| 02/05/2023 | The GNDiver had a fly around again early this morning before dropping back onto the water. Guess it will be heading off any day now. 3 Greylag broods and 1 new Canada brood. Female Goldeneye at Sheepwash. 6 Swifts from Stones. Ringed Plover at sailing club. Little Egret N over Stones. 3 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed. Lesser Whitethroat on Stones and Common Whitethroat above Middle Wood. 14 Treecreepers counted between Hopton and Middle Wood. At least 2 recently fledged young Mistle Thrushes in Hall Wood. Pied Flycatcher singing at Warrington Knob. | Simon Roddis |
| 01/05/2023 | Osprey from Stones from 08:45, last seen flying SE at 09:25. The GNDiver still off Sheepwash, looking extremely smart. 9+ Swifts. Female Wigeon and a pair of Goldeneye. Loads of hirundines, especially Sand Martins. | Simon Roddis |
| 30/04/2023 | A Sanderling was on sailing club shore early morning and the GNDiver was off Stones. Yellow Wag on the dam wall. 2 female Wheatears (dam wall and around the visitor centre). Brood of 5 Canada Geese from Stones and 9 Mallard ducklings (first seen yesterday).
A great turn-out of 29 people for the Springtime Songbird walk, thanks to everyone who came. A write-up will appear on the website and in the next CBC newsletter. | Simon Roddis |
| 28/04/2023 | Highlight this morning was the site's earliest ever Spotted Flycatcher, near Lane End. Previous earliest was 4th May 2018. Perimeter counts were lower than expected, perhaps due to the dull conditions early on: 90 Blue Tits, 51 Great, 10 Long-tailed, 37 Willow Warblers (all singing), 106 Chiffchaff (99 singing), 20 Sedge (19 singing), 1 Reed, 51 Blackcap (45 singing), 10 Garden singing, 7 Goldcrest, 105 Wren (100 singing), 7 Treecreeper, 55 Song Thrush (40 singing), 15 Mistle Thrush (12 singing), 115 Blackbird (52 singing), 89 Robin (70 singing), 4 Redstart, 27 Dunnock (21 singing), 17 Chaffinch, 8 Bullfinch. And the GNDiver still present. | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 27/04/2023 | 5 Black Terns put in a brief appearance before flying NE at 07:40. A Common Tern hung around from 09:00 to 11:00 at least. The GNDiver had a fly around for a few minutes before dropping back onto the water. 5 Common Sandpipers on Stones. 1 Dunlin. c150 Sand Martins, 50 Swallows and 25 House Martins. A Common Whitethroat near the visitor centre, Lesser Whitethroats in WLC fields and on Stones (CA), 3+ Garden Warblers around Stones and 12 Sedge Warblers (11 around Stones, 1 at WLC). One of the Garden Warblers had a distinctive song, a rolling warble, presumably the same bird with that song variation that was on Stones last year. | Simon Roddis |
| 25/04/2023 | Some perimeter counts undertaken today with Chris Brown. All done in the afternoon so probably not the best time as some counts were quite disappointing. 71 Chiffchaff. 17 Willow Warblers. 32 Blackcap. 6 Sedge Warbler. Reed Warbler Hopton reedbed. 24 Blue Tits. 4 Song Thrush. 31 Blackbird. 5 Mistle Thrush. 24 Wren. 5 male Redstarts all singing on the east side. 35 Robins. 5 Goldcrest. 5 Dunnock. 5 Nuthatch. 6 Greenfinch. 181 Canada Geese. 23 Greylags. Pair of Wigeon at Hopton end. 19 Teal which included 18 that flew in and landed in the middle of the res. 15 Gadwall. 34 Tufteds. Adult GN Diver off Stones Is. Snipe and Redshank on Horseshoe Is. 2 Grey Wagtails on draw off tower. Ringed Plover on dam wall. | Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown |
| 26/04/2023 | The GNDiver off Stones again. Single Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwits on Watersports island early morning. A Whimbrel flew over Stones and came down on Horseshoe island. 4 Common Sandpipers at Watersports. 1 Curlew. 1,800 BhGulls early morning post-roost. 2 redhead Goosander at Millfields early morning. 2 Wheateras, a female on Hays Lane (Millfields) and Clive saw a male on the dam wall. Garden Warbler and Yellow Wagtail on Stones. 6 Lesser Redpoll at the play area. | Simon Roddis |
| 24/04/2023 | Stones Island (11-12.15). A pair of Willow Tits seemed to be sussing out a nestbox on Stones, and another Willow Tit was in the VC courtyard. Five or six Sedge Warblers were nice to hear (as were similar number of Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs) and showed well. A stoat did not seem in too much of a rush to avoid us. Two 'sitting' Oystercatchers (one on Watersports and one in front of the Sailing Club). Confirming earlier reports, hundreds of hirundines over the res seemed chiefly martins, and those low over the Island itself mainly House Martins. | Gary Atkins/John Follett |
| 24/04/2023 | The GNDiver off Stones island this morning, beginning to look quite smart. 2 Shelduck at Sheepwash. 8 Shoveler out in the middle, typical of passage wildfowl. 3 Wigeon. 3 Goldeneye. Drake Goosander. Common Sandpiper on Stones. c500 B-h Gulls around Millfields island, but sadly 3 dead ones, presumably AI victims. 12 Buzzards in the air. Total of 13 Ravens, including 11 together beyond WLC Creek. Hundreds of hirundines over the water. 6 Sedge Warblers around Stones. Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed. Lesser Whitethroat singing in WLC Creek. Total of 9 Redstarts (8m,1f). 2 singing Pied Flycatchers in Hall and Middle Woods. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 23/04/2022 | WeBS count; Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 2, Great Crested Grebe 31, Cormorant 6, Grey Heron 1, Canada Goose 177, Greylag 22, Barnacle Goose 10, Mute Swan 5, Gadwall 12, Mallard 72, Tufted Duck 43, Teal 2, Goldeneye 5, Common Scoter 4, Moorhen 4, Coot 31, Oystercatcher 11, Redshank 6, LRP 4, Lapwing 1, Common Sandpiper 1, Grey Wagtail 1. Also Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed, 8 Sedge Warbler, 7 Redstart, 2 Pied Flycatcher, Yellow Wagtail, 3+ Arctic Tern, 2 Common Tern. | Jon Bradley/Clive Ashton |
| 22/04/2023 | Beautiful Male Wheatear X 1 just below the tower by the overflow | Sean O'Keefe |
| 22/04/2023 | Failed miserably to find any Little Gulls again this afternoon, despite there seemingly being plenty about!
There were getting on for 100 Sand Martins feeding just off Stones Island at 16.00, plus two House Martins, one of which was being relentlessly pursued by a single Swallow.
There was a single Dunlin on Watersports Island and a Redstart sang briefly, just uphill of the WLC Creek at 15.30. | Paul Bennett |
| 21/04/2023 | 11 adult Little Gulls off Stones Is late afternoon. | Richard Lowe |
| 20/04/2023 | We joined in the Little Gull action this morning, with 4 adults on the water that had presumably roosted overnight, picked up by Clive. 4 Bar-tailed Godwits this morning, 3 females and a male, after just 1 female and the male yesterday. 3 Teal. 2 Curlew. On and around Stones island, the GNDiver, 90 Carrion Crows first thing, and at least 3 Sedge Warblers. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 19/04/2023 | Some nice birds this morning: yesterday's 2 Bar-tailed Godwits were still on Watersports/Horseshoe islands; a herd of 23 Whooper Swans were off Sheepwash before flying NW at 08:08; the GNDiver also off Sheepwash; a Yellow Wagtail N over Stones island and a Crossbill N over WLC. Sedge Warbler still singing on sailing club island. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 18/04/2023 | Lesser Whitethroat heard singing in trees adjacent to Shiningford Creek. | Gary Atkins |
| 17/04/2023 | At Hopton end/Hall and Middle Woods early morning, singing Pied Flycatcher, 4 singing Redstarts, 1 (possibly 3) Yellowhammers in the gorse field, 9 Goldcrests, 7 Treecreepers. The GNDiver still from Stones. 24 Barnacle Geese. 1 Curlew S. Sedge Warbler still on sailing club island. Blackbird with food near main centre. | Simon Roddis |
| 16/04/2023 | A morning with a bit of everything. Winter birds: the GNDiver from Stones, 3 Goldeneye still, 60 Fieldfare and 1 Redwing flew N. Summer visitors: 3 hirundine and 4 warbler species. Passage: a Greenshank flew in over Stones at 09:52. Others: 29 Barnacle Geese, a redhead Goosander flew S, 4+ Redshank, 1 Curlew, 75 Carrion Crows on the dam wall early morning, 11 Lesser Redpoll. 75 species. | Simon Roddis |
| 14/04/2023 | The GNDiver still from Stones this morning. Sedge Warbler singing on sailing club island, a Yellow Wagtail on Stones (CA,AHS) and an adult Common Tern buoy-hopping. 29 Barnacle Geese. 2 Wigeon and 2 Teal still hanging on. 1+ Curlew. A sub-adult GBbGull around Stones. Barn Owl again at Millfields. 3 singing Willow Tits. Singing Skylark over the dam wall/sailing club. Total of 16 Lesser Redpoll, including 13 near WLC. | Simon Roddis |
| 13/04/2023 | The GNDiver still, now fully winged again. c200 hirundines, mostly Sand Martins and Swallows, but 11 House Martins perched in a willow on Stones at one point. 26 Barnacle Geese. 6 Mute Swans. 1 Curlew over Stones. Small trickle of Lesser Black-backs heading north. | Simon Roddis |
| 12/04/2023 | The GNDiver still from Stones island this morning. Nice mixed hirundine flock of 70+ Sand, 5 House Martins and 10 Swallows on Stones, perching in trees. 30 Barnacle Geese. 1 Little Egret. c1,100 BhGulls early morning. | Simon Roddis |
| 11/04/2023 | 2 Redstarts singing, at Hopton End and Hall Wood. The GNDiver north of Stones island. 32 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. 1 House Martin again on Stones, with 10 Sand and 10 Swallows. | Simon Roddis |
| 10/04/2023 | 10am-noon: Dozens of Swallows, House Martins and Sand Martins hawking low over the water off Stones Is; Blackcap, several singing Chiffchaffs and at least three singing Willow Warblers, plus Teal on Stones; and an Oystercatcher on Watersports Is | Gary Atkins |
| 10/04/2023 | Afternoon visit in a failed attempt to avoid the rain. The GNDiver, c50 Sand and 1 House Martin, 10+ Swallows, 3 Fieldfare from Stones. 27 Herring Gulls on the water. c20 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. | Simon Roddis |
| 08/04/2023 | 12 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackap, 1 Garden Warbler,2 Raven,8 Greylag, 20 Sand Martin, 3 Redshank, 4 Oystercatcher, 10 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 3 Mute Swan, 2 Chaffinch,6 Redpoll, and one deer having an early morning swim in the fog. | David Armitt |
| 08/04/2023 | The GNDiver was north of Stones island this morning. 2 Shelduck. Perimeter counts of 158 Chiffchaffs, 8 Willow Warbler, 22 Blackcap, 47 Pheasant (43m, many displaying), 16 Oystercatcher, 8 Grey Herons, 4 GSWoodpecker, 20 Magpie, 12 Coal Tit, 117 Blue Tit, 50 Great Tit, 6 LtTit, 4 Goldcrest, 118 Wren, 8 Nuthatch, 9 Treecreeper, 33 Song Thrush, 11 Mistle, 65 Blackbird, 141 Robins, 30 Dunnock, 24 Chaffinch, 23 Bullfinch, 6 Greenfinch, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 27 Goldfinch, 6 Reed Bunting. | Simon Roddis |
| 06/04/2023 | The GNDiver was off Stones mid-morning. 29 Barnacle Geese. 10 Swallows and 20 Sand Martins feeding off Lane End/Sheepwash. A flock of c150 Fieldfares flew NE over the north end. | Simon Roddis |
| 05/04/2023 | Two LRP's, a Dunlin and a Yellow Wagtail on the Sailing Club side of Stones Island causeway at 17.00 today. Also two Reed Buntings there and a Willow Warbler singing on Stones Island. Slightly later at around 17.30, there were around 30 Sand Martins, feeding between Stones and Watersports Island. | Paul Bennett |
| 05/04/2023 | An adult Common Tern was off Millfields and the dam wall early morning (perhaps having roosted overnight?). The GNDiver from Stones. 16 Barnacle Geese. c2,000 Black-headed and 6 Herring Gulls early morning. Barn Owl at Millfields first thing, and Tawny Owl calling. At least 23 Sand Martins and 6 Swallows. 2 Blackcaps on Stones (CA) and 2 at Sheepwash. Willow Warblers in WLC creek (CA) and on Stones. | Simon Roddis |
| 04/04/2023 | Ad hoc wildfowl count: 240 Canada, 31 Barnacle, 36 Greylag, 7 Mute Swans, 1m Shoveler, 23 Gadwall, 3 Wigeon, 104 Mallard, 7 Teal, 36 Tufted, 8 Goldeneye, 7 Moorhen, 17 Coot, 57 GCGrebe, 14 Oystercatcher, 1 LRP, 2 Curlew, 1 Snipe, 6 Redshank, the adult GNDiver, 21 Cormorant, 5 Heron. A Willow Warbler singing at Millfields, and Blackcaps at Hall Wood and Millfields. Total of 7 Jays, including 1 at Hopton end which imitated Sparrowhawk and Buzzard calls. 1 Redwing at Hopton end. | Simon Roddis |
| 03/04/2023 | 3 singing Blackcaps this morning, first of the year. 2 Merlins flew N over the pastures, seemingly being seen off by a Peregrine. The GNDiver still off Stones island. At least 7 Swallows and 4 Sand Martins. 31 Barnacle Geese. Marsh Tit still coming to Sheepwash feeder. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 02/04/2023 | At today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Blackbird, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Dunnock, Tufted Duck, Gt Crested Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mallard, Oystercatcher, Coot, Goldeneye, Common Gull, Gadwall, Carrion Crow, Robin, Wren, Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Reed Bunting, Goldcrest, Cormorant, Gt Northern Diver, Redshank, Jackdaw, Great Tit, Mute Swan, Woodpigeon, Barnacle Goose (Hawaiian 'Ne-ne' in attendance), Moorhen, Tree Sparrow, Kestrel, Willow Tit, Pied Wagtail, House Sparrow and Goldfinch ... and, probably Sand Martin (WLC volunteer also saw a lot of Swallows early on) | Gary Atkins |
| 31/03/2023 | Willow Warbler, one singing on Stones Island this morning | A and G Hattersley |
| 23/03/2023 | GN Diver off Stones, 3 Mute Swan, 3 Wheatear still on the dam wall, 11 Redpoll on Stones, 2 Sand Martin, Blackbird carrying nesting material near main centre. | Clive Ashton/ Alan Stewardson |
| 22/03/2023 | An adult and 1st-winter Mediterranean Gull from the WLC mid-morning were the first of the year (I think). The GNDiver and 6 Pintail (3m,3f) from Stones. 2 Little Egrets again. The Marsh Tit calling at Sheepwash. 1 Sand Martin. And Clive had 3 male Wheatears on the dam wall. | Simon Roddis |
| 21/03/2023 | A Barn Owl was sat on the fence on the Hopton side of the road, just south of the Hopton End reedbed this evening, at 17.50. | Paul Bennett |
| 21/03/2023 | Nice morning at Carsi: the first Swallow and LRP of the year around Stones, 2 Sand Martins, 3 male Wheatears on the dam wall, Barn Owl first thing, 4 Dunlin, the GNDiver still from Stones, 11 Curlew at sailing club, 4 Dunlin, 2 Little Egret, 1 Peregrine, 6 Fieldfare. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 18/03/2023 | The GNDiver still this morning. Pair of Shelduck at Millfields. Male Shoveler and redhead Goosander off Stones. 2+ Tawny Owls calling at Millfields early morning. 53 Carrion Crows in the dam wall fields. 6+ Chiffchaffs. | Simon Roddis |
| 17/03/2023 | Signs of spring: 6+ Chiffchaffs (at least 4 on Stones) and 5 Sand Martins this morning. Bit of movement, mainly northward: 901 Woodpigeons, 22 Fieldfare, 1 Golden Plover. The GNDiver moving around. Pair of Mandarins over Hopton end. 18 Buzzards and 2 Red Kites in the air in a 360 scan from the dam wall late morning. 2 singing Willow Tits. Singing Skylark over the dam wall fields. 60 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall. 8 Lesser Redpoll on Stones. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 16/03/2023 | A very nice start to the morning with a Barn Owl hunting in Tail Bay, a male Wheatear (whoopee, a migrant!) on the dam wall (equal earliest since 2000) and an immature drake Common Scoter on the water (off Stones to 9.30 at least). At least 4 Redshank. 1 Dunlin. Marsh Tit still at Sheepwash. 6 Willow Tits. 60 Redwing over Fishtail and 44 Fieldfare N. 8 Lesser Redpolls feeding among other finches at WLC. | Simon Roddis |
| 15/03/2023 | Alan S and I covered the east side and Tail Bay this morning, looking for Willow Tits. A bit concerning that we only found 4. Maybe it was a bit too cold for them to sing. A Jack Snipe showed well at Hopton reedbed first thing, a pair of Mandarin at Fishtail Creek and a male Stonechat in the dam wall fields (overflow carpark). | Simon Roddis |
| 14/03/2023 | The GNDiver north of Stones this morning, near-adult Caspian Gull at Millfields early on, the female Stonechat again on Stones causeway, 75 Woodpigeons N and 19 Skylarks heading towards the pastures. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 12/03/2023 | 9 Oystercatcher,12 Gadwall, 85 Teal,55 Wigeon,1 Kingfisher,1 Goldcrest,10 Goldfinch,3 Redshank, Great Northern Diver of stones, 1 Little Grebe,12 Great Crested Grebe,6 Pied Wagtail,6 Meadow Pipit, 2 Greylag Goose,2 Long Tailed Tit, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker,2F Goldeneye,1 Jay,2 Song Thrush | David Armitt |
| 13/03/2023 | Highlights of a wet and windy morning were an adult Kittiwake off Stones 07:45-08:00, 6 Pintail (2m,4f), the GNDiver (starting to show a bit more black around the head) and 3 Mandarin (2m,1f), presumably the same birds as yesterday. | Simon Roddis |
| 12/03/2023 | Further to Simon and John's post:
A Barn Owl flew across the main road towards Sheepwash at 07:05hr. | Clive Ashton |
| 12/03/2023 | Monthly WeBS count: the GNDiver still from Stones, 151 Canada, 17 Greylag, 3 Mandarin, 56 Gadwall, 100 Wigeon, 145 Mallard, 210 Teal, 26 Tufted, 12 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander, 6 Moorhen, 126 Coot, 1 LGrebe, 25 GCGrebe, 12 Oystercatcher, 5 Lapwing, 35 Curlew, 1 Dunlin, 4 Redshank, 11 Snipe, 9 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron. The near-adult Caspian Gull again, from PS hide early morning and later from Stones. A female Stonechat from Stones causeway. JB counted 130 Skylarks heading over Stones towards the pastures (a site record) and 10 Lesser Redpoll on Stones. | Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley |
| 11/03/2023 | Short afternoon visit, the GNDiver was off Stones Island at 13:00 and the near-adult Caspian Gull feeding on a dead fish from Paul Stanley hide 14:30-14:50 at least. | Simon Roddis |
| 11/03/2023 | Short afternoon visit, the GNDiver was off Stones Island at 13:00 and the near-adult Caspian Gull feeding on a dead fish from Paul Stanley hide 14:30-14:50 at least. | Simon Roddis |
| 11/03/2023 | Dam wall, Stones, WLC 0740-0910hr.
36 Curlew at Sailing Club, 4 Snipe, 4 Lapwing, Redshank, 2 Shelduck, c30 Meadow Pipit, 4+ Skylark over.
Single Fieldfare near Sheepwash 10/3/23. | Clive Ashton |
| 08/03/2023 | A flock of 8 Black-necked Grebes (6 in breeding plumage, 2 still wintry) was off Millfields first thing, then heading over to Stones for much of the morning. Apparently a county record and a nice bird for my 100th species of the year at Carsi. The GNDiver still. Drake Mandarin at Millfields early morning. 20 Barnacle Geese. 40 GCGrebes, a definite increase since yesterday - not the only grebe on the move! At least 43 Curlews early morning at sailing club/Stones island. Marsh Tit still at PS hide. | Simon Roddis |
| 07/03/2023 | The GNDiver again from Stones. 9 Goldeneye. 250 Woodpigeons N. 15 Curlew. 1 Dunlin. 5 Grey Herons. 1 Little Egret at WLC. 7 Buzzards. Imm Peregrine on Horseshoe island. 50 Linnets again on Stones. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 06/03/2023 | A bit of movement this morning, after a spell of little change: 3 Shelduck flew in, a drake Shoveler was at Millfields and later at WLC, 570 Woodpigeons, 78 Lapwings and 6 Skylarks flew N. The GNDiver still from Stones. 22 GCGrebe. Immature Peregrine again over WLC. Totals of 100 Redwing and 120 Starlings. Marsh Tit still at PS hide. 40 Linnets on Stones. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 05/02/2023 | Species recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners Walk (10am-noon; Stones Island and Wildlife Centre): Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Moorhen, Coot, Gt Crested Grebe, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Snipe, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Cormorant, Red Kite, Peregrine, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Willow Tit, Blue Tit, Gt Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Wren, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Robin, Tree Sparrow, Woodpigeon, House Sparrow, Dunnock, Pied Wagtail, Chaffinch, Linnet, Goldfinch, Reed Bunting | Gary Atkins |
| 05/03/2023 | The GNDiver was at the north end of the res again this morning. 2 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. Otherwise just the usual suspects. | Simon Roddis |
| 04/03/2023 | The GNDiver was up the res most of this morning. The near-adult Caspian Gull dropped into the WLC around 10:45. A possible Water Pipit flew over Stones island: called several times but only seen in silhouette so I'm reluctant to claim it for certain. 34 Curlews at sailing club early morning. Total of 17 Herring Gulls. Immature Peregrine loafing on Horseshoe and Shiningford shores. Marsh Tit still at PS hide. | Simon Roddis |
| 02/03/2023 | The GNDiver was just off Stones Island this morning. 31 Curlews on sailing club shore early on. Peregrine through WLC fields. The Marsh Tit again at PS hide. 6 Willow Tits, including 3 together near WLC. 8 Reed Buntings, including 4 males at the Sheepwash feeder. | Simon Roddis |
| 01/03/2023 | The GNDiver was up between Flat and Big Islands this morning, and the Marsh Tit came to the feeder at Paul Stanley hide. Otherwise a bit same old, same old. | Simon Roddis |
| 28/02/2023 | Perimeter counts from this morning: 7 Buzzards (over Hall Wood), 5 GSWoodpecker, 5 Jay, 40 Magpie, 6 Coal Tit, only 2 Willow, 175 Blue, 69 Great, 33 Long-tailed, 4 Skylark, 5 Goldcrest, 54 Wren, 5 Nuthatch, 14 Treecreeper, 45 Song Thrush, 12 Mistle, 93 Blackbird, 156 Robin, 6 Tree Sparrow, 45 Dunnock, 14 Pied Wag, 33 Chaffinch, 18 Bullfinch, 8 Greenfinch, 42 Linnet, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 45 Goldfinch, 48 Siskin. The GNDiver was seen though I didn't clock it myself. | Simon Roddis |
| 27/02/2023 | 14 Whooper Swans this morning, which departed at 8:08 (10 including 6 juvs) and 8:25 (the other 4), the GNDiver was off Fishtail Creek and c150 Pink-footed Geese flew N at 8:55. Wildfowl numbers: 260 Canada, 2 Barnacle, 32 Greylag, 1 more Pinkfoot at Millfields, 2 Mute Swan (Hopton Hall pond), 69 Gadwall, 161 Wigeon, 178 Mallard, 615 Teal, 1m Pochard, 14 Tufted, 10 Goldeneye (5m,5f), 8 Moorhen, 135 Coot, 1 LGrebe (must have missed some), 24 GCGrebe, 12 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 1 Woodcock (Millfields), 14 Cormorant. Peregrine on Horseshoe Island. 4 Skylarks N. | Simon Roddis |
| 26/02/2023 | Wonderful views of Jack Snipe and Water Rail in Hopton reedbed first thing, and the GNDiver was towards the north end below Hall Wood. 2 Shelduck. c70 Wigeon. 7 Goldeneye. 15 Curlew. 10 Buzzards in the air over Hall Wood. Marsh Tit at the Sheepwash feeder. 6 Willow Tits, including singing birds at Hopton, ranger base and WLC creek. 2 Skylarks N over Stones. c50 Linnets off Stones causeway. | Simon Roddis |
| 23/02/2023 | Managed to locate the Jack Snipe at the Hopton End reedbed this afternoon (15.20). It was quite close to the blue bucket! Also a Willow Tit singing on the other side of the road. | Paul Bennett |
| 23/02/2023 | The GNDiver was north of Stones island early morning. 25 Barnacle Geese. 34 Greylags. 8 Curlew. Peregrine over Watersports island. 12+ Ravens. Marsh and Willow Tits on the Sheepwash feeder late morning. 2 Skylarks over. | Simon Roddis |
| 22/02/2023 | The GNDiver was off Fishtail this morning, as viewed from Stones. Jack Snipe and Water Rail at Hopton reedbed first thing. 26 Barnacle Geese. 1 Dunlin flying around Sheepwash spit. Marsh Tit still at the Sheepwash feeder. 4 Skylarks SW over WLC creek. Totals of 10 Moorhen, 12 Herring Gull, 18 Raven (13 around the dead sheep), 8 Goldcrest, 11 Bullfinch (1 singing at top of WLC creek), 9 Reed Bunting. | Simon Roddis |
| 21/02/2023 | The GNDiver was off Fishtail early on and then off Flat Island late morning. 26 Barnacle Geese. 40 Wigeon in Brown Ale Bay. 1 Goosander. 9 Curlew at sailing club early morning. 9 Herring Gulls. 12 Ravens on the latest sheep carcass. 3 Skylarks over. 70 Linnet on Stones causeway, and 6+ Lesser Redpolls among Goldfinches and Siskins feeding at the top of WLC creek. | Simon Roddis |
| 20/02/2023 | The GNDiver was off Stones island this morning. A male Mandarin and a Jack Snipe at Hopton end first thing (and the Mandarin and a pair of Shoveler later from PS hide). 31 Barnacle Geese. 1 Pink-foot. 13 Curlew around Stones (and 10 of them later near Sheepwash). 8 Herring Gulls on Sheepwash spit. Peregrine over Watersports island. Another sheep carcass on the pastures attracted 15 Ravens (and another pair over Stones). Marsh Tit still coming to the Sheepwash feeder. 60 Linnet from Stones causeway. | Simon Roddis |
| 19/02/2023 | 10 Goldfinch, 7 oystercatcher, 72 Wigeon, 2 pied Wagtail, 69 Teal, 48 Gadwall, 1 goldeneye, 2 Little Grebe, 20 Redwing, 1 Curlew, 15 Cormorant, 200+ Jackdaw going to roost | David Armitt |
| 18/02/2023 | The GNDiver was towards the north end early morning. 18 Barnacles. 7 Herring Gulls. One, maybe 2 Peregrines from Stones. 5 Skylarks over. 25 Siskin at Penn Carr. | Simon Roddis |
| 12/02/2023 | Early WeBS count (should really be next Sunday): 1 GNDiver, 251 Canada, 5 Barnacle, 5 Greylag, 1 Mute Swan, 68 Gadwall, 70 Wigeon, 188 Mallard, drake Pintail, 641 Teal, 10 Tufted, drake Common Scoter between Stones and Millfields, 10 Goldeneye (6m,4f), 8 Moorhen, 91 Coot, 8 LGrebe, 19 GCGrebe, 10 Oystercatcher, 110 Lapwing, 5 Snipe, 4 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 12 Cormorant, 1 Heron. 3 GSWoodpeckers drumming. Willow Tit singing between PS and Sheepwash, 60 Linnet on Stones. | Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley |
| 11/02/2023 | Flock of barnacle geese on the small island in front of the wildlife centre as were some canadian geese. Teals and mallards thriving well in this stretch of water. 1 goldcrest in the shrubbery on stones island. Lapwings flying in circles overhead. Tits feeding well at the bird table at Lane end as was the willow tits or marsh tits. Not sure which.Love reading the resident bird watchers sightings. | Ann F |
| 10/02/2023 | The adult GNDiver was again up the res this morning. Drake Pintail off Stones - such a beautiful duck. 27+ Barnacles. A Curlew flew in then settled between Sheepwash and Lane End. 1 Dunlin. 3 Redshank. c20 Herring Gulls post-roost. c1,000 Jackdaws early morning on and over the dam wall. 6 Ravens over the pastures. | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 07/02/2023 | The GNDiver was off Stones this morning. Shelduck at Millfields, pair of Shoveler, 1f Pochard, 30 Barnacles, 7 Oystercatcher, 3 Redshank, 5 Snipe. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. Perimeter counts: 6 GSWoodpecker (4 drumming), 23 Magpie, 15 Coal Tit, 1 Marsh (PS hide), 8 Willow, 164 Blue, 86 Great, 20 Long-tailed, 6 Goldcrest, 45 Wren, 3 Nuthatch, 8 Treecreeper, 38 Song Thrush, 11 Mistle, 30 Redwing, 83 Blackbird, 140 Robin, 44 Dunnock, 4 Grey Wag, 16 Pied, 40 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall, 38 Chaffinch, 24 Bullfinch (mostly on the east side), 7 Greenfinch, 45 Linnet, 5 Lesser Redpoll (near WLC), 21 Goldfinch, 6 Siskin. (73 species) | Simon Roddis |
| 06/02/2023 | The GNDiver was showing well but mobile this morning; the adult Caspian Gull was off Hall Wood and a Jack Snipe in Hopton reedbed. A good day for counting ducks: 191 Canada, 10 Greylag, 4 Shelduck, 277 Mallard, 84 Gadwall, 64 Wigeon, 1f Pintail, 733 Teal, 14 Tufted, 6 Goldeneye, 8 Moorhen, 98 Coot, 4 LGrebe, 18 GCGrebe, 5+ Oystercatcher, 111 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 11 Cormorant. Singing Willow Tits at Hopton and Stones. c75 Siskin over Middle Wood. | Simon Roddis |
| 05/02/2023 | Species noted by group during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon): Canada Goose, House Sprrow, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Robine, Gadwall, Mallard, Goldeneye, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Teal, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Blue Tit, Meadow Pipit, Redwing, Blackbird, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, Little Grebe, Moorhen, Barnacle Goose, Greylag Goose, Red Kite, Raven, Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe, Great Northern Diver, Linnet, Song Thrush, Magpie, Jackdaw, Snipe, Tree Sparrow, Willow Tit, Pheasant, Little Egret, Dunnock, Redshank, Buzzard and Goldfinch | Gary Atkins |
| 05/02/2023 | The GNDiver was off Stones early morning, then off Sheepwash around 10:00. 48 Wigeon at Sheepwash/Paul Stanley. Female Pintail off Horsehoe island. 4 Goosander (3m,1f) early morning. 3 Oystercatcher (2 Horseshoe, 1 Millfields). 500+ Lesser Black-backs off the dam wall early morning. Pair of Red-legged Partridge in WLC fields - the Stones birds maybe? Marsh Tit at the Sheepwash feeder. | Simon Roddis |
| 03/02/2023 | The GNDiver was off Stones early morning; it flew about 50m, appeared spooked by the BhGs - so still fully winged but the first time I've seen it fly other than prior to its departure. 1 Pink-footed Goose. 2 Barnacles. 7 Goldeneye including 5 (2m,3f) displaying in Brown Ale Bay. 2 Oystercatcher. 2 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. 2 pairs of Sparrowhawks interacting over Hall Wood. 1 Skylark N over Stones. 80 Linnets still around Watersports island. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 02/02/2023 | The GNDiver again in front of the WLC for part of the morning although conditions were much calmer than yesterday. 3 Woodcock at Millfields at first light. 3 adult GBbGulls post-roost. A Green Woodpecker (less than annual) called from behind the sailing club. Singing Willow Tits at Millfields and WLC creek. Total of 60 Redwing. c80 Linnets still around Watersports island. | Simon Roddis |
| 01/02/2023 | The adult GNDiver sought the calm waters in front of the WLC mid-morning. c150 Lapwings. 1 Redshank. The 2 Red-legged Partridges again near sailing club. Only a handful of Ravens around the sheep carcass, presumably not a lot left on it for them to feed on. Marsh Tit at PS hide. | Simon Roddis |
| 31/01/2023 | The GNDiver was off Sheepwash for much of the morning. Just the 16 Ravens on the sheep carcass on Carsington pastures, though a Buzzard was keeping 6 of them off late morning. Otherwise pretty much as you were. | Simon Roddis |
| 30/01/2023 | The GNDiver was off Lane End early morning. 31 Barnacles. 47 Greylags. 7 Goldeneye. Water Rail in Hopton reedbed. 50 Woodpigeons NE. 8 Herring Gulls S. The dead sheep on the pastures attracted 24 Ravens at one point this morning. Marsh Tit at PS hide. 1 Skylark over Millfields. 80 Linnets on Watersports island. | Simon Roddis |
| 29/01/2023 | The GNDiver was at the north end again, feeding actively off Paul Stanley hide late morning, and the adult Caspian Gull there too. Barn Owl again in Tail Bay early morning. 31 Barnacles. 1 Shelduck (yesterday's bird?) off Sheepwash. 6 Goosander. 148 Woodpigeons flew NE. The Oystercatcher still around Horseshoe island, and c350 Lapwings. 24 Cormorants. 6 Buzzards. A dead sheep on the pastures attracted 30-40 Carrion Crows and 5 Ravens. Total of 120 Starlings in various directions. c75 Siskin: 50 near the WLC and 25 at Millfields. | Simon Roddis |
| 28/01/2023 | The GN Diver was directly in front of Lane Ends Hide at 16.00 and drifted slowly south until 16.20, at least. The Shelduck was there at 14.50. A Marsh Tit was at the Paul Stanley feeders at 14.30 and 2 Pink-footed Geese flew over Sheepwash at 13.45. | Paul Bennett |
| 28/01/2023 | The GNDiver right up at the north end again around 08:30 this morning. 1 Barn and 2 Tawny Owls in Tail Bay early morning. 31 Barnacle Geese. 1 Pink-foot flew out with Canadas. 1 Shelduck off Stones. 3 Sparrowhawks. Marsh Tit at the Sheepwash feeder. 1 Skylark flew S over WLC creek. 70+ Linnets still on Watersports island, and the first singing Reed Bunting of the year there too. | Simon Roddis |
| 27/01/2023 | The Great Northern Diver was back at the northern end by 1.50 pm. I saw it from path between Sheepwash and Lane End (viewed across the sheep field) for 10 mins. Showed well intermittently, between dives, until 2.00 pm. Also a huge flock of 350+ Lapwings. 1 male Reed Bunting on Sheepwash feeder; 1 Kestrel nearby; 4 Goldeneye on water. | Alan Hobson |
| 27/01/2023 | A total of 1,410 Pink-footed Geese in 10 skeins flew WNW between 09:23 and 10:10, a wonderful sight and my highest ever count here. The GNDiver was off Fishtail Creek mid-morning. The first Oystercatcher of the year was at Sheepwash, and a Woodcock and 3 Tawny Owls also there early morning. 31 Barnacle Geese. Pair of Goosander flew up the res. 2 Redshank. 70 Linnet over Stones causeway. | Simon Roddis |
| 26/01/2023 | The GNDiver on its now regular beat at the north of the reservoir early morning. 2+ Woodcock, 4 Goosander (2m,2f) and adult Yellow-legged Gull at Millfields first thing. 351 Canada, 30 Barnacle and 80 Greylags. 35 Woodpigeons N. 90 Lapwing. Pair of displaying Sparrowhawks. Marsh Tit in Sheepwash carpark. | Simon Roddis |
| 24/01/2023 | A walk from sheepwash to stones island and back from 09.30 to 14.00. Highlights were marsh tit.willow tit and 3 reed buntings on the sheepwash car park feeder.2 mistle thrush in the field near lane end and a nuthatch on the lane end feeder.c20 siskins between lane end and shiningford creek 30 barnacle geese and 2 nene x barnacle geese hybrids in the field behind WLC.4 tree sparrow and willow tit on the WLC feeder the 2 red legged partridge were still on watersports island along with c60 linnets on the stones island shoreline also the great northern diver was close in from stones island around midday. | Chris brown |
| 24/01/2023 | The GNDiver again north of Stones island much of the morning, and the near-adult Caspian Gull over Stones 09:30 and later at Millfields. 175 Greylags. 30 Barnacle. The pair of R-l Partridge and c100 Linnets on Watersports island. 2 Peregrines again. c100 Lapwing. 2 drumming GSWoodpeckers. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 23/01/2023 | 2 adult Whooper Swans around Stones early morning, departed at 08:20. 6 adult Shelduck. The GNDiver up towards the north end again. 30 Barnacle Geese. 6 Goosander, a drake Shoveler and 3 calling Tawny Owls at Millfields early morning. 2 Red-legged Partridge on Watersports island again. 9 Fieldfare NW. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 22/01/2023 | Monthly WeBS count: 1 GNDiver, 180 Canada, 30 Barnacle, 39 Greylag, 1 Mute Swan, 113 Gadwall, 45 Wigeon, 274 Mallard, 536 Teal, 13 Pochard, 48 Tufted, 11 Goldeneye, 9 Moorhen, 98 Coot, 5 Little Grebe, 16 GCGrebe, 83 Lapwing, 6 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 14 Cormorant, 1 Heron. Red-legged Partridge again on Watersports island, Marsh Tit at Sheepwash, first singing Willow Tit of the year at Hopton end. | Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley |
| 21/01/2023 | The GNDiver was towards the north end of the res this morning, and just off Paul Stanley hide at 11:00, first time I've seen it from there. 272 Canada, 8 Barnacle and 1 Pink-foot (what were we saying yesterday, Roger?!). 1 redhead Goosander loafing on Millfields island. The 2 Red-legged Partridges rooted to the spot on Watersports island. 81 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 5 Snipe again from WLC. The Marsh Tit at both Sheepwash and Paul Stanley feeders. | Simon Roddis |
| 20/01/2023 | The GNDiver was north of Stones island for much of the morning. 4 Shelduck off Stones. 5 Goldeneye. The pair of Red-legged Partridge again on Watersports island. 3 Redshank. 60 Lapwing. 6 Buzzards. Superb adult male Peregrine past the WLC and elsewhere around the res. 6 Tree Sparrows at WLC. | Simon Roddis |
| 19/01/2023 | Another 13 Whooper Swans, all adults again, off Stones this morning; they departed NW at 10:43 - the third day in a row for Whoopers here. The GNDiver off Sheepwash. 170 Canada. 38 Greylags. 51 Tufted, a definite increase since I last counted them. The pair of Red-legged Partridge huddling on Watersports island. The marsh Tit again at Sheepwash. | Simon Roddis |
| 18/01/2023 | Highlight this morning was a herd of 36 Whooper Swans (all adults) off Stones island - the occasional bugling call while they were on the water but much more calling as they flew off NW at 08:48. The GNDiver still, off Shiningford. 3m Pochard. 82 Coot. 95 Lapwing. 3 Redshank. 16 Fieldfare flew SW. | Simon Roddis |
| 17/01/2023 | It was so cold first thing this morning that a Lapwing, 2 Coots and several Canada Geese had frost on their backs! The adult GNDiver from Stones island all morning. 3 adult Whooper Swans flew in at 10:30, still off Horseshoe island 11:15. A Great Egret flew N up the res at 09:50. 95 Lapwing. 250 Common Gulls off Millfields mid-morning, probably finding it difficult to feed in frozen fields. 4 Fieldfare at the main carpark. 20 Siskin at Millfields. | Simon Roddis |
| 16/01/2023 | The GNDiver still, off Sheepwash early on and later off Fishtail. 48 Lapwing. 13 Snipe at WLC. Marah Tit on the Sheepwash feeder and a Crossbill over Paul Stanley hide (and I forgot to mention 2 Crossbill over Millfields yesterday). | Simon Roddis |
| 15/01/2023 | Several Redpoll with goldfinches feeding on seeds in alder trees between the horseshoe island bird hide & the visitor centre. | Dean Vallender |
| 15/01/2023 | The GNDiver was off the Sheepwash area this morning, a Curlew flew over Stones island, and 3 Pochard (2m,1f). | Simon Roddis |
| 13/01/2023 | Late morning early afternoon visit: the GNDiver just off Stones island, still showing some spotting on its upperparts. 213 Canadas. 61 Greylag. 63 Gadwall. 36 Wigeon. 224 Mallard. 392 Teal. 10(!) Tufted. 6 Goldeneye. 6 Moorhen. 88 Coot. 3 LGrebe. 16 GCGrebe. c500 Common Gulls in front of PS hide. 14 Cormorant. Marsh Tit at PS hide. 60 Redwing at Hopton end. c50 Linnet near WLC. | Simon Roddis |
| 12/01/2023 | The GNDiver towards Hall Wood (from Stones) early afternoon. 65 Greylags. 7 Snipe. 17 Cormorant. Peregrine cruising around. Marsh Tit at Paul Stanley hide. Finch flock between Watersports and WLC included 60 Linnet, Goldfinches, Siskin and Redpoll. | Simon Roddis |
| 05/01/2022 | Red Kite cruising around Callow Farm area, Marsh Tit visiting feeder at Paul Stanley Hide during the morning, 2 Willow Tit visiting feeders at the Wildlife Centre (including oddly marked marked bird with grey flecks in cap and a blackish stripe down ear coverts - also a bird with grey flecks in its cap at Peter Fidler Country Park last year), 5 Tree Sparrow at Wildlife Centre, Great Northern Diver off Sheepwash and later Stones Island. | Jim Clarke, Chet Cunago, Gerard Hobley |
