Tuesday 28 February 2017

Carlton Marsh

The best bits from this afternoon were; 2 Siskin, 1 Redpoll north, 2 Coal Tit and Willow Tit on the feeder. 2 Goldcrest, Water Rail, 4 Redwing, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. I didn't stop to see if the Egret/Bittern/Barn Owl came out.

Wintersett 28.02.17

1 - 4 degrees,  sunny start with scattered cloud,  but bitterly cold north westerly wind.
6  birds added to the year list in February bring the Year-to-date total to 105.
Anglers CP:  Oystercatcher 5,  Cormorant 16 and Shoveler 18.
Wintersett Res: The north bank Cetti's Warbler was singing excitedly this morning.  Goosander 2. 

The Edge 28/02/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 38 Canada Geese, 181 Wigeon, 16 Mallard, 13 Teal, 11 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 5 Pochard, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Goosander, 1 Cormorant, 5 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 16 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 200+ Golden Plover, 4 Lapwing, 211 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 8 Skylark, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Song Thrush and 10+ Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 85 Canada Geese, 84 Wigeon, 46 Shoveler, 19 Gadwall, 14 Tufted Duck, 6 Teal, 4 Mallard, 2 Pochard, 3 Little Grebe, 40 Coot, 108 Lapwing and 150+ BH Gull.
TPT - 4 Redpoll with a flock of c20 Goldfinch.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 4 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 14 Tufted Duck, 5 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 3 Goosander, 3 Pochard, 3 Shoveler, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 171 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 87 BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Kestrel, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Song Thrush and 2 Willow Tit.

Monday 27 February 2017

Newmillerdam - 27 February 2017

Dark afternoon with heavy rain during part of the visit. A second unringed 1st winter mute swan has arrived, bringing the total to 8. The adult female, four of her sygnets from last year, one that was ringed at Wombwell Canal on 18 Aug 2016 (Red 299Y) and these two unringed swans. In addition, there is the juvenile whooper swan that acts like it's a mute swan too.

The pochard was not seen for the second day in a row, so may have now departed.

Mallards and Canada geese not counted on account of the rain, and there were hardly any black-headed gulls on site by late afternoon.

Black-headed gull (2), bullfinch (5), Canada goose, coot (30), goosander (3f), great crested grebe (2), kingfisher (1), mallard, moorhen (17), mute swan (8), rook (2), tufted duck (4), whooper swan (1).

BARNSLEY BIRD STUDY GROUP

THURSDAY 2nd MARCH at the OLD MOOR VISITOR CENTRE, Start 7.15 pm.
The final meeting of the winter sessions.

RON MARSHALL with a photographic tour 'TOP TO THE BOTTOM'. Expect some top class photography from around the World.

All welcome, £2.50 entrance charge includes interval drink.

Wintersett 27.02.17

3 - 5 degrees with intermittent showers from 09.30hrs onwards and a light westerly.
Anglers CP: An adult Yellow-legged Gull was in at 16.07hrs.
Wintersett Res: A Curlew flew west at 17.20hrs.  Little Grebe 4.  Cetti's Warbler 1 singing male west bank.

The Edge 27/02/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 87 Canada Geese, c200 Wigeon, 31 Teal, 12 Shoveler, 11 Mallard, 11 Pochard, 7 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall, 1 Goosander, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 12 Coot, 11 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 4 Lapwing, 2 Dunlin, 76 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 2 GBB Gull, 5+ Skylark, 2 Meadow Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtail and 2 Reed Bunting. K.Fisher also had a skein of 18 Whooper Swan over west at 8.30am, 16 Linnet and 2 Chiffchaff (Broomhill Park).
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 61 Wigeon, 46 Shoveler, 19 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall, 5 Teal, 4 Mallard, 2 Goldeneye, 41 Coot, c200 Lapwing, c150 Golden Plover, and 220+ BH Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 4 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 15 Tufted Duck, 11 Gadwall, 9 Mallard, 6 Goldeneye, 4 Pochard, 2 Goosander, 2 Shoveler, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 184 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 61 BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Cormorant, 1 Buzzard, 1 Grey Wagtail and 2 Bullfinch.

Sunday 26 February 2017

Carlton Marsh

Three hours after waiting patiently in the hide, as the weather deteriorated, Dave Standish was rewarded with a good sighting of the Bittern as it flew into its favourite roosting site at 16.55hrs. A Little Egret arrives a minute later. Also present Cormorant, Buzzard, 41 Gadwall and Water Rail.   

Brierley
8 Waxwings were perched in a tree at Bollingbrook House at 08.00hrs this morning. (Jim Plant) 

Wintersett + Gull Roost 26.02.17

5 - 7 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a south westerly breeze.
Moorhouse Lane Area: The Firecrest was reported present on Bird Guides News Extra at 08.35 hrs.
Anglers CP: 5 Linnets flew west. 
Haw Park Wood: Siskin 20.
Cold Hiendley Res: A Grey Wagtail was feeding on the spillway.
Cold Hiendley Field: Skylark 20 and Yellow Bunting 25.
Wintersett Res: The boathouse Cetti's Warbler was singing this morning. Goosander 2.  Steve Denny has had all 4  singing male Cetti's Warblers,  over the last two weeks, at first light.
WRes.Gull Roost: The regular 3rdW Iceland Gull was in for 5 minutes, then left for ACP at 16.10hrs.  The usual adult Iceland Gull was picked up shortly after. A 1stW Glaucous Gull and a 1st W Yellow-legged Gull were also seen.  Herring Gull 500. 

                       Iceland Gull  adult            WRes                SDenny

Newmillerdam - 26 February 2017

I arrived back at the dam wall at the end of my visit and was relieved that I'd got a gull count in before the latest visitor decided to chuck a loaf of bread into the lake and send the gulls frantic. The juvenile herring gull I'd been watching took to the air giving me an additional view, but it was then joined in flight by another herring gull and a magnificent yellow-legged gull flying directly overhead, fighting with the black-headed gulls for the bread.

Large gulls are something of a rarity at Newmillerdam, so three together and a new record for the year as well, was quite a good way to end the day.

The day had started off with a sparrowhawk flying over, then a flock of 100+ redwing off Wood Lane and a couple of grey partridge flying from the rough grassland at Woodmoor Farm. The new unringed mute swan was still on the lake and a third great crested grebe was in.

Black-headed gull (246), Canada goose (29), coot (33), goosander (3 1m/2f), great crested grebe (3), great spotted woodpecker (1), grey partridge (2), greylag goose (12), herring gull (2), mallard (150), moorhen (1), mute swan (7), redwing (100+), sparrowhawk (1), teal (3), tufted duck (8), whooper swan (1), yellow-legged gull (1).

Saturday 25 February 2017

Carlton Marsh

A Little Egret was on the wader scrape this morning and later 2 came in to roost. Notables today were Goldcrest singing, 3 Coal Tits (1 singing) 2 Mistle Thrush in song, 34 Gadwall, 12 Tufted Duck, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and 2 Woodcock at 18.25hrs going out to feed. (Dave Standish et al)

Wintersett + Gull Roost 25.02.17

9 degrees, mild with a few sunny spells,  scattered cloud to 8/8 and a south westerly wind.
Anglers CP + fields:  A RAVEN flew south over fields, calling at 08.05hrs, and then seen over CP going towards Haw Park Wood at 11.00hrs. A Dunlin flew over at 09.20hrs.   Stock Dove 21.  Redwing 22 (Hare Park).  Jack Snipe 1.  Oystercatcher 5.  Kingfisher 1.  Shoveler 23 .  Pochard 14 + 3 WRes..  Greylag Goose 80.  Goosander 2. 
Cold Hiendley Res:  A RED  KITE flew over west at 15.20 per SDenny.
 Wintersett Res: Gadwall 12 + 3 ACP.  Goldeneye 131 (49WRes + 66 ACP + 16 CHRes).  Cetti's Warbler 1 singing male in the boathouse reeds.
WRes. Gull Roost:  An adult Yellow-legged Gull was the only notable today.  Herring Gull 450.  Lesser Black-backed Gull 8.  Great Black-backed Gull 1.  Black-headed Gull 5000.


BEFORE  did some cutting along the edge of  ACP lake this  morning.  

AFTER. 

Friday 24 February 2017

Carlton Marsh

Sightings today included Goldcrest, 8 Tufted Duck, Treecreeper, Sparrowhawk, and 14 Lapwing. (Rod Heeley) Barn Owl and Little Owl were also seen.

Cudworth
A Red Admiral was sunning itself in Arthur Vincent's Stanley Street garden at mid-day!

Ardagh Glassworks - Monk Bretton
A Peregrine was seen here at 10.30hrs yesterday 23rd. (Dave Smith)

Wintersett 24.02.17

2 - 6 degrees with sun, scattered cloud and a south westerly breeze.
Anglers CP: 2 Shelduck left north at 07.30hrs.   Woodcock 1. The ringed adult Black-headed Gull, left leg AYA black on white, right leg metal was seen this morning.  Goosander 4 + 2 WRes..   Canada X Greylag Hybrids 5.
Cold Hiendley Field: Skylark 50.  Yellowhammer 40.
Moorhouse Lane: Firecrest 1m.  Willow Tit 1 + 1 WRes.. 
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 singing male in boathouse reeds.
Mick Hemingway took these Firecrest shots between the crossroads and the road.




Newmillerdam - 24 February 2017

Today saw a second great crested grebe arrive and the two greylag geese that arrived last Saturday (18th) were still present. The greylags were in first thing last Saturday, (new for the year) and were later joined by 41 others that flew in and hung around for a few hours before leaving the original two in residence. A buzzard was perched up in the woodland to the south-west of the lake.

Black-headed gull (83), buzzard (1), Canada goose (16), coot (26), goldfinch (4), goosander (3 2f/1m), great crested grebe (2), great spotted woodpecker (1), greylag goose (2), kingfisher (1), mallard (156), moorhen (15), mute swan (7), pochard (1), teal (1), tufted duck (11), juvenile whooper swan (1).

The Edge 24/02/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 124 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 203 Wigeon, 26 Teal, 10 Mallard, 9 Gadwall, 8 Shoveler, 6 Goosander, 2 Tufted Duck, 4 Grey Heron, 10 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 1 Sparrowhawk, 205 Golden Plover, 2 Lapwing, 207 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull, 6+ Skylark and 2 Meadow Pipit.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 32 Canada Geese, 66 Wigeon, 56 Shoveler, 29 Teal, 18 Gadwall, 14 Tufted Duck, 7 Pochard, 5 Mallard, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Red Legged Partridge, 3 Little Grebe, 42 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 2 Buzzard, 50+ Lapwing, 150+ BH Gull and 2 Common Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4 Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 14 Tufted Duck, 5 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 4 Goldeneye, 3 Teal, 2 Pochard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 184 Coot, 3 Moorhen and 71 BH Gull. Also present were 4 Cormorant 1 Grey Heron and 2 Willow Tit.

Thursday 23 February 2017

Carlton Marsh

Storm Doris wreaked havoc nationwide with Strong to gale force winds and a deep depression down to 975 millibars. Late afternoon saw 2 Little Egrets in to roost, 3 Snipe, Tawny Owl and a Woodcock going out to feed at dusk. (Dave Standish)

Wednesday 22 February 2017

Wintersett 22.02.17

Up to 8 degrees,  sunny spells this morning but with a cool, strong south westerly.
Rough Bottom: 14 Lapwings were  mobbing a Red Kite at 08.30 per John Gardner @WildscenesUK
Anglers CP:  9 Eurasian White-fronted Geese flew north at 09.40 hrs and were reported at Swillington Ings , on the ridge & furrow,  at 10.50hrs. These are the first since 2011!  Goosander 1 male.  Pochard 15 + 1 WRes:  Great Black-backed Gull 2 x 1stW.  Cormorant 10.  Green Woodpecker 1. 
Wintersett Res: The boathouse Cetti's Warbler was singing very loudly this morning.  A Treecreeper was in the Willow Wood.
Santingley area: Redwing 17,  Fieldfare 2 and Meadow Pipit 2 per Chris Swaine

 Redwings           CSwaine

Tuesday 21 February 2017

Wintersett 21.02.17

7 - 10 degrees,  sunny spells early morning but cloud increased to 8/8 with a south westerly breeze.
Moorhouse Lane Pond:  Firecrest still present in  the Silver birch copse at 9.50am - per Jonathan Holliday.
Angler CP: Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull was on the rock wall this morning.   Shoveler 24. Pochard 14,  Little Grebe 1.  Snipe 1. Curlew 1.   Oystercatcher 2 + 2 WRes..
Wintersett Res: 50  Pink-footed Geese flew west at 08.40hrs per Rod & Carol.   The boathouse Cetti's Warbler was singing loudly late morning.  Pochard  2.

Psycho the magnificent  adult Yellow-legged Gull       Anglers CP     AS

The Edge 21/02/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1 Mute Swan, 64 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 6 Shelduck, c200 Wigeon, 26 Shoveler, 23 Gadwall, 21 Mallard, 20+ Teal, 4 Tufted Duck, 3 Goosander, 3 Pochard, 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 13 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 35 Lapwing, 100+ Golden Plover, 194 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 3 Skylark and 2 Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 36 Canada Geese, a skein of c120 Pink Footed Geese, through west at 10.20am , 71 Wigeon, 36 Shoveler, 14 Gadwall, 13 Tufted Duck, 9 Teal, 8 Pochard, 5 Mallard, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Cormorant, 1 Red Legged Partridge. 2 Kestrel, 29 Coot, 174 Lapwing, 150+ BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull.
TPT -1 Buzzard and 2 Mistle Thrush.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 19 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 5 Goldeneye, 2 Pochard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 172 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 66 BH Gull and 10 Common Gull. Also present were 6 Canada Geese, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kingfisher and 2 Willow Tit.

Monday 20 February 2017

Carlton Marsh

Today's highlights were; 5 Redwing, 2 Buzzard and Water Rail. (Chris Parkin)
200 + Pink Feet headed North at 15.50hrs and Bittern alighted in full view, just a few yards in front of the hide, at 15.53hrs. (Dave Standish)

Wintersett 20.02.17

Up to 10 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a westerly wind.
Moorhouse/Back Lane: Firecrest 1 male just beyond the crosspaths towards Nostell.
Anglers CP: Oystercatcher 6 - 2 pairs on the rock wall + 2 on the reserve.   Green Woodpecker 1 and Shoveler 12.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 male in boathouse reeds.   Goosander 1 redhead.   Golden Plover 8 flew west. 

The Edge 20/02/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 51 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 91 Wigeon, 19 Gadwall, 18 Teal, 15 Shoveler, 9 Mallard, 4 Goosander, 4 Goosander, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard, 6 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 11 Coot, 7 Moorhen, 11 Lapwing, 124 Golden Plover, 120+ BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 3 Skylark, 1 Song Thrush, 3+ Pied Wagtail,  c10 Linnet and 3 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 4 Mute Swan, 31 Canada Geese, 1 Shelduck, 47 Wigeon, 31 Shoveler, 18 Tufted Duck, 18 Gadwall, 7 Mallard, 6 Tufted Duck, 6 Teal, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 26 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 50+ Lapwing, 250+ BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the very choppy water were 2 Mute Swan, 19 Tufted Duck, 12 Gadwall, 9 Mallard, 6 Goldeneye, 3 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 191 Coot, 220+ BH Gull, 25 Common Gull, 4 Herring Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Jay and 2 Willow Tit.

Sunday 19 February 2017

Low Barugh Sewage Farm / Low Moor Midhope 19/2/17.L

Low Barugh - As expected, fewer birds in milder weather. Common Chiffchaff 2, Pied Wag 50, Reed Bunting 6, Linnet flock 32 down in nearby field. Low Moor - Misty here on arrival so anything welcome. A short stay had 25 Lapwing and 1 Curlew back, all down until flushed by a Sparrowhawk which perched on a post for a good 15 minutes. Top bird here was a Merlin through, before lost to view over pike lowe. Siskin 15 and 20 Teal on midhope res. No sign of any Goldeneye.

Carlton Marsh

Goldcrest, Song Thrush (5) Blackbird (2) were all singing today. 2 Kingfishers were very active and a Barn Owl was hunting from 16.00hrs. Bittern flew across the scrape at 16.32hrs and 6 Redwing came in to roost later.

More signs of spring - Blackthorn in flower and Hazel catkins extending.

Wintersett 19.02.17

Up to 9 degrees with 8/8 hazy cloud and a light westerly.
Moorhouse LanePonds  Area:  Firecrest 1 male.   Lesser Redpoll  Mealy Redpoll
Haw Park Wood:  A male and a female Crossbill were seen in treetops on path between 5 ways and the mushrooms.
Anglers CP: Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult.   Curlew 1.  Lapwing 110.   Little Grebe 3.    Peregrine 1 north at 10.35hrs.   Goldeneye 60 + 46 WRes.. 
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 singing male in the boathouse reeds.  Tawny Owl 1.

Chris Swaine took these great shots of the Curlew this morning.



Lynz Harston took these lovely shots of the  Grey Wagtails at ACP this morning.



Edderthorpe

Lots of water in both Edderthorpe & Houghton.
 Shelduck 8, Pintail 1 drake, Wigeon 117, Teal 73, Gadwall 45, 6 Common Buzzards were circling Storrs Mill Wood with another 2 over Houghton, Oystercatcher 2, Golden Plover 40 flew northwards and 2 Ringed Plover on the black ash at Sash.

Scout Dyke Res Sun 19/2/2017

Overcast 9C 12p.m - 1p.m

Stonechat, Willow Tit 1, Blue Tit 6, Great Tit 2, Greenfich 3, Goldfinch 6, Chaffinch 1, Redwing c50, Fieldfare 10, Song Thrush, Cormorant 2, Dabchick 5, Tufted 5, Mallard 20, Kestrel, Common Gull 1, B-Headed Gull c30, Woodpigeon 3, Magpie, Robin 5

Saturday 18 February 2017

Wintersett + Gull Roost 18.02.17

7 - 9 degrees with sunshine, patchy cloud and a light south westerly.
Moorhouse/ BackLane: John and Matthew Armitage paid a visit to the Firecrest site and got excellent views of the bird. It was very mobile but present about 30m along the top of the old railway embankment path before you dip down to the "crossroads" of four paths.  It was with Long-tailed Tits, Blue Tits and a Goldcrest.
Anglers CP: 60 Pink-footed Geese flew over west at 10.35hrs.  Goldeneye 68 + 32 WRes..
Also a single Siskin, a Stock Dove and several Curlew (5  ? ) in fields to north calling and in flight per John and Matthew Armitage.
WRes. Gull Roost Notables :   A 1stW Yellow-legged  Gull and 2 Mediterranean Gulls an adult  +  a 1stW  were seen tonight  per GJS
Wintersett Res:  The boathouse Cetti's Warbler was singing this morning.  Barn Owl 1. 
Chris Swaine took these cracking pictures of the  Oystercatchers this afternoon.




Friday 17 February 2017

Wintersett 17.02.17

7 degrees, flat calm with  8/8 cloud, drizzly and damp.
Anglers CP:  Oystercatcher 4 -   that's both pairs back.  Green Woodpecker 2.  Shoveler 16.  Gadwall 5 + 2 WRes.. 
Wintersett Res: The boathouse Cetti's Warbler was"chicking" and showing well,  on the west bank.  Goosander 5. 

Carlton Marsh

It was overcast, but mild with a high of 10.2c SW/W L-M. Again the latter part of the afternoon was watched the most. Barn Owl was hunting from 16.50hrs. (2 last night from 17.00hrs - Ian & Karen Pickard) Little Egret came in to roost at 16.57hrs and Bittern flew across the scrape at 17.39hrs. (Dave Standish)

Newmillerdam - 17 February 2017

A new unringed juvenile mute swan was in today and joined the resident family. A grey heron was seen over Wood Lane flying east to the lake and today's black-headed gull count was the highest of the year so far.

Black-headed gull (254), Canada goose (33), coot (26), goosander (2f), great crested grebe (1), grey heron (1), lesser black-backed gull (1), mallard (202), moorhen (10), mute swan (7), pochard (2), teal (1), tufted duck (12), whooper swan (1).

The Edge 17/02/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 3 Mute Swan, 11 Canada Geese, 1 Shelduck, 189 Wigeon, 37 Teal, 17 Shoveler, 16 Mallard, 14 Gadwall, 4 Tufted Duck, 3 Goosander, 1 Pochard, 1 Grey Heron, 13 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 211 Golden Plover, 51 Lapwing, 191 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull, 5 Skylark, 4 Mistle Thrush, 1 Song Thrush, 6 Meadow Pipit, 3 Pied Wagtail, c20 Linnet, 8 Yellowhammer and 5 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash -  Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 69 Canada Geese, 69 Wigeon, 31 Shoveler, 27 Gadwall, 9 Tufted Duck, 8 Teal, 3 Pochard, 3 Cormorant, 32 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 200+ BH Gull and 3 Common Gull.
TPT - 3 Redwing and 2 Bullfinch
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4 Mute Swan, 41 Tufted Duck, 11 Gadwall, 7 Mallard, 6 Goldeneye, 5 Shoveler, 4 Pochard, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 192 Coot, 88 BH Gull and 13 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Willow Tit and 2 Bullfinch.

Thursday 16 February 2017

Wintersett 16.02.17

Up to 7 degrees,   bright start again, but 8/8 cloud by late morning, with a cold south westerly breeze.
Anglers CP:  Mealy Redpoll 2,  Brambling 1 female,  Siskin 6.  Oystercatcher 2 - the south pair standing on rock wall.   Greylag Goose 82.
Wintersett Res: Grey Wagtail 2 on spillway.   A  male Cetti’s Warbler  gave excellent views while  'chicking',  (ring on right leg) - boathouse bench   A ringed Treecreeper  was in the Willow Wood.   Skylarks were displaying in the west bank field.
Chris had  3 Oystercatchers flying around - The pair from ACP chasing off an intruder.

                       Treecreeper          Willow Wood WRes.      CSwaine

Newmillerdam - 16 November 2017

Calm and bright day. Fairly steady today. The great crested grebe is still around and still alone.

Black-headed gull (37+, difficult to count due to disturbance from a chap with a loaf of Hovis), Canada goose (41), coot (25), goosander (3 - 2f/1m), great crested grebe (1), kingfisher (1), little grebe (1), mallard (211), moorhen (7), mute swan (6), pochard (3), tufted duck (18), whooper swan (1).

Berry Gobblers +.16/2/17.

7 Waxwings at Goldthorpe asda at 7-15am but no sign on return at 4-10pm. Merlin yesterday over A635 flew towards Billingley village at billingley green.

Wednesday 15 February 2017

Wintersett 15.02.17

5 - 7 degrees with a bright start and a cool south easterly breeze.  Cloud increased to 8/8 by late morning.
Anglers CP: Cormorant 12 + 2 WRes..   Pochard 13.  Shoveler 14.  Shelduck 1.
Wintersett Res: 3 Oystercatchers flew over displaying territorial behaviour.

The Edge 15/02/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 5 Canada Geese, 4 Shelduck, 169 Wigeon, 42 Teal, 19 Gadwall, 17 Mallard, 11 Shoveler. 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Goosander, 1 Pochard. 1 Little Egret, 11 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 180+ Golden Plover, 10 Lapwing, 52 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 8+Skylark, 1 Song Thrush, c20 Linnet, 12 Yellowhammer and 5 Reed Bunting.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 35 Canada Geese, 22 Tufted Duck, 9 Gadwall, 6 Goldeneye, 5 Pochard, 4 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 1 Great Crested Grebe,  2 Cormorant, 198 Coot, 16 BH Gull and 9 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Heron, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Jay, 3 Song Thrush,2 Mistle Thrush and 2 Willow Tit.

Tuesday 14 February 2017

Carlton Marsh

A late afternoon visit with Dave Smith saw Barn Owl at 17.10hrs, Little Egret in to roost (2 last night) and Bittern flew from its favoured reed bed to roost in the marsh. On my way home Tawny and Long - eared Owl called as it got dark. Earlier Dave had a Woodcock going out to feed.

Wintersett 14.02.17

1 - 4 degrees, with 8/8 cloud and a cold couth easterly wind.
Wintersett Res: 2   Buzzards,   1 male Cetti's in boathouse reeds and  16 Yellowhammer on SW bank.
Cold Hiendley SF:   6 Pied  Wagtails.

               Common Buzzards      ACP             CSwaine

Newmillerdam 14 (&13th) February 2017

Mild, dry day and quite busy with it being half-term.

Black-headed gull, Canada goose (29), coot (37), goosander (5 2m/3f), great crested grebe (1), lesser black-backed gull (1), little grebe (1), mallard, moorhen (10), mute swan (6), pochard (3), teal (5), tufted duck (21), whooper swan (1).

Monday 13th
Black-headed gull, Canada goose (30), coot (23), goosander (4 2m/2f), great crested grebe (1), lesser black-backed gull (1), little grebe (3), moorhen (4), mute swan (6), pochard (1), teal (1), tufted duck (16), whooper swan (1).

The Edge 14/02/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1 Shelduck, 185 Wigeon, 61 Teal, 13 Gadwall, 6 Mallard, 4 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 13 Coot, 10 Moorhen, 240 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 1 Kestrel, 167 Golden Plover, 6 Skylark, 1 Song Thrush, 7 Redwing and 3 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash- Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 150+ Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 85 Shoveler, 82 Wigeon, 55 Teal, 35 Gadwall, 16 Pochard, 14 Tufted Duck, 1m Goldeneye, 1f Goosander, 7 Cormorant, 1 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine, 47 Coot, 12 Moorhen and 131 BH Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water  were 4 Mute Swan, 37 Tufted Duck, 25 Mallard, 10 Teal, 9 Gadwall, 7 Goldeneye, 6 Pochard, 5 Goosander, 1 Shoveler, 2 Cormorant, 209 Coot, 8 BH Gull and 4 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Canada Geese, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Willow Tit and 1 Goldcrest.

Monday 13 February 2017

The Edge 13/02/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 45 Canada Geese, 2 Shelduck, 80+ Wigeon, 16 Gadwall, 14 Teal, 10 Mallard, 7 Tufted Duck, 2 Shoveler, 2 Goosander, 1 Pochard, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 11 Coot, 5 Moorhen, c200 Golden Plover, 6 Lapwing, 75 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Stonechat, 3 Skylark, 25 Linnet, 6 Yellowhammer and 10+ Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 3 Mute Swan, 63 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 51 Shoveler, 26 Wigeon, 24 Teal, 21 Gadwall, 13 Pochard,  8 Tufted Duck, 4 Mallard, 2 Cormorant, 1 Buzzard, 26 Coot, 4 Moorhen and 68 BH Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 9 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 4 Goldeneye, 4 Mallard, 1 Teal, 1 Goosander, 2 Cormorant, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 197 Coot, 8 BH Gull and 4 Common Gull. Also present were 21 Canada Geese and 2 Willow Tit.

Newmillerdam - 12 February 2017

Light sleet and rain all morning. Miserable day of poor light. A buzzard was in the woods at the southern end of the lake, and a flock of c50 siskin with a few goldfinch were by Lawns Dike. Light was terrible and whilst I looked, I couldn't see anything else in the flock.

Black-headed gull (61), buzzard (1), Canada goose (14), coot (35), goldflinch (28), goosander (6 -2m/4f), great crested grebe (1), great spotted woodpecker (1), lesser black-backed gull (1), little grebe (2), mallard (205), moorhen (8), mute swan (6), pochard (1), siskin (50), tufted duck (16), whooper swan (1).

Sunday 12 February 2017

Weekend roundup 12/2/17.

Today at Low Barugh S.F.- Chiffchaff 5+, very mobile but 4 seen well were commons. The usual count of about 70 Pied Wags but Grey Wags down to 2. Needs to be freezing to get the Pipits in so very poor with only 1 Meadow seen. 70+ Magpies were in the pre roost build up, 200 BH Gulls down in adjacent fields and 1 yaffling G.Pecker. Woolley Dam, - very steady with no sight or sound of any Peckers in poor weather. 18 Teal was a site record with 200 thrushes down which were mostly Fieldfare. 500+ Woodpigeon were in the area. Yesterday at Bretton late aft. - 23 Goosander, 8 GC Grebes included a pair displaying, 3 Shoveler, 7 Goldcrests.

Adwick Washland WeBS count - February 12th 2017

Had to have two attempts at WeBS count today, arrived this morning at 08.30 with sleet and cold northerly in my face. Scope steamed up, Bins steamed up, glasses steamed up, couldn't see much so abandoned visit until this afternoon.

Still thowing it down at 2 o'clock this afternoon but decided to brave it at 3 o'clock. Fortunately rained stopped just in time to enable me to have a look although the conditions meant the birds were sheltering and very difficult to count.

Full list - Little Egret 4, Mute Swan 2, Grey Lag Goose 94, Canada Goose 47, Shelduck 2, Mallard 14, Teal 28, Wigeon 175, Shoveler 5,Gadwall 84, Goosander 2, Coot 12, Moorhen 28, Lapwing 169, Snipe 1, Kingfisher 1. Also Grey Partridge 5.

Wintersett WeBS February 2017

2 degrees, 8/8 dark grey cloud,  drizzly rain/sleet and a nithering easterly wind.

Here are the WeBS totals for the Wintersett Area 12.02.17

Mute Swan 6,   Canada Goose 215,   Greylag Goose 110,   Mallard 34,   Wigeon 190,  Shoveler 2,   Gadwall 6,   Teal 2,   Tufted Duck 123,   Pochard 10,   Goldeneye 62,   Goosander  6,   Muscovy Duck 1,   Great Crested Grebe 14,   Little Grebe 4,   Grey Heron  5,   Cormorant 19,   Water Rail 2,   Coot 158,   Moorhen 21,   Oystercatcher 1,   Lapwing 51.

Edderthorpe, February WeBS counts

These are the highlights from a very cold and wet morning;-
Edderthorpe & Houghton
most birds were sheltering on Houghton and difficult to count but the combined totals are;
Shelduck 11, Mallard 470, Teal 160, Wigeon 182, Shoveler 27 and just 13 Lapwing with most probably sheltering in fields which is where the geese presumably were too.

Ferry Moor (Sash pond) & Cudworth Common
Mallard 88, Teal 21, Gadwall 23, Shoveler 22, Wigeon 11, Pochard 15, Tufted 10, Lapwing 12, Ringed Plover 5 on the ash field next to Sash, Green Sandpiper 1.

Cudworth

White Cross Avenue
c230 Waxwings were counted in large trees near the Sorbus on the Avenue. There were at least 170 in Les Corrall's garden nearby at 09.00hrs. They came to smash and grab berries before the Mistle Thrush harassed them. They are really flighty so its difficult to see if there are any rings on them. If they aren't on the tree they will be in some large trees nearby.
By 13.00hrs the tree had been stripped bare and our colourful visitors had vacated the scene.

Newmillerdam - 11 February 2017

Thick cloud all morning and light rain made it a pretty grim day for birding. There weren't many people round the lake, so disturbance was minimal, very unusual for a weekend, but there weren't many active birds in the tree tops either.

Black-headed gull (78), Canada goose (6), coot (27), goosander (6 2m/4f), great spotted woodpecker (2), kestrel (1), kingfisher (2), lesser black-backed gull (1), little grebe (1), mallard (189), moorhen (3), mute swan (6), pochard (3), redwing (20), teal (3), tufted duck (17), whooper swan (1).

Saturday 11 February 2017

Wintersett + Gull Roost

2 - 3 degrees,  8/8 dull, damp,  grim, with a cold north easterly breeze.
Anglers CP: An  adult Mediterranean Gull  flew over south at 09.39hrs.  Oystercatcher 2. 
Cold Hiendley Field: Grey Partridge 2,  Skylark 70,  Meadow Pipit 1,  Yellowhammer 22 and Sparrowhawk 1.
Wintersett Res:  Willow Tit 1 in SE corner. 
WRes + Gull Roost: 
Notables:  Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult  + a 1stW.    Mediterranean Gull  1  1stW.,
Totals: Great Black-backed Gull  25,    Lesser Black-backed Gull  9,   Herring Gull  850.

Nether Cudworth

A Sorbus I have been watching since the beginning of February came good today. I had a call from Les Corrall to say 34 Waxwings were in his White Cross Road garden. Coat on I dashed up to nearby White Cross Avenue and there they were in  some tall trees awaiting there chance to feed on the whitish berries. However, they were continually buzzed by a pair of Storm Cocks, who regarded the Sorbus berries as their own. This could work well for us, as it will take the Waxwings longer to eat off all the berries.

Friday 10 February 2017

Carlton Marsh

A blocking high pressure system is responsible for the current overcast North Easterly and near freezing temperatures. Today's highlights were; Buzzard 2, Redpoll 2, Coot 14, Cormorant 3, Fieldfare 8, Water Rail 2, Willow Tit, Coal Tit and Tawny Owl. Not forgetting Bittern at 14.35hrs on the scrape. It climbed the reeds at 15.42hrs and flew into the main marsh. A Barn Owl hunting from 16.28hrs was joined by a second bird at 16.49hrs and 2 Little Egrets came in to roost at 17.27hrs. A Fox was on the prowl earlier. (Rod Heeley/Chris Parkin/Dave Standish/CG)

Upper Cudworth
20 Waxwings alighted briefly in Geoff Miller's Beech Avenue garden at 10.25hrs, before leaving NE.

Wintersett 10.02.17

-1 to 2 degrees with intermittent light sleet, 8/8 grey cloud and a biting north easterly.
Anglers CP:  Oystercatcher 2.   Teal 6,  Shoveler 2m + 2f  and 1 m WRes.   Cormorant 7 + 2 WRes + 2 CHRes.  Lapwing 250
Wintersett Res:  A Red Kite flew over SE  at 11.10hrs - new for the year,  per Mick Hemingway.  Cetti's Warbler 1 singing male in the boathouse reeds.

Newmillerdam - 10 February 2017

Looked through a flock of redwing off Wood Lane and picked out eight fieldfare, a new species for the year. A brambling was in the woodland near the East Lodge, a cormorant was perched over the water, and a great crested grebe was on the lake.

Black-headed gull (157), brambling (1), Canada goose (27), coot (24), cormorant (1), fieldfare (8), goldfinch (15), goosander (2f), great crested grebe (1), greenfinch (7), lesser black-backed gull (1), little grebe (1), mallard (179), moorhen (8), mute swan (6), pochard (2), redwing (24), rook (9), starling (13), tufted duck (25), juvenile whooper swan (1).

The Edge 10/02/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 31 Canada Geese, 2 Shelduck, 160+ Wigeon, 21 Gadwall, 12 Shoveler, 11 Teal, 8 Mallard, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 1 Little Egret, 12 Coot, 10 Moorhen, 211 Golden Plover, 61 Lapwing, 131 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 3 Skylark, 2 Mistle Thrush, 15 Linnet, 1 Yellowhammer and 3 Reed Bunting. A Peregrine was over at 10.50am.
Broomhill Flash - Highlight was a male Common Scoter. Also noted were 2 Mute Swan, 76 Canada Geese, 65 Shoveler, 54 Wigeon, 25 Teal, 16 Pochard, 12 Gadwall, 10 Tufted Duck, 4 Mallard, 3 Cormorant, 44 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 48 Lapwing,  78 BH Gull and 11 Common Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 1 Greylag, 15 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 6 Tufted Duck, 5 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 214 Coot and 3 BH Gull. Also present were 49 Canada Geese, 1 Song Thrush and 2 Willow Tit.

Thursday 9 February 2017

Carlton Marsh

Another typical cold overcast easterly type of winter day, but despite that a Barn Owl was hunting this morning. (Ian Pickard) Coot are on the move 21 this afternoon was 8 up on normal and just short of the all time record of 22 on 7/1/1985! Goldcrests were feeding together and as dusk approached things livened up with 2 Barn Owls hunting the western meadow and 2 Little Egrets in to roost from the north. (Dave Standish)

Newmillerdam - 9 February 2017

Excellent flock of c40 waxwing in the arboretum today. Great to finally see a flock of them streaming down from the taller trees to the one tree full of berries. It will be no surprise if this is the last of the waxwings at Newmillerdam this year, as it's unlikely that there will be any berries left tomorrow.

A really good flock of 80 redwing off Wood Lane too.

Black-headed gull (163), Canada goose (30), coot (27), goldfinch (12), goosander (3 2f/1m), grey wagtail (1), kingfisher (1), lesser black-backed gull (1), mallard (249), moorhen (9), mute swan (6), nuthatch (2), pochard (2), redwing (c80), starling (11), teal (1), tufted duck (16), waxwing (c40), whooper swan (1).

Wintersett 09.02.17

2 - 3 degrees with 8/8 cloud  and very cold north easterly.
Moorhouse/Back Lane - disused railway.  The male FIRECREST  was seen just before midday.
Anglers CP:  Shelduck 2.  Oystercatcher 1.   Siskin 6
Haw Park Lane:  Redpoll 20.
Wintersett Res:  Cetti's Warbler 1 singing male in boathouse reeds.

The Edge 09/02/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 18 Canada Geese, 3 Shelduck, c90 Wigeon, 24 Gadwall, 11 Shoveler, 6 Teal, 5 Mallard, 3 Goosander 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 1 Grey Heron, 11 Moorhen, 10 Coot, 1 Kestrel, 226 Golden Plover, 61 Lapwing, 59 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Stonechat, 2 Redwing, 2 Reed Bunting and 2 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 57 Wigeon, 51 Shoveler, 19 Gadwall, 18 Pochard, 13 Tufted Duck, 6 Teal, 2 Mallard, 6 Cormorant, 41 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 42 Lapwing, 48 BH Gull and 1 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 19 Tufted Duck, 10 Gadwall, 9 Shoveler, 7 Goldeneye, 5 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 1 Teal, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 6+ Cormorant, 208 Coot, 1 Moorhen and 3 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush and 2 Willow Tit.

Wednesday 8 February 2017

Newmillerdam - 8 (& 6th) February 2017

Almost total cloud cover today, though there was a short spell of sunshine when the cloud cleared.

Not a lot of activity in the treetops, but it was quite quiet on the footpaths, so disturbance was minimal around the lake today. A pochard was by the central walkway, which is the furthest south I've seen it.

Black-headed gull (157), bullfinch (4), Canada goose (28), coot (38), goosander (2f), kingfisher (3), lesser black-backed gull (2), little grebe (1), mallard (184), moorhen (7), mute swan (6), pochard (2), redwing (8), siskin (6), teal (5), tufted duck (17), whooper swan (1).

Monday 6th
Waxwing were in the arboretum (Mick Hemingway counted 9) and a flock of c40 siskin were around the southern end of the lake.

Black-headed gull (119), Canada goose, coot, goldcrest (4), goldfinch (10), goosander (6 - 2m/4f), kingfisher (2), mallard, moorhen, mute swan (6), nuthatch (3), pochard (1), treecreeper (1), tufted duck, whooper swan (1).

Carlton Marsh

The Little Egret seen this morning came in to roost at dusk. Barn Owl was hunting and Bittern showed briefly before it got dark. (Dave Standish/Dave Smith)

Rabbit Ings
A Woodcock was flushed from near a small copse yesterday. (Mick Birkinshaw)

The Edge 08/02/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 4 Mute Swan, 54 Canada Geese, 6 Shelduck, c90 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 21 Gadwall, 13 Mallard, 6 Tufted Duck, 6 Shoveler, 3 Goosander, 1 Little Egret, 11 Coot, 8 Moorhen, c250 skittish Golden Plover, 121 Lapwing, 152 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 3 Skylark, 1 Pied Wagtail and 21 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 65 Shoveler, 52 Wigeon, 26 Teal, 23 Gadwall, 13 Pochard, 10 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Grebe,  6 Cormorant, 1 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard, 115 Lapwing, 31 BH Gull and 1 Common Gull
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swans, 18 Tufted Duck, 16 Gadwall, 11 Mallard, 7 Goldeneye, 4 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 2 Goosander, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 181 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 12 BH Gull and 11 Common Gull,. Also present were 23 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Bullfinch and 2 Willow Tit.

Tuesday 7 February 2017

150,000 Birds - Wintersett



Wintersett Ringing Group was formed in 1974 by John Armitage.

2016 was a momentous year for the Group as the 150,000th bird was ringed, during the late summer.  Over the years we have had plenty of exciting recoveries, from countries far and wide, such as:

Swallows in South Africa, Mauritania and Morocco, Sand Martin in Senegal, Reed Warbler in Ceuta on the NW coast of Africa, Lesser Whitethroat in Turkey, Garden Warbler in Ghana, Fieldfare in Finland and Redwing in Russia, east of the Ural Mountains.

Our latest batch of interesting recoveries are detailed below:

A juvenile Reed Warbler ringed on 7th August 2015

was caught by ringers,
at Caminha, Viana do Castelo, Portugal on 14th August 2016

at a distance of 1,417 kms to the SSW.



A first year Reed Warbler ringed on 7th September 2016

was caught at Icklesham, East Sussex on 14th September 2016

at a distance of 334 kms to the SSE.



A first year Lesser Redpoll ringed on the 3rd October 2015

was caught at Copeland Bird Observatory, Down, Northern Ireland on 9th October 2016

at a distance of 292 kms WNW.



Amazingly, a first year male Lesser Redpoll ringed on 20th October 2015

was also caught at Copeland Bird Observatory on 8th October 2016

at a distance of 292 kms WNW.

Had they travelled together?



A recovery, only just received, was of

a first year male Siskin ringed on 13th March 2003

found stunned, under a window

at Putten, Gelderland, Netherlands on 26th February 2004

at a distance of 498 kms ESE.



Many thanks go to all the ringers who contributed their time and efforts over the years to achieve this phenomenal ringing total.



Peter Smith

Wintersett 07.02.2017

5 - 7 degrees with 4/8 cloud to 8/8 by midday and a south westerly.
Anglers CP:   NOT The first  OYSTERCATCHER of the season as reported.  Mick Hemingway had one on Sunday 05.02.17.     Canada Goose 185 + 5 Canada X Greylag Hybrids.  Greylag Goose 94.   Wigeon 236.   Pochard 18.   Shoveler 10 (5 drakes + 5 females). 
Moorhouse/Back Lane:  Visitors had three sightings of the male Firecrest today. It was associating with  a  Long-tailed Tit Flock and ranging  beyond and around Moorhouse Lane Pond.
                 Oystercatcher       ACP              ASmith

The Edge 07/02/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 42 Canada Geese, 1 Shelduck, c150 Wigeon, 22 Gadwall, c20 Teal, 12 Mallard, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Goosander, 1 Pochard, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 9 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 229 Golden Plover, 52 Lapwing, 79 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull,1 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 3+ Skylark, 1 Stonechat, 14 Linnet and 4 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 150+ Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 50 Shoveler, 41 Wigeon, 20 Gadwall, 12 Pochard, 8 Tufted Duck, 2 Goldeneye, 4 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 46 Coot, 1 Buzzard, 62 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 66 BH Gull and 4 Common Gull.
TPT - Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 29 Tufted Duck, 9 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 5 Goldeneye, 4 Mallard, 2 Teal, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 219 Coot, 47 BH Gull and 12 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker and 2 Willow Tit.

Int tarn

3 Waxwings on Market St, Barnsley.  In trees opposite Silkstone pub.  11.00 to 12.30 at least.

Monday 6 February 2017

Wintersett + Gull Roost. 06.02.17

Minus 2 to 9 degrees, thick fog and frosty start.   By late morning sun with 5/8 cloud and a light south easterly.
Moorhouse/Back Lane:  The male Firecrest was seen at 10.57hrs and 14.45hrs today per @Barnsleybsg.
Anglers  CP: Shoveler 10, 6 drakes + 4 females.   Snipe 4
Wintersett Res. Gull Roost:  The leucistic Black-headed Gull was the only notable picked up today.

Mick Hemingway took these fantastic shots of the male Firecrest yesterday afternoon, just beyond the crossroads towards Nostell.





Carlton Marsh

It was almost a re run of last evening with Barn Owl hunting from 16.20hrs. Little Egret in to roost at 16.52hrs, Bittern in flight at 17.06hrs and Tawny Owl singing at dusk. (Dave Standish/Richard Laverack)

Beech Avenue, Cudworth
A male Brambling visited Geoff Miller's garden this morning along with 10 Chaffinches.

Brambling pair Roebuck St, Wombwell

This time the pair came back and the female was showing in the bushes at the back but the male played camera shy for quite a while till he decided food was more Important.




BIRDWELL WAXWINGS 06-02-2017

Birdwell 06-02-2017

A small group of 8 birds arrived briefly at 8.25am but were followed by a group of 5 at 9.15am which I managed to get a few shots of in the early sunshine. Mistle Thrush performing well also.












The Edge 06/02/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Shelduck, 34 Canada Geese, 160+ Wigeon, 7 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 5 Grey Heron, 11 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 226 Golden Plover, 31 Lapwing, 212 BH Gull, 5 Herring Gull, 2 Common Gull, 3 Skylark, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 male Stonechat and 15 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 3 Mute Swan, c80 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 59 Teal, 55 Shoveler,  54 Wigeon, 19 Tufted Duck, 17 Gadwall, 12 Pochard, 8 Mallard, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 39 Coot, 5 Moorhen, c40 Lapwing, 10 Snipe, 137 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull and c20 Redwing.
TPT - 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Jay, c10 Redwing and 7 Redpoll.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 30 Tufted Duck, 16 Shoveler, 14 Gadwall, 13 Mallard, 8 Pochard, 2m Goosander, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 1 Teal, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 199 Coot, 24 BH Gull, 12 Common Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present 1 Kestrel, 1 Barn Owl and 1 Willow Tit.

Sunday 5 February 2017

South of dukes road, 5/2/17, D Simmonite, S Green.

Just outside the Barnsley recording area but well worth a mention. Emlin ridge, Hollin Dale plantation areas had rt Hen Harrier, Goshawk, 5 Buzzard, Merlin, Sprawk, 9 Ravens, 2 Crossbills. Plenty of Pinkfoot movement with 1200+ birds.

Newmillerdam - 5 February 2017

First bird of the day was a sparrowhawk, new for the year, and last bird was a kestrel at dusk. In between were 42 other species. No records of waxwing today, despite a few others looking too.

A flock of 80 redwing were around today. Seen this morning off Wood Lane and then late afternoon in the fields at Hill Top, where there were also c350 woodpigeon roosting in the tree tops at Park Plantation.

A flock of c40 redpoll were seen mid afternoon in Seckar Wood hanging off the birch trees. I had a good look through the flock and couldn't see any siskin or goldfinches with them, only redpoll, before they got spooked by c30 woodpigeon fleeing some nearby trees.

A pair of great-spotted woodpecker were seen in Seckar, and single birds in Newmillerdam village and near Bushcliffe Wood.

On the water, the usual suspects, including pochard (2), juvenile whooper swan (1), kingfisher (2), little grebe (1), goosander (3m/3f) and 7 teal tucked away to the south of the site.

Carlton Marsh

As the mild weather continues a Chiffchaff was singing first thing. (Keith Bannister) The site was well watched today, the highlights being a female Pintail, 2 Water Rails, 37 Pink Feet Geese west at 10.45hrs followed by another skein heard in the distance at mid-day and another larger skein of c250 north at dusk. A couple from Dewsbury saw 3 Goldcrests, and Willow Tit and Coal Tit were attracted to the bird feeder. Sparrowhawk and Buzzard were seen several times and a Fox was lazing near the Wader scrape with potential to bother the lapwings and gulls on there. 2 Little Owls were in the same Hawthorn, they were difficult to see though. As dusk  approached Bittern flew across the scrape to another reed bed and 2 Barn Owls were hunting at 17.22hrs. Today's observers were CG/Richard Laverack/Dave Standish/ Linda and Colin Graham)

Pintail (Richard Laverack)

Wintersett + Gull Roost 05.02.17

3-4 degrees with 4/8 - 8/8 cloud and a light north westerly.
Moorhouse/Back Lane: The male Firecrest was seen at 09.20hrs in the same area of the disused railway line in the thicket behind the old gate.  Mick Hemingway found it this afternoon, just beyond the cross-roads on the path to Nostell.
Moorhouse Lane Big Pond: A flock of  40 Redpoll were blogging around + 5 ACP
Anglers CP. 2 Skeins of Pink-footed Geese flew over north west  113 at 14.35hrs  + 16 at 14.40hrs per SDenny. Mick Hemingway  had 1 male + 2 female Pintail and the first Oystercatcher of the season.
ACP Field:  Grey Partridge 1  
Golf Course Field: Jack Snipe 5, Snipe 1
Stubbs Wood: 1 Nuthatch, 1 Green Woodpecker.
Haw Park Wood:  Chris Swaine found 2 Crossbills between the woodyard and the toadstools path to FiveWays.  They are the 100th species for Wintersett this year.  He's on a roll!    Siskin 10. 
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 2 males - north bank and south east corner.
WRes.Gull Roost Notables: A 3rdW  Caspian Gull  and 2 x Mediterranean Gulls - a 1stW and an adult,  were picked up this afternoon.

                1stW Mediterranean Gull                WRes   SDenny
                             Crossbill  Record Shot     HPWood          CSwaine
                Crossbill No 2  Record Shot       HP Wood      CSwaine

Carlton Marsh 4/2/17

Little Egret spent most of the day here and roosted later. Also present Buzzard, 6 Greylags, 8 Lapwings and 8 Tufted Ducks. Then at dusk Bittern flew at 17.10hrs, Barn Owl was hunting at 17.20hrs and male and female Tawny Owls were calling. (Rod Heeley/Dave Standish/Dave Smith)  

Saturday 4 February 2017

Newmillerdam 4 February 2017

Dry, calm and sunny all day. Waxwing were in the arboretum most of the day, finally going for the orange berries that have looked ideal for waxwing all winter.

Couple of red kites seen soaring over the fields between the arboretum and Barnsley Road before heading off south-west. Lesser redpolls were in with some siskin and goldfinches in the arboretum this afternoon, and a couple of lesser black-backed gulls flew over the fields at Boyne Hill Farm first thing.

Lesser redpoll, red kite and lesser black-backed gulls are new for the year.

Black-headed gull (70), Canada goose (30), coot (33), cormorant (2 flew south late in the afternoon), goosander (6 4m/2f), kingfisher (1), lesser black-backed gull (2), lesser redpoll (8), little grebe (2), mallard (162), moorhen (12), mute swan (6), pochard (3), red kite (2), redwing (3), siskin (12), tufted duck (25), waxwing (10), whooper swan (1).

Wintersett + Gull Roost 04.02.17

Light frost, 3 - 6 degrees with, at last, 0/8 blue sky, sunshine and a cool south easterly.
Anglers CP: Pochard 12,  Green Woodpecker 1
Wintersett Res: Cetti’s Warbler 1 (north bank),  Kingfisher 1
Cold Hiendley: Buzzard 1,  Yellowhammer 8,  Grey Partridge 2.  About 70  skylarks, in the field behind the village,  were in song flight this morning.
Ryhill Branch Line ( Dockshire):   Sparrowhawk 1 + 1 Cold Hiendley
WRes Gull Roost:  An adult Iceland Gull was the only notable picked up tonight.

              Common Buzzard       Cold Hiendley         CSwaine
      Fieldfare     Cold Hiendley              CSwaine.
No sign of the Firecrest today but this Goldcrest posed well.        
Dockshire            CSwaine


BIRDWELL WAXWINGS 04-02-2017

A max of 18 birds today reduced to 10 when I left at 1.30pm. This bird struggled with a monster berry. Two Mistle Thrushes were attempting to defend the sorbus.










Waxwings at Birdwell 04.02.17

Ron Marshall  took these fantastic  shots today.




Friday 3 February 2017

Wintersett 03.02.17

9 degrees with 4/8 cloud and a light southerly.
Anglers CP:  The Swan Goose hybrid is still here.   Green Woodpecker 1,  Snipe 1 and Little Grebe 5.
Pits Wood: Nuthatch 1.

♂♀Brambling, Roebuck Street, Wombwell

A pair of Brambling gave me a nice surprise this morning in my back garden feeding on seed on the ground, unfortunately photos taken through windows so not the best.


Carlton Marsh

It was a lovely sunny day with a light SE/S wind with the temperature almost reaching double figures. 3 Little Egrets were on the wader scrape today, one of which roosted at 17.09hrs. 13 Greylags came in, but 10 Lapwings were disturbed by the Buzzard. 4 Snipe left at dusk. (Rod Heeley/Dave Standish)

A record number of 34 wintering Herald moths were found, an increase of 9 since January 22nd. (Chris Parkin)

Cudworth Common
This afternoon on the flashes there were 11 Wigeon (6 males) and on the Sash Pond there were 4 Shoveler, 4 Teal and 2 drake Pochard. (Keith Bannister)

Carlton
A Chiffchaff was feeding in Dave Smith's garden this morning!