Todwick Environment: Wild Birds
Brian Chambers, a member of SK58 Birders, has written articles about wild birds in Todwick:
- SK58 Birders – January 2012
- SK58 Birders – November 2011
- SK58 Birders – October 2011
- SK58 Birders – June 2011
- SK58 Birders – April 2011
- SK58 Birders – March 2011
- SK58 Birders – February 2011
- SK58 Birders – November 2010
- SK58 Birders – October 2010
- SK58 Birders – September 2010
- SK58 Birders – June 2010
- SK58 Birders – May 2010
- SK58 Birders – February 2010
- SK58 Publicity Review 2009
- American and Icelandic Winter Visitors to Todwick (November 2009)
- Todwick Birds (January 2006)
- Todwick Wild Birds
- Todwick Churchyard Wild Birds
SK58 Birders is a local birding group that meets monthly at the Loyal Trooper, South Anston. We have over 60 members; club nights always include a slide-illustrated talk and a report on local bird sightings. New members are always most welcome. For further information please contact Brian Chambers, 01909 770816 or visit the website: www.sk58birders.com.
SK58 Birders – January 2012
by Brian Chambers
About 600 Golden Plover are over-wintering on the Axle Lane fields, a much lower count than in previous years. A Peregrine Falcon is frequenting the site and unsettling the birds. During the day the birds form a close flock as they rest on the ground, low flying flocks whirl around as they come to join the roost. If a threat persists then the flock can soar away and be almost lost high in the sky. They are mainly night feeding birds, searching out the worms and insects; if you look closely white droppings can be seen all over the field.
There are many Fieldfare and Redwing around, if your garden supports berries or crab apples then there is a good chance that these Winter Thrushes will pay a visit. The Fieldfare is a stocky bird with grey head and rump and much spotting on the orangey breast, in flight they make a distinctive schack-schack call. The Redwing is a little smaller, more Song Thrush size, it supports a very noticeable white stripe above the eye and of course red on the flanks and on the underwing. These are two handsome species that will add a bit of glamour to any garden.
Another handsome species is the Bullfinch. The male is especially so, with its black head and bright pinkish-red chest. Locally, small flocks of 5–6 birds can be seen along the Chesterfield Canal, the stretch from Kiveton Station to Tommy Flockton’s Meadow is a reliable location.
The old Kiveton Pit site is becoming well established as a Nature Reserve. The Forestry Commission have planted many trees including many Alder and Silver Birch, both a favourite food source for Siskin and Redpoll. These birds together with Goldfinch can form sizable flocks, 150–200, as they feed on the seeds. Both Siskin and Redpoll breed in the UK, mainly further north in the coniferous woodlands. In Winter the numbers are boosted by an influx of birds from Northern Europe so making it much easier to locate them, hence their presence at Kiveton and also along the Chesterfield Canal.
The car park at Kiveton Woodlands is an ideal starting point to walk both the Park and along Tommy Flockton’s Marsh towards the Chesterfield Canal. All these sites should contain some attractive birds.
The next meeting of SK58 is on Wednesday, 25 January 2012 at the Loyal Trooper, South Anston. It will feature a talk by SK58 member Chris Lilley on the subject of Bird Ringing.
SK58 Birders – November 2011
by Brian Chambers
Notice of the November Indoor Meeting – 30th November 2011 at 7.30 pm at "The Loyal Trooper" may just reach readers in time. It includes a Talk & Slides by Phil Palmer on Birds of Antarctica & South Atlantic, Phil is a regular speaker at SK58 meetings, I’m sure he will have lots of great photographs of the area’s bird-life – EVERYBODY MOST WELCOME.
The next Meeting will be on 25 January 2012. (Non in December 2011). SK58 member, Chris Lilley, is a member of the North Derbyshire Bird Ringing Group, he’ll be giving an outline of the Group’s activities.
Each year we have a count of the Wildfowl in the SK58 recording area. Many of the Ducks & Geese are resident in the area, but in the Autumn & Winter many birds move south from the frozen areas of Northern Europe as well as more locally from Scotland to enhance the numbers.
The count was on Sunday, 13 November 2011 starting at Roche Abbey, here a small pond usually supports a number of Teal. Today 6 Teal were present, 2 pairs of Mallard and a Little Grebe.
Next stop Lingodell, the Lake to the right of the Eastfield Lane on the way to Firbeck, here was a pair of Wigeon, most probably migrant birds, and 7 Mallard.
The pond near Firbeck Hall held 18 Mallard, 6 Coot, a pair of Tufted Duck, a Little Grebe and unusually for this site 2 Mute Swan.
Langold Lake, the best Wildfowl site in SK58, was teeming with birds. The count included 23 Tufted Duck, 47 Mallard, 78 Coot and 362 Canada Geese! This site always attracts good numbers of Gadwall, 110 today, which are slightly smaller than Mallards. The female is very similar to the female Mallard but the males have a finely vermiculated grey chest which close-up makes for a very attractive appearance, a species that is easily overlooked. Also present were 2 Adult Mute Swan with 4 Cygnets (formerly 5) and 7 Great Crested Grebe.
Brown Bayley’s Pond (near Fox Covert on the A57) held 20 Tufted Duck, 9 Coot, 4 Mallard and the Bird-of-the-Day a female Goldeneye, a definite migrant into our area.
The last site was the Hewett Arms Pond at Shireoaks, this held a good count of 25 Mallard.
So, a good morning’s birding, plenty of Wildfowl and many other species including many Gulls, Woodland Tits and Winter Thrushes.
SK58 Birders – October 2011
by Brian Chambers
Our meetings resumed after the summer break with a talk at the end of September by Ron Marshall. He gave a well illustrated account of the bird-life on St Kilda, the remotest Island of the Outer Hebrides, and the central Outer Hebrides area of Harris.
Notice of the October meeting may just reach you in time. This is a talk on the Birds of North-West USA. If you miss this then the November talk is by a regular speaker at SK58 meetings, Phil Palmer, he will be highlighting the birds of Antarctica & The South Atlantic.
This is a quiet time of the year for Garden Birds, there is plenty of food to forage in the woods & hedgerows, especially this year with a great berry crop. As the Autumn progresses then I’m sure birds will return to the feeders, so keep them well stocked, please remember to provide some clean water as well.
Locally the Axle Lane fields have been alive with singing Skylark, 600+ were recorded early in October. There have also been good numbers of Yellow Wagtail, 20+, these are migratory birds, returning to winter in Africa. Another regular species seen on migration is the Wheatear, again good numbers, 15+, were feeding in the stubble fields a few weeks ago. This species often favours perching on the old stonewall, its white rump being obvious as it flits down onto the ground.
A Peregrine Falcon has been a frequent hunter over Axle Lane, attracted by the large numbers of Woodpigeon and Golden Plover. A few years back there were 3000 – 4000 Golden Plover wintering on these fields, unfortunately now numbers are just in the hundreds. The Peregrine’s presence could be the reason.
Just returning now are the Winter Thrushes, Redwing & Fieldfare. If you watched Autumn Watch this week, 14th Oct, they reported large numbers over the Spurn Point nature Reserve on the Humber. 3-400 Redwing were recorded over Axle Lane this past week. Redwing arrive a few days ahead of the Fieldfare, a bit larger bird, easily recognized by its chach-chack call and if seen by its grey head and speckled chest.
Just to add a bit of glamour, a Red Kite has been a fairly frequent visitor to the Firbeck area.
The monthly meetings of SK58 are at "The Loyal Trooper", South Anston, every last Wednesday of the month starting at 7.30 pm. Everybody most welcome.
SK58 Birders – June 2011
by Brian Chambers
The last indoor meeting before the summer break will be on the 29th June 2011 at the "Loyal Trooper" and will feature a talk by Mick Turton, a regular SK58 Speaker and seasoned traveller. The talk is entitled "Binoculars to Lhasa", so no doubt some excellent wildlife photography of this remote Tibetan city and its bird-life. Everyone is welcome to attend whether a member of the group or not.
This year has seen an above average arrival of our smallest gamebird, the Quail. The persistent south-westerly winds during May and June may have forced many birds to overshoot their European Mainland destinations. Most years just 1 / 2 birds are located within SK58 and as often as not none at all. This year, so far, about half a dozen have been recorded, including two birds on the 14th in the cornfields on Axle Lane.
Quail winter in Africa, returning birds face a fierce barrage from the Mediterranean hunters before reaching sanctuary in the corn fields of Europe. It is a rarely seen species, chaffinch size, located by its call – a repeated sort of whiplash sound. So if you walk Axle Lane towards South Anston listen for this peculiar call, it was located by the cross path which leads to the stone wall.
Another species you should encounter on this walk is the Yellow Wagtail, also on the 14th six birds were flitting about in the same area as the Quail. Yellow Wagtail is also a wintering African species, the male particularly resplendent in bright canary yellow, the females and juveniles also handsome but not as brightly coloured.
The cornfields and rape crop still support a reasonable number of breeding birds despite the regular spraying that takes place. Linnets are quite numerous, often they can be seen perched on top of the rapeseed plants. Reed Bunting, the male has a black head, are also present.
On a warm sunny day, not many of those lately, Skylark are very common over Axle Lane, both singing high in the sky and flitting about, larking, over the fields.
The next indoor meeting will be on September 28th, the talk will be about bird-life on the Hebridean Islands, Harris & St Kilda.
SK58 Birders – April 2011
by Brian Chambers
The April 2011 meeting featured a talk on the area’s butterflies. Occasionally, for a change, we have a talk on some wildlife topic other than birds. Today there is much discussion about the decline of numerous bird species mainly as a result of human activities. It was interesting to learn that butterfly numbers were hugely reduced at the time of the industrial revolution in our area. The smoke filled air, the soot and grime deposits on the land made for dreadful conditions for butterflies. Species such as Peacock, Small tortoiseshell and even the "cabbage" whites, which are now common, were only just managing to cling on. An interesting small butterfly to look out for in our gardens is the Holly Blue, it has black dots on the under-wing, the Common Blue has much bolder markings, and as its name suggests favours Holly and also Ivy.
Early in the month the Group had a field trip to Hatfield Moor, now a nature Reserve but formerly a site for peat extraction. It is a good place to see Hobby, a medium size raptor which hawks for dragonfly insects and later in the year will take young Swallow and House Martins to feed its own young. It’s also a great site on a warm sunny day at this time of year to see Adder, possibly not to everybody’s taste but a reptile that few people actually see.
Other excellent local Nature Reserves include Old Moor, an RSPB site in the Dearne Valley, Doncaster’s Potteric Carr Reserve which is just off the M18 and of course our nearby Rother Valley Country Park. They are all good sites on which to enjoy a day out, with the chance of seeing something out of the ordinary.
The June SK58 meeting will be on Wednesday June 29th at the "Loyal Trooper", South Anston, I cannot say who will be giving the talk. I’m sure it will be interesting.
Everybody is welcome to attend, especially Non-Members.
SK58 Birders – March 2011
by Brian Chambers
Summer Migrant birds are now appearing in our Todwick area. The old wall, by the South Anston footpath, is always a favourite perch for the Wheatear. These birds winter in Africa and return to nest on the moors and high ground, they do not breed in our area just pass through. Easily recognized with their white stripe above the eye, a pinkish breast and a white tail very visible in flight, a striking bird especially the male.
Another colourful bird is the Yellow Wagtail, a summer migrant, not to be confused with our resident Grey Wagtail that also has a yellow front but a grey back. The male has a very yellow chest and vent, Canary yellow, and brownish back, the female a bit duller. They favour the rape-seed crop but often perch on the wall.
Hopefully our resident Corn Buntings will re-appear, their numbers have gradually fallen over the last few years. They usually perch in the shrubby trees alongside the wall towards South Anston, singing their jingling song. Not a looker, just a small brown bunting but a nationally declining species which still just keeps a toehold in our area.
Bluebell Wood supports a few small greenish Warblers – the Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. Birds very similar in appearance but easily separated by song. The Chiffchaff endlessly repeating its name, the Willow Warbler a melancholy descending warble. Difficult to describe but obvious when heard.
A few Swallows have been spotted. Sand Martins are the first of these similar species to arrive back; there is a good nesting colony on the sandstone rock face at the old Brown Bayley’s Quarry at Fox Covert. House Martins are next back, distinguished by their white rumps, then the last back (and first to leave) are the Swifts.
The next SK58 Meeting is on Wednesday, April 27th 2011 featuring a talk by Ben Keywood on the region’s Butterflies. The May meeting is on the 25th, the talk is by Terry Piggott called "A Year of Islands" – I don’t know any more than that!
Everybody is welcome to attend, especially Non-Members.
SK58 Birders – February 2011
by Brian Chambers
The SK58 February meeting features a talk on the wildlife, mainly birdlife, of Ecuador; as always it is on the last Wednesday of the month, the 23rd, at the "Loyal Trooper", South Anston.
The March meeting will be on 30 March 2011 and features two talks – much nearer home – one on the North Anston Pit site and another even nearer to Todwick, the Birds of Axle Lane.
As you will know by now the SK58 Birders concentrate their birding in the 10 kilometre square defined on the Ordnance Survey map as SK58. Seven to eight thousand records are logged each year, mostly of common or fairly common species. These records can be of enormous value when planning applications encroach on some good natural habitat.
We are always on the lookout for unusual species dropping in, especially at migration times. A Green Sandpiper has been recorded at the former Thurcroft Pit site; this area has extensive rough ground with numerous dykes and pools of shallow water, ideal habitat. The bird has been present for a couple of weeks, obviously finding itself enough food, this species has also been seen in previous years at the North Anston Pit Top site and some time ago at Roche Abbey.
Other welcome visitors have been a flock of Waxwings. These birds are berry eaters and travel from Scandinavia when the local crop has been consumed. This year has seen a huge influx due to the harsh weather conditions in Northern Europe, as in this country. A flock of approximately 52 birds were feeding on Guelder Rose tree berries on Brandsmere Drive, Woodsetts mid-month. The birds must have some memory capability as they have fed on the self-same trees in previous years.
Waxwings are Starling size with a distinctive buff coloured crest on the crown and spots of colour on the tail and wings. The tip of the tail and the trailing edges of the wing feathers look as though they’ve been dipped in a pot of yellow paint, when folded the wings also show a spot of bright red – as old Post Office sealing wax.
Waxwing
Waxwing
Click the images to see larger versions
To find out "What’s About" check out the SK58 Birders website, it is kept up-to-date with a mass of information of locally recorded birds and sites of interest. If the March programme interests you then you are most welcome to attend, meetings are always open to Non-Members.
SK58 Birders – November 2010
by Brian Chambers
The Chesterfield Canal always has some interest for walkers. For birdwatchers, autumn is an especially good time, the leaves have mostly fallen so bird-spotting is easier and some different species are about.
Flocks of Siskin, some years approaching 100 in number, can be seen. These birds breed mainly in northern coniferous forests, the UK birds being joined by an influx from Scandinavia. In winter they feed on Alder and Birch seed, both plentiful by the Canal. They are small yellowish birds with a streaked breast, yellow wing bars and the males have a black crown and bib. Often in the same flock will be Goldfinch and another winter Canal visitor, the Redpoll. Redpolls are similar sized but basically brown streaked birds, and as the name suggests have an attractive red fore-crown, a bit like a natty hat.
Flocks of Chaffinch are also present, amongst these may be a few Brambling. These also come from Scandinavia, a sort of northern Chaffinch. They sport an orange breast in contrast to the pink breast of the Chaffinch. They are seed-eaters, most years I have had one or two in my Todwick garden eating the mixed bird seed on offer.
Keep a lookout along the Canal for Water Vole, Ratty of Wind-in-the-Willows fame.
A gem of a species that may appear anywhere is the Waxwing. A Northern European migrant of bizarre appearance – a crest on the crown, large black bib, yellow tip to the tail, yellow on the wing tips and also on the wing a blob of waxy red which gives the species its name. They love red berries, are attracted to shopping mall car-parks that are often planted with cotoneaster etc., this weekend a small flock was at the Handsworth Asda!
The next SK58 "Loyal Trooper" meeting is on Wednesday evening, 24 November 2010. Todwick’s wildlife photographer, Allan Parker, will give a talk and slide show "Birding North-West Spain". As usual EVERYBODY is Welcome.
SK58 Birders – October 2010
by Brian Chambers
Langold Lake is the largest expanse of water in SK58, owned by Bassetlaw District Council. A footpath skirts the water’s edge and footpaths criss-cross the adjacent parkland, the whole area is open to the public.
During Autumn the Lake has its highest counts of Wildfowl, a good number of resident birds plus many migrants from other parts of the UK, from Scandinavia and from Northern Europe.
On entering the site from the car parks the first species to see will be the Mallards, waiting for their daily bread and scraps. The mallards are now almost back to their handsome best after the post-breeding moult, the annual feather renewal. Recent counts have been 40-50 birds.
Female Wildfowl are always drabber than the males, helping to camouflage them whilst sitting on eggs. In large flocks the birds still tend to swim about in pairs, especially Gadwall.
This week there were about 80 Gadwall present. This is a species easy to overlook, on a cursory view similar to female Mallards but a little smaller. The male has a grey body with a finely vermiculated breast, black under-tail wedge and a small white patch (speculum) on the side, quite a handsome bird on close examination. Numbers are always greater at this time, swelled by migrants, 80+ is a good count, reports say it is a species on the increase nationally, this is certainly true of Langold Lake’s population.
Tufted Duck number about 20-30, the male has black/white plumage and a feather tuft (ponytail) on the back of the head. The female is a browner, duller version.
The most common species present is Coot. Many birds nest here so there are their offspring but again joined by many migrant birds, lately the count has almost reached 200 birds.
The beautiful Great-crested Grebes nest on the Lake, this year 3 pairs have raised young. However predators, probably Pike fish, have reduced the juvenile count to 3, 5 Adults are present.
Other species visit the Lake from time to time. A pair of Wigeon is present, the male with an unmistakeable chestnut coloured head with a central creamy stripe. Recently Shoveler was recorded, it’s main distinguishing feature a huge broad bill. Pochard, the male with a chestnut head and grey body is often seen. Cormorant and Heron often visit to do a spot of fishing. The surrounding trees often hold Siskin, Redpoll, Goldfinch, Tit species and eventually the Winter Thrushes – Fieldfare and Redwing.
Langold Lake is an excellent spot to take a walk, and also a site to see plenty of birds.
The next SK58 meeting will be at "The Loyal Trooper" on the 27th October. The talk is entitled "Texas-Houston to the Rio Grande". Everybody welcome.
SK58 Birders – September 2010
by Brian Chambers
Early Summer is always a quiet time in the birding calendar, that is for bird watchers not for the birds who are busy raising their broods. Now we are into September the birds are on the move, post breeding flocks and the start of migration south to warmer climates and better food sources.
Over the Axle Lane fields there have been exceptionally high numbers of Yellow Wagtail. These are summer visitors, the male a splendid canary yellow bird, not to be confused with the resident Grey Wagtail that has yellow under-parts and is usually close to water. Mid-August a count of 17 was recorded, comprising adult and juvenile birds.
Northern Wheatear have also been spotted in the past few weeks, often perched on the old stone wall alongside the path to South Anston. These birds breed on upland moors, are easily identified as they flit about by their prominent white rumps.
The Golden Plover are also returning, by the end of August about 40 birds were recorded feeding on the ploughed fields. They can be difficult to spot on the bare soil, but their habit of wing flexing revealing a light under-wing betrays their presence.
There have been few Corn Bunting this year, no more than 2 breeding birds. This species although dull in appearance is a gem for Axle Lane, it is a farmland species very much in decline nationally. In previous years post breeding flocks of 20+ have been seen, hopefully this will be the case this year. It is a UK resident species with birds migrating locally.
Other birds seen passing through in the late August include Curlew and the rarer Whimbrel. Whimbrel breed further to the North and are smaller with a shorter less curved bill. Difficult species to tell apart, Curlew calls its name Whimbrel’s call more of a whistle.
Another Nationally threatened bird is the Grey Partridge, again the Axle Lane fields are a stronghold for this species. This time of year, especially in the evening many family parties, 12+ birds, can usually be seen. The Grey has a dark belly patch and an orange face, the more common Red-legged Partridge (rare on Axle Lane) has a white face outlined in black.
Finally, keep an eye out for Raptors on Axle Lane. Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Buzzard, Hobby and Peregrine Falcon all visit, the large numbers of Golden Plover, Skylark and flocks of Finches providing a good food source.
SK58 Birders monthly meetings resume on September 29th at the "Loyal Trooper", South Anston. The talk will be about Badgers, something a little different this time. Everybody Welcome.
SK58 Birders – June 2010
by Brian Chambers
The next Indoor Meeting takes place at "The Loyal Trooper", South Anston on the Wednesday evening of June 30th, 7.30 pm. The speaker, Glyn Hudson, an accomplished photographer, will talk about the Birds of Cuba. This is the last meeting before our usual summer break, the next one will be in September. All are welcome to attend.
The Chesterfield Canal is one of the best birding sites within SK58, and within walking distance of Todwick. It provides habitat for a very varied bird life.
On the water now are a number of Mallard female birds shepherding their young, the males often get together elsewhere. Moorhen with their young are also plentiful.
Kingfishers have been seen regularly this year. They need a bank or similar in which to excavate a nest hole, with a plentiful supply of fish they can raise two or even three broods.
Grey Wagtail, so named because of its grey back, can usually be seen around the Toplocks section of the Canal near Turnerwood.
Flitting about in the hedgerows and woodland are most of the Tit species. Blue and Great Tit will be familiar from your garden. Other species are Long-tailed Tit, unmistakeable tail, and now in family parties of perhaps as many as twenty birds. Willow and Marsh Tit are very similar with their black caps and bibs, best distinguished if you know their calls. Then there is the dainty Coal Tit with a white strip behind its crown and a very thin bill to pick out the tiny insects on which it feeds.
Other small birds likely to be seen here are Goldcrest, Wren and Treecreeper. In the woodland are both Greater-spotted and Green Woodpeckers.
Colourful Bullfinches are very successful along the Canal, between the Norwood Tunnel and Toplocks there could be upwards of 6/7 pairs nesting.
So, if you fancy a stroll and hope to see some birds the Chesterfield Canal is a good site.
SK58 Birders – May 2010
by Brian Chambers
The SK58 April indoor meeting featured a talk and slide show by Pete Robinson on the country and bird-life of Botswana. Pete, a regular SK58 guest speaker, has travelled widely throughout Africa photographing the animal and bird life. Great slides and an interesting insight into life in this relatively unknown country, the Kalahari Desert probably being its best known feature.
Plenty of Summer Migrant birds are back in our area, plenty of bird song to establish territory and attract a mate. Many Swifts and Swallows overhead.
Yellow Wagtails, the male a bright yellow with the characteristic long wagging tail, are back on Axle Lane. They are most often seen in the rape crop near where the cross-field footpath meets the stone wall, if your luck’s in one may be perched on the wall.
Common Terns are another unusual visitor to our area. A species that is more often seen over the sea but which have taken to inland lakes and rivers. In appearance like a streamlined Gull with a black cap, they dive for small fish at the Axle Lane fishing ponds, also frequent the ponds at Kiveton Woodlands, Langold Lake and Brampton Fisheries.
Turtle Doves, about the size of the ubiquitous Collared Dove, are now quite rare. They have been recorded near the old Todwick Sewage Works and even in village gardens in previous years, but not lately. If you see any please let me know. At the moment a pair is on Thurcroft Marsh, last year this was the only occupied site in SK58. The Gunslingers of Malta, plus other Mediterranean countries, take a huge toll as the birds migrate back from Africa.
Another bird that seems to have deserted Todwick is the Spotted Flycatcher. A pair used to breed in Bluebell Wood. At Carlton-in-Lindrick a pair is often seen amongst the grave-stones, ideal perches from which to dart out and grab a passing insect. I keep hoping to see one similarly around Todwick Church, perhaps this year!
SK58’s best bird last month was a splendid male Redstart at North Anston Community Woodland, near the Children’s Hospice. Its orange-red breast and tail, black throat and white forehead make it one of the country’s most colourful birds. They just pass through here but do nest in Derbyshire’s Padley Gorge woodland.
The May Indoor Meeting is at "The Loyal Trooper" on Wednesday the 26th, a talk about GOA. The June talk is on the 30th, Cuba the topic. As ever, everybody is most welcome to attend.
SK58 Birders – February 2010
by Brian Chambers
SK58 Birders held their AGM on 27 January 2010. The Group is in a healthy financial state despite having Insurance costs of about £400 to cover outdoor events, unfortunately a necessity in this litigious age. Presently there are 68 Members who generated an incredible 7000+ records last year, the data base now holds over 114,000 such records from 1991. On a walk to South Anston 25 Golden Plover may be seen, this would comprise one record. These records have been vital in challenging environmentally disastrous planning applications.
Locally, the stubble field between the stone-wall path to South Anston and the A57 has been a great feeding spot during this severe cold spell. The spilled corn and wild flower seed has attracted big flocks of Skylark, with counts of c300 birds. The Axle Lane fields are a Skylark stronghold, with 25+ pairs breeding, the Winter flocks include migratory birds from the Scandinavian area.
Together with the Skylark flock are Reed Bunting, possibly as many as 10 birds, and upwards of 20 Yellowhammer. The presence of these small birds here has attracted the attention of Merlin in the past, the UK’s smallest raptor. This small falcon is a ferocious hunter, prolonged dashing aerial chases are characteristic of their behaviour.
Skylark, Kiveton Pit, February 2010
Great-crested Grebe, Langold Lake, April 2008
Click the images to see larger versions
Langold Lake, the best water site in SK58, currently supports good numbers of Ducks, interesting species present are Pochard, Goosander, Great-crested Grebe and occasionally Wigeon and Shoveler.
Tommy Flockton’s Marsh, the area east of the entrance to Kiveton Community Woodlands, usually supports 5 – 10 Teal and a Kingfisher has been recorded here quite often. The footpath is in a dreadful muddy state, wellies are essential!
SK58 Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of each month in the upstairs room of the "Loyal Trooper" Pub, South Anston, 7.30 pm start. New members always welcome. The March meeting features a talk & slide show on birds of the Greek Island of Lesvos.
SK58 Publicity Review 2009
by Jenny and Tony Drew, 21.1.2010
We have now completed our second year as publicity officers for SK58. During 2009 we have continued to diligently deliver, post out and hammer onto notice boards the quarterly Indoor Meetings notices throughout the villages in the SK58 square. Unfortunately we will not be able to continue with this part of the role. However, we will continue to produce the notices and bring them along to each meeting to ask for volunteers to place them in and around the square as agreed at the organisers’ meeting 20 January 2010. We will continue with the publicity communication electronically with the established contacts as well as seeking new ones.
The meetings with Rotherham Recreational Service never materialised and we have not received any further communications from them.
Contact was made in the Autumn of 2009 to Look North’s Paul Hudson and a reply received that he "would have a look" but as yet no other communication has been forthcoming. Michele Vincent the Rotherham Advertiser reporter has conscientiously published news items and information about forthcoming meetings in the local news sections. She has taken a keen interest in what we do and fought our corner in relation to the publication of a review of the summer events in SK58. Unfortunately this item was refused by the editor and despite our protestations he never published the article. Not to be out done we have written on article for The Chase due to be published in the Spring and Michele is endeavouring to get that into that edition – so watch this space. As previously stated Michele is a really good contact and has had published articles in the local news along with photographs, one of a speaker at one of our meetings and the infamous owl box erections. This is also going in The Chase article if all goes well.
Jen Fosler is the link with the Worksop and Dinnington Guardian and as far as we are aware these items continue to be published. However, this month there has been a problem as her email address is no longer functional. We have contacted Andrew Wakefield another reporter to establish if a new contact is required as Jen may have left the newspaper.
There have been a couple of articles in the Anston Community News courtesy of Marion Commins and Michael Gazur, one on the history and makeup of the group and one about the visits of the rare birds to the area in the Summer. We will continue to provide newsworthy features for them.
Geoff Downs from the Todwick News continues to publish features and forthcoming events in the parish publication. Again we will continue to provide features of interest and information.
Another success story is that the communication and publicity between SK58 and The Forestry Commission during 2009 has resulted in their cooperation with the erection of nest boxes at Dinnington Community Woodland. These are expected to be erected during February 2010.
Note: Todwick website www.todwick.org.uk/groups/birds.html has many pages of SK58 news and events going back for some years. See also SK58 website www.sk58birders.com.
American and Icelandic Winter Visitors to Todwick
by Brian Chambers
Whooper Swans
This week (from 7th November 2009) a family party of 2 adult and 2 juvenile Whooper Swans have landed on the Axle Lane rape field to the east of Todwick. This species breeds in Iceland, Scandinavia and the northern Taiga of Russia, although not unusual at this time of the year in the east of the country they are very rare for Todwick.
The birds on Axle Lane have most likely come from the east of Iceland, stopping off on their way towards Norfolk, Northern France or The Netherlands regions. There is plenty of vegetation on which to feed so they may stay for some time.
The adults are very similar in appearance and size to our native Mute Swan but have a wedge shaped mainly yellow bill compared with the Mute’s pinkish bill. The juvenile birds have a grey plumage and the bill lacks the striking yellow colour.
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Dotterel
The Axle Lane fields are a traditional wintering site for one of the country’s most attractive Wading Birds, the Golden Plover. Flocks of about 2,000 birds have been present this year, in previous years flocks of over 4000 have been recorded. These flocks can attract other Wading birds to join them occasionally. If you take a walk across Axle Lane the birds can often be spotted in a tight flock on the ground. They can also be seen flying high in the sky almost out of sight but their plaintive call still discernible. At other times they can be like a Red Arrows flypast just a few feet overhead, a swooshing sound as they flash past.
This year, on the 30th September, a Dotterel was seen just on that one evening. This species is another Scandinavian breeder also a few birds do nest in the Scottish Highlands. A bit smaller than a Golden Plover (GP) and with a prominent white stripe above the eye (supercilium). In breeding plumage they sport a bright rusty-orange breast but this is lost in winter. Unusually amongst birds the male does most of the incubation and is less brightly coloured than the female.
Buff-Breasted Sandpiper
During a search for the Dotterel the following day an even rarer bird was recorded, a Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Unfortunately, just 2 SK58 Birders were able to observe it as it only stayed for about half an hour before flying off with the Golden Plover.
This is a North American bird, breeding in Alaska and North-west Canada that migrates mainly to Argentina or Uruguay. Each year birds are blown off course by strong easterly winds that bring them to this country. This is a second record for Axle Lane, one was recorded in September 2002.
It is an attractive bird, smaller than a GP with as the name implies a buff coloured breast.
Peregrine Falcon
The large GP flock attracts Raptor birds in search of a meal. A fairly regular hunter has been the Peregrine Falcon, this has been seen either early morning or late afternoon, no doubt coinciding with its feeding needs.
It is a larger bird than the Sparrowhawk with a more bulky body, broader wings and faster flight. It is reputedly Britain’s fastest bird being able to reach speeds of 100 mph in a stoop flight to catch prey, often a pigeon but the GP is a good alternative.
Other Axle Lane Birds
Grey Partridge
This Gamebird has a strong presence on these Todwick fields, as many as 80 birds have been recorded during the Autumn period. This is our Native Partridge, a species under threat nationally mainly from a loss of habitat and the widespread introduction of the more aggressive Red-legged Partridge that is bred for the shooting parties.
Skylark
On a fine sunny morning hundreds of these birds can be present, filling the air with their chirruping whistling song. The large flocks will contain both our own local breeding birds and migrating northern birds possibly some from as far afield as the Scandinavian countries.
Corn Bunting
Hopefully there will be a few birds of this species during the Winter months. This is another species that has shown a huge decline nationally during the last few decades. Axle Lane, Todwick has always had a small breeding population that can usually be seen close by the stone wall footpath towards South Anston. The bird is no looker – just a small brown Bunting with quite a large bill but it has a very distinctive jingling song. It can often be seen perched atop the Elder Trees growing close by the stone wall.
Stonechat
A bright cheery bird, the male has an orange breast, black head and a white neck-band, the female being a duller version. It has appeared in the past by the stone-wall and around the fishing ponds. During the summer it favours coastal habitat but the last few years have seen an increase in the numbers present in our area during the Winter. A fairly reliable site is the Kiveton Woodland park.
Todwick Birds, January 2006
by Brian Chambers
Todwick has a small wood within its boundary, Windmill Wood, that is as good as many a Nature Reserve. It can be accessed off Kiveton Lane, just beyond the Residential Home. Although it is only about 2 hectares in size it supports an impressive variety of bird life.
The wood comprises essentially of mature Oak and Sycamore with an understorey of Bramble, Elder and Hawthorn. The encroaching Bramble has reduced the Bluebell coverage, although there is still a substantial carpet present towards the southern end.
Blackbird are numerous, their clacking alarm calls ever present at this time of year. Mistle Thrush, the larger species with the football rattle call, and Song Thrush can usually be seen. These three Thrush species all produce wonderful songs that should be heard before too long.
Five members of the Tit Family can generally be located without too much difficulty. Blue and Great Tits are the commonest. Willow Tit, the one with the black cap, Coal Tit, with a white patch on its nape, and Long-tailed Tit, a fluffy ball with of course a long tail (a very long tail) all can usually be found flitting around the tree canopy in search of small insects, aphids, spiders, grubs etc.
The colourful Nuthatch jerkily climbs the trunks and branches, often downwards head first, if you see a bird doing this then it’s a Nuthatch. This behaviour contrasts with that of the Treecreeper which climbs the trunk jerkily upwards in its search for insects.
Goldcrest, Britain’s smallest bird, are also present in Windmill Wood. They have a thin high-pitched call and often accompany a Tit flock. The yellow crown stripe is diagnostic, the male has a more orange stripe, particularly evident in summer as the bird displays.
The Great Spotted Woodpecker has nested in the wood for many years, there being sufficient old timber present in which to excavate its nest cavity. Many gardens must have had a winter visit from this species, particularly attracted by peanut holders. Green Woodpecker, the larger species, has also been recorded in the wood but I don’t think it’s a breeding species.
Tawny Owl is also present, its hooting being a source of pleasure or annoyance to those whose house backs onto the wood.
The Finch family are well represented by numerous Chaffinch and Greenfinch with occasionally a few Goldfinch, although this species generally prefers patches of thistles or weeds. Brambling, a Scandinavian winter visitor, can sometimes be found with Chaffinch flocks and has been seen in the wood. It is an attractive bird similar to Chaffinch but with an orange tint to its chest.
So if Windmill Wood is new to you, take a stroll around the path which circles through and hopefully you will be rewarded and surprised by the bird life.
Todwick Wild Birds
by Brian Chambers
Todwick village and the surrounding farmland may appear, to a casual observer, a rather uninteresting area for birds. However, a careful search can reveal a number of species that, over the past few decades, have shown dramatic declines nationwide.
The Tree Sparrow, the one with a brown crown and smaller and neater than a house sparrow, has declined nationally by about 90%. Two flocks, of 40+ birds, winter around the gardens and hedgerows on the edge of the village. One based north of the school the other behind the houses at the top of The Meadows. Both flocks are supported with generous helpings of bird seed!
A walk along the footpath to South Anston (Axle Lane as known to local birders) will generally be rewarded with sightings of three other species that have shown a national decline in excess of 50% over the last thirty years. These are the Skylark, the Corn Bunting and the Grey Partridge, the native game-bird of the UK.
15+ pairs of Skylark nest in these fields, their song being a welcome accompaniment whilst walking. During the Autumn months upwards of a hundred birds have been recorded.
At least 5 pairs of Corn Bunting also nest, generally close to the stonewall that crosses the fields. Flocks of about 30 post-breeding birds have been seen.
Grey Partridge, gamebirds with an orange and brown face and throat, are gregarious feeding in tight flocks on the autumn vegetation. A total of 42 birds were recorded one day in November last year.
Last year at least 4 pairs of Lapwing bred amongst the potato crop in the field between the wall and the A57, this is another species that has also alarmingly declined in farmland habitats.
Thanks to the large quantities of food put out in Todwick gardens, Blue and Great Tits are plentiful, and a few Willow Tits, the one with the black cap, are also present. Robins, Wrens, Finches and Blackbirds are all plentiful and there are a good few Song Thrushes to be seen, this is another species that has struggled recently.
Please continue to feed the birds, especially if the weather gets harsher, and help to keep the healthy and varied birdlife that is present in and about Todwick.
Todwick Churchyard Wild Birds
by Brian Chambers
We are very fortunate to have the beautiful and ancient Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul at the heart of our village, which is surrounded by an extensive Churchyard, this varied habitat provides food and shelter for a surprising number of birds.
At most times of the year the Robin will be present, an inquisitive bird that always likes to check out any visitor. Wrens are often singing and, together with the Dunnock, can usually be seen flitting around the shrubs and brambles.
The new east wall of the churchyard has had a variety of popular garden shrubs and trees planted along its length, some producing berries. This, together with the more overgrown south boundary provides nesting areas for birds such as Blackbird, Song Thrush, Finches, Tits and the three species mentioned above.
The berries on the shrubs and trees (a Holly by the old rectory path has a wonderful crop), provide food for Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Blackbird and our visiting Winter Thrushes. These, the noisy Fieldfare and the aptly named Redwing, migrate from Scandinavia and Northern Europe just to feed on such berries after exhausting their home supply.
The Churchyard has a wealth of mature trees, Yew, Lime, Ash, Sycamore, Horse Chestnut that provide food, shelter, nesting and observation sites for many species.
The two common raptors, Sparrowhawk and Kestel, are frequently seen, and Tawny Owl can be heard at night-time. The finches, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch and Sparrow are often feeding, particularly around the more open northern area. The churchyard is also well visited by the Tit family, some, like the Coal Tit have a particular fondness for Yew. Long-tail Tits, in the winter they can form flocks of 10 – 20 birds, flit through the trees in search of tiny insects. Willow Tits, one of the species under modern day pressures, are often present, listen for their nasal wheezing calls. The popular, and fortunately still common, Blue and Great Tits can usually be found somewhere. Often associating with the Tits, the tiny Goldcrest may be seen, it is has a high pitched warbling song, is usually quite tame and good close views are possible.
Some summer migrants also frequent the churchyard, I have seen Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Whitethroat and of course Swallows and House Martins. A possible rare species is the Spotted Flycatcher, which has nested in Bluebell Wood recently. I mention this species because it has bred in Carlton Churchyard for a good many years, the grave-stones being ideal perches from which it flits out and attempts to catch flying insects that form its diet.
There are many other species that benefit from the Churchyard, such as Pigeons, Jackdaws, Crows, the Great Spotted Woodpecker and Wagtails that I have not mentioned. Perhaps next time you visit have a closer look and hopefully you will have a few pleasant surprises.