A taste of winter arrived at Sprotbrough during November as temperatures dropped bringing snow and Ice. Waterfowl began to head to the river, others populated a few small patches of open water on the flash while supplementary winter bird feeding provided increased activity around both the hides. A Water rail was seen at the front of the Kingfisher hide while on the opposite side a Jack snipe was observed as it bobbed up and down amongst a small group of Common snipe before being flushed by feuding Black-headed gulls.
Above: Jack snipe.
Several wetland bird counts conducted during the month recorded 150 Pink-footed geese, 24 Greylag geese, 16 Canada geese, 6 Mute swan, 3 Wigeon, 42 Gadwall, 37 Mallard, 11 Northern shoveler, 7 Tufted duck, 4 Grey heron, 14 Teal, 14 Cormorant, 6 Little grebe, 2 Water rail, 6 Moorhen (1pair seen mating), 24 Coot, 9 Common snipe, 1 Jack snipe, 120 Black-headed gull, 1 Common gull, 4 Herring gull and 2 Kingfishers.
Above: Water rail.
An overwintering Chiffchaff was recorded on a number of occasions at the Kingfisher hide along with male and female Blackcap. Siskin was recorded in an Alder by the side of the hide with a small flock of Goldfinch, and Bullfinch were spotted on the TPT. Great spotted woodpecker, Coal tit, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Magpie, Long-tailed tit, Great tit, Blue tit and Jay was recorded at the Heron hide feeding station along with regular visits from Grey squirrels and Bank voles.
Above: Bullfinch.
On the 11th a Marsh harrier was recorded above the flash and a Peregrine falcon was noted over Levitt Hagg woods while on the 20th a Red kite was reported locally and Tawny owl was observed in Pot Ridings woods, 5 Ring-necked parakeets were spotted on the 29th in a tree at Sprotbrough lock. Common buzzard, Kestrel, and Sparrowhawk were recorded frequently during the month while Green woodpecker was spotted several times, 2 Raven were also observed passing over the Heron hide on the 10th.
Above: Tawny owl.
A Kingfisher was regularly observed in the trees along the river near the entrance to the screen where Cetti’s warbler and Water rail were frequently heard calling. Opposite the screen, Common snipe were recorded as they stood at the edges of the reedbed and on the 11th, 7 were clearly visible. Along Cadeby mile Common buzzard, Skylark, Jackdaw, Starling, Grey partridge and 2 Stonechat were also reported.
Above: Stonechat.
A total of 74 individual bird species was recorded during November with 113 recorded for the year to date. This included: Goldcrest, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Carrion crow, Feral pigeon, Stock dove, House sparrow, Wood pigeon, Collared dove, Redwing, Fieldfare, Song thrush, Mistle thrush, Greenfinch, Reed bunting, Pied wagtail, Wren, Grey wagtail, Pheasant and Red-legged partridge. Other sightings were American mink, Otter, Grey squirrel, Rabbit and Bank vole.
Above: Festive looking Robin at the Kingfisher hide.
Next report December 2024.
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