Monday 29 February 2016

Old Moor Sofa

An update on the number of species recorded in the Old Moor area this year, I said the total at the end of January was 99 but I had missed one therefore revised total is exactly 100.

A further 6 species were added in February as follows :- Redshank on 4th (101), Red Necked Grebe on 5th (102), Caspian Gull on 20th (103), Curlew on 21st (104), Mediterranean Gull on 23rd (105) and finally Red Crested Pochard on 26th (106).

 At the end of February 2015 the total was 103 so we are slightly up on last year.

The great start to the year continued in February with the 3rd ever record of Red Necked Grebe on the 5th. However 6 species had been seen last year by the end of February but not this - Merlin, Mandarin, Red Kite, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Stonechat.

For comparison some other inland sites totals to date are as follows:-

Lound, Nottinghamshire 114.
Swillington Ings, West Yorkshire 113.
Upton Warren, Worcestershire 96.
Potteric Carr, South Yorkshire ??.
Hatfield Moors, South Yorkshire 103.

Wintersett + Gull Roosts 29.02.16

0 - 4 degrees with 6/8 cloud and a light southerly.
Wintersett Res: A singing male Cetti's Warbler and a Water Rail on west bank.  Willow Tit 1.
Disposal Point: Grey Partridge 2.
Anglers CP: Shoveler 1 m + 1 f,  Snipe 8 and Green Woodpecker 2.  A Woodcock flew over at dusk.
The Gull Roosts had better numbers of large gulls today.  A 1stW Caspian Gull was on WRes at 17.20hrs and the leucistic Black-headed Gull was in.  Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull was on Anglers CP.
 Of interest: From Pugneys team. Ferruginous Duck and Mandarin Duck on Calder Wetlands  lake behind Swan and Cygnet.


The Edge 29.02.16

Wombwell Ings - A quiet morning on the Ings with 2 Mute Swan, 37 Canada Geese 3 Greylag, 254 Wigeon, 13 Teal, 10 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 4 Mallard, 2 Pochard, 11 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 2 Grey Heron, 35 Lapwing, 227 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 4 Skylark and 1 Mistle Thrush.
Bulling (Greensand) Dyke - Water Rail and Grey Wagtail.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 65 Greylag, 31 Tufted Duck, 22 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 1m+4f Goldeneye, 4 Mallard, 2 Pochard, 1m+1f Goosander, 5 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 101 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 135 BH Gull,8 Common Gull and 5 LBB Gull. Also present were 4 Canada Geese, 1 Kestrel, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing and 1 Willow Tit.


Wren - Bulling Dyke near hide

Sunday 28 February 2016

Dearne Valley Sunday 28th February

Adwick Washland

A lot colder this Sunday rather than last and gloves were back on, sunny and pleasant though and felt quite spring like. The birds have responded to the conditions and many Lapwings were back on territory and displaying, also I saw my first Ringed Plover of the year and first Redshank at Adwick this year. Full list :- Little Egret 1, Shelduck 4, Teal 88, Wigeon 67, Gadwall 46, Lapwing c150, Redshank 1, Ringed Plover 1, Snipe 1, Little Owl 1 (Gary Stones).

Bolton Ings

With news of Fridays pair of Red Crested Pochards being relocated on Bolton me and Gary decided to have a look. The birds were quickly located at the very western edge of the main pool and provided reasonable views in the sunshine. Also noted today were a pair of Goldeneye and a single Oystercatcher.

Old Moor

Onto Old Moor for the roost but first stop the Mere for the returning adult male Mediterranean Gull, couldn't find it at first but then Gary picked it up in it's usual place on island 1. He is already in full summer plumage and looking splendid, this is his seventh year with us after first being seen in 2010. I say the same thing every year, he has never attracted a mate but hopefully this year he will. There was a pair of Goldeneye displaying on the Mere and the 2 Whooper Swans could be seen on the Wader Scrape from the Mere hide. Onto the Wader Scrape for a closer look at the Whoopers, also on the Wader Scrape were 2 Goldeneye with 26 Goosanders and 2 Oystercatchers. Onto the Main Marsh for the roost but first there looked to be an increase in Shoveler from last week and a quick count revealed 118 but probably more. Also on the Main Marsh were 2 Shelduck, 2 Oystercatchers and 6 Snipe. The roost again was good with 47 Cormorants coming in with some smart looking individuals and 8 Little Egrets, 4 of the Egrets were feeding on the Main Marsh pre-roost and a further 4 came in from up the valley. Last year on this date by comparison 5 Cormorants and 4 Egrets roosted.

Other species recorded in the Old Moor area today included adult Yellow Legged Gull, pair of Bearded Tits, 10 Water Rails, Cetti's Warbler and Curlew.







Ewden, cabin and return + 28/2/16.

Midday till 5pm. Cold but not uncomfortable with the south facing gable of the cabin a good sun trap.- Red Kite 1 went south over flint hill towards dukes rd. at 3-30pm + Peregrine 1, Sparrowhawk 2, Buzzard 1, Kestrel 1, Raven 10+ with some top views, 55 Jackdaws at holt farm, 2 calling Golden Plovers on broomhead moor, 17 Lapwing over, Stock Dove 2, Linnet 10, 1 Treecreeper at entrance gate. This morning 40+ Curlews in fields near barnside farm and 4 Curlews back on territorys in the kexboro area.

Trans Penine Trail Low Cudworth

2 Ravens flying high, headed off in the direction of Stairfoot at 09.50hrs. (Richard Laverack)

Wintersett + Even more disappointing Gull Roosts. 28.02.16

0 - 6 degrees with scattered cloud and a cold but light north easterly.
Wintersett Res:  35 Whooper Swans flew NW at 08.15hrs.  18 Yellowhammers in SE fields.  2Willow Tit  2 SE corner + 2 west bank.   Cetti's Warbler 1 male boathouse reeds.
Anglers CP: Shoveler 2m + 1f,  Oystercatcher 4,  Goldeneye 69 + 33 WRes.  A Barn Owl was seen at Wintersett Village 17.45hrs.  A Woodcock flew over the Pol area at dusk.
The Gull Roosts were even more disappointing than usual for Sunday.  Large Gull numbers were poor with only 320 Herring Gulls in ( 220 ACP + 100WRes.)  The only notable was Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull,  in at 17.35hrs.  He seemed quiet and a bit  listless tonight. 

Saturday 27 February 2016

Wintersett Gulls At Hampole - Photos 27.02.16


Many thanks to Andy Deighton   for  sharing his photos of the Wintersett Gulls at Hampole Tip this morning 
Adult Kumlien's Gull
Adult Kumlien's Gull
3rdW Kumlien's Gull
3rdW Kumlien's Gull
3rdW Kumlien's Gull
Juvenile Glaucous Gull
2ndW Iceland Gull
1stW Mediterranean Gull

Wintersett + Gull Roost Let Down 27.02.16

0 - 6 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a light, but very cold, north easterly.
Anglers CP:  2 skeins of Pink-footed Geese, 110 + 150 flew west at 09.40hrs.  Golden Plover 20 south and 40 west  WRes.. .  Redwing 20 and Snipe 15.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 male boathouse reeds + 1  singing male south east corner. Kingfisher 1.   Buzzard 1 (Botany). 
Cold Hiendley SF: Pied Wagtail 58 and Grey Wagtail 3.
Haw Park Wood: Siskin 5.  Nuthatch 1 + 1 Pits Wood.
Gull Roosts:
15 visitors and the Wintersett Team  had their hopes dashed as the gull roosts failed to live up to expectations.  After the fantastic results over the last three evenings, tonight was a very big let down, with  a 1stW Mediterranean Gull the only bird of note on WRes..  Large Gull numbers were down on WRes, but better on Anglers CP.   Eight observers dashed from WRes to ACP at 17.20hrs as groups of large gulls were seen to be dropping in from Hampole direction, where all three Kumliens, the 2ndW Iceland and the juvenile Glaucous Gull had been seen today. Unfortunately none of these birds could be found.  At dusk groups of large gulls were dropping on ACP from the north west.  At dark hundreds of gulls were flying over the car park from WRes to ACP.    As we have seen in the  last few weeks, there are nights when some of the Hampole large gulls choose to roost elsewhere.  Unfortunately the notables chose to do just that tonight. A very disappointing end to the day for all observers.

NEWMILLER DAM 26-02-16

Goosander 12 (4 Male, 8 RH), Pochard 1, Great-crested Grebe 2, Dabchick 1, Tufted Duck 2, Cormorant 3. Tried a new COMBO with Canon 7D and the new 100-400mm II; Jury is still out as it was poor light, therefore high ISO








Friday 26 February 2016

Wintersett + Stupendous Gull Roosts 26.02.16

0 - 3 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a light south easterly.
Dawn Watch per Steve Denny.  The sky was overcast and  90% of the gulls left WRes. before it got light.  The 2ndW Iceland left at dawn and a Barn Owl was seen.
Anglers CP: Little Grebe 4,  Green Woodpecker 2,   Shoveler 2 drakes and Pochard 36.
Wintersett Res: A male Cetti's Warbler was heard on the west bank at dusk.
GULL ROOSTS
The Wintersett Team and a handful of visitors  were treated to a Full House this afternoon.  A stupendous 10 Gull Species plus  3 Kumlien's Gulls  provided plenty of entertainment.  The birds came in early, in good light and fairly calm conditions.
At Wintersett Res the 3rdW Kumlien's Gull was first up at 16.00hrs and the 2ndW Iceland Gull was picked up at the same time.  The 1stW Mediterranean Gull was in at 16.40hrs and the juvenile Kumlien's Gull flew in at 16.48hrs.  The adult Kumlien's Gull  was in at 16.55hrs.  The 2ndW Caspian Gull was in at 17.30hrs and a 1stW Caspian was picked up at 17.45hrs.
Observers at Anglers CP had the juvenile Glaucous Gull and Psycho the adult Yellow-legged Gull at 17.45hrs .
Area Gull totals:  Herring Gull 1420 (500 ACP + 920 WRes),  Great Black-backed Gull 11,  Lesser Black-backed Gull  9,  Black-headed Gull 3700 + the leucistic adult at 17.04hrs and Common Gulls were also present. 
Another outstanding evening, that even topped last nights phenomenal roost with the addition of Caspian Gulls to the list.

Ingbirchworth - Upper Midhope

I shouldn't be so pessimistic - a good couple of hours or so.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 11 Greylag Geese, 267 Canada Geese, 22 Mallards, 10 Tufted Ducks, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Moorhens, 11 Coots, 1 'bubbling' Curlew, c100 Black-headed Gulls, c25 Common Gulls, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull (with full black hood), 14 Herring Gulls and 1 singing Song Thrush.
Whitley Common - 500+ Black-headed Gulls and 6 Common Gulls.
Upper Midhope - 1 'drumming' Great Spotted Woodpecker and c30 Starlings.
Low Moor, Upper Midhope - 23 Greylag Geese, 11 Lapwings and 42 Curlews.

Elsecar & Broomhill

Elsecar Reservoir - 30+ Mallards, 1 drake Common Pochard, 1 drake Tufted Duck, 10 Great Crested Grebes, 16 Moorhens and c30 Black-headed Gulls.
Broomhill Flash - 3 Mute Swans, 18 Greylags, c80 Canada Geese, 21 Gadwall, 9 Teal, 7 Mallards, 2 Commons Pochards, 32 Tufted Ducks, 2 Moorhens, 31 Coots, 1 Oystercatcher, 40+Black-headed Gulls, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 13 Magpies and 1 Meadow Pipit.
On to Old Moor to twitch Red-crested Pochard then back to the moors where the air (and certainly the birds (on the ground)) is a bit thinner

The Edge 26.02.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 52 Canada Geese, 3 Shelduck, 129 Wigeon,13 Teal, 8 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 6 Tufted Duck, 4 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 9 Coot, 2 Moorhen, c30 Lapwing, c120 Golden Plover, 1 Dunlin, 192 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 1 Herring Gull and 6 Skylark. In Broomhill Park were 1 drumming Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 1 singing Mistle Thrush and 6 Redwing.
 TPT - 4 Redwing, 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker  and a Buzzard over Bolton west end.
Bolton Ings - Highlight was the brief but close view (3metres away on the Elderberry stump ) of a Treecreeper. The bird food, put down each weekday by J.Seeviour, also attracted 2 Willow Tits. On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 56 Greylag, 19 Tufted Duck, 6 Mallard, 2m+4f Goosander, 4 Pochard, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 2 Wigeon, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 121 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 114 BH Gull, 11 Common Gull, 1 Herring Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 7 Lapwing and 6 Canada Geeese.

Thursday 25 February 2016

Wintersett + Incredibly Phenomenal Gull Roosts 25.02.16

0 - 4 degrees with sun and scattered cloud and a light westerly.
There's a fantastic amount to report today with the area being watched  from dawn to dusk by the Wintersett team
Dawn watch Wintersett Res.  (SD)  The adult Kumlien's Gull was seen from 06.20 to 6.50hrs, when it left SE.  The 2ndW Iceland Gull left at dawn, as did an adult Mediterranean Gull that wasn't picked up last night.

              Adult Kumlien's and 2ndW Iceland Gull this morning              WRes    Steve Denny
Here is a short video clip of the adult Kumlien's Gull leaving the roost on Twitter  @StevieD131.


  (Even if you are not on Twitter you can  access it via the the BarnsleyBSG Twitter link at the right hand side of the opening blog screen)

Anglers CP:    9 Whooper Swans left north east at 17.15hrs. (KD)      2 male Shoveler and a Stoat were seen.
Wintersett Res: A singing male Cetti's Warbler was on west bank.
Both gull roosts were watched  with great hope and expectation tonight.
Area Totals: Herring Gull 1550 (1200 WRes |+ 350 ACP),  Great Black-backed Gull 27 (18 WRes + 9 ACP) and Lesser Black-backed Gull 10 Wres.
Anglers CP Roost: A juvenile Glaucous Gull was in at 16.15hrs  A 1st W Yellow-legged Gull was seen.
WRes Roost: The 2ndW Iceland Gull was in at 16.25hrs (GJS).  Then the fun really began.  The juvenile Kumlien's Gull was seen at 16.35hrs (GJS).   At 16.40hrs another Kumlien's Gull was seen and caused some confusion initially, as it was taken for the adult from yesterday. Closer inspection revealed it was a 3rdW bird,  not seen here before. (PS)  Excitement reached fever pitch as the adult Kumlien's Gull was picked up at 17.00hrs (GJS).  
THREE KUMLIEN'S GULLS - WHO WOULD HAVE BELIEVED IT???   
To finish a couple of  Meds -  a Summer -plumage adult Mediterranean Gull in at 17.08hrs (PS)  (per GJS comment below)  and  1stW Mediterranean Gull was seen at 17.20hrs.
One note of disappointment, on this totally incredible night, is that we couldn't find a single Caspian Gull to complete the set - but I think we'll live with that!

Reservoirs and Hartcliff Hill

Out this morning in the glorious winter sunshine, and signs of spring despite a light dusting of the white stuff up on the hill!
Of note: Ingbirchworth Res - male Goosander and a flock of 15 Curlew over; Scout Dike Res - a party of 35 Meadow Pipits were my first spring 'flock', 3 Great Crested Grebes and 3 redhead Goosanders, and singing male yellohammer; Royd Moor Res - male Goldeneye and single GCG. Hartcliff - c.65 Fieldfares, 45 Golden plover, 2 Curlew, 2 Buzzards, single Lesser Black-back Gull NW and a flock of c.40 Skylarks feeding in a fodder crop- the largest party I've had on my regular haunts for some time - a sign of the times perhaps? Also, a very distant skein of 100+ Pink feet heading NW over Gunthwaite at 10.35
Cheers
Russ
http://shapesthatsometimesfly.blogspot.co.uk/

The Edge 25.02.16

Bolton Ings late AM- Late start today so went to Bolton first and on arrival saw a Barn Owl hunting. On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 37 Tufted Duck, 10 Gadwall, 6 Pochard, 4 Shoveler, 2m+1f Goosander, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 2 Teal, 2 Mallard, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 122 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 71 BH Gull, 1 Herring Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Cormorant, 35 Greylag, 5 Canada Geese aand 1 Oystercatcher.
Wombweell Ings early PM- Present were 2 Mute Swan, 122 Canada Geese, 11 Greylag, 189 Wigeon, 16 Teal, 6 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 2 Goosander, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 10 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 102 Golden Plover, 2 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 203 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 3 Skylark and 1 Song Thrush.

Wednesday 24 February 2016

Wintersett + Phenomenal Gull Roost 24.02.16

-1 to 4 degrees,  cold but sunny, with a very light north westerly.
A male Cetti's was singing in the Botany Bay reedbed early this morning.
Conditions were excellent for Wintersett Res. Gull Roost this afternoon.  Good light,  very little wind and around 500 well spaced, big gulls, containing  half a dozen notables.
A 1st W Yellow-legged Gull was in at 16.40,  quickly followed by the stunning adult Kumlien's Gull at 16.50hrs. This bird is the same one that roosted here in early February and hasn't been seen here for the past 19 days.   2 x 1st W Caspian Gulls were picked up at 17.15hrs and 17.20hrs.  Next up was the juvenile Kumlien's Gull flying in at 17.30hrs.  The 2ndW Iceland Gull at 17.35hrs concluded an absolutely amazing roost. To get 2 Kumlien's Gulls in an inland roost is phenomenal. 

The Edge 24.02.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 55 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 157 Wigeon, 21 Teal, 10 Mallard, 9 Gadwall, 5 Tufted Duck, 1f Goosander, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 9 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 189 Golden Plover, c80 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 290 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 6 Skylark, 7 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 7 Pied Wagtail and 2 Reed Bunting.
Bulling ( Greensand ) Dyke -In the dyke, opposite Old Moor Tavern, a Grey Wagtail, Water Rail and Little Egret were viewable at the same time.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4 Mute Swan, 52 Greylag, 34 Tufted Duck, 10 Shoveler,  7m+2f Goosander, 5m+2f Pochard, 6 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 2m+1f Goldeneye, 2 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 7 Cormorant, 114 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 146 BH Gull, 5 LBB Gulll and 4 Common Gull. Also present were 6 Canada Geese, 1 Buzzard, 1 Grey Partridge, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Jay and 1 Green Woodpecker.

Tuesday 23 February 2016

Winscar

35 Curlew at edge of Res. late afternoon.

Carlton Marsh

23 Tufted Duck was one short of the record. Also present 6 Canada Geese, 2 Greylags, 2 Lapwing and 2 Buzzard. (Rod Heeley)
Later in the day 2 Kingfisher, 2 Water Rail seen and 3 more calling as dusk approached. 4 Snipe left the roost and a Barn Owl was hunting the Western Meadow from 17.15hrs to 18.15hrs.
(Dave Standish)

Wintersett + Gull Roost 23.02.16

1 - 4 degrees, sunny with a light north westerly.
Wintersett Res:  3 male Cetti's Warblers were singing this morning - north,  northwest and west banks.  Water Rail 2 west bank  and Goosander 11.
Anglers CP: 3 Pintail 1 m + 2 f  were in,  then flew to WRes.  Oystercatcher 5 and Shoveler 3 drakes.  A Curlew was flying around, calling , 16.58 to dusk.  Also at dusk a Woodcock  and 2 Barn Owls.
ACP Gull Roost: Fewer big gulls than yesterday.  A 1stW Caspian Gull was in at 16.55hrs, also a colour ringed Herring Gull, Yellow 6N8B.

Firecrest at Silkstone SF today

A brief visit at lunchtime today and the Firecrest had been showing well in the sun in amongst the numerous Goldcrests, although these shots were the best I could do. Quite a lot of courtship going on in the Goldcrest population.



The Edge 23.02.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 122 Canada Geese, 7 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 77 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 9 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Duck, 6 Mallard, 2 Goosander, 2 Pochard, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Cormorant, 7 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 1 Water Rail, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 2 Sparrowhawk, 171 Golden Plover, 49 Lapwing, 157 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull, 2 Kingfisher, 5 Skylark, 1 Mistle Thrush and 4 Reed Bunting.
TPT - 6+ Siskin.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4 Mute Swan, 19 Tufted Duck, 10m+4f Pochard, 6 Mallard, 5m+1f Goosander, 5 Gadwall, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 1 Shoveler, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 131 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 163 BH Gull, 4 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 51 Greylag, 11 Canada Geese, 2 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard, c80 Lapwing and 1 Oystercatcher.

Monday 22 February 2016

Silkstone Sewage Works

Firecrest showed well this morning, in trees at edge of field, top side of stream.
Chiff-chaff also present.

Wintersett + Gull Roosts 22.02.16

3 - 6 degrees, mainly cloudy with a westerly breeze.
Anglers CP: Oystercatcher 6 (3 pairs),  Shoveler 4,  Jack Snipe 2, Snipe 10 and Green Woodpecker 2.
Wintersett Res: 2 singing male Cetti's Warblers today - 1 boathouse reeds and 1 west bank.  Grey Wagtail 1.
Both Gull Roosts were watched this afternoon.  A 1st W Mediterranean Gull was on WRes at 17.13hrs.   Numbers were building nicely when two youths (not PS's word) started throwing stones from the boathouse house area causing a mass dread.  The majority of birds flew to ACP at 17.45hrs where Jonathan Holliday had a 1stW Caspian Gull at 17.30hrs,  Psycho the adult Yellow-legged Gull at 17.40hrs,  another 1stW Caspian Gull at 17.50hrs and the leucistic Black-headed Gull. 
Herring Gull 1100 (800 ACP + 300 WRes)  and  Great Black-backed Gull 66 (60 ACP + 6 WRes).

Langsett - Midhope via Ingbirchworth

Brown's Edge, Langsett - 30+ Golden Plovers.
Upper Windleden Reservoir - three pairs Canada Geese and 24 Lapwings.
Winscar Reservoir - 6 Canada Geese, 91 Mallards, 1 Kestrel, 70+ Black-headed Gulls and 1 Common Gull.
Tinker Hill - 1 Curlew SW, c10 Carrion Crows and 1+ Raven.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 48 Greylag Geese, 255 Canada Geese, 24 Mallards, 7 Tufted Ducks, 10 Coots, 2 Moorhens, c150 Black-headed Gulls, 15+ Common Gulls and 3 Herrings Gulls.
Thurlstone (fields to the north-west of & Top o' th' Town areas) - 60+ Black-headed Gulls, c20 Common Gulls, c100 Jackdaws and 120+ Rooks.
Whitley Edge - 120+ Rooks.
Whitley Common - 30+ Lapwings and c100 Starlings.
Midhope Reservoir- 3 Greylag Geese, 1 drake Gadwall (first here since January 1997), 2 Teal, 11 Mallards and 1 Sparrowhawk.

The Edge 22.02.16

Wombwell Ings  - The Water Rail was showing well at 9am on the Bulling Dyke. Present on the Ings were 2 Mute Swan, 122 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 94 Wigeon, 10 Mallard, 9 Tufted Duck, 6 Teal, 5 Gadwall, 4 Goosander, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 11 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 79 Golden Plover, 25 Lapwing, 137 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull, 1 Song Thrush, 6 Skylark and 2 Kingfisher.
Bolton Ings - Noted were  4 Mute Swan, 36 Greylag, 22 Canada Geese, 18 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 3 Gadwall, 3 Pochard, 3 Goosander, 1m Goldeneye, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 136 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 199 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull and 1 Snipe.

Sunday 21 February 2016

Dearne Valley - Sunday 21st February

Bolton Ings

No gloves day today with a high temperature of 15c, very windy though and as usual on WeBS count day viewing difficult and birds sheltering and hard to count. Highlights on Bolton today were few but included a couple of Buzzards up regularly and a Green Sandpiper. Full list :- Grey Heron 2, Mute Swan 7, Canada Goose 24, Grey Lag Goose 59, Mallard 30, Teal 3, Wigeon 2, Gadwall 9, Tufted Duck 24, Pochard 19(12 drakes), Goosander 4, Goldeneye 3, Coot 153, Moorhen 3, Lapwing 2, Green Sandpiper 1, Snipe 6, Black Headed Gull 196, Common Gull 7, Lesser Black Backed Gull 1, Herring Gull 10, Buzzard 2, Kingfisher 1.

Adwick Washland

Onto Adwick this afternoon where the wind was even stronger but plenty of birds to count but no Little Egrets today. Full list :- Grey Heron 2, Mute Swan 2, Mallard 20, Teal 61, Wigeon 54, Gadwall 34, Shoveler 6, Shelduck 4, Coot 13, Moorhen 5, Lapwing 75, Black Headed Gull 132, Common Gull 1.

Old Moor

Onto Old Moor for the roost this evening, fortunately the wind had died down and with the lengthening days it is now gone 6 o'clock when the light goes. A Green Sandpiper feeding in front of the Field Pool West hide was a nice sight. 40 Cormorants on island 1 on the Mere soon relocated to the willows and the roost where 49 was the final count. 6 Little Egrets also came in tonight with 4 from down the valley, don't know where they have been, any help would be appreciated. Jeff counted 49 Goosanders on the Wader Scrape and 20 Goldeneyes were seen between the Mere and Main Marsh. The Goldeneye that thinks its a Goosander was again on the Wader Scrape with the Goosanders and as last week one flew down the valley late on to ???

For the first time this year the Black Headed Gulls left down the valley to Doncaster Lakeside to roost rather than Wintersett. They do this every year and will build up to several thousand before finally settling to breed in the area. It is a great sight to see when they gather before leaving to roost and then minutes later they are all gone.

Carlton Marsh Wildfowl Counts

Mute Swan 2, Canada Goose 6, Tufted Duck 12, Gadwall 27, Mallard 17, Teal 20, Coot 8, Cormorant 1, Kingfisher 1, Water Rail 1, Heron 1, B H Gull 75, Lapwing 1.
Also Buzzard 3, Sparrowhawk, Coal Tit 1, Willow Tit 3, Song Thrush 4 singing males.

This afternoon the temperature had increased to a barmy 15c. A Peregrine swept through harassing c200 Wood Pigeons and male and female Tawny Owl were calling. (Dave Standish)
Then a Fox walked in front of the hide at dusk.

Ferry Moor ponds
Mute Swan 2, Gadwall 7, Muscovy duck 1, Coot 2, Lapwing 1, Green Woodpecker 2 calling.

Sash Pond
Canada Goose 30, Greylag Goose 20, Tufted Duck 9, Pochard 6 drakes, Mallard 22, Teal 16, Gadwall 2, Heron 1, Muscovy duck 2, Coot 4, B H Gull 75, Common Gull 6
 

Wintersett WeBS - February 2016

The February 2016 WeBS totals for the Wintersett Area are:

Mute Swan 11,   Canada Goose 40,   Greylag Goose 1,   Cormorant 12,   Coot 213,   Moorhen 18,   Little Grebe 2,   Great Crested Grebe 29,   Mallard 75,   Wigeon 152,   Gadwall 32,   Shoveler 4,   Pintail 2 female,   Tufted Duck 163,   Pochard 47,   Goldeneye 103,   Goosander 9,   Lapwing 81,   Oystercatcher 4,   Snipe 4 and  Grey  Heron 1.

Wintersett + Gull Roost 21.02.16

A very mild 9 - 13 degrees with 5/8 cloud  and a moderate westerly.
Anglers CP:  2 female Pintail were new in.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 boathouse reeds and Buzzard 1.
ACP Gull Roost: Poor numbers of big gulls today, with Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull the only notable.

Bretton 21/2/16.

Green Sandpiper 1, Lapwing 3 down, Redpoll 3 showing well on thistles, Goosander 12, 1 drk Pochard, 1 GS Pecker, 3 Nuthatch.

Saturday 20 February 2016

Shafton

20 Lesser Redpolls (K. Bannister)

Wintersett + Gull Roosts 20.02.16

7degrees, mild with 8/8 and a moderate to fresh westerly this morning. Intermittent, light showers this afternoon.
Anglers CP: A 4th Oystercatcher  has returned to the 3 other regulars. .  All 4 were flying around noisily.  A Barn Owl was seen at Wintersett Village 17.30hrs.
Both Gull Roosts were checked tonight,  but it was a poor turn up, with only 100 big gulls coming in to ACP, the bulk of which relocated to WRes.  The only notable was the juvenile Kumliens Gull on WRes. 

Friday 19 February 2016

Wintersett + Gull Roost 19.02.16

0 - 7 degrees,  mostly cloudy with some very light rain this afternoon and a westerly breeze.
Anglers CP: Shelduck 2 flew off south. 
Wintersett Res: Water Rail 2 west bank,  Tawny Owl calling in Willow Wood and Barn Owl 1 west bank.
WRes Gull Roost had good numbers of big gulls eventually.   4 Notables today.  A 1stW Caspian Gull at 16.55hrs (not one of last nights birds),  another 1stW Caspian Gull at 17.15hrs.  A 3rdW Caspian Gull at 17.30hrs and finally, the juvenile Kumlien's Gull at 17.45hrs - the first time here since 6th Feb, but it has been at Hampole for the past 3 days.

Elsecar & Ingbirchworth

King's Wood, Elsecar - 1 Common Buzzard.
Elsecar Reservoir - 2 Canada Geese, 40+ Mallards, 7 Great Crested Grebes, 11 Moorhens, 22 Coots and 80+ Black-headed Gulls.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 6 Canada Geese, 25+ Mallards, pair Goldeneye, 1 drake Goosander, c100 Black-headed Gulls, c20 Common Gulls and c20 Herring Gulls.

The Edge 19.02.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 64 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 123 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 8 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Duck, 4 Goosander, 4 Shoveler, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 6 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 1 Sparrowhawk, 158 Golden Plover, 61 Lapwing, 92 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 5 Skylark, 3 Redwing, 6 Pied Wagtail and 3 Reed Bunting.
TPT - Kingfisher seen on Knoll Beck.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4 Mute Swan, 23 Greylag, 23 Tufted Duck, 7m+6f Goosander, 6 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 5 Teal, 3m+1f Pochard, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 2 Shoveler, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 137 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 58 BH Gull and 3 Common Gull. Also present were 3 Canada Geese, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 LBB Gull over and 1 Buzzard.

Thursday 18 February 2016

Wintersett + Gull Roosts 18.02.16

0 - 5 degrees,  cold but sunny with a light westerly this morning.  Scattered cloud this afternoon.
Wintersett Res:  A male Cetti's Warbler was singing on the north bank and 1 was heard on the west bank.  2 Barn Owls were hunting on the east bank at dawn.     Water Rail 1 WB + 1 BHReeds.   A Siskin flew over.  Grey Wagtail 1.
Anglers CP: Shoveler 2,  Oystercatcher 3 ,  Wood Pigeon 650.
Anglers CP Gull Roost was building up nicely, with huge numbers of big gulls arriving from Hampole after 17.00hrs, with 1/2 coming to ACP and 1/2 going to WRes. 
4 notables were picked up in quick succession: A 1stW Caspian Gull at 17.10hrs,  the 2ndW Iceland Gull at 17.15hrs,  another 1stW Caspian at 17.20hrs and a 3rdW Caspian at 17.25hrs.
Unfortunately a 'dread' occurred on ACP and most of the big gulls joined those on WRes.
Two observers  (PS, JH) dashed over to view from the boathouse, which revealed huge numbers of big gulls roosting in the gloom, but alas, too distant and too dark to pick up any further notables.

Carlton Marsh

A beautiful sunny day after yesterday's washout. 4 Buzzards were up together this morning, 3 Song Thrush were singing, Water Rail was calling, Bullfinch and Reed Bunting were singing and Peacock butterfly was on the wing. A Mottled Umber moth was attracted to my patio window last night.
 
A the end of the day 30 Redwing came in to roost, Barn Owl was hunting the Western Meadow and a Fox was on the prowl. (Dave Standish)

The Edge 18.02.16

Wombwell Ings - Got out of the car, opposite the Old Moor Tavern,  to hear Spring was in the air. Taking the lead were a singing Song Thrush and a drumming Greater Spotted Woodpecker. Things got better with a Water Rail showing well on the Bulling Dyke , a Yellowhammer near the entrance to the Ings and 6 displaying Skylark on the back field. Also present were 2 Mute Swan, 3 Canada Geese, 1 Shelduck, 118 Wigeon, 25 Teal, 10 Gadwall, 8 Pochard, 8 Mallard, 4 Goosander, 2 Shoveler, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 9 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 167 Golden Plover, 34 Lapwing, 136 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 1 Kingfisher and 4 Reed Bunting.
TPT - 10+ Siskin in the alders.
 Bolton Ings - On the open water were 6 Mute Swan, 23 Tufted Duck, 12 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 2m+1f Goosander, 3 Pochard, 6 Mallard, 2 Wigeon, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 121 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 33 BH Gull and 2 Common Gull. Also noted were 3 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Green Woodpecker..

Wintersett - Lesser Redpoll Ringing Recoveries



A first year male was ringed at Wintersett Res. On 20th October 2011
and then retrapped at Brandon (Suffolk) 0n 28th November  2015
at a distance of 190kms south east.

A first year bird was ringed at Cumrue Loch (Dumfries and Galloway) on 5th August 2012
and then retrapped, as a male, at Anglers CP on 3rd October 2015
at a distance of 214kms south east.

A first year male was ringed at Icklesham (East Sussex on 9th Novenber 2013
and then retrapped at Anglers CP on 3rd October 2015
at a distance of 336 kms NNW.

A first year bird was ringed at Drayton Pond, Clumber Park (Notts,) on 29th November 2014
And then retrapped, as a female,  at Anglers CP on 3rd October 2015
At a distance of 50 km NNW.

A first year male was ringed at Anglers CP on 20th September 2015
and then retrapped at Ripon Parks (North Yorks.) on 12th October 2015
at a distance of 60 kms north

A first year male was ringed at Wintersett Res. on 4th October 2015
and then retrapped at Stanford Res. (Northamptonshire) on 8th October 2015
at a distance of 135 kms south.

Peter Smith

Wednesday 17 February 2016

Wintersett 17.02.16

3 degrees with rain and a moderate south westerly all morning.
Anglers CP:  2 Shelduck dropped in at 08.35hrs and left south at 08.40hrs.  Little Grebe 4 and Oystercatcher 2.

the Edge 17.02.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 101 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 62 Wigeon, 10 Mallard, 6 Teal, 5 Tufted Duck, 4 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 1m+2f Goosander, 2 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 9 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 109 Golden Plover, 36 Lapwing, 118 BH Gull, 8 Common Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 2 Skylark and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Bolton Ings - Noted were 4 Mute Swan, 20 Greylag, 3 Canada Geese, 11 Tufted Duck, 5 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 3 Pochard, 2 Teal, 1m+1f Goosander, 1m Goldeneye, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 111 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 43 BH Gull, 4 Common Gull and 1 Herring Gull.

Tuesday 16 February 2016

Carlton Marsh

New in today a pair of Shoveler. Also of note Siskin, Buzzard looking very resplendent, 80 Yellow Buntings roosted and 3 Water Rails called at dusk.

I had my first macro moth of the year last night at home - Dotted Border

Silkstone sewage works with Hibbert & Corrall
The Firecrest was showing well this morning at around 10.40hrs along with c10 Goldcrests, 10 Pied, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 Chiffchaff on the sprinkler beds. 2 Treecreepers, Song Thrush, male Siskin and 5 Fieldfares. 2 Nuthatch were singing.
 
How not to take a photo!
Firecrest

Wintersett + Gull Roost 16.02.16

0 degrees,  very cold and frosty,  0/8 cloud with a south easterly  to southerly.
Anglers CP: Wigeon 271,  Shoveler 3,  Gadwall 32 + 39 WRes,  Oystercatcher 2,  Redwing 15,  Siskin 1 and Barn Owl 1.
Moorhouse Lane Pond: Teal 28
Botany Bay: A Stoat was seen this morning.
Anglers CP Gull Roost had excellent numbers of large gulls arriving from 17.00hrs.  Herring Gull 1500.  2 notables tonight.  The 2ndW Iceland Gull was in at 16.45hrs and a 1stW Caspian was in at 17.10hrs.

The Edge 16.02.16

Wombwell Ings - 100% ice-cover. Present were 2 Mute Swan, 4 Canada Geese, 12 Greylag over, 2 Shelduck, 99 Wigeon, 19 Teal, 18 Mallard, 3 Tufted Duck, 3 Gadwall, 2 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 19 Coot, 48 Golden Plover, 16 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 281 BH Gull, 4 Common Gull, 3 Redwing, 5 Skylark, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 1 singing Song Thrush and a group of 15 Pied Wagtail.
TPT - A pair of Kingfisher were seen flying along Knoll Beck. Also present were 4+ Siskin and 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker.
Bolton Ings - 70% ice-cover when we arrived decreasing to 50% by midday. Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 25 Canada Geese over, 22m+38f Pochard, 37 Tufted Duck, 7 Mallard, 5 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 1f Goldeneye, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 122 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 3 Buzzard, 28 BH Gull, 11 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Lesser Redpoll.

Monday 15 February 2016

Carlton Marsh

This afternoon 2 Coal Tits and a ringed Willow Tit on the feeder with Longtailed Tits. Also present 4 Redwing, Siskin, Skylark singing, 2 Snipe, Tawny Owl and Barn Owl hunting from 17.35hrs. A Fox was shrieking at dusk. (Dave Standish)

Wintersett + Gull Roost 15.02.16

2 - 4 degrees with  a thick frost to start,  7/8 cloud and a light north westerly.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler  1 in boathouse reeds.
Anglers CP: Oystercatcher 2 and Barn Owl 1.
Poor numbers at ACP Gull Roost tonight, but two notables,  An adult Caspian Gull was in at 17.00hrs and Psycho the adult Yellow-legged Gull was in at 17.15hrs, 
Of interest: -   1stW Glaucous Gull and 1stW Caspian Gull on Astley Lake , Swillington Ings tonight. per @Cleckbirder

The Edge 15.02.16

Wombwell Ings - No initial sign of any plovers at first but after 10 minutes c50 Golden Plover flew over to Broomhill Flash and later I noticed 6 Lapwing on the western end of the Ings. When I left I could 30+ of each species were feeding on the brow of the backfield( first area to be defrosted by the rising Sun and allow feeding? ). Also present were 2 Mute Swan, 188+ Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 155 Wigeon, 19 Teal, 7 Mallard, 6 Tufted Duck, 1m+4f Goosander, 4 Pochard, 4 Gadwall, 4 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 12 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 27 BH Gull, 6 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 3 Skylark, 1 Mistle Thrush and 6 Pied Wagtail.
TPT - 3 Buzzard could be seen circling over Bolton west end. 10+ Redwing were the first seen for a few weeks.
Bolton Ings -  On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 24 Tufted Duck, 11 Mallard, 10 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, 2m+2f Goosander, 1f Goldeneye, 3 Little Grebe, 1Great Crested Grebe, 111 Coot, 1 Moorhen,  18 BH Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron and 2 Green Woodpecker.

Sunday 14 February 2016

Old Moor - Sunday 14th February

Just one visit to Old Moor this weekend for the roost this afternoon. First stop in the Mere hide where 3 Buzzards were up over Bolton Tip/Reedbeds, one of the Buzzards was being mobbed by an Oystercatcher. Onto the Wath Ings hide via both the Wader Scrape and Field Pool where 2 Barn Owls were showing, one roosting in a hawthorne and the other in the Barn Owl box entrance. The weather today was bitterly cold and felt the coldest this winter. The roost was again good with 8 Little Egrets and 46 Cormorants coming in. Shoveler seemed to be present in good numbers and a quick count revealed 80 birds, up from last week. 42 Goosanders were counted on the Wader Scrape and 18 Goldeneye were on the Main Marsh. The usual Goldeneye was on the Wader Scrape with the Goosanders and another flew straight down the valley.

Other species recorded today at Old Moor were at least 2 Bearded Tits, 2 Cetti's Warblers and 6 Water Rails all on the Reedbeds.

Woolley + Wilthorpe 14/2/16.

Woolley Dam/A61 circ.- Signs of spring here were a singing Goldcrest and plenty of excitable Blue Tits 10+ seen. Otherwise quiet with Woodpeckers scarce, just 1 GS. An impressive Woodpigeon flock thought to be over 300, Teal 2, Little Grebe 1 pair, Nuthatch 2, Tcreeper 4, Siskin 2, a mixed flock of Fieldfare and Redwing 100+. Wilthorpe Marsh,- LE Owl 3, could have been more, accidently flushed from roost at side of path, J Snipe 4, Redwing 110+, Lapwing 6 down, Willow Tit 1 at sewage f.

Wintersett + Gull Roosts 14.02.16

1 - 5 degrees with 4/8 cloud and a light north westerly.
Anglers CP:  Buzzard 12 in the area.  Barn Owl 1 in village.
Wintersett Res:  Water Rail 1 boathouse reeds.  Cetti's Warbler 1 west bank.
Both Gull Roosts were watched today but numbers were disappointing.
Totals:  Herring Gull 695 (320 ACP + 375 WRes),  Great Black-backed Gull 45 (30 ACP + 15 WRes) and Lesser Black-backed Gull 7 ( 4 ACP + 3 WRes).
The leucistic Black-headed Gull was on WRes..
Just two notables on ACP: A 1st W Mediterranean Gull was in at 16.35hrs, surprisingly, sitting among the large gulls.  Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull was in at 17.30hrs.
Many thanks to Jonathan Holliday for the photos.

1stW Mediterranean Gull    ACP   JHolliday
Psycho - the adult Yellow-legged Gull   ACP   JHolliday

Saturday 13 February 2016

Firecrest at Silkstone






These images were taken today by Deck Wroe. The Firecrest was behind the sewage works in the area where the bridge with a metal gate crosses the stream. It was usually keeping low down in the scrub and brambles and showing extremely well. There were also at least 10 Goldcrests, 2 Treecreepers and a mixed tit flock in this area. On the filters were 22 Pied and 2 Grey Wagtails.

Carlton Marsh

Tufted Duck have increased to 24, a record number for this site. Sadly the female Goldeneye has not been seen since the 10th. 6 Greylags and 8 Canadas were on the main scrape and 17 Meadow Pipits were in a nearby bean field. 2 Coal Tits were on the feeder.

Wintersett + Gull Roosts 13.02.16

1 - 5 degrees  with 6/8 cloud and a light north easterly this morning,  easterly for roosts.
Wintersett Res: 10 Shelduck were new in.   7 Grey Partridge  were in the area.
Anglers CP: 100 Pink-footed Geese flew west at 09.30hrs.  Jack Snipe 2, Oystercatcher 1 and Little Grebe 5.
Excellent roosts tonight with both waters watched.
WRes. Roost: A 1st W Caspian Gull was in at 16.40hrs.  
ACP Roost:  A 2nd W Iceland  Gull  was in at 16.40 and flew over to WRes later.  A 2ndW Glaucous Gull was in at 16.50hrs and a 2ndW  Caspian Gull was in at 17.20hrs
Area Totals: Herring Gull 2130 (880 WRes + 1250 ACP),  Great Black-backed Gull  65 (30 WRes + 35 ACP) and  Lesser Black-backed Gull 4 (2 WRes + 2 ACP).
NB  Firecrest still showing well at Silkstone SF (per GJS).

Friday 12 February 2016

Wintersett + Gull Roosts 12.02.16

0 - 4 degrees with 7/8 cloud and a very cold northeast to easterly breeze.
Anglers CP: The 2nd W Iceland Gull and 1000+ Herring Gulls left the roost at dawn (per SD).  Pink-footed Goose 160W at 07.35hrs + 170W at 09.15hrs.  Shoveler 2 + 3 Wres.    Oystercatcher 1 and Barn Owl 1.
Wintersett Res: Grey Wagtail 1 and Water Rail 1 west bank.
Both roosts were watched today.
WRes. Roost:  (per KD) No notables picked up but 300 Herring Gull and a few Greater Black-backed Gull were in.
ACP Roost: Good numbers of birds again tonight.  The 2ndW Iceland Gull was in at 16.50hrs and a 1stW Caspian Gull was in at 17.10hrs. 

      2ndW Iceland Gull         ACP     Mark Dillingham

The Edge 12.02.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 21 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 147 Wigeon, 15 Gadwall, 13 Teal, 11 Mallard, 7 Tufted Duck, 5 Shoveler, 4 Pochard, a pair of Goosander, 4 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 12 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 85+ Golden Plover, 7 Lapwing, 146 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull and 2 Skylark.
TPT -  4 Siskin.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4 Mute Swan, 26 Tufted Duck, 12 Pochard, 17 Goosander, 9 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 4 Teal, 2m +1f Goldeneye, 2 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 117 Coot, 95 BH Gull, 16 Common Gull and 3 LBB Gull. Also present were 4 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 15 Cormorant and 2 Grey Heron.

Ingbirchworth - Whitwell Moor

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 53 Greylag Geese, 316 Canada Geese, 31 Mallards, 6 Tufted Ducks, pair Goldeneyes; 1 Little Grebe, 2 Moorhens, 5 Coots, 10+ Lapwings (in with the geese on Annat Royd Lane), 80+ Black-headed Gulls and 34 Common Gulls.
Langsett Reservoir - 1 Grey Heron ESE.
Whitwell Moor - pair Stonechats on Long Lane.

Thursday 11 February 2016

Wintersett + Gull Roost 11.02.16

1-6 degrees  with a frosty and cloudy start, and a light south westerly.  Sunny from mid morning,
Anglers CP: Teal 3,  Oystercatcher 1 and Barn Owl 1.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 west bank and Water Rail 1.
ACP Gull Roost: Excellent numbers of big gulls were coming in from 16.45hrs.  Herring Gull 1400.  There was just one notable - a 2ndW Iceland Gull at 17.25hrs.
Of interest: The 1stW female Ferruginous Duck still at Pugneys reserve lake today.

Scout Dike and Silkstone 10th Feb

A day late due to internet gremlins!
Out in the welcome sunshine for a few hours: Scout Dike Res - single Jack Snipe and at least 8 Common Snipe, single male Goosander, 8 Tufted Duck; the first GC Grebe of the year; the first singing male Reed Bunting and first Meadow Pipit; 10 Redwings and a calling Nuthatch was my first here since 17th September 2006, which was also the date I had a local mega - Spotted Redshank!
Silkstone SF  -no sign of the Firecrest but 2 Chiffchaffs performing well, but only 11 Pied Wags. Roll on Spring!
Cheers
Russ
http://shapesthatsometimesfly.blogspot.co.uk/ updated!

Wednesday 10 February 2016

Carlton Marsh

Todays highlights were Kingfisher, Water Rail, 60 Greylags north and Barn Owl hunting the reed beds at 17.15hrs. (Dave Standish) A single Lapwing was the first since last autumn. The Goldeneye is still here along with 12 Tufted Duck.

Wintersett + Gull Roost 10.02.16

3 - 7 degrees,  cold but sunny with a light south westerly this morning, westerly this afternoon.
Wintersett Res: Goosander 11
Cold Hiendley Res: Water Rail 1
Anglers CP: Oystercatcher 1,  Cormorant 13.
ACP Gull Roost: Very good numbers of large gulls came in quite close, after 17.00hrs , and the light was good.   Ideal viewing conditions, but the only notable was Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull  on the small raft at 17.40hrs.
Of interest: Female Ferruginous Duck on Pugneys reserve lake today.

Tuesday 9 February 2016

Brodsworth Area

Our Doncaster friends maybe interested in fields of stubble and smaller areas of game crops not far from Hampole Wood, which contained c350 finches, c250 Linnet, c75 Chaffinch and smaller numbers of Greenfinch and Brambling. (Hibbert & Corrall)

 

Wintersett + Gull Roosts 09.02.16

4 degrees,  cold but sunny with a south westerly breeze.
Anglers CP: Oystercatcher 1,  Little Grebe 4, Snipe 6 and Goosander 31.
Both roosts were watched today.
ACP roost  per Jonathan Holliday: Just one notable - Psycho the adult Yellow-legged Gull at 16.20hrs.  Herring Gull circa 550 and Great Black-backed Gull 60.
WRes Roost per Pete Smith:  Lots of big gulls came in late again and formed a tight pack, making it difficult to pick up notables.  However, an adult Mediterranean Gull was in at 16.45hrs and  2 x 1st W Caspian Gulls - one at 17.00hrs and the other at 17.05hrs.   The leucistic Black-headed Gull was in at 17.05 hrs.

The Edge 09.02.16

Wombwell Ings  - Highlight was a female Peregrine being chased by two crows at 10.10am. Also present were 2 Mute Swan, 136 Canada Geese, 4 Pink Footed Geese, 1 Greylag, 59 Wigeon, 16+ Mallard, 9 Teal, 3m+3f Goosander, 4 Tufted Duck, 4 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 1 Cormorant, 5 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, 9 Coot, 1 Sparrowhawk, 87 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 155 Golden Plover, 41 Lapwing and 4 Skylark.
 Bolton Ings -  On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 9m+6f Pochard, 13 Tufted Duck, 4m+3f Goosander, 2 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 118 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 49 BH Gull, 10 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also noted were 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron and c50 Lapwing.

Monday 8 February 2016

Monday 8/2/16.

Wilthorpe Marsh - Very steady, 1 J Snipe and 1 W Rail flushed from regular spots. Buzzard 2, Sprawk 1. Info received from the new landowner of old north gawber pit stack of breeding LE Owls last year. Adult with 1 chick seen. Fleets Dam - Pair of Parakeets this aft. asleep in hawthorn on north bank. Yesterday on the moors a brief stop at low moor had a pair of Ravens. Ewden very quiet with no sign of any harriers after an hour at the lodge. From the road Peregrine again near ewden height which flushed 60 Fieldfares and 100+ Starlings. Roll on the Ospreys.

Wintersett + Gull Roost 08.02.16

4 - 6 degrees with rain and a westerly breeze this morning.   
Anglers CP: Dunlin 1 and Oystercatcher 1.
Wintersett Res: Water Rail 1 SW corner.
WRes. Gull Roost:  An adult Mediterranean Gull was in at 16.25hrs and the leucistic Black-headed Gull  was in at 17.10hrs.   The other big gulls were hopeless.  They didn't start to arrive from Hampole until 17.20hrs, then large flocks were arriving at 17.40hrs when it was dark.

The Edge 08.02.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 212 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 4 Pink Footed Geese, 101 Wigeon,17 Mallard, 5 Tufted Duck, 5 Teal, 3 Pochard, 2 Goosander, 1 Shoveler, 5 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 13 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 157 Golden Plover, 82 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 Skylark, 18+ Magpie and a group of 6 Pied Wagtail.
 Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4 Mute Swan, 12 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 3m+3f Pochard, 2m+1f Goosander, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 115 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 32 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull and 2 Herring Gull. Also present were 9 Canada Geese, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Buzzard, 12+ Lapwing and 1 calling Green Woodpecker.

Sunday 7 February 2016

Dearne Valley Weekender

Old Moor - Saturday 6th February

News of Fridays Red Necked Grebe on the Mere saw me in the Wader Scrape before first light yesterday morning. However despite searching the Mere when enough light allowed sadly the Grebe had left overnight. Birds seen leaving the roost included 45 Cormorants, 49 Goosanders and 4 Little Egrets. The wintering Ruff was on the Wader Scrape but left towards the Main Marsh when a Peregrine flew through. A Barn Owl was still out hunting and there were 12 Goldeneye (5 drakes) on the Main Marsh and 65 Shoveler counted across the site. The rain set in about 8 oclock and after spending an hour in the Bittern hide I sought refuge in the café.

Wombwell Ings - Sunday 7th February

Following news of c140 Pink Footed Geese down on Wombwell Ings I made my way onto the Ings to have a look. The Pink Feet were a great sight and sound, I had a go at counting them and ended up with 184. However they were difficult to count and 192 birds were logged later in the day. There were a couple of Little Egrets present and 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers were in Broomhill Park.

Adwick Washland - Sunday 7th February

Onto Adwick for my weekly visit where the highlight was 4 Little Egrets together, the regular Little Owl was in it's usual place and a Buzzard was up. Other birds seen included the following:- Shelduck 3, Teal 73, Wigeon 45, Gadwall 29, Shoveler 2, Grey Lag Goose 77, Lapwing 50+, Grey Partridge 2.

Old Moor - Sunday 7th February

Onto Old Moor for the roost but first into the Field Pool East hide with news of a Redshank on there, sure enough it was as was the Ruff. Another new bird for the year was an Oystercatcher on the Mere. The roost was good again tonight with 49 Cormorants coming in and 8 Little Egrets. The Egrets conveniently landed on the Main Marsh first and included a colour ringed bird. At first I thought it was FJ, it wasn't but unfortunately it was too dark to read the ring. We didn't really concentrate on the Goosanders tonight but 39 were seen on the Wader Scrape along with the regular redhead Goldeneye that thinks its a Goosander. On the Main Marsh were a further 20 Goldeneye, 7 drakes, 3 immature drakes and 10 females and 49 Shoveler were busily feeding.

Also seen/heard today at Old Moor were 2+ Bearded Tits and 3 Cetti's Warblers on the Reedbeds.

Wintersett + Gull Roost 07.02.16

4 degrees,  cold but sunny with a light south westerly this morning.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 male on north bank.  Grey Wagtail 1,  Willow Tit 2 in SE corner.  The Oystercatcher was on the slipway this morning, but was on ACP this afternoon. 
Anglers CP: Golden Plover 31 over,  Shoveler 2 and Canada Goose 163 + 2 WRes.  A female Peregrine flew south at 15.20hrs.
Wintersett Res Gull Roost: Reasonable numbers of gulls today, but again, many of them coming in late.  The leucistic Black-headed Gull was in at 15.50hrs.  A 1stW Caspian Gull was in at 15.57hrs and the 2nd W Iceland Gull was in at 17.05hrs.

Newmillerdam - 7 February 2016

A lovely, dry winter walk round this morning brought a personal best of 37 for Newmillerdam. Sparrowhawk was my first here and brings my site list to 45 for the year.

Black-headed Gull, Blue Tit, Carrion Crow, Coal Tit, Coot, Dunnock, Goldfinch, Great Crested Grebe, Greylag Goose, Jackdaw, Long-tailed Tit, Mallard, Moorhen, Nuthatch, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Sparrowhawk, Tufted Duck, Wren, Blackbird, Canada Goose, Chaffinch, Collared Dove, Cormorant, Goldcrest, Goosander 10, Great Tit, House Sparrow, Kingfisher, Magpie, Mistle Thrush, Mute Swan (three of last year's young remain with their parents), Pheasant, Redwing 6, Song Thrush, Treecreeper, Woodpigeon.

Carlton Marsh

Daffodils, Crocus and loads of Blackthorn in flower due mild temperatures and lack of frost.
This morning 15 Tufted Duck, Cormorant and female Goldeneye. Also present Buzzard, 6 Common Gull, 6 Yellow Bunting, 2 Willow Tit, 10 Skylark and 10 Meadow Pipits. (Jim Plant/Rod Heeley)

Ringing Recoveries

Blackcap
X076317  first-year female  12-08-2015 Old Moor.
                controlled             19-09-2015 Stanford Reservoir (Northamptonshire).
124 km S   38 days

Chaffinch
D384897 second-year male  12-04-2013 Wentworth Park.
                controlled              27-04-2015 Old Moor
7 km NNE  989 days

Reed Bunting
Z393562 second-year male  25-05-2015 Blackburn Meadows, Sheffield
               controlled              02-10-2015 Old Moor
12 km N  130 days.

Saturday 6 February 2016

Carlton Marsh

70 Pink Feet flew west at 13.35hrs (Rod Heeley)

Wintersett + Gull Roosts 06.02.16

4 - 8 degrees,  mild with rain most of the day.
Anglers CP: The first  Oystercatcher returning is a sign of Spring,  along with flowering Blackthorn. Snipe 8,  Pochard 67 and Gadwall 17 + 8 WRes.
Wintersett Res: Bullfinch 12.
The Gull Roosts were very frustrating again this afternoon.  The vast majority of large gulls arrived on dark and after.  Notables seen on Wintersett Res were the 2nd W Iceland Gull at 17.20hrs and the juvenile Kumlien's Gull at 17.30hrs. 

Friday 5 February 2016

Lundwood

2 skeins of c100 Pink Feet flew west at 10.25hrs, as seen driving back from Barnsley. (Dave Standish)

Wintersett + Gull Roosts 05.02.16

9 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a strengthening south westerly.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 male and Water Rail 1,  both west bank.
Anglers CP: Greylag 105.
Botany Farm: A flock of around 50 Fieldfare were in fields.
Both Gull Roosts were watched today, with good numbers of  large gulls coming in.
Herring Gull  2010  (500 CP + 1510 WRes),  Great Black-backed Gull 66 (40 CP + 26 WRes),  Lesser Black-backed Gull 14 (2 CP + 12 WRes).
Notables in chronological order were:- 
A 2nd W Iceland Gull at 16.35hrs  WRes. (GJS)
The juvenile Kumlien's Gull at 16.40hrs ACP.  (JH, PS)
The adult Kumlien's Gull was on WRes at 17.10hrs  (GJS)
 The adult Caspian Gull was picked up on ACP at 17.10hrs by  a very welcome visitor.   @jonnybirder - still got it!

The Edge 05.02.12

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 176 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 165 Wigeon, 12 Mallard, 11 Teal, 8 Gadwall, 8 Tufted Duck, 5m+3f Goosander, 7 Shoveler, 1m Pochard, 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 9 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 1 Water Rail (in Bulling Dyke near Old Moor Tavern ),74 Lapwing, c70 Golden Plover, 1 Kestrel, 11 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 2 Mistle Thrush and 2 Redwing.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 5 Mute Swan, 66 Greylag, 4 Canada Geese, 19 Tufted Duck, 8m+6f Pochard, 9 Gadwall, 4m+1f Goosander, 4 Mallard, 3 Shoveler, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 1 Teal, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 107 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 171 BH Gull, 28 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret and c80 Lapwing.

Thursday 4 February 2016

Hampole area

I know it's in the Doncaster area, but today a flock of about 130 finches comprising of mainly Chaffinches contained an estimated 40 Bramblings. They were feeding in a game cover crop not far from Rat Hall Farm up the old Roman Lane in a field to the left towards Doncaster Road. (Ralph Hibbert/Les Corrall)

Wintersett + Surprising Gull Roost 04.02.16

10 degrees with 8/8 and a cold north westerly breeze.
Anglers CP: Cormorant 15,  Little Grebe 3 + 3 WRes and Fieldfare 2 west.
Wintersett Res: Goldeneye 24.
ACP Gull Roost was much better this afternoon, with many more large gulls coming in, up to and after dark.  Notables were a 1st W Caspian Gull at 16.35hrs and the juvenile Kumlien's Gull at 16.45. Then, unbelievably, another Kumlien's Gull was picked up by Pete Smith, an adult, at 17.00hrs.  What a great surprise!

The Edge 04.02.16

A good start to the day with a Water Rail and a Little Egret in the Bulling Dyke, opposite the Old Moor Tavern.
Wombwell Ings - Present were 222 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 197 Wigeon, 13 Teal, 5 Mallard, 5 Tufted Duck, 2m+3f Goosander, 3 Shoveler, 1m+1f Pochard, 4 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, 10 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 121 Golden Plover, 60+ Lapwing, 66 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull and 2+ singing Skylark.
TPT - 1 Jay
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 5m+8f Pochard, 12 Tufted Duck, 12 Gadwall, 10 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 7 Mallard, 3m+3f Goosander, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 134 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 107 BH Gull and 6 Common Gull. Also present were 6 Cormorant ,1 calling Green Woodpecker and 1 Snipe.

Wednesday 3 February 2016

Townhead - Whitwell Moor

Townhead - c100 Starlings and c100 Fieldfares.
Victoria - 2 Kestrels.
Broadstone Reservoir - 2 Skylarks on Broadstone Road.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 39 Mallards, 8 Tufted Ducks, 2 Moorhens, 10 Coots, c600 Black-headed Gulls, 11+ Common Gulls and 20+ Carrion Crows.
Royd Moor Reservoir - 118 Greylag Geese, 1 Pink-footed Goose (but no sign on the Greenland White-fronted Goose), 6 Mallards, 1 drake Goldeneye, 1 Cormorant (well marked sinensis - green sheen and white-head), 2 Little Grebes, 1 Moorhen, 1 Willow Tit (in a small tit flock) and 1 Yellowhammer.
Midhope Reservoir - 12 Mallards and 1 Common Buzzard.
Whitwell Moor - 1 male Stonechat on Long Lane.

Wintersett + Gull Roosts 03.02.16

5 degrees with a cooling north westerly, but sunny this morning.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1singing male, west bank.  Water Rail 1 + 1 ACP
Anglers CP: Golden Plover 3 over and Teal 2.
Gull Roosts: There were fewer big gulls tonight with around 300 on ACP and just a small number on WRes.  The notables were a 2ndW Iceland Gull  on WRes at 17.05hrs and the juvenile Kumlien's Gull on ACP at 17.10hrs.

Carlton Marsh

On a visit this morning Russ Boland had 2 female Goldeneye, which remained for most of the day until 1 left north.
The Barn Owl was hunting from 16.55hrs and 7 Snipe were seen leaving at dusk to feed elsewhere. (Dave Standish/Richard Laverack)

Wintersett Ringed Herring Gull



The Herring Gull, J8620,  seen at Anglers CP  27.11.15 had been ringed on the small island of Ando N Norway as an adult 21st Jun 2015 - per Steve Denny.

Tuesday 2 February 2016

Old Moor Sofa

99 species have been recorded in the Old Moor Area this year, the full list as follows :- Mute Swan (1), Whooper Swan (2), Pink Footed Goose (3), Grey Lag Goose (4), Canada Goose (5), Egyptian Goose (6), Shelduck (7), Wigeon (8), Gadwall (9), Teal (10), Mallard (11), Pintail (12), Shoveler (13), Pochard (14), Tufted Duck (15), Goldeneye (16), Smew (17), Goosander (18), Red Legged Partridge (19), Grey Partridge (20), Pheasant (21), Cormorant (22), Bittern (23), Little Egret (24), Grey Heron (25), Little Grebe (26), Great Crested Grebe (27), Sparrowhawk (28), Buzzard (29), Kestrel (30), Peregrine (31), Water Rail (32), Moorhen (33), Coot (34), Oystercatcher (35), Golden Plover (36), Lapwing (37), Ringed Plover (38), Ruff (39), Dunlin (40), Green Sandpiper (41), Jack Snipe (42), Snipe (43), Woodcock (44), Black Headed Gull (45), Common Gull (46), LBB Gull (47), Herring Gull (48), Yellow Legged Gull (49), GBB Gull (50), Stock Dove (51), Woodpigeon (52), Collared Dove  (53), Barn Owl (54), Little Owl (55), Tawny Owl (56), Kingfisher (57), Green Woodpecker (58), Great Spotted Woodpecker (59), Magpie (60), Jay (61), Jackdaw (62), Rook (63), Carrion Crow (64), Goldcrest (65), Blue Tit (66), Great Tit (67), Coal Tit (68), Willow Tit (69), Bearded Tit (70), Skylark (71), Cetti's Warbler (72), Long Tailed Tit (73), Nuthatch (74), Treecreeper (75), Wren (76), Starling (77), Blackbird (78), Fieldfare (79), Song Thrush (80), Redwing (81), Mistle Thrush (82), Robin (83), Dunnock (84), House Sparrow (85), Tree Sparrow (86), Grey Wagtail (87), Pied Wagtail (88), Meadow Pipit (89), Chaffinch (90), Brambling (91), Greenfinch (92), Goldfinch (93), Siskin (94), Linnet (95), Lesser Redpoll (96), Bullfinch (97), Yellowhammer (98), Reed Bunting (99).

For comparison in January 2015 the number of species recorded was 97.

8 species have been seen this January but not last - Egyptian Goose, Smew, Oystercatcher, Ruff, Yellow Legged Gull, Bearded Tit, Cetti's Warbler and Siskin.

However 6 species were seen last January but not this - Curlew, Redshank, Mediterranean Gull, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Stonechat.

We have had a great start to the year especially on the Reedbeds with up to 8 Cetti's Warblers and 4 Bearded Tits, lets hope we have no prolonged cold spell and both species could stay around into the breeding season.

For comparison some other inland sites totals to date are as follows:-

Lound, Nottinghamshire 105.
Swillington Ings, West Yorkshire 109.
Upton Warren, Worcestershire 85.
Potteric Carr, South Yorkshire ??.
Hatfield Moors, South Yorkshire ??.

Carlton Marsh

Today's highlights; the female Goldeneye is still with us along with 5 pairs of Tufted Ducks. The Barn Owl was hunting from 16.35hrs to 17.05hrs. A male and female Tawny Owl were calling and 64 Yellowhammers came in to roost.
Just as it was getting dark a dog Fox started barking and 2 Snipe left the roost to feed.

Wintersett + Gull Roost 02.02.16

10 degrees, with 8/8 cloud and a very strong south westerly.
Anglers CP:  51 Goosanders were roosting tonight.  Barn Owl 1.
ACP Gull Roost was a poor show, with small numbers of birds coming in at dark. No notables picked up tonight.

The Edge 02.02.16

Wombwell Ings- Present were 2 Mute Swan, 208 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 179 Wigeon, 9 Shoveler, 6 Mallard, 5 Teal, 4 Tufted Duck, 2m+2f Goosander, 1m+1f Pochard, 1 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 2 Red Legged Partridge,  6 Coot, 79 Golden Plover, c50 Lapwing, 132 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull,1 Herring Gull and 1 Skylark.
 Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 14 Tufted Duck, 10 Mallard, 6 Teal, 3m+3f Goldeneye, 2m+4f Pochard, 1m+2f Goosander, 2 Shoveler, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 162 Coot, 198 BH Gulland 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 7 Canada Geese, 12 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron and 1 Little Egret.
Broomhill Flash -  J.Seeviour had c30 Redwing in Cleggs Meadow.

Monday 1 February 2016

Wintersett 01.02.16

Another mild day, 10 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a strong south westerly from mid morning.
Anglers CP: Pochard 78 + 9 WRes,  Cormorant 9,  Goosander 13 + 14 WRes.
Wintersett Res: Buzzard 1 over, Cetti's Warbler 1 male west bank and Water Rail 1.

and a couple more .....



Carlton Dream Team at Filey in autumn 1990 watching a Pallas Warbler


A young(er) Dave Standring, Ron Marshall and Dave Smith in 1991 at Devil's Bridge, Wales watching for Red Kites. 
Tripods are taller now!!

Barnsley Bird Study Group presents...

THURSDAY 4th FEBRUARY 2016, 7.15 pm at the Old Moor visitor centre;

Ron Marshall on 'Owls in Scandinavia'.
Yes, I know Ron did another talk recently but everyone was so impressed we invited him back quickly to show more superb photography (that, and he's helping us out of a bit of a hole due to cancelled speakers and so many other speakers I approached being away on holiday at this time!)
Everyone welcome, £2.50 entrance fee includes interval drink.

The Edge 01.02.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 182 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 107+ Wigeon, 12 Mallard, 10 Shoveler, 7 Teal, 3m+3f Goosander, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 4 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 12 Coot, 55 Lapwing, 58 Golden Plover, 1 Kestrel, 86 BH Gull, 3 Common Gulll, 3 Skylark and a group of 9 Pied Wagtail.
 Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4 Mute Swan, 16 Tufted Duck, 5m+5f Pochard, 4m+2f Goldeneye, 4 Mallard, 2m+1f Goosander, 2 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 152 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 104 BH Gull, 15 Common Gull, 3 Herring Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 7 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, c60 Lapwing and 1 Green Woodpecker.

Castle Dam - Royd Moor

Castle Dam, Penistone - 274 Canada Geese, 24 Coots, 4 Black-headed Gulls, 200+ Jackdaws and c100 Rooks.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 22 Mallards, 16 Tufted Ducks, 5 Coots, c300 Black-headed Gulls and 10+ Common Gulls.
Royd Moor Reservoir (viewed from Spicer House Lane) 81 Greylag Geese in field to the north of the reservoir. No sign of the Greenland White-fronted Goose, but the flock was distant ant viewing very difficult, due to gale-force winds.