Thursday 31 July 2014

More Hall & Broomhead

More Hall Reservoir - 9 Greylag Geese, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 1 Coot.
Broomhead Reservoir - 1 creamcrown Marsh Harrier.

Wintersett 31.07.14

17°C, warm but cloudy with a light south westerly.
Anglers CP:  A Whimbrel dropped onto the rocks, very briefly at 09.38hrs.  It left north when flushed by BH Gulls.   Yellow-legged Gull 1adult and Common Gull 1.  Common Tern 2 adults.  Grey Wagtail 2.  Tufted Duck 2 vs young ACP,  1 female + 2m/L young WHall, 1 female + 2s/m young CHRes and 6 L/Fl young WRes..
Hare Park: Buzzard 3 and Swift 70.
Cold Hiendley Res: Willow Tit 1,  Goldeneye 1 female, Pochard 1 and Mallard 3 young.
This afternoon we had a jaunt to the Dearne Valley and saw the Great White Egret on Bolton Ings briefly, before it returned to Wath Ings.

Great White Egret     Wath Ings from hide.       ASmith

Summert un nowt

Winscar Reservoir - 21 Canada Geese, 64 Mallards, 1 Kestrel and 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Broadstone Reservoir - 8 Mallards, 1 Kestrel and 6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 1 Canada Goose, 105 Mallards, 24 Tufted Ducks,1 Grey Heron, 5 Little Grebes, 2 Great Crested Grebes + 1 y, 9 Moorhens and 23 Coots.
Gunthwaite Dam - 27 Mallards, 7 (4 juveniles & 3 adults) Grey Heron, 3 Moorhens + 3 young and a pair of Coots + 1 young.
Castle Dam - 21 Mallards + a brood of 4 small ducklings, 4 Moorhens and 15 Coots.
Roughbirchworth Common - 300+ Jackdaws and 15+ Rooks.

The Edge 31st July

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 5 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, 174 Canada Geese, 123 Greylag, 102 Mallard, 18 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, 2 Teal, 29+ Lapwing, 1 Green Sandpiper, 61 BH Gull, 1 Greater Spoted Woodpecker, 1 Green Woodpecker, 6+ Pied Wagtail, 4+ Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail and 3 Linnet. 1 Garganey +2 Little Ringed Plover seen early AM by J.Hewitt.
Broomhill Flash late AM-  Noted were 26+ Little Grebe, 1 Black Necked Grebe, 2 Mute Swan + 2 juv, 56 Gadwall, 21 Mallard, 18 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard. 3 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Barn Owl and c60 Sand Martin.
Bolton Ings early PM- Highlight was the Great White Egret. Got the closest view from Warbler Way when it was on Wath Ings.   It left Wath Ings about 1.30pm for the Bolton Ings west pool but the dense vegetation  prevented its relocation. Fortunately for the few souls who ventured down the TPT to the Cormorant Hide, it flew onto the east pool but after a few minutes it flew back to Wath Ings. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 9 Little Grebe, 4a+1y Great Crested Grebe, 3 Mute Swan + 11 juv, 13 Canada Geese, 12 Greylag, 69 Gadwall, 13 Tufted Duck, 7 Pochard, 4 Mallard, 17 BH Gull, 2a+1juv LBB Gull, 1 Herring Gull, 1 Oystercatcher and 18 Lapwing
Great White Egret on Wath Ings - from Warbler Way


Edderthorpe Flash 31st July

This morning, 1 Turnstone, 4 Dunlin, 6 Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper and 1 Curlew.Re Ivan Martin.

Wednesday 30 July 2014

The Edge 30th July

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Highlight was the juvenile Peregrine which came a-hunting at 9.22am. Having no joy chasing BH Gulls and Lapwing it started flying low over the water . A young Moorhen inadvisedly took flight and was immediately caught by the Peregrine. It flew with its load towards the shore but any hopes of photos were dashed when it landed out of view behind some juncus grass, its presence marked  by a mad dash of 10+ Mallard for the safety of the open water. Surprisingly, it emerged less than two minutes later and began to harry the birds before making its exit north over Darfield Church. Probably just had  a quick snack  of the Moorhen's brain. Ah summertime and the living is easy ( for some! ). Also present were 4 Little Egret, 4 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan,  118 Canada Geese, 65 Greylag, 62 Mallard, 21 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 1 Garganey, 45+ Lapwing, 56 BH Gull, 5 Linnet, 3+ Pied Wagtail and 1 Skylark.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 32+ Little Grebe, 1 Black Necked Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 6 Mute Swan +2 juv, 48 Gadwall, 23 Mallard, 19 Tufted Duck, 3 Shoveler, 1 Pochard, 6+ Snipe, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 2a+3juv LBB Gull, 2 Red Legged Partridge and 1 Barn Owl( box at  top of Clegg's Meadow).
Bolton Ins late AM/early PM- On the open water were 9 Little Grebe, 5a+2y Great Crested Grebe, 1Mute Swan +2 juv, 96 Gadwall, 16a+5y Tufted Duck, 12 Mallard, 8 Pochard, 2 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 1 Shoveler, 2a+3juv LBB Gull and 13 BH Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 7 Cormorant, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Green Woodpecker - Bolton Ings

Old Moor Nocturnal Report - Tuesday 29th July

Mere - Green Sandpiper 2, Common Sandpiper 2.

Field Pool - Green Sandpiper 1.

Main Marsh - Mute Swan 19, Wigeon 1, Oystercatcher 3, Lapwing c350, Black Tailed Godwit 4, Green Sandpiper 2, Barn Owl 1.

Roost in willows on Willow Pool - Grey Heron 5, Cormorant 9, Little Egret 15.

There were 9 Little Egrets already into roost (the Teatime team) before I arrived and another 6 came in as follows - 2 at 20.25, 1 at 20.51, 1 at 20.54, 1 at 21.20 and finally 1 at 21.32. All the 6 birds came in from down the valley.

Wintersett 30.07.14

Cool and cloudy start, but up to 19°C by midday, with a westerly breeze.
Anglers CP:  A  Wheatear  was on the north bank, also 2 Grey Wagtails. The usual adult Yellow-legged Gull and an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull flew in mid morning, as did 2 adult Common Terns.   Green Woodpecker 1,  Teal 1, Little Grebe 1, Great Crested Grebe 18, House Martin 50, Sand Martin 20 and  Swift 6. 
Cold Hiendley Res:There are lots of Tufted Duck in wing moult  here and on ACP.  Tufted broods: 2 vs ACP + 6L WRes..   Great Crested Grebe broods  5 s/m + 1fl + 1m + 1L + 1s/m..  Pochard 1.

Wheatear                               PMeredith





The reason the shallows were quiet ....              Lynz Harston

Ingbirhworth & Midhope

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 3 Canada Geese, 63 Mallards, 21 Tufted Ducks, Little Grebe + 2 young, Great Crested Grebe + 1 young, 6 Moorhens, 18 Coots, 10+ Swifts and c100 Swallows.
Midhope Reservoir - 14 Mallards, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Hobby, 1 Kestrel, 1 Lapwing, 7 Little Grebes (including well-grown young).
Broomhead Reservoir - 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Moorhens and 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Tuesday 29 July 2014

Carlton Marsh

A ringing session tonight provided 13 new birds and 2 retraps that included 9 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap and 1 Garden Warbler. A juv Tawny Owl was calling at dusk.

Earlier Chris Parkin counted 222 Peacock butterflies, 5 Red Admirals and a Large Wainscot Moth was of note.

The Edge 29th July

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 7 Little Egret, 7 Grey Heron, 91 Greylag, 11 Canada Geese, 49 Mallard, 8 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 1 Garganey, 3 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 108 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Kestrel. 3+ Yellow Wagtail, 4 Pied Wagtail,1 Skylark and 6 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 29 Little Grebe, 1 Black Necked Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 2 Mute Swan +2 juv, 51 Gadwall, 21 Tufted Duck, 8 Shoveler, 6 Teal, 2 LBB Gull, 5 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper,and 1 Barn Owl.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- On the open water were 11 Little Grebe, 4a+1y Great Crested Grebe, 3 Mute Swan+8 Juv, 21 Greylag, 49 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Duck, 3 Pochard and  13 BH Gull . Also present were 8 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Kestrel and 3 Kingfisher.

Old Moor Nocturnal Report - Monday 28th July

Mere - Green Sandpiper 4, Common Sandpiper 2.

Wader Scrape - Common Sandpiper 5, Black Tailed Godwit 1.

Main Marsh - Mute Swan 21, Wigeon 1, Oystercatcher 10, Lapwing c500, Black Tailed Godwit 2, Dunlin 1, Common Tern 1, Barn Owl 1, Kestrel 1, Sparrowhawk 1, Kingfisher 1, Green Woodpecker 1.

Roost in willows on Willow Pool - Grey Heron 1, Cormorant 10, Little Egret 21.

Couldn't quite break the Little Egret record tonight, no times or directions either. By the time I got to the Wader Scrape at 19.40 there were already 11 Egrets tucked up in the willows and they had increased to 14 by Wath Ings. Another 7 came in mostly from down the valley with the last 1 at approx. 21.10.


Wintersett 29.07.14

No blog yesterday due to another successful jaunt. This time for Pacific Golden Plover at Middleton Lakes, Staffs.
19°C,  hot and sunny first thing but clouded over mid morning with a light westerly.
Anglers CP:  A juvenile Cuckoo flew into vegetation near the main hide at 11.08hrs.  A 2nd summer Yellow-legged Gull flew SW at 10.45hrs.  Oystercatcher 1,  Pochard 2,  Cormorant 6, Tufted Duck 4 vs young and Willow Tit 1.

Edderthorpe, Tuesday morning

Lots of birds feeding on the Flash, the highlights;- Little Egret 2, Shoveler 7, Little Grebe 23, Green Sandpiper 3, Common Sandpiper 3, Ringed Plover 3, Dunlin 1, Common Snipe 15, Common Tern 3.

Monday 28 July 2014

Scout Dike & Royd Moor

Scout Dike Reservoir - 19 Mallards, 2 Tufted Ducks, 8 (3 full-grown juveniles) Great Crested Grebes, 8 Moorhens, (only) 6 Coots and a family party of  4+ Willow Tits.
Royd Moor Reservoir - 38 Greylag Geese, 63 Canada Geese, 20 Mallards, 2 Tufted Ducks, 2 juvenile Little Grebes, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Moorhens, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, a family party of 4+ Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 10+ Common Whitethroats, 2 Tree Sparrows, 10+ Yellowhammers and 15+ Reed Buntings.
Midhope Reservoir - 5 Greylag Geese, 17 Canada Geese, 10 Mallards, 2 Little Grebes + 2 young, 5 Moorhens and 1 juvenile Redstart.

Old Moor Nocturnal Report - Sunday 27th July

Mere - Green Sandpiper 4, Common Sandpiper 3.

Field Pool - Little Egret 4, Oystercatcher 1, Green Sandpiper 1.

Wader Scrape - Little Egret 1, Common Sandpiper 2.

Main Marsh - Mute Swan 21, Wigeon 1, Little Egret 5, Oystercatcher 3, Lapwing c350, Black Tailed Godwit 8+, Green Sandpiper 1, Common Tern 1, Barn Owl 1, Green Woodpecker 1, Swift 55 north.

Roost in willows on Willow Pool - Grey Heron 3, Cormorant 10, Little Egret 16 came into roost as follows - 5 already in, 2 at 20.11, 1 at 20.15, 1 at 20.27, 3 at 20.30, 1 at 20.44, 1 at 20.51, 1 at 21.01 and finally 1 at 21.33.

The Egrets came in early tonight compared to last week, the 5 already on the main marsh included an adult with colour rings, red on left leg and green on right leg. It was right in front of the hide but the rings were covered in weed and I couldn't read the numbers/letters. Tonight 7 came in from down the valley and only 4 from up the valley.

Edderthorpe Flash 28th July

1 Common Redstart, 4 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 4 Common Sandpiper, 9 Snipe and 3 Common Tern 1 juvenile.

Edderthorpe, weekend highlights

Best bird of the weekend was a cream-crown Marsh Harrier that flew around flushing everything early morning Saturday (JCC). Up to 3 Little Egrets, Mallard 290, Teal 10, Gadwall 108, Wigeon 2, Tufted 15, Little Grebe 24, Coot 114, Lapwing 480, Green Sandpiper 4, Common Sandpiper 5, Dunlin 1, Ringed Plover 7 (none on Sunday), Common Tern 1, Little Owl 1. BROOMHEAD;- a stroll around the woods Saturday morning;- no crossbills of any type were found even though there is a excellent pine crop this year. On the reservoir - Mallard 64, Tufted 1. In the woods - Nuthatch 7, Blackcap 15, loads of Coal tits and Goldcrests. A Peregrine and a Kestrel were the only raptors seen on a 3 hour watch!

Sunday 27 July 2014

Wintersett 27.07.14

Up to 20°C by midday,  sunny with scattered cloud and a light north westerly.
Wintersett Res: Oystercatcher 1 over. 
Cold Hiendley Res: Common Tern 4 adults + 1 juv. and Pochard 2.  Great Crested Grebe young 4s + 1s. The number of Tufted Duck in the area is rising with 345 counted  (202 +  135 ACP + 8 WRes), also 2 small young  CHRes + 6m/L young WRes. 
Anglers CP:  Common Scoter 1 male,  Goldeneye 1 female, Shelduck 1 juv,  usual adult Yellow-legged Gull, Grey Wagtail 1 juv and Ringed Plover 1 juv..  Mallard 2 small young.  A Little Egret flew north over at 14.04hrs.
Butterflies:  Brimstone 1male and Holly Blue 1. 

Saturday 26 July 2014

Langsett Gull Roost

Langsett Resservoir - 27 Canada Geese, 55 Mallards, 5 Tufted Ducks, 1 Common Sandpiper and c100 Swallows.
Gull Roost - 123 Black=headed Gulls, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls and 59 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

Wintersett 26.07.14

26°C,  very hot and sunny with a very light westerly.
Anglers CP: The juvenile Black-necked Grebe is still present.  Oystercatcher 1.
Cold Hiendley Res: Tufted Duck broods - 7 vs + 6s/m + 2s
Wintersett Res:  2 juvenile Grasshopper Warblers were ringed this morning.  Common Tern 2.  Kingfisher 1 and the usual adult Yellow-legged Gull.
Butterfly: White-letter Hairstreak  on Haw Park Lane.

Underbank & Midhope

Underbank Reservoir - 88 Mallards, 3 Grey Herons, 5 Moorhens and 4 Coots.
Midhope Reservoir - 2 Greylag Geese, 5 Canada Geese, 1 female Teal, 28 Mallards, 7+ Little Grebes, 1 Common Buzzard and 1 Curlew.

Friday 25 July 2014

Wintersett 25.07.14

26°C,  hot and sunny with a north easterly breeze.
Walton Hall: Great Crested Grebe 4 adults + 3 s + 2Fl young.  Mallard  young 5 fl. + 2 fL + 1 fL and 3s ACP.  Tufted Duck 1m/l young.  Mute Swan 2 adults + 2 young and Kingfisher 1.
Anglers CP:  Greenshank 1 over at 05.30hrs.  Black necked Grebe 1 juv.,  Common Tern 2 adults + 1 juv., Pochard 1 female,  Grey Wagtail 2,  Mallard 3 small young,  Water Rail 1 and  Oystercatcher 1 over. The adult Yellow-legged Gull was present. 
Here's a link to Mick Hemingway's photograph, taken yesterday,  of Psycho's latest kill. The BHGull chick wasn't even eaten because Psycho was hassled away by the adult Black-headed Gulls .
https://twitter.com/mhemingway25/status/492343152704249857

The Edge 25th July

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 8 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Mute Swan, 52 Canada Geese, 53 Greylag, 64 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 1 Garganey, 40+ Lapwing, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 3 Pied Wagtail, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Skylark, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 singing Chiffchaff. A mid PM revisit saw an increase to 16+ Pied Wagtail and the addition of 2 Little Ringed Plover.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 28 Little Grebe, 1 Black Necked Grebe, 1 Mute Swan, 38 Gadwall, 27a+3y Tufted Duck, 20 Mallard, 1 Pochard, 2 Snipe and 2 Green Sandpiper. Also seen mid AM were a Barn Owl( box at top of Clegg's Meadow ) and 1 Little Egret.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- On the open water were 1 Cormorant, 8 Little Grebe, 5a+1y Great Crested Grebe, 3 Mute San+8 cygnets, 68 Gadwall, 10a+4y Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 8 Pochard, 1 Shoveler, 1 Wigeon, 31 BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 41 Greylag, 38 Canada Geese, 200+ Lapwing and 10 Oystercatcher.

Bit of belated.

Sunday 20-7-14. Ewden shooting lodge- Hobby showing well on and off, Raven 2, at least 6 kestrels. Not much else of note apart from the breeding pair of swallows in the lodge which must be in contention for the highest in the Barnsley area along with a pair of stock doves.

Adwick (am)

Little Egret 2, Black t Godwit 4, Common Sandpiper 1, Green Sandpiper 1, LRP 1, Redstart 1 still present.

Edderthorpe, Friday morning

No early morning fog, unlike the previous two days. Plenty of birds on the Flash but not too much changing day to day. Wigeon 2, Common Sandpiper 5, Ringed Plover 9, Dunlin 1. Surprisingly, no egrets by 07.00.

Old Moor Nocturnal Report - Thursday 24th July

Mere/Wader Scrape - Green Sandpiper 7, Common Sandpiper 2.

Main Marsh - Mute Swan 22, Wigeon 1, Oystercatcher 9, Ruff 1, Dunlin 1, Barn Owl 2, Green Woodpecker 1, Great Spotted Woodpecker 1.

Roost in willows on Willow Pool - Grey Heron 3, Cormorant 6, Little Egret 14 came into roost as follows - 1 already in, 2 at 21.01, 1 at 21.05, 2 at 21.17, 1 at 21.33, 1 at 21.34, 2 at 21.39, 1 at 21.41, 2 at 21.44 and finally 1 at 21.48. The Egrets came in late tonight with only 1 in by 9 o'clock and only 6 in by half past. It was nearly dark when the last 1 came in at 21.48, tonight 8 came in from up the valley and 5 from down the valley.

Thursday 24 July 2014

Carlton Marsh

3 Little Owls were showing well this morning (Keith Bannister)

Barrow Tip (yesterday)
18 species of butterfly recorded included 334 Gatekeepers and a Painted Lady, which so far this year is very scarce. The much sought after Silver Washed Fritillary at Hugset wasn't found after several observers searched the area today.

Chris Parkin

Adwick mid afternoon

Little Egret 2, Black t Godwit 4, Common Sandpiper 1, Lapwing c200, Buzzard 1, Yellow Wagtail 2 juvs.

Wintersett 24.07.14

25°C,  hot and sunny with an easterly breeze.
Anglers CP:  The juvenile Black-necked Grebe and the 1st Summer Little Gull are still here.  A Golden Plover flew over west at 09.35hrs.   3 juvenile Grey Wagtails wereon rocks on the north end.  2 Common Gull  and Psycho - the adult Yellow-legged Gull flew in mid morning.

Wednesday 23 July 2014

Old Moor Nocturnal Report - Wednesday 23rd July

Main Marsh - Mute Swan 22, Wigeon 1, Oystercatcher 10, Green Sandpiper 3, Common Tern 2, Barn Owl 2, Green Woodpecker 1, Kingfisher 1.

Roost in willows on Willow Pool - Grey Heron 2, Cormorant 6, Little Egret 15 came into roost as follows - 3 at 20.40, 1 at 21.20, 1 at 21.21, 1 at 21.22, 2 at 21.25, 1 at 21.28, 1 at 21.34, 1 at 21.35, 3 at 21.40 and finally 1 at 21.42. Tonight 11 Egrets came in from up the valley (10 from Broomhill + 1 ? ) and 4 from down the valley.

Earlier 2 Redshank and 3 Dunlin were seen by the Teatime Team.

Scoters

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 11 Common Scoters

Wintersett 23.07.14

Cloudy start, then up to 24°, very hot and sunny with a north easterly breeze.
Anglers CP: The usual 1st Summer Little Gull, a juvenile Black-necked Grebe, a drake Common Scoter were all in early doors. An adult Dunlin and 10 Common Sandpipers dropped in. Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull came in with a Lesser Black-backed Gull.  A Common Gull flew over and  Teal 1.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 1 adult and Oystercatcher 2. 
Botany Bay:  Kingfisher1. 
Moorhouse Lane Big Pond: Little Grebe 6 very small young (in 2 or 3 broods?)
Butterfly: A MARBLED WHITE flew north in front of the hide.
Odonata: 2 year firsts.   Broad-bodied Chaser 1 female (Golf Course pond) and Migrant Hawker (Disp. Pt.).
Moths caught last night included: Small Yellow Wave,  2 Dark Spinach,  Scarce Silver-lines, Slender Brindle,  Buff Footman,  Southern Wainscott,  Campion,  2 Double Lobed and Clay Triple-lines.

Small  Yellow-wave                          AS
Dark Spinach                               AS
Slender Brindle                                AS
      Campion                                   AS

The Edge 23rd July

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 9 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 5 Mute Swan, 29 Greylag, 14 Canada Geese, 34 Mallard, 8 Gadwall, 1 Garganey, 43 Lapwing, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper, 48 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 2 Grey Partridge, 3 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Skylark, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 Yellow Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 30+ Little Grebe, 1 Black Necked Grebe, 1 Mute Swan +2 cygnets, 26 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 55 Gadwall, 22a+5y Tufted Duck, 13 Mallard, 4 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 6 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper and 1 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings early PM- Highlight was the cream crowned Marsh Harrier. On the open water were 9 Little Grebe, 2a+1y Great Crested Grebe, 2 Mute Swan +8 cygnets, 103 Gadwall, 18 Pochard, 7a+2y Tufted Duck, 5 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 1 Wigeon, and 31 BH Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 16 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 2 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard, 3 LBB Gull, 1 Dunlin,1 Green Woodpecker and 1 singing Blackcap.

Tuesday 22 July 2014

Old Moor Nocturnal Report - Tuesday 22nd July

Mere/Wader Scrape - Green Sandpiper 3, Common Sandpiper 3, Common Tern 5.

Main Marsh - Mute Swan 22, Wigeon 1, Shelduck 2 juvs, Lapwing 200+, Oystercatcher 7, Greenshank 1, Redshank 1, Barn Owl 2, Green Woodpecker 1, Great Spotted Woodpecker 1.

Roost in willows on Willow Pool - Grey Heron 2, Cormorant 6, Little Egret 14 came into roost as follows - 6 already in, 1 at 20.15, 1 at 21.22, 2 at 21.28, 1 at 21.40, 1 at 21.41, 1 at 21.42 and finally 1 at 21.54. The 6 "already in" were in front of the Wath Ings hide when I arrived but I flushed them when I walked in and they flew to bottom end of Main Marsh. A pity as one bird had a red ring on its left leg and a metal ring (I think) on its right but it was too far away to get any other details, has anybody else managed to? Tonight 3 birds came in from up the valley and 5 birds from down the valley.

The Edge 22nd July

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 8 Little Egret, 8 Mute Swan, 15 Greylag, 6 Canada Geese, 35 Mallard, 18 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler, 1 Garganey, 75 Lapwing, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Snipe, 1 Golden Plover, 61 BH Gull, 5 Mistle Thrush, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, , 20+ House Martin and 30+ Goldfinch.
Broomhill Flash late AM-  Noted were 28 Little Grebe, 1 Black Necked Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 4 Mute Swan + 2 cygnets, 23 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 36 Gadwall, 25 Tufted Duck, 15 Mallard, 1 Pochard, 6 Redshank,4 Snipe and 1 Green Sandpiper.
Bolton Ings early PM-On the open water were 7 Little Grebe, 3a+1y Great Crested Grebe, 3 Mute Swan + 8 cygnets, 8a+3y Tufted Duck, 98+ Gadwall, 11 Pochard, 5 Mallard, 2 Wigeon and 51 Bh Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 49 Greylag, 13 Canada Geese, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Common Tern, 2 Kestrel. 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Partridge and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Golden Plover- Wombwell Ings

Wintersett 22.07.14

22°C, hot and sunny all day with a light north easterly.
Anglers CP:  Common Scoter 3 drakes still present.   Siskin 2 flew over west at 13.07hrs.  Common Tern 2 adults + 1 juv.,  Black-head Gull 2 young on raft,  Cormorant 4,  Oystercatcher 1 and Little Grebe 1.
Cold Hiendley Res:  Mallard 3 m young.
Wintersett Res: "Psycho", the adult Yellow-legged Gull  was in early doors, sitting on buoy in the fog.
A total of 75 birds were ringed this morning, including:  23 Swallow,  10 Reed Warbler, 5 Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat, 10 Chiffchaff and 7 Willow Warbler.
Odonata: Southern Hawker 1 ACP.  I can't resist another photo of the Red-eyed Damsel from yesterday, per PM, just because critters are where it's at this week!   

Silver-washed Fritillary at Hugset wood part 2

Silver-washed Fritillary at Hugset Wood

Here are the photos of the White-letter Hairstreak and the Silver-washed Fritillary












Silver-washed Fritillary at Hugset Wood

Two Silver-washed Fritillaries at Hugset Wood, yesterday, monday 21st July 2014.
Possible first record this century. Awaiting confirmation from Butterfly Conservation.

Also 12 White-letter Hairstreaks and many more common butterfles in glorious warm sunny conditions.

Record photos taken but can't find out how to add them. Help needed, guys, please!

Ewden Valley

More Hall Reservoir - 67 Mallards, 1 Grey Heron and 10 Moorhens + 4 small young.
Broomhead Reservoir - 52 Mallards, 2 Tufted Ducks, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers + 3 young and 2 Spotted Flycatchers + 3+ young.

Adwick (am)

Little Egret 1, Heron 7, Ringed Plover 1, Snipe 3, Lapwing c60, Grey Partridge 5, Buzzard 2, Kestrel 5 (family), Little Owl 1, Common Tern 2, Redstart 1f, Green Woodpecker 2, Greater s Woodpecker 1.

Edderthorpe, Tuesday morning

Not much changing day to day at present. Highlights from this morning;- Wigeon 2, Shoveler 7, Gadwall 83, Little Egret 2, Oystercatcher 1, Ringed Plover 7, Common Sandpiper 5, Common Snipe 20.

Monday 21 July 2014

Wintersett 21.07.14

24°C,  very hot and sunny this morning with a very light north westerly.
Anglers CP:  3 drake Common Scoter still present.  Dunlin 1 adult,  Common Tern 4 adults + 1 juv., Pochard 3, Greylag Goose 75, Oystercatcher 1 and Water Rail 1.
Wintersett Res: Common Sandpiper 4.
Moorhouse Lane Big Pond:  Little Grebe 2 young.  Snipe 2
Disposal Point Odonata:  Great excitement here this morning when Paul Meredith found a RED-EYED DAMSELFLY on the West Pond Nostell.   It's the first local record and is in  the Barnsley BSG recording area, but unfortunately is 570 linear metres outside the Wintersett area! Paul also saw
5+ male Emperors on the West Pond with at least 13 males at MHLBig Pond.  A male Emerald Damsel at the West Pond with 2+ at MHL Big Pond.  2 male Southern Hawkers were also just outside our recording area. Also Ruddy Darter 1 Big Pond.

Red-eyed Damselfly                           PM

Red-eyed Damselfly                   PM
Southern Hawker  - near MHLPonds       PM

Wintersett 20.07.14

17°C and sunny until mid morning then 22°C, hot and humid with 8/8 cloud. A very light easterly turned to light north westerly by mid afternoon.
Haw Park Wood:  Nuthatch 1 and Siskin 1 over.
Cold Hiendley Res: Great Crested Grebe young  5 vs in one brood - per Steve Denny) + 3vs young.  Tufted Duck 7 vs young.
Anglers CP:  Common Scoter 3 drakes,  Common Tern 3 adults + 2 juvs., Greylag Goose 72,  Grey Wagtail 1, Oystercatcher 1 and  Mallard 3 vs young.
Butterflies were in abundance at ACP today with 15 species seen in the area, including a MARBLED WHITE on the east bank. The first for many years!  Paul Meredith had 5+ White-letter Hairstreaks at Botany Farm.
(Full species list:- Marbled White, Large White, Small White, Green-veined White, Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Small Tortoisheshell, Peacock, Comma, Red Admiral, Gatekeeper, Ringlet, Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and White-letter Hairstreak.)
Moths caught last night included: Gold Spangle,  Sycamore,  Oak Nycteoline, Silky Wainscott,  Southern Wainscott, Crescent and Buff Footman.

Winscar - Midhope

Windleden Edge - 1 Buzzard and 1 Kestrel.
Winscar Reservoir - 54 Canada Geese, c100 Mallards, 3 Oystercatchers, c30 Black-headed Gulls and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Hepshaw - 1 2nd c y Yellow-legged Gull.
Broadstone Reservoir - 16 Mallards, 1 Little Grebe and 1 Great Created Grebe.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 5 Canada Geese, 77 Mallards, 19 Tufted Ducks, 3 Little Grebes + 2 young, 5 Great Crested Grebes + 1 small young, 8 Moorhens - 1 small young, 22 Coots, 1 Oystercatcher, c10 Black-headed Gulls, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 1 juvenile Redstart.
Low Moor, Upper Midhope - 1 juvenile Curlew.
Midhope Reservoir - 26 Greylag Geese, 16 Mallards, 1 Tufted Duck, 3 Little Grebes + 2 young and 1 Moorhen + 1 small young.

The Edge 21st July

Wombwell Ings mid AM- A very quiet mid-morning with 1 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, 5 Mute Swan, 22 Greylag, 16 Canada Geese, 45 Mallard, 21 Gadwall, 5a+6y Tufted Duck, 5 Shoveler, 1 Teal, 73 Lapwing, 41 BH Gull, 6+ Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail, 20+ Goldfinch and 3 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 26 Little Grebe, 1 Black Necked Grebe, 1 Mute Swan + 2 cygnets, 31 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 22 Gadwall, 17 Tufted Duck, 10+ Mallard, 4 Teal, 1 Pochard, 5 Snipe, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Yellow Wagtail.
Bolton Ings early PM-On the open water were 13 Little Grebe, 3a+1y Great Crested Grebe, 3 Mute Swan + 8 cygnets, 94 Gadwall, 11 Pochard, 7 Tufted Duck, 3 Wigeon and 41 BH Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 5 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 1 LBB Gull, 2 Kestrel and 1 Green Woodpecker.

Sunday 20 July 2014

Old Moor Nocturnal Report - Sunday 20th July

Mere - Dunlin 1 adult.

Wader Scrape - Little Ringed Plover 1 juv, Oystercatcher 3, Common Tern 1 adult + 1 juv.

Main Marsh - Mute Swan 20, Wigeon 1, Tufted Duck 6 broods of 9, 1, 3, 4, 6, 13, Oystercatcher 8, Dunlin 2 juvs, Green Sandpiper 1, Common Sandpiper 1, Sparrowhawk 1, Barn Owl 1. A Carrion Crow took a napping Tufted Duck chick, then the female Tufted flew straight into the Crow causing it to fall and drop the chick, an Adult Coot then jumped on the Crow attacking it, the Crow was lucky to escape just as the chick did.

Roost in willows on Willow Pool - Grey Heron 10, Cormorant 4, Little Egret 21 came into roost between 20.19 and 21.49 as follows - 3 already in, 2 at 20.19, 1 at 20.27, 3 at 20.59, 1 at 21.03, 1 at 21.11, 2 at 21.26, 2 at 21.27, 1 at 21.38, 1 at 21.43 and finally 4 at 21.49. The last 4 Egrets were still on Wombwell Ings at 21.40 (DMW). Tonight 10 birds came in from up the valley and 8 birds from down the valley.

Edderthorpe Sunday

Surprisingly yesterdays rain hasn't pushed up the water levels much which is good news. Highlights are few at present;- Little Egret 2, Greylag Goose 91, Redshank 1, Green Sandpiper 1, Common Sandpiper 4, Ringed Plover 4, Dunlin 2, LRP 1. Saturday 19th July;- Little Grebe 22, Ringed Plover 10, Black-tailed Godwit 5, Dunlin 4,

Bolton Ings - Sunday 20th July

18c this morning at 8 o'clock when I started out, humid and hot in the sun, breezy and temp up to 23c when I left. Very busy on the open water today with over 300 Coot and nearly 200 Gadwall, a group of 10 Shoveler flew West. 164 Lapwings also flew West as well as a Little Egret, 8 Oystercatchers flew in from the Golf Course. A Barn Owl was out hunting and the few Warblers that are still singing included 4 Chiffchaffs, 2 Reed Warblers, 1 Sedge Warbler and 1 Whitethroat. Full list - Grey Heron 3, Little Egret 1, Cormorant 2, Mute Swan 2+8y, 2+4y, Canada Goose 30, Grey Lag Goose 42, Great Crested Grebe 5 adults + 2 juvs, Little Grebe 23, Mallard 15, Teal 1, Wigeon 3, Gadwall 192, Shoveler 10, Tufted Duck 12, Pochard 20, Coot 310, Moorhen 8, Lapwing 181, Oystercatcher 8, Black Headed Gull 22 adults + 22 juvs, Common Gull 1, LBB Gull 3, Kestrel 2, Kingfisher 3, Green Woodpecker 1 adult + 1 juv, Grey Wagtail 1, Swift 2, Sand Martin 2, Chiffchaff 4, Whitethroat 9, Reed Warbler 1, Sedge Warbler 1.

Old Moor Nocturnal Report - Saturday 19th July

Mere/Wader Scrape - Oystercatcher 5, Black Tailed Godwit 1, Green Sandpiper 3, Common Sandpiper 3, Turnstone 2, Redshank 2, Common Tern 4 adults + 1 juv, Kingfisher 1.

Main Marsh - Mute Swan 23 , Tufted Duck 6 broods of 1, 2, 6, 6, 4, 11, Wigeon 1, Barn Owl 3, Sparrowhawk 1.

Roost in willows on Willow Pool - Grey Heron 3, Cormorant 6, Little Egret 21 came into roost between 20.39 and 21.45 as follows 2 already in, 1 at 20.39, 2 at 20.54, 1 at 20.57, 1 at 21.02, 1 at 21.11, 1 at 21.17, 2 at 21.19, 2 at 21.21, 1 at 21.23, 2 at 21.24, 2 at 21.29, 2 at 21.33 and finally 1 at 21.45. Following the huge storm at teatime 6 Egrets were already in early but 4 soon left to Wombwell Ings, thereafter a great total of birds came in rather late probably due to rain. As mentioned about a week ago last years record of 22 is looking very vulnerable. Tonight 12 birds came in from up the valley and 7 birds from down the valley. A great evening and long may it continue.

Saturday 19 July 2014

Wintersett update 19.07.14

Anglers CP:  A Whimbrel flew south at 13.20hrs.  2 Green Sandpipers went south at 14.00hrs. Kingfisher 1 .   3 Black-tailed Godwits were on the shallows early evening.

Adwick (Sat evening)

Black t Godwit 3, Redstart 3 (M. Thompson)

Wintersett 19.07.14

18°C,  8/8 cloud,  rain on and off  all morning.  Very warm and humid.
Anglers CP: Common Scoter 14 drakes. (11 left south in rain but only flew as far Wintersett Res.)
Oystercatcher 2,  Common Tern 4 adults + 2 juvs, Cormorant 5, Grey Wagtail 2.

Old Moor Nocturnal Report - Friday 18th July

Main Marsh - Mute Swan 25, Wigeon 1, Tufted Duck 5 broods of 9, 1, 10, 2 & 4, Oystercatcher 12, Greenshank 1, Green Sandpiper 3, Common Sandpiper 1, Snipe 4, Common Tern 6, Sparrowhawk 1, Barn Owl 1, Green Woodpecker 1, Kingfisher 1.

Roost in willows on Willow Pool - Grey Heron 2, Cormorant 4, Little Egret 15 came into roost between 20.22 and 21.45 as follows 2 already in, 1 at 20.22, 1 at 20.38, 2 at 21.08, 3 at 21.14, 2 at 21.15, 1 at 21.19, 1 at 21.33, 1 at 21.36 and finally 1 at 21.45. Tonight nearly all the Egrets dropped in from high and were a great sight as they fell out of the sky with legs dangling. 6 came in from up the valley and 7 from down the valley.

On the move

A juvenile Willow Warbler in my Stocksbridge garden this morning indicates that things are moving today.

Friday 18 July 2014

Wintersett 18.07.14

16°C,  8/8 cloud with a moderate easterly.
Anglers CP: Common Tern 2,  Oystercatcher 1,  Cormorant 4,  Pochard 7 and Grey Wagtail 1.
Wintersett Res: Tufted Duck 1 vs (alone)
Moths last night: Sycamore (2nd record),  Pinion-streaked Snout,  Plain Wave 3,  Scarce Footman 7,  Dingy Footman 8 and  Brown-line Bright-eye.

'Common' Sandpipers

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 27 Common Sandpipers (flock of 23 and family party of 4)
per Mick Cunningham & John McLoughlin.

The Edge 18th July

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 3 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Mute Swan, 21 Canada Geese, 19 Greylag, 43 Mallard, 17 Gadwall, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Garganey, 35+ Lapwing, 6 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, 1 Oystercatcher, 3+ Pied Wagtail, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Grey Wagtail and a flock of 30+ Goldfinch.
Broomhill Flash late AM-Highlight was 3 Turnstone that circled the flash 4 times  before heading off east at 10.35am. Also noted were 18a+7y Little Grebe, 1 Black Necked Grebe, 2 Mute Swan +2 cygnets, 45 Canada Geese, 7 Greylag, 30+ Gadwall, 29 Tufted Duck, 10 Mallard, 2 Pochard and 2 Mistle Thrush.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- On the open water were 9 Little Grebe, 5a+1y Great Crested Grebe, 2 Mute Swan +11 cygnets, 133 Gadwall, 11a+4y Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 6 Mallard and 1 Wigeon. Also noted were 58 Canada Geese, 15 Greylag, 12 Oystercatcher, 1 Kestrel, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Grey Wagtail and 2 singing Chiffchaff (TPT).

Adwick (late aft/noon)

Little Egret 8, Black t Godwits 4 still present, Dunlin 2, Little Owl 1.

Adwick (am)

Little Egret 7+, Grey Heron 5, Black t Godwit 4, Common Sandpiper 1, Dunlin 1, Oystercatcher 1, Snipe 12, Ringed Plover 2, LRP 4, Grey Partridge 3pr, Yellow Wagtail 1.

Old Moor Nocturnal Report - Thursday 17th July

Main Marsh - Mute Swan 23, Wigeon 1, Goosander 4, Oystercatcher 4, Green Sandpiper 2, Common Sandpiper 1, Snipe 5, Common Gull 1, Common Tern 4 adults + 1 juv, Barn Owl 3, Green Woodpecker 1. The Goosanders were all redheads and had a good fly round and eventually dropped onto Bolton. Also the 3 juvenile Lessers are now flying.

Roost in willows on Willow Pool - Grey Heron 3, Cormorant 2, Little Egret 16 came into roost between 20.24 and 21.54 as follows - 1 already in, 1 at 20.24, 1 at 20.30, 1 at 20.32, 1 at 20.53, 1 at 21.14, 1 at 21.25, 1 at 21.30, 6 at 21.43, 1 at 21.47 and finally 1 at 21.54. I thought tonight's count was going to be low until the group of 6 came in at 21.43, the Egrets were very vocal tonight. They were all roosting on the Wader Scrape side tonight (out of the wind?) so I nipped into the hide on my way home and could see 10 birds clearly. Tonight 11 came in from up the valley and 4 from down the valley.






Edderthorpe, Friday morning

The usual waders include;- Common Snipe 28, Green Sandpiper 1, Common Sandpiper 3, Dunlin 1 juv, Ringed Plover 6, Redshank 1, Little Egret 5,. A couple of vocal Common Terns are present and a adult Yellow-legged Gull had a look around before heading off northwards.

Thursday 17 July 2014

The Edge 17th July

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 3 Grey Heron, 6 Little Egret, 5 Mute Swan, 29 Greylag, 21 Canada Geese, 31 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 1 Garganey, 68 Lapwing, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Greenshank, 7+ Pied Wagtail, 2+ Yellow Wagtail, 3+ Linnet and 1 Kingfisher.
Broomhill Flash late AM-  Noted were 1 Grey Heron, 20 Little Grebe ( 30 on Wed. evening by J.Seeviour ), 1 Black Necked Grebe, 1 Mute Swan + 2 cygnets , 37 Canada Geese, 10a+15y Gadwall, 17 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard,1 Pochard, 1 Barn Owl hunting over tip, 8 Snipe, 1 Red Legged Partridge , 1 Yellow Wagtail and 3 Mistle Thrush in Clegg's Meadow.
TPT-1  Chiffchaff, 1 Whitethroat, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Jay , 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker and 1 Green Woodpecker.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- On the open water were 7 Little Grebe, 5a+1y Great Crested Grebe, 2 Mute Swan + 8 cygnets, 69 Gadwall, 7a+6y Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 5 Mallard, 2 Wigeon  and 1 Shoveler. Also present were 3 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 LBB Gull, and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Elsecar

Elsecar Reservoir - c40 Mallards, 11 Great Crested Grebes, 1 Grey Heron, 31 Coots and 8 Grey Wagtails on the spillway. Plenty of (feather-coated) young birds.

Wintersett 17.07.14

Scorchio!   23°C,  sunny with a few scattered clouds and a barely discernible easterly.
Anglers CP:  Little Gull 1 1st summer,  Green Woodpecker 1,  Cormorant 4 and Oystercatcher 2.

ADWICK a.m.

Little Egret 7 (one with red ring on left leg/metal on right); LRP 3; Snipe 7+; Goldfinch 30+.

Edderthorpe, Thursday morning

A flock of 12 Black-tailed Godwits (all adults) dropped in at 06.10. Common Sandpiper 3, Ringed Plover 6, Common Snipe 12, Redshank 1, Little Egret 3, Little Grebe 14, Greylag Goose 34 and Willow Tit 2.

Wednesday 16 July 2014

Wintersett 16.07.14

Up to 20°C, very warm with scattered cloud and a south westerly breeze.  Not a great deal to report.
Anglers CP: Oystercatcher 4,  Common Tern 4,  Cormorant 4.  A Hobby was over high,  catching insects. 
Cold Hiendley Res: Pochard 1
Wintersett Res:  A Yellow Wagtail flew over.    A Lunar Hornet Moth was caught in a mist net at 08.30hrs.

The Edge 16th July

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 4 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 10 Mute Swan, 26 Canada Geese, 24 Greylag, 26 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 1 Garganey, 1 Kestrel, 1 LBB Gull, 61 Lapwing, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Greenshank, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Skyark and 1 Willow Warbler.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 1 Grey Heron, 16 Little Grebe, 1 Black Necked Grebe, 1 Mute Swan +2 cygnets, 37 Canada Geese, 35 Gadwall, 4a+12y Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 1 Shoveler, 1 Peregrine, 1 Buzzard, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper and 3 Snipe.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- On the open water were 11 Little Grebe, 4a+4y Great Crested Grebe, 2 Mute Swan +8 cygnets, 138 Gadwall, 6a+5y Tufted Duck, 10 Mallard, 8 Pochard 1 Common Gull and 55juv BH Gull. Also present were 31 Greylag, 14 Canada Geese, 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Grey Wagtail, 3 Whitethroat and 1 Chiffchaff.

Old Moor Nocturnal Report - Tuesday 15th July

Main Marsh - Mute Swan 23, Wigeon 1, Tufted Duck 7 broods of 5, 5, 9, 5, 3, 3 & 2, Oystercatcher 9, Green Sandpiper 3, Common Sandpiper 1, Common Tern 4 adults + 1 juvenile, Kingfisher 2, Barn Owl 3.

Roost in willows on Willow Pool - Grey Heron 1, Cormorant 4, Little Egret 13 came into roost between 20.24 and 21.45 as follows 2 at 20.24, 2 at 20.32, 1 at 20.51, 1 at 20.59, 1 at 21.20, 2 at 21.24, 1 at 21.36, 1 at 21.37, 1 at 21.38 and finally 1 at 21.45. Tonight 7 Egrets came in from down the valley and 6 from up the valley.

I forgot to mention last night a Hobby over the Main Marsh was my first of the year, thanks to Jeff Wragg or I wouldn't have seen that one.

Adwick p.m.

Little Egret 5; Wheatear 1.

Adwick (am)

Little Egret 5, Heron 4, Common Sandpiper 1, LRP 2, Ringed Plover 2, Kestrel 4, Sparrowhawk 1, Redstart 1 juv, Willow Tit 3.

Edderthorpe, Wednesday morning

Rather a quiet start;- no sign of the Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper 7, Green Sandpiper 1, Ringed Plover 8, Redshank 1, Wigeon 1, Little Egret 5, Common Tern 3, Mistle Thrush 12.

Tuesday 15 July 2014

Wintersett 15.07.14

Up to 20°C, cloudy start , then warm and sunny with a light south westerly.
Anglers CP: The 1st summer Little Gull is still present.  Common Tern 5,  Oystercatcher 1,  Pochard 2,  Gadwall 2 and Teal 1.
Butterfly: Purple Hairstreak 1 on Haw Park Lane.

Winscar - Midhope

Winscar Reservoir -54 Canada Geese, 84 Mallards, 7 Oystercatchers,3 Common Sandpipers,  c25 Black-headed Gulls and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls,
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 5 Canada Geese, 77 Mallards, 17 Tufted Ducks, 1 Little Grebe + 2 young, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4+ Moorhens, 15 Coots and 1 Little Ringed Plover.
Langsett Reservoir - 44 Canada Geese, 1 Canada Goose x Greylag Goose and 3 juvenile Common Sandpipers.
Langsett FS - 3 Oystercatchers.
Midhope Reservoir - 5 Greylag Geese, 2 Teal + 1 duckling, 5 Mallards, 2 Little Grebe + 2 young, two pairs of Moorhen with 2 + 1 young and 5 Oystercatchers.

The French Connection

Martin - Pete, I re-trapped the French ringed Reed Warbler again last night (14th) in the same ride that I caught it 5 weeks ago. 6708214 a male in breeding condition, wing 66mm still weighing at 12 gramms.

The Wintersett Reed Warbler Y681706 adult female (brood patch returning to normal) wing 61mm weight 11 grams caught on 2/7/14 and again on 14/7/14.

11 Longtailed Tits included 2 adults with their young. One of the adults was a bird I had ringed in my own Cudworth garden (about 2 miles away) on 31/12/2011. 2 years and 195 days from ringing.

In total 28 new birds were ringed of 10 species, which included Chiffchaff 3, Willow Warbler 3, Reed Warbler 4, Bullfinch 3 and Reed Bunting 1.

20 adult Reed Warblers have been trapped so far this year!

Old Moor Nocturnal Report - Monday 14th July

Main Marsh - Mute Swan 21, Wigeon 1, Oystercatcher 8, Green Sandpiper 4, Black Tailed Godwit 4, Barn Owl 1.

Roost in willows on Willow Pool - Grey Heron 1, Cormorant 4,  Little Egret 11 came into roost between 20.32 and 21.50 as follows 1 already in, 1 at 20.32, 1 at 20.53, 2 at 21.02, 2 at 21.23, 2 at 21.42, 1 at 21.45 and finally 1 at 21.50. Unlike previous few nights most of the Egrets (6) came in from down the valley. Late on they were disturbed and all the Egrets flew out and then flew back in, a fine sight.

Bolton Ings - Sunday 13th July

Webs count day today, the highlights being 302 Coot and 116 Gadwall. A Little Egret flew west and 13 Oystercatchers flew in from the Golf Course. On the down side no Grey Herons, Cormorants or birds of prey seen today. Most of the warblers have stopped singing but I did hear Chiffchaff, Sedge Warbler and Reed Warbler and saw a family party of Whitethroats. Full list :- Little Egret 1, Mute Swan 2+8y, 2+4y, 1 and 2 on river, total of 19, Canada Goose 30, Grey Lag Goose 8, Great Crested Grebe 5 adults +2y, Little Grebe 17 adults + 5y, Mallard 12, Teal 1, Wigeon 3, Gadwall 116, Tufted Duck 9+4y, Pochard 12, Coot 265 adults + 37 juvs, total of 302, Moorhen 7, Lapwing 9, Oystercatcher 13, Snipe 1, Black Headed Gull 52 adults + 34 juvs, LBB Gull 12, Common Gull 1, Common Tern 1, Kingfisher 1, Jay 1, Swift 12, Sand Martin 4, Chiffchaff 1, Whitethroat 4, Reed Warbler 3, Sedge Warbler 2.

Edderthorpe, Tuesday

The Wood Sandpiper is still present, up to 16.30 at least. It feeds on the bank opposite the seat (by the river) but 'disappears' in the grass for prolonged spells so patience may be required to see it. Green Sandpiper 2 (Houghton), Common Sandpiper 3, Ringed Plover 10, LRP 2, Dunlin 2 including the first juvenile, Common Snipe 18, Little Egret 4, Little Grebe 17.

The Edge 15th July

Wombwell Ings mid AM-Present were 1 Grey Heron, 7 Mute Swan, 3 Greylag, 19 Mallard, 17 Gadwall, 1 Garganey, 1 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck,  29 Lapwing, 4 Black Tailed Godwit, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Greenshank, 1 Buzzard, 1 LBB Gull, 4 Skylark, 3 Reed Bunting and 1 Kingfisher.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 13a+5y Little Grebe, 1 Black Necked Grebe, 3 Mute Swan+ 2 cygnets, 46 Canada Geese, 30+ Gadwall, 8 Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 1 Mallard, 4 Snipe and 2 juv Yellow Wagtail.
TPT- Highlight of the day was the female Redstart seen on the return from Bolton Ings(for location see Twitter). Also present were 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and  singing males- 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler and 1 Whitethroat.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM-On the open water were 9 Little Grebe, 3a+1y Great Crested Grebe, 3 Mute Swan+ 9 cygnets, 82 Gadwall, 8 Pochard, 7 Tufted Duck, 6 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 1 Wigeon, and 41 juv BH Gull. Also present were 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 12 Canada Geese, 9 Greylag, 2 Kestrel, 13 Oystercatcher(a party of 12 flew over at 12.45pm), 4 Lapwing and 2 Redshank.
Black Tailed Godwit - Wombwell Ings

Greenshank - Wombwell Ings

Monday 14 July 2014

The Edge 14th July

Wombwell Ings mid AM-  Present were 3 Grey Heron, 4 Little Egret, 6 Mute Swan, 16a+5y Mallard, 8 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 21 Lapwing, 4 Black Tailed Godwit, 4 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Greenshank, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Linnet and 2 Reed Bunting. The Garganey was tucked up on the edge of the main flash and not visible from the hide( J.Hewitt ).
Broomhill Flash late AM- A Marsh Harrier made a brief appearance before dropping down into the soft rush at 10.57am. Also noted were 15 Little Grebe, 1 Black Necked Grebe, 1 Mute Swan +2 cygnets, 47 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 45 Gadwall, 8a+4y Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 8 Snipe and 1 Yellow Wagtail.
Bolton Ings early PM-On the open water were 9 Little Grebe, 3a+1y Great Crested Grebe, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan+8 cygnets, 131 Gadwall, 12 Pochard, 8 Tufted Duck, 5 Mallard, 65 juv BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 23 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Whitethroat.

Wintersett 14.07.14

Up to 22°C, hot and cloudy with a south westerly breeze.
Anglers CP: A Golden Plover flew west early this morning.   Little Gull 1 1st summer.   Common Tern 4 adults + 1 juv.  It's looking like the 2nd Common Tern chick has not survived.  Tufted Duck survivors 1vs + 1/7vs.  Snipe 2,  Oystercatcher 2,  Pochard 1,  Common Sandpiper 1 and Water Rail 1.

Edderthorpe Flash 14 July

This morning, 1 Wood Sandpiper, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Redshank, 2 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover and 2 Wigeon.

Sunday 13 July 2014

Wintersett WeBS totals for July

Mute Swan 8,  Canada Goose 139,  Greylag Goose 43,  Coot 163,  Moorhen 8,  Mallard 72,  Pochard 4,  Tufted Duck 205,  Great Crested Grebe 25,  Common Sandpiper 1,  Lapwing 60,  Grey Heron 1,  Cormorants 4,  Oystercatcher 4.

Edderthorpe, Sunday WeBS count

These highlights are totals for Edderthorpe and Houghton;- Mallard 240, Gadwall 53, Teal 25, Shoveler 4, Pochard 3, Little Grebe 18, Grey Heron 10, Little Egret 3, Coot 80, Moorhen 65, Oystercatcher 1, Lapwing 265, Common Snipe 23, Common Sandpiper 4, Green Sandpiper 1, Redshank 1, Dunlin 4, Ringed Plover 1, LRP 2, Kingfisher 2.

Wintersett 13.07.14

Up to 20°C,  mainly sunny with scattered cloud and a north westerly breeze.
Anglers CP: A female Common Scoter was new in.   Little Gull 1st Summer.  Common Gull 1.   A Curlew flew west at 10.22hrs.  Oystercatcher 4, Water Rail 1,  Common Tern 4 adults + 1 Juv + 1 young.  Cormorant 3.    Two Tufted Duck broods 1vs + 7 vs.
Wintersett Res:  Common Sandpiper 1
The WeBS count totals for July will follow later this evening.

Wintersett Saturday 12.07.14

Up to 26°C, very hot and sunny.
AnglersC P:  A Little Egret flew in from the south and dropped onto the shallows at 13.40hrs.  Little Gull 1 first summer.   Tufted Duck 1 vs young.  Yellow Wagtail 1 over + 1 over WRes..  Canada Goose 119 and Greylag Goose 41.
Wintersett Res: A Grasshopper Warbler reeled briefly.
Cold Hiendley Res: Cormorant 2.

Adwick (am)

Little Egret 4, Oystercatcher 1, Ringed Plover 2, LRP 1, Redshank 1, Common Sandpiper 3, Hobby 1, Common Tern 1, Redstart 1.

Saturday 12 July 2014

Old Moor Nocturnal Report - Saturday July 12th

Mere - Teal 1, Redshank 1, Black Tern 1,

Field Pool - Mute Swan 2, Snipe 1.

Wader Scrape - Teal 13, Avocet 1 + 1, Black Tailed Godwit 2, Green Sandpiper 2, Common Sandpiper 3, Snipe 1, Common Tern 4 + 1, Barn Owl 3.

Main Marsh - Mute Swan 22, Wigeon 1, Teal 26, Tufted Duck 6 broods, Oystercatcher 12, Barn Owl 2.

Roost in willows on Willow Pool - Grey Heron 3, Cormorant 3, Little Egret 16 came in between 20.22 and 21.28 as follows 2 at 20.22, 1 at 20.41, 1 at 20.42, 2 at 20.50, 1 at 20.51, 7 at 20.55, 1 at 21.08 and finally 1 at 21.28. Birds were in earlier than last night, probably due to the rain, tonight 3 birds came in from down the valley, the group of 7 came off Wombwell Ings.

Edderthorpe, Saturday 12th July

Five Goosanders (all redheads) flew in at 08.40, Wigeon 2, Pochard 2, the first brood of Tufted (been a long time coming), Greenshank 1, Redshank 1, Green Sandpiper 1, Common Sandpiper 2, Dunlin 2, Ringed Plover 1, LRP 1, Common Snipe 15, Little Egret 7, Grey Heron 10 and Little Grebe 16. Ferrymoor and Cudworth Common Highlights from a walk around here;- Greylag Goose 80, Mallard 153, Tufted with a brood of 1 on Ferrymoor, Lapwing with a recently hatched chick, very few waders left in the area now, just a few Lapwings, they've all moved on after a successful season.

Low Moor/ Midhope, 12-714.

The same as last year, the time to be out looking for falcons. 10am to 12pm produced hobby hawking over pike iowe before flying off west along horizon, 6 kestrels and a juv peregrine north, over watchpoint. No buzzards believe it or not but sparrowhawk twice, grey heron and redpoll.

Old Moor Nocturnal Report - Friday 11th July

Mere - Teal 3, Redshank 1.

Field Pool - Mute Swan 2, Redshank 1.

Wader Scrape - Teal 6, Avocet 1 + 1, Black Tailed Godwit 1, Ruff 1 (white), Redshank 2, Green Sandpiper 2, Common Sandpiper 2, Common Tern 4 + 1 juv now flying, Barn Owl 2.

Main Marsh - Mute Swan 23, Wigeon 1, Teal 7, Oystercatcher 10, Kingfisher 1, Barn Owl 1.

Roost in willows on Willow Pool - Grey Heron 4, Cormorant 6, Little Egret 15 came in between 20.38 and 21.54 as follows 2 at 20.38, 4 at 20.47, 1 at 20.51, 1 at 21.17, 2 at 21.21, 1 at 21.33, 1 at 21.35, 1 at 21.43, 1 at 21.45 and finally 1 at 21.54. Tonight all birds came down the valley apart from 2.

Friday 11 July 2014

The Edge 11th July

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 1 Grey Heron, 3 Mute Swan, 23 Gadwall, 6 Mallard, 2 Teal, 1 Garganey,42 Lapwing, 6 Ringed Plover, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Avocet, 7+ Pied Wagtail, 3 Skylark, 3 Linnet, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Kingfisher.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 14 Little Grebe, 1 Black Necked Grebe, 6 Mute Swan, 51 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 29 Gadwall, 14a+5y Tufted Duck, 1 Pochard, 3 Snipe and 2 Barn Owl.
TPT- Singing males 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Whitethroat and 1 Blackcap.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- On the open water were 6 Little Grebe, 2a+1y Great Crested Grebe, 2 Mute Swan +8 cygnets, 140 Gadwall, 12 Pochard, 10 Mallard, 7 Tufted Duck, 6 Wigeon( Winter is coming? ), 1 Shoveler and 76 juv BH Gull. Also present were 25 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 6 Oystercatcher, 5 Lapwing, 1 Common Tern, 1 LBB Gull, 2 Kestrel, 1 Sedge Warbler and 1 Kingfisher.

News on Friday 11-7-14.

Kexboro - family party of 4 curlews, 2 adults,2 juvs were a suprise considering this field and other fields in this area which have breeding curlew were all cut around the 19th,20th of June. Surely far too early ?. Ewden shooting lodge for a couple of hours had family party of merlins 3+, buzzard 5, kestrel 4, raven 1 heard only. News from Wilthorpe Marsh last sunday 6th - grasshopper warbler still singing and showed well briefly, family party of 6 calling water rails had 1 fledgling + 2 adults showing well. Family groups of both jay and treecreeper seen.

Edderthorpe Flash 11th July

Slight increase from earlier report this morning. 11 Little Egret, 5 Dunlin, 3 Common Sandpiper, 6 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Ringed Plover 2 Redshank and 1 Wigeon.

Old Moor Nocturnal Report - Thursday 10th July

Mere - Shelduck 1, Teal 3, Common Sandpiper 2, Green Sandpiper 1, Snipe 2.

Field Pools - Mute Swan 2, Oystercatcher 1, Redshank 1.

Wader Scrape - Teal 5, Avocet 1 + 1, LRP 1 adult, Redshank 1, Green Sandpiper 1, Common Tern 4 + 1, Barn Owl 3.

Main Marsh - Mute Swan 27, Wigeon 1, Teal 9, Oystercatcher 10 (12 on Golf Course earlier - Chris Harris), Green Sandpiper 4, Common Sandpiper 1, Greenshank heard, Barn Owl 1.

Roost in Willows on Willow Pool - Cormorant 3, Little Egret 14 came in between 20.31 and 21.51 as follows - 1 at 20.31, 1 at 20.48, 1 at 20.59, 1 at 21.21, 1 at 21.31, 4 at 21.32, 3 at 21.33, 1 at 21.37 and finally the last 1 at 21.51. Brilliant, Little Egrets usually peak around August Bank Holiday, 22 last year , could we have more this year?

Edderthorpe at Teatime

Called in at Edderthorpe around Teatime to see how many of the 14 Little Egrets were still present. At first glance, not many, I could only see 3. However after trying a bit harder I counted at least 10 birds. Surprisingly they were very difficult to see, those on the near side were either hidden by the reeds or the long grass. Those on the far side were favouring the outlet channel where the windmill is and therefore could only be seen when they jumped up or flew. A fine sight though. Also present were Ringed Plover 10, Dunlin 4, LRP 1, Redshank 1 and a Greenshank dropped in at 18.40.

Thursday 10 July 2014

Wintersett 10.07.14

20°C,  warm with scattered cloud, and a north easterly breeze.
Wintersett Res: Steve Denny  picked up the  GLOSSY  IBIS  flying over high south at 7.45hrs.  Anyone seen it since?   Pochard 1 male.
Anglers CP: 1st Summer Little Gull still here.  Cormorant 4. Common Tern 5 adults + 1 juvenile + 1 young.  Tufted Duck brood 5 vs..   Mallard broods 2vs + 4m,  also 5 L/Fledged Botany.  Great Crested Grebe broods 3L,  and  1 vs + 1m  and 1L WRes, and 1L/fledged CHRes..

The Edge 10th July

Wombwell Ings - Highlight of the day were 4 Wood Sandpiper which were present for a couple of hours before leaving at 11.45am when a Hobby flew overhead. The impressive sight of 17 Common Sandpipers landing at 11.52am rounded off a good morning's birdwatching on the Ings. Also present were 2 Grey Heron, 8 Mute Swan, 2a+2y Greylag, 32 Gadwall, 1a+6y Shoveler, 1 Teal, 40+ Lapwing, 5 Ringed Plover, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Kestrel, 10+ Pied Wagtail and 8 Linnet.

Broomhill Flash(per J.Seeviour) Noted were 16 Little Grebe, 1 Black Necked Grebe, 3 Mute Swan+2 cygnets, 15 Tufted Duck. 10 Gadwall and 2 Pochard. The Little Owl was on the top lane (J.Thompson).

ADWICK p.m.

Avocet 6; Black-tailed Godwit 3; Dunlin 1; Snipe 3; Little Egret 1; LBBG 4+.

Wednesday 9 July 2014

Royd Moor & bits

Royd Moor Reservoir - 16 Greylag Geese, 2 Canada Geese, 12 Mallards, 3+ Grey Herons, 1 adult Cormorant, 1 adult Great Crested Grebe, 5 Moorhens, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Common Sandpiper, 8 singing Common Whitethroats, 1 singing Lesser Whitethroat, 4 singing Yellowhammers and 7 singing Reed Buntings.
Langsett Reservoir - 3 Common Sandpipers.
Midhope Reservoir - 33 Greylag Geese, female Teal + 2+ ducklings, 16 Mallards, Little Grebe + 2 young and Moorhen + 2 young.

Wintersett 09.07.14

Up to 19°C by midday,  warm, 4/8 cloud with a moderate north westerly.
Anglers CP: The ususal 1st Summer Little Gull still present.  A small flock of 9 Shoveler, dropped in briefly, early morning.  Gadwall 4,  Oystercatcher 1 + 3 over WRes., Mallard brood 5 vs and a  vs Tufted duckling.  Common Tern 4 adults + i juvenile + 1 young.
Wintersett Res: Grey Wagtail 1.

INGBIRCHWORTH MONDAY 7 TH JULY

Hi all,this is my first post and as I only set this up today my info is from Monday night? Let me know if I am doing anyuthing wrong? I will try to give the study and blog group any info I see and photos from the Barnsley area.
Monday evening at Ingbirchworth were 3 Common Sandpipers,3 Oystercatchers dropped in for about 30 mins from 7.30 and one Little Ringed plover.


Edderthorpe, Wednesday morning

A few bits new in;- Whimbrel 1 went south-west calling at 05.55, Lapwing 175, Dunlin 3, Common Sandpiper 2, Green Sandpiper 1, Redshank 1, LRP 2, Oystercatcher 3, Common Snipe 7, Little Grebe 16, Little Egret 3, Common Tern 1.

Tuesday 8 July 2014

Carlton Marsh - Breaking News - of a new Dragon

2 Cormorants. Okay no big deal, but at least it was something different to look at. Our resident Buzzard was mobbed by a Sparrowhawk, not surprising really as fledged young are hiding in the trees. Kingfisher was present and a Fox cub walked in front of the hide. Emerald damsels are common now and there are a few Ruddy Darters and Brown Hawkers.
Pete, I caught your Reed Warbler Y681706 again last night before it rained. She is really wrinkled now!
 
Oxycera can you confirm this beetle as being Common Black Ground Beetle (Pterostichus melanarius) please. I found it on our southern meadow yesterday.
 

I have just received this photo from Rod (the hawfinch kid) Heeley of a male Hairy Dragonfly photographed today. Its new for Barnsley!

 

Wintersett 08.07.14

18°C, warm but cloudy this morning with a light north easterly.  Rumbles of thunder and a short downpour mid afternoon.   Not a great deal to report.
Anglers CP:  The Black-headed Gulls on the raft nearest the hide have hatched 1 young.   The usual 1st Summer Little Gull was performing close to the east bank.   A Lesser Whitethroat family party with fledged young were in the hedge on the back path.
5 Mallard broods 1vs + 2vs +  4s/m + 9vs + a female with 6vs and a vs Tufted Duckling.
Flora: A Greater Knapweed on the Pol is the first I've seen in the area.

Greater Knapweed  Centaurea scabiosa          ACP  ASmith

The Edge 7th July

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 7 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan, 31 Gadwall, 3 Tufted Duck, 28 Lapwing, 4 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Greenshank( left west at 9.00am ), 2 Kestrel, 5 Reed Bunting, 3 Linnet, 5+ Pied Wagtail and 1 Grey Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 16 Little Grebe, 1 Black Necked Grebe, 3 Mute Swan, 35 Canada Geese, 17a+27y Gadwall, 17a+11 Tufted Duck, 4 Mallard, 2 Kestrel, 1 Snipe and 1 female Yellow Wagtail. A Grasshopper Warbler was reeling in the field next to the dog kennels.
TPT- Singing males 3 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, and 1 Blackcap. Also present were 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker and 1 Jay.
Bolton Ings early PM- On the open water were 4+ Little Grebe, 3a+1y Great Crested Grebe, 3 Mute Swan + 8 cygnets, 94 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 2 Tufted Duck, 1 Common Gull  and 49 juv BH Gull. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 21 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 2 Kestrel, 1LBB Gull, 2 Oystercatcher and 1 Kingfisher.

Uplands and the west

Winscar Reservoir - 58 Canada Geese, 89 Mallards, female Tufted Duck with 4 small ducklings, 6 Oystercatchers, 3 Common Sandpipers, c25 Black-headed Gulls and 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Harden Reservoir - 1 Little Grebe.
Whitley Edge - c70 Jackdaws and 50+ Carrion Crows.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 5 Canada Geese, 64 Mallards, 16 Tufted Ducks, 20+ Black-headed Gulls (including 10+ ginger juveniles) and 20+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls.
Castle Dam - 16 Coots.

Old Moor Nocturnal Report - Monday 7th July

Mere - Teal 5, Common Sandpiper 1, Green Sandpiper 1, Black Tailed Godwit 1.

Field Pools - Little Egret 1, Oystercatcher 3, Barn Owl 1.

Wader Scrape - Teal 15, Avocet 1 adult + 1 chick, Black Tailed Godwit 2, Oystercatcher 1, Green Sandpiper 1, Redshank 1, Common Tern 4 adults + 2 chicks, Barn Owl 4.

Main Marsh - Mute Swan 30, Wigeon 1, LRP 1 juv.

Roost in Willows on Willow Pool - Cormorant 5, Little Egret 4.


Old Moor Caterpillar.

One for ID if anyone could help please?



Not brilliant pics but hopefully good enough to be able to make an ID ?

Thanks.

Adwick Wash pm.

Avocet 10, Little Egret 4, Redshank 1, RP 2, LRP 2, Snipe 3. Also a pair of shelduck with 5 juvs have flown in from my last visit yesterday. On the Dearne a grasshopper warbler was singing near the start of Adwick tip 200 mts upstream of Adwick rd bridge also a Kingfisher and a Tufted duck with 2 juvs.

Edderthorpe, Tuesday morning

Little change from yesterday, less in fact;- Little Egret 1, Common Sandpiper 2, Dunlin 1, Redshank 2, Common Snipe 8. Best news is 2 broods of fledged Willow Tits around the Flash in areas where we knew there were territories.

Greenmoor- Willow Tits

A pair of adult  willow tits around our bird feeders and on the lawn yesterday morning together with robin (1 adult and 2 juveniles), blackbird(2and1),tree sparrow (at least 5 juveniles) ,great spotted woodpecker (1 juvenile) ,pied wagtail (1 juvenile) ,blue tits (at least 5 juveniles) ,yellowhammer (1juvenile). Looks like a good year for breeding.

Monday 7 July 2014

Cudworth

A Peregrine flew SE at 17.40hrs (Geoff Miller) and a Poplar Grey Moth turned up in Chris Parkin's garden.

Wintersett 07.07.14

Up to 19°C,  warm and sunny with a light easterly this morning,  clouded over by mid afternoon.
Anglers CP: A Little Egret was in the north west  corner early doors, then flew to shallows but didn't hang around long.  Gone by 08.00hrs.   Little Gull 1 1st summer,  Grey Wagtail2 and Pochard 1m.
Wintersett Res: Sand Martin 100
A total of 122 birds were ringed today, including: 70 Sand Martin,  10 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 14 Willow Warbler and 5 Chiffchaff.  A Lunar Hornet Moth got caught in a mist net.
Pete Smith saw a Grass Snake on the road  near New Crofton.
Lunar Hornet Moth  Sesia bembeciformis
                                                          WRes       PSmith

The Edge 7th July

Wombwell Ings mid AM- Present were 4 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, 2 Mute Swan, 2a+6y Shelduck, 32 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 28+ Lapwing, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Avocet. 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Kestrel, 5+ Pied Wagtail, 3 Linnet,2 Reed Bunting, 1 Kingfisher  and 1 Song Thrush. On the R.Dearne, near the bridge on Old Pontefract Road, were 5 Gadwall and 2 Mute Swan.
Broomhill Flash late AM- Noted were 13 Little Grebe, 1 Black Necked Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret,  1 Mute Swan, 46 Canada Geese, 2a+2y Greylag, 15a+30y Gadwall, 21 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard,and 1 Kestrel.
TPT- Singing males 3 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap and 1 Willow Warbler.
Bolton Ings early PM-On the open water were 4 Little Grebe, 2a+1y Great Crested Grebe, 4 Mute Swan + 11 cygnets, 115 Gadwall, 8 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 5 Pochard, 1 Teal  and 54 juv BH Gull. Also present were 17 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 1 Common Tern, 9 Oystercatcher( a flypass of 7, whilst nothing on the coast, looked impressive on Bolton), 2 Kestrel, 2 Kingfisher and 1 Mistle Thrush.

Adwick (am)

Little Egret 1, Avocet all 10 birds appear to have left, Redshank 3, Ringed Plover 4, LRP 1, Snipe 5, Little Owl 1.

EDDERTHORPE Monday 7th July am

3 Little Egrets, 4 Common Sandpiper, 3 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, and 1 Ringed Plover.

Old Moor Nocturnal Report - Sunday 6th July

Mere - Teal 8, Black Tailed Godwit 1.

Wader Scrape - Teal 14, Avocet 1 adult + 1 chick, Black Tailed Godwit 6, Redshank 2, Ringed Plover 2, Dunlin 1, Green Sandpiper 2, Common Sandpiper 2, Oystercatcher 1, Common Tern 5 adults + 2 chicks, Barn Owl 3.

Main Marsh - Mute Swan 29 (5 flew in at 20.30), Teal 13, Common Sandpiper 2.

Roost in Willows on Willow Pool - Grey Heron 1, Cormorant 3, Little Egret 7 - 5 in at 21.08, 1 in at 21.12, 1 in at 22.02 (9 last night).

Bolton Ings - Sunday 6th July

Started out at 09.00 am, weather was cloudy, warm and dry brightening up later. The pair of Great Crested Grebes on the Western pool have hatched, at least 2 young seen. A Common Sandpiper flew from the river onto the Eastern pool and a party of 6 Mistle Thrush flew over. Full list :- Grey Heron 4, Mute Swan 2+8y, 2+4y, 2 on river, Canada Goose 41, Grey Lag Goose 5, Cormorant 3, Great Crested Grebe 5 adults + 3y, Little Grebe 19 adults + 6y, Mallard 15, Gadwall 44 + 6y, Tufted Duck 16 + 5y, Pochard 25, Coot 202 adults + 40 juvs, Moorhen 8, Lapwing 15, Oystercatcher 5, Common Sandpiper 1, Black Headed Gull 65 adults + 80 juvs, Common Tern 1, Kestrel 1, Kingfisher 1, Grey Wagtail 1, Jay 1, Mistle Thrush 6, Swift c20, Sand Martin 8, Willow Warbler 3, Chiffchaff 6, Whitethroat 8, Blackcap 2, Lesser Whitethroat 1, Sedge Warbler 4, Reed Warbler 4.

Sunday 6 July 2014

Edderthorpe, Sunday morning

A cracking adult Little Tern dropped on to the Flash at 08.00 and spent 15 minutes resting or plunge-diving. It then appeared to leave high to the south-east only to reappear over the Flash a couple of minutes later. It sat around for a further 30 minutes before heading off high south-east at 08.45. This appears to be the first record for Edderthorpe, no mention in Birds of Barnsley and I don't remember one since publication. Also this morning;- Common Tern 1, Little Egret 3, Oystercatcher 1, Redshank 2, Common Sandpiper 2, Green Sandpiper 1, Ringed Plover 2, Pochard 2.
A very poor photo, but identifiable at least!! Little Tern, Edderthorpe.

Wintersett Another Moth-er First 06.07.14

18°C,  warm,  8/8 cloud with a light westerly. 
Anglers CP: A Redstart was new for the year, courtesy of Graham from Vis. Mig. Hill.   A Common Sandpiper  and a juvenile  Dunlin were on the shallows. The usual 1st Summer Little Gull is still around. Common Tern 4 adults + 1 juv. + 1 young.   A building flock of 82 Tufted Ducks  held some in wing moult.   A Little Owl was in the area.
Wintersett Res: Oystercatcher 1 over.
Overnight moth trapping produced another 1st for the Wintersett Area.  A Beautiful Hook-tip was caught at Anglers CP.   Other notables were: - White Satin 4,  Scarce Footman 1, Grey Arches 1,  Beautiful Carpet 1 and Dingy Footman 1.

Beautiful Hook-tip   ACP               ASmith

Adwick (am)

Little Egret 2, Little Grebe 1 ad plus 3 young, Avocet 10, Snipe 9, Redshank 2, Common Sandpiper 2, LRP 3, Ringed  Plover 2, Lapwing c200, Oystercatcher 1, Grey Partridge 7, Yellow Wagtail 4, Gropper 1 singing.

Saturday 5 July 2014

Wintersett 05.07.14

Overnight rain stopped by 07.30hrs.  Then up to 17°C warm and sunny with a light north easterly.
Anglers CP: 2 Black-tailed Godwit dropped in at 12.08hrs.  Common Tern 4 adults + 1 juv. + 1 young.  Greylag Goose 49, Oystercatcher 2 and Cormorant 3.   Mallard Broods: 3 vs + 2 vs + 5 s/m  and 11vs + 8 fledged CHRes.
Wintersett Res: Sand Martin 60.  Water Rail 1 on Pol.

Beer, Birding and Bed.

Its that time of year again with a few nocturnal visits. Wednesday night at the stone circle track ewden had a nightjar churring briefly at 10-35pm but no further sign by 11pm. Better news last month at wilthorpe marsh with adult long eared owl and 4 to 6 fledglings, also 4 fledgling tawny owls. Disappointinly in this area, no sign of any little owls all year.

Friday 4 July 2014

The Edge 4th July

Broomhill Flash late AM- Present were 10 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Black Necked Grebe, 5 Mute Swan + 2 cygnets, 49 Canada Geese, 3a+2y Greylag,, 22a+7y Gadwall, 15 Tufted Duck, 4 Mallard and 2 Pochard. A Grasshopper Warbler was singing near the top lane.
TPT-Singing males 3 Blackcap, 3 Whitethroat and 2 Chiffchaff. 2 Mute Swan +7 cygnets and 1 Kingfisher were seen on the R.Dearne.
Bolton Ings late AM/early PM- On the open water were 4a+1y Little Grebe, 4a+1y Great Crested Grebe, 2 Mute Swan +8 cygnets, 90 Gadwall, 12 Pochard, 7 Tufted Duck, 2 Mallard and 75 juv BH Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 20 Canada Geese, 18 Greylag and 4 Kestrel.
 Wombwell Ings mid PM- Noted were 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 3 Mute Swan, 2a+6y Shelduck, 1 Greylag, 19 Gadwall, 3 Mallard, 22 Lapwing, 5 Ringed Plover, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Avocet, 1 Snipe,8+ Pied Wagtail and 4+ Linnet.

Wintersett 04.07.14

17°C,  warm with 8/8 cloud and a moderate southerly.  Not a lot to report.
Anglers CP: A juvenile  Black-necked Grebe was in early doors.  The usual 1st Summer Little Gull is still present.  Oystercatcher 4.  Common Tern 4 adults + 1 juvenile + 1 young.

Juvenile Black-necked Grebe       ACP  PMeredith


1st Summer Little Gull         ACP   PMeredith