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
23/02/2023Managed to locate the Jack Snipe at the Hopton End reedbed this afternoon (15.20). It was quite close to the blue bucket! Also a Willow Tit singing on the other side of the road.Paul Bennett
23/02/2023The GNDiver was north of Stones island early morning. 25 Barnacle Geese. 34 Greylags. 8 Curlew. Peregrine over Watersports island. 12+ Ravens. Marsh and Willow Tits on the Sheepwash feeder late morning. 2 Skylarks over.Simon Roddis
22/02/2023The GNDiver was off Fishtail this morning, as viewed from Stones. Jack Snipe and Water Rail at Hopton reedbed first thing. 26 Barnacle Geese. 1 Dunlin flying around Sheepwash spit. Marsh Tit still at the Sheepwash feeder. 4 Skylarks SW over WLC creek. Totals of 10 Moorhen, 12 Herring Gull, 18 Raven (13 around the dead sheep), 8 Goldcrest, 11 Bullfinch (1 singing at top of WLC creek), 9 Reed Bunting.Simon Roddis
21/02/2023The GNDiver was off Fishtail early on and then off Flat Island late morning. 26 Barnacle Geese. 40 Wigeon in Brown Ale Bay. 1 Goosander. 9 Curlew at sailing club early morning. 9 Herring Gulls. 12 Ravens on the latest sheep carcass. 3 Skylarks over. 70 Linnet on Stones causeway, and 6+ Lesser Redpolls among Goldfinches and Siskins feeding at the top of WLC creek.Simon Roddis
20/02/2023The GNDiver was off Stones island this morning. A male Mandarin and a Jack Snipe at Hopton end first thing (and the Mandarin and a pair of Shoveler later from PS hide). 31 Barnacle Geese. 1 Pink-foot. 13 Curlew around Stones (and 10 of them later near Sheepwash). 8 Herring Gulls on Sheepwash spit. Peregrine over Watersports island. Another sheep carcass on the pastures attracted 15 Ravens (and another pair over Stones). Marsh Tit still coming to the Sheepwash feeder. 60 Linnet from Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
19/02/202310 Goldfinch, 7 oystercatcher, 72 Wigeon, 2 pied Wagtail, 69 Teal, 48 Gadwall, 1 goldeneye, 2 Little Grebe, 20 Redwing, 1 Curlew, 15 Cormorant, 200+ Jackdaw going to roostDavid Armitt
18/02/2023The GNDiver was towards the north end early morning. 18 Barnacles. 7 Herring Gulls. One, maybe 2 Peregrines from Stones. 5 Skylarks over. 25 Siskin at Penn Carr.Simon Roddis
12/02/2023Early WeBS count (should really be next Sunday): 1 GNDiver, 251 Canada, 5 Barnacle, 5 Greylag, 1 Mute Swan, 68 Gadwall, 70 Wigeon, 188 Mallard, drake Pintail, 641 Teal, 10 Tufted, drake Common Scoter between Stones and Millfields, 10 Goldeneye (6m,4f), 8 Moorhen, 91 Coot, 8 LGrebe, 19 GCGrebe, 10 Oystercatcher, 110 Lapwing, 5 Snipe, 4 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 12 Cormorant, 1 Heron. 3 GSWoodpeckers drumming. Willow Tit singing between PS and Sheepwash, 60 Linnet on Stones.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
11/02/2023Flock of barnacle geese on the small island in front of the wildlife centre as were some canadian geese. Teals and mallards thriving well in this stretch of water. 1 goldcrest in the shrubbery on stones island. Lapwings flying in circles overhead. Tits feeding well at the bird table at Lane end as was the willow tits or marsh tits. Not sure which.Love reading the resident bird watchers sightings.Ann F
10/02/2023The adult GNDiver was again up the res this morning. Drake Pintail off Stones - such a beautiful duck. 27+ Barnacles. A Curlew flew in then settled between Sheepwash and Lane End. 1 Dunlin. 3 Redshank. c20 Herring Gulls post-roost. c1,000 Jackdaws early morning on and over the dam wall. 6 Ravens over the pastures.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
07/02/2023The GNDiver was off Stones this morning. Shelduck at Millfields, pair of Shoveler, 1f Pochard, 30 Barnacles, 7 Oystercatcher, 3 Redshank, 5 Snipe. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. Perimeter counts: 6 GSWoodpecker (4 drumming), 23 Magpie, 15 Coal Tit, 1 Marsh (PS hide), 8 Willow, 164 Blue, 86 Great, 20 Long-tailed, 6 Goldcrest, 45 Wren, 3 Nuthatch, 8 Treecreeper, 38 Song Thrush, 11 Mistle, 30 Redwing, 83 Blackbird, 140 Robin, 44 Dunnock, 4 Grey Wag, 16 Pied, 40 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall, 38 Chaffinch, 24 Bullfinch (mostly on the east side), 7 Greenfinch, 45 Linnet, 5 Lesser Redpoll (near WLC), 21 Goldfinch, 6 Siskin. (73 species)Simon Roddis
06/02/2023The GNDiver was showing well but mobile this morning; the adult Caspian Gull was off Hall Wood and a Jack Snipe in Hopton reedbed. A good day for counting ducks: 191 Canada, 10 Greylag, 4 Shelduck, 277 Mallard, 84 Gadwall, 64 Wigeon, 1f Pintail, 733 Teal, 14 Tufted, 6 Goldeneye, 8 Moorhen, 98 Coot, 4 LGrebe, 18 GCGrebe, 5+ Oystercatcher, 111 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 11 Cormorant. Singing Willow Tits at Hopton and Stones. c75 Siskin over Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
05/02/2023Species noted by group during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon): Canada Goose, House Sprrow, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Robine, Gadwall, Mallard, Goldeneye, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Teal, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Blue Tit, Meadow Pipit, Redwing, Blackbird, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, Little Grebe, Moorhen, Barnacle Goose, Greylag Goose, Red Kite, Raven, Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe, Great Northern Diver, Linnet, Song Thrush, Magpie, Jackdaw, Snipe, Tree Sparrow, Willow Tit, Pheasant, Little Egret, Dunnock, Redshank, Buzzard and GoldfinchGary Atkins
05/02/2023The GNDiver was off Stones early morning, then off Sheepwash around 10:00. 48 Wigeon at Sheepwash/Paul Stanley. Female Pintail off Horsehoe island. 4 Goosander (3m,1f) early morning. 3 Oystercatcher (2 Horseshoe, 1 Millfields). 500+ Lesser Black-backs off the dam wall early morning. Pair of Red-legged Partridge in WLC fields - the Stones birds maybe? Marsh Tit at the Sheepwash feeder.Simon Roddis
03/02/2023The GNDiver was off Stones early morning; it flew about 50m, appeared spooked by the BhGs - so still fully winged but the first time I've seen it fly other than prior to its departure. 1 Pink-footed Goose. 2 Barnacles. 7 Goldeneye including 5 (2m,3f) displaying in Brown Ale Bay. 2 Oystercatcher. 2 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. 2 pairs of Sparrowhawks interacting over Hall Wood. 1 Skylark N over Stones. 80 Linnets still around Watersports island.SJR, CA, AHS
02/02/2023The GNDiver again in front of the WLC for part of the morning although conditions were much calmer than yesterday. 3 Woodcock at Millfields at first light. 3 adult GBbGulls post-roost. A Green Woodpecker (less than annual) called from behind the sailing club. Singing Willow Tits at Millfields and WLC creek. Total of 60 Redwing. c80 Linnets still around Watersports island.Simon Roddis
01/02/2023The adult GNDiver sought the calm waters in front of the WLC mid-morning. c150 Lapwings. 1 Redshank. The 2 Red-legged Partridges again near sailing club. Only a handful of Ravens around the sheep carcass, presumably not a lot left on it for them to feed on. Marsh Tit at PS hide.Simon Roddis
31/01/2023The GNDiver was off Sheepwash for much of the morning. Just the 16 Ravens on the sheep carcass on Carsington pastures, though a Buzzard was keeping 6 of them off late morning. Otherwise pretty much as you were.Simon Roddis
30/01/2023The GNDiver was off Lane End early morning. 31 Barnacles. 47 Greylags. 7 Goldeneye. Water Rail in Hopton reedbed. 50 Woodpigeons NE. 8 Herring Gulls S. The dead sheep on the pastures attracted 24 Ravens at one point this morning. Marsh Tit at PS hide. 1 Skylark over Millfields. 80 Linnets on Watersports island.Simon Roddis
29/01/2023The GNDiver was at the north end again, feeding actively off Paul Stanley hide late morning, and the adult Caspian Gull there too. Barn Owl again in Tail Bay early morning. 31 Barnacles. 1 Shelduck (yesterday's bird?) off Sheepwash. 6 Goosander. 148 Woodpigeons flew NE. The Oystercatcher still around Horseshoe island, and c350 Lapwings. 24 Cormorants. 6 Buzzards. A dead sheep on the pastures attracted 30-40 Carrion Crows and 5 Ravens. Total of 120 Starlings in various directions. c75 Siskin: 50 near the WLC and 25 at Millfields.Simon Roddis
28/01/2023The GN Diver was directly in front of Lane Ends Hide at 16.00 and drifted slowly south until 16.20, at least. The Shelduck was there at 14.50. A Marsh Tit was at the Paul Stanley feeders at 14.30 and 2 Pink-footed Geese flew over Sheepwash at 13.45.Paul Bennett
28/01/2023The GNDiver right up at the north end again around 08:30 this morning. 1 Barn and 2 Tawny Owls in Tail Bay early morning. 31 Barnacle Geese. 1 Pink-foot flew out with Canadas. 1 Shelduck off Stones. 3 Sparrowhawks. Marsh Tit at the Sheepwash feeder. 1 Skylark flew S over WLC creek. 70+ Linnets still on Watersports island, and the first singing Reed Bunting of the year there too.Simon Roddis
27/01/2023The Great Northern Diver was back at the northern end by 1.50 pm. I saw it from path between Sheepwash and Lane End (viewed across the sheep field) for 10 mins. Showed well intermittently, between dives, until 2.00 pm. Also a huge flock of 350+ Lapwings. 1 male Reed Bunting on Sheepwash feeder; 1 Kestrel nearby; 4 Goldeneye on water.Alan Hobson
27/01/2023A total of 1,410 Pink-footed Geese in 10 skeins flew WNW between 09:23 and 10:10, a wonderful sight and my highest ever count here. The GNDiver was off Fishtail Creek mid-morning. The first Oystercatcher of the year was at Sheepwash, and a Woodcock and 3 Tawny Owls also there early morning. 31 Barnacle Geese. Pair of Goosander flew up the res. 2 Redshank. 70 Linnet over Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
26/01/2023The GNDiver on its now regular beat at the north of the reservoir early morning. 2+ Woodcock, 4 Goosander (2m,2f) and adult Yellow-legged Gull at Millfields first thing. 351 Canada, 30 Barnacle and 80 Greylags. 35 Woodpigeons N. 90 Lapwing. Pair of displaying Sparrowhawks. Marsh Tit in Sheepwash carpark.Simon Roddis
24/01/2023A walk from sheepwash to stones island and back from 09.30 to 14.00. Highlights were marsh tit.willow tit and 3 reed buntings on the sheepwash car park feeder.2 mistle thrush in the field near lane end and a nuthatch on the lane end feeder.c20 siskins between lane end and shiningford creek 30 barnacle geese and 2 nene x barnacle geese hybrids in the field behind WLC.4 tree sparrow and willow tit on the WLC feeder the 2 red legged partridge were still on watersports island along with c60 linnets on the stones island shoreline also the great northern diver was close in from stones island around midday.Chris brown
24/01/2023The GNDiver again north of Stones island much of the morning, and the near-adult Caspian Gull over Stones 09:30 and later at Millfields. 175 Greylags. 30 Barnacle. The pair of R-l Partridge and c100 Linnets on Watersports island. 2 Peregrines again. c100 Lapwing. 2 drumming GSWoodpeckers.SJR, CA, AHS
23/01/20232 adult Whooper Swans around Stones early morning, departed at 08:20. 6 adult Shelduck. The GNDiver up towards the north end again. 30 Barnacle Geese. 6 Goosander, a drake Shoveler and 3 calling Tawny Owls at Millfields early morning. 2 Red-legged Partridge on Watersports island again. 9 Fieldfare NW.SJR, CA, AHS
22/01/2023Monthly WeBS count: 1 GNDiver, 180 Canada, 30 Barnacle, 39 Greylag, 1 Mute Swan, 113 Gadwall, 45 Wigeon, 274 Mallard, 536 Teal, 13 Pochard, 48 Tufted, 11 Goldeneye, 9 Moorhen, 98 Coot, 5 Little Grebe, 16 GCGrebe, 83 Lapwing, 6 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 14 Cormorant, 1 Heron. Red-legged Partridge again on Watersports island, Marsh Tit at Sheepwash, first singing Willow Tit of the year at Hopton end.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
21/01/2023The GNDiver was towards the north end of the res this morning, and just off Paul Stanley hide at 11:00, first time I've seen it from there. 272 Canada, 8 Barnacle and 1 Pink-foot (what were we saying yesterday, Roger?!). 1 redhead Goosander loafing on Millfields island. The 2 Red-legged Partridges rooted to the spot on Watersports island. 81 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 5 Snipe again from WLC. The Marsh Tit at both Sheepwash and Paul Stanley feeders.Simon Roddis
20/01/2023The GNDiver was north of Stones island for much of the morning. 4 Shelduck off Stones. 5 Goldeneye. The pair of Red-legged Partridge again on Watersports island. 3 Redshank. 60 Lapwing. 6 Buzzards. Superb adult male Peregrine past the WLC and elsewhere around the res. 6 Tree Sparrows at WLC.Simon Roddis
19/01/2023Another 13 Whooper Swans, all adults again, off Stones this morning; they departed NW at 10:43 - the third day in a row for Whoopers here. The GNDiver off Sheepwash. 170 Canada. 38 Greylags. 51 Tufted, a definite increase since I last counted them. The pair of Red-legged Partridge huddling on Watersports island. The marsh Tit again at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
18/01/2023Highlight this morning was a herd of 36 Whooper Swans (all adults) off Stones island - the occasional bugling call while they were on the water but much more calling as they flew off NW at 08:48. The GNDiver still, off Shiningford. 3m Pochard. 82 Coot. 95 Lapwing. 3 Redshank. 16 Fieldfare flew SW.Simon Roddis
17/01/2023It was so cold first thing this morning that a Lapwing, 2 Coots and several Canada Geese had frost on their backs! The adult GNDiver from Stones island all morning. 3 adult Whooper Swans flew in at 10:30, still off Horseshoe island 11:15. A Great Egret flew N up the res at 09:50. 95 Lapwing. 250 Common Gulls off Millfields mid-morning, probably finding it difficult to feed in frozen fields. 4 Fieldfare at the main carpark. 20 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis
16/01/2023The GNDiver still, off Sheepwash early on and later off Fishtail. 48 Lapwing. 13 Snipe at WLC. Marah Tit on the Sheepwash feeder and a Crossbill over Paul Stanley hide (and I forgot to mention 2 Crossbill over Millfields yesterday).Simon Roddis
15/01/2023Several Redpoll with goldfinches feeding on seeds in alder trees between the horseshoe island bird hide & the visitor centre.Dean Vallender
15/01/2023The GNDiver was off the Sheepwash area this morning, a Curlew flew over Stones island, and 3 Pochard (2m,1f).Simon Roddis
13/01/2023Late morning early afternoon visit: the GNDiver just off Stones island, still showing some spotting on its upperparts. 213 Canadas. 61 Greylag. 63 Gadwall. 36 Wigeon. 224 Mallard. 392 Teal. 10(!) Tufted. 6 Goldeneye. 6 Moorhen. 88 Coot. 3 LGrebe. 16 GCGrebe. c500 Common Gulls in front of PS hide. 14 Cormorant. Marsh Tit at PS hide. 60 Redwing at Hopton end. c50 Linnet near WLC.Simon Roddis
12/01/2023The GNDiver towards Hall Wood (from Stones) early afternoon. 65 Greylags. 7 Snipe. 17 Cormorant. Peregrine cruising around. Marsh Tit at Paul Stanley hide. Finch flock between Watersports and WLC included 60 Linnet, Goldfinches, Siskin and Redpoll.Simon Roddis
05/01/2022Red Kite cruising around Callow Farm area, Marsh Tit visiting feeder at Paul Stanley Hide during the morning, 2 Willow Tit visiting feeders at the Wildlife Centre (including oddly marked marked bird with grey flecks in cap and a blackish stripe down ear coverts - also a bird with grey flecks in its cap at Peter Fidler Country Park last year), 5 Tree Sparrow at Wildlife Centre, Great Northern Diver off Sheepwash and later Stones Island.Jim Clarke, Chet Cunago, Gerard Hobley
09/01/2023The adult GNDiver was off Sheepwash early morning and the near-adult Caspian Gull briefly at Millfields mid-morning. 57 Greylags. Pair of Shoveler and c50 Siskin at Millfields. Pair of Sparrowhawks displaying in the breeze. The Marsh Tit again on the Sheepwash carpark feeder. 6 Tree Sparrows at WLC.Simon Roddis
08/01/2023Species recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon, Stones Island/WLC): House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Carrion Crow, Tufted Duck, Teal, Mallard, Kestrel, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Little Grebe, Meadow Pipit, Gadwall, Redshank, Goldeneye, Black-headed Gull, Moorhen, Cormorant, Robin, Blue Tit, Gt Northern Diver, Gt Crested Grebe, Peregrine (2), Bullfinch, Red Kite, Long-tailed Tit, Redwing, Wren, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Rook, Wigeon, Coot, Lapwing (15), Gt Tit, Pheasant, Willow Tit, Dunnock, Blackbird, Tree Sparrow (6), Gt Black-backed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Goldfinch, Jackdaw and Siskin.Gary Atkins
08/01/2023The GNDiver was off Sheepwash for much of the morning, the highest up the res I've seen it so far this winter. Woodpigeons on the move: 372 NE, 48 SW. 1 Woodcock at Millfields. Kingfisher at Paul Stanley hide. Peregrine chasing a BhGull at sailing club. 6 Willow Tits. 150 Redwing (100 at Sheepwash, 50 near Fishtail). 4 Lesser Redpolls feeding on seeds on Stones.Simon Roddis
07/01/2023After the rain, the GNDiver was over by the east bank near Fishtail Creek late morning. 280 Lapwings overhead. Female Pintail from WLC. c500 Common Gulls from Paul Stanley hide by 2pm. Marsh Tit again in Sheepwash carpark. 45 Linnets at Watersports. c300 Starlings up on Carsington Pastures.Simon Roddis
06/01/2023The GNDiver was again north of Stones island this morning, and the near-adult Caspian Gull was at Millfields around 11:00 (I very narrowly escaped being hit by its droppings as as it flew off!). 320 Woodpigeons NE. 1 Curlew at sailing club early morning, later flew N up the res. 1 Woodcock at Sheepwash. Peregrine again. 10 Fieldfare W. Total of 50 Siskin.Simon Roddis
05/01/2023The GNDiver off Stones this morning. The near-adult Caspian Gull, a Great Egret and a Shelduck at Millfields late morning. 76 Gadwall. 6 Goldeneye. A lovely drake Goosander near Fishtail Creek. 3 Little Grebe. 7 Moorhen. Peregrine chasing a Lapwing over the WLC. Marsh Tit again on the Sheepwash feeder. Perimeter counts of 5 Jay, 9 Coal Tit, 4 Willow Tit, 123 Blue Tit, 64 Great Tit, 43 Long-tailed Tit, 10 Goldcrest, 44 Wren, 4 Nuthatch, 5 Treecreeper, 11 Song Thrush, 7 Mistle (3 singing), 95 Redwing, 110 Blackbird, 91 Robin, 25 Dunnock, 41 Pied Wag, 20 Chaffinch, 11 Bullfinch, 24 Lesser Redpoll (15 on Stones), 80 Goldfinch, 76 Siskin. 60 Linnets at Watersports.Simon Roddis
05/01/2022Great northern diver near Lane end hide, Tree sparrow & Willow tit at the Visitors Centre hideMatthew Birkin
04/01/2023The adult GNDiver still, north of Stones island mid-morning. At Tail Bay first thing, 3 Woodcock, 1 Tawny Owl, Peregrine, c400 Lesser Black-backs flying out post-roost. 236 Canadas. Drake Shoveler from WLC. 6 Goldeneye. 40 Woodpigeons NE. 5+ Ravens. Marsh Tit on the Sheepwash carpark feeder. c65 Siskin, including c50 at WLC. 5 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
02/01/2023The GNDiver was north of Stones island mid-morning and then at Millfields late morning - appeared to eat a couple of crayfish. c250 Canada and 50 Greylag. 1 redhead Goosander. 110 Woodpigeons flew NE in small parties. Dunlin past Stones. 1 Woodcock and c150 Jackdaws at Hopton end first thing. 40 Meadow Pipits on Stones.Simon Roddis
01/01/2023This afternoon, the GNDiver from Stones island, 65 Pink-footed Geese flew NE over Millfields at 14:43, 80 Wigeon, female Pintail off Stones, 3 Pochard, 65 Coot, 32 GCGrebe, 239 lapwing, 2 Redshank, 10 Snipe (9 at WLC, 1 Millfields), Marsh Tit at Paul Stanley hide, 80 Redwing at Sheepwash, 7 Tree Sparrow (6 WLC, 1 Millfields).Simon Roddis

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