Wednesday 21 May 2014

Edderthorpe, Wednesday morning

Another excellent mornings birding here - whats going on? On Houghton Wash the Glossy Ibis remains in residence and is joined by a drake Garganey this morning. At Edderthorpe a adult SHAG flew through southwards following the valley at 06.30. The green tint to its glossy plumage shining brightly in the morning sun. Presumably this is a first for Edderthorpe, the last seen at Old Moor (Wath as it was then) was way back in 1973. This species wasn't even on the radar for this time of year (although similar to last summers Gannet at Old Moor) and will give the 'Wath doubters' (you know who you are) some mileage! Also here;- Greenshank 1, Redshank 8, Ringed Plover 12, Dunlin 1, Oystercatcher 1, Shelduck 7.

3 comments:

The WIM Man said...

Dashed straight onto Wombwell to look for it Gray, but all I could find was a single Cormorant. Didn't include that in the news I tweeted as I though you might think I'd become one of those 'Wath doubters' you mentioned although I doubt it!

Wath Coot said...

Glad to see early morning visits are paying off. It has certainly become a rare bird in the area in recent years. Last record I know of was 2 immature's on Top Res at Wintersett on 23rd Dec 2001 (PM). The Ibis was (1973), only records of Shag at Wath were singles on 20th Oct 1976 (JES) & 21st Jan 1978 (JH, RH, DMP) so well over due for us younguns. Although there was a probable in BH car park other night judging by large pink bra adorning the fence.
Definitely first for Edderthorpe, about 23rd record for Barnsley and 3rd record for May, others being 4 east with 2 Cormorant at Wintersett on 4th May 1980 & 1 at Broomhead on 21st May 1996.

Graham Speight said...

Thanks to 'the coot' for enlightening us - not quite so unexpected as I thought.