Sightings 2019-2005
| RefKey | DateofSighting | Sightings | Comments | NameSupplied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 24/11/2006 | Black Swan (1), Kestrel (one male), Snipe (3), Black-tailed Godwit (1), Redshank (1), Collared Dove (10). | It was very quiet on site today. It was rather cloudy but the temperature was around 10C, quite reasonable for November. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 4 | 23/11/2006 | Cormorant (51), Goldeneye (4), Grey Wagtails (2). | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 5 | 21/11/2006 | 3 Redshank, 1 at Wildlife Centre, 1 at Millfields, 1 at Paul Stanley Hide. 1 Black-tailed Godwit at WLC. 1 Dunlin at WLC. 3 Snipe at WLC. 1 Black Swan at WLC. 1 Stoat seen several times on Horseshoe Island today. 1 Peregrine reported from WLC. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 6 | 21/11/2006 | Wildlife centre- 1 Black Tailed Godwit,1 Dunlin,1 Redshank, 1 Black Swan, 1 Red Crested Pochard and 1 Peregrine. Sheepwash-Peregrine again sighted (could be same bird) 4 Meadow Pipits,1 Grey Wagtail also a Singing Song Thrush in the car park. Lane End-2 Goldeneye. | . | Clive Ashton / Dave Newcombe |
| 7 | 20/11/2006 | A Tittesworth Water Snippet: A Ring-billed Gull turned up on the site today. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 8 | 19/11/2006 | Black Swan still present today between Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre. Adult Male Red Crested Pochard also at the Wildlife Centre and at least 7 Snipe. Matthew Capper ( Aren't birds brilliant! Project Officer ) | . | Matthew Capper |
| 9 | 18/11/2006 | 2 Black Swans and 9 Goosander off Millfields/Dam wall. 1 Black-tailed Godwit at W.Centre. | . | Richard and Frances Pittam / Barry and Jose |
| 10 | 17/11/2006 | Adult Ring-billed Gull showed in the roost from around 3.15pm till dusk. Viewed from Sheepwash Hide. | Adult Ring-billed Gull showed in the roost from around 3.15pm till dusk. Viewed from Sheepwash Hide. | Steph' Hicking |
| 11 | 16/11/2006 | Birdnet pager again reports adult Ring-billed Gull from Paul Stanley Hide at 2.50pm this pm. | . | Steph' Hicking |
| 12 | 15/11/2006 | Snipe (21), Redshank (1), Goldcrest (2). | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 13 | 15/11/2006 | Gull Roost on 14th included 1 adult Caspian Gull, 1 adult Yellow Legged Gull.50-100 Common Gulls (moving around!), around 3000 Lesser Black-backs and around 2000 Black Headed Gulls. Also present of note, 10 plus Goldeneye around Sheepwash area,20 Gadwall (Sheepwash/Paul Stanley) 1 or 2 Redshank (Sheepwash, 3 Snipe (Paul Stanley Hide. | Gulls were difficult tonight as they were very spread out with groups everywhere! | Steph' Hicking |
| 14 | 13/11/2006 | Kittiwake (1) - juvenile. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 15 | 12/11/2006 | Highlights - Wildlife Centre highlights: Snipe (8), Red Crested Pochard (2 male, 2 female), Gadwall (8), Wren (2), Willow Tit (1), Redwing (12), Fieldfare (15), Goldfinch (4), Redpoll (8), Dunnock (2), Jackdaw (2), Carrion Crow (10), Tree Sparrow (8), Brambling (1), Siskin (1). Stones Island: Greenfinch (1), Brambling (1), Bullfinch (2), Goldfinch (4). Sheepwash: Redshank (1 - ringed) Paul Stanley: Lesser Black Backed Gull (78), Gadwall (8), Wigeon (95), Black Headed Gull (70). | A sunny but very cold day. The Red Crested Pochards took centre stage at the Wildlife Centre. | richard Pittam |
| 16 | 10/11/2006 | An adult Ring billed Gull was reported on the Birdnet pager as being outside Paul Stanley Hide at 2.50pm. Presumably this is the returning bird from 2003 and 2004 following an apparently blank year last year. Hopefully it may remain in the gull roost for a while as it has done previously in 2003/2004. It can, on past experience, if it's the same bird, be a little erratic in its' visits and difficult to pick out at times. | . | Steph' hicking |
| 17 | 09/11/2006 | Goosander (1 female), Kingfisher (1), Goldeneye (pair). | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 18 | 05/11/2006 | At ten to four, as we were going home in our car over the dam, I noticed a long-winged grey bird of prey. It had a longish tail . It was was battling with the wind trying to hunt on the grass on the dam wall. I thought it was a Hen Harrier but I am not 100% sure. | Did anyone else see this bird? | Sam Pedley |
| 19 | 04/11/2006 | Sunny on site around midday, with a stiffish breeze. A total of 38 species found on Stones Island and at the Wildlife Centre. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (2), Gadwall - many pairs, Snipe (2), Lapwing (100+), Little Owl (1). The best sighting of all was of a Water Vole seen at the back of the pond next to the Wildlife Centre. It sat there quite happily in full view munching on leaves, taking no notice of the audience (about 8 of us) leaning on the rail by the pool. It performed for us for about 10 minutes before disappearing into the undergrowth. GREAT!! A dip into the logbook: 3rd November: Bullfinch (a pair), Barnacle Goose (5), Kestrel (1). 2nd November: Dunlin (1), Meadow Pipit (8), Skylark (1), Brambling (1). 1st November: Red-crested Pochard (2 females), Redshank (1), Snipe (3), Brown Hare (1). 31st October: Garganey (one female), Redwing (25). 30th October: Kittiwake (one adult), Golden Plover (1). | A Tittesworth Water Snippet: The bird report for 2005 is now available for purchase from reception in the visitor centre. All proceeds are sent to wildlife charities. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 20 | 03/11/2006 | Wildlife Centre: Mistle Thrush (2), Bullfinch (m and f), Wren (2), Canada Geese (110), Gadwall (2), Barnacle Geese (5), Little Grebe (10), Wigeon (40), Little Owl (1), Dunnock (1), Redwing (21), Kestrel (1), Red Crested Pochard (2), Collared Dove (2), Jackdaw (2), Goldfinch (6), Redshank (1), Snipe (1), Pochard (10) Paul Stanley Hide: Willow Tit (1), Coal Tit (1), Tree Sparrow (4), Lesser Black backed Gull (50), Yellow-legged Gull (1), Pheasant (1), Wigeon (245), Little Grebe (12), Cormorant (15), Sheepwash Hide: Wigeon (36), Teal (18), Pied Wagtail (2), Lesser Black backed Gull (50), Grey Heron (1), Cormorant (13), Moorhen (3) | A really sunny, but chilly day. | richard and Frances Pittam |
| 21 | 02/11/2006 | 2 Whooper Swans were seen briefly in front of Sheepwash hide but,harassed by Mute Swans,flew away South/East.They were later relocated in Fishtail Creek. At least 10 Goldeneye were seen,4 Drakes and 6 Female/immature. 1 Reed Bunting and several Lesser Redpoll were seen on Stones Island. 2 Jays were seen on the bank below Hall Wood. Also seen were Snipe,Buzzard,Sparrowhawk and Great Spotted Woodpecker. | Despite the colder weather still a few butterflies around, namely a couple of Commas and a Red Admiral. | Clive Ashton / Dave Newcombe |
| 22 | 29/10/2006 | 5 Snipe - Bank to the left of the Wildlife Centre 2 Red-Crested Pochards - Infront of the Wildlife Centre 3 Barnacle Geese - In the the field to the left of the Wildlife Cenre 1 female Goldeneye - Swimming and diving near the bank to the left of the Wildlife Centre | . | sam Pedley |
| 23 | 24/10/2006 | Quite warm and sunny on site today. Many visitors about because of the half term school holidays. The "Aren't Birds Brilliant" event was run again today by Matthew Capper who manned a stall in the open area within the visitor centre. His band of RSPB volunteers showed birds to people in the Wildlife Centre (WC). Many telescopes were available for use by the general public. There were no birds on Horseshoe Island today due to the presence of rangers reinforcing the edges of the island's pools. Very few species of bird were found but the following are worth a mention: Barnacle Goose (1), winter ducks - Wigeon & Pochard as well as Teal (mostly winter visitors), Gadwall, Mallard and Tufted Duck. Also Kestrel (male) and Long-tailed Tit (4). A Commn Hawker dragonfly was found by the water's edge near the WLC. Holly trees are full of berries, a month earlier than normal. The "fall" of autumn leaves has barely started. Horse Chesnut leaves are rapidly turning to yellow and gold and some are dropping onto the ground. Most other species of trees are still very green. The splendour of autumn tints will be very late this year. A dip into the logbook for the last few days: 23rd October: Whooper Swan (1), Pied Wagtail (40), Meadow Pipit (18), Skylark (2), Red-crested Pochard (2), Kingfisher (2). 22nd October: Barnacle Goose (3), Gadwall (2), Pochard (80), Snipe (5). 21st October: Garganey (female), Water Vole. 18th October: Barn Owl (1) - near WC, Snipe (20+). | A Tittesworth Water Snippet: After much heavy rain recently the reservoir is now almost full again. The repaired and enlarged Small Island in the Conservation Pool is holding up well now that water has surrounded it. The Tittesworth Bird Report for 2005 is now with the printers and should be available for purchase within two weeks. Severn Trent sponsor the report and all proceeds are donated to wildlife charities. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 24 | 22/10/2006 | Millfields: Coot 150, Long-tailed tit 2, Pochard 20, Tufted 80, Wigeon 55. WLCentre: Barnacle goose 5, chaffinch 10, Coot 200, Cormorant 3, Gadwall 4, goldfinch 2, great Crested Grebe 6, Lapwing 55, Lesser Black-backed Gull 2, Little Grebe 5, Mallard 30, Moorhen 15, Mute Swan 3, Pochard 45, Snipe 5, Teal 45, Tree Sparrow 20, tufted duck 40 and Wigeon 65. | A surprisingly bright day, despite the BBC's dire prediction of heavy rain (which didn't arrive until later in the afternoon). | Richard, Frances and Ken Pittam |
| 25 | 17/11/2006 | 5 Snipe were on Horseshoe Island and the two Red Crested Pochards were quite active for a change. A Weasel showed in front of the Wildlife Centre and two Water Voles showed on and off in the pond outside. A Little Owl sat on its usual post near the pylon on the hill opposite the Wildlife Centre and another was heard closer by. Kingfisher and Grey Heron also showed well down at Tailbay early morning. | One word sums up today - fog. It eventually lifted somewhat around lunch time but light rain set in by late afternoon. 33 Species seen from the Wildlife Centre with the following highlights. 64 school children got a wildllife experience with some of them clearly keen to come back again, despite the fact that the fog made it hard to see anything! | Matthew Capper |
| 26 | 15/10/2006 | Wildlife Centre (8.30am) 31 Pochard ,12 Gadwall ,50+ Lapwing ,95 Wigeon ,2 Cormorant ,11 Snipe ,1 Pheasant (on the feeder) ,1 Kingfisher ,1 Shelduck ,15 Teal ,Stones Island (10.30am) ,3 Little Grebe ,75 Lesser Black-backed Gull ,1 Shelduck (it followed me around all day) ,25 Teal ,1 Tree Sparrow (only 1 at the feeder, although lots of ground rats!) ,2 Robin ,2 Long-tailed Tit ,No sign of the Common Scoters Paul Stanley (12.30pm) 13 Gadwall 1 Shoveler 56 Teal 85 Wigeon 1 Kestrel 87 Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 Shelduck (I told you it followed me!) 2 Pintail 45 Lapwing Sheepwash (1.40pm) 43 Cormorant 2 Grey Heron 90 Wigeon 5 Little Grebe 36 Teal 31 Pochard Millfields (2.30pm) 1 Kingfisher 20 Pochard 62 Wigeon 28 Canada Geese 1 Barnacle Goose 8 Great Crested Grebe | . | Richard Pittam |
| 27 | 12/10/2006 | 3 Male Common Scoter -Best seen from Stones Island, but visible from Lane End and Sheepwash. 1 Common Sandpiper- Seen from Paul Stanley and Sheepwash (probably same bird.) At least 6 Pintail- Including 3 Drakes in breeding plumage. 1 Dunlin and 1 Stonechat- from Wildlife Centre. 1 Grey Wagtail- Sheepwash Spit. Also seen-Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Raven and Snipe. | Of note also was a steady stream (at least 40 seen) of Red Admiral butterflies moving South across the reservoir. | Clive Ashton / Dave Newcombe |
| 28 | 12/10/2006 | 41 species were seen from the Wildlife Centre during the day with the following highlights: Three drake Common Scoter on the main lake were visible from the Wildlife Centre but gave exceptional views from Stones Island. A Stonechat on the fence opposite the Wildlife Centre was first seen a week or so back but had gone awol for a few days. A Dunlin stopped in only briefly but 12 Snipe were visible for much of the day. The female Red Crested Pochard is still present in front of the wildlife centre - it is the laziest bird you will ever see! The Little Owl showed in the morning but not in the afternoon and the Water Vole was only sporadic today. Dave Newcombe also reported Pintail and Common Sandpiper from Stones Island and another visitor saw Shovelor from Paul Stanley Hide. | Pleasant weather at Carsington brought in good numbers of people and also a good variety of birds. | Matthew Capper |
| 29 | 10/10/2006 | A knot dropped in mid-afternoon and stayed for an hour before flying off. It was re-found at 5.15pm by Ben Young in front of the Fisheries building. 9 Snipe commuting between horseshoe island and shiningford creek A kingfisher belted past twice in the morning The female red-crested pochard present all day Due to the fog, the Little Owl was just an indistinct blob for much of the day Wildfowl numbers at the Wildlife Centre much reduced on previous days. We even struggled to find the visiting school party a Canada Goose! Of other note, a Ringed Plover reported from Paul Stanley (also at Sheepwash on 8th) Two Water Voles showed well all day outside the wildlife centre | A quiet day at Carsington with the reservoir shrouded in mist for much of it. 34 species seen from the Wildlife Centre. | Matthew Capper |
| 30 | 09/10/2006 | 36 species of bird seen on or near the site around midday. The following are worthy of note: Barnacle Goose (2) - near the Sailing Club; Gadwall (6) - from the Wildlife Centre (WC); Red-crested Pochard (1) - female on Horseshoe Island; Common Pochard (2) - from WC; Sparrowhawk (1) - Brassington; Pheasant (4) - near Millfields; Snipe (3) - edge of WC Creek; House Martin (2) - over the WC; Long-tailed Tit (13) - Stones Island. Butterflies: Red Admiral and Speckled Wood. Plants: Common Knapweed, Ragwort and Water Forget-me-not. Only the leaves of the Horse Chestnut are beginning to change colour, heralding a very late autumn. A Dip into the Logbook: 6th October: Red-crested Pochard. 5th October: Snipe (15); Pink-footed Goose (2) - overflying the site. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 31 | 08/10/2006 | Black Headed Gull, Bullfinch, Cormorant, Gadwall (5), Goldfinch, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Heron, Lapwing, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Pintail (2) Sheepwash, Pochard (60), Red-crested Pochard (2) Millfields, Wigeon (60) Millfields, Greenfinch, Siskin (2) Stones Is, Tree Sparrow (20) Stones Is. | Very little activity at the Wildlife Centre due to conservation works but highlights seen around the site today | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 32 | 05/10/2006 | Snipe - 14 (continually mobbed by Coot) Pochard - 8 Wigeon - 150+ (put up by some idiot in a speedboat) Red Crested Pochard - 2 Tree Sparrows - 20 Goldfinch - 20+ Pied Wagtail - 4 Little Grebe - 8 Great Crested grebe - 5 Kestrel - 1 (being mobbed by Lapwings) | . | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 33 | 02/10/2006 | Visited Stones Island (SI) and the Wildlife Centre (WC). Four large parties of secondary school children on site. All visited SI and the WC. Most seemed to be interested in the information given to them and the birds that they observed. A very good sign! Weather: Warm. Slightly overcast. BIRDS OF NOTE: Red-crested Pochard (1 female) - Horseshoe Island, Wigeon, Gadwall (6), Teal, Pochard (1) - Shiningford Creek, Snipe (10) - seen from the WC, Little Owl - seen from the WC, Goldfinch (~ 70) - on SI. OTHER SIGHTINGS: Mammals: Red Fox - WC Creek, Weasal - immediately in front of the WC, spotted by one of the students! Water Vole - feeding at the back of the WC pool. Excellent views! Plants: Several clumps of Redshank were noticed on SI. This has to be the birdwatchers plant! A DIP INTO THE LOGBOOK: 2nd October: Stonechat. Noted by another observer. 1st October: Meadow Pipit (8), Swallow (3). 30th September: Mediterranean Gull - first winter bird. 29th September: Cackling Goose (3). 27th September: Kingfisher, Water Vole. | A Tittesworth Water Snippet: As the Conservation Pool has been largely empty for the last few months, contractors have been brought in to enlarge and stabilise the Small Island. The work done looks very substantial, so hopefully the island will remain as it is and provide a breeding ground and roost for water birds, particularly waders. Recent bird observations have included 53 Snipe, 223 Lapwings, two Chiffchaffs, a male Blackcap, 13 Mistle Thrushes, 15 Siskins, two Meadow Pipits, a Kingfisher and a Barn Owl. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 34 | 28/09/2006 | Fem/Imm Garganey at the WLC 1st winter Caspian Gull in roost off Stones. Late news concerned a Black Tern reported on the 27th. | . | Steph' Hicking |
| 35 | 23/09/2006 | 4 Grey Heron - 3 from Sheepwash Hide and 1 from Paul Stanley Hide 3 Pochard - From Sheepwash Hide 1 Pintail - Wildlife Centre | . | Sam Pedley |
| 36 | 22/09/2006 | Wigeon (2); Gadwall (2 males); Pintail (one female) - off Horseshoe Island; Red-crested Pochard (one female) - Horseshoe Island; Common Pochard (2); House Martin (9); Willow Warbler (1); Linnet (5); Reed Bunting (one male) - on WC feeder. OTHER SIGHTINGS: Mammals: Weasel (1); Wood Mouse (1) - both just outside the WC. Insects: Southern Hawker dragonfly (one male); Pond Skater (dozens) - pond by the WC. Plants: Herb Robert; Water Forget-me-not. A DIP INTO THE LOGBOOK: Recent interesting sightings: 21st September: Golden Plover (1); Snipe (1). 18th September: Shoveler (1); Kestrel (1); Snipe (2); Bullfinch (1); Nuthatch (1); Jay (2). | Weather - overcast followed by rain in the afternoon. Observations made from Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WC). 37 species counted around midday. A Tittesworth Water Snippet: An Osprey flew south on the 15th. Two Whitethroats were located on the 16th. Eleven Common Buzzards were counted on the 17th. The following were also noted on the 17th: Snipe (13), Common Tern (1), Kingfisher (1), Willow Tits, Nuthatch (1) and Reed Bunting (4). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 37 | 15/09/2006 | Mute Swan (24 including two well developed cygnets); Gadwall (6). Common Buzzard (1); Kestrel (1 female) - caught a small mammal on Horseshoe Island; Snipe (2); Collared Dove (1); Little Owl (1); Swallow (1); House Martin (4); Willow Warbler (2); Linnet (2). OTHER SIGHTINGS: A Water Vole was found at the back of the pool next to the WC. It could not be seen with the naked eye. Although partially hidden by vegetation, it could be seen feeding by using binoculars. Odonata: Common Hawker & Common Darter dragonflies; Common Blue damselfly. Butterflies: Large White & Speckled Wood. Plants: As well as Hips & Haws berries of the Elder and Woody Nightshade (or Bittersweet) were noticed. All parts of the Woody Nightshade plant are poisonous. It contains the alkaloid solanine. A DIP INTO THE LOGBOOK: Recent interesting sightings: 14th September: Black-tailed Godwit (2); Dunlin (1); Snipe (6). 13th September: Arctic Tern (2 juveniles); Wigeon (88); Pochard (32). These observations were reported by Roger Carrington. 12th September: Yellow-legged Gull (1); Yellow Wagtail (5); Red-crested Pochard (1 female); Curlew Sandpiper (1 juvenile). | A Tittesworth Water Snippet: In spite of some really heavy downpours of late the reservoir level remains quite low and most of the Conservation Pool empty. Good recent finds were two female Mandarins, two late staying Common Redstarts, a juvenile Treecreeper - thus confirming breeding this year, and most impressive of all a juvenile Goshawk, which was probably fledged in Macclesfield Forest just a few miles from the site. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 38 | 10/09/2006 | Buzard (1) Wigeon (15) Teal (4) Dunlin (3) Grt Spotted Woodpecker (1 young female) Bullfinch (heard only) Wren (1) Dunnock (1 + 1 young) Lesser Black backed (3 x 1st winter) + 1 adult House Martins (11) Wildlife Centre - 11.00 - 16.00hr Teal (5) Black Tailed Godwit (1 non-breeding or young)) Snipe (1) Tree Sparrrows (15) Little Grebe (8) Kestrel (1 on camera) Red Crested Pochard (1 female) Little Owl (1 showing) Willow Warbler (by pond) Water Vole (3 - on pond o/s Wildlife Centre) Southern Hawkers ( 8 - on pond) Common Darters (6 - on pond) | a bit quiet | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 39 | 07/09/2006 | Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre. Mute Swan (14); Teal (6); Kestel (female); Lapwing - the only wader. Swallow (30); House Martin (6); Pied Wagtail (16); Willow Warbler (1); Tree Sparrow (~40) - around the Wildlife Centre & on Horseshoe Island. Insects: Gatekeeper butterfly; Southern Hawker dragonfly (male): Water Boatman; Pond Skater. Plantlife: Hips and Haws: Flowers in bloom: Redshank, Yarrow, Silverweed, Hawkweed, Meadow Vetchling, Selfheal, Daisy, White Dead-nettle, Water Forget-me-not, and Gipsywort - not noted by us before at Carsington. There were also a few specimens only of Tufted Vetch, Great Willowherb and Field Thistle. The most interesting observation was as follows; A Grey Squirrel was seen in the shallows of the Sailing Club Island. It then proceeded to swim strongly to Stones Island. When it arrived it ran off quickly into the trees. We have never seen a squirrell swim before! A dip into the Wildlife Centre logbook: 3rd September: Yellow Wagtail, Peregrine, Swift. 5th September: Little Owl, Snipe (2) - Horseshoe Island; Ruddy Shelduck. 6th September: Stoat, Water Vole, Red Fox and the Ruddy Shelduck. | A Tittesworth Water Snippet: Heavy rain in late August raised the reservoir level a little but much of the Conservation Pool remains without water. The best recent find was a Little Egret at the end of August. Tittesworth hosted a Fun Day in late August focussing on wildlife and farm animals plus a farmers market. It was a great success attracting over 6000 visitors. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 40 | 05/09/2006 | 1 Ruddy Shelduck - On Horseshoe Island 2 Snipe - Feeding on Horseshoe Island 1 Buzzard - Flew over Horseshoe Island making everything fly off 1 Little Owl - On a dead tree near the pylon to the left of the Wildlife Centre | . | Sam Pedley |
| 41 | 01/09/2006 | Paul Stanley Hide - 10.00 - 12.30hrs Very little activity - highlight was 2 Common Sandpipers on "Cormorant" Island (far side). WLC - 13.30 - 15.30h - highlights: Gadwall - 6 Pied Wagtail - 20+ Grey Wagtail - 1 Ruddy Shelduck - 1 Tree Sparrows - 15+ | . | richard Pittam |
| 42 | 30/08/2006 | Very busy on the site today but there were few people walking around Stones Island or visiting the Wildlife Centre. Teal numbers have increased and there are five smart looking Gadwall present. The best find of the day was a Ruddy Shelduck on Horseshoe Island. Two Pochards were spied in Shiningford Creek and there were plenty of Tufted Ducks about. The only wader species present was Lapwing but in good numbers. The only warbler detected today was Willow Warbler. One bird was detected because it was making a contact call and a second bird was found because it sang part of its song - a descending trill or warble. Arctic Terns were seen yesterday but unfortunately not today. According to the logbook there was an immature Peregrine present on the 28th. Most plants have finished flowering but the following were in bloom today: Greater Reedmace, Water Mint, Silverweed and a small patch of Redshank on Stones Island. | A Tittesworth Snippet: Unlike at Carsington the water level remains very low. The exposed mud has attracted a number of wader species - notably Dunlin, Whimbrel, Ringed Plover, Greenshank and a single Green Sandpiper, the latter species remaining for eleven days. Kingfisher and Yellow Wagtails were also good recent finds. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 43 | 28/08/2006 | Just to let you know that on my walk around Carsington today (Monday 28th August 2006) I saw 2 Female Teal in front of the Paul Stanley Hide at around 5pm. | . | Anita Dale |
| 44 | 25/08/2006 | 2 Red-Crested Pochard - Sighting on Horseshoe Island 1 Sparrowhawk - Flew over Horseshoe Island making all the Lapwings and Teal fly up 1 Buzzard - Flew over Horseshoe Island | . | Sam Pedley |
| 45 | 21/08/2006 | 2 Common terns,1 Kingfisher & 1 Common sand from WLC plus 1 Common sand & 1 LRP on Stones Island | . | Geoff Barter, Hook, Surrey |
| 46 | 19/08/2006 | 1 Common Sandpiper - Horseshoe Island 1 Cormorant - Flew in next to one of the Tern Rafts 18 Teal - feeding on Horseshoe Island and on the bank to the far left of the Wildlife Centre 1 Male Bullfinch - On the the Wildlife Centre feeders for about 3 minutes | . | Sam Pedley |
| 47 | 11/08/2006 | Ruddy Shell Duck from the Wild Life Centre (far bank). Also lots of activity around the W.L.C. feeders including Male Bull Finch and Tree Sparrows feeding juveniles. Common Sandpiper x 2 from Paul Stanley hide. Also Great Spotted Woodpecker and Willow Tit on the feeders. | . | Mick Sharp |
| 48 | 30/06/2006 | 1 Black-Tailed Godwit - Flew onto Horseshoe Island 2 Snipe - On Horseshoe Island 1 Kestrel - Hunting over the back of Horseshoe Island 1 Song Thrush - In the Visitor Center Car Park | . | Sam Pedley |
| 49 | 25/07/2006 | 4 Barnacle Geese - Came and fed under the bird feeders 1 of the Common Tern chicks fell off the Tern Raft and was bobbing up and down until a boat came and rescued it and put it back on the Tern Raft. then a few minutes later the two of them on that raft fell out again. 1 Cormorant - Few and landed near the Wildlife Centre and then disappeared 1 Whistling Swan - To the left of the Wildlife Centre | . | Sam Pedley |
| 50 | 22/07/2006 | Short afternoon visit to Wildlife Centre produced: 1 adult Whistling Swan at wildlife centre (WLC) (presumed escape) - see picture gallery for photograph 3 Cackling Geese (WLC) (escapes). 200+ Tufted Duck (WLC). 1 Snipe (WLC). 2 Common Sandpiper (WLC). 4 Common Tern adults (2 pair) 3 chicks seen 1 on left hand raft 2 on right hand (have they been swimming?). 8 Mute Swan plus the usual numbers of Lapwing, Redshank, Oystercatcher etc. | . | Steph Hicking |
| 51 | 17/07/2006 | A female/imm Marsh Harrier flew towards Fishtail Creek at 5.00.p.m., 3 Black Tailed Godwits on Sheepwash Spit and a Green Sandpiper by the Wildlife Centre | . | None |
| 52 | 16/07/2006 | Terns seem to have hatched 3 young on raft in front of WLC on Friday14th July, I only saw one but RSPB team have seen 3. Was at a meeting so didn't note much else of note just the Cackling Geese still on Horseshoe and male Black-tailed Skimmer Dragonfly on WLC pond. Steph' Hicking 1 Wren - Wood behind Sheepwash Hide 7 Shelduck - Sheepwash Hide 1 Common Tern - Feeding in front of Sheepwash Hide 2 Oystercatchers - Sheepwash Spit 1 Common Scoter - Drake from Sheepwash Hide 1 Garden Warbler - Woods behind Sheepwash Hide | . | Sam Pedley |
| 53 | 13/07/2006 | Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WC) as usual. Only 33 species of bird identified around midday. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (4) - WC. Oystercatcher (2) - Horseshoe Island (HI). Redshank (4) - Stones Island (SI). Common Tern (2) - raft opposite WC. One bird sitting in place, presumably on a nest and the other hunting for fish. Warblers only sing occasionally now or not at all. However, the following were noted; Blackcap, Garden Warbler and Willow Warbler. Juvenile birds from the following species were noted: Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Redshank, House Martin, Pied Wagtail, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Starling and Greenfinch. INSECTS present: Water Boatmen, Common Blue damselfly (~10) - some laying eggs. (WC pond). Large White, Meadow Brown and Brimstone butterflies. PLANTLIFE: Plants identified on the 4th July are still in bloom plus Perennial Sow-thistle, Welted Thistle, Cat's Ear, Autumn Hawkbit (starts flowering in June), Tufted Vetch and Hedge Bedstraw. A dip into the logbook: 10th JULY: Cackling Goose (1) - looks like a small Canada Goose. 9th JULY: Whistling Swan (1) - like a Whooper Swan but its beak is completely black. Was this the same bird that visited Tittesworth on the 18th June? 7th JULY: Tawny Owl (2) - juveniles. | The last one week session of "Aren't Birds Brilliant" lead by Matthew Capper of the RSPB, on a two year secondment to Carsington, was a great success. Matthew and many volunteers showed birds to the public from the WC. Matthew will run a further session from the WC from the 14th JULY. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 54 | 13/07/2006 | A few records for today from Roger Carrington, our club recorder: 2 Blacktailed Godwits at Wildlife Centre pair of Common Terns breeding at Wildlife Centre 2 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton Arm reedbed 1 Reed Warbler singing in Brown Ale Bay reedbed. 1 Common Sandpiper Sheepwash. For Sunday 9th 1 Whistling Swan [escape] in front of Sailing Club | . | Roger Carrington |
| 55 | 04/07/2006 | 40 species of bird identified. OF NOTE: Mute Swan (6) - one adult with cygnet. Greylag Goose (1) - with Canadas near the sailing club. Barnacle Goose (5) Kestrel (one female) Oystercatcher (3) - Horseshoe Island (HI). Little Ringed Plover (2) - HI. Black-tailed Godwit (1) - HI, in full summer plumage. Redshank (1) - HI. Lesser Black-backed Gull (~200) - centre of reservoir. Common Tern (2) - nesting on raft in front of the WC. One bird frequently hunted by Stones Island and often caught small fish. It was reported to us verbally that one tern egg had been stolen by a gull. Little Owl (1) - seen from WC on far side of WC creek. BUTTERFLIES on the wing: Meadow Brown, Small Blue, Large White, Small Tortoiseshell. ODONATA: Common Blue damselfly - pool by WC. (also many Water Boatmen). PLANTS in bloom: Thirty one species noted including Black Medick, Kidney Vetch, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Bush & Tufted Vetches, Meadow Vetchling, Bramble, Sweet Briar, Cleavers, Great Willowherb, Broad- leaved Willowherb, Woody Nightshade (or Bittersweet), Meadow Crane's-bill, Common Knapweed, Spear & Field Thistles, Hawkweed, Oxeye Daisy, Selfheal, Common Ragwort and Nipplewort. An "Aren't Birds Brilliant" event was started on Sunday and will run for a week in the WC. Volunteers are present with telescopes to introduce the public to birds. This is a joint venture between Severn Trent Water and the RSPB. A DIP INTO THE LOGBOOK on recent dates: 2nd JULY: Jay, Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Redshank chick. 1st JULY: Lapwing chicks, Pochard. 30th JUNE: Common Sandpiper (2), Curlew, Redshank (2), Ruddy Duck. 29th JUNE: Common Scoter (one male), Gadwall (one male). The arrival of the first Common Tern was on the 21st JUNE. | Another hot day! Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WC). A Tittesworth Snippet: Due to hot weather and increased water usage the reservoir has dropped four feet in the last two weeks. The most interesting finds in the last few weeks have been the return of the American Whistling Swan for one day (presumed to be an escape), eleven Common Scoter on the 17th June and a Lesser Scaup on the 1st July, a first for the site and only the second sighting for Staffordshire. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 56 | 24/06/2006 | 4 Tree Sparrows - On the feeders next to the Wildlife Centre 2 Common Terns - On the tern rafts in front of the Wildlife Centre 3 Barnacle Geese - Right in front of the Wildlife Centre 3 Little Grebes - 1 adult with two young 1 Little Ringed Plover - On Horseshoe Island 1 Male Red-Crested Pochard - on Horseshoe Island 2 Curlews - Flew in and landed on Horseshoe Island 3 Cackling Canada Geese - To the left of the Wildlife Centre 1 Little Owl - Sitting on a dead tree near the electricity pylon 1 Bar-Headed Goose - With Canada Geese near the childrens' play area | . | Sam Pedley |
| 57 | 08/06/2006 | 33 species of birds identified during the morning. Main viewing sites were Stones Island and from the Wildlife Centre (WC). Hot and sunny. Hottest day so far this year 26-27degrees C. OF NOTE: Great Crested Grebe - two females were carrying striped young on their backs. Greylag Goose (1) - off Stones Island. Barnacle Goose (10) - mainly on Horseshoe Island (HI). Shoveler (one male) - off HI. Oystercatcher (2) - one HI and one seen from Stones Island. Lapwing - including one chick on HI. Redshank (2) - HI. Reed Bunting (2) - Stones Island. Also identified today but found by others: Curlew (1), Grasshopper Warbler (one heard between Sheepwash and Lane Ends hide), Bullfinches. BUTTERFLIES: Only Orange Tip and Small White seen. DAMSELFLY: Common Blue - 16 pairs of this species were laying eggs in plant material on the pond by the WC. Each male was in tandem with the female, the tail of the male locked onto the neck or head of the female while she deposited the eggs from her tail. Quite a sight! PLANTS: Most of the plants reported on the 1st June are still in bloom but the following additional species were noted today: Yellow Iris, Yellow-rattle, Dog Rose, Hogweed, Common Mouse-ear, Marsh Marigold and Broad-leaved Willowherb. FROM the LOGBOOK for the last few days: 7th JUNE: Bar-headed Goose (1); Redshank (5). 6th JUNE: Redshank - two very young birds on HI; Red-crested Pochard (one hybrid or leucistic bird) - on HI. Lapwing - including three chicks. 5th JUNE: Curlew (1); Common Tern (1). | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 58 | 01/06/2006 | Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WC) around midday. Sunny but a strong breeze noted when on Stones Island. Water level very high. Horseshoe Island (HI) has become four smaller islands. 37 species of bird identified. The following were of note: Pink-footed Goose (1) - with Canada Geese near WC Creek. Greylag Goose (1) - on HI. Barnacle Goose (10) Bar-headed Goose (1) - on HI then joined Canada Geese in fields near Shiningford Farm. Oystercatcher (1) - field by WC Creek. Redshank (4) - on HI. Reed Bunting (1) - Stones Island. Very young birds of the following species were seen: Mallard, Moorhen, Coot and one Lapwing chick was seen on HI. The following sightings were entered in the logbook by others for today: Hobby (1) and Whitethroat (2). BUTTERFLIES: Green-veined White and Brimstone. PLANTS in flower: Hawthorn, Gorse, Meadow Buttercup, Daisy, Silverweed, Germander Speedwell, Bogbean, Water Forget-me-not, Field Forget-me-not, Cow Parsley, Red Campion, Cowslip, Bluebell, Bush Vetch (or Crow-peas), Ribwort Plantain and Common Sorrel. A DIP into the LOGBOOK for the last few days: MAY 31st: Little Ringed Plover (2), Shelduck (1), Common Buzzard (4), Raven (2), Lesser Whitethroat (1) and a Great Crested Grebe with striped young on its back. MAY 28th: Turnstone (1) and Curlew (1). | A Tittesworth Snippet: As at Carsington water levels are very high so no muddy edges. However, Little Ringed Plover and Common Sandpiper are around but their nests have been washed out. Curlews are also being seen Male and female Pied Flycatchers have been on site for a while but thus far no breeding has occured. Spotted Flycatchers on the other hand have bred and young have been seen being fed. Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Nuthatches have been seen taking food to nest sites. A short staying Turnstone was recorded on the 24th May. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 59 | 22/05/2006 | Approx 14.00 to 16.00: Large numbers of Sand and House Martins around the Visitor Centre in the aftermath of a severe downpour. One Little Ring Plover and a male Wheatear on Stones Island, the latter only for about 30 seconds before flying north. Very little activity around the Wildlife Centre - three Redshank, four Oystercatcher, three Tree Sparrows and a Dabchick - until a Short Eared Owl appeared along the shoreline in the vicinity of Horseshoe Island. It was quickly mobbed, first by a pair of Oystercatchers and then by Jackdaws before disappearing in the trees. A group of visitors claimed to have seen a hobby hawking over the fields behind the Wildlife Centre but investigation revealed a merlin being harrassed by a kestrel before settling briefy on a fence post and then departing in a westerly direction. Male Pied Flycatcher and Greater Spotted Woodpecker seen later from the (strongly recommended) tea room at Lea Rhododendron Gardens and a Little Owl was on its usual telegraph pole at Ridgway near Belper. Two Hobby were also seen in the afternoon (RC) at Carsington | . | None |
| 60 | 20/05/2006 | A male Pied Flycatcher in the small wood at the side of Lane End hide (Sheepwash side.) Also c30 Swifts in front of Lane End hide. 3 Dunlin on Horseshoe Island. 1 Little Ringed Plover on Stones Island. 1 Curlew flew over by Shiningford Farm. Clive Ashton. 2 Coots - One on the nest in front of the Wildlife Centre while the other one kept fetching sticks 1 Redshank - Flew and landed right in front of the Wildlife Centre 3 Dunlin - Feeding on Horseshoe Island 3 Tree Sparrow - On the feeders next to the Wildlife Centre 1 Little Owl - Sat on the same post as last time then dropped down & caught something then flew to the nest box | . | Sam Pedley |
| 61 | 11/05/2006 | Three Black Terns were just north-west of Watersports Island between 15:30 and 17:00 at least. Two Whimbrel flew in from the south at 15:30 and landed on Horseshoe Island. One was reported as still being there at 18:00 (five Whimbrel passed through on Monday 8th). Other waders of note were three Little Ringed Plovers flying around Watersports Bay, a Common Sandpiper on Watersports Island, a Dunlin on Horseshoe Island and a Turnstone along the shoreline by the fishery office (present, on and off, since Friday 7th). | . | Paul Bennett, STW Ranger Service |
| 62 | 07/05/2006 | *****Another first for Carsington!! A Roseate Tern along with other Tern species dropped in at Carsington for a couple of hours today. This is the first seen in Derbyshire since 1979 | . | None |
| 63 | 04/05/2006 | Today was the warmest day of the year so far - at 22-24C. Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WC). 39 species of bird identified. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (10). Pintail (1 male) - Horseshoe Island. Oystercatcher (2) - Horseshoe Island. Dunlin (1) - Horseshoe Island. Redshank (2) - Horseshoe Island | Ray and Margaret Perry | |
| 64 | 29/04/2006 | Willow Warbler - trees at the back of the Wildlife Centre 10 Black-Tailed Godwits & 1 Bar-Tailed Godwit - On Horseshoe Island and flew to the field to the left of the Wildlife Centre 1 Little Ringed Plover - Running around Horseshoe Island 2 Barnacle Geese - Swam past the Wildlife Centre 1 Little Owl - Siting on a post behind the electricity pylon at the Wildlife Centre | . | None |
| 65 | 24/04/2006 | Highlights for last week as follows: 24/04 Garden Warblers arrived on site. At least two on Stones Island and two at Sheepwash car park. Also a Little Egret was seen flying over the reservoir by John Bradley and Alan Stewardson at around 18:45. 25/04 Alan Stewardson drew my attention to a pair of Cackling Geese on Horseshoe Island. Alan found these on Stones Island on the 24th and after consulting the appropriate field guides, decided on the aforementioned identification. They are superficially similar to Canada Geese, but are at least half the size and have a darker breast. They also appear to be slightly smaller than Barnacle Geese. Cackling Geese occur naturally in north-west America (I think) and it is unlikely that they are genuine vagrants, but are still interesting to see on site. 28/04 Thirty-nine Black-tailed Godwits were found spread between fields around the Wildlife Centre and Stones Island this morning. Jim Craw counted 42 in to roost on Horseshoe Island in the evening, along with three Whimbrel. Also seen today were three Arctic Terns, which were off Stones Island briefly in the morning. 29/04 Nine Black-tailed Godwits still present this morning, feeding in the fields opposite the Wildlife Centre. Also of interest locally was an Alpine Swift, found at Ogston on the evening of the 27th. It was seen over Ogston Hall at around 18:45 and then moved over to Carr Wood. It was relocated at 06:05 the following morning, but didn't hang around long. It has not been seen since. | . | Paul Bennett, Ranger Service |
| 66 | 18/04/2006 | At least 36 Species seen on the Bird Club walk this evening just going round Stones Island and up to the Wildlife Centre between 7 and 8.15pm. Species included: Good views of the White, Pied and Yellow Wagtails (included one blue headed), Tree Sparrow, Brambling, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Reed Bunting, Swallow, House Martin, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Curlew and Raven. | . | None |
| 67 | 17/04/2006 | At least 14 Yellow Wagtails (including one blue headed), eight White Wagtails and over 30 Pied wagtails were seen feeding on the south side of Stones Island in the evening (19:15). There was also a female Brambling (found by John Bradley), a Little Ringed Plover and good numbers of Reed Buntings, Tree Sparrows and Hirundines. Two male Common Redstarts were in the field north-west of the Wildlife Centre (RH side of the track, heading north-west). | . | Paul Bennett STW Ranger |
| 68 | 11/04/2006 | Two migrating Ospreys sighted on Tuesday 11th ‰ÛÒ one over the River Wye above Rowsley and the other above the Derwent near Chatsworth. | . | Neil Venables |
| 69 | 12/04/2006 | On Stones Island this morning (08:00): 1 Wheatear (female) 1 Yellow Wagtail (male) 4 White Wagtail 1 Common Sandpiper 4 House Martins (in trees on eastern end) 63 Swallows (in trees on eastern end) 3 Meadow Pipits 1 Willow Warbler | . | Paul Bennett, Ranger Service |
| 70 | 11/04/2006 | The Red-necked Grebe was still by the draw-down tower this morning (11th). A Whooper Swan was found behind Horseshoe Island at 10:30 yesterday. It hung around there all day until at least 17:00. The Common Sandpiper that's been on site for a few days now, was on Horseshoe Island early on yesterday, along with a Little Ringed Plover, but it later moved to the Watersports Island. There were also one or two White Wagtails on Stones Island and Horseshoe Island throughout the day. This morning I found a burgundy RSPB note pad on the track to the wildlife Centre. It has notes in it from Spurn, Donna Nook, Old Moor, Blacktoft and Linacre. I will keep hold of it at the Ranger Base. Any enquiries to the reception desk (01629 540696) or this website. | . | Paul Bennett, Ranger Service |
| 71 | 10/04/2006 | 2 Buzzard - Soaring over Hall Wood 2 Goldeneye - left of Sheepwash Hide 3 Swallows - Sheepewash and Paul Stanley Hide 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker- Paul Stanley Hide feeders 2 Bullfinch - Paul Stanley Hide feeders 1 Blackcap - Drinking from a pool left of the path to Paul Stanley Hide | . | Sam Pedley |
| 72 | 09/04/2006 | Round the reservoir: 19 Chiffchaff, 8 Willow Warbler. Millfields: 1 Red-necked Grebe off towards the water tower, 1 Marsh Tit, 1 Sparrowhawk taking a Woodpigeon corpse away. Dam Wall: Approx. 50 Sand Martins and 25 Swallows through in five minutes heading north over the water, with more feeding over the reservoir as the day progressed. Stones Island: 3 White Wagtails (m). WLC: 3 Redshank, 5 Oystercatcher. North End: 2 Oystercatcher on shingle spit. | . | Matthew Kelly |
| 73 | 07/04/2006 | The Red-Necked Grebe showing very close from the amphitheatre at the end of the dam wall. Also from the Millfields end of the dam wall 2 female Wheatear. Stones Island proved productive with 2 Little Ringed Plover,1 Common Sandpiper and 1 Yellow Wagtail. A male Redstart in the field behind the Wildlife Centre. | . | Clive Ashton and Dave Newcombe |
| 74 | 05/04/2006 | Red-necked Grebe showing well from the Dam wall, near to the tower with Swallow, Sand Martin and House Martin over the water in the sailing club bay. Buzzard and Raven showing well from several places Several Chiffchaff around, Blackcap, Redstart, Willow Tit and Reed Bunting have all been seen today | . | None |
| 75 | 30/03/2006 | More spring migrants arrived: Tues 28th, 1 House Martin. Thur 30th, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Blackcap but it could be a wintering bird, and a pager report of a first winter Little Gull. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 76 | 29/03/2006 | The Red-Necked Grebe fishing at Millfields near the tower. c100 Sand Martins along the dam wall and on Stones Island, along with c20 Swallows and a single House Martin near the Sailing Club. 3 Chiffchaff ( Millfields,Paul Stanley and W.L.C.) 4 Buzzard seen soaring around the site. 2 Little Owl at Shiningford Creek. 3 Goldcrest and 1 Willow Tit seen at Wildlife Centre Creek. 7 Redpoll and 2 Redwing on Stones Island. Good numbers of Tree Sparrow seen, with 20 around the feeding station on Stones Island. A Kingfisher seen flying from the Wildlife Centre towards Shiningford farm. Several sightings of Meadow Pipit along the dam wall. Also seen at various locations, though difficult to count with confidence,Redshank, Oystercatcher,Curlew,Snipe and healthy numbers of Reed Bunting. | . | Clive Ashton and Dave Newcombe |
| 77 | 27/03/2006 | Sightings for Saturday 25th March: Two Sand Martins over Stones Island at 07:15 (RC) One Chiffchaff singing by Stones Island feeding station (RC) Two Wheatears reported to RC on the Dam Wall at 08:15 One Chiffchaff reported to me as singing at the bottom of Tail Bay One Swallow reported to RC as being seen from Lane Ends Hide One Lesser Spotted Woodpecker seen at the Paul Stanley Feeders at 10.30 and 13.00 Two Common Scoter seen from Paul Stanley Hide (I think) (SJH) Sunday 26th March Two Sand Martins along the Dam Wall at 17.00 Monday 27th March Up to five Sand Martins all day between the Visitor Centre and the Wildlife Centre One Stonechat on the Dam Wall | . | Paul Bennett Ranger Service, Severn Trent Water Ltd |
| 78 | 25/03/2006 | Red-necked Grebe and a pair of Goosander in Millfields Bay today | . | P Stoppard |
| 79 | 21/03/2006 | Of interest today between 13:00 and 18:00 were, The Red Necked Grebe, along with a pair of Goosander at Millfields. 7 Redshank - Horseshoe Island, Watersports area, and Stones Island. 15 Lesser Redpoll feeding on the grass bank at the end of Stones Island, along with several Goldfinch and a solitary Redwing. Towards dusk a single Dunlin on Horseshoe Island was joined by the fine sight of 61 Curlew coming in to roost. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 80 | 13/03/2006 | Thirty five species seen from or near to the Wildlife Centre at around midday. Weather: Overcast with a cold northerly wind blowing. Very few people on the site. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (19); Oystercatcher (3); Snipe (1); Song Thrush (1); Bullfinch (a pair); Reed Bunting (1). Gleaned from the logbook and the display board outside the visitor centre: 12th March: Oystercatcher (9). 11th March: Common Scoter (1). 10th March: Curlew (20); Goldeneye (20). 8th March: Black-necked Grebe (2). | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 81 | 04/03/2006 | A friend and I spotted a single Red Kite hunting over Carsington Pasture on Saturday 4th March 2006, at approximately 10.30 AM. The bird was hovering and swooping fairly low to the ground (15 ‰ÛÒ 20 ft?) and at one point landed and appeared to pick up some prey. The bird did not seem that bothered about us ‰ÛÒ we were on a family sledging trip and making quite a bit of noise and moving around a great deal ‰ÛÒ but after approximately 2 minutes it was mobbed by crows and flew off in the direction of Carsington Water. The bird‰Ûªs markings were very clear ‰ÛÒ this was on a bright, sunny and crisp morning with excellent visibility ‰ÛÒ with my friend clearly seeing the V-shaped tail and I had an excellent view of the underside of the wing, showing distinct white markings and black wing tips. The shape, size, colouring, markings and behaviour of the bird indicated quite clearly that this was a Red Kite and this was confirmed when we reviewed the literature and online image galleries related to the breed. Also, severe winter weather in Wales during the period could well have driven the animal eastwards and beyond its normal habitat in order to hunt on clearer ground. Did anyone else see | Did anyone else see the Red Kite near Carsington on or around the above date? I would love this sighting to be confirmed by others | Will Hoon |
| 82 | 04/03/2006 | The Red-necked Grebe and Goosander (pictures shortly on the Picture Gallery page) seen today alongside the dam wall. Also Nuthatch on the Paul Stanley hide feeders | . | Eric Dewhurst |
| 83 | 03/03/2006 | I Black-necked Grebe, pair Red-crested Pochard , 5 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew flew into VC creek at14.50, 45 Barnacles, 2 Willow Tit PS hide feeder. | . | Alan Lewin |
| 84 | 27/02/2006 | 2 Black-necked Grebe, 19 Snipe (Paul Stanley hide), Redshank, 6 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander (Millfields), Oystercatcher, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 5 Common Gulls, Buzzard, Raven displaying, Kingfisher, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Reed Bunting as well as all the usual waterfowl and woodland birds | . | None |
| 85 | 26/02/2006 | 1 Goldcrest-Visitor centre car park 1 Barnacle Goose-on bank left of Wildlife Centre 5 Oystercatchers-on Horseshoe Island 1 Little Grebe-Infront of Wildlife Centre | . | sam Pedley |
| 86 | 16/02/2006 | Between approx 14.35hrs to 15.45hrs: Sheepwash Hide. As well as large numbers of coot, wigeon and lapwings there were: Five dabchicks (but no trace of black-necked grebes), two curlew on the spit, one oystercatcher (spit), one redshank (spit), one kingfisher (flying past the hide, heading towards Paul Stanley), one kittiwake (flying north over the spit), three goldeneye (2F/1M), 1 pochard (briefly beneath far bank), one raven (in field below Hall Wood), three redpoll (near car park), one male brambling (with chaffinches, in bush on far side of car park). On way home, little owl perched on telegraph pole near between Ridgway and Belper. | . | Neil Hallam |
| 87 | 15/02/2006 | Here is a list of the birds I saw during 1 hour in Paul Stanley hide today, both on the water and on the Bird Feeders between 13:00 - 14:00 Hours. Weather bright and breezy - birds sheltering in Brown Ale Bay. If I can see them anyone can, although I did use a telescope. Little Grebe 1, GCrested Grebe 4, Cormorant 12, Heron 1, Mute Swan 2, Canada Goose 1, Wigeon 50, Gadwall 1, Teal 60, Mallard 2, Pochard 5, Tufted Duck 125, Goldeneye 1, Moorhen 2, Coot 175, Oystercatcher 1, Lapwing 30, Snipe 1, B-headed Gull 6, Lesser B-b Gull 15, Pied Wagtail 1, Willow Tit 1, Blue Tit 1, Great Tit 2, Nuthatch 1, Carrion Crow 2, Tree Sparrow 1, Chaffinch 2, Goldfinch 1. Total Species 30 | . | Roy Smith |
| 88 | 09/02/2006 | Visited the site today - the . A very sunny day. No clouds but a cold breeze. Birdwatching from Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WLC). Of note today: Barnacle Goose (20) - on the water, WLC Creek & Shiningford Creek. More in a field near Shiningford Farm but uncounted. Gadwall (a pair) - WLC Creek. Redshank (1) - Horseshoe Island. Little Owl (1) - near WLC Creek. The following were noted from the WLC logbook and the notice board outside the visitor centre: 8th February: Oystercatcher (3),Redshank (3), Great Black-backed Gull (1), Nuthatch (2), Treecreeper (6) 6th February: Black-necked Grebe (1), Goldeneye (15), Goosander (10), Ruddy Duck (42), Common Buzzard (3), Kingfisher (1), Bullfinch (7), 5th February: Dunlin (1), Redshank (1), 4th February: Dunlin (1), Snipe (2) 1st February: Red-necked Grebe (1), Goosander (5), Peregrine (1), Siskin (21) 31st January: Black-necked Grebe (2), Red-necked Grebe (1) 27th January: Black-necked Grebe (2), Red-necked Grebe (1), Goldeneye, (10), Snipe (9), Sparrowhawk (1) | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 89 | 08/02/2006 | Peregrine flying SE over Millfields. Two Ravens over Hall Wood. Also, in the space of 90 minutes during the morning, among daily visitors on and around birdtable and feeders in Belper: 2 Blackcap (separately, 1M /1F). Gtr Spotted Woodpecker (M). 2 Nuthatch. Pr Bullfinch, 7 Long tailed tits, 3 Siskin (1M/2F), Song Thrush. | . | Neil Hallam |
| 90 | 25/01/2006 | We visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WLC) today, the 25th and found 36 species around midday. There was a cold northerly wind blowing and the sky was largely overcast. The following represents a summary of the best finds today and in the previous six days. Data from our own observations, the WLC logbook and the notice board outside the visitor centre. 25th: Red-necked Grebe (1) - off Stones Island, near the sailing club. Black-necked Grebe (2) - near the Paul Stanley hide. Barnacle Goose (40-50) - WLC creek. Redshank (1) - WLC creek. Song Thrush (1) Raven (2) Siskin (23) Lesser Redpoll (~10) 24th: Red-necked Grebe (1) Barnacle Goose (47) Goosander (a pair) Little Owl (2) Snipe (2) Redshank (3) 23rd: Largely similar to the 24th and 25th. 22nd:Pintail (a pair). 21st: Kingfisher (1), Snipe (1) 20th: Hawfinch (1) - Stones Island. 19th: Peregrine (1),Goldeneye (12), Caspian Gull (2) | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 91 | 19/01/2006 | Black Swan was found with a Mute Swan in the Watersports Bay yesterday morning (18/01) at 09:00 by Jim Craw. Unfortunately, it immediately took off and headed south and wasn't reported again. Sixty-six Pink-footed Geese flew over Shiningford Farm on the afternoon of 18th. They then peeled off and carried on in a NW direction. The two Black-necked Grebes are still being seen regularly from Paul Stanley Hide and were seen this morning. It was recently realised that there are two Red-necked Grebes on site, rather than one mobile bird. This morning there was a juvenile seen from Lane Ends Hide and an adult seen in Millfields Bay. The adult bird has been present in front of the sailing club for some time now and was very close in and easily viewable from the patio area at the back of the restaurant yesterday. However, it does make excursions south of the Sailing Club Island into Millfields Bay. There was a juvenile Kittiwake seen over Sheepwash this morning, whilst a Chiffchaff sang there briefly. A Blackcap was seen between the Visitor centre car park and the Wildlife Centre, also this morning. | . | Paul Bennett, Severn Trent Ranger Service |
| 92 | 19/01/2006 | Weather warmer than of late but cloudy: Hopton End 2 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 100 Rooks, 30 Mallards Hall Wood 4 Goldcrest, 9 Long-tail Tits, 1 Coal Tit, 2 Great Tit, 1 Blue Tit. Fishtail Creek 1 Robin, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Jackdaw Upperfields Bay 10 Wigeon, 1 Pochard 1 Squirrel, 1 Rabbit, 1 Jay, 1 Female Blackbird, 4 GreatTtits, 12 Mallards, 1 Magpie Millfields Bay 8 Little Grebe, 100 Tufties, 2 Mute Swans, 30 Canada's, 12 Wigeon, 2 Pochard Dam Wall 40 Tufties, 1 Pr Goosander, 2 Great Crested Grebe Boat Club 20 Tufties, 80 Canada's, 8 Great Crested Grebe Visitor Centre 40 Barnacle Geese, 100 Lapwings Shiningford Creek 32 Wigeon, 5 Little Grebe, 1 Stoat, 40 Canada's, 2 Mute Swans 30 Barnacles (in field), 1 Female Teal, 4 Male Teal, 40 Lapwing, 2 Cormorant, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Tufties, 10 Pochard Feeding Station Brick Tower 1 Male Bullfinch, 1 Female Bullfinch, 5 Sparrows, 2 Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Coal Tit, 2 Chaffinch | . | Jan and Elv Sheppard |
| 93 | 14/01/2006 | Today's visit to the site, by Ray and Margaret Perry, yielded 31 species of bird for the Stones Island area and those seen from the WLC.It was a very mild day with no wind and good light. OF NOTE: Red-necked Grebe (1) - near the Sailing Club. Gadwall (at least 3 pairs) - near the Sailing Club. Pochard (17) - off Stones Island. Sparrowhawk (1 female) - working Shiningford and WLC creeks. Lapwings frequently "put up". Lapwing (over 400) - Stones Island & by the Sailing Club. Snipe (1) - Horseshoe Island. Redshank (1) - Horseshoe Island. Little Owl (1) - by the WLC creek. Sightings taken from the Wildlife Centre (WLC) logbook for the last few days: 9th January: Red-necked Grebe (1) Goldeneye (3) Shoveler (1 female) Mediterranean Gull (1 adult) Nuthatch (1) Treecreeper (1) Raven (1) Reed Bunting (1) 12th January: Black-necked Grebe (2) Siskin (50+) 13th January: Red-necked Grebe (1) Goldeneye (15) Redshank (1) Snipe (1) Common Buzzard (1) Sparrowhawk (1) Redwing (~50) Siskin (25) Lesser Redpoll (2) | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 94 | 11/01/2006 | Kingfisher at Shiningford creek c 12 mid day c 15 Siskin Paul Stanley Hide | . | J Mowbray |
| 95 | 07/01/2006 | Red-necked Grebe still present in front of sailing Club. 2No. Black-necked Grebe left of Paul Stanley Hide. c50 Wigeon ‰Û÷grazing‰Ûª on grass bank opposite Paul Stanley Hide 16 Teal left of Wildlife Centre | . | John and Pam Eaton |
| 96 | 05/01/2006 | Today, the Red Necked Grebe has moved North East from Millfields car park and is in the bay overlooked by Upperfield Farm, a 10-15 minute walk from Millfields. A pleasant walk, with a couple of Bull Finches around and a Weasel near the small pond. | . | Mick Sharp |
| 97 | 04/01/2006 | 2 Black-necked Grebes still present - Paul Stanley hide (near tern raft) showing well again 5 Snipe - to the left of Paul Stanley hide 7 Goosander - (3 males) Millfields bay 6 Little Grebes in Millfields bay but no sign of Red Necked grebe | . | None |
| 98 | 02/01/2006 | 2 Little Grebe-in front of Lane End Hide 3+ Great Crested Grebe-in front of Lane End Hide 48 Canada Goose- swimming left to right of Lane End Hide 1 Redshank-left of Lane End Hide 1 Willow Tit-between Sheepwash Hide and Paul Stanley Hide 2 Black-Necked Grebe-left of Paul Stanley Hide 5 Snipe - Spit next to Paul Stanley Hide 1 Grey Heron-on Sheepwash Spit with the Cormorants A mystery Silvery-Grey bird sitting in trees opposite Sheepwash Hide. Great Grey Shrike? | . | Sam Pedley |
| 99 | 01/01/2006 | The following were either observed by us today or were taken from the logbook in the WLC: OF NOTE: Red-necked Grebe (1) - Millfields. Black-necked Grebe (2) - Paul Stanley hide. Gadwall (3) - Shiningford/WLC creeks. Goosander (1 male) Ruddy Duck (~70) - Shiningford Creek. Kestrel (1) - near the Knockerdown Inn. Lapwing (~500) - Horseshoe Island and by the boat club. Redshank (1) - WLC Creek. Skylark (1) - edge of WLC Creek. Reed Bunting (1) - Stones Island. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 100 | 26/11/2006 | W. Centre - 8 Lesser Redpoll, 12 Goldfinch, 1 Kestrel, 6 Redwing, 1 Redshank Stones Island - 3 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush Paul Stanley - 1 Red-breasted Merganser (F), 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 30 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Bullfinch, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers (M+F), 2 Willow Tit, 1 Dunnock Sheepwash - 1 Redshank, 1 Pied Wagtail Millfields - 10 Goosander (8F+2M), 1 Redshank, 1 Meadow Pipit Richard and Frances Pittam | . | None |
| 101 | 26/11/2006 | Adult Ring-billed Gull present in roost from 3.30pm, 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, 5000+ Lesser Black backed Gulls,3000-4000 Black headed gulls, 30 Common Gulls, about 10 Greater Black backed Gulls. (All from Sheepwash Hide) Good numbers of wildfowl present in the Sheepwash area. | I note that a Ring-billed Gull has been seen in the week at Tittesworth...bet its the same individual! | Paul and Steph Hicking |
| 102 | 28/11/2006 | A juv. Great Northern Diver found mid-morning on Nov. 28th mid way along the dam | The last one reported was on 12th Nov 2005 | Derbyshire Ornithological Society website |
| 103 | 28/11/2006 | A respectable 45 species seen from the Wildlife Centre today. The best bird however, was the juvenile Great Northern Diver found by Roger Carrington first thing this morning. Present all day giving close views at time from the dam wall. The Black Swan is still present, as is the Black Tailed Godwit - both from the Wildlife Centre where Little Owl also showed on and off. Other sightings included 1 redshank at Millfields Island and 2 on Horseshoe Island; 1 Dunlin on Stones Island; 14 Snipe from Paul Stanley Hide and 11 from the Wildlife Centre; 5 Goldeneye off Stones Island; 2 Buzzard over Blackwall Plantation; 7 Lesser Redpoll on Stones Island and a female Goosander at Millfields. | . | Matthew Capper (Aren't birds brilliant! Officer) |
| 113 | 29/11/2006 | Just to let you know that the Diver was just north of the draw-down tower, just off the dam wall at 09:15 this morning. | . | Paul Bennett Ranger Service, Severn Trent Water Ltd |
| 115 | 01/12/2006 | 2 GNDivers near draw-off tower this afternoon. 1 Black-necked Grebe from Sheepwash Hide at 1200hrs. 2 Whooper Swans flew northwest over Sheepwash at 1130hrs. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 116 | 01/12/2006 | In addition to the sightings submitted by Roger Carrington, the female red breasted merganser was also reported today. | . | Matthew Capper |
| 117 | 02/12/2006 | adult Ring billed Gull again present in roost from Paul Stanley Hide. 4 adult Yellow Legged Gulls. 2 Great Northern Divers Millfields/Draw off Tower (one showing very well just off car park. | . | Paul and Steph Hicking |
| 118 | 02/12/2006 | Great Northern Diver showing well at Millfields (tower) and Dam wall. Also at Wildlife Centre and Shiningford Creek | . | richard and Frances Pittam |
| 121 | 03/12/2006 | Two Great Northern Divers | . | Roy Smith |
| 122 | 03/12/2006 | Two Bar - tailed Godwit observed fling off muddy shore of Millfields Bay @ 0805hrs today as I arrived , no white wing bars and whitish V between wings with white rump identifies. Also two Great Northern Diver, one seen very well at damwall and the other out in Millfields, but could still be followed between dives. | Possibly Godwits came in to shelter from storm or blown off course during night? | Gavin Lord |
| 123 | 03/12/2006 | A busy day at Carsington with plenty of birders on site. A respectable 43 species seen during the day from the wildlife centre including the regular Little Owl and the long staying Black Tailed Godwit. The Canada Goose flock included 18 Barnacle Geese - a much improved number and with them for the first time in a while were three Cackling Geese. Also here were several snipe and 5 Redshank including a flock of 4. The biggest talking point of the day was the Great Northern Divers with several people reporting three birds - and one report positive about 2 juvenile birds and one adult winter. Certainly two of the birds showed very well just off the dam near the draw off tower for much of the day. The Black Necked Grebe was seen from Sheepwash Hide and the Black Swan was also in this area. Late on, the bird news services reported the adult Ring Billed Gull again in the roost as well as a first winter Yellow Legged Gull. The roost is best observed from Paul Stanley or Sheepwash hides and you need to be in place by about 2.30 - 3pm. | Matthew Capper (Aren't birds brilliant! Officer) | |
| 124 | 02/12/2006 | Further interesting sightings for this date taken from the Wildlife Centre logbook:Woodcock (2), Siskin (10), Raven (1), Common Buzzard. | Ray and Margaret Perry | |
| 125 | 04/12/2006 | A good number and range of birds seen today from the Wildlife Centre. The most unusual observation was of 50 Barnacle Geese, quite a high number. | Warm and sunny today. Few visitors on site. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 126 | 05/12/2006 | Very quiet at Carsington today not helped by the windy weather and frequent heavy showers.4 Redshank and 6 Snipe at the Wildlife Centre and both juvenile Great Northen Divers from the dam - three divers were again seen yesterday.43 Barnacle Geese were counted along with the three Cackling Geese which are still present. Look for a Canada Goose that is much smaller - smaller than the Barnacles. Also, whilst Canada Geese have a pale breast, these birds are a chocolate brown all over giving a much darker appearance and less contrast between the breast and black neck.No reports of the Black Necker Grebe but not to say that it isn't still present. The Gull roost this evening seemed to be building off Stones Island rather the Sheepwash / Paul Stanley area. | Matthew Capper | |
| 127 | 07/12/2006 | Black-necked grebe seen from Sheepwash Hide from 2.30pm. No sign of Ring-billed gull in large roost spread out from Lane end hide south | . | |
| 128 | 08/12/2006 | Of interest, on 6th December Severn Trent Ranger Paul Bennet found a dead Leach's Petrol whilst working on the east bank at Ogston Reservoir.The first record in Derbyshire since 1994 it ended up temporarily in the freezer at Carsington.Sadly I'm not sure the Bird Club Committee will therefore let me submit it as a record for Carsington but interesting never the less. | Matthew Capper (RSPB) | |
| 129 | 08/12/2006 | 2 G N Divers, both juvenile, one in Millfields Bay from car park, one halfway along the dam wall.1 Black-necked Grebe at Sheepwash. | Roger Carrington (Carsington Bird Recorder) | |
| 130 | 09/12/2006 | Wildlife Centre 1 Treecreeper, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Goldfinch, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Barnacle Geese, 2 Snipe, 2 Redshank Paul Stanley 6 Pochard, 1 Dunnock, 3 Snipe, 6 Little Grebe, 1 Sparrowhawk, 11 Cormorant, 1 Willow Tit, 2 Grt Spotted W/Peckers(m f), 1 Redshank, 4 Tree Sparrow, 250 Lapwing, 2 Canada Geese, 6 Great Tit, 20 Lesser Black Backed Gull, 1 Black Swan, 2 Gadwall, 12 Grt Crested Grebe Sheepwash 4 Goldeneye (1m, 3f), 45 Teal, 1 Redshank, 2 Pied Wagtail, 12 Cormorant, 85 Wigeon, 150 Lapwing, 12 Grt Crested Grebe, 6 Gadwall Millfields 80 Tufted Duck, 2 Great Northern Divers (3.10pm) | Richard and Frances Pittam | |
| 131 | 09/12/2006 | Black-necked Grebe commuting between Paul Stanley and Sheepwash Hides this pm. | . | Steph' Hicking |
| 132 | 10/12/2006 | Green Winged Teal | One was found mid afternoon from the Wildlife Centre. A very well marked bird it was flushed by a Sparrowhawk at one point but soon was refound. | Matthew Capper (Aren't birds brilliant! Project Officer) |
| 133 | 11/12/2006 | Black Necked Grebe from Sheepwash Hide mid afternoon Ring Billed Gull again seen from Sheepwash Hide Great Northern Diver still present Green Winged Teal present to dusk yesterday but not reported today. | All reported on bird info services | Matthew Capper (Aren't birds brilliant! Project Officer) |
| 134 | 11/12/2006 | 3 Great Northern Divers were seen together off the Sailing Club this pm, all juveniles. Close in between the jettys and near the dam at times. | With reports of an adult present as well during the week are birds still moving through? Have there been 4? | Steph' Hicking |
| 135 | 12/12/2006 | 35 species seen from the Wildlife Centre today - not as high a number as recently. No sign of the of the Green Winged Teal from the wildlife centre but reasonable numbers of gulls came in to roost. The Black Grebe and Diver(s) were not reported at the Wildlife Centre but are presumably are still on site. | . | Matthew Capper (Aren't birds brilliant! Project Officer) |
| 136 | 13/12/2006 | Green-winged Teal (drake) reported on Birdnet Pager as being in front of Wildlife Centre at 9.40am | 13th record for Derbyshire, 2nd for Carsington. | Steph' Hicking |
| 137 | 13/12/2006 | Green Winged Teal and Pintail | Clive Ashton refound the Teal (and found the Pintail) this morning in front of the Wildlife Centre. | Matthew Capper |
| 138 | 13/12/2006 | Drake Green-winged Teal still present till just before dusk at least, to the left of the Wildlife Centre,1 adult Yellow-legged Gull in front of WLC at 3pm, 1 Great Northern Diver reported at the Sailing Club this am. Black-necked Grebe reported still at Sheepwash this pm. 20+ Common Gulls in area in front of WLC 3pm. | The Teal can hide in creek left of the WLC and can be viewed from around the first bend walking left from the WLC, looking back on to the shore, if so. | Steph' Hicking |
| 139 | 14/12/2006 | Green-winged Teal (drake) again reported at WLC and 2 Great Northerns at Sailing Club (off Birdnet pager. | . | Steph' Hicking |
| 140 | 15/12/2006 | W.Centre 24 snipe, 60 Black-headed gull, 21 Pochard, 11 Teal (no green-winged), 9 Wigeon, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Redwing, 1 Bullfinch(F), 1 Redshank Sheepwash 1 Black-necked Grebe, 2 Redshank, 3 Meadow Pipit, 23 Teal, 1 Goldeneye(f) Millfields 8 Long-tailed tits | A pretty dull day, misty and drizzly. | Richard, Frances and Ken Pittam |
| 141 | 16/12/2006 | Highlights: W.Centre: Green Winged Teal, Goldcrest, Treecreeper, Wren, Redwing Paul Stanley: Willow Tit(2), GS Woodpecker, Coal tit Millfields: Great Northern Diver(1) | A cold but very sunny day. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 142 | 17/12/2006 | No sign today of the drake Green Winged Teal. Two juv. Great Northern Divers at Millfields at 12.00.p.m. with a third juvenile close to Horeshoe Island from the windsurfing club. Later at 3.00 p.m. a juv. Great Northern Diver was just behind Sheepwash spit. The Black necked Grebes was showing well from Paul Stanley Hide. A first winter Glaucous Gull spent about 20 mins on Flat Island before taking off and flying down the Reservoir at 2.55 p.m. and disappearing off to the West. An adult Yellow Legged Gull in a fair sized roost. Up to 6 Redshank about the reservoir | . | Richard James and Rod Key |
| 143 | 18/12/2006 | The drake Green-winged Teal was seen today on the spit of land to the right of Sheepwash hide, before moving off with other Teal. The Black-necked Grebe was also present,catching many small fish in front of Sheepwash hide. c10 Goldeneye,2 Goosander (over Lane End hide),distant views of a Great Northern Diver (also from Lane End) were amongst the other highlights. | . | CLIVE ASHTON and DAVE NEWCOMBE. |
| 144 | 18/12/2006 | 36 species of bird seen around midday. Main observation points: Stones Island (SI) and from the Wildlife Centre (WC). Very quiet on site. Quite misty to start with, then cleared up. Of note: Snipe (8) - Horseshoe Island; Redshank (3) - one SI & 2 Horseshoe Island; Redwing (1) - near WC; Bullfinch (pair) - near WC. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 145 | 20/12/2006 | The drake Green Winged Teal briefly from Paul Stanley Hide at 2.15 p.m. and the Black Necked Grebe was also showing well from here. An adult Caspian Gull was on Flat Island up to at least 2.45 p.m. The adult Ring Billed Gull again in the roost at 3.40.p.m. along with 3 Yellow Legged Gulls-an adult and 2 first winters. At least 2 juvenile Great Northern Divers still present-1 near the dam by the sailing club, the other showing well from the Wildlife Centre. Also 1 was near Sheepwash about 2.45 p.m. Also present 4 Barnacle Geese from the Wildlife Centre and a Willow Tit near here, 3 Shoveler from Sheepwash and at least 5 Goldeneye and 3 Redshank around the reservoir | . | Rod Key |
| 146 | 21/12/2006 | Green-winged Teal(WLC) and Black-necked Grebe (Paul Stanley Hide) and 1 Great Northern Diver (Lane Ends) reported on Birdnet Pager system today. | . | Steph' Hicking |
| 147 | 22/12/2006 | 3 Wrens - In front of Wildlife Centre 3 Redshanks - from Wildlife Centre 1 Goldeneye - Female from Wildlife Centre 1 Hen Harrier - Male flew over Horsehoe Island 1 Great Northern Diver - Very distant over the back of Horseshoe Island | . | Sam Pedley |
| 148 | 22/12/2006 | Highlights: Wildlife Centre Bullfinch, 2 Redshank, 3 Barnacle Geese, 1 Male Hen Harrier (over boat shop/visitor centre) Paul Stanley 2 Goldcrest, 1 Black-necked Grebe, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Willow Tits, 3 Goldeneye, 1 Grt Spotted Woodpecker(m) | It turned out to be a superb day, despite the early fog. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 149 | 24/12/2006 | W. Centre Redshank, Teal (no Green-winged), Wigeon, Cormorant, Great Northern Diver, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Canada Geese, Barnacle Geese, 2 Bullfinch, Redwing, Robin Sheepwash 'Grey' Coot, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Teal, Wigeon, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, 5 Goldeneye (4 drake,1 duck), Little Grebe, 4 Bullfinch (car park) Paul Stanley Black-necked Grebe, Kingfisher, Wigeon, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Teal, LBB Gull, BH Gull, Common Gull | . | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 150 | 26/12/2006 | highlights:- W.Centre: Blackcap (Horeshoe Island), Kestrel, 2xRedshank Paul Stanley: Black-necked Grebe, Great Northern Diver, 27 chaffinch, 1xRedshank Millfields: Great Northern diver | A misty and busy day. | Richard, Frances and Ken Pittam |
| 152 | 30/12/2006 | Quiet, usual wildfowl plus Black-necked Grebe (Paul Stanley Hide)1 adult Yellow-legged Gull in roost 150+ Common Gulls (Sheepwash). | Rainy Day!! | Steph Hicking |
| 153 | 26/12/2005 | Noted by Chloe Pye at the Paul Stanley Hide: 2 Black-necked Grebe showing well most of the day in the bay at the front of the hide Great Spotted Woodpecker, Treecreeper, Dunnock, Robin, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit. Goosander, Goldeneye, Mute Swan, Coot, Gadwall, Ruddy Duck, Wigeon, Teal, Pochard, Moorhen, Lapwing, Cormorant, Black-headed Gull. Also in the area: Mediterranean Gull, Willow Tit, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Redshank. The Carsington Bird Club Boxing Day walk produced 37 species. Birds seen but not included in the above list: Kestrel, Greenfinch, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Robin, Redpoll, Siskin, Magpie, Tree and House Sparrow, Goldcrest, Bullfinch, Dunnock, Long-tailed Tit, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Snipe and Canada Goose. | Despite the cold and miserable weather, a good day for birds at Carsington: | . |
| 154 | 22/12/2005 | 7+Goldfinchs and 2 Lesser Redpoll in trees next to path to Wildlife Centre 5 Wigeon-near the wooden walkway on the way to the Wildlife Centre 1 Gadwall-near Horseshoe Island 2 Pochard-left of Wildlife Centre 1 Redshank-far left bank from Wildlife Centre | . | Sam Pedley |
| 155 | 20/12/2005 | Two Black-necked Grebe seen today from the Sheepwash hide. The Red-necked Grebe is still around and usually seen from Lane end hide. Seen on Sunday 18th were Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Green Sandpiper (calling in flight) & two Whooper swans that flew over. Wildfowl numbers are still increasing with site records for Tufted duck (1078), Little Grebe (105). Also around: 2000+ Coot, 600+ Wigeon, four Ruddy Duck, approx. 20 Goldeneye and nine Goosander. Small flocks of Siskin, a few Redpoll, last week RC found a Mealy Redpoll (a rare sight for Carsington) and a few wintering Thrushes. | . | . |
| 156 | 10/12/2005 | The following observations were noted from the logbook in the Wildlife Centre (WLC) for the 7th December but excluding those sightings already recorded on the website: Little Owl (2). Raven (2). Green Woodpecker (1). Goosander (8). Goldeneye (2). Today, the 10th December, visited Stones Island and the WLC at around midday. Mainly sunny and reasonably warm. Not many birding visitors. 35 species identified. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (5). Gadwall (2 pairs) - from WLC. Golden Plover (1) - on Horseshoe Island with the Lapwings. Lapwing (~400) - Horseshoe Island. Snipe (2) - WLC Creek. Redshank (1) - Stones Island. Little Owl (1) - tree by Shiningford Creek. Song Thrush (1) - Stones Island. Tree Sparrow (~20) - Stones Island. The Red-necked Grebe was not seen today. Additional: Curlew (1) - near the Knockerdown Inn. Little Owl (1) - at Pikehall. | A Tittesworth Snippet: A great find on the 4th was a male Ferruginous Duck, only the second sighting of this species at Tittesworth. Unfortunately it only stayed for a day. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 157 | 07/12/2005 | The Red-necked Grebe was seen in front of Lane Ends again at 12:15 today. There was also a Grey Wagtail there at 10:15. Two Ravens flew low over Sheepwash at 10:30, calling. There were two Redshank and c15 Redwings in the fields between Sheepwash and Lane Ends as well. | . | Paul Bennett: Ranger Service |
| 158 | 02/12/2005 | 1 Bullfinch-behind wildlife centre 12:30 2 Tree Sparrows- feeders Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Great Tit and Blue Tits - very active 1 Little Grebe- in front of wildlife centre 1 Great Crested Grebe-far back off horseshoe island 8+ Gadwall-left of wildlife centre and of Horseshoe island 15+ Ruddy Duck-in middle of reservoir 4+ Pochard- close to front of wildlife centre 2 Kestrel in fields left of wildlife centre and over horseshoe island | . | Sam Pedley |
| 159 | 28/11/2005 | I braved the conditions today so I have a few highlights. The Red-necked Grebe which has been around for almost two weeks now was giving good views again from lane end hide. 50+ Fieldfares were flying over Wildlife Centre creek. Siskin and Redpoll, at least 10 of each on Shiningford creek. At least 7 Goldeneye and a female Goosander were visible from Sheepwash hide, as were 2 Redshank. Just before leaving at 16.00pm I noticed around 25 Golden Plover on Horseshoe Island alongside the usual Lapwings. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 160 | 27/11/2005 | Goldcrest sighted in bushes between Watersports and field next to visitor centre. 27/11/05 am. | . | Rose Day STW Ranger |
| 161 | 26/11/2005 | We noted recent sightings from the board outside the visitor centre and submit those which are not already recorded on the website. 25th November: Excluding observations reported by Paul Bennett. Redshank (5). 24th November: Slavonian Grebe (1). Red-necked Grebe (1). 23rd November: Red-necked Grebe (1). Goosander (1 female). Goldeneye (14). Redshank (4). Yellow-legged Gull (1). Raven (1). Grey Wagtail (2). Lesser Redpoll (40+). 22nd November: Red-necked Grebe (1). Dunlin (1). | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 162 | 25/11/2005 | The Red-necked Grebe has been seen everyday this week. Roger Carrington has twice found it to the left of the Watersports Island early in the morning and it usually ends up back in front (to the left) of Lane Ends hide by the afternoon. Yesterday Richard Lowe found a Slavonian Grebe from Sheepwash Hide at 10.00a.m. It was seen over by the far bank in front of what Roger called the 'half moon field'. | . | Paul Bennett (STW Ranger) |
| 163 | 19/11/2005 | Lane End Hide - 1 Red Necked Grebe (Was showing from left viewing window, or from the path by the tower. In winter plumage but clearly distinctive) 3 Shelduck Sheepwash Hide - B.H Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, LBB Gull, Grey Heron, c5 Cormorant, large numbers of G.C Grebe, Little Grebe, Wigeon, Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Lapwing (the Sun was actually so bright it silhouetted everything in the South vista from this hide). | . | Matthew Reed |
| 164 | 18/11/2005 | 3-30pm Red necked grebe near far bank near old boat..also red deer - far bank waters edge | . | . |
| 165 | 18/11/2005 | Recent observations taken from the Wildlife Centre (WLC) logbook: 13th November: Water Rail (1); Chiffchaff (1). 14th November: Dunlin (5); Goldeneye (3). 15th November: Goldeneye (7); Kingfisher (2); Raven (3); Lapwing (510). 17th November: Excluding D Newcombe's observations already reported. Siskin (30); Grey Wagtail (1); Redwing (21); Fieldfare (7). Please note that the sightings reported for today were from Lane Ends hide or its close environs. 18th November (am): Little Owl (2) - Shiningford Creek area. Our observations for early pm on the 18th November: Visited Stones Island and the WLC. A lowly count of just 30 species made. Weather: Frost on the ground but sunny. Temperature: -6 degrees C. The site was very quiet. Very few visitors. Ideal for birding! OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (4) - with Canada Geese in the fields near the WLC. Gadwall (a pair) - near the Watersports Centre. Pochard (4) - Shiningford Creek. Other ducks visible: Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Wigeon and Ruddy Duck. | A Tittesworth Snippet: The bird race run by the West Midland Bird Club in conjunction with the Macclesfield RSPB Group, on the 12th November, was a great success although turnout was lower than expected. All told 59 species of bird were found in the three hour race period, with the winning team scoring 51 to beat the 'Tittesworth 50 Challenge'. Prizes were awarded to the first three teams by the Severn Trent ranger service. The best bird find in the Tittesworth area recently is a Great Grey Shrike found on Gun Hill just one mile from the site. It has been seen regularly from the 13th November until today. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 166 | 17/11/2005 | A few notes for today at Carsington. The obvious highlight was a Red-necked Grebe which a friend and I found from Lane end hide, it was showing very well after lunch up to at least 15.00hrs. Also seen were 17 Goldeneye (9 males and 8 females) 2 Pintail, 2 Raven and a Redshank. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 167 | 13/11/2005 | Female goosander by dam wall at 4.30 p.m. | . | Neil Venables |
| 168 | 12/11/2005 | When I was at Carsington Water at 14:44 0n the 12th November at Sheepwash Hide I was helped to see a Great Northern Diver by some more knowlegeable birdwatchers. | . | Sam, aged 13 |
| 169 | 09/11/2005 | The following recent sightings were obtained from the Wildlife Centre (WLC) logbook, the sightings board outside the visitor centre and by word of mouth: 3rd November: Peregrine (1). 4th: Redwing (15). 5th: Blackcap (one, female). " : Marsh Tit (1). " : Raven (1). 6th: Kingfisher (1). 7th: Brambling (5). 8th: Ring-necked Duck (one, first winter) - Fishtail Creek. " : Treecreeper (1). Bullfinch (1). 9th: Redpoll (1) - WLC. Willow Tit (1) - WLC. We visited the site on the 9th.Reasonably mild. Visited Stones Island and the WLC. 31 species identified around midday. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (8) - 4 Stones Island & 4 Horseshoe Island. Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Tufted Duck and Ruddy Duck in good numbers. Pochard (1) - Shiningford Creek. Lapwing (~200) - mainly on Horseshoe Island. Snipe (1) - Horseshoe Island. Redshank (2) - one on Horseshoe Island & one on the edge of WLC Creek. | A Tittesworth Snippet: On Saturday the 12th November there will be a "bird race" at Tittesworth, organised by the West Midland Bird Club, commencing at 10am. All birders are welcome, be it teams of three friends, family parties or just individuals out for a morning's fun. Entrance is free and a map and bird species checklist will be provided. Meet at the covered barbecue area near the visitor centre at about 9.30am. A few prizes are on offer but just come for the challenge of trying to find 50 species - or perhaps more (or indeed perhaps less!!!). If you have any queries ring Andy Lawrence on 01782 253502. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 170 | 02/11/2005 | Recent sightings extracted from the Wildlife Centre (WLC) logbook: 30th October: Brambling (8), Redwing (100+), Dunlin (1), Redshank (1), Redpoll (12), Meadow Pipits (9). 31st October: Grey Wagtail (2), Snipe (4). 1st November: Great Spotted Woodpecker (1), Siskin (1), Nuthatch (1), Redshank (2). 2nd November (am): Brambling (1), Siskin (13), Kingfisher (1), Redwing (15), Redpoll (22). The following refers to our visit to the site today the 2nd November (pm): Visited Stones Island and the WLC. Very quiet on site today. We identified 37 species of bird during the early afternoon. Weather - mild again. Very little wind. Overcast and sunny by turns. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (13) - from Visitor Centre to Horseshoe Island. Gadwall (2 - a pair) - seen from the WLC. Pochard (14) - Horseshoe Island and the edge of Shiningford Creek. Goldeneye (1 female) - seen from the WLC. Our first sighting for this "winter" period. Lapwing (100+) - Horseshoe Island. Long-tailed Tit (~10) - near the WLC. Redpoll (10) - near the WLC. | A Tittesworth Snippet: After the recent heavy rain, the reservoir is now full. The top of the Small Island in the Conservation Pool now stands several feet above the surface of the water after the recent heavy duty work to raise its level. Hopefully the surrounding water will not cause subsidence and that water birds will be able to use it for breeding in the future. A further 50 tons of shingle will be placed on top of the island sometime next year. Please note that prior to this summer's work the Small Island was completely submerged when the reservoir was full. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 171 | 02/11/2005 | The track from the Visitor Centre to the Wildlife Centre is still proving to very productive at the moment. Roger Carrington saw eight Bramblings and 100+ Redwing on Sunday 30th (see October Monthly Bird Notes). A very distinctive call led me to a single Brambling sitting in a tree above the Wildlife Centre this morning (02/11). There were also 15+ Siskin and 20+ Redpoll feeding in the Alders around the Wildlife Centre, along with Goldfinches and Chaffinches. Numbers of Siskin and Redpoll around the site are likely to be much higher than those counted, as they seem to be calling overhead all day around the Visitor Centre area. Other recent highlights have included a single Dunlin by the Fisheries Jetty (RC), nine Meadow Pipits on Horseshoe Island (RC) and 12 Redpoll on Stones Island (RC), (all on 30/10). I saw two Grey Wagtails on Sheepwash spit along with four Snipe on 31/10. A Kingfisher flew across the front of the Wildlife Centre this morning (02/11). | . | Paul Bennett Ranger Service |
| 172 | 27/10/2005 | 20 October 100 plus Pochard, Buzzard, 6 Blackbirds, 20 Cormorants 6 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Fieldfare, 2 Pied Wagtail. 50 Barnacle Geese - Shiningford Creek 30 Lapwing, Horseshoe Island 200 Starlings - Shiningford Creek 27th October (Thursday) Sunny warm day: Long-tail tits - Scow Brock, Robin, Gt.Tit, 80 Fieldfares flew over Scow Brock, 1 Sparrowhawk, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, lots of Gulls, 1 Gt.Crested Grebe, 5 Swans and 1 Cygnet, 6 Redwing - Shiningford Creek, 100 - Lapwing, 1Kestrel 1 - Stonechat - Shiningford Creek, on the wire fence and posts. | . | Elvin & Jan Sheppard |
| 173 | 25/10/2005 | Of note this morning: Two Curlew flying low over the VC car park at 07:45. Four Fieldfares flew out of the trees at the start of the track to the Wildlife Centre and headed west and five Siskin flew south. At least four Redwings were in the back of the hedgerow on the left-hand side of the track (This area has been quite productive recently, with Thrushes and Finches in reasonable numbers. I also saw/heard a Little Owl there in the evening last week). The highlight this morning though, was a flock of around 30 Redpolls, feeding in the trees next to and behind the Visitor Centre. They then moved on down to Stones Island. | . | Paul Bennett: Ranger Service |
| 174 | 20/10/2005 | A 1st Winter Goldeneye was seen from Paul Stanley hide, as was 49 Gadwall & 5 Shoveler. 2 Sparrowhawks were seen flying past the hide. 72 Cormorants were on the spit from sheepwash. 53 Barnacle Geese, 1 Redshank & and eclipse male Pintail were seen from the Wildlife Centre. | . | D.Newcombe |
| 175 | 18/10/2005 | The following were seen among the more usual species at Carsington on October 18 between noon and 12.45pm: Female Pintail in the boat club bay; stayed only briefly before flying off in direction of the wildlife centre. Pair of Buzzards wheeling over Hall Wood. Pair of Bullfinch in bushes on Stones Island. Small flock of Linnet passing across the car par near the visitor centre. C9 Long-tailed Tits in bushes on Stones Island. Five Gadwall (3m/2F) in open water in front of the cycle hire shop. Sparrowhawk (male) - flying across the road into Millfields area. Also: C12 fieldfare in trees close to the Tiger Inn at Turnditch and C40 in trees at Blackbrook. | . | . |
| 176 | 13/10/2005 | Taken from the WLC logbook: 8th October: Pintail (1) - eclipse male, WLC: 9th: Jay (1); Common Sandpiper (1); Sandwich Tern (1); 10th: Pintail (1) - eclipse male. 13th: Kingfisher (1) - near WLC; the Pintail again. Further sightings made by us also on the 13th: Barnacle Goose (4) - Horseshoe Island. Gadwall (pair) - WLC creek. Pintail (1) Red-crested Pochard (1) - off Stones Island. Kestrel (1 female) - over Horseshoe Island. Lapwing (26) - Horseshoe Island. Long-tailed Tit (~6) - near WLC. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 177 | 09/10/2005 | A Sandwich Tern was reported to me as being on Horseshoe Island last Sunday(9th). The description fitted but I didn't get out to see it myself. I was told that it was only viewable from Shiningford Creek area as it was on the North-east side, although it take to the air occasionally. For anyone interested in gulls, the roost is just off the end of Stones island at the moment, allowing quite close views (17:30 onwards). The vast majority of them are Lesser Black-backed and Black-headed Gulls, but even if you're not interested in picking through to find something interesting (there was a Laughing Gull in Yorkshire last week!), it makes for a real spectacle. | . | Paul Bennett (STW Ranger) |
| 178 | 08/10/2005 | Today from the wildlife centre hide I heard and observed a Bar Tailed Godwit which flew in from the North to Horseshoe Island at 2.55pm landing on the exposed mud. Further scanning along the waters edge I located a second bird and this was followed at 3.17pm by a third bird which flew in from the same direction. | . | Peter Nuttall |
| 179 | 07/10/2005 | 1 - Kingfisher - - Hopton end of resvervoir 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker - Fishtail Creek 3 -Great Tits - Hall Wood 2 - Blue Tits - Hall Wood 1 - Red Crested Pochard (male) - Inlet near Millfields lots of Chaffinches everywhere 6 - Pied Wagtails along the dam 4 - Rock Pippets along the dam wall 6 Magpies, 6 Goldfinch, 2 Blackbirds, 3 Robins, Tufties, Coots, Moorhens, 5 Dabchicks, 2 Gt. Crested Grebe, 2 pairs of swans, 1 with 3 young, and 1 pair with 1 cygnet, 3 Jays. | . | Elvin & Jan Sheppard |
| 180 | 05/10/2005 | The following recent sightings were taken from the Wildlife Centre (WLC) logbook: 1st October: Red-crested Pochard (2) - from WLC. Common Tern (1) - from WLC. Merlin (1) - from WLC. 2nd October: Red-crested Pochard (4) - from WLC. Lesser Redpoll (8) - WLC area. 3rd October: Common Sandpiper (1) - Horseshoe Island. 4th October: Snipe (1) - Horseshoe Island. Lesser Redpoll (15) - WLC area. Water Vole (1) - from WLC. The following observations were made today the 5th October: Visited Stones Island, the WLC and Sheepwash hide. Weather: Mild. Sunny most of the time around midday. 36 species of bird identified. OF NOTE: Cormorant (48) - on the Spit. Grey Heron (1) - on the Spit. Eight species of duck present: Wigeon, Gadwall (2), Teal, Mallard, Shoveler (pair) - near Sheepwash hide, Red-crested Pochard (2 males) - the Spit, Pochard (10), Tufted Duck and Ruddy Duck (1 female). Kestrel (1 female) - Horseshoe Island. Lapwing (~100) - the Spit. Common Sandpiper (1) - near the WLC. Long-tailed Tit (14) - Stones Island. Goldfinch (14) - Stones Island. OTHER OBSERVATIONS: Speckled Wood butterfly, male Southern Hawker dragonfly, Weasal. Flowering plants: Redshank, Herb Robert, Daisy & Meadow Buttercup. | A Tittesworth Snippet: The work to raise the level of the Small Island has been completed. Settlement will be allowed for 6 - 9 months before surmounting the island with 50 tons of chippings. Birding interest has centred around the recent visit for several days by an Osprey. There was also a short visit from a Red Kite. Stunning photos were taken of both birds. The 2004 Tittesworth bird report has been selling well. Over 50 were sold in the last couple of weeks. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 181 | 22/09/2005 | Visited the Wildlife Centre and Stones Island as usual. A warm day ~ 20 degrees C. Breezy. Unfortunately there were less than 30 bird species about. OF NOTE: AVIAN SPECIES: Gadwall (6) - Horseshoe Island. Teal - several dozen, an increase in the last three weeks. Red-crested Pochard (2 females) - Wildlife Centre creek. Kestrel (1 female) - Horseshoe Island. Coot (at least 500) - in the WLC and Shiningford creeks. Lapwing (~10) - Horseshoe Island, the only waders seen today. Swallow (2). House Martin (6) - around the visitor centre. PLEASE NOTE: Up to four Red-crested Pochards have been seen in the last few days. Also two Dunlin were present on the 20th September and a Green Sandpiper was present on Stones Island up to the 20th. NON-AVIAN WILDLIFE: By the WLC or on/over the pond adjacent to the WLC: Butterflies: Red Admiral, Small White, Meadow Brown and Speckled Wood. Dragonflies: Common Darter (largely orange coloured) and Southern Hawker (bright green and blue). Other insects: Water Boatmen and Pond Skaters. PLANTLIFE: Most flowering plants are now over, however, the following had a few specimens in bloom: Daisy, Meadow Buttercup, Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil, Water Forget-me-not, Spear Thistle, Bulrush, Autumn Hawkbit, Hawkweed and Meadow Crane's-bill. There were several clumps of Redshank (Persicaria maculosa) in the Low Water Garden near the visitor centre. The Redshank plant is definitely THE birders plant!! | A Tittesworth Snippet: There have been no dramatic changes in the birdlife in the last few weeks. Specialist engineers have been working in the drained Conservation Pool to raise the level of the Small Island. Hopefully it will mean that the island will always be exposed above the water level and that wading birds will feel inclined to breed there. The Conservation Pool is the least disturbed area on the Tittesworth site. The 2004 site bird report is now available from reception, priced at å£2. ALL proceeds will go to wildlife charities. Severn Trent Water sponsored the production of the report. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 182 | 06/09/2005 | On a visit around the Sheepwash area today: a Tern species was flying in front of Hall Wood but too far away to identify precisely and a Common Sandpiper was on the scrape in front of the Paul Stanley Hide. Pochard, Wigeon, Lapwing and four Snipe were seen during the day as well as four Mistle Thrush, Willow Warbler and Kingfisher. | . | . |
| 183 | 05/09/2005 | Our first visit since the 18th July. Visited the WLC and scoured Stones Island but only found 23 species, the lowest count for a long time. Weather: Very humid but also very misty with poor light. OF NOTE: Ruddy Duck (11) - by the WLC. Robin - many now singing again after falling silent during mid - late summer whilst refeathering. Willow Warbler (1) - Stones Island. Most warblers no longer sing and many have now left. A male Southern Hawker dragonfly was spotted on Stones Island. Most wild plants have finished flowering but Oxeye Daisy and Agrimony were noted. These have not been previously reported. Autumn approaches! Hips were observed on the Dog Rose plants. | A Tittesworth Snippet. The long staying escape, a Cape Shelduck, has now departed. Initially it was thought to be a Ruddy Shelduck but eventually it proved to be a female Cape Shelduck. Very recent good finds include Yellow Wagtails, Snipe, an Osprey, Sedge Warblers, Little Ringed Plovers with young, Nuthatch, Ravens, 33 Mistle Thrushes, Goldcrests, Stock Doves and 150 Lapwings. On the 3rd September an interesting hybrid turned up, a cross between a female Scaup and a male Tufted Duck. It was in the company of eight Wigeon, early arriving winter visitors. Also present were a Greenshank, 11 Snipe, a Dunlin and five juvenile Shelducks. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 184 | 25/08/2005 | Not too many highlights at Carsington this month but on the 19th 47 Common Scoter, 5 Sandwich Terns and an Osprey were observed. On the 23rd, and on several other days, the Kingfisher has been showing well from the Paul Stanley Hide and a Willow Tit on the feeders and on the 25th two Dunlin were seen. | . | . |
| 185 | 24/07/2005 | A few interesting sightings to brighten up an otherwise wet and dull day. I observed a family group of three Garden Warblers moving through the bushes by the Sailing Club entrance this morning. A Common Sandpiper was heard calling on Stones Island at 09:30. A Grey Wagtail was flushed from the shore at Millfields at 11:30 and flew towards Tail Bay. A Whimbrel flew over at the same time, calling as it headed over the Blackwall Plantation. This is the second time that I've seen/heard Whimbrel overhead this week, having seen two flying low over the fields behind the ranger Base on Wednesday 20th. I also spoke to two visitors who reported a Little Ringed Plover and a Snipe from Horseshoe Island and a Redshank and a Common Sandpiper on the end of Sheepwash Spit. | . | Paul Bennett (STW Ranger) |
| 186 | 20/07/2005 | A nice mild day on the site. Visited Stones Island & the WLC as usual. Only 26 species of bird identified. Most woodland birds have fallen silent. OF NOTE: Mute Swan (20) - including 4 cygnets. Barnacle Goose (34) - including juveniles. Ruddy Duck (13) - 12 from WLC & one off Stones Island. Kestrel (1) - Stones Island. Oystercatcher (2) - seen from the visitor centre flying across Stones Island. Song Thrush (1) - singing weakly near the WLC. From the logbook in the WLC: Black-tailed Godwits were reported on the 15th. NON-AVIAN SPECIES: Butterflies: Hedge Brown (or Gatekeeper), Large White, and Green-veined White. On the pond by the WLC: Pond Skaters and Water Boatmen. PLANTLIFE in flower: As for last week plus - Scentless Mayweed, Broad-leaved Dock, Curled Dock, Groundsel, Hawkweed, Shining Crane's-bill, Cotton (or Scotch) Thistle, Marsh Thistle, Prickly Sow-thistle, Nipplewort and Great Burnet. There is loads of colour on Stones Island and in the grassy areas close to the WLC. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 187 | 13/07/2005 | Wildlife Centre/Horseshoe Island - 3 Black Tailed Godwits (one had two white rings on its right leg plus one white ring on its left leg), 2 Dunlin, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Teal, 1 Ruddy Duck, 64 Lapwing & 1 Starling. Hopton Arm end (SK2653) - 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 House Martin, 1 Swallow & 1 BH Gull (flew in from north-east at 1958hrs) Near WLC (SK239519) - 4 Goldfinch | . | Brian Cuttell |
| 188 | 11/07/2005 | Visited the site after four weeks absence. Very hot today at around 29 degrees C. Scanned from Stones Island and the WLC. Only 29 species counted. Woodland birds are more difficult to find now because many have either stopped or cut down on their singing, and vegetation & leafage is at its densest. OF NOTE: Ruddy Duck (1 male) - off Stones Island. Oystercatcher (2) - from WLC. Swift (2) Blackcap (1) and Willow Warbler (1) - both Stones Island. Reed Bunting (1 male) - singing occasionally on Stones Island. From the WLC logbook: Little Ringed Plover and Curlew in the last two days. NON-AVIAN SPECIES: Common Blue Damselfly, Meadow Brown and Speckled Wood butterflies. FLOWERING PLANTS: Buttercups and Daisies plus the following: Spear Thistle, Field Thistle, Common Knapweed, Yarrow, Common Sorrel, Ragwort, Meadow Vetchling, Sweet Briar, Agrimony, (Blackberry) Bramble, Black Medick, Meadow Crane's Bill, Cow Parsley, Water Forget-me-not, Common Bird's-foot-trefoil, Rosebay Willowherb, Great Willowherb, Broad-leaved Willowherb, Bulrush, Woody Nightshade, and Selfheal. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 189 | 01/07/2005 | Myself and my husband visit Carsington almost every week - sometimes twice a week from Nottingham. We were there today and just before leaving we decided a final stroll to the Wildlife Centre was appropriate. We were observing a few species in the Willow trees to the left hand side of the main building at the Wildlife Centre and amongst Tree Sparrows, Willow Tits, Willow Warblers and a few of the usual suspects like Chaffinch's and Blue Tits we noticed a very noisy chap having a mid-flight fight with a male Greenfinch. We reckon it was a male Serin. Unlikely I know but after looking up everything in the books and later on the internet the call and form of the bird we saw only matches with a Serin. Hope we have spotted a good one here! Hope that it was likely sighting and that other's spot him! We observed for about 15-20 minutes around 18.30-19.00 hrs. After his "scrap" he spent a lot of time around the lower branches of the trees and kept dipping down to the bird tables behind the gate - making a lot of noise. Mr & Mrs Callaghan [Any comments from other bird watchers around the site today?] Other sightings we observed today: Paul Stanley Hide- Coot + chicks, Moorhen + chicks, Tufted Duck + chicks, Mute Swan + cygnets, Chaffinch, Jackdaw, Dabchick, Wood Pigeon, G.C. Grebe (+chicks at Wildlife Centre), Lapwing (+chicks W.L. Centre), Mallard, Ruddy Duck (2 pairs), Kestrel Sheepwash- Chiffchaff, Grey Heron, 2 Oystercatchers, Canada Goose, Pheasant, Coot, Moorhen, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, G.C. Grebe, Dabchick Wildlife Centre- Redshank, Marsh Tit, Willow Tit, Black Headed Gull, Swifts, Reed Warbler, Housemartin, Serin?? Greenfinch, Tree Sparrow, Blue Tit, Robin (juvenile), Pied Wagtail, Reed Bunting | . | . |
| 190 | 22/06/2005 | 2 Male Red Crested Pochard - showing very close Sheepwash end of reservoir, but very mobile and very quick in water. Barn Owl in usual place Little Owl perched on pylons WOODLAND - Garden Warbler,Whitethroat,Chiffchaff,Willow Warbler HORSESHOE ISLAND & SURROUNDS - Little Ringed Plover,Redshank,Oystercatcher,Lapwing,Little Grebe Teal,Barnacle Geese (flyover),1 (untickable!) Snow Goose (with Canada flock nr Horseshoe island) | . | Matthew Reed |
| 191 | 21/06/2005 | A family group of nine Crossbills were observed at 11:30 today in a dead tree by Penn Carr. They were found by Brian Woods and Eric Machin (Volunteer Rangers). The birds sat obligingly in the tree for around 10 minutes and then moved into an Alder tree in the wood. | . | . |
| 192 | 17/06/2005 | A few sightings for today at Carsington: 2 Little Ringed Plovers, c6 Redshank, 2 Drake Red Crested Pochards, Curlew & c4 Oystercatchers. All seen on or near Horseshoe island. Whitethroat on Shiningford creek and a Lesser Whitethroat between Sheepwash car park & the observation tower. Juvenile birds include Robin, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Mute Swan, Mallard, Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose, Great Crested Grebe and 2 Little Grebe chicks in the bay just past Paul Stanley hide. The highlight for me was a superb Sanderling on Horseshoe island late afternoon, seen by many observers. | . | D. Newcombe |
| 193 | 14/06/2005 | Sightings today at Carsington Water. Visited Stones Island and the WLC. Weather: Mainly overcast with a north-easterly breeze. 38 bird species identified. OF NOTE: Great Crested Grebe - several, including a pair with two striped young. Canada Goose - not counted but one pair seen with four sturdy goslings. Barnacle Goose (38) - including 13 adults with 24 goslings. One adult was on its own. Mallard One female seen with 10 ducklings, two of which were white! Red-crested Pochard (2) - the logbook suggests they arrived yesterday. Initially seen on Horseshoe Island, then they swam across Shiningford Creek before flying north and out of sight. Oystercatcher (1) - Horseshoe Island. Little Ringed Plover (1) - On Horseshoe Island for a short time, then flew west up the first creek by the WLC. Redshank (2) - Horseshoe Island. Swift (10). Sand Martin (~30). Swallow (~50) - four sat in a tree, one of which was a juvenile. House Martin (10). Blackcap, Garden Warbler and Willow Warbler. Reed Bunting (2) - Stones Island. PLANTS: Most of the plants reported last time are still in flower. Newly flowered species noted were - Meadow Crane's-bill (purple - blue) and Perennial Sow-thistle (yellow). EXTRACTED FROM THE WLC LOGBOOK for the 13th June: Great Spotted Woodpecker (3, two were immature) Buzzard (1) Sparrowhawk (1 female) Curlew (1) Redshank (5) These logbook entries were made by D Newcombe. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 194 | 11/06/2005 | Here's a round up of what's been about over the last week: Two Little Ringed Plovers were seen together in front of the Wildlife Centre (no sign of breeding though) on the 10th, with possibly another pair seen on Stones Island at the same time. Also seen that day were a family group of 13 Gadwall (not bred here according to Roger) off stones Island, seven Redshank and 32 Curlew on Horseshoe Island. An Osprey was seen circling briefly over Millfields Bay and the Dam Wall on the 11th. A Red Kite was recorded in the sightings book on the 12th, although no location was noted. Finally, there have been two drake Red Crested Pochard in front of the Wildlife Centre since the 14th. | . | Paul Bennett Ranger Service |
| 195 | 10/06/2005 | The highlight for me (Ian Wright) today has been the Barn Owl in the nest box doorway, a fantastic sight! Other sightings: around the Wildlife Centre - Kestrel, Reed Bunting, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Starling, Wren, Robin, Swift, Canada Geese with young, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Great Crested Grebe with young on back, Little Grebe, Redshanks, Lapwings, Magpie, Carrion Crows, Jackdaw. Walking towards Sheepwash from Wildlife Centre: Redstart, Chiffchaff, Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Wood Pigeon, Ruddy Duck, Oystercatcher (in the field), Stones Island: Mallard, Heron, 2 pairs Barnacle Geese with young, and House Martin, Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Tree Sparrows and Dunnock overhead. From Sheepwash hide, Cormorant and Lesser Black-backed Gulls (young birds). 44 Species in total from 7am to 10am. | . | Ian Wright |
| 196 | 07/06/2005 | We covered the area from Stones Island to Shiningford Creek. A lovely warm day with a clear blue sky. Surprisingly quiet on site. 35 species of bird identified around midday. A good day for young birds. OF NOTE: Great Crested Grebe - several including one pair with striped young, one riding on the back of an adult. Charming. Canada Goose - two pairs with young goslings, six with one pair and four with the other. Barnacle Goose (17) - including five goslings with two pairs of adults and four goslings with three adults + one adult on its own. Pochard (1 male) - creek next to the Wildlife Centre (WLC). Lapwing - including two chicks on Horseshoe Island. Redshank (4) - on Horseshoe Island. Great Spotted Woodpecker (2) - female feeding a calling juvenile which was seen poking its red head out of the nest hole ~ 20ft up the trunk of an Ash tree by the cycle track adjacent to Shiningford Creek. Pied Wagtail - one juvenile and two adult birds seen. Robin - two spotty juveniles seen feeding on their own. Redstart (2) - a pair were feeding young in a nest box by the stream entering the reservoir at the first bend north-west of the WLC. Song Thrush (2) Magpie - one short-tailed young bird was being fed by an adult. Starling (~50) - including many juveniles. Tree Sparrow - several adults seen but four juveniles were found fending for themselves! Reed Bunting (1) - on Stones Island. Several Green-veined White butterflies noted. PLANTS: The following were very obvious today mainly in the conservation meadows by Shiningford Creek: Red Campion, Germander Speedwell, Bugle (some specimens were very tall), Meadowsweet, Cut-leaved Crane's-bill, Meadow Buttercup, Creeping Buttercup, Yellow Iris, Common Sorrell, Yellow-rattle, Broad-leaved Dock, Great Burnet, Dog Rose and Silverweed. There is still a lot of Hawthorn in flower, mostly white but some a lovely pink hue. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 197 | 06/06/2005 | I walked from Paul Stanley Hide to Stones Island and back today, and saw 44 species including: Kestrel Great Spotted Woodpecker Oystercatchers Tree Sparrows (many with chicks) Garden Warblers Goldfinches Pochard (only 1 male with Tufted Ducks) Barnacle Geese (6 chicks with 1 adult) Reed Buntings (taking food to nest on Stones Island) Cormorant Redshank Willow Warbler Song Thrush Chiffchaff Blackcap However, the undoubted highlight was the pair of Redstarts zipping in and out of nest box right above the footpath just beyond the Wildlife Centre. I saw at least 3 hungry mouths screaming for food each time the parents returned. Fantastic! | . | Peter C |
| 198 | 27/05/2005 | Visited the WLC & Stones Island at around midday. Only 32 species of bird identified. Weather: Warm. Site overall quite quiet. Water level still very high. OF NOTE: Canada Goose - only one gosling seen! Barnacle Goose (10) Oystercatcher (1) Dunlin (2) - Horseshoe Island. Redshank (1) - Stones Island. Garden Warbler, Blackcap and Willow Warbler - many singing in the WLC, Stones Island, visitor centre area. Reed Bunting (2) - Stones Island. FROM THE WLC LOGBOOK: Today: Curlew (1) - Horseshoe Island. Little Ringed Plover (3) - Horseshoe Island. Common Tern (3) - rafts opposite the WLC. The above three observations by I Wright. None of these species were present at midday. Yesterday - 25th May: Shoveler (1) Pied Flycatcher (1 male) - first bend Shiningford Creek. Common Redstart (1) - first bend Shiningford Creek. The above three observations by D.Newcombe. PLANTS: Most of the plants recorded for the 4th May are still in flower. In addition the following in-flower species were noted: Bugle, Common Mouse-ear and Hawthorn (or May-tree). Also noted: "Carpets" of Daisies by the playground, by the visitor centre, by the causeway leading to Stones Island and on Stones Island itself. | . | Thanks to Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 199 | 22/05/2005 | A Black Tern was reported off Stones Island on the 12th when a Sanderling was seen by the Sailing Club. An immature Bar-tailed Godwit was found by the watersports centre and re-located on the end of Stones Island on the 15th. Observers also found a Turnstone and two Common Sandpipers on Watersports Island on the same day. The Godwit was on Stones Island again on the following morning, when a Sanderling was seen in front of the Wildlife Centre. A Spotted Flycatcher was found at the bottom of Oldfield Lane and a male Redstart was found at the first Shiningford bend, also on the 16th. The Bar-tailed Godwit dropped in at lunch time, in front of the Wildlife Centre on the 17th, along with a Curlew. Another Spotted Flycatcher was located close to Middle Wood on the same day. A Redstart was again seen at the first bend on the 18th when a Black-tailed Godwit was reported from the Wildlife centre. Two Whimbrel sightings for the 19th, a single bird near the Visitor Centre and two in front of the Wildlife Centre. The male Pied Flycatcher continued to sing at Shiningford first bend until the 21st at least. A Temmincks Stint that was seen in front of the Wildlife Centre on the 18th. I believe it was seen mid-afternoon, but was flushed off by a helicopter. | . | Paul Bennett |
| 200 | 12/05/2005 | In addition to sightings already received for yesterday (11/05) there was also a Temmincks Stint reported from Horseshoe Island at 07:45. It then flew off towards Stones Island but was not relocated. There were six Turnstone and five Dunlin seen by the Dam Wall, a Shelduck near to the Watersports Centre and a male Redstart on the Shiningford track. There were at least two Lapwing chicks on the right-hand side of Horseshoe Island this morning. Hopefully the start of a successful breeding season. | . | Paul Bennett (STW Ranger) |
| 201 | 11/05/2005 | Visted just Stones Island and the WLC Hide today, but still saw 39 species, including: Reed Buntings Willow Warblers Barnacle Geese Tree Sparrows Garden Warblers (Not as many as last time, but very obliging)! Redshanks (3) Ringed Plovers (4) Dunlins (6) Little Ringed Plovers (2) Whimbrels (3) (Confirmed following previous reports of call only. Very obvious with black caps and central crown stripe) Turnstones (8) (The last 5 species were all on Horseshoe Island at around 15:15hrs) Also saw several Newts in the pond by the WLC. All in all a very nice afternoon out!!! | . | Peter Charlton |
| 202 | 09/05/2005 | A good day for waders today. There were two Ringed Plovers in front of the Wildlife Centre all day, being chased around by two Little Ringed Plovers. There were also up to six Dunlin and a Common Sandpiper, as well as the usual Redshank and Lapwing. This afternoon there was a Whimbrel calling from the Sailing Club Island. | . | Paul Bennett |
| 203 | 07/05/2005 | Walked Sheepwash to Stones Island and back, 5.45 p.m. to 8.15 p.m. on May 7th. 42 species identified including 1 whimbrel, 2 dunlin, 1 common sandpiper (all on or near Horseshoe Island), 2 little ringed plover (viewed from Stones Island), flock of 5 bullfinch (near Shiningford Farm) and male pied flycatcher (same place as reported on May 3). | . | Neil Venables |
| 204 | 06/05/2005 | We called in at Carsington on Friday, 6th May. From the Sheepwash hide we managed to pick up a male hen harrier over Stones Island, at no great height. He came down even lower, drifted across the water & moved away, heading NW. A lovely bird! | . | Andrew & Nicola Cox from Essex |
| 205 | 04/05/2005 | Visited Stones Island (SI) and the Wildlife Centre (WLC). 38 species of bird identified around midday. Weather: Initially breezy and chilly but the wind dropped so the air then felt quite mild. Water level higher than on our last visit on the 20th April. Horseshoe Island (HI) is now four seperate islands!! OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (18) - WLC, SI and HI. Ruddy Duck (5) - seen from the WLC. Oystercatcher (2) - HI and satellite island off SI. Little Ringed Plover (1) - HI. Redshank (3) - two on HI & one on SI. Swift, Swallow & House Martin (~20 of each) - hunted close to the water off SI. Song Thrush (2) - SI. Garden Warbler (~20) - around the WLC, water sports centre and on SI. Blackcap (~20) - same locations as the Garden Warbler. Willow Warbler (6) - WLC area. Reed Bunting (2) - male SI and a female near the WLC. OTHER OBSERVATIONS: A male OrangeTip butterfly by the pond next to the WLC. Plants in bloom: Bluebell, Forget-me-not, Cowslip, Bogbean, Ribwort Plantain, Greater Stitchwort, White Dead-nettle, Red Dead-nettle, Bush Vetch or Crow-peas, Meadow Buttercup, Cuckooflower or Lady's-smock, Marsh Marigold, Dandelion, Daisy and Lesser Celandine. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 206 | 03/05/2005 | 43 species seen today on a walk from Sheepwash car park to Stones Island and back. Male Pied Flycatcher on the ouside edge of the bend in the path as it hairpins around the river closest to the WLC (not Shinningford creek as last year); Tree Sparrows flitting in and out of the nest boxes; Displaying Great Crested Grebes; Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers, Barnacle Geese, Oystercatcher, Willow Tit, Redshank, Reed Bunting, Pheasant, Great Spotted Woodpecker, and over a dozen singing Garden Warblers all over the place, but especially on Stones Island. | . | Peter Charlton |
| 207 | 02/05/2005 | coot, tufted duck, willow warbler, canada geese, magpie, great tit, blue tit, little grebe, cormorant, goldfinch, black bird, 4 bullfinches (field behind tower), lapwing, greenfinch, robin, chaffinch, tree sparrow, reed bunting, chiffchaff, whitethroat, swallow, swan, 2 curlew flying over, ruddy ducks, moorhen, Pied Flycatcher (showing well in shiningford creek), mallard, house martin, jackdaw, carrion crows, starling, lesser black back gull, oystercatchers, pied wagtail, 2 little ring plovers (horseshoe island), redshanks, great crested grebe, song thrush, blackcap, garden warblers, pheasant and 5 swifts. | . | Peter & Donna Hill |
| 208 | 27/04/2005 | 3 Wheatear on the dam wall @ 17.10hrs. Presumably the same three that were also reported in the morning. Also on the dam wall were at least 4 White Wagtails and a Meadow Pipit. 21 Swifts were seen throughout the day. 2 Little Ringed Plovers at the Wildlife Centre. 2 Buzzards 2 Ravens Large numbers of Willow Warblers & Chiff Chaffs 17 Blackcaps Whitethroat | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 209 | 26/04/2005 | Highlight of a brief visit to Millfields and the anglers' car park area was the distant sight of dozens of terns (presumably arctic) fishing over deep water in late afternoon. It was impossible to do an accurate count but I would estimate not far short of 70. Could not find the summer plumaged black-necked grebes listed as having been seen earlier in the day but in addition to the regulars we noted: Grey Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, White Wagtail, Green Woodpecker, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, one markedly yellow-looking warbler (Seen very briefly - Garden Warbler?), Redstart, Treecreeper, Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper (on rocks nr the Water Tower), Redstart, Barnacle Geese, Widgeon (one male), Ruddy Duck (one male), Buzzard (over fields to rear of Millfields), Sparrowhawk (nr WC). Also noted Moschatel (known locally as Town Hall Clock), Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage, Wood Sorrel and Wood Anemone growing in dampish woodlands sections between Millsfields and Upperfields Farm. A pair of Curlew were seen flying north as we drove back adjacent to the dam wall. | . | Enid & Neil Hallam |
| 210 | 25/04/2005 | Just a snippet of todays visit: Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Millfields & 1 WLC Garden Warbler on Stones Island 2 Whitethroats, 1 by Middle wood & 1 at Millfields Common Sandpiper on the spit 2 probable Arctic Terns at Sheepwash 2 Whimbrels on Horseshoe Island at 17.45hrs | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 211 | 24/04/2005 | It was a great birding morning at Carsington today, for the Website [not all seen by me]; 1 Shelduck flying to various locations. 1 female Common Scoter distant from Sheepwash. 2 Little Ringed Plovers, WLC and Millfields. 1 Common Sandpiper at Hopton End. Whimbrels heard flying over early am. 7 Arctic Terns from Sheepwash together with 1 adult Little Gull. 2 Yellow + 1 White Wagtail 1 Garden Warbler on Stones Island. 2 Whitethroat + 1 Lesser between Millfields and Oldfield Lane. 1 Redstart singing near Middle Wood. 10+ Swifts flying through. 4 summer plumage Black-necked Grebes found in Shiningford Creek at 12:15hrs. | . | Roger Carrington (Recorder) |
| 212 | 23/04/2005 | 4 plus White Wagtail - Stones Island 3 plus Yellow Wagtail - Stones Island 4 plus Redshank - Stones Island 1 Little Ringed Plover - in front of the Sailing Club 1 Black-tailed Godwit - Watersports Island and in front of the Wildlife Centre 1 Common Scoter - in front of Fishtail Creek On Saturday 23rd April there were four Yellow Wagtails, a single White Wagtail and a Common Sandpiper on Stones Island. Roger Carrington located a singing Garden Warbler on Stones Island on the 23rd. I went to find it today (24th) and found at least two and possibly three there. Roger also saw two Yellow Wagtails and a White Wagtail on the Watersports Island today and a Little Ringed Plover in front of the Wildlife Centre. | . | Steph Hicking |
| 213 | 20/04/2005 | Visited Stones Island and the WLC around midday. 38 species of bird identified. Weather: Misty. Strongish cold easterly wind. Nearly 300 schoolchildren on site learning about wildlife!! Water level very, very high. Horseshoe Island now fragmented. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (5) Wigeon (1 female) - Horseshoe Island. Ruddy Duck (1 male) - from WLC. Kestrel (1) - Stones Island. Oystercatcher (4) - 2 on Horseshoe Island & 2 (mating) on 'Sailing Club' island, just off Stones Island. Redshank (4) - 2 on Horseshoe Island, one by the water sports centre and one on Stones Island. Sand Martin (a few) - with Swallows over the reservoir. Swallow - 'hundreds', a minimum of 500 hunting close to the reservoir surface, off Stones Island. White Wagtail (4) - Stones Island. Willow Warbler - 'dozens' around the WLC and on Stones Island. Reed Bunting (1 male) - Stones Island. The only new flowering plant noted today was the Marsh Marigold growing in the pond next to the WLC. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 214 | 19/04/2005 | Carsington Bird Club evening walk around Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre between 19.00-20.45 hrs produced the following list of species this evening: Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Ruddy Duck, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Sand Martin, Swallow, House Martin, Yellow Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, White Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Willow Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Linnet and Reed Bunting. | . | . |
| 215 | 15/04/2005 | A further update from Paul: There was a single Little Ringed Plover on Watersports Island at 11:00 this morning, and a pair of Little Ringed Plovers in the field by Millfields Island at 14:30 (no public access - viewable from the footpath only). A drake Goosander flew north out of Millfields bay at 12:00 p.m. | . | Paul Bennett |
| 216 | 15/04/2005 | More from Paul from Stones Island this morning at 08:50. 1 Common Sandpiper 1 Yellow Wagtail (male) 7 plus White Wagtails There were large numbers of hirundines feeding in the bay in front of the sailing club. Also nice to see 41 Swallows, three House Martins and five Sand Martins perched together in a small willow just 20 feet in front of me on the causeway to the island. | . | . |
| 217 | 14/04/2005 | Saw a pair of ruddy ducks in the area to the left of the main hide. Not sure if they are regular there but I don't recall seeing them listed on the sightings board. Didn't recognise them till I returned home and looked them up. | . | Don Singleton |
| 218 | 13/04/2005 | The Common Sandpiper was on Stones Island again at 08:15 this morning. It was still on the eastern bank to the right of the bonfire site between two small woodland blocks. There were eight White Wagtails also there this morning, along with a single Yellow Wagtail and three Pied Wagtails. They were feeding on the open grass to the west of the stones. | . | Paul Bennett |
| 219 | 12/04/2005 | A fall of spring migrants this morning on Stones Island at 09:15, all on the eastern bank. A Common Sandpiper was feeding along the waters edge, whilst four White Wagtails were on the grass nearby (with a Pied Wagtail nearby for comparison). Around fifty Swallows and fifteen Sand Martins perched in trees, with many more feeding in the low cloud and drizzle. There were also at least five House Martins feeding above the viewing area there, providing good views as they flew below me. Also of interest were three Willow Warblers, a pair of Reed Buntings, including a singing male, a Meadow Pipit and a Song Thrush. Around the Sheepwash area during the middle of the day, a walk between the Viewing area and Lane End hide produced 29 species including: Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Raven, Bullfinch, Reed Bunting, Tree Sparrow, Song Thrush and Blackcap. | . | Paul Bennett |
| 220 | 08/04/2005 | Visited carsington on the afternoon of 08/04/05, and saw 51 species on a walk down from Sheepwash car park to the visitor centre, and Stones Island. Most of the usual birds were seen, but, the highlights were mainly waders and passerines including: Oystercatcher, Redshank, Sand Martin, Swallow (Good numbers), House Martin, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail (about 50 with at least 8 Whites, and a fantasticly close view of a male Yellow Watail of the flavissima variety on Stones Island*), Redstart (a very showy male, the first one this spring, near the bonfire site on Stones Island), Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Coal Tit (gathering nesting material in Shiningford creek), Treecreeper (working the wicker fences by the Paul Stanley feeders), Great Grey Shrike (In the tree nearest the back of the bookshop - a very lucky, and close up view), Tree Sparrow, Bullfinch, Reed Bunting, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Stock Dove and Pheasant. Unusually though, I saw no Teal, Long-tailed or Willow Tits, and only 2 species of Gull! A few weeks ago I had a very brief view of a possible Northern Long-tailed Tit in the woods by Sheepwash Hide. It was in a flock of normal Long-tails, but I couldn't be 100% sure. | . | Peter ? |
| 221 | 03/04/2005 | The following were all seen in a 40 minute stay on Stones Island. A White Wagtail was present with a flock of 8-12 Pied at the far end of Stones Island (on the shore line). Great Grey Shrike was either invisible or showing very conspicuously, in trees again on the far side of Stones Island overhanging the waters edge. A male Reed Bunting took it's life in it's hands by perching 6 feet away from it! Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff song heard in small numbers. Small numbers of Lapwing and Oystercatcher present. 2 Barnacle Geese with Canada Geese just off Stones Island. | . | Matthew Reed |
| 222 | 31/03/2005 | On a murky day with poor visibility, the highlights at Carsington from RC today were: 2 Common Scoter off Stones Island 6 Chiffchaff 4 Willow Warblers plus Swallows and Sand Martins | . | . |
| 223 | 27/03/2005 | Willow Warblers have now joined the many Chiffchaffs on site. Willow Warblers can be heard singing around the rangers base and at the start of the track to the wildlife Centre, even on a dull day. A male White Wagtail (European Pied Wagtail) was seen on Stones Island on Saturday 26th (PHJ). A female Merlin flew behind Horseshoe Island at 15:45 also on Saturday There were seven Redshank and three Oystercatchers on one of the tern rafts this morning. A Swallow was reported from Ogston yesterday. | . | Paul Bennett |
| 224 | 21/03/2005 | Visited the WLC and Stones Island as usual. Weather: reasonably mild, in spite of a brisk breeze across Stones Island. 33 species found around midday. Water level very high. Horseshoe Island is now split into two by the water. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (12) - Stones & Horseshoe islands. Oystercatcher (3) - Horseshoe Island. Redshank (5) - Horseshoe Island. CHIFFCHAFF (1) - singing in scrub by the edge of the reservoir, not far from the visitor centre. Reed Bunting (3) - 2 by the feeders next to the WLC and one on Stones Island. Today is the first day of Spring. The following flowering plants were noted: Daisy, Lesser Celandine and Coltsfoot. GLEANED from the Water Rail diary: The Chiffchaff was first noted on Stones Island on the 19th. The Great Grey Shrike was present on the 19th and the 20th. A Red-breasted Merganser was seen on the 18th and the 20th. On the 19th a Little Ringed Plover was observed on Horseshoe Island (PHJ). On the 20th the following were also noted: Black-tailed Godwit, Raven (2), Sand Martin (all PHJ) and an adult Kittiwake. | A Tittesworth Snippet: There was a huge gathering of Common Frogs in the pools to the south of the new River Churnet bridge on the 20th. There were at least 100 frogs croaking noisily. One of the females had a bright orange underside. Winter thrushes are still around but in reduced numbers. Reed Buntings are staking out territory and singing frequently. A Raven passed by on the 20th, a bird not often seen at Tittesworth. Spring has sprung! A Peacock butterfly was seen on the 20th. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 225 | 19/03/2005 | Brief visit between 14:00 and 16:00 revealed: Paul Stanley Hide: All at feeder Brambling with Chaffinches GS Woodpecker (F) Reed Bunting Sheepwash Hide 11 Goldeneye (3M) 1 Shoveler (M) Ruddy Duck Tufted Duck Redshank 2 Oystercatchers Wildlife Centre 1 Snipe 2 Redshank 2 Oystercatchers | . | John & Pam Eaton |
| 226 | 18/03/2005 | The Great Grey Shrike is still being seen daily on Stones Island. I counted 21 Goldeneye in Sheepwash Bay this morning (four drakes), along with four Goosander (three drakes). What is left of Horseshoe Island (s) was very busy this afternoon. There were at least seven Redshank displaying or chasing each other round and one of them sitting. A single Dunlin was also present along with at least three Snipe which were feeding out in the open. There was a Pink-footed Goose sitting on the right-hand side of the island. This bird was at Millfields car park last night associating with Canada Geese. Also of note was a pair of Tree Sparrows on Horseshoe Island collecting nesting material (feathers). Spring migrants are in the country now, with a Little Ringed Plover being seen today at Castle Donnington and a House Martin being reported from Cannock Chase. Further south, more exotic species have been reported such as Wryneck, Stone Curlew and Osprey. | . | Paul Bennett |
| 227 | 13/03/2005 | In a 10 minute stop at Stones Island after returning from Lathkill Dale this pm: 1 Great Grey Shrike, looking well fed and incredibly obliging 4 Oystercatcher 2 Redshank 12 Pied Wagtails | . | Matthew Kelly |
| 228 | 10/03/2005 | Just a brief visit to the Sheepwash area this morning between 11.30am and 12.30pm and the following 29 species were counted. It was a lovely spring like morning, the sun was shining and all the birds were singing! Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Willow Tit, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Sparrowhawk, Raven, Carrion Crow, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Goldcrest, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Ruddy Duck, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Snipe, Lapwing, Coot, Teal, Wigeon and Canada Goose. | . | . |
| 229 | 09/03/2005 | Only visited Stones Island & the WLC. Overcast. Very quiet on site today. OF NOTE: Great Crested Grebe - including one pair displaying. Chest to chest, with head shaking. From the WLC. Barnacle Goose (29) - mainly on Horseshoe Island. Oystercatcher (4) - two on Stones Island and two on Horseshoe Island. Great Grey Shrike (1) - Stones Island. Stunning views from just a few feet away. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 230 | 07/03/2005 | Thanks to Paul Bennett again for the following news: 26 Curlew again on Horseshoe Island at 18:00 last night along with a single Dunlin. I also heard Pink-footed Geese overhead just north of the north end of the reservoir, but couldn't see them to count how many. I think there were only around five to ten. More of PJ's sightings from yesterday. One Ringed Plover on Horseshoe Island at 13:20 and the Black-necked Grebe in Sheepwash Bay. | . | . |
| 231 | 06/03/2005 | Many thanks to Bernard Robinson for his update on the two main highlights we have had at Carsington recently: Following your report on 5 March, we saw both the Black Necked Grebe and Great Grey Shrike during our visit on 2 March. | . | Bernard Robinson |
| 232 | 05/03/2005 | Thirteen Curlew flew over the rangers base at 1515 hrs today. They circled in strong winds eventually settling on Horseshoe Island in front of the Wildlife Centre. Upon locking the Wildlife Centre at 1750 hrs this evening, I counted 29 Curlew settling in to roost. Unfortunately they were bullied along the island by a large noisy flock of Canada Geese. Also seen from the Wildlife centre were three Oystercatchers, two Redshank and a Snipe. Earlier in the day Peter Johnson saw a pair of Reed Buntings flying from Stones Island to the Watersports Island. He saw a single Reed Bunting at the Paul Stanley Hide on Friday 4th along with a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. The Black-necked Grebe was last reported from Sheepwash Bay on the 1st, with the Great Grey Shrike not being reported (as far as I know) since the 28th February. | . | Paul Bennett |
| 233 | 23/02/2005 | Thanks to Paul Bennett (STW Ranger) for today's update on the following highlights around the reservoir: The Great Grey Shrike was present on Stones Island yesterday (22nd) all afternoon and was back there again this morning. A single Curlew was on Horseshoe Island in front of the Wildlife Centre this morning with two Redshank, a Snipe and a Kingfisher seen nearby. A Common Buzzard was over Millfields car park at 10:30 this morning. A couple of good early morning sightings from Roger Carrington today. He saw a female Peregrine flying low over the reservoir and a first winter Iceland Gull flying east. Peter Johnson counted 19 Goldeneye yesterday; two off the dam wall and 17 in Millfields Bay. He also saw two Goosander in Millfields Bay this morning. Both Roger and Peter have seen a flock of Meadow Pipits around the Dam Wall area this week, with the highest count in excess of 20. | . | . |
| 234 | 22/02/2005 | Thanks for this snippet on today's visit to Carsington from Dave Newcombe: Black Necked Grebe took some finding but eventually located it just off the spit from Sheepwash hide where it spent most of the afternoon. Great Grey Shrike on the footpath by Shiningford farm. 2 Buzzards soaring over Hall Wood. After quite a heavy snow shower at about 16.30, 9 Curlews and 5 Golden Plovers dropped in onto Horseshoe Island. Other Waders included 2 Snipe, 5 Oystercatchers and 4 Redshanks. | . | . |
| 235 | 14/02/2005 | Thanks to Ray & Margaret Perry for their observations at Carsington today: Visited Stones Island and the WLC as usual. 32 species of bird identified at around midday. Generally overcast. Strong, very cold westerly wind blowing. Site very busy because of 'half term'. OF NOTE: Ruddy Duck (~90) - Shiningford Creek. Oystercatcher (4) - from WLC. On rafts & edge of reservoir. Lapwing (~250) - Horseshoe Island. Redshank (2) - from WLC. Horseshoe Island & edge of reservoir. Collared Dove (1) - by the ranger base. Song Thrush (1) - Stones Island. Also seen today in the Millfields area by Peter Johnson: Goosanders (6) Tufted Duck (150+) Redwing (~30) Jay (1) From the Water Rail log for yesterday, the 13th: Dunlin (1) - Horseshoe Island. Oystercatcher (5) - from WLC. | A Tittesworth Snippet: A nice find on the 3rd February was a Glaucous Gull, very rare at Tittesworth. There is still little movement from or to the site at present but a single Greylag Goose joined the Canadas on the 10th. The Big Garden Bird Watch on site at the end of January was low key but the nest box and feeder building activity on the 13th February was deemed a success. | . |
| 236 | 10/02/2005 | Thanks to Dave Newcombe for his list of sightings at Carsington today: All were seen between the Wildlife Centre and Paul Stanley hide 16 Tree Sparrows 3 Long Tail Tits 3 Pied Wagtails c80 Chaffinch (mostly around the woods by Sheepwash hide) A single Redpoll and a female Siskin were with around 50 Goldfinches in the same area. 9 Bullfinch Goldcrest 4 Song Thrush Female Great Spotted Woodpecker c 100 Jackdaws c 130 Redwings Kestrel male 43 Great Crested Grebes 18 Little Grebes Black Necked Grebe giving good views from Sheepwash hide 7 Goldeneye 2 males and 5 females 148 Ruddy Ducks 3 female Shelduck on the spit from Sheepwash 34 Barnacle geese around WLC Oystercather and a single Redshank | . | . |
| 237 | 09/02/2005 | Thanks to Mick & Jean Sharp for their update and highlights today at Carsington: The Great Grey Shrike was on Stones Island 4-5 p.m. It also spent a long time in the shrubbery next to the paved cafe area. There were also Redpoll's in the copse, where the feeders are, at the back of Lane End Hide. The Black Necked Grebe was in the bay viewed from the first field up the path from Sheepwash car park towards Lane End Hide. Two Oystercatchers flew towards Sheepwash from the wild life centre area. We saw 43 species in 3 hours. | . | . |
| 238 | 08/02/2005 | Thanks to G Riley for today's update on the Great Grey Shrike: This bird was present on stone island today - left hand side- at 15.30hrs. | . | . |
| 239 | 05/02/2005 | Thanks to Matthew Reed for an update on the current highlights at Carsington: The Black Necked Grebe was showing well from Sheepwash pm (though was drifting SE away from the Sheepwash hide as the afternoon progressed. There was also a Mediterranean Gull from Sheepwash Hide. Had virtually no black markings on its wing tips, although its summer head moult was not very advanced. Great Crested Grebe's were also doing their famous courtship displays and a pair of Goldeneye were seen together (though sadly without any courtship displays). | . | . |
| 240 | 04/02/2005 | Thanks to Jon Lowes for his update on the current highlights at Carsington: The Black-necked Grebe was still present today, plus two Oystercatchers. I was told the Great Grey Shrike was still about, but didn't see it myself. | . | . |
| 241 | 03/02/2005 | Highlights today at Carsington thanks to our Recorder Roger Carrington: Great Grey Shrike still present around Brick Tower Black-necked Grebe still from Sheepwash hide Adult Mediterranean Gull, winter plumage, in roost | . | . |
| 242 | 02/02/2005 | Thanks to Ray and Margaret Perry for their highlights at Carsington today: Visited Stones Island (SI) and the wildlife centre (WLC) as usual. Weather mild. Few visitors at the site. Only 31 species of bird identified at around midday. OF NOTE: Pink-footed Goose (1) - with Canada and Barnacle Geese in the field nearest to the WLC. Barnacle Goose (31) - nearest field to the WLC. Goldeneye (1 male) - off SI. Ruddy Duck (40) - seen from WLC. Kestrel (1 male) - Horseshoe Island. Lapwing (300+) - Horseshoe Island. Redshank (1) - Horseshoe Island. From the "Water Rail" logbook for the 1st February. Oystercatcher (1) Goosander (7; 2 males + 5 females) Great Spotted Woodpecker (1) Lesser Redpoll (6) All from Peter Johnson. | A Tittesworth Snippet: Still fairly quiet on site with little bird movement. However, a good find on the 28th January was of 51 Snipe around the Conservation Pool. | . |
| 243 | 29/01/2005 | Thanks to Paul Bennett (STW Ranger) for the following observations at Carsington today: c700 Pink-footed Geese on the move over Carsington today in skeins of 230, 200, 96, 100, 100 - all heading NW or W and between 12.25 and 13.25 hours. The Great Grey Shrike was last seen on the 27th January near Shiningford Farm and the Black-necked Grebe was also last seen on the same day in Sheepwash Bay. | . | . |
| 244 | 25/01/2005 | Thanks to our recorder, Roger for the following highlights he found round Carsington today: Black-necked Grebe (Sheepwash), 2 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank, 4 Goosander, 200 Pinkfoot Geese flew west at 11.00 hrs and 100 also going west at 12.00 hrs. | . | . |
| 245 | 24/01/2005 | Thanks to Ray and Margaret Perry for their update for Carsington today: Visited Stones Island and the WLC. Very, very cold. Snow in the northerly wind. Only 29 species found. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (6) - Horseshoe Island. Ruddy Duck (~70) - all seen from the WLC. Oystercatcher (1) - Horseshoe Island. Song Thrush (2) - just off site. Mistle Thrush (1) - by WLC. EARLIER SIGHTINGS: 19th January: Great Grey Shrike (1) - taken from the "Water Rail" logbook. 22nd January: Pink-footed Goose (~70) - flew over. From "Water Rail" logbook. Black-necked Grebe (1) - found by Macclesfield RSPB visitors. Goosander (3) - Macc RSPB. Little Owl (1) - Macc RSPB. Great Grey Shrike (1) - Macc RSPB. Kingfisher (1) - near WLC. Taken from "Water Rail" logbook. | A Tittesworth Snippet: Reasonable numbers of Teal, Wigeon, Pochard and Tufted Duck are to be found on the Conservation Pool. About a dozen Snipe inhabit the margins of the pool. Winter thrushes - Redwing and Fieldfare, sometimes number over 600 for each species. | . |
| 246 | 23/01/2005 | 33 Barnacle Geese, 1287 Coot, 20 Gadwall and 14 Goldeneye counted at Carsington today. | . | . |
| 247 | 22/01/2005 | A visit by members of Bakewell & District Bird Study group to the Sheepwash area of Carsington today produced the following list of 52 species today - just in this area. How many more species would we have found if we had gone all the way round! Sparrowhawk Dunnock Carrion Crow Rook Bullfinch Magpie Little Grebe Song Thrush Lapwing Moorhen Greenfinch Teal Heron Goosander Goldeneye G.S. Woodpecker Pied Wagtail Raven Stock Dove Canada Goose Chaffinch Mistle Thrush Robin Coot Black-headed Gull Goldfinch Great Crested Grebe Ruddy Duck Long-tailed Tit Mute Swan Treecreeper Black-necked Grebe Willow Tit Coal Tit Common Gull Blackbird Jackdaw Great Tit Redwing Cormorant Blue Tit Kestrel Widgeon Tufted Duck Tree Sparrow Little Owl Pheasant Redshank Pochard Snipe Herring Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull | . | . |
| 248 | 16/01/2005 | Thanks to Paul Bennett for an update on the following current highlights at Carsington: Two female Common Scoter off the Dam Wall on the afternoon of Sunday 16th, along with six Shelduck and 14 Goosander. The Great Grey Shrike and the Black-necked Grebe were both still around the Sheepwash area. | . | . |
| 249 | 13/01/2005 | Thanks to Ray & Margaret Perry for their highlights at Carsington today: Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WLC) as usual plus covered the area on the western edge of the water from the WLC to the brick look-out tower. Weather mild. Site generally quiet but there was a notable presence of birdwatchers! Thirty seven species of bird identified around midday. OF NOTE: Black-necked Grebe (1) - Shiningford Creek. Barnacle Goose (36) - Eight by the playground and 28 in a Shiningford Farm field with Canadas. Lapwing (~200) - mainly on Horseshoe Island. Redshank (1) - seen from WLC by first bay/creek north of the WLC. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (1) - in woodland near Lane End hide. Great Grey Shrike (1) - on field posts near the Brick Tower. Redwing (3) - by Shiningford Creek. Also a mixed flock of Redwings and Fieldfares (~60) at Longcliffe. In addition others reported Goosanders (3) at Sheepwash today and a Caspian Gull at Sheepwash yesterday the 12th January. | A Tittesworth Snippet: Little bird movement on the site at present. The wide bridge in Foster's Wood has been completed so the Short Walk can now be completed in safety by all walkers. Surveys of the Conservation Area in the second six months of 2004 revealed the presence of Harvest Mice and Black-tailed Skimmer dragonflies. The Black-tailed Skimmer is rare in Staffordshire. Waxwings abound in nearby Leek and Macclesfield. | . |
| 250 | 08/01/2005 | Thanks to Paul Bennett (STW Ranger) for an update on the current highlights at Carsington: The Black-necked Grebe that has been around for a week or two now, was showing very well in Shiningford Creek today (Saturday 8th). It was also viewable there from the Wildlife Centre with a telescope. The Great Grey Shrike was elusive today, but was seen daily up until yesterday (7th), either in the field just north of the brick tower, or around the Shiningford Farm area. A drake Ferruginous Duck was found in Millfields Bay on the morning of Monday 3rd. It later flew north and was re-located from Sheepwash Hide. Unfortunately, despite a good number of birders spending all day on Tuesday looking for it, it was not found again. | . | . |
| 251 | 03/01/2005 | Thanks to Peter Hill for his observations at Carsington today: Spent 5 hours walking around Carsington today. Some of the birds we saw were, Great Grey Shrike (showing near the tower) Black necked grebe (bay near wildlife centre) Goldcrest, Goldfinch, Snipe, Treecreepers, wren, willow tit, coal tit, male and female Greater Spotted Woodpeckers (Paul Stanley), goosander (2) wigeon, teal, pochard, goldeneye, common gulls and Redwings. | . | . |
| 252 | 30/12/2006 | Highlights: W.Centre 37 Barnacle Geese, 55 Redwing, 2 Black-headed Gulls (with darkish head cap) | A quiet day for birds sightings - there were lots of people visiting Carsington today. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 253 | 31/12/2006 | 2 GN Divers reported on Birdnet Pager as present this am, near dam and at the Sailing Club. | . | Steph' Hicking |
| 254 | 31/12/2006 | Highlights: W.Centre - 2 Redshank, 65 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher Sheepwash - 5 Goldeneye (2 Drake, 3 ducks) | A quiet time on the reservoir for birds, other than the usual suspects. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 255 | 04/01/2007 | 7 Pintail (3 Drakes 4 Female)were at Sheepwash. Black-necked Grebe at Paul Stanley. 3 Cackling Geese with Barnacle Geese at the Wildlife Centre. Also a few Lesser Redpoll in Paul Stanley wood along with a pair of Reed Bunting on the feeding station. | Reported by other birders were G.N. Diver at the Sailing Club and a Peregrine which caught and then dropped a Moorhen at the Wildlife centre. | Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe |
| 256 | 07/01/2007 | Highlights: W.Centre: Kingfisher, 38 Barnacle Geese, Kestrel, Redshank, 1 drake Goldeneye, Sheepwash: 3 Bullfinch, Lesser Redpoll, Goldcrest, 2 Goldeneye(1 male) Paul Stanley: Black-necked Grebe, 3 Goldeneye(1 male), Kestrel, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers (male and female), 3 Willow Tit, Coal Tit, 2 Reed Bunting, 3 Dunnock, Robin | a cold, damp day, with very little sunshine. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 279 | 07/01/2007 | 2 GNDiver (1 Millfields, 1 by Fishing hut/Horseshoe Island), 3500 Black headed Gulls inc a white one, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, less than 1000 Lesser Black Backs, Several Willow Tits at PS HIde along with Coal Tit and Great Spotted Woodpecker. | The Willow Tits caused excitement amongst two friends from Cambridgeshire who hadn't seen them for years as they have long vanished from that county, with only the odd record occasionally now, but they have good numbers of Marsh Tits! | Steph' Hicking |
| 289 | 09/01/2007 | 45 species seen from the Wildlife Centre today during the Aren't birds brilliant! event. Kingfisher was seen several times dashing about but never settled out in the open. In contrast a peregrine that dashed across the reservoir scaring, in particular one timid moorhen, flew up and landed in full view at the top of a pylon. Soon after a couple of Buzzard were circling in the same area. Plenty of geese around in the afternoon. First a large flock of Canadas came in with a lone Greylag and then later, 30 Barnacles came in accompanied by the 3 Cackling Geese. A couple of Goldeneye were on show and a Redshank gave good views. Lots of redwings about and a very showy Goldcrest hawking for insects by the path. No sign of Little Owl though all day. | Weather was very poor at times but the rain did ease for spells. | Matthew Capper (Aren't birds brilliant! project officer) |
| 292 | 13/01/2007 | A mixed morning. 30 species from the Wildlife Centre - numbers of Canada Geese were high, with only 2 Barnacle Geese present (no Cackling geese). 10-15 Redwing at the back of the Centre, including approx. 12 Blackbirds. Millfields: 1 Goldeneye (drake) and 8 Great crested Grebe. | Weather turned nasty around lunchtime. Sunday and Monday forecast to be good. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 293 | 14/01/2007 | 3 Cackling Geese with around 30 Barnacle Geese - Wildlife Centre 1 Redshank - Wildlife Centre 1 Little Owl - In a bush near the Plyon to the left of the Wildlife Centre 1 Kingfisher - Flew into Wildlife Centre Creek | A very bright but cool day | Sam Pedley |
| 294 | 14/01/2007 | Paul Stanley Hide 9:30 1 Blacknecked grebe in Brownale Bay 2 willow tits on the feeders 10 widgeon and teal Sheepwash hide 10:30 1 redshank a second seen at the wildlife centre 11:30 Sailing club area 13:00 1 oyster catcher 6 gadwall 3 pochard and many wigeon sheepwash Hide 14:30 30 teal | very sunny day but with moderate to strong cold winds | Caroline and Julian Walters |
| 295 | 15/01/2007 | 1 Oystercatcher on Watersports Island. 1 Shelduck near Watersports Island 1 Great Northern Diver between Millfields and Oldfield Lane close inshore. 4 Redshank. Gull Roost: 5000+ Black-headed Gulls 1400 Lesser Black-backed Gulls 2 immature Great Black-backed Gulls 18 Herring Gulls 2 Adult Yellow-legged Gulls 200 Common Gulls. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 296 | 15/01/2007 | Highlight of the day: c400 Pink-footed Geese flew high (SW)over Wildlife Centre at 10.40am. Wildlife Centre: 2 Redshank, 20 Pochard, 55 Wigeon, 8 Goldfinch, 55 Lapwing, 2 Pied Wagtail, 12 Redwing. Paul Stanley: Both male and female Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Willow tits, 2 Coal Tits, 1 Redshank, 39 Teal, 1 goldeneye (female). | A cold day, with some bright spells. | Richard, Frances and Ken Pittam |
| 297 | 16/01/2007 | 42 species seen from the Wildlife Centre today in generally dank and rainy weather. Best bird was Great Northern Diver which initially showed relatively close to the centre off from Watersports bay. It then moved off and was later seen over towards the dam on the main body of water. A shelduck was around early on, on the far bank from the wildlife centre. 5 snipe circled for a while but only one was seen on the ground and there was also just the one Redshank. The local Little Owl was around for the morning but decided to drop out of sight just as I was about to show it to a visitor. Sods law I suppose! 5 bullfinches were also in the same area as the owl and showed well for a while. Lastly, a kestrel put on fantastic show just before we finished, hovering in full telescope view for several minutes. | The water level is now pretty high. Whilst we are still seeing all the wildfowl numbers one would expect, numbers are definitely down on pre-Christmas when there were large numbers out in front of the Wildlife Centre. | Matthew Capper (Aren't birds brillaint! Project Officer) |
| 298 | 17/01/2007 | Very few species located at around midday at or near the Wildlife Centre. Of note and seen from the Wildlife Centre - Redshank (2) and a single Greylag Goose with the Canada Geese. | A Tittesworth Snippet: Sadly one of the two Barn Owls, seen regularly on and around the site for the last 18 months, died on the 11th January after being treated by the local vet for a broken wing. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 299 | 18/01/2007 | Jim Craw was filling the feeders on site this morning and refound the Black Necked Grebe, close in shore from Sheepwash Hide. The Great Northern Diver was still around yesterday (17th) but no reports so far today. | As I write, over lunch time, Carsington looks more like the Atlantic than an inland Reservoir. Very windy with gusts probably up to 50/60 miles an hour | Matthew Capper |
| 300 | 19/01/2007 | A massive flock of Starlings flew across the water and on past Sheepwash at 0755hrs, rough estimate 10,000 birds. This has occurred several times over the past few months, does anyone know of a large roost just south of Carsington Water? 1 Black-necked Grebe 0815hrs from PSHide. 3 Reed Buntings on Sheepwash Car Park feeders. 1 Oystercatcher on Stones Island then Sheepwash Spit. I failed to locate any Great Northern Divers this morning. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 301 | 19/01/2007 | In response to the question of a large starling roost. In recent weeks, a flock of many thousands has regularly gathered in the evening NW / over kirk Ireton and the roost can be heard from the village and surrounding lanes. | . | Neil Venables |
| 302 | 22/01/2007 | a 1st winter Great Northern Diver nr Horseshoe Island (2nd Bird reported in Millfields Bay, plus Black-necked Grebe reported in the top of Hopton arm). 2000+ Lesser Black Backs roosted with 4500 Black headed Gulls. 250+ Common Gulls. 3+ Goldeneye(Sheepwash). 2 Oystercatchers (Sheepwash), 1 Redshank (Sheepwash), 32 Barnacle Geese, 3 Cackling Geese (WLC). | Big Gull numbers seem to have gone up again slightly, but couldn't find anything unusual. If you want to see white-winged Gulls, Ogston Reservoir is the place to be with 3 Icelands and a Glaucous roosting over the weekend (these can get on Erin tip near Poolsbrook Country park (east of Chesterfield) and visit the lake at the Country Park occasionally where they can give excellent views)), however we caught up today with one 1st winter Iceland at the old Markham Pit site in a group of several thousand birds. Nearby a 1st winter drake Scaup was still present on Stubbin Pond, Wingerworth. | Steph' Hicking |
| 303 | 23/01/2007 | 45 species seen from the Wildlife Centre today including the usual suspects - little owl, redshank, 3 snipe 30 Barnacle Geese, 3 Cackling Geese. A male bullfinch gave excellent views on the feeders and a Peregrine put all the wildfowl up as it cruised through at about 12.30pm. The Black Necked Grebe was by the far opposite bank from Paul Stanley Hide and one of the Great Northern Divers was down at that end today also. Both divers are still around - the Bird Club's monthly WeBs count picked up both of them at the weekend. | Lovely sunny day, cold, crisp and clear. And with all those birds and a centrally heated hide, what more are you waiting for...? | Matthew Capper |
| 304 | 25/01/2007 | This afternoon: 1 Great Northern Diver at Millfields, 1 Great Northern Diver near Watersports Island, 1 Black-necked Grebe at PSHide, 1 Kingfisher at PSHide, Single Redshanks at: Millfields Is, Stones Is, Sheepwash and PSHide. Gull Roost: 70 Herring Gull, 30 Great Black-backed Gulls, LBBG+BHG+CommonG's were spread over the whole water and impossible to count. | Many thanks for the Starling information from Neil. Earlier this week I made an early morning visit to the village and heard them, then watched them leaving at dawn. | Roger Carrington |
| 305 | 26/01/2007 | To add to Roger's details.. 43 species from the Wildlife Centre today including a Redshank to add to Roger's total and 6 snipe. A Shelduck flew across late on - about 4pm. The Diver near the Watersports Island was showing very well on very still calm water. 3 Lesser Redpoll were in the Alders near the Wildlife Centre early morning and 2 Little Owls were making the most of the sun for much of the day. A fox was also seen nea to where the owls were perching. | . | Matthew Capper |
| 306 | 26/01/2007 | Many thousands of Starlings coming in to roost at Kirk Ireton.Virtually impossible to count but surely we are talking about 100,000 plus! | Many thanks for the information about the Starlings. Standing on Moor Lane about 100yds North of Gorsey Lane we had great views from 16:15 to 17:00. Thousands of birds dropped into the trees just 15 yds away from us and as the flocks wheeled overhead we could hear the whoosh. Looking over the fields we could see flocks of Starlings all around the horizon. When one lot of trees was full they would start landing in some more.The noise of the Starlings chattering when roosted was really loud. Incredibly, until the first 6 arrived at 16:05, there was no sign of any Starlings and we thought that we may have missed this incredible spectacle. We feared that they had moved to a different location. The patterns in the sky were just brilliant as the birds circled round, overlapping and finally dropping out of the sky like stones. | Mick, Bec Sharp & Les |
| 307 | 26/01/2007 | GN Diver again near watersports and Black Necked Grebe again from Paul Stanley. | . | Matthew Capper |
| 308 | 27/01/2007 | Adult Mediterranean Gull in roost from Stones Is thie evening. 2 Great Northern Divers, 1 off Stones Is, 1 at Millfields. 1 Black-necked Grebe from PSHide. 6 Shoveler off Stones Is early am. 1 Oystercatcher on Millfields Is. 1 Greylag and 3 Barnacle with Canada Geese at Wildlife Centre. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 309 | 27/01/2007 | Went to view the Starlings at Kirk Ireton tonight,tens of thousands of birds, many of which seemed to drop down S/W of Moor Lane, possibly in the area of Blackwall Plantation? A spectacle well worth seeing.Many thanks for the information provided. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 310 | 28/01/2007 | 1 Great Northern Diver still in Millfields area. Good Numbers Redwing in Tail Bay area. 1+ Willow Tits by Millfields Car park. Went for the Kirk Ireton Starling roost, amazing sight, will leave the counting to those better equiped, but tens of thousands present. | PLEASE NOTE THE LANES AROUND KIRK IRETON ARE VERY NARROW SO PLEASE BE CAREFUL WHEN PARKING, may be park in village somewhere and walk? Best views seem to be had from the area previously mentioned, about 100yards north along Moor Lane from the junction of Gorsey Lane, near a metal gate on the left looking out over the fields (roughly SK265 503). Here you see the full swirling displays as the birds gather from just after 4pm. | Paul and Steph' Hicking |
| 311 | 30/01/2007 | A relatively quiet day today with 33 species recorded from the Wildlife Centre. Certainly not as many wildfowl sat out in front of the Centre. The diver was reported off Stones Island and the Black Necked Grebe was still showing at Paul Stanley Hide. Geese Included Canada, Cackling, Greylag and Barnacle and a Lesser Redpoll gave very good views near the feeders. Once the Aren't birds brilliant! event had finished I sneaked off with one of the volunteers to Kirk Ireton for the Starling roost. Wow! Got there around 4.30pm but still something to behold. Thousands upon thousands wheeling and swirling. Several sightings of Sparrowhawk including one late on that flew by with a starling in its talons. One Sparrowhawk that won't go hungry tonight. | Talking to the locals, it seems the roost isn't new - they have congregated in the area before but not always in the same place nor every year. Well worth a visit - but please do park sensibly and respect the rights of the local residents. | Matthew Capper |
| 313 | 01/02/2007 | A quiet day was transformed by the spectacular hunting display given by a Peregrine from Sheepwash hide.The bird was first spotted high above a nervous Lapwing flock,it then made a couple of dives into the flock and managed to take one,which it then dropped onto the water.The Lapwing managed to struggle out of the water and headed for the spit, but the Peregrine came sweeping down and hit it again before appearing to go down with it on the end of the spit.Moments later,mobbed by gulls, the Peregrine appeared minus the Lapwing.The Peregrine headed off towards the draw off tower where it was seen to make several more attempts at the Lapwings,high above the water. | Not sure what became of the unfortunate/fortunate Lapwing! | CLIVE ASHTON |
| 314 | 02/02/2007 | A pleasant site visit. Sunny. Viewed only from Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WC). 30 species counted. Of note: Barnacle Goose (19), Gadwall (pair), Kestrel (male), Lapwing (about 250), Redshank (2). Other people's observations for today taken from the WC logbook: Black-necked Grebe (1), Goldeneye (3), Reed Bunting (3 pairs), Jay (1), Willow Tit (2), Bullfinch (20 - from two locations). | A Tittesworth Snippet: Finds for the last week include - Pink-footed Goose (1), Snipe (20), Stonechat (male), Siskin (30+), Great Spotted Woodpecker (4), Tawny Owl (1), Long-tailed Tit (12) and Mute Swan (6 immature birds). The Mute Swan is exceedingly uncommon at Tittesworth. Some good news. The Lesser Scaup found on 1st July 2006 has been accepted by the BBRC - a first for the site and only the second recorded for Staffordshire. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 315 | 03/02/2007 | Lunchtime to Dusk. 9 Common Buzzards on thermals at same time from PSHide. 2 Sparrow Hawk and 2 Raven over Hall Wood. 4 Reed Bunting at Lane End feeders. 4 Shelduck off Lane End. 7 Pintail [4 males] from Millfields. 3 Redshank at Wildlife Centre. 1 Great Northern Diver towards Fishtail. 1 Black-necked Grebe from PSHide. At dusk from Sheepwash Hide, Starling numbers were counted in flocks going south, then again distantly when a Sparrow Hawk attacked the main swarm of starlings in the sky, estimated 30,000 birds. | Anyone visiting the starling roost please do not enter private land, please park very carefully, the lanes are narrow, and respect residents privacy. | Roger Carrington |
| 316 | 03/02/2007 | black necked grebe,cackling geese, tufted ducks, heron, pochard, coots, great crested grebe, little grebe, robin, blackbird, jackdaw, starling, bullfinch, blue tit, great tit, reed bunting, dunnocks, tree sparrows, buzzards,swan, barnacle geese, canada geese, black headed gulls, chaffinches | . | Carolyn |
| 317 | 03/02/2007 | Brilliant starling roost last night and tonight near Scotland Nurseries at Tansley. Best views from road from the top of 'The Slack' across to Tansley Moor near to Nursery. | . | John Winnard |
| 318 | 03/02/2007 | Highlights from a gloriously sunny day. Millfields: 4 Goosander (2M, 2F), 1 G.N.diver, 3 nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Redshank, 1 Song Thrush, 8 Redwing, 1 G.S Woodpecker. Paul Stanley: 1 black-necked Grebe, 3 willow tit, 2 Long-tailed tit, 1 Coal Tit, 6 Goldcrest. | . | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 319 | 04/02/2007 | Sightings included the following:-1 Redshank,5 Snipe,1 Goldeneye,Numerous Black Headed Gull, Teal, Wigeon, Lapwing, Crow, Coot, Moorhen, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Black Necked Grebe, Herring Gull, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Cormorant, GS Woodpecker, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Tree Sparrow, Wren, Blackbird | All the sightings were from Sheepwash Hide and Paul Stanley Hide. Good quality hides and good birdwatching had from here.I pass Carsington daily. I think I might join the bird club soon.Thanks Dean | Dean Powell |
| 320 | 05/02/2007 | The Great Northern Diver was showing well between Watersports and Wildlife Centre first thing. The Little Owl was in the usual spot at lunch time and a couple of Oystercatchers were in a field near Shiningford Bend. Dave Newcombe had a harrier through north this morning. Unfortunatley it was flying against the sun in silhouette so a positive id wasn't possible but a probable Marsh. Dave had lots of other raptor activity with Buzzard and Sparrowhawk showing well and a couple of Raven over as well. | . | Matthew Capper |
| 321 | 06/02/2007 | Sunday 5 feb 2007, 4:30pm. The starlings at Kirk Ireton are amazing there must be 999,999 birds not quite a million because I saw a sparrow hawk take one right in front of me. Sent a mate today who also thought there must be a million. Hope to go again at the weekend. Does anyone have any idea this event will carry on? | . | DALE LEES |
| 322 | 07/02/2007 | Female Blackcap visited my bird table on and off for about 20 minutes from approx 8.30am. I live along Windmill Lane, Ashbourne. | . | Simon Truscott |
| 323 | 07/02/2007 | The Kirk Ireton Starlings at their best about 5pm. To view the full splendour get back a bit. It was spectacular from the top Hulland/Callow(Blind Lane) road to see the gathering with a bemused Buzzard with them but then go down into Kirk Ireton and drive up out towards Callow and up the hill just past the farm/stables with guard dog warning and park. Then look back at close quarters at the display. As for counting I think it is hard to say beacuse so many go down into so many stands of trees. A great spectacle ! | . | Peter Gibbon |
| 324 | 07/02/2007 | Best guesses at Starlings tonight seemed to range around the 30-50,000 mark, but as Peter Gibbon says its really difficult to count birds as they are spread out over at least four actual roost centres, over at least a square mile, usually in the thick Holly hedges. Several Sparrowhawks were also seen tonight including a bird which dropped a Starling which almost hit myself and several other observers near the village! | . | Steph' Hicking |
| 325 | 11/02/2007 | 0800 to 1130hrs: 1 Black-necked Grebe from PSHide then out of sight probably in Hopton Arm. 1 GNDiver off Stones Island, 1 GND at Millfields. 4 Skylarks flew over the dam wall. 5 Oystercatchers were around Stones Island and WLC areas. 2 Buzzards and 1 Raven over Hall Wood. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 326 | 12/02/2007 | 2 G N Divers from Lane End Hide,at 1450, one fairly close, one distant. Black-necked grebe from P.S.Hide. | . | Alan Lewin |
| 327 | 13/02/2007 | 3 Bullfinch-Sheepwash Wood 1 Grey Wagtail-Sheepwash Hide 1 Treecreeper-Sheepwash Wood 1 Black-Necked Grebe-Paul Stanley Hide 1 Reed Bunting-Paul Stanley Feeders 1 Willow Tit-Paul Stanley Feeders | . | Samn Pedley |
| 328 | 14/02/2007 | Kirk Ireton starlings still there, no idea how many couldn't think of estimating numbers, but lots. 4.40 to 5.50, most spectacular about 5.20 to 5.40. | Watched from crossroads on carsington water side, then walked into village at 5.45 as last were going down, it sounded like rain as their wings flapped to come into the trees. Well worth a visit but do park and stop sensibly. | D Eberlin |
| 329 | 14/02/2007 | Kirk Ireton starlings were a little down compared to last night apparantly, but still estimated to be over 30,000 birds! These attracted a Peregrine tonight, and a slightly confused looking Buzzard which was thought to have taken a Starling in flight! | As before Please park sensibly if visiting | Steph' Hicking |
| 330 | 18/02/2007 | 1 Shoveler-Wildlife Centre 1 Grey Heron-Horseshoe Island 1 Kestrel-Flew over Horseshoe Island 1 Reed Bunting-Wildlife Centre Feeders 2 Oystercather-Wildlife Centre 3 Cackling Canada Goose-With Barnacle Geese behind Wildlife Centre 1 Pheasant-Visitor Centre Car Park 3 Bullfinch-Sheepwash Car Park Feeders 1 Tawny Owl-In big Ivy covered tree near Paul Stanley Hide 1 Great Northern Diver-Sheepwash Hide | . | Sam Pedley |
| 331 | 18/02/2007 | What a day on Saturday!! Dragged a couple of new to birding friends down from Sheffield and we did the birdhide tour! An astonishing 53 species! Without any Raptors! Paul Stanley first, quiet on the water but then their first GS Woodpecker and Reed Buntings at the feeders. Then Sheepwash Hide and Golden Eye, Teal, Pochard, Redshank, Oyster Catcher etc and a distant GN Diver. Sheepwash Car Park feeder, Bullfinchs a plenty and Reed Buntings. Millfields Hide: Quiet to begin with..then a very close GN Diver showing well for a good 20 minutes!! Millfields Feeders: The other bird they really wanted to see (and unusually not seen around Sheepwash)..of course the Willow Tits!! And many Tree Sparrows. Then Millers Arms for lunch..... Wildlife Centre: Bit quiet as we had seen most birds by then, but great enthusiasm and knowledge on display from many young birders that were in there! Finally, of course, a stroll round the corner and the Little Owl was on his favourite post!! BN Grebe was showing in the bay and returning to the Car Park a Goldcrest almost waving at us!! Fantastic day!! My friends are now completely hooked!! To finish...it was 5pm so I thought.....Hmm I haven''t been to the Starling Roost yet....suggested it they went 'yeh' and as many of you have said on here it was an utterley fantastic display. | Any a chance of a fee from the RSPB sales team for this post?!! 🙂 what a fabulous day!! Thanks to all submitters on here and to the many regulars I meet in the hides every week for tipping me off on locations etc. | Tony |
| 332 | 18/02/2007 | Black Swan | Seen feeding at the top end of the reservoir where conservation work seems to be taking place. Obviously an escapee but not seen mentioned in the bird club sightings. Photographs available to email if required. | Andy Gregory and Janet Smith |
| 333 | 19/02/2007 | CORRECTION: Before there is a stampede to Millfields! It was at Lane End Hide and feeder, where the GN Diver and Willow Tits were as discussed in my earlier post from Saturday. Sorry! | . | Tony |
| 334 | 19/02/2007 | 2 GN Divers still on the Reservoir today, both seen from the WLC together, during the ABB/STW and Radio Derby nest box event, 1 drake Shoveler, 3+ Oystercatchers, 4+ Snipe where amongst the other highlights seen by the CBC and RSPB volunteers from the WLC. The Kirk Ireton Starlings seem to me to be dropping slightly in numbers, but are still putting on a good acrobatic display from around 4.45pm | Of interest, during the Nest Box event two of our sites nest boxes were on display in the Education Centre, containing a Nuthatch and a Tree Sparrow nest respectively. On retreiving these and cleaning them to return them to their trees for the coming breeding season we discovered a Wood Mouse had been hiding in the Tree Sparrow nest all day... | Steph' Hicking |
| 335 | 19/02/2007 | Adult Mediterranean Gull this afternoon from Sheepwash hide,also Great Northern Diver seen at Sheepwash and Wildlife Centre. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 336 | 19/02/2007 | Stones Island: 4 Bullfinches (2M, 2F). Wildlife Centre: 6 Oystercatchers plus 2-300 Lapwing giving good displays against the winter sun. Also 2 Redshank. Paul Stanley: 1 Snipe, 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Willow Tit | . | Richard Pittam |
| 337 | 19/02/2007 | From the Wildlife Centre: 48 Barnacle Geese. 3 Cackling (small race) Canada Geese | . | Richard Pittam |
| 338 | 20/02/2007 | WeBS count for Sunday 18th February was as follows: 2 Great Northern Divers, 77 Little Grebe, 50 Great Crested Grebe, 21 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 8 Mute Swan, 201 Canada Geese, 33 Barnacle Geese, 106 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 21 Teal, 94 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 13 Pochard, 68 Moorhen, 486 Coot, 6 Oystercatcher, 227 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 2 Redhank. | The numbers have dropped dramatically for duck species and Coot compared with last year's February count but that was a week earlier and considering the mild weather it was no real surprise. | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 339 | 20/02/2007 | WeBS count for Sunday 18th February was as follows: 2 Great Northern Divers, 77 Little Grebe, 50 Great Crested Grebe, 21 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 8 Mute Swan, 201 Canada Geese, 33 Barnacle Geese, 106 Wigeon, 3 Gadwall, 21 Teal, 94 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 13 Pochard, 68 Moorhen, 486 Coot, 6 Oystercatcher, 227 Lapwing, 4 Snipe, 2 Redhank. | The numbers have dropped dramatically for duck species and Coot compared with 2006 February count but that was a week earlier and considering the mild weather it was no real surprise. | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 340 | 23/02/2007 | Adult Mediterranean Gull, 4 Curlew,4 Snipe,2 Great Northern Divers,3 Cackling Geese and several Oystercatchers and Redshank all seen from the Wildlife Centre. Wildfowl numbers much reduced, 6 Goldeneye, c30 Wigeon, c10 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 2 Pochard from various areas. Quite a few Reed Buntings around with several singing in the Paul Stanley area. Also c100 Redwing were around Shiningford Farm. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 343 | 28/02/2007 | 45 species seen Highlights Wildlife center 10.005 Oystercatchers, Redshank, 21 Wigeon, 2 Snipe, Many Lapwing, Kestrel, 25 Gadwall Lane End Feeders 10:45 Male bullfinch, Goldcrest, 30 Tree SparrowsSheepwashRedshank, 12 Goldeneye Paul Stanley 11:45 Redshank, 10 Goldeneye, 2 Herring Gull, Willow Tit, Great Spotted WoodpeckerReported Black necked Grebe, Kingfisher Wildlife Center 12:30 Poss Little Owl, 25 Collared Dove | A notable absence of Barnacle Geese and Gulls (Max 25) | Oliver Simms |
| 344 | 28/02/2007 | At least 45 species seen Highlights Wildlife center 10.005 Oystercatchers, Redshank, 21 Wigeon, 2 Snipe, Many Lapwing, Kestrel, 25 Gadwall Lane End Feeders 10:45 Male bullfinch, Goldcrest, 30 Tree SparrowsSheepwashRedshank, 12 Goldeneye Paul Stanley 11:45 Redshank, 10 Goldeneye, 2 Herring Gull, Willow Tit, Great Spotted WoodpeckerReported Black necked Grebe, Kingfisher Wildlife Center 12:30 Poss Little Owl, 25 Collared Dove | . | Oliver Simms |
| 345 | 01/03/2007 | Two Great Northern Divers seen from Sheepwash car park at 12:30, then flew up to dam at 14:30. | . | David Goodwin |
| 346 | 01/03/2007 | 2 Great Northern Divers seen today,one at Millfields the other at Sheepwash.The Diver at Sheepwash was heard to call on one occassion it was also noted feeding on what appeared to be some kind of molluscs? Curlew were noted throughout the day arond the reservoir, with a maximum count of 51 at the Wildlife Centre at 17:00Hr. Numerous Geese at the Wildlife Centre, including c40 Barnacle,3 Cackling and 1 Greylag. Also of note were 1 Male Shoveler,a male Sparrowhawk,8 Oystercatcher and 9 Goldeneye. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 347 | 03/03/2007 | 3 Shovelers-2 males and 1 female from Wildlife Centre 3 Cackling Canada Geese-Horseshoe Island and then flew into a field 3+Redshanks-Wildlife Centre 2 Oystercatchers-Wildlife Centre 1 Falcon sp-Flew over the Horsehoe Island very High | . | Sam Pedley |
| 348 | 03/03/2007 | No message | ...and the Kirk Ireton starlings appear to have now gone. Over the past week the numbers have dwindled and today there were virtually none - just the resident small population. | Neil Venables |
| 349 | 03/03/2007 | Millfields (0815h): 2 Bullfinch, 3 Great Tit, 2 Nuthatch, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (heard), 1 Pied Wagtail, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Dunnock, 1 Song Thrush, 2 Oystercatcher. Stones Island (0915h): 35 Barnacle Geese, 9 Curlew, 3 Cackling Geese, 55 Canada Geese, 3 Redshank, 2 dunnock, 3 Robin, 1 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush, 4 Great Crested Grebe. Wildlife Centre (1030h): 35 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 3 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Owl, 65 Canada Geese, 12 Moorhen, 1 Dunnock, 3 wigeon, 6 Snipe, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Gadwall. Paul Stanley (12.00h): 1 Goldcrest, 3 Goldeneye (1m, 2f), 35 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 12 Little Grebe, 25 Tufted duck, 17 Cormorant, 2 Teal, 1 Great Northern Diver, 7 Curlew. | Beautiful bright day with lots of birds. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 350 | 03/03/2007 | Sheepwash Hide: 27 Curlew, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew Sandpiper,Goldeneye,Wigeon,Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe,Tufted Duck and Tawney Owl (seen in woodland along path from Sheepwash Hide. Paul Stanley Hide: Finally saw the Great Northern Diver and watched this for an hour. Saw numerous Balck Headed and Lesser Black Backed Gulls and 17+ Cormorants. | . | Dean Powell |
| 351 | 08/03/2007 | Very quiet on site today. 32 species counted around midday. OF NOTE - Wigeon (4), Gadwall (1), Oystercatcher (4), Curlew (1), Redshank (2), Reed Bunting (2 males), CHIFFCHAFF (1) - singing on Stones Island - First reported in the logbook on the 3rd. Two Moorhens fought a vicious battle for 10 minutes by the water's edge in front of the Wildlife Centre. In addition 10 Coots were in continuous skirmishes in the same area but were less severe fights than those of the Moorhens. Catkins and Pussy Willow is now very evident. A single Daisy was spotted and a small patch of Coltsfoot was found on Stones Island. | A Tittesworth Water Snippet: The first Chiffchaff of 2007 was found on the 25th February. Curlew numbers have been building up since mid-February and have now reached 140. Wigeon, Pochard, Goldeneye and Goosander are still present in reasonable numbers. Shelduck and Shoveler have been seen quite recently. Winter thrushes are still present with their combined total close to 200. About 20 Snipe are seen most days. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 352 | 09/03/2007 | A nice surprise this morning on Stones Island were 24 Bewick`s Swans. Also present was a singing Chiffchaff. C30 Curlew around Sheepwash, and a Black Tailed Godwit on Horseshoe Island. | The Bewick`s were eventually flushed by boats at around 10:20 and spent the next half hour circling the reservoir, gaining height, and were last seen heading South at 10:50. | Clive Ashton |
| 353 | 10/03/2007 | A bright, sunny day today. Highlights - Millfields: Great Northern Diver (plumage is beginning to change), Nuthatch, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, GS Woodpecker, Goldeneye (2), Little Grebe, Wren, Goldcrest, 12 Great Crested Grebe together. Stones Island: Barnacle Goose, Redshank, Oystercatcher (2) Wildlife Centre: Willow tit, Lapwing, Barnacle Geeese (25), Cackling Goose (1), Gadwall (2), Snipe (2), Great Crested Grebe(2), Wigeon (3), Teal (2). Sheepwash: Curlew (1), Goldeneye (3), Kingfisher, Lesser Black Backed Gull (50), Cormorant (18), Wigeon (6). Sheepwash Car Park Feeder: Bullfinch (6), Reed Bunting (2) | . | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 354 | 12/03/2007 | Millfields: Treecreeper(1),Nuthatch(2),Coal Tit(2),Willow Tit(2),Bullfinch(2), Song Thrush(2),Wren,Chiffchaff(1), Pheasant, Goldfinch(3), Dunnock, Canada Geese(20),Mute Swan(2). Wildlife Centre - A quiet day at the Wildlife Centre - for obvious reasons. Redshank(3),Cackling Goose,Barnacle Geese(12),Greenfinch(4),Reed Bunting(2),Oystercatcher(2),Tree Sparrow(2),Snipe(2),Canada Geese(70),Wigeon(4),Chaffinch(8),Wren,Collared dove(1),Long-tailed Tit(2). Paul Stanley Greylag Goose(1),Tawny Owl(1 - heard only),Great Northern Diver(1),Coal Tit,Great Spotted Woodpecker(M and F),Cormorant(18),Herring Gull(4),Lesser Black Backed Gull(15),Willow Tit,Reed Bunting(2),Snipe(4),Pied Wagtail(2),Grey Wagtail(1),Grey Heron,Curlew(12),Kingfisher(1),Buzzard(5),Little Grebe(2). | A good day out considering the recent disturbances at the reservoir - 54 species recorded today. | Richard and FRances Pittam |
| 355 | 13/03/2007 | 4 Little Gulls (at 1pm), Chiffchaff and Willow warbler reported on the Birdnet pager system today. | . | Steph Hicking |
| 356 | 16/03/2007 | Just returned from a walk around the reservior, and have seen my first Sand Martin (16:00 hrs 16/3/07) over the water on the dam, by the sailing club. | Is this a first for 2007? | David Naylor |
| 357 | 17/03/2007 | Millfields: 3 Chiffchaff, 2 Nuthatch, 8 Long tailed Tit, 4 Little Grebe, 14 Great Crested Grebe (together). Wildlife Centre: 32 Barnacle Geese, 1 Cackling Goose, 8 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Oystercatcher Paul Stanley: 1 Snipe, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Willow Tit, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (M), 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Chiffchaff. | Not a bad afternoon - lots of singing Chiffchaffs - roll on Spring! | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 358 | 20/03/2007 | The March WeBS count : 1 Great Northern Diver 31 Little Grebe 29 Great Crested Grebe 20 Cormorant 11 Mute Swan 1 Greylag Goose 159 Canada Goose 34 Barnacle Goose 92 Wigeon 3 Gadwall 1 Teal 62 Mallard 236 Tufted Duck 12 Goldeneye 39 Moorhen 215 Coot 10 Oystercatcher 13 Lapwing 9 Snipe 18 Curlew 6 Redshank | A very cold day with strong winds blowing in regular showers of hail,sleet and snow. | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 359 | 21/03/2007 | 40 species seen from the Wildlife Centre today. Nothing startling but 21 Curlew early on, both Bullfinch and Reed Bunting on the feeders, cackling geese still in with the Barnacles and several snipe, redshank and oystercatchers. | A day of good visibility with some sunny spells but extremely cold and windy. | Matthew Capper |
| 360 | 21/03/2007 | Fairly quiet on site today. Sunny but cold. 33 species seen around midday. Main viewing points: Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre. OF NOTE: Two male Mute Swans engaged in battle on the water close to the Water Sports Centre. Barnacle Goose (32), Gadwall (4), Oystercatcher (2), Lapwing - just a handful, Redshank (2), Chiffchaff (3) - Stones Island. Lesser Celandine is in flower by the Wildlife Centre pond. | Extracted from the logbook: 20th March: Merlin (one female). 19th March: Great Northern Diver (1), Snipe (9), Peregrine (1). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 361 | 24/03/2007 | 30+Whooper Swans flew over the Visitors Centre Mid Morning 1 Little Owl on a post near the Pylon from the Wildlife Centre 1 Gadwall from the Wildlife Centre 4 Redshanks from the Wildlife Centre 1 Cackling Goose in a field near the Main Car Park | . | Sam Pedley |
| 362 | 26/03/2007 | Millfields: 2 Bullfinch, 4 Wren, 8 Dunnock, 4 Pied Wagtail, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Coal Tit, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Nuthatch, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker(h/o), 1 Oystercatcher, 10 Barnacle Geese. Stones Island: 22 Barnacle Geese, 2 Redshank, 3 Redwing, 43 Wigeon, 12 Goldfinch, 32 Whooper Swans (flying north over Visitor Centre @ 10.15am). Wildlife Centre: 2 Long-tailed tit, 22 Barnacle Geese, 2 Cackling Geese, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Gadwall. Paul Stanley: 1 Tawny Owl, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Greylag Goose, 40 Wigeon, 2 Dunnock, 1 Male Great Spotted woodpecker, 1 Wren. | Highlights from a cold day: | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 363 | 28/03/2007 | A beautiful spring day at Carsington for the usual Tuesday Aren't birds brilliant! event. Plenty of Chiffchaffs singing but no sign of a hoped for Sand Martin. A Great Northern Diver spent prolongued periods in front of the Wildlife Centre giving excellent views as it at times slept or preened near the tern rafts. And, there are definitely two birds still present on site with sightings of both at different parts of the reservoir. Bullfinches are very easy to see at the moment and both male and female reed buntings visited the feeder station. 17 Snipe were flushed by a ranger work party on Sheepwash spit and there were 4 on horseshoe island. 31 Curlew flew onto Horseshoe island at the end of day and could be heard calling well after dark. Both Little Owls were out and about but they have become a bit more elusive of late. | . | Matthew Capper |
| 364 | 28/03/2007 | 44 species seen today including Sheepwash 9:00 Great Northern Diver moving away towards the dam about 30 widgeon, 1 chiffchaff, 2 song thrush, pochard 2 Jays flew over Paul Stanley 10:30 Oyster catcher, 2 reed buntings, 1 great spotted wood pecker, red shank WildLife Centre 13:00 small numbers of lapwing, 5 snipe, 2 oyster catchers, 2 gadwall, 5 red shank, reed buntings Stones island 15:00 Great Northern Diver moving towards millfields this time 6 pied wagtail | Sunny warm day very calm | Julian and Frank Walters |
| 365 | 28/03/2007 | On site around midday. Sunny and warm. No wind. Main points of observation: Stones Island, the Wildlife Centre (WC) and around WC Creek. 37 species of bird identified. Of Note: Cackling Goose (1), Barnacle Goose (41), Wigeon (2), Snipe (2), Redshank (2), Redwing (1) - foraging for food under a hedge close to the footpath near the WC, totally oblivious of passing walkers only 5 feet away; Song Thrush (2), Chiffchaff (3), Bullfinch (one male) and Reed Bunting (2 males). | A Peacock butterfly was found on Stones Island. There are lots of Catkins and Pussy Willow to be found, some of the Pussy Willow laden with pollen, some of it adhering to foraging bees. There are now many more flowering Coltsfoot and Lesser Celandine plants to be found. A large patch of Golden Saxifrage was found in woodland by the WC Creek. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 366 | 29/03/2007 | A cold day- so it was ironic that the first Swallows should show up. Myself and Dave Newcombe saw one on Stones Island and 4 more towards Lane End (from Sheepwash). We also saw 2 Great Northern Divers from Sheepwash. Other sightings of note:9 Goldeneye,at least 5 Buzzard,2 Raven and 10 Reed Buntings. | Dave has now reported several Sand Martins from the Wildlife Centre. Jim Craw has also reported 10 Swallows from Lane End. | Clive Ashton |
| 368 | 01/04/2007 | Sunny, but cold day. Millfields: 4 Nuthatch, 2 Chiffchaff (singing) Wildlife Centre: Great Northern Diver, 10 Wigeon, 7 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 22 Barnacle Geese, 15 Lapwing, 1 Little Owl, 2 Great Crested Grebe. Paul Stanley: Great Northern Diver, Pied Wagtail, Reed Bunting, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Willow Tit, Treecreeper, Tawny Owl, Coal Tit. Sheepwash Car Park: 5 Bullfinch (2 male, 3 female), Reed Bunting. | Cold in the wind, warm in the sun. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 369 | 03/04/2007 | Male Blackcap singing in bushes at Millfields end of the Dam Wall this morning, and still no willow warblers! 12 Swallows perched on a small tree on Stones Island, 25 Sand Martins around Stones Island. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 370 | 04/04/2007 | 4 Wigeons-3 Males and 1 Female from the Wildlife Centre 2 Ravens-Flew over the Wildlife Centre 1 Little Owl-On a fence post near the pylon from the Wildlife Centre 4 Redshanks-On Horseshoe Island 1 Reed Bunting-On the Wildlife Centre Feeders 1 Oystercatcher-On Horseshoe Island 1 Cackling Canada Goose-With Barnacle Geese in a field to the left of the Wildlife Centre 4 Buzzards-Circling over the Vistor Centre Car Park calling 2 Swallows-Flying around the Visitor Centre 1 Chiffchaff-In a tree near the Wildlife Centre + many more singing | . | Sam Pedley |
| 371 | 06/04/2007 | Millfields: 4 Nuthatch, 2 Coal Tit, 1 Marsh Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, female Goosander, 2 Redshank (mating), 2 Oystercatchers, 6 Long-tailed tits, 2 Raven, 1 buzzard. Wildlife Centre: 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 3 Snipe, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Wigeon, 12 Tree sparrows, Chiffchaff. Paul Stanley: Tawny Owl, 2 Oystercatchers (mating), 2 Coal Tits, 2 Reed Buntings, Chiffchaff. | . | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 372 | 07/04/2007 | 1 Little Ringed Plover-On Horseshoe Island 6 Reed Buntings-2 males on the Wildlife Centre Feeders and 2 males and 2 females on Stones Island 1 Chiffchaff-Near the Wildlife Centre 1 Snipe-From the Wildlife Centre | . | Sam Pedley |
| 373 | 08/04/2007 | 1 Great Northern Diver still present in centre of reservoir. Plenty (c.10) of Chiffchaffs singing between Millfields and Oldfield Lane. 1 Blackcap singing in same area, 15+ Lesser Black Backs flying through at c.1.30pm. Goldcrest singing (stone shelter) Nuthatch on territory in usual areas. Several Brimstone Butterflies Millfields-Oldfield Lane. | Very brief vsit | Steph' and Paul Hicking |
| 374 | 08/04/2007 | Was out sailing on the lake from the visitor centre. Great Northern Diver still in the lake. I saw it just past the small island offshore from the watersports centre, still in winter plumage with white throat. | . | Graham Taylor |
| 375 | 08/04/2007 | highlights from this morning - Millfields: 4 nuthatch, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Robin, 2 Song Thrush, 1 Coal Tit, 5 Blue tit, 2 Great tit, 1 Wren, 2 Blackbird. Dam: 2 Barnacle geese, 2 Cackling Geese. Stones Island: 1 Little Ringed Plover (in front of sailing club), 3 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Chiffchaff, 3 Barnacle Geese, 2 Bullfinch, 2 song Thrush, 3 Goldeneye (2 male, 1 female - one of the males was displaying). Wildlife Centre: 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank, 2 Chiffchaff. | There were apparently 5 Little Ringed Plovers reported today ( 2 at WLC, 3 in front of Sailing Club). | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 376 | 10/04/2007 | 1 Great Northern Diver off Stones Island early morning. 1 Willow Warbler at Wildlife Centre. 3 Willow Warbler at Millfields. 2 Blackcaps singing on Stones Island. 2 Little-ringed Plover at Wildlife Centre. 30+ Sand Martin and 20 Swallows through this morning. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 377 | 12/04/2007 | 41 species today plus seagulls Paul Stanley hide Two Oystercatchers only 15ft from the hide Grey Herron,Chiffchaffs, 2 Jays Stones island Black Cap,2 Cackling Geese, 4 Barnacle Geese, Willow Warbler, Greenfinch, long tailed tits, tree sparrows Wildlife Centre 3 Gadwall, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Bulfinches on the feeder 2 redshank | Warm sunny day with plenty of people about | Julian and Caroline Walters |
| 378 | 12/04/2007 | 2 Chifchaffs-Behind Sheepwash Hide 1 Pheasant-Male In between Sheepwash & Paul Stanley Hides 1 Shelduck-Behind Sheepwash Spit 1 Great Northern Diver-Sheepwash Hide 1 Jay-Behind Paul Stanley Hide 4 Reed Bunting-3 males and 1 female on Paul Stanley Hide feeders 2 Willow Tits-In between Sheepwash and Pual Satanley Hide | . | Sam Pedley |
| 379 | 14/04/2007 | 2 Little Gulls 1 Shelduck 1 Blackcap 3 Willow Warblers 2 Little Ringed Plover 1 Dunlin 1 Common Sandpiper 13 Bullfinches 2 Cackling Geese 1 Reed Bunting 1 Great Nortern Diver | . | Oliver Simms |
| 380 | 14/04/2007 | Millfields: 2 Nuthatch, 3 Willow Warblers, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap (male), 2 Long-tailed tits, 8 Blue Tits, 2 Coal Tits, 4 Great Tits, 12 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Song Thrush. Wildlife Centre 1 Little Ringed Plover, 12 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff. | There are good views of the Palmate Newts and Common Frogs in the Wildlife Pond at the moment. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 381 | 15/04/2007 | 1 Great Northern Diver (Lane Ends) 1 Common Scoter (Drake) (Brick Tower), Plenty of Chiffchaff between Sheepwash CPk and Shiningford Creek. 2 Willow Warblers in same area as well as several Blackcaps singing. 14 Barnacle Geese, 2 Cackling Geese, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting, Tree Sparrow, Blue and Great Tits etc all showing well at the Lane Ends feeding station. | . | Steph' & Paul Hicking |
| 382 | 17/04/2007 | 6 Black Tailed Godwits at Wildlife Centre | . | Richard & Frances Pittam |
| 383 | 18/04/2007 | Highlights included, Common Scoter 1 drake, Yellow Wagtail 1, Dunlin 2, Swallow 3, Sand Martin 1. Great Northern Diver also seen. | The first walk of the CBC summer program saw us see some excellent birds in a short walk around Stones and the WLC. | Steph' Hicking |
| 384 | 19/04/2007 | 1 Arctic Tern, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Common Swift, Sand Martins, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, Willow Warbler, Great Northern Diver, 2 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher, Barnacle Geese, 2 Cackling Geese. | All seen from Stones Island between 18:15 and 19:40 pm. | Leo Galante |
| 385 | 19/04/2007 | 1 House martin-Stones1 LRP @ WLC2 Dunlin -Stones | In addition to Leo' sightings | Geoff Barter |
| 386 | 19/04/2007 | 1 G N Diver from Stones Island. 5 Turnstones on Sailing Club Is from Stones Is at 7pm. 1 Common Sandpiper on Watersports Is. 2 Curlew on Stones Is. 1 Lesser Whitethroat in Shiningford Creek. 1 at Sheepwash CP. 1 Yellow Wagtail on Stones Is. Many Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Blackcap singing. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 387 | 21/04/2007 | Stones Island: 2 Oystercatcher, 13 Barnacle Geese, 2 Cackling Geese, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Pied Wagtails. Wildlife Centre: 1 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Lesser Whitethroat (heard only). | A very hazy day today. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 388 | 23/04/2007 | 2 Sandwich Terns reported on the Birdnet pager from Paul Stanley Hide at 12pm | . | Steph' Hicking |
| 390 | 28/04/2007 | Stones Island:7 Barnacle Geese, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Oystercatcher. Wildlife Centre:15 Swift (over watersports centre), 4 Cackling Geese, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Owl. | A windy day. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 391 | 29/04/2007 | 2 Goldfinches-Wildlife Centre Feeders 2 Little Ringed Plovers-Horseshoe Island 1 Common Sandpiper-Horseshoe Island 25+Swifts-Visitor Centre Car Park | . | Sam Pedley |
| 392 | 29/04/2007 | In addition to Sam's sightings: Bar Tailed Godwit initially on Stones Island and then near the Wildlife Centre. Curlew dropped in to Horseshoe Island for a preen. Reed Bunting and Willow Tit on the feeders | . | Matthew Capper |
| 394 | 01/05/2007 | 1 Great Northern Diver [1W/1S] near Millfields. 4 Shelduck, mobile, at many locations. 1 Common Tern at Wildlife Centre most of today, looking at the rafts. 1 Arctic Tern flew through. 1 Bar-tailed Godwit Wildlife Centre then Stones Is. 2 Curlew Wildlife Centre. 1 Yellow Wagtail flew over Stones Is. Many Garden Warblers and Whitethroats and some Sedge Warblers now present. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 396 | 02/05/2007 | 40 species of bird seen from Stones Island or the Wildlife Centre around midday. Sunny but a cold north easterly wind was blowing. OF NOTE: Great Northern Diver (1) - off Stones Island; Canada Geese with goslings - one pair with a single gosling and another pair with 3 goslings; Barnacle Goose (2); Shelduck (4); Mallard ducklings - a female with five and another with 12; Oystercatcher (1); Little Ringed Plover (2) - exploring terra cotta shelters on Stones Island; Lapwing (6); Curlew (1); Redshank (2); Common Tern (1); Garden Warbler (2); Blackcap (2); Willow Warbler (3); Reed Bunting (2 singing males). | In pond next to the Wildlife Centre: Smooth Newts (possibly also Palmate Newts); hundreds of tadpoles. Insects: Several Small White butterflies; a Buff-tailed Bumblebee. Plants in flower included the following: Red Campion, Yellow Rocket (or Winter Cress), Bugle, Bush Vetch (or Crow-peas), Bluebell, Cuckooflower (or Lady's Smock), Cowslip, Jack-by-the-hedge (or Garlic Mustard), White Deadnettle, Ground Ivy, Hairy Bitter-cress, Ribwort Plantain, Bogbean, Marsh Marigold. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 400 | 12/05/2007 | Stones Island: 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Kestrel, 1 Great Northern Diver (off Watersports, 4 young Canada goslings Wildlife Centre: 1 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank, 6 Canada Goslings, 2 young Coot Paul Stanley Hide: 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Redshank, 8 Canada goslings, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (male and female), 2 Wren. | A quiet morning - not too many birds about at all. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 401 | 16/05/2007 | 2 Whimbrel from the visitor centre at 2.46.p.m. | . | DOS Report |
| 402 | 18/05/2007 | BARN OWL | FLYING OVER FROM DIRECTION OF NESTING BOX IN LARGE TREE | CLIVE AND RUTH SLACK |
| 403 | 18/05/2007 | A drake Garganey at the Wildlife centre today. Also present:G.N Diver,2 Curlew,1 Whimbrel,1 Dunlin,2 L.R.Plover,3 Gadwall,1 Teal, and 2 Common Terns. One Lapwing chick was also seen. | The Garganey was present all day until at least 15:00hrs, when I left. It spent most of the time in the area in front of Horseshoe Island,though it often disappeared out of sight,towards the camera on the Island. | Clive Ashton |
| 404 | 19/05/2007 | Short visit this morning - no Garganey at WLC up to 10.00am. Other highlights: 22 Dunlin dropped in on sailing club island. 2 Little Ringed Plovers on Horseshoe Island. 4 Willow Warblers on Stones Island. | Sunny, but very windy weather this morning. | Richard Pittam |
| 405 | 22/05/2007 | Whilst carrying out a Breeding Bird Survey of our Islands this afternoon, I was lucky enough to have superb views of an Arctic Tern circling the boat at the North End of the Reservoir. According to Mike from fisheries, there has been a single Tern sitting on a Buoy next to Big Island for the last couple of days. Although we have a pair of Common Terns on site, I think that the Arctic may have been around for a few days now. I saw presumably the same bird around Shiningford Creek last night(21st at 19:30)and I believe RC saw one on site a couple of days ago. | . | Paul Bennett |
| 406 | 22/05/2007 | Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WG)in the late morning. Sunny and no obvious breeze. 38 species of bird identified. OF NOTE: Canada Goose goslings - 3 and 4 with respective parents. Barnacle Goose (4). Gadwall (one male). Three juvenile Moorhens. Oystercatcher (4). Little Ringed Plover (2). Reed Bunting (1). | Smooth newts in pond next to the WC. Many Small White butterflies on Stones Island. Plants in flower: Most of those reported on the 2nd May are still in flower. In addition the following were noted: Silverweed, Cow Parsley, Forget-me-not, Meadow Buttercup, carpets of Daisies near the visitor centre and on Stones Island. Much more Yellow Rocket seen on Stones Island. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 407 | 24/05/2007 | 2 Spotted Flycatchers in Hall Wood. 1 Reed Warbler singing from the reedbed in Hopton Arm. Pair of Oystercatchers with 3 young, on Horseshoe Island viewed from the Wildlife Centre. Also 3 other pairs of Oystercatchers have young on other more remote Islands. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 408 | 29/05/2007 | Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre around midday.Only 33 species of bird identified. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (6), Oystercatcher (2), Ringed Plover (2) - Horseshoe Island, Lapwing - including one chick on Horseshoe Island, and Redshank (2) - also on Horseshoe Island. | Green-veined White butterflies were in abundance today. Smooth & Palmate Newts were present in the pond next to the Wildlife Centre. Some of the plants previously reported have now finished flowering. However, the following plants are newly into blossom: Sorrel, Broad-leaved Dock, Yellow Iris (or Yellow Flag), Water Forget-me-not, Germander Speedwell and Sweet Cicely. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 409 | 02/06/2007 | Wildlife Centre highlights: 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher (c/w 4 young), 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Tern, 1 Pochard (male). | There was a pair of Broad-bodied chaser dragonflies mating in the WLC pond. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 410 | 03/06/2007 | Wildlife centre 2 oystercatchers with 4 chicks, 1 coot with chick, two mallard families with ducklings, 2 barnacle geese with single gosling redshank,common tern and little ringed plover | atleast 8 Broad-bodied chaser dragonflies mating in the WLC pond. about 6 blue (male) to 2 golden brown (female) | Julian and Caroline Walters |
| 411 | 07/06/2007 | OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose with a yellow gosling, Coot - one adult with a single chick, Oystercatcher (3), Ringed Plover (1), Lapwing - inc one chick, Redshank (2), Common Sandpiper (1).Plants newly into flower: Foxglove, Herb Robert, Cleavers, Meadow Cranesbill, Dog Rose, Spear Thistle. Also Horsetail, a flowerless plant is now obvious. | A Tittesworth Water Snippet: Tittesworth is a 45 minute drive to the west of Carsington Water. It is also owned by Severn Trent. A pair of Pied Flycatchers are feeding young in a nest box close to the River Churnet. A pair of Common Redstarts are also feeding young in a nest box not far from the children's playground. A Mute Swan is present - a very uncommon species at Tittesworth. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 413 | 16/06/2007 | From Stones Island: Approx. 260 Canada Geese, 2 Willow Warblers Wildlife Centre:2 Redshank, 3 Barnacle Geese (1 gosling), 1 Bullfinch, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Owl, 8 Lapwing (1 young). Paul Stanley:2 Oystercatchers, 2 families of coots (3 2) | . | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 414 | 17/06/2007 | coot,moorhen,blackbird,lapwing,reed bunting,mallard,mute swan,greenfinch,black headed gull,common tern,redshanks,canada geese,house sparrow,blue tit,great tit,tufted duck,barnacle geese,little owl,bullfinch,chaffinch,robin,chiff chaff,whitethroat,pied wagtail,oystercatcher,heron,jackdaw,carrion crow,rook,tree sparrow,little grebe,great crested grebe,starling,magpie,gadwall,collared dove,wood pigeon,pheasant,dunnock. | gosling with barnacle geese. 3 cygnets with swan at Paul Stanley. 4 cute coot chicks at WLC | Peter Hill |
| 415 | 18/06/2007 | 1 Ruddy Shelduck and 1 Shelduck flew together past the Wildlife Centre, they appeared to be coming in to land , but unfortunately flew off to the west.Also of note: 2 L.R.Plover,1 Curlew,4 Gadwall,10 Redshank (including 2 young),1 young G.C.Grebe,7 Mute Swan cygnets,1 Sparrowhawk and 3 Common Terns were all at the Wildlife Centre. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 416 | 22/06/2007 | The WeBS count for June done between 6 and 9am12 Little Grebe, 21 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Mute Swan with 7 young (6 in one family), 5 Greylag Geese, 786 Canada Geese (a high number for June), 33 Barnacle Geese, 3 Gadwall, 86 Mallard, 96 Tufted Duck, 28 Moorhen, 215 Coot, 11 Oystercatcher, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 16 Lapwing, 5 Redshank, 4 Black-headed Gull, 2 Common Tern.Also 4 Cackling Geese. | . | Peter Gibbon |
| 417 | 23/06/2007 | From the Wildlife Centre: Mute Swan with 7 very young Cygnets, 6 Redshank, Little Ringed Plover, 2 Oystercatchers, 165 Canada Geese, 3 Coot young, Bullfinch, Young Pied Wagtail, 8 Tree Sparrow. | . | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 442 | 26/06/2007 | Pair of Black-headed Gulls have 2 chicks, from Wildlife Centre. Pair of Common Terns have 1 chick so far, from WLC. Pair of Mute Swans still have 7 cygnets, from WLC. | This is the first record of Black-headed Gulls breeding at Carsington. Also it is a pair of first summer birds [born last year]proving they can beed at one year old. | Roger Carrington |
| 443 | 30/06/2007 | The pair of first summer BHGulls have still 2 young despite a rapidly reducing island in the rising water! The other adult pair sitting tight on the tern raft so not able to see whats happening! The Common tern on the new raft left the nest a couple of times and at least one youngsters head was seen over the edge! Tree sparrows were present in numbers around the nest box scheme and youngsters were visiting the feeders at the WLC. Mute Swans still have 7 cygnets at the WLC and one Barnacle Goose gosling was under the feeders...the hybrid Barni-Canada adult was also present! | Rising water levels worry me, have grebes etc been flooded out of their nests? | Steph' Hicking |
| 444 | 01/07/2007 | From the Wildlife Centre: 5 Oystercatchers (2 adult 3 young) 2 Redshank 6 Black-headed Gull (incl. 2 young). 3 Common Tern (incl. 1 young). | A wet and showery morning. Water levels in the reservoir are exceptionally high. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 445 | 02/07/2007 | An immature Peregrine was over Sheepwash spit.Four Black Tailed Godwits dropped onto Horseshoe Island.Also present were a single Pochard and a couple of Greylag Geese.The Black Headed Gull chicks made an excursion to the main island. | Another very wet day with really heavy showers. There were a few Ringlet butterflies around the Paul Stanley area. | Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe |
| 446 | 04/07/2007 | Hobby over dam wall at 7.20pm. From DOS website | . | DOS website news |
| 447 | 04/07/2007 | cormorant, and unusually a shoveler and goldeneye | . | mitch |
| 448 | 04/07/2007 | Cormorant, and unusually a shoveler and goldeneye | . | Mitch |
| 449 | 05/07/2007 | 1 Ruddy Shelduck-Flew over the Wildlife Centre and then towards Sheepwash 2 Bullfinches-Male & Female | . | Sam Pedley |
| 450 | 07/07/2007 | A male Redstart was seen briefly -distant from the wildlife centre. 3 Little Ringed Plover were on Horseshoe Island and were joined by a Curlew. The adult Black-headed Gulls on the tern raft now also have young (2 I think) the first summer pair have apparently relocated to the main island as their island is now almost under water. Though the adult Common Terns were still around,I could see no sign of the chick. The Coots on the front of Horseshoe island now have 3 young. | Water level still very high. One more Ringlet butterfly near Sheepwash. | Clive Ashton |
| 451 | 08/07/2007 | The Open Day was held today. Highlights from the Wildlife Centre: Oystercatchers, Mute Swans, Coot, Buzzard, Common Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plovers, Bullfinch, Redshank, Tree Sparrow, Common Tern. | . | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 452 | 11/07/2007 | 35 species of bird seen on site today around midday. Viewing points: Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WC). OF NOTE: Greylag Goose (1) - near the sailing club. Oystercatcher (2) - Horseshoe Island. Black-headed Gull chicks (2) - raft in front of the WC. Common Tern (2). Swift (6). Blackcap (1) - singing on Stones Island. Reed Bunting (1) - Stones Island. Plant species in flower: (lots of yellows, reds and purples). Meadow Vetchling, Kidney Vetch, Woody Nightshade, Common Knapweed, Field Thistle, Spear Thistle, Welted Thistle, Nipplewort, Autumn Hawkbit, Meadow Crane's-bill, Crowpeas, Common Sorrel, Red Clover, Daisy, Cow Parsley, Water forget-me-not, Redshank (Persicaria maculosa). The only butterfly species on the wing was Meadow Brown. | From the logbook for the 10th July: Black-tailed Godwit (9). Common Sandpiper (5). Meadow Pipit (1). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 453 | 14/07/2007 | There was a sighting of a bird from Millfields Car Park on 2nd July at 15.10hrs which was probably a Yellow-nosed Albatross. This bird was on the Somerset coast on 29/30th June and arrived on a fishing lake near Messingham [North Lincs] about 19.00hrs, so calling in at Carsington would be on route. | A description is being sought from the known observers but any further information would be most welcome. | Roger Carrington |
| 454 | 14/07/2007 | From the wildlife Centre (8.30am): 9 Mute Swans (including 7 Cygnets), 2 Little Grebe, 7 Tree sparrow, 19 Lapwing, 250+ Canada Geese, 4 Oystercatchers, 2 Jays (Shiningford Creek from WLC), 4 Great Crested Grebe. | No signs of the Common Terns today. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 455 | 17/07/2007 | 2 Sightings of Peregrine today, 1 young bird over towards the dam wall, from Sheepwash, flew hard towards the Hopton end. At one point it actually made a half hearted attack on a Cormorant!!! The other, possibly the same, bird was seen later from the Wildlife Centre with prey of a more realistic size in its grasp, as it flew towards Middle Wood. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 456 | 19/07/2007 | A sunny day at Carsington. Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WC). Only 30 species of bird identified. OF NOTE: Greylag Goose (1). Tufted Duck - one female had nine tiny ducklings in tow! Oystercatcher (2). Black-headed Gull juveniles (2). Goldfinch (3 juveniles). Butterflies etc: Gatekeeper (or Hedge Brown). Small White. Meadow Brown. Common Blue damselfly - three pairs mating over the pond next to the WC. Flowering plants: 19 species identified including - Tufted Vetch, Black Medick, Herb Robert, Common Knapweed, Self-heal, Rosebay Willowherb, Great Willowherb, Broad-leaved Willowherb and Oxeye Daisy. | A dip into the WC logbook: 16th July: Black-tailed Godwit (1), Common Tern (3), Greenshank (1), Curlew (1). 17th July: Water Vole (1), Gadwall (3), Little Owl (1). A Tittesworth Water Snippet: The following bird species have appeared on site quite recently: Oystercatcher (4), Common Scoter (6), Barn Owl (1) - observed on several days, Little Egret (1). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 457 | 20/07/2007 | 2 Red crested Pochard (male/female) at the Wildlife Centre, along with 3 Gadwall,1 Teal and at least 6 Pochard. | More heavy rain made viewing very difficult. | Clive Ashton |
| 458 | 22/07/2007 | An hour either side of noon produced 36 bird species from Stones Island, Wildlife Centre, Sheepwash and Paul Stanley Hides. Of note, two Raven flying towards the dam.6 Oystercatchers on Stones Island also a large flock of Goldfinches (@30+) feeding on Thistle heads. There were several newly emerged Ringlets on the wing in front of the Paul Stanley Hide and a Great Spotted Woodpecker near feeding station. | . | Martin Froggatt |
| 459 | 28/07/2007 | Wildlife Centre: 6 young Tufted ducklings with parents, 4 young Mallard ducklings, 6 young Black-headed Gulls, Little Owl. | Water levels high - can't see many waders dropping in next month. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 460 | 31/07/2007 | Unconfirmed report of yellow nosed albatross on DOS WEbsite | Did anyone see this bird? | UNconfirmed report |
| 461 | 31/07/2007 | Re YN Albatross on 2nd July. | See news item on home page for details. | Steph' Hicking |
| 462 | 01/08/2007 | From the Wildlife Centre: 1 Snipe, 6 Tufted ducklings, 8 Tree Sparrows, 4 Little Grebe, 5 Black-headed Gull young, 3 Little Owls, 1 Song Thrush, 14 Collared Doves. Plus 1 odd Tufted duck with a green ring on it's beak - a BTO ring! (No. ?3H?). Millfields: 1 Greylag goose, 5 Pied Wagtails (incl. 3 young). | Lovely evening | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 463 | 03/08/2007 | 4 hours on duty in the wildlife centre, produced 31 species including 1 Redshank and the regular pr of Bullfinches on the feeding table. ...Until 2.30pm, when I found 2 Turnstones behind the little stone Island to the left of Horseshoe Island. Needed the island camera to see them. | . | David Bennett Carsington Vol Ranger |
| 464 | 06/08/2007 | As usual visited Stones Island (SI) and the Wildlife Centre (WC) around midday. Only 29 bird species identified. Nothing suprising to report but it was good to see a Gadwall from the WC. Also two Linnets flew overhead. The only warbler present appeared to be Willow Warbler singing on SI. There were at least 14 adult Mute Swans present in the area plus five developing cygnets. Two well developed juvenile Black-headed Gulls were also seen. Other youngsters about today included one young Lapwing and severel Pied Wagtails. | Butterflies present: Green-veined White, Small Copper and Meadow Brown. Odonata: A female Southern Hawker dragonfly and several Common Blue damselflies. Flowering plants: 31 species, mainly on SI, including the following not previously mentioned: Common Hemp-nettle, Hedge Woundwort, Common Bird's-foot Trefoil, Scarlet Pimpernel, Common St John's-wort, Water Mint, Wild Chamomile (or Scented Mayweed) and Marsh Hawk's-beard. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 465 | 11/08/2007 | from the Wildlife Centre: Juv male Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sparrowhawk | . | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 466 | 15/08/2007 | An early afternoon visit yielded 31 species of bird. Weather sunny and warm. There was hardly any wind. OF NOTE: Greylag Goose (1) - near sailing club. The only warblers found were Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. Linnet (6). The juveniles of the following species were observed: Great Crested Grebe (3), Tufted Duck (5), Coot (1), Robin (2) and Goldfinch (4). Interesting observations taken from the Wildlife Centre logbook: 14th August: Curlew (2), Golden Plover (6). 12th August: Teal (5), Common Pochard (2), Kingfisher (1). | Other wildlife observations: Odonata: Common Blue damselfly and Common Darter dragonfly. Butterflies: Small, Large and Green-veined Whites, Meadow Brown, Peacock and Gatekeeper. Flowering plants: Over twenty species detected mainly on Stones Island including the following not previously mentioned: Short-fruited Willowherb, Common Mouse-ear, Hedge Bindweed, White Dead-nettle, Oxeye Daisy and Cat's-ear. A Tittesworth Water Snippet: A Red Kite has been observed several times in the last few days. Three Little Owls were found. Spotted Flycatchers are still hunting on the site. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 467 | 18/08/2007 | Family of Spotted Flycatchers in Shiningford Creek. Water Vole in Wildlife Centre Creek. Common Sandpiper from Sheepwash Hide. Gull roost, 2030hrs from Stones Island: 1200 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 3 Yellow-legged Gulls, 1 adult and 1 juvenile Common Gulls. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 468 | 19/08/2007 | From Paul Stanley hide: 4 Gadwall,2 Teal,2 Common Sandpiper,2 Jay on the feeding station and a Kingfisher on the posts to the left of the hide. From Sheepwash: 2 Raven and 2 Buzzard over Hall wood.Also a Common Sandpiper (one of the 2 from P.Stanley ?) From the Wildlife centre: 2 Snipe and 1 more Gadwall. From Stones Island : c50 Goldfinch,also Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap. There were c25 Swallows over the Dam wall,and c20 more moving through from other areas of the reservoir. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 469 | 21/08/2007 | 1 Little Stint from the Wildlife Centre with 1 Dunlin at about 11:00. 1 Sparrowhawk on Horseshoe Island | . | Sam Pedley |
| 470 | 23/08/2007 | Of interest today; 24 Teal,1 Pochard,1 Drake Wigeon,2 Shelduck.A Greenshank flew from Sheepwash towards Lane End.A male Redstart,with a probable female/juvenile, towards the pylons from the Wildlife Centre.A Spotted Flycatcher and 4 Linnet were around Sheepwash spit.5 Buzzard were in the air together over Hall wood.There were 4 Grey Heron at Paul Stanley hide along with a single Whitethroat. | A Fox was seen in the field to the left of the Wildlife Centre,and later seen lying in the sun at the reservoir edge. | Clive Ashton |
| 471 | 26/08/2007 | From the Wildlife Centre: 1 Sparrowhawk, 7 Teal, 4 Wigeon, 8 Tree Sparrow, 6 Pochard, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 1 Greylag Goose. | . | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 472 | 28/08/2007 | A juvenile Black-necked Grebe at the Wildlife Centre this morning. Also present; 34 Teal,12 Wigeon,1 Common Sandpiper,1 Kingfisher, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1 juvenile Common Tern and a singing Willow Warbler. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 473 | 28/08/2007 | Juv Black-necked Grebe showed in front of Wildlife Centre 1700-1730hrs, otherwise elusive. Juv Common Tern still present in evening. Gull roost: at least 7 Yellow-legged Gulls of various ages, 1 juv Herring Gull and 1 Common Gull. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 474 | 30/08/2007 | All from the Wildlife Centre 1 Garganey 1 Little Owl 1 Willow Tit 1 female Blackcap | . | Sam Pedley |
| 476 | 31/08/2007 | 1 Green Sandpiper from Paul Stanley Hide. 19 Wigeon from PSHide. 1 Dunlin in front of Sailing Club. No sign of Garganey. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 477 | 02/09/2007 | 1 raven on The Spit with cormorants at 10:00. 1 little tern in Millfield Bay at 14:25. Flew round two or three times then disappeared | . | Tony Cooper |
| 478 | 03/09/2007 | 1 Coal Tit-Paul Stanley Hide Feeders 1 Kingfisher-Flew left to right infront of Sheepwash Hide | . | Sam Pedey |
| 479 | 04/09/2007 | 1 ECLIPSE MALE RED CRESTED POCHARD WITH TUFTEDS P STANLEY HIDE 1 JUV LITTLE TERN FROM P STANLEY HIDE 10-30HOURS and 14-00 HRS OFF STONES ISLAND 1 GREEN SAND IN BAY FRONT WILDLIFE CENTRE EARLY MORNING 1 RING PLOVER ON ISLAND NORTH OF STONES ISLAND FLUSHED BY BOATS 14-00HRS 1 ADULT YELLOW LEGGED GULL FROM SHEEPWASH HIDE WITH CORMORANTS ON SPIT | . | A G MACEY . OGSTON BIRD CLUB. |
| 480 | 09/09/2007 | From the Wildlife Centre (08.30): 2 Goldcrest, 3 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Little Owl, 1 Kestrel, 2 Pheasant, 12 Lapwing From Paul Stanley: 1 Buzzard, 4 Little Grebe, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Kestrel, 2 Treecreeper | . | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 481 | 11/09/2007 | 1 juvenile Arctic Tern from Sheepwash. At least 1 juv Common Tern from Stones Is. 3 Red-crested Pochard at Wildlife Centre and 1 from Sheepwash. 1 Green Sandpiper occasionally from Wildlife Centre. Male Peregrine took juvenile Coot from Stones Island at 7pm. 2000 Lesser black-backed Gulls in roost and 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. On 10/9/07, 3 Pintail at Millfields. On 9/9/07, 1 Wood Sandpiper late morning/lunchtime at Wildlife Centre. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 482 | 12/09/2007 | Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre around midday. Sunny and warm. 35 species of bird identified. Of Note: Red-crested Pochard (1 female), Common Pochard (five males), Teal (over 20), Little Owl (1), Swallow (20), House Martin (~20), White Wagtail (1) - by res. near the visitor centre, Chiffchaff (1) - short bursts of its monotonous song, Willow Warbler (1) - both warblers on Stones Island. From the Wildlife Centre logbook for the 9th September: Red-crested Pochard (3), Wigeon (2), Wood Sandpiper (1), Dunlin (1) and Hobby (1). | The following are worth noting for today: Brown Hawker dragonfly (female), Speckled Wood butterflies (many), Peacock butterfly (1), Buff-tailed bumblebees (over 20) - by the Wildlife Centre. Plants: Most plants have finished flowering but of the 12 seen in flower the following are worth a mention: Greater Bird's-foot-trefoil, Common Fleabane, Scentless Mayweed, Winter-cress (or Yellow Rocket), Perforate St John's-wort, Gipsywort and Redshank (no not the bird the plant!!) | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 483 | 17/09/2007 | Few visitors on site today. Dull and a cold north westerly breeze was blowing. Visited Stones Island (SI) and the Wildlife Centre (WC). 36 species of bird identified around midday. OF NOTE: Mute Swan (23 adults), Gadwall (2 pairs), Red-crested Pochard (5) - all asleep by the WC! Common Pochard (12 males) - Shiningford Creek, Green Sandpiper (1) - not seen by us, a logbook entry, House Martin (6), Willow Warbler (4) - SI, Raven (2) - over Shiningford Farm and Goldfinch (flock of ~ 40) - SI. From the logbook: 15th: Little Owl (1), Red-crested Pochard (5), Common Pochard (12), Gadwall (6), Teal (40), Lapwing (30) and Common Buzzard (2). 16th: Sparrowhawk (1), Common Tern (1). | Observed a male Southern Hawker dragonfly on SI. Also saw about a dozen Speckled Wood buterflies on SI. Plants: 21 species of flowering plant seen although only the odd specimen found for most species because most have finished flowering. The following plants have developed berries: Bramble (Blackberries), Dog Rose (hips), Hawthorn (haws), Dogwood and Alder Buckthorn. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 484 | 20/09/2007 | A juv. Yellow Wagtail was on Stones Island. 5 Red Crested Pochard at the Wildlife Centre. A Green Sandpiper at Paul Stanley hide,also 2 Dunlin on Flat Island. Later at the Wildlife Centre a flock of 7 small waders were seen briefly (probably Dunlin) Sparrowhawk and 2 Raven over the woods from Sheepwash. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 485 | 20/09/2007 | 1 Green Sandpiper still around PSHide. 1 Common Sandpiper PSHide. 2 Dunlin still on Flat Island. 69 Wigeon and 37 Gadwall. 3 Common Buzzard, 2 Raven. 7000 Lesser Black-backed Gulls in roost, several Yellow-legged Gulls, and Black-headed Gulls numbers are building up into hundreds but not counted due to being spread all over. 1 Little Stint late yesterday evening in front of Watersports [no sign today]. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 486 | 24/09/2007 | WeBS count for September done on Sunday 23rd.Little Grebe 34, Great Crested Grebe 20, Cormorant 39, Grey Heron 6,Mute Swan 36, Canada Goose 123, Barnacle Goose 28, Wigeon 318, Gadwall 39, Teal 95, Mallard 203, Pintail 3, Red-Crested Pochard 5,Pochard 25, Tufted Duck 650, Moorhen 61, Coot 1611, Lapwing 56, Green Sandpiper 1, Black-headed Gull 14, Lesser Black-backed Gull 7.Total number of birds counted 3377. | The count was done between 07.00 and 10.45 in good conditions. The previous year's count was done four days earlier on 19/09/06 and the biggest difference is for Tufted Duck with only 460 last year. Coot was 1694 so very little difference in such big numbers. | Peter Gibbon |
| 490 | 26/09/2007 | A cold north westerly wind blew across the site today. Only 29 species of bird counted just after lunch. Visited Stones Island (SI)and the Wildlife Centre (WC). Because of the weather conditions all the water birds huddled into sheltered bays e.g. Wildlife Centre Bay and by the sailing club. Last week 23 adult Mute Swans were counted but today none were seen, obviously they were in a bay out of our sight. Of Note: Barnacle Goose (3), Gadwall (2 pairs), Red-crested Pochard (3), Common Pochard (1), Lapwing (17) - the only wader seen, Willow Warbler (2) - SI. The same plants were in flower as last week but only a few specimens could be found and required some effort to find some species such as Self Heal and Black Medick. One Greater Bird's-foot-trefoil plant was the only additional species this week. There are plenty of berries about now. In addition to the berry bearing plants found last week the fruit of the Spindle-tree shrub was noticed today in the hedge by the main carpark towards the WC end. The fruit is a pinky red with four bulbous parts. Some of these berries had split open so that the bright yellowy orange seeds could be seen. PLEASE NOTE: These seeds are poisonous to humans but not to birds. | A Tittesworth Snippet: The best finds in the last week were a late passing Arctic Tern and a Dipper on the River Churnet, the reservoir's main feeder. The Dipper is very uncommon at Tittesworth these days. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 491 | 27/09/2007 | 2 Redwings and 4 Meadow Pipits over Wildlife Centre Creek. 1 Grey Plover flew low over Horseshoe Island, calling, went west. 3 Snipe, 1 Dunlin on Stones Island. 3 Siskin near boardwalk at Wildlife Centre. Pink-footed Geese southwards: 60 at 0845hrs and 150 at 0950hrs. | The north winds of the past day or two have brought big numbers of wintering thrushes into Britain, earlier than usual. | Roger Carrington |
| 492 | 28/09/2007 | 6 adult + 8 juv/first winter Common Gulls on Sheepwash Spit mid-afternoon. 3 Dunlin in flight eastwards past Sheepwash. Gull Roost: At least 2 Herring Gulls. At least 2 near adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 1 adult + 1 juv/first winter Little Gulls. | Gull roost in north wind was mainly between Sheepwash and Lane End, usually it is off Stones Island. Visibility was very poor, grey overcast and drizzle. | Roger Carrington |
| 493 | 01/10/2007 | Peregrine flew from Horsehoe Island 10:30, and juvenile Water Rail on the water edge near the reed bed at the northern tip. | Seen by the ABB volunteers during boat tour given by the rangers (in case they weren't reported). | James Owen |
| 494 | 03/10/2007 | Carsington Water (SK2451) An Osprey first spotted by school children in a tree opposite the Wildlife Centre at 10:55 and flew off north up the reservoir shortly afterwards . | . | From DOS records |
| 495 | 03/10/2007 | 2 Common Scoter (m/f) off Stones Island. 1 Red-breasted Merganser from Sheepwash 1 Common Sandpiper from Sheepwash. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 496 | 04/10/2007 | Just 33 species of bird found at around midday. Of Note: Barnacle Goose (1), Wigeon (~40), Gadwall (10), Common Pochard (1), Lapwing (~50), Long-tailed Tit (10) and Rook (3). It's unusual for us to find Rook at Carsington. Common Darter dragonfly, Large White and Speckled Wood butterflies were present. Many flowering plants previously reported can still be found in very small numbers. There is still a small patch of Scarlet Pimpernel on Stones Island. Two species found today but previuosly overlooked were Oxford Ragwort and Lesser Hawkbit. | A Tittesworth Snippet: Up to 17 Snipe are seen on most days. The best finds in the last week were a Little Tern and an Arctic Tern. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 497 | 05/10/2007 | Pintail Sheep Wash Hide Stonechat Paul Stanley Hide | . | Ivan Webb |
| 498 | 07/10/2007 | Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Teal, Long Tailed Tits,Wren, while on Birding for Beginners Walk. Wheatear(11-55),Little Owl, Gadwall, Wigeon,from Wildlife Centre, and many others. | . | Ted |
| 499 | 08/10/2007 | WeBS count for Sunday 7th October : 52 Little Grebe, 45 Great Crested Grebe, 30 Cormorant, 6 Grey Heron, 18 Mute Swan, 279 Canada Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, 972 Wigeon, 29 Gadwall, 156 Teal, 205 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 125 Pochard, 706 Tufted Duck, 122 Moorhen, 1785 Coot, 185 Lapwing, 1 Jack Snipe, 2 Snipe, 6 Black-headed Gull, 106 Lesser Black-backs and 1 Yellow-legged Gull. | . | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 500 | 10/10/2007 | Viewed from Stones Island & the Wildlife Centre (WC) around midday. 37 bird species identified. Quite warm. Very bright. Of note: Grey Heron (1), Barnacle Goose (41), Gadwall (2 prs), Common Pochard (6), REDSHANK (1), Little Owl (1) and Coal Tit (1). From the WC logbook: 7th October: Merlin, Grey Plover and 65 Pink-footed Geese. 9th October: Grey Wagtail (1), Meadow Pipit (25), Redpoll (7), Common Buzzard (1) and a female Sparrowhawk. | There are very very few plants now in flower. However, we found one specimen of Hawkweed near the WC - previously unreported. Unfortunately there are 245 different species of Hawkweed in the UK and this specimen was not exactly identified. There was one Common Darter dragonfly enjoying the sun flying above the pool next to the WC. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 501 | 11/10/2007 | Lapland Bunting reported on Birdnet pager this am over the dam. | Sighting report taken from pager system. | Steph' Hicking |
| 502 | 17/10/2007 | 29 Golden Plover flew infront of Sheepwash hide, but then continued West. 1 Turnstone landed at Sheepwash and gave good views infront of the hide. Peregrine were seen on 3 occasions. 8 Siskin by the Wildlife Centre. Also 2 Raven,Buzzard,Sparrowhawk,Kestrel. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 503 | 20/10/2007 | From the Wildlife Centre this morning: Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Snipe (1), Teal, Tree Sparrow, Little Grebe, Pochard, Black-headed Gull, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Wren (young), Canada Geese, Barnacle Geese, Song Thrush, Lapwing, Magpie, Robin, Moorhen, Coot, Great-crested Grebe, Greenfinch, Collared dove. | Possible Fieldfare from behind WLC. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 504 | 26/10/2007 | 6 Shoveler,5 Goldeneye,1 Goosander,1 Redshank, from Sheepwash and P.Stanley. 3 L.Redpoll on Stones Island. | D.Newcombe saw a Black tailed Godwit in flight towards Hopton end. | Clive Ashton |
| 505 | 27/10/2007 | 1 Slavonian Grebe - Wildlife centre 10:00am | . | RSPB Feed the Birds |
| 506 | 28/10/2007 | Of interest on saturday was a colour ringed meadow pipit on the dam wall. The bird had 2 pink rings on the left leg and a metal bto ring on the right leg.Having searched the internet, it appears the bird was ringed at Kex Gill near Harrogate Aug/Sept this year. | The ringer has had reports of other ringed meadow pipits from Lancashire,Bedfordshire and Suffolk. | Clive Ashton |
| 507 | 29/10/2007 | 83 Little Grebe between Millfields - Stones Island - PS Hide this morning. 1 Redshank at Wildlife Centre. 1 Shoveler at Wildlife Centre. 2 Brambling flew over Sheepwash calling. 3 Skylark flew over Stones Is. | No sign of slav grebe reported yesterday. | Roger Carrington |
| 508 | 29/10/2007 | If anyone has any information they wish to share or any photo images of the possible Grebe sightings over the weekend, please get in touch with us as soon as they can. Thanks | . | Richard Pittam |
| 509 | 31/10/2007 | Red-breasted Merganser - 3 in Millfields Bay. | . | No name given |
| 510 | 02/11/2007 | reply to request for information on grebe sightings last saturday 27 10 07 | Re request on information about grebe sightings. From ABB in Wildlife centre saturday morning 27/10/07 about 11.00 am. Unusual grebe spotted which was put in book as red necked grebe. However the bird in question did not look to have the head and beak shape of a red necked (which I remember as being much more like a great crested). the shape was more like a black necked but with a black cap coming down to the eye and no dark cheek patch. Our id books were not good on this point but on reference back at home it seemed to me to indicate a slavonian grebe and not a red necked. Unfortunately a boat appeared quite soon after the bird was spotted and all the water birds moved away. The grebe was not seen again from WLC that day as far as I know. Hope this helps John | john kelsall |
| 511 | 03/11/2007 | 1 Redshank from Sheepwash. 1 Drake Goosander from Sheepwash. 1 Adult Caspian Gull in Roost. 5 [4xAd, 1x3W] Yellow-legged Gulls in roost. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 512 | 04/11/2007 | On organised bird walk--Wigeon,Teal,Cormorant,Tufted Duck,Goldeneye,many Lapwing,Goldfinch,Little Grebe, Redwing, Willow Tit,Dunnock.From Wildlife Centre--Little Owl,Snipe, Kestrel,Gadwall. | . | TED |
| 513 | 06/11/2007 | From the Wildlife centre; A Peregrine on the pylons for about 30 minutes, a female Sparrowhawk in the willow in front of the hide, 1 Greylag and 2 Redshank. Stones Island;10+ Redpoll. From Sheepwash; 2 Peregrine in the air together over Hall wood,7 Goldeneye including 3 drakes, a drake Shoveler, 2 Redshank and 1 Kingfisher. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 514 | 07/11/2007 | Very quiet on site today. Weather: dull - poor visibility, quite breezy. 32 species seen around midday from or near the Wildlife Centre (WC). Of note: Barnacle Goose (16), six duck species including Pochard (10). Only two wader species present. Lapwing (~50) and Redshank (1). Interestingly around 20 Magpies were spotted. Normally we only see a couple. Amusingly there was a Dunnock on the bird feeding table by the WC. Usually this species is a ground feeder. Birds learn quickly when it is to their advantage. | A Tittesworth Snippet: Interesting recent sightings include - Ring-billed Gulls (2), Whooper Swan (5) and up to 94 Common Snipe. The Tittesworth Water bird report for the year 2006 is now available from the visitor centre. It is an A5 format publication running to over 60 pages. On the front cover is an excellent coloured photograph of a Little Egret. All proceeds from sales go to wildlife charities. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 515 | 09/11/2007 | A petrel species [Probable Leach's] was found [by CA] and seen [by DN] several times this morning but no further sign by dusk. Gull roost included an adult Ring-billed Gull from Sheepwash Hide from 1600hrs, and an adult Mediterranean Gull from Lane End Hide. Also on site were 15 Whooper Swans including 5 Juvs. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 516 | 10/11/2007 | Adult Great Northern Diver from Sheepwash. Adult Ring-billed Gull again in roost from Sheepwash. Adult Mediterranean Gull in roost. 4 Yellow-legged Gulls in roost [1W+3W+2xad]. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 517 | 11/11/2007 | The Ring Billed Gull showed well on flat island, Paul Stanley Hide from about 2pm. About 2.30 all the gulls went up and we couldn't refind it after that point. Presume it went off towards Sheepwash. There was also a Yellow Legged Gull from Paul Stanley. No sign of yesterday's Great Northern Diver. | . | Matthew Capper |
| 518 | 11/11/2007 | WeBS count for November done between 07.15 and 10.20Little Grebe 96, Great Crested Grebe 51, Cormorant 53, Grey Heron 3,Mute Swan 25, Canada Goose 120, Wigeon 515, Gadwall 25, Teal 148,Mallard 234, Red-crested Pochard 1, Pochard 115, Tufted Duck 338,Goldeneye 9, Moorhen 71, Coot 1731, Lapwing 141, Redshank 3.Also one peregrine with a moorhen in its talons flying past sheepwash and then lane end hides around 08.00. | Numbers down on last month and dramatically for some eg Wigeon - 450 ,Tufted nearly - 400 but some increases eg Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe and Cormorant. This is after very high winds for a few days.No sign of the Great Northern Diver. | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 519 | 14/11/2007 | Bright with no discernible wind today. 36 species seen from the Wildlife Centre. OF NOTE: Common Pochard (~40 male birds) mainly in Shiningford Creek. Lapwing (~100) - Horseshoe Island. Snipe(1) - Horseshoe Island. Redshank (1) - Wildlife centre creek. Little Owl (1) - usual position, Shiningford Farm area. Curlew (1) - near the water sports centre. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 520 | 17/11/2007 | Paul Stanley Hide early this morning a single male Red Crested Pochard was sighted. Sheepwash Hide a Great Northern Diver showed well for 15 minutes before disappearing. Had a fantastic view of a female Peregrine in full hunting mode, she swiftly caught a Moorhen and proceeded to fly to the nearest pylon and in full view she devoured the unfortunate bird. Hunting prowess at its very best | . | Leslie Fisher |
| 521 | 21/11/2007 | Drake Common Scoter from Sheepwash Hide. Drake Red-crested Pochard from Sheepwash Hide. 5 Dunlin flying around Stones Island. 1 Redshank on Stones Island. 1 adult Caspian Gull in roost from Lane End Hide. 1 adult Mediterranean Gull in roost. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 522 | 23/11/2007 | I saw an unusual looking bird of prey in the sinfin estate today at 9:10am it was on the roof of a house on Montrose Close. I have no idea what it was hence this message. It was brown in colour with a white tail, it also had a black crest on its head. Anyone have any ideas what this bird is? It looked like an unusual coloured kestrel. | . | No name given |
| 523 | 27/11/2007 | Little Owl and Barn Owl | Just after leaving our committee meeting at 23.00 hours a Little Owl was heard calling beyond the visitor centre and from the car on the way home a Barn Owl was seen on a fence post just round the corner from Hopton pond. | Peter Gibbon |
| 524 | 28/11/2007 | A male Blackcap on stones island | . | tom w and r c |
| 525 | 29/11/2007 | red necked grebe was the only bird i saw today, bad day today. | dont know why i saw nothing | mitch |
| 526 | 30/11/2007 | Adult Ring-billed Gull from Paul Stanley Hide, 1440hrs to dusk. Adult Mediterranean Gull from Lane End, at dusk. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 527 | 30/11/2007 | A very mild day at 12 degrees C. Good visibility and little wind. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (~40), Lapwing (~300), Redshank (1), Long-tailed Tit (10). From the logbook for the 28th: Pintail (1 female), Goosander (1 male), Mediterranean Gull (1 adult), Fieldfare (~200). | Local off-site observations for today, the 30th: Rook (~40) - near Brassington, Fieldfare (~20) - near Longcliffe, Ring-tailed HEN HARRIER (1) - Pikehall, six miles north of Carsington Water. Stunning views! | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 528 | 03/12/2007 | From the wildlife Centre this morning:1 Redshank, 1 Grey Heron, 12 Lapwing, 16 Tree Sparrows, 26 Chaffinch, 8 Goldfinch, 3 Magpie, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Great tit, 4 Jackdaw, 1 Goldeneye (female), 4 Pochard, 13 Wigeon, 12 Little Grebe, 8 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Wren, 2 Blackbird, 8 Teal, 1 Ringed Plover, 4 Cormorant. | A mixed weather day - some sun with some miserable showers! a very quiet day at the centre today, although bad weather, a prevailing NW wind and some maintenance works may have contributed to a movement of birds away from the WLC. | richard and Frances Pittam |
| 529 | 03/12/2007 | All after 2pm from Sheepwash area.2 adult Mediterranean Gulls from Sheepwash at 1530hrs.1 Great Northern Diver off Lane End, first reported about 1500hrs and seen by several observers.1 female Pintail from Sheepwash and PS Hides this afternoon.1 male and at least 3 female Goldeneye from Sheepwash.1 drake Goosander in flight past Sheepwash. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 530 | 07/12/2007 | Rather overcast today with a strong W-NW wind blowing. OF NOTE: Kestrel (1 male), Redshank (1), Little Owl (1) and Bullfinch (2 males). From the logbook for the 4th December: Siskin (~70), Woodcock (1) - Hall Wood, Raven (1), Snipe (5) and a Common Buzzard. | A Tittesworth Water Snippet: After the recent heavy rain the reservoir is now full. The only waders present now are Lapwings and Snipe - both in good numbers. The best find of late was on the 25th November when a ring-tailed Hen Harrier flew low over the Conservation Pool. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 531 | 09/12/2007 | Great Northern Diver still present in Fishtail Creek area. An adult Caspian Gull showed superbly close to Sheepwash Hide in the roost tonight along with 2 Yellow Legged Gulls-an adult and a third winter. Also 2 Redshanks and 40 Barnacle Geese flew in at dusk. | . | Rod Key |
| 532 | 09/12/2007 | The WeBS count for 9/12/2007 done between 8 and 11am.Great Northern Diver 1, Little grebe 78, Great Crested grebe 41,Cormorant 30, Grey heron 2, Mute Swan 17, Canada Geese 71, Wigeon 450,Teal 132, Mallard 202, Pintail 1, Pochard 217, Tufted Duck 783, Goldeneye 7, Moorhen 53, Coot 1770, Lapwing 343, Redshank 3, Kingfisher 2. Black-headed Gull 30, Common Gull 15, Lesser Blck-backed Gull 6, Herring Gull 3, Great Black-backed Gull 1.Also on path down to Paul Stanley hide 2 roosting Tawney Owl in tree together.Finally fox walked slowly in front of sheepwash hide at 10.10 and walked round the corner,jumped the brook and 'through' two wire fences. | . | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 533 | 11/12/2007 | From Wildlife Centre: Coot, Moorhen, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Mallard, Tree Sparrow, Wren, Chaffinch, Little Owl, Peregrine, Goldeneye (fem), Mute Swan, Canada Geese, Barnacle Geese, Snipe (3), Lapwing, Gadwall, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Jackdaw, Collared Dove, Redshank. Paul Stanley: Great Spotted Woodpecker (2), Dunnock, Wren, Robin, Lesser black backed gull, black headed gull, Kestrel, Buzzard, Teal, Gadwall, Little Grebe, Redshank. | Weather cold but sunny. | Richard, Ken and Frances Pittam |
| 534 | 13/12/2007 | Adult Great Northern Diver off Stones Island 0900hrs. Skylark flew over Sheepwash early morning. Drake Pintail from Sheepwash early afternoon and 2 Shoveler. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 535 | 15/12/2007 | Great northern diver off dam wall Goldeneye 2M 7F Goosander 1M 2F Whooper swan x2 seen from main carpark Kingfisher x2 sheepwash Redshank x2 sheepwash 2x Magpies were observed taking prey from a Kestrel on horseshoe island All the usual suspects were also present | . | Zachary Harkin |
| 536 | 18/12/2007 | Great Northern Diver reported present on pager again today. | . | No name given |
| 537 | 18/12/2007 | Cold & overcast today. 44 species observed at Wildlife Centre (WiC) and close by. OF NOTE: Great Northern Diver (1) - near Watersports Centre, early pm, Barnacle Goose (16), Gadwall (5), Goldeneye (a pair), Kestrel (2), Peregrine (2), Snipe (1) - Horseshoe Island, Redshank (1) - several positions near WiC, Mistle Thrush (2), Bullfinch (1 male) - on feeder unit by the WiC. | Today was an Aren't Birds Brilliant day at the Wildlife Centre. The observations were made by Amanda Lynnes and her volunteer team plus the visitors. A very enjoyable experience with full cooperation by all observers. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 538 | 21/12/2007 | Peregrine flew across front of Sheepwash and Paul Stanley Hides early this morning. Adult Great Northern Diver off Stones Island. 318 Lapwing counted from Sailing Club to Wildlife Centre. 50 Pinkfooted Geese flew low over the site at 1015hrs generally going northwest but a little undecided in misty conditions. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 539 | 26/12/2007 | Very busy on site today including at the Wildlife Centre (WC). Main car park full by midday. Mainly walkers, strollers and a handful of birders. Weather good for birding. Clear and bright. Southerly wind. 36 species identified from WC. OF NOTE: Goldeneye (1 female), Kestrel (1), Lapwing - well over 200 on Horseshoe Island and the rafts, Redshank (1). From the WC logbook: 24th December: Greylag Goose (13), Snipe (1). | The Little Owl was not showing on site today but an excellent view of another bird was seen at Pikehall, six miles north of Carsington - on our way home. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 540 | 27/12/2007 | This afternoon from Sheepwash hide; Great Northern Diver,adult Mediterranean gull and a Peregrine attacking Lapwings and gulls at dusk. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 541 | 31/12/2007 | Great Northern Diver seen this morning at Dam Wall, very close and showing well. | . | David Naylor |
| 544 | 02/01/2008 | Cold and a bit misty on site today. 37 bird species seen around midday from the Wildlife Centre (WC) and close by. OF NOTE: Canada Geese (~500) and Barnacle Geese (~50)- sheltering from the wind in Shiningford Creek. Gadwall (~6), Goldeneye (1 female), Common Buzzard (1) - just off site, Kestrel (1 female), PEREGRINE (1) - hunting in front of WC; great views. Lapwing (over 200 on grassy area of dam wall, Redshank (1), Song Thrush (1), Bullfinch (1 female). | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 545 | 03/01/2008 | Great Northern Diver still present at dusk near Stones Island. Adult Yellow-legged Gull in roost. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 546 | 04/01/2008 | 1230 - 1330 5 male bullfinch between P Stanley Hide and Lane End feeding station. 1400 60+ siskin Shiningford Creek. | . | John Payne |
| 547 | 05/01/2008 | Possible 2 Bewick's Swans from Wildlife Centre - 10.20am - lifted, then circled and then flew to centre of reservoir, then drifted towards dam - not seen after that. | This was put out by someone on Birdguides. I have some average images and will try and confirm that the birds were Bewick's and not Whooper. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 548 | 07/01/2008 | 1 adult Great Northern Diver near Stones Island. 8 Goosanders [3 drakes] at Millfields. Also confirming that there were 2 Bewick Swans on Saturday Morning. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 549 | 09/01/2008 | 3 male Gooseanders adjacent to small island near Millfields. 2 female goldeneye in bay near holiday cottages | . | Bob and Gill Smith |
| 550 | 11/01/2008 | Five Pink-footed Geese flew in a SW direction, high over Tail Bay at 11:00 a.m. | . | Paul Bennett |
| 551 | 12/01/2008 | 48 Species seen today those of note, for me anyway, are A young female kestrel some meadow pipits a red shank and a couple of greylag geese at millfields in the morning. Two common snipe were well hidden on millfields island. The usual willow tits, a great spotted woodpecker, jackdaws, bullfinch and pheasants could be seen from or near the Paul Stanley hide. With the help of Roger Carrington I can also report there were black headed gulls, common gulls, lesser black backed gulls and herring gulls. Thanks Roger | . | Caroline and Julian Walters |
| 552 | 13/01/2008 | Great Northern Diver near Stones Island. Adult Mediterranean Gull in roost from Lane End. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 553 | 13/01/2008 | WeBS count for January :Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 44, Great Crested Grebe 18,Cormorant 34, Grey Heron 2, Mute Swan 14, Canada Goose 33, Wigeon 229,Gadwall 70, Teal 162, Mallard 237, Pochard 113, Tufted Duck 495, Goldeneye 13, Moorhen 30, Coot 1880, Lapwing 275,Redshank 2. | . | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 554 | 13/01/2008 | Wildlife Centre highlights: 2 Snipe, c40 Barnacle Geese, 30 Lapwing From the Lane End feeder: 4 Bullfinch, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Willow Tit. From Shiningford: 1 Little Owl, 1 Redshank | . | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 555 | 16/01/2008 | Very quiet on site today. Weather mild for the time of year. No rain and quite bright light. 36 bird species seen around midday. OF NOTE; 16 Barnacle Geese, a pair of Gadwall, 50+ Pochard in Shiningford Creek, a female Goldeneye - seen from the wildlife centre, a single Kestrel, well over 300 Lapwings and two Song Thrushes. The most interesting and charming encounter today was with many, many Robins singing heartily AND very, very visible. | In a sense access to birds was a bit limited at the visitor centre end of the site. Stones Island was off limits due to tree felling/coppicing and the lower viewing area in the wildlife centre was out of bounds to visitors due wetness caused by recent flooding of the floor. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 556 | 17/01/2008 | Approx 80 Redwing in copse behind Holiday Cottages. Sparrowhawk at end of Fishtail Creek. | . | Bob and Gill Smith |
| 557 | 17/01/2008 | 1 male and 1 female Goldeneye in bay near Holiday Cottages. | . | Bob and Gill Smith |
| 558 | 17/01/2008 | Mistle Thrush on telephone line near Holiday Cottages | . | Bob and Gill Smith |
| 559 | 19/01/2008 | From the Wildlife Centre: Lapwing, Redwing, Tufted Duck, Redshank, Wren, Canada Geese, Tree Sparrow, chaffinch, Blue tit, Great tit, Pochard, Wigeon, Grt Crested Grebe, Coot. From Millfields: 30 Goosander | . | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 560 | 21/01/2008 | Coot,Moorhen,Wigeon,Wren,Tufted duck,Chaffinch,Greenfinch,Blue tit,Great tit,Collared dove, Mute swan,Lapwing,Little grebe,Pochard, Carrion crow,Grey heron,Magpie,Gadwall,Canada goose,Black headed gull,Pied wagtail,Teal,Tree sparrow,Great tit,Cormorant,Dunnock,Jay,Blackbird,Reed bunting,Great northern diver,Buzzard,Kestrel,Robin,Peregrin,Lesser black back gull,Goldeneye, Redshank, Barnacle goose, Jackdaw,Starling,Common gull,Fieldfare, | All species seen by R.S.P.b.from Wildlife Center,3 Redshank,4Buzzard a pair of Reed bunting at feeder, Peregrin seen twice once on pylon and later flew in front and over center,female Goldeneye in front of cenrter | Pete Furniss R.S.P.B. |
| 561 | 21/01/2008 | Of note today were: An Oystercatcher at Millfields, A female Pintail, still associating with Mallards at Paul Stanley hide, 14+ Goldeneye, 2 Shelduck flew in at 15:00 hr and landed towards Stones Island, 50+ Redwing in the trees around Sheepwash hide. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 562 | 23/01/2008 | Great Northern Diver from Stones Island. 28 Goosander, including 8 Drakes, on Millfields Island. 1 Oystercatcher on Millfields Is. 37 Siskin in Millfields Car Park. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 563 | 23/01/2008 | Very quiet on site today. Few visitors and relatively few birds compared to other visits. Weather quite mild but dull. Just 30 species of bird noted around midday. The best find was the Great Norhern Diver seen approaching the island closest to the water sports centre. About 200 Lapwings were seen wheeling over and around the sailing club. There were apparantly NO birds on Horseshoe Island! | Another good find was a Field Vole seen near the water's edge not far from the wildlife centre. Catkins and Pussy Willow were noted so spring cannot be far away! In fact it isn't. As far as the Met Office is concerned spring starts on March 1st, just over 5 weeks away. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 564 | 26/01/2008 | Peregrine flew low over road towards Middleton Top this morning @ 8.30am, heading towards peak. Also male sparrowhawk over road 1/2 mile further south. | . | Mark Smiles |
| 565 | 27/01/2008 | Blackbird 7 Collared dove 6 Great tit 4 Blue tit 2 Robin 2 Woodpigeon 5 Chaffinch 2 Squirrel 1 Magpie 3 Starlings 7 Sparrows 5 | What a wonderful hour i have just spent my daughter got me into looking at the birds after i lost my Husband and i must say i get a lot of pleasure from it | Wynne Lovegrove |
| 566 | 29/01/2008 | Bit of a cold one today! I had a great day despite the cold and rain later in the afternoon. I saw some Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Goldeneye, Great Northern Diver at Sheepwash hide about 3ish. Bullfinch, some fantastic sightings of about 10 Long tailed Tits. | . | Daryn Godfrey |
| 567 | 30/01/2008 | Sunny but cold on site today. Of the 34 species seen in the early afternoon the following are worth a mention: Mute Swan (7: 2 adults & 5 well developed cygnets), Greylag Goose (1), Barnacle Goose (41), Goldeneye (1 female), Oystercatcher (2), Lapwing (over 200), Snipe (1), Redshank (3) and Song Thrush (1). | A Tittesworth Water Snippet: Fairly static on site at the moment. However, up to 18 Goosanders can be encountered and 7 Goldeneyes are regularly seen. Snipe are seen most days, numbers varying from a handful to well over 90. As usual winter thrushes are on site in good numbers. The latest Tittesworth Bird News newsletter is now available from reception at 20p a copy. The most interesting sightings for the last quarter of 2007 are included. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 568 | 01/02/2008 | Thursday 31st January 3.45pm Peregrine mantling either a moorhen or coot on wateredge below shinigford field All other birds sitting watching from water! | . | David Bennett (Carsington VR) |
| 569 | 05/02/2008 | Approx 20 Goosanders, 1 Oystercatcher and a Sparrowhawk on or around Millfields Island | . | Bob and Gill Smith |
| 570 | 06/02/2008 | 2 shelduck at sheepwash | . | tom wareham |
| 571 | 06/02/2008 | 3 Oystercatchers around Stones Island/Wildlife Centre. 3 Redshank together on Stones Island, 1 at Sheepwash. 21 Meadow Pipits from the path below the dam. 1 Skylark flew over the dam wall, calling as it went North. Pair Raven displaying. Pair Common Buzzard displaying. Did not see GNDiver, but not really looking for it, it was reported on pager yesterday. | Lovely sunny, cold but relatively calm day. Hence some displaying. | Roger Carrington |
| 572 | 06/02/2008 | A very sunny day brought the birders and general visitors out in good numbers. 32 species of bird found by us at around midday. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (~40), Common Pochard (2), Goldeneye (one female), Kestrel (1), Little Owl (1), Oystercatcher (4) - Horseshoe Island, Lapwing (~300) and Redshank (1). Please note that a group of visiting birders observed the Great Northern Diver close to the dam wall. | Hazel Catkins and Pussy Willow are in abundance. Much Gorse is now in flower. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 573 | 09/02/2008 | 36 Species seen today. All the usual species including 2 red shank, 1 little owl and 2 gadwall from the wildlife centre. | very calm day, full sun, cold frosty start but warm in the afternoon | Frank,Caroline and Julian Wallters |
| 574 | 10/02/2008 | 1 Pink-Footed Goose-Wildlife Centre 1 Female Goldeneye-Wildlife Centre 3 Oystercatcher-Horseshoe Island | . | Sam Pedley |
| 575 | 12/02/2008 | Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 59, Great Crested Grebe 36,Cormorant 24, Grey Heron 2, Mute Swan 12, Whooper Swan 10 (flying over), Canada Goose 91, Barnacle Goose 42 (seen on Monday 11th), Wigeon 77, Gadwall 3, Teal 42, Mallard 99, Pochard 3, Tufted 284, Goosander 1, Golden Eye 17, Moorhen 39, Coot 470, Oystercatcher 3, Lapwing 154, Snipe 1 and Redshank 4. | WeBS count for February shows a big drop in number for all species and almost disappearance for some like Pochard. But when compared with last year's Feb count, which was one week later, there is hardly any difference. Most of these birds were seen in the southern half of the reservoir. A beautiful 'Spring' day ! | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 576 | 12/02/2008 | Sunny and warm today on site after a frosty start. Very busy on site, probably because of half term. The wildlife centre was crowded due to an Aren't Birds Brilliant session run by RSPB volunteers. Some of the birds encountered at the wildlife centre and Stones Island: Barnacle Goose (~20) - this species is now beginning to pair up for breeding. Gadwall (4), Pochard (2 males), Little Owl (1), Redshank (1). Both Alder and Hazel catkins can now be found in abundance. | Please note that Amanda Lynnes of the RSPB and Carsington's Aren't Birds Brilliant events organiser, is running a beginner's birdwatching morning at Tittesworth Water, near Leek, on Sunday the 24th February from 10am to about 12 noon. Meet Amanda at the Tittesworth visitor centre. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 577 | 13/02/2008 | 1 Great Northern Diver distant near Fishtail Creek at 4pm. 1 Peregrine, 2 Buzzard and 2 Raven from Paul Stanley Hide. Male + Female Pintail between Sheepwash and Lane End. Gull roost from Lane End, 2000 Black-headed Gulls, 130 Common Gulls and 300 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 578 | 14/02/2008 | A beautiful warm day we enjoyed watching the birds feed at the table by Sheepwash car park. Reed bunting, tree sparrow, chaffinch, robin, bullfinch, great tit, blue tit, blackbird and a pipit (probably meadow but not sure). On the water around the visitors centre we saw widgeon, cormorant, heron, pied wagtail, little grebe, tufted duck, pochard, canada geese, oyster catcher, coot, moorhen and in the bushes a long tailed tit. | Leaving the Sheepwash car park we passed a field where a fairly big bird of prey came down onto a mole hill wings almost looking as if it was covering a kill, although I don't think it was, being mobbed by rooks. It had a striped brown/yellow tail and a general brown body. It then just flew off. Any ideas as to its identity? | Pat & Bryan |
| 579 | 18/02/2008 | Great Northern Diver in flight at the Sheepwash carpark end of Carsington reservoir | what a fabulous sight!! | No name given |
| 580 | 18/02/2008 | Sunny day. Blue sky. No clouds. No wind. Many visitors in and around the visitor centre. Few birders in the wildlife centre. 32 species seen around midday. Worth a mention: Barnacle Goose (9), Oystercatcher (2), Song Thrush (1). From the logbook for yesterday, the 17th - Great Northern Diver (1), Yellow-legged Gull (1). | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 581 | 20/02/2008 | Siskin 30+ Nuthatch | Siskin Warrington Knob 9-30 Nuthatch Penn Carr 12-40 | dave w |
| 582 | 25/02/2008 | 8 Hawfinch church Cromford | . | No name given |
| 584 | 26/02/2008 | Great Northern Diver distant from Millfields, 14 Goldeneye including 12 females, at least 6 Oystercatcher, 2 Snipe, 2 Redshank and 1 Curlew, 2 Buzzard, Reed Bunting in song by the Wildlife Centre, 1 Pink Footed Goose with the Canada Geese | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 585 | 27/02/2008 | Great northern diver x 1 Oystercatcher x 2 Redshank x 2 Goldeneye x13 3M 10F | . | Zachary Harkin |
| 586 | 28/02/2008 | Great Northern Diver near Fishtail creek, 17 Curlew around Sheepwash area, 15+ Goldeneye, 4 Oystercatcher 2 Redshank and 2 Buzzard. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 587 | 28/02/2008 | 48 species in 3.5 hour walk around the water early PM. Of possible interest: 21 long-tailed tit (3 parties of 5 or 6 + singles /pairs), 70+ redwing in large trees behind holiday cottages Oldfield Lane (there were 20+ starlings in the same group), goldcrest Fishtail Creek, 12 carrion crow, 42 barnacle geese. | . | John Payne |
| 588 | 02/03/2008 | 2 Oyster catchers Dam wall 40+ Lapwing in field between dam wall road and observation pillar 80+ tufted duck Millfields 1 buzzard Stone shelter/Hay's Lane | . | dave w |
| 589 | 02/03/2008 | 100+ lapwings in field between dam road and observtion pillar | . | No name given |
| 590 | 02/03/2008 | tawny owl | Heard only, very close. Wooded area East of Millfields Spit. Day of exremely high winds. | dave w |
| 591 | 02/03/2008 | Great Northern Diver 7 x Goosander (3 m, 4 f) Flock of Redwing Pair of Bullfinch plus 19 other species | Sightings between 17.00 - 18.00 from Hays Lane - Oldfield Lane | Neil Venables |
| 592 | 05/03/2008 | Grt. Northern Diver, Tawny Owl, Redwing, Bullfinch, Curlew, Snipe, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Willow Tit, Goldeneye, Buzzard & Kestrel among many others. | . | John & Fay |
| 593 | 05/03/2008 | Adult med gull in full breeding plumage in the roost from at least 3.15p.m. Drake shoveler in front of sheepwash and g n diver still present by dam wall | . | Doug Allen |
| 594 | 05/03/2008 | Taken from the wildlife centre logbook for the 4th. Great Northern Diver (1), Pochard (1), Oystercatcher (8), Snipe (1), Redshank (4), Buzzard (2), Kestrel (1), Redwing (1) and Reed Bunting (2). | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 595 | 05/03/2008 | Quiet on site today. Fairly bright but cold. 34 species of bird seen around midday in wildlife centre/Stones Island area. OF NOTE: Pink-footed Goose (1) - with Canada Geese in Shiningford Creek. Barnacle Goose (11), Wigeon (22), Oystercatcher (4), Lapwing (~30), Redshank (3) and Long-tailed Tit (2). | On the way to the site a Barn Owl was seen at about 11am flying across a field close to Ashbourne! Quite a pleasant and unexpected suprise. Birdwatching is so unpredictable! | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 596 | 06/03/2008 | Starlings are displaying nicely at the Longcliffe crossroads (above Brassington) at dusk. Perhaps up to 1000 individuals. | . | Amanda Lynnes |
| 597 | 06/03/2008 | abc123 | Imagine czk4490 loop. Froogle has an abcbac2be5 items checker. | oclenj |
| 598 | 06/03/2008 | Adult med gull from Sheepwash this afternoon. A different bird from last night with an incomplete hood. | . | Doug Allen |
| 599 | 08/03/2008 | Viewed from the Paul Stanley Hide all the usual suspects plus a pair of Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, Little Grebe. Birding was not good here when I visited as people were surveying the spit. Whilst walking from here to the visitor centre I counted 6 pairs of Oystercatchers I thought some of them may have been duplicated so on the walk back I re-checked and 5 pairs were where they were originally with one pair missing, so all I can assume is that there are at least 6 pairs on site. 30 Barnacle Geese counted. 3 Curlew in a field near the overhead pylons | . | Les Fisher |
| 600 | 10/03/2008 | Mute Swan 11, Greylag Goose 2, Canada Goose 85, barnacle Goose 11, Wigeon 15, Gadwall 2, Teal 6, Mallard 89, Shoveler 1, Pochard 1, Tufted Duck 308, Goldeneye 8, Goosander 1, Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 54, Great Crested Grebe 17, Cormorant 20, Grey Heron 4, Moorhen 32, Coot 284, Oystercatcher 11, Ringed Plover 1, Lapwing 82, Snipe 1, Curlew 5, Redshank 7, Black-headed Gull 45, Common Gull 6, Lesser Black-backed Gull 30, Buzzard 4, Kestrel 1, Peregrine 2. Also Willow Tit and Greater Spotted Woodpecker on table at back of Paul Stanley Hide. | WeBS count for March. Beautiful sunny and fairly calm morning. 07.15 to 10.10.. | Peter Gibbon & John Bradley |
| 601 | 10/03/2008 | male sparrowhawk in my garden sat on pergola overlooking wildlife pond for about 10 minutes | . | k |
| 602 | 10/03/2008 | Mixed weather day - nice morning, average weather pm. 49 species seen/heard. Black-heaeded gull, Blue Tit, Barnacle Geese, Blackbird, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Cormorant, Common Gull, Carrion Crow, Canada Goose, Coot, Cackling Goose, Dunnock, Collared Dove, Greenfinch, Goldeneye (2m + 2f), Great-crested Grebe, Great Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker(f), House Sparrow, Jackdaw, Jay(Millfields), Lapwing, Little Grebe, Long-tailed Tit, Lesser Black backed Gull, Magpie, Mallard, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Raven (2 over Carsington Pasture), Oystercatcher, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Redshank, Pheasant, Reed Bunting, Redwing, Song Thrush, Snipe, Tufted duck, Tree Sparrow, Teal, Starling, Willow tit, Wood Pigeon, Wren, Wigeon. | Good day, despite an apalling weather forecast. | Ken, Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 603 | 11/03/2008 | 1 PINK FOOT WITH A MIXED FLOCK OF CANADA AND BARNACLE GEESE,2 GREYLAG NEAR SHEEPWASH HIDE. | . | LES BEESTON |
| 604 | 11/03/2008 | Of note from WLC: Great Northern Diver, 14 Curlew (one mobile flock), 4+ Oystercatcher, 4 Redshank, 1 Pochard, 4 Teal, 1 Little Owl, 1 Raven (distant over Shinningford Farm). Also from Paul Stanley Hide, 1 Chiffchaff (out left window), 2 Buzzard, 3 Goldeneye, 1 Tawny Owl. | The Great Crested Grebes showed superbly throughout the day in front of the WLC, several complete courtship displays, thrilling visitors during today's ABB(!) event, until the pair were usurped from their willow by one very mean and aggressive lone GCG! | James Owen (ABB!) |
| 605 | 12/03/2008 | Highlight of the day was an adult Kittiwake at Sheepwash hide from 15.15 onwards, other sightings include Great Northern Diver, 23 Curlew, 19 Goldeneye, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Raven, 3 Reed Buntings, 25 Redwings, 5 Goldcrests, male Sparrowhawk, Grey Wagtail. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 606 | 12/03/2008 | 10 oyster catchers E of Millfields Spit 80+ tufted duck Millfields 1 Great crested grebe Dam 4 oyster catchers N WLC 1 jay S side Brownale Bay Long tailed tits,blue tits, great tits, wrens and robins | Morning of very high winds with rain squalls | dave williams |
| 607 | 12/03/2008 | Extremely windy at around midday. 33 species seen from the wildlife centre. Of note: Barnacle Goose (21), Wigeon (32), Oystercatcher (2), Curlew (3), Redshank (4), Herring Gull (1) and Song Thrush (1). | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 608 | 14/03/2008 | Great Northern Diver near Stones Island. 1 Chiffchaff on Stones Island, not singing nor calling, presume it is a wintering bird. 5 Skylarks flew over Wildlife Centre. 2 Stock Doves in Tail Bay. Oystercatcher, Redshank and Curlew seen from most hides. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 609 | 14/03/2008 | 3 grey heron, one with twig in beak displaying. | . | John Payne |
| 611 | 15/03/2008 | 2 Avocets around Sheepwash/P.stanley area, quite mobile but still present at 16.30hrs on Sheepwash spit, also Great Northern Diver, 3 Shelduck, 3 drake Shoveler. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 612 | 15/03/2008 | On a slightly misty morning at exactly 11 - 13 am I sighted two Aovocets from the Paul Stanley hide to the right of the island halfway between the shore and the island. I observed them for 30 mins waiting for someone to enter the hide to confirm them but as is the norm no one came, so I went to the Sheepwash hide and asked Dave Topliff to please come and confirm them which he duly did and I thank him for that. I continued to observe them until about 1400 they were switching between the two hides and both showed really well. Sheilduck, Shovelers little grebes, goldeneye's where also present as was a Green Woodpecker on the path down to the Paul Stanley hide A Buzzard gave a good show form the Sheepwash hide 2 redshanks, 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Curlew and a Snipe were sighted from the Visitor centre, but the Avocets made my day today, over the moon! | . | Leslie Fisher |
| 613 | 16/03/2008 | Great Northern Diver from Sheepwash Hide. No sign of the 2 Avocets, but 2 were reported this morning at Sandbach Flashes in Chesire. 7 Shovelers mobile around Stones Island and Wildlife Centre. 1 Peregrine. Oystercatchers, Redshank and Curlew. 1 Dunlin flew to Sheepwash Spit. 1 Chiffchaff calling/feeding in sheltered bushes in Tail Bay. | Very windy this morning, probably too windy for early sand martins and chiffchaff to show. | Roger Carrington |
| 614 | 17/03/2008 | 2 Whooper Swans early in the day and then by flat island at c16.00hrs, Great Northern Diver, 10 Buzzard, Peregrine over West, at least 4 Redshank, 14 Goldeneye, Chiff Chaff singing by Millfields and two more on Stones Island and Sailing club (RC), 4 Grey Herons, Raven, 6 Redwings, 20+ Barnacle Geese, Cackling Goose, Pink Footed Goose and 3 Greylag Geese over and 1 Snipe at Sheepwash. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 615 | 19/03/2008 | 32 species of bird seen around midday. Of Note: Barnacle Goose (36), Wigeon (6), Oystercatcher (2), Redshank (1), Little Owl (1) and Reed Bunting (1 male). | Taken from the logbook for the 18th March: Pink-footed Goose (1), Common Buzzard (6), Little Owl (1), Kingfisher (1), Bullfinch (2), Chiffchaff (1) and Raven (1). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 616 | 19/03/2008 | In addition to usual species - Raven, 2 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Female Blackcap, Kingfisher, Redshank (5), Oystercatcher (c10), Curlew (4), bullfinch (m&f) and large party of long-tailed tits. All seen from or in the vicinity of the Wildlife Centre between 15.30 - 17.15hrs. | . | Neil Hallam |
| 617 | 20/03/2008 | From Paul Stanley hide between 9.30 and 11.15. 3 Buzzard over Hall Wood. Kestrel as well. Also 5 Dunlin flew down the reservoir going north after circling once over Flat Island.4 Teal, 6 Goldeneye and 8 Oystercatcher also. | . | Peter Gibbon |
| 618 | 20/03/2008 | Great Northern Diver near Stones Island. 4 singing Chiffchaff, Stones + Millfield. Redwing singing on Stones Island. 7 Meadow Pipits on dam wall. 1 Shelduck on Flat Island. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 619 | 21/03/2008 | Wheatear on Stones Island this morning, adult Kittiwake from Sheepwash hide and Great Northern Diver still present. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 620 | 23/03/2008 | Great Northern Diver near Stones Island this morning. Male Wheatear on paving between Millfields and dam wall. Male Wheatear and a Skylark on spit from Sheepwash Hide. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 621 | 24/03/2008 | Just a quick early visit before the B.Hol crowds. Highlights: Millfields - 3 Goldeneye (1m, 2f), Tufted Duck (55), Great Crested Grebe (8), Long-tailed Tit (8), Carrion Crow (4), Dunnock (7), Shelduck (2). Paul Stanley - Curlew (2), Little Grebe (5), Reed Bunting (2), Wrens singing and calling (4), Oystercatcher (2), Gr Spotted Woodpecker (1f), Redshank (1), Willow tit (1), robin (2). | . | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 622 | 24/03/2008 | Long-eared Owl on Stones IslandGreat Northern Diver near Dam2 Little OwlLapwing, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Pied Wagtail, Chiffchaff, Robin, Blackbird, Magpie, Jackdaw, C. Crow, B Tit, G Tit, L.T.Tit, Willow Tit, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Moorhen, Coot, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Common Gull, L.B.B.Gull, B.H.Gull, H.Gull, W.Pigeon,C.Dove, Tree Sparrow, House Sparrow, Starling, Curlew, Goldeneye, Cormorant, G.C.Grebe, L.Grebe, M.Swan, Barnacle Goose, Canada Goose | . | John |
| 623 | 25/03/2008 | canada goose long tailed tit robin black headed gull mallard tufted duck blackbird barnacle goose coot moorhen pied wagtail chaffinch starling little grebe redshank carrion crow redwing long eared owl chiffchaff tree sparrow blue tit great tit dunnock meadow pipit great northern diver cormorant wren great crested grebe grey wagtail oystercatcher sparrowhawk kesterl common gull buzzard pheasant lesser black backed gull | . | abb tom wareham |
| 624 | 25/03/2008 | From Sheepwash an adult med gull in the roost from 16.30 and an adult kittiwake from 17.40 hours | . | Doug Allen |
| 625 | 25/03/2008 | Long Eared Owl showing well on Stones Island, Great Northern Diver, 4 Sand Martins, 11 Curlew, several Chiff Chaffs on Stones Island including one in song, 2 Raven, 3 Buzzard, 7 Redwings, 15 Goldeneye, Meadow Pipit. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 626 | 26/03/2008 | Beautiful showing of long eared owl on Stones Island, on and off all day. Possibility that the owl has been roosting there for some time. | . | Amanda Lynnes |
| 627 | 26/03/2008 | Long-eared Owl on stones Island, Grt N. Diver, 30+ Meadow Pipit, Bullfinch, Williow Tit. | . | John & Fay Follett |
| 628 | 26/03/2008 | Osprey through past Sheepwash hide pursued by Ostercatchers at about 13:30hr. 12 Common Scoter 8m 4f last seen at 17:15 from Lane End towards Fishtail Creek. 1 Sand Martin 1 Adult summer plumage Mediterranean Gull at Lane End L.E.O. Stones Island 3 singing Chiffchaff,Stones Island,Sheepwash and Lane End 8+ Meadow Pipits on Stones Island | Hopefully the Scoters will remain until at least tomorrow as they seemed well settled when I left. | Clive Ashton |
| 629 | 27/03/2008 | 1 G N Diver from Stones Island. 1 White Wagtail on causeway to Stones Island. 1 L E Owl roosting on Stones Island. 2 Sand Martin around Sailing Club. 1 Egyptian Goose on Horseshoe Island. No sign of Common Scoters. | All between 0730-0930hrs. | Roger Carrington |
| 630 | 28/03/2008 | Osprey reported again at 09:00 and also seen by a birder over Sheepwash carpark at 12:40, Swallow also reported. | L.E.Owl can anything be done to stop people getting too close to this bird? Several reports yesterday of visitors taking photos from a few feet away.We all want to see the bird but it is probably not a good idea to set up your scope when there are lots of people about, thus attracting interest from non birders some of whom may not act in the best interests of the bird. | Clive Ashton |
| 631 | 27/03/2008 | From Stones Island early evening: 4 Curlew, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 2 Wren, 19 Pied Wagtails, 1 Bullfinch(m), 2 Redwing, 2 Great Crested Grebe. | LEO had been disturbed from its roost again. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 656 | 28/03/2008 | swallow over heanor | . | tom wareham |
| 657 | 28/03/2008 | Great Northern Diver, AD Kittiwake, 2 Sand Martins, 3 Chiff Chaffs, 4 Curlew, 2 Raven, 3 Buzzard, 36 Wigeon, Treecreeper, report of Wheatear by Shiningford creek. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 658 | 29/03/2008 | Red Kite at Wyver lane today flying South at 13.00hrs, also had 6 Sand Martins and a Chiff Chaff. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 659 | 30/03/2008 | Starlings at Longcliffe crossroads (up the hill from Brassington) are amazing! Thousands of birds at approx 1730 (1830 BST). | . | Amanda Lynnes |
| 664 | 31/03/2008 | 3 BUZZARD, 2 RAVEN, SNIPE, REDSHANK, 2 CHIFFCHAFF, 2 SWALLOWS, MALE WHEATEAR ON HORSESHOE ISLAND, 10 HOUSE MARTINS, 1 SAND MARTIN | SEEN FROM WILDLIFE CENTER ON ABB EVENTALSO HAD PAIR OF GREAT GRESTED GREBE DISPLAYING | Pete Furniss R.S.P.B. A.B.B. |
| 665 | 01/04/2008 | Sparrow Hawk with freshly killed Rook. Hedge bottom along Fish Tail Creek. | . | Bob and Gill Smith |
| 666 | 01/04/2008 | 9 Sand Martins around Stones Island. Redwing singing on Stones Island. 1 Willow Warbler singing, 0930hrs, Millfields/start of dam wall. 1 male Blackcap, Millfields. 1 Great Northern Diver. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 667 | 01/04/2008 | Great Northern Diver, 6 Swallows, c20 Sand Martins, 3 Curlew, 8 Goldeneye, 35 Redwings, 2 Buzzard, 2 Raven, Sparrowhawk, Grey Wagtail. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 668 | 03/04/2008 | Weather: Dull but no wind. 36 species of bird found at around midday. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (7 pairs), Sparrowhawk (female), Oystercatcher (3), Redshank (2), Sand Martin (~20), Swallow (1), Song Thrush (1), Chiffchaff (7) and Reed Bunting (pair). | Spring is here (Vernal or spring equinox was on the 20th March). No leaves on the deciduous trees yet but a few plants are flowering including Lesser Celandine, Coltsfoot, Gorse, Dandelion, Daisy and Groundsel. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 669 | 05/04/2008 | Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe Island this morning. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 670 | 05/04/2008 | 100+ swallows seen feeding low on the water from sheepwash car park. Willow Warbler singing near the brick tower and another at Hall Wood. Buzzard being mobbed by Redshank over Hopton Arm. Blackcap seen feeding near Millfields. Chiffchaff singing throughout. | Weather changeable - from horizontal sleet and hail to blue skies and warm sunshine | David Naylor |
| 671 | 05/04/2008 | Millfields:2 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 nuthatch Wildlife Centre:5 Oystercatcher, 3 Redshank, 1 Little Owl Stones Island:4 Chiffchaff, 2 Willow Warbler, 8 Pied wagtail, 4 Swallows, 12 Sand Martin, 2 Meadow? Pipits | . | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 672 | 06/04/2008 | magpie tufted duck coot moorhen jackdaw blackbird little grebe pied wagtail chaffinch meadow pipit canada goose redshank sand martin oystercatcher chiffchaff starling song thrush robin wren swallow mallard carrion crow lapwing long tailed tit great northern diver cormorant gadwall barnacle goose buzzard wigeon dunnock mute swan little owl reed bunting lesser black backed gull kestrel snipe common gull black headed gull common scoter collared dove goldfinch | . | abb tom wareham |
| 673 | 06/04/2008 | 2 drake Common Scoters off Lane End. Great Nothern Diver Off Stones Island. 1 Common Sandpiper on Watersports Island. 15 Meadow Pipit on dam rip-rap early am, some later on Stones Is. Male Brambling Stones Island 0800hrs. Female Wheatear on Stones Island 1030hrs. Blackcap singing at Millfields. 3 Willow Warbler singing on Stones Is, 2 at Millfields. | All between 0730-1200hrs in cold but beautiful sunshine. | Roger Carrington |
| 675 | 07/04/2008 | 20+ swallows over bay at north end of dam wall | Fall of snow had covered surrounding countryside. | D.A.williams |
| 676 | 07/04/2008 | Great Northern Diver gave great views just to the right of Sheepwash hide, adult Kittiwake, 50+ Sand Martins, 15+ Swallows, 9 Chiff Chaffs, 2 Willow Warblers, 2 Drake Common Scoter, 100+ Winter Thrushes flying North consisting mostly Redwings if not all, 6 Buzzards, 2 Raven, 2 Kestrel, 7 Snipe, 6 Redshanks, 1 Curlew, Pink Footed Goose, 5 Goldeneye, 3 Reed Buntings, 2 Meadow Pipits, 1 single female Wigeon, 27 Barnacle Geese. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 677 | 07/04/2008 | Sunny spells but rather cold today. 38 species seen around midday. OF NOTE: Great Northern Diver (1) - off Stones Island. Great Crested Grebe - a pair performing the head shaking ritual and seen from the Wildlife Centre. Oystercatcher (1), Curlew (1), Redshank (2), Little Owl (1), Swallow (1), Song Thrush (2), Chiffchaff (3) and Willow Warbler (1). More plants in flower: Cowslip on Stones Island. Common Mouse-ear Chickweed - near the Wildlife Centre. | A Tittesworth Snippet: There has been a similar influx of summer migrants into Tittesworth, e.g, Sand Martins, Swallows, Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers. In addition the following migrant visitors have been noted in the last few days: Osprey, Little Ringed Plover and White Wagtail. Some winter visitors are still present notably Goosander, Goldeneye, Fieldfare and Redwing. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 678 | 08/04/2008 | 1 Greenshank near Sailing Club, then lost in early morning mist. 3 Wheatears and 1 White Wagtail on dam wall. 2 Common Sandpipers on dam wall. 2 drake Common Scoters distant from Sheepash. 58 immature Great Black-backed Gulls on Flat Island. 1 singing Blackcap at Sheepwash car park entrance. 1 Great Northern Diver, pair of Shoveler, Sand Martins, Swallows, Redshanks, Oystercatchers, Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 679 | 08/04/2008 | WeBS count for April.Apart from the Great Northern Diver, 2 Scoters and 1 Common Sandpiper mentioned by others there were the following numbers counted :23 Little Grebe, 28 Great Crested Grebe,9 Cormorant,3 Mute Swan,88 Canada Goose,22 Barnacle Goose. 1Pink-foot, 40 Mallard, 1 Gadwall, 298 Tufted Duck, 8 Goldeneye, 16 Moorhen, 163 Coot, 6 Oystercatcher, 7 lapwing, 3 Redshank, 5 Blackheaded Gull and 4 Common Gull. Also male Wheatear and White Wagtail 07.15 to 10.15.Also a sleeping fox on the west bank of Green Pond. | . | Peter Gibbon |
| 680 | 08/04/2008 | From WLC: 1 Greenshank mid-afternoon on Horseshoe Island, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Common Scoter very distant, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Wigeon, also 2 Little Owl, 1 Raven, 1 Buzzard, several Redshank and Oystercatcher, Reed Bunting. Stones Island: 1 White Wagtail, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Redwing after 6pm Dam Wall: 3 Wheatear, 8 Meadow Pipit, c.60 Sand Martin | . | James Owen (ABB) |
| 681 | 09/04/2008 | Great Northern Diver gave better views than Monday being only 20+ metres in front of Sheepwash hide, 2 drake Common Scoter still present, dam wall produced 2 Wheatear, 100+ Hirundines consisting of 60+ Sand Martins, 40+ Swallows and 2 House Martins, 11 Meadow Pipits and a Linnet, 2 White Wagtails on Stones Island, Warblers between Millfields and Sheepwash include 20 Chiff Chaffs, 10 Willow Warblers and 2 singing Blackcaps, 6 Buzzards, male Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 2 Raven, 9 Goldeneye, c6 Redshank, Common Sandpiper | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 682 | 09/04/2008 | At 17:45 an Osprey flew in front of the wildlife centre, it moved high over Shiningford Island, where it hovered over the water on occassions,before being mobbed by corvids and an Oystercatcher. It was last seen at about 17:55 moving N.E. Later on Stones Island 50+ Pied Wagtail,2 White Wagtails, 4 Reed Buntings and 50+ hirundines including several House Martins. | As Dave Newcombe has stated the Diver was very close to Sheepwash hide today and also Monday, so perhaps now is the time for any photographers to get some decent shots. | Clive Ashton |
| 683 | 11/04/2008 | abc123 | i hope. abcbac2be5 thanks | qkqohb |
| 684 | 12/04/2008 | 1 Chiffchaff-Behind the Wildlife Centre 2 Redshanks-Wildlife Centre 2 Little Owls-Mated on 1 of the posts near the pylon 2 Willow Warblers-Stones Island 1 White Wagtail-Horsehoe Island | . | Sam Pedley |
| 685 | 13/04/2008 | great crested grebe tufted duck mallard canada goose red shank black headed gull barnacle goose oyster catcher mute swan little grebe lapwing goldeneye magpie swallow house martin sand martin coot moorhen common gull chaffinch starling reed bunting great tit cormorant little owl yellow wagtail scaup pink footed goose pied wagtail snipe dunnock kestrel great northern diver gadwall buzzard wren robin teal jackdaw goldfinch 2 ravens lesser black backed gull chiffchaff feral pigeon great black backed gull | . | abb tom wareham |
| 686 | 14/04/2008 | In addition to those species already noted there were 2 white wagtails near the sailing club and 2 shelduck and 2 male common scoters opposite Sheepwash | . | Doug Allen |
| 687 | 14/04/2008 | 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling at Millfields Car Park 0900hrs. 2 Yellow Wagtails on Stones Island, later 3 at Wildlife Centre. Female Scaup with Tufted at Wildlife Centre. Great Northern Diver from Stones Island. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 688 | 14/04/2008 | pheasant robin blue tit blackbird chiffchaff chaffinch great tit reed bunting pied wagtail mallard tufted duck canada goose little grebe redshank coot house martin sand martin swallow willow tit tree sparrow dunnock great spotted woodpecker cormorant pink footed goose carrion crow wood pigeon blackcap wren great crested grebe goldeneye oystercatcher buzzard house sparrow bullfinch magpie song thrush black headed gull moorhen goldfinch long tailed tit willow warbler little owl lapwing barnacle goose snipe starling mute swan | . | tom wareham |
| 689 | 14/04/2008 | 250+ Sand Martins, many Swallows about now, plus a few House Martins, 2 Drake Shoveler distant from Sheepwash, 4 Buzzards, 2 Ravens, a pair of Grey Wagtails at Sheepwash. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 690 | 15/04/2008 | Of note today: 1 Pink-footed Goose at Sheepwash 9am, 3 Yellow Wagtail on Stones Island, 2 Goldeneye from Lane End, Great Northern Diver, several scattered Willow Warbler and Blackcap, 1 Little Owl from WLC, | Also a fearless weasel sunning itself (and investigating me) beside the path just north of Shinningford Creek, observed at arm's length for 15 minutes. | James Owen |
| 691 | 16/04/2008 | Bird Club Walk, 1900-2030hrs. 19 birdwatchers set off round Stones Island between hail storms finding 2 Yellow Wagtails and a distant Great Northern Diver. Then from the shelter of the Wildlife Centre watched Curlew trickle in, finally totalling 15, but the Scaup, seen a few hours earlier, could not be located. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 692 | 17/04/2008 | 1 Brambling, 1 Yellow Wagtail and a female Stonechat on Stones Island. 1 Green Sandpiper at Wildlife Centre 0800hrs. 2 Redwings near Sailing Club. 5 Greylag Geese and 4 Wigeon at Millfields. 3 Common Sandpipers from Paul Stanley Hide. Immature female Peregrine flew close past Sheepwash Hide. Male Yellow Wagtail on Sheepwash Spit. Great Northern Diver near Oldfield Lane bank. Many Swallows and Sand Martins, a few House Martins. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 693 | 17/04/2008 | Stones Island 09:30 hours. Approx 30 male Yellow Wagtails with at least one White Wagtail. One of the Yellow Wagtails was showing characteristics of lutea. Photograph of the lutea type and the White Wagtail available if required. | . | Ivan Webb |
| 694 | 17/04/2008 | The best sighting today was of the Great North Diver from the Wildlife Centre(WC). Excellent views of this long staying bird swimming and floating off Horseshoe Island. The bird seems to be coming into summer plumage. Forty species seen today including a Grey Heron, a Pink-footed Goose near the WC, Kestrel, Oystercatcher (3), Redshank (2), Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin, Blackcap (1), Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler (6), Bullfinch (female) and a pair of Reed Buntings. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 695 | 20/04/2008 | From the Wildlife Centre this morning: 9+ Yellow Wagtail 1 Green Sandpiper 2 Common Sandpiper 2 Little Ringed Plover 1 Dunlin | . | Clive Ashton |
| 696 | 20/04/2008 | 55 species in total - highlights below: Millfields: 2 willow Warbler, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Song Thrush, 10 Sand Martins. Stones Island: 8 Barnacle geese, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank, 50 Swallows, 12 houese Martins, 9sand Martins, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Willow Warblers, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 White wagtail, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Pied Wagtail, 4 Tree Sparrows, 2 Reed Bunting, 6 Black Headed Gull, 9 Swallow. Wildife Centre: 3 Yellow wagtails, 2 Pied Wagtails, 30 Lapwing, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Wood Pigeon, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Carrion crow. Sheepwash Hide: 5 Goldeneye (2m,3f), 1 GN Diver (Fishtail Creek), 1 Redshank. Paul Stanley hide: 2 willow tit, 1 GS Woodpecker(m), 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 willow Warbler, 2 Blackcap (main path, 1 Meadow Pipit, 2 Grey Wagtail, 5 Lessr black-backed Gull, 3 Long-tailed tit. | All in all a good morning, only marred by the discovery of a dead Tawny Owl just outside Turnditch (road casualty). It was also very, very, very cold and windy, but dry at least. | richard and Frances Pittam |
| 697 | 20/04/2008 | From Sheepwash Hide at 1120hrs: pair of Red-breasted Mergansers and 3 Arctic Terns. From Paul Stanley Hide: 1 Little Ringed Plover and 1 Common Sandpiper. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 698 | 20/04/2008 | Adult Great Northern Diver still present; 14 Cormorant, 2 Gadwall on Sheepwash spit; 4 Goldeneye, pair of Red Breasted Mergansers from Paul Stanley Hide, 1 Little Ringed Plover, a Dunlin and a Common Sandpiper from Paul Stanley Hide; 3 Whimbrel flew East at 3.15.p.m.; 2 Common Gulls-imm; 1 Great Black Back-imm; 3 Arctic Terns from 3.10-3.20.p.m. followed by 15 more from 3.30.-4.15 p.m. when we left; c300 Sand Martins; c250 Swallows; 5+ House Martins and a Wilow Tit from Paul Stanley hide | . | Rod Key and Richard James |
| 699 | 21/04/2008 | coot moorhen tufted duck black headed gull mallard redshank yellow wagtail little ringed plover great crested grebe lapwing oystercatcher canada goose common sandpiper pied wagtail barnacle goose little grebe tree sparrow snipe magpie carrion crow starling sand martin grey wagtail little owl wood pigeon lesser black backed gull swallow reed bunting robin blackbird white wagtail common tern goldfinch scaup collared dove dunnock curlew whimbrel great tit dunlin tawny owl | . | tom wareham abb |
| 700 | 21/04/2008 | Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel, 2 Raven, 10 Yellow Wagtail, 4 Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Dunlin, Curlew, Female Scaup, pr Red Breasted Merganser, 7 Goldeneye, pr Gadwall, Female Teal, Great Northern Diver | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 701 | 22/04/2008 | 1 Greenshank, 1 Pink footed goose. In bay left of WLC. | . | Bob and Gill Smith |
| 702 | 23/04/2008 | 3 Little Gulls infront of Lane End hide at 12:00hr and still at 15:00hr. 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing near Lane End hide. The Pink footed Goose also near Lane End. Female Scaup at Wildlife centre, along with 2 Dunlin. | Originally I thought there were 4 maybe 5 Little Gulls,but this was distant from Sheepwash. On walking to Lane End I could only locate 3. A beautiful afternoon with warm sunshine brought out a couple of butterflies namely,Small Tortoiseshell and Brimstone. | Clive Ashton |
| 703 | 24/04/2008 | No sign of little gulls this morning. 16 Arctic Terns through about 0930hrs. 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing in Sheepwash Car Park. Another near the stone barn at Millfields. Also a Whitethroat near stone barn. 1 Sedge Warbler singing on Stones Island. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 704 | 24/04/2008 | Immature Little Gull from Wildlife Centre this afternoon, still at 16:45 3 Dunlin,1 Common Sandpiper,1 Yellow Wagtail and the female Scaup on Horseshoe Island. 1 Yellow Wagtail,2 Grey Wagtail,1 drake Pochard from Sheepwash, Lesser Whitethroat still singing in car park. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 705 | 24/04/2008 | 1 green sandpiper 1 greenshank 2 common sandpiper | . | abb tom wareham |
| 706 | 24/04/2008 | Thirty eight species seen on a short visit. Best find was a singing Sedge Warbler on Stones Island. The following were also interesting: Mallard ducklings in Wildlife Centre Creek, Oystercatcher (2), Dunlin (2) - Horseshoe Island, Redshank (4), Little Owl (1), Blackcap (1 male) - Stones Island, and Bullfinch (a pr) - near the Water Sports Centre. | There are a good few patches of yellow Lesser Celandine on site. Marsh Marigold is coming into flower by the pond next to the Wildlife Centre. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 707 | 26/04/2008 | 1 swift flying over heanor | . | tom wareham |
| 708 | 26/04/2008 | A very good day today barring all the cyclists and runners. Paul Stanley Hide 2 Oystercatchers 1 Female Sparrowhawk catching a Pied Wagtail 1 Yellow Wagtail on island in front of hide Walking back to-wards the visitor centre on a piece of rough land near what I think is fishtail creek but I'm not sure about that though, there were 4 species of Warbler viewable. Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Willow Warbler, Garden warbler and a grasshopper Warbler was heard briefly, also on this small piece of shrub-land there were also Whitethroats and Chiffchaffs.It was so good here that I spent 3 hours here and never got to the visitor center In the hedges near lane end there were at least 4 pairs of Blackcaps | Since my last visit there seems to have been quiet a lot of tree felling recently, is this the best time to be felling trees in regards to birds neating? | Leslie Fisher |
| 709 | 27/04/2008 | A single Little Gull off Stones Island and a single Swift over Stones Island berween 6.30 and 7.15. | . | Peter Gibbon |
| 710 | 27/04/2008 | Sanderling and Little Gull from Sheepwash Hide. | . | from birdguides |
| 711 | 27/04/2008 | coot little grebe mallard canada goose moorhen tufted duck great crested grebe black headed gull lapwing redshank oystercatcher chaffinch little owl carrion crow jackdaw collared dove barnacle goose mute swan tree sparrow 5dunlin swifts goldfich house martin pied wagtail wood pigeon blue tit reed bunting blackbird great tit robin wren spotted flycatcher curlew whimbrel dunnock cormorant magpie buzzard little ringed plover lesser black backed gull starling | . | abb tom wareham |
| 712 | 28/04/2008 | Record to confirm sighting of two Little Terns from Sheepwash Hide (I wasn't the person that spotted them. The Little Terns were feed among a number of Common Terns for around a half hour before flying west. | . | John Wynn |
| 713 | 28/04/2008 | No message | Just to reply to comment about felling. Severn Trent Water rangers do not do any tree felling from middle of March onwards for wildlife and H&S reasons. Felling seen either not on STW land or has been done without STW permission! | Amanda Lynnes |
| 714 | 28/04/2008 | Forty four species seen from Stones Island to the end of Wildlife Centre Creek (WCC). OF NOTE: A pair of Canada Geese with three yellow goslings (WCC), Gadwall (male), Mallard ducklings (~15), Pheasant (heard), Oystercatcher (4), Redshank (4), Little Owl (1), WHEATER (female) - close to WCC, Song Thrush (1), Whitehroat (1), Garden Warbler (1) + several each of Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Willow Warbler, Reed Bunting (male). | Flowering plants on show today: Lesser Celandine - masses in a field next to WCC; Marsh Marigold, Dandelion, Daisy, Cowslip - many more now on Stones Island; Primrose, Common Mouse-ear Chickweed, Gorse, Forget-me-not and a single specimen of a white Bluebell! A busy Buff-tailed Bumblebee was also seen. A Tittesworth Snippet: The latest edition of the Tittesworth Bird News newsletter is now available from the Tittesworth visitor centre. The latest site developments and activities are given plus the birding highlights for the first quarter of the year. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 715 | 29/04/2008 | 2 Avocet reported on pager systems from the WLC this AM. | . | Steph Hicking |
| 716 | 29/04/2008 | The 2 Avocets were present in front of the WLC till 1.25pm at least (that was when I left!!). Usual stuff included Oystercatcher (6+), Redshank (5+), good numbers of Swift, Swallow, House Martin and Sand Martin, Sedge Warbler, Garden Warbler etc on Stones. | . | Steph' Hicking |
| 717 | 29/04/2008 | starling mallard jackdaw sand martin blackbird tufted duck redshank magpie swift robin canada goose coot moorhen grey heron great crested grebe little grebe mute swan chiffchaff wood pigeon black heade gull willow warbler wren swallow pied wagtail oystercatcher dunlin greylag goose dunnock sedge warbler garden warbler house martin tree sparrow barnacle goose chaffinch carrion crow great tit avocet whitethroat buzzard white wagtail sand martin collared dove rook cormorant pink footed goose sparrowhawk reed buntings little owl kestrel swallow curlew whimbrel house martin goldfinch yellow wagtail greenfinch blue tit scaup great black backed gull little ringed plover | . | abb tom wareham |
| 718 | 03/05/2008 | Pied Flycatcher,Male 16:30 hrs. | From Millfields carpark the bird was around the North East footpath,far side of the first bay, where the footpath and cycle track are only about 3 metres apart.Last seen in a small grassed area to the left after a wet area with a black tube going under the path. Also seen in the big old tree over the cycle track. | Mick Sharp |
| 719 | 04/05/2008 | tufted duck, lapwing, black headed gull, coot, moorhen, tree sparrow, great crested grebe, canada goose, redshank, mute swan, oystercatcher, pied wagtail, collared dove, blackbird, chaffinch, sparrowhawk, mallard, jackdaw, swallow, starling, dunnock, robin, little owl, little grebe, swift, wood pigeon, barnacle goose, pink footed goose, carrion crow, cormorant, spotted flycatcher, grey heron, pheasant, yellow wagtail, curlew, sand martin, house martin, greenfinch, magpie. | . | abb tom wareham |
| 720 | 06/05/2008 | canada goose mute swan mallard moorhen coot carrion crow barnacle goose tufted duck oystercatcher chiffchaff blackbird chaffinch blue tit robin reed bunting starling common tern little grebe great crested grebe tree sparrow willow warbler pied wagtail garden warbler black headed gull goldfinch sparrowhawk kestrel buzzard cormorant whitetroat collare dove common sandpiper wood pigeon little owl wren great tit swifts cackling goose pink footed goose greenfinch lesser black backed gull common gull (5)redshank | . | abb tom wareham |
| 721 | 07/05/2008 | Had a walk round Carsington today mainly recording the more common birds. 40 Chiff Chaffs, 41 Willow Warblers, 15 Garden Warblers, 28 Blackcaps, 7 Whitethroats, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 41 Blackbirds, 57 Robins, 9 Dunnocks, 31 Blue Tits, 23 Great Tits, 51 Wrens, 42 Chaffinch, 14 Goldfinch, 8 Goldcrest, 5 Reed Bunting, 4 Song Thrush, male Pied Flycatcher between Penn Carr and Oldfield lane by wooden boardwalk, Skylark over Upperfields farm, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Male on Stones Island and a Female over Horseshoe island, 2 Common Terns on dam wall, Little Ringed Plover at P.Stanley, 3 Common Sandpipers, drake Pochard, Pink Footed Goose and 2 Cackilng Geese at Wildlife Centre. Plenty of Butterflies with it being warm and sunny including, lots of Orange Tips, Peacocks, Small Tortoiseshells and a few Speckled Woods and Brimstones | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 722 | 07/05/2008 | The following interesting sightings were noted in the Wildlife Centre logbook for today: Common Tern, Black Tern, Brambling (pr), Little Ringed Plover, Curlew, Peregrine, Common Buzzard, Kestreel, White Wagtail and Pink-footed Goose. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 723 | 07/05/2008 | Very sunny on site today. 42 species of bird identified between Stones Island and Shiningford Creek. Of note: Pink-footed Goose (1), Mallard ducklings of different sizes, Pochard (male) - from the Wildlife Centre, Pheasant (1), Oystercatcher (2), Lapwing (~10), Redshank (2) - all three waders on Horseshoe Island, Song Thrush (1), Bullfinch (2 males), Reed Bunting (4 singing males). | Insects present: Orange Tip and Small White butterflies, and Buff-tailed Bumblebee. Plants in flower: Nineteen species identified. The following were not reported last time: Blackthorn (white), Yellow Rocket (yellow), Germander Speedwell (blue), Bluebell (blue & white), Red Campion (red), Buttercup (yellow), Opposite leaved Golden Saxifrage (yellow), Cuckooflower [or Lady's Smock] (pale pink) and Greater Stitchwort (white). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 724 | 08/05/2008 | A Sanderling on Sheepwash spit,at 14:00 hours until 14:20, also 2 Ringed Plover and a Dunlin from Paul Stanley hide. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 725 | 08/05/2008 | Black Tern(one adult summer)and Little Gull(1st summer) | From Wildlife Centre. Both birds arrived together at 16:15 and were still both present feeding behide the tern rafts when I left at 17:15. | Paul Thomas |
| 726 | 10/05/2008 | little gull pied flycatcher common tern | common tern from millfields car park flycatcher 10-15 minutes walk anti clockwise along path just after boardwalk | Andy & Lieza radage |
| 727 | 11/05/2008 | Male garganey on Horseshoe Island most of day then swimming in front of hide approx 16:30 | . | Amanda Lynnes |
| 728 | 12/05/2008 | Fairly quiet on site today, in Hall Wood a male Pied Flycatcher and 2 Spotted Flycatchers, 2 Common Sandpipers on Sheepwash spit, several Redshanks and Oystercatchers, male Sparrowhawk with prey by the Wildlife Centre, Buzzard, Raven, quite a few broods of Canada Geese and Mallards. Also of note was a Hare in the field to the left of the Wildlife Centre where the Little Owls are often seen. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 729 | 13/05/2008 | 6 Ravens in field between Hall and Middle Wood. Presumably 2 adults with 4 juveniles. Also had 2 Common Sandpipers. Also of interest was a Wood Sandpiper down Wyver lane this morning. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 730 | 14/05/2008 | Oystercatcher with 2 chicks on Millfields island | Does anyone know why we never see Tufted ducks with their ducklings? | Bob and Gill Smith |
| 731 | 14/05/2008 | Common Tern and 2 Little Ringed Plover in front of sailing club, 2 Common Sandpipers and a Curlew at Sheepwash plus the 4 juv and 2 adult Ravens again. | Just to reply to Bob and Gill Smith. Tufted Duck do occasionally breed at Carsington but in very small numbers so there is a chance of seeing some young later in the year A pair bred on Green pond last year but the mother was killed crossing the main road towards Carsington which spelt certain doom for the 7 youngsters. | Dave Newcombe |
| 732 | 16/05/2008 | 5 Common Terns passed through late this morning. This afternoon from the Wildlife Centre: 1 Dunlin 1 Curlew At 15:15hr a male Grey Plover dropped onto Horseshoe Island, and was still present at 17:00 hr. | I also heard, but did not see Greenshank, from the Wildlife Centre. | Clive Ashton |
| 733 | 17/05/2008 | PAUL STANLEY HIDE 2 Oystercatchers, 6 Little Grebes,Swallows,4 Cormerants,Greater Spooted Woodpecker,2 Redashank mating directly in front of hide, single Heron, single Common Sandpiper, Pied Wagtail, single Grey Wagtail, 4 Little Ringed Plover, watched in fascination as a Great Crested Grebe laid an egg in front of the hide, never seen it live before. SCRUBLAND NEXT TO SHINNINGFORD Reed Bunting,Reed Warbler,Sedge Warbler and Grasshopper Warbler VISITOR CENTRE Sand Martins, House Martins,Swallows, Swifts, a Pair of Common Gulls, 4 Redshank, 2 Barnacle Geese, single Oystercatcher. | Moderated by Webmaster CBC | Leslie Fisher |
| 734 | 18/05/2008 | None. | In response to Leslie Fishers comments about windsurfers, I would like to point out that, yes, there are buoys marking the limits of where the users of watercraft are permitted to go. Carsington Sports and Leisure also make this clear before anyone ventures out onto the water. There are also signs on every island telling them not to land due to roosting or breeding birds. What you also have to bear in mind, is that a lot of the windsurfers are novices and sometimes have little control of their boards. Unfortunately, short of patrolling the islands all day by boat, we can't stop the occasional windsurfer doing this. Despite this, the site is still regionally important for it's breeding waders.With regards to the comment about 'screaming kids', the Wildlife Centre is NOT there for the sole use of birdwatchers. We have three other bird hides on site for that. It's function here is to promote the conservation work carried out by STW and to show EVERYBODY the results of this work. It is also used as an educational facility.Carsington Water is a multi-user site which, as well as birdwatchers, also attracts cyclists, runners and screaming kids (amongst others). I think the fact that it is one of the best wildlife sites in Derbyshire, proves that we have got the balance right between users, and is a testament to the work that goes on here.If anyone would like to comment on any aspect of the sites' use or management, please feel free to fill in one of the Customer Comment Cards that are available in the Visitor Centre Reception.Paul Bennett (Severn Trent Water Ranger Service) | Paul Bennett |
| 735 | 18/05/2008 | none today | Thank you for your reply I can understand now the Windsurfers and agree with you in regards to the site being a multi user site, that is not a problem, kids by nature are noisy and being a Father that too is not a problem to me, but it is too much when these kids are screaming at the top of their voices, jumping off the back onto the seats at the front, running in the centre, knocking peoples expensive equipment over, leaping down the steps, banging on the windows trying to scare the birds etc. If you think that this is both acceptable and educational then I am sorry but our opinions are miles apart. Like I said I will give the visitor center a wide birth anyway the glass is so dirty it's hard to see through it anyway | Leslie Fisher |
| 736 | 18/05/2008 | Please note that this area of the website is exclusively for the reporting of sightings of birds and other wildlife at the reservoir. If anyone has any questions or comments they wish to raise regarding activities, policies, problems, please email your comments directly to me (click the 'Contact Us' link on the home page) and I will make sure they are passed to the appropriate person to respond to you directly. | . | Webmaster - Carsington Bird Club |
| 737 | 18/05/2008 | WeBS count for May 6.15 to 10.2019 Mute swan, 85 Canada Goose, 12 Barnacle Goose, 10 Cormorant59 Mallard, 105 Tufted Duck, 3 Pochard, 14 Little Grebe,40 Great Crested Grebe, 17 Moorhen, 64 Coot, 6 Oystercatcher,2 Little Ringed Plover, 8 Lapwing, 7 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper 11 Black-headed Gull, 2 Common Gull, 3 Lesser Black-backed Gull,2 common tern. | . | Peter Gibbon |
| 738 | 20/05/2008 | Notable today: 1 Turtle Dove on WLC bird table both early morning and mid-afternoon, at least 4 Raven from Paul Stanley Hide. 2 Lapwing chicks on Horseshoe Island, and 3 Barnacle goslings around Stones Island. 2 Curlews bathed on Horseshoe Island 30 minutes apart during the morning. Also 4 singing Garden Warblers along path between Lane End and Sheepwash. | The standoff between the Coot and GCGs over the nest in front of the WLC continues... | James Owen |
| 739 | 21/05/2008 | 1st summer Little Gull, from Paul Stanley at 11:00 hr and again at Sheepwash 11:30 then flew high to North West. 2 Common Terns on raft at Wildlife Centre, also 2 Common Gulls present on Horseshoe Island.Sparrowhawk attacked Tree Sparrows on feeding station at Wildlife Centre.No sign of Turtle Dove this morning. | A few Green-veined White butterflies also about on site. | Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe |
| 740 | 24/05/2008 | From Wildlife Centre: Coot, Moorhen, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Black-headd Gull, Tufted Duck, Great-crested Grebe, Tree Sparrow. From Paul Stanley: Buzzard, Canada Geese, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorehen, Common Sandpiper (1), Redshank (1), Pied Wagtail (2). | A Mallard was trapped on the left-hand raft and STW rangers took only 5 mins to react and get the boat out to rescue it. It was OK and was released none the worse for its ordeal - thankyou STW. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 741 | 26/05/2008 | 18th May WeBS count should read 185 Canada Goose not 85. My mistake. | . | Peter Gibbon |
| 742 | 27/05/2008 | WLC: 2 Common Tern on raft, 2 BH Gull chicks on another, 1 Curlew overflew, 2 Common Gull on Horseshoe Island. From Paul Stanley: 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Grey Wagtail. Also, during the morning a Tawny Owl was mobbed and chased in Shiningford Creek by a pair of Blackbirds. Very quiet day otherwise. | Very wet and miserable weather today. | James Owen |
| 743 | 27/05/2008 | Some sightings taken from the logbook: Oystercatcher (4) + 2 young, Barnacle Goose (10) + 6 young, Sparrowhawk (1), Kestrel (1), Raven (3), Common Sandpiper (1), Curlew (1), Redshank (5), Buzzard (1) PLUS - on the 26th a Whimbrel. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 744 | 27/05/2008 | 34 species found around midday. Area covered - Stones Island to Shiningford Creek. Rather dull and breezy. OF NOTE: Canada Geese with three well developed goslings. Two of the goslings were fighting on Stones Island! Mallard ducklings (5). Pheasant - on the Wildlife Centre feeding table! Oystercatcher (2), Lapwing (1), Redshank (2). Black-headed Gull chicks (2). Common Gull (2). Common Tern (2). Swift (probably over 100) accompanied by Swallows (~50), House Martins and a single Sand Martin, all hunting very close to the surface of the water. | Plants in flower today: Twenty two species seen including Bogbean, Water Forget-me-not, Yarrow, Rape, Stinging Nettle, Bulbous Buttercup, Meadow Buttercup, Common Sorrel, Bush Vetch and Common Bird's-foot-trefoil (Bacon & Eggs!). A Tittesworth Snippet: It has just been reported that a female Willow Warbler, ringed at Tittesworth in July 2007, was been found in Faro, Portugal, after 74 days - having travelled 1838km. Unfortunately the bird was dead. Pity after all that effort. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 745 | 30/05/2008 | 1 adult Spoonbill. | Found on Horseshoe Island at 10.30 a.m. by Jim Craw. It stayed on the left-hand side of the island for approx. 10 minutes and then flew off in a north-Westerly direction where it circled very high for some time. | Paul Bennett |
| 746 | 02/06/2008 | A family of Treecreepers on the bend seperating Wildlife centre creek and Shiningford creek including 2 adults and 3 juveniles. 2 Common Terns and 2 Grey wagtails. Several Black Headed Gull chicks from the Wildlife centre. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 747 | 03/06/2008 | mallard great crested grebe coot moorhen teal tufted duck black headed gull 4 commern tern little grebe great tit lapwing house martin swallow swift canada goose jackdaw starling oystercatcher mute swan tree sparrow chaffinch blue tit collared dove wood pigeon coal tit magpie redshank common gull pied wagtail curlew | . | abb tom wareham |
| 748 | 04/06/2008 | Red legged partridge seen by Rose Day at Sheepwash. | . | Amanda Lynnes |
| 749 | 04/06/2008 | Taken from the logbook for the 2nd: Teal (2), Redshank (3), Curlew (1), Whimbrel (1), Common Tern (4), Coal Tit (1). | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 750 | 04/06/2008 | Fairly quiet on site today. Sunny. Forty four species of bird identified early pm including - Great Crested Grebe - two occupied nests. Barnacle Goose (3). Common Buzzard (1). Oystercatcher (4). Lapwing (3; 2 ad. + one chick). Curlew (1). Black-headed Gull - two occupied nests; two juveniles on a raft. Common Gull (1). Song Thrush (2). Sedge Warbler (1). Whitethroat (1). Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff & Willow Warbler also present. Reed Bunting (2). | Thirty eight flowering plant species and the flowerless Horsetail identified today. The following have not been mentioned before this season: Spear Thistle, Greater Bird's-foot-trefoil, Tufted Vetch, Foxglove, Brooklime, Yellow Rattle, Herb Robert, Ox-eye Daisy, Dog Rose, Yarrow, Self-heal, Ragged Robin, Silverweed, Red Clover and Cut-leaved Cranesbill. The latter species is a new find for us on this site. Twenty seven of these plant species were on Stones Island. Insects: Small White, Orange Tip and Peacock butterflies. Common Blue damselfly. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 751 | 07/06/2008 | Early start today. Started at the Paul Stanley Hide where a Little Ringed Plover showed well with two young. A pair of Grey Wagtails. A White Wagtail. A Jay flew across the front of the hide giving an excellent view. Walked to wards visitor centre and at the scrub land overlooking Shininford Creek I stopped for 2 hours and observed Willow Warblers, Reed Warblers, Sedge Warblers and a single Garden Warbler there were also Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs and a Whitethroat.This part of Carsington is IMO the best part if you are patient and are prepared to stay here for some time, watch and wait, the birds will come. It's like warbler grand central. | . | Leslie Fisher |
| 752 | 09/06/2008 | Taken from the Wildlife Centre logbook. Red-legged Partridge (2), Red-crested Pochard (2), Whimbrel (1), Kestrel (1), Buzzard (3), Redshank (3), Oystercatcher (2), Common Tern (2). | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 753 | 09/06/2008 | Very warm on site today. 45 species of bird seen early pm. OF NOTE: Grey Heron (one juv.) - Shiningford Creek (SC), Greylag Goose (1) - with Canadas - SC, Red-crested Pochard (pr) - Horseshoe Island (HI), Oystercatcher (3), Lapwing (3 inc. one chick) - HI, Redshank (1), Common Tern (2) - one prob. on nest on raft & one fishing and feeding partner on raft, Swift (4), Song Thrush (1), Sedge Warbler (1), Whitethroat (1), also many Garden Warblers, Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs & Willow Warblers; Treecreeper (2) - in trees at end of Wildlife Centre Creek, and Reed Bunting (1). | Butterflies: Red Admiral, Orange Tip, Small and Large Whites. Odonata: Common Blue damselfly. At least ten over the Wildlife Centre pond. Broad-bodied Chaser dragonfly. A pair courting/mating and then the female ovipositing in plant material on the surface of the pond. This is the first time we have seen this species! We believe it is quite uncommon in this area. Most of the plant species seen last week are still in flower. Additional species this week: Meadow Cranesbill (bluey purple), Bugle (blue) and Bramble (white). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 754 | 10/06/2008 | No message | Note about Broad-bodied Chaser. This insect is recorded on the ponds in the Sheepwash area every year, but this is the first record I can remember of ovipositing at the WLC Pond, a nice sighting. | Steph Hicking |
| 755 | 11/06/2008 | A pair of Red Crested Pochards at the Wildlife Centre, also there was 2 Common Terns on the raft and 4 good sized Lapwing chicks on Horsehoe Island. Spotted Flycatcher in Hall wood, both Reed Warbler and Sedge Warbler in song at Hopton end, 1 Raven from Sheepwash, Lesser Whitethroat on Wildlife centre creek, possibly 2 birds present. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 756 | 16/06/2008 | OF NOTE: Greylag Goose (2) - Shiningford Creek; Barnacle Goose (1); Oystercatcher (4) - inc. a parent and two chicks on Watersports Island; Blackheaded Gull inc. four young; Common Gull (2) - Horseshoe Island; Common Tern (2); Song Thrush (1); Reed Bunting (2). | Plants newly into flower: White Clover. Broad-leaved Dock, Woody Nightshade, Welted Thistle, Prickly Sowthistle, Meadow Vetchling and Broad-leaved Willowherb. A Tittesworth Snippet: Two young Peregrines have been fledged on the Roaches just north of the site. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 757 | 18/06/2008 | The evening walk around the Sheepwash area and the two hides recorded the following:- Great Crested Grebe (a pair but no young unlike a small chick on the back of an adult at Hopton end on Sunday 8th) 3 Little Grebe,1 Cormorant, 1 Heron, 1 Mute Swan (plus 8 in the far distance),Canada Goose, Mallard (1 with 6 young plus 2 young totally on their own), Tufted Duck (2 mating), 1 Buzzard (holding in the wind), 1 female Kestrel (hovering in front of Sheepwash hide), Pheasant, Moorhen (1 on nest close to Paul Stanley hide), Coot (1 with 2 young), 2 Oystercatcher, 8 Lapwing, 3 Redshank (1 on post just below the'viewing area' calling and very agitated), 3 Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Swift, Sand and House Martin, Pied Wagtail, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow (1 young one sitting watching us just outside Paul Stanley),Wren,Dunnock, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Chiffchaff, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, adults and young of Willow, Great, Blue and Long-tailed Tit, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, Bullfinch and Greenfinch. | The weather was mixed with one short shower but beautiful sunlight after 8.30. Quite windy most of the time. Eight people came along for the walk. Thank you. | Peter Gibbon |
| 758 | 20/06/2008 | 1 Black-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe Island at 12:00 hr also here 2 Greylag Geese, and the 2 Common Terns still on the raft. At Paul Stanley a Common Sandpiper on the raft also 3 Gadwall. | Female Broad-bodied Chaser near Wildlife Centre and several Azure Damselflies on the pond. | Clive Ashton |
| 759 | 23/06/2008 | A very windy day but turned out better than originally thought. Numerous Swifts, House and Sand Martins around the Sheepwash and Paul Stanley hides. Coot, Moorhen, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Wood Pigeon, Canada Geese, Mute Swan, Carrion Crow, Lapwing, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Pied Wagtail, Chaffinch and then outside The Paul Stanley hide 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers perching on the tree aswell as eating from the feed. They we're there for at least 45mins until getting bullied away by 2 vocal Great Tits. | There was also a water rat outside the Paul Stanley hide! | Tom Kitchen |
| 760 | 23/06/2008 | Barnacle Goose on Island by the Wildlife Centre Hide, Bullfinch (male and female) on feeders on the path near Lane End Hide and a Little Ringed Plover on Stones Island. | A pleasant warm, dry, calm day after the last few, ideal for one of my infrequent visits. | Malcolm Macdonald |
| 761 | 23/06/2008 | Great Crested Grebe with 1 juvenile at Wildlife Centre, also there was 2 Gadwall, 2 Common Terns. 5 juvenile Pied Wagtails by visitor centre and 3 more at Sheepwash. 5 Redshank, 4 Oystercatchers, Little Ringed Plover, 3 Buzzards, 2 Ravens. Plenty of the usual warblers inc Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Chiff Chaff, Willow Warbler and Whitethroat. Also of note was a Fox cub at the Wildlife Centre early morning. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 762 | 23/06/2008 | Taken from the Wildlife Centre logbook:A male Sparrowhawk and a Kingfisher. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 763 | 23/06/2008 | Thirty nine species of bird identified around midday. OF NOTE: An adult Great Crested Grebe with one juvenile (Wildlife Centre Creek, WCC), Oystercatcher (4), Lapwing (2), Redshank (3) - Horseshoe Island, Common Tern (2 - one on raft and the other fishing, mainly around Stones Island), Sand Martin (1), Song Thrush (2), Whitethroat (2) - edge of WCC, also Garden | Ray and Margaret Perry | |
| 764 | 24/06/2008 | 1 common sandpiper 1 little ringed plover 4 gadwall 8 mute swan 2 redshank 1 oystercatcher 1 great crested grebe 1 chick | . | abb tom wareham |
| 765 | 25/06/2008 | A pair of Common Sandpiper at Paul Stanley, later 2 also from WLC and 1 Little Ringed Plover. | . | James Owen |
| 766 | 28/06/2008 | Of note from Wildlife Centre this morning: 2 Oystercatcher, 16 Lapwing, 12 Black-headed Gull, 3 Common Terns. | . | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 767 | 29/06/2008 | 1 black talied gotwit 1 sparrowhawk | . | abb tom wareham |
| 768 | 30/06/2008 | The common terns on the Wildlife Centre raft have at least one chick | . | Amanda Lynnes |
| 769 | 01/07/2008 | Black-tailed Godwit at Wildlife Centre Ad. or near ad. Yellow-legged Gull at Paul Stanley,also present here a Ringed Plover, and a Little Ringed Plover.Female Sparrowhawk flew past Paul Stanley flushing waders and Wagtails ,and landed briefly on the stones infront of the hide. Juv. birds at Paul Stanley incuded Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail,Gt.Spotted Woodpecker and a family of Gt. Tits. | At least 10 Ringlet butterflies and a couple of Meadow Browns in the meadow between Sheepwash and Paul Stanley. | Clive Ashton |
| 770 | 01/07/2008 | Barn Owl quartered in front of Sheepwash car park and soon after passed by with prey. Black-tailed Godwit still present toward dusk. Two Common Tern flew over the path in the direction of Shiningford Farm, with at least one still on the raft. | The Barn Owl left many a stunned ABB/RSPB/SWT volunteer during the guided walk given to us by the ranger. Brilliant views, brilliant timing! | James Owen |
| 771 | 01/07/2008 | Greenshank at the Wildlife Centre, also there was 2 Greylag Geese and a pair of Common Terns with at least one young on the raft. Birds from Paul Stanley include sub adult Yellow Legged Gull, Tufted Duck with 7 young, juv Great Spotted Woodpecker, c 40 Black Headed Gulls with several juveniles. | In field between P. Stanley and Sheepwash was at least 15 Ringlet Butterflys. | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 772 | 04/07/2008 | Black-tailed Godwit still Horseshoe late evening. 8 Common Scoter in centre of res also late evening. | Very brief visit..... Noted a very odd juv Tree sparrow on Sunday, seemed to show some features of a hybrid Tree/House Sparrow, eg strong supercillium as in female House, but cheek spots etc as a Tree, need more reasearch. | Steph' Hicking |
| 773 | 04/07/2008 | 2 Whimbrel on Horseshoe Island this afternoon. | Plenty of Meadow Brown and Ringlet butterflies also a Red Admiral at Millfields. | Clive Ashton |
| 774 | 06/07/2008 | Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Tufted Duck Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Jay, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Collared Dove, Wood Pigeon, Common Tern, Common Sandpiper, Little Ring Plover, Carrion Crow, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe. Cormorant, Heron, Buzzard | . | Tom Kitchen |
| 775 | 07/07/2008 | The pair of Common Terns on the raft at the Wildlife Centre now have 2 chicks, Yellow Legged Gull still around Paul Stanley hide area, 36 Mute Swans inc broods of 4,3 and 1, 3 Buzzards, 2 Ravens, Kestrel, 4 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshanks, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Grey Wagtails, Tufted Duck with 7 young, drake Teal, 2 adult Common Gulls, c100 Swifts through. | Also 10 Ringlets again in field between P.Stanley and Sheepwash hides. | Dave Newcombe |
| 776 | 08/07/2008 | 1 sparrowhawk 1 kestrel 1 buzzard 2 common tern with 2 chicks 3 oystercatcher 2 teal 4 gadwall 1 fox | . | tom wareham abb |
| 777 | 08/07/2008 | mallard duckling caught by red fox at wildlife centre | . | simon jackson |
| 778 | 13/07/2008 | 1 goldfinch 1 little grebe with 1 egg outside the wlc 4 oystercatcher 1 common gull | . | abb tom wareham |
| 779 | 13/07/2008 | 2 Black Tailed Godwits at Paul Stanley, Oystercatcher, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Coot, Moorhen, Great Crested Grebe, Swift, House Martin, Mallard, Cormorant, Heron, Canada Geese, Black Headed Gull, Carrion Crow. | . | Tom Kitchen/Sophie Denley Hunt |
| 780 | 14/07/2008 | An unseasonal drake Wigeon was seen from Sheepwash hide but flew down Hopton arm after being flushed by a boat. Also present was a Shelduck, drake Shoveler, 4 Teal, Buzzard, male Sparrowhawk, Little Ringed Plover and a Curlew on Stones Island. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 781 | 15/07/2008 | 3 redshank 2 common tern 2 bullfinch 4 oystercatcher little grebe with 3 eggs 1 buzzard 1 sparrowhawk | . | abb tom wareham |
| 782 | 16/07/2008 | Common Sandpiper at Wildlife Centre, 6 Ravens from Sheepwash presumably the adults and 4 young from Carsington, 3+ Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Dunlin, Linnet with Goldfinches on Sheepwash spit, ad Pied Wagtails with 3 juveniles and female Tufted Duck with 7 juveniles both P.Stanley, Yellow Legged Gull on Sailing club island, many Swifts and House Martins moving through in their hundreds, Mallard with 7 very fresh young at Wildlife centre. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 783 | 18/07/2008 | From the Wildlife Centre a male Linnet was on horseshoe Island,at least one Common Tern chick was visible.A short walk into the creek produced a family of Long tailed Tits, with at least 6 youngsters sunning themselves on a branch also 2 Treecreepers. From Paul Stanley the 2 Greylags still with a large gathering of Canada Geese,a partially leucistic Carrion Crow flew over the hide and 2 Curlew flew South down the reservoir. | Still lots of Meadow Browns and some Ringlets around.Numbers of Ringlets appear to have fallen however the brambles near the wood on the way down to Sheepwash hide provided 4 or 5. | Clive Ashton |
| 784 | 19/07/2008 | No message | does anyone know how many eggs the little grebe have the last time i looked they 3 thats infront of the wlc | tom wareham |
| 785 | 20/07/2008 | approx 30 Barnacle Geese swimming towards Millfields along the dam wall in a group of 20 and then a group of 10 at about 13:30 and 13:45 respectively | the group of 10 had 1 juvenile bird among them | Simon Jackson |
| 786 | 21/07/2008 | Peregrine seen from Sheepwash, also 1 seen by two observers in the morning. Drake Common Scoter, Common Sandpiper, 2 adult Common Terns but only 1 young at the Wildlife Centre, 2 Buzzards, 2 Ravens, Kestrel, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Greylag Geese. | Butterflies include Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper and Speckled Wood | Dave Newcombe |
| 787 | 22/07/2008 | 1 peregrine falcon 1 greenfinch 1 goldfinch 4 linnet 2 common tern 9 oystercatcher 2 teal 2 bullfinch 1 willow warbler | the little grebe r building a new nest outside the wlc | abb tom wareham |
| 788 | 23/07/2008 | Both Male and Female Sparrowhawk, 2 probable Common Scoter(very distant), 6 Pochard, Gadwall, 7 Linnet, Little Ringed Plover, Yellow Legged Gull, 2 broods of Tufted duck, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Chiff Chaff, 2 Common Terns with a juvenile which was in the water between the raft and Horseshoe Island. | Butterflies include many Meadow Browns, few Ringlets, c6 Gatekeepers and 2 or 3 Small Skippers. | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 789 | 23/07/2008 | Short visit. Only viewed from the visitor centre to the Wildlife Centre. Very few species were seen but the following were of interest: Mute Swan with 2 cygnets, Lapwings, Common Tern - 2 adults plus one chick on raft and Peregrine. | Two female Common Hawker dragonflies seen. Plants: 20 species identified. The following in flower, have not been recorded recently on site: Black Medick, Rose-bay Willowherb, Great Willowherb, Red-dead Nettle, Nipplewort, Groundsel and Meadow Sweet. A Titteswoth Snippet: Up to two Little Egrets are seen each day. A Greenshank shows quite frequently. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 790 | 29/07/2008 | 1 Black Tern feeding with 9 Common Terns off Stones Island, plus 14 Common Terns roosting in front of Sailing Club at 0800hrs. No sign at 0930hrs. 5 Common Scoters off Stones Island. Greenshank over Stones Is. Near adult Yellow-legged Gull at PS Hide. | Overnight rain probably brought the terns and scoters in. Still slight rain at 0800hrs then sunny by 0900hrs and terns moved on. | Roger Carrington |
| 791 | 29/07/2008 | 5 Common Scoters remained throughout the day, also a Peregrine was chased away by the nesting Common Terns around midday over the WLC. The Yellow-legged Gull lingered at PS hide through the morning until shooed away from the raft by Cormorants. By afternoon 1 Black-tailed Godwit at WLC, later 1 at PS hide (probably the same bird). | . | James Owen (ABB) |
| 792 | 30/07/2008 | 2 Common Terns with 1 young at the Wildlife centre, 7 Pochard, 5 Linnet, 2 Common Sandpiper, Black Tailed Godwit, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Little Grebe young at last! A pair with 3 young at Sheepwash, although it appeared that 1 had been lost by the end of the day. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 793 | 30/07/2008 | A short visit around midday. Only 28 species of bird identified. OF NOTE: Mute Swan (24), Redshank (1), Common Tern (1), Pied Wagtail (10 including juveniles): Warblers:- Blackcap, Willow Warbler & Chiffchaff - heard only (on Stones Island), Bullfinch (1 male) - on feeding station at the Wildlife Centre (WC). | At or near pond by WC: Azure damselflies, Common Hawker dragonfly (female), Water Boatmen. Butterflies: Gatekeeper, Small Copper, Peacock, Green-veined White. Plants in flower: 32 species identified including the following not previously reported: Redshank (Stones Island - water's edge), Great Reedmace or Bullrush (WC pond), Upright Hedge-parsley (by footpaths), Water Mint (WC pond), Common St John's-wort (Stones Island), Common Marsh Bedstraw (by footpaths}, White Dead-nettle (by boardwalk near WC). A Tittesworth Snippet: There are now three Little Egrets on the Conservation Pool. Also present are a Common Sandpiper and two Little Ringed Plovers. Two Peregrine young have fledged successfully on the nearby Roaches. Brilliant news! | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 794 | 03/08/2008 | MALLARD,PIED WAGTAIL,SAND MARTIN,SWALLOW,GOLDFINCH,BLACKBIRD,LBB GULL,HERON,HOUSE MARTIN,CANADA,MUTE,COMMON TERN, LITTLE GREBE,COOT,TUFTED DUCK,GREAT CRESTED GREBE,MOORHEN | ALL ON DAVES BIRD WALK | TED |
| 795 | 04/08/2008 | 1 redstart, 1 linnet, 3 common tern, 1 dunlin, 2 bullfinch, 1 willow warbler. | . | abb tom wareham |
| 796 | 04/08/2008 | Peregrine, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 5 Raven, Yellow-Legged Gull, 2 juvenile Goldcrests, 3 Common Sandpipers, 5 Linnets, 2 adult Common Terns and 1 young, 4 Tufted Duck broods of 7/6/6/2, Kingfisher, Moorhen with 3 fresh young, Willow Warbler singing, Whitethroat, c300 Jackdaws. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 797 | 04/08/2008 | Few birds found today. Very few are singing at the moment. OF NOTE: Mute Swan (25 adults plus cygnets), Grey Heron (1) - close to the Wildlife Centre, harrassed and driven away by screeching Black-headed Gulls, Tufted Duck - including 5 ducklings, Lapwing (3) - including a juvenile, Common Tern (2), Dunnock - one heard using its contact call, Garden Warbler (1). | Common Blue damselfly - one male and 3 females, Butterflies: Green-veined and Large Whites, Small Copper and Gatekeeper. Bumble Bees: Buff-tailed, Red-tailed and the Common Carder Bee (also a bumble bee). Plants in flower: Thirty two species identified. A similar range to that noted in the last few weeks but in addition Smooth Sow-thistle (by Stones Island causeway)and Short-fruited Willowherb (by the footpaths) were found. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 798 | 10/08/2008 | 1 peregrine falcon, 1 shelduck, 1 willow warbler, 1 willow tit, 1 greenfinch, 1 coal tit, 2 raven, 1 buzzard, 1 kestrel, 1 redshank, 1 sparrowhawk, 2 bullfinch, 2 linnet, 2 goldfinch, 1 herring gull, 1 lesser black backed gull, 14 cormorant, 2 pied wagtail, 1 grey wagtail, 2 redstart, swift, swallow, house martin, 4 blackbird, robin, wren, blue tit, great tit, canada goose, collared dove, wood pigeon, 1 rabbit. | . | abb tom wareham |
| 799 | 11/08/2008 | Peregrine being mobbed by Black Headed Gulls at the Wildlife Centre, Sparrowhawk, 4 Buzzards, Kestrel, Yellow-Legged Gull, 2 Gadwall, Teal, 7 Swifts, 5 Linnets, 4 juvenile Goldfinches, 2 Common Sandpipers, 5 broods of Tufted Duck of 8/7/5/5/2, juvenile Little Grebe, 31 Mute Swans including 3 juveniles, Willow Tit. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 800 | 11/08/2008 | Very quiet on site today. That is bird's are not singing very much, which means that woodland birds are harder to find. OF NOTE: Mute Swan (20 adults) - off Sailing Club Island; Tufted Duck - 6 ducklings off Stones Island: Lapwing (~60)- Horseshoe Island [this species is increasing in numbers]; Black-headed Gull (3 juveniles) - Horseshoe Island; Collared Dove (7); SWIFT (1); Pied Wagtail - 5 juveniles on Stones Island; Willow Warbler (1) - identified by contact call on Stones Island. | Common blue damselfly (1 male).Butterflies: Small Copper, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper (many), Green-veined, Small and Large Whites, Peacock and Red Admiral.Plants in flower:30 species identified. The following have not previously been reported: Great Plantain (near post 5C), Hedge Bindweed (a white convolvulus [bell shaped]) - in various hedges, and Great Burnet (open patches of grassland/meadow near wildlife centre). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 801 | 12/08/2008 | 1 kingfisher, 1 redstart, 3 bullfinch, 20 goldfinch, 1 whitethroat, 25 mute swan, 3 linnet, 1 kestrel, 1 sparrowhawk. | . | abb tom wareham |
| 802 | 13/08/2008 | Spotted Flcatcher with two juveniles,Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff at Shiningford Inlet | . | John Mowbray |
| 803 | 13/08/2008 | Female Red Crested Pochard, 2 Shoveler, 6 Gadwall, Sparrowhawk, several Linnets, 36 Mute Swans including 6 juveniles, 2 Buzzards. Walking along shiningford creek and almost stood on a Housemartin, it was just sitting on the main path. As I bent down to pick it up, it flew off and looked fine. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 804 | 17/08/2008 | 2 Black Terns,1 Ringed Plover,1 Common Sandpiper,7 Gadwall,5 Teal,1 Wigeon,1 Commic Tern,1 Kingfisher,Nuthatch,Raven,Sparrowhawk,Swift. | The Black Terns flew past Sheepwash, at 09:30, down to Millfields, but were later seen from the Wildlife Centre. | Clive Ashton |
| 805 | 17/08/2008 | 2 black tern, 1 common sandpiper, 1 kingfisher, 2 peregrine falcon, 2 bullfinch, 3 greenfinch, 2 goldfinch, 6 linnet, 2 kestrel, 1 willow warbler, 2 redstart, 1 buzzard, 4 little grebe, 3 teal, 1 pochard, 2 gadwall, swift, sand martin, house martin, swallow . | . | abb tom wareham |
| 806 | 18/08/2008 | Yellow-Legged Gull, 2 Common Terns, 7 Gadwall, 3 Teal, 2 Wigeon, 7 Grey Herons flying high West, Kingfisher, Curlew, 2 Swifts, 8 Goldfinches inc 4 juveniles, female Bullfinch feeding 2 juveniles, 3 Buzzards, 2 Little Grebe broods of 2&2. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 807 | 18/08/2008 | 1 Grey Wagtail in Millfields, also Tufted Duck with 6 small chicks. 3 Linnet and 4 Meadow Pipit on dam wall, 7 Heron west over Stones Island around midday, 1 Willow Tit near Shiningford Creek. WLC: 1 Kestrel, 2 Common Tern (morning only). PS Hide: 1 Wigeon, 5 Gadwall, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker. | . | James Owen |
| 809 | 18/08/2008 | The following were recorded in the wildlife centre logbook but do not appear on the the website: Ringed Plover (1) - Stones Island, Commic Tern (1) - Stones Island. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 810 | 18/08/2008 | Fairly quiet on site today. Very dull. Just 32 bird species identified around midday. OF NOTE: Mute Swan (25), Teal (3), Kestrel (1), Lapwing (58), Swift (1), House Martin (~15) and Willow Warbler (2 heard). | Because it was very overcast few butterflies were on the wing. Only the Green-veined White was positively identified. Plants in flower: 27 species were identified. The only species not previously reported was the BULBOUS RUSH.A Tittesworth Snippet: Recent sightings have included 3 Buzzards (a family party), two Grey Herons, Willow Warbler and several Northern Wheater just off site around the Roaches. A male Southern Hawker dragonfly was found by the River Churnet. Many blue Harebell plants - in flower, were found by the footpath leading to the Churnet. Flowering Fat Hen was found by the Blackshaw Lane road bridge. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 811 | 19/08/2008 | 2 common sandpiper 1 redstart 3 13 goldfinch 2 bullfinch 1 kestrel 1 sparrowhawk 3 teal 2 gadwall 1 song thrush | . | abb tom wareham |
| 812 | 20/08/2008 | Juvenile Black Tern off Stones Island present at 08.30 and still there at 17.30, juv female Peregrine also from Stones Island c15.30, Yellow-Legged Gull, 40+ Goldfinches including 25+ juveniles, 7 Linnets, Common Sandpiper, Kingfisher, Sparrowhawk, 9 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 813 | 22/08/2008 | 1 Red-crested Pochard (eclipse male) at WLC until mid-afternoon, Kingfisher at WLC and PS Hide. Also, 3 Linnet, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Redshank, 2 Teal, c.30 Lapwing from PS Hide, Tufted Duck with 5 young, 3 Gadwall | . | James Owen (ABB) |
| 814 | 23/08/2008 | 1 Little Egret flew from far side of reservoir oposite WLC, then landed briefly on Horeshoe Island, only to be mobbed by Lapwing, then flew off high towards the Visitor Centre. Was not found afterwards. This was approximately 10.40am this morning. | Very little else about this morning. | Richard and frances Pittam |
| 815 | 26/08/2008 | A Turnstone was infront of the sailing club at 09:00,6 Shelduck at Sheepwash at 10:00,Red crested Pochard at Wildlife centre, also Common Sandpiper,Grey Wagtail,13+ Gadwall and Kingfisher. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 816 | 26/08/2008 | WLC: Red Crested Pochard still, 2 Kingfisher, 1 Jay, 1 Bullfinch Also, 1 Common Sandpiper at PS Hide, 1 Redshank, 2 Raven, 1 Buzzard, c.300 Jackdaw 2 Willow Tit in WLC Creek | Osprey noted in PS sightings log for 25th. | James Owen |
| 817 | 26/08/2008 | A low species count mainly because woodland birds have stopped singing and are, therefore, harder to pinpoint in the thick leaf foliage. The Robin has just started to sing again after re-feathering. OF NOTE: Mute Swan (22), Gadwall (Horseshoe Island), Red-crested Pochard (eclipse male) - off Horseshoe Island, Tufted Duck - many but one adult with four tiny ducklings off Stones Island and House Martin (100 ) - hunting over the visitor centre at noon. | This year butterfly numbers are down due to unfavourable weather conditions. The coloured species have suffered the most thus the white species are most often seen. Today a solitary Green-veined White was found on Stones Island.Plants in flower: Thirty species were identified. Most species are almost over now. The following species have not been previously reported: Water Figwort (or Water Betony) - with maroon flowers | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 818 | 01/09/2008 | Redshank from PS Hide. Grey Herron very close to PS Hide Great Spotted Woodpecker in the trees on the path back to the carpark | very wet at times | J Walters |
| 819 | 02/09/2008 | 2 juvenile Shags on roof of draw-off/control tower from 6pm to dusk, viewed from Millfields car park. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 820 | 03/09/2008 | 2 juvenile Shags still present around Millfields/dam wall area, 3 Wheatears and 2 Linnets on dam wall, c30 Wigeon, Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 821 | 04/09/2008 | 2 Juv Shags still off the Millfields end of the Dam, near the draw off tower. | . | Steph Hicking |
| 822 | 04/09/2008 | Osprey flew past Sheepwash spit 15:00 and then low over water, legs outstretched, but caught nothing. It then headed towards Blackwall plantation,before turning and circling high up then lost to sight over Warrington knob 15:15. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 823 | 06/09/2008 | 1 Grey Phalarope briefly from Millfields carpark at 1435. Single Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail and Kingfiser along the dam wall; Common Sandpiper on the water treatment works. An Osprey flew SW at 1700, seen from Sheepwash hide, over Millfields/dam wall area (also seen by Richard Lowe). | . | Simon Roddis |
| 824 | 07/09/2008 | 1 peregrine falcon, 1 kestrel, 5 pochard, 4 teal, 3 gadwall, 2 bullfinch, 12 goldfinch, 4 snipe, 3 buzzard, 1 redstart, 8 cormorants, 1 yellow legged gull . | . | abb tom wareham |
| 825 | 08/09/2008 | 2 Juvenile Shags at Millfields around draw off tower, 5 Linnets and a Wheatear on dam wall. Adult male White Wagtail, 2 Shoveler, Pintail, Peregrine, 3 Buzzards, Kingfisher, Yellow Legged Gull. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 826 | 08/09/2008 | Taken from the logbook as previously unreported on this website: Greylag Goose (1), Red-crested Pochard (1), Snipe (6), Common Tern (1). | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 827 | 08/09/2008 | Rather dull today but thankfully no rain. OF NOTE:Cormorant (10) - from Wildlife Centre hide (WC). Greylag Goose (1) - Horseshoe Island (HI). Gadwall (1 female) - from WC. Teal (20 ) - HI. Peregrine (1) - consuming prey on pylon! Snipe (3) - HI. Willow Warbler (1 heard) - near WC. Goldfinch (flock of ~ 20) - Stones Island. Bullfinch (2) - near WC.Seen by another observer: Long-tailed Tit (10 ). | Insects:Odonata: Southern Hawker dragonfly (2 females). Common Blue damselfly (1).Butterflies: Meadow Brown, Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White and Small Copper.Bees: Buff-tailed and Red-tailed bumblebees. Common Carder bee.Plants: 36 species in flower or showing berries.Species showing berries - a sure sign that autumn has arrived: Spindle Tree, Guelder Rose, Woody Nightshade, Dog Rose (hips), Hawthorn (haws), Elder, Rowan, Tutsan and Bramble (or Blackberry).No new species in flower. Most are almost over. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 828 | 09/09/2008 | Hobby flew south over the WLC at 17:50 and kept going. 2 Shags still present on draw off tower, sometimes fishing near dam wall. 6 Linnet on dam wall.3 drake Common Scoter briefly off Stones Island, but flushed by a boat and not refound as bad weather took hold. WLC 10:30-15:30: 1 Kingfisher, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Common Snipe, 1 Redshank, 2 Gadwall, 6 Cormorant, 4 Bullfinch, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Raven (doing aerobatics distant over Shiningford Farm), c.40 Goldfinch, Tufted Duck female with 3 young.Sheepwash: 3 Shoveler, 9 Wigeon.PS Hide: 1 Yellow-legged Gull on Flat Island (9:00) | Not able to verify if that's one individual or two different YL Gulls, but both practically full adults. | James Owen (ABB) |
| 829 | 10/09/2008 | 2 juvenile Shags on draw off tower, 30 Wigeon, 16 Gadwall, 11 Pochard, c40 Teal, 5 Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, Kingfisher, c40 Siskin, c60 Goldfinches, 5 Meadow Pipits, Wheatear, 3 Linnets, c10 Chiff Chaffs, Willow Tit. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 830 | 14/09/2008 | 2 juv. shags on Draw-off tower from 10.00am. 20 Wigeon from Sheepwash hide. | . | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 831 | 15/09/2008 | WeBS count for September :29 Mute Swan, 223 Canada Goose, 1 Shelduck, 132 Wigeon, 16 Gadwall, 66 Teal, 148 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 39 Pochard, 512 Tufted Duck, 39 Little Grebe, 31 Great Crested Grebe, 45 Cormorant, 2 Shag, 2 Grey Heron, 31 Moorhen, 1,292 Coot, 178 Lapwing, 3 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull and 1 Black Tern (24 Species and 2,795 birds) | Done between 7.30 and 10.30 after early fog disappeared. | Peter Gibbon |
| 832 | 15/09/2008 | 2 juvenile Shags still around draw off tower at Millfields end of dam wall. 227 Wigeon, 55 Teal, 3 Buzzards, 3 Willow Tits, Knot at P. Stanley hide, Kingfisher, Meadow Pipit. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 833 | 15/09/2008 | 36 species seen from the Wildlife Centre (WC) and Stones Island(SI) early pm. Mainly cloudy but an occasional burst of sunshine. Of note: Cormorant (28) - seen from WC. Grey Heron (1) - SI. Greylag Goose (1) - Sailing Club Island. Gadwall (12) - off Horseshoe Island (HI). Snipe (2) - HI. Swallow (1) - from WC. Robin (one juvenile) - feeding at WC bird table. Willow Warbler (1) - SI. Raven (1) - flying over the reservoir. | Odonata: Southern Hawker dragonfly, Common Blue damselfly. Bees: Common Carder bee, Buff-tailed & Red-tailed bumblebees, Honey bee and Tawny Mining bee - on a Sedum (prob Autumn Joy) outside WC. Plants not previously reported: Gipsywort and Smooth Sow-thistle - both on SI. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 835 | 23/09/2008 | WLC: 1 juv Peregrine, 10 Snipe, 1 Kestrel, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Greenfinch, c.40 Goldfinch, 3 Swallow, 1 Fox.Sheepwash/PS Hide: 1 Pintail among the Wigeon, 2 Buzzard, 1 Yellow-legged Gull. | Peregrine thrilled a class of schoolkids, stooping 5 or 6 times at a plucky Lapwing in front of the WLC.Fox sunbathed on opposite bank on and off from 11 to 3. | James Owen (ABB) |
| 836 | 23/09/2008 | Quiet on site today. Few people and few bird species. Duck species: Mallard, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Gadwall and Teal. The only wader species was Lapwing. A few Swallows seen. The last gasp of summer? | Today was the Autumn Equinox. Because the atmosphere bends the sun's rays daylight hours are slightly longer than night time hours. The good weather around the Autumn Equinox suggests, but does not guarantee, a reasonably pleasant autumn and early winter. We shall see! | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 837 | 28/09/2008 | 1 peregrine falcon, 1 sparrowhawk, 2 kestrel, 1 kingfisher, 2 bullfinch, 1 greenfinch, 5 goldfinch, 18 wigeon, 10 teal, 3 gadwall, 1 lbb gull, 4 snipe, 3 rook, 1 buzzard, 1 raven, 8 long-tailed tit, 2 grey wagtail, 6 cormorants . | . | abb tom wareham |
| 838 | 29/09/2008 | From Wildlife Centre: Cormorant (14), Wigeon (6), Gadwall (12), Common Pochard (2 males). A Sparrowhawk seen feeding on prey on the grassy bank of dam wall. Attacked by another Sparrowhawk. The skirmish lasted just seconds. The attacker then flew off. Both thought to be juveniles. A well developed juvenile Moorhen seen begging food from an adult but was unsuccessful. Lapwing (1), Yellow-legged Gull (1) and a juvenile Dunnock at the feeding station. | Speckled Wood butterfly | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 840 | 05/10/2008 | 1 lesser black backed gull 1 kingfisher 1 kestrel 4 snipe 1 herring gull 1 fox 11 cormorant 7 mute swan | . | abb tom wareham |
| 841 | 06/10/2008 | Red Legged Partridge on Sheepwash spit, 2 Skylarks over Stones island, Redwing over Watersports, 4 Buzzards, 2 Ravens, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, 3 Snipe. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 842 | 06/10/2008 | Thirty four species of bird identified around midday. Of note: Sparrowhawk (2), Kestrel (2) and Peregrine (1) - seen from Wildlife Centre perching on top of a nearby pylon. Also Lapwing (3), Snipe (1), Long-tailed Tit (1), and Linnet (10) - flying over Stones Island. | Southern Hawker dragonfly (female). Small White butterfly. The spring/summer flowering season is all but over. However, the odd specimen of 11 plant species still in flower was noted, including Water Forget-me-not (blue), Meadow Vetchling (yellow) and Oxeye Daisy (white). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 843 | 08/10/2008 | Common Scoter | 8-20 am . 4 in flight from Millfields Spit going north. Later 2 on 'beach' just south of Oldfield Lane. | dave williams |
| 844 | 08/10/2008 | 2 Chiff Chaffs singing, 1 at Millfields and 1 on Shiningford creek, 4 Meadow Pipits on dam wall, 2 Raven, 3 Buzzards, 2 Pintail, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, male Sparrowhawk, 2 Willow Tits, 53 Cormorants, Grey Heron. Also reported were 2 Yellow-Legged Gulls(RMRJ) | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 845 | 12/10/2008 | 3 fox 1 greenfinch 1 goldfinch 14 teal 23 wigeon 13 pochard 3 snipe 1 grey heron 11 cormorant 1 kestrel 2 buzzard 1 lesser black backed gull 6 long tailed tits | . | abb tom wareham |
| 846 | 13/10/2008 | WeBS count for October : 31 Mute Swan, 72 Canada Goose, 295 Wigeon, 23 Gadwall, 51 Teal, 57 Mallard, 33 Pochard, 466 Tufted Duck, 33 Little Grebe, 39 Great Crested Grebe, 44 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 26 Moorhen, 671 Coot, 59 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 2 Kingfisher, 42 Black-headed Gull, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Kestrel. | For the first time I submitted a record to the BTO that said count accuracy was not OK due to the mist that covered some areas throughout the morning. So figures will be an under estimation. | Peter Gibbon |
| 847 | 13/10/2008 | Extremely quiet on site today. Weather mild but a breeze blowing across Stones Island. Of note: Common Pochard (10), Kestrel (1), Sparrowhawk (1), Lapwing (40) - on Horseshoe Island, Collared Dove (6) - using the Wildlife Centre feeding station, Robin - very many singing, some just a few feet away ignoring us humans! Linnet (2). | Butterflies: Comma (3) - by Wildlife Centre; Red Admiral. Dragonflies: Southern Hawker (male), Common Darter (male). Honey Bee. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 848 | 17/10/2008 | 3 large ducks in front of Sheepwash Hide at 1215hrs. Looked like dark Ruddy/Cape Shelduck type, may well be 1 adult male plus 2 juvenile female Paradise Shelducks, presumed escapees [from New Zealand!]. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 849 | 17/10/2008 | No message | Roger, re the 3 ducks at Sheepwash.These are probably the 3 that have been at Wyver Lane for a month or two. | Clive Ashton |
| 850 | 18/10/2008 | 1 probable Yellow-legged Gull adult at ca 6pm, in the large gull roost. Seen from the central hide. | . | Paul Mollatt |
| 851 | 19/10/2008 | 6 dunlin 1 lesser black backed gull 1 raven 3 kestrel 1 buzzard 3 goldfinch 2 snipe 4 rook 1 goldeneye 5 long tailed tits 30 wigeon 11 teal 5 pochard 1 bullfinch | . | tom wareham abb |
| 852 | 28/10/2008 | The 3 Cape/Paradise Shelducks on Flat Island this morning, plus 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull. 1 Nuthatch on PS Hide bird table, and c.20 Siskin outside. 10+ Redwing in the Shiningford Farm area. 1 Peregrine late afternoon mobbed by gull flock, plus 1 Kestrel (m),3 Snipe and 1 Jay at Wildlife Centre. | . | James Owen |
| 853 | 29/10/2008 | Great Northern Diver infront of Lane End early afternoon. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 854 | 30/10/2008 | Well over 1000 Coot seen in Wildlife Centre Creek from the centre. About 20 Lapwings present by the creek and one Dunlin was seen to fly from Horseshoe Island to the end of the creek. Two other birders reported to us that they had seen a Great Northern Diver near Lane Ends hide late in the morning. They had been alerted to its presence by pager. | A Little Owl was seen on top of a small barn at Pikehall, about six miles north of the site. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 855 | 03/11/2008 | 2 Kingfishers showing well and hovering near Paul Stanley this morning and a Turnstone at Sheepwash. | . | Tony |
| 856 | 03/11/2008 | An interesting day, from Sheepwash:8 Common Scoter(7f,1m)a Turnstone showing very close infront of the hide,1 Redshank,1 Dunlin (later on Flat Island),1 Goldeneye,Kingfisher,Raven,Yellow-legged Gull. The Great Northern Diver, having kept itself hidden all day, suddenly appeared amongst the Gull roost at 16:00hr.Several hundred Starlings moving NE as darkness fell,probably attracted the interest of a Peregrine which flew low over the field on the way from Sheepwash hide. | A visitor also reported a Pintail from Lane End. | Clive Ashton |
| 857 | 03/11/2008 | Relatively quiet on site today. 36 species seen around midday. Of Note: Great Northern Diver (1) - fishing off Horseshoe Island; Common Pochard (1); Kestrel (1); Lapwing (~30); Redshank (2) - Wildlife Centre Creek; Fieldfare (~100) - off site near Longcliffe; Redwing (~30) - near Wildlife Centre; RAVEN (1) - calling over reservoir at about 12.30pm; Bullfinch (1 male). | Suprisingly quite a few Oxeye Daisy plants were seen on Horseshoe Island. The number of plants showing berries has dwindled. However, the following were noted: Guilder Rose, Dog Rose (hips) and Spindle Tree - part of the hedgerow system near the Watersports Centre. Spindle Tree berries are an attractive red/orange BUT are poisonous to humans! | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 858 | 04/11/2008 | 7(F) Common Scoter from Paul Stanley early morning, plus 1 adult Yellow-leg Gull and a Kingfisher. WLC: 3 Redshank, 4 Snipe, 8+ Lapwing, 1 Peregrine on pylons between flights over Horseshoe Island. Many Redwing and Fieldfare mainly between WLC and Shiningford Farm. | Surprisingly no Tree Sparrow seen during today's ABB. | James Owen |
| 859 | 05/11/2008 | 4 Goldeneye (3m and 1f) at Lane End hide, in company with large numbers of Coot, Dabchicks, Tufted ducks, Teal and Mallards. | . | Bob and Gill Smith |
| 860 | 09/11/2008 | Great Northern Diver - 2 off Stones Island this morning. | . | from Bird Guides this morning |
| 861 | 09/11/2008 | 2 great northern divers 5 siskin 1 bullfinch 1 dunlin 6 snipe 1 kestrel 1 sparrowhawk 4 redwing 3 goldfinch 1 common tern 1 lesser black backed gull 1 greenfinch | . | tom wareham abb |
| 862 | 10/11/2008 | Cold and dull on site today. OF NOTE: Great Northern Diver (1) - fishing of Horseshoe Island, Snipe (3) - on muddy edge of Wildlife Centre Creek, Pochard (10 males) - Horseshoe Island. | A Tittesworth Snippet: Seen yesterday. Redwing (40 ), Fieldfare (90 ), Willow Tit (2), Stonechat (1 female), Lesser Redpoll (5), Meadow Pipit (40 ), Snipe (4). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 863 | 11/11/2008 | 7 Female/immature Common Scoters from PS Hide. 3 Great Northern Divers showing around Stones Is area [Note that 4 were seen at same time yesterday] Adult Mediterranean Gull in roost from Lane End Hide. Several flocks of Starlings heading towards Shiningford Creek area at dusk. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 864 | 14/11/2008 | 1 Adult Ring billed Gull in roost, 3 Yellow Legged Gull (from Sheepwash/PSHide). 7 female Common Scoter, PSHide. 3 GN Divers (2 Stones, 1 Sheepwash/Lane Ends). Goosander (1 drake). 2 Kingfishers. Usual other suspects! | . | Steph' Hicking |
| 865 | 15/11/2008 | Adult Ring-billed Gull in front of Sheepwash at 1530hrs then flew to main gull roost off Lane End. Adult Mediterranean Gull on Flat Island 1515hrs, and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 7 female type Common Scoter. 2 Great Northern Divers. | A Common Snipe, race faeroeensis, was seen and photographed on Horseshoe Island today [by SM]. This race shows a more rufous plumage and finer barring on the mantle. | Roger Carrington |
| 866 | 16/11/2008 | Millfields:2 goldcrest, 12 Siskin Wildlife Centre:7 Snipe Visitor Centre:1 Waxwing | Waxwing found approx 10.15am in tree behind visotr centre, adj to Snugbury's Ice cream trailer. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 867 | 16/11/2008 | 2 waxwing near Kirk ireton village centre Friday 14th Nov. | . | Dave Williams |
| 868 | 17/11/2008 | Female Scaup near to Big Island and the seven Scoter still present. | This was in the morning during WeBS count. Full count to follow when figures added to John Bradley's half. | Peter Gibbon |
| 869 | 18/11/2008 | PS Hide - Willow Tit 1nr, Redshank 1nr, Greater Spotted WP 2nr male, plus usual suspects of Teal, Tufted Duck, Coot, Tits etc. WLC - Along with usuals, Common Snipe 1nr, Tree Sparrow 2nr, GN Diver 1nr at Water sports bay and then maybe same bird by Sailing club. Grey Wagtail 1nr (juv or female) in carpark. | Visibility quite poor. All sightings were conformed by others birders present. | David & Sue Edmonds |
| 870 | 18/11/2008 | WeBS count for November : 3 Great Northern Diver, 37 Great Crested Grebe, 80 Little Grebe, 62 Cormorant, 1 Heron, 26 Mute Swan, 56 canada Goose, 30+ Barnacle Goose, 152 Mallard, 75 Teal, 51 Gadwall, 341 Wigeon, 343 Tufted, 210 Pochard, 1 Scaup, 7 Scoter, 15 Goldeneye, Shoveller, 2175 Coot, 26 Moorhen, 274 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 1 Kingfisher, 30 Black-headed Gull, 81 Lesser Black-backed Gull and 1 Yellow-legged Gull. | . | Peter Gibbon & John Bradley |
| 871 | 22/11/2008 | From WLC:12 Snipe, including a rufous-coloured one (faroeensis?). Tree Sparrows, Redwing, Lapwing, Kingfisher, Kestrel, Redshank(3). Wildlife centre creek - 2 Tree Sparrows roosting in nestbox. Sheepwash: Bullfinch, Goldcrest, Treecreeper, 14 Goldeneye (6 male), 1 female Pintail, Teal, Pochard, Cormorant. | Cold wind today, but very sunny. Excellent close-up views of displaying male and female Goldeneye, from Sheepwash Hide. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 872 | 24/11/2008 | Of note: Great Northern Diver (1) - fishing off Horseshoe Island, Little Grebe (16) - very close together by Horseshoe Island, Barnacle Goose (46) - including one with a brown body! Kestrel (1), Lapwing (~60) - on Horseshoe Island, Snipe (5) - edge of Wildlife Centre Creek, Redshank (1) - close to the Snipe, Long-tailed Tit - two flocks, one of 9 and one of ~20. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 873 | 25/11/2008 | Female Scaup duck. Shingford Creek | . | Bob and Gill Smith |
| 874 | 25/11/2008 | 40 species seen at WLC during today's ABB, including 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Kingfisher (perching regularly toward Shiningford Creek), 2 Redshank, 10 Snipe, 1 Kestrel, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Goldeneye (toward fisheries), 15+ Little Grebe, and 1 Fox in the usual spot near the submerged fence posts. Also at Sheepwash, several Goldeneye, 1 Grey Wagtail. | . | James Owen |
| 875 | 01/12/2008 | Sunny but cold with occasional light snow showers. OF NOTE: Great Northern Diver (1) - off Horseshoe Island, Kestrel (1), Lapwing (1)!!, Redshank (2), Song Thrush (2), Bullfinch (3) - one male & two females. | A Tittesworth Snippet: On the 22nd November a Spotted Sandpiper was found - a North American vagrant. It has caused a major twitch in the last nine days. It has spent its time on the dam wall to the south of the site. It is a most confiding bird and has been photographed many times. Its identification has been confirmed. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 876 | 03/12/2008 | 20 + Goosander,(M & F), with Cormorants and a Redshank at Millfields Island. | . | Bob and Gill Smith |
| 877 | 05/12/2008 | 4 Great Northern Divers this morning at Stones/Lane End/Fishtail/Millfields [MAPass + RC]. 1 Female Scaup at Millfields. 2 Redshank. 3 Redpoll. 1 Skylark fly-over. 40 Redwing. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 878 | 07/12/2008 | 2 Herring Gull - Millfields 4 Redpoll - WLC Car park 4 Siskin - WLC path 1 Pink footed Goose - with 2 Canada Geese - WLC creek field (@ 09.40h). | . | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 879 | 09/12/2008 | 36nr Species recorded from 11:00hr to 16:00hr, Millfields, WLC, Paul Stanley Hide and Sheepwash Hide. Species included :- Great Northern Diver (1) - Millfields Grey Wagtail (2) - PS and Sheepwash hide Willow Tit (1) ‰ÛÒ PS hide Redshank (1) ‰ÛÒ PS hide Long tail Tit (7-8) ‰ÛÒ Sheepwash hide Goldeneye (2) ‰ÛÒ female at Millfields and Male at Sheepwash | Cold bright and clear day. Wonderful for birding, just not long enough daylight, but nice sunset. | David & Sue Edmonds |
| 880 | 09/12/2008 | 38 species seen from WLC during today's ABB, including 2 Great Northern Divers toward Watersports, 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull which attempted to take a Coot but failed. Also singles of Kingfisher, Redshank, Snipe, Buzzard, Song Thrush, plus 2 Pied Wagtail. 1 Fox again late morning by the posts. | . | James Owen (ABB) |
| 881 | 11/12/2008 | Apologies, forgot to also mention 1 Pink-footed Goose yesterday (the 10th). Associated mainly with Canada Geese, but also mixed with many Wigeon/Pochard/Tufted Ducks beyond Horseshoe Is. | . | James Owen (ABB) |
| 882 | 11/12/2008 | 2 Whooper Swans in front of Wildlife Centre. | . | From bird guides |
| 883 | 11/12/2008 | 11/12 18:14 DERBYSHIRE : Great Northern Diver, Carsington Water [A] adult and three juveniles; also 2 Scaup | . | From bird guides |
| 884 | 15/12/2008 | WeBS count for December : 10 Mute Swan, 192 Canada Goose, 406 Wigeon, 41 Gadwall, 90 Teal, 122 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 1 Shoveler, 308 Pochard, 844 Tufted Duck, 1 Common Scoter, 16 Goldeneye, 3 Great Northern Diver, 80 Little Grebe, 59 great Crested Grebe, 51 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 31 Moorhen, 1,825 Coot, 172 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 3 Buzzard, 2 Kestrel. | When putting these into the BTO web records it logged up that the following are unusually high : Pochard, Tufted Duck, Great Northern Diver, Little Grebe and Coot. Carsington continues to be a highlight spot. | Peter Gibbon & John Bradley |
| 885 | 15/12/2008 | 210 Pinkfeet flew low over Millfields at 1030hrs heading NW. 1 Chiffchaff near Warrington Knob. 1 Little Owl near the top of Oldfield Lane [just outside our recording area]. 1 Skylark fly-over. 2 Greylag Geese at Millfields. 3 G N Divers. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 886 | 15/12/2008 | OF NOTE: Six duck species noted including over 70 male Pochards, mostly in Shiningford Creek. Kestrel (1). Lapwing, 80+ on Horseshoe Island. Redshank (2) - seen from the Wildlife Centre, Snipe (7) - edge of Wildlife Centre Creek. Plants are coming back into life. Tiny catkins were noted and the Hawthorn is beginning to sprout new leaves. | A Tittesworth Snippet: Recent interesting sightings have included Scaup, Waxwings, Water Rail, Green Woodpecker, Tawny Owl, Crossbill, Jay, Marsh Tit, Raven and the long staying American vagrant, the Spotted Sandpiper, The sandpiper has been frequently reported as present on the dam wall area from the 22nd November until the 13th December. Hopefully it will continue to be on site as a Christmas present for any new observers. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 887 | 20/12/2008 | PS hide 3 Meadow Pipits, 2 Redshanks, 4 Lesser Black Backed Gulls plus all the usual suspects Sheepwash Hide 2 Redshanks, Teal, Little Grebes Vistor Centre At least 20 Snipe, Large number of Lapwing, Barnacle Geese visible in fields | . | Leslie Fisher |
| 888 | 22/12/2008 | Very quiet on site today. Of Note: Grey Heron (1), Sparrowhawk (1 male) - pursued by two Crows, Lapwing (well over 100) - Horseshoe Island, Snipe (10) - Horseshoe Island, Redshank (1) - edge of Wildlife Centre Creek and Collared Dove (14) - near the ranger station. The most impressive sight today was of over 1000 birds occupying Shiningford Creek - mainly Canada Geese, Barnacle Geese, Tufted Ducks and Common Pochard. | A Tittesworth update: The Spotted Sandpiper, which arrived on site on the 22nd November, is still present in the dam wall area. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 889 | 23/12/2008 | No message | . | abb tom wareham |
| 890 | 26/12/2008 | A cold but sunny Boxing Day. Of note: Great Northern Diver (1) - near Lane Ends hide, Coot (~600) between the Sailing Club and the Stones Island causeway, Lapwing (~200) - Horseshoe Island, Snipe (5) - Horseshoe Island, Redshank (2) - one on Horseshoe Island & one by Shiningford Creek, Redwing (4) - near the Wildlife Centre. | Off site: About 40 Fieldfares near Longcliffe. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 891 | 28/12/2008 | First visit for 3 years! 43 species seen, including: Bullfinch, Tree Sparrow, Reed Bunting, Willow Tit, Great-spotted Woodpecker, Pochard, Wigeon, Goldeneye, Little Grebe, Great-crested Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Pheasant, Teal, Lapwing, Long-tailed Tit, Redshank, Gadwall, Redwing, Song Thrush, and many others. | . | Peter Charlton |
| 892 | 28/12/2008 | At least one Snipe from the Wildlife Centre on the island in front, along with lots of Lapwing. From Sheepwash hide a presumed first winter Buzzard was seen on a pylon on the opposite bank. Also large buzzard was seen soaring on Western side of path by Sheepwash car park-again, presumed that it was the same. From Lane End Hide, lots on Goldeneye, Coot, and Wigeon in front, plus a Redshank on the bank just to the left side of the hide. Hundreds of coots in inlet by Sailing Club. | A person I met said that someone they had met had seen a Great Northern Diver earlier presumably between Lane End Hide and the Wildlife Centre. Had seen one weeks ago but could not find it. | C. Richards |
| 893 | 30/12/2008 | One Great Northern Diver very briefly seen off the right hand side of Sheepwash Hide. One Kestrel seen hovering by the path leading from Lane End Hide to the Wildlife Centre. From Lane End Hide, big flock of waterbirds directly in front, including Tufted Duck, Coot, and a Little Grebe. From about three o'clock onwards big passage of gulls moving down the reservoir. Poor views showed quite a few Common Gulls and also an immature Lesser Black-backed Gull. | . | Chris Richards |
| 894 | 30/12/2008 | 2 Great Northern Divers from Sheepwash, female Scaup from Paul Stanley, Peregrine over Horseshoe Island, 4 Snipe, 2 Redshanks, 12+ Goldeneye, 2 Sparrowhawks, Raven, 2 Grey Herons. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 895 | 31/12/2008 | 2 Snipe, plus 1 Goldeneye, 4 Long-tailed tits, 1 Song Thrush, 26 Lapwing, 65 Coot - all from the WLC | A very, very foggy day. | Richard, Frances and Ken Pittam |
| 897 | 01/01/2009 | 3 Great Northern Divers. Millfields Spit, Stones Island, Dam Wall. 1 drake Common Scoter PSHide/ Hopton Arm. 1 Female Scaup PSHide. Kingfisher, Buzzard, etc. 53 species by 1200hrs. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 898 | 02/01/2009 | From Paul Stanley Hide at around 1500 hours: Previously reported female Scaup not seen by me. The Common Scoter was still around, being seen most often c.20 metres off the far shore to the left of the island whilst diving a lot. Stunning views-albeit at 60x magnification! One Marsh/Willow Tit briefly seen by the feeders from the hide-I got too brief a look to tell but the chap next to me called it as a Willow Tit. Heard Willow Tit from nearby trees soon afterward. On the feeders were Blue Tit, Great Tit, and a host of Long-Tailed Tits. One Redshank browsing on the waterline just in front of the hide. Many hundreds of wildfowl on water in front, including Pochard, Wigeon, Coot, Tufted Duck. One Moorhen decided to come up to the bank just a few feet in front of the hide before rapidly deciding that it was a bad idea! On island directly in front were c. 20 Cormorant, along with about 50 Black-headed Gull and some Lesser Black-backed Gull. | Last visit for quite some time now-happy new year to all Carsington birders. | Chris Richards |
| 899 | 02/01/2009 | Of note: Great Northern Diver (2) - off Watersports Island & between Stones Island and Fishtail Creek. Grey Heron (1), Redshank (2), Fieldfare (1) and Redwing (1). | Seen on the way to Carsington at Pikehall: Common Buzzard (2) - one on a fence and one on the ground. Little Owl (1) - sitting on the roof of a small barn. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 900 | 05/01/2009 | 3 Great Northern Divers, drake Common Scoter, 2 Ravens, 2 Kestrels, female Sparrowhawk, 80 Redwings, 4 Fieldfare, 10 Song Thrush, 7 Bullfinch, 5 Reed Bunting, 3 Grey Herons, Kingfisher, 6 Goldeneye, also female Scaup reported by P.Bennet. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 901 | 07/01/2009 | From the Paul Stanley hide ca 3.15pm: Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult Goosander 7 Common Scoter 1 male Gadwall 1 pair | . | Paul Mollatt |
| 902 | 12/01/2009 | A miserable day weatherwise. Heavy mist/fog until gone midday, then heavy rain. From the wildlife centre only: Six species of duck. Lapwing (~100); Snipe (5) - Horseshoe Island; only two species of tit - Blue and Great; plenty of Chaffinches and Tree Sparrows; only one Great Crested Grebe but dozens of Little Grebes; corvids - Magpie, Jackdaw and Crow; calling Dunnocks and plenty of singing Robins. | Reported to us as having been seen earlier in the day: Great Northern Diver (2), Common Scoter and a female Scaup - one each. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 903 | 13/01/2009 | Drake Common Scoter from P S Hide. Female Scaup from Sheepwash Hide. 3 Great Northern Divers. Gull Roost: 3000 Black-headed Gulls, 500 Common Gulls, 250 Lesser Black-backed, 3 Great Black-backed, 10 Herring and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 904 | 14/01/2009 | 7 Lesser Redpolls by path down to Wildlife Centre, 2 Great Northern Divers, female Scaup, drake Common Scoter, Yellow-Legged Gull, c440 Lapwings, 28 Gadwall, 8 Goldeneye, Kingfisher, Raven, Buzzard,,3 Snipe. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 905 | 19/01/2009 | Strange weather on site today. All the seasons within an hour! Snow on the low hills near by and a mist. The temperature rose a bit but snow showers blew in quite strongly. The sun then came out and blue sky was seen. Finally, the sky clouded over and we had drizzly rain. Of note: Lapwing (over 300) - all in the sky at once; Snipe (14) - 3 by Wildlife Centre Creek and 11 on Horseshoe Island; Redshank (1) - Horseshoe Island; Fieldfare (1); Redwing (5); Lesser Redpoll (6) and Bullfinch (5). | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 906 | 23/01/2009 | 3 GN Divers from Sheepwash, Drake Common Scoter, and female Pintail from Paul Stanley and 7 Lesser Redpoll on Stones Island. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 907 | 26/01/2009 | 3 Great Northern Divers form Sheepwash, female Scaup, female Pintail, Yellow Legged Gull, Raven, Kingfisher, 12 Goldeneye, 3 Reed Buntings, 7 Pheasants, Grey Heron, 2 Nuthatch, Redshank. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 908 | 26/01/2009 | Of note today: Great Northern Diver (1) - near Lane end hide; Barnacle Goose (43); Pheasant (1 male) - feeding ON a Wildlife Centre bird table! Lapwing (~360) - in two flocks, one on Horseshoe Island & one by the sailing club; Snipe (5) - Horseshoe Island; Redshank (1) - edge of Wildlife Centre Creek; Robin (15) - all visible and singing; Redwing (2) - Stones Island; WILLOW TIT [Red listed] (2)- near the Wildlife Centre. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 909 | 30/01/2009 | 4 Great Northern Divers, all together in front of Sheepwash at 1430hrs, 3 stayed together until dusk, 1 drifted to Fishtail still in view at dusk. Heron carried a live adult rat to shoreline, killed it and gradually swallowed it whole, head first, infront of 3 astonished onlookers in Sheepwash Hide. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 910 | 04/02/2009 | 2 Great Northern Divers, female Scaup, male Stonechat, 15 Goldeneyes including 13 females, 5 Snipe, 2 Redshanks, 2 Meadow Pipits, Raven, 6 Bullfinch, 4 Siskin. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 911 | 09/02/2009 | A very cold and foggy morning. The only highlights were: Wildlife Centre:1 Male Sparrowhawk Watersports Centre - to - Visitor Centre:1 Possible Merlin | . | Richard, Frances and Ken Pittam |
| 912 | 11/02/2009 | 4 Great Northern Divers, female Scaup, Raven, 2 Redshanks, 10+ Goldeneye, Grey Heron, also a Buzzard eating prey below Willow tree to left of Sheepwash hide. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 913 | 16/02/2009 | OF NOTE: Great Northern Diver (2), Barnacle Goose (~30) - with Canada Geese in a Shiningford Farm field, Common Buzzard (1), Oystercatcher (1), Lapwing (~110), Curlew (1), Redshank (2), Lesser Redpoll (4). | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 914 | 17/02/2009 | 3 Great Northern Diver distant from Sheepwash in the morning, singles beyond Horseshoe Is after that. WLC: 1 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher, 45 Barnacle Geese, 1 Snipe Paul Stanley: 2 Oystercatcher (Flat Is), 3 Buzzard, 11 Goldeneye, 2 Willow Tit, 1 GS Woodpecker, 8+ Siskin Sheepwash: 3 Redwing, 1 Redshank | . | James Owen (ABB) |
| 915 | 17/02/2009 | Checked my notebook - also had a Peregrine fly over Sheepwash about 9:30. | . | James Owen |
| 916 | 19/02/2009 | 3 Great Northern Divers from Sheepwash Hide. Female Scaup near Big Island. Female Pintail from PS Hide late pm. 5 Goosander near Millfields Is. 27 Great Crested Grebe, 49 Little Grebe. 8 Oystercatchers:2 on Millfields Is, 2 on Sailing Club Is, 2 on Big Island, 2 around Sheepwash and Flat Is. 1 Curlew over Stones Is. 2 Skylarks over Millfields. Gull roost:1200 Black-headed, 250 Common, 130 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 917 | 23/02/2009 | Not many sightings today as I was doing the walk round with the family. Drake Common Scoter at Millfields, good views of 2 Ravens whilst walking between Hall and Middle Woods. 5+ Oystercatchers, 2 Redshanks, 20+ Robins, 8 Bullfinch, 6 Song Thrush. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 918 | 23/02/2009 | WeBS count for February: 3 Great Northern Divers, 19 Great Crested Grebe, 40 Little Grebe, 53 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 12 Mute Swan, 125 Canada Goose, 40 Barnacle Goose, 4 Shelduck, 90 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 117 Wigeon, 15 Teal, 2 Pochard, 1 Scaup,532 Tufted Duck, 1 Scoter, 15 Goldeneye, 13 Moorhen, 458 Coot, 12 Oystercatcher, 295 Lapwing, 1 Dunlin, 4 Redshank, 7 Curlew, 2 Kingfisher, 1 Buzzard, 1 Sparrowhawk and 1 Kestrel. | . | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 920 | 23/02/2009 | Mediterranean Gull, adult near full summer plumage from Sheepwash somwhere between 15:00 & 16:00 | . | Keefe Murphy |
| 921 | 24/02/2009 | We saw a male Garganey from the sheepwash bird hide. | Although we believe the presence of this bird is unusual for the area and the time of year we are confident of the identification. The slender head with the prominent white stripe matched the picture in our bird book. It was among a Mixed group of Teal and Golden eye not far off the hide. | Robert Newing and Sheila Carr |
| 922 | 24/02/2009 | WLC: 2 Great Northern Diver throughout the day, 18 Snipe on Horseshoe Island, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Curlew, 2 Redshank, 8 Teal, 3 Goldeneye, 2 Barnacle Geese,Also, 40 Barnacle Geese on Stones Island | . | James Owen (ABB) |
| 923 | 25/02/2009 | 4 Great Northern Divers all together at dusk, drake Common Scoter, 21 Snipe, 6+ Oystercatcher, 12+ Goldeneye, female Pintail, 4 Curlew, 3 Buzzards, Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 924 | 26/02/2009 | 3 drake Common Scoter between Millfields and Fishtail this morning. 16 Curlew at Wildlife Centre early morning. At least 10 Oystercatcher - very mobile in pairs. Female Pintail from PS Hide. 3 GN Divers from Sheepwash Hide. Raven and 2 Buzzard from Sheepwash. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 925 | 02/03/2009 | Of note today: Grey Heron (1), Barnacle Goose (47), Goldeneye (pr) - off Stones Island, Oystercatcher (2 prs), Lapwing (~60), Snipe (11), Song Thrush (1). | Gorse is just begiining to come into flower. Masses of green Hazel catkins can be seen and Pussy Willow is now showing. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 926 | 04/03/2009 | At least 2 Great Northern Divers still present, 26 Curlew, 25 Snipe, 10+ Goldeneye, female Sparrowhawk, Raven, several Buzzards, 8+ Oystercatcher, female Pintail, Greylag Goose, 2 Treecreepers. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 927 | 04/03/2009 | Gull roost count, 1630-1730hrs from Lane End Hide; 2500 Black-headed, 220 Common, 210 Lesser Black-backed and 2 Herring Gulls. 4 Great Northern Divers together from 1645hrs to dusk. | I, and other observers, have seen these divers together towards dusk on several occasions and I have also seen them together in the early morning, suggesting they roost overnight together, then spend the daytime mostly well apart. | Roger Carrington |
| 928 | 09/03/2009 | Sunny today but with a cold NW breeze blowing. Few visitors on site. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (10) - in a Shiningford Farm field with Canadas, Goldeneye (pr) - just off Stones Island, Oystercatcher (2) - Stones Island, Curlew (14) - Horseshoe Island, arrived about 1230hrs, Redshank (3) - one by Wildlife Centre Creek & two on Stones Island. | Birch, Larch and Hazel catkins were much in evidence along with Pussy Willow. A Tittesworth Water Snippet: The site bird report for 2007 is now available from Tittesworth reception, price å£2.50. All proceeds to wildlife charities. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 929 | 10/03/2009 | the marsh tit i reported at paul stanley hide, is in fact a willow tit, after closer inspection of photographs. | . | michael johnson |
| 930 | 11/03/2009 | 3 Great Northern Divers, together from Sheepwash. 8 Buzzard. 2 Raven. 12 Goldeneye. | . | Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe |
| 931 | 12/03/2009 | 1 Sand Martin around Stones Island 0830hrs - early date for this site. 1 Chiffchaff singing at Millfields 0930hrs - could be a wintering bird. 1 Dunlin at Wildlife Centre. 7 Curlew, 4 Redshank, 6+ Oystercatcher. 18 Snipe at Wildlife Centre. 6 Redwing on Stones Island. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 932 | 13/03/2009 | A Chiff Chaff gave a half hearted attempt at singing at Millfields. 2 Meadow Pipits on dam wall. Walked around stones island and had 15 Redwings and 4 Shoveler just off watersports island. Also 2 G.N Divers form there. 10 Snipe and a Greylag Goose at the Wildlife Centre. Went on to Sheepwash and had the 4 Shoveler from there, also 2 Sparrowhawks, 9+ Goldeneye, 900 BH Gulls, several Redshanks and Oystercatchers, 10 Curlew, Raven, Buzzard and Kestrel. The highlight for me was at 17.40 when I saw 11 wildfowl flying towards Hopton end. I managed to scope them briefly and could see at least 3 Pintial before I lost them. Then just before leaving I spotted the 11 birds again and could see that there were actually 10 Pintail....5 males and 5 females and 1 Wigeon amongst them. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 933 | 13/03/2009 | PS Hide 10 cormorants, Pied Wagtails building their nest Redshank, Oystercatchers, 25 Curlew, Nuthatch, Great Crested Grebes displaying, Reed Bunting,Dunnock, Jay, Pair of Goldeneye SW Hide 2 pair of Shovelers, pair of Sparrowhawks, LBB Gulls, GBB Gulls, Common Gulls | . | Leslie Fisher |
| 934 | 15/03/2009 | Chiffchaff at Millfields and Male Sparrowhawk were notable sightings on brief visit | . | John & Fay Follett |
| 935 | 15/03/2009 | Tufted Duck, Oystercatcher, Mallard, Wigeon, Wren, Dunnock, Jackdaw, Black-headed Gull, Coot, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Great-crested Grebe, Great Tit, Lapwing, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Redshank, Tree Sparrow, Snipe, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Woodpigeon, Robin, Long-tailed Tit, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Little Grebe, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Magpie, Pheasant, Carrion Crow, Cormorant, Nuthatch, Pied Wagtail, Raven, Reed Bunting, Chiff-chaff, Goldcrest, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Jay, Buzzard, Goldeneye, Skylark | Most passerines were ones or twos, except for six Bullfinch on the feeders at Sheepwash; the Chiff-chaffs were my first summer visitors of 2009 (unless they were over-winterers) - I saw three in separate locations around the res; ducks, geese and gulls in multiples; the Snipe numbered around ten all around the wildlife centre | Gary Atkins |
| 936 | 16/03/2009 | Fairly quiet on site. Warm sunny weather. OF NOTE: Greylag Goose (1) - Horseshoe Island (HI), Barnacle Goose (21), Teal (2), Goldeneye (pr) - off Stones Island (SI), Buzzard (1) - over Millfields, Oystercatcher (6) - SI and HI, Snipe (4) - HI & Wildlife Centre Creek, Chiffchaff (1) - in trees close to the Wildlife Centre (WC) and Reed Bunting (pr) - WC feeding station. | Plants in flower: Lesser Celandine (yellow). A good display in the turf on the WC roof! This species flowers March-May. Coltsfoot (yellow). By the pond next to the WC. This species flowers March-April. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 937 | 16/03/2009 | An oversight!! In addition seven Redshanks present today (SI & HI). | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 938 | 18/03/2009 | At least 3 G.N.Divers still present. 4 Chiff Chaffs in song at Millfields, Stones Island, WLC creek and one by P.Stanley hide. Female Scaup showing well to the left of P.Stanley hide. 8+ Snipe, several Redshanks and Oystercatchers. 2 Meadow Pipits, Buzzard, Kestrel, 12 Goldeneye. Great Spot Woodpecker drumming. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 939 | 20/03/2009 | 3 GN Divers 17 Goldeneye 2 Raven 5 Snipe | . | Clive Ashton |
| 940 | 21/03/2009 | Walked the dam wall early morning; 50+ Meadow Pipit 7 Sand Martin 3 Skylark 8 Chiffchaff singing between Millfields and Wildlife centre. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 941 | 22/03/2009 | 42 Species seen today, including the first 29nr recorded by the ABB count, before we left the WLC. Of note, at 09:20hr flock of 25 - 30 Wigeon circling over Millfields for 10 minutes before heading away from Carsington. No Wigeon were seen on the water today. 2nr GN Divers from SW hide from 14:40hr to 16:00hr. 6nr Shoveler, 5 male 1 female from PS at 14:20hr. (Surprisingly we have not seen these at Carsington since we joined last year) | Saturday - Bright clear and beautiful spring day. Once we have got better at woodland bird songs, we'll maybe report a few more IDs. | David & Sue Edmonds |
| 942 | 23/03/2009 | Single Sand Martin, 5 Chiff Chaffs, 2 GN Divers, 2 Ravens, 2 Buzzards, male Shoveler, 4 Goldeneye, 3 Greylag Geese, Kingfisher, 6 Teal, male Gadwall, 2 Curlew, 2 Snipe and several Redshanks and Oystercatchers. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 943 | 23/03/2009 | WeBS count for March - 9 Mute Swan, 1Greylag Goose, 75 Canada Goose, 10 Barnacle Goose, 30 Wigeon, 1 Teal, 56 Mallard, 264 Tufted Duck, 16 Goldeneye, 8 Goosander, 4 Great Northern Diver, 32 Little Grebe, 41 Great Crested Grebe, 26 Cormorant, 1 Sparrowhawk, 6 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 2 Peregrine, 24 Moorhen, 199 Coot, 3 Oystercatcher, 8 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 6 Redshank, 10 Blackheaded Gull, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Kingfisher. | . | Peter Gibbon & John Bradley |
| 944 | 25/03/2009 | WLC: 4 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 14 Barnacle geese, 2 snipe, 4 Lapwing, 1 Great Northern diver. PS Hide: 2 Gr Spotted woodpeckers (m and f) Millfields: 1 Chiffchaff (heard singing), 1 Nuthatch (nest preparation - Penn Carr), 6 Pied Wagtails, 1 Great northern diver. | Very, very windy day. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 945 | 25/03/2009 | 3 Great Northern Divers, 3 Sand Martins, 8 Goldeneye, 4 Buzzards, 41 Barnacle Geese, 32 Pied Wagtails, 4 Curlews, 21 Wigeon. 2 Peregrine Falcons over Hall Wood seen by two observers. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 946 | 28/03/2009 | Approx 12 swallows over water near dam wall | . | Bob and Gilll Smith |
| 947 | 28/03/2009 | Full bird count from Sheepwash to Stones Island this afternoon. Canada Goose, c.30 Barnacle Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Teal, Coot, Moorhen, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Herring Gull, Black Headed Gull, Lapwing, 5 Redshank, Oystercatcher, 2 Curlew, 2 Snipe, Bullfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Reed Bunting, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Dunnock, Wren, Robin, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Willow Tit, Meadow Pipit (Stones Island), c. 50 Pied Wagtail (Stones Island), 3 Swallow (Stones Island), Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, 2 Buzzard (over Hall Wood), 2 Raven (over Hall Wood), Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Rook. | . | Craig Morris |
| 948 | 30/03/2009 | 3 G.N.Divers, 10 Buzzards, 2 Ravens, 20+ Sand Martins, 10+ Swallows, Blackcap by Millfields, 8 Redshanks, 7 Goldeneye, 11 Wigeon, 38 Pied Wagtails, 4 Greylag Geese, 2 Kestrels. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 949 | 30/03/2009 | Highlights From the visitor centre: 2 Great Northern Divers From the Wildlife Centre: 3 Oystercatchers, 4 Redshank, 5 Common gull, 1 Lesser Black Backed gull, 6 Tree sparrow, 2 Teal | . | Ken, Richard & Frances Pittam |
| 950 | 31/03/2009 | Still at least 2 Great Northern Diver Of note from WLC: 3 Redshank, 5 Snipe, 1 Teal, 1 Gadwall, 1 Willow Tit, 1 Reed Bunting, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Buzzard, 2 Oystercatcher (mated throughout the day), 2 Pied Wagtail | . | James Owen (ABB) |
| 951 | 01/04/2009 | 3 Great Northern Divers, 4 Buzzards, Raven, 12 Wigeon, 2 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 9 Goldeneye, 4 Curlew, 12 Chiff Chaffs, Blackcap, 12 Meadow Pipits, 3 Reed Buntings. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 952 | 03/04/2009 | 2 Blackcap,Millfields/Stones Island 1 Wheatear(male),Sheepwash spit. 4 Goldeneye, Paul Stanley. 2 Raven,Sparrowhawk,Buzzard,Grey Wagtail,9 Swallow,17 GBB Gull. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 953 | 04/04/2009 | Shown up well in the evening light were a bull finch singing at the top of a tree and a pair of gadwall in front of Paul Stanley hide. | . | David and Sue Edmonds |
| 954 | 05/04/2009 | Willow Warbler singing at Millfields. Male Brambling,with Chaffinches on Stones Island. 2 GN Divers. Cackling Goose with Barnacle Geese. 3 Willow Tit. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 955 | 06/04/2009 | Hall Wood - Treecreeper, Gt Spttd Woodpecker, Ponds North of by-pass Pair Reed Bunting,Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot. Near Paul Stanley - Long tailed tits, Chiff Chaff, Oyster Catchers Bullfinch, Reed Bunting. Nesting box Nth of Wildlife centre pair of Jackdaws seeing off Sparrow Hawk investigating box. | . | Dave Williams |
| 956 | 06/04/2009 | Of note: Barnacle Goose (26), Gadwall (pr), Pheasant (1 calling), Oystercatcher (2), Redshank (3), Pied Wagtail (9), Chiffchaff (4), Long-tailed Tit (2), Bullfinch (pr) and Reed Bunting (1 male). | Plants in flower: Coltsfoot, Lesser Celandine (look on the Wildlife Centre (WC) roof and in the first field roughly to the north of the WC), Ground Ivy, Dandelion, Daisy, Gorse, Primrose, Blackthorn, Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage and Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage. Both the latter species are close to the stream at the end of WC Creek. Opposite-leaved are found all over the country BUT Alternate-leaved are more local and are thus far less common. Look around the area where the footpath and cycleway come together again (when travelling approx northward). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 957 | 07/04/2009 | Still 2 Great Northern Divers, 2 Ravens. Female Wheatear and 6 Meadow Pipits on dam wall. 12 Chiff Chaffs, 7 Willow Warblers and 3 Blackcaps. 30+ Sand Martins, 10+ Swallows, 4 Buzzards, 2 Goldeneye, Grey Heron, 2 Snipe, Common Sandpiper. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 958 | 08/04/2009 | Early evening walk, Stones Island area: 40 Pied Wagtail on Stones Island. 1 White Wagtail on Watersports Island. 1 Yellow Wagtail between Watersports and Wildlife Centre. 1 Redpoll near steps to cafe,interesting looking bird for a possible Common, but lost sight of before better views could be obtained. 1 Common Sandpiper on Watersports Island/Horseshoe Island. | Earlier from Sheepwash 2 GN Divers, with a third reported by a visitor. | Clive Ashton |
| 959 | 12/04/2009 | Quiet again from the Wildlife Centre, with 4 Redshank, who appear to be attracted to the roof, squabbling Oystercatchers, squabbling Barnacle Geese - guess its the time of year. View of the GND from rear of Watersports Centre. From Stones Island - 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher (nesting?), 12 Barnacle Geese, numerous Chiffchaff, at least 4 Willow Warblers, 1 possible Garden Warbler, 2 Bullfinch, 10 Sand Martin. From Visitor Centre - 4 House Martins, 2 Swallows. | Richard and Frances Pittam | |
| 960 | 13/04/2009 | 4 Common Scoter, 2m2f,from Stones Island this evening. 2 GN Divers from Sheepwash. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 961 | 14/04/2009 | Sandwich Tern off Stones Island, mid morning. 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 GN Diver. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 962 | 15/04/2009 | Misty and rather dull on site today. A very strong northerly wind was blowing. White horses on the res!OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (13), Oystercatcher (3), Lapwing (4), Redshank (7), Swallow (~50), House Martin (1), Chiffchaff (2) and Willow Warbler (1). | Plants newly into flower: Forget-me-not (blue), Cowslip (yellow), Common Mouse-ear (white) and Marsh Marigold (yellow). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 963 | 17/04/2009 | Swallows (8 - 10nr), difficult to count in the strong wind Yellow Wagtail (5nr) looked like 4 male 1 female, Pied Wagtail (11 - 12nr) including 1nr possible White Wagtail, Goldfinch (2) Redshank (4), Little Ringed Plover (2), Oystercatcher (3), Barnacle Goose (2) | 6:30 to 7:30pm. Windy and cold evening, poor light and low cloud. Walk out to Stones Island, 9nr in group plus Ranger, IDs well observed and recorded. Yellow/Pied WTs and Goldfinch acting as single flock. | David & Sue Edmonds |
| 964 | 17/04/2009 | At Sheepwash this evening: 35 Arctic Terns 12 Little Gulls 2 Mallard young. Also 4 Yellow Wagatils over Stones Island. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 965 | 20/04/2009 | Nice day on site. Wall to wall sunshine and a blue sky. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (19), Mallard (inc 10 ducklings) - near Sailing Club; Pheasant (1), Oystercatcher (3), Lapwing (2), Redshank (2), House Martin - several around the visitor centre; COMMON WHITETHROAT (1) - in hedge by path next to Shiningford Creek [near post 5G]; Blackcap (4) - 3 singing males & 1 fem; Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler. | Plants newly into flower this week: Herb Robert (pink), Barren Strawberry (white) - a species new to us for this site; Bogbean (pale pink), Greater Stitchwort (white) and Cuckooflower or Lady's-smock (pale pink). Small White Butterfly. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 966 | 21/04/2009 | 7:45pm Millfields Bay - Mandarin Duck pair M&F. | . | David & Sue Edmonds |
| 967 | 21/04/2009 | WeBS count for April(7.00-10.00) 1 Great Northern Diver, 31 Great Crested Grebe, 18 Little Grebe, 9 Mute Swan, 98 Canada Goose, 12 Barnacle Goose, 2 Shelduck, 38 Mallard(+10 young), 215 Tufted Duck, 16 Moorhen, 115 Coot, 2 Lapwing, 8 Oystercatcher, 4 Redshank, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 113 Black-headed Gull. Also big numbers of swallow. | . | Peter Gibbon |
| 968 | 21/04/2009 | 2 Great Northern Divers towards the dam early morning.Of note from WLC: 2 Redshank, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 White Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Shelduck, 1 Cackling Goose (among many Canadas and Barnacles). 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Bullfinch all on bird table.Elsewhere, 1 White Wagtail on Flat Is, many singing Blackcaps between WLC and Sheepwash. | Visitors today reported 1 Grasshopper Warbler in Fisheries car park and 1 drake Goosander apparently flew from Stones Island. | James Owen (ABB) |
| 969 | 22/04/2009 | A Honey Buzzard circled over the Hopton Inlet from about 12.20-12.30.p.m. having come in from the West. Escorted east by 2 Common Buzzards. Also 1 Dunlin briely on Stones mid-morning and a Garden Warbler singing quietly behind Sheepwash Hide at dinnertime. Both Great Northern Divers still present and a Shelduck of Lane End Hide. | . | rOD kEY |
| 970 | 23/04/2009 | CBC Evening walk of the 21st April: The 2 Great Northern Divers were seen clearly and 1 Shelduck. All the Wagtails seen were pied and summer migrants included House and Sand Martin Swallow in good numbers. Little Ringed Plovers on the yachting launch area were seen plus Oystercatcher, Redshank and 3 Curlew. Before the walk a Snipe was flushed on Stones Island and at 16.30 a Common Tern appeared on a buoy before being found again with the Black-headed Gulls at the Wildlife Centre. Unfortunately by the time the group came to the centre at 20.15 it had gone. | . | Peter Gibbon |
| 971 | 24/04/2009 | Black Tern | Viewed from Lane End hide from 11.45 to 1.15. Still present when I left. | John Mowbray |
| 972 | 25/04/2009 | The two Great Northern Divers still present off Fishtail Creek pm. | . | Alan Lewin |
| 973 | 27/04/2009 | Highlights.... 1 Avocet (Horseshoe), 1 (summer plumage) Bar tailed Godwit (SFord Creek), Lesser Whitethroat (SFord creek), Redshank 2plus pairs displaying etc, 1 pair Mandarin. | Late evening visit. | Steph Hicking |
| 974 | 27/04/2009 | Steady rain until late afternoon. Barnacle Goose (10), Oystercatcher (2), Lapwing (2), Curlew (2) - Horseshoe Island; Redshank (3), Sand Martin (1), Swallow (over 50), House Martin (1), Song Thrush (2), Chiffhaff (1), Willow Warbler (5), Bullfinch (pr) and Reed Bunting (1 male). | Plants newly into flower: Red Campion, Cow Parsley (a few specimens only) and some white Bluebells. A Brown Hare and two leverets in a field near the Knockerdown Inn. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 975 | 28/04/2009 | 1 Bar tailed Godwit 1 GN Diver 1 LRP c8 Swift 2 Greylag | . | Clive Ashton |
| 976 | 01/05/2009 | 1 Great Northern Diver,between Lane End and Watersports. 2 Lesser Whitethroat,and 2 Common Whitethroat between Sheepwash and WLC. Butterflies: 30+ Green veined White,3 Orange Tip,2 Brimstone and 1 Peacock. | The Great Northern Diver is now in full summer plumage, and well worth a look, it was seen to catch and eat a large fish by Watersports Island. | Clive Ashton |
| 977 | 02/05/2009 | Sheepwash Hide Common Sandpiper (1), GN Diver (1) 4:45pm - 6pm.; Kestrel(1): 6pm Paul Stanley same Diver still well visible, Little Ringed plover (1), Redshank (1). Pied Wagtail (2, see notes) | Diver as reported in summer plumage. Kestrel caught prey, then eating prey on the bank under willows. Pied Wagtail at PS hide maybe be nesting in the stone structure in front of hide. If anyone else observes this would be nice to confirm. | David & Sue Edmonds |
| 978 | 04/05/2009 | Great Northern Diver (Adult Summer) from Sheepwash Hide late afternoon. 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher from Wildlife Centre. 20+ Barnacle Goose, 3 Cackling Canada Goose, 12+ Swift from Stones Island. | . | Paul Thomas |
| 979 | 04/05/2009 | Barnacle Goose (7), Mallard ducklings (9), Oystercatcher (3), Redshank (3), Common Gull (1), Garden Warbler (1) - Stones Island, Blackcap (2), Chiffchaff (1). | Plants newly into flower: Meadow Buttercup, Thyme-leaved Speedwell (pale blue) and Bush Vetch or Crow-peas (purple). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 980 | 06/05/2009 | Whilst checking the CCTV function in the Wildlife Centre this morning, I found three Whimbrel on the back of Horseshoe Island at 07.20. They were still there at 08.45, but were still in the same place, so frustratingly, could still only be viewed with the camera!(at least we've got one I suppose!). I also had a Yellow Wagtail on Stones Island at 18.40 on Monday 4th. | . | Paul Bennett |
| 981 | 06/05/2009 | 4 Whimbrel and a Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe Island, 2 Dunlin on Stones Island and then 5 on Sheepwash Spit later in the day. Good views of the Great Northern Diver from the Wildlife Centre and then at Lane End Hide. Shelduck, c50 Swifts, Ringed Plover, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Raven. Lots of Hirundines in the early morning drizzle. Female Teal, Mallard with 8 young and Canada Geese with 6 young. A lot of Warblers in now including Lesser Whitethroat by brick tower, 5+ Common Whitethroats and numerous Chiff Chaffs, Willow Warblers, Blackcaps and Garden Warblers. Also Robin feeding young in Hall Wood. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 982 | 08/05/2009 | Yesterday afternoon, Phil and Mike from Fisheries towed the tern raft back into position, in front of the Wildlife Centre. Whilst locking up the Wildlife Centre at 18.30, I had a look around and noticed the two Common Terns, which I believe have been hanging around the site for a few days. They were both sat on the new Watersports raft initially, but then one moved over to the tern raft and fought off five Black-headed Gulls. It was then joined by the other tern. Chris Johnstone informed me that they were both still on the raft this morning. | . | Paul Bennett |
| 983 | 09/05/2009 | DAWN CHORUS WALK :Willow Warbler,Chiffcaff,Garden Warbler,Blackcap and Whitethroat all singing well and showing themselves for the group. Also Robin,Dunnock,Wren,Blackbird,Song Thrush,Great and Blue Tit,Chaffinch,Bullfinch,Woodpigeon,Tree Sparrow and Reed Bunting singing or calling.Great Spotted Woodpecker and Kestrel.Pair of Common Terns trying valiantly to fight for the tern raft against Black-headed Gulls.A Whimbrel and two Dunlin seen from the hide at the end of the walk.Finally the Dunlin and a Redshank were scared off from the west bank by a Fox that slowly made its way along the shoreline looking for food. | 14 people joined us on a beautiful May morning with little wind to start with and bright. Started at 4.30 (temperature 7 degrees) and ended the walk at 6.30 for breakfast in the hide made by Gary Atkins and Steph and Paul Hicking. | Peter Gibbon & Roger Carrington |
| 984 | 09/05/2009 | Great Northern Diver (1) - Still present against the dam wall, sailing club end, immediately after the dawn chorus walk. | We'd like to thank Roger and Peter for the excellent, informative and enjoyable walk, and the committee members who organised the breakfast afterwards. Made setting the alarm for 03:30am worth the trouble. | David & Sue Edmonds |
| 985 | 11/05/2009 | Pair of Oystercatchers with 2 chicks on Millfields island | . | Bob and Gill Smith |
| 986 | 12/05/2009 | From WLC: 2 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Tern, 1 Buzzard over toward pylons on left, 8 House Martins, 6 Swift. From Paul Stanley: 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin (in plumage), 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 3 Pheasants (1 male), 1 Blackcap, 2 Willow tit, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Sand Martin (north). | Evenining visit | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 987 | 13/05/2009 | With the weather being wet and windy today I thought there was a good chance of getting some migrants blown in but I didn't expect it to be quite so good. Spoke to a birder first thing who said he had had about a dozen distant Terns but couldn't quite ID them so they went down as 'Commic Terns' I made my way to Sheepwash and sat there a while before the first flock of Terns flew through....17 Arctics and 1 Black Tern followed by a further 7 Arctics 10 minutes later. Another Black Tern flew through and then 4 more later in the day. Throughout the day there were more flocks including one of 27 Arctics around 17.00. In total there was at least 80 Arctic Terns throughout the day plus 2 Common Terns. Other highlights include 3 or 4 Common Sandpipers, at least 2 Sanderlings, a Turnstone, several Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plovers, at least 2 Little Ringed Plovers, female Yellow Wagtail and a stunning adult Med Gull on Horseshoe Island to end the day. There were also literally 100's of Swifts, Housemartins and Swallows with a fair few Sandmartins too. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 988 | 15/05/2009 | Quick visit this morning: 8 Turnstone,5 on the raft near Watersports and 3 on the Island. 1 Sanderling on Sailing Club Island 3 Gadwall on Horseshoe Island. 100+ Swallows, and many House Martins/Swifts. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 989 | 17/05/2009 | Belated WeBS count done on Sunday 10th May. Mute Swan 13,Canada Goose 107,Barnacle Goose 14,Mallard 34,Tufted Duck 101,Great Northern Diver 1,Little Grebe 16,Great Crested Grebe 24,Cormorant 1,Grey Heron 1,Moorhen 19,Coot 80,Oystercatcher 12,Little Ringed Plover 2,Lapwing 4,Redshank 5,Common Sandpiper 2,Black-headed Gull 20,Common Tern 2. | . | Peter Gibbon |
| 990 | 18/05/2009 | Not a lot about today but did get two cracking birds. A Cuckoo flew over Wildlife Centre Creek and perched long enough for me to get my scope on it before disappearing. And then a Hobby flew from the east and headed over Sheepwash hide shortly before 15.00. Also of note was a pair of Barnacle Geese with 4 young on Stones Island, a single Dunlin on Horseshoe Island, a flock of 7 Waders flew across the water which I think were also Dunlin. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 991 | 22/05/2009 | A Whitethroat probably female, near the reed beds by the Hopton crossing. | . | Bob and Gill Smith |
| 992 | 24/05/2009 | Millfields Island late afternoon - Barnacle Geese 3 pairs with 4nr goslings between them. Looked like 1+1&2. Swallows nesting inside the wooden furniture house. | Had young and noisy boys with us, so no careful spotting possible. | David & Sue Edmonds |
| 993 | 28/05/2009 | Because of half-term and the sunny weather it was very busy on site today. We found 40 species of bird around midday. Of note: Barnacle Goose (4), Mallard - including a female with 5 very well developed ducklings, Common Buzzard being harrassed by Crows near the dam wall, Pheasant (2 heard), Common Tern (2) - on the raft near the Watersports Centre, Swift (2), Great Spotted Woodpecker (1 female) - next to Shiningford Creek, Common Whitethroat (2), Garden Warbler (1), Blackcap(2), Chiffchaff (2), Willow Warbler (2) and Reed Bunting (2 singing males). Butterflies: Orange Tip, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Wall and Red Admiral. Also Water Boatmen and hundreds, perhaps thousands of tadpoles in the pond next to the Wildlife Centre. | Plants: 37 species identified today including Ribwort Plantain, Common Sorrel, Prickly Sow-thistle, Red Clover, Yellow-rattle, Germander Speedwell, Bugle, Cleavers, Jack-by-the-Hedge (or Garlic Mustard), Silverweed, Water Forget-me-not, Stinging Nettle, Horsetail (flowerless), Brooklime, Ox-eye Daisy, Self-heal, Water Avens, Eyebright, Meadow Crane's-bill, Sweet Cicely and Guilder Rose. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 994 | 01/06/2009 | This morning: 1 Black Tern, at least 2 Common Terns, pair of Common Scoter, Reed Warbler singing in Hopton Arm Reedbed, Pied Flycatcher still singing in Fishtail Creek but distant, 2 Spotted Flycatchers in Hall Wood and 1 in Middle Wood, Treecreeper singing and 1 family party in Hall Wood and another Treecreeper singing in Middle Wood. | . | No name given |
| 995 | 01/06/2009 | 4 Black Terns now present at 17:30hrs, and the 2 Common Scoters also. Reed Warbler singing at base of Sheepwash spit. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 996 | 01/06/2009 | As already stated a Black Tern this morning, also 4 Black Terns to at least 17.15. Reed Warbler briefly singing to the left of Sheepwash Hide. Not many more highlights apart from several Buzzards and a Raven. A pair of Oystercatchers feeding 2 young on flat island, Coots feeding 5 young to the left of Paul Stanley hide and a family of Blue Tits by Sheepwash Hide. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 997 | 04/06/2009 | Of note: Barnacle Goose (4), Gadwall (pr), Mallard inc. a female with 3 very small ducklings & a female with 3 well grown youngsters, Oystercatcher (2), Redshank (1), Common Tern (2) - sitting on orange buoys near Horseshoe Island, Song Thrush (2): WARBLERS: Sedge, Garden, Willow, Whitethroat, and Blackcap + Chiffchaff; Blue Tits feeding young in box 0305, Great Tits feeding young in box 0304. A Great Tit youngster could occasionally be seen poking its fluffy head out through the hole in the box. Reed Bunting (singing male). Insects: Common Blue damselfly - a mating pair, Buff-tailed Bumblebee, Small White, Large White and Painted Lady butterflies. | Plants in flower: 36 species identified. Newly into flower - Spear Thistle, Meadow Vetchling, Dog Rose, Cut-leaved Crane's-bill, Lesser Stitchwort and Bulbous Buttercup. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 998 | 10/06/2009 | A few highlights for today. At the Wildlife Centre was 3 Gadwall, and a pair of Redshank with one small youngster. A pair of Common Terns, and Oystercatcher with one young on Flat Island. Reed Warbler singing at Hopton End and also a Spotted Flycatcher there. 3 Broods of Mute Swan 3/5/6. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 999 | 10/06/2009 | Of note: A pair of Mute Swans with five quite small cygnets. A pair of Gadwall. A female Mallard with four sturdy ducklings. Four Oystercatchers. A Common Tern fishing near the sailing club. A pair of Redshanks behaved as if defending a nest or young. Another observer told us he thought he had seen a very young bird but we did not see it. The Redshank pair attacked a Moorhen and also drove off a Crow and a Jackdaw. They were very aggressive. The pair were active at the water's edge between the wildlife centre and the watersports centre. | Three pairs of Common Blue damselflies, each pair in tandem, were ovipositing on the surface vegetation of the wildlife centre pool. The only plant species newly into flower this week is Yarrow. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1000 | 11/06/2009 | 3 Black-tailed Godwits on Stones Island, 0730hrs. At least 2 Swifts around the Visitor Centre eaves, breeding would be a first at Carsington. Jay carrying food in Hall Wood, showing breeding. Pair of Reed Bunting feeding young in Hopton Arm Reedbed, and Reed Warbler still singing. Common Tern pair with nest on Flat Island, but hidden behind vegitation when viewed from P S Hide. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1001 | 14/06/2009 | A Yellowhammer (red listed) seen at Bullhill Farm Kirk Ireton. The first I have seen in the Parish for years. 54 sightings in the parish in 1988. Appears not to have been recorded in CBC sightings so be aware that they are in the neighbourhood. | . | dave williams |
| 1002 | 15/06/2009 | Thought you'd be interested to hear that during a walk from Carsington Water I spotted a Red Kite being mobbed by crows! I'm not sure if they've been seen in the area before but thought I'd contact you just in case they haven't. Seeing it made mine and my husband's day! A brilliant sight. Regards, Glen | . | Glenys Torr |
| 1003 | 16/06/2009 | Fairly quiet on site, of note were; Broods of 3 Moorhen at Sheepwash,and 4 at WLC pond. Single drake Gadwall still at WLC. Common Tern on Flat Island. Pair of Bullfinch on Paul Stanley feeding station. | Female Broad bodied Chaser at Paul Stanley and quite a few Common Blue Damselflies at WLC pond. | Clive Ashton |
| 1004 | 16/06/2009 | WeBS count for Sunday 14th June 07.15 to 10.15 hours. 16 Mute Swan,537 Canada Goose,6 Barnacle Goose,47 Mallard,129 Tufted Duck,10 Little Grebe,25 Great Crested Grebe,4 Cormorant,3 Heron,11 Moorhen,68 Coot,8 Oystercatcher,2 Lapwing,4 Redshank,25 Black-headed Gull,2 Common Tern,1 Kingfisher and 1 Sparrowhawk. | These figures only include adult birds and no figures for young are included or needed by the BTO. | Peter Gibbon |
| 1005 | 16/06/2009 | WLC: 2 Gadwall, 5 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 3 Bullfinch, 2 Common Tern, 4 Cormorant, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Lapwing, c.20 Tree Sparrow (including fledglings) on the bird tables at one time. Also at PS Hide: 9 Mallard ducklings with apparently no mother, 3 Redshank, 2 Raven, and a Treecreeper on the path down. | In the morning a Buzzard took what ominously looked like a fairly large chick from Flat Island and was mobbed by a BH Gulls and the Common Terns - both of which are still on eggs. The well grown Oystercatcher chick was still present later on.Uncertain therefore just what the Buzzard took. And one Orchid, possibly Common Spotted, along the path to PS hide. | James Owen (ABB) |
| 1006 | 17/06/2009 | Of note: Mute Swan - including two broods of cygnets, 5 & 6 respectively. Barnacle Goose (3), Oystercatcher (6) - all adults. Redshank (1). Song Thrush (1). Reed Bunting (1). Common Blue damselfly (13) - including one female over the wildlife centre pond. Painted Lady butterfly. | Plants in flower: The Elder trees are in flower. There are carpets of Self-heal (purple & maroon) and Daisies together on Stones Island. Also in flower but not previously mentioned: Yellow Iris, Hogweed, Foxglove and Meadow Thistle. On the eastern side of Stones Island Water Betony (or Water Figwort) is in bud and should be in flower within a couple of weeks. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1007 | 29/06/2009 | A pair of Red crested Pochard and a male Wigeon at the Wildlife centre. A Hobby flew over the fields towards Wildlife centre creek. Swift twice went under the eaves of the visitor centre. | Butterflies were Small white,Meadow Brown, Painted Lady, Speckled Wood, Ringlet and a single Small Skipper. | Clive Ashton |
| 1008 | 01/07/2009 | From Sheepwash: Yellow-Legged Gull, 2 Shelduck, 9 Oystercatcher, 5 Raven, female Gadwall, Common Tern, Common Gull. From Wildlife Centre: Pair of Red Crested Pochards, male Wigeon. Little Ringed Plover in front of Sailing club. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1009 | 03/07/2009 | No message | Just for the record,the Small Skipper I reported on 29/06/09, was infact a Large Skipper. | Clive Ashton |
| 1010 | 04/07/2009 | oystercatcher canada geese common tern blackbird dunnock chiffchaff mute swan with six cygnets lapwing coot moorhen tufted duck buzzard black headed gull great crested grebe little grebe house martins crows jackdaws sparrows pied wagtail wood pigeon cormorant swifts magpie | . | tom wareham |
| 1011 | 08/07/2009 | A Barn Owl was flying around Shiningford Creek area at 10.00 this morning. 2 Little Ringed Plovers in front of sailing club. 5 Linnets over Stones Island. 12+ Bullfinches including 4 juveniles, 2 Common Terns, 2 Ravens, 2 Buzzards, Curlew, Grey Wagtail, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and female Tufted Duck with 6 very small young. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1012 | 10/07/2009 | The pair of Common Terns on Flat Island were feeding 1 young this morning. Also the Black-headed Gull pair on this Island have at least 1 chick. 3+ Spotted Flycatchers in Hall Wood. Reed Warbler singing from Hopton Reedbed and from Hopton Pond. Adult Yellow-legged Gull on Sailing Club jetty. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1013 | 14/07/2009 | WeBS count for July:Mute Swan 26(plus 5+6+6 cygnets),Canada Goose 334,Barnacle Goose 8,Gadwall 4,Mallard 81,Red-crested Pochard 1,Tufted Duck 113 (plus two broods with one of 10, Little Grebe 17, Great Crested Grebe 18, Cormorant 2,Grey Heron 3,Moorhen 11,Coot 377,Oystercatcher 4,Lapwing 27,Black-headed Gull 8,Common Tern 2(feeding hidden young) and 1 Buzzard. | Done between 08.00 and 11.00 on sunny and warm morning. | Peter Gibbon |
| 1014 | 14/07/2009 | A juvenile female Peregrine from Paul Stanley hide at 11.00, female Gadwall, Kingfisher, 2 Buzzards, 2 Linnets, Common Tern, Grey Heron, Tufted Duck broods of 9&12, female/imm Red Crested Pochard. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1015 | 16/07/2009 | 38 species seen around midday. Of note: LITTLE EGRET (1)- Horseshoe Island & Wildlife Centre Creek; Barnacle Goose (1); Red-crested Pochard (1 juv/fem)- from Wildlife Centre (WC); Tufted Duck - including a female with 9 ducklings; Sparrowhawk (1 fem); Lapwing (34) - Horseshoe Island; Song Thrush (1); Blackcap (2); Chiffchaff (1); Bullfinch (pr) - on the WC feeding table; Reed Bunting (1) - Stones Island. Insects: Bumblebees: Red-tailed & Buff-tailed. Damselflies: Common Blue & a Beautiful Demoiselle (Stones Island). This latter species is a first for us! Great views. Butterflies: Green-veined White, Small White and Gatekeeper. | Plants in flower: Forty species identified. The following have not been previously reported this year:- Broad-leaved Dock (O-R), Welted Thistle (P), Red Dead-nettle (R), Water Betony (M), Cat's-ear (Y), Autumn Hawkbit (Y), Nipplewort (Y), Meadowsweet (pale Y), Common Knapweed (M), Greater Knapweed (M), Common Spotted Orchid (v. pale P), Rosebay Willowherb (P), Great Willowherb (R), Broad-leaved Willowherb (P), Redshank (P-R), Great Burnet (v. dark R), Common Bird's-foot-trefoil (Y), Upright Hedge-parsley (W & P). Code: M = mauve, O = orange, P = pink, R = red, W = white, Y = yellow | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1016 | 20/07/2009 | Few birds on site today. A tufted duck family has been reduced to 8 ducklings since last week. Only two Lapwings found on Horseshoe Island. Of the warblers only Chiffchaff and Blackcap found. Common Blue damselflies over the pool close to the wildlife centre. Butterflies: Small White, Large White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Small Copper & Small Tortoiseshell. The plants in flower last week are the same except that a small patch of Black Medick was found. | A Tittesworth Snippet: A Gannet was found about a week ago but was obviously ill and was dispatched to the RSPCA sanctuary near Nantwich, Cheshire. Unfortunately it died the following day. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1017 | 22/07/2009 | Little Egret on Stones Island and later on Watersports Island, Male Redstart in field behind the Wildlife Centre, juvenile Perergine over Middle Wood, Gadwall and Kingfisher at Sheepwash. Two Tufted Duck broods of 5 & 10. Two Common Terns still presumably feeding one young on Flat Island. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1018 | 25/07/2009 | Just a walk today with wife so not really birding but spotted a single Little Tern close to stones island | . | Leslie Fisher |
| 1019 | 27/07/2009 | Little Egret still present around Stones Island area. Kingfisher and drake Pochard at the Wildlife Centre. The pair of Common Terns have successfully raised one young which made several brief flights around flat island today. Other sightings include Hobby, Whimbrel,and Common Sandpiper. Several Tufted Duck broods around including one of 13 plus three more of 3/3 and 8. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1020 | 27/07/2009 | It was very noticable today that there was hardly any birdsong. Very few species located. Of note: Barnacle Goose (6), Common Tern (1), Swift (3), Goldfinch (10) - Stones Island, Bullfinch (a pair). Plants: A large mass of Redhank noticed on Horseshoe Island. Plants in flower but not previously noted: Hedge Bindweed, Large Bird's-foot Trefoil, Common St John's-wort and Short-fruited Willowherb. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1021 | 02/08/2009 | House Martin (50+) near Visitor Centre; Swift (20-30) end of Stones Island; Tufted Duck (3 families); Litte Grebe (12) engaging in squabbles; Gold Finch (20 appx) Stones Island; Little Egret (1) flying past Stones Island towards watersports ctr. | Quite misty murky and damp. Hirundines all flying very low. These all might seem like very ordinary sightings, but after 2 months away in blistering and desert heat all this seemed just incredibly beautiful. The Egret was a first for us at Carsington. | David & Sue Edmonds |
| 1022 | 03/08/2009 | Overall quite busy on-site but few birders about. Weather: quite warm and no rain for a change! Of note: Lapwing (10), Wren (1) - juvenile, hit Wildlife Centre (WC)window but seemed unharmed. Dunnock (2 juveniles) - feeding at the WC feeding station, Willow Warbler (2) - one adult and a juvenile in the willow in front of the WC. House Sparrow - several including a juvenile being fed by adults, Bullfinch (pr) - feeding at the WC feeding station. A Weasel observed from the WC front window. Great! Butterflies: Small White, Green-veined White, Large White, Small Copper, Gatekeeper, Painted Lady, Peacock and Meadow Brown. Buff-tailed and Red-tailed Bumblebees seen on Stones Island. | Flowering plants not previously reported: Great Plantain (wide, almost round leaves), Water Mint (purple/blue), Gipsywort (very pale pink), Tufted Vetch (purple), Marsh Bedstraw (white), Buddleja (purple), Purple Loosestrife (purple). A Tittesworth Snippet: The latest site newsletter is available from reception. Observations cover the months April - June. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1023 | 05/08/2009 | Little Owl in field between main car park and wildlife centre. Yellow-Legged Gull, drake Common Scoter, Little Egret, 2 Common Sandpipers, Oystercatcher, Kinghfisher, 2 Buzzards, male Sparrowhawk, 3 Little Grebe young, Whitethroat. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1024 | 11/08/2009 | An angler reported an Osprey flying south along the west bank, from near the brick bombing tower at 15.00 today. This was subsequently radioed through to STW staff by Phil from Fisheries. Fortunately, I happened to have a pair of binoculars in the van and after a few minutes, I managed to locate it flying south down the centre of the reservoir. It then started circling just north-east of Watersports Island. I then carried on with what I was doing, so I'm not sure where it went after that. | I believe that this is at least the second Osprey sighting in the last few days here. | Paul Bennett (STW Ranger Service) |
| 1025 | 13/08/2009 | Very busy on site today because it was sunny. However, few birders about. Of note: Tufted Duck (female with 5 quite small ducklings), Lapwing (10) - on Horseshoe Island, Yellow-legged Gull (1) - on the raft opposite the wildlife centre, Goldfinch (10) - on Horseshoe Island, Bullfinch (pair) on wildlife centre feeding station. It was reported to us that an Osprey was seen over the dam on the 12th August. Also the Little Egret was seen. | Butterflies: Small White - many, Painted Lady - good numbers (this species has travelled here from North Africa), Peacock, Small Copper, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Small Tortoiseshell and Green-veined White. Odonata: Southern Hawker dragonfly, Common Blue damselfly. Plants in flower and not previously reported: White Dead-nettle, Great Reedmace (or Bulrush), Kidney Vetch and Rape. Woody Nightshade was found but shows no flowers. It has red berries, normally first observed in September. Please note that all parts of this plant are poisonous. The plant contains the poison solanine. This plant is less deadly than - Deadly Nightshade! | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1026 | 13/08/2009 | Oversights! Thistles are mainly over, just showing fluffy white heads instead of purple flowers. This situation is very good for Goldfinches. Also very noticable today were masses of Hover flies and various bee species. We had a very enjoyable time on site today. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1027 | 15/08/2009 | A pair of Hobbies were hunting hirundines over Shiningford farm, for at least an hour this morning.One was observed with prey, which it ate on one of the pylons. Also present from the Wildlife centre,Sparrowhawk,Raven, 2 Buzzard,4 Gadwall,Shoveler and Teal. Common Sandpiper at Sheepwash. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1028 | 16/08/2009 | Osprey from sheepwash 15:35-15:45, mobbed by Peregrine, before flying over Hall Wood. Also Common Sandpiper, Kingfisher and YL Gull. | 5+ Wheatear on nearby Carsington pasture this morning. | Clive Ashton |
| 1029 | 20/08/2009 | Yellow-Legged Gull, 3 Wigeon, 4 Buzzards, adult male Peregrine, female Gadwall, 50+ Goldfinches including 40+ juveniles, Common Sandpiper, Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1030 | 23/08/2009 | WeBS count for August done today between 7.30 and 10.30. 27 Mute Swan, 224 Canada Goose, 3 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 83 Mallard, 309 Tufted Duck, 46 Little Grebe, 27 Great Crested Grebe, 16 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 10 Moorhen, 575 Coot, 55 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Black-Headed Gull, 1 Kingfisher. | . | Peter Gibbon |
| 1031 | 24/08/2009 | I was out for a walk yesterday afternoon and took the second footpath off the track, after entering the site at the North End. Whilst crossing the third field, heading for Stainsborough Lane, a flock of Common Crossbills flew over (heading ESE)and into the trees on the edge of Rough Pitty Side. They were quite active, but hung around in the same area in the tops of the trees. I managed a best count of 19. | . | Paul Bennett |
| 1032 | 24/08/2009 | From WLC, all usual suspects, but along with Chris from RSPB-ABB between 09:30 and 10:30 we observed :- Pochard (1), Yellow Leg Gull (1), Chiff Chaff (1) and Willow Warbler (1) | . | David & Sue Edmonds |
| 1033 | 24/08/2009 | Not a bad day today. Black Tern towards Millfields, Wheatear on Millfields Island, Yellow-legged Gull, 5 Gadwall, Teal, Pochard, 3 Wigeon, Great Crested Grebe with 3 small young, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Kingfishers, 2 Swifts, Curlew, male Sparrowhawk, adult Common Gull. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1034 | 27/08/2009 | A family walk round the res today, so whilst not really birding I did note the following; Brood of 3 GC Grebe at Lane End Brood of at least 3 GC Grebe at Shiningford Creek, 2 youngsters in the water and at least 1 on adults back. A pair of Pochard in Shiningford Creek and 3 males in Fishtail Creek. 6 Wigeon at Millfields. | 5 Painted Lady, and 4 Small Tortoiseshell on the dam wall. Quite a few Common Darters on the path at Hopton End. | Clive Ashton |
| 1035 | 27/08/2009 | Of note: 19 Mute Swans including 5 cygnets, Gadwall (2 prs) - from wildlife centre (WC); Lapwing (~60) - on Horseshoe Island; Yellow-legged Gull (1) - on Tern raft; Swallow and House Martin (20+ each); Tree Sparrow (20+) - all around and on the WC feeding table; many were youngsters. | Butterflies: Peacock, Small White, Green-veined White, Large White, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell and Small Copper. Odonata: Common Blue damselfly, Common Darter dragonfly (female). Plants: Most are now over and finished. The only species in flower and not previously reported is Spreading Hedge Parsley (white). This is an uncommon species but is scattered throughout England and Wales. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1036 | 04/09/2009 | Of note: Cormorant (14) - Stones Island, Gadwall (4 prs) - from the Wildlife Centre(WC), Teal (2) - Horseshoe Island (HI), Pheasant (1 male) - by the WC feeding station, Lapwing (~30) - HI, Yellow-legged Gull (1) - Tern raft and KINGFISHER (1) - flew past the WC THREE times within 10 minutes around midday. | Weather was dull with heavy rain at times so insects are now rarely flying. However, a single Red Admiral butterfly was spotted. Most flowers are over and the ST rangers have now mown some of the fields and path edges. The seeds will now set and provide a splendid, colourful display next year. A few specimans are still to be seen - particularly the Autumn Hawkbit species (yellow). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1037 | 07/09/2009 | An Osprey flew south today at 15.00, also 14 Buzzards in the air together, 12 high over sheepwash spit and 2 over the dam wall, Pintail, 2 Common Sandpipers, 19 Gadwall, 11 Wigeon, 2 Meadow Pipits, good sized tit flock on stones island with maybe as many as 20 Warblers with most if not all being Chiff Chaffs. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1038 | 09/09/2009 | On site for around 9 hours today and saw 23 Pochard, 21 Gadwall, 14 Wigeon, Yellow-Legged Gull, 2 Sparrowhawks including one chasing Pied Wagtails near Dam wall, 35 Pied Wagtails, Grey Wagtail, 8 Meadow Pipits, 4 Buzzards, 3 Ravens, Kestrel, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Grey Herons, Kingfisher, Oystercatcher (poss 2). On shiningford creek by the bend near the farm there was a lot of bird activity. I stood there for a good half hour and watched Willow Warblers, Chiff Chaffs (including 3 singing), male Blackcap, 2 Common Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Bullfinches including 3 juveniles, 2 Willow Tits and lots of other common birds. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1039 | 09/09/2009 | Of note: Grey Heron (1) - on Horseshoe Island (HI), Gadwall (4 prs) in amongst the mass of Tufted Ducks (several hundred!) immediately in front of the Wildlife Cente (WC) and in WC Creek, Teal (10) - HI, Lapwing (~50) - HI, Swallow (10) and Willow Warbler (1)- Stones Island. | Butterflies: Speckled Wood, Small White, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell. Dragonflies: Southern Hawker and Brown Hawker. Plants in flower: In flower for sometime but unnoticed previously: Groundsel, Creeping Buttercup, Scentless Mayweed and Thin-leaved Bird's-foot Trefoil. Species now with berries: Elder, Guilder Rose, Dog Rose (hips) and Hawthorn (haws). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1040 | 15/09/2009 | 107 Pied Wagtails, 6 Meadow Pipits, Yellow-legged Gull, 91 Wigeon, 27 Gadwall, Pintail, 2 Redshanks, 43 Cormorants, 3 Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks, Kestrel, Grey Heron, Kingfisher, 50+ Housemartins, 10+ Swallows. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1041 | 17/09/2009 | Overcast today but no rain. Few birding visitors seen. Of note: Cormorant (25) - Horseshoe Island, Grey Heron (1) - Shiningford Island, Mute Swan - two pairs of adults with 4 & 5 very large grey cygnet broods respectively, Teal (~ 100) - much increased in numbers since last week, Mallard - including 5 well formed ducklings innocently feeding at our feet on the edge of Stones Island, GARGANEY (1 imm) - in front of the Wildlife Centre and Lapwing (~40) - Horseshoe Island. | Brown Hawker dragonfly - northern end of main carpark. Although most of the flowers are now over about 20 plant species were showing the odd specimen in bloom. The Meadow Vetchling is still showing dozens of flowers (yellow), particularly on Stones Island. An overlooked species - Smooth Hawk's-beard (yellow), was noted today. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1042 | 20/09/2009 | WeBS count for September done between 7.30 and 11.00. Mute Swan 23, Canada Goose 158, Wigeon 270, Gadwall 19, Teal 57, Mallard 170, pochard 48, Tufted Duck 1008 (double the number for this time last year), Little Grebe 53, Great Crested Grebe 41, Cormorant 41, Grey Heron 4, Moorhen 25, Coot 1,379. Lapwing 111, Snipe 4 and Kingfisher 1. Also 2 Buzzard. Total 3375. | 24 C temperature at the end of the count and no wind. Still water with much weed and low levels. | Peter Gibbon |
| 1043 | 22/09/2009 | 1 Yellow-legged Gull at WLC on the usual raft.Kingfisher showing very well at WLC and Paul Stanley.Also notables at PS Hide, 2 Buzzard, 1 Raven, 1 Greylag Goose among many Canadas on Flat Is, 2 Heron, several Long-tailed Tits, 300 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew in at 6pm.WLC: 5 Snipe, 3 Swallow, 1 Kestrel, 32 Cormorant, 6 Wigeon, many Teal, c.35 Lapwing, a pair of Little Grebe with 1 very small chick, 3 Pied Wagtail, 4 Pochard, 1 Black-headed GullStones Island, 1 calling Chiffchaff, 2 Great Crested Grebe with 2 young.Sparrowhawk flew from Shiningford Creek. | The Severn Trent rangers will soon be placing a post in front of the Wildlife Centre for the Kingfisher to pose on. | James Owen (RSPB vol) |
| 1044 | 24/09/2009 | Of note: Little Grebe - adult feeding a very tiny young bird (in front of the wildlife centre (WC) main window), Great Crested Grebe - adults with three striped young, Mute Swan - inc. one pair with 6 large grey cygnets, Cormorant (24) - Horseshoe Island (HI), Pochard (5) - Shiningford Creek, Lapwing (~60) - in the air and on HI, House Martin (2), Swallow (1), Chiffchaff (1) - singing on Stones Island and a Jackdaw flecked, with many white feathers, feeding at the WC feeding table. | Butterflies: Speckled Wood and Comma. Bees: Honey Bee, Common Carder Bee and Buff-tailed Bumblebee. Plants: The only plant not previously reported is the shrub - Spindle Tree, in the hedgerow near to the entrance to the water sports centre jetty. It now sports bright orange-red berries, which contain poisonous orange seeds (poisonous to humans that is). It is harmless to birds and is a favourite delicacy for Blackbirds. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1045 | 28/09/2009 | On site today was a drake Chiloe Wigeon (presumably the same bird that's been at Ogston since early summer). Also on site a Shoveler, 85 Pochards, 10 Housemartins, Swallow, 2 Kingfishers, Grey Wagtail, 3 Meadow Pipits, 4 Linnets, 4 Chiff Chaffs, 3 Buzzards, 2 Ravens, 6 Grey Herons, 54 Cormorants and a Greylag Goose. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1046 | 29/09/2009 | First visit this year! 44 species seen and a further 4 either heard or probables. All 4 Hides and Stones Island visited, on a very drizzly day. Highlights include: Canada Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Lapwing, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Tree Sparrow, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Snipe, Kingfisher, Pochard, Teal, Pheasant, Greylag Goose, Grey Heron, Jay, House Martin (in good numbers considering its nearly October!), Goldfinch, Chiffchaff, Bullfinch, and both Black-backed Gulls. Nothing major, and several notables missing! However, there was the male Chiloe Wigeon (unringed) showing very well from Sheepwash. Presumably this is an escape rather than a first for Britain? Also seen were several Rats at PS Hide, and a Water Vole at WLC pool. | . | Peter Charlton |
| 1047 | 30/09/2009 | 1 Skylark flew over Stones Island. A Dunlin flew past past Sheepwash towards Stones Island at 1700hrs. An adult Kittiwake was in the gull roost from 1700hrs. A female Common Scoter was off Stones Island at dusk. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1048 | 30/09/2009 | Of note: Grey Heron (1) - Wildlife Centre Creek, Kestrel (1) - over Watersports Island, Collared Dove (8) - on Wildlife Centre feeding table and in the trees behind, Blackcap (1) - singing male on Stones Island. | Butterflies: Small Tortoiseshell and Small Heath. On Stones Island there was a plant with an yellow/orange flower in bloom not previously reported. It was Common Fleabane. This species normally flowers from the end of July until the end of September. Caught it just in time! | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1049 | 01/10/2009 | 2 Kingfishers, 2 Ravens, Peregrine, Chiloe Wigeon, still present. 2 Jays. | Kingfishers are delighting visitors at the moment, and can be seen regularly fishing/hovering from Sheepwash and Paul Stanley hides. | Clive Ashton |
| 1050 | 05/10/2009 | 3 Whooper Swans flew north at 10.05, Common Sandpiper and Kingfisher at Sheepwash, Chiloe Wigeon still present, Raven, 3 Buzzards, 4 Linnets, Greylag Goose, Chiff Chaff, Yellow-legged Gull, 3'000 Lesser black Backed Gulls, 7 Common Gulls, 6+ Crossbils flew over Paul Stanley hide (RC). | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1051 | 05/10/2009 | Of note: Grey Heron (2) - Horseshoe Island & Shiningford Island, Barnacle Goose (45) - Sailing Club Island, Common Buzzard (1) - over Shiningford Farm, Yellow-legged Gull (1) - from Wildlife Centre (WC), Robin - at least 10 singing near WC, and Blackcap (1) - singing on Stones Island. | Butterflies: Red Admiral and Small Heath. Another overlooked plant still in bloom - Marsh Hawk's-beard (Stones Island). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1052 | 06/10/2009 | 41 species during today's event in the Wildlife Centre. Notable were a Raven and Peregrine mobbing each other (or playing?) around the pylons near Shiningford Farm. A single Snipe and Yellow-legged Gull, the Kingfisher showed exceptionally well on the new post. A Kestrel caught prey on the bank beyond Horseshoe Is, a Buzzard flew low into WLC Creek, and a Sparrowhawk caught prey by the bird table. A single Little Grebe chick still present. 1 Mistle Thrush overflew. Stones Is: 1 Chiffchaff singing again, and a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over the Visitor Centre. | Very rainy day, poor visibility, the raptors all active in a one hour window of dry weather at midday. | James Owen |
| 1053 | 07/10/2009 | Rock Pipit on the Dam Wall early morning, 5 Buzzards, Yellow-legged Gull, Raven, Kingfisher, 107 Pochard, 54 Cormorants, Chiloe Wigeon and 5 Chiff Chaffs including one singing. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1054 | 08/10/2009 | Good No's of Duck species at Sheepwash, Pochard, Tufted, Teal and Wigeon, plus the Chiloe Wigeon drake which seems to be displaying aggressively to the female Wigeons! Lapwings were roosting on the floating weed mats out in the middle of the water, some sinking up to their bellies!The roost was a few thousand Lesser Black Backs, with 2 or 3 Yellow-legged Gulls and 3 or so Herrings....(ads and Imms).Best views were of a Kingfisher fishing for over an hour in the small pool to the right of Sheepwash Hide! Cracking views. | The Kingfisher, on very close scrutiny was seen to be missing a few mm of the tip of the lower mandible! I wonder if they crash into things in the water when they dive??? | Steph' Hicking |
| 1055 | 09/10/2009 | Afew hours this afternoon: 3 Pintail 1 Red crested Pochard 1 Chiloe Wigeon 295 Wigeon 143 Pochard 65 Teal 1 Tern sp. probably an Arctic. 3 Buzzard,Sparrowhawk,Kestrel,Raven and 2 Kingfishers. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1056 | 10/10/2009 | From Sheepwash and Paul Stanley: 2(f) Goldeneye, 1(f) Common Scoter, 2 Pintail, 3 Snipe, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Common Gull WLC: 2(m) Red-crested Pochard | . | James Owen |
| 1057 | 12/10/2009 | 4 Buzzards at Millfields, 6 Meadow Pipits on Dam Wall and a Skylark over, also 3 Skylarks over Stones Island. From Sheepwash, 2 Ravens, Kingfisher, Dunlin, Yellow-legged Gull, 6 Grey Herons, 16 Redwings, Shoveler and Pintail. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1058 | 12/10/2009 | Nice sunny day. Birds of note: Common Buzzard (1) and Common Sandpiper (1) - Horseshoe Island. Dragonflies: Common Hawker; Common Darter (pr) - this species is on the wing until mid-November. Butterfly: Speckled Wood only. Plants: Stunted plants by the edge of Stones Island. Area covered in water until relatively recently. Drying out and recent sunshine has brought Brooklime (deep blue), Water forget-me-not (pale blue) and Redshank (pink) into flower. Very late flowering Lesser Periwinkle (dark blue) found elsewhere. Probably seeds had been dormant, then disturbed in late summer. Also found Scented Mayweed or Wild Chamomile (yellow domed centre with white petals). | A Tittesworth Water Snippet: The autumn edition of the Tittesworth Bird News newsletter now available from Tittesworth reception. Details of public activities, site upgrades and environmental improvements plus the usual focus on the most interesting bird and other natural history observations for the months July, August and September. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1059 | 13/10/2009 | WeBS count for the month:- Mute Swan 40,Canada Goose 157,Shelduck 6,Wigeon 590,Gadwall 39,Teal 123,Mallard 132,Pintail 1,Shoveller 3,Pochard 148,Red-crested Pochard 12,Tufted Duck 733,Little Grebe 83,Great Crested Grebe 42,Cormorant 57,Grey Heron 3,Moorhen 49,Coot 1770,Lapwing 160,Kingfisher 4,Black-headed Gull 27,Lesser Black-backed Gull 51,Peregrine 1,Sparrowhawk 1,Buzzard 1. | Carried out between 07.15 and 10.30.Although Tufted Duck numbers have dropped since last month's count the BTO still describe it at as 'an unusually high number' and the same description is given for the numbers of Little Grebe, Coot and Red-crested Pochard.It also looks like there were 2 Kingfishers in both the north and south of the water. | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 1060 | 15/10/2009 | 5 Common Scoter near Dam Wall, 5 Pintail around Sheepwash, also 2 Shoveler, Yellow-legged Gull, Dunlin, Kingfisher, 2 Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks and 55 Redwings. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1061 | 15/10/2009 | Tuesday 13th Oct 2009 Mediterranean Gull - 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull - 1 adult The gulls formed in two flocks pre-roost, one of which parked themselves between the spit and the far bank, affording good views from the Sheepwash hide. I picked up the Med Gull towards 5.45 (including a short view in flight) and the Yellow-legged Gull shortly after and towards 6.15 they drifted towards the middle of the reservoir with the other gulls. | . | Paul Mollatt |
| 1062 | 15/10/2009 | A Great Northern Diver has been reported on the BirdGuides website this morning. I'm afraid that I have no information as to where it was seen or if it is still on site. | . | Paul Bennett |
| 1063 | 15/10/2009 | Regarding the Great Northern Diver. The report was that it only circled Carsington before flying off North. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1064 | 15/10/2009 | Shoveler (1), Pintail (5) Eclipsed and maybe single drake, Gadwall (4), Pochard, Teal, Wigeon, Mallard, (all large numbers) Coot, Moorhen, Grey Heron (2), Cormorant (7). Gulls ‰ÛÒ BH, LBB, Herring, Yellow Leg, Mediterranean (1) and a probable Caspian Gull (1) in gull roost [17:45 ‰ÛÒ 18:25hr]. Dunlin (6-7) flying north . The GN Diver was seen by MAP near Dam at Millfields end. Circled and flew off north without settling. In Winter Plumage [Posted this report only after ID. help and consultation with MAP & J.Bradley.] | . | David Edmonds |
| 1065 | 17/10/2009 | Gull roost 16:40hr to 18:25hr from Lane End. Mostly LBB Gull interspersed with BH Gull, Yellow Leg, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Med Gull adult (1), Juvenile GBB Gull 1st winter (1). Unable to confirm presence of Caspian Gull. | The roost was initially very clear, with perfect light. However the birds were flushed 3+ times by returning fishing boats, and moved into less good light. | David Edmonds |
| 1066 | 19/10/2009 | Adult Yellow-legged Gull, adult Mediterranean Gull, 20 Meadow Pipits, Skylark, Grey Wagtail, 3 Pintail, 2 Shoveler, Dunlin, c100 Starling, 20 Redwing, 15 Collared Doves, Kingfisher, 2 Buzzard and Kestrel. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1067 | 23/10/2009 | Adult Y.L.Gull Sheepwash Hide 3 Male & 2 Female Red-crested Pochard WLC | . | Ian Scrimshaw |
| 1068 | 24/10/2009 | 2 Mediterranean Gulls in the roost last night, an adult came in at 16:05 and a 1st winter at 16:20. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1069 | 25/10/2009 | Adult Med. Gull again at 14:50 3 Pintail 1 Shoveler 1 Common Scoter fem/imm 2 YL Gulls | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1070 | 26/10/2009 | great crested grebe, adult mediteranian gull, canada goose, herring gull, redwing, sparrowhawk, buzzard, greylag goose flying over, osprey, great and lesser black backed gulls. | keep up the good work carsington water i hope you have good sighting of birds and other animals. | Niall |
| 1071 | 27/10/2009 | Approximately 400 Fieldfares were roosting in the trees, within the reservoir boundary, just south of Hays Lane at 16.00 this afternoon (SE corner of Millfields Bay). As I drove the Land Rover around the track, they alighted and moved into the trees in Riddings Farm, just over the fence. A good record of a species I rarely see within the recording area. | . | Paul Bennett |
| 1072 | 28/10/2009 | A Peregrine flew through just before 11.00, c40 Redwings and several Fieldfare around wildlife centre creek, 15+ Siskin including several Lesser Redpolls, 10+ Meadow Pipits, 2 Skylarks, 2 Kingfishers, Raven, 2 Buzzards, 3 Snipe and a Grey Wagtail. At around 16.00 many of the Gulls and Wildfowl took to the air in what seemed to be a mass panic. Something had clearly upset them but we never found out what. At around dusk several flocks of Starlings totalling around 200 were flying towards the wildlife centre. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1073 | 29/10/2009 | Highlights were a Garganey (female/imm) Sheepwash, Common Scoter (1 fem), Yellow legged Gull 3 (2 adults 1 1st winter). | . | Steph Hicking |
| 1074 | 29/10/2009 | Busy on site today. Half-term. Quite warm and no wind. Just visited the wildlife centre (WC) and Stones Island. Of note: Grey Heron (1 juv) - on the end of Watersports Island. Barnacle Goose (30+) - in a Shiningford Farm field. Shoveler (pair) - seen from the WC. Wigeon Gadwall, Teal, Mallard and Tufted Duck also present. Lapwing (~10) - Horseshoe Island. Song Thrush (1). Goldfinch - a few near the WC. | A Tittesworth Snippet: Tittesworth Water is a ST site just 45 minutes drive from Carsington. Please consider visiting this quiet site. About 220 species of bird have been identified on site over the years. It's smaller than Carsington Water but can produce some interesting sightings. The latest site newsletter (Tittesworth Bird News, autumn edition) is available from reception at the visitor centre. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1075 | 30/10/2009 | In the gloom of dusk this evening it looked like 2 Little Egrets flew across the water and into Fishtail Creek to roost [viewed distant from Sheepwash Hide] | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1076 | 31/10/2009 | Adult Ring billed Gull in the roost tonight along with up to 5 adult Yellow legged Gulls. The RBG is the returning bird from previous years. | . | Steph Hicking |
| 1077 | 02/11/2009 | Ring-Billed Gull came into roost at 16.05 just behind the spit at sheepwash. Also seen today 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, female Scaup, 8 Goldeneye, 7 Shoveler, 3 Pintail, 2 Raven, 3 Skylarks, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Kingfisher, c100 Redwings and c15 Meadow Pipits. Also seen today although not by us was the Garganey at the wildlife centre. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1078 | 03/11/2009 | Garganey again at Wildlife Centre,(and later from Sheepwash.) From Sheepwash.. 4 Pintail,Common Scoter,Mandarin(drake),Peregrine, Curlew,Raven,several Meadow Pipits and the usual showy Kingfisher. A lot of birders in for the Gull roost, one of whom picked out a Great Northern Diver, though no sign of the RB Gull. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1079 | 04/11/2009 | Highlights.... Ring-billed Gull 1 adult off Lane ends Hide from 4.25pm, Sheepwash produced Scaup 1 fem, Common Scoter 1 fem, 2 Shoveler male, 2 plus Yellow legged Gull (in the semi resident bird on spit showing well). Plus the usual other wildfowl etc. | . | Steph' Hicking |
| 1080 | 04/11/2009 | Of note: Grey Heron (1) - Horseshoe Island (HI), Gadwall - many with some attempting to mate near WC, Lapwing (~50), Kingfisher (1) - seen from the Wildlife Centre (WC), Redwing (20-30) - in trees near the WC, Starling (flock of over 200) - on HI, Goldfinch (10) and Bullfinch (1 female). | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1081 | 06/11/2009 | Highlights... Common Scoter (Fm), Pintail (3), Yellow legged Gull (3+), Ring billed Gull (ad) (was located late at about 4.30pm off Lane Ends), Great Northern Diver (adult showing some summer plumage off Fishtail from Lane Ends). The Garganey was to the right of Sheepwash hide earlier but I didn't see it. | The gull roost was very large with probably 3000 LBB and similar BHG's. There were well over 100 Common Gulls in the roost too. | Steph' Hicking |
| 1082 | 06/11/2009 | 7 Pintail,1 Common Scoter, 1 Garganey and 1 GN Diver from Sheepwash also 2 Dunlin flew West. At the Wildlife centre 2 Shoveler,2 Snipe and a Redshank. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1083 | 07/11/2009 | First Winter Black Redstart on Sailing Club roof and dam wall area, second record at Carsington. Great Northern Diver still in summer plumage. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1084 | 07/11/2009 | Black Redstart (Dam wall), Common Scoter (fem), Scaup (fem), Great Northern Diver (adult summer), Ring billed Gull (roost off Lane Ends), Yellow legged Gull ad and 2nd winter in roost. Pintail 3plus | What a day! | Steph Hicking |
| 1085 | 09/11/2009 | Great Northern Diver - 1 seen distantly near Dam Wall from Sheepwash at around 11.30am. Yellow-legged Gull - 1+ at Sheepwash. Pintail - 2+ female at Sheepwash. Shoveler - 2+ at Wildlife Centre. Willow Tit - 1 in hedgerow near Lane End Hide. Barnacle Goose - 4 with Canada Geese at Wildlife Centre. | My first trip to Carsington - hopefully the first of many! | Pete Mella |
| 1086 | 09/11/2009 | Of note: From or near to Wildlife Centre. Grey Heron (1), Shoveler (1 male), Stock Dove (5), Bullfinch (pr). Sunny. No wind. Few people about. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1087 | 11/11/2009 | Great Northern Diver distant from Sheepwash, 6 Pintail and Raven. Not seen by me but in the Gull roost was the Ring-billed Gull, 4 Yellow-legged Gulls and an adult Mediterranean Gull. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1088 | 12/11/2009 | Great Northern Diver and 6 Skylarks (over) from Stones Island,6 Pintail at Sheepwash.Ring billed Gull at Lane End.Also 7 Snipe and a Redshank at Wildlife Centre.Raven and Sparrowhawk at sheepwash. | Thanks to Steph for picking out the RBG at Lane End. Also of note was a large flock of Starlings on fields between Sheepwash and the Knockerdown pub. | Clive Ashton |
| 1089 | 13/11/2009 | Yellow-legged Gull - 4 adults Mediterranean Gull - 1 adult Great Northern Diver 1 From Sheepwash hide. | . | Paul Mollatt |
| 1090 | 16/11/2009 | 4 plus adult Yellow Legged Gulls and 1-3rd/4th winter type. 1adult Med Gull, 1 adult Ring billed Gull, many more Herring Gulls in tonight (20+), Common Gulls very numerous 200+ | Large roost tonight probably 3500-4000+ LBB and similar BHGulls. The Ring billed is probably best seen off Lane Ends in the main roost from 3pm but it has been seen on Flat Island and the Spit areas, its best to judge where the main roost is gathering. | Steph Hicking |
| 1091 | 16/11/2009 | Rather quiet on site today but a few birders about. Mainly sunny around midday. Of note: Grey Heron (1), Garganey (1) - last reported on the 6th November - seen from the wildlife centre (WC); Lapwing (~30) - Horseshoe Island, Redshank (1) - on Tern raft, Stock Dove (2) - with 9 Woodpigeons in field near WC, Redwing (~20) in trees at the edge of a field near the WC. | Very bright Guilder Rose berries seen near the WC. The leaves of this species have turned yellow but few have as yet dropped. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1092 | 17/11/2009 | Ring billed Gull and Mediterranean Gull on Flat Island 15:00 also Great Black backed and 2 Yellow legged Gulls. 2 Pintail at Sheepwash, with 11 Meadow Pipits also present.2 Raven being aggressive to Buzzards. Skylark over dam wall. | . | Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe |
| 1093 | 20/11/2009 | Drake mandarin at Wildlife centre, where also 1 Dunlin and 1 Redshank. Ring billed Gull again on Flat island. 1 Pintail at Paul stanley. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1094 | 22/11/2009 | WeBS count for November:Mute Swan 35,Canada Goose 32,Great Northern Diver 1(juv),Great Crested Great 32,Little Grebe 71,Grey Heron 3,Cormorant 39,Mandarin Duck 1,Mallard 183,Wigeon 407,Teal 253,Gadwall 70,Pintail 2,Tufted Duck 889,Pochard 256,Goldeneye 7,Moorhen 41,Coot 1645,Lapwing 255,Redshank 1,Dunlin 1,Kingfisher 1,Blackheaded Gull 82,Common Gull 2,Ring-billed Gull 1,Lesser Black-backed Gull 38,Yellow-legged Gull,Buzzard 1 and Sparrowhawk 1. | . | Peter Gibbon |
| 1095 | 22/11/2009 | WeBS count done today by John Bradley and Peter Gibbon | . | Peter Gibbon and John BradleyW |
| 1096 | 25/11/2009 | Ring billed Gull at 14:55 on Flat island. Male Merlin flew down East bank. Female Pintail at Sheepwash and Paul Stanley. Female Shoveler at Wildlife centre. 2 Raven. | . | Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe |
| 1097 | 28/11/2009 | Willow Tit, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Nuthatch, BH Gulls, GBB Gulls, LBB Gulls, Teal, Pochard, Cormorants, Widgeon, Goshawk female at 09.33h. Little Grebes, Great Crested Grebes. At least 10 Goldeneye, Grey Wagtail. Female Peregrine harrying Lapwings,Pied Wagtail, Herring Gull, Grey Heron, Gadwall. | Leslie Fisher | |
| 1098 | 29/11/2009 | Willow Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Blackbird, Redwing, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Robin, Wren, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Starling, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Rook, Raven, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Buzzard, Kestrel, Kingfisher, Canada Goose, Mallard, Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Coot, Moorhen, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Pheasant, Common Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Great Black Backed Gull, Yellow Legged Gull, Herring Gull, Black Headed Gull, Lapwing, Snipe, Redshank, Cormorant. | . | Craig Morris |
| 1099 | 01/12/2009 | Adult winter plumage Great Northern Diver from 0930hrs this morning off Stones Island. Escapee drake Chiloe Wigeon at Millfields. 3 Redshank. The adult Ring-billed Gull was reported in the roost at dusk last night. | This GND is new to the site, the previous GND report was a juvenile over a week ago. | Roger Carrington |
| 1100 | 01/12/2009 | The Ring billed Gull briefly on Flat Island at about 14:30, before being flushed, and lost to sight over the spit. Egyptian Goose on the spit. Female Goosander and Pintail at Paul Stanley. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1101 | 02/12/2009 | Pretty good day today. 2 Bewick's Swans in front of Sailing Club around 09.15 then flew towards Sheepwash. Got round to Sheepwash about 10.15 and they were just in front of the hide but before I could open the window they flew off west. Walking along Shiningford Creek and a Grey Plover flew over calling but I didn't see it land. Other sightings include adult winter Great Northern Diver, Yellow-legged Gull, Great-black Backed Gull, 4 Shelduck, female Pintail, male Shoveler, 3 Redshanks, 2 Ravens, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, 30 Siskins, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Meadow Pipits and Kingfisher. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1102 | 02/12/2009 | Ring-billed Gull in the roost from Lane Ends from c.3.40pm. Only 1 Yellow Legged Gull. | Lesser Black back numbers seemed down tonight (1000 -1500?) the roost was very disorganized. | Steph' Hicking |
| 1103 | 06/12/2009 | Highlights- 2xBuzzard over Millfields spit.Great Spotted Woodpecker-Sheepwash carpark. Male Bullfinch-Sheepwash carpark & nr Miners Arms,Carsington village.Widgeon- Millfields Bay.Flock of 20+ Goldfinchs-Carr Wood. | First posting so hope its of use. | Simon Moody |
| 1104 | 10/12/2009 | 2 Buzzards being mobbed by Rooks at Millfields 1 Great Northern Diver following Dam wall towards Millfields 1M and 1F Goldeneye off sailing club 1M AND 1F Tufted Ducks with bright blue/Turquoise Bills with other Tufted ducks at Millfields | . | Bob and Gill Smith |
| 1105 | 10/12/2009 | 2 Great Northern Divers, adult winter + juvenile. 44 Pinkfeet going northwest at 1205hrs. 1 adult winter Mediterranean Gull in roost from Sheepwash from 1430hrs. | I did not see the bright blue bills reported by Bob and Gill but suggest they are bill tags/identification markings. There was one seen last year with an orange bill tag. | Roger Carrington |
| 1106 | 14/12/2009 | A quiet morning from the Wildlife Centre. Highlight was a visit from the Yellow-legged Gull. | . | Richard, Frances and Ken Pittam |
| 1107 | 16/12/2009 | Of note: Scaup (female) - from wildlife centre. Also seen yesterday by another observer. Lapwing (~80) and Redshank (2). | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1108 | 23/12/2009 | Great Northern Diver, adult Yellow-legged Gull, female Pintail, 3 Lesser Redpolls, 31 Gadwall, 6 Goldeneye, Redshank, Snipe, 12 Song Thrush, Buzzard and Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1109 | 27/12/2009 | Little Egret at Sheepwash at 3pm then went into the small creek to right of hide. Adult Caspian Gull in roost from Sheepwash from 3:15pm. Adult Great Northern Diver off Stones Island. 9 Goosander (5 males) on Millfields Island. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1110 | 31/12/2009 | 2 Redshank from Stones Island. 3 Willow tits Millfields. | . | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 1112 | 01/01/2010 | 1 Little Egret-Wildlife Centre near the fence that runs to the water on the left. 1 male Bullfinch-Wildlife Centre Feeders | . | Sam Pedley |
| 1113 | 04/01/2010 | Juv Great Northern Diver near Watersports Island. Little Egret near Wildlife Centre until 1100hrs when it flew over dam and probably landed. 25 Barnacle Geese on Horseshoe Island. 35 Siskin by path to P S Hide. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1114 | 07/01/2010 | Juvenile Great Northern Diver off Stones Island, Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash, 8 Goldeneye, 18 Gadwall, Skylark, 10 Siskin, female Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1115 | 11/01/2010 | Female Scaup, female Pintail, Yellow-legged Gull, Little Egret, Raven, c40 Siskin, 7 Goldeneye, 3 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 6 Bullfinch and 2 Grey Heron. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1116 | 19/01/2010 | Great Northern Diver, juv, near Millfields, 1200hrs. Little Egret near Wildlife Centre. Adult Yellow-legged Gull eating a Little Grebe on shoreline in front of Sailing Club, left the carcase and skin with feathers floating on the water. 2 Skylark flying east. | If you see this bird eating on site please send me any details, this is the third occasion of it eating a Little Grebe. | Roger Carrington |
| 1117 | 19/01/2010 | 3m + 1f Goldeneye Dam wall 4m Goosander Millfields island 2 small egrets Horseshoe Island | . | Bob and Gill Smith |
| 1118 | 19/01/2010 | 4 Goosanders, 8 Goldeneye, 4 Snipe, Peregrine, Raven, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 6 Siskin and Skylark. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1119 | 20/01/2010 | Great Northern Diver, female Scaup, female Peregrine, male Sparrowhawk, 2 Ravens, drake Goosander, Yellow-legged Gull, 5 Greylag Geese, 45 Barnacle Geese. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1120 | 25/01/2010 | Of note: Great Northern Diver (1) - off Horseshoe Island, Grey Heron (1) by Wildlife Centre Creek, Barnacle Goose (10) - flying with Canadas, Yellow-legged Gull (1) - by Wildlife Centre Creek eating a dead fish! Bullfinch (4; 3 males & one female) - near ranger base. | A Tittesworth Snippet: The latest Tittesworth site wildlife newsletter is available from the visitor centre reception. The bird sightings cover October to December 2009. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1121 | 29/01/2010 | WeBS count for January: Mute Swan 28,Canada Goose 107,Wigeon 23(compared with 210 last Jan),Gadwal 36,Teal 49,Mallard 122,Pochard 134,Tufted Duck 596,Scaup 1, Goldeneye 12, Goosander 3,Great Northern Diver 1,Little Grebe 46,Great Crested Grebe 45,Cormorant 31,Grey Heron 3,Moorhen 11,Coot 1424,Lapwing 7,Snipe 2,Black-headed Gull 7,Common Gull 19,Lesser Black-backed Gull 27,Yellow-legged Gull 1. | Virtually all these numbers are well down on 18/01/2009.Quite incredibly the number of Mallard counted last year was 122 as well.Sorry for posting these so late on the web page. | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 1122 | 01/02/2010 | 1 Great Northern Diver off Stones Island. 46 feral Barnacle Geese on Stones Island. 1 drake Goosander on Millfields Island. 149 Lapwing on Sailing Club foreshore. 55 Teal and 1 female Shoveler from Sheepwash. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1123 | 02/02/2010 | 2 Great Northern Divers present, a juvenile off Stones Island and an adult behind Millfields Island. 3 Shoveler at WLC. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1124 | 10/02/2010 | 2 Great Northern Divers, 6 Buzzards, 2 Ravens, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Snipe, 2 Grey Herons and 43 Barnacle Geese. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1125 | 11/02/2010 | 3m + 1f Goldeneye, 1m Goosander and 1 Redshank. Between Millfields and Holiday cottages. | . | Bob and Gill Smith |
| 1126 | 11/02/2010 | It was cold on site today with few visitors. We just worked from Stones Island to the Wildlife Centre. Nothing very unusual seen except for a high number of Magpies (15). We only found 23 species, all quite common but just as important and interesting to us. It was good to see various catkins and Daffodil shoots pushing up. Maybe Spring is on the way. Let's hope so. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1127 | 15/02/2010 | 1 Redshankin creek left of Wildlife centre 1 M Goldeneye Shining Ford Creek 1 Red Necked Grebe off Lane end hide. | . | Bob and Gill Smith |
| 1128 | 15/02/2010 | Red-necked Grebe at Sheepwash at c13.20 heading towards Lane End. I went to Lane End and had quite good views before it then headed back towards Sheepwash. I then went back to Sheepwash only to watch it disappear behind the spit. Unfortunatley it couldn't be re-located despite several birders looking. After a bit of perseverance some birders located 2 adults in Hopton Arm at 17.00. Also on site today was 2 Great Northern Divers, 8 Goldeneye, female Goosander, Oystercatcher, Yellow-legged Gull, Sparrowhawk, 45 Cormorants and 2 Grey Herons. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1129 | 16/02/2010 | Red-necked Grebe at extreme end of Hopton arm. 50+ Fieldfare, 20+ Redwing,3 GS Woodpecker,2 Reed Bunting. A Grey Heron was struggling to swallow the carcase of a gull at Sheepwash. | No sign of second RN Grebe, but could well still be on site. | Clive Ashton |
| 1130 | 16/02/2010 | Goldeneyes close in at Sheepwash 2 male 5 female. Courting calls and male displays very advanced! | For birds that are supposed to breed only in north Scotland I was surprised to see male mounting females. | Dave Farrer |
| 1131 | 17/02/2010 | Very foggy on site around midday. Visibility at best 100m, therefore birding difficult. Low species count at 24. Of note: Lapwing (1), Redwing (1), Lesser Redpoll (10) - next to wildlife centre, and a pair of Bullfinches. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1132 | 19/02/2010 | 1 Red-necked Grebe Hopton Arm. 1 Jack Snipe Hopton Arm near Reedbed area on mud at waters edge. Also sev' Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck, Pochard and 2 plus Buzzard in the top end area. | The Jack Snipe showed exceptionally well feeding and roosting on the waters edge for over 2 hours this PM after being seen to fly in. The Red-necked Grebe also showed well in the top end of the Hopton Arm. | Steph Hicking |
| 1133 | 20/02/2010 | 2 Red necked Grebes (Between Big and Flat Islands) 2 Great Northern Divers(Sheepwash) 5 Shoveler (4m 1f Sheepwash) Oystercatcher (returning bird with bar code ring on Sheepwash spit) | The 2 Grebes can be hard to locate as they hug the near bank at times, making viewing over the mounds of earth from the new path tricky. | Clive Ashton |
| 1134 | 23/02/2010 | On arrival at Carsington yesterday I was shocked to see so much ice. I reckon around 80% of the water was frozen over. In all my years of going I have never seen it so bad. There was still several large pockets of water where the wildfowl had gathered and one such area was sheepwash. From here I had 11 Goldeneye, 6 Gadwall and many Teal, Wigeon and Tufted Ducks. Also seen was 7 Oystercatchers, 4 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 2 Grey Heros, 3 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. As the day went on I eventually picked out the 2 Great Northern Divers towards Fishtail Creek. I also possibly had the 2 Red-necked Grebes briefly towards Hopton End. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1135 | 23/02/2010 | One Red-necked Grebe just south of Big Island watched between 16.00 and 16.30 on Sunday. It was viewed from the lower track at the bottom of Hall Wood and occasionally drifted round to the eastern side of the island. | As Dave stated, the surface of the reservoir was frozen from one bank to the other. Fortunately, there was a pocket of open water, just south of Big Island. | Paul Bennett |
| 1136 | 23/02/2010 | February WeBS count : 2 Great Northern Diver,4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Red-necked Grebe, 22 Little Grebe, 6 Mute Swan,60 Canada Goose, 29 Cormorant, 6 Gadwall, 42 Teal,141 Mallard, 442 Tufted Duck, 19 Goldeneye, 2 Moorhen, 401 Coot, 4 Oystercatcher, 36 Lapwing,1 Woodcock(seen by Roger Carrington), 1 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine(seen by RC),1 Kestrel. | Extremely cold and 30% ice cover. This was supposed to be done on Sunday but snowfall prevented me from getting to Carsington. | Peter Gibbon |
| 1137 | 23/02/2010 | Since submitting WeBS count figures I am adding the following as seen by Roger Carrington later in the day. Great Crested Grebe will be 14, an extra 3 Moorhen makes a total of 5 and he also saw 6 Wigeon. Thank you Roger. | . | Peter Gibbon |
| 1138 | 25/02/2010 | 2 Great Northern Divers together from Sheepwash. 5 Shelduck flew north at Hopton end before returning a few minutes later,(with another or one of the same from Sheepwash later.) 2 Goosander towards Millfields, with probably several more on Millfields island. No sign of Red necked Grebes at Hopton end. 2 Raven from Sheepwsh and an Oystercatcher on Big island. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1140 | 28/02/2010 | 10 Oystercatchers this morning - 2 on Big Island, 5 on Stones Is, 1 in front of Sailing Club and a pair mating on Millfields Is. 13 Goldeneye near dam wall. 2 Pochard at Millfields. 1 Skylark flying north. 2 Curlew flew east and 3 landed at Sheepwash. At Sheepwash - drake Shoveler, drake Pintail, 48 Wigeon, juv Great Northern Diver. In the air - 5 Buzzard, 2 Raven, Sparrow Hawk, Peregrine. 4 Song Thrush singing. | Very few wrens seen in recent weeks, obviously due to the weather, just 1 singing at Sheepwash this morning. | Roger Carrington |
| 1141 | 01/03/2010 | Fairly quiet on site today. Very few birders and walkers. We only managed 29 species from Stones Island to the end of Wildlife Centre Creek around midday. Weather was good, sunny and quite mild. Of note: Barnacle Goose (46) - Horseshoe Island (HI), Pheasant (1,m) - calling near the Wildlife centre (WC), Oystercatcher (2) - Stones Island, Lapwing (~120) - HI, Curlew (3) - overflying WC creek, Redshank (1) -HI, Robin - many singing. | Of note: a single Squirrel - near WC. We see very few of this mammalian species at Carsington. Gorse has started to come into flower and two types of lichen have been seen on many of the trees. The yellow type lifts the trees, providing added colour at this dull time of year. We think the yellow variety is Xanthoria parietina. The blue-grey variety is difficult to pin down, many species are possible, thus we will not attempt an identification. A Tittesworth Snippet: Tittesworth Water, another ST site and just 45 minutes drive from Carsington, provides another good wildlife experience. About 215 species of bird have been seen on site and today a massive count of 52 Goosanders was made. Although Wigeon have left Carsington 21 were observed at Tittesworth today. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1146 | 02/03/2010 | Large area of the reservoir frozen over today, but an interesting day all the same.3 Curlew on Sheepwash spit, 2 More flew east and later a flock of 7-8 flew over middle wood.2 GN Divers beyond Fishtail creek.Pintail(f) at Sheepwash. Scaup(f) at Wildlife centre. | 2 interesting records, both of which I missed, were sightings of an Otter at the Hopton end, and a male Garganey at the Wildlife centre. | Clive Ashton |
| 1147 | 03/03/2010 | Garganey | Male showed well on far side of bay from Visitor Centre from 14:20-14:40. | Dermot Smyth |
| 1148 | 07/03/2010 | 24 Whooper Swans flew in at 09:30 and were still present when I left site at 10:30. Also present 1 Dunlin on Stones Island,1 GN Diver and 4 Curlew. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1149 | 08/03/2010 | One kingfisher along stream leading into Brownale Bay. | Nice to see at least one survived the freezing weather. | dave williams |
| 1150 | 08/03/2010 | 6 Snipe in flight Warrington Knob 1 Redshank just Sth of Oldfield Lane holiday lets | . | dave williams |
| 1151 | 08/03/2010 | 24 Whooper swans 1 Pink footed goose I Snipe 3 Redshank from wildlife centre swans still there at 4-00pm | . | Pete Furniss |
| 1152 | 08/03/2010 | Oystercatcher 1each from Paul Stanley, Sheepwash and Wildlife Centre Hides. G N Diver, 4 Curlew, 24 Whooper Swan, Raven(heard),Redshank seen from Sheepwash Hide. Willow Tit,Tree Sparrow,Bullfinch & Reed Bunting at Feeding Station between Sheepwash and Wildlife Centre. Water Rail & @ 50 Barnacle Goose from Wildlife Centre. Little Owl seen in field to right of track from Wildlife Centre to Car ParK | . | Philip Burnham c/o Netherfield wildlife Group, Nottingham |
| 1153 | 10/03/2010 | Sheepwash.. 1 GN Diver,48 Wigeon and 18 Goldeneye. Wildlife centre.. adult Mediterranean Gull at 16:20 until 17:05 when flushed to middle of res. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1154 | 10/03/2010 | Of note: Pink-footed Goose (1) - feeding with Canadas on Stones Island, Barnacle Goose (39) - on the Sailing Club Island, Common Buzzard (1), Kestrel (1), Pheasant (a pr), Oystercatcher (4), Dunlin (2) - Horseshoe Island, Redshank (1), Yellow-legged Gull (1) - seen from the Wildlife Centre, Pied Wagtail (~10), Song Thrush (1) and an over-wintering Blackcap in trees near the Wildlife Centre. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1155 | 14/03/2010 | 3 Oystercatcher in field between water and footpath close to Sheepwash Car Park. Early afternoon. | . | David Meredith |
| 1156 | 14/03/2010 | All from Sheepwash hide 10:50 - 11:50, 7 oystercatchers, 5 curlew, 7 goldeneye, 1 Great Northern Diver off Fishtail Creek | . | Martin Kaye |
| 1157 | 14/03/2010 | WeBS count for March: Mute Swan 7, Pink-foot Goose 1, Canada Goose 102, Barnacle Goose 46, Wigeon 23, Gadwall 3, Teal 9, Mallard 59, Pintail 1, Tufted Duck 325, Goldeneye 14, Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 25, Great Crested Grebe 35, Cormorant 14, Grey Heron 3, Sparrowhawk 2, Buzzard 8 (6 at once over Hall Wood), Kestrel 1, Moorhen 8, Coot 247, Oystercatcher 7, Lapwing 8, Curlew 10, Redshank 4 | Very low count for Moorhen with only 3 in the northern half and 5 in the southern half of the reservoir. Can observers please add any records from now on to monitor the numbers. Thanks. | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 1158 | 14/03/2010 | 2 Snipe,2 Oystercatchers,1 Redshank,1 G.N.Diver from Wildlife Centre Reed bunting and Willow tit on feeding station | . | Pete Furniss |
| 1159 | 15/03/2010 | Ring-billed Gull, first winter. A little smaller than the Lesser Black-backeds and a paler mantle than the obviously smaller Commons. Very heavily blotched underparts and back of the neck, heavily streaked head. Bill, eye, legs and upper wing good for the species. I am sure of the identification , but would like confirmation. Also an adult Great Northern Diver. | I saw it at about 4.30pm on the spit opposite the Sheepwash Hide. It flew off in the direction of the visitor centre but I couldn't relocate it from Lane End. | Paul Mollatt |
| 1160 | 15/03/2010 | Of note: Pink-footed Goose (1), Barnacle Goose (41), Wigeon (pr), Oystercatcher (3), Lapwing (11), Redshank (1), Song Thrush (1) and Goldfinch (10). | Plants in flower: Snowdrops and Lesser Celandine. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1161 | 16/03/2010 | Gull roost: Adult Mediterranean Gull + Ad G N Diver from Lane Ends Hide, no sign of the described gull of last night, but only half the roost checked as gulls were widespread. 1 Pink-footed Goose on Stones Island. Several pairs of Oystercatcher. 5 Curlew. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1162 | 16/03/2010 | 10+ Goldeneye, 5+ Oystercatchers, 2 Dunlin, 2 Buzzard, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, 2 Raven and 120+ Common Gull. All seen from Sheepwash Hide. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1163 | 19/03/2010 | 1 Male Wheatear, 12 Sand Martin, 13 Pied Wagtails, 1 Meadow Pipit, all on dam wall 0630hrs. 5 Chiffchaff - 1 singing 0700hrs near Sailing Club, 2 Millfields, 1 Stones Island, 1 Sheepwash. Adult Great Northern Diver, 2 Greylag Geese, 18 Moorhen between Millfields and P S Hide, 5 Curlew, 6 Redshank, 2 Redwing, 1 Skylark fly-over. | Must be spring! | Roger Carrington |
| 1164 | 19/03/2010 | Further to Roger's sightings there was a Rock Pipit on Sheepwash spit. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1166 | 20/03/2010 | 8 Snipe 4 Oystercatchers 3 Redshank 2 Curlew 1 Willow Tit 1 Raven adult Great Northern Diver from Wildlife Center Weasel in front of Center | . | Pete Furniss |
| 1167 | 21/03/2010 | 0 Moorhen,32 Tufted Duck,10 Coot,6 Mallard,6 Blue Tit,4 Blackbird,1 Great Crested Grebe,1 Pied Wagtail | 08-45 to 09-30 section between Hays Lane and Oldfield LaneColtsfoot in flowerConsidering that part of this section is now designated a 'Conservation Area' is it not strange that powered fishing boats are operating just 'Off shore' ? | dave williams |
| 1168 | 22/03/2010 | The adult Mediterranean Gull present from Sheepwash at 15:45, before flying high over the Hopton end. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1169 | 22/03/2010 | 2 Wheatear WLC 3 Chiffchaff Sheepwash to WLC | . | Ian Scrimshaw |
| 1170 | 22/03/2010 | Only 33 species seen around midday. Raining. Hardly any birdsong. Of note: Barnacle Goose (32), Teal (5), Oystercatcher (2), Lapwing (2), Snipe (3) - Horseshoe Island, Redshank (5), Bullfinch (pr) and Reed Bunting (pr) - from Wildlife Centre. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1171 | 23/03/2010 | Adult Great Northern Diver, no sign of the Red Throated Diver from yesterday. 3 Snipe, 6+ Redshank, 5+ Oystercatcher, 12+ Goldeneye, 2 Shelduck, pr Shoveler, Meadow Pipit over Shiningford Creek, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Raven and 2 Chiff Chaffs. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1172 | 26/03/2010 | Osprey | From boardwalk near Wildlife Centre, 3.50 pm. Observed fishing (nothing caught)then disappeared north. | Neil Venables |
| 1173 | 29/03/2010 | Of note: Barnacle Goose (9), Pheasant (1), Oystercatcher (6), Lapwing (1), Curlew (1), Redshank (4), Chiffchaff (1), Willow Tit (1) - frequently feeding from the wildlife centre feeding station, and Reed Bunting (pr). | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1174 | 01/04/2010 | Great Northern Diver still present, 30+ Barnacle Geese, Grey Heron, 2 Swallows by dam wall, 12 Wigeon, 9 Goldeneye, Curlew, 6+ Oystercatchers, 6+ Redshanks, 5 Buzzards, female Sparrowhawk, 12 Chiff Chaff, 2 Meadow Pipits and 2 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1176 | 03/04/2010 | Great Northern Diver, 37 Barnacle Geese, 11 Goldeneye, drake Gadwall, drake Shoveler, 5 Wigeon, 5 Teal, male Sparrowhawk, 4 Swallows, Wheatear, Willow Warbler, Yellow Wagtail, 2 Raven and c100 Jackdaws. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1177 | 04/04/2010 | 10:00am - from WLC: Swallow 1nr, Drake Gadwall 1nr - Paul Stanley: Tree Creeper posing for Photographers, Redshank 1nr | . | Sue |
| 1178 | 04/04/2010 | 8-45am chiff chaff 2 woodpigeon 3 carrion crow 1 pheasant 1 bluetit 2dunnock 1 blackbird 1 house martin 2 swallow 1 moorhen 2 coot 1coal tit 3 | Hays Lane to Oldfield Lane | Dave Williams |
| 1179 | 07/04/2010 | Pair Red Crested Pochard from the WLC. | . | Stuart Maclean |
| 1180 | 07/04/2010 | 1 great northen diver 7 wigeon 1 chiffchaff 1 redshank 4 oystercatcher swallows house martins 1 ravan 2 buzzard | . | Tom Wareham |
| 1181 | 07/04/2010 | Of note: Barnacle Goose (29), Teal (2), Common Buzzard (1), Oystercatcher (4), Lapwing (2), Bar-tailed Godwit (1) - edge of Wildlife Centre Creek, Curlew (1), Redshank (4) - two mating on Horseshoe Island, Chiffchaff (3) - all singing, Willow Warbler (2) - both singing and Reed Bunting (1 male). | The pond next to the Wildlife Centre has dozens of mating Common Frogs! Plants in flower: Lesser Celandine, Coltsfoot, Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage and a few specimens only of Gorse, Dandelion and Daisy. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1182 | 08/04/2010 | Cycled round today, in beautiful sunshine. 52 Chiffchaff 13 Blackcap 8 Willow Warbler Bar tailed Godwit Wheatear (female) Greylag Goose Pochard (male) | Small Tortoiseshell and Brimstone butterflies also seen. | Clive Ashton |
| 1183 | 09/04/2010 | Late evening Bar Tailed Godwit still present on Stones plus a min of 5 pristine male White wags | . | Geoff Barter |
| 1184 | 13/04/2010 | 1 Great Northern Diver from Sheepwash in the morning, later from Lane End. Notable at WLC, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Teal, 2 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, several Reed Buntings visiting the feeding station. Willow Warblers singing widespread - on Stones and Watersports Islands, also in Wildlife Centre and Shiningford Creeks. | . | James Owen (RSPB vol.) |
| 1185 | 13/04/2010 | In addition to some of the sightings already posted for today there were also 6 Teal, 9 Goldeneye, 5 Oystercatchers, 5 Redshank, 3 Buzzards, pr of Sparrowhawks, 8 Chiff Chaff, 5 Willow Warblers, 7 Blackcaps, 2 Meadow Pipits, Grey Heron and 2 Raven. At least 68 Swallows flew through, and on Stones Island around 17.30 there was possibly as many as 100 Swallows, several Sand Martins, 2 House Martins and many Pied Wagtails including a possible White Wagtail. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1186 | 16/04/2010 | 1 Arctic Tern off Stones Island at 1915hrs. 1 Yellow Waqgtail, 1 White Wagtail on Stones Island. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1187 | 19/04/2010 | WeBS count for April:1 Great Northern Diver, 12 Little Grebe,42 Great Crested Grebe, 10 Cormorant, 1 Heron,4 Mute Swan, 80 Canada Goose, 2 Greylag Goose, 18 Barnacle Goose,2 Gadwall, 5 Teal,48 Mallard,189 Tufted Duck,106 Coot,19 Moorhen,9 Oystercatcher,6 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 8 Lapwing, 4 Curlew, 3 Little Ringed Plover,2 pairs of Black-headed Gull and 1 Little Gull at 9am. | Done between 06.30 and 09.15. Total of 24 species and only 577 birds. | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 1188 | 19/04/2010 | A pretty good day today. An Osprey flew in from the south at 12.30hrs and hung around a while before flying north at 13.05, 4+ Yellow Wagtails, White Wagtail, Arctic Tern, 22 Meadow Pipits, Wheatear, 3+ Common Sandpiper, 3+ Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Curlew, unbelievable amount of Hirundines and these figures are probably quite conservative, 500+ Swallow, 35+ Sand Martin and 17+ House Martin, 2 Buzzard, 2 Raven, 2 Teal, female Goldeneye and a drake Gadwall. | . | Dave Newcombe/Ian Scrimshaw |
| 1189 | 20/04/2010 | 1 Great Northern Diver flew briefly past Sheepwash in the morning, roosting off Lane End late afternoon.At WLC: 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin, 4 Redshank, 3 Oystercatcher, 2 Jay, 1 Willow Tit, 2 Teal, 1 Little Owl.Also, 3 Yellow Wagtail on Stones Island/near Visitor Centre, 1 Goldeneye (f) and 1 Little Ringed Plover from Paul Stanley. | Thanks to Roger Carrington for a great spot in the Little Owl, many visitors enjoyed the view. | James Owen (RSPB vol.) |
| 1190 | 21/04/2010 | Great Northern Diver, 2 Whimbrel, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Common Scoter, 4 Little Ringed Plover, Curlew, 3 Common Sandpiper, 3 Dunlin, Ringed Plover, 2 Yellow Wagtails, White Wagtail, 4 Buzzard, 2 Raven, female Goldeneye, Whetear, and a Linnet over. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1191 | 22/04/2010 | Lovely sunny day on site. 40 species seen around midday. Of Note: Grey Heron (1), Barnacle Goose (16), Gadwall (1 male), Mallard - a female with 10 ducklings in Shiningford Creek, Pheasant (3 heard), Coot - several fighting visciously, Oystercatcher (6), Little Ringed Plover (4), Ringed Plover (1), Lapwing (6), Redshank (2), Common Sandpiper (2), Song Thrush (1) and Reed Bunting (1). | Many Small White butterflies observed. 13 plant species in flower. Newly in flower this time: Ground Ivy (blue), Blackthorn - or Sloe (white), Barren Strawberry (white), Primrose (yellow), Cowslip (yellow) and Wild Cherry (white). In the first field to the north of the wildlife centre there are dozens, perhaps hundreds of the yellow flower Lesser Celandine. Not far from post 5D, at the end of Wildlife Centre Creek, there is a host of Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage. There is a stream, which flows under the cycle path, is then exposed and then flows under the footpath. Next to this section of stream there are masses of this species plus more next to the cycleway before it rejoins the footpath. Hope this makes sense! | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1192 | 24/04/2010 | Great Northern Diver 1 adult (well into summer plumage, off the Watersports centre). 2 displaying Little Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 5 Redshank, all Shiningford Creek. | Very brief visit in mid PM. | Steph Hicking |
| 1193 | 24/04/2010 | 1 dunlin 3 redshank 1 little ringed plover 1 buzzard 2 blackcap 1 williow warbler 1 sparrowhawk 4 oystercatcher 1 reed bunting swallows and house martins | . | Tom Wareham |
| 1194 | 24/04/2010 | 3 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher,1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Buzzrd, 1 Bullfinch from W.L.C1 Dunlin, 1 Redshank, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Raven2 Blackcap,1 Willow Warbler, several Swallows and House Martins in area from Sheepwash . | Pete Furniss | |
| 1195 | 25/04/2010 | 2 adult + 4 first summer Little Gulls, 3 Common Terns and 2 Whimbrel early morning only. Adult Great Northern Diver developing summer plumage. Redstart singing, distant, upstream of Wildlife Centre Creek. 4 Shelduck. 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Linnet and 14 Meadow Pipits on/over dam wall. 2 Linnets Sheepwash car park. | Yesterday evening (Saturday) other observers recorded the first Sedge, Reed and Garden Warblers on site this year. | Roger Carrington |
| 1196 | 25/04/2010 | Male Whinchat WLC Creek, Garden Warbler Visitor Centre Exit and Lesser Whitethroat Sheepwash Car Park | . | Ian Scrimshaw |
| 1197 | 26/04/2010 | Female Scaup at the Wildlife Centre. Also Great Northern Diver, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 2 Whimbrel, Curlew, Common Sandpiper, 2 Peregrine, 2 Raven, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 4 Buzzard, Little Owl, 2 drake Shoveler, pr of Gadwall, 3 Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat and 3 Garden Warblers. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1198 | 26/04/2010 | Of note around midday: Barnacle Goose (14), Gadwall (2 prs), probable female Scaup - seen from Wildlife Centre, Oystercatcher (4), Lapwing (3), Redshank (2), Blackcap (1), Willow Warbler (4) and Chiffchaff (3). | Butterflies: Small White, Peacock, and - Orange Tip (early on the wing - not usually seen until May). Plants in flower: 19 species noted. A few specimens only of the following species newly into bloom in the last four days: Greater Stitchwort (white), Bluebell, Cuckooflower [or Ladies Smock] (very pale pink), Forget-me-not (blue), Red Dead-nettle, Common Dog-violet (blue/violet) and Bogbean (very pale pink). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1199 | 27/04/2010 | At WLC: Female Scaup still and showing very well, 2 Shelduck, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Curlew, 2 Raven, 3 Buzzard, 2 Willow Tit, and the Great Northern Diver reported by a visitor. Also, 1 Fox. Elsewhere, 1 Whimbrel on Flat Island (6pm), Garden Warbler singing in willows near visitor centre. | . | James Owen (RSPB vol.) |
| 1200 | 28/04/2010 | Female Scaup and adult Great Northern Diver at the wildlife centre. Sanderling, Wheatear and 2 Linnet on dam wall. Other birds of note were 3 Common Tern, 3 Whimbrel, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Common Sandpiper, Curlew, 17 Willow Warbler, 16 Blackcap, 14 Chiff Chaff, Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Swift, 3 Buzzard, Raven and 3 broods of Mallard......9/10 and 14. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1201 | 29/04/2010 | A flock of 60+ fieldfares in trees between Tail Bay and Hognaston Bridge... moved onto adjoining farmland before flying off in a southwesterly direction. | . | John Matkin |
| 1202 | 30/04/2010 | Great Northern diver, 30+Dunlin, 7 Ringed Plovers, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Common Terns and 4 Garden warblers during the evening. | . | Jonathan Bradley |
| 1203 | 30/04/2010 | Adult Kittiwake from Sheepwash at 11:20, following rain shower. 1st Summer Mediterranean Gull at Wildlife centre all day. Female Scaup also at wildlife centre. Also present 2 Curlew, 3 Little ringed Plover,1 Dunlin, 2 Curlew. Great crested Grebes mating on horseshoe island. Mallard broods of 13 and 6. Great northern Diver in summer plumage. Yellow Wagtail on Horseshoe Island late evening. 25+Swifts, and lots of Hirundines. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1204 | 03/05/2010 | Blackbird 3 Great Tit 1 Wood Pigeon 4 Carrion Crow 2 Blue Tit 4 Goldfinch 2 Chaffinch 2 Cormorant 1 House Martin 2 Swallow 1 | 9-45 - 10-00am Hay's Lane to Oldfield Lane reserve | Dave Williams |
| 1205 | 05/05/2010 | Forty four species of bird seen around midday. Of note: Barnacle Goose (18), Mallard - 17 ducklings counted, Scaup (female), Common Buzzard (1), Oystercatcher (6), Lapwing (4), Redshank (1), Common Sandpiper (1), Little Ringed Plover (1), Common Tern (2), Song Thrush (1), Blackcap (6), Willow Warbler (4), Chiffchaff (4), Bullfinch (pr) and Reed Bunting (male). | Twenty seven species of plant in bloom. The following are new this week with just a few specimens each: Red Campion, Self-heal, Ribwort Plantain, Bush Vetch, Cow Parsley, Common Mouse-ear and Black Meddick. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1206 | 05/05/2010 | Great Northern Diver, female Scaup, 8 Whimbrel, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Curlew, Oystercatchers with 3 young on Millfields Island, Hobby, 2 Common Tern, 2 Raven, 30+ Swift and a male Whinchat. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1207 | 06/05/2010 | Approx two dozen Swifts Feeding high above the Wild Life Centre. | . | Bob and Gill Smith |
| 1208 | 08/05/2010 | The adult Great Northern Diver still present today. Also 15 Whimbrel through in two separate flocks of 9 and 6. Turnstone, 4 Arctic Terns, 2 Common Terns, Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, 2 Buzzards and 2 Linnets. More than 250 Swifts and many Swallows, Housemartins and Sand Martins feeding low to the water in the drizzly conditions. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1209 | 10/05/2010 | A Greenshank flew north early morning. Other birds of note was a Turnstone, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Curlew, Common Sandpiper, Shelduck, 2 Common Tern, Arctic Tern and Yellow Wagtail. Just like at the weekend there were 100's of Swifts, Swallows, Housemartins and Sandmartins feeding low to the water. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1210 | 11/05/2010 | WLC: single Whimbrels at noon and then again at 3pm, Turnstone, Curlew, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Redshank, 7 Oystercatcher (flock of 5 landed briefly on Horseshoe Island with one pair also present), male Sparrowhawk took a probable Tree Sparrow from the willow, 2 Willow Tits, 1 Pied Wagtail. Paul Stanley: 1 Common Sandpiper | Fox with cubs also seen from WLC, and Water Vole showing well in the pond. | James Owen (RSPB vol) |
| 1211 | 12/05/2010 | 2 Sanderling on the Dam Wall this morning, then one on Horseshoe Island a little later. A female Wheatear on the visitor centre roof. Curlew, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Yellow Wagtail all on Horseshoe Island. 2+ Common Sandpiper, 2 Common Tern. Also a Redstart singing from field off shiningford creek. A pair of Redshank with 2 young on Big Island. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1212 | 12/05/2010 | 43 bird species found around midday. Of note: Barnacle Goose (4), Mallard including a female with 6 ducklings, Kestrel (1), Red-legged Partridge (1)- just off site on the road (literally) to Brassington, Oystercatcher (4), Lapwing (4), Redshank (1), Swift (3), Song Thrush (1), Garden Warbler (2), Blackcap (1), Chiffchaff (3), Willow Warbler (2), Willow Tit (2) - RED listed species, Linnet (3) and Bullfinch (pr). | Jack-by-the- hedge (or Garlic Mustard), the only plant species newly into flower this week. The flower is white. A Tittesworth Snippet: The latest annual bird report is now available from Tittesworth visitor centre. Also the latest newsletter, covering the first quarter of this year is also available. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1213 | 13/05/2010 | Between 11.30 and 16.00, single curlew (twice)alternating with single Whimbrel(twice) came to bathe on left of Horseshoe Island. On both occasions, the Whimbrel flew away left of WLC, landing at the same field, with cattle, beyond footpath. | . | David Bennett (Vol Ranger) |
| 1214 | 15/05/2010 | PS Hide - 17:00 - 18:00hr:- Oystercatcher [1], Common Sandpiper [1], Redshank [2], GC Grebe [12], Tufted Duck [22], Mallard [10+] and chicks, Moorhen [3], Coot BH Gull [8] Mute Swan [3], (young pair, plus 1 older cob.) + Usual suspects on feeders - G.Tit, Chaffinch, Nuthatch, Jackdaw, Pheasant, Tree Sparrow, Blackbird (on fence) | Very few birds around, but nice to see having been away for a long time. Common bird counts, just roughly counted. | David Edmonds |
| 1215 | 17/05/2010 | 2 Little Ringed Plover, 10+ Oystercatcher. Lapwing with 4 chicks at the Wildlife Centre, 2 Common Terns, Little Owl, 2 Grey Wagtails on Dam Wall near draw off tower, also Swallows nesting on Draw Off tower, Shelduck, Pied Flycatcher singing at Warrington Knob, Redstart singing in field from Shiningford Creek, 2 Raven. 42 Blackcaps, 29 Willow Warblers and 13 Garden Warblers all counted on the circular walk. No sign of Oystercatcher young at Millfields Island or Redshank young on Big island, although 2 large Lapwing young on Big Island still remain. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1216 | 17/05/2010 | Over 40 species seen around midday. Of note: Barnacle Goose (12), six Mallard ducklings with female, Oystercatcher (4), Lapwing (2), Curlew (1) - Stones Island, Redshank (1), Whitethroat (1), Garden Warbler (1), Blackcap (3), Chiffchaff (2), Willow Warbler (2), Reed Bunting (1). | Butterflies: Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Orange Tip and Brimstone. 32 species of flowering plants. Newly into flower in the last few days: Herb Robert (dark pink), White Dead-nettle, Meadow Buttercup, Redshank (pink/red flower and red stalk), Germander Speedwell (blue). A Tittesworth Water Snippet: A Cape Shelduck on Tittesworth's Large Island - on the 13th. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1217 | 18/05/2010 | WLC: 4 Lapwing chicks at start and end of the day on Horseshoe Island, pairs of Great Crested and Little Grebes beginning to nest build in the willow. Also Sparrowhawk, 2 Willow Tit, 2 Bullfinch, 1 Common Gull, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, upto 5 Oystercatcher, 3 Redshank.Elsewhere, a pair of Common Terns were courtship feeding on Flat Island mid-morning. | 3 Water Voles reported in the WLC pond, and 1 Bank Vole seen under the WLC bird table. | James Owen (RSPB vol) |
| 1218 | 19/05/2010 | WeBS count for May: 8 Mute Swan,85 Canada Goose,12 Barnacle Goose,40 Mallard,147 Tufted Duck,16 Little Grebe,40 Great Crested Grebe,6 Cormorant,1 Grey Heron,15 Moorhen,57 Coot,12 Oystercatcher,2 Little Ringed Plover,8 Lapwing,4 Redshank,28 Black-headed Gull,2 Common Tern,1 Sparrowhawk,1 Kestrel. | . | Peter Gibbon |
| 1219 | 20/05/2010 | Pair of Gadwall, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Lapwing still with 4 young at the Wildlife Centre, 2 Common Terns, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 1st summer Common Gulls, Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1220 | 21/05/2010 | Fishtail Creek (early am): chaffinch, wood pigeon (x6), jackdaw (x5), carrion crow, magpie, tufted duck (pair), pheasant (x2 male), blackcap, tree creeper, willow warbler, chiffchaff (x2), wren (x4), blackbird, coot (x2), willow tit (x2), whitethroat, black-headed gull, goldfinch, bullfinch, great tit, mallard (x5), kestrel, swallow (x3), grey heron, robin, blue tit (x3- & seen using nestbox),great crested grebe (x3- 2 nests being used) | . | John Matkin |
| 1221 | 26/05/2010 | An Osprey was sitting on the large blue buoy eating a fish for over half an hour just before lunchtime today. It then flew into dead trees near Fishtail Creek before flying down the creek not to be seen again. A Sanderling and a Dunlin on the Dam Wall. A pair of Gadwall at Millfields and a pair at Sheepwash (same pair?). Oystercatchers with 2 well grown young on Millfields Island. Lapwing still with 4 young on Horseshoe Island and another female seen with 2 young. Common Sandpiper on Sheepwash Spit. Little Ringed Plover at the WLC. 2 Common Terns on Flat Island. 110 Housemartins and 100 Swift. 3 Lesser-black Backed Gulls and a 1st summer Common Gull. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1222 | 26/05/2010 | Thirty eight species of bird seen around midday. Of note: Barnacle Goose (5), Oystercatcher (2), Lapwing (5) - including two chicks on Horseshoe Island, Curlew (1) - flew over Wildlife Centre Creek calling, Redshank (2), Swift (~15),Dunnock - one male singing & two fledged young seen, Whitethroat (1), Blackcap (2) and Willow Warbler (2). | Thirty eight species of flowering plant identified plus the flowerless Horsetail. Hawthorn flowers were in abundance this week but not previously mentioned. New this week: Birdsfoot-trefoil (or Bacon & Eggs) [orange & yellow], Red Clover, Silverweed (yellow flower & silvery green leaves), Oxeye Daisy (white), Brooklime (blue), Rowan (white), Common Sorrel (orange/brown) and Bugle (blue). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1223 | 30/05/2010 | Canada Geese, 4 Little Grebe, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Great Crested Grebe, Common Tern, Hobby, House Martins, Swifts,Swallows, Redshank,Tree Sparrows,Oyster Catchers, Bullfinch, Nuthatch, Tree Creeper feeding young, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Reed Warbler. | . | Leslie Fisher |
| 1224 | 09/06/2010 | swifts house martins blackbird magpie canada geese tufted ducks great crested grebe coot cormorant dunnock blue tits great tits carrion crow oystercatcher black headed gull kestrel mallard wood pigeon swallow pied wagtail tree sparrow jackdaw robin mute swan chaffinch willow warbler buzzard | . | Thomas Wareham |
| 1225 | 09/06/2010 | Spotted Flycatcher between Hopton End and Hall Wood. Dunlin on Flat Island, also at least 2 Oystercatcher young there. At least one young Oystercatcher on Big Island plus 4 very young Coots. 5 Cygnets between Millfields and Penn Carr. 2 Little Ringed Plover Stones Island/Sailing Club. 3+ Moorhen young in wildlife centre pond. 6 juvenile Pied Wagtails on Stones Island and a further two young on Big Island. Reed Warbler singing at Hopton Pond. 3 Lesser-black Backed Gulls flew north, an adult and 2 immatures. Good numbers of Swifts, Housemartins and Swallows. At least 9 Black-headed Gull young on raft from Wildlife Centre and a young Tree Sparrow being fed by an adult at the feeding station there. 2 Grey Herons. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1226 | 16/06/2010 | Grt Crested Grebe, Heron (4 + 1), Greylag and Canada Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Woodpigeon, Grt Sptd Wdpkr, Swallow, House Martin, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Sedge Warbler (H), Whitethroat(H), Blackcap,Garden Warbler, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher (2), Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch and Reed Bunting. | Our first Club walk in a morning rather than evening was a great success with ten other members joining us. On a beautiful summers day Roger took us round a circuit below the dam wall and brought us back along the top of the dam. Lasting three hours we will definitely do this again next year.38 species. | Peter Gibbon and Roger Carrington |
| 1227 | 22/06/2010 | WeBS count for June: Mute Swan 13 (one family with 4 young), 2 Greylag Goose, 504 Canada Goose,1 Teal, 87 Mallard, 177 Tufted Duck, 1 Ruddy Duck, 4 Little Grebe,27 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Cormorant, 6 Grey Heron, 9 Moorhen, 195 Coot, 1 Oystercatcher, 7 Lapwing, 1 Curlew, 1 Spotted Redshank (Millfields), 2 Redshank, 18 Black-headed Gull, 2 Common Tern. | The Spotted Redshank was seen at Millfields at 06.00 and flew off in a westerly direction after being disturbed. | Peter Gibbon |
| 1228 | 23/06/2010 | Two Common Tern chicks on Flat Island. | Seen from Hall Wood using telescope | Peter Gibbon |
| 1229 | 25/06/2010 | Having not been on site for four weeks it was interesting to note some young birds including two young Great Crested Grebes, Canada Geese goslings (5), Mallard juveniles - now very well developed, very tiny Moorhen chicks on the Wildlife Centre pond, four young Black -headed Gulls and two juvenile Grey Wagtails (Horseshoe Island). Also worth a mention - two Oystercatchers, two Lapwings, several singing Blackcaps, a Chiffchaff, and six Willow Warblers in the same tree on Stones Island. | Butterflies present: Small Copper and Red Admiral. Damselflies: Common Blue - mating, and Large Red. Plants in flower: Twenty six species noted. The following have not been previously reported this year: Spear Thistle (purple), Welted Thistle (purple), Meadow Crane's-bill (blue/purple), Ragged Robin (pink), White Clover, Meadow Vetchling (yellow), Yellow Rattle, Common Bird's-foot trefoil (yellow), Tufted Vetch (purple),Dog Rose (pink to off-white), Woody Nightshade (purple), Marsh Hawk's-beard (yellow), and Common Knapweed (purple). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1230 | 25/06/2010 | Fishtail Creek (late evening): Oystercatchers (x 2), Little Owl (x2 in field on south side of Fishtail Creek), Great Crested Grebe (x2 adults- one with 4/5 chicks), Tawny Owl fledglings could be heard calling from Carr Wood/Conservation Area (x3 heard simultaneously). | Lots of bats and a Brown Hare on track (north side of Fishtail Creek). | John Matkin |
| 1231 | 27/06/2010 | Fishtail Creek (early am): hobby low over Carr Wood/Conservation Area, being mobbed by swallows. Passed over farmland then headed east. | . | John Matkin |
| 1232 | 29/06/2010 | From WLC: 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Owl, 2 Bullfinch, 1 Teal (m), 1 Buzzard over. On the raft 3 small BH Gull chicks and at least 1 Moorhen chick hatched. 2 Great Crested Grebe chicks with two adults in Shiningford Creek. Also a Fox took a Mallard duckling below the bird table. At Paul Stanley early evening, 5 Buzzard, 1 Hobby and 2 Raven high over Hall Wood. 2 Common Tern, and 40+ Lapwing on Flat Island. | . | James Owen (RSPB vol) |
| 1233 | 30/06/2010 | A sunny day but only 25 species of bird noted around midday. Of note: Oystercatcher (4), Lapwing (4), Swallow (2), House Martin(6), many Wrens singing, Garden Warbler (1) and Blackcap (3). Damselflies: Common Blue, several pairs ovipositing on the wildlife centre pond: one Azure damselfly noted. Butterflies: Small and Large Whites, Speckled Wood and Meadow Brown. | Plants in flower: Thirty nine species noted this week. Species not previously seen or reported: Perennial Sow-thistle, Nipplewort, Ragwort, Rape,(all yellow); Broad-leaved Dock (green/brownish); Lesser Stitchwort, Hogweed, Elder, Yarrow, Hedge Bedstraw (all white); Stinging Nettle (pale green); Bramble (white to pale pink); Hedge Woundwort (maroon); Creeping or Field Thistle (pale purple), Broad-leaved Willowherb (pink), and finally at least twenty specimens of the COMMON SPOTTED ORCHID in the triangle of meadow between the main footpath/cycleway and the wildlife centre and pond. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1234 | 02/07/2010 | marsh harrier hunting around sheepwash around 2.30pm | . | No name given |
| 1235 | 04/07/2010 | Fishtail Creek (evening): Wood Pigeon (x2), Oystercatcher, Wren, Blackbird, Willow Tit (x2), adult Great Crested Grebe with 1x large chick, Great Crested Grebes (pair) with 2x smaller chicks, Swallow (x30), Swift, Little Grebe with 2x small chicks, Magpie (x2), Mallard with 5x small ducklings, Carrion Crow (x5), Coot (pair) with 2x large chicks, Jackdaws (x3), Collared Dove, Bull Finch (x3), Great Tit, Pheasant (pair), Grey Heron (roost). Also: Kestrel & Red Legged Partridge (x2) in adjacent field. | Rabbit, hundreds of froglets in verges, 4 Brown Hares (in adjacent field). NB. Stock Dove around Fishtail Creek/nearby farmland for past week. | John Matkin |
| 1236 | 06/07/2010 | 4+ Common Sandpipers, 4 Oystercatcher, Redshank, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 adult and 2 juvenile Common Tern on Flat Island, 3 Gadwall, 2 Teal and 7+ Linnet. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1237 | 06/07/2010 | Fishtail Creek (evening): of note: oystercatcher (x2), nuthatch, great spotted woodpecker (juv.), large flock of (80 approx.)corvids(mostly jackdaw)flew from farmland behind Hall Wood then south over water. | Ringlet and Meadow brown butterflies, Common blue damselflies, large mayfly sp., young grey squirrels. | John Matkin |
| 1238 | 08/07/2010 | Bird species were hard to find today. Few species singing and vegetation now quite dense. Birds are not moving much at the moment. Of note: Grey Heron (1), Lapwing (22), Common Tern (3) - one may be a juvenile bird. The terns were fishing off Horseshoe Island at around midday. Wren - several singing lustily. Warblers have largely stopped singing but one Blackcap was heard. A male Reed Bunting was seen on Stones Island. A Yellowhammer was seen off site near Hognaston. | Odonata: Southern Hawker dragonfly; Common Blue damselfly - pairs mating over the pond next to the wildlife centre. Butterflies: Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Large, Small and Green-veined Whites, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Copper and Ringlet (almost black). Plants: Forty two species identified. The following are newly into flower: Cat's-ear (yellow), Great Willowherb (dark pink), Hawkweed (yellow), Foxglove (dark pink), Purple-loosestrife, Water Betony (tight maroon flowers; squarish maroon stem) - many on Stones Island. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1239 | 14/07/2010 | Adult Yellow-legged Gull in front of Sailing Club in the morning and then on Sheepwash Spit in the afternoon. Also 6 Lesser-black Backed Gulls. 6+ Common Sandpiper, four Tufted Duck broods of 3,5,10 & 12. Adult Redshank with 1 young on Flat Island. 2 Buzzards, Kestrel and male Sparrowhawk. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1240 | 14/07/2010 | Not many birds found. Of note: Oystercatcher (1) - asleep on Horseshoe Island and Lapwing (16) - mainly on Horseshoe Island. | Also found - two female Common Hawker dragonflies and the following plant species in flower but not previously reported: Rosebay Willowherb (dark pink) and Great Burnet (red/maroon). The great Burnet plants were seen in the meadow area between the wildlife centre and pond & the main path. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1241 | 19/07/2010 | Once again a low bird species count. Few birds singing or calling. Of note: Mute Swan (16 with 15 just off Stones Island), Red-crested Pochard (1 female) - Horseshoe Island, Common Tern (1) - fishing off Horseshoe Island, Goldfinch (sev. h), Reed Bunting (1 male) - Stones Island. | Butterflies: Small, Green-veined and Large Whites, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small Copper and Small Tortoiseshell. Damselflies: Common Blue and Azure. Plants in flower but not previously recorded: Hedge Bindweed (white), Meadowsweet (v. pale yellow), Smooth Sow-thistle (yellow), Common Bistort (pink), Upright Hedge-parsley (white to pale pink) and Lady's Bedstraw (v. sm. yellow flowers). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1242 | 21/07/2010 | Female Red-Crested Pochard and 1 adult Dunlin on Horseshoe Island around 1pm | . | Sam Pedley |
| 1243 | 21/07/2010 | WLC: 1 Red-crested Pochard, 1 Dunlin, 1 Curlew, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Common Tern, 1 Greylag type Goose. Tufted Duck with 8 chicks, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Chiffchaff and 1 Willow Warbler in willow infront of window. Sheepwash: Adult Yellow-legged Gull on spit most of the day. Paul Stanley: 1 Redshank with chick on opposite side of bay, Tufted Duck broods of 8, 6 and 4 chicks. | A stoat took what looked like a water vole on opposite side of Wildlife Centre creek. | James Owen (RSPB vol) |
| 1244 | 26/07/2010 | WeBS count for July. 06.10 to 10.10. Great Crested Grebe 30 (and 1+2 juvs),Little Grebe 18,Mute Swan 21(and 5+3 young),Canada Goose 2004, Greylag Goose 2,Cormorant 11,Grey Heron 4,Mallard 158(and 7+6+2+2+2+2+1+1 young),Gadwall 2,Tufted Duck 155(and 3+6+3young),Coot 422,Moorhen 11,Lapwing 47,Black-headed Gull 16,Common Tern 1. | . | Peter Gibbon |
| 1245 | 27/07/2010 | Adult Yellow-legged Gull, female/immature Common Scoter, 2 Common Terns flew through south, 3+ Common Sandpiper, 2 Oystercatchers, c150 Jackdaw, 18 Magpies, female Sparrowhawk, 12 Lesser-black Backed Gulls and 3 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1246 | 28/07/2010 | Of note: Tufted Duck including a female with 5 ducklings, Red-crested Pochard (1 female) - off Horseshoe Island, Swallow (4), House Martin (~20) feeding low over Shiningford Creek, Long-tailed Tit (4) - Stones Island, Goldfinch flock (~20) - Stones Island. | Bumblebees: Buff-tailed & White-tailed. Butterflies: Small White, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper and Small Tortoiseshell. Plants in flower: Similar to the last couple of weeks plus White Dead-nettle noted by the boardwalk near the wildlife centre. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1247 | 03/08/2010 | Treecreeper, Jay (2), Buzzard (2), Heron (3), Bullfinch (several), Willow Warbler, Goldfinch (many), Whitethroat, Greylag Goose + most of the usual suspects on the water. | . | Eric Dewhurst |
| 1248 | 05/08/2010 | Yellow Hammer Male at the back of our office in an industrial estate in Glasgow. As I have never seen one before I presume they must be rare in Scotland. | . | Denis McInally |
| 1249 | 06/08/2010 | Only 25 species noted mid morning. Of note: Mute Swan - 17 adults; Grey Heron (1) - Shiningford Creek; Lapwing (11) - Horseshoe Island; Common Sandpiper (1) - Horseshoe Island; House Martin (~30) and Goldfinch (6). | Around 30 flowering plant species noted, including Greater Plantain and Gipsywort - neither previously observed this year. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1250 | 11/08/2010 | WLC: 2 Shoveler (eclipse m + f) on Horseshoe Island, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Common Sandpiper, 5 Teal, Moorhen with 3 chicks (4 at start of day) and a Tufted Duck with 6 chicks. A juv Sparrowhawk hit the WLC window but recovered after a 5 minute rest. A Whitethroat came into the willow. Paul Stanley: Kingfisher on the rocks, a group of 26 Great Crested Grebes off Flat Island with 2 plus a large chick near the vegetation raft. 1 Raven, and a Nuthatch. | 2 Small Copper butterflies in Shiningford Creek and one at the WLC. A young fox sunbathed in the regular spot by the fenceposts. | James Owen (RSPB vol) |
| 1251 | 12/08/2010 | Weather: Mainly cloudy with rain showers. Only 28 species located around midday. Of note: A Tufted Duck with six young; a pair of Moorhens with three very tiny chicks outside the wildlife centre main window; Little Ringed Plover (1) - Horseshoe Island; Lapwing (6); Curlew (1); Blackcap (1 male) - Stones Island; Willow Warbler (1) - Stones Island: Goldfinch (flock of ~80) - Stones Island. | Butterflies: Small and Large Whites, Peacock and Small Copper. Common Blue damselfly. Plants in flower but not previously recorded this year: Water Mint (blue/purple), Great Reedmace (brown), Amphibious Bistort (pink), Greater Bird's-foot-trefoil (yellow) and Autumn Hawkbit (yellow). Plants now bearing nuts/berries: Woody Nightshade (also some flowers left), Hazel (Cob nuts), Hawthorn (Haws), Bramble (Blackberries). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1252 | 17/08/2010 | Productive day at the WLC with 42 species, including 4 juv Ruff (probably 2m and 2f) on Horseshoe Island briefly around midday, 2 Common Sandpiper, 3 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 2 Swift, 1 juv Yellow Wagtail, 1 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Common Tern, 1 female Kestrel, 2 Buzzard and 1 Raven both distant. The Moorhen pair are down to 1 chick. Elsewhere, 2 Redstart in hedge/on fenceposts between WLC and Shiningford Creeks. | . | James Owen (RSPB vol.) |
| 1253 | 18/08/2010 | WeBS count for August(07.00 to 10.40)Mute Swan 22,Canada Goose 43,Wigeon 2, Gadwall 12,Teal 23,Mallard 173,Red-Crested Pochard 1,Pochard 1,Tufted Duck 446,Little Grebe 24,Great Crested Grebe 41,Cormorant 39,Grey Heron 3,Moorhen 16,Coot 649,Lapwing 6,Common Sandpiper 3,Black-headed Gull 16,Yellow-legged Gull 2 | . | Peter Gibbon |
| 1254 | 21/08/2010 | Kingfisher, fishing from rocks in front of Paul Stanley Hide, giving superb views. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls all day. 19 Teal, 1 imm/eclipse male Red Crested Pochard. 1 Common Sandpiper, 50 Swallows in 1 flock southwards. Gull roost has started: 1500 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 juv Herring Gull and another YLGull. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1255 | 23/08/2010 | Frequent rain showers. Only 30 species of bird counted around midday. Of note: Grey Heron (1), Little Ringed Plover (1) - Horseshoe Island (HI), Lapwing (32) - HI, Common Sandpiper (1) - HI, Willow Warbler (1) - willow tree outside main Wildlife Centre window. | Autumn is just around the corner. The Guilder Rose now has many yellow and red berries. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1257 | 01/09/2010 | 122 Pied Wagtails leaving roost on dam wall early this morning. 4 Grey Wagtails at Millfields end of dam. Little Owl calling across road from Sailing Club at dawn. 2 juv Ruff on Stones Island 0800hrs. 3 Dunlin + 1 Common sandpiper on Horseshoe Island. 47 Cormorant, 34 Little Grebe, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 18 Wigeon, 1 Drake Pochard, 6 Willow Tit, Wood Pigeon on nest. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1258 | 03/09/2010 | 1 Greylag Goose at Millfields. 51 Wigeon, 3 Shoveler from Sheepwash. 3 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper WLC before ballons. 2 juv Ruff off causeway to Stones Is 1900hrs. 1 Curlew + 1 Ringed Plover in flight off Stones 2000hrs. Gull Roost: 2800 Lesser Black-backed, 7 Yellow-legged, 1 juv Great Black-backed, 40 Black-headed, and 5 Common Gulls joined the roost briefly. | This evening 2 hot air balloons were inflated and took off from the field just behind the Wildlife Centre at 1830hrs. This is not Severn Trent land, hence outside their control. All birds in the area were flushed, not 1 bird could be seen on the water from the Wildlife Centre, there were no birds on the water between Stones Island and Shiningford Island. This has happened before and the operators were asked to review their location. | Roger Carrington |
| 1259 | 06/09/2010 | 3 juvenile Ruff from the Wildlife Centre, also a Common Sandpiper and a Dunlin. Also of note was an adult Yellow-legged Gull, juvenile Common Tern, c50 Wigeon, 34 Gadwall, 10 Pochard, Snipe, 67 Cormorants, 3 Grey Heron, Meadow Pipit, 52 Swallows, 25 Housemartins, 4 Sandmartins and a Swift. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1260 | 07/09/2010 | coot 34 mallard 7 great crested grebe 3 woodpigeon 1 jackdaw 1 | sightings 8-15am- 8-40am between hay's lane and oldfield lane. | Dave Williams |
| 1261 | 07/09/2010 | Juv Common Tern at Sheepwash 1800hrs. Juv Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper and 1 Whinchat on Horseshoe Island. 3 Juv Ruff and 1 Juv Redshank on Watersports Island. 4 Greenshank landed on Sailing Club end of dam at dusk. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1262 | 07/09/2010 | In addition to birds already reported today, 1 Peregrine over WLC. 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel and 6 Raven with many Jackdaw all mixing high over Shiningford Farm. Also from WLC 1 Greylag Goose, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Bullfinch, 2 Willow Tit, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker briefly on the bird table. A total of 48 species noted during today's event. Juv Grey Wagtail in WLC pond. | . | James Owen (RSPB vol) |
| 1263 | 08/09/2010 | 3 juvenile Ruff still present, also 4 Common Sandpipers, juvenile Redshank, Dunlin, juvenile Common Tern, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, 4 Meadow Pipis, Linnet, 79 Swallows south, 8+ Chiff Chaff, Willow Warbler, Kingfisher, Buzzard and Sparrowhawk. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1264 | 09/09/2010 | Hobby Juvenile | . | John Mowbray |
| 1265 | 13/09/2010 | An Osprey at c11.30hrs caught a fish after several attempts and carried the fish down Hopton Arm around 30 minutes later. Also of note today was 37 Meadow Pipits, 34 Housemartins, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 23 Swallows, 4+ Grey Heron, Redshank, 2 Common Sandpipers, 60 Cormorants, 72 Wigeon, Kingfisher, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, Common Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 4 Bullfinch, female Sparrowhawk and c90 Goldfinch. Roger will no doubt post at some point but shortly after 17.30 this evening Roger found a Wryneck in bushes at the south end of the Dam Wall past the draw off tower near the slipway. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1266 | 14/09/2010 | Wryneck. Found at 1740hrs, went into bushes, then showed from 1845 to 1930hrs. From Millfielfds car park, walk towards the dam wall, it was on the water side of the paved approach path to the large paved circle. The bird was feeding along the kerb between the paving and bushes. To give the bird space to come out of the bushes and feed we were viewing from the slipway behind the 'no swimming' sign. | If the bird is present Friday, Park in Millfields Car Park, not on the verge or entrances. Currently the 'pay and display' machine is out of order and entry pole is open. | Roger Carrington |
| 1267 | 14/09/2010 | Wryneck still present until at least 18:30 mostly feeding in leaf litter around the curbs near the slipway. With patience showed very well, no need to approach. Also, WLC: Osprey fishing in the middle waters. 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Grey Heron, c.60 Goldfinch and 2 Linnet before midday when STW ranger mowed Horseshoe Island after which little else arrived, however 1 Kestrel successfully hunted. 1 Sedge Warbler (briefly) and 2 Chiffchaff in the willow. 2 Willow Tits, 1 Yellow-legged Gull. | . | James Owen (RSPB vol.) |
| 1268 | 14/09/2010 | As well as the sightings already mentioned, 16 Greylags, 105 Wigeon, 20+ Meadow Pipits, 45 Swallows, Hobby, 2 Sparrowhawks, Yellow Wagtail, 2 Raven and 2 Buzzards. The Osprey has been spending quite a bit of time around the Fishtail Creek area and could well be roosting there. It now and again flies up the water giving good views from Sheepwash and P. Stanley hides. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1269 | 15/09/2010 | Osprey mid morning. 22 Greylag flew over Millfields. 26 feral Barnacle Geese on Stones Island. 450 Canada Geese at dusk. Up to 9 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank and 2 Oystercatchers flew in at dusk. 1 Adult Kittiwake flew thru east at 1630hrs. A Barn Owl used Sheepwash Hide as a hunting post around 6pm for 35minutes. | No sign of the Wryneck today. Observers were searching from dawn to early afternoon when another (or the same!) was found in Heanor. | Roger Carrington |
| 1270 | 17/09/2010 | Of note: Canada Goose (~200) - Wildlife Cente Creek & Shiningford Creek area, Gadwall (12), Teal (2), Lapwing (2), Redshank (1), Common Sandpiper (1), Tree Sparrow (~30) - all feeding on bird table at the same time!; Goldfinch (~40) - active flock on Stones Island. | Butterflies: Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock, Speckled Wood and Small White. Common Hawker dragonfly. Plants: Not previously noted - Smooth Hawk's-beard (yellow), Spindle Tree - with orange seeds (poisonous but harmless to birds): plenty of hips and haws (red), Woody Nightshade berries (red) and Guilder Rose berries (red). Fungi: A puff-ball, white, one of the bovista species. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1271 | 20/09/2010 | Of note today: 27 Meadow Pipit, c100 Starling and a Grey Wagatil on the Dam Wall. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, c12 Chiff Chaff, 102 Swallows south throughout the day, also 15 Housemartins. 6 Dunlin on Sheepwash Spit. 2 Spotted Flycatchers and a Lesser Whitethroat on Wildlife Centre Creek. 2 Raven, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1272 | 20/09/2010 | The level of the reservoir has dropped a couple of feet since last week. Of note: A juvenile Little Grebe observed. Grey Heron (2) - one adult and one juvenile. The juvenile was successfully fishing in a pool in front of the Wildlife Centre main window. Wigeon (6), Gadwall (8), Teal (4), Kestrel (1) - Horseshoe Island. Two well developed juvenile Moorhens seen. Lapwing (~20), Collared Dove (10), Willow Warbler (1) and Willow Tit (1). | Butterflies: Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and Small White. Dragonfly: Southern Hawker. Plants: About 20 species still in flower but very few specimens found. Nipplewort (yellow), however, is still doing well. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1273 | 21/09/2010 | WeBS count for September: 28 Mute Swan,213 Canada Goose,193 Wigeon,25 Gadwall,81 Teal,166 Mallard,15 Pochard,879 Tufted Duck,35 Little Grebe,47 great Crested Grebe,28 Cormorant,8 Grey Heron,17 Moorhen,1009 Coot,1 Ringed Plover,67 Lapwing,1 Common Sandpiper. | This was before the 'Derbyshire Day' event at Carsington and there was a stall there manned by the committee to promote our club.Very good numbers of visitors stopped to ask questions and two walks were led by Roger Carrington. A good day and thanks to everybody who gave up their Sunday (ie.Roger, John, Gary, Maria, Paul and Steph,Dave). | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 1274 | 22/09/2010 | A very good day today but the bird of the day was early this morning. I started walking the Dam Wall around 08.30 and was only getting a few Meadow Pipits and Pied Wagtails until I neared the Sailing Club. Around 150 yards from the Sailing Club I heard a bird call and more or less straight away I knew it was a Lapland Bunting. I looked up into the air expecting to see it flying over but saw nothing.I then looked onto the rocks in front of me and there it was about 10 yards away. It then walked away from me and I lost it amongst the weeds and stones. I stood there for a while waiting and then edging closer but still saw nothing. Eventually 2 walkers flushed the bird and it flew up calling several times and flew towards Stones Island. Despite several birders searching it could not be re-located. Also seen today was quite a few Dunlin. 8 flew through early morning, then 4 were on Sheepwash Spit. 2 on Horseshoe Island and another 4 flew past Stones Island. Then 3 more were flying around with 11 Redshank. Near dusk on Stones Island there was a flock of 12 Waders...10 Dunlin and 2 Curlew Sandpipers. Also 3 Ringed Plover earlier in the day. 2 Pintail, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, Common Tern and a female Peregrine finished off what was a very good day. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1275 | 27/09/2010 | A very modest session today. Dull and foggy plus occasional drizzle so low light conditions. Just 29 species of bird located around midday. Of note: Grey Heron (1), Canada Goose (at least 300) - eastern edge of Stones Island; duck species present - Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard & Tufted Duck; Kestrel (1), Coot (over 150) - between Stones Island and the Sailing Club; Lapwing (3) - the only wader noted!; Pied Wagtail (10), Goldfinch (12). The Pieds and Goldfinches seemed to be flocking together on the western edge of Stones Island. They were feeding and also drinking from puddles. | Because of the wet weather there were no butterflies or odonata on the wing. Almost all flowers are over BUT some reasonably fresh blooms were seen on the foreshore on the western edge of Stones Island. The plants and their seeds were covered by water until relatively recently. With full exposure to daylight and sunlight these plants are colourful but severely stunted. These plants will continue to bear flower until at least late October, well beyond the fully land based plants. Obviously if we have heavy rain then they will disappear under the water. Species showing very well: Redshank (pink but stem red), Self-heal (purple/blue), Water forget-me-not (blue), Groundsel (yellow), Brooklime (blue)and Black-medick (yellow). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1276 | 27/09/2010 | 11 Meadow Pipits on the Dam Wall and a further 20+ at Sheepwash. 8 Dunlin and 4 Ringed Plover on Stones Island then later in front of Sailing Club. A Ruddy Shelduck on Stones Island and then at Sheepwash with Canada Geese. A single Swallow through south. Adult Yellow-legged Gull on Sheepwash Spit. Female Sparrowhawk. Possible Hobby over Stones Island. Several Chiff Chaffs including one in song. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1277 | 28/09/2010 | 10 Dunlin and 2 Ringed Plover on Stones Island. Over 30 Meadow Pipits present with some on the Dam and some around Sheepwash. 29 Swallows through south. 30+ Gadwall, 12 Pochard, female Peregrine, a Hobby east at 12.40, several Yellow-legged Gulls, 5 Common Gull, Raven, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Ruddy Shelduck and a juvenile Common Tern. At 17.55 an adult Spotted Redshank flew in front of Stones Island then turned again and headed south. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1278 | 29/09/2010 | Pintail at Millfields, 4 Common Scoter off Stones Island, 9 Dunlin on Stones Island. Redshank and 2 Black-tailed Godwits at Sheepwash although the Godwits were only seen by Roger. Ruddy Shelduck, 6 Swallows and Yellow-legged Gull. At around 17.15 3 Rock Pipits were on the south side of Stones Island. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1279 | 30/09/2010 | At least 1 Rock Pipit still on Stones Island with meadow pipits at 0800hrs. A Lapland Bunting in flight over Stones Island 0810hrs. 4 Skylark, fly-over. 1 Dunlin. | The Lapland Bunting was flying around Stones Island continuously calling for 2 minutes. It wanted to land on the foreshore, at one stage joined 2 flying meadow pipits, they landed, the bunting carried on. Eventually it flew high north towards Sheepwash. Further searching there found no sign of it. | Roger Carrington |
| 1280 | 02/10/2010 | An Osprey appeared from over Hall Wood at 12.20hrs and slowly drifted south over the Dam Wall. Then at 13.05hrs presumably the same bird re-appeared and showed on and off until around 14.10hrs. A drake Red-crested Pochard was at the Wildlife Centre. c20 Meadow Pipits at Sheepwash. Also 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, 4 Buzzard, male Sparrowhawk and 11 Swallows. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1281 | 04/10/2010 | Red-crested Pochard, Shoveler, Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 3 Swallow, 6 Skylark, 8 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 8 Linnet, Raven, Siskin and Redpoll. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1282 | 05/10/2010 | 2 Rock Pipits on Stones Island at around 09.30hrs. Also one on Sheepwash Spit early afternoon and another flew over Stones Island just before 18.30hrs. Red-crested Pochard at Millfields and then at the Wildlife Centre. 6 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover and 3 Reed Buntings on Stones Island. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, Snipe, Redpoll and 6 Skylark. At around 17.30 again on Stones Island the Goldfinches and Pied Wagtails that had been feeding quite happily all shot up in obvious alarm. Their reason for such alarm was a Merlin that flew right past us and over the island. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1283 | 06/10/2010 | 62 Cormorants, Red-crested Pochard, Pintail, 4 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 4 Chiff Chaff, 10+ Siskin, 2 Redpoll, c30 Meadow Pipits, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gull and Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1284 | 06/10/2010 | Bright and breezy on site today. Of note: Common Pochard (3 males). Hundreds of water birds in Wildlife Centre Creek sheltering from the wind. Predominately Tufted Ducks (~500). Sparrowhawk (1), Lapwing (44), Common Sandpiper (1). The Sparrowhawk tried to take the sandpiper but it got away. Later the sandpiper was seen feeding at the eastern end of Horseshoe Island. Goldfinch (53). | Peacock butterfly noted. Plants: Fifteen species of flower seen BUT only a few specimens of each present. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1285 | 07/10/2010 | 1 Curlew Sandpiper | Feeding in front of Wildlife Hide at 15:00. Flew off in middle of flock of Starlings! | Dermot Smyth |
| 1286 | 08/10/2010 | 2 Rock Pipits on the Sheepwash shoreline, along with Meadow Pipits. Kingfisher, Raven, Sparrowhawk,Kestrel,YL Gull. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1287 | 11/10/2010 | Rock Pipit in front of Sheepwash Hide with c20 Meadow Pipits. c300 Pink-footed Geese surprisingly heading west at 14.40hrs. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and 9 Common Gull on Sheepwash Spit. Also of note 2 Dunlin, Golden Plover heard only flying over Stones Island. 85 Lapwing, 3 Grey Heron, 62 Cormorants, Red-crested Pochard, several Siskin, 4 Buzzard and 2 Sparrowhawks. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1288 | 11/10/2010 | Of note: Grey Heron (juvenile), Red-crested Pochard (1 male) - in Wildlife Centre Creek, Meadow Pipit (2) - dam wall area, Rook (1) - this species not often seen on site, and Goldfinch (~30) - on Horseshoe Island. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1289 | 12/10/2010 | Quiet day at the WLC, notable were 17 Redwing over and 2 Buzzard. From Sheepwash, 2 Kestrel, 3 Dunlin, 1 Snipe. At least 5 Yellow-legged Gull in the early roost. Also, 5 Shelduck and 1 Jay. | . | James Owen (RSPB vol.) |
| 1290 | 13/10/2010 | Rock Pipit on the Dam Wall this morning, 45 Pink-footed Geese over. 2 Dunlin, Redshank, Yellow-legged Gull, Snipe, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 5 Siskin and 3 Lesser Redpoll. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1291 | 17/10/2010 | WeBS count for October: Great Crested Grebe 49,Little Grebe 47,Grey Heron 3,Cormorant 53,Mute Swan 27,Canada Goose 48,Greylag Goose 2,Wigeon 781,Teal 89,Mallard 103,Gadwall 38,Shoveler 5,Tufted Duck 741,Pochard 91,Goldeneye 1,Moorhen 16, Coot 972,Lapwing 182,Snipe 2,Kingfisher 1.Time 08.00 to 11.00. | Unfortunately two Balloons came low over the reservoir during the count and got hundreds of birds up and flying. After consideration of our figures John and I thought this was a fair enough set of figures but perhaps not as accurate as usual. These balloons at the moment are a 'disturbing' development at Carsington. | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 1292 | 19/10/2010 | Another quiet day at the WLC, highlights were 2 Brambling, 1 Snipe, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 3 Siskin. A marauding Yellow-legged Gull hunted Little Grebes throughout the day but failed to catch any. At Sheepwash, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull in the roost, with c.9 Yellow-legs. 7 Shoveller. Many Redwing on site, 1 Fieldfare over Sheepwash car park. A visitor reported in the shop that a Red Kite overflew the dam wall, no further details. | Also, an albino rabbit in Sheepwash car park. | James Owen (RSPB vol.) |
| 1293 | 21/10/2010 | Red Kite.Drifting over the fields south of the dam wall in the area of Millfields. 10:15am I reported the sighting at the RSPB shop. | . | Robert Stanley |
| 1294 | 22/10/2010 | According to Birdguides' Bird News Extra yesterday (ie 21st) the Red Kite was seen at 10.15 over the fields south of the dam and at 15.00 a Great Grey Shrike was seen at 15.00 by the Wildlife Centre before flying North. Today at 8.00 seven Whooper Swans were off the dam wall and a Rock Pipit at the east end of it. Again acording to Birdguides. | . | Peter Gibbon |
| 1295 | 22/10/2010 | Whoopers and Rock Pipit are confirmed. Spoke to the finder of the GG Shrike, who is a well known Derbyshire birder,so no problem there. Not sure who had the Red Kite, but there was a report the previous day. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1296 | 23/10/2010 | 6 Yellow-legged Gulls (5 adults and a 1st winter), lots of Gulls in tonight but viewing wasn't easy due to bad light and distance. Also seen today was c20 Meadow Pipits, 4 Skylark, c50 Redwings, 3 Buzzard, 2 Raven and a Dunlin. Not seen by myself but 17 Golden Plover were seen early this morning. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1297 | 27/10/2010 | Of note today; Skylarks were on the move, Dave had 8 over Stones Island, and I had 5+ over the dam wall moving s/w. A Pintail at Sheepwash,also 7 Goosander flew in towards dusk. The ad Med Gull showed well from Sheepwash from 15:15hr, along with a couple of YL Gulls. A Redshank also in the area of Sheepwash spit. Raptors seen, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and Kestrel. | . | Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe |
| 1298 | 29/10/2010 | Mediterranean Gull (1 adult winter). Yellow legged Gull (3 adults). Herring Gull(c.6). Pintail (1). Lesser Black Back (c.3500). Black headed Gull (c.4000). Magpies (13 in one group outside SWhide). Buzzard. Raven (2+). | Of note was one very slim, smallish very black Lesser Black back.... but that's all you can say really as it bore no rings... There were at least 3 other more classic dark looking intermedius types too amongst our normal graellsii. | Steph' Hicking |
| 1299 | 01/11/2010 | Well the obvious highlight was a cracking male Bearded Tit,in the small reed bed to the left of Sheepwash hide at 10:45hr.The bird was heard pinging and then seen well on at least 3 occassions, before flying high to the north west at 12:35hr.We had the time to get the news out and at least 7 birders caught up with this Derbyshire rarity. 2 Pintail, 50+ Meadow Pipits,2 Redshank,4 Dunlin,7+ Snipe, male Mandarin, adult Mediterranean Gull, 3+Yellow legged Gulls and Kingfisher also on site today. | The Bearded Tit had on 3 occassions flown up high as if to leave, but was obviously held back by the misty conditions. As soon as a patch of brightness swept across the reservoir the bird was up and away. | Clive Ashton/Dave newcombe |
| 1300 | 03/11/2010 | 4 Yellow-legged Gulls (3 adults and a 1st winter), 2 Pintail, 2 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, Brambling, c50 Meadow Pipits, Kingfisher, 6 Siskin, Raven and Sparrowhawk. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1301 | 03/11/2010 | Only a short time on site today so only visited the wildlife centre. Dull with some rain. Just 28 species found including Lapwing (~60), Redshank (2), Wren (2) - not often seen on site, Rook (2) and a Goldfinch flock on Horseshoe Island (20). | Plenty of Guilder Rose and Spindle Tree berries seen today. Many trees with autumn tints. Beech is particularly noticable showing as a golden yellow. A Tittesworth Snippet: The latest quarterly newsletter is available from the Tittesworth visitor centre covering sightings during the months of July, August & September plus other site news. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1302 | 06/11/2010 | c200 Wood Pigeons over south early morning. 10+ Skylark over, 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, adult Med Gull, female Pintail, Raven, 6 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Kingfisher, 2 Goosander and a female Goldeneye. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1303 | 07/11/2010 | Great Northern Diver 1, Whooper Swan 10 (inc 3 juvs), Goldeneye 10, Mediterranean Gull 1 (adult winter), Yellow-legged Gull 3+ (adults), Herring Gull 20+ (argentatus and argenteus), Greater Black-back 1 (1st winter), Lesser Black Back c.3500+, Black Headed Gull c.4000, Common Gull 30+, Dunlin 1, Redshank 2. | The Whoopers flew in at 2.30pm and rested up in front of Sheepwash Hide. Roger found the Great Northern at about 3.15pm not sure of the age yet. One of the Yellow legged Gulls has bad what appears to be oil staining on its head today. | Steph Hicking/Roger Carrington/John Bradley |
| 1304 | 08/11/2010 | All from Sheepwash Hide. 10 Shoveler, 3 drake Red-crested Pochard, Pintail, 9 Goldeneye, 2 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, adult Yellow-legged Gull and 4 Herring Gull. No sign of the Whooper Swans or the Great Northern Diver reported yesterday. Although they could have been hiding away in one of the many bays keeping out the way of the worst of the weather. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1305 | 09/11/2010 | Yet another very quiet day after an exciting weekend. Notable from the WLC: 2 Redshank, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 female Kestrel (two prey consumed on Horseshoe Is - one unidentified vole and one probable Wood Mouse). 1 Yellow-legged Gull again terrifying the Little Grebes, 2 Meadow Pipit. 4 Dunlin at Sheepwash, and 1 Peregrine over just north of the reservoir. | . | James Owen (RSPB vol.) |
| 1306 | 10/11/2010 | 33 species of bird seen in one hour of birding. Of note: Goldeneye (1 male) - by Stones Island (SI), Pheasant (1 female) - seen from the boardwalk, Lapwing (18) - Horseshoe & SI, Coal Tit (1) - rarely seen by us at Carsington, Goldfinch (10) - seen by the boardwalk. | After recent high winds most of the autumn leaves have been stripped from the trees. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1307 | 11/11/2010 | A male Red-breasted Merganser on the Dam Wall early morning. A total of 255 Pink-footed Geese over East. 200 at 08.35hrs and 55 at 09.00. 2 Redshank at the Wildlife Centre. A total of 15 Goldeneye. Female Pintail, Dunlin, 2 Raven, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1308 | 13/11/2010 | 38 species from the WLC today, included 2 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 6 Pochard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Buzzard, 2 Raven. Late in the afternoon a Barn Owl swooped by the bird table and was chased away by Jackdaws. | . | James Owen (RSPB vol.) |
| 1309 | 15/11/2010 | WeBS count for November: 25 Mute Swan,85 Canada Goose,277 Wigeon,32 Gadwall,209 Teal,263 Mallard,2 Pintail,62 Pochard,578 Tufted Duck,9 Goldeneye,1 Great Northern Diver,35 Little Grebe,58 Great Crested Grebe,33 Cormorant,3 Grey Heron,15 Moorhen,1330 Coot,293 Lapwing,3 Dunlin,3 Redshank and 1 Kingfisher | . | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 1310 | 15/11/2010 | Great Northern Diver seen from Sheepwash towards Dam Wall. Other highlights include 2 Pintail, 8 Goosander, 5 Goldeneye, 4 Redshank, 2 Snipe, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 3 Skylark, Kingfisher, Yellow-legged Gull, 2 (1st winter) Great-black-Backed Gulls, 4 Herring Gull, 2 Raven, 5 Siskin, c20 Redwing and 1 Fieldfare. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1311 | 15/11/2010 | Thirty four species of bird seen around midday. Of note: Lapwing (18), Dunlin (1) - Stones Island, Redshank (2), Common Sandpiper (1) - Stones Island, Goldfinch (4) and a pair of Siskins by the wildlife centre. | Some stunted specimens of still flowering plants seen at the highwater shoreline on Stones Island, including Daisy, Oxeye Daisy, Perenial Sowthistle, Redshank, Dandelion and Groundsel. Groundsel is in flower all through the year but the others are normally over well before now. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1312 | 17/11/2010 | Juvenile Great Northern Diver still near the Dam Wall. Also of note today was 2 Pintail, 3 Goosander, 8 Goldeneye, 6 Redshank, 3 Dunlin, Snipe, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 41 Redwing and 4 Meadow Pipits. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1313 | 18/11/2010 | Black Redstart this afternoon. 130 Pinkfeet low NW at 0930hrs. Tufted Duck with Turquoise/Blue bill saddle marked AS at Millfields again. 267 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 5 Dunlin, 3 Snipe all at Sheepwash. Counts of 38 Little Grebe, 58 Great Crested Grebe, 156 Mallard, 8 Goldeneye. | Black Redstart found by John Bradley, still present at 1500hrs. Favouring the overflow grill and washed up weed at Millfields end of dam, also on the control tower. | Roger Carrington |
| 1314 | 18/11/2010 | 1 Brambling (Sheepwash feeders) 12.55 2 Willow Tits Lane End Feeders and 2 @ PS Feeders; Female Sparrowhawk causing chaos around the sheepwash spit; 4 Dunlin; 1 Redshank; 1 Yellow Legged Gull. | . | David Bennett (VR) |
| 1315 | 20/11/2010 | Black Redstart still present near the overflow at the Millfields end of the Dam Wall. The juvenile Great Northern Diver close to the Dam Wall early morning. At least 6 Yellow-legged Gulls in the roost and the resident adult was seen killing and eating a female Tufted Duck on Sheepwash Spit. 1st winter Med Gull also in the roost together with several Herring and GBB Gulls. Also seen from Sheepwash was 3 Redshank, 3 Snipe, 2 Dunlin, 326 Lapwing, 2 Pintail, 8 Goldeneye, 2 Raven, Peregrine, 13 Redwing, 9 Pheasant, 10 Meadow Pipits and a Fieldfare. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1316 | 22/11/2010 | Black Redstart again present by the overflow at the Millfields end of the Dam Wall. Please note that Millfields car park is now open. Great Northern Diver off Stones Island. 2 Pintail, 9 Goldeneye, 4 Redshank, 3 Buzzards, 13 Meadow Pipit, 35 Redwing, c25 Blackbirds, 2 Fieldfare, 9 Pheasant, 6 Bullfinch, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, several Herring Gulls and a Raven. A joint effort from Roger and myself produced 282 Common Gulls. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1317 | 22/11/2010 | Thirty one species around midday. Of note: Kestrel (female) - hovering & hunting on Stones Island (SI), Coot (at least 600) - in the bay next to SI and the sailing club, Lapwing (160) - Horseshoe Island (HI) and in front of the sailing club, Redshank (1) - HI, Bullfinch (male) - near wildlife centre. | Some red berries of Hawthorn (Haws), Dog Rose (Hips), Woody Nightshade and Guelder Rose are still to be seen. Hazel catkins are showing. The needle-like leaves of Larch - a deciduous conifer - are now bright orange yellow. Needle drop should occur within a few weeks. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1318 | 23/11/2010 | Goldeneye 10 Millfields. Yellowhammer 1 flew over Millfields. Lapwing c.350. Common Gull 300+ (I stopped counting at 300!). Yellow Legged Gull 2 adult. Herring Gull 3. | No sign Black Redstart at Millfields. GNDiver reported but I didn't see it. | Steph Hicking |
| 1319 | 23/11/2010 | 42 species at the WLC today, included 5 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Siskin, 1 Dunlin, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 8 Fieldfare over, and 1 Little Owl. Very large and active flocks of Lapwing c.400 mobile throughout the day. Elsewhere 2 Redshank on Stones Island, and 1 male Sparrowhawk over the main car park. | Only negative reports returned on the Black Redstart despite many observers visiting Millfields today. | James Owen (RSPB vol.) |
| 1320 | 24/11/2010 | Great Northern Diver, 2 Pintail, Red-crested Pochard, 13 Goldeneye, 3 Buzzards, 4 Sparrowhawks, 8 Snipe, 5 Redshank, Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Raven and a Brambling. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1321 | 25/11/2010 | 2 Whooper Swans behind Stones Island 1 Dunlin | 12.30pm | Martin Hanks |
| 1322 | 25/11/2010 | 1 Snow Bunting on Stones Island from 0830hrs this morning. Elusive and mobile, calling when in flight. Mainly feeding on seed, creeping among short weeds on shore. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1323 | 28/11/2010 | Four waxwing, garden in Kirk Ireton | . | Neil Venables |
| 1324 | 29/11/2010 | 2 Whooper Swans located off Stones Island late afternoon before flying off West. 15+ Goldeneye, 2 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, adult Yellow-legged Gull, c20 Siskin, 15+ Bullfinch, 2 Jays, c75 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush and a Kingfisher. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1325 | 06/12/2010 | Great Northern Diver off Stones Island, 12 Goldeneye, 3 Shoveler, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Redshank, Dunlin, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Great-black Backed Gulls, Grey Wagtail, Kingfisher, Brambling, 5 Song Thrush and 2 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1326 | 08/12/2010 | water rail, spotted by chance as i was at the kitchen sink, it was looking for food in the brook which runs past my house down speedwell mill ,millers green , wirksworth. | . | chris wilbraham |
| 1327 | 10/12/2010 | From Birdguides - Slavonian Grebe - from Millfields. | . | . |
| 1328 | 11/12/2010 | Just a quick visit this morning. The Slavonian Grebe which was found yesterday was showing well in Millfields Bay best viewed from near the slipway. Also in the bay was 14 Goosander. Not seen by me but the Great Northern Diver was seen near Stones Island with there possibly being 2 birds present. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1329 | 12/12/2010 | 2 Great Northern Divers seen at same time late pm. 1juv, the other too distant to age. 5 Drake Shoveler at WLC. 5 Curlew flew east at dusk. Slavonian Grebe early afternoon at Millfields, could not be found there late pm. Recorded by others; Yellow-legged Gull reported eating a grebe at Sailing Club late pm !!. 6 Whooper Swan flew west. 2 Waxings flew over P S Hide. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1330 | 13/12/2010 | Slavonian Grebe still present in Millfields Bay. Great Northern Diver, pr of Mandarin, 3 Pintail (2 drakes and a female), drake Goosander, 16 Goldeneye, Redshank, Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 150 Common Gulls, 23 Hering Gulls, adult Yellow-legged Gull, Grey Wagtail, 50+ Siskin, 2 Lesser Redpoll and 2 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1331 | 14/12/2010 | Slavonian Grebe still present in Millfields bay at 08:00 this morning, 13 Goosander flew over east. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1332 | 15/12/2010 | Slavonian Grebe still in Millfields Bay. 2 Great Northern Divers, the juvenile in front of Sheepwash Hide late afternoon. A Knot on Stones Island. 23 Goldeneye between Millfields and Stones Island and a total count of 29. 3 Pintail, 2 female Goosander, Dunlin, Redshank. A Peregrine was having a mid-air battle with 2 Ravens over Hall Wood early afternoon, and then that or another bird was attacking BH Gulls near dusk. 2 Buzzards, Yellow-legged Gull, 17 Herring Gull, 2 Mistle Thrush and c75 Redwing. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1333 | 15/12/2010 | Low count of species today at 27. It was nice to see a black rumped male Gadwall by Stones Island, a very smart looking duck. We also noted 43 Barnacle Geese in Wildlife Centre Creek. There was also a Redshank on Stones Island. | A Merry Christmas and a good birding 2011 to all fellow contributors. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1334 | 19/12/2010 | 2 Great Northern Divers off Stones Island, Slavonian Grebe in Millfields Bay plus 4 Ravens over and a redhead Smew in Shiningford Creek. | . | Jonathan Bradley |
| 1335 | 20/12/2010 | Most of the reservoir was sitting under ice today with only a few small pockets of water. There was one pocket off Sailing Club Island where there was a couple of Goldeneye amongst the usual stuff. Also a Redshank on the back of the island. Another small pocket was near Lane End but I couldn't see anything of note there. I saw Roger who said that there was a narrow strip of water running along the East Bank where he had seen both GN Divers. There was a Dunlin on the Dam Wall and I had 4 Siskin near the Wildlife Centre but that was about it. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1336 | 21/12/2010 | WeBS count for December:Mute Swan 27,Pink-footed Goose 44 flying over,Canada Goose 54,Wigeon 325,Gadwall 70,Teal 23,Mallard 204,Pochard 75,Tufted Duck 692('unusually high number'BTO),Goldeneye 19,Smew 1,Goosander 1,Great Northern Diver 2(UHN says BTO),Little Grebe 18,Great Crested Grebe 95(UHN),Slavonian Grebe 1,Cormorant 25,Sparrowhawk 1,Buzzard 1,Kestrel 2,Moorhen 6,Coot 1,783(UHN),Lapwing 5,Snipe 1,Redshank 2. | . | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 1337 | 21/12/2010 | 5 Waxwing feeding in small trees in the hedge along the path between Sheepwash and Paul Stanley hides at 9:00, but none present 30 minutes later. Also, 2 Great Northern Divers in the open waters on East Bank - one viewed from Sheepwash, the other throughout the day from WLC. And 1 Little Owl showing in the field behind WLC. From the Wildlife Centre: 1 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Grey Heron, and 1 Kingfisher. A group of upto 18 Wigeon in small area of water behind Horseshoe Island. Several Goldeneye and more than 15 Great Crested Grebe very distant. Many Redwing and Fieldfare now allowing much closer observation around WLC and Shiningford Creeks. | Reservoir still mostly frozen, but very crowded stretches of ice-free water remain in several areas. | James Owen (RSPB vol.) |
| 1338 | 24/12/2010 | Walked from Stones island to Paul Stanley,good to see some of the small birds are surviving the cold spell. 23 Fieldfare,16 Blackbird,6 Song Thrush,8 Willow Tit,8 Bullfinch,3 Treecreeper,2 Wren,plenty of Chaffinch and Tree Sparrow.A Peregrine flew over Sheepwash carpark. Reservoir still mainly frozen. | Managed to lose the objective lens cover off my scope, Leica 62.In the unlikely event anyone finds it I would be greatful if they would let me know.Lost between Lane end and Sheepwash. | Clive Ashton |
| 1339 | 24/12/2010 | 2 Great Northern Divers near the mouth of Fishtail Creek plus a hybrid Athya duck (Pochard x Tufted Duck)?, with small flock of Pochard in Upperfields Bay. | . | Jonathan Bradley |
| 1342 | 27/12/2010 | Great northern diver. Raven. Smew. | . | antony wilson |
| 1343 | 31/12/2010 | A low list today, as the reservoir is still partly frozen. Good flocks of Wigeon, Mallard and Coot from WLC. | . | Richard, Frances and Ken Pittam |
| 1344 | 02/01/2011 | Sheepwash Hide - 15:30hr. Cormorant [9], Pintail pair M&F, Teal, Wigeon, Pochard, Tufted, Coot, BH Gull, LBB Gull, Redshank [1], | Only a small rough sample, but determined to do more watching and postings in 2011. Ice reducing, allowing more area for ducks to feed. | David & Sue Edmonds |
| 1345 | 02/01/2011 | Female Smew in Hopton Arm near Big Island. 2 Great Northern Diver this morning near Fishtail. 1 Pinkfoot flew in to Millfields with Canadas. 2 Skylark NE over Millfields. 2 drake Goosander near Millfields Island. Also 2 Redshank, Tawny Owl, Fieldfare, Nuthatch, 52 species 0800-1200hrs. | Ice reduced to about 50% cover. Still frozen over this morning at P S Hide, Sailing Club, Wildlife Centre and Millfields. Currently best water bird numbers from Sheepwash, Lane End and Stones Island. | Roger Carrington |
| 1346 | 04/01/2011 | 2 GN Divers, including 1 in flight,1 Drake Pintail,1 Female Goosander,1 Redshank,YL Gull and 2+GBBG.Gull roost c1000 birds mainly on the ice, best viewed from Lane End. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1347 | 06/01/2011 | 2 juv Great Northern Divers. Female Smew off dam wall at 0915hrs but no sign later. 2 Drake Shoveler on Millfields Spit. 3 Skylark south over Stones Island. Gull roost poor and widely spread, conservative estimate; 2500 Black-headed, 300 Common, 150 Herring, 200 LBBG, 26 GBBG, 1 Yellow-legged Gull. | Hopton End, Paul Stanley, Wlidlife Centre, Sailing Club and Millfields Bays are still ice covered but the vast open area is now clear. | Roger Carrington |
| 1348 | 06/01/2011 | Sheepwash to Fishtail Creek- 38 species- including: Pochard (x5), Goldeneye, Little Grebe (x4), Great Crested Grebe (x17), Great Northern Diver. Hall Wood: Treecreeper (x2), Nuthatch (x3), Goldcrest (x2), Siskin (x35+). | . | John Matkin |
| 1349 | 06/01/2011 | 31 species around midday. Of note: Great Crested Grebe (8), Sparrowhawk (1), Lapwing (10), Willow Tit (3) - repeatedly feeding from wildlife centre feeding station, Coal Tit (1), Reed Bunting (1). | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1350 | 08/01/2011 | 9 Pintails, Male Goldeneye, Yellow Legged Gull 2 Sparrowhawks from PS Hide 35 Widgeon from SW hide | . | Les Fisher |
| 1351 | 10/01/2011 | 2 Great Northern Divers, 1 near the Dam Wall and 1 off Stones Island. Female Smew by the draw off tower. Drake Pintail, 41 Goldeneye (32 near the Dam Wall in two groups of 22 and 10, and 9 between Sheepwash and P.Stanley). 5 Pheasant, 2 Redshank, Kestrel, Yellow-legged Gull, 6 Fieldfare, 2 Lesser Redpoll, and c40 Siskin. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1352 | 12/01/2011 | 2 Great Northern Divers, drake Pintail, 33 Goldeneye, female Goosander, 2 Redshank, Sparrowhawk, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 23 Herring Gulls, 4 GBB Gulls and a Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1353 | 12/01/2011 | 29 species of bird seen around midday. Only explored from the wildlife centre to Stones Island. Of note: Coot (~700) - mainly between Stones Island and the Sailing Club. Lapwing - just one by Wildlife Centre Creek, Redshank (1), Song Thrush (1), Coal Tit (1) and Goldfinch (2). | Hazel catkins have been out for awhile but now Pussy Willow (or Goat Willow) catkins have appeared, a sign that spring is on the way! | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1354 | 13/01/2011 | 2 Great Northern Diver. Female Smew near draw-off tower, Millfields end of dam wall. 104 Teal. 3 Heron. 1 Skylark flew over west. 1 Little Egret briefly on Sheepwash Spit at 1045hrs, then at Hopton End reedbed, also 1 Grey Wagtail there. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1355 | 16/01/2011 | WeBS count for January - Mute Swan 10,Canada Goose 38,Barnacle Goose 33,Wigeon 231,Gadwall 2,Teal 110,Mallard 210,Pintail 2,Pochard 17,Tufted Duck 553(BTO say unusually high number),Goldeneye 25(also BTO says high) Smew 1,Great Northern Diver 1,Little Grebe 1,Great Crested Grebe 24,Cormorant 27,Grey Heron 1,Moorhen 4,Coot 1340,Lapwing 41,Redshank 1. | . | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 1356 | 17/01/2011 | 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Pintail, c30 Goldeneye, 3 Redshank, Curlew over Stones Island at c09.00, Dunlin, 65 Lapwing, Snipe, 2 Shelduck on Stones Island and then later at Sheepwash. Yellow-legged Gull, 12 Herring Gull, Peregrine over Sheepwash, Kingfisher, Meadow Pipit and 12 Pheasant. Didn't see the female Smew today but a few birders had seen it between Millfields and Sailing Club. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1357 | 17/01/2011 | 32 species seen around midday. Worth mentioning: Great Northern Diver (1) - off Stones Island, Little Grebe (1), Barnacle Goose (6) - on the back of Horseshoe Island, Moorhen (3), Lapwing (24) - mostly by the Sailing Club, Redshank (3) - Wildlife Centre Creek and Shiningford Creek, Willow Tit (1) - in trees next to the Wildlife Centre (WC), Rook (~30) - just off site at the southern end of the site, quite close to the dam and Reed Bunting (pair) - behind WC feeding station. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1358 | 19/01/2011 | 2 GN divers from Lane End hide | One initially in front of the hide, fishing. Then 1 hour later the 2 birds quite close together, fishing south of the hide. | john babb |
| 1359 | 19/01/2011 | 2 Great Northern Divers, 2 Pink-footed Geese with Canada Geese on Stones Island, female Smew, 3 Pintail, 4 Goosander, c25 Goldeneye, 3 Redshank, 144 Lapwing, 5 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Grey Heron and a Meadow Pipit. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1360 | 24/01/2011 | Female Smew near the draw off tower and 3 female Goosander at Millfields. 2 juv Great Northern Divers seen well from both Lane End and Sheepwash. 43 Pink-footed Geese over west at 09.55hrs and 170 west at 11.00hrs. 24 Barnacle Geese, c25 Goldeneye, 2 Pintail, 315 Lapwing, 4 Redshank, female Sparrowhawk, 15 Pheasants, Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming. c10 GBB Gull, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, c350 Common Gulls and an adult Med Gull. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1361 | 24/01/2011 | Usual viewing time around midday. Thirty three species of bird observed. Only covered the Wildlife Centre (WC) and Stones Island (SI). Of note: Grey Heron (1) - Shiningford Creek, Barnacle Goose (33) - 31 on Watersport's Island, Pink-footed Goose (1) - with a flock of Canada Geese on SI; it was a bit jumpy but did not fly off when the flock was approached. The Canada Goose flock took no notice of the close proximity of people. Lapwing (~90) - mainly on Horseshoe Island (HI), Redshank (2) - one near the WC and one on SI, Song Thrush (1), Redwing (12) - on SI and a Chaffinch flock (~40) - flying between HI and trees by the WC. | A Tittesworth Water snippet: The next Tittesworth Bird News newsletter, with the latest site news and birding highlights for the months October - December 2010, will be available from the Tittesworth visitor centre shop from about the 28th January. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1362 | 26/01/2011 | Half a dozen or so M and F Immature Smew. Hopton end. | . | Bob and Gill Smith |
| 1363 | 26/01/2011 | Both Great Northern Divers were seen together in front of Sheepwash around lunchtime. I then scanned the open water towards Millfields and picked out a third Diver. Although distant and in the mist it was clearly a Diver sp and due to its apparent smaller size I would plump for a Red-throated Diver. Despite Clive and me searching we couldn't re-locate the bird. RTD's rarely stay long and maybe it came down in the mist and then left when it cleared. Would be nice though if somebody could re-find it. Also seen today was the female Smew near the draw off tower. 3 Pink-footed Geese with the flock of Canada Geese near the Dam. Also 32 Barnacle Geese, a Canada/Greylag hybrid, 2 Pintail, c25 Goldeneye, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls and a skein of c150 Pink-feet flew West at 14.25hrs. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1364 | 28/01/2011 | 2 Great Northern Divers ( looked like the usual two) together just south of Fishtail Creek. No other divers spotted in 3 1/2 hours spent watching from various points. | . | john babb |
| 1365 | 28/01/2011 | Smew still present, swimming amidst the Goldeneye, off the top end of the dam. | . | john babb |
| 1366 | 31/01/2011 | 3 Great Northern Divers, 3 first reported several days ago so that could well be the answer to my 3 Divers that I saw last Wednesday. Although I'm still sure the third one that I had was smaller than a G.N.Diver. Also seen today was 2 drake Goosander, 3 Pink-footed Geese in field in Tail Bay. Grey Heron, 18 Pochard, c15 Goldeneye, Adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Redshank, Reed Bunting and Raven. Didn't see the Smew but spoke to a couple who saw it near the Sailing Club. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1367 | 31/01/2011 | Very misty on site. Of note: Wigeon (80+) - Horseshoe Island, Lapwing (6) - dam wall area, Snipe - one flew past the Wildlife Centre (WC) window, Fieldfare (1) - dam wall area and Willow Tit (1) - WC feeding station. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1368 | 02/02/2011 | 3 Great Northern Divers,pair of Pintail(Sheepwash),3 Pink footed Geese(Stones Island)30+Goldeneye,c15 Redwing also on Stones Island. Gull roost very spread and mainly Common and Black headed, though the Yellow legged Gull was present as usual. | The Smew eluded me, but was reported by others. | Clive Ashton |
| 1369 | 03/02/2011 | 3 Great Northern Divers, female Smew near the Draw Off Tower then briefly at Sheepwash. Pair of Pintail, c35 Goldeneye, female Goosander, 207 Lapwing, 3 Redshank and Yellow-legged Gull. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1371 | 05/02/2011 | Snipe at paul stanley memorial hide, feeding in runnoff to left of hide at mid-day on Thursday, 3rd Feb. | . | jane burgess |
| 1373 | 06/02/2011 | from Sheepwash at 2.00 - 3.30 p.m.- teal, tufted d, 21 goldeneye, wigeon, mallard, pair pintail, herring, lesser black, black headed and 1 Y legged gull. Lapwing, coot, pied wagtail from dam wall 4.00 - 5.00 p.m. pair goosander and female smew. | . | Martin Kaye |
| 1374 | 08/02/2011 | A Dark Bellied Brent Goose at Sheepwash today. The bird was on the spit in the morning and was still present to the right of the hide near dusk. Also seen today was 2 Great Northern Divers, 28 Barnacle Geese, 18+ Goldeneye, pair of Pintail, 4 Redshank, 235 Lapwing, Dunlin, 5 Skylark over, 15 Redwing, 2 Buzzard, Raven and c180 Jackdaw. The adult Yellow-legged Gull was there as usual and the Gull roost consisted of around 3000 birds and apart from 1 Herring Gull I only saw BH, Lesser and Common Gulls. | I didn't see the Smew myself but it was reported near Millfields. | Dave Newcombe |
| 1375 | 09/02/2011 | 2 Great Northern Divers, 31 Barnacle Geese, 2 Shelduck, 2 Pintail, c20 Goldeneye, Oystercatcher, Yellow-legged Gull, 15 Redwing, Fieldfare, 40 Rook, 2 Raven and a Linnet. Also a Stoat near the Sailing Club. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1376 | 09/02/2011 | Of note: Barnacle Goose (25), Gadwall (1 male), Kestrel (1 male), Lapwing (140) - mainly on Horseshoe Island, Redshank (1), Pied Wagtail (2), Robin - many singing, Willow Tit (2) - Wildlife Centre (WLC) feeding station and Reed Bunting (1 male) - behind the WLC feeding station. | Daffodil shoots seen near the visitor centre. Bright yellow lichen observed on some trees. It is Xanthoria parietina. A Tittesworth Water Snippet: The latest Tittesworth Bird News newsletter is now on sale at the Tittesworth visitor centre shop. Birding highlights are given for the months October - December. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1377 | 12/02/2011 | From Sheepwash 14:00-17:00 Probable 3rd winter Caspian Gull at 15:30 for 30mins before flying off towards wildlife centre and out of view 1 Adult Yellow-legged Gull on end of spit 2 Great Northern Divers together, distantly towards Millfields 5 Goldeneye (1 drake) 1 Pintail (drake) 1 Barn Owl first seen at 16:39, absolutely superb views with several fly pasts right by the hide | . | Paul Thomas |
| 1378 | 13/02/2011 | 3 oystercatchers - stone island, shore furthest from the visitors centre 12am-ish | . | No name given |
| 1379 | 14/02/2011 | 33 species of bird observed around midday. Of note: Great Northern Diver (1) - off Stones Island (SI), Barnacle Goose (30+) - flew north away from SI, Gadwall (pr), Goldeneye (1 male) - seen from the Wildlife Centre (WLC), Oystercatcher (1) - on raft near water sports centre, Lapwing (~250) - ~150 on Horseshoe Island & ~100 by Sailing Club, Redshank (2) - either side of SI causeway, Willow Tit (2) - WLC feeding station, and Rook & Crow - a combined flock of about 40 birds on the dam wall grassy area. | Snowdrops seen close to the visitor centre. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1380 | 14/02/2011 | 2 Great Northern Divers, 31 Barnacle Geese, 15+ Goldeneye, pair of Pintail, 5 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank, Curlew, 3 Buzzard, male Sparrowhawk, Yellow-legged Gull and 2 Skylark. At 16.40 a Barn Owl flew in front of Sheepwash Hide to the delight of several birders. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1381 | 14/02/2011 | WeBS count for February 07.45 to 10.30- 12 Cormorant,2 Mute Swan,51 Canada Goose,33 Barnacle Goose,2 Great Northern Diver,2 Little Grebe,23 Great Crested Grebe,55 Wigeon,102 Teal,106 Mallard,2 Pintail,285 Tufted Duck,6 Pochard,18 Goldeneye,2 Moorhen,171 Coot,201 Lapwing,5 Oystercatcher,1 Redshank,1 Kestrel,1 Sparrowhawk,1 Buzzard. | . | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 1382 | 15/02/2011 | 10:30hr - Millfields: Tufted Duck 2 rafts of [60+ each], G.C.Grebe[5]; 11:15hr - WLC, Lapwing [120], Drake Shoveler [1], Teal [22], Oystercatcher [3], Wigeon [14], Usual Birds on Feeder - Chaffinch, Tree Sparrow, Pheasant, Mallard, Robin, plus nearby Dunnock, Thrush(not sure which), Blackbird, ; 12:00hr Sheepwash - Goldeneye [7], Cormorant [9], GN Diver [2], Oystercatcher [2], | Snowdrops near path to Sheepwash Hide. | David Edmonds |
| 1383 | 16/02/2011 | 3 Great Northern Divers, 32 Barnacle Geese, 2 Pintail, c20 Goldeneye, 5 Oystercatchers, Curlew, 2 Redshank, Buzzard, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Yellow-legged Gull, 8 GBB Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 260 Common Gull. The Gull roost was c6000 birds but most were well scattered and distant. A Barn Owl again flew in front of Sheepwash Hide at 17.10 and I then saw it in the car park at 17.30. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1384 | 17/02/2011 | 43 Great Black-backed Gulls on Sheepwash Spit 0730hrs. 7 Oystercatchers, 3 Little Grebe, 5 Lesser Redpoll. 3 Shelduck very mobile. 3 Great Northern Divers. Pair Pintail at Sheepwash. Pair Goosander at Millfields. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1385 | 21/02/2011 | Very misty/foggy on site today. Of note: Great Northern Diver (1) - off Watersports Island, Little Grebe (1) - by the Sailimg Club, Goldeneye (3, 2 males & a female), Oystercatcher (2) - on top of the dam wall, Lapwing (~300) - Horseshoe Island, Song Thrush (1) - singing loudly near the Wildlife Centre and a male Bullfinch - eating at the Wildlife Centre feeding station. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1386 | 24/02/2011 | From sheepwash this afternoon, 1 GN Diver 12 Curlew 2 Pintail (m+f) 2 Shoveller (m+f) 10+ Goldeneye 3 Buzzard. | 1000+ Gulls present at 13:00hrs,mainly Black headed,Common and LBBG. | Clive Ashton |
| 1387 | 25/02/2011 | From Sheepwash at 10.00 - 11.00 a.m. 2 G N Divers, Juv G B B gull, lots of LBB and BH gulls, 10 goldeneye, teal, tufted D. Behind hide - buzzard, 4 Mistle thrush, sev red wing | . | Martin Kaye |
| 1388 | 26/02/2011 | 1 GN Diver off dam wall flying north-west 11am 1 Sparrowhawk ~25 Barnacle Geese | . | Chris Johnstone |
| 1389 | 01/03/2011 | Still 2 Great Northern Divers present, 2 Grey Heron, pair of Pintail, 16 Goldeneye, 5 Curlew, 5+ Oystercatchers, c5 Redshank, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 525 Common Gull, 3 GBB Gull, 10 Redwing and a Raven. A Fox was near the Wildlife Centre early morning. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1390 | 01/03/2011 | 15 Whooper swans between Millfields and lake centre Flock of Curlew (Approx 2 dozen) in cattle field South of Fishtail creek. | . | Bob and Gill Smith |
| 1391 | 01/03/2011 | As well as flock of 15 whooper swans reported already, a further group of 6 (2 adults, 4 cygnets) in Shiningford Creek. | . | Neil Venables |
| 1392 | 02/03/2011 | Viewed from Wildlife Centre and nearby area. Of note: Barnacle Goose (20), Goldeneye (pr), Oystercatcher (2), Curlew (1), Pied Wagtail (6), Willow Tit (2) and Bullfinch (1 male). | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1393 | 02/03/2011 | No sign of yesterday's 22 Whooper Swans so I guess they must have departed early this morning. The 2 Great Northern Divers still remain, as does the pair of Pintail. Also 32 Barnacle Geese, 12+ Goldeneye, 17 Wigeon, 6 Pochard, Grey Heron, Buzzard, Dunlin, c10 Oystercatchers, several Redshank, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Lesser Redpoll, Raven and a Barn Owl near Sheepwash Car Park at 17.30. Also a Water Vole at Hopton End and a Fox behind the Wildlife Centre. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1394 | 03/03/2011 | 2 Whooper Swan on Stones Island at dawn, then circled and flew north at 0740hrs. 12 Redwing on Stones Is. 2 Gadwall, 1 Dunlin and 5 Curlew at Wildlife Centre. 2 Great Northern Divers distant. 3 first winter GBBGulls on Flat Island. Pair Pintail at Sheepwash. 24 Woodpigeon in field near Sheepwash car park and 5 Tree Sparrow on feeder there. Counts of 18 Wigeon and 68 Teal. | All recorded this morning. Water levels are now high. | Roger Carrington |
| 1395 | 06/03/2011 | A flock of 36 Curlew flew around Sheepwash spit,then lost to sight over Fishtail creek. The pair of Pintail still close in from Sheepwash. 2 GN Divers,4 Buzzards,2 Kestrels,Raven,13+Goldeneye.A pair of Oystercatchers mating on Sheepwash spit (bar code ringed bird) C200 Common Gulls on the water this afternoon, with many more passing through. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1396 | 07/03/2011 | 25 curlew | A flock of some 25 Curlew flying South across Fishtail Creek. | No name given |
| 1397 | 07/03/2011 | A Rock Pipit on Sheepwash Spit today. Also on site 2 Great Northern Divers, 30+ Barnacle Geese, drake Pintail, 104 Teal, 20 Wigeon, 15 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander, 5 Buzzards, 7 Curlew, c8 Oystercatchers, 4+ Redshank, adult Mediterranean Gull, 6 Bullfinch, 3 Reed Buntings and 2 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1398 | 07/03/2011 | Birding only at wildlife centre and Stones Island. Of note: Barnacle Goose (21) - by Stones Island, Oystercatcher (3), Redshank (2), Wren (1) - the first found by us since the harsh December weather, Raven (1) and Tree Sparrows & Moorhens displaying. | Plants: Coltsfoot - several clumps, Snowdrops - one patch, a few specimens of Lesser Celandine, Daisy, Dandelion and Red Dead Nettle. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1399 | 07/03/2011 | 10.45am. viewed from the tip of Stones Island and looking towards Fishtail creek, 2 Great Northern Divers swimming together , and a third opposite Lane End Hide. | Seen by all 21 people on Beginners Bird Watch. | David Bennett ( S/T VR) |
| 1400 | 08/03/2011 | A male Snow Bunting on the tip Sheepwash Spit at 0650hrs this morning. Its calls attracted me to it, after taking a very distant record photo I could not re-find it, also checked Stones Islands, no sign by 0930hrs. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1401 | 09/03/2011 | Flock of c. 20 Curlew circling opposite Watchtower 12.50; Bean Goose with group of Canada Geese 2.45, close in at left side of path towards Stones Island.G.S. Woodpecker and two Nuthatches on feeder at Paul Stanley, 11.00 | I got several good shots of the Bean Goose and can send copies as attachments if needed. Conforms exactly with illustration in Hume's RSPB Birds. | John Bell |
| 1402 | 09/03/2011 | 2 Great Northern Divers, 32 Barnacle Geese including a colour ringed bird which I'm currently persuing. Greylag Goose, pr Pintail, drake Shoveler, 18 Goldeneye, pr Goosander, 17 Wigeon, c50 Curlew near dusk landed on Millfields Island, 3 Dunlin, 3+ Redshank, c10 Oystercatcher, 2 Buzzard, Kestrel, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Raven. The Gull roost consisted mostly BH Gulls and Common Gulls with c50 LBB Gulls and 2 Herring Gulls. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1403 | 10/03/2011 | 2 GN Divers off the dam wall. 2 Pintail Sheepwash, Redwing, c30 Sailing Club, c25 Sheepwash, 5 Stones island, 1 WLC. Curlew flock c40 seen briefly flying to fields by brick tower. The colour ringed Barnacle Goose on the dam wall, and then later on Stones Island (Orange ring black letters AOZ) The female Tufted Duck with the blue bill saddle AAS again from the dam wall. | Locally 9 Waxwings at Middleton Top, flying towards the reservoir at 07:50hr | Clive Ashton |
| 1404 | 12/03/2011 | 1x Greylag goose, 3x Lesser redpoll, 2x Reed bunting, 23x Pied wagtails in and around VC courtyard at 17:30, 1x Tawny owl at Fishtail Creek c20:00. | . | John Matkin |
| 1405 | 13/03/2011 | Chiffchaff | One singing on Stones Island in the afternoon. | Alein Shreeve |
| 1406 | 13/03/2011 | WeBS count for March:2 Mute Swan,2 Greylag,51 Canada and 2 Barnacle Goose,1 Wigeon,81 Teal,81 Mallard,2 Pintail,3 Shoveller,270 Tufted Duck,8 Goldeneye,2 Great Northern Diver,1 Little Grebe,38 Great Crested Grebe(one pair building nest),7 Cormorant,8 Moorhen,116 Coot,10 Oystercatcher,8 Lapwing,5 Snipe,5 Curlew,4 Redshank,1 Buzzard. Also 2 Ravens. | Last year on 14th March there were 25 Little Grebe but in March 1997 there was also only 1.This shows the fluctuations in numbers of this species. | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 1408 | 14/03/2011 | 3 Great Northern Divers and a probable 4th Diver seen entering bay near holiday cottages. c8 Goldeneye, drake Pochard, drake Gadwall, 18 Wigeon, female Goosander, 4 Snipe, 6 Curlew, 3+ Redshank, male Sparrowhawk, 2 Lesser Redpoll, Raven, and the Barn Owl near Sheepwash Hide at 17.55. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1409 | 17/03/2011 | 2 Great Northern Divers, 2 Grey Heron, 20 Barnacle Geese, 21 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 9 Goldeneye, female Goosander, 5 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 2 Curlew, several Oystercatchers, 2 Chiff Chaff, 12 Meadow Pipits, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 4+ Reed Bunting and 55 Redwing. Several thousand Gulls in the roost but could only see BH, LBB and Common but viewing was difficult due to fog which lingered for most of the day. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1410 | 18/03/2011 | Regarding the colour ringed Barnalce Goose that has been seen with the regular feral flock of Barnacle Geese. Orange ADZ was ringed on 8/2/99 at Caerlaverock WWT in Dumfriesshire, Scotland as a male first year bird hatched in summer 1998. It was last seen on the reserve on 27/1/10 and is seen on the Solway in most winters. It has not been reported from Svalbard. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1411 | 18/03/2011 | 3 swallows circling around stone shelter Millfields Snipe on Millfields island. | . | Bob and Gill Smith |
| 1412 | 20/03/2011 | 3 GN Divers 2 Shelduck 5 Snipe 5+ Chiffchaff The colour ringed barnacle Goose still present. | Please be aware that extensive habitat improvement is now underway on the base of sheepwash spit. This work includes the use of heavy machinery, and will be on going for the next week or so. | Clive Ashton / Roger Carrington |
| 1413 | 21/03/2011 | 2 juv Great Northern Divers, 3 Little Grebe, 6 Greylag Geese, 29 Barnacle Geese including the colour ringed bird. pr Mandarin, 24 Wigeon, 4+ Buzzard, male Sparrowhawk, pr Peregrine, 12 Oystercatcher, 6 Snipe, 6 Redshank, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 5 Meadow Pipit, 3 Fieldfare, 19 Chiff Chaff counted on the circular walk, Goldcrest, Treecreeper, 2 Raven, 40 Starling, 2 Brambling with Chaffinch flock near Fishtail Creek and 2 Lesser Redpoll. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1414 | 23/03/2011 | 3 Great Northern Divers off Stones Island. All together in scope and one displaying to two others. | . | Peter Gibbon |
| 1415 | 24/03/2011 | Great Northern Diver, at Sheepwash/Lane End Hide end of reservoir, Carsington Water. Also Raven, Chiffchaff, 2 Goosanders, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Goldeneyes. | I thought I'd send report as you are missing one for 22nd at present. | Alan Hobson |
| 1416 | 25/03/2011 | 1 Curlew --WLC 22 Barnacle geese --WLC 2 -Gt. Nortern Divers -- From Stones Island 1 - Redshank --Stones Island 2 - Oystercatcher -- From stones Island | . | Paul Highman |
| 1417 | 28/03/2011 | Redstart - male | 09.15 in shrubs at end of Wildlife Centre Creek | Neil Venables |
| 1418 | 28/03/2011 | 31 species identified early pm. Of note: Barnacle Goose (35), Oystercatcher (2), Lapwing (4), Chiffchaff (6) and Reed Bunting (1 female). | Plants, shrubs and trees in flower: Coltsfoot (yellow), Lesser Celandine (yellow), Daisy, Dandelion, Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage (yellow) - near post 5F, Common Mouse-ear (white), Cowslip (yellow), Gorse (yellow) and Plum Cherry (white). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1419 | 29/03/2011 | Still 3 Great Northern Divers on site including an adult and 2 juveniles. One of the Divers was seen catching and eating a Crayfish near the Dam Wall in the morning. 32 Barnacle Geese including the colour ringed bird (ADZ). 3 female Goldeneye, 3 female Goosander. At least 6 Oystercatchers, several Redshank, 2 Curlew and a Snipe. c900 BH Gulls including many 1st winters, 63 LBB Gull and 1 imm GBB Gull. 1 Sand Martin. 23 Meadow Pipits on the Dam Wall mid-afternoon. 100+ Fieldfare over the Wildlife Centre. 2 Raven. A Linnet over Stones Island. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1420 | 29/03/2011 | Female type Black Redstart, half way between the Wildlife Centre and the bend on Wildlife centre creek. Viewed from the gap in the hedge where the reeds are. The bird was perching in Hawthorn bushes and dropping down to feed on the grass. Still present at 18:00hr though it went to ground when the rain came. This morning 2 Swallows and c20 Sand Martins. 3 GN Divers still present. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1421 | 30/03/2011 | Female Black Redstart still between Wldlife Centre and Creek mid morning. Also Willow Warbler nearby and blackcap singing near Sailing Club early morning [DN]. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1422 | 30/03/2011 | Little Egret at Brownale Bay then flew down Hopton End and then back to land on far side below Hall Wood | Late News!! Site was unavailable on Monday night! | Steph and Paul Hicking |
| 1423 | 30/03/2011 | The Black Redstart was still present at 15.00 in Wildlife Centre Creek. 2 Great Northern Divers, 3 Pink-Footed Geese, c30 Barnacle Geese including the colour ringed bird (ADZ), 2 Greylag Geese, 1 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 2 Goldeneye, c10 Oystercatchers, 6+ Redshank, 2 Curlew, 25 Sand Martins, 6 Swallows, 20+ Meadow Pipits, 21 Chiff Chaff between Millfields and Sheepwash, Willow Warbler again singing briefly near Black Redstart, Blackcap, 2 Raven, 25 Tree Sparrows, female Brambling at Millfields and a Linnet over Stones Island. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1424 | 02/04/2011 | 3 GN Divers. Willow Warbler singing by sailing club. 2 Blackcaps singing, Stones Island/Wildlife centre. 3 Snipe, Wildlife centre. ADZ Barnacle Goose still present as was the marked Tufted Duck AAS. A Common Tern was reported, though not seen by me as I left site for a couple of hours. | No sign of the Black Redstart. | Clive Ashton |
| 1425 | 02/04/2011 | Early am Fishtail Creek to VC- 46 species. Highlights: Red-Legged Partridge (x2) flew from path to adjacent fields at Fishtail Creek, Little Owl (heard but not seen) calling from overgrown hedge in fields by Fishtail Creek, Willow Warbler, 2x Great Northern Divers, 20+ Sand Martins, Wheatear on Dam wall stones at 9:00. | . | John Matkin |
| 1426 | 02/04/2011 | An Osprey first seen by Jon Bradley at 08:30, later put on a good show between 10:25 and 10:45 from the Wildlife centre. A total of 4 Wheatear seen. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1427 | 04/04/2011 | 3 Great Northern Divers, 32 Barnacle Geese including (ADZ), Curlew, Little Ringed Plover, 2 Snipe, c10 Oystercatchers, several Redshank, 19 Swallow, 9 Sand Martins, 2 Housemartins, 22 Chiff Chaff, 6 Blackcap, 5 Willow Warbler, 2 Wheatear, 120+ Lesser-black Backed Gulls. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1428 | 06/04/2011 | 2 Great Northern Divers from the Dam Wall early morning then both seen from Stones Island later on. A Red Kite drifted over the Dam Wall and then disappeared behind Sailing Club. A Little Ringed Plover in front of Sailing Club. Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe Island. 2 Greylag Geese, 30+ Barnacle Geese including colour ringed bird (ADZ), Wheatear on Dam Wall, Skylark, Linnet, numerous Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Grey Heron, Grey Wagtail, Curlew, Raven. Lots of Chiff Chaffs and Blackcaps in song, also several Willow Warblers. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1429 | 06/04/2011 | Warm today. Only viewed from wildlife centre and Stones Island for about an hour. 32 species identified. Of note: Barnacle Goose (28), Oystercatcher (3), Lapwing (4), Redshank (1), Blackcap (1), Chiffchaff (4)and Reed Bunting (1 male) | A Brimstone butterfly was seen. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1430 | 11/04/2011 | 3 Great Northern Divers all seen from Stones Island. c30 Barnacle Geese, 4 Greylag Geese, 2 Shoveler, Mallard with 13 ducklings, 3 Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Snipe, Curlew, numerous Redshank and Oystercatcher, 5 Buzzard, male Peregrine, female Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 65 Swallow, 30 Sandmartin, 19 Blackcap, 13 Willow Warbler, 2 Wheatear, 2 Raven, 15+ Linnet on Horseshoe Island. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1431 | 11/04/2011 | Of note: Great Northern Diver (1), Barnacle Goose (17), Shoveler (pr)-Horseshoe Island, Oystercatcher (4), Lapwing (4), Redshank (3), Swallow (over 80), Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Bullfinch (pr), Read Bunting (a female). | Small Tortoiseshell butterfly. Marsh Marigold (yellow) - back of pond next to Wildlife Centre. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1432 | 12/04/2011 | 3 Great Northern Divers between Tower Bank and Stones Island, viewed from Paul Stanley and Sheepwash hides | . | Jim Clarke |
| 1433 | 13/04/2011 | 3 Great Northern Divers, 6 Little Ringed Plover, 100+ Swallow, 50+ Sandmartin, 2 Yellow Wagtails, White Wagtail and 11 Linnet. Also a male Redstart on Shiningford Creek found by RC. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1434 | 14/04/2011 | Bullfinch (at least 3 pairs). Redstart (1male) SFCreek area. Plenty of Chiffchaffs etc. Buzzard several in area showing very well, one in particular being mobbed by corvids over SFCreek. | . | Steph Hicking |
| 1435 | 14/04/2011 | 2 G N Divers displaying, initially the two faced each other flapping wings before one, using its feet reared upright with its wings forming a crucifix shape but not flapping. This occurred over a 10 minute period around 11-30 just off of buoy 9 on the dam wall. | . | Ian Scrimshaw |
| 1436 | 15/04/2011 | Still 3 Great Northern Divers, with the adult bird coming into summer plumage. 5+ Little ringed Plover,2 Dunlin,4 Curlew,3 Goosander over west and another north later. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1437 | 17/04/2011 | 1 lesser whitethroat top of Sheepwash car park 0630hrs. 5 greylag south over dam. drake shoveler, pair gadwall and wild barnacle ADZ all on stones island. 4 broods of mallard; 11+7@WLC and 6+7@sheepwash. 1 common sandpiper at sheepwash. 7 common buzzards together in a thermal. 1 adult + 2 juvenile great northern divers. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1438 | 17/04/2011 | In addition to Roger's sightings, there was a Green Sandpiper on Sheepwash spit(now Island!)early afternoon, and still present at 17:00hr. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1439 | 18/04/2011 | Visitor Centre:1 Great Northern Diver (juvenile)4 Barnacle GeesePaul Stanley Hide:4 Great Crested Grebe1 OystercatcherLapwings3 Cormorants2 Nuthatch1 Reed Bunting1 TreecreeperSheepwash Car park feeders:6 Bullfinch3 Tree SparrowsMany Chaffinch1 Green Woodpecker | . | Adam Jones |
| 1440 | 19/04/2011 | 1 Garden warbler and 1 Sedge Warbler singing on Stones island. 1 Redstart singing in the field behind the Wildlife Centre. 2 Great Northern Divers with the adult coming into summer plumage. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1441 | 19/04/2011 | Paul Stanley Hide:1 Great Northern Diver (Adult) towards dam wall, 2 Redshank, 2 G C Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 3 Lapwing, GSW (drumming)Sheepwash feeders: 6 Bullfinch, 3 Tree Sparrow, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Willow Tit, Stones Island: 2 Barnacle Geese | . | Adam Jones |
| 1442 | 19/04/2011 | 1 Black-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe Island until 08.25 hrs at least. Wild Barnacle Goose on Stones Island. 2 Little Ringed Plover at Sailing Club | . | Neil Moulden |
| 1443 | 19/04/2011 | Of note: Barnacle Goose (8), a female Mallard with 10 ducklings, a nesting Moorhen on very small island next to Horseshoe Island, Oystercatcher (2), Lapwing (2) plus Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. | Tadpoles seen in ditch to the left of path between main carpark and wildlife centre. The small pool is at the carpark end. Butterflies: Orange Tip and Small White. Plants newly into flower: Cuckooflower (white or v.pale pink), Germander Speedwell (blue), Bogbean (white) and Forget-me-not. A Tittesworth Snippet: The Spring edition of the Titteworth Bird News newsletter is now available from Tittesworth's visitor centre. The sightings cover the months January, February and March. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1444 | 20/04/2011 | 08:45 - 11:30 Millfieds and Penn Carr. - (4+)nr Swallow, 4nr Black Cap in 2 pairs M/F, 10 pairs G.C Grebe courting / nest building & sitting. 1nr Oystercatcher near possible nest site on island, 2nr Little Grebe possible pair in Penn Carr, 1nr Mute Swan near sailing club. | . | David Edmonds |
| 1445 | 20/04/2011 | Sheepwash car park feeders:2 Willow Tit,6 Bullfinch,3 Tree Sparrow, Paul Stanley Hide:1 Great Northern Diver (juv),1 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher,4 Lapwing, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker on feeder, Reed Beds: 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Reed Warbler | . | Adam Jones |
| 1446 | 20/04/2011 | Sheepwash car park feeders:2 Willow Tit,6 Bullfinch,3 Tree Sparrow, Paul Stanley Hide:1 Great Northern Diver (juv),1 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher,4 Lapwing, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker on feeder, Reed Beds: 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Reed Warbler | . | Adam Jones |
| 1447 | 20/04/2011 | 2 Wheatear and 3 Meadow Pipits on the Dam Wall and a female Sparrowhawk over. Sedge Warbler singing on Stones Island. Lesser Whitethroat singing at the back of Sheepwash Car Park. 3 Great Northern Divers from Sheepwash (2 juvs and adult). Pair of Goldeneye, Common Sandpiper, 4+ Little Ringed Plover, 5+ Redshank, Yellow Wagtail on Sheepwash Spit and 4+ Garden Warbler. Shortly after 18.00 I was standing near the Watersports Centre and looked out on to the water and saw 3 Black Terns. By the time I had walked on to Stones Island there were 5 Black Terns. Whilst on Stones a Ringed Plover flew over and then a little later on a Whimbrel flew past. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1448 | 21/04/2011 | 1 Ringed Plover flying around Stones Island with 3 Little Ringed Plover at 07.45 hrs. | . | Neil Moulden |
| 1449 | 21/04/2011 | Much the same as yesterday but with 5 Shellduck coming into land just in front of the Paul Stanley hide this morning. Whitethroat this afternoon around the reed beds. | . | Adam Jones |
| 1450 | 22/04/2011 | 1 Yellow Wagtail, 32 Carrion Crow and 12 Rooks on dam wall and fields. Pied Flycatcher and 2 Goldcrest singing in Hall Wood. 2 Lesser Whitethroat, at top of Sheepwash car park and Hopton End. 2 Common Whitethroat, at Wildlife Centre and Hopton End. 2 Common Terns on Flat Island. 1 Common Sandpiper on the small new Sheepwash Island. 2 juvenile Great Northern Divers close in to Sheepwash Hide at 10:00hrs. | All this morning 0600-1130hrs. Watch out for wasp nests in the hides, 7 small ones dealt with in recent days. Please inform Visitor Centre or Rangers if you find any. | Roger Carrington |
| 1451 | 24/04/2011 | WeBS count for April: Mute Swan 4, Canada Goose 59, Greylag 1,Barnacle Goose 15, Mallard 55, Tufted Duck 126, Great Northern Diver 3,Little Grebe 2,Great Crested Grebe 46, Cormorant 3, Moorhen 4, Coot 67, Oystercatcher 9, Little Ringed Plover 6, Lapwing 12,Snipe 1, Common Sandpiper 1, Redshank 3, Black-headed Gull 20. | . | Peter Gibbon |
| 1452 | 25/04/2011 | Sacred Ibis seen on Horseshoe Island. First reported 15:30 | (some missing wing feathers) | John Matkin |
| 1453 | 26/04/2011 | A Green Woodpecker flew over towards the visitor centre at 08:30hr, an Arctic Tern flew north between 10:10 and 10:25hr. Still 3 GN Divers with the adult now looking very smart,2 Common Sandpipers and 4 LR Plovers. Barnacle Goose ADZ still present. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1454 | 27/04/2011 | 3 Great Northern Divers still present. Both juveniles were seen flying around several times. And with the adult also being seen in flight over the last few days it looks like all three will soon be leaving us. The adult in breeding plumage really is worth a look before it goes. The 'wild' Barnacle Goose (ADZ) is still present with the regular feral flock. Also of note today was a Grey Heron, 2 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, Snipe, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 5 Redshank, 3 Buzzards, 2 LBB Gulls, a 1st summer Common Gull, 3 Common Terns and 2 Raven. A walk between Millfields and Hopton End produced 28 Blackcap, 19 Willow Warbler, 7 Garden Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroat and 4 Common Whitethroat. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1455 | 27/04/2011 | The following were of particular interest on our short visit to the site:Great Northern Diver (adult) - off Horseshoe Island (HI), a Great Crested Grebe sitting on a nest just off HI near the wildlife centre, Barnacle Goose (3), a Moorhen standing by a nest on the edge of HI (this is a different nest to the one mentioned on the 18th April), Lapwing (5), Little Ringed Plover (1) - HI, Redshank - a pair mating on HI and Swallow (3). | Butterflies: Small White and Orange Tip.Mammal: Weasel.Tadpoles are still present in the pool described on the 18th April.Plants newly into flower in the last nine days: Garlic Mustard or Jack-by-the-hedge (white), Cow Parsley (white), Water Forget-me-not (blue), Hawthorn (white), Bluebell (blue) | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1456 | 29/04/2011 | 2 Greenshank, 1 Whimbrel past, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper all at Sheepwash. 46 Arctic Terns thru North at 1920hrs. 2 Common Terns thru North at 1950hrs. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1457 | 29/04/2011 | 1 Artic Tern on Sheepwash Island early morning only. 4 common sandpiper and 2 LRP later. 2 juv + 1 summer plumage adult great northern diver. Wild Barnacle with leg ring ADZ still on Stones Island with feral flock. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1458 | 01/05/2011 | 1 Waxwing perched and calling at entrance to Sheepwash car park 0600hrs. 2 Stock Doves under Sheepwash feeders. 7 Swift and 1 Yellow Wagtail over Stones Island. 2 Snipe at Wildlife Centre. 3 Great Northern Divers including summer plumage adult. 1 Common and 6 Arctic Terns thru. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1459 | 02/05/2011 | During the monthly 'birdwatching for beginners' walk (1st Sunday of month, 10am-noon), led by STW volunteer ranger David Bennett, the following were recorded ... Highlights: Adult Gt Northern Diver was giving great and close views in front of the watersports centre, two Swifts flew over Stones Island, several warblers, notably Garden Warblers, were singing well on Stones Island; also (no specific quantities, sorry!) Canada and Barnacle Geese, Dunlin, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover (seen 'coupling' - so at least two!), Lapwing, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Gt Crested Grebe, Reed Bunting, House Martin, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Wren, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Tree Sparrow, House Sparrow, Blackbird, Robin and Starling. | . | Gary Atkins |
| 1460 | 03/05/2011 | 2 Great Northern Divers (adult and juvenile). Grey Heron, 3+ Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, female Peregrine, 5 Little Ringed Plovers, Lapwing chick on Horseshoe Island, Dunlin, Snipe, 2 Bar Tailed Godwits, Black Tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel, 4 Common Sandpipers, Black Tern, 2 Common Terns, 31+ Swift, 2 Sedge Warblers and 2 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1461 | 04/05/2011 | Both the adult and juvenile Great Northern Divers still present. The wild Barnacle Goose (ADZ) with the feral flock. 6 Mute Swan, Shelduck, 4 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 5+ Little Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, Curlew, 2 Bar Tailed Godwits, 3+ Common Sandpipers, 2 Common Terns, Yellow Wagtail, 40+ Swift, 2 Sedge Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats and 2 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1462 | 04/05/2011 | Barnacle Goose (14), Little Ringed Plover (2) - Horseshoe Island (HI), Lapwing (8), Black-tailed Godwit (1) - Stones Island (SI), Dunlin (2) - SI, Redshank (1) - HI, and Song Thrush (2). | Butterflies: Small White & Orange Tip. Plants not previously recorded: Greater Stitchwort (white), Ribwort Plantain (the green head has a ring of fluffy buff flowers), Water Avens (maroon), Bugle (blue), Bush Vetch (purple-blue), Sorrel (brown), Ground Ivy (blue), Guelder Rose (white), Meadow Buttercup, Yellow Rocket, Silverweed (yellow), Red Campion and Herb Robert (red). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1463 | 05/05/2011 | Osprey found at 1840hrs on Lane End Osprey perch by John Bradley. Still there at 2000hrs eating a fish. White ring on left leg marked KR. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1464 | 06/05/2011 | As Roger has already mentioned an Osprey was found yesterday evening on the new perch at Lane End. Although I didn't see it catch a fish it was seen flying around the wildlife centre with a fish being chased by an Oystercatcher. Also seen yesterday was the adult and juvenile Great Northern Divers. A pair of Gadwall, 3 Dunlin, c5 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Common Sandpipers, Greenshank, 5 Common Gulls, 2 Common Terns, Arctic Tern (C Brown). | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1465 | 06/05/2011 | Osprey still on Lane End perch early morning, flew from perch about 0900hrs and was fishing near Millfields at 1010hrs when disturbed by helicopter, no sign by 1100hrs. Adult and juv Great Northern Diver also. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1466 | 06/05/2011 | No sign of Osprey this evening, but 4 Little ringed Plovers,4 Common sandpipers and 7 Mute Swans. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1467 | 07/05/2011 | Osprey sitting on nest platform for two hours from 07.00 despite mobbing by Jackdaws and Black-headed Gulls. Also 2 divers, 1 Whimbrel and 4 Common Tern. | . | Peter Gibbon |
| 1468 | 08/05/2011 | Adult and 1 juvenile GN diver together in middle of water between Lane End hide and Fishtail Creek, watched for an hour(late afternoon) until the juvenile flew off. Adult produced ritualised aggression display to the juvenile which lasted several minutes and included wailing. | . | John Babb |
| 1469 | 09/05/2011 | 44 species seen Sheepwash to VC including: adult Great Northern Diver, 2x Common Tern, Little Grebe (carrying nesting material in first arm of Shiningford Creek), Lesser Whitethroat (singing at Sheepwash and in the dip just after Shinigford Creek) and 3x Song Thrush fledglings by Paul Stanley Hide. | . | John Matkin |
| 1470 | 09/05/2011 | Adult Great Northern Diver. 4 Greylag Geese, Osprey over Sheepwash at 13.30hrs, Hobby, 5 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Turnstone, Whimbrel, Curlew, Lapwing chick on Horseshoe Island, Common Sandpiper, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, several Redshanks and Oystercatchers, 5 LBB Gulls, Herring Gull, female Wheatear, c40 Swallow, c20 Swift, 2 Sand Martin, Linnet singing near Middle Wood, and 2 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1471 | 11/05/2011 | Highlights from the WLC: Adult Great Northern Diver, 3 Curlew, 2 Common Tern, Lapwing with at least 3 chicks, male Sparrohawk, 2 Buzzard. Also, 1 Common Sandpiper at Sheepwash. | . | James Owen |
| 1472 | 11/05/2011 | Adult Great Northern Diver giving great views from Stones Island this morning. 2 Greylag Geese, Grey Heron, 2 Teal, Sanderling, 4 Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 2 Common Terns, 10 Housemartins, 4 Common Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1473 | 12/05/2011 | Adult summer plumage Great Northern Diver flying around early morning, then calling from the water. Sedge Warbler and Linnet singing on Stones Island. Tree Sparrow multi nest box on Stones showing 10 units being fed. Black-headed Gulls have returned to the Wildlife Centre. 50 Swifts over the water. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1474 | 14/05/2011 | Adult summer plumage Great Northern Diver. 2 Red Crested Pochard from Wildlife Centre. 1 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin and 2 Common Tern from Sheepwash. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1475 | 15/05/2011 | A Red Kite drifted over Sheepwash car park at 1430hrs heading SE. Adult Great Northern Diver still. 1 Ringed Plover on Stones Island. 27 Common Tern high North (may have been 1 or 2 Arctics among them). 2 Common Tern on Flat Island. Peregrine over. 2 Red Crested Pochard Sheepwash/WLC mobile. Redstart singing in field between Visitor Center car park and WLC. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1476 | 16/05/2011 | A pair of Mandarin to the right of Sheepwash Hide at 15.45 hrs. 1 Curlew at Wildlife Centre | . | Neil Moulden |
| 1477 | 16/05/2011 | Adult Great Northern Diver still. Grey Heron. Pair of Red Crested Pochards at the Wildlife Centre. 3+ Buzzard, Sparrowhawk with prey, Kestrel. Dunlin, 4+ Little Ringed Plover, Whimbrel, 2 Lapwing chicks on Horseshoe Island. 4 Arctic Terns through early morning, 2 Common Terns. 50+ Black Headed Gulls, 10 LBB Gulls. 200+ Swallows, 100+ Housemartin. 100+ Swift. 6 Sandmartin. Both the Great Crested Grebes and Moorhens have both failed on Horseshoe Island. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1478 | 17/05/2011 | WeBS count for May: Mute Swan 5,Canada Goose 61,Barnacle Goose 14,Mallard 66,Red-Crested Pochard 2,Tufted Duck 80,Great Northern Diver 1,Little Grebe 4,Great Crested Grebe 41,Cormorant 4,Grey Heron 2,Moorhen 3,Coot 68,Oystercatcher 11,Little Ringed Plover 3,Lapwing 13,Dunlin 3,Whimbrel 1,Redshank 5,Black-headed Gull 43,Common Tern 2. Between 06.45 and 11.45 | 2 Oystercatcher young on Millfields Island. 2 Lapwing young on Horseshoe Island and 1 on Big Island. Also 2 Redshank young on Big Island. | Peter Gibbon |
| 1479 | 17/05/2011 | In addition to those already reported... From WLC: 3 Redshank chicks and 2 Lapwing chicks on Horseshoe Island, 1 Wigeon, Sparrowhawk, 4 Dunlin, 2 Little Ringed Plover. 3 Curlew - following a pattern developed in recent weeks of bathing individually within the same half hour or so during mid-afternoon. Also, Great Northern Diver still late in the afternoon. The early Whimbrel at Sheepwash flew off high to the West before 10am. | . | James Owen |
| 1480 | 18/05/2011 | No message | A red kite sighted at Cross o'th' Hands (between Turnditch and Hulland Ward) at 09.45 flying west. | Neil Venables |
| 1481 | 18/05/2011 | Great Northern Diver | . | dan taberner |
| 1482 | 18/05/2011 | highlights Great Northern Diver (1x ad summer) Black-throated Diver (1x 1st summer) Sanderling 2 (1 summer 1 winter). Of interest a Hornet came in PSHide briefly and a single Orange Hawkweed (fox-and-cubs) is in flower on the track to PSHide | The Black-throated Diver was hugging the bank sides around Brown ALe Bay viewed from either the new track or Paul Stanley Hide. | Steph Hicking |
| 1483 | 18/05/2011 | Immature Black-throated Diver first seen from Sheepwash Hide around 10.30. It then spent several hours in Brown Ale Bay to the left of Paul Stanley hide before swimming back past Sheepwash. It could still be seen from Stones Island at 19.00hrs. The adult Great Northern Diver still present. Also seen today was a pair of Red Crested Pochards, drake Wigeon, 4+ Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, 2 Sanderling, 9+ Dunlin, 2 Curlew and 2 Common Terns. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1484 | 19/05/2011 | The Black-throated Diver was still present today and couldn't have been much closer in front of Sheepwash Hide. No sign of the adult Great Northern Diver though. Also seen was the pair Red-crested Pochards, 4+ Little Ringed Plover and 4 Dunlin. | . | Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown |
| 1485 | 19/05/2011 | Black-throated Diver still, 1 Common Tern, 2 Raven, 2 Common Buzzard, 1 Whimbrel (flew off NE at 14:25), 1 Common Sandpiper, pair Red-crested Pochard, pair Redshank with 4 chicks and pair Lapwing with 2 chicks from Wildlife Centre. No sign of Adult GND. | Black-throated Diver hugging Western shoreline. At times about 12ft from Lane End Hide! | Paul Thomas |
| 1486 | 22/05/2011 | The Black-throated Diver was still present but quite mobile. At first it was to the right of Sheepwash Hide before drifting past the P.Stanley hide into Hopton Arm and then back out again. 8 Cormorants, 2 Grey Heron. Pair of Red-crested Pochards still at the Wildlife Centre. A Dunlin on Sailing Club Island. At least 4 Little Ringed Plover at carious locations. Sanderling at Sheepwash on the new muddy islands. 2 Common Terns, 3 LBB Gulls and a Common Gull. At around tea time at Sheepwash a 3rd Tern appeared and after a brief fly around it landed on the mud in front of the hide. I thought it looked good for a 1st summer Arctic Tern but know that 1st summers tend to stay in their wintering grounds and are quite rare in Europe never mind Derbyshire. I managed to get some photos and after several other birders seeing them it does indeed look like a 1st summer Arctic Tern. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1487 | 22/05/2011 | Immature Black-throated Diver spent most of the day in Hopton Arm then flew to Lane End this evening. Peregrine also over Hopton End. At Sheepwash 3 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Common Tern. At Wildlife Centre a female Ruff, 1 Curlew, pair Red-crested Pochard, pair Gadwall. A Jay with a full crop flew into Penn Carr. | A photo by John Bradley of the BTD in flight shows it is moulting flight feathers. A similar bird in 2003 resulted in it staying and moulting throughout the summer, finally leaving in September. Can we hope for a repeat? | Roger Carrington |
| 1488 | 22/05/2011 | One Whimbrel landed and preened twice at Horseshoe Island, between 3pm and 4.30pm | a good number of members of the public enjoyed the opportunities to see the distinctive head stripes | David Bennett (Vol Rgr) |
| 1489 | 23/05/2011 | An Osprey first seen by Roger over Stones Island and then Millfields at around 08.00hrs was then seen by Roger, Clive and myself over the Dam Wall around 09.00hrs. The Black-throated Diver was seen near the Dam Wall. Also seen today was a pair of Little Grebes with 2 young. Drake Wigeon, pair of Red-crested Pochards, Hobby, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard. 10 species of Wader were seen. Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover at Sheepwash, Lapwing, Sanderling flew past Stones Island late evening, 2 Dunlin at Sheepwash, Ruff on Horseshoe Island, Curlew, Redshank and Common Sandpiper. Herring Gull, 2 Common Terns, probable Reed Warbler near Sheepwash Hide. Willow Tit family with 2 to 3 young also near Sheepwash Hide. A juvenile Tree Sparrow was attacked and killed by a Jackdaw at the feeding station at the Wildlife Centre. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1490 | 24/05/2011 | No sign of Black-throated Diver by midday. Ruff and pair Red-crested Pochard still at Wildlife Centre. Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood. 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 4 Common Tern, 12 Black-headed Gull all in front of Sheepwash Hide and a female Peregrine selected a Common Tern among much turmoil. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1491 | 24/05/2011 | The Black throated diver was refound,and was close to the sailing club all afternoon. 8 species of wader,with Sandeling,Ruff,Ringed Plover and 5+Dunlin being the pick. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1492 | 25/05/2011 | 36 species of bird identified on a short visit. OF NOTE: Black-throated Diver (1) - seen from Stones Island and was roughly opposite Lane End's hide. Mallard - inc, a female with 4 well developed young. Red-crested Pochard (pr) - seen from the wildlife centre (WLC). Common Pochard (1 male) - seen from the WLC in WLC Creek. Oystercatcher (2). Lapwing (2). Redshank (1). Yellowhammer (1 male) - just off the southern end of the site. | Small White butterfly and White-tailed bumblebee. PLANTS in bloom: 31 species identified. Species not previously reported: Lesser Stitchwort (white), Self-heal (blue-purple), Yellow Rattle, Broad-leaved Dock (browny orange), Groundsel (yellow), Lady's Mantle (yellow), Yarrow (white), White Dead Nettle, Stinging Nettle (maroon/beige), Hogweed (white), Oxeye Daisy (white) and Wood Avens (yellow) - new to us at Carsington. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1493 | 26/05/2011 | Black-throated Diver first seen near Flat Island early afternoon. It then drifted past Sheepwash and was later seen in front of the Wildlife Centre. Also seen today was 2 Shelduck, drake Wigeon, pair of Red-crested Pochards. 7+ Little Ringed Plover, 2 Ringed Plovers, 4+ Dunlin, Ruff, Curlew, Oystercatcher with 1 young on S'ford Island, 2 Redshank and 3 Lapwing young on Horseshoe Island. 2 Common Terns, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel, male Sparrowhawk. 3 juvenile Pied Wagtails at Millfields, also 2 juv Robins there. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1494 | 27/05/2011 | Reed Warbler singing in Hopton Arm Reedbed, another on causeway to Stones Island. 2 family parties of Long-tailed Tit. Pair of Swallows in Stone Barn and another pair under draw-off tower. Big Island has 3 well grown Redshank young and at least 1 near adult size Lapwing young. A very young lapwing chick appeared to the left of Sheepwash Hide with an adult. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1495 | 31/05/2011 | Black-throated Diver still present. Adult Little Grebe with 1 young. 11 Cormorants. Grey Heron, drake Wigeon, 4 drake Gadwall, pair of Red-Crested Pochards, 2 drake Pochard, Sparrowhawk, 3 Buzzards, Kestrel, Peregrine, pair of Oystercatchers with 1 young, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Dunlin, 5+ Redshank and 2 Turnstone. Common Tern. Good numbers of Swifts and House Martins. Several juvenile Pied Wagtails, plenty of young Blue and Great Tits. Adult Carrion Crow feeding 2 young on Stones Island. 2 Linnets at Sheepwash. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1496 | 01/06/2011 | OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (3), Wigeon (male), Red-crested Pochard (male), Common Pochard (2 males), Oystercatcher (2), Little Ringed Plover (1), Lapwing - on nest, Horseshoe Island; Redshank (1), Reed bunting (1) - Stones Island. | Small and Large White butterflies. PLANTS: 38 species seen Stones Island - wildlife centre. Species not previously reported: Black Medick (yellow), White and Red clovers, Spear Thistle (purple), Bramble (white), Dog Rose (pale pink with red edges) and Ragged Robin (deep pink). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1497 | 02/06/2011 | Swifts nesting at Visitor Centre once again. Cuckoo heard calling just offsite by Fishtail Creek. | . | John Matkin |
| 1498 | 03/06/2011 | 52 species. Of note: Curlew, Little Grebe and 1x chick, Pintail drake, Pochard drakes (x2) and Wigeon drake, from Fishtail Creek to Hall Wood family groups of Blue Tit (x3 groups), Great Tit (x2 groups) and Willow Tit (x1 group)- another Willow Tit group (4 young)at Shiningford Creek, Reed Warbler at new reedbed,61x Black-headed Gulls roosting on and around Flat Island. | . | John Matkin |
| 1499 | 07/06/2011 | Black-throated Diver seen from Sheepwash. Great Crested Grebe with one juvenile at the Wildlife Centre. Drake Pintail, drake Wigeon, pair of Red-crested Pochard, 3 Little Ringed Plover, Curlew, several Buzzards and 2 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1500 | 07/06/2011 | just seen a black ibis sat on a barn roof at arbour low.the farm just below the site. not sure if its escaped from some where as it wasnt to fussed about us taking pictures but it had not i.d rings in its legs | . | chris |
| 1501 | 07/06/2011 | Juv Black-throated Diver mid-morning from Sheepwash, later 1 juv Heron, 1 Garden Warbler singing by the first gate. WLC: Male Pintail, 2 Red-crested Pochard, 1 Wigeon, 2 Pochard, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew. 1 Little Grebe with chick plus another adult that was chased away by the parent, 2 Gadwall, and a Sedge Warbler singing in the reedbed. The 3 large Lapwing chicks swam across the channel from Horseshoe Island to the WLC, and had later made their way to the other side of WLC Creek. 1 large Redshank chick remained on the island. Lane End: 1 Mallard with 9 small ducklings. Also, 2 Buzzard and 1 male Kestrel over Millfields. | . | James Owen |
| 1502 | 08/06/2011 | Of note: Gadwall (1 male), Common Pochard (2), Buzzard (just off southern end of site), Moorhen (1), Oystercatcher (2), Little Ringed Plover (1) - Stones Island; Ringed Plover (1) - Horseshoe Island; Lapwing juveniles (3), Redshank (2) plus 2 chicks; Swift (1), Sand Martin (1), Song Thrush (1), Sedge Warbler (1) - in reeds nr Wildlife Centre; and Reed Bunting (2 males). | Plants in bloom: 33 species seen. Not previously recorded this year: Common Knapweed (purple), Cat's-ear (yellow), Elderflower (off white), Sweet Briar (pink centre & red edge), Upright Hedge-parsley (white or pink, umbrella shaped) and Meadow Crane's-bill (bluey mauve). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1503 | 09/06/2011 | Immature Black-throated Diver at Sheepwash. Juvenile Grey Heron, Little Ringed Plover also at Sheepwash, 5 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 50+ Swift, adult and 2 juvenile Pied Wagtails on the new mud at Sheepwash, Common Tern and Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1504 | 13/06/2011 | 35 species logged around midday. Area covered - Stones Island to end of Wildlife Centre Creek (WCC). Adult Little Grebe + 1 chick; Gadwall (2 males and 1 female); Moorhen (1); Oystercatcher (4); Ringed Plover (1); Lapwing (5); Redshank (pr) - one seemed to be crouching on a nest on the northern side of WCC. Goldfinch (4) and Reed Bunting (1 male). | Butterflies: Speckled Wood, Small White. Plants in flower: 44 species identified. Species not previously noted: Foxglove, Welted Thistle, Field Thistle, Cleavers, Woody Nightshade, Prickly Sow-thistle and Honeysuckle. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1505 | 14/06/2011 | Tonight at around 7.30 there was an arctic tern feeding at the wirksworth end of the reservoir. | . | Ruth |
| 1506 | 16/06/2011 | WeBS count for June: Mute Swan 14, Canada Goose 207, Gadwall 2, Mallard 98, Tufted Duck 171, Little Grebe 1, Great Crested Grebe 47, Cormorant 11, Grey Heron 1, Moorhen 8, Coot 142, Oystercatcher 3, Little Ringed Plover 2, Lapwing 9, Redshank 4, Black-headed Gull 71, Common Tern 2. | These figures are only adults and this year's young are not counted. | Peter Gibbon |
| 1507 | 16/06/2011 | Little Grebe and 1 young at Wildlife Centre, 3 Grey Heron, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 9 Dunlin at Sheepwash, 2 Common Tern, 5 Buzzard, and 8+ Black Headed Gull young at the Wildlife Centre. | . | Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown |
| 1508 | 20/06/2011 | Of Note: Mute Swan (13), Sparrowhawk (1), Oystercatcher (2), Redshank (1), Common Tern (1) - fishing by Stones Island, Sedge Warbler (1), Whitethroat (3) and Reed Bunting (1). | Common Blue damselfly, Large White and Gatekeeper butterflies. Plants in flower but not previously recorded: Meadow Vetchling (yellow), Broad-leaved Willowherb (pink), Rape (yellow) and Rosebay Willowherb (pink). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1509 | 21/06/2011 | 5 Grey Heron (RC had 6 at Hopton End), Mute Swans with 6 young, Shelduck hybrid at Wildlife Centre, 3 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, several Oystercatchers and Redshank, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Tern, 10 LBB Gull, Sedge Warbler singing behind WLC, and a family of 4+ Redstart on Wildlife Centre creek including at least 2 juveniles. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1510 | 21/06/2011 | Red-rumped swallow 3.30pm | Confirmation of sighting as requested by James from RSPB | No name given |
| 1511 | 21/06/2011 | The June Club walk took place today when we started at Hopton at 9.15 and went along the eastern side of the reservoir to Millfields Car Park arriving at 12.15. We recorded 48 species after aiming for 50.Highlights included a close view of a preening female Sparrowhawk, a Willow Tit family, an Oystercatcher on a nest and two families of Moorhen. Full list :Great Crested Grebe,Cormorant,Mallard,Tufted Duck, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Greater Spotted Woodpecker,Swallow,House Martin,Pied Wagtail,Wren,Dunnock,Robin,Blackbird,Song Thrush, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Reed Warbler, Goldcrest, Willow Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit,Nuthatch,Treecreeper,Jay,Magpie,Jackdaw,Carrion Crow,House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch and Reed Bunting. | . | Roger Carrington and Peter Gibbon. |
| 1512 | 21/06/2011 | WLC: 3 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 4 Oystercatcher, 3 Little Grebe, male Kestrel (successfully hunted), 1 Common Tern. 10 Black-headed Gull chicks (7 on raft, 3 on Horseshoe Island). 1 presumed Shelduck x Mallard hybrid, 2 Lapwing chicks toward WLC creek. Also, Near WLC creek 2 juv and one female Redstart feeding on path, Sedge Warbler singing in WLC reed bed. Buzzard on Flat Island mid-morning mobbed by BH Gulls and pair of Common Terns for over ten minutes before flying off. | . | James Owen (STW vol) |
| 1513 | 22/06/2011 | Little Egret flew north at 09.25. 3 Grey Heron, 15 Mute Swans (not including the pair with 6 young), 211 Canada Geese, 2 Sparrowhawks, female Peregrine, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel, 3 Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, 4+ Oystercatchers, Common Tern, 2 Sedge Warblers, c5 Redstarts including at least 3 juveniles, 29 House Martins. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1514 | 26/06/2011 | Little Egret on causeway to Stones Island at 0800hrs. Fifth day on site. Reed Warblers breeding in Hopton Arm Reedbed, first confirmed RW breeding for this newish reedbed. 1 Dunlin on Sheepwash Spit. Female Mallard + 13 fresh chicks on bank below Middle Wood. Female Tufted Duck + 4 small chicks (5 Yesterday) at Sheepwash. First tufted brood out this year. Butterflies: 3 Ringlet, 2 Meadow Brown. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1515 | 27/06/2011 | A very hot day. Of note: Cormorant (4 inc. a juvenile) - Horseshoe Island; Oystercatcher (3); Little Ringed Plover (1); Lapwing (6); Redshank (2); Sand Martin (1); Whitethroat (2) - Stones Island; Reed Bunting (1). | Butterflies present: Meadow Brown; Common Blue (f); Brimstone; Small Tortoiseshell; Painted Lady. Common Blue Damselfly. Plants in bloom but not previously reported: Fragrent Orchid (pale blue); Comfrey (pale pink); Greater Bird's-foot-trefoil (yellow); Smooth Sow-thistle (yellow); Ragwort (yellow); Hedge Woundwort (maroon); Meadowsweet (off-white). 48 species of plant in bloom were identified. A Tittesworth Snippet: The latest Tittesworth site bird report is now available from the Tittesworth visitor centre reception. The next quarterly Tittesworth newsletter - covering sightings for April-June, and other news, will be available in about mid July. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1516 | 28/06/2011 | Little Egret present around Horseshoe Island/Stones Island. Grey Heron, 19 Mute Swan, Shelduck hybrid, c5 Little Ringed Plover including a flighted juvenile at Sheepwash, 276 Canada Geese, 2 Common Sandpiper and 2 Redshank at Sheepwash. 2 Common Tern, 29 LBB Gull, 3 Buzzard, female Peregrine, male Sparrowhawk. Tufted Duck with 4 chicks, and 3 Little Grebe. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1517 | 30/06/2011 | Not a bad day today considering it's late June. c30 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe. Little Egret still present around Stones Island area. 7 Grey Heron, Mute Swans still with 6 young. 3 Gadwall, 3 Teal. 5 drake Common Scoter for most of the day then another 2 drakes flew in mid afternoon, although it looked like the 2 flew off again. Female Tufted Duck still with 4 young at Sheepwash. A further 7 young were at Hopton End, but, no sign of a female. 2 Buzzards, male Sparrowahwk. 7 Oystercatcher, 2 Curlew, 2+ Common Sandpiper. Difficult to count Little Ringed Plovers exactly but there was at least 6 adults, although I think there could well be double figures. 120 Lesser Black Backed Gull, 2nd Summer Yellow Legged Gull and 2 Common Tern. Sedge Warbler at Wildlife Centre, Reed Warbler at Hopton End and finally 6 Raven over. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1518 | 04/07/2011 | Of note: Little Grebe (1), Little Egret (1) - by the causeway to Stones Island, Moorhen (1), Oystercatcher (4), Little Ringed Plover (1) - Horseshoe Island, Lapwing (30), Redshank (1), Warblers - Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Blackcap & Chiffchaff, and also Reed Bunting (2). | Butterflies (many): Small Tortoiseshell, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Small White, Large White and Small Copper. Common Blue Damselfly. Red and White - tailed Bumblebees. Plants in bloom: 57 species identified. Fragrent Orchid still in flower. New this week: Common Bird's-foot trefoil (yellow), Tufted Vetch (bluish), Greater Plantain (like Ribwort but with rounded leaves), Great Burnet (maroon), and Great Willowherb (pink-mauve)). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1519 | 06/07/2011 | 28 Mute Swans, 4 Grey Heron, 347 Canada Geese, 5 Gadwall, 4 Teal, female Tufted Duck with 4 young, 2 Peregrines, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk seen on 3 occasions including one with prey, Kestrel, 6 Little Ringed Plover, 2 juvenile Ringed Plover, 5 Oystercatcher, adult Yellow Legged Gull, Common Tern, adult and juvenile Redstart, family of 5 Dunnocks, and a Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1521 | 11/07/2011 | 8 Grey Heron, 2 Gadwall, 2 Teal, drake Pochard, female Tufted Duck with 3 young, Mallard with fresh brood of 10 young, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Peregrine, 5 Oystercatchers, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpipers, Yellow Legged Gull, Green Woodpecker and 2 Spotted Flycatchers. Roger found 3 Black-Tailed Godwits late afternoon at the Wildlife Centre. I had a look and they were still present at 19.00hrs. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1522 | 11/07/2011 | Of note: Common Pochard (1 male), Common Buzzard (1), Oystercatcher (1); Common Sandpiper (2) - immediately in front of the main Wildlife Centre window. They were very lively! Sand Martin (1), Pied Wagtail (2). Only 28 species identified around midday. | Butterflies: Meadow Brown, Red Admiral, Large White, Small Tortoiseshell and Painted Lady. Common Blue damselfly. Plants in bloom: 55 species identified. Newly discovered today: Evening Primrose (yellow), Lady's Bedstraw (tiny yellow flowers) - new to us! Corncockle (dark pink), Perforate St John's-wort (yellow) and Common Hemp Nettle (pink). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1523 | 13/07/2011 | 12 Cormorants, 8 Grey Heron, Mute Swans with 6 young, 4 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 6 Buzzards, female Sparrowhawk, 3 Oystercatcher, 7 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Dunlin, 4 Common Sandpipers, 1st summer Herring Gull, adult Yellow Legged Gull, juv Great Spotted Woodpecker, c50 Swift. Pair of Spotted Flycatchers feeding 3 recently fledged juveniles at Millfields. At around 19.20hrs 5 Greenshank were spotted to the right of Sheepwash Hide. They were looking jittery and soon took flight towards the Wildlife Centre. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1524 | 14/07/2011 | 13 Cormorants, 7 Grey Heron, drake Wigeon, 2 Teal, 2 drake Pochard, 7 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, 3 Oystercatchers, Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Common Terns. Spotted Flycatcher family still at Millfields. | . | Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown |
| 1525 | 15/07/2011 | 1 Green Sandpiper flying and calling around Stones Island 0830hrs. 1 Black-tailed Godwit at Wildlife Centre. 110 Black-headed Gulls on Horseshoe Island, 2 Common Tern past Stones Island, 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull on Sheepwash Spit, 326 Canada Geese. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1528 | 17/07/2011 | Pair of Dunlin, in bay between water sports centre and Stones Island, at midday | . | Neil Venables |
| 1529 | 18/07/2011 | WeBS count for July:Great Crested Grebe 32,Little Grebe 4,Cormorant 9,Grey Heron 5,Mute Swan 25,Canada Goose 359,Mallard 228,Tufted Duck 182,Pochard 2,Moorhen 7,Coot 408,Dunlin 7,Common Sandpiper 11,Redshank 1,Little Ringed Plover 3,Lapwing 16,Black-headed Gull 38,Common Gull 1,Common Tern 1,Peregrine 1,Sparrowhawk 1. | Done 18th between 07.30 and 11.00 hrs. Weather 'atrocious'. Very wet and windy. | Peter Gibbon |
| 1530 | 18/07/2011 | On site for a short time in the early afternoon. Of note: Mallard including a female with 3 tiny ducklings. Moorhen (1) - on Wildlife Centre (WLC) feeding station! Where have all the Moorhens gone? Oystercatcher (1). Ringed Plover (1) - just outside WLC main window. No eye ring. A very plump bird. Lapwing (20). Dunlin (3) - Horseshoe Island (HI). Strong summer plumage. Redshank (1) - HI. Common Sandpiper (2) - outside WLC main window. Pied Wagtail - including 2 juveniles. Long-tailed Tits (3) - Stones Island (SI). Goldfinch (12) - an active flock on SI. | Meadow Brown butterfly. Plants: The following were new species into bloom this week:- Poppy (red). Nipplewort (yellow). Common Mallow (mauve and white varieties) and Great Reedmace or Bulrush (brown). Well over 50 species noted. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1531 | 19/07/2011 | The water levels at Carsington are dropping fast and providing ideal conditions for Waders. Yesterday we had at least 18 Common Sandpipers. 14 together at Sheepwash including 2 juveniles and 4 at the Wildlife Centre. We believe this to be a site record after 17 were recorded in July 1993. Also yesterday was 7 Dunlin at the Wildlife Centre including a juvenile, 6+ Little Ringed Plover, c50 Lapwing, a Redshank and an Oystercatcher. Mark Pass had another 4 Redshank on Stones Island in the evening. Other sightings include adult Yellow-legged Gull, Common Tern, c50 Tree Sparrows at the WLC, and c20 Long-tailed Tits and c20 Goldfinch on Stones Island. | Just a note for Ray and Margaret. Most of the Little Ringed Plovers on site at the moment are juvenile birds and are lacking the eye ring, and can look quite plumpish. In fact, Roger and I had 2 plumpish plovers lacking eye rings on Horseshoe Island last week which turned out to be Little Ringed. | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1532 | 19/07/2011 | Still several Common Sandpipers on site, but nowhere near yesterdays count of 18. 6 Dunlin,1 Sanderling,3+ Little Ringed Plover,2 Oystercatcher,Several sightings of Peregrine,Adult Yellow legged Gull,Juvenille Mediterranean Gull,Common Tern. | Thanks to Richard Lowe for putting us on the Med Gull, we eventually clinched the id when it woke up! | Clive Ashton |
| 1533 | 21/07/2011 | 4 Pochard, 5+ Little Ringed Plover, 4 Common Sandpipers, 2 Dunlin, 3 Oystercatchers, Curlew, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Yellow-legged Gull, 270 Black-headed Gulls including 55 juveniles, 180 Lesser-black Backed Gulls, 4 Common Gulls, Common Tern, 2 adult and at least 2 juvenile Reed Warblers at Hopton End, also one singing at the Wildlife Centre along with a Sedge Warbler. Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood, 3 Siskin, 2 Greenfinch and a Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1535 | 24/07/2011 | White Tailed Eagle flying not at great height towards Castleton area away from Hope/Bradwell. Looked like a mature bird certainly not a juvenile bird. Having watched these birds in the North West Highlands for 12 plus years I was amazed to see this bird over this part of the country. I nearly crashed the car as it flew overhead! Once seen never mistaken for anything else. I note that a similar bird was seen in Lincolnshire at the end of June. Hope someone else sees it, was heading Westerly direction. | Time was 2.50pm and bird not at great height, clearly seen from the ground. Wonderful! | Ryan |
| 1536 | 24/07/2011 | I know nothing about this eagle report! I do not know why it has been sent to our Website as the record was so far away from Carsington. It will be removed when possible. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1537 | 25/07/2011 | 5 Little Grebe, 19 Cormorants, 25 Mute Swan including 6 juveniles, 2 Teal, 2 Pochard, 2 Kestrel, Sparrowhawk with prey at Millfields, 2 Oystercatchers, 10+ Little Ringed Plover including an adult with 4 small young, 5 Common Sandpipers, Yellow-legged Gull, c50 Housemartins, 65 Pied Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail on Sheepwash Spit, Grasshopper Warbler reeling near to Millfields Island, 5 Linnet and a Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1538 | 25/07/2011 | Short visit: Species worth a mention: Little Grebe (1), Swallow (1), House Martin (12), Grey Wagtail (1), Pied Wagtail (10) - mostly juveniles, Willow Warbler (2), Rook (2) and Reed Bunting (1). Dave and Clive : Re: juvenile Little Ringed Plovers comment. Good points but ours was not a juvenile bird; it was definitely an adult Ringed. Just passing through I guess. | Common Blue damselfly. Red & White-tailed Bumblebees. Butterflies: Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Tortoiseshell (many), Red Admiral, Meadow Brown & Small Copper. Plants in bloom: 63 species identified. Not previously reported: Harebell (blue), Large-flowered Hemp-nettle (2 shades of yellow + mauve), Greater Knapweed (mauve), Good-King-Henry (off white), Purple Loosestrife and Ball Mustard (yellow). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1539 | 28/07/2011 | 1 Little Egret flew N over the Hopton Reedbed at @7.45pm (seemed to be flushed by a Hot Air Ballon Launched from behing Carsington Village) 2 Common Scoters in centre of reservoir. 1 Common Sandpiper Hopton Arm. 8 'red head' Goosander | . | Steph and Paul Hicking |
| 1540 | 28/07/2011 | We were only on site for a couple of hours yesterday. 12 Grey Heron, 21 Cormorants, 3 Common Sandpipers at Sheepwash. Dunlin, Yellow-legged Gull and 2 Common Tern. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1541 | 28/07/2011 | Little Egret on Horseshoe Island 0800hrs. 9 linnet on Stones Island. 2 Green Sandpiper in flight then settled at Millfields. 1 Wheatear on dam wall. Young Common Buzzards calling from Hall Wood. 11 Great Tit on Paul Stanley feeders and pair of Moorhen with 2 chicks on pond there. Counts: 263 Canada Geese, 21 Cormorant, 19 Mute Swan plus pair with 6 cygnets, 9 Heron, 3 Common Sandpiper. Butterflies: small tortoiseshell, gatekeepers, meadow browns and a small skipper in WLC Creek. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1542 | 29/07/2011 | 2x Red Kites over Fishtail Creek at 18:45. Observed for about half an hour then drifted northeast. | . | John Matkin |
| 1543 | 29/07/2011 | 2 Greenshank at Sheepwash 1 Little Egret at Sheepwash 3 Common Sandpiper 1 Dunlin c8 Little ringed Plover 24 Cormorant 8+ Heron Wigeon,Gadwall,Yellow legged Gull. | . | Clive Ashton /Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown |
| 1544 | 30/07/2011 | 2 ravens soaring high over visitor centre. 2 greenshanks were feeding at sheepwash hide. | ravens were seen about 4 p.m. greenshanks were seen about 3 p.m. | Alex Barnett |
| 1545 | 30/07/2011 | Sheepwash hide at 18:00hr-2 Greenshank1 Little Egret4 Common ScoterA mole crawling on the dry bank was attacked and killed by 3 Magpies.A Southern Hawker dragonfly was taken by a Blackbird. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1546 | 31/07/2011 | 1 Greenshank 1 Black tailed Godwit 3+ Common Sandpiper 2 Common Scoter 1 Teal YL Gull | Roger saw the Little Egret early morning. Another birder recorded Green Sandpiper. | Clive Ashton |
| 1547 | 01/08/2011 | 7 Little Grebe, 10 Grey Heron, 11 Gadwall, 2 Teal, Sparrowhawk with prey, 3 Oystercatchers, 4+ Common Sandpipers, 4+ Little Ringed Plovers, Black-Tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Common Tern (adult and 2 juveniles straight through South), 100+ Swallows, 50+ House Martin, 3 Redstart and 2 Linnets. A Marsh Tit was heard calling near to Sheepwah Hide morning only. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1548 | 02/08/2011 | Of note: A Great Crested Grebe on a nest at the edge of Wildlife Centre Creek (northern side). Two female Mallards with 2 young & four young respectively. Lapwing (~20) - Horseshoe Island [HI]. Common Sandpiper (2) - HI. Common Tern (1) - fishing by the Stones Island causeway. House Martin (~30) around the visitor centre. Pied Wagtail (2 juvs). Yellowhammer (1 male) just off site. Common Blue damselflies. Butterflies: Red Admiral, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Large White, Small White and Small Copper (many). Plants in bloom but not previously reported: Redshank (pink flower & red stem), Zigzag Clover (very dark red) - a first for us; Water Mint (pale blue) and Gipsywort (white). | A Tittesworth Snippet: The latest edition of the Tittesworth Bird News newsletter is now available on this website. The bird sightings cover the months of April - June. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1549 | 03/08/2011 | 9 Little Grebe, Little Egret, 27 Mute Swan including the pair with 6 young, 16 Teal, 7 Gadwall, female Peregrine, 2 Buzzard, Greenshank, c5 Common Sandpipers, Oystercatcher, adult Yellow-Legged Gull, 3 Common Tern, Kingfisher, c75 Housemartin,, 7 Willow Tits, Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1550 | 08/08/2011 | 8+ Grey Heron, Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, Teal, Pochard, Shoveler, female Tufted Duck with 5 fresh young and female Mallard with 6 fresh young. 3 Peregrines together from Sheepwash. Also 3 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. At least 6 Ringed Plover. 4 of these were with 4 Turnstone near the Sailing Club this evening. 6+ Little Ringed Plover including an adult with 3 young. 3 Dunlin, Black-Tailed Godwit present all day on Horseshoe Island, and 6+ Common Sandpipers. Adult Yellow-legged Gull, 7 Collared Dove including a juvenile, 3 Swift. 5 Redstart in field behind Wildlife Centre, 2 Wheatear and 2 Raven. Finally c70 Tree Sparrows at the Wildlife Centre. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1551 | 09/08/2011 | Of note: Grey Heron (1), Tufted Ducks including a female with 5 tiny ducklings, Little Ringed Plover (3) - adult & 2 juvs, edge of Stones Island; Black-tailed Godwit (1) - in small bay between the Wildlife Centre [WLC] & Watersports Centre; Common Sandpiper (2) - just outside main window of WLC; Willow Warbler (4); Tree Sparrow (60+) - WLC feeding station. Gatekeeper butterfly. Plants in bloom not previously mentioned: Great Mullein (or Aaron's Rod) [yellow] and Rough Hawkbit [yellow]. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1552 | 10/08/2011 | 25 Cormorants, 10 Grey Heron, Little Egret, 29 Mute Swans including the pair with 6 young, 261 Canada Geese, 11 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 2 Wigeon, female Tufted Duck with 2 young (was 5 on Monday), 2 Buzzards, juvenile Peregrine. Green Sandpiper at Millfields. 7 Common Sandpiper, 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plover, 4 Little Ringed Plover. A juvenile Knot on Stones Island this evening. 2 adult Yellow-Legged Gulls, c50 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, 3 Redstarts and 5 Swift. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1553 | 14/08/2011 | The juvenile Little Stint that was found by Clive on Friday evening was still present early on Saturday morning but then more than likely left site. Some sightings for Friday include 11 Grey Heron, 2 Greenshank, 3 Turnstone, 12 Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin, Curlew, 8 Little Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher, Redshank and Yellow Wagtail. Some sightings for Saturday include 27 Cormorants, 29 Mute Swans, Little Egret, 10+ Gadwall, Red Crested Pochard, 14 Teal, 3 Buzzard, 8 Common Sandpiper, 7 Ringed Plover (16 recorded earlier), 4 Dunlin, Whimbrel, Ruff, 2 adult Sandwich Terns, Yellow Legged Gull, Yellow Wagtail, 2 Raven, 2 Swift, c50 Goldfinch, 2 Linnets, and 3 Crosssbil flew over Hopton End. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1554 | 14/08/2011 | Dam wall 0700hrs: 70 Pied Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail. Stones Island: 8 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 1 Yellow Wagtail. Shiningford Creek: 1 Greensandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper. Millfields: 1 Drake Wigeon, 1 Common Sandpiper. Sheepwash: 1 Greenshank. Paul Stanley Hide: 2 Common Sandpiper, LRP family. Other sightings (by RMRJ) 2 Whimbrel over SW, 4 Little Egret at Sheepwash plus 1 Sanderling briefly 0900hrs. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1555 | 14/08/2011 | 2 calling curlews over visitor centre at 12.00noon, heading south. | . | David Bennett |
| 1556 | 15/08/2011 | 32 Cormorants, 2 Little Egrets, 12 Grey Heron, Wigeon, 25 Teal, 15+ Gadwall, eclipse drake Red Crested Pochard, 5 Buzzard, juvenile Peregrine, Oystercatcher, Redshank, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 3 Snipe, 3 Whimbrel flew in late evening, 8 Common Sandpipers, 2 adult Yellow-Legged Gulls, 800 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, juvenile Mediterranean Gull, 2 Stock Doves, Skylark on Dam Wall, Yellow Wagtail and 2 Linnets. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1557 | 15/08/2011 | 54 species seen. Including: Yellow Wagtail and Yellow-Legged Gull at Sheepwash, Spotted Flycatcher between Sheepwash carpark and bombing tower, Redstarts showing well (x1 Shiningford Creek, x2 WLC Creek),x2 Grey Wagtail on far bank of Shiningford Creek, x27 Goldfinches on Stones Island, Green Woodpecker over Ranger Base at 12:45, 6x Little Grebes and Red-Crested Pochard at WLC (pm). | . | John Matkin |
| 1558 | 15/08/2011 | Comprehensive bird reports already submitted for today by others but it's worth mentioning Chiffchaff singing on Stones Island plus a Willow Warbler seen. Very few birds seem to be singing. Also seen: 7-spot Ladybird and Common Blue Damselfly. Many butterflies seen in the sunshine. Species identified: Brimstone, Gatekeeper, Small Tortoiseshell, Small White, Large White, Peacock and Small Copper. Many flowering plants are now past their best. However, the following species have not previously been reported and are around in profusion: Hedge Bindweed (white), Autumn Hawkbit (yellow) and Cat's-ear (yellow). | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1559 | 16/08/2011 | WeBS count for August:Mute Swan 13(adults and excluding 6 cygnets),Canada Goose 247,Gadwall 15,Teal 25,Mallard 319,Red-crested Pochard 1,Tufted Duck 277,Little Grebe 19,Great Crested Grebe 42,Cormorant 23, Little Egret 2, Grey Heron 4,Moorhen 7,Coot 664,Oystercatcher 1,Little Ringed Plover 4,Ringed Plover 1,Common Sandpiper 7,Redshank 1,Black-headed Gull 19,Yellow-legged Gull 2. | Done between 06.45 and 10.30.Thanks to Dave Newcombe being on site some additional records have been added to BTO records.Extremely helpful Dave. Thank you. | Peter Gibbon |
| 1560 | 16/08/2011 | Sheepwash: 2 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 2 Buzzard, 3 Raven, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Kestrel, 2 Stock Dove. WLC: 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Linnet. Also, 1 Redstart near Shiningford Creek. | . | James Owen (STW vol) |
| 1561 | 17/08/2011 | Little Egret, 9 Grey Heron, 2 Greylag Geese, 5 juvenile Shelduck flew in just before lunch, Wigeon, c25 Gadwall, Red Crested Pochard, 2 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin, Ruff flew in late evening, Curlew, Greenshank, 7 Common Sandpiper, Common Gull, Yellow-Legged Gull, lots of Swallows moving south, 3 Yellow Wagtails, female Wheatear, 7 Song Thrush in woods near Sheepwash Hide, Whitethroat, Raven, c100 Goldfinch on Stones Island and 2 Linnets. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1562 | 19/08/2011 | Juvenile Spotted Redshank first found in Brown Ale Bay, the Paul Stanley side of Sheepwash Spit. This area is best viewed from the new path and is currently pulling in a few Waders. Also seen there was 6 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Ringed Plover, 6 Common Sandpipers and a Green Sandpiper. The Spot Red then flew and was re-located at the Wildlife Centre and a little later it was seen from Sheepwash Hide. Also seen today was a Little Egret, 12 Grey Heron, 4 Wigeon, 5 Shoveler, Red Crested Pochard, 2 Peregrines, 2 Buzzards, Dunlin, Yellow-legged Gull, Common Tern, 2 Wheatear, Stock Dove, Whitethroat, 85 Pied Wagtails and a singing Reed Warbler at the Wildlife Centre. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1563 | 19/08/2011 | No sign of yesterdays spotted redshank. 1 Wheatear on dam wall 0700hrs. 1 Yellow Wagtail over WLC Creek and Redstart there. 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Little Ringed Plover from Paul Stanley Hide. Osprey from Sheepwash Hide at 0950hrs mobbed by Peregrine and 2 Buzzards, later mobbed by 3 Herons with their necks outstretched, last seen at 1030hrs. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1565 | 20/08/2011 | Only a few hours on site today. 78 Teal, 4 Wigeon, Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, 6 Greylag Geese, 2 Kestrel, 8 Common Sandpipers, 5 Little Ringed Plovers, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Grey Wagtails, and the Yellow Legged Gull. | . | Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown |
| 1566 | 20/08/2011 | 8 LRP mainly juvs, 1 adult Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper all at Paul Stanley Hide. 403 Canada Geese total count, 6 Greylag at Millfields. 1 Juv Ruff with Lapwings around WLC. | All this evening. | Roger Carrington |
| 1567 | 21/08/2011 | A couple of hours on site this evening. Green Sandpiper, 5 Common Sandpiper. A total of 10 Plovers, one of these was a Ringed Plover and the other 9 all looked like Little Ringed but viewed from distance. A total of 38 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon and drake Red Crested Pochard. 2 Yellow Wagtails, Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Greylag Geese, Buzzard and Kestrel. | . | Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown |
| 1568 | 22/08/2011 | The main highlight today was seeing 19 Yellow Wagtails on Stones Island around teatime. We could hear some calling and then had a flock of 17 fly in front of us and then over our heads. We then picked out another 2 in flight. Also seen today was 11 Grey Heron, 8 Greylag Geese, 4 Wigeon, drake Red Crested Pochard, 4 Buzzards, Peregrine (twice), Hobby, 2 Ringed Plover, 6 Little Ringed Plover, 5+ Common Sandpipers, Yellow Legged Gull, 100+ Swallow and 5 Linnets. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1569 | 22/08/2011 | Short stay around midday. Only common bird species noted. Butterflies: Peacock, Small White, Large White, Common Blue, Small Tortoiseshell, Gatekeeper and Small Copper. Plants in bloom: Red Goosefoot & Brooklime (blue) not previously reported. Berries: A sign of autumn approaching. The following red berries were seen:- Guelder Rose, Woody Nightshade, Dog Rose (Hips) and Hawthorn (Haws). | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1570 | 24/08/2011 | 8+ Grey Heron, 5 Wigeon, 71 Teal, drake Red Crested Pochard, Pochard, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Greenshank, 3 Ruff briefly at Sheepwash but couldn't be re-located, Green Sandpiper, 8 Common Sandpiper, 4 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Yellow-legged Gull, 91 Pied Wagtails, several Yellow Wagtails. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1571 | 25/08/2011 | Dam Wall:3 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Sand Martin, 7 Rook, 1 Golden Plover flying low north, 1 Greenshank. WLCentre: 1 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Yellow-legged Gull. Stones Island: 1 Yellow Wagtail. 1 Whitethroat. Sheepwash: 1 Greenshank, 2 Peregrine together, 4 Wigeon, 14 Gadwall. Brown Ale Bay: 1 Green Sandpiper. | 0600-0930hrs following heavy overnight rain. | Roger Carrington |
| 1572 | 25/08/2011 | 11 Grey Heron all at Sheepwash, 6 Wigeon, c90 Teal, drake Red Crested Pochard, drake Common Pochard, 2 Buzzards, 2 Kestrel. 5 Turnstone flew past Sheepwash and towards Stones Island. Unfortunately they couldn't be re-located. 2 Greenshank at Sheepwash. Green Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay. Yellow-legged Gull, Yellow Wagtail, 13 Chiff Chaff including several in song, 4 Willow Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, Whitethroat and 2 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1573 | 26/08/2011 | A good afternoon. Started at Sheepwash where there were 5 Shoveler, 23 Gadwall, 1 Pochard and 7 Wigeon. Went onto Stones, in the rain, and had 3 LRP,3 Turnstone, 2 Ringed Plover and a Dunlin. The wildlife centre held a Snipe and the Red crested Pochard. Back to Brown ale bay, where a Greenshank, 3 Common Sandpipers, 3+LRP and 1 Ringed Plover were present. (Roger also had 2 Greenshank at Millfields) Into Sheepwash again, where Roger picked a group of waders, which turned out to be 17 Knot. We watched 7 fly high to the north east, then the other 10 made another atempt to land, but eventually flew towards Stones. Later a Yellow Wagtail on Stones and 2 Yellow legged Gulls from Stones. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1574 | 27/08/2011 | 8 Grey Heron, 30 Cormorants, 7 Wigeon, Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, Greenshank (another birder saw 3), Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 5 Little Ringed Plover, Yellow-legged Gull, Arctic Tern, 2 Wheatear, 5+ Yellow Wagtail, Meadow Pipit and 2 Raven. Goldfinch numbers on Stones Island have been steadily increasing and today we estimated around 150 birds. A lot of these were juveniles. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1575 | 28/08/2011 | Just a quick visit this afternoon; 3 Greenshank,1 Green Sandpiper and 3 Common Sandpipers in Brown Ale Bay. At Sheepwash Wigeon numbers are slowly rising, with 9 present. On the way back to the car park at Sheepwash, a Hobby flew over. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1576 | 28/08/2011 | Fishtail Creek: several species taking advantage of large number of flying insects in sheltered spot. Several Willow Warblers, 2x Spotted Flycatcher and a Wood Warbler at 12:30. Also Hobby flew over heading southwest and 2x Raven. | . | John Matkin |
| 1577 | 29/08/2011 | 30 Cormorants, 7 Grey Heron, 5 Greylag Geese, 114 Teal, 9 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 26 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, 4 Buzzards, 3 Greenshank, juvenile Knot, Ringed Plover, 4 Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Yellow Wagtail and 2 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1578 | 30/08/2011 | The highlight today was an Osprey that flew South at 12.15hrs. Other birds of note were 33 Cormorants, 7 Grey Heron, 5 Greylag Geese, 3 Greenshank, 2 Dulin, Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, 6 Buzzards, Peregrine, Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail, Yellow Legged Gull, Meadow Pipit and 2 Raven. Lots of Swallows and Housemartins moving South. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1579 | 31/08/2011 | A female/immature Marsh Harrier flew over Stones Island heading North East at 17.45 this evening. This was the only Raptor seen today but don't come much better. Also of note today was 34 Cormorants, 6 Grey Heron, 11 Wigeon, Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 3 Greenshank, 3 Redshank, 4 Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpipers, 3 Yellow-legged Gulls, Yellow Wagtail, 3 Meadow Pipits, 15 Long-tailed Tits, Raven, 2 Siskin and a Blackcap. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1580 | 03/09/2011 | For those that don't know already, there were 2 Curlew Sandpipers at the Hopton end Friday night. Also present in that area 2 Greenshank and Ruff. Bar tailed Godwit near sailing club. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1581 | 03/09/2011 | The 2 juvenile Curlew Sandpipers were still present this morning in Hopton Bay. Also present today was 37 Cormorants, 8 Grey Heron, 19 Wigeon, 142 Teal, 2 Pintail, 2 Pochards, 2 Red Crested Pochards, 2 Kestrel, 4 Greenshank, 8 Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Ruff, Yellow-legged Gull, 4 Meadow Pipits, 4 Siskin, 2 Yellow Wagtails, Grey Wagtail, 45 Swallows and 2 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown |
| 1582 | 05/09/2011 | 1 curlew sandpiper, 1 ruff adjacent to causeway near sailing club. | . | Richard pittam |
| 1583 | 05/09/2011 | 9 Grey Heron, 160 Teal, 21 Wigeon, 4 Pochard, Peregrine, Hobby, 3 Greenshank. Ruff and Curlew Sandpiper still present near Sailing Club late evening, Ringed Plover, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, 6+ Yellow Wagtails, 10+ Meadow Pipit, 2 Wheatear, Siskin, Linnet, Whitethroat, Stock Dove and 3 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1584 | 06/09/2011 | Curlew Sandpiper with Ruff still, mid-afternoon on Stones Island facing the sailing club/dam. WLC: 1 Whinchat, 2 Raven, 1 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine, 5 Meadow Pipit, 1 Kestrel, 1 Red Crested Pochard, 2 Gadwall, a single Lapwing was the only wader seen from here all day. Also, 3 Greenshank and 1 Common Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay, 3 Ringed Plover, 2 Pochard and 1 Yellow-legged Gull from Sheepwash. | . | James Owen(STW vol) |
| 1585 | 06/09/2011 | 5 Greylag Geese, Pintail, 24 Wigeon, 47 Gadwall, 4 Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, 2 Peregrine, 4 Greenshank (1 at Millfields and 3 in Brownale Bay), Black-tailed Godwit in Brownale Bay, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper. 2 Ruff and the Curlew Sandpiper in front of Sailing Club late afternoon, Yellow-legged Gull, Stock Dove, c20 Meadow Pipit, c5 Yellow Wagtails, 157 Pied Wagtails, Sand Martin, 2 Wheatear, 7 Siskin and 2 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1586 | 08/09/2011 | An Osprey flew south mid-afternoon. It came over Hall Wood and flew straight through. Hobby at Millfields early morning. 6 Grey Heron, 29 Wigeon, 195 Teal, Pintail, Shoveler, Red Crested Pochard, Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Ruff, Turnstone, 3 Greenshank, 2 Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Redshank, Yellow-legged Gull, 26 Meadow Pipits, 5 Yellow Wagtails, Wheatear, 4 Sand Martins, lots of Swallows and House Martins heading south, 9 Chiff Chaff, Whitethroat, Blackcap,2 Buzzard and 2 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1587 | 08/09/2011 | Sailing Club shore: 2 Ruff, 1 Curlew sandpiper. Stones Island: 3 Ringed Plover, 1 Wheatear, 16 Meadow Pipit. WLC Creek: 1 male Redstart. Sheepwash: 2 adult Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Pintail. Brown Ale Bay: 4 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper. | All 0630-1000hrs. | Roger Carrington |
| 1588 | 10/09/2011 | An observation about the osprey seen by Dave Newcombe on 7th at 3pm - this was certainly Rothiemurchus, one of Roy Dennis' Scottish satellite tagged ospreys which was reported flying S over Ladybower Res at 1pm and then south over Carsington at 2.50pm. Google 'roydennis' and look under ospreys/Rothiemurchus autumn migration 2011 | . | nick brown |
| 1589 | 11/09/2011 | Waders in front of Sailing Club this evening: 4 Curlew Sandpiper, 2 Ruff, 2 Dunlin, 11 Ringed Plover, 1 Knot. Also drake Mandarin and 2 Red Crested Pochard in front of Sheepwash, 44 Wigeon, 203 Teal, 3 Ruff past Stones Island heading towards Sailing Club and at least 7 Yellow-legged Gull in roost. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1590 | 12/09/2011 | 4 Curlew Sandpipers, 5 Ruff and a Knot all in front of Sailing Club. At least 11 Ringed PLover and several Dunlin flitting between Sailing Club and Stones Island. Greenshank, Green Sand and Common Sand in Brownale Bay. 65 Meadow Pipits scatterd across site. 5 Yellow Wagtails and a Wheatear on the Dam Wall. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1591 | 13/09/2011 | 3 peregrines just north west of Carsington village (around Old Knoll). Two adults and a younger bird. Also one briefly above Carsington village. | Watched from around 9.30 - 10.30. Easily visible from the path to Brassington. Seen interacting with Kestrel and later with three Buzzards. | Adam Summerhayes |
| 1592 | 13/09/2011 | Short visit around midday. Of note: Grey Heron (2), Sparrowhawk (1), Curlew Sandpiper (1) - on the dried out area by the Stones Island causeway - opposite the Sailing Club, Swallow (30), Goldcrest (1), Long-tailed Tit (2) and Willow Tit (2).Butterflies: Common Blue, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Small Tortoiseshell and Small White.Plants: Spindle Tree - part of the hedge near the Watersports Centre - now bears orange berries. Not previously reported - Scentless Mayweed (white). Most flowers are over but there are still a few specimens to be found of some species e.g. Meadow Crane's-bill, Selfheal, Water Forget-me-not, Silverweed and Redshank. | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1593 | 13/09/2011 | I'll start with the stand out highlight. A near adult Gannet was found by Steph and Roger from P Stanley hide shortly after 15.30hrs. We managed to catch up with it from Stones Island and then on the new path near Hopton End where it had a brief altercation with the immature female Pergrine. Shortly after this the Gannet flew off high North East. Also of note today was 4 Curlew Sandpipers, 5 Ruff, Knot, 12 Ringed Plover and 2 Dunlin present all day around Sailing Club/Stones Island area. A Greenshank and Green Sandpiper was in Brownale Bay. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton/Chris Brown |
| 1594 | 14/09/2011 | 4 Curlew Sandpiper, 5 Ruff, 1 Knot,1 Greenshank, 1 Dunlin in front of Sailing Club.12 Ringed Plover on Stones Island.A Gannet was found by Steph Hicking flying past Sheepwash, seen by me and others, then on the water behind the spit, then flew off NE mobbed by an ambitious juvenile Peregrine at 1615hrs.10 Barnacle Geese, 2 Skylark, 1 Redpoll.18 Chiffchaff between Millfields and Wildlife Centre Creek, 1 Whitethroat and 4 Blackcap in WLC Creek and a Blackcap singing early evening.Also Yellow Wagtail, Wheeatear. | Many birders on site today, so I have included their records but will have missed some. | Roger Carrington |
| 1595 | 15/09/2011 | Waders still on Sailing Shore this morning: 4 Ruff, 3 Curlew Sands, 1 Knot, 1 Dunlin and 9 Ringed Plover. Dam Wall 0645-0715hrs: 160 Pied Wagtails, 6 Yellow Wags, 1 Grey Wag, 1 Wheatear and 1 adult Arctic Tern fishing along the wall then went south with a flock of swallows, but at 1100hrs a distant comic tern near Fishtail. 1 Little Egret low southwards over Visitor Centre 0800hrs. 15 Siskin and 2 Skylark over Millfields. Lesser Whitethroat in WLC Creek. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1596 | 16/09/2011 | Further to Roger's records: 2 Green sandpipers at Sheepwash this afternoon. Large number of Swallows moving through, including a count of 100 in a 15 minute period,attracting the attention of a Hobby. Waders still near sailing club this evening were, 5 Ruff,1 Knot,1 Curlew Sandpiper and 4 Ringed Plover. Later on Stones Island an early Rock Pipit amongst the large Meadow Pipit flock. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1597 | 16/09/2011 | Hobby over Millfields/Hays Lane at about 18:45 | . | John Matkin |
| 1598 | 16/09/2011 | 1 Curlew Sand, 3 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, 4 Ringed Plover at Sailing Club early morning. No sign of Curlew Sand at 1200hrs, but 2 juv LRP there. 1 Golden Plover over Stones Island calling, also 4 Linnets. 440 Canada Geese including a large flock in from south. 1 Pinkfoot and 85 Wigeon at Sheepwash. 1 Common Tern south past Millfields at 1230hrs. 1 Little Egret landed on Sheepwash Spit at 1345hrs. | . | Roger Carrigton |
| 1599 | 19/09/2011 | 43 Cormorants, 10 Grey Heron, 2 Greylag Geese, Pink-footed Goose, 3 Shoveler, 130 Wigeon, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and Kestrel. The Sailing Club area is still pulling in the Waders. The Curlew Sandpipers have now gone but today there was 23 Ringed Plover, 12 Dunlin, Snipe, 3 Ruff and a Redshank. Meadow Pipits seem to be everywhere and we managed a count of 135 although there are probably many more than that. 2 Yellow Wagtails, Grey Wagtail, 55 Swallows, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Herring Gulls and a Common Gull. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1600 | 19/09/2011 | WeBS count for September 07.30 to 11.30. As well as the birds mentioned by Dave and Clive the following were counted: Mute Swan 25,Canada Goose 470,Wigeon 167,Gadwall 43,Teal 357,Mallard 236, Shoveler 4,Pochard 24, Tufted Duck 394,Little Grebe 31,Great Crested Grebe 30,Cormorant 43,Grey Heron 10,Moorhen 4,Coot 1095,Lapwing 38,Common Tern 1. Also 1 Wheatear. | Thank you to Dave, Clive and Roger for their input and figures. | Peter Gibbon |
| 1601 | 20/09/2011 | 2 juvenile Black Tern 18 Ringed Plover 10 Dunlin 2 Ruff 1 Redshank 5 Yellow legged Gull 4 Shoveler 103 Meadow Pipit 2 Yellow Wagtail | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1602 | 21/09/2011 | c10 Grey Heron, 2 Greylag Geese, 45 Cormorants, 140 Wigeon, 63 Gadwall, 5 Shoveler, 18 Pochard, 2 Buzzard, Kestrel, 21 Ringed Plover, 4 Ruff, 10 Dunlin, Redshank, juvenile Black Tern, 3 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail, 170+ Meadow Pipits and 2 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1603 | 22/09/2011 | Dam wall 0700hrs; 177 Pied Wagtail, 4 Yellow Wag, 1 White Wag, 1 Wheatear. Millfields; 1 Redshank, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Shoveler, 3 Goldcrest. Sailing Club Shore; 3 Ruff, 22 Ringed Plover, 11 Dunlin. Sheepwash; juv Black Tern still this morning, 111 Wigeon, 2 Redpoll. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1604 | 22/09/2011 | The Waders that Roger mentioned were still there late afternoon, also 3 Turnstone flew in but flew off South shortly after. A Little Egret dropped in onto Sheepwash Spit and 4 Jays were in Brown Ale Bay. | . | Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown |
| 1605 | 26/09/2011 | A juvenile Arctic Skua was found by Jon Bradley late Saturday evening. It was watched by Jon and myself, scattering the gull roost, until dark.The Skua was seen again early this morning ,by Roger Carrington,before it flew to the north east at 06:45hr.Also present today were 8 Shoveler,9 Goosander,29 Dunlin,16 Ringed Plover,4 Ruff,Peregrine, Wheatear and Yellow Wagtail. The juv. Black Tern was still also present on Sunday evening. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1606 | 26/09/2011 | c10 Grey Heron, 5 Greylag Geese, 9 Shoveler (poss 11), 3 Buzzards, Peregrine, 2 Sparrowhawks, 24 Dunlin, 14 Ringed Plover, 3 Ruff, 4 Yellow-legged Gulls, c5'000 LBB Gulls, 45 Swallows, 7 Skylark, 2 Wheatear, Green Woodpecker and 2 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1607 | 27/09/2011 | Common Sandpiper | 12:00 noon Millfield end of dam wall | John Eaton |
| 1608 | 29/09/2011 | 700 Canada Geese,146 Greylag Geese,22 Barnacle Geese,25 Dunlin,8 Ringed Plover,7 Snipe,4 Ruff,6 Skylark over,1 Wheatear,8Goosander,8 Yellow legged Gulls,4+Common Tern and 1 Black Tern. | The numbers of Geese recently is far beyond the normal resident birds. Yesterday c1000 birds flew in from the south west at 08:00hr and are probably feeding on fields somewhere in that direction. | Clive Ashton |
| 1609 | 30/09/2011 | A group of 4x Raven over Fishtail Creek early am heading southeast a 5th seen shortly after heading in the same direction. A furter 2x Raven seen later over Sheepwash. 1x male Blackcap by gate for Paul Stanley Hide, 1x Goldcrest at Shiningford Creek, 6x Coal Tits (seen individually), 27x Long-Tailed Tits over VC car park. | . | John Matkin |
| 1610 | 30/09/2011 | Sheepwash: 2 Curlew Sandpiper,12 Dunlin,3 Snipe. Sailing Club/Dam Wall: 2 Curlew Sandpiper,12 Dunlin(likely same birds seen earlier),4 Ruff, 1 Wheatear, 2 White Wagtail and 1 Yellow Wagtail with 60+ Pied Wagtail, probable Merlin (small falcon flew low over Dam wall flushing waders but not teal) | 2.00-5.30pm | Paul Thomas |
| 1611 | 01/10/2011 | Sheepwash: 2 Curlew Sandpiper,12 Dunlin,3 Snipe. Sailing Club/Dam Wall: 2 Curlew Sandpiper,12 Dunlin(likely same birds seen earlier),4 Ruff, 1 Wheatear, 2 White Wagtail and 1 Yellow Wagtail with 60+ Pied Wagtail, probable Merlin (small falcon flew low over Dam wall flushing waders but not teal. | 2.00-5.30pm | Paul Thomas |
| 1612 | 04/10/2011 | 1 juv Little Stint, 4 juv Curlew Sandpipers and a juv Ruff with the Dunlin flock in rocks near the Sailing Club at dusk. | . | Jonathan Bradley |
| 1613 | 04/10/2011 | On Sailing Club shore viewed from dam wall this morning: 1 juv little stint, 8 curlew sandpiper, 14 dunlin, 5 ringed plover, 2 snipe. Stones Island: 60 meadow pipit, 9 linnet, 2 chiffchaff. Sheepwash: 335 wigeon, 5 snipe 46 greylag, 45 cormorant. Elsewhere: 6 skylark over, 3 redpoll over, 24 pochard. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1614 | 05/10/2011 | 2 Rock Pipits and a Yellow Wagtail on the Dam Wall near Sailing Club at c1830hrs, then flew off west with Meadow Pipits. | . | Jonathan Bradley |
| 1615 | 07/10/2011 | 4 Little Egrets at Millfields at 1835hrs, then flew towards Stones Island and lost from view as they headed up to the north end. | . | Jonathan Bradley |
| 1616 | 09/10/2011 | The massive numbers of Geese continues with: 236 Greylag 802 Canada 13 Barnacle These birds continue to come in from the south west early morning and leave late afternoon. Waders still about in good numbers: 29 Dunlin 2 Ruff, west 1 Grey Plover 1 Ringed Plover 1 Curlew Sandpiper 7 Shoveler Many Teal including a bill saddled bird (KPHKP) 2 Red crested Pochard 2 Pintail c170 Meadow Pipits with a Rock Pipit also present on the dam wall.65 Redwing s/w, c40 Siskin, Lesser Redpoll. 2 Yellow legged gulls and 12 Common gulls. These sightings are a mix of my own and those of Richard James, Rodney Key and Tony Davison. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1617 | 10/10/2011 | 8 Grey Heron, 230+ Greylag Geese, 5 Pintail, 4 Shoveler, 29 Pochard, female Peregrine caught and devoured a Teal in front of Sheepwash Hide, Sparrowhawk, 34 Dunlin, Grey Plover at Sheepwash, Curlew Sandpiper in front of Sailing Club with the majority of the Dunlin, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 150+ Meadow Pipits, 19 Linnets and 15 Redwing. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1618 | 11/10/2011 | 7 Grey Heron, Pink footed Goose, 5 Shoveler, Pintail, 2 Red crested Pochards, 31 Dunlin, Ringed Plover and Yellow-legged Gull. | . | Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown |
| 1619 | 12/10/2011 | 42 Cormorants, 7 Grey Heron, 750 Canada Geese, 265 Greylag Geese, 23 Barnacle Geese, 2 Pintail, 8 Shoveler, 2 drake Red Crested Pochards, Peregrine, 4 Buzzard, Kestrel, Curlew Sandpiper in front of Sailing Club still, 32 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, Yellow-legged Gull, Herring Gull, 14 Skylark, Wheatear, 4 Chiff Chaffs including 3 in song, and 2 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1620 | 13/10/2011 | Redwings passing over all day: flocks of c150 at 11:10 and 11:30, flocks of c200 at 12:00 and 18:00, another further flock of c100 feeding at Fishtail Creek. Flocks of x12 Siskin, 7x Bullfinch and 15x Tree Sparrows also feeding at Fishtail Creek. 1x Skylark and 6x Meadow Pipits passing over. | . | John Matkin |
| 1621 | 13/10/2011 | Redwings passing over all day: flocks of c150 at 11:10 and 11:30, flocks of c200 at 12:00 and 18:00, another further flock of c100 feeding at Fishtail Creek. Flocks of x12 Siskin, 7x Bullfinch and 15x Tree Sparrows also feeding at Fishtail Creek. 1x Skylark and 6x Meadow Pipits passing over. | . | John Matkin |
| 1622 | 13/10/2011 | Stones Island 10.45 to 12.15 meadow pipits 15.goldfinches 20.greenfinchs5.long-tailed tits about 10.coal tits 2.wilow tits2.dunlin 2.lessar bkack back gulls 2. kestrel 1. | . | Maurice Tilford |
| 1623 | 13/10/2011 | A massive 395 Greylag Geese,23 Barnacle Geese,5 Whooper Swans north at 09:25,21+Dunlin,2 Ringed Plover,8 Shoveler,c560 Redwing,c50 Fieldfare,and another birder reported c45 Skylarks over. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1624 | 16/10/2011 | Red Kite, sheepwash hide. Was being mobbed by two lapwings and a grey heron. | Saw it approx 9am. Had been busy watching a kestral and didn't see which direction kite come in, but saw it in front of hide, relatively close to waters edge and flying low to the ground. Looked like it was searching / scavenging but the lapwings and heron didn't want it there and were mobbing it. It seemed determined to hang around though and flew up and around for quite a while,followed by the lapwings and heron. Eventually the kite got higher and then flew off over the water away from the hide - over the water and towards the woods opposite the hide and out of sight. Got lovely views of it before it went. | Claire Simpson |
| 1625 | 17/10/2011 | An adult Great Northern Diver was seen from Sheepwash Hide at around 10.30hrs. We watched it for a while before we left site. When we returned there was no further sign. Also of note today was c160 Greylag Geese, Pintail, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, Ruff, 10 Dunlin, Rock Pipit, 3 Lesser Redpoll and a Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1627 | 18/10/2011 | WeBS count for October. Water level 57.1%.Mute Swan 19,Greylag Goose 220,Canada Goose also 220,Ruddy Shelduck 1,Wigeon 320,Gadwall 30,Teal 282,Mallard 141,Pintail 1,Red-crested Pochard 2,Pochard 33,Tufted Duck 265,Little Grebe 11,Great Crested Grebe 37,Cormorant 30,Grey Heron 5,Peregrine 1,Moorhen 2,Coot 1016,Ringed Plover 1, Lapwing 34,Dunlin 9,Ruff 1,Snipe 1,Blac-headed Gull 58,Lesser Black-backed Gull 12,Yellow-legged Gull 1, Total Species 27 Total Birds 2763. | . | Peter Gibbon |
| 1628 | 19/10/2011 | 6 Grey Herons, 140 Greylag Geese, 3 adult Whooper Swans arrived on site around 08.30 and was still present until around 12.15 at least. Pintail, 10 Dunlin, Ruff, Ringed Plover, Yellow legged Gull, 31 Common Gulls, 2nd winter GBB Gull, 3 Herring Gulls, 4 Skylarks over, 2 Raven, 30 Siskin, Crossbils were heard over the Dam but not seen. At around 17.30 tonight a juvenile Arctic Skua was seen by MAP, it was seen to fly past Lane End hide and towards the Dam but wasn't seen again. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1629 | 21/10/2011 | Oystercatcher, 10 Dunlin, Ruff, 2 Yellow legged Gulls, 2 Mediterranean Gulls (adult and 1st winter). | . | Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown |
| 1630 | 21/10/2011 | 11 Dunlin, Ruff, Redshank, Kingfisher, Peregrine, 2 Yellowhammers over the Dam Wall, also 8 Skylark over, c55 Linnet at Sheepwash, 8 Pheasant, 27 Redwings and 3 Lesser Redpoll. | . | Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown/Clive Ashton |
| 1631 | 24/10/2011 | 16 Gadwall, 22 Pochard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Ruff, Redshank, 10 Dunlin, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, adult Mediterranean Gull, 47 Common Gulls, 5 Herring Gulls, Grey Wagtail, Wheatear, 90 Redwing, Raven and c100 Starlings. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1632 | 25/10/2011 | Exceptionally quiet day at the WLC, on 32 species all day. Included 1 Redshank, 1 Gadwall, 22 Lapwing, flocks of c25 Redwing and c35 Fieldfare over, 2 Raven. | Visitor reported a flock 50 Golden Plover landing midday at Sheepwash which was immediately flushed by a Peregrine and left site. Details in hide logbook. | James Owen (STW vol) |
| 1633 | 26/10/2011 | Dear Clive, Many thanks for your email regarding the colour ringed Mute Swans at Carsington.You have two very remarkable birds - good to know they are well and alive.Here are the ringing details: Yellow JCA - metal ring W00590. The bird was ringed as a young male (age code 5) on 22.07.00 at Burton on Trent. This means he was hatched in 1999 making him in his 12th year. Yellow 5XY - metal ring W03247. The bird was ringed as a young female (age code 5) on 18.11.00 also at Burton on Trent. This also means she was hatched in 1999 making her the same age as her mate. Hope this is of some use. Best wishes. Bert Coleman. | Here are the details on the pair of ringrd Mute Smans at Carsington. | Clive Ashton |
| 1634 | 27/10/2011 | No message | That should of course, read ringed Mute Swans. | Clive Ashton |
| 1635 | 31/10/2011 | Great Black-backed Gull 1 first winter Herring Gull 6 adult and 1 first winter. One bird with a noticeable dark band round the end of the bill, which on checking when I got home equated to a 3rd winter Herring Gull. Yellow-legged Gull 2 first winter and 1 adult. | A good evening for gull watching as the light was good. There were many loafing and washing in front of Sheepwash between 4-5pm. | Paul Mollatt |
| 1636 | 31/10/2011 | 187 Lapwing, 10 Dunlin, 7 Golden Plover, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, Buzzard, Kestrel, 4 Skylark, 11 Greylag Geese, c20 Meadow Pipits, 2 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1637 | 01/11/2011 | WLC: 1 Redshank, 1 Peregrine (f), 1 Kestrel (f) took prey - vole species, 1 redhead Goosander over. Sailing Club: 8 Golden Plover, 5 Dunlin, among many Lapwings. | . | James Owen (STW vol.) |
| 1638 | 02/11/2011 | 3 Grey Heron, drake Shoveler, 20 Pochard, 210 Lapwing, 7 Dunlin, 9 Golden Plover, Buzzard, Sparrohawk, Kestrel, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, adult Mediterranean Gull, 84 Common Gulls, 100+ Meadow Pipits, 7 Skylark, 105 Wood Pigeon south, 90 Redwing, 10 Fieldfare and 2 Ravens. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1639 | 05/11/2011 | Small flock of circa 20 Siskin | Seen near Brownale Bay at noon today | David Naylor |
| 1640 | 07/11/2011 | 17 Little Grebe, 3 Grey Heron, 4 Goldeneye( 3 females and a 1st winter male), 25 Golden Plover, 7 Dunlin, 4 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 90 Common Gulls, 11 Herring Gulls, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 3 Great-black Backed Gulls on Dam Wall early a.m, 65 Pied Wagtails, 50+ Redwing, 6 Willow Tits, Raven and c50 Linnet. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1641 | 08/11/2011 | Female Pintail, Goldeneye, 4 Snipe, Raven, 55 Linnet, Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 4 Snipe, 148 Golden Plover (MAP had 151), Mark also had 17 Dunlin. Most of the Golden Plover are in front of Sheepwash Hide. | . | Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown |
| 1642 | 08/11/2011 | Grey Plover in front of Sheepwash Hide from 1530hrs, still there at dusk. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1643 | 09/11/2011 | 5 Grey Herons, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Shoveler, 276 Golden Plover (202 in front of Sheepwash and 74 in front of Sailing Club), 16 Dunlin, Redshank, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, 115 Common Gulls, 56 Pied Wagtails, Kingfisher, 2 Skylark, 2 Reed Buntings, c50 Redwings, 25 Fieldfare, 3 Song Thrush and 2 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1644 | 10/11/2011 | 3 Little Egret,3 Goldeneye,284 Golden Plover,19 Dunlin,7 Snipe,3 YL Gull,100+ Linnet, Peregrine. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1645 | 13/11/2011 | Female Pintail, 350+ Golden Plover, 21 Dunlin, Oystercatcher, 4 Snipe, adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, 8 Herring Gulls, GBB Gull, male Sparrowhawk, Raven. We didn't see the 11 Bewick's Swans on site, although we did luckily see them flying over nearby Matlock after they had left. | . | Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown |
| 1646 | 14/11/2011 | 3 Whooper Swans flew North East at 10:30, 361 Golden Plover, 300+ Lapwing, 27 Dunlin, 7 Snipe, 1 Greenshank. Wildfowl included 3 Pintail (2 drakes),6 Goldeneye, 1 Common Scoter and 32 Pochard. Large flock of 92 Linnet at Sheepwash,12 Lesser Redpoll, Skylark.Gull roost included adult Mediterranean, 2 Yellow legged and Herring. Adult male Peregrine scattered the waders on several occassions. | . | Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe |
| 1647 | 15/11/2011 | Early morning, at Sheepwash 1 Greenshank, 3 Dunlin, 2 Goldeneye, c.80 Linnet. 1 Bar-tailed Godwit at Lane end. Sailing Club: 14 Dunlin, c.90 Golden Plover. WLC: c.80 Pink-footed Goose over heading NE, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 4 Gadwall. 1 Peregrine - appeared to upset vast flocks of Lapwing, and smaller flocks of Golden Plover and Dunlin in the distance at Sheepwash. Also, 1 juv Grey Partridge moulting into adult plumage photographed near Stones Island by a regular visitor. | Our volunteer range team worked all day around the WLC, causing some disturbance. Hopefully good news on this soon. | James Owen (STW vol) |
| 1648 | 16/11/2011 | 2 Pintail, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Grey Partridge on Stones Island, 51 Golden Plover, 20 Dunlin, Greenshank, 2 Snipe, 160 Common Gull, c5'500 Lesser Black-Backed Gulls, 4 Herring Gulls, 5 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Skylark, c30 Meadow Pipit, 24 Blackbirds, 3 Song Thrush, 2 Raven, 9 Bullfinch and c80 Linnet. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1649 | 17/11/2011 | Mediterranean Gull 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull 1 adult Greenshank 1 Dunlin 20 | 3.15 to 4.15. Most gulls far away and into the sun tonight. | Paul Mollatt |
| 1650 | 19/11/2011 | 24 Dunlin 1 Greenshank 100+ Golden Plover 2 Pintail 4 Goldeneye 1160 Wood Pigeon over north east 7 Skylark over 10+ Lesser Redpoll Peregrine. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1651 | 21/11/2011 | 5 Grey Heron, 72 Canada Geese, 7 Pheasants, 2 Pintail, 3 Goldeneye, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, c250 Golden Plover, 26 Dunlin, 530 Lapwing, Greenshank, Redshank, 6 Snipe, adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, 120+ Common Gulls, Herring Gull, 15 Fieldfare and 2 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1652 | 22/11/2011 | Black Redstart at Millfields by draw-off tower at 1325hrs. 14 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank and pair Pintail at Sheepwash. | Note that a black redstart was present at the same location last year 18-22nd Nov. | Roger Carrington |
| 1653 | 22/11/2011 | The Black Redstart was still present until around 15.30 at least. It was quite mobile and was often moving further up the Dam past the draw off tower. Also seen from the Dam Wall was 6 Gadwall, 6 Goldeneye, 112 Golden Plover, 7 Dunlin, 6 Snipe, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls and 3 Herring Gulls. | . | Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown |
| 1654 | 23/11/2011 | c30x Golden Plover over Fishtail Creek (early am), 63x Tree Sparrows counted on and around Ranger Base feeders, Female Sparrowhawk took a Collared Dove at Ranger Base(second time this month) this bird is frequently seen hunting around Visitor Centre car park, Tawny Owl calling from Shiningford Creek | . | John Matkin |
| 1655 | 23/11/2011 | 15 Dunlin flying with flock of Lapwings, landed near Dam Wall. 5 Redpoll with Gold and Bullfinches Millfield end of Fishtale Creek. 30 Lesser Blackback Gulls near Dam Wall. Nuthatch on feeder between Sheepwash and Visitor Centre | Redpolls late morning, remainder early afternoon. | Eric Dewhurst |
| 1656 | 23/11/2011 | 2 Pintail, 8 Goldeneye, 50+ Golden Plover, 6 Snipe, Greenshank, male Peregrine, Buzzard, Kestrel, c30 Meadow Pipit, adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls and 2 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1657 | 24/11/2011 | 2 Red crested Pochard at Millfields. From the dam wall,5 Goldeneye, a Peregrine causing mass panic amongst the wader flock (Lapwing,Golden Plover and Dunlin) From Sheepwash,2 Pintail,c25 Dunlin,c100 Linnet,c30 Pied Wagtail,Raven and the late Greenshank still present. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1658 | 27/11/2011 | All from Sheepwash Hide, 9 Pheasants, 13 Cormorants, 83 Canada Geese, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Pintail, 5 Goldeneye, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, adult Mediterranean Gull, 5 Herring Gulls and c100 Linnets. | . | Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown |
| 1659 | 28/11/2011 | WeBS count for November: Mute Swan 27,Canada Goose 90,Wigeon 75(320 in October),Gadwall 6,Teal 247,Mallard 158,Pintail 2,Pochard 4,Tufted Duck 307(578 on 14/11/10),Goldeneye 7,Little Grebe 6,Great Crested Grebe 28,Cormorant 17,Grey Heron 5,Moorhen 3,Coot 319(1330 on 14/11/10 and 1016 this October),Golden Plover 46,Lapwing 290,Dunlin 6,Greenshank 1. | . | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 1660 | 28/11/2011 | 2 Pintail, 9 Gadwall, 5 Goldeneye, drake Goosander, 2 Buzzards. Female Kestrel caught and stashed 2 Bank Voles on the 'new' Sheepwash Spit. 22 Dunlin, 21 Golden Plover, c50 Meadow Pipits, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Mediterranean Gulls (adult and 1st winter), 1st winter GBB Gull, 4 Herring Gulls, 8 Fieldfare and 7 Bullfinch. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1661 | 29/11/2011 | Popped up this morning where there was little of note. Returned at 12:30 when the adult Med Gull was present. Later a 1st Winter Little Gull dropped in at Sheepwash, and was then relocated by Roger at Lane End, in a downpour. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1662 | 30/11/2011 | 5 Grey Heron, drake Pintail, 6 Goldeneye, 18 Dunlin, 2 Peregrine, 2 Kestrel, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, Raven, 10 Siskin, 10 Lesser Redpoll. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1663 | 01/12/2011 | 1 Great Northern Diver c150 Golden Plover 15 Dunlin 2 Pintail Adult Mediterranean Gull Peregrine male. 3 Herring Gull 2 Yellow legged Gull | . | Clive Ashton/Roger Carrington |
| 1664 | 02/12/2011 | c30x Linnets on Sheepwash Spit. 2x Stock Doves over Hopton Reedbed. Siskin, Goldcrest and a flock of 16x Long Tailed Tits in Hall Wood. Fishtail Creek: Large flock of c100x winter thrushes (mostly Fieldfares), flock of c40 Goldfinches (also included 3x Lesser Redpolls and Chaffinch), and 2x Crossbills overhead. | Noticable influx of Blackbirds on eastern side of reservoir- mostly with darker bills. | John Matkin |
| 1665 | 03/12/2011 | GN Diver still present this afternoon. The drake Pintail at Sheepwash. Gull roost contained 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls,3 Yellow legged Gulls,3 Herring Gulls and a 1st winter Great black backed Gull. | Forgot a few sightings from yesterday. Roger had 9 Crossbills over Penn Carr.Also 2 Stock Doves and a Grey Wagtail by the sailing club. | Clive Ashton |
| 1666 | 03/12/2011 | GN diver from Lane End Hide pm , 2 goosander (drake + redhead) at Millfields. | . | john babb |
| 1667 | 05/12/2011 | Adult Great Northern Diver, 6 Grey Heron, 60 Canada Geese, 10 Gadwall, 2 Pintail, 2 Peregrine, 20 Dunlin, 87 Golden Plover, Redshank, 3 Yellow-legged Gulls, 5 Herring Gulls, 1st winter GBB Gull, 35 Meadow Pipit, 2 Skylark, 9 Bullfinch, 8 Lesser Redpoll, Brambling and a Raven. At least 500 Jackdaw flew over Sheepwash near dusk. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1668 | 08/12/2011 | Great Northern Diver, 155 Golden Plover, c25 Dunlin, 4 Snipe, 2 Pintail, 2 Goldeneye, 1 Greylag, Peregrine, 2 Raven, Sparrowhawk, c50 Linnet, c50 Meadow Pipit, c10 Siskin, 10 Bullfinch, 10 Redwing, 3 Lesser Redpoll, Skylark, Yellow legged Gull. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1669 | 12/12/2011 | Great Northern Diver 6 Goosander 21 Dunlin Mediterranean Gull (adult) 3 Yellow legged Gull 20+ Herring Gull 5 Great black backed Gull. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1670 | 13/12/2011 | 1 White-fronted Goose from Wildlife Centre at lunchtime (euroasian race), plus 15 feral Barnacle and 1 Greylag Goose. 11 Snipe at Paul Stanley Hide. Adult Great Northern Diver Off Stones Island Counts of 45 Pied Wagtail, 55 Meadow Pipits, 31 Great Crested Grebe, 55 Wigeon. | White-fronted goose was last recorded in Jan 1999. | Roger Carrington |
| 1671 | 14/12/2011 | White-fronted Goose and Greylag still at Wildlife Centre among flock of c60 Canada Geese | . | John Matkin |
| 1672 | 15/12/2011 | Adult Great Northern Diver, 84 Canada Geese, 10 Pintail (the usual 2 at Sheepwash plus another 8 in Brown Ale Bay, 5 female and 5 drake in total), 3 Shoveler, 6 Goldeneye, 9 Snipe, 10 Dunlin, Redshank, 2 Sparrowhawks and Yellow-legged Gull. | . | Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown |
| 1673 | 17/12/2011 | Red throated Diver, found by Mark Pass this morning. Still present off Stones Island at 09:45 hr. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1674 | 17/12/2011 | Great Northern Diver - from Stones' Island - it was near to buoy number 3 at approx. 11.40h. | . | Richard Pittam |
| 1675 | 20/12/2011 | WeBS count for December:Mute Swan 5,White-fronted Goose 1,Greylag Goose 1,Canada Goose 109,Shelduck 4,Wigeon 56,Gadwall 9,Teal 351,Mallard 190,Pintail 2,Shoveler 2,Pochard 15,Tufted Duck 324,Goldeneye 5,Goosander 2,Great Northern Diver 1,Little Grebe 2,Great Crested Grebe 36,Cormorant 6,Grey Heron 1,Moorhen 3,Coot 278,Lapwing 37,Dunlin 11,Snipe 1,Redshank 1 and 1 Yellow-legged Gull amongst the other gulls.Also i each of Sparrowhawk,Buzzard and Kestrel. | Not big numbers (even with some lingering gulls waiting for snow to stop) of 1613 but good variety of 35 species, which includes the raptors. Happy Christmas everybody from John and I. | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 1676 | 20/12/2011 | WLC: 1 each of Peregrine (f), Kestrel (f), Sparrowhawk (m), Willow Tit, Lapwing, Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Little Grebe, 3 Lesser Redpoll Also, White-fronted Goose and Greylag still with Canada Geese in fields below Shiningford Farm. Great Northern Diver from Lane End, and 2 Pintail at Sheepwash. | Water is now being pumped into the reservoir, current level approx 57%. | James Owen (STW vol.) |
| 1677 | 20/12/2011 | Adult Great Northern Diver, White-fronted Goose with 125 Canada Geese. 2 Pintail, 4 Goldeneye, 2 Redshank opposite the Wildlife Centre, 43 Lapwing, 3 Dunlin, Sparrowhawk, Yellow-legged Gull and 30+ Siskin. | . | Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown |
| 1678 | 22/12/2011 | Great Northern Diver 12 Goosander 13 Pochard 6+ Goldeneye 2 Pintail 7 Dunlin 1 Redshank. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1679 | 23/12/2011 | 1 Adult Grear Northern Diver from Sheepwash. 1 White-fronted Goose with Canadas in fields at WLC Creek. 93 Pied Wagtail and 60 Meadow Pipit in front of Sheepwash Hide. | Continuous rain all morning. | Roger Carrington |
| 1680 | 01/01/2012 | Great Northern Diver off Stones Island, also 1 Redshank and 4 Dunlin. 1 White-fronted Goose in WLC Creek fields with Canadas. Pair of Pintail at Sheepwash plus 3x1W and 1 adult GBBGulls. | All this afternoon. | Roger Carrington |
| 1681 | 06/01/2012 | Great Northern Diver between Millfields and Fishtail. 1 Redshank, 60 Meadow Pipit and 7 Lsr Redpoll on Stones Island. 1 Oystercatcher on Shiningford Island. 5 Dunlin between Sailing Club and dam. Pair Pintail at Sheepwash. 132 Wigeon. | Sightings this morning 0800-1200hrs. | Roger Carrington |
| 1682 | 08/01/2012 | SNOW BUNTING on ground near feeding table outside wildlife centre then in flight over bay | approx 12.30 pm. Inflight appeared to be mobbed by wagtails. | JOHN WINNARD |
| 1683 | 10/01/2012 | Great Northern Diver in front of Sheepwash Hide this morning, plus 1 Shelduck and pair of Pintail. 18 Barnacle Geese and 1 Redshank on Stones Island. 1 Oystercatcher and 40 Linnet from WLC. | Will photographer (initials DR) of Snow Bunting on Sunday please email me a copy or take a photo in to Wldlife Centre for STW volunteers on a Sunday or Tuesday please. | Roger Carrington |
| 1684 | 13/01/2012 | Sparrowhawk, 9 Bullfinch at Fishtail Creek. Oystercatcher, c30 Pied Wagtails from Sheepwash hide. c20 Meadow Pipits from Lane End hide. 2x Redshanks with c40 Lapwings on Horseshoe Island. 5x Dunlin on front of the Sailing Club. c200 Pink-footed Geese over at 11:00- flying west. | House Sparrows collecting nesting materials on 10/01. Also counts of 13 Collared Dove and 46 Tree Sparrows on 10/01. Unidentified gull sp among Black-headed Gulls at Sheepwash Hide (13/01) | JohnMatkin |
| 1685 | 16/01/2012 | WeBS count for January - Mute Swan 2,Pink-footed Goose 1,Greylag 2,Canada Goose 100,Wigeon 128,Gadwall 10,Teal 242,Mallard 212,Pintail 2,Pochard 11,Tufted Duck 117,Goldeneye 12,Great Northern Diver 1,Little Grebe 2,Great Crested Grebe 20,Cormorant 6,Grey Heron 1,Moorhen 3,Coot 104,Lapwing 119,Redshank 3. | . | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 1686 | 17/01/2012 | WLC: Great Northern Diver, 3 Redshank, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Gadwall, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Kestrel, 2 Willow Tit, c.20 Siskin, c.50 Lapwing over. At least 1 Pink-footed Goose still in fields with Canada Geese. Also, 5 Dunlin at Lane End early morning. Reed Bunting and Willow Tit on Sheepwash car park bird table. | Water level now at 67.1%. | James Owen (ST vol) |
| 1687 | 21/01/2012 | Great Northern Diver, just north of Fishtail Creek , seen from Lane End. 4 drake pochard + 1 female Millfields. Willow Tit and several Bullfinch ( mixture male and female) at Sheepwash feeders. | . | john babb |
| 1688 | 25/01/2012 | Adult Great Northern Diver, Pink-footed Goose, 2 Pintail, 5 Goldeneye, 600 Lapwing, 7 Dunlin, Snipe, adult Yellow-legged Gull, c300 Common Gull, 2 Herring Gull, c40 Meadow Pipit, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Reed Bunting. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1689 | 31/01/2012 | from the Dam Wall c20 Teal, 10 Meadow Pipit, c10 Dunlin with 1 Redshank, 1 male Goldeneye, 1 Gadwall, 2 Mute Swan from Wildlife Center female Bullfinch, Gadwall, Little Grebe, c15 Wigeon, | Cold Grey morning | Eric Dewhurst |
| 1690 | 31/01/2012 | 1 Pinkfooted + 23 feral Barnacle with Canada Geese flock from Wildlife Centre this afternoon. A flock of 21 Dunlin at Sheepwash from 1500hrs and at 1630hrs a Sanderling flew in with 2 more Dunlin. Also Great Northern Diver still, 700 Common Gulls in roost and pair of Pintail all from Sheepwash. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1691 | 02/02/2012 | 6 Sanderling (3 at Millfields, 2 on Stones Island, 1 at Sheepwash). 58 Dunlin in small flocks around the site. Adult Great Northern Diver. 2 Goosander at Millfields. 2 Pintail at Sheepwash. 30 Meadow Pipit on Stones Island. | On site 0800hrs - 1200hrs. | Roger Carrington |
| 1692 | 04/02/2012 | GN Diver. 2 Sanderling at sailing club and later Sheepwash. 11 Dunlin at Sheepwash, with others around site. 3 Redshank. 2 Peregrine, hunting waders. 2 Pintail. 1 Goosander. c60 Linnet. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1693 | 07/02/2012 | From Visitor and Wildlife Centers. G N Diver, Redshank, Snipe, Wigeon, Cormorant, Teal, Willow Tit, GC and Little Grebe, Tree Sparrow, Dunnock. Fieldfare. | . | Eric Dewhurst |
| 1694 | 07/02/2012 | 11 Dunlin, 2 Sanderling and 1 Redshank mobile around Stones Island, Sailing Club and Wildlife Centre. Great Northern Diver off Lane End. Willow Tits - 2@Millfields, 2@Lane End, 1@Sheepwash. Counts of 28 Great Crested Grebe, 16 Pochard, 14 Gadwall. Tawny Owl calling near Millields entrance at 1000hrs. | Still 2 inch of snow this morning but all car parks open. | Roger Carrington |
| 1695 | 08/02/2012 | Adult Great Northern Diver, Pink-footed Goose, 257 Canada Geese, 4 Pintail, 17 Gadwall, 14 Pochard, 7 Goldeneye, 3 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 6 Dunlin, 2 Sanderling, 3 Redshank, 2 Raven. Gull roost very poor due to the weather. With the fields covered in snow and ice most Gulls move further afield. Only c1'000 noted. No large Gulls, only BH and Common Gulls. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1696 | 11/02/2012 | Great N. Diver, 2 X Sanderling, Redshank, Peregrine, 2 x Pintail (male & female),Goldeneye, Willow Tit etc. | . | John & Fay Follett |
| 1697 | 13/02/2012 | 20 Fieldfares on Stones Island, 3 juv Great Black-backed Gulls among B.H. Gulls off Stones Island, Snipe in ditch by path to Wildlife Centre, Peregrine, Barn Owl hunting at Sheepwash car park at dusk. | 1 Woodcock at Fishtail Creek on 11/02 | John Matkin |
| 1698 | 13/02/2012 | Walked all round reservoir (0730-1120), seeing: Carrion Crow, Gt Tit, Jackdaw, Black-hd Gull, Bullfinch, Canada Goose, Blackbird, Pied Wagtail, Coot, Tufted Duck, Gt Crested Grebe, Goldeneye, Rook, Meadow Pipit, Coal Tit, Long-tail Tit, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Teal, Mallard, Wigeon, Robin, Pheasant, Nuthatch, Raven, Chaffinch, Goldcrest, Siskin, Woodpigeon, Buzzard, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Pochard, Gadwall, Gt Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, Magpie | I don't actively count, but got the impression that there were between 100-200 Teal around the site, plus 100+ Mallard and Wigeon, and certainly 15-20 Goldeneye in three or four locations. Surprisingly few gulls; no diver (just my luck), and no Moorhens. | Gary Atkins |
| 1699 | 14/02/2012 | WeBS count for February (07.30-10.30)Mute Swan 2,Pinkfoot Goose 1,Canada Goose 322,Cormorant 8, Wigeon 170,Gadwall 37,Teal 488,Mallard 249,Pintail 2,Pochard 8,Tufted Duck 197,Goldeneye 14, Great Northern Diver 1,Great Crested Grebe 40,Moorhen 5,Coot 143,Lapwing 2,Sanderling 1,Dunlin 2,Redshank 3,Buzzard 1, Peregrine 1,Kestrel 2. | . | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 1700 | 14/02/2012 | Very quick visit whilst doing nest box work, Great Northern Diver still, 1 Ringed Plover (Stones) and Willow Tit at the WLC were highlights. | . | Steph Hicking |
| 1701 | 14/02/2012 | Adult Great Northern Diver gave good close views from Lane End hide. Also 3 Oystercatchers, c20 Gadwall, c12 Goldeneye, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 2 Raven, 2 Skylark over west at 13.20. No sign p.m of this mornings Grey Plover. | . | Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown |
| 1702 | 14/02/2012 | WLC: 2 Pintail, 1 Oystercatcher, c.30 Linnet, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Willow Tit, 3 Gadwall, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Redshank, 1 Great Northern Diver, 3 Goldeneye, 1 Little Grebe | . | James Owen (STW vol.) |
| 1703 | 15/02/2012 | Adult Great Northern Diver, 9 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 22 Barnacle Geese, 4 Pintail, 21 Gadwall, 10 Goldeneye, 8 Pochard, 2 Peregrine, 5 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Sanderling, 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, Dunlin, 2 Yellow-legged Gull, 9 Herring Gull, 3 GBB Gull, 25 Linnets, 2 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1704 | 16/02/2012 | Around Stones Island early morning: 2 Sanderling, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, Great Northern Diver, 6 Greylag, 23 feral Barnacle geese, 25 Linnet, 2 Skylark over NE. 1 Oystercatcher on Millfields Island. 4 Pintail at Sheepwash and 3 Skylark over. | Water levels still rising, now over 80% full. | Roger Carrington |
| 1705 | 21/02/2012 | WLC: 2 Oystercatcher, c.30 Linnet, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Kestrel, 3 Gadwall, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Willow Tit, 3 Goldeneye, 4+ Meadow Pipit, 2 Barnacle Goose, 35+ Redwing over Shiningford Farm. Also early morning, 3 Greylag Geese on Stones Island, and 2 Pintail still at Sheepwash. | Slight disturbance at WLC due to work beginning on the Sand Martin bank, which will continue over the next few Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is aimed to be completed just before the birds arrive back! | James Owen (STW vol.) |
| 1706 | 22/02/2012 | 11 Pheasants, 13 Barnacle Geese, 3 Pintail, 8 Goldeneye, Curlew, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, 4 Snipe, Buzzard, 6 Herring Gull, 2 GBB Gull, c25 Linnets. 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers at P Stanley hide. A pair near feeders saw a 2nd pair off. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1707 | 23/02/2012 | Fishtail Creek to Hall Wood. Good numbers of gulls around inc. Lesser Black-backed Gulls and a Common Gull, 3 Buzzards, Oystercatcher, Raven, Peregrine, flocks of 8 and c25 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Siskin, Nuthatch with nesting material in Middle Wood, flock of c70 Fieldfare, 1 Skylark over and a further 2 in fields by Fishtail Creek including one in song. | Black-headed Gull in Summer plumage (17/02), c200 winter thrushes (mostly Fieldfares) overhead and moving North (18/02), Stoat by VC car park (22/02) | John Matkin |
| 1708 | 23/02/2012 | G N Diver off Stones Island and 2 Redshank and 2 Greylag Geese there. 9 Oystercatchers between Big Island and Millfields. 5 Skylark and 1 Grey Wagtail over. 3 Pintail and 2 Curlew at Sheepwash. 26 Siskin and Willow Tit at P S Hide. 180 Lapwing. | 0730-1200hrs this morning. | Roger Carrington |
| 1709 | 27/02/2012 | Great Northern Diver from Dam/Millfields.Pair Shelduck, 4 Pintail, returning Oystercatcher with barcode leg ring and 7 Curlew from Sheepwash.Gull roost from Lane Ends Hide: 250 Common G, 60 LBBG, 1 GBBG, 3000 BHG and Curlew numbered 11 and mobile at dusk. NB sightings date 27th. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1710 | 28/02/2012 | WLC: 1 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Gadwall, 2 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Meadow Pipit, c.25 Linnet, 1 Redshank, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Willow Tit, 14 Barnacle Goose Also, 1 plover sp., probable Grey Plover, and 3 unidentified small waders flew toward Sheepwash mid-afternoon, very distant. Sheepwash: 4 Pintail, 4 Goldeneye, 1 Yellow-legged Gull early morning. | Visitor reported a Red Kite over Idridgehay. Water level 85.4% | James Owen (STW vol.) |
| 1711 | 28/02/2012 | Great Northern Diver off the dam wall. 4 Pintail, 10 Goldeneye, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, 10 Curlew, 115 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 8+ Oystercatcher, 4 GBB Gull, 3 Herring Gull, 50+ Linnet and 2 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1712 | 01/03/2012 | Great Northern Diver - Off Dam wall. | 10:00 am | Matthew Birkin |
| 1713 | 04/03/2012 | Great Northern Diver off the Dam Wall. 108 Canada Geese, 21 Barnacle Geese, 8 Goldeneye, 8+ Oystercatcher, 3 Redshank, 30 Linnet, Raven, 3 Mistle Thrush. | . | Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown |
| 1714 | 06/03/2012 | WLC: 2 Curlew through, 2 Oystercatcher (mated), 2 Redshank, 3 Buzzard, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Willow Tit Also, Great Northern Diver off Dam Wall | . | James Owen (STW vol) |
| 1715 | 07/03/2012 | Adult summer plumage Mediterranean Gull. 15 Curlew. | Med Gull briefly at 10:00hr, but no further sign at 12:00hr | Clive Ashton |
| 1716 | 09/03/2012 | Great Northern Diver off the Dam Wall, 23 Cormorants, 3 Greylag Geese, Shelduck, 23 Curlew, 10 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank, 2 GBB Gull, 19 Meadow Pipits and 2 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton/Keith Bunting |
| 1717 | 12/03/2012 | WeBS count for March (0700-1000hrs)Mute Swan 3,Canada Goose 89,Barnacle Goose 16, Wigeon 148,Gadwall 7,Teal 357,Mallard 136,Tufted Duck 78,Goldeneye 6,Great Northern Diver 1,Little Grebe 1,Great Crested Grebe 26,Cormorant 14,Moorhen 5,Coot 67,Oystercatcher 10,Lapwing 49,Curlew 13,Redshank 4,Black-headed Gull 300,Common Gull 57,Yellow-legged Gull 1,Sparrowhawk 1,Buzzard 1. | . | No name given |
| 1718 | 12/03/2012 | WeBS count for March done by Peter Gibbon and John Bradley | . | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 1719 | 12/03/2012 | Great Northern Diver and 4 Shelduck off Stones Island this afternoon. 1 Drake Shoveler at Millfields. 20 feral Barnacle Geese at WLC + Stones Island. Gull roost: 400 Common, 2000 Black-headed, 40 Lesser Black-backed,3 Great Black-backed Gulls. 11 Pheasants around Sheepwash car park feeder at dusk. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1720 | 15/03/2012 | Great Northern Diver, Grey Heron, 23 Barnacle Geese, 2 Greylag Geese, 4 Gadwall, Pochard, 5 Goldeneye, 10+ Oystercatchers, 4 Curlew, 4 Redshank, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 210 Common Gull, 51 LBB Gull, 4 GBB Gull, 2 Herring Gulls, 17 Meadow Pipits, 3 Reed Buntings and 3 Lesser Redpoll. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1721 | 16/03/2012 | 1 Chiff Chaff. Sheepwash carpark. | . | B & G |
| 1722 | 16/03/2012 | Great Northern Diver off Lane Ends Hide. 2 Chiffchaff, 1 singing in Fishtail Creek, 1 near Stone shelter only calling. 1 Crossbill mobile around Middle Wood. 3 Little Grebe, 6 Moorhen, 1 drake Pochard at Millfields, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Skylark over, 14 Meadow Pipit, 42 Wren, 26 Dunnock, 38 Robin, 30 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 12 Song Thrush, 32 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 6 Willow Tit including a pair excavating a nest hole, 5 Nuthatch, 14 Magpie, 120 Jackdaw on Flat Island early morning, 32 Carrion Crow, 53 Chaffinch, 22 Goldfinch, 9 Siskin, 8 Linnet, 10 Bullfinch, 5 Reed Bunting. | Counted on a walk around the reservior this morning. Chiffchaffs are probably wintering birds, but after no records all winter here, then 2 on my walk (1 singing) and another report of 1 in Sheepwash car park today, coincidence!! | Roger Carrington |
| 1723 | 17/03/2012 | Fishtail Creek to Hopton Arm early am:5 Fieldfare, 4 Curlew, Redwing in Middle Wood, Raven, Jay, and 4 Chiffchaff. Pair of Garganey flew from Fishtail Creek at 07:35 headed North over Sitch Farm. | Fox across path in Middle Wood. Also 7 Buzzards on 02/03 and c120 Fieldfares over on 03/03 | John Matkin |
| 1724 | 17/03/2012 | First Wheatear of the year at Millfields. Great Northern Diver,Pintail,8 Curlew,22 Meadow Pipits,c10 Redwing. | No further sign of Garganey. | Clive Ashton |
| 1725 | 19/03/2012 | Adult Great Northern Diver, 20 Barnacle Geese, Greylag Goose, Shelduck, 69 Teal (Sheepwash), 2 female Pintail at Wildflife Centre, 4 Goldeneye, 11 Buzzard all seen from Sheepwash though well spread out, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, c12 Oystercatchers, 4 Redshank, 13 Curlew seen by Roger, 325 Common Gull, 125 LBB Gull, Herring Gull, 2 male Wheatear found by Roger near Sailing Club first thing, still there when I walked past at c09.00, 6 Chiff Chaff in song between Millfields and Sheepwash. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1726 | 20/03/2012 | WLC: 2 female Pintail, 1 drake Shoveller, 1 Curlew over, 2 Redshank, 4 Oystercatcher. Elsewhere, 4 Redwing near Sheepwash hide early morning, 1 Greylag Goose, 2 Shelduck flew West over Shiningford Creek, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Curlew on Sheepwash Spit late evening. | Water level 91% | James Owen (STW vol.) |
| 1727 | 21/03/2012 | 2 Sand Martin thru' early morning. 2 female Pintail at Wildlife Centre. 24 Meadow Pipit and 24 Pied Wagtail on dam early morning. Great Northern Diver off Stones Island. 1 Red-legged Partridge, 4 Curlew, 1 Linnet on Stones Island late afternoon. Also Dave Newcombe saw 2 Red Kite drifting south over Hall Wood at 1704hrs and 2 Shelduck from Sheepwash. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1728 | 22/03/2012 | Bullfinch 2 pairs, Treecreeper 4, Greylag 1, Curlew 7, Heron 1, Oystercatcher 10+, Buzzard 1, Chiffchaff at regular intervals all the way round. | Seen on round trip this morning. Curlews flew past Lane end 11:15 | Eric Dewhurst |
| 1729 | 23/03/2012 | Adult Great Northern Diver, 11 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 2 female Pintail at Wildlife Centre, 2 Goldeneye, 6 Pheasants, 10+ Oystercatchers, 4+ Redshank, 2 Buzzards, GBB Gull, 19 Chiff Chaff in song between Millfields and Hopton End, 8 Redwing, 20+ Meadow Pipit, 2 Raven and 4 Reed Buntings. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1730 | 24/03/2012 | Fishtail Creek to Visitor Centre: 16 Chiffchaff, 6 Linnet, Jay, 2 Reed Bunting. 23 Pied Wagtail & 16 Meadow Pipits on the dam | c50 Fieldfare overhead (23/03), Little Owl in field by Fishtail Creek and 2 Tawny Owls calling from Fishtail Creek at dusk (21/03) | John Matkin |
| 1731 | 24/03/2012 | 6 Whooper Swans at 1730hrs off Stones Island, then flushed by boat at 1750hrs and flew north. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1732 | 26/03/2012 | Black tailed Godwit at Sheepwash. GN Diver,5 Shoveler. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1733 | 27/03/2012 | Black tailed Godwit still at Sheepwash. Blackcap singing Sheepwash car park. 1 Shelduck off Stones Island. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1734 | 28/03/2012 | All seen from Sheepwash Hide, unless stated. Great Northern Diver, 2 Grey Herons, 19 Barnacle Geese (Dam Wall), 4 Shoveler, Goldeneye, 6 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 7 Meadow Pipits (Dam Wall), and 2 Raven. 16 Chiff Chaff and 6 Blackcap between Millfields and Hopton End. 5 Redshank between Wildlife Centre and Stones Island. A further 3 Redshank and 4 Ruff flew in at Sheepwash shortly after 14.00hrs. The 4 Ruff then left North at c16.00hrs. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1735 | 30/03/2012 | First Little Ringed Plover of the year, on sailing club island today. | . | Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe |
| 1736 | 31/03/2012 | Wren 4, Bullfinch 12+, Goldfinch, Nuthatch, Song Thrush 3, Blackcap, Chifchaff, Buzzard, G S Woodpecker, Grey Heron, Teal, Redshank, Meadow Pipit, Raven. | Round trip AM. Also Red Kite low over Duffield Thursday evening | Eric Dewhurst |
| 1737 | 02/04/2012 | Fishtail Creek to Visitor Centre (via Millfields)birds in song: 22 Chiffchaff, 19 Wren, 11 Blackbirds, 11 Dunnock, 10 Robin, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Blackcap, 1 Starling (Oldfield Lane) and 1 Greenfinch (VC car park). Other sightings inc. Treecreeper, Grey Heron, 6 pairs of Bullfinch, c35 Meadow Pipits & 1 Wheatear on dam (Sailing Club end). 9 pairs of Great Crested Grebe; 1 pair seem to have begun nesting on Millfields Island & a single bird in Fishtail Creek probably part of nesting pair | Jackdaws nesting at Fishtail Creek, a Woodpigeon nesting off Oldfield Lane and a Chiffchaff with nesting material near Stone shelter. | John Matkin |
| 1738 | 02/04/2012 | Dam wall- 1 Wheatear,30 Pied wagtail,1 Grey Wagtail,15+ Meadow Pipit,1 Linnet,1 Skylark (grounded). Stones Island- 2 Ruff,1 Little ringed Plover. Sheepwash- GN Diver towards Millfields,2 Greylag,Shoveler,Curlew,Raven. | Also on the dam wall a Bunting sp.flushed by bikes and not refound. Can't rule out Reed Bunting but would have liked a closer look! | Clive Ashton |
| 1739 | 02/04/2012 | Following is a list (no note taken of numbers, sorry!) of the birds seen during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk, led by David Bennett: Curlew, Canada Goose, Moorhen, Lapwing, Redshank, Coot, Tufted Duck, Ruff, Black-hd Gull, Greylag Goose, Barnacle Goose, Little Ringed Plover, Little Grebe, Gt Crested Grebe, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Mute Swan, Starling, Reed Bunting, Oystercatcher, Carrion Crow, Buzzard, Pied Wagtail, Tree Sparrow, House Sparrow, Magpie, Wren, Gt Tit, Jackdaw, Blackbird, Greenfinch, Dunnock, Chaffinch | Walk takes place 10am-12noon, and this month's 20-strong group were a little disappointed to dip on the diver! | Gary Atkins |
| 1740 | 03/04/2012 | Willow Warbler singing near Visitor Centre 0800hrs. 2 Ruff mobile around Stones Island. Great Northern Diver off Stones Island early a.m. Osprey from Sheepwash car park 0935-1015hrs, then flew high north. Drake Red-breasted Merganser off Lane End at 1430hrs. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1741 | 05/04/2012 | Osprey flew between Stones Island & Watersports Island at 16:20, was carrying a fish and being mobbed by 2 Black-headed Gulls, an Oystercatcher & a Carrion Crow. It then headed over the water towards Millfields. Also on Stones Island; 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 19 Barnacle Geese, 1 Kestrel, 1 Swallow in Watersports bay. | Single Fieldfare & a Treecreeper was singing at Fishtail Creek (03/03), 1 Red-Legged Partridge, 7 Pheasants & a Jay at Fishtail Creek (04/03). | John Matkin |
| 1742 | 05/04/2012 | Osprey again at 1920hrs flying around Hopton Arm then went to roost in a tree close to the osprey platform at Lane Ends at 1940hrs. Also Great Northern Diver and 2 Ruff around Stones Island. | This osprey is different to the bird present 2 days ago (Tuesday). | Roger Carrington |
| 1743 | 06/04/2012 | Osprey, at height, approx 3pm observed from Stones Island flying in direction of Tail Bay from distance over Fishtail Creek. | . | JOHN WINNARD |
| 1744 | 06/04/2012 | Nuthatch on bird table near Shiningford approx 2.30pm | First time for us but it might be a regular sighting for others | JOHN & BETTY WINNARD |
| 1745 | 06/04/2012 | Birds seen or heard between Fishtail Creek & Visitor Centre (via Sheepwash): 50 Tree Sparrow (inc. 28 at Wildlife Centre & 7 on Stones Island), 49 Blackbird, 44 Blue Tit, 43 Wren, 42 Great Tit, 34 Chiffchaff, 30 Dunnock, 24 Robin, 22 Bullfinch, 18 Chaffinch, 13 Song Thrush, 12 Linnet (flocks of 8 & 4), 10 Goldfinch, 10 House Sparrow, 9 Blackcap, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 7 Reed Bunting, 4 Willow Warbler, 4 Treecreeper, 3 Goldcrest (2 in Shiningford Creek & 1 singing behind Lane End Hide), 3 Willow Tit, 3 Greenfinch (1 singing at Visitor Centre), 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 Meadow Pipit. | Osprey at Fishtail Creek (0620) then by Hall Wood (0650). Also 2 Buzzard, 3 Raven, 3 Jay, 1 Stock Dove, 12 Pheasant, 1 Skylark over new track, 1 Grey Wagtail over Stones Island. 45 Fieldfare (2 at Fishtail Creek, flocks of 26 over Hopton Pond & 17 over Shiningford Creek). | John Matkin |
| 1746 | 06/04/2012 | All from Sheepwash Hide, unless stated. The adult Great Northern Diver is now moulting into summer plumage and is looking quite smart. 19 Barnacle Geese (Stones Island), 2 Grey Heron, Ruff (Stones Island), Little Ringed Plover in front of Watersports, Curlew, 3 Swallows, 8+ Buzzard, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 2 Raven. 21 Meadow Pipit and a Wheatear on the Dam Wall, 19 Chiff Chaff and 5 Blackcap between Millfields and Sheepwash, 2 Skylark over Dam Wall, and 5 Linnet. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1747 | 07/04/2012 | Osprey | 10:50 in trees at Hopton end ,before flying over reservoir towards Sheepwash Hide and out of sight | Paul Highman |
| 1748 | 07/04/2012 | Notes today - 12:30hr to 13:30hr flock of mixed hirundines low over Sailing club boats and Stones Island - When briefly settled counted 21nr Swallow, 17nr House Martin (appx), 2 or 4nr Sand Martin. 3nr Common Scoter [2 drake female or juv], GN Diver, Wheatear, 3nr Meadow Pipit. | David Edmonds | |
| 1749 | 08/04/2012 | WeBS count (0700-1030hrs) Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 1, Great Crested Grebe 41, Cormorant 4, Grey Heron 1, Mute Swan 3, Greylag Goose 9, Canada Goose 88, Barnacle Goose 18, Teal 19, Mallard 98, Tufted Duck 68, Goldeneye 1, Mandarin 1, Moorhen 3, Coot 72, Oystercatcher 10, Lapwing 14, Ruff 2, Snipe 1, Redshank 4, Lesser Black-backed Gull 4, Black-headed Gull 80 also 11 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk and White Wagtail. | . | John Bradley |
| 1750 | 08/04/2012 | 2 Ospreys possibly 3; Peregrine | Volunteers and the public, in the WLC from 10.30 to 12.00(when I left)had regular sightings of Ospreys. The first single bird (10.30) headed over Hall Wood, in thick mist; 2 birds seen at 10.45 over Fishtail Creek area drifted north and away over Hall Wood. Single birds where then seen on at least 3 occasions,drifting around within view of WLC, but with the poor visibility and distance away, unsure whether there were more than 2 birds. | David Bennett |
| 1751 | 10/04/2012 | 07:05hr Osprey caught fish, on east side of resevoir, and flew north pursued by BH Gulls. | Presumably the same bird was seen 10 minutes earlier,on the east bank, by John Matkin. | Clive Ashton |
| 1752 | 10/04/2012 | Osprey at 0655 over water along side of Hall Wood. Small numbers of hirundines: 5 Swallow, 2 House Martin & 1 Sand Martin. 1 Goldcrest singing behind Lane End hide. 2 Linnet on Stones Island, 3 Fieldfare at Fishtail Creek (34 over on 09/04). | Fishtail Creek to Visitor Centre: 72 Woodpigeon, 1 Stock Dove, 6 Collared Dove. 50 Jackdaw (7 active nests), 16 Carrion Crow (3 active nests), 2 Raven (1 active nest), 2 Rook, 13 Magpie (1 active nest) and 1 Jay. | John Matkin |
| 1753 | 10/04/2012 | Sacred Ibis flew from Carsington Pastures over the edge of the reservoir but quite high then left towards the Knockerdown pub but unable to relocate. Over the reservior around 11-45 | . | Ian Scrimshaw |
| 1754 | 10/04/2012 | Osprey again at 17:00hr over the dam wall, then at 17:15hr caught large fish in the same spot as this morning. Flew over Blackwall plantation pursued by Gulls at 17:25hr. 4 White Wagtail on Stones Island. Curlew at Sheepwash, LRP sailing club. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1755 | 11/04/2012 | Adult Great Northern Diver still. Also 15 Barnacle Geese, Greylag Goose, 2 Common Scoter, 2 Shelduck, 2 Goldeneye, 6 Redshank, Curlew, 13 Swallow, 10 Sand Martin, 2 House Martin, 5 White Wagtails on Stones Island, 110 Black-headed Gull, 90 Common Gull, 26 Lesser-black Backed Gulls. Also a very young Blackbird at the bottom of the entrance road to the main car park. | . | Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown |
| 1756 | 12/04/2012 | 1 Common Sandpiper in front of Wildlife Centre at 6.00 pm | . | Neil Moulden |
| 1757 | 12/04/2012 | 1 Great Northern Diver (adult still distant towards Millfields/Dam Wall), 1 Raven, 2 Sparrowhawk (pair), 8+ Common Buzzard, 6 Black-tailed Godwit (circled and flew towards Wildlife Centre), 1 Redshank, 3 Oystercatcher, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Willow Warbler (singing), 2 House Martin with 30+ Swallow and 20+ Sand Martin, 60+ Common Gulls (all in together at 15:45), 6 LBB Gull, 1 GBB Gull | All from Sheepwash Hide 13:30-17:00 No sign of any Osprey, though another birder said apparently one of the staff had seen one from Paul Stanley early morning. | Paul Thomas |
| 1758 | 13/04/2012 | Fishtail Creek to Visitor Centre via Sheepwash (early am): 43 Chiffchaff, 31 Blackcap (including 4 males pursuing 1 female by Lane End hide), 11 Willow Warbler. 1 Jay, male Sparrowhawk carrying prey through Hall Wood, 4 Willow Tit, 1 female Goldeneye, Mallard with 4 ducklings in Wildlife Centre Creek, Common Sandpiper on Stones Island and Greenfinch singing & displaying in the VC car park. | Warbler numbers up considerably from same walk yesterday (17 Blackcap & 5 Willow Warblers). Also on 12/04: Buzzard feeding on ground in front of Paul Stanley hide, 5 Greylag geese on Horseshoe Island, 3 Mistle Thrush between Sheepwash & Shiningford Creek and 2 Brown Hares across path at Fishtail Creek. | John Matkin |
| 1759 | 13/04/2012 | Great Northern Diver, 22 Barnacle Geese, Pink-footed Goose of unknown origin, female Mallard with 12 young, female Goldeneye, 2 Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Wheatear, 2 Skylark, 2 White Wagtails, c150 Swallow, 2 Raven | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1760 | 14/04/2012 | 2 Yellow Wagtails & pair of Redshank on Millfields Island, 2 Curlew, c30 Fieldfare briefly in ash tree at Millfields then headed north, 15 Carrion Crow on dam, Nuthatch with nesting material over Oldfield Lane, c15 Swallows & Sand Martins, 20+ Willow Warblers singing around Tailbay & southern end of reservoir. | . | John Matkin |
| 1761 | 14/04/2012 | pink footed goose, scaup and great northern diver all from sheepwash | . | scott linacre |
| 1762 | 15/04/2012 | Great Northern Diver still. 7 Pheasants at Sheepwash. 3 Linnet on Stones Island. 1 Wheatear in WLC Creek. 1 Yellow Wagtail flew past Sheepwash and Pink-footed Goose there. 30 Sand Martin. 2 Shelduck mobile. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1763 | 16/04/2012 | Adult Great Northern Diver, Pink-footed Goose, 20+ feral Barnacle Geese, female Mallard with 2 young at WLC, also a female with 7 young off S'ford Creek, female Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, female Redstart on S'ford Creek, 4 Linnets (2 on Stones Island and 2 on Big Island), Siskin in Hall Wood, Grey Heron, Raven and 50+ Swallows with smaller numbers of Sand Martins. A walk from Millfields to Fishtail Creek via Sheepwash produced 49 Chiff Chaff, 33 Blackcap and 21 Willow Warbler. 2 White Wagtails and a Yellow Wagtail on Stones Island p.m. Also 2 Curlew over. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1764 | 16/04/2012 | Bird sightings adequately covered by others. Plant life in flower: Red Campion, Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage (yellow), Gorse (yellow), Cowslip (yellow), Dandelion, Daisy, Lesser Celandine (yellow), Coltsfoot (yellow), Red Dead Nettle, Blackthorn (white), Bluebell, Ground Ivy (blue/maroon)and Common Mouse-ear (white). | . | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 1765 | 17/04/2012 | WLC: 2 Redshank, 4 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 16 Barnacle Geese, 2 Teal (pair), 6 Tufted Duck, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Raven, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Willow Tit, Mallard still with 2 ducklings. Also, 1 male Cape Shelduck. | Water level 94.9% | James Owen |
| 1766 | 18/04/2012 | Lots of Arctic Terns throughout the country today and Carsington didn't miss out. Roger had 1 fly straight through just before 09.30. Shortly after, there was 7 birds which over the course of the day built up to 28. 7 of these flew North at 15.15. The remaining 21 were present until around tea time before leaving. Also today was an adult Little Gull which was around all day feeding with the Terns. The adult Great Northern Diver is still present. 2 Goldeneye, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, 150+ Swallow, 100+ Sand Martin, 2 White Wagtails and a Yellow Wagtail. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton/Keith Bunting |
| 1767 | 19/04/2012 | 9 Yellow Wagtails on Stones Island. GN Diver almost in summer plumage. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1768 | 20/04/2012 | Adult Great Northern Diver still present. Roger saw a Whooper Swan fly in with 2 Mute Swans at 07.30. I saw it at around 08.45 but no further sign after that. Pink-footed Goose at the Wildlife Centre, Mallard with 2 young near Big Island, 2 female Goldeneye, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Yellow Wagtail, 50+ Swallow, 33 Blackcap, 26 Willow Warbler and 2 Raven. | I witnessed something quite incredible this evening whilst on Stones Island. At 19.10 I saw an unidentified Bat flying around just off the causeway. A Black-headed Gull and a Magpie srarted chasing it. The Magpie then caught the Bat mid-air before flying to the bank with it. It then pecked it a few times before flying off into the undergrowth with it. | Dave Newcombe |
| 1769 | 23/04/2012 | Great Northern Diver. 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Pinkfooted Goose on Stones Island. Pied Flycatcher singing. Lapwing with 4 chicks at Wildlife Centre. 1 Whimbrel and 2 Curlew over. | . | roger Carrington |
| 1770 | 23/04/2012 | Adult Great Northern Diver almost in full summer plumage. 1 Little Gull seen from Sheepwash Hide for most of the day. Later from Stones Island it was joined by a 2nd bird. Arctic Tern east at 11.15. A 'commic' Tern east at 16.30. Garden Warbler singing in Sheepwash Woods. Drake Gadwall, Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, 11 Meadow Pipits, 4 Linnets and c200 Swallows. A Common Sandpiper on Watersports Island. Black-tailed Godwit on Sailing Club Island p.m only. 3 Buzzards and a Kestrel. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1771 | 23/04/2012 | 2 female Goldeneye, Pied Flycatcher, 3 pairs of Nuthatch between Millfields and Oldfield Lane, Green Woodpecker over Millfields, Common Sandpiper on Watersports Island. On the dam: 28 Pied Wagtail, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Linnet, 14 Meadow Pipits. | . | John Matkin |
| 1772 | 24/04/2012 | Great northern Diver off Stones Island. 1 Common Sandpiper,1 Yellow Wagtail,1 Curlew,1 Swift. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1773 | 24/04/2012 | Mandarin Duck | Pair arrived in Millfield Bay at around 9am, stayed about 10 minutes before flying off towards Kirk Ireton | Eric Dewhurst |
| 1774 | 25/04/2012 | 4 Whimbrel on Stones Island at 5.25 pm, but flew off NW after a couple of minutes. | . | Neil Moulden |
| 1775 | 25/04/2012 | 1 Marsh Tit seen and heard calling near Millfields car park at 8.00 am. Also redhead Goldeneye at Millfields and 1 Common Sandpiper on Stones Island. At 5.30 pm 4 Whimbrel were on Sailing Club Island. | The Marsh Tit was my first ever at Carsington. | Neil Moulden |
| 1777 | 25/04/2012 | 12.55h - Black Tern and c.60 Arctic Terns | none | per Birdguides |
| 1778 | 25/04/2012 | 15:00 - Little Gull, 13 mid-afternoon, then 6 flew off and 7 still present. | . | per Birdguides |
| 1779 | 25/04/2012 | Arctic Tern still c.60 at 13:50; also 2 Black Terns and 4 Little Gulls (13:50) | . | per Birdguides |
| 1780 | 25/04/2012 | Heavy and persistant rain nearly all day meant good weather for a bit of passage. 2 Black Terns were present early morning and remained until early afternoon. The first Arctic Terns didn't arrive until 12.50, but it was a flock of over 60. Then over the next few hours other smaller flocks moved through totalling over 130 birds. There was also 13 Little Gulls (7 adults and 6 1st summers). The Great Northern Diver still present, c500 Swallows and a Swift. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1781 | 27/04/2012 | 07.15-09.45 - Black-tailed Godwit flying low over Sheepwash Island. 5 Swifts. No sign of Great Northern Diver in this period. | . | Peter Gibbon |
| 1782 | 27/04/2012 | Adult Great Northern Diver in stunning summer plumage, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 female Goldeneye, Hobby from Sheepwash at 15.02, then over the woods opposite the hide several minutes later, male Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel, 2 Dunlin, 3 Whimbrel flew North at 11.35, 3 Common Sandpipers late evening (1 near Watersports and 2 on Sailing Club island), 6 Curlew dropped in on Horseshoe Island c19.30, 4 Arctic Terns, Yellow Wagtail, Meadow Pipit in full song on the Dam Wal, c500 Swallows and 17+ Swift. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1783 | 28/04/2012 | 15 Fieldfare in trees at Fishtail Creek at 12:30. Later found feeding with c20 Starlings in fields by Fishtail Creek. | Great Northern Diver present on 26/04. Also 1 Curlew on Horseshoe Island & Stoat at Shiningford Creek. | John Matkin |
| 1784 | 30/04/2012 | 2 Black Terns from 1000hrs off Stones Island. 1 Sedge and 2 Garden Warblers singing on Stones Island 0700hrs. Great Northern Diver in superb breeding plumage off Stones Island. 2 Whitethroats singing near Stone Barn and Swallows in the barn. 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing between Sheepwash and Lanes End. | Oystercatchers lost nests on Big Island and Sailing Club Island in yesterdays atrocious weather. | Roger Carrington |
| 1785 | 30/04/2012 | Bar-tailed Godwit on Sailing Club Island 1800hrs. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1786 | 01/05/2012 | 2 Black Tern still present at 18:30. 11 of 12 Mallard eggs hatched in the VC courtyard. | Litle Gull seen from back of Stones Island (29/04) at c0920 | John Matkin |
| 1787 | 02/05/2012 | Oldfield Lane to Hopton Arm (early am).23 Blackcap, 21 Chiffchaff, 14 Willow Warblers, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Garden Warblers. Fishtail Creek: Kestrel, 8 Linnets, Curlew, Great Spotted Woodpecker & 9 Swifts over. In Middle Wood: Jay, Treecreeper & male Sparrowhawk overhead. Hall Wood: Jay, 2 Treecreepers, Nuthatch, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Mistle Thrush & assumed family group of 4 Song Thrush. | Fox in Middle Wood. 1 adult & 2 juv Grey Squirrels near drey in Hall Wood. Great Northern Diver heard calling at 0620 | John Matkin |
| 1788 | 02/05/2012 | Bar-tailed Godwit Sailing Club Island (also at dusk yesterday). 1 female Wheatear, 1 Common Sandpiper, 5 Oystercatcher and 14 Rooks on dam. 2 female Goldeneye still at Millfields. Oystercatcher pair with at least 2 chicks on Millfields Island. 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Pinkfoot, 1 Great Northern Diver. 1 Arctic Tern at 1020hrs. | All 0600-1100hrs on a calm clear morning for change. | Roger Carrington |
| 1789 | 02/05/2012 | Dam Wall - 1 Weatear(female) Stones Island - 1 GN Diver (showing well!), 12 Whimbrel (same group seen 4 times in flight and calling), 2 Garden Warbler,Blackcap,Willow Warbler,Chiffchaff and Lesser Whitethroat (all singing), 8+ Barnacle Goose(feral), 1 Redshank, House and Tree Sparrow singing a top same hedge, Sparrowhawk(male) Sheepwash - 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Actic Tern, 30+ Common Gull, 1 GBB Gull(juv), 1 Kestrel, 3 Common Buzzard | Dam Wall - 11:30-12:15 Stones Island - 13:00-16:00 Sheepwash - 16:30-17:30 | Paul Thomas |
| 1790 | 03/05/2012 | 23 Arctic Tern + 1 Black Tern in front of Sheepwash then flew NE at 0600hrs. 1 Arctic Tern past Stones Island 0710hrs. 9 distant 'commic' terns thru 0800hrs. 2 Common Sandpiper on Stones Island and 1 at Millfields. 2 female Wheatear at Millfields end of dam. 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing at Millfields + another in WLC Creek. | On site 0545-1000hrs. Only a few warblers singing on this cold windy early morning. | Roger Carrington |
| 1791 | 04/05/2012 | 2 Bar-tailed Godwit on Sailing Club Island 0845hrs. 2 Lesser Redpoll Hall Wood and 5 in Middle Wood. Redstart singing between Middle Wood and Warrington Knob. 2 female Goldeneye still at Millfields, latest spring record at Carsington. 2 female Yellow Wagtails on Horseshoe Island. 55 Arctic Terns thru 0845-1300hrs | Arctic Terns at: 6 NE@0845hrs, 2 NE@1105, 5 NE@1130, 1 NE@1210, 25 NE@1225, 14 N@1240, 2 lingering@1300hrs. | Roger Carrington |
| 1792 | 05/05/2012 | Pink-footed Goose, 3 Shelduck, 3 Wigeon, Mallard with 2 young, 5 Buzzards, Kestrel. Oystercatchers with 2 young on Millfields Island. 2 Bar-tailed Godwits on Sailing Club Island. 2 Whimbrel (1 on Sailing Club Island and 1 flew North), Curlew on Stones Island, 6 Common Sandpipers (4 on Sailing Club Island, 1 near Watersports and 1 at Sheepwash). Little Ringed Plover in front of Sailing Club. 31 Arctic Terns through Northeast between 10.10-10.15. 1 Common Tern. Yellow Wagtail on Stones Island. Female Wheatear on Dam Wall. Several hundred Swallows, 85 House Martins, 50+ Swift, Lesser Whitethroat on Stones Island. 2 Garden Warblers. 32 Common Gulls. No sign of the Great Northern Diver. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1793 | 05/05/2012 | Pair of Willow Tits by Hopton Reedbed. Hall Wood: Tawny Owl calling, 3 Treecreepers, 2 Jays, c10 Lesser Redpoll mobile over & Redstart singing between Hall & Middle Woods. Fishtail Creek: Garden Warbler, 10 Goldfinch, 4 Greenfinch & c150 Fieldfare over. | 2 Foxes and Brown Hare at Fishtail Creek. Diver heard calling at c0545 | John Matkin |
| 1794 | 07/05/2012 | Bar tailed Godwit on Sailing Club Island. 2 Little ringed Plover. 2 Shelduck on Horseshoe Island. 3 Yellow Wagtails over Stones Island. Several Garden Warblers and Whitethroat singing, also a Lesser Whitethroat in Wildlife centre creek. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1795 | 07/05/2012 | Birdwatching for beginners walk (10am-noon - Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, House Martin, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Swallow, Tree Sparrow, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, Mallard, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Willow Warbler, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Wren, Blue Tit, Carrion Crow, Reed Bunting, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Chaffinch, Buzzard, Oystercatcher, Barnacle Goose, Redshank, Lesser Whitethroat, Dunnock, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Lapwing, Gt Crested Grebe, Moorhen, Rook, Collared Dove | Species counted, but not quantities | Gary Atkins |
| 1796 | 08/05/2012 | An Osprey appeared over the Dam Wall c10.30 and flew past Sheepwash heading North 5 minutes later. Another bird appeared at Millfields at 18.20 and eventually headed North East at 18.40. Neither birds attempted to take a fish. Also today was 2 Bar-tailed Godwits flitting between Sailing Club, Shiningford and Horseshoe Islands. 4+ Common Sandpipers, Ringed Plover in front of Sailing Club, Oystercatchers still with 2 young at Millfields. 4 Linnets, 3 Yellow Wagtails and a female Wheatear on the Dam. Peregrine, c5 Buzzards, 5+ Garden Warblers, 3 Common Whitethroats, Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, White Wagtail and an Arctic Tern. A male and a female Common Redstart between Middle Wood and Warrington Knob. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1797 | 09/05/2012 | Red Kite low over Visitor Centre at 1305hrs then high north. Reed Warbler singing in Hopton Arm reedbed. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1798 | 10/05/2012 | 2 Greylag Geese, Grey Heron, 7 Cormorants, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 2 Buzzards. Bar-tailed Godwit still on Sailing Club Island. 2 Dunlin on Horseshoe Island. 2 Common Terns. 3 female Wheatear on Dam Wall, 6 Garden Warblers, 3 Whitethroats and a Sedge Warbler. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1799 | 11/05/2012 | Treecreeper 2, Blackcap pair, Willow Warbler several, Willow Tit 2, Chiffchaff, Bullfinch, Oystercatcher, Grey Heron, Buzzard 3, Mute Swan 5. | . | Eric Dewhurst |
| 1800 | 12/05/2012 | Bright morning. - Stones Island 07:10 to 07:30hr 10nr Arctic Tern sitting on raft. 1nr Sandwich Tern, to 08:30hr - 1nr Common Sandpiper, 1nr Kestrel, 5nr Oyster Catcher, mixed flock appx 20+ Swallows + H Martins, 1nr Swift. 2nr Raven, plus Black Cap, Wren, Blackbirds, Chiff Chaff, Pied Wagtail, and usual Ducks & GC Grebe. | Terns - see with Mark Pass. Sandwich Tern showed clear dark primaries. | David Edmonds |
| 1801 | 13/05/2012 | Redshank pair with 4 tiny young on an island in the Hopton Arm. Reed Warbler singing - Hopton Arm reedbed. Raven - 2 pairs displaying independently at Hopton arm end, but at times only a few hundred yards apart. No aggression shown between the pairs (Strange!!!).11am Hobby - one bird holding in the wind above Hall Wood, then gained height before plunging over the back of the hill. 11.10 am | Does anyone have any idea why two pairs of Ravens should be displaying at this time of year? (they all had partially moulted wing feathers, presumably adults). | Paul Mollatt/Derek Brownlee |
| 1802 | 15/05/2012 | 1 Dunlin on Sheepwash Spit at 4.15 pm. | . | Neil Moulden |
| 1803 | 16/05/2012 | Everything counted during a circular walk. Tail Bay also included. 73 Blackbirds, 17 Song Thrush, 60 Blue Tits, 41 Great Tits, 6 Coal Tits, 21 Dunnock, 59 Robins including 2 juveniles, 66 Wrens, 75 Blackcaps, 70 Chiff Chaff, 39 Willow Warbler, 17 Garden Warblers, 11 Common Whitethroats, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Sedge Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers in Hopton reed bed (possibly 3 or even 4 birds present), 65 Chaffinch, 19 Goldfinch, 1 Greenfinch, 16 Bullfinch, 2 Goldcrest, 5 Treecreeper, 2 Jays, 2 Sparrowhawk, 4 Mistle Thrush, 13 Magpie, 6 Linnets, 3 Nuthatch, 6 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Green Woodpecker in Tail Bay, 2 male Redstarts, 3 Willow Tits, 4 Reed Buntings, Hobby over Fishtail Creek, female Wheatear on Dam Wall, male Yellow Wagtail on Stones Island, Pied Flycatcher c200 yards west of Lane End Hide. 9+ Redshank including 2 young on Horseshoe Island and 2 young on Big Island, c10 Oystercatcher including 2 young on Millfields Island, 3 Shelduck, Common Sandpiper and 4 Curlew. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1804 | 16/05/2012 | 1st summer Med Gull briefly at Shinningford Creek at 1940hrs then flew off south also Arctic Tern present. Red Kite at Middleton Top by the bridge over the road 1800hrs. | . | Jonathan bradley |
| 1805 | 17/05/2012 | 2 Whimbrel and 2 Bar-tailed Godwit on Sailing Club Island early morning then saw them flying north over Visitor centre at 0745hrs. Redstart singing in Shiningford Creek. Pair Common Scoter mid-water 1030hrs. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1806 | 20/05/2012 | Osprey on Lane End Platform until 0800hrs then flew towards Hall Wood. 3 Turnstone, 1 Sanderling, 4 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper on Sailing Club Island at 0830hrs. | For the past 2 evenings and early mornings osprey has been seen on this platform and may well be repeated this evening. The leg ring is dark blue suggesting it is a Scottish bird still travelling north. | Roger Carrington |
| 1807 | 23/05/2012 | WeBS count for May:Mute Swan 7,Greylag Goose 2,Canada Goose 94,Barnacle Goose 8,Mallard 72,Tufted Duck 85,Cormorant 4,Little Grebe 2,Great Crested Grebe 38,Moorhen 5,Coot 41,Oystercatcher 10,Lapwing 7,Redshank 4,Black-headed Gull 70. Also male Sparrowhawk and Kestrel plus 2 Buzzard. | Female Mallard with 2 very young ducklings between Brown Ale Bay and Flat Island. | Peter Gibbon |
| 1808 | 26/05/2012 | Fishtail Creek: Treecreeper, Nuthatch, 2 Willow Tits, Reed Bunting, Jay, Raven, Spotted Flycatcher, 2 juv Great Tits. Blue Tits, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Bullfinch and Chiffchaff all carrying food. 11 Starling and 5 Rooks over. Little Owl calling (early am). | 4 Starlings fledged from Visitor Centre (17 & 18/05). 2 Green Woodpeckers over track at Tailbay (21/05). Weasel at Sheepwash carpark (22/05). Speckled Wood Butterflies at Fishtail Creek (25/05). | John Matkin |
| 1809 | 27/05/2012 | Pair of Barnacle Geese with 5 very young goslings swam past Wildlife Centre at about 11.00. | . | Don Newing |
| 1810 | 29/05/2012 | Osprey over Millfields Bay at 16:14. Flew off east-north east | I took a poor photograph, but it's easily identifiable as an osprey | James Brooke |
| 1811 | 29/05/2012 | WLC: 5 BH Gull chicks on the raft, and 1 on Horseshoe Island. Also, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew bathed mid-afternoon, the single Rook again on the bird tables, 2 Sand Martin. 2 Oystercatcher chicks on Sheepwash Spit. | Adding to today's Osprey report, the bird circled above Lane End at 15:50 and was first mobbed by a Carrion Crow, then a Black-headed Gull, it then headed east towards Fishtail Creek where it probably landed in a tree. | James Owen (STW vol ranger) |
| 1812 | 04/06/2012 | 1 Black Tern off Lane End 1000hrs. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1813 | 05/06/2012 | We thought we saw an Osprey over the lake at Kedleston Hall being mobbed by gulls and an Oystercatcher. It's not far away so may be the same one seen at Carsington. | . | B @ G |
| 1814 | 05/06/2012 | Breeding Signs. Dam Wall 06:30hr; Pied Wagtail - 2 single adults each feeding 1 young, Barnacle Geese 2 pairs with 3 and 5 goslings, Pair of Jackdaws carrying food. Mallard with 4 young, B H Gulls with 6 chicks now. | Correcting earlier posting | David Edmonds |
| 1815 | 11/06/2012 | 1 Peregrine near Millfields Car Park at 14.40 hrs | . | Neil Moulden |
| 1816 | 12/06/2012 | Early am: 3 Reed Warblers (2 singing) in the new reedbed, 1 Reed Warbler singing in Brownale Bay. 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Reed Buntings & 2 family groups of Blue Tits along new track. 1 family of Great Tits at Sheepwash. Millfields: Green Woodpecker, Lesser Whitethroat, 1 family of Robins, 1 juv Carrion Crow & 50+ Swifts over. | . | John Matkin |
| 1817 | 19/06/2012 | Fishtail Creek: Linnet, group of 4 Bullfinch and another group of 7 overhead. Sitch Plantation: 2 Garden Warblers, Nuthatch. Warrington Knob: Treecreeper, Goldcrest and male Redstart. Hall Wood: Jay, Spotted Flycatcher | Weasel across the path through Sitch Plantation. 19/06: Pair of Great Crested Grebe by Millfields Island with one chick. | John Matkin |
| 1818 | 20/06/2012 | Stones Island (early am): 169 Canada Geese, 12 Mute Swans, juv Robin, Carrion Crow with 4 young on Watersports Island, 2 family groups of Blue Tits, 3 Whitethroat. | 19/06: Fishtail Creek (pm): Blue Tit with 5 chicks, pair of Long-tailed Tits with 6 chicks, Nuthatch with 2, Carrion Crows with 2, Great Crested Grebes with 2 and Coots with 1. Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sparrowhawk. | John Matkin |
| 1819 | 26/06/2012 | 1 Osprey flew north up the reservior at 17.40 hrs. | . | Neil Moulden |
| 1820 | 26/06/2012 | WeBS count for June:Mute Swan 13, Barnacle Goose 9(with 3+4 juv)Greylag 4,Canada Goose 311(4 juv),Cormorant 6,Great Crested Grebe 25(2 pairs seen with young and 4 still on nest),Mallard 42,Tufted Duck 67,Coot 97,Moorhen 4,Lapwing 3,Oystercatcher 4,Little Ringed Plover 2,Redshank 2,Black-headed Gull 61. | 07.00-11.00 - Very cold and strong wind creating waves at the beginning. | Peter Gibbon |
| 1821 | 27/06/2012 | Coot with 1 chick at Brownale Bay. New Reedbed: 3 Reed Warblers, Moorhen with 4 chicks. Hall Wood: 3 Nuthatches, 3 GS Woodpeckers, 5 Song Thrushes, Willow Warbler carrying food. Middle Wood: Nuthatch, 2 GS Woodpeckers, 4 Jays (at least 2 were newly-fledged young). Warrington Knob: Redstart, GS Woodpecker, 2 family groups of Great Tits. Sitch Plantation: GS Woodpecker. | Hall Wood: 7 Grey Squirrels, 2 Red Admiral Butterflies. Fishtail Creek: Meadow Brown Butterfly. | John Matkin |
| 1822 | 01/07/2012 | Osprey with fish perched on telegraph pole in Callow (by Fishtail Creek). Took off carrying fish, flew towards Carsington Water then arced around and flew northeast. | . | John Matkin |
| 1823 | 04/07/2012 | 3 Coot broods from Wildlife Centre of 3+1+1. 2 Reed Warbler still singing at WLC. Spotted Flycatcher still in WLC Creek. 3 pairs of Swallow feeding young around Millfields. 3 pairs of Great Crested Grebe with 2+2+3 young in Millfields Bay. 2 Whitethroat singing at Millfields and 1 Curlew over. 1 Common Sandpiper on Stones Island. 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull yesterday afternoon but no sign today. | All between 1300-1800hrs. Also butterflies between showers: Ringlet, Meadow Browns, Speckled Wood and a Chimney Sweep Moth. | Roger Carrington |
| 1824 | 05/07/2012 | 11 Barnacle Geese including 6 young around Stones Island/Wildlife Centre area. 3 Greylag Geese on Stones Island. 3 Common Sandpipers-1 at Sheepwash, 1 on Sailing Club Island and 1 in front of Sailing Club. Adult Redshank and 2 small young to the left of Sheepwash Hide. Pair of Great Crested Grebes with 2 young in Fishtail Creek, pair with 1 young opposite WLC, and a pair with 1 young by Sailing Club. Female Mallard with 8 fresh young at WLC, and a female with 4 young off Stones Island. 4 Teal. Coots with 2 small young at WLC. Pair of Spotted Flycatchers tending to a nest with at least 3 young on WLC creek. 2 juvenile Goldcrests on WLC creek. 3 juvenile Whitethroats on Stones Island. Grey Wagtail on Stones Island. c200 Lesser-black Backed Gulls. adult Yellow-legged Gull. Common Gull. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1825 | 07/07/2012 | Sheepwash: group of 6 Long-tailed Tits, 5 Goldfinch, drake Pochard, pair of Great Crested Grebes with 2 young chicks. Whitethroat feeding a juv by Brownale Bay. A pair of Chaffinches with 3 young & a further 3 juv Whitethroats by new reedbed. A group of 11 Long-tailed Tits overhead between Middle Wood & Warrington Knob. Fishtail Creek: another group of 7 Long-tailed Tits, 2 juv Chiffchaffs calling to an adult bird & 10+ Sand Martins over. | Water Vole at new reedbed. A Brown Hare in wildflower meadow at Fishtail Creek. | John Matkin |
| 1826 | 09/07/2012 | A total of 11 drake Common Scoters. 9 were present early morning, but by mid morning only 1 remained. Then by mid afternoon the 1 that was left was joined by 2 more. Also of note: Grey Heron, 10 Barnacle Geese, 4 Greylag Geese, drake Pochard, Great Crested Grebes with 3 fresh young at Sheepwash, 2 Kestrel, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 1st summer Common Gull, 3 juvenile Redstarts on WLC creek, Spotted Flycatchers still feeding young on WLC creek, 2 Grey Wagtails on Stones Island, 4 Reed Warblers (2 at the WLC, and 2 in Hopton Reedbed. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1827 | 09/07/2012 | Wildlife Centre: Mallard with 5. Hall Wood: Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff & Blackcap all feeding fledged young. Goldcrest with at least 3 fledged chicks. 2 Buzzards over. Fishtail Creek: 2 family groups of Willow Tits (total of 8 counted around the reservoir). Millfields: 10 Barnacle Geese, 3 Jays (also single birds at Fishtail Creek & Tail Bay). Also of note: 2 Kestrels, Swallow feeding young on tower, juv Bullfinch at Shinigford Creek & 127 Coots counted | Tawny Owl calling at Fishtail Creek (pm) | John Matkin |
| 1828 | 10/07/2012 | 3 Greylag Geese, 1 Greylag/Canada hybrid, Great crested Grebes still feeding 3 young at Sheepwash, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Raven, 4 Buzzard, adult Yellow legged Gull. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1829 | 12/07/2012 | An Osprey on site this evening. First seen from Stones Island at 18.20 flying south. Both myself and Roger watched it seemingly disappear over Blackwall Plantation. Then just before 19.00 as we were standing on the causeway to Stones Island the Osprey re-appeared over Horseshoe Island carrying a fish. It then flew approx west and was lost to view. Also of note was 9 broods of Great Crested Grebes totalling 17 young. Also 3 Grey Herons, 321 Canada Geese, 10 Barnacle Geese, 4 Greylag Geese, 3 Gadwall, Teal, 3 Buzzards, Kestrel, adult and flighted juvenile Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpipers, adult Yellow-legged Gull, Green Woodpecker, Spotted Flycatchers feeding young still on WLC Creek, 5 Whitethroats, 2 Raven and a Linnet. | . | Dave Newcome |
| 1830 | 17/07/2012 | WLC: 1 Peregrine, 1 Kestrel, 1 Yellow-legged Gull on raft, Coot pair with 2 chicks, Great Crested Grebe pair with 3 chicks, 8 Lapwing Also, 1 female Redstart with at least one fledged young near Shiningford Creek, 1 Common Sandpiper and 1 Raven at Sheepwash mid-morning, Tufted Duck brood with 10 chicks at Paul Stanley. | . | James Owen (STW vol. ranger) |
| 1831 | 19/07/2012 | 4 drake Common Scoter present all day off Stones Island. Grey Heron, 9 Barnacle Geese. 3 Common Sandpipers and 4 Oystercatchers. A male Sparrowhawk inside the Wildlife Centre was released unharmed. The adult Yellow-legged Gull. 6 Common Terns (5 adults and a juvenile) and 1 Arctic Tern. Spotted Flycatcher on WLC Creek. Following on from the 9 broods of Great-crested Grebe I had last week, Roger has noted a further 3 separate broods which constitutes an exceptional year! Tufted Duck broods are now starting to appear. We had a female with 6 young near the Sailing Club and several other broods have been noted. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1832 | 20/07/2012 | 24 Common Scoter (13 drakes) at 1630hrs then flew high SW at 1815hrs. At least 6 Common Terns including a pair displaying on Watersports raft. Tree Sparrow feeding young in box 0304 WLC Creek. 7 Oystercatcher flying around together. 1 Turnstone, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper on Sailing Club Island and a Greenshank mobile at 1930hrs. 4 Cormorants roosting on Lane Ends osprey platform/perch. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1833 | 22/07/2012 | Sheepwash hide: Tufted Duck with 4 fresh young, Stock Dove, group of 5 Jays. New Reedbed: 2 broods of x4 Tufted Ducks, 2 Reed Warblers singing. Great Crested Grebes with young chicks at Brownale Bay, New Reedbed & Big Island (2, 2 & at least 1). Yellow-Legged Gull on Watersports raft, 2 Common Terns. Tufted Duck with large brood of fresh chicks on Watersports Island. Grey Wagtail on Stones Island | Hobby over the dam & 2 Meadow Pipits on Stones Island (18/07). Siskin at Fishtail Creek (20/07). Rabbit on Watersports Island (22/07). | John Matkin |
| 1834 | 23/07/2012 | WeBS count for July:Mute Swan 25,Canada Goose 282, Barnacle Goose 9,Cormorant 6,Mallard 133,Gadwall 2,Tufted Duck 116(four broods of 6,7,2 and 5),Great Crested Grebe 32(eleven broods of 1,3,2,2,2,2,1,1,4,2 and 3),Little Grebe 5,Coot 212,Moorhen 1,Common Tern 5,Black-headed Gull 42,Yellow-legged Gull 1,Lapwing 28,Oystercatcher 1,Redshank 1. | Thanks to Roger Carrington for some of these figures. | Peter Gibbon |
| 1835 | 24/07/2012 | Juv Redstart near Shiningford Creek, and a Yellow Wagtail over mid-morning. 4 or 5 Common Tern around Sailing Club Island. WLC: 1 Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe Island, Great Crested Grebe pair with two chicks, Little Grebe pair with two chicks. Yellow-legged Gull on raft. | . | James Owen (STW vol ranger) |
| 1836 | 24/07/2012 | Several pairs of Great Crested Grebes with young. 9 Barnacle Geese, 5 Grey Heron, female type Shoveler, 3 Oystercatchers, 3 Common Sandpipers, Redstart on WLC Creek, adult Yellow-legged Gull eating a Bh Gull in front of Sailing Club, 50+ LBB Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 5 Common Terns, 15 Pied Wagtails, 4 Sand Martins, 300 Starlings around Stones Island late evening. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1837 | 28/07/2012 | 4 Grey Heron, 9 Barnacle Geese, 18 Cormorants, 3 Buzzards, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, 9 Black-tailed Godwits late evening, Redshank, 2 Common Sandpipers, Yellow-legged Gull, Herring Gull, 43 LBB Gulls, juv Common Gull, 5 Common Terns, c350 Starlings on Stones Island late evening. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton/Roger Carrington |
| 1838 | 16/08/2012 | 1 Greenshank,2 Common Sandpiper,3 Grey Heron,3 Linnet,Sparrowhawk. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1839 | 19/08/2012 | Kingfisher around Millfields. Eclipse male Red-crested Pochard, 1 Greylag, female Tufted with bill saddle 'AAS' still near Sailing Club. 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Whitethroat in WLC Creek. 8 Heron, 2 Teal, 1 Common Sandpiper from Sheepwash. | All 0700-1100hrs. Also 50+ Tree Sparrows regularly around Wildlife Centre feeders and a Little Egret was reported yesterday in Brown Ale Bay. | Roger Carrington |
| 1840 | 20/08/2012 | 1 Little Egret,1 Ringed Plover,2 Common Sandpiper,1 Greenshank,4 Snipe,5 Teal,1 Pochard,c400 Starling and 1 Green Woodpecker. | Stones Island and Wildlife centre early morning. | Clive Ashton |
| 1841 | 21/08/2012 | 21 Cormorant from Sheepwash. Greenshank, 2 Snipe on Horseshoe Island. Osprey through low past Stones Island at 1920hrs, flushing the gathering gull roost, then high south. Hobby flushed the starling roost on Stones Island then chased hirrundines at 2000hrs. 1 Redshank and 1 Common sandpiper. Gull roost at dusk: 2400 Lesser Black-backed, 3 Yellow-legged and 1 Herring Gull. | All from 1600hrs to dusk. The starling roost has been regular over the past few weeks, holding up to 400 birds. Water levels have now dropped a little leaving a narrow mud margin in places to attract passage waders. | Roger Carrington |
| 1842 | 21/08/2012 | WLC: 1 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Snipe, 2 Raven, 3 Teal, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, Little Grebe pair with 2 large chicks, Great Crested Grebe pair with two large chicks, and another pair still nesting, juv Grey Heron. Also, Kingfisher by Sheepwash early AM. | Water level 96% | James Owen (STW vol ranger) |
| 1843 | 21/08/2012 | In addition to James' sightings. 4 Grey Herons, 6 Barnacle Geese, Wigeon, Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 3 Teal, Pochard, 3 Whitethroats, c35 Goldfinch. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1844 | 23/08/2012 | Yellow-legged Gull killed and ate Dabchick in front of WLC. 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Whitethroat and c8 Linnet Stones Island. | Sightings between 08.30 and 09.30 hrs. | Neil Moulden |
| 1845 | 27/08/2012 | Webs count for August - Mute Swan 23, Canada Goose 306, Barnacle Goose 9, Cormorant 15, Grey Heron 4, Little Egret 1, Great Crested Grebe 31, Little Grebe 3, Moorhen 2, Coot 263, Mallard 124, Teal 2, Tufted Duck 143, Lapwing 37, Curlew 1, Common Sandpiper 2, Black-headed Gull 67, Lesser Black- backed Gull 16, Yellow-legged Gull 1 plus 1 Kestrel and 3 Common Buzzards. | . | Jonathan Bradley |
| 1846 | 28/08/2012 | An Osprey flew south this morning between 10.10 and 10.15. 43 Cormorants in front of Sheepwash. 28 Mute Swans, 4 Grey Heron, 8 Teal, 6 Gadwall, drake Wigeon, 3 Pochard, Greenshank, 3 Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper, Hobby south at 13.18, 3 Buzzards, 25+ Swallows, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Linnets, 2 Raven. 1'300 Lesser Black Backed Gulls at 19.30 with more birds still coming in. Also 55 BH Gulls in front of Sailing Club. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1847 | 28/08/2012 | WLC: Osprey over heading south at 10:10 and possibly a second bird but too distant to confirm. Plus, 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 6 Gadwall, 8 Teal, 1 Wigeon, 4 Great Crested Grebe (and still one large chick), 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Little Grebe (with one large chick), 1 Raven, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel (male), 1 juv Sparrowhawk, 1 Pied/possible juv White Wagtail still. Also, single Common Sandpipers at Sheepwash and Lane End, and a Spotted Flycatcher photographed by a visitor in Hall Wood. | . | James Owen (STW vol ranger) |
| 1848 | 01/09/2012 | Juv. Marsh Harrier at 16:45 heading southwest past Fishtail Creek towards Millfields. | Swift over Visitor Centre (22/08), Fishtail Creek: 9 Magpies, 2 Redstarts, & 2 Kestrels mobbing another bird of prey poss Hobby (28/08), 4 Mistle Thrush, 16 Goldfinch (31/08) | John Matkin |
| 1849 | 04/09/2012 | 48 Cormorants in front of Sheepwash. 10 Grey Herons (8 at Sheepwash, 1 at Millfields and 1 on Watersports Island), 28 Mute Swans, 5 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 23 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 7 Pochard, 4 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, Common Sandpiper, 70 Swallows, 3 Meadow Pipits on Dam Wall, Willow Warbler in song, 3 Raven, c300 Starling on Stones Island, 6 Linnets. 3'000+ Lesser Black Backed Gulls in the roost, also 3 Yellow-legged Gulls (usual resident one plus 2 in the roost), 2 Herring Gulls and 70 Black-headed Gulls. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1850 | 05/09/2012 | Ringed Plover north over Stones Island at c1715hrs. | . | Jonathan Bradley, Mark Pass. |
| 1851 | 07/09/2012 | 2 Tawny Owls in Sitch Plantation (1 calling and being mobbed by a Jay, 2nd on opposite side of the track was being hassled by Blackbird & Wrens before flying off), 1 Common Sandpiper, 7 Grey Heron, 16 Mute Swans, 3 Greylag Geese, 8 Little Grebes, 2 Kestrels, 4 Buzzards (1 chased off by Yellow-Legged Gull), 11 Willow Tits, 4 Coal Tits, 10 Nuthatch, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, 3 Willow Warblers, 5 Chiffchaff (2 singing), Spotted Flycatcher at Warrington Knob, 17 Blackbirds feeding on Rowan berries at Fishtail Creek and c150 hirundines feeding over Shiningford Creek | . | John Matkin |
| 1852 | 08/09/2012 | A Red Kite flew south over Stones Island at 17.51hrs. 47 Cormorants, 13 Little Grebes, several Grey Herons, 26 Teal, 9 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 6 Pochard, 75 Lapwing, Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Kingfisher, 50+ House Martins, Meadow Pipit, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Ravens. 5 Yellow-legged Gulls and c4'000 LBB Gulls in the roost (RC and JB). | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1853 | 08/09/2012 | Osprey flew north along the east side just after 8am. Also 2 Wheatear on the Dam Wall. | . | Eric Dewhurst |
| 1854 | 10/09/2012 | 45 Cormorants, 4 Grey Heron, 301 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag Geese, Barnacle Goose, 7 Shoveler, 29 Teal, 14 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 8 Pochard, 2 Common Sandpipers, 55 Lapwings, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 225 Black-headed Gulls, 130 Swallows, 60 House Martins, Wheatear, Green Woodpecker, 8 Linnets, c25 Goldfinch, Meadow Pipit, 7 Chiff Chaffs, Blackcap, 5 Raven flew south at 08.35. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1855 | 11/09/2012 | WLC: Hobby over, 2 Common Sandpiper, 3 Gadwall, 2 Pochard | . | James Owen (STW vol ranger) |
| 1856 | 13/09/2012 | Little Egret at Millfields, Barnacle Goose, Greylag Goose, 14 Wigeon, 6 Pochard, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, c70 Goldfinch, 10+ Meadow Pipit and a Wheatear on Dam Wall, 2 Kingfishers at Sheepwash, 6 Sand Martins off Stones Island. | . | Dave Newcomeb/Clive Ashton |
| 1857 | 16/09/2012 | A Great White Egret was found by Roger this morning at 08.50 from Sheepwash Hide. It was then seen on and off at several locations until around 10.00. I was lucky enough to see it in flight at 10.10 from Sheepwash car park. Unfortunately it was never seen again. 47 Cormorants, 3 Grey Herons, 13 Wigeon, 3 Common Sandpipers, Yellow-legged Gull. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1858 | 17/09/2012 | WeBS count done on Sunday 16th September between 06.45 and 10.45. Mute Swan 19,Canada Goose 12,Grey Heron 3,Great White Egret 1, Cormorant 36,Great Crested Grebe 35,Little Grebe 19,Mallard 207,Teal 42,Gadwall 9,Wigeon 12, Tufted Duck 120,Pochard 6,Goosander 3,Moorhen 2,Coot 606,Lapwing 1,Common Sandpiper 1, Yellow-legged Gull 1. | During the day Dave Newcombe had 47 Cormorant,13 Wigeon and 3 Common Sandpiper. One Mute Swan has yellow leg-band on with JCA written on. | Peter Gibbon |
| 1859 | 17/09/2012 | 16.30 to 17.30 today after 'low turn out of geese for WeBS count yesterday' there were 111 Canada Geese and 1 Barnacle Goose. Also 28 Lapwing and 50 Cormorant. | . | Peter Gibbon |
| 1860 | 18/09/2012 | 5 Grey Herons, 42 Cormorants, 66 Teal, 9 Wigeon, 8 Gadwall, 7 Pochards, 48 Lapwing, 5 Golden Plover through west this morning, 2 Common Sandpipers, adult Yellow-legged Gull, Kingfisher, Sand Martin, 290 Swallows through south-most between 10.30-11.30, Grey Wagtail, 79 Pied Wagtails, 2 Raven | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1861 | 21/09/2012 | At around 18.00 this evening whilst Roger and myself were standing on Stones Island we picked out 4 adult dark phase Arctic Skuas that had just put the gulls up. Light primary patches and a short pointed tail projection around half the tail length was evident. They didn't stay long and within minutes were heading off in a Northwesterly direction. Unfortunately, Clive had left site and missed them. Also of note was 47 Cormorants, 348 Canada Geese, Pink-footed Goose, female/juvenile Pintail, 11 Gadwall, 9 Wigeon, Snipe, Yellow-legged Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, juvenile Common Tern, Kingfisher, 4 Sand Martins, 12 Siskins and 2 Ravens. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton/Roger Carrington |
| 1862 | 24/09/2012 | 1 Common Scoter, 1 Little Egret, 1 Common Sandpiper all around Sheepwash. | Brief Visit between 14.30 - 15.30. | Neil Moulden and Alf Moulden |
| 1863 | 24/09/2012 | 1 Juv Arctic Tern from early morning to 1530hrs. At least 1 (possibly 4) Juv Common Tern early evening. 2 Sand Martin. Drake Common Scoter near Fishtail at 1900hrs. 1 Dunlin + 1 Little Stint mobile around Stones Island at dusk. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1864 | 25/09/2012 | WLC: 1 Hobby through, 1 juv Common Tern (a single bird appeared to stay all day), 1 Snipe, 2 Grey Heron, at least 1 Sand Martin among c.50 Swallow and c.10 House Martin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Yellow-legged Gull devoured a Little Grebe leaving 4 remaining around Horseshoe Island. Male Sparrowhawk, female Kestrel, 1 Buzzard. | . | James Owen (STW vol ranger) |
| 1865 | 29/09/2012 | 6 Goosander | Near the little island in Millfields Bay at around 8am. | Eric Dewhurst |
| 1866 | 01/10/2012 | Stones Island: 11 Pochard, 20 Mute Swans, 40 Teal, c80 Starlings, 2 Chiffchaff singing and 8 Siskins. Wildlife Centre: 4 Little Grebe, Grey Heron, 28 Lapwing, Reed Bunting. Fox along shoreline in Wildlife Centre Creek | 29/09(Stones Island): 5 Chiffchaffs with Long-tailed Tit flock, 10 Barnacle Geese, 87 Pied Wagtails gathered on Visitor Centre roof before roosting in bushes on Stones Island causeway. | John Matkin |
| 1867 | 01/10/2012 | 25 Barnacle Geese, 3 Greylag Geese, Grey Heron, 18 Pochard, 12 Little Grebe, Peregrine, 2 Buzzards, 90 Lapwings, 2 Common Sandpipers, Snipe, Yellow-legged Gull, several 1000 LBB Gulls, c400 Bh Gulls, 10 Swallows, 11 Chiff Chaffs, 4 Goldcrests, c30 Meadow Pipits. 2 foxes at the wildlife centre. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1868 | 02/10/2012 | 3 Swallow through, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Sparrowhawk (juv male), 2 Kestrel, 7 Little Grebe, 5 Grey Heron 2 foxes by WLC Creek. | . | James Owen (STW vol ranger) |
| 1869 | 03/10/2012 | 2 presumed escaped Cape Shelduck types at Millfields, 4 Grey Herons, 63 Great Crested Grebes, 17 Little Grebes, 11 Buzzards all in the air from Sheepwash Hide, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 79 Teal, 28 Wigeon, 23 Pochard, 60 Lapwings, Yellow-legged Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, 20 Meadow Pipits, 2 Skylarks, 28 Robins, 11 Siskin, 9 Chiff Chaffs, 5 Bullfinch. 4'500 Lesser Black Backed Gulls in the roost, also 530 Bh Gulls. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1870 | 05/10/2012 | Grey Heron, 18 Greylag Geese, Barnacle Goose, female type Pintail, 3 Shoveler, 103 Teal, 34 Wigeon, 31 Pochard, 3 Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, Sparrowhawk, c30 Meadow Pipits, 3 Skylarks, 9 Lesser Redpoll, Kingfisher, 3 Mistle Thrush, Greenfinch, 7+ Chiff Chaffs, 2 Ravens, several 1000 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, Herring Gull, 1'700 Black-headed Gulls. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1871 | 05/10/2012 | A few sightings for today that I forgot to add. 1 Dunlin commuting between the Wildlife Centre and Stones Island, 6 Golden Plover in front of Sailing Club. Also 19 Little Grebe. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1872 | 06/10/2012 | Wheatear on dam wall early morning. Also Grey Wagtail over dam. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1873 | 07/10/2012 | 2 Grey Heron in the trees at Hopton Hall + 1 in Wildlife Center creek. 8/10 Widgeon east side near Hopton. 2 Nuthatch on the Lane End feeder. Chiffchaff calling in Sitch Plantation. | . | Eric Dewhurst |
| 1874 | 08/10/2012 | 1 first winter Little Gull from Sheepwash Hide at 14.30hrs. Flew off with Black-headed Gulls towards the Dam after a few minutes. | . | Neil Moulden and Alf Moulden |
| 1875 | 08/10/2012 | 25 Mute Swans, 30 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 15 Little Grebes, Pink-footed Goose with Canadas, Barnacle Goose, 41 Greylag Geese, female Pintail, 53 Wigeon, 113 Teal, 8 Gadwall, 28 Pochard, Tufted Duck with bill saddle AAS, 2 Sparrowhawks, Buzzard, c75 Lapwings, 26 Golden Plover over Stones Island this morning, 7 Swallows, Grey Wagtail, Kingfisher, Skylark, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 6 Goldcrests (4 with tit flock at Millfields and 2 at P.Stanley), 2 Linnets, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Chiff Chaffs and c100 Jackdaws. Gull roost: c5'000 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, c2'000 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 5 Herring Gulls and 5 Common Gulls. Also a Water Vole in Brown Ale Bay. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1876 | 10/10/2012 | 1 Common Sandpiper on Stones Island at 18.00 hrs. | . | Neil Moulden |
| 1877 | 10/10/2012 | A Rock Pipit flew over Stones Island just after 18.15 this evening. c350 Pink-footed Geese flew west this morning at 09.40. 17 Little Grebes, 4 Grey Herons, female Pintail, 90+ Teal, 59 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 38 Pochard, Common Sandpiper, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls including the resident one which killed and ate a Little Grebe at the Wildlife Centre, 3 Herring Gulls, 11 Common Gulls, 2 Skylarks, Kingfisher, 7 Chiff Chaffs, Blackcap, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Linnets. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1878 | 12/10/2012 | Some good birds on site today, perhaps brought in with yesterday's wind and rain. 4 Scaup (2 drakes and 2 fem/imm) were present all day, either in front of Sheepwash Hide or in the bay to the right of the hide. There was 5 fem/imm Common Scoter towards Millfields early morning. The 5 then increased to 7 and then later in the day there was 11 (9 fem/imm and 2 drakes). A Grey Plover flew past Stones Island at 09.40 and probably flew straight through. 2 Dunlin flying around Stones Island and a further 5 on the back of Horseshoe Island. Also of note was 29 Mute Swans, 32 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 21 Little Grebes, 48 Great Crested Grebes, 124 Teal, 125 Wigeon, 8 Gadwall, 5 female Pintail, 3 Shoveler, 69 Pochard, Common Sandpiper, 105 Lapwings, Grey Wagtail, Buzzard, Kestrel, male Sparrowhawk, Skylark, 16 Redwing and 9 Lesser Redpoll. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1879 | 13/10/2012 | Possible baltic gull: an adult with LBBGs at sheepwash after dinner then flew off, it was a little smaller than the LBBGs and had a pure white head with a dark back and black wingtipsscaup: 1 drake at sheepwash with a tufted duck around 11-12 in the morningraven: 2 flew together and 1 calling over wildlife centre areajay: 7 seen in flight together at sheepwash in the morningyellow legged gull: adult around sheepwash area all morning | . | scott linacre |
| 1880 | 15/10/2012 | Fishtail Creek, early am: c50 Redwing over heading southwest, 14 pheasants from roost in trees, 2 Tree Sparrows with 11 Chaffinches, 7 Linnet, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 5 Lesser Redpoll over. | 200+ Jackdaws over early am in the space of half an hour (06/10). Sparrowhawk took Collared Dove from Rangerbase (09/10). c10 Redwing at Fishtail Creek on 12/10, Redwing on other days but very mobile and in small numbers. c65 Pink-footed Geese high over heading west (14/10) | John Matkin |
| 1881 | 15/10/2012 | Gull in the roost tonight showing many characteristics of Baltic Gull (Larus Fuscus). Dark back, long winged, all black wing tips, small clean head. Also in the roost was a 3rd winter Caspian Gull, 4+ Yellow-legged Gulls, 6 Herring Gulls and 38 Common Gulls. Also of note was 31 Cormorants, 70 Great Crested Grebes, 14 Little Grebes, 70 Wigeon, 133 Teal, 5 Gadwall, female Wheatear, 3 Reed Buntings, 3 Greenfinch, 8 Bullfinch and 28 Lesser Redpoll. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1882 | 16/10/2012 | WeBS count for Oct.08.00 to 11.00. Mute Swan 32,Canada Goose 2,Wigeon 119,Gadwall 9,Teal 116,Pochard 79,Tufted Duck 136,Little Grebe 15,Great Crested Grebe 54,Cormorant 39,Moorhen 4,Coot 631,Lapwing 52,Common Sandpiper 1,Kingfisher 1. Sparrowhawk | . | Peter Gibbon + John Bradley |
| 1883 | 17/10/2012 | 1st winter Grey Phalarope first seen from Sheepwash Hide at 15.45. I lost it for around 25 minutes when it suddenly reappeared behind the spit only for it to get mobbed by a Lesser Black Backed Gull and disappear again. By this time a few more birders turned up and we refound it in Brown Ale Bay and had good views for around 40 minutes. We last saw it from Sheepwash Hide at c17.45 as it once again flew past the spit and towards Brown Ale Bay. Also seen by CB, RJL, MAP, JB. Also of note was 65 Great Crested Grebes, 11 Little Grebes, 32 Cormorants, 11 Gadwall, 45 Wigeon, 155 Teal, female Pintail, 80 Pochard, Yellow-legged Gull, 78 Lapwings, 2 Kestrel, c20 Meadow Pipits, 6 Skylarks, Kingfisher, 8 Lesser Redpoll and 6 Siskins. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1884 | 19/10/2012 | The 1st winter Grey Phalarope is still present and being seen mostly from Sheepwash Hide. It's very mobile and at times distant and spent some considerable time down towards Lane End Hide. It was still present this evening at 18.00 opposite Sheepwash Hide near the far bank. Also on site was a drake Scaup at the Wildlife Centre. 2 Red-breasted Mergansers seen from both Sheepwash and Lane End Hides, though distant. 10 Goosander at Millfields early morning (9 female types and a drake), 32 Cormorants, Grey Heron, female Pintail, Shoveler, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Pipit on Dam Wall, c20 Meadow Pipits, 50+ Pied Wagtails, Kingfisher, c40 Lesser Redpoll on Stones Island, a Brambling in Sheepwash Car Park, and 2 Raven. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 1885 | 19/10/2012 | The probable Baltic Gull - (larus fuscus fuscus) first reported on Sat. 13th October, seen and videoed subsequently, is now considered by expert opinion to be more likely an 'intermedius' based on primary moult, despite showing many other typical features. This bird, however, is still striking and its close resemblance to 'fucus' is undeniable, highlighting the difficulty of positively identifying adult Baltic Gull out of range without a ring. This is now the second 'probable' Baltic Gull in recent years at Carsington - let's hope the next one has a readable ring! | . | Richard Lowe |
| 1886 | 20/10/2012 | I'm not on site today but for anybody interested the Grey Phalarope is still present as of 14.00hrs for its 4th day (per Bird Guides). It still sounds very mobile and is commuting between Sheepwash Hide and Lane End Hide. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1887 | 21/10/2012 | We was on site from just after light until 12.15pm and there wasn't any sign of the Grey Phalarope. The drake Scaup is still at the Wildlife Centre. 41 Pochard, 4 Gadwall, 112 Lapwings, 2 Grey Herons, Yellow-legged Gull, Kingfisher, c20 Meadow Pipits, 26 Cormorants, 22 Mute Swans. Female Pintail and 3 Shoveler at Sheepwash. | . | Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown |
| 1888 | 22/10/2012 | Drake Scaup still at the Wildlife Centre. A little later in the day two other birders had the drake and 3 more Scaup. 2 Grey Herons, 8 Little Grebes, 45 Great Crested Grebes, 25 Cormorants, 28 Mute Swans, 95 Wigeon, 9 Gadwall, 174 Teal, female Pintail, 85 Pochards, Yellow-legged Gull, 29 Common Gulls, 2 Herring Gulls. First thing this morning I had a probable Sanderling at Millfields. I only saw the bird briefly. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1889 | 25/10/2012 | 3 Gadwall, 3 Pintail, Scaup, 162 Pochard, Curlew, Kingfisher, 2 Skylarks, c100 Redwings, 6 Goldcrests, 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton/Chris Brown |
| 1890 | 26/10/2012 | 4 Whooper Swans present at Sheepwash all day. 54 Great Crested Grebes, 29 Cormorants, female Pintail, 170 Teal, 87 Wigeon, 134 Pochard, 9 Goldeneye, Dunlin, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel, Grey Wagtail, 2 Skylarks, Kingfisher, 9 Meadow Pipits, 220 Fieldfare, 64 Redwings, Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Herring Gulls (adult and 2 1st winters), 1st winter GBB Gull, 65 Common Gulls, 2 Ravens, 120 Jackdaws. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1891 | 28/10/2012 | Pair + 1 juv Whooper Swans 0945-1015 then flew east. 4 Shelduck, 1 Shoveler,1 Pintail, 62 Pochard, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit at Sheepwash. 70 Pochard at Millfields. Kingfisher, 15 Meadow Pipit and 1 Dunlin flying around Stones Island. Fly-over Redpoll, Brambling, Yellowhammer. 1700 Starlings thru west in 14 flocks this morning. 180 Wood Pigeon thru west in 5 flocks. | Records this morning 0700-1200hrs by RC,JB,MAP, NJM. Slav Grebe yesterday but no sign today. | Roger Carrington |
| 1892 | 29/10/2012 | 33 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 49 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, Shoveler, 213 Teal, 204 Pochard, 7 Goldeneye, redhead Goosander, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel, 2 Dunlin, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, 10 Meadow Pipits, 9 Skylarks, 35 Siskin, c350 Starlings, c100 Redwing, 2 Raven. 220 Common Gulls, 6 Herring Gulls, 2 GBB Gulls, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1893 | 01/11/2012 | 22 Mute Swans, Grey Heron, 200 Teal, female Pintail, 113 Wigeon, 13 Gadwall, 271 Pochard, Redshank, female Sparrowhawk, 15 Meadow Pipits, Kingfisher, 2 Raven. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls in the roost. Barn Owl hunting around Sheepwash car park at dusk. Also 2 Tawny Owls calling from Sheepwash Woods. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1894 | 02/11/2012 | WATER RAIL ON PATH GO DOWN TO PAULS HIDE. | . | DAVID & JANET COATES |
| 1897 | 10/11/2012 | WLC: 5 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Willow Tit Also early morning, female Pintail, adult GBB Gull on Sheepwash Spit, and a stoat all day on Horseshoe Island. | Water level 87.4% | James Owen (STW vol ranger) |
| 1898 | 13/11/2012 | 2 Redshank and 1 Red-crested Pochard at Wildlife Centre. 22 Collared Dove in Visitor Centre car park. Drake Goosander at Sailing Club. 81 Pochard total count. 142 Lapwing and a female Pintail at Sheepwash. 20 Fieldfare over Sheepwash car park and 7 Tree Sparrow, 5 Bullfinch, Willow Tit, Nuthatch on car park feeder. | All 0730-1200hrs. | Roger Carrington |
| 1899 | 18/11/2012 | 37 Waxwing feeding on red berries between Wildlife Centre and main car park 0845-0915hrs. 120 Jackdaw and 2 Raven over Sheepwash at Dawn. 2 Redshank and 11 Meadow Pipit on Stones Island. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1900 | 19/11/2012 | WeBS count for November - 07.30 to 10.30 Mute Swan 28,Canada Goose 36,Wigeon 41,Gadwall 9,Teal 116,Mallard 146,Red-crested Pochard 1,Pochard 143,Tufted Duck 168,Goldeneye 4,Great Crested Grebe 53,Cormorant 18,Moorhen 6,Coot 633,Lapwing 80,Redshank 2,Kingfisher 1. | . | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 1901 | 19/11/2012 | 5 Woodcock noted during a short Woodland Survey in Hall Wood this morning. Great Northern Diver at dusk, found by RJL checking the gull roost from Lane Ends Hide. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1902 | 21/11/2012 | WLC: 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 1 Willow Tit, 1 Linnet, 1 Yellow-legged Gull | . | James Owen (STW vol ranger) |
| 1903 | 23/11/2012 | Great Northern Diver mobile but mainly between Sheepwash and Stones Island.Drake Red-crested Pochard at Wildlife Centre.245 Lapwing in front of Sailing Club at 0900hrs.12 Lesser Redpoll on Stones Island. 5 Reed Bunting in Wildlife Centre Creek. 2 Willow Tit, 2 Nuthatch and Great Spotted Woodpecker on Paul Stanley Hide feeders. | All 0730-1130hrs. | Roger Carrington |
| 1905 | 26/11/2012 | Great Northern Diver off Stones Island this morning. Red-crested Pochard in Hopton Arm. 1 Chiffchaff PSHide. 1 Dunlin flying with Lapwing. 151 Teal. 168 Mallard. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1906 | 27/11/2012 | Further to Roger's sightings,C280 Lapwing,30 Blackbird,c30 Chaffinch,c20 Siskin,Peregrine,Sparrowhawk,Kingfisher,2 Yellow legged Gull,5 Herring Gull,Great black backed Gull. | Roger also had 67 Pink footed Geese west at 12:15hr | Clive Ashton |
| 1907 | 27/11/2012 | A Slavonian Grebe was found at the Wildlife centre,this morning,by Mark Pass and Roger Carrington. 3 Scaup were found by James Owen at Sheepwash,and were present all day. shortly after 2pm a second Great northern Diver was found,from Sheepwash,and whilst too distant to age is almost certainly the juvenile reported at Ogston reservoir earlier in the day, which left around 13:30hr. At least 6 Ravens were over Blackwall plantation. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1908 | 27/11/2012 | The adult Great Northern Diver still present today was joined by a 2nd bird. We first spotted it at 14.10 and shortly after both birds could be seen together. It was too distant to age with any certainty but could be the immature that was briefly at Ogston and seemingly left. Also of note was a Slavonian Grebe at the Wildlife Centre, 3 Scaup at Sheepwash, 28 Pink-footed Geese South East at 11.45hrs. 20 Cormorants, 14 Mute Swans, Grey Heron, 167 Pochard, drake Red-crested Pochard, 3 Goldeneye, 3 Goosander, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Herring Gulls, and 6+ Raven over Blackwall Plantation. | . | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton/Chris Brown |
| 1909 | 29/11/2012 | Slavonian Grebe still from Wildlife Centre all day. I could only find 1 Great Northern Diver today. Female Common Scoter early morning, 2 female type Red-breasted Merganser, 111 Pochard and 5 Goldeneye all found by RMRJ. Mergansers still present from PSHide 1500hrs. 1 Dunlin on Flat Island. Kingfisher and 1 Redshank from WLC. Gull roost: 600 Common Gull, 3000 LBBG, at least 4000 BHG. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1910 | 30/11/2012 | 15 Shoveler,in 2 flocks of 4 and 11, consisting of 5 drakes and 10 females. Slavonian Grebe still at the Wildlife Centre. Great northern Diver, Fishtail creek. Redshank on Watersports Island. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1911 | 30/11/2012 | Bullfinch 10+ spread around. Kinfisher near Hopton, Kestrel pair over Sheepwash Carpark, Nuthatch 2 on Lane End Feeder, Gadwall Wildlife Center Creek, Redshank from Wildlife Center, Goldeneye 5 (3M 2F) with Tufted Ducks off the Dam Wall | Seen on a round trip this morning. | Eric Dewhurst |
| 1912 | 30/11/2012 | 4 adult Whooper Swans from Sheepwash, late afternoon, then flew south at 1610hrs. Only 1 Great Northern Diver seen at dusk. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1913 | 01/12/2012 | 2 kingfishers at sheepwash. Yellow legged gull at both sheepwash and wildlife centre. Redshank at wildlife centre. At least 5 raven around the reserve. 3 shelduck between sheppwash and lane end hide. Great northern diver from lane end hide. Partial albino lapwing near wildlife centre showing a white crest and white spots on its back. 26 barnacle geese sticking with canadas near wildlife centre. Pink footed goose with canadas. Upto 10 goldeneye at sheepwash. Sparrowhawk, kestrel and buzzard also seen. | . | scott linacre |
| 1914 | 02/12/2012 | redshank in front of lane end hide at midday, great northern diver from lane end hide at about 2pm right across in fish tail creek, slavionion grebe showing well from wildlife centre | . | colin penny |
| 1915 | 03/12/2012 | 10am-12noon (regular 'Birdwatching for Beginners' walk, taking in Stones Island, Wildlife Centre and areas in between): Siskin, House Sparrow, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Canada Goose, Great Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck, Coot, Mallard, Slavonian Grebe, Mute Swan, Black-headed Gull, Magpie, Robin, Teal, Lapwing, Goldeneye, Redshank, Blue Tit, Reed Bunting, Wren, Kestrel, Dunlin, Pied Wagtail, Little Grebe, Jackdaw, Collared Dove, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Buzzard, Tree Sparrow, Willow Tit, Dunnock, Gt Northern Diver, Pochard, Wigeon | No counts undertaken, so this is just a list of species seen chronologically by 10-strong group; views of Slavonian Grebe superb, just off Stones Island around 10.20; Diver spotted in centre of reservoir, viewed from the wildlife centre at some distance | Gary Atkins |
| 1916 | 04/12/2012 | Slavonian Grebe - From wildlife centre at 10.30am. Good views. | . | Richard Pittam |
| 1917 | 04/12/2012 | Both Great Northern Divers present today although both quite distant from Sheepwash Hide. Slavonian Grebe from Wildlife Centre. 18 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 121 Canada Geese, Pink-footed Goose, Barnacle Goose, 49 Wigeon, 150+ Pochard, 9 Goldeneye, 2 Redshank, Dunlin, Yellow-legged Gull, 44 Common Gulls, Kingfisher, Meadow Pipit, Chiff Chaff, c15 Goldfinch, 3 Bullfinch. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1918 | 06/12/2012 | Adult and Juvenile Great Northern Divers this morning. Slavonian Grebe near Lane End. 150 Jackdaw + 40 Crow over Sheepwash at Dawn. 2 Redshank on Stones Island. Counts of 167 Mallard and 115 Teal. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1919 | 08/12/2012 | Slavonian Grebe from WLC. Juv. Great Northern Diver from Stones Island at 1300h. | . | Richard Pittam |
| 1920 | 09/12/2012 | Local news - Ashbourne : 36 Waxwing | The flock has been present for 4 days and swelled in numbers from 11 to 36 today. The birds can be seen from Belper Road near the phone box and letter box. | Rosie Hamilton |
| 1921 | 09/12/2012 | 1 Slav Grebe, 1 Dunlin from Wildlife Centre.1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Redshank and 4 Waxwing[seen by MAP] briefly from Stones Island. | Roger Carrington | |
| 1922 | 11/12/2012 | Slavonian Grebe still from Wildlife Centre. Adult Great Northern Diver showing very well from Millfields Car Park in fading light this evening -mostly feeding less than 10m from shore! | 13:50 - 16:00 | Paul Thomas |
| 1923 | 13/12/2012 | 2 Great Northern Divers, juv in Millfields Bay, adult in next bay towards Oldfield Lane at 1000hrs. Slav Grebe still at Wildlife Centre. | . | Roger Carrington |
| 1924 | 17/12/2012 | WeBS count for December- Mute Swan 16, Canada Goose 65,Wigeon 44,Gadwall 5,Teal 109,Mallard 137,Pochard 192,Tufted Duck 220,Goldeneye 21,Great Northern Diver 1,Cormorant 17,Little Grebe 1,Great Crested Grebe 44,Slavonian Grebe 1,Moorhen 4,Coot 784,Lapwing 142,Snipe 1,Redshank 2,Black-headed Gull 30,Common Gull 1,Lesser Black-backed Gull 17,Herring Gull 4,Yellow-legged Gull 1,Sparrowhawk 1, Kestrel 1. 26 Species and 1861 individuals. | . | Peter Gibbon and Roger Carrington |
| 1925 | 18/12/2012 | Adult Great Northern Diver from Sheepwash Hide although mostly distant. Slavonian Grebe at the Wildlife Centre. 49 Greylag Geese circled around Sheepwash and then flew West. 100+ Canada Geese, 12 Goldeneye, 140 Pochard, Redshank, 110 Lapwings, Kestrel, Buzzard, male Sparrowhawk caught a Pied Wagtail near the shoreline at Sheepwash. | . | Dave Newcombe |
| 1926 | 27/12/2012 | Two Great Northern Divers close in at Millfields at 10.30 hrs. | . | Neil Moulden |
| 1927 | 27/12/2012 | Juvenile Great Northern Diver at Sailing Club, attempting to swallow a large fish. Adult GN Diver at Millfields. 6+ Goldeneye, 2 Redshank. | . | Clive Ashton |
| 1928 | 01/01/2013 | 2 x Great Northern Divers from Stones island @ 1140h. | . | Richard pittam |
| 1929 | 01/01/2013 | Adult plus Juvenile Great Northern Divers from Stones Island this morning. 1 Pink-footed Goose and 26 feral Barnacle Geese from Wilflife Centre. 3 Redshank, Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls and 12 Lesser Redpoll on/from Stones Island. | 47 species noted this morning. | Roger Carrington |
| 1930 | 02/01/2013 | Great Northern Diver 1, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Goosander 1, Kestrel 1, Pheasant 2, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Snipe 2, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser-Black Backed Gull, Great Black Backed Gull, Herring Gull, Yellow-legged Gull 2, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Willow Tit 2, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow c20, CHaffinch, Greenfinch 2+, Goldfinch, Siskin c60 | Arrived 13:00 - Departed 15:05 | T.D.Goddard |
| 1931 | 04/01/2013 | 3 Great northern Divers (2 Juvs near Sailing Club, adult mid water) 300+ Lapwing,2Redshank,5 Shelduck,2Kingfisher,3 Yellow legged Gulls,10+ Herring Gulls. | . | clive ashton |
| 1932 | 09/01/2013 | 3 Great Northern Divers. 16 Cormorant. 21 Barnacle Geese. 1 Oystercatcher |