SK58 Bird News

Tetrad Atlas Survey 2008

Photo Competition

20th July Common Buzzard over Axle Lane (Mick Clay). Report of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker with young in Whipman Wood, Owdy Lane, Carlton, in June (per Mick Clay).

19th July Hobby at a nest site to the east of SK58 and 2 Common Buzzard- Not many (Hobby) around this year, not the 2-4 pairs of previous years. (Mick Clay, comms per Andy Hirst).

14th July At Axle Lane 40 Swallow >S, a steady movement >S all week , Curlew >N, Common Tern on pond and 2 pairs of Corn Bunting feeding young (Mick Clay).

13th July Over South Anston, Curlew calling (Mick Clay).

11th July 2 Common Tern and Corn Bunting at Axle Lane (Mick Clay).

9th July At Axle Lane today 2 Sand Martins late evening. (Mick Clay).

5th July At NAPT today were single Little Ringed Plover .By Anston Stones Wood were 2 ad. Barn Owls at nest box with juvs and along Rackford Lane ad. and juv. Little Owl (Mick Clay).

1st July Quiet at the moment, Kiveton Pit Top produced Reed Warbler in the reeds at the bottom of the steeply sloped path, 3 Wren calling, c15 Goldfinch. On Tommy Flockton's Marsh were 8 Mallard, c 20 House Martin, c30 Rook and c10 Jackdaw (Brian Chambers).

30th June Barn Owl, regularly at Langold Pit Top, but elusive (Keith Trow).

29th June At Axle Lane today; 600 Swift, Yellow Wagtail and Corn Bunting (Mick Clay).

15th June On Lindrick Golf Course today 14 Yellowhammer, 13 Willow Warbler, 10 Chiffchaff, 5 Blackcap, 12 Robin, 4 Goldcrest plus 4 juvs, Marsh Tit, 5 Bullfinch, 9 Linnet, 10 Mistle Thrush, 8 Song Thrush, 11 Carrion Crow, 9 Pied Wagtail and in Lindrick Dale a pair of Spotted Flycatcher feeding young in a nest on the stone face (Mick Clay).

9th June Red Kite >E over NAPT today at 13:30. Picture shows a well worn bird, either of captive origin or heavy moult? Bird appears to be untagged. (Janet Allsop & Clive Gretton per Mick Clay).

7th June Quail still calling from Rackford Lane, but further down, nearer Dewidales Wood (Mick Clay). The Redshank did finally produce young (4), although by today just one juv remains. Plus Yellow Wagtail, 6 Pairs of Lapwing and 6 juv's (Andy Hirst, Mick Clay & Phil Smith).

6th June An hour at Kings Wood corner produced 2 Tree Sparrow, 4 Buzzard, Kestrel, Linnet, Stock Dove, 400+ Swift and several hundred Swallow & House Martin, but no White Stork! (Mick Clay & Andy Hirst).

5th June A White Stork >SE over Oldcotes (per Mick Clay) was seen 20mins later distantly from Hodsock, as it circled then drifted back NE towards Oldcotes (Andy Hirst & Mick & James Clay). Possibly the same Dutch bird that did the rounds in September 2006, which bore a yellow Darvic ring on it's right leg with the letters PCC. Apparently has been in the area for several days. (Brian Lound per Mick Clay).

4th June At Tommy Flockton's Marsh today were 3 Lapwing, 5 Mallard (4m & 1f), 2 Greylag Geese and single m Shoveler (Paul Rigg).

3rd June At Tommy Flockton's Marsh today were 3 Lapwing, 5 pairs of Mallard, 3 Greylag Geese, 5 Canada Geese & 2 Moorhen (Paul Rigg).

2nd June At Kiveton pit Top Whilst pond-dipping counted 9 Coot chicks, plus Heron, 10 Canada Geese >W & 4 Goldfinch. At Tommy Flockton's Marsh were 3 pairs of Mallard, 8 Lapwing, 2 Greylag Geese & 3 Heron (Paul & Molly Rigg).

1st June Quail calling from end of the paddocks along Rackford Lane (Mick Clay).

31st May Shoveler again at Kiveton Pit Top this time (Paul Rigg).

27th May At Kiveton Hall Farm to Ponds between 12:20- 13:00 12 Skylark, 2 Heron, 3 Black-headed Gull. At Tommy Flockton's Marsh were 3 Lapwing, 2 Moorhen, and a pair of Mallard (Paul Rigg).

24th May Hobby over NAPT (Mick Clay).

22nd May At NAPT 2 Redshank with 4 juvs, 4 Lapwing & 4 juvs and Common Buzzard. At Dinnington Marsh was a Cuckoo (Mick Clay). At Axle Lane today were 5 Swift, 2 Blue Tit, 4 Swallow, 2 Blackbird, single Heron & 2 Skylark (Paul Rigg).

18th May A Little Owl at the tree stump nest site on Common Road. At 22:20 a Barn Owl flew over Sheffield Road, South Anston (Geoff & Lyn Facer).

17th May The long bird race day continued with Barn Owl at 4:40!!! Hawfinch was heard at Kings Wood, plus at least 2 pairs Tawny Owls. Garden Warbler was heard along the Chesterfield Canal, and Hobby at a traditional nest site, with a pair of Shelduck at Thurcroft Pit Top. Although the highlight of the day by far was a f Honey Buzzard >NE over Firbeck towards Thornbury Hill (Andy Hirst & Mick Clay).

16th May The "Annual Sponsored Bird Race" produced some excellent birding (see News), with 20 hours in the field, you would expect so! Several Little Ringed Plover were had including a pair with x3 juv's. Redshank also had several young at Brampton, plus 2 Snipe. That evening we also had 2 Long-eared Owls, at different different sites, both unexpected (Mick Clay & Andy Hirst).

15th May It looks like the Redshank have failed at NAPT, this the first breeding attempt for about 10 years!!- probably due to disturbance from inconsiderate dog walkers, youths and some birders who should know better. We've had a persistent problem of people wandering around the scrape or actually going into the water, despite numerous signs and fencing. IF YOU SEE ANYONE NEAR THE WATER OR IN FRONT OF THE HIDE PLEASE LET US KNOW.

8th May Along Kirkcroft Road and on to Slade Hills this evening were 300 Woodpigeon at Throapham, 40 Swift, 18 Linnet, 5 Yellowhammer, 7 Whitethroat, 2 Heron >W, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, Buzzard and 4 Mallard (Andy Hirst).

7th May Another first for SK58- a Wood Sandpiper, briefly at 06:30 Pochard m & escape Ferruginous Duck f at NAPT, before departing >N (Mick Clay). The improvement works at NAPT seem to have done the trick. Redshank, Ringed Plover and Lapwing also. The Ferruginous Duck has taken up residence again at Brown Bailey's and paired with a m Pochard- so can we expect the patter of hybrid feet soon? (Andy Hirst).

6th May No sign this morning of the Woodchat Shrike. Being well fed, and rested, and with clear skies the bird appears to have moved on (Per BirdGuides). Woodchat Shrike - Rackford Lane 05/05/08

5th May Corn Bunting at Grange Farm today (Andy Hirst). Although the highlight of the bank holiday w/e, and probably the year was the discovery at 14:00 by Dave Thornley of a 1st summer male Woodchat Shrike in the horse paddocks at the end of Rackford Lane. He raced home and informed several members, who went straight there to confirm his identification. The news was released at 14:55, and with minutes birders from Notts & Yorkshire descended on the horse paddock. The bird very obligingly remained faithful to 100m stretch of hedge, within striking distance of a public footpath as it performed brilliantly and caught many insects. Many birders returning from the coast detoured for this bird. Several hundred birders managed to connect with this stunner before dusk (Dave Thornley, Andy Hirst & Mick Clay). We thought this was the first inland Yorkshire record, but it was were quite rightly pointed out that birds had been recorded in East, West & South Yorkshire previously (per John O'Malley & Richard Sprakes). At Langold Lake today were 6 Great Crested Grebes , 1 juv and 2 nests, m Pochard and 2 Gadwall. At Brown Bailey's the escape Ferruginous Duck and 30 + Sand Martins. At NAPT 3 Reed Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler and Curlew >N (Mick Clay).

4th May A walk around Dinnington Marsh, and along the railway produced 5 Chiffchaff, 13 Willow Warbler, Cuckoo, 10 Whitethroat, 2 Willow Tit, Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel and a highlight of a Short-eared Owl over the path (Andy Hirst). Whinchat in rape along Axle Lane late evening (Mick Clay).

3rd May Common Sandpiper at Tommy Flockton's Marsh this morning, plus 1 Redshank, 1 Greylag Goose >W (Brian Chambers), with a further Common Sandpiper all day at NAPT, plus Ringed Plover here (Andy Hirst, Ivan Keeton & Mick Clay). Sat in a tree above Oldcotes was an Osprey 10:00 (John O'Malley), which was later seen from Kings Wood 11:22 >N (Andy Hirst), then later over Wilsic 11:30 (per BirdGuides), although what was probably a second Osprey at Sandbeck at 15:30 (John O'Malley). At Kiveton Pit today were 2 Common Terns over the fishing ponds, 3 Swift, 2 Whitethroat, 6 Willow Warbler, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Tit, 70 Starling &1 m Wheatear(Brian Chambers).

2nd May Just outside the square Little Egret reported behind Sainsbury's off the A57 at 06:00. No sign by 06:40 (Paul Trow). At NAPT this morning several Sedge Warbler and Turtle Dove (Andy Hirst).

30th April At NAPT today were 2 Sedge Warblers, 4 Common Whitethroat and 1 Turtle Dove from Cramfit bridge. At Thurcroft Marsh were 2 Swallows, 8 Chiffchaff, 3 Whitethroat, 4 Willow Warblers & 1 Cuckoo from cycleway at Thurcroft (Geoff Facer).

29th April At NAPT today were 12 Lapwing including 4 young (2 broods), 4 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Turtle Dove by the railway line, 1 Sedge Warbler in reeds by Cramfit entrance, 2 Whitethroat, 4 Willow Warbler & 6 Swallow. On Thurcroft Marsh were 1 Cuckoo, 2 Swallow, 2 Whitethroat, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 4 Willow Warbler, 3 Reed Bunting & 2 Sparrowhawk. At Brampton Common were 21 Lapwing and 1 well grown young bird (Brian Chambers). Over Dinnington Marsh were Hobby and 6 Lesser Whitethroat around. (Andy Hirst).

27th April At Kiveton Pit Top, m Wheatear, Common Whitethroat and 15 Swift >N. At Dinnington Marsh were 20 Willow Warbler, 4 Common Whitethroat, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Willow Tit, Cuckoo and Little Owl and at Axle Lane 2 Common Buzzard and Peregrine (Mick Clay).

26th April At Tommy Flockton's Marsh today 1 Redshank & 3 Common Terns > relocated over Kiveton Waters fishing lakes (Kiveton Pit Top) (Geoff & Lyn Facer). At NAPT 3 Sand Martins > N, Common Whitethroat and m Wheatear. At Thurcroft Marsh Cuckoo, 2 Common Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, 7 Willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap and on Thurcroft Pit Top 4 Wheatear, Green Sandpiper and 6 Little Ringed Plover. Early evening at Axle Lane Hobby and 2 Common Terns on ponds (Mick Clay). On Dinnington Marsh early morning a Short-eared Owl (Ivan Keeton per Mick Clay).

24th April At NAPT 8 Lapwings + 3 juv. in front of hide, plus a pair of Redshank mating on far pond. (Geoff Facer).

22nd April At Axle Lane this morning, a Twite briefly near the wall close to the public footpath signs (Geoff Facer).

18th April At Tommy Flockton's Marsh today were 2 Redshank (Brian Chambers).

17th April At Langold Lake today 1 Sparrowhawk, 9 Coot chicks in two broods, c15 Swallow, c15 House Martin, c7 Sand Martin. At Carlton Lake were 2 Mute Swan (Brian Chambers). At Brown Bailey's were 4 Great Crested Grebes (2 ads,2 juvs), 6 Canada Geese, 5 Tufted Duck (3m, 2f), Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, 4+ Long-tailed Tit, Nuthatch & 30+ Sand Martins (Tony Reed).

16th April At NAPT 12 Lapwings with (at least) 1 chick, 1 Snipe, Willow Warbler and 2 Reed Buntings (Geoff Facer). F Merlin hunting in the rape field by the ponds today (Mick Clay).

15th April At Axle Lane still 200 Golden Plover and 2 Yellow Wagtail >N (Mick Clay).

14th April Redshank >N over Axle Lane (Mick Clay).

13th April Short-eared Owl showing well at the NAPT on 11th,12th and 13th. Yellow Wagtail >N over Axle Lane (Mick Clay).

12th April F Hen Harrier >N over Lingodell (John O'Malley per Mick Clay). At Langold Lake today; Sand Martins & House Martins were skimming over the lake also 3 Swallows, Great Crested Grebe still sat on nest. Coot with young on nest. Singing Chiffchaff, Treecreeper, Cormorant and Canada Goose on nest. Mute Swan still sitting. Heron on second lake (Alan Bradford & Robert Mantaj). At NAPT today were Yellow Wagtail on scrape, 2 Redshank, 2 Little Ringed Plover & Short-eared Owl. Wheatear on fence to west of hide. Regular view of Little Owls on Common Road. Buzzard seen regularly over NAPT. Regular view of Barn Owl over field opposite Sanctuary Fields. Kestrel has moved into Owl box on Long Lane (Phil Smith).

11th April Over Axle Lane 80 Pink-footed Geese >W (Mick Clay).

10th April A pair of Little Owls reported from the end of Common Road, sat on bushes, although the nesting tree blew down a while ago (Tim Cox). At NAPT today were 4 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Teal, 1 Swallow & 1 Sand Martin. At Brown Bailey's were c40 Sand Martin & 1 Jay. At Carlton Lake were 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 m & 1 f Ruddy Duck, 2 Greylag Geese & 2 Gadwall (Brian Chambers).

8th April Short-eared Owl hunting at NAPT and 2 Swallows >N over Axle Lane (Mick Clay). At NAPT today 2 Teal, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Snipe, 1 m Wheatear -all seen near the scrape. At Brown Bailey's were 3 Great Crested Grebe, plenty of Sand Martin, at least 20 feeding over the water.(Brian Chambers).

6th April Early morning at NAPT; 6 Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Peregrine >N. Over Hawks Wood were 4 Buzzard (Mick Clay).

5th April At NAPT mid morning; 2 Redshank mobbed by Lapwings and eventually >W (Mick Clay).

4th April The ringtail Hen Harrier still around Langold Pit Top today (Keith Trow).

3rd April Great Grey Shrike reported from Rackford Lane, S. Anston, found at 14:30 (Dave Thornley), still present at 18:25 (Andy Hirst). From Rackford Lane, continue through gate along footpath. Follow line of wooden pylons down towards farm. Pylons break left across field, View from here- GGS was sat in a bush where pylons cross far hedge SK541833. Also Sand Martin, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker and 75 Fieldfare over (Andy Hirst , Mick & James Clay). At NAPT 1 Green Sandpiper feeding on the plateau pond, 1 Little Ringed Plover on the scrape, 5 Chiffchaff, 16 Magpie, 2 Teal, 12 Lapwing with 5 birds sitting on nests, 6 m& 2 f Reed Bunting (Brian Chambers). At Hodsock c200 Pink-footed Geese >N. 5 Lapwings and 1 Buzzard on the pastures and c10 Tree Sparrows and c12 Linnets in the farm hedgerows. At Langold Lake 5 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Cormorant, 3 pairs of Tufted Ducks, 1 Green Woodpecker and 1 Sand Martin (Geoff Facer).

1st April At NAPT today, single m Wheatear on the scrape plus 5 Lapwing nests. At Carlton Lake were 1 m Gadwall, 2 m& 1 f Ruddy Duck plus 2 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 55 Canada Goose, single Mallard and a single Grey Heron (Brian Chambers & Keith Trow). With 2 Sand Martin over Langold Lake (Brian Chambers). Nearby Brown Bailey's Pond held 9 Coot, 2 Moorhen, 16 Tufted Duck (7f, 9m), (18 at 06:30- 1 more pair) , Single m Gadwall, pair of Great Crested Grebe and 3 Canada Goose, 4 Sand Martins stayed around 5 min's then >N & Chiffchaff (Tony Reed & Keith Trow).

31st March On Common Road, single Little Owl perched on the dead tree near the cross-roads. At NAPT 2 Redshank on the scrape & 4 Teal. At Dinnington Marsh were 1 Little Owl, 15 Mallard, 8 Robin, 4 Chiffchaff, a pair of Reed Bunting & 1 Willow Tit (Brian Chambers). On the Chesterfield Canal between Thorpe Bridge and Norwood Tunnel were single Sparrowhawk, 2 Green Woodpeckers, c120 Fieldfares, 1 pair of Blackcap at Albert's Dock, 12 singing Chiffchaffs, 1 Marsh Tit and 4 pairs of Bullfinches (Geoff & Lyn Facer).

30th March The SK58 'Square Bash' was a success. Highlights included 3 Little Ringed Plover at Thurcroft Pit Top, plus 2 Ringed Plover and 2 Green Sandpiper, Buzzard & m Wheatear. At Hodsock were 4 Buzzard and a pair of Gadwall. NAPT produced 6 Common Gull. Over Carlton Lake were 400+ Lapwing >E, plus a pair of Greylag Geese on the lake. Langold Lake was fairly quiet, except for the suspicious Ferruginous Duck, which has now appeared here. This bird is extremely wary, and controversy surrounds it's status. It certainly has a yellow ring on it's right leg, which is indicative of captive origin, although there are rumours that a metal BTO style ring is also present. It's thought that in parts of Eastern Europe, these yellow rings are used in conjunction with BTO style metal rings on wild birds. Although investigations so far have failed to confirm this. (Andy Hirst).

29th March At Tommy Flockton's Marsh were 2 Redshank, c150 Fieldfare, 6 Redwing & 1 Snipe. At Kiveton Pit Top were - c75 Fieldfare, 10 Redwing, 1 Sparrowhawk & 3 Kestrel (Brian Chambers). At NAPT today were 17 Blackbird, 9 Wren, 8 Dunnock, 14 Skylark, 6 Chiffchaff, 20 Meadow Pipit, 5 Lapwing nests on the scrape, 6 Moorhen, 3 Bullfinch & 1500 Golden Plover >W. Kings Wood corner was quiet except for Siskin >N, 6 Buzzard, several Sparrowhawk, Hawfinch, Tawny Owl and Cormorant >E. Langold Lake produced 3 Sand Martin >N, 15 Stock Dove & 4 Gadwall (Andy Hirst).

27th March Short-eared Owl showed very well at NAPT today; first seen at 17:10 from NE, skirted Overflow and NE fringes of Scrape before flying E. Then spent 35 minutes quartering the plateau slopes between the 2 main paths. Lost sight at 17:45. Viewed from side of Hide. Also present were Lapwing, Teal, Mallard, Moorhen, Pied Wagtail, Black-headed Gull & Common Gull & Kestrel SW. Cramfit held Coot and Little Grebe (Ashley Saywell). A long walk round Langold Pit top and Langold Lake produced
4 Skylark, 19 Lapwing >W, single Reed Bunting, Kestrel, 4 Magpie, 10 Carrion Crow , 2 Chiffchaff, 9 Chaffinch, Green Woodpecker, 5 Long-tailed Tit. On Langold Lake were 77 Canada Geese, 13 Coot and four nests. 8 Moorhen, 6 Great Crested Grebe and two on nests. 11 Mallard, 3 Chiffchaff, 4 Song Thrush, 2 Mute Swan, 4 Gadwall, Grey Heron, 4 Tufted Duck, Great Spotted Woodpecker , and the highlight a pair of Woodlark near Langold Lake (Keith Trow).

26th March At Brown Bailey's this afternoon, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Tufted Duck (1 f 4m ), Mallard, & Chiffchaff (singing), plus 5+ Long-tailed Tit (Anthony Reed). Probable Peregrine at Sanctuary Fields (NAPT) (Phil Smith).

25th March At NAPT this morning; 1 Ringed Plover & 1 Little Ringed Plover feeding at the edge of the Scrape, plus 4 Teal, 7 Mallard, 9 Lapwing, 5 Common Gull & 3 Kestrel . At Kiveton Pit Top were 3 Chiffchaff (Brian Chambers). At Wallingwells 1 f Stonechat and 3 Buzzard over Holme Wood (Keith Trow). Last thing at NAPT were 4 Teal, no sign of any plovers, Snipe over, and brief views of the Short-eared Owl (Keith Trow, Andy Hirst, Mick Clay & Ivan Keeton).

23rd March Just 3 Gadwall at Langold Lake this afternoon, 6 Great Crested Grebe inc. 2 nests. 5 Goosander at Carlton Lake (2m & 3f), plus m Ruddy Duck (Andy Hirst). At NAPT; Barn Owl and Short-eared Owl showing well from 18:30, after heavy snow (Mick Clay). A Barn Owl at Langold Pit Top between 17:30 & 18:00 hunting the fields in every type of weather wind, rain, hail & snow (Keith Trow).

22nd March Over Kirkcroft Road this morning were 22 Fieldfare, 3 Yellowhammer, 7 Blackbird, 10 Linnet, 8 Pied Wagtail, 6 Buzzard, and 3 Skylark. On Eastfield Lane were 4 Common Gull & 6 Red-legged Partridge. In Kings Wood were 2 Buzzard, Tawny Owl and 2 Hawfinch, plus Marsh Tit (Andy Hirst). At Langold Lake today were 2 Mute Swan, 6 Great Crested Grebe (2 nests), 24 Coot, 21 Tufted Duck, 28 Mallard, 4 Crow, 5 Gadwall, 5 Moorhen, 74 Canada Geese plus 2 nests, with 2 Kestrels over the pit top (Alan Bradford). At NAPT this afternoon were 12 Lapwing, with 4 nests 2 pairs of Teal, 4 Mallard, 2 Stock Dove, a pair of Green Woodpecker, Buzzard, Common Gull & Cormorant >N, all from the hide (Mick Clay & Andy Hirst).

21st March Wheatear at NAPT this afternoon (Text Msg).

18th March At Langold Lake between 11:00 - 13:00; 85 Canada Geese, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 41 Mallard, 1 m Ruddy Duck, 10 Moorhen, 7 Robin, 14 Tufted Duck & 30 Coot. Plus 9 Blue Tit, 11 Great Tit, 5 Dunnock, Little Grebe, 5 Gadwall & f Sparrowhawk > over. On Langold Pit Top were Kestrel, 1 Green Woodpecker- no sign of the Hen Harrier today, but apparently still around on the 15th & 16th (Alan Bradford).

17th March At NAPT this afternoon, 2 Ringed Plover, 6 Lapwing, 3 Common Gull, 3 Stock Dove and 1 Green Woodpecker (Geoff Facer). No sign of the Ringed Plover at 17:30, but a pair of Teal & the Short-eared Owl showed briefly (Andy Hirst).

16th March No sign of the Firecrest at Colonels Holt, Roche Abbey, despite extensive searching. However 72 Whooper Swan >NW at 11:30 (Andy Hirst, Brian Chambers & Geoff Facer), plus Grey Wagtail, 14 Teal, 2 Buzzard, 150 Chaffinch near Slade Hills and Heron over. 5 Buzzard from Kings Wood corner briefly. At NAPT, 12 Lapwing displaying, plus Snipe. At Langold Lake were 25 Mallard, 54 Coot, 15 Tufted Duck, 2 pairs of Great Crested Grebe sat on nests, 19 Gadwall, a pair of Mute Swan, m Ruddy Duck, 2 Greylag Geese, Buzzard & Green Woodpecker (Andy Hirst).

15th March An excellent day in the square began at NAPT with Green Sandpiper & Woodlark over, with a good movement of Meadow Pipits (Mick Clay). Later in the day a party of 85+ Whooper Swans low over Roche Abbey in the mist, which were later reported from Potteric Carr (per Birdnet). Although the star bird, was a Firecrest (John O'Malley) at the back of Roche Abbey (SK536894), with Chiffchaff, Goldcrest & Long-tailed Tit. This a first for the recorder in the square, and only the groups second ever record. Showed well for the small crowd until late pm (John O'Malley, Mick Clay & Andy Hirst). Back at NAPT at dusk, 2 Grey Partridge, now 2 Coot here (site record) and the Little Grebe has returned (Andy Hirst).

14th March At Axle Lane this morning were 4 Corn Bunting, 20 Skylark, 150 Fieldfare, Common Buzzard and f Merlin hunting from 07:00 to at least 07:30 (Mick Clay). 4 Common Buzzard over Woodsetts today (Nigel Butler). At site within the square today, single Long-eared Owl and Barn Owl hunting (Andy Hirst). Topping off our our owl day- the Short-eared Owl again at NAPT c17:00 (Ashley Saywell).

13th March Red Kite reported over Kings Wood at 12:20. No further details (Per BirdGuides).

12th March The Short-eared Owl was seen again at NAPT at 16:30 (Ashley Saywell).

9th March At Kings Wood Corner this morning, were 16 Buzzard & 2 Sparrowhawk, as well as Tawny Owl & 2 Hawfinch.

6th March Peregrine over South Anston > towards Axle Lane mid afternoon, plus Long-eared Owl and Barn Owl at a site in the square early evening (Mick Clay). A different Barn Owl reported from Brampton this evening (per Andy Barr). With 3 Long-eared Owls at an undisclosed site this afternoon (Brian Chambers).

3rd March Short-eared Owl quartering NAPT this evening. Apparently present since Friday. Also a pair of Stonechat near the hide (Andy Hirst).

2nd March At Langold Lake today were 37 Gadwall, 29 Tufted Duck, 4 Great Crested Grebes, 2 Green Woodpeckers, Great Spotted Woodpecker, 2 Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk displaying, 2 Kestrel and a Woodlark over (Mick Clay).

29th February At Axle Lane today were 3000 Golden Plover and m Stonechat and Corn Bunting on the wall. At NAPT, a m Stonechat today (Mick Clay).

28th February Along the Chesterfield Canal, c40 Fieldfare at Thorpe Bridge, 2 Green Woodpeckers were calling, A single at Thorpe Bridge the other at Old Spring Wood, a Snipe in the field opposite Hawks Wood and a pair of Bullfinch at Top Locks. At Top Hall Farm (Thorpe Salvin) were a mixed flock of c100 Fieldfare and Redwing. A Common Buzzard over fields to the south of Thorpe Salvin and a second at Smarsons Hills (Geoff Facer). At Carlton Lake were 2 m Ruddy Duck, 1 Cormorant >E, 1 singing Reed Bunting, 9 Coot & 5 Mallard. In field just E of Carlton were 3 Common Buzzard, flocks of c75 Linnet & 50 Chaffinch feeding on stubble fields, 1 Brambling with the Chaffinch, 15 Lapwing overhead & a large flock of c200 Stock Dove also feeding in the stubble. From Kings Wood Corner was 1 Lesser Spotted Woodpecker heard, 3 Nuthatch, 1 Sparrowhawk, 3 Common Buzzard, 2 Treecreeper, 1 Marsh Tit & c1500 Woodpigeon (Brian Chambers).

27th February 3 Woodcock roding over Lindrick Golf Course (Brian Chambers).

24th February Again from Kings Wood corner this morning were an impressive 10 Buzzard and a few Sparrowhawk, plus Tawny Owl (Andy Hirst). 3 Hawfinch reported from here mid-week (John O'Malley per Mick Clay). Elsewhere a m Goshawk flew into woods, and at another site a m displayed very briefly (Mick Clay & Andy Hirst). At a site 3 Woodlark were recorded singing (Mick Clay & Andy Hirst). At Hodsock were 18 Lapwing, a pair of Teal with 50+ Pied Wagtail in the sewage works, plus Grey Wagtail and 12 Meadow Pipit (Andy Hirst).

23rd February A good 3 hour stint at NAPT produced the following counts; 9 Robin, 11 Dunnock, f Green Woodpecker, 8 Song Thrush, 8 Skylark, Heron, 6 Reed Bunting, 2 Snipe, 8 Lapwing on scrape, a pair of Teal, 10 Mallard, 5 Bullfinch, Grey Wagtail and a Great Spotted Woodpecker. Along Eastfield Lane were 112 Lapwing with 6 Golden Plover and 47 Black-headed Gull. From Kings Wood corner were 1000 Woodpigeon out of roost, several Nuthatch, Tawny Owl, 3 Great Black-backed Gull >S, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull >S, Marsh Tit & Sparrowhawk. Highlights from Langold Lake were 47 Gadwall & 4 Pochard (Andy Hirst).

22nd February At Carlton Lake today were 2 Greylag Geese, 82 Canada Geese, 1m Ruddy Duck and 1f Sparrowhawk. At Langold Lake were single Little Grebe, 5 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 36 Canada Geese, 47 Gadwall, 36 Tufted Duck and 1 Common Gull. Also 1 dead Gadwall on the water-shooting victim? (Geoff Facer).

21st February At Carlton Lake were 4 pairs of Goosander, 2 Greylag Geese, 64 Canada Geese & 15 Gadwall (Brian Chambers). Although by 14:30 there were just a single pair of Gadwall and Teal, and a handful of Canada Geese (Andy Hirst). On Langold Lake were 4 Great Crested Grebe, 38 Gadwall, 2 m Pochard & 1 Little Grebe (Brian Chambers).

17th February At Axle Lane c3000 Golden Plover between the 11th & 17th (Mick Clay). The groups Wildfowl Count produced the following records: Lingodell; 6 Common Gull, single Buzzard, 47 Fieldfare, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. At Roche Abbey were 10 Mallard, 7 Teal, 2 Moorhen, single Green Woodpecker, at least 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker & Nuthatch and several Marsh Tit. Firbeck Hall produced 10 Coot, 2 Greylag Geese, 3 Heron, 12 Moorhen, 4 Tufted Duck, 176 Canada Geese & 9 Mallard. Langold Lake was 95% frozen, which revealed 38 Tufted Duck, 66 Coot, 29 Mallard, 34 Gadwall, 4 Great Crested Grebe, single m Pochard, 2 Mute Swan & Little Grebe. Hodsock was completely frozen, but 4 Golden Plover there with, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and a pair of Grey Wagtail. Carlton Lake held 6 Coot, 7 Moorhen, Snipe, 2 Mallard, 2 Tufted Duck and a pair of Greylag Geese. Brown Baileys still held the escape Ferruginous Duck, 18 Coot, a pair of Great Crested Grebe, and 5 Tufted Duck. At Kings Wood corner was a flock of 40+ Stock Dove. Dinnington Marsh held 2 Coot and 36 Black-headed Gull. (Andy Hirst, Mick Clay, Paul Rigg, Alan Bradford & Phil Ridsdale).

16th February At Thurcroft Pit Top today were Green Sandpiper and Buzzard. A pair of Stonechat at Kiveton Pit Top (Mick Clay). Single Kingfisher at Brancliffe Feeder (Nigel Butler).

15th February At Kiveton Pit Top today were single Kingfisher perched by Broadbridge Dyke bridge, south of the fishpond, 2 m & 1 f Stonechat feeding near the southern perimeter fence, 1 Willow Tit, 2 Mute Swan overhead, difficult for them to land on the water due to numerous lines strung across the fishing ponds. 7 Bullfinch in hedge by the main entrance. At NAPT were 3 Lapwing by the Wader Scrape, 11 Mallard on the Scrape, single Green Woodpecker amongst the Alders by the Alcove Plantation.(Brian Chambers).

13th February Over Axle Lane were 6 Cormorant and 2 Buzzard (Mick Clay). At Kiveton Pit Top today were 2 Mute Swans, 6 Coot & Mallard. On the plateau were 2 Black-headed Gull, 8 Fieldfare
and Mallard (Paul Rigg).

12th February A Blackcap in a Swinston Hill garden (Wilf Slack). At Brown Baileys today the escape Ferruginous Duck (1st year /fem with yellow ring) with 4 Tufted Duck, 1 Great Crested Grebe with single Great Crested Grebe over the road on the pond near the chicken farm. Also Green Woodpecker in the woods opposite pond (Anthony Reed).

11th February an imm/f Ferruginous Duck at Brown Baileys this afternoon, although sporting a Ferruginous Duck Brown Bailey's yellow ring on right leg- obviously the bird from Steetley Quarry, Shireoaks (Andy Hirst per George Shentall).

10th February At Roche Abbey were 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Green Woodpecker, 9 Song Thrush, Marsh Tit, 11 Teal , Grey Wagtail and 146 Pink-footed Geese >W (Mick Clay).

9th February A 3 hour stint at Kingswood Corner was pleasant but not totally rewarding- 5 Buzzard, 4 Sparrowhawk, a good mix of woodland species; 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, plus 6 Skylark & 2 Tawny Owl (Andy Hirst).

7th February Along the Chesterfield Canal between Shireoaks and Turnerwood were singing Song Thrush, 5 Mistle Thrush, 15 Redwing >S, 15 Blackbird, 2 Coal Tit, 2 f Bullfinch, 1 juv. Mute Swan. In field south of the Canal opposite Broad Wood, Shireoaks; 13 Moorhen. At Turnerwood were 2 Tree Sparrow, 9 House Sparrow, 13 Mallard, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Marsh Tit, 2 Singing Song Thrush. By Top Locks were 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Singing Song Thrush. At Shireoaks Fishing Pond just 1 Great Crested Grebe. At Brown Bailey's were 2 Great Crested Grebe, 25 Coot & 3 Tufted Duck (Brian Chambers). Ferruginous Duck Brown Bailey's

5th February At Langold Lake today 36 Mallard, 78 Coot, 43 Tufted Duck, 16 Gadwall, 16 Moorhen, 3 Great Crested Grebe, a pair were nest building, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, c 150 Black-headed Gull & 27 Siskin. At Hodsock were 2 Grey Wagtail, c45 Pied Wagtail, 14 Meadow Pipit, c90 Starling, c175 Black-headed Gull, 1 Common Gull & 6 Skylark (Brian Chambers) .

4th February At Langold Lake today were 14 Gadwall, 3 Great Crested Grebe & 2 Pochard (Ron Adams).

3rd February At Langold Lake the ring-tail Hen Harrier showed well on south side of pit top, 2 Green Woodpecker, 2 Kestrel and Common Buzzard also 4 Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, 26 Gadwall, 42 Tufted Duck, 62 Coot, 13 Moorhen, 2 Mute Swan, 124 Black-headed Gulls and 1 Common Gull. A Barn Owl on Steadfolds Lane by Brookhouse cricket ground (Mick Clay).

2nd February At Kiveton Woodlands (Old Kiveton Pit Top) between 10:20 and 10:40, mainly around stream running into fishing pond- 1 Grey Heron harassed by a Carrion Crow, 6 Moorhen, Kingfisher along the stream & a pair of Mallard in stream. Large numbers of Carrion Crows & Magpies around lakes (Paul Rigg). At Kirkcroft Road were 22 Fieldfare, 15 Linnet, with good numbers of Blackbird, Song Thrush & Mistle Thrush.c400 Woodpigeon left a roost in Long-thwaite Wood. Also 19 Red-legged Partridge, 13 Chaffinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker over >SW, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls>S and single Skylark. At Thurcroft Pit Top, single Short-eared Owl, Buzzard and 9 Grey Partridge (Andy Hirst).

30th January 3000 Golden Plover at Axle Lane today (Mick Clay). Report of a Barn Owl on Pocket Handkerchief Lane (per Mick Clay)

29th January At Axle Lane today 100 Pink footed Geese >W and Brambling calling in Kiveton Hall Farm wood (Mick Clay).

28th January Big movement regionally of Pink-footed Geese moving back NW, c200 >W over Throapham at 10:30 (Andy Hirst).

24th January At Axle Lane by the A57, Common Buzzard feeding early morning on worms. Present from the 16th to the 24th at least (Mick Clay) .

23rd January Over Lindrick Golf Course this morning were c600 Pink-footed Geese >W in 5 Skeins. At Springfield, North Anston was a Barn Owl quartering the fields by the railway line at 07:30. (Brian Chambers)

22nd January At Langold Pit Top the Hen Harrier was showing well again in the field next to the farm (Buckwood?) around 11:25, other birds of note on the pit top were 1 Green Woodpecker, 3 Kestrels, 14 Lapwing in the fields & 13 Siskin. On the water were 95 Coot, 33 Mallard, 45 Tufted Duck, 1 m Pochard, 8 Gadwall, 3 Great Crested Grebe & 2 Mute Swan.

21st January 100 Pink-footed Geese >W over Axle Lane- late afternoon. In Grange Wood 4 Bullfinch (1m 3f).

20th January At Langold Pit Top the ringtail Hen Harrier showed well, on Langold Lake were 16 Gadwall and 49 Tufted Duck, at Langold Holt a Woodcock. At Thurcroft Pit Top today were Green Sandpiper and Short-eared Owl .

19th January A dusk visit to Dinnington Marsh produced 50 Golden Plover, Willow Tit, 2 Jay, 4 Mallard, at least 3 Little Owl & 3 Kestrel.

18th January A quick visit to NAPT to check on the water levels produced a very pleasing full scrape, due to the excessive rain this year. All the hard work has paid off, and we now have a wader scrape to size & depth. All we need now are the birds- roll on March. Also present were 10 Grey Partridge, 6 Mallard, 3 Bullfinch and a Grey Wagtail.

13th January Not many records from the weekend as the groups four regular recorders were in Norfolk- Except for a Barn Owl over Common Road by the Magilla site at c18:00. At Langold Lake today were 5 Goosander, 80 Coot, 5 Gadwall, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 20 Black-headed Gull, 2 Mute Swan, 20 Canada Geese, c25 Mallard, 4 Moorhen and 10 Tufted Duck.

7th January Hen Harrier showed well again at Langold Lake this lunchtime, On the lake were m Goosander, 57+ Gadwall, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Common Gull, 6+ Siskin, 2 Bullfinch (m+f),1 Nuthatch, 2 Kestrel,and 4 Pochard, also Barn Owl nearby at 15:20.

5th January At Thurcroft Pit Top this morning, a single Short-eared Owl, 4 Green Sandpiper on the flash and Stonechat near Carr. Buzzard & Cormorant over Langold Lake. Chiffchaff in a garden at Langold.

4th January At Langold Lake today were 117 Coot, 46 Tufted Duck, 43 Mallard, an incredible 69 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, 16 Moorhen, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 r/t Hen Harrier quartering the usual grassland and 1 Green Woodpecker. At Brampton Common were single Snipe, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, 12 Meadow Pipit, 12 Mallard, 25 Fieldfare, 35 Redwing and 45 Starling. At Carlton Lake were 1 Sparrowhawk & 12 Jackdaw.

3rd January At Langold Lake in the snow showers the Hen Harrier showed fairly well this afternoon, plus 3 Kestrel, 80 Siskin & a Green Woodpecker.

1st January A cracking start to the year with Barn Owl in the dark at one of last years nest sites. A murky New Year saw a lot of birders out- At NAPT the following were recorded: 13 Blackbird, 6 Robin, 3 Coal Tit, 2 Siskin, 2 pairs of Mallard, 4 Snipe, 5 Grey Partridge, 2 Teal & Grey Wagtail. At Langold Lake were 60 Mallard, 102 Coot, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 69 Gadwall, 16 Moorhen, 4 Pochard (3m 1 f), 39 Tufted Duck, and a Little Grebe on the top pond. The field produced the r/t Hen Harrier, sat on a post in the rain. Roche Abbey produced 15 Siskin, and Marsh Tit.