Annual Dinner
Saturday 17th March
 
The Annual Dinner at the Consort Suite was, as usual, a good evening and everyone enjoyed their meals. The after dinner speeches went down very well;   Ben told a few funny stories and Duncan showed us his latest DVD of his trip to Romania with “Gone Birding” tours
 
I would really appreciate some feedback from everyone before the December CHAT as to whether they would like me to arrange a dinner for next year. We would ideally need 50 people to be there to fall in with the Consort Suites rules as we take over the dining room and they will lose money if we don’t meet this number.  As you will appreciate if this doesn’t seem possible I will not be able to arrange a dinner in the future.
 
Thanks for your support, I hope.
 
Pat Wheway

 

 
Langold Lake
Sunday 15th April 2007
 
Eight members assembled late at Langold car park after battling through a horrendous traffic jam near Oldcotes.  It was worth the effort though as it was the most beautiful warm summery day and the birds were singing loudly (Nuthatch and Song Thrush very loudly).
 
Whilst John opted for the level route around the lake, seven of us took the circuitous route through the wood; up the hill overlooking the park where we saw a Meadow Pipit parachuting down singing ‘see see see’ – the first this spring for most of us.
 
We made our way back towards the lake, meeting up with John again, and saw the first patch of Cuckoo flower and the first Holly Blue butterfly of the year.  Unusually, a Blackcap sang loudly from the topmost branch of a tree affording us a very good long look at it.  There were many Goldcrest singing loudly too (relatively).
 
Carole Dye

 

 
Blacktoft Sands
Sunday 13th May 2007
 
Six members met in the car park on a warm sunny morning for our visit to this popular RSPB reserve.  As the rain was promised for later we decided to start at the Ousefleet Hide and work our way back to the cars.
 
We found our first bird, a Lesser Whitethroat in the car park followed shortly by a Garden Warbler, a good start we thought.  Although bird numbers were low in the first three hides we picked up approx 35 species, including Barn Owl and Buzzard.

After our picnic lunch the rain came in, light at first, so off we went to the last hide where we saw the bird of the day – a Bittern in flight.  By now the rain was getting much heavier but as it was 2.45 pm we made our way back to our cars.  We recorded 54 species in total making it quite a good day.
John Dye
 

 

Wentworth
Friday 18th May 2007
 
On what was the best evening for several days, nine of us met at the park entrance for our first evening field meeting of the year.
 
We made our way through the park, past the beautiful old stable block picking up a few birds. On our left we saw the Estate’s wonderful herd of deer settling down in the late evening sun, a very pleasant sight. It was very noticeable that as we watched them they also watched us very closely.
 
On we went, past the house and down to the bridge on the lane from Greasbrough where we saw a great number of the most enormous carp swimming around in the very shallow water. We thought that they were used to people throwing bread for the ducks and were hoping to take advantage. Some of our group later saw a fisherman land one thought to weigh about 18lbs.
 
On our way back to our cars we saw the bird of the night – a Woodcock, in spite of a low species count our evening had been very worthwhile.
 
To make a perfect end to the night, Carole and I saw a Barn Owl on Cortworth Lane as we made our way home. A good end to a very pleasant evening.
 
John Dye
 

 

Old Moor Perimeter
Friday 8th June 2007
 
On an evening that was even better than our May evening meet, (22°C), we set off for our walk around the wetland perimeter at 7.30 pm prompt.
 
On the river we picked up Grey Wagtail and a Blackcap.  On reaching the old railway we saw the most wonderful sight; thousands of wild flowers at their best, including beautiful wild roses. Their scent filled the evening air, a memory to recall in the coming winter evenings.
 
Behind the railway we saw the new scrapes that the RSPB were making, which when finished will extend to Bolton-on-Dearne, making the RSPB area a size to rival Potteric Carr. How lucky we are to have such sites on our doorstep.
 
When we came to rejoin the trans Pennine trail, we saw a group of youths on motorbikes, who, on seeing Roland and myself with my stick, politely enquired “Do you want a hand over the concrete blocks Sir?”
“No thank you” I replied thinking how wrong I am to assume that all youths are louts.
 
Back on the trail we picked up more warblers and a Snipe and arriving back at the tavern about 9.30 pm we took our drinks outside. It was such a pleasant evening.  We left for home at about 10.10 pm after a very enjoyable walk.
John Dye
 

 

Filey and Bempton
Sunday 24 June 2007
 
The Saturday evening weather report for Filey on Sunday was cold and wet so I took with me two coats; one for cold weather and the other for wet. As it turned out I didn’t need either of them. The sun shined, the sea was blue and there was no wind. It was in fact a lovely summer day.
 
Giving myself plenty of time, I left home at 7.30 am and arrived at the Country Park at 9.15 where we were to meet a Filey Brigg Ornithological Group member at 10 am. At about 9.45 George, Irene, Martin, Melissa and Millie arrived and that was it; our full compliment.
 
Embarrassingly, there were more FBOG members to meet us than there were RDOS members. Where were you? Is it too far? Do we have too many field meetings? Please let us know. We wish to please.
 
Martin and family went on to the beach to build sandcastles! Irene, George and I set off to walk along the cliff top watching Fulmars fly by and hundreds of Kittiwake sitting on the sea doing what Kittiwake do when they are not being onomatopoeic. We picked up a few passerines; Skylark, Sand Martin, Swallow, a Tree Pipit, Meadow Pipit and a few butterflies.
 
We then walked down through the fields towards the wood dedicated to Roger Wheway; indicated by a plaque put there by FBOG. We then left the reserve and back to the Country Park for lunch - a bacon sandwich for me. I was looked after very well in the café there – not least for being a member of RDOS – or so they said!
Leaving Millie still playing on the beach, the three of us set off for Bempton. I have never seen it so busy. We did manage to find a parking spot in the overflow car park but only just!
 
Of course Bempton is Bempton. The spectacle of it never ceases to amaze. Hundreds and hundreds of sea birds, Gannets too many to count, Cormorants, cliffs full of nesting Kittiwake, Guillimots, Razorbills, a few comical Puffins and some Rock Dove/Feral Pigeons. To add to all this, the weather was still fine and warm.
 
A good day out. Sorry you missed it.
 
Roland Davies

 

 

Clumber Park
27th July 2007

It was a warm and sunny July evening when the 'magnificent seven' members assembled for our last field meeting of the season at Clumber Park.  Against all the odds, considering the rainfall of the past month (or two!) we couldn't have wished for better weather.
 
This being one of the National Trust’s most popular destinations, we remarked how surprising it was that there were few other people about - very unusual for Clumber Park.
 
As the seven of us began our walk around the chapel we noticed that large parts of the vestry roof were covered in tarpaulin- an unusual sight, but we put this down to repairs (more of this later!).
 
We then walked alongside the lake where we saw the usual array of geese and ducks including a nice group of 12 Tufted Duck which flew down the lake, their wings catching the evening sun and making for a beautiful sight.   We carried on through the woodlands where we had good views of a family party of Spotted Flycatcher, darting out 'butterfly-like' from the trees and catching small flies.
 
In this same area we also saw the familiar shape of a Green Woodpecker on a dead tree and its even more familiar call was then a constant companion for the rest of the walk.
 
It was also useful for comparison to see both Mistle and Song Thrush together and we saw a good variety of other common woodland birds.  We even saw a couple of male Vapourer moths flying around the parklands in search of a wingless female.  The female of this species gives off pheromones but never flies, her life reduced to that of a simple egg laying machine. 

At around 9.30 pm the light was just starting to fade so we returned to our cars and drove to the Nightjar area for the main part of our visit.
 
We did not have to wait long before we heard the familiar churring of these spectacular birds.  In the space of a year the birch scrub had doubled in height and we did not have the clear panoramic view across the heath land that we had enjoyed in previous years. But we needn't had worried, the churring was soon followed by incredible views of Nightjars swiftly flitting from the trees, swooping across the path in front of us and all around our party.
 
The birds were also extremely vocal, making their strange eerie yelping call as well as churring as they flew around us.  On several occasions we were treated to views of two Nightjars together (likely a pair) flitting around just a few feet away from us and then darting into the scrub.
 
We stayed for around an hour until the light started to fade beyond our vision, leaving the area fully satisfied.
 
Magnificent seven, magnificent birds.


As we made our exit out of Clumber Park I noticed a blue flashing light in front of me on the road ahead. As I drove closer, I soon realised that a security van had blocked the road in front of us.  Peter, who was leading the convoy, was already in conversation with a burly man yielding a baton!
 
It transpired that there has been a recent spate of anti-social behaviour in Clumber Park and that the public are no longer allowed in the grounds after dusk!  Oh dear.  The tarpaulin on the chapel was in fact to replace the lead which had been stolen from the roof, even the lightning conductor from the chapel had been removed and criminal activity and vandalism has now become a serious problem at Clumber.
 
We were advised that anyone wishing to visit the park after dusk must now contact The National Trust in advance and receive written permission.  Oh dear again. It seems that any further impromptu visits after dark will now be out of the question.....

Ben Keywood

 

 
RMBC Summer Walks


After the floods, RMBCs Ranger Service was fully occupied with environmental repairs at both Thrybergh and Ulley Country Parks.  Due to resources being required elsewhere they took the decision to cancel all of their summer walks events for this season.
 
This is a shame because despite extremely wet weather on the day of the 'Who Glows There?' event at Lindrick, this later cleared and we enjoyed a warm, sunny evening which would have been perfect for the Midwife Toads.  Admittedly, it may still have been too wet for the gloworms - and it was not to be. 

For our second walk on 15th July we were scheduled for a 'Butterfly Ramble' around Anston Stones Wood.  Despite the event being officially cancelled I did decide to go along anyway (I was supposed to be leading it) just in case any members of the public, or indeed RDOS members turned up!
It was a predictably wet morning, the rain was pouring down and all looked very unhopeful.  But six members of the public turned up and we had a chat in the Anston Parish Hall car park and made them feel welcome.
 
Sadly the weather got steadily worse though, and all but two decided to give it up and go home.  So three brave humans (and one canine) did venture out on the walk, in the rain and we saw a few roosting Marbled White butterflies on the knapweed flowers.
 
Whilst most species will sink deeply into dense vegetation during bad weather or low in the grass crop, Marbled White prefers to 'sit it out' and take the full blast of whatever nature throws at them.  But at least this means we get to see them!  

After saying our goodbyes to one of our party (and his dog) myself and George, who remained, drove down to Lindrick where we totalled a very impressive list:
Marbled White, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Silver Studded Blue, Small White, Green Veined White, Gatekeeper and Small Heath!  And all in the pouring rain.
 
It was well worth it after all!  The only problem was that my trainers were so drenched that it took 4 days for them to dry.
Ben Keywood
 

 

 

Spring and Summer
Mid-week walks 2007
 
After several hours of heavy rain, just seven hardy souls turned out for our February walk round Whiston Meadows. As wellies, wet weather clothes and hats were donned, the sky miraculously cleared and we managed the walk without any further rain.
Numerous ducks were seen on the flooded flash including Teal, Wigeon, Shoveller and Gadwall plus about 200 Black Headed Gulls.
 
In the hedgerows and fields Yellowhammer, Song Thrush, Fieldfare, Sparrowhawk and more common birds were seen. At Bolehill Flash Water Rail was heard.
 
On our return, two Grey Wagtail obligingly sat on the river bank to complete an excellent morning when over 30 species were seen.
 
However the presence of two youths with air rifles was a worrying sight. It is beyond belief that such weapons have not been banned years ago. I am informed by the Home Secretary John Reid, in reply to my letter that it is an Olympic sport and this and several other spurious reasons mean he will not ban them.
 
The highlight of March’s walk round Swinton was the birds in Creighton Woods, where amongst others Lesser and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Linnet, Mistle and Song Thrush together with newly arrived Warblers were seen and heard.
 
In April, on a cloudy but warm day we walked from Old Moor to Elsecar along the canal. We heard and saw numerous warblers including Lesser Whitethroat. Butterfly species including Small Copper and Comma were seen.
 
Yet again we were disgusted to see youths with air rifles. Last year a swan family was shot on this canal. We were pleased to see the police in pursuit of these yobs but too late unfortunately they were long gone.
 
Winter returned for the May walk down Burbage. Even with the 7.30 am start we failed, for the first time, to see Ring Ouzel; although Wheatear, Curlew, Kestrel, Cuckoo and Raven were seen in this part of the walk.
 
We continued down Padley Gorge where numerous male and female Pied Flycatchers were busily feeding young. Other highlights included Redstart, several Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Tree Pipits and a family of Treecreepers. By lunchtime the sun was out as we sat outside for our picnic. Cuckoo and Woodpeckers were seen in our post-prandial walk round Longshaw.
 
Unfortunately, the Great Flood meant we had to cancel the June walk.
 
Summer finally arrived for our July walk down Coombes Dale. This beautiful Derbyshire dale is well known for its butterflies and flowers and the botanists and entomologists among us were not disappointed.
 
The highlights were numerous Dark Green Fritillaries and Brown Argus. We also had excellent views of Spotted Flycatcher and Redstart as well as a pair of Buzzards and several Kestrel. We had a very good turn-out for this very enjoyable and memorable walk.
Ken Tupholme

 

 

RDOS and Sheds
Maltby Hall Infants School were making a nature area to introduce the younger pupils to the joys of wildlife and bird watching. RDOS were asked to put up some nest boxes the children had made; and then perhaps erect a bird hide.
 
George Shentall and I went to visit the school which is tucked away almost out of sight. There we met science teacher Cheryl Day who I must say is very enthusiastic about her project.
 
We arranged to go to the school one afternoon to put up the nest boxes in the wood next to the nature area; an ideal site.
 
Cheryl then asked us if we had any ideas for a bird hide. After some thought we decided that the best course of action was to obtain a wooden shed and convert it. Whilst I was on holiday, George and Cheryl went to see the shed people who were very good. Not only would they provide the shed, they would convert it into a bird hide, deliver it and erect it too.
So now the children have a very good nature area. It is very satisfying to be able to help these possible future members of RDOS.
 
Thanks to “Rotherham Sheds, Fencing and Garden Centre”, Bawtry Road, Bramley for their kind help and generosity
 
Roland Davies
 

 

Ulley Tree Sparrow Nest Boxes
Duncan Bye was pleased to be able to hand over the first of 12 RDOS Trust funded Tree Sparrow nest boxes to ranger Jim Laughton at Ulley Country Park. This project is part of the winter feed RDOS provide at this site to maintain the Tree Sparrow population here. Thanks to George Shentall for making the boxes.
Duncan Bye
 

 

33rd Annual General Meeting
13th April 2007
The Society President Ben Keywood welcomed 33 members to the 33rd AGM of the RDOS. He received apologies for absence from D Bye, M Greenland, M Wright, J Garnet, S Jordan and J Sheerin.
 
In his opening address, Ben praised the fund raising efforts of Pat Wheway and many other society members. Their hard work had resulted in almost £2000 from the Trust Fund being donated to a variety of bird conservation projects.
 
As well as raising money for wildlife Ben also wanted us to raise the profile of the society within Rotherham. Increased publicity for our activities could only benefit local wildlife conservation and perhaps increase our membership to a round 100.
 
Following the reading of last year’s minutes, the Hon. Sec. Malcolm Taylor outlined the Society’s many successful activities over the past year.
 
George Shentall continued to organise a diverse and interesting indoor programme at our United Reform Church venue while John Dye and Ken Tupholme arranged a wide variety of walks to suit all capabilities and appetites.
 
Both coach trips, to slowly disappearing Spurn and still evolving Martin Mere, produced birds a plenty and well-filled coaches. Our only hiccup in the planned programme was the cancellation of the February meeting when a “flash” snowfall in Sheffield prevented our speaker from travelling.
 
In his financial report the new Hon. Treasurer Ken Tupholme thanks Ivor Jordan for a smooth transfer of the necessary paperwork and for leaving the Society’s finances in a sound state.
 
Last years subscription increase had provided necessary insurance against rising costs and increased fees. Alma Owen’s decision to run down her bird of prey aviaries meant that the Trust Fund had surplus monies to divert into providing nest boxes for local junior schools and country parks.
 
In Duncan Bye’s absence Ben read out the Recorder’s annual report. Duncan thanked everyone for the survey records he had received. Whatever the season there is always an RDOS form to complete.
 
Duncan hoped to have the latest Birds Of Rotherham ready for early autumn so please keep sending in your recording slips. These records are vital in fighting for wildlife in Rotherham. His report showed that almost any bird can turn up within our recording area. Perhaps the Leach’s Petrel found outside a beauticians in Flanderwell was the most unexpected record!
 
More worrying were the few records received for summer visitors like Turtle Dove, Spotted Flycatcher and Cuckoo. Loss of breeding habitat cannot be the answer as Rotherham’s countryside has not changed that much over the past ten years.
 
Ben thanked Duncan for his hard work compiling all the records on the RMBC computer and for providing serious bird articles for CHAT.
 
All the committee members were willing to stand again and they were duly re-elected by a show of hands. Andy Swinden has agreed to continue in the position of Auditor for another year.
 
Ben thanked Ivor Jordan for his many years of hard work whilst carrying out twin roles of Hon. Treasurer and CHAT Editor and closed the AGM by thanking everyone for their support over the past year. He was sure that the forthcoming year would be equally successful and enjoyable.
 
Malcolm Taylor