Recent Sightings

NameSightingDate
DN, MW, RPJ, AMD,AHSThis morning from Stones Island, 1 Little Egret, 1 Great White Egret, 1 Yellow legged gull, 75 Pink Feet Geese, at least 4 Skylarks over, 1 Dunlin, Oystercatcher still present, Willow tit, groups of Redwings fly down East Bank. From WLC creek, 1 Coot, 1 Redkite, Siskins and Redpolls in the Alder trees.22/10/2025
Dave NewcombeIn addition to Simon's post: 2 Shoveler and 13 Pochard at Millfields. Chiffchaff on Stones island. Ducks counted at Lane End whilst I was sheltering from the rain: 50 Wigeon (exact count), 33 Gadwall. 370 Teal. There were a few more Teal but they got flushed before I could finish. 5 Skylark over SW. From Sheepwash: A break in the weather allowed 4 Buzzards, 2 Red Kites, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk to come out. The latter flushing 25 Redwings on far side. A Common Sand again (maybe a different bird to last week). c25 Linnets. The gull roost held c10'000 birds. Adult Caspian. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. 4 Herring Gulls. 500 Common Gulls by 17.30hrs.20/10/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonA reasonable morning given the conditions, the following all from Sheepwash hide: female Goldeneye (first of the autumn), Common Scoter off Fishtail, presumably the same as yesterday, 2 Dunlin, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 1 Little and 3 Great Egrets, 21 Gadwall, 37 Wigeon, Peregrine, Rock Pipit and a late Wheatear (possibly Greenland?).20/10/2025
SJR, CA, MW, JBIn 2 hours from Stones island this morning, 50 Pink-footed Geese SW, 1,098 Woodpigeons S, 5 Stock and 4 Collared Doves, 16 Golden Plover, 4 Great Egret (3 NE, 1 S), 16 Skylarks, 483 Starling, 739 Redwing, 170 Fieldfare. One drake Common Scoter still off the east side, 30 Pochard, 4 Lapwing, 2 Peregrine, Yellow-legged Gull.19/10/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonBest bird for me this morning was a calling Little Owl, my first there for donkey's years. 4 Common Scoter (2 drakes) were again off Fishtail Creek so perhaps part of yesterday's flock. An hour's vismig from Stones produced 265 Woodpigeons, 260 Starlings, 484 Redwing, 20 Fieldfare and 12 Chaffinch. 28 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at about 09:30. 2 Curlew and a Dunlin flew past Stones, a Ringed Plover was at Sheepwash and the Oystercatcher still on Horseshoe island. Adult Caspian and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls still. c600 Common Gulls departed early morning and 750 Jackdaws noisily left their roost. Female Pintail at Sheepwash.18/10/2025
Simon RoddisAnother 5 Common Scoter (1m, 4 female/juvs) this morning - it's been a good week for them. Female Pintail past Stones. A bit of movement included 68 Woodpigeons, 5 Stock Doves, 10 Skylarks, 31 Starling, 186 Redwing and 17 Fieldfare. Single Redshank and Dunlin, and 2 Snipe. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. c3,000 Black-headed Gulls first thing. Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed, and Crossbill over. Male Stonechat in the overflow carpark. Chiffchaff and Blackcap still on Stones.17/10/2025
Simon RoddisLate afternoon visit: c5,000 Lesser Black-backs had come into the roost by 18:30. Shelduck still at Sheepwash, along with 2 Redshank, adult Caspian Gull, Herring Gull. Also 4 Yellow-legged Gulls and a Dunlin (per RJL). 46 Cormorants. 50 Starlings, presumably going to roost somewhere.16/10/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonClive found this morning's star bird, a juvenile Gannet sitting out on the water, present to midday at least. 6 Common Scoters (an adult drake and 5 lovely barred juveniles) were off the dam wall and a Rock Pipit flew over. A few birds moving, with totals of c650 Redwing in random directions, 80 Fieldfare, 180 Woodpigeons, 11 Stock Doves, 13 Skylarks and 10 Swallows. Adult Caspian Gull still and 2 adult Yellow-legs. Single Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Ringed Plover and Dunlin. Drake Pintail off Lane End and at least 18 Pochard. Total of at least 90 Siskin.15/10/2025
Simon RoddisA flock of 22 Common Scoters (7 males, 15 females) was between Stones island and Millfields this morning. Total of 134 Redwing through. 9 Coot, more than double the number on the WeBS count on Sunday! 64 Wigeon, 200 Teal and a Dunlin in front of Lane End hide, plus the adult Caspian Gull snaffling multiple crayfish of the invasive Signal variety. At Hopton end first thing, the Cetti's Warbler (actually seen!) and 4 calling Tawny Owls. c60 Siskin in WLC creek.14/10/2025
Dave NewcombeIn addition to Simon's post. 4 Little Egrets. 115 Greylags. 17 Wigeon. 6 Gadwall. 3 Pochard. 3 Ringed Plover on the dam. 22 Skylarks SW including a flock of 16. c30 Linnets on stones island then presumably the same flock at Sheepwash. A few Redwing calling through the gloom at Millfields first thing and 10+ in Sheepwash woods. At Sheepwash: 2 Dunlin. A late Common Sandpiper. Adult Caspian Gull. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 225 Common Gulls. The roost held in excess of 2'000+ each of both BHG and LBBG.13/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe first Fieldfare of the autumn was on Stones island this morning, and at least 2 more in WLC creek. At least 20 Redwing there too. At one point there were 5 species of thrush in one tree (sadly no Ring Ouzel). Cetti's Warbler and Water Rail still in Hopton reedbed. The Oystercatcher and adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 3 Little Egrets flew in and landed below the dam wall.13/10/2025
Simon RoddisMonthly wildfowl count: 240 Canada, 195 Greylags, 3 Mute Swans, 9 Gadwall, 24 Wigeon, 143 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 162 Teal, 3 Pochard, 110 Tufted, 5 Moorhen, 4(!) Coot, 6 Little Grebe, 38 Great Crests, 1 Oystercatcher, 31 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher. (Compare those numbers with last month, the low water level clearly proved too much for a lot of birds.) Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed. 50 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 10:18. 12+ Crossbills over Hall Wood. Seem to be more Blackbirds around, at least 10 on Stones.12/10/2025
Simon RoddisA Brambling was among the Linnets, Goldfinches and Meadow Pipits on Watersports island this morning. c2,500 Black-headed Gulls from Millfields first thing, and a flock of 21 Ravens flew E. The Great Egret, Oystercatcher, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still present. 2 redhead Goosander.11/10/2025
Dave Armitt5 Grey Heron, 19 Cormorant, 8 Pochard, 4 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 2 Raven, 2 Jay, 30 Meadow Pipit, 40 Goldfinch, 1 Great White Egret , 1 Peregrine, 1 Red Kite,4 Greylag10/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cetti's Warbler was still in Hopton reedbed this morning. 140 Pink-footed Geese flew E at 10:28. 3 Pintail still. 2 redhead Goosander. c4,000 Lesser Black-backs and 370 Common Gulls flew out over WLC creek early morning. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. Great Egret at sailing club. 2 Stonechats in Tail Bay. Totals of 7 Skylark, 6 Chiffchaff, 30 Starling SW, 14 Bullfinch (8 at Penn Carr), 35 Goldfinch, 20 Siskin, 2 Crossbill.10/10/2025
Simon RoddisA pretty decent morning. A Cetti's Warbler was singing in Hopton reedbed early on, with Water Rail also calling there and Crossbill and a redhead Goosander over. 2 Whooper Swans, the Grey Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Pintail, adult Caspian Gull and Great Egret were on the shore off Lane End/Sheepwash. 48 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 08:30. The Oystercatcher was still at Watersports and 6 Lapwing, 6 Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin at sailing club. Male Peregrine on his favourite pylon. 18 Skylarks included a flock of 13 S. Stonechat and Wheatear at the sailing club end of the dam wall.08/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe Grey Plover and Black-tailed Godwit were still at Lane End this morning, and 4 Ringed Plover there and later at sailing club. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls. 115 Common Gulls flew out early morning. 3 Pintail. 2 Pochard. 2 Great Egrets at Watersports, but only 1 Little Egret. Totals of 6 Collared Doves, 9 Skylarks, 6 Greenfinch, 20 Linnets, 16 Redpoll and 65 Siskin. Roger and Alison had 10 Whooper Swans fly SE early on.07/10/2025
Dave NewcombeA Marsh Harrier (looked like a juvenile) came over from the east and continued west with several Gulls giving it some attention. 4 Red Kites. One over hall wood, and another 3 first appeared over Millfields before slowly drifting north towards hopton end. Peregrine. Kestrel. 3 Buzzards and a female Sparrowhawk enjoying the warm autumn sunshine. The 6 Whooper Swans were still viewable from Sheepwash at 18.30. 13 Linnets on the dam wall.06/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe Grey Plover was still between Sheepwash and Lane End this morning, and the Little Stint at sailing club. 6 Whooper Swans arrived mid-morning (apparently as a 4 and a 2). Long-stayers included the Great Egret, Oystercatcher and adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls. A bit of movement included (mostly in an hour on Hays Lane) 55 Chaffinch, 12 Crossbills, 7 Redpoll, 16 Siskin, 41 Meadow Pipits, 12 Skylarks, 13 Woodpigeon and 7 Stock Dove. 3 Pintail. Total of 10 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover and the Black-tailed Godwit also reportedly still here. At Hopton end first thing, 2 calling Tawny Owls and Water Rail.06/10/2025
Gary AtkinsSpecies recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Robin, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Great Egret, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Kestrel, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Little Grebe, Gt Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, Blackbird, Goldfinch, Long-tailed Tit, Willow Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coot05/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe juvenile Grey Plover (found by Richard L at Sheepwash yesterday) was at Lane End this morning and the Little Stint again at sailing club. Other waders were single Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Little Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit and Green Sandpiper (again at WLC), 4 Dunlin and 5 Ringed Plovers. 68 Wigeon. 5 Pintail. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Great Egret still. Wheatear below the dam wall (sailing club end, found by Mike R).05/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe juvenile Little Stint was again at the sailing club end of the dam wall this morning, along with the 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plover. Oystercatcher still at Watersports and Black-tailed Godwit at Lane End. Rock Pipit(s?) flew over Stones island and the dam wall. Juvenile Common Tern and Great Egret still. c100 Common Gulls off Sheepwash first thing. 70 Meadow Pipits, 80 Goldfinch and 2 Snipe at WLC. 40 Siskins over the main carpark.03/10/2025
Simon RoddisA juvenile Little Stint was at sailing club this morning; it later flew towards Millfields with 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plover. A Green Sandpiper was at the WLC and the Black-tailed Godwit still at Lane End. Nice juvenile-type Wheatear on the dam wall. Great Egret, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls all still present.02/10/2025
Simon RoddisSeveral late/long-stayers were still around this morning: Great Egret, Black-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, Common Tern. Finally caught up with 2 Stonechats from Sheepwash hide. At Lane End, 450 Teal, 3 Pintail and 21 Wigeon.01/10/2025
Simon RoddisA Rock Pipit flew S over Stones causeway at 09:55, typical autumn date. Off Stones island first thing, 2,000 Black-headed and 75 Common Gulls. Just 2 Pintail this morning, and 35 Wigeon. Long-stayers included the Great Egret, Common Tern, Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin. 12 Skylarks over. c60 Linnets at sailing club and 10 Redpoll in WLC creek.30/09/2025
Dave NewcombeIn addition to Simon's earlier post. No sign of the recent Cattle Egret in its usual spots, despite several observers on site. 8 Grey Herons. 16 Pintail. 5 at Lane End + the 11 Simon found earlier. 3 Shoveler. Just 3 Lapwings. Peregrine and Red Kite at Sheepwash. A single Snipe there was hunkered down and seemingly invisible to the above Peregrine c20 yards away. The Snipe then took off and the Peregrine gave chase. Outcome unknown. 4 Stonechats at Sheepwash around the large boulders. Still 5 Chiffchaff including one in song. Kingfisher at Paul Stanley. The gull roost held 4'500 possibly 5'000 LBB Gulls. Adult Caspian Gull. 2 adult YLGulls. I was counting Common Gulls on the point to the right of Sheepwash. I got to 66 when they all took off. Numbers probably exceeded over 100. Not many BHGulls in.29/09/2025
Simon RoddisBird of the morning was a juvenile Black Tern which Dave Newcombe found off Millfields, still there to 09:00 at least. Juvenile Common Tern still too. 2 Redwing, Water Rail and Crossbill at Hopton reedbed early morning. 11 Pintail off Stones and 42 Wigeon at Sheepwash. Black-tailed Godwit again between Sheepwash and Lane End, and 6 Ringed, juvenile Little Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin at sailing club. Great Egret still. 14 Common Gulls. 2 Willow Tits on Stones and 18+ Skylarks over, including a flock of 12 S. Wheatear on the dam wall. 8+ Redpoll.29/09/2025
Dave ArmittEarly afternoon visit 20 Meadow Pipit,8 little Grebe, 3 Grey Heron,1 Great White Egret, 50 Pied Wagtail, 1 Cattle Egret between sailing club and visitor centre catching insects, 3 Dunlin, 3 LRP, 2 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Garganey Wildlife Centre bay amongst the Mallards28/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret was still around Watersports this morning, plus a Great and 6 Little Egrets elsewhere around the res. The first Redwing of the autumn, plus 4 Crossbills, 4 Skylarks and a redhead Goosander, flew over Stones island. 7 Ringed Plover, juvenile Little Ringed and a Dunlin at sailing club and the Oystercatcher still at Watersports. c1,000 Jackdaws out of their roost early morning, 200 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall and a total of 30+ Siskins.27/09/2025
Neil Moulden (NJM)Cattle Egret still present, 3 Common Scoter off Stones Island at 10.20 hrs, 9 Ringed Plover and 5 Dunlin at Sailing Club.25/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Little Stint was still present this morning, initially at Millfields then flying to sailing club. The Cattle Egret was again around Watersports and adult Caspian Gull on the shore at Lane End. 3 Dunlin and 9 Ringed Plovers. Single Oystercatcher and Common Tern still. Tawny Owl and Kingfisher at Millfields first thing. Willow Tits on Stones and in WLC creek. Wheatear on the dam wall. Total of at least 100 Meadow Pipits. Redpolls over Stones and WLC creek.22/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret and Oystercatcher were at Watersports again early morning. At Millfields, 14 Ringed Plover, 6 Dunlin, Great Egret and Yellow Wagtail. Peregrine on pylon beyond WLC creek. At Sheepwash, single Red-crested Pochard and Pintail, 35 Wigeon, 25 Pochard and adult Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls.20/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret and Oystercatcher were still at Watersports this morning (and presumably the same Oystercatcher later at Millfields with 4 Dunlin and 15 Ringed Plover, per CA). Less movement than I'd have expected: 30 Swallows, 16 House Martins, 63 Meadow Pipits, 20 Linnet, 48 Siskin and a Redpoll. Mistle Thrush singing at Sheepwash.19/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret was again at Watersports early this morning. Vismig 0630-0900: 1 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 133 Swallows, 15 House Martins, 2 Grey Wagtails, 217 Meadow Pipits, 5 Chaffinch and 16 Siskin, all S or SW. 6 Pintail, 3 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers and adult Caspian Gull at Sheepwash. 15 Ringed Plovers at Millfields.18/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret was feeding on Watersports island early afternoon. 5 Pintail, 3 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, single Common and Herring Gulls and 3 Yellow-legs at Sheepwash. 7 Ringed Plovers at Millfields. 2 Yellow Wagtails (Sheepwash and Millfields).17/09/2025
Simon RoddisEvening visit: 5,250 Lesser Black-backed Gulls came in to roost. 37 Barnacle Geese at Sheepwash (the feral flock returns!). Hobby over sailing club at dusk. 1 Ruff. 100 Swallows. The Cattle Egret reportedly still present.16/09/2025
Simon RoddisYesterday's Cattle Egret was at sailing club late morning, feeding well. Looked much happier than it did yesterday! A mobile female Common Scoter landed in front of Sheepwash early morning but flew to Fishtail and then towards the dam wall. 105 Greylags, 6 Pintail still and one female Red-crested Pochard. 1 Curlew flew N. Adult Caspian Gull from Lane End hide. Yellow Wagtail at sailing club.16/09/2025
Simon RoddisA site record 970 Teal this morning, over 900 of them at Millfields alone. Other duck included 7 Pintail, at least 18 Shoveler and 26 Wigeon, and a female Red-crested Pochard. 10 redhead Goosander flew up the res early morning. 76 Greylags. 18 Ringed Plovers (most of them juvs) at Millfields late morning. The juvenile Oystercatcher still, 2 Ruff and a Common Sandpiper. Adult Caspian Gull still. 50+ House Martins flew through. 70+ Meadow Pipits. First Redpoll of the autumn over Sheepwash. Clive had a Whinchat at sailing club mid-morning until it was flushed.14/09/2025
Neil Moulden (NJM)Osprey from Sheepwash Hide at 17.20 hours for 10 minutes before flying off towards the dam.12/09/2025
Simon RoddisAround 700 Teal were at Millfields this morning, plus the 6 Pintail and 11 Ringed Plovers. Oystercatcher still on Horseshoe island, 1 Snipe, 1 Ruff and 2 Common Sandpipers. 2 juvenile Common Terns still. 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Great Egret still. A bit of movement, with a total of 68 Meadow Pipits, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 20 Siskin, 4 Linnet and 3 Crossbills.13/09/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonNo sign of the ibises or yesterday's Manx Shearwater this morning. 33 Shoveler, 31 Wigeon and 3 Pintail at Sheepwash. Total of 6 Ringed and 4 Little Ringed Plovers. 1 Common Sandpiper and 2 Ruff. 2 juvenile Common Terns. Great Egret still. Pair of Peregrines playing with a Buzzard. 2 Willow Tits on Stones. Female/juv Wheatear at sailing club.12/09/2025
Dave Newcombe/Chris BrownManx Shearwater found on water at Sheepwash c17.50hrs. It was drifting and doing some flapping but was still present from Sheepwash car park c19.15 per Clive Ashton.11/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe 2 Glossy Ibises were still in front of Sheepwash hide this morning. 6 Pintail. 1 Red-crested Pochard. Single Ringed plover and Ruff. 3 probable Black-tailed Godwits briefly over Stones. Great Egret on Horseshoe island. Adult and juvenile Common Terns and 2 juvenile Arctics.10/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe 2 Glossy Ibises were still at Sheepwash this evening. 21 Wigeon. Ruff and Black-tailed Godwit from Sheepwash hide. c4,000 Lesser Black-backs came in to roost by 8pm. Adult Caspian, 5 Yellow-legged, 2 Common and 500 Black-headed Gulls.09/09/2025
Simon RoddisCarsi joined in the Glossy Ibis fun this morning, with 2 from Sheepwash hide, looking fairly settled to 11:00 at least. Earlier on, 507 Pied (site record) and 1 Yellow Wagtail left their roost on Watersports island. Supporting cast of 3 Shelduck, 4 Pintail, 7 Wigeon, 2+ Red-crested Pochard, 8 Lapwing and 2 Ruff at Sheepwash, Redshank at sailing club and Greenshank over WLC creek, 2 Common Terns and 23 Little Egrets.08/09/2025
Amanda PalethorpeBird walk for beginners. House sparrow, great egret, little egret, cormorant, mute swan, Canada goose, great crested grebe, black-headed gull, pied wagtail, carrion crow, buzzard, lesser black-backed gull, red kite, chiffchaff, goldfinch , swallow, oystercatcher, common gull, greylag goose, blue tit, great tit, coot, moorhen, woodpigeon, gadwall, greenfinch, long-tailed tit, robin, little grebe, mallard, tufted duck07/09/2025
Simon Roddis, Jon BradleyMonthly wildfowl count: 87 Canada, 89 Greylags, 21 Mute Swan plus 4 cygnets, 1 Shelduck, 40 Shoveler, 66 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 380 Mallard, 518 Teal, 3 Red-crested Pochard, 84 Common Pochard, 236 Tufted, 1,343 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 29 Little Grebe, 36 GCGrebe, 5 Ringed and 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 1 Dunlin, 2 Common Terns, 64 Cormorants, 21 Little and 1 Great Egret, 10 Herons. 7 Curlew flew W.07/09/2025
Richard LoweOf special note from Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Garganey (1) with Teal just off the shoreline in front of the hide; Pintail (2); YLGull (4) ads; GBBGull (1) ad; Common Gull (1) ad;06/09/2025
Simon RoddisA steady morning, but nothing exceptional. Wildfowl included 760 Canadas, 59 Greylags, 22 Mute Swans plus 4 cygnets, 1 Shelduck, 15 Shoveler, 380 Teal, 1 Red-crested Pochard and 34 Common Pochard. The Great Egret still. Kingfisher on the dam wall and Peregrine on pylon beyond WLC creek. Total of 9 Jays. At least 60 Swallows and 50 House Martins. Yellow Wagtail over Millfields. Totals of c35 Siskin and 200 Goldfinch.06/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe ringed Osprey was around again this morning, seen by Clive early on at Sheepwash and presumably the same bird later flying down the reservoir. At least 2 Pintail still, the juvenile Shelduck, 4 Red-crested Pochard and 400+ Teal at Millfields. Waders included 4 Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Ruff and 2 Greenshank. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 22 Little Egrets. Kingfisher below Middle Wood. Hirundines included a minimum of 85 Swallows and 100 House Martins. Reed Warbler still in Hopton reedbed and 2 Lesser Whitethroats in WLC fields. 1 Yellow Wagtail over and 18 Meadow Pipits heading south.05/09/2025


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
10/05/2022Evening walk round 8 Oystercatcher, 9 Chiffchaff, 1 Buzzard, 30 Sand martin,1 Peregrine, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Redshank, 1 Heron, 1 Wigeon, 2 Lapwing, 1 Kestrel, 1 Pink - Footed Goose with Canada geese ,1 Tawny Owl. Blue tits in nest box 79David Armitt
10/05/2022Highlight this morning was 3 Sanderling on sailing club shore, first seen in flight around 07:00, still present 09:45. A summer plumage Dunlin sang briefly off Stones causeway. Drake Wigeon again at WLC and adult Med Gull at Millfields island. 1 Common Tern. 13 Swifts. 8 Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks and a Peregrine. Pied Flycatcher again singing in Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
08/05/2022New broods of Canada and Greylag, and 2 of Mallard. 2 Red-legged Partridge near Penn Carr (first of the year). 4 Swifts from Stones island. Oystercatcher taking food onto Shiningford island, so presumably a new brood of chicks on there. 3 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed. Pied Flycatcher singing in Hall Wood. 1 Yellow Wag on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
07/05/2022No sign of the GNDiver this morning (but I said that once before...). A female Bar-tailed Godwit and Whimbrel on sailing club shore early morning and Dunlin again on Watersports island. 2 imm male Goldeneye at Millfields. 2 Arctic Terns past Stones at 09:00. 11 sedge Warblers, including 1 singing in Millfields carpark.Simon Roddis
06/05/2022The GNDiver was on the water early morning but last seen in flight 07:30. 6 Shelduck flew in mid-morning. Oystercatchers still with at least 2 chicks on Horseshoe island. Summer plumage Dunlin on Watersports island. 45 Carrion Crows in the dam wall fields. Pair of Raven feeding 2 fledged young.Simon Roddis
05/05/2022Couldn't see the GNDiver this morning so I guess it has flown. Drake Wigeon at Shiningford and pair of Teal at Sheepwash. Brood of 4 Coot chicks off Stones causeway. 4 Common Sandpipers. 3 Common Gulls. 2 Sparrowhawks including one bathing at the edge of the water at Shiningford. Lesser Whitethroat singing at Hopton end. 2 singing Pied Flycatchers and 6 singing Redstarts in the Hopton end/Hall and Middle Woods area.Simon Roddis
04/05/2022An Osprey fished over the res 11:05 to 11:15 this morning, my first ever here in May. The GNDiver flew around for a while, called a couple of times, but was back on the water late morning. A bit of movement but not as much as I'd hoped for in the conditions: single Bar-tailed Godwit (female), Turnstone, Whimbrel, Common and Arctic Terns. Adult Med Gull again at Millfields island. Not quite so many hirundines as yesterday but still c200 Sand Martins, 50 Swallows and 20 House Martins. Tree Sparrow with food near WLC.Simon Roddis
03/05/2022A nice bit of movement this morning: 10 Arctic Terns, 6 Ringed Plover, 4 Turnstone, 2 Dunlin, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Whimbrel. A Green Sandpiper on sailing club shore later also flew N. The GNDiver close to Stones island, resplendent in its pristine breeding plumage. Pair of Mandarins at Lane End. 1 Swift from Stones, plus c300 Sand Martins, 100 Swallows and 50 House Martins. Now 2 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
02/05/2022After spending a long time way across towards Millfields, the GNDiver obligingly came close to Stones island late morning. 6 Arctic Terns (1,3 and 2) through. 2 male Goosander flew N. A Peregrine pylon-hopping at the top of WLC creek. Fewer hirundines but still c50 Sand Martins, 25 Swallows and 5 House Martins. Male Common Whitethroat (at last!) in WLC creek and Lesser White still singing there.Simon Roddis
01/05/2022Sightings for Bird Watching for Beginners walk. Canada Goose; Greylag Goose; Mallard; Coot; Tufted Duck; Oystercatcher; Little Grebe; Great Crested Grebe; Black Headed Gull; Common Gull; House Sparrow; Pied Wagtail; Swallow; Sand Martin; Willow Warbler; Garden Warbler; Chiffchaff; Blackcap; Wren; Woodpigeon; Pochard; Willow tit; Blue Tit; Reed Bunting; Blckbird; Goldfinch; Sedge Warbler; Carrion Crow; Redshank; Cormorant. 33 speciesDavid Bennett (Back out of retirement)
01/05/2022The GNDiver kept its distance from Stones island this morning, but still present along the east side. At least 3 Arctic Terns from Stones mid/late morning. 4 Pochard (3m,1f) off Shiningford and a drake Goosander past Stones. Broods of 9 Mallard ducklings on Stones and 10 in WLC creek. 1 Curlew at sailing club early morning. 2 Common Sandpiper. The adult Med Gull at Millfields island. Lots of hirundines: c300 Sand Martins, 100 Swallows and 20 House Martins. 2 Yellow Wag (dam wall and over Stones).Simon Roddis
30/04/20226 Sedge Warbler,4 Oystercatcher, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 11 Cormorant, 15 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Chiffchaff, Great Northern Diver,4 Moorhen , 2 Song Thrush, 6 Goldfinch, 3 Wren, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap,1 Reed Bunting, 1 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 2 Little GrebeDavid Armitt
30/04/2022The GNDiver still off Stones island this morning. Pair of Shelduck and pair of Mandarin from Stones. Sub-adult female Caspian Gull and a first-summer presumed Caspian making as if to mate on a buoy until they were chucked off by a Cormorant! A new Reed Warbler singing in WLC creek. Treecreeper with food at Lane End.Simon Roddis
29/04/2022Perimeter count this morning: 6(5 singing) Stock Dove, 3 GSWoodpecker, 7 Jay, 83 Blue Tit, 41(29) Great Tit, 22(21) Willow Warbler, 90(77) Chiffchaff, 10 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed, 85(72) Blackcap, 9 Garden, 5 Lesser White, 131(125) Wren, 37(25) Song Thrush, 12 Mistle, 104(42) Blackbird, 88(58) Robin, 4 Pied Fly, 12 Redstart, 24(17) Dunnock, 28(20) Chaffinch, 11 Bullfinch, 29 Goldfinch. In addition, the first Swift of the year over Stones (thanks Roger), 5 Arctic Terns N at 09:08, the GNDiver still, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Goldeneye (2 imm male, 2 female), pair of Teal, Lapwing displaying over Horseshoe island, 1 Yellow Wag N over Stones.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
28/04/20222 singing male Pied Flycatchers this morning, one in Hall Wood in the area where they bred last year, and one just S of Middle Wood. The GNDiver still, flew again. 2 imm male Goldeneye still. Single Curlew and Dunlin; 2 Common Sandpiper along Stones causeway. The adult Med Gull still at Millfields island. At least 100 Sand Martins, 40 Swallows, 5 House Martins. Totals of 8 Sedge Warblers, 6 Garden, 1 Lesser White, 4 Redstart. 1 Yellow Wag N over Stones. Fledged Song Thrush on Stones and Blackbird in WLC creek. My first 80 species haul of the year.Simon Roddis
27/04/2022The GNDiver again off Stones this morning and a female Common Scoter off Watersports. Single Snipe and Common Sand again, and the adult Med Gull again at Millfields island. Male Kestrel flew twice to the east side carrying prey. Total of 5 Skylarks. At least 100 Sand Martins, 50 Swallows and 10 House Martins. 4 singing Garden Warblers. Blackbird fledglings on Stones and at Hopton end. Male Yellow Wag on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
26/04/2022The GNDiver was still off Stones island this morning. An adult Kittiwake at sailing club, later flew N over Stones. 3 Arctic Terns hanging around. Brood of 9 Greylag goslings at Shiningford. Pair of Teal again in Brown Ale Bay. Common Sandpiper at Watersports. Lots of hirundines again, 100+ Sand Martins, 30+ Swallows, handful of House Martins. Garden Warbler (my first of the year) singing on Stones causeway, along with a Reed Warbler. 2 Yellow Wagtails, one each on Stones and Horseshoe islands.Simon Roddis
25/04/2022The GNDiver flew around for several minutes this morning before coming back down and sleeping. An Arctic Tern from Stones 08:00-11:00 at least. 6 Shelduck (pair on the water early morning then flew N; another 4 flew through to N). 1 Pink-footed Goose. Drake Mandarin flew out of Millfields. 1 Snipe at WLC and 1 Curlew through. c100 Sand Martins, 30 Swallows and 10+ House Martins. 10 Sedge Warblers singing in the Stones area, plus a Lesser Whitethroat on Stones and a Yellow Wag over. Treecreeper with food near WLC.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
24/04/2022The GNDiver again off Stones island, Lesser Whitethroat singing at the top of WLC creek and the adult Mediterranean Gull again at Millfields island. 2 imm male Goldeneye at Sheepwash. 5 Redstarts singing between Hopton end and Middle Wood. Brood of 6 Greylags at Middle Wood and Chiffchaff nest-building on Stones.Simon Roddis
23/04/2022This morning's highlights were the GNDiver off Stones island, 4 Ruff flew E, a summer-plumage male Bar-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe island, drake Goosander and a Lesser Whitethroat singing at the top of WLC creek. Song Thrush nest-building at Penn Carr, Blackbird with food near the main centre.Simon Roddis
22/04/2022On and around Stones island this morning, 3 Arctic Terns N at 11:22, a lingering Common Tern, the GNDiver still, 3 Whimbrel past N at 07:50, drake Mandarin, and a female Brambling late morning.Simon Roddis
21/04/2022The GNDiver was right over towards Fishtail Creek late morning, and a Black-tailed Godwit at sailing club 08:30.Simon Roddis
20/04/2022The GNDiver out in the middle this morning, looking fairly smart now. 4 Goldeneye. 1 Common Sandpiper. 3 GSWoodpecker in Hall Wood. Peregrine again (third day on the trot). A Grasshopper Warbler singing on Watersports island, one Reed Warbler still in Hopton reedbed and 5 Sedge again around Stones.Simon Roddis
19/04/2022A quieter morning, but the GNDiver was still off Stones and my first Common Tern of the year. The bizarre Jay goings-on continue: total of 8, including 1 S over Stones and the dam wall, and 4 dropped into Middle Wood from the south. Very strange!Simon Roddis
18/04/2022Most frustrating sighting of the year so far: a ringtail harrier, probably Pallid or Montagu's, flew N over the res just before 08:30, last seen disappearing behind Carsington Pastures. Slim shape, long, narrow, relatively pointed wings, didn't feel bulky enough for Hen. Hey ho. The GNDiver off Stones island still. I think it's safe to say that the Red-necked Grebes have gone now - last seen on 15th as far as I'm aware. First Reed Warbler of the year singing in Hopton reedbed. Sub-adult Yellow-legged Gull. A distant Peregrine. 5 Sedge Warblers singing around Stones and 5 singing Redstarts, 4 in Middle/Hall Woods, 1 in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
18/04/20222 Little Egret, 6 Chiffchaff, 8 Oystercatcher, GN Diver of water sports island,6 Gadwall, 1 Teal, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Willow Tit, 6 Barnacle Goose, 4 Wren, 2 Bullfinch, 6 Starlings, 4 Sedge Warbler, 18 Cormorant, 2 Redshank, 60 Sand martin, 2 Blackcap, 1 Common sandpiper, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Little Ringed ploverDavid Armitt
17/04/20221 Whimbrel on the grass left of the Visitor Centre first thing this morning looking out over the res. 3 Pied wagtail, 5 Oystercatcher, 4 Reed Bunting,4 Sedge Warbler, 2 Gadwall, 4 Wren, 10 Cormorant, 20 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Mute Swan,9 Chiffchaff, 8 Greylag Goose, 4 Blackcap, 4 Bullfinch, 1 Kestrel, 1 Great Black-backed GullDavid Armitt
16/04/2022Monthly WeBS count: 135 Canada Geese, 8 Barnacle, 45 Greylag, 8 Mute Swan, 27 Gadwall, 63 Mallard, 2 Teal, 66 Tufted, 2 Goldeneye, 10 Moorhen, 78 Coot, 13 LGrebe, 71 GCGrebe, 12 Oystercatcher, 12 Redshank, 18 Cormorant. Couldn't find the Red-necked Grebes. Additionally, the adult Med Gull again, total of 13 Jays (unusually obvious at the moment), 4 Redstart (3 in/around Hall Wood, 1 in WLC fields), first Mallard brood (8-9) at Millfields, first Greylag brood at WLC.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
15/04/2022The GNDiver is colouring up nicely now, well marked on its upperparts and getting darker around the head. The adult Med Gull again at Millfields island. 1 Wigeon at Sheepwash. Common Sandpiper at sailing club. 4 Sedge Warblers again singing around Stones. 3 Redstart: pair in WLC fields and one singing at Shiningford.Simon Roddis
14/04/20222 Black Terns off Millfields Adult Med Gull in gull colony Millfields 1 Red Kite over visitor Centre 1 Great Northern Diver 2 Red-necked GrebesSteve, Tracy and Alex Mann
13/04/2022A decent morning: Richard Pittam found an Osprey early morning which hung around for a couple of hours, the 2 Red-necked Grebes and the GNDiver still, Ringed Plover still, total of 6 Jays, 2 Skylarks singing along the dam wall, c200 Sand Martins around Stones, 20 Swallows and 3 House Martins, 2 Sedge Warbler still on Stones, a Redstart (first of the year) singing at Hopton end, 3 Wheatears (female on a raft off Watersports and 2 first-summer males on the dam wall) and 1 White Wagtail at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
11/04/2022A bit more spring action this morning, with 2 Sedge Warblers singing on Stones island and causeway, and 2 Sandwich Terns flew S past Stones at 07:50. Plenty of hirundines at last: c100 Sand Martins, 20 Swallows and 1 House Martin. The 2 Red-necked Grebes and the GNDiver still present. 1 Dunlin on the dam wall, the Ringed Plover still and a Common Sand on Stones. 10 GBbGulls. 55 Carrion Crows on the dam wall and nearby fields early morning.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
11/04/2022Highlight this morning was a flock of 9 Little Gulls (7 adults, some showing a beautiful pink flush to the underparts, and 2 first-summers) at Millfields, 09:40 to 10:25, before they left E. And finally a few hirundines: at least 12 Sand Martins, 6 Swallows and 2 House Martins. The 2 Red-necked Grebes and GNDiver still. 11 Barnacles, 1 Pink-foot and 1 Ringed Plover again. 6 Willow Warblers.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
10/04/2022My first Common Sandpiper of the year was on Stones island this morning. The 2 Red-necked Grebes still off Lane End and the GNDiver from Stones. An adult Whooper Swan with a yellow ring on its left leg flew out at 08:20. 11 Barnacle Geese. 3 Shoveler (2m,1f) at WLC. The Ringed Plover still. 54 Carrion Crows on the dam wall and nearby fields early morning. Pair of Mistle Thrushes with food near PS hide. 7 Redwing N. Not a single hirundine - madness!Simon Roddis
09/04/2022The 2 Red-necked Grebes still off Lane End early morning and the GNDiver off Stones island. 2 Willow Warblers singing on Stones. 2 Shelduck, left to SE at 07:15. 8 Goldeneye. Ringed Plover again at sailing club. 5 Curlew early morning. 3 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end early morning. 66 Fieldfare flew N.Simon Roddis
08/04/2022Red Kite over fields adjacent to Fish Tail Creek.Robert Smith
08/04/2022The 2 Red-necked grebes again off Lane End early morning, then went out towards the east side. The GNDiver off Stones, now showing quite a bit of white spotting on its upperparts. Female Wheatear on the dam wall. Meadow Pipits on the move: 444 NW in an hour between 8 and 9am. 1 Ringed Plover at sailing club. 3 Sparrowhawks and 8 Buzzards in the air. Skylark singing over the dam wall. 3 Sand Martins and 1 Swallow.Simon Roddis
07/04/2022House Martin (1) and at least 6 Swallows seen from Lane End Hide mid-afternoon; Red-necked Grebe (1) and GN Diver still present.Richard Lowe
06/04/2022All this morning. Red-necked Grebe from Lane End hide. Great Northern Diver close in to Stones Island and my first Willow Warbler of the year singing on the causeway to Stones. Ringed Plover on Sailing Club shore and a Little Egret mobile.Roger Carrington
04/04/2022The Red-necked Grebes were within a few feet of Lane End hide first thing this morning, pity the light was rubbish. One of them caught a fish which I think was a Ruffe. The GNDiver was between Stones and Millfields and 1 Swallow flew past the main centre. Otherwise grey and damp.Simon Roddis
03/04/2022Species noted during the monthly 'Birdwatching for Beginners' walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): Song Thrush, House Sparrow, Tufted Duck, Pied Wagtail, Great Northern Diver, Blackbird, Woodpigeon, Black-headed Gull, Chiffchaff, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe, Ringed Plover, Long-tailed Tit, Willow Tit, Greylag Goose, Redshank, Cormorant, Goldfinch, Canada Goose, Wren, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Dunnock, Robin, Bullfinch, Blackcap, Blue Tit, Moorhen, Buzzard, Gadwall, Little Grebe, Shoveler (pair), Great Tit, Mute Swan, Pink-footed Goose, Tree Sparrow, Reed Bunting, Jackdaw, Grey Wagtail, Goldeneye and Carrion CrowGary Atkins
03/04/2022A flock of 30 Whooper Swans (14 adults, 16 immatures) was off Sheepwash at 06:45 and departed W at 08:30, and an adult Kittiwake was off Stones island, along with the GNDiver. The 2 Red-necked Grebes still off Lane End. 82 GCGrebes. 12 Wigeon acting like migrants, sitting out in the middle, and a pair of Shoveler at the WLC. Kingfisher at Millfields. 5 Sand Martins.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
02/04/2022Mediterranean Gull 2nd winter off Lane End Hide at 3.30pm, then flew towards Sheepwash.Richard Lowe
02/04/2022Both Red-necked grebes off Lane End this morning and the GNDiver off Watersports, quite close to the main centre. 8 Wigeon and 9+ Teal. Ringed Plover again at sailing club. Kingfisher below Middle Wood. 5 Sand Martins through. 32 Redwing N and 18 Fieldfare NW.Simon Roddis
01/04/2022One Red-necked Grebe off Lane End this morning, and the GNDiver off Stones. A Black-tailed Godwit flew N at 07:40 and the Ringed Plover again on sailing club shore. 13 Oystercatchers. 2 ad GBbGulls, including Onefoot.Simon Roddis
31/03/2022The GNDiver off Stones again this morning and the 2 Red-necked Grebes out in the middle between Lane End and Sheepwash. 1 Pink-footed Goose. The male Shoveler still. Ringed Plover at sailing club. A Little Egret near Paul Stanley hide (also seen there yesterday by Roger C) was my first ever here in March. Totals of 350 Redwing NE, 44 Pied Wagtails (couldn't turn any of them into Whites) and 29 Meadow Pipits (both the latter mainly around sailing club and on the dam wall).Simon Roddis
30/03/2022The 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End and the GNDiver and a drake Common Scoter off Stones this morning. The male Shoveler still present. 2 second-winter Yellow-legged Gulls. 103 Carrion Crows on the dam wall and nearby fields early morning. 3 Sand Martins off Stones. 120 Redwing flew N.Simon Roddis
29/03/2022Perimeter count this morning: 148 singing Chiffchaffs! 8 singing Blackcaps. 9 GSWoodpecker. 99 Blue Tit. 61 Great Tit. 5 Willow Tit. 8 L-t Tit. 114 Wren (96 singing). 6 Nuthatch. 3 Treecreeper. 40 Song Thrush (20 singing). 14 Mistle Thrush. 112 Blackbird (40 singing). 132 Robin (101 singing). 9 Tree Sparrow. 41 Dunnock (27 singing). 4 Grey and 10 Pied Wag. 28 Chaffinch. 15 Bullfinch. 8 Greenfinch. 38 Goldfinch. 9 Reed Bunting. The GNDiver and 2 Red-necked Grebes still. A female Merlin flew N through Hopton end at 07:10. Male Shoveler again. 102 Herring Gulls (77 flew N, 25 on the water). 2nd-winter Yellow-legged Gull again. Total of 180 Redwing, including 160 N.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
28/03/2022The GNDiver again off Stones and the 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End. 8 Redshank around sailing club/Stones/Horseshoe island. 66 Carrion Crows in the dam wall fields.SJR, RC, AHS
27/03/2022The GNDiver off Stones and 1 Red-necked Grebe off Lane End early morning. 27 Greylags. Male Shoveler and male Pochard at Millfields (and presumably the same Shoveler at WLC later). 10 Goldeneye (5m,5f). At least 8 Buzzards. Pair of Kestrel. 2 Sand Martins on Stones. 5 Treecreepers singing (4 in Hall Wood). 25 Redwing, 14 Meadow Pipits and 3 Redpoll N.Simon Roddis

Scroll to Top