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
17/06/2023Second brood of Tufties this morning, 9 at sailing club. 2 Sedge Warblers and at least 5 Reed (3 singing) in Hopton reedbed, plus Reed Bunting with food. Little Egret still. 2 imm Common Gulls.Simon Roddis
16/06/2023c700 Canada and 200 Greylags this morning. 37 Gadwall. 2m Teal. Pair of Oystercatchers with 2 chicks on sailing club shore, presumably brought over from SC island. 25 Lapwing in WLC fields. 1 Little Egret still. Total of 5 GSWoodpeckers in Hall/Middle Woods. 15+ Sedge Warblers on Stones, including several 'Sedglings'. 3 Spotted Flycatchers (Hopton end, Stones and WLC creek). Pied Fly still singing in Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
15/06/2023New broods of 10 Gadwall off Big Island and 6 Tufted Duck at WLC. Common Sandpiper at Big Island. 6 Teal flew past Stones. Common Tern off Watersports late morning. A pair of GCGrebes with 2 young at Hopton end may have been the ones from Brown Ale Bay a few days ago. 14 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. Little Egret at Shiningford. 1 Skylark on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
13/06/2023In addition to Simon's report: Common Tern flew N at 0800hr then another Common/Arctic at 08:15. Sedge Warbler feeding young near Janet Ede hide and another pair with food on Stones. Reed Warbler singing on Stones adjacent to Sailing Club Island.Clive Ashton
14/06/2023No great surprises this morning, but Mute Swans (17) and Coot (59) are increasing. 3 Curlews flew W to E over the res. 1 Little Egret. Reed Warblers singing on sailing club island and at WLC. Pair of Redstarts still in WLC creek and a Spotted Flycatcher at Millfields.Simon Roddis
13/06/2023An adult Kittiwake flying around off Sheepwash and Lane End from 07:20 to at least 07:50 was unexpected (although to my surprise I've found that it isn't my first in June - I had one on 30/06/2018). Fledged Willow Tits in Shiningford creek and at PS hide. Lesser Whitethroat at Sheepwash. Pair of GCGrebes with at least 1 chick in Brown Ale Bay, first I've seen this year. Oystercatcher 'Barcode' and its mate have at least 1 chick on Big Island. Juv and 2 adult Tree Sparrows in Shiningford creek.Simon Roddis
12/06/2023A colour ringed Mute Swan CPT4 this morning on Watersports Island was ringed as a male cygnet at Barbridge near Nantwich on 22/8/2020.Clive Ashton
12/06/20235 Common Terns went through N at 09:00, a mobile Little Egret, and Garden Warblers with food on Stones and feeding fledged young at Millfields. Otherwise as you were.Simon Roddis
11/06/2023A male Pochard on Watersports island is my first here since the end of February. A Little Egret flew over Stones, and Reed Warbler still singing there. 13 Mute Swans. 48 Coot. Pair of Oystercatchers with 2 chicks on sailing club island - I think that's the 3rd brood so far. 2 immature Common Gulls at Millfields. 22 Starlings over the dam wall.Simon Roddis
10/06/2023Good news: Willow Tits seem to be having a good breeding season. 3 new broods this morning - WLC creek and 2 at Millfields - makes 5 so far; 14+ birds in total. 11 Mute Swans. Pair of Teal again. 1 Ringed Plover at sailing club. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Clive had 3-4 immature Common Gulls at sailing club early morning, and 1 was off Millfields later. 15 Cormorants. Garden Warbler with food on Stones, and fledged Blackcaps at Millfields. Redstarts with food and a singing Spotted Flycatcher in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
08/06/2023Single Pink-footed Goose off Stones causeway (first time I've seen it since late Feb) and a Reed Warbler singing there early morning. One Herring Gull N among a small trickle of Lessers. 14 Cormorant. 2 Little Grebe in WLC creek. Pair of Willow Tits feeding 2+ fledged young at WLC. Tree Sparrow adult and juvs again at Millfields.Simon Roddis
07/06/2023A Sanderling was on sailing club shore early morning, and a drake Common Scoter off Sheepwash late morning. Little Egret flew past Stones. 10 Mute Swans. 400+ Canadas. 25 Swifts over the visitor centre. 9 Lapwing. 5 GSWoodpeckers, the most I've seen/heard for months, including a juvenile in the play area - where else?! 3 Redstarts, 3 Spotted and 1 Pied Flycatcher singing in Hall Wood (top path). Sedge Warbler with food on Stones, Pied Wag with food at the visitor centre. Juv Grey Wag in Hall Wood. 8 Mistle Thrushes over Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
05/06/2023A summer plumage Dunlin at sailing club, pair of Teal around Stones and a Skylark over WLC fields were new for the month (for me at least). 27 Swifts. 8 Lapwing. Little Grebe singing in WLC creek. The immature Peregrine again, sitting on the dam wall being mobbed by Swallows early morning.Simon Roddis
04/06/2023Species seen by Birdwatching for Beginners group (Stones Is to WLC, from 10am to noon): Black-headed Gull, Blackbird, Blackcap, Buzzard, Canada Goose, Carrion Crow, Chiffchaff, Coot, Cormorant, Gadwall, Garden Warbler, Goldfinch, Gt Crested Grebe, Greylag Goose, House Sparrow, Jackdaw, Lapwing, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Ringed Plover, Mallard, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Oystercatcher, Pied Wagtail, Redshank, Ringed Plover, Sedge Warbler, Song Thrush, Swallow, Swift, Tufted Duck, Willow Warbler, Woodpigeon, Wren (34)Gary Atkins
04/06/2023Could only see 2 goslings with the pair of Barnacle Geese at Millfields this morning. Moorhen with 5 chicks on the Horseshoe nest, but there's one less Black-headed Gull chick there after one was taken by a Buzzard. Willow Tits at WLC and PS hide. Reed Warbler singing in Brown Ale Bay. Chiffchaff with food at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
04/06/20234 Swallow, 5 Sand Martin, 2 Pied wagtail, 6 Cormorant, 7 Chiffchaff, 1Buzzard, 1 Greenfinch,1 Bullfinch , 1 Jay, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Whitethroat, 2 WrenDavid Armitt
02/06/2023A very short visit early morning: 1 Ringed Plover at Sailing Club (one seen yesterday too), 5 Lapwing, Reed Warbler singing at WLC, Moorhen with at least 4 young on Horseshoe.Clive Ashton
02/06/2023Heard Whimbrel Horseshoe Island area around midday-crazyMark Pass
02/06/2023More birds on the move this morning, with 9 Sanderling flying N at 06:25 and 11 Arctic Terns (plus another 6 probables) passing through. 337 Canada Geese. Pair of Barnacles at Millfields island with 3 small goslings. 62 Greylag. Female Gadwall with 3 ducklings at Penn Carr. 30 Swifts over Stones. Pair of Redshank with 3 chicks on Horseshoe island. 6 Ravens over the east side. Chiffchaff with food in Hall Wood, and fledged young at Hays Lane. Still a Sedge and 3 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed. Fledged Nuthatches in Millfields carpark. Redstart, Spotted and Pied Flycatchers singing in Hall Wood. 5 Tree Sparrows (adult and 4 juvs) at Millfields.Simon Roddis
01/06/20239 Black Terns from Stones this morning: 7 at 07:45 appeared to go more or less straight through, then 2 from 08:10-08:20. 5 Common Terns. Swifts built up to 50+ over Stones mid-morning. A Peregrine (same bird as yesterday) caught its breakfast at sailing club. 2 Willow Tits singing in WLC creek (one of them presumably from the WLC pair).Simon Roddis
31/05/20232 Black Terns off Stones from 08:50-09:20 and then a presumed third bird at 09:35. Clive had a flock of at least 18 terns, probably Common, fly through at about 08:00, and a Common was at WLC at 10:45. c20 Swifts and 50 House Martins feeding over WLC/Watersports area. A second-year Peregrine past Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
29/05/2023Adult Common Tern and Curlew from Stones this morning. 12 each of Swifts and House Martins over Horseshoe island, and the first Black-headed Gull chicks have hatched there, 3 in one nest. 2+ Jays near sailing club, might have been a family party.Simon Roddis
28/05/20231 Turnstone, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 6 Cormorant, 5 Sedge Warbler, 4 Oystercatcher, 7 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 7 Goldfinch, 1 Shoveler, 2 Lapwing, 1 Reed Warbler WLC Reed Bed, 3 Pied Wagtail, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Willow Tit with food WLC, Great Tits in nest box 42David Armitt
26/05/2023A breeding plumage adult Turnstone was on sailing club island at 08:30, then reported flying over sailing club by another bird at 10:00. Drake Goosander flew into Millfields. 4 Barnacle Geese. 6 Swifts around the visitor centre. 1 Curlew over. 5 Willow Tits: adult and at least 2 fledged young at Millfields, and a pair with food at WLC. Fledged Long-tailed Tits on Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
23/05/20232 Ringed Plover at sailing club this morning. 2 Oystercatcher chicks still at Sheepwash. 1 Curlew bubbling. A dead Tawny Owl on the dam wall road. 6 Ravens on pylons above Hognaston were presumably a family party. 2 Linnet over the dam wall.Simon Roddis
21/05/2023Monthly WeBS count: 182 Canada, 38 Greylag, 4 Mute Swan, 17 Gadwall, 51 Mallard, 38 Tufted, 4 Moorhen, 23 Coot, 1 Little Grebe, 47 GCGrebe, 5 Oystercatcher (plus 2 chicks at Sheepwash), 2 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Common Sand, 2 Redshank, 250 BhGulls, 8 Cormorant, 2 Grey Herons. Typically low numbers for many species at this time of year but only 1 Little Grebe is surprising. Counts don't include ducklings or goslings.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
20/05/2023Perimeter counts this morning: 28 Pheasant, 1 Kingfisher at Hopton reedbed, 7 Coal Tit, 64 Blue, 29 Great, 14 Long-tailed, Skylark singing in dam wall fields, 26 Willow Warbler, 72 Chiffchaff, 14 Sedge, 3 Reed, 60 Blackcap, 22 Garden, 2 Lesser and 1 Common Whitethroat, 16 Goldcrest, 123 Wren, 11 Treecreeper, 46 Song Thrush, 6 Mistle, 89 Blackbird, 2 Spotted and 1 Pied Fly, 104 Robin, 6 Redstart, 32 Dunnock, 26 Chaffinch, 15 Bullfinch, 21 Goldfinch, male Linnet on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
19/05/2023An adult Little Gull flew around for a minute or two before heading off east just before 6 this morning, and a Whimbrel dropped in. A few gulls moving through: 25 Lessers, 2 Great Black-backs and at least 3 immature Common. Otherwise just the usual suspects.Simon Roddis
12/05/2023Evening visit: the GNDiver still from Stones. If it's still there tomorrow (which it presumably will be), it will equal its latest ever last date here (13/05/18). A female Wigeon at WLC and the Bar-tailed Godwit still at Watersports.Simon Roddis
12/05/2023The GNDiver was off Stones to late morning at least. An Osprey flew over Stones at 09:20 then landed in Hall Wood before appearing to head N at 09:35. It or another appeared over the east side at 09:40 and stayed to 10:10. It seemed to me that the second bird was more uniform dark above but less clean white below than the first, so I think there may have been 2 birds. A Sanderling flew N past Stones at 10:42. Also 2 Shelduck, c25 Swifts, the Bar-tailed Godwit still, an immature GBbGull, Peregrine over Stones, Spotted Flycatcher singing near Lane End, Redstart in Shiningford creek.Simon Roddis
07/05/2023Bird Walk - 7th May 2023 House sparrow, Canada goose, Greylag goose, Mallard, Oystercatcher, Coot, Sedge warbler, BHgull, Pied wagtail, Tufted duck, Cormorant, Mute swan, GNDiver, Goldfinch, Gadwall, moorhen, L R plover, Chiffchaff, Robin, Song thrush, Blackbird, Dunnock, Crow, Magpie, Wren, willow warbler, Blackcap, Bar-tailed godwit, Redshank, Lapwing, GC grebe, Wood pigeon, Buzzard, Jackdaw. 34 in total.Amanda Palethorpe
11/05/2023The GNDiver was still here this morning and had quite a lengthy flight around 10:30; last seen low over the water so may well have pitched back in. Bar-tailed Godwit still at Watersports. 1 Whimbrel over. 2 Common Terns. Drake Mandarin flew past Stones. Lesser Whitethroat on Stones. Redstart singing in WLC fields. Willow Tit, Grey Wagtail and Treecreeper all with food at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
10/05/2023The GNDiver is still present this morning, as well as the Bar-tailed Godwit. Whimbrel over Stones. 1 Arctic Tern around Stones from 07:30-08:10 and another 5 from 09:40-10:10. Lesser Whitethroat singing in Millfields carpark.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
09/05/20308 Sedge Warbler, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Willow Warbler, 6 Oystercatcher, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Cormorant, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 1 Redshank, 1 Redstart, 2 Long Tailed Tit,3 Pied wagtailDavid Armitt
09/05/2023Clive had a good start to the morning, finding an Avocet on Horseshoe island (though not seen after about 07:15), Whimbrel in the overflow carpark and Ringed Plover at sailing club. Dunlin there later too. The GNDiver and Bar-tailed Godwit still and an Arctic Tern from Stones mid-morning. 2 Pied Flycatchers still singing. 4 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed and one on Stones causeway. Oystercatchers have young on Horseshoe island and Chiffchaff with food on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
08/05/2023The GNDiver was last seen at about 08:40 this morning, in flight and calling. Maybe its farewell for this end of the year? 1 Bar-tailed Godwit still at Watersports. 3 Shelduck. 2 Dunlin. 1 Curlew. Reed Warblers singing at WLC and near the visitor centre.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
07/05/2023The GNDiver was still present late morning. 2 Common Terns early morning. 5 singing Reed Warblers (2 in WLC Creek, 3 Hopton reedbed) and a Sedge Warbler in Hopton reedbed. 2 singing Pied Flycatchers and 2 singing Redstarts between Hall Wood and Warrington Knob. Still 10+ Lesser Redpolls at Millfields. And Clive saw the Bar-tailed Godwit at Watersports early on.Simon Roddis
06/05/2023The GNDiver still off Stones island and in flight. Bar-tailed Godwit still at Watersports. Little Egret N over Hopton end. 1 Yellow Wagtail SE over Stones. 4 Bullfinches and at least 5 Lesser Redpolls again feeding on Aspen catkins at Millfields.Simon Roddis
05/05/2023A bit of a waderfest this morning, with a total of 12 species. Highlights were 2 Wood Sandpipers past Stones island at 07:25, 5 Whimbrel, Greenshank and Bar-tailed Godwit. The GNDiver still from Stones. Osprey over Hall Wood at 09:08. Female Goldeneye still. 2 Common Terns.SJR, CA, AHS
04/05/2023The GNDiver still present to 10:30 at least after exercising its wings again. A Cuckoo called 4 or 5 times near the WLC early morning, less than annual here and only my second ever. 13 Oystercatchers, including 7 together at Millfields. 1 imm Common Gull. Redstart singing between Hays and Oldfield Lanes, north of Millfields. 27 Lesser Redpolls near Millfields stone barn, feeding in Blackthorn and a catkin-bearing tree that I'm struggling to identify. 1 Siskin over Millfields carpark.Simon Roddis
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

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