It was yet another terrific day in the Dearne Valley with some truly remarkable wildlife sightings. Here’s a summary of what was seen at Old Moor and Broomhill Flash today…
As ever, John Seeviour provided the picture from Bolton Ings. His sightings can be found here. Thanks John.
And before I get on with my ramblings, there’s only a few days before Old Moor hosts a Dusk Walk event. So, if you are interested (and who wouldn’t be?) all the details can be found here.
Lapwings over Wath Ings this afternoon
Talking of ‘walks’, a short walk (and an even shorter drive) from Old Moor, is Broomhill Flash and today the sightings there included a cream-crowned marsh harrier and a smew! The latter is one of two that were first seen yesterday.
Today the remaining bird was feeding mostly towards the middle and back of the flash although at times its successes drew the attention of several black-headed gulls, eager to steal its catch.
Smew at Broomhill this morning
At Old Moor, there were four goldeneye on the Mere today along with a peregrine and an ever-growing collection of shoveler, teal and wigeon.
But it was Wath Ings where, alongside the godwit, green sandpiper and snipe, there were some of the most dramatic scenes of the day.
A buzzard gave up trying to be stealthy and sat, bold as brass, at the end of the ‘spit’, watching for an opportunity. This did not go unnoticed and it wasn’t long before the crows decided they need to be rid of the competition!
Sympathy for the buzzard or respect for the crow? Not sure.
Mid-afternoon, some ear-splitting squawks announced another battle. This time it was a pair of grey heron who needed to sort out the pecking order. Armed with those dagger-like beaks, the fighting was fierce – and noisy! Watchers in the hide may have feared for the loser but, having asserted his dominance, the winner simply returned to feeding, but in the ‘best’ spot of course.
That’s got to hurt!
With all the commotion, I half expected the other birds on the marsh to become unsettled but few seemed to notice at all. They just went about their business, making the most of ever-shortening days.
A black-tailed godwit on Wath Ings
Until next time.