Sprotbrough Flash Sightings

July highlights 2026.

An exceptional record breaking hot month was punctuated by a heatwave throughout the UK with little rainfall in the region. Several sightings of Cattle egret were reported locally and on the 15th 2 were observed heading NE over the Flash followed by a further sighting of 1 flying SW on the 18th. Two Roe deer were noted cooling off by swimming over the Flash on the 9th and on the 3rd a Hobby was recorded hawking over the farmers field. A Green sandpiper was present on the 16th followed by a Common sandpiper recorded on the 22nd. Hobby.

Wetland bird counts conducted during the month recorded 2 Mute swans (Flash), 2 Mute swans (River) while near Newton farm a pair of Mute swans had 3 cygnets down from 4. Other birds included 4 Greylag geese, 12 Canada geese, 24 Gadwall, 12 Mallard, 8 Tufted duck, 3 Shoveler, 1 Lapwing, 16 Coot, 12 Moorhen, 2 Cormorant, 2 Little grebe, 2 Great crested grebe and 3 juveniles, 1 Green sandpiper, 1 Common sandpiper, 3 Grey heron, 1 Little egret, 3 Cattle egret, 1 Common tern, 6 Black-headed gull, 1 Herring gull, and a pair of Lesser black-backed gulls which continued to pursue waterfowl, in particular the now well-developed Great crested grebe juveniles. Green and Common sandpiper.

Common buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk were all recorded during the month along with several sightings of Hobby while Red kite was reported flying towards Conisbrough viaduct. A Tawny owl was heard calling from the trees between the viewing screen and Kingfisher hide and a Little owl was reported on Spring lane along with a family group of 4 Ravens and a family group of Common whitethroat. Several Cattle egret passed over the catchment area and was the first record at the Flash. Cattle egret (stock image).

Carrion crow, Jackdaw, Magpie and Jay were regularly recorded within the catchment area along with sightings of Song thrush and Stock dove, the latter observed feeding young. A Nuthatch was recorded on the TPT path near the Boat Inn while Great spotted woodpecker was noted foraging in a tree at the Kingfisher hide. Green woodpecker was recorded calling from over in Pot Ridings woods. Great spotted woodpecker. 

Common swift, Barn swallow, House martin and Sand martin were frequently recorded during during the month, on the 8th a Spoonbill was reported passing over, on the 16th a Hobby was observed in the village being harassed by c30 House martin and a Little egret was recorded at the Kingfisher hide where a single Northern lapwing continued to be present. Sightings of a Common tern on the Flash and on the river continued and on the 22nd of July a pair of Kingfishers were observed on the TPT feeding 2 recently Fledged youngsters on the river Don. Juvenile Kingfisher.

A total of 71 bird species was recorded during July with a total of 117 birds recorded for the year to date including Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Reed warbler, Reed bunting, Great tit, Coal tit, Long-tailed tit, Blue tit, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Wood pigeon, Collared dove, Pheasant, Cetti’s warbler, Willow warbler, Grey wagtail, Feral pigeon, House sparrow, Wren, Starling and Goldcrest. Reed warbler.

Butterflies: Gatekeeper, Silver washed fritillary, Painted lady, Red admiral, Peacock, Large white, Small white, Ringlet, Green veined white and Comma. Dragonflies: Emperor, Black-tailed skimmer, Common blue damselfly, Banded demoiselle and Common darter. Other: Roe deer, Grey squirrel, Hare, Bank vole, Filmy dome spider, Pond skater, Tansy.

Pond skater, Filmy dome spider, Tansy, Gatekeeper, Black-tailed skimmer.

Sightings list here: Sightings list 2026

(YWT) Sprotbrough Flash Nature Reserve is located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, UK, and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). A rich haven for a wide variety of Wildlife with diverse habitats comprising of Wetlands, Open water, Ancient woodlands, Plantation and Limestone grasslands in the heart of the Don Gorge Valley, along the river Don and forming part of the Trans Pennine trail (TPT).