Recent Sightings

DateSightingName
11/10/2026From Sheepwash early evening: Ruff (1), Bl T Godwit (2), Caspian Gull (ad), YLGull (6) - 3-Ads; 2-2nd w; 1st w, Pintail (5+),Richard Lowe
11/10/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 171 Canada, 32 Greylag, 16 Mute Swan plus 3 large cygnets, 2 Garganey (Millfields), 12 Shoveler, 157 Gadwall, 78 Wigeon, 316 Mallard , 20 Pintail, 1,763 Teal(!!), 5 Red-crested Pochard, 79 Common Pochard, 92 Tufted, 7 Moorhen, 1,014 Coot, 17 Little Grebe, 33 GCGrebe, 13 Ringed Plover, 2 Grey Plover (WLC), 13 Lapwing, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Jack Snipe (Hopton reedbed), 4 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Dunlin, 26 Cormorant, 5 Little & 3 Great Egrets, 7 Herons.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
10/10/2026From Sheepwash Hide early evening: Grey Plover (Juv); Mediterranean Gull 1st w; YLGull (7) - Ad (4), 2nd w (2), 1st w; Pintail (c.15).Richard Lowe
10/10/2026A female Merlin flew down the east side mid-morning, in line with its just-about-annual status. The 2 Garganey were still at Millfields, where Clive also had 9 Ringed Plovers. 3 Ruff at sailing club. Very little moving this morning compared to the last couple of days.SJR, MW, CA
09/10/2026From Sheepwash late afternoon/early evening: Mediterranean Gull 1st w; YLGull (7) - 4Ads, 2nd w, 1st w (2); Pintail (c10); Goldeneye (1); RC Pochard (3); Ruff (1); Bl T Godwit (2);Richard Lowe
09/10/2026It was mainly Redwings on the move this morning, with 1,420 flying S or SW 07:30-10:00. 3 Whooper Swans, perhaps the same birds as yesterday, flew in from the NW but soon departed E. 2 Garganey still at Millfields and a drake Common Scoter from Sheepwash. 3 Ruff and 2 Black-tailed Godwits still. 2 Great and 8 Little Egrets. Adult Yellow-legged and Herring Gulls at Sheepwash. Male Stonechat in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
08/10/2026From Sheepwash this afternoon: Caspian Gull adult, Yellow-legged Gull 4 (3ads, 1st Winter), Great Black-backed Gull ad, Mediterranean Gull 1st winter. Pintail 3, Red-crested Pochard, Ringed Plover 7, Dunlin 1.CA/RJL
08/10/2026A very decent morning, with a bit of movement and a few birds on and around the water. Vismig included 2,200 Woodpigeons S in 90 minutes, 90 Redwing, 31 Starling, 24 Skylarks and 30 Pink-footed Geese E. 3 Whooper Swans dropped in just after 09:00 and were there to 11:00 at least (first of the year here as far as I'm aware). The 2 Garganey were still at Millfields, along with 18 Pintail, 30 Shoveler, 80 Wigeon, 104 Pochard and 4 Red-crested Pochard, and Clive had a male Mandarin there briefly. At sailing club/WLC, 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plover, 1 Ruff and 2 Black-tailed Godwits. 42 Cormorants. Probably 2 Great Egrets. 5 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. 6 Jays (5 over Millfields carpark) and at least 30 Ravens. Willow Tit in WLC creek.SJR, MW, RPJ, AMD, CA
06/10/2026The 2 juvenile-type Garganey were still at Millfields this morning. Totals of 19 Shoveler, 111 Wigeon, 11 Pintail and 106 Pochard. 86 Woodpigeons and 29 Stock Doves S in one hour. At sailing club, 5 Dunlin, 3 Ruff and 7 Ringed Plover, and 1 Black-tailed Godwit at WLC. 3 Great Egrets still. 5 Redwing flew through. 4 Stonechats again in WLC fields. 50 Linnets at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
05/10/2026As well as the report by Alan; 4 Stonechat in WLC Creek and 14 Siskin flew SW.Clive Ashton
05/10/2026This morning from Millfields, 2 Gargany, 7 Pintail, 3 Great White Egrets were visible from there, also 7 Little Egrets other waterfoul included Shovellers, Wigeon, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall and large numbers of Teal , 1 adult Yellow legged gull . From Stones Island, 3 Ruff,5 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plovers .AHS, CA, MR.
04/10/2026Two Garganey at Millfields early evening and 1st w Mediterranean Gull and 4 YL Gulls (2Ads; 2-1st w’s) from Sheepwash.Richard Lowe
04/10/2026Species seen during today's monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island WLC creek): House Sparrow, Mallard, Little Egret, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Black-headed Gull, Canada Goose, Robin, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Lapwing, Carrion Crow, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, Wren, Magpie, Mute swan, Greylag goose, Dunnock, Great tit, Blue tit, Long-tailed tit, Kestrel, Lesser black-backed gull, Gt Crested Grebe, Linnet, Goldfinch, Snipe, Little grebe, Buzzard, Great egret, Blackbird, Teal, Gadwall, Grey heron, Black-tailed Godwit.Gary Atkins
04/10/2026The Garganey was still at Millfields this morning, and 2 redhead Goosander dropped in there. I didn't count them but a lot of wildfowl appear to have retreated to the north end of the reservoir. Wonder why that is? A Ruff and 4 Dunlin were at sailing club and 2 Black-tailed Godwits still at WLC. 3 Great Egrets still. 6 GSWoodpeckers at various spots. Male Stonechat in WLC fields, 30 Linnets on Stones and a Redpoll over Millfields.Simon Roddis
03/10/2026From Sheepwash hide late afternoon: Med Gull (Ad); YLGull (4) Ads; Pintail (8); GWEgret (1);Richard Lowe
03/10/202640 Pochard, 12. Little Grebe,17 Cormorant,2 Grey Heron,20 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler ,25 Gadwall, 8 Linnet, 4 Great White Egret , 30 + Pied Wagtail , 10 Snipe 3 at WLC 7 Sailing club,18 Lapwing, 6 Dunlin, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chiffchaff Singing at Sheepwash, 4 Ringed Plover, 4 Little Egret, Curlew sandpiper at WLC , no sign of the SpoonbillDave Armitt
03/10/2026Clive saw the Spoonbill at Millfields first thing but not thereafter. Garganey still there. Another mass disturbance event, this time caused by small boats going up the reservoir, 100s of wildfowl flushed. Some of them then dropped into Millfields, including 18 Shoveler, 81 Wigeon, 17 Pintail. 3 female-type Red-crested Pochard also there. 3 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin and 2 Black-tailed Godwits still. At least 2 Great Egrets. 11+ Skylarks over and the first Redpoll of the autumn over Stones causeway.SJR, CA, MW
02/10/2026From Sheepwash Hide early evening (with Clive Ashton): Med Gull 1st w. YLGull (4) - 2 Ads, 1st w, 2nd w. Caspian Gull - 2Ads. Plus a Ring-billed / Lesser Black-backed Hybrid that seems to tour the Midland’s reservoirs every autumn/winter, seen at Carsington in previous years and well spotted by CA. Plus Pintail (4).Richard Lowe
02/10/2026The juvenile Spoonbill was again at Millfields late morning until flushed by an irresponsible dog-owner. Not just the Spoonbill but some hundreds of duck - including the long-staying Garganey - and other wildfowl too. Very annoying! Before that, I counted 22 Shoveler, 67 Wigeon, 15 Pintail and 39 Pochard. Just one female Red-crested Pochard at Millfields. Waders included 8 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover, 3 Common Sandpipers and 2 Black-tailed Godwits. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 3 Great Egrets. 4 Tawny Owls calling early morning. 35 Meadow Pipits. 9 Siskin.Simon Roddis
01/10/2026The Spoonbill found by Simon was mobile between Millfields and Stones Island. We understand from other birders that it was still at Millfields late in the day. 7 Little Egrets. 3 Herons. 75 Wigeon. 6 Red-crested Pochard (2m) on Millfields Island. 100 Gadwall. Female Goldeneye. Sailing Club end of the dam wall-6 Dunlin, 6 Ringed Plover and a Snipe. 4 Common Sands. The 2 Blackwits and Greenshank at Wildlife centre. 2nd winter Med Gull at Sheepwash along with 3 YLG-1st w, 2nd w and an adult. 39 Common Gulls. 4 Swallows through-3 & 1. 9 Chiffchaff. 3 Raven. With Chris BrownDave Newcombe/Chris Brown
01/10/2026A juvenile Spoonbill at Millfields this morning was a bit of a surprise, the sixth Carsington record. The Garganey was also still at Millfields. 2 Egyptian Geese off Watersports late morning. At least 64 Wigeon, 10 Pintail and 4 Red-crested Pochard (3 males). 9 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwits still and 3 Common Sandpipers. 3 Great Egrets. Totals of 9 Jays, 8+ Skylarks, 2 Swallows and 2 Blackcaps.Simon Roddis
30/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon/early evening: in the gulls - Mediterranean Gull (2) - Ad plus 1st w. YLGull (13) - Ad (7); 2w (3); 1st w (3). GBBGull 1st w.Richard Lowe
30/09/2026Yesterday's Grey Plover was still at Sheepwash late morning, and the Garganey at Millfields. A flock of at least 25 Redshank flew in and landed on Watersports island; another flock of 10-12 fly-though waders might also have been Redshank. 7 Red-crested Pochard and a Green Woodpecker at Millfields. 2 Black-tailed Godwits again at WLC and totals of 5 Common Sandpiper and 8 Dunlin. 3 Great Egret. Marsh Tit calling at SHeepwash and 40 Linnets on Stones island.Simon Roddis
29/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: In the gulls - YLGull (8) - 4 Ads, 3-1st w’s plus 2nd w; GBBGull (Ad). Plus Pintail (3); GWEgret.Richard Lowe
29/09/2026A Grey Plover flew into Sheepwash early morning and was still there to 10:20 at least. The Curlew Sandpiper was still at Watersports/Horseshoe island and the Garganey at Millfields. 11 Pintail and 6 (possibly 8) Red-crested Pochard. 3 Great Egret. Waders included Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Common Sandpipers, 8 Dunlin and 6 Ringed Plover. 30 Meadow Pipits at Watersports.SJR, RPJ, AMD, AHS
28/09/2026At 11.18 6 x Dunlin + 1 Curlew Sandpiper photographed at end of concrete slipway to left of cycle hire.Bernard Dumbleton
28/09/2026The Garganey is still at Millfields this morning but I didn't see the Curlew Sandpiper or the Dunlin flock that it hung around with. 2 Black-tailed Godwit still and 2 Common Sandpiper. A vocal Peregrine sat on one of the pylons beyond WLC creek. 3 Great Egret. Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. 4 Skylarks over.Simon Roddis
27/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon in the gulls: Caspian Gull 1st w (Dutch ringed); YLGull (4) - Ad, 2nd w plus 2-1st w’s. GBBGull 1st w. Plus Pintail (5); Wigeon (c20), GWEgret; L Egret; Ringed Plover (1).Richard Lowe
27/09/2026Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper again around Watersports and the Garganey was at Millfields again this morning. Wildfowl included 44 Shoveler, 202 Gadwall (new site record), 62 Wigeon, 11 Pintail, 5 Red-crested and 53 Common Pochard. 2 Black-tailed Godwits still, single Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper and Greenshank, and 10 Dunlin. 3 Great Egrets at Watersports. Total of at least 7 Tawny Owls calling early morning.Simon Roddis, c
26/09/2026The juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was again in the Watersports/Horseshoe area this morning, along with 12 Dunlin, 2 Black-tailed Godwits and a Greenshank. The juvenile-type Garganey also still at Millfields, along with 13 Shoveler, 3 Pintail and 30 Wigeon. Great Egret still around Watersports. 5 Skylarks over.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
25/09/2026The juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was still in the Watersports area this morning, a Turnstone flew past Stones island and the Garganey was at Millfields. Supporting cast of 45 Wigeon, 7 Pintail, 6 Red-crested Pochard, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 12+ Dunlin, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Great Egrets, 3 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing, Marsh Tit at Sheepwash, 1 Siskin over the WLC.SJR, CA, AHS
24/09/2026A juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was at Sailing Club with at least 5 Dunlin this morning. Garganey still, 2 Black-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe, Ringed Plover heard, Common Sandpiper and 2 Great Egret.Clive Ashton
23/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon of note: Caspian Gull 1st w (yellow ring on left tibia, from Holland); YLGull (5) - 4 Ads plus 1st w; GBBGull (2) - Ad plus 1st w; Pintail (2); Ringed Plover (8);Richard Lowe
23/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon of note: Caspian Gull 1st w (yellow ring on left tibia, from Holland); YLGull (5) - 4 Ads plus 1st w; GBBGull (2) - Ad plus 1st w; Pintail (2); Ringed Plover (8);Richard Lowe
23/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon of note: Caspian Gull 1st w (yellow ring on left tibia, from Holland); YLGull (5) - 4 Ads plus 1st w; GBBGull (2) - Ad plus 1st w; Pintail (2); Ringed Plover (8);Richard Lowe
23/09/20265 Red-crested Pochard, 5 Pintail, Garganey, 2 Great Egret, 5 Little Egret, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Dunlin, Ringed Plover, 10 Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper, Kestrel on Stones.Clive Ashton
22/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon of note: Turnstone (2); RPlover (5); Common Sandpiper (1); Pintail (2); Caspian Gull (ad) - the ‘regular’ bird, albeit spending much of its time at Ogston; YLGull (4) - 2Ads, 1st w, 2nd w;Richard Lowe
22/09/2026Garganey still at Millfields, 7 Pintail at Sheepwash, 2 Great Egret, Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, 3 Common Sandpiper, 6+ Dunlin, 6 Snipe, Kingfisher at WLC, Stonechat in the creek.CA/RPJ/AMD
21/09/2026No sign of Pectoral Sandpipers or Spotted Redshank this morning. Garganey at Millfields, 2 Great Egret, 3 Common Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit at Sailing Club, Greenshank at Wildlife centre, 2 Willow Tit and Stonechat in Wildlife Centre creek, loose flock of 6 Jay S/W over Millfields.CA,AHS
20/09/201912, Shoveler,2 pectoral sandpiper,1 Greenshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 40 Wigeon, 20 Gadwall, 2 Little Egret, 30 Pied wagtail, 2 Wheatear, 8 Mute swan, 1 Chiffchaff, 10 Little Grebe, Dropped in midafternoon for a quick walk started at Millfield's walked the Dam wall and back surprised that the waders didn't move on with the activity along the shore line.Dave Armitt
20/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon: YLGull (8) - Ad (7); 1st w (1). GBBGull (2) - Ad plus Juv/1st w; Herring Gull (3); GWEgret (1); Dunlin (5); R Plover (3); Pintail (2); Peregrine (1);Richard Lowe
20/09/2026Both Pectoral Sandpipers and the Garganey were at Millfields again this morning. Vismig from WLC creek involved 690 Meadow Pipits SW in 2 hours, 2 Skylarks, a Yellowhammer (Carsington mega!), 21 Swallows and 17 Linnets. On the dam wall early on, Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail, 100 Pied Wagtails and a Kingfisher. 13 Shoveler, 3 Wigeon, 4 Pintail, 6 Red-crested Pochard, 38 Common Pochard and a redhead Goosander. The juvenile Black-tailed Godwit was at sailing club early morning and later in Brown Ale Bay. 2 Yellow-legged, 2 Great Black-backed and 7 Common Gulls. 2 Great Egret. 2 Stonechat, a Redstart and 60 Goldfinch in WLC fields. Willow Emerald damselfly in BABay.SJR, CA, MW
19/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon:of note in the gulls - YLGull (7) - Ad (4), 2nd w (1), 1st w (2); HGull c4+; GBBGull 1st w. Plus GWEgret (1); Pintail (2+); Shoveller (10+). Surprisingly, no waders.Richard Lowe
18/09/2026The 2 Pectoral Sandpipers and Garganey were still at Millfields this morning, the Pecs even staying despite disturbance by a paddleboarder late morning. At least 11 species of wader, including c15 Ringed Plover, 5+ Dunlin, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone on Stones (courtesy of the Hattersleys), juv Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Ruff (per Dave H) at WLC. 6 Red-crested Pochard off Lane End. 2 Great Egret. Hobby circling late morning. Skylark over the main centre. Sand Martin over Stones (getting quite late for them now). Wheatear again on the dam wall. Light movement of Meadow Pipits (25+) and 70 Pied Wagtails out of their roost in Hopton reedbed early on.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
17/09/2026The 2 Pectoral Sandpipers and Garganey were again at Millfields this morning, plus a Greenshank. 13 Ringed Plover, 7 Dunlin and 4 Red-crested Pochard at Sheepwash, plus single Common and Great Black-backed Gulls. At least 2 Great and 5 Little Egrets. Peregrine enjoying the breeze with corvids over Hall Wood. Hirundines on the move included at least 40 Swallows and 50 House Martins. Wheatear on the dam wall.SJR, CA, MW
15/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon: Garganey (at about 6pm, then flew off towards Lane End); Pintail (2); YLGull (4) - 3Ads plus a 1st w; GBBGull 1 Juv; GWEgret (1); Ringed Plover (13); Dunlin (8+); Greenshank (1);Richard Lowe
15/09/2026This morning: The 2 Pectoral Sandpipers still present at Millfields along with the Garganey and a Greenshank. Sheepwash 15 Ringed Plover and 8 Dunlin. Stones/Wildlife Centre: Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper, 2f Red-crested Pochard and Great Egret.Clive Ashton
14/09/2026Short visit this afternoon: Total of 24 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 3 Common Sandpiper, Greenshank, Great Egret, 2 Pintail, 2 YL Gull, ad Caspian Gull.Clive Ashton
12/09/2026The 2 Pectoral Sandpipers are still here this morning, initially at sailing club/Horseshoe island and then at Millfields late morning. Monthly wildfowl count: 276 Canada, 59 Greylag, 23 Mute Swan, 1 Garganey, 29 Shoveler, 176 Gadwall, 10 Wigeon, 523 Mallard, 9 Pintail, 897 Teal, 5 Red-crested and 35 Common Pochard, 221 Tufted, 1 Goldeneye, 9 Moorhen, 839 Coot, 18 Little Grebe, 32 GCGrebe, 14 Ringed Plover, 9 Lapwing, 3 Common Sandpiper, 5 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 4 Snipe, 3 Little and 1 Great Egret, 8 Heron. The Gadwall and Mallard counts are both new site records.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
11/09/2026Another autumn day, another surprise: a Pectoral Sandpiper, first for the site (apparently present and photographed yesterday evening). Initially this morning at sailing club with a Ruff before being flushed; it was later relocated on Horseshoe island, there up to midday at least. The Little Stint was still at Sheepwash. Other waders: 14 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, 4 Common Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit. Duck included a juvenile Shelduck, 29 Shoveler, 14 Wigeon, 6 Pintail, the Garganey at Millfields, and 5 Red-crested Pochard. At least 1 Great Egret. Marsh Tit at Paul Stanley.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton et al.
10/09/2026Another excellent autumn morning. The Garganey was at Millfields early morning, an Osprey flew south at 09:30 and one Little Stint was at Sheepwash late morning. A juvenile-type Whinchat and a male Stonechat were in WLC creek mid morning; the Whinchat hung around for at least an hour. Totals of 566 Canada Geese, 171 Greylags, 12 Shoveler, 6 Pintail (in Brown Ale Bay), 2 female Red-crested Pochard, 16 Ringed Plover, 7 Snipe, 7 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank. 2 Redshank at Watersports were new and a Black-tailed Godwit flew west. Great Egret also at Watersports and a Hobby flew through. Totals of 21 Ravens, 70 Swallows, 10 House and 4 Sand Martins. 5 Jays flew over Hall Wood. Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall.SJR, RPJ, AMD, MW
09/09/2026One juvenile Little Stint was atill at Sheepwash early morning, and the Garganey again at Millfields. 1 Pintail at sailing club and 2 female Red-crested Pochard off Horseshoe island. 44 Pochard. 13 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, 8 Snipe, 2 Dunlin. Adult Yellow-legged Gull again. 2 Great Egrets, at Millfields and past Lane End. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end early morning. Totals of 120 Swallows and 70 House Martins. Spotted Flycatcher beyond the top of WLC creek.SJR, CA, MW
07/09/2026The 2 Little Stints were at Sheepwash early morning and later off Stones causeway, and the Garganey was still at Millfields late morning. 4 Pintail were the first of their autumn here. 15 Shoveler. 41 Pochard. 16+ Ringed Plover. 5 Dunlin. 3 Greenshank. 2 Ruff. 8+ Snipe. Adult Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls. Hobby over Stones. At least 14 Ravens (12 over Sheepwash early morning). Whitethroat on Stones. 20 Swallows and 15 House Martins.SJR, RPJ, AMD
06/09/2026Following are the (36) species identified on the monthly Birwatching for Beginners walk (10am-12noon), taking in Stones Island and as far as the screens by the Wildlife Centre: House Sparrow, Robin, Canada Goose, Ringed Plover, Little Stint, Dunlin, Ruff, Mallard, Gt Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Coot, Moorhen, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Cormorant, Mute Swan, Chiffchaff, Hobby, Red Kite, Buzzard, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Gadwall, Lapwing, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Swallow, Tufted Duck, Teal, Goldfinch, Blue Tit and BlackbirdGary Atkins
06/09/2026The Garganey was still at Millfields this morning, and 2 Knot at Sheepwash. Clive also had the 2 Little Stints there. 3 Ruff and 3 Greenshank. 20+ Ringed Plovers still. 2 Hobbies over Hopton end and at least 1 Reed Warbler in the reedbed. 30 each of Swallow and House Martin. 10+ Ravens.Simon Roddis
04/09/2026The excellent autumn continues, with an Osprey flying south at 08:05, 3 Knot still at Sheepwash, a new site record of at least 41 Ringed Plovers, and a Garganey - quite likely the one that was seen last week - at Millfields late morning. Also 8 Wigeon, female Red-crested Pochard, 30 Common Pochard, 3 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, the Marsh Tit still at Sheepwash, a Yellow Wagtail there, and a trickle of Swallows (48), House Martins (5) and a single Sand Martin.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
03/09/2026The 3 juvenile Knot and the Little Stint were again at Sheepwash this morning, although the stint relocated to Stones island mid-morning (per Ant Pooles). 32 Ringed Plovers, 2 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, 5 Dunlin, 4+ Common Sandpipers. Duck included 23 Shoveler, 2 female Red-crested and 40 Common Pochard, and 153 Greylags flew over the dam wall early morning. Great Egret still, and Kingfisher on the dam wall. c150 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall/sailing club.Simon Roddis
02/09/2026Popped back up to Sheepwash this evening: 3 juvenile Knot still, the Little Stint, 35 Ringed Plovers, 5 Dunlin, 9 Snipe, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 553 Teal.Simon Roddis
02/09/2026A very decent morning, mainly at Sheepwash hide because of the weather. Main highlights were 3 juvenile Knot, 2 Whinchats and a juvenile/winter-plumage Black-necked Grebe, with a supporting cast of 12 Ringed Plover, 16 Snipe, 2 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, adult and juvenile Caspian Gull, adult Yellow-legged Gull and Yellow Wagtail. Female Red-crested Pochard off Horseshoe island and 2 Willow Tits on Stones earlier.SJR, AHS, MW
01/09/2026The Little Stint was again off Stones causeway this morning. Totals of 22 Ringed Plover, 4 Greenshank and single Curlew and Ruff (at Sheepwash). There seemed to be far fewer waterfowl to me today, perhaps they've got fed up with the disturbance. Adult Caspian Gull on Sheepwash spit. 1,200 Jackdaws early morning and a total of 19 Ravens (no shortage of corvids at the moment!). Common and Lesser Whitethroats in WLC creek. At least 150 Goldfinches in total.Simon Roddis
31/08/2026Both Little and Tawny Owls were calling in WLC creek first thing this morning. The Little Stint was on Stones island early morning and later at Sheepwash, with 3 Dunlin. 2 Greenshank, 5 Common Sandpiper, 18 Ringed Plovers. Ruff at Sheepwash late am (CA,AHS). 560 Teal. 38 Shoveler (most of them in Brown Ale Bay). 8 Wigeon. 14 Pochard. 200+ Tufted Duck - Clive counted 185 at Millfields alone. Adult Caspian Gull at MIllfields early on, then on Stones. The Great Egret still around sailing club. 4 single Sparrowhawks. Hobby through Sheepwash (AHS). 4 GSWoodpeckers, including one flying up to mob a Raven! 900 Jackdaws over WLC creek early am. Total of 20 Ravens. Willow Tit on Stones. Totals of 74 Swallows and 10 House Martins. Spotted Flycatcher and female/juv Redstart in WLC creek, and another Spot Fly in Brown Ale Bay (AHS). 2 Meadow Pipits over WLC creek, my first here since April.SJR, CA, MW, AHS
30/08/2026Knot and Little Stint again around Watersports/Stones island this morning. 26 Ringed Plovers on Stones. 2 Ruff at Sheepwash. 6 Common Sandpiper. 3 Greenshank. At least 18 Shoveler, 7 Wigeon and 16 Pochard, but sadly the wildfowl were disturbed again by boats way up the reservoir. Great Egret still and Peregrine at Sheepwash. A late Swift flew with Sand Martins over Stones. 2 Willow Tits also on Stones, a flock of 100+ Goldfinches, and Dave H had a Wheatear on the shore.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD, MW
29/08/2026The Knot (on Stones) and at least 1 Little Stint (Stones and Sheepwash) were still at Carsington this morning. Totals of c20 Ringed Plovers, 8 Dunlin, 2 Ruff (Sheepwash), 3 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpipers (Watersports/WLC), 10 Snipe. 518 Canadas and 88 Greylags flew out over the dam wall early morning. Totals of at least 23 Shoveler and 32 Pochard. Adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls at Sheepwash late morning. The Great Egret still. Swallows (24) and House Martins (20) moving again but fewer than yesterday. Yellow Wagtail on Stones.Simon Roddis
28/08/2026Another entertaining morning. The Little Stint was still at Sheepwash and the Knot (probably just one) turned up there after being around Stones island early doors. Other waders included 20+ Lapwing, 12 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, 22 Snipe, 4 Common Sandpiper, 3 Greenshank and 11 Dunlin. A fresh-looking juvenile Marsh Harrier circled the Fishtail creek area from 10:35 to 11:15 at least, at one point playing around with a Common Buzzard. At least 19 Shoveler, could have been more but they kept moving around. 4+ Red-crested Pochard (2m,2 female-types) on the shore below Middle Wood. 6 Wigeon. Adult Caspian Gull on Sheepwash spit. The Great Egret still. Hobby through WLC creek and Peregrine over the north end. Total of 18 Ravens, including a flock of 15 flying SE, escorted off the premises by one of the local birds. At least 40 Swallows and 20 House Martins moving through. 5 Willow Warblers in the Stones to WLC area.Simon Roddis
27/08/2026The Knot and one juvenile Little Stint were on the shore of Stones island early morning, and presumably the same Little Stint later in front of Sheepwash hide. A flock of 11 Turnstones dropped into Sheepwash at 10:35. Totals of at least 9 Ringed Plover, 3 Little Ringed, 6 Common Sandpiper, 2+ Greenshank, 15 Snipe and 9 Dunlin. 14 Shoveler and 17 Pochard. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and Great Egret still. Marsh Tit calling in Sheepwash wood and Reed Warbler in Brown Ale Bay. 50 Goldfinches at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
26/08/2025JB found 2 Little Stints on the dam wall just after 19:00; they flew after about 10 mins but could easily still be around. Turnstone on Horseshoe island (JB) then calling over sailing club bay, perhaps RJL's bird from Sheepwash? And RJL's Garganey still at Lane End at 19:50. Colour-ringed Little Egret at Millfields and a Black-headed Gull 236B on Stones which I think was ringed as a nestling here in 2022. 3 Spotted Flycatchers still actively flycatching near Lane End at 20:20, I could even hear their bills snapping shut. Magical!Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
26/08/2026From Sheepwash early evening: Turnstone; Shoveller (11); Wigeon (1); Caspian Gull (Ad). From Lane End: Garganey (prob Juv.) with Teal flock, Greenshank (2); Dunlin (2); Caspian Gull 1st w; GBBGull (Juv);Richard Lowe
26/08/2026The Knot was still on Stones/Watersports island this morning, though sometimes disappearing from view. Other waders included 8 Ringed and 4 Little Ringed Plovers, Curlew, 18 Snipe, 8 Common Sandpipers, 3 Greenshank and 2+ Dunlin. Female Goldeneye (same as earlier in the summer) in Brown Ale Bay. 7 Shoveler and 7 Wigeon. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 47 Cormorant. Great Egret still and 11+ Little. Hobby over Stones again. 2+ Willow Tits in the Stones to WLC area. 2 Willow Warblers on Stones.SJR, CA, AHS
25/08/2026A Marsh Tit (calling and seen) at Brown Ale Bay this morning was a surprise. A visiting birder reported a winter-plumage Knot on Stones. Other waders included 5 Greenshank, Dunlin, Ruff, at least 4 Ringed and 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 6 Common Sandpipers and 12 Snipe. Totals of 429 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 3 Red-crested and 22 Common Pochard and 612 Coot. Long-stayers included the adult Caspian Gull from Sheepwash hide and the Great Egret at Watersports. 2 Kingfishers in Shiningford creek. A Hobby low over Stones and the Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis
24/08/2026From Lane End hide early evening: Osprey flew south over Dam Wall at 5.55pm causing mass panic in the gull flock on Sailing Club Is.An obvious Juv/1st w Caspian Gull in the gull roost later. GWEgret in front of hide.Richard Lowe
24/08/2026Birds of note from this morning, 16 Snipe, 7+ Common Sandpiper, 4+Greenshank, 8 Ringed Plovers, 1 Ruff, possible Green Sandpiper and Wood Sandpiper in BABay but sun was making observation very difficult, 3 singing Willow Warblers, 1 Caspien Gull at Sheepwash and Great White Egret in Water Sports bay.AHS, CA.
23/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was right up in Shiningford creek this morning; perhaps it has been there for the last couple of days when we haven't seen it. 3 Shoveler at Sheepwash and 3 Red-crested Pochard still. Juvenile Black-tailed Godwit still at sailing club, 4 Greenshank, 10 Snipe, Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover. Great Egret still at Watersports. Hobby over WLC creek. At least 1 Willow Tit on Stones. Warblers included Cetti's still in Hopton reedbed and Whitethroat there, Sedge Warbler on Stones, 3 Willow Warblers. Spotted Flycatcher in Sheepwash carpark.SJR, CA, MW
22/08/2026Best moment of the morning was at 09:51, 18 minutes after Robin Elliott had told me that 4 Turnstones had flown through Ogston Res and were heading in the Carsington direction. Lo and behold, 4 Turnstones flew past Stones island. Marvellous! A close second was a lovely juvenile Sanderling found by Clive on Stones. The juvenile Black-tailed Godwit was still at sailing club, and other waders included single Ruff, Redshank and Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, at least 1 Ringed and 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 6 Snipe and 4 Common Sandpipers. Adult Yellow-legged and Herring Gulls. The Great Egret still and 15 Little. A kettle of birds over the east side included 10 Ravens, 7 Buzzards and 3 Red Kites. Kingfisher and Yellow Wagtail along the dam wall, and another Yellow Wag over Stones. Willow Tits on Stones and in WLC creek. Totals of at least 50 Swallows and 80 House Martins.SJR, CA, MW
21/08/2026Seemed a bit quieter today (21st), certainly fewer waders, although a fresh juvenile Black-tailed Godwit was new. 3 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpipers, 6 Snipe, 2 Ringed and a Little Ringed Plover. 6 Curlew flew W over the WLC. 3 Red-crested Pochard at Sheepwash. 41 Cormorants. The Great Egret still. Single Hobby and Peregrine. Whitethroats at Sheepwash and WLC creek. 2 Spotted Flycatchers in Sheepwash carpark.SJR, AHS, CA, RPJ, AMD
21/08/2026Osprey flew over our heads by wildlife centre late morning. Fantastic it was so close, great view.Alan Ball
20/08/2026The highlight this morning was 2 Cattle Egrets on the shore of Stones island, from 07:30 to 09:30 at least. The Wood Sandpiper was still near the WLC. Not quite so many waders as a few days ago but still 3 Greenshank, 2 Green and 7 Common Sandpipers, 7 Snipe, 3 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plovers and a Dunlin. Female Red-crested Pochard in Brown Ale Bay. 3 Shoveler and 3 Wigeon. The Great Egret still. Hobby past the top of WLC creek and a Redstart still in the fields. Willow Tits in WLC creek and on Stones. Whitethroat on Stones and at least 2 Yellow Wagtails in the area. 175 House Martins, a few Swallows and a late Swift flew W after a heavy shower late morning.Simon Roddis
19/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was again in its favoured area at the Watersports end of Horseshoe island this morning. Totals of 5 Greenshank, 6 Common and 3 Green Sandpipers, 6 Snipe, 27 Lapwing. Juvenile Shelduck on Stones. Adult Common Tern off Lane End. The adult Caspian Gull and Great Egret still. Willow Tit, Reed Warbler and 2 Willow Warblers on Stones. Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
18/08/2026Evening visit: an Osprey circled the Sheepwash area 18:20-18:30. At least 3,500 Lesser Black-backs came into roost by 9pm. Wood Sandpiper, Greenshank, Ringed Plover and 2 Oystercatchers from the dam wall. c500 Jackdaws and 100 Rooks went to roost in Tail Bay.Simon Roddis
18/08/2026Osprey flying over at WLC.Christina Kennedy
18/08/2026Another decent morning, with a total of 11 species of wader, including the Wood Sandpiper still, 6 Green Sandpipers, 3+ Greenshank, 5 Dunlin, 2 Ringed and 2 Little Ringed Plovers, a flyover Golden Plover and an Oystercatcher. 6 Arctic Terns flew through and a juvenile Common lingered for a while. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. Egyptian Goose still, 3 Wigeon off Stones and eclipse male Red-crested Pochard on Horseshoe island. Great Egret still at Watersports. Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed. Willow Tit on Stones and 3 Yellow Wagtails flew S.SJR, AHS, CA
17/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Caspian Gull (2) - Ad and 1st s; YLGull (2) Ads; GBBGull (1) 1st s; Greenshank (2) juvs; Snipe (2); Shoveller (2).Richard Lowe
17/08/2026A Turnstone, Ringed Plover and Greenshank were at the sailing club end of the day wall early morning, and a drake Common Scoter out in the middle. The Wood Sandpiper was still around Horseshoe island and the adult Caspian Gull off Stones. Total of 5 Green Sandpipers. Adult Great Black-backed Gull eating a dead Coot! The Great Egret still off Stones causeway. Kingfisher and Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall. c50 Swallows at the draw-off tower and a total of c120 House Martins there and over Shiningford. Whitethroat at Hopton end and 4 Reed Warblers in different spots.Simon Roddis
15/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: YLGull (2) - Ad plus Juv; GBBGull Ad; GWEgret; Watersports/Wildlife hide: Wood Sandpiper juv; Green Sandpiper (3+), Common Sandpiper (4+); Dunlin (2) juvs; Greenshank (3) juvs; Ruff juv; Snipe (4);Richard Lowe
15/08/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 105 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 21 Mute Swans plus 3 cygnets, 8 Shoveler, 118 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 354 Mallard, 264 Teal, 3 Red-crested Pochard, 6 Pochard, 136 Tufted, 30 Moorhen, 726 Coot, 14 Little Grebe, 47 GCGrebe, 26 Lapwing, 1 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Common, 4 Green and 1 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 1 Ruff, 5 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 27 Cormorant, 12 Little and 1 Great Egret, 9 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher. Plus Cetti's Warbler in Hopton reedbed, Peregrine, Golden Plover (JB) and 2 Black-tailed Godwits (Mike R) over, adult Caspian Gull.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
14/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon of note: Caspian Gull 1st s; YLGull (3) - 2 Ads plus juv; GBBGull 1st s; Pochard (f); GWEgret (1); From Wildlife Hide/Watersports: Yellow Wagtail juv; Dunlin juv; Ruff (2) juvs; Green Sandpiper (3+); Common Sandpiper (4+); Snipe (5); GWEgret (1);Richard Lowe
14/08/2025A Cetti's Warbler was calling in Hopton reedbed first thing (first of the year as far as I'm aware). 5 Green Sandpipers, 2 Ruff, 7 Dunlin and 6 Snipe around Watersports/Horseshoe island. 4 Shoveler and the 2 drake Red-crested Pochard in Brown Ale Bay. Great Egret on the back of Watersports island. Kingfisher and Willow Warbler at Hopton end, and a small trickle of southbound Swallows and House Martins overhead.Simon Roddis
13/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was again between Watersports and the WLC this morning. Total of 8 Green and 4 Common Sandpipers, 2 Greenshank, 2 Ruff, 4 LRP, 6 Dunlin. Egyptian Goose in Brown Ale Bay. Great Egret at Sheepwash. Willow Warbler at Hopton end and juvenile Common Whitethroat on Stones.Simon Roddis
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


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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