Monday 31 July 2017

Carlton Marsh

A Grasshopper Warbler was 'reeling' on the Western Meadow around mid-day. Also present Peregrine, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Coal Tit and Willow Tit. (CG)

Insects included 2 Painted Lady, 27 Red Admiral, 9 Peacock, 12 Comma, 2 Small Copper and a male Brimstone. (Chris Parkin)

Also 2 male Southern Hawker & a male Banded Demoiselle and male Vapourer Moth. (CG)


Ewden valley lodge and back 31/7/17.

Changeable weather but the light good for viewing apart from a prolonged shower with low cloud just before 2pm. The best day of the year here with 7 species of raptor. Highlights were 2 Merlins, ad.male and juv.fem. type both showed well chasing near the lodge. Peregrine ad., 5 Kestrels and a Hobby completed the 4 falcon species. CC Marsh Harrier was on white carr also Red Kite here with another over ewden height. C Buzzard 5, Raven 1 pair towards dukes road, LBB Gull 1 blogged in the valley for a while. Stonechats 4 together near the s bends, Siskin 1, Swift 1 and 3 Lapwing near start of track.

Wintersett 31.07.17

15 - 17 degrees with scattered cloud and a cool south westerly wind.
Wintersett Res: Redshank 2 on the boathouse slipway.  Common Tern 16.  Canada Goose 2.
Cold Hiendley Res: Gadwall 11.
Anglers CP: Yellow Wag 2.  Pochard 1 drake.  Common Sandpiper 1.  Barn Owl 1.  Green Woodpecker 3 including 1 juvenile + 2 Moorhouse Lane Ponds + 1 Hare Park,.
Odonata WRes:   Emperor 2 males south west corner.    Brown Hawkers into double figures on the west bank.
Brown Argus       CHRes                      
                                                      and a record shot of the underside.                      ASmith

The Edge 31/07/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present on a quiet ings were 3 Mute Swan, 11 Canada Geese, 11 Mallard, 1 Gadwall, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 161 Lapwing, 3 Dunlin, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 73 BH Gull, 5 Pied Wagtail, 30+ Goldfinch and 5 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - A Wood Sandpiper was still present and showing well on the north shore. Also noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 46 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 30 Mallard, 20+8y Gadwall, 21+6y Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 21 Little Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 4 Little Egret, 123 Coot, 14 Moorhen, 63 Lapwing, 6+ Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper and 95 BH Gull.
Bolton Ings - Highlight was a Marsh Harrier quartering over the reeds of the eastern pool at 11.45am. On the open water were 2+4y Mute Swan, 7 Gadwall, 5 Pochard, 3 Mallard, 2 Tufted Duck, 12 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe and 70 Coot. Three flocks of Lapwing flew over, the largest containing about 150 birds. Also present were 2 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Sunday 30 July 2017

Wintersett + VisMig 30.07.17

15 - 19 degrees,  warm start but cooler from 08.00hrs with 4/8 cloud and a south westerly breeze.  Warm and sunny with scattered cloud and a strengthening south westerly this afternoon.
Anglers CP + Vis Mig:  A juvenile Arctic Tern flew west.   The first Buzzard was moving through west.  Pochard 1.  Little Ringed Plover 1.  A flock of 100 Goldfinch were enjoying the Knapweed seeds in front of the hide.
Haw Park Wood: A juvenile Peregrine flew north over at 11.00hrs.
Wintersett Res: 2 adult Willow Tits with 3 begging juveniles were in the Willow Wood + 1 heard Disposal Point.

Saturday 29 July 2017

Wintersett + VisMig 29.07.17

14 - 16 degrees with 6/8 cloud and a cool south westerly wind.
Anglers CP + Vis Mig.: 110 Swift drifted south, along with  a trickle of Sand Martins throughout the morning.   Whimbrel 1 west at 07.57 hrs.   Little Ringed Plover 1 juvenile.  A Hobby flew over Santingley and was seen over again at 15,25hrs.  Pochard 1 male.  Common Sandpiper 1.  Common Tern 4. Pink footed Goose 1.  Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult. 
Wintersett Res: Yellow Wagtail 1 over.  A female Cetti's Warbler was ringed.   Little Egret flew south at 07.25hrs  Common Tern 20.

Ewden valley lodge and return. D Simmonite, S Green. 29/7/17.

Good conditions with excellent light and kept dry. Highlights were raptors with 2 Red Kites which were together late aft over ewden height. Male Merlin showed well but brief, Peregrine 1, C Buzzard 5, Kestrel 6+. Raven 5, Carrion Crow party of 3 w. calling, well up the track. Stonechat 4 included at least 2 juvs, Curlew only 1 so well worthy of a mention as with Siskin 1 and a male Reed Bunting.

Friday 28 July 2017

Wintersett 28.07.17

15 - 17 degrees with 4/8 cloud and a light south westerly.  Rain from midday.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 12.   A Knot, in the boathouse area at 16:35, was flushed by a Mink, and then left east
Golf Course Field: Linnet 50
Walton Hall: Teal 1.  LittleGrebe 3.  Gadwall 6.
Anglers CP: Cormorant 4.  Pink-footed Goose 1.  Goldfinch 30.    20 Black-tailed Godwits flew south at 18.30 hrs.
Critters:  A Painted Lady ACP.  Emerald Damselfly GCfield.  Ringlet WRes.

A couple of shots of the Black-tailed Godwits  over ACP       PMeredith

The Edge 28/07/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 27 Greylag, 1 Canada Goose, 15 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 1+3y Tufted Duck, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Moorhen, 19 Lapwing, 4 Dunlin, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Green Sandpiper, 104 BH Gull, 3+ Pied Wagtail, 1 Bullfinch and 5 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - The Wood Sandpiper showed intermittently throughout the morning,  moving inbetween clumps of soft rush as it fed along the north shore. Also noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 57 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 44+8y Mallard, 15 Tufted Duck, 7+8y Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 16 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Barn Owl, 107 Coot, 16 Moorhen, 41 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper and 74 BH Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+3y Mute Swan, 43 Gadwall, 6 Pochard, 5 Tufted Duck, 4 Mallard, 10 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe and 77 Coot. Also present were 2 Kestrel, 1 Common Tern over and 2 Little Egret.

Thursday 27 July 2017

Carlton Marsh

Today's sightings included 2 Water Rail, 35 Swift, 3juv Sparrowhawks, 2 Buzzard, 2 Willow Tit, Green Woodpecker, Little Egret and Tawny Owl.

Insects - Emperor dragonfly, Southern Hawker and Red Admiral

(Dave Smith)

Wintersett WeBS for July 2017

Here are the WeBS Totals for the Wintersett Area July 2017.

Mute Swan 9    Canada Goose 46   Greylag Goose 11   Pink-footed Goose 1   Cormorant 2   Coot 177   Water Rail 1   Moorhen 17   Great Crested Grebe 25   Mallard 60   Teal 1   Gadwall 9   Tufted Duck 176   Pochard 1   Goldeneye 1   Common Scoter 1   Lapwing 64   Common Sandpiper 2   Grey Heron 2   Kingfisher 1.      

Wintersett 27.07.17

15 - 18 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a cool westerly wind.  Heavy shower late morning.  Dry from early afternoon with sunny spells and a south westerly breeze.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 10.  Sand Martin 350 
Botany Bay: Mallard 1 m Young.
Anglers CP:  A Hobby flew over hunting at the north end.   Pink-footed Goose 1.  Yellow Wagtail 1 over.  Grey Wagtail 1 m + 3.  Common Sandpiper 1. Pochard 1.  Tufted Duck 1 in wing moult. 

The Edge 27/07/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1 Mute Swan, 25 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 7 Mallard, 5 Gadwall, 1+3y Tufted Duck, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 1 Moorhen, 16 Lapwing, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher, 9 Pied Wagtail and 5 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Highlight was a Wood Sandpiper. First located at 8.10am by PWK , it was still showing well on the north shore when I left at 10.50am. Also noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 51 Canada Geese, 33 Mallard, 14+3y Tufted Duck, 1+9y Gadwall, 3 Pochard, 15 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 3 Little Egret, 125 Coot, 14 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 57 Lapwing and 5 Snipe.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+1y Mute Swan, 32 Gadwall, 10 Pochard, 9+3y Tufted Duck, 8 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe and 89 Coot. Flyovers included 1 LBB Gull and 1 Common Tern.

Wednesday 26 July 2017

Wintersett 26.07.17

16 degrees,  Rain all morning. 
Anglers CP:  Common Sandpiper 3.  Grey Wagtail 1 male.  Pochard 1.  Pink-footed Goose 1.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 10.

The Edge 26/07/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 25 Greylag, 2 Canada Geese, 40 Mallard, 11 Gadwall, 1+3y Tufted Duck, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Moorhen, 22 Lapwing, 2 Dunlin, 71 BH Gull, 2 Kingfisher, 4 Pied Wagtail and 7 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 45 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 12+23y Gadwall, 10 Mallard, 9+3y Tufted Duck, 3 Pochard, 14 Little Grebe, 2 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 99 Coot, 14 Moorhen, 3 Kestrel,  38 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, 1 Curlew over at 10.20am, 1 Green  Sandpiper, 44 BH Gull and 1 Common Tern.
TPT - 1 singing Willow Warbler.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+3y Mute Swan, 32 Gadwall, 9 Tufted Duck, 7 Pochard, 6 Mallard, 12 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 88 Coot and 1 Moorhen. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Common Tern and 1 Grey Wagtail.

Conehead


Good to see Short-winged Coneheads colonizing the Barnsley area. This, and one a couple of weeks ago found by Derek Whiteley, from New Park Spring.

Tuesday 25 July 2017

The Edge 25/07/2017

Wombwell Ings -  Present were 2 Canada Geese, 35 Mallard, 4 Shoveler, 1+3y Tufted Duck, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 10 Lapwing, 33 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 11 Pied Wagtail and 8 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 78 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 19 Mallard, 13+7y Tufted Duck, 12+30y Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 2 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 19 Little Grebe, 123 Coot, 20 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 78 Lapwing, 2 Snipe and 30 BH Gull. 1+6y Shoveler, 1 Curlew, 1 Redshank and 4 juv Yellow Wagtail were seen early AM.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+6y Mute Swan, 2 Canada Geese, 59 Gadwall, 11 Pochard,  5 Tufted Duck, 4 Mallard, 17 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 89 Coot, 1 Moorhen and 1 Common Tern. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 1 Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 singing Blackcap.

Wintersett 25.07.17

12 - 19 degrees , cool start with 8/8 cloud and a light south easterly.  Sunny and warm this afternoon, with scattered cloud and the wind turning easterly.
Wintersett Res: Whimbrel 1 over south, calling, at 04.30hrs.  Shelduck 4 over at 05.50hrs Water Rail 1 west bank.  Common Tern 15. Goldeneye 1 female. Little Grebe 1. Cetti's Warbler 1 male west bank.  Sand Martin 300. A Little Egret was on the boathouse slipway.
Moorhoue Lane Pond:  Lesser Whitethroat 2 adults with 2 juveniles begging for food.
Anglers CP: Pink-footed Goose 1.
Critter:  A Grass Snake slithered away from me in Haw Park Wood clearing area, late morning,

Monday 24 July 2017

Wintersett 24.07.17

14 - 18 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a north westerly wind.
Wintersett Res: 20 Common Tern + 1 adult Arctic Tern at 19.00hrs. A Hobby flew over the Willow Wood.
Disposal Point: Willow Tit 1.
Anglers CP: Pochard 1.  Sand Martin 300.
Lepidoptera: 5 Purple Hairstreak at Botany Quarry.

Pete Smith putting finishing touch to the VisMigbenches   ACP

                                             Arctic Tern       WRes.                       PMeredith

            Juvenile Common Tern      WRes                             PMeredith
Common Tern          WRes   PMeredith

The Edge 24/07/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 33 Mallard, 9 Gadwall, 2+3y Tufted Duck, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Moorhen, 18 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Black Tailed Godwit, 54 BH Gull, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Pied Wagtail and 5 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 55 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 35+3y Mallard, 21 Tufted Duck, 11+3y Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 1 Teal, 18 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 115 Coot, 22+4y Moorhen, 57 Lapwing, 4 Oystercatcher and 81 BH Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1 Mute Swan, 48 Gadwall, 11 Pochard, 10+3y Tufted Duck, 2 Mallard, 2 Cormorant, 16 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Grey Heron, and 92 Coot. Also present were 1 Kestrel, 1 Grey Wagtail and 1 yaffling Green Woodpecker.

Sunday 23 July 2017

Wintersett + another new bench! 23.07.17

15 - 18 degrees with mostly cloud and a north westerly breeze.  Heavy rain from late afternoon.  Easing off, but still steady rain towards 20.00hrs.
Wintersett Res: Sand Martin 40 over going south.  Common Gull 6.  Common Tern 6.  Grey Wagtail 1.  A Red Kite flew over north at 13.00hrs.  Kingfisher 1.  A Water Rail was in the west bank marsh. 
Cold Hiendley Res:  Teal 1,  Goldeneye 1 female.
Anglers CP: A Turnstone flew south east, calling at 08.50hrs.   Common Scoter 1 drake.  Common Sandpiper 2.
A total of 117 birds were ringed today.
Highlights were:  22 Sand Martins.  13 Willow Warblers.  14 Chiffchaffs.  14 Blackcaps.  4 Garden Warblers.  6 Whitethroat.  8 Reed Warblers.  2 Sedge Warblers.  1 Treecreeper.
The 2nd new, luxury bench was installed on Vis.Mig Hill, legacy of the late John Cudworth.


Paul Meredith,  Chris Swaine,  Graham Speight,  Steve Denny
This is my spot - Ange Smith .       Chris still suffering from blisters!
Anglers CP VisMig Watchpoint     Bring on the Autumn.

Ewden lodge and return 23/7/17 +.

11-30am to 4-45pm. Dry, apart from a shower about midday. Sunny at times but cool when it clouded over. Totals - Hobby 1 in the valley lost to view over ewden height. Peregrine 1 ad. near the lodge, C Buzzard scarce till later with a total of 4. Kestrel plenty, 7+. Raven 3, possibly 6, LBB Gull 1 over lodge. 3 juv Stonechats were on the broomhead moor side of the track at moor side. 40 House Martins were blogging in the valley with 1 Swift s. Also, Stock Dove 1, GS Pecker 1, Siskin 2, Redpoll 1. Yesterday morning at oxbow pond, wilthorpe marsh, 5 Green Sand, 2 Little Egret, party of 4 Willow Tits.

Edderthorpe area, weekly roundup

Wildfowl are slowly returning after their breeding season, Greylag Geese are up to 58, Mallard 260, Teal 9, and Gadwall 60. A brood of Tufted Duck has finally appeared, 4 on the river, hopefully they'll evade the Mink.
A count of 46 Moorhen for todays WeBS and the juvenile Water Rail is still showing on Houghton.
Wader numbers have been slowly dwindling through the week (always seems to happen as the WeBS count day approaches), Ringed Plover peaked at 22 at the start of the week and are down to just a single today, Little Ringed Plover at 8 down to 3 today, Lapwing have reached almost 300, just 56 today, Green Sandpipers up to 7 on Houghton, just 2 today. On the plus side a juvenile Avocet is new in today and the good numbers of Common Sandpipers remain with 7 today. A Greenshank has been present all week. A countrywide Whimbrel passage on Thursday sent some Edderthorpe way with 1 down and another flock of 8 flying west, a Curlew was present on Wednesday and a few Black-tailed Godwits were seen.
Peregrines are causing a lot of disturbance at present with at least 3 birds in the area and probably is partially to blame for the decline in waders through the week.
A good flock of large gulls on Thursday morning included 60 Lesser Black-backed, 7 Herring and a near-adult Caspian

Saturday 22 July 2017

Carlton Marsh

2 Little Egrets and a Green Sandpiper were on the wader scrape today along with 16 Canada Geese. A family of Willow tits were calling nearby.

Dragonflies included Emperor, Broad-bodied Chaser and Banded Demoiselle.

White Cross Road, Cudworth
1 Painted Lady (Les Corrall)

Wintersett 21.07.17

15 - 19 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a south easterly breeze.
Very quiet again today.
Anglers CP: Common Tern 1.  Pink-footed Goose 1 in wing moult.   Grey Wagtail 1.  Pochard 1.
Critter: Mink seen again on road between WRes and Botany Bay.

Wintersett + New VisMig Bench 22.07.17

Rain until 09.45 hrs, 16 - 18 degrees, mostly  dull with 8/8 cloud and a light south easterly.
Wintersett Res: Mallard 17.  Tufted Duck 45
Anglers CP: Sand Martin 350.  Common Sandpiper 3.  Whimbrel 1 over 08.45hrs. Common Tern 3.  Pink-footed  Goose 1.  Pochard 5.  Goldeneye 1 female.  Siskin 3 flew west.
Critters: A Lesser Emperor was seen from the south east bench, Wintersett Res. at 14.50hrs.   A Holly Blue was in Pits Wood.  3 Ringlets were at ACP.   A Mink crossed  the road near Botany Bay again.
The old VisMig bench was replaced with a deluxe version,  legacy of the late John Cudworth.  Graham Speight on joinery,  Chris Swaine on digging, with a little help from Paul Meredith.

Paul - just cos he's not tall enough!   Goodbye old bench.
Chris got his first blister so Paul had a go with the spade

Luxury back rest added.    Paul doing what he does best.
Testing, testing.      Excellent reviews!    Well done all.  

Friday 21 July 2017

The Edge 21/07/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1 Greylag, 38+3y Mallard, 2+3y Tufted Duck, 3 Gadwall, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Moorhen, 128 Lapwing, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, 1 Common Sandpiper, 127 BH Gull, 2 Pied Wagtail and 9 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 39 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 18+10y Tufted Duck, 18 Mallard, 11+30y Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 20 Little Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 118 Coot, 13 Moorhen, 31 Lapwing, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Snipe, 1 Dunlin, 2 Kestrel, 66 BH Gull and 1 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 1+5y Mute Swan, 9 Canada Geese, 119 Gadwall, 11+2y Tufted Duck, 11 Pochard, 2 Mallard, 8 Little Grebe, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron,  83 Coot and 1 Common Tern. Also present were 1 Green Woodpecker, 1 Grey Wagtail and 2 Bullfinch.

Thursday 20 July 2017

The Edge 20/07/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 10 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 23+2y Mallard, 3 Gadwall, 2 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 3 Moorhen, 18 Lapwing, 5 Ringed Plover, 42 BH Gull, 1 Common Tern, 2 Pied Wagtail and 9 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 31 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 23+26y Gadwall, 17+5y Tufted Duck, 10+7y Mallard, 3 Pochard, 13 Little Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 3 Little Egret, 104 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 18 Lapwing, 14 Snipe, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Common Sandpiper, 58 BH Gull and 1 LBB Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+6y Mute Swan, 76 Gadwall, 7+3y Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 6 Mallard, 9 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron and 87 Coot.Heard singing were 1 Song Thrush, 1 Blackcap and 1 Willow Warbler.  Also present were 1 Common Tern, 1 Jay and c50 Sand Martin.

Wintersett 20.07.17

Dry start for the ringers at dawn but rain from 07.00 put a stop to that.
Wintersett Res:  A Whimbrel was flying around calling,   and also over ACP from 04.45hrs - 05.10hrs.   Another Whimbrel flew west calling 05.30hrs.
Anglers CP: Common Sandpiper 1 and Grey Wagtail 1.

 A couple of  Swallow shots from Anglers CP     CSwaine 



Wilthorpe Marsh 20/7/17.

Oxbow pond, just north of tinkers pond this aft. had juv LRP, 3 Green Sand, Little Egret, ad W Rail showing well, fem Tufted Duck with 5 chicks, calling Willow Tit.

Wednesday 19 July 2017

Wintersett 19.07.17

19 degree, humid with 8/8 cloud and a light south westerly.
Very quiet today.
Anglers CP: Pink-footed Goose 1.  Pochard 1.
Moorhouse Lane Big Pond: Wigeon 1 female.  3 Gadwall broods 3 + 3 + 4.

The Edge 19/07/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 21 Mallard, 1 Garganey, 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Moorhen, 24 Lapwing, 5 Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank, 24 BH Gull, 4 Pied Wagtail and 8 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y  Mute Swan, 16+21y Gadwall, 12+11y Tufted Duck, 7+19y Mallard, 2 Teal, 2 Pochard, 14 Little Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 3 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 107 Coot, 15 Moorhen, 54 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 1 Snipe and 61 BH Gull.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+5y Mute Swan, 7 Canada Geese, 85 Gadwall, 14 Pochard, 6 Mallard, 5+1y Tufted Duck, 6 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 81 Coot and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 3 Oystercatcher over at 12.27pm, 1 Green Woodpecker, c40 Sand Martin, 1 Grey Wagtail, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap and 1 Song Thrush.

Tuesday 18 July 2017

Wintersett 18.07.17

Up to 25 degrees with sun, a little high thin cloud  and a light easterly breeze.
Anglers CP: Common Sandpiper 1,  Pink-footed Goose 1,  Common Tern 2,  Little Grebe 2,  Green Woodpecker 1,  Pochard 2.  Dunlin 1over, left south.
Wintersett Res: Grey Partridge 15.

The Edge 18/07/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 1 Mute Swan, 5 Canada Geese, 5 Greylag, 18 Mallard, 1 Gadwall, 1 Cormorant,  7 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Moorhen, 37 Lapwing, 2 Black Tailed Godwit, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Pied Wagtail and 3 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Highlight was a Whimbrel which flew off east at c10.40am. Also noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 50 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag, 16+9y Tufted Duck, 16+6y Mallard, 10+9y Gadwall, 5 Pochard, 21 Little Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 3 Grey Heron, 92 Coot, 10 Moorhen, 2 Kestrel, 56 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, 92 BH Gull and 1 Common Tern.
Bolton Ings - A Great White Egret flew east over the reedbeds at the back of the east pool at approx.11.45am. It gave very good views when it perched at the top of a tree on the side of  Bolton Tip. After 20 minutes it flew west and landed in the long grass between the east and west pools, where only its neck and head were visible.On the open water were 2+6y Mute Swan, 9 Canada Geese, 75 Gadwall, 10 Pochard, 8+6y Tufted Duck, 5 Mallard, 9 Little Grebe, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron, 83 Coot, 1 LBB Gull and 1 Common Tern. Also present were 3 Whitethroat, 1 Blackcap,1 reeling Grasshopper Warbler and 1 Bullfinch.

Monday 17 July 2017

Wintersett 17.07.17

15 - 19 degrees, sunny with a light scattering of cloud and a  very light north westerly.
Anglers CP: An adult Water Rail was on the shallows.  Common Sandpiper 1.  Oystercatcher 1.  Pink-footed Goose 1.  Pochard 2.
Moorhouse Lane Ponds: Wigeon 1 female.
Disposal Point: Lesser whitethroat  1 and Green Woodpecker 1.
Wintersett Res: A flock of 2 summer plumage Black-tailed Godwit and 10 Redshank were flying over looking for a place to settle betwwen 15.25 and 15.30hrs.  They  were attacked  by an adult Peregrine, unsuccessfully.   The flock of waders cleared off,   and the Peregrine flew off south west at 15.30hrs.
Lepidoptera:  2 Ringlet and 2 Small Skipper ACP.

Sunday 16 July 2017

Wintersett 16.07.17

12 - 21 degrees with sunshine and scattered cloud and a north westerly breeze.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 male on west bank.  Grasshopper Warbler 1.   200 Sand Martin were around.
A total of 190 birds were ringed by Pete Smith today. 
Highlights were: 85 Sand Martin,  16 Willow Warbler,   11 Chiffchaff,   12 Reed Warbler,  4 Sedge Warbler,   10 Whitethroat,  1 Lesser Whitethroat,   20 Blackcap,  5 Garden Warbler,   1 Willow Tit,  2 Treecreeper  and 1 Jay. 
Anglers CP: Pink-footed Goose 1.  Pochard 6.  Common Gull 1.  A Peregrine flew north west 14.27hrs.  There was an influx of Black-headed Gulls mid afternoon. 
Critters: A Common Darter was on west bank WRes.  A Hedgehog was on Haw Park Lane. 

               Sand Martin ringed today.       WRes     CSwaine

Ewden valley, Wilthorpe Marsh 16/7/17.

Ewden lodge and return. Plenty afternoon sunshine with the valley in full summer greenery. Worth the walk for an adult Hobby showing well a couple times near the lodge. Still, the only species in number were the 6+ Kestrels in the area. Male Merlin was in the valley but lost to view around brown edge. C Buzzard scarce, just 1. 3 juv Stonechats were in the bracken at moor side but not seen on the way down. Also here a few Redpolls and Siskins. Wilthorpe Marsh this morning very steady with 3 Green Sandpiper, Little Egret, singing Sedge Warbler, only the second of the year and 1 Willow Tit.

Saturday 15 July 2017

Wintersett 15.07.17

15 - 18 degrees,  drizzly start, dry by mid morning with 8/8 cloud and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP: A Whimbrel flew south at 09.30hrs.  Common Sandpiper 1.  Pink-footed Goose 1.  Barn Owl 1.  Sand Martin 200.  Mallard 1 vs young.
Cold Hiendley Area: Feral Pigeon 75.  Goldcrest 1 singing male + 1 HPWood.  Oystercatcher 1.
Wintersett Res: A Meadow Pipit flew south.   Common Tern 5.  Pochard 1 male.

                                Whimbrel (Record Shot)      ACP  CSwaine

Edderthorpe & Houghton weekly roundup

It's been mainly waders again this last week.
The adult Greenshank has been present throughout, has have a couple of Oystercatchers. Ringed Plovers have peaked at 26 on Wednesday 12th with 22 on both Tuesday 11th and Saturday 15th with a maximum of 6 juveniles among them which is a rather low ratio. Little Ringed Plovers were at 14 (8 juvs) at the beginning of the week and have dwindled down to 8 (4 juvs) by the weekend. It is generally thought that both these 'ringed plovers' are probably fairly local breeding birds, congregating at a local wetland before heading off towards wintering grounds, however, a colour-ringed adult Little Ringed Plover seen on Wednesday has been traced to an origin in Slovenia! (that's at the northern tip of the former Yugoslavia). Clearly not all local birds at all.
Green Sandpipers are usually to be found on Houghton where they have now reached 6 and Common Sandpipers usually on Edderthorpe also peaked at 6. Dunlins are present daily, all adults up to now with a peak of just 3 including a very rusty coloured bird.
Black-tailed Godwits, just a flock of 4 stayed a short while until flushed on Wednesday.
A juvenile Water Rail is on Houghton where they have bred again.
Grey Heron up to 5 and Little Egret just a couple.
Not much happening duck wise;- an adult and juvenile Shelduck, Teal up to 8, yawn....  Still not a single brood of Tufted Ducks has been seen, could be the first time 'ever' of no breeding, and surely no coincidence the Mink is still being seen on the river.
A juvenile Yellow Wagtail joined the numerous Pieds on the Flash on Friday.

Friday 14 July 2017

Wintersett 14.07.17

12 - 15 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a westerly breeze.
Anglers CP: Common Sandpiper 1.    The egg has gone from the Great Crested Grebe nest on the shallows.  Mallard Ducklings  2 vs + 2 vs Botany Bay. 
Moorhouse Lane Big Pond: The female Wigeon has relocated here.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 4.  Oystercatcher 1.  Shelduck 1.

The Edge 13/07/2017

Wombwell Ings - Highlight was a Garganey giving  good views on the near edge of the water. Also present were 7 Mute Swan, 28 Greylag, 13 Mallard, 7+9y Gadwall, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Moorhen, 23 Lapwing, 2 Ringed Plover, 48 BH Gull, 3 Pied Wagtail and 9 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 6+2y Mute Swan, 43 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 15+7y Tufted Duck, 7 Gadwall, 5 Pochard, 4 Mallard, 22 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 113 Coot, 11 Moorhen, 1 Barn Owl, 73 Lapwing and 2 Pied Wagtail.
Bolton Ings - On the open water 2+6y Mute Swan, 164 Gadwall, 11+3y Tufted Duck, 12 Pochard, 6 Mallard, 12 Little Grebe, 3+2juv Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 84 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 4 BH Gull and 2 LBB Gull. Singing males near the hide included 2 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Whitethroat and 1 reeling Grasshopper Warbler. Also present were 2 Jay, c50 Sand Martin and 2 Bullfinch.

Thursday 13 July 2017

Wintersett 13.07.17

13 - 17 degrees with scattered, but increasing cloud, and a light south westerly.
Anglers CP: Teal 2.  Common Tern 2.  Oystercatcher 2.  Common Sandpiper 1.  The Great Crested Grebe nesting on the rock in the shallows has one egg.
Wintersett Res: Willow Tit 2 on the north east bank.

Carlton Marsh

2 Little Egrets were feeding on the wader scrape today. (Rod Heeley)

Cudworth
A Humming-bird Hawk-moth was in Chris Parkin's Barnsley Road garden.

South Kirkby Tip
A Clouded Yellow was seen here this morning. (Les Corrall/ Ralph Hibbert)

The Edge 13/07/2017

Wombwell Ings - Highlight was two Yellow Wagtail on the top of the hawthorns alongside the Bulling Dyke. Also present were 8 Mute Swan, 19 Greylag, 7 Mallard, 1+9y Gadwall. 4 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret, 2 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 23 Lapwing, 61 BH Gull, 1 Skylark, 5 Pied Wagtail, 5 Linnet and 2 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 51 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag, 18 Gadwall, 15+7y Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 4 Mallard, 14 Little Grebe, 4 Little Egret, 2 Grey Heron, 85 Coot, 9 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk, 37 Lapwing, 120+ BH Gull and 1 juv Grey Wagtail.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+3y Mute Swan, 1 Greylag, 116 Gadwall, 10 Pochard, 9 Tufted Duck, 4 Mallard, 9 Little Grebe, 3+2juv Great Crested Grebe, 92 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 14 BH Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Kestrel, 2 Jay, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Blackcap 1 Whitethroat and 1 reeling Grasshopper Warbler.

Wednesday 12 July 2017

Wintersett 12.07.17

14 - 18 degrees, warm with scattered cloud and a light north easterly this morning.
Anglers CP: Common Ten 2.  Oystercatcher 4.  Pochard 1 male.Mallard 1 VS young.  Pink-footed Goose 1. Grey Wagtail 1.
Odonata: A male Southern Hawker was on Haw Park Lane.

The Edge 12/07/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present on a quiet Ings were 17 Greylag, 1 Canada Goose, 12 Mallard, 1+3y Gadwall, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Moorhen, 19 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper, 46 BH Gull, 1 Skylark, 5 Pied Wagtail, 2 Mistle Thrush and 7 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 34 Canada Geese, 9 Greylag, 25+ Gadwall, 17 Tufted Duck, 8 Pochard, 1 Mallard, 1 Teal, 14+ Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Egret, 101 Coot, 11 Moorhen, 36 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 1 Barn Owl, 1 Kestrel, 120+ BH Gull and 2 LBB Gull.
 TPT -  Singing 5 Chiffchaff and 1 Blackcap.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+6y Mute Swan, 152 Gadwall, 15 Tufted Duck, 14+1y Pochard, 13 Mallard, 9 Little Grebe, 3+2juv Great Crested Grebe, 94 Coot, 2 Moorhen and 19 BH Gull. Also present were 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap and 3 Bullfinch.

Tuesday 11 July 2017

Carlton Marsh

Members of our wildlife group assembled this morning to show David Elcock, the Yorkshire in Bloom judge, around the site. Special guests included Ange Smith and Pete Wall.

 Dryad's Saddle
 Sedge Warbler caught on Sunday
Carlton Marsh Wildlife Group

Wintersett 11.07.17

11 - 13 degrees  with a light north easterly and steady light rain more or less all day.
Anglers CP: Common Tern 3,  Pink-footed Goose 1.  Common Sandpiper 1.  Oystercatcher 1.
Wintersett Res:  Common Tern 8.   A Hobby was hunting over.  300 Sand Msrtin were over the water early evening..


The Edge 11/07/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 10 Greylag, 1 Canada Goose, 5 Mallard, 4+9y Gadwall, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 3 Moorhen, 25 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 2 Skylark, c40 House Martin, 5 Pied Wagtail and 2 Reed Bunting.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 37 Canada Geese, 9 Greylag, 14 Mallard, 13+7y Tufted Duck, 7 Pochard, 6 Gadwall, 21 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 3 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 98 Coot, 11 Moorhen, 1 Kestrel, 38 Lapwing, 10+ Snipe, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Green Sandpiper, 97 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull and c100 Swift.
TPT - Quiet with only 5 Chiffchaff and 2 Blackcap singing.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+6y Mute Swan, 128 Gadwall, 13+3y Tufted Duck, 9 Pochard, 4 Mallard, 1 female Wigeon, 6 Little Grebe, 3+1juv Great Crested Grebe, 2 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 83 Coot, 2 Moorhen and 35 BH Gull. Also present were 1 Kestrel, 3 Whitethoat, 2 Bullfinch and 2 Linnet.

Edderthorpe area recent sightings

The first two weeks of July are traditionally the peak time for gatherings of Little Ringed Plovers in the Dearne Valley and this year has gone to form after a poor showing last year. June ended with 7 birds (1 juvenile) and the maximum came on 6th July when 21 (4 juvs) were present. There are still 14 (8 juvs) today (Tuesday 11th) and the 8 juveniles are the most seen.
Ringed Plovers are also present in good numbers peaking at 22 on 11th with a maximum of 6 juveniles among them.
Green Sandpipers favour the shallow water on Houghton  with up to 5 present and Common Sanpipers are being seen daily again with up to 5 present on Edderthorpe.
Avocets were at 13 at the beginning of July with birds departing daily until the last couple on 8th.
The first returning Greenshank are usually in the first week of July, one appeared right on cue on 5th and is still present. A male Ruff was present for the first few days of July and the last of the 'breeding' Redshank had departed the valley by 7th after a poor breeding season in which only a single fledged  juvenile has been seen. Lapwing have also had another poor breeding success in this part of the valley with adults quickly returning to the Flash and up to 234 counted on 6th.
Surprisingly few Black-tailed Godwits are being seen up to now (hopefully a sign of a good breeding season in Iceland), there were 5 on 4th.

Up to 5 Little Egrets including 1 juv are on the Flash with a similar number of Grey Herons. A Grey Heron was watched attempting to swallow a Little Grebe which it had killed but it just couldn't get it down and gave up in the end (or maybe returned for another go later).

A Peregrine was hunting the Flash on 10th and was seen to take a Lapwing.
A flock of 6 Common Terns flew north on 7th.
Green Woodpeckers seem to have had a good breeding season with a count of 10 on 4th.
And finally, a party of 2 juvenile Willow Tits were seen by the river proving successful breeding again.

Stonechats

It has been a particularly good year for breeding Stonechats in the moorland and moorland fringe areas of the Barnsley recording areas this year, with a minimum of at least seven pairs holding territories or breeding - most on the heather moorland, as follows:-

a) one pair fledged 3 young.
b) one pair fledged 2+ young.
c) one pair fledged 3 young.
d) one pair held a breeding territory.
e) one pair taking food to a nest.
f) 1 singing male
g) one pair fledged 2+ young.
h) bird(s) calling but not located.

The moorland above Mickleden Beck and West of Far Cat Clough was not checked, so I'm guessing that in excess of ten pairs bred/held breeding territories in the Barnsley area.

Monday 10 July 2017

Low Moor 10/7/17.

A productive couple of hours this afternoon with 2 Hobbys hunting barnside moor ridge and shaw clough. They were fighting at one point over a prey item which looked like an hirundine. Also a Merlin was mobbing a Buzzard over midhope moors. Kestrel 4, C Buzzard total 4, Sparrowhawk 1 fem., again found by the upper midhope Swallows. Snipe 1 showed well, Grey Heron 1 w. over fenny common, 1 GS Pecker, 4 Siskin.

Wintersett 10.07.17

12 - 16 degrees, warm but rainy start.  Dry from mid morning with 8/8 cloud and a very light westerly.
Anglers CP: 3 male Ruff, moulting out of breeding plumage, landed on the shallows briefly, but were chased off by a Lapwing.  They flew off south east at 09.40hrs.  Meadow Pipit 1 flew south east.  Common Tern 2.  Pink-footed Goose 1.  Pochard 3.  Grey Wagtail 3.
Wintersett Res: A Grey Partridge was in the ruin field. 
Cold Hiendley Res: Gadwall  2 broods:  6 medium + 2 small young.
Critters: Yet another Mink was seen this morning.  This one was on the road between WRes. and Botany Bay.

The Edge 10/.07/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 13 Greylag, 7+5y Mallard, 5+5y Gadwall, 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Moorhen, 23 Lapwing, 2+2juv Ringed Plover, 1 Oystercatcher, 52 BH Gull, 3 Skylark, 7 Pied Wagtail, 1 Meadow Pipit and 9 Linnet.
 Broomhill Flash - Noted were2+6y Mute Swan, 45 Canada Geese, 14 Greylag, 15+15y Tufted Duck, 11 Mallard, 11 Pochard, 1 Gadwall, 14 Little Grebe, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Cormorant, 4 Little Egret, 99 Coot, 9 Moorhen, 2 Kestrel, 37 Lapwing, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 125 BH Gull, 1 LBB Gull and 1 Kingfisher.
TPT - Singing males included 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap and 2 Song Thrush, Also 1 drumming Greater Spotted Woodpecker and several calling Jays.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+6y Mute Swan, 121 Gadwall, 15 Mallard, 12+5y Tufted Duck, 11 Pochard, 2 Shoveler, 1 Teal, 1 female Wigeon, 8 Little Grebe, 2+1juv Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 93 Coot, 3 Moorhen, and 37 BH Gull. Also present were 1 Kestrel, 1 LBB Gull, 4+ Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 reeling Grasshopper Warbler and 1 Linnet.

Sunday 9 July 2017

Wintersett 09.07.17

16 - 20  degrees with sunny spells, scattered cloud and a light westerly.
Anglers CP:  Hobby 2 over at 09.15hrs.   Red Kite 1 over Santingley at 09.20hrs.  Sand Martin 14 south.   Common Tern 2.  Oystercatcher 2.  Common Sandpiper 1.  Grey Wagtail 2.  Pochard 1 male.  Great Crested Grebe 12.  Pink-footed Goose 1. A Coot with a white colour ring on left leg and a metal ring on right leg was seen.
Cold Hiendley Res: Mallard 3 fledged young.  A Cetti's brood was calling in the ruin area,  2 Cetti's Warblers together were calling and alarming on the north bank path, opposite SF.  Gadwall  3 broods - 3 vs young + 6 m young + 3 s young.  Also 2 broods on MLPond 9 s young + 3 m young.
Moorhouse Lane Pond:   Little Grebe 2 juveniles.
Critters:  A Lesser Emperor was off the west bank WRes.    2 Purple Hairstreaks were on Oak MLPond path.   A Mink was on the north bank CHRes.

Hordron Road, Sunday afternoon 9/7/17.

Birds surprisingly difficult to find today with over 2 hours before the first raptor. An increase in Wheatears with 3 at the hordron barn but not much else here. The bird of the day was an adult male Ring Ouzel on the wall at upper hordron barn with it or another calling earlier near the river. Also viewed from here, Merlin 2 with the male a bit closer but still no top views. C Buzzard 3, Kestrels scarce, just 1 and the same with Raven, just a single. The usual number of about 4 calling Golden Plovers includes 1 showing well on long moor edge. A Grey Heron was in fox clough on the way back + a Curlew chick showing well. Great news last night with 4 to 5 Long Eared Owl juvs calling at wilthorpe marsh, so a good weekend for this species.

Carlton Marsh

Ringing this morning produced a catch of 36 birds that included 4 Sedge, 5 Reed, 2 Blackcap, 7 Chiffchaff and Willow Tit. A gadwall hit the net and bounced.
A Meadow Pipit north was the first since the spring.

A male Banded Demoiselle was seen near the hide following on from 3 males and 2 females on the dike near Cudworth bypass yesterday. Looks like they are about to colonise!

Saturday 8 July 2017

Wintersett 08.07.17

Up to 15 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a cool westerly breeze this morning,  Sunny spells boosted the temperature this afternoon.
Anglers CP: A Little Egret flew in from the east, stayed 15 minutes, then left west.  A Meadow Pipit flew over.  A Grey Wagtail flew over west.  Pink-footed Goose 1.  Oystercatcher 1. 
Cold Hiendley: Barn Owl 2.  Goldeneye 1 female.  Gadwall 1 female + 6 small/medium young,  1 female + 3 very small young and 1 female + 1 large young.  
Lepidoptera: A Purple Hairstreak was flying around an oak on Haw Park Lane. 

Midhope / Shaw Lane / Gill Royd Lanes, 7/7/17.

Very steady during the afternoon but lively after dusk with what was thought to be 4 Nightjars and 4 or maybe 5 calling Long Eared Owl juvs on Gill Royd Lane. Numbers agreed with other birders in the area. No sound of any Quail. 2 calling juv Tawny Owls on Shaw Lane. 2 hours at the feeding station in the afternoon steady with 1 C Buzzard, 4 Kestrels, 3 Oystercatchers, 1 chipping Snipe, 1 GS Pecker, 1 Reed Bunting.

Friday 7 July 2017

Phoenix Park



Interesting to see Marbled White at Phoenix Park, Thurnscoe, on Wednesday.

Wintersett 07.07.17

Up to 18 degrees,  humid with mainly cloud and a light north westerly.
Anglers CP: Oystercatcher 2 adults + 1 juvenile.
Wintersett Res: Common Tern 2.  Common Sandpiper 1. 
Ringing Highlights:  Sand Martin 28.  Reed Warbler 10.  Garden Warbler 3.  Blackcap 7.  Whitethroat 7.  Chiffchaff 15.  Willow Warbler 12. 
Critters:A Yellow-bellied Slider was off the east bank and a Lunar Hornet Moth landed briefly on a mist net - WRes.. 

Thursday 6 July 2017

Birdwatching with eyes closed

Just before 10 o'clock tonight on Gill Royd Lane, Midhope I could hear 3 squeaking LEO's, 2 churring Nightjars and a singing Quail - all at the same time.  There was almost certainly a second quail too.

Wintersett 06.07.17

A warm and humid morning with 8/8 cloud, diminishing to 4/8 by midday, with a light south easterly.
Anglers CP:  Grey Wagtail 2.  Oystercatcher 2 adults + 1 juvenile.  Lapwing 90.
Wintersett Res:  Willow Tit 2 south east corner.
Cold Hiendley Res: Gadwall 1 female + 1 small young.
Lepidoptera: A White-letter Hairstreak was in the north east corner. 
Odonata:  A male Lesser Emperor was flying around the south east bank Wintersett Res., near the bench in Pits Wood at 11.50hrs.  3 Emperors, a Four-spotted Chaser and 20 Black-tailed Skimmers were seen at Anglers CP.
Overnight moth highlights: ~Scarce Footman, Oak Nyctoline,  3 Dingy Footman,  Angle-striped  Sallow,  Plain Wave,  Beautiful Hook-tip,   Blackneck 2,  Scallop Shell, Buff Footman and Dingy Shears.
Buff Footman            ACP    ASmith

Dingy Footman       ACP    ASmith
 

The Edge 06/07/2017

Wombwell Ings - Highlight was a male Ruff starting to moult from its black breeding plumage. It left east at 9.30am. Also present were 3 Mute Swan, 1 Canada Goose, 12+2y Mallard, 11+2y Gadwall, 1 Tufted Duck, 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Moorhen, 25 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 9 Skylark, 2 Pied Wagtail and 9 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 47 Canada Geese, 12 Greylag, 13 Mallard, 8+15y  Tufted Duck, 7 Pochard, 4 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 16+ Little Grebe, 5 Cormorant over west, 3 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 92 Coot, 9 Moorhen, 2 Kestrel, 29 Lapwing, 110+ BH Gull and 2 LBB Gull.
TPT - Singing males 7 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 1 Willow Warbler and 1 Song Thrush.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+6y Mute Swan, 1 Greylag, 41 Gadwall, 6 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 4 Mallard, 6 Little Grebe, 2+2y Great Crested Grebe, 3 Cormorant, 65 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 120+ BH Gull and 1 Common Gull. Also present were 1 Kestrel, 2 LBB Gull, 1 Grey Wagtail and 4 Whitethroat.

Wednesday 5 July 2017

Hordron road to upper and return 5/7/17.

The mist and low cloud started to lift and clear on arrival around 12-20 pm. Juv Ring Ouzel was flushed from hordron barn area and flew off calling towards upper hordron but not relocated. The male Wheatear is still at hordron barn in heavy moult. 2 juv Stonechats are still near long moor clough ford with another calling nearby. Also 2 possibly 3 Merlins include a male perched at least twice but distant views. C Buzzard 4, Kestrel 3, Raven a total of 6, Golden Plover 4 include 2 seen in flight. Small numbers of Siskins are in the plantations with a male showing well on a thistle. GS Pecker calling at swinden plantation.

Wintersett 05.07.17

14 - 17 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a light north easterly.
Anglers CP: 5 Common Scoter (3m + 2 f) were present all day.  Snipe 1.  Wigeon 1 female.  Canada Goose 148.  Greylag 66.   Greylag X Canada Hybrids 3.  Pink-footed Goose 1.  Coot 62.  Sand Martin 140.  Common Tern 2.  Little Grebe 1.  Herring Gull 1.

The Edge 05/07/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 2 Mute Swan, 1 Greylag, 1 Canada Geese, 25+9y Gadwall, 9 Mallard, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Coot, 1 Moorhen, 13 Lapwing, 1+2juv Little Ringed Plover, 22 BH Gull, 3 singing Skylark and 9 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 53 Canada Geese, 12 Greylag, 20+ Mallard, 11 Gadwall, 10+6y Tufted Duck, 7 Pochard, 1 Teal, 1 Wigeon, 12 Little Grebe, 5 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 84 Coot, 10 Moorhen, 3 Kestrel, 18 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 76 BH Gull, and 2 LBB Gull.
TPT - Singing males 6 Chiffchaff, 4 Willow Warbler and 2 Blackcap.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+6y Mute Swan, 19 Gadwall, 7+11y Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 11 Little Grebe, 3+2y Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 61 Coot, 2 Moorhen, and 2 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Kestrel, 2 Kingfisher, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Whitethroat and 1 Bullfinch.

Wintersett Tuesday 04.07.17

12 - 14 degrees with 8/8 cloud and a light westerly.
Anglers CP:  Common Tern 7 + 4 WRes. Oystercatcher 1.   Grey Wagtail 1.  Little Grebe 1.  Pochard 1 male.  A Little Egret flew over late afternoon.
Mink update:  1 adult and 1 kit seen this morning under Sand Martin Box.   One destroying a Mallard nest late afternoon.  

Tuesday 4 July 2017

Carlton Marsh

Today's highlights were Little Egret, 2 Kingfisher, 2 Oystercatchers north 18.40hrs, Sedge Warbler singing, 3 Peregrine, Little Grebe with 2 young and 5 female Tufted Duck plus 6 very small young.

Midhope crepuscular 3/7/2017

An interesting late evening in the Mortimer Road / Gilroyd Lane area above Midhope from 21.30 - 22.20. Notables were 3 fledged long eared owls with adult in attendance; 2 tawny owls; 3 nightjars; woodcock roding  and 2 snipe displaying. On the way home in the dark a barn owl was seen hunting over fields to the east of Cranberry Road above Oxspring.

The Edge 04/07/2017

Broomhill Flash - Noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 45 Canada Geese, 12 Greylag, 14+16y Tufted Duck, 10 Mallard, 9 Gadwall, 5 Pochard, 1 male Wigeon, 14 Little Grebe, 2 Little Egret, 81 Coot, 8 Moorhen, 2 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard, 32 Lapwing, 1+1y Redshank, 110+ BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Common Tern.
TPT - Singing males 7 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap and 1 Willow Warbler.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2+6y Mute Swan, 1 Greylag, 50 Gadwall, 6+3y Pochard, 6 Tufted Duck, 4 Mallard, 5 Little Grebe, 2+2y Great Crested Grebe, 71 Coot, 54 young  BH Gull and 1 LBB Gull. Also present were 1 Kestrel and 3 Whitethroat.
Wombwell Ings - A quiet afternoon with 11 Mute Swan, 1 Canada Goose, 16 Gadwall, 6+3y Mallard, 1 Grey Heron, 29 Lapwing, 22 BH Gull, 2 singing Skylark, 1 Pied Wagtail and 4 Linnet.

Monday 3 July 2017

Ringing Recovery

Willow Warbler
2Z0159       4f         1  9-06-2016  Old Moor.
             killed by     (30-06-2017)  Wath-upon-Dearne. 3 km SSE. 376 days.
                a cat

Wintersett 03.07.17

10 - 16 degrees with scattered cloud and a cool north westerly wind.
Anglers CP: Common Tern 6.  Wigeon 1 female. Pink-footed Goose 1.   Canada Goose 151.   Canada X Greylag Hybrids 4.  Common Sandpiper 1.  Grey Wagtail 3.  A Hobby flew over at 10.27hrs. 
Not great news.   A female and 3 young  MINK!  on the shallows. 

The Edge 03/07/2017

Wombwell Ings - Present were 14 Mute Swan, 23 Gadwall, 6+3y Mallard, 2 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Moorhen, 12 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Kestrel, 24 BH Gull, 2 LBB Gull, 3 singing Skylark, 4 Pied Wagtail, 2 Reed Bunting and 9 Linnet.
Broomhill Flash - Highlights were 5 Barn Owl early AM, 7 Little Egret and 3 Black Tailed Godwit. Also noted were 2+6y Mute Swan, 46 Canada Geese, 12 Greylag, 17+8y Tufted Duck, ,12 Malllard, 7 Pochard, 7 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 15+ Little Grebe, 83 Coot, 12+ Moorhen, 2 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard, 47 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, and 110+ BH Gull.
TPT - Singing males 8 Chifchaff, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap and 1 Song Thrush.
Bolton Ings - On the open water were 2 +6y Mute Swan, 3 Greylag, 25 Gadwall, 10 Pochard, 6+3y Tufted Duck, 7 Mallard, 7 Little Grebe, 2+2y Great Crested Grebe, 64 Coot, 2 LBB Gull and 1 Common Tern. Also present were 1 Grey Heron, 2 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Grey Wagtail and 3 Whitethroat.

Sunday 2 July 2017

Carlton Marsh

Yesterday's (1st) highlights were Grey Wagtail, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine, Kestrel, Tawny Owl, 2 Kingfishers and 6 Tufted Duck chicks.

Insects included 5 Small Skipper, 5 Comma, 3 Red Admiral, 50+ Ringlet and this year's first Purple Hairstreak. A 5 Spot Burnet moth was on the wing along with a male Black-tailed Skimmer, 3 Emerald Damselflies and 3 male Emperor dragonflies. 

Lepidoptera

As I've said before I can identify a few species but don't know much about rarity or distribution.  A first here for me so maybe significant - a Comma today on the kid's playground just off Crooke's Lane, Carlton.

Wintersett 02.07.17

11 - 16 degrees with scattered cloud and a westerly wind.
Anglers CP: 2 Curlews flew west at 08.40hrs.  3 Common Cranes were circling high over the north end,  drifting east at 08.45hrs (Chris Swaine).  Common Sandpiper 1.  Common Tern 7.  Pink-footed Goose 1.  Wigeon 1 female.  Great Crested Grebe 9.  Willow Tit 1 adult and 2 fledged young.  Grey Wagtail 1.    Oystercatcher 2 adults + 1 juvenile confirm that just 1 from 3 fledged.
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 male singing in the ruin area. 
Lepidoptera:  2  Gatekeepers were the first this year at ACP.  A Small Skipper was on east bank WRes.

Saturday 1 July 2017

Ewden valley to lodge and return 1/7/17.

Sunny and warm this aft. with stunning scenery but birds scarce. The best was an ad. Peregrine seen twice. Also Kestrels totalling 6. C Buzzard 1, Stock Dove 4 together, Golden Plover 3+ heard only. The few birds still singing were Willow Warbler, Song Thrush, Reed Bunting, Meadow Pipit and a calling Jay.

Wintersett 01.07.17

12 - 14 degrees with scattered cloud and a light westerly.
Anglers CP:  Barn Owl 2 young. Common Tern 5.  Pink-footed Goose 1.  Grey Wagtail 2 + 3 CHRes.,  Wigeon 1 female.  Greylag Goose 57.  Cormorant 2.  Herring Gull 1.  Canada X Greylag Herring Hybrids 4.
Cold HiendleyRes: Oystercatcher 3 over. 
Wintersett Res: Cetti's Warbler 1 singing male.
Ringing Highlights: Chiffchaff 30.  Blackcap 14.  Garden Warbler 4.  Willow Warbler 12.
Odonta: A Four-spotted Chaser and 2 Emperors were seen at ACP
In June we added 1 new birds to the Wintersett  year list, bringing the year to date total to 152.