Recent Sightings

DateSightingName
12/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was still around Horseshoe island this morning, along with much of its supporting cast, including 6 Green Sandpipers, 2 Ruff, Ringed Plover, 4 LRP and a Curlew. 6 Shoveler. 96 Teal around Brown Ale Bay, and the female Red-crested Pochard there too. In one hour early morning, 159 Woodpigeons flew S and 19N, plus 14 Stock Doves S. Single adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls. 36 Cormorant. The Great Egret again, 11 Little Egrets and 12 Grey Herons. Kingfisher in WLC creek. Redstart and Wheatear in WLC fields. Yellow Wagtail over Stones island. Unfortunately, a paddleboarder caused huge disturbance of the waterfowl around Sheepwash and BABay. I don't know if they're allowed that far up the res but I'll certainly be raising it with STW.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
11/08/2026The juvenile Wood Sandpiper was still in the Watersports area this morning, along with Ruff and Greenshank. 6+ Dunlin, 4 Green and 7 Common Sandpipers. 3 juvenile Shelduck on Watersports island late morning. Single Shoveler and Wigeon at WLC. Adult Common and Yellow-legged Gulls and first-summer Great Black-back. 2 Peregrines over the north end. c100 Swallows at the draw-off tower. Garden warbler on Stones island, and another birder had a juvenile Wheatear.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
10/08/2026Waderfest continued this morning: Wood Sandpiper still around Horseshoe island, a moulting adult Sanderling at sailing club, probably 2 each of Ruff and Greenshank, 10 Dunlin, at least 3 Green Sandpipers. 4 Shoveler in Brown Ale Bay. 2 juvenile Common Terns off Stones. Adult Caspian Gull on Horseshoe island. Peregrine over the north end. Total of 4 Willow Tits. Garden Warbler and Whitethroat on Stones. Family party of 5 Spotted Flycatchers near Lane End bombing tower.SJR, AHS, MW
09/08/2026Wood Sandpiper was a welcome addition to the roll call of waders this morning, initially on Watersports island and later on the sailing club side of Stones causeway. Total of 7 Green Sandpipers (another new record), Greenshank, Ringed Plover, 2 LRP, 5 Common Sandpipers, 6 Dunlin. At least 5 Shoveler, the Wigeon still and the 2 eclipse male Red-crested Pochard. The Great Egret still and 14 Little Egrets. Kingfisher at sailing club. Whitethroat in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
08/08/2026The second-summer Mediterranean Gull was again on the dam wall early morning. Waders included 6 Green and 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Greenshank, 11 Dunlin, Ringed Plover and 3 Little Ringed. Great Egret still. 3 Garden and at least 6 Sedge Warblers on Stones.Simon Roddis
07/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide of note this afternoon: YL Gull (2) Juvs; RC Pochard (2) eclipse drakes; Peregrine; Green Sandpiper (1); From Watersport's Is / Stones Is causeway early evening: Green Sandpiper (4+); Common Sandpiper (6+); Dunlin (8); Greenshank (1) juv; Redshank (1) juv; Ringed Plover (2); Bl T Godwit (1) Ad; Snipe (1);Richard Lowe
07/08/2026A pretty productive morning, starting with a second-summer Mediterranean Gull on the dam wall and a female Common Scoter off sailing club island. Waders included 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Little Ringed, 5 Green Sandpipers (a new site record), 8 Common Sandpipers, 10 Dunlin and a Greenshank. 21 Mute Swans plus the 3 cygnets. Female-type Wigeon in WLC creek. 2 Shoveler. The Great Egret still. Kingfisher at Millfields. 120 Swallows on the dam wall. Common Whitethroat on Stones and a Redstart in WLC fields. Total of 6 Grey Wagtails and 50+ Pied.SJR, CA, AHS
06/08/2026There must have been a small arrival of waders overnight, with at least 8 Common Sandpipers, 2 Green Sandpipers, 3 Dunlin, a Turnstone and Little and Common Ringed Plovers mainly around Stones/Watersports. 6 adult Arctic Terns flew S past Stones at 07:55. 2 Common Terns. 71 Teal is also an increase since yesterday. 2 Shoveler at sailing club. 16 Little Egrets and the Great Egret still. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. Hobby flew low up the res past Stones. Small numbers of hirundines on the move.Simon Roddis
05/08/2026From Sheepwash hide late afternoon, 6 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Caspian (adult and juvenile) and juvenile Common Gull. 53 Teal and Green Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay.Simon Roddis
05/08/2026Shorter than usual visit this morning. Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Snipe in Brown Ale Bay. 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin and 2 Ringed Plover around Watersports island. Redshank and Great Egret off Stones causeway. Green Woodpecker and Whitethroat at Hopton end. 41 Teal. Willow Warbler and Willow Tit on Stones.Simon Roddis
04/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide of note late afternoon: YLGull (5) - Ad (3); 1st s; Juv; GBBGull 1st s; plus Wigeon (female/juv).Richard Lowe
04/08/2026A Turnstone flew over the dam wall at 06:35 and later over Stones with a flock of Lapwings at 08:50. A Green Sandpiper was on Watersports island and later in front of the WLC. Other waders included 3 juvenile LRPlover, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Curlew. 3 Red-crested Pochard (2m,1f) in sailing club bay. 1 Shoveler. 3 Common Terns. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Great White Egret again. Willow Tit near WLC. c100 Swallows at the draw-off tower early morning and a total of c75 House Martins. 2 Garden Warblers, a Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler on Stones. Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
03/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide early evening, gulls of note on the spit: Caspian Gull (1st s); YL Gull (5) - Juv (2), 1st s (2), Ad (1); Common Gull (Juv) - my first of the autumn; GBBGull (1st s).Richard Lowe
03/08/2026Green Woodpecker and Kingfisher at Hopton end first thing. Willow Tit in Brown Ale Bay and 17 Mistle Thrushes at Sheepwash. Around Stones and Watersports, Egyptian Goose, Oystercatcher, 25 Lapwing, Ringed Plover, 2 juvenile Little Ringed Plover, Redshank, Snipe, Great Egret and Whitethroat. Juvenile Peregrine buzzing Horseshoe island. Willow Warbler and Clouded Yellow in WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
02/08/2026GW Egret and YL Gull (Ad) from Sheepwash Hide late afternoon; Dunlin (2) (Ad and Juv) off Stones Is causeway.Richard Lowe
02/08/2026Species noted during today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Canada Goose, Mallard, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Pied Wagtail, Willow Tit, Blckbird, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper, Common Tern, Gt Crested Grebe, Long-tailed Tit, Treecreeper, Magpie, Swift, Chiffchaff, Woodpigeon, Linnet, Sedge Warbler, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Robin, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch, Blackcap, Red Kite, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Wren, Swallow, Greylag Goose, Grey Heron, Gt White Egret, Little EgretGary Atkins
02/08/20262 Greenshank were on Horseshoe island but were flushed and went around the back of Watersports island. A Great Egret flew in and landed at Lane End. 3 Shoveler at WLC. Small numbers of Woodpigeons moving already, 74 S and 20 N 06:00-07:00. Single Snipe, Redshank and Oystercatcher from Stones causeway. The adult Caspian Gull again at Watersports and the Yellow-leg at Sheepwash. 2 Kingfishers in Tail Bay and 150 Swallows on the dam wall early morning. Willow Tit at Sheepwash. Reed Warbler and Whitethroat on Stones.Simon Roddis
01/08/2026An adult Sandwich Tern was off Millfields early morning, last seen (by us, at least) from Stones island, gaining height at 08:55. Pair of Common Terns too. At Watersports, adult Caspian Gull and single Oystercatcher and Redshank. One Ringed Plover over Millfields. Female Shoveler from WLC. 26 Teal. 10 Little Egrets. Juvenile Peregrine at Sheepwash and a family party (3+) of Spotted Flycatchers in the wood there. Willow Tits on Stones and at WLC. 55 House Martins over the main centre. Reed and Willow Warblers on Stones. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
31/07/2026A few waders today, the best being a Turnstone which flew in and appeared to land on the back of Watersports island at 08:30. Two Black-tailed Godwits flew SE off the dam wall early on but there were then 3 on Watersports island. 3 juvenile Redshank were new, as was a juvenile Oystercatcher. 1 Curlew. Lapwings have increased to at least 22. Adult Caspian Gull still at Watersports. Eclipse male Shoveler still. 3 adult Common Terns. Willow Tits on Stones and in WLC creek. 100+ Swallows.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
30/07/2026An Avocet dropped onto sailing club shore just before 06:00 but soon flew south; however, presumably the same bird flew off Watersports island at 07:45, but we didn't see it again. Drake Common Scoter off Millfields. Adult Caspian Gull at Watersports late morning and the adult Yellow-legged Gull still too. 2 eclipse male Red-crested Pochard from WLC. 1 Shoveler off Stones. Pair of Common Terns still. Willow Tit on Stones causeway. 120 Swallows around the draw-off tower early morning, and a total of at least 45 House Martins. Willow Warbler again singing in WLC creek, and Dave H had a Redstart in the fields.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
29/07/2026A juvenile Spotted Flycatcher was near the WLC this morning (very thin on the ground here this year) and the adult Caspian Gull was again on Watersports island. A mobile Green Woodpecker at Millfields was perhaps the same bird as on 20 July, and a female Yellow Wagtail was on the viewing area. 20 Mute Swans, plus 3 cygnets still. 15 Little Egrets. Pair of Common Terns. 4 Common Sandpiper and the Redshank still. 2+ Garden Warblers on Stones and a Common Whitethroat in WLC fields. 2 Muntjac near Millfields island.Simon Roddis
28/07/2026This morning, 11 Teal, the female Red-crested Pochard from WLC, 6 Common Sandpiper, 1 Redshank, 3 Dunlin, 1 Common Tern, adult Yellow-legged Gull at Millfields, Willow Warbler singing in WLC creek, Garden Warbler on Stones, 16 Mistle Thrushes over Shiningford.Simon Roddis
27/07/2026From Watersports Is of note early this evening: Mediterranean Gull (Juv) still present, also seen here on 24th and 25th July.Richard Lowe
27/07/2026Another Marsh Harrier (the second in two days) flew SW at 10:40 this morning. A Peregrine also put in a couple of appearances. The female Red-crested Pochard was at Watersports. One Redshank, 5 Common Sandpipers, 2 Dunlin and 2 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls in Brown Ale Bay early morning. c12 Little Egrets. 26 Cormorants. 2+ Willow Tits (Stones and WLC). Reed Warbler with food in Hopton reedbed. Common Whitethroat in Warbler Corner on Stones.SJR, CA, MW
26/07/2026Bird of the morning was a Marsh Harrier which Alan Stewardson saw flying down the res from Sheepwash hide at 07:15. Waders included 6 Dunlin, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 4+ Common Sandpiper and single Redshank and Oystercatcher. Adult Caspian Gull again on Watersports island. 3 Common Terns. 10+ Little Egrets.Simon Roddis
25/07/2026A drake Common Scoter was off Millfields this morning, and 3 juvenile Goosander off the dam wall. 20 Mute Swans. 2 adult Black-tailed Godwits in Brown Ale Bay, 3 summer plumage Dunlin on Watersports island, 1 Redshank and 4 Common Sandpiper. 3 Common Terns. 12 Little Egrets. Kingfisher in Tail Bay. 150 Swallows and a Skylark on the dam wall (I wonder if the Swallows had roosted there?). 10 Sedge Warblers around Stones island and a Garden Warbler in Warbler Corner.Simon Roddis
23/07/2026One Black-tailed Godwit was on Horseshoe island this morning. 5 Common Sandpipers and 1 Dunlin. Adult Caspian Gull at Watersports. Adult Yellow-legged Gull in Brown Ale Bay was turfed off its meal by a pair of Ravens. The female Red-crested Pochard is now also in BABay. 16 Pochard. 10+ Little Egrets and 9 Grey Herons. 120 Swallows around the draw-off tower early on. 2+ Garden Warblers on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
22/07/2026Gulls of note from Sheepwash Hide and Watersports Is / jetty this afternoon: Caspian Gull (3) - Ad (the ‘regular’ bird), 1st s, 3rd s (probable hybrid); YLGull (4) - Ad (2), 2nd s (2), Juv. ; GBBGull 1st s; Excellent views from Sheepwash Hide at the moment.Richard Lowe
22/07/2026Highlights this morning were a juvenile Mediterranean Gull (found by Mike Redfern) on Watersports island, a Whimbrel south over Stones island, 5 Common Terns (4 adults, 1 juv), 2 Shoveler still, 5 Common Sandpipers and the adult Yellow-legged Gull.Simon Roddis
21/07/2026From Sheepwash hide mid-afternoon of note, YLGull (5) - Juv (my first of the year), 1st s, 2nd s (2), Ad.Richard Lowe
21/07/20266 Black-tailed Godwits on Horseshoe island mid-morning had arrived in 2 groups of 3. Other waders were 1 Oystercatcher, 12 Lapwing, 2 Curlew, 1 Redshank, 1 Snipe and 5 Common Sandpipers. Adult Caspian, second-summer Yellow-legged and GBb Gulls at Watersports. 2 Common Terns. 2 Shoveler off Horseshoe island and a redhead Goosander flew N. The female Red-crested Pochard still at Shiningford but, sadly, she appears to have lost her ducklings. 10 Little Egrets. 2+ Willow Tits (Stones and WLC). c100 Swallows and 30 Sand Martins, mostly around the draw-off tower early morning. Willow Warbler at Millfields, 6 Garden Warblers on Stones and Sedge Warbler with food in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
20/07/2026A Green Woodpecker was calling at Millfields mid-morning and a juvenile Peregrine flew over. 18 Mute Swans plus 3 cygnets. Egyptian Goose at Watersports. 15 Teal. 12 Pochard. Single Curlew and Black-tailed Godwit and 2 each of Redshank and Common Sandpiper. The regular adult Caspian Gull off Watersports then from WLC. 3 Common Terns. 6 Little Egrets. 2+ Garden Warblers in Warbler Corner on Stones and a Whitethroat at Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
19/07/20262 Black-tailed Godwits this morning, one each on Horseshoe and Watersports islands. 3 Common Sandpipers and 5 Redshank. Female Red-crested Pochard still at Shiningford. Pair of Common Terns. 3 Little Egrets. Kingfisher from WLC. c20 Sand Martins. Yellow Wagtail over the dam wall, first of the autumn.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
18/07/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 819 Canada Geese, 134 Greylag, 1 Egyptian, 16 Mute Swan (plus 3 cygnets), 103 Gadwall, 260 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 10 Teal, 15 Pochard, 134 Tufted, 20 Moorhen, 481 Coot, 11 Little and 55 GCGrebe, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 15 Lapwing, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 2 Common Tern, 23 Cormorant (plus 7 over), 5 Little Egret, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Common Gull, 1 second-summer Yellow-legged and the probable Caspian x Yellow-legged hybrid.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
17/07/202620 Swift, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Reed Bunting, 4 little Egret, 6 Redshank & one with young on water sports island, 7 Lapwing, 9 Cormorant, 3 Sedge Warbler, 5 Pied wagtail, 1 Buzzard, 3 Little grebe, 4 Blackcap, 1 Sparrow Hawk, 1 Garden Warbler, 15 Goldfinch, 7 Pochard, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Willow Tit WLC creek, 1 Bullfinch, 3 Swallow, 1 Reed WarblerDave Armitt
15/07/2026216 Swifts flew N in 2 hours this morning, plus another 10 around the visitor centre. 5 adult Black-tailed Godwits on Watersports island. Pair of Mute Swans still with 3 cygnets at Shiningford, and the female Red-crested Pochard with 4 young. 2 Little Egrets. Juvenile Sedge Warbler in Hopton reedbed, presumably a migrant starting its southward journey.Simon Roddis
14/07/2026This morning, one Egyptian Goose in Brown Ale Bay, female Red-crested Pochard with 4 young at Shiningford, Black-tailed Godwit still on Watersports island, 3+ Common Sandpipers at WLC, adult Caspian Gull on Flat Island early morning, at least one Common Gull, c200 Lesser Black-backs, 19 Cormorant, c400 Coot, Willow Tit singing near the main carpark.SJR, CA, MW
13/07/2026A small northerly movement of Swifts this morning, a total of 79 heading into the wind. Black-tailed Godwit still on Watersports island, a Curlew at sailing club and a Whimbrel flew S. Adult Caspian Gull (looks like the bird that has been here the last couple of years) on Watersports jetty. 108 Gadwall, 12 Pochard (plus 2 broods) and the female Red-crested Pochard still with young. 2 Little Egrets. Hobby over sailing club. Willow Tit on Stones. Linnets are starting to gather in the meadows south of Sheepwash, at least 10 there this morning.Simon Roddis
22/07/2026Biggest surprise of the morning was the appearance of a brood of 3 Mute Swan cygnets being walked off Horseshoe Island to the water by 2 adults; presumably they had nested out of sight on the island. Adult Black-tailed Godwit on Watersports island. Common Sandpiper at Sheepwash. 10 Pochard, plus 2 broods from WLC. Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Millfields. 2 Little Egrets. Juvenile GSWoodpecker near PS hide. 2 Willow Tits at Penn Carr/Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
10/07/2026A female-type Goldeneye was in Brown Ale Bay this morning, a very dowdy bird looking very much like the one that was here last summer. 5 Teal. 9 Pochard. Female Red-crested Pochard now with just 3 young as far as I could see. 230 Coot. 9 Lapwing. First-summer Caspian Gull on Watersports jetty. Common Gull there too. Adult Common Tern. 2 Little Egrets.Simon Roddis
09/07/20263 drakes Common Scoters between Stones Island and Millfields this morning. 4 Teal. Female Pochard with 2 young from WLC, plus 4 males. 16 Mute Swans. Pair of Common Terns off the dam wall. Redshank still with 2 young. 1 Little Egret. Richard's possible Caspian Gull hybrid on Watersports jetty.Simon Roddis
08/07/202674 Gadwall from WLC this morning. 12 Mute Swans. 2 new broods of Coot, one of GCGrebe and 4 of Mallard. Redshank still with 2 chicks on Watersports island. Total of 3 Common Sandpipers. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and c100 Lesser Black-backs. 2 Willow Tits (Stones and WLC). Reed Warbler with food in Hopton reedbed and a Whitethroat there. R&A had a Kingfisher at Millfields.SJR, RPJ, AMD
05/07/2026Mid-evening on Watersports jetty: Caspian Gull (3rd s) - probably a hybrid due to darkish upperparts and yellow legs (as YLGull) but Caspian structure. Plus YLGull (ad).Richard Lowe
05/07/2026Species recorded during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Mallard, Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Cormorant, Canada Goose, Gt Crested Grebe, Magpie, Blackbird, Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Coot, Red Kite, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Buzzard, Little Egret, Moorhen, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Chiffchaff, Dunnock, Woodpigeon, Swift, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Goldfinch, Blackcap, Long-tailed Tit, Swallow, Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler, Red Crested Pochard (f plus six chicks), Blacktailed Godwit (3 flying over), Oystercatcher, Robin and Song Thrush (40 was well up on expectations) Three Curlew were also seen later in the afternoon from the Wildlife CentreGary Atkins
05/07/2026Quiet on a short visit this morning: Redshank still with 2 young on Watersports, 6 Pochard, 2 Teal, 2 Egyptian Geese, 1 ad Yellow-legged Gull.Clive Ashton
03/07/20266 Swift, 3 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing 1 Great White Egret of stones, 4 Chiffchaff, 8 Sedge Warbler, 2 Blackcap,2 Long tailed tit, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Willow Tit on stones, 14 Goldfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Common Sandpiper on sailing Club ,1 Buzzard, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 TealDavid Armitt
30/06/2026The main highlight this morning was an adult Redshank with 2 small young on Watersports Island. Fresh Mallard broods of 9+6 at Sailing Club, fresh Coot broods 3+1, 2 Pochard, f Red-crested Pochard, 2 Teal, c10 Lapwing, ad YL Gull, Herring Gull, 6 Swift around VC. Roger and Alison had Common Sandpiper and Little Egret at Millfields, Whitethroat a d Willow Tit on Stones.Clive Ashton/RPJ/AMD.
19/06/20263 Little Egret , 6 Oystercatcher, 1 Teal, 1 Little Grebe, 61 Greylag, 3 Blackcap, 8 Chiffchaff, 7 Sedge Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Long tailed tit, 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Lesser black backed GullDavid Armitt
14/06/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 1,182 Canada Geese (plus many broods), 331 Greylag (plus at least 16 broods), 7 Mute Swan, 3 Egyptian Geese, 10 Gadwall, 56 Mallard, 2 Pochard (plus broods of 1 and 4), 45 Tufted (plus a brood of 5 at WLC), 1 Moorhen, 149 Coot (plus 4 broods), 3 Little Grebe (plus 1 brood), 40 GCGrebe (plus 3 broods), 16 Oystercatcher (including some fully grown young), 2 Redshank, 2 Common Tern, 9 Cormorant, 2 Heron. Plus a total of 8 singing Reed Warblers, Goldcrest with food at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
13/06/2026There are 5 Common Scoters (4m,1f) out in the middle this morning. Egyptian Goose, first-summer Yellow-legged Gull and Common Gull still at Watersports. 125 Coot. Peregrine over Hall Wood. c100 Sand Martins around Stones.Simon Roddis
10/06/2026A Ringed Plover was at sailing club this morning, and a Redshank at Watersports. First-summer Common Gull, Egyptian Goose, 2 drake Red-crested and 2 drake Common Pochard still. 94 Coot. Skylark singing along the dam wall. In Tail Bay, a Kingfisher, pair of Common Whitethroat with food and a family party of GSWoodpeckers. 2 Reed Warblers singing in WLC creek and another 3 in Hopton reedbed. 50 Sand Martins. Grey Wagtail with a fledged youngster at Millfields and another pair at the sailing club end of the day wall.Simon Roddis
09/06/2026Adult Mediterranean Gull again over the WLC this morning. New brood of 5 Gadwall at Shiningford. The 2 drake Red-crested Pochard still on Horseshoe island, now starting to moult. 40 Swifts and 40+ Sand Martins feeding. First-summer Common Gull at Watersports. Garden Warbler with food at Millfields.Simon Roddis
07/06/2026Species noted today during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): Mallard, House Sparrow, Canada Goose, Oystercatcher, Greylag Goose, Tufted Duck, Coot, Great Crested Grebe, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Blackcap, Swift, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mute Swan, Buzzard, Carrion Crow, Robin, Sedge Warbler, Dunnock, Reed Bunting, Swallow, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Gadwall, Little Grebe and WrenGary Atkins
07/06/2026Garden Warbler with young (and alarm calling) near the WLCGary Atkins
07/06/2026A pair of adult Mediterranean Gulls flew in over WLC creek 09:45. Spotted Flycatcher in the top of Hall Wood and Pied Flycatcher singing briefly and calling in Warrington Knob. 2 drake Red-crested Pochard still at Watersports and 2 (separate) Egyptian Geese. 70+ Coot. 2 Peregrines over the north end. Willow and Garden Warblers with food in Hall Wood. Redstart still singing at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
02/06/2026This morning, 3 Red-crested Pochard (2 males and the long-staying female) were off Stones causeway, 9 Mute Swans, at least 50 Swifts feeding over the east side after the rain, 61 Coot (plus 4 chicks at sailing club), second-summer Mediterranean Gull still, adult Herring Gull, a Hobby flew across the res east to west, 10 Ravens, Reed Warbler singing on Stones causeway and a pair of Garden Warblers with food near WLC.Simon Roddis
25/05/2026Fairly brief visit this morning, I shudder to think what it'll be like up there today. Single Common Tern, the second-summer Mediterranean Gull still, one first-summer Common Gull still resisting the urge to fly north, 1 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, Garden Warbler with food at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
21/05/2026A Hobby flew past the main centre and over the road early morning, first of the year here. An Arctic Tern flew S past Stones island and a Ringed Plover flew over. First-summer Yellow-legged, Great Black-backed and Common Gulls, plus the first Black-headed Gull chick on Horseshoe island. 3 Barnacle Geese. Chiffchaff with food on Stones.Simon Roddis
20/05/2026An Arctic Tern flew past Stones island at 08:35 this morning and an Osprey flew south between 08:45 and 08:50. 2 Barnacle and 2 Egyptian Geese. 16 Swifts including 8 screaming around the main centre. 2 Redshank and 1 Dunlin. Mick had Pied Flycatcher still singing in Hall Wood.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
17/05/20262 Arctic and a Common Tern flew past Stones around 07:00. On and around Watersports island, 2 Little Egrets, female Red-crested Pochard and Pink-footed Goose. Second-summer Mediterranean Gull still on sailing club island. Yellow Wagtail flew N.Simon Roddis
16/05/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 186 Canada (plus 19+ broods), 3 Barnacle and 74 Greylag (plus 16 broods) Geese, 6 Mute Swans, 1 Egyptian Goose, 20 Gadwall, 76 Mallard, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 5 male Common Pochard, 66 Tufted, 2 Moorhen, 29 Coot, 2 Little Grebe, 45 GCGrebe, 13 Oystercatcher, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Tern, 12 Cormorant, 1 Heron. Plus 40 Swifts, 4 Reed Warbler, single Whitethroat, Redstart and Pied Flycatcher.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
15/05/2026In a relatively brief early morning visit, 3 Arctic Terns off Stones island, Dunlin and Common Sandpiper on Watersports island and the female Red-crested Pochard on Horseshoe island.Simon Roddis
12/05/2026Nothing much is changing at the moment, although Mute Swans have risen to 8, the most since last October. Pair of Barnacle and 3 Egyptian Geese. Female Red-crested Pochard still on Watersports island. 20 Swifts. 7 species of waders, including single Lapwing, Ringed Plover, Curlew and Common Sandpiper. Second-summer Mediterranean Gull past Stones. 100s of Swallows and smaller numbers of Sand and House Martins. 3 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed and a Common Whitethroat in WLC creek. 2 Pied Flycatchers and a Redstart singing in Hall/Middle Woods.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD, KR
10/05/20264 Swift, 8 Chiffchaff, 20+ Sand Martin, 10+ House Martin, 8 Sedge Warbler, 4 Willow Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 LRP, 4 Oystercatcher, 3 Garden Warbler, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Redshank, 1 Lesser Black Backed Gull ,1 Egyptian GooseDavid Armitt
07/05/2026This morning, single Pink-footed and Egyptian Geese, female RcPochard, drake Goosander, pair of Oystercatchers with 3 chicks at Shiningford, Snipe on Horseshoe island, second-summer Mediterranean Gull on Sailing Club island, first-summer Caspian Gull still, 1 Willow Tit, some hundreds of Swallows, Sand and House Martins, Redstart still in WLC Fields. Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall (per Ellen Hancock).SJR, CA, MW
05/05/2026A few bits and pieces this morning: 2 Egyptian Geese still, 2 Shelduck W over WLC creek, pair of Shoveler and female Red-crested Pochard off Horseshoe island, 8 Goosander (7 flew N plus drake at sailing club), 12 Swifts, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits (one at Watersports and one flew E), immature Great Black-back, Great Egret over the main centre, Whitethroat at Hopton, 2 Pied Flycatchers in Hall and Middle Woods, 2 singing Redstart. Clive had Wheatear in WLC creek, Spotted Flycatcher at Lane End and 16 Redpoll at Sheepwash.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
03/05/2026Species recorded (44) during today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon ... Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Canada Goose, Carrion Crow, Chiffchaff, Mallard, Swallow, Sedge Warbler, Cormorant, Coot, Garden Warbler, Tufted Duck, Black-headed Gull, Blackbird, Great Crested Grebe, Woodpigeon, Oystercatcher, Robin, Barnacle Goose, Pochard, Grey Heron, Common Sandpiper, Red-throated Diver, Dunnock, House Martin, Gadwall, Wren, Song Thrush, Blackcap, Reed Bunting, Bullfinch, Mute Swan, Goldfinch, Greylag Goose, Herring Gull, Great Tit, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Moorhen, Buzzard, Sand Martin, Swift, Redshank, Blue TitGary Atkins
03/05/2026Another excellent morning. A Red-throated Diver in almost full summer plumage was off Sheepwash early morning and flew at 11:00. Waders included a total of c20 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 1 Curlew. Jon B found a female Whinchat at sailing club late morning, a nice spring record. Drake Goosander also at sailing club. Lots of hirundines: c200 each of Swallow and Sand Martin, 50 House Martins and 20 Swifts. 2 Arctic Terns. Second-summer Mediterranean Gull again. Yellow Wagtail over Stones.SJR, CA, AHS, MW
02/05/2026A Spotted Flycatcher at Lane End is the first of the year here as far as I'm aware. Arctic Tern past Stones and Bar-tailed Godwit still at Watersports. 2 Barnacle and 1 Egyptian Goose. 6 Pochard. Female Red-crested Pochard on Horseshoe island. Redshank and Dunlin at sailing club. First-summer Caspian Gull again off Stones. 2 singing Pied Flycatchers (Hall Wood and Sheepwash) and 2 Redstarts at Hopton end.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
01/05/2026Bar-tailed Godwit still at Watersports and 2 Common Sandpiper there also. 2 "commic" Terns distant in the haze, 2 drake Pochard, drake Teal, Fresh Mallard brood of 6 at Sailing Club, Common Whitethroat singing in WLC fields.Clive Ashton
30/04/2026This morning from Stones Island: 2 Ruff (1 horseshoe, 1 Watersports Island), Bar-tailed Godwit (Watersports), 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 summer plumage Dunlin (Sailing Club), Female Red-crested Pochard, 2 Barnacle Geese. 2 Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall, and Grey Wagtail singing there.Clive Ashton/Mick Watson
29/04/2026No Terns today but waders were in evidence with 9 species recorded: Bar-tailed Godwit at Watersports, Sanderling on Sailing Club shoreline, 2 Ruff on the back of Horseshoe Island, Curlew heard at Millfields and a Greenshank was around for a while before apparently flying NE. Female Red-crested Pochard and her male common Pochard admirer at WLC, Caspian Gull at Watersports, Yellow Wagtail over Stones, 4 Sedge Warblers and 2 Common Whitethroat behind Millfields Island.Clive Ashton
28/04/2026Another fantastic morning started with 9 Arctic Terns flying in over the dam at 0715hrs. Whilst counting the Terns, at 0745, Alan picked out a dark phase Arctic Skua which flew low up the middle of the res before departing NW. Paul Bennett popped in to see the Arctic Terns and found a Little Tern amongst them at Sheepwash. By 0945hr Arctic Tern numbers had increased to 26, before around half of them had apparently moved on. Large numbers of hirundines all morning and we estimate 400 Sand Martin and 200 Swallow. C6 Pochard, female Red-crested Pochard, 2 female Goldeneye at Sheepwash, 3 Egyptian Geese, 2 Swift, the ringed Caspian Gull, Yellow Wagtail (MR). Little Tern and c14 Arctic Terns still present around 1100hrs when we left site.CA/AHS
27/04/2027From Stones Island this morning, 3 Shoveller, 2 Pochard, 1 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Grey Heron, lots of Sedge and Garden Warblers, 2 Arctic Terns, 1 Common Sandpiper. 1 Dunlin at Millfields and Mediterranean Gull on Sailing Club Island (CA) Peacock butterfly and Orangetips on the wing.AHS
26/04/2026The first-summer Little Gull was still off Watersports this morning. 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 2 Common Terns there too. Female Red-crested Pochard from WLC. Second-summer Mediterranean Gull still on sailing club island. Single Curlew, Common Sandpiper and Redshank. 3 Swifts from WLC. Whitethroat in WLC creek. 13 singing Sedge Warblers across Stones and WLC creek. 3 Yellow Wagtails.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
25/04/20262 summer plumage Black-necked Grebes around Watersports area, 1 Black Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 2 Common Tern, 2 Little Gull (ad, 1s), 3 Shelduck, 2 drake Pochard, Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Common Sandpiper, Common Whitethroat at Hopton End, Reed Warbler in WLC reedbed, 3 Pied Flycatcher on east side.Clive Ashton
24/04/2026Following yesterday afternoon's movement, there were another 36 Black Terns this morning, building up between about 06:30 and 08:30, plus 3 Little Gulls (2 adults and one first-summer), all to 11:00 at least. The 2 Bar-tailed Godwits were still around and a Greenshank flew N. 3 Mandarins over the main carpark. 6 Pochard, 2 Teal. 1 Egyptian Goose. More Garden Warblers have arrived, now 6 in the Stones/WLC area. Lesser Whitethroat singing south of Sheepwash. Redstart singing at the top of WLC creek and Clive had a Yellow Wagtail over the WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
24/04/20266 Chiffchaff, 5 Cormorant, 3 Blackcap, 24 Black Tern, 1 Reed bunting, 9 Oystercatcher, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Willow warbler, 8 Sedge warbler, 1Bar tailed Godwit , 2 Little Gull, 2 Male Pochard , 1 Female Red Crested pochard , 15+ Sand Martin,2 LRPDavid Armitt
23/04/2026The 2 Bar-tailed Godwits are still present, 1 each at Watersports (with a damaged wing) and from.WLC. Common Sandpiper and 2 Redshank in the same area. Two female Goldeneye. Reed and Garden Warblers at Hopton end, and Garden on Stones. 3 singing Pied Flycatchers in Hall Wood/Warrington Knob. 3 male Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall and 2 Swifts overhead. Wheatear at Millfields (per A&R).SJR, MW, RPJ, AMD
22/04/2026Best this morning was a beautiful first-summer Little Gull off Watersports. Another surprise was 2 Redwing at Millfields, with a Swift, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Willow Tit and c100 Redpoll in the same area. Around Watersports, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, Common Sandpiper, Redshank and the pair of Egyptian Geese. Yellow Wagtail (possibly 2) on Stones causeway/dam wall. Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
21/04/2026Another excellent spring morning, with 4 new species for the year: Swift over the dam wall, Yellow Wagtail at the main centre, Garden Warblers at Hopton end and on Stones, and Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed. One Black-tailed and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits were on Watersports island and later from WLC. First-summer Caspian Gull still. Pink-footed Goose, 2 Teal, 2 Pochard and 4 Goldeneye. 10 Sedge Warblers around Stones island and 1 at WLC. Redstart still in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
19/04/2026Highlight of the monthly wildfowl count was a drake Ring-necked Duck in Brown Ale Bay at around 08:50, relocated off Big Island at 10:20. Other wildfowl: 194 Canada, 34 Greylag (plus a brood of 5), 1 Pink-foot, 2 Egyptian, 2 Mute Swan, 33 Gadwall, 70 Mallard (plus a brood of 12), 3 Pochard, 47 Tufted, 5 Goldeneye, 4 Moorhen, 18 Coot, 4 Little Grebe, 36 GCGrebe, 11 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Redshank, 2 Dunlin, 6 Cormorant (a total of 480 waterbirds as opposed to 824 in April last year) Also: first-summer Mediterranean and Caspian Gulls at Watersports, 100+ Sand Martins, male Whitethroat at Hopton end, male Pied Flycatcher still at Warrington Knob and Redstart in WLC fields. Wheatear on the dam wall (per Mick W).Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
18/04/2026This morning, 2 Egyptian Geese, drake Pochard, 3 Common Sandpipers off Stones causeway, first-summer Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Mediterranean Gulls (second-summer and a pair of adults), Common Tern at Watersports, Willow Tit on the Tail Bay path, 3 Skylarks over, 100++ Sand Martins, male Redstart in WLC fields still, 1 Redpoll.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
17/04/2026Early evening - 2 Med Gulls (a 3cy and 2cy) in or around the BHGull colony at the rear of Sailing Club Island, best viewed from the second bench along the dam wall, albeit distant. Also a German ringed Caspian Gull (2cy) on the Watersports pontoon; Pink-footed Goose and LRPlover on Watersports Island.Richard Lowe
17/04/2026Quieter than yesterday. The second-summer Mediterranean Gull was still present, Redstart still singing in WLC fields and 2 new Sedge Warblers, on Millfields island and at WLC.SJR, CA, AHS
16/04/2025A decent morning, starting with a male Pied Flycatcher singing in Warrington Knob, just south of Middle Wood on the east side (first of the year). Single Arctic Tern and Whimbrel past Stones island (also both the first of the year), and a Common Sandpiper was on the shore. Drake Pochard off Watersports. 2 male Redstarts (Hall Wood and WLC fields).SJR, CA, MW
14/04/2026Caspian Gull (2cy) on Watersports pontoon late afternoon - (yellow colour ring on left leg).Richard Lowe
14/04/2026The second-summer Mediterranean Gull flew across sailing club bay mid-morning. Common Tern at Watersports. Drake Pochard. 4 Goldeneye. At Hopton end and Hall/Middle Woods, 9 Coal Tit, 5 Willow Warbler, 17 Blackcap, 6 Nuthatch, 8 Treecreeper, 1 Redstart. Another Redstart in WLC fields. 3 Sedge Warblers around Stones.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
13/04/2026Late afternoon visit: second-summer Mediterranean Gull among the Black-heads on the back of sailing club island, as reported by Richard L a couple of days ago. Pink-footed Goose past Stones. 3 singing Sedge Warblers.Simon Roddis
11/04/20263 Little and 4 Common Terns were off Stones island from 07:55 to around 08:15 this morning. Good conditions for terns, clearly. 20+ Barnacle Geese. Second-summer Caspian Gull again off Watersports. Little Egret at Millfields. Big increase in hirundines, c100 Swallows, 300 Sand Martins and at least 4 House Martins. Sedge Warbler again on Stones.Simon Roddis
10/04/20262 Pochard, 1 female Red-Crested Pochard, 8 Gadwall, 6 Oystercatcher, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Little Grebe, 30+ Sand Martin, 20+ Swallow, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcap , 4 Long tailed Tit, 4 House Martin, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Jay , 3 Willow Warbler, 2 BullfinchDave Armitt
10/04/2026A Sedge Warbler singing on Stones island this morning is the earliest ever arrival here by 2 days. 2 House Martins also on Stones, and 100+ Sand Martins and c20 Swallows. Female Red-crested Pochard again consorting with a male Common Pochard off Stones causeway. 70 Common Gulls late morning, and a second-summer Caspian Gull off Watersports. Little Egret over Hopton end early morning. Redstart singing above WLC creek again and a brood of 3 Mallard in the fields (first I've seen this year). 1 Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
08/04/2026A very decent morning: a Sandwich Tern flew past Stones island at 08:15 and the Jack Snipe was again on Watersports island from 07:30 to at least 09:30. A Redstart was singing at the top of WLC creek and a female Wheatear was in the fields. Wildfowl included 3 Shelduck, female Red-crested Pochard, 2 drake Pochard, 4 Goldeneye and the pair of Egyptian Geese. A Curlew flew over Stones. First-summer Caspian Gull at sailing club. Willow Warblers and Blackcaps in increasing numbers.SJR, CA, AHS
07/04/2026A Jack Snipe bobbed away on Watersports island this morning, from 07:30 to 09:10 at least, with a Common Snipe almost adjacent. 4 Shoveler were out in the middle of the res. Tawny Owl calling at Penn Carr. Total of 33 Ravens, including 30 over the pastures; the presence of a couple of Buzzards and a Red Kites suggests that there might be a dead animal up there attracting their attention. 4+ Willow Warblers dotted around, and 3 Redpolls over.SJR, CA, MW
06/04/2026The pair of Egyptian Geese were on sailing club island early morning. 6 Goldeneye. 2 Curlew and 2 Herring Gulls flew S. 5 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. c60 Sand Martins and 3 Swallows off Sheepwash. Willow Warblers singing near the main entrance and at Millfields. 60 Fieldfare flew N (flocks of 24 and 36).Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
05/04/2026Following are the species recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walks (10am-noon; Stones Island to the Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Cormorant, Black-headed Gull, Magpie, Mallard, Chiffchaff, Coot, Tufted Duck, Oystercatcher, Carrion Crow, Egyptian Goose, Robin, Greylag Goose, Black-tailed Godwit, Sand Martin, Canada Goose, Moorhen, Woodpigeon, Gt Crested Grebe, Pochard, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Wren, Goldeneye, Pied Wagtail, Redshank, DunnockGary Atkins
05/04/2026A fly-through Greenshank was this morning's highlight. c80 Fieldfare also flew NW. 30 Sand Martins and 5+ Swallows off Stones/WLC. 2 Egyptian Geese, 4 Pochard and 2 Teal. Snipe at Paul Stanley hide. Barn Owl at Hopton reedbed first thing, and 15 Ravens over. Willow Tit at WLC. Black-tailed Godwit also reported on Watersports island (per Lorna).SJR, CA, MW
04/04/2026The first Willow Warbler of the year was singing near the main centre mid-morning, wonderful to hear. Other bit and pieces included 2 Shelduck, 3 redhead Goosander, 1 Egyptian Goose, 2 Pochard, 3 Redshank, 3 Herring Gulls, 1 Little Egret, 10 Sand Martin, 2 Swallows, 4 Blackcap, 1 Redpoll.SJR, MW, CA
02/04/2026A winter-plumage Turnstone was on Watersports island at 07:30 but had gone by 09:00. 3 Egyptian Geese at Millfields/Watersports. 1 Pink-footed Goose. The drake Red-crested Pochard was still at Millfields, hanging around with a group of Mallard. A light northerly movement of c.70 Woodpigeons. 21 Buzzards in a 360 scan from the dam wall late morning. Willow Tit at WLC. 10 Sand Martins.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
01/04/2026A drake Red-crested Pochard was at Millfields this morning, and a Little Egret flew S past Stones. Pair of Egyptian Geese still hanging around Watersports island. 6 Sand Martin and 1 Swallow. 2 Redpoll (over Millfields and Stones).SJR, CA, MW


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
2020-02-17Both GNDivers still, from Stones island looking towards Millfields this morning. It's now easy to tell the adult from the juv if either of them flaps its wings, the adult now being heavily in moult. 1 Shelduck off Watersports. 6 Wigeon. 4 Pochard. 7 Oystercatcher. 1 Curlew. 1 Jack Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 GBbG (ad and 1w). Peregrine from WLC. 6 Willow Tit, including 3 on the Sheepwash feeder. 1 Skylark N. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-02-16Both GNDivers still, from Stones island. The adult was robbed of prey by a Great Black-backed Gull, the first time I've seen that happen. It is also now in active wing moult, missing all its primaries. Just the 1 Pochard. c300 Lapwing. Only 7 Common Snipe visible on Horseshoe island. Kingfisher at Sheepwash. 3 GSWoodpecker. 230 Redwing at Penn Carr. 11 Tree Sparrows at Millfields. c18 Lesser Redpoll (c15 at Millfields, 3 on Stones island).Simon Roddis
2020-02-15This morning, after the fog lifted and before the storm struck: adult GNDiver off Millfields, 2 Jack Snipe (fantastic views) and 64 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. 7 Barnacle Geese, including 3 pairs on Millfields island, and a few BhGulls checking the island out as well. Female Pintail in WLC creek. Only 2 Pochard. 5 Oystercatcher. 560 Lapwing. 1 Curlew. 2 Redshank. 3 Skylark S over WLC creek. 20 Siskin and 2 Lesser Redpoll at Millfields. 2 Blackbirds singing at Millfields, I think they're the first I've heard this year.Simon Roddis
2020-02-14Both GNDivers towards the east side between Fishtail Creek and Millfields this morning. 1 Jack Snipe again on Horseshoe island, with 38 Common Snipe. 29 Barnacle Geese flew in and then split up, with a couple of pairs later at Millfields. Pair of Pintail out in the middle, but only 1 Wigeon and 4 Pochard. c400 Lapwing. 2 Curlew at Sailing Club early morning. Kingfisher at Shiningford and Brown Ale Bay, perhaps the same bird. 2 Kestrel. 5 Skylark N. 200+ Redwing, including 100 at Penn Carr and 90 at Sheepwash. Mistle Thrush singing at Millfields. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-02-133-00 to 4 00 pm WLC to Stones Island - Common Snipe. Lapwing Oystercatcher Canada Geese Mute Swan Mallard GBB Gull Black Head Gull Cormorant Long Tailed Tit Wren Blue Tit Great Tit Blackbird Goldfinch Redwing Pheasant Magpie Great Crested Grebe Little Grebe Goldeneye Coot Tufted Duck Goldcrest.David Horsley
2020-02-12Both GNDivers still, the juv off Millfields early morning and the adult from Sheepwash late morning. A first-winter Kittiwake flew through, heading SW, at 10:30. The Pink-footed Goose flew in again with Canadas. 5 Greylag. 28 Wigeon. 26 Teal. 9 Pochard. 10 Goldeneye. 7+ Oystercatcher. c400 Lapwing. 21 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 4 Curlew were flushed by a Peregrine and then settled at Sailing Club. 1w Yellow-legged Gull. 5 Willow Tit. Chiffchaff still on Stones island. Mistle Thrush singing at Shiningford. Total of c150 Starling.Simon Roddis
2020-02-11Both GNDivers again of Millfields this morning. 1 Jack and 35 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. 1 Pink-footed Goose with c40 Canadas. 14 Wigeon. 17 Teal. 10 Pochard. 2 GBbGull. 5 Tree Sparrows at Millfields. 10 Bullfinch including 7 feeding on the ground at Millfields. 3 Meadow Pipits on Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
2020-02-10Both GNDivers from Millfields late morning. 1 Jack and 26 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. 1 Shelduck. 21 Wigeon. 19 Pochard. Female Goosander at Millfields early morning. 7 Oystercatcher. 300 Lapwing. Chiffchaff on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2020-02-08Monthly WeBS count (as Storm Ciara might make it tricky tomorrow): the highlight was 3 female Scaup off Stones island, and both GNDivers are still present, the adult off Lane End hide, the juv at Millfields. 66 Canada Geese, 29 Barnacles and 5 Greylags. 2 Mute Swan. 34 Gadwall (including a pair mating at WLC). 22 Wigeon. 97 Mallard. 25 Teal. 30(!) Pochard. 96 Tufted. 15 Goldeneye. 1 Water Rail (PShide). 11 Moorhen. 291 Coot. 10 Little Grebe. 49 GCGrebe. 7 Oystercatcher. 600 Lapwing. 4 Woodcock (Hopton end, early morning). 25 Common Snipe. 3 Redshank. 2 GBbGull. 19 Cormorant. 1 Grey Heron. Also: 7 Tawny Owls calling at the Hopton end first thing, total of 10 Willow Tit (including 8 between the Hopton end and WLC creek), Chiffchaff on Stones, 23 Song Thrush (18 singing) between Hopton end and WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
2020-02-0614 Barnacle geese (WLC), Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatcher (WLC), 30+ Lapwing, Redwing, Goldcrest, Willow tit (Behind Paul Stanley hide).Matthew Birkin
2020-02-05Great Northern Diver still present, seen from Stones island, 8 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers,2 Redshank ,1 Chiffchaff and 20 Common Snipe TALC. AHS,RC.
2020-02-02Species seen during Birdwatching for Beginners walk today (10am-noon) from WLC to Stones Island: Dunnock, Robin, Blue Tit, Redwing, Great Tit, Song Thrush, Long-tailed Tit, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Jackdaw, Collared Dove, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Coot, Mallard, Gt Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Goldeneye, Little Grebe, Pochard, Wigeon, Chaffinch, Coal Tit, Willow Tit, Snipe, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Gt Black-backed Gull, Teal, Canada Goose, Moorhen, Redshank, Gt Northern Diver, Cormorant, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mute Swan, House Sparrow, Goldcrest, PeregrineGary Atkins
2020-02-02The adult GNDiver still, but didn't see the juv. 31 Barnacle Geese. 11 Greylags. 9 Goldeneye (4m,5f) at Sheepwash. c350 Lapwing. 2 Oystercatcher. 46 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 first-winter Yellow-legged Gulls. 5 Stock Dove. 3 GSWoodpecker, including one drumming at the top of WLC creek. 2 Skylark over WLC creek. Chiffchaff at the WLC. 35 Siskin at Millfields. Simon Roddis
2020-02-01The adult GNDiver again, out in the middle. 203 Canada Geese. 16 Wigeon. 550 Lapwing and 20 Common Snipe on Horsehoe island. 2 Redshank. 1w Yellow-legged Gull. Chiffchaff on Stones island. Total of 150 Redwing (including 70 at Millfields, 60 at Sheepwash). 10 Tree Sparrows (7 Millfields, 3 WLC).Simon Roddis
2020-01-31The adult GNDiver out in the middle still. 160 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 10 Wigeon. 13 Goldeneye. c450 Lapwing. 1 Oystercatcher. 1 Curlew S over the visitor centre. 30 Snipe on Horseshoe island. Kingfisher at Sheepwash. 9 Tree Sparrow (8 at Millfields, 1 at WLC). 15 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2020-01-29Adult and juv GNDivers still. The juv caught a crayfish (I think it's the first time in over 500 sightings of GND at Carsington that I've seen one with prey - they usually swallow it underwater) and shook it so that there were bits of crayfish flying everywhere, which it then retrieved and swallowed. 170 Canada Geese. 355 Pochard. 15 Goldeneye. 3 Grey Heron. 27 Cormorant. 1 Oystercatcher on Millfields island, then flew towards Stones. 1 Dunlin through. c200 Lapwing. 23 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 1 Peregrine seen several times from Stones/WLC creek. Chiffchaff still on Stones. 200 Starlings in fields at the top of WLC creek. Simon Roddis
2020-01-28The adult GNDiver from Stones island early morning and a Jack Snipe at the WLC. 11 Pintail (7m,4f) also off Stones but very skittish and flew shortly after I saw them. A Red Kite flew south down the west side, over Carsington Pastures then behind the Visitor Centre and over Hognaston around 11:00. 10 Goldeneye. 38 GCGrebe from Millfields. 22 Cormorant on the Sailing Club raft. c400 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. 2 Redshank. 1w Yellow-legged Gull and adult GBbG. Simon Roddis
2020-01-25Great Northern diver, Sparrowhawk, Kingfisher, Redwing. (Around Stones Island)Matthew Birkin
2020-01-24Both GNDivers still, the juv off the WLC and the adult off Millfields. 1 Jack and 27 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. Female Pintail off WLC and the Cetti's Warbler still in the reedbed. 159 Pochard from Sheepwash (121m,38f). c350 Lapwing. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and 1w). Chiffchaff and singing Willow Tit on Stones island. c100 Redwing at Sheepwash. 40 Goldfinch (plus 1 Siskin and 1 Lesser Redpoll) at WLC.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-01-23Both GNDivers found once the fog had lifted late morning, the adult out in the middle and the juv close in at Millfields. 1 Jack Snipe, 45 Common Snipe and c300 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. The juv Grey Heron there had another vole for elevenses. At Hopton end early morning, 1 Woodcock, 4 calling Tawny Owls, 2, maybe 3 Grey Wags out of the reedbed, and singing Willow Tit. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (ad and 1w). The Cetti's Warbler still in WLC creek. Total of 170 Redwing. 20+ Chaffinch at Penn Carr. 50 Goldfinch at WLC. Total of 40 Siskin including 25 at Brown Ale Bay.Simon Roddis
2020-01-22The adult GNDiver was off Stones island and the juv was seen by Dan Martin in front of the WLC. Dan also reported a Heron catching and swallowing a vole on Horseshoe island. 100 Canada Geese. 4 Greylags. 4 Mute Swans. 26 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. Didn't see any Jacks but I guess they're still there. 370 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. Chiffchaff on Stones island.Simon Roddis
2020-01-21The adult GNDiver was between Stones and Millfields, and one Jack Snipe at the WLC. 22 Greylags. Female Pintail at WLC. 4 Goosander (2m,2f) at Millfields, and 57 GCGrebe counted from the viewing area. 2 Grey Heron. 20 Snipe on Horseshoe island. Single adult Herring, 1w Yellow-leg and adult GBbGulls. Kingfisher in WLC/Shiningford creeks. Willow Tit singing in WLC creek. 50 Starling in fields above WLC creek. 8 Tree Sparrows at WLC.Simon Roddis
2020-01-21No sign of yesterday’s Black-necked Grebe around the WLC early morning. Note this species requires rarity form submission to Derbyshire Ornithological Society.Roger Carrington
2020-01-20Enjoy your blog. Visited Carsington for first time today (20th Jan). Thought you might like to know that there was a Black-necked Grebe about 100 metres north of the Wildlife Centre between 13:30 and 14:15 today - probably still around, and 100% certain of identity - textbook winter plumage.Paul Swinhoe
2020-01-20Both GNDivers this morning, the juv close to the shore at Millfields, guess it's been tucked into the west bank for the last few days, and the adult out in the middle. 1 Jack Snipe and 20 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. 3 Curlew flew past Sheepwash hide at 12:40 but couldn't find anywhere to land and turned back south. 169 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 27 Gadwall (16m,11f). 30 Teal (19m,11f). 52 Wigeon (29m,23f). 194 Pochard. 11 Goldeneye (6m,5f). 15 Little Grebe. 50 GCGrebe. 2 Redshank. 1 imm Herring, 2 Yellow-leg (adult and 1w) and 1 adult GBbGull. 8 Willow Tit. 3 Raven.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-01-19Just the adult GNDiver again this morning, between Stones and Millfields. 3, possibly 4, Jack Snipe on Horseshoe island, plus 20 Common Snipe. At Hopton end early morning, 2 Woodcock, 4 calling Tawny Owls, 4 Stock Dove, 7 Reed Buntings out of the reedbed (plus 2 elsewhere later), 5 Fieldfare SW. 220 Pink-footed Geese NW over the north end at 10:45. 2 Barnacle Geese. Female Pintail from Stones causeway. 282 Lapwing on Sailing Club shore. 5 adult Herring Gulls through. Kingfisher from WLC. 5 Willow Tit. 3 Lesser Redpoll among Goldfinches at WLC.Simon Roddis
2020-01-18The adult GNDiver was between Stones island and Millfields this morning, and 2 Jack Snipe on Horseshoe island. 166 Canada Geese. 10 Greylags (2 out with Canadas, 8 flew in later). 22 Cormorant on the raft off Sailing Club early morning. 330 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 19 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. 765 Lesser Black-backs out over Millfields early morning, plus 1 Herring Gull. 2 adult Yellow-legs on the water. Adult GBbG. 500+ (possibly 1,000) Jackdaws over the dam wall early morning. Brief Willow Tit song on Stones, and the Chiffchaff there still. 4 Mistle Thrush, including singing birds at Brown Ale Bay and Hognaston end of the dam wall. 7 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
2020-01-17Millfields 13 00 hrs, 4 Lesser Redpoll (Male plus Female), Bullfinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Mute Swan, 9 Whooper Swan, GC Grebe, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Pochard, Nuthatch, Robin, Mallard, Blackbird, Goldfinch, Goldeneye.David Horsley
2020-01-17Millfields 13 00 hrs, 4 Lesser Redpoll (Male plus Female), Bullfinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Mute Swan, 9 Whooper Swan, GC Grebe, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Pochard, Nuthatch, Robin, Mallard, Blackbird, Goldfinch, Goldeneye.David Horsley
2020-01-17Just the adult GNDiver again today, I wonder if we're just missing the juv? Roger spotted 9 Whooper Swans (7 adults,2 juvs) off Millfields mid-morning, there to 13:00 at least. 1, maybe 2, Jack Snipe on Horseshoe island. 17 Common Snipe there. The Cetti's Warbler showed along the fence down the side of WLC reedbed again. First-winter Yellow-legged Gull. Chiffchaff on Stones. 14 Blackbird in Sheepwash carpark. 50 Goldfinch at WLC.SJR,RC,AD,RJ
2020-01-15Only saw the adult GNDiver this morning, off Stones island. Early morning at Millfields, 500+ LBbGulls and 2 Herring flew out, with 2 Yellow-leg (adult and 1w) and 11 Goldeneye on the water. 172 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 8 Greylag. Total of 186 Pochard (147m,39f) at WLC and Brown Ale Bay. 5 Buzzard over the dam wall. 300 Lapwing. 16 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 Redshank. Kingfisher and Chiffchaff on Stones. The Cetti's Warbler called and showed briefly in WLC reedbed. 6 Willow Tit. 50 Goldfinch and 2 Lesser Redpolls feeding on alders at the WLC. 2m Reed Bunting on Sheepwash carpark feeder.Simon Roddis
2020-01-14Adult and juv GNDivers again from Stones island, and Chiffchaff and Long-tailed Tits flycatching there. 2 Barnacle Geese. 5 Mute Swans. 14 Goldeneye. 350 Lapwing. 13 Common Snipe. 6 Willow Tit. 20 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2020-01-13Both GNDivers from Stones island this morning, plus a Chiffchaff there again. One Jack Snipe showing on Horseshoe island. 34 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 10:10. 291 Pochard. 350 Lapwing. 14 Common Snipe. 1 first-winter Herring Gull. 52 Rooks. 170 Redwing (120 at Sheepwash, 50 at Millfields). 30 Chaffinch (20 at Sheepwash, 10 at WLC). Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-01-12Monthly WeBS count: 2 GNDivers, 101 Canadas, 5 Mute Swan (including colour-ringed bird JCA back at Paul Stanley), 33 Gadwall (20m,13f), 54 Wigeon (28m,26f), 147 Mallard (89m,58f), 1f Pintail, 62 Teal (40m,22f), 306 Pochard (223m,83f), 133 Tufted (100m,33f), 11 Goldeneye (6m,5f), 1m Goosander, 15 Little Grebe, 37 GCGrebe, 1 Grey Heron, 27 Cormorant, 8 Moorhen, 487 Coot, 370 Lapwing, 3 Woodcock, 16 Snipe, 3 Jack Snipe, 2 Redshank, 2 Kingfisher. Also: 5 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end early morning. 1 Skylark over Millfields. Chiffchaff on Stones. 4 Mistle Thrush, including singing birds at Sheepwash and Brown Ale Bay. 25 Siskin at BABay.Simon Roddis, John Bradley
2020-01-11Jack Snipe again on Horseshoe island. Adult GNDiver from Stones island looking towards Millfields (juv also reported off Stones). c380 Lapwing. 3 Woodcock into Hopton end early morning. 15 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. Simon Roddis
2020-01-10The juv GNDiver was right in front of the WLC at around 09:00 this morning, and the adult between Stones island and Millfields. The Jack Snipe was among the cut-off brambles on Horseshoe island. 117 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 2 Greylag. 75 Pink-feet flew W just after 11:00. 37 Teal at Sheepwash. 38 GCGrebes from Millfields. 2 Grey Heron. c 200 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. Adult GBbGull and near-ad Yellow-leg. 2 GSWoodpecker, including one drumming at Brown Ale Bay, and 20 Siskin there. Simon Roddis
2020-01-09Adult and juv GNDivers again on their usual beats. 5 Shelduck at Millfields (and flying around). 3 Goosander at Millfields early morning. c280 Lapwing. 2 adult Herring Gull. 4 Raven (2 pairs). 6 Willow Tit. Chiffchaff still on Stones. 35 Starling and 2 Fieldfare over WLC creek. Simon Roddis
2020-01-08Both GNDivers still; the juv seems to be spending more time in the Watersports/WLC area now, the adult still out in the middle. 127 Canada Geese. 38 Gadwall. 41 Wigeon. 102 Mallard. 35 Teal. Female Pintail in Shiningford creek. 299 Pochard (198m,101f). 13 Goldeneye. 15 Little Grebe. 23 Cormorant. c400 Lapwing. 14 Snipe on Horseshoe island. First-winter Yellow-legged Gull. 3+ Raven. The Cetti's Warbler again called from WLC reedbed. Chiffchaff on Stones. 9 Tree Sparrow at Millfields. 14 Bullfinch (12 at Millfields). 15 Lesser Redpoll (13 at Millfields).Simon Roddis
2020-01-07Both GNDivers initially from Stones island, then the juv again later from the WLC. The Jack Snipe showed well on Horseshoe island mid-morning. 160 Canada Geese. 2 Shelduck. 242 Pochard from Sheepwash hide (181m,61f). 2 Grey Heron. Adult GBBGull. Chiffchaff again flycatching on Stones island.Simon Roddis
2020-01-06Adult and juv GNDiver from Stones again, then the juv at WLC mid-morning. 90 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 1 Shelduck. 30 Wigeon. 4 Buzzard. c350 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 14 Snipe. 1 adult Herring Gull. Kingfisher from PS hide. 6 Willow Tit. The Cetti's Warbler showed really well just after 10:00 in WLC reedbed, low in the single Alder near the main track; it and a Wren appeared to be scolding something on the ground (a Stoat maybe?). Chiffchaff on Stones. 70+ Redwing at Sheepwash. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-01-056 Goldeneye,26 Wigeon, 14 Gadwall,275 lapwing,8 Blue Tit,10 Goldfinch,8 Long Tailed Tit,4 Robin,120 Canada Goose,1 Redwing, 10 Great Crested Grebe,20 Cormorant,1 Kestrel,2 Little Grebe,2 Chaffinch,1 Dunnock,4 Snipe,1 Redshank,2 Willow Tit,7 Tree Sparrow,5 Great Tit,62 Pochard,6 Teal,1 Great Northern Diver off stonesDavid Armitt
2020-01-05Species (39) noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon between Stones Island and WLC): Coot, House Sparrow, Mute Swan, Mallard, Goldeneye, Wigeon, Pheasant, Black-headed Gull, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Gt Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Canada Goose, Goldfinch, Blackbird, Lapwing, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Wren, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Long-tailed Tit, Gt Northern Diver, Dunnock, Raven, Robin, Little Grebe, Blue Tit, Nuthatch, Jackdaw, Great Tit, Redshank, Tree Sparrow, Snipe, Willow Tit, Woodpigeon, Pochard, Barnacle Goose, Moorhen, ChaffinchGary Atkins
2020-01-058 Goosander at Millfields at dawn. Water Rail feeding at side of PSHide. Chiffchaff still on Stones Island. Cetti’s Warbler calling with ‘rattle’ and single note calls while moving rapidly through small reedbed by Wildlife Centre mid morning.Roger Carrington
2020-01-04The adult and juv GNDivers were still in their favoured areas this morning. 2 adult Whooper Swans untill 11:00 at least, in the Stones/WLC area. 230 Canadas. 30 Barnacles (the flock of 28 plus 2 which flew out with Canadas). 23 Gadwall. 29 Wigeon. 2m Goosander at Millfields early morning, and 29 Cormorants on the raft in Sailing Club Bay. c300 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. Adult Yellow-legged Gull off Brown Ale Bay. 1 Peregrine. 600 Jackdaws over the dam wall early morning. 4+ Raven. Chiffchaff on Stones still. Total of 85 Redwing. 15 Tree Sparrow (10 WLC, 5 Millfields). 10 Bullfinch, including 7 at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2020-01-03Both GNDivers from Stones and the Jack Snipe showed again on Horseshoe island from the WLC. 110 Canada Geese. 28 Barnacles. 4 Shoveler (2m,2f) around Horseshoe. 225 Pochard. 415 Lapwing. 33 Rooks and 5 Raven over Hall Wood. 5 Willow Tit. Chiffchaff again on Stones. 12 Tree Sparrow (11 WLC, 1 Millfields).Simon Roddis
2020-01-023 Tree sparrow on feeders at Millfields car park. Matthew Birkin
2020-01-02Goldcrest on trail to Sheepwash car park from the centre about 11.30Sandra Coxon
2020-01-02The adult and juv GNDivers from Stones still this morning and the Jack Snipe again at the WLC. 4 Woodcock flew into Hopton end at first light and a Water |rail calling in the reedbed. 80 Pink-footed Geese flew NE at 11:40. 170 Canada Geese. 24 Barnacles. 27 Gadwall. 22 Wigeon. 9 Goldeneye. 350 Lapwing, rather unsettled by a Peregrine. 12 Snipe on Horseshoe island. c50 Redwing, 50 Goldfinch and 20 Siskin at Sheepwash. Simon Roddis
2020-01-01Reasonable start to 2020 with, Woodcock flying in to Hopton end at 07:30 and a rather vocal Water Rail in the Reedbed there. Adult and juv GNDivers off Stones Island. The Jack Snipe occasionally ‘bouncing’ but mainly hidden in brambles on Horseshoe Island. Also a pair of Shoveler and 21 Barnacles there. Near adult Yellow-legged Gull mobile around the site.Roger Carrington
2019-12-31Both GNDivers still. 21 Barnacle Geese. 7 Greylags. 41 Wigeon. 317 Pochard - definite increase on recent days. 1 Goosander. 35 GCGrebe from Millfields. 32 Cormorant. 4 Buzzard. 540 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. 1 Redshank. 18 Snipe (Alan S's count). Gull counts from Lane End at 4pm: c5,000 Black-heads, 2,000 Common, 420 Lesser Black-back, 4 Greater, 3 Yellow-leg. 5 Willow Tit. 85 Redwing. 7 Tree Sparrow (2 WLC, 5 Millfields). 1 Linnet over Millfields. 3 Lesser Redpoll. 20 Siskin.Simon Roddis
2019-12-30Both GNDivers between Stones and Millfields. 98 Canada Geese. 22 Greylags flew in at dusk. 2 Mute Swan. 1 Shelduck at WLC (Alan S.). 38 Gadwall. 36 Wigeon. 114 Mallard. 18 Teal. 190 Pochard. 126 Tufted. 11 Goldeneye. 15 Little Grebe. 47 GCGrebe. (Failed to find the reported Red-necked Grebe.) 2 Grey Heron. 15 Cormorant. 4 Buzzard. 2 Water Rail (Hopton reedbed and Brown Ale Bay). 3 Moorhen. 449 Coot. 300 Lapwing. 6 Snipe. 1 Redshank. c1000 Common Gulls from Sheepwash hide by 15:00. 1 adult Yellow-leg. 1 GBbG. Kingfisher at Sheepwash/BABay. Alan and I had a total of 8 GSWoodpeckers on the west side. 2 Kestrel. 1 Peregrine worrying the Lapwing flock on Horseshoe island. 10 Coal Tit. 7 Willow Tit. 39 Blue Tit. 25 Great Tit. 22 Long-tailed Tit. 1 Chiffchaff on Stones. 33 Blackbird. 98 Redwing. 5 Tree Sparrows at Millfields. Totals of 16 Bullfinch and 34 Siskin.Simon Roddis
2019-12-29The adult GNDiver was between Stones island and Millfields this morning, didn't see the juv. The Jack Snipe was visible on Horseshoe island mid-morning. 174 Canada Geese. 1 Barnacle. 3 Mute Swans. 21 Gadwall. 42 Wigeon. 129 Mallard. 24 Teal. 202 Pochard. 12 Goldeneye. 9 Goosander (4m,4f at Millfields early morning and a f N over Stones). 500 Lapwing, 10 Snipe and 2 Redshank on Horseshoe island. 760 LBbG out over Millfields early morning. The near-ad Yellow-leg still. 3 Tawny Owls calling at Millfields. Kingfisher at Sheepwash and Hopton end (same bird?). 500 Jackdaw and 55 Rooks on/over the Millfields end of the dam wall early morning. 26 Long-tailed Tit. 2 Chiffchaff on Stones. Totals of 135 Goldfinch and 75 Siskin (flock of 70 at Millfields).Simon Roddis
2019-12-28The adult and juv GNDivers still from Stones island this morning. 130 Canada Geese. 3 Mute Swans. 34 Gadwall. 6 Goldeneye. 22 Pheasant (most at Hopton end). 14 Little Grebe. 50 GCGrebe. 1 Grey Heron. 18 Cormorant. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. c400 Lapwing, 14 Snipe and 1 Redshank on Horseshoe island. 4 Woodcock flew into the Hopton end at first light, and 8 Tawny Owls calling there. 1 Peregrine over Horseshoe island. Passerine counts: 14 Magpie, 66 Jackdaw, 23 Rook, 27 Carrion Crow, 4 Coal Tit, 3 Willow Tit, 40 Blue Tit, 15 Great Tit, 22 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Chiffchaff on Stones, 3 Goldcrest, 18 Wren, 4 Nuthatch, 2 Treecreeper, 39 Starling, 31 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 101 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 34 Robin, 40 House Sparrow at VC, 9 Tree Sparrow, 15 Dunnock, 2 Grey Wag, 7 Pied Wag, 2 Meadow Pipit, 23 Chaffinch, 9 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 50 Goldfinch, 8 Siskin and 8 Reed Bunting.Simon Roddis
2019-12-27Both GNDivers again from Stones island, the adult quite distantly towards Millfields but the juv patrolled up and down not too far out. The Jack Snipe was visible for a few minutes on Horseshoe island late morning. 149 Canada Geese. 3 Mute Swans. 25 Gadwall. 31 Wigeon. 157 Pochard. 7 Goldeneye. 450 Lapwing and 6 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 Redshank. 500+ Common Gulls flew out of Sailing CLub bay early morning. The near-ad Yellow-leg, 1 Herring and 1 GBbGull. Female Kingfisher in Brown Ale bay. 2 GSWoodpecker, including one drumming at Penn Carr. 5 Willow Tit. Chiffchaff again on Stones island. Totals of 170 Redwing, 28 Goldfinch and 40 Siskin. SJR, AHS, Rowan Wakefield, Lindsey Wakefield
2019-12-26The adult and juv GNDivers again in their usual areas this morning. 4 Whooper Swans flew W at 08:55. 197 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 1 Greylag. 16 Gadwall. 16 Wigeon. c100 Mallard. 156 Pochard. 10 Goldeneye. 500 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. c7,000 BhGulls, 650 LBbG and 600 Jackdaws from Millfields early morning. 6 Willow Tit. Chiffchaff on Stones.Simon Roddis
2019-12-25Both GNDivers again in their usual spots early morning. 201 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacle Geese. Female Pintail again at WLC. 10 Goosander (5m,5f) at Millfields. 24 Cormorant. 370 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 4 Woodcock at the Hopton end at first light. 1 adult Herring Gull and the near-ad Yellow-leg. 6 Stock Dove. At least 5 Tawny Owls calling at the Hopton end, seemingly reacting to a barking Muntjac behind the village. 2 Chiffchaff (Stones and Paul Stanley). 10 Tree Sparrows (8 at Millfields, 2 WLC). 20 Siskin and a Lesser Redpoll at Millfields. Happy Christmas!Simon Roddis
2019-12-24Both GNDivers still. 142 Canada Geese. 4 Mute Swans. 35 Gadwall. Female Pintail at WLC. 61 Teal. 215 Pochard. 13 Goldeneye. 20 Little Grebe. 1 Grey Heron. 27 Cormorant. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. 548 Lapwing. 1 Golden Plover. 1 Redshank. Kingfisher and Chiffchaff on Stones island, and 70 Rooks over. 240 Redwing (200 at Sheepwash). 1 Grey Wag and 6 Reed Bunting in Hopton reedbed early morning.Simon Roddis
2019-12-23Both GNDivers off Stones island early morning. 158 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacle and 9 Greylags. 177 Pochard (138m,39f). 8 Goosander (3m,5f) at Millfields first thing. 17 Cormorant. 1 Woodcock at Penn Carr at first light, and 2 Tawny Owls calling. c7,000 BhGulls off Millfields first thing. The near-ad Yellow-legged Gull still. 8 Stock Doves over the east side. 70 Rooks over Stones. 95 Redwing at Sheepwash. c50 Goldfinch in Shiningford creek and a mixed flock of c40 Goldfinch and Siskin at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2019-12-22A Great White Egret flew over Stones island at 08:40, landed for a minute on Watersports and then flew on and landed in Shiningford creek but not seen again as far as I know. Both GNDivers still. c220 Pink-footed Geese flew E over Stones at 09:55. 157 Canadas. 1 Greylag. c500 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. 2 Woodcock, 1 Water Rail, 4 calling Tawny Owls, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Grey Wag at Hopton end early morning. 2 GBbGulls. 3 Kestrels (2 on Stones, 1 at Millfields). Chiffchaff on Stones again. c350 Redwing at Penn Carr, and 1 singing on Stones. 4+ Lesser Redpoll (2 on Stones, 2+ at Millfields).Simon Roddis
2019-12-21Both GNDivers again this morning, the juvenile only feet away from the shoreline off Stones early morning, and the adult from Millfields later. 570 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. 2 Yellow-legged Gull. c500 Jackdaw over the visitor centre early morning. 120 Redwing at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2019-12-20The 2 GNDivers still, the adult at Millfields and the juv off Stones island early morning. 33 Wigeon. 59 Teal. c200 Pochard. c300 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 1 Ruff around Horseshoe island. Female Kingfisher at Sheepwash. The Cetti's Warbler called once from WLC reedbed mid-morning.31 Goldfinch in WLC creek. 20 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2019-12-18An afternoon visit seemed sensible today, giving this morning's fog. The 2 GNDivers are still there, the adult showed really well off Stones early afternoon, and both visible from Sheepwash late afternoon. 162 Canada Geese. 27 Cormorants at roost at Sheepwash. 3 Woodcock at the Hopton end at dusk. 1,777 Common Gulls counted coming in to roost. Adult Peregrine on the Shiningford pylons. 10 Fieldfare at Sheepwash late afternoon.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2019-12-17Both GNDivers again present this morning; the juv was right up at Sheepwash around 12:30, the furthest north I've seen it. 133 Canadas. 2 Barnacle. Female Pintail at WLC. 57 Teal. 196 Pochard. 8 Goldeneye. 450 Lapwing. 1st-w Yellow-legged Gull at Watersports. Tawny Owl (a rather grey one) being mobbed by small stuff on Stones island. 4 GSWoodpecker. 6 Willow Tit. Total of 11 Greenfinch, including 7 on Stones. 1 Lesser Redpoll at Millfields. Total of 35 Siskin, including 24 at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2019-12-16As well as the juvenile GNDiver off Stones island, an adult was off Millfields from late morning. It remains to be seen if this is the returning adult and stays for the winter - if so, it's a bit later than usual but not the latest it has arrived. 112 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 6 Shoveler (4m,2f; 1m at Sheepwash, the other 5 at WLC). 35 Wigeon. 239 Pochard. 2 Heron. 23 Cormorant. 670 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. 2 Herring Gull and the near-adult Yellow-leg. 2 Kingfishers at Sheepwash. 82 Rooks over/from Stones island mid-morning. 6 Willow Tit. 12 Tree Sparrow (8 WLC, 4 Millfields).Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2019-12-15Monthly WeBS count: 101 Canada Geese, 1 Pink-foot, 2 Mute Swans, 31 Gadwall, 21 Wigeon, 100 Mallard, 48 Teal, 207 Pochard, 163 Tufted, 15 Goldeneye, 1 GNDiver, 24 Little Grebe, 43 GCGrebe, 15 Cormorant, 1 Water Rail, 6 Moorhen, 623 Coot, 206 Lapwing, 6 Snipe, 3 Redshank. Chiffchaff still on Stones island.John Bradley, Roger Carrington
2019-12-11The GNDiver was off Stones/Watersports islands at 08:00. 106 Canada Geese. 13 Greylags. 287 Pochard. 11 Goldeneye. 226 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 49 Rooks E over Hall Wood late morning. Chiffchaff on Stones island. Simon Roddis
2019-12-10The juv GNDiver was in Sailing Club bay this morning. 3 Shelduck at Watersports and a Chiffchaff on Stones island. 280 Pochard. 3 Redshank on Horseshoe island. 7 Willow Tit.Simon Roddis
2019-12-09Tawny Owl, sitting on Gibfield Lane near Turlowfields Lane. Drove right up to it before it flew into nearby trees.Wayne Dixon
2019-12-09The juv GNDiver off Stones around 08:30-09:00. 18 Pink-footed Geese flew SE and 30 Golden Plover SW at 09:00. 2 GBbG. 209 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 32 Woodpigeon N. 5 Stock Dove. 5 Willow Tit. Two micro-site ticks (if there is such a thing?): 2 Mistle Thrushes actually on Millfields island, and a Goldcrest inside Sheepwash Hide and duly released.Simon Roddis
2019-12-0882 Pochard,4 Wigeon,5 Robin,19 Canada goose,4 Great Crested Grebe,2 Mute Swan,5 Teal,2 Little Grebe,70 Tufted Duck,1 Tree Creeper,12 Blue Tit,6 Redwing,1 Willow Tit,1 Coal tit,10 Great Tit,2 CormorantDavid Armitt
2019-12-0880 Canada Goose,12 Gadwall,50 Tufted Duck,9 Teal,3 Cormorant,4 Great Crested Grebe.6 Wigeon,300 lapwing,2 Redshank,75 Pochard,1 Coal Tit,6 Goldfinch,1 Willow Tit,6 Blue Tit,1 Wren,3 Robin,1 cettis(WLC),2 Great tit,1 Redwing,1 BuzzardDavid Armitt
2019-12-07The juv GNDiver was off the south end of Stones island mid-morning and a Jack Snipe was among 40 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. The Cetti's Warbler called a couple of times from WLC reedbed. 429 Pochard, with 200+ from both WLC and Sheepwash hide. 172 Canadas. 26 Gadwall. Female Pintail at WLC. 10 Goldeneye. 2f Goosander at Millfields early morning. 3 Grey Heron. 15 Cormorant. 315 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. c11,000 BhGs and 500 LBbG from Millfields early morning. The near-ad Yellow-legged Gull still. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. 14 Magpies at the Millfields carpark feeders early morning. Simon Roddis
2019-12-06Total of 393 Pochard, almost 300 of them at the WLC. 2f Pintail there too. 150 Canada and 2 Barnacle Geese. 310 Lapwing. 21 Snipe and a Redshank on Horseshoe island. 4 ad Herring Gull and the near-ad Yellow-leg. 2 Collared Dove at Sheepwash feeder. Chiffchaff at WLC. 20 Siskin at Millfields. Couldn't find the elusive diver.Simon Roddis
2019-12-03At Hopton end early morning, 4, maybe 5 Woodcock flew in, the last one not until 07:30 by when it was relatively light and the bird seemed a bit put off by the traffic on the road; 5 Tawny Owls and a Water Rail calling (plus another in Brown Ale Bay); c10 Reed Buntings calling in the reedbed. 2 Ruddy Shelduck flew N off Brown Ale Bay at 12:50. 210 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 97 Wigeon in total. M and f Pintail at WLC. 274 Pochard. 10 Goldeneye. 3 Goosander. 180 Lapwing. 1 Redshank. Single adult GBb, Herring and Yellow-legged Gulls. Kingfisher and Chiffchaff at WLC. 7 Goldcrest. c100 Starling in WLC creek. Simon Roddis
2019-12-02The juv GNDiver was patrolling its usual beat off Stones island this morning. 9 Whooper Swans flew in and landed at 09:45. The Cetti's Warbler called briefly in WLC creek late morning. 220 Pochard from WLC. 23 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 4 Herring Gull. The near-ad Yellow-leg still. 120 Woodpigeon, including 90 N.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2019-12-019am-noon (Sheepwash to Stones): Robin, Pheasant, Dunnock, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Nuthatch, Magpie, Goldfinch, Redwing, Starling (150 in three small flocks in fields), Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Pochard (c60 from Lane End hide), Coot, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Wren, Long-tailed Tit, Mallard, Teal, Gadwall, Lapwing (flock of 25), Jackdaw, Willow Tit, Canada Goose, Wigeon, Blue Tit, House Sparrow, Cormorant, Kestrel, Song Thrush, Black-headed Gull, Mute Swan, Snipe, Great Crested Grebe, Pied Wagtail, Goldeneye, Chaffinch, Redshank, Common Gull, Great Northern Diver, Meadow Pipit, Moorhen Gary Atkins
2019-12-01The juv GNDiver again off Stones island, and the Cetti's Warbler calling occasionally in the small reedbed on the other side of WLC creek from the centre itself. 110 Pink-footed Geese SW at 10:15. 205 Canadas. 2 Barnacle Geese. 24 Gadwall. 7 Goldeneye. In Brown Ale Bay, male Shoveler, Water Rail and Kingfisher. 16 Snipe and 2 (maybe 3) Redshank on Horseshoe island. 1 ad Herring Gull through. The near-ad Yellow-legged Gull still. 84 Woodpigeons N. 4 Raven. 9 Meadow Pipit. 1 Linnet over WLC creek, a Lesser Redpoll over Stones and 16 Siskin at Millfields. 74 species - not a bad start to the month!Simon Roddis
2019-11-30Decent visibility until the fog rolled in around 09:00. Woodcock, Water Rail, 2 Grey Wagtail and male Goosander over the Hopton end early morning. 7 Goldeneye. 150 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 2nd-w Yellow-legged Gull. c100 Starling in WLC creek. 100+ Goldfinch (c80 in WLC creek, 21 N at Hopton end). Failed to see the diver before the murk descended.Simon Roddis
2019-11-29The juv GNDiver was off Stones island around midday. 110 Pink-footed Geese flew SE at 10:00. 26 Greylag at Sheepwash. 20 Cormorant. 170 Lapwing. 1 Redshank. 9 Snipe. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (near-ad and 2w again). 2 ad GBBGull. 495 Woodpigeon, including 420 N. 4 Raven (2 pairs). Chiffchaff again on Stones island. 15 Fieldfare and 459 Redwing N. 60 House Sparrows at the main centre. 10 Meadow Pipit on Stones. Total of 6 Greenfinch. 12 Lesser Redpoll at Hopton end. Simon Roddis
2019-11-28The juv GNDiver was close in off Watersports and Stones islands early morning. The Cetti's Warbler again, around the damp patch half way up WLC creek. 2 Barnacle Geese and a redhead Goosander at Millfields. 18 Cormorant. 150 Lapwing. 13 Snipe on Horseshoe island. The near-ad Yellow-legged Gull still. 40 Rooks N over Stones. 330 Starling, including 300 SW at Millfields early morning.Simon Roddis
2019-11-27The juv GNDiver was again off Stones/Sailing Club islands early morning. 152 Canada Geese. 16 Gadwall. 240 Lapwing, 1 Redshank and 8 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (near-ad and 2nd-winter). 3 Kestrel. 6 Goldcrest, including 5 on Stones. 130 Redwing (100 at Sheepwash, 30 in WLC creek). 5 Meadow Pipit.Simon Roddis
2019-11-26Roger saw the juv GNDiver off Stones island early morning but it then played hard to get (for me, anyway) until 11:00 when it popped its head up again. A Chiffchaff along Stones causeway. 6 Goldeneye. 6 Goosander (3m,3f) at Millfields early morning. 120 Lapwing. 1 Redshank. The near-ad Yellow-legged Gull again. 2 Raven feeding on a dead fish on Horseshoe island near the WLC. 1 Skylark over Stones. 26 Long-tailed Tit (12 at Millfields, 14 on Stones). 190 Redwing (50 NE over Millfields, 140 in WLC creek). Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2019-11-25The juv GNDiver was off Stones island early morning. 170 Canada Geese. 195 Lapwing. 1 Peregrine over Horseshoe island. c100 Redwing in WLC creek and 120 Fieldfare N overhead. 18 Bullfinch, including 16 at Millfields. Total of 90 Goldfinch (60 WLC, 20 main carpark, 10 Millfields).Simon Roddis
2019-11-23Afternoon visit, at least the rain almost stopped but still very grey. The Cetti's Warbler called in WLC reedbed at 12:35. 2 Redshank on Horseshoe island. The near-ad Yellow-legged Gull again. 600 Common Gull and 150 Pochard from Sheepwash late afternoon. 11 Greenfinch S over Sheepwash carpark, including a flock of 9. 30 Rooks S over Stones island. 40 Goldfinch at WLC. At Hopton reedbed late on, a Kingfisher caught two small fish in successive dives, at least one Water Rail and a Woodcock.Simon Roddis
2019-11-22The juv GNDiver was off Watersports mid-morning and later off Millfields. 2 Barnacle Geese flew in with a skein of Canadas. 6+ Goldeneye. A Water Rail 'chipping' near the gate overlooking Brown Ale Bay but refused to show itself. Near-adult Yellow-legged Gull again. 7 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 30 Rooks over WLC. 6 Goldcrests on Stones island. 20 Fieldfare and c100 Redwing in/over WLC creek. 2 Lesser Redpoll over Stones.Simon Roddis
2019-11-21A bit of NE movement over the Hopton end early morning: 2,480 Redwing (+ 100 in WLC creek), 190 Fieldfare, 88 Goldfinch (+ 50 at WLC, 15 at Millfields), 75 Starling (+ 15 at WLC), 16 Chaffinch and 3 Greenfinch (+ 5 at WLC). The juv GNDiver was between Stones island and the WLC mid-morning. 138 Canada Geese. 6 Pink-feet S. 1 redhead Goosander N. 25 Pheasants and 1 Woodcock at Hopton end and a Water Rail in the reedbed. Near-adult Yellow-legged Gull off Stones causeway, perhaps the bird which has been around for much of the last couple of years, though if so its bill has turned black again! Mistle Thrush singing at Hopton end. Simon Roddis
2019-11-20The juv GNDiver off Stones island again. A Yellowhammer over Stones causeway at 08:10 was the first of the year. 4 Ruff at WLC mid-morning raise the question of whether these are some of the same birds that have have spent the last 2 winters here. 1 Redshank and 230 Lapwing there too. 58 Wigeon off Brown Ale Bay. The big Pochard flock has decamped from the WLC area, with 220 now from Sheepwash. 7 Buzzard. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. 70 Fieldfare N. Total of 475 Redwing, of which 425 flew N. 4 Lesser Redpoll on Stones and 60 Goldfinch between WLC and Shiningford. Simon Roddis
2019-11-19The juv GNDiver again off Stones island. The Cetti's Warbler is still at WLC reedbed though it's playing hard to get, just the occasional call. 4 Redshank were a minor surprise, first here for a month or so. 1 sub-ad Herring Gull. Pair of Kestrel at Millfields. 20 Fieldfare and 75 Redwing N. Total of 20 Siskin.Simon Roddis
2019-11-18The juv GNDiver still off Stones island. 2 female Common Scoter mid-res. 100 Pink-footed Geese SE at 0910. 2 Barnacle Geese among Canadas at Millfields. c250 Lapwing. 130 Woodpigeons N. Juv Peregrine. 15 Skylarks (14 NW, 1 SW). 270 Starlings SW. 35 Fieldfare N. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2019-11-17Monthly WeBS count: 37 Canada Geese, 2 Mute Swan, 1 Shoveler, 22 Gadwall, 108 Mallard, 78 Teal, 24 Wigeon, 314 Pochard, 159 Tufted Duck, 15 Goldeneye, 21 Little Grebe, 45 GCGrebe, 1 GNDiver, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 18 Cormorant, 2 Water Rail (Hopton reedbed and Brown Ale Bay), 8 Moorhen, 647 Coot, 140 Lapwing, 3 Kingfisher. Also: the Cetti's Warbler still at WLC reedbed (per Roger C), 139 Pink-feet E and 25 Skylark NW over Stones island, Brambling at Millfields, 60 Woodpigeon N, 15 Siskin at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, John Bradley
2019-11-16A pretty good morning, with two new birds for the year: a juvenile Scaup between Sheepwash and Lane End, and a Cetti's Warbler (second record) on the edge of WLC reedbed, calling and seen. The juv GNDiver still off Stones island. 90 Canada Geese. 50 Pink-footed geese flew S at 11:00. 27 Wigeon. Female Pintail at WLC. c300 Pochard again. At least 8, possibly 11, Goldeneye. 5 Goosander at Millfields. c350 Lapwing. 1 Dunlin. 25 Snipe flushed from Horseshoe island. 14 Long-tailed Tits on Stones. c100 Redwing. 10 Meadow Pipit (8 at Sheepwash). 1 Brambling SW ove WLC creek. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2019-11-15299 Pochard. 6 Goldeneye. c300 Lapwing. 1 Dunlin. 7 Collared Dove (6 at ranger base, 1 at Sheepwash). 10 Fieldfare at top of WLC creek. Total of c100 Redwing. 17 Tree Sparrows at WLC (and Alan S had 4 on the PS hide feeder). 40 Goldfinch (30 at WLC, 10 on Stones island). Didn't see the diver, doesn't mean it isn't still there...Simon Roddis
2019-11-13The juv GNDiver was off Stones island this morning. 3 Whooper Swans flew N at 0900, followed closely by 89 Pink-footed Geese NE. 300+ Pochard (290 at WLC). 4+ Goldeneye. Water Rail in Brown Ale Bay. 220 Lapwing. 50 Rooks and 10 Skylarks over. 2 Lesser Redpoll (WLC and BA Bay).Simon Roddis
2019-11-12The juv GNDiver was just off Millfields carpark early afternoon, and the 2 drake Red-crested Pochard by Millfields island (later flew past Stones island towards the WLC). 4 Goldeneye (2m,2f). 29 Pheasants in the gorse field above Hall Wood (wild-bred birds, obviously). 3+ Sparrowhawks, including a displaying female. 220 Lapwing. 2+ adult Yellow-legged Gull. 16 Blue Tits on the Millfields feeders. 30 Goldfinch at WLC. At Hopton end late afternoon, 55 Redwing, 21 Long-tailed Tit, 2 Water Rails calling in the reedbed and 3 Woodcock.Simon Roddis
2019-11-12Osmaston. Eight red kites. Around 2pm.Catherine Moore
2019-11-1162 Wigeon. 2 drake Red-crested Pochard at Sheepwash mid-morning. 3 Goldeneye. 190 Lapwing. 60 Snipe flushed from Horseshoe island, perhaps by the Peregrine that was flying around later. Failed again to find the diver 🙁Simon Roddis
2019-11-10At Hopton end first thing, 6 Tawny Owls calling and 1+ Woodcock. 193 Pochard. 110 Canadas. 139 Lapwing. Female Kingfisher at Sheepwash. 100 Woodpigeons S. Totals of 140 Starling and 70 Redwing. 25 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2019-11-09Afternoon visit: c200 Lapwing on Horseshoe island; 932 Common, 2 Herring and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls from Sheepwash hide at 16:00; total of 30 WigeonSimon Roddis
2019-11-06This morning on a short walk from Millfields along the east bank,150 Pink feet geese heading east at8:35,Blackbirds and Redwing were plentiful in the berry bearing bushes with lesser numbers of Song and Mistle thrush,and about 50 Fieldfare, Male and female Goldeneye were also seen. Alan Stewardson
2019-11-05Great northern diver still present off Stones island, 30 Common snipe on Horse shoe island, 110 Pink feet geese heading SE at 10:12 am, 3 female Goldeneye from Sheepwash hide plus a Grey wagtail and fox.AHS,RC.

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