Wintersett Annual Round Up 2017

Wintersett Annual Round Up 2017

Weather

Spring: Started cold and dry, with Storm Doris from the south west on 23^rd February,

March was warm.   April was dry and sunny, but with cooling westerlies.

Summer was cool and wet.

Autumn was mild with westerly winds prevailing.

Winter: November and December were cool and mainly dry with a several very mild days and snow on 29.12.17.

The Wintersett Area recorded 166 bird species for 2017

same as last year, with no new birds added since October 21^st

The Top Ten Birds were: -

1. White-tailed Eagle - first record for the area, on 29.04.17.

2. Marsh Warbler – a male trapped and ringed 03.06.17. Last one was 28 years ago,

3. Sabine's Gull – 21.09.17

4. Common Crane – 02.07.17

5. Hawfinch - a total of 11 flyovers on 21, 28, 29, October and 11 November

6. European White-fronted Goose - 9 flew north 22.02.17.

7. Hen Harrier 24,05,17 + 10.09.17

8. Firecrest - 23.01.17 + 1 ringed 26,10,17

9. Dark-bellied Brent Goose 27.09.17

10. Long-tailed Duck 24.04.17

Other highlights:-

12 species of Gull recorded this year: Great Black-backed,, Lesser Black-backed, Yellow-legged, Herring, Common, Mediterranean, Black-headed, Caspian, Iceland, Glaucous, Little and Sabine's .

10 species of Wader recorded on one epic Vis.Mig. Watch on 30^th April. Dunlin, Sanderling, Bar-tailed Godwit, Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Turnstone, Little Stint, Avocet, Curlew and Lapwing.

2 Sand Martin on March 5^th were the earliest ever recorded here.

Glaring Omissions:  RINGED PLOVER! Smew, Short-eared Owl, Long-eared Owl and Ring-necked Parakeet to name but a few!

Other Critters

9 species of Bat were recorded in the area.

Noctule, Common pipistrelle, Soprano pipistrelle, Brown Long-eared, Daubenton's, Leisler's, Brandt's/ Whiskered, Natterer's. The highlight was Nathusius' pipistrelle, a rare migrant.

Odonata Red-eyed Damselfly were recorded on Wintersett Res, Botany Bay and Golf Course Pond confirmed breeding.
A male Lesser Emperor  was at Anglers CP on the 18th, 19th  and 21st June.   A male Lesser Emperor Dragonfly was at Wintersett Res SE corner on 21st June and 22nd July..  
A male Red-veined Darter was seen on Anglers CP on 17th, 18th, 19th and 21st June.
A 'rare for here' Banded Demoiselle was seen at Anglers CP on 18th June by Mick Hemingway.

Lepidoptera:

Very poor numbers of most regular species. Red Admirals flourished in the autumn.

Moth highlights:

2 macros:- Waved Umber and Triple-spotted Pug were new for the area.

4 micros were new for the area. Confirmed by Harry Beaumont.

Coleoptera:  2 Green Tiger Beetles on the Disposal Point on 21.05.17 were the first record for the area.   On 28.09.17 several Galeruca tanaceti were seen at Moorhouse Lane Pond - another 1st for the area.    Both records confirmed by Mike Denton.

And finally:

The Wintersett Team  wish everyone

A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR    and excellent birding in 2018

Wintersett + Gull Roost 31.12.17

4 - 7 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a south westerly wind.
Anglers CP:  Pink-footed Goose 1.
Wintersett Res: 2 male Cetti's Warblers - north bank and west bank.
WRes. Gull Roost:  Disappointing, with very low numbers of gulls in tonight and no notables to report. 

Colour-ringed Willow Tits

Some people are already aware of this but as part of the "Back from the Brink" Project Willow Tits are being colour-ringed at three sites in Barnsley at Carlton Marsh (Cliff Gorman), Old Moor (Dave Waddington) and Worsbrough Res (Geoff Carr). This is being coordinated by Vivian Hartwell and Paul Bellamy (RSPB) and up today seven birds have been colour-ringed. This will continue next year up to the end of March and will also include some individuals fitted with radio tags.
Anyone seeing colour-ringed Willow Tits to send details to willowtit.bftb@gmail.com please with details of site and exact location.
Thanks and Happy New Year.

Wintersett + Gull Roost 30.12.17

4 - 7 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a south westerly wind.
Anglers CP:  An adult Peregrine flew over at 09.45hrs.  Pink-footed Goose 1. 
Cold Hiendley Field:  Golden Plover 150.
Wintersett Res: A Cetti's Warbler sang and a Water Rail were in the boathouse reeds.
WRes. Gull Roost: An adult Iceland Gull in at 16.10hrs was the only notable today.

Low Barugh s.f. area 29/12/17.

Sewage farm - Fighting the elements this aft with bitterly cold wind, rain, sun in the eyes and a Sparrowhawk. More birds in the area with the hard weather included Water Pipit, c. 100+ Pied Wag.,c. 4 Grey Wag., c.80 Meadow Pipit, c. 100 Starling, c.100 BH Gull. Green Sand 1, 25 Goldfinch down, 1 Siskin over, 9 Lapwing down but flew off s. 1 GS Pecker, C Buzzard, 2 regular Kestrel.

Wintersett + Gull Roost 29.12.17

0 - 5 degrees with falling snow until 10.00hrs, and a cold westerly wind.
Anglers CP: Pink-footed Goose 1.  Snipe 2.  Teal 110.  Shoveler 2.   Skylark 12 east + 3 south.
Wintersett Res: A Dunlin flew over at 15.45hrs. 
WRes. Gull Roost:  An  adult Caspian Gull was in from 15.50hrs.  Lots of big gulls were arriving on dark, from Hampole Tip direction.

Wintersett + Gull Roost 28.12.17

-1 to 2 degrees with 1/8 cloud and a cool north westerly.
Anglers CP: A Red Kite flew low over the west bank and was seen over the car park, before drifting off over the Willow Wood WRes.. at 09.15hrs.   Pink-footed Goose 1.   2 adult Whooper Swans dropped in the car park field, and, later,  flew onto ACP lake .
Wintersett Village:  Little Owl 1.
Wintersett Res: A Willow Tit was in the south east corner.  360 Pink-footed Geese flew west in 2 skeins - 240 at 15.17hrs + 120@ 15.23hrs. 
WRes Gull Roost: An adult Caspian Gull was in at 15.15hrs.

                         Caspian Gull adult                WRes.        SDenny

Fleets Dam 28/12/17.

Early aft. - 7 Parakeets in tree on river viewable from n. corner of car park. 4 H. Gull, 4 C. Gull.

Carlton Marsh

2 Siskin, 2 Redpoll, 3 Willow Tit, Coal Tit, 10 Lapwing, 3 Herring Gull and 2 Common Gull.

A Fox was hunting the scrape at mid-day.

The edible Oyster Mushroom is thriving on a dead Ash tree.

Storrs Mill Wood
2 Nuthatch, Treecreeper, c150 Goldfinch and c150 Rook. (Chris Parkin)

Worsbrough Village 26 & 27-12-2017

Hawfinch, still up to 3 around the various Yews, 2 Bullfinch, up to 6 Greenfinch, numerous Mistle and Song Thrushes and also a very vocal Male Kestrel.

Wintersett 26th & 27th December + Roosts

26th December.  Mild and rainy overnight,  bright and sunny late morning.
Cold Hiendley Field:  Golden Plover 70 + 29 over ACP.
Cold Hiendley Res: Willow Tit 1.
Anglers CP: Pink-footed Goose 1.
WRes. Gull Roost:  A 1st W Caspian Gull was in at 15.15hrs.  An adult Caspian Gull was in at 15.25hrs.

                              1stW Caspian Gull  WRes.                     SDenny

27th December.  2 - 5 degrees,  cooler and windier than yesterday.
WRes. Gull Roost:  Fewer big gulls in tonight, with no notables picked up.

Wilthorpe Marsh 27/12/17.

Water Pipit on sewage farm carousel early aft. Also here c.80 Pied Wag., c.170+ BH Gulls, Green Sand, c.50 Goldfinch. Nearby 3 RL Partridge, Lapwing 1 down and flushed from the marsh edge 1 Jack and 2 Common Snipe. Not seen together yet but thought to be 2 Green Sands at the oxbow where a pair of W Rails showed well on the canal + here 17 Blackbirds, 2 Willow Tits.

Carlton Marsh

Today's highlights were; Little Egret, Kingfisher, Water Rail, Redpoll, Willow Tit and 72 Herring Gulls on the wader scrape.
A Fox was hunting the northern meadow at mid-day.

Fleets Dam / Low Moor 26/12/17.

Fleets - 5 Parakeets late a.m. with 3 on s. bank and 2 in n.w corner slightly upriver. 2 imm. H Gulls. Low Moor - Very cold and steady with anything a bonus. Excellent light when cloud blocked the sun but few species with 2 Ravens, 12 Fieldfare, 6 C Buzzard, 4 Kestrel, GS Pecker on feeders.

Christmas day 2017.

Low Barugh s.f. - Water Pipit, Green Sand, 70 Goldfinch, 80c.Starling. Woolley Dam/Mill Lane area - Siskin c.50, Teal 9, Grey Heron 10, Pheasant 13, Nuthatch 1, Blackbird 6. Big Woodpigeon flock but lost to view by trees. 1 Roe Deer showed well flushed from copse. High Hoyland - large finch flock still at rear of church but too windy and cold to view.

Wintersett + Gull Roosts 24.12.17

8 - 11 degrees with 6/8 cloud and a westerly wind.
Wintersett Res: Shelduck 4.  Cetti's Warbler 1 west bank.
Anglers CP: Tree Sparrow 40 in car park. Green Woodpecker 1.  Greylag Goose 198.  Pink-footed Goose 1. Todd's Canada Goose 1.  Lapwing 190.
Walton Hall: Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull and then in roost at ACP.
Area Duck counts:                WRes/CHRes.      ACP      WaltonHall  
Gadwall                       359            323                     2              34
Wigeon                        309            220                   88                1
Gull Roosts:  Poor number of large gulls tonight.
                                                           WRes.         ACP
Great Black-backed Gull        84           43              41 
Lesser Black-backed Gull        6             4                2
Herring Hull                          980         680            300                        

Wilthorpe Marsh sewage farm area 24/12/17.

Windy but dry this afternoon with the Water Pipit on the filter beds and later on wires for about 10 minutes before flying off e down the valley at 3-45pm, presumably towards roost. Also, Green Sand, 40 Starling, 80 Pied Wag., 5 Grey Wag., 10 Meadow Pipit, 10 Goldcrest, 1 Reed Bunting. 50 BH Gull and 1 H Gull. Raptors spooking everything at times were 1 C Buzzard, 1 Sprawk, the main culprit and 3 Kestrels.

Broomhill Flash - Hawfinch 24-12-2017

Hawfinch - the single bird present in the carpark from 8.00-10.00am. Difficult light this morning but the bird was fairly obliging albeit well concealed most of the time. 

Wintersett + Gull Roost. 23.12.17

A mild 8 - 10 degrees, cloudy with a light south westerly breeze.
Anglers CP: Teal 106.  
Haw Park Wood: Siskin 20
Cold Hiendley Village: Little Owl 1.  Tree Sparrow 12.
Wintersett Res: A male Cetti's Warbler and a Water Rail  west bank marsh.
Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull was on Walton Hall lake this morning and was the only notable in Wintersett Roost tonight.  

Wintersett 20th, 21st, 22nd December 2017

The weather has been very mild (7 - 11 degrees)   dull and dry for the past three days.

Wednesday 20th.  Psycho the adult Yellow-legged Gull was on Walton Hall Lake.  A male Cetti's was on the west bank WRes.  A Stoat was seen on Haw Park Lane. 

Thursday 21st. A calling Redshank on ACP shallow was a welcome sight.  The Cetti's Warbler was singing - west bank WRes..

Friday 22nd.  2 Pink-footed Geese and 191 Greylags were in Haw Park Lane fields.  2 Canda X Greylag Hybrids  and the Todd's Canada Goose were seen at ACP.  Three male Cetti's Warblers were snging around WRes.  - north west bank, west bank and ruin area.  A Water Rail was in the west bank marsh WRes..

The Edge 22/12/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1 Mute Swan, 302 Canada Geese, 118 Greylag, 89 Wigeon, 17 Mallard, 15 Gadwall, 12 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 8 Moorhen, 1 Coot, 1 Sparrowhawk, 134 Lapwing, c80 Golden Plover, 29 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Mistle Thrush and 2 Stonechat.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 8 Mute Swan, 20 Teal, 19 Mallard, 12 Gadwall, 10 Shoveler, 4 Tufted Duck, 4 Wigeon, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 168 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 45 BH Gull, 3 Herring Gull, 2 Greenfinch and 1 Hawfinch. Early AM, PWK also had c20 Pink Footed Goose west and 1 Peregrine.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+2y Mute Swan, 50 Tufted Duck, 25 Gadwall, 14 Mallard, 11 Goosander, 2 Pochard, 1 Little Grebe, 235 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 15 BH Gull, 10 Common Gull and 2 Herring Gull. Also present were 3 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker,1 Marsh Tit and 1 Bullfinch.
TPT - Highlight was the spot by Seev of a Brimstone butterfly. With it being the winter solstice, is it classed as early or late?

Wilthorpe Marsh 21/12/17.

Water Pipit showed well today on patch of mud s. of sewage farm and it or hopefully another seen on flood meadow further down the valley. Sewage farm area had c.70 Pied Wagtail, c. 40 Meadow Pipit, c. 30 Siskin, 4 Redpoll, 4 Grey Wagtail, 10 Teal, 1 Goosander w., 1 Green Sandpiper. At the oxbow 1 ad Common Gull and Parakeets heard in the tinkers pond area, but not seen and none visible at the fleets late aft. but 7 earlier here seen by fishermen.

The Edge 21/12/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present through the mist were 1 Mute Swan, 353 Canada Geese, 64 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 74 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 7 Mallard, 3 Gadwall, 1 Shoveler, 1 Grey Heron, 8 Moorhen, 1 Sparrowhawk, 88 Lapwing, 62 BH Gull, 6 Common Gull, 6 Pied Wagtail and 8 Long Tailed Tit.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 8 Mute Swan, 21 Shoveler, 13 Gadwall, 12 Mallard, 4 Tufted Duck, 3 Teal, 3 Wigeon, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Pochard, 3 Cormorant, 12 Coot, 1 Moorhen, c100 Lapwing, 16 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Common Gull and 1 Hawfinch.
Bolton Ings - Dense mist was a bigger problem than at the other two sites visited. Even when the mist lifted occasionally, it was not possible to identify  birds on the northern side of the pool.  In its visible moments, the open water revealed 2+1y Mute Swan, 70 Tufted Duck, 12 Mallard, 2m+1f  Goosander, 1 Pochard, 5 Cormorant, 250+ Coot, 13 Common Gull and 3 Herring Gull. The metal ring on the Marsh Tit makes identification straightforward. It was clearly visible today. No metal ring means Willow Tit. Any Willow Tits  ringed in the future will also have a colour ring as well as a metal ring. Also present were 2 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 3 Bullfinch and 1 calling Water Rail.

Carlton Marsh

A very mild afternoon saw most of the ice melt, but only 2 Cormorant, 10 Teal and 7 Lapwing. Buzzard was hunting while dusk as 25 Yellow Buntings came in to roost.

Worsbrough Village 20-12-2017

Hawfinch - at least 2 birds still present around the village from 12.30 - 2.00, if there are any wallpaper manufacturers out there then don't hesitate to contact me.....ha ha

The Edge 20/12/2017

Wombwell Ings - 99% ice-cover.  Present were 1 Mute Swan, 256 Canada Geese, 64 Greylag, 13 Mallard, 12 Teal, 8 Gadwall,  1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 4 Moorhen,  c80 Golden Plover, 64 Lapwing, 2 Dunlin, 93 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull and 10+ Long Tailed Tit.
Broomhill Flash - 95% ice-cover. Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, c300 Canada Geese, 57 Shoveler, 40+ Wigeon, 28 Gadwall, 20 Mallard, 10 Teal, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 8 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 1 Peregrine, 44 Lapwing, 69 BH Gull, 4 Common Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Hawfinch and 1 Goldcrest.
Bolton Ings - 90% ice cover. On the open water were 2+2y Mute Swan, 62 Mallard, 14 Tufted Duck, 5m+4f Goosander, 5 Teal, 5 Pochard, 4 Gadwall, 3 Wigeon, 2 Little Grebe, 5 Cormorant, 134 Coot, 28 BH Gull, 15 Common Gull and  6 Herring Gull. Also present were 35 Canada Geese, 2 Grey Heron, 1 LBB Gull over, 1 Jay, 18 Lapwing over west, 1 Jay, 2 Willow Tit and 1 Marsh Tit.

Wilthorpe Marsh 19/12/17.

Sewage farm area had Water Pipit, a lot more Meadows,c.60, but something unseen flushing everything with all the Pipits flying off. 8+ Goldcrests, 2 Willow Tits, 2 Siskins in this area but no Chiffchaffs. Looks like they smelt Decembers freeze. Mobile Green Sand and Little Egret in the valley, plus 3 Jack Snipe flushed off the marsh edges, 2 together and 1 central. 5 Common Snipe, 1 Green Pecker and 40 Teal at the oxbow pond.

Wintersett + Gull Roost 19.12.17

3 - 7 degrees, cloudy with occasional sunny spells, and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP: Green Woodpecker 1.  Snipe 3.
Cold Hiendley Res: Shoveler 6.
Wintersett Res: Water Rail 2 west bank + 1 ACP south west corner.  A Cetti's Warber was on the north bank and one sang briefly on the west bank marsh.
Gull Roost WRes.: There was an amazing gull spectacular this evening, as wave after wave of big gulls came in from the Hampole direction.  4480 Herring Gulls were counted!

The Edge 19/12/2017

Wombwell Ings - 100% ice-cover. Present were 7 Mute Swan over, 7 Greylag, 1 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine, 1 Kestrel, 5 Moorhen, 104 Golden Plover, 83 Lapwing, 47 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 5 Meadow Pipit and 1 Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash - 95% ice-cover. A Hawfinch showed at regular intervals in the car park throughout the morning. Also noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, c300 Canada Geese, 29 Greylag, 62 Wigeon, 31 Mallard, 20+ Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 2 Teal, 22 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine, 9 Lapwing, 4 Dunlin, 73 BH Gull and 1 Common Gull.
TPT - 6 Siskin seen by K.Bannister and C.Gorman.
Bolton Ings - 95%+ ice-cover. On the small amount of open water were 2y Mute Swan, 114 Mallard, 18 Gadwall, 4m+4f Goosander, 7 Teal, 6 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 280+ Coot, 21 BH Gull, 18 Common Gull and 5 Herring Gull. Also present were 2 Grey Heron, c150 Pink Footed Geese over west at 12.35pm, 1 Canada Goose, 1 Buzzard, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Jay, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Marsh Tit, 1 Willow Tit and 2 Bullfinch.

Wilthorpe Marsh sewage farm 18/12/17.

Late aft. Water Pipit again on filter bed carousel then flew e. down valley at 3-40pm presumably to roost. Meadow Pipit 20, Pied Wagtail c.70 flew towards town centre at dusk. 5 Goldcrests and still a Magpie roost here. Counted tonight with about 160 birds but possibly more as copse only seen from one side.

Wilthorpe Marsh sewage farm 17/12/17.

Sunny late morning and productive. Infested with flies on the filter beds and surprisingly no Chiffchaffs. Water Pipit showed well a few times preening on the filter bed carousel wires. Also 15+ Meadow Pipits, c.60 Pied Wagtail, 6 Grey Wagtail, 1 Green Sandpiper. 6 Siskin were feeding in alders, 2 Goldcrests and 1 C Snipe flushed. Fly overs were 6 Herring Gulls, 3 Cormarants, C Buzzard, Kestrel.

Wintersett + Gull Roost 17.12.17

1 - 7 degrees, dull, with 8/8 cloud, rain from 10.30 for a couple of hours,  with a cool north westerly breeze.
ICE: ACP 50%.  WRes. 80%.  CHRes. 98%.  Botany Bay 100%
Anglers CP:  Wigeon 430.  Teal 147.  Goosander 24. Mallard 90 + 30WRes/CHRes..   Great Crested Grebe 14 + 3 WRes,  Little Grebe 9 + 6 WRes.,   Coot 173 + 556 WRes..  Cormorant 15.
ACP Gull Roost: Great Black-backed Gull 277.

Cudworth

50 Pink Feet flew west over Cudworth at 09.50hrs (K. Bannister).

Wintersett + Gull Roosts 16.12.17

-1 to 2 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a very cold north westerly wind. Still some small areas of ice on WRes, CHRes.  Botany still 100% ice    ACP clear.
Anglers CP: Snipe 7.
Wintersett Res:  2 Water Rail were in the boathouse reedbed.    2 Cetti's Warblers - northbank and south west corner + 1 north bank CHRes..
Area Duck totals Wigeon     532         (295 ACP + 237 WRes/CHRes.)
Record Count of   Gadwall    355         (    6 ACP + 349 WRes./CHRes) 
                             Mallard     115          (  70 ACP +  45  WRes./CHRes)
                             Pochard    122          (  89 ACP + 23 WRes.
                             Teal           98  ACP
                             Shoveler     5  CHRes.
Gull Roosts:
A influx  of large gulls, but just 2 notables tonight:-  An adult Caspian Gull and Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull on WRes..
Totals:                                                                Area Total        WRes          ACP
Herring Gull                      (1430 last week)            2950               2650            300
Great Black-backed Gull   ( 251 last week)              391                   47                4
Lesser Black-backed Gull                                             4                                       4
Black-headed Gull                                                   7000                                 7000

       Snowball the Fox seen regularly at ACP                     SDenny

Wintersett + Gull Roost 15.12.17

0 - 2 degrees with some sun early on, but increasing cloud and a very cold north westerly wind.
Black ice on roads and areas of ice on. WRes and CHRes.  Botany 100 % ice
Anglers CP: Teal 125.   Pink-footed Goose 1.  Grey Partridge 5 in fields.
ACP Gull Roost: Plenty of gulls in tonight, including:-  1 Lesser Black-backed Gull,  270 Great Black-backed Gull and an adult Yellow-legged Gull.

The Edge 15/12/2017

Wombwell Ings -60% ice-cover. Present were 315 Canada Geese, 32 Greylag, 16 Teal, 10 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 73 Golden Plover, 48 Lapwing, 102 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 6 Stock Dove, 9 Skylark and 1 Bullfinch.
Broomhill Flash - 30% ice-cover.Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 60 Wigeon, 48 Shoveler, 25 Gadwall, 21 Mallard, 12 Teal, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 female Goldeneye, 1 Pochard, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 14 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 58 Lapwing, 2 Dunlin, 63 BH Gull, 5 LBB Gull, 3 Herring Gull and 2 Common Gull. A Hawfinch was feeding in the carpark at 9.15am.
Bolton Ings - 30% ice-cover. On the open water were 2+2y Mute Swan, 29 Gadwall, 8m+7f Goosander, 12 Mallard, 9 Tufted Duck, 8 Shoveler, 4 Pochard, 7 Cormorant, 291 Coot, 3 Common Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 2 BH Gull. Also present were 2 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 20+ Long Tailed Tit, 1 Marsh Tit, 1 Willow Tit and 1 Bullfinch.

The Edge 14/12/2017

Wombwell Ings - 90% ice-cover. Present were 139 Canada Geese, 23 Greylag, 26 Teal, 5 Mallard, 3 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 55 Golden Plover, 51 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 52 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 9 Skylark and 4 Redwing.
Broomhill Flash - 75% ice-cover. Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, c200 Canada Geese, 43 Shoveler, 31 Mallard, 26 Wigeon, 23 Gadwall, 19 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 female Goldeneye, 1 Pochard, 12 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 88 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 52 BH Gull, 3 Herring Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 2 Common Gull.
Bolton Ings - 70% ice-cover. On the open water were 2+2y Mute Swan, 17 Mallard, 7 male+3 female Goosander, 7 Gadwall, 4 Tufted Duck, 4 Shoveler, 288+ Coot, 7 Common Gull, 5 BH Gull and 3 Herring Gull. Also present were 8 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Buzzard, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Willow Tit and 1 Marsh Tit.

Wintersett 13.12.17

1 - 4 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a south westerly wind.
Anglers CP:  Teal 73.
Wintersett Res: Pink-footed Goose 1.  Greylag Goose 113.  Water Rail 1 west bank.

The Edge 13/12/2017

Wombwell Ings - Still completely iced over until I left at 9.45am. Present were 124 Canada Geese, 73 Greylag, 11 Mallard, 8 Teal, 2 Wigeon over, 71 Golden Plover, 38 Lapwing, 106 BH Gull, 3 Herring Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Common Gull, 4 Redwing, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Pied Wagtail and 2 Stonechat.
Broomhill Flash - A Hawfinch was feeding in the roadside trees of the car park between 10.20 and 10.25am. Noted by J.Seeviour were 8 Mute Swan, 48 Shoveler, 33 Mallard, 29 Gadwall, 16 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 1 Buzzard, 50 Lapwing, 4 Herring Gull and 4 Common Gull.
Bolton Ings - 85% ice-cover.  On the open water were 2+5y Mute Swan, 78 Gadwall, 25 Mallard, 13 Tufted Duck, 2 Wigeon, 2 male Goosander, 1 Teal, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 200+ Coot, 13 BH Gull, 11 Common Gull and 5 Herring Gull. also present were 7 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Buzzard, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Marsh Tit, 1 Willow Tit and 2 Bullfinch.

Carlton Marsh 12th December

Two more Willow Tits were colour-ringed.

Lying dormant for the winter are 2 Peacock butterflies and 23 Herald Moths in a nearby bridge. (Chris Parkin)

c100 Pink Feet Geese flew west over Rotherham Road, Monk Bretton at 15.55hrs. (Ralph Hibbert)

WORSBROUGH VILLAGE 12-12-2017

6 Hawfinch at least in usual spots, also a nice Kestrel and lots of thrushes around the Yews including this territorial Mistle Thrush.

Ewden valley/Dukes road/Mortimer road circ, + Low Moor. 12-12-17.

Ewden circular always a cracking walk in dry weather which improved today in what felt like a sw wind. Just over two and half hours steady away, with not many birds but enjoyable. Last hour spent at low moor/midhope res.- Fem. type Stonechat was near stone circle and a pair of Ravens showed and performed well in the dukes road area. Only two species of raptor but healthy totals at the end with 12 Kestrels and 10 C Buzzards. 2 GS Peckers at low moor feeding station and a Woodcock flushed at midhope res. Not much on the water today with L.Grebe and 40 Mallards with no sign of the Goldeneye pair.

Wintersett 12.12.17

-2 to 2 degrees with thin, high, but increasing cloud and a light south westerly.
ICE: WRes. 80%,  CHRes. 98%,  ACP 20% and Botany Bay 100%.. 
Anglers CP: Siskin 7 + 5 HPWood,  Pink-footed Goose 2,  Pochard 97 + 13 WRes,  Gadwall 40 + 160 WRes. + 45 CHRes.,   Wigeon 328 + 122 WRes + 4 CHRes.,  Shoveler 7,  Mallard 74 + 34 WRes. + 30 CHRes.,  Snipe 4,  Goosander 4 + 13 WRes.,  Grey Heron 3 + 2 WRes + 1 CHRes.,  Little Grebe 8 + 9 WRes.,  Teal 117 + 4 WRes..
Cold Hiendley SF: Meadow Pipit 3,  Grey Wagtail 2.
Wintersett Res: 2 Water Rails - boathouse reeds and north bank.

The Edge 12/12 2017

Wombwell Ings - 100% ice-cover. Present were c100 Canada Geese, c50 Greylag, 17 Grey Partridge(banking next to hide), 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk,  4 Cormorant, 1 Moorhen, 35 Lapwing, 34 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull, 1 male Stonechat, 2 Bullfinch and 1 Reed Bunting. Near the bridge 1 Little Grebe, 1 Moorhen, 7 Mallard and 2 Teal were seen on the R. Dearne.
Broomhill Flash - Having spent 20 minutes at Broomhill Pond trying to locate an Hawfinch, I was more than pleased to find it feeding in the Garganey Trust car park. Ten minutes later at 10.30am, It was scared off by a Magpie. 95 % of the flash was ice-covered. Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, c200 Canada Geese, 7 Greylag, 29 Shoveler, 15 Mallard, 7 Teal, 6 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 9 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 95 Lapwing, 11 Common Gull, 9 Herring Gull, 1 Mistle Thrush and 3 Greenfinch.
Bolton Ings - Waterfowl were crammed into the 10% of the eastern pool that was ice-free. Numbers included 4+2y Mute Swan,157 Mallard, 74 Gadwall, 49 Shoveler, 29 Teal, 7 Wigeon, 3 Tufted Duck, 2m+1f Goosander, 2 Coot, 4 Cormorant, 332 Coot, 9 BH Gull, 8 Common Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present were 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker.1 Song Thrush, 1 Marsh Tit, I Willow Tit and 1 Bullfinch.

Wintersett 11.12.17

-2 to 0 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a very cold north westerly wind.
Ice: Cold Hiendley Res. 95%.  Wintersett Res. 20%
Anglers CP: Greylag Goose 116,   Pink-footed Goose 1,  Canada Goose 110 + 1 CHRes..
Great Crested Grebe 14 + 5 WRes.,  Little Grebe 9 + 14 WRes.,   Snipe 3,  Shoveler 7 + 2 WRes,  Teal 55 + 2 WRes.,  Water Rail 1 west bank  + 1 east bank WRes..

Bretton cp 11/12/17

Both lakes had small areas of open water but no sign of the Mandarins, possibly hidden on the lower lake island. Green Sandpiper was flushed off the spillway and thought to be the one from wilthorpe. 4 Siskin in alders near boathouse, male GS Pecker showed well, 4 Nuthatch, 1 TCreeper. Only the Coot counted with a total of 140, 70 on each lake.

The Edge 11/12/2017

Wombwell Ings - 100% ice-cover on the main flash and the corner pond resulted in no geese or ducks being present. 2 Moorhen were seen on the R.Dearne. Also present were 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 17 Lapwing, 1 Cormorant over, 15 Golden Plover, 37 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 53 Skylark, 3 Meadow Pipit, 3 Pied Wagtail and 2 Bullfinch.
Broomhill Flash - 75% ice-cover.Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 300+ Canada Geese, 56 Shoveler, 26 Teal, 21 Mallard, 14 Gadwall, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Buzzard, 9 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 123 Lapwing, 125 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull and 1 Herring Gull.
TPT- Mistle Thrush. A Little Egret could be seen on Knoll Beck.
Bolton Ings - 30% ice-cover. On the open water were 2+2y Mute Swan, 74 Gadwall, 44 Mallard, 17 Teal, 12 Tufted Duck, 2m Shoveler, 1m Pintail, 1f Goosander, 1f Pochard, 1 Little Grebe, 274 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 13 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present were 8 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Snipe, 1 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 1f Stonechat,1 Willow Tit, 1 Marsh Tit and 2 Bullfinch.

Woolley Dam, Wilthorpe, Fleets, 10/12/17.

Woolley Dam area,- No sounds from the woodland species in bitter cold. The sheltered dam was ice free and held the best ever count of 28 Teal. Winter game bird gathering held 10 RL Partridge and 8 Pheasants. 50 c. Goldfinch on mill lane. An after breakfast visit to the asda incorporated a walk round the Fleets Dam which was half frozen over. 7 Parakeets showed well on the south bank feeding on hawthorn berries and what looked like alder buds. Also 2 imm. Herring Gulls, 4 Common Gull, 6 Bullfinch. Wilthorpe Marsh this aft. very steady in constant snow. 3 Jack Snipe flushed off the marsh edge could have been new in. Thin on Pipits again with only 3 Meadow on the sewage farm. 8 Goldcrests in the area.

Wintersett 10.12.17

-1 to 0 degrees,  with 8/8 cloud and a very cold northerly wind.  Just a light dusting of snow fell late morning.
Wintersett Res:  Water Rail 1 + 2 ACP.  Cetti's Warbler 1 west bank.
Anglers CP: A Dunlin flew south at 15.10hrs. Teal 94.  Shoveler 1.  Greylag Goose 116.  Pink-footed Goose 2.
ACP Gull Roost: Plenty of gulls came in to roost tonight, but none of note.

Wintersett WeBS December 2017

Here are the December WeBS totals for the Wintersett Area.
Mute Swan 44   Canada Goose 21   Greylag Goose 64   Pink-footed Goose 1   Coot 633   Moorhen 17   Water Rail 3   Mallard 62   Wigeon 373   Gadwll 162   Teal 95   Goldeneye 47   Pochard 101   Tufted Duck 238   Goosander 16   Cormorant 12   Great Crested Grebe 14   Little Grebe 12   Grey Heron 5   Snipe 3   Lapwing 131   Kingfisher 3.

Wintersett Gull Roosts 09.12 17

-1 to 2 degrees,  clear sunny start,  8/8 cloud by mid morning and a light south westerly.
Gull Roosts:  
An adult Caspian Gull was on WRes..
                                                        Area total            WRes              ACP
Great Black-backed Gull                     251                    37                  214
Lesser Black-backed Gull                       5                      1                      4
Herring Gull                                      1430                  730                   700 

Low Moor 9/12/17.

Steady one and half hours this aft. in bitterly cold weather. Always the chance of a top raptor in these conditions but not today. Still, more raptors than expected with 5 C Buzzards with 3 over midhope res. and 2 at thickwoods. Kestrels 4 and Sparrowhawk 1. Goldfinch 20, GS Pecker at feeding station, RL Partridge calling.

Worsbrough Village 09-12-2017

Worsbrough Village 09-12-2017

Early morning visit and 3 Hawfinch were present near the old Hall. Very elusive but we had a few views. Numerous Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Song Thrush and Blackbirds also taking the Yew berries. Also had at least four Bullfinch.

Wilthorpe Marsh 8/12/17.

Not much news with Pipits unpredictable. None seen and only one Meadow heard at dusk. The usual Green Sand was on the sewage farm and nearby Woodcock and C Snipe flushed, 2 Willow Tits here. The town centre evening Pied Wagtail roost looked to be well over 400 opposite the no.7 pub. Another stunning slide show was done by Ron Marshall at Thursday nights meeting about Spain. Fine photos and commentary. Felt like I was almost there. Cheers.

Wintersett 08.12.17

Frosty,   0 - 1 degree with clear sky and a very cold north westerly wind. Quiet again.
Anglers CP:  4 pink-footed Geese few west at 09.05hrs.  Lapwing 124 and Cormorant 10.

The Edge 08/12/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1 Mute Swan, c300 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 135 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 6 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Moorhen, 97 Lapwing, 145 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 15 Pied Wagtail, 6 Fieldfare, 2 Redwing and 1 Mistle Thrush.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 3+6y Mute Swan, 137 Canada Geese, 7 Greylag, 44 Shoveler, 12 Teal, 7 Tufted Duck, 2 Gadwall, 2f Goldeneye, 23 Cormorant, 12 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 120 Lapwing, 165 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull and 4 Herring Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+1y Mute Swan, 8 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 6 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 2m+1f Goosander, 2f Goldeneye, 2 Shoveler, 1 Teal, 1 Little Grebe, 201 Coot, 3 BH Gull and 2 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Kestrel, 17 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Marsh Tit, 1 Willow Tit, 1 Song Thrush 2 Bullfinch and 1 Redpoll.

Carlton Marsh

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust volunteers, led by Sophie Pinder, were cutting Phragmites reed today.
Earlier Little Egret and an immature Herring Gull were on the wader scrape. (K. Bannister)

Carlton Marsh - 6th December

Yesterday (6th) ringing session provided 63 birds (19 re-traps + 1 control) They included; 17 Great Tit, 19 Blue Tit, 2 Chaffinch, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker & 1 Treecreeper. A colour ringed Willow Tit was re-trapped and fitted with a very small transmitter. (Vivien Hartwell/Paul Bellamy RSPB)

A Great Tit Y392667, ringed as an adult male on 18/11/2013, means it is at least 5 years old.

A siskin flew south, Water Rail called and Little Egret was present, but elusive.

The Edge 07/12/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1 Mute Swan, 7 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 131 Wigeon, 29 Teal, 12 Mallard, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 242 Lapwing, 152 Golden Plover, 30+ BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 2 Skylark, 4 Redwing and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 300+ Canada Geese, 58 Shoveler, 30 Teal, 10 Tufted Duck, 6 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 5 Wigeon, 2 Pochard, 1f Goldeneye, 10 Cormorant, 5 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 98 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 100+ BH Gull, 6 Common Gull, 4 Herring Gull and 1 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3+2y Mute Swan, 32 Mallard, 11 Tufted Duck, 7 Gadwall, 7 Pochard, 5 Shoveler, 2m+3f Goosander, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 1 Little Grebe, 219 Coot, 13 BH Gull and  8 Common Gull. Also present were 20 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Marsh Tit, 1 Willow Tit, 5+ Redpoll and 3 Bullfinch.

Worsbrough village 6/12/17.

Late morning, 12 Hawfinch, some showing well in trees to the rear of the old school and churchyard. Patience required with the birds very mobile and mornings appear to be better with no sign again in the afternoon. Skein of about 200 Pinkfeet over nw at 2pm.

HAWFINCH - WORSBROUGH VILLAGE - 06-12-2017

06-12-2017 - Worsbrough Village

Just had to pay another visit today before the weather hits. I had at least 7 birds although 12 had been reported. Sightings in Churchyard and across the road. I got a little closer as you can see. I have only ever seen a handful of these birds so this was special.

Wintersett 05.1217

5 - 8 degrees with 8/8 and a cold, gusty south westerly.
Anglers CP: Cormorant 11.  Lapwing 130.
Cold Hiendley Res: Canada Goose 47 and Greylag Goose 124.  Pink-footed Goose 1.
Wintersett Res: Water Rail 2 - boathouse reeds and south east corner. A Kingfisher was on reeds in front of the boathouse bench.

Wilthorpe Marsh 5/12/17.

Steady away with more Grey Wagtails than pipits on the sewage farm. Snipe checked today with 5 Jacks and 4 Common. Also 2 Rails, 15 Teal, 1 Little Egret, flock 5 Redpoll. No sign of any Hawfinch late aft. in worsbro. village, just GS Pecker, Nuthatch.

Carlton Marsh

7 Cormorants flew north at 08.20hrs. (K. Bannister) Present Buzzard, 2 Water Rail and 6 Tufted Duck. 18 Greylags arrived from the north at 16.05hrs and a female Tawny Owl called.

HAWFINCH - Worsbrough Village - 05-12-2017

05-12-2017 Worsbrough Village

Five or six around the village this lunchtime; very mobile and difficult to get great views but here are a few distant and heavily cropped shots.

Wintersett 04.12.17

Frosty start but soon warmed up to 7 degrees. Clear sky, with scattered cloud later and a light north westerly.
Anglers CP:  A female Brambling and 8 House Sparrow were in the car park.   Little Egret 1. 
Wintersett Res:  Kingfisher 1.  Shoveler 3.  Great Crested Grebe 6 + 2 CHRes. + 8 ACP.

BARNSLEY BIRD STUDY GROUP

Thursday 7th December, 7.15 pm, at the Old Moor RSPB visitor centre

Ron Marshall on 'Wild Images of Spain'.
Expect the usual high quality photography which makes Rons talks special.

All welcome, £2.50 cover charge includes interval drink.

Upland news 3/12/17.

Very mild and at times sunny, creating excellent light, but few birds on offer. Ewden valley - Highlight here were the 6+ Ravens. Also c. 60 Fieldfare, 4 C Buzzard, 3 Kestrel. Low Moor/Midhope - Raven 2, Siskin 10, Goldcrest 4 and on the res. a pair of Goldeneye, Teal 18 and Little Grebe. Highlights at the feeding station are the now regular Willow Tit and GS Pecker.

Wintersett + Gull Roosts + Super Moon 03.12.17

4 - 7 degrees, calm  with 6/8 cloud. A light  north easterly from mid morning.
Anglers CP:  14 Redwing flew west.  40 Golden Plover flew over north.  Teal 50.  Little Grebe 9.
45  Goosander  and 44 Goldeneye were on at dusk.
Wintersett:   Little Owl 1.
Wintersett Res:  A Cetti's Warbler was heard north bank.   6 Water Rails were vocal today - south west corner,  south bank,  2 west bank marsh,  ruin and boathouse reeds.
Gull Roosts:  An adult Yellow-legged Gull was on WRes..
                                                        Area Totals          ACP            WRes:
Lesser Black-backed Gull                             9                  8                   1
Great Black-backed Gull                          139               121                 18
Herring Gull                                              827               557                270

Super Moon  at 16.30hrs          ACP    SDenny

Wintersett 02.12.17

3 degrees with 0/8 but increasing cloud and a cold north westerly.
Anglers CP: Siskin 20.  Teal 80 + 1 WRes.,  Pink-footed Goose 1.  
ACP at dusk: Goosander 42  and Goldeneye 33.
Anglers CP Gull Roost:
A 1st W Yellow-legged Gull was the only notable tonight.  Great Black-backed Gull 118.  Herring Gull 460.  Lesser Black-backed Gull 4.

Wintersett 01.12.17

Freezing 0 - 2 degrees with 0/8 cloud that increased to 8/8 cloud by mid morning, and a moderate north westerly.
Anglers CP:  Siskin 4.  Water Rail  1 south west corner + 1 east bank WRes..  Greylag Goose 119.  Pink-footed Goose 1.  Canada Goose   Teal 71 + 18 WRes.    Pochard 80 + 10 WRes..
Wintersett Res:Willow Tit 1 east bank.  Goosander 2.   Little Grebe 6. Cormorant 5.    Shoveler 2 + 5 CHRes..  

The Edge 01/12/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 212 Canada Geese, 37 Greylag, 4 Shelduck, 131 Wigeon, 6 Shoveler, 5 Teal, 2 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 1 male Goosander, 71 Lapwing, 104 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 8 Grey Partridge, 7 Skylark, 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Fieldfare and 5 Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, c200 Canada Geese, 47 Shoveler 35 Teal, 11 Wigeon, 10 Mallard, 8 Tufted Duck, 2 Gadwall, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 1 Pochard, 1 Cormorant, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 12 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 32 Lapwing, 67 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+2y Mute Swan, 41 Wigeon, 16 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 7 Tufted Duck, 6 Shoveler, 3m+3f Goosander, 5m+1f Pintail, 1f Goldeneye, 242 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 1 BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 6 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Song Thrush and 1 Bullfinch. John Clarkson had 2 Willow Tit and 1 Marsh Tit at the feeding station c400 metres west of the Cormorant Hide on Warbler Way.