Recent Sightings
| Name | Sighting | Date |
|---|---|---|
| DN, MW, RPJ, AMD,AHS | This 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 Newcombe | In 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 Stewardson | A 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, JB | In 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 Ashton | Best 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 Roddis | Another 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 Roddis | Late 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 Ashton | Clive 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 Roddis | A 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 Newcombe | In 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | Monthly 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 Roddis | A 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 Armitt | 5 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 Greylag | 10/10/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | The 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 Roddis | A 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 Roddis | The 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 Newcombe | A 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 Roddis | The 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 Atkins | Species 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, Coot | 05/10/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | The 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | A 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 Roddis | Several 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 Roddis | A 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 Newcombe | In 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 Roddis | Bird 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 Armitt | Early 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 Mallards | 28/09/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | The 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | Evening 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 Roddis | Yesterday'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 Roddis | A 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 Roddis | Around 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 Ashton | No 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 Brown | Manx 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | Carsi 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 Palethorpe | Bird 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 duck | 07/09/2025 |
| Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley | Monthly 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 Lowe | Of 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 Roddis | A 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 Roddis | The 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
| Date | Sighting | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2006-03-04 | A friend and I spotted a single Red Kite hunting over Carsington Pasture on Saturday 4th March 2006, at approximately 10.30 AM. The bird was hovering and swooping fairly low to the ground (15 – 20 ft?) and at one point landed and appeared to pick up some prey. The bird did not seem that bothered about us – we were on a family sledging trip and making quite a bit of noise and moving around a great deal – but after approximately 2 minutes it was mobbed by crows and flew off in the direction of Carsington Water. The bird’s markings were very clear – this was on a bright, sunny and crisp morning with excellent visibility – with my friend clearly seeing the V-shaped tail and I had an excellent view of the underside of the wing, showing distinct white markings and black wing tips. The shape, size, colouring, markings and behaviour of the bird indicated quite clearly that this was a Red Kite and this was confirmed when we reviewed the literature and online image galleries related to the breed. Also, severe winter weather in Wales during the period could well have driven the animal eastwards and beyond its normal habitat in order to hunt on clearer ground. Did anyone else see | Will Hoon |
| 2006-03-13 | Thirty five species seen from or near to the Wildlife Centre at around midday. Weather: Overcast with a cold northerly wind blowing. Very few people on the site. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (19); Oystercatcher (3); Snipe (1); Song Thrush (1); Bullfinch (a pair); Reed Bunting (1). Gleaned from the logbook and the display board outside the visitor centre: 12th March: Oystercatcher (9). 11th March: Common Scoter (1). 10th March: Curlew (20); Goldeneye (20). 8th March: Black-necked Grebe (2). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-03-21 | Of interest today between 13:00 and 18:00 were, The Red Necked Grebe, along with a pair of Goosander at Millfields. 7 Redshank - Horseshoe Island, Watersports area, and Stones Island. 15 Lesser Redpoll feeding on the grass bank at the end of Stones Island, along with several Goldfinch and a solitary Redwing. Towards dusk a single Dunlin on Horseshoe Island was joined by the fine sight of 61 Curlew coming in to roost. | Clive Ashton |
| 2006-03-25 | Red-necked Grebe and a pair of Goosander in Millfields Bay today | P Stoppard |
| 2006-03-27 | Sightings for Saturday 25th March: Two Sand Martins over Stones Island at 07:15 (RC) One Chiffchaff singing by Stones Island feeding station (RC) Two Wheatears reported to RC on the Dam Wall at 08:15 One Chiffchaff reported to me as singing at the bottom of Tail Bay One Swallow reported to RC as being seen from Lane Ends Hide One Lesser Spotted Woodpecker seen at the Paul Stanley Feeders at 10.30 and 13.00 Two Common Scoter seen from Paul Stanley Hide (I think) (SJH) Sunday 26th March Two Sand Martins along the Dam Wall at 17.00 Monday 27th March Up to five Sand Martins all day between the Visitor Centre and the Wildlife Centre One Stonechat on the Dam Wall | Paul Bennett Ranger Service, Severn Trent Water Ltd |
| 2006-03-29 | The Red-Necked Grebe fishing at Millfields near the tower. c100 Sand Martins along the dam wall and on Stones Island, along with c20 Swallows and a single House Martin near the Sailing Club. 3 Chiffchaff ( Millfields,Paul Stanley and W.L.C.) 4 Buzzard seen soaring around the site. 2 Little Owl at Shiningford Creek. 3 Goldcrest and 1 Willow Tit seen at Wildlife Centre Creek. 7 Redpoll and 2 Redwing on Stones Island. Good numbers of Tree Sparrow seen, with 20 around the feeding station on Stones Island. A Kingfisher seen flying from the Wildlife Centre towards Shiningford farm. Several sightings of Meadow Pipit along the dam wall. Also seen at various locations, though difficult to count with confidence,Redshank, Oystercatcher,Curlew,Snipe and healthy numbers of Reed Bunting. | Clive Ashton and Dave Newcombe |
| 2006-03-30 | More spring migrants arrived: Tues 28th, 1 House Martin. Thur 30th, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Blackcap but it could be a wintering bird, and a pager report of a first winter Little Gull. | Roger Carrington |
| 2006-04-05 | Red-necked Grebe showing well from the Dam wall, near to the tower with Swallow, Sand Martin and House Martin over the water in the sailing club bay. Buzzard and Raven showing well from several places Several Chiffchaff around, Blackcap, Redstart, Willow Tit and Reed Bunting have all been seen today | None |
| 2006-04-07 | The Red-Necked Grebe showing very close from the amphitheatre at the end of the dam wall. Also from the Millfields end of the dam wall 2 female Wheatear. Stones Island proved productive with 2 Little Ringed Plover,1 Common Sandpiper and 1 Yellow Wagtail. A male Redstart in the field behind the Wildlife Centre. | Clive Ashton and Dave Newcombe |
| 2006-04-09 | Round the reservoir: 19 Chiffchaff, 8 Willow Warbler. Millfields: 1 Red-necked Grebe off towards the water tower, 1 Marsh Tit, 1 Sparrowhawk taking a Woodpigeon corpse away. Dam Wall: Approx. 50 Sand Martins and 25 Swallows through in five minutes heading north over the water, with more feeding over the reservoir as the day progressed. Stones Island: 3 White Wagtails (m). WLC: 3 Redshank, 5 Oystercatcher. North End: 2 Oystercatcher on shingle spit. | Matthew Kelly |
| 2006-04-10 | 2 Buzzard - Soaring over Hall Wood 2 Goldeneye - left of Sheepwash Hide 3 Swallows - Sheepewash and Paul Stanley Hide 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker- Paul Stanley Hide feeders 2 Bullfinch - Paul Stanley Hide feeders 1 Blackcap - Drinking from a pool left of the path to Paul Stanley Hide | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-04-11 | The Red-necked Grebe was still by the draw-down tower this morning (11th). A Whooper Swan was found behind Horseshoe Island at 10:30 yesterday. It hung around there all day until at least 17:00. The Common Sandpiper that's been on site for a few days now, was on Horseshoe Island early on yesterday, along with a Little Ringed Plover, but it later moved to the Watersports Island. There were also one or two White Wagtails on Stones Island and Horseshoe Island throughout the day. This morning I found a burgundy RSPB note pad on the track to the wildlife Centre. It has notes in it from Spurn, Donna Nook, Old Moor, Blacktoft and Linacre. I will keep hold of it at the Ranger Base. Any enquiries to the reception desk (01629 540696) or this website. | Paul Bennett, Ranger Service |
| 2006-04-12 | On Stones Island this morning (08:00): 1 Wheatear (female) 1 Yellow Wagtail (male) 4 White Wagtail 1 Common Sandpiper 4 House Martins (in trees on eastern end) 63 Swallows (in trees on eastern end) 3 Meadow Pipits 1 Willow Warbler | Paul Bennett, Ranger Service |
| 2006-04-11 | Two migrating Ospreys sighted on Tuesday 11th – one over the River Wye above Rowsley and the other above the Derwent near Chatsworth. | Neil Venables |
| 2006-04-17 | At least 14 Yellow Wagtails (including one blue headed), eight White Wagtails and over 30 Pied wagtails were seen feeding on the south side of Stones Island in the evening (19:15). There was also a female Brambling (found by John Bradley), a Little Ringed Plover and good numbers of Reed Buntings, Tree Sparrows and Hirundines. Two male Common Redstarts were in the field north-west of the Wildlife Centre (RH side of the track, heading north-west). | Paul Bennett STW Ranger |
| 2006-04-18 | At least 36 Species seen on the Bird Club walk this evening just going round Stones Island and up to the Wildlife Centre between 7 and 8.15pm. Species included: Good views of the White, Pied and Yellow Wagtails (included one blue headed), Tree Sparrow, Brambling, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Reed Bunting, Swallow, House Martin, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Curlew and Raven. | None |
| 2006-04-24 | Highlights for last week as follows: 24/04 Garden Warblers arrived on site. At least two on Stones Island and two at Sheepwash car park. Also a Little Egret was seen flying over the reservoir by John Bradley and Alan Stewardson at around 18:45. 25/04 Alan Stewardson drew my attention to a pair of Cackling Geese on Horseshoe Island. Alan found these on Stones Island on the 24th and after consulting the appropriate field guides, decided on the aforementioned identification. They are superficially similar to Canada Geese, but are at least half the size and have a darker breast. They also appear to be slightly smaller than Barnacle Geese. Cackling Geese occur naturally in north-west America (I think) and it is unlikely that they are genuine vagrants, but are still interesting to see on site. 28/04 Thirty-nine Black-tailed Godwits were found spread between fields around the Wildlife Centre and Stones Island this morning. Jim Craw counted 42 in to roost on Horseshoe Island in the evening, along with three Whimbrel. Also seen today were three Arctic Terns, which were off Stones Island briefly in the morning. 29/04 Nine Black-tailed Godwits still present this morning, feeding in the fields opposite the Wildlife Centre. Also of interest locally was an Alpine Swift, found at Ogston on the evening of the 27th. It was seen over Ogston Hall at around 18:45 and then moved over to Carr Wood. It was relocated at 06:05 the following morning, but didn't hang around long. It has not been seen since. | Paul Bennett, Ranger Service |
| 2006-04-29 | Willow Warbler - trees at the back of the Wildlife Centre 10 Black-Tailed Godwits & 1 Bar-Tailed Godwit - On Horseshoe Island and flew to the field to the left of the Wildlife Centre 1 Little Ringed Plover - Running around Horseshoe Island 2 Barnacle Geese - Swam past the Wildlife Centre 1 Little Owl - Siting on a post behind the electricity pylon at the Wildlife Centre | None |
| 2006-05-04 | Today was the warmest day of the year so far - at 22-24C. Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WC). 39 species of bird identified. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (10). Pintail (1 male) - Horseshoe Island. Oystercatcher (2) - Horseshoe Island. Dunlin (1) - Horseshoe Island. Redshank (2) - Horseshoe Island | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-05-07 | *****Another first for Carsington!! A Roseate Tern along with other Tern species dropped in at Carsington for a couple of hours today. This is the first seen in Derbyshire since 1979 | None |
| 2006-05-11 | Three Black Terns were just north-west of Watersports Island between 15:30 and 17:00 at least. Two Whimbrel flew in from the south at 15:30 and landed on Horseshoe Island. One was reported as still being there at 18:00 (five Whimbrel passed through on Monday 8th). Other waders of note were three Little Ringed Plovers flying around Watersports Bay, a Common Sandpiper on Watersports Island, a Dunlin on Horseshoe Island and a Turnstone along the shoreline by the fishery office (present, on and off, since Friday 7th). | Paul Bennett, STW Ranger Service |
| 2006-05-20 | A male Pied Flycatcher in the small wood at the side of Lane End hide (Sheepwash side.) Also c30 Swifts in front of Lane End hide. 3 Dunlin on Horseshoe Island. 1 Little Ringed Plover on Stones Island. 1 Curlew flew over by Shiningford Farm. Clive Ashton. 2 Coots - One on the nest in front of the Wildlife Centre while the other one kept fetching sticks 1 Redshank - Flew and landed right in front of the Wildlife Centre 3 Dunlin - Feeding on Horseshoe Island 3 Tree Sparrow - On the feeders next to the Wildlife Centre 1 Little Owl - Sat on the same post as last time then dropped down & caught something then flew to the nest box | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-05-22 | Approx 14.00 to 16.00: Large numbers of Sand and House Martins around the Visitor Centre in the aftermath of a severe downpour. One Little Ring Plover and a male Wheatear on Stones Island, the latter only for about 30 seconds before flying north. Very little activity around the Wildlife Centre - three Redshank, four Oystercatcher, three Tree Sparrows and a Dabchick - until a Short Eared Owl appeared along the shoreline in the vicinity of Horseshoe Island. It was quickly mobbed, first by a pair of Oystercatchers and then by Jackdaws before disappearing in the trees. A group of visitors claimed to have seen a hobby hawking over the fields behind the Wildlife Centre but investigation revealed a merlin being harrassed by a kestrel before settling briefy on a fence post and then departing in a westerly direction. Male Pied Flycatcher and Greater Spotted Woodpecker seen later from the (strongly recommended) tea room at Lea Rhododendron Gardens and a Little Owl was on its usual telegraph pole at Ridgway near Belper. Two Hobby were also seen in the afternoon (RC) at Carsington | None |
| 2006-06-01 | Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WC) around midday. Sunny but a strong breeze noted when on Stones Island. Water level very high. Horseshoe Island (HI) has become four smaller islands. 37 species of bird identified. The following were of note: Pink-footed Goose (1) - with Canada Geese near WC Creek. Greylag Goose (1) - on HI. Barnacle Goose (10) Bar-headed Goose (1) - on HI then joined Canada Geese in fields near Shiningford Farm. Oystercatcher (1) - field by WC Creek. Redshank (4) - on HI. Reed Bunting (1) - Stones Island. Very young birds of the following species were seen: Mallard, Moorhen, Coot and one Lapwing chick was seen on HI. The following sightings were entered in the logbook by others for today: Hobby (1) and Whitethroat (2). BUTTERFLIES: Green-veined White and Brimstone. PLANTS in flower: Hawthorn, Gorse, Meadow Buttercup, Daisy, Silverweed, Germander Speedwell, Bogbean, Water Forget-me-not, Field Forget-me-not, Cow Parsley, Red Campion, Cowslip, Bluebell, Bush Vetch (or Crow-peas), Ribwort Plantain and Common Sorrel. A DIP into the LOGBOOK for the last few days: MAY 31st: Little Ringed Plover (2), Shelduck (1), Common Buzzard (4), Raven (2), Lesser Whitethroat (1) and a Great Crested Grebe with striped young on its back. MAY 28th: Turnstone (1) and Curlew (1). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-06-08 | 33 species of birds identified during the morning. Main viewing sites were Stones Island and from the Wildlife Centre (WC). Hot and sunny. Hottest day so far this year 26-27degrees C. OF NOTE: Great Crested Grebe - two females were carrying striped young on their backs. Greylag Goose (1) - off Stones Island. Barnacle Goose (10) - mainly on Horseshoe Island (HI). Shoveler (one male) - off HI. Oystercatcher (2) - one HI and one seen from Stones Island. Lapwing - including one chick on HI. Redshank (2) - HI. Reed Bunting (2) - Stones Island. Also identified today but found by others: Curlew (1), Grasshopper Warbler (one heard between Sheepwash and Lane Ends hide), Bullfinches. BUTTERFLIES: Only Orange Tip and Small White seen. DAMSELFLY: Common Blue - 16 pairs of this species were laying eggs in plant material on the pond by the WC. Each male was in tandem with the female, the tail of the male locked onto the neck or head of the female while she deposited the eggs from her tail. Quite a sight! PLANTS: Most of the plants reported on the 1st June are still in bloom but the following additional species were noted today: Yellow Iris, Yellow-rattle, Dog Rose, Hogweed, Common Mouse-ear, Marsh Marigold and Broad-leaved Willowherb. FROM the LOGBOOK for the last few days: 7th JUNE: Bar-headed Goose (1); Redshank (5). 6th JUNE: Redshank - two very young birds on HI; Red-crested Pochard (one hybrid or leucistic bird) - on HI. Lapwing - including three chicks. 5th JUNE: Curlew (1); Common Tern (1). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-06-24 | 4 Tree Sparrows - On the feeders next to the Wildlife Centre 2 Common Terns - On the tern rafts in front of the Wildlife Centre 3 Barnacle Geese - Right in front of the Wildlife Centre 3 Little Grebes - 1 adult with two young 1 Little Ringed Plover - On Horseshoe Island 1 Male Red-Crested Pochard - on Horseshoe Island 2 Curlews - Flew in and landed on Horseshoe Island 3 Cackling Canada Geese - To the left of the Wildlife Centre 1 Little Owl - Sitting on a dead tree near the electricity pylon 1 Bar-Headed Goose - With Canada Geese near the childrens' play area | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-07-04 | 40 species of bird identified. OF NOTE: Mute Swan (6) - one adult with cygnet. Greylag Goose (1) - with Canadas near the sailing club. Barnacle Goose (5) Kestrel (one female) Oystercatcher (3) - Horseshoe Island (HI). Little Ringed Plover (2) - HI. Black-tailed Godwit (1) - HI, in full summer plumage. Redshank (1) - HI. Lesser Black-backed Gull (~200) - centre of reservoir. Common Tern (2) - nesting on raft in front of the WC. One bird frequently hunted by Stones Island and often caught small fish. It was reported to us verbally that one tern egg had been stolen by a gull. Little Owl (1) - seen from WC on far side of WC creek. BUTTERFLIES on the wing: Meadow Brown, Small Blue, Large White, Small Tortoiseshell. ODONATA: Common Blue damselfly - pool by WC. (also many Water Boatmen). PLANTS in bloom: Thirty one species noted including Black Medick, Kidney Vetch, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Bush & Tufted Vetches, Meadow Vetchling, Bramble, Sweet Briar, Cleavers, Great Willowherb, Broad- leaved Willowherb, Woody Nightshade (or Bittersweet), Meadow Crane's-bill, Common Knapweed, Spear & Field Thistles, Hawkweed, Oxeye Daisy, Selfheal, Common Ragwort and Nipplewort. An "Aren't Birds Brilliant" event was started on Sunday and will run for a week in the WC. Volunteers are present with telescopes to introduce the public to birds. This is a joint venture between Severn Trent Water and the RSPB. A DIP INTO THE LOGBOOK on recent dates: 2nd JULY: Jay, Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Redshank chick. 1st JULY: Lapwing chicks, Pochard. 30th JUNE: Common Sandpiper (2), Curlew, Redshank (2), Ruddy Duck. 29th JUNE: Common Scoter (one male), Gadwall (one male). The arrival of the first Common Tern was on the 21st JUNE. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-07-13 | A few records for today from Roger Carrington, our club recorder: 2 Blacktailed Godwits at Wildlife Centre pair of Common Terns breeding at Wildlife Centre 2 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton Arm reedbed 1 Reed Warbler singing in Brown Ale Bay reedbed. 1 Common Sandpiper Sheepwash. For Sunday 9th 1 Whistling Swan [escape] in front of Sailing Club | Roger Carrington |
| 2006-07-13 | Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WC) as usual. Only 33 species of bird identified around midday. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (4) - WC. Oystercatcher (2) - Horseshoe Island (HI). Redshank (4) - Stones Island (SI). Common Tern (2) - raft opposite WC. One bird sitting in place, presumably on a nest and the other hunting for fish. Warblers only sing occasionally now or not at all. However, the following were noted; Blackcap, Garden Warbler and Willow Warbler. Juvenile birds from the following species were noted: Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Redshank, House Martin, Pied Wagtail, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Starling and Greenfinch. INSECTS present: Water Boatmen, Common Blue damselfly (~10) - some laying eggs. (WC pond). Large White, Meadow Brown and Brimstone butterflies. PLANTLIFE: Plants identified on the 4th July are still in bloom plus Perennial Sow-thistle, Welted Thistle, Cat's Ear, Autumn Hawkbit (starts flowering in June), Tufted Vetch and Hedge Bedstraw. A dip into the logbook: 10th JULY: Cackling Goose (1) - looks like a small Canada Goose. 9th JULY: Whistling Swan (1) - like a Whooper Swan but its beak is completely black. Was this the same bird that visited Tittesworth on the 18th June? 7th JULY: Tawny Owl (2) - juveniles. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-07-16 | Terns seem to have hatched 3 young on raft in front of WLC on Friday14th July, I only saw one but RSPB team have seen 3. Was at a meeting so didn't note much else of note just the Cackling Geese still on Horseshoe and male Black-tailed Skimmer Dragonfly on WLC pond. Steph' Hicking 1 Wren - Wood behind Sheepwash Hide 7 Shelduck - Sheepwash Hide 1 Common Tern - Feeding in front of Sheepwash Hide 2 Oystercatchers - Sheepwash Spit 1 Common Scoter - Drake from Sheepwash Hide 1 Garden Warbler - Woods behind Sheepwash Hide | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-07-17 | A female/imm Marsh Harrier flew towards Fishtail Creek at 5.00.p.m., 3 Black Tailed Godwits on Sheepwash Spit and a Green Sandpiper by the Wildlife Centre | None |
| 2006-07-22 | Short afternoon visit to Wildlife Centre produced: 1 adult Whistling Swan at wildlife centre (WLC) (presumed escape) - see picture gallery for photograph 3 Cackling Geese (WLC) (escapes). 200+ Tufted Duck (WLC). 1 Snipe (WLC). 2 Common Sandpiper (WLC). 4 Common Tern adults (2 pair) 3 chicks seen 1 on left hand raft 2 on right hand (have they been swimming?). 8 Mute Swan plus the usual numbers of Lapwing, Redshank, Oystercatcher etc. | Steph Hicking |
| 2006-07-25 | 4 Barnacle Geese - Came and fed under the bird feeders 1 of the Common Tern chicks fell off the Tern Raft and was bobbing up and down until a boat came and rescued it and put it back on the Tern Raft. then a few minutes later the two of them on that raft fell out again. 1 Cormorant - Few and landed near the Wildlife Centre and then disappeared 1 Whistling Swan - To the left of the Wildlife Centre | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-06-30 | 1 Black-Tailed Godwit - Flew onto Horseshoe Island 2 Snipe - On Horseshoe Island 1 Kestrel - Hunting over the back of Horseshoe Island 1 Song Thrush - In the Visitor Center Car Park | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-08-11 | Ruddy Shell Duck from the Wild Life Centre (far bank). Also lots of activity around the W.L.C. feeders including Male Bull Finch and Tree Sparrows feeding juveniles. Common Sandpiper x 2 from Paul Stanley hide. Also Great Spotted Woodpecker and Willow Tit on the feeders. | Mick Sharp |
| 2006-08-19 | 1 Common Sandpiper - Horseshoe Island 1 Cormorant - Flew in next to one of the Tern Rafts 18 Teal - feeding on Horseshoe Island and on the bank to the far left of the Wildlife Centre 1 Male Bullfinch - On the the Wildlife Centre feeders for about 3 minutes | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-08-21 | 2 Common terns,1 Kingfisher & 1 Common sand from WLC plus 1 Common sand & 1 LRP on Stones Island | Geoff Barter, Hook, Surrey |
| 2006-08-25 | 2 Red-Crested Pochard - Sighting on Horseshoe Island 1 Sparrowhawk - Flew over Horseshoe Island making all the Lapwings and Teal fly up 1 Buzzard - Flew over Horseshoe Island | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-08-28 | Just to let you know that on my walk around Carsington today (Monday 28th August 2006) I saw 2 Female Teal in front of the Paul Stanley Hide at around 5pm. | Anita Dale |
| 2006-08-30 | Very busy on the site today but there were few people walking around Stones Island or visiting the Wildlife Centre. Teal numbers have increased and there are five smart looking Gadwall present. The best find of the day was a Ruddy Shelduck on Horseshoe Island. Two Pochards were spied in Shiningford Creek and there were plenty of Tufted Ducks about. The only wader species present was Lapwing but in good numbers. The only warbler detected today was Willow Warbler. One bird was detected because it was making a contact call and a second bird was found because it sang part of its song - a descending trill or warble. Arctic Terns were seen yesterday but unfortunately not today. According to the logbook there was an immature Peregrine present on the 28th. Most plants have finished flowering but the following were in bloom today: Greater Reedmace, Water Mint, Silverweed and a small patch of Redshank on Stones Island. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-09-01 | Paul Stanley Hide - 10.00 - 12.30hrs Very little activity - highlight was 2 Common Sandpipers on "Cormorant" Island (far side). WLC - 13.30 - 15.30h - highlights: Gadwall - 6 Pied Wagtail - 20+ Grey Wagtail - 1 Ruddy Shelduck - 1 Tree Sparrows - 15+ | richard Pittam |
| 2006-09-05 | 1 Ruddy Shelduck - On Horseshoe Island 2 Snipe - Feeding on Horseshoe Island 1 Buzzard - Flew over Horseshoe Island making everything fly off 1 Little Owl - On a dead tree near the pylon to the left of the Wildlife Centre | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-09-07 | Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre. Mute Swan (14); Teal (6); Kestel (female); Lapwing - the only wader. Swallow (30); House Martin (6); Pied Wagtail (16); Willow Warbler (1); Tree Sparrow (~40) - around the Wildlife Centre & on Horseshoe Island. Insects: Gatekeeper butterfly; Southern Hawker dragonfly (male): Water Boatman; Pond Skater. Plantlife: Hips and Haws: Flowers in bloom: Redshank, Yarrow, Silverweed, Hawkweed, Meadow Vetchling, Selfheal, Daisy, White Dead-nettle, Water Forget-me-not, and Gipsywort - not noted by us before at Carsington. There were also a few specimens only of Tufted Vetch, Great Willowherb and Field Thistle. The most interesting observation was as follows; A Grey Squirrel was seen in the shallows of the Sailing Club Island. It then proceeded to swim strongly to Stones Island. When it arrived it ran off quickly into the trees. We have never seen a squirrell swim before! A dip into the Wildlife Centre logbook: 3rd September: Yellow Wagtail, Peregrine, Swift. 5th September: Little Owl, Snipe (2) - Horseshoe Island; Ruddy Shelduck. 6th September: Stoat, Water Vole, Red Fox and the Ruddy Shelduck. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-09-10 | Buzard (1) Wigeon (15) Teal (4) Dunlin (3) Grt Spotted Woodpecker (1 young female) Bullfinch (heard only) Wren (1) Dunnock (1 + 1 young) Lesser Black backed (3 x 1st winter) + 1 adult House Martins (11) Wildlife Centre - 11.00 - 16.00hr Teal (5) Black Tailed Godwit (1 non-breeding or young)) Snipe (1) Tree Sparrrows (15) Little Grebe (8) Kestrel (1 on camera) Red Crested Pochard (1 female) Little Owl (1 showing) Willow Warbler (by pond) Water Vole (3 - on pond o/s Wildlife Centre) Southern Hawkers ( 8 - on pond) Common Darters (6 - on pond) | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 2006-09-15 | Mute Swan (24 including two well developed cygnets); Gadwall (6). Common Buzzard (1); Kestrel (1 female) - caught a small mammal on Horseshoe Island; Snipe (2); Collared Dove (1); Little Owl (1); Swallow (1); House Martin (4); Willow Warbler (2); Linnet (2). OTHER SIGHTINGS: A Water Vole was found at the back of the pool next to the WC. It could not be seen with the naked eye. Although partially hidden by vegetation, it could be seen feeding by using binoculars. Odonata: Common Hawker & Common Darter dragonflies; Common Blue damselfly. Butterflies: Large White & Speckled Wood. Plants: As well as Hips & Haws berries of the Elder and Woody Nightshade (or Bittersweet) were noticed. All parts of the Woody Nightshade plant are poisonous. It contains the alkaloid solanine. A DIP INTO THE LOGBOOK: Recent interesting sightings: 14th September: Black-tailed Godwit (2); Dunlin (1); Snipe (6). 13th September: Arctic Tern (2 juveniles); Wigeon (88); Pochard (32). These observations were reported by Roger Carrington. 12th September: Yellow-legged Gull (1); Yellow Wagtail (5); Red-crested Pochard (1 female); Curlew Sandpiper (1 juvenile). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-09-22 | Wigeon (2); Gadwall (2 males); Pintail (one female) - off Horseshoe Island; Red-crested Pochard (one female) - Horseshoe Island; Common Pochard (2); House Martin (9); Willow Warbler (1); Linnet (5); Reed Bunting (one male) - on WC feeder. OTHER SIGHTINGS: Mammals: Weasel (1); Wood Mouse (1) - both just outside the WC. Insects: Southern Hawker dragonfly (one male); Pond Skater (dozens) - pond by the WC. Plants: Herb Robert; Water Forget-me-not. A DIP INTO THE LOGBOOK: Recent interesting sightings: 21st September: Golden Plover (1); Snipe (1). 18th September: Shoveler (1); Kestrel (1); Snipe (2); Bullfinch (1); Nuthatch (1); Jay (2). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-09-23 | 4 Grey Heron - 3 from Sheepwash Hide and 1 from Paul Stanley Hide 3 Pochard - From Sheepwash Hide 1 Pintail - Wildlife Centre | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-09-28 | Fem/Imm Garganey at the WLC 1st winter Caspian Gull in roost off Stones. Late news concerned a Black Tern reported on the 27th. | Steph' Hicking |
| 2006-10-02 | Visited Stones Island (SI) and the Wildlife Centre (WC). Four large parties of secondary school children on site. All visited SI and the WC. Most seemed to be interested in the information given to them and the birds that they observed. A very good sign! Weather: Warm. Slightly overcast. BIRDS OF NOTE: Red-crested Pochard (1 female) - Horseshoe Island, Wigeon, Gadwall (6), Teal, Pochard (1) - Shiningford Creek, Snipe (10) - seen from the WC, Little Owl - seen from the WC, Goldfinch (~ 70) - on SI. OTHER SIGHTINGS: Mammals: Red Fox - WC Creek, Weasal - immediately in front of the WC, spotted by one of the students! Water Vole - feeding at the back of the WC pool. Excellent views! Plants: Several clumps of Redshank were noticed on SI. This has to be the birdwatchers plant! A DIP INTO THE LOGBOOK: 2nd October: Stonechat. Noted by another observer. 1st October: Meadow Pipit (8), Swallow (3). 30th September: Mediterranean Gull - first winter bird. 29th September: Cackling Goose (3). 27th September: Kingfisher, Water Vole. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-10-05 | Snipe - 14 (continually mobbed by Coot) Pochard - 8 Wigeon - 150+ (put up by some idiot in a speedboat) Red Crested Pochard - 2 Tree Sparrows - 20 Goldfinch - 20+ Pied Wagtail - 4 Little Grebe - 8 Great Crested grebe - 5 Kestrel - 1 (being mobbed by Lapwings) | Richard and Frances Pittam |
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