Recent Sightings

DateSightingName
11/10/2026From Sheepwash early evening: Ruff (1), Bl T Godwit (2), Caspian Gull (ad), YLGull (6) - 3-Ads; 2-2nd w; 1st w, Pintail (5+),Richard Lowe
11/10/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 171 Canada, 32 Greylag, 16 Mute Swan plus 3 large cygnets, 2 Garganey (Millfields), 12 Shoveler, 157 Gadwall, 78 Wigeon, 316 Mallard , 20 Pintail, 1,763 Teal(!!), 5 Red-crested Pochard, 79 Common Pochard, 92 Tufted, 7 Moorhen, 1,014 Coot, 17 Little Grebe, 33 GCGrebe, 13 Ringed Plover, 2 Grey Plover (WLC), 13 Lapwing, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Jack Snipe (Hopton reedbed), 4 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Dunlin, 26 Cormorant, 5 Little & 3 Great Egrets, 7 Herons.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
10/10/2026From Sheepwash Hide early evening: Grey Plover (Juv); Mediterranean Gull 1st w; YLGull (7) - Ad (4), 2nd w (2), 1st w; Pintail (c.15).Richard Lowe
10/10/2026A female Merlin flew down the east side mid-morning, in line with its just-about-annual status. The 2 Garganey were still at Millfields, where Clive also had 9 Ringed Plovers. 3 Ruff at sailing club. Very little moving this morning compared to the last couple of days.SJR, MW, CA
09/10/2026From Sheepwash late afternoon/early evening: Mediterranean Gull 1st w; YLGull (7) - 4Ads, 2nd w, 1st w (2); Pintail (c10); Goldeneye (1); RC Pochard (3); Ruff (1); Bl T Godwit (2);Richard Lowe
09/10/2026It was mainly Redwings on the move this morning, with 1,420 flying S or SW 07:30-10:00. 3 Whooper Swans, perhaps the same birds as yesterday, flew in from the NW but soon departed E. 2 Garganey still at Millfields and a drake Common Scoter from Sheepwash. 3 Ruff and 2 Black-tailed Godwits still. 2 Great and 8 Little Egrets. Adult Yellow-legged and Herring Gulls at Sheepwash. Male Stonechat in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
08/10/2026From Sheepwash this afternoon: Caspian Gull adult, Yellow-legged Gull 4 (3ads, 1st Winter), Great Black-backed Gull ad, Mediterranean Gull 1st winter. Pintail 3, Red-crested Pochard, Ringed Plover 7, Dunlin 1.CA/RJL
08/10/2026A very decent morning, with a bit of movement and a few birds on and around the water. Vismig included 2,200 Woodpigeons S in 90 minutes, 90 Redwing, 31 Starling, 24 Skylarks and 30 Pink-footed Geese E. 3 Whooper Swans dropped in just after 09:00 and were there to 11:00 at least (first of the year here as far as I'm aware). The 2 Garganey were still at Millfields, along with 18 Pintail, 30 Shoveler, 80 Wigeon, 104 Pochard and 4 Red-crested Pochard, and Clive had a male Mandarin there briefly. At sailing club/WLC, 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plover, 1 Ruff and 2 Black-tailed Godwits. 42 Cormorants. Probably 2 Great Egrets. 5 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. 6 Jays (5 over Millfields carpark) and at least 30 Ravens. Willow Tit in WLC creek.SJR, MW, RPJ, AMD, CA
06/10/2026The 2 juvenile-type Garganey were still at Millfields this morning. Totals of 19 Shoveler, 111 Wigeon, 11 Pintail and 106 Pochard. 86 Woodpigeons and 29 Stock Doves S in one hour. At sailing club, 5 Dunlin, 3 Ruff and 7 Ringed Plover, and 1 Black-tailed Godwit at WLC. 3 Great Egrets still. 5 Redwing flew through. 4 Stonechats again in WLC fields. 50 Linnets at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
05/10/2026As well as the report by Alan; 4 Stonechat in WLC Creek and 14 Siskin flew SW.Clive Ashton
05/10/2026This morning from Millfields, 2 Gargany, 7 Pintail, 3 Great White Egrets were visible from there, also 7 Little Egrets other waterfoul included Shovellers, Wigeon, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall and large numbers of Teal , 1 adult Yellow legged gull . From Stones Island, 3 Ruff,5 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plovers .AHS, CA, MR.
04/10/2026Two Garganey at Millfields early evening and 1st w Mediterranean Gull and 4 YL Gulls (2Ads; 2-1st w’s) from Sheepwash.Richard Lowe
04/10/2026Species seen during today's monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island WLC creek): House Sparrow, Mallard, Little Egret, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Black-headed Gull, Canada Goose, Robin, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Lapwing, Carrion Crow, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, Wren, Magpie, Mute swan, Greylag goose, Dunnock, Great tit, Blue tit, Long-tailed tit, Kestrel, Lesser black-backed gull, Gt Crested Grebe, Linnet, Goldfinch, Snipe, Little grebe, Buzzard, Great egret, Blackbird, Teal, Gadwall, Grey heron, Black-tailed Godwit.Gary Atkins
04/10/2026The Garganey was still at Millfields this morning, and 2 redhead Goosander dropped in there. I didn't count them but a lot of wildfowl appear to have retreated to the north end of the reservoir. Wonder why that is? A Ruff and 4 Dunlin were at sailing club and 2 Black-tailed Godwits still at WLC. 3 Great Egrets still. 6 GSWoodpeckers at various spots. Male Stonechat in WLC fields, 30 Linnets on Stones and a Redpoll over Millfields.Simon Roddis
03/10/2026From Sheepwash hide late afternoon: Med Gull (Ad); YLGull (4) Ads; Pintail (8); GWEgret (1);Richard Lowe
03/10/202640 Pochard, 12. Little Grebe,17 Cormorant,2 Grey Heron,20 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler ,25 Gadwall, 8 Linnet, 4 Great White Egret , 30 + Pied Wagtail , 10 Snipe 3 at WLC 7 Sailing club,18 Lapwing, 6 Dunlin, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chiffchaff Singing at Sheepwash, 4 Ringed Plover, 4 Little Egret, Curlew sandpiper at WLC , no sign of the SpoonbillDave Armitt
03/10/2026Clive saw the Spoonbill at Millfields first thing but not thereafter. Garganey still there. Another mass disturbance event, this time caused by small boats going up the reservoir, 100s of wildfowl flushed. Some of them then dropped into Millfields, including 18 Shoveler, 81 Wigeon, 17 Pintail. 3 female-type Red-crested Pochard also there. 3 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin and 2 Black-tailed Godwits still. At least 2 Great Egrets. 11+ Skylarks over and the first Redpoll of the autumn over Stones causeway.SJR, CA, MW
02/10/2026From Sheepwash Hide early evening (with Clive Ashton): Med Gull 1st w. YLGull (4) - 2 Ads, 1st w, 2nd w. Caspian Gull - 2Ads. Plus a Ring-billed / Lesser Black-backed Hybrid that seems to tour the Midland’s reservoirs every autumn/winter, seen at Carsington in previous years and well spotted by CA. Plus Pintail (4).Richard Lowe
02/10/2026The juvenile Spoonbill was again at Millfields late morning until flushed by an irresponsible dog-owner. Not just the Spoonbill but some hundreds of duck - including the long-staying Garganey - and other wildfowl too. Very annoying! Before that, I counted 22 Shoveler, 67 Wigeon, 15 Pintail and 39 Pochard. Just one female Red-crested Pochard at Millfields. Waders included 8 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover, 3 Common Sandpipers and 2 Black-tailed Godwits. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 3 Great Egrets. 4 Tawny Owls calling early morning. 35 Meadow Pipits. 9 Siskin.Simon Roddis
01/10/2026The Spoonbill found by Simon was mobile between Millfields and Stones Island. We understand from other birders that it was still at Millfields late in the day. 7 Little Egrets. 3 Herons. 75 Wigeon. 6 Red-crested Pochard (2m) on Millfields Island. 100 Gadwall. Female Goldeneye. Sailing Club end of the dam wall-6 Dunlin, 6 Ringed Plover and a Snipe. 4 Common Sands. The 2 Blackwits and Greenshank at Wildlife centre. 2nd winter Med Gull at Sheepwash along with 3 YLG-1st w, 2nd w and an adult. 39 Common Gulls. 4 Swallows through-3 & 1. 9 Chiffchaff. 3 Raven. With Chris BrownDave Newcombe/Chris Brown
01/10/2026A juvenile Spoonbill at Millfields this morning was a bit of a surprise, the sixth Carsington record. The Garganey was also still at Millfields. 2 Egyptian Geese off Watersports late morning. At least 64 Wigeon, 10 Pintail and 4 Red-crested Pochard (3 males). 9 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwits still and 3 Common Sandpipers. 3 Great Egrets. Totals of 9 Jays, 8+ Skylarks, 2 Swallows and 2 Blackcaps.Simon Roddis
30/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon/early evening: in the gulls - Mediterranean Gull (2) - Ad plus 1st w. YLGull (13) - Ad (7); 2w (3); 1st w (3). GBBGull 1st w.Richard Lowe
30/09/2026Yesterday's Grey Plover was still at Sheepwash late morning, and the Garganey at Millfields. A flock of at least 25 Redshank flew in and landed on Watersports island; another flock of 10-12 fly-though waders might also have been Redshank. 7 Red-crested Pochard and a Green Woodpecker at Millfields. 2 Black-tailed Godwits again at WLC and totals of 5 Common Sandpiper and 8 Dunlin. 3 Great Egret. Marsh Tit calling at SHeepwash and 40 Linnets on Stones island.Simon Roddis
29/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: In the gulls - YLGull (8) - 4 Ads, 3-1st w’s plus 2nd w; GBBGull (Ad). Plus Pintail (3); GWEgret.Richard Lowe
29/09/2026A Grey Plover flew into Sheepwash early morning and was still there to 10:20 at least. The Curlew Sandpiper was still at Watersports/Horseshoe island and the Garganey at Millfields. 11 Pintail and 6 (possibly 8) Red-crested Pochard. 3 Great Egret. Waders included Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Common Sandpipers, 8 Dunlin and 6 Ringed Plover. 30 Meadow Pipits at Watersports.SJR, RPJ, AMD, AHS
28/09/2026At 11.18 6 x Dunlin + 1 Curlew Sandpiper photographed at end of concrete slipway to left of cycle hire.Bernard Dumbleton
28/09/2026The Garganey is still at Millfields this morning but I didn't see the Curlew Sandpiper or the Dunlin flock that it hung around with. 2 Black-tailed Godwit still and 2 Common Sandpiper. A vocal Peregrine sat on one of the pylons beyond WLC creek. 3 Great Egret. Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. 4 Skylarks over.Simon Roddis
27/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon in the gulls: Caspian Gull 1st w (Dutch ringed); YLGull (4) - Ad, 2nd w plus 2-1st w’s. GBBGull 1st w. Plus Pintail (5); Wigeon (c20), GWEgret; L Egret; Ringed Plover (1).Richard Lowe
27/09/2026Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper again around Watersports and the Garganey was at Millfields again this morning. Wildfowl included 44 Shoveler, 202 Gadwall (new site record), 62 Wigeon, 11 Pintail, 5 Red-crested and 53 Common Pochard. 2 Black-tailed Godwits still, single Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper and Greenshank, and 10 Dunlin. 3 Great Egrets at Watersports. Total of at least 7 Tawny Owls calling early morning.Simon Roddis, c
26/09/2026The juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was again in the Watersports/Horseshoe area this morning, along with 12 Dunlin, 2 Black-tailed Godwits and a Greenshank. The juvenile-type Garganey also still at Millfields, along with 13 Shoveler, 3 Pintail and 30 Wigeon. Great Egret still around Watersports. 5 Skylarks over.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
25/09/2026The juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was still in the Watersports area this morning, a Turnstone flew past Stones island and the Garganey was at Millfields. Supporting cast of 45 Wigeon, 7 Pintail, 6 Red-crested Pochard, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 12+ Dunlin, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Great Egrets, 3 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing, Marsh Tit at Sheepwash, 1 Siskin over the WLC.SJR, CA, AHS
24/09/2026A juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was at Sailing Club with at least 5 Dunlin this morning. Garganey still, 2 Black-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe, Ringed Plover heard, Common Sandpiper and 2 Great Egret.Clive Ashton
23/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon of note: Caspian Gull 1st w (yellow ring on left tibia, from Holland); YLGull (5) - 4 Ads plus 1st w; GBBGull (2) - Ad plus 1st w; Pintail (2); Ringed Plover (8);Richard Lowe
23/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon of note: Caspian Gull 1st w (yellow ring on left tibia, from Holland); YLGull (5) - 4 Ads plus 1st w; GBBGull (2) - Ad plus 1st w; Pintail (2); Ringed Plover (8);Richard Lowe
23/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon of note: Caspian Gull 1st w (yellow ring on left tibia, from Holland); YLGull (5) - 4 Ads plus 1st w; GBBGull (2) - Ad plus 1st w; Pintail (2); Ringed Plover (8);Richard Lowe
23/09/20265 Red-crested Pochard, 5 Pintail, Garganey, 2 Great Egret, 5 Little Egret, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Dunlin, Ringed Plover, 10 Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper, Kestrel on Stones.Clive Ashton
22/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon of note: Turnstone (2); RPlover (5); Common Sandpiper (1); Pintail (2); Caspian Gull (ad) - the ‘regular’ bird, albeit spending much of its time at Ogston; YLGull (4) - 2Ads, 1st w, 2nd w;Richard Lowe
22/09/2026Garganey still at Millfields, 7 Pintail at Sheepwash, 2 Great Egret, Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, 3 Common Sandpiper, 6+ Dunlin, 6 Snipe, Kingfisher at WLC, Stonechat in the creek.CA/RPJ/AMD
21/09/2026No sign of Pectoral Sandpipers or Spotted Redshank this morning. Garganey at Millfields, 2 Great Egret, 3 Common Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit at Sailing Club, Greenshank at Wildlife centre, 2 Willow Tit and Stonechat in Wildlife Centre creek, loose flock of 6 Jay S/W over Millfields.CA,AHS
20/09/201912, Shoveler,2 pectoral sandpiper,1 Greenshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 40 Wigeon, 20 Gadwall, 2 Little Egret, 30 Pied wagtail, 2 Wheatear, 8 Mute swan, 1 Chiffchaff, 10 Little Grebe, Dropped in midafternoon for a quick walk started at Millfield's walked the Dam wall and back surprised that the waders didn't move on with the activity along the shore line.Dave Armitt
20/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon: YLGull (8) - Ad (7); 1st w (1). GBBGull (2) - Ad plus Juv/1st w; Herring Gull (3); GWEgret (1); Dunlin (5); R Plover (3); Pintail (2); Peregrine (1);Richard Lowe
20/09/2026Both Pectoral Sandpipers and the Garganey were at Millfields again this morning. Vismig from WLC creek involved 690 Meadow Pipits SW in 2 hours, 2 Skylarks, a Yellowhammer (Carsington mega!), 21 Swallows and 17 Linnets. On the dam wall early on, Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail, 100 Pied Wagtails and a Kingfisher. 13 Shoveler, 3 Wigeon, 4 Pintail, 6 Red-crested Pochard, 38 Common Pochard and a redhead Goosander. The juvenile Black-tailed Godwit was at sailing club early morning and later in Brown Ale Bay. 2 Yellow-legged, 2 Great Black-backed and 7 Common Gulls. 2 Great Egret. 2 Stonechat, a Redstart and 60 Goldfinch in WLC fields. Willow Emerald damselfly in BABay.SJR, CA, MW
19/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon:of note in the gulls - YLGull (7) - Ad (4), 2nd w (1), 1st w (2); HGull c4+; GBBGull 1st w. Plus GWEgret (1); Pintail (2+); Shoveller (10+). Surprisingly, no waders.Richard Lowe
18/09/2026The 2 Pectoral Sandpipers and Garganey were still at Millfields this morning, the Pecs even staying despite disturbance by a paddleboarder late morning. At least 11 species of wader, including c15 Ringed Plover, 5+ Dunlin, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone on Stones (courtesy of the Hattersleys), juv Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Ruff (per Dave H) at WLC. 6 Red-crested Pochard off Lane End. 2 Great Egret. Hobby circling late morning. Skylark over the main centre. Sand Martin over Stones (getting quite late for them now). Wheatear again on the dam wall. Light movement of Meadow Pipits (25+) and 70 Pied Wagtails out of their roost in Hopton reedbed early on.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
17/09/2026The 2 Pectoral Sandpipers and Garganey were again at Millfields this morning, plus a Greenshank. 13 Ringed Plover, 7 Dunlin and 4 Red-crested Pochard at Sheepwash, plus single Common and Great Black-backed Gulls. At least 2 Great and 5 Little Egrets. Peregrine enjoying the breeze with corvids over Hall Wood. Hirundines on the move included at least 40 Swallows and 50 House Martins. Wheatear on the dam wall.SJR, CA, MW
15/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon: Garganey (at about 6pm, then flew off towards Lane End); Pintail (2); YLGull (4) - 3Ads plus a 1st w; GBBGull 1 Juv; GWEgret (1); Ringed Plover (13); Dunlin (8+); Greenshank (1);Richard Lowe
15/09/2026This morning: The 2 Pectoral Sandpipers still present at Millfields along with the Garganey and a Greenshank. Sheepwash 15 Ringed Plover and 8 Dunlin. Stones/Wildlife Centre: Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper, 2f Red-crested Pochard and Great Egret.Clive Ashton
14/09/2026Short visit this afternoon: Total of 24 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 3 Common Sandpiper, Greenshank, Great Egret, 2 Pintail, 2 YL Gull, ad Caspian Gull.Clive Ashton
12/09/2026The 2 Pectoral Sandpipers are still here this morning, initially at sailing club/Horseshoe island and then at Millfields late morning. Monthly wildfowl count: 276 Canada, 59 Greylag, 23 Mute Swan, 1 Garganey, 29 Shoveler, 176 Gadwall, 10 Wigeon, 523 Mallard, 9 Pintail, 897 Teal, 5 Red-crested and 35 Common Pochard, 221 Tufted, 1 Goldeneye, 9 Moorhen, 839 Coot, 18 Little Grebe, 32 GCGrebe, 14 Ringed Plover, 9 Lapwing, 3 Common Sandpiper, 5 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 4 Snipe, 3 Little and 1 Great Egret, 8 Heron. The Gadwall and Mallard counts are both new site records.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
11/09/2026Another autumn day, another surprise: a Pectoral Sandpiper, first for the site (apparently present and photographed yesterday evening). Initially this morning at sailing club with a Ruff before being flushed; it was later relocated on Horseshoe island, there up to midday at least. The Little Stint was still at Sheepwash. Other waders: 14 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, 4 Common Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit. Duck included a juvenile Shelduck, 29 Shoveler, 14 Wigeon, 6 Pintail, the Garganey at Millfields, and 5 Red-crested Pochard. At least 1 Great Egret. Marsh Tit at Paul Stanley.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton et al.
10/09/2026Another excellent autumn morning. The Garganey was at Millfields early morning, an Osprey flew south at 09:30 and one Little Stint was at Sheepwash late morning. A juvenile-type Whinchat and a male Stonechat were in WLC creek mid morning; the Whinchat hung around for at least an hour. Totals of 566 Canada Geese, 171 Greylags, 12 Shoveler, 6 Pintail (in Brown Ale Bay), 2 female Red-crested Pochard, 16 Ringed Plover, 7 Snipe, 7 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank. 2 Redshank at Watersports were new and a Black-tailed Godwit flew west. Great Egret also at Watersports and a Hobby flew through. Totals of 21 Ravens, 70 Swallows, 10 House and 4 Sand Martins. 5 Jays flew over Hall Wood. Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall.SJR, RPJ, AMD, MW
09/09/2026One juvenile Little Stint was atill at Sheepwash early morning, and the Garganey again at Millfields. 1 Pintail at sailing club and 2 female Red-crested Pochard off Horseshoe island. 44 Pochard. 13 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, 8 Snipe, 2 Dunlin. Adult Yellow-legged Gull again. 2 Great Egrets, at Millfields and past Lane End. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end early morning. Totals of 120 Swallows and 70 House Martins. Spotted Flycatcher beyond the top of WLC creek.SJR, CA, MW
07/09/2026The 2 Little Stints were at Sheepwash early morning and later off Stones causeway, and the Garganey was still at Millfields late morning. 4 Pintail were the first of their autumn here. 15 Shoveler. 41 Pochard. 16+ Ringed Plover. 5 Dunlin. 3 Greenshank. 2 Ruff. 8+ Snipe. Adult Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls. Hobby over Stones. At least 14 Ravens (12 over Sheepwash early morning). Whitethroat on Stones. 20 Swallows and 15 House Martins.SJR, RPJ, AMD
06/09/2026Following are the (36) species identified on the monthly Birwatching for Beginners walk (10am-12noon), taking in Stones Island and as far as the screens by the Wildlife Centre: House Sparrow, Robin, Canada Goose, Ringed Plover, Little Stint, Dunlin, Ruff, Mallard, Gt Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Coot, Moorhen, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Cormorant, Mute Swan, Chiffchaff, Hobby, Red Kite, Buzzard, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Gadwall, Lapwing, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Swallow, Tufted Duck, Teal, Goldfinch, Blue Tit and BlackbirdGary Atkins
06/09/2026The Garganey was still at Millfields this morning, and 2 Knot at Sheepwash. Clive also had the 2 Little Stints there. 3 Ruff and 3 Greenshank. 20+ Ringed Plovers still. 2 Hobbies over Hopton end and at least 1 Reed Warbler in the reedbed. 30 each of Swallow and House Martin. 10+ Ravens.Simon Roddis
04/09/2026The excellent autumn continues, with an Osprey flying south at 08:05, 3 Knot still at Sheepwash, a new site record of at least 41 Ringed Plovers, and a Garganey - quite likely the one that was seen last week - at Millfields late morning. Also 8 Wigeon, female Red-crested Pochard, 30 Common Pochard, 3 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, the Marsh Tit still at Sheepwash, a Yellow Wagtail there, and a trickle of Swallows (48), House Martins (5) and a single Sand Martin.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
03/09/2026The 3 juvenile Knot and the Little Stint were again at Sheepwash this morning, although the stint relocated to Stones island mid-morning (per Ant Pooles). 32 Ringed Plovers, 2 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, 5 Dunlin, 4+ Common Sandpipers. Duck included 23 Shoveler, 2 female Red-crested and 40 Common Pochard, and 153 Greylags flew over the dam wall early morning. Great Egret still, and Kingfisher on the dam wall. c150 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall/sailing club.Simon Roddis
02/09/2026Popped back up to Sheepwash this evening: 3 juvenile Knot still, the Little Stint, 35 Ringed Plovers, 5 Dunlin, 9 Snipe, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 553 Teal.Simon Roddis
02/09/2026A very decent morning, mainly at Sheepwash hide because of the weather. Main highlights were 3 juvenile Knot, 2 Whinchats and a juvenile/winter-plumage Black-necked Grebe, with a supporting cast of 12 Ringed Plover, 16 Snipe, 2 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, adult and juvenile Caspian Gull, adult Yellow-legged Gull and Yellow Wagtail. Female Red-crested Pochard off Horseshoe island and 2 Willow Tits on Stones earlier.SJR, AHS, MW
01/09/2026The Little Stint was again off Stones causeway this morning. Totals of 22 Ringed Plover, 4 Greenshank and single Curlew and Ruff (at Sheepwash). There seemed to be far fewer waterfowl to me today, perhaps they've got fed up with the disturbance. Adult Caspian Gull on Sheepwash spit. 1,200 Jackdaws early morning and a total of 19 Ravens (no shortage of corvids at the moment!). Common and Lesser Whitethroats in WLC creek. At least 150 Goldfinches in total.Simon Roddis
31/08/2026Both Little and Tawny Owls were calling in WLC creek first thing this morning. The Little Stint was on Stones island early morning and later at Sheepwash, with 3 Dunlin. 2 Greenshank, 5 Common Sandpiper, 18 Ringed Plovers. Ruff at Sheepwash late am (CA,AHS). 560 Teal. 38 Shoveler (most of them in Brown Ale Bay). 8 Wigeon. 14 Pochard. 200+ Tufted Duck - Clive counted 185 at Millfields alone. Adult Caspian Gull at MIllfields early on, then on Stones. The Great Egret still around sailing club. 4 single Sparrowhawks. Hobby through Sheepwash (AHS). 4 GSWoodpeckers, including one flying up to mob a Raven! 900 Jackdaws over WLC creek early am. Total of 20 Ravens. Willow Tit on Stones. Totals of 74 Swallows and 10 House Martins. Spotted Flycatcher and female/juv Redstart in WLC creek, and another Spot Fly in Brown Ale Bay (AHS). 2 Meadow Pipits over WLC creek, my first here since April.SJR, CA, MW, AHS
30/08/2026Knot and Little Stint again around Watersports/Stones island this morning. 26 Ringed Plovers on Stones. 2 Ruff at Sheepwash. 6 Common Sandpiper. 3 Greenshank. At least 18 Shoveler, 7 Wigeon and 16 Pochard, but sadly the wildfowl were disturbed again by boats way up the reservoir. Great Egret still and Peregrine at Sheepwash. A late Swift flew with Sand Martins over Stones. 2 Willow Tits also on Stones, a flock of 100+ Goldfinches, and Dave H had a Wheatear on the shore.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD, MW
29/08/2026The Knot (on Stones) and at least 1 Little Stint (Stones and Sheepwash) were still at Carsington this morning. Totals of c20 Ringed Plovers, 8 Dunlin, 2 Ruff (Sheepwash), 3 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpipers (Watersports/WLC), 10 Snipe. 518 Canadas and 88 Greylags flew out over the dam wall early morning. Totals of at least 23 Shoveler and 32 Pochard. Adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls at Sheepwash late morning. The Great Egret still. Swallows (24) and House Martins (20) moving again but fewer than yesterday. Yellow Wagtail on Stones.Simon Roddis
28/08/2026Another entertaining morning. The Little Stint was still at Sheepwash and the Knot (probably just one) turned up there after being around Stones island early doors. Other waders included 20+ Lapwing, 12 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, 22 Snipe, 4 Common Sandpiper, 3 Greenshank and 11 Dunlin. A fresh-looking juvenile Marsh Harrier circled the Fishtail creek area from 10:35 to 11:15 at least, at one point playing around with a Common Buzzard. At least 19 Shoveler, could have been more but they kept moving around. 4+ Red-crested Pochard (2m,2 female-types) on the shore below Middle Wood. 6 Wigeon. Adult Caspian Gull on Sheepwash spit. The Great Egret still. Hobby through WLC creek and Peregrine over the north end. Total of 18 Ravens, including a flock of 15 flying SE, escorted off the premises by one of the local birds. At least 40 Swallows and 20 House Martins moving through. 5 Willow Warblers in the Stones to WLC area.Simon Roddis
27/08/2026The Knot and one juvenile Little Stint were on the shore of Stones island early morning, and presumably the same Little Stint later in front of Sheepwash hide. A flock of 11 Turnstones dropped into Sheepwash at 10:35. Totals of at least 9 Ringed Plover, 3 Little Ringed, 6 Common Sandpiper, 2+ Greenshank, 15 Snipe and 9 Dunlin. 14 Shoveler and 17 Pochard. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and Great Egret still. Marsh Tit calling in Sheepwash wood and Reed Warbler in Brown Ale Bay. 50 Goldfinches at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
26/08/2025JB found 2 Little Stints on the dam wall just after 19:00; they flew after about 10 mins but could easily still be around. Turnstone on Horseshoe island (JB) then calling over sailing club bay, perhaps RJL's bird from Sheepwash? And RJL's Garganey still at Lane End at 19:50. Colour-ringed Little Egret at Millfields and a Black-headed Gull 236B on Stones which I think was ringed as a nestling here in 2022. 3 Spotted Flycatchers still actively flycatching near Lane End at 20:20, I could even hear their bills snapping shut. Magical!Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
26/08/2026From Sheepwash early evening: Turnstone; Shoveller (11); Wigeon (1); Caspian Gull (Ad). From Lane End: Garganey (prob Juv.) with Teal flock, Greenshank (2); Dunlin (2); Caspian Gull 1st w; GBBGull (Juv);Richard Lowe
26/08/2026The Knot was still on Stones/Watersports island this morning, though sometimes disappearing from view. Other waders included 8 Ringed and 4 Little Ringed Plovers, Curlew, 18 Snipe, 8 Common Sandpipers, 3 Greenshank and 2+ Dunlin. Female Goldeneye (same as earlier in the summer) in Brown Ale Bay. 7 Shoveler and 7 Wigeon. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 47 Cormorant. Great Egret still and 11+ Little. Hobby over Stones again. 2+ Willow Tits in the Stones to WLC area. 2 Willow Warblers on Stones.SJR, CA, AHS
25/08/2026A Marsh Tit (calling and seen) at Brown Ale Bay this morning was a surprise. A visiting birder reported a winter-plumage Knot on Stones. Other waders included 5 Greenshank, Dunlin, Ruff, at least 4 Ringed and 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 6 Common Sandpipers and 12 Snipe. Totals of 429 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 3 Red-crested and 22 Common Pochard and 612 Coot. Long-stayers included the adult Caspian Gull from Sheepwash hide and the Great Egret at Watersports. 2 Kingfishers in Shiningford creek. A Hobby low over Stones and the Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis
24/08/2026From Lane End hide early evening: Osprey flew south over Dam Wall at 5.55pm causing mass panic in the gull flock on Sailing Club Is.An obvious Juv/1st w Caspian Gull in the gull roost later. GWEgret in front of hide.Richard Lowe
24/08/2026Birds of note from this morning, 16 Snipe, 7+ Common Sandpiper, 4+Greenshank, 8 Ringed Plovers, 1 Ruff, possible Green Sandpiper and Wood Sandpiper in BABay but sun was making observation very difficult, 3 singing Willow Warblers, 1 Caspien Gull at Sheepwash and Great White Egret in Water Sports bay.AHS, CA.
23/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was right up in Shiningford creek this morning; perhaps it has been there for the last couple of days when we haven't seen it. 3 Shoveler at Sheepwash and 3 Red-crested Pochard still. Juvenile Black-tailed Godwit still at sailing club, 4 Greenshank, 10 Snipe, Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover. Great Egret still at Watersports. Hobby over WLC creek. At least 1 Willow Tit on Stones. Warblers included Cetti's still in Hopton reedbed and Whitethroat there, Sedge Warbler on Stones, 3 Willow Warblers. Spotted Flycatcher in Sheepwash carpark.SJR, CA, MW
22/08/2026Best moment of the morning was at 09:51, 18 minutes after Robin Elliott had told me that 4 Turnstones had flown through Ogston Res and were heading in the Carsington direction. Lo and behold, 4 Turnstones flew past Stones island. Marvellous! A close second was a lovely juvenile Sanderling found by Clive on Stones. The juvenile Black-tailed Godwit was still at sailing club, and other waders included single Ruff, Redshank and Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, at least 1 Ringed and 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 6 Snipe and 4 Common Sandpipers. Adult Yellow-legged and Herring Gulls. The Great Egret still and 15 Little. A kettle of birds over the east side included 10 Ravens, 7 Buzzards and 3 Red Kites. Kingfisher and Yellow Wagtail along the dam wall, and another Yellow Wag over Stones. Willow Tits on Stones and in WLC creek. Totals of at least 50 Swallows and 80 House Martins.SJR, CA, MW
21/08/2026Seemed a bit quieter today (21st), certainly fewer waders, although a fresh juvenile Black-tailed Godwit was new. 3 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpipers, 6 Snipe, 2 Ringed and a Little Ringed Plover. 6 Curlew flew W over the WLC. 3 Red-crested Pochard at Sheepwash. 41 Cormorants. The Great Egret still. Single Hobby and Peregrine. Whitethroats at Sheepwash and WLC creek. 2 Spotted Flycatchers in Sheepwash carpark.SJR, AHS, CA, RPJ, AMD
21/08/2026Osprey flew over our heads by wildlife centre late morning. Fantastic it was so close, great view.Alan Ball
20/08/2026The highlight this morning was 2 Cattle Egrets on the shore of Stones island, from 07:30 to 09:30 at least. The Wood Sandpiper was still near the WLC. Not quite so many waders as a few days ago but still 3 Greenshank, 2 Green and 7 Common Sandpipers, 7 Snipe, 3 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plovers and a Dunlin. Female Red-crested Pochard in Brown Ale Bay. 3 Shoveler and 3 Wigeon. The Great Egret still. Hobby past the top of WLC creek and a Redstart still in the fields. Willow Tits in WLC creek and on Stones. Whitethroat on Stones and at least 2 Yellow Wagtails in the area. 175 House Martins, a few Swallows and a late Swift flew W after a heavy shower late morning.Simon Roddis
19/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was again in its favoured area at the Watersports end of Horseshoe island this morning. Totals of 5 Greenshank, 6 Common and 3 Green Sandpipers, 6 Snipe, 27 Lapwing. Juvenile Shelduck on Stones. Adult Common Tern off Lane End. The adult Caspian Gull and Great Egret still. Willow Tit, Reed Warbler and 2 Willow Warblers on Stones. Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
18/08/2026Evening visit: an Osprey circled the Sheepwash area 18:20-18:30. At least 3,500 Lesser Black-backs came into roost by 9pm. Wood Sandpiper, Greenshank, Ringed Plover and 2 Oystercatchers from the dam wall. c500 Jackdaws and 100 Rooks went to roost in Tail Bay.Simon Roddis
18/08/2026Osprey flying over at WLC.Christina Kennedy
18/08/2026Another decent morning, with a total of 11 species of wader, including the Wood Sandpiper still, 6 Green Sandpipers, 3+ Greenshank, 5 Dunlin, 2 Ringed and 2 Little Ringed Plovers, a flyover Golden Plover and an Oystercatcher. 6 Arctic Terns flew through and a juvenile Common lingered for a while. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. Egyptian Goose still, 3 Wigeon off Stones and eclipse male Red-crested Pochard on Horseshoe island. Great Egret still at Watersports. Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed. Willow Tit on Stones and 3 Yellow Wagtails flew S.SJR, AHS, CA
17/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Caspian Gull (2) - Ad and 1st s; YLGull (2) Ads; GBBGull (1) 1st s; Greenshank (2) juvs; Snipe (2); Shoveller (2).Richard Lowe
17/08/2026A Turnstone, Ringed Plover and Greenshank were at the sailing club end of the day wall early morning, and a drake Common Scoter out in the middle. The Wood Sandpiper was still around Horseshoe island and the adult Caspian Gull off Stones. Total of 5 Green Sandpipers. Adult Great Black-backed Gull eating a dead Coot! The Great Egret still off Stones causeway. Kingfisher and Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall. c50 Swallows at the draw-off tower and a total of c120 House Martins there and over Shiningford. Whitethroat at Hopton end and 4 Reed Warblers in different spots.Simon Roddis
15/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: YLGull (2) - Ad plus Juv; GBBGull Ad; GWEgret; Watersports/Wildlife hide: Wood Sandpiper juv; Green Sandpiper (3+), Common Sandpiper (4+); Dunlin (2) juvs; Greenshank (3) juvs; Ruff juv; Snipe (4);Richard Lowe
15/08/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 105 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 21 Mute Swans plus 3 cygnets, 8 Shoveler, 118 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 354 Mallard, 264 Teal, 3 Red-crested Pochard, 6 Pochard, 136 Tufted, 30 Moorhen, 726 Coot, 14 Little Grebe, 47 GCGrebe, 26 Lapwing, 1 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Common, 4 Green and 1 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 1 Ruff, 5 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 27 Cormorant, 12 Little and 1 Great Egret, 9 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher. Plus Cetti's Warbler in Hopton reedbed, Peregrine, Golden Plover (JB) and 2 Black-tailed Godwits (Mike R) over, adult Caspian Gull.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
14/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon of note: Caspian Gull 1st s; YLGull (3) - 2 Ads plus juv; GBBGull 1st s; Pochard (f); GWEgret (1); From Wildlife Hide/Watersports: Yellow Wagtail juv; Dunlin juv; Ruff (2) juvs; Green Sandpiper (3+); Common Sandpiper (4+); Snipe (5); GWEgret (1);Richard Lowe
14/08/2025A Cetti's Warbler was calling in Hopton reedbed first thing (first of the year as far as I'm aware). 5 Green Sandpipers, 2 Ruff, 7 Dunlin and 6 Snipe around Watersports/Horseshoe island. 4 Shoveler and the 2 drake Red-crested Pochard in Brown Ale Bay. Great Egret on the back of Watersports island. Kingfisher and Willow Warbler at Hopton end, and a small trickle of southbound Swallows and House Martins overhead.Simon Roddis
13/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was again between Watersports and the WLC this morning. Total of 8 Green and 4 Common Sandpipers, 2 Greenshank, 2 Ruff, 4 LRP, 6 Dunlin. Egyptian Goose in Brown Ale Bay. Great Egret at Sheepwash. Willow Warbler at Hopton end and juvenile Common Whitethroat on Stones.Simon Roddis
12/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was still around Horseshoe island this morning, along with much of its supporting cast, including 6 Green Sandpipers, 2 Ruff, Ringed Plover, 4 LRP and a Curlew. 6 Shoveler. 96 Teal around Brown Ale Bay, and the female Red-crested Pochard there too. In one hour early morning, 159 Woodpigeons flew S and 19N, plus 14 Stock Doves S. Single adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls. 36 Cormorant. The Great Egret again, 11 Little Egrets and 12 Grey Herons. Kingfisher in WLC creek. Redstart and Wheatear in WLC fields. Yellow Wagtail over Stones island. Unfortunately, a paddleboarder caused huge disturbance of the waterfowl around Sheepwash and BABay. I don't know if they're allowed that far up the res but I'll certainly be raising it with STW.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
11/08/2026The juvenile Wood Sandpiper was still in the Watersports area this morning, along with Ruff and Greenshank. 6+ Dunlin, 4 Green and 7 Common Sandpipers. 3 juvenile Shelduck on Watersports island late morning. Single Shoveler and Wigeon at WLC. Adult Common and Yellow-legged Gulls and first-summer Great Black-back. 2 Peregrines over the north end. c100 Swallows at the draw-off tower. Garden warbler on Stones island, and another birder had a juvenile Wheatear.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
10/08/2026Waderfest continued this morning: Wood Sandpiper still around Horseshoe island, a moulting adult Sanderling at sailing club, probably 2 each of Ruff and Greenshank, 10 Dunlin, at least 3 Green Sandpipers. 4 Shoveler in Brown Ale Bay. 2 juvenile Common Terns off Stones. Adult Caspian Gull on Horseshoe island. Peregrine over the north end. Total of 4 Willow Tits. Garden Warbler and Whitethroat on Stones. Family party of 5 Spotted Flycatchers near Lane End bombing tower.SJR, AHS, MW
09/08/2026Wood Sandpiper was a welcome addition to the roll call of waders this morning, initially on Watersports island and later on the sailing club side of Stones causeway. Total of 7 Green Sandpipers (another new record), Greenshank, Ringed Plover, 2 LRP, 5 Common Sandpipers, 6 Dunlin. At least 5 Shoveler, the Wigeon still and the 2 eclipse male Red-crested Pochard. The Great Egret still and 14 Little Egrets. Kingfisher at sailing club. Whitethroat in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
08/08/2026The second-summer Mediterranean Gull was again on the dam wall early morning. Waders included 6 Green and 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Greenshank, 11 Dunlin, Ringed Plover and 3 Little Ringed. Great Egret still. 3 Garden and at least 6 Sedge Warblers on Stones.Simon Roddis
07/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide of note this afternoon: YL Gull (2) Juvs; RC Pochard (2) eclipse drakes; Peregrine; Green Sandpiper (1); From Watersport's Is / Stones Is causeway early evening: Green Sandpiper (4+); Common Sandpiper (6+); Dunlin (8); Greenshank (1) juv; Redshank (1) juv; Ringed Plover (2); Bl T Godwit (1) Ad; Snipe (1);Richard Lowe
07/08/2026A pretty productive morning, starting with a second-summer Mediterranean Gull on the dam wall and a female Common Scoter off sailing club island. Waders included 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Little Ringed, 5 Green Sandpipers (a new site record), 8 Common Sandpipers, 10 Dunlin and a Greenshank. 21 Mute Swans plus the 3 cygnets. Female-type Wigeon in WLC creek. 2 Shoveler. The Great Egret still. Kingfisher at Millfields. 120 Swallows on the dam wall. Common Whitethroat on Stones and a Redstart in WLC fields. Total of 6 Grey Wagtails and 50+ Pied.SJR, CA, AHS
06/08/2026There must have been a small arrival of waders overnight, with at least 8 Common Sandpipers, 2 Green Sandpipers, 3 Dunlin, a Turnstone and Little and Common Ringed Plovers mainly around Stones/Watersports. 6 adult Arctic Terns flew S past Stones at 07:55. 2 Common Terns. 71 Teal is also an increase since yesterday. 2 Shoveler at sailing club. 16 Little Egrets and the Great Egret still. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. Hobby flew low up the res past Stones. Small numbers of hirundines on the move.Simon Roddis
05/08/2026From Sheepwash hide late afternoon, 6 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Caspian (adult and juvenile) and juvenile Common Gull. 53 Teal and Green Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay.Simon Roddis
05/08/2026Shorter than usual visit this morning. Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Snipe in Brown Ale Bay. 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin and 2 Ringed Plover around Watersports island. Redshank and Great Egret off Stones causeway. Green Woodpecker and Whitethroat at Hopton end. 41 Teal. Willow Warbler and Willow Tit on Stones.Simon Roddis
04/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide of note late afternoon: YLGull (5) - Ad (3); 1st s; Juv; GBBGull 1st s; plus Wigeon (female/juv).Richard Lowe
04/08/2026A Turnstone flew over the dam wall at 06:35 and later over Stones with a flock of Lapwings at 08:50. A Green Sandpiper was on Watersports island and later in front of the WLC. Other waders included 3 juvenile LRPlover, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Curlew. 3 Red-crested Pochard (2m,1f) in sailing club bay. 1 Shoveler. 3 Common Terns. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Great White Egret again. Willow Tit near WLC. c100 Swallows at the draw-off tower early morning and a total of c75 House Martins. 2 Garden Warblers, a Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler on Stones. Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
03/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide early evening, gulls of note on the spit: Caspian Gull (1st s); YL Gull (5) - Juv (2), 1st s (2), Ad (1); Common Gull (Juv) - my first of the autumn; GBBGull (1st s).Richard Lowe


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
02/05/2023The 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
01/05/2023Osprey 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
30/04/2023A 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
28/04/2023Highlight 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
27/04/20235 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
25/04/2023Some 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
26/04/2023The 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
24/04/2023Stones 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
24/04/2023The 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
23/04/2022WeBS 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
22/04/2023Beautiful Male Wheatear X 1 just below the tower by the overflowSean O'Keefe
22/04/2023Failed 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
21/04/202311 adult Little Gulls off Stones Is late afternoon.Richard Lowe
20/04/2023We 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
19/04/2023Some 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
18/04/2023Lesser Whitethroat heard singing in trees adjacent to Shiningford Creek.Gary Atkins
17/04/2023At 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
16/04/2023A 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
14/04/2023The 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
13/04/2023The 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
12/04/2023The 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
11/04/20232 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
10/04/202310am-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 IsGary Atkins
10/04/2023Afternoon 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
08/04/202312 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
08/04/2023The 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
06/04/2023The 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
05/04/2023Two 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
05/04/2023An 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
04/04/2023Ad 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
03/04/20233 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
02/04/2023At 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
31/03/2023Willow Warbler, one singing on Stones Island this morningA and G Hattersley
23/03/2023GN 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
22/03/2023An 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
21/03/2023A 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
21/03/2023Nice 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
18/03/2023The 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
17/03/2023Signs 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
16/03/2023A 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
15/03/2023Alan 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
14/03/2023The 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
12/03/20239 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 ThrushDavid Armitt
13/03/2023Highlights 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
12/03/2023Further to Simon and John's post: A Barn Owl flew across the main road towards Sheepwash at 07:05hr.Clive Ashton
12/03/2023Monthly 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
11/03/2023Short 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
11/03/2023Short 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
11/03/2023Dam 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
08/03/2023A 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
07/03/2023The 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
06/03/2023A 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
05/02/2023Species 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 BuntingGary Atkins
05/03/2023The 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
04/03/2023The 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
02/03/2023The 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
01/03/2023The 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
28/02/2023Perimeter 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
27/02/202314 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
26/02/2023Wonderful 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
23/02/2023Managed 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
23/02/2023The 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
22/02/2023The 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
21/02/2023The 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
20/02/2023The 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
19/02/202310 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 roostDavid Armitt
18/02/2023The 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
12/02/2023Early 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
11/02/2023Flock 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
10/02/2023The 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
07/02/2023The 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
06/02/2023The 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
05/02/2023Species 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 GoldfinchGary Atkins
05/02/2023The 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
03/02/2023The 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
02/02/2023The 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
01/02/2023The 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
31/01/2023The 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
30/01/2023The 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
29/01/2023The 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
28/01/2023The 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
28/01/2023The 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
27/01/2023The 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
27/01/2023A 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
26/01/2023The 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
24/01/2023A 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
24/01/2023The 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
23/01/20232 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
22/01/2023Monthly 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
21/01/2023The 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
20/01/2023The 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
19/01/2023Another 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
18/01/2023Highlight 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
17/01/2023It 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
16/01/2023The 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
15/01/2023Several Redpoll with goldfinches feeding on seeds in alder trees between the horseshoe island bird hide & the visitor centre.Dean Vallender
15/01/2023The GNDiver was off the Sheepwash area this morning, a Curlew flew over Stones island, and 3 Pochard (2m,1f).Simon Roddis
13/01/2023Late 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
12/01/2023The 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
05/01/2022Red 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

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