Local wander around Hesley Wood taking in some of today’s sunshine. A Raven being mobbed by Crows overhead was the highlight.
Great advice available to support these amazing species. Hoping my two Swift bricks attract some interest this year!
Really are fabulous!
I couldn’t believe the size of the Goshawk when I saw my first one! Books definitely don’t do them justice in comparison to the Sparrowhawk
Bonus Caspian Gull spot driving to work this morning. Single juv mingling with the Common Gulls on Hoyland football pitches. Then on the way home a mini Starling murmuration at RSPB Old Moor!
A truly fabulous reference guide for any birder or naturalist in Sheffield and the surrounding areas. It provides a long-term overview of the state and changing nature of bird life across the city.
Greno Wood walk with the little one (can be quiet for birding at this time of year) produced two pairs of Crossbill. Not seen them at this site before. @wildsheffield.bsky.social @shefbirdstudy.bsky.social
Anything interesting up there today?
No UK eBird records of Rough-legged Buzzard from 2026 yet (below); this species will likely be rarer nationally than Black-winged Kite in future. Both very visible signs of climate (and land-use) driven range shifts #UKBirding #Ornithology
Quick drive up the M1 to Calder Wetlands this morning. Black-necked Grebe, two pairs of Goldeneye (displaying), and Cetti’s Warbler the highlights.
Siberian Chiffchaff still present in reeds outside Kelham Island Museum @shefbirdstudy.bsky.social
Big thanks to @awhitehead56.bsky.social / Duffbirder for showing me the ropes on his patch.
Great day out in the Lower Derwent Valley at North Duffield Carr. Scores of Curlew, Dunlin, Oystercatcher, and Lapwing. c70 White-fronts seen from Geoff Smith hide. c100 Whooper Swan on farmer’s field behind car park. Ruff and Redshank nr. Derwent Bridge plus an Otter heading downstream.
Reached 100 recorded species for the year on @birdtrack.bsky.social today; vast majority seen locally in South Yorkshire. Really enjoying using the app, nice and simple UI.
I’ve seen one Lesser this year (unknown origin) with a flock of transient Greylags. Totally unexpected so you never know!
Wombwell Ings and Broomhill Flash today: 4 Russian White-fronts, c100 Lapwing, 4 Goldeneye, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, c10 pairs of Pochard. No sign of Slav Grebe.
Little Owl and Tawny Owl heard this evening (High Green/Westwood) @shefbirdstudy.bsky.social
RSPB Old Moor today: Bittern, multiple Cetti’s (heard), Water Rail, 28 Russian White-fronted Geese (flyover heading ENE), Goldeneye and Oystercatcher. Finally able to see the ever-elusive Bittern after years and years of hoping!
Amazing work Jean, thank you.
Male Siskin on the feeder this morning. Flock of 4 in total (High Green) @shefbirdstudy.bsky.social
And finally, I get to spot the local Tawny male I’ve been hearing! Perched on top of the tree next door. Just beautiful to hear and see.
Dunlin needed some good news - @rspbscience.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Red-listed in UK:
wadertales.wordpress.com/2022/10/04/u...
Rapid decline in Iceland:
wadertales.wordpress.com/2025/02/20/i...
Really bad in the Baltic:
wadertales.wordpress.com/2021/06/20/d...
#ornithology
'The New Birds of the Sheffield Area'
Indoor Meeting: Weds 11th Feb 7.15pm
Join us to celebrate the launch of our fabulous new 440 page book detailing all 300 species ever sighted in our area. Editors Richard & David will talk us through the project.
Copies for sale + complimentary fizz!
Corker!
Local Tawnies calling in Westwood CP. Male and female calls heard. Making me want to invest in some thermal optics!
Ended up with 9 in total! Great little bird. Usually get them Feb/March here with the Siskins.
Flock of 9 by midday.
2nd year Caspian Gull present too. Easy to spot amongst BH Gull.
Poor photo. Shag still present at Worsbrough Reservoir.
Great to see Redpoll on the feeders this morning. 1m and 1f. @shefbirdstudy.bsky.social
