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
22/04/2023Beautiful Male Wheatear X 1 just below the tower by the overflowSean O'Keefe
22/04/2023Failed miserably to find any Little Gulls again this afternoon, despite there seemingly being plenty about! There were getting on for 100 Sand Martins feeding just off Stones Island at 16.00, plus two House Martins, one of which was being relentlessly pursued by a single Swallow. There was a single Dunlin on Watersports Island and a Redstart sang briefly, just uphill of the WLC Creek at 15.30.Paul Bennett
21/04/202311 adult Little Gulls off Stones Is late afternoon.Richard Lowe
20/04/2023We joined in the Little Gull action this morning, with 4 adults on the water that had presumably roosted overnight, picked up by Clive. 4 Bar-tailed Godwits this morning, 3 females and a male, after just 1 female and the male yesterday. 3 Teal. 2 Curlew. On and around Stones island, the GNDiver, 90 Carrion Crows first thing, and at least 3 Sedge Warblers.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
19/04/2023Some nice birds this morning: yesterday's 2 Bar-tailed Godwits were still on Watersports/Horseshoe islands; a herd of 23 Whooper Swans were off Sheepwash before flying NW at 08:08; the GNDiver also off Sheepwash; a Yellow Wagtail N over Stones island and a Crossbill N over WLC. Sedge Warbler still singing on sailing club island.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
18/04/2023Lesser Whitethroat heard singing in trees adjacent to Shiningford Creek.Gary Atkins
17/04/2023At Hopton end/Hall and Middle Woods early morning, singing Pied Flycatcher, 4 singing Redstarts, 1 (possibly 3) Yellowhammers in the gorse field, 9 Goldcrests, 7 Treecreepers. The GNDiver still from Stones. 24 Barnacle Geese. 1 Curlew S. Sedge Warbler still on sailing club island. Blackbird with food near main centre.Simon Roddis
16/04/2023A morning with a bit of everything. Winter birds: the GNDiver from Stones, 3 Goldeneye still, 60 Fieldfare and 1 Redwing flew N. Summer visitors: 3 hirundine and 4 warbler species. Passage: a Greenshank flew in over Stones at 09:52. Others: 29 Barnacle Geese, a redhead Goosander flew S, 4+ Redshank, 1 Curlew, 75 Carrion Crows on the dam wall early morning, 11 Lesser Redpoll. 75 species.Simon Roddis
14/04/2023The GNDiver still from Stones this morning. Sedge Warbler singing on sailing club island, a Yellow Wagtail on Stones (CA,AHS) and an adult Common Tern buoy-hopping. 29 Barnacle Geese. 2 Wigeon and 2 Teal still hanging on. 1+ Curlew. A sub-adult GBbGull around Stones. Barn Owl again at Millfields. 3 singing Willow Tits. Singing Skylark over the dam wall/sailing club. Total of 16 Lesser Redpoll, including 13 near WLC.Simon Roddis
13/04/2023The GNDiver still, now fully winged again. c200 hirundines, mostly Sand Martins and Swallows, but 11 House Martins perched in a willow on Stones at one point. 26 Barnacle Geese. 6 Mute Swans. 1 Curlew over Stones. Small trickle of Lesser Black-backs heading north.Simon Roddis
12/04/2023The GNDiver still from Stones island this morning. Nice mixed hirundine flock of 70+ Sand, 5 House Martins and 10 Swallows on Stones, perching in trees. 30 Barnacle Geese. 1 Little Egret. c1,100 BhGulls early morning.Simon Roddis
11/04/20232 Redstarts singing, at Hopton End and Hall Wood. The GNDiver north of Stones island. 32 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. 1 House Martin again on Stones, with 10 Sand and 10 Swallows.Simon Roddis
10/04/202310am-noon: Dozens of Swallows, House Martins and Sand Martins hawking low over the water off Stones Is; Blackcap, several singing Chiffchaffs and at least three singing Willow Warblers, plus Teal on Stones; and an Oystercatcher on Watersports IsGary Atkins
10/04/2023Afternoon visit in a failed attempt to avoid the rain. The GNDiver, c50 Sand and 1 House Martin, 10+ Swallows, 3 Fieldfare from Stones. 27 Herring Gulls on the water. c20 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
08/04/202312 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackap, 1 Garden Warbler,2 Raven,8 Greylag, 20 Sand Martin, 3 Redshank, 4 Oystercatcher, 10 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 3 Mute Swan, 2 Chaffinch,6 Redpoll, and one deer having an early morning swim in the fog.David Armitt
08/04/2023The GNDiver was north of Stones island this morning. 2 Shelduck. Perimeter counts of 158 Chiffchaffs, 8 Willow Warbler, 22 Blackcap, 47 Pheasant (43m, many displaying), 16 Oystercatcher, 8 Grey Herons, 4 GSWoodpecker, 20 Magpie, 12 Coal Tit, 117 Blue Tit, 50 Great Tit, 6 LtTit, 4 Goldcrest, 118 Wren, 8 Nuthatch, 9 Treecreeper, 33 Song Thrush, 11 Mistle, 65 Blackbird, 141 Robins, 30 Dunnock, 24 Chaffinch, 23 Bullfinch, 6 Greenfinch, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 27 Goldfinch, 6 Reed Bunting.Simon Roddis
06/04/2023The GNDiver was off Stones mid-morning. 29 Barnacle Geese. 10 Swallows and 20 Sand Martins feeding off Lane End/Sheepwash. A flock of c150 Fieldfares flew NE over the north end.Simon Roddis
05/04/2023Two LRP's, a Dunlin and a Yellow Wagtail on the Sailing Club side of Stones Island causeway at 17.00 today. Also two Reed Buntings there and a Willow Warbler singing on Stones Island. Slightly later at around 17.30, there were around 30 Sand Martins, feeding between Stones and Watersports Island.Paul Bennett
05/04/2023An adult Common Tern was off Millfields and the dam wall early morning (perhaps having roosted overnight?). The GNDiver from Stones. 16 Barnacle Geese. c2,000 Black-headed and 6 Herring Gulls early morning. Barn Owl at Millfields first thing, and Tawny Owl calling. At least 23 Sand Martins and 6 Swallows. 2 Blackcaps on Stones (CA) and 2 at Sheepwash. Willow Warblers in WLC creek (CA) and on Stones.Simon Roddis
04/04/2023Ad hoc wildfowl count: 240 Canada, 31 Barnacle, 36 Greylag, 7 Mute Swans, 1m Shoveler, 23 Gadwall, 3 Wigeon, 104 Mallard, 7 Teal, 36 Tufted, 8 Goldeneye, 7 Moorhen, 17 Coot, 57 GCGrebe, 14 Oystercatcher, 1 LRP, 2 Curlew, 1 Snipe, 6 Redshank, the adult GNDiver, 21 Cormorant, 5 Heron. A Willow Warbler singing at Millfields, and Blackcaps at Hall Wood and Millfields. Total of 7 Jays, including 1 at Hopton end which imitated Sparrowhawk and Buzzard calls. 1 Redwing at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
03/04/20233 singing Blackcaps this morning, first of the year. 2 Merlins flew N over the pastures, seemingly being seen off by a Peregrine. The GNDiver still off Stones island. At least 7 Swallows and 4 Sand Martins. 31 Barnacle Geese. Marsh Tit still coming to Sheepwash feeder.SJR, CA, AHS
02/04/2023At today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Blackbird, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Dunnock, Tufted Duck, Gt Crested Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mallard, Oystercatcher, Coot, Goldeneye, Common Gull, Gadwall, Carrion Crow, Robin, Wren, Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Reed Bunting, Goldcrest, Cormorant, Gt Northern Diver, Redshank, Jackdaw, Great Tit, Mute Swan, Woodpigeon, Barnacle Goose (Hawaiian 'Ne-ne' in attendance), Moorhen, Tree Sparrow, Kestrel, Willow Tit, Pied Wagtail, House Sparrow and Goldfinch ... and, probably Sand Martin (WLC volunteer also saw a lot of Swallows early on)Gary Atkins
31/03/2023Willow Warbler, one singing on Stones Island this morningA and G Hattersley
23/03/2023GN Diver off Stones, 3 Mute Swan, 3 Wheatear still on the dam wall, 11 Redpoll on Stones, 2 Sand Martin, Blackbird carrying nesting material near main centre.Clive Ashton/ Alan Stewardson
22/03/2023An adult and 1st-winter Mediterranean Gull from the WLC mid-morning were the first of the year (I think). The GNDiver and 6 Pintail (3m,3f) from Stones. 2 Little Egrets again. The Marsh Tit calling at Sheepwash. 1 Sand Martin. And Clive had 3 male Wheatears on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
21/03/2023A Barn Owl was sat on the fence on the Hopton side of the road, just south of the Hopton End reedbed this evening, at 17.50.Paul Bennett
21/03/2023Nice morning at Carsi: the first Swallow and LRP of the year around Stones, 2 Sand Martins, 3 male Wheatears on the dam wall, Barn Owl first thing, 4 Dunlin, the GNDiver still from Stones, 11 Curlew at sailing club, 4 Dunlin, 2 Little Egret, 1 Peregrine, 6 Fieldfare.SJR, CA, AHS
18/03/2023The GNDiver still this morning. Pair of Shelduck at Millfields. Male Shoveler and redhead Goosander off Stones. 2+ Tawny Owls calling at Millfields early morning. 53 Carrion Crows in the dam wall fields. 6+ Chiffchaffs.Simon Roddis
17/03/2023Signs of spring: 6+ Chiffchaffs (at least 4 on Stones) and 5 Sand Martins this morning. Bit of movement, mainly northward: 901 Woodpigeons, 22 Fieldfare, 1 Golden Plover. The GNDiver moving around. Pair of Mandarins over Hopton end. 18 Buzzards and 2 Red Kites in the air in a 360 scan from the dam wall late morning. 2 singing Willow Tits. Singing Skylark over the dam wall fields. 60 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall. 8 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.SJR, CA, AHS
16/03/2023A very nice start to the morning with a Barn Owl hunting in Tail Bay, a male Wheatear (whoopee, a migrant!) on the dam wall (equal earliest since 2000) and an immature drake Common Scoter on the water (off Stones to 9.30 at least). At least 4 Redshank. 1 Dunlin. Marsh Tit still at Sheepwash. 6 Willow Tits. 60 Redwing over Fishtail and 44 Fieldfare N. 8 Lesser Redpolls feeding among other finches at WLC.Simon Roddis
15/03/2023Alan S and I covered the east side and Tail Bay this morning, looking for Willow Tits. A bit concerning that we only found 4. Maybe it was a bit too cold for them to sing. A Jack Snipe showed well at Hopton reedbed first thing, a pair of Mandarin at Fishtail Creek and a male Stonechat in the dam wall fields (overflow carpark).Simon Roddis
14/03/2023The GNDiver north of Stones this morning, near-adult Caspian Gull at Millfields early on, the female Stonechat again on Stones causeway, 75 Woodpigeons N and 19 Skylarks heading towards the pastures.SJR, CA, AHS
12/03/20239 Oystercatcher,12 Gadwall, 85 Teal,55 Wigeon,1 Kingfisher,1 Goldcrest,10 Goldfinch,3 Redshank, Great Northern Diver of stones, 1 Little Grebe,12 Great Crested Grebe,6 Pied Wagtail,6 Meadow Pipit, 2 Greylag Goose,2 Long Tailed Tit, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker,2F Goldeneye,1 Jay,2 Song ThrushDavid Armitt
13/03/2023Highlights of a wet and windy morning were an adult Kittiwake off Stones 07:45-08:00, 6 Pintail (2m,4f), the GNDiver (starting to show a bit more black around the head) and 3 Mandarin (2m,1f), presumably the same birds as yesterday.Simon Roddis
12/03/2023Further to Simon and John's post: A Barn Owl flew across the main road towards Sheepwash at 07:05hr.Clive Ashton
12/03/2023Monthly WeBS count: the GNDiver still from Stones, 151 Canada, 17 Greylag, 3 Mandarin, 56 Gadwall, 100 Wigeon, 145 Mallard, 210 Teal, 26 Tufted, 12 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander, 6 Moorhen, 126 Coot, 1 LGrebe, 25 GCGrebe, 12 Oystercatcher, 5 Lapwing, 35 Curlew, 1 Dunlin, 4 Redshank, 11 Snipe, 9 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron. The near-adult Caspian Gull again, from PS hide early morning and later from Stones. A female Stonechat from Stones causeway. JB counted 130 Skylarks heading over Stones towards the pastures (a site record) and 10 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
11/03/2023Short afternoon visit, the GNDiver was off Stones Island at 13:00 and the near-adult Caspian Gull feeding on a dead fish from Paul Stanley hide 14:30-14:50 at least.Simon Roddis
11/03/2023Short afternoon visit, the GNDiver was off Stones Island at 13:00 and the near-adult Caspian Gull feeding on a dead fish from Paul Stanley hide 14:30-14:50 at least.Simon Roddis
11/03/2023Dam wall, Stones, WLC 0740-0910hr. 36 Curlew at Sailing Club, 4 Snipe, 4 Lapwing, Redshank, 2 Shelduck, c30 Meadow Pipit, 4+ Skylark over. Single Fieldfare near Sheepwash 10/3/23.Clive Ashton
08/03/2023A flock of 8 Black-necked Grebes (6 in breeding plumage, 2 still wintry) was off Millfields first thing, then heading over to Stones for much of the morning. Apparently a county record and a nice bird for my 100th species of the year at Carsi. The GNDiver still. Drake Mandarin at Millfields early morning. 20 Barnacle Geese. 40 GCGrebes, a definite increase since yesterday - not the only grebe on the move! At least 43 Curlews early morning at sailing club/Stones island. Marsh Tit still at PS hide.Simon Roddis
07/03/2023The GNDiver again from Stones. 9 Goldeneye. 250 Woodpigeons N. 15 Curlew. 1 Dunlin. 5 Grey Herons. 1 Little Egret at WLC. 7 Buzzards. Imm Peregrine on Horseshoe island. 50 Linnets again on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
06/03/2023A bit of movement this morning, after a spell of little change: 3 Shelduck flew in, a drake Shoveler was at Millfields and later at WLC, 570 Woodpigeons, 78 Lapwings and 6 Skylarks flew N. The GNDiver still from Stones. 22 GCGrebe. Immature Peregrine again over WLC. Totals of 100 Redwing and 120 Starlings. Marsh Tit still at PS hide. 40 Linnets on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
05/02/2023Species recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners Walk (10am-noon; Stones Island and Wildlife Centre): Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Moorhen, Coot, Gt Crested Grebe, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Snipe, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Cormorant, Red Kite, Peregrine, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Willow Tit, Blue Tit, Gt Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Wren, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Robin, Tree Sparrow, Woodpigeon, House Sparrow, Dunnock, Pied Wagtail, Chaffinch, Linnet, Goldfinch, Reed BuntingGary Atkins
05/03/2023The GNDiver was at the north end of the res again this morning. 2 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. Otherwise just the usual suspects.Simon Roddis
04/03/2023The GNDiver was up the res most of this morning. The near-adult Caspian Gull dropped into the WLC around 10:45. A possible Water Pipit flew over Stones island: called several times but only seen in silhouette so I'm reluctant to claim it for certain. 34 Curlews at sailing club early morning. Total of 17 Herring Gulls. Immature Peregrine loafing on Horseshoe and Shiningford shores. Marsh Tit still at PS hide.Simon Roddis
02/03/2023The GNDiver was just off Stones Island this morning. 31 Curlews on sailing club shore early on. Peregrine through WLC fields. The Marsh Tit again at PS hide. 6 Willow Tits, including 3 together near WLC. 8 Reed Buntings, including 4 males at the Sheepwash feeder.Simon Roddis
01/03/2023The GNDiver was up between Flat and Big Islands this morning, and the Marsh Tit came to the feeder at Paul Stanley hide. Otherwise a bit same old, same old.Simon Roddis
28/02/2023Perimeter counts from this morning: 7 Buzzards (over Hall Wood), 5 GSWoodpecker, 5 Jay, 40 Magpie, 6 Coal Tit, only 2 Willow, 175 Blue, 69 Great, 33 Long-tailed, 4 Skylark, 5 Goldcrest, 54 Wren, 5 Nuthatch, 14 Treecreeper, 45 Song Thrush, 12 Mistle, 93 Blackbird, 156 Robin, 6 Tree Sparrow, 45 Dunnock, 14 Pied Wag, 33 Chaffinch, 18 Bullfinch, 8 Greenfinch, 42 Linnet, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 45 Goldfinch, 48 Siskin. The GNDiver was seen though I didn't clock it myself.Simon Roddis
27/02/202314 Whooper Swans this morning, which departed at 8:08 (10 including 6 juvs) and 8:25 (the other 4), the GNDiver was off Fishtail Creek and c150 Pink-footed Geese flew N at 8:55. Wildfowl numbers: 260 Canada, 2 Barnacle, 32 Greylag, 1 more Pinkfoot at Millfields, 2 Mute Swan (Hopton Hall pond), 69 Gadwall, 161 Wigeon, 178 Mallard, 615 Teal, 1m Pochard, 14 Tufted, 10 Goldeneye (5m,5f), 8 Moorhen, 135 Coot, 1 LGrebe (must have missed some), 24 GCGrebe, 12 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 1 Woodcock (Millfields), 14 Cormorant. Peregrine on Horseshoe Island. 4 Skylarks N.Simon Roddis
26/02/2023Wonderful views of Jack Snipe and Water Rail in Hopton reedbed first thing, and the GNDiver was towards the north end below Hall Wood. 2 Shelduck. c70 Wigeon. 7 Goldeneye. 15 Curlew. 10 Buzzards in the air over Hall Wood. Marsh Tit at the Sheepwash feeder. 6 Willow Tits, including singing birds at Hopton, ranger base and WLC creek. 2 Skylarks N over Stones. c50 Linnets off Stones causeway.Simon Roddis

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