Todwick Environment: Wild Birds
SK58 Birders – December 2013
by Brian Chambers
The next meeting of SK58 Birders is on Wednesday, 29 January 2014, we do not have a December meeting which is replaced by our annual Christmas dinner at the “Parish Oven”.
There will be a talk and slide show by Malcolm Walpole entitled “Botswana – an Adventure Safari”, as usual new members are very welcome to attend.
This time of year is good for Wildfowl, local birds are joined by migrants fleeing from the winter conditions on the continent.
Langold Lake is the largest water-site in our 10 kilometre square. There are good numbers of Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot and Canada Geese here at present. Slightly less common is Pochard, the male has a stunning red head and neck, and Goosander. Goosander are members of the Sawbill family so called because of their toothed bills which make holding their fish diet so much easier. The males are essentially white with a green head and neck, the females grey with a reddish head and neck with a small crest of feathers protruding behind the head.
Occasionally Wigeon appear, these are similar in size to Mallard, the male having an orange buff streak down the centre of its forehead – unmistakeable.
Gadwall is another species which is usually present in good numbers but not this year, so far, just present in ones and twos. This is a plain looking duck at first sight but on closer examination they have a very attractive finely vermiculated plumage, especially of course the males.
Shoveler is quite a rare species now although numbers are usually quite good at Rother Valley CP. The male is a handsome bird of many colours but the most striking feature is the enormous bill, hence the name. Both male and female birds have this feature, the bill is swept from side to side in feeding so picking up morsels from the water.
Heron are usually present on Langold Lake as are a number of Great Crested Grebes. Feeding in the Alder trees there are often good flocks of Siskin, perhaps as many as 50 birds, they keep together as they flit from tree to tree, often joined by Goldfinch.
Other water sites in the area include Carlton Lake which usually supports a good number of Mallard and often Cormorant. There is the pond at Roche Abbey which can have 20+ Teal feeding amongst the vegetation, this is the best site within SK58 for this species. There is also the Brown Bayley’s pond at Fox Covert, this supports good numbers of Tufted Duck. Then there is the Hewett Arms fishing ponds which usually has good numbers of Mallard and often Greylag Goose and Cormorants. Mute Swan are present at Langold Lake, Brown Bayley’s, Kiveton Woodlands and on the canal at Shireoaks.
Finally a plea to ask you to remember the birds in your garden over the Winter. This of course is a tough time for birds so seeds, fatty remnants and discarded scraps all help survival.
SK58 Birders – November 2013
by Brian Chambers
20 November 2013 is the date of the meeting which is being held a little earlier than normal; the talk will be given by Peter Greaves entitled “Morocco”. As usual everybody is most welcome to attend.
This month there have been good numbers of Pink-footed Goose flying over, some directly over Todwick. They form large V-shaped flocks, known as skeins, which can number 2-300+ birds. They are smaller than Greylag Goose, the typical farmyard species, and have shorter necks and shorter bills. Large numbers spend the winter months in the UK especially at sites in Norfolk and on the Solway Firth. They return to breed in the Arctic regions of Iceland, Greenland and NW Europe. The skeins that pass over our area are either migrating from their breeding grounds or some travel between UK sites.
Also on the Axle Lane fields just now are large post-breeding flocks of Skylark, 200+ have been recorded. Another species present in good numbers is the Meadow Pipit, this is a small streaky brown bird with a high pitched call. It is an all year round resident species but large numbers also migrate from northern Europe and pass through our region.
If you spot a large, long-necked black bird flying over it is probably a Cormorant. This species was more common in the coastal waters but now is a common inland bird. Good numbers will be present at Rother Valley Country Park and at Clumber Park, birds sometimes in flocks of 7-8+ are not uncommon as they travel between feeding sites.
One unusual species seen on Axle Lane recently is the Yellow-legged Gull. This was picked out amongst the Black-headed and Lesser Black-backed Gulls feeding on the ploughed fields. It is very similar to Herring Gull, the noisy seaside Gull, but instead of pink legs has bright yellow legs as the name recognizes. Nowadays there is much pressure to create new species, Yellow-legged Gull is usually treated as separate from the common Herring Gull.
SK58 Birders – August 2013
by Brian Chambers
It will soon be September and time to resume SK58 Birders monthly meetings. We meet at Anston Parish Hall on the last Wednesday of the month – 25 September 2013, a 19.30 start. The talk will be given by one of our members, Geoff Facer, the subject is “South Africa – The Garden Route”, as always, everybody is welcome to attend.
Geoff also leads a regular monthly walk, throughout the Autumn and Winter, at Langold Lake. If you wish to join the party then meet at Andy’s Park Café at 10.00 am on Monday, 16 September 2013.
At this time of year bird numbers are usually quite low in the gardens but can be high in the fields. This is because of post-breeding flocks feeding in the fields after the crops have been harvested. The adult birds may have had as many as three broods, the adults and young flock together, there is safety in numbers and more eyes to search out good feeding areas. The fields across towards Anston often support hundreds of Linnet, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch and often good numbers of Yellowhammer. I’m sure the fields alongside Goosecarr Lane are the same.
The young birds are usually more like the female of the species – less colouring, the young males will develop their breeding plumage in time for the following year.
Local interesting sightings over the past few weeks have included a Grasshopper Warbler at North Anston Pit Top – near the Children’s Hospice. This species is heard rather than seen. It has a continuous reeling call, sounding like a fisherman’s line as the reel is pulled by a hooked fish. The Latin species name is Locustella which describes its insect like call.
A Barn Owl has shown well around Pennypiece Lane, Anston, hunting the fields to the south and over the old Pit Top site. There have been occasional records of Common Tern over the Kiveton Fisheries but not as frequent as in previous years. A Turtle Dove was sighted at Firbeck, this unfortunately is now a rare species in our area, nationally numbers are also well down. A pair of Spotted Flycatcher is near Cinderhill on the Chesterfield Canal, this species has also been recorded in Lindrick Dale and two pairs near Roche Abbey – at least a good year for this species!
SK58 Birders – July 2013
by Brian Chambers
Now is a quiet time in the birding calendar. The birds have produced their young, most of which should have fledged by now. Many species such as House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Blackbird do produce second and even third broods if conditions are favourable. Similarly it is a quiet time for SK58 Birders we do not have Indoor Meetings in July & August, the next will be on Wednesday, 25 September 2013. The talk will be by our own member, Geoff Facer, entitled “South Africa – The Garden Route”.
A Hobby has been recorded recently over Axle Lane. This is a raptor, similar in size to Kestrel, often described as looking like a large Swift. If you see a fast-flying bird with sickle shaped wings this could be it. If you also see a red area below the tail and a heavily striped chest & belly then almost certainly you have seen a Hobby. These birds winter in Africa, on arrival they feed mostly on insects caught on the wing, especially dragonflies. Later in the year, as of now, they catch House Martins & Swallows. Usually taking young inexperienced birds that, with their agile flight, is no problem. Todwick is towards the northern limit of their range but it is a species that is expanding northwards.
There have been a few sightings of Common Tern over the Axle Lane ponds, not as many as in previous years. At first sight they can be mistaken for Gulls, but a careful look will reveal a black crown and a long pointed red bill. Their flight is also different – much more bouncy and buoyant.
The rapeseed crop on Axle Lane is good habitat for both Yellow Wagtail and Reed Bunting. The Wagtail is a summer visitor, the male unmistakeable with its bright yellow head, the female a little duller. Probably 4/5 pairs have nested this year.
The male Reed Buntings are also very prominent with their black heads, they often perch atop a rapeseed flower.
It has been a disappointing year for Corn Bunting. As I have noted before, Axle Lane is one of the few sites in South Yorkshire that holds this species. The species has just been clinging on in recent years but this year there have been few sightings, possibly with none breeding. I think the earlier cold wet weather conditions being a critical factor.
SK58 Birders – May 2013
by Brian Chambers
This month’s meeting is on Wednesday, 29 May 2013, 7.30 pm at Anston Parish Hall, it features a talk by Carl Dixon entitled “BORNEO” and there should be some good birds there.
The next meeting will be on 26 June 2013, the talk by David Wood is on “PERU”. So, two distant countries’ birds for our entertainment.
Back home in our Todwick gardens you have probably noticed a drop in the numbers of feeding birds. At this time of year breeding should be in full swing, somewhat delayed on average by the unseasonal cold weather. The finches’ diet of seeds is supplemented by insects which provide a richer nutrition for the young nestlings. So chaffinch, greenfinch, goldfinch and house sparrow numbers decline as the birds seek out insect food in the local woods and hedgerows. Similarly, the yellowhammer and reed warbler, both of which have taken to visiting gardens more in recent years.
Just a note about garden bird food. The commonest food put out is a wild seed mix and the ever-popular peanuts in baskets. This is fine, but don’t put out too much bread. I know it seems a good idea to spread the old bread scraps over the lawn but if too much is fed to the baby birds it fills them up with food of very low nutritional value.
The RSPB suggests making Bird Cake, a cheap nutritious mix either to hang up or just place on the bird table. Use an old yoghurt pot, pierce a hole in the bottom, place a length of string through and knot the end. Use suet or lard cubes, not melted but just warm, to bind the food of raisins and cheese scraps together. Just mix together, fill the pot, leave in the fridge for a while to harden then place outside. This provides the birds with a good healthy, nutritious diet.
Locally a pair of Little Owls have been seen regularly near the wall footpath to Anston. One frequently sits in the trees about a hundred yards from the wall start. These birds are widespread now having been introduced into the country in the mid-19th century. They are spotted brown, have long legs, a flattish head profile and yellow eyes. Unmistakeable really and sit on exposed perches in daylight hours.
A common and spectacular bird to be seen whilst walking the footpath to South Anston is the Yellow Wagtail. A summer migrant, the male is a stunning yellow bird, the female a little duller. They often perch on the wall or atop a stalk of wheat or rape. The long white edged tail an obvious feature as the bird flits around.
SK58 Birders – April 2013
by Brian Chambers
This month the SK58 Indoor Meeting at Anston Parish Hall is on Wednesday, 24 April 2013, the talk by Pete Brown is entitled “San Diego to the Sea of Cortez”.
The May Meeting will be on the 29 May 2013, the talk is “Borneo” by Carl Dixon.
If you are interested in Birds and Natural History please give our meetings a try, the entry fee for non-members is just £2 for adults, children free.
The Summer Migrant birds are now arriving in good numbers. The Chiffchaff are easier to hear than see, listen out for the repetitive song as the bird sings its name then you should be able to locate it. It’s just a small brown warbler with a greenish hue, it arrives before its close relative the Willow Warbler. This bird is very similar, in fact they were once thought to be the same species until someone noticed that the Willow Warbler has a completely different song – a plaintive sweet warble. Both species can be located in Anston Stones Wood or in Todwick’s Bluebell Wood, it’s also quite possible for them to visit gardens.
The Hirundines should also be arriving, these are the Swallows and House Martins. The first to arrive are the Sand Martins that usually stay near to their nesting sites and are not usually seen over Todwick. The nearest nest colony is on the sandstone rock face of the flooded quarry at Fox Covert, there are usually about 30 nest holes and the birds mainly swoop over the water in search of flying insects. Another possible site is the Axle Lane fishing ponds. Swallows and House Martins build their mud nests in old buildings and under roof eaves, suitable sites which are hard to find in our modern buildings, Todwick being no exception. However the birds do fly around the village, the House Martin has the white rump patch and the Swallow the long forked tail so making identification fairly easy. The last species to arrive is the Swift, a bigger bird, black with scythe-shaped wings. These are the birds that swoop in Red Arrow-type formations with a chorus of screaming calls.
Locally, Little Ringed Plover have returned to the landscaped old pit sites at Dinnington and Kiveton, these are small wader birds that feed at the water’s edge. Last year they did produce chicks but non survived predation, hopefully they will be more successful this year, efforts are made to discourage people and dog disturbance at their nest sites. Wheatear and Yellow Wagtail should soon be seen on the Axle Lane fields.
There have been a few uncommon sightings in the past days. A Black Redstart was recorded early April at Harry Crofts Quarry – opposite Anston Stones Wood. This is a common bird in villages on the continent but rare in the UK. Ring Ouzel have also been spotted locally, similar to a Blackbird but with a crescent of white on the throat. This is an upland bird but a few usually stop off locally on their northerly migration route.
SK58 Birders – February 2013
by Brian Chambers
Hopefully you will have received this Newsletter in time for me to advertise the February meeting in Anston Parish Hall, on Wednesday, 27 February 2013. This will feature a talk by newcomer to SK58, Malcolm Walpole, he will speak on “Japan in Winter”, not a location often visited by our members!
The 27 March 2013 meeting features a talk by an old friend of SK58, Paul Hobson, his illustrated talk is entitled “Endemics of Puerto Rico”. I am sure there will be lots of brilliant photo shots of the country’s birds.
Locally there have been a few interesting records. At Hodsock Estate, the Priory famous for its display of Snowdrops, there has been a large flock of Brambling. These birds are Winter migrants from Scandinavia and are their equivalent of Chaffinch, the difference is in having an orange chest. About 80 birds were recorded at one time, this species could turn up in your garden with the chaffinch so look out for one with an orange colouration.
Kiveton Woodlands has supported a Little Egret for the past fortnight. This bird, an all white relative of the Heron, has been feeding happily in the ditches alongside the track towards Wales. They are a species recently arrived in the UK, late 1980s, but now well established on the south coast and the Lincolnshire / Norfolk Saltmarshes.
However, rare in our region but should become commoner as the species gradually becomes more widespread. Also at this site a Water Rail has been seen, similar to Moorhen but with a fairly long red bill. This is probably a Winter visitor but some do breed in the UK, again a scarce species for our region.
Tommy Flockton’s Marsh, the wet area east of Hard Lane, Kiveton, supported a few Wigeon early month. The boggy ground makes ideal feeding ground for this Wildfowl, an attractive duck with a creamy-buff forehead stripe. A Kingfisher has also been seen feeding at this site as well as across the road on the fishing ponds.
Langold Lake has held up to 3 pairs of Goosander. The male is essentially white with a green head, the female grey with a brown head and short crest at the back. They make an attractive couple. There are 4 Great-crested Grebe present, last week I saw two displaying together – head and necks dancing close together.
Please keep putting some food out in this cold weather, seeds, nuts, fat-balls all help the birds survive the Winter.
SK58 Birders – January 2013
by Brian Chambers
There have been some interesting birds in the SK58 recording area over the past few weeks.
Waxwings have been present in the UK in large numbers this Winter but seemed to be shunning our patch. Eventually good numbers appeared in Woodsetts just before Christmas, generally in gardens near Woodsetts Road (the road towards Gildingwells). Upwards of 60 birds were recorded at one time, the birds stripping the berries in quick time, they are particularly fond of cotoneaster.
There have also been large flights (skeins) of Pink-footed Geese passing almost directly over Todwick. These Geese breed in the Arctic regions of Iceland and Svalbard then spend the Winter in the coastal regions of the UK, Holland and Denmark. In England they feed by the Norfolk coast and in Scotland on the Solway Firth and the East Coast. The birds appear to commute between these sites probably in response to food availability, their flight paths often taking them right over Todwick. Recently skeins of hundred’s have been seen flying in a north-west direction which would take them towards the Solway Estuary.
As well as the over-wintering Geese there is also a big influx of Wildfowl from the continent, leaving the freezing waters of Europe to feed in the UK. Langold Lake usually supports increased numbers of Mallard, Tufted Duck and Gadwall, last year there were 100+ Gadwall but this year just a few birds, possibly more will arrive as they usually do. Also occasionally present have been Pochard, Wigeon and the unmistakeable Shoveler with its enormous bill – hence the name.
The other bird of interest was a male Stonechat, which was spotted on the waste ground behind the Children’s Hospice at Dinnington. This is a little stunner. It is Robin-sized with an orange breast, a black head and a white collar. It loves to perch on the highest bit of vegetation making it easy to view, this is a bird of coastal gorse or moorland in the summer months.
The next meeting of SK58 will be at Anston Village Hall on 27th February 2013, 7.30 pm. There will be a guest speaker. As usual we welcome new faces.
Continue to 2012 reports.