Recent Sightings

NameSightingDate
Simon RoddisThe juvenile GNDiver was still at Millfields this morning, and 2 Woodcock flew in. Total of 14 Ravens including 12 NE over Millfields early on. 65 Pochard. 41 Wigeon. At least 15 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields, probably more out of sight. 80 Coot. Redshank still at Hopton end but didn't see the Common Sandpiper. Peregrine over Big Island. Willow Tit on Stones. Dunnock singing at Sheepwash. Happy Christmas!25/12/2025
Simon RoddisYesterday's juvenile Great Northern Diver was again at Millfields this morning, and the Common Sandpiper and Redshank still at Hopton end. 36 Barnacle Geese at sailing club. Woodcock past Green Pond early morning. 2 adult Great Black-backed Gulls flew S, 87 Woodpigeons N and 20 S. A Heron over Green Pond was, surprisingly, my first of the month.24/12/2025
AHS, CA.A Great Northern Diver was found by CA this morning in Millfields Bay, it's a juvenile bird, not the usual adult (there's still time for that to arrive. While we were watching it, it caught and eat four Crayfish. Large numbers of Common Gulls were present early morning, at least 4 Goldeneye, plus all the usual Wildfoul.23/12/2025
Simon RoddisThe Common Sandpiper and Redshank were both at Hopton end this morning, plus a redhead Goosander. 2 Woodcock, a calling Tawny Owl and 70 Redwing at Millfields first thing. 75 Pochard. 104 Coot. 10 Fieldfare. 30 Linnet on Stones and 40 Siskin at Sheepwash.22/12/2025
Gary AtkinsBrownale Bay and surrounds: Mixed group of 250 gulls (Black-headed and Common), 50 Coot, good number of Teal (no count, sorry!), female Goldeneye and a Goldcrest ... also a Stoat.20/12/2025
SJR, CA, AHSThe Common Sandpiper (we're pretty sure it's just Common) was on the east shore near Big Island mid-morning, and Redshank on the west shore. Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. Great Egret over Big Island. c10 Crossbills in the top of Hall Wood. Adult Caspian Gull at sailing club late morning. Wildfowl numbers included 68 Gadwall, 32 Wigeon, 357 Mallard, 697 Teal, 20 Tufted, 99 Pochard, 10 Goldeneye, 21 GCGrebes.19/12/2025
Simon RoddisOver/around WLC creek early morning, 605 Redwing, 120 Starling, 35 Siskin, 8 Stock Doves. 212 Canada Geese. 95 Pochard. Skylark over Stones. Willow Tit again at WLC.18/12/2025
Simon RoddisFairly quiet again this morning, but a few numbers to report: 195 Canada Geese, 93 Gadwall, 38 Wigeon, 132 Pochard, 9 Goldeneye, 104 Coot, 8 Lapwing, 125 Redwing, 4 Mistle Thrush (2 singing), 12 Greenfinch, 80 Linnet.17/12/2025
Simon RoddisAn adult Caspian Gull was at Sheepwash late morning, along with 3 Herring Gulls and a Peregrine. Woodcock and Tawny Owl at Penn Carr first thing. c80 Pochard. 4 Goldeneye. 50+ Linnet on Stones. Willow Tit at WLC.16/12/2025
Simon Roddis, Mick WatsonMick had 3 Woodcock at Millfields first thing, and another flew into Sheepwash. 130 Pochard. 195 Woodpigeons N. 3 Herring Gulls. Willow Tit at the WLC. 60 Linnets on Stones.14/12/2025
Simon RoddisA bit grotty this morning, but 2+ Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing, and 107 Pochard, drake Goosander and adult male Peregrine at Sheepwash.12/12/2025
Dave Newcombe/Chris BrownAfternoon visit with Chris Brown. Duck counts across site include: 76 Wigeon. 96 Gadwall. 771 Teal. 29 Tufteds. 52 Pochard and 5 Goldeneye. 81 Canada Geese. 11 Greylags. 21 Cormorants. 2 Red Kites. 5 Buzzards and a Kestrel. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Adult GBBGull. 2nd winter Herring Gull. 3 Raven. Chris had Redshank and Grey Wagtail from PS hide + just 1 Little Grebe at WLC.10/12/2025
Simon RoddisAt Millfields early morning, 1,680 flew S through Millfields 07:00-08:30, presumably from their roost, while 3 Woodcock flew in. 36 Barnacle Geese at sailing club/Horseshoe island. c100 Pochard. 88 Coot. 100 Linnets on Stones island and 12 Redpoll at Millfields. Clive had a Golden Plover over WLC creek.10/12/2025
Simon RoddisA bit quiet this morning. Alan had 2 Egyptian Geese briefly flying up the res but they don't appear to have stayed. 135 Pochard. 26 GCGrebe from Millfields and 4 Little Grebes at WLC/Watersports. 3 Willow Tits (Stones, WLC, Millfields). Didn't see any sandpipers or hear any chiffchaffs.08/12/2025
Gary AtkinsSpecies recorded during today's monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail, Wigeon, Gadwall, Moorhen, Mallard, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Grebe, Robin, Cormorant, Canada Goose, Pheasant, Wren, Blackbird, Magpie, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Song Thrush, Long-tailed Tit, Goldfinch, Dunnock, Goldcrest, Willow Tit, Teal, Coot, Woodpigeon, Goldeneye07/12/2025
Simon RoddisAt Hopton end first thing, single Woodcock, Snipe, Chiffchaff, Fieldfare and Tawny Owl, and 2+ Crossbills over. 4 more Snipe on Horseshoe island and a total of 75 Coot.07/12/2025
Simon Roddis, Jon BradleyMonthly wildfowl count (in less than ideal conditions): 128 Canada Geese, 4 Mute Swans, 79 Gadwall, 78 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 355 Mallard, 691 Teal, 106 Pochard, 34 Tufted, 5 Goldeneye, 2 Moorhen, 66 Coot, 18 GCGrebe, 17 Cormorant, 1 Great Egret. Flock of 100 Woodpigeons S, surprising in such poor weather. Willow Tit at WLC. Chiffchaff in Hopton reedbed.06/12/2025
Simon RoddisA bit quiet, but a Woodcock flew into Penn Carr early morning, 3 Snipe were on Horseshoe island, 75 Pochard, the Great Egret still, and Coot are on their way back, 63 at Big Island.05/12/2025
DN, CB, SJRA few hours on site this afternoon often in fairly poor conditions. Great Egret originally at Millfields and then at Sheepwash. 4 immature Mute Swans. 71 Wigeon. 63 Gadwall. 754 Teal. 111 Pochard including 104 at Millfields. An increase in Goldeneye to 11 (7m). Single Lapwing at Millfields. Last couple of hours in Sheepwash hide with SJR. Dunlin. Adult male Peregrine. 6 Herring Gulls and an adult GBBG.04/12/2025
SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD, MWFrustrated by the murk this morning. Clive saw the Great Egret briefly at sailing club. 3 calling Tawny Owls at Millfields (R&A) and one at Sheepwash. 270 Redwing out of their roost at Sheepwash. Willow Tits on Stones and at WLC. 12 Greenfinches in WLC creek.03/12/2025
Simon RoddisA few bits and pieces this morning: at Millfields first thing, 525 Redwing S, presumably straight out of their roost; pair of Mandarin flew through; 65 Pochard. Curlew and Redshank past Stones/Watersports (Clive might have had 2 Curlews). 4 Barnacle Geese among the Canadas beyond the WLC. Willow Tit singing on Stones and another calling at WLC. 4 Skylarks over. 10 Redpoll (8 at Millfields).02/12/2025
Simon Roddis, Richard LoweAfternoon visit: adult Mediterranean Gull (the Polish-ringed bird) again at Sheepwash, plus adult Yellow-legged and Great Black-back, and 3 Herring. Drake Pintail, pair of Shoveler, Great Egret, 15 Lapwing and a Dunlin.29/11/2025
Simon RoddisThose anomalous Woodpigeons were at it again this morning, with 1,695 from Stones island 08:00-09:30, 1,325 N and 370 S. Strange birds! c5,000 Black-headed Gulls from Millfields first thing, and 100 Carrion Crows on the dam wall. First-year Peregrine on the shore at Sheepwash. 40 Linnets on Stones. Little Owl still.28/11/2025
Simon RoddisThe Little Owl was in WLC fields again this morning, deep in a blackthorn bush. Otherwise fairly quiet: 20 Fieldfare, 27 Coot, 5 Herring Gulls, 7 Goldeneye, singing Song and Mistle Thrushes.27/11/2025
Simon RoddisBird of the morning was a Little Owl in WLC fields, being mobbed by Blackbirds before it flew; presumably the bird that was there in October. 30+ Barnacle Geese still. 6 Goosander (2m,4f) off Fishtail Creek. Woodpigeons moving both north and south, albeit in smallish numbers: 181 N, 94 S. The Great Egret still, clearly coping with the cold weather better than they have in the past. Peregrine over Fishtail. Willow Tit on Stones. 10 Crossbills over Hopton end early morning, and Water Rail calling in the reedbed.26/11/2025
SJR, CA, AHS, RPJ, AMD, MWWildfowl numbers this morning included 270 Canada Geese, 34 Barnacle, 30 Greylags, 4 Mute Swans, 75 Gadwall, 417 Mallard, 688 Teal, 107 Wigeon, 21 Tufted, 28 Pochard, 5 Goldeneye, 33 Coot. Great Egret still, adult Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash and the Oystercatcher on the sailing club entrance road (RPJ,AMD)! 6 Buzzards in the air.25/11/2025
Dave NewcombeFrom Sheepwash hide. 28 Cormorants. Great Egret. 34 Barnacle Geese plus a Barnacle hybrid. 2 female Shoveler. 3 Red Kites. 3 Buzzards. 2 Peregrines. 19 Coot. Caspian Gull. YLG and 2 Herring Gulls. Several Snipe flushed from spit. Oystercatcher on grass between main centre and watersports. 4 immature Mute Swans. 2 Little Grebe. 4 Moorhen. Some duck counts across site: 114 Wigeon. 68 Gadwall. 547 Teal. 13 Pochard and 5 Goldeneye. c40 Linnets at lane end.24/11/2025
Simon Roddis710 Woodpigeons flew S in an hour this morning (08:00-09:00) and 56 N. 32 Barnacle Geese (plus one dodgy hybrid) from WLC. 10 Pochard. 7 Goldeneye. 32 GCGrebes from Millfields.21/11/2025
DN, CB, RJLA short visit this afternoon from Sheepwash. 4 Whooper Swans. Following on from yesterday's family group another presumed family of 2 adults and 2 juveniles. 4 Goldeneye. Red Kite. 3 Buzzards. Male Peregrine. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 2nd winter Mediterranean Gull (RJL only).20/11/2025
SJR, CA, AHSA bit quiet this morning. 3 Dunlin past Stones, 3 Pink-footed Geese flew W, Kingfisher at the WLC and the presumed returning male Aythya (Pochard x Ferruginous Duck?) hybrid there too.20/11/2025
Dave NewcombeDespite having a fly around a couple of times the family of Whooper Swans were still at Sheepwash at 16.20. Some duck counts produced 62 Wigeon, 61 Gadwall, 5 Pochard and 5 Goldeneye. Great Egret on shoreline between shiningford and lane end. 214 Canada Geese + 2 hybrid Canada x Greylag. 13 Coot near watersports. From Sheepwash: 28 Cormorant. 2 Peregrines including the male dining out on a Starling. 11 Pheasant. 3 Buzzards. 2 Red Kite. Kestrel. 2 Raven. c30 Linnet. c300 Starlings flew towards hopton end. Adult and 2nd winter Caspian Gulls. YLG. 1000+ Common Gulls.19/11/2025
Simon Roddis5 Whooper Swans (2 adults and 3 juveniles) flew in at 08:30 and were still between Sheepwash and Lane End to 10:45 at least. Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Peregrines and 40 Linnet again from Sheepwash.19/11/2025
Simon RoddisQuieter than yesterday, with 2,150 Woodpigeons S and 13 Ravens W in an hour from Stones. 2 Dunlin, Great Egret, 40 Linnet and a pair of Yellow-legged Gulls calling to each other at Sheepwash. 26 Lapwings at sailing club.18/11/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonQuite a busy morning. The highlight was the arrival of 2 redhead Red-breasted Mergansers which flew in and landed at the mouth of Fishtail Creek at 10:00; they stayed for around 15 minutes but we didn't see them subsequently. 20,000 Woodpigeons flew S mainly down the east side between 07:45-10:30, plus 145 Fieldfares SW and 182 Starlings W. 15 Whooper Swans flew E at 09:45 and another was on the water off sailing club island. 150 Pink-footed Geese flew E in 2 skeins. 50 Pochard off Lane End. 2,500 Common Gulls flew out over WLC creek early morning, along with 1,500 Lesser Black-backs. Single Great Egret and Dunlin still. 40 Siskin in WLC creek.17/11/2025
SJR, CA, RPJ, AMDA first-winter Little Gull off Stones island was a nice surprise, from 08:25 to 09:15 at least. First-winter Kittiwake also reported off the dam wall (JB). 9 Goldeneye off Sheepwash and 2 drake Goosander by Fishtail Creek. 7 Whooper Swans flew SE just before 11:30. 920 Woodpigeons flew S 08:00-09:00. Coot numbers have rocketed to 18! The Black-tailed Godwit still off Lane End. 2 pairs of Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end early morning, c1,500 Starlings out of the reedbed, 2 Brambling and 2+ Crossbills over. Peregrine having its breakfast on Horseshoe island.16/11/2025
SJR, CA, AHSOne Knot (presumably one of yesterday's birds) and 2 Dunlin were in front of Sheepwash hide this morning, albeit still at quite a distance, and 5 Goldeneye on the water. Black-tailed Godwit still at Lane End and Oystercatcher at Watersports.15/11/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton2 Woodcock flew into Millfields early morning, and a Snipe flew out. In 2 hours vismig 0700-0900, 740 Woodpigeons S, 9 Collared and 2 Stock Doves, 40 Starling, 900 Redwing, 12 Fieldfare and 4 Golden Plovers. 201 Greylags. Great Egret again at Watersports. 28 Lapwing, the Oystercatcher still and a Black-tailed Godwit at Lane End (and Clive might have seen another 4). 2 Peregrine, one of them tucking into a meal on top of the usual pylon. Willow Tit and Chiffchaff on Stones, and 7 Skylarks over.13/11/2025
Simon RoddisAt Hopton end first thing, 1 Woodcock came in, 2 calling Tawny Owls, 37 Pied Wagtails and 1,000+ Starlings left their roost in the reedbed, and Crossbill over. Oystercatcher still at Watersports. Adult Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls at Sheepwash. 16 Greenfinch in WLC creek.12/11/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton, Dave NewcombeMonthly wildfowl count: 120 Canada Geese, 21 Barnacle, 18 Greylags, 1 Mute Swan, 6 Shoveler, 47 Gadwall, 197 Wigeon, 315 Mallard, 555 Teal, 3 Pochard (surprisingly few, given that I had counted 114 yesterday before fog put the kybosh on the count), 30 Tufted, 6 Goldeneye, 5 Moorhen, 11 Coot, 1 Little Grebe, 35 Great Crests, 1 Oystercatcher, 42 Lapwing, 28 Cormorant, 1 Great Egret, 1 Grey Heron. In addition, Peregrine on the shore at Sheepwash all morning, 16 Raven (including 14 N over Hopton end first thing), 100s of Redwing, 20 Greenfinch in WLC creek, 70 Linnet (20 at Sheepwash, 70 at Watersports).10/11/2025
Simon RoddisNo sign of any scarce finches this morning, I even struggled to find a Linnet! A total of 36 Ravens included 33 flying E over WLC creek early morning. 1,000+ Common Gulls flew out in the opposite direction and a Brambling also flew over. Yesterday's 5 Black-tailed Godwits were still between Sheepwash and Lane End, and 45 Lapwings at sailing club. 80 Pochard and 2 Goldeneye off Sheepwash, and Peregrine on the shore there. Great Egret again at sailing club. 45 Meadow Pipits on Stones and c50 Siskin at WLC. Another birder reported 16 Golden Plover N over Stones.08/11/2025
Simon Roddis3 Woodcock flew into the Penn Carr area early morning, along with a Snipe, 300 Redwing and 2 (possibly 3) Willow Tits between there and Millfields. Great Egret at sailing club. Peregrine again on the shore at Sheepwash. 400 Starlings SW. Single Bramblings over Millfields and Stones island, Crossbill over Hopton end, 50 Linnets around Stones causeway and a total of 100+ Siskin.07/11/2025
Dave Newcombe/Chris BrownA few hours sat in Sheepwash hide this afternoon until dusk. 35 Cormorants. Great Egret. 45 Canada Geese. 112 Greylags. 111 Wigeon. 20 Gadwall. 116 Teal. 61 Pochard. Adult male Peregrine. 14 Lapwings. Adult Caspian Gull. Yellow-legged Gull. 3 Herring Gulls. A big roost of 10,000 birds with at least 550 Common Gulls.06/11/2025
Simon RoddisVismig numbers this morning included 4,460 Woodpigeons S, total of 26 Stock Doves (20 S), 13 Skylarks, 845 Starlings and 208 Fieldfare SW, and a Brambling S. Not so many Redwing moving but a guestimate of c750 in the Millfields/Oldfield Lane area. 3 Tawny Owls and a Willow Tit calling at Millfields early morning. Single adult Caspian, Yellow-legged, Great Black-backed and Herring Gulls at Sheepwash late morning.06/11/2025
Simon Roddis6 Whooper Swans were on the shore at Sheepwash late morning, along with 88 Wigeon, 26 Gadwall, single Shoveler, Lapwing and adult Caspian Gull. At Hopton end early morning, redhead Goosander and Peregrine over, 26 Pied Wagtails and 21 Reed Buntings out of the reedbed. Total of 200+ Redwing, including c100 in WLC creek, and 24 Fieldfare SW.05/11/2025
Simon RoddisJust bits and bobs this morning: single Water Rail in Hopton reedbed; Peregrine, Pintail and Goldeneye at Sheepwash; Little Egret at sailing club; Oystercatcher from WLC and Willow Tit nearby.04/11/2025
Dave NewcombeFrom today's visit and in addition to Simon's earlier post. 34 Gadwall. 119 Wigeon. 291 Teal. 73 Tufteds. 3 (poss 5) Red Kite. Adult male Peregrine at Sheepwash as usual. Only 2 waders. Single Lapwing at sailing club and the Oystercatcher at watersports. 4 YLGulls. A couple of Skylark over. 12 Siskin and 2 Redpoll on stones island.03/11/2025
Simon RoddisDuck numbers seem to be creeping up a little, perhaps as the water level slowly rises: 94 Wigeon at Sheepwash this morning, drake Shoveler, drake Pintail still, 60+ Pochard, 60 Tufted and 2 immature drake Goldeneye. Single Great and Little Egrets. Adult Caspian and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls at Sheepwash. Small numbers of Woodpigeons, Starlings and Redwing moving again.03/11/2025
Gary AtkinsSpecies recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre and WLC creek): House Sparrow, Robin, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Cormorant, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Grebe, Canada Goose, Mallard, Long-tailed Tit, Carrion Crow, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Black-headed Gull, Great White Egret, Jackdaw, Buzzard, Bullfinch, Skylark, Teal, Red Kite, Wren, Magpie, Gadwall, Coot, Pheasant, Oystercatcher, Dunnock, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Great Tit and Wigeon02/11/2025
Simon RoddisIn 2 hours from Stones Island this morning, 12,770 Woodpigeons flew S, again mostly down the east side, and 722 Starlings W; 12 Skylarks in random directions and 60 Pink-footed Geese E; a Chiffchaff still, single Brambling and Crossbill over, and another 11 Crossbill over Oldfield Lane. Single Little and Great Egrets. 2 Blackcaps near Sheepwash. Drake Pintail still. 65 Pochard at Millfields. No sign of the Firecrest on Oldfield Lane as far as I'm aware, although quite a few people were looking.02/11/2025
Simon RoddisClive has seen the Firecrest at Oldfield Lane again this morning. Other than that, a bit of movement: 705 Woodpigeons, 11 Stock Doves and 583 Redwings S, and 564 Starlings W. Immature drake Goldeneye again, and adult Caspian Gull at Sheepwash.01/11/2025


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
08/11/20222,100 Woodpigeons flew S in 2 hours (07:45-09:45) this morning, plus 16 Stock Doves, 105 Redwing, 85 Starling. The almost-adult Caspian Gull again from Stones. 2+ Goldeneye. 6 Red Kites, 5 Buzzards and 3 Sparrowhawks enjoying the breeze.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
06/11/2022Species noted during today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre: Canada Goose, Blue Tit, Great Tit, House Sparrow, Black-headed Gull, Long-tailed Tit, Goldcrest, Pied Wagtail, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Song Thrush, Moorhen, Gt Crested Grebe, Mallard, Magpie, Lapwing, Meadow Pipit, Carrion Crow, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Goldfinch, Grey Heron, Dunlin (13), Wigeon, Coot, Greylag Goose, Chaffinch, Gt Spotted Woodpecker, Willow Tit, Jackdaw, Sparrowhawk, Wren, Tree Sparrow, Teal, Gadwall, StarlingGary Atkins
04/11/2022The day of the Woodpigeon: a total of 62,600 flew S to the east of the reservoir, watching/counting from Stones island, looking towards Alport Heights, 07:15-10:30. A site record! Drake Pintail at WLC. Redhead Goosander. 1 Redshank. Adult Caspian Gull and 2 Yellow-legs at Sheepwash. A Yellowhammer over Stones and Chiffchaff there still.Simon Roddis
03/11/2022The Little Stint was again with the Dunlin flock (18 birds) at the north end of the dam wall mid-morning. Just 1,080 Woodpigeons S in grey conditions early on. Water Rail in Hopton reedbed early morning. 175 Canadas. 43 Greylag. 118 Lapwing. 2 Little Egrets. The Marsh Tit again in Sheepwash carpark. 70 Meadow Pipits feeding on Stones shore. Total of 24 Lesser Redpoll including a flock of 15 S over Stones.Simon Roddis
02/11/2022The juvenile Little Stint was with 16 Dunlin at the sailing club end of the dam wall this morning. Movement included 4,450 Woodpigeons, 15 Stock Doves, 22 Skylarks, 273 Starlings, 432 Redwing and 22 Fieldfare heading S or SW. c1,000 Jackdaws left their roost early morning. 2 Chiffchaffs on Stones.Simon Roddis
01/11/2022Not as much moving this morning, at least at Carsi, presumably because of low cloud and rain: 1,690 Woodpigeons, 16 Stock Doves and 80 Starling. 50 Gadwall. 41 Wigeon. 126 Mallard. 174 Teal. 127 Tufted. An adult Peregrine tucked into a snack on Lane End shore. Chiffchaff still on Stones causeway and the 2 Red-legged Partidges on Stones again. Marsh Tit calling at Sheepwash. Total of 45 Siskin.Simon Roddis
30/10/2022Woodpigeon numbers continue to increase: 7,450 S and SW this morning, mostly between 07:30-09:30, along with 13 Stock Doves, 290 Starling, 165 Redwing and 105 Fieldfare. 2 Brambling in WLC creek. A male Mandarin over Brown Ale Bay early morning is my first here since early May. 204 Teal. 8 Pochard. 30 Coot. 104 Lapwing. 13 Dunlin. 2 Little Egrets. The Marsh Tit again at Paul Stanley hide. Chiffchaff singing on Stones causeway. 7 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
30/10/2022In the gull roost tonight of note: Mediterranean Gull 1W; Caspian Gull (sub-adult); Yellow-legged Gull 6 Adults. Total number of gulls un-countable but guessed well in excess of 10,000.Richard Lowe
28/10/2022Brownale Bay (from PS Hide), 1530 hrs: 2 Great Egrets, 6 Shoveler, 2 (m/f) WigeonGary Atkins
30/10/2022A bit of movement this morning: 4,280 Woodpigeons, 10 Stock Doves, 261 Starlings and 165 Redwings SW (most of it 07:30-10:00). 45 Greylags. 4 Shoveler. 37 Gadwall. 9 Pochard. Drake Goosander at Millfields early morning. A surprise pair of Red-legged Partridge on Stones/sailing club islands - they should be safe here! 191 Lapwing. 14 Dunlin. 32 Cormorants. 1 Little Egret. 9 Red Kites together over Carsington pastures.Simon Roddis
28/10/20223-Mediterranean Gulls (Adult plus two 1w's) in the gull roost tonight plus at least 5 Adult and 1-1w Yellow-legged Gulls, all from Lane end Hide.Richard Lowe
28/10/2022A juvenile Little Stint, presumably the one that was off Lane End on Sunday, was with the Lapwing flock (c140) at Watersports 10:30-11:15 at least. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 1 Little Egret. 4 Red Kites. 3 Tawny Owls early morning at Hopton end/PS hide. 5 Raven. 8 Skylark over. c500 Starlings and 12 Chaffinch SW.Simon Roddis
27/10/2022A 1st winter Mediterranean Gull and at least 5 adult Yellow-legged Gulls in the gull roost this evening from Lane End Hide.Richard Lowe
25/10/2022Frustrated by low cloud this morning (although that did allow a view of the solar eclipse!) but in a brief window of brightness 09:00-09:30, there was a bit of movement: 2,050 Woodpigeons, 300 Redwing, 70 Fieldfare, 250 Starlings, 25 Siskin. A Yellowhammer over Stones and perhaps the same bird later over the WLC, plus a Brambling over Stones. 6 Shoveler. Marsh Tit in Sheepwash carpark.Simon Roddis
DateofSightingSightingsNameSupplied
24/10/2022The first Goldeneye of the autumn, a male, was off Brown Ale Bay this morning. 36 Gadwall. 1 (2?) Little Egret. 4 Red Kites over Carsington pastures. The Marsh Tit again on the Paul Stanley feeder. 2 Brambling over Stones. Totals of 185 Redwing, 85 Fieldfare, 9 Lesser Redpoll, 45 Goldfinch and 27 Siskin. Couldn't see yesterday's Little Stint at Lane End.Simon Roddis
23/10/2022A juvenile Little Stint from Lane End hide this afternoon, found by Richard Lowe, as was a first-winter Mediterranean Gull there. The 3rd/4th-winter Caspian Gull - it has tiny bits of black in the primary coverts and tail-centre - caught a crayfish but was mugged by a gang of young Lesser Black-backs. 4 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 3 Shoveler. 35 Gadwall (definite increase). 111 Wigeon. 95 Mallard. 286 Teal. 4 Pochard. 104 Tufted. 34 GCGrebe. 85 Lapwing. 19 Dunlin at Millfields. 1 Little Egret. 114 Redwing. 130 Fieldfare.Simon Roddis
22/10/2022An adult Hybrid Ring-billed Gull / Lesser black-backed Gull was off Lane end Hide late this afternoon. This (or a very similar bird) was first seen at Carsington in November 2018. A Caspian Gull (sub-adult or possibly a hybrid) was also present along with at least 7 adult Yellow-legged Gulls.Richard Lowe
21/10/2022Fog pretty much put an end to vismigging after 8 this morning. 275 Redwing by then. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls at Sheepwash - the Yellow-leg is getting very good at catching crayfish! A Peregrine was upsetting the Wigeon there too, and a Marsh Tit at the carpark. 50 Meadow Pipits on Stones and 20 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis
19/10/2022The floodgates opened this morning: masses of Redwing in particular, 29,190 counted moving SW 07:45-14:00 (with a gap at lunchtime so I'm sure it will have exceeded 30k in reality), 286 Fieldfare, 200 Starling, 3,170 Woodies, 31 Stock Dove. 60 Pink-feet SW at 08:45. Other bits and pieces included a Brambling, 2 Golden Plover, Peregrine.Simon Roddis
18/10/2022Little movement evident this morning, just 190 Woodies S. 18 Canada, 2 Barnacle and 64 Greylag Geese. 2 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall, 53 Wigeon and 5 Pochard. 6 Coot! 120 Lapwing, my highest count here since February. A first-year Caspian Gull off Lane End mid-morning, and 2 Yellow-legs. Kingfisher at Millfields. A Peregrine took a Skylark off Stones island. Total of 13 Ravens, including 9 flying SW. 33 Carrion Crows on the shore at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
16/10/20226 Wigeon, 30 Pied wagtail, 3 Little Grebe, 15 Cormorant, 12 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrow Hawk, 1 Jay, 48 Lapwing, 7 Mute Swan, 100+ Meadow Pipit, 2 Willow Tit, 12 Dunlin, 2 Raven afternoon walk roundDavid Armitt
16/10/2022A late Swallow through WLC creek, my first for a week, was the best this morning. 1 redhead Goosander. 8 Dunlin. 25 Redwing. 19 Skylarks over Stones, heading N. Total of 29 Siskin, including a flock of 22 S over Hall Wood, and 10 Greenfinch (8 S over Shiningford). Pretty quiet.Simon Roddis
14/10/2022A frustrating first 2 or 3 hours of this morning due to low-lying murk, although 4 adult Whooper Swans on the water at around 07:30 lifted the gloom. A little surprisingly, 5 Whoopers flew past Stones island shortly afterwards, leaving to the N. Have to assume that the 5 included the earlier 4. The Kingfisher again at Millfields. 10 Dunlin still. c120 Meadow Pipits on Stones, flushed by a low-flying male Sparrowhawk. A few finches, including Chaffinches and Siskin, appeared to be on the move but the conditions were less than ideal for vismig!SJR, AHS, RPJ, AMD
13/10/2022A Rock Pipit flew over the dam wall at 09:45. Movement this morning: 19 Stock Doves, 223 Woodpigeons and 39 Redwings S or SW, and 35 Skylarks N. Green Sandpiper again near Big Island. 12 Dunlin. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls (adult and 2 first-years). 5 Red Kites and 8 Buzzards in the air. Peregrine loafing on Lane End shore. 5 Chiffchaffs. 7 Lesser Redpolls flew onto Watesports island.Simon Roddis
12/10/2022Tiny bit of vismig this morning: 45 Redwing, 23 Starling, 75 Woodpigeon and 16 Stock Doves S or SW 08:00-09:00. Nice male Stonechat in WLC creek. 1 Pintail off Sheepwash. 65 Lapwing. 1 Little Egret. 1 Peregrine. 3 Tawny Owls calling in Tail Bay early morning. Kingfisher again at Millfields. 1 Chiffchaff in WLC creek. c100 Meadow Pipits on Stones island.Simon Roddis
10/10/20224 Great Egrets flew through SW at 09:44, a site record (never more than 2 at a time before). Adult Caspian Gull at sailing club, along with 20 Dunlin and 4 Ringed Plover. 4 Pintail flew in at 09:20. 9 Pochard. 32 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret. 24 Skylarks over Stones, but possibly some double-counting. 150 Starlings flew SW in several flocks.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
09/10/2022Monthly WeBS count - numbers generally much lower than last month, no doubt due to the low water level: 12 Canada, 30 Greylag, 9 Mute Swan, the Garganey still at sailing club, 20 Shoveler, 7 Gadwall, 92 Wigeon, 150 Mallard, 254 Teal, 1 Pochard, 135 Tufted, 6 Moorhen, 34 Coot, 23 LGrebe, 41 GCGrebe, 47 Lapwing, 4 Ringed Plover, 15 Dunlin, 2 Green Sandpiper near Big Island, 1 Jack Snipe at Watersports, 20 Cormorant, 10 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher at Millfields. Juvenile Arctic Tern flew SW at 08:15. 1 Rock Pipit and 3 Brambling over Stones island. 4 Red Kite. 7 Skylark. 18 Redwing. Total of 25 Siskin.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
07/10/2022Waders this morning were 24 Dunlin, 12 Ringed Plover, single Golden Plover and Snipe. c2,000 BhGulls early morning before most of them dispersed. 46 Cormorants. 1 Little Egret. 5 Red Kites. 4 House Martins SW. 4 Redwing.Simon Roddis
06/10/2022Highlight this morning was a female Merlin which flew south over Carsington Pastures. 22 Lapwing, 13 Ringed Plover and 19 Dunlin in sailing club bay. 3+ Red Kites. Peregrine over Hopton end. Great Egret in Brown Ale Bay. 13 Skylarks over, most heading N. 8 Tree Sparrows at WLC. Total of 20+ Siskin over. 40 House Martins (flocks of 27 and 13) SW.Simon Roddis
05/10/2022Afternoon visit, after the rain abated. Duck numbers seem much reduced, though 480 Teal was up on the last WeBS count. (We'll see what this coming weekend's WeBS brings.) 24 Dunlin at sailing club. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls (adult and 2 first-years) at Sheepwash. Great Egret and Marsh Tit still from Paul Stanley hide. 3 Kestrels, including 2 being harassed by a Magpie in the main carpark. 1 Peregrine. 8 Swallows and 2 House Martins moved through. I didn't get round to posting yesterday (4/10) but the highlights were the RbMerganser again flying out of Hopton end at 07:05, and a Yellowhammer over Stones island.Simon Roddis
03/10/2022A pretty decent morning: a juvenile Marsh Harrier (probably a female) came in from the NE at 09:15, hung around Brown Ale Bay for a while and play-chased a Peregrine before heading off SW over Carsington pastures at 09:30; a female-type Red-breasted Merganser flew NE over Hopton end at 07:10 (wonder if it's the same bird as last week, perhaps roosting here overnight and going elsewhere in the day?); Great Egret also NE over Hopton end at 06:40; and a Merlin came in over Shiningford, upsetting the Lapwings, at 10:20. 25 Mute Swans. 15 Shoveler. 13 Ringed Plover and 18 Dunlin in sailing club bay early morning. A juv female Sparrowhawk took a Meadow Pipit off the dam wall. 8 Buzzards. 11 Skylarks over in random directions. c60 House Martins still hanging about. 9 Redwing.Simon Roddis
02/10/2022Species seen 10am to noon on Birdwatching for Beginners Walk (38). Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Woodpigeon, Moohen, Coot, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Magpie, Jackdaw, Raven, Willow Tit, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Wren, Blackbird, Robin, House Sparrow, Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit and Goldfinch.Lorna Lomas
02/10/20222 skeins of Pink-feet, 165 birds, flew E between 08:25 and 08:30. 72 Greylags. 15 Shoveler. 9 Pintail. 17 Ringed Plover, 23 Dunlin and a Redshank at sailing club early morning. 2 Yellow-legged and 15 Common Gulls at Sheepwash late morning. Kingfisher in Tail Bay. 2 Jays flying across Hopton end carrying acorns. 10 Skylarks over. 70+ House Martins and 8 Swallows. 4 Redwing. 20 Linnet.Simon Roddis
01/10/2022Hobby, Great Egret and Marsh Tit from Paul Stanley hide late morning. 21 Ringed Plover and 12 Dunlin at sailing club. 3 Tawny Owls calling in Tail Bay early morning, and 500 Jackdaws out of their roost. Kingfisher at Millfields. 43 House Martins and 12 Swallows. Total of c300 Meadow Pipits across Lane End, Stones and sailing club. 6 Siskin and 1 Lesser Redpoll over.Simon Roddis
30/09/2022Very foggy this morning, could finally see across to the other side of the water at 11. The ghostly Great Egret and a calling Marsh Tit from PS hide early on. 44 Cormorants. Kingfisher at Millfields. 13 Ringed Plovers. 32 House Martins flew S past Stones island at 11:15. 14 Chiffchaff. At least 16 Redwing. 9 Bullfinch, including 7 in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
29/09/2022Great Egret from Paul Stanley hide early morning. 19 Dunlin and 15 Ringed Plover in sailing club bay but I didn't see the Curlew Sandpiper. 2 skeins of Pink-feet totalling 98 birds flew NE. 71 Gadwall including 62 from Lane End hide. 4 Pintail. 12 Tree Sparrows at WLC (my highest figure this year) and a Lesser Redpoll over Millfields (my first here since 4th April).Simon Roddis
27/09/2023The highlight this afternoon was a juvenile Little Gull from Lane End hide. It was present for c30 mins before disappearing from view. Great Egret also from the hide. 7 Grey Herons. 143 Wigeon. 50 Gadwall. 6 Pintail at Lane End. 17 Shoveler. Female Red-crested Pochard off Shiningford Creek, 19 Ringed Plover. 20 Dunlin. 2 Ruff. Peregrine. 2000+ LBB Gulls. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Adult Herring and GBB Gull. 29 Common Gull. 3 House Martin over dam. 2 Blackcap. 2 Raven.Dave Newcombe
28/09/2022A female/immature Red-breasted Merganser flew SW over the dam wall at 07:10 and the juv Curlew Sandpiper was among the Dunlin flock in sailing club bay. 8 skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 300 birds flew E between 09:10 and 10:45. 37 Shoveler. 4 Pintail. Loose flock of 22 Little Grebes off Shiningford. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (adult and first-year). 5 Red Kites, 9 Buzzards and 6 Ravens in the air. Kingfisher and Marsh Tit at PS hide. 25 Swallows and 5 House Martins. 102 Meadow Pipits and 40 Linnet on Stones island. 350 Jackdaws out of their roost early morning.Simon Roddis
27/09/2022The first Redwings of the autumn, 10 in total, flew through this morning, while a single Sand Martin is the latest ever here (previous latest 25 Sep in 2012 and 2017). The Curlew Sandpiper was still in sailing club bay. Total of 497 Teal (332 of them at Millfields). 3 Pintail. Drake RcPochard still. 6 Little Egrets. Kingfisher at Millfields. 9 Skylarks over, heading towards Carsington pastures. High numbers of Meadow Pipits again: 90 at sailing club and Alan S counted 128 from Lane End hide.Simon Roddis
25/09/2022The juv Curlew Sandpiper was at sailing club early morning and later in front of Lane End hide at 10:45. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls at Sheepwash. Also from Lane End, Great Egret, 44 Shoveler, 9 Pintail, 2 RcPochard, 14 Pochard, 121 Meadow Pipits feeding. 21 Dunlin and 16 Ringed Plover. 2 Hobbies (adult and probably a juv) flew fast south over the main centre at 11:35. Male Peregrine. 12 Swallows.Simon Roddis
24/09/202265 Meadow Pipit, 10 Ringed Plover, 27 Dunlin, 15 Goldfinch, 1 Curlew sandpiper on Stones opposite sailing Club , 6 Little Grebe, 2 Kestrel, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Buzzard, 6 Little Egret, 8 Grey Heron, 14 Gadwall,16 Wigeon, 35 Cormorant, 1 PochardDavid Armitt
24/09/2022Evening visit: c4,500 Lesser Black-backs roosting, plus c1,000 BhGs, 34 Common, 5 Yellow-leg (3 ads, 2 first years) and 1 GBbG. The Curlew Sand still at sailing club. 2 RcPochard off Shiningford. c200 Pied Wagtails, 25 Swallows and 10 Starlings went to roost on Watersports island.Simon Roddis
24/09/2022The juv Curlew Sandpiper was again in sailing club bay this morning, along with 24 Dunlin, 19 Ringed Plover, a Redshank and a Great Egret. 3 skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 213 birds flew E between 08:48 and 09:35. Totals of 57 Shoveler (site record, I think), 238 Wigeon and 8 Pintail. The male RcPochard off Shiningford. 47 Cormorant. Kingfisher at Millfields. Skylark over WLC creek.Simon Roddis
23/09/2022The juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was still present in front of sailing club later in the day. Plus 21 Ringed Plover, 15 Dunlin and 5 Ruff in the area. 9 Little Egrets and 10 Grey Herons. 46 Cormorants. 122 Wigeon. 45 Shoveler mostly from lane end hide with some further towards sheepwash. Also 9 Pintail from lane end. 5 in front of the hide and 4 more nearer sheepwash. Female Wheatear on the dam wall. 5 Buzzards, female Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls at sheepwash along with 320 Lessers, adult Herring and 10 Common Gulls. 2 Raven over middle wood.Dave Newcombe
23/09/2022The juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was again in sailing club bay early morning. 22 Dunlin, Ringed Plover are up to 28 and now 5 Ruff. Two flocks of House Martins totalling 138 went SW. 4 Pintail. 2 RcPochard still. 10 Little Egrets. At least 100 Pied Wagtails and 50 Meadow Pipits around the dam wall and sailing club bay.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
22/09/2022The juv Curlew Sandpiper was still in sailing club bay early afternoon. Other main highlights this morning were a Great Egret in Brown Ale Bay, a juvenile female Merlin past Stones island and a Marsh Tit at the feeder to the side of Paul Stanley hide. Perimeter counts: 8 Coal Tit, 5 Willow Tit, 30 Long-tailed Tit, 49 Chiffchaff, 7 Blackcap, 31 Goldcrests, 78 Wren, 9 Nuthatch, 13 Treecreeper, 9 Song Thrush, 45 Blackbird, 205(!) Robins, 19 Dunnock, 13 Bullfinch. 20 Dunlin, 2 Ruff and 18 Ringed Plover at sailing club. 8 Little Egrets. A Peregrine sitting in front of Lane End hide. 14 Swallows and a House Martin flew through.Simon Roddis
21/09/2022The juv Curlew Sandpiper was at sailing club early morning and then at Millfields to 11:30 at least. 23 Dunlin, 2 Ruff, 6 Ringed Plover, 6 Snipe, 29 Lapwing. 781 Canada Geese and 1 Pink-foot flew out early morning, and 311 Greylags flew in. 38 Shoveler. 2 Pintail. The 2 RcPochard still. Single adult Yellow-legged, GBb and Common Gulls. 9 Little Egrets. 1 Peregrine. Very few hirundines today, just 7 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin and a handful unid'd. 15 Chiffchaff. 3 Blackcaps.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
20/09/2022The juv Curlew Sandpiper was at Millfields first thing and then at sailing club. 24 Dunlin. 10 Ringed Plover. 2 LRP. 2 Ruff. 2 Barnacle Geese at Millfields. 5 Pintail off Lane End. c1,000 BhGulls along the dam wall early morning. 8 Little Egrets. c100 Swallows and 5 House Martins. 12 Chiffchaff.Simon Roddis
19/09/2022A juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was in sailing club bay and later at Millfields this morning - much hoped for given the numbers on the east coast recently. 21 Dunlin, the Ruff still, 4 Ringed, 2 LRP and 1 Golden Plover. The 2 RcPochard again roosting at Shiningford. 10 Little Egrets. 22 Chiffchaff and 2 Blackcap. 70 Starlings in fields above Penn Carr. 60 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall. 50 Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis

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