email SK58 Birders

previous updates: 15/05/2023 - 09/05/2023

16th May A Red Kite low over N. Anston earlier this morning (AM). A m Peregrine hunting over Axle Lane (MC). A Hobby hawking over Throapham gardens this afternoon (ADH).

15th May At Langold Lake today were 2 Common Tern & a pair of Great Crested Grebe with 2 juv's. (BC).

14th May At Hodsock today were 4 Greenfinch, a flock of 22 Linnet, 6 Black-headed Gull, 2 Greylag Goose, a pair of Gadwall, Yellow Wagtail, 3 pair of Grey Partridge, 12 juv. Lapwing and 2 Oystercatcher at the sewage works (JG).

13th May 2 Common Tern on the diving pier at Langold Lake (MSc). 4 Yellow Wagtail at Axle Lane (BC).

9th May At NAPT this morning were 3 Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, 6 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap, 5 Chiffchaff and 5 Willow Warbler (BC).

Sedge Warbler @ NAPT © Brian Chambers

7th May 2 Red Kite circling Axle Lane, before moving off high >W, also 2 Buzzard (MC).

6th May A pair of Common Tern at Langold Lake, plus 6-7 pairs of Tufted Duck (MSc). At Kiveton Pit Top (Kiveton Community Woodland), a Grasshopper Warbler & Cetti’s Warbler near the Green bridge, plus Reed Warbler & Sedge Warbler & 4 Reed Bunting by the fishing lake (WB).

4th May At Kiveton Pit Top (Kiveton Community Woodland) today were Sedge Warbler by the fishing lake, Cetti’s Warbler by the bridge, Reed Warbler in the Reedbeds plus 4 Reed Bunting (WB). A pair of Little Owl plus Lesser Whitethroat in Harry Croft's Quarry (PT).

3rd May Along First Lane this morning were 2 Lesser Whitethroat, m Wheatear and 2 Raven (MC). A m Wheatear at Axle Lane (J&DJ). A Lesser Whitethroatat NAPT (AM).

2nd May Single f Wigeon still present at Tommy Flockton's Marsh (BC). At Axle Lane, a Hobby circling over the ponds. Also 2 Buzzard and m Yellow Wagtail (MC).

1st May At Brampton Common were Lesser Whitethroat and 4 Jay (JG). A Reed Warbler at At Kiveton Pit Top (Kiveton Community Woodland) (BC). 2 Raven >W over N. Anston (AM).

29th April At Kiveton Pit Top (Kiveton Community Woodland) today were Grasshopper Warbler and Sedge Warbler (WB).

27th April 10 Greylag Goose goslings at Langold Lake this morning (MSc). At Tommy Flockton's Marsh were 2 Oystercatcher, Lapwing and a Green Woodpecker (WB).

26th April An Oystercatcher at Langold Lake (MSc). At Kiveton Pit Top (Kiveton Community Woodland) this morning a f Redstart and Cetti’s Warbler still by the bridge, plus 3 Whitethroat and 6 Reed Bunting (WB).

24th April In Harry Croft's Quarry were 4 Whitethroat, 6 Willow Warbler and Sparrowhawk (JG). A Hobby >N over Rackford Lane (AM & JG).

22nd April Cetti’s Warbler calling at Kiveton Pit Top (Kiveton Community Woodland) (BC). A m Wheatear at Axle Lane (Anston end) & Yellow Wagtail >N (MC).

21st April A Red Kite over the horse paddock at Throapham (JW). 2 Yellow Wagtail at Hodsock (ADH).

18th April c30 Sand Martin at Brown Bailey's, inspecting nest holes (BC).

17th April A m Wheatear at Axle Lane, plus 10 House Martin >N (MC).

16th April At Harry Croft's Quarry were 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff and a Whitethroat. At Brampton Common a f Wheatear (MC). Further records from Brampton Common included 3 Wheatear, Sparrowhawk, Little Owl, Swallow, 2 Grey Partridge, 3 Song Thrush, 25 Meadow Pipit, 8 Yellowhammer and 30 Linnet (JG).

15th April At Harry Croft's Quarry were 4 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, Whitethroat, and Raven. At Brampton Common 3m & a f Wheatear (MC). At Axle Lane a f Wheatear, Common Gull and Reed Bunting (BC). With 2m & a f Wheatear at Axle Lane at the Todwick end (JW). 2 Swift >N over Axle Lane early evening (MC).

14th April At Hodsock were 42 Lapwing (6 nests), 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher and Red Kite. A m&f Wheatear at Axle Lane, Todwick end (MC).

13th April A m Wheatear at Axle Lane, by the hole in the wall (MC).

11th April First House Martin back at Throapham (ADH). 2 Sand Martin at Langold Lake (MS).

10th April A Hobby >N over Axle Lane (MC). At Hodsock Flash after lunch were 2 Oystercatcher and a Little Ringed Plover (GF & LF).

9th April A Red Kite over Ledger Lakes (Eastfield Lane), plus a total of 18 Buzzard and 4 Red Kite from Kings Wood Corner (AM).

Chiffchaff @ Harry Croft's Quarry © Les Coe

8th April 3 Red Kite low >N over Axle Lane (MC).

7th April Cetti's Warbler still present at Kiveton Pit Top (Kiveton Community Woodland). A Raven >N over Axle Lane (MC).

5th April Cetti's Warbler still at Kiveton Pit Top (Kiveton Community Woodland) (MC).

3rd April At Tommy Flockton's Marsh today were Little Egret and 2 Lapwing. At Kiveton Pit Top (Kiveton Community Woodland), a singing Cetti's Warbler, 17 Chiffchaff, 8 Bullfinch, Green Woodpecker and Water Rail. At Hodsock, a copulating pair of Oystercatcher and 2 Redshank that >E (MC). 5 Buzzard over Cramfit (NAPT) (JA).

Willow Warbler @ Harry Croft's Quarry © Les Coe

2nd April At Hodsock were 26 Lapwing with at least 6 nests and 2 Buzzard. At Kings Wood Corner were 18 Buzzard, 2 Red Kite, Sparrowhawk and a Tawny Owl calling (MC). .At Thwaite House Farm today were 4 Grey Partridge. At Firbeck Hall were single Swallow and 2 Oystercatcher. Roche Abbey produced Marsh Tit and 2 Blackcap. From Kings Wood Corner were Brambling and 2 Red Kite (JG).

1st April At Langold Lake today were were 4 Great Crested Grebe (2 nests) and 5 Tufted Duck on the top lake. Songbirds included 4 Song Thrush, 5 Chiffchaff and a Blackcap. At Hodsock were 2 Grey Heron, 2 Oystercatcher, c20 Lapwing, a Ruff, 2 Grey Partridge and c80 Linnet (GF & LF). At Tommy Flockton's Marsh, a Swallow >N, Little Egret, 5 Wigeon and 8 Teal. At Loscar were 4 Buzzard, with 4 more Buzzard at Hawks Wood, 2 Buzzard at Old Spring Wood and 2 Buzzard at Anston Stones wood. At Axle Lane were 30 Golden Plover (MC).

30th March Single Curlew >S over Axle Lane. At Harry Croft's Quarry were 3 Buzzard, Kestrel, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Yellowhammer, 2m Reed Bunting and calling Little Ringed Plover (MC). A Red Kite over S. Anston (AM).

29th March Mid afternoon at Axle Lane and an imm. f Peregrine hunting fields, 2 Buzzard, Kestrel, 53 Golden Plover, 9 Herring Gull, 37 Linnet, 3m Reed Bunting and a Chiffchaff calling in adjacent garden (MC). Plus Curlew >S over Axle Lane (BC). At Carlton Lake were 2 Great Crested Grebe, Little Egret, 15 Tufted Duck and 9 Gadwall including a displaying m. At Harry Croft's Quarry were Little Owl, 3 pairs of Grey Partridge, 12 Yellowhammer, 2 Snipe, Green Woodpecker, a pair of Kestrel and 3 Little Ringed Plover (JG). Single Sand Martin >N over Harry Croft's Quarry (AM).

28th March This morning at Hodsock were Brambling, 14 Lapwing, 2 Oystercatcher, 9 Yellowhammer, 3 Grey Wagtail, 2 Buzzard, Kestrel & 40+ Linnet (WB). 33 Golden Plover at Axle Lane plus 16 Herring Gull (MC). A Willow Warbler reported at NAPT (per BirdGuides).

27th March At Hodsock were 2 Oystercatcher, Red Kite and 11 Lapwing nests (JG). At 0900 c50 Whooper Swan >W over Woodsetts (AM).

26th March 36 Whooper Swan >N over Harry Croft's Quarry, plus a further 2 herds of Whooper Swan, totalling 60 birds high >N (MC). 300 Linnet still at Dewidales Wood (BCa).

25th March A Raven over Rackford Lane (FK).

24th March Single m Wheatear on main Axle Lane path towards Kiveton Hall Farm (MC). A m Wheatear near Roche Abbey at 0800 this morning plus 2 Red Kite circling over the woods (MS). A Barn Owl over Anston Stones Wood (PT).

23rd March At Dinnington Marsh were 8 Lesser Redpoll and 1, possibly 2 Willow Tit (JG). At Carlton Lake today were 5 Little Egret, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 12 Tufted Duck, Heron & 34 Jackdaw (BC). At Axle Lane were 2m Wheatear in the ploughed field by the hole in wall (MC).

Great Crested Grebe nest @ Langold Lake © Brian Chambers

21st March At Kiveton Pit Top (Kiveton Community Woodland) this morning were 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Siskin, 2 Reed Bunting, Yellowhammer, Redwing and 4 Roe Deer in field >W (WB).

19th March A Red Kite over Letwell (JG). Plenty of Chiffchaff in at Anston Stones Wood and Brook Walk (PT). 2 Chiffchaff at Thwaite House Farm (JW). Barn Owl again at NAPT 1724 (JA).

18th March A Great White Egret at Langold lake this morning, plus 2 Chiffchaff (MC). A Barn Owl at NAPT (JA). At Lingodell this afternoon were 5 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle Thrush, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Grey Partridge, Sparrowhawk, 2 Chiffchaff and Oystercatcher (JG).

17th March Early evening at Hodsock produced 41 Lapwing, Redshank, 16 Greylag Goose, 2m, 1f Gadwall, 7 Buzzard, 4 went to roost, 2 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 51 Woodpigeon, 14 Golden Plover & 3 Stock Dove (ADH).

16th March 25 Siskin regularly in Tesco Dinnington car park (JG). 3 Little Egret at Tommy Flockton's Marsh (WB).

14th March A Barn Owl quartering the old college field at Rother Valley College at 0645 (JW). At Hodsock this morning were 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Curlew >W, c40 Lapwing, c200 Starling, Chiffchaff, c110 Black-headed Gull, 4 Red- legged Partridge and 2 Yellowhammer (BC).

12th March At Hodsock today were 5 pairs of Grey Partridge, 2 Oystercatcher, c50 Lapwing, 32 Greylag Goose, c60 Black-headed Gull, 4 Gadwall and c100 Starling (JG). A pair of Stonechat still at Axle Lane (MC).

10th March A pair of Stonechat at Axle Lane this afternoon (MC & JW).

m Stonechat @ Axle Lane © John Williamson

f Stonechat @ Axle Lane © John Williamson

8th March A Barn Owl hunting in Harry Croft's Quarry early morning (MC). A herd of 70-80 Whooper Swan >W >NW over Anston and Axle Lane at 0845 (AM & MC). A Red Kite high>W over S. Anston (JC).

7th March A pair of Stonechat on the wall at Axle Lane (MC). 450 Linnet in fields by Dewidales Wood (BCa). At Tommy Flockton’s Marsh today were 4 Little Egret, a Grey Wagtail and c30 Wigeon (BC). At Slade Hooton Sewage Works this afternoon were 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Snipe and a Woodcock (JG).

6th March A Barn Owl over the road by Cotterhill Wood Farm, Woodsetts at 2100 (ADH).

3rd March 13 Whooper Swan over Woodsetts at 0900 (RB & SN).

2nd March A Barn Owl by Long Thwaite Wood at 1800, also Little Owl on the grain store at Thwaite House Farm (JW).

1st March A skein of Pink-footed Goose heard at 1955 over N. Anston, plus 80 Pink-footed Goose earlier in the day over Woodsetts (AM).

27th February 2 Little Egret at Tommy Flockton's Marsh, plus 35 Wigeon still (ABa). At Langold Holt today were 10 Gadwall, 3 Teal, Raven, 19 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Song Thrush, 8 Siskin, Little Grebe and 2 Woodcock (JG).

26th February 80 Pink-footed Goose >W over N. Anston (AM). A herd of Whooper Swan (heard only) >NW over Woodsetts at 2123 (BCa).

22nd February Great Crested Grebe noted displaying at Langold Lake (Per MSc).

21st February 14 Siskin at Roche Abbey (WB). 40 Pink-footed Goose >NW over Langold Lake (MSc).

20th February A Red Kite >S over Axle Lane (MC). Highlights of a BTO Wetlands Bird Survey: At Roche Abbey were Kingfisher, c30 Siskin and Grey Wagtail. Langold Lake held 6 Mute Swan, 25 Tufted Duck, f Goosander, m Pochard, Water Rail, Grey Wagtail, 3 Great Crested Grebe, one bird sitting on a nest, and 6 Siskin. At Carlton Lake were 49 Greylag Goose and 2 Great Crested Grebe. Brown Bailey's pond produced a Great Crested Grebe and 4 Tufted Duck (BC).

19th February At Harry Croft's Quarry today were 2 Buzzard, 2 Grey Partridge, 500 Black-headed Gull feeding in adjacent fields. Plus m & f Stonechat. (WB, AM &MC). 2m & 1f Stonechat at Axle Lane (DJ & JJ).

14th February At Hodsock today were 180 Lapwing, 6 Lesser Redpoll and singing Chiffchaff (JG). 18 Yellowhammer between South Anston and the Chesterfield Canal and a m Stonechat at Harry Crofts Quarry (WB).

13th February A Barn Owl hunting over the old Dinnington college field at 0700 (JW). Five SK58 Birders attended the Monday trip to Langold Lake. Among 35 species recorded were 6 Great Crested Grebe, c120 Canada Goose, 21 Tufted Duck, Common Gull, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Grey Wagtail, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Redwing, 3 Mistle Thrush, Goldcrest, 5 Nuthatch, 2 Treecreeper, 11 Goldfinch and 11 Siskin (GF & LF).

11th February 5 Lesser Redpoll feeding in a North Anston garden (JA &CG).

10th February Little Egret at Langold Lake. Also reports of more dead Canada Goose and Mute Swan (Bird Flu?) (MSc).

8th February Little Egret in Anston Stones Wood (MG).

5th February A Little Egret feeding in the shallows at Langold Lake (MSc).

Little Egret @ Langold Lake © Alec Bonser

4th February Stubbing Wood held 2 Brambling and 4 Grey Partridge. At Roche Abbey were Marsh Tit and 14 Teal (JG).

3rd February At Hodsock today were 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Grey Wagtail, 6 Grey Partridge and 11 Lesser Redpoll (JG).

2nd February c350 Linnet by Dewidales Wood, Woodsetts (BCa). 4 Raven > low over S. Anston (AM).

1st February 2 Little Egret at Langold Lake today (MSc)

31st January A surprise garden visitor today in the shape of a Little Egret to a North Anston Garden (FK). A further Little Egret at Langold Lake today (MSc).

Little Egret @ North Anston © Farrell Kent

29th January Little Egret at Carlton Lake today (MSc).

28th January c100 Pink-footed Goose, high >NW over Throapham at c1230 (ADH). Several small skeins (12- 40 birds) of Greylag Goose flying into and around Langold Lake this morning (MSc). At Tommy Flockton’s Marsh today were c50 Wigeon, 10 Teal, Little Egret, Green Woodpecker and a Heron (BC).

27th January Several skeins of Pink-footed Goose; c100 and c.80 >W over Costhorpe and 13 Greylag Goose over Rotherham Baulk heading for Carlton Lake (MSc).

25th January 8 Whooper Swan >NW over North Anston (AM).

23rd January 20 Whooper Swan, low >NW over Throapham- possibly roosted in nearby fields (low flight) (ADH). A Barn Owl over Harry Croft's Quarry (MC).

22nd January At Axle Lane, m & juv. Stonechat plus 2 Golden Plover >S (MC).

21st January A f Stonechat at Kiveton Pit Top (Kiveton Community Woodland), plus Green Woodpecker and a skein of Pink-footed Goose over Tommy Flockton's Marsh (WB).

19th January A skein of Pink-footed Goose heard at 1919 >SE over Dinnington (ADH).

18th January A m & Juv. Stonechat at Axle Lane (MC).

17th January A juv. Stonechat near the hole in wall at Axle Lane. Also, 20+ Skylark, 15+ Meadow Pipit, a pair Reed Bunting and 3 Wren both at the Todwick end (BC).

15th January 7 Grey Partridge at Lodge Lane, Dinnington (JG).

14th January A f Blackcap in a Rackford Road garden for the last two days (FK).

13th January Waxwing still present early morning at Tommy Flockton's Marsh (BC). No sign of Waxwing mid-morning, but Raven over Tommy Flockton's Marsh (MNR).

Waxwing @ Tommy Flockton's Marsh © Brian Chambers

12th January A Waxwing in Hawthorns by the entrance to Tommy Flockton's Marsh (BC). 150 Pink-footed Goose >NW over Axle Lane (JHe).

Waxwing @ Tommy Flockton's Marsh © Brian Chambers

Waxwing @ Tommy Flockton's Marsh © Kev Colclough

Waxwing @ Tommy Flockton's Marsh © Kev Colclough

Waxwing @ Tommy Flockton's Marsh © Kev Colclough

Waxwing @ Tommy Flockton's Marsh © Kev Colclough

10th January 100 Pink-footed Goose >W over Axle Lane (MC).

9th January Eight SK58 members took part in the Monday walk at Langold Lake. Wildfowl counted included 2 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Mute Swan, 3 Greylag Goose, 120 Canada Goose, 28 Tufted Duck and 2 Common Gull. A couple of Buzzard were recorded close to the old colliery site and a Green Woodpecker called from the pit top area. A Kingfisher flew along the top lake. The woods produced 10 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Nuthatch and a Treecreeper, with a Song Thrush singing loudly from behind the refreshment kiosk refused to show itself (GF & LF).

8th January A Rose-ringed Parakeet in a garden at South Anston (DJ & JJ, GP).

5th January A Kingfisher recorded for the past 3 days at Langold Lake. On N side to the W of boathouse (MSc). Over Axle Lane were 100 Pink-footed Goose >W (MC).

3rd January A Yellow-legged Gull at Axle Lane with what looked like a small plastic bag attached to one leg, before >S (MC).

2nd January A Peregrine over Axle Lane (MC). 14 Siskin at Kiveton Pit Top (Kiveton Community Woodland) (WB). A Little Egret by the stream in Anston Stones Wood (MG).

1st January Early morning at Tommy Flockton's Marsh produced a Cormorant, 5 Canada Goose, Mallard, 14 Teal and 25 Wigeon. At NAPT were Stock Dove, Water Rail, 6 Mallard, Little Owl, 19 Snipe, Green Woodpecker, Jay, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Jack Snipe, Kestrel, Moorhen and a Buzzard. Roche Abbey produced Nuthatch, 2 Marsh Tit, 12 Mallard, 3 Teal and a Grey Wagtail. Moving onto Langold Lake added 18 Coot, 28 Tufted Duck, 137 Black-headed Gull, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Moorhen, 5 Mute Swan, 20 Mallard, 74 Canada Goose, 3 Greylag Goose, 2 Nuthatch and a Kestrel. Nearby Carlton Lake revealed a Little Grebe, 38 Greylag Goose, 61 Black-headed Gull, 2 Mute Swan, 2ad. & a 1st W Herring Gull, 2 pairs of Gadwall and 4 Coot (ADH & MC). At Harry Croft's Quarry were Little Owl, 12 Snipe & 2 Jack Snipe (JHe).

31st December Juv. Stonechat at Axle Lane. On the wall near South Anston (MC).

27th December Four gathered for the annual post Christmas walk. This year, to and from Leger Lakes via Roche Abbey was a gloomy, but dry, chilly day as the group set off. First bird of the day was Heron, taking off from the fishing ponds. Was generally quiet along Slade Hills, save for a Kestrel, a good passage of larger gulls, most notably c50 Herring Gull, plus c250 Chaffinch, in and out of the game cover, with just a single Brambling located by Kings Wood. Although 2 Marsh Tit were calling from Kings Wood, with 2 more Marsh Tit from the path to Roche Abbey. Along to Roche Abbey and 2 Buzzard counted, 2 Teal, 2 Mallard and a Sparrowhawk over. The short walk to Stone produced a flock of c70 Siskin and a couple of Lesser Redpoll. Walking around Stubbing Wood yielded 3 Peregrine, 2m & a f. Back towards Lingodell and the game cover there produced another large large flock of c200 finches, c150 Chaffinch and c50 Greenfinch. The rain began to fall as we were in sight of Leger Lakes, our vehicles, but not until most enjoyed an all-day breakfast and hot tea, which was most welcome (ADH).c80 Pink-footed Goose >W over Carlton in Lindrick (MSc).

21st December A Red Kite over Axle Lane, from observers lounge! (MC). A further Red Kite >W over Costhorpe at 0840 (MSc).

20th December At Tommy Flockton's Marsh were 38 Wigeon, 14 Mallard, 13 Teal, Heron, 20 Fieldfare and 8 Redwing. At Kiveton Pit Top (Kiveton Community Woodland), a Water Rail calling S of fishing ponds. 142 Fieldfare >S, 3 Mute Swan >E, 5 Cormorant >S and 16 Lapwing feeding in field S of pit top (MC). M Blackcap in a Woodsetts garden, feeding on apple slices (GP).

18th December A day in SK58 produced the following; at Dinnington Marsh were 6 Black-headed Gull, 4 Mallard, 7 Blackbird, 800+ Corvid, 17 Stock Dove, 4 Herring Gull >E, 35 Redwing, 2 Buzzard, imm. Sparrowhawk and 2 Jay. At Harry Croft's Quarry were 27 Redwing, pair of Kestrel, Green Woodpecker, Buzzard, 9 Snipe, 3 Skylark >S and Lapwing 5>W & 8>NE. Around Roche Abbey were Jay, 2 Buzzard, Moorhen, 25 Teal, 20 Mallard and a Marsh Tit. At a 99% frozen Langold Lake on an open patch of water were Jay, 177 Black-headed Gull, 7 Mute Swan, 46 Mallard, 3 Moorhen, 3 Common Gull, 11 Herring Gull, just 2 Greylag Goose, 22 Coot, 6 Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, 40+ Chaffinch in the Woodlark field, plus Green Woodpecker. Final stop was Carlton Lake with just the top area ice free, concentrating many birds; 4 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 20 Herring Gull, 1500 Black-headed Gull, Little Egret, Woodcock, 3m & 1f Gadwall, 3m & 4f Shoveler, 6 Moorhen, 2 Cormorant, 3 Teal, 6 Common Gull, 8 Mallard and 2 Mute Swan (ADH).

Redwing @ Todwick © Ray Sykes

17th December A juv. Stonechat on the wall at Axle Lane (MC). 400+ Linnet by Dewidales Wood (BCa). 8 Jay in Anston Stones Wood (PT). c60 Fieldfare around Woodsetts school (BCa).

15th December A Little Egret at Langold Lake again today, plus 50/60 Lapwing >W (MSc).

14th December A Little Egret on the canal feeder just E of Turnerwood (NB), plus 2 more Little Egret at Langold Lake (MSc).

13th December A Little Egret at Langold Lake today (MSc). Tommy Flockton’s Marsh was mostly iced over but birds present included 33 Wigeon, 17 Mallard, c35 Redwing, 10 Fieldfare and a Sparrowhawk (BC).

12th December A skein of Pink-footed Goose heard circling over Axle Lane in dense fog at 0240, before heading off >W (MC). Five SK58 Birders took part in the December visit to Langold Lake in freezing fog.
After a slow start, things improved with a flock of 50+ Lesser Redpoll feeding in Alders by the bowling green. The main lake had a small area of open water and waterfowl counted were 3 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Mute Swan, 5 Canada Goose, a pair of Gadwall, 40+ Mallard and a m Tufted Duck. A single Common Gull was among c85 Black-headed Gull. A small area of open water at the far end of the top lake produced Water Rail. Along the N shore of the lake a m Siskin was found in a flock of c15 Goldfinch. Returning to the cafe car park a Little Egret was found in the woodland (GF & LF).

9th December 2 Little Egret at Langold Lake today (MSc). 65 Pink-footed Goose >W over Kiveton Pit Top (Kiveton Community Woodland) at 1430 (WB).

8th December Little Egret in trees on the large island at Langold Lake today (MSc). At Axle Lane a m and 2 juv. Stonechat, 28 Cormorant and 37 Golden Plover (MC).

7th December A m Stonechat on the wall at Axle Lane (MC).

5th December Along First Lane were single Raven, m Kestrel, f Sparrowhawk, 12 Stock Dove, 24 Redwing >N, 60 Lesser Redpoll in a hedgerow and a m Green Woodpecker calling from Smarson Hills Wood (MC).

4th December 2 Little Egret in trees by Woodsetts Sewage Works (GP).

3rd December 44 Pink-footed Goose >E over Kiveton Pit Top (Kiveton Community Woodland (ABa).

1st December 400 strong finch flock, with at least 15 Brambling in fields by Stubbing Wood (JG).