Monday 31 August 2015

Wintersett 31.08.15

11°C , cool with steady/light rain until mid afternoon and a light north westerly.
Anglers CP Vis Mig:   3 Ringed Plover flew east at 09.00hrs.  2 Dunlin went over south at 09.40hrs.  A Wheatear came in from the east at 15.55hrs.
Anglers CP:   Greylag Goose 138,  Pochard 31, Teal 13, Wigeon 6,  Shoveler 3, Little Grebe 4 Lapwing 270,  Goldfinch 70, Common Sandpiper 1,  Grey Wagtail 2 and Snipe 1.
2 Hobbies were over,  hunting hirundines this afternoon.

Wilthorpe Marsh 31/8/15.

West end-, a Hobby at the sewage farm was the first of the year down here. A party of 5 Whinchats were in the reeds + 5 Common Snipe and 2 Willow Tits on the river. Definetly 5 probably 6 Green Sandpipers at the oxbow pond + 1 Buzzard.

The Edge 31st August

Wombwell Ings - Present were 10 Canada Geese, 89 Teal, 23 Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 2 Moorhen, 21 Lapwing, 2 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 3 BH Gull and 2 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2a+5y Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 123 Gadwall, 24 Teal, 11 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 1 Pochard, 1 Garganey, 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 18 Little Grebe, 129 Coot, 11 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 1 juv female Peregrine through at  10.55am, 22 Lapwing, 4+ Snipe, 1 Greeenshank, 1 Dunlin, 2 LBB Gull, c100 Swallow and 6+ Linnet.
Bolton Ings Eastern Pool- On the open water were 2a+2y Mute Swan, 13 Greylag(+21 over), 2 Canada Geese, 32 Tufted Duck, 21 Gadwall, 3 Mallard, 3 Shoveler, 3 Pochard, 2 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 4 Cormorant, 17 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 133 Coot, 6 Moorhen and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 46 Lapwing, 1 cc Marsh Harrier through at 1pm, c100 House Martin, 1 Swift, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Sunday 30 August 2015

Moorlands 30/8/15. S Green, D Simmonite.

Ewden stone circle track. Just to the left of the entrance gate in the fenced area we had a feeding party of 1 Spotted Flycatcher, a pair of Redstarts, 3 Stonechats, 6 Chiffchaffs and a juv Robin. 10 Siskins and a Nuthatch over the road in broomhead hall wood. Up to the lodge where we had 8 Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 2 GS Peckers, 2 Stock Doves before being bit to death by the flys. Low Moor/Midhope, away from the midges here but very quiet with Peregrine and still a good southerly movement of Swallows.

Wintersett 30.08.15

Up to 17°C with 8/8 cloud and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP Vis. Mig:   Buzzard - a group of 6 went south at 11.20 and 7 were in the area.  A juvenile Red Kite drifted slowly south west at 12.15hrs.  Sand Martin 1 S and Siskin 13 W.
Anglers CP: Hobby 1 juvenile over,  Grey Wagtail 1,   Common Sandpiper 1, Wigeon 5,  Gadwall 14,  Pochard 20 and Shoveler 1.  Psycho the adult Yellow-legged Gull was on the rock wall. 
Wintersett Res:  Cetti's Warbler 1 ♂ and Water Rail 1. 
116 birds were ringed this morning, including:  a WHINCHAT - new for the year,  18 Chiffchaff,  7 Willow Warbler,  8 Reed Warbler,  2 Sedge Warbler,  5 Whitethroat,  1 Garden Warbler,  22 Blackcap,  35 Swallow and 1 Sand Martin.

Saturday 29 August 2015

Carlton Marsh

Two Little Egrets, Greenshank and  a juv Shelduck were on the wader scrape this morning. 21 Greylags arrived on the main marsh and a Water Rail called. Also present Willow Tit 2 (SE 3709) 1 (SE3710) Coal Tit 2, Kingfisher 2, Grey Wagtail and c50 Goldfinches.

A male Vapourer moth was on the wing.

Low Moor/ Midhope, 29/8/15, 2-15pm to 5-15pm.

Greeted by the WAW team who looked to be at full strength. Somehow they all managed to fit in one vehicle. Very steady birding with just the norm of Hobby 1, Sparrowhawk 1, Buzzard 4, Kestrel 5, Raven 1 pair, Siskin 3. A regular southerly passage of Swallows of 700+ but probably many more.

Wintersett 29.08.15

Up to 18°C with 4/8 cloud and a cool south westerly.
Anglers CP Vis Mig: Buzzard 3 SW,  Hobby 1 SW at 15.40hrs + 2 over HPWood,  Siskin 3 over,  Yellow Wagtail 2 over,  Sand Martin 7 S and  SWIFT 1 SW + 3 over WRes.
Anglers CP:  A Ruff  and a Little Egret were new in the shallows.  Little Grebe 3,  Cormorant 10 and Canada Goose 291.
Butterflies: Gatekeeper 1 MLPond,  Common Blue 3 Disp.Pt. and a  late Meadow Brown  1  ACP.
Gull Roosts per Steve Denny: 1200 Blackheaded Gulls,  most on ACP.  30 Lesser Blackbacked and the resident adult Yellow-legged Gull (Psycho) WRes roost.  

Friday 28 August 2015

Carlton Marsh

This morning a Little Egret, a Juvenile Shelduck and a Greenshank were on the wader scrape. (Keith Bannister) The Greenshank had left by early afternoon and was replaced by a Redshank. (Rod Heeley)
This evening the Shelduck and the Little Egret were still present, but the latter didn't roost. Also present were 2 Kingfishers, a family of 5 Tufted Ducks, 21 Gadwall and a Water Rail. As darkness fell a male and female Tawny called and a Barn Owl was hunting over the marsh.

There were no Swallows roosting tonight, although there had been up to c150 roosting daily.

Also this morning a Swift flew over Keith Bannister's Cudworth garden at 10.02hrs.

Wintersett 28.08.15

Up to 18°C,  with 4/8 cloud and a cool, moderate south westerly.
Anglers CP: Common Sandpiper 2,  Grey Wagtail 5,  Sand Martin 4,  Yellow Wagtail 1,  Pochard 16,  Teal 3 and Wigeon 1.  1000+ Black-headed Gulls,  with a scattering of juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gulls, were taking advantage of the easy food supply in the fields being ploughed and then coming into the lake to wash and brush up. 

Edderthorpe Friday

With the rising water levels many of the waders have now moved on although it is clearly excellent feeding for dabbling duck. A few counts today include;- Canada Goose 560, Shelduck 1, Mallard 320 (probably many were out in the fields), Garganey 2, Gadwall 52, Shoveler 202 is a very high count for August and not too far off the Barnsley record count which according to the 2012 BBSG annual report is 210 at Edderthorpe during 2006 and again in 2008.
Waders seen;- Lapwing 815, Black-tailed Godwit 4, Ruff 5, Knot 1 (first seen yesterday), Dunlin 1, Ringed Plover 1 and Greenshank 2. Lesser Black-backed Gulls were dropping in to bathe with 33 during the early morning. A Reed Warbler is still on the corner pond.

The Edge 28th August

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1 Mute Swan, 50+ Greylag over, 24 Canada Geese, 37 Teal, 5 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 2 Little Egret, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Lapwing, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 35 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull,1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 Yellow Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2a+5y Mute Swan, 13 Canada Geese, 187 Gadwall, 18 Mallard, 17 Tufted Duck, 5 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 2 Garganey, 4 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 145 Coot, 18 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 27 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover ( over 10.34am ). 3 LBB Gull and 7+ Yellow Wagtail.
Bolton Ings -( pp J.Seeviour) Present were 2a+10y Mute Swan, 38 Gadwall, 29 Tufted Duck, 7 Pochard, 2 Mallard, 21 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 1cc Marsh Harrier and 69 Lapwing.

Thursday 27 August 2015

Carlton Marsh

I didn't manage to get down again today, but here is what was reported.  Little Egret possibly 2, Buzzard, Grey Wagtail and 20 Goldfinch.

A Lime Hawk Moth larvae was found in a garden nearby and a really fresh male Southern Hawker was caught thanks to the quick hands of Scott Gorman, before it was safely released.

 
Richard Laverack
 
I thought you might like to see this shot of a Wryneck taken at Filey.
 
Richard Laverack


The Edge 27th August

    Over 200 skittish Lapwing were constantly moving between Wombwell Ings and Broomhill Flash, trying to avoid the attention of a juvenile Peregrine practising its hunting technique.
Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Canada Geese, 50+ Teal, 7 Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 2 Cormorant, 1 Moorhen, 4 Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 11 BH Gull and 4 LBB Gull. 
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2a+5y Mute Swan, 16 Canada Geese, 143 Gadwall, 61 Teal, 19 Tufted Duck, 18 Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 1 Little Egret, 2 Cormorant, 142 Coot, 11 Moorhen, 2 Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine(on back area of mud 9.45 - 10.15am ), 6 Snipe, 1 Dunlin and 2 LBB Gull. A group of 17 LBB Gull passed over Cat Hill heading towards Old Moor at 11.30am.

Wintersett 27.08.15

Up to 19°C with scattered cloud and a gusty south westerly.
Anglers CP: Dunlin 1,  Common Sandpiper 1,  Kingfishers 1,  Little Grebe 3,  Wigeon 2 and Grey Wagtail 5.  Siskin 1 over.

Wednesday 26 August 2015

The Edge 26th August

Wombwell Ings - Present were 31 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 40 Teal, 16 Mallard, 9 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 2 Garganey, 2 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 1 Moorhen, 250+ Lapwing, 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 5 BH Gull, 4 LBB Gull, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail and 1 Lesser Whitethroat.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2a+5y Mute Swan, 3 Canada Geese, c200 Gadwall, 16 Teal, 15 Tufted Duck, 14 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 1 Pochard, 4 Cormorant, 23 Little Grebe, 128 Coot, 9 Moorhen, 175 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 4 Common Sandpiper, 2 Green Sandpiper, 2 Ruff and 1 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - pp J.Seeviour- Present were 4a+9y Mute Swan, 45 Gadwall, 27 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 4 Cormorant, 3 Little Egret, 1 Great White Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 28 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 64 Lapwing and 1 Marsh Harrier.

Wintersett 26.08.15

16 - 21°C,  warm with 4/8 cloud and a south westerly breeze.
Anglers CP: Final hay cutting on the reserve today.  The contractor has done a great job this year.   Before that - Greenshank 1,  Dunlin 1,  Common Sandpiper 4,  Grey Wagtail 3 + 2 fledged young WRes (2nd brood).  Canada Goose 394,  mallard 101,  Pochard 10,  Wigeon 5,  Teal 4,  Little Grebe 2  and Cormorant 9.
Wintersett Res: Commic Tern 1 juv. 
Haw Park Wood: Hobby  1 juvenile at 11.50hrs.
Butterfly:  Brimstone 1♂  ACP. 

Tuesday 25 August 2015

The Edge 25th August

Wombwell Ings - Only bird on the open water was a Garganey which slowly swam out-of- sight down a side channel. Also present were 15 Canada Geese  over, 4 Teal, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 76 Lapwing, 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank, 13 BH Gull and 1 LBB Gull.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2a+5y Mute Swan, 193 Gadwall, 19 Mallard, 12 Tufted Duck, 10 Teal, 2 Pochard, 2 Garganey, 2 Shoveler, 2 Little Egret, 2 Cormorant, 22 Liitle Grebe, 152 Coot, 15 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 29 Lapwing, 4 Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 LBB Gull and 2 Yellow Wagtail.
Bolton Ings - A wonderful aerial display for 10 minutes by 2 Buzzards as they were mobbed  by crows, then a Kestrel and finally by a Sparrowhawk. Just prior to this event,  a Hobby had been circling around for 5 minutes. Also present were 4a+4y Mute Swan, 24 Greylag, 1 Canada Goose,  59+ Gadwall, 26 Tufted Duck, 10 Mallard, 10 Pochard, 7 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 206 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 24 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 103 Lapwing and 1 Ruff.

Wintersett 25.08.15

Up to 17°C, sunny with 1/8 cloud at first but 8/8 and a moderate southerly by midday.
Anglers CP: A Spotted Flycatcher made a brief stop in a tree in the car park at 08.40hrs but left SW.   2 Ruff flew SW,  Little Grebe 3,  Teal 8 , Pochard 13,  Wigeon 3 and Common Sandpiper 1.   3 pairs  of Sand Martin having 2 broods each have been the first to use the box.  All young have now fledged. 
Haw Park Wood:  A  juvenile Hobby flew over. 
Wintersett Res: Swift 1,  Kingfisher 1  and  Goldeneye 1♀ that then flew to CHRes..
Odonata: An Emperor dragonfly was on the north east bank.

Monday 24 August 2015

Edderthorpe Monday

The heavy rain over the weekend has put the water levels up quite a bit on the Flash, not much bare mud is now showing, what's left is mostly covered with short vegetation. But the birds clearly still like what's here with some very good numbers still present. Shelduck 1, Shoveler are now up to 131,and Garganey 3 were the only wildfowl counted today. There are still 8 Black-tailed Godwits, 12 Ruff, 10 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plover, 3 Common Sandpipers, 3 Green Sandpipers, at least 7 Greenshank and the Spotted Redshank which appeared yesterday is still present. Three Wood Sandpipers are new in today and the first of the autumn here. An evening visit revealed that no Little Egrets are roosting in the riverside trees at present and most birds left in the Old Moor direction to roost.

The Edge 24th August

Wombwell Ings- Present were 57 Canada Geese, 15 Teal, 3 Mallard, 1 Garganey, 1 Shoveler, 1 Great White Egret, 4 Little Egret, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Moorhen, 136 Lapwing, 5 Snipe, 1 Ruff, 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Kestrel, 31 BH Gull, 20+ House Martin, 3 Pied Wagtail and 2 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2a+5y Mute Swan, 126 Gadwall, 21 Tufted Duck, 18 Mallard, 11 Teal, 2 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 18 Little Grebe, 128 Coot, 13 Moorhen, 25+ Lapwing, 11 Snipe, 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Greenshank ( +6 over early AM-S.Sedgwick ), 2 LBB Gull, 1 Little Owl and 9+ Yellow Wagtail.
Bolton Ings -On the open water were 4a+10y Mute Swan, 51 Greylag, 10 Canada Geese, 60 Gadwall, 31 Tufted Duck, 13 Mallard, 7 Pochard, 167 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 24 Little Grebe and 3 Great Crested Grebe. Also present were 7 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 1 Great White Egret, 2 Buzzard, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker.

Wintersett 24.08.15

11 - 18°C,  cool start, progressively warmer and more humid, calm with 8/8 cloud.
Anglers CP: Grey Wagtail 3,  Yellow Wagtail 1 and 2 Greenshank
Wintersett Res: A flock of 12 calling Greenshank flew around then south at 11.10hrs.  Possibly the biggest Greenshank flock seen here?  Siskin 10 S,  Meadow Pipit 1 S,  Swift 1 S,  Yellow Wagtail 1  S,  Teal 1 and Water Rail 1.    3  Cetti's Warbler -  1 ♂ +  1 ♂ juvenile + 1 ♀ juvenile.
50 birds were ringed today, including:  14 Chiffchaff,  8 Willow Warbler,  8 Reed Warbler,  1 Sedge Warbler,  1 Garden Warbler,  6 Blackcap,  5 Whitethroat and  1 Lesser Whitethroat.

Sunday 23 August 2015

Broomhill Flash 23rd August

Garganey 1, Kestrel 1, Little Egret 3, Little ringed Plover 1, Snipe 11, Green Sandpiper 2, Hobby 1, Dunlin 4, Sparrowhawk 1♀, Greylag Geese 30, Gadwall 183, Yellow Wagtail 8,Teal 6, Pochard 3. Mute Swan 2 ad & 5 juv. No initials in book!

Ewden shooting lodge and back 23/8/15.

Midday to 4-30pm. Very breezy but mild. Birds hard to come by today but before the rains had Marsh Harrier 1, Hobby 1, Buzzard 5, Kestrel 5, Raven 1 pair, Stonechat 1, Stock Dove 1.

Wintersett 23.08.15

16 -19°C with  clear blue sky and a strengthening easterly. 
Wintersett Res:   Black Tern 4 and  a Kingfisher with fish.
Anglers CP: A Green Sandpiper went south at 07.40hrs and a Tree Pipit south at 08.24hrs,   Wigeon 3,  Pochard 8, Gadwall 18,  Teal 9,  Shoveler 6,  Cormorant 10,  Common Sandpiper 1,  Garden Warbler 1 and Grey Wagtail 1.  Psycho the adult Yellow-legged Gull flew  around the shallows and flushed everything before settling on the lake.
52 birds were ringed today, including: 20 Willow Warbler,  9 Chiffchaff,  10 Goldfinch and 4 Blackcap.
Overnight moth trapping produced: Dingy Footman 5,  Dusky Thorn 2,  Bulrush Wainscott 1,  Angle-striped Sallow 3,  Centre-barred Sallow 1 and Silver Y 1.

Wintersett Saturday 22.08.15

Up to 25°C,  calm and humid with 4/8 cloud. Torrential downpours and thunderstorms from 16.30 - 22.30hrs.
Anglers CP + Vis Mig: Siskin 3 + 1 S,  Yellow Wagtail 1 S and Ringed Plover 1 over at 11.13hrs. Shoveler 8,  Pochard 3,  Wigeon 1 and Grey Wagtail 1.  A Hobby was over Haw Park Wood.
Butterfly: A Painted Lady  was seen near Botany.

Saturday 22 August 2015

Wilthorpe Marsh a.m. 22/8/15.

The oxbow pond area had a group of 6 Green Sandpipers, 1 Whinchat, 1 Green and 1 GS Woodpecker, 1 Buzzard, 1 Willow Tit. W end had 1 Little Owl, a small group of Grey Partridges helpfully flushed by dog walkers, 4 calling Water Rails and a group of 3 fem. type Goosanders flew up and landed on the river. Possibly local bred juveniles ? or has anywhere else got any numbers? Cheers.

Friday 21 August 2015

Wintersett 21.08.15

19°C, hot and humid with 8/8 cloud and a moderate southerly.  Some sunny spells late morning.
Anglers CP: Common Sandpiper 1,  Little Grebe 2,  Teal 4,  Pochard 13 and Shoveler 5.
Wintersett Res:  5 Shoveler were new in. A  Yellow Wagtail flew south west.  3 Siskin went over south and a male Cetti's was heard.  A family of Grey Partridge (2 adults + 4 fledged young) were in the north bank field.

Thursday 20 August 2015

Thursday 20.08.15

15 - 20°C,  sunny this morning with building cloud.  6/8 at midday and a strengthening southerly.
More signs of migration this morning, with a bit of a Waderfest going on.
Anglers CP: A RUFF, found  by Steve Denny, was new for the year list. It left north 06.45hrs. A Green Sandpiper was flitting around the shallows and 2 Common Sandpipers dropped in briefly.  A flock of 25 Golden Plover flew over.  A Pintail,  9 Teal,  2 Little Grebe,  3 Pochard and a Grey Wagtail  were of note. 
Wintersett Res:Yellow-legged Gull  1 adult.
Butterflies: Green-veined White and Red Admiral seen at ACP and Painted Lady seen near Botany Bay.

The Edge 20th August

Wombwell Ings - Present were 79 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 1juv Shelduck, 15 Teal, 11 Mallard, 2 Garganey, 2 Shoveler, 1 Cormorant. 1 Great White Egret, 3 Little Egret, 2 Moorhen, 2 Kestrel, 168 Lapwing, 4 Dunlin, 1a+3j Ringed Plover, 4 Swift, 4+ Pied Wagtail,3 Yellow Wagtail and 3 Linnet. Young warblers are noticeable in the hawthorns along the Bulling Dyke - Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat.
Bolton Ings - Walked on from Old Moor car park so figures down due to no numbers for Bolton West Pool. On the open water were 2a+7y Mute Swan, 162 Canada Geese, 47 Greylag, 44 Gadwall, 15 Tufted Duck, 13 Pochard, 6 Mallard, 1 Wigeon, 1 Shoveler, 18 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 211 Coot and  6 Moorhen. Also present were 13 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 168 Lapwing, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Sparrowhawk.

Wednesday 19 August 2015

Edderthorpe Mon to Wed

The two Garganey are still present and usual can be found amongst the Teal in the water area closest to the layby. Teal numbers are slowly creeping up, 121 on Wednesday morning, Shoveler remain just below 90 and a single Wigeon is present.
Little Egrets have been present in good numbers particularly in late morning and afternoon times, 21 on Tuesday and 22 on Wednesday. A cream-crown Marsh Harrier was present Tuesday.
Waders remain in good numbers;- 12 Black-tailed Godwits are present, a Avocet made a brief appearance on Tuesday, Ruff are putting on a good show with 4 on Monday, 7 on Tuesday and 14 on Wednesday, mostly juveniles but 2 adults amongst them. Three Greenshank are present, between 7 and 10 Dunlin, a couple of Ringed Plovers, a few Common Sandpipers and up tp 4 Green Sandpipers (the latter are usually found on Houghton Washlands). 420 Lapwing were counted Monday and around 20 Common Snipe can be seen.
A Wheatear and 5 Yellow Wagtails are present on Wednesday.

Wintersett 19.08.15

18°C sunny and warm until midday then 8/8 cloud with a strengthening southerly.
Anglers CP: A Pintail flew south at 14.50hrs.
Wintersett Res: Dunlin 1 west at 06.15hrs,  Cetti's Warbler 1 male + 1 juvenile male + 1 SW corner.  Water Rail 1,   Swift 1,  Common Tern 1 adult and Yellow Wagtail 1 over.
45 birds were ringed today, including: 1 Sparrowhawk,  12 Willow Warbler,  3 Chiffchaff,   1 Treecreeper,  2 Garden Warbler,  2 Sedge Warbler,  5 Reed Warbler,  3 Whitethroat and 1 Lesser Whitethroat.

Tuesday 18 August 2015

Wintersett 18.08.15

15°C,  grey, 8/8 cloud and intermittent,  drizzly rain throughout the day.
Anglers CP:  Hobby 1 over, Kingfisher 1,  Little Grebe 2,  Pochard 1 and  Teal 2 + 2 CHRes.
Disposal Point: A family of Kestrels (2 adults + 2 fledged young) were seen this morning.
Cold Hiendley Res: Grey Wagtail 2.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 1 over and Swift 1 over.
Butterfly: A Painted Lady was seen on the Disposal Point.

The Edge 18th August

Wombwell Ings - Probably the best day on the ings this year. The star birds were 1 Great White Egret, 4 Little Egret, 2 Garganey, 2 Greenshank and 1 juvenile Ruff. Also present were 26 Canada Geese, 17 Teal, 11 Mallard, 7 Shoveler, 1 Wigeon, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 89 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 1 Kestrel, 33 BH Gull and 2 LBB Gull.
Broomhill Flash - The large number of Gadwall on the Edge seem to do a tour of the area. Today the flash was the main attraction with 161 Gadwall present. Also noted were 2a+5y Mute Swan, 77 Mallard, 17 Teal, 17 Tufted Duck, 3 Pochard, 1 Wigeon, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 16 Little Grebe, 137 Coot, 13 Moorhen, 39 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Kestrel and 2 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3+7y Mute Swan, 94 Gadwall, 41 Tufted Duck, 29 Mallard, 12 Pochard, 8 Cormorant, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 22 Little Grebe, 208 Coot and 5 Moorhen.Also present were 3 Grey Heron, 68 Lapwing and 25+ House Martin.

Monday 17 August 2015

Castle Dam - Midhope

An influx of Mallard and Grey Heron day.
Castle Dam - 2 Greylag Geese, 3 Canada Geese, 34 Mallards, 2 Grey Herons,1 Little Grebe, 1 Moorhen, 18 Coots and 20+ House Martins.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 5 Greylag Geese, 128 Canada Geese, 41 Mallards, 7 Tufted Ducks, 2 Grey Herons, 7 Moorhens, 9 Coots, 50+ Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 10+ Black-headed Gulls.
Royd Moor Reservoir - 188 Greylag Geese, 265 Canada Geese, 71 Mallards, 11 Tufted Ducks, 2 Cormorants, 9 Little Grebes, 10 Great Crested Grebes, 5 Moorhens, 2 Coot, c100 Lapwings, 1 Common Sandpiper, c40 Lesser Black backed Gulls, <10 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Jay and 3+ Common Whitethroats.
Langsett FS - 1 Grey Heron
Midhope Reservoir - 57 Canada Geese, 31 Mallards, 5 Tufted Ducks and 6 Little Grebes.
Barnside Moor - 1+ Buzzard +

also single Kestrels at five sites.

Wintersett 17.08.15

17 - 19°C warm, with mostly 8/8 cloud but short sunny interval mid morning and a light north westerly.
Anglers CP:  Black-necked Grebe 1 juvenile,  Siskin 1over,  Teal 1 and Grey Wagtail 2. 
Overnight moth trapping produced Oak nycteoline,  Brown-veined Wainscott,  Angle-striped Sallow,  Crescent,  Scarce Footman 2 and Dingy Footman 2.

Brown-veined Wainscot   ACP             ASmith
Oak Nycteoline   ACP               ASmith

The Edge 17th August

Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2a+5y Mute Swan, 7 Canada Geese, 54 Mallard, 37 Gadwall, 12 Tufted Duck, 10 Teal, 3 Pochard, 2 Shoveler, 4 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 14 Little Grebe, 139 Coot, 12 Moorhen, 41 Lapwing, 5 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 3 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 1 Kingfisher and 2 Yellow Wagtail.
 Wombwell Ings - Present were 122 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 14 Mallard, 5 Teal, 3 Garganey, 2 Shoveler, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Wigeon, 2 Cormorant, 4 Little Egret, 1 Great White Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 124 Lapwing, 31 BH Gull, 2 Kestrel, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Linnet and1 calling Green Woodpecker.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4a+10y Mute Swan, 39 Greylag, 19 Canada Geese, 89 Gadwall, 46 Tufted Duck, 27 Mallard,17 Pochard, 1 Wigeon, 1 Shoveler, 4 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 19 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 224 Coot and 8 Moorhen. Also present were 1 Little Egret, 120+ Lapwing, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Kingfisher and 1 singing Chiffchaff.

Sunday 16 August 2015

Old Moor - Sunday 16th August

Visited Old Moor this evening, the Great White Egret was on the Mere, a Peregrine was being mobbed by 2 adult and 3 juvenile Common Terns and 4 Dunlin were on "Death" island. On the Main Marsh were 7 Green Sandpipers with a Barn Owl hunting and a Buzzard flew over.

The roost in the Willows on the Willow Pool contained Cormorant 22, Little Egret 25 and the Great White Egret that came in at 20.03. There were 6 Little Egrets already in when I arrived at 19.45, others then came in as follows:- 4 @ 19.56, 4 @ 20.07, 1 @ 20.24, 3 @ 20.34, 1 @ 20.36, 3 @ 20.44, 2 @ 20.27 and finally 1 @ 20.55. Tonight 17 Egrets came in from up the valley and 2 from down the valley.

I haven't posted for a couple of weeks, the Little Egret roost has been well covered with up to 32 birds roosting (6th August). The Egrets behaviour has changed with fewer visiting Edderthorpe and spending more time at Old Moor. Subsequently they have been arriving earlier to roost and more difficult to count.

A couple of birds have colour rings, a bird with a red ring on left leg K and yellow ring on right leg A has been seen at Old Moor, Adwick and Edderthorpe. The sighting has been sent off but details not known yet. Also our old friend FJ has been seen at Old Moor again. This bird was ringed as a nestling (sex unknown) on 14th May 2011 near the Laurels Farm, Terrington St Clements, Norfolk. Old Moor is 138 km North West of the ringing site. FJ was first seen at Old Moor on 14th March 2012, therefore this winter will be the sixth winter FJ has been with us. It would be interesting to know where he/she goes in the summer but its good to have him/her back.

Bolton Ings - Sunday 16th August

WeBS count today therefore ventured onto Bolton Ings, arrived at 10.00 am, weather was warm, sunny with little wind. Highlights were a couple of Marsh Harriers found by Ken Foundation, one bird drifted high over to Old Moor and the other was settled in a dead tree on the Bolton tip hillside. Later a Bittern flew left to right along the reedbed and dropped in. Full list :- Grey Heron 7, Bittern 1, Little Egret 3, Cormorant 11, Mute Swan 15, Canada Goose 7, Grey Lag Goose 23, Great Crested Grebe 2, Little Grebe 31, Mallard 14, Gadwall 216, Wigeon 7, Pochard 11, Tufted Duck 50 + female and 6 ducklings, Coot 259+1 chick, Moorhen 21, LBB Gull 3, Lapwing 305, Green Sandpiper 1, Common Sandpiper 2, Marsh Harrier 2, Green Woodpecker 1.

Wintersett WeBS count for August 2015

The August WeBS totals for the area are as follows:
Mute Swan 12,   Greylag Goose 130,   Canada Goose 150,  Coot 389,  Moorhen 14,   Great Crested Grebe 27,  Little Grebe 2,  Mallard 230,  Gadwall 8,  Teal 1,  Tufted Duck 291,  Pochard 2,  Black-necked Grebe 1,  Goldeneye 1 f,  Cormorant 8,  Lapwing 140,  Dunlin 1,  Grey Heron 2,  Common Tern 6 and  Kingfisher 2.

Wintersett 16.08.15

15 - 19°C with 8/8 cloud and a very light
Anglers CP: Black-necked Grebe 1 juvenileYellow Wagtail 1 over,   Grey Wagtail 2A Dunlin flew in at 16.40hrs.

Wintersett Res:  Tree Pipit 1 S at 08.40hrs. Peregrine 1 over at 13.40hrs and Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult.  Kingfisher 2.
Cold Hiendley Res: Common Tern 6
Odonata:  A male Emperor dragonfly was on Botany Bay.

The Edge 16th August

Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2a+5y Mute Swan, 3 Canada Geese, 2 juv Shelduck, 67 Mallard, 35 Gadwall, 1a+10y Tufted Duck, 7 Teal, 138 Coot, 12 Moorhen, 18 Little Grebe, 6 Pochard, 4 Shoveler, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Cormorant, 49 Lapwing, 11 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, 4 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull,1 Kestrel, 8 Swift, 11+ Pied Wagtail and 3 Yellow Wagtail.
Wombwell Ings - Present were 103 Canada Geese, 10 Mallard, 10 Teal ,3 Shoveler, 2 Garganey, 1 Tufted Duck, 7 Little Egret, 1 Great White Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 1 Moorhen, 96 Lapwing, 5 Snipe,1 Kestrel, 38 BH Gull, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and  2 Linnet.

Edderthorpe, Sunday

National Wildfowl count day again, the following are combined totals for Edderthorpe Flash and Houghton Washlands (not much on the Washlands as they are close to drying up).
Mute Swan 12, Canada Goose 332, Greylag Goose 148, Shelduck 2, Mallard 700, Teal 112, Gadwall 102, Shoveler 88, Garganey 2, Wigeon 2, Tufted Duck 6, Cormorant 6, Little Grebe 10, Little Egret 14 including a colour ringed bird red 'K' on left leg yellow 'A' on right leg which has been seen at Old Moor and Adwick recently although we're still waiting to hear where it was ringed, Grey Heron 7, Moorhen 57, Coot 30, Lapwing 370, Black-tailed Godwit 11, Ruff 4, Dunlin 5, Ringed Plover 2, Greenshank 3, Redshank 1, Green Sandpiper 6, Common Sandpiper 2, Common Snipe 25, Kingfisher 2.
A Common Redstart is on Deepcar Lane and there are also plenty of warblers in that area;- Chiffchaff 19, Willow Warbler 5, Blackcap 3, Common Whitethroat 5.

The nearby wetlands at Ferry Moor and Cudworth Common were also covered, the best being a further 5 Little Egrets, obviously attracted to the Common by the very low water levels and easy feeding there.

Good day in the Garden

In our garden at Greenmoor today- juvenile redstart,juvenile female blackcap,spotted flycatcher,juvenile willow warbler,at least 7 juvenile blackbirds plus the usual blue tits,great tits,chaffinches,house and tree sparrows.

Saturday 15 August 2015

Edderthorpe, Saturday

Yesterdays rain has made little difference to the low water levels, still loads of (mostly dry) mud. Two Garganey are still feeding happily amongst the growing Teal which are now up to 90, Shelduck 2 and Wigeon 2 are amongst them. At least 12 Little Egrets and 7 Grey Herons are present. The waders include;- Lapwing 370, Black-tailed Godwit 11, Redshank 4, Greenshank 6, Green Sandpiper 4, Common Sandpiper 3, Dunlin 4, Ruff 4 juveniles, Curlew 1 and Common Snipe 14. A late Cuckoo is still lingering on and 2 Wheatears are present.

Wintersett 15.08.15

13 - 17°C with scattered cloud and a cool westerly.
Anglers CP:   Black-necked Grebe 1  juvenile,  Buzzard 16,  Hobby 1 adult,  Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult,  Yellow Wagtail 1,  Swift 22 W + 16 WRes.    Buzzard 16. 
Wintersett Res: Peregrine 1 west at 06.45hrs.  Greenshank 1 over at 07.03hrs.  Cettis Warbler 2 and Common Tern 4An exceptionally early REDPOLL flew south - ususally expected late September. 
 41 birds were ringed this morning, including: Garden Warbler 1, Swallow 17,  Willow Warbler 11,  Chiffchaff 5,  Reed Warbler 3,  Whitethroat 1 and Blackcap 1.  

Moorlands 15/8/15. D.Simmonite, S.Green.

Stone circle track to lodge and back. Very steady, cold and windy with bits of rain at the lodge soon had us back down the track. Best bird being a juv Peregrine, Buzzard 4, Kestrel 6, Stonechat 3, Mistle Thrush 9. On to low moor/midhope which was a good deal warmer with Hobby 1, juv Peregrine 1, Sparrowhawk 1, Buzzard 6, Kestrel 4+, before we left at 5pm.

Friday 14 August 2015

Wintersett 14.08.15

UGH!   14°C, cool, damp and drizzly rain with 8/8 cloud and a light north westerly. 
Anglers CP: Black-necked Grebe 1 juvenile,  Ringed Plover 1CP,  Common Tern1,  Greylag Goose 128 and Great Crested Grebe 9 + 19 WRes.

Thursday 13 August 2015

Wintersett 13.08.15

16 - 21°C with 7/8 cloud a light north easterly.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 5.  A film crew for 'Swallows and Amazons' were in the area today.
Anglers CP: Black-necked Grebe 1 juvenile,  Mallard 161,  Gadwall 16,  Shoveler 3,  Pochard 2,  Teal 6,  Lapwing 160,  Garden Warbler 1,  Lesser Whitethroat,  Yellow Wagtail  1 over and Snipe 1.

The Edge 13th August

Wombwell Ings - Present were 198 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 66 Mallard, 1 Garganey, 1 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Cormorant, 1 Great White Egret, 4 Little Egret, 4 Grey Heron, 12 Lapwing, 2 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Kestrel, 29 BH Gull, 1 Green Woodpecker yaffling in the Canyon Area, 8 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail and 3 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2a+5y Mute Swan, 94 Mallard, 24 Gadwall, 17 Tufted Duck, 11 Shoveler, 10 Teal, 2 Pochard, 1 Grey Heron, 152 Coot, 12 Moorhen, 14 Little Grebe, 21 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 1a+2 juv Common Tern, 2 LBB Gull, 3 Pied Wagtail and 2 Yellow Wagtail.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3a+7y Mute Swan, 24 Greylag, 4 Canada Geese, 162 Gadwall, 55 Tufted Duck, 15 Pochard, 13 Mallard, 5 Shoveler, 1 Wigeon, 19 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 12 Cormorant, 221 Coot, 9 Moorhen and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 79 Lapwing and 1 Kestrel.

Wednesday 12 August 2015

The Edge 12th August

Wombwell Ings - Highlight was the Hobby seen feeding on the wing, as it circled around the eastern end of the Ings at 10.15am. Also present were 249 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 41 Mallard, 1 Garganey, 1 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 1 Great White Egret, 105 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, 2 Kestrel, 3 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Yesterday, I forgot to mention that I saw a Grass Snake slithering across the road to the flash( a first for me !!). Birds seen today included 2a+5y Mute Swan, 48 Canada Geese, 54 Mallard, 45 Gadwall, 15 Tufted Duck, 1 Shoveler,14 Little Grebe, 148 Coot, 8 Moorhen, 25 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, 3 LBB Gull, 3 Linnet and 1 Yellow Wagtail. Before 10.00am, Mick Rushton and Steve Abbott
also saw 2 Common Tern, 1 Buzzard and 1 Little Owl.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4a+11y Mute Swan, 62 Canada Geese, 34 Greylag, 131 Gadwall, 31 Tufted Duck, 20 Shoveler, 6 Mallard, 24 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 11 Cormorant, 211 Coot and 9 Moorhen. Also present were 1 Grey Heron,178+ Lapwing, 2 Ruff,1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Grey Wagtail and 1 singing Willow Warbler.
Yellow Wagtail - Wombwell Ings

Wintersett 12.08.15

Hot.  15 - 20 degrees C with 1/8 cloud and building towards midday, with a light northerly.
Anglers CP: Black-necked Grebe 1 juvenile and Grey Wagtail 3.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 male,  Common Tern 2.
55 birds were ringed this morning, including: Swallow 22,  Reed Warbler 3,  Whitethroat 4,  Lesser Whitethroat 1,  Willow Warbler 13,  Chiffchaff 9 and Treecreeper 1.

COLLARED DOVE FOR TEA! 11/08/15

Here is a pic of a female Sparrowhawk with a Collared Dove meal in my garden in Springvale,Penistone 2 yards from my kitchen window?

The Joy of Six

An early morning call to Ingbirchworth produced a very big surprise in the form of 6 Avocets. Present at 06.55 and predictably flighty ( dogs were taking their owners for walks at this time already!). At least two juvs and four adults - one of the ads had the following colour ring combinations above the knee - Right leg-Green above red; left leg-white above blue (at 60X at a few hundred meters range). Still present at 07.35 when I left an Hudds birder adding them to his local list!
I'll be very interested to know where these came from. Info already passed to our recorder!
Also ad Yellow-legged Gull.
Cheers
Russ
http://shapesthatsometimesfly.blogspot.co.uk/

Tuesday 11 August 2015

Langsett

Langsett Reservoir - 20 Canada Geese, 2 Teal, 41 Mallards, 8 Tufted Ducks, 1 Moorhen, 1 Oystercatcher and 1 calling Long-eared Owl. The gull roost was livelier this evening with 178 Black-headed Gulls, 223 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 6 Yellow-legged Gulls (3 adults, 2 second-summers and 1 third-summer).

Wintersett 11.08.15

Up to 21°C and sunny with a light westerly this morning.
Anglers CP: Black-necked Grebe 1 juvenile,  Little Grebe 1,  Pochard 1,  Gadwall 3.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 4 and Water Rail 1.  Cetti's Warbler 4 - an adult male, an adult female and 2 juveniles.
31 birds were ringed today, including: 7 Reed Warbler,  4 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat,  3 Blackcap,  6 Chiffchaff,  3 Willow Warbler, 2 Treecreeper and 2 juvenile Cetti's Warbler (a male and a female).  An adult female Cetti's was also retrapped. This adult female Cetti's was first ringed on June 8th 2014 and retrapped, several times, up to September 22nd 2014.  This year it was trapped on the 1st May and not again until today, showing just how elusive these birds are.

The Edge 11th August

Wombwell Ings - Highlight was the Great White Egret. Also present were 248 Canada Geese, 28 Greylag, 52 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 1 Garganey, 1 Wigeon, 1 Tufted Duck, 5 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Moorhen, 68 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, 2 Dunlin, 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Kestrel, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail and 2 Linnet. The dead hawthorn on the Bulling Dyke, near the park entrance, held 2 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 1 Chiffchaff.
 Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2a+5y Mute Swan, 84 Gadwall, 67 Mallard, 15 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard, 15 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 157 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 62 Lapwing, 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 1 Kingfisher and 2 Yellow Wagtail.
Bolton Ings- Highlight was the Marsh Harrier that appeared at 12.55pm, rested for a few minutes in a tree before heading towards Bolton west end. This was a much neater bird than the one seen last week. It had a more distinct cream crown and it was cleaner and darker underneath.On the open water were 2a+7y Mute Swan, 8 Greylag, 53 Gadwall, 25 Tufted Duck, 12 Pochard, 7 Shoveler, 6 Mallard, 1 Wigeon, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Cormorant, 245 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 26 Little Grebe and 5 Great Crested Grebe. Also present were 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 11 Lapwing and 1 Kingfisher.

Monday 10 August 2015

Wintersett 10.08.14

17 -21°C with 8/8 cloud and a light south westerly.  There were two short drizzly showers this morning and a heavier downpour mid afternoon.
Haw Park Wood: A Short-eared Owl flew over south west at 19.45hours.  This is a new bird for the year list. 
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 8 and Cormorant 3 + 1 ACP.  
Anglers CP: Grasshopper Warbler 1 male on the east bank.  Black-necked Grebe 1 juvenile,  Pochard 3 and Grey Wagtail 1.  A Swift flew south.

The Edge 10th August

Wombwell Ings  - Highlight was the 2 Garganey feeding amongst the 146 Canada Geese,  25 Greylag and 42 Mallard. Add the horses walking along the water's edge and you can understand why I didn't pick them up at first. Also present were 5 Little Egret, 1 Moorhen, 13 Lapwing, 37 BH Gull, 5 Pied Wagtail, 4 Yellow Wagtail and 2 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2a+5y Mute Swan, 26 Canada Geese, 69 Gadwall, 40+ Mallard, 16 Tufted Duck, 7 Shoveler, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Cormorant, 20 Little Grebe, 141 Coot, 15+ Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 57 Lapwing, 7 Snipe, 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Dunlin, 14 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 19 Stock Dove.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4a+4y Mute Swan, 69 Greylag, 15 Canada Geese, 82 Gadwall, 42 Tufted Duck, 12 Pochard, 9 Mallard, 6 Cormorant, 3 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 5 Great Crested Grebe and 14 Little Grebe. Also present were 21 Lapwing, 2 Kingfisher, 1 Kestrel and 1 Green Woodpecker.
     On the walk back to Broomhill, Seev and I eventually saw the Great White Egret on the Mere. Thanks to Ivan Martin for his forbearance in giving up-to-date information on its location via CB radio.

Edderthorpe, Monday

The autumn build-up of dabbling ducks is gathering pace, finding the low water levels ideal for feeding. Over 700 Mallard counted today shows the excellent breeding season this species has had here this year. A juv Shelduck remains, Shoveler are up to 53 and Teal to 46. At least 4 Garganey are still present (2 juveniles on Houghton and 2 adults on Edderthorpe). At least 6 different birds have been here during the last week (2 adults, 4 juveniles) and raises the question if they might have bred successfully somewhere locally? Black-tailed Godwit 5, Ringed Plover 5, Dunlin 4, Common Sandpiper 3, Green Sandpiper 5, Redshank 5, Greenshank 4 and Common Snipe 15 were all present today.

Sunday 9 August 2015

Wintersett 09.08.15

Hot and sunny with a south westerly breeze.
Anglers CP:  Another sign of autumn, with 4 juvenile Goosander new in today.   Just 1 juvenile Black-necked Grebe remains.  Teal 4,  Gadwall 7 + 2 CHRes,  Pochard 2,  Little Grebe 1 and  Cormorant 6.  An area total of  288 Tufted Duck  (52 + 231 CHRes + 5 WRes.).
Haw Park Wood: Siskin 1.
Wintersett Res: Common Sandpiper 1 and Common Tern 6.
Odonata: A Ruddy Darter was on the Golf Course Pond.

Saturday 8 August 2015

Wintersett 08.08.15

15 - 22°C, very warm,  with 3/8 cloud and a moderate south westerly.
Anglers CP: Two juvenile Black-necked Grebes are still present. Pochard 1, Little Grebe 1,  Green Woodpecker 1 and  Grey Wagtail 2. 
Wintersett Res: A Tree Pipit went south at 08.30hrs.  Cetti's Warbler 2,    Hobby 1 over,  Common Tern 5, and Tawny Owl juvenile 1 calling on Haw Park Lane.
78 birds were ringed this morning including: a juvenile, male Cetti's Warbler,  a juvenile male Water Rail, (which was a ringing tick for Becky), Swallow 23,  Willow Warbler 15,  Chiffchaff 11,  Reed Warbler 5,  Sedge Warbler 2,  Blackcap 4,  Whitethroat 2,  Lesser Whitethroat 2,  Garden Warbler 1 and Willow Tit 1.
CETTI'S  WARBLER bred successfully again this year with one brood of 3 fledged young being seen.
Juvenile male Cetti's Warbler      WRes     RLHill
 
Juvenile male Water Rail     WRes    RLHill

Ewden, stone circle track to cabin and back, 8/8/15.

Hobby 2, Merlin 1, Sparrowhawk 1 pair, Buzzard 6, Kestrel 8+, Raven 6, Stonechat 10, Ring Ouzel 1 calling and seen briefly, Redstart 2 near entrance gate, Curlew 1 over s., Mistle Thrush 10, GS Woodpecker 2 in valley woods. Small partys of Red Grouse flushed regular near track , 60+. , hiding from the guns already?.

Carlton Marsh

A 'mothing' session with Harry Beaumont and members of the group last night produced more than 40 species. Conditions were perfect cloudy and humid with temperatures at around 19c. MV and actinic lights and sugared bait was used to attract the moths, they included Red Underwing, Small Rufous, Svennsson's Copper Underwing,White Satin, Flame Carpet, Blue Bordered Carpet and a small Ear Moth species yet to be determined.
Noctule and Daubenton's Bat were feeding over the scrape and male and female Tawny Owls were calling.

This morning Little Egret and 2 Buzzards were reported. and this evening a Green Sandpiper was feeding. Willow Tit and a juv Kingfisher were ringed and up to 150 Swallows roosted.

 Old Lady
Pebble Prominent
 Gold Spot
 
Fen Wainscot

Friday 7 August 2015

Wintersett 07.08.15

16 - 20°C with sunshine and a warm southerly, until mid afternoon when it clouded over.
Anglers CP:  Black necked Grebe 1 adult + 2 juveniles.  Gadwall 1,  Pochard 2, Siskin 2 over,  Grey Wagtail 1 and Swift 30.   3 pairs of Sand Martins still have nests in the box  at middle row 4 and bottom row 6 and 8.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 5.
43 birds were ringed this morning, including:  Garden Warbler 3, Blackcap 4,  Reed Warbler 9, Chiffchaff 12 and Willow Warbler 7.

The Edge 7th August

Wombwell Ings - A much more interesting visit than usual, with 81 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 69 Mallard, 1 Tufted Duck, 5 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Moorhen, a group of 3 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine through at 9.15am, 51 Lapwing, 4 Black Tailed Godwit, 3 Dunlin, 55 BH Gull, 4+ Yellow Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail and 2 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan + 5 cygnets, 6 Canada Geese, 40 Gadwall, 33 Mallard, 18 Tufted Duck, 2 Teal, 2 Pochard, 3 Grey Partridge, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 4+ Grey Heron, 15 Little Grebe, 144 Coot, 7 Moorhen, 48 Lapwing, 10 Snipe, 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Ruff, 35 BH Gull, 3 LBB Gull, 1 Little Owl, 2 Yellow Wagtail and 3 Linnet.
Bridge on Old Pontefract Road-The dead hawthorn, downstream on the southern bank, can be productive at this time of year. Today Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat , Chiffchaff and Dunnock were seen  all at the same time. The upstream side of the river has given consistently good views of  Grey Wagtail.
Bolton Ings -On the open water were 3+11juv Mute Swan, 8 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 79 Gadwall, 45 Tufted Duck, 19 Pochard,14 Mallard, 1 Wigeon,16 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron,  206 Coot, 7 Moorhen, and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 72 Lapwing, 1 Kestrel,1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 singing Chiffchaff.

Thursday 6 August 2015

Carlton Marsh update

Drake Garganey (Keith Bannister) 1945hrs and Little Egret this morning.

The Edge 6th August

Wombwell Ings- Present were 32 Canada Geese, 91 Mallard, 5 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 15 Lapwing, 2 BlackTailed Godwit, 41 BH Gull, 6+ Yellow Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 20+ House Martin, 25+ Goldfinch and 3 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 1 Mute Swan+4 cygnets, 18 Canada Geese, 24 Mallard, 19 Gadwall, 5+13y Tufted Duck, 5+7y Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 2 Teal,1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 14 Little Grebe, 154 Coot, 8 Moorhen, 53 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 2 Green Sandpiper, 1 Ruff, 2 Kestrel, 28 BH Gull, 3 LBB Gull, 3 Pied Wagtail, 1Yellow Wagtail, and 1 Linnet.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan+7 cygnets, 2 Canada Geese, 84 Gadwall, 24+33y Tufted Duck, 7 Pochard, 5 Shoveler, 3 Mallard, 1 Wigeon, 3 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 246 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 15 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Hobby, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker and 1 Blackcap.

Wintersett 06.08.15

16 - 20C,  mainly cloudy with a few short sunny intervals and a quick light shower mid morning. The breeze was south westerly.
 Wintersett Res:  A moulting adult BLACK TERN and 5 Common Terns were fishing this morning.   A WHEATEAR was in the north bank field and a Yellow Wagtail flew over.  Kingfisher 1.  Tufted Duck 12 + 150 CHRes. 
Haw Park Wood: Siskin 1.
Anglers CP: Black-necked Grebe 1 adult and 2 juveniles - presumably returned from their jaunt to Pugneys.  Pochard 1.
Overnight moth trapping produced: Scarce Silver-lines,  Dingy Footman,  Scarce Footman and Doubled Lobe.
Double Lobed            ACP   PSmith

Carlton Marsh

A 'mothing' session will take place tomorrow night from 9 pm all welcome. Harry Baumont will be coming with his mercury vapour lamp.

Wednesday 5 August 2015

Edderthorpe, Monday to Wednesday

A strong autumnal feel down here now with waders and wildfowl all building up. Greylag Geese are up to 191 and Canadas up to 185. Dabbling duck numbers are increasing rapidly, Mallard 518, Teal 24, Shoveler 44. The first autumn Garganey appeared on Monday, was joined by 3 juveniles on Tuesday and 5 birds are present Wednesday. The juvenile Shelduck remains. Little Egrets are usually present during daylight hours with up to 15 seen although none appear to be roosting yet. The wader species numbers have been similar most days with usually;- Lapwing 435, Black-tailed Godwit up to 15, Ruff 2, Dunlin 9 with the first juveniles on Monday, Little Ringed Plover 4, Ringed Plover 3, Greenshank 1, Redshank 1, Green Sandpiper 5, Common Sandpiper 5, and a few Common Snipe. A Red Kite was seen Tuesday.

Wintersett 05.08.15

13 - 18°C with 4/8 cloud and a light southerly wind.  Very, very quiet.
Wintersett Res:  Common Tern 5.
Anglers CP: Pochard 2,  Common Gull 1 adult south.

The Edge 5th August

Wombwell Ings -  Present were 219 Canada Geese, 7 Greylag, 73 Mallard, 1 Teal, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 4 Moorhen, 18 Lapwing, 33 BH Gull, 1 Kestrel, 4+ Yellow Wagtail, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 20+ House Martin, 2 Linnet and 1 Yellowhammer.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan +5 cygnets, 18 Canada Geese, 42 Gadwall, 32 Mallard, 24 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 2 Cormorant, 16 Little Grebe, 8 Moorhen, 138 Coot, 24 Lapwing, 4 Snipe,1 Ruff, 2 Green Sandpiper, 3 LBB Gull and 3 Yellow Wagtail.
Bolton Ings - On several occasions over an hour, good views were had of a cream crown Marsh Harrier. On the open water were 3 Mute Swan +11 cygnets, 23 Greylag, 3 Canada Geese, 101 Gadwall, 23+20y Tufted Duck, 17 Pochard, 6 Mallard,  251 Coot, 7 Moorhen, 11 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, and 6 Cormorant. Also present were 3 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 17 Lapwing, 1 Kestrel, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 Lesser Whitethroat.

Tuesday 4 August 2015

Carlton Marsh

Resident Little Egret, 2 Green Sandpipers, c50 Lapwings and 20 Pied Wagtails over as if they were heading for the roost at Ardagh Glass in Monk Bretton.
A Common Shrew was walking and feeding in front of me without fear on the disused rail embankment just as the Swallows were coming in to roost..

Wintersett 04.08.15

A very pleasant 16 -19°C with sunny intervals and a moderate SW breeze.
Anglers CP: 3 Black-necked Grebes were new in today. An adult in summer plumage and 2 juveniles.  Pochard 2 and Grey Wagtail 1.  The white  Black-headed Gull was on the shallows  this afternoon.   
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 4.

The Edge 4th August

Wombwell Ings - Present were 156 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 51 Mallard, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Egret ( 3 late AM ), 1 Kestrel, 5 Lapwing, 1 Snipe and 58 BH Gull.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan+5 cygnets. 10 Canada Geese, 27 Mallard, 13+14y Gadwall, 11+9y Tufted Duck, 5 Shoveler, 1 Pochard, 11 Little Grebe, 148 Coot, 7 Moorhen, 26 Lapwing, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Green Sandpiper, 1 Snipe, 8 LBB Gull,1 Little Owl and 2 Yellow Wagtail.
Bolton Ings - Only bird heard singing was 1 Yellowhammer. On the open water were 3 Mute Swan +7 cygnets, 13 Canada Geese, 70 Gadwall, 13+31y Tufted Duck, 13 Pochard, 9 Mallard, 16 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 226 Coot, 11 Moorhen, 66 BH Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 5 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Kestrel, 12 Lapwing, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Grey Wagtail and 100+ Swift.

Cudworth Common

A leisurely stroll with Hibbert & Corrall saw a family of Mute Swans (5 cygnets)  2 Little Grebes and a Little Egret on the fast drying Ferrymoor ponds.
Butterflies included 142 Gatekeepers and 22 Large Whites and Broad Bodied Chaser was airborne.

Edderthorpe Flash
At around mid-day we could only see 2 Green Sandpipers, 2 Dunlins, Shelduck and 1 Little Egret. A Dusky Sallow moth was feeding on Knapweed.

Forgot to mention 1 Siskin north

Monday 3 August 2015

An Intriguing Gull

What, in August, never!
Came across this bird at Ingbirchworth Res. briefly on Saturday morning and then yesterday morning (2nd), when I had a better chance to observe it. Oddest feature about the bird was the slimmer, smaller jizz compared to the Lesser Black-backs. I'd estimate about 20% smaller. This, allied with the angular head, strikingly long primaries and the way it seemed to sit lower in the water gave it a pretty distinct look. This time of year's obviously the worst period of all to observe young gulls, with lots of them looking 'clapped out'. In this bird's case I couldn't even make out the tertial pattern, which  reckon was due to wear. The jizz reminded me of a 1st year Caspian Gull but the bill was too heavy and the mantle too consistent with  1st summer LBBG for this species. Probably a 'runt' LBBG, but then again...
Obviously Id welcome any comments. I've a few hour spare on Wednesday so will have another look then.
Cheers
Russ

Cudworth

A Peregrine flew SE over Beech Avenue today at 14.35hrs.(Geoff Miller)

Wintersett 03.08.15

18 - 22°C cloudy with hot sunny intervals and a southerly breeze. 
Anglers CP: Mallard 233 + 17 WRes.,  Tufted Duck 3 young,  Cormorant 6 and  Grey Wagtail 2.
Wintersett Res: The juv. Oystercatcher was on the boathouse slipway.  Common Tern  11.
Other Critters seen at Wres.,by the Carlton Dream Team: A Stoat was on the west bank.  25 Gatekeeper and 10 Green-veined White Butterflies were counted.

Barn Owl

Apparently  there's  one around the Darfield area with jesses on. Does anyone know where as I know it's possible owner.  It's  the man who shows them at Elsecar heritage centre, it flew off a few weeks ago but a picture has been on Facebook  and he thinks it's the one. Nobody can contact the poster to narrow it down. Any help appreciated.

Windleden - Midhope

Uppper Windleden Reservoir - 1 drake Common Scoter.
Winscar Reservoir - 32 Canada Geese and 85+ Mallard.
Broadstone Reservoir - 25 Mallard, 3 Tufted Ducks and 2 Little Grebes.
Inbirchworth Reservoir - 3 Canada Geese, 68 Mallards, 7 Tufted Ducks, 1 Cormorant, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Moorhens, 8 Coots, 1 Curlew E, 2 Whimbrel in from W, 24 Black-headed Gulls, 60 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 3 (2 adults & 1 first-summer) Yellow-legged Gulls and 5+ Pied Wagtails.
Royd Moor - 2 Tree Sparrows at Windmill Nurseries.
Fullshaw - 23 Lesser Black-backed Gulls and 1 (second-summer) Yellow-legged Gull.
Midhope Reservoir - 12 Canada Geese, 10 Mallard and 1 Sparrowhawk.

The Edge 3rd August

Wombwell Ings -Very quiet with 5 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 29 Mallard, 1 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 4 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 8 Lapwing, 12 BH Gull, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 20+ House Martin and 2 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan+5 cygnets, 17 Canada Geese, 27 Mallard, 16 + 18y Gadwall, 9 + 5y Tufted Duck, 1 Shoveler, 1 Pochard, 16 Little Grebe, 166 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 25 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Green Sandpiper, 4 LBB Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 Little Owl , 2 Yellow Wagtail and 5 Linnet.
Bolton Ings - The only warbler heard singing was a Grasshopper Warbler reeling near the Cormorant Hide. On the open water were 4 Mute Swan + 7 cygnets, 14 Canada Geese, 77 Gadwall, 25+29y Tufted Duck, 10 Pochard, 8 Mallard, 4 Shoveler, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 18 Little Grebe, 5 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 229 Coot, 8 Moorhen and 121 BH Gull.Also present were 2 Little Egret, 1 Kestrel, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Sunday 2 August 2015

Carlton Marsh

A Little Egret roosted again tonight, it was in by 21.10hrs. after spending all day on the new wader scrape. It was accompanied by 60 Lapwings and a Green Sandpiper came in this evening. A Buzzard spent most of the day overseeing all this from its usual tree perch.
As the light began to fade about 100 Swallows came to roost in Typha and Phragmites at the southern end of the original scrape.
You can't fail to see or hear a Kingfisher on every visit now, these two were on show today.
 
(Rod Heeley)

Ewden, shooting lodge and return 2/8/15.

Hobby 1, Peregrine 1 fem., Buzzard 4, Kestrel 4, Raven 1, Stonechat 1, Mistle Thrush 20.

Wintersett 02.08.15

15°C, mild with 8/8 cloud and a light south easterly. Sunny intervals from late morning. Not much to report.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 18 (at least)  and Tufted Duck 150.
Anglers CP: Grey Wagtail 2.

Old Moor Early Morning Visit Sunday 2nd August

Decided to have an early morning visit to Old Moor to count the Little Egrets leaving the roost for a change. I arrived at the Wath Ings Hide at 04.40, it was still dark and I heard Black Headed Gull, Oystercatcher, LBB Gull and Lapwing walking to the hide. I could see 1 Little Egret in the Willows and the first signs of movement was actually 2 Cormorants into the roost at 04.50, had they been night fishing?

I first heard the Egrets calling at 04.56 and the first 10 flew out and up the valley at 05.03. These were followed by 1 @ 05.05, 4 @ 05.08, 2 @ 05.23, 3 @ 05.38 and finally 8 @ 05.47. All the Egrets left up the valley apart from 3 which left down the valley. The Cormorants were flying out and then back in all the time and there were still 14 in the willows when I left

There were 5 Barn Owls out hunting, 3 around the hide and 2 on the Reedbeds, also on the Main Marsh were 5 Kingfishers, 2 Green Sandpipers and 2 Common Sandpipers.

On the Wader Scrape were 2 juvenile Shelduck, 1 juvenile Avocet, 4 Redshank, 2 Dunlin and 3 Oystercatchers.

A walk onto the Reedbeds revealed at least 6 Reed Warblers singing??

After a cuppa at home and breakfast in the Old Moor Café I had a drive down to Adwick Washland. There is not a lot of water left at Adwick but there were 5 Grey Herons, 4 Little Egrets, 120 Grey Lag Geese, 122 Lapwings, 1 adult and 1 juvenile Avocet and 1 Sparrowhawk.

Saturday 1 August 2015

Wintersett 01.08.15

9 - 14°C with 7/8 cloud and an intermittent cool breeze.
Anglers CP: A Little Egret flew SW over the car park at 04.35hrs.
Wintersett Res: Water Rail 1,  Common Tern 6 and Common Gull 1 flew SW.
47 birds were ringed this morning, including: 12 Reed Warbler,  2 Sedge Warbler,  3 Blackcap,  2 Willow Warbler,  13 Chiffchaff.  7 Reed Bunting and 1 Yellowhammer.

Carlton Marsh

This morning 1 Little Egret was roosting in a Willow on the scrape. Also of note Grey Wagtail, 2 Buzzards, 2 Willow Tits calling separately (SE 3709/10) 2 Kingfisher and a Siskin north at 07.05hrs.
 
Last nights moths
 
Fen Wainscot
 Silky Wainscot (det. by H. E. Baumont)
Southern Wainscot (det. by H.E. Baumont)

Ingbirchworth and Scout Dike - early doors


An hour and a half this morning before work commitments intervened!
At Ingbirchworth, at least 2 Yellow Wagtails among a party of Pieds and a single Grey, c.50 House Martins, single LRP and an adult Yellow-legged Gull with 30 Lesser Black-backs.
Only birds of note at Scout Dike, where a bit of exposed mud is showing in the SW corner, were c.70 Lapwings, 12 Tufted Duck and a calling Willow Tit.
Cheers
Russ
http://shapesthatsometimesfly.blogspot.co.uk/

Old Moor Nocturnal Report

Yet another record breaking evening at Old Moor tonight with 32 Little Egrets coming into the willows on the Willow Pool to roost. When I arrived at the Wath Ings hide at 19.15 I couldn't see or hear any Egrets already in. However after a while 2 birds flew out, 1 onto the Main Marsh and the other over to Bolton Ings. With the calm conditions tonight the Egrets were again late coming in, they came in as follows :- 4 @ 20.35, 1 @ 20.38, 4 @ 20.44, 2 @ 20.47, 2 @ 20.54, 9 @ 21.02, 1 @ 21.12 and finally 9 @ 21.24. All the Egrets came in from up the valley tonight apart from 5. This ties in nicely with 25 birds at Edderthorpe and 6 at Adwick this afternoon. I am not sure all the birds in the valley are roosting at Old Moor and the roost at Denaby will be checked shortly. Looking at my notes 13 Little Egrets were roosting on this day last year.

Also roosting tonight were 21 Cormorants. Other birds recorded tonight were as follows:- Shelduck 2 juvs, Avocet 1 juv, Oystercatcher 5, Snipe 3, Redshank 9, Dunlin 3, Black Tailed Godwit 13, Common Sandpiper 3, Green Sandpiper 2, Common Tern 2 adults + 2 juvs, Barn Owl 6 hunting.