was in the car park early this morning per Steve Denny.  Grey Wagtail 1 and Goldeneye 2 + 2 WRes.
Wintersett Res: Chiff chaff 1 on the north bank and 1 on the east bank.
Belated Pink-feet reports  over ACP - Tuesday 13th Oct- 75 east at 11.30hrs and Wednesday 14th Oct 250 east at 11.00hrs per Keith Bannister.

Wednesday 14 October 2015

Wintersett 14.10.15

No blog yesterday due to fantastic jaunt to Spurn. Highlights were Red-flanked Bluetail,  Firecrest,  American Golden Plover and Richard's Pipit.
 7°C, cool and  clear at dawn, with cloud slowly building and a light northerly.
Just a quick visit to Anglers this morning, before a very interesting Fungi Foray in Seckar Wood. At least three fungi were found that haven't been recorded here before. 
Anglers CP: Little Grebe 8 and Cormorant 6.
Wintersett Res: A Brambling flew over the north bank at 07:25 hrs - per Steve Denny
Botany Bay: 150+ Gadwall, Wigeon and Shoveler feeding at dawn.

The Edge 14th October

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2a+1y Mute Swan, 150+ Canada Geese, 36 Greylag, 75+ Mallard, 46 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Shoveler, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 4 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 46 Lapwing, 9+ Snipe, 88 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 3 Skylark, 5+ Meadow Pipit and 4 Reed Bunting.
Bolton Ings - Highlight was the the brief appearance of a Bittern on the edge of the reedbeds . Just long enough to set up my video camera and get 2 seconds of action before it disappeared back into the phragmites. On the open water were 3a+4y Mute Swan, 25 Mallard, 10 Tufted Duck, 9 Pochard, 5 Gadwall, 5 Teal, 1 Shoveler, 12 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe,111 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 22 BH Gull and 5 Common Gull. Also present were 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 6 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Jay, 1 Grey Wagtail and a flock 30+ Redwing.
Green Woodpecker - Bolton Ings
of

Tuesday 13 October 2015

The Edge 13th October

Wombwell Ings - 250+ Canada Geese, 60+ Greylag and 75+ Mallard were picking through the stubble in the back field looking for  grain. Also present were3+1y Mute Swan, 123 Wigeon, 22 Teal, 17 Gadwall, 12 Shoveler, 8 Pochard, 3 Tufted Duck, 3 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 39 Lapwing, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 9+ Snipe, 99 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4 Mute Swan, 21 Mallard, 17 Tufted Duck, 9 Gadwall, 9 Pochard, 8 Shoveler, 8 Teal, 10 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 107 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 35 BH Gull and 4 Common Gull. Also present were 4 Grey Heron, 3 Cormorant, 40+ Lapwing, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 3 Jay, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Windleden - Castle Dam

Upper Windleden Reservoir - 3 Mallards, 1 Common Buzzard, 1 Kestrel and 2 Meadow Pipits.
Harden - 70+ Linnet.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 10 Greylag Geese, 41 Canada Geese, 74 Mallards, 2 Tufted Ducks, 1 Little Grebe, 3 Moorhens, 3 Coots, 150+ Black-headed Gulls, 18 Common Gulls, 34 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 second-winter Yellow-legged Gull, 2 third-winter Herring Gulls, 100+ Starlings and 8 Mistle Thrushes.
Royd Moor Reservoir - 166 Greylag Geese, 2 Wigeon, 62 Mallards, 6 Cormorants, 6 Little Grebes, 2 Moorhens, 60+ Lapwings, 65+ Black-headed Gulls, 2 Common Gulls and 60+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls,
Castle Dam - 2 Canada Geese, 6 Mallards, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Moorhens, 22 Coots and 20+ Black-headed Gulls.
Midhope Reservoir - 3 Greylag Geese and 1 Canada Goose

Monday 12 October 2015

The Edge 12th October

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2+1y Mute Swan, c250 Canada Geese, 60+ Greylag, 47 Wigeon, 41 Mallard, 31 Teal, 8 Shoveler, 7 Gadwall, 5 Pochard, 1 Great White Egret, 1 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Little Grebe, 3 Moorhen, 2 Coot, 1 Sparrowhawk, 72 Lapwing, 9+ Snipe, 102 BH Gull, 3 Skylark, 2 Redwing and 2 Yellowhammer.
Broomhill Flash - The hide was demolished this morning. A viewing screen will be erected  on Wednesday.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4a+4y Mute Swan, 15 Greylag, 21 Mallard, 13 Gadwall, 11 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 3 Shoveler, 2 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 19 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 85 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 27 BH Gull, 4 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 1 Jay, 2 Greater Spotted Woodpecker and 1 Green Woodpecker.

Wintersett 12.10.15

5 - 12°C,  cold  and calm with clear blue sky and sunshine,  clouded over by midday.
Anglers CP:  Grey Wagtail 1 + 1 WRes,  Snipe 4,  Little Grebe 5 + 12 WRes,
Wintersett Res: Meadow Pipit 15 dropped in north bank field + 3 over SWChiffchaff  2 calling.
Butterflies: Green-veined White 1 and Speckled Wood 1.

Sunday 11 October 2015

Carlton Marsh

The highlights this morning were; Wheatear, Skylark 10, Buzzard, Shoveler 2, Little Egret, Kingfisher 2, Grey Partridge 15, Red-legged Partridge 4 and Cormorant. (Jim Plant)

In addition there were 4 Siskin, Water Rail, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Treecreeper and male and female Tawny Owl calling at dawn.

2 Comma butterflies were feeding together on apple put out for them.

Wintersett 11.10.15

8° - 13°C,  cool and calm with 8/8 cloud.
Anglers CP: Shoveler 6 + 2 WRes., Wigeon 30 + 6 WRes.,  Teal 10,  Stock Dove 12,  Common Sandpiper 1,  Snipe 1 and Kingfisher 1.
BotanyBay: Moorhen 9.
Wintersett Res: Whitethroat 1 and  Little Grebe 10 + 4 ACP.
Butterfly:  Small White 1 ACP.

Saturday 10 October 2015

Carlton Marsh

All quiet on the eastern front - No shooting! Wader scrape Shoveler 2, Little Egret and Green Sandpiper.  On the main marsh Kingfisher 2, Grey Wagtail, Redpoll 4, Siskin 2, Willow Tit 2, Water Rail and Chiffchaff.

A Red Admiral, still in pristine condition, was feeding on Buddleja.

Wilthorpe Marsh am, Low Moor/ Midhope pm.

Wilthorpe Marsh - very steady apart from the Snipe with 1 Jack and 21 Common. A flock of 25 Siskin, 1 Little Owl and 1 GS Pecker were the only noteables. A skein of 100 ish Pinkfeet w over staincross at 9-22am. Low Moor/Midhope totals - Goshawk 1, Sparrowhawk 2, Buzzard 5, Kestrel 4, Raven 6, Crossbill 1, Mistle Thrush 17, Redwing 6+, Fieldfare 1, fem GS Pecker showing well and 2 Swallows. Mirth was delivered mid aft with a characteristic 5 min visit by the WaW team who are still hopeful of last winters GG Shrike returning. 1 of the team is still reeling in shock with the money it cost him to see a few birds at spurn last weekend. How times have changed. Cheers, good birding.

Wintersett 10.10.15

Clear at dawn, but by 09.00hrs visibility down to 20 yards.  Calm and cool, 10°C.   Fog lifted by 11.00hrs but 8/8 cloud all day.
Anglers CP: Yellow-legged Gull 4 adults,  Goldeneye 1 adult female,  Cormorant 8,  Chiffchaff 1,  Wigeon 249 and Shoveler 17.
Wintersett Res: A flock of Pink-footed Goose flew over in the fog.   Water Rail 1 and Cetti's Warbler 1 male.  20 birds were ringed, including: a female Blackcap and a Chiffchaff.
Other critters: Common Darter 1,  Migrant Hawker 1 and Speckled Wood 1.

Friday 9 October 2015

The Edge9th October

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2+2y Mute Swan, 54 Wigeon, 47 Mallard, 22 Gadwall, 11 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Great White Egret, 1 Little Egret, 3 Little Grebe, 3 Moorhen, 3 Coot, 50+ Lapwing, 9+ Snipe, 57 BH Gull, 3 Skylark and 6 Yellowhammer.
Broomhill Flash - The hide will be demolished on Monday. Present were 3y Mute Swan, 250+ Canada Geese, 64 Greylag, 15 Pink Footed Geese, 101 Mallard, 50 Teal, 18 Gadwall, 16 Shoveler, 16 Tufted Duck, 4 Wigeon, 2 Pochard, 5 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 11 Little Grebe, 51 Coot, 11 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 7 Lapwing, and 1 Kingfisher.
Bolton Ings - Another good day on the Ings with Bittern, Marsh Harrier and Stonechat being seen within 10 minutes of reaching the hide. On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 28 Greylag, 38 Tufted Duck, 11 Mallard, 9 Pochard, 4 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 16 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 96 Coot, 41 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 79 Lapwing, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Whitethroat and 1f Blackcap. On the TPT were 2 Comma and 1 Brimstone butterflies.

Carlton Marsh

C150 Pink Feet Geese flew west at 13.07hrs. 2 Shoveler, Grey Wagtail and Kingfisher present while we were busy staining the hide and car park fencing.

My thanks to Russ Boland, Pete Wall and his YWT volunteers and our dedicated volunteers for doing a great job while under duress from shooters banging away all day on the reserve's eastern boundary.

Wintersett catch up - Wed 07. Thurs 08 and 09.10.15

Sorry no blogs - Problems with blocked and overflowing drains at Mums after storm.  Nuff said!   Here's the catch up.
Wednesday 07.10.15
Anglers CP: Canada Goose 227,  Wigeon 92 + 83 WRes and  Teal 4.
Wintersett Res: Chiffchaff 2 and Goldeneye 1 imm male.  Redwings  30 west early doors.

Thursday 08.10.15
Anglers CP: Redwing 2 W,  Pink-footed Goose 62 E at 09.02hrs and 58 E at 09.25hrs and Water Rail 1.
55 birds were ringed today, including: Chiffchaff 2,  Lesser Redpoll 24,  Siskin 2 and Reed Bunting 5.
Butterflies: Small White 1 and Speckled Wood 1.

Friday 09.10.15  8 - 14°C,  sunny with 3/8 cloud and a barely discernible south easterly. 
Wintersett Res: Pink-footed Goose 50 flew WNW at 10.25hrs.  Water Rail 3,  Chiffchaff 2,  Siskin 5 over,  Cormorant 3, Goldeneye 1 adult female,  Cetti's Warbler 1 male and  Blackcap 2.  A Chiffchaff and a Reed Warbler were on the north bank early doors. 
Other critters: Speckled Wood 1,  Red Admiral 1,  Comma 1 and Mig Hawker 1 all on WRes.

Thursday 8 October 2015

Elsecar - Midhope

Elsecar Reservoir - c40 Mallards, pair Shoveler, 1 drake Tufted Duck, 5 Great Crested Grebes, 11 Moorhens, 18 Coots and 30+ Black-headed Gulls.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 25 Greylag Geese, 52 Canada Geese, 47 Mallards, 1 Cormorant, 3 Moorhens, 2 Coots, c20 Black-headed Gulls, 8 Common Gulls and 45 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Midhope Reservoir - 3 Greylag Geese, 32 Mallards and 1 Little Grebe.

Carlton Marsh

c100 Pink Feet Geese flew east at 09.15hrs (Geoff Miller) Water Rail, 5 Mute Swans (2 adults + 1 adult with 2 cygnets) 2 Shoveler, 4 Goldcrest, Chiffchaff, Willow Tit 2, Kingfisher, Cormorant, Buzzard and Little Egret. I was almost home (Newtown, Cudworth) when the Little Egret flew over me at 17.37hrs as it headed towards Edderthorpe Flash over our house.

The Edge 8th October

Wombwell Ings- Present were 109 Mallard, 57 Wigeon, 24 Teal, 14 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Great White Egret, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Grebe, 3 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 51 Lapwing, 5+ Snipe, 55 BH Gull, 8 Redwing, 4 Meadow Pipit and 3 Skylark .
Broomhill Flash - Fencing for a secure compound to house equipment for the construction of the new hide crosses in front of the old hide and so views of the flash are restricted. Through the grill I could see 3+4y Mute Swan, 137 Canada Geese, 38 Greylag, 15 Pink Footed Geese, 27 Teal, 21 Tufted Duck, 16 Gadwall, 14 Mallard, 6 Shoveler, 5 Pochard, 2 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 12 Little Grebe, 59 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 14 Lapwing and 1 Kestrel. J Thompson saw a Little Owl on the top lane.
Bolton Ings - Highlight was not the male Pintail on the eastern pool, or the Barn Owl over the west end, or the cream crowned Marsh Harrier ,through at 12.40pm,  and the 30+ Snipe it  flushed into the air but the Bat  hunting for food high over Wath Ings  (seen at 1pm from Warbler Way ). On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 41 Greylag, 12 Canada Geese, 28 Mallard, 18 Shoveler, 17 Tufted Duck, 4 Pochard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 21 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 118 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 53 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 7 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 16 Lapwing, 23 Jay and 1 Kingfisher.

Tuesday 6 October 2015

Wintersett 06.10.15

 Sorry- no blog yesterday due to jaunt to Spurn for Citrine Wagtail,  Ring Ouzel,  Tree Pipit and of course Yellow-browed Warbler.
Rain until 08.00hrs.  15°C, warm and calm with 8/8.
Wintersett Res: 98 Wigeon  were in the NE corner.  2 adult Herring Gulls went south and 50 Meadow Pipits were in the north bank field.
Anglers CP: A flock of 40 Redwing went south, 4 Siskin flew SE and  Chiffchaff  6 + 1 WRes.  
Other Critters ACP:  Small White, Speckled Wood and Comma  butterflies were seen.  A Noctule Bat was flying at dawn.
Of interest: Brian Lee had 550 Redwing and 55 Fieldfare south over Royston late morning.
There was a torrential  thunderstorm this evening.

Carlton Marsh

Similar to yesterday with Little Egret (I will never tire of seeing that) 6 Shoveler, Water Rail, Kingfisher, Snipe, Siskin, Redpoll, Grey Wagtail, 3 Willow Tits and Buzzard.

The warm air produced 2 Red Admirals, Comma and 6 Speckled Wood. A Large White was seen in Cudworth.
Wombwell Ings - In the backfield were 101 Canada Geese, 13 Greylag, 11 Pink Footed Geese and 3 Skylark( one singing). The geese flew over to Broomhill Flash late morning. On the main flash were 3 Mute Swan, 155 Mallard, 58 Wigeon, 44 Teal, 24 Gadwall, 7 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Grebe, 3 Moorhen, 1 Coot, 62 Lapwing, 3 Snipe , 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 LBB Gull and 17 BH Gull. A Sparrowhawk, high over Darfield Church, was mobbed by corvids.
Keith Fisher had a Greenshank on the corner pond and he heard a Water Rail calling.
Broomhill Flash -Noted were 2+4y Mute Swan, 124 Mallard, 38 Teal, 21 Tufted Duck, 14 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 5 Pochard, 2 Wigeon, 8 Little Grebe, 6 Cormorant, 4 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 73 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 14 Lapwing, 1 Spotted Redshank ( probably the bird seen early AM on Wombwell ), 1 Buzzard, 132 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull and 1 Swallow.
 Bolton Ings - Waterfowl continue to drop in numbers with 2 Mute Swan, 17 Canada Geese, 14 Greylag, 21 Mallard, 13 Tufted Duck, 11 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 9 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 119 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 97 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull on the open water. Also present were 5 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 55 Lapwing, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Blackcap and 1 Bullfinch.

Monday 5 October 2015

Carlton Marsh

Present today 6 Shoveler, Pochard, 38 Gadwall, 12 Teal, Little Egret, Kingfisher, Buzzard and Siskin. After the rain 5 Redwing erupted from a stand of hawthorns trees, our first of the autumn.

Insects in evidence were; Common Darter, Migrant Hawker and Red Admiral.

The Edge 5th October

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 196 Mallard, 52 Wigeon, 25 Gadwall, 23 Teal, 12 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 12 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron. 5 Moorhen, 1 Coot, 1 Little Grebe, 61 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 1 Kestrel, 24 BH Gull and 1 LBB Gull.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+4y Mute Swan, 53 Teal, 47 Mallard, 20 Tufted Duck, 16 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 10 Wigeon, 2 Pochard, 4 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 10 Little Grebe, 69 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 3 Snipe, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Swallow.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 121 Canada Geese, 72 Greylag, 17 Tufted Duck, 14 Mallard, 6 Pochard, 4 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, 2 Teal, 14 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 98 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 45 BH Gull, 5 LBB Gull and 2 Common Gull. Also present were 5 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1Goldcrest.

Sunday 4 October 2015

Carlton Marsh

Little Egret and male Pochard still here, Little Owl and 2 Swallows flew south.

Buterflies on the wing were; Red Admiral, Comma, Small Copper, Common Blue, Small White and 25 Speckled Wood.
(Chris Parkin)



Wintersett 04.10.15

9°C, cool and hazy with a light easterly this morning. Sunny and warm this afternoon.
Wintersett Res: Water Rail 1 and Cetti's Warbler 1m + 1 f.
38 birds were ringed this morning, including 13 Lesser Redpoll,  11 Reed Bunting,  5 Blackcap,  1 Reed Warbler, 3 Goldcrest and 2 Chiffchaff.  The highlight was a retrapped adult Whitethroat,  the latest ever in 40 years of ringing!
Anglers CP:  Pochard 85,  Teal 8,  Wigeon 179,  Shoveler 44.  3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls were in this afternoon  and a Swallow went south. 
Butterflies: Small Whites were seen WRes and Botany.
Latest ever retrapped  Whitethroat    WRes    ASmith

Saturday 3 October 2015

Carlton Marsh

New in today 5 Shoveler and a male Pochard, our first this year! Also present 4 Tufted Duck, Kingfisher, Little Egret, Green Sandpiper, Snipe and 2 Barn Owls from 17.56hrs. 1 perched and the other hunting the western meadow.

Cudworth
c25 Pink Feet Geese flew NW over Newtown, in the mist, heading in the direction of Carlton Marsh at 10.10hrs

Wintersett 03.10.15

A cool 9°C , calm with 8/8 cloud this morning.
Wintersett Res: Water Rail 1,  Chiffchaff 5 + 2 ACP,  
Anglers CP: Flying over  - the first REDWING of autum went SW,   1 Pink-footed Goose,  1 Golden Plover.  50 Meadow Pipits were in the back field,  15 Snipe and 140 Wigeon were around the lake. Also an adult Yellow-legged Gull was in this afternoon.
37 birds were ringed this morning - 35 Lesser Redpoll and 2 Siskin.
Flying criters: Small Whites,  Speckled Woods,  Migrant Hawkers and Common Darters were all evident today.

Wilthorpe Marsh, 3/10/15.

Jack Snipe 1, C.Snipe 16, Water Rail 2, Green Sandpiper 1, Little Owl 1, Goldfinch 60, Siskin 6. 6 LBB Gulls and 1 C Buzzard in tilled field. 2 Ring Necked Parakeets at w end of nearby Fleets Dam.

Friday 2 October 2015

Carlton Marsh

Buzzard 1, Water Rail 2 calling, Siskin 1, Green Sandpiper 1, Chiffchaff 3, Willow Tit 1 (SE3710) Teal 22, Green and Great Spot W Pecker, Kingfisher 2 and Barn Owl hunting from 16.40hrs.

Also Migrant Hawker 2, Small Tortoiseshell 1 and Comma 2

Cudworth
Swallow 1 juv south

Wintersett 02.10.15

Yet another foggy and cold start, 5°C.  Clearing slowly from 10.30hrs and then a sunny and very warm 20°C this afternoon.
Moorhouse Lane Big Pond had the highlight today when a  BLACK DARTER  was spotted,  the first since September 2010!   Also in the sun were  10 Common Darter,   3♂ Ruddy Darter,   a Comma and  a  ♂ Common Blue  butterfly.
Anglers CP:  Golden Plover 10 over, Snipe 2,  Cormorant 6,  Teal 16,  Chiffchaff 3 and Reed Warbler 1 in east bank reeds.
Wintersett Res: Goldeneye 1♀,  Water Rail 2 and a singing Cetti's ♂ in the SE corner

Thursday 1 October 2015

Wintersett 01.10.15

10 - 15°C with fog until 10.30hrs. Sunshine from 12.30hrs with a light easterly.
Wintersett Res: Golden Plover 1 over,  Canada Goose 94 and Great Black-backed Gull 1 adult. 
Anglers CP: Chiffcaff 7 + 1 WRes,  Siskin 1 over,  Teal 20, Shoveler 30,  Little Grebe 6 and  Snipe 2 .

Remember, remember ....

given that the first Thursday in November will be the fifth, will BBSG meeting be that night?