Fleets Dam 30/11/15.

3 Parakeets in willows then flew off towards Wickes mid afternoon. Steady at Bretton yesterday with 50 Siskin, 70 + Teal, 7 Goosanders included 6 males.

Barnsley Bird Study Group Meeting

Thursday 3rd December 2015 at the Old Moor Visitor Centre, starting 7.15 pm.

Justin Carr will give an illustrated talk on 'A Digiscopers Journey'. Learn how to use a camera (or a smartphone) with your telescope (or binoculars) and get some stunning results, from the man who has won awards for his efforts!
All welcome, £2.50 entry fee includes interval drink.

Carlton Marsh

C200 Pink Feet geese were reported at 09.28hrs heading east.  (Keith Bannister)

The Edge 27th November

Wombwell Ings - Present were 3 Mute Swan, 217 Canada Geese, 17 Greylag, 47+ Wigeon, 13 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 8 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 15 Coot, 23 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 27 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, 72 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 10+ Redwing and 4 Pied Wagtail.
TPT - 3 Redpoll, 2 Siskin, 1 Jay.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4+3y Mute Swan, 53 Pochard, 37 Tufted Duck, 18 Mallard, 15 Gadwall, 10 Shoveler, 2 Goldeneye, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 103 Coot, 26 BH Gull and 26 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 5 Moorhen, 2 Green Sandpiper and 2 Green Woodpecker.

Carlton Marsh

A male Goosander heading north at dusk was our first of the autumn. (Dave Standish)

Elsecar & Ingbirchworth

Elsecar Reservoir - 84 Mallards, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Cormorant (left  NE), 10 Great Crested Grebes, 12 Moorhens, 23 Coots and c100 Black-headed Gulls.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 228 Greylag Geese (including 1 leucistic bird), 22 Mallards, 8 Tufted Ducks, 20 Canada Geese, 40+ Black-headed Gulls and 15+ Common Gulls.
Midhope Reservoir - 8 Mallards.

The Edge 26th November

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 195 Canada Geese, 17 Greylag, 114 Wigeon, 9 Mallard, 8 Tufted Duck, 4 Shoveler, 3 Teal, 3 Grey Heron, 6 Moorhen, 85 Lapwing, 46 Golden Plover, 4 Snipe, 3 Black Tailed Godwit, 110 BH Gull, 6 Skylark, 4 Pied Wagtail, 1 Meadow Pipit, 18 Fieldfare and 7 Redwing.
Bolton Ings - Highlight was a Bittern flying over the reedbeds on the eastern pool. On the open water were 4+3y Mute Swan, 1 Greylag, 57 Tufted Duck, 45 Pochard, 14 Gadwall, 5 Goldeneye, 2 Mallard, 1 Teal, 1 Shoveler, 1 Goosander, 4 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 112 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 21 BH Gull and 10 Common Gull. Also present were 4 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret ( roosting in the hawthorns on Warbler Way ), 2 Cormorant, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Reed Bunting and 1 Bullfinch.

Ewden Valley Res's

More Hall Reservoir - 128 Mallards, 1 female Goosander, 4 Moorhens, c60 Black-headed Gulls and 1 adult Herring Gull.
Broomhead Reservoir - 3 (2 drakes) Mandarin Ducks, 6 Teal, 86 Mallards and 2 Tufted Ducks.

Carlton Marsh

Today's best bits were; 4 Shoveler, 30 Gadwall, 15 Teal, Kingfisher, Water Rail, Treecreeper, 2 Goldcrest, Buzzard, 4 Skylark, 3 Siskin, 2 Redpoll and at dusk 2 male Tawny Owls and a female calling.

A Fox was carrying a rabbit in its mouth. (Dave Smith)

 

Rabbit Ings

4 Woodcocks were reported this morning. (Per Mick Birkinshaw)

The Edge 24th November

Wombwell Ings - Present were 3 Mute Swan, 267 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 114 Wigeon, 13 Mallard, 9 Tufted Duck, 9 Shoveler, 7 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 2 male Goosander, 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 14 Coot, 7 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 54 Lapwing, 27 Golden Plover, 1 Snipe, 91 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush and 4 Pied Wagtail.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 5+3y Mute Swan, 23 Greylag, 18 Pochard, 17 Tufted Duck, 12 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 2m+2f Goldeneye, 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Little Grebe, 116 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 10 Common Gull and 7 BH Gull. Also present were 1 Buzzard, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Jay, 1 Kingfisher and 2 Redpoll.
Broomhill Flash - The new hide is expected to be completed by Christmas.

Carlton Marsh

Great White Egret left the main scrape at 08.45hrs. west. (Keith Bannister)

Carlton Marsh

9 Greylags came in this afternoon then headed east just after I had disturbed a Woodcock at 13.50hrs. Also present Kingfisher, Great Spot Woodpecker, 30 +15 + 9 Starlings north and 3 Willow Tits. (SE3709)

Penistone - Royd Moor

Castle Dam, Penistone - 119 Canada Geese, 4 Mallards, 6 Moorhens, 25 Coots and c80 Black-headed Gulls.
Scout Dike Reservoir - 4 Canada Geese, 24 Mallards, 1 Tufted Duck, 20 Cormorants (highest ever count here), 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 4 Lapwings, c30 Black-headed Gulls and 10 Blackbirds.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 4 Pink-footed Geese, 152 Greylag Geese, 74 Canada Geese, 38 Mallards, 5 Tufted Ducks, c60 Black-headed Gulls and 4 Common Gulls.
Royd Moor Reservoir - 8 Wigeon. 9 Mallards, 2 Tufted Ducks, 1 Cormorant, 2 Little Grebes, c100 Black-headed Gulls, 3 Common Gulls, 120+ Fieldfares and 1 Chiffchaff.

The Edge 23rd November

Wombwell Ings - c85% ice covered. Present were 2+2y Mute Swan, 46 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 67+ Wigeon, 13 Mallard, 7 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 2 Goosander, 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 7 Grey Partridge, 15 Coot. 4 Moorhen, 63 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Kestrel, 136 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 4 Redwing, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Song Thrush.
Bolton Ings - Ice free. On the open water were 5+3y Mute Swan, 138 Greylag, 24 Pochard, 19 Tufted Duck, 15 Shoveler, 9 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 4 Goosander, 2m+1f Goldeneye, 3 Teal, 2 Little Grebe, 130 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 15 BH Gull and 9 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 4 Bullfinch and 1 Green Woodpecker.

Ewden shooting lodge and return 22/11/15.

Low cloud a problem here and the cold made birds scarce. No sign of any harriers or shrikes but Merlin, probable Peregrine, Raven 3, Buzzard 1, Kestrel 3. Surprises were a Great Tit at the lodge and a party of 4 calling Rooks over broomhead moor.

Lower Dearne Valley Weekender

Old Moor - Saturday 21st November

Paid a quick visit onto Old Moor yesterday morning and was rewarded with 4 adult Whooper Swans present on the Mere. They were on an island in front of the Mere hide but unfortunately spent all the time asleep only occasionally lifting their heads, a great sight though. Also on the Mere were 30 Cormorants and at least 3 Goldeneye. Onto the Main Marsh where the Spotted Redshank was still present along with a Redshank.

Adwick Washland - Sunday 22nd November

A visit to Adwick this morning produced a shock with the waters 95% iced over. All the wildfowl were on the pools to the left of the path to the viewpoint which was the only water ice free. I counted 55 Wigeon, 53 Teal, 14 Gadwall and 4 female Shoveler. There were 26 Common Gulls stood on the ice with the Black Headed Gulls and 15 Herring Gulls flew North with a Greater Black Backed Gull. A flock of 14 Lapwings flew over and settled in a field on the northern boundary.

Old Moor - Sunday 22nd November

Onto Old Moor this afternoon for the roost, most of the waters were ice free apart from the Main Marsh/Willow Pool which had c25% ice. A couple of Goldeneye were on the Mere and from the Wader Scrape hide 10 Dunlin were busily feeding on the one of the islands on the Mere and 1 Ruff was feeding on "Death Island" with a few Lapwings. A couple of Goosanders were on the Wader Scrape and from the Wath Ings hide a Redshank was present on the Willow Pool. No sign of the Spotted Redshank today, has the cold weather forced it out? The Cormorants started coming into roost but the first 9 flew down the valley to Denaby, the final count roosting were 35 birds. Only 2 Little Egrets were seen coming in, again probably weather related. Jeff came up with the goods after finding a Jack Snipe feeding out in the open on the new workings on the Main Marsh along with 8 Snipe. There were 2 Barn Owls out hunting and Jeff returned to the Wader Scrape to count the Goosanders as they came into roost, total of 13 with 7 drakes, he also counted 87 Shoveler.

Reservoirs and The Flouch

Enjoyed a few hours ambling around the local resers this morning. Low expectations as usual but a few things of note.
At Ingbirchworth - 13 Tufted Duck, female Pochard, 10 Wigeon and 7 Teal. At an unseasonaly low Scout Dike - 18 Cormorants (very probably a site record for me, here), 215 Lapwings in fields to the E, single Golden Plover W, 8 Grey Partridge off Folly Lane and two Tree Sparrows were in a garden between here and Thurlstone - the first time I've seen them here. A steady procession of starlings were also heading west.
At the Flouch - 17 Herring Gulls and a single Great-Black-back Gull flew west.
Cheers
Russ
http://shapesthatsometimesfly.blogspot.co.uk/

Windleden - Midhope

Upper Windleden Reservoir - 1 Kestrel.
Winscar Reservoir - 1 drake Goldeneye, 1 Kestrel and 1 Woodcock.
Broadstone Reservoir - 20 Wigeon.2 Mallards, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Kestrel, c15 Black-headed Gulls, 4 Common Gulls and 8 Herring Guls.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 44 Canada Geese (Annat Royd Lane), 9 Wigeon, 8 Teal, 40 Mallard, 1 female Pochard, 9 Tufted Ducks, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Kestrel, 2 Moorhens, 3 Coots, c80 Black-headed Gulls, 22 Common Gulls and 10 Herring Gulls.
Midhope Reservoir - 4 Teal, 24 Mallards and 1 Little Grebe.

Wilthorpe Marsh 21/11/15.

Very steady with no notable change after the overnight weather apart from 3 Golden Plovers which thought about landing but went w. Also - 4 Jack Snipe, Lapwing 9 down, Redpoll 3 down + 1 over, Siskin 2, Bullfinch 10, Buzzard 1, 1 GS Pecker and 1 G Pecker.

Carlton Marsh

Much colder today with a maximum of only 4c and a covering of snow. The highlight today was a Woodcock that flew past the wader scrape observation point at 10.45hrs. Greenfinch and Blackbird were feeding on Rose Hips, Bullfinch on Guelder Rose

Wintersett 20.11.15

A shock to the system 4 - 6°C,  with occasional  glimpses of sun and a strong but very cold wind.
Wintersett Res:  3 male Cetti's were heard this morning (NE corner + N bank + W bank) Goosander 5 + 3 ACP,  Water Rail 2 + 2 ACP.
Anglers CP: Starling 85 west and Siskin 6.

The Edge 20th November

Wombwell Ings - Present were 3+2y Mute Swan, 127 Greylag, 75+ Wigeon, 17 Mallard, 14 Teal, 12 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 7 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 4 Cormorant, 17 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 51 Lapwing, 21 Golden Plover, 98 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 Kestrel, 10+ Redwing, 1 Grey Wagtail and 2 Reed Bunting.
Bolton Ings - A Greater Spotted Woodpecker was noted on the TPT. On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 28 Pochard, 13 Tufted Duck, 4 Mallard, 4 Goosander, 2 Teal, 1 female Goldeneye, 117 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 9 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 2 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush, 12+ Long Tailed Tit, 3 Bullfinch and 1 Reed Bunting.

Elsecar - Gunthwaite

Elsecar Reservoir - 60+ Mallards. 7 Great Crested Grebes, 7 Moorhens, 13 Coots and 30+ Black-headed Gulls.
Gunthwaite Dam - 4 Mallards, 4 Tufted Ducks, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Grebes, 2+ Moorhens and 7 Coots.

Wintersett 19.11.15

7 - 10°C with 6/8 cloud and a strong westerly. 
Anglers CP:  40 Tree Sparrows visited the feeding station this morning.
Wintersett Res: Goosander 3 + 3 ACP,  Little Grebe 11 + 7 ACP,  Kingfisher 2,  Chiffchaff 1 and Redpoll 24 in one flock.

Wintersett 18.11.15

10 - 13°C with some sunshine and a moderate south westerly.
Wintersett Res: Goosander 9, Kingfisher 1 and Willow Tit 1.  Nuthatch 1 in Pits Wood.

Carlton Marsh

c130 Pink Feet Geese east at 08.26hrs & another c100 west over Cudworth at 15.35hrs.
(Keith Bannister)

The Edge 17th November

Wombwell Ings - Present were 4+2y Mute Swan, 74 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, c100 Pink Footed Geese through flying east at 9.13am, 1 Shelduck, 80+ Wigeon, 12 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 9 Pochard, 7 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 4 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 16 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 2 Grey Partridge, 78 Lapwing, 24 Golden Plover, 84 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush,  1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker and 1 Fox.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4+3y Mute Swan, 10 Canada Geese, 44 Gadwall, 36 Pochard, 20 Mallard, 14 Tufted Duck, 2 Shoveler, 1 Teal, 1 male Goldeneye, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 117 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 19 Common Gull, 17 BH Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 2 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Jay, 20+ Fieldfare, 10+ Redwing, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Willow Tit ( feeding area across from Old Moor Pub), 1 Blackcap, 1 Goldcrest, 2 Bullfinch and 1 Fox.
TPT- Noted were 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Goldcrest and 6 Siskin.

Wintersett 17.11.15

 9 -14°C with 8/8 cloud and a strengthening south westerly wind.
Wintersett Res: 6000 corvids flew from  Haw ParkWood  roost  and a Bittern flew across reeds in the south east corner at 07.13hrs- per Steve Denny.  Cetti's Warbler 1♂ on the west bank,  Goosander 4  and Water Rail 1 southeast corner 1 west bank.
Anglers CP:  Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult, Shoveler 7 and Chiffchaff  1.

Underbank

Surprisingly the water levels at Underbank Reservoir are still extremely low and have probably not risen more than a couple of inches over the past two weeks, despite the heavy rains. Northing of not as usual.
56 Mallards, 2 Cormorants, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1Moorhen, 1 Coot,  110+ Black-headed Gulls and 1 Jay.

Carlton Marsh

New in today a male Wigeon. Also present Kingfisher, Cormorant, Willow Tit (SE3709) 2 Goldcrest and Buzzard. The latter caught a Wood Pigeon on the edge of the wader scrape and carried it off to a nearby hawthorn, where it was harassed by several Crows and Magpies.
2 Snipe left at dusk and a Barn Owl was hunting the Western Meadow. (Dave Standish)

South Kirkby Industrial estate (tip)
On the lake were Little Egret with a number of Common and Black Headed Gulls and also of note were 2 Buzzard and 10 Grey Partridge.
The embankments on the access road to the new units were planted with wild flowers earlier in the summer and include the very striking blue Cornflower. The importance of planting wild flowers like this cannot be overstated, and as there has been no frost, butterflies continue to be attracted to them. Today Red Admiral and Large White  were seen.
Chris Parkin

The Edge 16th November

Wombwell Ings - Present were 4+2y Mute Sawn, 144 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 82+ Wigeon, 13 Mallard, 11 Tufted Duck, 11 Pochard, 6 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 4 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 5 Little Egret, 16 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 73 Lapwing, 149 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 6 Pied Wagtail and 2 Reed Bunting.
 Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 22 Pochard, 13 Mallard, 12 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 117 Coot, 18 BH Gull and 4 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Kingfisher, 40+ Rook, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Blackcap and 2 Bullfinch.

Wilthorpe Marsh / Woolley 15/11/15.

Wilthorpe - 6 Jack Snipe, 12 Common Snipe + 5 Water Rails. 1 fem Goosander on river. Woolley - Woodpeckers scarce with just 1 GS. Fields near haw top had 80+ Lapwing, 100+ Fieldfare, 250 Woodpigeon, 5 Grey Partridge. P Middleton had a Brambling in is Huddersfield road garden on Friday morning.

Old Moor Sofa

First update of the number of species seen in the Old Moor area for some time, since July 8th to be exact.

At the end of June the total was 149.

A further 6 species were added in July as follows:- Black Necked Grebe on 4th (150), American Wigeon on 4th (151), Greenshank 0n 7th (152), Redstart on 12th (153), Wood Sandpiper on 13th (154) and Night Heron on 24th (155).

Therefore at the end of July the total was 155.

A further 3 species were added in August as follows:- Great White Egret on 10th (156), Spotted Redshank on 24th (157) and Spotted Flycatcher on 28th (158).

Therefore at the end of August the total was 158.

A further 2 species were added in September as follows:- Cettis Warbler on 11th (159) and Pectoral Sandpiper on 29th (160).

Therefore at the end of September the total was 160. 

A further 4 species were added in October as follows:- Spoonbill on 11th (161), Short Eared Owl on 14th (162), Yellow Browed Warbler also on 14th (163) and Twite on 18th (164). 

Therefore at the end of October and to date the total is 164.

For comparison some other inland sites totals are as follows- Upton Warren, Worcestershire (141), Lound, Nottinghamshire (166), Potteric Carr, South Yorkshire (157), Hatfield Moors, South Yorkshire (169), Swillington Ings, West Yorkshire (175).

Lower Dearne Valley - 15th November 2015

I spent today at various sites in the Lower Dearne Valley, the weather again was very unseasonal with a high today of 17c, quite blustery and cloudy but the rain kept off. I started this morning at Adwick Washlands, onto Bolton Ings this afternoon and finished at Old Moor for the roost.

Adwick Washlands

Obviously a lot more water than last week after the recent rainfall but no increase in the birds. Highlights being:- Little Egret 1, Wigeon 47, Teal 66, Gadwall 16, Shoveler 3, Tufted Duck 4, Snipe 2 and Common Gull 26.

Bolton Ings

Had a walk along the Trans Pennine Trail onto the Cormorant Hide this afternoon from the Old Moor car park. Many of the wildfowl were sheltering on the near edge and therefore difficult to count. A Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk had a duel over the tip when the Sparrowhawk suddenly had a stoop at a Collared Dove but luckily for the Dove it escaped. Highlights:- Grey Heron 3, Cormorant 2, Mute Swan 5, Great Crested Grebe 4, Little Grebe 3, Mallard 4, Gadwall 4, Teal 2, Tufted Duck 31, Pochard 17, Coot 138, Moorhen 3, Snipe 1, Lapwing 1, Black Headed Gull 65, Common Gull 11, Kestrel 1, Sparrowhawk 1, Green Woodpecker 2, Grey Wagtail 1.

Old Moor

Onto Old Moor for the roost, had a quick visit to the Wader Scrape to count the Cormorants already into roost and saw my first Goldeneye of the winter?? on the Mere. Onto the Main Marsh, again the water level had risen since last week but still a scattering of waders, no Golden Plover or Snipe though. Highlights:- Cormorant 24 & Little Egret 7 roosting, Goldeneye 1, Spotted Redshank 1, Redshank 1, Ruff 2, Green Sandpiper 2, Barn Owl 1 hunting.

Edderthorpe November WeBS

These are the combined totals from Edderthorpe Flash and Houghton Washlands;-
Greylag Goose 215, Canada Goose 194, Mallard 155, Wigeon 113, Teal 347, Shoveler 202, Gadwall 36, Pintail 1 female on Houghton, Tufted Duck 8, Little Egret 1, Grey Heron 8, Lapwing 340, Golden Plover 440, Common Snipe 3, Cormorant 2.
Also a Peregrine over Houghton and a flock of 20 Linnets there.

Wintersett WeBS November 2015

WeBS totals for the Wintersett Area November 2015

Little Grebe 19,   Great Crested Grebe 31, Cormorant 20,      Mute Swan 27,   Canada Goose 22,   Greylag Goose 1,   Teal 3,   Shoveler 1,   Gadwall 139,   Mallard 80, Tufted Duck 267,  Wigeon 228,   Pochard 119,   Goldeneye 23, Goosander 6,   Coot 956,   Moorhen 16,   Lapwing 130  and Grey Heron 5. 

Wintersett + Gull Roosts 15.11.15

9 - 14°C,  mild with 8/8 cloud and a strong SW wind.
Wintersett Res: A male Cetti's Warbler was singing on the north bank.
Gull Roosts notables:  A 1st W Mediterranean Gull  and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls ( 2nd W + 1 adult) on WRes..    4 Yellow-legged Gulls ( 1st W + 4thW +  2 adults ) on ACP.
Gull Roosts Totals: Black-headed Gull 7800,  Great Black-backed Gull 21,  Lesser Black-backed Gull 67 and   Herring Gull 576.

Wintersett +Gull Roost 14.11.15

8 -13°C with 8/8 cloud and a south westerly breeze this morning.  Rain from 13.00 hrs with SE breeze this afternoon.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1♂ north bank + 1♂ west bank.
Wintersett Village: A Barn Owl flew over at dawn.  10 Grey Partridge in Santingley Field.
Anglers CP: Fieldfare 70W.   The Water Rail was back on the island in front of the hide + 2 WRes. (WB,NB).  Cormorant 17 and  Siskin 2. 
Gull Roost ACP: Herring Gull 145,  Lesser Black-backed Gull 41 and Great Black-backed Gull  6.

Wintersett 13.11.15

7°C,  cool and rainy start.  Dry from 10.15hrs to midday,  with a strong west south westerly.  Intermittent showers this afternoon.
Anglers CP: 7 Whooper Swans flew SE at 09.23hrs.
Wintersett Res: An adult male Peregrine flew over from Botany to Anglers CP.

The Edge 13th November

Wombwell Ings - Present were 4a+2y Mute Swan, 136 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 65+ Wigeon, 14 Tufted Duck, 14 Mallard, 7 Teal, 6 Pochard, 4 Gadwall, 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 1 Little Grebe,17 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 3 Grey Partridge, 94 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 131 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 15+ Fieldfare, 10+ Redwing and 2 Pied Wagtail. Geoff Wragg had a Peregrine late morning whilst cutting the grass and soft rush. Thanks to his efforts the eastern end of the main pool is now  clearly visible from the hide.
Bolton Ings - On the east pool many waterfowl were seeking the shelter of the near bank. Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 9 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 6 Gadwall, 3 Goosander, 2 Teal, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 117 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 22 BH Gull and 5 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 6 Golden Plover, 15+ Redwing and 1 Jay. A flock of 22 Long Tailed Tit, passing in front of the hide, also contained several Great and Blue Tits as well as 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Goldcrest.

Cudworth

c150 Pink Feet Geese flew west just before 8am and c400 Wood Pigeons flew south over Carlton Marsh at 8.25am. (Keith Bannister)

Anglers Country Park ringing recovery

Oystercatcher  FP00692  31/8/08 Hythe, Southhampton Water, Hampshire   Peter Potts
                           11/4/09     Broomhill Flash, Barnsley S. Yorks Dave Bamforth

                           10/7/10    Old Moor Wath Ings RSPB S. Yorks   Jeff Wragg

                           13/7/10    Wombwell Ings, Barnsley               Dave Bamforth

                            5/3/12      Potteric Carr YWT  S. Yorks        Steve Guymer

                           10/ 3/12    Broomhill Flash Barnsley             Dave Bamforth

                            15/5/12    Anglers Country Park, Wakefield  Cliff Gorman

The bird was colour ringed on both legs, information supplied by Peter Potts Farlington Ringing Group

Wintersett 12.11.15

7 - 13°C with 5/8 cloud and a strong south westerly.
Anglers CP Vis. Mig 07.00 - 10.00hrs:  The majority of birds went through from 07.45 - 09.00hrs. 
Going south:Wood pigeon 6300, Fieldfare 960,  Redwing 14, Stock Dove 5 and Common Buzzard 1.
Going west: Starling 1600.
Going east: Pink-footed Goose 100 at 09.00hrs.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1♂ SE corner and 1 calling west bank.   Water Rail 1 NE corner and 1 west bank.  Kingfisher 2.
Odonata: Common Darter 1 WRes.

Wintersett 11.11.15

11 - 14 degrees,  mild with 6/8 cloud and a south westerly breeze.
Anglers CP: Pink-footed Goose 1 and Greylag Goose 105.
Haw Park Lane:  5000 Corvids left the roost at 07.45hrs - a 10 fold increase over the last three weeks per Steve Denny.
Wintersett Res: An unringed Cetti's Warbler was calling on the north bank early this morning (SD).   A Cetti's Warbler (probably same bird)  was heard alarm calling in the same place mid morning.

The Edge 11th November

Wombwell Ings - Present were 7 Mute Swan, 235 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 111 Wigeon, 17 Mallard, 10 Tufted Duck, 7 Teal, 5 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler, 4 Pochard, 1 female Goosander, 4 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 7 Cormorant, 9 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 122 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 140+ BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 1 Common Gull, 2 Skylark, 13 Redwing, 1 Fieldfare, 4 Pied Wagtail and 2 Linnet.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4a+3y Mute Swan, 16 Canada Geese, 30 Pochard, 15 Tufted Duck, 14 Gadwall, 14 Mallard, 1 female+ 2 juv male Goosander, 1 Teal, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 102 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 29 BH Gull, 10 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 2 Kestrel, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Cormorant, 100+ Golden Plover over, 10 + Redwing, 3 Fieldfare and 1 Bullfinch.

South Kirkby industrial estate (tip)

10 LBB Gull, 2 Herring Gull, Snipe, 12 Siskin, 40 Stock Dove & Green Woodpecker.
(Ralph Hibbert, Les Corrall)

The extraordinarily warm weather produced 2 Red Admiral, Large White, Green Veined White, Small White, 2 Comma & Silver Y moth & 5 Common Darter.
(Chris Parkin)

Carlton Marsh
Red Admiral. The overnight temperature in my garden didn't fall below 16c and the shade maximum temperature today was 18.7c. Both smashing my previous warmest.

Wintersett 10.11.15

The weather was the main talking point today.  A warm and sunny 14 -18°C with 4/8 cloud and a west south westerly breeze. 

Wintersett Res:  A male Cetti's warbler sang in the north bank reedbed. 
Of interest: A/The  Red-crested Pochard was reported at Fairburn Ings today.

The Edge 10th November

Wombwell Ings - Present were 7 Mute Swan, 155 Canada Geese, 77+ Wigeon, 22 Teal, 16 Mallard, 14 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 4 Pochard, 17 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 9 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 176 Lapwing, 5 Snipe, 227 BH Gull, 5 LBB Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 7+ Redwing, 3 Skylark and 2 Yellowhammer.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4 Mute Swan, 25 Canada Geese, 26 Pochard, 18 Gadwall, 16 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 1 female Goosander, 1 female Goldeneye, 7 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 72 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 105 BH Gull and 18 Common Gull. Also present were 3 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Barn Owl, 5 Snipe, 1 Grey Wagtail and 12 Long Tailed Tit. A Cabbage White Butterfly was seen along Warbler Way.

Bretton + Dodworth 9/11/15.

Bretton - limited access with no entry to the s. bank of the lower lake which I assume is down to work ongoing around the dam. No entry at all to the upper lake due to fallen trees. Water levels on the lower lake appear to have been lowered again with a Green Sandpiper on the s bank. 7 redhead Goosanders present but no notable duck counts yet. Dodworth capitol park industrial estate had a single Jack Snipe showing well in short flight. Possibly last years returned bird. Also 2 Common Snipe and 6 Meadow Pipits here.

The Edge 9th November

Wombwell Ings - Present were 12 Mute Swan, 232 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 112+ Wigeon, 23 Mallard, 13 Gadwall, 12 Teal, 10 Tufted Duck, 5 Shoveler, 4 Pochard, 2 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 7 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 194 Golden Plover, 81 Lapwing, 6 Snipe, 105 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull and 2 Skylark.
Bolton Ings - A very windy day with many of the waterfowl drifting  in and out of the shelter of the near edge banking. On the open water were 10 Canada Geese, 12 Pochard, 9 Tufted Duck, 7 Mallard, 4 Teal, 1 female Goosander, 4 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 96 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 51 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret and 11 Snipe.

Barnsley Bird Watchers Group

On Monday 16th November, 7pm at Highstone Farm, Richard Popplewell is giving a presentation on 'Cape May, Colorado and Yellowstone NP'. 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 + Vis.Mig + Gull Roosts 08.11.15

A cooler 7 - 11°C with 8/8 cloud. A  shower from 09.30 until 10.30 put paid to VisMig watch. Intermittent showers from early afternoon with a strengthening, gusty SW to westerly wind.
Vis Mig Anglers CP to 09.30hrs: Pink-footed Goose  155 SE in 2 skeins (120 +35),  Wood Pigeon 520 S,  Fieldfare 480 S,  Starling 440 W,  Redwing 59 S,  Stock Dove 12 S,  Goldfinch 45 S, Chaffinch 38 W/S and Linnet 12 S.
Anglers CP: Brambling 1,  Green Woodpecker 1, Cormorant 15,
Shoveler 23 +1 WRes.   Great-crested Grebe 7 + 28 WRes + 2 CHRes,    Little Grebe 3 + 16 WRes  Gadwall 12 + 48 WRes + 73 CHRes,    Goldeneye 16 + 10 CHRes,   Wigeon 180, Goosander 14 and Teal 7. 
Anglers CP Gull Roost: No Caspian tonight,  highlights were  4 adults  (including Psycho), and  a 3rd winter Yellow-legged Gull.  The white Black-headed Gull showed up, along with 5 Great Black-backed Gulls and 133 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  A few hundred large gulls came over from Wintersett Res at dark.

Woolley area + 8/11/15.

Very quiet - 160 Lapwings in fields near haw top, 3 Goosanders on the dam included a male, 35 Linnets on the grange. Wilthorpe Marsh - very steady with 6 Jack Snipe, 10 Bullfinch, 5 Goldcrests.

Edderthorpe & Houghton

The vegetation has been cut around Houghton Washland during the last week and it's possible to see what's on there once again. However, most wildfowl and waders are on Edderthorpe Flash with the following counts being totals from both waters;- Teal 523, Wigeon 143, Shoveler 173, Pochard 10, Grey Heron 8, Lapwing 390, Golden Plover 256, Common Buzzard 4. A skein of 440 Pink-footed Geese went south-east high up at 13.55.

Wintersett + Gull Roosts

10°C and rain until 08.30hrs,  then grey but dry with a strengthening SW to SE breeze.  15°C some sun and scattered cloud by midday.
Anglers CP: Red-crested Pochard 1♂,  Shoveler 22 + 1 WRes.,   Teal 12,  Cormorant 11 and  Goosander 11.
Wintersett Res: Yellow-legged  Gull 1 adult (usual) at 10.25hrs,  Grey Partridge 18 in the area and Little Grebe 13 + 3 ACP + 1 Botany.
Gull Roost Notables ACP: A 2ndW Caspian Gull and  2 Yellow-legged Gulls (1stW+ 3rdW).
Gull Roosts Totals: Great Black-backed Gull 4,  Lesser Black-backed Gull 199,  HerringGull 206 and  Black-headed Gull 7500.

Wintersett 06.11.15

Still mild and up to 15°C by midday, with 8/8  cloud and a strengthening south westerly.
Anglers CP:  Red-crested Pochard 1 drake,  Redshank - 2 imitating Phalaropes and Goosander 19.
Vis Mig: Wood Pigeon 61S,  Fieldfare 30 SW and  Starling 5 SW
Pits Wood: Common  Buzzard 1. 
Wintersett Res: On the north bank - Cetti's Warbler 1 ringed ♂ +  a second bird calling.

The Edge 6th November

Wombwell Ings -  Present were 3 Mute Swan.146 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 117 Wigeon, 24 Mallard, 14 Tufted Duck, 10 Gadwall, 9 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 4 Little Egret, 3 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 6 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 58 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 89 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 20+ Redwing, 10+ Fieldfare, 4 Linnet, 2 Meadow Pipit, 2 Skylark and 1 Treecreeper.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 5 Mute Swan, 14 Canada Geese, 7 Pink Footed Geese going south, 27 Pochard, 9 Tufted Duck, 7 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 1 female Goldeneye, 5 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 89 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 72 BH Gull, 6 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull.
Manvers Lake - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 16 Canada Geese, 7 Mallard, 1 Pochard, 32 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 1 Cormorant, 68 BH Gull and 1 LBB Gull.

Wintersett 05.11.15

A very mild 14 degrees,  grey,  mizzly with a  very light south easterly.
Anglers CP:  The drake Red-crested Pochard is still here.  Here's a couple of record shots I took this morning.

Carlton Marsh

Wildfowl today included 1 drake Pochard, 1 drake Wigeon, 4 Shoveler, 2 Water Rail. Also present were 10 Grey Partridge, Kingfisher, 3 male and 2 female Tawny Owls, Little Owl and a Barn Owl was hunting the Western Meadow from 16.00hrs.and caught a small rodent. (Dave Standish)

A male Migrant Hawker was a surprise.

Wintersett 03.11.15

Much better today after fog all day yesterday.  8 - 10°C,  hazy start,but soon cleared, 8/8 cloud and a light southerly.
Anglers CP: The Red-crested Pochard  was present for the 6th day.  The Water Rail and a Snipe were showing well in front of the hide. Grey Wagtail 1.   Lesser Black-backed Gull 29 - but no views of the adult with orange/red darvic ring on left leg,  seen yesterday by the Carlton DreamTeam. They also heard two Tawny Owls calling towards Wintersett village.
Wintersett Res:  CDT  had a flock of 25 Siskin on the north bank.  Water Rail were heard in the SE corner and off the west bank. 

The Edge 3rd November

Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 3 Canada Geese, 26 Gadwall, 23 Mallard, 17 Tufted Duck, 13 Teal, 9 Shoveler,  2 Pochard, 1 Wigeon, 4 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 54 Coot, 9 Moorhen, 46 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 1 Golden Plover, 117 BH Gull and 1 Common Gull.
Wombwell Ings - Present were 2a+2y Mute Swan, 97 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 93 Wigeon, 19 Mallard, 12 Tufted Duck, 11 Teal, 11 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler, 3 Red Legged Partridge, 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 6 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 77 Lapwing, 5 Snipe, 55 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, c40 Fieldfare, 6 Pied Wagtail and 2 Yellowhammer.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4a+1y Mute Swan, 34 Tufted Duck,  26 Mallard, 22 Pochard, 18 Gadwall, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 104 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 78 BH Gull and 6 Common Gull. Also present were 3 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 150+ Lapwing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 20+ Redwing, 1 Song Thrush and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Carlton Marsh

A skein of Pink Feet Geese flew east in the fog at 15.46hrs, but I couldn't see them even though they were above me. They were probably flying above the fog.  Another skein went the same way at 16.56hrs.

The Edge 2nd November

Wombwell Ings - Peering through the gloom I was able to count 2 Mute Swan, 4 Canada Geese, 88 Wigeon, 10 Mallard, 7 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Egret, 1 Cormorant, 1 Moorhen, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 57 Lapwing, 9 Snipe, 1 Golden Plover, 52 BH Gull, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Blackcap and 1 Reed Bunting.
Bolton Ings - The fog had lifted by the time we walked from Old Moor car park to the Cormorant Hide. Relatively quiet at first, but the appearance of a cream crown Marsh Harrier caused the 146 Black Headed Gulls to take to the air. A Bittern stuck its head above the reeds to see what the fuss was about. Apparently content with what it saw, it lowered itself into the cover of the phragmites. A further sortie by the Marsh Harrier resulted in Coot and the smaller ducks scattering and diving for cover. The Bittern raised its head  and took stock of the situation. It took flight and sought the quieter environs at the eastern end of the pool. On the open water were 4a+1y Mute Swan, 21 Tufted Duck, 16 Pochard, 9 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 107 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 13 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Snipe, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Jay, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 Willow Tit.

Sunshine & Fog

Warm sunshine on the tops with a balmy 15 C at Windleden. Fog and poor visibility at Ingbirchworth & Royd Moor at 8.5C. Then onto a clear Midhope Res at 14 C. Crazy weather.
Windleden Edge - 2 Kestrels hunting and 2 Red Admirals.
Winscar Reservoir - 4 Canada Geese, 99 Mallards, c35 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Broadstone Reservoir - 2 Mallards, 252 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 11 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 2 Herring Gulls.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 38+ Mallards, 12+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 first-winter Yellow-legged Gull (luckily close to the dam wall).
Royd Moor Reservoir - 1 Kestrel, c50++ Black-headed Gulls, c20++ Lapwings and 100+ Feldfares.
Fullshaw - 2 Kestrels.
Midhope Reservoir - 14 Teal.

Wintersett 01.11.2015

10 - 16°C.  Misty start,  sunshine from 10.30hrs and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP: The Red-crested Pochard was still off the east bank.  A Water Rail gave prolonged views in front of the hide, 2nd island from the right.   Snipe 6,  Grey Wagtail 1 and Fieldfare 60 south.
Wintersett Res: A male Cetti's Warbler was heard from the north bank.  A Willow Tit was on the east bank.
Lepidoptera  WRes: Comma 1.   Speckled Wood 1 (maybe first November record??)

 Speckled Wood                  WRes     ASmith

Ewden shooting lodge and return 1/11/15.

GG Shrike showing well at the cabin and again late aft near the abandoned holt farm. Juv rt Hen Harrier showing well at cabin and again late aft over brown edge which is viewable from Mortimer road. + - Buzzard 2, Kestrel 2, Raven 4, Pinkfeet 14 e, Fieldfare 80, Song Thrush 1, Snipe 1, Starling 50, Redpoll 6, Meadow Pipit 46, Reed Bunting 1, Carrion Crow 1, Siskin 1, GS Pecker 1. Yesterday - probable Merlin at low moor and 1 Green Sandpiper at wilthorpe marsh. Snipe rest day.

Carlton Marsh

A great start to November with a high of 17.5c and wall to wall sunshine after the fog lifted. Today's highlight were; Buzzard, Willow Tit (SE3709) 9 Siskin, c200 Fieldfare north, 5 Shoveler, Water Rail, Little Egret (left south at 16.56hrs) 45 Pink Feet Geese east at 16.43hrs and Barn Owl at dusk.

South Kirkby Tip
20 white butterflies included Large, Small & Green Veined White. Also of note were,  Brimstone, Small Copper and Small Tortoiseshell. (Chris Parkin)