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Please send all Bird sightings and images to Allan Parker

March 2012

Monday 19th
3 Avocets were on Huxter Well Marsh cell 1b. A Sand Martin flew through the latter marsh and female Wheatear was on Central Grassland. Lapwings were in territorial display and calling. 8 Common Buzzards were counted.Reinforcements increased the number of Chiffchaffs to six (S Bird, R Bird). Photos taken by Rob Mokryj are shown below:

Chiffchaff at Piper Marsh scrub on 19th March 2012 © Robin Mokryj

Mallard, 19th March 2012 © Robin Mokryj

Canada Geese at Potteric Carr, 19th March 2012 © Robin Mokryj

 

Sunday 18th

Further evidence of spring migration came with an increase in singing Chiffchaffs to 4 (Balby Carr Copse, Old Eaa scrub, St Catherine’s Copse and Loversall Bank) scattered across the Reserve.  2 Common Cranes circled high over the site for 15 minutes before flying off west (A Parker, K Woolley, et al .) at 12.05pm (R Mokryj was able to get a record shot of this rare occurrence). A splendid male and female Wheatear were on Central Grassland. West Scrape held an Avocet (K Woolley).

At Loversall Delph, a Woodcock was flushed (A Parker, K Woolley) in the morning. Single Redpoll was at the wardens’ car park, and Song Thrush on the path beside Old Eaa Marsh near the mature alder grove. 4, possibly 6, Redshanks were on Huxter Well Marsh and a single Dunlin joined the Lapwing flock above cell 1b. A Snipe was on Central Grassland (R Bird). 2 pairs of Common Buzzards were viewed from the Reserve, though some distance away.

The pair of Common Cranes over Potteric Carr today, 18th March 2012 © Robin Mokryj

Saturday 17th

The Reserve's first Wheatear of the year, a female, was on Central Grassland (Richard Scott). Mick Bird and Brian Buckle report:  A male Red-crested Pochard was on the Lagoon, and a Chiffchaff in St Catherine’s Copse was the first in song at Potteric Carr this year. A Little Egret was on cell 1a; also on Huxter Well Marsh, 4 Redshank, a pair of Oystercatchers, 5 Common Gulls and a pair of Wigeon. Long-tailed Tits were nest building on Hawthorn Bank. 2 Common Buzzards and 1 Sparrowhawk were harassed by Carrion Crows over PiperMarsh/Seven Arches Carr. A Black Swan (escape or feral) arrived on cell 1b.

Friday 16th

Good numbers of Little Grebe are back on the Reserve, setting up territories, prior to breeding and the image below of one was digiscoped from the Willow Pool hide by David Roberts.

Little Grebe © David Roberts

Thursday 15th

5 Black-tailed Godwits were on West Scrape before being flushed by a Carrion Crow (M Bird) and a Ringed Plover also made a brief appearance there. The Little Egret was still on Decoy Lake. 3 Goldcrest were noted. Other Huxter Well Marsh sightings were 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 3 Wigeon and a mated pair of Shelduck. 3 Willow Tits were at the feeding station (A Parker).

Wren at Potteric Carr © Paul Morgan

Wednesday 14th

The first Chiffchaff of spring was at Loversall Pool this morning (M Roberts); also, a Woodcock was seen there. Decoy Lake held a Little Egret and Water Rail called from Willow Marsh (S and R Bird). Lots of Chaffinches are in song around the Reserve.

Male Chaffinch at Potteric Carr © Paul Morgan

Tuesday 13th

There were 4 Redshanks and 1 Snipe on Huxter Well Marsh. A Goldcrest was in Hawthorn Field and Green Woodpecker in Loversall Field. Kingfisher appeared along Mother Drain. 2 male Pheasants were in territorial dispute in front of Roger Mitchell Hide. 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers were in territorial conflicts and drumming profusely. The 2 Wigeon on cell 1b remained. 2 Jays on Loversall Bank. Long-tailed Tits were nest building at several bramble patches (various observers). A difficult bird to photograph at Potteric Carr because it is always on the move, Willow Tit was captured in this image by Paul Morgan:

Willow Tit at Potteric Carr © Paul Morgan

A Kingfisher was perched upon the upright stump in front of the usual breeding site on the island at Piper Marsh (pm). Green Woodpecker was in the vicinity of Rossington Bank. Willow Tit was heard in Willow Triangle. 3 Bullfinch were in St Catherine's Copse (Ian Heppenstall).

Sunday 11th

Richard Scott sent the following records: 1 Song Thrush at Decoy Marsh, 4 Redwings over Rossington Bank and a Goldcrest at Piper Marsh. Gulls on Huxter Well included 25 Common, 6 Herring and 3 Lesser Black-backed (plus one on Low Ellers). Also on Huxter Well, 2 Cormorant, 1 pr Wigeon, 1 Redshank and 2 Oystercatchers, with 8 Common Buzzards seen from there including 2 at Seven Arches Carr, and 3 Kestrels were in the area. A Sparrowhawk was in Hawthorn Field. A Skylark was singing at Central Grassland, and Pied Wagtail was on cell 1b. The Aythya hybrid male (Pochard x ?) was seen again and photographed on cell 2a (viewed from Hawthorn Bank Hide), see image.

Pochard Aythya hybrid type male on Huxter Well Marsh © Richard Scott

 

A Jay was along Cottage Drain along with Wren, Blue Tit and Great Tit.  A pair of Buzzard were in flight over the area (Ken Woolley, Allan Parker)

Saturday 10th
The Little Egret remained on Huxter Well Marsh. 2 Oystercatchers and 3 Redshank were also there. A count of gulls late afternoon included 6 Common, 5 Lesser Black-backed and 1 Herring Gull, with an estimated 2000 Black-headed Gulls, roosting birds augmenting the colonial residents. Near dusk, 100 Jackdaws made there way from Rossington towards Lakeside, many dropping down onto the Huxter Well islands foraging for a last minute meal (S and R Bird). Kingfisher showed on Mother Drain.

3 Oystercatcher on Cell 1b, a pair were first seen on West scrape, then they seemed to be chasing a singleton off from Cell 1b. 10 Common Gull on West Scrape. 3 Redshank, 2 were on Piper Marsh and a single was first seen on Cell 3a and then later on the Lagoon. Kingfisher on Mother Drain and on Island in Piper Marsh, not sure if same bird or not. Pair of Bullfinch in hawthorn on Loversall Field. 3 Buzzard were over Beeston Plantation in the early afternoon. Kestrel seen in St Catherine's Field area and also near Sedum House. ( BGA Buckle / MA Bird )

Treecreeper on Hawthorn Bank and Buzzard over Black Carr Field (Ian Heppenstall)

Friday 9th

A Little Egret was on Huxter Well Marsh, where 71 Gadwall and 2 Wigeon were counted on cell 1b. Kingfisher was on Mother Drain. Common Buzzard, 2 Redshank (Piper Marsh) and 2 Oystercatchers were also noted. There were 2 Grey Partridges on Central Grassland (S Furber).

Thursday 8th
A pale gull the size of a Lesser Black-backed was seen in the gull roost, and thought to be something different.

Mallard on old fence post © Pete Greaves

Mute Swan pair displaying © Karen & David McGough

 

Wednesday 7th

A Bittern was seen from Willow Pool Hide. Mediterranean Gull, Redshank, Common Buzzard, Oystercatcher, Skylarks and Peregrine were all present on or around Huxter Well Marsh (all reported by visitors).

Taken yesterday from the Willow Pool hide this Blue Tit was digiscoped by David Roberts. The image shows the quality that can be attained with today's digiscoping equipment.

Blue Tit © David Robets

Tuesday 6th
Just after 4.15pm a 1st-winter Mediterranean Gull was found on the Lagoon at Huxter Well. The bird showed considerable juvenile plumage, only developing a bit of a mask on the head; a very abnormal plumage for this time of year. Soon afterwards an adult was also found (M and P Blackburn, K Dutton).

A Little Egret was on Mother Drain (D and J Pickersgill). Snipe flew from Seven Arches Carr. Huxter Well and Piper Marsh both held a pair of Wigeon. Kingfisher flew along Mother Drain. Willow Tits were more in evidense with a pair in Piper Marsh scrub, 1 in Black Carr Wood, 2 at the feeding station and 1 near Cottage Drain Hide. A pair of Jackdaws were using a nestbox near Sedum House. Huxter Well Marsh produced 2 Redshank and 17 Common Gulls.

There was a Goldcrest in Black Carr Field, 2 Treecreepers in St Catherine's Copse and 2 Siskins in Piper Marsh scrub. 4 pairs of Long-tailed Tits were in territory and at the start of nest-building. 2 pairs of Common Buzzards included one pair in talon-grappling display over the Reserve. 4 Skylarks at Central Grassland and nearby grassy embankments (photo) included two in song (various observers). A Phylloscopus warbler called from the top of a birch at Piper Marsh scrub (J Shanks).

One of the Skylarks involved in today's record of two pairs at Huxter Well © Pete Greaves

Long-tailed Tit © Allan Parker ARPS

Monday 5th

A Ringed Plover put in a brief appearance at Huxter Well Marsh. Single Redpoll and Siskin were noted. Kingfisher was along Mother Drain. Late news for yesterday was a Sand Martin reported by a visitor.

Sunday 4th

Richard Scott logged the following: Redshank 1 Huxter Well Marsh; Teal 209 HWM, 10 Low Ellers Marsh; 8 Common Gull HWM; Aythya hybrid male cell 2a (perhaps a male Pochard x Tufted Duck?); 4 Herring Gull over, 1 West Scrape; 3 adult Lesser Black-backed Gull West Scrape; 1 pr Wigeon West Scrape; 4 Pied Wagtail cell 3a; 26 Shoveler on the Lagoon; Shelduck, 2 Old Eaa, 6 HWM; Song Thrush, 1 Old Eaa; Skylark, 2 Central Grassland; Great Crested Grebe, 3 on cell 1b and 2 on cell 2a; Oystercatcher, 2 on cell 2a.

Saturday 3rd

15 Whooper Swans (all adults) dropped onto Cell 1b Huxter Well Marsh at 8.35am this morning, see image (Tony Elliott, Brian Buckle, Mick Bird). They were photographed by Tony and later by Pete.

In the late afternoon 2 adult Bewick's Swan joined the Whooper Swan flock on Cell 1b (Richard Scott), presumably resting during a movement north.

A Peregrine was around for 15 minutes and settled on one of the Huxter Well Marsh islands, see image (Pete Greaves).

Two Kingfisher were seen at Piper Marsh this morning and one of these was prospecting potential nest sites at the usual breeding location (Ian Heppenstall).

Whooper Swan © Tony Elliott

Also on Huxter Well Marsh, 2 Wigeon and 9 Shelduck (cell 1b), 8 Common Gulls, 3 pied Wagtails, with 2 pairs of Great Crested Grebe now on cell 1b. A total of 5 Common Buzzards showed in flight. Redshank and Oystercatcher were present. A pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls were prospecting territory on a cell 1b island (Dave Carroll). A Willow Tit was in Black Carr Field.

Whooper Swans at Huxter Well Marsh, 3rd March 2012 © Pete Greaves

Peregrine (centre), with Shoveler and Teal nearby © Pete Greaves

 

Friday 2nd

A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was in Loversall Triangle before flying towards Childers Wood (Dougie Smith). Waders on Huxter Well Marsh included 2 Golden Plover, 1 Dunlin, 1 Redshank and 2 pairs of Oystercatchers; there were 6 Wigeon on the same marsh, and a Mistle Thrush was in the large oak tree near the Lagoon (Sue and Roger Bird). A Common Buzzard was up. 2 Treecreepers were in Childers Wood.

This superb image of a female Reed Bunting was taken on the Reserve recently by David Roberts.

Reed Bunting female © David Roberts

A new Checklist and Status of Birds at Potteric Carr by Dave Carroll is available using the link above. The February 2012 Potteric Carr bird summary, compiled by Roger Bird, is also available using the top of page link.

Thursday 1st

Peregrine made another sortie to Huxter Well Marsh in the morning (Tony Elliott). Waders may have been of interest to the raptor, with Lapwings, 20 Golden Plover, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Dunlin and 2 Ringed Plover all settled on cell 1b at some stage, the latter two species also visited West Scrape. A Stonechat stayed around Big Hedge and in tall herbage alongside (Pete Greaves, image), and 3 Meadow Pipits were also viewable from Roger Mitchell Hide (image). Huxter Well Marsh also produced 2 Wigeon, 6 Shelduck, 9 Little Grebes and tredding Gadwall.

A Kingfisher was seen along Mother Drain, but apparently, only in flight. 2 Willow Tits were in Loversall Triangle and 2 at the feeders. More Reed Buntings were in song. Black-headed Gull colonies were becoming established at Low Ellers, Decoy Marsh and Huxter Well cell 2a. 1 redwing was seen near the Visitor Centre. A Common Buzzard was high over Huxter Well.

A male Peregrine which almost certainly had roosted on Hawthorn Bank, was in full hunting mode at 6.30am this morning, that's half an hour before sunrise. No doubt activated by the hundreds of Black-headed Gulls teaming on to Huxter Well Marsh from Lakeside at this time in a morning. After three minutes chasing, it left over the motorway empty handed. One Curlew was on the Lagoon, it left north at 7.15am (Tony Elliott).

A Skylark singing and seen over the rough ground just beyond Huxter Well Marsh. Count of Dunlin was three together at one point on Huxter Well Marsh before flying off with a Ringed Plover.

A Sparrowhawk soaring above Piper Marsh plus Green Woodpecker heard from both Piper Marsh Hide and Willow Pool Hide. (Chris Measures)

Stonechat in Big Hedge on 1st March 2012 © Pete Greaves

Meadow Pipit on grassy embankment opposite Roger Mitchell Hide, 1st March 2012 © Pete Greaves

 

February 2012

Wednesday 29th

5 Curlew, a 3 and a 2 were on Cell 1b early morning. After some preening and then several minutes calling to regroup (see image) and make sure there was no stragglers, they left north at 7.20am.

7 Great Black-Backed Gull had roosted on Cell 1b and 2 Dunlin were still on there. A single Golden Plover was with the Lapwing and a Water Rail was on the same cell (Tony Elliott).

Curlew © Tony Elliott

David Horncastle, a regular birdwatcher at Potteric Carr was out with his sketchbook at Lakeside this morning, where a pair of weed-dancing Great Crested Grebes were drawn by him (below). David comments: "The Great Crested Grebes went through their ritual in the water in front of the flats. The male caught a sizable fish but crash dived when a Black-headed Gull landed alongside with nefarious intent. The Grebe surfaced without the fish."

Tuesday 28th

Huxter Well Marsh had the wintering Little Egret, a white-headed sinensis Cormorant, 2 Dunlins, 4 Wigeon and 3 Common Buzzards overhead. 2 Skylarks sang at Central Grassland and 3 Meadow pipits flew over. A single Siskin was present and no sign of the flock of these finches or Redpolls that are usually still feeding in tree-tops around the Reserve at this time of year. 2 Greenfinches were near the entrance gate and 1 near the YWT compound. A Goldcrest was in Black Carr Field and near Duchess Hide. Ubiquitous Chaffinches were in song across the site.

A Great Spotted Woodpecker was in a Birch tree along Loversall Bank East before flying across the railway into Corbet Wood. A small flock of tit species on the west edge of Black Carr Wood held at least two Coal Tit and a Treecreeper (Allan Parker).

Two Buzzard were seen over Loversall Carr Fields from Willow Bank (Michael Bird).

Monday 27th

A Curlew was on Huxter Well Marsh first thing this morning, as were 3 Dunlin (Tony Elliott).
Sue and Roger Bird had 3 Dunlin on Huxter Well cell 1b then West Scrape, where 1 Redshank and 3 Oystercatcher were seen.

A Little Egret was on Huxter Well and a pair of Teal on West Scrape were copulating; an interesting observation since there has been no proof of breeding by this duck at Potteric Carr since 2004.

Bittern was reported on Decoy Marsh yesterday and on Willow Marsh (from Willow Pool Hide) today.

Curlew © Allan Parker ARPS

Sunday 26th
There was a Green Sandpiper on Piper Marsh and Little Egret remained on Huxter Well cell 1b. Kingfisher flew along Mother Drain. Green Woodpecker was in Big Hedge (Helen Womack) and later flew to Seven Arches Carr. Common Buzzard flew over Huxter Well, where Reed Bunting was in song, Mute Swans were pairing on cell 1b, a pair of Great Crested Grebes were on cell 2b and 10 Common Gulls were counted. Great Spotted Woodpeckers were near the pumping station, along Loversall Bank (East) and in Black Carr Wood.

12 Magpies gathered at the edge of Seven Arches Carr. 10 Great Black-backed Gulls flew NW at 9.30am (Allan Parker). A Coal Tit was in the St Catherine's Field hedge (Dave Carroll). Water levels at Willow Marsh / Old Eaa, Loversall Pool and Willow Marsh have been pumped up to normal winter levels. Low Ellers Marsh and Huxter Well Marsh have also received supplementary water and are recovering. Piper Marsh remains isolated from the water level management operation subject to Internal Drainage Board maintenance work being carried out; the water level there is currently dependent on rainfall and therefore below normal.

Additional records came from Geoff Jarvis: Peregrine was seen over Piper Marsh.  Huxter Well had 2 Redshanks, 2 Oystercarchers, 2 Wigeon and a Water Rail calling in front of Duchess Hide. 2 Willow Tits were at the Willow Pool feeders.

It seems that Willow Tits are not often being reported away from Willow Pool, so any records elsewhere on the Reserve would be interesting to hear about.

Huxter Well Marsh, showing recovering water levels in the ring-main and cell 1b, 26th February 2012 © Dave Carroll

Saturday 25th

Pintail drake was on the Lagoon and a Little Egret was still on Huxter Well Marsh, cell 1b, along with a Great Crested Grebe and Little Grebe; Lesser Black-backed Gull sat on last year's cell 1b nesting island, perhaps one of a returning pair? A pair of Skylarks, including one in song, were over Central Grassland. Huxter Well also had calling Water Rail, a Little Grebe pair on cell 3a and Great Crested Grebes on cell 2b displaying. Pairs of Common Buzzard were over Seven Arches Carr, Huxter Well (displaying) and Beeston plantation.

Goldcrest were found in Hawthorn Field and St Catherine's Copse, and Great Spotted Woodpecker drummed in Childers Wood. 4 Oystercatchers (2 pairs) on a cell 2a island were in territorial dispute. There were 9 Common Gulls counted on Huxter Well and Canada Geese and Greylag Geese were paired on some waters, with pairs of Shelduck on cell 2b, 1a and West Scrape.

Josh Rowley reports:-

Small flock of Bullfinch near Decoy Marsh hide, Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming in Childers Wood. An amazing encounter with a Treecreeper also in Childers Wood, I had stopped to listen to the woodpecker and the Treecreeper hopped from tree to tree getting to within two metres of me. Green Woodpecker on several occasions (1st- in between Seven Arches Carr and East Scrape, 2nd- just in front of Roger Mitchell hide, 3rd- near Hawthorn Bank hide). Great Crested Grebe on Huxter Well Marsh. Male Marsh Harrier above Huxter Well Marsh going from west to east. Kingfisher in usual spot on Mother Drain, strangely accompanied in the water by a lonely juvenile Mute Swan. Woodcock opposite Field Centre.

Thursday 23rd

From today's sightings it is evident that winter is in retreat. The temperature rose to 18ºC in Doncaster and at Potteric Carr two species of butterflies were out in the sunshine, Peacock and male Brimstone near Decoy Marsh. A Song Thrush sang in Seven Arches Carr. A Bittern put in an appearance at Decoy Marsh mid-afternoon. 5 large birds of prey over the west end of Loversall Bank were reported as Red Kites (subject to confirmation). However, a Peregrine was again seen at Huxter Well Marsh. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker also reappeared.

Kingfisher perched in the usual place over Mother Drain. A Green Sandpiper was on Piper Marsh; also 3 Grey Herons. Black-headed Gulls were noisy at Low Ellers Marsh where pairs investigated the island for a nest site. 3 pairs of Jackdaws were frequenting Sedum House. A Weasel was along the path between Balby Carr Copse and Decoy Marsh.

A Little Grebe was on Decoy Marsh, a Treecreeper was on an Oak tree next to path near St Catherine's Hide, a Green Sandpiper on mud bank in front of Piper Marsh Hide. Circa 200 Lapwings on Huxter Well Marsh, with most on West Scrape, a Great Crested Grebe was still in front of Roger Mitchell Hide on Cell 1b. The water level is slowly going up on Cell 1b. Many Black-headed Gulls seen all over reserve with some taking up nesting positions on Decoy Marsh (Michael Bird).

Wednesday 22nd

A juvenile / first winter male Peregrine had six stoops and chases at a Lapwing, all of which missed this morning, before resting on West Scrape for 10 minutes (see image). This young bird had a orange red colour ring on its left leg (Tony Elliott).

Peregrine immature male © Tony Elliott

Tuesday 21st

A Lesser Spotted Woodpecker flew from the west heading east past the Field Centre at about 09.20 (Allan Parker)

A Red Kite flew north-west past Decoy Marsh at 13.55 (Brian buckle, Michael Bird and Mark Roberts)

Black-headed Gull numbers continue to increase on Huxter Well Marsh where some c150 Lapwing were also present along with 10 Shelduck, a Common Gull, 2 Oystecatchers, a Great Crested Grebe and a Little Egret. 2 Common Buzzard flew over.

A pair of Wigeon were seen from the Roger Mitchell Hide where a Kingfisher also showed.

A male Kingfisher was at the usual site under the railway bridges on Mother Drain.

A Grey Heron was on Piper Marsh and another was on Huxter Well Marsh.  2 Jay were also noted.

Monday 20th

A Dunlin was on Huxter Well with 3 Oystercatcher, one of which had a ring. 23 Herring Gulls had roosted on Cell 1b with 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull and a first winter Great Black-backed Gull, all early this morning. (Tony Elliott).

Sunday 19th

Willow Pool feeding station had the usual species including Coal Tit and a female Great Spotted Woodpecker.

A male Kingfisher was in its usual place under the railway bridges on Mother Drain and was seen later next to the sluice gates from the Pumping Station.

Huxter Well was fairly quiet but Black-headed Gull numbers continue to increase and c300 were noted with some birds already back into full breeding plumage. A single adult Lesser Black-backed Gull, in breeding plumage, was noted and 6 Common Gull, all adults, were also present. An adult Great Black-backed Gull past over along with a single Herring Gull.

Wildfowl numbers seemed low but around 8 Shelduck were counted along with 24 Pochard. Teal, Mallard, Gadwall, Shoveler and Tufted Duck were all noted. Greylag and Canada Goose numbers were low with maybe 3 pair of Greylag and only two pair of Canada Goose present. Small numbers of Coot and Moorhen were scattered about the area and 4 Grey Heron were noted (another was present on Piper Marsh).

A single Great Crested Grebe, in breeding plumage, was feeding in front of the Roger Mitchell Hide. The only waders present were about 30 Lapwing also in front of the Roger Mitchell hide and the three Oystercatcher noted yesterday remained . A single Pied Wagtail was also noted from this hide.

A Kestrel was hunting over the Piper Marsh area and a distant Sparrowhawk was under attack from a Carrion Crow at the east end of the Reserve.

2 Bullfinch were feeding in the reeds in front of the Duchess Hide.

2 Treecreeper (a pair?) were noted near the Piper Marsh hide where two were noted last Tuesday.

4 Lesser Redpoll were noted by S & S Cullen along the path to the Piper Marsh hide.

(Report compiled by Ken Woolley and Allan Parker).

Great Crested Grebe © Allan Parker ARPS

Saturday 18th

3 Oystercatchers arrived on Huxter Well Marsh cell 2b (Brian Buckle, Mick Bird), and a Green Sandpiper was on Low Ellers Marsh, where 650 Black-headed Gulls were gathered. Song Thrush was singing near the Field Centre and there were 20+ Chaffinches and 1 Willow Tit at the Willow Pool feeding station.

Ian Heppenstall reports:-

I had a walk around Huxter Well after the moth trapping and in addition to the species already shown above, there were single Great Crested Grebe, one or possibly two Little Grebe, 20 Wigeon and at least 9 Shelduck on Huxter Well Marsh. Kingfisher was on the Mother Drain, 3 Meadow Pipit seen and heard over Central Grassland and Great Spotted Woodpecker at Willow Pool feeding station.

Friday 17th
A Merlin appeared over Willow Marsh at 12.50pm chasing a passerine (Mike and Pat Blackburn, Karl Dutton). The same birders also had a Little Egret at Old Eaa Marsh, Green Sandpiper at Piper Marsh and single Great Black-backed Gull on West Scrape, with Green Woodpecker and Song Thrush added to the day's tally elsewhere on the Reserve.

Thursday 16th
3 Green Sandpipers involved two on Low Ellers Marsh and one on Huxter Well Marsh, where a Peregrine flushed gulls, 200 Lapwings and 2 Golden Plover. The Little Egret was seen on Decoy Lake. 15 Redwing were at Willow Bank and a Green Woodpecker on Loversall Bank. A single male Wigeon, Meadow Pipit and 17 Common Gulls also occupied Huxter Well, but no sign of the white-headed Cormorants that had been too distant to determine their race on Tuesday. Goldcrest was in Balby Carr Copse.

Wednesday 15th

At 17:15, two Little Egret flew over the northern end of Decoy Marsh, continuing South past the rear of the hide (Chris Bell).

Tuesday 14th

3 drake Goosander were on Huxter Well cell 1b around 1.45pm (Ian Heppenstall), and a Little Egret was on cell 2b, viewed from the screen. There was a light movement of Skylarks NW involving over 20 birds. Great Spotted Woodpeckers were drumming at three locations and was an early herald of spring. Green Woodpecker was yaffling. A Kingfisher perched on branches overhanging Mother Drain. Carrion Crows were pairing at Piper Marsh, and at Low Ellers Marsh one fed on large freshwater mussels by managing to break into their shells.

There were 13 Common Gulls and 4 Cormorants on Huxter Well, two of which were in breeding plumage, with white patches and heads. 21 Fieldfares flew N. A Woodcock flew from St Catherine's Copse and a Goldcrest and Treecreeper were also there; also one in St Catherine's Field. Common Buzzard flew over Loversall Carr Fields. Lapwing numbers were low, at 20 counted from the Roger Mitchell Hide. Tawny Owl was noted (Mark Roberts).

A late report for last Tuesday (7th) was a Bittern at Willow Marsh (Dave Kitching).

(Note regarding the Cormorant in the above report, may I suggest, though not having seen the birds I can't be certain, that the two birds with the ' with white patches and heads' were birds of the 'Continental' race Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis, many of which winter in the UK, rather than the UK race Ph. carbo carbo . They differ by having more extensive white on the head and upper neck in breeding plumage (though there can be some overlap with carbo carbo ) and tend to retain the white thigh patch throughout the winter months and to a lesser extent the white on the head and upper neck, see image below taken in mid February which shows the white thigh patch, head and upper throat / nape of this race, AP).

Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis © Allan Parker ARPS

Monday 13th

With the current hard weather the Willow Pool feeding station is very busy, mainly with the common woodland and reedbed passerines. Below are two images from that site.

 

Left, male Reed Bunting and right, Robin both at Willow Pool feeding station both images © Paul Morgan

Sunday 12th

A Little Egret flew over Low Ellers Curve and 5 Fieldfares were in Short Lane Fields (Sue & Roger Bird). An Iceland Gull was reported as flying over the cafe on Rare Bird Alert .

Derek Bateson reports: "There was not a great deal to see today so I set off for a circular walk and took a shot of a completely deserted Loversall Bank (image). I was almost immediately joined by RM and near the first seat we watched a Goldcrest searching an oak trunk for insects. One or two Wrens were foraging and by the time we returned to the Field Centre we had seen five. One of the Willow Pool Mute Swans, probably the remaining cygnet from last year, had walked along the bank almost to Loversall Pool. There were also two small tit flocks and then on the farmland next to Beeston Plantation was a large Roe Deer, sex unknown. Tracks were seen alongside all paths which suggests there are quite a few animals on the site. Several sets of small mammal tracks were seen but a slight thaw made identification doubtful"

 

Left, a bleak looking Loversall Bank on 12th February 2012 © Derek Bateson and right, Mute Swan © Richard Adams

Saturday 11th

Kingfisher was photographed near the IDB pumping station, with snow still present today.

Kingfisher at Potteric Carr on 11th February 2012 © Tony McCormick

Friday 10th

A Water Rail was seen along Mother Drain from the footbridge near Sedum House (Tom Hayek), one of the few places not frozen. Wildfowl on the ice at cell 2b Huxter Well Marsh included 248 mallard and 27 Gadwall. Smaller birds noted where noisey Great Spotted Woodpeckers in three locations, Goldcrest in Childers Wood, where a concentration of 6 Wrens were seen, and Bullfinches along Willow Bank and in St Catherine's Copse (Sue and Roger Bird).

Thursday 9th

Some photos taken last Sunday by Ken Woolley included this snow covered Roger Mitchell Hide at Huxter Well. More snow is forecast for this evening.

Roger Mitchell Hide on a snowy 5th February 2012 © Ken Woolley

Wednesday 8th

We are monitoring Willow Tit numbers visiting the Willow Pool feeding station and would like your help. There is a survey form on the hide noticeboard to log any sighting during your visit to the Willow Pool Hide. For more details please have a look here .

Willow Tit © Robin Mokryj

 

Tuesday 7th

2 Marsh Harriers went through Piper Marsh (B & S Trout). There were tallies of 6 Song Thrushes and 4 Treecreepers around the Reserve by birdwatchers. Kingfisher was at Mother Drain, one of the few unfozen waterbodies. A Goldcrest was in Childers Wood, single Meadow Pipit on Central Grassland, and a Water Rail (cell 2a) and Green Woodpecker, also at Huxter Well. 1 Fieldfare was recorded. Teal numbers remain high, with 155 on cell 2b and 100+ on cell 1b; also, 12 fed in Mother Drain. There was a mixed finch flock composed of Siskins, Goldfinches and several Lesser Redpolls (Sue Bird compiled today's records).

Two more pictures show birds around the Willow Pool feeding station, including an image from one of the PCW wildlife news photo-journalists, Derek Bateson.

 

Female Chaffinch at Willow Pool on 7th February 2012 © Derek Bateson

LOOK Feature: Female Chaffinches are less distincly marked than males as can be seen in the photo above. They are occasionally mistaken for other species of finches. This species is widespread and a regular visitor to the bird tables at Willow Pool in winter, best viewed from the hide. Chaffinches occupy Potteric Carr all year round and in spring the males can be heard singing from most wooded parts of the Reserve. PCNR conservation index value 4. Ed.

 

Larger than life image of a Dunnock yesterday, 6th February © Robin Mokryj

 

Monday 6th
2 Woodcocks flew along the path at the back of West Scrape Hide in the morning (T Elliott). Birds flocked to the feeding station at Willow Pool, including 7 Robins at one time (photo). Kingfisher was photographed by Barry Wardley. One of two Willow Tits was photographed by Robin Mokryj from the Hide (photo will be published tomorrow), and a close up of Wren (below). A Grey Wagtail was at Lakeside (RJ Scott).

Robin, welcoming food put out on the snow © Robin Mokryj

Wren amongst the Potteric Carr reedbeds, 6th February 2012 © Robin Mokryj

Kingfisher at Potteric Carr today © Barry Wardley

 

Blue Tit on Typha 'bulrush' seed head on 4th February 2012 © Robin Mokryj

Sunday 5th

Chris Bell reports: 'With the temperature soaring to 3ºC, the sun shining, and not even the slightest breeze, the reserve iced in white, was the place to be Sunday afternoon. The snow tempered both the sound of the motorway and the railway. And there was also interesting wildlife to be found. From the Hawthorn Bank I watched 4 Roe Deer taking 30 minutes to meander across Huxter Well Marsh from south to north. A Peregrine Falcon disrupted the resting Black-headed Gulls on cell 2b on Huxter Well Marsh, and they never returned whilst I was there. The Teal on the same cell were apparently disrupted by the Roe Deer but quickly settled after realising their mistake.

There was only open water on cells 1b and 2b so Teal, Shoveller, Gadwall, Mallard, Grey-lag and Canada Geese were all in close company together with just a few Black-hHeaded Gulls, and the odd Common Gull. There were a number of single birds about the reserve, including 3 separate Song Thrushes, a single Fieldfare, a single Lesser Redpoll and a single Siskin (my first Potteric Siskin of 2012). Decoy Marsh on the other hand was possibly more a place for couples, as the female Sparrowhawk was joined a by a male as she flew off, and the perched male Kestrel raised his tail to a passing Kestrel. And as is usual, the Kingfisher was underneath the arches, and seen elsewhere on the Mother Drain by just about everybody.'

Kingfisher between the arched rail bridges over Mother Drain at sunrise on 4th February 2012 © Robin Mokryj.

 

Saturday 4th

A Bittern was reported at Wilow Marsh. Robin Mokryj was out with his telephoto lens and took some cracking images.

 

Treecreeper near the IDB pumping station on 4th February 2012 © Robin Mokryj.

Song Thrush on approach path to Roger Mitchell Hide this morning, 4th February 2012 © Robin Mokryj.

Pied Wagtail on the Piper Marsh ice after a snow shower, 4th February 2012 © Robin Mokryj.

Friday 3rd
A Kingfisher was seen along Mother Drain. 155 Teal stood on the ice-covered cell 1b Huxter Well Marsh and 4 Song Thrushes arrived from NE and settled in front of Roger Mitchell Hide (D Carroll, R Hazelwood). 3 pairs of Jacdaws were courting in the vicinity of Sedum House. A smal flock of Goldfinches was near the Reserve entrance.

Thursday 2nd

The January 2012 bird news summary table is published (click on link above) and the 2011 nestbox results can be found on the Recording and Surveys page here . 60 Redwings were in Short Lane Fields.

Wednesday 1st

Tony Elliott reports: "What looked like a blue morph Snow Goose apart from a very small black bill, was with Greylags on Huxter Well Marsh today, also 5 Dunlin were on the marsh." A Kingfisher was at the favoured place along Mother Drain, and 2 Common Buzzards were over Seven Arches Carr. 4 Meadow Pipits arrived on Central Grassland near West Scrape Hide (C Bell).

January

Tuesday 31st

12 Dunlin flew W over Huxter Well at 10.45am, with a further two settled on the marsh (cell 1b), and 2 Ringed Plovers flew through, also W, at 3pm (D Carroll, S M and R W Bird). 70 Greylag Geese arrived quite low from the NE and alighted on Huxter Well Marsh, followed by a further 18 shortly afterwards. There were 30 Wigeon and 4 Shelduck on the same marsh, and a Common Buzzard flew over. Green Woodpeckers were seen at Big Hedge and Decoy Lake.

Sunday 29th

A Bittern was seen at Decoy Marsh for 20 minutes from 3.20pm (RJ Scott, J & W Badger et al .). This came at the end of today’s Potteric Carr Bittern census, a report of which is published on the Recording and Surveys page here .

Another elusive species, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (female), was seen along Hawthorn Bank (B & D Ellison, et al .), meanwhile Great Spotted entertained visitors at Willow Pool feeding station. Kingfisher was perched along Mother Drain as expected due to the overnight ice covering most of the Reserve’s waters. A flock of Siskin (30) with Lesser Redpolls included a possible Mealy Redpoll near the wardens car park.

A good count of 12 Bullfinches together at the north end of Cottage Drain demonstrates how Potteric Carr attracts this species during the winter months (A & C Sawbridge). Other reports included 2 Goldcrest (C Bell), and 2 Jays in dead trees at Decoy Marsh.

Additional records by Richard Scott: Treecreeper (2 pumping station); Wigeon 12 Huxter Well Marsh; Teal 525 HWM including one with bill saddle, 2 Low Ellers; Shoveler 14 HWM, 3 over Old Eaa Marsh; Gadwall 68 HWM; Mallard 151 HWM, 2 Willow Pool; Tufted Duck 7 HWM; Pochard 23 HWM; Common Gull 17 HWM; Shelduck 5 HWM; Willow Tit 1 Piper Marsh, 1 Willow Pool; Rook 1 over; Green Woodpecker 1 HWM.

NB: HWM is the code for Huxter Well Marsh.

Saturday 28th

A Curlew arrived to roost on Huxter Well Marsh at sunset. There were 15 Wigeon on the same marsh and in the large oak tree 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers (one male and two females) displayed. A Green Woodpecker was also in the area. Kingfisher showed on Mother Drain at the usual perching branches between the two railway bridges (Sue and Roger Bird). 2 Green Sandpipers were at Piper Marsh (Mark Roberts).

Bullfinches were seen near the Royal Mail railhub, at Piper Marsh scrub and along Willow Bank. Signs of springtime came with Greylag Geese pairing up and claiming nest sites (Mick Bird).

Tomorrow, Sunday 29th, is Potteric Carr's annual Bittern census. Co-ordinators will be on site and there will be clipboard forms in key observation hides — visitors are requested to record any sightings on the form.

Friday 27th

A Barn Owl, almost certainly the same bird as yesterday, was flying along the path to the east of Piper Marsh hide heading towards Rossington Bank (Glyn Hudson).

Thursday 26th

A Barn Owl, a very scarce bird at Potteric Carr, flew in front of Duchess Hide early morning and continued flying alongside Hawthorn Bank towards the motorway (Tony Elliott).

A single Redpoll called as it flew over Black Carr Field.

A Bittern was reported, early morning on the island to the right of the Decoy Marsh Hide.

There was a report of Kingfisher in the Decoy Lake area in the morning.

The Sheffield Thursday Birders paid a visit to the Reserve today and on a very quiet day recorded just over fifty species including the following.

Decoy Marsh had a few duck but also present was a single Little Grebe.

Low Ellers had an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull which appeared to be back in full breeding plumage. A male Sparrowhawk made a 'pass' through disturbing around forty Black-headed Gull. Teal numbered around one hundred.

Willow Pool hide had all the usual small birds coming to the feeders and these included two Coal Tit and two Willow Tit. Out on the water two Canada Goose, four Greylag plus Teal, Gadwall and Mallard were present.

Noted from Duchess Hide on Hawthorn Bank overlooking Huxter Well Marsh were two pair of Shelduck, a pair plus a single male Shoveler, two pair of Wigeon, about eighty Teal only three Tufted Duck and ten Gadwall. Also noted from here was a single Grey Heron. A Green Woodpecker flew from behind the hide and out over the Marsh and fifteen Lapwing were also in flight.

Seen from St. Catherine's Hide was a small flock of Pochard numbering fourteen and just six Tufted Duck.  A single Common Gull flew past along with several Lesser Black-backed Gull and single immature Herring Gull and immature Great Black-backed Gull.

Also reported were Great Spotted Woodpecker, another Sparrowhawk and three Common Buzzard in flight over Huxter Well Marsh.

A male Kingfisher was feeding along Mother Drain next to the railway bridges and a female Kestrel was hovering along the drain bank. A single Cormorant was seen flying over the area. (Allan Parker, et al)

Common Buzzard © Allan Parker ARPS.

Taken recently (Saturday 20th January) from Willow Pool hide by Geoff Barker-Read the two images below show a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a female Pheasant at the Willow Pool bird feeding station.

 

Left, Great Spotted Woodpecker and right, female Pheasant both images © Geoff Barker-Read.

Tuesday 24th

Heavy rain in the morning limited today's observations and photography, even from the hides. A Bittern seen in flight at Decoy Marsh around 10am was the best report (M Bird, K Lynes). Only 3 Golden Plover and 13 Lapwings were logged at Huxter Well Marsh. Bullfinches were in small groups around the Reserve and amounted to at least 14. Up to 3 Willow Tits visited the Willow pool feeding station. Visitors to the Willow Pool Hide are requested to add their sightings of Willow Tits seen there on a form pinned to the hide notice board; see the Recording and Survey page on this website for further details.

A Green Woodpecker was in the Big Hedge and Treecreeper in Childers Wood. On Sunday, 29th January the annaul Potteric Carr wintering Bittern census will take place. Forms will be available in key hides for visitors to participate, which simply means, if you see a Bittern, please record the time and any other details. There will be co-ordinators in some hides from 10am to 3pm.

Sunday 22nd

A Bittern was fleetingly viewed today at 16:12 flying into the back of the reed bed located in front of Decoy Marsh Hide. I presumed it flew from the reed bed at the far side of the marsh. My first Potteric Carr Bittern of 2012 (Chris Bell).

Thursday 19th

Report from Ian Heppenstall who has taken-up birding now there are no moths about:-

Around three hundred (300) Teal were on Huxter Well, mostly on the Lagoon, plus smaller numbers of Mallard and Gadwall, a few Shoveler and Shelduck. Single Sparrowhawk and Kestrel were also noted here.

A Great Spotted Woodpecker was in Black Carr Wood. Six Bullfinch were noted around Black Carr Field / Piper Marsh.

Good numbers of Great, Blue and Long-tailed Tit plus a few Coal Tit were in the Black Carr Field / Wood area.

No Willow Tits seen or heard in the areas I visited today and, unusually, no Redwing either. Perhaps they have largely moved on.
I didn't visit Willow Pool or Decoy Marsh Hides, where Willow Tit and Bittern might have been seen.

I didn't walk all the way round Huxter Well but, as far as I could tell, there was no Ring-necked Duck or Bean Goose present, in fact I didn't see a single goose of any sort. Huxter Well was still part frozen.

Tuesday 17th

With most of the water on the Reserve frozen a male Kingfisher was again fishing on the unfrozen Mother Drain under the railway bridges.

The wildfowl had managed to keep an area of water open between Hawthorn Bank and St. Catherine's Hides. The wildfowl included Mallard, Teal, Gadwall and a single Shelduck. Two Common Gull were also noted here.

Two separate flocks, totalling some circa one hundred, Lapwing came from the east and headed over Huxter Well heading west along the M18.  A flock of Greylag numbering between eighty and one hundred birds flew in from the east before landing on one of the frozen lagoons unfortunately there was no sign of the Tundra Bean Goose with them.

Elsewhere on the Reserve there were reports of small numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare.

Monday 16th

Ring-necked Duck (female) at Lakeside on 16th January 2012 © Richard Collis.

Sunday 15th

Most of the Reserve's waters were frozen and today's WeBS count revealed that most diving ducks had moved elsewhere, the Ring-necked Duck, for example, was found on Doncaster Lakeside at 3.30pm (per BirdGuides).

A Red Kite flew over at 11.30am heading West. Kingfisher showed on Mother Drain between the rail bridges around midday (IH).

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was seen in the Piper Marsh area early morning (RM) other small birds were noticeable by their absence but several Bullfinch were noted along with small flocks of Long-tailed Tit.

A Treecreeper was in St. Catherine's Copse late morning.

A Kingfisher was on Mother Drain between the railway bridges at lunchtime (IH).

Treecreeper photographed yesterday © Michael Cantrell.

Saturday 14th

The Tundra Bean Goose and Ring-necked Duck (cell 2a) were again seen today, as was a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in scrub near Piper Marsh (GJ), with a second bird also reported. 120 Pink-footed Geese flew W (Des Roberts). Also, 1 Bittern, a Grey Wagtail, and 2 Willow Tits (Willow Pool feeders). Tomorrow, Sunday 15th January, Zeiss will be on site to demonstrate their range of optics.

This image of a Mute Swan in flight was taken at Piper Marsh today by David Roberts.

Mute Swan © David Roberts.

Friday 13th

The Ring-necked Duck showed on Huxter Well Marsh cell 2b from St Catherine's Hide and the Bean Goose was seen on cell 3a from the observation screen. At one stage it flew off to feed in fields south of the motorway. Little Egret was also on Huxter Well Marsh. A Bittern appeared just before dusk at Decoy Marsh and presumably intended to roost there. Kingfisher was seen today and a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker was reported in scrub near Piper Marsh. So, despite the date, it was a lucky day for year listers, Yorkshire listers and anyone else birdwatching at Potteric Carr today. Opticron will be at Potteric Carr on Saturday 14th January with their range of optics for sale (10% off on the day).

Thursday 12th

The Ring-necked Duck and Tundra Bean Goose were again on Huxter Well Marsh today, seen from the Roger Mitchell Hide.

Tuesday 10th

The Tundra Bean Goose arrived on Huxter Well Marsh at 10.15am (DC, GH, and see photo by SB) with about 150 Greylag and remained until at least 3.30pm. At 2.30pm the same water body, cell 1b, was found to be holding the female Ring-necked Duck (SMB, RWB, DC, PKG) first reported at Potteric Carr a week ago (see photos by Steve Furber and Pete Greaves, below). It was associating with a drake Tufted Duck and best viewed from the Roger Mitchell Hide, as was the Tundra Bean Goose. Also from this hide today, a Little Egret, Kingfisher and Green Woodpecker, as well as, in flight, a Common Buzzard, 25 Golden Plover, a single Green Sandpiper and Snipe. More news for today below photos.

Tundra Bean Goose (right) on Huxter Well cell 1b on 10th January 2012 © Sue Bird.

Ring-necked Duck (female) on Huxter Well Marsh, 10th January 2012 © Pete Greaves.

Ring-necked Duck (female) on Huxter Well Marsh, 10th January 2012 © Steve Furber.

Ring-necked Duck (female) on Huxter Well Marsh, 10th January 2012 © Pete Greaves.

Two Shelduck were seen from the Duchess Hide and single Common Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull were noted from the viewing blind. Also on the Reserve were Willow Tit, fifteen (15) Lesser Redpoll, small numbers of Siskin, four Bullfinch, two Treecreeper. Good numbers of Redwing and Blackbird were scattered throughout the Reserve feeding on hawthorn berries.

At Decoy Marsh a Cormorant flew in at about 8.40 am and on it's second dive came up with a fish some six to eight inches long which it promptly swallowed. The fish was a very dark olive green and plumpish and I am informed it was probably a Tench. I was then pleasantly distracted by a Bittern (my first for this year) which flew from the south east corner to the north west corner of Decoy Marsh. On my way to Decoy Marsh Hide I saw ten Bullfinch (not sexed as a number were in silhouette) together near the Royal Mail Building. (KW).

Monday 9th

The Tundra Bean Goose was again seen this morning (per BirdGuides).

Two bird images taken on the Reserve yesterday by Barry Wardley and Peter Dawson show a Kestrel in flight and a Treecreeper.

 

Left, Kestrel © Barry Wardley and right Treecreeper © Peter Dawson.

Sunday 8th

A Tundra Bean Goose was found amongst the flock of Greylags and 2 Green Sandpipers were on Huxter Well Marsh (per MR).

Bird report by Ken Woolley and Allan Parker:--

KW saw a female Sparrowhawk at the east end of Decoy Marsh about 8.45 a.m. then during a morning amble with AP the following birds were noted :---

At the Willow Pool three Willow Tit were coming to the feeders along with all the usual species.

Along Mother Drain a Kingfisher was in the usual place (two were reported in the same area about noon). A flock of circa fifty Redwing with several Blackbird were also in this area.

Fly-overs included a few Lesser Black-backed Gull and two or three Cormorant.

Black Carr Field had two Jay and a brief glimpse of a Green Woodpecker which a few minutes later flew off north-east over Black Carr Wood.

On Piper Marsh there was a single Grey Heron and two male Pied Wagtail. A flock of Bullfinch in this area consisted of a single male and four females.

Along the 'Big Hedge' by the Central Grassland a flock of circa fifteen Long-tailed Tit. (there were other small flocks of this species in various places throughout the Reserve).

Seen from the Mitchell Hide were three Shelduck, circa one hundred and seventy Greylag Geese, five Grey Heron and single Little Egret plus the usual other birds.

Other cells on Huxter Well Marsh held sixty plus Gadwall, forty / fifty Pochard and about fifty Lapwing plus all the other usual wildfowl.

In the afternoon KW had four male and two female Bullfinch near the Royal Mail building plus two Snipe which flew into Decoy Marsh around 2.45pm and were still there when he left about one hour later.

Long-tailed Tit © Irene Oxley.

Three Tawny Owl were calling round the cafe, car park area at 7.00 am this morning. Two Great-Black Backed Gull, three Herring Gull and seven Lesser Black Backed Gull were on Cell 1b first thin g   (Tony Elliott).

Saturday 7th

There were circa ten Siskin and a single Lesser Redpoll with Goldfinch in Alders at the corner of the path past Decoy March this morning (Ken Woolley).

Wednesday 4th

A search for the Ring-necked Duck was unsuccessful. Pochard and Tufted Duck numbers on Huxter Well Marsh were lower than yesterday.

Another photo from yesterday of the Ring-necked Duck © Stewart Pigg.

 

Tuesday 3rd

An exciting start to the New Year came late morning when a female Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris was found on Huxter Well Marsh cell 2a (SMB). The bird, considered to be in first-winter to adult plumage, was associating with a group of about 30 Tufted Duck and Pochard at the reedbed edge, viewed from St Catherine’s Hide. Identification details were appraised and news of the Ring-necked Duck was circulated by early afternoon. Lots of birders were able to get to see it and a number of photographs were taken by Richrd Collis, Stewart Pigg and Glyn Hudson. The duck was still present at sunset.

It is 28 years since the previous occurrence of this rare Nearctic waterfowl at Potteric Carr, when it was then a BB rarity. In April 1984 a drake appeared on the nature reserve and was not only a new bird for Potteric, but the first record for the DDOS Doncaster district recording area. So, today’s sighting had been long awaited by Potteric Carr listers.

The female Ring-necked Duck on Huxter Well Marsh, 3rd January 2012 © Richard Collis.

One, possibly two Little Egrets were on site, with a single on Huxter Well Marsh and perhaps a second, seen to fly from Old Eaa Marsh westwards.

 

Sunday 1st

A very Happy New Year to all our contributors and readers

Below is the New Years Day report compiled by Allan Parker and Ken Woolley.

A Bittern, was seen from the Decoy Marsh Hide, flying from the Loversall Pool direction and landing out of sight in a reed bed at Decoy Marsh. (SP).

The feeding station at Willow Pool had all the usual passerines which included Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, up to three Willow Tit, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting, Dunnock, Robin, a single Wren in the reed bed, Jay, Magpie and a female Great Spotted Woodpecker.  A female Sparrowhawk made a pass through the feeder area but failed to connect with anything.  Other birds present were Greylag, Mallard, Gadwall, Teal, Coot and Moorhen out on the Pool.

A flock of Redwing in the Pumping Station area numbered some fifty to sixty birds and included several Blackbird.  There was another flock at the western end of the Reserve (SP).

A male Kingfisher was in its usual place on Mother Drain between the railway bridges.

Birds seen from Duchess Hide included nine Mute Swan, a mix of adult and 1st year birds, Shoveler, Mallard, Teal and Coot. A single Shelduck was also noted from this hide.

From the Hawthorn Bank Hide there were two more adult Mute Swan, three Greylag flew past followed a little later by nine more and trailing behind them was a single Pink-footed Goose, five Wigeon (three male plus two female), small numbers of Teal, Gadwall, Mallard , twenty / thirty Black-headed Gull included both adult and immature birds, a single adult Herring Gull, a single immature Commorant and a Grey Heron was standing next to the reeds and a second was noted in flight.

From St Catherine's Hide we had views of circa thirty Pochard, plus six Tufted Duck and several Gadwall, Mallard Coot and Moorhen were also present. On the lagoon further back there were a similar number of Pochard, up to twelve Tufted Duck and more Mallard and Coot.  A flock of circa forty Greylag flew west over Huxter Well Marsh.

We note several Carrion Crow and Magpie about the area and a single Jay was in the hedge along St. Catherine's Field.

A male Kestrel was hovering near the viewing stockade and four Jackdaw were in flight heading east.  On the lagoon to the west of the path were it turns ninety degrees towards the viewing stockade we had four Common Gull with a flock of Black-headed Gull

From the viewing stockade we noted circa sixty Lapwing plus circa one hundred and fifty Black-headed Gull and a further four Common Gull along with twenty more Greylag.  Another pair of Mute Swan with two 1st year birds were also noted.

Single lesser Black-backed Gull and Herring Gull (1st winter) were noted in flight along with an adult Cormorant heading east has we made our way to the Mitchell Hide,.

Viewing from the Mitchell Hide we saw Mallard, Teal, circa seventy Greylag, three Shelduck, a Little Egret was noted in flight then landing in front of the Duchess Hide. 

It was from the Mitchell Hide we watched a male Peregrine (a young bird judging by its performance) make up to eight stoops on to a Lapwing, missing every time, it then gave and flew to to perch in an Oak tree.  A couple on minutes later a larger female Peregrine appeared and chased the male bird out of the tree, there was then lots of in flight action between them with much calling before they parted company the female heading north over the Black Carr area and the male going south along Hawthorn Bank.  Without a doubt this made our New Year's Day birding!!

West Scrape which is still lacking much in the way of water had nothing more than three Carrion Crow plus a 1st winter Lesser Black-backed Gull in flight.

Piper Marsh still extremely low on water had two Carrion Crow, two Pheasant and a male and a female Pied Wagtail.

Back near the Pumping Station an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull flew over but there was no sign of the Kingfisher seen earlier.

The Access track had a large tit flock which include several very confiding Long-tailed Tit. also present here were six Bullfinch including two superb males.

We then spent sometime in Decoy Marsh Hide in the hope that the Bittern may show but we had no luck.  A Little Egret, possibly the same one noted earlier on Huxter Well Marsh, flew in to roost in a Willow tree.

Another Bullfinch was feeding on Guelder rose berries in near the Field Centre.

A Goldcrest was reported near Hawthorn Field (SP).

All in all a good days birding made special by the Peregrine experience!!

   

Left Chaffinch male and right, Reed Bunting female at Willow Pool © Allan Parker.