Monday, 31 December 2018

Barnsley Bird Study Group

The next BBSG meeting is Thursday 3rd January 2019 at 7.15pm at the Old Moor RSPB visitor centre.

The speaker will be Professor John Reilly on 'The Ascent of Birds; how modern science is revealing their story'. This talk comes highly recommended! John will also have his recently published book on the subject for sale, a book which was shortlisted as one of the best bird books of 2018.

All welcome, a £2.50 entrance fee includes interval drink.

Carlton Marsh

Today's highlights were Little Egret, 8 Common Gulls, 265 BH Gulls, 4 Herring Gulls, 22 Jackdaws, Kingfisher, Willow Tit, 17 Lapwings, c150 Pink Feet west at 15.55hrs and 3 Snipe left at dusk. (CG Chris Parkin Dave Standish)

Hibernating insects were 3 Peacocks, 1 Comma and 1 Herald Moth (R. Hibbert & L. Corrall)

Happy New Year to everybody especially our small dedicated group, who provide me with records all the year round.
Thankyou

Wintersett Annual Round Up 2018

Wintersett Annual Round Up 2018

Weather
January – mainly dull, damp and cold.
February – cold with some light snow.
March – cold with light snow, then wet but milder days with easterlies on the 17th
April – mild and dry for first half, when 23 degrees on the 19th was the warmest Yorkshire April day since records began! Then mainly dull, damp and drizzly until the end of the month.
May was hot and sunny.
June was hot and sunny, but on the 14th, Storm Hector brought high winds that swamped nests at most water bodies. There was a thunderstorm on the 16th .
July was hot and dry until the 28th when there was some very welcome rain.
August was hot and dry, but cooler during the final week.
September was mainly warm and dry with winds from the western quarter.
October warm and dry, with cooling winds during the last 2 weeks.
November was cold
December was cool at first but mild from mid month.

The Wintersett Area recorded 170 bird species for 2018

The Top Ten Birds were: -
1. Alpine Swift on 23rd April - a new species for the Wintersett Area
2. Coues’s Arctic Redpoll ringed on 26th November, the first since 1996.
3. Woodlark on 25th October - 2nd area record.
4. Hooded Crow – 2 were seen on the 3rd .November.
5. Greenland White-fronted Goose – 28 flew west on 25th October - 3rd area record.
6. Yellow-browed Warbler on 6th November - 3rd area record.
7. Siberian Chiffchaff from 15th November - 3rd area record.
8. Lapland Bunting one flew over on 17th October.
9. Common Crane – 2 flew south on 29th September.
10. Twite – birds flew over on 3rd and 7th October.
 
Incredible as it may seem,  the following birds didn't make the top ten!
Kumliens' Gull,  Hawfinch, Honey Buzzard,  Wood Sandpiper,  Gannet,  Great White Egret,  Slavonian Grebe,  Smew and Waxwing!!!
  
Other highlights:-
2 new rafts, designed and built by Graham Speight, were floated into place at Anglers CP on 24th March.
The first Bee Orchid for Anglers Country Park was found on 6th July
We had epic Vis Mig Days on 22nd September when a record breaking 11,169 Meadow Pipits flew south, and again on 28th October when 6,235 Starlings flew west.

Glaring Omissions: Turnstone, Sandwich Tern, Redstart


Other Critters
The first Grass Snake of the year was seen on 26th March, followed by numerous sightings throughout the Wintersett Area.
The Soft-shelled Turtle showed up again on 5th July at Wintersett Resevoir for the first time in 4 years.

Odonata
The first records of Small Red-eyed Damselfly were added to the Wintersett list, with sightings at Moorhouse Lane Ponds on 5th to 11th August , and at Botany Bay on 7th August.
There were several records of Lesser Emperor from 2nd to 25th July.
 
Lepidoptera:
The first Essex Skipper since 2009 was seen at Wintersett Reservoir on 14th July.
2 Lunar Marbled Brown on the 8th May were the first records for the area, and a Barred Hook-tip on the same night was the 2nd record for the area.

And finally:
The Wintersett Team  wish everyone
A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR  and excellent birding in 2019

Wintersett + Gull Roosts 31.12.18

6 - 8 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a light westerly.
Anglers CP: Woodcock 1.  Dunlin 1 over.  Pink-footed Goose 3.   The Cormorant with the pike lure attached to its wing, roosted on the raft.
Wintersett Res:A singing male Cetti's Warbler was in the boathouse reeds +  1 Cetti's Warbler on the north bank.
Cold Hiendley Sewage Farm:  Siberian Chiffchaff 1.  Chiffchaff 2.
Wintersett Res. Gull Roost: A 1st W Mediterranean Gull was in the roost tonight.
Anglers CP Gull Roost: Great Black-backed Gull 300.  Herring Gull 1500.  Lesser Black-backed Gull 5.  Goosander 47.
Both Gull roosts were flushed by fireworks  at the barriers on Haw Park Lane.

Low Moor 31/12/18.

Steady couple of hours with 5 Crossbill, total Fieldfare 130, 1 GS Pecker, 1 Redpoll. 2+ Raven, Peregrine, 2 C Buzzard.

Sunday, 30 December 2018

Wintersett + Gull Roost 30.12.18

6 - 9 degrees with 4/8 cloud and a westerly breeze.
Cold Hiendley Res SF:  Siberian Chiffchaff (tristis) and 4 Chiffchaff  (collybita).  Cetti's Warbler 1 south bank + 1 singing male boathouse reeds Wintersett Res..
Wintersett Res: Red Kite 1 over at 12.04hrs, then left west.  Peregrine 1 juvenile over.  Tawny Owl 1 west bank.  Great Crested Grebe 21 + 6 ACP. 
Anglers CP: Pink-footed Goose 5 + 4 over.  Shelduck 1.  Goldeneye 32.  The ringed Greylag Goose finally showed all it's lime green ring with black letters BTD on left leg today. 
Wintersett Res. Gull Roost: A juvenile Kumlien's Gull was seen by Graham Speight at 15.50hrs. He alerted Pete Smith and Steve Denny, who dashed round and saw it in fading light until 16.20hrs when it left west.   

Wilthorpe Marsh / Cawthorne 30/12/18.

Wilthorpe marsh sewage farm. - Water Pipit 2 possibly 3, Meadow Pipit 10, Chiffchaff 2, Green Sand 2. Jay 6 in the valley. Cawthorne, n of A635 and e of barnby hall. Big reduction in plover numbers compared to the 28th with c200 Lapwing and c150 Golden Plovers down.

Saturday, 29 December 2018

Wintersett 29.12.18

6 - 9 degrees with 8/8 high cloud and a gusty westerly wind.
Anglers CP: Pink-footed Goose 3.  Greylag Goose 200.  Goosander 47.
Cold Hiendley Res + SF: Cetti's Warbler 1 south bank. Siberian Chiffchaff and 2 Chiffchaff this morning.

Carlton Marsh

Very quiet this morning and very mild 12c. On the wader scrape 19 Lapwing, 3 Cormorant, 4 Common Gulls, c40 Goldfinch 2 Canada Geese west, Redpoll, 21 Jackdaws (CG).

This afternoon Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawks, 24 Teal, 13 Herring Gulls, 1 GBB Gull, 1 LBB Gull north and 150 BH Gulls + 1,110 north to roost. (Dave Smith)

Wintersett + Owl Boxes 28.12.18

6 - 9 degrees with high cloud, a few sunny spells, with a warm westerly.
Cold Hiendley Res:  The Siberian Chiffchaff was showing with 5 collybita Chiffchaff  per @Fitzybirder
Wintersett Res: Pink-footed Goose 2.
Owl Boxes built by Chris Swaine were sited around the area this morning with the help of Danny Kirmond and Pete Smith. Great job done by all!


Friday, 28 December 2018

Wilthorpe Marsh + 28/12/18.

Sewage farm. - highlights, Water Pipit 1, Chiffchaff 6+ with one minus a tail, Goldcrest 1, Goosander fem showing well on river. Very big flocks of Golden Plover and Lapwing in fields just w of the M1 motorway and just n of A635 at cawthorne basin. Difficult to count but thought to be c 2000 Goldies and c 1000 Lapwing. Also big numbers of Woodpigeon here but no sign of yesterdays Red Kite up the road.

Thursday, 27 December 2018

Wintersett + Gull Roost 27.12.18

5 - 8 degrees with 4/8 cloud and a very light westerly.
Cold Hiendley Res:  Siberian Chiffchaff 1.   Chiffchaff 4.
Anglers CP: Pink-footed Goose 4 present + 67 circled over, then dropped in with goose flock at 15.40hrs.
Anglers CP Gull Roost: Great Black-backed Gull 155.  Herring Gull 450.

Wilthorpe Marsh 27/12/18.

Sewage farm, - 5 Parakeets flew up the valley and landed here briefly before returning and lost to view near tinkers pond. 55 Meadow Pipits, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Siskin. Total of 15 Goosander w presumably to Bretton, 6-8-1. Total of 33 L T Tits included a flock of 26. 1 G Pecker, 1 GS Pecker.

Wintersett + Gull Roost 26.12.18

0 - 7 degrees,, frosty, sunny  start with  0/8 cloud and a very light westerly.
Cold Hiendley Res. Sewage Farm. Siberian Chiffchaff 1 + Chiffchaff 4.
Stubbs Wood: Nuthatch 5.
Anglers CP:  Pink-footed Goose 120 flew west at 14.10hrs + 4 WRes..
Wintersett Res:  Cetti's Warbler 1 west bank + 1 male west bank marsh.  Water Rail 1 boathouse reeds.
Wintersett Res. Gull Roost: An adult Caspian Gull was in at 16.20hrs.

Tuesday, 25 December 2018

Wilthorpe Marsh - Water Pipit 24-12-2018

Images from the 24th - A variety of larvae keeping this bird happy on a cold morning as it fed in one of the streams.


















Wilthorpe Marsh / Moorlands 25/12/18.

Wilthorpe Marsh sewage farm area this am. 2 Water Pipits, 33 Meadow Pipit, c 60 Pied Wagtail, 2 Goldcrests, Chiffchaff 1, Green Sand 1. Golden Plover 1? heard only going over. - Low Moor,- Crossbill flock 9, Raven 2, C Buzzard 2, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 1 fem. GS Pecker showed well. Ewden,- pair of Stonechat on stone circle track, per D Simmonite.

Wintersett + more Sibe Chiff Pics 25.12.18

6 - 8 degrees with 6/8 cloud and a light south westerly.
Cold Hiendley Res: The Siberian Chiffchaff  + 3 Chiffchaff still around the Sewage Works.
Wintersett Res: Canada Goose 106.  Greylag Goose 176.  Pink-footed Goose 4.   Cetti's Warblers 2 males - boathouse reeds and west bank.
Anglers CP: Teal 14.

                        Siberian Chiffchaff                 CHRes.     PMeredith
               Siberian Chiffchaff                 CHRes.     PMeredith

Wilthorpe Marsh Christmas Day

A late afternoon walk down the marsh following my turkey cupasoup lunch was rewarded with three possibly four water pipits amongst 48 meadow pipits.

Monday, 24 December 2018

Wintersett 24.12.18

2 - 7 degrees, light frost, 2 -7 degrees with clear sky and a very light south westerly.
Cold Hiendley Res:  A Siberian Chiffchaff,  a Chiffchaff and 22 Meadow Pipits were in the Sewage Works area.  A Willow Tit was on the south bank.   35 Pink-footed Goose flew west at 09.54hrs.

Wilthorpe Marsh (24/12/18)

8 jack snipe, 4 water rail, water pipit, green and g s woodpeckers, green sandpiper and 15 gadwall were the highlights.

Carlton Marsh

Kingfisher and Coal Tit were amongst the birds caught this morning. Also present Great Spot and Green Woodpecker (CG).

The wader scrape was full to capacity after recent heavy rain. 3 Cormorants, Little Egret, 2 Shoveler, 3 Herring Gulls and a Fox. (Chris Parkin)

This afternoon 46 Gadwall,15 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 150 BH Gulls, 10 Common Gulls, 40 Herring Gulls were all on the wader scrape. As dusk approached c500 BH Gulls headed north to the Wintersett roost. A Buzzard came in at 15.20hrs and 6 Yellow Buntings came it roost at 15.30hrs. 8 Pied Wagtails flew SW heading for the roost at Ardagh glass? and a pair of Tawny Owls flew across the scrape at dusk. (Dave Smith)

Sunday, 23 December 2018

Wilthorpe Marsh 23/12/18.

Water Pipit 1, Meadow Pipit 20, J Snipe 2, C Snipe 3, Green Sand 1, flock of 11 Goosander towards Bretton at dusk and 2 Chiffchaffs at s.f.

Saturday, 22 December 2018

Wintersett + Pics 22.12.18

7 - 9 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP: Green Woodpecker 2.  Pink-footed Goose 4 + 60 west at 15.07hrs. 
Cold Hiendley Res: Scaup 1 juvenile male + 1 juvenile.  A group of 5 Chiffchaffs were around the Sewage Works.  At least 2 of them were wearing rings, one of which was probably the Siberian Chiffchaff ringed in the ruin area on 15.11.18.
Wintersett Res: A singing male Cetti's Warbler was on the west bank.

    Probably the ruin Siberian Chiffchaff          CHres        CSwaine
      Probably the ruin Siberian Chiffchaff       CHRes        CSwaine

Carlton Marsh

This morning with Dave Smith. 30 Herring Gulls left the wader scrape late morning, but 55 were present at mid-day including an adult with a yellow darvic ring on its left leg. Also here 1 adult GBB Gull, 4 Common Gulls, Cormorant and 20 Lapwings. Elsewhere on the reserve were 6 Bullfinches, single Green Woodpecker, Redpoll, Goldcrest and Song Thrush. At least 10 Wood Pigeons were gorging on Guelder Rose berries.

Friday, 21 December 2018

Bretton/ Wilthorpe Marsh 21/12/18.

Bretton- GW Egret, 2 L Egret, 34 Goosander, Pochard 2 drakes, Siskin total 30, Nuthatch 6. Wilthorpe- 2 Water Pipit, 3 Chiffchaff colybita, Peregrine, L Egret, 2 seperate Willow Tits.

Wintersett 21.12.18

5 - 8 degrees, dull and drizzly with a very light south westerly.
Anglers CP: Greylag Goose 165.  Pink-footed Goose 4. 
Cold Hiendley Res: Scaup 1 juvenile male + 1 juvenile. 
Haw Park Wood: Nuthatch in Blue Bridge area. 

Thursday, 20 December 2018

Wintersett + Gull Roost 20.12.18

6 - 9 degrees with  4/8 but increasing cloud and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP: Teal 16.  
Wintersett Res: Lesser Redpoll 100 in ruin area.  Pink-footed Goose 4.  Cetti's Warbler 1 east bank and 1 south bank CHRes..  Willow Tit 1 south west bank.
Cold Hiendley Res: Scaup 2 - juvenile male + juvenile.  Chiffchaff  3 in SF area.  Meadow Pipit 5.  Grey Wagtail 1.
Anglers CP Gull Roost:  Great Black-backed Gull 112.  Herring Gull 700.

Moorland news 19/12/18. D Simmonite, S Green.

Very quiet all round with birds scarce apart from Ravens. Ewden, - Stonechat 1 pair, Raven 6+, C Buzzard 2, Sparrowhawk 1, Kestrel 1, 50 Fieldfare, Redpoll 2. Low Moor/Midhope, - Raven 1 pair, Redpoll flock c 45.

The Edge 20/12/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 55 Canada Geese, 15 Greylag, 109 Wigeon, 29 Teal, 13 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 60+ Lapwing, 105 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 40+ Redwing, 5 Fieldfare and 2 Pied Wagtail. In the field to the north east of the Dearne Bridge, a Bean Goose  was associating with 5 Pink Footed Geese amongst a flock of 191 Greylag and 180 Canada Geese.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 31 Canada Geese, 20 Teal, 17 Tufted Duck, 11 Shoveler, 4 Mallard, 6 Cormorant, 1 Peregrine, 1 Barn Owl, 2 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 40+ Lapwing, 154 BH Gull, 10+ Common Gull and 2 Herring Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 11f+4m Goosander, 10 Mallard, 8 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 2m+1f Goldeneye, 1 Little Grebe, 7 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 398 Coot and 2 Common Gull. Also noted was 1 Sparrowhawk.

Carlton Marsh

Best today was 37 Herring Gulls, 4 Common Gulls, 12 Lapwings, Kingfisher, Shoveler, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Redpoll.

Wednesday, 19 December 2018

Wintersett + Gull Roost 19.12.18

6 - 8 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a light southerly.
Wintersett Res: Mealy Redpoll 1 in ruin area.  2 Water Rail and a male Cetti's Warbler west bank marsh.  Pink-footed Goose 4.  Greylag Goose 142.
Cold Hiendey Res:  Scaup 2 - a juvenile male and a juvenile.  
Anglers CP Gull Roost: Great Black-backed Gull 170.  Herring Hull 190.  Goosander  46.

Wilthorpe Marsh - Water Pipit 19-12-2018

Water Pipit early this morning, a new bird for me - I arrived before dawn and waited for the bird to come to me - it fed for 30 minutes and then left without being disturbed. I left shortly after.
Just explaining as the usual suspects on Twitter are complaining that I got too close to the bird. I put a lot of effort into not being seen by the bird, the horses nor the two walkers with dogs that passed by. Also Kingfisher seen.

In addition the bird was not baited in any way, the nice juicy larvae it was pulling out of the mud were just a selection of different invertebrates it was feeding on. I have posted a video of it feeding naturally. (It's sad that I have had to post this comment due to a personal deformation attack, again on twitter).

Here with small larvae which were the most prevalent













Carlton

This morning Dave's Smith's garden attracted 6 Redwing and a female Blackcap. A Fieldfare visited yesterday.

Tuesday, 18 December 2018

Wintersett 18.12.18

Mild - 8 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a moderate southerly wind.
Cold Hiendley Res: Scaup 1 juvenile male + 1 juvenile.  A Cetti's Warbler and a Water Rail were inthe west bank marsh.

Wilthorpe Marsh 18/12/18.

Pretty much status quo with Water Pipit, Chiffchaff, Green Sand, 2 Lapwing. Goosander traffic, 6 w towards Bretton, 2 e down dearne valley.

The Edge 18/12/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 248 Mute Swan, 3 Greylag, 129 Wigeon, 21 Shoveler, 18 Teal, 8 Mallard, 1 Gadwall, 3 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 154 Lapwing, c80 Golden Plover, 82 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, c80 Redwing and c15 Fieldfare.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 104 Canada Geese, 15 Teal, 11 Tufted Duck, 4 Mallard, 3 Shoveler, 1 Pochard, 5 Cormorant,1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 42 Lapwing, 95 BH Gull, 7 Herring Gull and 3 Common Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 37 Canada Geese, 16 Mallard, 7 Pochard, 1 Teal, 7 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 353 Coot, 2 Herring Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk and 70+ Lapwing over.

Monday, 17 December 2018

Carlton Marsh

Like everywhere else it is relatively quiet. Today's sightings included 22 Herring Gulls 5 Common Gulls, Cormorant, Kingfisher, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Buzzard, 20 Fieldfare and 50 + Redwings. A Green Woodpecker was repeatedly 'Yaffling', a Water Rail was seen on one of the islands and a Willow Tit called from the wader scrape viewpoint. This species of concern is certainly proving difficult to find! 65 Magpies were counted coming to roost in  Hawthorns.

A search for butterflies and moths proved fruitful. 8 Peacock butterflies and 5 Herald moths were discovered. (Chris Parkin)

Storrs Mill Wood Area
7 Peacock and 1 Herald moth. Longtailed Tit 35, Treecreeper, Chaffinch 16, 
Pied Wagtail 24 (Cudworth Sewage) (CP)


Wintersett 17.12.18

5 - 8 degrees with 4/8 cloud and a light southerly.
Wintersett Res:  A male Cetti's Warbler and a Water Rail were in west bank marsh.
Cold Hiendley Res: The juvenile male Scaup + the juvenile Scaup still present.
Anglers CP: Pochard 41.  Goosander 21.  Lapwing 256.

The Edge 17/12/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 4 Mute Swan, 209 Canada Geese, 18 Greylag, 63 Wigeon, 20 Shoveler, 15 Teal, 8 Mallard, 1 Gadwall, 3 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Moorhen, 136 Lapwing, 2 Golden Plover, 156 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 15+ Fieldfare and 100+ Redwing.
Broomhill Flash - Noted Were 163 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 22 Teal, 14 Tufted Duck, 7 Shoveler, 5 Wigeon, 5 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 4 Cormorant, 4 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 5 Lapwing, 94 BH Gull, 4 Common Gull and 3 Herring Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+1 juv Mute Swan, 6 Greylag, 65 Tufted Duck, 10 Mallard, 2m+6f Goosander, 2 Pochard, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 1 Little Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 368 Coot, 2 Common Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel. 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Jay, 20+ Fieldfare and 50+Redwing.

Sunday, 16 December 2018

Wintersett + Gull Roost 16.12.18

5 - 8 degrees with 3/8 cloud and a very light south easterly. 
Anglers CP:  Teal 37 + 1 WRes..
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler  1 north bank + 2 boathouse reeds + 1 south bank CHRes..  Pink-footed Goose 4.  Stock Dove 22 south east.  Water Rail 1 boathouse reeds. 
Cold Hiendley Res: Scaup  juvenile male 1 +  1 juvenile.  Goosander 11. 
Wintersett Res. Gull Roost: Herring Gull 875.  Great Black Backed Gull 41.  Lesser Black Backed Gull 5.

Wilthorpe Marsh 16/12/18.

Nowt new with the mobile Water Pipit still the best bird here, showing regularly this a.m. Good for Sparrowhawk, 4 seen.

Carlton Marsh

This mornings round up 30 Herring Gulls, 5 Common Gulls c75 BH Gulls, 18 Lapwings and Fox on the wader scrape. Also noted 5 Fieldfare c100 Redwings, 3 Mistle Thrushes, Song Thrush, Kingfisher, Great Spot Woodpecker, Buzzard, Cormorant and a Water Rail.
On the adjacent fields to the east were 30 Skylarks, 20 Linnets and 6 Pied Wagtails. (CG/Jim Plant)

Saturday, 15 December 2018

Wilthorpe Marsh 15/12/18.

No sign of any Pipits but very windy conditions. Main highlights were a flock of c 70 Golden Plover e over the sewage farm and a Peregrine chasing duck over the oxbow pond. Hundreds of Redwings still here stripping hawthorne berries attracting Sparrowhawks with 4 in the area. Also Green Sand, Chiffchaff, L Egret, 2 C Buzzard, Redpoll over and 1 Goosander over e.

Wintersett 15.12.18

0 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a moderate, very cold south easterly.
Anglers CP: Lesser Redpoll 170.  Wigeon 322.  Teal 11.   A Ringed Plover was in this afternoon.
Wintersett Res: Shoveler 5 + 4 ACP + 3 CHRes..   Greylag Goose 153.  Pink-footed Goose 4.
Cold Hiendley Res: Scaup 1 juvenile male + 1 juvenile
.

Friday, 14 December 2018

Wintersett + Ringing 14.12.18

3 - 0 degrees with 3/8 cloud and a light south easterly wind.
Anglers CP: Snipe 5.  Teal 4.  Lesser Redpoll 100.  Brambling 1.
Cold Hiendley Res: Kingfisher 1.
Golf course field: Jack Snipe 1.
Walton Hall Lake: Psycho the adult Yellow-legged Gull.
Moorhouse Lane Pond: Teal 24 
51 Birds were ringed ACP: Redwing 21.  Lesser Redpoll 27.  Common (Mealy) Redpoll 1. 

Carlton Marsh

The only report today was of 13 Grey Partridge's in a nearby field. (K. Bannister)

Cudworth Common
c50 Fieldfares and a similar number of Redwings.

Cudworth Sewage Farm
A Chiffchaff (Collybita) was feeding in Bramble at mid-day (CG)

Friday 14/12/18 roundup.

Fleets dam.- Parakeet 7, a 5+2. Goosander 1 pair w. Wilthorpe Marsh - Water Pipit, Meadow Pipit 50, Redpoll 10, Chiffchaff 1 colybita, Green Sand 2, C Snipe 4. Low Moor/Midhope- Steady with Crossbill flock 22, Redpoll flock 25, Raven 3,Lapwing 3 e, GS Pecker 1, 150 Fieldfare, Buzzard 3, Kestrel 2.

The Edge 14/12/2018

Wombwell Ings - Highlight was a White Fronted Goose that came in at 9.08am, flew  three times around the 100% ice-covered main pool before flying off east. Also present were 3 Mute Swan, 1 Canada Goose, 107 Wigeon, 12 Mallard, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 106 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 134 BH Gull, 4 Common Gull and 150+ Redwing.
Broomhill Flash - 70% ice-covered. Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 32 Shoveler, 31 Wigeon,  29 Teal, 13 Mallard, 10 Tufted Duck, 7 Gadwall, 1 Pochard, 10 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 5 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Marsh Harrier, 37 Lapwing, 152 BH Gull, 4 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull and c50 Redwing.
Bolton Ings - East pool 50% ice-cover. Highlight was a Bean Goose along with 6 Pink Footed Geese, in a flock of 189 Greylag. At 12.30pm a Barn Owl and a Marsh Harrier mobbing each other as they hunted over the reeds on the north shore was also an impressive sight. On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 1 Canada Goose, 18 Gadwall, 15 Mallard, 4m+7f Goosander, 5 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 1m Goldeneye, 4 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 426 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 3 Herring Gull, 2 Common Gull and 1 BH Gull. Also present were 1 Little Egret, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Snipe.

Thursday, 13 December 2018

Wintersett 13.12.18

3 - 6 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a light south easterly.
Anglers CP: Snipe 6.  Teal 10.  Pink-footed Goose 1 + 2 WRes + 40 west over ACP 10.23hrs.  Pintail 3 drake over, left SW.
Wintersett Res:  Scaup 1 juvenile male + 1 juvenile.  Green Sandpiper 1.  Gadwall 19.  Shoveler 10.  

The Edge 12/13/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 26 Greylag, 18 Canada Geese, 126 Wigeon, 16 Teal, 16 Shoveler,  13 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 4 Moorhen, 1 Coot, 1 Sparrowhawk, 107 Lapwing, 28+ Golden Plover, 159 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 150+ Redwing, 10+ Fieldfare and 2 Stonechat.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 15 Canada Geese, 27 Teal, 13 Tufted Duck, 11 Wigeon, 9 Shoveler, 4 Mallard, 1 Pochard, 13 Cormorant, 5 Red Legged Partridge, 4 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 17 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, 157 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, and 50+ Redwing.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 119 Greylag, 27 Mallard, 15 Tufted Duck, 3m+8f Goosander, 7 Pochard,  3 Gadwall, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 1 Teal, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 11 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 328 Coot, 4 Common Gull, 4 Herring Gull and 1 BH Gull. Also present were 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk, 18 Lapwing and 1 Jay.

Wilthorpe Marsh 13/12/18.

Late aft., Water Pipit 1, Meadow Pipit c 60, Redwing 600+, G Pecker 1.

Wednesday, 12 December 2018

The Edge 12/12/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 81 Canada Geese, 2 Shelduck, 107 Wigeon, 10 Gadwall, 9 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 4 Mallard, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 66 Lapwing, 121 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Stonechat and 150+ Redwing.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 5 Shelduck, 38 Teal, 15 Tufted Duck, 10 Wigeon, 9 Mallard, 9 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 3 Pochard, 12 Cormorant, 4 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 39 Lapwing, 85 BH Gull, 1 Herring Gull and 1 Common Gull. K. Fisher also had 1 Barn Owl and 2 Pink Footed Geese at first light.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 5 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 2m+3f Goosander, 1m Goldeneye, 2 Mallard, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Cormorant, 383 Coot, 2 Herring Gull, 1 BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Shelduck over east, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Jay and 100+ Redwing.

Wintersett 12.12.18

3 - 5 degrees, dull with 8/8 cloud and a moderate south westerly.
Cold Hiendley Res: Scaup 1 juvenile male + 1 juv.   Smew 1 redhead.  Grey Wagtail 1.   Shoveler 3 + 9  WRes..
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler  1 m west bank + 1 m boathouse reeds + 1m south bank CHRes. Greylag Goose 8.  Pink-footed Goose 2.  Canada Goose 56.
Botany Hill: 600 Wood Pigeons were flushed from the field.
Anglers CP: Water Rail 1.  Greylag Goose 146.

Tuesday, 11 December 2018

Wintersett 11.12.18

4 - 8 degrees with 0/8 to 8/8 cloud by midday, and a light south easterly.
Anglers CP: Siskin 1.  Greylag Goose 138.  Pink-footed Goose 3
Haw Park Wood: Redpoll 150.
Cold Hiendley SF: Green Sandpiper 1.
Cold Hiendley Res:  Smew 1 redhead. 
Wintersett Res:  Chiffchaff  1 north east corner.  Cetti's Warbler 1 singing male south east corner.
24 birds were ringed: Lesser Redpoll 8.  Redwing 14.  Blackbird 2.

Carlton Marsh

On the wader scrape this morning 15 Lapwings, 4 Cormorants, 15 Herring Gulls, 5 Common Gulls, 142 BH Gulls and 20 Teal.
Elsewhere c50 Redwings, Treecreeper, Goldcrest and 2 Coal Tit (both ringed).

The Edge 11/ 12/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 164 Canada Geese, 13 Greylag, 81 Wigeon, 27 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 2 Mallard, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Moorhen, 1 Coot, 118 Lapwing, 3 Golden Plover, 96 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, c150 Redwing and 10+ Fieldfare.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 117 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 31 Teal, 15 Tufted Duck, 11 Shoveler, 13 Mallard, 6 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 83 Lapwing, 3+ Snipe and 93 BH Gull.
Bolton Ings - Highlight was a Bittern out on the edge of the reeds in the north west corner at 12.09am. On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 1 Greylag, 68 Tufted Duck, 6 Pochard, 2 Goosander, 1 Mallard, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 336 Coot, 2 Common Gull, 1 BH Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present were 1cc Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Jay and 1 Bullfinch.

Monday, 10 December 2018

Wintersett + Pics. 10.12.18

4 - 7 degrees with 3/8 but increasing cloud and a light south easterly.
Anglers CP: Pink-footed Goose 2 + 10 west at 11.15hrs.   Whooper Swan 1 adult at 12.30hrs. 
Cold Hiendley Res:  Scaup 1 juvenile female showing well.  
Wintersett Res:   Cetti's Warbler 1 male in west bank marsh,  Chiffchaff 1 west bank + 1 Botany Hill.  Water Rail 1 west bank marsh.

 Juvenile female Scaup         CHRes.     SDenny

The Edge 10/12/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1 Mute Swan, 65 Canada Geese, 13 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 59 Wigeon, 16 Mallard,  12 Teal, 7 Gadwall, 7 Shoveler, 3 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 100+ Lapwing, 9 Golden Plover, 106 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, c10 Fieldfare, 100+ Redwing and 1 Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 1 Mute Swan, 54 Canada Geese, 17 Greylag, 2 Pink Footed Goose, 1 Shelduck, 32 Teal, 16 Tufted Duck, 12 Shoveler, 8 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 1 Pochard, 7 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Coot, 1 Peregrine, 49 Lapwing, 124 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 1 LBB Gull
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 18 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 2m+2f Goldeneye, 3 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 1 Goosander, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 12 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 382 Coot, 3 Common Gull, 1 Herring Gull and 1 BH Gull. Also present were 1 Jay, 1 Song Thrush and c20 Redwing.

Sunday, 9 December 2018

Low Moor/Midhope, 9/12/18, late aft., R Twigg, S Green.

Steady with 7 Crossbill, Brambling, Bullfinch 7, 10 Redpoll, 3 Siskin. Fieldfare c 200, Raven 3, Green Pecker 1 fem. showing well. Raptors - Peregrine 1, Sparrowhawk 2, C Buzzard 3, Kestrel 2.

Wintersett + Gull Roost 09.12.18

6 - 9 degrees with clear blue sky, but increasing cloud late morning, and a north westerly breeze.
Anglers CP: Pink-footed Goose 16 east at 09.07hrs + 80 east at 09.10hrs + 23 at 09.22hrs + 3 in with 136 Greylag Geese. Common Redpoll 1.  Lesser Redpoll 20.  Sacup 1 juvenile male.  Shoveler 4.
Cold Hiendley Res: Green Sandpiper 1 SF.   Scaup 1 juvenile female.   Cetti's Warbler 1 south bank, west of sewage farm.
Gull Roost Anglers CP: Great Black-backed Gull 120.  Herring 300.

Wilthorpe Marsh 9/12/18.

Water Pipit mobile, but favouring the dykes. Chiffchaff 3+ with 1 looking good for tristis but no call. Green Sand 2 together, J Snipe 1, C Snipe 3, W Rail 2, L Egret 1. Lapwing flock 17 favouring west end fields. Grey Partridge 1 pair, 350+ Redwing, Meadow Pipit c 15, Teal c 35.

Saturday, 8 December 2018

Wintersett WeBs December 2018

Here are the WeBs totals for the Wintersett Area December 2018.

Mute Swan 19   Canada Goose 74   Greylag Goose 135   Pink-footed Goose 3   Great Crested Grebe 35   Little Grebe 14   Cormorant 30   Coot 346   Moorhen 18   Mallard 61   Teal 2   Shoveler 4   Gadwall 15   Wigeon 214   Tufted Duck 211   Pochard 45   Scaup 2 ( 1 juv male + 1 juv female)   Goldeneye 56   Goosander 32   Grey Heron 8   Lapwing 140

Wintersett 08.12.18

8 - 11degrees with 4/8 cloud, sun and a moderate south westerly. 
Anglers CP: The juvenile male Scaup present for the 12th day.  Pink-footed Goose 3.  Little Grebe 2.  Cormorant 26. 
Wintersett Res:  The juv. female Scaup  also still present for the 12th day.
Cold Hiendley Res: No sign of the redhead Smew today - possibly returned to Bretton Lake.
Walton Hall: Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull was seen this afternoon.

Friday, 7 December 2018

Wintersett 07.12.18

A warm 13 - 8 degrees,  with 8/8 cloud and a south westerly breeze.
Anglers CP: The juv. drake Scaup still present.  Teal 7.  Pink-footed Goose 3.  Cormorant 15.
Wintersett Res: The female Scaup still in north east corner.
Cold Hiendley Res:  The redhead Smew showing well from the Dam Wall.

Scaup -  juvenile male         ACP    SDenny

Scaup - juvenile female   WRes   SDenny

Smew redhead         CHRes    SDenny

The Edge 07/12/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 158 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 16 Teal, 13 Shoveler, 13 Gadwall, 12 Wigeon, 5 Mallard, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Moorhen, 312 Lapwing, 100+ Golden Plover, 103 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull, 1 male Stonechat and 1 Pied Wagtail. A Treecreeper, 2 Reed Bunting and 40+ Redwing were in Broomhill Park.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+1 juv Mute Swan, 56 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 14 Shoveler, 14 Tufted Duck, 13 Teal, 2 Mallard, 1 Gadwall, 4 Cormorant, 1 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 30+ Lapwing, 52 BH Gull and 2 Common Gull.
Bolton Ings -  On the open water were 22 Mute Swan, 1 Canada Goose, 5 Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 female Goosander, 6 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 355 Coot, 2 Herring Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Jay, 1 female Stonechat, 40+ Redwing, 20+ Fieldfare and 16+ Long Tailed Tit.

Thursday, 6 December 2018

Carlton Marsh

Barnsley Council Rangers were on site today again doing a magnificent job, in difficult conditions, removing stands of Willow from the main marsh. Thanks to Parks Officer R.J. Boland for organising this.
On the wader scrape this morning 20 Herring Gulls, 8 Common Gulls, 1 Little Egret, 3 Cormorants and 3 Snipe.

Wintersett + Gull Roosts

A very mild 9 - 11 degrees with  6/8 cloud and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP: Pink-footed Goose 3 in with 120 Greylag Geese.  Goldfinch 50.   SCAUP 1 juvenile male.  Water Rail 1 SW corner + 1 north bank WRes..  Teal 5.
Haw Park Wood: Nuthatch 1.
Cold Hiendley Res:  SMEW 1 redhead. 
Wintersett Res:   SCAUP 1 juvenile female.   Cetti's Warbler 1 boathouse reeds + 1 west bank.  Meadow Pipit 4 south + 1 sewage farm CHRes..
Gull Roosts:  Herring Gull 1150 WRes + 400 ACP.  Great Black-backed Gull 104 + 80 ACP.  Lesser Black-backed Gull 15.

     Smew redhead                CHRes  SDenny

The Edge 06/12/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, c150 Canada Geese, 34 Greylag,1 Shelduck, 34 Wigeon, 24 Teal, 13 Gadwall, 12 Shoveler, 2 Mallard, 1 Goosander, 1 Cormorant, 3 Moorhen, 1 Coot, 142 Lapwing, 60+ Golden Plover over, 61 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 6 Meadow Pipit, 1 Pied Wagtail and 50+ Redwing.
Broomhill Flash - Noted Were 2+1juv Mute Swan, 1 Canada Goose,  33 Teal, 16 Tufted Duck, 11 Shoveler, 4 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 8 Cormorant, 5 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 78 Lapwing, 71 BH Gull, 4 Herring Gull, 2 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 12 Tufted Duck, 12 Mallard, 9 Pochard, 6 Goosander, 3 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 19 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 361 Coot, 5 Common Gull, 4 Herring Gull and 2 BH Gull. Also present were 1 Buzzard, 1 Barn Owl hunting over the back edge reeds at 11.58am, 2 Green Woodpecker and 1 Jay.

Wednesday, 5 December 2018

Wintersett 05.12.18

7 - 10 degrees with  8/8 cloud, rain and a light westerly.
Anglers CP: Pink-footed Goose 3.  Scaup 1 juvenile male + 1 juvenile female WRes..
Cold Hiendley Res:  Smew 1 redhead.

Wilthorpe Marsh 5/12/18.

Late aft., - Presumed over wintering Water Pipit still present. Feeding party of 4 Chiffchaffs were at the sewage farm, 2 of which seen well were collybita. Also 2 Green Sands here. Nearby, 2 J Snipe, 1 C Snipe, party of 10 Goosander through looked to be heading towards Bretton.

The Edge 05/12/2018

Wombwell Ings - On a murky and wet ings were 100+ Canada Geese, 1 Shelduck, 17 Teal, 16 Gadwall, 14 Wigeon, 13 Shoveler, 3 Mallard, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Moorhen, 139 Lapwing, 105 Golden Plover, 26 BH Gull, 12 Common Gull, 2 Pied Wagtail and a flock of c150 Winter Thrushes (mainly Redwing).
Broomhill Flash - Another dead juvenile Mute Swan lying in the water, leaving only one juvenile on the flash out of the four born this year. Also noted were 150+ Canada Geese, 34 Teal, 12 Tufted Duck, 8 Shoveler, 7 Mallard, 1 Gadwall, 14 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 3 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 36 Lapwing, 3+ Snipe, 49 BH Gull and 1 Common Gull.
Bolton Ings - Highlights were the two Bittern; a darker individual flew in from Old Moor and landed on the near edge at 12.08pm, whilst a lighter bird flew west to east across the back edge at 12.48pm. On the open water were 4 Mute Swan, 1 Canada Goose, 1 Greylag, 50+ Tufted Duck flew in at 12.20pm with most seeking the shelter of the near edge, 4 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, 2 Mallard, 1 male Goosander, 1 Little Grebe, 5 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 373 Coot, 5 Herring Gull, 2 BH Gull and 2 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Sparrowhawk, 40+ Redwing, 8 Fieldfare and 2 Reed Bunting.

Tuesday, 4 December 2018

Wintersett + Ringing + Pics 04.12.18

2 - 5 degrees, frosty with 1/8 cloud and a light southerly.
Anglers CP: Scaup 1 immature drake.  Pink-footed Goose 3.  
Cold Hiendley Res: The redhead Smew was back this morning.
Wintersett Res: A Waxwing flew over west at 10.20hrs.  Cetti's Warbler 1 male.
Water Rail 1west bank marsh + 2 north bank.  Chiffchaff 1 west bank + 1 north east corner.
38 Birds were ringed today. Highlights were: 14 Redwing.  1 Blackbird.  1 Song Thrush.  16 Lesser Redpoll.  Common (Mealy) Redpoll 1  1st year male.  Goldcrest 1.
An adult female Chiichaff  retrapped in the NE corner, WRes.
was first ringed at Anglers CP, on 29.08.2016  as a 1st year female.

 Common (Mealy) Redpoll      ACP    CSwaine
Immature drake Scaup   ACP  SDenny

Carlton Marsh

The wader scrape was busy with gulls coming and going. At 09.30hrs there were 88 Herring Gulls, 10 Common Gulls, c175 BH Gulls and 3 Cormorants. 
Elsewhere 3 Shovelers, 2 Kingfishers, 5 Grey Partridges, Treecreeper and Mistle Thrush and Song Thrush sang briefly.
2 immature Mute Swans came in from the north and alighted on the northern meadow at mid-day, before leaving south.
BMBC Rangers were removing scrub from the main marsh and will continue weather permitting over the next week.

Wilthorpe Marsh

Water pipit, 1 jack snipe, 14 common snipe, Cettis  warbler, water rail and 250 redwing.

Monday, 3 December 2018

Wilthorpe Marsh additions, 2/12/18.

2 Green Sand, 7 J.Snipe, 18 C.Snipe, c 300 Redwing, Peregrine,GS Pecker.

Wintersett 03.12.18

A mild 8 - 4 degrees  with 8/8 cloud and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP: The juvenile male Scaup showed in front of the hide in fading light at 15.30 hrs but showing some grey feathers on back and panels of off white on flanks -per Pete Griffin.  Greylag Goose 103.  Pink-footed Goose 3.  Whooper Swan 5 flew south at 12.05hrs.  Snipe 2.
Wintersett Res: The juvenile female Scaup was in the north east corner.  Goosander 11 + 6 ACP.   Little Grebe 8 + 1 ACP. 

Sunday, 2 December 2018

Wintersett 02.12.18

9 - 13 degrees, mild, with 6/8 cloud and a moderate, gusty south westerly wind.
Anglers CP: The juvenile male Scaup still present.  Pink-footed Goose 1 + 50 over east at 14.57hrs.. Greylag Goose 92.  Shoveler 4. Cormorant 10 + 4 WRes. + 1 CHRes..  Woodcock 1.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 2 singing males - west bank and boathouse reeds.  Mute Swan 12 + 2 ACP + 2 CHRes..  A Water Rail was on the west bank.

Wilthorpe marsh

At dusk today at one location:  water pipit, jack snipe, little egret and grey wagtail.  Lots of winter thrushes.

BBSG Meeting - Thurs 6th Dec

The next meeting will be held at 7:15pm at Old Moor on Thursday 6th December.

Richard Hill will be giving us a talk on the breeding birds of the Redmires area of Sheffield.  Richard is a very good speaker and his last talk for BBSG was one of the best we have witnessed.

Message sent on behalf of Pete Middleton

Saturday, 1 December 2018

Wintersett 01.12.18

8 - 10 degrees, dull and drizzly, with 8/8 cloud and a south westerly breeze.
Anglers CP: The juvenile male Scaup still present.  Goosander 25 + 3 WRes..  Little Grebe 4.  Teal 20 + 6 CHRes.,
Botany Bay: Chiffchaff 1.
Cold Hiendley Res: Tufted Duck 98 + 15 ACP.  Cetti's Warbler 1 in SW corner.

Wintersett 30.11.18

 A mild 8 degrees with sun, 1/8 cloud and a light to moderate south westerly.
Anglers CP: The juvenile male Scaup still present.  Goosander 25 + 5 WRes.   13 Collared Doves and 10 House Sparrows were at the car park feeders.   Pink-footed Goose 1.  Greylag Goose 88.
Cold Hiendley Res: A Cetti's Warbler was in the south west corner.
Botany Bay: Chiffchaff 1.

Friday, 30 November 2018

The Edge 30/11/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 134 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 31 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 2 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Moorhen, c150 Lapwing, 1 Dunlin, 174 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 3 Skylark, 2 Meadow Pipit, c50 Redwing and 20+ Fieldfare.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+2juv Mute Swan, 7 Canada Geese, 32 Teal, 20 Shoveler, 15 Tufted Duck, 4 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 1 Pochard, 1 male Goldeneye,  6 Cormorant, 5 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 45 Lapwing, 2 Black Tailed Godwit, 115 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull and 20+ Redwing.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3+1 juv Mute Swan, 2m+4f Goosander, 2m+2f Tufted Duck, 1m+1f Pochard, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 344 Coot, 3 Common Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 1 BH Gull. Also present were 2 cc Marsh Harrier, 2 Sparrowhawk, 46 Lapwing over, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Jay, 1 Grey Wagtail, 10+ Redwing and 2 Redpoll.

Thursday, 29 November 2018

Carlton Marsh

Today's highlights Kingfisher, Snipe, Grey Wagtail, Buzzard, 2 Willow Tits, Goldcrest, Redpoll, 370 Wood Pigeon roosting along with at least 10 Yellow Buntings, c50 Redwings.

Wintersett 29.11.18

8 - 11 degrees, mild, with 8/8 cloud, light rain and a gusty south westerly wind.  Sun and clear blue sky by 14.00hrs.
Anglers CP:  1 juvenile male SCAUP.    Pink-footed Goose 1.  Goosander 22 + 1 WRes. + 1

Cold Hiendley Res: The juvenile female Scaup was feeding and diving close
Wintersett Res: Little Grebe 13 + 1 ACP.

Wednesday, 28 November 2018

Wintersett 28.11.18

9 - 12 degrees with 8/8 cloud, a moderate south westerly and rain from late morning onwards.
Anglers CP: The juvenile male Scaup still present.  Pink-footed Goose 1.  Goosander 25.  Meadow pipit 2 south.
Cold Hiendley Res: The juvenile female Scaup still present.  A Water Rail was in the SW corner.
Wintersett Res: A Rock Pipit flew over south at 08.40hrs..

The Edge 28/11/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 101 Canada Geese, 1 Shelduck, 37 Wigeon, 32 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 3 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Moorhen, 209 Lapwing, c20 Golden Plover over east, 1 Dunlin, 156 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 100+ Redwing, 5+ Fieldfare and 1 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 1 juv Mute Swan, 40 Teal, 18 Shoveler, 13 Tufted Duck, 4 Wigeon, 3 Mallard, 1 Little Grebe, 13 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 3 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 112 Lapwing, 4 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 Dunlin, 102 BH Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 70+ Redwing.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 7 Mallard, 2 Pochard, 1f Goosander, 1f Tufted Duck, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 7 Cormorant, 341 Coot, 6 Common Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 1 BH Gull. Also present were 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 55 Lapwing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grey Wagtail, 25+ Redwing and c20 Redpoll.

Tuesday, 27 November 2018

The Edge 27/11/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 200+ Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 47 Teal, 23 Wigeon, 4 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 1 Kestrel, 3 Moorhen, 159 Lapwing, 5 Golden Plover, 2 Dunlin, 95 BH Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 1 Common Gull, 10+ Redwing, 1 Song Thrush and 10+ Green Finch.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 1 Greylag, 76 Teal, 19 Shoveler, 12 Tufted Duck, 11 Gadwall, 4 Mallard, 3 Wigeon, 1 Pochard, 11 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 6 Red Legged Partridge, 3 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 62 Lapwing, 1 Dunlin, 1 Black Tailed Godwit, 95 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 1 Herring Gull and 100+ Winter Thrushes.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 72 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard, 1m+1f Goosander, 1 Mallard, 1 Wigeon, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Cormorant, 292 Coot, 8 Herring Gull, 5 Common Gull and 2 BH Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Lapwing and 1 Green Woodpecker.

Wintersett 27.11.18

5 - 7 degrees, dull and damp with 8/8 cloud and a very cold south easterly.
Anglers CP:  Linnet 1 over.  Goosander 12 + 3 WRes + 6 CHRes.  Scaup 1 juvenile male. 3 adult Whooper Swans dropped in at 13.07hrs.  Greylag Goose 87.  Pink-footed Goose 1.
ACP Ringing:  A Common Redpoll and a Lesser Redpoll were the only birds ringed this morning. 
Cold Hiendley Res: Scaup 1 juvenile female.  Smew 1 redhead.
Wintersett Res: Teal 7.

Monday, 26 November 2018

Wintersett - Triple Red Day for Pete Smith 26.11.18

3 -5 degrees with 4/8 cloud and a cool north easterly.
Ringing at Wintersett Res: 
Pete Smith had a lovely surprise this morning, when the only bird in one net was a 1st Year  male Coues's Arctic Redpoll at 10.10hrs.  It brought back memories of the 1995/96 winter, when 11 were trapped and ringed here.  A 1st Year Common (Mealy) Redpoll was trapped later  along with  3 Chiffchaffs . (That's 5 Chiffchaffs in the last 3 days, which is exceptional at this time of year!) .   5 Lesser Redpolls were also ringed today.
A total of 16 birds were ringed: Lesser Redpoll 5  Common Redpoll 1.  Coues's Arctic Redpoll 1.  Chiffchaff 3.  Treecreeper 1.  Blackbird 1. Robin 1. 
Wintersett Res: A male Cetti's Warbler was on the west bank.  50 Pink-footed Goose flew east late morning.
Here's a selection of photos of the 1stY male Coues's Arctic Redpoll showing salient ID features.  (SDenny)







The Edge 26/11/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 138 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 38 Wigeon, 7 Shoveler, 6 Teal, 1 Gadwall, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Moorhen, 141 Lapwing, 2 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 1 Golden Plover, 128 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Skylark, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Stonechat, c40 Redwing and 5+ Fieldfare.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+2y Mute Swan, c250 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, c100 Pink Footed Geese over east at 10.40am, 49 Teal, 16 Shoveler, 13 Tufted Duck, 5 Wigeon, 3 Mallard, 2 Cormorant, 3 Red Legged Partridge, 4 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 1 Sparrowhawk, 96 Lapwing, 3 Black Tailed Godwit, 2 Snipe, 1 Dunlin, 45 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull and  1 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 6 Tufted Duck, 2m+2f Goosander, 3 Mallard, 2f+1m Goldeneye, 1 Pochard, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 348 Coot, 2 BH Gull,  2 Herring Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Lapwing, 1 Jay, 7 Fieldfare and 5+ Redwing.

Sunday, 25 November 2018

Bretton / Wilthorpe Marsh. 25/11/18.

Bretton low lake only. rh Smew at times hidden on the edge of the western island and the hard to miss GW Egret here. 14 Goosander, 2 Nuthatch. Wilthorpe - pair of Raven flew north calling, 1/2 Water Pipits, 3 J Snipe, 10 C Snipe. c 1200 Wood Pigeon, 250+ Redwing so raptors about with Peregrine, 2 Sparrowhawks, Buzzard and Kestrel. Also c 60 Pied Wag and 25 Meadow Pipit at s.f., 1 G Pecker, 1 GS Pecker.

Carlton Marsh

On the wader scrape 14 Common Gulls, 32 Herring Gulls, 1 GBB Gull, c150 BH Gulls, 12 Lapwings and 2 Cormorants. Elsewhere Great Spot Woodpecker, c30 Goldfinch, c50 Redwing, 2 Fieldfares, Goldcrest, 6 + 3 Bullfinches and a single Redpoll.

Wintersett 25.11.18

4 - 6 degrees, cold damp and drizzle from mid morning, with a cold north easterly breeze.
Very little to report today.
Anglers CP: Whooper Swan  7 flew east at 09.24hrs.
18 Birds were ringed: Lesser Redpoll 13.  Greenfinch 4.  Song Thrush 1.
Anglers CP Gull Roost:  Gull numbers were poor tonight with no notable birds.

Saturday, 24 November 2018

Wintersett + Gull Roost + Ringing 24.11.18

4 - 6 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a light north easterly.
Anglers CP: A Brambling and 6 Siskin flew over.  Fieldfare 18 west.  Shoveler 32.  Water Rail 1 in SW corner  + 1 WB WRes..    Lesser Redpoll 60.  Goosander 6 + 2 WRes.. 
Wintersett Res:  Cetti's Warbler  2 singing males - west bank and boathouse reeds.   A Chiffchaff was on the west bank + 2 north east corner.   Kingfisher 1.
WRes. Gull Roost.  An adult Yellow-legged Gull was the only notable tonight.
57 birds were ringed this morning, including 2 Chiffchaffs,  1 Goldcrest,  30 Lesser Redpoll,  9 Redwing and 2 Blackbirds. 

Carlton Marsh

A group led by Trevor Mayne included Austin Watson who noted a Chiffchaff in the car park. Also present Kingfisher, Shoveler, Water Rail, c250 BH Gulls, several Herring Gulls 9 Lapwings, 2 Cormorants and groups of Redwings and Goldfinches..

Friday, 23 November 2018

Wintersett 23.11.18

4- 5 degrees, foggy,  dull and damp with a light north easterly.
Wintersett Res: A Chiffchaff was on the west bank  and another was on Botany marsh.     A Water Rail was in west bank marsh + 1 on the east bank.  Linnet 2 south,
Anglers CP:  2 adult Whooper Swans, then flew WSW over WRes. at 11.40hrs.

Thursday, 22 November 2018

The Edge 22/11/2018

Wombwell Ings - Very quiet on a 95% ice-covered main pool, with 56 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 74 BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. On the corner pond were 1 Shelduck, 4 Mallard, 1 Gadwall and 1 Coot. 12 Canada Geese were in the back field. Along the Bulling Dyke were 7 Mallard, 7 Moorhen, 20+ Redwing and 1 Reed Bunting. The Tundra Bean Goose and 6 Pink Footed Geese continued to associate with the 200+ Greylag in the field to the north east of the R. Dearne Bridge ( apart from a 20 minute break at 10am on Broomhill Flash ). A Treecreeper was seen in Broomhill Park ( K. Fisher).
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 3juv Mute Swan, 200+ Greylag, 17 Canada Geese, 6 Pink Footed Geese, 1 Tundra Bean Goose, 37 Teal, 35 Shoveler, 14 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 8 Wigeon, 5 Cormorant, 3 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 31 Lapwing, 4 Dunlin, 1 Golden Plover, 57 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Common Gull and 20+ Redwing.
Bolton Ings - On an increasingly murky ings it was difficult to  see the back edge and either end of the east pool. What could be seen were 2 Mute Swan, 63 Tufted Duck, 5 Goosander, 3 Pochard, 2 Mallard, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 301 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 4 Common Gull, 1 BH Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present were 1 Jay, 10+ Redwing, 1 Green Woodpecker and 40+ Redpoll.

Wintersett 22.11.18

3 - 5 degrees, small patches of frost, calm and misty, dull, damp and drizzly from 08.30hrs onwards.
Anglers CP: Wigeon 202.  Canada Goose 116.
Wintersett Res: A Water Rail was on the north bank and a Chiffchaff was on the north east bank.

Wednesday, 21 November 2018

Wintersett + Gull Roost 21.11.18

3 - 5 degrees, dull and damp with 8/8 cloud and a light south easterly.
Moorhouse Lane: A 1st W Slavonian Grebe was on Big Pond.
Anglers CP: A Siskin flew over. 
Wintersett Res: 40 Repoll flew over. 
Wintersett Res. Gull Roost: A 2ndW Caspian Gull and an adult Yellow-legged Gull were notable today.

                  1stW Slavonian Grebe                     MLPond   SDenny
                 2nd W Caspian Gulll                WRes.   SDenny