Recent Sightings

DateSightingName
12/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was still around Horseshoe island this morning, along with much of its supporting cast, including 6 Green Sandpipers, 2 Ruff, Ringed Plover, 4 LRP and a Curlew. 6 Shoveler. 96 Teal around Brown Ale Bay, and the female Red-crested Pochard there too. In one hour early morning, 159 Woodpigeons flew S and 19N, plus 14 Stock Doves S. Single adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls. 36 Cormorant. The Great Egret again, 11 Little Egrets and 12 Grey Herons. Kingfisher in WLC creek. Redstart and Wheatear in WLC fields. Yellow Wagtail over Stones island. Unfortunately, a paddleboarder caused huge disturbance of the waterfowl around Sheepwash and BABay. I don't know if they're allowed that far up the res but I'll certainly be raising it with STW.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
11/08/2026The juvenile Wood Sandpiper was still in the Watersports area this morning, along with Ruff and Greenshank. 6+ Dunlin, 4 Green and 7 Common Sandpipers. 3 juvenile Shelduck on Watersports island late morning. Single Shoveler and Wigeon at WLC. Adult Common and Yellow-legged Gulls and first-summer Great Black-back. 2 Peregrines over the north end. c100 Swallows at the draw-off tower. Garden warbler on Stones island, and another birder had a juvenile Wheatear.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
10/08/2026Waderfest continued this morning: Wood Sandpiper still around Horseshoe island, a moulting adult Sanderling at sailing club, probably 2 each of Ruff and Greenshank, 10 Dunlin, at least 3 Green Sandpipers. 4 Shoveler in Brown Ale Bay. 2 juvenile Common Terns off Stones. Adult Caspian Gull on Horseshoe island. Peregrine over the north end. Total of 4 Willow Tits. Garden Warbler and Whitethroat on Stones. Family party of 5 Spotted Flycatchers near Lane End bombing tower.SJR, AHS, MW
09/08/2026Wood Sandpiper was a welcome addition to the roll call of waders this morning, initially on Watersports island and later on the sailing club side of Stones causeway. Total of 7 Green Sandpipers (another new record), Greenshank, Ringed Plover, 2 LRP, 5 Common Sandpipers, 6 Dunlin. At least 5 Shoveler, the Wigeon still and the 2 eclipse male Red-crested Pochard. The Great Egret still and 14 Little Egrets. Kingfisher at sailing club. Whitethroat in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
08/08/2026The second-summer Mediterranean Gull was again on the dam wall early morning. Waders included 6 Green and 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Greenshank, 11 Dunlin, Ringed Plover and 3 Little Ringed. Great Egret still. 3 Garden and at least 6 Sedge Warblers on Stones.Simon Roddis
07/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide of note this afternoon: YL Gull (2) Juvs; RC Pochard (2) eclipse drakes; Peregrine; Green Sandpiper (1); From Watersport's Is / Stones Is causeway early evening: Green Sandpiper (4+); Common Sandpiper (6+); Dunlin (8); Greenshank (1) juv; Redshank (1) juv; Ringed Plover (2); Bl T Godwit (1) Ad; Snipe (1);Richard Lowe
07/08/2026A pretty productive morning, starting with a second-summer Mediterranean Gull on the dam wall and a female Common Scoter off sailing club island. Waders included 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Little Ringed, 5 Green Sandpipers (a new site record), 8 Common Sandpipers, 10 Dunlin and a Greenshank. 21 Mute Swans plus the 3 cygnets. Female-type Wigeon in WLC creek. 2 Shoveler. The Great Egret still. Kingfisher at Millfields. 120 Swallows on the dam wall. Common Whitethroat on Stones and a Redstart in WLC fields. Total of 6 Grey Wagtails and 50+ Pied.SJR, CA, AHS
06/08/2026There must have been a small arrival of waders overnight, with at least 8 Common Sandpipers, 2 Green Sandpipers, 3 Dunlin, a Turnstone and Little and Common Ringed Plovers mainly around Stones/Watersports. 6 adult Arctic Terns flew S past Stones at 07:55. 2 Common Terns. 71 Teal is also an increase since yesterday. 2 Shoveler at sailing club. 16 Little Egrets and the Great Egret still. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. Hobby flew low up the res past Stones. Small numbers of hirundines on the move.Simon Roddis
05/08/2026From Sheepwash hide late afternoon, 6 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Caspian (adult and juvenile) and juvenile Common Gull. 53 Teal and Green Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay.Simon Roddis
05/08/2026Shorter than usual visit this morning. Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Snipe in Brown Ale Bay. 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin and 2 Ringed Plover around Watersports island. Redshank and Great Egret off Stones causeway. Green Woodpecker and Whitethroat at Hopton end. 41 Teal. Willow Warbler and Willow Tit on Stones.Simon Roddis
04/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide of note late afternoon: YLGull (5) - Ad (3); 1st s; Juv; GBBGull 1st s; plus Wigeon (female/juv).Richard Lowe
04/08/2026A Turnstone flew over the dam wall at 06:35 and later over Stones with a flock of Lapwings at 08:50. A Green Sandpiper was on Watersports island and later in front of the WLC. Other waders included 3 juvenile LRPlover, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Curlew. 3 Red-crested Pochard (2m,1f) in sailing club bay. 1 Shoveler. 3 Common Terns. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Great White Egret again. Willow Tit near WLC. c100 Swallows at the draw-off tower early morning and a total of c75 House Martins. 2 Garden Warblers, a Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler on Stones. Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
03/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide early evening, gulls of note on the spit: Caspian Gull (1st s); YL Gull (5) - Juv (2), 1st s (2), Ad (1); Common Gull (Juv) - my first of the autumn; GBBGull (1st s).Richard Lowe
03/08/2026Green Woodpecker and Kingfisher at Hopton end first thing. Willow Tit in Brown Ale Bay and 17 Mistle Thrushes at Sheepwash. Around Stones and Watersports, Egyptian Goose, Oystercatcher, 25 Lapwing, Ringed Plover, 2 juvenile Little Ringed Plover, Redshank, Snipe, Great Egret and Whitethroat. Juvenile Peregrine buzzing Horseshoe island. Willow Warbler and Clouded Yellow in WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
02/08/2026GW Egret and YL Gull (Ad) from Sheepwash Hide late afternoon; Dunlin (2) (Ad and Juv) off Stones Is causeway.Richard Lowe
02/08/2026Species noted during today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Canada Goose, Mallard, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Pied Wagtail, Willow Tit, Blckbird, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper, Common Tern, Gt Crested Grebe, Long-tailed Tit, Treecreeper, Magpie, Swift, Chiffchaff, Woodpigeon, Linnet, Sedge Warbler, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Robin, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch, Blackcap, Red Kite, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Wren, Swallow, Greylag Goose, Grey Heron, Gt White Egret, Little EgretGary Atkins
02/08/20262 Greenshank were on Horseshoe island but were flushed and went around the back of Watersports island. A Great Egret flew in and landed at Lane End. 3 Shoveler at WLC. Small numbers of Woodpigeons moving already, 74 S and 20 N 06:00-07:00. Single Snipe, Redshank and Oystercatcher from Stones causeway. The adult Caspian Gull again at Watersports and the Yellow-leg at Sheepwash. 2 Kingfishers in Tail Bay and 150 Swallows on the dam wall early morning. Willow Tit at Sheepwash. Reed Warbler and Whitethroat on Stones.Simon Roddis
01/08/2026An adult Sandwich Tern was off Millfields early morning, last seen (by us, at least) from Stones island, gaining height at 08:55. Pair of Common Terns too. At Watersports, adult Caspian Gull and single Oystercatcher and Redshank. One Ringed Plover over Millfields. Female Shoveler from WLC. 26 Teal. 10 Little Egrets. Juvenile Peregrine at Sheepwash and a family party (3+) of Spotted Flycatchers in the wood there. Willow Tits on Stones and at WLC. 55 House Martins over the main centre. Reed and Willow Warblers on Stones. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
31/07/2026A few waders today, the best being a Turnstone which flew in and appeared to land on the back of Watersports island at 08:30. Two Black-tailed Godwits flew SE off the dam wall early on but there were then 3 on Watersports island. 3 juvenile Redshank were new, as was a juvenile Oystercatcher. 1 Curlew. Lapwings have increased to at least 22. Adult Caspian Gull still at Watersports. Eclipse male Shoveler still. 3 adult Common Terns. Willow Tits on Stones and in WLC creek. 100+ Swallows.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
30/07/2026An Avocet dropped onto sailing club shore just before 06:00 but soon flew south; however, presumably the same bird flew off Watersports island at 07:45, but we didn't see it again. Drake Common Scoter off Millfields. Adult Caspian Gull at Watersports late morning and the adult Yellow-legged Gull still too. 2 eclipse male Red-crested Pochard from WLC. 1 Shoveler off Stones. Pair of Common Terns still. Willow Tit on Stones causeway. 120 Swallows around the draw-off tower early morning, and a total of at least 45 House Martins. Willow Warbler again singing in WLC creek, and Dave H had a Redstart in the fields.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
29/07/2026A juvenile Spotted Flycatcher was near the WLC this morning (very thin on the ground here this year) and the adult Caspian Gull was again on Watersports island. A mobile Green Woodpecker at Millfields was perhaps the same bird as on 20 July, and a female Yellow Wagtail was on the viewing area. 20 Mute Swans, plus 3 cygnets still. 15 Little Egrets. Pair of Common Terns. 4 Common Sandpiper and the Redshank still. 2+ Garden Warblers on Stones and a Common Whitethroat in WLC fields. 2 Muntjac near Millfields island.Simon Roddis
28/07/2026This morning, 11 Teal, the female Red-crested Pochard from WLC, 6 Common Sandpiper, 1 Redshank, 3 Dunlin, 1 Common Tern, adult Yellow-legged Gull at Millfields, Willow Warbler singing in WLC creek, Garden Warbler on Stones, 16 Mistle Thrushes over Shiningford.Simon Roddis
27/07/2026From Watersports Is of note early this evening: Mediterranean Gull (Juv) still present, also seen here on 24th and 25th July.Richard Lowe
27/07/2026Another Marsh Harrier (the second in two days) flew SW at 10:40 this morning. A Peregrine also put in a couple of appearances. The female Red-crested Pochard was at Watersports. One Redshank, 5 Common Sandpipers, 2 Dunlin and 2 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls in Brown Ale Bay early morning. c12 Little Egrets. 26 Cormorants. 2+ Willow Tits (Stones and WLC). Reed Warbler with food in Hopton reedbed. Common Whitethroat in Warbler Corner on Stones.SJR, CA, MW
26/07/2026Bird of the morning was a Marsh Harrier which Alan Stewardson saw flying down the res from Sheepwash hide at 07:15. Waders included 6 Dunlin, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 4+ Common Sandpiper and single Redshank and Oystercatcher. Adult Caspian Gull again on Watersports island. 3 Common Terns. 10+ Little Egrets.Simon Roddis
25/07/2026A drake Common Scoter was off Millfields this morning, and 3 juvenile Goosander off the dam wall. 20 Mute Swans. 2 adult Black-tailed Godwits in Brown Ale Bay, 3 summer plumage Dunlin on Watersports island, 1 Redshank and 4 Common Sandpiper. 3 Common Terns. 12 Little Egrets. Kingfisher in Tail Bay. 150 Swallows and a Skylark on the dam wall (I wonder if the Swallows had roosted there?). 10 Sedge Warblers around Stones island and a Garden Warbler in Warbler Corner.Simon Roddis
23/07/2026One Black-tailed Godwit was on Horseshoe island this morning. 5 Common Sandpipers and 1 Dunlin. Adult Caspian Gull at Watersports. Adult Yellow-legged Gull in Brown Ale Bay was turfed off its meal by a pair of Ravens. The female Red-crested Pochard is now also in BABay. 16 Pochard. 10+ Little Egrets and 9 Grey Herons. 120 Swallows around the draw-off tower early on. 2+ Garden Warblers on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
22/07/2026Gulls of note from Sheepwash Hide and Watersports Is / jetty this afternoon: Caspian Gull (3) - Ad (the ‘regular’ bird), 1st s, 3rd s (probable hybrid); YLGull (4) - Ad (2), 2nd s (2), Juv. ; GBBGull 1st s; Excellent views from Sheepwash Hide at the moment.Richard Lowe
22/07/2026Highlights this morning were a juvenile Mediterranean Gull (found by Mike Redfern) on Watersports island, a Whimbrel south over Stones island, 5 Common Terns (4 adults, 1 juv), 2 Shoveler still, 5 Common Sandpipers and the adult Yellow-legged Gull.Simon Roddis
21/07/2026From Sheepwash hide mid-afternoon of note, YLGull (5) - Juv (my first of the year), 1st s, 2nd s (2), Ad.Richard Lowe
21/07/20266 Black-tailed Godwits on Horseshoe island mid-morning had arrived in 2 groups of 3. Other waders were 1 Oystercatcher, 12 Lapwing, 2 Curlew, 1 Redshank, 1 Snipe and 5 Common Sandpipers. Adult Caspian, second-summer Yellow-legged and GBb Gulls at Watersports. 2 Common Terns. 2 Shoveler off Horseshoe island and a redhead Goosander flew N. The female Red-crested Pochard still at Shiningford but, sadly, she appears to have lost her ducklings. 10 Little Egrets. 2+ Willow Tits (Stones and WLC). c100 Swallows and 30 Sand Martins, mostly around the draw-off tower early morning. Willow Warbler at Millfields, 6 Garden Warblers on Stones and Sedge Warbler with food in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
20/07/2026A Green Woodpecker was calling at Millfields mid-morning and a juvenile Peregrine flew over. 18 Mute Swans plus 3 cygnets. Egyptian Goose at Watersports. 15 Teal. 12 Pochard. Single Curlew and Black-tailed Godwit and 2 each of Redshank and Common Sandpiper. The regular adult Caspian Gull off Watersports then from WLC. 3 Common Terns. 6 Little Egrets. 2+ Garden Warblers in Warbler Corner on Stones and a Whitethroat at Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
19/07/20262 Black-tailed Godwits this morning, one each on Horseshoe and Watersports islands. 3 Common Sandpipers and 5 Redshank. Female Red-crested Pochard still at Shiningford. Pair of Common Terns. 3 Little Egrets. Kingfisher from WLC. c20 Sand Martins. Yellow Wagtail over the dam wall, first of the autumn.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
18/07/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 819 Canada Geese, 134 Greylag, 1 Egyptian, 16 Mute Swan (plus 3 cygnets), 103 Gadwall, 260 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 10 Teal, 15 Pochard, 134 Tufted, 20 Moorhen, 481 Coot, 11 Little and 55 GCGrebe, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 15 Lapwing, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 2 Common Tern, 23 Cormorant (plus 7 over), 5 Little Egret, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Common Gull, 1 second-summer Yellow-legged and the probable Caspian x Yellow-legged hybrid.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
17/07/202620 Swift, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Reed Bunting, 4 little Egret, 6 Redshank & one with young on water sports island, 7 Lapwing, 9 Cormorant, 3 Sedge Warbler, 5 Pied wagtail, 1 Buzzard, 3 Little grebe, 4 Blackcap, 1 Sparrow Hawk, 1 Garden Warbler, 15 Goldfinch, 7 Pochard, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Willow Tit WLC creek, 1 Bullfinch, 3 Swallow, 1 Reed WarblerDave Armitt
15/07/2026216 Swifts flew N in 2 hours this morning, plus another 10 around the visitor centre. 5 adult Black-tailed Godwits on Watersports island. Pair of Mute Swans still with 3 cygnets at Shiningford, and the female Red-crested Pochard with 4 young. 2 Little Egrets. Juvenile Sedge Warbler in Hopton reedbed, presumably a migrant starting its southward journey.Simon Roddis
14/07/2026This morning, one Egyptian Goose in Brown Ale Bay, female Red-crested Pochard with 4 young at Shiningford, Black-tailed Godwit still on Watersports island, 3+ Common Sandpipers at WLC, adult Caspian Gull on Flat Island early morning, at least one Common Gull, c200 Lesser Black-backs, 19 Cormorant, c400 Coot, Willow Tit singing near the main carpark.SJR, CA, MW
13/07/2026A small northerly movement of Swifts this morning, a total of 79 heading into the wind. Black-tailed Godwit still on Watersports island, a Curlew at sailing club and a Whimbrel flew S. Adult Caspian Gull (looks like the bird that has been here the last couple of years) on Watersports jetty. 108 Gadwall, 12 Pochard (plus 2 broods) and the female Red-crested Pochard still with young. 2 Little Egrets. Hobby over sailing club. Willow Tit on Stones. Linnets are starting to gather in the meadows south of Sheepwash, at least 10 there this morning.Simon Roddis
22/07/2026Biggest surprise of the morning was the appearance of a brood of 3 Mute Swan cygnets being walked off Horseshoe Island to the water by 2 adults; presumably they had nested out of sight on the island. Adult Black-tailed Godwit on Watersports island. Common Sandpiper at Sheepwash. 10 Pochard, plus 2 broods from WLC. Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Millfields. 2 Little Egrets. Juvenile GSWoodpecker near PS hide. 2 Willow Tits at Penn Carr/Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
10/07/2026A female-type Goldeneye was in Brown Ale Bay this morning, a very dowdy bird looking very much like the one that was here last summer. 5 Teal. 9 Pochard. Female Red-crested Pochard now with just 3 young as far as I could see. 230 Coot. 9 Lapwing. First-summer Caspian Gull on Watersports jetty. Common Gull there too. Adult Common Tern. 2 Little Egrets.Simon Roddis
09/07/20263 drakes Common Scoters between Stones Island and Millfields this morning. 4 Teal. Female Pochard with 2 young from WLC, plus 4 males. 16 Mute Swans. Pair of Common Terns off the dam wall. Redshank still with 2 young. 1 Little Egret. Richard's possible Caspian Gull hybrid on Watersports jetty.Simon Roddis
08/07/202674 Gadwall from WLC this morning. 12 Mute Swans. 2 new broods of Coot, one of GCGrebe and 4 of Mallard. Redshank still with 2 chicks on Watersports island. Total of 3 Common Sandpipers. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and c100 Lesser Black-backs. 2 Willow Tits (Stones and WLC). Reed Warbler with food in Hopton reedbed and a Whitethroat there. R&A had a Kingfisher at Millfields.SJR, RPJ, AMD
05/07/2026Mid-evening on Watersports jetty: Caspian Gull (3rd s) - probably a hybrid due to darkish upperparts and yellow legs (as YLGull) but Caspian structure. Plus YLGull (ad).Richard Lowe
05/07/2026Species recorded during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Mallard, Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Cormorant, Canada Goose, Gt Crested Grebe, Magpie, Blackbird, Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Coot, Red Kite, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Buzzard, Little Egret, Moorhen, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Chiffchaff, Dunnock, Woodpigeon, Swift, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Goldfinch, Blackcap, Long-tailed Tit, Swallow, Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler, Red Crested Pochard (f plus six chicks), Blacktailed Godwit (3 flying over), Oystercatcher, Robin and Song Thrush (40 was well up on expectations) Three Curlew were also seen later in the afternoon from the Wildlife CentreGary Atkins
05/07/2026Quiet on a short visit this morning: Redshank still with 2 young on Watersports, 6 Pochard, 2 Teal, 2 Egyptian Geese, 1 ad Yellow-legged Gull.Clive Ashton
03/07/20266 Swift, 3 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing 1 Great White Egret of stones, 4 Chiffchaff, 8 Sedge Warbler, 2 Blackcap,2 Long tailed tit, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Willow Tit on stones, 14 Goldfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Common Sandpiper on sailing Club ,1 Buzzard, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 TealDavid Armitt
30/06/2026The main highlight this morning was an adult Redshank with 2 small young on Watersports Island. Fresh Mallard broods of 9+6 at Sailing Club, fresh Coot broods 3+1, 2 Pochard, f Red-crested Pochard, 2 Teal, c10 Lapwing, ad YL Gull, Herring Gull, 6 Swift around VC. Roger and Alison had Common Sandpiper and Little Egret at Millfields, Whitethroat a d Willow Tit on Stones.Clive Ashton/RPJ/AMD.
19/06/20263 Little Egret , 6 Oystercatcher, 1 Teal, 1 Little Grebe, 61 Greylag, 3 Blackcap, 8 Chiffchaff, 7 Sedge Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Long tailed tit, 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Lesser black backed GullDavid Armitt
14/06/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 1,182 Canada Geese (plus many broods), 331 Greylag (plus at least 16 broods), 7 Mute Swan, 3 Egyptian Geese, 10 Gadwall, 56 Mallard, 2 Pochard (plus broods of 1 and 4), 45 Tufted (plus a brood of 5 at WLC), 1 Moorhen, 149 Coot (plus 4 broods), 3 Little Grebe (plus 1 brood), 40 GCGrebe (plus 3 broods), 16 Oystercatcher (including some fully grown young), 2 Redshank, 2 Common Tern, 9 Cormorant, 2 Heron. Plus a total of 8 singing Reed Warblers, Goldcrest with food at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
13/06/2026There are 5 Common Scoters (4m,1f) out in the middle this morning. Egyptian Goose, first-summer Yellow-legged Gull and Common Gull still at Watersports. 125 Coot. Peregrine over Hall Wood. c100 Sand Martins around Stones.Simon Roddis
10/06/2026A Ringed Plover was at sailing club this morning, and a Redshank at Watersports. First-summer Common Gull, Egyptian Goose, 2 drake Red-crested and 2 drake Common Pochard still. 94 Coot. Skylark singing along the dam wall. In Tail Bay, a Kingfisher, pair of Common Whitethroat with food and a family party of GSWoodpeckers. 2 Reed Warblers singing in WLC creek and another 3 in Hopton reedbed. 50 Sand Martins. Grey Wagtail with a fledged youngster at Millfields and another pair at the sailing club end of the day wall.Simon Roddis
09/06/2026Adult Mediterranean Gull again over the WLC this morning. New brood of 5 Gadwall at Shiningford. The 2 drake Red-crested Pochard still on Horseshoe island, now starting to moult. 40 Swifts and 40+ Sand Martins feeding. First-summer Common Gull at Watersports. Garden Warbler with food at Millfields.Simon Roddis
07/06/2026Species noted today during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): Mallard, House Sparrow, Canada Goose, Oystercatcher, Greylag Goose, Tufted Duck, Coot, Great Crested Grebe, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Blackcap, Swift, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mute Swan, Buzzard, Carrion Crow, Robin, Sedge Warbler, Dunnock, Reed Bunting, Swallow, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Gadwall, Little Grebe and WrenGary Atkins
07/06/2026Garden Warbler with young (and alarm calling) near the WLCGary Atkins
07/06/2026A pair of adult Mediterranean Gulls flew in over WLC creek 09:45. Spotted Flycatcher in the top of Hall Wood and Pied Flycatcher singing briefly and calling in Warrington Knob. 2 drake Red-crested Pochard still at Watersports and 2 (separate) Egyptian Geese. 70+ Coot. 2 Peregrines over the north end. Willow and Garden Warblers with food in Hall Wood. Redstart still singing at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
02/06/2026This morning, 3 Red-crested Pochard (2 males and the long-staying female) were off Stones causeway, 9 Mute Swans, at least 50 Swifts feeding over the east side after the rain, 61 Coot (plus 4 chicks at sailing club), second-summer Mediterranean Gull still, adult Herring Gull, a Hobby flew across the res east to west, 10 Ravens, Reed Warbler singing on Stones causeway and a pair of Garden Warblers with food near WLC.Simon Roddis
25/05/2026Fairly brief visit this morning, I shudder to think what it'll be like up there today. Single Common Tern, the second-summer Mediterranean Gull still, one first-summer Common Gull still resisting the urge to fly north, 1 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, Garden Warbler with food at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
21/05/2026A Hobby flew past the main centre and over the road early morning, first of the year here. An Arctic Tern flew S past Stones island and a Ringed Plover flew over. First-summer Yellow-legged, Great Black-backed and Common Gulls, plus the first Black-headed Gull chick on Horseshoe island. 3 Barnacle Geese. Chiffchaff with food on Stones.Simon Roddis
20/05/2026An Arctic Tern flew past Stones island at 08:35 this morning and an Osprey flew south between 08:45 and 08:50. 2 Barnacle and 2 Egyptian Geese. 16 Swifts including 8 screaming around the main centre. 2 Redshank and 1 Dunlin. Mick had Pied Flycatcher still singing in Hall Wood.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
17/05/20262 Arctic and a Common Tern flew past Stones around 07:00. On and around Watersports island, 2 Little Egrets, female Red-crested Pochard and Pink-footed Goose. Second-summer Mediterranean Gull still on sailing club island. Yellow Wagtail flew N.Simon Roddis
16/05/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 186 Canada (plus 19+ broods), 3 Barnacle and 74 Greylag (plus 16 broods) Geese, 6 Mute Swans, 1 Egyptian Goose, 20 Gadwall, 76 Mallard, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 5 male Common Pochard, 66 Tufted, 2 Moorhen, 29 Coot, 2 Little Grebe, 45 GCGrebe, 13 Oystercatcher, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Tern, 12 Cormorant, 1 Heron. Plus 40 Swifts, 4 Reed Warbler, single Whitethroat, Redstart and Pied Flycatcher.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
15/05/2026In a relatively brief early morning visit, 3 Arctic Terns off Stones island, Dunlin and Common Sandpiper on Watersports island and the female Red-crested Pochard on Horseshoe island.Simon Roddis
12/05/2026Nothing much is changing at the moment, although Mute Swans have risen to 8, the most since last October. Pair of Barnacle and 3 Egyptian Geese. Female Red-crested Pochard still on Watersports island. 20 Swifts. 7 species of waders, including single Lapwing, Ringed Plover, Curlew and Common Sandpiper. Second-summer Mediterranean Gull past Stones. 100s of Swallows and smaller numbers of Sand and House Martins. 3 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed and a Common Whitethroat in WLC creek. 2 Pied Flycatchers and a Redstart singing in Hall/Middle Woods.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD, KR
10/05/20264 Swift, 8 Chiffchaff, 20+ Sand Martin, 10+ House Martin, 8 Sedge Warbler, 4 Willow Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 LRP, 4 Oystercatcher, 3 Garden Warbler, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Redshank, 1 Lesser Black Backed Gull ,1 Egyptian GooseDavid Armitt
07/05/2026This morning, single Pink-footed and Egyptian Geese, female RcPochard, drake Goosander, pair of Oystercatchers with 3 chicks at Shiningford, Snipe on Horseshoe island, second-summer Mediterranean Gull on Sailing Club island, first-summer Caspian Gull still, 1 Willow Tit, some hundreds of Swallows, Sand and House Martins, Redstart still in WLC Fields. Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall (per Ellen Hancock).SJR, CA, MW
05/05/2026A few bits and pieces this morning: 2 Egyptian Geese still, 2 Shelduck W over WLC creek, pair of Shoveler and female Red-crested Pochard off Horseshoe island, 8 Goosander (7 flew N plus drake at sailing club), 12 Swifts, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits (one at Watersports and one flew E), immature Great Black-back, Great Egret over the main centre, Whitethroat at Hopton, 2 Pied Flycatchers in Hall and Middle Woods, 2 singing Redstart. Clive had Wheatear in WLC creek, Spotted Flycatcher at Lane End and 16 Redpoll at Sheepwash.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
03/05/2026Species recorded (44) during today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon ... Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Canada Goose, Carrion Crow, Chiffchaff, Mallard, Swallow, Sedge Warbler, Cormorant, Coot, Garden Warbler, Tufted Duck, Black-headed Gull, Blackbird, Great Crested Grebe, Woodpigeon, Oystercatcher, Robin, Barnacle Goose, Pochard, Grey Heron, Common Sandpiper, Red-throated Diver, Dunnock, House Martin, Gadwall, Wren, Song Thrush, Blackcap, Reed Bunting, Bullfinch, Mute Swan, Goldfinch, Greylag Goose, Herring Gull, Great Tit, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Moorhen, Buzzard, Sand Martin, Swift, Redshank, Blue TitGary Atkins
03/05/2026Another excellent morning. A Red-throated Diver in almost full summer plumage was off Sheepwash early morning and flew at 11:00. Waders included a total of c20 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 1 Curlew. Jon B found a female Whinchat at sailing club late morning, a nice spring record. Drake Goosander also at sailing club. Lots of hirundines: c200 each of Swallow and Sand Martin, 50 House Martins and 20 Swifts. 2 Arctic Terns. Second-summer Mediterranean Gull again. Yellow Wagtail over Stones.SJR, CA, AHS, MW
02/05/2026A Spotted Flycatcher at Lane End is the first of the year here as far as I'm aware. Arctic Tern past Stones and Bar-tailed Godwit still at Watersports. 2 Barnacle and 1 Egyptian Goose. 6 Pochard. Female Red-crested Pochard on Horseshoe island. Redshank and Dunlin at sailing club. First-summer Caspian Gull again off Stones. 2 singing Pied Flycatchers (Hall Wood and Sheepwash) and 2 Redstarts at Hopton end.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
01/05/2026Bar-tailed Godwit still at Watersports and 2 Common Sandpiper there also. 2 "commic" Terns distant in the haze, 2 drake Pochard, drake Teal, Fresh Mallard brood of 6 at Sailing Club, Common Whitethroat singing in WLC fields.Clive Ashton
30/04/2026This morning from Stones Island: 2 Ruff (1 horseshoe, 1 Watersports Island), Bar-tailed Godwit (Watersports), 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 summer plumage Dunlin (Sailing Club), Female Red-crested Pochard, 2 Barnacle Geese. 2 Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall, and Grey Wagtail singing there.Clive Ashton/Mick Watson
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


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
10/05/2021The GNDiver is looking stunning now although a bit elusive at times this morning. 3 Common Terns. 15 Swifts. 6 Raven. New singing Reed Warblers in WLC creek and BA Bay. At least 1 Wheatear on the dam wall. Singing Pied and 3 Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood.SJR, RC, AHS, NJM
09/05/2021The GNDiver was off Stones island all morning. 4 Whimbrel on Horseshoe island. 1 Common Tern past Stones and the Grasshopper Warbler still singing there. 14 Swifts. 2 Red-legged Partridge on Hays Lane. 25 LBbGulls W. 12 Buzzards, a Red Kite and female Peregrine in the air. 12 Sedge and 3 Garden Warblers around Stones.Simon Roddis
07/05/2021The GNDiver in summer plumage again from Stones island. A well-plumed Little Egret on Horseshoe island late morning. 1 Ringed Plover. 4 Common Sandpiper. 2 Dunlin. Grasshopper Warbler still singing on Stones. 7 Yellow Wags, including 5 on Stones. 2 Wheatear (probably Greenland birds) on the dam wall. Both John Matkin and Jon Bradley heard the Cetti's Warbler in Fishtail Creek this morning.Simon Roddis
06/05/2021The GNDiver, now in almost pristine condition, was off Stones this morning. Hundreds of hirundines: 300+ Sand Martins, much smaller numbers of Swallow and House Martin. 10 Swifts. 2 Common Sandpiper. 4 Redshank. 1 Dunlin. 10 Buzzards in the air, and a Red Kite floating around. Grasshopper Warbler still reeling (and seen briefly) on Stones. 3 singing Lesser and 6 Common Whitethroat. 9 Fieldfare still at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
05/05/2021(Evening) 4 Goldfinch,4 Chiffchaff, 200+ sand martin, 4 Little Grebe, 15 Great Crested Grebe,3 Redshank,1 Dunlin,2 Gadwall,1 Lesser Whitethroat ,1 Garden Warbler ,1 Swift, 150 + Swallow,50+ House Martin, Mallards on stones with 7 young,4 Pied Wagtail,10 Cormorant,1 Little ringed plover,2 oystercatcher and 2 young on WLC island,1 Grey wagtail GN Diver from stonesDavid Armitt
05/05/2021GNDiver still, Yellow Wagtail and 2 Wheatear on dam early morning. Pair Greylag with 6yg in Shiningford Creek, Redstart singing in Wildlife Centre Creek and Lesser Whitethroat singing between the Creeks. Another Lesser Whitethroat still singing on Stones Island and no sign of yesterday’s Gropper.Roger Carrington
04/05/2021The GNDiver is still there this morning. 4 Arctic Terns from Millfields to 07:45 but not thereafter. A Ringed Plover at Sailing Club and a singing Grasshopper Warbler on Stones island were first of the year for me. 3 Dunlin. 1 Common Sand. 12 Herring Gulls flew N. Loads of hirundines: guesstimates of c200 each of Swallow and Sand Martin, and 10 House Martin. 3 Yellow Wags on Millfields viewing area.Simon Roddis
03/05/2021The GNDiver again from Stones island this morning but it took a couple of flights, so probably won't be here much longer. 2 Wheatears (male and female) along the dam wall. Hundreds of hirundines, especially Swallows and Sand Martins but an increase in House Martin numbers too.SJR, RC, AHS
02/05/2021The highlight of today's 'Birdwatching for Beginners' walk (10am-noon around Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre) were seven warbler species on Stones - Garden, Sedge and Willow Warblers, Lesser and Common Whitethroat, Blackcap and Chiffchaff. A big surprise (albeit escapees) were two Snow Geese that dropped in to say 'hi' to the Canada Geese on Watersports island. Other species today were: Coot, Moorhen, Barnacle, Canada and Greylag Geese, Great Crested and Little Grebes, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Gt Northern Diver, Cormorant, Black-headed and Common Gulls, Little Ringed Plover, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Mute Swan, Buzzard, Blue, Great and Willow Tits, House and Tree Sparrows, Goldfinch, Wren, Robin, Dunnock, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Pied Wagtail, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Swallow, Woodpigeon and Reed Bunting.Gary Atkins
02/05/2021The GNDiver was off Stones island again, now looking pretty smart. An Arctic Tern was off Millfields late morning and a Shelduck flew towards the WLC. 1 male Teal. 2 male Pochard. 9 singing Garden Warblers. 60+ Fieldfare still at Hopton end. 3 Yellow Wags.Simon Roddis
01/05/2021A female Red-breasted Merganser was off the WLC around 10:00. The GNDiver still off Stones island. c100 Sand Martins, 100 Swallows and 20 House Martins.Simon Roddis
30/04/2021A Black Tern came into Millfields around 11:00, first seen by Jon Bradley. Still present distantly from Millfields at 12:15 but not seen subsequently. Perimeter count with Alan S: 8 Willow Tit, 95 Blue Tit, 39 Great Tit, 14 Long-tailed Tit, 27 singing Willow Warblers, 102 Chiffchaff (77 singing), 6 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 68 Blackcap (58 singing), 10 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser White, 7 Common White, 8 Goldcrest, 119 Wrens (114 singing), 80 Blackbird (37 singing), 36 Song Thrush (19 singing), 19 Mistle Thrush (8 singing), 103 Robins (77 singing), 4 Redstart, 27 Dunnock (23 singing), 10 Chaffinch, 9 Bullfinch. Also, at least 1 Hobby, 5+ Swifts, the GNDiver now looking very summery and still c30 Fieldfare at Hopton end.SJR, AHS
29/04/20211 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper and what I think we're 3 Ringed Plover on the shoreline in front of the sailing club at 15.30 today. They were structurally correct, but I couldn't make out the white wing bars on their many forays out over the water. Also a Garden Warbler on Stones Island causeway and another near the Wildlife Centre, as well as a pair of Willow Tits by the WLC and a Common Whitethroat nearby.Paul Bennett
29/04/2021Another productive morning but just 2 Arctic Terns N today, after yesterday's bonanza. The GNDiver showed very well just off Stones island. A female Brambling at Watersports was unexpected, and the site's 3rd record of Cetti's Warbler was confirmed by STW rangers John and Mike when they heard it singing in Fishtail Creek after Brian Boothby said he thought he heard one yesterday evening. 35 Herring Gulls, all immatures of various ages. A Greylag/Canada Goose pair have 2 small young under Middle Wood, along with a brood of 5 pure-bred Greylags. Hobby over Millfields and Peregrine over Stones. 100s of hirundines again, most Swallows and Sand Martins but c20 House Martins too. Lesser Whitethroat singing in WLC creek, and 3 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed. 3 Yellow Wags.SJR, RC, AHS
28/04/20214:15pm arrival at WLC for 3 Avocet (still present as of 6pm), seen on the end of Shiningford Island and briefly spooked by a passing boat. 3 Little Gulls through North at 4:53pm. 75+ Arctic Terns with a couple of Commons mixed in. 10+ Swift but only 2 House Martin was a surprise, otherwise hundreds of hirundines mostly Swallows and Sand Martins. Other notable species included pair Dunlin, single Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper all by Sailing Club. Oystercatcher and Redshank also. A host of Warblers on Stones included Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Sedge Warbler.Sam Goddard
28/04/20213 Avocets flew into the WLC at 07:30, found by Alan S, still present late morning. An excellent movement of Arctic Terns: the first went through just before 07:00, a few more before 09:00 and then an arrival of almost 100 birds between 09:45 and 10:02. Most moved through but about 50 lingered for a while, feeding between Fishtail creek and Millfields. A Hobby flew across the res mid-morning. 2+ Swifts and masses of hirundines, mainly Swallows and Sand Martins. Lesser whitethroat singing on Stones island. Great morning! The Avocets and 80 Arctic Terns still present at 16:00 (per RC).SJR, AHS, JB
27/04/2021A summer plumage Grey Plover was on the dam wall early morning, and a Great Egret flew through at 11:20, departing SE. The GNDiver off Stones island all morning. 2 male Mandarin in Tail Bay. 1 Swift again from Stones. 1 Dunlin. 3 Common Sand. 1st-summer Yellow-legged Gull from Stones. Red Kite over the east side. c200 Sand Martins, 20 Swallows and 10 House Martins. 2 Garden Warblers on Stones/causeway. Somewhat unexpectedly, c200 Fieldfare over the north end. 3 Yellow Wags over the dam wall.Simon Roddis
26/04/2021My first Swift of the year from Stones island this morning, and the GNDiver patrolling offshore. 2 Shelduck. 3 Common Sandpiper and 1 Dunlin at Sailing Club. 2 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed. 3 Yellow Wags.Simon Roddis
25/04/20214 Sedge Warbler, 2 Wren, 21 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Willow Tit, 9 Pied Wagtail, 14 Greylag Goose, 9 Gadwall, 4 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Little Ringed Plover , 11 Cormorant, 2 Redshank, 2 Dunnock,, 2 Barnacle Goose, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Goldfinch, 2 Moorhen, 6 Swallow, 30 Sand MartinsDavid Armitt
25/04/2021The GNDiver was off Stones island much of the morning. At Millfields early morning, a Common Tern, a female Bar-tailed Godwit on the island and 2 male Yellow Wags on the dam wall. Dunlin at sailing club. c30 Herring Gulls early morning. A Garden Warbler singing on sailing club island (first of the year) and 8 singing Sedge Warblers around Stones. Male Redstart again in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
24/04/2021Saturday morning's highlight was a flock of 13 Little Gulls (mixed ages: adults, 1 2nd-summer, 2 1st-summer) which were off Millfields island for about 15 mins 09:45-10:00 before flying high E. Also: 2 Arctic Terns flew N at 10:20, 3 female Bar-tailed Godwit and a Whimbrel at Millfields early morning, all later flew N, 3 Shelduck, the GNDiver off Stones, 5 Sedge Warblers singing around Stones, 2 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed, 2 Yellow Wag E over Stones.Simon Roddis
23/04/2021At 1405, a Red Kite flew (outbound) over the dam wallGary Atkins
23/04/2021The GNDiver was off Stones island all morning. A female Bar-tailed Godwit initially on sailing club shore then flew towards Millfields (don't believe the message on Birdguides which said it was the same male as the last few days - it wasn't). 1 Whimbrel flew S early morning. 2 Common Sand. 1 Shelduck. 1 2nd-summer Yellow-legged Gull. 10 Buzzards. 3 Sparrowhawk. Peregrine over the north end. 6 singing Sedge Warblers (5 around Stones, 1 at Penn Carr). Somewhat surprisingly, a flock of c60 Fieldfare flew S mid-morning. 2 Yellow Wag over Stones.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
21/04/2021A decent morning. The GNDiver and the Bar-tailed Godwit still present (just saw the Barwit in flight heading for Horseshoe island). 9 Icelandic race Black-tailed Godwits were on Horseshoe and later left NW. A male Marsh Harrier over Millfields/Tail Bay for c15 mins around 09:15 (found by JB). 2 Red-legged Partridge again at Penn Carr. 2 Common Sandpiper. 1 Dunlin. c70 Sand Martin and 30 Swallow. Common Whitethroat on Stones. Redstart still singing in WLC fields. 3 Yellow Wags (1 on Stones, 2 in Shiningford creek).Simon Roddis
20/04/2021GNDiver still off Stones this morning, and the Bar-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe island to 08:00 at least. First Reed Warbler back in Hopton reedbed. Female Shelduck - quite vocal, I don't think I've heard one call at Carsi before. 2 Goldeneye. 5 singing Redstarts. 3 Yellow Wags. Pair of Red-legged Partridge again at Penn Carr. 1 Dunlin. The Oystercatchers on Horseshoe island have 4 just-hatched young. c30 Herring and 8 GBbGulls.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
19/04/2021Whimbrel flying with Bar-tailed Godwit towards Horseshoe Island early afternoon; 2 LR Plover and a Dunlin on Horseshoe Is.Richard Lowe
19/04/2021A male Bar-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe island this morning (first of the year). The GNDiver was pretty close to Stones island for much of the time. 2 Shelduck at Sheepwash. Just 1 Sedge Warbler still, on Stones island, and Redstart again singing in WLC fields. 2 Yellow Wags. Brood of 11 small Mallard ducklings in Brown Ale creek.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
18/04/2021The GNDiver is heading further into summer plumage. A 1st-summer Caspian Gull was on the raft in sailing club bay early morning. 130 Fieldfare N. Redstart singing at Hopton end. First brood of 12 Mallard ducklings off Stones.Simon Roddis
16/04/2021The GNDiver was still off Stones island this morning; it's beginning to look quite spotty above and blotchy around the head - by the end of the month it should look really good. 3 Goldeneye (2m,1f) still. 6 Fieldfare at Hopton end. Singing male Redstarts in WLC fields and at Shiningford. 6 Redshank. 2 Curlew. Pair of Red-legged Partridge at Penn Carr.Simon Roddis
14/04/2021Osprey at 15.40 seen from sheepwash car park.John Follett
14/04/2021An Osprey flew high N at 11:05 this morning. GNDiver still there and now heading into breeding plumage. A 2nd-calendar-year Med Gull flew past Stones island and a Greenshank flew in, first of the year. 2m Wigeon. Red-legged Partridge at Penn Carr. 2 Common Sand. 6 Redshank. Peregrine over Hopton end. Sedge Warbler still on Stones and Redstart still in WLC fields. 1 Redwing. 15+ Siskin at Penn Carr.Simon Roddis
13/04/2021The GNDiver still off Stones island this morning. 2 Black-tailed Godwits flew over the WLC looking for somewhere to land but kept going NW. Male Common Whitethroat in WLC creek (found by Mike Redfern). 3 Curlew. 2 Common Sand at Millfields. 12 GBbGulls and 6 Herring early morning. Redstart again singing in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
12/04/2021An excellent morning, though couldn't find the RnGrebe. The adult GNDiver off Stones, adult Caspian Gull on raft in Sailing Club bay early morning, female-type Marsh Harrier N through Hopton end at 11:15, 12 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 11 Teal, male Goosander N, 11 Oystercatcher, 1 Common Sand at Sailing Club, 11 GBbG early morning - presumably roosted, 100+ Sand Martin, Sedge Warbler singing on Stones, 50 Fieldfare and 1 Redwing N at Penn Carr, male Redstart singing in WLC fields, Yellow Wag and 50 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall. 78 species.SJR, RC, AHS
11/04/2021Monthly WeBS count: GNDiver, RnGrebe, 49 GCG, 17 LGrebe, 15 Cormorant, 169 Canada, 28 Greylag, 66 Mallard, 4 Teal, 9 Gadwall, 78 Tufted, 4 Goldeneye, 2 Common Scoter, 73 Coot, 7 Moorhen, Common Sand, 5 Redshank, 9 Oyc, 1 Lapwing, 1 Curlew. 30+ Meadow Pipits (20 in Hopton fields, 10+ on the dam wall). JB had Sedge Warbler singing briefly on Stones island, Yellow and 2 White Wags.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
11/04/20212 Oystercatchers, 1 Redshank, 3 Wren, 2 Song Thrush, 4 Pied Wagtail, 10 Great Crested Grebe, 50 Sand Martin , 20 Swallow, 2 Barnacle Goose, 6 Greylag Goose, 4 Chiffchaff, 6 Blue tit, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Blackcap, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew , 4 Gadwall, 4 Little GrebeDavid Armitt
08/04/2021The RnGrebe and GNDiver off the dam wall/Stones island this morning. Male Redstart in WLC creek. 8 migrant Wigeon. 1 Peregrine. Swallow numbers definitely up today, 50+, Sand Martins similar, House Martins in single figures.SJR, RPJ, AMD, AHS
07/04/2021The RnGrebe and GNDiver again from the dam wall this morning. (Apologies if this is getting a bit repetitive ?.) 36 Fieldfare and 5 Redwing at the Hopton end early morning. 100+ Sand Martin again, 20 Swallows and at least 2 House Martins. 5 Herring Gulls flew N early morning, probably roosted overnight. 5 Redshank. Struggling for new migrants though.Simon Roddis
06/04/2021RnGrebe and GNDiver still. The Barn Owl put in an appearance in Tail Bay early morning. 100+ Sand Martin, 10 Swallows. 16 Gadwall. Pair of Mandarin. 2 GBbGull including the one-footed adult. Still c100 Common Gulls in daytime roost. Chiffchaff nest-building, Mistle Thrush and Oystercatcher sitting.Simon Roddis
04/04/2021Species seen (but not counted) during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon, Stones Island-WLC): Sand Martin, Swallow, Song Thrush, Kestrel, Jackdaw, Dunnock, Canada Goose, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Mallard, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Coot, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Black-headed Gull, Robin, Common Gull, Greylag Goose, Barnacle Goose, Great Northern Diver, Red-necked Grebe, Blue Tit, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Reed Bunting, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Cormorant, Carrion Crow, Mute Swan, Great Tit, Tree Sparrow, Willow Tit, Snipe, Redshank, Sparrowhawk, Gadwall, Teal, Oystercatcher, ShovelerGary Atkins
04/04/2021Red-necked Grebe and GNDiver still this morning. First Common Sand of the year at the Millfields end of the dam wall first thing. A few new duck suggests some movement last night: 23 Shoveler (new site record), 24 Teal and 2 Wigeon. Migrant duck usually sit out in the middle of the res, and this lot had clearly read the book 😉 8 Goldeneye still. 2nd-w Yellow-legged Gull. Fewer hirundines than yesterday, just a few Swallows and Sand Martins. 37 Fieldfare flew N.Simon Roddis
03/04/2021This morning, the Red-necked Grebe and GNDiver were on their normal beats. 2 Shelduck flew in at 09:00, still there at 11:00. 6 Snipe at WLC/WLC creek. 8 Crossbills flew NE over Millfields. 50 Sand Martin, 30 Swallows and 2 House Martins at Sheepwash. Total of 15 Tree Sparrows. Plenty of Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps, 1 Willow Warbler singing on Stones.Simon Roddis
01/04/2021Highlight this morning was a flock of 60 Whooper Swans. 27 flew straight through but 33 landed and were still present off Sheepwash at 11:00. Red-necked Grebe and GNDiver still in their usual areas. Hirundines built up off Stones during the morning to c20 Swallows, 8 Sand and 1 House Martin. Osprey also reported but doesn't appear to have hung around.Simon Roddis
30/03/2021Wheatear in field behind dam mid morningPat Warwick
30/03/2021Between Millfields and Shiningford Creek 0800-1030: 18 Barnacle Geese, 12 Chiffchaffs, pair of Goldeneye, pair of Grey Wagtails, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Blackcaps, Redshank, Snipe, Red-necked Grebe, Gt Northern DiverGary Atkins
30/03/2021An Osprey flew NW over WLC creek at 10:00 (also apparently seen from Stones island). The Red-necked Grebe (off the dam wall) and GNDiver (from Stones) still. 27 Barnacle Geese. 2m Shoveler at WLC. Pair Wigeon still at Sheepwash. Water Rail at Hopton end. 12+ Sand Martins. 3 Blackcaps between Hopton and WLC. No sign of the Cattle Egrets as far as I'm aware.Simon Roddis
29/03/2021Biggest surprise was a pair of Cattle Egrets which flew in just before 08:30 and landed on Sailing Club island. They later flew up the res and were in the Sheepwash area late morning. Long-staying Red-necked Grebe and GNDiver still present. 27 Barnacle Geese. 15 Sand Martin. 4 Linnet over.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
26/03/20211x Great Northern Diver - north-east off Stones Island. 1x Red-necked Grebe - off dam wall, half way between sailing club and Millfields. 2x Redshank - Watersports Island. 4 Oystercatcher - WS Island. 1 Redshank - shoreline by play ground.Paul Bennett
04/01/2021The adult GNDiver again off Stones island. Teal appear to have increased, 431 counted. Pochard decreasing but still 267. 180 Tufted in Brown Ale Bay. Geese again in the fields along the main road: 300+ Canadas, 22 Greylag, 1 Pink-foot and the Black Swan. 290 Lapwing. The Ruff along Stones causeway. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, a 3rd-winter early morning and an adult later. 23 Cormorant. 100 Starling (70 in WLC fields, 30 over Hopton end). 40 Siskin flew N past Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
03/01/2021The adult GNDiver was off Stones island all morning. In the fields between Shiningford and the main road, c350 Canada Geese, 75 Greylags, 2 Pink-feet, 1 Barnacle and the Black Swan. Another 46 Pink-feet flew high NW at 11:20. 8 Mute Swan. 1f Pintail. 390 Teal. 263 Pochard. 8 Goldeneye (4m,4f). 4 Goosander (1m,3f). 40 Woodpigeons S. Peregrine(s) over WLC and Hall Wood. 200 Lapwing. The male Ruff again along Stones causeway. 2 Redshank. 2 Herring Gull. 26 Cormorant.Simon Roddis
02/01/20213 Redshank, 1 Ruff, 116 Wigeon ,6 Meadow Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtail, 180 Teal, 252 Lapwing, 9 Little Grebe,15 Great Crested Grebe,1 M Goldeneye, 1 Great Black Backed Gull, 61 Pochard, 4 Robin, 15 Cormorant, 2 Raven, GN Diver of stones,3 Curlew, 2 Long Tailed Tit, 1 Nuthatch, 10 Gadwall, 1 Pintail,10 Redwing,2 Mute Swan,8 Moorhen, 1 Chaffinch,6 GoldfinchDavid Armitt
02/01/2021A Woodcock flew into roost at Horton end in the bright moonlight at 0715hrs. Adult Great Northern Diver off Millfields early morning. Male Ruff, 2 Redshank and 6 Meadow Pipits around Stones Island. 3 Curlew flew in from south and landed on Horseshoe Island at 0900hrs, 2 then continued north at 0915hrs. Drake Pintail in Shiningford Creek and 12 Snipe well camouflaged in vegetation along WLC Creek.Roger Carrington
01/01/2021Great Northern diver, Ruff, Redshank.Matthew Birkin
01/01/2021The GNDiver off Stones island again this morning. 4 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. The male Ruff along Stones causeway. Pair of Pintail at WLC. 60 Woodpigeons N. 4 Raven. 4 Willow Tits including 3 singing. 22 Fieldfare S. 69 species to start the year.Simon Roddis
31/12/2020The GNDiver again off Stones island. 378 Canada Geese. 3 Barnacles. 94 Greylags. 6 Mute Swan. 55 Gadwall. 2 Pintail (m&f in Brown Ale Bay). 297 Teal. 452 Pochard. 5 Goosander (3m,2f at Millfields). 7 Goldeneye. 1 Water Rail and 27 Snipe in WLC creek. 24 Little Grebe. 53 Great Crested Grebe. 317 Lapwing. 4 Redshank. 4 Herring Gulls N. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (ad,2w). 15 Cormorant. 2 Heron. Total of 28 Fieldfare (18S over Hall Wood). 7 Meadow Pipit on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
30/12/2020The adult GNDiver still from Stones island this morning, and a female Common Scoter there too. 52 Canada Geese. 7 Greylag. 8 Mute Swan. 46 Gadwall. 150 Wigeon. 250 Teal. 145 Mallard. 2 Pintail. 403 Pochard. 215 Tufted. 5 Goldeneye. 11 Moorhen. 1145 Coot. 18 Little Grebe. 55 Great Crested Grebe. 284 Lapwing. 1 Ruff. 3 Redshank. 2 Snipe. 13 Cormorant. 1 Heron. Chiffchaff on Stones island.Simon Roddis
29/12/2020This pm: the adult GNDiver again between Stones island and Fishtail Creek; 170 Pink-footed Geese W at 12:50; 135 Canada Geese, 2 Greylags, 16 Mute Swan, 46 Gadwall, 128 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 212 Teal, 434 Pochard, 4 Goldeneye, 1 Goosander, 8 Moorhen, 21 Little Grebe, 41 Great Crested Grebe, 485 Lapwing, 1 Ruff, 4 Redshank, 5,000 Black-headed Gulls and 2,250 Common Gulls off Stones island at 16:00, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 3 Yellow-legged Gull, 30 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 33 Cormorant. 130 Redwing feeding in fields at Hopton end, with 3 Fieldfare, 1 Mistle Thrushes and 50 Starlings.Simon Roddis
28/12/2020The GNDiver was off Stones island all morning. Hopton end early morning: 4 Woodcock, 1 Water Rail, 7 Tawny Owls calling. Only 4 Canada Geese (the geese don't seem to fly in on these foggy mornings). 12 Mute Swan. 2 Shoveler. 71 Gadwall. 139 Wigeon. 114 Mallard. 2 Pintail. 293 Teal. 425 Pochard. 228 Tufted Duck. 8 Goldeneye. 13 Moorhen. 1160 Coot. 23 Little Grebe. 36 Great Crested Grebe. 405 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 4 Snipe. 100 Common Gulls. 1 Great Black-backed Gull.1 Yellow-legged Gull. 15 Cormorant. 1 Heron.Simon Roddis
28/12/2020Great northern Diver of stones ,62 Teal, 2 Goosander, 23 Mute Swan,68 Pochard, 50 Wigeon,22 Cormorant,8 Gadwall, 6 Tree Sparrow,2 Blue Tit,2 Dunnock , 220+ Lapwing,6 Moorhen ,2 Wren,6 Goldfinch,5 Little Grebe,12 Great Crested Grebe,2 Redwing,1 KestrelDavid Armitt
27/12/2020The adult GNDiver again between Stones island and Millfields mid-morning. 436 Pochard. 8 Goldeneye. 1 Pink-footed Goose. 290 Lapwing. 1 Ruff. 3 Redshank. 4 Common Snipe. 8 Herring Gulls S. 22 Cormorant. 1 Heron. 1 Peregrine over the north end. 4 Raven.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
26/12/2020The adult GNDiver was still off Stones island this afternoon. Red Kite low over Millfields. 293 Canada Geese. 1 Barnacle Goose. 16 Mute Swan. 8 Shoveler (3m,5f) at Millfields. 167 Wigeon. 77 Gadwall. 347 Pochard. 7 Goldeneye. 13 Morhen. 150 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end at dusk. 4 adult Herring Gull. 25 Cormorant.Simon Roddis
25/12/2020A GNDiver, perhaps the returning adult, was off Stones island around 10:15-10:30 at least. 3 Barnacle Geese, 1 Pintail (f), 5 Goldeneye, 1 Goosander (redhead), 85 Woodpigeons N, 40 Great Crested Grebe, 220 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 28 Cormorant, 3 Heron. Early morning from the dam wall: estimates of 10,000 Black-headed Gull, 1,000 Common Gull, 500 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Great Black-backed Gull, 3 Yellow-legged Gull (adults). 2 Chiffchaffs (Stones island and near Flat island). Happy Chiffmas!Simon Roddis
24/12/2020c250 Canada Geese, c100 Greylags, 14 Mute Swan, 61 Gadwall, c120 Wigeon, c100 Mallard, 320 Teal, 468 Pochard, 310 Tufted Duck, 6 Goldeneye, 12 Moorhen, 1345 Coot, 23 Little Grebe, 330 Lapwing, 1 Ruff, 2 Woodcock, 2 Redshank, 6 Common Snipe, 1 Great Black-backed Gull (adult), 1 Yellow-legged Gull (3rd-w), 1 Herring Gull (2nd-w), 360 Common Gull, 24 Cormorant, 3 Sparrowhawk, 10 Raven including 6 NE together over Hopton end, 1 Chiffchaff on Stones, 10 Tree Sparrow at WLC.Simon Roddis
20/12/2020Early morning from the dam wall, c1,500 LBbGulls and c15,000 BhG/Commons (maybe 1-2,000 Common, the rest BhG), plus c800 Jackdaws. Pair of Pintail and a Pink-footed Goose at WLC. Total of 396 Pochard (288m,108f). 300 Woodpigeons NE. Male Ruff again on Stones causeway. Curlew on Horsehoe island. 31 Cormorant. Chiffchaff on Stones. 11 Fieldfare and c200 Redwing over the east side. Brambling over Stones.Simon Roddis
19/12/2020c450 Greylags. 2 Barnacle Geese. 3 Pintail (pair at WLC, f in Brown Ale Bay). A few Woodies on the move: 1,020 NE, 220 S. Male Ruff still on Stones causeway. 2 Peregrine chasing a Woodpigeon over the north end, and 1 (young bird) over WLC. 3 Raven. 2 Skylark over WLC creek. Chiffchaff on Stones. 15 Fieldfare W. 10 Tree Sparrow at WLC. 8 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
17/12/2020At Hopton end first thing, 5+ Woodcock flew in, and 8 Grey Wagtails and c700 Starlings (with the obligatory hunting Sparrowhawk) flew out. 3 Goosander (1m,2f) at Millfields. Male Ruff along Stones causeway. Total of 3 Sparrowhawks. 3 Raven, including a pair eating a dead fish at the WLC, unusual to see them on the shoreline. Chiffchaff on Stones island still.Simon Roddis
15/12/2020Monthly WeBS count: 256 Canada Geese, 389 Greylags, 1 Pink-foot, 37 Mute Swans, 91 Gadwall, 144 Wigeon, 144 Mallard, 3 Pintail, 181 Teal, 313 Pochard, 318 Tufted, 10 Goldeneye, 1 Water Rail (Hopton reedbed), 15 Moorhen, 1265 Coot, 499 Lapwing, 1 Woodcock, 30 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 24 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Kingfishers (Hopton reedbed and Millfields), 4 Grey Wag. Also: 6 Buzzard, 2 Chiffchaff (Stones and near Flat island), total of c20 Skylarks over.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
12/12/2020At Hopton end first thing, 5 Woodcock and 4 calling Tawny Owls. Elsewhere, 7 Goldeneye, 54 GCGrebe, male Ruff around Sailing Club still, 2 Redshank, 2 Chiffchaff still on Stones.Simon Roddis
10/12/20207+ Goldeneye, including 2 pairs displaying at Millfields. 400 Woodpigeons (250 SE, 150 NE). 520 Lapwing. The male Ruff off Stones causeway still. 2 Redshank. 52 Rooks over Sheepwash. 2 Chiffchaffs on Stones still. 26 Fieldfare E over Millfields. 12 Tree Sparrows at WLC. Total of 15 Meadow Pipit.Simon Roddis
09/12/2020466 Greylags, 2 Pink-feet and 191 Canada Geese at Sheepwash. Pair of Pintail in Brown Ale Bay. 9 Goldeneye (6m,3f). Male Ruff still at Sailing Club. 54 Snipe over WLC, presumably came off Horseshoe island. Imm Herring Gull at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
08/12/20203 Woodcock, 4 Grey Wagtail and a Kingfisher at Hopton end early morning. The male Ruff again at WLC/Shiningford. 3+ Redshank. 2 Barnacle Geese and a redhead Goosander at Millfields. Chiffchaff on Stones island. 30 Fieldfare (10 on Stones, 20 in WLC creek).Simon Roddis
07/12/2020The male Ruff along Stones causeway and later from WLC. Pair of Shoveler on Horseshoe island. Chiffchaff on Stones island. 2 adult Herring Gull early morning.Simon Roddis
06/12/2020Species seen 0900-1230, mostly during Birdwatching for Beginners walk 1000-noon (numbers in brackets for few species only): Pink-footed Goose (39), Canada Goose, Snipe (20), Ruff, Little Egret, Goldeneye (3), Gt Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Mallard, Lapwing, Coot, Mute Swan, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Teal, Cormorant, Moorhen, Mistle Thrush, Redwing, Blackbird, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit (10), Tree Sparrow, Willow Tit, Wren, Woodpigeon, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Bullfinch, Goldcrest, Nuthatch, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Starling, Pied Wagtail, Pheasant, Robin, Goldfinch, Dunnock and Chaffinch.Gary Atkins
06/12/2020A pair of Whooper Swans were off Stones island much of the morning, with 2 Chiffchaffs on Stones itself. 39 Pink-footed Geese flew over Sheepwash carpark at 11:40, circled several times then left NW. Pair of Pintail at Shiningford. 6+ Goldeneye. 280 Pochard (217m,63f) off Sheepwash/Brown Ale Bay. Adult Yellow-legged Gull.Simon Roddis
01/12/2020Ad hoc wildfowl count: 130 Canada Geese, 446 Greylags, 2 Pink-feet, 40 Mute Swan, 72 Gadwall, 321 Wigeon, 116 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 261 Teal, 391 Pochard, 364 Tufted, 6 Goldeneye (3m,3f), 19 Moorhen, 23 Little Grebe, 51 GCGrebe, c600 Lapwing, 1 Dunlin, 3 Redshank, 20 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret. 2 Peregrines (m&f) over Stones island, and 6 Stock Dove S. Chiffchaff on Stones.Simon Roddis
30/11/20202 Barnacle Geese at Millfields. 2 female-type Pintail over WLC creek. 5 Goldeneye (4m,1f). 600+ Lapwing. 2 Dunlin in Brown Ale Bay (plus 1 off Stones island maybe one of those?). 1 Woodcock at Penn Carr first thing. 4 GSWoodpecker.Simon Roddis
29/11/2020At Hopton end first thing, 5+ Woodcock including 3 together, 3 Tawny Owls calling, 9 Grey Wagtail and 1 Water Rail. 5 Shoveler (3m,2f) at Sailing Club. At Millfields, 1 Kingfisher, c100 Redwing and 3 Linnet. Totals of 13 Tree Sparrows and 6 Mistle Thrush (1 singing in WLC fields).Simon Roddis
29/11/202045 Wigeon,73,Teal,49 Lapwing,12 Mute Swan,20 Pochard,6 Little Grebe,3 Raven,2 Goldeneye, 1 Redshank, 5 Shoveler, 3 Cormorant, 2 Dunlin, 4 Meadow Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Robin, 2 Snipe, 1 Coal Tit, 8 Long Tailed Tit, 2 Redwing, 1 Jay . Foggy and misty this morning visibility cross Carsington water poorDavid Armitt
27/11/2020With no sport or fishing activity and the sunny calm weather this morning, wildfowl were showing colourfully out in the bays instead of sheltering in the creeks. 35 Mute Swan, 2 drake Shoveler, 3 Goldeneye and 2 Redshank from Stones Island. Kingfisher and escape black Swan at Millfields. No sign of any Diver all week.Roger Carrington
25/11/2020Black Swan -Millfield 1200M.R.Bartle
23/11/2020Willow Tit on middle of Stones Island Two Lesser Redpoll in same area Male Goldeneye just off Stones Island and one Redshank feeding along same area.Chris Brewster
20/11/2020A Snow Bunting flew over and around Stones causeway, calling constantly, about 08:00 for 2-3 minutes before dropping down onto the back of Watersports island, but not seen again. 1 Whooper Swan, presumably the same bird as yesterday. Pair of Pintail again at Millfields and pair of RcPochard off Lane End. 5 Goldeneye (4m,1f). From Millfields early morning, c1,000 LBbGulls and 11,000 BhGs. Adult Yellow-leg off Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
19/11/2020Couldn't find the diver this morning. A Whooper Swan dropped in at 09:25 and hung around Stones island until late morning at least. Pair of Pintail at Millfields. 1f RcPochard. Red Kite over Stones. 1 Dunlin. 2,250 Woodpigeons S. 26 Skylarks over Stones, heading towards Carsington Pastures. 2 Chiffchaff.Simon Roddis
18/11/2020The adult GNDiver still, from Stones early morning and later off Millfields. Early morning at Hopton end: 1 (maybe 2) Woodcock, 3 Tawny Owls calling, 8 Grey Wagtails, Kingfisher. 4 Pintail (2m,2f) at Millfields. 396 Lapwing. 2 Redshank at Sailing Club. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 3 Chiffchaff (Hopton end, Stones causeway, Sailing Club island). 20 Siskin in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
17/11/2020An adult Great Northern Diver (not yesterday's juvenile) was off Millfields late morning, perhaps having only just arrived. Very black-and-white at the front end with some hints of remaining black-and-white stripes on the side of the lower neck and still extensive white spotting on the upperparts, black bill. No sign of the juvenile. Monthly WeBS count: 330 Canada Geese, 464 Greylags, 2 Pink-feet, 33 Mute Swan, 84 Gadwall, 4 Pintail, 200 Teal, 154 Mallard, 337 Wigeon, 309 Pochard, 313 Tufted, 5 Goldeneye, 1 Goosander, 23 Moorhen, 1349 Coot, 24 Little Grebe, 34 GCGrebe, 456 Lapwing, 27 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 22 Cormorant, 1 Heron, 1 Kingfisher. Also, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, a juvenile Red Kite, a Chiffchaff between Hopton and Brown Ale Bay, 25 Meadow Pipits along Stones Causeway.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
16/11/2020A mobile first-winter Great Northern Diver was in the channel between Horseshoe and Shiningford islands just after 10:00, off Hall Wood shortly afterwards and then between Stones island and Millfields at 11:40. 145 Pink-footed Geese flew E in 2 skeins (60 at 08:40, 85 at 09:00). Pair of Pintail at Millfields and pair of RCPochard off Lane End. 3m Goldeneye. 390 Lapwing. 1 DUnlin. 1 Redshank. 300 Woodpigeons N. 12 Stock Dove. Chiffchaff and 8 Lesser Redpoll on Stones island.SJR, AHS, RC
15/11/2020A first-winter Caspian Gull was on Flat Island around midday. c500 Greylags. 35 Mute Swan. 1f Pintail. 50+ Gadwall. Pair RcPochard. 3 Goldeneye. 250 Lapwing. 1 Little Egret. Chiffchaff on Stones island.Simon Roddis
14/11/2020Black swan at millfieldsChris brown
13/11/2020Solitary black swan on the edge of the water near Millfields car park. Vicky Wright
13/11/2020497 Greylags. 2m Pintail and 3m Shoveler in Brown Ale Bay. Pair of RcPochard at Lane End. 158 Pochard (129m,29f) at Sheepwash. 1f Goldeneye. A bit of Woodpigeon movement, including some going the wrong way: 520 S, 85 N. 360 Lapwing. 1 Golden Plover over WLC. 1 Redshank and a Little Egret off Stones causeway. A vocal Chiffchaff on Stones island.Simon Roddis
12/11/2020c500 Greylags, including PXU. Female Goldeneye off Sheepwash. 7 Stock Doves flew S. 380 Lapwing. 2 Redshank at sailing club. Adult Yellow-legged Gull on Sheepwash spit. Peregrine over the east side and then upsetting the Lapwings at Sheepwash. 4 Raven. 2 Chiffchaff (Stones causeway and Sheepwash). 20 Siskin at Brown Ale Bay.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
10/11/2020A Bean Goose flew S over the Carsi dam wall at about 11:50, probably Tundra though can't be certain. Counted a few ducks: 62 Gadwall, 295 Wigeon, 192 Teal, 170 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 1 Pintail, 2 RcPochard, 192 Pochard, 366 Tufted, 3 Goldeneye, 507 Canadas, 335 Greylag, 32 Mute Swans, 25 Moorhen, 1250 Coot, 37 GCGrebe, 16 Little Grebe, 270 Lapwing, 1 Little Egret. Chiffchaff at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
10/11/2020This morning occasional mist then drizzle: Black Swan at Millfields, pair Shoveler WLC. Sheepwash from car park: 2 Goldeneye, 1 Dunlin, adult Herring Gull and adult YLGull.Roger Carrington
08/11/202046 Teal, 5 Little Grebe,12 Greylag Goose,3 Red - Breasted Merganser,30 Wigeon,3 Shoveler ,6 Pied Wagtail,3 Wren, 28 Lapwing, 2 Raven,2 Mute Swan,4 Great Crested Grebe,1 Coal Tit,1 Nuthatch,1 Willow Tit, 1 Chaffinch Shoveler and Red-Breasted Merganser seen with Simon very foggy this morning.David Armitt
08/11/2020An excellent morning given the conditions. 3 redhead Red-breasted Mergansers flew into Sailing Club bay, off Stones causeway, just after 08:00 and actively swan and dived until they disappeared into the murk. Then a Hawfinch flew N over Lane End at 10:45, maybe heading for the Cromford wintering site? 3m Shoveler off Stones causeway. Pair of Pintail in Brown Ale Bay and a pair of R-c Pochard at Sheepwash. Water Rail in the stream at Hopton reedbed early morning. Golden Plover over Sheepwash. Redshank off Stones causeway then it or another in BA Bay late morning. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still and an adult Herring Gull. Kingfisher, 6 Grey Wags and 3+ Brambling at Hopton end. Totals of 6 Lesser Redpoll and 20 Siskin.Simon Roddis
07/11/2020Vismig this morning: 1920 Woodpigeons and 20 Fieldfare S, 170 Starlings W. 450 Greylag. 32 Mute Swan. 4 Shoveler. 2 Pintail. 4 Goldeneye. 1m R-c Pochard. 315 Lapwing. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end at first light. 1 Redshank. 1 Little Egret. 15 Skylark. c100 Redwing around the main centre. 1 Crossbill over Stones island.Simon Roddis
06/11/2020I flushed about 50 Snipe from the dam wall in the early morning fog. Blackcap calling from scrub behind Visitor Centre toilet block. Drake Goldeneye near Flat Island as fog burned off.Roger Carrington
06/11/2020A very different morning, with the fog not clearing until 10:00. Just 365 Woodpigeons but a superb male Merlin perched briefly on the fence below the dam wall, and 31 Pink-footed Geese flew W.Simon Roddis
05/11/2020Vismig from Millfields, 07:00-09:30: 10,935 Woodpigeons, 392 Fieldfare and 135 Redwing S, 2,402 Starlings W. 6 Whooper Swans flew E at 07:55. 1 Shelduck off Stones island. 5 Goosander at Millfields (4f flew out early morning, male flew in later). 1 Dunlin at Millfields. 2 Redshank at sailing club. 1 Little Egret. Totals of 8 Brambling and 12 Lesser Redpoll.Simon Roddis
04/11/2020A big day of Woodpigeon movement, with 43,200 counted from Stones island 07:30-11:00, flying south, mostly beyond the eastern shore. 14 Stock Doves and 240 Fieldfare also flew S, 777 Starlings W, a Great White Egret and 2 skeins of Pink-footed Geese (130 and 37) NE. 73 Gadwall. 284 Wigeon. 325 Pochard. 4 Goldeneye (2 ad m, 2 imm m). Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. 300 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. 1 Dunlin flew past Stones island. 3 adult Yellow-legged Gull. 500+ Common Gulls in Brown Ale Bay mid afternoon. 26 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret. Red Kite and Peregrine over the east side. 5 Raven. (81 species, probably the first time I've managed that in November.)Simon Roddis
03/11/2020Black swan at stones islandAlan Ball

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