Friday 31 May 2019

Wintersett 31.05.19

16 - 19 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a moderate south westerly.
Wintersett Res: The Great Reed Warbler  still singing in the boathouse reedbed.  Common Tern 6.
Cetti's Warbler 2 males, east bank  and roadside hedge to the south side of Botany Bay.
Anglers CP:  Pochard 1 male.  Oystercatcher 4 adults + 1 young. 

Cudworth Common

Butterflies included 3 Brimstone males, 3 Common Blues, 6 Small Heath, 2 Peacock and 2 Dingy Skippers. The day flying Mother Shipton Moth was also of note.

Storrs Mill River bridge - Cudworth
Kingfisher, Cormorant and 2 Grey Wagtails.

Thursday 30 May 2019

Carlton Marsh

All was quiet when Keith Bannister visited the wader scrape at 07.30hrs. Thursday is usually the day our wildlife group does various tasks. Today we were strimming the footpath and cutting back overhanging Hawthorn alongside the path towards the wader scrape. When we reached the wader scrape Russ Boland noticed what looked like 2 Avocets feeding amongst the gulls. RJB quickly beckoned Rod Heeley and me for a second opinion, as we had left our binoculars behind whilst we completed the work. They were quite distant, but yes they were confirmed at 11.20hrs. They were happily feeding still at least until 17.10hrs. These were the first since 4 flew north on 18/4/2011! This was a new bird at this site for most of our regular birders.

 The following photographs were taken by Dave Smith


Also of note 45 Herring Gulls, 3 LBB Gulls,  Lesser Whitethroat, Dingy Skipper, Small Copper and Cinnabar Moth.

Wintersett 30.05.19

12 - 18 degrees with sun and increasing cloud from mid morning and a south westerly breeze.
Wintersett Res: The Great Reed Warbler was still singing in the boathouse reeds, low down on the outer edge,  in line with the distant blue buoy.    3  singing Cetti's Warbler - west bank,  east bank and north bank.
Anglers CP: Little Ringed Plover 1.  Oystercatcher 3 adults.  Common Tern 5,  2 of which were scraping on an island + 6 WRes..
Lepidoptera: A Small Heath was on the Dam Wall Wintersett Res..

Wednesday 29 May 2019

Carlton Marsh

A female Shelduck visited the wader scrape and 6 very small young Coot were on the main scrape (Keith Bannister/Rod Heeley)

Tuesday 28 May 2019

Carlton Marsh

Today's best birds were; Treecreeper singing near the hide and Water Rail singing.

Butterflies included Holly Blue, Small Heath 2 and Common Blue 1 female.
Azure Damselfly 6 and Blue-tailed Damselfly 10 were also flying.

(Dave Smith)

Wintersett 28.05.19

10 - 14 degrees,  sunny spells with increasing cloud to 8/8 this afternoon and a  north westerly breeze.
Wintersett Res: The Great Reed Warbler still singing.  Common Tern 6.  Goldeneye 1 female.  Grasshopper Warbler reeling on the west bank. 
Anglers CP:  Oystercatcher 1 young.   Moorhern 2 young.  Mute Swan 8 young.

The Edge 28/05/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 24 Greylag, 8 Canada Geese, 2 Shelduck, 18 Gadwall, 9 Mallard, 3 Shoveler, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Cormorant, 7 Coot, 7 Lapwing, 2 Avocet, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank, 29 BH Gull, 8+ Skylark, 1 Wheatear and 1 Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 41 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 19 Mallard, 16 Tufted Duck, 13 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 30 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 2 Kestrel, 6 Lapwing, 2 LBB Gull and 2 Pied Wagtail.
TPT - Singing males 6 Willow Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 5 Sedge Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff and 3 Whitethroat.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4+5y Mute Swan, 13 Greylag, 4 Canada Geese, 14 Tufted Duck, 5m+1f Pochard, 5 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 4+2y Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 57+14y Coot and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 3 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret over east, 2 Buzzard and 1 Kingfisher.

Monday 27 May 2019

Carlton Marsh

On the wader scrape 2 Herring Gulls, Little Egret, Mallard with 6 v. small young, 2 Lapwings with 1 young, Peregrine nearby. Elsewhere Water Rail calling, Dabchick singing, 4 pairs Tufted Duck, Buzzard, 

Small Copper 2 feeding on Common Tormentil, Dingy Skipper 1 and Harlequin Ladybird.

Wintersett 27.05.19

10 - 15 degrees with scattered, increasing cloud and a moderate north westerly.
Wintersett Res: The Great Reed Warbler  still singing on the outer edge of the boathouse reeds.   Bird Guides reported a Kittiwake flying over west at 09.00hrs.  Common Tern 9.  The Grasshopper Warbler was reeling this evening.    Goldeneye 1 female. 
Anglers CP:  Just 1 young Oystercatcher today,  The pair of Oystercatchers nearest to the hide have failed to breed.

 

Low Moor / Midhope 27/5/19. G and J Wasse, S Green.

Breezy but mostly dry this aft. Osprey high over midhope resr lost to view. At least 2 Red Kites in the area, male Merlin, imm Peregrine, 6+ C Buzzard, 2 Kestrels. 2 Crossbills down briefly were probably juvs. 5 displaying Snipe, Raven 2, Oystercatcher 2 and 2 Siskin.

The Edge 27/05/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 3 Mute Swan, 28 Greylag, 14 Canada Geese, 2 Shelduck, 15 Gadwall, 10 Mallard, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Shoveler, 7 Coot, 2 Red Legged Partridge,  6+ Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 42 BH Gull , c40 Swift, c15 House Martin and 7+ Skylark.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 18 Canada Geese, 4+4y Greylag, 16 Gadwall, 13 Mallard, 12 Tufted Duck, 22 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 1 Peregrine, 1 Kestrel, 7 Lapwing, 2 LBB Gull and 50+ Swift.
TPT - Singing males 7 Blackcap, 5 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Sedge Warbler and 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4 Mute Swan, 3 Greylag, 1 Canada Goose, 13 Tufted Duck, 6m+2f Pochard, 4 Gadwall, 3 Mallard, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 47+3y Coot, 1 Moorhen and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 3 Herring Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 60+ Swift, 10+ Sand Martin  and 1 Bullfinch.

Sunday 26 May 2019

Wintersett 26.05.19

11 - 15 degrees with light rain showers until late morning,  sunny spells this afternoon and a moderate  westerly breeze all day.
Wintersett Res: The Great Reed Warbler is still singing in the boathouse reeds.  A Yellow Wagtail flew over the west bank.  Goldeneye 1 female. Mute Swan 7 young.
Moorhouse Lane Ponds:  A Red Kite flew over. 
Anglers CP: A Sanderling flew in and around,  during a rain shower at 10.20hrs,  then left south.  Ringed Plover 1.  Common Tern 4 + 2 WRes..    Canada Goose 13 young.  Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult.  A Raven, seen from the cauldron,  flew towards Haw Park .Wood  20.30hrs.    1000 Swifts were zooming around the area this evening.

 The Resident Little Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher   ACP    PMeredith

Broadstone resr 26/5/19.

This aft. fem Wheatear on wall on south bank. Stonechat 3, 1 male, 2 juvs.

Ewden track 25/5/19. G andJ Wasse, S Green.

Started in t shirts and ended with 2 jackets. cc Marsh Harrier probably 2, Red Kite probably 2, Peregrine 3, C Buzzard 6+, Kestrel 2, Sparrowhawk 1. Raven 6+, LBB Gull 10. Ring Ouzel 1 pair, Stonechat 1 male, 1 ad. Golden Plover on track with a chick.

Saturday 25 May 2019

Carlton Marsh

On the wader scrape this morning c300 Herring Gulls, 11 LBB. Gulls and 20 BH. Gulls. Elsewhere Lesser Whitethroat and Garden Warbler in addition to Sedge, Reed etc. A pair of Peregrines were displaying nearby (Jim Plant).

Ardsley Viaduct
A cuckoo sang and a female with it called repeatedly too. (CG)

Gill Royd Lane 24/5/19.

Friday night around 10pm. Nightjar 3, good numbers Woodcocks Roding, 1/2 Long Eared Owl, C Buzzard at 10pm off the moor. Hobby and male Merlin reported here earlier.

Wintersett + Snake and Damsels + Ringing 25.05.19

8 - 17 degrees with 6/8 cloud and a light north westerly.
Wintersett Res: The Great Reed Warbler still singing and showing well in the boathouse reedbed, even at 17.00hrs in rain.  A Grasshopper was reeling on the west bank.   Goldeneye 1f.
Anglers CP:  Little Ringed Plover 1.   A Red Kite flew south at 09.25hrs. 
Cold Hiendley Res: A Grey Wagtail was on the spillway.
Moorhouse Lane Big Pond: Little Egret flew over north.
Reptile: A large adult Grass Snake was seen this morning.
Lepidoptera:  2 Orange Tip Butterflies were on the Golf Course.  2 Dingy Skippers and a Small Heath were on the Disposal Point.
Odonata: 15 Red-eyed Damselflies were on  Botany Bay with 2 pairs in tandem + 10 on the north west bank Wintersett Res with 2 pairs in tandem.
Ringing: 14 Birds were ringed this morning.  2 Tree Sparrows.  1 Garden Warbler.  1 Reed Warbler.  2 Willow Warblers and 7 Great Tits.


      Adult Grass Snake in the area           Charlotte H Gray
Red-eyed Damselflies       WRes.  PMeredith             @Fitzybirder
Red-eyed Damselfly           WRes    PMeredith

Friday 24 May 2019

Wintersett + Insects 24.05.19

12 - 17 degrees with 0/8 cloud, increasing in the afternoon, and a cool north westerly breeze.
Wintersett Res:  The Great Reed Warbler still singing in the boathouse reeds.  Common Tern 7.  A Dunlin was on the boathouse slipway.  Goldeneye 1 female.
Anglers CP: Little Ringed Plover 2.  Cormorant 6 west. Wigeon 1m+ 1f.
Lepidoptera: Holly Blue 1 ACP + 1 west bank WRes..  A Dingy Skipper was on the east bank WRes. + 5 on Disposal Point.    
Odonata: A Broad-bodied Chaser  was on Moorhouse Lane Pond. 

                    Holly Blue            Wintersett Reservoir    25.05.19         ASmith

Cudworth Common

3 male Brimstone and 1 female, 5 Small Heath and at least 6 Dingy Skippers.

Dingy Skipper (taken with phone camera)
Female Brimstone

Thursday 23 May 2019

Wintersett + Insects 23.05.19

12 - 18 degrees with 0/8 , but increasing cloud in the afternoon, with a cool north westerly breeze.
Wintersett Res: The Great Reed Warbler was belting it out again this morning.  Goldeneye 1female.  Tufted Duck 15 + 8 CHres..  Common Tern 10. 
Anglers CP: Little Ringed Plover 1. Dunlin 1 in the shallows.   Herring Gull 4.   Wigeon 1st summer m + 1f.   GreylagGoose 9.
Lepidoptera: A Holly Blue was in the boathouse reeds, WRes..  A male Orange-tip was on the Pol at ACP.
Odonata: A Broad-bodied Chaser was in front of the main hide at ACP.   Red -eyed Damselfly 14 males and 3 pairs on Botany Bay + 1 male west bank WRes..

 
Great Reed Warbler belting it our this morning   WRes.    SDenny 23.05.19

Little Ringed Plover       ACP    SDenny       23.05.19


Diptera: Thank you to John Coldwell for identifying this fly seen at WRes. 22.05.19
 This is the soldierfly Stratiomys singularior, mainly a coastal species but it can be found inland. It's by no means common inland, although over the years, I've seen it at a number of marshy sites around Barnsley from time to time.
Coleoptera:Thank you to Mike Denton for identifying 2 beetles seen on reeds at WRes on  22.05.19

This reed beetle is Donacia simplex.
It has previously been reported from
Blue Bridge and Nostell Fish Ponds.

The ladybird is Anisosticta 19-punctata, which has the common name of
Water Ladybird. It has been recorded previously from Wintersett (site
only) and two localities along the Barnsley Canal.

  

Brown Argus at Gilroyd today

Also found an interesting little shieldbug, Legnotus limbosus.


Wednesday 22 May 2019

Ewden track 22/5/19 afternoon.

Challenging conditions with heat haze and at times cold under dark cloud. Still good for falcons with 3 Peregrines which included a pair together assumed to be the same birds seen earlier in the month at the lodge and an imm. with missing left primaries. 2 Merlins mobbing and the first Hobby of the year flew up the valley. C Buzzard 5, Raven 3, 1 pair of Ring Ouzel, c 30 Meadow Pipits. Worthy of a mention was a male Mallard which flew from stainery clough down the full length of the valley. Lastly, 2 male Cuckoos still present.

Wintersett + Insects 22.05.19

11 - 18 degrees, sunny with cloud increasing to 8/8 by late afternoon, and a cool, light westerly.
Wintersettt Res: The Great Reed Warbler was singing and showing well this morning. Goldeneye 1 female. 
Anglers CP: Oystercatcher 2 young.   Gadwall 12m + 1 m WRes + 1m CHRes.. Little Ringed Plover 1.  Mute Swan 8 young.
Cold Hiendley Res: Cormorant 2.   Hobby 1 over.
MLPond: Great Crested Grebe 2 young.
Odonata: 2 male Red-eyed Damselflies on Botany Bay + 1 male on ML Scoter Pond.
Moorhouse Lane Ponds A Broad-bodied Chase was on dead pool.   An Azure Damsel was on Big Pond
Lepidoptera: Small Heath 1 on east bank WRes..    Dingy Skipper 3 on the east bank WRes + 3 Disposal Point + 1 Big Pond.    A Small Copper was on the Disposal Point.   A Brown Argus and a male Orange Tip were on Moorhouse Lane Ponds.

                          Red-eyed Damselfly           Botany Bay          SDenny

The Edge 22/05/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 7 Mute Swan, 14 Greylag, 3 Canada Geese, 33 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 4 Tufted Duck, 4 Shoveler, 1 Grey Heron, 15 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 6+ Lapwing, 6 Ringed Plover, 4 Oystercatcher, 3 Dunlin, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank, 1 Avocet, 46 BH Gull and 5+ Skylark.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 46+4y Greylag, 28 Canada Geese, 18 Tufted Duck, 8+7y Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 1 Shoveler, 1 Pochard, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Kestrel, 21 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 4+ Lapwing and 2 LBB Gull.
TPT - Singing males 8 Blackcap, 6 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 3 Sedge Warbler and 2 Whitethroat.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3+6y Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 13 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall, 4m+1f Pochard, 6 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 48+6y Coot, 4 LBB Gull and 3 Herring Gull. Also present were 4 Little Egret over west, 1 Grey Heron over east, 1 Kingfisher and 2 Bullfinch.

Tuesday 21 May 2019

Carlton Marsh

On the wader scrape today 96 Herring Gulls, 7 LBB Gulls, a pair of Greylags with 6 very small goslings and a Kingfisher.
Also present singing Lesser Whitethroat and Garden Warbler. 26 Canada Geese were on the main scrape with a pair of Coot and their 2 very small young.

Butterflies included Orange-tip, Dingy Skipper 2, Peacock 1 and Holly Blue 1. A Four Spotted Chaser was flying on the embankment.


Wintersett + Reptiles, Butties and Damsels 21.05.19

Hot and sunny: 10 - 17 degrees with 0/8 cloud,  but a cool, light north westerly.
Wintersett Res: The Great Reed Warbler was showing well, on and off,  all morning.   A Black Tern was present all morning.   Common Tern 8.  Goldeneye 1 female.  A Ringed Plover flew over .  2 Yellow Wagtail were on the north bank.
Anglers CP: Pochard 1 drake.  A male Lesser Whitethroat was near the main hide.
Reptiles: 2 Yellow-bellied Sliders and a  Red-eared Terrapin were basking in the north east corner WRes..
Odonata: A male Red-eyed Damselfly, 3 Large Red Damselflies and 2 Blue-tailed Damselflies were over the Golf Course Pond.   A Blue-tailed Damselfly was on Botany. 
Lepidoptera:   
Anglers CP:A Holly Blue, a  male Brimstone and a Small Copper.
Wintersett Res: A male Orange Tip was at WRes..

The Edge 21/05/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 5 Mute Swan, 2 Greylag, 4 Shelduck, 34 Gadwall, 12 Mallard, 4 Tufted Duck, 3 Shoveler, 1 Grey Heron, 13 Coot, 8+ Lapwing, 4 Oystercatcher, 6 Ringed Plover, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 1 Redshank, 73 BH Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 5+ Skylark, 3 Pied Wagtail, 4 Linnet and 4+ Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 28+4y Greylag, 18+2y Canada Geese, 14 Tufted Duck, 10 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 1 Little Egret, 21 Coot, 5+ Lapwing, 2 LBB Gull and a Blackcap singing in the carpark.
TPT - Singing males 9 Blackcap, 6 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Whitethroat and 3 Sedge Warbler. Also present were 1 Jay and 2 Bullfinch.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3+4y Mute Swan, 3 Canada Geese, 16 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall, 4m+2f Pochard, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 51+6y Coot and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 2 Buzzard, 1 Little Egret over west at 11.40am and 2 Bullfinch.

Monday 20 May 2019

Carlton Marsh

On Saturday 18th A Garden Warbler, up to 3 Lesser Whitethroats and a Cuckoo were singing. A Hepatic female was also of note (Jim Plant).

Garry Exley

 Sunday 19th A female Shelduck was on the wader scrape.

Rod Heeley

Wintersett WeBS for May 2019

 Here are the May  2019  WeBS totals for the Wintersett Area.

Mute Swan 23,  Canada Goose 24,   Greylag Goose 3,   Cormorant 3,  Coot 67,  Moorhen 7,  
Great Crested Grebe 15,   Mallard 43,  Gadwall 11,  Tufted Duck 30,   Goldeneye 1f,  Oystercatcher 4,   Lapwing 8,  Common Sandpiper 1.  Common Tern 12,   Little Ringed Plover,   Grey Heron 1.  


Wintersett + another 1st for the area! 20.05.19

9 - 17 degrees with sun  and 0/8 cloud, increasing towards midday, with a light north westerly.
Wintersett Res: The Great Reed Warbler still singing in the boathouse reeds.  A Treecreeper with fledged young was on the south bank. Goldeneye 1 female.
Anglers CP: Little Ringed Plover 1.  Oystercatcher young 2.  Sand Martin 1.  Common Tern 6.
Lepidoptera: Small Heath 1 on west bank.  A Dingy Skipper was on the east bank.
Odonata:  1st record for Wintersett - A male Hairy Dragonfly  was in the north east corner.
Reptile: A Red-eared Terrapin and 2 Yellow-bellied Sliders were basking in the north east corner WRes..
A late sighting of an Osprey, by Vince Parslow yesterday, has been added to the blog post 19.05.19.


Wintersett + Pics 19.05.19

8 - 17 degrees with 8/8 cloud, sunny spells from midday, and a light north westerly.
Wintersett Res: The Great Reed Warbler was singing and showing well this morning.  The drake Ferruginous Duck was present until the boats came out mid morning.  Goldeneye 1 female.  A flock of 25 Long-tailed Tit passed through the west bank area.  Common Sandpiper 1.  Common Tern 12. 
7 Oystercatchersflew west 09.38hrs..
Vince Parslow, on the spillway bridge,  picked up an Osprey over Haw ParkWood.  It came over the reservoir and seemed to be heading east, then veered north, eventually lost it behind trees slightly east of ACP .It was in view for 15 minutes from17.30hrs.
A total of 27 birds were ringed at WRes: Long-tailed Tit 9.  Blackcap 2.  Whitethroat 3.  Reed Warbler 2.  Garden Warbler 1 and Goldfinch 2.  A male Grasshopper Warbler and a male and female Cetti's Warbler were retrapped.
Cold Hiendley Res: Mute Swan 12.  Tufted Duck 15. 
Anglers CP: Little Egret 3 flew over SW at 06.19hrs..  Oystercatcher 2 young.   A male Yellow Wagtail on the south bank.
Moorhouse Lane Ponds: Great Crested Grebe with 3 young on Big Pond.  A pair of Little Grebe with 3 well grown young.    2 male Cuckoos were calling.

The very obliging boathouse reeds male  Cetti's Warbler  PMeredith

                   Evening  Fox                   PMeredith
Evening   Great Crested Grebes       MLPond             PMeredith 

The Edge 20/05/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 3 Mute Swan, 35 Greylag, 3 Canada Geese, 4 Shelduck, 31 Gadwall, 18 Mallard, 6 Tufted Duck, 2 Shoveler, 1 Red Legged Partridge, 12 Coot, 6+ Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 81 BH Gull, 5 Skylark and 2 Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 15 Canada Geese, 7 Greylag, 14 Tufted Duck, 10 Gadwall, 6+5y Mallard, 1 Pochard, 1 Shoveler, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Buzzard, 1 Barn Owl, 19 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 5 Lapwing and 2 LBB Gull.
TPT - Singing males 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Willow Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Sedge Warbler and 2 yaffling Green Woodpecker.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 6+3y Mute Swan, 4 Greylag, 16 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall, 5 Pochard, 3 Mallard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 64+14y Coot, 1 Moorhen and 4 LBB Gull. Also present were 2 Little Egret over west at 12.19pm, 1 Bittern flew towards Old Moor Rspb at 11.33am, 1 Kestrel, 1 Common Tern, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Bullfinch.

Sunday 19 May 2019

Great Reed Warbler - Parking and Directions from Anglers CP May 2019

Thank you   Chris  Swaine

Wintersett Catch Up + Pics 16.05.19 - 18.05.19

THURSDAY 16.05.19
Wintersett Res:  Great Reed Warbler male still  in boathouse reeds NW corner.   Common Tern 14.  Black Tern 2 at 15.05hrs.   Cetti's Warbler 4 singing males.   Yellow Wagtail 1 m west bank field.
Anglers CP: Oystercatcher 2 young.  A Ruff was in the shallows. Little Ringed Plover 1.  Cormorant 3.    
Lepidoptera:  An Orange-tip and 2 Dingy Skipperswere on the east bank WRes..
Reptile:  The Red-eared Terrapin was in the north east corner WRes.

FRIDAY17.05.19   
Wintersett Res:  The drake Ferruginous Duck was back.   Great Reed Warbler male still  in boathouse reeds NW corner.  Arctic Tern 2.  Common Tern 22.  Common Sandpiper 3.  Goldeneye 1 female. 
Anglers CP: A Whimbrel flew north.  Ruff 1.  Oystercatcher 2 young.

SATURDAY 18.05.19 
Wintersett Res:  Great Reed Warbler male still  in boathouse reeds NW corner. Shelduck 3.   A Cuckoo  was singing in the Willow Wood + another male singing at MHLane Ponds.  Common Tern 10.   Goldeneye 1f.   Cetti's Warbler 4 singing males.  Black Tern 1.
Anglers CP: Ruff 1.  Common Sandpiper 1.  Little Ringed Plover 1. Redshank 1 over.   Oystercatcher 2 young.   Canada very small  goslings 4 + 2. 
Reptile: The Yellow-bellied Slider was in the north east corner WRes..


Great Reed Warbler      WRes.  SDenny  18.06.19
There is also a video of the Great Reed Warbler singing on Twitter May18th 2019  

                       Great Reed Warbler    WRes    PMeredith       18.06.19

2 shots  of  the Ferruginous Drake         WRes      PMeredith  17.06.19
.

Wintersett Lesser Redpoll Ringing Recovery

A Lesser Redpoll ringed  Z889471 on  23/10/15,  at Anglers CP by Pete Smith, 
was found dead (by cat) at the Lunga Estate in Argyll & Buteon 01/05/19
1286 days later  and 389km NW!

 Image

Saturday 18 May 2019

Low Moor corner 18/5/19.

Reasonably warm with cloudy conditions giving good light. Birding better than expected with a pair of Peregrines tussling, 1 Red Kite, 4 C Buzzard, 1 Kestrel spending most of its time perched on the pike lowe cairn. Raven 4, Crossbill 2+, Siskin c5 calling regular at midhope res. Displaying Snipe 2, 1 Grey Heron became a target for the Curlews. Duck through and on to midhope res. were 4 Tufted and 3 Mallards.

Wednesday 15 May 2019

Wintersett - Quite a day! 15.05.19

12 -18 degrees with sunshine and a light south easterly.
What a day!   2 BBRC birds and waders coming  in this afternoon
Wintersett Res:   Pete Smith found the Ferruginous Duck displaying with Tufteds on the south bank at 08.00hrs presumably the South Kirkby bird.  It's the first one here since 2010!   The Great Reed Warbler still singing,  seen occasionally but briefly.  A Greenshank flew over calling at 13.25hrs and was seen later at Anglers CP.   3 Black Terns came in late afternoon.
Angler CP: 2 Ruff were on the shallows mid afternoon.   Little Ringed plover 1.  Pochard 1male.

Ferruginous Duck           WRes.    SDenny
                        Ruff             ACP                 SDenny

Wilthorpe Marsh 15/5/19.

Nowt much to report apart from a Common Sand in the oxbow pond area. Shoal of 10 Minnows seen from sf bridge but no sign of any Chub.

Tuesday 14 May 2019

Ewden track 14/5/19.

Similar picture to Sunday with Peregrine imm. , Sparrowhawk 1, C Buzzard 6, Kestrel 1, Raven 6. Stonechat 5 include a pair and a male with 2 females. Ring Ouzel 2 males, Cuckoo 2, Golden Plover 3, Redpoll 1 n.

Wintersett - Great Reed Warbler 14.05.19

A warm 13 - 20 degrees with 0/8 cloud and a light, cool south easterly.
Wintersett Res: The Great Reed Warbler is still present,  singing constantly, showing briefly, occasionally.   Common Tern 4.  Goldeneye 1 male.  Willow Tit 1 south east corner.  2 Greylag Geese flew over.
Anglers CP: Redshank 2.  Common Sandpiper 1.  Teal 1m.

Grass Snake eating a toad          Wintersett Res          CSwaine

The Edge 14/05/2019

Wombwell Ings - Highlight was a Grey Plover, present from 8.45 to 9.15am,  on the edge of the newly excavated pond in the Chirle (back ) field.  Also present were 5 Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 2 Shoveler, 18 Gadwall, 10 Mallard, 6 Tufted Duck, 2 Shoveler, 3 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 11 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 8 Lapwing, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank, 5+ Skylark, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 3 Linnet. About 20 House Martin were regularly landing along the western edge of the main pool to collect mud for nestbuilding.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 6 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 4 Shelduck, 18 Tufted Duck, 9 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 25 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 4 Lapwing, 2 Little Ringed Plover and 2 LBB Gull.
TPT - A  Hobby was seen circling over the Old Moor Rspb carpark at 11.15am before flying off southwards. Singing males 8 Chiffchaff, 7 Blackcap, 6 Willow Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 yaffling Green Woodpecker and 1 Song Thrush.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4 Mute Swan, 8 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 20 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 4 Pochard, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 54+9y Coot and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Hobby over the west end at 12.35pm, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Jay and 2 Bullfinch.

Monday 13 May 2019

Wintersett + Great Reed Warbler + South Kirkby 13.05.19

9 - 14 degrees with 0/8 cloud and a south easterly to southerly.
Wintersett Res: The Great Reed Warbler still singing in the boathouse reedbed It was seen several times during the day, but mostly remains elusive.  A Bittern flew in to the west bank marsh 08.25hrs.  Common Tern 9.  Shoveler 1m + 1f.  Goldeneye 1f..
Anglers CP:  Lesser Whitethroat 1 Pol/Main Hide area.  Pochard 1m.  Oystercatcher 6  + 1 young.  Lapwing 1 sitting.
Odonata: Large Red Damselfly 10 Golf Course Pond.  Blue-tailed Damselfly 10 Moorhouse Lane Pond.
Lepidoptera: Dingy Skipper 1 NE bank WRes.  + 2  Disposal Point.
Mallard young in the area:  6 Broods totalling 34.   1 Large WRes..    7 + 9 + 6 + 8 and 3 small/medium ACP.

South Kirkby: Iberian Chiffchaff still present and the Ferruginous Duck has returned to Carr Lane Pond.

Grand day out

On the uplands today ~ Cliffe Wood - Pied Flycatchers, 2 singing males plus a nesting pair.
Track past Stone Circle to Shooting Lodge - Golden Plover piping and walking along path both on way out and back - obviously nest close by.  Spent a good few minutes watching a male Ring Ouzel right next to Lodge until it left rapidly pursued by a male Merlin.  Also two male cuckoos seen and heard.  No big birds in the sky not even crows!

The Edge 13/05/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 5 Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 24 Gadwall, 22 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 14 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 9 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 67 BH Gull, 3 Skylark, 1 Pied Wagtail and 2 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 13 Canada Geese, 9 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 21 Tufted Duck, 13 Gadwall, 8+8y Mallard, 4 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 21 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 3 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Ringed Plover and 2 LBB Gull.
TPT - Singing males 7 Willow Warbler, 7 Blackcap, 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler and 2 Song Thrush.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 7 Mute Swan, 2 Greylag, 1 Canada Goose, 10 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 7+1y Mallard, 2 Pochard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 54+13y Coot, 1 Moorhen, 5 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were a Little Egret over west at 12.35pm, a Bittern dropped in on the front edge at 12.33pm, a Common Tern over east at 12.10 pm, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker and 2 Bullfinch.

Ewden valley 12/5/19.

Steady, and cold at times under dark clouds. Merlin 1, Peregrine thought to be 3 including 2 together and an imm. single. Red Kite 2 and possibly 3, C Buzzard 6, Kestrel 2, Sparrowhawk 1. Raven 6 together, Ring Ouzels elusive but showed and thought to be 2 pairs. Stonechat 1 male and c 40 Meadow Pipits, presumed breeders. Friday 10th at Wilthorpe steady. Of note, fem Wheatear, pair of Redshank, 2 Sedge Warbler new in.

Sunday 12 May 2019

Wintersett + Great Reed Warbler Pics. 12.05.19

Light frost at dawn thawed quickly, and temperatures rose to 16 degrees,  calm with sun and a light  south westerly.
Wintersett Res: The Great Reed Warbler has been singing in the back of the reedbed from 06.00hrs to 15.00hrs.   It showed at least 4 times, with some observers getting  'scope views.  Late afternoon it showed well, on and off for 20 minutes,  interacting with two Reed Warblers at the western end of the reedbed.   Paul Meredith (@Fitzybirder reaped his reward after staking out the Great Reed Warbler for six hours.

 Great Reed Warbler          WRes      PMeredith
Also seen today:
Anglers CP: Wigeon 1m.  Pochard 1m + 1f..  Shoveler 1m + 1f.  A Raven flew east over Santingley.
Wintersett Res: Cuckoo 1 east bank.  Yellow Wagtail 1m + 2 Cold Hiendley Village.  Goldeneye 1f.
Common Sandpiper 2.  Common Tern 10.
Haw Park Lane: Lesser Whitethroat 1.

South Kirkby: The male Iberian Chiffchaff still present.  

Carlton Marsh

Not much change except for more incoming Garden Warbler/Sedge Warbler/Lesser Whitethroats.
Butterflies included Peacock and Brimstone (Jim Plant/CG).

South Kirkby tip
Brown Argus 1, Small Copper 5, Small Heath 2, Dingy Skipper 29, Brimstone 9m. Day flying Latticed Heath Moth and Small Yellow Underwing (Chris Parkin)

Saturday 11 May 2019

Carlton Marsh

The best birds today were; Little Egret, 57 Herring Gulls, 2 LBB Gulls, Kingfisher, Lapwing with 1 young, Water Rail (singing) Grey Wagtail, Cormorant SE, Swift 10, Buzzard 2, Cuckoo singing, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat 11 singing males, 3 pairs of Coot with 2 +2+1 very small young, Moorhen with 4 eggs, Reed Warbler 8 singing males, Sedge Warbler 5 singing males (Dave Smith/Jim Plant/CG)

Wintersett + Great Reed Warbler + South Kirkby 11.05.19

7 - 9 degrees with 8/8 cloud,  intermittent rain from midday, and a cool north easterly.
Wintersett Res: The Great Reed Warbler still singing in the NW reedbed - seen 3 times this afternoon.   A Hobby flew over.   Black Tern 1.  Common Tern 20.  Goldeneye 1f. Treecreeper 1 south bank. Common Sandpiper 2.   Cetti's Warblers 3m + 1f.  Garden Warbler 3m - ruin,  boathouse reeds and east bank.  Sedge Warbler 1m east bank.  Mallard young - 5m + 9s/m..
Botany Hill: Cuckoo 1m
Anglers CP: A Little Egret was in briefly, then left north.  Oystercatcher 8. Wigeon 1m. 
Pochard 1m. 
Lepidoptera: A Dingy Skipper was on the east bank.  A male Brimstone was in Haw Park Wood.

South Kirkby:  The Iberian Chiffchaff still present.

Parking and directions for Great Reed Warbler.


                         Male Brimstone             HPWood     SDenny
Dingy Skipper           east bank WRes      PMeredith

Friday 10 May 2019

Carlton Marsh

On the wader scrape 21 Herring Gulls, 14 LBB Gulls, 2 Shelduck, 27 Swifts and 7 House Martins. Elsewhere a Cuckoo was singing and a Willow Tit called.

4 small Fox Cubs were playing.

A Hobby flew SE over upper Cudworth at 18.10hrs (Dave Smith)

Wintersett + Great Reed Warbler Pics 10.05.19

7 -10 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a light south easterly.
Wintersett Res: The Great Reed Warbler was singing frequently this morning,  showed briefly at midday, and was still singing at 20.30hrs.  Here are a couple of photos taken at midday by Steve Furber @DonnyBirder1
 Great Reed Warbler   Wintersett Res.  Steve Furber
NB  VISITORS:  
Car Parking Charges from 09.00 - 18.00hrs apply at Anglers CP. 
 Great Reed Warbler is in reed bed over the road from the car park.   Turn right out of car park entrance, go down Haw Park Lane approximately 50 metres.  Take the left footpath, over the hump, and walk down the path to reach the reed bed. 
NB: Footpaths by the reedbeds are exceptionally muddy and slippery.

Other news. Wintersett Res: A Ringed Plover and a male and female Yellow Wagtail were on the boathouse slipway.  Common Tern 7.  Goldeneye 1 f.    A Cuckoo was heard on the west bank early afternoon and in the evening.  2 Shelduck flew over north.
Cold Hiendley Res: A Whooper Swan dropped on mid afternoon - per Mick Hemingway.

Anglers CP:  Little Ringed Plover 2.  Oystercatcher 5.  Pochard 2m.  Wigeon 1m.  A Curlew was in the back field.  A Wheatear was on the shallows at 17.00hrs. 

South Kirkby  The Iberian Chiffchaff and Ferruginous Duck still present.  See photos and video at
https://twitter.com/GarrityPete

 Wheatear             ACP       SDenny

The Edge 10/05/2019

Wombwell Ings - Present were 4 Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 22 Gadwall, 3 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 21 Coot, 5+ Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 13 BH Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 5+ Skylark, c100 Swallow, c30 Swift, c20 House Martin, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Treecreeper and 4 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Highlight was a Black Tern. Also noted were 2 Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 18 Tufted Duck, 12 Gadwall, 10+8y Mallard, 3 Shoveler, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 21 Coot, 5 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Wheatear. A Willow Warbler and a Blackcap were singing in the car park.
TPT- Singing males included 8 Chiffchaff, 7 Willow Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler and 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker.
Bolton Ings - Highlights were a Bittern flying east over the reeds on the far side of the east pool at 11.53am and another  Bittern flying west along the front edge at 12.05pm.  On the open water were 6 Mute Swan, 4 Greylag, 3 Canada Geese, 13 Tufted Duck, 4 Gadwall, 4 Mallard, 3m+1f Pochard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 52+14y Coot, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret over west, 1 Kestrel, 2 Oystercatcher over west, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Bullfinch and 1 Linnet.

Thursday 9 May 2019

Wintersett MEGA - Great Reed Warbler - First for here and BBSG Area 09.05.19

6 - 9 degrees , cool with  8/8 cloud, showers from mid morning to early evening and a light to moderate north easterly.
  • Wintersett Res:  Yesterday Steve Denny couldn't believe his ears when he heard a male Great Reed Warbler sub-songing in the boathouse reeds at dusk. A MEGA bird!  The first record for both the Wintersett Area and the Barnsley Bird Study Group Area!  
  • Today it was  singing constantly from 05.00hrs to 08.00hrs, but, during that time it only gave one brief view as it moved into an open area,  otherwise staying low in reeds.  The bird was singing on and off,  but was only seen fleetingly, on a few occasions,  for the rest of the day. A Dunlin flew over + 1 on the boathouse slipway at 07.20hrs.   Common Tern 19.  Arctic Tern 1.  A Treecreeper with 6 fledged young was in the boathouse reeds.   5 Whimbrel flew south at 18.25hrs. 
         Anglers CP: Goldeneye 1f.  Turnstone 1 and a Black Tern 1 - both still present this evening.    
Little Ringed Plover 1. 

NB:  Car Parking Charges from 09.00 - 18.00hrs apply at Anglers CP.  Footpaths by the reedbeds are muddy and slippery. 

South Kirkby: 
The  Iberian Chiffchaff male still singing.   park, with care and respect for residents  at end of Carr Lane and walk under railway bridge.  The bird is on the hillside c.100m ahead (53.604, -1.322). Please do not use playback.
 
Black Tern                           AnglersCP           SDenny
Turnstone                           Anglers CP    SDenny

Carlton Marsh

This morning 3 Shelduck,  1 pair of Shoveler, 29 Herring Gulls, 3 LBB Gulls, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Garden Warbler and another Sedge Warbler was singing (5 in total).

No change this evening except for a Cuckoo singing. Herring Gulls increased to c120.

The Edge 09/05/2019

Wombwell Ings - Another fine day for waders with 8 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, 4 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Knot, 1 Avocet, 1 Redshank and 1 Common Sandpiper. Also present were 2 Mute Swan, 8 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 31 Gadwall, 6 Mallard, 2 Pochard, 1 Shoveler, 1 Little Egret, 13 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 30+ Swift, 5+ Skylark, 3 Pied Wagtail, 2 Treecreeper, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 4 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 3 Canada Geese, 17 Tufted Duck, 8+6y Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, 1 Little Egret, 16 Coot, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 LBB Gull, 30+ Swift and 1 Pied Wagtail.
TPT -Singing males 7 Chiffchaff, 6 Willow Warbler,  4 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and 1 Sedge Warbler. Also 100+ Swift over Field Pool.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 6 Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 6 Pochard, 5 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 3 Tufted Duck, 1m+2f Goosander, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 51+8y Coot, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Bittern, 1 Grey Heron,1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Wednesday 8 May 2019

Updated Wintersett - a very EXCELLENT day! + South Kirkby 08.05.19

7 degrees, with rain and a cold north easterly for most of the day.
A very excellent day here with a new bird for Wintersett,  a 1st for 7 years and  3 new birds for year.
Anglers CP:  A Little Tern  was in at 11.10hrs then flew to Wintersett Res. at 11.20hrs. to 11.50hrs at least -  new for the year and the first here for seven years.  (Last one was 19.05.2012)   
A Turnstone in the shallows this evening, was new for the  year list.   Common Tern 10.   1.  Wigeon 1m.  Herring Gull 2  Little Ringed Plover 1.  Hobby 2 over. 

Wintersett Res:  An Osprey over south in rain at 12.30 was new for the year.   Common Tern 14.  Sedge Warbler 5m.  Goldeneye 1f.  
In the area: House Martin 300.  Swallow 150.  Sand Martin 50.  Swift 150.
MEGA EVENING UPDATE:  At 20.30hrs Steve Denny alerted the locals to  a  bird that was 'singing like a GREAT  REED WARBLER',  in the boathouse reeds Wintersett Res.  
Here's the video link.    https://twitter.com/i/status/1126230203448078336.   
More on the story on tomorrow's blog.

South Kirkby: 
The  Iberian Chiffchaff male still singing early morning; park, with care and respect for residents  at end of Carr Lane and walk under railway bridge.  The bird is on the hillside c.100m ahead (53.604, -1.322). Please do not use playback.

        Turnstone    ACP shallows then flushed to rocks on south bank.  SDenny

Carlton Marsh - in the rain

On the wader scrape 3 Shelducks (1m), 4 Lapwings 1 Little Ringed Plover, 3 LBB Gull and 42 Herring Gulls

The Edge 08/05/2019

Wombwell Ings - A good morning on the Ings for waders with 6+ Lapwing, 5 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Avocet, 1 Redshank and 1 Whimbrel. Also present were 2 Mute Swan, 6 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 32 Gadwall, 9 Mallard, 6 Tufted Duck, 4 Pochard, 3 Shoveler. 2 Little Egret, 19 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 13 BH Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 5+ Skylark, 3 Pied Wagtail, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Treecreeper.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 6 Canada Geese, 23 Tufted Duck, 12 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 2 Little Grebe, 21 Coot, 3 Moorhen,1 Kestrel,  6 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Common Tern.
TPT - Singing males 6 Willow Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 4 Chiffchaff, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 2 yaffling Green Woodpecker.
Bolton Ings - Highlight was a female Bittern flying along the front edge of the east pool towards Old Moor at 11.58am and returning at 12.11pm. On the open water were 8 Mute Swan, 6 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 14 Tufted Duck, 4 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 1 Mallard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 46+4y Coot, 1 LBB Gull and 1 Herring Gull. Also present were 1 Oystercatcher over east, 3 Whitethroat and 3 Linnet

Tuesday 7 May 2019

Wintersett - 3 Tern Day. 07.05.19

7 - 9 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a light south easterly.  Rain from 18.00hrs.
 Wintersett Res:  13 Common Terns.  3 Black Terns and 2 Arctic Terns were seen today.  The Arctics left west.  Goldeneye 1f.   Sedge Warbler 7m on west bank area. 
Anglers CP: A Black-tailed Godwit was on the shallows early eveningIt left north at19:35hrs  after being harassed by local Lapwings.   Teal 1m + 1f.  Pochard 1m.  Shoveler 1m.  Wigeon 1 adult male.  Mallard 11 s/m young.  A Lesser Whitethroat was on the Pol.
Cold Hiendley Res: Mute Swan 11 + 2 WRes. + 2 ACP.
Mammal:  Wood Mouse 1 WRes.


Black Tern    Wintersett Reservoir       PMeredith  @Fitzybirder
                  Black Tern          Wintersett Reservoir        PMeredith   @Fitzybirder
Black-tailed Godwit       Anglers CP     SDenny   @StevieD131

Wood Mouse           Wintersett Res   PMeredith  @Fitzybirder