Tuesday 31 October 2017

Wintersett + Vis Mig + Roosts 31.10.17

8 - 12 degrees, mild with 8/8 cloud and a very light south westerly.
Haw Park Wood:  5000 Corvids left the roost at dawn. ( 3500 NNE +  1500 SSE)
Anglers CP VisMig: 06.30 - 12.00hrs 
Going west
:   Fieldfare 230. Meadow Pipit 1 + 6 W from MLPond just before dusk.  Bullfinch 5.  Goldfinch 83.
Going east:   33 Pink-footed Geese at 09.15hrs.  Skylark 4.
Going north west:   2453 Starling
Going south:   Wood Pigeon 12.  Blackbird 4.  Pied Wagtail 2.  Brambling 1.
Going south west: Redwing 45.  Chaffinch  13.  Greenfinch 5.  Reed Bunting 2.
Anglers CP: A female Pintail dropped in.  Dunlin 1.  The 1st W drake Scaup still present, also the Todd's Canada Goose.  An adult male Common Scoter circled over, before leaving  north at 11.02hrs. 
Wintersett Res: Common Scoter 1 female.   Yellow-legged Gull 1.  Cetti's Warbler 1 boathouse reeds.
Moorhouse Lane Pond:  92 Pied Wagtails were counted in the evening roost. 

Bretton + 31/10/17.

Couple of surprises on the lower lake late morning with 3 ad. Whooper Swans and a Little Egret near the dam wall. Also 1 pair of Goosander on here and 8 Wigeon on the top res. Total of 9 calling Nuthatchs, 3 GS Peckers, 1 G Pecker, 1 Redpoll. Brief visit to Wilthorpe Marsh with a covey of 12 Grey Partridge, 2 Willow Tit, 4 C Snipe off the edge of marsh.

Barnsley BSG Christmas Dinner

The Christmas Dinner has been booked for 7.30pm on Monday 18th December 2017 at the Old Moor Tavern in Broomhill village. Details of choices and cost can be seen on the  menu underneath
( Double click on the menu to enlarge it ). Please let me know if you are interested in coming to this very enjoyable sociable event by contacting me by Email at bigalwhitey@tiscali.co.uk or at the meeting this Thursday evening.

The Edge 31/10/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1y Mute Swan, 69 Canada Geese, 2 Shelduck, 119 Wigeon, 23 Teal, 14 Shoveler, 14 Mallard, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Moorhen, 17 Lapwing, 69 BH Gull, 9 Skylark, 20+ Redwing,  2 Mistle Thrush, 2 Song Thrush, 4 Meadow Pipit, 1 Goldcrest and 2 Redpoll.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, c200 Canada Geese, 30+ Shoveler, 25+ Teal, 16 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 8 Pochard, 2 Wigeon, 1 female Goosander, 1 male Goldeneye, 2 Little Grebe, 16 Grey Partridge, 7 Red Legged Partridge, 1 Kestrel, 10 Cormorant, 4 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 8 Coot, 7 Moorhen, 48 Lapwing, 3 Ruff, 32 BH Gull, 1 Kingfisher, c40 Fieldfare and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4+1y Mute Swan, 17 Tufted Duck, 11 Mallard, 7 Pochard, 7 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 5 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 179 Coot, 43 BH Gull and 17 Common Gull. Also present were 8 Canada Geese, 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Spotted Redshank, 1 Snipe, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Monday 30 October 2017

Ewden valley 30/10/17. D Simmonite, S Green.

Excellent light and mostly sunny but a cold sw wind. More raptor species expected but that's birding. Peregrine 1, possibly 2 showed a few times, C Buzzard 7, Kestrel 5. Pinkfeet c.100 went w. over the lodge at 3-35pm. More Fieldfare flocks today going w., total about 700. 2 pairs of Stonechats, 1 pair near the lodge and the other at stone circle near the track. Raven scarce, just a pair. Meadow Pipit 50 included a flock of 40 on white carr. Redwing 10, Mistle Thrush 2 with another singing at the entrance gate. Also, and scarcely mentioned, 8 Wrens with good numbers of this species in the valley. Lastly, 2 Mountain Hares.

Wintersett + VisMig 30.10.17

First air frost of Autumn.  3 - 10 degrees with 0/8 cloud and a very light south westerly.
Anglers CP VisMig: 06.30 - 10.20 hrs + 12.00 - 13.30hrs
Per PMeredith: We expected much better from Wood Pigeons in these weather conditions. Starlings were good though, with probably more than a third of the total in one really productive spell,  which included an impressive flock of 420 birds. Starlings were still moving in small packs into early afternoon but had slowed down to the point of tedium by the time I left at 13.30hrs.
Going south west: Wood Pigeon 4600.  Stock Dove 1.  Skylark 9 +  9 NE. Goldfinch 2.  Reed Bunting 1 Greenfinch 2.
Going west: Starling 2815. Pink-footed Goose 70 at 08.30hrs + 150E at 09.45hrs.  Jackdaw 3.  Fieldfare 1043.  Redwing 106.  Song Thrush 2.  Pied Wagtail 2 + 1S.  Meadow Pipit 1 + 2S.   Chaffinch 14 + 3 SW.  Linnet 2.  Lesser Redpoll 2. 
Anglers CP:  The juvenile drake Scaup present for 3rd day.  Snipe 3. 
Cold Hiendley Res: 3 adult Whooper Swan + 1 juvenile WRes.  All 4 left north east at 11.35hrs.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 male boathouse reeds. 
Moorhoue Lane Pond: 94 Pied Wagtails were in the reedbed roost per CSwaine.

The Edge 30/10/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1 juv Mute Swan, 147 Canada Geese, 2 Shelduck, 99 Wigeon, 21 Teal, 17 Shoveler, 11 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 16 Grey Partridge, 55 Lapwing, 3 Ruff, 203 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull,1 Sparrowhawk, 9 Skylark, 4 Redwing, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Bullfinch, 9 Linnet and 3 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, c350 Canada Geese, 16 Greylag, 32 Shoveler, 23 Teal, 15 Tufted Duck, 9 Pochard, 8 Gadwall, 6 Wigeon, 4 Mallard, 2 Little Grebe, 12 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 8 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 150+ Golden Plover, 14 Lapwing, 6+ Snipe, 4 Ruff, 48 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 Red Legged Partridge and 1 Kingfisher.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+2y Mute Swan, 58 Tufted Duck, 9 Pochard, 7 Mallard, 4 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 1 Teal, 7 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 157 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 45 BH Gull and 10 Common Gull. Also present were 4 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Jay and 4 Bullfinch.

BARNSLEY BIRD STUDY GROUP

We're back to that time of year when winter meetings start again!!

THURSDAY 2nd NOVEMBER 2017 at the Old Moor visitor centre beginning at 7.15 pm (everything as usual);-

DAVID HUNT on 'COMBATING BIRD OF PREY PERSECUTION'
David works for the RSPB in this well publicised area of bird protection which is very relevant to birders in Barnsley, living alongside the notorious grouse moors of the Peak District.

All welcome, £2.50 entrance charge includes interval drink. 

Sunday 29 October 2017

Carlton Marsh

A Little Egret was on the wader scrape and 4 Water Rails called from the main marsh. (Dave Standish)

2 Foxes were abroad at dusk.

Red Admiral, Comma and a Southern Hawker were reported. (Chris Parkin)

Away from the reserve 6 Red Admirals were seen in Jim Plant's Cudworth garden.

Wintersett + VisMig 29.10.17

9 - 13 degrees with 4/8 cloud and a very cold, moderate northerly
Anglers CP VisMig: 06.30 - 10.30hrs.    Most birds went through in the first couple of hours and then very few moving.
A  Hawfinch flew east over WRes at 07.09hrs followed by a party of  5 going  west  over ACP at  07.23hrs.   1 + 3 Little Egrets dropped onto the shallows  for 10 minutes before leaving north at 07.45hrs.  A Red Kite flew south at 08.30hrs.    15 Whooper Swans flew east at 08.42hrs.
Going south west:  6 Golden Plover.  515 Wood Pigeon. 100 Redwing.  54 Fieldfare.   210 Starling.1 Meadow Pipit.   11 Goldfinch. 
Going east:  A flock of 30 Siskin.
Anglers CP:  24 Goosanders at dawn.  The juvenile male Scaup still present.  Pink-footed Goose 1.   Pochard 158  and Goldeneye 17.   Chiffchaff  1.
Wintersett Res: Brambling 1 over.  A male Cetti's Warbler  and a Water Rail were in the boathouse reeds
Cold Hiendley Res:   Whooper Swan 1 juvenile.
Odonata: A Migrant Hawker  south west bank WRes. 

              Juvenile Whooper Swan                  CHRes     SDenny

Low Moor, D Simmonite, S Green. 29/10/17.

Bright and sunny but cold in the northerly wind. Very steady birding with a Merlin over the res. mobbing a Buzzard. Sparrowhawk at least 3, C Buzzard 6, Kestrel 6. Raven 2, Fieldfare c.50, Siskin flock 15, Redpoll 1, Lapwing 7, Jay 2, Mistle Thrush 2, Cormarant 1, Willow Tit 1 at feeders. Almost forgot 1 noisy Curlew still around res. and surrounding fields.

Saturday 28 October 2017

Wintersett + VisMig 28.10.17

9 - 11 degrees with 7/8 cloud and a moderate SSW wind.
Anglers CP VisMig: 07.20 - 16.15hrs.
No big numbers, but nice variety of birds, considering the strength of the wind.  A Red Kite flew low over back fields and left north 08.20hrs.  The highlight of the day was 2 Hawfinch west at 09.15hrs, which were seen by everyone present.(Phew!)  6  single Bullfinch were heading deliberately west  (after eight doing the same on 15th) - Where are these coming from/going to?
Also going west:  Fieldfare 382.  Redwing 370.  Starling 195. Brambling 2.  Siskin 3.  Snipe 3.  Goldfinch 64. Skylark 6.  Song Thrush 4. Reed Bunting 6.  Chaffinch 8.  Green Finch 6.  Lesser Redpoll 3.  Common Buzzard 1. 
Also:  Wood Pigeon 170 south.  House Martin 4 south  and  Golden Plover 7 south west.
Anglers CP: Goosander 18 at dawn. Goldeneye 8.  Little Grebe 6. 



                     Drake Scaup juvenile              ACP   PMeredith


Friday 27 October 2017

Wintersett 27.10.17

9 - 11 degrees, cool with 0/8 cloud and a light westerly.
A small group of volunteers cleared vegetation from most of the islands.
Anglers CP: Female Scaup still present.   Linnet 1 over. 
62 Birds were ringed. Highlights were:- 24 Lesser Redpoll.  15 Redwing.  1 Blackbird.  2 Goldcrest.  16 Goldfinch and 1 Sparrowhawk.

Ewden valley, D Simmonite, J Hindley, S Green. 27/10/17.

Bright and sunny with a cold nw wind. Raptors,- a surprise Marsh Harrier, possibly an imm. male. Peregrine 3 with 1 near the cabin and 2 together near holt farm. C Buzzard 6, Kestrel 5. Also, Raven 6, Golden Plover 17 n., Stonechat total 3, 2+1, Fieldfare c.60, Meadow Pipit 19 mostly going s., Redpoll 1, Siskin 1, Linnet 2. 4 BH Gulls going n. well up the valley.

Thursday 26 October 2017

Wintersett 26.10.17

13 -  16 degrees with  8/8 cloud,  dull with a very light north westerly.
Anglers CP: The female Scaup still present
55 Birds were ringed  on the Pol:. 
Highlights included a 1st year male Firecrest  at 08.30hrs.  32 Lesser Redpoll.  1 Tree Sparrow.  16 Redwing.  1 Song Thrush and 2 Blackbird.

1st year male  Firecrest    Pol ACP     PSmith
Add caption

Wednesday 25 October 2017

Moorlands 25/10/17.

Turned into a decent day after a daunting start in very strong sw winds. Ewden valley, - turned into a retreat after an hour at the cabin in shocking wind. 4 juv Ring Ouzels were feeding on hawthorn berries and showed well. 2 Stonechats were on the stone wall not far from the entrance gate. Raven 4 at the cabin + C Buzzard 1, 2 Kestrels. Not much Meadow Pipit movement now with 17. Also Redpoll flock of 12 and 9 Redwing. Off to Low Moor mid afternoon where the wind had dropped. Hen Harrier here briefly before lost to view in shaw brook. C Buzzard 5, Kestrel 4, Sparrowhawk 1+. 200+ Redwing in the area, Raven 2, 2 Curlews very noisy around the res and nearby fields + 2 Lapwings. 2 calling Siskins over and Willow Tit eventually showing at the feeding station on fat balls after being heard only 3 times.

Wintersett 25.10.17

10 - 12 degrees with 6/8 cloud and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP:   Female Scaup still present.  Fieldfare 1 west.  Brambling 2 south
Wintersett Res: A drake Common Scoter was off the concrete chamber on the dam wall.  A female Merlin flew west at 11.55hrs.  Grey Partridge 6  in Botany south field.   Cetti's Warbler  2 - boathouse reeds and north east corner.  Water Rail 2 - boathouse reeds and south east corner.  A Chiffchaff was on the west bank. 
              Female Scaup                     ACP        CSwaine
                Drake  Common Scoter         WRes      CSwaine

Tuesday 24 October 2017

Carlton Marsh

The temperature this afternoon reached a barmy 19.2c. 11 Wigeon left north at 13.20hrs (keith Bannister). Still 22 Shoveler, 6 Tufted and Kingfisher. 2 Buzzards were up with a Sparrowhawk and a Kestrel and a skein of Pink Feet flew over at 4.15hrs. Unfortunately I could not see them for the trees. A Black Headed Gull on the wader scrape was wearing a green colour ring, but too distant to see what was on it.
2 Migrant hawkers, Red Admiral and Speckled Wood were flying. There are lots of Harlequin ladybirds flying.

Wintersett 24.10.17

Up to an extremely mild 17 degrees,  with 7/8 cloud and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP:  The female Scaup present for 9th day.  Teal 19.
Incidental VisMig: Golden Plover 3 south.  Snipe 2 SW + 12 west.
Wintersett Res: 12 Grey Partridge  and 15 Feral Pigeons were in the north bank field.  Kingfisher 1.  Pochard 4.
Critters: A Migrant Hawker was in Brian Lee's Royston garden,   A Red Admiral  seen ACP.

Wilthorpe Marsh 24/10/17.

Flushed from the edge of a marsh were 1+ Jack and 10+ Common Snipe. Green Sandpiper 1 at sewage farm and nearby 3 Grey Partridge. A recently cut field, thought to be maize, has been attracting birds with good numbers of Grey Partridge. Biggest covey of 18 with a nearby 5 and a 4 giving a total of 30 birds in the area. 200 Woodpigeon were in the next door field.

The Edge 24/10/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1 young Mute Swan, 24 Canada Geese, 4 Shelduck, 84 Wigeon, 28 Teal, 10 Mallard, 4 Shoveler, 3 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 16 Grey Partridge, 92 Lapwing, 82 Golden Plover, 36 BH Gull, 3 Skylark, 11 Redwing, 5 Meadow Pipit and 3 Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 35 Shoveler, 23 Teal, 19 Tufted Duck, 18 Mallard, 7 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 3 Pochard, 18 Grey Partridge, 7 Red Legged Partridge, 6 Little Grebe, 9 Cormorant, 5 Little Egret, 9 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 25 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, 42 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull and 1 Grey Wagtail. Early AM, PWK also had 4 Goosander over west, 10 Skylark, 10+ Reed Bunting, and a Stonechat.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4+2y Mute Swan, 3 Canada Geese, 6 Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 3 Tufted Duck, 4 Pochard, 2 Gadwall, 4 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 121 Coot, 42 BH Gull and 9 Common Gull. Also present were 4 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 3+ Jay, 40+ Redwing, 2 Stonechat and 1 Bullfinch.

Monday 23 October 2017

Carlton Marsh

It was a lovely mild afternoon nearly 16c. 22 Shoveler, 6 Tufted and c50 Gadwall present along with 8 Teal, 2 Water Rails, Cormorant and 8 Lapwing. 4 Buzzards were in the air and a Peregrine was perched up.  Amongst the goldfinches were 2 Siskin and a Redpoll. A Fieldfare flew south with 3 Redwings and 2 Willow Tits (1 ringed) were with the tit flock.

2 Red Admirals, 1 Speckled Wood and a Migrant Hawker were enjoying the warm conditions.

Wintersett + VisMig 23.10.17

9 - 12 degrees with 5/8 cloud and a very light south westerly.
Anglers CP Vis Mig: 0730 - 11.00hrs
Going south west: Wood Pigeon 1600.  Skylark 82. 
Going south:  Redwing 335.  Fieldfare 17.  Yellowhammer 3.  SWALLOW 1 south.
Going west: Starling 73.  Song Thrush 7.
Anglers CP: Dunlin 2 over 10.10hrs.  Scaup 1 female.  Todd's Canada Goose 1.  Fieldfare 3.   Siskin 3 over.  Meadow Pipit 5 in back field.  Water Rail 1 SW corner + 2 WRes.  north bank + boathouse reeds.  Canada Goose 164. Tufted Duck 283 + 52 WRes. + 8 CHRes..
Wintersett Res: Redshank 1.  Cetti's Warbler 1 male in boathouse reeds.  Goosander 3 +1 ACP.   Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult on buoy.
Moorhouse Lane Pond:  Peregrine 1 adult  female over. at 14.45hrs.
Critters: A Noctule Bat was at MLPond 14.30hrs.  Red Admiral  1 ACP

Migration over Higham

From 0745 until 0830 this morning 4200 Woodpigeon passed south which included a constant stream of over 2000 five minutes either side of 0800. Other species were 400+ Redwing, 100 Meadow pipit, 6 Alba Wagtail, 8 Redpoll spp and steady numbers of both Chaffinch and the rare Greenfinch! Sadly no Hawfinch - yet. 

The Edge 23/10/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2+1y Mute Swan, 31 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 85 Wigeon, 29 Teal, 11 Mallard, 9 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Moorhen, 89 Lapwing, c80 Golden Plover, 3 Ruff, 105 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 1 Common Gull, 3 Skylark, 18 Redwing, 3 Pied Wagtail, 9 Linnet, 5 Reed Bunting, 2 Redpoll and 1 Yellowhammer.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 26 Tufted Duck, 25 Shoveler, 21 Teal, 4 Mallard, 4 Wigeon, 5 Little Grebe, 6 Cormorant, 8 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Peregrine, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 1, c20 Grey Partridge, 7 Red Legged Partridge, 9 Coot, 9 Moorhen, c200 Golden Plover, 15 Lapwing, 10+ Snipe, 7 Ruff, 41 BH Gull and  1 Common Gull. Early AM, PWK also had 1 Barn Owl,  20+ Skylark, 100+ Redwing, 10 Fieldfare and 50+ Linnet.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+2y Mute Swan, 19 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 13 Mallard, 9 Tufted Duck, 4 Pochard, 3 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 5 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 122 Coot, 36 BH Gull, 7 Common Gull, 5 LBB Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present were 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Jay, 2 Stonechat, 1 Grey Wagtail and 2 Reed Bunting.

Sunday 22 October 2017

Wintersett 22.10.17

10 degrees with 8/8 cloud,  dull and damp,  with a cold and blustery south westerly to north westerly.
Anglers CP:  The female Scaup present for 6th day.  Goosander 3 flew SW  + 1 flew west.  Greylag Goose 133.  Pink-footed Goose 1.  A Knot flew west at 14.20hrs.  Goldeneye 6.  Cormorant 15
Wintersett Res: Little Grebe 7 + 5 ACP.  Cetti's Warbler 1 male west bank.

2016 Wintersett Area report now available

2016 Wintersett report now available, 
£5 + £1 for p&p for mailed copies. 


Wilthorpe Marsh, Midhope , Broadstones, 22/10/17.

Wilthorpe - Quiet with Snipe the highlight, 3 Jacks and 19 Common. 100+ Carrion Crows in feeding flock, 15 Teal, 20 Redwing. Midhope - Very steady with horrendous wind. On the res., drake Tufted Duck, Teal 2, Little Grebe. Raven the top bird on the moor + 2 C Buzzard, Kestrel 2. Small flocks of Redwing and Fieldfare. At Broadstones res. late aft. no sign of Scaup in shocking wind but 15 Golden Plover over.

Barnsley NATs, Celebrating 150 Years


'The Ups and Downs of Yorkshire's Birds, the Red List', a presentation by Tim Melling.
Barnsley Nats are holding an evening meeting of special interest to birders on Wednesday 1st November. Barnsley Town Hall, 7pm.
All welcome. 

Saturday 21 October 2017

Wintersett + VisMig. 21.10.17

10 - 13 degrees with 6/8 cloud and a light south easterly wind.  Rain and strengthening wind from mid afternoon.   
Anglers CP VisMig: 07.2012.00hrs.  A very interesting morning with more than 2500 birds through.
 http://www.trektellen.org/count/view/1100/20171021   See PM's comments
Going south west: Redwing 1294.  Dunlin 2.  Song Thrush 2. Mistle Thrush 3.  Greenfinch 5.  Reed Bunting 2.
Going south: Chaffinch 23.  Goldfinch 55.  Pied Wagtail 4.  Grey Wagtail 2.   Meadow Pipit 2.   
Going west: A HAWFINCH at 07.53hrs (CS.  new for year list)   Starling 1150 (including a very pale bird).    Yellowhammer 5. 
Anglers CP: Female Scaup present for 5th day.  Goldeneye 6. Todds Canada Goose 1. Great Black-backed Gull 1. 
Wintersett Res: Grey Partridge 4.
Lepidoptera: Red Admiral 1 south ACP.

Friday 20 October 2017

Wintersett + VisMig 20.10.17

10 - 12 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a light south westerly. Poor visibility to the west.
Anglers CP VisMig: 09.00 - 12.00hrs 
Going south west:   REDWING were on the move, with many groups flying in fast succession over the trees behind the watchpoint. 1230 were counted in the first hour. By midday the total was 2060 with a further 100 at 15.25hrs    A Brambling flew through at 09.30hrs. Skylark 36.  Chaffinch 12.    Song Thrush 1. 
Going west:  Starling 350.   Redpoll 4.  Fieldfare 5.  Yellowhammer 4.   Siskin 1. 
Anglers CP: The female SCAUP  still hereYellow-legged Gull  2 adults. Wigeon 88.  Teal 5. 
A bird showing characteristics of  'Todds'  Canada Goose, race interior,  was in the Canada Goose flock today and yesterday.  (Note shorter neck,  lack of white breast shield,  clearcut edge to black into brown at rear  base of neck and lacking white collar,  with slightly darker brown body plumage. 
Cold Hiendley:  Yellowhammer 68 in hedgerow adjoining stubble field.
Lepidoptera: Red Admiral 1 WRes..
Here's a selection of Chris Swaine's photos showing the
ID features of  'Todds' Canada Goose race interior





.  

The Edge 20/10/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1 young Mute Swan, 19 Canada Geese, 3 Shelduck, 77 Wigeon, 49 Teal, 12 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 3 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 16 Grey Partridge, 1 Kestrel, 108 Golden Plover, 72 Lapwing,  14 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 2 Meadow Pipit, 3 Redpoll and 2 Bullfinch. K.Fisher had a Tawny Owl on Doveside on Wednesday and 2 Siskin today.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 45 Shoveler, 24 Teal, 19 Tufted Duck, 9 Gadwall, 6 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 1 Wigeon, 4 Little Grebe, 9 Cormorant, 4 Little Egret, 16 Grey Partridge, 7 Red Legged Partridge, 7 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 36 Lapwing, 10 Ruff, 10 Dunlin, 7 Snipe, 49 BH Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull and 1 Kestre1 2. Early AM PWK also  had 150 Redwing, 25+ Skylark and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 young Mute Swan, 100+ Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 12 Pochard, 11 Tufted Duck, 7 Gadwall, 7 Mallard, 5 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 7 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 109 Coot, 37 BH Gull, 4 Common Gull, 3 LBB Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present were 4 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 5+ Jay, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Bullfinch and 1 Siskin. Dave Waddington also had 2 Stonechat and 3 Cettis Warbler on Bolton West End.

Storrs Mill-Cudworth

20 Redwing north, Grey Wagtail, Buzzard and 10+ Alba Wagtails in fields.

Thursday 19 October 2017

Wintersett 19.10.17

12 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a light southerly.  Dull and damp with rain from midday.
Anglers CP: A female SCAUP was new in.  27 Redwing and 1 Fieldfare flew south west.  Song Thrush 15.  Goldeneye 2 and   Shoveler 24.
Wintersett Res: 4 male Cetti's Warblers were heard:- north bank,  north east bank,  south east corner (new?), and west bank.  A Water Rail  was in the boathouse reeds.

The Edge 19/10/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1young Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 3 Shelduck, 68 Wigeon, 39 Teal, 10 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 102 Lapwing, 4 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, 73 BH Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 40+ Skylark ( in the air at the same time over the back field ) and 2 Redpoll.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+8y Mute Swan, 48 Shoveler, 26 Tufted Duck,  20 Teal, 11 Mallard, 11 Gadwall, 5 Pochard, 5 Wigeon, 2f Goldeneye, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Cormorant, 6 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Red Legged Partridge, 1 juv Peregrine, 1 Kestrel, 7 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 140+ Golden Plover over,  39 Lapwing, 6 Ruff, 3 Snipe,32 BH Gull, 1 Herring Gull and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1+3y Mute Swan, 2 Canda Geese, 10 Mallard, 7 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 1 Shoveler, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 114 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 44 BH Gull, 4 LBB Gull, 2 Common Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present were 3 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Buzzard.

Carlton Marsh

A small group of distant Pink Feet flew high to the west at 11.00hrs and 17 Fieldfares flew SW at 11.03hrs. 18 Shoveler and 3 Tufted Duck were on the scrape.

Wednesday 18 October 2017

Wintersett 18.10.17

10 - 12 degrees with 7/8 cloud and a light south easterly.
Anglers CP Vis Mig:  Pink-footed Goose 505 west in 3 skeins.( 180 at 09.00hrs,  105 @ 09.05hrs and 220 at 10.45hrs.
Anglers CP: Marsh Harrier 1 south at 14.10hrs.  Cormorant 11 in + 14 flew SW.  Herring 15 south.  Snipe 4.
Wintersett Res: A male Cetti's Warbler was singing in the boathouse reeds.
Haw Park Wood: Redpoll 60 west.  House Martin 1 west.
129 Birds were ringed today, including: - Lesser Redpoll 85,  Goldfinch 24,  Goldcrest 9,  Song Thrush 1 and Jay 1.
Lepidoptera: Red Admiral  7 south.

Langsett

A walk around Langsett Res this morning had, c50 PF Goose east, 4 Buzzard, 4 Stonechat, c10 Lesser Redpoll and 6 Greenfinch. Also a few small groups of migrating Woodpigeon.

Higham 0730-0830 at least 1500 Woodpigeon south, c50 PF Goose west, 10+ Redwing and 25 Meadow Pipit.


                                          Stonechat near North America farm ruin Langsett

Carlton Marsh

Looking back over recent days the highlights were; 56 Pink Feet Geese west on 13th and  a 'Cream Crown' Marsh Harrier south at 14.10hrs on 15th. This bird was hunting the reed beds at 15.00hrs on 16th. (Rod Heeley)

Away from the reserve, at Carrs Lane in Cudworth, a fresh dead Jack Snipe was found by Don Crossland on the 14th, in adjacent field where a housing development is taking place. 

Tuesday 17 October 2017

Wintersett + Gull Roost 17.10.17

11 - 14 degrees with 7/8 decreasing, scattered cloud and a westerly breeze.
Anglers CP: Pink-footed Goose 1.  Teal 5.  Goldeneye 3.  Pochard 124 and Cormorant 15.  ROCK PIPIT 1.
Wintersett Res:  2 adult drake SCAUP were sleeping among the Tufted Ducks.  A Nuthatch was in Pits Wood. A Water Rail was in the boathouse reeds. 
WRes. Gull Roost: Yellow-legged Gull 2,  Lesser Black-backed Gull 150
Critters:  A Red Admiral was on NE bank WRes.,  and a Migrant Hawker flew in front of the boathouse bench. 

The Edge 17/10/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 4young Mute Swan, 196 Canada Geese, 16 Greylag, 24 Wigeon, 17 Teal, 11 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 4 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 105 Lapwing, 33 Golden Plover, 5 Ruff, 1 Snipe, 84 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 1 Kestrel, 9 Skylark, 2 Redwing, 2 Meadow Pipit, 3 Redpoll, 27 Linnet and 2 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+7y Mute Swan, 201 Canada Geese, 28 Greylag, 57 Shoveler, 31 Tufted Duck, 24 Teal, 12 Gadwall, 5 Pochard, 1m+2f Pintail, 2 Mallard, 3 Little Grebe, 9 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret (15 early AM ), 1 Grey Heron, 10 Coot, 7 Moorhen, 42 Lapwing, 30+ Golden Plover, 6 Ruff, 99 BH Gull, 4 Common Gull and 3 Herring Gull. PWK also had c60 Pink Footed Geese over east at 8.42am, 1 Buzzard, 1 juv Peregrine and 3 Kestrel.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+1y Mute Swan, c225 Greylag, 57 Canada Geese, 12 Pochard, 11 Gadwall, 11 Tufted Duck, 6 Mallard, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 131 Coot, 31 BH Gull, 19 Herring Gull and 2 Common Gull. Also present were 4 Cormorant and 2 Grey Heron.

Monday 16 October 2017

Wintersett 16.10.17

13 - 18 degrees, warm with 8/8 mist, that cleared slowly.  It was calm to a very light south westerly by midday, but the sky was an eerie pale yellow with a red sun.  This was caused by ex hurricane Ophelia picking up Saharan sand and particles from forest fires in Portugal.  Wind picked up speed to fresh and gusty during afternoon.
Anglers CP:  5 Grey Partridge were in the car park field.  4 Goosander.  Shoveler 37 + 8 WRes.,
Wintersett Res: 3 male Cetti's Warblers were heard - north bank,  north west bank and west bank marsh.  A Water Rail was in the boathouse reeds.  Wigeon 75 + 59 CHRes.,   Goldeneye 1.  Chiffchaff 1.  Yellow-legged Gull 1.
Lepidoptera:  3 Red Admiral were on ivy at Pits Wood.
Overnight moth trapping was disappointing.  Best were: Grey shoulder Knot,  Brick,  Yellow-line Quaker,  Red-line Quaker.  A Light Emerald was  a very late 2nd brood emergence.

Sun with Saharan Sand  11.00 hrs    WRes.   ASmith

Wintersett  Res.  sparkling red at  11.10hrs       ASmith

The Edge 16/10/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2y Mute Swan, 12 Canada Geese, 56 Wigeon, 35 Teal, 17 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 7 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Cormorant, 10 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 103 Lapwing, 9 Ruff, 31 BH Gull, 4 LBB Gull, 3 Pied Wagtail, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Bullfinch and 5 Redpoll. K.Fisher also had 1 Brambling, 4 Redwing and 1 Kestrel in Broomhill Park and 17 Meadow Pipit on the Ings.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 4+7y Mute Swan, 49 Shoveler, 27 Teal, 24 Tufted Duck, 12 Gadwall, 11 Mallard, 5 Pochard, 3 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 3 Little Grebe, 7 Cormorant, 4 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 10 Coot, 5 Moorhen , 1 Buzzard, 45 Lapwing, 5 Ruff, 62 BH Gull, 1 Herring Gull and 1 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+5y Mute Swan, 250+ Canada Geese, 200+ Greylag, 29 Tufted Duck, 14 Pochard, 8 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 107 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 63 BH Gull, 7 Common Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present were 3 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel and 1 Snipe.

Sunday 15 October 2017

Ewden valley 15/10/17. D Simmonite, S Green.

Dry, bright and sunny but strong sw winds making raptors scarce, the best being a juv Merlin which showed well briefly. Also 5 C Buzzard, 5 Kestrel. Flock of 50 Golden Plover went w. with another 2 s. later. Raven total of 6+. Meadow Pipits still on the move with 111 mostly going s., 2 Stonechats were at the dried up stream on the way down. On the way up, 16 Siskin, 6 Redpoll, 4 Skylark, Coal Tit 2. Bullfinch and 7 Linnets at the lodge and 53 Woodpigeon in the valley. Thrushes just about non existent with just 1 Mistle. Calling Nuthatch at the entrance gate.

Wintersett WeBS October 2017

Here are the October WeBS totals for the Wintersett Area.

Mute Swan 40   Canada Goose 188   Greylag Goose 111   Pink-footed Goose 1   Coot 655   Moorhen 15   Cormorant 9   Mallard 14   Teal 10   Shoveler 40   Wigeon 203   Gadwall 97   Tufted Duck 398   Pochard 95   Goldeneye 3   Great Crested Grebe 31   Little Grebe 11   Grey Heron 5   Lapwing 70   Water Rail 1.

Migration from Royd Moor Hill

Had four hours from dawn observing migration with Jeff Lunn and Russ Boland.
39 Pink-footed Goose east and 2111 Woodpigeon, 6 Alba Wagtail, 52 Redwing, 29 Meadow Pipit, 50 Linnet, 20 Starling, 2 Brambling, 11 Skylark and 7 Lesser Redpoll all south. Probable adult Yellow-legged Gull in distant fields with Lessers, 6 Buzzard and 2 Sparrowhawk local birds.



                                          Pink-footed Geese, Geoff Carr

Wintersett + VisMig. + Evening Update 15.10.17

12 - 18 degrees with 6/8 but decreasing cloud and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP VisMig: 07.10 - 12.00hrs.
Golden Plover 32 SW + 7 NE. Bullfinch 8 west.  SWALLOW 2 south
Going southwest. : Dunlin 1.  Wood Pigeon 1170.   Stock Dove 1 Starling 138.  Skylark 39.  Redwing 53.  Song Thrush 3.  Mistle Thrush 2.  Grey Wagtail 1.  Pied Wagtail 25.  Meadow Pipit 16.  Chaffinch 21.    Greenfinch 47.  Linnet 2.  Lesser Redpoll 50.  Siskin 3  + 6.  Reed Bunting 3.
VisMig. Highlights were a bit weird this morning:  The Dunlin was migrating in a flock of  circa 70 Wood Pigeons. A  high flying Dunnock went west  and a midday Noctule bat was a surprise.
All VisMig records can be found at   http://www.trektellen.nl/count/view/1100/20171015
Anglers CP: Teal 3.  Pink-footed Goose 2.
Wintersett Res: 17.45 - 19.00 hrs Kingfisher 1. 3 male Cetti's Warblers were heard - Boathouse Reeds,  NBank and WBank.  A Tawny Owl was calling from the Willow Wood.  The day had an exciting end when 2 Bitterns were picked up from the dam wall,  flying left in front of the boathouse 18.30hrs.   They continued to the end of the boathouse reeds before turning back and flying back to the boathouse, along the north bank, down the east bank and across to the  south west corner   One dropped into the willows on the west bank and one dropped into the west bank marsh at 18.40hrs.  The birds seemed to be looking for somewhere to roost  and were probably new in to the area.
We also have Belated Bittern Reports at Wintersett Res . on 17th, 18th, 21st, 23rd, 26th & 28th September 2017.
Lepidoptera:Pits Wood Ivy:   Speckled Wood 1.  Comma 4  and Red Admiral 10. 

Wintersett Catch Up 02.10.17 - 13.10.17

Here are the Wintersett Area Sightings while I've been away.
Monday 02.10.17
Anglers CP VisMig:   REDWING  11 SW.  Pink-footed Goose 100 E 10.45hrs.
Anglers CP: Cormorant 17 + 1 WRes.   Shoveler 53 + 3 Wres..  Teal 6.  Little Grebe 4 + 7 WRes..  Pink-footed Goose 1.
Lepidoptera: Speckled Wood 1 EB WRes + 1 NB CHRes..   Red Admiral 1 ACP.

Tuesday 03.10.17
Anglers CP VisMig::  SWALLOW 2. Siskin 2 south. Pink-footed Goose 68 west 09.40hrs.  Whooper Swan 1 SE 0950hrs. 
Anglers CP: Chiffchaff 2 + 1 WRes..  Goosander 1 redhead.  Teal 5.
Wintersett Res:  Cetti's Warbler 2 m - NW Botany and boathouse reeds.
Odonata: Migrant Hawker 1.
Lepidoptera: Small White 1.

Wednesday 04.10.17
Anglers CP:  A Merlin flew south at 11.52hrs.  House Martin 1.  Pink-footed Goose 1 in back field.  Teal 7.
Wintersett Res: A male Cetti's Warblers and 2 Chiffchaff  in ruin area.
Cold Hiendley Res: Mute Swan 20 + 11 WRes + 1 ACP.  Goldeneye 1 female. 
Mammal:  A Weasel was on Haw Park Lane.

Thursday 05.10.17
Anglers CP:  Siskin 1 south,  Pink-footed Goose 1.
Wintersett Res:  Cetti's Warbler males 3 - boathouse reeds,  NE  and N banks.  Chiffchaff 4.  Shoveler 16. 
Critters: Migrant Hawker 1  and Speckled Wood 1 both on Botany Bay.

Friday 06.10.17 
Anglers CP: Siskin 4 south.  Goldeneye 1 new in.  Pink-footed Goose1.  Little Grebe 6.  Linnet 4.
3 Chiffchaff were ringed  this morning. 
Critters:  Comma 1 ACP,   Red Admiral 1 WRes.   Migrant Hawker 1 WRes..

Saturday  07.10.17 
Anglers CP Vis.Mig:
Pink-footed Geese 16 SW + 70 NE.   Whooper Swan 10 NE at 10.15hrs.  Red Kite 1 west.
Going south west:  Snipe 16,  Skylark 7,  Swallow 5,  House Martin 10,  Starling 4,  Song Thrush 1,  Pied Wagtail 16,  Chaffinch 10,  Lesser Redpoll 23,  Goldfinch 27 and Siskin 4.
Anglers CP: Sparrowhawk 2  and Peregrine 2 juveniles. 

Sunday 08.10.17
Anglers CP VisMig:  Pink-footed Goose 276 west  (55 at 07.50hrs,  91 at 10.22hrs and 130 at 10.40hrs.)  Whooper Swan 10 north at 10.15hrs ( 1 immature).  Greylag 2 high west.   Little Egret 2 north at 10.28hrs.  .  Hobby 2 south (late date),  Coal Tit 1 high west, calling.   REDWING 1627 west. 
Going south west:Cormorant 4,  Swallow 5,  House Martin 3,  Starling 79,  Song Thrush 2,  Mistle Thrush 5,  Pied Wagtail 42,  Meadow Pipit 88,  Chaffinch 48, Skylark 102.   Linnet 19,  Lesser Redpoll 65,  Goldfinch 179,  Siskin 16,  Reed Bunting 5.
Anglers CP: Goosander 2.  Peregrine 1.  Pintail 1.  Goldeneye 2.
Wintersett Res: Pink-footed Goose 1 in ruin field.  Chiffchaff 2 + 1 HPWood.  Cetti's Warbler 3 males NB, WB and BHreeds.  Goosander 2. 

Monday 09.10.17
Haw Park Wood:  A RAVEN flew east out of Corvid roost  at 07.00hrs.

Tuesday  10.10.17
Wintersett Res:  Cetti's Warbler 2 males - NE and Ruin.
Lepidoptera: A Peacock was on Haw Park Lane.

Wednesday 11.10.17
Anglers CP: Shoveler 28.  Cormorant 12.

Friday 13.10.17
Anglers CP Vis Mig:  Goosander 8 west.  2 skeins of Pink-footed Goose 100 + 30.
Disposal Point: Peregrine 1.

October WeBs count for the Wintersett Area will be posted separately.

Saturday 14 October 2017

Wintersett 14.10.17

Back from a bird filled  jaunt around Hungary with @HeatherleaBirding, led expertly by Gerard Gorman and Ian Ford.   Here's the Wintersett Area sightings for today.  I'll do a catch up of other sightings tomorrow.
Up to an unseasonally warm 20 degrees,  with 8/8 but decreasing cloud and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP VisMig 08.30 - 12.00hrs!:  Whooper Swan 2 flew north east.   Goosander 4 north over WRes..
Anglers CP: Siskin 4. 
Cold Hiendley SF: Chiffchaff 2.   Mute Swan 33 here and WRes.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler  3 - boathouse, north bank and north east bank.   Water Rail 1 boathouse reeds. 
Lepidoptera: Brimstone 1 Pol,ACP,    Comma, 1 NE WRes,   Red Admiral 1 WRes..
55 Birds were ringed this morning, including: 26 Goldfinch,  20 Lesser Redpoll,  2 Siskin.

Adult male Siskin                ACP   RBailey
Juvenile Lesser Redpoll      ACP  RBailey
(a very late date for a bird in full juvenile plumage)

Wilthorpe Marsh 14/10/17.

Very quiet with most of the warblers gone and no arrival of thrushes. The first Jack Snipe of the autumn was in + Green Sandpiper, 4 Teal, 3 Stock Doves.

Friday 13 October 2017

Migration

Woodpigeon on the move already this autumn with 1160 south following the M1 corridor at Higham between 0730 and 0830 yesterday including a white individual and 590 today 0730 to 0815 then a sudden drop-off.

The Edge 13/10/2017

Wombwell Ings - A big passage of Pink Footed Geese this morning with at least 7 skeins, totalling 800+ birds flying west. On the Ings were 45Wigeon, 32 Teal, 14 Mallard, 10 Shoveler, 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, c200 Lapwing, 100+ Golden Plover, 9 Ruff, 7 Dunlin, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 46 BH Gull, 1 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine, 5 Skylark and 5 Redpoll.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 36 Tufted Duck, 27 Shoveler, 21 Teal, 12 Gadwall,4 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 9 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret ( 12 early AM by PWK ), 2 Little Grebe, 10 Coot, 9 Moorhen, 2 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 42 Lapwing, 8 Ruff, 2 Snipe, 67 BH Gull and 6 LBB Gull. A Great White Egret, seen by PWK, flew north at 7.31am.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+4y Mute Swan, 113 Greylag, 77 Canada Geese, 5 Pink Footed Geese, c30 Wigeon over west, 7 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Teal, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 117 Coot, 39 BH Gull, 7 LBB Gull, 2 Common Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present were 5 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron  and 1 Kestrel.

Thursday 12 October 2017

The Edge 12/10/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 49 Wigeon, 28 Teal, 13 Shoveler, 8 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 171 Lapwing, 60+ Golden Plover, 9 Ruff, 8 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 51 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Common Gull, 12 Skylark, 2 Meadow Pipit, 2 Goldcrest(Broomhill Park), 40+ Linnet and 10+ Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan,37 Shoveler, 23 Tufted Duck, 20 Teal, 10 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 6 Little Grebe, 6 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret( 12 early AM by PWK ), 1 Grey Heron, 6 Red Legged Partridge, 1 Peregrine, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 10 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 38 Lapwing, 9 Ruff, 3 Dunlin, 138 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Barn Owl and 1 Kingfisher.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4+4y Mute Swan, 183 Greylag, 11 Canada Geese, 10 Pochard, 8 Mallard, 4 Tufted Duck, 6 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 97 Coot, 31 BH Gull, 26 LBB Gull, 1 Herring, 1 Yellow Legged Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 7 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Peregrine, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 133 Lapwing over, 4 Jay and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Wednesday 11 October 2017

The Edge 11/10/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 46 Wigeon, 38 Teal, 28 Shoveler, 2 Mallard, 2 Cormorant, 1 Peregrine through 9.40am, 1 Kestrel, 121 Lapwing, 133 Golden Plover, 10 Ruff, 6 Dunlin, 4 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 12 Skylark and 15 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 50 Shoveler, 45 Teal, 41 Tufted Duck, 31 Mallard, 10 Gadwall, 2 Pintail, 9 Little Grebe, 5 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret ( PWK had 14 early AM),  1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine, 9 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 55 Lapwing, 9 Ruff, 4 Snipe, 118 BH Gull, 3 Herring Gull, 1 LBB Gull and 5 Swallows over south.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 5+7y Mute Swan, 360+ Canada Geese, 122 Greylag, 29 Gadwall, 29 Wigeon, 11 Mallard, 9 Pochard, 7 Shoveler, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Pintail, 1 Teal, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 102 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 12 BH Gull, 6 LBB Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 2 Common Gull. Also present were 7 Cormorant and 1 Grey Heron.

Tuesday 10 October 2017

Carlton Marsh

The site was disturbed today due to essential maintenance and will be again tomorrow.
2 Tawny Owls were calling from the car park at 06.30hrs. (K. Bannister) A skein of Pink Feet, thought to be heading north, were calling in the distance and out of site around mid-day and a male Blackcap was feeding on Elderberries in the company of Willow Tit and Coal Tit.

Cawthorne

Ist winter male Stonechat by the path towards Cawthorne from the Wagonway.
Also mixed flock of Meadow Pipits and Skylarks. Also 5 Buzzards.

The Edge 10/10/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 52 Wigeon, 27 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 7 Gadwall, 4 Mallard, 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 197 Lapwing, 149 Golden Plover, 8 Ruff, 2 Snipe, 39 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 Kestrel, 5 Skylark, 1 Jay, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Meadow Pipit, 3 Mistle Thrush, 2 Redwing, 7 Linnet, 2 Redpoll and 5 Reed Bunting,
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 30 Shoveler, 30 Teal, 19 Tufted Duck, 15 Mallard, 8 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 5 Red Legged Partridge, 5 Little Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 17 Lapwing, 8 Ruff, 3 Snipe, 10 Coot, 7 Moorhen, 73 BH Gull, 1 female Stonechat and a flock of  twenty hirundines ( mainly Swallows ).
Bolton Ings - Highlight was three skeins of Pink Footed Geese (c250,c100 and c150 ) through at 12.05pm. On the open water were 2+6y Mute Swan, c250 Canada Geese, 114 Greylag, 7 Pochard, 6 Mallard, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Gadwall, 2 female Goosander, 5 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 104 Coot, 26 BH Gull, 4 LBB Gull, 2 Common Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present were 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 30+ Lapwing over, 3 Snipe and 3+ Jay.

Monday 9 October 2017

Carlton Marsh

14 Redwing SW this morning (R.J. Boland) were followed by another 5 at 10.06hrs. 5 Buzzards were in the air together at 11.27hrs. (G. Miller)

The wader scrape was disturbed this morning because of tree felling. However, 18 Shoveler were on the main scrape. (Rod Heeley)

The Edge 09/10/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 9 Canada Geese, 34 Teal, 33 Wigeon, 17 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, 4 Mallard, 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 177 Lapwing, 16 Golden Plover, 9 Ruff, 35 BH Gull, 5 Skylark, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Bullfinch and 5+ Reed Bunting. Two Redpoll along the Bulling Dyke and three Redwing in Broomhill Park were signs winter is on its way. 
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 28 Shoveler, 21 Tufted Duck, 19 Mallard, 18 Teal, 6 Gadwall, 2 Pintail, 2 Wigeon, 2 Pochard, 6 Little Grebe, 6 Cormorant, 4 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Red Legged Partridge, 12 Coot, 9 Moorhen, 27 Lapwing, 10+ Snipe, 9 Ruff, 42 BH Gull and 1 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - Highlight was a Bittern at 12.01pm flying west along the northern shore. On the open water were 3+8y Mute Swan, 254+ Canada Geese, 78+ Greylag, 11 Tufted Duck, 9 Gadwall, 9 Wigeon, 6 Pochard, 4 Mallard, 1 Teal, 5 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 104 Coot, 81 BH Gull, 16 LBB Gull, 2 Common Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present were 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 7 Lapwing over and 3 Jay.

Sunday 8 October 2017

BARNSLEY BIRD STUDY GROUP WINTER MEETINGS

As in previous years the Meetings will be held the first Thursday in the month, November to March inclusive, at the Old Moor RSPB visitor centre starting at 7.15 pm. There is a cover charge of £2.50 per person which includes an interval drink.
The following are the dates and speakers for the forthcoming sessions;-

Thursday 2nd November 2017
David Hunt on 'Combating bird of prey persecution'.
David works for the RSPB and is involved in combating the ongoing persecution of raptors in the Peak District.

Thursday 7th December 2017
Ron Marshall on 'Wild images of Spain'.
Ron needs no introduction, his quality photography is well known to all.

Thursday 4th January 2018
Tim Jones on 'The birds of Spurn'.
There's plenty to learn for everyone about the attraction of the UKs number 1 mainland site for migrant birds.

Thursday 1st February 2018
Richard Baines on 'The North Yorkshire Turtle Dove Project'
Turtle Doves, common to most of us as youngsters but now extinct as a Barnsley breeding species. Find out how they are faring in other Yorkshire areas.

Thursday 1st March 2018
Professor John Reilly on 'The Ascent of Birds, how modern science is revealing their story'.
Covers the fascinating evolution and speciation of modern birds, including some found locally. A renowned speaker with one of the most thought-provoking subjects (according to our friends at Sheffield Bird Study Group!)

Edderthorpe weekend

Water levels are still ideal with plenty of 'mud' on the Flash although most of it is now covered in short vegetation. Houghton Washlands are pretty much empty of water and of birds (the site is earmarked for habitat work so has been left to go dry).
This weekend was National Wildfowl (WeBS) counting weekend with the following being the highlights;-
Greylag Goose 340, Pink-footed Goose 7 in fields on Saturday and 80 over on Sunday, Mallard 260, Teal 306, Pintail 1, Wigeon 23, Shoveler 56, Shelduck 5, Cormorant 11, Little Egret 11, Lapwing 557, Golden Plover 405, Ruff 10, Dunlin 10, Curlew Sandpiper 1 juvenile on Saturday, Common Snipe 12. One or two Yellow-legged Gulls can sometimes be found among the Lesser Black-backs and Herring Gulls if they are in bathing.
A Noctule Bat was flying around mid afternoon on Sunday.

Ewden valley,8/10/17. D Simmonite, S Green.

Quite cold in the nw wind with shelter taken at the south facing gable of the shooting lodge which at times was a nice sun trap. Main highlight here was a pair of Twite which landed on the fence in front of us and then on the track feeding. Although pretty fearless they were flushed by walkers and lost to view. Also, a decent list with Ring Ouzel 1, Stonechat 3, Meadow Pipit 109, mostly going s., Redwing 105+, Skylark 6 s., Redpoll 9, Siskin 2, Swallow 1. Waders were a flock of 10 Golden Plover w and 2 Snipe flushed off broomhead moor. Raven total 6 and 16 Woodpigeon e at the lodge. Finaly raptors. Not as good as recently with no sign of any harriers but Peregrine 2, possibly 3, Sparrowhawk 1, C Buzzard 5+, Kestrel 5+.

Saturday 7 October 2017

Carlton Marsh

Birds were on the move this morning with 10 Whooper Swans north at 10.09hrs, c50 Pink Feet west at 10.13hrs and 20 House Martins south at 11.55hrs.  The Bittern was seen in the reed beds in the scrape from 10. 03hrs to 10.20hrs. Also present, 1 immature Common Gull, Little Egret, 6 Grey Partridge, 8 Teal, 6 Lapwing, Redpoll, Chiffchaff singing, 55 Gadwall, 18 Shoveler,  Wigeon, 2 Tufted Duck, 20 Coot (1 pair mating), 3 Goldcrest, Treecreeper,  3 Buzzards up together, c50 Goldfinch and Peregrine south.

The Bittern was seen again this afternoon at 15.13hrs (Chris Parkin) and later flying around several times for 5 minutes before leaving north (without calling) as it got dark at 19.05hrs. As the light faded a possible second bird flew from the scrape south. (Dave Standish)

A Green Shield Bug, 2 Orange Ladybirds (Halyzia 16-guttata) and 248 Harlequin Ladybirds were counted in the car park. (Chris Parkin)

Friday 6 October 2017

Cudworth/Carlton Area

Carlton Marsh
Not covered today until dusk when Bittern flew from one reed bed to another to roost. (Dave Standish)
Earlier c70 Pink Feet flew west over Carlton at 14.40hrs (Dave Smith) and another skein flew SE in darkness over Newtown, Cudworth at 19.21hrs (CG)

Butterflies in the Hollins Wood area and around Ardsley Viaduct included 8 Red Admiral, 16 Comma, 1 Small Heath, 1 Small Copper, 1 Green Veined White and a very late Meadow Brown! (Chris Parkin)

The Edge 06/10/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1 young  Mute Swan, 23 Canada Geese, 41 Teal, 26 Wigeon, 11 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 2 Mallard, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 3 Moorhen, 236 Lapwing, 2 Ruff, 33 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Common Gull, 2 Kestrel, 2 Pied Wagtail, 4 Mistle Thrush and 9+ Reed Bunting. Flocks of 25+ Skylark, 28 Magpie and 50+ Linnet were in the back field.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 1+7y Mute Swan, 40+ Teal, 27 Shoveler, 19 Tufted Duck, 17 Mallard, 9 Gadwall, 2 Pintail, 1 Pochard, 6 Little Grebe, 7 Cormorant, 4 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 9 Moorhen, 9 Coot, 22 Lapwing, 6 Ruff, 1 Snipe and  35 BH Gull. At 8.25am PWK also had 10 Pink Footed Geese through west.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+6y Mute Swan, 133 Canada Geese, 20 Greylag, 11 Tufted Duck, 7 Pochard, 7 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 95 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 41 BH Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Jays have been seen more frequently  in the past week as they begin to build up stores of winter food. Also present were 2 Kestrel.
TPT - Whilst watching the Great White Egret on the Field Pool (RSPB Old Moor ), a Sparrowhawk flew overhead.

Thursday 5 October 2017

Carlton Marsh

A ridge of high pressure gave us all a lovely sunny day. This morning our wildlife group cut back overhanging branches and mowed the grass in the car park area.  Earlier on route a Cetti's Warbler was singing near Bleachcroft Pond at 0.8.50hrs from Willow scrub. 2 Siskin and a Redpoll were flying with the Goldfinch flock as 3 Buzzards soared over the hillside with a Kestrel. 5 Meadow Pipits flew south and 12 Lapwing were resting on arable land. A male Vapourer Moth was flying in the sun.

This afternoon Chris Parkin had Treecreeper, Willow Tit, Goldcrest and Green Woodpecker. Butterflies on show were; Red Admiral 19, Comma 15 (all feeding on blackberry) Small Copper, 3 Speckled Wood, 3 Small White and Green Shield Bug.

Then at dusk Dave Standish saw a Bittern fly across the scrape to roost in or under some large Willows. Our first autumn sighting last year was on October 5th! That bird was very obliging posing out in the open for long periods, hopefully this one will.

The Awards for the Yorkshire in Bloom competition were given out in the Town Hall last night. Carlton Marsh was awarded Platinum! My thanks to members of our wildlife group, YWT, Ward Councillors and Cudworth Environment Group for all the help they gave.

 Councillor C. Wraith, CG, Geoff Ennis, K. Bannister, Pete Wall & Councillor Joe Hayward.

The Edge 05/10/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 105 Canada Geese, 42 Teal, 17 Shoveler, 16 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 1 Mallard, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Cormorant, 5 Heron, c200 Lapwing, 6 Ruff, 1 Golden Plover, 38 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 8 Skylark, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Pied Wagtail, 9 Linnet, 5 Reed Bunting,
and 1 Bullfinch.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 30+ Teal, 28 Shoveler, 22 Tufted Duck, 6 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Pintail, 4 Red Legged Partridge, 6 Little Grebe, 5 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 11 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 23 Lapwing, 6+ Snipe and 32 BH Gull. Also seen earlier AM by PWK were 4 Pink Footed Geese over west, 65 Golden Plover, 10 Ruff, 5 Swallow, c50 Skylark and 1 Yellow Wagtail.
Bolton Ings - Just packed away my telescope when I noticed at 12.45pm four large birds just to the north west of Bolton village, circling high up and some distance away. Initially thought they were Storks but Seev and his trusty Kowa confirmed they were 4 Common Cranes. They drifted slowly south east and were picked up by observers in the Goldthorpe area. The super sofa strikes again!!! On the open water were 2+5y Mute Swan, c300 Canada Geese, 20 Greylag, 11 Mallard, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 2 female Goosander, 6 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 105 Coot and c100 BH Gull. Also present were 5 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel and 23 Golden Plover.

Wednesday 4 October 2017

Carlton Marsh

The duck numbers are peaking now, Shoveler have increased to 14. About 70 Pink Feet Geese flew east over Newtown, Cudworth at 10.18hrs.

Monday 2 October 2017

The Edge 02/10/2017

Wombwell Ings - Highlight was a Peregrine through at 9.50am. Also present were 89 Canada Geese, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 42 Teal, 21 Shoveler, 16 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 2 Mallard, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 318 Lapwing, 8 Ruff, 3 Golden Plover, 78 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 4 Skylark and 9 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 10 Canada Geese, 31 Tufted Duck, 20 Shoveler, 16 Teal, 2 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 6 Little Grebe, 5 Cormorant, 4 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 11 Lapwing, 7 Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Ruff, 10 Coot, 4 Moorhen and 31 BH Gull. . Earlier PWK also had 1 Common Gull, 30 Swallow, 1 House Martin, 1 Sand Martin, 10+ Skylark, 20 Meadow Pipit and 1 Golden Plover.
Bolton Ings - On the choppy water were 21 Canada Geese, 7 Greylag, 21 Tufted Duck, 7 Gadwall, 6 Pochard, 3 Mallard, 1 female Goosander, 5 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Cormorant and 114 Coot. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 1 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 singing Chiffchaff on the TPT.

Sunday 1 October 2017

Wintersett + VisMig 01.10.17

14 - 18 degrees with  3 /8 cloud and a south westerly breeze.
Anglers CP VisMig: 
Going south: Swallow 78.  House Martin 32.  Meadow Pipit 142.  Siskin 2.   Skylark 71.  Golden Plover 12 south + 1 west.
Going west: Snipe 11.
Anglers CP: Pink-footed Goose 1 + 1 flew in from west at 11.45hrs. The adult Dark-bellied Brent was in the back field and then flew in.   Goose Greylag Goose 104.  Canada Goose X Greylag Goose Hybrids 5.  Shoveler 57 + 14 WRes.,   Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult.  Song Thrush 9 flew over.
Haw Park Wood: A Peregrine flew over at 1010hrs. 
Lepidoptera: Red Admiral 1. 
Odonata: Migrant Hawker 1 ACP
5 new birds were added to the area year list in September, bringing the total to 165.

Low Moor/Midhope + 1/10/17.

Low Moor - Dry with decent light for a few hours produced rt Hen Harrier, C Buzzard 4, Sprawk 1, Kes 2, Snipe 5, Raven 2, Mistle Thrush 6 and 13 Teal on midhope res. Wilthorpe Marsh this morning very steady with 3 Green Sand, 7 C Snipe, G Pecker, Jay 6+, with no sign of any J Snipe yet. Belated news from last Sunday 24/9 at ewden shooting lodge regards the unidentified waders. After thought and looking at field guides all 3 observers, J Wasse, D Simmonite, S Green all agree we had a flock of 6 Ruff going south.