For Sale (various old bird reports) 2010 SK58 Birders desktop Calendar

Photo Competition 2009-Results

30 December 1-2 Brambling at Letwell Sewage Works, with c70 Yellowhammer, 4-5 Reed Bunting, c20 Chaffinch. At Roche Abbey were 19 Teal, 20 Mallard and 2 Moorhen, plus Kingfisher (John Gallagher, Mick Clay, Andy Hirst, Geoff Facer & Andy Murray).

29th December Early morning over Axle Lane were 89 Pink-footed Geese >W (Mick Clay).

27th December Late afternoon at Axle Lane were 300 Golden Plover, 350 Starling and 36 Fieldfare (Mick Clay).

26th December At Axle Lane today were 200 Skylark, 41 Fieldfare and 9 Redwing >SW. Late afternoon at NAPT was a Woodcock and a very pale Common Buzzard at Dinnington Marsh (Mick Clay).

25th December 2 Woodcock in Hawks Wood this morning (Mick Clay).

24th December At Letwell Sewage Works today was a120 strong flock of mainly Yellowhammer with Reed Bunting, A few Chaffinch, Greenfinch & 2 f Brambling (John Gallagher).

23rd December c250 Fieldfare at Dewidales, 2 Little Grebe on Lindrick Dale pond and at Harry Crofts were 14 Grey Partridge, 7 Red-legged Partridge and 3 Fieldfare (Geoff Facer). At Thurcroft Marsh today were Woodcock, Water Rail, Green Woodpecker, Snipe & Buzzard (John Gallagher).

22nd December 10:00 at Axle Lane produced f Merlin unsuccessfully hunting Skylarks (John Gallagher).

20th December At Axle Lane this morning were c200 Golden Plover (Mick Clay), as well as c350 Skylark, towards the A57, plus 150 Starling. At Langold Lake, which was 90% frozen were single Grey Wagtail, 39 Mallard, 38 Tufted Duck, 5 Moorhen, 2 Mute Swan, 13 Gadwall, 75 Coot, 5 Great Crested Grebe and single Teal. Kings Wood Corner was quiet with just 20 Skylark, 4 Buzzard, 20 Black-headed Gull, single Common Gull, 200 Woodpigeon and 3 Herring Gull >S.

Andy Hirst in the snow at Oldcotes © Andy Hirst

Brown Bailey's was equally frozen & quiet with 2 Marsh Tit, 13 Coot & single Mallard. Carlton Lake held 3 Moorhen, 15 Black-headed Gull and a pair of Gadwall. The large finch flock was still present at Oldcotes with c500 birds present, The majority were Linnet c300, with 150 Goldfinch-the rest Greenfinch, Chaffinch and Yellowhammer-but the snow storm hit reducing visibility to a few feet. At Carlton in Lindrick 30 Lapwing over, and on Eastfield Lane c700 corvids, mostly Rook (Andy Hirst).

19th December Early morning at Axle Lane were 4 Cormorants, 120 Skylarks, 200 Golden Plover & f Merlin pursuing a Skylark. Kiveton Pit Top held Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, m Sparrowhawk, a pair of Kestrel, 3 Redwing, 10 Fieldfare, 4 Bullfinch, 3 Reed Bunting, 50+ Blackbird, 100 Golden Plover, 1 Snipe & 30 Goldfinch. At Buckwood Farm, a single Little Owl (John Gallagher).

12th December Early morning at Axle Lane-the Whooper Swans are still present (2ad 2imm). Now present for 5 weeks, as well as 5 Cormorants (2 dropped in at fishing ponds & 3 >N), 3 Tufted Duck >W. 25 Grey Partridge and 2 Heron (John Gallagher). At Harry Crofts Quarry early morning were 2 Little Owls and Grey Wagtail. Late afternoon at NAPT were 8 Snipe and Barn Owl hunting.(Mick Clay).

9th December Over Axle Lane at 10:00 were c75 Pink-footed Geese >NW (Brian Chambers).

8th December c500 Pink-footed Geese > E over South Anston at 10.30 (Geoff Facer). Single Green Sandpiper at Tommy Flockton's Marsh today (Brian Chambers).

6th December A fairly quiet morning at NAPT, 2 f Stonechat, 1 on slope by path, the other in the overflow. Jack Snipe and single Snipe from the plateau. An influx of Blackbirds noted here. Also Kingfisher by Cramfit Pond. 32 Black-headed Gull and 2 Common Gull on the wader scrape, which is now about 50% full following the heavy rain. 2 Lesser Redpoll >W and c20 Meadow Pipit, 14 Mallard and a Grey Wagtail (Andy Hirst).

Wader Scrape NAPT © Andy Hirst

In a set a side field at Oldcotes were c300 Linnet, c100 Goldfinch with a smattering of Greenfinch and Chaffinch, also c12 Tree Sparrow & 400 Jackdaw as well as c50 Skylark. In the distance on a flood were an ad. and imm. Whooper Swan (Andy Hirst). The 4 (2ad. 2imm.) Whooper Swan still present at Axle Lane, also Barn Owl on Carr Lane above Slade Hooton at 16:45 (Mick Clay).

5th December c500 mixed finches to the NE of Oldcotes, mainly Linnet, with Goldfinch and some Greenfinch (Alan Bradford & Andy Hirst). At the Butterfly House, N. Anston today were 15 Tree Sparrow & 9 Blackbird (Chris Lilley).

29th November A Long-eared Owl hunting at a site within the square and Barn Owl at NAPT late afternoon (Mick Clay).

28th November At Langold Lake were 200 Fieldfare, 35 Redwing & f Blackcap (John Gallagher).

27th November At NAPT by Cramfit entrance & pond were 4 Fieldfare, Buzzard, Reed Bunting, Woodcock & 2 Kingfisher. Carlton Lake held Kingfisher & Heron. Langold Lake produced Kingfisher, 3 Redwing, 2 Cormorant & Pochard. Along Eastfield Lane were 50 Fieldfare (John Gallagher).

25th November Dusk at NAPT produced 15 Grey Partridge, Barn Owl & 4 Snipe over (John Gallagher).

22nd November 2009 Early morning on NAPT produced 300 Pink-footed Geese >E, Kingfisher, Common Gull and 54 Black-headed Gulls (Mick Clay & John Gallagher). At Dinnington Marsh, at 09:30, 180 Pink-footed Geese >E, also 35 Goldfinch, 50 Meadow Pipit, 16 Snipe & 3 Woodcock (John Gallagher).

18th November Kingfisher at Stone Lock, Chesterfield Canal, just west of Turnerwood (Nigel Butler).

15th November Early morning at Axle Lane produced m Merlin in rain hunting Meadow Pipits. 4 Whooper Swans (2ad 2imm) still present (Mick Clay). 6 Tree Sparrow at the Butterfly House, N. Anston (Chris Lilley).

14th November Kingfisher showing well at NAPT (Andy Hirst). Near the Butterfly House (Tetrad H) today were 15 Blackbird, 20 House Sparrow, 8 Tree Sparrow, and 122 Rook (Chris Lilley).

13th November 4 Whooper Swans (2ad 2imm) still present at Axle Lane (Mick Clay).

11th November Whooper Swans (2ad 2imm) still present at Axle Lane, plus at Kiveton Woodlands today;
Redwing, c15 Goldfinch, a pair of Kestrel, c20 Blackbird, 10 Blue Tit, 5 Great Tit, c200 Golden Plover heading towards Axle Lane & 3 Black-headed Gulls (Paul Rigg).

10th November Dusk at Langold Lake, m Pochard, 2m Shoveler, & a pair of Wigeon. Also Buzzard, 4 Tawny Owl calling & 2 Woodcock (John Gallagher).

9th November Langold Lake held 49 Tufted Duck, 72 Coot, 25 Mallard, 23 Moorhen, 18 Gadwall, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Shoveler, 1 Greylag Goose, 1 Pochard, 2 Mute Swan & 83 Canada Geese. At Owday Wood there were 2 Buzzard overhead as there were 2 Buzzard at Axle Lane (Brian Chambers).

8th November 4 Whooper Swans (2ad 2imm) still in rape field at Axle Lane near farm (Mick Clay, Andy Hirst & Brian Chambers).

7th November At Kiveton Pit Top today were Chiffchaff, Kingfisher and 300 Pink-footed Geese >E. At Axle Lane a family party of 4 Whooper Swans sat in rape field by farm (2 ad &2 imms) (Mick Clay). At NAPT, Cramfit entrance a f Kingfisher diving and retrieving 3 fish also f Stonechat. Langold Lake held m Shoveler. Carlton Lake produced a Kingfisher. Dinnington Marsh held Buzzard, Fieldfare, 2 Willow Tit & Woodcock (John Gallagher).

Family party of Whooper Swan, Axle Lane © Mick Clay

6th November At NAPT today were c30 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrush, c20 Goldfinch, c40 Starling, 6 Lapwing, 5 Snipe, 16 Black-headed Gull, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1f Reed Bunting, 2m Bullfinch. At Harry Crofts Quarry single Little Owl, Kestrel, 9 Yellowhammer & 18 Jackdaw (Brian Chambers). At Dewidales Wood were 4 Lapwing & 116 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Also a dead Buzzard stuffed into a tree on the edge of Dewidales Wood. At Langold Lake, 7 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Mute Swans, 81 Canada Geese, 33 Mallard, 27 Gadwall, 1m Wigeon, 39 Tufted Ducks, 6 Moorhen, 78 Coot & 150 Black-headed Gulls. (Geoff Facer). This afternoon at NAPT, were Heron, 4f 1m Reed Bunting, 2m 1f Bullfinch, 55 Black-headed Gulls, Kingfisher, 15 Long-tailed Tit, 5 Lapwing, 25 Fieldfare S>, Green Woodpecker& Grey Wagtail (John Gallagher).

2nd November At Kiveton Woodlands today were Great Spotted Woodpecker, Jay 7 Long-tailed Tits, 4m 5f Bullfinch, 10 Goldfinch, 2 Black-headed Gull, 4 Redwing, 8 Blackbird & 5 Greenfinch (Paul Rigg).

1st November The groups Nov trip was a wildfowl count, although it was a bit of a washout. Roche Abbey revealed 25 Mallard & 9 Moorhen. Langold Lake produced 69 Coot, 54 Mallard, 30 Tufted Duck, 21 Gadwall, 7 Moorhen, 5 Great Crested Grebe, single m Pochard, 2 Mute Swan, and 80 Canada Geese. Firbeck held 11 Mallard, 6 Coot, 5 Moorhen, 2 Little Grebe and 2 Canada Geese. Brown Bailey's was quiet with just 13 Tufted Duck, 13 Coot, 9 Mallard and a single Great Crested Grebe (Andy Hirst, Mick Clay, Brian Chambers, Alan Bradford, Paul Rigg, John Gallagher and Andy Murray).

Wildfowl Count-A damp Alan Bradford & Mick Clay at Langold Lake © Andy Hirst

Late afternoon at Thurcroft Pit Top produced 3 Meadow Pipit, 10 Linnet, 12 Mallard, 1 Buzzard, 1 Tawny Owl & 3 Green Sandpiper (John Gallagher).

31st October Water Rail still present at Langold Lake this morning, plus many Gadwall, Coot and Tufted Duck. c12 Siskin at the bottom end with several Lesser Redpoll over, at least 4-5 Great Crested Grebe, 2m Pochard, Kingfisher with Snipe & Buzzard over (Andy Hirst).

30th October At Langold lake today was a m Red-crested Pochard (this one of the feral birds from Lound no doubt). And a Kingfisher at Carlton Lake (John Gallagher).

29th October Early morning at Axle Lane produced also 200 Skylarks and 2000 Woodpigeon (Mick Clay). Circa. 250 Pink-footed Geese NW> over South Anston at 09:00 (Geoff & Lyn Facer). Water Rail at Langold Lake in the SW corner of the main lake. Also Chiffchaff in the trees by path to the hill, 2 Green Woodpecker, 5 Great Crested Grebe & 1m Pochard (Brian Chambers). Dusk at Dinnington Marsh produced 20+ Blackbirds, Teal, 2 Snipe over & Barn Owl (John Gallagher).

26th October 17:00 80 Pink-footed Geese >NE over Axle Lane (John Gallagher).

25th October At Langold Lake today-Water Rail and 77 Pink-footed Geese >E. Also at Langold Lake 2 Little Grebe, 2 Teal, 1 Pochard, Kingfisher & Lesser Redpoll. Thurcroft Pit Top produced Green Sandpiper. Little Owl at Lingodell & Harrycrofts. Tommy Flockton's Marsh held 2 Snipe & 600 Golden Plover >SW (John Gallagher).

23rd October On Axle Lane this morning were 200 Skylarks and Merlin hunting (seen first by Lyn Facer) and then later by Mick Clay on the North Anston side of the A57 being mobbed by Crows, also Common Buzzard (Mick Clay).

18th October Carr Hill produced 15 Tree Sparrow, 20 Yellowhammer, 20 Grey Partridge & f Stonechat. By Oldcotes Road were 70 Golden Plover. Dinnington Marsh produced 20 Linnet, 20 Lapwing, 30 Fieldfare & 10 Redwing (John Gallagher).On Thurcroft Pit Top this morning were 3 Stonechat (2m,1f), Lesser Redpoll, 3 Willow Tit and Green Sandpiper calling. Over Slade Hooton 100 Pink-footed Geese >E (Mick Clay). 'Viz-Mig' from Kings Wood corner produced the following: 2 Pied Wagtail, 8 Fieldfare, 2 Reed Bunting, 300 Pheasant (released for shoot), 15 Chaffinch, 4 Buzzard, 4 Linnet, 5 Siskin, 600 Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, 8 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Yellowhammer, Kestrel, 6 Stock Dove, 9 Greenfinch, 368 Starling >SW, 3 Song Thrush, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 7 Black-headed Gull, 3 Meadow Pipit, 3 Jay, 4 Blackbird, 9 Tree Sparrow, 39 Mallard & 2 Collared Dove, although the highlight were 4 Roe Deer grazing by the wood. Elsewhere Langold Lake held 74 Coot, 32 Mallard, 29 Moorhen, 23 Tufted Duck, 46 Black-headed Gull, single Heron, 2m 1f Pochard, 2 Mute Swan, 11 Gadwall, although the highlight a f Shoveler, as well as 2 Siskin, Bullfinch, Green Woodpecker and Grey Wagtail. Hewett Arms Pond produced Kingfisher, 7 Mallard, 3 Heron and 33 Black-headed Gull. Brown Bailey's was quiet with just 13 Coot, Grey Wagtail, 8 Mallard, single Moorhen & Canada Goose. Carlton Lake was equally quiet with Grey Wagtail, Buzzard, single Coot, Moorhen and Canada Goose. (Andy Hirst).

17th October At Langold Lake today were 15 Gadwall,1 Wigeon,1 Teal, 4 Great Crested Grebe and 1 juv still being feed (Mick Clay).

16th October At Kiveton Pit Top today were 2 Sparrowhawk, Jay, 10 Skylark, 12 Meadow Pipit, f Stonechat, 50 Golden Plover, 60 Black-headed Gull & 15 Lapwing. Axle Lane produced m Sparrowhawk feeding on large Woodpigeon sqaub & Peregrine. (John Gallagher).

14th October At Thurcroft Pit Top today were 2 Redwing, Kingfisher, f Green Woodpecker, 2m 1f Stonechat, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Jack Snipe, 4 Meadow Pipit, Jay & 10 Pied Wagtail >N. (John Gallagher). A walk around Langold Lake produce c50 Coot, 20m 15 f Mallard, 7 f Tufted Duck, 10 Moorhen, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 7m 1 f Gadwall, Kingfisher, 11 Canada Geese, Grey Wagtail, imm. Cormorant, Grey Heron, c30 Black-headed Gull, 5 Pied Wagtail, Sparrowhawk over field and 3m and 2f Pheasant (Paul Rigg).Single Fieldfare in an Axle Lane garden (Mick Clay).

13th October Little Owl at Grange Farm, Woodsetts hunting at 05.00 (Nigel Butler).

12th October At NAPT, juv & f Stonechat plus Grey Wagtail around sewage works (John Gallagher). Early morning at Axle Lane produced 330 Redwing and 200 Skylark >S, single Swallow >NW, 2 Corn Bunting and 150 Golden Plover (Mick Clay).

9th October A 'Viz Mig' from Kings Wood corner produced 40 spp including, 8 Pied Wagtail >S, 25 Chaffinch, 4 Robin, 300+ Woodpigeon, 12 Greenfinch, 24 Linnet, 3 Jay, 16 Song Thrush, 12 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 16 Mallard, 54 Skylark, 3 Blackbird, 2 Buzzard, Greylag Goose >SW, 6 Mistle Thrush, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 6 Yellowhammer, 4 Siskin, 2 Cormorant >SE, 3 Meadow Pipit, 3 Redwing & 7 Tree Sparrow (Andy Hirst).

8th October From Kings Wood corner this morning were 3 Dunnock, 3 Robin, 7 Mistle Thrush, 6 Black-headed Gull, c200 Pheasant, 4 Yellowhammer, 3 Chaffinch, single Nuthatch, 2 Jay, 4 Song Thrush, 5 Meadow Pipit, 3 Buzzard, 2 Siskin, Bullfinch, Sparrowhawk, Lesser Redpoll >S, and 200+ Woodpigeon (Andy Hirst). At NAPT ; very little water in the scrape. A pair of Stonechat around the gorse west of the hide. 3 Snipe, 11 Magpie, 2 Moorhen, 12 Blackbird and 1 Song Thrush. At Langold Lake were 71 Coot, 30 Mallard, 16 Tufted Duck, 8 Great Crested Grebe, 11 Moorhen, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Cormorant, 1 Heron & 1 Green Woodpecker (Brian Chambers).

7th October From Kings Wood corner this morning were c200 Pheasant, 85 Lapwing, 5 Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush, c150 Woodpigeon, 9 Skylark, 3 Greenfinch, 12 Long-tailed Tit, Treecreeper, 2 Jay, 2 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk, 10 Lesser Black-backed Gull, Heron and 20 Canada Geese. At Roche Abbey were 21 Mallard, 2 Teal, 10 Moorhen and a Little Grebe. At Firbeck were 24 Skylark >SW, 10 Mallard, 2 Tufted Duck and 20 Canada Geese. Lingodell held 6 Buzzard, Little Grebe and a Heron. Later in the day 2 Raven>SE over Kings Wood and 44 Collared Dove in a tree at Stone, plus 4 Swallow (Andy Hirst). At Kiveton Woodlands today were flocks of finches mainly Goldfinch, 10 Lesser Black-backed Gulls >SW, Kestrel, c30 Skylarks and Red (Sp) arrow (see pic) not a bird but worth a punt! (Paul Rigg).

6th October At Langold Lake today were 32 Mallard, 79 Coot, 2 Heron, 9 Black-headed Gull, 8 Moorhen, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Grey Wagtail, 24 Tufted Duck, single Cormorant, 25+ Song Thrush (big arrival today), 12 Blackbird, 5 Swallow, 5 Bullfinch, 2 Mute Swan and 10 Gadwall (Andy Hirst).

5th October At Axle Lane today were 2500 Golden Plover, 400 Skylarks and 200 Pink-footed Geese>W mid-morning (Mick Clay).

4th October At Langold Lake today were 2 Little Grebe, 2 Grey Wagtail, 7 Gadwall, 9 Teal, 1 Cormorant , 1 Kingfisher, 5 House Martin & 2 Jay (John Gallagher)

3rd October At Dinnington Marsh a single Jack Snipe (John Gallagher & Andy Murray).

2nd October No sign of the Buff-breasted Sandpiper at Axle Lane this morning between 07:00 and 08:30. Although 400 Golden Plover present and c30-50 Skylark (Andy Hirst, Geoff & Lyn Facer, Brian Chambers, Keith Naylor & Mick Clay), Ring-tail Hen Harrier over South Anston at Cramfit (Janet Allsop & Clive Gretton). Later in the day were 1500 Golden Plover, 400 Skylarks and m Peregrine (Mick Clay).

1st October No sign of the Dotterel in brief search this morning. A more thorough search over the whole Golden Plover flock will take place early evening (Andy Hirst & Mick Clay).This resulted in no Dotterel, but a juv. Buff-breasted Sandpiper in with 300 Golden Plover. Observed feeding, preening and in flight for half an hour between 18:15 and 18:45, when it lifted with Golden Plover over the wall. Not relocated in the next 15 mins before dusk. This the second for SK58, the first on the 20th September 2002. Will be looked for in the morning (Andy Hirst Mick Clay and Phil? from Worksop).

30th September juv Dotterel at Axle Lane 18:30 until dusk. From Axle Lane follow the wall path, just before the bush look left over the rolled field. The bird was with 3 Golden Plover (Mick Clay). At Thurcroft Pit Top were 3 Snipe & Green Sandpiper. At Dinnington Marsh was a Peregrine sat in re-seeded field (John Gallagher). Rough-legged Buzzard reported NW over N. Anston (per BirdGuides).

29th September Ring Ouzel reported by South Anston church (Paul Tennyson per Brian Chambers).

24th September Hobby >NW over Throapham this afternoon, from the office window (Andy Hirst).

21st September At Dinnington Marsh in a ploughed field were 20 Pied Wagtail, 80 Starling, 25 Lapwing & a Curlew relocated to somewhere near Common Farm at 19:05. (John Gallagher & Andy Murray).

19th September Around Kiveton Pit Top were 100 Golden Plover >W, 30 Mallard >W, m Great Spotted Woodpecker, f Sparrowhawk, 6 Snipe, 4 Jay, 4 Swallow >S & 20 House Martin (John Gallagher).

18th September Around Smarson Hills Wood were 15 House Martins, Jay, 2 Buzzard, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker pursued by a Sparrowhawk. 6 Grey Partridge, 9 Teal & a Green Sandpiper. Axle Lane produced single Buzzard, Wheatear & f Whinchat (John Gallagher).

16th September Early morning at Axle Lane, a Hobby hunting and moving away >NE, also Wheatear (Mick Clay).

14th September Hobby >NE over Axle Lane (Mick Clay).

12th-13th September A concerted effort by several members to record migrating birds (Viz Mig) at strategic points around the square did eventually pay off this weekend see below.

Dawn @ Dinnington Marsh © Andy Hirst

13th September Viz Mig at Kings Wood corner included 23 House Martin >S, 2 Song Thrush, 201 Lesser Black-backed Gulls >S, 4 Yellow Wagtail >S, 6 Cormorant >NW, 6 Chaffinch >S, 3 Pied Wagtail >S, 4 Swallow >S and 2 Linnet >S. The highlight an ad. f Peregrine >SW. Local birds included 30 Red-legged Partridge, c200 Pheasant, 3 Buzzard, Jay & 8 Mallard (Andy Hirst & Duncan Bye). Viz Mig at Axle Lane produced 14 Meadow Pipit >S, 1 Grey Wagtail, 43 House Martin and the highlight by far an Osprey >S. Also in the field by the ponds were 210 Golden Plover (Mick Clay & John Gallagher). Roche Abbey produced 3 Nuthatch, 30 Long-tailed Tit in several mixed flocks, Grey Wagtail, 2 Marsh Tit, 7 Goldcrest amongst the tit flocks, Treecreeper, with Little Grebe on the pond with 4 Coot, 13 Moorhen, single Teal and Tawny Owl calling. Langold Lake held Heron, 2 Mute Swan, 26 Mallard, 70 Coot, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 12 Moorhen, 6 Gadwall, 21 Tufted Duck, 12 Canada Geese with 20 House Martin over, 3 Swallow and 2 Chiffchaff calling. Hodsock produced 50 Goldfinch, 50 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 80 Pied Wagtail, 70 Linnet, 6 Yellow Wagtail (inc. 2 juv's), 7 Meadow Pipit, Heron, Chiffchaff, 4 Yellowhammer and 12 House Martin >S (Andy Hirst).

12th September Viz Mig at Dinnington Marsh was quiet, with 15 Lesser Black-backed Gulls >SE, 4 Goldfinch >S, 11 Swallow >S, 24 House Martin >S. Local birds included 6 Pied Wagtail leaving the roost, Sparrowhawk, 2 Willow Tit, 6 Pheasant, Chiffchaff, Tree Sparrow and Jay (Andy Hirst & John Gallagher). Viz Mig at NAPT was very slow with 5 Meadow Pipit >S and a few Swallow & House Martin. Around the scrape were 32 Mallard, 4 Stock Dove, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Jay, 8 Grey Partridge, 4 Snipe, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Kestrel & 1 Sparrowhawk (Brian Chambers). Viz Mig at Axle Lane produced 40 Meadow Pipit >S, 2 Pied Wagtail, 29 House Martin, 2 Swallow and 58 Lesser Black-backed Gulls all >S. Plus single Cormorant, 2 Snipe >N and 2 Grey Wagtail >NE (Mick Clay). 120 Lesser Black-backed Gulls in fields by Dewidales Wood. By Rackford Farm were 2 Tawny Owl, 64 Rook, 39 Woodpigeon, single Jay, 21 Linnet, 13 Goldfinch and a Green Woodpecker. Around the Butterfly House were 11 Blackbird, 11 Robin, 9 Chaffinch, 6 Great Tit, 6 Wren, 4 Tree Sparrow, and 2 Bullfinch (Chris Lilley).

11th September Early morning high >S over Axle Lane were 35 Meadow Pipit, 1 Tree Pipit, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 20 House Martin and 1 Swallow also Common Buzzard, 120 Golden Plover ,1 Snipe >N and 300 Linnet. Plus 27 Pink-footed Geese >E over NAPT (Mick Clay). At NAPT were Green Woodpecker, 2 Common Whitethroat & Yellow Wagtail >S (John Gallagher).

9th September An early morning at Tinkerhole Dike proved quiet, with little moving-biggest movement were Lesser Black-backed Gull with a total 154 >S, small numbers of House Martin & Swallow >S, 2 Sand Martin >S, 7 Chaffinch >S, 6 Greenfinch >S and a Yellow Wagtail >S. Tawny Owl flew across plus Chiffchaff, 2 Buzzard and Blackcap (Andy Hirst). At Dinnington Marsh today were Willow Warbler, Wheatear, 2 Buzzard & 4 Snipe. (John Gallagher).

8th September Early morning at Axle Lane produced Hobby hunting and 4 Wheatear. (Mick Clay). At Thurcroft Pit Top, single Wheatear, Snipe & m Sparrowhawk. (John Gallagher).

7th September 6 Common Buzzard circling Langold then drifted >E (Alan Bradford).

6th September At Harry Croft's were 4 Little Owl, 4 Red-legged Partridge & 15 Grey Partridge (John Gallagher).

5th September At NAPT this morning were 7 Curlew and 3 Snipe >SW,136 Swallow , 112 Meadow Pipit, 6 Sand Martin and 33 House Martin all >S. Also Kingfisher on the small pond. At Axle Lane were 400 Linnet, Yellow Wagtail, 80 Golden Plover and 5 Wheatear (Mick Clay).

4th September Early morning at Axle Lane produced a m Merlin hunting over stubble by A57, also Common Buzzard, 3 Wheatear, 3 Cormorant and a small movement of Meadow Pipit (Mick Clay).

2nd September At Axle Lane today were 6 Wheatear (Mick Clay).

1st September Early morning at Axle Lane was a high count of 10 Wheatear, Common Buzzard, 90 Golden Plover (arriving back), 200 Linnet and 5 Corn Bunting (Mick Clay).

31st August At Axle Lane in the early morning were 2 Wheatear, single Corn Bunting , 54 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 40 Black-headed Gull, 200 Linnets and 160 Golden Plover (Mick Clay).

29th August Kingfisher over the Cramfit Brook at NAPT, although the highlight was an imm Osprey >SW low over the hide at 09:45. Also a flock of c45 Goldfinch, c100 Woodpigeon, 3 Stock Dove, c50 Starling, 6 Collared Dove, 3 Black-headed Gull (1ad 2imm), 2 Reed Warbler, 2 Moorhen. Also single Buzzard and 2 Sand Martin plus Heron (Andy Hirst).

28th August At Axle Lane 3 Yellow Wagtails >S plus a Willow Warbler in a S. Anston garden (Mick Clay).

27th August Single Wheatear at Dinnington Pit Top, flew towards NAPT (Dave Thornley). At Langold Lake today were: Grey Wagtail back by the overflow, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 60 Mallard, 36 Canada Geese, 6 Tufted Duck, 18 Moorhen, 2 Heron, 40 Coot, 2 Mute Swan & a Kestrel (Alan Bradford).

25th August At Axle Lane; 2 Wheatears on wall, also Chiffchaff in a S. Anston garden (Mick Clay).

24th August Yellow Wagtail >S, c30 Swallow mobbing a f Sparrowhawk and 2 Buzzard mewing on the W side of Carlton in Lindrick (Andy Hirst). Pictured right-several members erecting Barn owl boxes in the square. Click on our Barn Owl page link at the top of the page.

21st August At Thurcroft Pit Top today were single Snipe, Jay, Green Woodpecker, Buzzard, Kingfisher & juv Sparrowhawk chasing House Martins. Axle Lane produced Buzzard, Hobby & 2 Whinchat plus 2 Wheatear close to raised manhole cover (John Gallagher).

19th August 2 Whinchats at Axle Lane by the main path near the ponds (Mick Clay).

18th August Passing >S in 1 hour (08:00 to 09:00) at Axle Lane were 350 Swallows, 210 House Martins, 29 Swift and 1 Sand Martin. Also single Whinchat and Wheatear on main path plus 4 Yellow Wagtails and 8 Corn Buntings. Also on ploughed fields were 89 Lesser Black-backed and 68 Black-headed Gulls. Late afternoon and an imm. Hobby hunting over Axle Lane (Mick Clay).

17th August 2 pairs of Hobby have successfully reared 2 and 3 young respectively (John Layden & Alan Bradford).

16th August At Axle Lane a Red Kite for 15 mins before >E. Also Wheatear, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 5 Common Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 28 Swift, 210 House Martin and 200 Swallow all >S. 19 Golden Plover, 3 Cormorant >W and 100 Linnets (Mick Clay).

15th August Around the Butterfly House today were 6 Collared Dove, 3 Robin, 3 Corn Bunting (good record for here), 5 Blackbird, 6 Great Tit, and 2 Tree Sparrow (Chris Lilley).

14th August Early morning at Dinnington Marsh produced Greenshank, 24 Snipe and Harris Hawk. Midday at Axle Lane were Whinchat (near to ponds on main path),Wheatear and 3 Yellow Wagtails (Mick Clay).

13th August Greenshank still present in wet meadow to left of path, beyond Dinnington Marsh, along the Mineral Line (John Gallagher).

12th August Early morning at Axle Lane produced Wheatear, 6 Yellow Wagtails, 4 Common Whitethroat, 2 Corn Bunting, 69 Swallows and 40 House Martin (Mick Clay). At NAPT were 2 Grey Partridge and c50 Goldfinch. At Laughton Common, in the wet meadow beyond Dinnington Marsh were 2 Common Snipe and 1 Greenshank (Geoff Facer). Also here in the early evening c100 House Martin >S, 4 Stock Dove, 20 Swallow, 2 Sand Martin, Willow Tit, Heron & 2 juv. Bullfinch (Andy Hirst). In Lindrick Dale were 2 Little Grebe. Axle Lane revealed 2 imm. Wheatear in rape stubble (John Gallagher).

11th August 2 Greenshank in the wet meadow beyond Dinnington Marsh, along the Mineral Line (Andy Murray per Mick Clay).

9th August At Tommy Flockton's Marsh today were Green Sandpiper, good numbers of Willow Warbler, Common Whitethroat and Chiffchaff. At Kiveton Pit Top a Greenshank >S and good numbers of Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Common Whitethroat and Reed Warblers At a site within the square this evening were 2 Green Sandpiper, plus an ad & 3 fledged juv. Barn Owl (John Gallagher & Mick Clay).

8th August The first returning Golden Plover back to Axle Lane and Yellow Wagtail >S (Mick Clay).

7th August At Dinnington Marsh today were 45 Mallard, 4 Jay, 2 Green Sandpiper & 1 Common Tern >N. Thurcroft Pit Top held 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Buzzard & a Kingfisher (John Gallagher).

6th August A Grasshopper Warbler calling from the meadow to west of Quinn's. (Between Chesterfield Canal and railway at Kiveton station). (Geoff Facer).

5th August Reed Bunting juv. plus a pair of Yellowhammer at Kiveton Woodlands-the latter collecting nesting material (Paul Rigg).

Reed Bunting juv-Kiveton © Paul Rigg

31st July At Harrycroft's Quarry, single Hobby over plus juv. Green Woodpecker, 4 Buzzard, 2 Stock Dove & 2 Red-legged Partridge. At Thwaite House Farm were 2 Buzzard, Great Spotted Woodpecker as well as an ad & juv. Little Owl. (John Gallagher).

28th July Opposite the Sanctuary along Eastfield Lane was an imm. Little Owl mobbed by c20 Swallows, with 4 Sand Martin >S, with Sparrowhawk and Kestrel over in heavy rain (Andy Hirst).

27th July At a site within the square were an ad. Barn Owl & 2 imm, and 2 juv. Long-eared Owls as well as Badger! (Mick Clay).

26th July At NAPT and the small pond by the hide did produced 2 types of damselfly;
Common Blue and Blue-tailed (both male) as well as teneral (newly emerged) Common Darter. Common Tern at Kiveton Pit Top (Paul Rigg).

24th July At a site within the square were 2 imm. Barn Owls, a Little Owl, plus Grasshopper Warbler and Raven over (Mick Clay).

23rd July Along Red Lane, Carlton, a Hobby mid morning (Mick Clay).

22nd July Half an hour at NAPT this evening produced 2 Reed Warbler, 50+ House Martin, 20+ Lapwing, 2ad & 2juv Black-headed Gull, 4 Moorhen, Yellow Wagtail >S, 2 Kestrel, 2 Grey Partridge, a Kingfisher and a Hobby >S. At a site within the square were a family group of Barn Owls, (1ad. with food and 3 well grown young), 2 Grey Partridge, c50 Swift and 4 Curlew >SW and a reeling Grasshopper Warbler (Andy Hirst).

20th July At a site in the square today were 1ad. and 3 juv. Barn Owls plus 1ad and 2juv. Little Owls (Mick Clay).

18th July At NAPT this morning was a good passage of Sand Martin & Swift >S, small groups of 6-10 birds between 08:00-10:30. Plus 37 Lapwing plus 3 juv, at least 2 Reed Warbler, steady passage of Lesser Black-backed Gull >SW and the highlight a family party of 4 Kingfishers (1ad 3juv) (Andy Hirst).

18th July Kiveton Waters produced 2 Common Tern, Green Woodpecker & juv Sparrowhawk. At Kiveton Pit Top (east side) a Grasshopper Warbler reeling. Tufted Duck with young 6 at Langold Lake, 5 at Langold Holt & Thwaite House Farm (John Gallagher).

15th July At Lindrick Dale today were Grey Wagtail & Little Grebe. Langold Pit Top held a pair of Grey Partridges & 11 juv. Langold Top (little) Lake produced Kingfisher. At Thwaite House Farm were Jay, 2 Buzzard, Little Owl ad &juv. (John Gallagher).

13th July At a site within the square today were 3 juv. Barn Owls & 3 Little Owls (Mick Clay). At NAPT were 3 Moorhen, 80 Lesser Black-backed Gull >W, 3 Black-headed Gull (2 juv), 2 Reed Warbler, 20 Lapwing, Kestrel &c70 Swift >S-(constant steady passage of small groups) (Andy Hirst).

11th July A Cuckoo >S over S. Anston (Mick Clay).

10th July 35 Black-headed Gulls in field adjacent to Dinnington Marsh (Mineral line), also Jay at Socheage Hill Woodsetts (Nigel Butler).

9th July Kingfisher and Reed Warbler at Cramfit end of NAPT today, also Reed Bunting, Kestrel, Swifts, House Martin, Grey Partridge with 3 young, plus 20 Lapwing (Dave Thornley).

3rd July 2 Raven near South Anston this evening (Mick Clay). Cuckoo & Green Woodpecker with juv. at Thurcroft Pit Top (John Gallagher).

1st July at Axle Lane today were 5 Corn Bunting and in Harry Crofts quarry 3 Little Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper (Mick Clay).

30th June At Grange Farm, Loscar a Common Buzzard and Grasshopper Warbler near by at the Bondhay side (Mick Clay).

29th June Late evening, a Hobby >S over South Anston (Mick Clay). A BBS square (Tetrad M)-around Brands Lane/ Woodsetts produced 19 Greenfinch, 22 Blackbird, 7 Song Thrush, 13 Wren, 11 Skylark, 4 Tree Sparrow, 2 Reed Bunting, a Hobby and 17 House Sparrow (Chris Lilley).

28th June A Kingfisher at Roche Abbey and Quail at top end of Brands Lane (John Gallagher). At NAPT a Barn Owl hunting rear of bird hide at 08:45,on scrape were 14 Lapwing with 6 small juvs, also 3 Reed Warbler and 4 Sedge Warbler. Over Hawks Wood were 3 Common Buzzard and a Hobby which drifted towards Harthill. Along the Chesterfield Canal was a Green Sandpiper and Tawny Owl calling. Late afternoon a Hobby over South Anston (Mick Clay). 10 Blackbird by the Butterfly House, as well as 10 Tree Sparrow (Chris Lilley).

27th June 2 Quail calling at top end of Brands Lane (Chris Lilley). At NAPT, 15 Lapwings & 3 small juvs., 1 Green Sandpiper briefly but chased off by Lapwing (Geoff Facer). A BBS square (Tetrad H)-around the Butterfly House produced 8 Dunnock, 10 Song Thrush, 10 Greenfinch, 29 House Sparrow, 12 Tree Sparrow, 12 Wren, 26 Swift, 2 Blackcap, 4 Whitethroat, 15 Skylark, 4 Yellowhammer and an amazing 5 Quail (Chris Lilley).

26th June at Tommy Flockton's Marsh today were 3ad & 2juv. Heron & Mallard with 12 ducklings. Along Rackford Road a fledgling Little Owl. NAPT held 40 Lapwing. Thurcroft Marsh, produced Little Grebe and 1 juv, plus Little Owl. Thurcroft Pit Top, revealed a Hobby on a fence post (John Gallagher). At Brampton today were 3 Common Terns and a Common Buzzard. On Common Road was a Little Owl and nearby 2 ad Barn Owls and at least 1juv. Lesser Whitethroat (Mick Clay).

25th June Cuckoo at Kiveton pit Top (Mick Clay).

23rd June Spotted Flycatcher between Roche Abbey & Stone in valley bottom (Mick Clay).

20th June Barn Owl hunting at 22:00 by A57 at Brown Bailey's pond (Nigel Butler). Turtle Dove by Cramfit entrance to NAPT (Mick Clay).

18th June An adult and 2 juv Long-eared Owls at a site in the square, also Barn Owl hunting at NAPT (Mick Clay).

16th June Along Rackford Lane were Buzzard, Little Owl and 2 Oystercatchers >S (Mick Clay).

14th June A Red Kite over Anston Stones Wood today (per Andy Hirst).

13th June 2 Grasshopper Warblers in the Top Marsh at NAPT this morning. Also several Reed Warbler & Sedge Warbler, plus 16 Lapwing, inc. several well grown young (Mick Clay Andy Hirst), 2 juv Long-eared Owls and Little Owl at a site within the square Along Common Road a single Barn Owl hunting fields (Mick Clay). The Little Ringed Plover at a site in the square have again failed for, this the 4th successive year they've failed to rear any young. The heavy rain of Wednesday night washed them out (Andy Hirst).

11th June At Kiveton Woodlands a Common Tern over fishing ponds & Cuckoo heard (Paul Rigg).

8th June At Tommy Flockton's Marsh, a pair of Gadwall & 1imm. & 1ad.Oystercatcher. At NAPT a single Turtle Dove by Cramfit entrance (John Gallagher).

7th June A Long-eared Owl and recently fledged juv at a site within the square (John Gallagher).

6th June At Tommy Flockton's Marsh today were single Heron, 2 Lapwing, 2 Greylag Geese, 1m Yellow Wagtail & Sedge Warbler. Kestrels are nesting in a pylon at Thurcroft Pit Top. Tawny Owl fledgling in Owl box at Thwaite House Farm. At Langold Holt were 2 Little Grebe. At Langold Pit Top was a single Garden Warbler singing & Green Woodpecker. By Langold Lake was single a Common Tern & Grey Wagtail (John Gallagher).

5th June At Langold Lake today were 6 Great Crested Grebes with 7 juvs, (broods of 2,2 & 3) with 2 Great Crested Grebes at Carlton Lake (Geoff Facer).

4th June At Dinnington Marsh this evening were several Willow Warbler, 10 House Martin, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 4 Linnet, 4 Chaffinch, 4 Swift, 2 Reed Bunting, the now resident Harris Hawk flew past, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Lapwing, Chiffchaff, family party of Long-tailed Tit, Blackcap & Mute Swan, all very mundane. NAPT produced Reed Warbler, several Lapwing Skylark, Linnet & Kestrel mostly to the enjoyment of Kiveton Scouts (Andy Hirst).

1st June Red Kite again >N very low over Langold, towards Oldcotes at 20:35 (John Layden). At the Butterfly House today were 13 Blackbird, 2 Whitethroat, 11 Jackdaw, 5 Robin, 8 House Sparrow & 4 Tree Sparrow (Chris Lilley).

31st May A Red Kite low over Langold at 06:30 (John Layden).

30th May At Thurcroft Pit Top were 2 Black-headed Gull, Grey Wagtail, 5 Lapwing (3 displaying), & 1m Shoveler with 2m Mallard (John Gallagher).

28th May 2 Common Tern at Brampton Common Fishponds. From Kings Wood Corner were Nuthatch entering a nest hole, Treecreeper, 2 Buzzard, Great Spotted Woodpecker & Marsh Tit. At Thurcroft Marsh was a single Painted Lady (Brian Chambers). At Kiveton Waters today were 20 House Martin, 3 Swallow, 10 Swift, Green Woodpecker, Coot with 5 juv. & 2 Mute Swan (Paul, Molly and Heather Rigg).

27th May At Carlton Lake today were 21 Canada Geese and 15 Sand Martin. At Langold Lake were 5 Great Crested Grebe plus at least 1 juv, 44 Canada Geese plus 4 juv's, 2 Heron & 2m 1 f Tufted Duck (Geoff & Lyn Facer). 2 Common Terns here later, plus 1 pair of Great Crested Grebe with at least 2-3 juv's (Andy Hirst).

26th May At Thorpe Salvin this evening a f type Marsh Harrier >SE from the direction of
Old Spring Wood at 20:55 (Geoff & Lyn Facer). At Tommy Flockton's Marsh were a pair of Gadwall. Langold Lake held 1ad 2 juv. Grey Wagtails, 4 Common Terns and a Garden Warbler singing at the top lake (John Gallagher).

25th May At Hodsock today were 3 Yellowhammer, 4 Yellow Wagtail (sev. m displaying), Buzzard, 3 Lapwing &10 Swift. 2 Hawfinch at Kings Wood corner this lunchtime, plus 3 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk and a Kestrel. Yellow Wagtail and Lesser Whitethroat along Rackford Lane (Andy Hirst).

24th May Single Sedge Warbler at Kiveton Pit Top (Brian Chambers).

22nd May a Little Ringed Plover at Tommy Flockton's Marsh today and a Spotted Flycatcher at Lindrick Dale (John Gallagher). A m Blackbird photographed on Nursery Road, with an overgrown upper mandible. Providing the deformity doesn't affect it's ability to feed, it should be fine (Dave Thornley). At NAPT this morning were 2 Redshank with 2 juv's, Kingfisher, Sedge Warbler, 2 Moorhen with 4 chicks also Ringed Plover sitting. Spotted Flycatcher in Carlton church yard and f Ruddy Duck on Carlton Lake. 2 f Wheatear at Brampton Common (Brian Chambers).

21st May Tree Sparrow nesting in the eaves of last house on East Field Lane, Cuckoo also, plus Great Spotted Woodpecker and Buzzard. 12 Lesser Black-backed Gull rising on thermals over Roche Abbey (Andy Hirst).

20th May Peregrine soaring above Thurcroft Pit Top, f Wheatear, & Little Ringed Plover (John Gallagher).

19th May Kings Wood corner produced 3 Buzzard, Nuthatch & c70 Swift. Nearby Roche Abbey revealed 2 Crossbill >S over the valley towards Kings Wood and Kingfisher through the ruins via the river (Andy Hirst). NAPT produced 2 Ringed Plover, a pair of Redshank and 1-2 juv's, Moorhen with 2 juv's, 10 Lapwing and 2 growing juv's plus 5 Mallard (Andy Hirst). At Thurcroft Marsh today were 2 Garden Warbler, Buzzard sat on telegraph pole, Green Woodpecker & a Snipe. The Terrace revealed a fledgling Tawny Owl & Great Spotted Woodpecker. The Common Terns remained at Langold Lake (John Gallagher).

18th May At Carlton Lake today were 2 Great Crested Grebe, several Sand Martin, a pair of Greylag Geese and a f Ruddy Duck. Langold Lake held a pair of Common Tern, Garden Warbler singing in scrub, and a pair of Great Crested Grebe with 2 stripy juv's. Nearby Hodsock produced c100 House Martin feeding over the sewage works, 10 Swallow, and 5 Swift. 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls >SW here plus Yellow Wagtail. 2 Garden Warbler at Thurcroft Pit Top-no sign of any Turtle Doves though (Andy Hirst).

17th May Early morning at Thurcroft Pit Top an a Cuckoo >N. Carlton Lake still held a pair of Gadwall, with 2 Common Terns at Langold Lake (John Gallagher). At Thurcroft Marsh were Garden Warbler and on the Pit Top Cuckoo, f Wheatear and 2 Little Ringed Plovers (Mick Clay). 2 Mute Swans at Kiveton Waters, plus 3 Canada Geese, plus c20 Swift. At Tommy Flockton's Marsh were 2 Greylag Geese (Paul Rigg).

16th May At Axle Lane early morning were 3 Common Terns. At NAPT 2 Ringed Plovers with 2 juv's, 2 Redshank with at least 1 juv.,10 Lapwing with at least 4 large juv, Kingfisher seen at least 4 times and carrying fish (Mick Clay).

14th May 2009 At NAPT 2 Redshank with 4 juvs, 2 Ringed Plover with 2 juvs and 10 Lapwing with 3 small juvs on top area. Also Sedge Warbler and Reed Warbler (Mick Clay).

13th May 3 Garden Warbler at Thurcroft Marsh (Mick Clay). A pair of Greylag Geese with 5 goslings at Lindrick Ponds-the first breeding record for about 10 years (Geoff Facer).

10th May This morning at Thurcroft Marsh, a single Snipe drumming, 2 Turtle Dove & a Cuckoo. Thurcroft Pit Top produced 3m & 3f Wheatear & Green Woodpecker calling (John Gallagher).

9th May Dawn Chorus walk at NAPT, plus 3 hours in the hide produced single Whimbrel >N, 2 Sedge Warbler, 2 Reed Warbler, c10 Willow Warbler, 6 Song Thrush, 6 Skylark, 5 Reed Bunting, single Snipe, 10 Lapwing, c20 Whitethroat, c100 Starling, Green Woodpecker, c10 Blackcap, single f Wheatear on main path, 12 Mallard, a pair of Kestrel, Heron & Kingfisher. At a site in the square, a pair of Little Ringed Plover have failed, probably predated. The eggs were due to hatch within a day or two (Andy Hirst). At 08:00 single Little Owl on hedgerow at Common Road (Cramfit). 2 Oystercatchers at 16:22 SE > over Langold Lake (John Gallagher). Buzzard mobbed by a Crow over Shireoaks village this pm (Alan Bradford & Andy Hirst).

7th May 17:00 at Tommy Flockton's Marsh were 1 Heron, 2 Lapwing, 1 f Kestrel, 1 Redshank & 30 Swift feeding above (John Gallagher).

6th May Early morning at Axle Lane today were Cuckoo, Sand Martin >W, 3 Swift >N, 3 Yellow Wagtail (2 m & 1 f), Corn Bunting and 2 Common Terns on the fishing ponds (Mick Clay).

5th May At NAPT the first Sedge Warbler and Reed Warbler. At Thurcroft Pit Top a staggering
11 Wheatear (6 f and 5 m) plus 2 Lesser Whitethroat and Little Owl at Carr (Mick Clay). Whooper Swan at Lingodell at 17:30 & a pair of Gadwall (John Gallagher).

3rd May Whooper Swan still present at Lingodell (John Gallagher).

2nd May Cuckoo calling by main track at Dinnington Marsh, plus 4 Song Thrush, Snipe drumming, escaped Harris Hawk, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 10 Swallow, 2 Kestrel, Willow Tit, 2 Mallard, 6 Blackbird & 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull >S. Also adult Whooper Swan at Lingodell (per John O'Malley) (Andy Hirst).

1st May At Thurcroft Marsh today were 2 Whitethroat, 2m Blackcap & Green Woodpecker. Thurcroft Pit Top produced f Kestrel with 6 possibly 8 Wheatear (John Gallagher). At Dinnington Marsh were 11 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 3 Whitethroat & 1 Lesser Whitethroat. At NAPT were single Snipe, Ringed Plover, Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Blackcap & 4 Willow Warbler. Brampton Common produced 2 Common Tern over the Longmile Fisheries, 1 m Wheatear & 2 Redshank (Brian Chambers).

30th April At Axle Lane today were single Yellow Wagtail, 5 Corn Bunting, and m Wheatear on the stones at Booth's, Todwick (Brian Chambers).

28th April m Peregrine hunting over Axle Lane again this morning. At NAPT this evening were 8 Lapwing & 7 juvs, 2 Ringed Plover, Redshank, Snipe and a Whimbrel >N, plus Lesser Whitethroat. At Dinnington Marsh f Wheatear present (Mick Clay).

27th April Peregrine over Axle Lane this morning. At Dinnington Marsh a Cuckoo and Harris Hawk (Mick Clay). Wheatear still at NAPT (Dave Thornley).

26th April Female Pied Flycatcher reported this morning in Stubbing's Wood (Phil Broadhead), but no sign at 15:00 (Phil Broadhead, Andy Hirst & Mick Clay). A day total of 11 Wheatear in the square (Andy Hirst) (see below). Grasshopper Warbler still 'reeling' at Honey Hills, Langold Lake this morning (Mick Clay, Brian Chambers). At Kings Wood today were 2 Green Woodpeckers, 7 Treecreepers, 2m Blackcaps & Jay. Over Langold Lake were 3 Swifts (John Gallagher). Along Kirk Croft Road this morning were at least 4 Whitethroat, 5 Blackbird, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Yellowhammer, at least 2 Tree Sparrow & 2 Lapwing. At Carr Hill were 3m and 1f Wheatear, 4 Lapwing and a Yellow Wagtail. (Andy Hirst). From Kings Wood corner were a pair of Kestrel, 2 Sparrowhawk, at least 8 Buzzard, Marsh Tit, 2 Hawfinch, 2 Nuthatch and a Tawny Owl (Andy Hirst, Mick Clay, Brian Chambers & John Gallagher). At Grange Farm were 4 Wheatear, Corn Bunting, 6 Skylark and 2 Buzzard. Plus 2m Wheatear at Loscar. NAPT produced the first Turtle Dove of the spring, 4 Linnet, Yellow Wagtail,a further m Wheatear and lots of juv. Lapwing (Andy Hirst).

25th April 3 Swift >N over Thurcroft Marsh. A Grasshopper Warbler picked up 'reeling' at Honey Hills, Langold Lake this morning (Mick Clay). NAPT produced 7 singing Wren (hard winter), 7 Blackcap, 6 House Sparrow (very unusual here-feeding in Gorse), 60 Starling, 11 Blackbird, 10 Skylark on top plateau, 10 Willow Warbler, 5 Robin, 8 Whitethroat, 3 Stock Dove, 2 Bullfinch, Redshank >N, 10 Lapwing plus c10 juv's, 4 Chiffchaff, 5 Reed Bunting, 3 Greylag Geese >N, Sand Martin >N, Yellow Wagtail >N, 8 Mallard, f Wheatear, 35 Woodpigeon & Lesser Redpoll >N (Andy Hirst). At Kings Wood corner were 5 Hawfinch, 3 of which flew towards Sandbeck, plus 3 Buzzard & 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming, (Andy Hirst, Mick Clay). At Tommy Flockton's Marsh today were single Redshank, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 1f Wheatear, 4 Linnets & 2 House Martins. Also at NAPT were 2 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Snipe, 2 Reed Bunting in fenced off plateau pond. Langold Holt held single Little Grebe, 2m & 1f Gadwall & 2m Blackcap (John Gallagher).

24th April 3 Common Terns at Axle Land ponds before moving >N early morning (Mick Clay). Cuckoo calling at Grange Farm, Woodsetts (Nigel Butler).

23rd April At Axle Lane today were 4 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Corn Buntings and 2 Whitethroat. On Common Lane was a Lesser Whitethroat (Mick Clay).

22nd April At Dinnington Marsh today were 11 Willow Warbler, 2 Bullfinch, Willow Tit, Chiffchaff & Buzzard. At Harry Crofts were 2 pairs of Wheatear, 3 Reed Bunting, 25 Linnet, 2 pairs of Lapwing and 3 Yellowhammer (Andy Hirst).

21st April Cuckoo >N over N. Anston calling (Chris Lilley).

20th April A lunchtime visit to NAPT produced at least 5 juv. Lapwing, Redshank, Ringed Plover, Snipe, and Whitethroat (Andy Hirst & Tony Drew). Dinnington Marsh produced the first Cuckoo (Mick Clay).

19th April 4 Buzzard over Carlton Lake with a pair of Great Crested Grebe on the lake, as well as a pair of Gadwall (hopefully they will stay and breed). Kings Wood produced at least 3 Hawfinch, with a pair displaying as well as Siskin over plus 3 Nuthatch, several Marsh Tit, Willow Warbler & Blackcap and a Roe Deer. Buzzard showed well with at least 8 birds up and 5 Sparrowhawk. Dinnington Marsh produced 3 Sand Martin >N, single Snipe, 2 Yellow Wagtail in a field & 3 Lesser Redpoll (Andy Hirst, Mick Clay & John Gallagher). NAPT produced Ringed Plover, at least 8 Lapwing and 2 juv's, Redshank, Heron and Whitethroat (Andy Hirst).

16th April Good numbers of Hirundines at Langold Lake last night with c70+ Swallow, 15 House Martin and c10 Sand Martin. As well as 3 pairs of Great Crested Grebe and a Little Grebe. A pair of Gadwall at Hodsock (Andy Hirst).

13th April At Thurcroft Pit Top were 3 Little Ringed Plover, a pair of Wheatear and 4 House Martin. Also Little Owl at Carr (Mick Clay). 08:00 at NAPT were 2 Redshank, single Ringed Plover & 2 Snipe. Along the Mineral Line, a good mix of Linnet, Bullfinch, Reed Bunting & 2 Willow Tit with a Barn Owl over the railway line at 20:30 (John Gallagher).

12th April At Roche Abbey today were 4 Teal, 2 Greylag Geese & 2 Grey Wagtail. Kings Wood produced 1f Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1f Green Woodpecker & 1 Tawny Owl. By Lingodell Farm a Yellow Wagtail & 2m Reed Bunting (John Gallagher). At Axle Lane today were f Wheatear along the stone wall, single m Yellow Wagtail, 4 Corn Bunting, Reed Bunting, Heron, 3 Meadow Pipit >E & several Skylark singing (Duncan Bye). At NAPT a Whitethroat (Mick Clay).

10th April At NAPT today 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank,12 Lapwing, 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff and Blackcap (Mick Clay). At Harry Crofts Quarry were 2 Lapwing & 4 Grey Partridge. At Anston Grange Farm were 6 Tree Sparrow. Lindrick Dale held Little Grebe, Greylag Goose & Grey Wagtail. At Lindrick Golf Course were 2 Blackcap & 5 Chiffchaff. Brancliffe Grange Farm produced Lapwing & 2 Tree Sparrow. On the Chesterfield Canal from Shireoaks to Thorpe Bridge were 2 Mute Swan, 30 Mallard + a brood of 9 young, 2 Grey Wagtail, 4 m Blackcap & 9 Chiffchaff (Geoff Facer). Between Tommy Flockton's Marsh & Shireoaks Marina were a pair of Redshank, Bullfinch, single Sparrowhawk, 3m Blackcap, 2 Willow Warbler, 1 Jay, 1 Nuthatch & single Treecreeper (John Gallagher).

9th April At Axle Lane today were Yellow Wagtail and Wheatear (Mick Clay).

8th April Blackcap on Lakeland Drive, N. Anston (Dave Thornley).

7th April At Langold Lake today were 18 Mallard, 37 Coot, 14 Tufted Duck, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 1 f Goosander, 35 Canada Goose, 2 Greylag Goose, 11 Robin, 2 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff and a flock of c60 Linnet in field south of the Top Lake. At Redhill a flock of c70 Linnet, 1 Green Woodpecker & 12 Skylark. At Hodsock 1 Swallow & c12 Meadow Pipit on the ploughed field (Brian Chambers). At Brown Bailey's today were 1 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Canada Geese, 6 Mallard, 12 Tufted Duck, 2 Moorhen, 15 Coot, 5 Sand Martin and 2 Chiffchaff (Geoff Facer). 3 House Martin over Grange Farm, Woodsetts this evening (Nigel Butler). Single Ringed Plover and 5 Snipe on the wader scrape at NAPT this evening, plus Willow Warbler (Andy Hirst). Willow Warbler and 2 Chiffchaff on Lakeland Drive, N. Anston (Dave Thornley).

6th April At Dinnington Marsh the first Willow Warbler, with c30 Fieldfare at Brampton Common. Thurcroft Pit Top produced single Green Sandpiper, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank, 2 Lapwing, 1 Blackcap singing and single Chiffchaff (Brian Chambers). On the scrape at NAPT between 11:00-14:00 were 1 Ringed Plover & 2 Snipe. (John Gallagher).

5th April On the Eastern boundary at Crossley Hill Wood today were 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker and m Green Woodpecker. At Red Lane, Carlton were Great Spotted Woodpecker and m Green Woodpecker plus Curlew >N. At Kings Wood Corner an Osprey north at 09:30 and shortly after 2 Osprey together (John O'Malley) also 7 Buzzard and 55 Fieldfare >N (Mick Clay). High over South Anston at 14:30 a Red Kite >NW (Mick Clay). What was probably the same bird was a Red Kite >N over Firbeck at 14:36 (John O'Malley).

4th April Around Buckwood Farm today were 2 Swallow, 2 Wheatear, 250 Golden Plover over >N. Langold Holt Pond held 8 Canada Geese, 6 Coot, 6 Moorhen, a pair of Gadwall and a Little Grebe. Langold Lake itself produced 4 Linnet, 1f Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1f Goosander & 2 Common Gull (John Gallagher).

3rd April This afternoon around Thurcroft Pit Top were 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Buzzard, 1m Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, Jay, 1 imm. Heron, 4 Grey Partridge, 2 Lapwing, 1 Jack Snipe feeding, & 3 Little Ringed Plover. The remains of a Short-eared Owl were found. It had been dead a week or so, therefore cause of death couldn't be established. Although the group has seen youths with airguns on site (John Gallagher). An hour at NAPT (17:30-18:30) proved exciting, despite the low water level 10 Lapwing were counted, plus 6 Snipe and 2 Redshank, although the highlight was a f Peregrine which swooped in from the S, harrying the Lapwing-amazing view (Andy Hirst).

31st March At NAPT today were 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Reed Bunting (3 m), a pair of Kestrel, 17 Magpie, and many Meadow Pipit & Skylark. At Firbeck Hall were Swallow, Treecreeper, 14 Redwing, Chiffchaff, c20 Canada Goose & 6 Greylag Goose. Along Common Road, Cramfit a Little Owl by the nest box (Brian Chambers).

30th March At Axle Lane today were 4 Wheatear (3m &1f) and 2 Corn Bunting (Mick Clay). Late afternoon at Tommy Flockton's Marsh were single Snipe, Heron, Sparrowhawk. Still present were a pair of Grey Wagtail & Redshank (John Gallagher). Single Swallow near Thwaite House Farm, Little Owl at Thurcroft Hall, Brookhouse and 2 Sand Martins > N late evening at Axle Lane (Mick Clay).

29th March The SK58 walk took place in glorious weather. At least 10 Chiffchaff along the old railway at Dinnington Marsh-Thurcroft. At least 4 Wheatear at Thurcroft Pit Top, a couple of Buzzard, c40 Meadow Pipit, Redshank over and Grey Partridge Several more Buzzard over Kings Wood (Andy Hirst etal). Late afternoon on High Street, South Anston, single Swallow (Mick Clay). Teatime till dusk, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker & 1 Green Woodpecker at Langold Holt. Reed Bunting & Tawny Owl perched in tree at Langold Farm (John Gallagher).

28th March The open hide morning at NAPT was quiet with 10 Lapwing, (4 sitting on nests), a good number of Meadow Pipit, at least 3 Chiffchaff, 6 Mallard, single Snipe, Heron and Buzzard. At Tommy Flockton's Marsh a Green Sandpiper in addition to the Redshank and Oystercatcher at Kiveton Waters (Andy Hirst). Around Langold Lake were 2 Goldcrest, 2 Nuthatch, 2 Coal Tit, 3 Treecreeper, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1f Great Spotted Woodpecker & 2 pair of Lesser Redpoll. Tawny Owl calling in Crow Wood. Oystercatcher Kiveton Ponds (John Gallagher).

27th March This afternoon at Tommy Flockton's Marsh were 2 Redshank, 5 Snipe & 2 Grey Wagtail. At Axle Lane at 12:14 were Corn Bunting, 5 Wheatear & 2 Stock Dove (John Gallagher & Mick Clay).

26th March At Axle Lane today were 5 Wheatear (4 m &1 f) and 3 Corn Bunting (Mick Clay). At Thurcroft Pit Top today was productive. A1.5 hour walk around the site this morning produced records of 13 Mallard, 5 Teal, a large number of Meadow Pipit c50+, 6 Skylark, 6 Pied Wagtail, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Snipe, 1 Green Sandpiper, Redshank, 2 Short-eared Owl, 4 m & 1 f Wheatear plus 2 Grey Partridge (Brian Chambers). Teatime today at Axle Lane, 8 Corn Bunting (John Gallagher).

25th March At a site in the square today today was a m Hen Harrier (site withheld as wintering birds are now being targeted by unscrupulous gamekeepers/ landowners). On Langold Lake were 40 Mallard, 12 Tufted Duck, 2 Gadwall, Heron, 45 Coot, 10 Moorhen, 10 Canada Geese plus 100 + on island and in fields 4 Greylag Geese in field plus 3 Great Crested Grebe sitting on nests (Alan Bradford). Barn Owl over the A57 at Shireoaks Pit Top (by railway line) at 18:50 (Chris Lilley).

24th March 6 Corn Bunting and 3 Wheatear at Axle Lane this morning (Mick Clay). At the Butterfly House today were 5 Chaffinch, 1 Chiffchaff, 5 Robin, 4 Blackbird, 6 Great Tit, 7 Blue Tit and 9 Tree Sparrow (Chris Lilley).

23rd March At Brampton Common today were a pair of Redshank feeding by the E end of the small stream (Brian Chambers).

22nd March Several Buzzard from Thornbury Hill this morning, plus Great Spotted Woodpecker. Very quiet in the strong wind at NAPT with single Snipe, 10 Lapwing, several Pied Wagtail, 12 Mallard, 3 Chiffchaff, Stock Dove and a few Skylark-water level very low (Andy Hirst). In Swinston Hill Wood this morning were 6 Great Tit, Sparrowhawk, and Treecreeper. Dewidales produced 19 Linnet, 9 Skylark and 4 Meadow Pipit. Along Rackford Road were 3 Dunnock, 4 Linnet and 7 House Sparrow (Chris Lilley).

21st March At NAPT were 12 Lapwing, 6 Snipe and Chiffchaff. Along East Field Lane were 7 Buzzard with a further 2 at Kings Wood and 4 at Thornbury Hill (Mick Clay). Also at Thornbury Hill was a Crossbill >N (John O'Malley). At Thurcroft Pit Top were Green Sandpiper and Redshank. 4 Little Ringed Plover at a site within the square (Mick Clay). This morning at Roche Abbey were 6 Teal, Woodcock, Treecreeper, 12 Meadow Pipit & a pair of Grey Wagtail. In Kings Wood were Nuthatch, & a pair of Green Woodpecker in same tree (John Gallagher).

20th March At Axle Lane was a Peregrine with prey plus 3 m Corn Buntings (Mick Clay). Also received a was a report of Hen Harrier back at a favoured site (per Mick Clay). The Butterfly house today held 8 House Sparrow and 9 Tree Sparrow (Chris Lilley).

19th March At 17:15, Dinnington Marsh were Kestrel, 2 Bullfinch, escaped Harris Hawk, a pair of Jay and 4 Lapwing (John Gallagher).

18th March C40 Whooper Swan calling >N over Dinnington at 09:00 (DJ & EV Hirst). A m Wheatear at Stone this morning (David Wright).

17th March On a recently ploughed and levelled field between Dewidales Wood and Lindrick at 14:00 a single m Wheatear. The same field produced 12 Fieldfare (Nigel Butler).

15th March From undisclosed sites today were 1, then 2 Little Ringed Plover, with Redshank, Ringed Plover, Chiffchaff and 9 Snipe (Mick Clay). Later in the morning the same site held 2 Little Ringed Plover, 9 Snipe, 1 confiding Jack Snipe 'bobbing' and 10 Lapwing. At a further undisclosed site a f Goshawk circled briefly, plus 3 Buzzard, and a Sparrowhawk (Andy Hirst).3 separate Tawny Owls in Woodsetts from 23:00 onwards (Nigel Butler). 2 Buzzard over Gildingwells, 1 Kestrel, 1m Great Spotted Woodpecker (drumming) in Wallingwells Wood. By Buckwood Farm were 8 Meadow Pipit with 3 Reed Bunting, 600 Golden Plover, 10 Lapwing & 1 Green Woodpecker (John Gallagher).

14th March From Kings Wood corner this morning were 100+ Redwing, 15 Buzzard, 3 Marsh Tit, 3 Sparrowhawk, 5 Skylark, Heron, 4 Kestrel, Tawny Owl calling, 300 Fieldfare-moving steadily >N in groups of 20-30. Brambling with 20 Chaffinch, Cormorant >N, 60 Starling >S and 2 Hawfinch calling (Andy Hirst). In the grounds of Firbeck Hall were 1 Heron, 80 Canada Geese, 14 Greylag Geese, Nuthatch & 3 Goldcrest (John Gallagher). At the Butterfly House were 6 Chaffinch, 8 Tree Sparrow and 10 House Sparrow plus 7 Robin and Blackbird (Chris Lilley).

13th March At Langold Pit Top today were Great Spotted Woodpecker. In Langold farm field were 12 Meadow Pipit, 4 Carrion Crow 35 Canada Geese. The lake held Heron, Cormorant, 8 Great Crested Grebe, 40 Black-headed Gull, Common Gull &10 Tufted Duck. On the Top lake were 4 Goosander, 4 Canada Geese, Moorhen & a Coot on eggs, as well as Great Crested Grebe nest building. In the old pit yard single Buzzard and a Stock Dove (Alan Bradford). At NAPT today were 16 Lapwing (9 on wader scrape, 7 flying over ), 4 Mallard,
8 Dunnock, 2 Song Thrush & 5 Reed Bunting. And a single Corn Bunting at Grange Farm. Shireoaks Marina held a flock of 60 + birds with c40 Siskin and 25 Lesser Redpoll feeding on the extensive plantation of Alder. At Brown Bailey's were 12 Coot, 4 Canada Geese, 14 Tufted Duck & 2 Great
Crested Grebe (Brian Chambers).

12th March 10:00 A Red Kite >N over fields at Fox Covert (just W of Brown Bailey's between Lindrick Golf Course and Gateford roundabout), being mobbed (Martin Garner, Geoff & Lyn Facer). At Lindrick Golf Course were 4 sightings of Woodcock roding over Moses Seat with at least 2 different birds (Brian Chambers).

11th March At NAPT today were 8 Lapwing. At Dinnington Marsh were Siskin & 3 Lesser Redpoll. In the flooded field at Laughton Common (Common Farm) were 3 Lapwing & 160 Redwing. At Thurcroft Pit Top were 2 Canada Geese, 9 Teal & 19 Mallard (Geoff Facer).

10th March A probable Little Egret on the wader scrape this morning, reported by the Forestry Comission Ranger. At NAPT 17:15-18:15, Lapwing, 1m Teal, Ringed Plover & Barn Owl. (John Gallagher). 16 Linnet on Woodsetts Road. Along Rackford Lane were 5 Chaffinch, 5 Blackbird, 6 House Sparrow, 3 Robin, 9 Dunnock and 4 Yellowhammer (Chris Lilley).

9th March Hawfinch at Wallingwells Wood, from path to Mill pond (per BirdGuides Ltd). NAPT this evening was fairly quiet, at least 6 Lapwing on the wader scrape, plus 4 Mallard, Kestrel and 2 Bullfinch. At a site in the square a Long-eared Owl was perched on a fence post, with probably the same bird (a female) calling later. Also Tawny Owl and Little Owl, Teal and Snipe over in the dark (Andy Hirst).

8th March At Kings Wood today were calling Hawfinch, 3 Nuthatch, Green Woodpecker, 2 Marsh Tit, 3 Song Thrush and 2 Buzzard (Mick Clay). At Langold Farm were 3m Reed Bunting with 30 Chaffinch & 1f Great Spotted Woodpecker. Around Langold Lake, 1 Lesser Redpoll with 30 Siskin, 2 Nuthatch, 3 Treecreeper, 1 pair of Great Spotted Woodpecker & a Buzzard. At Langold Pit Top were 1m & f Sparrowhawk & a Green Woodpecker (John Gallagher). At the Butterfly House today were 6 Linnet, 5 Robin, 3 Great Tit, 10 Blackbird, 8 Tree Sparrow, 8 House Sparrow, 4 Chaffinch, and 4 Goldfinch (Chris Lilley).

7th March At NAPT 09:00-12:00 were 9 Lapwing, 1f Stonechat, Ringed Plover, 2 Common Gull, & 2 Snipe (John Gallagher).

6th March This afternoon at Axle Lane were 150 Golden Plover and a Heron. At NAPT were 11 Lapwing, Willow Tit and a pair of Kestrel mating. At Thurcroft Pit Top were 20 Meadow Pipit, 2m Great Spotted Woodpeckers (in the Terrace) and a pair of Short-eared Owls (John Gallagher).

5th March At NAPT records included 1 Ringed Plover, 4 Lapwing, 1 Kingfisher, 14 Skylark, a pair of Bullfinch &12 Magpie. Langold Lake held 1m & 2f Goosander, 8 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Common Gull, 2 Nuthatch & a Cormorant. In the grounds of Firbeck Hall were 103 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag Geese, 3 Heron & a Nuthatch. Lingodell held flocks of c200 Fieldfare & c100 Starling. Along East Field Lane were 34 Lapwing feeding on a cornfield (Brian Chambers). At Kiveton Pit today were 2 Kestrel, 5m 4f Mallard, 4 Coot, 4 Moorhen, m& f Stonechat, a pair of Bullfinch, 3 Blue Tit and 5 Skylark displaying (Paul Rigg).

4th March At NAPT scrape this morning were a pair of Teal, 9 Lapwing(breeding) and a Ringed Plover (Geoff Facer). A contractor at NAPT reported a Barn Owl hunting in daylight hours to the back of the houses on Cramfit Road, then settling in the wooded area alongside (Per Geoff Facer).

3rd March At Dewidales today were 10 Chaffinch, 5 Meadow Pipit, 4 Skylark & 26 Fieldfare. Along Rackford Lane were 7 Chaffinch, 3 Mistle Thrush, 2 Robin, 6 Dunnock, 2 Yellowhammer, 50 Rook and 12 House Sparrow (Chris Lilley). At Dinnington Marsh, fewer Pied Wagtails in the roost, c30-50 this evening, plus 2 Teal over. (Andy Hirst).

2nd March At Dinnington Marsh this evening were 2 Woodcock, a Little Owl and 70 Pied Wagtails roosting in the hedges outside Safety Kleen (Mick Clay). Long-eared Owl calling from a site in the square this evening (Mick Clay).

1st March At the Butterfly House today were 124 Woodpigeon, 7 Robin, 9 Blackbird, 8 Tree Sparrow, 6 House Sparrow, 7 Blue Tit, 4 Dunnock, 6 Great Tit, 6 Linnet and a Skylark (Chris Lilley).

It's come to light that youth(s) have been caught at NAPT with guns (presumably airguns). If you witness anyone with any kind of firearm here, (or any other public place) they are committing an offence-please call SY Police on 01142 202020. We need to nip this in the bud.

28th February At Brookhouse this morning were 1 Buzzard, 3 Kestrel, 10 Goldfinch & 1 Willow Tit. On and around Thurcroft Pit Top were 1 Heron, 2m & 1f Bullfinch, 10 Skylark, 5 Grey Partridge, Jack Snipe, Jay & Woodcock (Between Brookhouse Dike & The Terrace) (John Gallagher).

27th February Late afternoon at Thurcroft Pit Top today were 2 Short-eared Owls, Little Owl, Tawny Owl, a Jack Snipe and a pair of Teal (Andy Hirst). Along Cuckoo Way from Hard Lane to Thorpe Bridge were single Woodcock, Snipe, Kestrel, 2 Heron & 4 pair of Bullfinch. In Hawks Wood was a Woodcock. At Turnerwood Bridge were 1f Great Spotted Woodpecker,1f Sparrowhawk & 1 Heron (John Gallagher). By the Chesterfield Canal at Thorpe Bridge were 2 Treecreeper and 2 Buzzard. By Turnerwood were 2 Coot, Great Spotted Woodpecker and 2 Jay (Nigel Butler).

26th February Kiveton Woodlands (Kiveton Pit Top) mid morning produced c20 Magpie (inc. several carrying nesting materials), 5 Coot, 10 Mallard > towards Rother Valley, Yellowhammer, Robin, Redwing, 5 Moorhen, 10 Rook, Grey Heron and 10 Woodpigeon. Along Axle Lane 15:30-16:20 were c25 Golden Plover flying, Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan & 5 Skylark (Paul Rigg).

24th February At the Butterfly House today were 47 Woodpigeon, 8 Jackdaw, 6 Robin, 7 Great Tit, 2 Song Thrush, 6 Dunnock, 8 Tree Sparrow, 9 Blackbird, 6 Chaffinch, and a Mistle Thrush (Chris Lilley).

23rd February In Dyscarr Wood today were 1 Nuthatch,1 Coal Tit, a pair of Great Spotted Woodpecker. Dyscarr (top) Wood; 1 Woodcock and sat on hedge adjacent to wood a Buzzard. Around Langold Lake were Marsh Tit, 2 Goldcrest, 3 Treecreeper, Nuthatch & 2 Coal Tit. At Sunnybank Farm Gildingwells a f Sparrowhawk (John Gallagher).

22nd February A Waxwing reported feeding on berries outside Plaxton's, at Anston cross roads. No sign at 17:00 (per Mick Clay).

21st February At Langold Holt today were 2 Coal Tit, 2 Goldcrest & 30 Fieldfare. A Barn Owl at Buckwood Farm > Langold Pit Top @ 14:45. Over Langold Lake were 25 Lapwing >NW. At Letwell 20 Siskin & 6 Yellowhammer. Dinnington Rugby Club held 2 Lapwing (John Gallagher). At Kings Wood Corner this morning were 4 Nuthatch, 12 Chaffinch, 2 Tawny Owl, 9 Buzzard, 6 Lapwing, 2 Sparrowhawk-generally quiet despite the fine weather! (Andy Hirst).

19th February At NAPT today were 1f Kestrel, 7 Skylark, 3 Lapwing & 1juv Sparrowhawk taking a drink from the wader scrape (John Gallagher).

18th February Late afternoon at Hooton Dike near Kings Wood were Marsh Tit & Woodcock. At Roche Abbey were 28 Teal and on the way back, a Tawny Owl in Kings Wood @ 17:35 (John Gallagher).

17th February At Langold Lake today were 41 Mallard, 92 Coot, 27 Tufted Duck, 6 Gadwall (all on the top lake), 2 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Pochard, 16 Moorhen, 1 Cormorant, 109 Canada Geese, 60+ Siskin, 2 Nuthatch, 1 Grey Wagtail & 1 Mute Swan (apparently the dead swan has been removed, most likely it was shot as other wildfowl have been found with gunshot wounds). Carlton Lake held 8 Canada Geese, 2 Mallard, 6 Coot & a Common Buzzard overhead (Brian Chambers). This afternoon at Swinston Hill Wood were 3 Coal Tit, 1 Treecreeper & 1 Goldcrest . Around Dewidales were 8 Grey Partridge (very vocal), 5 Red-legged Partridge and 2 Buzzard in same tree (John Gallagher). Around the Butterfly House today were 5 Dunnock, 7 Great Tit, 4 Robin, 7 Blackbird, 5 Chaffinch, 7 Tree Sparrow, 4 House Sparrow, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and Marsh Tit. (Chris Lilley).

16th February At Langold Pit Top today were 3 Skylark, Sparrowhawk & Green Woodpecker. On the first lake were 2m Pochard, 30 Tufted Duck, 40 Mallard, 60 Black-headed Gull, 1 Mute Swan, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Canada Geese, but no Gadwall. There were also 65 Coot and on the second lake 4 Canada Geese, 6 Gadwall and in Langold farm field 87 Canada Geese and a Great Spotted Woodpecker in the wood (Alan Bradford). A Barn Owl near Cotterhill Wood farm Woodsetts (Mick Clay).

15th February This afternoon at Langold Holt were Marsh Tit & 50 Siskin. Around the lake were 2 Treecreeper, 1f Kestrel & 1 Buzzard over Langold Pit Top. At Crow Wood were single Sparrowhawk & 3m 1f Bullfinch (John Gallagher). 3 hours around NAPT this morning produced 12 Robin, 11 Dunnock, 9 Blackbird, 7 Song Thrush, Treecreeper, 13 Skylark around the plateau, many displaying, just 5 Wren, probably succumbed to the cold spell, 5 Reed Bunting, 25 Lapwing >S, 24 Herring Gull & 2 Great Black-backed Gull >W. 7 Bullfinch, m Sparrowhawk and 70 Pink-footed Geese very low >W. At Hodsock were Grey Wagtail, 50+ Black-headed Gull, moving steadily >W, 20 Pied Wagtail and several Meadow Pipit, single Buzzard, with c40 Golden Plover and 20 Lapwing in field. Carlton Lake was quiet with just 12 Canada Geese, 3 Coot and a pair of Tufted Duck present. Grange Farm held 2 Grey Partridge, 30+ Lapwing and a single Buzzard (Andy Hirst).

14th February A big movement of Pink-footed Geese today, with 1922 >NW over Kings Wood corner between 09:00-10:00. Plus 3 Nuthatch, m Brambling amid 30+ Chaffinch. Just 5 Buzzard, mostly sat about in trees. Single Greylag Goose >SE, 5 Skylark, some singing, Tawny Owl calling in broad daylight, 12 Common Gull in field, 2 Siskin >NW, 19 Lesser Redpoll feeding plus 2m Great Spotted Woodpecker. Over Firbeck were 4 Buzzard, and a Barn Owl hunting along the railway line at NAPT at 17:30 (Andy Hirst). Off Swinston Hill Road today were 4 Fieldfare, 14 Greenfinch &1m Great Spotted Woodpecker. Down Brands Lane were 20 Golden Plover, 2 Skylark, 1 Buzzard, 60 Fieldfare, 3 Greenfinch and 10 Yellowhammer (John Gallagher).

13th February At Thurcroft Pit Top this afternoon were 2 Heron (1ad. 1juv.), 4m 1f Bullfinch & 3 Skylark. In plantation adjacent to Thurcroft Hall were 1m Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Woodcock (John Gallagher).

12th February At NAPT today were 1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Common Snipe, 1 m Stonechat and 5 Bullfinch. At Dinnington Marsh were 1 Common Snipe, 4 m Bullfinch and 1 m Reed Bunting.
Over Common Farm were c100 Pink-footed Geese >W at 12:30. Just outside the square at Brampton Common were 6 Common Snipe along with Lapwings and Fieldfares (Geoff & Lyn Facer).

11th February Barn Owl hunting and showing well at NAPT 16:30 to 17:30 (John Gallagher). By Common Road 2 Little Owls (Mick Clay). Tawny Owl regularly along Rackford Road, in gardens, from Anston Stones (Roy Butterworth).

10th February At Axle Lane at 17:50 a Long-eared Owl over fields and then >E (Mick Clay).

9th February At Langold Lake today were 30 Fieldfare with 4 Redwings, 13 Lapwing, 120 Canada Geese farm field, 50-60 Siskins in Alder trees, 12 Gadwall, 20 Tufted Duck, 2 Great Crested Grebe, Heron, 10 Carrion Crow, 20 Moorhen, c60 Coot, c50 Mallard, 50 Black-headed Gulls, Common Gull, 1 Mute Swan with 1 dead Mute Swan in island bay and 1 dead Mallard on ice near to power cables (Alan Bradford & Robert Mantaj).

8th February Around Buckwood Farm (Carlton/ Langold) there was a Barn Owl hunting the fields next to Buckwood Farm adjacent to Langold Pit Top at around 16:15 (Anthony Reed). This afternoon at NAPT 1f Bullfinch, 1 Marsh Tit (unusual here-normally Willow Tit , Ed's), 1f Kestrel, 2 Snipe & 20 Grey Partridge. At Dinnington Marsh were 4 Lesser Redpoll, 3m 1f Bullfinch & 1 Willow Tit (John Gallagher). Around the Butterfly House today were 9 Blackbird, 5 Robin, 7 Chaffinch, 9 Tree Sparrow, 6 House Sparrow, 4 Dunnock, and 2 Goldfinch (Chris Lilley).

7th February No sign of any Short-eared Owls at Thurcroft Pit Top today. Motorbikes, sledge's, gun-totting yobs appear to have disturbed them off. c20 Grey Partridge and Buzzard though, plus several Hares (Andy Hirst et al).

6th February An interesting record of a Raven >N over Brampton (John O'Malley).

4th February At Kings Wood Corner this lunchtime were 2 Kestrel, Buzzard, a sizeable finch flock containing mostly Chaffinch. Also present were Skylark, Yellowhammer & 2 Stock Dove. In the wood were Marsh Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, several Nuthatch, a small tit flock of mostly Long-tailed Tit (Andy Hirst). In Anston Stones Wood a Barn Owl by nest box. Langold Lake was 90% frozen, but 5 Great Crested Grebe, 124 Canada Geese, 17 Gadwall, 44 Tufted Duck, 2 m Pochard, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Treecreeper present with 22 Siskin by top lake (Geoff Facer).

3rd February Peregrine again at Axle Lane (Mick Clay). At the Butterfly House today were 205 Woodpigeon, 9 Tree Sparrow, 4 House Sparrow, 9 Blackbird, 4 Chaffinch, 5 Great Tit (Chris Lilley).

1st February At Carlton Lake today were single Cormorant, Moorhen & Mallard, with 6 Coot. 3 Buzzard from Kings Wood Corner and 50 Fieldfare at Lingodell (Tony & Jenny Drew). At Dinnington Marsh today 16 00 were 100 Lapwing, 30 Golden Plover in field next to Common Farm and possible Long-eared Owl (John Gallagher).

31st January 2 Common Buzzard over Rackford lane, with 2 over Hawks Wood and 3 more displaying over Smarston Hill. Barn Owl asleep in nest box hole at Anston Stones Wood (Mick Clay).

30th January At Kiveton Pit Top c60 Pink-footed Geese >W, 2 Mute Swan on the Scrape pond, a pair Stonechat near southern perimeter fence (Brian Chambers). Around Smarson Hills were 10 Yellowhammer, 2 Grey Partridge, 1 Heron, 30 Fieldfare, 30 Redwing on the Chesterfield Canal, 2 Kestrel mating on power line, 2 Buzzard above Old Spring Wood. 1m Great Spotted Woodpecker & 1 Coal Tit at garden feeders at Turnerwood. At Cinderhill was a Kingfisher. At Hewett Arms Ponds were 20 Canada Geese, 3 Greylag Geese,1m Gadwall and 6 Heron (John Gallagher).

29th January At NAPT today were m Stonechat (around bottom of cascade), Skylark, 12 Mallard and 14 Meadow Pipit. On Devonshire Drive was a f Sparrowhawk (Dave Thornley).

28th January At Tommy Flockton's Marsh today was 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail & c20 Goldfinch. Along the Chesterfield Canal between Norwood Tunnel and Kiveton were 1 Kingfisher, between Kiveton and Stiff's 4 Redwing, 2 Kestrel, 13 Blue Tit, 6 Great Tit, 1 Marsh Tit, 4 Bullfinch & 2 Buzzards displaying and calling over Hawks Wood. On Stiff's Pond were 11 m and 4 f Teal, very vocal (Brian Chambers).

27th January Barn Owl at Cramfit Road at 15:20 today (Chris Lilley).

26th January By the Butterfly House today were 12 Jackdaw, 6 Robin, 7 Great Tit, 5 Blackbird, 2 House Sparrow & 2 Tree Sparrow (Chris Lilley).

25th January Long-eared Owl hunting at Dinnington Marsh at 17:20 and 2 Woodcock (Mick Clay). 30 Linnet along Woodsetts Road, N. Anston. Along Rackford Lane were 7 Great Tit, 3 Robin, 4 Carrion Crow, 9 Blackbird, 6 Chaffinch, Kestrel and a pair of Bullfinch (Chris Lilley). At NAPT were 1f Kestrel 2m Kestrel, 1m Bullfinch & 5 Goldfinch (John Gallagher).

24th January From Kings Wood corner this lunchtime were Nuthatch, 10 Yellowhammer, 5 Buzzard all perched or on the ground. Lesser Redpoll over, Heron in field, 7 Red-legged Partridge, Treecreeper, Marsh Tit, 10 Chaffinch and a f Sparrowhawk hunting (Andy Hirst). Barn Owl showing well at NAPT at 16:45 (Mick Clay). Also 3 Short-eared Owls at Thurcroft Pit Top (John O'Malley). In Dyscarr Wood were 4 Treecreeper, 1 Nuthatch. 2 Mistle Thrush & 1f Kestrel in Crow Wood field plus 20 Redwing & 20 Fieldfare at Miller Lands. 1 juv Cormorant flew towards Sandbeck (John Gallagher).

23rd January Peregrine m sat in field by Kiveton Hall Farm, Axle Lane today (Mick Clay). 1f 2m Bullfinch on Rackford Road by edge of Anston Stones Wood. Single Buzzard above sheep field at Dewidales Wood & 60 Siskin in Lindrick Dale (John Gallagher).

22nd January Peregrine m at Axle Lane, plus Common Buzzard and Sparrowhawk (Mick Clay).

21st January >W over South Anston; 200 Pink-footed Geese at 09:30 plus 100 at 12:30 (Mick Clay), probably different birds were 200+ Pink-footed Geese >W over Dog Kennel Lane/ Axle Lane at 10:00 and a similar number 15 minutes later >W past Kiveton Park Station. Grey Wagtail f at NAPT wader scrape.(Geoff Facer). At Langold Lake today were; 1 Heron, 1 Pochard, 40 Tufted Duck, 50 Mallard, 56 Canada Geese, 30 Moorhen, 80 Coot, 85 Black-headed Gull, 10 Gadwall, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 40 Siskin and a Grey Wagtail (Alan Bradford & Robert Mantaj).

20th January Peregrine m sat in field by Kiveton Hall Farm, Axle Lane plus and Corn Bunting (Mick Clay). Along Rackford Lane today were 9 Blackbird, 3 Robin, 1 Kestrel, 4 Carrion Crow, 30 Linnet, 4 Chaffinch, 4 Great Tit and 6 House Sparrow (Chris Lilley).

18th January Barn Owl flying into grave yard at All Saints Church at 20:30 (James Clay). At Dinnington Marsh today were 15 Siskin, 21 Pied Wagtail feeding in field. Common Farm, Brampton Common produced 7 Redwing, flushed 2 Teal & 1 Snipe (John Gallagher).

16th January A regular visitor to a garden on Falcon Way, a m Sparrowhawk taking Collared Dove and House Sparrow. Over the last 4 weeks he barrel rolls over the hedge scaring the doves on the feeding table into flight. On two occasions the dove has flown into the glass doors and been stunned or killed outright. The Sparrowhawk calmly hops up to the window picks up the dove and flies to the top of the garden to eat. On the third occasion the Sparrowhawk trapped a squad of House Sparrows inside the hedge. He sat on top jumping and stamping trying to scare them out from the beech hedge(Keith Naylor). At Thwaite House Buzzard at Reins Plantation, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit & Treecreeper. At Yews Farm lake a Little Grebe. Langold Lake held a juv Cormorant. At Carlton Lake were Buzzard, Kestrel and garden feeder produced Nuthatch &2 Greenfinch (John Gallagher).

15th January At Smarson Hills today were Buzzard and Green Woodpecker. Along the Chesterfield Canal at Hawks Wood were c20 Siskin and c15 Lesser Redpoll. Hewett Arms Pond produced 7 Grey Heron and 3 Snipe. By Netherthorpe were c30 Red-legged Partridge and c50 Linnet. At Top Hall Farm, c35 Golden Plover and Green Woodpecker. At Common Road, Thorpe Salvin, c150 Fieldfare and c10 Redwing (Geoff & Lyn Facer).

14th January 150 Pink-footed Geese >W over South Anston (Mick Clay). At Langold Lake the m Hen Harrier was seen briefly at 14:20 flying towards Buckwood Farm viewed from Langold Pit Top, On the lake were 35+ Gadwall, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 m Bullfinch, 40+ Siskin,1 f Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 30+ Tufted Ducks,18 Canada Goose & 2 Mute Swan (Anthony Reed).

12th January Male Hen Harrier again at Langold Lake, at Honey Hills, on slope of Pit Top at 08:00 (per BirdGuides.com).

11th January A f Blackcap in a South Anston garden today (Jan & Den Jarrold).

10th January A walk around Swinston Hill Wood this morning produced 2 Robin, 2 Blackbird, 4 Skylark, 12 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Goldcrest, 6 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Treecreeper, 2 Blue Tit and Coal Tit. (Andy Hirst).

9th January At Langold Lake today, a flock of c30 Starling, c25 Fieldfare, 4 m & 1 f Bullfinch, flock of at least 50 Siskin, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 150+ Coot, 50+ Gadwall, c30 Tufted Duck & c25 Moorhen. At Hodsock 31 Lapwing flew up from a winter wheat field. Carlton Lake held 2 m Goosander (Brian Chambers). This afternoon at Langold Lake were 5 Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, 2 Mute Swan, 44 Gadwall, 34 Tufted Duck, c60 Siskin, Treecreeper and m Hen Harrier quartering field to w of cross path from 14:50 (Geoff & Lyn Facer).

7th January At Dinnington Marsh today were 2 Willow Tit, 6 Great Tit, 6 Blue Tit, 8 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Bullfinch, 15 Meadow Pipit & 1 Snipe. At nearby Brampton Common were 1 Buzzard, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Jack Snipe near the wooden footbridge plus 4 Snipe (Brian Chambers).

6th January Peregrine m sat in field at Axle Lane, also Corn Bunting on wall side (Mick Clay) Probably the same bird seen later(Den Jarrold). By Dewidales Wood were 12 Red-legged Partridge, 6 Blackbird, 93 Woodpigeon and 30 Greenfinch. Along Rackford Lane were 115 Woodpigeon, 10 Yellowhammer, 4 Chaffinch and 4 Blackbird (Chris Lilley).

5th January Stonechat m at NAPT today, seems to be resident, seen regularly since 12 December (Dave Thornley). By the Butterfly House today were 229 Woodpigeon, 7 Blackbird, 18 Goldfinch, 8 Tree Sparrow, 18 Siskin & 16 Greenfinch (Chris Lilley).

4th January Late evening at NAPT & Water Rail calling by main gates to hospice. Also at Dinnington Marsh 2 Tawny Owls and single Little Owl calling (Mick Clay).

3rd January A pair of Barn Owl at North Anston first thing this morning. At NAPT were 2 Jack Snipe and 4 Common Snipe. Roche Abbey held 15 Teal. Thurcroft Pit Top produced 5 Stonechat, 5 Grey Partridge, 2 Snipe and a Grey Wagtail. No sign of the Short-eared Owl though. At Langold Lake were Nuthatch, 48 Gadwall, a male Goosander, 5 Great Crested Grebe, some displaying. Several Lesser Redpoll, 6 Cormorant and in the afternoon the m Hen Harrier appeared briefly, plus c2 Green Woodpecker, with excellent views of Woodcock and Tawny Owl later (Andy Hirst & Mick Clay). In a South Anston garden were 2 m Blackcaps (Jan & Den Jarrold).

2nd January At Kiveton Pit Top today were a pair of Stonechat still feeding near the southern boundary fence. 11 Magpie, 1 Snipe flushed from the ditch by the old pond, 1 f Reed Bunting, 2 Willow Tit by the Hospital House & 1 Heron by the main lake. At Tommy Flockton's Marsh were c50 Redwing, c12 Fieldfare, 50+ Goldfinch & 1 Heron. (Brian Chambers). Male Hen Harrier missing last two days but came in to roost today at 16:20 in same field as before. Goosanders again on main lake (Alan Bradford). It;s thought to be the same harrier as last year, looks like a young male, as it still retains a dark brown mantle and back (Ed's).

1st January Over Owday Lane a single Buzzard. At Langold Lake were 1 Herring Gull, 1 Common Gull, 8 Lesser black-backed Gulls (over), 1 Cormorant, 2 Teal, 4 Great Crested Grebes & 1 Green woodpecker. At Dinnington Marsh, an escape Harris Hawk. At NAPT were 10 Grey Partridge. At Thurcroft Pit Top were 1 Snipe & 3 m Stonechat (Geoff & Lyn Facer).

30th December Male Hen Harrier left the roost at Langold Lake at 08:10 (Alan Bradford). Seen again at 10:45 on S side of Langold Pit Top (Mick Clay and Brian Chambers). Appears to have been present since Christmas Day. On the lake were 50+ Gadwall, plus 2 f and 1 m Goosander which flew towards Carlton Lake at 10:30. Hen Harrier flew around again between 14:00 and 16:00-showed well (Andy Hirst).