Recent Sightings
| Date | Sighting | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 29/04/2026 | No 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 |
| 28/04/2026 | Another 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 |
| 27/04/2027 | From 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 |
| 26/04/2026 | The 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 |
| 25/04/2026 | 2 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 |
| 24/04/2026 | Following 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 |
| 24/04/2026 | 6 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 LRP | David Armitt |
| 23/04/2026 | The 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 |
| 22/04/2026 | Best 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 |
| 21/04/2026 | Another 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 |
| 19/04/2026 | Highlight 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 |
| 18/04/2026 | This 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 |
| 17/04/2026 | Early 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 |
| 17/04/2026 | Quieter 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 |
| 16/04/2025 | A 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 |
| 14/04/2026 | Caspian Gull (2cy) on Watersports pontoon late afternoon - (yellow colour ring on left leg). | Richard Lowe |
| 14/04/2026 | The 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 |
| 13/04/2026 | Late 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 |
| 11/04/2026 | 3 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 |
| 10/04/2026 | 2 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 Bullfinch | Dave Armitt |
| 10/04/2026 | A 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 |
| 08/04/2026 | A 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 |
| 07/04/2026 | A 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 |
| 06/04/2026 | The 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 |
| 05/04/2026 | Following 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, Dunnock | Gary Atkins |
| 05/04/2026 | A 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 |
| 04/04/2026 | The 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 |
| 02/04/2026 | A 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 |
| 01/04/2026 | A 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 |
| 31/03/2026 | Perimeter counts this morning: 124 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcap, 2 Egyptian Geese, 4 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, 33 Pheasant, 4 Stock Dove, 17 Oystercatcher, 4 Jay, 32 Magpies, 4 Raven, 15 Coal Tit, 4 Willow, 135 Blue, 65 Great, 8 Long-tailed, 8 Sand Martin, 2 Goldcrest, 124 Wren, 12 Nuthatch, 8 Treecreeper, 32 Song Thrush, 9 Mistle, 1 Redwing, 82 Blackbird, 177 Robin, 50 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 12 Pied, 9 Meadow Pipits, 6 Chaffinch, 10 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Redpoll, 29 Goldfinch, 18 Siskin, 2 Reed Buntings. | Simon Roddis |
| 31/03/2026 | An adult Kittiwake flew south down the east side, 2 Egyptian Geese, Pair Mandarin past Stones, redhead Goosander, drake Pochard, 3 Sand Martin, Blackcap singing on Stones, Willow Tit WLC. | CA/AHS |
| 30/03/2026 | Highlight this morning was a Sandwich Tern which flew past Watersports at 10:18. Not seen again but Clive might have heard it earlier. Pair of Egyptian Geese again. 2 Teal. 3 Pochard. 3 Redshank. Pair of Peregrines over the north end. Pair of Willow Tits near WLC. 5 Swallows. 1 Fieldfare in the main carpark, and Alan had a Redpoll on Stones. | SJR, CA, MW, AHS |
| 28/03/2026 | Probably 5 Swallows and 2 Sand Martins were off Stones/Watersports late morning. Drake Pintail from WLC. Pink-footed Goose off Stones. At least one pair of Egyptian Geese and 27 Barnacles. 2 Willow Tits. c70 Fieldfare, 30 Starling and Woodpigeons flushed by a Sparrowhawk north of Fishtail. 2 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall. | SJR, CA, MW |
| 26/03/2026 | Along the east side, Hopton to Millfields, this morning: 6 Willow Tits, 42 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 9 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Crossbill, 2 Egyptian Geese. Elsewhere, a Swallow (first of the year here) past the main centre, 4 Sand Martin, 32 Barnacle Geese, several more Chiffchaffs on Stones. | SJR, CA, AHS, RPJ, AMD |
| 22/03/2026 | March WeBS count: 5 Mute Swan, 189 Canada Geese, 37 Greylag Geese, 2 Egyptian Geese, 42 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Grebe, 121 Mallard, 6 Teal, 20 Gadwall, 1 Mandarin, 45 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 9 Goldeneye, 7 Moorhen, 23 Coot, 8 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 10 Oystercatcher, 4 Redshank, 1 Grey Wagtail. 2 Blackcap singing at Hopton end. CA/JB | Clive Ashton/ Jon Bradley |
| 20/03/2026 | The first Little Ringed Plover of the year dropped into sailing club this morning, and a Little Egret flew over. The over-wintering Common Sandpiper was on the dam wall at Millfields. Drake Shoveler on Horseshoe island. First-winter Caspian and second-winter Yellow-legged Gulls off Watersports. Tawny Owl calling at Sheepwash first thing. Willow Tit at WLC. 12 Siskin over Stones. | SJR, CA, MW |
| 20/03/2026 | 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Great spotted woodpecker, 7 Goldeneye, 7 Oystercatcher , 6 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 9 Greylag goose, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Willow tit , 10 Cormorant | Dave Armitt |
| 19/03/2026 | Clive had 2 Sand Martins past Stones this morning, and 4 Shoveler were off Sheepwash. 22 Chiffchaffs between Hopton end and Stones. 93 Woodpigeons N. 12 Buzzards in the air from the dam wall. Pair of Willow Tits at Lane End and 1 singing in WLC creek (per Mike R). 1 Linnet on the dam wall and 2 Redpoll over WLC area. | Simon Roddis |
| 18/03/2026 | Slightly less quiet than the last few days but still awaiting migrants. Pair of Shelduck off Millfields and a pair of Mandarin flew through Tail Bay. 11 Goldeneye, 10 of them off Sheepwash. Tiny bit of movement involving 156 Woodpigeons N and 33 S, plus 13 Chaffinch N. Singing Skylark and 5 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 13/03/2026 | A few bits and pieces this morning: 31 Barnacle Geese, the pair of Egyptian Geese again, drake Wigeon, Curlew, c5,000 Black-headed Gulls early morning, several Buzzards and Red Kites enjoying the breeze, 70 Starlings NW, 35 Siskin in WLC creek and 2 Crossbills over. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 11/03/2026 | Best this morning were the 2 Egyptian Geese again, fly-over Shelduck, first-winter Caspian Gull, 30 Barnacle Geese, 230 Woodpigeons N, 4 Curlew, 3 Redshank around Horseshoe island, Willow Tit singing on Stones. | SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD |
| 10/03/2026 | Highlight this morning was a Sand Martin from Sheepwash hide, first of the year as far as I'm aware. 29 Barnacle Geese at Watersports. Pair of Egyptian Geese again. Redhead Goosander flew up the res and maybe the same bird later past Stones. 830 Woodpigeons N (and 15 S). Green Woodpecker calling at Sheepwash. Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew and 2 Redshank on Horseshoe island. 10 Buzzards in the air. | Simon Roddis, Ken Rome |
| 08/03/2026 | Afternoon visit: adult Caspian Gull from Lane End hide. 15 Herring Gulls and adult Great Black-back from Stones. Female Red-crested Pochard off Stones causeway (found earlier by Adam Saunders). 2 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon and 40 Redwing at Sheepwash. | Simon Roddis |
| 07/03/2026 | 27 Barnacle geese flew in, landed in field other side of road to dam wall around 8.30 am. | Matthew Birkin |
| 07/03/2026 | Another eventful morning, with highlights of 11 drake Common Scoter, 8 Kittiwakes and 70 passage Wigeon out on the water off Stones island. 2 Shoveler still at Sheepwash. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 06/03/2026 | After a couple of hours looking for Willow Tits (4 found), a walk onto Stones island proved worthwhile when a Bar-tailed Godwit flew S and a scan of the water revealed a beautiful summer plumage Black-necked Grebe. 36 Great Crested Grebes (highest count since last September) suggests a small arrival - perhaps the Black-necked came in with them. 3 Chiffchaffs in Tail Bay. 2 Shoveler and 2 Wigeon at Sheepwash (per Alan S). | Simon Roddis |
| 02/03/2026 | Highlights this morning were a Barn Owl at Hopton reedbed early morning, a Great Egret around Horseshoe/Watersports and 2 Egyptian Geese which flew down the res late morning and settled on Watersports island (still there at 11:40). Plus 28 Barnacle Geese, 8 Curlew, Snipe at Hopton reedbed, first-winter Yellow-legged Gull off Stones island, Willow Tit at WLC, 3+ Chiffchaffs. | Simon Roddis |
| 01/03/2026 | Following are the species noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Great Tit, Buzzard, Blackbird, Cormorant, Coot, Mallard, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Teal, Great-crested Grebe, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Oystercatcher, Robin, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch, Pied Wagtail, Woodpigeon, Chaffinch, Barnacle Goose, Magpie, Curlew, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Gadwall, Wren | Gary Atkins |
| 01/03/2026 | 2 Chiffchaffs on Stones island this morning. Redshank and 2 Pochard at Paul Stanley hide. 12 Goldeneye. 29 Barnacle Geese at Watersports. At least 10 Buzzards in the air from Millfields late morning, and 2 Skylarks on the dam wall. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 28/02/2026 | Perimeter counts this morning: 3 Chiffchaffs, 14 Coal Tits, 202 Blue, 73 Great, 3 Willow, 13 Long-tailed, 3 Nuthatch, 6 Treecreeper, 2 Goldcrest, 81 Wren, 50 Song Thrush, 7 Mistle, 80 Blackbird, 20 Redwing, 201 Robin, 66 Dunnock, 27 Chaffinch, 8 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 1+ Crossbill, 21 Goldfinch, 10 Siskin. Maybe as many as 20 Oystercatchers, difficult to keep track of! | Simon Roddis |
| 27/02/2026 | At Carsi this morning, the Common Sandpiper was on Watersports island, Redshank and Kingfisher from Paul Stanley hide, 9 Goldeneye in Brown Ale Bay, singing Willow Tit and 4 Redpoll near Lane End and a finch flock between Sheepwash and Lane End comprising 16 Chaffinch, 16 Goldfinch and 3 Greenfinch. | Simon Roddis |
| 26/02/2026 | 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker , 12 Long tailed Tit, 1 Nuthatch, 20 Redwing, 7 Gadwall, 16 Teal , 3 Grey Heron, 3 Little grebe, 7 Oystercatcher, 4 Female Goldeneye, 4 Male Goldeneye, 2 Pied wagtail, 4 Barnacle goose, 1 Buzzard, 1Coal tit | Dave Armitt |
| 26/02/2026 | Single Shelduck around Horseshoe/Watersports this morning. Pair of Barnacle Geese. 28 Tufted. 6+ Goldeneye. 12 Curlew, including 10 at sailing club early on. 1 Woodcock and 1 Tawny Owl at Hopton end first thing. 285 Lesser Black-backs flew N over Hopton as they came out of the roost. Pair of Willow Tits (one singing) south of Lane End. 50 Redwing, mostly at Paul Stanley/Sheepwash. 20 Chaffinch, including a flock of 14 NE. | Simon Roddis |
| 23/02/2026 | 870 Woodpigeons flew N 0730-0830 this morning, plus 5 Skylarks and a Great Egret. 34 Barnacle Geese at WLC and Willow Tit nearby. 14 Curlew in WLC fields. Redshank and 5 Snipe from Paul Stanley hide. 3 Redpoll over Stones causeway. | Simon Roddis |
| 21/02/2026 | Monthly wildfowl count: 224 Canada, 34 Barnacle, 28 Greylag, 44 Gadwall, 16 Wigeon, 226 Mallard, 187 Teal, 7 Pochard, 7 Tufted, 10 Goldeneye, 5 Moorhen, 75 Coot, 6 Little Grebe, 24 GCGrebe, 10 Oystercatcher, 15 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 7 Cormorant. 7 Skylarks over Stones. | Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley |
| 20/02/2026 | Around Carsi this morning, 34 Barnacle Geese, 5 Curlew off Stones causeway early on, Common Sandpiper from WLC, a first-winter Mediterranean Gull from Sheepwash hide late morning, Water Rail and Redshank at Paul Stanley hide (AHS), Willow Tit singing near WLC, 50 Redwing, 10 Crossbills SW over WLC creek mid-morning. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 19/02/2026 | Clive pulled another rabbit out of the hat this morning in the shape of a Grey Partridge on Stones island, the first at Carsi since November 2011. However, a search between the WLC and Shiningford for Tuesday's Bittern was to no avail. The Common Sandpiper was still on Horseshoe island and a male Sparrowhawk posed beautifully there for a while. At least 22 GCGrebes suggests a small increase, as you'd expect as we approach spring. | SJR, CA |
| 17/02/2026 | Just 350 Woodpigeons and 120 Starlings N this morning. A Great Egret flew S down the res mid-morning and a Shelduck flew in at the same time. 34 Barnacle Geese. 8 Curlews at sailing club early morning, and 3 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. 15 Linnets again on Stones. | SJR, CA, MW |
| 16/02/2026 | Credit is due to Clive for most of this morning's birds: an adult Kittiwake from Stones island late morning, last seen heading towards Millfields; 1,750 Woodpigeons N; 32 Barnacle Geese; 7 Curlew, the Common Sandpiper and 15 Linnets around Horseshoe island; Peregrine over Shiningford and a Willow Tit at WLC. | CA, MW, SJR |
| 14/02/2026 | On this fine sunny morning, 4 Pintail (1m,3f) were at Sheepwash late morning, only 10 Pochard, 9 Goldeneye, 12+ Oystercatchers, Redshank from Paul Stanley hide still, Curlew down the east side, adult Great Black-back, pair of Peregrines on a pylon at Shiningford, drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker in Hall Wood, Willow Tit at WLC. Surprisingly little moving, although there was a report of 60 Pink-footed Geese over. | Simon Roddis |
| 12/02/2026 | A bit of movement this morning, virtually everything heading N or NE: 820 Woodpigeons, 2 Stock Doves, 120 Pink-footed Geese, 166 Starlings, 5 Skylarks, 1 Curlew, 6 Lesser Black-backs. At ground/water level, 29 Greylags, 2 Pintail, 51 Pochard, 13 Goldeneye, 69 Coot, 15 GCGrebe, Woodcock at Hopton end, the Common Sandpiper back at Millfields, adult Great Black-back, Willow Tit at WLC, and in the air 6 Buzzards and 6 Ravens (3 pairs). | Simon Roddis |
| 11/02/2026 | Just a few bits and bobs this morning: 3 Shoveler still at Sheepwash, female Pintail off Stones, single Snipe and Redshank from Paul Stanley hide and a Skylark over, 1 (maybe 2) Willow Tit at WLC, 2 Meadow Pipits over Stones causeway, 2 Reed Buntings at the Millfields feeders. | Simon Roddis |
| 10/02/2026 | A bit same old, same old this morning: Common Sandpiper still from WLC, Redshank from Paul Stanley hide, 3 Shoveler and 4 Pintail at Sheepwash, 103 Pochard plus the hybrid, adult Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Willow Tits near WLC. One day there'll be a change in the weather and, hopefully, the birds. One day... | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 09/02/2026 | The Common Sandpiper was still on Horseshoe island late morning and the Redshank at Sheepwash. 115 Lapwing. 104 Pochard plus the male Aythya hybrid. 3 Shoveler. Drake and at least 3 female Pintail. 10 Goldeneye. 103 Coot. 43 Woodpigeons N. Adult Great Black-back and 2 immature Herring Gulls. Pair of Willow Tits on the WLC feeders and another pair near Lane End. Treecreeper singing at WLC and Red Bunting almost singing at Paul Stanley. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 08/02/2026 | Highlight of a couple of hours late afternoon was a Barn Owl hunting to the left of Sheepwash hide, flushing the nearby ducks, which included 3 Shoveler and a female Pintail. Redhead Goosander at Millfields. 20+ Barnacle Geese beyond the top of WLC creek. Willow Tit at WLC (the volunteers had 2 there this morning). 100 Redwing at the top of WLC creek. | Simon Roddis |
| 07/02/2026 | The Common Sandpiper was on Watersports island this morning. 10 Oystercatchers. 4 Shoveler (3m,1f) at Sheepwash/Millfields. 4 Pintail (drake at Sheepwash, 3f from Paul Stanley hide. 8 Goldeneye. 35 Barnacle Geese eventually settled in the overflow carpark. Adult Great Black-backed Gull. 20 Linnet on Stones island. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 05/02/2025 | The drake Pintail and 3 Shoveler (2m,1f) were at Sheepwash this morning, and 5 Goldeneye (4m,1f) and the Redshank from Paul Stanley hide. Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe island in front of the WLC. c35 Barnacle Geese over WLC creek. 125 Rooks N past Sheepwash early morning. | Simon Roddis |
| 03/02/2026 | Best this morning was a flock of 8 Pintail briefly past Stones island. 36 Barnacle Geese. At least 136 Pochard (quite possibly more as Clive had nearly 100 at Sheepwash/Brown Ale Bay while I only counted 65 there). 3 Shoveler from PS hide. 8 Oystercatcher.18 Lapwing. 1 Redshank still. Willow Tit at WLC. 35 Linnet on Stones. | SJR, CA, MW |
| 01/01/2-26 | From Paul Stanley Hide (12.30-13.15): 5 Goldeneye (4m, 1f), 8 Lapwing, Redshank, 20+ Wigeon, a lot of Teal, 3 Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit | Gary Atkins |
| 01/02/2026 | Birds seen, through the mist, at today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island - Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Blue Tit, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose, Teal, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Little Grebe, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Robin, Song Thrush, Magpie, Cormorant, Goldfinch, Redwing, Dunnock, Woodpigeon, Goldeneye, Bullfinch, Pheasant, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Great Tit, Wren, Gt Crested Grebe, Moorhen, Chaffinch, Pied Wagtail | Gary Atkins |
| 01/02/2026 | Very foggy this morning. Woodcock, Snipe and Tawny Owl at Hopton end first thing. 133 Pochard, most of them at Sheepwash, and the drake Pintail still. 5 Oystercatchers. Redshank from PS hide. 2 Herring Gulls at Sheepwash. 15 Linnet at Millfields. | Simon Roddis |
| 28/01/2026 | Ad hoc wildfowl count this morning, slightly hampered by a bit of mist around the edge first thing: 274 Canada, 29 Barnacle, 8 Greylags, 115 Gadwall, 102 Wigeon, 328 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 746 Teal, 114 Pochard, 22 Tufted, 14 Goldeneye, 115 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 5 Oystercatcher, 31 Lapwing, Common Sandpiper still at Millfields, 1 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 11 Cormorant. Male Peregrine past WLC. 200 Woodpigeons N and 160 Starlings W. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 25/01/2026 | This morning, a pair of Shelduck (presumably the same birds as yesterday) flew N then swam back past Paul Stanley hide; drake Pintail, Redshank and redhead Goosander also from Paul Stanley and 30 Siskin in the woodland; Oystercatchers at Millfields and WLC; 2 Willow Tits at WLC, and a male Aythya hybrid, very likely the presumed Pochard x Ferruginous Duck that has been here before. | Simon Roddis |
| 23/01/2026 | Just a few bits and pieces this morning: Common Sandpiper still at Millfields, 2 Oystercatchers on Horseshoe island, first-winter Yellow-legged Gull at sailing club, drake Pintail from Paul Stanley hide (AHS), 60 Pochard, 30 Linnets on Stones, 40 Siskin. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 21/01/2026 | The Common Sandpiper was still at Millfields this morning, while an adult Caspian Gull off the sailing club was the first of the year here, I believe. Oystercatcher at Watersports and 2 Willow Tits between there and WLC. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 19/01/2026 | Very murky this morning but there was a Black-tailed Godwit on Sheepwash spit, Redshank and drake Shoveler from Paul Stanley hide, Oystercatcher at Watersports, Willow Tits at WLC and Millfields, and Common Sandpiper still at Millfields. | Simon Roddis |
| 17/01/2026 | I've done the monthly wildfowl count this afternoon as the forecast for tomorrow isn't great: 272 Canada, 12 Greylags, 3 Egyptian Geese (on Sheepwash spit before flying NE at 15:12), 123 Gadwall, 112 Wigeon, 461 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 936 Teal, 36 Pochard, 24 Tufted, 9 Goldeneye, 4 Moorhen, 145 Coot, 6 Little Grebes, 21 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 13 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper (presumably the bird that was around in December), 21 Cormorant. In the gull roost off Stones island late afternoon, c2,000 each of Common and Black-headed Gulls, 400 Lesser Black-backs, 2 Herring. | Simon Roddis |
| 16/01/2026 | 60 Wigeon,4 Goldeneye, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Pochard, 40 Teal, 32 Gadwall, 1 Goldfinch,1 Kestrel, 6 Long Tailed Tit, 1 Treecreeper, 11 Cormorant, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 2 Buzzard, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Peregrine, 30 Linnet , 50 Lapwing | Dave Armitt |
| 16/01/2026 | Slightly better conditions than yesterday, with the fog lifting mid-morning. The drake Pintail was off Sheepwash. 95 Pochard. The Oystercatcher still, 34 Lapwing and 1 Snipe. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. Willow Tit at WLC. Winter thrushes included at least 330 Redwing and 190 Fieldfares (270 and 150 respectively through Hopton early morning). | Simon Roddis |
| 15/01/2026 | Difficult to see much in thick fog this morning but there were 2 Woodcock and 3 calling Tawny Owls at Millfields first thing, Willow Tit at WLC, Oystercatcher again at Watersports/Horseshoe island, Redshank in Brown Ale Bay, and Clive had a Pink-footed Goose among the Greylags. | SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD |
| 14/02/2026 | Clive found the first Oystercatcher of the year at Watersports this morning, a relatively early first date. 29 Lapwing. 51 Pochard. Adult Great Black-backed Gull. Male Peregrine on its favoured pylon then over Sheepwash and Hall Wood. Willow Tit at WLC. Skylark S over the main centre. 10 Linnet from the WLC. 4 Crossbills in the top of Hall Wood. | SJR, CA, AHS, MW |
| 12/01/2026 | c35 Barnacle Geese over WLC late morning and 2 Goosander N over Hopton end first thing. 5 Goldeneye. Drake Pintail reported at WLC but I missed it. 45 Woodpigeons N. 124 Coot. Skylark N over Stones late morning. Mistle Thrush singing at Sheepwash. | Simon Roddis |
| 10/01/2026 | Drake Pintail and Redshank from Paul Stanley hide this morning. A Pink-footed Goose was among the Greylags at Watersports and 36 Barnacle Geese from WLC. 32 Lapwing. 47 Fieldfare flew N (obviously!). 12+ Meadow Pipits. | Simon Roddis |
| 06/01/2026 | Yesterday's 3 Curlew were still at sailing club this morning, and a total of 51 Lapwing there and in Brown Ale Bay. Shelduck off Stones (and later Sheepwash) and redhead Goosander at Millfields. 92 Pochard. 5 Shoveler. Full compliment of Barnacle Geese. 106 Coot. 8 Little Grebes. Willow Tit at WLC. 15 Meadow Pipits at Sheepwash and 12 at WLC. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 05/01/2026 | A very decent afternoon visit: 2 adult White-fronted Geese were among c200 Greylags between Lane End and Sheepwash, plus one Pink-foot. A Little Egret flew past Paul Stanley hide. 2 adult Mute Swans. Drake Shoveler from WLC. 38 Pochard. 100 Coot in Brown Ale Bay at dusk. 30 Lapwing. Clive's 3 Curlew were still at sailing club. 800 Common Gulls off Stones by 15:30. Little Owl again in WLC fields, being mobbed by Blackbirds and Blue Tits. 11 Meadow Pipits toughing it out. | Simon Roddis |
| 04/01/2026 | Species recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-WLC-WLC Creek): House Sparrow, Pintail, Lapwing, Little Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Teal, Pied Wagtail, Goldeneye, Wigeon, Mallard, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Canada Goose, Coot, Robin, Mute Swan, Gt Crested Grebe, Blue Tit, Greylag Goose, Moorhen, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Dunnock, Wren, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Redwing, Blackbird, Treecreeper, Pheasant, Great Tit, Snipe, Meadow Pipit, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Long-tailed Tit | Gary Atkins |
| 02/01/2026 | Juvenile GNDiver still north of Millfields this morning. Woodcock at Hopton end first thing, and Redshank later. 3 Grey Heron in Brown Ale Bay. 100 Woodpigeons NE, 40 SW. 3 Fieldfare and 2 Redpoll over Millfields. | Simon Roddis |
| 31/12/2025 | Juvenile GNDiver still off the east side north of Millfields. A bit of late movement, with 1,400 Woodpigeons and 192 Fieldfare heading N (Fieldfare can be tricky to see here in December so quite surprising to see such a decent number). 250 Starlings W might just have been heading out from their roost. c35 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. Great Egret at Sheepwash. Peregrine having its breakfast on Horseshoe island. 2 Willow Tits at WLC. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 30/12/2025 | Afternoon visit: the juvenile GNDiver was off Millfields, female Common Scoter from Stones (and later from Sheepwash) and a Great Egret, last seen flying into Green Pond, presumably to roost. Little Owl called in WLC fields mid afternoon. Pair of Peregrines perched on Sheepwash spit and then over Brown Ale Bay at dusk. Willow Tit at WLC. Single Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls. 70 Linnets on Stones. Over BABay late afternoon, 390 Redwing, 55 Fieldfare and 26 Chaffinch. | Simon Roddis |
Historic Sightings
| Date | Sighting | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-02-17 | Both 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 |
| 2020-02-16 | Both 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 |
| 2020-02-15 | This 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 |
| 2020-02-14 | Both 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 |
| 2020-02-13 | 3-00 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 |
| 2020-02-12 | Both 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 |
| 2020-02-11 | Both 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 |
| 2020-02-10 | Both 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 |
| 2020-02-08 | Monthly 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 |
| 2020-02-06 | 14 Barnacle geese (WLC), Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatcher (WLC), 30+ Lapwing, Redwing, Goldcrest, Willow tit (Behind Paul Stanley hide). | Matthew Birkin |
| 2020-02-05 | Great Northern Diver still present, seen from Stones island, 8 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers,2 Redshank ,1 Chiffchaff and 20 Common Snipe TALC. | AHS,RC. |
| 2020-02-02 | Species 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, Peregrine | Gary Atkins |
| 2020-02-02 | The 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 |
| 2020-02-01 | The 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 |
| 2020-01-31 | The 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 |
| 2020-01-29 | Adult 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 |
| 2020-01-28 | The 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 |
| 2020-01-25 | Great Northern diver, Sparrowhawk, Kingfisher, Redwing. (Around Stones Island) | Matthew Birkin |
| 2020-01-24 | Both 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 |
| 2020-01-23 | Both 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 |
| 2020-01-22 | The 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 |
| 2020-01-21 | The 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 |
| 2020-01-21 | No 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 |
| 2020-01-20 | Enjoy 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 |
| 2020-01-20 | Both 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 |
| 2020-01-19 | Just 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 |
| 2020-01-18 | The 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 |
| 2020-01-17 | Millfields 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 |
| 2020-01-17 | Millfields 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 |
| 2020-01-17 | Just 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 |
| 2020-01-15 | Only 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 |
| 2020-01-14 | Adult 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 |
| 2020-01-13 | Both 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 |
| 2020-01-12 | Monthly 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 |
| 2020-01-11 | Jack 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 |
| 2020-01-10 | The 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 |
| 2020-01-09 | Adult 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 |
| 2020-01-08 | Both 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 |
| 2020-01-07 | Both 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 |
| 2020-01-06 | Adult 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 |
| 2020-01-05 | 6 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 stones | David Armitt |
| 2020-01-05 | Species (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, Chaffinch | Gary Atkins |
| 2020-01-05 | 8 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 |
| 2020-01-04 | The 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 |
| 2020-01-03 | Both 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 |
| 2020-01-02 | 3 Tree sparrow on feeders at Millfields car park. | Matthew Birkin |
| 2020-01-02 | Goldcrest on trail to Sheepwash car park from the centre about 11.30 | Sandra Coxon |
| 2020-01-02 | The 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 |
| 2020-01-01 | Reasonable 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 |
| 2019-12-31 | Both 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 |
| 2019-12-30 | Both 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 |
| 2019-12-29 | The 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 |
| 2019-12-28 | The 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 |
| 2019-12-27 | Both 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 |
| 2019-12-26 | The 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 |
| 2019-12-25 | Both 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 |
| 2019-12-24 | Both 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 |
| 2019-12-23 | Both 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 |
| 2019-12-22 | A 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 |
| 2019-12-21 | Both 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 |
| 2019-12-20 | The 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 |
| 2019-12-18 | An 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 |
| 2019-12-17 | Both 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 |
| 2019-12-16 | As 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 |
| 2019-12-15 | Monthly 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 |
| 2019-12-11 | The 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 |
| 2019-12-10 | The 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 |
| 2019-12-09 | Tawny Owl, sitting on Gibfield Lane near Turlowfields Lane. Drove right up to it before it flew into nearby trees. | Wayne Dixon |
| 2019-12-09 | The 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 |
| 2019-12-08 | 82 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 Cormorant | David Armitt |
| 2019-12-08 | 80 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 Buzzard | David Armitt |
| 2019-12-07 | The 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 |
| 2019-12-06 | Total 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 |
| 2019-12-03 | At 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 |
| 2019-12-02 | The 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 |
| 2019-12-01 | 9am-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 |
| 2019-12-01 | The 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 |
| 2019-11-30 | Decent 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 |
| 2019-11-29 | The 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 |
| 2019-11-28 | The 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 |
| 2019-11-27 | The 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 |
| 2019-11-26 | Roger 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 |
| 2019-11-25 | The 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 |
| 2019-11-23 | Afternoon 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 |
| 2019-11-22 | The 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 |
| 2019-11-21 | A 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 |
| 2019-11-20 | The 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 |
| 2019-11-19 | The 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 |
| 2019-11-18 | The 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 |
| 2019-11-17 | Monthly 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 |
| 2019-11-16 | A 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 |
| 2019-11-15 | 299 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 |
| 2019-11-13 | The 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 |
| 2019-11-12 | The 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 |
| 2019-11-12 | Osmaston. Eight red kites. Around 2pm. | Catherine Moore |
| 2019-11-11 | 62 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 |
| 2019-11-10 | At 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 |
| 2019-11-09 | Afternoon 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 Wigeon | Simon Roddis |
| 2019-11-06 | This 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 |
| 2019-11-05 | Great 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. |