Carlton Marsh

Singing this morning were 7 Reed Warblers, 2 Sedge Warblers, Cuckoo, Cetti's Warbler (hide area) and a Grasshopper Warbler. (Jim Plant)
This afternoon at the wader scrape 9 Herring Gulls, 2 LBB Gulls, 1 GBB Gull, Grey Wagtail and our first Swift north at 15.34hrs.

Wintersett 30.04.18

4 - 8 degrees with 8/8 but decreasing cloud, then sunny spells with a cold north westerly.
Anglers CP: Common Tern 2.  Common Sandpiper 2.  Little Grebe 1.  A female Marsh Harrier flew south at 13.15hrs.
Wintersett Res: Willow Tit 1.  Great Black-backed Gull 1 over. House Martin 100.
Lepidoptera: Orange Tip 2 and  Small Tortoiseshell 1 WRes - per  L Corrall and R Hibbert .  The first Speckled Wood of the year was in the ruin area.

The Edge 30/04/2018

Wombwell Ings - Back on the Ings after a good week's birdwatching in Hungary. Present were 7 Mute Swan, 26 Canada Geese, 8 Greylag, 2 Pink Footed Geese, 18 Tufted Duck, 17 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Coot, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 3 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 26 BH Gull, 2 Swift, 6+ Skylark, 1 White Wagtail, 1 Mistle Thrush  and 2 Linnet. On Doveside, K.Fisher also had 2 Coal Tit and 1 Reed Warbler. Singing in Broomhill Park were 1 Lesser White Throat, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Willow Warbler.
Broomhill Flash - Highlight was a Little Gull. Also noted were 2 Mute Swan, 17 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 12 Gadwall, 9 Tufted Duck, 7 Pochard, 6 Mallard, 9 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 3 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Peregrine, 1 Kestrel, 5 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 6 Herring Gull, 3 LBB Gull and 3 Swift.
TPT - Singing males 5 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 6 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 17 Tufted Duck, 12 Gadwall, 5 Pochard, 1 Mallard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Black Necked Grebe, 18 Coot + 10 young, 518+ BH Gull, 6 LBB Gull, 4 Herring Gull and 1 Common Gull.. Also present were 1 Green Woodpecker 2 Whitethroat, 1 House Martin and 1 Sedge Warbler. K.Fisher also had a Garden Warbler on Bolton west end,

Hordron road 29/4/18.

Windy with sun now and then but cold. Good viewing light but after nearly 3 hours at upper hordron barn very cold. Still, decent birding with Merlin 1, probably 2, Red Kite 1, C Buzzard 5, Sparrowhawk 2, Kestrel 3 completing the raptors. Raven 7, Ring Ouzel 14, Wheatear 8 included 5 cracking males. Male Cuckoo sang and showed well at lower hordron barn, LBB Gull 2 over, Meadow Pipit total 45. 1 Snipe displaying near dog and partridge and 4 Stock Dove. Belated news of Ring Ouzel near shooting lodge, ewden valley on April 8th, per Andy Deighton.

Wintersett 29.04.18

5 - 8 degrees with 8/8 cloud until late morning, then sunny spells and a strengthening north easterly.
Anglers CP: Sand Martin 180.  Common Sandpiper 2.  Common Tern 2.  Teal 1m+1f.  50 Linnets were in Santingley field.  A Garden Warbler was ringed on the Pol.
Wintersett Res: Willow Tit 1m+1f west bank.
Cold Hiendley Res: Grey Wagtail 1.

                  Garden Warbler     ACP        RBailey

Carlton Marsh

A Sedge Warbler and a Grasshopper warbler 'reeling' in the western meadow were new in today. They were our 100th & 101st  species so far this year. Cetti's was singing possibly two. (Jim Plant/Richard Laverack/Dave Standish).

Wintersett 28.04.18

A cold 5 - 9 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a north easterly wind.
Anglers CP:  A male Willow Tit was on the Pol.   A Yellow Wagtail flew west.  Redshank 1.   Common Tern 4.   Swift 60.  Pochard 1m + 1 f.   3 Shelduck flew north at 11.55hrs..

Wintersett 27.04.18

7 - 12 degrees, cool, flat calm with 8/8 cloud and rain from early afternoon.
Wintersett Res: A Cuckoo was on the east bank early this morning.  Garden Warbler 1m NEbank. Willow Tit 1 , SEcorner.   Cetti's Warbler 4 m - Botany,  east bank, west bank and ruin.
Anglers CP: Common Tern 2.  Oystercatcher 5.  Pochard 1m + 1f.
Hirundines in the area: Sand Martin 200.  Swallow 70.   House Martin 100.

Carlton Marsh

This morning Keith and I attended Dave Standring's funeral service at the crematorium. Chris your dad would have been very proud of the eulogy you gave about his life. Well done for holding it together mate.

On the way we were fairly sure we had a Hobby over Manor Road in Cudworth at 11.00hrs. This afternoon I looked in the reserve log book to find that Les Corral and Ralph Hibbert had seen a Hobby circling over the marsh at 11.45hrs. (As the crow flies its only a matter of half a mile from Manor Road) 

Cuckoo and Cetti's Warbler were singing along with 4 Reed Warblers.

Butterflies included Brimstone, Comma, c10 Orange-tips and 2 Speckled Wood. The day flying Orange Underwing moth was flitting around the top of a Silver Birch.

Wintersett 26.04.18

8 -11 degrees with a showery 8/8 cloudystart, brightening from mid morning with a cold westerly wind.
Anglers CP: Common Sandpiper 2.  Common Tern 2.  Green Woodpecker 1.  Shoveler 3m.
Sand Martin 150.  House Martin 40.  Swallow 40.
Wintersett Res: A male Garden Warbler on the north east bank,  was new for the year.  
7 male Sedge Warblers were around the area:- 2 north bank,  1 north east bank,  3 west bank and 1 boathouse reeds. 

Wintersett 25.04.18

8 -11 degrees with 5/8 cloud, sunny spells  and a moderate westerly.
Anglers CP:  2m + 1f  Wheatear in Santngley fields.  Fieldfare 1 Hare Park.  Common Sandpiper 2 Common Tern 2.  Pochard 1 m.   A 1st summer Little Gull was at the north end of the lake at 13.00hrs.
Lepidoptera: A female Orange Tip was on the west bank, WRes..

Wintersett 24.04.18

7 - 13 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a cool north westerly.  Rain from mid afternoon.
Anglers CP: The first Garden Warbler of the year was on the east bank.  Arctic Tern 1 and Common Sandpiper 1.
Wintersett Res:   Swift 10 + 2 ACP.  2 m Whitethroats - east bank and west bank.   4 m Cetti's Warblers - Botany Road,  east bank,  west bank and ruin area.

Carlton Marsh

A Greenshank paid a brief visit to the wader scrape at 08.30hrs and left south at 08.39hrs. Cuckoo, Cetti's Warbler, Reed Warbler, Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat were all singing. 

Priority Species 2018

Again this year I am collecting Priority Species records from this blog and from twitter to see what declining species are still breeding in the Barnsley recording area. Its totally reliant on various birders putting out the info.
Lots of good records were put on for 2017 and these amounted to 10 male Cuckoo calling, Little Ringed Plover 8+ pair, Tree Pipit 4 territories, Yellow Wagtail 6-8 pair, Wheatear 2-3 pair, Willow Tit 15-20 territories, Redstart 6 pair, Pied Flycatcher 2-3 pair, Spotted Flycatcher 4 pair and Lesser Redpoll 6 pair. These are minimal and Martin Wells or Carl Dixon may have additional records?
Same species again please but an additional focus on Lesser Redpoll and Tree Pipit. Both using the same habitats around the upland reservoirs, Wharncliff and Trans-Pennine Trail Penistone to Dunford.
Thanks.

Wintersett MEGA ! ALPINE SWIFT 23.04.18

9 - 13 degrees with 6/8 cloud and a cool south westerly.
Disposal Point: Whitethroat 5 m + 1 m WRes.
Wintersett Res: Lesser Whitethroat 1m west bank + 1 north bank ACP.  A Sedge Warbler was on the west bank.  Willow Tit 1m in the Willow Wood. 
Anglers CP; An Arctic Tern was new for the year list.  Common Tern 2. Dunlin 1.  Common Sandpiper 1.  Swift 8  House Martin 50.  An  ALPINE SWIFT was feeding over the east bank from 14.40hrs to 18.45hrs
Lepidoptera:  A female  Orange Tip was on the west bank WRes..
FINDER'S ACCOUNT by Pete Smith.
We'd  had a good morning and dispersed at lunchtime.  Pete Smith had a leisurely lunch in the CP café before making his way back to the ACP main hide, where he began scanning around.  He could see a group of hirundines and Swifts over the east bank of the lake.
At 14.40hrs, one particular Swift attracted his attention,due to it's jizz  and flight.  It just looked dark, and the size was difficult to judge at long range.  However, it was enough to make Pete dash round the lake to check if it was an Alpine Swift.   Expectations were not high due the mega status of the bird.
Two brief stops, during the dash around the lake, to check the bird kept hopes alive as the jizz looked very good, and there was a possible hint of pale on the underside.  The third stop to check the bird revealed all as it banked, and a white belly was in full view!

WOW!!!    ALPINE  SWIFT

A first for the Wintersett Area after 40 years of dreaming of one each Spring!

News was put out quickly and quite a few birders  began to arrive..  The Wintersett Team turned up  in various states of anxiety and breathlessness, even the two who were in torment at work,  and all were entertained by the bird putting on an amazing show, giving  brilliant views and flying directly, overhead.  

It remained on show until 18.45hrs, when it rained slightly, and the hirundine flock towered up and moved off north taking the Alpine Swift with them.

                                 Alpine Swift                  ACP      MHemingway

                                   Alpine Swift                   ACP       PMeredith

                                 Alpine Swift           ACP     CSwaine

Carlton Marsh

A Cuckoo was singing at 07.17hrs and 2 Water Rails called. (K. Bannister).

Butterflies included our first Speckled Wood of the year, 5 male Orange-tips, 1 G.V. White and 1 Green Tiger Beetle. (Chris Parkin)

Wintersett 22.04.18

11 - 16 degrees with sun and scattered cloud and a south westerly breeze.
Wintersett Res: 6 male Reed Warblers  - 1 boathouse reeds,  2 west bank marsh, 2 north bank + 1 ACP.    Cetti's Warblers -  1 m ruin,   1 m west bank,  1m+1 f east bank.  Common Tern  2  Grasshopper Warbler 1 m +  Lesser Whitethroat + 1m  and Sedge Warbler 2m   west bank clump/marsh. A Cuckoo flew over north at  08.50hrs.. 2 Swifts were seen over east bank.
Anglers CP: Common Sandpiper 1 + 1 WRes..  Snipe 1. Lesser Whitethroat 1 north bank.  A  Woodcock flew through at 15.45hrs.  Shoveler 1 m.  Goldeneye 3.  Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull came in and took the Mallard egg from the new raft. 2 Common Tern flew north this afternoon.
Lepidoptera: The first Orange Tip flew over WRes dam wall.

Female Blackcap     Anglers CP        LHarston.

Weekend roundup, 22/4/18.

Very steady all round. Wilthorpe Marsh yesterday, 5 singing Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Green Sand. Low Moor in the afternoon steady with Red Kite, Sparrowhawk, 5 C Buzzard, 3 Kestrel, Oystercatcher 3, Snipe 2. Today, Kexboro, 2 pairs of Curlew on upperfield lane and one heard only on cawthorne lane with 1 RL Partridge showing well here.

Carlton Marsh

Another nice day with sunny spells and 20c. Reed Warbler had increased to 3 singing males. Cetti's Warbler was very vocal all day near the hide. Birds of prey included Buzzard harassed by a male Peregrine, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk were displaying. 2 Water Rails called and 3 Sand Martins (singles) headed north. (J. Plant/R. Laverack/CG.)

 Richard Laverack

Cudworth

A Red Kite flew south over the Co-op at 09.17hrs and a Swift flew over Bow Street at 13.40hrs (Rod Heeley).

A Male Peregrine flew west over my garden on the Newtown estate at 11.09hrs.

Langsett/Flouch and The Little Don

A pretty productive jaunt up the Little Don and around Langsett Res. today with the messrs Dixon, Haywood and Linnington. Highlights were 2 reeling Grasshopper Warblers in the cleared area opposite Flouch car park early doors, plus a cracking White Wag in recently tilled soil on the N side of the res. Also of note in the LDV - at least 12 Ring Ouzel, 6 Wheatear, 2 Raven and calling Cuckoo 
At Langset Res - 4 Tufties, at least 12 Common Sandpipers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, single House Martin over and 25 Linnets. 
A single female Pied Flycatcher in Cliff Wood.
Cheers
Russ

Wintersett 21.04.18

13 - 17 degrees with sun and a light south easterly.
Wintersett Res:  2 male Reed Warblers were new for the year list.  Sedge Warbler 1m.  Teal 1m + 1f.  Whitethroat 1 male.  3 male Cetti's Warbler - west bank,  ruin and north bank.  Lesser Whitethroat 1m.  Goldeneye 3 + 4  ACP.  Common Sandpiper 1 + 1 ACP.
Anglers CP: Green Woodpecker 1.   2 Black Terns were in at 13.55hrs and left east at 17.30hrs - new for the year.  2 Shelduck flew onto the shallows at 17.45hrs.     Snipe 1.  Yellow Wagtail 1 over.

Lesser Whitethroat         WRes    CSwaine

Carlton Marsh

New in today a singing Reed Warbler (Jim Plant). A Whitethroat and a second Lesser Whitethroat were both singing. 51 Herring Gulls and a Little Egret were on the wader scrape and a male Cetti's Warbler gave good views from the hide. 

Our first Orange-tip butterfly was on the wing along with Comma, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell.

A Weasel was hunting near the hide.

 Sparrowhawk (Richard Laverack)

 Cetti's Warbler (Richard Laverack)

Carlton Marsh

A drake Shoveler was on the main scrape and a Little Egret, 9 Herring Gulls and 2 LBB Gulls were on the wader scrape. Cetti's Warbler sang near the hide and 3 Rooks (1 west & 2 north are unusual for this site). Willow Tits called from two sites.

Wintersett 20.04.18

13 - 17 degrees,  sun with scattered cloud and a cool north westerly breeze.
Anglers CP:  A Dunlin was on the shallows.  A singing Lesser Whitethroat was on the Pol and another was on the north bank WRes..   A male Whitethroat was on the north bank + 1 on the Disposal Point.  A Green Woodpecker was in Hare Park + 1 on the Disposal Point. Wigeon 1m + 2 f.  Goldeneye 3 + 3 WRes.. Shoveler 1..
Wintersett Res: A Sedge Warbler was on the west bank.  A male Whitethroat was on the west bank.  5 singing male Cetti's Warblers  were heard/seen this morning: north bank,  south east bank,  west bank, ruin area and boathouse reeds.  A Grey Wagtail was on the spillway.

Carlton Marsh

Phew 26.3c recorded in the shade in my garden today! New in at the marsh, on the wader scrape, Little Ringed Plover, and 2 Sand Martins north. 20 Herring Gulls and a Little Egret were also in evidence. A BTO ringed Willow Tit sang from that area and a Peregrine was resting nearby. (Richard Laverack/CG)

Storrs Mill 

Orange Tip 4, GV. White 2, Brimstone 4.

Grass Snake, Buzzard, Grey Wagtail (Chris Parkin)

Wintersett Scorchio! 19.04.17

13 - 23 degrees with sun and a very light south westerly. The warmest Yorkshire April day since records began.
Anglers CP: Lesser Whitethroat 1 Pol + 1 ruin area, WRes..   Snipe 1.  Wigeon 1 m + 1 f..
Wintersett Res:  Willow Tit 1.  A Sedge Warbler was on the north bank.  Goldeneye 3 + 2 ACP..    3 Bramblings were in sycamore trees in the ruin area.
Lepidoptera: The first Green-veined White of the year was seen at ACP.
Overnight moth trapping produced good numbers of 10 species and Plenty of Quakers.
Highlights were: Pale Pinion,  Streamer and Chestnut.
Coleoptera: 2 Nicrophorus humator were in the moth trap.
Reptile: A  1.25metre Grass Snake gave great views at Wintersett Res. - a first here for  Wintersett stalwart Pete Smith.

The Edge 19/04/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 5 Mute Swan, 55 Canada Geese, 11 Greylag, 2 Pink Footed Geese, 3 Shelduck, 28 Tufted Duck, 24 Gadwall, 12 Mallard, 9 Shoveler, 8 Wigeon, 2 Pochard, 2 Teal, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Grey Heron, 11 Coot, 1 Kestrel, 5 Avocet, 5 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Common Sandpiper, 18 BH Gull, 4+ Skylark, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Blackcap and 3+ Reed Bunting. Early morning P.Kent also had 1 Mediterranean Gull and 1 Common Tern.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 9 Canada Geese, 21 Tufted Duck, 11 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 4 Pochard, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Peregrine, 2 Kestrel, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 13 Coot, 6 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 250+ BH Gull, 3 LBB Gull and 2 Herring Gull. A Sandwich Tern, seen early morning, flew towards Old Moor Rspb at 8.23am.
Trans Pennine Trail - Singing males 11+ Willow Warblers, 9 + Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap. Also 1 Grey Heron over.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 11 Greylag, 6 Canada Geese, 28 Tufted Duck, 9 Pochard, 4 Gadwall, 2 Mallard, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 15 Coot, c300 BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 5 Cormorant 1 Buzzard and 1 Green Woodpecker.

Carlton Marsh-18/4/18

Last night's remarkably warm air saw our first mothing session of the year, with Harry Beaumont. 6 new species were taken. They were Water Carpet 6, Early Tooth Striped 2 (male & female), Twin Spot Quaker 1, Small Quaker 1, Brindled Pug 1 and Pale Pinion 1. Also of note Purple Thorn, Early Thorn, Shoulder Stripe, Satellite and Chestnut. 16 macro species. The micro Acleris cristana is the 7th VC63 record and the first for the Barnsley area (HEB).

At dusk a Woodcock was 'roding' over the car park plantation followed later by Tawny Owl and Barn Owl and later still by a calling Long-eared Owl high over the car park. Our recently arrived Cetti's Warbler sang until after dark, but was seen earlier with another that was almost certainly a female (CG, D. M. Smith, G, Miller, C. Parkin & H.E. Beaumont).

 Pale Pinion

 Early Tooth Striped

 Purple Thorn

Water Carpet

Dodworth Tip

Bee-fly time; one of a number seen at Blackthorn on Dodworth tip this afternoon

Wintersett (Bart 'at and coyt at last!) 18.04.18

A wonderful,  warm 13 - 20 degrees with sun,  scattered cloud and a very  light southerly.
Wintersett Res: Common Sandpiper 1 (and then on ACP).   Cetti's Warbler 3 m - north bank, west bank and south east bank.  Goldeneye 5 + 13 ACP.  A Willow Tit was on the east bank.
Anglers CP: The Tree Pipit was still present, in the area  behind the main hide.  A pair of Pintail were in mid morning and stayed all day.  A Sand Martin was digging out in the top row of the box.  Common Tern 1.  Wigeon 3.  Great Black-backed Gull 1.  A  Yellow Wagtail flew over.  2 Bar-tailed Godwits flew over south west at 20:00 hrs
Cold Hiendley Res: Grey Wagtail 2
Lepidoptera in very small numbers.  Comma,  Peacock,  Small Tortoiseshell and Brimstone.
Diptera: The first Bee-fly of the year was in the north west area of WRes..

The Edge 18/04/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 4 Mute Swan, 29 Canada Geese, 11 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 2 Shelduck, 15 Mallard, 11 Gadwall, 10 Wigeon, 10 Tufted Duck, 5 Shoveler, 3 Goosander, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Coot, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 3 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 16 BH Gull, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Skylark, 1 Blackcap and 2 Linnet. Also seen early morning were 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 1 Curlew and 1 Peregrine. On Doveside K.Fisher had 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler and 1 calling Water Rail.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 4 Mute Swan, 11 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 18 Tufted Duck, 17 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall,  9 Mallard, 7 Pochard, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 12 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Peregrine, 1 Kestrel, 6 Lapwing, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Common Sandpiper, 250+ BH Gull and 14 Herring Gull. When opening up the hide early morning, Mick Rushton heard a Cuckoo calling.
TPT - Singing males included 9 Chiffchaff, 7 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap and 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Also 2 Jay.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4 Mute Swan, 8 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 26 Tufted Duck, 11 Pochard, 7 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 2 Goldeneye, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Grebe, 15 Coot, c300 BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Cormorant, 3 Buzzard, 6+ Sand Martin, 3+ Swallow, 2 Jay and 4 Bullfinch.

Carlton Marsh

New in today on the wader scrape Common Sandpiper. (Dave Smith) Also present Cetti's Warbler (near the hide), Little Egret, 25 Herring Gulls, Grey Wagtail, 10 Willow Warblers, 10 Chiffchaffs, 6 Blackcaps and Willow Tit, all singing.

A stoat was seen on the embankment (Richard Laverack).

Butterflies were enjoying the warmest day of the year so far (21c) Peacock 24, Comma 10, S. Tortoiseshell 16 and Brimstone 4 males. (Chris Parkin)

Wintersett Ringing Recoveries

A juvenile Linnet ringed at Anglers Country Park on 14th August 2017
was found dead at Carquefou (Loire-Atlantic) FRANCE on 20th March 2018
at a distance of 706 kms to the south.


A first year male Lesser Redpoll ringed at Anglers Country Park
on 1st October 2016 was caught by ringers at Chilworth (Surrey)
on 6th April 2018 at a distance at 276kms to the south, south east.

Wintersett 17.04.18

9 - 14 degrees witn 8/8 cloud and a moderate south westerly.
3 new birds for the year list today.
Anglers CP:   Common Tern 1.  A Tree Pipit was in trees behind the main hide this afternoon.   Yellow-legged Gull  1 adult (Psycho).  A Willow Tit was on the Pol.
Wintersett Res: 2m  Cetti's Warblers - west bank marsh and south east bank.
Disposal Point:  Wheatear 1 male.

                   Tree Pipit                     ACP    CSwaine

                              Male Wheatear            Disposal Point          CSwaine

The Edge 17?04/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 5 Mute Swan, 31 Canada Geese, 11 Greylag, 2 Pink Footed Geese, 2 Shelduck, 13 Gadwall, 10 Shoveler, 7 Tufted Duck, 6 Wigeon, 4 Teal, 3 Goosander, 3 Pochard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 4 Lapwing, 11 BH Gull, 1 Mediterranean Gull, 4 Skylark, 2 Sand Martin,  2 Wheatear, 1 White Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler and 1 Chiffchaff. Two  Ring Plover were recorded late morning.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 11 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 16 Tufted Duck, 10+ Teal, 9 Pochard, 8 Gadwall, 7 Mallard, 3 Shoveler, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe,1 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 2 Red Legged Partridge,  8 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 6 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, c300 BH Gull, 3 Herring Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 2 Mediterranean Gull.

Carlton Marsh

New in today Lesser Whitethroat . Also present Cetti's Warbler, Little Egret, Green & Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Buzzard, 37 Herring Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and Willow Tit singing at wader scrape.

Wintersett 16.04.18

6 - 11 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a light southerly.
A good day , with 3 new birds for the year list.
Wintersett Res: The first Sedge Warbler of the year was in the south east corner. Willow Tit 1 west bank + 1 ACP north bank.   Cetti's Warbler 4 m - north bank, south east bank, west bank and ruin.
Moorhouse Lane Pond: Lesser Whitethroat 1 male.
Cold Hiendley Res: Common Sandpiper 1.
Anglers CP:   Yellow Wagtail 1 Santingley.    A calling Raven,  mobbed by two crows,  flew over south west at 08.30hrs  Goldeneye 15 + 10 WRes.  Cormorant 3.  Snipe 1 + 3 Santingley.   Wigeon 9 + 1 WRes.  Shoveler 4 + 4 WRes.  Green Woodpecker 1. 

The Edge 16/04/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 6 Mute Swan, 34 Canada Geese, 8 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 2 Shelduck, 13 Gadwall, 9 Mallard, 9 Teal, 9 Wigeon, 3 Pochard, 2 Shoveler, 1 Little Egret, 7 Coot, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 6 Lapwing, 22 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 1 Common Tern, 3+ Skylark, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Blackcap, and 3 Reed Bunting.
Broom Hill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 12 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 19 Gadwall, 11 Mallard, 10+ Tufted Duck, 7 Shoveler, 7 Pochard, 5 Teal, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 1 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 16 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 9 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew, 300+ BH Gull, and 1 Herring Gull. A Common Tern and an Arctic Tern were seen early morning.
TPT - Singing males included, 8 Willow Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, 7 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Song Thrush and 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 9 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 21 Tufted Duck, 12 Pochard, 4 Gadwall, 4 Mallard, 2 Goldeneye, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 28 Coot, 400+ BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 female Goosander over, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 4 Lapwing over,  1 Kingfisher, 1 Jay, 2 Grey Wagtail, 6+ Sand Martin, 1 Marsh Tit, 2 Bullfinch and 2 Reed Bunting.

Carlton Marsh

New in today Oystercatcher at 07.30hrs. It was here until 08.25hrs and Whitethroat (not singing). The Cetti's Warbler from yesterday continued to sing good and loud, but it was more mobile. It had moved further down the disused railway embankment. 2 Lesser Black-back Gulls and a Little Egret were on the wader scrape (K. Bannister/R. Laverack)

A Fox on the prowl.

Wilthorpe Marsh, Woolley Dam 15/4/18.

Very steady at both sites. Wilthorpe - 2 Green Sands, 2 C Snipe, 6 Fieldfare. Scarce but hanging on, 1 pair of Grey Partridges, G and GS Peckers, 1 LBB Gull through, 3 Willow Warbler, 3 Blackcap. Sewage farm area had 35 Swallows, 10 House Martin, 1 Sand Martin. 5 Sand Martins on territories. Woolley Dam,- 6 Teal still, 1 drumming GS Pecker, c 100 Woodpigeon, 1 Nuthatch, 2 Blackcap.

Wintersett + VisMig. 15.04.18

5 - 9 degrees with 8/8 cloud, decreasing towards midday, and a light south westerly.
Wintersett Res: 8 Whooper Swans  flew in at 08.30hrs and left north at 08.45hrs.  A Merlin flew north at 08.45hrs.   5 male Cetti's Warblers were around the area: west bank,  ruin,  boathouse reeds,  Botany road,  south east corner.
Anglers CP: An adult Mediterranean Gull in summer plumage flew south at 09.05hrs.  Wigeon 14. Curlew 1.  Teal 1m + 1f..   2 Black Swans flew south over fields at 12.05hrs.  A Red Kite flew south at 13.55hrs.
Lepidoptera: A male Brimstone was seen.

Carlton Marsh

Today's highlights were Short Eared Owl 07.20hrs that left east, the first since May 2013. (k. Bannister).

Later with R. Laverack a Cetti's Warbler that sang from the periphery of the main scrape (near the hide) intermittently all morning, was our 4th record.

3 Redwing frequented the same area with a Redpoll. 9 immature Herring Gulls joined the Black Headed Gulls and 8 Greylags on the wader scrape.

Birds of prey included 2 Buzzards, Peregrine and a pair of Sparrowhawks and a pair of Kestrels displaying.

Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Grey Wagtail and 2 Water Rails were also present.

3 Willow Tits were seen together in the car park (Martin Weir) and we heard one singing near the ringing rides.

Brimstone and Peacock butterfly made an appearance in the brief bit of sunshine around mid-day.

2 Foxes were hunting the wader scrape.

Carlton

A male Brambling was in Dave Smith's Carlton garden with a male and female Blackcap this morning.

Carlton Marsh

On the warmest day so far this year (maximum 14.3c) our first 2 Sand Martins flew through along with 3 Swallows. 5 Blackcaps and 4 Willow Warblers were singing and a Kettle of 7 Buzzards drifted south equalling the previous maximum of  7 in 2011. (D. M. Smith/R. Laverack/J. Plant)

A Curlew flew south at 17.20hrs (D. Standish)

A Fox was out hunting.

A Small White butterfly was flying in Les Corrall's Cudworth garden.

Wintersett WeBS April 2018

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

Mute Swan 20   Canada Goose 35   Greylag Goose 2   Cormorant 7   Mallard 31
Teal 2   Gadwall 40   Wigeon 10   Shoveler 30   Tufted Duck 144   Goldeneye 66  Great Crested Grebe 19   Little Grebe 1   Coot 64   Moorhen 8   Grey Heron 1   Lapwing 4   Oystercatcher 4   Redshank 1   Common Sandpiper 1.    

Wintersett + Vis.Mig 14.04.18

At last some warm, dry weather! 5 - 13  degrees, with 8/8 cloud, but decreasing throughout the morning, with a light south easterly.
Anglers CP + Wintersett Res. Vis Mig:
A Golden Plover flew north east at 08.10hrs (WRes).  A Greenshank went north at 09.40hrs.  An adult Little Gull in winter plumage came in to ACP at 10.40hrs and was still present late afternoon.   A Common Sandpiper and a Redshank were seen over  WRes and then ACP.  A Common Tern flew in at 16.00hrs. Meadow Pipit 30 north.    
Anglers CP:  Goldeneye 37 ACP + 24 WRes..   Wigeon 10.  Shoveler 20.  Oystercatcher 4.  Red Kite east low over at 17.45hrs.  House Martin 2. Psycho the adult Yellow-legged Gull came in alone this afternoon.   Several Sand Martins were inspecting the Sand Martin box.
Wintersett Res: Great Crested Grebe 13.  3 Cetti's Warblers - west bank, Ruin area and south east corner.  
Lepidoptera: Peacock 2.  Small Tortoiseshell 2.

Wintersett 13.04.18

5 - 7 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a light southwesterly.
Wintersett Res: 3 adult Kittiwakes were on at 09.00hrs and still present at 12.30hrs.  Shelduck 1.
Anglers CP: Shoveler 14.  Wigeon 11.  Water Rail 2.  Snipe 2.  Great Black-backed Gull 1 1stW.
A YELLOW  WAGTAIL (new for year) flew north at 15.30hrs.

The Edge 13/04/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 6 Mute Swan, 29 Canada Geese, 9 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 5 Shelduck, 45 Wigeon, 15 Shoveler, 11 Mallard, 11 Teal, 8 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 12 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 3 Lapwing, 44 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 4+ Skylark, 2 Swallow and 1 Meadow Pipit.
Warbler Way - A Little Egret was seen flying along the R.Dearne, a Bittern was heard booming in the reed beds of Old Moor RSPB and a Weasel was hunting along the path. . Singing males included 8 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap and 3 Song Thrush.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 16 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 32 Tufted Duck, 15 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 3 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Teal, 7 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 29 Coot and 479 BH Gull. Also present were 1 Buzzard, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Oystercatcher and 4 Bullfinch.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 12 Canada Geese, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 2 Shelduck, 25 Gadwall, 19 Wigeon, 13 Tufted Duck, 12 Shoveler, 7 Mallard, 3 Teal, 2 Pochard, 5 Little Grebe, 16 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 5 Lapwing, c250 BH Gull, 28 Herring Gull, 4 LBB Gull, 20+ Swallow, 15+ Sand Martin and 8 House Martin. A Curlew, 2 Oystercatcher and 2 Green Sandpiper were seen early morning.

Wintersett 12.04.18

5 degrees, dull and damp, with short light showers and a cold north easterly wind.
Anglers CP:  Snipe 1.  Shoveler 13.  Wigeon 2 m + 1 f.  A 1stW Great Black-backed Gull was on the shallows.

The Edge 12/04/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 6 Mute Swan, 34 Canada Geese, 8 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 1 Shelduck, 44 Wigeon, 15 Teal, 12 Mallard, 11 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 7 Goosander, 7 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 1 Cormorant , 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel,  2 Moorhen, 2 Lapwing, 33 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 1 Common Gull, 2 Lapwing, 4+ Skylark, 2 Swallow, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail and 1 singing Chiffchaff.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 4 Mute Swan, 5 Canada Geese, 2 Shelduck, 24 Gadwall, 16 Tufted Duck, 13 Shoveler, 12 Wigeon, 5 Mallard, 2 Pochard, 15 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 2 Oystercatcher, 200+ BH Gull, 4 LBB Gull, 20+ Swallow, 2 Sand Martin and 1 House Martin.
TPT - Highlight was a Stoat running across the trail. Singing males 5+ Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap and 1 Willow Warbler.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 5 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 33 Tufted Duck, 13 Pochard, 6 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 5 Mallard, 2 Goosander, 4 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 31 Coot, 460+ BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Grey Wagtail and 4 Bullfinch.

Wintersett 11.04.18

5 degrees, dull, drab and shorts spells of drizzle, with a very cold north easterly wind.
Anglers CP: Shoveler 19.
Haw Park Wood:  A male Goldcrest was singing in the woodyard
WintersettRes:  House Martin 2.   Swallow 20.  Cetti's Warbler 4 males - west bank marsh,   north bank,  north west area and south of west bank clump.
Critter: A Mink was seen at WRes from the road at Botany.

The Edge 11/04/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 4 Mute Swan, 49 Canada Geese, 12 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 3 Shelduck, 45 Wigeon, 16 Gadwall, 12 Shoveler, 11 Teal, 8 Mallard, 7 Tufted Duck, 6 female Goosander, 2 Pochard, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 9 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 3 Lapwing, 100+ BH Gull, 4 Skylark, 5 Swallow, 2 Sand Martin and 2 Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 4 Mute Swan, 6 Canada Geese, 27 Gadwall, 20 Wigeon, 20 Tufted Duck, 19 Shoveler, 9 Mallard, 7 Pochard, 6 Teal, 4 Little Grebe, 11 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 3 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 6 Swallow and 1 House Martin.
TPT - Singing males 5+ Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler and 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 5 Greylag, 4 Canada Geese, 31 Tufted Duck, 14 Pochard, 6 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 3 Mallard, 2 Teal, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 28 Coot, 314+ BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 14 Sand Martin, 1 House Martin, 1 Jay, 1 Grey Wagtail and 2 Bullfinch.

Wintersett 10.04.18

5 degrees,  rain,  foggy, misty, murky,  drizzle all day.
Anglers CP:  Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gul and the adult Lesser Black-backed Gull were on an island.
Wintersett Res:  2 House Martins flying over were the first of the year.

Carlton Marsh

I forced myself from the computer into the drizzle and mist for an hour this afternoon. Will it ever stop raining? Well sometimes bad weather brings good birds, luckily for me a Curlew alighted in the meadow near the wader scrape at 14.30hrs. It stayed for 10 minutes before leaving north calling as it went. 5 Swallows weren't going anywhere. A single Redpoll called and 6 Bullfinches were roaming around. 

The Edge 10/04/2018

Water, water everywhere!
Wombwell Ings - Present were 6 Mute Swan, 39 Canada Geese, 9 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 1 Shelduck, 52 Wigeon, 19 Teal, 16 Tufted Duck, 13 Mallard, 9 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 8 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 5 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 calling Greenshank, c100 BH Gull, 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker, 1 Sand Martin, 2 Skylark and 1 singing Song Thrush.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 6 Canada Geese, 2 Shelduck, 20+ Teal, 17 Wigeon, 17 Gadwall, 13 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 7 Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 7 Little Grebe, 12 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 25+ Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew, 100+ BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 1 Common Tern, 11 Sand Martin, 8 Swallow and 5 Greenfinch.
TPT - Singing males 7 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap and 1 Song Thrush.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 5 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 21 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 6 Gadwall, 6 Mallard, 3 Shoveler, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 31 Coot, 250+ BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker and 2 Bullfinch.

Carlton Marsh

Not much happening today 13 Herring Gulls, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 drake Shoveler, 6 Teal, 6 Greylags, 2 Green Woodpeckers, 2 Buzzards and 2 Swallows. Sluice in wader scrape opened so let's see if anything comes.

Comma and S. Tortoiseshell butterfly.

Wintersett 09.04.18

4 - 9 degrees, calm, cool and foggy until late  morning, then sun with scattered cloud and a light easterly.
Anglers CP: Curlew 1.  Snipe 1.  Wigeon 18.  Psycho the adult Yellow-legged Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull shared a Canada Goose egg on an island.

Wintersett + Incidental Vis Mig: + Ringing Retraps. 08.04.18

4 - 9 degrees with 8/8, but slightly decreasing cloud and a very light south easterly.
Anglers CP: A flock of 8 Buzzards flew north.  Curlew 1.   30 Golden Plover were over Santingley Farm.
Cold Hiendley Res: A Red Kite was circling over at 12.40hrs and was circling later to west of ACP at 14.45hrs.
Wintersett Res:  17 Hawfinch in one flock  flew over east at 12.15hrs.  5 male Cetti's Warblers were around today - north bank,  south east corner,  west bank,  ruin area and boathouse reeds.
Ringing Retraps: 2 adult male Willow Warblers were retrapped at Anglers CP this morning.
One was ringed as a juvenile at ACP  on 26.07.15 and then  retrapped 02.08.16
The other was ringed as an adult on 02.08.16 and  retrapped 01.08.17.

Willow Warbler retrapped - first of the year       ACP          RBailey

Ewden cabin and return. J Hindley, D Simmonite, S Green.

Cloudy and cold when the sun went in but very good light. Red Kite 1, Sparrowhawk 2, C Buzzard 5, Kestrel 2. Raven total 9, Meadow Pipit total 54, Grey Heron 1, Golden Plover 1, chipping Snipe 1. Stonechat fem on broomhead moor, Chiffchaff 1 and 2 pairs of Mistle Thrush.

Carlton Marsh

This morning a male Wheatear on arable land on the east side of the reserve (Sunny Bank) with 6 Skylarks and 6 Linnets. 2 Buzzards were in the air above the marsh and there are now 5 singing Willow Warblers and 10 singing Chiffchaffs. Also present 2 Great Spot Woodpeckers, Peregrine and Grey Wagtail. (Jim Plant/Richard Laverack).

Richard Laverack

This afternoon a pair of Grey Wagtails with nest material (female with horse hair), Water Rail, 3 Teal, 2 singing Coal Tits and Green Woodpecker,

A Stoat was seen on the disused rail bank and Toads were croaking in the scrape.

Carlton Marsh

New in today Willow Warbler singing at first light (Jim Plant). A Marsh Harrier flew south at 14.45hrs (Rod Heeley).

Wintersett + Vis.Mig. 07.04.18

7 - 11 degrees, sunny start, but cloud increased through the morning, with a cool north westerly.
Anglers CP Vis.Mig: 
Kittiwake 1 adult  north at 07.10hrs.  Sand Martin 42 north  + 22 present.  Swallow 1 north + 4 present.  6 Whooper Swans flew north west at 08.40hs  and were later seen at Pugneys main lake.
Anglers CP: Curlew 1 over.  A Male Willow Warbler was on the Pol.  Wigeon 16.   Snipe 2 + 4 Pol. A redhead Goosander was on shallows late afternoon.   Pochard 1 + 1 WRes.  Shoveler 13.
Old Royston Flash:  Lapwing 1 pair.
Wintersett Res:   Blackcap 6 m + 1 m ACP + 1 m CHRes.. Chiffchaff 16.  Willow Warbler 6. Swallow 1.    Cetti's Warbler 1 boathouse reeds + 1 north bank.   Goldeneye 31 + 19 ACP.    Great Crested Grebe 28 including CHRes..

Wilthorpe / Woolley 7/4/18.

Very quiet all round. Wilthorpe Marsh - 2 Green Sand, 2 lingering C Snipe, 8 Chiffchaffs. Residents showing well were Kingfisher and a pair of Grey Wags. Woolley Dam - 4 Teal, GS Pecker, fem. Blackcap.

Carlton Marsh

Blackcap singing and Willow Tit calling near the hide. 2 More Willow Tits were seen near the wader scrape. (Rod Heeley)

Wintersett 06.04.18

4 - 10 degrees with sun and light cloud and a cool south westerly.
Anglers CP: 6 Sand Martin west north.  2 male Willow Warblers - Pol and SE WRes.  The adult Yellow-legged Gull and the adult Lesser Back-backed Gull were on the shallows. Wigeon 13. Pochard 1 male.
Wintersett Res: 3 male Cetti's Warblers - north bank,  east bank and west bank.  A male Blackcap was in the south east corner.  A male Willow Tit was on the south bank.
Lepidoptera:  2 Orange Underwings flying at Anglers CP

The Edge 06/04/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 5 Mute Swan, 29 Canada Geese, 9 Greylag, 1 Barnacle Goose, 2 Shelduck, 29 Wigeon, 19 Teal, 15 Gadwall, 11 Mallard, 6 Tufted Duck, 4 Shoveler, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 7 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 3 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Greenshank, 1 Redshank, 15 BH Gull, 3+ Swallow, 2 Mistle Thrush and 1 Willow Warbler.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 17 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 2 Pink Footed Geese, 21 Tufted Duck, 14 Wigeon, 14 Gadwall, 14 Teal, 8 Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 4 Pochard, 5 Little Grebe, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 13 Coot, 9 Moorhen, 7 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew, 250+ BH Gull, 5 LBB Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 3 Swallow. Early AM N.Smith also had 1 Greenshank and 1 Merlin.
TPT - 7 singing Chiffchaff.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 5 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 11 Tufted Duck, 4 Shoveler, 2 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 27 Coot, c300 BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Jay, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Marsh Tit, 6 Bullfinch, 2 Reed Bunting and 1 Redpoll.

Carlton Marsh

The highlights of the day were 3 Redshank and 62 Herring Gulls on the wader scrape. Elsewhere Goldcrest 1 singing, Willow Tit pair 1 singing, Buzzard 2.
A female Blackcap was new in (Rod Heeley).

2 Foxes were on the prowl, one limping.

2 male Brimstone and 6 Peacock butterflies were enjoying the afternoon sunshine.

Wintersett 05.04.18

-2 to 8 degrees, with sun,  0/8 cloud and a cool south westerly.
Anglers CP: Mallard 1 female + 5 very small young.   Blackcap 1 male.  The first male Willow Warbler  of the year was near the main hide this morning.  2 adult Mediterranean Gulls flew south at 07.20hrs.  A  Little Gull in partial summer plumage was found by Ian Hey this afternoon.  The adult Kittiwake was reported.  The adult Yellow-legged Gull was seen perched on the new big raft.  The adult Lesser Black-backed Gull was on the rocks.   Cormorant 12.   Wigeon 31. Redwing 8.  Fieldfare 2.  A colour ringed adult Black-headed Gull was on the rock wall: Left leg black with white letters P316, right leg metal.

The Edge 05/04/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 4 Mute Swan, 23 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 1 Barnacle Goose, , 2 Shelduck, 46 Wigeon, 24 Teal, 17 Mallard, 16 Gadwall, 3 Goosander, 2 Tufted Duck, 11 Cormorant, 7 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 4 Lapwing, 24 BH Gull, 2 Sand Martin, 1 Swallow, 1 Mistle Thrush and 1 singing Song Thrush. Seen early AM were 13 Golden Plover, 2 Redshank and 1 Little Ringed Plover ( flew towards Old Moor ).
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 19 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 18 Tufted Duck, 17 Teal, 12 Wigeon, 9 Mallard, 8 Pochard, 5 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 5 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 1 Snipe, 238+ BH Gull, 6 Herring Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 2 Mediterranean Gull ( 8.05am to 8.15am ).
TPT - 6 singing Chiffchaff, 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker and 3 Brimstone butterfly.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 5 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 18 Tufted Duck, 9 Pochard, 4 Shoveler, 2 Mallard, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, , 35 Coot, 385 BH Gull, 1 Herring Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Snipe, 1 Jay, 2 Bullfinch and 2 Reed Bunting.

Silkstone Wagonway

Record shot of Mandarin pair, still at pond by Wagonway, though still very secretive.
Two Swallows also over.

Wilthorpe Marsh 4/4/18.

Blackcap feeding party, 3 together, 2 males 1 fem., Chiffchaff 5, Sand Martin 2. Green Sand 1, Redwing 50, Fieldfare 8.

Wintersett 04.04.18

2 - 7 degrees with mostly  8/8 cloud, but occasional short sunny spells this afternoon, and a light north westerly.
Anglers CP:  The adult Kittiwake still present all day.  2 Swallows -first of year. Sand Martin 8.   5 Bar-tailed Godwit in back field. Water Rail 1. Snipe 4. Wigeon 34. Gadwall 11.
Wintersett Res: 2 male Blackcaps  - Willow Wood + Botany Road. 3 Whoopers north 11.07. Willow Tit 1 SE corner. Grey Wagtail 1. Shoveler 9 + 1 CHRes.. 3 singing male Cetti's Warbler- north bank, west bank marsh and boathouse reeds.

Carlton Marsh

Just one report sent in today of a Swallow hawking over the marsh this evening at 18.56hrs

(Dave Standish)

The Edge 04/04/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 3 Whooper Swans, 4 Mute Swans,45 Canada Geese, 21 Greylag, 1 Barnacle Goose, 2 Shelduck, 52 Wigeon, 17 Gadwall, 15 Teal,14 Mallard, 7 Goosander, 4 Tufted Duck, 3 Shoveler, 1 Pochard,2 Little Grebe, 9 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 4 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 39 BH Gull, 5 Skylark, 1 Swallow and 1 Mistle Thrush. N.Smith also had 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank, 28 Golden Plover and 9 Sand Martin.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 19 Canada Geese, 2 Pink Footed Geese, 2 Shelduck, 31 Teal, 23 Wigeon, 18 Tufted Duck, 10 Pochard, 6 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 2 Little Grebe, 15 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 5 Lapwing, 3 Oystercatcher, 3+ Sand Martin, 1 Swallow, 8 Herring Gull and 3 LBB Gull.
TPT- 6 singing Chiffchaff, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Grass Snake.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 6 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 18 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 8 Pochard, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 43 Coot, 250+ BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 4 Cormorant, 3 Buzzard and 1 Kingfisher.

Old Moor Sofa

An update on the number of species recorded in the Old Moor area this year, at the end of February the total was 113.

A further 11 species were added in March as follows - Knot on 3rd (114), Water Pipit on 3rd (115), Sandwich Tern on 10th (116), Sand Martin on 13th (117), Bar Tailed Godwit on 18th (118), Wheatear on 18th (119), Kittiwake on 23rd (120), Common Scoter on 26th (121), Black Tailed Godwit on 26th (122), Yellow Legged Gull on 29th (123) and finally Osprey on 31st (124).

At the end of March 2015 the total was 112 and at the end of March 2016 the total was 122 therefore a lot better than 2015 but very similar to 2016.

A further eight species were seen up to the end of March in those two years but not seen this year - Red Necked Grebe, Black Necked Grebe, Egyptian Goose, Mandarin, Red Crested Pochard, Caspian Gull, Rock Pipit and Blackcap.

After the better than average February, March was more like "back to normal" but the Firecrest stayed with us until the 16th and the Yellow Browed and Hawfinch were last seen on the 21st. The biggest surprise of the Month was the Sandwich Tern at Broomhill on the 10th being the earliest ever seen in South Yorkshire. Again the weather at the end of the month certainly held up our summer visitors with very few migrants about and no records of Little Ringed Plover, Willow Warbler, Swallow or House Martin. As with last month and now even a bigger surprise still no Blackcap sightings this year!

For comparison some other inland sites totals are as follows:- Swillington Ings, West Yorkshire (127), Upton Warren, Worcestershire (100) and Potteric Carr, South Yorkshire (111).

Old Moor Sofa

An update on the number of species recorded in the Old Moor area this year, at the end of January the total was 102, 101 reported in the last blog plus a late report of a Corn Bunting on the 30th (102).

A further 11 species were added in February as follows - White Fronted Goose on 9th (103), Merlin on 11th (104), Red Kite on 20th (105), Richards Pipit on 20th (106), Curlew on 21st (107), Ringed Plover on 21st (108), Whooper Swan on 22nd (109), Mediterranean Gull on 22nd (110), Yellow Browed Warbler on 25th (111), Firecrest on 26th (112) and finally Avocet on 28th (113).

At the end of February 2015 the total was 103 and at the end of February 2016 the total was 106 therefore this year has been a big improvement.

A further five species were seen up to the end of February in those two years but not seen this year - Red Necked Grebe, Egyptian Goose, Mandarin, Red Crested Pochard and Blackcap.

The standard start to the year in January really gathered pace in February in both quantity and quality with Wombwell Ings the place to be with Richards Pipit, Yellow Browed Warbler and Firecrest all present late in the month. Then the cold weather put the brakes on but fortunately the Yellow Browed and Firecrest survived and the Richards Pipit hopefully moved on. The only surprising absentee from the first two months of the year is Blackcap.

For comparison some other inland sites totals are as follows:- Swillington Ings, West Yorkshire (117), Upton Warren, Worcestershire (90) and Potteric Carr, South Yorkshire (98).

Wintersett 03.04.18

3 - 9 degrees with 8/8 cloud and occasional sunny spell and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP: The first male Blackcap  of the spring was on the north side near Santingley Farm gate.  5 Bar-tailed Godwits flew into the shallows at 08.45hrs and were still around at 16.00hrs.  An adult Kittiwake was in at 09.00hrs and was still  picking flies off the water at 16.00hrs.  A redhead Goosander came into the shallows and 26 Sand Martin flew north this afternoon.  5 Snipe were on the Pol.   Also 13 Shoveler, 5 Teal and 3 Little Grebe were in.
Wintersett Res: Kingfisher 1.    3 singing male Cetti's Warblers - NE bank,  SE corner and boathouse reeds.

Record shot of 5 Bar-tailed Godwits on the rocks this afternoon   ACP      CSwaine

                  Adult Kittiwake     Anglers CP           ASmith

Dave Standring funeral details

The funeral of Dave Standring will be on Thursday 26th April at 11.30 at Barnsley Crematorium, Ardsley.

Carlton Marsh

Like everywhere else the site is well flooded, but at least the extra water enticed 3 Curlews to fly low enough to be recorded at 13.35hrs. (Keith Bannister). 30 Herring Gulls and 2 Cormorants were on the wader scrape and 6 Chiffchaffs were singing.

The Edge 03/04/2018

Wombwell Ings - Present were 4 Mute Swan, 31 Canada Geese, 8 Greylag, 1 Barnacle Goose, 3 Shelduck, 48 Wigeon, 25 Teal, 17 Mallard, 9 Tufted Duck, 7 Goosander, 6 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler, 3 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Grebe, 9 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 2 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 1 Golden Plover, 1 Curlew, 52 BH Gull, 6+ Skylark, 1 female Wheatear, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush and 2 singing Chiffchaff.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 9 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 25+ Wigeon, 23 Tufted Duck, 20+ Teal, 17 Pochard, 15 Gadwall, 11 Mallard, 9 Shoveler, 6 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Grey Heron, 17 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 3 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 15+ Snipe, 7 Golden Plover, 5 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 125+ BH Gull, 8 Herring Gull and 3 Sand Martin.
TPT - 2 Siskin, 1 Song Thrush and 7+ singing Chiffchaff.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 5 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 13+ Tufted Duck, 11 Mallard, 8 Shoveler, 6 Pochard, 2 Gadwall, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 44 Coot, 8 Cormorant, 220+ BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Grey Heron,  2 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Jay, 1 Sand Martin, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Marsh Tit and 2 Bullfinch.

Fleets Dam, Wilthorpe Marsh, 2/4/18.

Fleets - An enjoyable walk around the dam after an asda visit. 5 Parakeets were at the car park end, 5 GC Grebes, 1st and 2nd winter Herring Gulls, pair of ad. Mute Swans, 2 Chiffchaffs with one taking a food item off the open water surface, something I have never seen done before. Wilthorpe Marsh - Big surprise was the summer plumaged Water Pipit on wires showing well. Also Green Sand, c 80 Linnet down, Fieldfare 19, a record 15 Cormarants perched and 10 weather driven Common Snipe. 3

Wintersett 02.04.18

0 - 2 degrees.  8 - 10 cm snow, sleet, more snow showers , flooded roads and car park,  rain, rain and more rain.
Anglers CP: The adult Yellow-legged Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull were on an island this morning.  Little Grebe 2.   Oystercatcher 5 -  2 resident pairs and an interloper  who was seen off  noisily.
Wintersett Res:  Cormorant 3.  Cetti's Warbler 1 singing male in the south east corner.

Hordron road 1/4/18, plus.

Cold and cloudy this aft and ended with a shocking sleet shower. Drizzling with sleet most of the time but a bright spell around 2pm. Two hours at upper hordron barn produced male Ring Ouzel, Merlin 2, C Buzzard 4 with one displaying, Raven 3 with one tumbling. Total of c 100 Meadow Pipits included a flock of 60. Fieldfare c 250+ over swinden + 1 Snipe and Grey Heron e over barmings. Quiet at wilthorpe marsh this weekend with no sign of any Water Pipits. Green Sand the best.

Carlton Marsh

The cold weather seems to have put migration on hold for the moment. However, another Chiffchaff was singing making a total of 3. Coal Tit, Willow Tit and Goldcrest were also singing from their breeding territories.
This Yellow colour-ringed Willow Tit (thought to be a male?) paired with Dark Blue after Red was predated before Christmas.

CG

Wintersett 01.04.18

3 - 4 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a cool easterly.
Anglers CP:  Willow Tit 1 male.  Curlew 4 in fields. Cormorant 7.  Yellow-legged Gull adult  and Lesser Black-backed Gull adult.  Little Grebe1 + 1 WRes.  Shoveler 12.  Wigeon 101.    Teal 8. 
Gadwall 12 + 2 WRes + 6 CHRes..   Goldeneye 63 + 4 CHRes + 2 WRes..  Greylag Goose 7.  Canada Goose 23 + 6 WRes..   4 Bar-tailed Godwits dropped onto the shallows briefly, them left NW at 15.25hrs.
Wintersett Res: Mute Swan 29 + 4 ACP + 2 CHRes..  
In March, 10 new birds were added to the list, bringing the year to date  total to 104.