Another day in the Dearne Valley, another record tumbles!
Yesterday, guided by years of birding experience, I wrote that the chances of our recent red-necked phalarope hanging around for three days in the valley were ‘slim’. This was because we have no record of a previous red-necked phalarope doing that. Ever.
Today, a tiny wader proved us all wrong as for the third consecutive day, the red-necked phalarope was indeed present and seemed completely content at Broomhill Flash. Just goes to show, there's always exceptions to rules!
These small, delicate waders are strong swimmers and spend a lot of time on pools or out a sea. In this species the males brood the eggs and cares for the young. Female birds initiate courtship, defend the territory and are more brightly coloured.
The bird at Broomhill is a male, perhaps one of a small number that breed regularly in Britain in the far north and west of Scotland. How small a number? Well, our friends at the BTO quote a figure in the order of twenty-two males in the UK each year.
So, having broken previous records, the question now is, ‘Will this bird spend another night at Broomhill and still be around tomorrow?’ Local experts declined to comment!
The phalarope in question from Ian Morris.
Before I get to Old Moor itself, at Edderthorpe there were two bar-tailed godwit, one little ringed plover, a ringed plover and two oystercatcher.
And so to Old Moor where another remarkable bird was still present and still very watchable. I’m referring of course to the recent glossy ibis.
Today, the ibis spent its time feeding on the Field Pool. At times it was best viewed from the Field Pool West Hide, at others it was best seen from Field Pool East or the adjacent screen. Both provided excellent views of this unusual visitor.
STOP PRESS - Sadly, the latest news I have – as of forty minutes ago – is that the ibis seems to have left Old Moor around 18:05, heading south-east.
Ibis on the Field Pool today
Elsewhere at Old Moor, bitterns were being seen regularly. Without trying too hard, visitors were able to watch four or five bittern flights in a few hours. Yep, around one every twenty or twenty-five minutes!
While you wait for the next one, you could also see: mute swan, greylag goose, Canada goose, four shelduck, gadwall, a female teal, mallard, shoveler, tufted duck, seven cormorant, five grey heron, two little grebe, two great crested grebe, one avocet, two oystercatcher, lapwing, redshank, two black-tailed godwit and two common tern.
Sedge Warbler from Ian Morris. Thanks Ian.
You might also find: black-headed gull (!), nine lesser black-backed gull, seven herring gull, two Mediterranean gull, stock dove, swift, blue tit, great tit, sand martin, swallow, willow warbler, blackcap, sedge warbler, reed warbler, wren, robin, dunnock, tree sparrow, pied wagtail, bullfinch, linnet, goldfinch and reed bunting.
A stunning black-tailed godwit on the Field Pool today
In other words, there’s plenty to see at present not to mention good numbers of damselflies and butterflies - including dingy skippers - as well as a host of spring-flowering plants. With tomorrow set to be a similarly warm and sunny one here, there’s every chance of more records tumbling.
Until next time.