SK58 Birders

Latest

News- VFTPT

Who

Events

Contacts

Publications

Map

Locations

Join Us

Video

Gallery

Links

Species

Home

 

email SK58 Birders

 

est. 1992

website est. 1996

Submit your SK58 sightings by email Bird News Archive (previous years) Sites & Grid References in SK58 Earliest & Latest Migrants within SK58 Records Per Year Why record birds?

PDF monthly recording sheet Microsoft Excel recording sheet. Print off & post/ save & email to the recorder as an attachment. free Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader

Key: ad= adult, m= male, f= female, juv.= juvenile, imm.= immature, N= north, S= South,E= East, W= West, c= circa (approx.), >= direction of flight, spp= species. Sites below do not imply any right of access or public right of way-contact us for further details.

25 years of SK58 Birders, 1992-2017

30th December Five members convened at the Loyal Trooper for the ten minute drive to Firbeck, which was the departure point for our traditional post Christmas walk this year. The day was fair, but blustery as we set off along the track, crossing the fields to Stubbin Wood, around the wood to Kings Wood, which offered a shelter from the wind. There was steady passage of Great Black-backed Gull with several birds noted, as well as a few Herring Gull. The various stands of trees and woodland produced several Nuthatch, Stock Dove, Kestrel and Mistle Thrush and a total of 8 Buzzard. The hedgerows produced good numbers of Yellowhammer with at least 15-20 birds noted. The ploughed fields produced little, save for several Skylark. Lingodell was particularly blustery, being exposed. 23 Black-headed Gull and 2 Common Gull rose from the field with c40 Fieldfare feeding in the short grass. A brief detour up the side of Kings Wood gave relief from the wind and the game cover yielded several small finch flocks. Mostly Goldfinch and Chaffinch with several Linnet and at least 3 Brambling. We reached the top of Kings Wood and dropped down on to the path which would return the party to Roche Abbey on our return leg. The valley was surprisingly windy and revealed little. The pond at Roche Abbey held 7 Mallard and a pair of Gadwall. The walk back to Firbeck, via Stone did produce a very showy m Peregrine, which had been put off a kill (by Corvids) and was hesitant at leaving its meal. We reached the Black Lion at at Firbeck a little after 1pm, where a drinks and excellent food were very welcome. Not the most productive of days bird wise, but non the less and great way to shift the Christmas excesses (Andy Hirst).

28th December Over Stone today was a single Red Kite. At nearby Roche Abbey were 3 Marsh Tit (John Gallagher).

24th December 2 Little Egrets at Carlton Lake this morning (John Gallagher). Also a Chiffchaff at the Todwick end of Axle Lane, wall side path (Lyn & Geoff Facer).

23rd December At Buckwood Farm, Langold were 20 Brambling in a finch flock in Millet field (John Gallagher). Also a report of 2 "White Egrets" in a tall tree on south side of Carlton Lake (Dawn Ingham).

Fieldfare @ Buckwood Farm, Langold © John Gallagher

17th December A frozen and quiet Tommy Flockton's Marsh produced several inquisitive horses, as well as 7 Black-headed Gull, 4 Bullfinch, 3 Stock Dove, 17 Mallard, Heron, 25 Starling and 3 Common Gull. Langold Lake was 90% frozen, but held a modest amount of wildfowl including 8 Mute Swan, 2 Common Gull, Herring Gull, 24 Coot, 95 Mallard, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Tufted Duck, 10 Pochard, 8 Moorhen, Kingfisher and 19 Siskin. At nearby Hodsock were 2 Teal and 7 Mallard. Carlton Lake was again c80% frozen but held 19 Mallard, 3 Mute Swan, 2 Little Grebe, 8 Coot, 35 Black-headed Gull, 7 Moorhen, 7 Song Thrush, which flew from cover, Great Black-backed Gull plus Lesser Redpoll and Kestrel. Hewett Arms Pond was equally frozen holding just 28 Black-headed Gull with 2 Herring Gull and 2 Great Black-backed Gull >S. At Grange Farm, Loscar were 95 Golden Plover, 53 Black-headed Gull, 2 Buzzard, 2 Common Gull and a Yellowhammer (Andy Hirst).

16th December A Red Kite along Lamb Lane, near the turn off for Firbeck, flying back towards Dinnington (Andy Murray). At Langold Lake were 2 f Goosander, 14 Pochard, Kingfisher and Little Egret >NE (John Gallagher & Mick Clay). THERE ARE X2 MUSCOVY TYPE DUCKS HERE TOO.

13th December Red Kite patrolling along the Old Mineral Line, Dinnington-Laughton Common (Les Coe).

11th December At NAPT this evening were Tawny Owl and Barn Owl hunting plus 4 Snipe over (John Gallagher). At Carlton Lake were 2 Goosander and 18 Gadwall (Geoff & Lyn Facer). 5 members attended the Monday walk at Langold Lake. While checking out a flock of passerines on the rough field between the lake and the pit top we were rewarded with the sight of a cream-crown Marsh Harrier approaching from the direction of the pit top and passing almost overhead. Other species among 35 recorded were 7 Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, 5 Mute Swan with 3 juvs, 45 Mallard, 4 pairs of Pochard, 8 Tufted Duck, f Goosander, Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, 9 Moorhen, 21 Coot, 58 Black-headed Gull, 4 Common Gull, Grey Wagtail, 26 Robin, 14 Blackbird, 15 Fieldfare, 2 Nuthatch, 50 Chaffinch, 4 Greenfinch, and 10 Reed Bunting (Geoff & Lyn Facer etal).

Snow @ Chesterfield Canal © Brian Chambers

10th December At Roche Abbey 3 Hawfinch still today (per BirdGuides).

9th December A trip around the water sites of SK58 on a cold & frosty morning included at Langold Lake, which was 85% iced over: 53 Mallard, 30 Coot, 8 Tufted Duck, 8 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Mute Swan, f Goosander, 1 Gadwall, 23 Moorhen and 8 Pochard. At Carlton Lake were 18 Gadwall, f Goosander, f Pochard and 2 Mute Swan. At Brown Bailey's was a single Great Crested Grebe (Brian Chambers). At Laughton Road shopping centre a Grey Wagtail, seen regularly by shop staff (John Gallagher).

5th December At Axle Lane today were were 9 Cormorant, clearly taking advantage of the fishery being closed. At Tommy Flockton's Marsh were 10 Wigeon.(Geoff Facer).

Grey Squirrel @ Chesterfield Canal © Brian Chambers

3rd December A quiet NAPT produced 10 Blackbird, 5 Dunnock, 4 Great Tit, c50 Woodpigeon, 12 Meadow Pipit, 7 Herring Gull >S, 2 Black-headed Gull, 4 Bullfinch, Siskin >S, 2 Reed Bunting and 120 Fieldfare >SW. Roche Abbey was equally quiet, with 170 Goldfinch, 37 Siskin, 6 Nuthatch, c20 Redwing, m Kestrel, 3 Marsh Tit, Yellowhammer, 3 Bullfinch, 4 Buzzard, a pair of Grey Wagtail, 2 Jay, 3 Song Thrush, Kingfisher, Lesser Redpoll >S, 5 Mallard and a Great Spotted Woodpecker (Andy Hirst). This evening, a Short-eared Owl at NAPT (Mick Clay).

19th November The groups wildfowl count evolved into a Hawfinch hunt, given the clear bright conditions today. First stop was Roche Abbey which yielded no wildfowl, possibly disturbance as a result of a Pheasant shoot. However first bird over was f Peregrine. We also had several Marsh Tit during our walk around the abbey ruins as well as Jay, c15 Blackbird, 8 Mistle Thrush, c25 Fieldfare and 30 Redwing. We also had 2 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. Walking back to the car we picked up 3-4 Hawfinch on the far side of the valley. We eventually had reasonable views of singletons, not before a Brambling >N and Grey Wagtail >S. At nearby Firbeck Hall we had 9 Mallard, 3 pairs of Gadwall, 3 Moorhen, 6 Coot, 2 Tufted Duck, 2 Teal and Mute Swan (John Gallagher, Andy Murray, Paul Tennyson & Andy Hirst). Later in the day at Brown Bailey's were 2 Coot, 2 Mallard and single Mute Swan. Carlton Lake was much livelier with 38 Black-headed Gull, Kingfisher, Heron, f Goosander, 2 Coot, Cormorant, pair of Mute Swan, 2m, 1f Gadwall with Kestrel and imm f Sparrowhawk over. Nearby Langold Lake held 7 Mute Swan, just 17 Coot, 33 Mallard, 8 Great Crested Grebe, 9 Tufted Duck, 2m, 1f Pochard, 9 Moorhen and 2 Buzzard (Andy Hirst).

Hawfinch habitat @ Roche Abbey © Andy Hirst

18th November 2 Snipe at NAPT whilst undertaking scrub clearance (Andy Hirst).

17th November Wildfowl counts for the Chesterfield Canal from Thorpe Bridge to Haggonfields Lock included
Grey Heron, 2 Mute Swan, 72 Mallard and 9 Moorhen (Geoff & Lyn Facer).

Autumn @ Carlton Lake © Pete Kenworthy

15th November At Kirkcroft Road, St Johns, were 14 Grey Partridge (John Gallagher).

14th November Belated news of Waxwing and Hawfinch at Roche Abbey on 31st October (Graham Sharples per Paul Leonard).

Willow Tit @ Dinnington © Chris Lilley

13th November By Wallingwells Lane were 120 Linnet, 120 Fieldfare and Peregrine hunting Woodpigeons. A small field sewn with Millet, by Buckwood Farm held a mixed finch flock with 5 Lesser Redpoll and 2 Brambling (probably more). Also 120 Fieldfare. At Langold Lake were m Pochard, Water Rail, 2 Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 25 Siskin, 2 Jay and Kingfisher (John Gallagher). 10 members attended the Monday walk at Langold Lake. Among 38 species recorded were, 5 Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, 5 Mute Swan with 3 juvs. 50 Mallard, 2 m Pochard, 10 Tufted Duck, Buzzard, Kestrel, 19 Moorhen, 30 Coot, 130 Black-headed Gull, 2 Common Gull, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, 4 Pied Wagtail, 2 Song Thrush, 4 Redwing, Mistle Thrush, 3 Nuthatch, 2 Treecreeper 26 Goldfinch and a Bullfinch. As well as 3 Herring Gull and 3 Great Black-backed Gull overhead (Geoff & Lyn Facer).

11th November By Thornbury Hill Farm were 120 Linnet and 100 Pied Wagtail with 2 Red Kite drifting >W over Stone (John Gallagher).

8th November A couple of hours at Kings Wood Corner produced 6 Buzzard, 2 Jay, 26 Redwing, 8 Stock Dove, 3 Nuthatch, 2 Mistle Thrush, 6 Skylark, 7 Lesser Black-backed Gull >S, 6 Whooper Swan >S and 2 Siskin. At nearby Firbeck Hall were 8 Buzzard and 4 Cormorant, which appeared to drop into Sandbeck (Andy Hirst).

Golden Plover @ Axle Lane © Pete Kenworthy

Golden Plover @ Axle Lane © Pete Kenworthy

6th November 5 Cormorant in trees by the ponds at Axle Lane. At Tommy Flockton's Marsh were Grey Heron, 6 Teal, 5 Mallard, 7 Moorhen, 65 Black-headed Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 15 Goldfinch while 3 Yellowhammer flew towards Kiveton Wetlands. On the Chesterfield Canal a Kingfisher towards Norwood Tunnel. On Smarson Hills were 35 Linnet (Geoff & Lyn Facer).

Stonechat @ Brands Lane, Woodsetts © John Gallagher

5th November In fields by Brands Farm, Woodsetts were 3 Grey Partridge, Grey Wagtail, Stonechat and juv Peregrine hunting. At Hawk Hill (Brampton Common) a Peregrine hunting (John Gallagher).

4th November From Brands Lane to Red Quarry Lane were 800 Starling, 500 Linnet, 9 Grey Partridge, Kestrel and 12 ground feeding Buzzard (John Gallagher).

26th October c150 Pink-footed Geese >E over Anston this morning, plus c10 Fieldfare (Andy Murray).

25th October At Axle Lane were, 2 Cormorant, 350 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 3 Dunnock, 22 Long-tailed Tit, 30 Linnet and 17 Yellowhammer (Geoff & Lyn Facer).

22nd October At Langold Lake were 3 Shoveler. At nearby Carlton Lake were 4 Goosander and 11 Gadwall (John Gallagher).

Sparrowhawk @ Todwick © Ray Sykes

21st October Early morning at a blustery NAPT produced a good passage of birds including thrushes and finches. Counts today included 9 Bullfinch, 194 Redwing >SW in small groups of c10, 21 Meadow Pipit on the scrape, Kestrel, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 4 Siskin >S, 7 Blackbird, 170 Woodpigeon, 5 Lesser Redpoll >S, 4 Song Thrush, 6 Skylark, m Sparrowhawk, 9 Snipe, Water Rail calling from Cramfit and Cormorant >S. At nearby Dinnington Marsh were 2 Siskin >S, Buzzard, Jay, 2 Sparrowhawk, and a tail-less f Kestel, which found it hard to hover!

Langold Lake © Andy Hirst

At Langold Lake a count produced 34 Mallard, 26 Coot, 5 Tufted Duck, 8 Mute Swan, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 157 Black-headed Gull, 2 Common Gull, 7 Moorhen, 4 Greylag Geese, Buzzard, 5 Nuthatch, 5 Siskin, Sparrowhawk, 3 m Shoveler, 10 Stock Dove and Lesser Redpoll (Andy Hirst).

19th October AT NAPT today were Greenshank >W and 6 Mute Swan, 29 Redwing & 2 Lesser Redpoll >S as well as 3 Grey Wagtail and 2 Chiffchaff (Mick Clay).

17th October A Yellow-browed Warbler in gardens at High Street, South Anston at 1035 before moving towards Crowgate, South Anston (Mick Clay).

14th October A Barn Owl hunting by the A57 at Gateford this evening (James Cox).

16th October Sad news of a dead Barn Owl by the A57 near Mill Lane, South Anston (Andy Murray).

9th October On the Monday walk at Langold Lake seven members recorded 34 species. These included 5 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Mute Swan with 3 juvs. 2 Greylag Geese, 176 Canada Geese, 54 Mallard, 2m Shoveler, 6 Tufted Duck, Buzzard, Kestrel, 15 Moorhen, 27 Coot, a Tawny Owl heard calling from Crow Wood, 2 Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail and 4 Nuthatch (Geoff &Lyn Facer).

8th October Early morning over South Anston were 25 Fieldfare and 40 Redwing >W (Mick Clay). Also Barn Owl most mornings just outside Laughton on Eastfield Lane (per Mick Wheeler).

2nd October At Axle Lane today were Heron, Hobby hunting Skylarks, 48 Lesser Black-backed Gull and c10 Yellowhammer (Geoff & Lyn Facer).

30th September A Barn Owl hunting along the verge of Lamb Lane, Dinnington at 0650 (Andy Murray).

27th September 1ad. & 2 imm. Hobby over Thurcroft Pit Top (Gary Dyson). At couple of hours at NAPT this morning revealed c115 Goldfinch, Yellow Wagtail >S, 5 Greenfinch, 2 Kestrel, 4 Bullfinch, 7 Swallow >S, single Snipe, 7 Chiffchaff, 11 Meadow Pipit, 21 Linnet, Grey Wagtail >S, 4 Song Thrush and a Jay (unusual here). At Roche Abbey were 10 Mallard, Little Grebe and another Jay (Andy Hirst).

26th September At Axle Lane were 4 Greylag Geese, 147 Canada Geese, 23 Mallard and 25 Lesser Black-backed Gull (Geoff & Lyn Facer). Also single Stonechat (Mick Clay).

24th September One of the most unusual records of the year was a Redstart feeding in an Elderberry bush in a North Anston garden (Andy Murray).

23rd September At Axle Lane this morning were hunting Hobby, plus Peregrine, Stonechat and Wheatear, 100+ Meadow Pipit, 100+ Skylark and 20 Starling (Mick Clay & Brian Chambers).

Heron @ Langold Lake © Brian Chambers

19th September At Tommy Flockton's Marsh this morning were 57 Mallard, 2 Teal, a Cormorant >W and Kestrel. At Langold Lake were 8 Mute Swan, 2 Heron and 3 Great Crested Grebe. Nearby Carlton Lake produced 2 Mute Swan, whilst Brown Bailey's held 2 Mute Swan (Brian Chambers).

Kestrel @ Tommy Flockton's Marsh © Brian Chambers

17th September Early morning at NAPT produced 11 Chiffchaff, 6 Robin, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 7 Greenfinch, 5 Reed Bunting, 13 Meadow Pipit, 8 Wren, 2 Grey Wagtail, 6 House Sparrow, 7 Bullfinch, 5 Swallow, single Blackcap, 3 Song Thrush, Golden Plover and Kestrel. A rapidly drying Hodsock produced 150 House Martin, c200 Swallow moving though in waves of 20-30, 11 Skylark, 2 Buzzard, 22 Linnet, Tree Sparrow, 6 Meadow Pipit, hunting Sparrowhawk and a single Snipe. At nearby Langold Lake were single Grey Wagtail, c250 Swallow, c100 House Martin, 2 Buzzard, 54 Mallard, 7 Mute Swan, 25 Coot, 2 Great Crested Grebe, Heron, 20 Moorhen, 5 Tufted Duck, Kingfisher and 2 Jay (Andy Hirst).

15th September c60 Pink-footed Geese >S over Dog Kennel Hill, Anston (Andy Murray). Now 2 Barn Owl at Kiveton Pit Top (Alan Bateman).

13th September 3 Wheatear at Axle Lane today (Mick Clay).

10th September A Barn Owl at Kiveton Pit Top (Kiveton Community Woodland) (Alan Bateman).

Barn Owl @ Kiveton Pit Top (Kiveton Community Woodland) © Alan Bateman

11th September At Axle Lane today were Yellow-legged Gull and 3 Golden Plover (Mick Clay).

9th September 2 Swift over North Anston (Andy Murray).

8th September 4 Wheatear still present at Axle Lane, also Golden Plover (Mick Clay).

7th September 4 Wheatear at Axle Lane (Mick Clay).

5th September A Barn Owl around Kiveton Community Woodland at 0645 today (Alan Bateman).

4th September Nine members attended the Monday walk at Langold Lake. Among the 31 species recorded were, 4 Great Crested Grebe, Heron, 7 Mute Swan with 3 juvs. 147 Canada Geese, 63 Mallard, a m Shoveler, 7 Tufted Duck, 3 Buzzard, 11 Moorhen with 2 juvs. and 36 Coot with 2 juvs. A Tawny Owl was heard in the woods. Hirundines were represented with at least 12 Swallow and around 30 House Martin. 3 Chiffchaff, 5 Nuthatch and over 30 Goldfinch were recorded along with a flock of about 20 Greenfinch around the boathouse (Geoff & Lyn Facer). 3 Swift still around Eastern Ave/ Silverdales in Dinnington, regularly for last couple of weeks probably late breeders (Sue Jordan).

juvenile Sparrowhawk @ Todwick © Ray Sykes

2nd September At The Yews (SK5788) were circa. 20 Mistle Thrush. At Home Farm, Firbeck were 11 Swallow and a Spotted Flycatcher, At Stone were 14 Red-legged Partridge. A Cormorant flew over The Yews at 0930 and another? flew over Roche Abbey at 1130 (Geoff & Lyn Facer). From Brookhouse Lane at Laughton-en-le-Morthen (SK5188) a single Barn Owl & Little Owls in the evening (Jason Edwards per Paul Leonard). 2 Wheatear at Axle Lane today (Mick Clay).

30th August Single Whinchat on the wall at Axle Lane (Mick Clay).

27th August Early morning at Hodsock Flash were 3, joined by a 4th Green Sandpiper as well as 2 Greenshank, single Snipe, 2 Grey Wagtail, c20 Pied Wagtail, 4 Teal, 2 Mallard, 3 Buzzard, 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull >S, 3 Yellow Wagtail, 12 Linnet and a m Sparrowhawk. Also present was a juv. Whinchat, Whitethroat and 3 Chiffchaff (Andy Hirst). Just a single Greenshank remaining this afternoon (Anthony Reed). At Harry Croft's Quarry this morning were 1-2 juv. Redstart, 6 Grey Partridge and a Yellow Wagtail plus 2 Kestrel, 2 Little Owl, Sparrowhawk and Green Woodpecker (Andy Murray).

26th August At Hodsock Flash today were 2 Greenshank, 3 Green Sandpiper, Snipe, 2 Yellow Wagtail, 50 Swallow, 20 House Martin, 5 Sand Martin 3 Teal and a Buzzard (Brian Chambers).

25th August First thing at Tommy Flockton's Marsh this morning were 39 Mallard, 2 Teal, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 102 Linnet, c60 Swallow and Yellow Wagtail >S. At Harry Croft's Quarry were 20 Linnet, 11 Whitethroat, 12 Goldfinch, 6 Grey Partridge, 9 Stock Dove, 2 Greenfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, 4 Kestrel, m Sparrowhawk, 5 Dunnock, m Goshawk low, towards Hawks Wood, Bullfinch, 4 Blue Tit and c80 Swallow. At Hodsock today were 4 Tree Sparrow, 6 Buzzard, 3 Green Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 20 House Martin, c75 Swallow and 2 Yellow Wagtail (Andy Hirst).

Greenshank & Green Sandpiper (phone-scoped) @ Hodsock © Andy Hirst

22nd August 3 Green Sandpiper at Hodsock Flash plus Tawny Owl today (John Gallagher).

Marsh Tit @ Chesterfield Canal © Brian Chambers

20th August 2 juv. Redstart in Harry Crofts Quarry this morning (Mick Clay).

13th August 2 juv. Redstart in Harry Crofts Quarry, brings the total this autumn to 10 birds so far (Mick Clay).

10th August 2 Redstart present in Harry Crofts Quarry (Mick Clay). Also Hobby over Eastern Avenue, Dinnington (Sue Jordon).

5th August a juv. Redstart on W side of Harry Crofts Quarry (Mick Clay), also 2 Raven (Andy Murray).

1st August At Langold Lake today were were 5 Great Crested Grebe with 1 juv. 6 Mute Swan with 3 juvs. 47 Canada Geese, 25 Mallard, 4 Tufted Duck with 3 juvs. Buzzard, Water Rail, 8 Moorhen, 28 Coot, 6 Swift, Green Woodpecker, 12 Swallow, 5 House Martin, Grey Wagtail, Blackcap and 2 Goldcrest (Lyn & Geoff Facer).

31st July A Woodcock this evening at Dinnington Marsh (Andy Murray). Plus a Barn Owl hunting fields between Brookhouse & Laughton-en-le-Morthen (Jason Edwards per Paul Leonard).

29th July In Harry Croft's Quarry today were 3 Redstart, plus Raven & 3 Little Owl (Mick Clay & Andy Murray).

25th July Just N of Swinston Hill were 9 Yellow Wagtail. In Anston Stones Wood were 2 Grey Wagtail and 2-3 Juv. Sparrowhawk (Andy Murray). At Oldcotes Dike were 2 Kingfisher and at Carlton Lake were 2ad. and 2 juv. Great Crested Grebe (John Gallagher).

23rd July At Stone Mill Farm today were Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Great Spotted Woodpecker and a family party of Kestrel (John Gallagher).

22nd July A Whimbrel >S over Axle Lane and a juv. Redstart in Harry Crofts Quarry (Mick Clay).

18th July Over NAPT today were 2 Red Kite (Neil Robertson per Andy Murray).

17th July Early evening at a site to the East of SK58, a juv. Long-eared Owl calling and showed well until was mobbed by a Buzzard ( Andy Murray & Mick Clay).

16th July Bittern accidentally flushed at Kiveton Pit Top, out of the stream leading from the big silver gate towards the green bridge at 0530 (Alan Bateman). Also 2 Kingfisher down Lindrick Dale (Andy Murray).

Bittern @ Kiveton Pit Top © Alan Bateman

Bittern @ Kiveton Pit Top © Alan Bateman

14th July Lesser Whitethroats by Anston Cricket ground, N. Anston (Paul Tennyson).

9th July A Goshawk high over South Anston> NE, then went W at lower altitude (Mick Clay).

8th July A juv. Redstart in Harry Croft's Quarry this morning (Mick Clay). A probable harrier spp, over fields by Swinston Hill Wood (Barry Cartwright).

3rd July At Red Lane, Carlton in Lindrick, just outside the square were Quail, 3 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, 50 Sand Martin, Green Woodpecker and Yellow Wagtail (Mick Clay & Andy Murray).

30th June A Black-tailed Godwit low >S over North Anston at 1830 (James Clay).

26th June A report by a third party of 2 Dipper on the river at Stone (per Mick Clay).

Whitethroat @ Kiveton Woodlands © Brian Chambers

23rd June At Firbeck were 16 Swallow, 2 Whitethroat and 2 Nuthatch. At Home Farm, Firbeck were a 10 Mistle Thrush and a Jay. At Yews Farm were 2 Mute Swan, 4 Greylag Geese and 80 Canada Geese. At Langold Lake were 5 Great Crested Grebe with 2 juvs. A Heron, 8 Mute Swan with 3 juvs. A pair of Greylag Geese with 4 juvs. 130 Canada Geese with 12 juvs, 18 Mallard with 6 juvs. 5 Tufted Duck (4m 1f), 3 Moorhen with 3 juvs. 18 Coot with 9 juvs. Green Woodpecker, 2 Swallow, Blackcap and 5 Chiffchaff (Geoff & Lyn Facer).

18th June A quick hour at Harry Croft's Quarry revealed 8 Skylark, 10 Goldfinch, 24 Whitethroat, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 9 Blackbird, 4 Yellowhammer, 4 Wren, 5 Stock Dove, c25 House Martin, 12 Linnet, 4 Meadow Pipit, 2 Grey Partridge, Little Owl and 2 Buzzard (Andy Hirst).

17th June An Osprey>N over Tommy Flockton's Marsh at 0725 (Mick Clay). At Thurcroft Marsh today were Grasshopper Warbler reeling, c20 Swift, f Kestrel and Buzzard. At Slade Hooton, a Little Owl on top of a telegraph pole. At 3 sites this evening were were 1 ad. Long-eared Owl and counts of 1, 2 and 1 Juv's calling (Andy Hirst).

16th June At Roche Abbey a Spotted Flycatcher still (Brian Chambers).

13th June 2 Barn Owl with prey showing well at Dinnington Marsh this evening (Andy Murray).

9th June At NAPT early this morning were 5 Willow Warbler, f Kestrel, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 5 Greenfinch, 3 Reed Bunting, 20 Starling, 10 Linnet, 7 Blackcap, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull >S, 2 Bullfinch, 4 Whitethroat, 5 Dunnock and juv. Sedge Warbler. Along Kirkcroft Road were 4 Tree Sparrow, Kestrel, 2 Skylark, 2 Black-headed Gull >S and 2 Mistle Thrush. A mid-morning visit to Roche Abbey revealed 4 Blackbird, 2 Song Thrush, 3 Chiffchaff, c25 Swift, 4 Blackcap, Marsh Tit, 2 Buzzard, a pair of Tufted Duck, 2 juv. Grey Wagtail, 4 Mallard, 2 pairs of Gadwall, Spotted Flycatcher and a m Sparrowhawk. From a site to the E of the square a Hobby at a traditional nesting location. At Carlton Lake were 12 Swift, 2 Heron, Mute Swan and a m Tufted Duck. At nearby Langold Lake were 42 Mallard, 2 Tufted Duck, 27 Coot, 8 Great Crested Grebe including 2 juv, 4 ad Mute Swan, 6 Greylag Geese including 4 juv and a Grey Wagtail (Andy Hirst).

Reed Warbler @ Kiveton Woodlands © Brian Chambers

31st May Barn Owl at Harry Croft's Quarry (Andy Murray).

30th May Red Kite over Laughton (M Wheeler per Mick Clay).

29th May A dull, foggy and wet Harry Crofts Quarry produced little this morning- 3 Blackbird, 5 Whitethroat, 6 Skylark, 7 Linnet, Little Owl, Grey Partridge and 2 Mallard. Roche Abbey was equally dull and miserable, yielding 6 Mallard and a pair of Gadwall (Andy Hirst).

26th May 2 Barn Owl at Dinnington Marsh this evening (Andy Murray).

23rd May Barn Owl flying on to Axle Lane by Crowgate just after 2300 (Andy Murray, Brian Chambers & Mick Clay).

22nd May 2 Hobby low over NAPT tonight > towards Dinnington Marsh (Mick Clay).

Skylark @ Axle Lane © Brian Chambers

21st May By the pond at Roche Abbey were a pair of Spotted Flycatcher and a single bird in the first car park (Andy Murray & Mick Clay).

20th May Red Kite over North Anston bowling green (Steve Wilson). at Roche Abbey were 2 Spotted Flycatcher and a single bird at Stone (per John O'Malley).

18th May Early morning at Tommy Flockton's Marsh revealed 2 Whitethroat, Kingfisher, 2 Buzzard and 2 Mallard. At NAPT were at least 4 Lesser Whitethroat, 3 Reed Warbler, 2 Skylark, 7 Robin, 5 Reed Bunting, 7 Willow Warbler, 12 Swift, 2 Song Thrush, Garden Warbler, 3 Meadow Pipit, a pair of Kestrel and Mallard, 11 Linnet and Oystercatcher >S. At a somewhat dried and ploughed up Hodsock were 2 Yellow Wagtail, Lapwing, 5 Canada Geese and a Yellowhammer. From Kings Wood Corner were 8 Buzzard and a m Sparrowhawk. At Langold Lake were 29 Mallard, 13 ad. and 7juv. Coot, 9ad. and 3juv. Great Crested Grebe, 5ad. And 3juv. Mute Swan, 37juv. and 41ad. Canada Geese, 4juv. and 2ad. Greylag Geese, 3 Moorhen and 2 Black-headed Gull (Andy Hirst).

Mute Swan family @ Langold Lake © Andy Hirst

14th May Osprey over Anston Bowling Green (Steve Wilson per Mick Clay). Plus a report of a Cuckoo on Eastfield Lane around the first week in May (per Mick Clay).

7th May Early morning at Hodsock produced Garden Warbler and 3 Blackcap. The scrape itself revealed little water. However 2 Lapwing were present and Greylag Goose as well as 4 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Skylark, 2 Yellowhammer, 6 Swallow, and a Whitethroat. At Langold Lake were 5 Mute Swan and 2 nests, 8 Tufted Duck, family party of Great Crested Grebe with at least 1 juv. Plus Kestrel and Green Woodpecker. From Kings Wood Corner mid-morning were 8 Buzzard, c250 Swift, 6 Skylark, Whitethroat, Marsh Tit and 6 Lesser Black-backed Gull >N. In Harry Crofts Quarry were Little Owl and 3 Buzzard (Andy Hirst). At Thornbury Hill a Red Kite landed briefly (Simon Mitchie). Early morning in Anston Stones Wood produced Marsh Tit and Kingfisher plus 2 Grey Wagtail in Lindrick Dale as well a Grey Wagtail and Sedge Warbler on the Chesterfield Canal (Andy Murray).

Red Kite @ Thornbury Hill © Simon Mitchie

5th May The first Swift over a North Anston garden (John O'Brien).

30th April At Carlton Lake were 7ad. Greylag Geese plus 11 juv. 3 Mute Swan and a pair of Gadwall (Andy Hirst).

29th April At Thurcroft Marsh first thing this morning were 11 Blackcap, 12 Willow Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Robin, Garden Warbler, 3 Whitethroat, 2 Jay and a Buzzard. At NAPT were 2 Reed Warbler, 7 Blackcap, 5 Wren, 11 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 3 Skylark, 2 Lapwing displaying over the scrape, 2 Jay, 5 Grasshopper Warbler, 4 Whitethroat and 4 Meadow Pipit. In a bare field along Eastfield Lane were 2 Wheatear, 6 Lapwing, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Whitethroat and 2 Buzzard. From Kings Wood Corner were 5 House Martin >N, 6 Buzzard, 5 Skylark, Kestrel and m Sparrowhawk. From Hodsock Flash were 40 Swallow and 60 House Martin, 6 Skylark, 3 Yellow Wagtail and a Heron. From Grange Farm (Loscar) were 3 Whitethroat, 9 Swallow and 2 Buzzard. At Langold Lake today were 17ad. and 14 juv. Mallard, 5 pairs of Great Crested Grebe, 6 Mute Swan (2 nests), 5ad.& 5juv. Greylag Geese, a pair of Tufted Duck and Buzzard (Andy Hirst) .

28th April At NAPT today were 5 Grasshopper Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 11 Willow Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff and 2 Whitethroat (Mick Clay & Brian Chambers). At Hodsock were 20+ House Martin, 4 Tree Sparrow, and a Yellow Wagtail (Brian Chambers).

25th April At Brampton Common today were 30 Starling, 5 Meadow Pipit, 25 Pied Wagtail, 12 Lapwing, 2 Kestrel (in nest box), 4 Song Thrush, 2 Yellow Wagtail and 3 Wheatear (John Gallagher). At Harry Croft's Quarry today were 2 Whitethroat. At Anston Grange were 2 Swallow. On the Chesterfield Canal from Fan Field to Thorpe Bridge were 6 Blackcap, 11 Chiffchaff and a Willow Warbler at Stiff's. At Smarson's Hill were 3 Wheatear (Geoff Facer).

23rd April Overnight arrival of House Martin, c20 round Throapham today (Andy Hirst). Kingfisher in Anston Stones Wood (Andy Murray). Wheatear and Whitethroat in Harry Croft's Quarry, plus 50+ Sand Martin at Brown Bailey's (Brian Chambers).

Wheatear @ Harry Crofts Quarry © Brian Chambers

22nd April First House Martin back at Throapham (Andy Hirst). At Wallingwells today were Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and 5 breeding Lapwing. At Cross Lane, Woodsetts were Lesser Whitethroat (John Gallagher & Andy Murray).

21st April At NAPT this morning were 6 Chiffchaff, a pair of Kestrel, 14 Willow Warbler, Reed Warbler, a pair of Lapwing displaying over wader scrape, 6 Blackcap, 12 Linnet, 7 Blackbird, 5 Dunnock, 2 Song Thrush, Bullfinch, 2 Sedge Warbler and Little Ringed Plover >S. Over Tinkerhole Dike were 2 Buzzard, 2 Skylark, 11 Lesser Black-backed Gull >N and Kestrel. From Kings Wood Corner were 6 Buzzard, 3 Blackcap, 3 Skylark, Lapwing >S, 2 Jays and 3 Kestrel (Andy Hirst).

20th April At NAPT today 3 Bullfinch, Lesser Redpoll, Sedge Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Willow Warbler, 5 Blackcap and 2 Chiffchaff (Phil Baines & Mick Clay).

18th April 2 Yellow Wagtail >N over Axle Lane (Mick Clay).

17th April At Harry Croft's Quarry today were a pair of Wheatear, Little Owl, 2 Whitethroat and a Little Ringed Plover (Andy Murray & Mick Clay) and 4 Swallow >N over Axle Lane (Mick Clay).

16th April At NAPT this morning were 12 Great Tit, 8 Robin, 12 Blackbird, 5 Stock Dove, 7 Chiffchaff, 7 Wren, 18 Willow Warbler, 7 Reed Bunting, 8 Dunnock, 26 Linnet, 3 Mallard, 9 Meadow Pipit, 3 Goldcrest, 'reeling' Grasshopper Warbler, Swallow, 2 Lapwing, 10 Starling, 4 Blackcap, 2 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 2 Reed Bunting and 2 Bullfinch, with 4 Wheatear at Harry Croft's Quarry (Andy Hirst).

15th April Wardening the hide at NAPT produced Reed Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, 2 Buzzard, 10 Chiffchaff, 4 Reed Bunting, 7 Meadow Pipit, Swallow, House Martin, 3 Kestrel, 4 Mallard, 3 Curlew >S, 3 Greylag Geese, 2 Bullfinch and a Lapwing (Brian Chambers). At Harry Croft's Quarry today were 3 Raven, 3 Wheatear, 2 Little Owl and Whitethroat. At NAPT were Little Ringed Plover, Reed Warbler and Grasshopper Warbler (Mick Clay).

14th April At Hodsock first thing this morning were 2 Buzzard, 7 Skylark, 2 Stock Dove, 3 Mallard and 2 Black-headed Gull. At NAPT were Heron, 5 Greylag Geese, 3 Lesser Back-backed Gull, Green Woodpecker and a m Sparrowhawk displaying. At Langold Lake were 5 pairs of Great Crested Grebe, 15 Mallard, 10 Coot, 8 Swallow, 2 Tufted Duck, 3 Mute Swan, 4 Greylag Geese and 6 Moorhen and a Wheatear at Harry Croft's Quarry (Andy Hirst).

10th April Six members took part in the Monday walk at Langold Lake and recorded 36 species. These included 7 Great Crested Grebe, 6 Mute Swan (2 nests), 5 Greylag Geese, 60 Canada Geese, 9 Tufted Duck, Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, 6 Moorhen, Green Woodpecker, 5 Swallow, Grey Wagtail, Mistle Thrush, 15 Blackcap, 11 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Warbler, 9 Nuthatch and a m Bullfinch. After lunch 3 members walked to Hodsock Flash, recording Heron, 2 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel, 5 Stock Dove and 2 Swallow. At Hodsock Woodhouse were heard Blackcap and Chiffchaff. At Hodsock Sewage works along with a few Pied Wagtail and Chaffinch was a m Yellow Wagtail (Geoff & Lyn Facer).

9th April A Red kite between Ley's Lane and Letwell 1030 (Sue Jordan). With possibly the same bird? observed >S over the A57 at Lindrickdale at 1534 (Mick Clay). In Anston Stones Wood, the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was heard again (Andy Murray). At Hodsock first thing this morning were 6 Blackcap, 4 Willow Warbler, 7 Skylark, 5 Mallard, 5 Magpie, 11 Pied Wagtail, 2 Buzzard, 5 Stock Dove, 2 Little Ringed Plover >N, 3 Canada Geese, Lapwing and 2 Grey Partridge (Andy Hirst) with a m Wheatear at Harry Croft's Quarry (Andy Murray & Andy Hirst).

6th April A Red Kite >N over South Anston this morning (James Clay).

4th April Lesser Spotted Woodpecker this morning in Anston Stones Wood (Brian Chambers).

3rd April At NAPT this morning were 12 Chiffchaff, 3 Buzzard, a pair of Kestrel, 2 Song Thrush, Blackcap, 4 Mallard, 2m, 1f Bullfinch, Willow Warbler, Lapwing >N, Lesser Redpoll >N, Little Ringed Plover >N and 2 Fieldfare >N. At Hodsock that morning were 9 Skylark, 9 Teal, 3 Mallard, 2 Lapwing, 11 Linnet, 3 Meadow Pipit, 4 Buzzard, 100 Fieldfare >SW, 3 Chiffchaff and 6 Pied Wagtail. At Brown Bailey's were 3 Sand Martin. In Harry Crofts Quarry were 2 Skylark, 2 Mallard, 5 Buzzard, 10 Linnet, Lapwing, Little Owl, c40 Jackdaw, displaying m Sparrowhawk and Raven gronking (Andy Hirst).

1st April At NAPT this morning were 2 Swallow, 15 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap plus 9 Snipe and 1 Jack Snipe (Mick Clay & Ivan Keeton).

30th March At NAPT today were Blackcap and 13 Chiffchaff. At Langold Lake were Blackcap 10 Chiffchaff, 2 m, 1f Green Woodpecker, Grey Wagtail and 8 Great Crested Grebe, also a Chiffchaff in a South Anston garden (Mick Clay). In Harry Croft's Quarry were 2 Little Ringed Plover and 35 Jackdaw. At Hodsock Flash were 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Greylag Goose, Heron and Sparrowhawk. At Carlton Lake were 14 Canada Goose, 6 Greylag Goose, Heron and 2 Mute Swan (Brian Chambers).

28th March At Hodsock Flash this evening were Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher and 22 Snipe (John Gallagher).

27th March At Langold Lake this morning were 10 Great Crested Grebe, Heron, 6 Mute Swan, 3 Greylag Geese, 72 Canada Geese, 4m Gadwall, 14 Tufted Duck, 2 Buzzard, 2 Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 3 Song Thrush, 9 Chiffchaff, 8 Nuthatch, 6 Jay and 4 Bullfinch. At nearby Hodsock Flash were 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Buzzard, Kestrel, Oystercatcher and 2 Stock Dove (Geoff & Lyn Facer). A late afternoon visit to Langold Lake produced 17 Coot, 5 pairs of Great Crested Grebe, 4 Mute Swan including an incubating f on the top pond. Plus 22 Mallard, 8 Tufted Duck, 2 pairs of Gadwall and 3 Buzzard (Andy Hirst). At an undisclosed site that evening were the first Little Ringed Plover of the spring, 3 Buzzard and Little Owl (Andy Murray, Mick Clay & Andy Hirst).

Blackcap m @ Roche Abbey © John Gallagher

26th March A Red Kite over Woodsetts at 1030 today (Barry Cartwright) as well as the first Swallow here too (Gareth Picton). This morning 8 members gathered in the Loyal Trooper car park, off to explore some of the areas woodlands during our monthly field trip. We reached a quiet Roche Abbey; looking and listening in the car park we had 2 Teal fly over. Listening intently to the chorus of birds, amid the freshly arrived Chiffchaff was a single Marsh Tit. Reminding us that we were still in March and winter had not released us, parties of Redwing passed through and over the valley. The repetitive song of Song Thrush did suggest spring was just around the corner though with 3 birds in full song. Emphasising spring was almost here, were not 1 but 2 m Blackcap singing away, A pair of Gadwall flew over but failed to land. Surprisingly the most vocal bird in the woodland was Coal Tit- out-singing the other small woodland species. A Grey Wagtail foraged in the ruins of Roche Abbey itself. The woods were generally quiet- given the bright clear weather, we thought more species would be vocal or displaying and generally more active. Reaching Colonel's Holt we scanned the treeline. Overhead a Lesser Redpoll flew N and 2 Jays squawked raucously. Following the path back we reached the fish pond, which gave the monks within the abbey, a supply of fresh fish. The pond itself held a further 10 Teal and 4 Mallard plus 2 Moorhen. Time was marching on and given the bright clear conditions we decided to spend the remainder at Kings Wood corner, scanning the skies for raptors and passing migrants. The thermals were beginning to rise, enticing the Buzzard into action. Scanning the vista before us produced a count of 12 Buzzard. This soon eclipsed with counts of 24, topping out at 25 Buzzard in view at once. At this point we called it a day. The woodlands themselves were generally quiet but a pleasant walk through one of squares more visually pleasing locations and the number of Buzzard, made up for the poorer showing within the woods (Andy Hirst).

Andy Murray @ Roche Abbey © Andy Hirst

25th March Wardening the hide at NAPT this morning revealed 6 Chiffchaff, 3 Reed Bunting, 9 Magpie, Green Woodpecker, a Curlew >N, 3 Mallard, 4 Stock Dove, 4 Meadow Pipit, a pair of Sparrowhawk, 3 Lapwing dropped in to feed and 3 Buzzard. That evening in the gathering gloom, a quick visit to Dinnington Marsh revealed 6 Snipe and a Barn Owl screeching as it flew past (Andy Hirst). At Harry Croft's Quarry today were m Wheatear, 3 Little Owl, 30 Jackdaw and 6 Stock Dove (Mick Clay & Brian Chambers).

24th March At Dinnington Marsh tonight were Barn Owl, Little Owl, 9 Snipe, and 1 plus 21 Whooper Swan >N (Mick Clay & Andy Murray).

22nd March 38 Whooper Swan >W over Axle Lane (Mick Clay).

19th March In Harry Crofts Quarry today, first returning m Wheatear, plus Little Owl and Common Buzzard (Mick Clay & John Gallagher).

15th March 15 Waxwing by Dyscarr Wood at the back of School Road (Margaret Mantaj).

13th March At Brown Bailey's today were Great Crested Grebe, 10 Canada Geese, 9 Mallard, 8 Tufted Duck, 12 Coot, Kingfisher, 2 Song Thrush and a Chiffchaff (Geoff Facer). At Langold Lake 6 members took part in the Monday walk and among the 35 species recorded were 8 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Mute Swan, 2 Greylag Geese, 80 Canada Geese, 4m Gadwall , 9 Tufted Duck, Red Kite, 6 Buzzard, Kestrel, 2 Green Woodpecker, 9 Wren, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, 3 Chiffchaff, 6 Goldcrest, 6 Nuthatch and 3 Treecreeper (Geoff & Lyn Facer). At NAPT today were Brambling and 3 Chiffchaff (Mick Clay). At Slade Hooton a Barn Owl and Little Owl and at Carr Barn a Little Owl (Brian Chambers & Mick Clay).

12th March Over Stubbing Wood were 2 Red Kite high drifting >S. On Eastfield Lane were 4 Lapwing displaying (John Gallagher).

11th March Three hours around NAPT this morning produced 40 species, the highlights being 4 Chiffchaff, 9 Dunnock, 14 Wren, 13 Blackbird, 8 Great Tit, 8 Carrion Crow, 3 Song Thrush, 23 Magpie, 8 Bullfinch, 2 Stock Dove, 8 Meadow Pipit, 6 Reed Bunting, Heron, Snipe, Buzzard, 4 Lapwing, Yellowhammer, Common Gull, 10 Mallard, 2 Cormorant >N, 8 Greylag Goose (6 &2) >NE, Green Woodpecker and a Grey Wagtail. Dusk at Thurcroft Marsh produced 2 Buzzard, Green Woodpecker, 2 Tawny Owl, incredible views of a Short-eared Owl, Barn Owl and a single Woodcock (Andy Hirst). At Hodsock today were Chiffchaff, 3 Lapwing, Sparrowhawk, Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Stonechat (John Gallagher).

Buzzard @ NAPT © Andy Hirst

10th March Osprey >SW over South Anston and A57 towards Worksop at 1435 (per BirdGuides).

9th March A Barn Owl hunting at 1730 at Carlton Lake, also 3 Water Rail, Little Grebe, Chiffchaff, 2 Heron and 4 Grey Partridge (John Gallagher).

Cowslip- first sign of spring @ NAPT © Pete Kenworthy

7th March On Lindrick Dale pond were 2 Canada Geese, 2 pairs of Gadwall, 5 Mallard, 2 pairs of Tufted Duck, a pair of Goosander, 3 Moorhen and 4 Coot. Song Thrushes were singing from Lindrick Dale, Lindrick Common and Brancliffe. A Heron over Brancliffe and a Chiffchaff singing from the canalside at Shireoaks. Along the Chesterfield Canal were a m Mute Swan at Turnerwood plus 30 Mallard, 3 Moorhen and 2 Coot. At Smarson Hills were 2 Grey Partridge and 2 Yellowhammer (Geoff & Lyn Facer).

6th March A couple of hours at Thornbury Hill early morning produced Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Song Thrush, 8 Chaffinch, 7 Skylark, 4 Stock Dove, 2 Blackbird, 2 Dunnock, 2 Blue Tit, 4 Carrion Crow, Nuthatch, 5 Long-tailed Tit, 500 Woodpigeon, 11 Buzzard, Lapwing >N and 2 Yellowhammer (Andy Hirst). Dusk on Thurcroft Marsh produced 4 Tawny Owl calling, 4 Woodcock and a Barn Owl (John Gallagher).

5th March A couple of hours around NAPT early morning produced 13 Goldfinch, 7 Blackbird, 7 Wren, 14 Starling, 6 Chaffinch, 3 Robin, 6 Dunnock, c20 Woodpigeon, 8 Magpie, a pair of Bullfinch, 8 Linnet, 2 Meadow Pipit, 15 Black-headed Gull, 3 Skylark, 3 Lapwing on top plateau, 5 Reed Bunting, Snipe, a very dark Kestrel >S, a pair of Mallard, m Stonechat still present, 3 Herring Gull, 3 House Sparrow, 2 Stock Dove, 5 Buzzard drifting >E, 75 Golden Plover >NW and 10 Greylag Goose >N. On Oldcotes Road, by Lamb Lane were Buzzard and 2 Golden Plover. At Thornbury Hill were 2 Chaffinch, m Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Grey Wagtail, 2 Skylark, 3 Black-headed Gull and 2 Stock Dove. At Hodsock today were 4 Chaffinch, 4 Skylark, 31 Black-headed Gull, Oystercatcher, 4 Mallard, Buzzard, 3 Blackbird, 18 Fieldfare, m Gadwall and 4 Teal. At Hodsock Sewage Works were Grey Wagtail, a pair of Reed Bunting and 10 Pied Wagtail. At nearby Langold Lake were 24 Tufted Duck, 28 Mallard, 3 pairs of Great Crested Grebe, 4 Mute Swan, a pair of Gadwall and 2 Common Gull (Andy Hirst).

4th March At NAPT today were Little Egret >N over scrape, m Stonechat on the wader scrape plus 3 Reed Bunting and a Kingfisher (Mick Clay).

3rd March A walk early morning along a dull, grey Chesterfield Canal from Turnerwood to Hawks Wood was generally quiet, however around Turnerwood were 3 Song Thrush, 4 Chaffinch, 3 Greenfinch, Mute Swan, 38 Mallard, 2m Grey Wagtail displaying, Jay, 3 Blackbird, 3 Robin, 18 Redwing, 4 Moorhen, Coot, a pair of Bullfinch, 2 Heron 6 Goldfinch, 4 House Sparrow and 2 Siskin. By Old Spring Wood were Marsh Tit, 4 Bullfinch, 2 Song Thrush, m Kestrel, a pair of Goosander >W, 3 Goldcrest and 2 Siskin >S. In Hawks wood were 3 Coal Tit, 6 Chaffinch, 7 Goldcrest, 2 Siskin >E, 2 Nuthatch, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Song Thrush, 4 Wren, Great Spotted Woodpecker,7 Carrion Crow, 2 Moorhen, 3 Great Tit, 25 Starling, 44 Fieldfare and 3 Stock Dove (Andy Hirst). Some belated records of a Little Egret at Carlton lake 2 weeks ago (D Ingam per Mick Clay) and 2 Barn Owl at Manor Farm, Carr last week (per Mick Clay).

28th February At Thurcroft Pit Top today were Grey Heron, 2 Teal, 2 Mallard, 2 Grey Partridge, 11 Snipe, 9 Stock Dove and Green Woodpecker (Phil Baines).

26th February Between Stone and Lingodell today were Raven, Woodcock, 2 Grey Wagtail, Kingfisher, 5 Song Thrush, 12 Buzzard and 18 Lapwing >E (John Gallagher & Andy Murray).

20th February A Red Kite at roof top height over North Anston (Andy Murray).

18th February At Hodsock Flash today were Jack Snipe, 58 Snipe, 7 Gadwall, 12 Teal and f Stonechat (John Gallagher). A quick hour at Kings Wood Corner produced 11 Buzzard, Red Kite, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk and c1000 Woodpigeon (Andy Hirst).

14th February 27 Waxwing on a tree on Gildingwells Road, Woodsetts (Ruth Brown). At Roche Abbey were 2 Little Grebe and 2 Teal. At Langold Lake were 17 Tufted Duck, 11 Coot, 38 Mallard, 52 Canada Goose, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 6 Gadwall, 8 Moorhen and 2 Bullfinch. At nearby Carlton Lake were 13 Mute Swan, 31 Canada Goose, 17 Greylag Goose, 6 Moorhen, 2 Tufted Duck and 7 Mallard. Further down the road at Brown Bailey's were 12 Coot, 7 Mallard and 16 Tufted Duck. Hewett Arms Pond held a Little Egret, 15 Greylag Goose, 20 Canada Goose, 3 Moorhen, Mute Swan and a Kingfisher (Brian Chambers).

13th February 10 members and 1 guest attended the Monday walk at Langold Lake and recorded 31 species which included 6 Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, a pair of Mute Swan, 100 Canada Geese, 2 pairs of Gadwall, 45 Mallard, 16 Tufted Duck, Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzard, 5 Moorhen, 12 Coot, 105 Black-headed Gull, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 4 Dunnock, 12 Robin, 20 Blackbird, Fieldfare, 7 Song Thrush, 5 Nuthatch, Jay, 5 Siskin and 5 Bullfinch (Geoff and Lyn Facer).

12th February Early morning at Dinnington Marsh revealed 3 Woodcock, 2 Bullfinch, 3 Blackbird, 2 Willow Tit, 3 Mallard, Jay, c150 Woodpigeon, f Kestrel and Lapwing. At Langold Lake were 5m & 4f Goosander, 33 Mallard, 17 Tufted Duck, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 17 Coot, 64 Black-headed Gull, 2 Green Woodpecker, a pair of Mute Swan, Heron, 2 pairs of Gadwall and 3 Moorhen (Andy Hirst).

8th February At Axle Lane today were c130 Fieldfare. At Tommy Flockton's Marsh were 16 Wigeon, 12 Teal, 33 Mallard 15 Blackbird, 8 Redwing and a m Bullfinch. Along the Chesterfield Canal between Norwood Tunnel and Kiveton Park Station were Sparrowhawk and a pair of Bullfinch (Geoff Facer).

5th February 2 Red Kite drifted >S over a Woodsetts towards Lindrick Golf Course at 1209 (Gaz Picton). Barn Owl over NAPT this evening (Mick Clay).

3rd February At Tommy Flockton's Marsh today were 16 Wigeon, 16 Teal and 15 Mallard. Kiveton Woodlands in an hour's walk included 13 Mallard, 8 Dunnock, 9 Robin, a singing Song Thrush, 5 Reed Bunting, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Goldcrest and 14 Magpie (Brian Chambers).

28th January 38 Waxwings for 30 mins briefly in garden at Woodsetts at 1210 (junction of Brandsmere Drive & Gildingwells Road (Ruth Brown). A Brambling feeding with Chaffinches in leaf litter at Langold Lake. At nearby Hodsock were 4 Heron and 8 Grey Partridge (John Gallagher).

/

Yellowhammer @ Kiveton Woodlands © Alan Bateman

26th January 2 Raven circling NAPT today before moving off >NE (Mick Clay).

Reed Bunting @ Todwick © Ray Sykes

23rd January Brown Bailey's was 90% frozen but still held 4 Canada Geese, 8 Mallard, 7 Tufted Duck, Moorhen and 9 Coot. At Langold Lake were 4 Great Crested Grebe, Heron, 2 Mute Swan, 91 Canada Geese, 40 Mallard, a pair of Gadwall, Shoveler, 23 Tufted Duck, a pair of Goosander, 2 Buzzard, 2 Moorhen, 10 Coot, 105 Black-headed Gull and 4 Nuthatch (Geoff & Lyn Facer).

Goosander m&f @ Langold Lake © Geoff Facer

21st January First light at Tommy Flockton's Marsh produced 6 Mallard, 10 Redwing, 8 Wigeon, 2 Bullfinch, 9 Blackbird, 23 Goldfinch, 2 Grey Wagtail and c200 Woodpigeon. In Harry Crofts Quarry were 6 Jackdaw, 3 Pied Wagtail over, a pair of Mallard, a Grey Wagtail >S and a f Kestrel. At the southern edge of the square at Grange Farm were 2 Buzzard, 10 Golden Plover and 10 Blackbird. At the top end of the square at Roche Abbey were 3 Blackbird, Marsh Tit, Little Grebe, 5 Teal and 2 Moorhen (Andy Hirst).

20th January At Tommy Flockton's Marsh this morning were 11 Wigeon, 6 Teal and 12 Mallard with c150 Pink-footed Goose >W over Axle Lane from here. A further skein of c100 Pink-footed Goose >W over the Chesterfield Canal about 30 mins later (Brian Chambers). Several Pink-footed Geese heard >E over Throapham at 1900 (Andy Hirst).

Wigeon @ Tommy Flockton's Marsh © Brian Chambers

16th January A visit to the Squares water sites included; at Roche Abbey a pair of Gadwall, 20 Mallard and 7 Teal. At Langold Lake were 272 Canada Goose, 52 Mallard, a pair of Goosander, 18 Tufted Duck, 2 Great Crested Grebe and a pair of Gadwall. At nearby Carlton Lake were 13 Mute Swan, 25 Greylag Goose, 2 m& 1 f Goosander and a pair of Gadwall. Further down the road at Brown Bailey's were 30 Tufted Duck and 2 Great Crested Grebe. Hewett Arms Pond held 5 Moorhen, 8 Mallard, Heron, and a Kingfisher (Brian Chambers).

14th January At Carlton Wood this morning were Heron over, 6 Chaffinch, 15 Blue Tit, 35 Long-tailed Tit, 10 Nuthatch, 2 Jay, 6 Robin, 23 Jackdaw, 26 Rook, 12 Great Tit, 6 Coal Tit, 5 Goldcrest, Brambling >W, 15 Carrion Crow, 14 Woodpigeon, m Sparrowhawk, 7 Blackbird, 3 Dunnock, Buzzard and c40 Greylag Geese from Carlton Lake. From a quiet Kings Wood corner were 2 Common Gull >W, 2 Meadow Pipit, just 4 Buzzard, single Kestrel, 4 Great Black-backed Gull >W, 32 Lapwing >S, 12 Black-headed Gull >W and 3 Herring Gull >W. At Langold Lake wildfowl numbers were picking up with 4 Great Crested Grebe, 37 Mallard, just 8 Coot, Buzzard, a pair of Mute Swan, 6 Gadwall, Heron, 41 Black-headed Gull, Grey Wagtail, Teal, m Goosander, Water Rail calling, 3 Herring Gull and 2 Common Gull. 5 Waxwing feeding on berries in garden on the corner of Brandsmere Drive and Gildingwells Road, Woodsetts this afternoon. At Thurcroft Pit Top towards dusk were 5 Snipe, single Jack Snipe, Kestrel and a Barn Owl (Andy Hirst).

Buzzard @ Carr © John Gallagher

10th January 20 Waxwing in tree at junction of Hunters Drive and Hunters Close at Throapham today (Andy Bell per Mick Clay), with more reported from opposite Aldi in Dinnington.

Waxwing @ Woodsetts © John Gallagher

9th January After a delayed start to the Monday walk at Langold Lake waiting for a break in the rain, 7 members recorded 35 species. These included 2 Great Crested Grebe, a pair of Mute Swan, c150 Canada Geese, a pair of Gadwall, 2m Shoveler, 19 Tufted Duck, 7 3m4f Goosander, Buzzard, Kestrel, 4 Moorhen, Common Gull, Kingfisher, 2 Green Woodpecker, f Grey Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Nuthatch, 2 Jay, c60 Siskin and 5 3m2f Bullfinch (Geoff & Lyn Facer).

8th January A solid few hours around NAPT this morning produced 11 Blue Tit, 26 Blackbird, 11 Robin, 5 Dunnock, 8 Chaffinch, 16 Great Tit, 11 Black-headed Gull, 3 Cormorant, 10 Redwing, 5 Jack Snipe, 9 Bullfinch, 16 Meadow Pipit, 13 Lesser Black-backed Gull >SW, Common Gull >SW, 13 Herring Gull >SW, 17 Great Black-backed Gull >SW, Grey Wagtail, 3 Reed Bunting and a f Kestrel. At a very busy (with people) Langold Lake wildfowl numbers fluctuated from the previous day- 37 Mallard, 20 Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, 8 Coot, a pair of Goosander, 6 Siskin, 3 Shoveler, a pair of Mute Swan, Water Rail, Buzzard, 70 Lapwing >NE and 6 Herring Gull >NE. Nearby Hodsock yielded Heron, 193 Fieldfare, 18 Linnet 12 Snipe, 3 Yellowhammer and a Buzzard plus 15 Pied Wagtail at Hodsock Sewage Works. It was quiet at Kings Wood Corner with 3 Buzzard and a Kestrel (Andy Hirst).

7th January At Langold Lake today were 69 Mallard, 17 Tufted Duck, 14 Coot, 2f Goosander, 3 Shoveler, c30 Siskin, Heron and a Nuthatch (Brian Chambers). At Harry Croft's Quarry today were Raven, Kestrel, 2 Buzzard, Little Owl, 26 Jackdaw,11 Stock Dove and 8 Grey Partridge (Mick Clay).

Shovelers @ Langold Lake © Brian Chambers

6th January At Kiveton Woodlands today were c90 Pink-footed Goose >W, also c20 Chaffinch, 4 Greenfinch, 2 Robin, 4 Reed Bunting, 6 Dunnock, 3 Yellowhammer, 4 Great Tit and 4 Blue Tit all feeding around the 2 main bird-food sites (Brian Chambers). >N over Brampton Common today were 200 Pink-footed Goose, there were 13 Cormorant over Axle Lane (Mick Clay).

Fieldfare @ Todwick © Ray Sykes

5th January At Langold Lake today were 3m & 5f Goosander, m Pochard, 4 Shoveler, 6 Common Gull and 5 Nuthatch. And >N over Axle today were 37 Cormorant (Mick Clay).

3rd January A Red Kite >W over Greenlands Park today (Lynda Smith).

2nd January >N over Axle Lane was Peregrine plus 124 Fieldfare feeding in a field (Mick Clay).

Robin @ Todwick © Ray Sykes

30th December At Doles Wood today were 350 Lapwing, 800 Rook, 100 Starling, 50 Black-headed Gull and 6 Golden Plover (John Gallagher).

29th December Eight early risers set off on the annual Christmas walk from Firbeck through to Stone, then onto Roche Abbey recording a total of 38 species. The highlights were Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and 100 Lapwing >W at Kings Wood plus Marsh Tit and 30 Teal at Roche Abbey as well as 60 Pink-footed Geese >N over Laughton. Finally finishing off at the Black Lion pub, Firbeck for a welcome drink and meal (Mick Clay).

28th December In a stubble field adjacent to Oldcotes Road were an estimated flock of circa 300 Skylark, 100 Yellowhammer, 50 Reed Bunting, 30 Starling, 30 Meadow Pipit, Kestrel and 2 Buzzard (John Gallagher & Andy Murray).

Reed Bunting @ Hodsock © Kevin Hatley

27th December At Hodsock today were 15 Wigeon and Chiffchaff (John Gallagher).

18th December At Roche Abbey today were 2 Marsh Tit, Woodcock and Grey Wagtail. At nearby Stone Farm was a Peregrine hunting game cover (John Gallagher). At NAPT today Water Rail and Grey Wagtail and at Brampton Common were 14 Bullfinch (Mick Clay). At Carlton Lake today a pair of Goosander, 14 Mute Swan, 16 Greylag Goose, 20 Canada Goose, 5 Coot, 3 Gadwall, 9 Moorhen and 5 Mallard (Brian Chambers).

17th December At Langold Holt today were 11 Gadwall, Woodcock, 2 Heron, 5 Tufted Duck, 25 Pink-footed Geese >E and 31 >W. At nearby Hodsock Flash were 5 Lesser Redpoll, 22 Snipe, Jack Snipe and 21 Pink-footed Geese >W (John Gallagher). At Langold Lake today a f Goldeneye, 6 Tufted Duck, 7 Coot, 51 Mallard, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 m Teal, 4 Water Rail, 7 Moorhen, 2 Kingfisher and 300 Pink-footed Geese >E. At Hewett Arms Pond a single Little Grebe (Mick Clay & Brian Chambers).

12th December The Monday walk at Langold Lake was attended by 10 members who recorded 34 species. A Tawny Owl was found roosting in the trees by the road to the old colliery buildings. Continuing around the lake were found, 4 Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, 2 Mute Swan, 80 Canada Geese, 2m & 3f Shoveler, 17 Tufted Duck, a pair of Goosander, 3 Buzzard, 8 Moorhen, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, 3 Coal Tit, 3 Nuthatch, Treecreeper, 10 Siskin and 1m & 2f Bullfinch (Geoff and Lyn Facer).

7th December At Axle Lane today were c80 Redwing and 10 Fieldfare. At Tommy Flockton’s Marsh were 19 Teal and a mixed flock of Fieldfare and Redwing totaling c200 birds. Along the Chesterfield Canal between the Norwood Tunnel and Kiveton Park Station were 3 Moorhen and a Kingfisher (Geoff & Lyn Facer). Also a Yellow-legged Gull at Axle Lane today (Mick Clay).

4th December A rather quiet couple of hours at Harry Crofts Quarry produced 52 Jackdaw, single Kestrel, 3 Blackbird, 46 Woodpigeon, 5 Stock Dove, m Peregrine over, 2 Pied Wagtail, 3 Chaffinch, 12 Swan spp >SW, 165 Redwing >NE, 24 Goldfinch, 6 Red-legged Partridge, 8 Skylark, 8 Great Black-backed Gull >E, 3 Meadow Pipit, 2 Yellowhammer and a Song Thrush (Andy Hirst).

2nd December At NAPT this morning were 39 Blackbird, 100 Redwing, 4 Song Thrush, 6 Goldcrest, Chiffchaff, 7 Bullfinch, Buzzard and Peregrine over South Anston (Mick Clay).

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

content & design by Andy Hirst