1 Black necked grebe. 1 Pochard. 1 Cormorant. 9 Lesser black backed gull. 23 Herring gull. 110+ Coot. 33 Tufted Duck. (24 flew in from east onto withins ). 5 Great crested grebe. 70+ Black headed gull. 41 Swallow. 4 Sand martin. 2 Jay. 20+ Goldfinch. 5 Long tailed tit. 1 Grey heron. 1 Grey wagtail. 5 Mute swan.
Thanks Derek.
Simon Johnson said
Sat Aug 26 1:02 PM, 2023
Sightings from a great morning with Simon, Paul, Keith & Ian C
15 Knot (one single flock) flew low over the res at 6am they did a short lap before heading south Turnstone south over pumphouse 5 ringed plover ( 3 west & 1 NE) Common Sandpiper Lapwing 2 Yellow Wagtails south (pumphouse & capsticks) Tree pipit south 12+ Swift 2 Whinchat in the Goyt with a possible 3rd flying down the res wall towards old hall 3 Wheatear ( 2 wall & 1 in the Goyt) 2 Redstart (singles at Dofferfold & Redstart hedge Spotted Flycatcher in Gully near bridge 18 2 juv Black-necked Grebes Shoveler 2 Teal 3 Gadwall Goosander Little Egret
-- Edited by Simon Johnson on Saturday 26th of August 2023 01:02:49 PM
Ian Latham said
Thu Aug 24 10:45 AM, 2023
Juvenile Black Necked Grebe showing well just in front of the main csr park
Juvenile Black-necked Grebe present this morning seen with Steve Higginbottom off the Creek and later on it was near the main car park, otherwise very quiet apart from a heard Yellow Wagtail and a single Common Sandpiper. A Tree Pipit was also seen by Paul Wilson at bridge 18.
This am 3 Common Tern passed through and a Garden Warbler was seen in the Cuckoo allotment.
Ian Campbell said
Mon Aug 14 10:22 AM, 2023
Morning highlights, 6 Pintail over SW and a Common Scoter. Didnt get down to the canal to check on the Cuckoo due to the rain.
Derek Richardson said
Sun Aug 13 2:39 PM, 2023
09.45am - 12.45pm. Mixed grey cloud. 13c-17c.
41 species including.
1 Cuckoo. 2 Little egret. 1 Kingfisher. 1 Buzzard. 1 Little grebe. 1 Water rail. 62 Lapwing.(one flock resting). 50+ Starling (one flock flew over). 6 Swift. 2 House martin. 4 Sand martin. 23 Swallow. 6 Lesser black backed gull. 80+ Black headed gull. ( nearly all juvenile). 9 Herring gull. 2 Grey heron. 3 Mute swan.
Thanks Derek.
Simon Warford said
Sat Aug 12 1:43 PM, 2023
This morning with Paul Wilson and partly Ian Campbell and Melanie Beckford produced 63 species -
1 Dunlin 1 Common Sandpiper 1 Curlew through 1 Little Egret over 1 male Redstart in the Goyt 1 Spotted Flycatcher bridge 18 1 juvenile Cuckoo 1 Shoveler 1 Raven 2 Kingfisher 2 Willow Tit with massive tit flock creek.
-- Edited by Simon Warford on Saturday 12th of August 2023 01:43:53 PM
I had the pleasure of watching and photographing the Elton juvenile Cuckoo on 8th and 9th August. On the 8th a hobby flew over. Many pictures taken and I have not had time to go through them all. Nice to see some old faces and some of the younger ones at Elton. I was just a little intrigued that the nails of the bird, like the toes, were yellow.
Mid afternoon following a birthday treat at a nearby Country Club, I managed to persuade the Mrs to go to Elton Reservoir. A grumpy 20 minutes walk down the canal to bridge 18 was soon forgotten & views of less than 5 feet were enjoyed of the Juvenile Cuckoo thanks to another birders meal worm treats which lured it excitingly close. I didn't have my camera with me but a very kind birder allowed me to screenshot a couple of his pics.
Cuckoo still showing well at 7.45pm by the gate into the allotments near bridge 18.
Ian Campbell said
Wed Aug 9 11:45 AM, 2023
This morning, juv. Cuckoo still showing well at bridge 18. Also 4 Pochard, 3 Little Grebe and a Ringed Plover on the res.
Rob Creek said
Tue Aug 8 4:02 PM, 2023
Tues 8th Aug. Morning visit before going back in work, Lucas was mithering me to go see the juvenile Cuckoo.
- juvenile Cuckoo We found a parking space close to the canal bridge 18 and strolled over. We didnt have to wait too long, the Cuckoo flew into the tree in the allotment and proceeded to put on a show. Getting closer and closer and not bothering one bit about the 7/8 people present. What an absolutely quality bird this is. After about 5-10 mins it flew off picking up caterpillars off the ground in the field.
My lad made people laugh when he said Dad this is one of the best birds Ive ever seen. I asked him if it beat a Caspian or a Yellow-legged Gull.. he looked and went Ooooo I forgot about them Dad.
Mon 7th Aug Morning visit with Lucas, he loved it, he said the Bee-eater was a cracking good bird and he enjoyed meeting people. Nice to meet Martin Loftus, cheers for your help mate.
- European Bee-Eater
Well done to Paul Wilson and the Elton gang for this, love these birds and it made a nice change seeing one locally instead of travelling distances to see one. It was showing on arrival on its favoured Hawthorn, after a while it did a couple of short flights, caught 2 dragonflies and a bee. Then it took flight again and disappeared behind the hedges, suddenly taking us all by surprise by appearing within feet and flying right over our heads calling. I called it out and unfortunately that was the last anyone saw of it. After an extensive search it wasnt relocated.
Other birds of note .. - Hobby circling over sailing club, then took off East - Peregrine with pigeon landed on pylon near car park - 2 Sparrowhawk - 2 Garden Warbler - 2 Willow Warbler - 4 Chiffchaff - 1 probable Lesser Whitethroat - 1 Kingfisher over car park
Also we walked to canal bridge 18 to try for the juv Cuckoo but it didnt show, it showed later this afternoon though.
Searched extensively for the bee-eater, having dipped it earlier due to being trapped in work No sign at all.
Decided to see if the juvenile Cuckoo was still around. Waited over an hour on the canal near the allotment next to bridge 18, was just about to give up when it suddenly appeared. Showing even closer than yesterday!
Any further updates of the Bee Eater for the ones working today who doesn't have Birdguides? Or can't be bothered with social media :) or am I assuming before Lunctime it left?
Ian Latham said
Mon Aug 7 10:47 AM, 2023
Still present best viewed from lane next to Doffer Fold Farm
Amazing find by Paul Wilson well deserved for all your effort this year, luckily I was just around the corner by the reservoir. Please view only from field behind the cemetry or the lane by Doffer Fold Farm.
Also this morning Garden Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher Spen Moor.
-- Edited by Simon Warford on Monday 7th of August 2023 10:11:27 AM
Bee-eater Stijl showing well from field between cemetery and Withins res. Best viewed from w3w location audio.sheets.mile
Ian McKerchar said
Mon Aug 7 7:42 AM, 2023
Bee-eater by Withins at 7am and still present at 07:35
To view, please do not walk by Withins itself and view only from the field by the cemetery or Dogger Fold Farm. The bird is currently in Hawthorns by the waters edge and will flush otherwise.
Info thanks to Simon Warford
Paul Wilson said
Sun Aug 6 10:32 PM, 2023
A nice visitor to Elton Reservoir. Found at 8.30am with Simon and Simon, not long after I realised I hadn't put a memory card in my camera!. Luckily it stayed all day, so I was able to go back later, with camera and card!
1 Cuckoo. (J) Great pictures Richard. 2 Kingfisher. 1 Common scoter. 1 Raven. (Heard only). 1 Oystercatcher. 2 Swift. 30+ Sand martin. 13 House martin. 30 + Swallow. 1 Bullfinch.(F). 7 Greenfinch. 1 Song thrush. 140+ Canada goose. 6 Great crested grebe. 8 Lesser black backed gull. 12 Herring Gull. 1 Common Gull. 1 Grey heron. 2 Mute swan.
Thanks Derek.
Simon Johnson said
Sun Aug 6 5:20 PM, 2023
Sightings from this morning with Simon & Paul
Juv Cuckoo by bridge 18 Female common scoter still 2 pochard 2 Gadwall Willow tit Little owl 2 Yellow Wagtail west 2 snipe Oystercatcher 15+ Whitethroat Lesser Whitethroat Grasshopper warbler Green Woodpecker
steven burke said
Sat Aug 5 10:34 PM, 2023
A very pleasant mooch around from 2.30pm til 8pm.
58 willow warblers, 17 at one point around the creek. 10 chiffchaffs 9 blackcaps 8 whitethroat 1 lesser whitethroat along hedge on path to withins. 1 spotted flycatcher along hedge midway between the creek & wader point. 3 garden warblers, 1 in same area as the spotted flycatcher, 2 with large tit flock near Bridge 18. 1 sedge warbler along the canal. 1 Reed bunting 1 female common scoter, didn't see this until just after 7pm. 4 tufted ducks 1 little egret on the river. 1 kestrel 1 sparrowhawk Swallows, sand Martins, house Martins & swifts around. Plus the usuals
A very wet morning with Simon Johnson and partly Paul Wilson produced-
11 Common Scoter (1 female) till 6.30am when they flew west 2 Shoveler 2 Pochard 7 Gadwall 3 Redshank and 1 Curlew through 1 Spotted Flycatcher and 1 Garden Warbler in hedges between Spen Moor and the res 1 Redstart by Within's 2 Lesser Whitethroat 3 Grasshopper Warblers 30+ Willow Warblers 1 Willow Tit
Ian Campbell said
Wed Aug 2 10:05 AM, 2023
Mornings highlight was a male Pied Flycatcher at the Capsticks end of the reservoir
Simon Johnson said
Tue Aug 1 10:57 PM, 2023
This evening
106+ Common Scoter flew west at dusk in flocks of 90ish and 16 Dunlin west 100+ Swift 112 Sand Martin roosted in the Goyt 2 Hobby west
Ian Campbell said
Tue Aug 1 7:35 PM, 2023
Also this morning, (and yesterday) a Green Sandpiper in flooded field at Corran Stud.
Simon Warford said
Tue Aug 1 3:58 PM, 2023
A calling Whimbrel over this morning picked up above Doffer and flew quite high SW towards the cemetry at 8.15am also 2 Lesser Whitethroats near Capsticks.
Roger Halsey said
Thu Jul 27 2:36 PM, 2023
Missed all the flycatchers, but some interest nonetheless:
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel.
1 Wigeon, 1 Gadwall.
1 Common Tern, 1 Common Sandpiper.
10+ Swift plus all 3 Hirundines in reasonable numbers.
1 Kingfisher.
1 Willow Tit.
Ian Campbell said
Thu Jul 27 2:19 PM, 2023
Morning highlights, 2 Pied Flycatchers and 2 Spotted Flycatchers in the Doffer Fold area.
Ian Campbell said
Wed Jul 26 8:14 PM, 2023
morning highlights, 1 Green Woodpecker heard calling below Withins then seen briefly from the canal, 2 reeling Grasshopper Warblers, 2 Shoveler and 2 Gadwall.
Ian Campbell said
Wed Jul 19 3:45 PM, 2023
7 Common Scoter (all males), 1 Common Tern and a Little Egret this mornings highlights.
Roger Halsey said
Tue Jul 18 12:20 PM, 2023
Modest highlights from this morning:
1 Little Egret.
1 Common Tern.
2 Goosander over south , 12 Tufted Duck.
1 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher.
15 Swift, 80+ Sand Martin, 10 each Swallow and House Martin.
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Jay.
2 singing Sedge Warbler.
Ian Campbell said
Mon Jul 17 7:12 PM, 2023
2 Little Egrets this morning
Ian Campbell said
Sat Jul 15 1:26 PM, 2023
Morning highlights, 3 Mediterranean Gulls, (2 adults and a juv.) and a Little Egret (juv.)
Ian Campbell said
Fri Jul 14 4:35 PM, 2023
Grasshopper Warbler giving good views in hedgerow below pumphouse was this mornings highlight.
Simon Warford said
Sat Jul 8 10:41 PM, 2023
Also this morning with Simon, Paul and Ian, an adult Hobby drifted west, an adult Mediterranean Gull, 3 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Common Gulls passed through. Also 3 Willow Tits and the Black-necked Grebe.
1 Black necked grebe. 1 Kestrel (with prey). 1 Cormorant. 2 Common tern. 30+ Goldfinch. (1 flock feeding on thistles). 50+ Starling. (1 flock flew up from marsh). 3 Chiffchaff. 4 Blackcap. 2 Willow warbler. 2 Sedge warbler. 2 Grasshopper warbler.(heard only). 3 Whitethroat. 5 Collared dove. 17 Swallow. 2 Sand Martin. 3 Swift. 4 Song thrush. 8 Great crested grebe. 2 Grey heron. 13 Herring gull. 2 Mute swan.
Thanks Derek.
Mike c cooper said
Fri Jul 7 3:05 PM, 2023
I think warblers are second brooding as they were late arriving because of prolonged cold northerly winds in April and early may
Ian Campbell said
Fri Jul 7 2:35 PM, 2023
Black-necked Grebe still present this morning
Roger Halsey said
Thu Jul 6 1:38 PM, 2023
Black-necked Grebe and Scoter still present at 11.30. Also 2 Common Tern and 1 Common Sandpiper. Warblers surprisingly vocal for July with 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler and 2 reeling Grasshopper Warbler.
Steven Higginbottom said
Thu Jul 6 9:37 AM, 2023
Highlights from a morning visit 6.7.2023 1 Grasshopper warbler heard . 1 Drake Common Scoter. 1 Juvenile Black-necked Grebe.
Wierd Hooded crow type bird still around, had a flyby tonight 7.00 pm ish same place as before, bird still the same as in previous pictures.
Ian Campbell said
Tue Jul 4 12:41 PM, 2023
Mornings highlights, Grasshopper Warbler again showing well below pumphouse, 1st Summer Mediterranean Gull, Reed Warbler at Capsticks, 1 Little Owl and family party of Water Rail heard along canal.
Cheers Ian
41 Species Including.
1 Black necked grebe.
1 Pochard.
1 Cormorant.
9 Lesser black backed gull.
23 Herring gull.
110+ Coot.
33 Tufted Duck. (24 flew in from east onto withins ).
5 Great crested grebe.
70+ Black headed gull.
41 Swallow.
4 Sand martin.
2 Jay.
20+ Goldfinch.
5 Long tailed tit.
1 Grey heron.
1 Grey wagtail.
5 Mute swan.
Thanks Derek.
15 Knot (one single flock) flew low over the res at 6am they did a short lap before heading south
Turnstone south over pumphouse
5 ringed plover ( 3 west & 1 NE)
Common Sandpiper
Lapwing
2 Yellow Wagtails south (pumphouse & capsticks)
Tree pipit south
12+ Swift
2 Whinchat in the Goyt with a possible 3rd flying down the res wall towards old hall
3 Wheatear ( 2 wall & 1 in the Goyt)
2 Redstart (singles at Dofferfold & Redstart hedge
Spotted Flycatcher in Gully near bridge 18
2 juv Black-necked Grebes
Shoveler
2 Teal
3 Gadwall
Goosander
Little Egret
-- Edited by Simon Johnson on Saturday 26th of August 2023 01:02:49 PM
Juvenile Black Necked Grebe showing well just in front of the main csr park
Very quiet only 36 species including:
1 Snipe.
1 Common sandpiper.
1 Garden warbler.
3 Willow warbler.
5 Swift.
3 Sand Martin.
6 Swallow.
2 House martin.
11 Goldfinch.
5 Greenfinch.
1 Cormorant.
40+ Starling. (one flock).
124 Coot.
10 Great crested grebe.
56 Mallard.
5 Tufted duck.
Thanks Derek.
41 species including.
1 Cuckoo.
2 Little egret.
1 Kingfisher.
1 Buzzard.
1 Little grebe.
1 Water rail.
62 Lapwing.(one flock resting).
50+ Starling (one flock flew over).
6 Swift.
2 House martin.
4 Sand martin.
23 Swallow.
6 Lesser black backed gull.
80+ Black headed gull. ( nearly all juvenile).
9 Herring gull.
2 Grey heron.
3 Mute swan.
Thanks Derek.
1 Dunlin
1 Common Sandpiper
1 Curlew through
1 Little Egret over
1 male Redstart in the Goyt
1 Spotted Flycatcher bridge 18
1 juvenile Cuckoo
1 Shoveler
1 Raven
2 Kingfisher
2 Willow Tit with massive tit flock creek.
-- Edited by Simon Warford on Saturday 12th of August 2023 01:43:53 PM
I had the pleasure of watching and photographing the Elton juvenile Cuckoo on 8th and 9th August. On the 8th a hobby flew over. Many pictures taken and I have not had time to go through them all. Nice to see some old faces and some of the younger ones at Elton. I was just a little intrigued that the nails of the bird, like the toes, were yellow.
Mid afternoon following a birthday treat at a nearby Country Club, I managed to persuade the Mrs to go to Elton Reservoir. A grumpy 20 minutes walk down the canal to bridge 18 was soon forgotten & views of less than 5 feet were enjoyed of the Juvenile Cuckoo thanks to another birders meal worm treats which lured it excitingly close. I didn't have my camera with me but a very kind birder allowed me to screenshot a couple of his pics.
Cuckoo still showing well at 7.45pm by the gate into the allotments near bridge 18.
Morning visit before going back in work, Lucas was mithering me to go see the juvenile Cuckoo.
- juvenile Cuckoo
We found a parking space close to the canal bridge 18 and strolled over. We didnt have to wait too long, the Cuckoo flew into the tree in the allotment and proceeded to put on a show. Getting closer and closer and not bothering one bit about the 7/8 people present. What an absolutely quality bird this is. After about 5-10 mins it flew off picking up caterpillars off the ground in the field.
My lad made people laugh when he said Dad this is one of the best birds Ive ever seen. I asked him if it beat a Caspian or a Yellow-legged Gull.. he looked and went Ooooo I forgot about them Dad.
Morning visit with Lucas, he loved it, he said the Bee-eater was a cracking good bird and he enjoyed meeting people.
Nice to meet Martin Loftus, cheers for your help mate.
- European Bee-Eater
Well done to Paul Wilson and the Elton gang for this, love these birds and it made a nice change seeing one locally instead of travelling distances to see one.
It was showing on arrival on its favoured Hawthorn, after a while it did a couple of short flights, caught 2 dragonflies and a bee. Then it took flight again and disappeared behind the hedges, suddenly taking us all by surprise by appearing within feet and flying right over our heads calling. I called it out and unfortunately that was the last anyone saw of it. After an extensive search it wasnt relocated.
Other birds of note ..
- Hobby circling over sailing club, then took off East
- Peregrine with pigeon landed on pylon near car park
- 2 Sparrowhawk
- 2 Garden Warbler
- 2 Willow Warbler
- 4 Chiffchaff
- 1 probable Lesser Whitethroat
- 1 Kingfisher over car park
Also we walked to canal bridge 18 to try for the juv Cuckoo but it didnt show, it showed later this afternoon though.
2;30pm - 6pm
Searched extensively for the bee-eater, having dipped it earlier due to being trapped in work
No sign at all.
Decided to see if the juvenile Cuckoo was still around. Waited over an hour on the canal near the allotment next to bridge 18, was just about to give up when it suddenly appeared. Showing even closer than yesterday!
My best of the day,
Still present best viewed from lane next to Doffer Fold Farm
Amazing find by Paul Wilson well deserved for all your effort this year, luckily I was just around the corner by the reservoir. Please view only from field behind the cemetry or the lane by Doffer Fold Farm.
Also this morning Garden Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher Spen Moor.
-- Edited by Simon Warford on Monday 7th of August 2023 10:11:27 AM
Bee-eater Stijl showing well from field between cemetery and Withins res. Best viewed from w3w location audio.sheets.mile
Bee-eater by Withins at 7am and still present at 07:35
To view, please do not walk by Withins itself and view only from the field by the cemetery or Dogger Fold Farm. The bird is currently in Hawthorns by the waters edge and will flush otherwise.
Info thanks to Simon Warford
A nice visitor to Elton Reservoir. Found at 8.30am with Simon and Simon, not long after I realised I hadn't put a memory card in my camera!. Luckily it stayed all day, so I was able to go back later, with camera and card!
6pm
Juvenile Cuckoo still present in the Pony field / allotment area of around bridge 18 of the canal (Withins Lane)
Viewable from the canal and bridge wall.
Although very elusive, when it did show, it did very well!
Well done to both the Simons on finding such a patch gold beauty!
-- Edited by Martin Loftus on Sunday 6th of August 2023 09:38:40 PM
39 species including.
1 Cuckoo. (J) Great pictures Richard.
2 Kingfisher.
1 Common scoter.
1 Raven. (Heard only).
1 Oystercatcher.
2 Swift.
30+ Sand martin.
13 House martin.
30 + Swallow.
1 Bullfinch.(F).
7 Greenfinch.
1 Song thrush.
140+ Canada goose.
6 Great crested grebe.
8 Lesser black backed gull.
12 Herring Gull.
1 Common Gull.
1 Grey heron.
2 Mute swan.
Thanks Derek.
Juv Cuckoo by bridge 18
Female common scoter still
2 pochard
2 Gadwall
Willow tit
Little owl
2 Yellow Wagtail west
2 snipe
Oystercatcher
15+ Whitethroat
Lesser Whitethroat
Grasshopper warbler
Green Woodpecker
58 willow warblers, 17 at one point around the creek.
10 chiffchaffs
9 blackcaps
8 whitethroat
1 lesser whitethroat along hedge on path to withins.
1 spotted flycatcher along hedge midway between the creek & wader point.
3 garden warblers, 1 in same area as the spotted flycatcher, 2 with large tit flock near Bridge 18.
1 sedge warbler along the canal.
1 Reed bunting
1 female common scoter, didn't see this until just after 7pm.
4 tufted ducks
1 little egret on the river.
1 kestrel
1 sparrowhawk
Swallows, sand Martins, house Martins & swifts around.
Plus the usuals
11 Common Scoter (1 female) till 6.30am when they flew west
2 Shoveler
2 Pochard
7 Gadwall
3 Redshank and 1 Curlew through
1 Spotted Flycatcher and 1 Garden Warbler in hedges between Spen Moor and the res
1 Redstart by Within's
2 Lesser Whitethroat
3 Grasshopper Warblers
30+ Willow Warblers
1 Willow Tit
106+ Common Scoter flew west at dusk in flocks of 90ish and 16
Dunlin west
100+ Swift
112 Sand Martin roosted in the Goyt
2 Hobby west
Missed all the flycatchers, but some interest nonetheless:
1 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel.
1 Wigeon, 1 Gadwall.
1 Common Tern, 1 Common Sandpiper.
10+ Swift plus all 3 Hirundines in reasonable numbers.
1 Kingfisher.
1 Willow Tit.
Modest highlights from this morning:
1 Little Egret.
1 Common Tern.
2 Goosander over south , 12 Tufted Duck.
1 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher.
15 Swift, 80+ Sand Martin, 10 each Swallow and House Martin.
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Jay.
2 singing Sedge Warbler.
46 Species including.
1 Black necked grebe.
1 Kestrel (with prey).
1 Cormorant.
2 Common tern.
30+ Goldfinch. (1 flock feeding on thistles).
50+ Starling. (1 flock flew up from marsh).
3 Chiffchaff.
4 Blackcap.
2 Willow warbler.
2 Sedge warbler.
2 Grasshopper warbler.(heard only).
3 Whitethroat.
5 Collared dove.
17 Swallow.
2 Sand Martin.
3 Swift.
4 Song thrush.
8 Great crested grebe.
2 Grey heron.
13 Herring gull.
2 Mute swan.
Thanks Derek.
Black-necked Grebe and Scoter still present at 11.30. Also 2 Common Tern and 1 Common Sandpiper. Warblers surprisingly vocal for July with 3 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 4 Whitethroat, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Sedge Warbler and 2 reeling Grasshopper Warbler.
1 Grasshopper warbler heard .
1 Drake Common Scoter.
1 Juvenile Black-necked Grebe.
Cheers Steven.
Wierd Hooded crow type bird still around, had a flyby tonight 7.00 pm ish same place as before, bird still the same as in previous pictures.