Saturday 30 April 2016

Carlton Marsh

New in today was a Sedge Warbler. (Jim Plant) 2 Redpoll flew north.

Wintersett 30.04.16

3 - 8 degrees,  sunny spells with  light shower late morning and a cool westerly breeze. 
Anglers CP:  A female Redstart, probably the one seen on the 28th, was on the Pol 07.15hrs, (Chris Swaine).   A female Marsh Harrier flew west at 11.00hrs (Mick Hemingway).  Curlew 2,  Grey Partridge 2,  Common Sandpiper 2,  Oystercatcher 2, Shelduck 2,  Wigeon 2m and Canada Goslings 10. 
Haw Park Wood: A pair of Nuthatch were feeding young. 
Cold Hiendley Res: Tufted Duck 75 + 16 ACP. 
Wintersett Res:   A drake Garganey was on mid morning but it  had moved over to Cold Hiendley Res this afternoon.  A Red Kite flew SW at 10.40hrs.  Steve Denny saw 2 Hobbies isolate and eventually catch a Sand Martin.  Grasshopper Warbler 1m west bank. 
Lepidoptera: Green-veined White 1 WRes.

Female Redstart    Pol ACP     CSwaine
Drake Garganey      CHRes    MHemingway

The Edge 30.04.16

Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 32 Canada Geese, 11 Greylag, 23 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall, 4 Mallard, 2 Pochard, 1 Shoveler, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 17 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 1 Red Legged Partridge, 1 Buzzard, 1 Hobby, 1 Kestrel, 6 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, and 200+ BH Gull.
Wombwell Ings - A very good day even though I got soaked walking to the hide. Always nice to see the first Lapwing chick of the year. Present were 2 Mute Swan, 36 Canada Geese, 8 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 13 Tufted Duck, 11 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 2 Teal, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 11 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 2 Redshank, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 35 BH Gull, 4 LBB Gull, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Wheatear, 6+ Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail and 1 Yellow Wagtail.

Broomhill Flash - New hide now open

The new viewing suite is now open for end-user activity. Hide is an inappropriate term since this imposing edifice is "No shrinking violet", particularly if viewed from Wombwell Ings. The view from the first floor is excellent.

Hartcliff Area 30.04.16

A few hours around the hill today. The good thing about this site is there's very few folk and even fewer dogs. Alas, there's often fewer birds! Blogging was a single Ring Ouzel, 6 Wheatear  - one by the hill and 5 at Highcote Farm, including a buffy male associating with a 'standard' male, although for me, the former wasn't peachy enough for a proper Greenland, 4 Swifts briefly, 40 Golden Plover and two Little Owls. On territory were 8 Willow Warblers, single Chiffy and Yellowhammer, and at least 6 pairs of Lapwings around the rendering plant, and single pairs of Mistle and Song Thrushes. Four Greylags and single LBBG flew through. At nearby Cranberry were another 5 Wheatears near the covered reservoir.
Ingbirchworth Res briefly - two LRP's and 200+ Swallows forced down by a heavy shower.
Cheers
Russ
http://shapesthatsometimesfly.blogspot.co.uk/

Wood Warbler Wharncliffe Woods 30/4/16


Singing Wood Wardbler in Wharncilffe Woods  this Morning!


Friday 29 April 2016

Carlton Marsh

A Swift flew north over my home in Newtown, Cudworth at 16.23hrs and minutes later Geoff Miller reported one over his home in Beech Avenue a mile to the north. At 19.20hrs one was over the wader scrape at Carlton Marsh briefly before it headed towards Beech Avenue and continued to feed over the fields in between. I feel sure all these sightings involved the same bird.
A Sand Martin, House Martin and 6 Swallows were also of note and Kingfisher, 2 Redshanks and a Grey Wagtail were present

Wintersett 29.04.16

3 - 6 degrees with rain/sleet from mid to late morning and a  moderate, very cold, north westerly.
Anglers CP: Common Sandpiper 1,  Herring Gull 1 and  Wigeon 2m.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 3.  Sand Martin 200 in the area.

The Edge 29.04.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 33 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 14 Tufted Duck, 11 Mallard, 9 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 9 Coot, 1 Kestrel, 7 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Common Sandpiper, 12 BH Gull, 3 LBB Gull, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Grey Wagtail and 2 Linnet.
TPT - Very quiet due to strong cold wind. Only 3 Willow Warbler and 1 Chiffchaff singing. Also 1 Blackcap alarm calling.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 2 Greylag, 12 Tufted Duck, 6 Pochard, 4 Gadwall, 2 Mallard, 1 male Goosander, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 35 Coot, c400 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 7 Canada Geese, 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Moorhen, 1 Lapwing, 3 Swift and a flock of c80 Sand and House Martins. A group of c20 Swallows were feeding over the R.Dearne and a Common Sandpiper was on the river bank.

Thursday 28 April 2016

Carlton Marsh

I managed to get down for an hour this evening in the sun, then it chucked down again. Oh well, at least it was worth the walk. Greenshank, Redshank, drake Teal, 2 Grey Wags, one dive bombing a Little Owl that had a Wood Mouse hanging out of its cakehole. A Kingfisher flew down the dyke and 2 Water Rails were seen together at nearby Bleachcroft Farm.

Cudworth Common -this morning
The male Whinchat was feeding in a meadow near the Symphony factory and a Cuckoo was singing on the Common. 3 Brown Hares were in the Symphony compound. (L. Corrall & R. Hibbert)



Photographs by Les Corrall

Wintersett 28.04.16

0-4 degrees, sunny start but increasing cloud  and a cold westerly.  Rain showers from early afternoon.
Anglers CP: A female Redstart was on the Pol.  A Whimbrel flew over )8.55hrs.  Common Sandpiper 1,  Wigeon 2m,  Teal 6,  Curlew 1 and Sand Martin 200.
Wintersett Res: Redpoll 1 north,  Garden Warbler 1m and Grasshopper Warbler 1m, both west bank.  Sedge Warbler 5m (3m north bank and 2m boathouse reeds)  + 2m ACP.

The Edge 28.04.16

Wombwell Ings - First Yellow Wagtail of the year for me on the Ings. Also noted  were 2 Mute Swan, 51 Canada Geese, 12 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 16 Mallard, 11 Gadwall, 11 Tufted Duck, 8 Shoveler, 2 Teal, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 10 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 5 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Swift, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Song Thrush,2 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler and 1 Whitethroat.
TPT - Singing males 9 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 1 Whitethroat  and 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker.
Bolton Ings - Highlight were the two Black Necked Grebe in full summer plumage. On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 19 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 8 Gadwall, 8 Pochard, 1 drake Pintail, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 46 Coot, c500 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 7 Greylag, 5 Canada Geese, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Whitethroat, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap and 1 Chiffchaff.
Oystercatcher - Wombwell Ings

Yellow Wagtail - Wombwell Ings

Wednesday 27 April 2016

Carlton Marsh

It felt slightly warmer today until the snow came at teatime. First thing this morning Redshank and Greenshank on the wader scrape. (R.J. Boland) Then they were joined by a Little Ringed Plover at 10.00hrs, but it gone by 15.00hrs.
2 Water Rails were 'Sharming' on the main marsh and 2 pairs of Willow Tit were also present.
Greater Stitchwort and Dog Violet are now in flower here.

Wintersett 27.04.16

3 - 5 degrees,  sunny start, then increasing cloud and a cool westerly.   Intermittent hail and snow showers from mid afternoon with rumbles of thunder!
Anglers CP: Common Sandpiper 1,  Snipe 1, Curlew 1, Water Rail 1,  Wigeon 2m and Herring Gull 2.
Wintersett Res:  Grasshopper Warbler 2m west bank.  Redstart 1m north east bank,  Goldeneye 1m + 1f,  Shelduck 3 and Carrion Crow 56.

The Edge 27.04.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 41 Canada Geese, 18 Greylag, 5 Shelduck, 10 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 7 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 10 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 1 Sparrowhawk, 4 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 12 BH Gull and 1 LBB Gull. In Broomhill Park were 2 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush and singing Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap.
TPT - Singing males  9 Willow Warbler,7 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap and 1 Whitethroat.
Bolton Ings - From the sofa we could hear a reeling Grasshopper Warbler and singing Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Whitethroat. On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 5 Greylag(+brood of 5 goslings), 19 Tufted Duck, 7 Pochard, 7 Gadwall, 2 Mallard, 4 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 44 Coot, 1 Moorhen, c500 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Jay, 2 Bullfinch and 1 Willow Tit.

Ingbirchworth Area

Whitley Edge - pair Oystercatcher and pair Little Owl.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 2 Mute Swans (taken up residence?), 1 Greylag Goose, 8 Canada Geese, a pair Teal, 38 Mallards, 22 Tufted Ducks, 3 Great Crested Grebes, pair Little Grebes, 4 Moorhens, 11 Coots, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Common Sandpiper, 53 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Raven E, 250+ Swallows, 40+ House Martins, 21 s Willow Warblers, 3 s Blackcaps, 1 s Common Whitethroat, 50+ Pied Wagtails and 4+ White Wagtails, 8+ Meadow Pipits, 8+ Bramblings, 5+ s Chaffinches, 12 Linnets, 1 s Yellowhammer and 3 s Reed Bunting.
Midhope Reservoir - 6 Greylag Geese, pair Teal, 4 drake Mallards and 1+ Moorhens.

Tuesday 26 April 2016

Wintersett 26.04.16

2 - 4 degrees, with a little sun first thing then 8/8 cloud, hail and sleet showers from late morning and a very cold north westerly.
Anglers CP: Common Sandpiper 2,  Wigeon 2m, Goldeneye 1 imm. m + 1 f and  Herring Gull 4
Wintersett Res: Sand Martin 200,  Peregrine 1 adult over south west,  Common Tern 4 and Hobby 2 over north at 14.40hrs.

Wintersett 25.04.16

3 - 9 degrees with some sun but a very cold northerly.
Anglers CP: Pink-footed Goose 1,  Common Sandpiper 1,  Teal 8 + 1 WRes.,   Wigeon 2,  Goldeneye 3 (2m 1f) ,  Herring Gull 4 and Grey Partridge 2
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 3,  Grasshopper Warbler 1 reeled briefly.   51 Carrion Crow were feeding in the  SW field.

The Edge 26.04.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 62 Canada Geese, 7 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 10 Mallard, 8 Tufted Duck, 8 Shoveler, 5 Gadwall, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 7 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Greeenshank, 13 BH Gull, 3 LBB Gull, 1 Mistle Thrush and 1 Chiffchaff.
TPT - Singing males 11 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap and 1 Lesser Whitethroat.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 3 Greylag, 16 Tufted Duck, 9 Pochard, 4 Gadwall, 3 Mallard, 5 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 32 Coot, 448 BH Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 1 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 6 Canada Geese, 1 Kestrel, 1 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Whitethroat and 1 singing Sedge Warbler.

Monday 25 April 2016

The Edge 25.04.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1 Mute Swan, 53 Canada Geese, 11 Greylag, 5 Shelduck, 13 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 8 Shoveler, 8 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 2 Cormorant, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 11 Coot, 6 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Oystercatcher,  23 BH Gull, 1 Kingfisher, 6+ Skylark, 2 Mistle Thrush and 2 Willow Warbler.
TPT - Singing males  10 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap and 1 Song Thrush.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 19 Tufted Duck, 9 Pochard, 8 Gadwall, 4 Mallard, 4 Teal, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, c500 BH Gull, 3 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 7 Greylag, 5 Canada Geese, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Jay, a group of c50 House Martin, 6+ Sand Martin, 2 singing Whitethroat and 1 singing Sedge Warbler.

Sunday 24 April 2016

Carlton Marsh

This morning Greenshank, Redpoll, 2 Water Rails, 3 singing Lesser Whitethroats and our first Reed Warbler. 
This afternoon the Greenshank was joined by a Common Sandpiper, Redshank and Grey Wagtail.
(CG Jim Plant Rod Heeley)

Wintersett 24.04.16


4 - 8 degrees.  Dry but cold,  with sunny spells a light northerly.
Anglers CP:  Sparrowhawk 5,   WHIMBREL  2,  Curlew 2,  Common Tern  north + 3 WRes.,  Herring Gull 6 over,  Wigeon 2m,  Goldeneye 9,  Teal 6,  Lesser Whitethroat 1m,   Siskin 1 over,
Cold Hiendley SF: Yellow Wagtail 2
Wintersett  Res: Swift 20 anD House Martin 40.  A HOBBY flew east over Pits Wood  13.45hrs
Many thank to Chris Swaine for this great shot of Cetti's Warbler.  See also his short video on Twitter of this bird belting it out this morning  @CroftonBirder  (You can click on the link on the right of the page and scroll down. even if you don't have a Twitter account)
 
                      Cetti's  Warbler     WRes boathouse.   CSwaine

Saturday 23 April 2016

Wintersett 23.04.16

A fisherman reported  -3 degrees during the night,  frosty at dawn.  Sunny morning up to 11 degrees and a light northerly, with increasing cloud and a brief shower this afternoon. 
Anglers CP: Curlew 1, Snipe 2, Mallard 4 vs young,  Wigeon 2m,  Goldeneye 8, and Herring Gull 1.   The first 5 Canada Goslings were seen. 
Cold Hiendley Res: A GREEN  SANDPIPER flew in 08.09 - 08.12hrs, then flew to ACP.  Common Sandpiper 1.
Cold Hiendley SF: Yellow Wagtail 4.
Wintersett Res:  Common Tern 2,  Swift 16,  Whitethroat 2m,   Lesser Whitethroat 4m,  Sedge Warbler 1m + 1m  ACP,  Nuthatch 2m Pits Wood and Garden Warbler 1m.  An OSPREY flew north at 10.15hrs.  A Peregrine was circling high at 15.05hrs.   An OSPREY, presumably this morning's bird returning, flew over west at 15.21hrs,  hovered briefly, then went over CHRes. before circling high over CH village and drifting away high south at 15.31hrs.
Osprey                   WRes    PMeredith

Friday 22 April 2016

Carlton Marsh

This evening a Greenshank was feeding on the wader scrape from 17.30hrs and 5 Redpolls were feeding in a Silver Birch. The first brood of 12 Mallard chicks yesterday had reduced to 9 today. Also present 5 pairs of Tufted Duck and a pair of Grey Wagtails. A LBB Gull flew north.

Wintersett 22.04.16

5 - 10 degrees,  mostly cloudy with a cold north easterly wind.
Anglers CP: A Black-tailed Godwit was on the east bank until flushed by a dog walker at 08.47hrs. Wigeon 2 m ,  Goldeneye 5 and Snipe 2 .
Haw Park Wood: Redpoll 1
Cold Hiendley Res and field: An Arctic Tern flew north east.  Wheatear 1 m and Yellow Wagtail 11.
Wintersett Res:  A cream crowned MARSH  HARRIER flew east over north bank 14.53hrs.  Swift 17,  Common Tern 2,  Goldeneye 8,  Mallard 2 vs young,   Shoveler 1 pair,   Grasshopper Warbler 1 west bank, Sedge Warbler 2, Garden Warbler 1,  Yellowhammer 4 and Stock Dove 7.
                Black-tailed Godwit       ACP     SDenny

Wintersett 21.04.16

Wintersett Res: The first GARDEN WARBLER was in.  Sedge Warbler 4 + 1 ACP,  Reed Warbler 5,  Lesser Whitethroat 3,  Swift 5,  Shoveler 1 pair and Yellow Wagtail 11.
Anglers CP: Common Sandpiper 2 + 1 WRes.,  Oystercatcher 5,  Wigeon 2m.
Lepidoptera WRes:  The first SMALL  WHITE  butterfly was seen.  Comma 2.

Wintersett 20.04.16

Anglers CP: Common Tern 2,  Common Sandpiper 1,  Wigeon 2m,  Goldeneye 10 + 5 WR.
Wintersett Res: Sedge Warbler 2,  Whitethroat 3 and Reed Warbler 3.
Insects: The first  Orange Tip of the year and a Bee fly were seen WRes.  A male Brimstone was seen ACP.

The Edge 22.04.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 52 Canada Geese, 21 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 22 Tufted Duck, 13 Mallard, 13 Gadwall, 10 Shoveler, 2 Teal, 1 Little Egret, 10 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 5 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Golden Plover, 15 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 6+ Skylark, 2 Swift, 5+ Swallow, 1 Sand Martin and 1 Song Thrush.
TPT - Singing males 12 Willow Warbler, 6 Chiffchaff and 1 Blackcap. Also 4 Bullfinch and 1 Song Thrush.
Bolton Ings - Seev and 1 just arrived at the Cormorant Hide at 11.12am when Dave Waddington came on the CB radio informing us an Osprey was flying east on Bolton Ings. We saw the Osprey flying in front of the hide but it continued eastwards. The news was quickly Tweeted out and Ken Foundation was able to pick the Osprey up at Denaby Ings some 15 minutes later. Thanks Dave.
On the eastern pool were 3 Mute Swan, 17 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall, 5 Pochard, 3 Mallard, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 48 Coot ( + broods of 4 and 3 ), c500 BH Gulls, 3 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 7 Greylag, 5 Canada Geese, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Lapwing, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Jay, 3 Whitethroat and 1 calling Sedge Warbler.

Thursday 21 April 2016

Ingbirchworth

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 2 Mute Swans, 14 Tufted Ducks, a pair Little Grebes, two pairs Great Crested Grebe,1 Buzzard and 1 House Martin.
Midhope Reservoir -  a pair Teal

Carlton Marsh

A Yellow Wagtail was on the wader scrape today along with 2 Redshank.
Butterflies included 14 Orange-tip (3 females) 2 Speckled Wood, 6 Brimstone and 4 Comma.
(Chris Parkin)

The Edge 21.04.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 56 Canada Geese, 32 Greylag, 2 Pink Footed Geese, 5 Shelduck, 17 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 7 Shoveler,  6 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 9 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 2 Redshank, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 18 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 6 Skylark, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler and 1 Blackcap.
Warbler Way - Singing males included 13 Willow Warbler, 11 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat and 1 Reed Bunting.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 5 Greylag, 25 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 9 Gadwall, 7 Pochard, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 47 Coot(+4chicks - first brood of year ), 2 Moorhen, c600 BH Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 11 Canada Geese, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kingfisher,  3 Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler and 1 Lesser Redpoll.
Skylark - Wombwell Ings

Green Woodpecker - Bolton Ings

Wednesday 20 April 2016

Carlton Marsh

The reserve is now officially managed by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust in partnership with Barnsley Council.

The highlight of today was a Greenshank north from the wader scrape at 08.45hrs. (Dave Smith)
Carlton Marsh
Local Nature Reserve



Natural History Report 2015
This 40th limited edition is now available. The front cover art design is by R. J. Boland
Storrs Mill Wood
Cuckoo 1 singing male, 4 Blackcaps, Grey Wagtail, 2 Buzzards, 4 Sand Martins on the River Dearne, Green Woodpecker and a Grass Snake.

Butterflies included 3 Large Whites, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood and 10 Brimstone males.
(Chris Parkin)

The Edge 20.04.16

Wombwell Ings -Back to the Ings after a wonderful week's birdwatching in Southern Iberia. Present were 2 Mute Swan, 45 Canada Geese, 24 Greylag, 2 Pink Footed Geese, 2 Shelduck, 12 Mallard, 11 Tufted Duck, 7 Gadwall, 7 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 11 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 8 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 12 BH Gull, 6+ Skylark, 2 Mistle Thrush, 1 Song Thrush , 1 singing Willow Warbler and 1 calling Greater Spotted Woodpecker.
Warbler Way - Singing males were 12 Willow Warbler, 11 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackcap, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Song Thrush. Also noted were 2 Lapwing and 1 Lesser Redpoll.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 29 Tufted Duck, 9 Mallard, 9 Pochard, 5 Gadwall, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 42 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 600+ BH Gull,1 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 6 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 1 Cormorant, 3 Oystercatcher, 6 Sand Martin, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Whitethroat and 1 Willow Warbler.

Tuesday 19 April 2016

Carlton Marsh

New in today Whitethroat. (R.J. Boland) Also Siskin, 2 Grey Wagtails, Lesser Whitethroat and Water Rail. Common Sandpiper still on wader scrape.

Butterflies included Brimstone, Orange-tip, Peacock and Green Veined White.

6 Chub were spawning in the dyke near the hide. (Rod Heeley)

Wintersett 19.04.16

5 - 12 degrees,  sunny and warm with a light south westerly.  Scattered cloud late morning.
Wintersett Res:  Whitethroat 4 males + 1m Botany.  Reed Warbler 2m,  Lesser Whitethroat 2m.   SEDGE WARBLER 1m in boathouse reeds.  Shoveler 1m + 2f.  Redpoll 1over and Siskin 1 over.
Anglers CP: Goldeneye 11 + 4 WRes. and Wigeon 2m.

Monday 18 April 2016

Carlton Marsh

The Common Sandpiper was still on the wader scrape with 2 Redshank and a pair of Lapwing. Our resident Buzzards were sitting nearby in a Ash tree. Also of note 2 Water Rails, Willow Tit, Redpoll, 2 Grey Wagtails and 4 pairs of Coot with young.

Wintersett 18.04.16

5 - 9 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a very cold north westerly wind.
Anglers CP: 3 Shelduck were asleep on the reserve,  Teal 4,  Goldeneye 4,  Shoveler 1m,  Wigeon 2m,  Mallard 5 vs young,  Common Sandpiper 2 + 1 WRes. and Siskin 1 north.
Wintersett Res: Lesser Whitethroat 1m NE bank + 1m boathouse.   Meadow Pipit 1 north bank. 
400 Sand MArtin were in the area.

All Ingbirchworth

I decided to have a circular walk of all (and bits in between) the Ingbirchworth reservoirs.
I could and should have picked a better day. Strong cold winds meant that very few passerines were in song.
Broadstone Reservoir - pair Grey Partridge and 15+Meadow Pipits + Water Vole.
Ingbirchworth Reservoir -9 Canada Geese, pair of Teal, 24 Mallards, 8 Tufted Ducks, pair of Goldeneye, 2 Cormorants W, pair of Little Grebe, 4 Moorhens, 15 Coots, 1 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper, c50 Black-headed Gulls, 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Sand Martin, 300+ Swallows, 5+ House Martins, 20+ Willow Warblers, 1 male Wheatear, 1 Yellow Wagtail, two pairs Pied Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail and 2 singing Yellowhammers.
Ingbirchworth - 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull on floodwater with Black-headed Gulls.
Inbirchworth Lane - 6+ Skylarks and 2 Yellowhammers.
Scout Dike Reservoir - 7 Mallards, 5 Moorhens, 18 Coots, two pairs of Little Grebe, 2 pairs of Great Crested grebes, 1 Lapwing, 4 Curlews, 1 Willow Tit, 1 Chiffchaff, 10+ Willow Warblers and two pairs of Pied Wagtails,
Royd Moor Reservoir - 1 drake Tufted Duck, 2 Great Crested Grebes, three pairs Moorhen, 10+ Black-headed Gulls, 1 Whimbrel arrived from the S landed very briefly then left N, a pair Curlew and 10+ Swallows.

Soaking m' feet naw.

Sunday 17 April 2016

Ewden cabin and return 17/4/16, D Simmonite, S Green.

Bright and sunny but cold with a whipping nw wind. 1 fem imm type Merlin, 1 imm Peregrine, Buzzard 5, Kestrel 3, Raven 6, Stonechat 1 male, Meadow Pipit 25+, Swallow 3, Stock Dove 1, Mountain Hare 7+, 2 Lizzards.

Wintersett 17.04.16

3 - 9 degrees.  Frosty, sunny start with patchy cloud and a cold westerly wind. 
Anglers CP: A LITTLE RINGED PLOVER flew over. Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull paid a brief visit at 13.50hrs.  Common Sandpiper 1,  Common Gull 1 1stW.  Mallard Ducklings 9/12.
Haw Park Wood: A Brambling  was in the woodyard. The first GRASSHOPPER  WARBLER was in the gully.  Redpoll 30
Wintersett Res: The first WHITETHROAT was on the north bank and the first  SWIFT flew over at 15.58hrs.  Reed Warbler  1m SE corner +  2m boathouse reeds.  Yellow Wagtail 1 north.  Siskin 1 over.  Golden Plover 20 in CH fields.
10 Herring Gull went over west.  Wigeon 3m + 1f and Shoveler 1m,  Teal 21, Goldeneye 9 + 17 ACP, 
400 Sand Martin were in the area.
Of interest: See fantastic Twitter photos of Anglers CP birds, including Psycho getting a taste of his own medicine.    Tweeted by Peter Garrity   @GarrityPete

Carlton Marsh

A cold start to the day, after a ground frost, didn't stop Yellow Wagtail and 2 Lesser Whitethroats arriving overnight. (Jim Plant)

This evening 2 Little Owls were sitting out and a drake Goosander left the wader scrape north at 19.35hrs.

Saturday 16 April 2016

Wintersett 16.04.16

3- 9 degrees  cloudy with some sunny spells and a cool northerly.
Anglers CP: A male REDSTART  was in a Santingley field.  A brood of  12 vs Mallard ducklings was seen.  Curlew 1, Meadow Pipit 1 north and Yellow Wagtail 1 over.   Shoveler  3m + 1f and 1m + 1f WRes., Wigeon 3m + 1f, Cormorant 7 and Water Rail 1,  
Wintersett Res: A Red Kite flew over  high, north at 15.40hrs.  Common Sandpiper 1 + 1 ACP.  Teal 2m + 2f and 1m + 1f ACP.  Lesser Redpoll 1,  Siskin 17,  Lesser Whitethroat 1m east bank,  Reed Warbler 1m in boathouse reeds. Cetti's Warbler 4m.
350 Sand Martin were in the area today.
Of interest:  A male REDSTART was seen at Rabbit Ings on 13.04.16  (Paul Thorpe)

Carlton Marsh

New in today Common Sandpiper. (Dave Smith et al) Also present Siskin, Grey Wagtail, 2 Redshank,  Little Owl and Buzzard.

A Peregrine was seen heading north at 16.00hrs (Jim Plant)

Friday 15 April 2016

Elsecar

Elsecar Reservoir - 1 Greylag Goose; 1 drake Gadwall; c40 Mallards; 5 Tufted Ducks; 1 Grey Heron; 6 Great Crested Grebes; 11 Moorhes, 12+ Coors; c20 Black-headed Gulls; 10+ Swallows and a pair Pied Wagtails.

Wintersett WeBS April (totals on 09.04.16)

The Wintersett area WeBS totals for April 2016 are:

Mute Swan 9,   Canada Goose 37,   Greylag Goose 4,   Cormorant 1,    Coot 105,   Moorhen 13,   Great Crested Grebe 16,   Teal 11,   Shoveler 3,   Wigeon 6,   Mallard 31,   Gadwall 34,   Tufted Duck 121,   Goldeneye 37,   Goosander 1,   Grey Heron 1,   Oystercatcher 4,   Lapwing 2.

Wintersett 15.04.16

7 - 9 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a cool, light northerly.
Wintersett Res: A SEDGE  WARBLER  and a REED  WARBLER were in the boathouse reeds.  2m Lesser Whitethroats were on the east bank.  A CUCKOO was heard from the SW corner and than again on ACP this afternoon.   Shoveler  4m.   A Tawny Owl was calling.
Cold Hiendley Res:Teal 1m + 1f.
Anglers CP: Oystercatcher 6

Thursday 14 April 2016

Wintersett 14.04.16

6 - 10 degrees, with sun first thing, but increasing cloud and a cool northerly.
Wintersett Res: The first male Lesser Whitethroat was on the north east bank from early morning.  Common Sandpiper 1 and Canada Goose 8.  just 4/11 Mallard Ducklings surviving.
Anglers CP: Shoveler 2m + 1m WRes.,  Snipe 4 .   A visitor reported a Common Tern over lake at 11.30hrs being mobbed by Black-headed Gulls and a Wood Warbler at 12.00hrs between Main Hide and Pol.

Worsbrough Res

Between 1100-1300 30 Swallow, 8 Sand Martin, 12 House Martin, 14 Chiffchaff, 12 Blackcap and one Willow Warbler.

Gunthwaite & Castle Dams

Gunthwaite Dam - 5 Tufted Ducks, one pair Little Grebe, two pairs Moorhen and one pair Coot.
Gadding Moor, Gunthwaite - 1 female Wheatear.
Castle Dam, Penistone - 26 Canada Geese, 1 female Wigeon, 2 drake Mallards, one pair Tufted Ducks, 2 Moorhens, 16 Coots, 10+ Swallows and one pair Pied Wagtails.
Sheephouse - 200+ Golden Plover.

Wintersett NE corner

Early afternoon - Lesser Whitethroat still singing - also Cetti's and
flying around feeding at 1.45 pm ~ a bat!
I know little about bats but this was much too large for a pipistrelle, it wasn't a Daubenton's and had nice rounded ears so a Noctule?

Wednesday 13 April 2016

Wintersett + Cetti's Pics 13.04.16

8 - 13 degrees with sunshine but  increasing cloud to mid afternoon and a cool north easterly.
Anglers CP: A male  GARGANEY was new for the year list.  Common  Sandpiper 1 + 1 WRes..  2 adult Mediterranean Gulls flew south.   Teal 7 + 2 WRes  and Wigeon 2m (including the golden-headed) + a pair on MLPond.   Just 2/9 Mallard Ducklings surviving.    A Brimstone male was seen.
Haw Park Wood: A RED KITE was circling over with 4 Buzzards  + 3 Buzzards over Santingley area.
Disposal Point: Green Woodpecker 1m,  and a Grey Partridge was in the area. 
Wintersett Res: Shoveler 1m,  Siskin 1 over.  All 4 male Cetti's Warbler  were heard, with the Boathouse Reeds male showing brilliantly for Keith Webster who took these cracking photos.  Many thanks to him!



Male Cetti's Warbler        WRes     K Webster

Cetti's Warbler     WRes.    KWebster

          Buzzard             KWebster

Ingbirchworth area

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 10 Canada Geese, pair Teal, 24 Mallards, 10 Tufted Ducks, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Moorhens, 15 Coots, 3 Oystercatchers, 3 'bubbling' Curlews, 72 Black-headed Gulls, 3 s Skylarks,11 s Willow Warblers, 1 m Common Whitethroat, 9 s Robins, 1 m Common Redstart and two pairs Pied Wagtails.
Ingbirchworth Fishing Pond - pair Canada Geese,1 Mallard and 4 Moorhens.
Ingbirchworth Lane (track between Scout Dike & Royd Moor Res) - 6 s Skylarks and 2 s Yellowhammers.
Royd Moor Reservoir - 10 Mallards, 3 Tufted Ducks, 1 Grey Heron, pair Little Grebe, pair Great Crested Grebe, 5 Black-headed Gulls, 1 male Kestrel and  pair Pied Wagtail,
Whitley Edge - 2 Ravens.
Midhope Reservoir - 2 Greylag Geese, 1 drake Teal and pair Moorhen.

Tuesday 12 April 2016

Wintersett 12.04.16

8 - 12 degrees with 8/8 and drizzle/rain until late afternoon.
Wintersett Res: An ARCTIC TERN was flying around from 13.30hrs.   6 from 11 vsy Mallard Ducklings surviving.
Anglers CP: The adult Yellow-legged and Lesser Black-backed Gulls were in.  Snipe 2,  Wigeon 4  and Sand Martin 100.

Monday 11 April 2016

Wintersett 11.04.16

8 degrees with 8/8 and a cool north westerly breeze.  Some hazy sun mid morning.
Anglers CP: A Red Kite was circling over Santingley area. Psycho the adult Yellow-legged Gull and his mate the Lesser Black-backed Gull were on top of the Sand Martin Box.  Shoveler 3m.
Wintersett Res: Siskin 1over.  7 surviving, very small Mallard Ducklings from the brood of 11.    Nuthatch 1 in Pits Wood.
Lepidoptera: The first BRIMSTONE  male was seen in Pits Wood by Ralph Hibbert and Les Corral.

Sunday 10 April 2016

Carlton Marsh

3 Water Rails, Grey Wag and 2 Little Owls. Butterflies included 2 male Brimstones and 10 Peacocks.
An Orange-tip was seen at Storrs Mill Wood (Chris Parkin)

Two youths shooting air rifles near the Sash pond at Grimethorpe recently were reported to the police. If anyone should see them again please contact the police on 101. (Keith Bannister)

Ewden valley cabin and return 10/4/16.

11am to 4-30pm. Sunny and breezy with good light but steady birding. Raptors scarce, the highlight a male Merlin chasing a pipit, Buzzards regular but only about 6 and just 1 Kestrel. 1 displaying Raven, 40 Jackdaws at holt farm, Meadow Pipit 40+, 2 pairs of Sand Martins and 1 Swallow going n. through the valley, 1 male Stonechat at s bend, 1 singing Willow Warbler, 1 chipping Snipe, 2 Golden Plovers heard only, 1 Nuthatch at entrance gate, 1 bright white Mountain Hare.

Wintersett 10.04.16

0 - 10 degrees, frosty start, calm with clear sky and sunshine.  Freshening easterly this afternoon with thin, high clouds pushing in from the south and hazy sunshine.
Anglers CP:  Shelduck 1,  Golden Plover 35 N + 35 CHfields,  Shoveler 4,  Wigeon 5 and Goldeneye 37.  Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull, and his Lesser Black-backed Gull mate, came in and caused mayhem to all the other birds present. 
Highlight of the day was a RAVEN, picked up circling with a Buzzard, over HPWood at 10.50hrs by Graham Speight.  It glided over to Vis.Mig. Hill where it circled again, calling loudly overhead, before drifting back to the west at 11.00hrs. Many thanks to  a very lucky  Keith Webster, who was in the right place at the right time to get these good  photos,as it drifted away. 

                               Raven                   ACP       K Webster

Chiffchaff  (Ringed)    Willow  Wood WRes   KWebster.

Hartcliff Hill

Typically steady but a cracking day weatherwise. Best bird was a male Ring Ouzel near the ventilation shaft, which is my earliest ever here. I tend to pick them up from mid-month, assuming these are Scandinavian bound birds. C.100 Golden Plover were the first noted in a few weeks. Three Swallows and two Willow Warblers were my first of the year here (c.340m above sea level). Surprisingly no Wheatears here yet but a Nuthatch in trees by Doubting Farm.
Cheers
Russ
http://shapesthatsometimesfly.blogspot.co.uk/

Saturday 9 April 2016

Wintersett 09.04.16

3 - 10 degrees with increasing cloud and a cool westerly.
Anglers CP: Teal 8,  Shoveler 2m + 1f,  Siskin 2 + 4 NW,  Wigeon 1m + 1f and Goosander 1m. The adult Yellow-legged Gull flew in at 11.53hrs.   A RED  KITE flew over at 14.00hrs.  A brood of 9 vsy Mallard Ducklings was seen on the Pol.
Wintersett Res: The Mallard brood is down from 11 to 9 vsy.
Cold Hiendley SF: Yellow Wagtail 1.
Haw Park Wood: Redpoll 10.
In the area: 3 Nuthatch - Botany,  HPWood and 1 Golf Club.    3m Green Woodpecker - ACP,  Haw Park Lane and Canal near Golf Club.  
Many thanks to Chris Swaine @CroftonBirder  for these great shots taken this morning.
Yellow Wagtail             CSwaine

Green Woodpecker       CSwaine

Nuthatch       CSwaine
Of interest: Black-headed Wagtail at Swillington Ings today.

Carlton Marsh

Siskin 1 north, Buzzard 2, Grey Wag 2, Blackcap 3, Chiffchaff 16 singing males, 2 Redshank, 2 Water Rail and Little Owl.

Yellow Wagtail was new in today. (Geoff Miller)

Edderthorpe area, Saturday

A long trudge around the area revealed;-
Edderthorpe & Houghton,  Shelduck 4Mallard 74, Wigeon 4, Gadwall 85, Shoveler 19, Teal 48, Tufted Duck 49, Pochard 3, Cormorant 4, Little Grebe 6, Coot 74, Lapwing 40, Redshank 12, Common Snipe 22. A minimum of 12 Common Buzzards were in view from the top of Park Spring Tip, Kestrel 4, Sparrowhawk 2.
Ferry Moor & Cudworth Common, Mallard 24, Wigeon 2, Teal 6, Gadwall 2, Tufted Duck 21, Cormorant 2, Little Grebe 4, Lapwing 57, Ringed Plover 9, LRP 2, Redshank 10.

LITTLE RIVER DON VALLEY 9TH APRIL


2 Male Ring Ouzels in same field as last year ie last field before farm buildings,also c100 Fieldfares in same area. Plus Grey Wagtail,Song Thrush,Mistle Thrush,Dipper,Treecreeper,Siskin,Raven,Curlew,Nuthatch,Goldcrest and Common Buzzard

Also dog off its lead killed a lamb near the rivers edge? Another idiot dog walker?

Friday 8 April 2016

Wintersett 08.04.16

6 - 10 degrees with scattered,  but increasing, cloud and a light south westerly. Short shower midday.
Anglers CP: The highlight today was a Red Kite that drifted slowly, high south at 11.40hrs.  Shoveler 2m,  Wigeon 3m + 1f and Curlew flew over.
Wintersett Res:  Teal 1m  and 1f  + 1m ACP and Siskin 1over.   10 of the 11 very small Mallard Ducklings were seen.

The Edge 08.04.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 22 Canada Geese, 16 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 3 Shelduck, 18 Mallard, 16 Tufted Duck, 9 Teal, 9 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 1m +3f Goosander, 3 Pochard, 1 Wigeon, 2 Little Egret, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 9 Coot,3 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 6 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 1 Ruff, 26 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1f Wheatear, 4+ Skylark and 1 Chiffchaff.
TPT -9 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler and 2 Buzzard.
 Bolton Ings -On the open water were 2 Mute Swan , 20 Tufted Duck, 9 Pochard, 9 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 8 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 58 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 616 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 15 Greylag, 5 Canada Geese, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Grey Wagtail and 2 Willow Tit.

Thursday 7 April 2016

Carlton Marsh

New in yesterday Ringed Plover (Chris Parkin) and today 3 singing Willow Warblers (Rod Heeley)

Cudworth Sewage works
Orange -tip butterfly was on the wing. (Richard Laverack)

Wintersett 07.04.16

6 degrees with 8/8 cloud until late morning, then sunny spells with a cold NW to westerly.  Thunder, hail  and rain showers from mid afternoon.
Anglers CP: Shoveler 2m,  Wigeon 4,  Snipe 3,  Cormorant 7 and Black-headed Gull 305 - mainly immatures.  Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull flew in at 16.05hrs. 
Cold Hiendley Res: YELLOW  WAGTAIL 2 males are new for the year list.
Haw Park Wood: Siskin 10 + 1 over CHRes., and Redpoll 10.
Wintersett Res: The first brood of 11 very small Mallard ducklings were in reeds on the north bank.  All 4 male Cetti's Warblers were singing.   Kingfisher 2.

The Edge 07.04.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 24 Canada Geese, 9 Greylag, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 4 Shelduck, 22 Mallard, 16 Tufted Duck, 2m+5f Goosander, 6 Gadwall, 5 Teal, 4 Wigeon, 4 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 9 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 6 Lapwing, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank, 9 BH Gull, 3 LBB Gull, 4+ Skylark, 1f Wheatear, 4 Pied Wagtail and 2 Sand Martin. In the parking area  were 1 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush,1 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler and 2 Goldcrest.
Warbler Way - Noted were 2 Grey Partridge, 6 Jay, 1 Kestrel, 14 Chiffchaff, 6 Willow Warbler and 1 Blackcap.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 8 Greylag, 27 Pochard, 24 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 7 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 54 Coot, 514 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull, Also present were 12 Canada Geese, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kingfisher, 6+ Sand Martin and 2 Grey Wagtail.

Wednesday 6 April 2016

Wintersett 06.04.16

5 - 7 degrees with some sun and scattered cloud. Intermittent showers from midday and a strong westerly.
Wintersett Res: A dunlin flew over at 08.30hrs and was seen later on the islands on ACP.  Siskin 1 NW.
Cold Hiendley Fields: Golden Plover 350.
Anglers CP: A dapper pair of Pintail were swimming around the islands.  5 Sand Martins were flying around the SM box.  Middle Row, Hole 8  is already being excavated.  Geylag 4 and Snipe 1.
A ringed 1st W Black-headed Gull  was too distant to read the number - Light Green on right leg and metal on left leg.

The Edge 06.04.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 22 Canada Geese, 9 Greylag, 4 Shelduck, 16 Tufted Duck, 15 Mallard, 9 Wigeon, 7 Gadwall, 4 Shoveler, 3 Teal, 2 Pochard, 1f Goosander, 1 Great crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 6 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 2 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 5 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 6+ Skylark, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Willow Warbler.
Warbler Way - Singing males were 5 Willow Warbler and 10 Chiffchaff. Also noted were 2 Grey Partridge, 3 Buzzard, 2 Grey Wagtail, 1 Jay and 1 Bullfinch.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 20 Tufted Duck, 12 Pochard, 10 Mallard, 8 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 1m+1f Goldeneye, 4 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 56 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 354 BH Gull, 5 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present 17 Canada Geese, 8 Greylag, 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Kingfisher, 1 Green Woodpecker, 2 Swallow, 2 House Martin( my first of the year ) and 1 Willow Tit.

Tuesday 5 April 2016

Old Moor Sofa

An update on the number of species recorded in the Old Moor area this year, at the end of February the total was 106.

A further 16 species were added in March as follows - Black Tailed Godwit on 1st (107), Kittiwake on 4th (108), Avocet on 7th (109), Red Kite on 7th (110), Stonechat on 11th (111), Common Scoter on 21st (112), Chiffchaff on 21st (113), Bar Tailed Godwit on 21st (114), Sand Martin on 23rd (115), Knot on 23rd (116), Little Ringed Plover on 27th (117), Swallow on 27th (118), Firecrest on 27th(119), Sandwich Tern on 28th (120), Marsh Harrier on 29th (121) and finally Black Necked Grebe on 29th (122).

Already in April a further 7 species have been added as follows - Alpine Swift on 1st (123), Wheatear on 2nd (124), Raven on 2nd (125), House Martin on 2nd (126), Willow Warbler on 3rd (127), Blackcap on 4th (128) and Common Sandpiper today (129).

At the end of March last year the total was 112 therefore a further 10 species have been recorded this year. However 4 species had been seen by this time last year but not this - Merlin, Mandarin, Bean Goose and Rock Pipit.

I wrote last year that 2015 was a very poor year and probably the worst ever. What a difference 12 months make with the first 3 months of this year probably the best ever. Not only in the quantity but also the quality with the Alpine Swift last Friday being the star bird and the first ever record for the area. Add to this the Bearded Tits, Red Necked Grebe and Firecrest plus a wide and varied supporting cast the year has started very, very well. Lets hope it continues and maybe 2016 could be a record breaking year.

For comparison some other inland sites totals are as follows:- Lound, Nottinghamshire (118), Swillington Ings, West Yorkshire (128), Upton Warren, Worcestershire (104), Potteric Carr, South Yorkshire (112), Hatfield Moors, South Yorkshire (124).

Wintersett 05.04.16

5 - 11 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a cool, light to moderate westerly this morning.  Sunnier by mid afternoon.
6 singing male Willow Warblers were in the area - 3 ACP + 2 WRes + 1 CHRes..
Wintersett Res: House Martin 2,  Swallow 3,  Sand Martin 200.   A male Nuthatch and a male Goldcrest were singing in Pits Wood.
Anglers CP: Shoveler 1m and  Siskin 1.

It's that time of year again        ACP       Lynz  Harston

Wintersett Monday 04.04.16

Wintersett Res:  Cetti's Warbler 4 singing males. Blackcap 3 m + 1m ACP.
Anglers CP:  A  male WHEATEAR  was on the rock wall before moving through northwards.  Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull + his Lesser Black-backed Gull mate.  Greylag Goose 2   Cormorant 5,  Siskin 3 flew south west and Curlew 1.

Ingbirchworth Area

Mid morning
c40 Swallows, 2 House Martin and 2 Sand Martin feeding over Ingbirchworth Res.
c200 Fieldfare on Whitley Common.
No Wheatear at Whitley model airfield.
Mid afternoon
8 Wheatear on Whitley airfield (arrival as the weather cleared)
9 Pied Wagtail on Ingbirchworth Dam wall and Swallows feeding then leaving west and new birds arriving then doing the same (possibly 50-80 during observed time)

The Edge 05.04.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 53 Canada Geese, 24 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 21 Wigeon, 21 Mallard, 13 Gadwall, 8 Tufted Duck, 7 Teal, 4 Pochard, 1f  Goosander, 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 8 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 5 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Kestrel, 6+ Skylark, 4 Pied Wagtail, 1 Song Thrush and 1 Mistle Thrush.
TPT - 6 singing Chiffchaff.
 Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 16 Pochard, 12 Tufted Duck, 8 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 6 Shoveler, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 5 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 47 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 378 BH Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 8 Greylag, 4 Canada Geese, 1 Kestrel, 1 Kingfisher, c12 Sand Martin, and 2 Chiffchaff.

Monday 4 April 2016

Carlton Marsh

2 Sand Martins this morning were our first. (Richard Laverack) A male Wheatear was found after dinner. (Dave Standish)
Also present 2 Water Rails, 2 Grey Wagtails, Little Owl, Barn Owl, 2 Redshank and c70 Golden Plover south.

4/4/16.

Woolley dam area - 3 GS Peckers, 1 G Pecker but still no sign of any Lessers. Woodpigeon 200, 1 singing Blackcap, Chiffchaff 5, Fieldfare 23 in crop field, Redwing 2 at seckar dyke. Wilthorpe Marsh - 1 Goosander flew down river, 2 Willow Warbler, Swallow 2, 4 Sand Martins back on territorys, 2 G Peckers, 1 GS Pecker drumming on pylon presumably to amplify the sound. All the J Snipe had gone by the last week in March.

The Edge 04.04.16

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 19 Canada Geese, 17 Greylag, 5 Shelduck, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 65 Wigeon, 22 Tufted Duck, 17 Mallard, 13 Teal, 13 Shoveler, 11 Gadwall, 5 Pochard, 2m Goosander, 3 Little Egret, 5 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 6+ Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 2 Golden Plover, 9 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 6+ Skylark, 2 male Wheatear, and 3 singing Chiffchaff. Mick Rushton had a Song Thrush and a Goldcrest in Broomhill Park.
 Warbler Way - With a total of 13 singing males, it appears nearly all of last year's Chiifchaff territories are now occupied. Also noted were 2 singing Song Thrush plus 4 Tufted Duck and 4 Grey Wagtail on the R.Dearne.
Bolton Ings - Highlights were two firsts, for me, on Bolton Ings this year  - a singing Willow Warbler and unusually, a female Wheatear perched on top of a bush. On the open water were 3 Mute Swan, 14 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 29 Tufted Duck, 13 Pochard, 10 Mallard, 9 Gadwall, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 3 Shoveler, 2 Teal, 9 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 53 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 464 BH Gull and 5 LBB Gull.Also present were 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Kingfisher, 6 Sand Martin and 1 Swallow.

Sunday 3 April 2016

Carlton Marsh

This morning 2 Redshank, a Curlew flew north followed by 2 Swallows, our first of the spring. A Barn Owl was hunting from 09.30hrs. (Jim Plant/Dick Laverack/Rod Heeley)

Both Buzzards were airborne, Kingfisher, Water Rail 3 (1 singing) 11 Chiffchaffs were singing, 2 Grey Wagtails and 2 Little Owls were sat out in the open on the lorry chassis. 2 Pairs of Coot have a total of 12 young and more adults are brooding eggs.
A Peacock and 2 Small Tortoiseshell butterflies were enjoying the sun.

This afternoon Gary Standish saw the Barn Owl take a Weasel and  the Barn Owl was seen hunting again for the 3rd time at 19.39hrs. c15 Yellow Buntings roosted and 2 Pipistrelle Bats were flying at dusk.

Wintersett 03.04.16

5 - 11 degrees with 8/8 cloud until late morning, when sun broke through.  Light south easterly.
Anglers CP Vis Mig: A male Stonechat flew west at 08.10hrs.  Fieldfare 2 east. 
Anglers CP: A Bar-tailed Godwit flew over WRes. then over ACP  before leaving NW at 09.50hrs.  Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull were on an island until mid morning.  They reappeared late afternoon.  Curlew 1 over,  Sand Martin 200,  Wigeon 44, Shoveler 8,  Lesser Redpoll 1 and Linnet 1 over.  
Sand Martin Box: A pair of Sand Martin were perching on the entrance of one of last year's nesting holes.
Insects: The first Bee-fly of the year was at the boathouse bench.  Comma 1.

Saturday 2 April 2016

Carlton Marsh

A Barn Owl was hunting at 12.45hrs and 3 House Martins over the wader scrape at 16.00hrs were the earliest ever recorded here. Beating the previous record of 12/4/1975.

Rod Heeley/Jim Plant


Wintersett 02.04.15

5 - 10 degrees,  rain all morning,  dried up this afternoon up with a south easterly breeze.  Sunshine at 17.00hrs.
Anglers CP:  Shelduck 1, Goldeneye 71 (17CP + 40 CHRes + 14 WRes), Shoveler 1m,  Goosander 1m,  Cormorant 4 + 1 WRes.,  Snipe 3, Meadow Pipit 87 NW
Cold Hiendley Fields:  Grey Partidge 1.  Golden Plover 350.
Wintersett Res: Singing male Cetti's Warblers 4,  Curlew 1 over,  Blackcap 1m,  Water Rail 1, Redwing 10 + 4 north.  The first WILLOW  WARBLER was singing near the boathouse bench.

Friday 1 April 2016

Wintersett 01.04.16

3 - 7 degrees with  increasing cloud until 8/8 by11.00hrs and a very cold south westerly breeze.
Anglers CP: The  summer plumaged Black-necked Grebe was showing close on the south west bank. Shoveler 6m + 1f,  Snipe 3 and Shelduck 1.
Cold Hiendley Fields: Golden Plover 250
Wintersett Res:  3 singing Cetti's were heard this morning.  Sand Martin 55 and House Martin 1.

Black-necked Grebe    ACP       AS

The Edge 01.04.16

Wombwell Ings- Present were 2 Mute Swan, 97 Canada Geese, 9 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 1 Pink Footed Goose, 58 Wigeon, 23 Mallard, 16 Shoveler, 14 Tufted Duck, 12 Teal, 11 Pochard, 9 Gadwall, 1 Grey Heron, 8 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 6 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 24 BH Gull, 5+ Skylark and 1 Chiffchaff(in the bush behind the hide).
TPT -5 singing Chiffchaff.
Bolton Ings - A conversation just before midday went something like- "My gosh Mr Seeviour, I've located a Swift." to which he replied "Well done Mr Whitehouse but it is rather premature for the year and so we must check the species". Swift-eyed Seev and his trusty Kowa soon confirmed it to be an Alpine Swift.The news was swiftly disseminated by Twitter.
Also noted were 2 Mute Swan, 8 Greylag, 6 Canada Geese, 16 Tufted Duck, 9 Pochard, 6 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 1m+2f Goldeneye, 6 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 61 Coot, 330 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 1 Greeen Woodpecker, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Jay, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Willow Tit and 2 Chiffchaff.

What a week for Nige's Sofa and the Bolton Trudgers.