SK58 News

News Archive

! New ! 07/07/2018 The TCV (The Conservation Volunteers) who manage NAPT are running an event jointly with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust at The Pit Top on Saturday 14th July. TCV will be leading a tour of the site, looking at the new stream work that is nearing completion and talking about the site in general. Its open to anyone, will last for about an hour and a half, walking on the tracks. Meeting at 10:00 at the entrance by Bluebell Hospice. Our recorder will be at the hide that morning to explain the work SK58 Birders do.

21/06/2018 Hopefully everyone participating in the SK58 Biennial Tetrad Atlas Survey has now completed their two visits per tetrad- as time is running out!

18/06/2018 Just a reminder, if you're out and about in SK58, record the birds you see- if you can, also email the recorder so records can be put on the website to keep it up to date. Possibly due to holidays, we've received very few records this past month or so.

11/06/2018 Geoff Facer reported that work has begun to clear part of Dinnington Marsh. Trade Be (formerly Safety Kleen) had permission to extend onto Dinnington Marsh, this was granted decades ago. On first sight, it appears horrendous as an area approximately 75m x 50m has been cleared of mature Hawthorn and scrub. This has grown over the past twenty years, when in the early years of the group this was an open area where Short-eared Owls hunted. The scrub had become overgrown so not suitable for many species. However we are concerned that Long-eared Owl may nest in the area, so wondering exactly when this clearance took place? Does anyone know? Hopefully before the breeding season.

The area has greened up slightly so suspect it wasn't too recent. I assume the site is to be left until after the breeding season when we can expect development to continue. There is still a sizable chunk of marsh and woodland left, just means access to the far side of the site is a little more difficult, now the path that crossed the site in the the development zone. Watch this space.

10/06/2018 Brian Chambers emailed me last week

"Hi Andy,
Has anybody commented on this water area by the housing estate at Gateford. It looks like some new or extended habitat, a welcome change from the usual loss which we keep noticing. Worth including on the web site I think. It supported 4 Mallards plus a good number of Swallow and House Martin, also a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over then into the adjacent wood."

Cheers, Brian"

Gateford Lake @ Gateford © Brian Chambers

We are aware of this new partch of water- we do have a new member who lives close by and keeps a watch on it. As I explained to Brian, it's not massive and probabaly prone to disturbance, but could easily pull something in.

21/05/18 Bempton Cliffs- Trip report. On Sunday on what was a bright clear day six members undertook the journey to Bempton Cliffs. Approaching Bridlington we were met by a wall of cloud and a significant temperature drop, from 20 degrees to 9 degrees. A cold, biting wind greeted us as we stepped out of the vehicles as we quickly donned jackets and coats. The mist was swirling and patchy as we made our way to the first view point- hearing the thousands of seabirds, long before we saw them.

Group @ rspb Bempton Cliffs © Pete Kenworthy

Arriving early, the viewing platforms weren't in the least bit crowded, allowing us to scan the cliffs, picking up small groups of Puffins amid the Guillemots and Razorbills. Whilst higher up were Kittiwakes and Gannets plus the odd Fulmar, making up the 250,000 seabirds which return to Bempton Cliffs to breed each spring and summer. Making our way north via the various viewpoints we picked up on a few passerines in the landward side of Bempton. Nothing too dramatic, Linnet, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Skylark, a few Swallow, Yellow Wagtail and Reed Bunting and of course the thriving Tree Sparrow which nest in and around the visitor centre. We traced our route back for a welcome coffee and lunch in the recently refurbished visitor centre. By now the reserve was quite busy with many day trippers- most of whom wished they had brought warmer clothing!

Kittiwake @ rspb Bempton Cliffs © Pete Kenworthy

After lunch we went south towards Staple Newk- this afforded excellent views of Gannets, Fulmars and Kittiwakes, much to the delight of the photographers in the party. By now the sea fret began to move out to sea and it was warming up as we made our way back to the car park. From here we went to South Landing, the woodland gully path proved quiet, however the beach was cloaked in dense sea fret, we could just about make out the tideline. Aside from a pleasant walk, we added little to the days tally. Returning to the vehicles, it was approaching 1600, so we decided to all head home- sure enough as we left the coast, the mist cleared and we journeyed back in glorious sunshine and 24 degrees. Not the most productive trip species wise, but everyone enjoyed a day at Bempton Cliffs, experiencing the atmosphere, sound and smell of huge seabird colony.

Gannet @ rspb Bempton Cliffs © Pete Kenworthy

17/05/18 Along with your membership renewal form, you will have received an additional form to complete and return to the Membership Secretary- this is to confirm how and what data we hold and how we contact you. If you rejoin, and haven't filled one in yet, please do so before the end of May, otherwise without your consent we won't be able to contact you via post or email. Also a timely reminder, for those that haven't rejoined, you still can without interrupting your membership. Simply contact Lyn Facer Contacts. Rates held at the same level for another year Membership.

14/05/18 Don't forget our monthly trip! 20th May we're going to the East Coast and rspb Bempton Cliffs. This reserve plays host to 250,000 breeding seabirds. The sight, sound and smell is amazing. 0800 Loyal Trooper, South Anston. Leader: Andy Hirst.

08/05/18 URGENT! Are you able to take on any extra Tetrads? Due to unforeseen circumstances we have x2 Tetrads which need covering urgently. These are N & T, Penny Hill and Letwell to Langold areas. If you can take one or both of these on, it would continue our 100% coverage- contact Andy Hirst recorder@sk58birders.com if you can help out.

Also a reminder that annual subscriptions are due in April each year, so if you haven't paid yet, don't worry- there is still time before we chase you! Although you can steer clear of our Membership Secretary's wrath by paying promptly! Contact Lyn Facer here

30/04/18 Four members attended the field trip to Padley Gorge on April 29th. The walk started from Longshaw where a couple of drake Mandarin were by the lodge. In the estate a Raven was harassed by a couple of Crows while Curlew called in the distance.

Common Sandpiper @ Longshaw © Pete Kenworthy

On the pond was a Common Sandpiper. In Padley Gorge were Coal Tit, Blue Tit and Great Tits, many Nuthatches, a Treecreeper, Jay, Wrens, Willow Warblers, Song Thrushes, a couple of Grey Wagtails and good numbers of Pied Flycatchers. A Redstart was heard to sing briefly but was to prove elusive. A Kestrel hovered over moorland as we walked back up towards Burbage Bridge.

Padley Gorge © Pete Kenworthy

The track up Burbage was by now getting quite busy with little to see. A bird which flew high overhead created interest as it dropped down to land on a boulder revealing itself to be a Great Spotted Woodpecker! Back at Longshaw Lodge about 5 Siskins dropped in to the feeders. We then drove down to Calver to walk by the River Derwent. Here were another 14 Mandarin, a Buzzard, 2 Dippers, 5 Swallows and several singing Blackcaps. A total of 40 species were recorded (Geoff and Lyn Facer).

River @ River Derwent © Pete Kenworthy

23/04/18 The Tetrad Atlas Surrey Survey 2018 should be well under way now. If you've not completed your first visit yet, can you ensure it's completed within the next two weeks- this leaves a big enough gap (minimum of 3 weeks) to squeeze in a second visit before everything goes quiet at the end of June.

16/04/18 The SK58 species list has reached 100 species recorded this year. The hundredth species was Shelduck over Harry Croft's Quarry.

09/04/18 Have you been to North Anston Pit Top recently? If you have you will have noticed the hide has had a lick of paint and the wader scrape is full of water- this, the first time in many years. All we need now are the birds. Remember the hide is wardened by volunteer members, on Saturday mornings until the end of October from 0800-1100. Pop along and see what's about.

25/03/18 The groups monthly trip took the assembled party of 8 to North Cave Wetlands, a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserve just off the M62 where it becomes the A63, just W of Hull. A journey time of just under an hour. The party convened in the car park on what was a gloriously sunny day. The reserve is a series of pits, lakes and scrapes with a path around the circumference, which at a good pace you could walk around in a hour, but we had all morning to stop and scan from the paths and hides. The first birds over the cars were 2 Oystercatcher noisily defending a territory. We opted to walk anti clockwise- taking in the open fronted, covered seating area overlooking the main scrape. This was alive with noisy Black-headed Gulls. Amongst them were a few Common Gull and Herring Gull, with at least 2 Mediterranean Gull. Scanning the scrape there were good numbers of wildfowl including Gadwall, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Wigeon, Teal (no sign of the Green-winged Teal, which had been here a while!), Wigeon and Shovelor. The islands held good numbers of Redshank, Ruff and of course Avocet.

Overlooking the scrape @ North Cave Wetlands © Andy Hirst

After spending time looking at the scrape from 2 hides, we reached the far side of the reserve and overlooked a large field, this the second leg of our walk. Up in the air we saw several Buzzard (5), as well as Red Kite and several Kestrel displaying.

At the end of the field we turned ninety degrees back towards the car park on the third leg of our walk. This past a stand of trees, which held Chiffchaff. Here we heard the once familiar jangle call of Corn Bunting, but despite waiting for a good 15 mins, he never put in an appearance, choosing to sit on the far side of a high hedge. However we did pick up 3 Curlew, amid a small flock of sheep- well spotted Sue!

Lake @ North Cave Wetlands © Andy Hirst

The final return leg, back towards the cars saw us visit an enormous round hide, with a commanding position, overlooking several lakes, alas the sun was in the wrong direction, but we managed to pick up several Little Egret, more Shovelor and of course noisy Greylag Goose. Calling in at the hide overlooking the main lake we picked up Snipe and Great Blacked-backed Gull. The Walk back along the main track to the cars, we picked up Reed Bunting and 2 Tree Sparrow. Unloading our birding gear we placed our orders for various teas, coffees and butties, which were welcome after our morning out. A cracking little reserve, easily covered with some great habitats- we will come here again!

23/03/18 A reminder that subs are due as of the 1st April. To comply with new data protection laws you will be asked when you join/ rejoin to sign a declaration, opting in to receive emails/ newsletters by post and email. Membership fees remain the same. Click here for membership and contact details.

You may have seen signs at North Anston Pit Top (Dinnington Community Woodland) relating to works to improve the water quality of the brook running through the site near the hospice entrance. Its work carried out by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. The site looks a bit of a building site, but they are cleaning/ lining the banks to trap pollutants. Although Water Voles were present prior to the works and there is local concern they have been disturbed by the major works here.

Works to improve water quality @ NAPT © Andy Hirst

PLEASE NOTE THE MAY MEETINGS ARE A WEEK EARLIER! Due to holidays we have a shortage of organisers to run the may meetings. As a result we've brought them forward to the 2nd (organisers) & 3rd (indoor meeting) weeks, so its 23rd May NOT the 30th May for the indoor meeting.

19/03/18 A reminder that from now until October (subject to there being water in the scrape), the hide at North Anston Pit Top will be wardened on Saturday mornings from 0800-1100. Although it was pretty bleak according to our chairman on Saturday. It wasn't much better on Sunday (see pic), save for a the first Lapwing and 11 Snipe.

Wader Scrape @ NAPT © Andy Hirst

02/03/18 Tetrad Atlas Survey- Most of the squares have now been taken. However as the February indoor meeting was canceled, I'm hoping to hand out the maps and paperwork at the March meeting. If you can try and make that meeting to collect the paperwork, that will save a lot of running around dropping off survey packs to members in time for the start of the survey in April.

02/03/18 As you know, we had to cancel the February meeting because of the bad weather. However, we were going to launch the 2018 Tetrad Atlas Survey. If possible, we'd like the people who covered the 2016 squares to cover the same ones in 2018, for consistency. Can you contact the Recorder and let him know if you are willing to do this. Below is a list of participants from 2016 (left) and the squares they covered. The right column shows squares taken in 2018 so far. Of course, if you can take on more squares and help maintain out 100% coverage, then that would be great- a map showing the tetrads is below. We'll go over the actual methodology and timings of the survey at the next two indoor meetings.

Tetrad	2016	2018
A	P Kenworthy	P Kenworthy
B	P Tennyson	P Tennyson
C	M Clay	B Chambers
D	M Clay	C Lilley
E	M Clay	R Platts
F	G Facer	G Facer
G	P Tennyson	P Tennyson
H	C Lilley	C Lilley
I	A Hirst	A Hirst
J	B Chambers	B Chambers
K	J & D Jarrold	J & D Jarrold
L	S Newsome/ R Brown	S Newsome/ R Brown
M	S Newsome/ R Brown	S Newsome/ R Brown
N	J Gallagher	J Gallagher
P	A Hirst	A Hirst
Q	P Kenworthy	P Kenworthy
R	C Lilley	B Cartwright
S	S Newsome/ R Brown	S Newsome/ R Brown
T	J Gallagher	J Gallagher
U	G Facer	G Facer
V	P Kenworthy	P Kenworthy
W	B Chambers	B Chambers
X	J Allsop / C Gretton	J Allsop / C Gretton
Y	J Allsop / C Gretton	J Allsop / C Gretton
Z	A Hirst	A Hirst

Map of 25 Tetrads within SK58

19/02/18 Our recorder Andy Hirst runs bird tours in the UK and Europe. He currently has 2 places available on hisUltimate Scotland Tour. This is a 12-13 day tour taking in the Highlands & Islands of North & North West Scotland. For more information visit www.gonebirding.org

05/02/18 Following on from our AGM, all the current officers have been reelected en-bloc. Click here for details of who does what. We do still have several vacancies, so if you can spare a few hours a month, why not help out with the running of the group.

21/01/18 Five members took part in the field trip to Alder Fen today The day started bitterly cold but dry. Our first stop was Candy Corner where we walked east along the flood bank of the River Torne. Here we found a pair of Stonechat, a Buzzard, many Fieldfare, Meadow Pipit and Linnet. Our attention was drawn to several hundred geese dropping onto fields at Candy Farm, so it back to the cars and a walk west along the river. The first geese were a large flock of Greylag Geese and Canada Geese,but pressing on there were hundreds of Pink-footed Geese and on inspection we found 5 White-fronted Geese. Our next stop was Tunnel Pits which proved to be very quiet with little more than a Kestrel. It was now starting to rain slightly so we started to drive slowly towards the farm shop cafe looking for the Whooper Swans en-route. We soon located the flock and estimated around 80 present. When we left the cafe the rain had turned to snow but our hardy team did not consider it severe enough to stop us so we drove to Misson to walk along the bank of the River Idle. This produced more of the same with another pair of Stonechat, 2 more Buzzard, 2 more Kestrel and many Fieldfare. Geoff and Lyn Facer.

Did you receive a smart phone for Christmas? Did know SK58 Birders has it's own Bird News Service? We have a "WhatsApp" group dedicated to broadcasting immediate bird news to members. It works on either iPhone and Android phones. Simply download the free app from the store on your device- then let our Recorder have your mobile phone number. You'll be added to the group, and then you'll receive news and updates on SK58 Birds straight to your phone.

18/01/18 You may have noticed the hide at NAPT is looking rather resplendent nowadays, having had the vandalism repaired and a fresh lick of paint to the exterior. Many thanks a a job well done to the TCV (The Conservation Volunteers) who manage the site.

TCV staff @ the hide, NAPT (from TCV Facebook page)

15/01/18 A new feature is a running Species List for the current year and what will be an Species List Archive of each years species lists. At the time of writing we've 69 species recorded so far within SK58 this year- if you've seen a species not on our 2018 list then do send the recorder a report. The Species List can be accessed via the links above or from the Latest Bird News Page or the Species List Page.

02/01/18 We now have a spare key for the hide at NAPT. Any current member is eligible to hold a key to the hide on the proviso they are willing to give up a Saturday morning, once every six weeks, from 0800-1100 between March and October to open the hide to the public and advise what's around. Of course being a key holder you can visit the hide 24/7. If you wish to be considered for the key, contact any of the group organisers.

01/01/18 A reminder to submit all your SK58 bird records (database/ spreadsheet or paper forms) to the recorder ASAP so they can be correlated and added to the database.

11/12/17 A reminder the January indoor meeting is our AGM, this only takes twenty mins or so, then a guest speaker. Currently all the current incumbents are willing to stand for re-election, however if you wish to stand for one of the posts or offer help towards any current vacancies (Secretary & Publicity Officer), then by all means contact the chairman to confirm your interest.

11/12/17 "Wishing you a Merry Christmas & Peaceful New Year"- from the organisers of SK58 Birders

11/12/17 Each year, South Anston Methodist Church invite local groups/societies to participate in their Festival of Trees. SK58, in what is their twenty-fifth year decided to join the ever-growing number of contributors for the first time. With a theme of the 'Twelve Days of Christmas' the organisers asked our group to be responsible for the 'Two Turtle Doves'.

Thus ours became an 'alternative' Christmas Tree. Willow branches formed the basis for the display which contained a nest for our summer-visiting doves (two fine porcelain specimens). Some of our smaller resident birds also perched in the tree alongside other more seasonal decorations. The plight of the Turtle Dove was explained within an appropriate text whilst an excellent example of Alan Parker's photography showed the bird in its pomp.

Other group members had busied themselves completing embroideries of the subject bird in the weeks prior to the festival and these were important and impressive inclusions.

However it was Sue Parker who assumed responsibility for producing not only a vibrant celebration of the 'Second Day of Christmas' but also a great advert for SK58 Birders. The bar has indeed been set high for the future!

07/12/17 A group of 26 members enjoyed a good night of festive fun on December 2nd, when we all those present took part in our joint 25th Anniversary/ Christmas Meal. The room was bedecked with trimmings, complete with tree and festive background music. Aside from the excellent food, we had a quiz and lots of banter. It was a great way to meet informally, enjoy some Christmas fare and see out 2017, our 25th anniversary year.