Sprotbrough flash and the Don Gorge 2025

YWT Sprotbrough Flash Nature Reserve is located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire and is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). A rich haven for a wide variety of Wildlife with diverse habitats comprising of Wetland, Open water, Ancient woodland, Plantation and Limestone grassland set in the heart of the Don Gorge Valley on the river Don and along the Trans Pennine trail (TPT). Displaying Great crested Grebe's.

194 bird species have been recorded at Sprotbrough Flash since 1957 with 118 species recorded during 2025. The catchment area for recording purposes comprises of Sprotbrough flash, Pot Ridings wood, Levitt Hagg wood, Limestone Grassland, Plantation, Trans Pennine Trail and river Don. Areas where birds are known to travel into or through the catchment have also been included. Catchment area. 

January Sightings

On the 1st a Barn owl was perching at the edge of the field after overnight snow had made hunting difficult, along the TPT black ice had made the path slippery underfoot. The resident Mute swans moved to the river and in the Canal a Goosander was diving in open water while a Grey heron was noted with a very large fish. At the Heron hide Great spotted woodpecker was drumming while Jays were caching nuts from the feeding station occasionally interrupted by a belligerent Magpie. A Fox was spotted crossing the frozen Flash on the 15th and a Badger was observed on the path on the 26th near Tower cottages. Barn Owl.

By the 3rd the ice had melted sufficiently to enable a Kingfisher to fish from a branch at the Kingfisher hide where a Water rail called but remained elusive. Black-headed gulls were flushed by a Sparrowhawk and at the viewing screen 3 Common snipe were showing well. Heavy rain on the 6th caused local flooding at the Boat Inn and Pastures road was closed. Temperatures dropped to -5° and a Kingfisher was observed fishing at the Lock while a Water rail was seen skating on ice at the Flash. The cold snap continued for the next few weeks displacing much of the usual resident bird population. Common Snipe.

Wetland bird counts recorded 2 Mute swans, 4 Greylag geese, 4 Canada geese, 34 Gadwall, 18 Tufted duck, 24 Mallard, 4 Teal, 8 Shoveler, 1(m) Pochard, 2(f) Goosander, 18 Cormorant, 4 Grey heron, 2 Little grebe, 68 Black-headed gull, 46 Coot 1 Herring gull, 14 Moorhen and 1 Little egret reported near the weir. Cetti's warbler, Chiffchaff , Wren, Common buzzard, Bullfinch, Goldcrest, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Wood pigeon, Stock dove, Feral pigeon, Collared dove and Song thrush were all recorded. Ring-necked parakeet was noted on the 4th and 11th from the car park and Raven was spotted passing over on the 9th. Northern Shoveler.

On the 22nd a Merlin was reported at Scabba wood and on the 30th a pair of Peregrine falcon were recorded over Levitt Hagg wood. Pied wagtail, Reed bunting, House sparrow, Greenfinch, Nuthatch, Long-tailed tit, Green woodpecker, Siskin, Tawny owl, (f) Blackcap, Blackbird, Robin, Great tit, Blue tit, Coal tit, Redwing, Starling, Treecreeper, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Pheasant, Grey partridge, Red-legged partridge, Meadow pipit, Mistle thrush, Lesser redpoll, Red kite and Kestrel were also spotted in the catchment area. Storm Éowyn on the 24th brought down a mature tree at the Kingfisher hide blocking the path and damaging the fencing. As the month ended a total of 72 Individual bird species was recorded during January. Merlin.

February Sightings

On the 1st, Teal were noted displaying while from the woods Green woodpecker and Tawny owl were vocal. Birds began pairing up, Kingfishers, Cetti's warbler and Reed buntings were among the first to be observed. On the 4th 4 Otters were recorded on the Flash, the Otters which looked like a family group of a female and 3 juveniles were observed at the edge of the reeds opposite Kingfisher hide. On the 14th 4 female and 1 male Brambling were reported on the TPT with 30 Chaffinch while on Cadeby road, 100+ Redwing, Fieldfare, Mistle thrush and Starling were reported in a Sheep field. American mink activity increased with numerous sightings of a pair (one pale grey) on the abandoned barges near the Lock and a Weasel was recorded near the Kingfisher hide on the 10th. Cetti's Warbler.

Wetland bird counts recorded 10 Mute swan, 300 Pink-footed geese (over), 2 Greylag geese, 9 Canada geese, 2 Wigeon, 22 Gadwall, 18 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 18 Tufted duck, 4 Goosander, 22 Cormorant, 12 Teal, 1 Water rail, 3 Grey heron, 4 Little grebe, 14 Moorhen, 28 Coot, 7 Common snipe, 2 Herring gull and 40 Black-headed gull. On the 15th a Little egret was recorded at the Falls and on the 26th a Great white egret was recorded at the Flash. 31 Lapwing passed through on the 20th and a probable Lesser scaup was reported among Tufted ducks on the 3rd. A Great crested grebe returned on the 22nd. Pochard.

A Peregrine falcon passed over on the 8th followed by a Cream-crowned Marsh harrier reported on the 14th. 2 Red Kites were observed passing through on the 22nd while Common buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk were regularly recorded. Ring-necked parakeet was recorded at the Lock area and Little owl was reported on Spring Lane. Grey partridge, Red-legged partridge, Pheasant, Collared dove, Stock dove, Wood pigeon, Feral pigeon, Jackdaw, Jay, Carrion crow, Magpie and Raven were spotted locally. Red Kite.

Supplementary winter feeding ended during February with regular visitors to the feeding stations including Blue tit, Long-tailed tit, Great tit, Coal tit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Robin, Dunnock, Treecreeper, Blackcap, Blackbird and Great spotted woodpecker. Wren, Chiffchaff, Nuthatch, House sparrow, Greenfinch, Song thrush, Bullfinch, Grey wagtail, Pied wagtail, Goldcrest and Meadow pipit were recorded in the catchment area and a Stonechat was reported along Cadeby mile. A total of 78 individual bird species was recorded in February with 85 species recorded for the year to date. Treecreeper.

March Sightings

On the 5th (4 male and 3 female) Goosanders were recorded while on the 6th after some weed gathering and head shaking a pair of Great crested grebe's began an elaborate courtship routine. On the 7th a Red kite was spotted heading towards Pot Ridings woods and 2 Chiffchaff were singing on the TPT. At the Flash several Cetti's warbler were vocal and pair of Reed bunting plucked the head of a Reedmace. Common buzzard was seen having a Toad for breakfast on the 10th from the Kingfisher hide and a Marsh harrier was reported over Cadeby. Woodcock was recorded near the top of Nursery lane on the 15th. Common Buzzard.

Wetland bird counts recorded 4 Mute swan, 19 Whooper swan (NW), 60 Pink-feet (NW), 38 Greylag geese, 14 Canada geese, 18 Gadwall, 24 Mallard, 5 Pochard, 20 Tufted duck, 7 Goosander, 16 Cormorant, 8 Teal, 1 Little egret, 4 Grey heron, 1 Water rail, 5 moorhen, 1 Little grebe, 2 Great crested grebe, 18 Coot, 4 Snipe, 4 Lapwing, 32 Black-headed gull and 1 Herring gull. Northern Lapwing.

At the Heron hide a Kestrel perched in a tree and a Sparrowhawk passed overhead. Raven, Jay, Ring-necked parakeet, Peregrine falcon, Wood pigeon, Feral pigeon, Stock dove, Collared dove, Pheasant, Grey Partridge and Red-legged partridge were all recorded locally along with sightings of Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Stonechat and Linnet. At Newton farm the set-aside was almost dry with 2 Jack snipe and 3 Common snipe reported while Song thrush, Nuthatch, Blackcap, Great tit, Blue tit, Robin, Long-tailed tit, Dunnock, Wren, Magpie, Jackdaw, Chaffinch, Carrion crow, Blackbird, Bullfinch, Green woodpecker and Grey wagtail and were also recorded during the month in the catchment area. Skylark.

On the 10th 4 Otters (3 juveniles and 1 adult female) were recorded from the Heron hide as they swam in to the reedbed after being harassed by several Black-headed gulls. On the 15th near the viewing screen a Weasel foraged in the undergrowth while on the TPT a Stoat was recorded as it crossed the path. Other birds noted included Yellowhammer, Pied wagtail, Sand martin, Goldcrest, Greenfinch, Treecreeper, Starling, Redwing, Coal tit, Goldfinch, House sparrow, Great spotted woodpecker and Mistle thrush. Sadly a dead Tawny owl was found in the Canal on the 31st. 80 individual bird species was recorded in March with a total of 92 bird species recorded for the year to date. Otter.

April Sightings

New life came to the Flash in April, on the 19th at the screen a pair of Coot had 5 chicks while on the 22nd a pair of Mallard was seen at the Kingfisher hide with 4 ducklings. Great crested grebe’s were on a nest with 4 eggs on the 27th and 3 pair of Northern lapwing displayed. The absence of the resident female Mute swan was an indication that she may be on a nest while at the quarry a pair of Mute swans already had 6 Cygnets. On the 22nd a pair of Common tern returned to the Flash and have become frequent visitors with the male seen feeding the female on the 27th. 50+ Sand martin were recorded during the month along with sightings of House martin, Barn swallow and Common swift. Coot.

On the 6th a Willow warbler began to sing along the TPT while on the 14th a Garden warbler was recorded from the viewing screen and later at the Heron hide. Cetti’s warblers continued to be vocal and on the 22nd Sedge warbler and Reed warbler was recorded from the Kingfisher hide with Common whitethroat spotted nearby. Most of the Garden birds was noted carrying nesting material or food including Goldcrest, Blue tit, Great tit, Grey wagtail, Robin, Dunnock, Blackcap, Blackbird, Chaffinch and Long-tailed tit while a Wren and a Chiffchaff was seen displaying and a pair of Northern lapwing was observed mating. Reed Warbler.

Wetland bird counts recorded 2 Mute swan, 48 Greylag geese, 16 Canada geese, 20 Tufted duck, 6 Lapwing, 8 Teal, 14 Gadwall, 20 Mallard,6 Pochard, 9 Cormorant, 4 Grey heron, 1 Little grebe, 2 Great crested grebe, 8 Moorhen, 22 Coot, 16 Black-headed gull, 1 Herring gull and 2 Common tern. An Oystercatcher was seen on the 3rd and 2 Little ringed plover were recorded on the 4th. On the 6th a Little egret was reported while on the 8th a Common snipe was noted. Kingfisher activity dropped off and Water rail was seldom recorded. Pheasant, Red-legged partridge and Grey Partridge were noted on nearby fields. Mallard.

Green woodpecker, Great spotted woodpecker, Tawny owl, Hobby, Carrion crow, Raven, Jackdaw, Magpie, Common buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Stock dove, Wood pigeon, Feral pigeon, Treecreeper, Jay, Skylark, Starling, Siskin, Collared dove House sparrow, Reed bunting, Pied wagtail, Song thrush, Linnet, Nuthatch, Meadow pipit, Rook, Coal tit, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Yellow wagtail and Bullfinch were all spotted in the catchment area. There were no further sightings of Peregrine falcon after disturbance at their local nest site. Ring-necked parakeet wasn’t recorded either. A total of 83 bird species were recorded during April with 106 species recorded for the year to date. Coal Tit.

May Sightings

Spring is a productive time at the Flash with the arrival of summer visitors, new growth, and warm long days while Passage migrants bring an opportunity of something special turning up, this month was no exception. On the 4th a pair of Ospreys were reported over the Flash, one bird caught a fish before the pair headed over the Boat Inn. On the 7th 2 Common sandpipers were noted along with a single sighting on the 19th and on the 23rd a Bittern was recorded flying into the reed-bed at the Heron hide. Despite a poorly constructed and partially submerged nest, Great crested grebe's managed to hatch 2 of their 4 eggs on the 16th and stayed on their nest until the 26th before reluctantly abandoning their 2 un-hatched eggs. Bittern.

On the 21st at the weir 3 juvenile Grey wagtail were recorded while at the Heron hide on the 28th an adult pair of Pied wagtail were noted with a juvenile. Other juveniles recorded during the month included Robin, Blue tit, Great tit, and Long-tailed tit. At the quarry Lesser black-backed gulls were nesting and Herring gull was reported along with Little ringed plover. Willow warbler, Reed warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Common whitethroat, Sedge warbler and Cetti's warbler were all noted holding territory. Goldcrest, Wren, Goldfinch, Treecreeper, Linnet, Bullfinch, Reed bunting, Common tern, Common swift, Sand martin, House martin, Barn swallow, Nuthatch, Chaffinch and Song thrush were also noted in the catchment. Common Tern.

Wetland bird counts recorded 6 Mute swan 9 Greylag geese, 14 Canada geese, 6 Cormorant, 2 Tufted duck, 14 Gadwall, 18 Mallard, 1 Bittern, 1 Common sandpiper, 2 Lesser black-backed gull, 3 Herring gull, 2 Little ringed plover, 4 Teal, 16 Coot, 2 Great crested grebe, 1 Little grebe, 1 Little egret, 5 Grey heron, 8 Moorhen, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Water rail, 5 Norther lapwing and 12 Black-headed gull. Mallard, Coot and Moorhen was all noted as successfully breeding. On the 14th a Canada gosling was spotted and on the 26th 3 Lapwing chicks while on the 29th a pair of Greylag geese heroically defended their single gosling from the resident Cob who had become aggressive. On the 15th a pair of Mute swan and their 6 cygnets most likely from the quarry was attacked at the viewing screen by the resident pair. The visiting female, shaken and covered in mud retreated to the river but lost 4 of her cygnets during the vicious encounter. Single Canada Gosling.

78 individual bird species were recorded during May with a total of 109 species recorded for the year to date. Common buzzard, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Hobby, Green woodpecker, Great spotted woodpecker, Jackdaw, Tawny owl, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Magpie, Raven, Wood pigeon, Collared dove, Red-legged partridge, Jay, Rock dove, House sparrow, Starling, Grey partridge, Pheasant, Stock dove, Greenfinch, Dunnock and Coal tit were also recorded in the catchment area. Otter, Rabbit, Toad, Roe deer, Weasel, Grey squirrel, American mink, Bank vole, Frog, Fox and Grass snake was also recorded. Kestrel.

June Sightings

Solstice on the 21st was the longest day and marked a transition between seasons as spring became summer. High pressure brought a spell of prolonged hot weather to the Flash where a female Roe deer was noted on a number of occasions with her Kid. From the Heron hide a Hobby was regularly recorded hawking the field. Black-tailed skimmers turned up in good numbers, in the meadow Common spotted orchid were in bloom. On the 28th a Purple emperor butterfly was observed on Buddleia and was the first record for Sprotbrough Flash and only the second record for the County of South Yorkshire.  Hobby.

Wetland bird counts recorded 6 Mute swan, 3 Greylag geese, 4 Canada geese, 2 Tufted duck, 4 Cormorant, 6 Moorhen, 10 Gadwall, 16 Mallard, 9 Coot 5 Grey heron, 4 Great crested grebe, 1 Little grebe, 1 Water rail, 7 Northern lapwing, 2 Common tern, 1 Lesser black-back gull, 8 Black-headed gull, 1 Little egret, 1 Bittern and 2 Herring gull. An Oystercatcher was recorded at the weir on the 15th and 3 Common sandpiper were recorded at the Kingfisher hide on the 23rd. Kingfisher activity was scarce with several sightings of an adult passing through carrying fish. Towards the end of the month the resident female Mute swan returned to the Flash and doesn't appear to have bred this year. Common sandpiper.

Raven, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Grey Partridge, Common buzzard, Green woodpecker, Tawny owl, Kestrel, Common whitethroat, Sparrowhawk, Pheasant, Red-legged partridge, , Cetti's warbler, Reed warbler, Sedge warbler, Great spotted woodpecker, Sand martin, Blackcap, Willow warbler, House martin, Common swift, Barn swallow, Garden warbler, Magpie, Chiffchaff, Linnet, Nuthatch, Greenfinch, Song thrush, Goldcrest, Blackbird, Reed bunting, Grey wagtail, Pied wagtail, Treecreeper, Stock dove, Collared dove, Wood pigeon, Feral pigeon, House sparrow, Robin, Dunnock, Bullfinch, Wren, Great tit, Blue tit, Coal tit, Long-tailed tit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch Wren, Peregrine falcon, Starling and Jay were all noted in the catchment area. On the 10th Little owl was noted on Spring lane and Skylark was noted on Cadeby mile. Great spotted Woodpecker.

79 individual bird species were recorded during June with a total of 109 species recorded for the year to date. Other sightings were American mink, Bank vole, Grey squirrel, Grass snake and a female Roe deer and Kid. Butterflies were Purple emperor, Large skipper, Meadow brown, Ringlet and a Cinnabar moth caterpillar. Dragonflies included Black-tailed skimmer, Blue-tailed damselfly, Brown hawker and Ruddy darter while invertebrates were Spotted long-horn beetle, Common grasshopper and Swollen-thighed beetle. Plants of note were Birds-foot trefoil, Common spotted orchid, St John's wort, Mouse-eared hawkweed, Ragwort and Common centaury (Stomach bitter). Purple Emperor Image courtesy of © Alison Lovell.

July Sightings

On the 16th a Dunlin was observed from the Kingfisher hide and was the first sighting since August 2021. 2 Green sandpiper were also noted along with Common sandpiper seen at the Heron hide . A pair of Stock dove fledged young from the Owl box and 2 adult Common terns were noted on the Flash with 2 juveniles. 3 sub-adult Water rails were spotted from the Heron hide on the 19th and 26th while on the 23rd 3 juvenile Ravens were recorded as they perched on the Osprey stand. Butterfly sightings increased with Silver washed fritillary, Large white, Gatekeeper, Marbled white, Common blue, 6 Spot burnet, Comma, Speckled wood, Peacock, Small white, Green veined white, Holly blue, Red admiral, Meadow brown, White-letter hairstreak and Ringlet all recorded during the month. Raven.

Wetland bird counts recorded 9 Mute swan (6a3j), 1 Greylag geese, 3 Canada geese, 16 Gadwall, 22 Mallard, 1m Pochard, 1f Shoveler, 4 Cormorant, 1 Bittern, 5 Little grebe (2a 3j), 2 Great crested grebe (1a1j), 4 Grey heron, 4 Water rail (1a3j) 1 Little egret, 9 Coot, 6 Lapwing, 1 Dunlin, 4 Common tern (2a2j), 1 Common sandpiper, 2 Green sandpiper, 15 Black-headed gull and 2 juvenile Kingfisher. The aggressive pair of Mute swans (Y413, Y793) who had been on and off the Flash off since 2023 moved on leaving an opening for the pair on the river (Y914 and Y888) and their remaining 2 cygnets to return to the Flash. Kingfisher sightings increased as 2 young birds were regularly seen from the Heron hide. Dunlin.

On the 7th a male Greenfinch was observed with 4 fledglings near the entrance to the Kingfisher hide while on the 16th a Cuckoo was recorded opposite the Heron hide and a male Yellow wagtail was noted from the middle path on the 24th. Sparrowhawk chicks called from the Plantation while the adults were seen carrying prey items, Common buzzard chicks were also heard nearby. Barn owl was reported along Pastures road and Little owl was reported on Spring lane. A Roe buck was noted several times alone at the Flash while the Doe was spotted with a Kid. A Fox was noted on the 11th and 15th while the Grey Mink was also recorded along with Weasel, Rabbit, Grey squirrel and Bank vole. Sparrowhawk.

78 individual bird species were recorded during July with a total of 112 species recorded for the year to date. Grey wagtail, Pied wagtail, Sand martin, Barn swallow, House martin, Common swift, Carrion crow, Wren, Magpie, Jackdaw, Pheasant, Red-legged partridge, Grey partridge, Kestrel, Hobby, Tawny owl, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Willow warbler, Cetti’s warbler, Garden warbler, Common whitethroat, Reed warbler, Dunnock, Great tit, Blue tit, Long-tailed tit, Reed bunting, Nuthatch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Goldcrest, Coal tit, Jay, Robin, Skylark, Blackbird, Song thrush, House sparrow, Starling, Treecreeper, Feral pigeon, Wood pigeon, Collared dove , Green and Great spotted woodpecker was noted in the catchment. Green Woodpecker.

August Sightings

On the 5th a mixed flock of c50 Swift, Swallows and Martins were observed hawking the Plantation. On the 10th c90 Swallows were noted feeding and resting on overhead cables, by the 13th the number had increased to c200 in the Don valley and by the 15th these numbers were at c500 on the power lines which erupted and left en masse. On the 23rd another gathering of c300 Swallow and Martins was observed feeding and resting on the overhead cables along with 8 Common swift recorded hawking the fields. A pair of Peregrine falcons were recorded heading over Levitt Hagg on the 4th while on the 9th a Red kite was spotted passing through. On the 10th Tawny owl was heard calling from Pot Ridings wood while on the 12th 2 Ring-necked parakeet were recorded in the trees over the river near the Lock. Barn Swallow.

Mute swans (Y914/Y888) remained on the flash with their 2 cygnets while down the river more Mute swans were reported and were probably an adult pair and their 4 cygnets from Newton farm. Moorhens continued to have chicks with another 4 observed at the Kingfisher hide and 4 at the Heron hide. Both pairs managing to keep the chicks safe from predation. Wetland bird counts recorded 8 Mute swan, 18 Gadwall, 22 Mallard, 2 Tufted duck, 4 Little grebe, 1 Great crested grebe, 2 Water rail, 15 Moorhen, 9 Coot, 1 Common snipe, 6 Cormorant, 1 Little egret, 6 Grey heron, 2 Common tern and 4 Black-headed gull. Water rails were recorded from both hides with juveniles and are most likely 2 breeding pair. Kingfisher activity increased on the river with reports from some of the fishermen of multiple sightings while on the Flash 2 juveniles were often seen passing the Kingfisher hide or perched up at the Heron hide. Kingfisher.

Common buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Green woodpecker, Great spotted woodpecker, Raven, Jackdaw, Magpie, Jay, Carrion crow, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Reed warbler, Cetti’s warbler, Willow warbler, Dunnock, Reed bunting, Bullfinch, Nuthatch, Song thrush, Treecreeper, Goldcrest, Linnet, Goldfinch, Robin, Wren, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Coal tit, Long-tailed tit, Great tit, Blue tit, Pied wagtail and Grey wagtail were all recorded in the catchment area. On the 2nd a single Crossbill was seen passing through heading NE. On the 10th a Yellow wagtail was observed from the Kingfisher hide and on the 23rd 2 Yellowhammer were reported in a local garden. Willow Warbler.

71 Individual bird species were recorded in August with a total of 113 species recorded for the year to date. Red-legged partridge, Grey partridge, Pheasant, Starling, House sparrow, Rock dove, Stock dove, Collared dove and Wood pigeon were also recorded while other sightings included the female Roe deer and her Kid, Grey squirrel, Rabbit and Bank vole. A Grey Mink seen around the reserve earlier in the season was found dead on Boat lane on the 25th and had presumably been hit by a car. Stock Dove.

September Sightings

Waterfowl numbers increased as Greylag geese and Canada geese returned to the Flash and several skeins of Pink-footed geese passed overhead. On the 3rd a Spotted flycatcher was recorded along the TPT and a small flock of 8 Black-tailed godwit passed through and was the first record since 1990. On the 6th an Osprey was observed fishing at the Heron hide before taking off towards Fowlsyke Flash. On the 10th a male Mandarin was reported along with 2 Common sandpiper. On the 13th a Great white egret was noted and 4 Spoonbill were reported passing through and on the 16th a single Common sandpiper was recorded. On the 20th and 21st respectively Further sightings of 2 Great white egret were recorded. Osprey.

On the 1st 3 Red kites were reported above Sprotbrough and 2 Common buzzard were seen over the Flash. Along the TPT 3 Ring-necked parakeets were recorded. On the 7th 2 Red kite and a Hobby were recorded with further Hobby sightings on the 17th and 20th respectively. Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Tawny owl were also recorded on several occasions. A steady flow of passage birds heading south included Sand Martin, Barn swallow, Common swift, Meadow pipit and House martin. A juvenile Stonechat was recorded several times along with Common whitethroat, Chiffchaff, Siskin, Willow warbler, Blackcap, Linnet, Song thrush and 15 Mistle thrush were reported nearby on Spring lane. Ring-necked Parakeet.

Wetland bird counts recorded 5 Mute swan, 41 Pink-footed geese, 60 Greylag geese, 24 Canada geese, 177 Gadwall, 50 Mallard, 8 Shoveler, 2 Tufted duck, 5 Cormorant, 20 Teal, 1 Little egret, 3 Grey heron, 5 Little grebe, 1 Great crested grebe, 1 Water rail, 9 Moorhen, 16 Coot, 4 Spoonbill 3 Great white egret, 3 Common sandpiper and 1m Mandarin. Further down the river Don at Newton Ings 50 Mallard, 20 Teal, 92 Lapwing, 3 Common snipe, 20 Rook, 4 Chiffchaff and 8 Meadow pipit were reported before being flushed by a dog. Most of the disturbed birds were seen heading towards the Flash. Kingfisher activity continued and Cetti’s warbler was heard calling a number of times on the reserve. Great white Egret.

83 individual bird species were spotted in September with a total of 117 species recorded for the year to date. Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Raven, Green woodpecker, Great spotted woodpecker, Pheasant, Grey partridge, Red-legged Partridge, Black-headed gull, Herring gull, Treecreeper, Nuthatch, Feral pigeon, Stock dove, Wood pigeon, Collared dove, Blue tit, Great tit, Coal tit, Long-tailed tit, Blackbird, Dunnock, Starling Robin, House sparrow, Grey wagtail, Pied wagtail, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch and Wren were all recorded in the catchment area. Other sightings of note were Grey squirrel, Bank vole, Field mouse, Roe deer and Kid, Frog and American mink with a dead juvenile Coot. Grey Partridge.

October Sightings

Autumn at the Flash brought cooler shorter days, waterfowl numbers continued to increase with Gadwall, Wigeon, Teal and Northern shoveler returning in good numbers. 220 Pink-feet passed through in 3 Skeins and the aggressive pair of Mute swans (Y413/Y793) were back, no doubt contributing to the disappearance of the current Mute swan pair (Y914/Y888) and their 2 juveniles who had been on the Flash since mid-July. Blackbird, Song thrush and Mistle thrush sightings increased while on the 20th 15 Redpoll were spotted in the trees opposite the Kingfisher hide. On the 30th 50 Fieldfare were noted passing over and 2 Redwing was spotted on the TPT which was laden with berries as if preparing for the influx of winter thrushes. Fieldfare.

Wetland bird counts recorded 2 Mute swans, 220 Pink-footed geese, 33 Wigeon, 242 Gadwall, 16 Shoveler, 30 Teal, 40 Mallard, 10 Tufted duck, 16 Moorhen,1 Water rail, 8 Little Grebe, 30 Coot, 3 Common Snipe, 1 Great crested grebe, 12 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Great white egret, 3 Grey heron and 40 Black-headed Gull. At Fowlsyke Flash a Green woodpecker was recorded while a Great spotted woodpecker was observed on utility cables between the 2 hides. Stock dove, Wood pigeon, Collared dove, Feral pigeon, Pheasant, Grey partridge and Red-legged partridge were all reported locally. Wigeon.

On the 17th Tawny owl was recorded in Pot Ridings wood and on the 20th 7 Goldcrest were recorded along the path. On the 24th 8 Ring-necked parakeet were reported at the village school and both male and female Blackcap were spotted along the TPT. Common buzzard, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel were regularly recorded throughout the month while Chiffchaff and Cetti’s warbler were recorded on several occasions. Kingfisher activity continued on the Flash and along the river. Carrion crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Magpie and Jay were also recorded along with a Raven noted over Levitt Hagg wood on the 23rd. Goldcrest.

69 individual bird species was recorded during October with a total 117 species recorded for the year to date. Great tit, Blue tit, Long-tailed tit, Coal tit, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Bullfinch, Goldfinch, Blackbird, Robin, Starling, Wren, Skylark, Meadow pipit, Dunnock, House sparrow, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Grey wagtail and Pied wagtail were also recorded in the catchment area. Nuthatch.

November Sightings

A flock of 8 Golden plover passed over on the 7th and a further 15 were spotted in fields along Cadeby mile. This was the first record since 2015. On the 13th 3 Siskin were observed with 9 Goldfinch feeding on Alder while 7 Redpoll were recorded feeding on a Silver birch. Storm Claudia brought heavy rain on the 14th with flooding and road closures. At Sprotbrough the river Don was high and fast flowing depositing debris at the Weir but defences held and with the assistance of a DMBC mobile pump, flooding was avoided. A cold snap followed bringing snow and Ice and removing any doubt that winter was coming while trees along the TPT remained laden with berries, a blessing for winter wildlife. On the 22nd a male Goosander was recorded and was noted regularly after. On the 24th 2 Peregrine falcon were seen near Pot Ridings wood. Golden Plover.

The aggressive pair of Mute swans were still around and were probably the reason for the absence of Canada and Greylag Geese while Pink-footed geese continued passing over with 580 noted in 2 skeins. Wetland bird counts recorded 33 Wigeon, 280 Gadwall, 40 Mallard, 25 Shoveler, 10 Tufted duck, 44 Coot, 24 Moorhen, 20 Teal, 3 Water rail, 5 Little grebe, 16 Cormorant, 8 Common snipe, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Herring gull and 120 Black-headed gull. Kingfisher activity tapered off with sporadic sightings from the hides and along the river. Great spotted woodpecker and Green woodpecker were both recorded. Gadwall.

Fieldfare were recorded passing through while flocks of Redwing dominated the TPT feeding on Hawthorn berries along the path and was joined by Song thrush and Blackbirds. Jay was observed on the 24th carrying an acorn and 2 Raven were spotted heading over Pot Ridings woods while on the 7th 2 Rook were recorded on a nearby field. At Cadeby mile Linnet numbers were beginning to increase with 40 reported on the 13th along with a Skylark. On the Flash Chiffchaff and Blackcap were recorded along with the sedentary Cetti’s warbler and Stock dove began showing interest in the Owl box at the Kingfisher hide. Rook.

71 individual bird species was spotted in November with a total of 118 species recorded for the year to date. Red-legged partridge, Grey Partridge, Pheasant, Ring-necked parakeet, Goldcrest, Great tit, Long-tailed tit, Blue tit, Coal tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Starling, Robin, Dunnock, Greenfinch, House sparrow, Red kite, Grey wagtail, Pied wagtail, Tawny owl, Wood pigeon Collared dove, Magpie, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Wren, Feral pigeon, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Common Buzzard, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk were noted in the catchment area. Roe deer, Bank vole, Fox, American mink, and Weasel were also recorded. Tawny Owl.

December Sightings

Geese returned to the Flash in numbers with 230 Greylag geese and 6 Canada geese seen on the field and 50 Pink footed geese spotted passing over on the 13th. The resident Mute swans are known to be aggressive and were generally tolerant of all the new arrivals until a pair of Mute swans dropped in on the 19th prompting a swift response from the residents who immediately evicted the interlopers. Increased water level was enough to move on a lot of the waterfowl, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard and Gadwall numbers reduced while Tufted ducks began to pick up at the end of the month along with Shoveler. A male Goosander was joined by a female on the 12th and the pair remained together for the rest of the month. Male and female Goosander.

Wetland bird counts recorded 4 Mute swan, 4 Grey heron, 230 Greylag geese, 6 Canada geese, 50 Pink-feet, 14 Cormorant, 6 Shoveler, 12 Tufted duck, 68 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 28 Mallard, 12 Moorhen, 1 Water rail, 5 Little grebe, 32 Coot, 1 Common snipe, 8 Teal, 40 Black headed gull, 5 Herring gull and 1 pair Goosander. 50 Northern lapwing passed over on 31st while sightings of Common snipe were scarce and Water rail were mainly heard with an occasional sighting. Kingfisher activity was scarce and confined to the river and canal sightings were fleeting. Water Rail.

Cream crowned Marsh harrier was reported flying out of the reeds at the Kingfisher hide on the 19th while Common buzzard, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Peregrine falcon and Tawny owl were all seen during the month. Redwing continued to dominate the TPT path with additional sightings of Fieldfare, Mistle thrush, Song thrush and Blackbird. 35 Redpoll were reported on the 17th and on the 22nd 20 Siskin were spotted at the Kingfisher hide. There were no further sightings of Green woodpecker or Ring-necked parakeet although Great spotted woodpecker was recorded on the 22nd. Redwing.

72 individual bird species was recorded in December with a total of 118 species recorded for the year to date. Pheasant, Grey partridge, Red-legged partridge, Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Feral pigeon, Wood pigeon, Raven, Collared dove, Stock dove, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Bullfinch, Robin, Blue tit, Great tit, Jay, Blackcap, Dunnock, Long-tailed tit, Greenfinch, House sparrow, Treecreeper, Linnet, Goldfinch, Coal tit, Nuthatch, Chaffinch, Wren, Starling, Cetti’s warbler, Grey wagtail, Pied wagtail and Reed bunting were all recorded in the catchment area. An Otter was observed at the Heron hide on the 12th. Blackcap.

Other sightings

Roe deer (below), Hare, Rabbit, Grey squirrel, Bank vole, Fox, Badger, American mink, Field mouse, Weasel, Otter, Stoat, Mole, Common pipistrelle, Common frog, Common toad, Grass snake, Carp, Pike, Perch, Rudd.

Butterflies

Comma, Brimstone, Peacock, Orange tip, Large white, Small white, Green-veined white, Speckled wood, Holly blue, Red admiral, Large skipper, Meadow brown, Ringlet, Purple emperor, 6 Spot burnet, Gatekeeper, Silver washed fritillary (below), Marbled white, Hummingbird hawkmoth, White letter hairstreak, Common blue,

Dragonflies

Common blue damselfly, 4 spotted chaser, Banded demoiselle, Large red damselfly, Small red-eyed damselfly, hairy dragonfly, Azure damselfly, Blue-tailed damselfly, Ruddy darter, Emperor dragonfly (below), Common darter, Black-tailed skimmer, Southern hawker, Brown hawker, Migrant hawker.

Other invertebrates

Early bumble, Snail, Ladybird, Bee-fly, Nursery web spider, Common field grasshopper, Swollen-thighed beetle, Hoverfly (below), Spotted longhorn beetle, Cinnabar moth caterpillar.

Plants

Scarlet elfcup, Snowdrops (below), Lungworts, Primrose, Turkey tail, Lesser celendine, Lumpy bracket, Rosehip, Dog violet, Bluebells, Early purple orchid, Yellow Archangel, Bugleherb, Wood anemone, Wild strawberry, Red campion, Cowslip, Birds foot trefoil, Common spotted orchid, St John's-wort, Mouse-eared hawkweed, Common centaury, Ransom, Ragwort, Cuckoo pint, Pyramidal orchid, Crocosmia (Non native), Crystal brain fungus.

12 Reels of 2025 at the Flash

Disclaimer

All images are Copyright protected © Martin Roper with the exception of the Purple Emperor © Alison Lovell. All rights are reserved, Personal and non Commercial use only. Unauthorised use, reproduction or distribution is strictly prohibited without written permission. Some images are 'Stock Photo'' and may not have necessarily been taken at Sprotbrough flash or at the dates and times indicated. All other information has been gathered from several sources and is accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Full Sightings list 2025