rare bird descriptions.htm

Rare Bird Descriptions

Updated 11th February 2008

Rarity Descriptions Received and Accepted

These accounts are as submitted, therefore are not edited in any way.

2007

SPECIES - GANNET, Juvenile. Morus bassanus.

OBSERVER - Brian Chambers. 87, The Meadows, Todwick, Sheffield, S26 1JG
Telephone No 01909 770816.

DATE - Friday, September 28th 2007. TIME - 08.10 am.

LOCATION - First seen flying directly over the Hospice at North Anston Pit Top.

DISTANCE from OBSERVER - about 100 metres at the closest. It is difficult to accurately estimate the birds height. I would say about 100 metres, certainly no more than twice the height of a mature Beech Tree.

PERIOD of OBSERVATION - about 1 minute as it flew past.

WEATHER CONDITIONS - A light North- Easterly breeze. A generally bright morning, 20% blue sky and moderately high cloud cover. Temperature probably about 15-16 centigrade. Sun was hidden at the time of the bird's passage.

OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS - Opticron 10 x 42 Binoculars.

OTHER SPECIES PRESENT - Not many birds observed on the site at the time. The large size birds that I had seen were - Woodpigeon, Feral Pigeon, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Crow, Rook and Magpie.

EXPERIENCE of the SPECIES - Seen on numerous occasions whilst sea-watching and also at the nesting colony at Bempton Cliffs.

SIZE, STRUCTURE, PLUMAGE -
Four factors about the bird immediately registered with me. The large size of the bird. It's wingspan . The overall bullet -shaped appearance. The generally dark appearance.

BIRD'S AGE - I would describe this as a 1st Winter bird. The upper wing plumage was totally dark, there was no presence of any white feathers, the under wing was just a shade lighter. The belly was also just a light grey - a similar shade to the under wing feathers, there was certainly no whiteness as would be evident on a 2nd Winter bird.

DESCRIPTION -
I arrived at NAPT about 7.30 am thinking that I would be first on the site that morning and maybe see something on the Scrape before it was scared away. However, this was fanciful thinking as there were no birds on the scrape and very little elsewhere. I was on the footpath near the Hospice, wondering where to go next, when I saw a bird about a 100 metres distant that immediately looked unusual. I focussed the bins on it and immediately thought Gannet, I had spent the day before at Spurn and witnessed a continuous passage of Gannets, mostly juveniles, close in shore over the sea. I mused afterwards that I must have been dreaming !

The bird had come from the south-east flying directly over the Hospice and away to the north-west, I was able to observe it for about a minute before it disappeared over the horizon.

The bird was basically dark, not black but more a very dark brown, on close observation I could make out a lighter belly and underwing,
The wings were long, narrow and obviously pointed.
The bill was long, pointed and of a dull colour.
The head and neck projected forward with a streamlined appearance, with the tapered tail and rump the overall shape was as a bullet

It flew in a fairly direct path with what I would describe as fairly fast wing beats followed by a short glide. I could not detect any call.

As stated above my immediate thought was Gannet, afterwards I recalled possible similar species.

Gulls - the wings were much too long and narrow. The bill was long and with the head had the dagger shape, nothing like bill shape of a gull or the angle between the forehead and bill of a Gull. The wing-beats were not like the more leisurely ones of Gull species.

Skuas - The Great Skua would be nearest in size but again the above factors and the tail was long and pointed, the body streamlined to give that overall bullet shape, nothing like the deep barrel shaped chest of a Skua.

Shearwaters - Not big enough, bill not of the correct shape.

Cormorant or Shag - The head, neck and bill had that streamlined bullet shape, nothing like the long neck of these species.

Divers and Grebes - the bill may be similar but the neck was not long enough.

Garganey Brown Baileys 11th April 2007

SPECIES: Garganey -Anas querquedula Garganey @ BB Anthony Reed

OBSERVER: Anthony Reed, Mick Clay, Brian Chambers.

ADDRESS: 11 Statham Court, Larwood, Worksop, Notts, S81 0NB.

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 01909 501295,07914407133.

DATE AND TIME:11th April 2007,18.45-20.15
LOCALITY: Brown Baileys SK563821
DISTANCE FROM OBSERVER: Approx 30-80 Metres(best guess)
PERIOD OF OBSERVATION: Between 18.45 and 20.15
WEATHER AND LIGHT CONDITIONS: Fine and Clear
OPTICAL AIDS USED: Carl Zeiss 8x30,Bushnell Spacemaster 22x Eyepiece. Garganey @ BB Anthony Reed

SPECIES PRESENT FOR COMPARISON: Tufted Duck, Coot.

EXPERIENCE OF SPECIES: I have observered this species fairly regular in numerous sites around England.

DETAILS:Size,Appeared to be smaller and more slight than the tufted duck that were present.

PLUMAGE: The chest of the bird was almost chocolate brown with slight mottling, the head which was chocolate brown with a striking white eye stripe that went from the front of the head down the neck. The birds body appeared to be greyish in colour ,the back feathers seemed more striking in appearance with black edges with light grey inners. The rear end of the bird was mottled brown.

BEHAVIOUR: When first found the bird was very nervy keeping its distance from the banking. The bird was constantly on the move for approx 5-10 mins,after this it settled down to sleep. When returning to the site I found the bird more settled,feeding,preening,amongst the Tufted Ducks.

NOTES: After spending a unsuccessful trip to Steetley Ponds near Shireoaks looking for summer migrants, I decided to call in to Baileys to see if any Sand Martins had arrived back. As I walked towards the far end of the pond from the car park, I noticed a duck which was acting very nervous and keeping its distance from the banking.Immeaditly I recognised it as a drake garganey,I watched the garganey for approx 10-15 mins before making a dash home to pick up my camera to try and get some pictures of it as it was my first record for Baileys. While at home I checked the sk58 website and found it was probably the first record for the area. On arrival back at baileys I viewed the bird from the far end of the pond and managed to take some record shots, at this time I contacted Mick Clay to inform him of the birds presence who duly arrived with Brian Chambers who both connected with the bird. As I left the site at around 20.15 the bird was still present.

2006

SPECIES: Common Eider (1st yr male).
Observer: Andy Hirst, Keith Trow (finder), Brian Chambers & Mick Clay.
Address: 15 Hunters Dr, Dinnington, Sheffield, S25 2TG.
Tel No: 07947 068125.
Date & Time: 16th October 2006, 18:00- 18:15 (found at 17:00).
Locality inc. Grid Reference: Langold Lake SK577864.
Distance from Observer: 15m.
Period of Observation: 15 mins.
Weather & Light Conditions: Weather was fine, still and calm and very mild, had been blowing mod W all day, although it was nearing dusk- the bird was viewed until dark.
Optical Aids Used: Nikon High Grade 10x42 bins.
Species Present for Comparison: Mallard & Coot.
Experience of Species: Familiar with species, seen annually on trips to the coast, Norfolk, Yorkshire and Farnes, especially in autumn & winter, with eclipse birds and birds of the year.
Experience of Similar Species: The only other Eider I've seen has been King Eider, seen in Scotland several times, although only adults (m & f).

Details
Size: Quite a big bird, bigger than Mallard and Great Crested Grebe, probably nearer Shelduck in body size. Therefore too big to be a scoter (far more regular inland than Common Eider)
Structure: A very robust looking bird, quite low in the water, but wide & long bodied. The head was in proportion the body, and distinctively triangular shaped, accentuated by long (for a duck) pointy (rounded tip) bill, with a straight gape, as opposed to the 'smirk' line as in King Eider (f & imm).
Plumage: Generally all dark (brown-failing light didn't help), which would indicate an adult female or imm male. The head was all dark, ruling out juv male, and the presence of 2 pure white feathers on the mantle/ back ruled out a female- leaving a 1st yr male bird.
Call/ Song: Silent
Behaviour: For the 15 mins I observed the bird it remained in the same spot, preparing to roost on the water.
Flight: N/A
Notes
At 17:05 I received a phone from Mick Clay informing me that Keith Trow and his brother had found an Eider on Langold Lake, 5 mins later I received another call from Keith Trow stating the same. I didn't arrive at Langold Lake until 17:50; I then proceeded from the entrance to the lake, where I saw Mick Clay walking away towards the water in front of me. I lost him from view and an initial scan of the lake revealed nothing. However I met Mick returning and he said it was in front of us, some 30m away. I looked out and saw a large brown duck, with a conical shaped head, which I clearly identified as an Eider, being all brown I assumed it was either an imm or f. Luckily to our right was a diving platform, which extended out into the lake- walking part way along this we reached within 15m of the Eider, where I saw Keith, Brian Chambers etal observing from the far bank. The Common Eider sat nonchalantly on the water. Through binoculars, in the failing light I could just make out a straight gape, ruling out King Eider (too big anyway), also present were two obvious white feathers on the mantle/ back, this ruled out juv & female Common Eider- meaning our bird was a 1st year male. This constitutes the first record of Common Eider within SK58. The bird was looked for throughout the next day, but had surprisingly disappeared overnight, as the weather for most of the following day was very foggy.

Andy Hirst 27/10/06

Species : Firecrest Regulus ignicapillus

Observer : Richard Buckley

Address : 26 Leeds Road, Shireoaks, Worksop, Notts, S81 8NU

Tel No : 01909 482359

Date & Time : 8th February 2006, 10:40

Locality : Just outside Turnerwood, South Yorks on the Chesterfield Canal towpath. SK5381

Distance from Observer : At first about 40 feet then up to less than 30 feet until lost undergrowth.

Period of Observation : Watched for about 3 or 4 minutes.

Weather & Light Conditions : Sunny and bright with the odd cloud. Breezy North Wind.

Optical Aid Used : Zeiss 10 x 50 binoculars

Species Present for Comparison : Long-tailed Tit, Treecreeper and Goldcrest.

Experience of Species : Have seen the species on two occasions, in Norfolk and Clumber Park, Notts

Experience of Similar Species : Quite experienced in the observation of Goldcrest over the years having observed them regularly in Shireoaks Park and Clumber Park, Notts. Have seen them two or three times within the last week. I also had been watching two individuals about twenty minutes earlier about a mile away.

Details :

Size : The same size as Goldcrest.

Structure : Again the same as Goldcrest.

Plumage : The bird was first viewed from behind in some ivy on a hawthorn trunk and seemed to be all one buff colour, but on emerging from the ivy it was apparent that there was a contrast from the greenish back to the lighter underside. A black eye stripe was unmistakeable also contrasting the white supercilium. I was also lucky enough to have this bird in the same view as a Goldcrest and it was obviously not the same species.

Call / Song : The bird was silent.

Behaviour : The bird foraged in ivy clad hawthorns and along and under tree branches.

Notes :

Whilst walking along the Chesterfield Canal towpath near to Turnerwood, South Yorks I spotted a flock of small birds foraging in the trees and undergrowth. There were about six to eight Long-tailed Tits, five or six Goldcrest and the above bird. At first I thought it was another Goldcrest but when I had a clear view it was obviously not a Goldcrest. The sun was behind me and I was within thirty to forty feet of the bird and the views I had were exceptional. As mentioned in Plumage, I was lucky in that at one stage I had both Goldcrest and this bird in view as they were within a foot of each other.

2005

Species: Artic Skua-Stercorarius parasiticus

Observer: Mick Clay and Brian Chambers

Address: The Coach House, 2, High Street, South Anston,
Sheffield, S25 5AY.

Tel No: 01909 566000

Date & Time: 10th October 2005 - 8.20 am

Locality: Axle Lane, South Anston, South Yorkshire

Distance from Observer: First viewed at about 200m then at about 100m

Period of Observation: Approximately 3 minutes

Weather & Light Conditions: Good viewing conditions, 5/8 cloud cover and light southerly winds.

Optical Aid Used: Initially picked up with naked eye and then watched with Leica 8 x 32 binoculars.

Species present for comparison: Golden Plover, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Black Headed Gull.

Experience of similar species: Both adult and juvenile birds seen at Flamborough Head, Filey , Spurn and Norfolk over many years

Details
Size and structure: Slim, with medium tail and long narrow wings.

Plumage: Overall a very dark appearance.

Behaviour and flight: The bird was flying north- west underneath about 1000 Gold Plover which had been disturbed on Axle Lane and were flying back in the same direction. Its flight was fast and graceful and so took my attention immediately .As the bird got closer I could see it was Skua species. Its main feature was its overall dark appearance with only a relatively short tail which meant it was a juvenile. In comparison to juvenile Long-Tailed Skuas they show distinctive upper-part barring. While Pomarine and Great Skua have much heavier bodies, larger bill and broader wing.I also consider juvenile Gannet but this has much longer wing span 165 to180cm compared to Arctic Skua 97 to 115 cm and much larger bill.There was also juvenile gulls but these are all pale bellow and this bird was not.This bird from the views I had was a juvenile Arctic Skua, as a adult has a more prominent tail projection.

Notes: I was out on my early morning walk heading towards Todwick mainly recording Golden Plover, Gulls and several Wheatear along the stone wall side of Axle Lane. As I came to the south cross over path I meet Brian and we started to watch the Golden Plover which had recently been disturbed when I saw a dark graceful bird flying below them in a north westerly direction. The Golden Plover continued to cicle Axle Lane but the Skua continued in its north westerly direction. I immediately contacted Andy Hirst SK 58 recorder and Bird Line North East of the bird. This constituted the first record of Arctic Skua in Sk58. I was also informed by others that Skuas had been reported that month inland and in Birdwatch December 2005 a Great Skua had been recorded in Lound (Notts) during October.

2002

Buff-breasted Sandpiper at South Anston On Friday the 20th September 2002

Thanks to Mark Reeder for his speedy description, and to Ray Greasley who initially had it fly over RVCP and relocated it at Axle Lane.

I visited, as I do most evenings, Rother Valley Country Park. However this time I was hoping that the Buff-breasted Sandpiper, which was present briefly in the morning, might put in another appearance. On arriving I spoke to Ray Greasley, who had found it ( At both RVCP & Axle Lane). As neither it nor any Golden Plovers were present I decided to check the nearby fields around South Anston. As I drove along Dog Kennel Lane I looked down into the fields and noticed a large group of Golden Plovers approximately 400 yards away. I parked at the side of the road and began to scan the flock with my Leica APO 20-60. Almost immediately I noticed a Dunlin sized wader feeding among the mainly stationary 'Goldies'. The buff underparts and blackish/buff mottled upperparts were obvious, even the mustard yellow legs and 'beady' black eye could be seen clearly at 400yds. This was clearly the Buff-breasted Sandpiper and not a Ruff (a grey male was present earlier in the day). At this point Pete Wragg and Ray Greasley joined me. After further views we decided that better views could be obtained from Axle Lane. On arriving there the bird was feeding in front of us at no more than 100yds. The following features were noted: -

Size and shape: A small Dunlin sized wader appearing round-headed and bodied. Wings appeared longish falling level with tip of tail.

Bare Parts: The bill was short 'dagger' like and blackish. The legs were strikingly mustard yellow.

Eye: The eye was blackish and very prominent against the buff tones of the head.

Underparts: The underparts were buff-coloured appearing a richer tone around the upper breast. The neck and head were also buff-coloured, the hind neck and crown being slightly darker. The sides of the neck were spotted black with blotchier blackish spotting on the sides of the upper breast.

Upperparts: The upperparts appeared mottled blackish/buff. The scapulars and coverts were centred blackish with buff, not whitish, fringes. The flight feathers appeared black with pale fringes. At rest the wings appeared to be equal in length with the tail. During my observations I did not see this bird in flight so consequently the underwing or tail pattern were not noted. Due to the buff not whitish fringes to the upperparts we considered the bird to be an adult.

Previous experience: I have seen four previous individuals in Britain, Cley 1986, Cornwall (3) 1993. I am also very familiar with juvenile/ female Ruff.

Conclusion On the evening of the 20th September an adult Buff-breasted Sandpiper was present (having been present earlier) with Golden Plovers at Axel lane South Anston. It was seen by Ray Greasley, Mark N Reeder and Pete Wragg, several other unknown observers also saw it. On the 25th September an adult Buff-breasted Sandpiper was found at Wheldrake Ings North Yorkshire. Both Ray Greasley (who saw it)and myself (from photos) considered it the same bird as the South Yorkshire bird.

SPECIES: Spotted Redshank (juvenile) Tringa erythropus.

Observer: Andy Hirst & Mick Clay, joined later by Brian Chambers.

Address: 15 Hunters Drive, Dinnington, Sheffield, S25 2TG.

Tel No: 01909 560310.

Date & Time: 13th August 2002, circa 15:30.

Locality inc. Grid Reference: Flash in field, just east of Hodsock Sewage Works SK 602865.

Distance from Observer: Circa 100m.

Period of Observation: We watched the bird for about 20-30 mins.

Weather & Light Conditions: Fine, bright, 2 oktas cloud cover, light NE breeze.

Optical Aids Used: Nikon 10 x 42 High Grade bins + Kowa 611 scope with 30 WA.

Species Present for Comparison: Greenshank, Lapwing, Snipe and Dunlin.

Experience of Species: Fairly familiar with all passage waders through UK. I usually visit wader sites in UK most autumns, notably Norfolk (Snettisham, Titchwell, Cley) and Yorkshire sites such as Blacktoft Sands.

Experience of Similar Species: Again fairly familiar with most passage waders in most plumages through UK.

Details

Size: Smaller than Lapwing and Greenshank, but larger than Snipe and Dunlin.

Structure: Generally quite sleek and slender with a longer finer bill than Redshank, with proportionally longer legs also.

Plumage: Generally colder looking than Redshank, greyer, not as brown as Redshank. Being quite dark above and below this bird was aged as a bird of the year. Whilst a sleep, when first observed, it showed a short white eyestripe along the lores, between the bill and eye. This contrasting with the darker, greyer plumage of the head and body. Bare Parts: The legs were a vivid red colour with a vivid red-based lower bill that was darker towards the tip, as was the upper bill. The red of the bill and legs contrasting with the colder grey tone of the plumage. When it eventually took off it showed a neat white block from above the dark rump, up to the back, almost reaching the mantle, with no visible wing bar. This indicative of Spotted Redshank.

Call/ Song: Silent

Behaviour: Initially flew in with Greenshank and Ruff, and lost from view as it landed behind cover. After half an hour of scanning the bird was noticed on the far bank asleep, on one leg. After a period of 20 mins or so it awoke, and after a few more mins. it took off with the Greenshank and Dunlin. It circled with them before departing high to the south.

Flight: Generally straight, with rapid shallow wingbeats.

Notes:

Following a successful weekend at Flamborough, and noting a good passage of waders Mick Clay and I decided to return mid Sunday afternoon to checkout Hodsock to search out any passage waders. The heavy rainfall had produced a shallow flash. Arriving about 15:00 we were initially disappointed with ideal conditions, but no waders visible. After about 10 mins of scanning a mixed group of waders descended on the pool, obvious were 2 Greenshank, which called several times. In with them were 2 similar sized birds (Ruff) and a more slender bird that landed out of view. These birds enticed a Dunlin out in to the open, which had remained hidden prior the others landing. The Greenshank began feeding at opposite ends of the pool. The other birds (Ruff) were also observed at opposite ends of the pool, one a juv male, the other much smaller and therefore juv female. These along with a Snipe and Lapwing providing a great spectacle. For the next 15 mins. we constantly scanned the pool from left to right hoping to pick up on the wader that landed out of site. After a short while (circa 10 mins.) a scan produced a slender darker wader that initially looked like a Redshank, which was asleep, on one leg with it's head facing towards us. However looking through the scope it clearly showed a defined short white stripe along the lores, between the bill and eye. This with the long red legs and cold grey plumage lead me to i.d. the bird as a Spotted Redshank. Eventually it woke up to reveal a longer (than Redshank), finer bill that had a red base to the lower bill. After about 20 mins, (by which time Brian Chambers had joined us) the tringas became restless and flew off with the Dunlin, leaving behind the Lapwing, Snipe and the 2 Ruff. The Greenshank called several times, as the Dunlin, Spotted Redshank and Greenshank circled the field twice, before heading off high to the south. This was a spectacular site, for SK58 has no permanent wader habitat. The sight of 6 wader species together was truly memorable (Spotted Redshank, Ruff, Greenshank, Snipe, Lapwing and Dunlin), especially when this constitutes the first record of Spotted Redshank within SK58 since the groups inception in 1992.

Andy Hirst 07/09/02.

Species: Sandwich Tern - Sterna Sandvicensis

Observer: Mick Clay and Ivan Keeton.

Address: The Coach House, 2, High Street,
South Anston, Sheffield, S25 5AY.

Tel: 01909 566000

Date and Time: 25th April 2002 - 7.30am.

Locality: Axle Lane, (Todwick end) South East of Sheffield.

Distance from Observer: 30m.

Period of Observation: 1 minute.

Weather and Light conditions: 5/8 cloud cover and westerly wind.

Optical Aid Used: Leica 8 x 32 binoculars.

Species present for comparison: None.

Experience of Species: Seen at several coastal sites around Britain and abroad.

Experience of similar species: All British breeding terns including, Arctic, Common, Roseate and Little seen at various coastal and inland sites and Gull-Billed Tern seen abroad.

Details:

Structure: Large and long winged with long black bill.

Plumage: Pale bird with dark black cap.

Behaviour and Flight: Flying North with long wing beats. I checked first the bill and could clearly see this was long and black unlike the Gull-Billed that has broad wings and thicker black bill. I could not see the yellow or pale tip of the bird due to the slight angle the bird was to us. There is also Roseate Tern that has a black bill, but also has longer tail streamers and shows pink column below.

Notes: I arranged to meet Ivan at 7am to listen for Grasshopper Warbler that had been on Axle Lane on the 19th April. At 7.30 Ivan called out large Tern, so from listening out for the Warbler I looked up seeing the bird 30m away flying in a northerly direction. I then let Andy Hirst know of this bird and he informed me that there had been several other birds in land. This represents the second record for this species within SK58, the first in July 1999.

Mick Clay.12th September 2002.

2001

SPECIES: Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa).

Observer: Andy Hirst.

Address: 15 Hunters Drive, Dinnington, Sheffield, S25 2TG.

Tel No: 01909 560310.

Date & Time: 25th August 2001, 07:30.

Locality inc. Grid Reference: North Anston Pit Top, SK5185.

Distance from Observer: 200-400m alt: 70-100 feet.

Period of Observation: circa 30-40 seconds.

Weather & Light Conditions: 1 okta cloud cover, fine, mild & warm, sunny.

Optical Aids Used: Leica 8x32 binoculars.

Species Present for Comparison: None.

Experience of Species: Pretty experienced with most British waders. I see this species annually, especially on passage at sites in Norfolk and more locally at Blacktoft Sands RSPB Reserve and Old Moor Wetland Centre- Barnsley.

Experience of Similar Species: Familiar with both common species of Godwit, as with Black-tailed Limosa limosa, Bar-tailed Godwits Limosa lapponica are encountered annually, more locally at Blacktoft Sands RSPB Reserve.

Details

Size: Difficult to judge, but given the distance involved, the bird seemed quite large, larger than a Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria, similar to Whimbrel Numemius phaeopus, smaller than Curlew Numemius arquata.

Structure: The bird with it's trailing legs and long fine bill, looked elongated, despite a fairly bulky body. The wings were quite long, and fairly broad.

Plumage: The plumage was very striking. The rear of underside was generally pale. The reddish breast was not seen as the birds wing and position relative to me did allow this feature to be seen. The upper parts were also striking with a broad white wing-bar through the black primaries and secondaries of a dark wing. The tail was white with a broad black band at the tip. The mantle and back were dark, although paler than the wings and tail. The legs projecting from the rear were dark.

Call/ Song: Silent

Behaviour: The bird flew through, without landing or deviating.

Flight: The flight was fairly rapid, on broad black and white wings. It was about 70- 100 feet above the ground, given that I was not on the valley floor. The flight was silent, direct and straight. The bird flew down the valley in a SE direction, until lost from view behind trees.

Notes
I was under-taking my regular route around NAPT. The previous few days and week, had been quite good for waders, with a good variety and number at reserves in the area, i.e. Old Moor Wetland, which held at least half a dozen Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa for the past week or two.

I reached the bottom of the second plateau of NAPT, just above Cramfit Pond. I scanned the sky within view, between the trees of Cramfit Pond and Anston. In my field of view I saw a medium to large size wader flying away from me down the valley. Although flying diagonally away from me, I recognised it immediately as a Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa because of the dark wings and broad white wing-bar. I then noticed the black and white tail, pale under parts and the impression of a long bill (the bird was angled away from me). I watched the bird for about half a minute or so, before losing it from view behind trees, between me and S. Anston
Andy Hirst
14th December 2001.

SPECIES: Corncrake Crex crex

Observer: Andy Hirst.

Address: 15 Hunters Drive, Dinnington, Sheffield, S25 2TG.

Tel No: 01909 560310.

Date & Time: 23rd September 2001, 09:30.

Locality inc. Grid Reference: North Anston Pit Top, by Cramfit Brook (SK514856).

Distance from Observer: 7 feet.

Period of Observation: Literally 1-2 seconds.

Weather & Light Conditions: Dull, 8 oktas cloud cover, fine and mild, light N breeze.

Optical Aids Used: None, just my eyes.

Species Present for Comparison: None.

Experience of Species: Seen and heard almost annually on breeding grounds in NW Scotland, most recently encountered on a trip to Poland this May

Experience of Similar Species: Very familiar with all ages of Moorhen Gallinula chloropus and Water Rail Rallus aquaticus, the latter occur almost annually during winter periods within SK58. Have seen and heard and fairly familiar with Spotted Crake Porzana porzana, although not observed annually. I have seen Little Crake Porzana parva in Spain, although not recently and have never seen Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla.

Details

Size: Quite small, comparably sized to Water Rail Rallus aquaticus, much smaller and slender than a game bird, except for possibly a skinny Quail Corturnix coturnix

Structure: Despite the brief view I had, it was obvious this was a slender, quite long legged and winged bird, too leggy or sleek looking for a Quail Corturnix coturnix, not at all dumpy looking. I also ruled out juvenile Moorhen Gallinula chloropus because of the scaly back and lack any tail flash. I ruled out Water Rail Rallus aquaticus straight away due to the length of the wings that projected beyond and covered up the tail. Water Rail Rallus aquaticus have a short primary projection that fall short of the tail. The bird was also leggy, with long grey tarsus and toes. I saw the bird from behind and clearly saw its wings that met above and hid the tail. What I couldn't see was the head or neck, which were hidden from me as the bird slinked off with its head and neck lowered away from me, giving a hunched appearance as recorded in my notes immediately after the encounter.

Plumage: What was immediately apparent was the shades of cryptic brown plumage on the mantle and back. Despite the very brief view I noted what appeared to be a scaly back pattern comprising of streak like shades of brown, very similar to female Pheasant Phasianus colchicus. The wings (except latter third), underparts, head and neck were not seen in the brief view. I knew that juvenile Little Crake Porzana parva show a pale fringe on the tertials, this bird had none. What was very noticeable were the pale/ grey legs and feet. I didn't notice any white streaks, or ringlets on the upperparts which led me to rule out Baillon's Porzana pusilla and Spotted Crake Porzana porzana when I returned to my car and checked with the Collin's guide. I also noted that Little Crake Porzana parva show regular white markings on the mantle and back and that the other continental crakes show varying amounts of white ringlets and streaks in all plumage's. My bird showed none of these in the brief view I had.

Call/ Song: Silent

Behaviour: The bird was walking along the narrow path, I stumbled across it and saw it for less than a few seconds, obviously aware of me the bird disappeared from the path to the left in to very dense cover. The bird was observed briefly walking away from me, from literally under my feet, into deep undergrowth, from a path through reeds and long grass that forms the banking of Cramfit Brook. What was immediately apparent was the posture and walking action. The hunched posture with head and neck down meant I didn't see the head or neck, but I noted the purposeful way it walked, deliberately placing each step, although moving quickly in a slinking type action. This left me in no doubt I was looking at rail or crake. What crossed my mind was Corncrake Crex crex. The very brief views left little time for detailed notes. What was noteworthy was despite the fact I flogged the immediate area for a further 90 minutes, I did not see the bird again. It had literally disappeared, this an action typical of Corncrake Crex crex. I have flushed Quail Corturnix coturnix and Pheasant and both when flushed tend to run away and/ or fly, in the case of Pheasant Phasianus colchicus - quite noisily.

Flight: N/A

Notes

I was undertaking a typical route around my favoured North Anston Pit Top. On the return section I followed the bank of Cramfit Brook, where a very narrow, little used path cuts through the dense reeds and long grass that make up the bankside vegetation. I came across a small bird slinking away from me, almost under my feet. Obviously aware of me the bird deviated from the path in to the dense cover on the left and was not seen again. Despite the brief view I realised I had just seen a rail or crake, based on the size, sleek hunched body, long legs and purposeful steps that carried the bird quickly away. I knew it wasn't a young Moorhen Gallinula chloropus as it was to cryptically marked and not plain above, nor would a young Moorhen Gallinula chloropus slope off without flashing a white undertail or fly and call. As the bird was walking away its rear was the most obvious bit I saw and drew my attention. I looked for a tail with a white undertail. What I noticed were long wings that projected beyond the tail, the wing tip converging beyond the tail and hiding it. What then drew my attention were the pale/ grey legs and feet and the noticeable way it sloped off with a purposeful gait. After a brief search I telephoned Mick Clay and told him I had just observed what I thought was a Corncrake Crex crex. Unfortunately he wasn't able to come and help look. Despite searching the immediate 50m square for a further 90 mins the bird was not relocated. This further pointing to Corncrake Crex crex. I returned to my car and checked the Collin's field guide. This further added to my resolve that I had just had a brief view of a Corncrake on passage. Members of the group have subsequently asked me about the record, some suggesting that it may have been a Pheasant poult Phasianus colchicus. I could dismiss this straight away. My bird was clearly a crake or rail, the body was too small, the jizz of walking, not running away silently with a rear up, head down action typical of rail or crake and most untypical of a game bird. I ruled out Water Rail Rallus aquaticus as well based on wing length, which covered the tail. I would also possibly expect a Water Rail Rallus aquaticus to fly or call at some point during the 90 min search. Despite the all too brief view I did take note quite a few features, and upon reflection decided to write up and submit my notes. I am 99% sure I found the first Corncrake Crex crex within SK58. If you deem this account inconclusive I would welcome any pointers as to what the bird may have been. Attached a copy of reported Corncrake Crex crex during September 2001 and all Corncrake Crex crex records during the latter half of 2001. The search shows 4 reports in August, rising to 7 during September and 6 in October to date.

Andy Hirst 27th October 2001.

SPECIES: Woodlark Lullula arborea

Observer: Andy Hirst & Arthur Creasey

Address: 15 Hunters Drive, Dinnington, Sheffield, S25 2TG

Tel No: 01909 560310

Date & Time: 4th May 2001, 19.30

Locality inc. Grid Reference: North Anston Pit Top- SK517854

Distance from Observer: Initially circa 20 feet- then lost from view in distance

Period of Observation: Observed for about 2 mins.

Weather & Light Conditions: Although getting on, it was quite bright, light SW breeze, mild, with 3 Oktas cloud cover

Optical Aids Used: Leica 8x32 bins

Species Present for Comparison: Skylark and Meadow Pipit in the vicinity, although not in the same field of view

Experience of Species: Have observed Woodlark many times in recent years and have welcomed their dramatic increase in recent years. I look for these birds annually at traditional sites such as Weeting Heath in Norfolk and more recently at Budby Heath and Clumber Park; both in N.Notts. The last Woodlark I observed were three weeks earlier in a woodland glade near Bebrieza in Poland

Experience of Similar Species: Have seen all species of European lark except Dupont's. Especially familiar with British larks having witnessed and recorded the decline of Skylark locally and the increase of Woodlark nationally and regionally.

Details

Size: Comparable to Skylark, although the birds did have a visibly shorter tail

Structure: Again comparable to Skylark, although the birds had what appeared to be broader based wings, and very distinctive shorter tails, which were spread and clearly in view as the birds rose. The short tails gave a more rounded, squatter appearance to both birds. This lark type build and short tail on both birds left me in no doubt that we were watching the first Woodlark recorded in SK58.

Plumage: Initially the birds were briefly viewed against the ground and woodland in the background, this gave an overall impression of being brown in colour, with similar markings to Skylark. Although once they broke the skyline they became silhouetted against the bright sky.

Call/ Song: Silent during observation.

Behaviour: Initially flushed in front of me about 20' away, 2 birds rose silently, they continued to rise to a height of circa 30-50 feet and then turned away and flew in a North Easterly direction until lost from view.

Flight: Typically lark like, with rapid wing beats projecting the birds vertically upwards. As they gained height they proceeded to fly strongly away buoyantly to the North East- typical of this species.

Notes

Whilst undertaking the annual SK58 sponsored Bird Race, Arthur Creasey and myself were combing the flat plateau of NAPT, in the hope of flushing a Snipe, or passerine from the thickening scrubby patchy ground cover of grasses that have encroached on the slag over recent years. As we approached the far North East corner of the plateau; 2 birds rose up in front of me, they were clearly larks, but both had short tails. I immediately identified them as Woodlark solely based on their shape. I shouted to Arthur who was about 20' behind me, that I had 2 Woodlark- he raised his binoculars and agreed with me that we were indeed looking at a pair of Woodlark. By now they had risen above the skyline which made plumage notes impossible as the birds were silhouetted against the sky. We continued to watch the birds as they rose and then flew away to the North East buoyantly, until lost from view. Despite this somewhat poor view both Arthur and I agreed that we had inadvertently flushed two birds that constituted the first Woodlark record for SK58. Woodlark is a species that was long overdue in SK58. The sandier soils to the East and North East already support a small breeding population, with well-established populations to the South East. Despite return visits the birds were not relocated. It was assumed they were a transient pair, possibly on their way to breeding locations near Doncaster. Andy Hirst 14th June 2001.

2000

SPECIES: Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus.

Observer: Andy Hirst, Dave Dunford & Chris Lilley.

Address: 15 Hunters Drive, Dinnington, Sheffield, S25 2TG.

Tel No: 01909 560310.

Date & Time: 23rd September 2000.

Locality inc. Grid Reference: Kings Wood Corner, near Roche Abbey, Rotherham, S Yorks. (SK547895).

Distance from Observer: First observed individual at about 50 feet above ground, at a distance of about 50m. The bird then flew past us within 50' and continued south out of sight.

Period of Observation: From initial sighting at 11.15 eventually lost from view after circa 7-8 mins.

Weather & Light Conditions: The weather was superb. Visibility was clear with 2 oktas cloud cover with a force 3 SSE breeze. The sun was shining and it was mild, about 12-14°c- making the 5.5 hour raptor stint a pleasure.

Optical Aids Used: Leica 8x32BA binoculars and Kowa 611 60mm scope with 30x WA eyepiece.

Species Present for Comparison: Common Buzzard Buteo buteo had been observed all morning, indeed at least 7 birds were in the area. The morning vigil also produced 1 female, 1 adult male and 1 immature male Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus. The morning had been productive with notable passage of Pied Wagtail motacilla alba and Skylark Alauda arvensis.

Experience of Species: Fairly experienced with all buteo species found in Western Europe. This species observed annually at the well established haunt of Welbeck, North Notts, less than 10 miles from home. Also observed less frequently at the raptor watchpoint in Wykeham Forest, North Yorks. Have also witnessed birds in recent years on migration in Israel and through the Pyrenees at Organbidexka, so I'm pretty familiar with this species.

Experience of Similar Species: As recorder for SK58 Birders I have witnessed the rapid increase of Common Buzzard Buteo buteo within SK58. I spend many hours throughout the year watching and recording Common Buzzard Buteo buteo throughout SK58. We currently have a population of circa 7-10 pairs, concentrated in the northern half of SK58. I usually catch up with Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus annually, either around the Sheffield area or the East Coast during the winter.

Details Size: Comparable to Common Buzzard Buteo buteo, although body seemed slimmer, with longer wings and tail (fig. 1).

Structure: Generally very similar to Common Buzzard Buteo buteo, although the body appeared slighter, with a fairly slim breast. Head and neck were small and protruding. Not as bull-necked as Common Buzzard Buteo buteo would appear (fig. 3). It appeared the head and body was too small for the wings and tail. The wings and tail were distinctive. The wings were quite long, but flat, with a noticeable nip at the base, brought about by a bulge in the secondaries (fig.1, 2 & 5). The wings were also straight out from the body (fig. 1,5 & 6). When observed the tail was long, longer than Common Buzzard Buteo buteo, with rounded corners (fig.2 & 3), that almost recalled Goshawk Accipiter gentilis.

Plumage: Was basically dark brown above and below. The head was all dark, with a yellow bill/ cere that was commented on afterwards. The eye was dark, which enabled us to age the bird as a juvenile. The upperparts were again dark brown, although appeared almost rufous in the sunlight. The tail was dark, with no discernable bands. However a pale area was noted at the base of the tail (fig. 7). Underparts were again uniformly dark, with no dark breast band evident, pointing to Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus as Common Buzzard Buteo buteo tend to show dark blotches to the breast sides. The underwings were again uniformly dark, with no bands/ barring noted. In the central primaries a large white patch was noted, with fairly extensive black wing tips (fig. 5). The all dark plumage, pale base to uppertail and lack of dark areas on breast sides, all pointed to juvenile Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus.

Call/ Song: Silent Behaviour: The bird flew in from the north at an altitude of circa 50'. The bird then pulled it's wings in slightly (fig. 4) and glided almost directly towards us. As the bird almost went over and past us it spread it's wings out, flapped several times before gliding on flat wings. The bird continued to flap and glide for a few more mins, becoming more distant. It then began to circle and gain height on a thermal, where it then continued south out of sight.

Flight: Initially the bird was flying, interspersed with glides, almost directly towards us (fig.1). The wing beats were similar to Common Buzzard Buteo buteo, but appeared more flexible, with possibly deeper wing beats. The bird as it approached pulled it's wings in slightly and glided as it went passed us (fig. 4). The bird then continued to glide on outstretched wings, with occasional flaps. The bird glided on flat wings that were held outstretched. Not brought forward and held up as in Common Buzzard Buteo buteo (fig. 5 & 6). As the bird became distant it began to circle on a thermal, before eventually gliding off south.

Notes

Working at BirdGuides I was monitoring the rarity reports of Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus as they arrived on the East Coast and over the next 10 days or so moved south and inland. At Kings Wood, near Roche Abbey a small band regularly watch for raptors. Most noticeable are the resident Common Buzzard Buteo buteo. Typically such locations regularly attract other raptors. Resident Goshawk Accipiter gentilis, Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus and Kestrel Falco tinnunculus have been supplemented this year by Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus, Osprey Pandion haliaetus and Merlin Falco columbarius, with reports of Red Kite Milvus milvus. On Thursday 21st September I received a call from Mick Clay, an SK58 member. He told me that he had just been told by John O'Malley (a Kings Wood regular) that 3 Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus had just flown south over Kings Wood. Mick went out to his local spot- Axle Lane and saw 2 of them continue south. The following day JOM had a further 3 birds south. Clearly birds were moving through and in some number. Being at work I had to wait until Saturday 23rd September before I could get out. On Saturday 23rd September I agreed to meet Chris Lilley & Dave Dunford at Kings Wood corner, with the intention of spending the morning there and try to connect with any passing Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus. I was on site with Chris Lilley at 06.40, Dave Dunford arrived at around 08.45. The morning passed fairly quickly as passage birds were noted. By 10.00 Common Buzzard Buteo buteo were beginning to rise in modest numbers and by 11.00 at least 7 different birds were located in the air at once. At 11.12 a dark buteo was noticed, mobbed by corvids, this we identified as a juvenile Common Buzzard Buteo buteo. 3 mins. later a similarly coloured dark buteo was seen by me, flying almost directly towards us. The bird was lethargically flapping as I put my bins on it. At this moment it began to glide on outstretched wings (fig. 1 & 2). Noting the long wings, held flat and bulging at the secondaries, giving a distinctive 'nipped in at the base' look I shouted that it was a Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus. Our bird then brought it wings in slightly and continued to glide over us, within 50' (fig.4). Seeing the bird in this pose I began to doubt my initial decision. Although as the bird drew level with us and I was looking at the bird in profile I noted it had a proportionally long tail, with rounded corners. Noting that the tail was as long as the wings were broad, reminding me almost of Goshawk Accipiter gentilis in profile, but with a significantly slimmer breast (fig.3). In Common Buzzard Buteo buteo the tail appears much shorter. At this point the head became more noticeable. The classic 'Cuckoo' shape was evident (fig. 3). The head was smaller and more protruding than Common Buzzard Buteo buteo, where the head more often than not appears short and triangular, almost bull-necked. Having noted the structure and jizz in depth I concentrated on plumage as the bird began to fly away from us. The bird was generally dark brown above and below, with almost rufous tones on the upperparts, when the sun caught the wings. I did notice a pale area at the base of the tail (fig.7), with paler windows in the centre of the primaries. Looking at the tail I could not detect any noticeable bars against the dark brown plumage on the underparts. After noting the tail length, small protruding head, wing structure/ angle, and plumage I confirmed my initial identification and aged it as a bird of the year. The bird continued south, after several mins. it began to circle and gain height and then continued south out of sight after a further couple of mins. After the event, chatting amongst ourselves we noted the bird had bright yellow cere/ bill and dark eye. This run of records constitutes the first Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus records in SK58 since the formation of SK58 Birders. The total number of Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus through SK58 during the nationwide influx totaled 11 birds. 3 birds on 21/09/00, 3 on 22/09/00- all south over Kings Wood. 2 of the birds recorded on 21/09/00 were observed over Axle Lane, circa 3 miles SSW of Kings Wood. My bird again over Kings Wood on 23/09/00, with 2 more birds reported the next week, 1 over Axle Lane (SK 507840) and a bird over Netherthorpe (SK 547807). To date I am awaiting descriptions from these observers. Andy Hirst 31st October 2000

Accompanying sketches

1998

Species: Black Tern. Chlidonias niger

Observer: Mick Clay.

Address: The Coach House, 2 High Street, South Anston, Sheffield, S25 5AY.

Tel No: 01909 566000.

Date & Time: 15th May, 1998 early morning.

Locality: Canal Plantation, Axle Lane, South Anston, South East of Sheffield.

Distance from Observer: 125m. Period of Observation: Approximately 2 minutes.

Weather & Light Conditions: Fine and sunny.

Optical Aids Used: Leica 8 x 32 Binoculars.

Species Present for Comparison: Mute swan.

Experience of Species: Single bird at Rother Valley Country Park. April, 1997.

Details: Size: Appeared slight and small,with a short tail about the size of a thrush.

Plumage: My first sight of the bird was that of a distinctive black and sooty coloured bird. The head and breast were black and the wings sooty grey with a dark bill.

Behaviour/Flight. The bird flew from East to West along the centre of the pond 3m above the water with its head appearing to look down toward the water.

Notes: I was just on my return journey from covering my local patch when I looked towards Canal Plantation as the previous day there had been 8 Mute Swans feeding there. As I scanned along the water counting 6 Swans a distinctive black and sooty coloured bird flew from East to West about 3m above the pond. I then watched it fly back along the centre of the pond and could clearly see that it was a Black Tern. I then moved nearer the pond only to find that the bird had moved away probably to the rear of the trees on the South side of the pond. I waited a further half an hour to see a Common Tern again on passage visit the pond to feed. Only two days earlier on the 13th a total of 21 Common Terns on passage spent at least one hour during fog feeding on the same pond (MC,Jha) and some 4 birds earlier in the month.

1997

These are unedited and reproduced as they were submitted.

SPECIES: Black Kite Milvus migrans.

Observer: Andy Hirst, Rob & Jill Hardcastle.

Address: 18 Middleton Ave. Dinnington, Sheffield, S25 4QQ.

Tel. No. (01909) 564231.

Date and Time: 27th April 1997, 19.11-19.15. Locality (grid ref.): From Carr village, near Maltby, Rotherham, on the edge of SK58 SK506904.

Distance from Observer: First seen at circa 3-400 metres distance, at a height of about 150-200 metres (best guess), until it disappeared to the North over Maltby.

Period of Observation: From 19.11 to 19.15, about 4 mins. (roughly).

Weather and Light Conditions: Fine, clear, 2 oktas cloud cover, light SE breeze, quite light due to lack of cloud cover.

Optical Aids Used: Leica 8x32 bins, plus Kowa 611 with 30WA eyepiece

Species Present for Comparison: None really, Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria were the birds in the foreground which we were scanning, they went up and the Black Kite Milvus migrans was seen behind them.

Experience of Species: Seen many times on trips to France and especially Spain, including, on migration through the Gibraltar area, and through the Pyrenees. Last ones seen in Israel in April 1996.

Experience of Similar Species: Pretty experienced with Red Kite Milvus milvus seen many times abroad and annually in central Wales. Last ones seen over M40 May 1996. Also experienced with Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus, annually at Blacktoft Sands RSPB Reserve and in Norfolk especially Titchwell and Cley. Experienced with Osprey Pandion haliaetus also, having seen many abroad and in Scotland, Had several through the Sheffield/ SK58 area, the last one being April 1996. Experienced also with Buzzard Buteo buteo, we have at least one pair nesting on the northern boundary of SK58, these are seen almost weekly.

Details

Size: Roughly same size as a Buzzard Buteo buteo, more comparable with Osprey Pandion haliaetus.

Structure: Quite a sleek looking bird, with long wings and slim body, slimmer body than Buzzard Buteo buteo, similar to Osprey Pandion haliaetus but all dark, with a longer tail, when the bird turned it twisted it's closed tail to reveal a forked tail.

Plumage: The body, wings and tail appeared to be all dark brown, with no apparent pale areas showing. Having seen many Red Kite Milvus milvus I could rule this out based on plumage, no white primary patches were seen, the underside and wings appeared all dark, in Red Kite Milvus milvus the wings and body would have looked rufous or a pale brown, as would the tail. The head was never seen because the bird was flying diagonally away from me. The bird twisted it's tail to turn slightly, this revealed the tail as dark brown. With no pale areas in the wing I assumed the bird was an adult. The only confusion species would have been Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus, the bird showed no grey, no cream-crown could be discerned, but the shape, flight, actions and shape of the tail ruled out Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus. One possibility could be that it could have been a Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus, with a few tails feathers missing creating the illusion of a fork, I could rule this out, the plumage looked too neat, the tail looked neat and tidy, not notchy, as a moulting, or ragged bird would look. I was happy the tail pattern was genuinely forked, and not forked due to missing central tail feathers.

Call/ Song: Silent

Behaviour: The bird flew diagonally away from us in a Northerly direction, after about a minute it changed direction slightly and flew more North- North East.

Flight: The flight initially drew my attention to the bird, I first looked at it and saw a dark bird, the size and wing length ruled out any corvid, I thought of Buzzard Buteo buteo, Osprey Pandion haliaetus, Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus and Black Kite Milvus migrans (In that order) ruling out each one based on the notes here. The wings were held in a shallow arch, kinked down at the carpal which immediately became apparent, reminiscent of an Osprey Pandion haliaetus, this ruled out Buzzard Buteo buteo, which fly on more upswept rounder wings. Osprey Pandion haliaetus was ruled out on plumage, this bird was dark above and below. This left Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus or Black Kite Milvus migrans. I have seen Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus both here and abroad, and this bird didn't look right, the wings were kinked when gliding, not held in a 'V', Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus hold their wings in a similar upswept fashion to Buzzard Buteo buteo. In my original notes I drew the shape (copied here) and noted that the flaps were interspersed with the occasional glide, like an accipiter, but the glides were less frequent than an accipiter. The wing beats looked fairly deep and laboured. Still not completely happy I had ruled out Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus, the bird turned slightly, using wings and tail, the twist of the tail showed more of the tail and a shallow fork was noted, after seeing this fork I was happy that I could rule out Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus as they have a rounded tail. This left Black Kite Milvus migrans

Notes

After spending a fruitful day in the square (SK58), recording the first Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur and Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus plus a flock of thirty plus Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe, I met Rob and Jill Hardcastle, we decided to go to Carr Hill, a local vantage point which had produced Dotterel Charadrius morinellus in the past. Birds were obviously going through and in good number. We searched the area without success and moved on to the Village of Carr, where a small flock of Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria were occasionally roosting, we checked this flock for Dotterel Charadrius morinellus, to no avail. We began to pack up our gear, when the Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria flew up, I checked them with my bins, in case we had missed any Dotterel Charadrius morinellus, as I did this I noticed a large dark bird behind the Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria, flying higher and away from us. The bird wasn't a corvid, this was ruled out by the length of the wings and body. My next thought was raptor, I reached into the boot of my car to get my scope, telling Rob "I had a raptor", I quickly picked up the mystery raptor in the scope. The first thing I noted was the shape and flight pattern, a sleek looking bird, with a deep laboured flight with the occasional glide, I dismissed Buzzard Buteo buteo based on the shape, Buzzard Buteo buteo look bulkier, this looked sleek with angular looking wings. A Buzzard Buteo buteo would look dumpier, with blunter, upswept rounder wings. The bird looked similar to Osprey Pandion haliaetus, this was dismissed on the basis of plumage. This bird was completely dark above and below, with a dark body, wings and tail. My next thought was female or immature type Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus. This is a bird I have predicted would be added to the SK58 species list in the near future, and the date would have been spot on. Whilst looking at the bird through my scope it twisted it's tail, which until now couldn't be discerned, because of the angle, the tail was lost against the outline of the furthest wing, however when the bird twisted it's tail, it turned slightly to a more North-North Easterly direction, the twist and new attitude of the bird gave a clear outline of the tail, this clearly showed a fork on the closed tail, putting this forked tail, the flight action, shape and plumage I could eliminate Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus. I identified the mystery raptor as an adult Black Kite Milvus migrans. I contacted other members of SK58, and local birder John O'Malley, who was out!, I then phoned Birdnet, the message was relayed that "Black Kite Milvus migrans was going over Maltby now". This is a first for the square, and according to 'Rare and Scarce Birds in Yorkshire' (Wilson & Slack) about the twentieth in Yorkshire. The next day (28th April) probably the same bird flew East down the Leven Valley in Cleveland at 16.35 (per Birdnet). I also believe one was seen at Carr Vale (North Derbyshire) A day or so before. Andy Hirst April 28th 1997

SPECIES: Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus)

Observer: Mick Clay & James Clay Date and Time: January 21st 1997.

Locality (grid ref.): Lingodell, Nr Firbeck 5488 Distance from Observer: c100m Period of Observation: c5-10 mins.

Species Present for Comparison: Canada Goose

Experience of Species: Seen in Norfolk on several trips previously

Details

Size: Large Duck, small goose sized, smaller the accompanying Canada Geese.

Plumage: buff in colour with darkish facial patch, long pink legs and darker wings, which I could see was an Egyptian Goose

Behaviour: The bird after several minutes of viewing became very nervous and started to move away from the group of Canada Geese. It then took flight showing it's white forewing as it moved SE Flight: The bird took off with Canada Geese, showing buff plumage and clear white forewing.

Notes

While coming back from Tickhill with James I decided to call via Firbeck to see if we could see any Hawfinch without any luck. We then moved onto Lingodel, Firbeck. As I counted the Canada Geese I suddenly noticed a much different bird grazing not too far away, buff in colour with darkish facial patch, long pink legs and darker wings, which I could see was an Egyptian Goose. The bird after several minutes of viewing became very nervous and started to move away from the group of Canada Geese. It then took flight showing it's white forewing as it moved SE. The bird was then re-located the next day grazing on a field by Penny Hill, Firbeck and probably later disturbed by shooting.

1996

Species: Juvenile American Golden Plover. Pluvialis dominica

Observer: Mick Clay, James Clay and Rob Hardcastle

Address: The Coach House, 2 High Street, South Anston, Sheffield, S31 7AY.

Tel No: (01909 566000) Date and Time: 5th September, 1996, 15.25 - 18.25

Locality: Axle Lane, South Anston, South East of Sheffield, SK 5083 - 5183.

Distance from Observer: 100m.

Period of Observation: 3 hrs. Mick Clay, James Clay, Rob Hardcastle 1hr.

Weather and Light Conditions: Fine and sunny, clear, two eight's cloud cover, wind light north easterly.

Optical Aids Used: Leica 8 x 32 Binoculars and Kowa TSN2 x 20 WA Telescope.

Species Present for Comparison: Golden Plover, Lapwing, Wood Pigeon, Starling, Yellow Wagtail.

Experience of Species: American Golden Plover at Middleton Moor, Derbyshire 19th August, 1995, viewed for 2 hours. American Golden Plover at Axle Lane, South Anston, Sheffield 31st August to 6th September, 1995 which was found by my son James, we spent approximately 15 hours studying the bird.

Experience of Similar Species: Daily counts of Golden Plover on Axle Lane, South Anston from late July to April, which often peak up to 3,500. Also Dotterel (Charadrius morinellus) several times on Axle Lane and in Lincolnshire.

Details:

Size: Appeared slightly smaller than Golden Plover.

Structure: At first sight the bird appeared thinner, slender and more upright with longer legs and wings which protruded approximately 25mm beyond the tail when compared with nearby Golden Plovers, clearly this was not a common Golden Plover.

Plumage: Upperparts Showed a greyer appearance overall when compared with the Golden Plover which were much more golden and warmer in tone, with a striking broad white supercillium, running from in front of the eye to the nape, emphasised by a dark crown with dark patch behind and in front of the eye almost creating the impression of an eye stripe. The bird also showed white tips (forming a V) on the wing coverts which I assumed made the bird a juvenile. The wings and the mantle appeared to be the same tone of spangled grey & white. Underparts The belly and ventral areas were white with no markings. Eventually (after circa 2½ hours) the bird raised and stretched it's wings, the raised wing clearly showed a grey underwing, unlike the nearby Golden Plovers underwing which were white. This along with the general size, shape, and plumage tone convinced us we were looking at our 3rd American Golden Plover, and 2nd bird for Axle Lane.

Behaviour: For the first ten minutes the bird moved about the edge of the group of 5 Golden Plover and then sat down again on the edge of the group, where it remained for a further 30 minutes. It then repeated the procedure several times. After some 2½ hrs. it raised its wings from when it was first seen, which showed a grey underwing and was viewed by James Clay who had the scope at the time. This was very reminiscent of the bird we found last year. At 18.40 (some 3 hours 15 mins. After first being found) the bird took off low with 4 of the Golden Plover over the wall into a further field 200m away joining 4 other Golden Plover where all 9 birds moved about looking for food. At 19.08 all 9 birds flew off North, and were lost from sight.

Flight: I did not view the bird in flight, but two observers (RH & JC) saw the bird fly with Golden Plovers. RH noted the bird in flight was more slender, sleeker and looked generally different from the accompanying Golden Plover.

Reference: I have not seen Pacific Golden Plover and therefore had to check my bird guides, Birds of Europe - Lars Jonsson, Shore Birds An Identification guide to Waders of the World and Macmillan field guide to Bird Indentification. With these, my field notes, the fact that the bird had an overall grey appearance, and white supercilium, unlike the Pacific Golden Plover, which has a more yellow appearance and yellow toned supercillium. I dismissed the bird being a Pacific Golden Plover. This left Golden Plover and American Golden Plover, having seen thousands of Golden Plover I was certain the bird I had was indeed an American Golden Plover. There were also several more birds in the country during the same period. A single on Shetland from 1st to 2nd September, two adults at the Orkneys from 8-11th, one remaining to the 22nd September, an adult at St Agnes (Scilly) on the 9th, a juvenile at St Mary's (Scilly) from the 13th to 30th September, a bird at Holy Island from the 17th to 26th and Ireland on the 20th, reference Birding World Volume 9 No 9.

Notes: During the afternoon of the 5th September, 1996 I was contacted by Andrew Hirst, who informed me that two Dottrel had been seen at Tickhill, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire. At 1300hrs I decided to walk round my local patch Axle Lane, South Anston which had small numbers of Golden Plover and I thought might attract any Dotterel passing over, as the site had done in previous years. When I viewed the fields I saw a small group of Golden Plover sat close together. I walked along the main path towards the birds to within 100m and then scoped the birds, the first bird I saw was walking around the edge of 5 other birds which were all sat down. This bird instantly grabbed my attention being very grey compared to the other birds and had a broad white supercilium with a dark crown and white tips to wing coverts. I viewed the bird for a further period of 10 mins, noting down the plumage, jizz and behaviour, when I was certain I was looking at a Juv. American Golden Plover I then contacted my son James Clay and several other birders telling them I was certain I had an American Golden Plover. My son James arrived within 5 mins. His first thoughts were yes we were looking at an American Golden Plover. Rob Hardcastle arrived about 2 ½ hours later (coming straight from work). I then viewed the bird with others birders until 18.30hrs when I had to leave. Although only JC saw the grey underwing through the telescope, the other observers agreed the bird was an American Golden Plover, based on the prolonged views, noting the plumage differences on the upperparts and head, structural differences in the body, wings and legs, both on the ground and in flight. The next day several observers were out at first light searching for the bird without success at all known sites, I continued my daily counts of Golden Plovers at Axle Lane, but did not come across the bird again. This constitutes the second American Golden Plover in SK58, the first being found by my son, James almost exactly a year to the day (31/8/95- 6/9/95) at the same site, Axle Lane. Mick Clay. 29th October 1997.

Species: Brent Goose

Date: 17th April 1996 Observer(s): Rob and Jill Hardcastle

Distance from Observer: Hard to say, seen directly over head Visibility: Excellent

Period of Observation 1-2 mins.

Account: I was in the house watching TV when Jill called me into the garden to "Come and have a look at these ducks". I dashed out, and saw a small flock of around 6 birds approaching Throapham, flying Easterly from the direction of Goss Common. They were quite high, so I ran back in to retrieve my binoculars (Zeiss 10x40). When I returned the birds were almost directly overhead. My first reaction was, these aren't ducks they're geese. They were small geese however, although exact size was difficult to judge, as they were still flying quite high. I studied them for about a minute as they flew over and away and concluded on the basis of size, short-necked appearance, lack of pale white on the under parts and heads, apart from the under tail area, that they were Brent Geese. They continued flying directly Eastward in a loose formation until they vanished out of sight.

Description:

Size: Small, (Jill thought they were ducks at first as they approached) but exact size difficult to judge (see account above).

Structure: Dumpy, short-necked, relatively short winged.

Plumage: Apart from white rear, all dark plumage. No white on head/ face discerned (see account above), nor pale/ white belly. No clear demarcation between neck and belly, suggesting dark bellied race bernicla. Dark wings.

Behavior: Purposeful, direct flight, shallow wing beats, no calling heard. Possible alternative species: I dismissed the other two main possibilities, Canada and Barnacle, on the account of size, the short-necked appearance of the birds seen, the apparent lack of white on the face, and the lack of pale/ white feathering of the birds seen. Rob Hardcastle.