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
26/03/20221 Pink footed Goose, field in front of Sheepwash car park. 4 Goldeneye 2m2f North Islands; 1 s blackcap Sitch plantation; 2 Redshank, 1 willow tit, 1 Reed bunting, 3 tree sparrow, 3 snipe, wildlife centre Thanks for your website which helped us know what to look for on our visit. We missed out on the red necks hopefully todayMark Wigglesworth
26/03/2022The GNDiver still from Stones, and the 2 Red-necked Grebes separately off Lane End and below Middle Wood. Minor movement: 65 Woodpigeons, 32 Fieldfare and 11 Meadow Pipits N. Male Shoveler at sailing club. 93 GCGrebes. 70 immature Herring Gulls. Kingfisher at Millfields. Tree Sparrows starting to disperse to breeding areas, with 3 at WLC, 1 at Shiningford and a pair on the Sheepwash bird table.Simon Roddis
25/03/2022Roger found an Avocet flying around Millfields at about 09:00, seen several more times in flight over the southern half of the res for the next 30 minutes or so, at one point being chased by a Herring Gull and an Oystercatcher. The GNDiver was off Stones island and the 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End. Movement this morning: 306 Woodpigeons, 120 Redwing and 21 Fieldfare N, 06:00-07:20. 50 Herring and 2 GBbGulls post-roost. Blackcap singing near Brown Ale Bay.Roger Carrington, Simon Roddis
24/03/20222 Little Ringed Plovers, first of the year, on sailing club shore this morning. The GNDiver and both Red-necked Grebes from Stones. 410 Woodpigeons N and NE 06:30-07:30. 92 Herring Gulls (mostly immatures of various ages) and 4 GBbGulls post-roost. 7 Willow Tit (including 4 singing and a pair excavating a nest-hole).SJR, RC, AHS
23/03/2022This morning, the GNDiver and 2 Red-necked Grebes from Stones island early morning; one of the grebes later between Lane End and Sheepwash and beginning to look rather smart. A drake Common Scoter from Stones. 130 Woodpigeons, 30 Redwing and 10 Linnet N. 23 Curlew and 27 Herring Gulls early morning. Adult Yellow-legged Gull.Simon Roddis
21/03/2022A quieter morning than the last couple, but shouldn't complain at GNDiver, 2 Red-necked Grebes (over on the east side), a Woodcock at Hopton end at first light, 2 Red Kites, and 38 Wigeon dropping in just after 10:30.Simon Roddis
21/03/2022Highlights this morning were an Osprey circling over the west side around 09:30-09:40 and a Jack Snipe on Horseshoe island (also reported there yesterday), seen from WLC at the far left corner of the island. The 2 Red-necked Grebes and GNDiver from Stones island (and one of the grebes from Sheepwash carpark later). 18 Barnacle Geese. 32 Wigeon (after only 8 yesterday). 15 Snipe, mostly on Horseshoe island. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. Skylark again singing on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
20/03/20223 Willow Tit, 2 Wren, 3 Redshank, 10 Chiffchaff, 8 Dunnock, 2 Reed Bunting, 4 oystercatcher, 6 Tree Sparrow, Great Northern Diver, 4 Little Grebe, 10 Pied Wagtail, 6 Long Tailed TitDavid Armitt
20/03/2022A pretty good morning for a WeBS count: 2 Avocets for about an hour early morning, mostly in flight but on the water for about 20 minutes at Millfields, 2 drake Common Scoter and the GNDiver off Stones island, and the 2 Red-necked Grebes in the northern part of the res, seen distantly from Stones. 222 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacle, 15 Greylag, 1 Pink-foot, 8 Mute Swan, 22 Gadwall, 8 Wigeon, 10 Teal, 68 Mallard, 51 Tufted, 9 Goldeneye, 14 Moorhen, 130 Coot, 10 Oystercatcher, 9 Snipe, 8 Redshank, 15 Cormorant, 5 Heron, 1 Kingfisher. In addition, 1m Goosander flew N, 1 Red Kite, 6 Willow Tit, 15 Fieldfare NE.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
19/03/2022A bit of outbound movement this morning, mostly between 08:30 and 10:00, with 1,008 Redwing, 296 Fieldfare, 250 Starling, 12 Chaffinch and a male Brambling N (viewed from south end of Stones island). 2, maybe 3 Sand Martins. The GNDiver still off Stones and one Red-necked Grebe off Lane End. 9 Oystercatchers on the dam wall early morning. 2nd-w Yellow-legged Gull. 2 GBbGulls. (75 species, my highest of the year so far.)Simon Roddis
16/03/2022Misty morning today, Great Northern Diver asleep off Stones Island, Greater Spotted Woodpeckers drumming behind Lane end hide, the trees there were full of Redwings, Chiffchaffs are increasing.A H Stewardson
15/03/2022The GNDiver was off Stones island again and the 2 Red-necked Grebes over near the east side, visible distantly from Stones. 3 Mandarin over Tail Bay (my first of the year here). 7 Goldeneye (2m,5f). 10+ Oystercatchers. 19 Curlew. 12 Snipe. 1 Red Kite. 30 Fieldfare N over Millfields. 15 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall. Pairs of Blue Tit and Nuthatch arguing over a nestbox near Paul Stanley hide.Simon Roddis
14/03/20229 Chiffchaff between Wildlife Centre and Lane End, 7 Little Grebe in Shiningford Creek, also Goldcrest and Kestrel (35 species in all)Gary Atkins
14/03/2022The GNDiver off Millfields this morning and one Red-necked Grebe off Lane End. 1 Dunlin past Stones island. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Enjoying the thermals were 8+ Buzzards, 2-4 Sparrowhawks, single Red Kite, Peregrine and Heron.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
13/03/2022The GNDiver and both Red-necked Grebes were off Stones island, all fairly close in, early morning. The grebes are now both getting a bit of colour, and one of them came round to the WLC later, probably to escape boat activity on the water. A Sand Martin flew N past Sheepwash mid-morning. 1 Pink-footed Goose at Sheepwash. 8 Curlew. 2 Red Kites, one low past the WLC. Kingfisher at Millfields. 17 Chiffchaffs.Simon Roddis
12/03/202210 Cormorant, 2 Redshank, 5 oystercatcher, 15 Mute swan, 6 Barnacle goose, 2 Greylag Goose, 1 Buzzard, Great Northern Diver, 2 Chiffchaff, 4 Wren, 10 Dunnock, 10 Goldfinch, 30 Redwing, 1 Curlew, 2 Little Grebe, 20 Great Crested Grebe,7 SnipeDavid Armitt
11/03/2022A female Scaup off Stones causeway was a nice find this morning, hanging around with a female Pochard, and seen later at Millfields by Neil Moulden. One Red-necked Grebe off Lane End and the GNDiver off Stones. 1 Water Rail in Hopton reedbed and a Peregrine over. 24 Cormorant. 8 Buzzards. 8 Chiffchaff. 600 Starlings flew NE early morning and 8 Fieldfare N.Simon Roddis
10/03/2022An adult Mediterranean Gull was on sailing club shore for a while this morning. The GNDiver was off Stones and one Red-necked Grebe off Lane End. 2 Pochard (m,f) in Brown Ale Bay. 80 GCGrebe. 11 Oystercatcher. 10 Curlew. 15 Snipe (including 4 over Millfields, don't often see them at that end of the res). 2 Red Kites. Kingfisher in BABay. 60 Woodpigeon and 785 Starlings NE. 6 Chiffchaffs.Simon Roddis
09/03/2022The 2 Red-necked Grebes were, unusually, over near the east side south of Middle Wood mid-morning, and the GNDiver off Millfields. At least 5 Chiffchaffs. 2 Red Kites, 2 Sparrowhawks and 8 Buzzards enjoying the breeze. 3 GSWoodpeckers drumming. Total of c110 Redwing. 1 Redpoll at Millfields.Simon Roddis
07/03/2022The 2 Red-necked Grebes and the GN Diver were in their usual haunts this morning. 14 Whooper Swans flew W at 08:43 (one of a few flocks through Derbyshire this morning). 51 Curlew on sailing club shore early morning. c7,000 Black-headed Gulls, also early morning. 1 Peregrine briefly, and a Chiffchaff on Stones. 200 Starlings NE.Simon Roddis
06/03/22Species noted at the Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Coot, Canada Goose, Tufted Duck, Carrion Crow, Cormorant, Moorhen, Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Grebe, Gt Crested Grebe, Gt Spotted Woodpecker, Mute Swan, Pied Wagtail, Chaffinch, Peregrine, Wigeon, Gadwall, Oystercatcher, Song Thrush, Teal, Dunnock, Buzzard, Red Kite (3- close over main car park), Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Willow Tit, Redwing, Gt Northern Diver, Goldcrest, Robin, Wren, Blackbird, Jackdaw, Reed Bunting, Woodpigeon, Snipe, Curlew (20 - flying towards Sheepwash), Willow Tit, Tree Sparrow.Gary Atkins
06/03/202223 Great Crested Grebe,10 Little Grebe,2 Redshank, 50 Redwing, 2 Raven, 2 Wren, 4 Gadwall, 4 Reed Bunting, 14 Cormorant ,18 Greylag, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Buzzard,4 Redkite,2 Sparrow Hawk, 2 Willow Tit, 26 Wigeon, 6 Curlew,2 Red-necked Grebe, GN DiverDavid Armitt
06/03/2022This morning, the GNDiver between Millfields and Stones and the 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End. 20 Curlew at Sheepwash. 4 Herring Gull flew N. Raptors enjoyed the breeze: 4+ Red Kites, 7 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Kestrel, 1 Peregrine. 5 Raven. Chiffchaff singing in Hall Wood. Another 400 Starlings flew NE. 2 Redpoll on Stones. 73 species in total.Simon Roddis
05/03/2022The GNDiver and 2 Red-necked Grebes again between Stones and Sheepwash. 45 Greylags. 1 Pink-foot. 35 Curlew, including 30 at Sheepwash. 2 Red Kites over the east side. 1 Kingfisher flew right across the res, heading towards Shiningford. 7 Ravens. Movement of Starlings, 160 all heading NE.Simon Roddis
04/03/202230 redwing in woods at rear of Paul Stanley hide late afternoon. Highly mobile.Paul Greetham
04/03/2022Willow warbler with long tailed tit. Very active in hedging at side of path Hopton endPaul Greetham
04/03/2022The 2 Red-necked Grebes and the GNDiver were on their usual beats this morning, with 2 Common Scoter between Stones and Millfields and 8 Shelduck flew S.13 Goldeneye (8m,5f). 4 Dunlin at sailing club. A Red Kite several times over Hall Wood. 3 Chiffchaffs (Stones, Millfields & Brown Ale Bay). 2 Skylarks on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
03/03/2022Both Red-necked Grebes off Lane End/Sheepwash this morning, and the GNDiver north of Stones island. 25 Curlew on sailing club shore early morning. Peregrine over Stones and a Chiffchaff singing and flycatching there. c100 Redwing at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
01/03/2022The 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End again early morning and the GNDiver off Stones. 81 GCGrebe. 44 Barnacle Geese. 33 Curlews on sailing club shore early morning. 10 Oystercatcher. 8 Buzzards in the air over the east side. 5 Willow Tits, including singing birds at Sheepwash and Watersports. 3 Lesser Redpoll at the main centre.Simon Roddis
28/02/2022One Red-necked Grebe off Lane End and the GNDiver off Stones island this morning. 29 Curlew. 44 Barnacle Geese. 1 Woodcock at Sheepwash. 50 Rooks over the north end. Willow Tits singing at Lane End and Penn Carr. Total of 125 Redwing, including a flock of 110 at Penn Carr.Simon Roddis
27/02/2022The GNDiver and one Red-necked Grebe were off Stones this morning; the other Red-necked was off Middle Wood late morning, first time I've seen either of them over there. 38 Curlews on sailing club shore early morning. 41 Barnacle Geese. 24 Greylags. 3 GSWoodpeckers. 2 Skylarks over.Simon Roddis
26/02/2022Delayed WeBS count: 133 Canada Geese, 40 Barnacle, 15 Greylag, 10 Mute Swan, 82 Gadwall, 50 Wigeon, 157 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 46 Teal, 1 Pochard, 76 Tufted, 10 Goldeneye, 1 Water Rail, 12 Moorhen, 226 Coot, 26 Little Grebe, 2 Red-necked Grebe, 65 GCGrebe, 8 Oystercatcher, 43 Lapwing, 28 Curlew, 4 Snipe, 5 Redshank, 1 GNDiver, 19 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher. Also: 5 Red Kite over the east side, 10 Buzzard, 6 Raven W over Shiningford, 1 Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
25/02/2022The GNDiver again off Stones island and the 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End. 5 Dunlin past Stones island. 40 Barnacle Geese. 3+ Redshank. 1 Red Kite. 1 Peregrine.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
23/02/2022Both Red-necked Grebes off Lane End and the GNDiver from Millfields this morning. An adult Kittiwake flew down the res around 10:15. 20 Curlew on sailing club shore early morning (and 14 later at Sheepwash). 12 Oystercatchers. 1 Pink-foot among 29 Greylags. A dead Little Egret looked as if it had been predated, maybe by a Peregrine?Simon Roddis
21/02/2022Afternoon visit with a highlight of an adult summer Mediterranean Gull from Lane End hide around 4pm. Amazingly close views of both Red-necked Grebes from the hide, and the GNDiver more distantly off Stones. c800 Common, 300 Lesser Black-back and 20 Herring Gulls by 5pm. 10+ Curlew at Sheepwash. 1 Red Kite. 1 Peregrine.Simon Roddis
20/02/2022Both Red-necked Grebes from Lane End hide this morning, one quite close but the other more distantly off Stones island, and the GNDiver off Millfields. 8 Curlew at Sheepwash and a Kingfisher from the WLC. And lots of rain.Simon Roddis
16/02/2022The GNDiver off Stones and 1 Red-necked Grebe again off Lane End. Total of 16 Goldeneye: 5 off Stones and 11 at Millfields (RPJ,AMD). 4 unid'd grey geese SW over Brown Ale Bay at 10:45 might have been Bean - couldn't make them into anything else. 2 Red Kites over Hall Wood. 7 Curlew and a Dunlin on Horseshoe island.Simon Roddis
14/02/2022The GNDiver from Stones island and the 2 Red-necked Grebes again off Lane End this morning. 2 Red Kites. 4 Curlews at Sheepwash. Total of c370 Redwing, 300 of them at Sheepwash, the biggest number I've seen here for some time.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
11/02/2022The GNDiver was north of Stones island all morning, and the 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End/Sheepwash. 38 Barnacles, 41 Greylags and 1 Pink-foot. Female Pintail from WLC again. Total of 52 Snipe. 3 Skylarks S. 30 Meadow Pipits in the dam wall fields above Tail Bay, easily the highest number so far this year.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
10/02/2022The GNDiver and 1 Red-necked Grebe from Stones this morning. 7 Curlew. 42 Barnacles. Female Pintail again at WLC. Total of c100 Redwing.Simon Roddis
09/02/2022The GNDiver again off Stones this morning, and the 2 Red-necked Grebes, one off Lane End, the other off the dam wall. 45 Barnacle Geese. 1m Goosander. 7+ Oystercatchers, including the colour-ringed pair M7 and 'Barcode' back from their winter in Devon. 2 Red Kites. Total of 11 Skylarks heading towards Carsington pastures. 150 Redwing, including 100 at Sheepwash. 100 Siskin in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
08/02/2022The GNDiver was off Millfields this morning and the 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End/Stones. Female Pintail at WLC. 4 Oystercatcher. 4 Curlew. 2 Redshank. 2 Woodcock flew into Tail Bay early morning. 1 Red Kite. 3 Sparrowhawks.Simon Roddis
07/02/2022Ad hoc wildfowl count: 1 GNDiver, 2 Red-necked Grebes, 93 GCGrebe, 31 LGrebe, 20 Cormorant, 8 Mute Swan, 96 Canadas, 13 Greylag, 148 Gadwall, 147 Wigeon, 125 Mallard, 205 Teal, 21 Pochard, 86 Tufted, 8 Goldeneye, 1 Water Rail (Hopton reedbed), 19 Moorhen, 714 Coot, 4 Oystercatcher, 629 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 3 Curlew, 12 Snipe. 10 Buzzards, 3 Red Kites and 2 Kestrels in the air late morning.Simon Roddis
06/02/2022Species (not totals) seen during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk around Stones Island/WLC (10oam-noon): House Sparrow, Canada Goose, Black-headed Gull, Barnacle Goose, Mute Swan, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Teal, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Gadwall, Goldeneye, Cormorant, Great-crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Lapwing, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Common Gull, Gt Black-backed Gull, Lesser BB Gull, Herring Gull, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Willow Tit, Reed Bunting, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Siskin, Snipe, Little Egret, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Goldfinch, Wren, GoldcrestGary Atkins
06/02/20222 Little Egret, 40 Wigeon, 4 Pochard,10 Gadwall,2 Little Grebe, 20 Great crested Grebe , 40 Redwing, 3 Wren, 10 Goldfinch, 5 Dunnock, 32 Lapwing , 20 Teal, 10 Chaffinch , 3 Reed bunting, 1 Great Blacked- Backed Gull, 1 Rednecked Grebe, GN Diver , 1 Coal TitDavid Armitt
06/02/2022The GNDiver from Lane End this morning and the 2 Red-necked Grebes off Stones island. c40 Barnacles and 1 Pink-footed Goose. 6 Pintail (3m,2f off Sheepwash plus the female at WLC). Female Merlin mobbing a Peregrine over Hall Wood, perhaps she's hanging around. Adult Caspian Gull on Horseshoe island. 1 Red Kite. c40 Siskin near WLC.Simon Roddis
05/02/2022The GNDiver was off Stones this morning, now in heavy wing moult - it won't be going far for a while! The 2 Red-necked Grebes still, the easiest they've been to find since they got here, one from the visitor centre and one off Sheepwash carpark. Female Pintail from WLC again. 3 Curlew at Sheepwash. 1 Woodcock at Hall Wood. 6 Herring Gulls N. 2 Little Egrets. 2 Red Kites. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. 30 Chaffinch, including 20 at the Sheepwash feeder.Simon Roddis
04/02/2022Not a bad morning: the GNDiver and 2 RnGrebes still present, a Water Rail in WLC creek and a female Merlin upsetting the Lapwings as it flew through. The Lapwings never really settled after that. 4 Red Kites and a Peregrine over the east side. Female Pintail again from WLC.Simon Roddis
03/02/2022The GNDiver again off Stones this morning and the 2 Red-necked Grebes separately between Lane End and Sheepwash (both visible from the visitor centre). 5 Red Kites in the air together on Carsington Pastures. 2 Shelduck, 2 Goosander and at least 3 Tawny Owls calling at Millfields. c650 Lapwing including an odd-looking bird with all white primaries. 12 Stock Dove. Kingfisher at PS hide. 70 Siskin at WLC.Simon Roddis
02/02/2022The GNDiver and a single Red-necked Grebe were off Stones island mid-morning. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end. 20 Snipe from WLC. 1 Red Kite at Sheepwash. 2 Skylarks and 1 Linnet over Millfields.Simon Roddis

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