An update on the number of species recorded in the Old Moor area this year, I said the total at the end of January was 99 but I had missed one therefore revised total is exactly 100.
A further 6 species were added in February as follows :- Redshank on 4th (101), Red Necked Grebe on 5th (102), Caspian Gull on 20th (103), Curlew on 21st (104), Mediterranean Gull on 23rd (105) and finally Red Crested Pochard on 26th (106).
At the end of February 2015 the total was 103 so we are slightly up on last year.
The great start to the year continued in February with the 3rd ever record of Red Necked Grebe on the 5th. However 6 species had been seen last year by the end of February but not this - Merlin, Mandarin, Red Kite, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Stonechat.
For comparison some other inland sites totals to date are as follows:-
Lound, Nottinghamshire 114.
Swillington Ings, West Yorkshire 113.
Upton Warren, Worcestershire 96.
Potteric Carr, South Yorkshire ??.
Hatfield Moors, South Yorkshire 103.
Monday, 29 February 2016
Wintersett + Gull Roosts 29.02.16
0 - 4 degrees with 6/8 cloud and a light southerly.
Wintersett Res: A singing male Cetti's Warbler and a Water Rail on west bank. Willow Tit 1.
Disposal Point: Grey Partridge 2.
Anglers CP: Shoveler 1 m + 1 f, Snipe 8 and Green Woodpecker 2. A Woodcock flew over at dusk.
The Gull Roosts had better numbers of large gulls today. A 1stW Caspian Gull was on WRes at 17.20hrs and the leucistic Black-headed Gull was in. Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull was on Anglers CP.
Of interest: From Pugneys team. Ferruginous Duck and Mandarin Duck on Calder Wetlands lake behind Swan and Cygnet.
Wintersett Res: A singing male Cetti's Warbler and a Water Rail on west bank. Willow Tit 1.
Disposal Point: Grey Partridge 2.
Anglers CP: Shoveler 1 m + 1 f, Snipe 8 and Green Woodpecker 2. A Woodcock flew over at dusk.
The Gull Roosts had better numbers of large gulls today. A 1stW Caspian Gull was on WRes at 17.20hrs and the leucistic Black-headed Gull was in. Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull was on Anglers CP.
Of interest: From Pugneys team. Ferruginous Duck and Mandarin Duck on Calder Wetlands lake behind Swan and Cygnet.
The Edge 29.02.16
Wombwell Ings - A quiet morning on the Ings with 2 Mute Swan, 37 Canada Geese 3 Greylag, 254 Wigeon, 13 Teal, 10 Tufted Duck, 8 Gadwall, 4 Mallard, 2 Pochard, 11 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 2 Grey Heron, 35 Lapwing, 227 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 4 Skylark and 1 Mistle Thrush.
Bulling (Greensand) Dyke - Water Rail and Grey Wagtail.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 65 Greylag, 31 Tufted Duck, 22 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 1m+4f Goldeneye, 4 Mallard, 2 Pochard, 1m+1f Goosander, 5 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 101 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 135 BH Gull,8 Common Gull and 5 LBB Gull. Also present were 4 Canada Geese, 1 Kestrel, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing and 1 Willow Tit.
Bulling (Greensand) Dyke - Water Rail and Grey Wagtail.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 65 Greylag, 31 Tufted Duck, 22 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 1m+4f Goldeneye, 4 Mallard, 2 Pochard, 1m+1f Goosander, 5 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 101 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 135 BH Gull,8 Common Gull and 5 LBB Gull. Also present were 4 Canada Geese, 1 Kestrel, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing and 1 Willow Tit.
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| Wren - Bulling Dyke near hide |
Sunday, 28 February 2016
Dearne Valley Sunday 28th February
Adwick Washland
A lot colder this Sunday rather than last and gloves were back on, sunny and pleasant though and felt quite spring like. The birds have responded to the conditions and many Lapwings were back on territory and displaying, also I saw my first Ringed Plover of the year and first Redshank at Adwick this year. Full list :- Little Egret 1, Shelduck 4, Teal 88, Wigeon 67, Gadwall 46, Lapwing c150, Redshank 1, Ringed Plover 1, Snipe 1, Little Owl 1 (Gary Stones).
Bolton Ings
With news of Fridays pair of Red Crested Pochards being relocated on Bolton me and Gary decided to have a look. The birds were quickly located at the very western edge of the main pool and provided reasonable views in the sunshine. Also noted today were a pair of Goldeneye and a single Oystercatcher.
Old Moor
Onto Old Moor for the roost but first stop the Mere for the returning adult male Mediterranean Gull, couldn't find it at first but then Gary picked it up in it's usual place on island 1. He is already in full summer plumage and looking splendid, this is his seventh year with us after first being seen in 2010. I say the same thing every year, he has never attracted a mate but hopefully this year he will. There was a pair of Goldeneye displaying on the Mere and the 2 Whooper Swans could be seen on the Wader Scrape from the Mere hide. Onto the Wader Scrape for a closer look at the Whoopers, also on the Wader Scrape were 2 Goldeneye with 26 Goosanders and 2 Oystercatchers. Onto the Main Marsh for the roost but first there looked to be an increase in Shoveler from last week and a quick count revealed 118 but probably more. Also on the Main Marsh were 2 Shelduck, 2 Oystercatchers and 6 Snipe. The roost again was good with 47 Cormorants coming in with some smart looking individuals and 8 Little Egrets, 4 of the Egrets were feeding on the Main Marsh pre-roost and a further 4 came in from up the valley. Last year on this date by comparison 5 Cormorants and 4 Egrets roosted.
Other species recorded in the Old Moor area today included adult Yellow Legged Gull, pair of Bearded Tits, 10 Water Rails, Cetti's Warbler and Curlew.
A lot colder this Sunday rather than last and gloves were back on, sunny and pleasant though and felt quite spring like. The birds have responded to the conditions and many Lapwings were back on territory and displaying, also I saw my first Ringed Plover of the year and first Redshank at Adwick this year. Full list :- Little Egret 1, Shelduck 4, Teal 88, Wigeon 67, Gadwall 46, Lapwing c150, Redshank 1, Ringed Plover 1, Snipe 1, Little Owl 1 (Gary Stones).
Bolton Ings
With news of Fridays pair of Red Crested Pochards being relocated on Bolton me and Gary decided to have a look. The birds were quickly located at the very western edge of the main pool and provided reasonable views in the sunshine. Also noted today were a pair of Goldeneye and a single Oystercatcher.
Old Moor
Onto Old Moor for the roost but first stop the Mere for the returning adult male Mediterranean Gull, couldn't find it at first but then Gary picked it up in it's usual place on island 1. He is already in full summer plumage and looking splendid, this is his seventh year with us after first being seen in 2010. I say the same thing every year, he has never attracted a mate but hopefully this year he will. There was a pair of Goldeneye displaying on the Mere and the 2 Whooper Swans could be seen on the Wader Scrape from the Mere hide. Onto the Wader Scrape for a closer look at the Whoopers, also on the Wader Scrape were 2 Goldeneye with 26 Goosanders and 2 Oystercatchers. Onto the Main Marsh for the roost but first there looked to be an increase in Shoveler from last week and a quick count revealed 118 but probably more. Also on the Main Marsh were 2 Shelduck, 2 Oystercatchers and 6 Snipe. The roost again was good with 47 Cormorants coming in with some smart looking individuals and 8 Little Egrets, 4 of the Egrets were feeding on the Main Marsh pre-roost and a further 4 came in from up the valley. Last year on this date by comparison 5 Cormorants and 4 Egrets roosted.
Other species recorded in the Old Moor area today included adult Yellow Legged Gull, pair of Bearded Tits, 10 Water Rails, Cetti's Warbler and Curlew.
Ewden, cabin and return + 28/2/16.
Midday till 5pm. Cold but not uncomfortable with the south facing gable of the cabin a good sun trap.- Red Kite 1 went south over flint hill towards dukes rd. at 3-30pm + Peregrine 1, Sparrowhawk 2, Buzzard 1, Kestrel 1, Raven 10+ with some top views, 55 Jackdaws at holt farm, 2 calling Golden Plovers on broomhead moor, 17 Lapwing over, Stock Dove 2, Linnet 10, 1 Treecreeper at entrance gate. This morning 40+ Curlews in fields near barnside farm and 4 Curlews back on territorys in the kexboro area.
Trans Penine Trail Low Cudworth
2 Ravens flying high, headed off in the direction of Stairfoot at 09.50hrs. (Richard Laverack)
Wintersett + Even more disappointing Gull Roosts. 28.02.16
0 - 6 degrees with scattered cloud and a cold but light north easterly.
Wintersett Res: 35 Whooper Swans flew NW at 08.15hrs. 18 Yellowhammers in SE fields. 2Willow Tit 2 SE corner + 2 west bank. Cetti's Warbler 1 male boathouse reeds.
Anglers CP: Shoveler 2m + 1f, Oystercatcher 4, Goldeneye 69 + 33 WRes. A Barn Owl was seen at Wintersett Village 17.45hrs. A Woodcock flew over the Pol area at dusk.
The Gull Roosts were even more disappointing than usual for Sunday. Large Gull numbers were poor with only 320 Herring Gulls in ( 220 ACP + 100WRes.) The only notable was Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull, in at 17.35hrs. He seemed quiet and a bit listless tonight.
Wintersett Res: 35 Whooper Swans flew NW at 08.15hrs. 18 Yellowhammers in SE fields. 2Willow Tit 2 SE corner + 2 west bank. Cetti's Warbler 1 male boathouse reeds.
Anglers CP: Shoveler 2m + 1f, Oystercatcher 4, Goldeneye 69 + 33 WRes. A Barn Owl was seen at Wintersett Village 17.45hrs. A Woodcock flew over the Pol area at dusk.
The Gull Roosts were even more disappointing than usual for Sunday. Large Gull numbers were poor with only 320 Herring Gulls in ( 220 ACP + 100WRes.) The only notable was Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull, in at 17.35hrs. He seemed quiet and a bit listless tonight.
Saturday, 27 February 2016
Wintersett Gulls At Hampole - Photos 27.02.16
Many thanks to Andy Deighton for sharing his photos of the Wintersett Gulls at Hampole Tip this morning
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| Adult Kumlien's Gull |
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| Adult Kumlien's Gull |
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| 3rdW Kumlien's Gull |
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| 3rdW Kumlien's Gull |
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| 3rdW Kumlien's Gull |
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| Juvenile Glaucous Gull |
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| 2ndW Iceland Gull |
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| 1stW Mediterranean Gull |
Wintersett + Gull Roost Let Down 27.02.16
0 - 6 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a light, but very cold, north easterly.
Anglers CP: 2 skeins of Pink-footed Geese, 110 + 150 flew west at 09.40hrs. Golden Plover 20 south and 40 west WRes.. . Redwing 20 and Snipe 15.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 male boathouse reeds + 1 singing male south east corner. Kingfisher 1. Buzzard 1 (Botany).
Cold Hiendley SF: Pied Wagtail 58 and Grey Wagtail 3.
Haw Park Wood: Siskin 5. Nuthatch 1 + 1 Pits Wood.
Gull Roosts:
15 visitors and the Wintersett Team had their hopes dashed as the gull roosts failed to live up to expectations. After the fantastic results over the last three evenings, tonight was a very big let down, with a 1stW Mediterranean Gull the only bird of note on WRes.. Large Gull numbers were down on WRes, but better on Anglers CP. Eight observers dashed from WRes to ACP at 17.20hrs as groups of large gulls were seen to be dropping in from Hampole direction, where all three Kumliens, the 2ndW Iceland and the juvenile Glaucous Gull had been seen today. Unfortunately none of these birds could be found. At dusk groups of large gulls were dropping on ACP from the north west. At dark hundreds of gulls were flying over the car park from WRes to ACP. As we have seen in the last few weeks, there are nights when some of the Hampole large gulls choose to roost elsewhere. Unfortunately the notables chose to do just that tonight. A very disappointing end to the day for all observers.
Anglers CP: 2 skeins of Pink-footed Geese, 110 + 150 flew west at 09.40hrs. Golden Plover 20 south and 40 west WRes.. . Redwing 20 and Snipe 15.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 male boathouse reeds + 1 singing male south east corner. Kingfisher 1. Buzzard 1 (Botany).
Cold Hiendley SF: Pied Wagtail 58 and Grey Wagtail 3.
Haw Park Wood: Siskin 5. Nuthatch 1 + 1 Pits Wood.
Gull Roosts:
15 visitors and the Wintersett Team had their hopes dashed as the gull roosts failed to live up to expectations. After the fantastic results over the last three evenings, tonight was a very big let down, with a 1stW Mediterranean Gull the only bird of note on WRes.. Large Gull numbers were down on WRes, but better on Anglers CP. Eight observers dashed from WRes to ACP at 17.20hrs as groups of large gulls were seen to be dropping in from Hampole direction, where all three Kumliens, the 2ndW Iceland and the juvenile Glaucous Gull had been seen today. Unfortunately none of these birds could be found. At dusk groups of large gulls were dropping on ACP from the north west. At dark hundreds of gulls were flying over the car park from WRes to ACP. As we have seen in the last few weeks, there are nights when some of the Hampole large gulls choose to roost elsewhere. Unfortunately the notables chose to do just that tonight. A very disappointing end to the day for all observers.
NEWMILLER DAM 26-02-16
Goosander 12 (4 Male, 8 RH), Pochard 1, Great-crested Grebe 2, Dabchick 1, Tufted Duck 2, Cormorant 3. Tried a new COMBO with Canon 7D and the new 100-400mm II; Jury is still out as it was poor light, therefore high ISO
Friday, 26 February 2016
Wintersett + Stupendous Gull Roosts 26.02.16
0 - 3 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a light south easterly.
Dawn Watch per Steve Denny. The sky was overcast and 90% of the gulls left WRes. before it got light. The 2ndW Iceland left at dawn and a Barn Owl was seen.
Anglers CP: Little Grebe 4, Green Woodpecker 2, Shoveler 2 drakes and Pochard 36.
Wintersett Res: A male Cetti's Warbler was heard on the west bank at dusk.
GULL ROOSTS
The Wintersett Team and a handful of visitors were treated to a Full House this afternoon. A stupendous 10 Gull Species plus 3 Kumlien's Gulls provided plenty of entertainment. The birds came in early, in good light and fairly calm conditions.
At Wintersett Res the 3rdW Kumlien's Gull was first up at 16.00hrs and the 2ndW Iceland Gull was picked up at the same time. The 1stW Mediterranean Gull was in at 16.40hrs and the juvenile Kumlien's Gull flew in at 16.48hrs. The adult Kumlien's Gull was in at 16.55hrs. The 2ndW Caspian Gull was in at 17.30hrs and a 1stW Caspian was picked up at 17.45hrs.
Observers at Anglers CP had the juvenile Glaucous Gull and Psycho the adult Yellow-legged Gull at 17.45hrs .
Area Gull totals: Herring Gull 1420 (500 ACP + 920 WRes), Great Black-backed Gull 11, Lesser Black-backed Gull 9, Black-headed Gull 3700 + the leucistic adult at 17.04hrs and Common Gulls were also present.
Another outstanding evening, that even topped last nights phenomenal roost with the addition of Caspian Gulls to the list.
Dawn Watch per Steve Denny. The sky was overcast and 90% of the gulls left WRes. before it got light. The 2ndW Iceland left at dawn and a Barn Owl was seen.
Anglers CP: Little Grebe 4, Green Woodpecker 2, Shoveler 2 drakes and Pochard 36.
Wintersett Res: A male Cetti's Warbler was heard on the west bank at dusk.
GULL ROOSTS
The Wintersett Team and a handful of visitors were treated to a Full House this afternoon. A stupendous 10 Gull Species plus 3 Kumlien's Gulls provided plenty of entertainment. The birds came in early, in good light and fairly calm conditions.
At Wintersett Res the 3rdW Kumlien's Gull was first up at 16.00hrs and the 2ndW Iceland Gull was picked up at the same time. The 1stW Mediterranean Gull was in at 16.40hrs and the juvenile Kumlien's Gull flew in at 16.48hrs. The adult Kumlien's Gull was in at 16.55hrs. The 2ndW Caspian Gull was in at 17.30hrs and a 1stW Caspian was picked up at 17.45hrs.
Observers at Anglers CP had the juvenile Glaucous Gull and Psycho the adult Yellow-legged Gull at 17.45hrs .
Area Gull totals: Herring Gull 1420 (500 ACP + 920 WRes), Great Black-backed Gull 11, Lesser Black-backed Gull 9, Black-headed Gull 3700 + the leucistic adult at 17.04hrs and Common Gulls were also present.
Another outstanding evening, that even topped last nights phenomenal roost with the addition of Caspian Gulls to the list.
Ingbirchworth - Upper Midhope
I shouldn't be so pessimistic - a good couple of hours or so.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 11 Greylag Geese, 267 Canada Geese, 22 Mallards, 10 Tufted Ducks, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Moorhens, 11 Coots, 1 'bubbling' Curlew, c100 Black-headed Gulls, c25 Common Gulls, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull (with full black hood), 14 Herring Gulls and 1 singing Song Thrush.
Whitley Common - 500+ Black-headed Gulls and 6 Common Gulls.
Upper Midhope - 1 'drumming' Great Spotted Woodpecker and c30 Starlings.
Low Moor, Upper Midhope - 23 Greylag Geese, 11 Lapwings and 42 Curlews.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 11 Greylag Geese, 267 Canada Geese, 22 Mallards, 10 Tufted Ducks, 2 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Moorhens, 11 Coots, 1 'bubbling' Curlew, c100 Black-headed Gulls, c25 Common Gulls, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull (with full black hood), 14 Herring Gulls and 1 singing Song Thrush.
Whitley Common - 500+ Black-headed Gulls and 6 Common Gulls.
Upper Midhope - 1 'drumming' Great Spotted Woodpecker and c30 Starlings.
Low Moor, Upper Midhope - 23 Greylag Geese, 11 Lapwings and 42 Curlews.
Elsecar & Broomhill
Elsecar Reservoir - 30+ Mallards, 1 drake Common Pochard, 1 drake Tufted Duck, 10 Great Crested Grebes, 16 Moorhens and c30 Black-headed Gulls.
Broomhill Flash - 3 Mute Swans, 18 Greylags, c80 Canada Geese, 21 Gadwall, 9 Teal, 7 Mallards, 2 Commons Pochards, 32 Tufted Ducks, 2 Moorhens, 31 Coots, 1 Oystercatcher, 40+Black-headed Gulls, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 13 Magpies and 1 Meadow Pipit.
On to Old Moor to twitch Red-crested Pochard then back to the moors where the air (and certainly the birds (on the ground)) is a bit thinner
Broomhill Flash - 3 Mute Swans, 18 Greylags, c80 Canada Geese, 21 Gadwall, 9 Teal, 7 Mallards, 2 Commons Pochards, 32 Tufted Ducks, 2 Moorhens, 31 Coots, 1 Oystercatcher, 40+Black-headed Gulls, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 13 Magpies and 1 Meadow Pipit.
On to Old Moor to twitch Red-crested Pochard then back to the moors where the air (and certainly the birds (on the ground)) is a bit thinner
The Edge 26.02.16
Wombwell Ings - Present were 52 Canada Geese, 3 Shelduck, 129 Wigeon,13 Teal, 8 Gadwall, 8 Mallard, 6 Tufted Duck, 4 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 9 Coot, 2 Moorhen, c30 Lapwing, c120 Golden Plover, 1 Dunlin, 192 BH Gull, 3 Common Gull, 1 Herring Gull and 6 Skylark. In Broomhill Park were 1 drumming Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 1 singing Mistle Thrush and 6 Redwing.
TPT - 4 Redwing, 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker and a Buzzard over Bolton west end.
Bolton Ings - Highlight was the brief but close view (3metres away on the Elderberry stump ) of a Treecreeper. The bird food, put down each weekday by J.Seeviour, also attracted 2 Willow Tits. On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 56 Greylag, 19 Tufted Duck, 6 Mallard, 2m+4f Goosander, 4 Pochard, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 2 Wigeon, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 121 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 114 BH Gull, 11 Common Gull, 1 Herring Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 7 Lapwing and 6 Canada Geeese.
TPT - 4 Redwing, 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker and a Buzzard over Bolton west end.
Bolton Ings - Highlight was the brief but close view (3metres away on the Elderberry stump ) of a Treecreeper. The bird food, put down each weekday by J.Seeviour, also attracted 2 Willow Tits. On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 56 Greylag, 19 Tufted Duck, 6 Mallard, 2m+4f Goosander, 4 Pochard, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 2 Wigeon, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 121 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 114 BH Gull, 11 Common Gull, 1 Herring Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 7 Lapwing and 6 Canada Geeese.
Thursday, 25 February 2016
Wintersett + Incredibly Phenomenal Gull Roosts 25.02.16
0 - 4 degrees with sun and scattered cloud and a light westerly.
There's a fantastic amount to report today with the area being watched from dawn to dusk by the Wintersett team
Dawn watch Wintersett Res. (SD) The adult Kumlien's Gull was seen from 06.20 to 6.50hrs, when it left SE. The 2ndW Iceland Gull left at dawn, as did an adult Mediterranean Gull that wasn't picked up last night.
Here is a short video clip of the adult Kumlien's Gull leaving the roost on Twitter @StevieD131.
(Even if you are not on Twitter you can access it via the the BarnsleyBSG Twitter link at the right hand side of the opening blog screen)
Anglers CP: 9 Whooper Swans left north east at 17.15hrs. (KD) 2 male Shoveler and a Stoat were seen.
Wintersett Res: A singing male Cetti's Warbler was on west bank.
Both gull roosts were watched with great hope and expectation tonight.
Area Totals: Herring Gull 1550 (1200 WRes |+ 350 ACP), Great Black-backed Gull 27 (18 WRes + 9 ACP) and Lesser Black-backed Gull 10 Wres.
Anglers CP Roost: A juvenile Glaucous Gull was in at 16.15hrs A 1st W Yellow-legged Gull was seen.
WRes Roost: The 2ndW Iceland Gull was in at 16.25hrs (GJS). Then the fun really began. The juvenile Kumlien's Gull was seen at 16.35hrs (GJS). At 16.40hrs another Kumlien's Gull was seen and caused some confusion initially, as it was taken for the adult from yesterday. Closer inspection revealed it was a 3rdW bird, not seen here before. (PS) Excitement reached fever pitch as the adult Kumlien's Gull was picked up at 17.00hrs (GJS).
THREE KUMLIEN'S GULLS - WHO WOULD HAVE BELIEVED IT???
To finish a couple of Meds - a Summer -plumage adult Mediterranean Gull in at 17.08hrs (PS) (per GJS comment below) and 1stW Mediterranean Gull was seen at 17.20hrs.
One note of disappointment, on this totally incredible night, is that we couldn't find a single Caspian Gull to complete the set - but I think we'll live with that!
There's a fantastic amount to report today with the area being watched from dawn to dusk by the Wintersett team
Dawn watch Wintersett Res. (SD) The adult Kumlien's Gull was seen from 06.20 to 6.50hrs, when it left SE. The 2ndW Iceland Gull left at dawn, as did an adult Mediterranean Gull that wasn't picked up last night.
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| Adult Kumlien's and 2ndW Iceland Gull this morning WRes Steve Denny |
Anglers CP: 9 Whooper Swans left north east at 17.15hrs. (KD) 2 male Shoveler and a Stoat were seen.
Wintersett Res: A singing male Cetti's Warbler was on west bank.
Both gull roosts were watched with great hope and expectation tonight.
Area Totals: Herring Gull 1550 (1200 WRes |+ 350 ACP), Great Black-backed Gull 27 (18 WRes + 9 ACP) and Lesser Black-backed Gull 10 Wres.
Anglers CP Roost: A juvenile Glaucous Gull was in at 16.15hrs A 1st W Yellow-legged Gull was seen.
WRes Roost: The 2ndW Iceland Gull was in at 16.25hrs (GJS). Then the fun really began. The juvenile Kumlien's Gull was seen at 16.35hrs (GJS). At 16.40hrs another Kumlien's Gull was seen and caused some confusion initially, as it was taken for the adult from yesterday. Closer inspection revealed it was a 3rdW bird, not seen here before. (PS) Excitement reached fever pitch as the adult Kumlien's Gull was picked up at 17.00hrs (GJS).
THREE KUMLIEN'S GULLS - WHO WOULD HAVE BELIEVED IT???
To finish a couple of Meds - a Summer -plumage adult Mediterranean Gull in at 17.08hrs (PS) (per GJS comment below) and 1stW Mediterranean Gull was seen at 17.20hrs.
One note of disappointment, on this totally incredible night, is that we couldn't find a single Caspian Gull to complete the set - but I think we'll live with that!
Reservoirs and Hartcliff Hill
Out this morning in the glorious winter sunshine, and signs of spring despite a light dusting of the white stuff up on the hill!
Of note: Ingbirchworth Res - male Goosander and a flock of 15 Curlew over; Scout Dike Res - a party of 35 Meadow Pipits were my first spring 'flock', 3 Great Crested Grebes and 3 redhead Goosanders, and singing male yellohammer; Royd Moor Res - male Goldeneye and single GCG. Hartcliff - c.65 Fieldfares, 45 Golden plover, 2 Curlew, 2 Buzzards, single Lesser Black-back Gull NW and a flock of c.40 Skylarks feeding in a fodder crop- the largest party I've had on my regular haunts for some time - a sign of the times perhaps? Also, a very distant skein of 100+ Pink feet heading NW over Gunthwaite at 10.35
Cheers
Russ
http://shapesthatsometimesfly.blogspot.co.uk/
Of note: Ingbirchworth Res - male Goosander and a flock of 15 Curlew over; Scout Dike Res - a party of 35 Meadow Pipits were my first spring 'flock', 3 Great Crested Grebes and 3 redhead Goosanders, and singing male yellohammer; Royd Moor Res - male Goldeneye and single GCG. Hartcliff - c.65 Fieldfares, 45 Golden plover, 2 Curlew, 2 Buzzards, single Lesser Black-back Gull NW and a flock of c.40 Skylarks feeding in a fodder crop- the largest party I've had on my regular haunts for some time - a sign of the times perhaps? Also, a very distant skein of 100+ Pink feet heading NW over Gunthwaite at 10.35
Cheers
Russ
http://shapesthatsometimesfly.blogspot.co.uk/
The Edge 25.02.16
Bolton Ings late AM- Late start today so went to Bolton first and on arrival saw a Barn Owl hunting. On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 37 Tufted Duck, 10 Gadwall, 6 Pochard, 4 Shoveler, 2m+1f Goosander, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 2 Teal, 2 Mallard, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 122 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 71 BH Gull, 1 Herring Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Cormorant, 35 Greylag, 5 Canada Geese aand 1 Oystercatcher.
Wombweell Ings early PM- Present were 2 Mute Swan, 122 Canada Geese, 11 Greylag, 189 Wigeon, 16 Teal, 6 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 2 Goosander, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 10 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 102 Golden Plover, 2 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 203 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 3 Skylark and 1 Song Thrush.
Wombweell Ings early PM- Present were 2 Mute Swan, 122 Canada Geese, 11 Greylag, 189 Wigeon, 16 Teal, 6 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 2 Goosander, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 10 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 102 Golden Plover, 2 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 203 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 3 Skylark and 1 Song Thrush.
Wednesday, 24 February 2016
Wintersett + Phenomenal Gull Roost 24.02.16
-1 to 4 degrees, cold but sunny, with a very light north westerly.
A male Cetti's was singing in the Botany Bay reedbed early this morning.
Conditions were excellent for Wintersett Res. Gull Roost this afternoon. Good light, very little wind and around 500 well spaced, big gulls, containing half a dozen notables.
A 1st W Yellow-legged Gull was in at 16.40, quickly followed by the stunning adult Kumlien's Gull at 16.50hrs. This bird is the same one that roosted here in early February and hasn't been seen here for the past 19 days. 2 x 1st W Caspian Gulls were picked up at 17.15hrs and 17.20hrs. Next up was the juvenile Kumlien's Gull flying in at 17.30hrs. The 2ndW Iceland Gull at 17.35hrs concluded an absolutely amazing roost. To get 2 Kumlien's Gulls in an inland roost is phenomenal.
A male Cetti's was singing in the Botany Bay reedbed early this morning.
Conditions were excellent for Wintersett Res. Gull Roost this afternoon. Good light, very little wind and around 500 well spaced, big gulls, containing half a dozen notables.
A 1st W Yellow-legged Gull was in at 16.40, quickly followed by the stunning adult Kumlien's Gull at 16.50hrs. This bird is the same one that roosted here in early February and hasn't been seen here for the past 19 days. 2 x 1st W Caspian Gulls were picked up at 17.15hrs and 17.20hrs. Next up was the juvenile Kumlien's Gull flying in at 17.30hrs. The 2ndW Iceland Gull at 17.35hrs concluded an absolutely amazing roost. To get 2 Kumlien's Gulls in an inland roost is phenomenal.
The Edge 24.02.16
Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 55 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 157 Wigeon, 21 Teal, 10 Mallard, 9 Gadwall, 5 Tufted Duck, 1f Goosander, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 9 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 189 Golden Plover, c80 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 290 BH Gull, 5 Common Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 6 Skylark, 7 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 7 Pied Wagtail and 2 Reed Bunting.
Bulling ( Greensand ) Dyke -In the dyke, opposite Old Moor Tavern, a Grey Wagtail, Water Rail and Little Egret were viewable at the same time.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4 Mute Swan, 52 Greylag, 34 Tufted Duck, 10 Shoveler, 7m+2f Goosander, 5m+2f Pochard, 6 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 2m+1f Goldeneye, 2 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 7 Cormorant, 114 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 146 BH Gull, 5 LBB Gulll and 4 Common Gull. Also present were 6 Canada Geese, 1 Buzzard, 1 Grey Partridge, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Jay and 1 Green Woodpecker.
Bulling ( Greensand ) Dyke -In the dyke, opposite Old Moor Tavern, a Grey Wagtail, Water Rail and Little Egret were viewable at the same time.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4 Mute Swan, 52 Greylag, 34 Tufted Duck, 10 Shoveler, 7m+2f Goosander, 5m+2f Pochard, 6 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 2m+1f Goldeneye, 2 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 7 Cormorant, 114 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 146 BH Gull, 5 LBB Gulll and 4 Common Gull. Also present were 6 Canada Geese, 1 Buzzard, 1 Grey Partridge, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Jay and 1 Green Woodpecker.
Tuesday, 23 February 2016
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