Friday 31 March 2017

Carlton Marsh

Willow Warbler was new in today (Rod Heeley) Also present 2 Redshank, 2 Kingfisher, Buzzard, c20 Chiffchaff singing, Green Woodpecker, 20 Linnet and 10 Yellow Bunting.

Butterflies 
Speckled Wood, Brimstone, Orange-tip 2, Small White, Green Veined White, Peacock 7, Comma 12 and Small Tort 6. (Chris Parkin)

Storrs Mill Bridge
2 Grey Wagtail, Brimstone and Orange-tip butterflies and male and female Grass Snake mating in the sunshine. (CG) The big female hissing because she was unwittingly disturbed.

Wintersett 31.03.17

9 - 16 degrees with scattered cloud and a southerly breeze.
A good day here with 4 new birds for the year list.
Anglers CP: 2 SANDWICH TERNS  were flying around the shallows, for 10 minutes at 07.15hrs.  The first SWALLOW  flew over this afternoon followed by  a LITTLE  RINGED  PLOVER at 16.05hrs.    5 Sand Martins were flying around the box this morning and 60 were feeding over the lake this afternoon.  The adult Yellow-legged Gull and his Lesser Black-backed Gull mate were on the islands during the morning and flew back in again at 16.35hrs.   A Curlew flew west.  A Little Owl was calling on the west bank. 
Wintersett Res:  2 Red Kites flew over west at 09.20hrs and another flew north over ACP at 17.35hrs.   5 male Cetti's Warblers were singing this morning.  A Willow Tit was singing on the ruin. The first WILLOW WARBLERS were singing:- 3 WRs + 2 ACP. :- 3 around the Res + 2 ACP.  A Treecreeper was singing in the south east corner. 
Chris Swaine took these  great photos of the  Red Kite flying over north. 



Newmillerdam - 31 March 2017

Very quiet at Newmillerdam at the moment.

Black-headed gull (1), Canada goose (22), chiffchaff (3), coot (26), great crested grebe (3), greylag goose (6), mallard (102), mistle thrush (5), moorhen (1), mute swan (7), redwing (15), skylark (1), song thrush (2), whooper swan (1)

The Edge 31/03/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 56 Canada Geese, 15 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 103 Wigeon, 21 Tufted Duck, 18 Teal, 16 Mallard, 16 Gadwall, 13 Shoveler, 6 Pochard, 2 Goosander, 10 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 8+ Lapwing, 5 Redshank, 1 Bar Tailed Godwit, 34 BH Gull, 1 male Wheatear, 2 Sand Martin, 6+ Skylark, 10+ Meadow Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail and 3 singing Chiffchaff. A Black Tailed Godwit dropped in for a short stay at lunchtime.K.Fisher also had 1 Blackcap in Broomhill Park, 2 Red Legged Partridge in the field next to the Dearne bridge and 1 Buzzard.
Warbler Way - Singing males 19 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap, 1 Cett's Warbler( from reedbeds on Old Moor ) and 2 yaffling Green Woodpecker.
 Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4 Mute Swan, 8 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 11 Gadwall, 8 Pochard, 8 Tufted Duck, 6 Mallard, 5 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 225+ BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 3 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Snipe.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 49 Canada Geese, 11 Greylag, 35+ Wigeon, 20+ Tufted Duck, 12 Pochard, 9 Gadwall, 7 Shoveler, 1 Goldeneye, 4 Teal, 6+ Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank and 40+ Sand Martin. A Chiffchaff and a Willow Warbler were singing in the carpark ( J.Thompson )

Wilthorpe Marsh 31/3/17.

Looking for wheatears brought a bigger shock with a near on summer plumaged Water Pipit on the mud before it flew off se. calling. Also - Green Sandpiper still in the area, singing Willow Warbler, 9 Sand Martins back on territory, a kettle of 4 Buzzards, 1 yaffling G.Pecker, 1 drumming GS Pecker. No such luck at woolley dam this morning with no sign of any peckers. Best here were Teal 2, Nuthatch 1 pair and 20 Redwings.

Thursday 30 March 2017

Wintersett 30.03.17

A very warm 13 - 15 degrees with scattered cloud and a light southerly.
Anglers CP:  2 Sand Martins were flying around the box and 3 were over the water this morning.  Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull and the Lesser Black-backed Gull were in, and a 2nd W Yellow-legged Gull was in the shallows. 
Haw Park Wood: A Green Woodpecker was heard in the gully.
Wintersett Res: 4 Cetti's Warblers were singing this morning - north bank,  east bank, west bank and boathouse reeds.  This afternoon Chris Swaine heard a Cetti's Warbler on the ruin, off the west bank track.  This could be Tuesday's new bird that has relocated from the other side of CHRes..  

Low Moor corner 30/3/17.

2-15 to 4-30pm. Very steady in blustery weather but excellent light. The highlight was a male Wheatear + 6 Snipe, Buzzard, Kes.

The Edge 30/03/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 52 Canada Geese, 29 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 175 Wigeon, 17 Gadwall, 15 Mallard, 14 Tufted Duck, 13 Shoveler, 8 Teal, 1 Goosander, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 11 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 18 Golden Plover over, 6 Lapwing, 35 BH Gull, 3 Redshank, 1 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 Greenshank, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Mistle Thrush, 6 Skylark, 12 Meadow Pipit and 2 singing Chiffchaff.  A Wheatear was reported late morning. K.Fisher had a calling Grey Partridge at 5.45am on the ings  and a Blackcap on  Old Pontefract Road.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 47 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 40+ Wigeon, 19 Tufted Duck, 12 Gadwall, 12 Pochard, 7 Mallard,  6 Shoveler, 6 Teal, 1 Goldeneye, 6+ Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 17 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 10 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 210+ BH Gull and 3 Herring Gull.
TPT - 12 singing Chiffchaff, 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker, 3 Buzzard and 1 Jay.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 5 Greylag, 2 Canada Geese, 10 Pochard, 8 Tufted Duck, 5 Gadwall, 4 Mallard, 1 female Goosander, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 72 Coot, 180+ BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 4 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk,1 Kingfisher, 2 Green Woodpecker, 1 Song Thrush, 1 Grey Wagtail, and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Wednesday 29 March 2017

Ringing Recoveries

Cetti's Warbler
Z076547   3 f  19/08/16   Old Moor.
                   v   28/09/16   Knutsford Moor, Cheshire.
70 km WSW in 40days.

Tree Sparrow
TT58529   1    10/05/16  Old Moor.
                  v    30/01/17  Butterfly House, North Anston
23 km SSE in 265 days (one of brood of 4)

Lesser Redpoll
Z209910   3   13/12/15  Marston, Cheshire.
                  v   25/10/16  Old Moor.
81 km ENE in 317 days.

Z076707   3   25/10/16   Old Moor
                  v   11/11/16   Clumber Park, Worksop, Nottinghamshie.
37 mm SE in 17 days.

The Edge 29/03/2017

Wombwell Ings - Highlight was the Bar Tailed Godwit which was busy feeding near the large bush on the western end of the main flash. Also noted were 2 Mute Swan, 1 Whooper Swan, 42 Canada Geese, 17 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 138 Wigeon, 16 Tufted Duck, 15 Mallard, 15 Teal, 12 Gadwall, 9 Shoveler, 5 Pochard, 2 Goosander, 2 Little Egret, 9 Coot, 8+ Lapwing, 4 Oystercatcher, 3 Redshank, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 37 BH Gull, 4+ Skylark, 5 Meadow Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Song Thrush and 3 singing Chiffchaff. K.Fisher also had 25 Redwing and 1 male and 1 female Blackcap in the canyon.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 29 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 40+ Wigeon, 20+ Tufted Duck, 6+ Shoveler, 5 Pochard, 5 Mallard, 4 Gadwall, 1 Goldeneye, 5 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 25 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 11 Lapwing, 10 Golden Plover, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 190+ BH Gull, 15+ Sand Martin and 1 Chiffchaff.
TPT - 13 singing Chiffchaff, 1yaffling Green Woodpecker and 1 Jay.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 4 Greylag, 2 Canada Geese, 12 Pochard, 12 Tufted Duck, 7 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 4 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 81 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 200+ BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Buzzard, 1 Willow Tit, 2 Grey Wagtail and 2 Reed Bunting.

Wintersett + Little Gull update 29.03.17

10 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a light south westerly. 
Wintersett Res: 4 male Blackcap, a male Green Woodpecker and a male Willow Tit were heard and/or seen this morning.  A Redpoll flew over.  4 male Cetti's Warblers were singing - north bank,  south east bank near cattle stiles,  west bank and,  the roving, tail-less bird was on the north east bank, and then in the boathouse reeds about 90 minutes later.
Anglers CP:  Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull and his mate a Lesser Black-backed Gull attacked a Herring Gull and Psycho took the first egg from a Canada Goose nest early this morning.    Sand Martin 13,  Willow Tit 1m,  and Snipe 2.  At 15.45hrs Psycho struck again:-  another Canada Goose egg from another nest, down the hatch!  At 16.05hrs an adult LITTLE  GULL in winter plumage, flew in.  Another new bird for the year list.  Here's some flying shots from Chris Swaine.



 

Wombwell

Barwit showed well but then flew to left of bush and beyond and dropped out of sight about midday.
Also 1 Whooper.

Tuesday 28 March 2017

Carlton Marsh

On the wader scrape today Little Egret, 2 Redshank, 5 Lapwing and a Ringed Plover our first this year. Also of interest Sand Martin north at 12.20hrs, Peregrine, 2 Coot on nests, Kingfisher, 4 Siskin and 5 Linnet. A Barn Owl was hunting from 18.53hrs. (R. Hibbert/L. Corrall/D Standish/CG)

Cudworth Park
Great Spotted Woodpecker was 'drumming' and Nuthatch was a first for this site. (Keith Bannister)

Wintersett 28.03.17

7 degrees with8/8 and a light south westerly this morning.  Up to 14 degrees mostly sunny with a vey short shower this afternoon.
Anglers CP:  Snipe 1.   40 Sand Martin were flying high over this afternoon.
Pits Wood: Treecreeper 1.
Wintersett Res:Blackcap 3 singing males.  Kingfisher 1.  Willow Tit 2 singing males.
The Cetti's Warbler saga continued today with 5 singing males  heard today.  The north bank, west bank and south east corner  birds were performing as usual.  The boathouse bird was heard in the northeast corner this morning.  By late afternoon afternoon he was singing on the north bank and then, shortly after, back in the boathouse reeds.  A new bird was singing loudly on Cold Hiendley Res, in trees at the bottom left of WRes spillway bridge at midday.

The Edge 28/03/2017

Wombwell Ings - Got out of the car to the sound of two singing Chiffchaff and the sight of two young Mistle Thrush. A good selection of waders this morning with 8+ Lapwing, 5 Redshank, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Oystercatcher and 2 Avocet. Also present were 67 Canada Geese, 21 Greylag, 166+ Wigeon, 3 Shelduck, 17 Tufted Duck, 16 Shoveler, 15 Gadwall, 13 Teal, 12 Mallard, 2 Goosander, 2 Cormorant, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 11 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 34 BH Gull, 4 Skylark, 3 Sand Martin, 4 Meadow Pipit and 2 Pied Wagtail. K.Follows also had 2 adult Mistle Thrush and a Song Thrush in Broomhill Park and a singing Blackcap near the Dearne Bridge.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 17 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 60+ Wigeon, 20+ Tufted Duck, 16 Pochard, 10+ Teal, 15+ Shoveler, 14 Gadwall,  4 Mallard, 3 Goldeneye, 15 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Cormorant, 15+ Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 200+ BH Gull, 48 Herring Gull, 1 Kestrel and 7+ Sand Martin.
TPT - 14 singing Chiffchaff between Old Moor RSPB entrance gates and the Cormorant Hide plus a drumming Greater Spotted Woodpecker.
 Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 9 Canada Goose, 4 Greylag, 17 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 7 Gadwall, 6 Mallard, 6 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 88 Coot, 110+ BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. A light coloured Buzzard was on its usual perch on the fourth set of double poles whilst a Kingfisher and a Grey Wagtail were visible from the bridge.

Monday 27 March 2017

Carlton Marsh

New in today - female Blackcap near the hide. Little Egret, 2 Redshank, 2 Buzzard, Grey Wagtail and 28 Canada Geese were of note. (Rod Heeley)
As dusk approached Barn Owl was hunting from 19.22hrs and a Fox was on the prowl. (Dave Standish/Tony Harding)

Wintersett 27.03.17

Up to 9 degrees but felt a lot colder, dull with 8/8 cloud and south easterly wind.
Anglers CP:  Green Woodpecker 1 Hare Park + 1 HP Gully.  A Curlew was in the back field. 
Wintersett Res:  We're back to 4 male Cetti's Warblers today, with the tailless bird seen by Steve Denny,  back in the boathouse reeds, early this morning.   The north bank bird was over on Botany,  The south east corner bird was near the cattle stiles and the west bank bird stayed put.  John Baxter saw a male Blackcap on the west bank and a Water Rail was heard from the north bank.

Hordron Road 27/3/17.

Mixed fortunes with smoke from moorland burning spoiling views over the harden and howden areas so no sign of any Merlins. On the plus side thought to have been 5 Ring Ouzels with a group of 3 and later on a pair near upper hordron barn. Raven 5 which includes a group of 4 at barmings. Not much else apart from a calling Golden Plover on long moor and 2 Buzzards, 1 Kes.

The Edge 27/03/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan,73 Canada Geese, 31 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 181 Wigeon, 17 Shoveler, 17 Mallard, 16 Tufted Duck, 14 Teal, 10 Gadwall, 9 Pochard, 2 Goosander, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 11 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 8+ Lapwing, 4 Oystercatcher, 4 Redshank, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 48 BH Gull,  4+ Skylark, 4+ Meadow Pipit,1 Grey Wagtail and 1 Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 15 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 70+ Wigeon, 25 Tufted Duck, 16 Pochard, 8 Gadwall, 7+ Shoveler, 4+ Teal, 3 Goldeneye, 3+ Mallard, 7+ Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Cormorant, 25 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 2 Kestrel, 8 Lapwing, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 3 Sand Martin, 180+ BH Gull and 5 Herring Gull.
TPT - 9 singing Chiffchaff, 1 Song Thrush and 2 Jay.
 Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 12 Gadwall, 11 Tufted Duck, 9 Pochard, 7 Shoveler, 4 Mallard, 1 Wigeon, 4 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 87 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 169 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Buzzard, 12 Snipe, 2 Kingfisher, 3 Sand Martin and 2 Willow Tit.

Sunday 26 March 2017

Low Moor/Midhope 26/3/17.

Very steady with a Woodcock in flight showing well briefly. A single Golden Plover over calling, 30 Lapwing, 4+ Oystercatchers, 1 chipping Snipe. Buzzard 5, Kes 2, Raven 2. Crossbill heard only over and small flocks of Siskin and Redpoll in the conifers with some showing well. The feeding station had a fem. Crossbill in the bush on the 13th. Very steady this morning at Woolley Dam with a singing male Blackcap the main highlight. + 3 Chiffchaffs, 2 Goldcrest singing, 2+ TCreepers, 2 GS Peckers, Teal 1, Buzzard.

Carlton Marsh

An early start produced a count of 16 singing Chiffchaffs along with Mistle and Song Thrush. 2 Lesser Redpolls were feeding on Scots pine seeds again and 11 Linnets were on the fields. Little Egret and 2 Redshanks were on the wader scrape and both Buzzards were riding the thermals. A Coot was on a nest and a Moorhen has 4 eggs. There were at least 2 Water Rails, 30 Canada Geese and, Barn Owl was hunting from 19.07hrs. (Jim Plant/Dave Standish/CG)

Today's butterflies included 5 Peacock, 9 Small Tort, 2 male Brimstone, 17 Comma and this year's first Green Veined White.

A Bee Fly was also active west of the nearby Midland Railway. (Chris Parkin)

Wintersett 26.03.17

Another beautiful, sunny and warm day - up to 14 degrees by midday with a very light easterly.
Wintersett Res:  5 male Cetti's Warblers were heard this morning:- north bank,  north east corner,  south east bank near cattle stiles,  west bank and boathouse reeds.   Willow Tit Pits Wood bank + 1 ACP.  Kingfisher 1. 
Anglers CP:  3 Redwings and a Curlew  in back field.   Snipe1.  Green Woodpecker 1.  Wigeon 175.  Shoveler 16.  Teal 4.  Little Grebe 1 + 2 WRes..
Lepidoptera: Peacock 1 ACP and Comma 1 WRes.

Saturday 25 March 2017

Orange Tip

First Orange Tip of the year on local patch by Athersley Memorial Lake.
Also first Chiffchaff of the year on the patch.

Carlton Marsh

It was a gorgeous day with wall to wall sunshine and a light NE 17.1c the warmest day of the year so far. The wader scrape was disturbed by a dog and its owner flushing everything this morning. However, 2 Redshank and a Little Egret returned. A pair of Peregrines were seen nearby, our resident Buzzards mated and Sparrowhawk and Kestrel were about. 24 Canada Geese and 6 Greylags were being hassled by the resident Mute Swans, 6 Chiffchaff were singing and Kingfisher was seen. Then at 17.43hrs a herd of 30 Whooper Swans flew over, heading north. (Rod Heeley/Dave Standish)

Butterflies included 3 male Brimstone, Small Tort and Comma.

Dearne Valley Park
Several Brimstone butterflies were on the wing along with 22 Commas and 3 freshly emerged Orange-tips. (Chris Parkin)

Wintersett 25.03.17

Beautiful day!  3 - 11 degrees,  sunny with a light easterly.
Anglers CP:  A drake Scaup was found by Jonathan Holliday early this morning.
Cold Hiendley Res:  2 Grey Wagtails were on the spillway + 2 at the Sewage Farm.
Wintersett Res:  3 male Cetti's Warblers were singing:- west bank,  south east corner and, surprisingly , the boathouse reedbed.    Shoveler 7.
16 Common Buzzards were up  around the area. 
Pits Wood:  Alan Preece (the owner), and Dean supplied 19 nest boxes which were sited around the wood with help from Pete Smith and Chris Swaine.
Lepidoptera: A Comma and a Small Toroiseshell  were around the west bank.  A male Brimstone was seen in Pits Wood.

                                     Drake Scaup    ACP                   CSwaine

Friday 24 March 2017

Wintersett 24.03.17

Light frost to start, then up to 11 degrees with sun and blue sky and an easterly breeze.
Anglers CP: A Sand Martin was checking out the Box at 09.15hrs, presumably a breeder from last year.  3 Curlew were in the back fields.
Moorhouse Lane Pond: The first  male Blackcap of spring was seen by Chris Swaine late this afternoon.
Cold Hiendley Res:  Grey Wagtail 1.
Wintersett Res: 
4 male Cetti's Warblers were singing this morning:- north bank,  north east corner, south east corner and west bank.  The north east corner bird is ringed and has no tail. It is presumed to be the boathouse reedbed bird that has relocated, after surviving a predator attack, when it lost its tail.
A siskin flew over and a trickle of Meadow Pipits were moving north west.
Of interest: A Ring-necked Parakeet flew over Walton CP at 11.00hrs.

The Edge 24/03/2017

Wombwell Ings - Highlight was 7 Buzzard in the air at the same time, with 3 over Cat Hill and 4 over Darfield Church. Otherwise a return to normality  this morning with 61 Canada Geese, 28 Greylag, 194 Wigeon, 3 Shelduck, 10 Shoveler, 10 Gadwall, 8 Tufted Duck, 8+ Teal, 7 Goosander, 6+ Mallard, 6 Pochard, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 7 Coot, 8 Lapwing, 5 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 50 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 8+ Skylark, 1 Song Thrush, 3 Pied Wagtail, 1 Song Thrush and 1 singing Chiffchaff. K.Fisher also had 24 Snipe on the corner pond, 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker and 3 Linnet.
Warbler Way - First walk down  this year hoping to hear and see some fresh migrant warblers. Chiffchaffs were highly visible and vocal with 16 singing males. Also 3 Grey Heron over, 2 yaffling Green Woodpecker and 1 Kestrel.
 Bolton Ings - Quiet with wildfowl preferring the shelter of the phragmites, On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 6 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 21 Tufted Duck, 7 Pochard, 6 Gadwall, 3 Mallard, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 101 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 251 BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also 1 Willow Tit.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 22 Canada Geese, 46 Wigeon, 15+ Pochard, 15 Tufted Duck, 11 Gadwall, 10+ Teal, 8+ Mallard, 8 Shoveler, 5 Goldeneye, 10+ Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 31 Coot, 5+ Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 23+ Lapwing, 7 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, c300 BH Gull, 32 Herring Gull and 2 Common Gull. PWK also had c125 Pink Footed Geese over west at 7.40am and 5 Whooper Swan over west at 8.10am.

Thursday 23 March 2017

Dearne Valley Park

A Red Kite drifted north at 08.00hrs (Rod Heeley) Also present a pair of Goosander, Treecreeper and 2 Grey Wagtails. Butterflies included 12 Small Tortoiseshell and 6 Comma. (Chris Parkin)

Carlton Marsh
Busy this morning scrub bashing so didn't see much. 2 Redshanks were on the wader scrape with a few Lapwings and Teal. 30 Yellow Buntings were in a nearby field and our resident Buzzards were milling around. 3 Water Rails were heard or seen. (KB/CG)


Wintersett 23.08.17

7 - 11 degrees with scattered cloud and a cold easterly wind.
Anglers CP: A flock of 100 Fieldfare flew north.  Green Woodpecker 1.  Curlew 1.  Goosander 1m + 1 redhead  Psycho, the adult Yellow-legged Gull was in this afternoon.
Wintersett Res:  4 male Cetti's Warblers were heard again today:-  north bank,  north east corner,  east bank and west bank.   Herring Gull 4  and Little Grebe 4. 

The Edge 23/03/2017

Wombwell Ings - The 2 Whooper Swan and 2 Avocet were probably the birds flushed off of Broomhill Flash, as seen by PWK. Also present were 91 Canada Geese, 25 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 154 Wigeon, 14 Shoveler, 11 Gadwall, 10+ Teal, 7 Tufted Duck, 6 Mallard, 4 Goosander, 3 Pochard, 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron.12 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 8 Lapwing, 4 Redshank, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 28 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 8 Skylark, 12 Meadow Pipit and 3 singing Chiffchaff. K.Fisher also had a Willow Tit on Dove side and 3 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash -. Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 2 Whooper Swan, 16 Canada Geese, 46 Wigeon, 27 Tufted Duck, 17 Pochard, 6+ Teal, 5 Shoveler, 4 Goldeneye, 4 Gadwall, 3 Mallard, 7+ Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 1 Red Legged Partridge, 1 Kestrel, 25 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 16 Lapwing, 2 Avocet,  2 Golden Plover, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 150+ BH Gull and 35 Herring Gull.
TPT - 1 Buzzard, 9 singing Chiffchaff and 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 2 Greylag, 11 Tufted Duck, 3 Mallard, 3 Gadwall, 3 Pochard, 2 Goosander, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested  Grebe, 1 Cormorant 105 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 230+ BH Gull and 1 LBB Gull ( with a pink dyed rump?). Also present were 1 Oystercatcher, 3 Grey Wagtail and 1 Willow Tit.

Wednesday 22 March 2017

Wintersett 22.03.17

Hello all.  I'm back from a very rewarding trip to Cuba with Heatherlea,  expertly led by Gerard Gorman and Ian Ford with extremely knowledgeable local guides.  Thanks to Steve, Gray and Cliff for blogging in my absence. 

6 degrees with 8/8 grey cloud and rain from 09.30hrs. with a couple of short dry spells.
Wintersett Res:  Whooper Swans were on the move this morning with a total of  129  flying north west:  14 + 53 + 16  between 07:30 and 07:45,   16 at 08.15hrs and  30 at 09.10hrs.  11 Sand Martins were feeding.    4 male Cetti's Warblers were heard: -   north bank,    north east corner (sounded familiar...?),   south east corner and west bank.
Cold Hiendley Res:  Goosander 1 redhead.
Anglers CP:  The cleared islands,  refilled Sand Martin Box and new Tern posts were looking  good today.  Great work yesterday by some of the regulars and Friends of Haw Park Wood and Wintersett.
2 Shelduck  and a Green Woodpecker were notable. 




Glaucous Gull Wombwell Ings 22.03.17

Ron Marshal filled his boots with the beautiful,  juvenile Glaucous Gull at Wombwell Ings today.


The Edge 22/03/2017

Wombwell Ings - Highlight was the Glaucous Gull that flew in at 7.30 am and gave good views until lunchtime to a steady stream of birdwatchers. It was originally picked up by PWK (don't know his full name ) on Broomhill Flash at 7.20am, where it stayed for five minutes before flying over to the Ings.
Glaucous Gull
Also present were 3 Mute Swan, 41 Canada Geese, 22 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 146 Wigeon, 8 Shoveler, 7 Gadwall, 6 Pochard, 6 Teal, 5 Tufted Duck,5 Mallard, 4 Goosander, 1 Little Egret, 12 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 16+ Golden Plover, 4 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Lapwing, 4+ Skylark, 3+ Meadow Pipit and 2 singing Chiffchaff. K.Fisher also had 25 Whooper Swan and a possible Bean Goose over west at 7.30am.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 3 Mute Swan, 16 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 50+ Wigeon, 23 Tufted Duck, 20+ Pochard, 15 Shoveler, 11 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 2 Goldeneye, 6+ Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 25+ Cormorant, 9 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 160+ BH Gull, 6 Herring Gull, 1 Glaucous Gull, 3 Sand Martin and a singing Chiffchaff in the car park.

Tuesday 21 March 2017

Carlton Marsh

It was another classic March day with plenty of sunshine and a drying westerly wind. Today Little Egret, 3 Grey Herons and 2 Redshanks were feeding on the Wader Scrape. Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk were hunting and a female Peregrine flew south at 14.50hrs. Also of note 3 Water Rails (1 singing)

Moors

After fruitless windswept walk to Hordron farm the only highlight was at start of the walk by Dog and Partridge - 100+ Fieldfares.
On the Don at Deepcar there was a pair of Goodanders and two Dippers.

The Edge 21/03/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 115 Canada Geese, 17 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 175+ Wigeon, 14 Tufted Duck, 8 Teal, 7 Shoveler, 7 Gadwall, 6 Pochard, 6 Mallard, 3 Goosander, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 11 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 5 Redshank, 3 Lapwing, 82 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 2 Skylark, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 singing Chiffchaff and 1 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash - The Garganey were seen occasionally but they were reported flying off high east at midday. Also noted were 2 Mute Swan, 48 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 46 Wigeon, 25+ Tufted Duck, 21 Pochard, 7 Mallard, 4 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 2 Red Legged Partridge, 2 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 30+ Coot, 5 Moorhen, 16 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank and 1 Sand Martin (through at 10.45 am).
TPT - 5 singing Chiffchaff and 1 Buzzard.
Bolton Ings - A Bittern was seen taking a short flight over the far reedbeds at 12.30 by Seev and K.Foundation. On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 3 Greylag, 13 Tufted Duck, 8 Wigeon over, 5 Mallard, 3 Gadwall, 3 Pochard, 3 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 105 Coot, 175 Bh Gull, 1 Common Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 4 Canada Geese, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Willow Tit and 3 Bullfinch.
Day's Highlight - Just got back to Old Moor Rspb entrance gates when K. Follows ( Donny Keith ) came on the radio telling us a  Glaucous Gull was on Broomhill Flash.  A quick dash round meant Seev and I were able to see the second winter bird before it disappeared west over the old tip at 1.15pm.. The Glaucous Gull landed close to the nearest tern raft and gave very good views for about 10 minutes before flying off. V. Wheeler was able to take record shots, one of which can be seen on today's Twitter feed (access button at side of blog).

Monday 20 March 2017

Carlton Marsh

2 Little Egrets spent the day on the wader scrape along with 4 Lapwings and 2 Redshanks. At least 3 Water Rails called, 40 Gadwall were feeding on the scrape and a 'Redhead' Goosander called in this afternoon, our first this year! 11 Redwing, 7 Yellow Bunting and similar number of Reed Buntings came in to roost just as Barn Owl emerged. The odd Snipe left to feed and the expected Tawny Owls began to call as it got dark. (Dave Standish/CG)
Last Friday Sophie Pinder, of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and her volunteers, did another fantastic day's work scrub clearing on the disused rail bank. Thanks again Sophie.

Photos by Rod Heeley



The Edge 20/03/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1 Mute Swan, 68 Canada Geese, 12 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 191 Wigeon, 17 Tufted Duck, 14 Shoveler, 14 Pochard, 12 Teal, 11 Gadwall, 10+ Mallard, 1 Goosander, 1 Little Egret, 11 Coot, 7 Moorhen, 4 Redshank, 4 Oystercatcher, 48 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 6+ Skylark, 5+ Pied Wagtail, 4+ Meadow Pipit, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Reed Bunting. K.Fisher also had 42 Redwing and 4singing Chiffchaff in the canyon and 1 Dunlin over.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 6 Canada Geese, 51 Wigeon, 21 Tufted Duck, 18 Pochard, 3 Shoveler, 2 Garganey, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Little Grebe, 31 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 180+ BH Gull and 2 Sand Martin.
TPT - 5 singing Chiffchaff and 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 10 Canada Geese, 7 Greylag, 15 Tufted Duck, 11 Gadwall, 6 Mallard, 4 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 1 Pochard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 117 Coot, 145+ BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 2 Kingfisher, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Willow Tit and 2 Reed Bunting.

Sunday 19 March 2017

Carlton Marsh

The highlights of today were; Redshank 2, Little Egret 2, Grey Wagtail 2 (on breeding territory) Redpoll 1, Yellow Bunting one singing male, Chiffchaff 6 singing and Buzzard 2.

This afternoon Chris Parkin counted 32 Comma butterflies - a new spring record! The previous highest count was 18 on April 1st 2011.

The Egrets don't appear to have roosted tonight, but Dave Standish 's reward was the night flight of the Bittern. At 18.50hrs it flew high over and around the marsh repeatedly emitting the Gull-like call, before leaving south 10 minutes later. This probably means that the bird is finally going home, perhaps to continental Europe?
As usual Male and female Tawnies called at dusk.

Wintersett 18th & 19th weekend

A moderately strong westerly wind with occasional showers but very mild most of the weekend.

Wildfowl numbers are still fairly high with 102 Goldeneye still present and 8 Shoveler. Cormorant 13 on the Country Park, as was a Water rail with another calling on the res. The 4 Oystercatchers are all still present, 2 Curlews bubbling in the back fields and a good count of 25 Common Snipe and a single Jack Snipe on the Pol. Three different Peregrines were over the Top Res on Sunday, a pair of adults together and a juvenile and Common Buzzards were soaring much of the day with at least a dozen seen. A couple of single Sand Martins slowly made their way northwards on Sunday. In the bushes up to 14 Chiffchaffs were singing as were a couple of Cettis Warblers and a pair of Willow Tits, all on the Top Res.

Saturday 18 March 2017

Wintersett Weeks catch up 13th to 17th March

Monday 13th March 2017
Snipe 1 CP
Redwing 5
Goldcrest 1

Carlton dream team had a Stonechat on the Top Res Dam Wall and a Woocock in the ringing Clump

Tuesday 14th
Redshank 1 CP
Fieldfare 1

Wednesday 15th
Redwing 16 CP

Herring Gull - 102 in roost on Top Res, moved to CP at dusk
Common Gull - 5
LBB - 4

Thursday 16th
At least 3, possible 4 male Cettis Warblers between SETR and NETR. The north bank bird was on Botany dam wall and the SE corner bird was on the east bank, with 1, possibly 2 in northeast corner scrub.

Filedfare - 12 Top Res

Friday 17th March

Water Rail - 1 CP

record swallow

Actually Gary's swallow is a record breaker as the Orgreave one was a day later - in 2012 February had 29 days!

Friday 17 March 2017

Carlton Marsh

The only report I have today was of Kingfisher, 18 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 3 Lesser Redpoll, on Scots Pine, and 1 Snipe. (Rod Heeley|)

The Edge 17/03/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 3 Mute Swan, 109 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 186 Wigeon, 14 Tufted Duck, 10 Shoveler, 9 Gadwall, 9 Pochard, 8 Mallard, 7 Teal, 1 Goosander, 2 Grey Heron, 9 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 2 Buzzard, 4 Lapwing, 4 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher and 4 Skylark. K.Fisher also had 2 Red Legged Partridge and 1 Meadow Pipit near the corner pond and 2 Chiffchaff on Dove side.
Broomhill Flash - Yesterday at 2.50pm,  K.Dutton had a pair of Garganey and 5 Dunlin. Noted this morning were 2 Mute Swan, 63 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 72 Wigeon, 21 Pochard, 20+ Shoveler, 17 Tufted Duck, 7+ Teal, 5+ Mallard, 4 Goldeneye, 6+ Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Peregrine, 1 Kestrel, 25 Coot, 7 Moorhen, 21 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 130+ BH Gull, 25+ Herring Gull and 1 Grey Wagtail.
TPT - 4 singing Chiffchaff, 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker and 1 Grey Wagtail over.
Bolton Ings -  On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 3 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 12 Tufted Duck, 6 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 1 Pochard, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 109 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 177+ BH Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 1 LBB Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Redshank, 1 Song Thrush and 1 Willow Tit.

Thursday 16 March 2017

The Edge 16/03/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 3 Mute Swan, 77 Canada Geese, 10 Greylag, 162 Wigeon, 23 Pochard, 17 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall, 15 Teal, 14 Mallard, 6 Goosander, 5 Tufted Duck, 1 Little Grebe, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 14 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 156 Golden Plover, 5 Redshank, 96 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 4 Skylark, 1 Mistle Thrush and 1 singing Chiffchaff. K.Fisher also had 17 Snipe and two calling Water Rail on the corner pond, a Red Legged Partridge near the R.Dove and a female Peregrine over.
Broomhill Flash -  Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 38 Canada Geese, 64 Wigeon, 22 Tufted Duck, 16 Pochard, 11 Shoveler, 9 Teal, 7 Gadwall, 2 Goldeneye, 6+ Little Grebe, 2 displaying Great Crested Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 32 Coot, 9 Moorhen, 2 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard,  21 Lapwing, 5 Snipe, 3 Oystercatcher, 202 BH Gull and 1 LBB Gull.
TPT - 1 Sparrowhawk and 4 singing Chiffchaff.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 17 Pochard, 14 Tufted Duck, 11 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 1 Goosander, 8 Little Grebe, 110 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 203 BH Gull and 2 Common Gull. Also present were 3 Buzzard, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Buzzard, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Jay, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Willow Tit, 1 Bullfinch and 1 Reed Bunting.

Wednesday 15 March 2017

Carlton Marsh

It was another amazingly sunny day with a light SW and a high of 17.1c!
A herd of Whooper Swans were calling as they flew over the observer's Cudworth home at 06.25hrs. (Rod Heeley)
The highlights of today at the marsh were; Tawny Owl roosting in a Scots Pine, 28 Canada Geese, 2 Cormorants, 2 singing Little Grebes, 4 singing Chiffchaffs, Goldcrest, 2 Buzzards and 5 Herring Gulls south. Just when I thought I had 2 Crossbills in the same Scots Pine, the birds well hidden, they turned out to be Lesser Redpolls.
2 Redshanks were feeding on the wader scrape, which is looking good now and, Little Owl and male and female Peregrine were nearby. A Barn Owl was hunting from 18.30hrs and 3 Tawny Owls (2 males) were calling at dusk.
Butterflies included 2 Comma and 1 male Brimstone. (Tony Harding/Dave\Standish/CG)

Storrs Mill Wood Area
4 Buzzards were thermalling over the wood, 2 Little Owls were present along with Green Woodpecker and Chiffchaff.
Butterflies were in abundance with Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, 22 Comma and 7 male Brimstone.
The first Bluebells and Wood Anemones are in flower and c500 Chub were seen in Cudworth Dike, Low Cudworth! (Chris Parkin)

The Edge 15/03/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 85 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 161 Wigeon, 24 Pochard, 11 Shoveler, 11 Gadwall, 9 Teal, 7 Mallard, 6 Goosander, 6 Tufted Duck, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 12 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 6 Golden Plover, 4 Redshank, 3 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 singing Skylark, 1 singing Chiffchaff and 3 Reed Bunting. 2  Grey Wagtail were on the R.Dearne near the bridge.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 4 Mute Swan, 65 Canada Geese, 35 Wigeon, 18 Tufted Duck, 15 Pochard, 10 Shoveler, 10+ Teal, 7 Mallard, 3 Goldeneye, 6 Little Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 29 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 2 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard, 19 Lapwing, 3 Oystercatcher, 200+ BH Gull and 1 Yellowhammer.
TPT - 3 singing Chiffchaff, 1 Jay and 5+ Redpoll.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 4 Mute Sawn, 3 Greylag, 22 Tufted Duck, 6 Mallard, 4 Goldeneye, 2 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 104 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 263+ BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 2 Buzzard, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Willow Tit , 2 Reed Bunting and the first Brimstone butterfly of the year.

Ingbirchworth - Midhope

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 11 White-fronted Geese; 51 Canada Geese; 2 drake Teal; 39 Mallards; 2 female Goldeneyes; 2 Pheasants; 5 Little Grebes; 2 Great Crested Grebes; 1 Sparrowhawk; 2 Moorhens; 13 Coots; 2 Oystercatchers; 8 Lapwings; 4 displaying Curlews; 1 Redshank; 1 Snipe; 1000+ Black-headed Gulls; 20+ Common Gulls; 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls; 1 Herring Gull; 8 Woodpigeons; 3 Magpies; 1 Jackdaw; 35+ Rooks; 5 Carrion Crows; 11 (7 singing males) Blue Tits; 5 (2 singing) Great Tits; two pairs Willow Tits; 1 Chiffchaff; 7 Blackbirds (none singing), 1 singing Song Thrush; 12 (10 singing males) Robins; 3 (1 singing) Dunnocks; 1 Pied Wagtail; 15 (13 singing males); Chaffinches; 2 Goldfinches and 1 Yellowhammer.

Whitley Edge - 1 Sparrowhawk; 1 Buzzard; c30Jackdaws; 28 Carrion Crows, and 20+ Starlings.

Midhope Reservoir - 16 Greylag Geese; 2 Canada Geese; 5 Teal; 9 Mallards; 3 Red Grouse; 1 Pheasant; 2 Little Grebes; 2 Moorhens; 6 Oystercatchers, and 8+ Coals Tits;

Tuesday 14 March 2017

Newmillerdam - 14 March 2017

Blustery afternoon with periods of sunshine and clear blue skies.

Great views of a buzzard soaring over Seckar Wood and the lapwing were in the field west of Seckar again. There were ten pied wagtails in the sheep pasture north of Bushcliffe House along with 38 redwing on the way to Newmillerdam, where a pair of great crested grebes were settled down on the lake at dusk in a pair. The other two, don't seem to have paired up yet and are usually seen apart. I got great views of the redpoll as they sat in the trees beside the lake and confirmed a second female teal for the first time this year. The four teals were swimming as two pairs.

Black-headed gull (79), buzzard (1), Canada goose (12), coot (31), goosander (1f), great crested grebe (4), great spotted woodpecker (2), green woodpecker (1), grey wagtail (2), greylag goose (11), lapwing (2), lesser redpoll (2), mallard (143), moorhen (6), mute swan (7), pied wagtail (10), redwing (38), skylark (1), teal (4), treecreeper (1), tufted duck (1), whooper swan (1).

Wintersett Area

I had rare day out at Angler's today for a change. As the usual blogger is on holiday and there was no one around, I feel duty bound to record my sightings here.
I arrived shortly before mid-day in cloudy conditions, but when the sun eventually came out it got really warm. (The thermometer in my garden recorded a maximum of 16.2c!)
Okay on the wall at Angler's CP were 2 pairs of Oystercatchers, a single Redshank, 4 Shovelers (3m)Psycho the adult Yellow-legged Gull and its mate the LBB Gull. 2 Sand Martins were feeding high above the lake before they moved on and there were still plenty of Goldeneye around.
A Linnet and a Redwing flew west and a bubbling Curlew was displaying over the back fields as a pair of Buzzards drifted over.
2 Chiffchaffs were singing in Stubbs wood and 2 Comma butterflies were fliting around Blackthorn blossom here.
The Boathouse Cetti's Warbler was singing when I got to Winterset Res along with another Chiffchaff and, a lovely adult Common Gull came in before it was time to go.

Warbler Way

Early afternoon 2 Chiffchaff and a Willow Tit.
Also one Brimstone - I know enough about butterflies to name it but not enough to know whether it is a good sighting for mid March or not.


Woolley Dam 14/3/17.

More woodpecker activity with 1 Green and 2 Great Spotted but no sign of any Lessers. Also 2 Nuthatch, 3 Goldcrest, 25 Siskin over, Teal 5, G Heron 7. Buzzard and Sprawk making up the raptors. The juv Whooper is still on newmillerdam. Don't know how wild it is as it comes to bread with the Mutes.

The Edge 14/03/2017

Wombwell Ings - Getting out of my car on Old Pontefract Road, I heard my first singing Chiffchaff of the year. On the Ings were 3 Mute Swan, 97 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 1 Shelduck, 174 Wigeon, 18 Pochard, 12 Gadwall, 8 Tufted Duck, 7 Goosander, 6 Teal, 5 Shoveler, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 13 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 3 Golden Plover over, 2 Redshank, 1 Lapwing, 121 BH Gull, 2 Common Gull, 4 Skylark, 1 Mistle Thrush and 3 Reed Bunting. Walked off the via the Dearne bridge where I saw 2 Goldcrest , 1 Grey Wagtail and heard a different Chiffchaff singing. K.Fisher also  had c30 Snipe fly from  the corner pond at 7.30am.
Broomhill Flash - Highlight was the 2 Garganey located by J.Seeviour after an helicopter flushed most of the wildfowl  from out of the soft rush margins onto the open water. Also noted were 2 Mute Swan, 153 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 68 Wigeon, 20 Tufted Duck, 17 Shoveler, c15 Teal, 11 Pochard, 6 Gadwall, 5 Goldeneye, 5 Mallard, 4+ Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 35 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 6 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 213 BH Gull, 3 Herring Gull and 1 LLB Gull.
TPT - 3 singing Chiffchaff, 2 Buzzard and 1 Green Woodpecker.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 10 Tufted Duck, 7 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 4 Goldeneye, 1 Shoveler, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 98 Coot, 177+ BH Gull, 1 Common Gull and 1 LLB Gull. Also present were 10 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Willow Tit and 1 Reed Bunting.

Monday 13 March 2017

Newmillerdam - 13 March 2017

Started out at Seckar Wood first thing. Lots of woodpecker activity. Saw a pair of great spotted chasing each other, then a further two elsewhere. The heathland had a pair of green woodpeckers sat in a tree together. Great views of yellowhammer in the morning sun on the heathland today.

Around the lake there wasn't a lot of change, though it was unusual to see a female teal out on the main lake. Normally the teal are tucked away, with an occasional male on the main lake, but haven't seen a female out this year before.

Black-headed gull (152), buzzard (1), Canada goose (20), chiffchaff (1), coot (24), goosander (2f), great crested grebe (4), great spotted woodpecker (4), green woodpecker (2), greylag goose (12), lapwing (2), mallard (135), moorhen (7), mute swan (5), siskin (1), skylark (1), teal (2), tufted duck (1), whooper swan (1), yellowhammer (4).

Carlton Marsh

It was another glorious day with plenty of sunshine, the temperature just one decimal point shy of 16c.
A walk round this morning provided 29 Canada and 6 Greylag Geese, Cormorant, 9 Tufted Duck, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Kingfisher, Little Egret, 33 Gadwall, 4 Lapwing, Grey Wagtail, 4 Chiffchaff singing, 2 Buzzard, 4 Skylark and Goldcrest singing.
A Fox ran past the wader scrape at 10.00hrs and 2 Comma butterflies were abroad.
2 Peregrine Falcons were reported flying over the wader this afternoon. (Tony Harding) Paul Jackson tweeted another one stooping into the reserve at 16.20hrs.
Later in the day at dusk Dave Standish had 2 Redshank, Barn Owl and Little Egret as it came in to roost.

The Edge 13/03/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 3 Mute Swan, 57 Canada Geese, 1 Shelduck, 132 Wigeon, 17 Teal, 16 Gadwall, 14 Pochard, 9 Shoveler, 6 Mallard, 5 Tufted Duck, 3 Goosander, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 12 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 26 Golden Plover, 4 Redshank, 1 Lapwing, 161 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 3 Skylark and 2 Reed Bunting. K.Fisher also had 10 Redwing and 1 Kingfisher from the R.Dearne bridge plus 6 singing Chiffchaff in the Canyon.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 53 Canada Geese, 47 Wigeon, 19 Tufted Duck, 19 Pochard, 7 Mallard, 5 Teal, 2 Goldeneye, 7 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Red Legged Partridge, 3 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 33 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 13 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 183 BH Gull and 4 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings  - Highlight was 2 displaying Buzzard at 12.40pm. On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 27 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 37 Tufted Duck, 11 Pochard,6 Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 240+ BH Gull, 4 Common Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Kestrel, 1 Redshank, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Rook and 2 Willow Tit.

Newmillerdam - 12 March 2017

Spent much of the morning at Seckar Wood before a walk round the lake to do my WeBS count. First singing chiffchaff was the year's 70th species and there were a couple of lapwing in the field west of Seckar Wood.

Black-headed gull (160), buzzard (1), Canada goose (24), chiffchaff (1), coot (31), goldcrest (5), goosander (1f), great crested grebe (4), great spotted woodpecker (2), green woodpecker (1), grey partridge (2), greylag goose (8), lapwing (2), lesser redpoll (5), mallard (148), moorhen (7), mute swan (7), nuthatch (1), siskin (2), skylark (3), teal (4), treecreeper (4), tufted duck (1), whooper swan (1), yellowhammer (3).

Sunday 12 March 2017

Carlton Marsh

Another very mild spring day with a high of 15.7c. really made the birds sing. Today's highlights were; Rose-ringed Parakeet, 13 Canada Geese, 2 Greylags, 5 Lapwings, 2 Redshanks, Willow Tit and Chiffchaff singing. Bittern was seen at the back of the wader scrape this afternoon and Little Egret roosted again. (Dave Lomas/Dave Standish/Tony Harding/Rod Heeley)

The afternoon's sunshine produced 2 male Brimstone, 9 Comma, 1 Peacock and 5 Small Tortoiseshell butterflies. The first Cowslips and Primroses are in flower. (Chris Parkin) 

Edderthorpe area

Wildfowl weekend count day again, highlights from this bit of the valley;-
Edderthorpe & Houghton
Shelduck 4, Mallard 115, Teal 63, Shoveler 55, Gadwall 58, Wigeon 113, Tufted 29, Pochard 13, Goosander 3, Little Egret 2, Lapwing 33, Redshank 5, Chiffchaff 1, Willow Tit 1.

Ferry Moor & Cudworth Common
lots of birds on Cudworth Common , until the dog-walkers appeared in force. Teal 27, Gadwall 18, Wigeon 5, Shoveler 2, Goosander 1, Lapwing 42, Ringed Plover 12, Redshank 10.

Low Moor/Midhope 12/3/17, J. and G. Wasse, S.Green.

Red Kite 1, Buzzard 3, Sparrowhawk 2+, Kestrel 1. Raven total 9, Crossbill total 6 with a pair showing well. 7 Oystercatchers were around midhope res., 16 Siskins and 1 chipping Snipe. 60+ Fieldfare.

Wilthorpe Marsh west end. J.Lunn, S.Green. 12/3/17.

Very spring like with 3 displaying Lapwings, 3 singing Chiffchaffs, pair of Oystercatchers on territory and a yaffling Green Pecker. Also, 4 Jack Snipe, 1 Rail, 1 Little Egret, 2 Grey Partridge and the mobile Linnet flock 70+.

Wintersett Records Weds 8th to Sun 12th March

Down on numbers this week due to chief blogger being away.

Heres the highlights of this week.

Weds 8th
13 Shoveler on the Country Park and a Water Rail.
2 Goldcrests Haw Park Lane

Thurs 9th
Greylag 78
Canada Geese 57
Curlew 1

Fri 10th
Filedfare 25
Goldfinch 18
Curlew 4 CP fields
Whoooper Swan – 11 NW plus 42 NW

Sunday 12th
WEBS counts – Total area

Pochard 5
Tufted Duck 127
Gt Crested Grebe 17
Wigeon 329
Gadwall 26
Coot 63
Pintail – 6 on Country Park

Yellowhammer – 19 CP fields
Chiffchaff – 7 in area
Meadow Pipits – 7 north
Water Rail – 1 SW Top Res
Red Kite – 1 over Low Lake 09.40.


Saturday 11 March 2017

Carlton Marsh

It was a barmy 13.8c today with a light wind that made it feel very spring like. Today's sightings included 4 Lapwing (1 still displaying after dark) Water Rail singing, Little Egret roosted (2 last night) Tawny Owl and Bittern flew to its usual roost at 16.02hrs. A Pipistrelle bat was on the wing at dusk. (Dave Standish)
I would like thank Sophie Pinder - Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and her volunteers for the great job they did on Friday clearing scrub. This work will enable wild flowers and butterflies to thrive at this location.

Newmillerdam - 11 March 2017

A lapwing was seen displaying over the fields to the west of Seckar Wood and was new for the year. A couple of skylarks were also seen, as well as green woodpecker and kestel on the heathland, and 25 lesser redpolls in the birch woodland. A total of 47 species were seen today, my personal best for the site.

Black-headed gull (106), blackbird, blue tit, bullfinch (2), Canada goose (18), carrion crow, chaffinch, coal tit (4), collared dove (3), coot (32), dunnock, feral pigeon (2), goldcrest (1), goldfinch, goosander (2f), great crested grebe (2), great spotted woodpecker (3), great tit, green woodpecker (2), greenfinch (4), greylag goose (7), house sparrow, jackdaw (2), jay (6), kestrel (1), lapwing (1), lesser redpoll (25), long-tailed tit, magpie, mallard (134), mistle thrush (5), moorhen (9), mute swan (7), nuthatch (2), pheasant (1), pied wagtail (3), robin, rook (3), skylark (2), song thrush (3), sparrowhawk (1), starling (6), teal (6), treecreeper (1), whooper swan (1), woodpigeon, wren (8).

Friday 10 March 2017

Cudworth

A female Brambling, 2 male Reed Buntings and 12 Chaffinches were feeding in Geoff Miller's Upper Cudworth garden this morning!

Ingbirchworth

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 24 Greylag Geese; 25 White-fronted Geese; 213 Canada Geese; 2 Gadwall; 48 Mallards; 5 Tufted Ducks; 2 (m&f) Goldeneyes; 1 Pheasant; 4 (2pairs) Little Grebes; 3 Great Crested Grebes; 2 Moorhens; 8 Coots; 2 Oystercatchers; 4 Curlews; 400+ Black-headed Gulls; 35+ Common Gulls; 1 Herring Gull;  10 Woodpigeons; 1 (displaying) Kingfisher; 3 Magpies; 1 Jackdaw; 11 Carrion Crows; 1 Goldcrest; 12 Blue Tits; 10 Great Tits; 3 Willow Tits (pair+1); 1 Wren; c1,000 Starlings; 7 Blackbirds; 11 Robins; 3 Dunnocks; 1 Pied Wagtails; 5+ Bramblings; 10 Chaffinches; 3 Reed Buntings, and 2 Yellowhammers.

Midhope Reservoir - 5 Greylag Geese; 5 Teal; 12 Mallard; 2 Tufted Ducks; 1 drake Goldeneye; 2 Little Grebe, and 4 Curlews.

Newmillerdam - 10 March 2017

Black-headed gull (134), Canada goose (33), coot (26), goosander (1f), great crested grebe (5), greylag goose (9), mallard (148), moorhen (8), mute swan (7), siskin (2), whooper swan (1).

The siskin were in a mixed flock with goldfinch and long-tailed tits.

A sixth great crested grebe arrived on Monday and was seen again on Tuesday and they appear to have settled into three pairs. There were still two female goosander on Monday, but only one was seen on Tuesday and again today. A single tufted duck was still on site on Tuesday, but wasn't seen today.

Little grebe are proving illusive, though one was seen on Monday, as was a single teal. 26 Redwing were also seen on Monday.

Goldthorpe asda 10/3/17.

4-25pm, 4 Waxwings again on berries behind bus shelter but mobile.

The Edge 10/03/2017

Wombwell Ings - Signs of change were indicated by 3 Redshank, the first I've seen on the Ings this year. Also present were 2 Mute Swan, 81 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 2 Shelduck, 159 Wigeon, 19 Teal, 11 Shoveler, 11 Pochard, 10 Mallard, 6 Tufted Duck, 2 Gadwall, 1 Little Egret, 2 Cormorant, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Oystercatcher over, 2 Golden Plover, 1 Lapwing, 12 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 108 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 4 Skylark, 2 Mistle Thrush. 1 Grey Wagtail and 2 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash - Highlight was the Peregrine that passed through at 10.30am. Also noted were 2 Mute Swan, 31 Canada Geese, 41 Wigeon, 21 Tufted Duck, 16 Pochard, 12 Teal, 7 Mallard, 7 Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 5 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 4+ Little Grebe,36 Coot, 7 Moorhen, 33 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 153 BH Gull, 4 Common Gull, 3 Herring Gull and 1 LBB Gull.
TPT - 20+ Redpoll and 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 4 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 29 Tufted Duck, 11 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 3 Goldeneye, 2 Pochard, 4 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 125 Coot, 107 BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Stonechat and 2 Willow Tit.

Thursday 9 March 2017

Carlton Marsh

A beautiful sunny day with wall to wall sunshine and a high of 14.1c. Three of us were scrub bashing this morning with little in the way of birding. However, 2 Lesser Black-backed gulls headed north and a Great Spot Woodpecker was nearby. Les Corrall & Ralph Hibbert walked the site providing us with 20 Canada Geese, 2 Greylags, Kingfisher, 3 Goldcrests, 4 Redpolls, Buzzard and a male Peregrine north.
A Comma was on the wing and 21 Herald moths were still enjoying their winter sleep. Small Tortoiseshell butterflies are now appearing in urban gardens.
A Redshank was feeding on the wader scrape this afternoon. Rod Heeley.


Dearne Valley Park
Grey Wagtail, Goldcrest, Bullfinch 2, Comma butterfly 6. (Chris Parkin)

Rabbit Ings Country Park
33 Snipe were flushed from Monckton Flash (Mick Birkinshaw)

The Edge 09/03/2017

Wombwell Ings -
Present were 8 Mute Swan, 105 Canada Geese, 23 Greylag, 3 Shelduck, 165 Wigeon, 12 Shoveler, 6 Teal, 6 Mallard, 5 Tufted Duck, 3 Gadwall, 3 Goosander, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 11 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 37 Golden Plover, 3 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, 220+ BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 3 Skylark and 2 Pied Wagtail.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 45 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 57 Wigeon, 22 Tufted Duck, 14 Pochard, 10 Teal, 9 Gadwall, 8 Shoveler, 5 Goldeneye, 3 Red Legged Partridge, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 27 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher and 250+ BH Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 5 Greylag, 4 Canada Geese, 60+ Wigeon over, 26 Tufted Duck, 6 Shoveler, 4 Mallard, 3 Gadwall, 3 Goldeneye, 2 Pochard, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 128 Coot, 2 Moorhen and 151 BH Gull. Also present were 1 Jay, 2 Willow Tit and 2 Bullfinch.

Wednesday 8 March 2017

Ringing Recovery

Barn Owl
GR70039   nestling      10/06/2016   Old Moor.
              road casualty  08/12/2016  Rawmarsh, South Yorks.
8km S.
181 days

Waxwings 8/3/17.

4+ Waxwings at Goldthorpe asda at 4pm.

Tuesday 7 March 2017

Wintersett 07.03.17

Up to 9 degrees with sun,  patchy cloud and a light south esterly.
Anglers CP: A Dunlin was picked up by 3/4 of the Carlton Dream Team.  3 Curlew were in the back fields. Oystercatcher 4,  Cormorant 11 and  Shoveler 20.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 singing male - boathouse reeds.

Carlton Marsh

There were 3 Little Egrets again today along with Bittern. It was seen out in the open towards the southern end of the marsh this morning at 10.00hrs. 24 Canada Geese and 4 Greylags were present along with Buzzard and Treecreeper. (Rod Heeley)
As for me I paid a visit to Old Moor for the first time in 6 months. How well it looked, with trees cut back, hedges laid allowing more open views across the ponds, especially from the café. The islands on the mere all had new numbers ready for the new breeding season. Well done to all concerned.

The Edge 07/03/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 4 Mute Swan, 109 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 5 Shelduck, 120+ Wigeon, 21 Mallard, 13 Teal, 11 Pochard, 9 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, 5 Tufted Duck, 3 Goosander, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 12 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 1 Sparrowhawk, 102 Golden Plover, 2 Lapwing, 171 BH Gull, 5 Herring Gull, 2 Common Gull, 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Mistle Trush, 1 Redwing, 3 Skylark, 2 Pied Wagtail and 2 Reed Bunting. K.Fisher also had early AM 2 Water Rail (Corner Pond ), 1 Curlew and 2 Oystercatcher.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 36 Canada Geese, 76 Wigeon, 37 Shoveler, 28 Teal, 25 Tufted Duck, 12 Pochard, 11 Gadwall, 10 Mallard, 2 Goldeneye, 3 Little Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 29 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 39 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew(early AM ), 250+ BH Gull, 13 Herring Gull and 2 Common Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 7 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 54 Tufted Duck, 7 Mallard, 5 Goldeneye, 3 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 128 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 106 BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Buzzard, 1 Jay, 2 Stonechat and 2 Willow Tit.

Monday 6 March 2017

Carlton Marsh

73 species recorded in February 2017 was an all time record!
This afternoon with Richard Laverack. 3 Little Egrets spent most of the day on the wader scrape with 2 Greylags. A Little Owl was present and a little further along on the marsh Kingfisher, 4 Canada Geese, 2 Water Rails, 2 Buzzards, Grey Wagtail, Goldcrest, 5 Stock Dove and a single Redwing.
At dusk Barn Owl was hunting from 17.56hrs and all 3 Little Egrets came up to roost on the marsh - a record in itself. Both male and female Tawny Owls were calling. (Dave Standish/Tony Harding)

The Edge 06/03/2017

Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2 Mute Swan, 46 Canada Geese, 60 Wigeon, 36 Shoveler, 19 Teal, 11 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 8 Mallard, 1m Goldeneye, 4 Gadwall, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 27 Coot, 5 Moorhen and 201 BH Gull.
TPT - c20 Redpoll.
Bolton Ings- On the open water were 2 Mute Swan, 20 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 5 Mallard, 5 Wigeon, 4 Goldeneye, 3 Gadwall, 2 Goosander, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 135 Coot, 107 BH Gull and 2 Common Gull. Also present were 8 Canada Geese, 4 Greylag, 25 Cormorant, 1 Buzzard, 22 Lapwing over, 1 Jay, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Willow Tit and 2 Reed Bunting.
Wombwell Ings - A mid-afternoon visit listed 3 Mute Swan, 109 Canada Geese, 8 Greylag, 4 Shelduck, 129 Wigeon, 19 Teal, 18 Mallard, 12 Tufted Duck, 10 Goosander, 5 Shoveler, 4 Pochard, 3 Gadwall, 4 Grey Heron, 13 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 14 Lapwing, c50 Golden Plover, 158 BH Gull, 1 Common Gull, 3 Skylark and 2 Pied Wagtail.

Ingbirchworth & Midhope

Ingbirchworth Reservoir - 28+ White-fronted Geese; 16 Greylag Geese; 220+ Canada Geese; 35 Mallards; 1 female Pochard; 8 Tufted Ducks; 1 Cormorant left E; 4 Little Grebes; 5 Great Crested Grebes; 1 Red Kite left SW; 1 Common Buzzard; 10 Coots; 2 Oystercatchers; 3 Lapwings; 4 Curlews; 1 Common Snipe (first here for three years); c300 Black-headed Gulls; 40+ Common Gulls; 1 adult Caspian Gull; 15 Herring Gulls; 1 juv Great Black-backed Gull; 6 Woodpigeons; 1 Kingfisher; 5 Jackdaws; 10 Carrion Crows; 8 Blue Tits; 4 Great Tits; 2 Coal Tits; 2+ Willow Tits (a pair + 1 s?); 1 s Wren; 5 Blackbirds; 5 Robins; 1 Dunnock; 1 Pied Wagtail; 1 Meadow Pipit; 6 Chaffinches; 1 Goldfinch; 2 Yellowhammers and 2 Reed Buntings.
Langsett Filters - a pair of Goldeneye.
Midhope Reservoir - 13 Greylag Geese; 6 Canada Geese; 8 Teal; 9 Mallards; 3 Tufted Ducks; 1 Red Grouse; 2 Little Grebes;1 Moorhen; 4 Oystercatchers; 3 Black-headed Gulls; 4 Blue Tits; 3 Blackbirds; 1 s Mistle Thrush; 3 Robins; 1 Chaffinch and 1 Crossbill.

Wintersett 06.03.17

Up tp 9 degrees, sunny with scattered cloud and a light north westerly.  Still very wet underfoot, especially around Wintersett Res. but felt like Spring.
Wintersett Res:  2 Sand Martins were flying around near the north bank at 08.20 this morning.  The 2 Sand Martins seen yesterday by G Ashworth and S. Allen were the earliest ever seen here - previously 9th March in 2002 and 2012 (see previous blog post).  The Chiffchaff,  Skylarks and Yellowhammer were singing  as were 3 male Cetti's Warblers - west bank,  SE corner and boathouse.  The north bank Cetti's Warbler was singing this afternoon.
Botany Bay:  Lapwings were displaying over Botany paddock/field.
Moorhouse Lane Big Pond: Wigeon 38 and Teal 10. No sign of Firecrest today.
Anglers CP:  4 Curlews,  a Buzzard hunting Wood Pigeons,  a Green Woodpecker and 2 Grey Partridges were all in the back fields.   2 pairs of Oystercatchers went head to head in a posturing/screaming match on the north bank this afternoon.

Sunday 5 March 2017

05/03/2017 - Wintersett Res - 15.30

2 Sand Martins flying around the Reservoir at 3.30pm today , they were around the bouys on the North West side of the res, and viewed from the path leading to Haw Park Lane from Cold Hiendley Reservoir, GR SE 373150

G Ashworth, S Allen

Wintersett + New Kestrel Box 05.03.17

9 degrees and sunny first thing, then cloud increased to 8/8, temperature dropped to 5 degrees witn a very cold north westerly wind.  Rain from 09.30hrs.
Anglers CP:  Green Woodpecker 1.  Grey Wagtail 1 + 1 WRes.
Wintersett Res: 3 singing male Cetti's were heard this morning:- north bank, SE corner and boathouse reeds.  The Chiffchaff was singing again on the west bank.  A Water Rail was in the SE corner.  Tufted Duck 86.
New Kestrel Box:  Chris Swaine made a  Kestrel Box from decking offcuts, and today he installed it in an oak tree, with a little help from the oldies. 

Job Well Done! Great Work Chris!

Saturday 4 March 2017

Carlton Marsh

What a difference a day makes, it was lovely with the temperature peaking at 11c.
We spent the morning litter picking around Cudworth Park and the footpath to the reserve as part of the Keep Britain tidy day organised by BMBC. Our reward was a pea and pie dinner.
A Redshank was heard, Little Egret was seen on the wader scrape and a pair of Lapwing were displaying nearby. (Keith Bannister/Rod Heeley/CG)
The afternoon session provided 2 Buzzards, Willow Tit and Green Woodpecker.
A Comma butterfly airborne in the sunshine was our first this year. (Chris Parkin)