Wintersett 31.03.18

3 degrees,  cold and rainy for most of day, with a bitter northerly.  All paths waterlogged,  but wadeable in  wellies, except WRes west bank track.
Anglers CP:  Snipe 4.   Teal 10.  Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull brought  a goose egg to the indifferent Lesser Black-backed Gull.
Golf Course: Redwing 5
Raft update: A Mallard continues prospecting on the big raft, and an adult Black-headed Gull perched on the side and then dropped on briefly this afternoon.

Mallard prospecting  28.03.18                ASmith

Psycho, the adult YL Gull  with egg.    ACP   ASmith

   Lesser Black-backed Gull      "That don't impress me much!"     ACP     ASmith

Carlton Marsh

New in today Green Sandpiper on the main scrape. (Jim Plant) 300 + Herring Gulls came down to bathe on the recently enlarged wader scrape (Richard Laverack) and a Peregrine flew over Beech Avenue towards the wader scrape at 10.39hrs. (Geoff Miller).

I see from the twitter feed that Malc Clarkson has the result of a fresh dead Lesser Redpoll in his garden on the Birkwood estate, Cudworth on 26th March. Nice one Malc. This species has a happy knack of being recovered or re-trapped so its always good to ring them. I know that Malc has had at least 15 coming to his garden feeder over recent weeks. This one however didn't survive. Z4411173 was ringed as a 1st year at Damhead Farm, Carluke, South Lanarkshire 984 days after ringing, it had flown 284 SSE.

Wintersett 30.03.18

3 - 7 degrees with some sun,  scattered cloud  and a cold north easterly breeze.
Anglers CP: A Red Kite flew north at 09.40hrs.  An adult Mediterranean Gull dropped in at 10.35hrs.  The adult Yellow-legged Gull and the adult Lesser Black-backed Gull were on the islands. Wigeon 113.  Shoveler 14.  Teal 6.
Wintersett Res: 2  singing male Cetti's Warblers were heard - boathouse reeds and west bank marsh.
Cold Hiendley Area: Linnet 7.  Grey Wagtail 1 m at SF + 2 at the Res.spillway. 

Wintersett 28.03.18

5 - 7 degrees with 8/8, but decreasing cloud,  and a light westerly.
Anglers CP:  Psycho the adult Yellow-legged Gull and his mate the adult Lesser Black-backed Gull came in and took over an island at 09.30hrs.  They defended it aggressively and noisily and were still present at midday.  Great Black-backed Gull 4.   Redwing 1.  Teal 4.
Wintersett Res:  Cetti's Warbler 1 singing male in boathouse reeds.

The Lesser Black-backed Gull and Psycho,  the YL Gull   ACP   ASmith

Carlton Marsh

On the wader scrape today 2 Redshank, 50 Herring Gulls, 4 Greylags, Cormorant and Grey Wagtail (Rod Heeley/ Keith Bannister)

The Edge 28/03/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 4 Mute Swan, 57 Canada Geese, 12 Greylag, 1 Barnacle Goose, 6 Shelduck, 125 Wigeon, 12 Mallard, 11 Shoveler, 11 Tufted Duck, 9 Teal, 5 Gadwall, 3 Pochard, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 4 Redshank, 2 Lapwing, 43 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 2 Grey Wagtail and 1 Mistle Thrush. K.Fisher also had 2 Pink Footed Geese, 2 calling Water Rail and 3 Chiffchaff on Doveside.
 Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 37 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 2 Pink Footed Goose, 1 Barnacle Goose, 40+ Wigeon, 17 Teal, 15 Gadwall, 14 Shoveler, 11 Mallard, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 4 Kestrel, 1 Little Egret, 9 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew, 142 BH Gull, 16+ Herring Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 10 Redwing (over north east).
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 11 Greylag, 4 Canada Geese, 15 Tufted Duck, 10 Pochard, 7 Gadwall, 7 Mallard, 6 Shoveler, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 59 Coot and 267+ BH Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Marsh Tit, 1 Willow Tit, 3 Bullfinch and 3 Reed Bunting.

Wintersett 27.03.18

4 - 6 degrees, dull with drizzly rain until mid morning and a light westerly.

Anglers CP:  Psycho the adult Yellow-legged Gull and the adult Lesser Black-backed Gull were in this morning.  Snipe 3.  Shoveler 11 m+ 4 f..  Teal 1m + 1f.  Great Crested Grebe 5.  Oystercatcher 5.  Curlew 2 over SE.  

Wintersett Res:  Willow Tit 1 SE corner.  A Water Rail was in the boathouse reeds.

Cetti's Warbler 3  singing males - north bank,  west bank and boathouse reeds.

Roughbirchworth and Ingbirchworth

Fields around Roughbirchworth held at least 1000 Fieldfare and 200+ Starling late morning and at Ingbirchworth another 200 Fieldfare.

The Edge 27/03/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 55 Canada Geese, 25 Greylag, 2 Pink Footed Geese, 1 Barnacle Goose, 7 Shelduck, 92 Wigeon, 19 Mallard, 17 Teal, 15 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Egret, 7 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 5 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 43 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 3+ Skylark, 1 Mistle Thrush and 1 Song Thrush. K.Fisher also had 2 singing Chiffchaff on Doveside.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 24 Canada Geese, 1 Barnacle Goose, 47 Wigeon, 31 Tufted Duck, 17 Teal, 11 Gadwall, 11 Shoveler, 10 Pochard, 6 Mallard, 1 Little Egret, 10 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 15 Coot, 2 Kestrel, 5 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, 1 Curlew dropped in at 10.30am (P.Kent also had one over west at 8.50am), 136 BH Gull, 19 Herring Gull and 3 LBB Gull.
TPT - 2 singing chiffchaff, 1 Jay, 1 Song Thrush and 1 Kestrel.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4 Mute Swan, 5 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 17 Tufted Duck, 17 Shoveler, 9 Mallard, 4 Pochard, 3 Gadwall, 7 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 61 Coot, c300 BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 4 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron ( 2 roosting in the trees on Bolton Tip ), 1 Little Egret, 3 Buzzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Sand Martin, 1 Jay, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Marsh Tit, 4 Reed Bunting and 1 Bullfinch.

Cudworth

I didn't manage to get out, but I was rewarded  with a Red Kite drifting over the fields in front of my Newtown home at 13.30hrs. It was heading SW high over the fields towards Lundwood. Three quarters of an hour later 3 Buzzards were soaring over the same fields, which are soon to be under concrete and clay, 278 houses are being built in front of my home. One of two Red-legged Partridges that came in at teatime. I don't think I will see these in my garden anymore. The photo is a bit blurred, taken through the window.

Wintersett 26.03.18

4 - 8 degrees with sun and scattered cloud and a light south easterly.
Wintersett Res: Sand Martin 1.    Cetti's Warbler 3 singing males - SE,  NBank,  Boathouse Bench.
Anglers CP: Snipe 4,  Shoveler 7 males,  Curlew 1.   The adult Yellow-legged Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull flew in at 09.35hrs and were still present mid afternoon.
10 Singing male Chiffchaffs were around the area,
Reptile: The first Grass Snake of the year was seen at 12.05hrs.

The Edge 26/03/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 6 Mute Swan, 67 Canada Geese, 26 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 11 Shelduck, 111 Wigeon, 25 Teal, 15 Mallard, 7 Goosander, 4 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard, 1 Pintail, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 10 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 5 Redshank, 4 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 93 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 4+ Skylark, 1 Sand Martin and 1 Grey Wagtail. J.Thompson also had 1 Firecrest.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 59 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 1 Barnacle Goose, 35 Wigeon, 24 Tufted Duck, 15 Pochard, 14 Gadwall, 8 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 3 Mallard, 12 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Kestrel, 1Sparrowhawk, 12 Coot, 9 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 174 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 1 Herring Gull and 1 Bullfinch.
TPT -2 singing Chiffchaff and 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker.
 Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 21 Tufted Duck, 7 Shoveler, 5 Pochard, 4 Gadwall, 4 Mallard, 4 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 51 Coot, 250+ BH Gull, 3 Herring Gull, 2 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 9 Greylag, 4 Canada Geese, 14 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Tit, 4+ Bullfinch, 3m+1f Reed Bunting and 4 Brimstone butterfly.

Low Moor 25/3/18.

3 to 5pm. Excellent light and good conditions but very steady. Raven 3, C Buzzard 2, Kestrel 3. Chipping Snipe 1, Oystercatcher 4, Curlews in double figures, Meadow Pipit 6 with 1 displaying. Dave Standring, DJS., Very sad news. I first met him on the moorland birding scene in the early nineties watching displaying Goshawks at midhope and broomhead reservoirs. I also enjoyed his hospitality drinking tea at his spurn caravan. Speaking to Jeff Lunn this morning, Dave was a mentor for quite a few Barnsley birders when they were younger. Cheers Dave, R.I.P., Stu Green.

Carlton Marsh

A Common Gull and 90 Herring Gulls were on the wader scrape this morning. Nearby was a Band of 8 Jays (unusual that many at this time of year) and Coal Tit singing.

On the main marsh 2 Water Rails were 'Sharming' and 1 was singing. Our resident Buzzards were seen copulating so all bodes well with them. Also present Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker, Siskin, 2 Redpoll, 2 Goldcrest, Chiffchaff and single Meadow Pipits heading north.

A Fox was returning to its 'Earth' at mid-day.

The warm sunshine soon started to tempt butterflies from hibernation. A male Brimstone was airborne and a Small Tortoiseshell was reported from Monk Bretton (DMS)

Storrs Mill - River Dearne

2 Grey Wagtail and a Treecreeper. Insects on show were 1 Orange Underwing Moth, 1 Small Tortoiseshell, 8 Comma and 2 Brimstone butterflies. Wood Anemone and the first Bluebells are in flower. (Chris Parkin)   

Wilthorpe Marsh 25/3/18, J Lunn, S Green.

Summer plumaged Water Pipit was on muddy area just s of sewage farm late morning / early aft. and showed well. Also, 3 singing Chiffchaffs, 1 Green Sand, 22 Gadwall, 10 Teal, 9 Cormarant, c 30 Linnet flock.

Wintersett + VisMig 25.03.18

A cold and clear 0 degrees start. then up to 8 degrees with sun,  increasing cloud late morning and a light  north westerly breeze.
Anglers CP Vis Mig: A Merlin flew south east at 07.59hrs.  A Red Kite flew west at 10.45hrs, then over the sheep fields at 11.15hrs.  34 Buzzards and  13 Sparrowhawks were counted around the area.   Herring Gull 15 north. Lesser Black-backed Gull 2 north.  A Common Gull flew south west.  80 Golden Plover flew over Haw Park Wood and 37  Meadow Pipit went west.
Anglers CP: Snipe 8 , Wigeon 277,  Shoveler 13,   Pochard 3 + 1 CHRes.,  Teal 8.  Goosander 3  + a pair flew in late morning.  Redshank 1, Siskin 2 blogging.  .   Sand Martin  1.  Redpoll 1.   Peregrine 1 north a over Haw Park Wood at 11.00hrs  Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull and the adult Lesser Black-backed Gull were on the shallows this afternoon. 
Wintersett Res: A juvenile Glaucous Gull was on the water at 9.55hrs, but left south later. Cetti's Warbler 3 singing males - boathouse, westbank and north bank. Chiffchaff 2 singing -  1 north east area + 1 ACP.  House Sparrow 50 in the south east area.
Critters: There were several Bumblebees flying today, and the first butterfly of the year, at ACP, was a male Brimstone.

Wintersett 24.03.18

A mild,and, calm day with 7 - 10 degrees and 8/8 cloud.

Anglers CP: Shoveler 18   Teal 5   Goldeneye 29 + 48 WRes.   Snipe 9   Redshank 1   Dunlin 1   Woodcock 1  and Curlew 1 over.

Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 singing male  and a Chiffchaff on the north east  bank.  

Carlton Marsh

After a long and influential life, its great that DJS is remembered by so many people. Graham's piece is a very fitting tribute to a great man. 

New in today Chiffchaff. 68 Herring Gulls, 2 Common Gulls and a Redshank were on the Wader Scrape. A Goldcrest was singing near the hide along with a Willow Tit, one of which was re-trapped (red right leg, dark blue left leg minus transmitter that was attached on 22/2/18). This bird was tracked to Rabbit Ings and back before the transmitter came off. A distance of around 1km.

Also present a pair of Great Spot Woodpeckers and a Green Woodpecker 'Yaffling'. Single Redpoll and Meadow Pipit flew over and Kingfisher and 2 water Rails were on the main scrape. Birds of prey included Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. 8 Reed Buntings were singing from breeding territories.

Wintersett Epic gRafting - What a team! 24.03 .18

A mild,and, thankfully,  calm day with 7 - 10 degrees and 8/8 cloud.
A  couple of weeks ago,  inspired and led by Graham Speight, the Wintersett Team had  procured and transported materials to Anglers  CP so that a small tern raft could be assembled.
Today was the day to complete the first raft and assemble  a second larger tern raft.  Then, under the watchful eye of Bob Pipkin, Anglers Country Park Manager,  float and anchor  both rafts on the lake.
We met in the car park at 08.00hrs.  First task was to transport all required materials and tools up to the lake, in front of the hide.

Chris S and Paul M  - bringing gravel   Anglers CP  24.03.18

Graham Speight   preparing to attach floats    ACP   ASmith

By 09.30 the 2nd raft assembly was beginning to take shape, so 3 of the team went to collect the new boat.  Paul and Pete W had the honour of rowing  it up the lake.

PeteW  and PaulM                AnglersCP                 ASmith

Paul M,  Pete S,  Chris,   Graham ,  Pete W  2nd Raft completed   ACP   ASmith

Unfotunately, I had to leave at 11.00 hrs  so didn't see the launch and siting of the two rafts.
The rafts were sited and anchored safely by Graham and Chris.   No one fell in, so Bob breathed a huge sigh of relief.  Many thanks to him for coming in on his day off to provide the health and safety requirements  on this WMDC site.  We are sorry he is leaving us on Thursday, but after today, he was going out on a high. I spoke later to Pete S , who said everything had gone to plan and work was completed by 14.00hrs.  

Two fantastic new Tern Rafts        Anglers CP             GJSpeight

What a great team!

A message from a lifelong friend of DJS

'Sad day to hear that Dave Standring has passed away. As a member of the 'week-a-Wednesday' gang, Dave shared his skills and passion for birding, which he passed on to many others. Our deepest sympathies to his family. He will be sadly missed. David - RIP' - Alan Archer

DAVE STANDRING

Dave Standring in 2014 (photo Alan Archer)

It is with great sadness that today saw the death of David J Standring (DJS).
Dave, as he was known to everyone started his long birding career as a teenager back in 1950s Barnsley. He joined up with Mike Clegg, Alan Archer, Colin Bower and Geoff Ainsley who were the only other local birders around at that time and between them they sought out and explored many of the local places that have since become famous for birding such as Wath Ings (now the fantastic Old Moor RSPB reserve) and Wintersett Reservoir (to name just two).
      After meeting Philip Wordsworth, the two of them published the first modern checklist to the birds of Barnsley in the late 60s and in 1969 they formed 'Barnsley and District Bird Study Group' with Dave as recorder. From 1970 they began publishing an annual bird report which formed the bedrock of all we know about Barnsleys birdlife today.
       I first met Dave in 1972 whilst still a schoolboy and with a growing interest in birds developing after collecting their eggs (most birders of my generation gained their interest this way). I could not have met a friendlier or more enthusiastic birder, it was infectious and helped turn an interest into a passion. Regular weekend trips with Dave on the bus (he never learned to drive) to Wintersett, Wath or the Moors was a sound 'birding apprenticeship' with Dave not only happy to share his hard earned knowledge but to make the day fun as well.
       A joiner by trade, he brought his skills to birding as well. The first sea-watching hut at Spurn was built by Dave in the 1960s and the first hide at Wath Ings (now the Bittern monitoring hide) was erected at the new reserve in the mid 70s after Dave built it in his mothers back yard.
      In the 1980s, Dave and his wife Maureen became one of the first birders to venture into caravan ownership at Sandy Beaches at the famous Spurn Point. Along with their two children, Chris and Julie (and their various dogs) they spent many happy weeks and weekends here, owning a caravan on the site until the end of 2016. Any birder passing by their caravan was always invited in for a chat, a cuppa and if you were lucky a slice of Maureen's superb cake.
      It wasn't just birds and birding that 'did it' for Dave. Coins were a passion and his ability to spot a bargain or a rarity were well known. Wax seals were another of his things as was local history. And he didn't just take a passing interest in these things, as with birding he knew his subject well.
      I mentioned Dave was a joiner, but not just 'a joiner'. The term 'master craftsman' could have been invented for him. He spent all his working career at Goodyears in Barnsley and was widely acknowledged as the top craftsman there and the best in Barnsley! Anyone who saw the quality stuff he produced can vouch for this and a lovely oak jewelry box he made for my wife still has pride of place on her dressing table (still no jewelry in it though).
      Today I lost a good friend, my birding mentor and Barnsley lost a legend!
Thanks for the good times, they were many.

Graham Speight, Friday 23rd March 2018.

River Dearne, Storrs Mill

35 Meadow Pipits were feeding on pastoral land and a pair of Grey Wagtails were getting ready for breeding.

News of Dave Standring's passing is very sad. Dave was a true gentleman and a pioneer of birding in Barnsley.  I know he was a great influence on the 70's generation of birders including Keith Bannister and myself, who looked up to him for guidance. He was always willing to come and verify any of the trickier species when we were still learning.

R.I.P. Dave.

Wintersett 23.03.18

7 - 9 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a  north westerly wind.
Anglers CP: Green Woodpecker 2.   Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull and his mate the adult Lesser Black-backed Gull were in mid morning.  Shoveler 12   Teal 3   Redwing 4  Cormorant 11   Snipe 3
Botany Bay: Chiffchaff 1. Willow Tit 1.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 singing boathouse reeds. 
Cold Hiendley Res: A Grey Wagtail was on the spillway.

The Edge 23/03/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 6 Mute Swan, 112 Canada Geese, 19 Greylag, 2 Pink Footed Goose, 1 Barnacle Goose, 11 Shelduck, 57 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 6 Goosander, 6 Gadwall, 4 Tufted Duck, 4 Shoveler, 3 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 5 Coot, 7 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 74 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 3+ Skylark and 2 Goldcrest.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 35 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacle Goose, 1 Greylag, 4 Shelduck, 48 Wigeon, 21 Tufted Duck, 8 Teal, 7 Gadwall, 7 Mallard, 7 Shoveler, 4 Goldeneye, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 3 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 13 Coot, 7 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 97 BH Gull, 5 Herring Gull and 2 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 22 Tufted Duck, 3 Gadwall, 3 Mallard, 3 Shoveler, 1 Pochard, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 84 Coot, 268 BH Gull and 7 Common Gull. Also present were 6 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 8 Cormorant, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Jay, 1 Marsh Tit, 2 Bullfinch and 2 Reed Bunting.

Wintersett 22.03.18

7 degrees with mostly  8/8 cloud and a south westerly breeze.
Anglers CP: Redshank 1   Snipe 3   Teal 3   Shoveler 3    A Water Rail was in the reedbed behind the Sand Martin box.  Redwing 12   Fieldfare 40 flew north west.
Wintersett Res: A singing male Cetti's Warbler and a Water Rail were in the boathouse reeds.  Goosander 2 and little Grebe 1.

Park Hill, Wombwell

Three singing Chiffchaff, two singing Willow Tit and four Bullfinch encouraged by a warmer day.

Wintersett 21.03.18

4 - 7 degrees with 0/8 cloud and a light westerly.
Wintersett Res: 2 Chiffchaffs were by the boathouse bench.  A male Cetti's Warbler was in the south east corner.
Anglers CP: Redshank 3. 

The Edge 21/03/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 4 Mute Swan, 64 Canada Geese, 7 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 1 Barnacle Goose, 9 Shelduck, 125 Wigeon, 33 Teal, 16 Gadwall, 12 Mallard, 6 Goosander, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 3 Cormorant over, 9 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 7 Lapwing, 4 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 123 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull and 4+ Skylark. K.Fisher also had 1 Yellow Browed Warbler and 3 Red Legged Partridge.
Broomhill Flash - Noted Were 2 Mute Swan, 67 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 1 Barnacle Goose, 4 Shelduck, 42 Wigeon, 29 Teal, 17 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 8 Gadwall, 7 Shoveler, 19 Coot, 17 Lapwing, 127 BH Gull, 15 Herring Gull, 1 LBB Gull and 1 Hawfinch.
Bolton Ings - Present were 6 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 17 Tufted Duck, 7 Goosander, 3 Shoveler, 2 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe and 1 Marsh Tit.

Carlton Marsh

The recently enlarged wader scrape is attracting quite a lot of large gulls mainly Herring Gull. This evening at 17.00hrs an adult Yellow Legged Gull stopped off briefly with a Lesser Black-backed Gull for a bath, before heading north (CG). My first thought was Psycho and his mate. Looking at Angie's blog I see that Psycho turned up at Walton later.

A Great Blacked Gull flew north around 17.25hrs (Dave Smith/Geoff Miller).

Wintersett 20.031.8

4 degrees with 6/8 cloud and a light westerly.
Wintersett Res: The drake Common Scoter still present.   2 male Cetti's Warbler - north bank and boathouse reeds.  A Chiffchaff was near the boathouse bench.   A Willow Tit was on the west bank.
Anglers CP: Redshank 2.
Walton Hall: Psycho the adult Yellow-legged Gull was back on the lake this evening.

Carlton Marsh

New in today Redshank and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls on the wader scrape with 42 Herring Gulls. Also present Buzzard, Goldcrest, 2 Grey Partridges, Willow Tit and Barn Owl hunting the western meadow at 17.55hrs. (CG/Dave Standish/Richard Laverack)

Wintersett 19.03.18

1 - 3 degrees with 6/8 cloud and a north easterly breeze.
Wintersett Res: The drake Common Scoter still present.  Little Grebe 2. Willow Tit 1 west bank + 1 MLPonds. Chiffchaff 2.  Goosander 1 male + 1 female.
HPWood: A Red Kite flew over west.
Anglers CP: 400 Redwing were in the Santingley area early morning.   A visitor saw a Marsh Harrier fly low along the east bank and Santingley area at 11.00hrs. (A. Aylward).   Redshank 2  Snipe 6.   The 2 Pete's refilled and repaired  the Sand Martin box today. 

The Edge 19/03/2018

Wombwell Ings -  Present were 6 Mute Swan, 77 Canada Geese, 7 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 3 Shelduck, 51 Wigeon, 5 Mallard, 1m+3f Goosander, 3 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Coot, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 8 Golden Plover, 7 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 112 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull and 2 Skylark.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 10 Whooper Swan ( over west at 8.30am ), 2 Mute Swan, 57 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 5 Shelduck, 33 Wigeon,7 Tufted Duck, 6 Pochard, 4 Teal, 1 Gadwall, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Buzzard, 19 Coot, 1 Redshank, 250 + BH Gull, 11 Herring Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Bullfinch and 1 Hawfinch.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 3 Greylag, 2 Canada Geese, 28 Tufted Duck, 4 Pochard, 3 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Goosander, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 97 Coot, 1 Common Gull and 134 BH Gull. Also present were 7 Cormorant, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Kestrel, 2 Song Thrush and 2 Bullfinch.

Wilthorpe Marsh west end 18/3/18.

Water Pipit 1, Green Sand 1, J Snipe 1, C Snipe 6, small covey 3 Grey Partridge. Weather increases were Lapwing with c 200 down and Starlings c 500 mostly down, 1 GBB Gull through.

Wintersett WeBS March 2018

Here are the March 2018  WeBS totals for the Wintersett Area.

Mute Swan 19   Canada Goose 95   Greylag Goose 102   Cormorant 8   Little Grebe 3   Great Crested Grebe 23   Coot 155   Moorhen 11   Mallard 42   Teal 6   Shoveler 17   Wigeon 315   Gadwall 65   Pochard 22   Tufted Duck 117   Goldeneye 67   Goosander 4   Grey Heron 2   Oystercatcher 4   Snipe 6   Lapwing 10   Redshank 1   Black-necked Grebe 1  Common Scoter 1

Wintersett 18.03.18

-2 degrees with 8/8 cloud,  drifting snow in a freezing easterly wind.
Anglers CP: The summer plumaged Black-necked Grebe was off the east bank this morning.  Other birds were on the move 18 Golden Plover and a Curlew over.  10 Whooper Swans flew north west at 10.20hrs. 200 Starlings flew over.  120 Redwing flew south east.  40 Golden Plover were in CP field + 25 went east.
Wintersett Res: The drake Common Scoter still present. A Marsh Harrier flew over south east at 08.30hrs.  A Redshank was on the boathouse slipway, and later at Anglers CP.  70 Fieldfare flew over south west + 300 went south east.  18 Yellowhammers were in the south east area.2 Chiffchaff were on the north west bank.  

                           Black-necked Grebe    Anglers CP                     CSwaine

Cormorants - carbo and sinensis  Wintersett Res        SDenny

Wintersett 17.03.18

0 to -3 degrees with horizontal snow, blown by a bitter east wind until late  morning.  small patches of blue sky at midday.  More snow/hail showers late afternoon.

Wintersett Res: A Black-necked Grebe was new in this morning.  The drake Common Scoter still present.   A Curlew flew over.  A singing male Cetti's Warbler was in the south east corner.  Goosander 4.   Fieldfare 60.

Anglers CP:  18 Great Tits were on  fat balls  at the feeding station in the car park.  Redwing 40. Shoveler 13 and  Wigeon 304.   

Wintersett 16.03.18

4 degrees with rain until 10.30 and a strong, cold easterly wind.
Wintersett Res: 2 singing male Cetti's Warblers - north bank and south east corner.  A Chiffchaff was on the east bank.  An adult Little Gull at 11.00 hrs lifted spirits.  Goosander 6. 

Wilthorpe Marsh 16/3/18.

2 Water Pipits on mud, then at roost with 25 Meadow Pipits. 2 Green Sands, c 300 Starlings, c 60 Redwing, 4 C Snipe, 1 Willow Tit s.f.

The Edge 16/03/2018

Wombell Ings - Present were 6 Mute Swan, 71 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 2 Barnacle Geese, 6 Shelduck, 108 Wigeon, 20 Teal, 15 Mallard,7 Gadwall, 1m+3f Goosander, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Shoveler, 2 Little Egret, 7 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 6 Lapwing, 4 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 77 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 3 Skylark, 3 Meadow Pipit, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Yellow Browed Warbler and 1 Firecrest.
Broomhill Flash - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 7 Canada Geese, 16 Mallard, 15 Tufted Duck, 14 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 8 Pochard, 7 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 21 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 11 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher, 76 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Herring Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 26 Tufted Duck, 4 Gadwall, 3 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Shoveler, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 68 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 123 BH Gull and 3 Common Gull. Also present were 5 Greylag, 4 Canada Geese, 7 Cormorant, 3 LBB Gull over and 1 Marsh Tit.

Wilthorpe Marsh west end 15/3/18.

Late afternoon. Water Pipit on mud and on wires at roost site with 19 Meadow Pipits. Plus Green Sand, c 300 Starlings, c 60 Redwing, pair Oystercatchers.

Wintersett 15.03.18

5 degrees, but felt colder.  Dull with rain all morning and an easterly wind.
Anglers CP: The first Sand Martin of the year battled north early this morning - per Steve Denny.  Teal 13. 
Wintersett Res: The drake Common Scoter still present.  Goosander 9.  A singing male Cetti's Warbler was in the south east corner.  2 Chiffchaff were together in the phragmites off the north bank.

The Edge 15/03/2018

Wombwell Ings - A very wet morning on the Ings dissuaded me from checking on the presence of our two popular visitors.  The 40 Whooper Swans left about 7.30am. Present were 4 Mute Swan, 59 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 2 Pink Footed Geese, 2 Barnacle Geese, 6 Shelduck, 103 Wigeon, 22 Teal, 26 Gadwall, 19 Mallard, 3 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 female Goosander, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 5 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 67 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 Mistle Thrush and 3 Skylark.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 3 Canada Geese, 32 Wigeon, 20+ Teal, 18 Tufted Duck, 15 Shoveler, 9 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 3 Goldeneye, 1 male Goosander, 5 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Kestrel, 23 Coot, 20+ Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 57 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 1 Common Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 26 Tufted Duck, 8 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 4 Mallard, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Pochard, 1 Teal, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 121 BH Gull and 78 Coot. Also present were 8 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 9 Cormorant, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Marsh Tit, 1 Willow Tit and 2 Bullfinch.

Wintersett 14.03.18

5 - 8 degrees, with sunny spells and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP:  15 Whooper Swans were in at 09.00hrs and 35 more flew in from the south at 09.45hrs. (Probably those seen 10 minutes earlier at Edderthorpe per Chris Needham).   Green Woodpecker 1.  Pochard 17.  Teal 7.  Cormorant 9.  Snipe 2. 
Wintersett Res:  The male Common Scoter is still present.  A male Cetti's Warbler was in the south east corner and another was on west bank marsh.  A singing male Chiffchaff was new for the year list.  Goosander 4 + 3 ACP. 

Carlton Marsh Annual Report

Hot off the press is the latest annual report from Carlton Marsh. It's another outstanding piece of work by site stalwart Cliff Gorman and the other passionate volunteers here at BMBC's flagship reserve. It's also an excellent testimony to the hours of management work and wildlife recording undertaken by the volunteers from the Cudworth Environment Group and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, keenly supported by BMBC staff.
We plan to print a limited number copies but for an E copy, please email ParksServices@barnsley.gov.uk

The Edge 14/03/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 40 Whooper Swans, 4 Mute Swan, 52 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacle Geese, 3 Shelduck, 121 Wigeon, 24 Teal, 23 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 1m+2f Goosander, 1 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Egret, 2 Kestrel, 7 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 7 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 103 BH Gull, 4+ Skylark, 7 Meadow Pipit, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Yellow Browed Warbler, 4 Goldcrest, 1 Firecrest and 3 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 23 Canada Geese, 18 Tufted Duck, 12 Wigeon, 10 Gadwall, 6 Mallard, 4 Teal, 4 Pochard, 2m+1f Goldeneye, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 1 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine, 1 Kestrel, 18 Coot, 21 Lapwing, 160+ BH Gull, 4 Herring Gull, 1 LBB Gull and 1 Hawfinch.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 25 Tufted Duck, 4m+3f Goosander, 5 Pochard, 4 Mallard, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 93 Coot and 191+ BH Gull. Also present were 9 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 2 Buzzard, 16 Cormorant, 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 Marsh Tit.

Wintersett 13.03.18

5 degrees, dull and damp with a light north westerly.
Wintersett Res: Common Scoter still present. 
Anglers CP:  Pink-footed Goose 97 flew north west 07.33hrs. Willow Tit 1 male south west corner.  Goosander 2 males. 

Wilthorpe Marsh late aft. 13/3/18.

Sewage Farm area - Water Pipit flushed off muddy area flew to sewage farm, + Chiffchaff, Green Sand, fem. Goosander w. - Oxbow pond area,- Redshank 1, additional Green Sand, 8 Tufted Duck, mixed Thrush flock down held c 400 Redwing.

The Edge 13/03/2018

Wombwell Ings -  Springs on its way when you see your first Sand Martin and several Skylark are singing high in the air. Also present  were 4 Whooper Swan, 4 Mute Swan, 48 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacle Geese, 2 Shelduck, 134 Wigeon, 47 Teal, 22 Mallard, 15 Gadwall, 7 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 LittleEgret, 7 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 7 Lapwing, 61 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, c20 Meadow Pipit, 1 Stonechat, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Yellow Browed Warbler, 6 Goldcrest and 1 Firecrest.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 17 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 28 Wigeon, 17 Teal, 13 Mallard, 12 Tufted Duck, 10 Gadwall, 5 Pochard, 2 Shoveler, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant,  21 Coot, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 15 Lapwing, 109 BH Gull, and 2 Herring Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 24 Tufted Duck, 10 Pochard, 7 Goosander, 6 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler, 2 Goldeneye, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 105 Coot, 134+ BH Gull, 1 Herring Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 16 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 10 Cormorant, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Song Thrush and 1 Marsh Tit.

Wintersett Ringing Recovery

A first year male Chiffchaff ringed at Wintersett Reservoir on 22nd August 2017 was caught by ringers at Mars-Ouest,  Saint-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu (Loire-Atlantique) FRANCE on 7th October 2017 at a distance of 723 kms to the south.

Wintersett 12.03.18

4 degrees with rain all morning and a cold, light northerly.  All paths around the area waterlogged. 
Anglers CP: Snipe 10. 
Wintersett Res: Common Scoter 1 drake.  A male Cetti's Warbler was in the boathouse reeds. Goosander 3.

The Edge 12/03/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 4 Whooper Swans, 4 Mute Swans, 25 Canada Geese, 16 Greylag, 2 Barnacle Geese, 4 Shelduck,  98 Wigeon, 21 Teal, 20+ Mallard, 12 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Cormorant, 7 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 11 Lapwing, 65 BH Gull, 4+ Skylark, 3 Pied Wagtail, 1 Yellow Browed Warbler and 1 Firecrest.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 11 Canada Geese, 25 Wigeon, 21 Teal, 11 Gadwall, 11 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 8 Shoveler, 6 Pochard, 1 m Goldeneye, 6 Little Grebe, 4 Lapwing, 87 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 3 Greenfinch and 1 Hawfinch.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 23 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 4 Pochard, 1f Goldeneye, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 113 Coot, 1 Moorhen and 92 BH Gull. Also present were 10 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 29 Wigeon over east, 6 Cormorant, 1 Buzzard, 2 Green Woodpecker and 3 Redpoll.

Carlton Marsh

A Curlew circled over the recently enlarged wader scrape before leaving NE at 07.58hrs (Keith Bannister).
This afternoon 15 Canada Geese, 5 Greylags, Water Rail, 3 Buzzards up, 2 Cormorants, Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Snipe and Barn Owl and Tawny Owl hunting from dusk. No sign of Bittern tonight though.

Ewden valley 11/3/18.

Cloudy with occasional sunshine. Steady birding with Merlin, presumed male a few times, C Buzzard 5, Kestrel 3. Excellent for Raven with 12+ seen. Golden Plover 3 down with 1 seen, Curlew 6, Lapwing 16 mostly on broomhead moor. Meadow Pipit 3, Skylark 2, 2 singing Mistle Thrush and a pair of Tufted Duck on small pond at well springs, just s of brown edge, viewable from shooting lodge.

Wintersett 11.03.18

5 - 9 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a light north easterly.
Wintersett Res: Common Scoter 1 drake.  Cetti's Warbler 1 male, north bank. 
Anglers CP: Green Woodpecker 2.  Lesser Redpoll 1. Snipe 1.   Redwing 15 north.  Curlew 1 south. Wigeon 316.  Shoveler 14.  Goosander 6.  Goldeneye 53 + 14 CHRes.  Grey Partridge 2

                     Common Scoter drake     WRes                        SDenny

Wintersett 10.03.18

2 - 5 degrees  with 8/8 cloud and rain until 09.45hrs and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP:  2 male Stonechat were still on the south west bank.   A Redshank flew north and a Shelduck flew over.   Snipe  9 + 3 on the Pol.   Shoveler 13.   Goosander 6.  Gadwall 20.  Teal 7.  Pochard 14 + 2 WRes..
Wintersett Res: 15 Fieldfare flew east.  A singing, male Cetti's Warbler was in the boathouse reeds.
Cold Hiendley Field:  40 Golden Plover were flying around.

Carlton Marsh

This morning Kingfisher, Buzzard and a 'Cream Crown' Marsh Harrier (Ron Egan).

Mid-day 3 Common Gull, 14 Herring Gull, 18 Tufted, Cormorant, Grey Wagtail and Bittern at 12.39

hrs. 3 Goosander (2 male) were diving on Bleachcroft Farm Pond.

A Fox was on the prowl at 13.45hrs.

Scarlet Elf Cup fungi is thriving in the car park.

Wombwell Ings 09-03-2018

Firecrest & Yellow-browed Warbler

Another early morning visit for the little duo in good light. The Firecrest was chasing the YBW away from its favourite ivy covered tree on the roadside bank of the river. See a few more images on my blog https://garrobirds.blogspot.co.uk

Wintersett 09.03.18

Frosty, sunny start.  0 - 7 degrees with a light south easterly.  Cloud increased in the afternoon.
Anglers CP:  A male Stonechat was  on the south bank, then moved into the south west corner reeds early this morning.   2 male Stonechat were on the west bank in front of the hide  at 09.30hrs. 
A Water Rail was calling in the south west corner reeds.  Goosander 2.
Cold Hiendley Res: A  singing male Cetti's Warbler was in the south west corner, old lock area of the canal.

 Stonechats    Anglers CP           ASmith

The Edge 09/03/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 7 Mute Swan, 4 Whooper Swan, 17 Canada Geese, 3 Shelduck, 121 Wigeon, 21 Teal, 9 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 4 Shoveler, 3 Goosander, 3 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Egret, 13 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 7 Lapwing, 126 BH Gull, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Yellow Browed Warbler, 1 Firecrest and 2 Stonechat.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 5 Mute Swan, 109 Canada Geese, 11 Greylag, 2 Pink Footed Geese, 1 Barnacle Goose, 40 Wigeon, 18 Teal, 12 Tufted Duck, 5 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, 2m+1f Goldeneye, 1m Goosander, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 17 Coot, 27 Lapwing, 114 BH Gull, 7 Herring Gull, 2 Stonechat and 1 Hawfinch.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 22 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall, 6 Pochard, 6 Shoveler, 3m+3f Goosander, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 136 Coot and 124 BH Gull. Also present were 12 Greylag, 4 Canada Geese, 9 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Jay, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Marsh Tit, 3 Reed Bunting and 2 Bullfinch.

Wintersett 08.03.18

0 - 5 degrees, dull with with snow and sleet until mid morning and a cold south westerly wind.
Anglers CP: A Curlew flew over.  Oystercatcher 4.   Pochard 23 + 4 WRes..  Shoveler 2m + 3 F.. Goosander 1m + 1 f and 1 f  WRes..  
Wintersett Res:  A Water Rail was in the boathouse reeds.  Canada Goose 50 + 8 ACP + 1 CHRes..
Cold Hiendley Res: 90% ICE

Wintersett Ringing Recoveries

A first year male Goldcrest ringed at Wintersett Reservoir on 8th October 2017 was taken by a cat at Great Brickhill (Buckinghamshire) on 8th February 2018 at a distance of 191 kms  SSE.

A first year female Lesser Redpoll ringed at Wintersett Reservoir on 6th May 2017 was caught by ringers at Berendrecht (Antwerpen) BELGIUM on 27th October 2017 at a distance of 464 kms ESE.

The Edge 08/03/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 4 Whooper Swans, 3 Mute Swan, 56 Canada Geese, 7 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 97 Wigeon, 28 Teal, 7 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler, 5 Pochard, 3 Mallard, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Egret, 1 Cormorant, 10 Moorhen, 9 Coot, 23 Golden Plover, 21 Lapwing, 3 Dunlin, 101 BH Gull, 4 Common Gull, 6 Meadow Pipit, 10+ Redwing, 1 Yellow Browed Warbler and 1 Firecrest.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 4 Mute Swan, 23 Teal,  22 Tufted Duck, 15 Gadwall, 14 Mallard, 10 Wigeon, 9 Shoveler, 4 Pochard, 3 Goldeneye, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 22 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 2 Kestrel, 13 Lapwing, 45 BH Gull, 11 Common Gull, 5 Herring Gull, 6 Greenfinch and 1 Hawfinch.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 30 Tufted Duck, 4 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, 4 Shoveler,  2m+2f Goosander, 2m+2f Goldeneye, 3 Mallard, 5 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 155 Coot, 77 BH Gull, 6 Herring Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 6 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 18 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard, 6+ Redwing,  1 SongThrush, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Marsh Tit and 2 Bullfinch.

Carlton Marsh

The best sightings today were, Green & Great Spot Woodpecker (2), Water Rail, Willow Tit, Buzzard 2, Peregrine and Barn Owl hunting from 17.15hrs. (Karen Pickard/Nigel Clyne)

Wintersett 07.03.18

Up to 7 degrees,  with 7/8 cloud and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP: Goosander 1.  Gadwall 7.  Shoveler 3.   A Peregrine flew over south. 
Haw Park Wood: Nuthatch 1 near Blue Bridge.
Wintersett Res: A male Cetti's Warbler sang on the west bank.  A Willow Tit was in the south west corner and 2 more were on the east bank.  Greylag Goose 82.

The Edge 07/03/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 20 Whooper Swan, 4 Mute Swan, 29 Canada Geese, 19 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 109 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 7 Gadwall, 6 Mallard, 5 Tufted Duck, 5 Shoveler, 2 Goosander, 1 Pochard, 1 Little Egret, 7 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 5 Lapwing, 65 BH Gull, 5 Herring Gull, 2 Common Gull, 4+ Skylark, 1 Yellow Browed Warbler, 1 Firecrest and 1 Goldcrest.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 41 Canada Geese, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 1 Shelduck, 30 Wigeon, 13 Teal, 13 Tufted Duck, 7 Gadwall, 6 Pochard, 6 Shoveler, 2 Mallard, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Little Egret, 1 Cormorant, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 26 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 32 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher, 95 BH Gull and 1 Hawfinch.
TPT - From the path alongside Knoll Beck 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Oystercatcher and 1 male Pintail could be seen on the Field Pool of Rspb Old Moor.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 23 Tufted Duck, 14 Shoveler, 11 Gadwall, 6m+4f Goosander, 6 Pochard, 3m+2f Goldeneye, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 184 Coot, 112 BH Gull and 3 Common Gull. Also present were 6 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 22 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker, 2 Jay, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 Marsh Tit.

Carlton Marsh

Barn Owl was hunting the western meadow from 16.30hrs (Karen Pickard).

Wombwell Ings 06-03-2018

Firecrest and Yellow-browed Warbler this morning; also 29 Whooper Swans.

The Edge 06/03/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 29 Whooper Swan ( 9 flew off south west at 9.20am ), 4 Mute Swan, 24 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 104 Wigeon, 23 Teal, 13+ Mallard, 6 Pochard, 5 Tufted Duck, 3m+2f Goosander, 3 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 2 Little Egret, 9 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 1 Sparrowhawk, 37 Golden Plover, 15 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher, 71 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 1 Kingfisher, 4+ Skylark, 3 Pied Wagtail, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Firecrest, 1 Yellow Browed Warbler and 2 Reed Bunting.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 9 Greylag, 28 Tufted Duck, 11 Shoveler, 7 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, 4 Mallard, 4 Goldeneye, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 187 Coot and 79 BH Gull. Also present were 8 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Buzzard ( the same as yesterday and not the 23 of my typing error ), 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 14 Lapwing, 1 Jay, 1 Marsh Tit and 2 Bullfinch.

Wintersett 05.03.18

A very pleasant  3 - 6 degrees, sunny and warm with a light south easterly.
Anglers CP: Dunlin 1.  Snipe 2.  Curlew 1 over.  Shoveler 3m + 2 f.  Goosander 1 + 12 WRes..  2 Grey Partridges were in the field.
Walton Hall: Green Woodpecker 1.

Carlton Marsh

The sun shone and it was great to be out and about in the mild conditions (9c) with a light southerly. This morning Bittern was sitting out on the reed beds at 09.40hrs, a Barn Owl flew by at 10.02hrs followed by a Little Egret north. 2 Buzzards were in the air with 2 Sparrowhawks, Gt. Spot Woodpecker was 'drumming' and 2 Redpolls were feeding in Birch. 92 Herring Gulls (2 with colour rings too distant to read) and 6 Common Gulls were on the wader scrape. Peregrine and 3 Willow Tit were noteworthy and 2 Barn owls were located around mid-day (Nigel Clyne)

A Red-tailed Hawk with jesses loomed large in a Birch, but was caught by the owner and taken away later. (R. Laverack/D. Standish)

This evening the Bittern flew to its usual roost at 17.25hrs (DS)

Cudworth
A chiffchaff was at Cudworth sewage works (Ziggy Golebiewski).

The Edge 05/03/2018

Wombwell Ings - Finally saw the Firecrest  in the hawthorns near the sluice gate on the R.Dearne. With a Yellow Browed Warbler and Goldcrest being in the same series of bushes, it is certainly worth a visit. Also present on a  70% ice-covered flash  but snow-free ings were 10 Mute Swans, 2 Shelduck, 102 Wigeon, 22 Teal, 10 Gadwall, 9 Mallard, 6 Shoveler, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Goosander, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 5 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 48 Lapwing, 16 Golden Plover, 124 BH Gull, 4 Common Gull, 4 Skylark, 11 Fieldfare, 7 Redwing and 2 Stonechat. A Pink Footed Goose and a Barnacle Goose could be seen amongst 35 Canada Geese and 32 Greylag in the field to the north east of the R.Dearne bridge.
Bolton Ings - 50% ice covered. On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 3 Greylag, 2 Canada Geese, 1 White Fronted Goose, 18 Tufted Duck, 10 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 6 Pochard, 5 Mallard, 2m+3f Goldeneye, 2 Goosander, 2 Wigeon, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 208 Coot, 45 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull and 2 Herring Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 23 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Marsh Tit, 1 Willow Tit and 2 Bullfinch. Ivan Martin had 3 Redpoll on the Trans Pennine Trail (TPT).

Wintersett 04.03.18

3 degrees,  dull with drizzly showers on and off all day and increasing mist.   Snow melting slowly.
Anglers CP: A Linnet flew over.  Dunlin 1.  Snipe 4.  Wigeon 464.  
Wintersett Res:  2 Water Rail and a singing male Cetti's Warbler were in the boathouse reeds. A singing male Cetti's  Warbler was on the west bank - probably the same bird.  A Willow Tit was in the north west corner and another was in the south west corner.

Wintersett WeBS February 2018

Here are the February 2018  WeBS totals for the Wintersett Area.

Mute Swan 30   Whooper 2 (ACP)   Canada Goose 77   Greylag Goose 132   Cormorant 13   Great Crested Grebe 19   Little Grebe 7   Mallard 35   Teal 10   Shoveler 3   Wigeon 331   Coot 347   Moorhen 13   Gadwall 154   Pochard 31   Tufted Duck 123   Goldeneye 61   Goosander 9   Grey Heron 2   Lapwing 184   Snipe 1   Oystercatcher 4   Curlew 3   Kingfisher 1.

Wintersett 03.03.18

-1 degree, dull with 8/8 cloud and a very cold north easterly.
Anglers CP: Dunlin 4   Snipe 7   Oystercatcher 4   Shoveler 1   Gadwall 19   Green Woodpecker 1.
Wintersett Res: The drake Common Scoter was present for a 2nd day.  A Cetti's Warbler was on the north west bank.   Goosander 7 + 1 CHRes.   A Willow Tit was in the south east corner.
Walton Canal/Golf Course: The Rookery has 12 nests.

                                    Dunlin     Anglers CP                    CSwaine        

Wilthorpe Marsh 3/3/18.

Waders the main highlights here with Green Sandpiper, Woodcock, 2 Jack and 6 Common Snipe, 9 Golden Plover down, 50 Lapwing down and 1 pair of Oystercatchers. Also 2 Water Rails, 1 pair of Grey Partridge and 1 Green Pecker. Willow Tit sightings quite scarce this year but one recently on the canal just n of tinkers ponds at SE 339 082 and one today in small wood on e side of sewage farm path at SE 328 088. This area had a pair a few times in January.

Yellow-browed Warbler and Firecrest - Ron Marshall 03.03.18

Ron Marshal took these photographs of two of today's stars in the Dearne Valley.

Yellow-browed Warbler

Firecrest

Cudworth

There are now 80 Fieldfares feeding on berries in Oulton Drive. (K. Bannister)

Woolley Dam, Bretton cp, Wilthorpe Marsh 2/3/18.

Woolley Dam - very steady but 4 GS Peckers with a fem. showing well. 4 Teal, 4 Fieldfare. Bretton CP - low lake half frozen, top lake all frozen.- Goosander 4, Shoveler 11 nearly all males in top plumage. Common Gull 1 juv., 3 Lapwing down, c 80 Jackdaws, Nuthatch 2, GS Pecker 1, Song Thrush 5, 1 Grey Partridge flushed. Wilthorpe Marsh - weather affected birds here with 5 Jack Snipe flushed off the marsh edges with one refusing to leave a small dyke. 3 C Snipe, 200+ Lapwing down, 2 Golden Plover down, 5 Grey Partridge, c 400 Starlings down, 1 ad. Common Gull through.

Cudworth

Fieldfares are continuing to visit several gardens in different parts of the village, the largest flock of 60 in Oulton Drive (Keith Bannister). 1 Redwing and 1 Reed Bunting visited a garden on the Birkwood estate. (Arthur Vincent)

Wintersett 02.03.18

-4 to 0 degrees with sunny spells, but increasing cloud this afternoon and a nithering easterly wind.
Anglers CP: Dunlin 2.  Redshank 1.  Oystercatcher 4.   Little Grebe 3 + 8WRes.  Teal 3 + 5 WRes.  Shoveler 7 + 1 WRes. Pochard 32 + 4 WRes + 1 CHRes..   Wigeon 358 + 36 WRes..
Wintersett Res: Common Scoter 1 drake.  Woodcock 1 north east bank.  Goosander 10.  Gadwall 91 + 13 CHRes. + 7 ACP.  Greylag Goose 89.   Canada Goose 106 + 7 ACP + 1 CHRes..   Canada X Greylag Goose Hybrid 1.

Dodworth

Nothing very unusual garden-wise but this stunning woody was a welcome guest yesterday.

Higham

Pretty bad conditions today with loads of mainly Fieldfare but also occasional Redwing flying around in various sized flocks. Several Fieldfare in the garden and some looking in a poor state. They stripped the Siberian Crab Apple, moved on to Cotoneaster then finished with apples thrown out for them. Need to buy more apples in the morning! A flock of at least 30 Siskin over the garden with three dropping in to feed. Presumably they have all come over the North Sea this last day or so to escape even worse weather in Europe?

by Geoff Carr

Cudworth

The Arctic conditions are now bringing more birds to gardens. Fieldfares were reported from various gardens in the village. My Newtown garden 4, Beech Avenue 1 (Geoff Miller), White Cross Road 2 (Les Corrall), Barnsley Rd 12 (Chris Parkin) and Oulton Drive c50 with a Redwing (Keith Bannister), all feeding on Cotoneaster berries. 

6 Stock Doves also visited Les Corrall's garden. Also in my garden 2 Red-legged Partridge and a pair of Bullfinches.

Wintersett 28.02.18

- 4 degrees,  sunny start with 3 inches of snow overnight and further long snow showers on and off all day, and a bitterly cold north easterly. wind.
Anglers CP: A Dunlin,  a Golden Plover and 3 Snipe were seen this morning.
Yellowhammers were on the feeders and Fieldfares everywhere. (CS)
Cold Hiendley Sewage Farm was a hive of activity with 37 Magpies , 10 Pied Wagtails , 3 Grey Wagtails , 15 Meadow Pipits.
In February just 2 new birds for the year list, bringing the total to 94.