Nice addition to my Stainborough Country Park list today ~ a single Brambling at the top of South Avenue.
Also Common Buzzard out of Warren Wood.
Monday, 21 November 2011
Sunday, 20 November 2011
SUNDAY 20TH NOVEMBER
EDDERTHORPE FLASH
WEBS count day. Foggy until 2pm so all counts from last couple of hours of daylight.
White-fronted Goose 29, Greylag Goose 150, Canada Goose 183, Ross's Goose 1, Mute Swan 2, Shelduck 1, Mallard 258, Gadwall 6, Teal 202, Wigeon 51, Shoveler 46, tufted 10, Pochard 2, Cormorant 10, Little Grebe 2, Coot 5, Lapwing 450, Golden Plover 1000, Dunlin 12, Snipe 1, Common Buzzard 1.
FERRYMOOR
Mallard 90, Shoveler 31, Teal 6, Tufted 12, Coot 7.
EDDERTHORPE FLASH
WEBS count day. Foggy until 2pm so all counts from last couple of hours of daylight.
White-fronted Goose 29, Greylag Goose 150, Canada Goose 183, Ross's Goose 1, Mute Swan 2, Shelduck 1, Mallard 258, Gadwall 6, Teal 202, Wigeon 51, Shoveler 46, tufted 10, Pochard 2, Cormorant 10, Little Grebe 2, Coot 5, Lapwing 450, Golden Plover 1000, Dunlin 12, Snipe 1, Common Buzzard 1.
FERRYMOOR
Mallard 90, Shoveler 31, Teal 6, Tufted 12, Coot 7.
Saturday, 19 November 2011
SATURDAY 19th NOVEMBER
EDDERTHORPE FLASH
The flock of 29 White-fronted Geese are still in the valley with the Greylag flock - this afternoon they were all in the field over the river from the flash. The golden Plover flock is impressive with at least 3700 birds, over 400 Lapwing and 11 Dunlin.
WINTERSETT RESERVOIR
The drake American Wigeon is still present, usually on the Top Res but if flushed by boats it retreats to the Country Park lake. Pink-footed Goose in with the 'resident' goose flock. Water Rails are conspicuous around the Top Res at present with at least a dozen there. Both Cettis Warblers were recorded today although the male is not very vocal or singing at present. A Chiffchaff was seen around the Top Res.
EDDERTHORPE FLASH
The flock of 29 White-fronted Geese are still in the valley with the Greylag flock - this afternoon they were all in the field over the river from the flash. The golden Plover flock is impressive with at least 3700 birds, over 400 Lapwing and 11 Dunlin.
WINTERSETT RESERVOIR
The drake American Wigeon is still present, usually on the Top Res but if flushed by boats it retreats to the Country Park lake. Pink-footed Goose in with the 'resident' goose flock. Water Rails are conspicuous around the Top Res at present with at least a dozen there. Both Cettis Warblers were recorded today although the male is not very vocal or singing at present. A Chiffchaff was seen around the Top Res.
Saturday 19th November
Royd Moor Reservoir
2 juvenile White-fronted Geese in with 72 Greylag Geese. Apparently they have been in the area since Thursday (17th).
2 juvenile White-fronted Geese in with 72 Greylag Geese. Apparently they have been in the area since Thursday (17th).
Friday, 18 November 2011
Friday 18th November
Broasdstones/Broadstones Reservoir
Good numbers of plovers and starlings still about but the number of gulls (particularly Common Gulls) has fallen significantly. The totals were:
450+ Lapwing, 116 Golden Plover and 300+ Starling.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir
36 Greylag Geese, 110 Canada Geese and 10 Tufted Duck.
Ingbirchworth
A high late November count of c50 Linnets.
Royd Moor Res.
25 Grey Lag Geese.
Good numbers of plovers and starlings still about but the number of gulls (particularly Common Gulls) has fallen significantly. The totals were:
450+ Lapwing, 116 Golden Plover and 300+ Starling.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir
36 Greylag Geese, 110 Canada Geese and 10 Tufted Duck.
Ingbirchworth
A high late November count of c50 Linnets.
Royd Moor Res.
25 Grey Lag Geese.
Thursday, 17 November 2011
White fronts
People shooting in fields between Darfield and Ardsley this morning.
Soon after a line of white fronts went very low over the back garden and just over the top of the house heading towards Broomhill.
Couldn't see the back end of the line but there was at least 5.
These birds keep disappearing.
I think this dispels the rumour that the Dearne Valley is snowed under with birders.
This might be so at Old Moor but nowhere else is watched throughout the day.
If a flock of geese can go missing for days then what else is out there?
Soon after a line of white fronts went very low over the back garden and just over the top of the house heading towards Broomhill.
Couldn't see the back end of the line but there was at least 5.
These birds keep disappearing.
I think this dispels the rumour that the Dearne Valley is snowed under with birders.
This might be so at Old Moor but nowhere else is watched throughout the day.
If a flock of geese can go missing for days then what else is out there?
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Other News (16/11/11)
Old Moor
A redhead Smew (probable 1st winter male) was on the field pools and a Cetti's Warbler over on the reedbeds . . . fingers crossed for a mild winter!
Wintersett/Anglers cp
The American Wigeon still is still present on the north bank of Wintersett reservoir. A nice surprise was a Scandinavian Chiffchaff (abietinus) which was caught and ringed.
A single adult Whooper Swan was on Anglers along with 5 Goosander. The gull roost is increasingly building with incredible numbers of Black-headed and Common Gulls.
A juv Aythya sp was also on Anglers which had a bill pattern similar to that of Lesser Scaup. What are the chances of there being two North American duck? . . ,
See image below
A juv Aythya sp was also on Anglers which had a bill pattern similar to that of Lesser Scaup. What are the chances of there being two North American duck? . . ,
See image below
Aythya sp on Anglers. © Carl Dixon
Wednesday 16th November
Had a decent morning today, with the following of note:
Langsett Banks
Flock of 35+ Coal Tits with 3-4 Goldcrests.
Langsett Reservoir
74 Pink-footed Geese east at 10:55hrs (and a skein later over Underbank Reservoir but these were only heard and must have been high and above the low cloud), and 2 Brambling with Chaffinches.
Midhope Reservoir
6 Black Grouse at Edge Cliff Brook moving to Spring Moor.
Barnside Moor
1 ringtail Hen Harrier leaving south over Ewden Height.
Langsett Banks
Flock of 35+ Coal Tits with 3-4 Goldcrests.
Langsett Reservoir
74 Pink-footed Geese east at 10:55hrs (and a skein later over Underbank Reservoir but these were only heard and must have been high and above the low cloud), and 2 Brambling with Chaffinches.
Midhope Reservoir
6 Black Grouse at Edge Cliff Brook moving to Spring Moor.
Barnside Moor
1 ringtail Hen Harrier leaving south over Ewden Height.
Edderthorpe 15th November 2011
Had a run round looking for bean geese in the Edderthorpe area today.
Been down to Tyreshall Farm and scanned the fields there and then been down Edderthorpe Lane checking the fields there.
Nowt found but these fields are smallish and many of them are used for grazing cattle so on the face of it they look suitable for bean geese.
Had about a hour sat on Greys Bench at Edderthorpe - and Edderthorpe at the moment is looking fantastic.
The white fronts are still there but they were on and behind the flood banking near the river. I'd guess there's still about 10 there.
Also about 3000 goldies, 15 dunlin and loads of ducks including a shelduck.
The wind pump has been installed by the RSPB and with any luck this will provide the right conditions in the spring to produce all the passage and breeding birds year after year. Which is great news !!!
However, I don't know how secure the structure of the wind pump is because its easily accessible as things stand now and so consequently its likely to end up being weighed in.
Been down to Tyreshall Farm and scanned the fields there and then been down Edderthorpe Lane checking the fields there.
Nowt found but these fields are smallish and many of them are used for grazing cattle so on the face of it they look suitable for bean geese.
Had about a hour sat on Greys Bench at Edderthorpe - and Edderthorpe at the moment is looking fantastic.
The white fronts are still there but they were on and behind the flood banking near the river. I'd guess there's still about 10 there.
Also about 3000 goldies, 15 dunlin and loads of ducks including a shelduck.
The wind pump has been installed by the RSPB and with any luck this will provide the right conditions in the spring to produce all the passage and breeding birds year after year. Which is great news !!!
However, I don't know how secure the structure of the wind pump is because its easily accessible as things stand now and so consequently its likely to end up being weighed in.
Monday, 14 November 2011
14th November
Langsett
1 female Goshawk (only my second since the spring)
Broadstones Reservoir
124 Common Gulls, 350+ Lapwing, 15 Golden Plover and 300+ Starlings.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir
65 Greylag Geese and 6 Tufted Ducks.
1 female Goshawk (only my second since the spring)
Broadstones Reservoir
124 Common Gulls, 350+ Lapwing, 15 Golden Plover and 300+ Starlings.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir
65 Greylag Geese and 6 Tufted Ducks.
Saturday, 12 November 2011
Saturday 12th November
Wintersett reservoir
The American Wigeon was near the boathouse this morning before flying onto Anglers where it spent the rest of the day. Goldeneye are beginning to increase in number with at least 26 present. The resident Cetti's sang on a couple of occasions with 1-2 birds still along the west bank.
Edderthorpe Flash
Up to 29 White-fronted Goose (inc. 7 juv) were amongst the local Greylag and Canada geese (and Ross's Goose), moving between the flash and the field to the west. A Brent Goose was also present this morning but later disappeared. Other birds included Shelduck, 8 Dunlin and c.3000 Golden Plover.
Also, 5 Waxwing were reported from Carlton Village this afternoon.
Friday 11th November 2011
Midhope Reservoir
In the gloom. 3 Goldeneye (2 drakes), 3 Tufted Duck and 2 Little Grebe.
Midhopestones
5 Red-legged Partridge and c120 Fieldfare.
In the gloom. 3 Goldeneye (2 drakes), 3 Tufted Duck and 2 Little Grebe.
Midhopestones
5 Red-legged Partridge and c120 Fieldfare.
Thursday, 10 November 2011
Thursday 10th November
Worsbrough reservoir
Some locally uncommon species present today, including 2 Little Grebe, 2 Goldeneye(pair), 2 Gadwall (pair), 4 Green Sandpiper and 1 Redshank.
Some locally uncommon species present today, including 2 Little Grebe, 2 Goldeneye(pair), 2 Gadwall (pair), 4 Green Sandpiper and 1 Redshank.
Water levels have been low at the site for just over a month in order to carry out repairs on the dam head. The level is slowly returning to normal but has attracted species such as Ruff and Rock Pipit, both of which are scarce visitors to the valley.
Wintersett reservoir
The American Wigeon was present near the boathouse all day. A Shelduck was also present in the area.
Wintersett reservoir
The American Wigeon was present near the boathouse all day. A Shelduck was also present in the area.
American Wigeon on Anglers CP. © Ron Marshall
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
WEDNESDAY 9th NOVEMBER
WINTERSETT RESERVOIR
Another excellent day here and another new species for the site. A fine drake American Wigeon was found on the Country Park lake early afternoon and is still present at dusk. It is feeding on weed brought to the surface by Coot directly out from the hide and is showing well. There were also 4 White-fronted Geese seen early morning flying over the Top Res and heading south. A flock of about 100 Pink-footed Geese flew west at dusk.
WORSBROUGH RESERVOIR
A late Swallow was over the res in the morning.
WINTERSETT RESERVOIR
Another excellent day here and another new species for the site. A fine drake American Wigeon was found on the Country Park lake early afternoon and is still present at dusk. It is feeding on weed brought to the surface by Coot directly out from the hide and is showing well. There were also 4 White-fronted Geese seen early morning flying over the Top Res and heading south. A flock of about 100 Pink-footed Geese flew west at dusk.
WORSBROUGH RESERVOIR
A late Swallow was over the res in the morning.
Monday, 7 November 2011
MONDAY 7th NOVEMBER
WINTERSETT RESERVOIR
All day from dawn to dusk was spent unsucessfully searching for yesterdays Penduline Tit. This wasn't a wasted day though as scrutiny of the reedbeds turned up a new Cettis Warbler as well as the resident bird. A short-eared Owl circled the top res at mid day before heading off southwards and a Lesser Spotted woodpecker flew up the top bank in the morning. Visable migration was poor- the Woodies must have all move out yesterday
WINTERSETT RESERVOIR
All day from dawn to dusk was spent unsucessfully searching for yesterdays Penduline Tit. This wasn't a wasted day though as scrutiny of the reedbeds turned up a new Cettis Warbler as well as the resident bird. A short-eared Owl circled the top res at mid day before heading off southwards and a Lesser Spotted woodpecker flew up the top bank in the morning. Visable migration was poor- the Woodies must have all move out yesterday
Sunday, 6 November 2011
SUNDAY 6th NOVEMBER 2011
Wintersett Reservoir did the business today with a new bird for the Barnsley Area; Pete Smith found a Penduline Tit this morning near the boathouse. It played very hard to get but eventually in the next hour or so seven birders managed to see the bird with some good photographs being obtained. Unfotunatly at about 1pm it decided to fly across the reservoir towards another reedbed and despite being looked for all afternoon by many birders it wasnt seen again. This is a very rare bird in Yorkshire being only the fifth record in the County and the first since 1992.
A extreamly large passage of Wood Pigeons flying south in the first few hours after dawn resulted in a record count of over 28,000 moving, easily beating the previous record count of 8,000.
Wintersett Reservoir did the business today with a new bird for the Barnsley Area; Pete Smith found a Penduline Tit this morning near the boathouse. It played very hard to get but eventually in the next hour or so seven birders managed to see the bird with some good photographs being obtained. Unfotunatly at about 1pm it decided to fly across the reservoir towards another reedbed and despite being looked for all afternoon by many birders it wasnt seen again. This is a very rare bird in Yorkshire being only the fifth record in the County and the first since 1992.
A extreamly large passage of Wood Pigeons flying south in the first few hours after dawn resulted in a record count of over 28,000 moving, easily beating the previous record count of 8,000.
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
1st November 2011
Edderthorpe Flash - in the early morning mist;
at least 3 Dunlin, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Shoveler,
Teal, G Heron, Meadow Pipits
Spring Vale Road, Park Springs - Chiffchaff
Ferry Moor Lake - Shoveler, Tufted Duck
M Doveston
at least 3 Dunlin, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Shoveler,
Teal, G Heron, Meadow Pipits
Spring Vale Road, Park Springs - Chiffchaff
Ferry Moor Lake - Shoveler, Tufted Duck
M Doveston
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