Wednesday 31 March 2021

Carlton Marsh

The warmest day so far with a maximum of around 22c. A walk round this afternoon provided 2 singing Blackcaps and 7 Chiffchaffs. 82 Herring Gulls and 2 Redshanks were on the wader scrape. Cetti's Warbler sang from the reedbeds and a Great Spotted Woodpecker called. 

Insects included 6 Bee Fly, 52 Peacock, 13 S. Tortoiseshell, 2 Comma, 5 male Brimstone and the year's first male Orange-tip and Speckled Wood (Chris parkin).

Wintersett 31.03.2021

 Wintersett Vis.Mig: 

A Curlew flew west.    Pink-footed Goose 48 north west at 08.30hrs.

 Going north: 

A Green Sandpiper at 08.50hrs.   Meadow Pipit 410.  Sand Martin 70 . 

Swallow 1 + 3 Santingley.    Fieldfare 5 + 2  Disposal Point. 

Cold Hiendley Res: 

Willow Warbler 1 singing male + 1 at Disposal Point.  A Siskin flew over east.

Anglers CP:

Goldeneye 50 + 22 WRes. + 1 CHRes.   Great Crested Grebe 2 + 7 WRes. + 9 CHRes.  

Tufted Duck 35 + 2 WRes. + 88 CHRes.   Wigeon 18 + 2 WRes..   Teal 2.  

Wintersett Res:

A Water Rail was in the boathouse reeds.  

Lepidoptera: Orange Tip 1 male ACP.

Diptera: Dark-edged Bee-fly 4  - 1 west bank WRes. + 2 ACP + 1 north west WRes..

Odonata: A possible Vagrant Emperor flew low over CHRes at 12.20hrs, but not seen since.

Tuesday 30 March 2021

Carlton Marsh

The only birds of any significance reported today were 2 Red-legged Partridges, Little Egret and a drake Shoveler, the first this month (Keith Bannister).

Dearne Valley Park Hoyle Mill
Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail were present and an exceptional warm sunny day produced the year's first Orange-tip butterfly. Also present 1m Brimstone, 44 Peacock, 12 Comma and 29 Small Tortoiseshell. An astonishing 22 Bee Flies were also seen, two of them mating! (Chis Parkin).  

Wintersett 30.03.2021

 Anglers CP:  

Sand Martin 11.  Redshank 1.  Shoveler 4m + 1 f.  Wigeon 18.

Mediterranean Gull -  2 summer plumaged adults from 15.02 hrs.

Wintersett Res: 

The first singing Willow Warbler was on the westbank.  

There was an overnight  arrival of 8 male Blackcaps  to the area.   

A pair of Willow Tits were in the  south west corner.

7 singing Cetti's Warbler were around the area.  97 Pink-footed Geese flew west at 10.08hrs.   

A Red Kite flew over Ryhill at 12.35hrs.      

Cold Hiendley Res:  Redwing 1 

Haw Park Wood:  Siskin 20.   

Dockshire:  Little Owl 1.

Mammal: 2 Noctule Bats were over Anglers CP Visitor Centre.


Monday 29 March 2021

Carlton Marsh

2 Little Egrets were on the waders crape this morning (K. Bannister). A Cetti's Warbler sang and a Greylag was on a nest in the scrape. 
A female Grass Snake was on the embankment sunning itself this afternoon (Rob Lindley).

Grass Snake (Rob Lindley)

Butterflies included 6 Peacock, 3 Comma and a White Species.

Cudworth Common 
2 Ringed Plovers were on the Ash Plain.
2 Grass Snakes were seen in the woodland area along with 9 Peacock and 4 S. Tortoiseshell butterflies (L & A Corrall).

Storrs Mill to Ardsley Viaduct
A Sand Martin has taken up residence on the Dearne south of Cudworth Sewerage works. Also on this stretch Kingfisher, Buzzard and Cormorant.

Butterflies included 52 Peacock, 35 S. Tortoiseshell, 12 Comma, 2 male Brimstone and an early Small White (C. Parkin).


Hordron road 29/3/21.

c 300 Fieldfares down in fields at start of road at the former delmont grange. 2 Crossbills at the first plantation were still there on return. Ring Ouzel 1, male Wheatear 1. 1 hour at upper hordron poor with 3 Ravens and 1 Kestrel.

Wintersett 29.03.2021

Anglers CP + Vis.Mig:

A  Little Ringed Plover was on the shallows - left north at 12.20hrs.  Snipe 1.

Wigeon 73.   Shoveler 2m + 2f.    

Goldeneye 43 + 31 Wintersett Res. + 6 Cold Hiendley Res.  

Great Crested Grebe 1 + 4 WRes. + 6 CHRes..  

Meadow Pipit 89 north,  Redwing 7.

Wintersett Res:

Sand Martin 6 + 7 Walton Hall.  A male Blackcap was on the south bank.  

5 male Cetti's Warblers  - south east bank, north east bank,  south west bank, west bank and 1 west of Ruin, Cold Hiendley Res..

Lepidoptera - Anglers CP:

Peacock 2.  Brimstone 1male.

Sunday 28 March 2021

Carlton Marsh

This afternoon's highlights included 2 Little Egrets, 15 Herring Gulls, 2 Cormorants, 10 Teal, Cetti's Warbler and 5 Redpolls.

Then at 18.55hrs a Swallow flew north, the earliest since 2009 (Dave Standish).

Wintersett 28.03.2021

 Anglers CP: 

Little Ringed Plover 1 south.   Red Kite 1 west at 10.58hrs.  

Wintersett Res: 

The  Blackcap was singing in the south east corner.    Sand Martin 3. 

18 male Chiffchaff were  in the area. 


Wilthorpe Marsh 28/3/21.

Osprey nw at 11-37am. Water Pipit 1, Raven 2, G and GS Peckers, Linnet flock c 50. Siskin 1 n.

Saturday 27 March 2021

Midhope/Low Moor 27/3/21.

Very steady afternoon here. Just the expected raptors here with 2 C Buzzard, Sparrowhawk 1, Kestrel 1. Raven 6, Crossbill c 20, Fieldfare c 65 n.

Carlton Marsh

Wildfowl this morning included 25 Canada and 10 Greylag Geese, 15 Tufted Duck (10 drakes), 1 drake Pochard, 2 Little Grebes, Little Egret, 61 Herring Gulls, and 4 Snipe. (Richard Laverack/CG)

This morning Dave Standish put up the first Blue Tit nest boxes made and donated by local birder John Finch. These are state of the art boxes made of stone with wooden bottoms and slate roofs. Inside is a circular plastic pipe with little bits of wood glued on to the side for the young to climb up when fledging. The bottom can be swivelled for cleaning. The most important thing is they should be Squirrel and Woodpecker proof. 

Thanks John    



Wintersett 27.03.2021

Wintersett Res:   Sand Martin 20. 

2 Ravens circled over,  then  left north east  at 11.36hrs.    Nuthatch 1 pair.  Goldcrest 1 singing.  Cetti's Warbler 1 male at boathouse. 

Anglers CP: Sand Martin  6.  Teal 2.  Shoveler 1 male.

Cold Hiendley SF: Green Sandpiper 1.  

Lepidoptera: A Small Tortoiseshell and an Orange Underwing were near the boathouse bench WRes.. 

Reptile: The first Grass Snake of the year was seen today.

Friday 26 March 2021

Carlton Marsh

A maximum of 70 Herring and 1 LBB Gull were on the wader scrape this afternoon. 10 Tufted Ducks were on the main scrape. A Peregrine flew SW towards Ardagh glassworks and a superb male and 2 female Lesser Redpolls were feeding in Birch. (R/ Laverack/K. Bannister)

Wintersett 26.03.2021

Wintersett Res: Martin Weir had the first Swallow of spring this morning.  Sand Martin 6 + 29 north.

A Red Kite was blogging over Wintersett Village.  The usual 1stW Mediterranean Gull was seen this afternoon.

Anglers CP: Wigeon 67.  Shoveler 2 males.  Teal 2 males + 3 females.  Lesser Redpoll 20. 

Old Royston Flash:  Redshank 2.

Wintersett 25.03.2021

 Anglers CP VisMig:

Going west: A Red Kite and a Marsh Harrier flew west together at 09.40hrs. The Marsh Harrier had gunshot damage to  the left wing tips. 

Going north:  Grey Heron 3.  Linet 3.  Reed Bunting 1

Going north east:  Fieldfare 174  Redwing 30  Meadow Pipit 87  Linnet 3  Reed Bunting 1

Going north west:  Sand Martin 13.  Meadow Pipit 87

Anglers CP:

Whooper Swan 2.   Shelduck 2.   Teal 1m + 1 f.   Shoveler  1m + 1f and 1m + 1f  WRes..  

Oystercatcher 5. 

Wintersett Res: The first Blackcap of Spring was singing in the south east corner at 11.10hrs.   19 Chiffchaffs were singing around the area.  Cormorant -  4 high west.  A Water Rail was in the west bank marsh. 

7 male Cetti's Warblers  - Boathouse reeds,  north bank,  north east bank,  south east corner,  south west corner,  west bank clump and Ruin area.  

A Green Woodpecker was on Botany Hill.  

Old Royston Flash:  Redshank 2.

Mustelid: A Weasel ran across Botany Road and another was seen crossing the road in Wintersett village.

Thursday 25 March 2021

Carlton Marsh

We were all pre-occupied with cutting back the ringing rides, but on his way home Richard Laverack had our first Willow Warbler singing near the wader scrape at mid-day. This bird equalled the earliest ever of 2005!

5 very mobile Redpolls dropped in, 6 Chiffchaff were singing, Kingfisher was present along with 126 Herring Gulls and 5 LBB Gulls. A Cetti's Warbler sang from reedbeds to the right of the first seat on the embankment and a Willow Tit called further along near the double seats (CG)

A Fox was on the prowl and 6 Peacock and 4 Comma Butterflies were about (Dave Smith).

Storrs Mill Wood - Ardsley Viaduct
Butterflies included 32 Small Tortoiseshell, 18 Peacock and 12 Comma. The first Bluebells and Wood Anemones were in bloom and a Grass Snake was seen (Chris Parkin).

Wilthorpe Marsh 25/3/21.

Water Pipit 2. Moulting but not in full summer plumage yet. The final sighting last year was April 10th. Little Owl 2.

Wednesday 24 March 2021

Carlton Marsh

This morning 73 Herring Gulls, drake Pochard, 2 Little grebes and a Dunlin (R. Laverack).

This afternoon 2 Little Egrets, 2 adult LBB Gulls, a singing Red-legged Partridge, Cetti's Warbler, Redpoll north, 3 Buzzards and a Weasel (CG).

Insects included 7 Peacock, 9 S. Tortoiseshell, 12 Comma, 2 Orange Underwing moths and a Bee Fly (Chris Parkin).


Glistening Ink Cap (Coprinus micaceus) (Dave Smith)
Cudworth (Firth Avenue)
Dave Standish had 4 Buzzards and 2 Peregrines over his home and a Red Kite over Cudworth Church drifting east at 14.10hrs. 

Cudworth Common
4 Buzzards were up together along with 3 Kestrels. 2 Little Grebes and 2 Redshanks were on the flashes. In the wooded areas 2 Goldcrests, 2 Collared Doves (unusual for this site), and Tawny Owl after dark. A small Grass Snake disappeared down a hole (Les & Andrew Corrall).

Low Moor/Midhope + 24/3/21.

rt Hen Harrier 1, Crossbill c 55 flock building. Water Pipit this a.m , Wilthorpe Marsh.

Wintersett 24.03.2021

 Wintersett Res. Vis.Mig

Going west.  Red Kite 1     Peregrine 1

Going north: .   Fieldfare 22.   Redwing 51.   Sand Martin 24.   alba Wagtail 18.   Meadow Pipit 353.

Linnet 2.  Siskin 1.

Anglers CP: Kingfisher 1,   Pintail  1male + 1 female,   Shoveler 6 male + 2 female ,  Snipe 3,

Great Crested Grebe 4.      Teal 6

Moorhouse Lane Ponds:  Teal 5.  Pochard 1 drake

Wintersett Res:    

5 male Cetti's Warblers -  north bank,  south east corner,  boathouse reeds,  north east bank and west bank marsh.

Cold Hiendley Fields: Golden Plover 6. 

Lepidoptera Wintersett Res.  A Small Tortoiseshell was on the north east bank.  

Peacock 1 + 1 Moorhouse Lane Pond.       Orange underwing 1.

Tuesday 23 March 2021

Wintersett 23.03.2021

Anglers CP: A Redshank was on the shallows.  Teal 1 female.  Shoveler 1male.  

Wintersett Res: A Water Rail was in the boathouse reeds.  4 male Cetti's Warblers were heard - north bank,  nort east corner, west bank clump and boathouse reeds.

23/3/21 Wharncliffe Chase / Midhope Res.

7.30 - 8.20 Wharncliffe Chase (north end)

c210 Meadow Pipits >N, c200 Fieldfare (increased numbers), Green Woodpecker heard, Yellowhammer, Linnet, 4 Curlew

16.00 - 17.15 Midhope Res

2 Peregrine, c45 Crossbill - single group flew from dam end across res to SE corner calling, assumed several family groups. c300 Fieldfare - large group just appeared, c60 Meadow Pipit - c50 in a single group flew low towards moors. 4 Oystercatcher, 8 Curlew, 4 Little Grebe, Teal pair, 6 Buzzard, Grey Wagtail pair.

Monday 22 March 2021

Carlton Marsh

Today's highlights singing Goldcrest, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Buzzards,12 Tufted Ducks, 2 Water Rails, 30 Yellow Buntings in to roost with 15 Fieldfares and 3 Redwings. 2 Snipe left west before dark. A Weasel was seen in the car park (Dave Smith). 

Cudworth Common

3 Ringed Plovers were on the ash plain and 2 Redshanks were in the Symphony compound! 1 singing Little Grebe on Ferrymoor ponds.

Also of note 3 singing Chiffchaffs, 1 Pair of Red -legged and 1 pair of Grey Partridge, 12 Yellow Buntings, 10 Reed Buntings and 12 Skylarks. A pair of Willow Tits (1 singing) were located in mixed woodland at 15.45hrs opposite the southern end of the Symphony factory 'What 3 Words' clicker.broads.aliens (Les & Andrew Corral/CG).

Dearne Valley Park

3 Buzzards were thermalling, Sparrowhawk, 9 Peacock, 14 S. Tortoiseshell, 16 Comma and a Bee Fly.  A Bank Vole was also seen (Chris Parkin).

Carlton 
6 Coal Tits in Dave Smith's garden was unusual.

Wintersett 22.03.2021

Anglers CP:  

Dawn notables - Chris Swaine.    

Going north: 45 Fieldfare and 2 Shelduck north 

Teal 1 ACP.   Redwing 4 at Santingley and 3 more plus a Chiffchaff at Disposal Point

Work on and around the hide at Anglers CP limited other sightings today.

Snipe 43.   Shoveler 3m + 2f.

Lepidoptera: A Comma was on Anglers CP.


22/3/21 Wharncliffe Chase/Wortley

Vis-mig session from 7-8.45 mainly looking eastwards with Selby/Thorne/Rotherham on the horizon.

Red Kite - rose from woods around Wortley at 7.45 and circled the farmland for 15 minutes, constantly mobbed by crows before drifting towards Stocksbridge.
Peregrine - flew low from Wharncliffe Chase and over fields towards Howbrook.

Meadow Pipit - 365 northwards, constant stream throughout 

Also: Green Woodpecker, 3 Skylark, 8 Fieldfare, 3 Buzzard, 3 Yellowhammer, 3 Redwing, 3 Lapwing, Curlew and 4 Grey Herons (3 south, 1 west)

Sunday 21 March 2021

Low Moor/Midhope 21/3/21, G Wasse, S Green.

About 3 hours of very steady birding. Raptors scarce with Red Kite and Kestrel seen and 1 Buzzard heard only. Crossbill c 17, Siskin c 10 constant, presumed breeders. Raven 2, Meadow Pipit c 20, Curlew c 30. 1/2 GS Pecker with 1 drumming.

Carlton Marsh

Today's highlights included Grey Wagtail, 2 Cormorants, Little Egret, 140 Herring Gulls (wader scrape), Jay 4 and Peregrine Falcon (K. Bannister)

At dusk 2 Snipe left to feed and a Cetti's Warbler sang until dark (D.Standish/CG)

Insects included 8 Peacock, 4 S. Tortoiseshell and 6 Comma butterflies along with the first Bee Fly of the year and several Tawny Mining Bees. (Chris Parkin).

Wintersett 21.03.2021

Anglers CP Vis.Mig:

Going north west: Whooper Swan:  45 at 07.58hrs  + 46 at 08.40hrs.   Fieldfare 4.  Meadow Pipit 442.

 Going north east: Redwing 59.    Siskin 5  + 2 west.

Going north:  Grey Heron 1 + 2 east.      alba wagtail sp. 14.

Going south: Golden Plover 25.   Curlew 2 SW

Anglers CP:

The 1stW Mediterranean Gull still present.  Shelduck 1.  

Wintersett Res: Kingfisher 1.  

Lepidoptera: An Orange Underwing at Anglers CP.

 

Saturday 20 March 2021

Carlton Marsh

Today's highlights 16 Herring Gulls, 10 Whooper Swans NW at 08.48hrs, Cetti's Warbler, 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Water Rails, Great Spot Woodpecker, Kingfisher, Little Egret, 2 Kestrels displaying, 5 Redpolls, 6 Linnets, a singing Goldcrest and 2 Willow Tits (1 sang briefly) near the first seat on the embankment overlooking the main scrape (K Bannister/D.M. Smith /R. Laverack)

An Orange Underwing moth was flying in the sun at mid-day.

On the Bittern Watch 25 Fieldfare and 2 Redwings came in to roost. Three of us spaced ourselves along the embankment to try and see where the Bittern would come from. Just when we thought it wasn't going to show for the second night, it suddenly appeared high over the scrape where Dave Standish and Richard Laverack were. From there it flew down to me, I was waiting at the southern end of the marsh at the Whin Pool. I could see it as it flew well above tree-top height calling and circling, before it was lost in the darkness, so what direction it left, I don't know. Magic! We believe that its a bird from the continent that has gone back home. 

Long-tailed Tit nest (CG)

Wintersett 20.03.2021

 Visible Migration:

Going north: 

Whooper Swans -  A total of 142 in four flocks   33 at 08.00hrs, 10 at 08.55hrs, 80 at 09.12hrs 

and 19 north west at 09.55hrs.

Meadow Pipit  419   Alba Wagtail 22   Grey Wagtail 1   Sand Martin 4   

Going east:  Redwing 20

Going west:  Golden Plover 30

Anglers CP: The 1st W Mediterranean  Gull that also visited Wintersett Res.. 

Redwing 2   Redshank 1   Shoveler 3 males. 

Cold Hiendley Field:  3 Golden Plover flew over.

Wintersett Res. - Pits Wood  Green Woodpecker 1. 

Notable: 17 singing male Chiffchaffs  were in the area today,

Lepidoptera:  2 Peacocks were on the north bank Wintersett  Res..

Friday 19 March 2021

19/3/21 Sightings throughout the day - Swans, Geese and Red Kites

Today was one of those days where I picked up birds throughout:

6.30am High Green - Red Kite seen low over fields below Greno Woods before drifting towards High Green. Then a Brambling called as it flew low north in the mizzle. Also 4 Song Thrush sang in close proximity in Low Hall Wood and a Greenfinch displayed.

7.40am Nr Thurgoland - Red Kite again (same one?) over fields again next to A629 heading towards Silkstone Common.

8am Langsett Res - Oystercatcher pair

8.10-8.45am Midhope Res - Little Grebe, c20 Meadow Pipit >N, 2 Redwing, 17 Curlew, 7 Stock Dove

10am Chapeltown - c25 Whooper Swans >N over Chapeltown (reported as c30 by others at similar time)

11.15 - 12 Wharncliffe Chase (vis-mig) with reports of large swan movements in headed to higher ground affording long views to the east despite some mist patches. No swans seen in this spell but - Pink Footed Geese 24 NW @11.20 and c50 N @11.35, 7 Cormorant flew towaards Howbrook Dams, 4 adult LBBG >N, 2 Curlew, Skylark, Yellowhammer and c30 Starling >N

13.30 High Green - c100 Whooper Swans >NNW (reported as 120-130 by others) seen from my bedroom window.

Carlton Marsh

The Bittern didn't show tonight, but a pair of Tawny Owls called and 4 Snipe left at dusk. 

Earlier 13 Whooper Swans flew NW over my Newtown, Cudworth garden and were seen 2 minutes later still heading NW over Carlton Marsh at 18.02hrs (Dave Standish)

Wintersett + VisMig. 19.03.2021

 Whooper Swans:  

6 Whooper Swans dropped on  Cold Hiendley Res. at 11.15hrs,  then left north west 11.21hrs.  

11  dropped on Anglers CP at 11.35hrs.    19 flew north at 12.20hrs.   8  north at 13.40.    

130 north at 13.43   4 Whoopers  north at 13.50 

A final total of 178 in 6 flocks

Wintersett Res: 

Cetti's Warbler 4 males - boathouse reeds,  west bank dam wall,   west bank  clump and south west corner.

21 Pink-footed Goose flew north west at 12.25hrs.      A Red Kite flew north at 12.25hrs. 

Vis.Mig:  Golden Plover 13 east    Redwing 56 east + 18 north

Anglers CP: 

The 1stW  Mediterranean Gull still present.    Shoveler 1 drake.  An adult Peregrine flew over.  

Wigeon 202

Wakefield & District Swift Group- PIN BADGE UPDATE

Great News , We have now raised £451 for Swifts! 

Following the sale of our pin badges, I am please to say we have now achieved our fund raising target. 

I set a target of £450 based on margins etc. Thank you to everyone who bought badges and made donations. 

 

I still have 39 badges left if anyone would like one. You can buy from ebay: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wakefield-District-Swift-Group-Limited-Edition-Pin-Badge/303906919255?hash=item46c2439357:g:~20AAOSw5J5gP7wR

Or directly from me – chrisswaine8262@hotmail.com or @croftonbirder on twitter. 

 

We have already bought 4 nest boxes from peak boxes. These are a proven design and well built. 


7 Nesting places ready to go.....


The boxes are being placed: 

 

South Kirkby= Double Box (BBSG area) 

South Elmsall = Double Box (BBSG area) 

Hemsworth = Single box (BBSG Area) 

New Crofton= Double Box (BBSG Area…..Just about) 


 

We are now actively looking for people who are wanting a box. In particular we would like to hear from people with colonies nearby. Based on the map printed in the Breeding Birds book, I have identified the following areas within the Wakefield District which fall in the Barnsley BSG area: 

 

Woolley (Woolley Grange) 

New Crofton (Lump area)

Hemsworth

Ryhill

Kinsley 

Fitzwilliam

South Elmsall 

South Kirkby


I have created a flow chart to see if your home is suitable?




 

Also if you know anyone in other parts of Wakefield which are interested please Let me know: Wakefieldswifts@gmail.com

 

We also have a Twitter @wakefieldswifts https://twitter.com/WakefieldSwifts  & Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/552720708721698  

 


Regards

Chris Swaine 


39 still available , £3.50 + postage. 


Thursday 18 March 2021

Carlton Marsh

This morning saw 59 Herring Gulls, Little Egret and 3 singing Chiffchaffs (R. Laverack/CG).

A good start was made on cutting back the Willow in the ringing Rides (C.M. Wildlife Group).

This evening the Bittern came in at 18.38hrs. It took flight from the southern end of the marsh (The Whin Pool) flying at 3ft over the water rising to tree height as it headed to roost in the scrape reed bed. It climbed the reeds when it settled in (D. Standish/R & P Thorpe/CG). 
I stayed until 20.15hrs and it was still there. 

As the car park gate was left open last night, can you make sure the last person closes the gate to stop undesirables getting in. Thank you.

Wintersett + Updates 18.03.2021

 Wintersett Res + Vis.Mig:

5 male Cetti's Warbler - Dam Wall,  west bank marsh,  south west corner,  Botany road and south east corner.   3  Curlew flew west.    Kingfisher 2.  

Going east    Fieldfare 41   Redwing 47

Going north   

 Meadow Pipit 228   Great Black-backed Gull  3.

Anglers CP: Mediterranean Gull 1 1st W    Snipe 2.    Shoveler 12 (7m + 5F).  Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull was in.  A Jack Snipe on the west bank.  

Anglers CP Roost: Goosander 3.  Black-headed Gull 2000.

Wednesday 17 March 2021

Carlton Marsh

This evening's Bittern watch produced c50 Fieldfares, 10 Redwings, 8 Yellow Buntings, Redpoll, Kingfisher, Cetti's Warbler, singing Dabchick, calling Water Rails and male and female Tawny Owls. 

The Bittern came flying in at tree height at 18.29hrs to its favourite reed bed and quickly climbed the reeds. It was visible until it got dark (DM Smith/D. Standish/CG). 

Dearne Valley Park Hoyle Mill
2 Buzzards, Treecreeper, 2 Jays and 2 Mute Swans. Butterflies included 2 Peacock, 1 S. Tortoiseshell and 2 Comma. Not forgetting loads of Frogspawn (Chris Parkin).

A Siskin flew NW over my Cudworth garden this afternoon.

Wintersett 17.03.2021

 Wintersett Vis.Mig Highlights 

Going north:  Meadow Pipit 144    Alba Wagtail 10   Starling 124   Fieldfare 28   Redwing 60   Goldfinch 13   Linnet 7     

Going west:  Goosander 1.

Wintersett Res:  A Redshank flew in. 

Anglers CP:   Mediterranean Gull 1 1stW    Shoveler 2 males + 1 female   

Lepidoptera:  Peacock 1 Golf Course.  Brimstone 1 Pol - Anglers CP. 

Orange Underwing  1 Anglers CP.

Tuesday 16 March 2021

Carlton Marsh

 The only report today was of a Little Egret and 2 Cormorants.

The Bittern didn't show tonight, but at least 6 Snipe left at dusk, 3 Water Rails called, Cetti's Warbler and Tawny Owl sang. 2 Pipistrelle Bats were flying. 

Earlier 2 Comma and a Small Tortoiseshell were out in the mid-day sun Chris Parkin).

Wintersett 16.03.2021

 Anglers CP:

A male Mandarin was  on early morning.   Oystercatcher 5.   Snipe 17   Mediterranean Gull 1 1stW   

67 Meadow Pipit flew north.  A Dunlin flew north.

Wintersett Res: 

A Peregrine flew over.   Kingfisher 1.  An adult Kittiwake flew around 12.05 - 12.15hrs, then flew north.

Cold Hiendley Res:  18 Golden Plover were in fields.

Old Royston Flash:  

Green Sandpiper 1.  Lapwing 9. 

Lepidoptera:

Brimstone 1male on Pol ACP, and 1 male boathouse reeds WRes. 

Monday 15 March 2021

Carlton Marsh

Todays highlights 93 Herring Gulls, 9 Tufted Ducks, 1 Pochard, 3 Water Rails called, 2 Cormorants, Goldcrest, and a female Goosander. Richard Laverack/Chris Parkin) A Small Tortoiseshell was flying.

This evening the Bittern took flight from the reed bed looking out from Ralph's seat at 18.18hrs and alighted in its favourite reed bed in front of the 1st seat overlooking the scrape. Also of note 9 Snipe left at dusk, male & female Tawny Owl were very vocal and 2 Foxes were seen earlier (Dave Standish/Dave Smith/CG). 

Wintersett 15.03.2021

 Wintersett Res: 2 Red Kite were circling over Ryhill + 1 over Wintersett Res. later.  A Raven flew south.

A Chiffchaff was on Dockshire (old railway) + 1 Willow Wood.    

3 male Cetti's Warblers were in the area - north east bank,   Botany Bay and  boathouse.

Mustelids:   2 weasels were fighting on the path to the boathouse bench. 

15/3/21 Midhope Res/Moor

Great spring like session earlier in Midhope Res/Moor area:

Golden Plover - pair displaying over moor, 2 Peregrine, 3 Buzzards, c100 Fieldfare - roving group, Redwing - at least 1 with FF, 2 Siskin, c30 Curlew - c20 flew over towards Barnside Moor plus others around including one which flew low over the water twisting 360 degrees several times, assumed display?, c140 Starling - west in small groups, Oystercatcher pair, Teal pair, Goldeneye pair, Meadow Pipits > west, 3 Song Thrush singing, 1+ Crossbill, Skylark song, 3 Lapwing, 3 little Grebe, Kestrel, Heron, Grey Wagrail.



Sunday 14 March 2021

Wintersett WeBS March 2021

 Here is the Wintersett  WeBS count for March 2021

Mute Swan 23   Canada Goose 65   Greylag Goose 93   Cormorant 8   

Great Crested Grebe 9   Coot 123   Moorhen 19   Water Rail 1   Mallard 50     

Shoveler 7   Wigeon 170   Gadwall  31   Tufted Duck 145   Pochard 4  

Goldeneye 90   Goosander 1   Lapwing 13   Oystercatcher 6   Snipe 12   

Green Sandpiper 1   Grey Heron 1.  

Wilthorpe Marsh 14/3/21.

Only a couple of notables in winter weather. 3 Water Pipits were together briefly and fem Goosander on the river.

Wintersett 14.03.2021

 Anglers CP:

The 1stW Mediterranean Gull was in the shallows this morning.    Siskin 2.  Snipe 9

Shoveler 1 male.  Pochard 3 male + 4 male and 1 female Wintersett Res.

Wintersett Res:

Teal 1 male + 1 female.   Little Grebe 3.   Chiffchaff 2 males + 1 male Haw Park Wood.

Haw Park Wood:

Lesser Redpoll 40.



Saturday 13 March 2021

Wintersett 13.03.2021

 Anglers CP: 

A 1stW Mediterranean Gull was in the shallows.   Goosander 1.  Snipe 12.

Cold Hiendley SF: 

The Green Sandpiper showed well on the wall of a settling bed. 

Wintersett Res: 

A Water Rail was in the boathouse reeds.  A Willow Tit was on the west bank.  Chiffchaff 1. 

   Embedded video

          The 1stW Mediterranean Gull was struggling in the wind this morning.

Click link for video https://twitter.com/StevieD131/status/1370750944204447745

Friday 12 March 2021

Carlton Marsh

Rain at first sunny spells for the rest of the day 11c SW moderate. 

The drake Pochard was still present with 3 pairs of Tufted Ducks, Little Egret, Coal Tit, Redpoll and a singing Chiffchaff

This evening at dusk Cetti's Warbler, Tawny Owl, 7 Snipe left, 2 Water Rails called and the Bittern came in low from the southern part of the marsh to its favourite reed bed at 18.21hrs (I mistakenly put 16.21hrs on Twitter). 5 minutes later it climbed to to the top of the reeds and could be seen until it got dark (Dave Standish/CG).


Wintersett 12.03.2021

Anglers CP: 

15 Golden Plover flew west.  3 SandMartin flew north + 1 north over Wintersett Res..

Shoveler 2m + 1f.  Redwing 1.   An adult Peregrine flew over.

Thursday 11 March 2021

Carlton Marsh

A blustery day with sunshine and showers 11c west mod-fresh. 

The feeder was busy this morning with birds that included a male Great Spotted Woodpecker (Amy Lomas). If you look closely at the second photo you can just see the metal ring. This is almost certainly the male I ringed on 6/12/17 as a 1st year male, which was re-trapped at the same feeder on 2/3/20.

Amy Lomas

This afternoon Little Egret, Juv. Cormorant, 3 pairs of Tufted Duck, Cetti's Warbler, 2 Buzzards, Coot building a nest and, new in was a male Pochard.

Wintersett 11.03.2021

 Anglers CP:

A Jack Snipe was on the shallows.    Cormorant 1 adult.  Mediterranean Gull 1  1stWinter.

Wintersett Res:

A Chiffchaff was in the boathouse reeds. 

Cold Hiendley Fields:

Golden Plover 25.  

                          Mediterranean Gull 1stW  back on ACP shallows  SDenny

      Nice comparison of Mediterranean  and Black-headedGull on ACP shallows   SDenny

Wednesday 10 March 2021

Carlton Marsh

A quick walk round this morning produced a Little Egret, Dabchick, Kingfisher, Cetti's Warbler, Willow Tit possibly 2 (1 calling and seen beneath the embankment where Ralph Hibbert's seat is facing the habitat creation in the marsh). Also of note c50 Starlings with Fieldfare and Redwings in a stubble field. 25 Alba Wagtails were feeding on tilled land nearby and 3 Cormorants were diving.

Wintersett 10.03.2021

 Anglers CP: 

An adult Little Gull in winter plumage and a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull were in this morning.    A Redshank (NFY)  flew into the shallows.    Also 6  Snipe,  a drake Shoveler and 2 Teal.  

                                                    Little Gull adult   Anglers CP   SDenny

Wilthorpe Marsh 10/3/21.

Water Pipit 1, Peregrine 1, Grey Partridge 1 pair flushed. Green Pecker 1.

Tuesday 9 March 2021

Cudworth Common

Green Woodpecker, 2 Buzzards, 2 Goldcrests, 10 Meadow Pipits, 8 Chaffinches, 14 Reed Buntings, 5 Greenfinches, 15 Yellow Buntings, 12 Skylarks, 6 Redpolls and 2 Grey Partridges.

2 Ringed Plovers were on the Ash Plain (Les & Andrew Corrall).

Carlton Marsh

After an apparent absence for the past two nights of the Bittern, one came in from a southerly direction into one of its favourite reed beds in the scrape at 17.56hrs. It was last seen at 18.15hrs after it had made the short flight to its usual roost site (Dave Smith/Dave Standish). 

Also of note a LBB Gull, 2 Sparrowhawks, c50 Redwing and c50 Fieldfare came in to roost and a Cetti's Warbler sang. The Tawny Owls were calling and 6 Snipe left as it got dark.

A distant record shot in fading light of the Bittern (Dave Smith)


Low Moor/Midhope 9/3/21.

Cold but dry with waders the highlight. c 250 Golden Plovers ne, probably more but lost behind Thickwoods conifers. Oystercatcher 9, Lapwing c45 in the area, 1 drumming Snipe, Curlew c 10. Crossbill c 10, Starling c 100, Raven 2, Siskin 5, GS Pecker 1. C Buzzard 3 , Sparrowhawk 1, Kestrel 1. For the second time recently a Stoat showed well on the road in its white winter coat.

9/3/21 Midhope Res + surrounding area

AM + PM visits to Midhope Res - 

max.9 Oystercatchers (pm), 4 Little Grebe, Goldeneye pair, 11 Crossbill (family party, fed for 15 mins then flew towards Langsett), Grey Wagtail pair, c50 Redwing, 4+ Song Thrush singing, 4 Mistle Thrush, Buzzard, 67 Greylag Geese on water 

Curlew - 44 fed in fields N of Res (am), 48 Barnside Moor + c40 Low Moor (pm)





Wintersett - First Sand Martin 09.03.2021

Wintersett Res: 

The first Sand Martin of 2021 flew north at 12.20hrs. (GJS,  PS, AS).

A Red Kite flew south. A Siskin flew over.  14 Fieldfare flew west.  

Water Rail 2 - boathouse reeds and west bank marsh.  

Cetti's Warbler 5 males -  east bank,  south west corner,  west bank clump, Ruin and boathouse reeds.

Cold Hiendley SF: 

Chiffchaff 3 + 3 males Wintersett Res.   Green Sandpiper 1.

Monday 8 March 2021

Carlton Marsh

There was no sign of Bittern for the second day! A Cetti's sang from the reedbed and 8 Snipe left to feed at dusk (D. Standish/CG)'

Dave Lomas took this female Great Spotted Woodpecker this morning.


Fleets Dam, Wilthorpe Marsh 8/3/21.

Fleets, - Parakeet 5, Goosander 1 fem, GC Grebe 3, Mute Swan ad pair, 1 ad Common Gull. Wilthorpe, - Parakeet 3, 1 singing Cettis, Goosander 2, Meadow Pipit 5. No sign of any Water Pipits.

Wintersett 08.03.2021

 Anglers CP:  

Snipe 28   Oystercatcher 4  (2 pairs)    Pochard 4 + 1 CHRes.   Shoveler 10   Redwing 10   Cormorant 10

Wintersett Res: 

A Water Rail was in the west bank marsh.    Cetti's Warbler 3 males - north bank,  Boathouse reeds  and west bank marsh. 

Mustelid: A Weasel was seen at Anglers CP.

Sunday 7 March 2021

Wintersett 07.03.2021

 Anglers CP: 

Pochard 7 + 1 WRes. +  2CHRes..   Shoveler 4m + 3f.  Teal 4.  Snipe 17.  Oystercatcher 5.  

Cormorant 8 + 1 WRes..   Wigeon 151 + 2 WRes..  

Wintersett Res: 

Goldeneye 73 + 55 ACP +  2 CHRes. 

Water Rail 1 boathouse reeds. Kingfisher 1.

Cetti's Warbler 4 males - south west corner,  west bank marsh,  boathouse reeds and  north bank.

Carlton Marsh

There was no sign of the Bittern tonight! A Peregrine harassed  about 20 Jackdaws as it headed for Ardagh Glassworks and 5 Snipe left at dusk (Dave & Gary Standish).

Saturday 6 March 2021

Carlton Marsh

Sunny spells 7.2c SW light. This morning Little Egret, 108 Herring Gulls, 100 BH. Gulls, 1 adult Common Gull, a Water Rail sang and 3 Buzzards were up together.

This afternoon Dabchick, 14 Greylags, a Coal Tit sang, 5 Water Rail called and 20 Pied Wagtails were following the  tractor harrowing the top field. Fieldfares and Redwing came in off the stubble field to roost.

A Bittern flew from the reed bed in front of the first seat a short distance to the right at 16.00hrs. (Gary Standish) Then at 18.20hrs it returned to the same reed bed to roost. A Cetti's Warbler sang and Male and female Tawny Owls called as 4 Snipe left to feed.   

Wintersett 06.03.2021

Anglers CP: A Redwing was singing this morning.  Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult.

Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 male in the boathouse reeds. 

Cold Hiendley SF: Chiffchaff 1 + 1 at Ruin.  Oystercatcher 2.  Pied Wagtail 11.  Grey Wagtail 2.  Green Sandpiper 1.  Stonechat 1f, also a male  near Walton Hall. 

Canal -Stoneheaps:  Reed Bunting 15.  Yellowhammer 10. 

Haw Park Wood: Stock Doves are nesting in the Kestrel Box.

A total of 8 Buzzards were in the area. 

PitsWood: A Barn Owl at dusk.

Low Moor/Midhope 6/3/21.

Very steady. Hen Harrier 1, Oystercatcher 9 together. Raven 1, C Buzzard 1, Crossbill 1+ heard only.

Friday 5 March 2021

Carlton Marsh

Bright spells this morning with more cloud this afternoon 6c east L-M. Both Bitterns came in from different parts of the marsh at dusk one after the other and settled in the same reed bed looking down from the 1st seat on the embankment (Dave Standish and including visiting birders Colin & Linda Graham).

Earlier Kingfisher, c60 Fieldfares and c15 Redwings came in off the stubble field to roost in the trees (K. Bannister).

Wintersett 05.03.2021

 Anglers CP: Redwing 1.  Shoveler 3m + 1f.  

Cold Hiendley Res: Pochard 1 + 1ACP.

Wintersett Res: A Water Rail was in the boathouse reeds.

Wilthorpe Marsh 5/3/21.

Water Pipit 1, c 70 Pinkfeet nw 10am. Raven 1, Parakeet 3, L Egret 1, Linnet flock 9. Fleets Dam - 1 pair GC Grebes prospecting, 1 pair ad Mute Swans.

Thursday 4 March 2021

Barnsley area Curlew news 4/3/21.

Kexboro area. 3 on upperfield lane with the first seen on 24th Feb. possibly present on the 23rd. 2 on cawthorne lane, c 30 at low moor/midhope.

Carlton Marsh

Sunny spells this morning showers later c7c North light. This morning Grey Wagtail, Treecreeper, Linnet over, Cetti's Warbler singing, 15 Herring Gulls and Dabchick 1 singing male (Richard Laverack/CG)

This evening 13 Fieldfare and 10 Redwing came in to roost. Then the much anticipated Bittern arrived at 17.58hrs  as the light was fading. A Tawny Owl called and a single Snipe left before a second Bittern arrived from the Habitat creation area of the marsh at 18.20hrs (Dave Standish/Dave Smith/Ian & Karen Pickard and guest birder Stu Green).

The first Smooth Newt and Cowslip of the year were found yesterday on the Western Meadow by the YWT staff.

Wintersett 04.03.2021

Anglers CP:  

A 1stW Mediterranean Gull  was in at 09.00 hrs.   72 Fieldfare were on the east bank meadow.   Redwing 2.    

Wintersett Res: 

Shoveler 2 pairs.   A Water Rail was in the boathouse reeds + 1  west bank marsh.  An adult Little Gull flew over at 15.40hrs to 15.50hrs,  then circled high and drifted west.  Cetti's Warbler 1 singing male west bank marsh + 1 singing male boathouse reeds + 1 singing male south west corner Cold Hiendley Res..  Green Woodpecker 1 Willow Wood to the Ruin.  

Goldeneye 151 (84 + 11 CHRes.. + 56 Anglers CP)  This number equals the record set on 7th March 2020!

Cold Hiendley SF: Pied Wagtail 50. 



Steve Denny took these great shots of the 1stW Mediterranean Gull 
at the duck feeding area on ACP this morning.

Wednesday 3 March 2021

Carlton Marsh

It was another cold dank day with a maximum of 4c east light. A Lesser Black-backed Gull was amongst 93 Herring Gulls on the wader scrape this morning. Also present 18 Canada Geese, 11 Greylags, 6 Tufted Ducks, a singing Dabchick and 2 Goldcrests (K. Bannister & R. Laverack).

This evening 13 Fieldfares and several Reed Buntings came in to roost. The Bittern flew a short distance from one reed bed to another at 17.58hrs and disappeared into the reeds in the fading light. All in the blink of an eye, as seen from the embankment overlooking the scrape. The Cetti's Warbler sang inbetween times (CG with Rob & his Mrs. from Pogmoor).

4 Snipe left as it got dark.

Cudworth Common
c60 Starlings, c40 Fieldfare, 10 Greenfinch, 10 Yellow Bunting, 10 Reed Bunting and a male Sparrowhawk.

Ash Plain
For all the human disturbance in the Symphony compound 4 Ringed Plover were present (Les & Andrew Corrall).

Wakefield & District Swift Group Pin Badges

 Dear All, 

I appreciate that Barnsley isn't Wakefield (it never will be ;) ) but I hope this post will be allowed by admin. 

I sure you are all aware of the plight of our Swifts, a bird which is impossible to dislike. Wakefield (district) has seen a massive reduction in Swift numbers (much like Barnsley) where council properties have have updated with new roofs , facias and soffits.  

In 2019 we formed Wakefield Swift Group to help lobby local government to protect Swifts and also to raise awareness with residents. This year we have had 200 pins made, and we hope to use the profits to pay for some swift boxes. 

We would appreciate your support, and I promise that at we will make sure at least one box gets placed in parts of the Wakefield district which fall within the Barnsley recording area (Crofton, Ryhill, Havercroft, Hemsworth etc) 

Prices are £3.50 + postage or you can catch me at Anglers Car Park most weekends.

Full Details below: 

and don't forget to like us on Facebook and Twitter 'Wakefield & District Swift Group'


Thanks , Chris Swaine 






Wintersett Roosts 03.03.2021

 Wintersett Res. Gull Roost: 

Herring Gull 250.  Black-headed Gull 3000.

Anglers CP:  

6 Goosanders came in to roost.

Wilthorpe Marsh 3/3/21.

Very steady, the only notables were Raven which flew from sf to pylon mobbed by Crows. Goosander fem on river.

Tuesday 2 March 2021

Carlton Marsh

Another ground frost this morning was followed by low cloud all day and a light easterly 5c.

4 Golden Plover flew west yesterday and a Redshank north this morning (JP).

150 Herring Gulls and a Little Egret were on the wader scrape at mid-day and a Water Rail called from the main scrape.

Elsewhere 2 Redpolls and 2 Cormorants. 40 Starlings, 13 Redwings, and 7 Fieldfare feeding in a stubble field.

Cudworth Common
9 Fieldfares, 12 Yellow Buntings, 10 Reed Buntings, 10 Skylarks and 8 Chaffinch in stubble field.

Ferrymoor Flash
7 Tufted Duck, 1 GC Grebe, 3 Cormorants, 

Ash Plain
5 Ringed Plover, 2 Snipe, 

Symphony
3 Ringed Plover, 12 Linnets and 2 R.L. Partridges (Les & Andrew Corrall).
Birds returning to this site are in for a shock, as birds scarers are being used to deter them from breeding. The site is earmarked for development!

Wintersett 02.03.2021

 Anglers CP: 

Canada Goose 45.   Greylag Goose 104.

Wintersett Res:

Pochard 6 + 1 ACP.  A Chiffchaff  was on the east bank.  A Linnet flew over.  

A Water Rail was in the boathouse reeds.

Wilthorpe Marsh 2/3/21.

Water Pipit 1, Raven 2, Peregrine 2, Parakeet 4. Feeding party Pied Wagtails c 120, Herring Gull 1 down.

Monday 1 March 2021

Carlton Marsh

Cold and foggy this morning c6c east light. 114 Herring Gulls were on the wader scrape with a Goldcrest nearby. 23 Canada Geese were found in various parts, a Water Rail called and a Cetti's sang. 3 Peregrines were seen at Ardagh Glassworks yesterday (per K Bannister)

No sign of Bittern tonight after a patient wait, but c40 Starlings came in to roost (D. Standish/JP).

February was another record breaking month for this site thanks to our dedicated observers. The record of 72 was set in 2017, but having equalled that with Dabchick, Goosander, Bittern, Chiffchaff, Redshank and Treecreeper got us over the line in recent days. A magnificent total of 77, not bad for a small site.

Wilthorpe Marsh 1/3/21.

Water Pipit 2, 2 noisy Ravens on a pylon fighting with Crows before flying w towards Cawthorne. 1 heard later but not seen. J Snipe 1, C Snipe 2, Oystercatcher 1 pair, presumed back on territory. Lapwing 14 down, Goldcrest 4 with 1 singing.