Bird News Archive Portal

31st December At Langold Lake this afternoon were: 62 Coot, 36 Mallard, 21 Tufted Duck and 2 Mute Swan

30th December Golden Plover are plentiful at Axle Lane with between 3-4000 present. Another high count, and equal highest ever was 6 Jack Snipe at a very wet North Anston Pit Top. (This ties with 6 at Dinnington Marsh on February 2nd 1994).

24th December Just 8 Snipe and a Woodcock at Dinnington Marsh this afternoon.

22nd December Several Brambling noted at the Woodsetts end of Lindrick Golf Course. At Axle Lane 3000 Golden Plover remain. At a wet Dinnington Marsh 9 Snipe were noted. A insight into how good this site was years ago.

15th December Following the brief cold snap we returned to wet and windy conditions. Axle Lane held circa 3000 Golden Plover this weekend. In grim conditions a single Jack Snipe was the highlight at NAPT. 'Also rans' included 18 Blackbird, 11 Siskin, single Redpoll and Snipe. Gulls put in a bit of an appearance, with 6 Herring Gull and 2 ad. Great Black-backed Gull NE over NAPT. Hewett Arms Pond was also quiet. The Goosanders having moved on. Only species of note were a pair of Gadwall. Langold Lake was also quiet with a static 42 Mallard. Coot topped out at 53. Tufted Duck reached 24.

9th December A fairly quiet time at the moment. However the higher pressure produced a skein of Pink-footed Geese over the square. A wildfowl count revealed the following at Langold Lake-65 Coot, 27 Tufted Duck, 41 Mallard, 1 Teal, the female Shoveler is still present along with 2 Great Crested Grebe and a Mute Swan. In the trees around were circa 50 Siskin. Hewett Arms Pond held 10 Mallard, 21 Canada Geese and 3 female Goosander. By Broom Farm 700 Linnet were accompanied by 20 Pied Wagtails and 25 Meadow Pipits.

4th December A trip to Carlton Lake produced a finch flock of 1000 birds in the field to the side, the vast majority were Linnet

3rd December Some wildfowl movement with 3 Goosander (2 males & 1 female) at Hewett Arms Pond.

1st December 2 Snipe were accompanied by 2 Jack Snipe in the fog and heavy rain at NAPT. Just 7 Cormorants today at Hewett Arms pond, the female Goosander is still present. At nearby Carlton Lake a total of 21 Moorhen were counted. Further down the road Langold Lake held (amongst others) 40-50 Siskin, 2 Great Crested Grebe and a female Shoveler again. By East Field Lane, on the outskirts of Laughton-en-le-Morthen, 300+ Fieldfare fed in fields.

27th November The only report of wintering Blackcap came via email of a female between Shireoaks and Rhodesia, by the canal. Down the road at Shireoaks, our now regular roost of Cormorants topped 12 birds at Hewett Arms pond.

26th November The Barn Owls have yet again put in an appearance. A singleton over Swinston Hill, between Dinnington and Woodsetts.

24th November Grim summed up this weekend, the weather that is-the birding was ok. North Anston Pit Top was fairly dire in the zero visibility due to fog. However a Jack Snipe was the reward for the early start, with little else of note except for an influx of Blackbirds with 26 counted. It brightened slightly in the early afternoon. Langold Lake held 46 Coot, 39 Mallard, 26 Tufted Duck, 10 Moorhen and 2 Great Crested Grebe. Carlton Lake held a pair of Gadwall, 6 Mallard, a Cormorant and 80 Canada Geese. A pair of Buzzard were by Owday Wood-perhaps they intend to move in in time for next spring? Hewett Arms pond came up trumps again this week. There appears to be a regular roost of Cormorant in the trees behind the pond (5 today). Amongst the 22 Mallard were 2 male and a female Gadwall again, plus on the fishing pond, Little Grebe and star bird of the day-female Goosander. The fog encroached again, so Grange Farm and Tommy Flockton's Marsh were unproductive.

22nd November A female Merlin hunting at Axle Lane early morning.

19th November An unusual record involved an Oystercatcher heard over Throapham at 11:45 in dense fog. Also in the fog along the Chesterfield Canal were: Snipe over Kiveton (circling), a Woodcock flushed between the path and railway line. 4 Marsh Tit counted by Hawks Wood.

18th November A quick dusk trip to Dinnington Marsh produced high numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare coming in to roost. A Green Woodpecker was heard, plus 3 Snipe dropped into roost. On the way back a Little Owl was heard.

17th November A group trip counting wildfowl. In general numbers were low. Langold Lake typically held the most, with 38 Coot, 30 Tufted Duck, 18 Moorhen, 2 Great Crested Grebe and a female Shoveler to brighten things up slightly. Firbeck held just 16 Canada Geese, although 21 Mallard, 15 Coot and 4 Pochard were present. The trees around the hall held 100's of Redwing and Fieldfare, plus 25 Siskin. Brown Bailey's was poor with just 21 Coot and 12 Tufted Duck. The Hewett Arms pond at Shireoaks was a revelation. The pub appeared shut, as was the fishing pond. As a result of no disturbance 2 pairs of Gadwall, 1 female Wigeon, 1 Greylag Goose, 4 Tufted Duck and 3 Mallard were counted. In trees behind the pond 4 Cormorant roosted. Is this the beginning of a regular roost???!!! Lindrick Dale Ponds held little, although a Little Grebe was present.

16th November 3 Dunlin in with 3000 Golden Plover were the highlight today at Axle Lane.

15th November Plenty of Bullfinch along the Chesterfield Canal; a count of 8 between Kiveton and Tommy Flockton's Marsh with 5 in the other direction towards S. Anston. On the same stretches were 15 Fieldfare,c 45 Redwing, 1 Little Grebe, 37 Blackbird and on a very flooded Tommy Flockton's Marsh; 48 Black-headed Gull and 11 Mallard plus a flock of c80 Starling.

11th November The groups highest count of Shelduck ever with an amazing 13 birds W over Lindrick Golf Course!!

10th November A fairly quiet weekend. Lots of Fieldfare and Redwing moving through prior to dawn. 2 Cormorant flew E along Slade Hills. At Lingodell a single Mute Swan and Greylag Goose. Langold Lake still held plenty of Tufted Duck (37). With 2 Great Crested Grebe and a single Gadwall (female), which I'm sure is the first for the late winter period.

7th November Thornbury Hill held circa 1500 Golden Plover along with circa 85 Lapwing and circa 800 Starling! All exceptional counts for this location.

5th November At NAPT today 19 Blackbird were counted, along with 6 Snipe and a Jack Snipe. A Woodcock was seen to drop in at dawn. Fieldfare and Redwing passed over in good number at dawn. 4 Goldcrest was a good count from here. At Tinkerhole Dike 118 Redwing were counted, with little else here. Kings Wood revealed just 2 Buzzard and Tawny Owl. Axle Lane held 2500 Golden Plover and a couple of Corn Bunting.

2nd November An unexpected record of an elusive Goshawk sat in a tree at a location where odd birds had been located several years ago. This may be transient bird, or perhaps more hopefully a resident bird caught out in the open.

31st October An unexpected and belated record of a Swallow S over Tommy Flockton's Marsh this morning. The the latest ever recorded by the group.

28th October Predictably the juv. Scaup was a one day wonder, as it was not located today. Fewer Tufted Duck were also noted, so some movement must have taken place overnight. LATE NEWS ON 5/11/02-A Raven over Turnerwood towards Kiveton at 07:00, was only the groups second ever record, the first in 2000 over S.Anston.

27th October Despite the gale force winds and torrential rain several members were out birding, looking for wind blown vagrants, which was difficult in the trying conditions. Wildfowl numbers were fairly static apart from a sharp rise in Tufted Duck numbers. Langold Lake held 35 along with 57 Coot and 25 Mallard, 2 Great Crested Grebe and 2 Mute Swans . Brown Bailey's held a further 24 Tufted Duck as well as a Cormorant and star bird of the weekend, a juv. Scaup-this the first in the square for 8 years and a square tick for the finder. Obviously the bird moving with the Tufted Duck. It just goes to show, even in grim weather, it's worth donning waterproofs and making the effort, you just don't know what might turn up.

26th October A small passage of Pied Wagtail and Woodpigeon this morning over NAPT. 2 Snipe there were the first of the winter. Fieldfare are moving through in dribs and drabs. At Axle Lane 2500 Golden Plover were wheeling around. A Woodpigeon carcass showing signs of a Peregrine kill could be the cause of the anxiety of the plovers. Small numbers of Redwing continue to pass over S, with few Brambling reported, despite an apparent influx nationally. At Roche Abbey 4 Marsh Tit were quite vocal, although no Teal due to the nearby shooting. At Firbeck Hall YWT 13 Siskin and a Redpoll were noted.

20th October 200 Fieldfare over S. Anston the highlight of the weekend. The grim weather didn't help. At Axle Lane 2500 Golden Plover present.

13th October A day long bash around the square failed to produce anything unexpected, however several interesting records were noted. The highlight being a skein of Pink-footed Geese, heard over S. Anston. A definite influx of Blackbirds recently, noted at NAPT. Woodpigeon were continually moving S in small groups. Skylark were also passing over on a wide front, noted at different sites throughout the day. Redwing are well in now. 90+ roosted at Dinnington Marsh, with flocks noted all day throughout the square. Redpoll were noted at NAPT with 8 S, and 2 at Dinnington Marsh. Several Chiffchaff were seen, all associating with tit flocks. A Long-tailed Tit flock at Dinnington Marsh with circa 25-40 in it, with Chiffchaff, and Goldcrest tagging along. Summer migrants are still around with House Martin noted: 2 at Tinkerhole Dike and 4 at Carlton-in-Lindrick. Back at Tinkerhole Dike 3 ad. and 1 imm. Cormorant flew S, with a Brambling heard also. At Thornbury Hill 150 Pheasant were counted. Across the valley 2 Buzzard put in a brief appearance. Dusk at Dinnington Marsh revealed 2 Little Owl, 9 Mistle Thrush, 4 Willow Tit and a large mixed tit flock (see above).

11th October A Brambling over a S. Anston garden this morning.

7th October A full day in the field (11 hours) by our recorder produced the following: NAPT (North Anston Pit Top) revealed an influx of Song Thrush. The first Redwing of the late winter period were noted over over Throapham, Axle Lane and NAPT, the latter producing 104 in total. The family party of 8 Grey Partridge remained at NAPT. 3 House Martin flew SE here. A further 15 Grey Partridge were located at Tinkerhole Dike. Kings Wood corner produced 5 Buzzard at lunchtime. Little Owls were heard at both Roche Abbey and Dinnington Marsh. Along East Field Lane 71 Collared Dove were counted along the wires by the allotments. Wildfowl continue to arrive with 15 Teal counted at Roche Abbey. Another high count involved 276 Canada Geese at Firbeck Hall YWT, with a further 65 at Langold Lake, 116 at Carlton Lake and 17 at Dinnington Marsh adding up to a total of 474 (high count). A Ruddy Duck was also at Firbeck Hall YWT along with a pair of Little Grebe. Firbeck also held 30 Mallard A further Little Grebe noted at Brown Bailey's. At Langold Lake 3 Wigeon were the highlight, with 65 Coot (rise from last week), 44 Mallard, 13 Moorhen and a static 4 Great Crested Grebe. The Greylag Goose remained. At Brown Bailey's 15 Coot and 4 Tufted Duck were counted. No sign of any owls at Dinnington Marsh except for a calling Little Owl. An influx of Grey Wagtails may have taken place with 6 birds at 5 locations today.

4th October An unusual Yellow Wagtail at Tommy Flockton's today-that had quite a dark cap and prominent supercilium. At Langold Lake wildfowl numbers had increased slightly with 5 Mute Swan, 48 Mallard, 52 Coot, 9 Tufted Duck, 17 Moorhen, single Teal and Greylag Goose. At nearby Carlton Lake 113 Canada Geese were counted, with just 11 Mallard and 6 Moorhen. Brown Bailey's, however, revealed 20 Coot and 9 Tufted Duck.

1st October A fairly quiet weekend, with most of the groups active birders at Spurn (see News page). A juv Stonechat at First Lane this evening, with a male Wheatear at Axle Lane yesterday.

27th September Whilst looking for the pipit at Loscar 53 Lapwing flew SE, with good numbers of pigeons present (Woodpigeon and Stock Dove). Langold Lake held the following this afternoon: 4 Mute Swan, 16 Moorhen (influx), 27 Mallard, 56 Coot (another influx), 16 Tufted Duck, 3 Great Crested Grebe, a Greylag Goose and male Kingfisher, with 6 Siskin over (1st flock of the autumn?). The female Merlin remained at Axle Lane, being harassed by the resident Kestrel.

26th September Highlight today was a reported (via BirdGuides), a Richards Pipit at Loscar. However no group members saw it. Wheatear and Merlin at Axle Lane still.

25th September A walk around NAPT was a little disappointing, with few migrants noted. Highlights were a juv Stonechat, this a difficult species to catch up with in SK58. 2 Chiffchaff were also noted as were 12 Robin.

22nd September A vigil from first light until 09:30 failed to locate the Buff-breasted Sandpiper for the second day at Axle Lane. 300 Golden Plover were present and rose to about 500, with a female Merlin hunting at 9:00.

21st September No Sign of the Buff-breasted Sandpiper from first light this morning, with a steady stream of birders all morning up and down Axle Lane. Circa 300 Golden Plover were present at first light, the flock disappearing in the morning mist for periods, eventually flying off. By 09:45 about 2-300 had trickled back. Best time to visit would be from 15:00 onwards, as birds come into feed before going to roost. It may be worth checking fields around Loscar and Brampton Straight mile, just in case. Circa 6-700 Golden Plover returned by 18:00 this evening. Many birds were in the short stubble, luckily a Kestrel flew through at about 18:45, pushing all the GP's back into the Winter Wheat. Unfortunately there was no sign of the BBS by 19:00. It is still probably worth returning to Axle Lane as the GP's frequently do the rounds and the Buff-breasted Sandpiper may latch on to a returning group.

20th September A Buff-breasted Sandpiper flew over nearby Rother Valley CP this morning, and briefly relocated at Axle Lane, on the south side in the depression, to the east of the ponds. Despite several birders looking intentionally, it was not relocated. However it came back sometime between 17:30 and 18:00 and remained until dusk. This obviously a first for the square. Congrats and thanks to the folk who found it and for letting everyone know. There will be quite a few birders there at first light tomorrow!

15th September A wildfowl count from Langold Lake produced few wildfowl, with no influx yet of any winter wildfowl.

14th September The Barn Owls have been seen again, with several records of birds on posts between Rackford Road and Anston Stones Wood.

10th September The south-easterlies and blocking rainfall produced 5 Wheatear at Axle Lane this morning.

8th September Migration is in full swing. At NAPT this morning House Martin were passing through in groups of 50 to 150. Smaller numbers of Swallow passed through. There was also a steady passage of Meadow Pipit. Cramfit Brook was the hot spot this morning with the Pit Top's first Pied Flycatcher, a female type-probably a 1st year male. Amazingly in the same tree were juv. Redstart, Blackcap and Lesser Whitethroat, with Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler close-by. Nearby a Whinchat was noted on the Pit Top itself. At Tinkerhole Dike nothing unexpected was noted. Willow Tit, Blackcap and Goldcrest, with several Chiffchaff were evident. Both Roche Abbey and Carr Hill were quiet. At Axle Lane 300+ Golden Plover were present.

6th September Golden Plover numbers are building up at Axle Lane. A male Wheatear here the highlight.

1st September A Hobby has been seen on several occasions from Kings Wood.

26th August An early morning visit to NAPT was fairly uneventful. Swallows were moving in all directions. 2 Yellow Wagtails went S. Blackcap were also evident with several during the day. Just 4 Whitethroat remained along Cramfit Brook, with a single Turtle Dove by Dinnington Sewage Works. At Kings Wood Corner Raptor Watch Point just 4 Buzzard were noted, however Pheasant were numerous, as released birds wandered around the back roads-ready for the winter shoots. The timely arrival of the flash at Hodsock has been short lived. It is now 90% dried up, with just a small wet area-the remainder is damp! Although waders will be thin on the ground the Yellow Wagtails liked it, with several recorded. Post-breeding finch flocks are amassing. 150 birds at Hodsock were mostly Greenfinch with many Linnet and a few Tree Sparrow. Langold Lake was fairly quiet with no sign of any arrival of wildfowl. A count produced 50 Coot, 9 Tufted Duck, 23 Mallard, 5 Moorhen and 4 Great Crested Grebe. The juv. appears to have moved on. The majority of Sand Martin have left Brown Bailey's pond, although 3 nests had 4, 2 and 1 well grown juv's respectively. An evening visit to Dinning ton Marsh was fairly quiet-the highlight an imm. Whinchat.

25th August Passage is well underway. Most Swifts have gone, as have most of the House Martins. At Axle Lane 61 Golden Plover had returned, with a single Wheatear moving through. The baliff at Barown Bailey's (Fred) confirmed that the Kingfishers there raised 3 young this summer.

18th August A Common Sandpiper at Carlton Lake and Greenshank over Hodsock maintained the recording of passage waders through the square. A report of Sanderling and Merlin at the latter site was presumed to be a flight of fancy from an inexperienced birder.

16th August An adult and juv. Turtle Dove along the Chesterfield Canal today.

15th August At Carlton Lake today were 2 Teal, 56 Canada Geese and a pair of Ruddy Duck with 2 juv's.

13th August A return evening visit to Hodsock produced a female Ruff that was first noted on Sunday. A Green Sandpiper also dropped in and stayed. At Langold Lake 31 Coot plus 2 Mute Swan, 5 Tufted Duck and adult and Juv. Great Crested Grebe were counted

11th August The national movement of waders has been picked up locally thanks to the rain, which has again resurrected the flash at Hodsock. Returning from Flamborough, and several waders in a flooded field there, prompted a stop at Hodsock on the way home. Straight away a small mixed party of waders dropped in. Obvious were 2 Greenshank, with them were 2 female/ juv. Ruff. A long and hard search was rewarded with a Redshank, but this one had long legs, a fine bill, with a small stripe before the eye, plus was cold looking-yes it was a Spotted Redshank-this a first for SK58. Lurking in the vegetation were Dunlin and Snipe. These with a Lapwing brought the wader tally to 6 species. Also present were Buzzard, several Yellow Wagtail, 200 House Martin and 200 Swift. The passage of hirundines noted at Kiveton Pit Top also

5th August A report received this evening of 2 dark harriers over Gildingwells, quartering fields and heading towards Dinnington. Given the description they sound like juv. Marsh Harriers, this coinciding with several along the east coast.

4th August NAPT was pretty quiet today, a few Whitethroat and Willow Warbler around. Most of the Turtle Dove seem to have disappeared, except for a bird right up against the housing estate at Limelands. Tinkerhole Dike and Kings Wood were exceptionally quiet

3rd August A return visit to Hodsock failed to produce any waders. The highlight was a Turtle Dove south. At a local site a female Long-eared Owl called once in an hour long vigil

2nd August Dismal weather continues, with much rainfall. One member decided to brave an early start at NAPT this morning, but alas this gave little reward in the heavy rain. However 6 Lesser Whitethroat were counted, with 7 of their commoner cousins located. A covey of Grey Partridge consisted mostly of juv. birds. Along Cramfit a Sedge Warbler was still feeding young, while a Kingfisher was heard. An evening visit to Hodsock proved extremely fruitful, the flash having now appeared (something good from all this rain). 27 Red-legged Partridge were seen (mainly juvs). A very vocal Buzzard was the first of 4 species of raptor including a hawking adult Hobby-chasing House Martins. Yellow Wagtails remained, with several adult and juvs recorded. 3 Tree Sparrow were loafing on the wires, but the highlight was a moulting adult Greenshank briefly on the scrape before flying off south.

27th July Passerines are beginning to move through. A juv. Redstart was located along First Lane this morning. A Whinchat was later found at nearby Redlands Quarry. Willow Warblers and Chiffchaff are present in modest numbers along the Chesterfield Canal and Tinkerhole Dike. Along the canal we are aware of at least 4 pairs of Little Grebe. Swallows were noted passing over Throapham and Axle Lane this morning.

21st July The highlight today was a Peregrine over Kiveton Pit Top this morning. Fairly quiet today at NAPT. Plenty of Reed Bunting on show as well as juv. Chiffchaff and Willow Warblers. Post-breeding flocks have begun to gather with 30 Linnet here. 90 Lapwing flew SW. Cramfit Brook still held 5 displaying Turtle Doves. Plus a Sedge Warbler still carrying food (for nestlings presumably). It was fairly quiet at Langold Lake, with 25 Mallard, 6 Tufted Duck, 2 Mute Swans, with 35 Coot. One pair of Great Crested Grebe are still incubating presumably addled eggs. The second pair still have 1 juv.

20th July A quick visit to Hodsock produced 8 Yellow Wagtails, 12 Skylark, 31 Pied Wagtail, 31 Greenfinch and a Buzzard, amongst others. Unfortunately the heavy rain had not recreated the scrape, so no waders so far.

16th July 70 Swifts over Todwick crossroads may have been birds on the move south?

14th July Not normally an action packed month-July is turning out OK. NAPT produced several singing Blackcap today. Also here were 43 Linnet and 20 Skylark. Unusual for here were 2 Sand Martin through. Also Turtle Dove numbers had risen to 9 birds (possibly 5 pairs), many displaying. Had there been a late influx? possibly so. At Roche Abbey a female Teal was the highlight, along with 4 Nuthatch. Kings Wood corner and Hodsock both produced a pair of Buzzard. Carlton Lake provided the highlight of the day with 3 pairs of Ruddy Duck-one pair with 2 fluffy young, this the first confirmed breeding record for several years. A solitary Great Crested Grebe was also present, with a Common Tern successfully fishing overhead.

7th July An evening visit to Langold Lake returned dividends with: A Common Sandpiper observed skulking on the island, while an adult Common Tern was fishing overhead. An unseasonable 4 male Pochard were present plus 17 Coot and 3 male Tufted Duck. The 2 pairs of Great Crested Grebes shared mixed fortunes. One pair have one stripy juv. while the other pair are still incubating. Presumably they were washed out and have re-laid.

6th July Grasshopper Warbler reeling from GK Ford garage, Turner Road, Worksop at 14:00

26th June A healthy post breeding flock of 273 Lapwing at Buckwood Farm-Gildingwells. The flock containing many juv. birds. Normally we see non-breeding flocks kicking around, as they have failed to breed due to lack of suitable habitat or disturbance. A count of 33 occupied Rook nests at Greenlands Park, should hopefully dissuade the felling of a third of the trees in this Rookery-as is hoped by a a local surgery that want to expand. Of course we completely object to this.

20th June A great night and proof that survey work need not be dull. Whilst undertaking a survey around Throapham our recorder observed a Hobby chasing House Martins over the estate. Nearby were a pair of Yellow Wagtails. After the survey a buzz around known owl sites produced a juv. Long-eared Owl, with a further juv. found at a second location the night before by a local birder. This site having been visited in the spring, with no activity noted until now. A Grasshopper Warbler was reeling at Little Moor ( Throapham), with 2 separate Quail heard at sites in the square.

17th June Yet another quiet weekend. Highlights from NAPT include a Corn Bunting S (presumably returning to Axle Lane). 2 Pairs of Sedge Warbler and a single pair of Turtle Dove. A bash around the square failed to produce anything noteworthy! A Quail was heard yesterday and today at a site in the square (site with held). Lesser Black-backed Gulls have begun to move through in small numbers. The majority immature, non-breeding birds.

16th June An afternoon on the eastern side of the square revealed 7 (6 males & 1 female) Ruddy Duck at Carlton Lake, with Spotted Flycatchers in the church yard

14th June One pair of Little Ringed Plover have reared at least 3 young at one site

13th June Still very quiet. Sedge Warblers at both NAPT and Axle Lane still, with lots of Corn Bunting and Yellow Wagtail and the occasional Common Tern feeding on the ponds also at Axle Lane.

10th June At least 2 pairs of Little Grebe on the Chesterfield Canal-one with 2 young

9th June A pair of Shelduck at Carlton Lake again-perhaps the pair that nested at Hodsock last year

7th June A Grasshopper Warbler was heard reeling at the LEO site this evening

6th June A juv. Long-eared Owl was heard at a traditional site this evening. It was thought breeding had not taken place this year with no activity until now

5th June Still quiet, although Common Tern, Yellow Wagtail and Sedge Warbler at Axle Lane, with an escape Red-tailed Hawk in Anston Stones Wood

4th June Several Turtle Doves along the Chesterfield Canal today, from Kiveton to Old Spring Wood, as well 3 juv. Great Spotted Woodpeckers

3rd June A fairly quiet Jubilee Bank Holiday. NAPT revealed at least 3 Sedge Warblers and a multitude of adult and juv. Starlings. Good numbers of Whitethroat this year, although there seems fewer Swallow, but good numbers of House Martin. NAPT also produced at least 3 Lesser Whitethroat and several Turtle Dove. Very little at Kings Wood except for a very vocal Marsh Tit, Tree Sparrow at Stone and several Yellow Wagtail at Hodsock.

30th May Several active members have spent a week in Spain, so the square has been somewhat neglected. However a report of Great White Egret in a Thurcroft garden on the 21st was thought to have been the leucistic Grey Heron that was around Rother Valley earlier in the year.

18th May An early start was rewarded with at least 3 calling Hawfinch in Kings Wood. A pair of Gadwall and Ringed Plover were noted at Kiveton Pit Top. Turtle Dove are again back at NAPT. A couple of unexpected birds today-Oystercatcher at Hodsock and a pair of Shoveler at Carlton Lake

17th May As usual the Sponsored Bird Race throws up a few unexpected birds. This year was no exception A pair of Shelduck at Roche Abbey were an unexpected, but welcome surprise. The Little Owl at Common Road performed well, although Redshank and Snipe were harder to get at Brampton. Both Sedge Warbler and Grasshopper Warbler were noted at Axle Lane.

16th May Swifts are now well in as are most late arriving migrants, with the colony re-established in Dinnington. Spotted Flycatchers are also present in Anston Stones Wood.

8th May A female Montagu's Harrier flew N-NE over Longthwaite Wood-towards Lingodell at 15:45. Despite extensive searching it was not relocated. This constitutes the first record of this species since the groups inception, subject to the acceptance of a description.

7th May Lindrick Golf Course produced Garden Warbler and 21 Linnet this afternoon.

6th May A Red-tailed Hawk (with jesses) was a surprising find at Top Locks. The 'Zoo' that is SK58 now contains at least 3 Eagle Owls, a Harris Hawk and now a Red-tailed Hawk!!! Genuine birds do however include 2 Shelduck over Axle Lane (the observers first in 15 years). Nearby Brampton Common held 6 Lapwing plus many juv's and 3 Snipe. Dinnington Marsh revealed 14 Willow Warblers, Cuckoo and Grasshopper Warbler. Nearby NAPT produced the first Turtle Dove, female Wheatear as well as 50-60 House Martins over the sewage works.

2nd May A quiet week was broken with a welcome Short-eared Owl at East Field Lane, although not relocated. Swift, Lesser Whitethroat and Grasshopper Warblers are arriving in small numbers.

26th April An early Hobby just N of Worksop off the A60-the first of the year.

25th April Only our 2nd record of Sandwich Tern, a single W over Axle Lane-towards Todwick at 07:30. House Martins have returned to the Throapham estate

22nd April Now 3 Grasshopper Warblers at Axle Lane, and a total of 10 Wheatears at various locations

21st April A bumper day at Kiveton Pit Top with Peregrine, Ringed Plover, 3 Wheatear and a Green Sandpiper

20th April At NAPT 16 Wren were counted, along with 12 Skylark, 9 Reed Bunting, 2 male Wheatear, 2 Fieldfare NW, 3 male Whitethroat and a Cormorant S. At Kings Wood 4 Buzzard were counted. The first Cuckoos arrived overnight with singles at Dinnington Marsh and Slade Hills.

19th April A full day in the field produced some good records. A Grasshopper Warbler was reeling at Axle Lane this morning. At NAPT 7 Willow Warbler were counted, along with 3 Greylag Geese S. 2 House Martin here also. At 3 sites 4 pairs of Little Ringed Plovers were counted. Single male Wheatear at Grange Farm today. Brown Bailey's held 19 Coot including 3 juv's, 1 pair of Great Crested and Little Grebe. 5 Sand Martin had returned so far. Nearby Carlton Lake produced 3 male and 1 female Ruddy Duck. Up the road Langold Lake revealed 18 Coot, 9 Tufted Duck, 24 Mallard including 7 juv's, 1 Greylag Goose, 2 pairs of Great Crested Grebe, 1 pair of Gadwall and single male Ruddy Duck.

18th April A modest arrival overnight swelled migrant numbers. The first Whitethroat occurred on Packman Lane, whilst at Kings Wood corner 4 Sparrowhawk, 7 Buzzard and a Harris Hawk were supplemented by a single House Martin N and 12 Swallows. The wood also revealed single Hawfinch

16th April A walk around NAPT produced 14 Wren, 3 Willow Warbler, 21 Meadow Pipit, 9 Reed Bunting and 21 Fieldfare SW! Thornbury Hill revealed 4 Swallow, 6 Buzzard, 1 extremely high Cormorant and Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

15th April The pair of Little Owls showed well at Common Road today. Single Redshank over NAPT. By far the best bird of the year was an early, but not unprecedented Honey Buzzard seen well as it flew N over S. Anston. Elsewhere 2 Corn Bunting at the top end of Brands Lane.

14th April Several pairs of Sparrowhawk between Firbeck and Slade Hills-displaying vigorously, with good numbers of Chiffchaff and Blackcap. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and 5 Buzzard from Kings Wood corner.

11th April 3 Willow Warbler along the Chesterfield Canal. Blackcap are now well-in

9th April First Yellow Wagtail of the year, over Axle Lane, as well as 2 Cormorants N.

7th April Little Ringed Plovers returned to Shireoaks and Kiveton. Pair of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker by Kings Wood today.

4th April First Willow Warbler of the year, this the joint earliest date, along the Chesterfield Canal. At Axle Lane 41 Fieldfare flew E. Nearby 2 Nuthatch and 2 Brambling in Windmill Hill Wood.

3rd April Wildfowl are still hanging about in small numbers. 4 Gadwall at Tommy Flockton's Marsh today. The first Swallow of the year, over the Chesterfield Canal.

1st April An amazing record of 10 Wheatear in the wake of a plough, at Brands Lane today. Just a single at Axle Lane today also. Kiveton Pit held both Ringed and Little Ringed Plover, with c40 Meadow Pipit present also.

30th March Despite the extended weekend, little was found, with few migrants moving through. Highlights today did include 3 pairs of Ringed Plover on Kiveton Pit Top, with a pair of Little Ringed Plover here also. A solitary Wheatear at Loscar and Sand Martin over S. Anston. A Buzzard flew N over Axle Lane.

26th March Around the Kiveton Pit area were 2 Ringed Plover on the top, 1 m Wheatear along Broad Bridge Dike, 2 Redshank on the pond and a pair of Kingfisher by the big pond S of old sewage works.

25th March 65 Fieldfare over the Chesterfield Canal at Kiveton. At nearby Tommy Flockton's Marsh were 10 Gadwall and 4 Teal

24th March A fairly quiet weekend, compared to last weekend. NAPT produced just 2 Chiffchaff, with Kingfisher and 6 Lesser Redpoll, amongst the 42 species recorded. Winter thrushes were noted going N, including 12 Fieldfare over NAPT. A further 80 were recorded over Thornbury Hill, moving N in small parties. A Cormorant soared out of view here. Elsewhere 3 Redshank were found at Tommy Flockton's Marsh. Tinkerhole Dike revealed 24 occupied Rooks nests, with a good collection of common finches, tits and thrushes in the ancient Hawthorn hedgerow. Just 2 Chiffchaff here, plus 2 Tree Sparrow also.

23rd March Whilst filming in Anston Stones Wood, 2 Blackcap were heard-these were thought to be true migrants.

22nd March 1 Blackcap near Thorpe Bridge on the Chesterfield Canal

20th March Chiffchaffs appear to becoming well established now. A walk in Anston Stones Wood produced several.

18th March A very early pair of Little Ringed Plover at Shireoaks Marina, were the first of the year. These were thought to be transient birds. 2 Redshank were also noted briefly at Brampton Common around the same time.

17th March A quieter day today, although NAPT produced the first Wheatear of the year, as well as male Kingfisher and the pair of Lesser Redpoll remained. Langold Lake was very quiet, holding a pair of Mute Swan, 22 Mallard, 24 Coot, a pair of Gadwall, 2 pairs of nest building Great Crested Grebes and 12 Tufted Duck. Carlton Lake held 3 displaying Ruddy Duck (2m 1f). At nearby Hodsock a pair of Oystercatcher were present, despite the lack of the flash this year. Brown Bailey's produced pairs of Little and Great Crested Grebe, 22 Coot and 10 Tufted Duck. Dinnington Marsh was also quiet except for a singing male Siskin and 2 Snipe.

16th March A great mornings birding at NAPT with 48 species in 2.5 hours. Highlights include single Chiffchaff and Redshank, many common species, including 20 Blackbird, 15 Dunnock and 13 Wren. Also here were 2 Snipe, male Kingfisher, 3 Teal (unusual here) and 2 Lesser Redpoll. A quick call at Carlton Lake revealed 4 female Goosander (different from yesterday) and a pair of Ruddy Duck. Raptors in the square today included a stunning female Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, and at least 6 Buzzard from several locations.

15th March Tommy Flockton's held an impressive 20 Gadwall. Langold Lake produced 65 Siskin , 8 Lesser Redpoll, 26 Mallard, a pair of Gadwall, 32 Coot, 24 Canada Geese, 4 Great Crested Grebe and 8 Tufted Duck. At Carlton Lake a count included 75 Canada Geese, 15 Coot, 3 Ruddy Duck-2 male 1 female and 5 Goosander -2 male 3 female. Brown Bailey's revealed 1 Little Grebe, a pair of Great Crested Grebe, 24 Coot, 2 Canada Geese and 7 Tufted Duck.

14th March A pair of Goosander at Carlton Lake today. At Grange Farm 32 Lapwing, 60 Fieldfare with 120 by Packman Lane as well as a 7 Brambling in a Todwick garden.

12th March The regional movement of Whooper Swans was picked up ,locally with c 30 NW over Woodsetts this morning.

9th March Migrants should be on their way now, although as yet, none have found there way into SK58. Highlights today included single Jack Snipe and Kingfisher, plus many Meadow Pipit and Skylark displaying at NAPT and male Peregrine at Axle Lane,which has wintered in the area. This bird disturbing the 500 or so Golden Plover here. During the week a male Stonechat was located along First Lane.

3rd March Continuing a good weekends recording included at NAPT a pair of Green Woodpecker as well as 4 Willow Tit and a male Kingfisher. At Thornbury Hill 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker were noted, along with another pair of displaying Sparrowhawk. A plod around Carlton Wood produced some good counts including: 9 Goldcrest, 11 Blackbirds, 17 Wren, 15 Chaffinch, 19 Great Tit, 21 Blue Tits, 18 Robins, 3 Marsh Tit, 2 Buzzard, 5 Nuthatch, a further 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker and 60 Fieldfare. Langold Lake was fairly quiet-wildfowl now dispersing. A pair of Mute Swan accompanied 13 Tufted Duck, 24 Mallard, 32 Coot, a pair of Gadwall and 3 Great Crested Grebe (1 pair nest building). Nearby Brown Bailey's held 18 Coot, 17 Tufted Duck, 1 Great Crested Grebe, a a pair of Little Grebe and a female Pochard. Brampton Common held 200+ Lapwing and 300+ Golden Plover-All in all an excellent weekend in the field!

2nd March A great weekend kicked off with 3 Hawfinch at Kings Wood, other notables during a 3 hour stint included:5 Nuthatch, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, including drumming birds as well as a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker calling. Out of hours was a Tawny Owl calling at lunchtime. Over the valley 7 Buzzard were counted, as well as an escaped Harris Hawk. More at home was a pair of Sparrowhawk displaying. At Carr village 2 Curlew flew SE, with 2 Woodcock having a scrap. Nearby at a local site a female Long-eared Owl was heard (presumed same as the one on 28th Feb.). Another Barn Owl was heard along Brands Lane, having been observed earlier perched on a fence, which backs on to Brands Lane. Apparently it has been around since Wednesday 27th Feb. It could be one of the released birds. (see Gallery/ Barn Owl scheme)

17th February 2002 It was pleasant to go out and not get wet or blown away! Lapwing were moving through, with 151 N over Dinnington Marsh on the 16th. A Woodcock was also flushed here. The high water table favouring the 4 Snipe. Little Owls were also vocal on the nearby farm at dusk. 3 Jack Snipe and 2 Snipe were at NAPT early on the 17th, with a pair of Teal flushed (unusual here), nearby 11 Lapwing were displaying at Brampton Common. From Kings Wood 5 Buzzard and calling Tawny Owl were noted. The other side of the valley (Thornbury Hill), produced a further 5 Buzzard, as well as Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and 46 Fieldfare N. Langold Lake held a single pair of Gadwall, although 4 ad. and 1 imm. Great Crested Grebe were present.

10th February 2002 It's still quite windy, although less so, and much drier. There was a sense of spring in the air today. Many common species were in song at NAPT, including 13 Dunnock and 8 Song Thrush. Woodpigeon continue to pass in small groups of 20-200, totaling 374 through NAPT this morning. 12 Common Gull, mostly adults moved S here. In the N of the square, max. of 9 Buzzard were counted, several in pairs displaying. Interestingly a single flock of 200+ Starling went S over Union Wood. Roche Abbey was worth a visit with a superb count of 38 Mallard!, along with 8 Teal. Marsh Tit were evident, a brief walk producing 5 birds, several singing. Grey Wagtail, Siskin,Nuthatch, Buzzard and Tawny Owl amongst others noted. By Little Thwaite Wood 1000+ Fieldfare covered a recently seeded field.

3rd February 2002 Given the blustery, wet weather, this weekend never looked promising. However NAPT produced 310 Woodpigeon S, as well as a steady stream of Black-headed Gulls. The finch flock on Scamming Lane has either dispersed, or become well-hidden. Just single Yellowhammer, Tree Sparrow and Reed Bunting here today. Grange Farm was livelier with flocks in excess of 1000 corvids, and 900 Fieldfare in stubble. Brown Bailey's was the best spot today with 24 Coot, 15 Tufted Duck, 2 female Pochard, single male Gadwall and male Shoveler and the return of the Great Crested Grebe. A single Buzzard was noted at Hodsock-the temporary scrape completely ploughed up now. Yesterday was also quite bleak. 4

A group focused on recording the bird life of a single 10km square between Sheffield, Rotherham & Worksop

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