Recent Sightings

DateSightingName
29/04/2026No Terns today but waders were in evidence with 9 species recorded: Bar-tailed Godwit at Watersports, Sanderling on Sailing Club shoreline, 2 Ruff on the back of Horseshoe Island, Curlew heard at Millfields and a Greenshank was around for a while before apparently flying NE. Female Red-crested Pochard and her male common Pochard admirer at WLC, Caspian Gull at Watersports, Yellow Wagtail over Stones, 4 Sedge Warblers and 2 Common Whitethroat behind Millfields Island.Clive Ashton
28/04/2026Another fantastic morning started with 9 Arctic Terns flying in over the dam at 0715hrs. Whilst counting the Terns, at 0745, Alan picked out a dark phase Arctic Skua which flew low up the middle of the res before departing NW. Paul Bennett popped in to see the Arctic Terns and found a Little Tern amongst them at Sheepwash. By 0945hr Arctic Tern numbers had increased to 26, before around half of them had apparently moved on. Large numbers of hirundines all morning and we estimate 400 Sand Martin and 200 Swallow. C6 Pochard, female Red-crested Pochard, 2 female Goldeneye at Sheepwash, 3 Egyptian Geese, 2 Swift, the ringed Caspian Gull, Yellow Wagtail (MR). Little Tern and c14 Arctic Terns still present around 1100hrs when we left site.CA/AHS
27/04/2027From Stones Island this morning, 3 Shoveller, 2 Pochard, 1 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Grey Heron, lots of Sedge and Garden Warblers, 2 Arctic Terns, 1 Common Sandpiper. 1 Dunlin at Millfields and Mediterranean Gull on Sailing Club Island (CA) Peacock butterfly and Orangetips on the wing.AHS
26/04/2026The first-summer Little Gull was still off Watersports this morning. 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 2 Common Terns there too. Female Red-crested Pochard from WLC. Second-summer Mediterranean Gull still on sailing club island. Single Curlew, Common Sandpiper and Redshank. 3 Swifts from WLC. Whitethroat in WLC creek. 13 singing Sedge Warblers across Stones and WLC creek. 3 Yellow Wagtails.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
25/04/20262 summer plumage Black-necked Grebes around Watersports area, 1 Black Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 2 Common Tern, 2 Little Gull (ad, 1s), 3 Shelduck, 2 drake Pochard, Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Common Sandpiper, Common Whitethroat at Hopton End, Reed Warbler in WLC reedbed, 3 Pied Flycatcher on east side.Clive Ashton
24/04/2026Following yesterday afternoon's movement, there were another 36 Black Terns this morning, building up between about 06:30 and 08:30, plus 3 Little Gulls (2 adults and one first-summer), all to 11:00 at least. The 2 Bar-tailed Godwits were still around and a Greenshank flew N. 3 Mandarins over the main carpark. 6 Pochard, 2 Teal. 1 Egyptian Goose. More Garden Warblers have arrived, now 6 in the Stones/WLC area. Lesser Whitethroat singing south of Sheepwash. Redstart singing at the top of WLC creek and Clive had a Yellow Wagtail over the WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
24/04/20266 Chiffchaff, 5 Cormorant, 3 Blackcap, 24 Black Tern, 1 Reed bunting, 9 Oystercatcher, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Willow warbler, 8 Sedge warbler, 1Bar tailed Godwit , 2 Little Gull, 2 Male Pochard , 1 Female Red Crested pochard , 15+ Sand Martin,2 LRPDavid Armitt
23/04/2026The 2 Bar-tailed Godwits are still present, 1 each at Watersports (with a damaged wing) and from.WLC. Common Sandpiper and 2 Redshank in the same area. Two female Goldeneye. Reed and Garden Warblers at Hopton end, and Garden on Stones. 3 singing Pied Flycatchers in Hall Wood/Warrington Knob. 3 male Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall and 2 Swifts overhead. Wheatear at Millfields (per A&R).SJR, MW, RPJ, AMD
22/04/2026Best this morning was a beautiful first-summer Little Gull off Watersports. Another surprise was 2 Redwing at Millfields, with a Swift, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Willow Tit and c100 Redpoll in the same area. Around Watersports, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, Common Sandpiper, Redshank and the pair of Egyptian Geese. Yellow Wagtail (possibly 2) on Stones causeway/dam wall. Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
21/04/2026Another excellent spring morning, with 4 new species for the year: Swift over the dam wall, Yellow Wagtail at the main centre, Garden Warblers at Hopton end and on Stones, and Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed. One Black-tailed and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits were on Watersports island and later from WLC. First-summer Caspian Gull still. Pink-footed Goose, 2 Teal, 2 Pochard and 4 Goldeneye. 10 Sedge Warblers around Stones island and 1 at WLC. Redstart still in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
19/04/2026Highlight of the monthly wildfowl count was a drake Ring-necked Duck in Brown Ale Bay at around 08:50, relocated off Big Island at 10:20. Other wildfowl: 194 Canada, 34 Greylag (plus a brood of 5), 1 Pink-foot, 2 Egyptian, 2 Mute Swan, 33 Gadwall, 70 Mallard (plus a brood of 12), 3 Pochard, 47 Tufted, 5 Goldeneye, 4 Moorhen, 18 Coot, 4 Little Grebe, 36 GCGrebe, 11 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Redshank, 2 Dunlin, 6 Cormorant (a total of 480 waterbirds as opposed to 824 in April last year) Also: first-summer Mediterranean and Caspian Gulls at Watersports, 100+ Sand Martins, male Whitethroat at Hopton end, male Pied Flycatcher still at Warrington Knob and Redstart in WLC fields. Wheatear on the dam wall (per Mick W).Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
18/04/2026This morning, 2 Egyptian Geese, drake Pochard, 3 Common Sandpipers off Stones causeway, first-summer Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Mediterranean Gulls (second-summer and a pair of adults), Common Tern at Watersports, Willow Tit on the Tail Bay path, 3 Skylarks over, 100++ Sand Martins, male Redstart in WLC fields still, 1 Redpoll.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
17/04/2026Early evening - 2 Med Gulls (a 3cy and 2cy) in or around the BHGull colony at the rear of Sailing Club Island, best viewed from the second bench along the dam wall, albeit distant. Also a German ringed Caspian Gull (2cy) on the Watersports pontoon; Pink-footed Goose and LRPlover on Watersports Island.Richard Lowe
17/04/2026Quieter than yesterday. The second-summer Mediterranean Gull was still present, Redstart still singing in WLC fields and 2 new Sedge Warblers, on Millfields island and at WLC.SJR, CA, AHS
16/04/2025A decent morning, starting with a male Pied Flycatcher singing in Warrington Knob, just south of Middle Wood on the east side (first of the year). Single Arctic Tern and Whimbrel past Stones island (also both the first of the year), and a Common Sandpiper was on the shore. Drake Pochard off Watersports. 2 male Redstarts (Hall Wood and WLC fields).SJR, CA, MW
14/04/2026Caspian Gull (2cy) on Watersports pontoon late afternoon - (yellow colour ring on left leg).Richard Lowe
14/04/2026The second-summer Mediterranean Gull flew across sailing club bay mid-morning. Common Tern at Watersports. Drake Pochard. 4 Goldeneye. At Hopton end and Hall/Middle Woods, 9 Coal Tit, 5 Willow Warbler, 17 Blackcap, 6 Nuthatch, 8 Treecreeper, 1 Redstart. Another Redstart in WLC fields. 3 Sedge Warblers around Stones.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
13/04/2026Late afternoon visit: second-summer Mediterranean Gull among the Black-heads on the back of sailing club island, as reported by Richard L a couple of days ago. Pink-footed Goose past Stones. 3 singing Sedge Warblers.Simon Roddis
11/04/20263 Little and 4 Common Terns were off Stones island from 07:55 to around 08:15 this morning. Good conditions for terns, clearly. 20+ Barnacle Geese. Second-summer Caspian Gull again off Watersports. Little Egret at Millfields. Big increase in hirundines, c100 Swallows, 300 Sand Martins and at least 4 House Martins. Sedge Warbler again on Stones.Simon Roddis
10/04/20262 Pochard, 1 female Red-Crested Pochard, 8 Gadwall, 6 Oystercatcher, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Little Grebe, 30+ Sand Martin, 20+ Swallow, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcap , 4 Long tailed Tit, 4 House Martin, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Jay , 3 Willow Warbler, 2 BullfinchDave Armitt
10/04/2026A Sedge Warbler singing on Stones island this morning is the earliest ever arrival here by 2 days. 2 House Martins also on Stones, and 100+ Sand Martins and c20 Swallows. Female Red-crested Pochard again consorting with a male Common Pochard off Stones causeway. 70 Common Gulls late morning, and a second-summer Caspian Gull off Watersports. Little Egret over Hopton end early morning. Redstart singing above WLC creek again and a brood of 3 Mallard in the fields (first I've seen this year). 1 Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
08/04/2026A very decent morning: a Sandwich Tern flew past Stones island at 08:15 and the Jack Snipe was again on Watersports island from 07:30 to at least 09:30. A Redstart was singing at the top of WLC creek and a female Wheatear was in the fields. Wildfowl included 3 Shelduck, female Red-crested Pochard, 2 drake Pochard, 4 Goldeneye and the pair of Egyptian Geese. A Curlew flew over Stones. First-summer Caspian Gull at sailing club. Willow Warblers and Blackcaps in increasing numbers.SJR, CA, AHS
07/04/2026A Jack Snipe bobbed away on Watersports island this morning, from 07:30 to 09:10 at least, with a Common Snipe almost adjacent. 4 Shoveler were out in the middle of the res. Tawny Owl calling at Penn Carr. Total of 33 Ravens, including 30 over the pastures; the presence of a couple of Buzzards and a Red Kites suggests that there might be a dead animal up there attracting their attention. 4+ Willow Warblers dotted around, and 3 Redpolls over.SJR, CA, MW
06/04/2026The pair of Egyptian Geese were on sailing club island early morning. 6 Goldeneye. 2 Curlew and 2 Herring Gulls flew S. 5 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. c60 Sand Martins and 3 Swallows off Sheepwash. Willow Warblers singing near the main entrance and at Millfields. 60 Fieldfare flew N (flocks of 24 and 36).Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
05/04/2026Following are the species recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walks (10am-noon; Stones Island to the Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Cormorant, Black-headed Gull, Magpie, Mallard, Chiffchaff, Coot, Tufted Duck, Oystercatcher, Carrion Crow, Egyptian Goose, Robin, Greylag Goose, Black-tailed Godwit, Sand Martin, Canada Goose, Moorhen, Woodpigeon, Gt Crested Grebe, Pochard, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Wren, Goldeneye, Pied Wagtail, Redshank, DunnockGary Atkins
05/04/2026A fly-through Greenshank was this morning's highlight. c80 Fieldfare also flew NW. 30 Sand Martins and 5+ Swallows off Stones/WLC. 2 Egyptian Geese, 4 Pochard and 2 Teal. Snipe at Paul Stanley hide. Barn Owl at Hopton reedbed first thing, and 15 Ravens over. Willow Tit at WLC. Black-tailed Godwit also reported on Watersports island (per Lorna).SJR, CA, MW
04/04/2026The first Willow Warbler of the year was singing near the main centre mid-morning, wonderful to hear. Other bit and pieces included 2 Shelduck, 3 redhead Goosander, 1 Egyptian Goose, 2 Pochard, 3 Redshank, 3 Herring Gulls, 1 Little Egret, 10 Sand Martin, 2 Swallows, 4 Blackcap, 1 Redpoll.SJR, MW, CA
02/04/2026A winter-plumage Turnstone was on Watersports island at 07:30 but had gone by 09:00. 3 Egyptian Geese at Millfields/Watersports. 1 Pink-footed Goose. The drake Red-crested Pochard was still at Millfields, hanging around with a group of Mallard. A light northerly movement of c.70 Woodpigeons. 21 Buzzards in a 360 scan from the dam wall late morning. Willow Tit at WLC. 10 Sand Martins.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
01/04/2026A drake Red-crested Pochard was at Millfields this morning, and a Little Egret flew S past Stones. Pair of Egyptian Geese still hanging around Watersports island. 6 Sand Martin and 1 Swallow. 2 Redpoll (over Millfields and Stones).SJR, CA, MW
31/03/2026Perimeter counts this morning: 124 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcap, 2 Egyptian Geese, 4 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, 33 Pheasant, 4 Stock Dove, 17 Oystercatcher, 4 Jay, 32 Magpies, 4 Raven, 15 Coal Tit, 4 Willow, 135 Blue, 65 Great, 8 Long-tailed, 8 Sand Martin, 2 Goldcrest, 124 Wren, 12 Nuthatch, 8 Treecreeper, 32 Song Thrush, 9 Mistle, 1 Redwing, 82 Blackbird, 177 Robin, 50 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 12 Pied, 9 Meadow Pipits, 6 Chaffinch, 10 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Redpoll, 29 Goldfinch, 18 Siskin, 2 Reed Buntings.Simon Roddis
31/03/2026An adult Kittiwake flew south down the east side, 2 Egyptian Geese, Pair Mandarin past Stones, redhead Goosander, drake Pochard, 3 Sand Martin, Blackcap singing on Stones, Willow Tit WLC.CA/AHS
30/03/2026Highlight this morning was a Sandwich Tern which flew past Watersports at 10:18. Not seen again but Clive might have heard it earlier. Pair of Egyptian Geese again. 2 Teal. 3 Pochard. 3 Redshank. Pair of Peregrines over the north end. Pair of Willow Tits near WLC. 5 Swallows. 1 Fieldfare in the main carpark, and Alan had a Redpoll on Stones.SJR, CA, MW, AHS
28/03/2026Probably 5 Swallows and 2 Sand Martins were off Stones/Watersports late morning. Drake Pintail from WLC. Pink-footed Goose off Stones. At least one pair of Egyptian Geese and 27 Barnacles. 2 Willow Tits. c70 Fieldfare, 30 Starling and Woodpigeons flushed by a Sparrowhawk north of Fishtail. 2 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall.SJR, CA, MW
26/03/2026Along the east side, Hopton to Millfields, this morning: 6 Willow Tits, 42 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 9 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Crossbill, 2 Egyptian Geese. Elsewhere, a Swallow (first of the year here) past the main centre, 4 Sand Martin, 32 Barnacle Geese, several more Chiffchaffs on Stones.SJR, CA, AHS, RPJ, AMD
22/03/2026March WeBS count: 5 Mute Swan, 189 Canada Geese, 37 Greylag Geese, 2 Egyptian Geese, 42 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Grebe, 121 Mallard, 6 Teal, 20 Gadwall, 1 Mandarin, 45 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 9 Goldeneye, 7 Moorhen, 23 Coot, 8 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 10 Oystercatcher, 4 Redshank, 1 Grey Wagtail. 2 Blackcap singing at Hopton end. CA/JBClive Ashton/ Jon Bradley
20/03/2026The first Little Ringed Plover of the year dropped into sailing club this morning, and a Little Egret flew over. The over-wintering Common Sandpiper was on the dam wall at Millfields. Drake Shoveler on Horseshoe island. First-winter Caspian and second-winter Yellow-legged Gulls off Watersports. Tawny Owl calling at Sheepwash first thing. Willow Tit at WLC. 12 Siskin over Stones.SJR, CA, MW
20/03/20266 Chiffchaff, 2 Great spotted woodpecker, 7 Goldeneye, 7 Oystercatcher , 6 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 9 Greylag goose, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Willow tit , 10 CormorantDave Armitt
19/03/2026Clive had 2 Sand Martins past Stones this morning, and 4 Shoveler were off Sheepwash. 22 Chiffchaffs between Hopton end and Stones. 93 Woodpigeons N. 12 Buzzards in the air from the dam wall. Pair of Willow Tits at Lane End and 1 singing in WLC creek (per Mike R). 1 Linnet on the dam wall and 2 Redpoll over WLC area.Simon Roddis
18/03/2026Slightly less quiet than the last few days but still awaiting migrants. Pair of Shelduck off Millfields and a pair of Mandarin flew through Tail Bay. 11 Goldeneye, 10 of them off Sheepwash. Tiny bit of movement involving 156 Woodpigeons N and 33 S, plus 13 Chaffinch N. Singing Skylark and 5 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
13/03/2026A few bits and pieces this morning: 31 Barnacle Geese, the pair of Egyptian Geese again, drake Wigeon, Curlew, c5,000 Black-headed Gulls early morning, several Buzzards and Red Kites enjoying the breeze, 70 Starlings NW, 35 Siskin in WLC creek and 2 Crossbills over.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
11/03/2026Best this morning were the 2 Egyptian Geese again, fly-over Shelduck, first-winter Caspian Gull, 30 Barnacle Geese, 230 Woodpigeons N, 4 Curlew, 3 Redshank around Horseshoe island, Willow Tit singing on Stones.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
10/03/2026Highlight this morning was a Sand Martin from Sheepwash hide, first of the year as far as I'm aware. 29 Barnacle Geese at Watersports. Pair of Egyptian Geese again. Redhead Goosander flew up the res and maybe the same bird later past Stones. 830 Woodpigeons N (and 15 S). Green Woodpecker calling at Sheepwash. Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew and 2 Redshank on Horseshoe island. 10 Buzzards in the air.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
08/03/2026Afternoon visit: adult Caspian Gull from Lane End hide. 15 Herring Gulls and adult Great Black-back from Stones. Female Red-crested Pochard off Stones causeway (found earlier by Adam Saunders). 2 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon and 40 Redwing at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
07/03/202627 Barnacle geese flew in, landed in field other side of road to dam wall around 8.30 am.Matthew Birkin
07/03/2026Another eventful morning, with highlights of 11 drake Common Scoter, 8 Kittiwakes and 70 passage Wigeon out on the water off Stones island. 2 Shoveler still at Sheepwash.SJR, CA, AHS
06/03/2026After a couple of hours looking for Willow Tits (4 found), a walk onto Stones island proved worthwhile when a Bar-tailed Godwit flew S and a scan of the water revealed a beautiful summer plumage Black-necked Grebe. 36 Great Crested Grebes (highest count since last September) suggests a small arrival - perhaps the Black-necked came in with them. 3 Chiffchaffs in Tail Bay. 2 Shoveler and 2 Wigeon at Sheepwash (per Alan S).Simon Roddis
02/03/2026Highlights this morning were a Barn Owl at Hopton reedbed early morning, a Great Egret around Horseshoe/Watersports and 2 Egyptian Geese which flew down the res late morning and settled on Watersports island (still there at 11:40). Plus 28 Barnacle Geese, 8 Curlew, Snipe at Hopton reedbed, first-winter Yellow-legged Gull off Stones island, Willow Tit at WLC, 3+ Chiffchaffs.Simon Roddis
01/03/2026Following are the species noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Great Tit, Buzzard, Blackbird, Cormorant, Coot, Mallard, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Teal, Great-crested Grebe, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Oystercatcher, Robin, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch, Pied Wagtail, Woodpigeon, Chaffinch, Barnacle Goose, Magpie, Curlew, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Gadwall, WrenGary Atkins
01/03/20262 Chiffchaffs on Stones island this morning. Redshank and 2 Pochard at Paul Stanley hide. 12 Goldeneye. 29 Barnacle Geese at Watersports. At least 10 Buzzards in the air from Millfields late morning, and 2 Skylarks on the dam wall.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
28/02/2026Perimeter counts this morning: 3 Chiffchaffs, 14 Coal Tits, 202 Blue, 73 Great, 3 Willow, 13 Long-tailed, 3 Nuthatch, 6 Treecreeper, 2 Goldcrest, 81 Wren, 50 Song Thrush, 7 Mistle, 80 Blackbird, 20 Redwing, 201 Robin, 66 Dunnock, 27 Chaffinch, 8 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 1+ Crossbill, 21 Goldfinch, 10 Siskin. Maybe as many as 20 Oystercatchers, difficult to keep track of!Simon Roddis
27/02/2026At Carsi this morning, the Common Sandpiper was on Watersports island, Redshank and Kingfisher from Paul Stanley hide, 9 Goldeneye in Brown Ale Bay, singing Willow Tit and 4 Redpoll near Lane End and a finch flock between Sheepwash and Lane End comprising 16 Chaffinch, 16 Goldfinch and 3 Greenfinch.Simon Roddis
26/02/20263 Great Spotted Woodpecker , 12 Long tailed Tit, 1 Nuthatch, 20 Redwing, 7 Gadwall, 16 Teal , 3 Grey Heron, 3 Little grebe, 7 Oystercatcher, 4 Female Goldeneye, 4 Male Goldeneye, 2 Pied wagtail, 4 Barnacle goose, 1 Buzzard, 1Coal titDave Armitt
26/02/2026Single Shelduck around Horseshoe/Watersports this morning. Pair of Barnacle Geese. 28 Tufted. 6+ Goldeneye. 12 Curlew, including 10 at sailing club early on. 1 Woodcock and 1 Tawny Owl at Hopton end first thing. 285 Lesser Black-backs flew N over Hopton as they came out of the roost. Pair of Willow Tits (one singing) south of Lane End. 50 Redwing, mostly at Paul Stanley/Sheepwash. 20 Chaffinch, including a flock of 14 NE.Simon Roddis
23/02/2026870 Woodpigeons flew N 0730-0830 this morning, plus 5 Skylarks and a Great Egret. 34 Barnacle Geese at WLC and Willow Tit nearby. 14 Curlew in WLC fields. Redshank and 5 Snipe from Paul Stanley hide. 3 Redpoll over Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
21/02/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 224 Canada, 34 Barnacle, 28 Greylag, 44 Gadwall, 16 Wigeon, 226 Mallard, 187 Teal, 7 Pochard, 7 Tufted, 10 Goldeneye, 5 Moorhen, 75 Coot, 6 Little Grebe, 24 GCGrebe, 10 Oystercatcher, 15 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 7 Cormorant. 7 Skylarks over Stones.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
20/02/2026Around Carsi this morning, 34 Barnacle Geese, 5 Curlew off Stones causeway early on, Common Sandpiper from WLC, a first-winter Mediterranean Gull from Sheepwash hide late morning, Water Rail and Redshank at Paul Stanley hide (AHS), Willow Tit singing near WLC, 50 Redwing, 10 Crossbills SW over WLC creek mid-morning.SJR, CA, AHS
19/02/2026Clive pulled another rabbit out of the hat this morning in the shape of a Grey Partridge on Stones island, the first at Carsi since November 2011. However, a search between the WLC and Shiningford for Tuesday's Bittern was to no avail. The Common Sandpiper was still on Horseshoe island and a male Sparrowhawk posed beautifully there for a while. At least 22 GCGrebes suggests a small increase, as you'd expect as we approach spring.SJR, CA
17/02/2026Just 350 Woodpigeons and 120 Starlings N this morning. A Great Egret flew S down the res mid-morning and a Shelduck flew in at the same time. 34 Barnacle Geese. 8 Curlews at sailing club early morning, and 3 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. 15 Linnets again on Stones.SJR, CA, MW
16/02/2026Credit is due to Clive for most of this morning's birds: an adult Kittiwake from Stones island late morning, last seen heading towards Millfields; 1,750 Woodpigeons N; 32 Barnacle Geese; 7 Curlew, the Common Sandpiper and 15 Linnets around Horseshoe island; Peregrine over Shiningford and a Willow Tit at WLC.CA, MW, SJR
14/02/2026On this fine sunny morning, 4 Pintail (1m,3f) were at Sheepwash late morning, only 10 Pochard, 9 Goldeneye, 12+ Oystercatchers, Redshank from Paul Stanley hide still, Curlew down the east side, adult Great Black-back, pair of Peregrines on a pylon at Shiningford, drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker in Hall Wood, Willow Tit at WLC. Surprisingly little moving, although there was a report of 60 Pink-footed Geese over.Simon Roddis
12/02/2026A bit of movement this morning, virtually everything heading N or NE: 820 Woodpigeons, 2 Stock Doves, 120 Pink-footed Geese, 166 Starlings, 5 Skylarks, 1 Curlew, 6 Lesser Black-backs. At ground/water level, 29 Greylags, 2 Pintail, 51 Pochard, 13 Goldeneye, 69 Coot, 15 GCGrebe, Woodcock at Hopton end, the Common Sandpiper back at Millfields, adult Great Black-back, Willow Tit at WLC, and in the air 6 Buzzards and 6 Ravens (3 pairs).Simon Roddis
11/02/2026Just a few bits and bobs this morning: 3 Shoveler still at Sheepwash, female Pintail off Stones, single Snipe and Redshank from Paul Stanley hide and a Skylark over, 1 (maybe 2) Willow Tit at WLC, 2 Meadow Pipits over Stones causeway, 2 Reed Buntings at the Millfields feeders.Simon Roddis
10/02/2026A bit same old, same old this morning: Common Sandpiper still from WLC, Redshank from Paul Stanley hide, 3 Shoveler and 4 Pintail at Sheepwash, 103 Pochard plus the hybrid, adult Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Willow Tits near WLC. One day there'll be a change in the weather and, hopefully, the birds. One day...SJR, CA, AHS
09/02/2026The Common Sandpiper was still on Horseshoe island late morning and the Redshank at Sheepwash. 115 Lapwing. 104 Pochard plus the male Aythya hybrid. 3 Shoveler. Drake and at least 3 female Pintail. 10 Goldeneye. 103 Coot. 43 Woodpigeons N. Adult Great Black-back and 2 immature Herring Gulls. Pair of Willow Tits on the WLC feeders and another pair near Lane End. Treecreeper singing at WLC and Red Bunting almost singing at Paul Stanley.SJR, CA, AHS
08/02/2026Highlight of a couple of hours late afternoon was a Barn Owl hunting to the left of Sheepwash hide, flushing the nearby ducks, which included 3 Shoveler and a female Pintail. Redhead Goosander at Millfields. 20+ Barnacle Geese beyond the top of WLC creek. Willow Tit at WLC (the volunteers had 2 there this morning). 100 Redwing at the top of WLC creek.Simon Roddis
07/02/2026The Common Sandpiper was on Watersports island this morning. 10 Oystercatchers. 4 Shoveler (3m,1f) at Sheepwash/Millfields. 4 Pintail (drake at Sheepwash, 3f from Paul Stanley hide. 8 Goldeneye. 35 Barnacle Geese eventually settled in the overflow carpark. Adult Great Black-backed Gull. 20 Linnet on Stones island.SJR, CA, AHS
05/02/2025The drake Pintail and 3 Shoveler (2m,1f) were at Sheepwash this morning, and 5 Goldeneye (4m,1f) and the Redshank from Paul Stanley hide. Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe island in front of the WLC. c35 Barnacle Geese over WLC creek. 125 Rooks N past Sheepwash early morning.Simon Roddis
03/02/2026Best this morning was a flock of 8 Pintail briefly past Stones island. 36 Barnacle Geese. At least 136 Pochard (quite possibly more as Clive had nearly 100 at Sheepwash/Brown Ale Bay while I only counted 65 there). 3 Shoveler from PS hide. 8 Oystercatcher.18 Lapwing. 1 Redshank still. Willow Tit at WLC. 35 Linnet on Stones.SJR, CA, MW
01/01/2-26From Paul Stanley Hide (12.30-13.15): 5 Goldeneye (4m, 1f), 8 Lapwing, Redshank, 20+ Wigeon, a lot of Teal, 3 Long-tailed Tit, Coal TitGary Atkins
01/02/2026Birds seen, through the mist, at today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island - Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Blue Tit, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose, Teal, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Little Grebe, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Robin, Song Thrush, Magpie, Cormorant, Goldfinch, Redwing, Dunnock, Woodpigeon, Goldeneye, Bullfinch, Pheasant, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Great Tit, Wren, Gt Crested Grebe, Moorhen, Chaffinch, Pied WagtailGary Atkins
01/02/2026Very foggy this morning. Woodcock, Snipe and Tawny Owl at Hopton end first thing. 133 Pochard, most of them at Sheepwash, and the drake Pintail still. 5 Oystercatchers. Redshank from PS hide. 2 Herring Gulls at Sheepwash. 15 Linnet at Millfields.Simon Roddis
28/01/2026Ad hoc wildfowl count this morning, slightly hampered by a bit of mist around the edge first thing: 274 Canada, 29 Barnacle, 8 Greylags, 115 Gadwall, 102 Wigeon, 328 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 746 Teal, 114 Pochard, 22 Tufted, 14 Goldeneye, 115 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 5 Oystercatcher, 31 Lapwing, Common Sandpiper still at Millfields, 1 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 11 Cormorant. Male Peregrine past WLC. 200 Woodpigeons N and 160 Starlings W.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
25/01/2026This morning, a pair of Shelduck (presumably the same birds as yesterday) flew N then swam back past Paul Stanley hide; drake Pintail, Redshank and redhead Goosander also from Paul Stanley and 30 Siskin in the woodland; Oystercatchers at Millfields and WLC; 2 Willow Tits at WLC, and a male Aythya hybrid, very likely the presumed Pochard x Ferruginous Duck that has been here before.Simon Roddis
23/01/2026Just a few bits and pieces this morning: Common Sandpiper still at Millfields, 2 Oystercatchers on Horseshoe island, first-winter Yellow-legged Gull at sailing club, drake Pintail from Paul Stanley hide (AHS), 60 Pochard, 30 Linnets on Stones, 40 Siskin.SJR, CA, AHS
21/01/2026The Common Sandpiper was still at Millfields this morning, while an adult Caspian Gull off the sailing club was the first of the year here, I believe. Oystercatcher at Watersports and 2 Willow Tits between there and WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
19/01/2026Very murky this morning but there was a Black-tailed Godwit on Sheepwash spit, Redshank and drake Shoveler from Paul Stanley hide, Oystercatcher at Watersports, Willow Tits at WLC and Millfields, and Common Sandpiper still at Millfields.Simon Roddis
17/01/2026I've done the monthly wildfowl count this afternoon as the forecast for tomorrow isn't great: 272 Canada, 12 Greylags, 3 Egyptian Geese (on Sheepwash spit before flying NE at 15:12), 123 Gadwall, 112 Wigeon, 461 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 936 Teal, 36 Pochard, 24 Tufted, 9 Goldeneye, 4 Moorhen, 145 Coot, 6 Little Grebes, 21 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 13 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper (presumably the bird that was around in December), 21 Cormorant. In the gull roost off Stones island late afternoon, c2,000 each of Common and Black-headed Gulls, 400 Lesser Black-backs, 2 Herring.Simon Roddis
16/01/202660 Wigeon,4 Goldeneye, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Pochard, 40 Teal, 32 Gadwall, 1 Goldfinch,1 Kestrel, 6 Long Tailed Tit, 1 Treecreeper, 11 Cormorant, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 2 Buzzard, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Peregrine, 30 Linnet , 50 LapwingDave Armitt
16/01/2026Slightly better conditions than yesterday, with the fog lifting mid-morning. The drake Pintail was off Sheepwash. 95 Pochard. The Oystercatcher still, 34 Lapwing and 1 Snipe. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. Willow Tit at WLC. Winter thrushes included at least 330 Redwing and 190 Fieldfares (270 and 150 respectively through Hopton early morning).Simon Roddis
15/01/2026Difficult to see much in thick fog this morning but there were 2 Woodcock and 3 calling Tawny Owls at Millfields first thing, Willow Tit at WLC, Oystercatcher again at Watersports/Horseshoe island, Redshank in Brown Ale Bay, and Clive had a Pink-footed Goose among the Greylags.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
14/02/2026Clive found the first Oystercatcher of the year at Watersports this morning, a relatively early first date. 29 Lapwing. 51 Pochard. Adult Great Black-backed Gull. Male Peregrine on its favoured pylon then over Sheepwash and Hall Wood. Willow Tit at WLC. Skylark S over the main centre. 10 Linnet from the WLC. 4 Crossbills in the top of Hall Wood.SJR, CA, AHS, MW
12/01/2026c35 Barnacle Geese over WLC late morning and 2 Goosander N over Hopton end first thing. 5 Goldeneye. Drake Pintail reported at WLC but I missed it. 45 Woodpigeons N. 124 Coot. Skylark N over Stones late morning. Mistle Thrush singing at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
10/01/2026Drake Pintail and Redshank from Paul Stanley hide this morning. A Pink-footed Goose was among the Greylags at Watersports and 36 Barnacle Geese from WLC. 32 Lapwing. 47 Fieldfare flew N (obviously!). 12+ Meadow Pipits.Simon Roddis
06/01/2026Yesterday's 3 Curlew were still at sailing club this morning, and a total of 51 Lapwing there and in Brown Ale Bay. Shelduck off Stones (and later Sheepwash) and redhead Goosander at Millfields. 92 Pochard. 5 Shoveler. Full compliment of Barnacle Geese. 106 Coot. 8 Little Grebes. Willow Tit at WLC. 15 Meadow Pipits at Sheepwash and 12 at WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
05/01/2026A very decent afternoon visit: 2 adult White-fronted Geese were among c200 Greylags between Lane End and Sheepwash, plus one Pink-foot. A Little Egret flew past Paul Stanley hide. 2 adult Mute Swans. Drake Shoveler from WLC. 38 Pochard. 100 Coot in Brown Ale Bay at dusk. 30 Lapwing. Clive's 3 Curlew were still at sailing club. 800 Common Gulls off Stones by 15:30. Little Owl again in WLC fields, being mobbed by Blackbirds and Blue Tits. 11 Meadow Pipits toughing it out.Simon Roddis
04/01/2026Species recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-WLC-WLC Creek): House Sparrow, Pintail, Lapwing, Little Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Teal, Pied Wagtail, Goldeneye, Wigeon, Mallard, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Canada Goose, Coot, Robin, Mute Swan, Gt Crested Grebe, Blue Tit, Greylag Goose, Moorhen, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Dunnock, Wren, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Redwing, Blackbird, Treecreeper, Pheasant, Great Tit, Snipe, Meadow Pipit, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Long-tailed TitGary Atkins
02/01/2026Juvenile GNDiver still north of Millfields this morning. Woodcock at Hopton end first thing, and Redshank later. 3 Grey Heron in Brown Ale Bay. 100 Woodpigeons NE, 40 SW. 3 Fieldfare and 2 Redpoll over Millfields.Simon Roddis
31/12/2025Juvenile GNDiver still off the east side north of Millfields. A bit of late movement, with 1,400 Woodpigeons and 192 Fieldfare heading N (Fieldfare can be tricky to see here in December so quite surprising to see such a decent number). 250 Starlings W might just have been heading out from their roost. c35 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. Great Egret at Sheepwash. Peregrine having its breakfast on Horseshoe island. 2 Willow Tits at WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
30/12/2025Afternoon visit: the juvenile GNDiver was off Millfields, female Common Scoter from Stones (and later from Sheepwash) and a Great Egret, last seen flying into Green Pond, presumably to roost. Little Owl called in WLC fields mid afternoon. Pair of Peregrines perched on Sheepwash spit and then over Brown Ale Bay at dusk. Willow Tit at WLC. Single Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls. 70 Linnets on Stones. Over BABay late afternoon, 390 Redwing, 55 Fieldfare and 26 Chaffinch.Simon Roddis


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
09/02/2022The GNDiver again off Stones this morning, and the 2 Red-necked Grebes, one off Lane End, the other off the dam wall. 45 Barnacle Geese. 1m Goosander. 7+ Oystercatchers, including the colour-ringed pair M7 and 'Barcode' back from their winter in Devon. 2 Red Kites. Total of 11 Skylarks heading towards Carsington pastures. 150 Redwing, including 100 at Sheepwash. 100 Siskin in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
08/02/2022The GNDiver was off Millfields this morning and the 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End/Stones. Female Pintail at WLC. 4 Oystercatcher. 4 Curlew. 2 Redshank. 2 Woodcock flew into Tail Bay early morning. 1 Red Kite. 3 Sparrowhawks.Simon Roddis
07/02/2022Ad hoc wildfowl count: 1 GNDiver, 2 Red-necked Grebes, 93 GCGrebe, 31 LGrebe, 20 Cormorant, 8 Mute Swan, 96 Canadas, 13 Greylag, 148 Gadwall, 147 Wigeon, 125 Mallard, 205 Teal, 21 Pochard, 86 Tufted, 8 Goldeneye, 1 Water Rail (Hopton reedbed), 19 Moorhen, 714 Coot, 4 Oystercatcher, 629 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 3 Curlew, 12 Snipe. 10 Buzzards, 3 Red Kites and 2 Kestrels in the air late morning.Simon Roddis
06/02/2022Species (not totals) seen during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk around Stones Island/WLC (10oam-noon): House Sparrow, Canada Goose, Black-headed Gull, Barnacle Goose, Mute Swan, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Teal, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Gadwall, Goldeneye, Cormorant, Great-crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Lapwing, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Common Gull, Gt Black-backed Gull, Lesser BB Gull, Herring Gull, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Willow Tit, Reed Bunting, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Siskin, Snipe, Little Egret, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Goldfinch, Wren, GoldcrestGary Atkins
06/02/20222 Little Egret, 40 Wigeon, 4 Pochard,10 Gadwall,2 Little Grebe, 20 Great crested Grebe , 40 Redwing, 3 Wren, 10 Goldfinch, 5 Dunnock, 32 Lapwing , 20 Teal, 10 Chaffinch , 3 Reed bunting, 1 Great Blacked- Backed Gull, 1 Rednecked Grebe, GN Diver , 1 Coal TitDavid Armitt
06/02/2022The GNDiver from Lane End this morning and the 2 Red-necked Grebes off Stones island. c40 Barnacles and 1 Pink-footed Goose. 6 Pintail (3m,2f off Sheepwash plus the female at WLC). Female Merlin mobbing a Peregrine over Hall Wood, perhaps she's hanging around. Adult Caspian Gull on Horseshoe island. 1 Red Kite. c40 Siskin near WLC.Simon Roddis
05/02/2022The GNDiver was off Stones this morning, now in heavy wing moult - it won't be going far for a while! The 2 Red-necked Grebes still, the easiest they've been to find since they got here, one from the visitor centre and one off Sheepwash carpark. Female Pintail from WLC again. 3 Curlew at Sheepwash. 1 Woodcock at Hall Wood. 6 Herring Gulls N. 2 Little Egrets. 2 Red Kites. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. 30 Chaffinch, including 20 at the Sheepwash feeder.Simon Roddis
04/02/2022Not a bad morning: the GNDiver and 2 RnGrebes still present, a Water Rail in WLC creek and a female Merlin upsetting the Lapwings as it flew through. The Lapwings never really settled after that. 4 Red Kites and a Peregrine over the east side. Female Pintail again from WLC.Simon Roddis
03/02/2022The GNDiver again off Stones this morning and the 2 Red-necked Grebes separately between Lane End and Sheepwash (both visible from the visitor centre). 5 Red Kites in the air together on Carsington Pastures. 2 Shelduck, 2 Goosander and at least 3 Tawny Owls calling at Millfields. c650 Lapwing including an odd-looking bird with all white primaries. 12 Stock Dove. Kingfisher at PS hide. 70 Siskin at WLC.Simon Roddis
02/02/2022The GNDiver and a single Red-necked Grebe were off Stones island mid-morning. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end. 20 Snipe from WLC. 1 Red Kite at Sheepwash. 2 Skylarks and 1 Linnet over Millfields.Simon Roddis
01/02/2022The GNDiver was again off Stones island this morning but could only find one of the Red-necked Grebes, north of Lane End. Female Pintail again from WLC. 2,000+ Common Gulls left their roost and departed W early morning. 8 Herring Gulls flew in late morning. 3 Red Kites and a Peregrine over the east side.Simon Roddis
31/01/2022The GNDiver and the 2 RnGrebes again in their usual haunts this morning. 1 Shelduck and female Pintail from WLC. 1 Red Kite. Kingfisher from Paul Stanley hide. 8 Ravens in the air over Hall Wood early morning. 10 Tree Sparrows (6 at WLC, 4 Millfields).Simon Roddis
30/01/2022The GNDiver and RnGrebes again in their favoured spots this morning. 46 Barnacle Geese. Female Pintail from WLC. 1 Red Kite. 3 Oystercatcher. 35 Snipe on Horsehoe island/from WLC. 5 Herring Gulls. 195 Rooks over Shiningford early morning.Simon Roddis
29/01/2022The 2 Red-necked Grebes still off Lane End and the GNDiver was off Millfields late morning. 4 Red Kites over Carsington pastures (and perhaps a couple more reported over the east side). 3 Shelduck at Millfields. Male Shoveler at Sheepwash and female Pintail again at WLC. 4 Oystercatchers, including a metal-ringed bird at Millfields. 13 Herring Gulls (third day in succession there have been HGs, clearly a bit of movement going on). c100 Starlings and 50 Fieldfare on the pastures.Simon Roddis
28/01/2022Much the same again today: GNDiver off Stones much of the morning and the 2 RnGrebes off Lane End. 43 Barnacle Geese. Single Woodcock and Brambling at Millfields first thing. 2 Red Kites over the east side. c100 Siskin at WLC.Simon Roddis
27/01/2022The GNDiver again off Stones this morning and the 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End. 45 Barnacle Geese. Female Pintail from WLC. 3 Herring Gulls N. 2 GBbGull (adult and 1w). Flock of 32 Stock Doves behind the villages, perhaps flushed by a raptor (maybe even the Peregrine which upset all the Lapwings!). 1 Red Kite. 30 Cormorant. Total of c100 Redwing, including 50 in WLC fields, along with c100 Starlings.Simon Roddis
25/01/2022Another dull morning weather-wise but the GNDiver was again off Stones island and the 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End. 45 Barnacle Geese. Female Pintail from WLC. 35 Snipe (28 from WLC, 7 in Brown Ale Bay). 1 Oystercatcher. Willow Tit singing at Hopton. Total of c200 Siskin, including a flock of 150+ over WLC creek.Simon Roddis
24/01/2022Picked up the GNDiver and the 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End despite increasingly murky conditions this morning. 6 Goosander at Millfields early on. Total of 42+ Common Snipe. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Kingfisher at PS hide.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
23/01/2022Monthly WeBS count: 262 Canada, 13 Greylag, 12 Mute Swan, 157 Gadwall, 184 Wigeon, 177 Mallard, 1f Pintail, 554 Teal, 11 Pochard, 201 Tufted, 13 Goldeneye, 2 Water Rail (Hopton reedbed and Brown Ale Bay), 23 Moorhen, 904 Coot, 42 Little Grebe, 2 Red-necked Grebe, 108 GCGrebe, 1 GNDiver, 2 Oystercatcher, 1034 Lapwing, 2 Woodcock, 14 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 23 Cormorant, 1 Heron, 1 Kingfisher.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
22/01/202218 adult Whoopers this morning, off Millfields. 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End (couldn't see one at Millfields) and the GNDiver out in the middle. 2 Oystercatchers (unringed) from WLC. c800 Lapwing. 3 Curlew. 2 Redshank. 14 Common Snipe. 1 Woodcock between WLC and Shiningford. c1300 Common Gulls flew out early morning. 11 Tree Sparrow (6 at Millfields, 5 WLC).Simon Roddis
21/01/2022The GNDiver and both RnGrebes were still in their usual areas this morning. 49 Barnacle Geese. 3m Goosander, including 1 on the water off Sheepwash carpark, unusual at that end of the res. 1 Oystercatcher still. 3 Curlew on Stones island. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Single Kingfisher and Water Rail in the narrow end of Brown Ale Bay. 12 Lesser Redpoll over WLC creek, and a total of c50 Siskin.Simon Roddis
20/01/2022The GNDiver was out in the middle of the res late morning, and a Red-necked Grebe off Millfields island. Failed to find the Lane End bird this morning. 17 Little Grebes from the WLC. c800 Lapwing, a definite increase. 9 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 1 Oystercatcher still. Raptors were enjoying the breeze, with a Red Kite, 7 Buzzards, 3 Sparrowhawks and single Peregrine and Kestrel. 80 Redwings came out of a roost near Sheepwash first thing, and c20 Blackbirds around the carpark.Simon Roddis
19/01/20223 Whooper Swans (2 ads,1 juv) off Stones causeway were new in this morning, while the GNDiver was off Millfields and the 2 Red-necked Grebes still at Millfields and Lane End. 44 Barnacle Geese. 1 Woodcock at Hall Wood first thing. 50 Siskin at Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
18/01/2022The GNDiver and both Red-necked Grebes again in their regular spots this morning. Increased geese numbers: c500 Canada and 350 Greylags (most of the Greylags flew in after midday), with c40 Barnacles and hybrids feeding in WLC fields. 70 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 09:15. c600 Lapwing. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end at first light. 1 Little Egret and 3 Grey Herons.Simon Roddis
17/01/2022Single Red-necked Grebe at Millfields early morning and the GNDiver off Stones. c350 Canada Geese. 49 Barnacles plus 3 Nene hybrids. 19 Greylag. 3 Pintail from WLC. 1 Oystercatcher still. 2 Red Kites.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
16/01/2022This morning: Great Northern Diver still off Stones Island, Water Rail calling from Hopton reedbed, Red-necked Grebe near draw-off tower Millfields, 8 Goosander at Millfields early morning only, 4 Pintail still at WLC and 5 Snipe there, Oystercatcher still at Watersports and at least 1 Redshank mobile.Roger Carrington
15/01/2022No sign of the swans (except Mutes) this morning but the 2 Red-necked Grebes and the GNDiver were still present. 3 Curlew past Stones island and the Oystercatcher still. 4 Pintail and 1m Shoveler from WLC. 6 Goosander (3m,3f) at Millfields.Simon Roddis
14/01/2022A beautiful herd of 13 Bewick's Swans was off Sheepwash all afternoon, along with 8 Whoopers. The first Bewick's since 2013, and my first ever here. Red-necked Grebes again at Millfields and Lane End, and the GNDiver off Stones island. 44 Barnacle Geese with 3 Nene hybrids in WLC fields. A GSWoodpecker drumming at Lane End. 7 Tree Sparrows at WLC. In the gull roost, c10,000 Black-heads, 1,000 Common, 200 Lesser Black-backs, 1 adult Yellow-legged. At Hopton end at dusk, 2 Woodcock, Water Rail and Tawny Owl. A great afternoon!Simon Roddis
13/01/2022Both Red-necked Grebes and the Great Northern Diver were on their usual beats this morning, and the Oystercatcher was on Horseshoe island. 40 Barnacle Geese and the 2 hybrids again. 1m Shoveler at WLC. c650 Lapwing. 1 Little Egret. 3 Sparrowhawks. 5 Raven over Millfields. 6 Tree Sparrow.Simon Roddis
12/01/2022Both Red-necked Grebes again this morning but separately, at Millfields and off Lane End, and the GNDiver off Stones island. In other wildfowl news: 177 Canadas, at least 38 Barnacles (plus 2 Nene hybrids), 3 Greylag, 16 Mute Swan, 159 Gadwall, 227 Wigeon, 186 Mallard, 4 Pintail, 406 Teal, 11 Pochard, 213 Tufted, 9 Goldeneye, 18 Moorhen, 1182 Coot, 32 LGrebe, 79 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher (very early return date but not the earliest ever), c500 Lapwing, the Black-tailed Godwit still, 2 Redshank, 20 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron. 1 Red Kite perched near Sheepwash and c60 Siskin at Middle Wood, plus a mixed Siskin/Lesser Redpoll flock in alders near the WLC.Simon Roddis
11/01/20222 Red-necked Grebes together by Millfields draw-off tower early morning. I couldn't find the Lane End bird so I assume that the 2 have found each other (again?). The adult GNDiver was off Stones island and the Black-tailed Godwit still on Stones causeway. 4 Pintail (2m,2f) again from WLC. 183 Canada. 9 Barnacle. 3 Goosander. A Water Rail showed well in WLC creek mid-morning and a young Peregrine put everything up off Horseshoe island. 1 Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. Total of 170 Redwing. 10 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
10/01/2022The Great Northern Diver, 2 Red-necked Grebes and Black-tailed Godwit still all present this morning. A Great Egret was on Shiningford island late morning (credit to Alison and Roger). 4 Pintail still. c400 Lapwing. 2 Kingfishers (Penn Carr and Brown Ale Bay). 6 Willow Tits. Out of the corvid roost early morning, c1000 Jackdaws, 200 Rooks and 100 Carrion Crows over the visitor centre.Simon Roddis
09/01/20221 Red Necked Grebe, 1 Great Northern Diver, 3 Redshank, 5 Pied Wagtail, 75 Lapwing, 60 Teal, 10 Pochard, 1 Redwing, 8 Little Grebe, 26 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Meadow Pipit, Pintail 2M 1F, 13 Greylag, 10 Gadwall, 1 Raven, 1 Black-tailed GodwitDavid Armitt
09/01/2022The Great Northern Diver and 2 Red-necked Grebes (Millfields and Lane End) still this morning. 1+ Woodcock, 3 Tawny Owls, 2 Little Egrets and 1 Water Rail at Hopton end early morning. 4 Pintail (2m,2f) from WLC. The Black-tailed Godwit again around Stones island and then WLC. 2 Redshank. 1 Red Kite. 4 Raven.Simon Roddis
07/01/2022The adult GNDiver was again off Millfields early afternoon, and 2 Red-necked Grebes again, one at Millfields and one off Lane End. An adult Kittiwake, presumably yesterday's bird, was on sailing club shore early afternoon and the second-winter Caspian Gull was on Horsehoe island (from WLC) mid-afternoon. Pair of Pintail from WLC. 2 Peregrines (male and female) over Blackwall plantation. 24 Snipe over Stones island.Simon Roddis
05/01/20224 Tree sparrows on nut feeder at Millfields Car park. Grey wagtail near Dam wall.Matthew Birkin
06/01/2022An adult Great Northern Diver, quite possibly the returning bird of previous winters, was initially off Stones island then resting out in the middle of the res. We'd almost given up hope! Couldn't find any Red-necked Grebes. An adult Kittiwake sat on buoy number 7 for a while, and yesterday's second-winter Caspian Gull and Black-tailed Godwit were still around. 3 Pintail from WLC. 1 Little Egret still, quite surprising given how cold it is. 13 Fieldfare flew S. c20 Lesser Redpoll on Stones and a mixed flock of c50 Goldfinch, Siskin and Redpoll at the WLC.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
05/01/2022Ad hoc wildfowl count: 2 Red-necked Grebes (Millfields and Lane End), 85 GCGrebe, 37 Little Grebe, 16 Mute Swan, 223 Canada, 6 Barnacle, 62 Greylag, 137 Gadwall, 205 Wigeon, 135 Mallard, 4 Pintail (2m,2f), 348 Teal, 14 Pochard, 184 Tufted, 10 Goldeneye, 14 Moorhen, 1195 Coot, c400 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit at WLC, 2nd-winter Caspian Gull on Horseshoe island around midday, 24 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron.Simon Roddis
04/01/2022The Red-necked Grebe again off Millfields this morning. 140 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 09:40. 8 Barnacle Geese. 2 Woodcock at Sheepwash early morning. 1 Little Egret still. 2 Red Kites. c50 Fieldfare above Hopton village. 30 Siskin.Simon Roddis
03/01/2022The Red-necked Grebe was at the Millfields end of the dam wall early morning. 180 Canada Geese. 7 Barnacles. 1 Woodcock at Penn Carr. 250 Common Gulls from PS hide late morning. Little Egret from WLC again. 3 Red Kites. 1 Skylark S over Stones. 200 Redwing. 10 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
02/01/2022Species seen during first Birdwatching for Beginners walk of the year (10am-noon; Stones Island - Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Pied wagtail, Canada Goose, Mallard, Coot, Gt Crested Grebe, Robin, Lapwing (around 350), Raven, Tufted Duck, Black-headed Gull, Red Kite, Gt Black-backed Gull, Cormorant, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Carrion Crow, Wigeon, Pochard, Teal, Common Gull, Blue Tit, Meadow Pipit, Blackbird, Little Grebe, Moorhen, Barnacle Goose, Redshank (2), Collared Dove, Magpie, Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Willow Tit, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Snipe (at least 5), Wren, Tree Sparrow, Pintail (m), Dunnock In addition, earlier when alone, I also saw Nuthatch, Siskin, Goldfinch, Redwing, Bullfinch, Long-tailed Tit and a Mistle Thrush that decided it was spring, singing its heart out!Gary Atkins
02/01/2022Lapwing 300+ Wigeon 128, 83 Teal, Monte Swan 16, Grey Heron 1,Pochard 15, Cormorant 6, Goldeneye 3, Greylag 7, Gadwall 7, Lesser Redpoll 6,Goldfinch 15, Redwing 10, Bullfinch 4, Pintail 1, long tailed tit 6, Meadow Pipit 1, Raven 2David Armitt
01/01/2022Happy New Year! The Red-necked Grebe was again off Millfields this morning. 3 Pintail (2m,1f) from WLC. 5 Goosander (2m,3f) at Millfields early on. 2 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. 1 Redshank. Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. 1 Little Egret. 4 Red Kites over Fishtail creek. Kingfisher at Millfields. 4 Raven. 1 Skylark over. 1 Brambling on Stones island. Total of c80 Siskin. A Yellowhammer over WLC creek - we had to wait until December for one last year!Simon Roddis
31/12/20213 Goldeneye (1m,2f) between draw-off tower and MillfieldsGary Atkins
31/12/2021Red-necked Grebe again at Millfields, and lots of people coming to see it! 1 Shelduck at Sheepwash. Pair of Pintail in Shiningford creek. 22 Snipe flying around Stones island, presumably flushed from Horseshoe island. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. 1 + Redshank. 3 adult Yellow-legged and 8 Herring Gulls on Sheepwash spit early pm. 32 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret. 20 Lesser Redpoll on Stones and c60 Siskin near the WLC.Simon Roddis
30/12/2021The Red-necked Grebe was on its usual beat off Millfields this morning. 7 Shoveler (6m,1f) were new in. Pair of Pintail at WLC. 9 Goldeneye. 65 Greylags. c600 Lapwing. 5 Snipe. 2 adult GBbG, including Onefoot. 14 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
29/12/2021The Red-necked Grebe was again near the draw-off tower at Millfields, then off the dam wall closer to sailing club late morning. 195 Canadas. 9 Greylag. 17 Mute Swan. Drake Pintail at WLC. c750 Lapwing. 5 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gull. Best day for raptors for ages, though only average really: 6 Buzzard, 3 Sparrowhawk, single Kestrel and Peregrine - they must have struggled during the past several days of rain, fog and no wind. Female Brambling at Millfields.Simon Roddis
28/12/2021One Red-necked Grebe was just north of Millfields this morning. c600 Lapwing. 3+ Redshank. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 31 Cormorant. 2 Skylarks over.Simon Roddis
27/12/2021RedNecked Grebe 1 Goldeneye (M) 1 Both from Millfields CP 1230-1300 Note - 8 Whopper Swans seen in field off B5030 (from A50 but before Crakemarsh) might be the same birds recently seen at Carsington Michael
26/12/2021Couldn't find any different grebes or swans in the murk this morning. 11 Shoveler (5m,6f). 3 Pintail (1m,2f). 2 Kingfishers chasing at Hopton end, and a female Brambling also there. 13 Lesser redpolls on Stones island.Simon Roddis
24/12/2021One Red-necked Grebe was in Sailing Club bay and off Stones island this morning, presumably one of the 2 here a couple of days ago but who knows? Similarly, 8 Whooper Swans (6 ads, 2 juvs) were probably part of the 13 earlier in the week. 1 Little Egret at WLC. 4 Shoveler (2m,2f). 1 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. Kingfisher in Sailing Club bay.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
22/12/2021Highlight of a belated wildfowl count were 2 Red-necked Grebes off Stones island, still present late pm up towards Sheepwash (looking from Stones). 13 Whooper Swans (10 ads, 3 juvs) dropped in about 12:15, also still present late pm. 274 Canadas, 18 Barnacle, 3 Greylag, 3 Pink-feet, 20 Mute Swans, 2 Shoveler, 145 Gadwall, 270 Wigeon, 244 Mallard, 3 Pintail, 432 Teal, 30 Pochard, 205 Tufted, 11 Goldeneye, 23 Moorhen, 1,268 Coot, 39 Little Grebe, 74 GCGrebe, 550 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 3 Woodcock, 19 Cormorant, 2 Heron. In the gull roost late afternoon, c10,000 Black-headed, 1,500 Common, 500 Lesser Black-back, 4 Herring, 2 adult Yellow-leg and 1 adult Caspian. 200 Starlings over, presumably heading to roost.Simon Roddis
21/12/21A pair of Shelduck between Stones island and Millfields this morning. Female Pintail at WLC. c200 Canada, 3 Greylag, 8 Barnacle and 1 Pink-foot in the fields, plus 45 Pink-feet SW at 10:40. 400 Lapwing. The Ruff and Redshank still. c40 Siskins near the WLC.Simon Roddis
11/12/2021A Jack Snipe showed briefly on Horseshoe island mid-morning. 1 Ruff and 2 Redshank still. 1 Dunlin past Stones island. 320 Lapwing. 208 Canadas. 3 Greylag. 27 Mute Swan. 91 Gadwall. 158 Wigeon. 274 Mallard. 475 Teal. 3 Pintail. 46 Pochard. 9 Goldeneye (5m,4f). 18 Moorhen. 22 LGrebe. 70 GCGrebe. Total of 75 Siskin.Simon Roddis
09/12/2021A redhead Smew was off Watersports island from 08:20. Flighty, didn't seem particularly settled, last seen around 09:00. The first since Feb 2011. A Yellowhammer over Stones later was also the first of the year (as far as I know anyway). 300 Canada Geese. 32 Greylags (highest since early October). 2 Little Egrets. 1 Ruff and 2 Redshank still. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Kingfisher at Millfields. 16 Magpies, including 13 at the Millfields feeders.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
07/12/2021An adult Kittiwake flew up the res around 09:00, perhaps ahead of the impending storm. 2 Barnacle Geese. 27 Mute Swans. 3 Pintail still. 120 Lapwing. Single Ruff and Redshank still. 3 Woodcock into Hopton end first thing. 4 Snipe. c900 Common Gulls early morning - unusual for such high numbers to be around in the morning, they usually seem to leave even earlier than the Lesser Black-backs. 1 Little Egret still. 1 Red Kite. 2 Skylarks flew S. 15 Lesser Redpoll on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
05/12/21Species seen during the Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-11.45am), though a couple may have only been seen by me ahead of the main walk: Blackbird, Gadwall, Lapwing, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Mallard, Coot, Teal, Little Grebe, Willow Tit, Tree Sparrow, Robin, Gt Crested Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Siskin, Reed Bunting, Goldfinch, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Tufted Duck, Buzzard, Dunnock, Mute Swan, Wren, Wigeon, Cormorant, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail, Redpoll, Pink-footed Goose, Canada Goose, Pochard, House Sparrow, Ruff, Long-tailed Tit, Fieldfare, Bullfinch, Redwing, Redshank, Little Egret, Raven, WoodpigeonGary Atkins
04/12/20213 Pintail (2m,1f) again. 185 Lapwing, an increase on the last couple of days. 1, maybe 2 male Ruff at WLC. 10 Stock Dove, including 8 S. 2 Little Egret. 1,400 Jackdaws out of their roost early morning. 7 Ravens over Hall Wood. 8 Lesser Redpoll on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
03/12/2021Afternoon visit: a Water Rail showed very well in Brown Ale Brook (the stream below the path to Paul Stanley hide). The gull roost seemed much smaller than below the cold weather: c5,000 BhGulls, 1,000 Common, 1,000 Lesser Black-back, 3 Herring. Corvids from the main centre late pm: c1,400 Jackdaws, 80 Carrion, 105 Rooks. 1 Little Egret. 2 Redshank.Simon Roddis
02/12/2021Partial wildfowl count to see if the weekend's cold weather brought any in: 283 Canadas, 20 Mute Swan, 2 adult Whoopers off Stones, 132 Gadwall, 219 Wigeon, 238 Mallard, 3 Pintail (2m,1f), 474 Teal, 41 Pochard, 175 Tufted, 12 Goldeneye (5m,7f), 1 redhead Goosander, 23 Moorhen, 33 LGrebe, 56 GCGrebe, 65 Lapwing, 1 Ruff, probably 4 Redshank, 3 Woodcock, 1 Little Egret. 4 Sparrowhawks, including a displaying pair. 30 Blackbirds.Simon Roddis
01/12/2021A decent morning, nothing exceptional but plenty of birds. Highlights were single Shelduck (found by Sam G), Pintail, Ruff, Redshank, Woodcock (flying around WLC creek), Little Egret, Peregrine, 2-3 Red Kites, total of c600 Redwing, 7 Tree Sparrows at WLC. 73 species, a pretty good start to the month!Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
26/11/2021Nothing mega this morning but a Chiffchaff on Stones island was my first of the month. Single Ruff, Redshank, Little Egret, Peregrine, Red Kite. 2 Pink-footed Geese among the Canadas. Totals of 5 GSWoodpecker and 38 Long-tailed Tit in 3 flocks at the north end.Simon Roddis
22/11/2021A little bit of vismig this morning: 148 Fieldfares NW and 384 Starlings W. 3 Shelduck flew in mid-morning. 274 Canada Geese. 3 Goldeneye (2m,1f). 1m Goosander. c450 Lapwing. A male Ruff along Stones causeway and at the WLC (maybe here for the winter?) and the Redshank still. 1 Peregrine upsetting the Lapwings. 10 Tree Sparrow (8 at WLC, 2 Millfields).Simon Roddis
21/11/20212 Woodcock came into Hopton end early morning, by the light of the Woodcock Moon, and 4 calling Tawny Owls there, including 3 within about 30 yards of each other. c180 Teal and the drake Pintail still. 2f Goldeneye. 611 Lapwings. The probable subadult Caspian Gull on Sheepwash spit again.Simon Roddis
19/11/20211m Goosander at Millfields early morning. 867 Woodpigeons N and 45 S, plus 8 Stock Doves N in one hour, 08:00-09:00. 600+ Lapwing, definite increase. 1 Redshank still. c10,000 Black-headed Gulls at first light. 2 Kingfishers. Willow Tit singing at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
18/11/202165 Pink-feet E at 10:00. 170 Canada Geese. 31 Mute Swans. 4 Goldeneye (2m,2f). 69 GCGrebe. c300 Lapwing. 1 Redshank still. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. 29 Stock Doves (23 N, 6 S) and 457 Woodpigeons N. 117 Starlings W and 39 Fieldfare SW.Simon Roddis
17/11/2021A Great Northern Diver flew south high down the res at 08:50, had a bit of a look but appeared to go straight through. 226 Canada Geese, with single Barnacle and Pink-foot among them. Drake Pintail. 178 Teal. 8 Goosander (1m,7 redheads) at Millfields early morning. 4 Goldeneye (2m,2f). 219 Woodpigeons (189 N, 30 S) and 12 Stock Doves (5 N, 7 S) through. 300 Lapwing. 2 Dunlin at WLC. 1 Redshank still. 10 Herring Gulls flew in late morning. Adult Yellow-leg still. 4 Skylarks N. Total of c200 Redwing. 16 Lesser Redpolls on Stones island.Simon Roddis
16/11/2021Very foggy this morning! 1 Woodcock, 4+ Tawny Owls and a Brambling at Hopton end first thing. Little Egret at WLC. c300 Starlings at Watersports, feeding on the shore, very unusual there. 9 Tree Sparrows (5 WLC, 4 Millfields).Simon Roddis
15/11/2021Probably conservative estimates of c10,000 Black-heads, 5,000 Lesser Black-backs and 500 Common Gulls in the roost late afternoon, watching from Stones so some birds between there and the dam wall will have been out of sight. Also 4 Herring, 1 GBbG, 1 Yellow-leg and a probable subadult Caspian. 28 Mute Swan. 46 Gadwall. 300 Lapwing. 1 Dunlin. 500+ Starlings over Stones late pm, presumably heading to a roost.Simon Roddis
14/11/20212 adult Whooper Swans were at Millfields early morning, presumably having roosted overnight, but didn't stay long. 3f Goldeneye. An unknown number of Pink-footed Geese flew over Sheepwash carpark late morning - heard but not seen as they were in the cloud! 250 Lapwing. Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. Kingfisher at Millfields.Simon Roddis
13/11/1021The first Woodcock of the autumn/winter flew into the Hopton end early morning, 4 Tawny Owls calling there and a Water Rail called in the reedbed. 9 adult Whooper Swans Flew NE at 09:10. 2f Goldeneye off the dam wall. 455 Woodpigeons N and 117 S. 250 Lapwing. 1 Redshank still. 3 Red Kites. 8 Skylarks over. 150 Starlings W. Total of 250 Redwing. 2 Brambling over Hopton end and 13 Lesser Redpoll on Stones island.Simon Roddis
12/11/2021c100 Teal. 1f Pintail. 45 Pochard. 3f Goldeneye. 100 Woodpigeons N. 255 Lapwing. 1 Redshank still. 32 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret at the WLC. 3 Red Kites over the pastures. 100 Siskin, including a flock of c90 at Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
07/11/2021Species noted collectively by the 'Birdwatching for Beginners' group (Sunday, 7th November 10am-noon): Black-headed Gull, Mute Swan, Coot, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Moorhen, Blackbird, Grey Heron, Carrion Crow, Cormorant, Gt Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Gadwall, Canada Goose, Pied Wagtail, Wigeon, Robin, Lapwing, Teal, House Sparrow, Sparrowhawk, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Redshank, Woodpigeon, Goldfinch, Snipe, Pochard, Willow Tit, Tree Sparrow, Jackdaw and RedwingGary Atkins
08/11/2021The pale bellied brent Goose that SJR found was still present from stones island and then wildlife centre around midday and had a ring on it's right leg a black ring with a white number 6 on it.Chris brown
07/11/2021Monthly WeBS count: 80 Canada Geese, 24 Mute Swan, 60 Gadwall, 118 Wigeon, 174 mallard, 1 Pintail, 128 Teal, 84 Pochard, 207 Tufted, 4 Goldeneye, 34 Moorhen, 1395 Coot, 42 Little Grebe, 44 GCGrebe, 198 Mallard, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Redshank, 37 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
05/11/2021A great day, the highlight being a juvenile Gannet off Watersports for 5 minutes just before 11:00. It flew around a bit, dived twice, terrified the Tufted Ducks when it landed near them, and then disappeared. 4 Hawfinches flew SW at the Hopton end at 09:53, and a juvenile Marsh Harrier flew W across the reservoir at 12:30. Vismig totals 07:00-14:00: 6153 Fieldfare and 2218 Redwing SW, 4 Blackbirds S, 2769 Starling W, 1938 Woodpigeons S (plus 86 N), 5 Stock Doves S and 10 N, 1 Brambling SW. At least 6 Dunlin, including a flock of 5 W. 97 Canada Geese. 51 Pochard. 2 Goldeneye (imm male and a female) off Lane End. 420 Common Gulls at Sheepwash late pm. 4 Herring Gulls. 4 Red Kites. 7 Buzzard. 54 Rooks.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
04/11/2021Vismig from Hopton end 07:00-10:00: 4,525 Redwing and 3,005 Fieldfare SW, 1,119 Starlings W and 3,524 Woodpigeons S. 75 Pink-footed Geese E (and I'm told another 150). 6 unid'd grey geese S, pretty sure they weren't either Pink-feet or Greylag. Mistle Thrush singing at Hopton end and 6 Grey Wagtails there. Total of 50+ Siskin.Simon Roddis
02/11/2021Decent Woodpigeon movement once low mist had cleared from the east side: 11,070 flew S (all but 300 from 07:00-09:45). 5 Stock Doves. 724 Starlings W. 2nd-winter Caspian Gull again at Sheepwash early pm, plus the adult Yellow-leg. Single redhead Goldeneye at Sheepwash and Goosander at Millfields. 275 Lapwing. 1 Redshank at Sheepwash. 3 Sparrowhawk. 1 Red Kite. 14 Skylarks in random directions. 1 (maybe 2) Brambling S over Stones. Total of c40 Siskin.Simon Roddis
01/11/20214 Red Kites over the east side. 3 Shoveler (1m,2f) off Stones. 1 Redshank from Stones causeway. 210 Woodpigeons S and 110 Starlings W. 5 Lesser Redpoll on Stones. 55 Siskin, including a flock of 50 over WLC creek.Simon Roddis
31/10/2021Afternoon visit after this morning's rain. 4 female-type Scaup and an immature drake Goldeneye off Sheepwash. 51 Gadwall. 312 Wigeon. 133 Teal. 51 Pochard. 40 GCGrebe. 175 Lapwing. 43 Cormorant. 1 Red Kite over Hall Wood. c30 Long-tailed Tits in 3 flocks. 20 Siskin.Simon Roddis
27/10/2021Very light movement this morning, just 300 Woodpigeons, 8 Stock Doves and 210 Starlings. 45 Pied wagtails out of their roost on Watersports island early morning, and c.1,200 Jackdaws again. Juv Ringed Plover on Watersports island (same bird as at Sheepwash a couple of days ago) and a Curlew early morning. 400 Lapwing. Adult Yellow-legged and Herring Gulls on Sheepwash spit.Simon Roddis
26/10/2021Quite morning today,mist made observation difficult. Stones Island, 1 Little Egret, Willow Tit, mixed flock of thrushes feeding in the Hawthorn, Blackbirds, Song thrushes and Redwing. WLC creek, 15 Redwings, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Kestrel,1 Shoveller,1 Redshank plus small groups of Wood pigeons passing through.A H Stewardson
25/10/2021Best this morning was a Rock Pipit S over Stones island at 09:00. Vismig somewhat frustrated by low cloud but 1,280 Starlings flew W. 1 Fieldfare S. 17 Skylarks (14N,3S). 2 female Pintail. Juv Ringed Plover at Sheepwash. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls there too. At least 25 Meadow Pipits around Stones island.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
24/10/20212 adult Whooper Swans flew in at 08:00 and 2 Great Egrets 10 minutes later, but neither stayed for long. 6 Red Kites in the air at the same time over the east side is (as far as I know) a new record for Carsi. A flock of 26 Dunlin flew S through Millfields at 10:40 and my first 2 Fieldfares of the autumn were among a flock of Redwings. Totals of 510 Woodpigeons, 332 Redwing and 76 Starling through. 11 Snipe at WLC and 70 Goldfinch nearby. 1,200 Jackdaws over the main centre after leaving their roost early on.Simon Roddis
24/10/202144 Wigeon,9 Gadwall, 20 Teal, 9 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Great White Egret, 40 Teal,120 lapwing,4 Pochard, 3 Red kite, 18 Cormorant,4 Little Grebe, 4 Snipe WLC ,5 Moorhen, 3 Tree Sparrow.David Armitt
22/10/20212 Jack Snipes at Hopton reedbed first thing. Very little movement compared to yesterday, just 220 Woodpigeons, perhaps because of the poorer weather. 1 Pintail. 2 Kingfishers (Hopton end and perhaps the same at PS hide, and sailing club). 1 Chiffchaff on Stones.Simon Roddis
21/10/20213 adult Whooper Swans flew in at 09:10 and remained off Stones island until 09:45 at least. 8,990 Woodpigeons flew S, mostly down the east side, in 3 hours from 07:30-10:30. 50 Pink-feet SE at 08:55. 29 Mute Swan. 2 redhead Goosander at Sheepwash. 190 Lapwing. 51 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret. c1,000 jackdaws over the main centre early morning. 2 Chiffchaff. c50 Starling and 100 Redwing but no real movement.Simon Roddis
19/10/2021Jack Snipe again at Hopton reedbed, along with a Common Snipe. Total of c75 Siskin, including a flock of c70 over the WLC, and a Brambling with Chaffinches over the main carpark. 2 Pintail off Stones island. 1 Little Egret. The adult Yellow-legged Gull still. Kingfisher at Millfields.Simon Roddis
18/10/2021A Jack Snipe in Hopton reedbed early morning is my first of the year here. Fog inhibited viewing so no movement seen. The adult yellow-legged Gull still present. 110 Lapwing. Definite influx of Blackbirds and Song Thrushes, several of each feeding on hawthorn berries on Stones island. 4 Chiffchaffs.Simon Roddis
14/10/20211 Great Spotted woodpecker ,4 Chaffinch,1 Coal Tit,4 Tree sparrow,1 Nuthatch,1 Willow Tit,1 Snow Bunting,4 Pied Wagtail,6 Little Grebe,12 Great Crested Grebe,10 Cormorant,2 Grey Heron,15 Mute Swan, 108 Wigeon ,3 Pochard, 16 Teal,23 Lapwing,1 Kestrel,3 Moorhen, 1 Little Egret, 2 Meadow Pipit, 17 Goldfinch, 1 Grey Wagtail, 6 Long tailed Tit,2 GadwallDavid Armitt
14/10/2021The Snow Bunting was again in Millfields viewing area early morning. Vismig from Stones 07:30-10:00: 2,100 Redwing W-ish, 230 Starling W, 262 Woodpigeon, 6 Stock Dove, 6 Lesser Redpoll and 12 Siskin S. Total of 34 Skylarks N. 4 Pintail. 2 Shoveler at Sheepwash. 125 Lapwing. 1 Dunlin. Adult GBb and Y-l Gulls again. 2 Little Egret. 3 Sparrowhawk. 4 GSWoodpecker. c1,000 Jackdaw over the dam wall at first light.Simon Roddis
13/10/2021A nice autumn morning's birding. The first Redwings flew through, 840 between 07:00 and midday, heading between NW and SW, along with 37 Starling, 44 Siskin S (including a flock of 30 over WLC creek), 21 Skylark heading towards Carsington pastures, 8 Pink-feet NE. Female-type Scaup (nice find by Mike Redfern) and Common Scoter off Stones island. 100 Lapwing. 10 Snipe on Horseshoe island (MR). 2 Little Egret. 6 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. 7+ Ravens. And others saw the Snow Bunting, again in Millfields viewing area.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
12/10/2021The Snow Bunting was in Millfields viewing area late morning and was very confiding once it was found! Much less movement than yesterday, just 490 Woodpigeons S (and 7 Stock Doves) in 1 hour. 3 Pintail off Stones. 1 Little Egret. Up to 11 Ravens over Millfields/Blackwall for much of the morning. A female House Sparrow in WLC creek was, I think, the furthest from the visitor centre I've ever seen one (310 metres).Simon Roddis
11/10/2021The Snow Bunting is still on the dam wall, towards the Millfields end. c9,000 Lesser Black-backs and 6,000 Black-headed Gulls still roosting at first light. A bit of movement this morning: 3520 Woodpigeons S, 220 Pink-feet (140 SW, 80 E), 85 Starlings S, 28 Skylark including a flock of 22 N past Stones island. 2 redhead Goosander off the dam wall early morning. c150 Lapwing. 1 Little Egret. 3 Red Kites. 6 Jays. 1 Brambling over the dam wall.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
09/10/2021Snow bunting still midway along dam wall till dusk also 2 curlew over north west at c6pm.Chris brown
10/10/2021Monthly WeBS count: we don't get Spoonbill every month! Yesterday's juvenile was at Sheepwash early morning but may have flown as not seen again to 11:00 at least. Only 73 Canada Geese and 3 Greylags. 22 Mute Swan. 4 Shoveler. 52 Gadwall. 205 Wigeon. 127 Mallard. 1 Pintail. 124 Teal. 99 Pochard. 207 Tufted. 26 Moorhen. 1223 Coot. 31 Little Grebe. 49 GCGCrebe. 118 Lapwing. 1 Snipe. 43 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret. 7 Grey Heron. 2 Kingfishers. Away from the water, the Snow Bunting and Wheatear were still on the dam wall, 21 Pink-feet flew E at 09:05, 32 Woodpigeons S (taste of things to come?), 3 Red Kite, 10 Buzzard, total of 24 Siskin, and 1 Brambling over Middle Wood.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
03/10/2021Species seen during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon): House Sparrow, Coot, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Tufted Duck, Teal, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Grey Wagtail, Cormorant, Wren, Chiffchaff, Buzzard, Goldfinch, Carrion Crow, Robin, Wigeon, Pochard, Little Egret, Tree Sparrow Great tit Jackdaw Pied wagtail Moorhen.Gary Atkins
03/10/2021Surprisingly few geese this morning, not sure why. Still 4 Pintail off Stones and 2 Shoveler at the WLC. 90 Lapwing. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 41 Cormorant. Kingfisher at Hopton end. 5 Jays. 12 Swallows over Hall Wood. 11 Chiffchaffs (9 between Sheepwash and Stones). 2 Blackcap. 43 Meadow Pipits S. 60 Goldfinch. 16 Siskin.Simon Roddis
29/09/2021A bit of southbound movement this morning, the highlight being a female Merlin over Stones island at 08:45. 420 Meadow Pipits, mostly between 09:00 and 11:00, 6 Skylarks (+1N), 9 Swallows, 1 Grey Wag, 9 Greenfinch (including a flock of 7), 2 Siskin, 2 Linnet, 2 Stock Dove. A Great Egret was near Big Island at 08:15. 1,850 Canada and 42 Barnacle Geese flew out early morning, and 615 Greylags flew back in. 7 Pintail off Stones.Simon Roddis
26/09/2021Flock of 46 Barnacle geese, accompanied by 4 Nene type geese in field near WLC creek.Gary Atkins

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