Carlton Marsh

Another beautiful October day! There were 2 Little Egrets on the wader scrape along with 2 Grey Wagtails and at least 25 Shovelers on the marsh. (Keith Bannister)

Insects included 2 Red Admirals and a Comma plus 2 Migrant Hawkers, 30 Harlequin Ladybirds and 9 Green Shield Bugs. (Chris Parkin)

Wintersett 31.10.16

10 - 14 degrees with 8/8 until 11.00hrs, then sunny, very warm and calm.
Anglers CP: A female Common Scoter was at the south end of the lake.  2 Whooper Swans flew over south at 09.30hrs.  Goosander 1 m + 1 f.   An adult Caspian Gull was on this afternoon. (MH)
Wintersett Res: A Chiffchaff and a singing male Cetti's Warbler were on the north bank.
Here's a couple of shots of the adult Caspian Gull per M Hemingway.

Carlton Marsh

The Bittern showed well from the hide at 16.00hrs.
It was mild enough to allow 2 male Migrant Hawkers to fly this afternoon.

BARNSLEY BIRD STUDY GROUP

THURSDAY 3rd NOVEMBER 2016
at the OLD MOOR VISITOR CENTRE, 7.15 pm start
The winter meeting season begins again, everything as usual £2.50 entrance cover charge, hot drinks at the interval.
The speaker will be TONY SAWBRIDGE on 'A tour around China'. Tony has visited the country on a few occasions recently and is well known for his superb photography of seldom visited places and stunning birds.

Low Moor 30/10/16.

Top birds here were a flock of 20 Whooper Swans which came in from the east and circled high above langsett res before going north. Plus - Peregrine 2, Buzzard 4, Kestrel 2. Lapwings about 250 going e, Raven 2, Fieldfare 400+, Starling 150, Redpoll 10, Siskin 6, GS Pecker 1, LBB Gull 1.

Wintersett + Gull Roost + p.m. updates 30.10.16

10 - 13 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a hardly noticeable south westerly.
It felt very quiet this morning, but with several birders out and about, the day list is very good. + with even more additions from this afternoon and evening.
Anglers CP Vis Mig (GJS) :
Golden Plover 10 south,  BRAMBLING 5 east,  Wood Pigeon 210 south
Going west:  Fieldfare 103,    Redwing 155,   Starling 104,  Skylark 6.
Anglers CP: Mediterranean Gull  2 x 1stW.   Redshank 1 and then flew to WRes..  Goosander 18,  Goldeneye 17,  Little Egret 1,  Little Grebe 7,  Cormorant 26,  Snipe 1. 
A female STONECHAT was on the Sand Martin island.
Cold Hiendley Res: 7 Whooper Swans flew over south at 11.30hrs + 1 adult left  ACP SE at 14.55hrs.  (CS)
Haw Park Wood: Nuthatch 4 + 1 Pits Wood.   Treecreeper 3.  (CS)  Goldcrest 77 in area,  Siskin10.
Wintersett Res:    A group of 8  female/immature Common Scoter  were on mid morning.  A Barn Owl flew over the fields at dawn.  A Shelduck flew in at 07.30   A Blackcap was on the east bank.   Cetti's Warbler 3.    1 male on west bank +  one male on the fishing pog to the left of the bench being chased off by another coming in from  the direction of the  boathouse (IA).
A Chiffchaff was ringed + 1 near the boathouse.  Water Rail 4.   Mute Swan 28.
Gull Roost: (SD)  An adult Caspian Gull was in from 14.50hrs.  The usual adult Yellow-legged Gull was in from 16.20hrs.  Mediterranean Gull 1 1stW.   Lesser Black-backed Gull 210,  Herring Gull 195,  Great Black-backed Gull 80.

Whooper Swans over CHRes     CSwaine

               Spot the Snipe        ACP    CSwaine

                   Adult Caspian Gull        ACP     SDennny

               Whooper Swan          ACP    SDenny

Carlton Marsh

Hello Irving, I hope you got home from Scarbro okay, maybe see you next year. The Bittern has been seen on most days this week, but there were no sightings reported today. On one occasion the Bittern emitted a short 'boom' as it lunged at a Grey Heron that got too close for comfort. An influx of c50 Redpolls on the 26th was notable.  

Present today were Buzzard, 2 drake Pochard, 13 Lapwing, 21 Shoveler, Kingfisher, Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker and Water Rail along with at least 20 Redwings and a calling Tawny Owl at dusk.

A late Red Admiral and Speckled Wood butterfly were enjoying the mild conditions. My thanks to Dave Standish, Rod Heeley and Chris Parkin for their input.

Wintersett 29.10.16

12 - 14 degrees with 8/8 cloud and flat calm until late morning, then a light south westerly.
An excellent day today with 3 new birds  for the year list (in bold text)
Wintersett Res:
A  group of   9 SCAUP  were off the SE corner (WRes., (5 juvenile males, an adult female  and 3 juvenile females.  This is the largest number of Scaup seen here,  beating  a group of  8 in November 1975!    
A  ROCK PIPIT  flew east at 08.10hrs.
3 singing  Cetti's Warblers were heard - north bank, west bank and north west corner.   Great Black-backed Gull 5.
Anglers CP:  A group of 6 Goosander  were on at dawn and a Woodcock flew over the Pol.  Teal 22.
BIrds ringed  included  a  MEALY  REDPOLL ,   18 Lesser  Redpoll,  9 Goldfinch  and a Chiffchaff.    A 1st year male FIRECREST  was trapped and ringed, on the east bank WRes.,  by Archie Porter.

Scaup  record shots    WRes.   CSwaine

Low Moor + 29/10/16.

Nowt special but plenty birds once the drizzle had gone. Raptors few with Peregrine 1, C Buzzard 3, Sprawk 1, Kes 3. Crossbill 10 + 1 + 10. The first 10 were the main highlight as they almost got down to drink over the road. Raven 1, Goldfinch 30, Skylark 1, Lapwing 250+, Siskin 5, Snipe 11, Redpoll nice flock of about 120, Fieldfare 300+, Starling 150, Jay 4, GS Pecker 1, LBB Gull 1. Ewden this a.m. Snow Bunt still + 500 Fieldfare, 50 Woodpigeon, Redpoll 5, Bullfinch 4. Yesterday aft. at Wilthorpe Marsh, - Little Egret 1, Green Sand 1, Willow Tit 1. Snipe undisturbed.

Ingbirchworth

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - full list - various observers - c60 Pink-footed Geese SW; 25 Greylag Geese; 15 Canada Geese; 6 Wigeon, 3 Pintails, 28 Mallards; 1 Red-breasted Merganser; 1 Cormorant; 1 Grey Heron; 4 Little Grebes; 1 Great Crested Grebe; 2 Moorhens; 2 Coots; 130+ Lapwings; 450+ Black-headed Gulls; 21 Common Gulls; 60+ Lesser black-backed Gulls; 1 adult Caspian Gull; 1 first-winter Yellow-legged Gull; 3 Herring Gulls; 30+ Woodpigeons; 1 Kingfisher; 2 Magpies; 1 Jay; 6 Jackdaws; 7 Carrion Crows; 1 Goldcrest; 13 Blue Tits; 7 Great Tits; 2 Wrens; c1500 Starlings; 1 Blackbird; c300 Fieldfares; 10 Redwings; 1 Song Thrush; 10 Robins; 1 Dunnock; 1 Pied Wagtail; 65+ Chaffinches; 35+ Bramblings; 2 Bullfinches, and 10+ Goldfinches;

Wintersett 28.10.16

Exceptionally mild - 11 - 15 degrees with 8/8 and a very light westerly.
Anglers CP: Goosander 1.   Fieldfare 40 went south.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 m in boathouse reeds and Water Rail 1.
Birds ringed in the area this mornng included: Lesser Redpoll 79,   Goldfinch 18,   Redwing 15,  Goldcrest 4 and  Chiffchaff 1.

Still there

4pm RBM still on Scout Dike
4.45 Snow Bunting still 50 yards beyond second gate on shooting lodge track.

Wintersett 27.10.16

A very mild 11 - 14 degrees, with 8/8 and a light westerly.  Even quieter today.
Wintersett Res:  Cetti's Warbler 2 males -  boathouse reeds and west bank.
Birds ringed this morning included: 29 Lesser Redpoll and 11 Goldfinch.

Wintersett 26.10.16

10 degrees, 7/8 cloud and calm. By late morning 4/8 cloud and a light westerly.
Birdwise a very quiet day.
Anglers CP: Siskin 1
Incidental Vis. Mig: Fieldfare 70 W.  Starling 180 W.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 m northbank and 1 m west bank.  Water Rail 1.
Cold Hiendley Res Insects: Red Admiral 1  and Migrant Hawker 1.

Wintersett 25.101.6

4 degrees , flat calm with fog until 12.00hrs.
Anglers CP:  Teal 24,  Goldeneye 8+ 3 WRes.  and Cormorant 9.
Wintersett Res: Golden Plover 1 over.
Ringing highlights:  Redwing 24,   Lesser  Redpoll 23  and   Goldcrest 5.

Wintersett 24.10.16

 4 - 10 degrees with 5/8 cloud and a very cold north easterly breeze.
Anglers CP Vis. Mig:  Fieldfare 70 W,  Skylark 38 N.
Anglers CP: Redpoll 50,  Little Egret 1,  Greylag Goose 162.
Wintersett Res: Redshank 1.  Chiffchaff 1,  Teal 3.  A BITTERN  was sitting up in the reeds in the SE corner at 11.10hrs.  Little Grebe 9 + 1 Botany Bay. 
Botany Bay:   Water  Rail 1.

Carlton Marsh

58 Pink Feet Geese flew very high west at 08.25hrs. A Bittern flew at reed top height from the southern part of the marsh before alighting near the ringing rides. (Rod Heeley) I had been watching one in front of the hide for a while so obviously there are still two birds here.  The one in the reed bed to the left of the hide climbed up the reeds and was preening for at least 25 minutes before it took flight to the opposite reed bed at 11.08hrs. It was seen again at 17.45hrs.  I know it's awkward for visitors because we have to keep the hide locked, but if you are lucky one of us may be on site to open it. Luckily the visiting birders we had yesterday and today managed to get really good close views from the hide.

Also of note were 10 Siskin, 2 Water Rail calling, Grey Wagtail, Buzzard, 14 Shoveler and several Goldcrests.
A Fox was prowling the Wader Scrape at dusk.

Low Moor corner 23/10/16. D Simmonite, S Green.

Similar weather to yesterday but colder with the need for gloves. Plenty of birds with Hen Harrier, juv Goshawk hunting and perched on a post, Red Kite 1, Merlin 1, Sparrowhawk 2, C Buzzard 6 which included a pale phase perched on a post, Kestrel 3. Raven 4 possibly 6, 600+ Fieldfares, flock of 300 Woodpigeon, Lapwing flock about 70 looking towards hartcliffe hill road, Carrion Crow 7, LBB Gull 6, Siskin 11, Redpoll 1.

Wintersett 23.10.16

6 - 10 degrees with 4/8 cloud and a very cold north easterly breeze.
Anglers CP Vis. Mig: Pink-footed Goose 170 west  in 2 skeins 100 + 70.  Starling 168 W,  Skylark 53 NE + 31 S and  Fieldfare 39 N.
Anglers CP:  Redshank 2 on north bank, left north.  Goosander 1.    Little Egret 1.   Snipe 9.  Water Rail 1 south west corner.    Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult.  Shoveler 39.
Wintersett Res:  Cetti's Warbler 1m north bank. 

Low Moor corner, Saturday 22/10/16.

Sunny at times but rain showers eventually stopped the birding. So dark at 2-30 it felt like dusk. Highlights were - Hen Harrier at head of shaw clough, Sparrowhawk constantly flushing thrushes, C Buzzard 3, Kestrel 3, Raven 1, Fieldfare 400+. Meadow Pipit 150+ down on barnside moor and flushed a few times by the raptors. Siskin flock 40 at midhope res. and 1 GS Pecker.

Carlton Marsh 21/10/16

Bittern was seen from 16.50hrs (RL) and 70 Pink Feet Geese flew north at 17.30hrs (Dave Standish)

Photos by Richard Laverack

Wintersett 22.10.16

6 - 10 dgrees with 8/8 cloud and a light northerly.  A very light shower mid morning.
Anglers CP Vis Mig: 07.50 - 10.00  Not much moving until 09.00hrs  
Going NW: Starling  249,  Brambling 4, 
Going W:  Fieldfare 58
Going SW:  Wood Pigeon 100,  Redwing 97.
Anglers CP:  Little Egret 1,  Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult,  Peregrine 1 over.
Wintersett Res:  Cetti's Warbler 1m  north bank + 1 boathouse reeds.
Wintersett Village: A Barn Owl flew over the road a t dawn.
Bird Ringing:   Lesser Redpoll 44,  Goldfinch 22 and Siskin 1.

Wintersett 21.10.16

6 - 11 degrees, with 8/8 and a cool , light northerly.
Anglers CP:  Whooper Swan 2 NW at 08.30hrs.   Redwing 120 W.  Redshank 5.   Great Black-backed Gull  2 adults.   Yellow-legged Gull  1 adult.  Grey Heron 5.   Canada X  Greylag Goose hybrid 6.  Green Woodpecker 1.
Botany Bay:  Kingfisher 1.
Wintersett  Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 north bank.   Water Rail 1.
Pits Wood:  Nuthatch 1.
Cold Hiendley Res: A male  Peregrine flew over and then over  WRes..

Wilthorpe Marsh 21/10/16.

Late afternoon main highlights were the Snipe with 7 Jacks and 19 Commons. Also - 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 calling W Rails, 150 Redwing, 2 Redpoll, 1 G Pecker and the only owl, a Little Owl.

BARNSLEY BIRD STUDY GROUP

With the winter months quickly approaching here are the dates for your diaries of the forthcoming BBSG winter Meetings and speakers;-

Thursday 3rd November 2016 - Tony Sawbridge, 'A tour around China', Expect to see some superb photography in this still little known country.

Thursday 1st December 2016 - Mike Pilsworth, 'A year at Blacktoft Sands'. How the wildlife changes across the calendar.

Thursday 5th January 2017 - Matthew Capper, 'RSPB Dearne Valley reserves'. See how the valley has been transformed over the last twenty years.

Thursday 2nd February 2017 - Mark Pearson, 'Filey Bird Observatory'. The sites and the wildlife with superb photography from this acclaimed speaker.

Thursday 2nd March 2017 - Ron Marshall, 'Top to the Bottom', A birding tour around the World with Ron's usual classy images.

All Meetings will be held as usual at the Old Moor visitor centre starting at 7.15pm.
There is a £2.50 entrance charge which includes a warm drink at the interval.
And please be aware that all sessions are weather dependent - if we experience snow on around the dates then the RSPB close the site for safety. This has only ever happened twice though and details will be posted on this site (and Twitter) if this is the case.

Carlton Marsh

c20 Redwing in Hawthorns and 18 Shoveler. Bittern flew between reedbeds close to the hide at 15.35hrs giving brief but great views.

Richard Laverack

Wintersett 20.10.16

7 - 10 degrees with 8/8 cloud,  clearing to 4/8 by 09.30, and a north westerly breeze.
Anglers CP:  Pink-footed Goose 170 E at 10.15hrs and 90 E at 10.25hrs. Redwing 22 W,  Skylark 21 N,  Fieldfare 13 W and Golden Plover 1S.    Little Egret 1.
Wintersett:  Little Owl 1.
Bird ringing highlights: 43 Goldfinch,  38 Lesser Redpoll and 1 Siskin.

                 Siskin              ACP  ASmith

Carlton Marsh

Bittern flew across the scrape at 10.50hrs and again at 13.10hrs. (Ziggy Golebiewski/Dick Laverack)Then I heard it at 15.40hrs clunking through the reeds to the left of the hide about 15yds distant. It showed briefly then flew to the reedbed opposite, but by 17.45hrs it was back in the reeds near the hide before flying to its favourite roost opposite.  

Meanwhile a ringed adult male Kingfisher perched up nearby, 45 Fieldfare flew west and 31 Lapwing flew north. Barn Owl was hunting from 18.15hrs. (Dave Standish)

Also of note 1 Red Admiral and 2 male Migrant Hawkers.

Woodpigeon movement - Higham

That time of year again - with at least 1000 Woodpigeon south up to 9am this morning following the M1 corridor.

Wintersett 19.10.16

9 - 11 degrees  and sunny, with 4/8 cloud and a light north westerly.
Wintersett Res:  3 Whooper Swans flew north west to Pugneys at 07.20hrs.   Chiffchaff 1.  Cetti's Warbler 1m boathouse reed  Cormorant 6.  1st W Caspian Gull 13.35 -13. 45hrs, then left west
Anglers CP Vis Mig:  In 45 minutes 873  Pink-footed Geese  flew east in 7 skeins! (58 + 80+ 100 + 25 + 190 + 30 + 200 + 190),   The Little Egret was perched on the fence that goes into the water.    45 Fieldfare went west.  .

    1stW Caspian  Gull   WRes.     CSwaine 

Carlton Marsh

Not much coverage today, but this morning there were 50 Gadwall, Grey Wagtail and 29 Shoveler, which is a new record. The maximum before September was 14.

Wintersett 18.10.16

9 degrees with 8/8 and showers mid morning and mid afternoon.
Anglers CP:  A  HAWFINCH  flew south at 09.20hrs  - the first seen here since 1992.  That's  24 years!   A Little Egret flew over to  CHRes and then dropped into the shallows at 09.30hrs.  it was still present at 18.00hrs.
Wintersett Res:  2  male Cetti's Warblers  were heard - boathouse reeds and Botany Bay.   Water Rail 1.   

Wintersett Monday 17.10.16

9 degrees,  scattered cloud and a light north easterly.
Anglers CP:  Little Egret 1,  Grey Heron 4,  Cormorant 43 and Chiffchaff 1. A Golden Plover flew over.
Wintersett Res:  A MERLIN flew over at 09.50hrs.  A Peregrine flew over at 09.55hrs and again at 10.45hrs.    60  Fieldfare  and 150 Redwing  were around  the NE bank.    2 male Cetti's Warblers were heard - boathouse reeds and west bank. 
Odonata:  Migrant Hawker 1.

Carlton Marsh

Another beautiful largely sunny very mild day produced a late Swallow at 11.56hrs. A Bittern flew across the scrape at 12.15hrs (Hibbert & Corrall) and was seen again from the hide at 18.00hrs and was still showing at the time of leaving at 18.50hrs. (Dave Standish/Dick Laverack) Increasing numbers of wildfowl are being attracted to the scrape helped I am sure by the increased open water in the reed beds that were created last year by Pete Wall. 53 Gadwall, 21 Teal and 24 Shoveler (a new record) were counted today. Also present Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, 2 Great Spot Woodpeckers, Buzzard, 20 Fieldfare and a similar amount of Redwing. Single Redpoll and Siskin were constantly flying around. 

Insects included a male Brimstone, 8 Red Admiral, 7 Speckled Wood, 1 Small Copper and 1 Comma. A Migrant Hawker and several Common Darters were flying in the sun. (Chris Parkin)

Richard Laverack

WINTERSETT REPORT 2015

The 28th  Wintersett  Annual  Report

containing bird and wildlife sightings from 2015 is now on sale.

STILL   ONLY  £5

 

AVAILABLE FROM ANGLERS CP VISITOR CENTRE

 

or  email   sdenny@supanet.com  to arrange  a copy by post - £6

Carlton Marsh

14 Shoveler, 1 Siskin and 1 Redpoll south. Bittern came out of the reeds at 18.20hrs for 20 minutes. (Dave Standish)
The hide will definitely be open from at least 17.30hrs tomorrow.

Wintersett + WeBS October 2016

The WeBS totals for the area 16th October 2016

Great Crested Grebe 53,    Little  Grebe 21,   Coot 558,   Moorhen 32,   Mute  Swan 37,   Canada Goose 178,  Greylag Goose 138,  Cormorant 35,   Mallard 66,   Teal 22,   Gadwall 127,  Shoveler 62,   Wigeon 500,   Tufted Duck 369,   Pochard 22,   Goldeneye 9,   Grey Heron 1,   Lapwing 60,   Snipe 10.

Also present:  2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls ACP.
Odonata:  Migrant Hawker WRes..

Wintersett 15.10.16

Cold Hiendley Res:   The Great White Egret was still present  early this morning.  It flew over to ACP at 09.40hrs.   It appeared on Botany Bay at 11.40hrs,  and then flew back to CHRes.
Wintersett Res:   Pink-footed Goose  31 east at 11.05hrs.  Fieldfare 1.    Cetti's Warbler  2 m - north bank and northwest corner.  Chiffchaff 1.  Water Rail 2 + 1 ACP. 
Anglers CP:  Green Woodpecker 1,  Snipe 7,  Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult + 1 WRes..  Teal 28.  Goldeneye 4 + 5 WRes..
Odonata:  Migrant Hawker 1 WRes + 1 ACP..

                       Great White Egret                  SDenny

Carlton Marsh

This morning 150 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare, Kingfisher, 10 Bullfinch, 14 Shoveler and a Grey Plover flew NW calling in the mist. (Jim Plant)
A Brambling visited Geoff Miller 's garden in Cudworth.
This evening the Bittern came out to preen at 18.10hrs until dusk before flying to the opposite reedbed. A Barn Owl came out to hunt at 18.52hrs and earlier 500 plus Black Headed Gulls headed north to the Wintersett roost  .

Wintersett 14.10.16

8 degrees with sunny spells and a light north easterly.
Wintersett Res:  Redwing 10 SE + 50 in trees on east bank.  Skylark 21 over.  Meadow Pipit 2 over.
Redpoll 2.   Cetti's Warbler 1m west bank.  Water Rail 1.
Cold Hiendley Res: A GREAT  WHITE  EGRET was viewed from the dam wall, on the south bank near the SF, at 11.30hrs. It was flushed and chased around the west bank field, by a Grey Heron. at 11.35hrs.    The GW Egret returned to the near north bank  but was flushed  by the Heron after 10 minutes.  The pair flew over and around but after a few minutes the GW Egret  landed further down the north bank where it stayed for approximately 15 minutes before it flew even further down the north bank  and dropped in out of sight at 12.10hrs. 
Here are some record shots taken by Chris Swaine.

Carlton Marsh

Bittern showing well again at 07.20hrs. A Little Egret flew south and 3 Pintail circled the scrape three times before continuing east almost colliding with a Kestrel at 07.45hrs. (Dave Smith)

Carlton Marsh

Both Bitterns were flying over the marsh 11.40hrs for a few minutes before alighting within feet of each other on the scrape. One of them stayed to preen in full view of the happy observers in the hide for 20 minutes. Then both flew around again before disappearing into the reeds. (Les Corrall/Ralph Hibbert)

When I arrived at 12.50hrs, all was quiet, then at 13.40hrs one of the Bitterns struck up from the reeds just 12 yards in front of the hide and quickly disappeared in the reeds again as heavy rain began to descend.

Later in the day one them flew from the eastern corner of the scrape at 17.52hrs into the reeds, but was on its usual rostrum in full view from 18.30hrs to 19.40hrs. (Dave Smith)
Also present at least 10 Redwing buzzed by a Sparrowhawk, 6 Jay, and 2 Great Spot Woodpeckers.

Carlton Marsh

2 Bittern chasing each other around the marsh at 08.05hrs and again at 08.13hrs (Keith Bannister) The original bird was on its favourite preening spot at 13.40hrs for about 3 minutes and later at 17.46hrs. A Little Egret flew north at 14.25hrs. Also present 9 Shoveler, Grey Wagtail, Willow Tit and Buzzard. 70 Lapwing flew east and Water Rail called. The Coot chick was being kept warm by the adult on the nest.

As I don't see them much can anyone with more experience age and sex this bird from this record shot?

Carlton Marsh

26 Greylags flew south at dawn and a few minutes later 56 flew north. 25 Canada Geese dropped in shortly after. A Water Rail was feeding out in the open and 10 Shoveler were feeding nearby. Passerines included a Redpoll (first this autumn) 8 Siskin, Treecreeper, 20 Redwing, 4 Mistle Thrush (feeding on Whitebeam berries) Also present Little Owl, Green & Great Spot Woodpecker, 2 Buzzard & Bittern. It was stood at its usual favoured spot on the edge of the reeds, seeable from the hide, at 14.00hrs.

Carlton Marsh

Bittern was seen flying over the marsh at 13.50hrs and was back in its favourite spot at 16.10hrs offering good views. After 10 minutes it flew into reeds on the eastern side of the scrape. (Chris Parkin/Dave Standish)

5 Red Admiral, 5 Comma and 5 Speckled Wood butterflies were on the wing. (CP)

Carlton Marsh

This morning provided Little Egret, 3 Kingfisher, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Treecreeper, 1 singing Chiffchaff, 10 Jay, Siskin, 30 Redwing, 56 Gadwall (a record count) and 75 Goldfinch. (Dave Smith/Chris Parkin)

This evening's session saw the Bittern out in full view at 18.18hrs for 5 minutes before it flew into the marsh. It returned to its favourite preening spot at 17.39hrs and spent its time posing and catching insects until 18.54hrs. At the same time Barn Owl was hunting as darkness fell. Earlier a pair of Coot were feeding a day old chick, I can't remember seeing one this late! c350 Black Headed Gull headed north to the Wintersett roost in the leaden sky. (Dave Standish/CG)

Wintersett 08.10.16

9 - 11 degrees with 7/8 cloud, calm until late morning then light north easterly.
Anglers CP Vis. Mig: 08.00 - 12.00hrs.
Going west:  Redwing 772.   Starling 38.   Brambling 1.
Going south:  Siskin 7,   Meadow Pipit 7,  Pied Wagtail 2,   Buzzard 1 at 10.20hrs..
Going north: Golden Plover 2. 
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 2 ( 1m N bank,  1m W bank).   Great Black-backed Gull 1 juvenile.
Bird ringing highlights included:  Chiffchaff 2,   Reed Warbler 1,   Redwing 2,   Goldfinch 29.   Chaffinch 21,   Reed Bunting 10.
Odonata: Migrant Hawker  4 WRes..

Carlton Marsh

This afternoon was good with Little Egret, Water Rail and 18 Shoveler The previous record was 14 on 6/10/88. Kingfisher, 2 Wigeon, 2 Tawny Owl and 4 Pintail included at least 1 male. They equalled a fly through record of 4 on 7/10/05 and were the first since 23/9/10!

Bittern gave good views again from 17.00hrs to 17.30hrs and from 18.39hrs to 18.45hrs. It is only seeable from the hide, which is kept locked. However, if you want to visit it will be open from 17.00hrs tomorrow evening and maybe open if someone is down in the morning.

Wilthorpe Marsh 7/10/16.

Early evening highlights - Jack Snipe 4, Green Sandpiper 1, C Snipe 11, Teal 30, Redwing 11, Goldcrest 3, Chiffchaff 1. A few Redwing heard going over last night and 1 heard over the town centre.

Wintersett 07.10.16

10 - 12 degrees with 8/8,  dull and drizzly with a light north easterly.
Incidental Vis Mig:  Redwing 90 west in 3 flocks. (30 + 40 + 20).    Swallow 1 south.
Anglers CP:  Goldeneye 4 + 2 Wres.,  Chiffchaff  4 + 3 Wres.,  Golden Plover 1 over, Snipe 2 over,   Siskin 2 and  Teal 8 + 3 CHRes..
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler  3  (1 alarming N bank,  1 m BH reeds + 1 W bank).  Blackcap 1,  Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult, 
Mammal: Visitors reported a hedgehog at the feeding station in the car park.

Ingbirchworth

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - full list - 8 Greylag Geese; 130 Canada Geese; 3 Teal; 31 Mallards; 2 Little Grebes; 1 Great Crested Grebe; 2 Moorhens, 1 Coot; 150+ Black-headed Gulls; 14 Common Gulls; 60+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls; 17 Woodpigeons; 1 Short-eared Owl left S over Ingbirchworth Common; 4 Magpies; 1 Jay; 3 Carrion Crows; 11 Jackdaws; 2 Blue Tits; 1 Chiffchaff; 1 Wren; 30+ Starlings; 1 Blackbird; 30+ Redwings; 2 Mistle Thrushes; 10 Robins; 1 Pied Wagtail; 1 Meadow Pipit; 10 Chaffinches and 2 Goldfinches.
Fullshaw - 120+ Starlings.

Wintersett 06.10.16

10 - 14 degrees with 4/8 cloud and a north easterly breeze.
Botany Bay: A Spotted Flycatcher, new for the year,  was in the north west corner early this morning.  This is the latest date that this species has been recorded.  Previous latest date was 27th September  in 1989.  Chiffchaff 6 counted here and east bank WRes  + 4 ringed ACP.
Wintersett Res:  Little Grebe 8 + 8 ACP + 1 MLPond.    Teal 3 + 18 ACP,   Goldeneye 3 + 1m ACP,  Water Rail 1.
Anglers CP:  Green Woodpecker 1,
Incidental Vis. Mig:  Buzzard 3 south   + 2  locals Disposal Point.
Insects: Painted Lady 1 MLPond.,  Small White 1 ACP and Migrant Hawker 6 WRes + 1 Botany.

                                      Spotted  Flycatcher         Botany NW Corner    SDenny

                                Spotted   Flycatcher         Botany NW Corner     SDenny

                                 Painted  Lady            Moorhouse Lane Pond     ASmith      

Carlton Marsh

No sign of the Bittern today, but it could still be around. Little Egret, 50 Canada Geese and 25 Greylags came in this morning. 10 Shoveler and 2 Wigeon were among the Tufted and Gadwall. There were 2 Chiffchaffs, 9 Jays and 20 Linnets over. 

A Red Admiral was flying in the sun.

Carlton Marsh

Today's highlights were; BITTERN which flew from Phragmites reed to the left of the hide, to another reedbed to the right at 14.25hrs. It had another short flight at 14.40hrs before disappearing into the reeds. It was seen again at 18.00hrs for 7 minutes in the same area walking in front of the reeds. This was first for 3 years.

Also of note 2 Buzzards, Grey Wagtail, 9 Shoveler, 5 Tufted Duck, Little Egret, Water Rail, Wigeon and Snipe. 30 Pink Feet flew west at 18.40hrs.

Two record shots as the light faded at 18.00hrs (D. M. Smith)

Wintersett 05.10.16

10 - 12 degrees with 3/8 cloud and a fresh easterly breeze.
Wintersett Res:  Cetti's Warbler 2 (1y male NE corner + 1 m west bank).  Little Grebe 9 + 4 ACP.  Goldeneye 4 females + 1 male ACP.  Teal 8 + 28 ACP + 3 CHR,   Water Rail 1. 
Chiffchaff  8 in area. 
Anglers CP: Little Egret 1 on shallows + 1 NE at 08.40hrs.
Incidental Vis. Mig: Redwing 40W.  Skylark 11 NE + 2S.

Wintersett 04.10.16

10 degrees with 5/8 cloud and light easterly.
Anglers CP + Vis Mig: A flock of 14 Pintail flew west at 07.37hrs.  Siskin 2 S,  Swallow 4 S,  Redwing 4 over,  Pink-footed Goose 4 over.   
Teal 31 + 2 CHRes.,    Snipe 4,   Cormorant 36 and  Blackcap 1. 
Wintersett Res:  Chiffchaff 4,   Goldeneye 2 + 1 ACP.
Botany Bay:  A male Cetti's Warbler was heard twice this morning. 
Cold Hiendley Res:  Wigeon 184 + 53 ACP + 9 WRes.  
Odonata:  Migrant Hawker 1 MLPond,  Common Darter 1 WRes. and Common Blue Damselfly 1 WRes..

Carlton Marsh

4 Snipe were feeding out in the open on the wader scrape. There appears to have been an influx of Blackbirds, 12 were feeding together. Also present Chiffchaff, Blackcap, 2 Buzzard, Water Rail and Barn Owl was hunting from 19.00hrs. At least 3 Pipistrelles were flying at dusk as male and female Tawny Owl called.

Ingbirchworth

High Bank, Millhouse Green - 1 Buzzard and 3 Kestrels.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - full list - 219 Greylag Geese; 266 Canada Geese; 11 Teal; 29 Mallards; 1 Grey Heron; 6 Little Grebes; 1 Great Crested Grebe; 1 Moorhen; 1 Coot; 4 Golden Plovers; 250+ Lapwings; c40 Black-headed Gulls; 15+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls; 7 Woodpigeons; 3 Kestrels; 6 Magpies; 4 Jackdaws; 11 Carrion Crows; 4 Goldcrests; 16 Blue Tits; 6 Great Tits; 1 Willow Tit; 2 Chiffchaffs; 6 Wrens; 2 Starlings; 3 Blackbirds; 1 Mistle Thrush; 10 Robins; 2 Grey Wagtails; 2 Pied Wagtails, and 7 Chaffinches.

Wintersett 03.10.16

The first grass frost of the autumn,,  3 degrees, misty and calm.  Light easterly cleared the mist gradually.   Then  up to 10 degrees, sunny with scattered cloud.
Anglers CP Vis. Mig: 07.45 - 10.15hrs.
Going south:  Meadow Pipit 44.    Pied Wagtail 29 (including a flock of 19).   Swallow 14.   Linnet 3.  Siskin 2.
Going west:  Song Thrush 2.   Reed Bunting 3,  Redwing 1 + 1 WRes.   Chaffinch 2 +  1S.
Also:  Skylark 6 NE.  
Anglers CP:  Dunlin 1,   Water Rail 1 and Cormorant 52.
Wintersett Res:  Chiffchaff 2 + 1 ACP + 1 HPLane.    Cetti's Warbler  3 (1 male north bank and 1 male west bank chasing another) .     Teal 8 + 3 CHRes.   Goldeneye 1 female. 

Carlton Marsh

Today's highlights were; 13 Shoveler, Water Rail, 3 Snipe, Little Egret, 2 Willow Tit feeding on Common Hemp Nettle seeds, Buzzard, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Coal Tit, Goldcrest and Little Owl. On adjacent fields were 25 Skylark, 10 Meadow Pipit and 40 Linnet. (Jim Plant & CG)

At dusk 6 Redwing came in to roost and Barn Owl was hunting from 19.15hrs. (Dave Standish)

Butterflies included 22 Speckled Wood, 17 Comma and 9 Red Admiral. (Chris Parkin)

Ewden lodge and return 2/10/16.

11am to 5pm. Warm in the sun but chilly when it clouded over. Steady birding but some showing well. 2 Peregrines fighting at the lodge showed well as did a pair of Sparrowhawks, + 8 C Buzzards, 4 Kestrels. A total of 15 Ravens, possibly 18, included an impressive party of 10. Total of 8 Stonechats with 6 still on broomhead moor and a pair at the s bends with the male still in top plumage. Also 60 Meadow Pipit mostly going s., 15 Siskin in the valley, Stock Dove 2, Curlew 1. Nuthatch, Goldcrest and Coal Tit near the entrance gate.

Wintersett Quality & Variety 02.10.16

6 - 14 degrees,  cool, clear, sunny start,  cloud increasing 11.00hrs onwards, with a  light, cool north easterly.
Anglers CP Vis. Mig:  06.30 - 14.00hrs.  Quality and variety over quantity today.
Highlights: Marsh Harrier 1 Cream Crowned S at 09.40hrs.    Ring Ouzel 1 W 09.45hrs - first vis.mig. record.     Goosander 2 redheads south.   Brambling a flock of 15 W at 10.30hrs.   Arctic Tern 1 juvenile NW at 10.37hrs.    Red Kite 1 S at 11.00hrs  + 1 SW at 12.50hrs .
Going south:  Meadow Pipit 238,   Swallow 253,    Skylark 56,  Linnet 42,  Pied Wagtail 27,   Grey Wagtail 1,    Goldfinch 17,  Chaffinch 13,   Stock Dove 6,   Siskin 5,   Song Thrush  2,      Cormorant 13 + 53 ACP
Going north: House Martin 1. 
Going West:   REDWING 326,   FIELDFARE 3, Starling 12.
Also Wood Pigeon 120 SW,   Buzzard 14 S or W + 11 locals.  
Anglers CP: Little Egret 1 came in 15.45hrs.  Redshank 1,   Peregrine 1 male over,  Golden Plover 1 over.
Wintersett Res: Water Rail1.
Cold Hiendley Res: Goldeneye 1 female.

Crossbills at Flouch

A couple of days ago at Flouch I had two groups of Crossbill feeding in the conifers. One group had 3 males, a female and 2 juveniles and interestingly, the female was feeding the juveniles. Reading up on this, it appears that food availability can change breeding times during the year and occasionally birds will breed in July/August. Also, juveniles can still be fed by adults up to 6 weeks after fledging until the mandibles start to cross and they can then extract seed from the cones, so these juveniles left the nest somewhere between now and the end of August? There are very few cones on the Scots Pines so birds are moving around the Spruce cones (as image).
Late breeding at Flouch or incoming birds??

Juvenile Crossbill being fed by female on Spruce seed (poor image due to distance) Geoff Carr

Does anyone have any information about the publication date of the BBSG atlas in which I and many others sponsored a species just a little time ago?

Carlton Marsh

This morning c20 Pink Feet flew south and a Golden Plover called in the mist. 10 Shoveler were on the wader scrape with 5 Lapwing. Also present were 3 Willow Tit, Kingfisher, Coal Tit, and 2 Chiffchaff. 25 Skylark and 10 Meadow Pipit were on adjacent fields and a Fox was on the prowl. (Jim Plant)

A Greenshank dropped in this afternoon. (Rod Heeley)

A report came in at dusk of two men on the wader scrape, one with a crossbow, the other throwing some sort of food into the water to entice wildfowl. Our informant said they were still there after dark. The incident was reported to the police!

Wintersett + Gull Roost 01.10.16

A very clear, cold 6 degrees start,  but mist drifted  in at 07.45hrs.  At  08.30 it cleared  for 30 promising minutes, but at 09.00hrs a wall of fog rolled in and didn't disperse until 11.30hrs.  Disappointing!
Anglers CP Vis. Mig: Swallow 10S + 15NE,  Siskin 1S and Meadow Pipit 83S.  Golden Plover 1 over.  After the fog lifted at 12.30hrs a flock of 21 Skylark went south.
Bird ringing highlights included:  Chiffchaff 19,   LESSER  REDPOLL 4,  Blackcap 2  and  Reed Warbler 1. 
Anglers CP:  Common Sandpiper 1,   Snipe 5 + 2 NW,  Cormorant 46,  Greylag Goose 144.   Goosander 1,  Shoveler 59 + 3 CHR,   Wigeon 230 + 12 ACP,   Gadwall 16 + 108 CHR,   Mallard 10 + 103 WR,   Water Rail 1 + 2 WR+ 2 CHR.  Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult.
Cold Hiendley Res:  Red-crested Pochard 1 eclipse drake,  Goldeneye 1 female.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 male.  Goldcrest 24 + 4 ACP.   Robin 80  incl. CHRes..
WRes Gull Roost per S Denny:   Got dark very early tonight but  a noted increase of Great Black-backed Gulls to 11, plus 7 Herring Gulls  &  22 Yellow-legged Gulls until  bad light & storm ended watch.

Wilthorpe Marsh + 1/10/16.

Very steady - Green Sandpiper 1, Snipe 8, Swallow 6, Mistle Thrush 10, Little Owl. 40 Pinkfeet w this morning over Staincross at 9-06 am.