Recent Sightings

NameSightingDate
DN, MW, RPJ, AMD,AHSThis morning from Stones Island, 1 Little Egret, 1 Great White Egret, 1 Yellow legged gull, 75 Pink Feet Geese, at least 4 Skylarks over, 1 Dunlin, Oystercatcher still present, Willow tit, groups of Redwings fly down East Bank. From WLC creek, 1 Coot, 1 Redkite, Siskins and Redpolls in the Alder trees.22/10/2025
Dave NewcombeIn addition to Simon's post: 2 Shoveler and 13 Pochard at Millfields. Chiffchaff on Stones island. Ducks counted at Lane End whilst I was sheltering from the rain: 50 Wigeon (exact count), 33 Gadwall. 370 Teal. There were a few more Teal but they got flushed before I could finish. 5 Skylark over SW. From Sheepwash: A break in the weather allowed 4 Buzzards, 2 Red Kites, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk to come out. The latter flushing 25 Redwings on far side. A Common Sand again (maybe a different bird to last week). c25 Linnets. The gull roost held c10'000 birds. Adult Caspian. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. 4 Herring Gulls. 500 Common Gulls by 17.30hrs.20/10/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonA reasonable morning given the conditions, the following all from Sheepwash hide: female Goldeneye (first of the autumn), Common Scoter off Fishtail, presumably the same as yesterday, 2 Dunlin, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 1 Little and 3 Great Egrets, 21 Gadwall, 37 Wigeon, Peregrine, Rock Pipit and a late Wheatear (possibly Greenland?).20/10/2025
SJR, CA, MW, JBIn 2 hours from Stones island this morning, 50 Pink-footed Geese SW, 1,098 Woodpigeons S, 5 Stock and 4 Collared Doves, 16 Golden Plover, 4 Great Egret (3 NE, 1 S), 16 Skylarks, 483 Starling, 739 Redwing, 170 Fieldfare. One drake Common Scoter still off the east side, 30 Pochard, 4 Lapwing, 2 Peregrine, Yellow-legged Gull.19/10/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonBest bird for me this morning was a calling Little Owl, my first there for donkey's years. 4 Common Scoter (2 drakes) were again off Fishtail Creek so perhaps part of yesterday's flock. An hour's vismig from Stones produced 265 Woodpigeons, 260 Starlings, 484 Redwing, 20 Fieldfare and 12 Chaffinch. 28 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at about 09:30. 2 Curlew and a Dunlin flew past Stones, a Ringed Plover was at Sheepwash and the Oystercatcher still on Horseshoe island. Adult Caspian and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls still. c600 Common Gulls departed early morning and 750 Jackdaws noisily left their roost. Female Pintail at Sheepwash.18/10/2025
Simon RoddisAnother 5 Common Scoter (1m, 4 female/juvs) this morning - it's been a good week for them. Female Pintail past Stones. A bit of movement included 68 Woodpigeons, 5 Stock Doves, 10 Skylarks, 31 Starling, 186 Redwing and 17 Fieldfare. Single Redshank and Dunlin, and 2 Snipe. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. c3,000 Black-headed Gulls first thing. Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed, and Crossbill over. Male Stonechat in the overflow carpark. Chiffchaff and Blackcap still on Stones.17/10/2025
Simon RoddisLate afternoon visit: c5,000 Lesser Black-backs had come into the roost by 18:30. Shelduck still at Sheepwash, along with 2 Redshank, adult Caspian Gull, Herring Gull. Also 4 Yellow-legged Gulls and a Dunlin (per RJL). 46 Cormorants. 50 Starlings, presumably going to roost somewhere.16/10/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonClive found this morning's star bird, a juvenile Gannet sitting out on the water, present to midday at least. 6 Common Scoters (an adult drake and 5 lovely barred juveniles) were off the dam wall and a Rock Pipit flew over. A few birds moving, with totals of c650 Redwing in random directions, 80 Fieldfare, 180 Woodpigeons, 11 Stock Doves, 13 Skylarks and 10 Swallows. Adult Caspian Gull still and 2 adult Yellow-legs. Single Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Ringed Plover and Dunlin. Drake Pintail off Lane End and at least 18 Pochard. Total of at least 90 Siskin.15/10/2025
Simon RoddisA flock of 22 Common Scoters (7 males, 15 females) was between Stones island and Millfields this morning. Total of 134 Redwing through. 9 Coot, more than double the number on the WeBS count on Sunday! 64 Wigeon, 200 Teal and a Dunlin in front of Lane End hide, plus the adult Caspian Gull snaffling multiple crayfish of the invasive Signal variety. At Hopton end first thing, the Cetti's Warbler (actually seen!) and 4 calling Tawny Owls. c60 Siskin in WLC creek.14/10/2025
Dave NewcombeIn addition to Simon's post. 4 Little Egrets. 115 Greylags. 17 Wigeon. 6 Gadwall. 3 Pochard. 3 Ringed Plover on the dam. 22 Skylarks SW including a flock of 16. c30 Linnets on stones island then presumably the same flock at Sheepwash. A few Redwing calling through the gloom at Millfields first thing and 10+ in Sheepwash woods. At Sheepwash: 2 Dunlin. A late Common Sandpiper. Adult Caspian Gull. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 225 Common Gulls. The roost held in excess of 2'000+ each of both BHG and LBBG.13/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe first Fieldfare of the autumn was on Stones island this morning, and at least 2 more in WLC creek. At least 20 Redwing there too. At one point there were 5 species of thrush in one tree (sadly no Ring Ouzel). Cetti's Warbler and Water Rail still in Hopton reedbed. The Oystercatcher and adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 3 Little Egrets flew in and landed below the dam wall.13/10/2025
Simon RoddisMonthly wildfowl count: 240 Canada, 195 Greylags, 3 Mute Swans, 9 Gadwall, 24 Wigeon, 143 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 162 Teal, 3 Pochard, 110 Tufted, 5 Moorhen, 4(!) Coot, 6 Little Grebe, 38 Great Crests, 1 Oystercatcher, 31 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher. (Compare those numbers with last month, the low water level clearly proved too much for a lot of birds.) Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed. 50 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 10:18. 12+ Crossbills over Hall Wood. Seem to be more Blackbirds around, at least 10 on Stones.12/10/2025
Simon RoddisA Brambling was among the Linnets, Goldfinches and Meadow Pipits on Watersports island this morning. c2,500 Black-headed Gulls from Millfields first thing, and a flock of 21 Ravens flew E. The Great Egret, Oystercatcher, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still present. 2 redhead Goosander.11/10/2025
Dave Armitt5 Grey Heron, 19 Cormorant, 8 Pochard, 4 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 2 Raven, 2 Jay, 30 Meadow Pipit, 40 Goldfinch, 1 Great White Egret , 1 Peregrine, 1 Red Kite,4 Greylag10/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cetti's Warbler was still in Hopton reedbed this morning. 140 Pink-footed Geese flew E at 10:28. 3 Pintail still. 2 redhead Goosander. c4,000 Lesser Black-backs and 370 Common Gulls flew out over WLC creek early morning. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. Great Egret at sailing club. 2 Stonechats in Tail Bay. Totals of 7 Skylark, 6 Chiffchaff, 30 Starling SW, 14 Bullfinch (8 at Penn Carr), 35 Goldfinch, 20 Siskin, 2 Crossbill.10/10/2025
Simon RoddisA pretty decent morning. A Cetti's Warbler was singing in Hopton reedbed early on, with Water Rail also calling there and Crossbill and a redhead Goosander over. 2 Whooper Swans, the Grey Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Pintail, adult Caspian Gull and Great Egret were on the shore off Lane End/Sheepwash. 48 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 08:30. The Oystercatcher was still at Watersports and 6 Lapwing, 6 Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin at sailing club. Male Peregrine on his favourite pylon. 18 Skylarks included a flock of 13 S. Stonechat and Wheatear at the sailing club end of the dam wall.08/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe Grey Plover and Black-tailed Godwit were still at Lane End this morning, and 4 Ringed Plover there and later at sailing club. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls. 115 Common Gulls flew out early morning. 3 Pintail. 2 Pochard. 2 Great Egrets at Watersports, but only 1 Little Egret. Totals of 6 Collared Doves, 9 Skylarks, 6 Greenfinch, 20 Linnets, 16 Redpoll and 65 Siskin. Roger and Alison had 10 Whooper Swans fly SE early on.07/10/2025
Dave NewcombeA Marsh Harrier (looked like a juvenile) came over from the east and continued west with several Gulls giving it some attention. 4 Red Kites. One over hall wood, and another 3 first appeared over Millfields before slowly drifting north towards hopton end. Peregrine. Kestrel. 3 Buzzards and a female Sparrowhawk enjoying the warm autumn sunshine. The 6 Whooper Swans were still viewable from Sheepwash at 18.30. 13 Linnets on the dam wall.06/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe Grey Plover was still between Sheepwash and Lane End this morning, and the Little Stint at sailing club. 6 Whooper Swans arrived mid-morning (apparently as a 4 and a 2). Long-stayers included the Great Egret, Oystercatcher and adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls. A bit of movement included (mostly in an hour on Hays Lane) 55 Chaffinch, 12 Crossbills, 7 Redpoll, 16 Siskin, 41 Meadow Pipits, 12 Skylarks, 13 Woodpigeon and 7 Stock Dove. 3 Pintail. Total of 10 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover and the Black-tailed Godwit also reportedly still here. At Hopton end first thing, 2 calling Tawny Owls and Water Rail.06/10/2025
Gary AtkinsSpecies recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Robin, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Great Egret, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Kestrel, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Little Grebe, Gt Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, Blackbird, Goldfinch, Long-tailed Tit, Willow Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coot05/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe juvenile Grey Plover (found by Richard L at Sheepwash yesterday) was at Lane End this morning and the Little Stint again at sailing club. Other waders were single Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Little Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit and Green Sandpiper (again at WLC), 4 Dunlin and 5 Ringed Plovers. 68 Wigeon. 5 Pintail. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Great Egret still. Wheatear below the dam wall (sailing club end, found by Mike R).05/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe juvenile Little Stint was again at the sailing club end of the dam wall this morning, along with the 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plover. Oystercatcher still at Watersports and Black-tailed Godwit at Lane End. Rock Pipit(s?) flew over Stones island and the dam wall. Juvenile Common Tern and Great Egret still. c100 Common Gulls off Sheepwash first thing. 70 Meadow Pipits, 80 Goldfinch and 2 Snipe at WLC. 40 Siskins over the main carpark.03/10/2025
Simon RoddisA juvenile Little Stint was at sailing club this morning; it later flew towards Millfields with 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plover. A Green Sandpiper was at the WLC and the Black-tailed Godwit still at Lane End. Nice juvenile-type Wheatear on the dam wall. Great Egret, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls all still present.02/10/2025
Simon RoddisSeveral late/long-stayers were still around this morning: Great Egret, Black-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, Common Tern. Finally caught up with 2 Stonechats from Sheepwash hide. At Lane End, 450 Teal, 3 Pintail and 21 Wigeon.01/10/2025
Simon RoddisA Rock Pipit flew S over Stones causeway at 09:55, typical autumn date. Off Stones island first thing, 2,000 Black-headed and 75 Common Gulls. Just 2 Pintail this morning, and 35 Wigeon. Long-stayers included the Great Egret, Common Tern, Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin. 12 Skylarks over. c60 Linnets at sailing club and 10 Redpoll in WLC creek.30/09/2025
Dave NewcombeIn addition to Simon's earlier post. No sign of the recent Cattle Egret in its usual spots, despite several observers on site. 8 Grey Herons. 16 Pintail. 5 at Lane End + the 11 Simon found earlier. 3 Shoveler. Just 3 Lapwings. Peregrine and Red Kite at Sheepwash. A single Snipe there was hunkered down and seemingly invisible to the above Peregrine c20 yards away. The Snipe then took off and the Peregrine gave chase. Outcome unknown. 4 Stonechats at Sheepwash around the large boulders. Still 5 Chiffchaff including one in song. Kingfisher at Paul Stanley. The gull roost held 4'500 possibly 5'000 LBB Gulls. Adult Caspian Gull. 2 adult YLGulls. I was counting Common Gulls on the point to the right of Sheepwash. I got to 66 when they all took off. Numbers probably exceeded over 100. Not many BHGulls in.29/09/2025
Simon RoddisBird of the morning was a juvenile Black Tern which Dave Newcombe found off Millfields, still there to 09:00 at least. Juvenile Common Tern still too. 2 Redwing, Water Rail and Crossbill at Hopton reedbed early morning. 11 Pintail off Stones and 42 Wigeon at Sheepwash. Black-tailed Godwit again between Sheepwash and Lane End, and 6 Ringed, juvenile Little Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin at sailing club. Great Egret still. 14 Common Gulls. 2 Willow Tits on Stones and 18+ Skylarks over, including a flock of 12 S. Wheatear on the dam wall. 8+ Redpoll.29/09/2025
Dave ArmittEarly afternoon visit 20 Meadow Pipit,8 little Grebe, 3 Grey Heron,1 Great White Egret, 50 Pied Wagtail, 1 Cattle Egret between sailing club and visitor centre catching insects, 3 Dunlin, 3 LRP, 2 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Garganey Wildlife Centre bay amongst the Mallards28/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret was still around Watersports this morning, plus a Great and 6 Little Egrets elsewhere around the res. The first Redwing of the autumn, plus 4 Crossbills, 4 Skylarks and a redhead Goosander, flew over Stones island. 7 Ringed Plover, juvenile Little Ringed and a Dunlin at sailing club and the Oystercatcher still at Watersports. c1,000 Jackdaws out of their roost early morning, 200 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall and a total of 30+ Siskins.27/09/2025
Neil Moulden (NJM)Cattle Egret still present, 3 Common Scoter off Stones Island at 10.20 hrs, 9 Ringed Plover and 5 Dunlin at Sailing Club.25/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Little Stint was still present this morning, initially at Millfields then flying to sailing club. The Cattle Egret was again around Watersports and adult Caspian Gull on the shore at Lane End. 3 Dunlin and 9 Ringed Plovers. Single Oystercatcher and Common Tern still. Tawny Owl and Kingfisher at Millfields first thing. Willow Tits on Stones and in WLC creek. Wheatear on the dam wall. Total of at least 100 Meadow Pipits. Redpolls over Stones and WLC creek.22/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret and Oystercatcher were at Watersports again early morning. At Millfields, 14 Ringed Plover, 6 Dunlin, Great Egret and Yellow Wagtail. Peregrine on pylon beyond WLC creek. At Sheepwash, single Red-crested Pochard and Pintail, 35 Wigeon, 25 Pochard and adult Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls.20/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret and Oystercatcher were still at Watersports this morning (and presumably the same Oystercatcher later at Millfields with 4 Dunlin and 15 Ringed Plover, per CA). Less movement than I'd have expected: 30 Swallows, 16 House Martins, 63 Meadow Pipits, 20 Linnet, 48 Siskin and a Redpoll. Mistle Thrush singing at Sheepwash.19/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret was again at Watersports early this morning. Vismig 0630-0900: 1 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 133 Swallows, 15 House Martins, 2 Grey Wagtails, 217 Meadow Pipits, 5 Chaffinch and 16 Siskin, all S or SW. 6 Pintail, 3 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers and adult Caspian Gull at Sheepwash. 15 Ringed Plovers at Millfields.18/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret was feeding on Watersports island early afternoon. 5 Pintail, 3 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, single Common and Herring Gulls and 3 Yellow-legs at Sheepwash. 7 Ringed Plovers at Millfields. 2 Yellow Wagtails (Sheepwash and Millfields).17/09/2025
Simon RoddisEvening visit: 5,250 Lesser Black-backed Gulls came in to roost. 37 Barnacle Geese at Sheepwash (the feral flock returns!). Hobby over sailing club at dusk. 1 Ruff. 100 Swallows. The Cattle Egret reportedly still present.16/09/2025
Simon RoddisYesterday's Cattle Egret was at sailing club late morning, feeding well. Looked much happier than it did yesterday! A mobile female Common Scoter landed in front of Sheepwash early morning but flew to Fishtail and then towards the dam wall. 105 Greylags, 6 Pintail still and one female Red-crested Pochard. 1 Curlew flew N. Adult Caspian Gull from Lane End hide. Yellow Wagtail at sailing club.16/09/2025
Simon RoddisA site record 970 Teal this morning, over 900 of them at Millfields alone. Other duck included 7 Pintail, at least 18 Shoveler and 26 Wigeon, and a female Red-crested Pochard. 10 redhead Goosander flew up the res early morning. 76 Greylags. 18 Ringed Plovers (most of them juvs) at Millfields late morning. The juvenile Oystercatcher still, 2 Ruff and a Common Sandpiper. Adult Caspian Gull still. 50+ House Martins flew through. 70+ Meadow Pipits. First Redpoll of the autumn over Sheepwash. Clive had a Whinchat at sailing club mid-morning until it was flushed.14/09/2025
Neil Moulden (NJM)Osprey from Sheepwash Hide at 17.20 hours for 10 minutes before flying off towards the dam.12/09/2025
Simon RoddisAround 700 Teal were at Millfields this morning, plus the 6 Pintail and 11 Ringed Plovers. Oystercatcher still on Horseshoe island, 1 Snipe, 1 Ruff and 2 Common Sandpipers. 2 juvenile Common Terns still. 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Great Egret still. A bit of movement, with a total of 68 Meadow Pipits, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 20 Siskin, 4 Linnet and 3 Crossbills.13/09/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonNo sign of the ibises or yesterday's Manx Shearwater this morning. 33 Shoveler, 31 Wigeon and 3 Pintail at Sheepwash. Total of 6 Ringed and 4 Little Ringed Plovers. 1 Common Sandpiper and 2 Ruff. 2 juvenile Common Terns. Great Egret still. Pair of Peregrines playing with a Buzzard. 2 Willow Tits on Stones. Female/juv Wheatear at sailing club.12/09/2025
Dave Newcombe/Chris BrownManx Shearwater found on water at Sheepwash c17.50hrs. It was drifting and doing some flapping but was still present from Sheepwash car park c19.15 per Clive Ashton.11/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe 2 Glossy Ibises were still in front of Sheepwash hide this morning. 6 Pintail. 1 Red-crested Pochard. Single Ringed plover and Ruff. 3 probable Black-tailed Godwits briefly over Stones. Great Egret on Horseshoe island. Adult and juvenile Common Terns and 2 juvenile Arctics.10/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe 2 Glossy Ibises were still at Sheepwash this evening. 21 Wigeon. Ruff and Black-tailed Godwit from Sheepwash hide. c4,000 Lesser Black-backs came in to roost by 8pm. Adult Caspian, 5 Yellow-legged, 2 Common and 500 Black-headed Gulls.09/09/2025
Simon RoddisCarsi joined in the Glossy Ibis fun this morning, with 2 from Sheepwash hide, looking fairly settled to 11:00 at least. Earlier on, 507 Pied (site record) and 1 Yellow Wagtail left their roost on Watersports island. Supporting cast of 3 Shelduck, 4 Pintail, 7 Wigeon, 2+ Red-crested Pochard, 8 Lapwing and 2 Ruff at Sheepwash, Redshank at sailing club and Greenshank over WLC creek, 2 Common Terns and 23 Little Egrets.08/09/2025
Amanda PalethorpeBird walk for beginners. House sparrow, great egret, little egret, cormorant, mute swan, Canada goose, great crested grebe, black-headed gull, pied wagtail, carrion crow, buzzard, lesser black-backed gull, red kite, chiffchaff, goldfinch , swallow, oystercatcher, common gull, greylag goose, blue tit, great tit, coot, moorhen, woodpigeon, gadwall, greenfinch, long-tailed tit, robin, little grebe, mallard, tufted duck07/09/2025
Simon Roddis, Jon BradleyMonthly wildfowl count: 87 Canada, 89 Greylags, 21 Mute Swan plus 4 cygnets, 1 Shelduck, 40 Shoveler, 66 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 380 Mallard, 518 Teal, 3 Red-crested Pochard, 84 Common Pochard, 236 Tufted, 1,343 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 29 Little Grebe, 36 GCGrebe, 5 Ringed and 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 1 Dunlin, 2 Common Terns, 64 Cormorants, 21 Little and 1 Great Egret, 10 Herons. 7 Curlew flew W.07/09/2025
Richard LoweOf special note from Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Garganey (1) with Teal just off the shoreline in front of the hide; Pintail (2); YLGull (4) ads; GBBGull (1) ad; Common Gull (1) ad;06/09/2025
Simon RoddisA steady morning, but nothing exceptional. Wildfowl included 760 Canadas, 59 Greylags, 22 Mute Swans plus 4 cygnets, 1 Shelduck, 15 Shoveler, 380 Teal, 1 Red-crested Pochard and 34 Common Pochard. The Great Egret still. Kingfisher on the dam wall and Peregrine on pylon beyond WLC creek. Total of 9 Jays. At least 60 Swallows and 50 House Martins. Yellow Wagtail over Millfields. Totals of c35 Siskin and 200 Goldfinch.06/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe ringed Osprey was around again this morning, seen by Clive early on at Sheepwash and presumably the same bird later flying down the reservoir. At least 2 Pintail still, the juvenile Shelduck, 4 Red-crested Pochard and 400+ Teal at Millfields. Waders included 4 Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Ruff and 2 Greenshank. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 22 Little Egrets. Kingfisher below Middle Wood. Hirundines included a minimum of 85 Swallows and 100 House Martins. Reed Warbler still in Hopton reedbed and 2 Lesser Whitethroats in WLC fields. 1 Yellow Wagtail over and 18 Meadow Pipits heading south.05/09/2025


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
07/08/2023Another decent morning: an adult Little Gull flew off Stones 06:35-06:41, drake Common Scoter off Sheepwash, a Golden Plover flew high NW at 08:10 and the adult Caspian Gull still. 3 Shoveler off Stones. 30 Teal. 97 Woodpigeons flew S 06:00-08:30 (and c40 went the wrong way!). 2 Ringed Plover. 8 Little Egret. Kingfisher in WLC creek. 2 Redstart and 2 Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. Common Whitethroat on Stones and another in WLC creek (MJR).SJR, CA, AHS
06/08/2023Y.L.Gull - 4 (3 Ads; 1 juv.) on Flat Island @ c. 5.30pm.Richard Lowe
06/08/2023Species recorded at today's 'Birdwatching for Beginners' walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Canada Goose, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Tufted Duck, Oystercatcher, Woodpigeon, Mute Swan, Gt Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Black-headed Gull, Common Sandpiper, Goldfinch, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Caspian Gull, Ringed Plover, Pied Wagtail, Long-tailed Tit, Blackbird, Robin, Lapwing, Little Grebe, Buzzard, Willow Warbler, Gadwall, Little Egret, Greylag Goose and ChiffchaffGary Atkins
06/08/2023Adult Caspian (Watersports) and Yellow-legged (sailing club) Gulls again this morning. Great Egret flew up the res early morning. 7+ Little Egrets. 5 Shoveler in Brown Ale Bay. 26 Teal. Pair of Little Grebes with 4 small young in WLC creek - they've been very discrete! Another adult singing in BABay. 4 Ringed Plover. Single Dunlin and Snipe. Kingfisher(s) on Stones and in BABay. 10+ Ravens. Juv Whitethroat in WLC creek, and male Redstart again in the fields. Spotted Flycatcher between PS hide and BABay.Simon Roddis
05/08/2023Clive found most of the birds this morning: a Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Ringed Plover, Redshank and 10 Little Egret. The adult Caspian Gull was at sailing club and a Great Egret and Kingfisher at WLC later. And lots of rain (again).Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
04/08/2023The undoubted highlight this morning was a party (family group?) of 5 Spoonbills, at least 2 of which were juveniles, which flew from the shore of Stones island just after 06:00 and left to the west. The fifth record for Carsi and the first to involve more than one bird. The adult Caspian Gull again, mobile but settled on Flat Island late morning along with 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. And in Sheepwash carpark late morning, a female or juvenile Pied Flycatcher and 2 Spotted Fly - looks like the latest ever Pied Fly here and the first in August. And in between all that, 2 Pochard, 2 Shoveler, 6+ Common Sandpiper, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank, 5 Little Egrets, Kingfisher, Hobby, Peregrine, Redstart. Cracking morning, 76 species.Simon Roddis
03/08/2023A Green Sandpiper and 2 adult Ringed Plovers were the first of the autumn this morning (and Green Sand first of the year). 10 Oystercatchers. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again. 2 Yellow Wagtails and 2 Skylarks on the dam wall. Juv male Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. Garden Warbler on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
02/08/2023The adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again this morning, both off Millfields late morning. Single Redshank, Dunlin and Curlew, and 4 Common Sandpipers. 5 Little Egrets. 2 Tree Sparrows at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
01/08/20236 adult Arctic Terns appeared off Stones island just after 07:00 and were around until 10:00 at least. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again, the Caspian showing well on sailing club shore at one point. 31 Lapwing. 1 Dunlin. 35 Swifts flew through. 33 Cormorants. 3 Little Egret. 2 Hobbies over the pastures. Total of 10 Ravens. Juv male Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
31/07/2023Just to report that I have received details of a colour-ringed Heron that has been around on and off since last summer. It has an orange ring on the right tibia and a blue one with SX in white letters on the left. It was ringed as a nestling at Attenborough NR, Notts, on 01/04/2022.Simon Roddis
31/07/2023Single Whimbrel and Turnstone past Stones island at 08:30 this morning, after the light rain had stopped. 4 adult Arctic Terns followed at 09:44 and another 2 at 11:05. The adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again present. Kingfisher past Stones causeway. 200 Starlings left sailing club island early morning, presumably having roosted there. 60 Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
30/07/2023A cream-crown Marsh Harrier flew slowly S down the east side 10:45-10:55. My first in July here and my earliest autumn record. Total of 57 Swifts SW 08:00-11:00. 1 Shoveler. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. Hobby over WLC creek and 3 Redstarts in the fields. Reed Warbler still singing at PS hide. Meadow Pipit on Horseshoe island.Simon Roddis
29/07/2023The adult Caspian Gull again this morning, from Stones island, plus adult Yellow-leg. Curlew landed on Stones shoreline. 18 Teal. Little Grebe calling in Brown Ale Bay, and Kingfisher there. 1 Snipe. 2 Redstarts (adult and juv male) in WLC fields. 1 Meadow Pipit over Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
27/07/2023Evening Walk round 2 Little Egret,3 Little Ringed Plover,3 Oystercatcher,20 Cormorant,12 Mute Swan,2 Sedge Warbler,2 Goldfinch,3 Little Grebe,27 Lapwing, Mix Flock of Tits 10 Long Tailed Tit,5 Blue Tit.David Armitt
28/07/2023An adult Caspian Gull on Horseshoe island early morning and a Greenshank over Lane End mid-morning were both new for the month. 5 Shoveler off Stones. 25 Teal. Redhead Goosander flew SW. Large juv Little Grebe at sailing club. Juv Dunlin still at WLC. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 3 Little Egret. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. 30 Swallows on the dam wall. Spotted Flycatcher at Lane End. 2 Redstarts (f and juv) in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
27/07/2023Female Common Scoter off Sheepwash all morning. 2 Shoveler on Stones. Total of 22 Teal. 32 Lapwing. 5 Common Sandpiper (2 around Stones, 3 on Flat Island). 5 Common Gulls, including an adult with a fresh juvenile - I wonder where they've come from. 2 first-summer Great Black-backs, my first here since mid May. 3 Little Egret on sailing club island. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. Reed Warblers singing in WLC creek and at PS hide. Yellow Wagtail N over Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
26/07/2023This morning, Yellow Wagtail, Kingfisher, adult Common Tern and 5 Tree Sparrows at Millfields first thing. Another 4 adult Common Terns around Flat Island later. 17 Teal in Brown Ale Bay. Totals of 455 Coot, 24 Moorhen, 13 Oystercatcher, 35 Lapwing, 27 Cormorant. The Dunlin at WLC still. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 2 Little Egrets. In WLC fields, 6 Redstarts (male and 5 juvs) and a Lesser Whitethroat.Simon Roddis
25/07/20233 (2m, 1f) Common Scoters from Stones island all morning. An adult Arctic Tern flew S 08:30 and 5 Common Terns (2 ads, 3 juvs) through too. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. A Dunlin flew over the main carpark early morning and then perhaps the same bird from WLC. 1 Redshank. 26 Cormorant. Total of 11 Ravens, including a party of 6 being mobbed by a Peregrine over Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
24/07/2023A busy hour from 06:00-07:00 in grotty conditions (probably not a coincidence) this morning: a juvenile Garganey was on the shoreline on Stones island, a Turnstone flew over, 11 Redshank flew up the res and landed in the Sheepwash area, and 6 adult Arctic Terns appeared at 06:50 and drifted south after about 10 minutes. In addition, 5 Pochard again, 2 Little Egrets, adult Yellow-legged Gull, a Hobby stooped at several Swifts over the visitor centre, 1 Curlew W, c50 Starlings in fields near Fishtail Creek and 60+ Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis
23/07/20236 Pochard. 9 Teal. 25 Lapwing. 1 Dunlin. 4 Common Sand. 190 Lesser Black-backs loafing around Flat Island mid-morning. 7 Common Gulls. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 1 adult Common Tern. 1 Little Egret. 10 Sand Martins through. Reed Warbler still singing in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
22/07/2023Female Common Scoter from Stones early morning. 5 Pochard flying around. And lots of rain.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
21/07/2023One Black-tailed Godwit S over Stones 08:40. 2 Common Sandpiper. 3 Pochard. Hobby over the north end. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 1 Little Egret still. Juv Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
20/07/20239 Shoveler off Stones were new this morning. 11 Teal. 2 Pochard. 1 Whimbrel flew W at 06:45. 1 Curlew. 2 Common Sandpiper. 2 Dunlin. Adult Yellow-legged and 2 Common Gulls. 21 Cormorant. 2 Kingfishers. 1+ Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood. Juv Redstart in WLC fields. 50+ Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
19/07/2023Ad hoc wildfowl count: 809 Canadas, 126 Greylags, 30 Mute Swans plus one cygnet, 38 Gadwall, 180 Mallard, 11 Teal, 153 Tufted, 13 Moorhen, 298 Coot, 2 LGrebe, 47 GCGrebe, 11 Oystercatcher, 21 Lapwing, 2 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper, 14 Cormorant, 5 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Kingfisher. Also 62 Lesser Black-backs, 3 GSWoodpecker and a Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood, 1 Peregrine, 16 Mistle Thrush and juv Redstart over/in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
18/07/2023A bit more wader action this morning: 6 Redshanks, all adults, on Watersports island for much of the morning, and a Black-tailed Godwit dropped in at 10:35. 2 Snipe at WLC. 3 Common Sandpiper. The Dunlin still present. 22 Lapwing. 3 redhead Goosander: 2 flew through and another juv was in front of the WLC. 2 Pochard. 26 more Lesser Black-backs moved through, including one juvenile, and an immature Herring-type frustratingly failed to stop. The Little Egret still. Kingfisher past Stones island. 27 Sand Martins through. Female/juv Whitethroat on Horseshoe island - they're like gold dust this year! 2 Redstarts (male and juv) in WLC fields, and a family of Bullfinches there too.Simon Roddis
17/07/2023Correction: Mike Redfern actually found the scoters. Apologies, Mike.Simon Roddis
17/07/2023Clive found the best birds this morning: 10 Common Scoter (9m,1f) and 3 Arctic Terns off Stones island. A full-grown juvenile Little Grebe off Sheepwash has presumably flown in from elsewhere. Single Dunlin, Little Egret and adult Yellow-legged Gull still. c50 Lesser Black-backs on the move, including a flock of 34. Adult Common Tern. 11 Sand Martins through. 11 Mistle Thrush in WLC fields. 4 Redstarts - female and juv in WLC fields, 2 juvs from the WLC. Spotted Flycatcher at Sheepwash. 15 Linnets in fields just s of Sheepwash, perhaps the start of a build-up there. 2 Crossbills over Millfields. 76 species, and I missed Arctic Tern and Redshank.Simon Roddis
16/07/2023Quite a decent morning, the main highlights being 4 drake Common Scoters off Stones and an Osprey which was mobbed by Oystercatchers and B-h Gulls over the main centre area before circling over the Hall Wood area for several minutes. A Black-tailed Godwit flew past Stones 3 times, a Dunlin dropped in briefly and a Hobby flew past. 30+ Swifts, mostly moving S. 20 Lapwing. 1 Redshank. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and Little Egret still. 5 Mistle Thrush and a Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
16/07/2023Quite a decent morning, the main highlights being 4 drake Common Scoters off Stones and an Osprey which was mobbed by Oystercatchers and B-h Gulls over the main centre area before circling over the Hall Wood area for several minutes. A Black-tailed Godwit flew past Stones 3 times, a Dunlin dropped in briefly and a Hobby flew past. 30+ Swifts, mostly moving S. 20 Lapwing. 1 Redshank. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and Little Egret still. 5 Mistle Thrush and a Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
15/07/2023Totals of 137 Greylag and 270 Coot (big increase in the last week and the highest count since September 2022). 1 Curlew, 25 Swifts and 6 Sand Martins S. 3 Peregrines together over the north end. Hobby through WLC fields. Juv Redstart again in WLC fields. 7 Tree Sparrows at Millfields.Simon Roddis
14/07/2023A summer-plumage Dunlin off Stones causeway was new this morning. 4 Common Sandpipers. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and Little Egret still. New broods of Mallard and Tufted. 32 Mute Swans plus one cygnet. Reed Warblers singing at WLC and on Stones. Juv Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
13/07/20233 Redshank (2 ads, 1 juv) on Watersports island. 1 Common Sandpiper. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 147 Coot from WLC. 4 Common Terns off Stones. 1 Little Egret. c20 Swallows S past Stones. Chiffchaff feeding fledged young on Stones, and Blackcap carrying food. At least 7 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed, including 2 adults separately feeding fledged young, and 2 singing in WLC creek. Redstart calling in WLC fields. Linnet over Stones.SJR, RPJ, AMD
12/07/2023At least 1 Little Egret around the main centre area this morning. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls again. 6 Teal. 1 Common Sandpiper. Spotted Flycatcher on Stones. Juv Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
10/07/2023A couple more signs of birds starting to move around post-breeding this morning: 3 Redstarts (m,f and juv) in WLC fields, another juv Redstart on Stones, Spotted Flycatcher at sailing club and a juv Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. 7 redhead Goosander flew S at 09:00. The 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls again.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
07/07/2023July WeBS count; Great Crested Grebe 36, Little Grebe 2, Mute Swan 29, Canada Goose 917, Greylag 49, Grey Heron 5, Cormorant 12, Coot 119, Moorhen 7, Mallard 125, Gadwall 40, Tufted Duck 72, Pochard 2, Teal 4, Curlew 1, Common Sandpiper 1, Oystercatcher 10, Redshank 2, Lapwing 5.Jon Bradley/Clive Ashton
08/07/202333 Mute Swans plus one cygnet. 4 Teal. New brood of 9 Tufted from WLC. 2 Little Grebes off Stones causeway. Pair of GCGrebes with 2 chicks off Lane End. 2 Common Sand at sailing club. 3 Redshank and 1 Snipe still. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls on a raft off Watersports much of the morning. Immature female Peregrine from Stones. 30 Swallows over WLC creek. 5 Garden Warblers on Stones, mostly around Warbler Corner.Simon Roddis
06/07/20233 immature drake Common Scoters off Stones this morning, and a female-type Crossbill over Millfields carpark. 30 Mute Swans, but now only 1 cygnet at Sheepwash. 33 Gadwall. Single Teal and Pochard. New brood of 2 GCGrebe chicks at Penn Carr. 3 Redshank and the Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 3 Jays, presumably a family party, at Millfields. Sedge Warbler with food on Stones, presumably for a second brood. Fledged young Blackcaps at Millfields and Hall Wood. Juv Redstart below Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
05/07/2023This morning, 4 Common Terns, a new brood of 8 Gadwall and a Kingfisher off Stones causeway, drake Pochard, 2 Curlew, 1 Snipe from WLC (good spot, Roger), the adult Yellow-legged Gull still, 2 juv Redstarts in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
04/07/20236 Black-tailed Godwits (again!) on Stones then flew S at 07:35. Curlew at sailing club and a Common Sand off Stones causeway. The adult Yellow-legged Gull again. 2 Peregrines circling over the north end. Skylark again in dam wall fields. Juv Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
03/07/2023The first Yellow Wagtail of the autumn flew past Stones this morning. 2 Black-tailed Godwits on Horseshoe island, presumably the same birds as a couple of days ago. 31 Gadwall. Adult Yellow-legged and immature Common Gulls. 14 Sand Martins flew S. 3 juv Redstarts in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
02/07/2023Species noted at today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island- Wildlife Centre): Woodpigeon, Blackcap Chiffchaff, Tufted Duck, Canada Goose, Black-headed Bull Coot, Mallard, Redshank, Gt Crested Grebe, Teal (2 at WLC), Greylag Goose, Common Sandpiper (1 at WLC, 3 from the causeway), Cormorant, House Sparrow, Wren, Goldfinch, Little Grebe, Carrion Crow, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Pied Wagtail, Mute Swan, Blackbird, Lapwing, Shoveler, Red Kite, Raven, Buzzard, Dunnock, Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler, Garden Warbler, Robin, Black-tailed Godwit, Gadwall, Herring GullGary Atkins
02/07/20236 more Black-tailed Godwits this morning, flew S at 07:48. 2 Shoveler at Millfields. 32 Gadwall (brood of 4 in Brown Ale Bay may be new). New broods of Tufted at Hopton end (5) and off PS hide (3). 3 Collared Doves at the ranger base. 3 GCGrebe broods (Hopton end, Brown Ale Bay and WLC). 3 Redstarts (fem/juv WLC fields, juv below Middle Wood, male below Hall Wood). 3 Tree Sparrows (adult and 2 juvs) and 6 Grey Wagtails at Millfields.Simon Roddis
01/07/2023Single Wigeon and Pochard from WLC. 8 Curlew at sailing club early morning and the Snipe again on Horseshoe island.Simon Roddis
30/06/20232 more Black-tailed Godwits this morning, on Horseshoe island, along with a Snipe and 5 Teal. Clive had 2 Dunlin fly through. Adult Common Tern. 28 Mute Swans. 25 Gadwall. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Reed Warbler still singing at WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
29/06/2023Dusk visit: 12 Curlews came in to sailing club/Watersports island. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. At Hopton end, c10 Swallows went to roost in the reedbed, 15 Swifts hawking overhead and a calling Tawny Owl.Simon Roddis
29/06/2023A couple of pleasant surprises this morning: a flock of 7 Black-tailed Godwits flew S at 06:35 - seemed to be rising when I picked them up so perhaps they'd been down on the shore somewhere - and a first-summer Kittiwake flew S down the res at 09:25. 23 Mute Swans, plus the 2 cygnets still. 2 Curlew. Snipe, Common Sandpiper and adult and juvenile Redshank off Stones causeway. Adult Yellow-legged Gull again. 10 Swifts. Total of 8 Ravens. Skylark again in dam wall fields. 13 House Martins over Shiningford.Simon Roddis
28/06/20232 Curlews this morning, one on sailing club shore early on, and another flew S late morning. A Snipe on Horseshoe island (my first ever here in June). 2 Common Sandpiper. Immature Herring Gull. Adult Common Tern. Skylark singing over the dam wall fields.Simon Roddis
27/06/2023247 Greylags. 21 Mute Swans plus the 2 cygnets still off Sheepwash. New broods of 6 Gadwall at Shiningford and 8 Tufties in Brown Ale Bay. 4 male Teal. 125 Coot, plus a large juvenile at WLC. 45 Lapwing in WLC fields. A Whimbrel flew W over the main carpark at 07:30. 4 Common Sandpiper (3 at Millfields, 1 at Hopton end). Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 2 Little Egrets.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
23/06/202316 Mute Swan, including the pair with 2 cygnets still off Sheepwash. Drake Pochard, 113 Coot and 2 Little Grebes off Stones causeway. 23 Lapwing. Dunlin and Yellow-legged Gull still. Curlew over WLC creek. 2 Common Sand at Millfields (RPJ,AMD). Peregrine sitting on the dam wall early morning. 2 Reed Warblers singing in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
18/06/2023Monthly WeBS count: 790 Canada, 205 Greylag, 17 Mute Swan (pair with 2 small cygnets off PS hide), 19 Gadwall (new brood of 5 in Brown Ale Bay), 91 Mallard, 1 Teal, 77 Tufted, 5 Moorhen, 77 Coot (young at WLC), 1 Little Grebe, 48 GCGrebe, 9 Oystercatcher (new brood of 2 on Watersports island), 23 Lapwing, 4 Redshank, 12 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher below Middle Wood. Clive had 3 Common Terns off Stones, then 1 from WLC later. Siskin over Hopton end.SJR, JB, CA

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