Sprotbrough Flash Sightings

November sightings.

Rain brought localised flooding during the month with several 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 located near the Boat Inn, flooding was avoided. Storm Claudia passed and was followed by a cold snap bringing snow and Ice, removing any doubt that winter was here while trees and shrubs along the TPT were still laden with berries, nuts and seeds, a blessing for the winter wildlife. Siskin.

The month started with a Red Kite heading over the Flash on the 3rd with a further 3 reported along Spring Lane and around High Melton area. Common Buzzard, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk were frequently recorded during the month and 2 Peregrine Falcon's were observed on a number of occasions with a pair noted on the 24th heading towards Pot Ridings Wood, the month ended as it began with another Red Kite. Red Kite.

The aggressive pair of Mute swans Y413/Y793 were residing on the Flash during November and is probably the reason for the absence of Canada and Greylag Geese. Pink-feet continued passing over with 80 and 500 noted in 2 skeins. Wetland bird counts conducted in November recorded 33 Wigeon, 280 Gadwall, 20 Teal, 40 Mallard, 25 Shoveler, 10 Tufted duck, 44 Coot, 24 Moorhen, 3 Water rail, 5 Little grebe, 16 Cormorant, 8 Common snipe, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Herring gull and 120 Black-headed gull. 8 Golden plover passed over on the 7th and a further 15 were reported on Cadeby mile, the first record since 2015. As the month progressed a male Goosander was recorded several times from the Kingfisher hide. Golden Plover.

Fieldfare were recorded on a number of occasions passing through the reserve while flocks of Redwing were frequently spotted feeding on Hawthorn berries along the TPT and were joined by Song thrush and a good number of Blackbirds. 3 Siskin were observed feeding on Alder with a flock of 9 Goldfinch while 7 Redpoll were observed in a Weeping willow from the Kingfisher hide on the 13th and 20th. At Cadeby mile, Linnet numbers were beginning to increase with +40 reported on the 13th along with a Skylark. Redwing.

A Jay was observed on the 24th carrying acorns and 2 Ravens were spotted heading over Pot Ridings Woods. Kingfisher activity tapered off with sporadic sightings from the hides and along the river where 3 individual birds were noted. Great spotted woodpecker was recorded on several occasions and a Green woodpecker was heard on the 11th. Chiffchaff and Blackcap were noted along with the sedentary Cetti’s warbler. Tawny owl was recorded and a Stock Dove was observed going in and out of the 'Owl box' at the Kingfisher hide on the 24th. On the 7th 2 Rook's were recorded on a nearby field while Feral pigeon, Wood pigeon Collared dove, Magpie, Carrion crow and Jackdaw were regularly recorded during November. Rook.

A total of 71 individual bird species was recorded during November with 118 recorded for the year to date. Other sightings included Red-legged partridge, Grey Partridge, Pheasant, Ring-necked parakeet, Goldcrest, Blue tit, Great tit, Long-tailed tit, Coal tit, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Starling, Robin, Dunnock, Greenfinch, House sparrow, Grey wagtail, Pied wagtail, Wren, Chaffinch and Bullfinch. Grey squirrel, Roe deer, Bank vole, Fox, American mink, Frog, Weasel and Crystal brain fungus were also recorded. Goldcrest.

YWT Sprotbrough Flash Nature Reserve is located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). A rich haven for a wide variety of Wildlife with a diverse habitat comprising of Wetland, Open water, Woodland, Plantation and Grassland in the heart of the Don Gorge valley along the river Don and Trans Pennine trail (TPT). Next report December 2025, sightings list here: Sightings list 2025