Low Moor/Midhope. - Wilthorpe Marsh 31/3/19.

Low Moor / Midhope. - Cold but good light. C Buzzard 10+, Sparrowhawk 2, Raven 10+. Crossbill 4 showed well, mixed flock of Redpoll and Siskin c 200, Goldfinch 20. Oystercatcher 5, chipping Snipe 1. Swallow 1 n, Skylark 2 singing, Meadow Pipit 7, Grey Heron 1, Woodpigeon flock c 200. Wilthorpe - Water Pipit 2, Meadow Pipit 4, Jack Snipe 4, 1 pair Grey Partridge.

Carlton Marsh

 2 Shelduck left north from the waders scrape this morning (K. Bannister) and an Oystercatcher flew NW over the main scrape this afternoon (CG).

Wintersett 31.03.19

3 - 7 degrees with 4/8 but increasing cloud and a light easterly.
Wintersett Res: Sand Martin 60.  A Curlew flew east.   2 male Grey Wagtails were on the spillway.
7 Brambling were in the Willow Wood. 
Anglers CP: Snipe 2.  Wigeon 24.  Pochard 1 drake.

Wintersett + Ringing Crossbills 30.03.19

5 - 11 degrees.  A cool, misty start,  becoming sunny with scattered cloud and a light westerly.
Haw Park Wood:  5 Brambling  + 1m  SW corner WRes   Crossbill: At least 6 in Haw Park Wood, 3 of which were ringed this morning -1m and 2f.  Siskin 1m + 1 f.   Treecreeper 1.  Green Woodpecker 1 calling.  Lesser Redpoll 100.  Nuthatch 1 pair at entrance + 1 pair at Blue Bridge.
Cold Hiendley Res and SW:  Willow Tit 1 in SW corner.   Meadow Pipit 3.
Wintersett Res: A Little Ringed Plover  (NFY) flew south at 07.05hrs.   3 male  Cetti's Warblers - west bank, ruin, boathouse reeds.
Anglers CP: Teal 18.
A total of 34 birds were ringed at HPWood by Pete Smith and Becky Bailey today :   3 Crossbill - 1m + 2f.  Common Redpoll 1.  Lesser Redpoll 23.  Siskin 2.  Coal Tit 3.   Song Thrush 1.  Blue Tit 1.

Crossbill female      HPWood         ASmith

Crossbill female     HPWood   PMeredith

Crossbill male       HPWood   PMeredith

Wilthorpe Marsh 29/3/19.

Late aft., Water Pipit 4, Meadow Pipit 4, ad Herring Gull through.

River Dearne from Storrs Mill to Ardlsey Viaduct

Buzzard 2, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail 2, Green Woodpecker and Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Butterflies - Brimstone 17 males, Orange-tip 16 males, Peacock 39, Comma 21 and Red Admiral 1 (Chris parkin)

Wintersett + Roost 29.03.19

Very warm 7 - 15 degrees, sunny with clear blue sky and a very light westerly.
Anglers CP: Smew 1 redhead.  Snipe 12.  Pochard 1m.
Wintersett Res: Blackcap 4m + 1m ACP.   Shoveler 1m + 1 f.   Little Grebe 1 SE corner.  4 male Cetti's Warbler - Botany, west bank, boathouse reeds and east bank.
Clayroyd Fields: 20 Fieldfare
Anglers CP Roost:The redhead Smew and  78 Goldeneye roosted  tonight,  along with 278 Herring Gulls, 50 Great Black-backed Gulls and 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  5 Common Gulls flew north.
Lepidoptera: Orange Tip 1 male north west bank WRes..

The Edge 29/03/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 55 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 104 Wigeon, 21 Teal, 17 Gadwall, 11 Mallard, 8 Tufted Duck, 2m+3f Goosander, 1 Shoveler, 1 Grey Heron, 13 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 4 Lapwing, 3 Oystercatcher, 3 Redshank, 75 BH Gull, 4+ Skylark, 1 Mistle Thrush, 5 Meadow Pipit, 1 Treecreeper and  2 Reed Bunting. Early AM  P.Kent also had 2 Blackcap, 6 Snipe and 1 Little Ringed Plover.
Warbler Way - Singing males included 16 Chiffchaff, 1 Cetti's Warbler, 1 Blackcap and 2 yaffling Green Woodpeckers. Also present were 1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel and 4 Bullfinch.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 6 Mute Swan, 11 Greylag, 6 Canada Geese, 13 Tufted Duck, 6 Pochard, 2 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 77 Coot, 150+ BH Gull, 13 Herring Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 3 Buzzard, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Grey Wagtail and 2 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 48 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 49 Gadwall, 26 Tufted Duck, 14 Teal, 8 Wigeon, 7 Mallard, 6 Pochard, 5 Little Grebe, 34 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 7 Lapwing, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 1 Little Ringed Plover and 3 Herring Gull.

Wintersett + Ringing + Pics 28.03.19

7 - 11 degrees with 0/8 cloud and a south westerly breeze.
Anglers CP: Snipe 2 + 2 MLPond.  Redshank 1.
ACP Roost:  Goldeneye 78 + 3 WRes. tonight.
Wintersett Res: Common Redpoll  3 west bank + 2 ringed HPWood.  Lesser Redpoll 40 west bank + 100 HPWood.  Brambling 1 west bank + 1 HP Wood.  Cetti's Warbler 3 males - west bank. ruin and boathouse reeds.   Blackcap 3 males + 1 male MLPond.
Haw Park Wood: Siskin 5.  Crossbill 1 calling + 1 female ringed.
Ringing: 78 birds were ringed today - Crossbill 1 female.  Brambling 1 male.  Goldfinch 1.  Siskin 2.  Common Redpoll 2.  Lesser Redpoll 69.  Coal Tit 1.  Blue 1.  
Lepidoptera: A male Orange Tip on WRes dam wall is only our second ever March record, the previous one being on 26th March 2012 - per SDenny.  A Comma and a Peacock were in HP Wood - per Alex Aylward.

              Crossbill female          Haw Park Wood  RBailey

                                Crossbill female                     HPWood               ASmith

Brambling male              Haw Park Wood   ASmith

Siskin female                     Haw Park Wood   ASmith

Carlton Marsh

This morning 65 Herring Gulls (Dave Lomas), 1 Common Gull and 2 Foxes were on the wader scrape.  Also present single Redpoll and Siskin, Buzzard and Grey Wagtail.

The warm sunny weather produced a male Orange-tip late morning (Keith Bannister) followed by 4 more after dinner. They beat the previous record of 31st March 2017. Also on the wing 7 male Brimstone, 27 Peacock, 19 Comma, 3 Small White (2 mating), 1 Green Veined White, 27 Small Tortoiseshell, a Bee Fly and a day-flying Orange Underwing moth flying around the top of Birch trees.

(Chris Parkin/CG)

The Edge 28/03/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 91 Canada Geese, 9 Greylag, 165 Wigeon, 19 Mallard, 12 Gadwall, 12 Teal, 8 Tufted Duck, 2 Shoveler, 1m+1f Goosander, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 5 Lapwing, 4 Redshank. 2 Oystercatcher, 116 BH Gull, 1 Kingfisher, 10+ Skylark, 1 Pied Wagtail and 2 Reed Bunting. K. Fisher also  had a singing Blackcap in Broomhill Park.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 25 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 39 Gadwall, 33 Tufted Duck, 10 Gadwall, 10 Pochard, 7 Mallard, 5 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 5+ Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 32 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 7 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe and 2 LBB Gull.
TPT - 9 singing Chiffchaff, 2 Green Woodpecker and 6 Bullfinch.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 7 Mute Swan, 8 Greylag, 2 Canada Geese, 10 Pochard, 9 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Duck, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 7 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Little Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 66 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 150+ BH Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present were 4 Buzzard, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Jay, 1 Sand Martin and 2 Grey Wagtail.

Wintersett 27.03.19

7 - 9 degrees with 4/8 cloud and a light westerly.
Anglers CP: A redhead Smew, found by Pete Smith this afternoon, is probably the Pugneys bird coming in with a significant increase in Goldeneye that have been counted by Steve Denny in tonight's roost - 80 here + 17 on WRes..  Goosander 4 redheads.  Teal 2.  Pochard 6.  Redshank 1. 
35 Fieldfare and 1 Redwing were in Hare Park field.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 male in boathouse reeds.  Grey Wagtail 1.  Blackcap 3 singing males.

Wintersett 26.03.19

7 - 10 degrees with 1/8 scattered but increasing cloud, and a  westerly breeze.
Anglers CP: Whooper Swan 1 stayed all day. Redshank 1.   Snipe 1.  Shoveler 4m + 1 f.  Teal 4.  Pochard 9. 
Disposal Point: Green Woodpecker 1
Wintersett Res: Meadow Pipit 42 north.  Lesser Redpoll 25.  Sand Martin 8.  2 singing male Cetti's Warbler - boathouse reeds and west bank.  Blackcap 1m west bank.
Haw Park Wood: Brambling 4 - at least 2 males 
Cold Hiendley Res: Les Corrall and Ralph Hibbert had the first flowering Cowslip  and first Wood Anemone this morning.

The Edge 26/03/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 42 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 102 Wigeon, 15 Mallard, 14 Teal, 9 Tufted Duck, 7 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 2f Goosander, 2 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 11 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 3 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 150+ BH Gull, 4+ Skylark, 4 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush and 2 Pied Wagtail. Late morning S. Roebuck had a Little Ringed Plover.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 51 Canada Geese, 47 Gadwall, 26 Tufted Duck, 12 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 8 Mallard, 5 Pochard, 6 Little Grebe, 1 Red Legged Partridge, 1 Little Egret, 31 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 9 Lapwing, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 150+ BH Gull and 2 LBB Gull.
TPT - 4 singing Chiffchaff.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 6 Mute Swan, 6 Greylag, 2 Canada Geese, 7 Gadwall, 7 Tufted Duck, 3f Goosander, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 2 Mallard, 1f Pochard, 9 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 87 Coot, 1 Moorhen and  6 Herring Gull. Also present were 1 Bittern, 1 Buzzard and 1 Kingfisher.
Warbler Way - Early morning P. Kent had 9+ singing Chiffchaff and 1 Cetti's Warbler.

Wintersett 25.03.19

6 - 11 degrees with 1/8  but increasing, scattered cloud, and a light north westerly.
Haw Park Wood: A Red Kite flew over this morning.  There was a good number of finches this afternoon.   Highlights were: Siskin 10.  Brambling 6.  Common Redpoll 4. 
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 singing male in boathouse reeds.
Anglers CP:  Goldeneye 74.   19 Whooper Swans dropped on the lake at17:50, but were soon flushed by a resident Mute Swan. They left NW at 18.08hrs.

                  Whooper Swans            ACP       SDenny

The Edge 25/03/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 4 Mute Swan, 78 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 116 Wigeon, 13 Teal, 13 Gadwall, 11 Mallard, 11 Tufted Duck, 8 Shoveler, 1m+1f Goosander, 1 Grey Heron, 13 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 145 BH Gull, 5+ Skylark and 1 singing Chiffchaff.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 24 Canada Geese, 8 Greylag, 74 Gadwall, 26 Tufted Duck, 14 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 7 Mallard, 2 Pochard, 7+ Little Grebe, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 31 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 5 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, and c220 BH Gull. Also seen early morning were 2 Curlew, 1 Sand Martin over west, 9 Fieldfare and 1 Yellowhammer.
TPT - 5 singing Chiffchaff, 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker and 2 Buzzard.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4 Mute Swan, 8 Greylag, 9 Tufted Duck, 9f Goosander, 7 Pochard, 5 Gadwall, 2 Mallard, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 7 Little Grebe, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 83 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 212 BH Gull and 2 Herring Gull.

Carlton Marsh

Today's best sightings were; Oystercatcher and 2 Redshanks (wader scrape) 2 Kingfishers, 7 singing Chiffchaffs and 1 singing Goldcrest. 

A Buzzard and a Kestrel were airborne and a Willow Tit and a female Blackcap were notable.

(Jim Plant/Rod Heeley/Keith Bannister)

Garry Exley

Dearne Valley Park - Hoyle Mill

The first bluebells of the year are in bloom and birds included Coal Tit and Grey Wagtail. 

It was an amazing day for butterflies here with a total of 103 counted, which included a male Orange-tip, 4 male Brimstone, 23 Peacock, 27 Comma and a Small White and 6 Bee Flies.
(Chris Parkin)

Wilthorpe Marsh 24/3/19.

Late aft. Water Pipit 4, possibly 5, Meadow Pipit 2.

Low Moor/Midhope 24/3/19, G and J Wasse, D Simmonite, S Green.

Similar to yesterday but fewer birds in a cold nw wind. Merlin fem. down on the moor briefly, Sparrowhawk, C Buzzard 6, Kestrel 1. Raven 2, Golden Plover 2 w, Oystercatcher 2, Crossbill 10+, c200 mixed finch flock of Redpoll, Siskin, Brambling. Meadow Pipit 6.

Wintersett WeBS for March 2019

Here are the WeBs totals for the Wintersett Area  March 2019.

Mute Swan 10   Canada Goose 32   Greylag Goocse 2   Cormorant 15   Mallard 39   Wigeon 41   Gadwall 19   Teal 9   Shoveler 4   Tufted Duck 159   Pochard 17   Goldeneye 62   Goosander 1   Great Crested Grebe 16   Coot 69   Moorhen 9   Lapwing 31   Oystercatcher 4   Snipe 2   Redshank 1.

Wintersett 24.03.19

6 - 9 degrees with 6/8 cloud and a cold north westerly.
Anglers CP:  30 Whooper Swans left north .  9 Redwing flew south east.   Snipe 2.  Teal 5.  Shoveler 2m + 2f.   A Redshank flew on to the rock wall.   
Haw Park Wood:  Brambling 5 + 1 over ACP.  Lesser Redpoll 50.  Siskin 1 + 1 ACP..  
Wintersett Res: Sand Martin 10.  9 Pink-footed Geese flew over at 07.49hrs.  Goosander 1 redhead.  Cetti's Warbler 4 singing males - north bank,  east bank,  west bank marsh and boathouse reeds.   Blackcap 3 males.   

Edderthorpe, March, wildfowl count day

Sunday 24th March
Highlights from todays WeBS counts at Edderthorpe Flash & Houghton Washlands-
Shelduck 9, Mallard 158, Pintail 1, Shoveler 90, Wigeon 80, Teal 33, Gadwall 120, Pochard 22, Goosander 3, Smew 1 redhead, Lapwing 52, Redshank 10, Oystercatcher 2, Water Rail 2, Little Egret 5, a Red Kite slowly headed north at 09.00 as did a single Sand Martin.

Cudworth Common held- Lapwing 33, Ringed Plover 2. The construction work currently happening at the Symphony factory is clearly having a negative impact on breeding waders there.

Low Moor/Midhope 23/3/19, D Simmonite, J Hindley, G and J Wasse, S Green.

This afternoon. - Male Merlin, Peregrine imm. presumed male, looked quite small, C Buzzard c15, Sparrowhawk 3, Kestrel 1. Good for Finches with Crossbill c30, Brambling c100, Redpoll 200+ with possibly a few looking Mealys. Siskin 100, Redpoll c 200. Waders, - flock of c60 Golden Plover south, Curlew c60 included a flock of about 50, chipping Snipe 2, Oystercatcher 2. Raven 3. =

Carlton Marsh

Little Egret, Grey Wagtail, and a Pink Footed Goose were on the wader scrape. The latter associating with 2 Greylags ventured up to the main scrape before returning to the goose flock on the wader scrape.

Pink Footed Goose (Dave Smith)

10 Redwings first thing had probably roosted overnight. 2 Buzzards and a Sparrowhawk were soaring overhead and Great Spot Woodpecker was displaying. A Goldcrest sang all day in the car park from Scots Pine and a Fox was on the prowl again.

(Dave Smith/Richard Laverack/me)

Wintersett + Roost 23.03.19

7 - 10 degrees with 5/8 cloud and a cool north westerly.
Anglers CP: A Wheatear flew low north west.  Goldeneye 51. Shoveler 1m + 1 f. 
Cold Hiendley SW: Meadow Pipit 1 + 10 north.
Cold Hiendley Res:  Sand Martin 7 + 2 NW over WRes..
Wintersett Res: Willow tit  2 -  west bank and south east corner +  1 Disp. Pt. + 2 north east corner ACP.  Black Cap 1 male singing west bank.  Cetti's Warbler 5 singing males - north bank,  south east corner, west bank, ruin, boathouse reeds  Common Redpoll 1 west bank.  Siskin 1 over.  Treecreeper 1 SE corner + 1 ruin.  Goldeneye 30 + 15 CHRes.   Great Crested Grebe 13 +  5 CHRes. 
Disposal Point: A  Raven flew west, calling at 17.53hrs,  then presumably same bird was calling over ACP fields heading towards Haw Park Wood at 18.10hrs.. 
Walton Hall: Pink-footed Goose 1.  
Chiffchaff:  20 singing males in the area today.  
Anglers CP Roost: 76 Goldeneye roosted tonight,  with 110 Great Black-backed-Gulls and100 Herring Gulls.  

Wilthorpe Marsh 23/3/19.

This morning. - Pair of calling Ravens with one briefly down on a pylon before both drifted off slowly south. Woodcock 1 flushed off old canal area, Oystercatcher 1 pair s.f., Green Sand 1, Jack Snipe 1, L Egret 1. Redpoll flock 20, Redwing 3, Chiffchaff 8.

Wintersett 22.03.19

9 - 14 degrees,  sunny with a light north westerly. 
Anglers CP:   10 Fieldfares were in Santingley area.  A male Cetti's Warbler was singing on the Pol this evening.
Golf Course Field: 2 Pink-footed Geese and a Barnacle Goose were with Greylag Geese.
Haw Park Wood: Common Redpoll 1.  Siskin 1. 
Wintersett Res: The first male Blackcap of Spring was singing on the west bank. A male Little Grebe was in the west bank marsh area.

Carlton Marsh

Yesterday a very trusting Tawny owl had perched up within 10 yards of the footpath allowing this close up to be taken at 10.20hrs. Several people walked by without it flinching, however, it did fly, in its own time, to some nearby Scots Pine a little later.

Gary Exley

Today a Little Egret and 84 Herring Gulls were on the wader scrape. Also present Willow Tit, Goldcrest, singing and Buzzard. A Red Kite flew west over the main scrape at 14.45hrs (Rod Heeley) and to round off the day 5 Sand Martins flew north at 17.10hrs (Dave Standish). 

Wilthorpe Marsh 22/3/19.

Short late aft visit. Water Pipit 1, C Snipe 1.

Wintersett 21.03.19

7 - 12 degrees with sun,  7/8 cloud and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP: Curlew 1.  Pochard 15 + 1 WRes..
Wintersett Res: 3 singing male Cetti's Warblers - boathouse,  ruin and north bank.
Cold Hiendley Res:  2 Grey Wagtails were on the bottom spillway.
Ralph Hibbert and Les Corrall had the first flowering Greater Stitchwort, Stellaria holosteaon, on Haw Park Lane.

The Edge 21/03/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 44 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 84 Wigeon, 16 Mallard, 15 Teal, 15 Shoveler, 9 Tufted Duck, 7 Gadwall, 7 Pochard, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 14 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 3 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 5+ Skylark, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Bullfinch, 2 Linnet and 5 Reed Bunting. P. Kent also had 1 Shelduck, 1 Redshank and 3 Goosander.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 29 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 35 Gadwall, 29 Tufted Duck, 12 Teal, 9 Wigeon, 7 Pochard, 3 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 11 Little Grebe, 2 Kestrel, 2 Buzzard, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 1 Cormorant, 31 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 7 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher and 150+ BH Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4 Mute Swan, 8 Greylag, 3 Canada Geese, 16 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 7 Pochard, 6 Gadwall, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 8 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 105 Coot, 1 Moorhen, c150 BH Gull, 1 Herring Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Buzzard, 1 Redshank, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Jay and 7 singing Chiffchaff.

Carlton Mash

Spring really did spring today with the warmest day of the day so far at 19.8c. (my garden). On the wader scrape today Little Grebe, 11 Herring gulls, 2 Common Gulls , 100 + BH Gulls and 2 Redshanks. Elsewhere Goldcrest was singing again from Scots Pine, Willow Tit, 2 Lesser Redpolls, and 10 singing Chiffchaffs. 3 kingfishers, 2 of which were chasing each other around the main scrape all afternoon, the male singing constantly. A Collared Dove flew towards the scrapyards (its quite scarce here)

Jim Plant/keith Bannister/Dave Smith.

Butterflies were loving the warm conditions a total of 17 Small Tortoiseshell, 17 Peacock, 8 Comma and 4 Brimstone males were seen. (Chris Parkin /Rod Heeley et al)

Wintersett + Roost + Pics 20.03.19

8 - 14 degrees,  sunny and hot with a very light south westerly.
Anglers CP : Curlew 1.  Herring Gull 152.
Wintersett Res:  Visitors Keith and Yvonne found a pristine male Stonechat on the dam wall this morning.3 male Cetti's Warblers were singing - west bank,  north bank and east bank.
Disposal Point: Woodcock 1.
Anglers CP Roost: Great Black-backed Gull 132.    Goldeneye 89.
Lepidoptera: Butterflies were evident around the area today.  Brimstone 3m + 1 f..  Red Admiral 1.  Comma 2.  Peacock 2.  Small Tortoiseshell 2.

 Male Stonehat        WRes  ASmith

Male Stonechat      WRes   SDenny

Male Stonechat   WRes    SDenny

The Edge 20/03/2019

Wombwell Ings -Present were 3 Mute Swan, 41 Canada Geese, 11 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, c150 Wigeon, 15 Mallard, 13 Shoveler, 13 Teal, 9 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 6 Gadwall, 2 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 12 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 3 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher, 248 BH Gull and 3+ Skylark. P. Kent also had 2 Ringed Plover, 1 calling Little Ringed Plover over, 1 Treecreeper and 1 Redwing. On Doveside, K. Fisher had 2 Kingfisher, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Chiffchaff. A. Hutt had a White Wagtail in the excavations in the back field.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 14 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 45 Gadwall, 23 Tufted Duck, 20+ Teal,16 Wigeon, 15 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 2 Shoveler, 7+ Little Grebe, 35 Coot, 1 Kestrel, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 8 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew, 150+ BH Gull and 6 Herring Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 6 Greylag, 2 Canada Geese, 18 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 3 Pochard, 2 Mallard, 2f Goldeneye, 1f Goosander, 8 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 12 Cormorant, 104 Coot and c100 BH Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 1 Green Woodpecker, 6 singing Chiffchaff and 1 Bullfinch.

Wintersett + Pics 19.03.19

8 - 12 degrees with scattered cloud and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP morning: Green Woodpecker 1. Pink-footed Goose 1.  Water Rail 1 under Pol feeders.  Herring Gull 125
Wintersett Res: Cormorant 4.  Cetti's Warbler 1 male west bank. 
9 Birds were ringed ACP: Common Redpoll 2    Lesser Redpoll  7
Anglers CP evening roost: Goldeneye 106 + 3 WRes.    Goosander 6.   Herring Gull 200.  Great Black-backed Gull 6.  Lesser Black-backed Gull 6.  Black-headed Gull 500.

                 Lesser Redpoll   adult male                 ACP   ASmith

                 Common Redpoll  1st year male       ACP     ASmith

Carlton Marsh

Another survey of Willow tits to the north of the reserve in the Royston area proved fruitless. Meanwhile back at the reserve one was heard calling not far from the hide (Rod Heeley).

On the way to Royston c100 Linnets were feeding on tilled land north of the reserve, I suspect that many of these wintered on the stubble here.

On the reserve the wader scrape attracted 30 Herring Gulls, c150 BH Gulls, 27 Canada Geese, 8 Greylags, Cormorant and a Fox. A male Peregrine flew NE over here at 14.42hrs (Dave Smith). Elsewhere 3 Siskin, Redpoll, 6 singing Chiffchaff, a 'drumming' Great Spot Woodpecker, 2 Water Rails called, our resident Buzzards were up in the air together, a Goldcrest sang from Scots Pine and two single Meadow Pipits flew north.

The Edge 19/03/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 5 Mute Swan, 53 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 127 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 9 Mallard, 7 Tufted Duck, 6 Pochard, 4 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, 12 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 3 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 234 BH Gull, 3+ Skylark, 2 Pied Wagtail and 2 Reed Bunting. Also two Mistle Thrush and a Greater Spotted Woodpecker were seen in Broomhill Park.
Broomhill Flash -Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 32 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 47 Gadwall, 16 Tufted Duck, 12 Teal, 10 Wigeon, 8 Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 1 Cormorant, 5 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 22 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 182 BH Gull and 2 LBB Gull.
Trans Pennine Trail - Two singing Chiffchaff and 2 yaffling Green Woodpecker.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4 Mute Swan, 7 Greylag, 2 Canada Geese, 21 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 6 Pochard, 3f Goosander, 2 Gadwall, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 1 Teal, 9 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 121 Coot, 1 Moorhen and 100+ BH Gull. Also present were 2 Shelduck over, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Jay and 2 Bullfinch.

Carlton Marsh

Today's highlights were - 6 Herring Gulls, Redshank, 12 Greylags, 24 Canada Geese, (wader scrape) 10 Redpoll, 1 Siskin, 5 singing Chiffchaff, Kingfisher, c50 Jackdaws, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Water Rail, Great Spot Woodpecker 'drumming',

Our first Orange Underwing Moth of the year was flying around the top of a Silver Birch and a Primrose was flowering 

(Dave Smith/Keith Bannister/Chris Parkin)

Wintersett 18.03.19

7 - 10 degrees with sun,  light scattered cloud and a  light south westerly.
Anglers CP: Linnet 1 over.  Shoveler 7.  Pochard 26 + 9 WRes.  Snipe 4.  Willow Tit 2 in north area.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 2 singing males - ruin area and west bank marsh. 

The Edge 18/03/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 3 Mute Swan, 52 Canada Geese, 11 Greylag, 83 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 8 Mallard, 8 Tufted Duck, 6 Shoveler, 5 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, 4f Goosander, 1 Grey Heron, 9 Coot, 2 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Moorhen, 10 Golden Plover over west, 3 Redshank, 2 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 172 BH Gull, 1 Kingfisher, 2+ Skylark, 1 Pied Wagtail and 3 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Park - Early morning P. Kent had 2 Chiffchaff (1 singing), 1 Green Woodpecker and 3 Siskin.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 63 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 1 Egyptian Goose, 46 Gadwall, 30 Teal, 21 Tufted Duck, 16 Wigeon, 8 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 1 Cormorant, 7 Little Grebe, 2 Grey Heron, 33 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 8 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher, 146 BH Gull and 2 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - Highlight was the two extended flight views of a Bittern. On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 7 Greylag, 2 Canada Geese, 15 Tufted Duck, 4 Pochard, 3 Mallard, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 1f Goosander, 7 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 5 Cormorant, 135 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 100+ BH Gull, 3 Herring Gull and 2 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Green Woodpecker, 1f Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Redwing, 1 Bullfinch and 3 Reed Bunting.

Low Moor/Midhope. - Wilthorpe Marsh 17/3/19.

Low Moor this aft. Impressive with plenty going on in mostly very good light. Snipe c 10 chipping and displaying with some showing well. Curlew 10 + calling and displaying and good numbers of Lapwing and Oystercatcher 2 down. Crossbill 1 pair with the fem. showing well, Fieldfare total 20, Meadow Pipit 10, Raven 3 and 6+ C Buzzard. Wilthorpe this am very steady with no sign of any Water Pipits but still windy. Green Sand 2, Oystercatcher 1 pair, Chiffchaff 4, Meadow Pipit 10 and 6 Herring Gulls down. Good news on Grey Partridge with 2 separate pairs flushed. Looks to be holding on as a breeding bird.

Wintersett 17.03.19

5 - 10 degrees with 5/8 cloud and a cold north westerly. Suuny and warm this afternoon.
Anglers CP: The Water Rail and  7 Yellowhammers visited the Pol feeding station.   Mute Swan 6 + 2 WRes + 2 CHRes..  Little Grebe 1 + 1 Botany Bay.  Shoveler 1 drake.   Redshank 2 on the shallows.
Haw Park Wood:  1 male and 2 female Crossbills  this afternoon, having been elusive recently, during the high winds 
Wintersett Res: A Red Kite flew over low. going south at 10.55hrs.  3 singing male  Cetti's Warbler - north bank,  south east bank and west bank marsh.  Pochard 11.
Lepidoptera: An Orange Underwing moth was flying around in sunshine by the boathouse WRes..

                         2  Redshanks                      ACP     ASmith

Carlton Marsh

After topping up the wader scrape feeder I walked to Royston to where Marsh Tit and 2 Willow Tits were ringed in February. I didn't hear or see any of them, but when I got back to the reserve wader scrape feeder, Willow Tit, Red over metal ring (right leg) Black left leg was present. This was a juvenile when it was ringed in the middle of the marsh on 9/8/18, wing 58 weight 9.5. 

Today's best - Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, 3 Chiffchaff singing, 2 Redpoll, 1 Siskin, Buzzard. 10 Herring Gulls, Little Egret and 7 Greylags were on the wader scrape. 20 Linnets were feeding on tilled land north of Shaw Lane.

Wintersett + Gull Roost: 16.03.19

5 - 8 degrees, dull with rain all day.
Anglers CP: Shoveler 11.  Snipe 9.  Shelduck 2 south west.
ACP At Dusk - SMEW 1 redhead.  Goldeneye 92.
ACP Gull Roost:  Great Black-backed Gull 125.  Herring Gull 270
Santingley Fields: Fieldfare 18.  Redwing 25.
Golf Course Field:  Pink-footed Goose 3.  Barnacle Goose 1.

Carlton Marsh

This morning before the rain came 4 Chiffchaffs were singing. Also of interest 7 Siskin, 6 Redpolls and 6 Reed Buntings (Dave Smith)

Wintersett 15.03.19

6 - 8 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a very cold westerly wind.
Anglers CP: Teal 9.  Shoverler 1 drake.  Goosander 3 redheads.  Greylag Goose 4.  Canada Goose 90.  Cormorant 32.  Snipe 3.
Wintersett Res:  2  male Cetti's Warblers - boathouse reeds and south east bank.

The Edge 15/03/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 158 Canada Geese, 9 Greylag, 72 Wigeon, 12 Gadwall, 7 Teal, 2m+5f Goosander, 6 Shoveler, 6 Mallard, 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 9 Coot, 6 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 372 BH Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 1 Common Gull and 4+ Skylark.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 4 Mute Swan, 18 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 36 Gadwall, 27 Teal, 21 Tufted Duck, 14 Wigeon, 11 Mallard, 2 Pochard, 6+ Little Grebe, 37 Coot, 2 Kestrel, 6 Lapwing, 1 Green Sandpiper, 297 BH Gull, 6 Herring Gull, and 2 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 2 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 22 Tufted Duck, 6 Mallard, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 2 Gadwall, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 172 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 182 BH Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Wagtail and 2 Bullfinch.

Wintersett + Gull Roost 14.03.19

7 - 9 degrees with 5/8 cloud and a westerly wind.
Anglers CP:  Redshank 1.  Snipe 1.  Goosander 1 redhead this morning - up to 9 at dusk.  66 Goldeneye were also in at dusk. .
ACP Gull Roost:  Great Black-backed Gull 20.  Herring Gull 152.
Haw Park Lane:  The first flowering  'Jack-by-the-hedge',   Alliaria petiolata was seen by Ralph Hibbert and Les Corrall this morning.
Photos from the Pol feeding area taken by Steve Denny.

Yellowhammer        ACP  Pol     SDenny

Tree Sparrow       ACP    SDenny

Reed Bunting           ACP    SDenny

The Edge 14/03/2014

Wombwell Ings - Present were 94 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 85 Wigeon, 12 Shoveler, 10 Mallard, 10 Teal, 3m+5f Goosander, 8 Gadwall. 4 Tufted Duck, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 8 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 8 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 205 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 1 Common Gull, 4+ Skylark and 1 Mistle Thrush.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 15 Canada Geese, 29 Gadwall, 22 Tufted Duck, 22 Teal, 19 Wigeon, 7 Mallard, 2 Pochard, 7 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 40 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 7 Lapwing, 184 BH Gull, 14 Herring Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Also seen early morning were 2 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine and 2 Red Legged Partridge ( Peter Kent ).
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 3 Greylag, 21 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 1m+1f Goosander, 2 Gadwall, 7 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 158 Coot, 139 BH Gull and 3 Herring Gull. Also present were 1 Jay, 1 Grey Wagtail and 2 Bullfinch.

Wintersett 13.03.19

5 -7 degrees with rain until 09.00 hrs,   3/8 but increasing cloud and a moderate westerly wind.
Anglers CP:  Great Black-backed Gull 35 in fields.  Pochard 120 + 2 WRes..  Shoveler 1 drake. 
Wintersett Res: Little Grebe 5.
Botany Bay: Goosander 1.   2 singing Chifchaffs in the paddock.

The Edge 13/03/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 3 Mute Swan. 163 Canada Geese, 12 Greylag, 88 Wigeon, 13 Shoveler, 11 Mallard, 6 Teal, 2m+3f Goosander, 4 Gadwall, 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 9 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 18 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 400+ BH Gull. 7 Herring Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 2 Common Gull and 2 Skylark.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 41 Canada Geese, 50 Gadwall, 30 Teal, 19 Tufted Duck, 7 Wigeon, 4 Mallard, 3 Goosander, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Buzzard, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 40 Coot, 15 Golden Plover, 9 Lapwing, 5 Herring Gull and 2 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 18 Tufted Duck, 2 Gadwall, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 1m Goosander, 1 Pochard, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 163 Coot, 121 BH Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grey Wagtail and 2 Bullfinch.

Carlton Marsh

A quick visit this afternoon revealed a Kingfisher, a fine male Grey Wagtail, in front of the hide, 5 Herring Gulls, c40 Gadwall, 23 Teal, 5 Tufted Duck and 4 Buzzards up together. A Little Egret left the wader scrape north.

Wilthorpe Marsh 12/3/19.

West end this aft. - Water Pipit down, showed well + Chiffchaff, 2 Treecreepers, Goldcrest.

The Edge 12/03/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 3 Mute Swan, 84 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 85 Wigeon, 13 Shoveler, 11 Mallard, 8 Teal, 7 Tufted Duck, 5 Gadwall, 5 Goosander, 3 Pochard, 1 Cormorant, 9 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 69 BH Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 1 Common Gull, 3+ Skylark and 1 Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 12 Canada Geese, 1 Shelduck, 54 Gadwall, 28 Teal, 18 Wigeon, 15 Tufted Duck, 11 Mallard, 7 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 6 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 49 Coot, 16 Lapwing, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Snipe, 100+ BH Gull, 4 Herring Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 7 Greylag, 1 Canada Goose, 17 Tufted Duck, 4 Mallard, 2m+2f Goldeneye, 3 Gadwall, 1m+1f Goosander, 1 Pochard, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 164 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 78 BH Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Barn Owl, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Jay, 4 Bullfinch and 1 Reed Bunting.

Wintersett 11.03.19

5 - 8 degrees with 4/8 cloud, sunny spells and a south westerly breeze.
Anglers CP: Wigeon 282.  Pochard 51 + 4 WRes + 1 CHRes..  Little Grebe 1 + 2 WRes. + 1 Botany.
A Brambling was at the Pol feeding station.  Fieldfare 80 at Santingley
Wintersett Res: Chiffchaff 4 males.  Cetti's Warbler 3 singing males - north bank, boathouse reeds and west bank marsh. Meadow Pipit 20 north bank.  Goosander 3 + 2 Botany.  Tawny Owl 1.
Haw Park Wood: Coal Tit 32  +1 at Pol feeders ACP.   Lesser Redpoll 20 in the area. 

The Edge 11/03/2019

Broomhill Flash - Present were 5 Mute Swan, 47 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 49 Gadwall, 23 Teal, 14 Wigeon, 11 Tufted Duck, 5 Mallard, 2f Goosander, 8 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Buzzard, 3 Red Legged Partridge, 39 Coot. 1 Moorhen, 14 Lapwing, 191 BH Gull, 4 Herring Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 1 Common Gull, 3+ Skylark, 3 Sand Martin and 13 Fieldfare.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 1 Canada Goose, 19 Tufted Duck, 6 Mallard, 2m+2f Goldeneye, 2 Gadwall, 1f Goosander, 9 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 153 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 106 BH Gull and 3 Herring Gull. Also present were 1 Buzzard, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Wilthorpe Marsh 10/3/19.

No sign of any Water Pipits but very windy and thought to be on the sewage farm filters which had plenty of Pied Wagtails c70. Jack Snipe 3, 2 Green Sands together, pair of Oystercatchers, Lapwing 15 down, L Egret 1. Also 4 Chiffchaffs, 10 Meadow Pipits, 5 Tufted Duck on the oxbow pond. Singing Cettis last weekend at the w end [ per Dave Waddington ] was probably the third singing male in the valley. Peregrine in town centre yesterday aft. landed on town hall.

Wintersett 10.03.19

3 degrees with  8/8 cloud, rain and a little sleet for most of the day.
Anglers CP: 4 Curlews were on the reserve bank.   Snipe 5.  Shoveler 3 m + 1 f.   An ill Herring Gull was attacked and killed by a Canada Goose in the shallows.   20 Fieldfare were in Santingley fields.
Cold Hiendley Res: Goosander 4.

                        Curlew                      ACP  SDenny

Wintersett 09.03.18

6 degrees with rain from 11.00 hrs and a westerly breeze.
Wintersett Res: Sand Martin 1 still  + 5 moving through.  Curlew 1 north.  Cetti's Warbler 1 singing male in boathouse reeds.  Great Crested Grebe 9 + 5 CHRes..
Anglers CP: Snipe 6.  Gadwall 8.  Teal 8.  Wigeon 276.  Goldeneye 54 + 36 WRes + 10 CHRes.. Goosander 1 + 1 CHRes.. 
Haw Park Wood:  A RAVEN flew west at 15.00hrs - new for the year.   Siskin 25.  Lesser Redpoll 15. 

Carlton Marsh

On the wader scrape were 123 Herring Gulls, 100+ BH Gulls an 6 Tufted Ducks. Elsewhere 2 Greenfinch,10 Yellow Bunting and 2 pairs of Grey Partridges.(Jim Plant)

Wintersett 08.03.19

Light frost first thing, 8/8 cloud, then 4 to 9 degrees with rain shower in the afternoon.
Anglers CP: Lesser Redpoll 20.  Teal 11 + 1 CHRes.  Shoveler 2.  Fieldfare 25 in fields.
Wintersett Res: Goosander 4 + 3 CHRes.. Gadwall 4 + 2 CHRes..  Pochard 4 + 1 CHRes..  Cetti's Warbler singing males, one in  boathouse reeds +  one south west bank  CHRes.

The Edge 08/03/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 4 Mute Swan, 104 Canada Geese, 1 Shelduck, 148 Wigeon, 11 Shoveler, 10 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 6 Teal, 5 Goosander, 1 Tufted Duck, 7 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 6 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Dunlin, 229 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 3+ Skylark and 1 Treecreeper ( in the hawthorns along the Bulling Dyke ).
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 46 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 52 Gadwall, 26 Teal, 19 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 6 Wigeon, 4 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 8+ Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 2 Cormorant, 35 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 2 Kestrel, 9 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 154 BH Gull and 4 Herring Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 14 Tufted Duck, 11 Mallard, 6 Pochard, 5 Gadwall, 2f Goosander, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 1 Shoveler, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 8 Cormorant, 147 Coot, 92 BH Gull, 4 Herring Gull, 1 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 3 Buzzard, 1 Grey Heron and 1 Green Woodpecker.

Wintersett 07.03.19

5 - 9 degrees, a short spell of rain first thinrg, then dull with 8/8 cloud a a cool north westerly breeze.
Anglers CP:  Teal 4.  Pochard 133 + 3 WRes..  Siskin 10.
Wintersett Res: Sand Martin 1.  Little Grebe 5.  Goosander 1 + 2 Botany Bay. 

Wintersett Siberian Chiffchaff Confirmed 07.03.19

The Siberian Chiffchaff trapped and ringed at Wintersett Reservoir on 15.11.18,  then relocated at Cold Hiendley Sewage Works from 20.12.18 - 14.01.19,  has been confirmed by Martin Collinson,  as a genetic 'tristis' from feather samples sent to him for DNA analysis.

                            Siberian Chiffchaff           WRes.   SDenny  15.11.18

                           Siberian Chiffchaff     CHSW  MHemingway   05.01.19

Wintersett 06.03.19

7 - 10 degrees with 5/8 cloud and a light south westerly.  Heavy rain shower late afternoon.
Wintersett Res:  Still just one Sand Martin.  A male Chiffchaff was singing by the boathouse, and another was singing near the spillway.
Anglers CP: More habitat management on the Pol this morning.

A pretty quiet day.

Wintersett + Gull Roost 05.08.19

7 - 11 degrees with 3/8 cloud and a light south westerly breeze.
 Wintersett Res: Sand Martin 1 this morning - still present at dusk.  Goosander 1.  Willow Tit 1 west bank.  A male Cetti's was in the boathouse reeds. 
Anglers CP:  Shoveler 3 drakes.
Haw Park Wood: 4 Crossbill and 5 Brambling this afternoon.
WRes Gull Roost: Herring Gull 200.

  Crossbill                Haw Park Wood     SDenny

        Brambling             Haw Park Wood     SDenny

The Edge 05/03/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 124 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 210 Wigeon, 11 Mallard, 6m+5f Goosander, 8 Pochard, 5 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 9 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 244 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 4+ Skylark, 2 Mistle Thrush and 1 Pied Wagtail. A Water Rail was seen in the Bulling Dyke from the bridge opposite the Old Moor Tavern.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 3 Mute Swan, 66 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 52 Gadwall, 12 Tufted Duck, 8 Wigeon, 7 Teal, 2 Mallard, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 36 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 2 Buzzard, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 16 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 200+ BH Gull, 5 Herring Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Early morning P. Kent also had 1 Sand Martin( c7.10am ) and 5 Whooper Swan over east.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 9 Tufted Duck, 5 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 2 Pochard, 1m Goosander, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 6 Cormorant, 149 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 65 BH Gull and 5 Herring Gull. Also present were 3 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 LBB Gull, 2 Green Woodpecker and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Wintersett Ringing Recovery

Per Becky Bailey.

 

Lesser Redpoll AXB0743 was ringed by Clyde Ringing Group in Falkirk

on 5/06/18 as a first year male. 

He was caught 84 days later having moved south from his likely breeding territory

and was caught at Wintersett Reservoir on 28/10/18.

Wintersett 04.03.19

7 - 11 degrees with 3/8 cloud and a strengthening south westerly.
Anglers CP: A Dunlin flew over.  Redwing 1.
Wintersett Res: The first returning Sand Martin was seen late morning - beating the earliest ever by one day - 05.03.2017.    Cetti's Warblers 3 - boathouse reeds,  west bank marsh and north bank.  Goosander 1 + 2 Botany.   Greylag 3 over.  Chiffchaff 1 singing male at the boathouse.
Haw Park Wood: 2 Nuthatch at Woodyard and 1 at Blue Bridge and 3  Crossbills at the picnic benches late morning (per R. Hibbert and L. Corrall).   Several Crossbills were seen in the same area in the afternoon,  per Steve Denny, along with 80+ Siskin,   20+ Lesser Redpoll and 1 Mealy Redpoll. 

Carlton Marsh

New in today - Redshank. Also of note 12 Herring Gulls, 1 Common Gull, 2 Buzzards, Willow Tit, Siskin, Goldcrest and a LBB Gull flew north.

BARNSLEY BIRD STUDY GROUP

The final meeting of winter 2018/19 is this coming Thursday
THURSDAY 7th MARCH at 7.15pm at the OLD MOOR RSPB VISITOR CENTRE.

Speaker is Ron Marshall on 'Birding in Chile - Torres del Paine National Park'.
As usual from the ever-reliable Ron, expect a good , fact-filled talk with some top photography

All welcome, £2.50 entrance charge includes interval drink.

The Edge 04/03/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 3 Mute Swan, 224 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 150+ Wigeon,17 Shoveler, 9 Gadwall, 8 Teal, 4m+3f Goosander, 6 Mallard, 5 Pochard, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 8 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 9 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 250+ BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull ( whte ring with N48C on left leg ), 2+ Skylark, 2 Mistle Thrush and 1 Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 3 Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 43 Gadwall, 17 Teal, 11 Tufted Duck, 6 Wigeon, 1 Pochard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 36 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 250+ BHGull, 19 Herring Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 2 Greylag, 8 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 1 Shoveler, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 152 Coot, 76 BH Gull, 7 Herring Gull and  2 LBB Gull. Also present were 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 Reed Bunting.

Bretton Park

Sunday 3rd March
Lots of Grey Heron activity on the lakes islands with a total of 63 nests counted of which at least 47 are occupied. A Little Egret was by the Lower Lake spillway and at least 3 Cormorants were in the trees - both species potential additions to the breeding list of birds in the Barnsley area.
No sign of the Great White Egret though.
Shoveler 25, Teal 23, Pochard 10, Goosander 3, Great Crested Grebe 3 were also on the lakes. A total of 16 Nuthatches were counted around the lakes.

Wintersett 03.03.19

6 - 10 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a light south westerly.  Rain from mid afternoon.
Anglers CP: Pochard 141 + 1 WRes + 3 CHRes..  Teal 4.  Shoveler 1 drake.  Snipe 4.
Wintersett Res: 2 singing, male Cetti's Warblers - boathouse reeds and west bank marsh.  Canada Goose 104/  Goosander 4 + 1 CHRes.. 

Wilthorpe Marsh, Fleets, Smithies pond, 3/3/19.

Wilthorpe, - Water Pipit showed well on mud feeding and preening with 10 Meadow Pipits. Chiffchaff 2 with 1 singing weakly. Water Rail showed well in flight with 2 more calling, L Egret 1, Oystercatcher 1 pair at oxbow pond and a pair of ad. Mute Swans here. Also, of note a male Yellowhammer, scarce here now. Fleets, - 4 GC Grebes the only noteable here with Smithies pond better with 6 Parakeets, fem. GS Pecker, c40 Goldfinch, c25 Redwing.

Wintersett - Main Hide roof refurb. 02.03.19

9 - 12 degrees with prolonged sunny spells this morning and a very light south westerly.  Cloud increased and there was some rain this afternoon.
Anglers CP: The main hide roof was stripped and replaced this morning by Graham Speight,  Steve Denny,   Pete Smith and Pete Williamson.
Curlew 1 over.  Golden Plover 1 over + 30 over Ryhill.  Jack Snipe 1.  Snipe 2.  Canada Goose 78.   
Haw Park Wood:   11 Crossbills were in trees near the picnic bench on the long straight path.  Lesser Redpoll 10.  Siskin 50.
Wintersett Res: Grey Wagtail 1.  Mallard 53.  Pochard 9.

Graham Speight,  Pete Smith,  Steve Denny and Pete Williamson  ACP Main Hide

Graham Speight and Steve Denny  Anglers CP  Main Hide

Wilthorpe Marsh am, D Waddington, S Green.

Water Pipit 2, Meadow Pipit 6, Jack Snipe 1, Oystercatcher 1 pair sf.

2018 Priority Species Totals

Pochard image by Geoff Carr

Before we drop into the new breeding season a few totals and facts from some species last year which are just ticking over and others which we are close to loosing. These records are from various recorders but as always some territories may be missed. I thank those who submitted information to form this list.
Pochard 8-10 pairs and consistent with last year.
Little Ringed Plover 10 pairs and again as last year.
Ringed Plover 12-14 pair and up slightly on last year.
Redshank 16 pair and nearly double to last year.
Cuckoo 20 calling males and again double to last year.
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker probably only one territory on the Barnsley boundary which is alarming.
Willow Tit at least 25 territories after a dismal spring.
Wood Warbler only two singing males and a species we may loose.
Grasshopper Warbler only 4 singing males but under-recorded.
Ring Ouzel 3 pair but perhaps others in Cloughs not visited.
Spotted Flycatcher only one territory and although there must be a few others it is alarming how this has declined.
Pied Flycatcher only one pair but other pairs probably disturbed at the usual site due to works.
Redstart 2 singing males and another struggling species.
Whinchat no territorial birds again this year - could now have lost this one?
Wheatear 2 pairs recorded and same as last year.
Yellow Wagtail 5-6 pair and slightly down from last year.
Tree Pipit 4 singing males and another species just hanging on.
Lesser Redpoll 4 singing males, probably as last year but must be under-recorded on the wooded moorland fringe.
Compare these species with our Atlas records and its really worrying what is happening - but on a positive note we are gaining some wetland species.
These species are taken from the UK Priority List and of rapidly declining populations. So, for this year any records please of the above species onto this blog, onto twitter or whatever. Thanks.

Wintersett 01.03.19

8 - 10 degrees with 8/8 but decreasing cloud and a light southerly to midday, then clouding over in the afternoon. 
Anglers CP: Shoveler 9 + 5 WRes.  Snipe 5.  Little Grebe 3 + 1 WRes..  Wigeon 161.  A Curlew flew WSW at 14.48hrs..
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 4 singing males - north bank and ruin area  CHRes.,  east bank and west bank WRes..   Pochard 2.   Goosander 2 + 2 CHRes..  Linnet 1 north east bank.  Willow Tit 1 west bank.  Chiffchaff 1 singing male west bank.

Cudworth Common

Two Willow Tits were calling from a wooded area at the southern part of the reserve and 3 Redpolls were present.

Moving on to Storrs Mill bridge, on the Dearne, a pair of Grey Wagtails and a Kingfisher were present and 2 Buzzards were displaying overhead.

c150 Pied wagtails were feeding in a field adjacent to Cudworth sewage works and a Chiffchaff sang from nearby Hawthorns.

The Edge 01/03/2019

Wombwell Ings -Present were 155 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 5 Shelduck, 146 Wigeon, 11 Mallard, 10 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 4m+3f Goosander, 7 Pochard, 6 Teal, 3 Tufted Duck, 2 Grey Heron, 4 Moorhen, 3 Coot, 9 Lapwing, 3 Oystercatcher, 162 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull and 4+ Skylark.
Broomhill Flash -Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 16 Greylag, 8 Canada Geese, 47 Gadwall, 21 Tufted Duck, 18 Teal, 7 Cormorant, 4 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 6 Cormorant, 37 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 19 Lapwing, 200+ BH Gull, 5 Herring Gull and 2 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 26 Greylag, 2 Canada Geese, 12 Tufted Duck, 12 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 2m+2f Goldeneye, 3 Pochard, 1 male Goosander, 1 Shoveler, 5 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 4 Cormorant, 131 Coot, 2 Moorhen, and 63 BH Gull. Also present were 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 Song Thrush.