Recent Sightings

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


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
2006-10-08Black Headed Gull, Bullfinch, Cormorant, Gadwall (5), Goldfinch, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Heron, Lapwing, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Pintail (2) Sheepwash, Pochard (60), Red-crested Pochard (2) Millfields, Wigeon (60) Millfields, Greenfinch, Siskin (2) Stones Is, Tree Sparrow (20) Stones Is.Richard and Frances Pittam
2006-10-0936 species of bird seen on or near the site around midday. The following are worthy of note: Barnacle Goose (2) - near the Sailing Club; Gadwall (6) - from the Wildlife Centre (WC); Red-crested Pochard (1) - female on Horseshoe Island; Common Pochard (2) - from WC; Sparrowhawk (1) - Brassington; Pheasant (4) - near Millfields; Snipe (3) - edge of WC Creek; House Martin (2) - over the WC; Long-tailed Tit (13) - Stones Island. Butterflies: Red Admiral and Speckled Wood. Plants: Common Knapweed, Ragwort and Water Forget-me-not. Only the leaves of the Horse Chestnut are beginning to change colour, heralding a very late autumn. A Dip into the Logbook: 6th October: Red-crested Pochard. 5th October: Snipe (15); Pink-footed Goose (2) - overflying the site.Ray and Margaret Perry
2006-10-10A knot dropped in mid-afternoon and stayed for an hour before flying off. It was re-found at 5.15pm by Ben Young in front of the Fisheries building. 9 Snipe commuting between horseshoe island and shiningford creek A kingfisher belted past twice in the morning The female red-crested pochard present all day Due to the fog, the Little Owl was just an indistinct blob for much of the day Wildfowl numbers at the Wildlife Centre much reduced on previous days. We even struggled to find the visiting school party a Canada Goose! Of other note, a Ringed Plover reported from Paul Stanley (also at Sheepwash on 8th) Two Water Voles showed well all day outside the wildlife centreMatthew Capper
2006-10-1241 species were seen from the Wildlife Centre during the day with the following highlights: Three drake Common Scoter on the main lake were visible from the Wildlife Centre but gave exceptional views from Stones Island. A Stonechat on the fence opposite the Wildlife Centre was first seen a week or so back but had gone awol for a few days. A Dunlin stopped in only briefly but 12 Snipe were visible for much of the day. The female Red Crested Pochard is still present in front of the wildlife centre - it is the laziest bird you will ever see! The Little Owl showed in the morning but not in the afternoon and the Water Vole was only sporadic today. Dave Newcombe also reported Pintail and Common Sandpiper from Stones Island and another visitor saw Shovelor from Paul Stanley Hide.Matthew Capper
2006-10-123 Male Common Scoter -Best seen from Stones Island, but visible from Lane End and Sheepwash. 1 Common Sandpiper- Seen from Paul Stanley and Sheepwash (probably same bird.) At least 6 Pintail- Including 3 Drakes in breeding plumage. 1 Dunlin and 1 Stonechat- from Wildlife Centre. 1 Grey Wagtail- Sheepwash Spit. Also seen-Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Raven and Snipe.Clive Ashton / Dave Newcombe
2006-10-15Wildlife Centre (8.30am) 31 Pochard ,12 Gadwall ,50+ Lapwing ,95 Wigeon ,2 Cormorant ,11 Snipe ,1 Pheasant (on the feeder) ,1 Kingfisher ,1 Shelduck ,15 Teal ,Stones Island (10.30am) ,3 Little Grebe ,75 Lesser Black-backed Gull ,1 Shelduck (it followed me around all day) ,25 Teal ,1 Tree Sparrow (only 1 at the feeder, although lots of ground rats!) ,2 Robin ,2 Long-tailed Tit ,No sign of the Common Scoters Paul Stanley (12.30pm) 13 Gadwall 1 Shoveler 56 Teal 85 Wigeon 1 Kestrel 87 Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 Shelduck (I told you it followed me!) 2 Pintail 45 Lapwing Sheepwash (1.40pm) 43 Cormorant 2 Grey Heron 90 Wigeon 5 Little Grebe 36 Teal 31 Pochard Millfields (2.30pm) 1 Kingfisher 20 Pochard 62 Wigeon 28 Canada Geese 1 Barnacle Goose 8 Great Crested GrebeRichard Pittam
2006-11-175 Snipe were on Horseshoe Island and the two Red Crested Pochards were quite active for a change. A Weasel showed in front of the Wildlife Centre and two Water Voles showed on and off in the pond outside. A Little Owl sat on its usual post near the pylon on the hill opposite the Wildlife Centre and another was heard closer by. Kingfisher and Grey Heron also showed well down at Tailbay early morning.Matthew Capper
2006-10-22Millfields: Coot 150, Long-tailed tit 2, Pochard 20, Tufted 80, Wigeon 55. WLCentre: Barnacle goose 5, chaffinch 10, Coot 200, Cormorant 3, Gadwall 4, goldfinch 2, great Crested Grebe 6, Lapwing 55, Lesser Black-backed Gull 2, Little Grebe 5, Mallard 30, Moorhen 15, Mute Swan 3, Pochard 45, Snipe 5, Teal 45, Tree Sparrow 20, tufted duck 40 and Wigeon 65.Richard, Frances and Ken Pittam
2006-10-24Quite warm and sunny on site today. Many visitors about because of the half term school holidays. The "Aren't Birds Brilliant" event was run again today by Matthew Capper who manned a stall in the open area within the visitor centre. His band of RSPB volunteers showed birds to people in the Wildlife Centre (WC). Many telescopes were available for use by the general public. There were no birds on Horseshoe Island today due to the presence of rangers reinforcing the edges of the island's pools. Very few species of bird were found but the following are worth a mention: Barnacle Goose (1), winter ducks - Wigeon & Pochard as well as Teal (mostly winter visitors), Gadwall, Mallard and Tufted Duck. Also Kestrel (male) and Long-tailed Tit (4). A Commn Hawker dragonfly was found by the water's edge near the WLC. Holly trees are full of berries, a month earlier than normal. The "fall" of autumn leaves has barely started. Horse Chesnut leaves are rapidly turning to yellow and gold and some are dropping onto the ground. Most other species of trees are still very green. The splendour of autumn tints will be very late this year. A dip into the logbook for the last few days: 23rd October: Whooper Swan (1), Pied Wagtail (40), Meadow Pipit (18), Skylark (2), Red-crested Pochard (2), Kingfisher (2). 22nd October: Barnacle Goose (3), Gadwall (2), Pochard (80), Snipe (5). 21st October: Garganey (female), Water Vole. 18th October: Barn Owl (1) - near WC, Snipe (20+).Ray and Margaret Perry
2006-10-295 Snipe - Bank to the left of the Wildlife Centre 2 Red-Crested Pochards - Infront of the Wildlife Centre 3 Barnacle Geese - In the the field to the left of the Wildlife Cenre 1 female Goldeneye - Swimming and diving near the bank to the left of the Wildlife Centresam Pedley
2006-11-022 Whooper Swans were seen briefly in front of Sheepwash hide but,harassed by Mute Swans,flew away South/East.They were later relocated in Fishtail Creek. At least 10 Goldeneye were seen,4 Drakes and 6 Female/immature. 1 Reed Bunting and several Lesser Redpoll were seen on Stones Island. 2 Jays were seen on the bank below Hall Wood. Also seen were Snipe,Buzzard,Sparrowhawk and Great Spotted Woodpecker.Clive Ashton / Dave Newcombe
2006-11-03Wildlife Centre: Mistle Thrush (2), Bullfinch (m and f), Wren (2), Canada Geese (110), Gadwall (2), Barnacle Geese (5), Little Grebe (10), Wigeon (40), Little Owl (1), Dunnock (1), Redwing (21), Kestrel (1), Red Crested Pochard (2), Collared Dove (2), Jackdaw (2), Goldfinch (6), Redshank (1), Snipe (1), Pochard (10) Paul Stanley Hide: Willow Tit (1), Coal Tit (1), Tree Sparrow (4), Lesser Black backed Gull (50), Yellow-legged Gull (1), Pheasant (1), Wigeon (245), Little Grebe (12), Cormorant (15), Sheepwash Hide: Wigeon (36), Teal (18), Pied Wagtail (2), Lesser Black backed Gull (50), Grey Heron (1), Cormorant (13), Moorhen (3)richard and Frances Pittam
2006-11-04Sunny on site around midday, with a stiffish breeze. A total of 38 species found on Stones Island and at the Wildlife Centre. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (2), Gadwall - many pairs, Snipe (2), Lapwing (100+), Little Owl (1). The best sighting of all was of a Water Vole seen at the back of the pond next to the Wildlife Centre. It sat there quite happily in full view munching on leaves, taking no notice of the audience (about 8 of us) leaning on the rail by the pool. It performed for us for about 10 minutes before disappearing into the undergrowth. GREAT!! A dip into the logbook: 3rd November: Bullfinch (a pair), Barnacle Goose (5), Kestrel (1). 2nd November: Dunlin (1), Meadow Pipit (8), Skylark (1), Brambling (1). 1st November: Red-crested Pochard (2 females), Redshank (1), Snipe (3), Brown Hare (1). 31st October: Garganey (one female), Redwing (25). 30th October: Kittiwake (one adult), Golden Plover (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2006-11-05At ten to four, as we were going home in our car over the dam, I noticed a long-winged grey bird of prey. It had a longish tail . It was was battling with the wind trying to hunt on the grass on the dam wall. I thought it was a Hen Harrier but I am not 100% sure.Sam Pedley
2006-11-09Goosander (1 female), Kingfisher (1), Goldeneye (pair).Ray and Margaret Perry
2006-11-10An adult Ring billed Gull was reported on the Birdnet pager as being outside Paul Stanley Hide at 2.50pm. Presumably this is the returning bird from 2003 and 2004 following an apparently blank year last year. Hopefully it may remain in the gull roost for a while as it has done previously in 2003/2004. It can, on past experience, if it's the same bird, be a little erratic in its' visits and difficult to pick out at times.Steph' hicking
2006-11-12Highlights - Wildlife Centre highlights: Snipe (8), Red Crested Pochard (2 male, 2 female), Gadwall (8), Wren (2), Willow Tit (1), Redwing (12), Fieldfare (15), Goldfinch (4), Redpoll (8), Dunnock (2), Jackdaw (2), Carrion Crow (10), Tree Sparrow (8), Brambling (1), Siskin (1). Stones Island: Greenfinch (1), Brambling (1), Bullfinch (2), Goldfinch (4). Sheepwash: Redshank (1 - ringed) Paul Stanley: Lesser Black Backed Gull (78), Gadwall (8), Wigeon (95), Black Headed Gull (70).richard Pittam
2006-11-13Kittiwake (1) - juvenile.Ray and Margaret Perry
2006-11-15Gull Roost on 14th included 1 adult Caspian Gull, 1 adult Yellow Legged Gull.50-100 Common Gulls (moving around!), around 3000 Lesser Black-backs and around 2000 Black Headed Gulls. Also present of note, 10 plus Goldeneye around Sheepwash area,20 Gadwall (Sheepwash/Paul Stanley) 1 or 2 Redshank (Sheepwash, 3 Snipe (Paul Stanley Hide.Steph' Hicking
2006-11-15Snipe (21), Redshank (1), Goldcrest (2).Ray and Margaret Perry
2006-11-16Birdnet pager again reports adult Ring-billed Gull from Paul Stanley Hide at 2.50pm this pm.Steph' Hicking
2006-11-17Adult Ring-billed Gull showed in the roost from around 3.15pm till dusk. Viewed from Sheepwash Hide.Steph' Hicking
2006-11-182 Black Swans and 9 Goosander off Millfields/Dam wall. 1 Black-tailed Godwit at W.Centre.Richard and Frances Pittam / Barry and Jose
2006-11-19Black Swan still present today between Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre. Adult Male Red Crested Pochard also at the Wildlife Centre and at least 7 Snipe. Matthew Capper ( Aren't birds brilliant! Project Officer )Matthew Capper
2006-11-20A Tittesworth Water Snippet: A Ring-billed Gull turned up on the site today.Ray and Margaret Perry
2006-11-21Wildlife centre- 1 Black Tailed Godwit,1 Dunlin,1 Redshank, 1 Black Swan, 1 Red Crested Pochard and 1 Peregrine. Sheepwash-Peregrine again sighted (could be same bird) 4 Meadow Pipits,1 Grey Wagtail also a Singing Song Thrush in the car park. Lane End-2 Goldeneye.Clive Ashton / Dave Newcombe
2006-11-213 Redshank, 1 at Wildlife Centre, 1 at Millfields, 1 at Paul Stanley Hide. 1 Black-tailed Godwit at WLC. 1 Dunlin at WLC. 3 Snipe at WLC. 1 Black Swan at WLC. 1 Stoat seen several times on Horseshoe Island today. 1 Peregrine reported from WLC.Roger Carrington
2006-11-23Cormorant (51), Goldeneye (4), Grey Wagtails (2).Ray and Margaret Perry
2006-11-24Black Swan (1), Kestrel (one male), Snipe (3), Black-tailed Godwit (1), Redshank (1), Collared Dove (10).Ray and Margaret Perry

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