Latest SK58 Bird News

Updated: 16th June 2009

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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 Merlin 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).