Recent Sightings

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


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
02/11/2024Off Sheepwash Hide of note late this afternoon: Pintail (2); Goldeneye (1); Goosander (1); Egyptian Goose (1); Caspian Gull (1) Ad.; YLGull (2) Ads.; GBBGull (1) Ad.Richard Lowe
01/11/2024Just bits and bobs of movement this morning, no great numbers: 32 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Golden Plover, 80 Woodpigeons, 304 Redwing, 20 Fieldfare, 160 Starling, 12 Brambling (including a flock of 11). 28 Reed Buntings out of Hopton reedbed early morning. Goldeneye, probably a young male, at Millfields.Simon Roddis
31/10/2024With a halo of low cloud this morning, if anything was moving it wasn't visible! A Great Egret, maybe the same as the last couple of days, flew out of Millfields at 07:20, along with similar numbers of Canada and Greylag. 29 Gadwall, 6 Wigeon, 13 Teal, 1 redhead Goosander, 396 Tufted and c400 Pochard. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 36 Cormorants.Simon Roddis
30/10/2024Movement this morning included 5,180 Woodpigeons, 290 Starlings, 220 Redwing and 22 Fieldfare. Early morning, 743 Greylags and 593 Canada Geese flew out, along with a single Egyptian Goose. 2 Goosander flew over WLC creek. Great Egret on the shore between Sheepwash and Lane End. 65 Lapwing - a marked increase. Adult Yellow-legged Gull Still. 2 Kingfishers (Millfields and Brown Ale Bay). Chiffchaff and 21 Redpoll on Stones. 20 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
29/10/2024Best this morning was a Great Egret that flew W at 09:30. Otherwise, 1520 Woodpigeons and 200 Starlings flew through. 8 Redpolls on Stones. Peregrine playing with a Carrion Crow over Hall Wood. 33 grey geese flew SW but I'm not committing myself on what they were.SJR, CA, AHS
28/10/2024Much less movement than previous days: 517 Redwing, 92 Starling and just 300 Woodpigeons. The drake Red-crested Pochard and adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 2 Chiffchaff on Stones. A Brambling over Millfields and 7 Redpoll on Stones. Didn't see or hear yesterday's Yellow-browed Warbler.Simon Roddis
27/10/2024Another(?) Yellow-browed Warbler was on Stones island this morning, the third of the autumn here. Not a great mix of species on the move but 14,180 Woodpigeons was the highest yet this autumn. 572 Canadas and 711 Greylags flew out over the dam wall early morning. 7 Grey Wagtails at Millfields. 5 Shoveler. 5 Redpoll over Stones. Clive had 4 Goosander and at least one Little Egret from Stones early in.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
26/10/2024From Sheepwash Hide late this afternoon: Of note in the gull roost: YL Gull (5) - Ads; Mediterranean Gull (1) - 1st w.Richard Lowe
26/10/2024Movement this morning: 7,620 Woodpigeons S, 3,150 Starlings W (including a flock of 1,200) and 275 Redwing S. 322 Greylags flew out early morning. Pair of Shoveler and 4 Wigeon off Stones island. 370 Pochard from WLC. 35 Lapwing and 4 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 3 Chiffchaff on Stones.Simon Roddis
25/10/2024Foggy again so limited visibility. 46 Reed Buntings (a new site record) came out of their roost in Hopton reedbed early morning, and a Brambling flew over. Total of 22 Chaffinches over. The adult Yellow-legged Gull again patrolling around.Simon Roddis
24/10/2024225 Pochard, 7 Little Grebe, 8 Red Kite, 20 Cormorant, 74 Wood Pigeon,40 Redwing, 90 Stock Dove, 20 Mute Swan, 12 Teal, 9 Gadwall, 2 Raven, 1 KestrelDave Armitt
24/10/2024In 2 hours from Stones island this morning, 5,000 Woodpigeons, 928 Redwing, 513 Starling, 17 Chaffinch and 2 Little Egrets. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. Chiffchaff on Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
23/10/2024Very foggy until late morning. Best was a Barn Owl at Sheepwash first thing, the drake Red-crested Pochard off Lane End and Kingfisher(s?) at WLC.Simon Roddis
22/10/2024Quite a decent morning after the rain stopped: a total of 10,700 Woodpigeons flew SW between 08:45-12:00, along with a Hawfinch, a Great Egret W, 63 Starlings, 29 Chaffinches (and loads of unid'd finches/pipits) and 10 Skylarks in typically random directios.. 14 Pink-footed Geese went E at 09:25.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
21/10/2024Monthly wildfowl count: 68 Canadas, 7 Greylags, 32 Mute Swan, 1 Shoveler, 13 Gadwall, 19 Wigeon, 119 Mallard, 39 Teal, 505 Pochard, 332 Tufted, 3 Goosander, 24 Moorhen, 1,088 Coot, 19 Little Grebe, 68 GCGrebe, 27 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 31 Cormorant, 3 Heron, 2 Kingfisher. Also adult Yellow-legged Gull, Peregrine, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Redpoll over WLC, 24 Siskin.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
17/10/2024A Yellow-browed Warbler called several times in WLC creek around 11:00 this morning - almost a mile from the last sighting of one at Sheepwash 2 days ago, so perhaps a different bird? Vismig numbers: 1,914 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare, 624 Starling, 750 Woodpigeon. 1 Rock Pipit over Stones at 10:00. 12 Skylarks in random directions. 1 Shelduck. 4 Shoveler. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 2 Kingfishers.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
15/10/2024The Yellow-browed Warbler was still calling near Sheepwash hide just after midday. Juvenile female Goldeneye at Millfields and Brambling over the visitor centre. Drake Red-crested Pochard at Big Island. 26 Wigeon. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. Perimeter counts: 8 Coal Tit, 2 Willow, 42 Blue, 48 Great, 48 Long-tailed, 1 Chiffchaff, 27 Goldcrest, 81 Wren, 4 Nuthatch, 11 Treecreeper, 11 Song Thrush, 266 Redwing, 68 Blackbird, 146 Robin, 29 Dunnock, 23 Chaffinch, 15 Bullfinch, 10 Greenfinch, 53 Goldfinch, 15 Reed Bunting (13 out of Hopton reedbed early morning).Simon Roddis
14/10/2024A mere 5,880 Woodpigeons flew S in 2 hours this morning. A couple of hundred of them were forced to take evasive action to avoid a pair of Peregrines at one point. 5 Fieldfare among the Redwings were the first of the autumn here. Total of 389 Pochard (283m,106f). 2 Redpoll over the main carpark. No sign of the Yellow-browed Warbler near PS hide.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
13/10/2024174 Pochard, 6 Wigeon,4 Grey Heron, 13 Cormorant,3 Pied Wagtail,4 Little Grebe, 12 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 5 Moorhen , 1 Red Kite , 1 Kestrel, 6 Long tailed Tit, 30 Greylag goose,15 Mute Swan, 6 Siskin, 2 Buzzard , 23 Whooper Swan heading east , 2 Skeins of Pink -Footed goose heading eastDave Armitt
13/10/2024Not a bad morning, the highlight being the Yellow-browed Warbler near Paul Stanley hide just after midday - thanks to Amanda P for alerting us to it. In 2 hours from Stones island, 11,500 Woodpigeons flew S (mainly down the east side), 340 Pink-footed Geese E in 4 skeins and a herd of 23 Whooper Swans E (plus another 9 probable distant Whoopers taking the same track). 300 Pochard, mostly at WLC. 3 Pintail.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
12/10/2024Afternoon visit: nice surprise was 4 winter plumage Black-necked Grebes off Millfields, looking very smart in shades of black, grey and white. 135 Common Gulls off Stones by 6pm. Shoveler in Brown Ale Bay.Simon Roddis
11/10/2024706 Woodpigeons flew S in 90 mins this morning. Handful of Redwing, Starling and Skylarks. 284 Pochard from WLC. No sign of Clive's YbWarbler at Brown Ale Bay but Tawny Owl and Kingfisher there. Redpoll over WLC creek.Simon Roddis
08/10/2024From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Caspian Gull - 1 (Ad); YL Gull - 3 (Ads); Herring Gull - 1 (Ad).Richard Lowe
06/10/2024Late afternoon from Sheepwash Hide: Caspian Gull - (Ad); YL Gull (2) - (Ad) and (1stW); GBB Gull - (Ad).Richard Lowe
06/10/2024BWB walk. House sparrow. coot. Canada goose. mute swan. pied wagtail. gt cr grebe. gadwall. moorhen. BH gull. teal. carrion crow. cormorant. long-tailed tit. kestrel. little grebe. magpie. robin. blackbird. blue tit. Dunnock. great tit. chiffchaff. raven 7. jackdaw. mallard. wood pigeon. pochard. lapwing. tufted duck. lesser Bb gullAmanda Palethorpe
06/10/2024A bit quiet this morning but a Rock Pipit flew over Stones island,125 Woodpigeons flew S, the Water Rail called on Horseshoe island and 3 Swallows over the WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
05/10/2024At least 1 Rock Pipit again on the dam wall, Millfields end, this morning. 195 Woodpigeons, 20 Stock Doves and 175 Redwings S/W in an hour. 2 Pintail, single Shoveler and Goosander. Still c2,000 Black-headed and 3,500 Lesser Black-backed Gulls post-roost early morning. 2 adult Yellow-legs. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Millfields and 5 House Martins S there.Simon Roddis
04/10/2024A Yellow Wagtail on dam wall this afternoonA & G Hattersley
04/10/2024Two Rock Pipits were on the dam wall this morning and a first-winter Caspian Gull near the cormorant raft. Not as much moving as yesterday, with 99 Woodpigeons, 25 Meadow Pipits and a redhead Goosander S and 87 Redwings W in one hour. 33 Wigeon. 2 Shoveler off Stones. Blackcap on Stones. 3 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing.Simon Roddis
03/10/20242 Red Kites over Millfields Car Park on Thursday 03/10/2024 10.30am.D and J Coates
03/10/2024First definite Redwings of the autumn this morning: 414 west(ish) in 2 hours, 08:00-10:00. Also 190 Woodpigeons, 18 Stock Dove, 17 Skylarks. Totals of 40 Swallows and 10 Jays. 740 Canadas and 233 Greylags flew out early morning. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Peregrine.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
02/10/2024I thought I'd finished for the morning when a last scan over the water produced 3 Gannets, 2 juveniles and a sub-adult, in flight off Sheepwash at 11:00. One juvenile stayed to 12:20 at least (last seen by Dave Horsley from Sheepwash hide). Second time in just over a week! Also 271 Pochard, 1 female Pintail, 12 Wigeon, 43 Cormorants, 2 Snipe, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 40 Swallows.Simon Roddis
01/10/2024In the rain this morning, 195 Greylags, 32 Mute Swans, 34 Cormorants, adult Yellow-legged Gull, Kingfisher at WLC, 25 Swallows. Alan S had a Water Rail on Sheepwash spit mid-morning.Simon Roddis
29/09/2024Roost count for the Winter Gull Survey this evening : 4,500 Lesser Black-backs, 1 Great Black-back, 3 Yellow-legs, 700 Black-heads, 120 Common. Earlier in the day, the drake Red-crested Pochard still off Stones, 65 Swallows and 30 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
28/09/2024A female Merlin flew S past Stones island 09:00, first of the year here. 96 Greylag. 2 Shoveler. The drake Red-crested Pochard still at Shiningford. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gull.s Kingfishers at Millfields and WLC. 35 Swallows.Simon Roddis
25/09/20244 Black-tailed Godwits (probably juveniles) were on Stones island this morning, and 2 Golden Plover flew W. 710 Canadas and 42 Greylags flew out early morning. Drake Red-crested Pochard still. 4 Shoveler. A late Swift was among a mixed flock of c120 Swallows and House Martins over the east side, my first since 26 August. 2 Water Rails (Hopton reedbed and Horseshoe island). 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls still. In the dam wall fields, 60 Meadow Pipits, 4 Skylarks and 35 Goldfinches, and c100 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
24/09/2024Big surprise this morning was an adult Gannet, apparently first seen around 10:00 from Stones and later at Millfields to 11:30. 2 Shoveler and the drake Red-crested Pochard still off Stones. Single fly-over Golden Plover and Yellow Wagtail, and a Ringed Plover flew around for about an hour mid-morning. 26 Common Gulls off Stones early morning. 2 adult Yellow-legs still. 1+ Kingfisher around Stones/WLC/sailing club. 7 Ravens, including 3 pairs formation-flying. 4 Skylarks and 13 Meadow Pipits on/over the dam wall. Total of 26 Swallows. Flock of 80 House Martins SW over Millfields at 13:00.Simon Roddis
23/09/2024Water Rail, male Red-crested Pochard and adult Yellow-legged Gull all still present this morning. 153 Teal, 7 Wigeon and 2 Shoveler off Stones. Total of 208 Pochard. First-winter Common Gull and 2 Great Black-backs.Simon Roddis
21/09/2024Monthly wildfowl count: 657 Canada, 13 Greylag, 25 Mute Swan, 48 Gadwall, 31 Wigeon, 121 Mallard, 162 Teal, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 183 Pochard, 264 Tufted, 1 Water Rail, 29 Moorhen, 1,238 Coot, 22 LGrebe, 55 GCGrebe, 20 Lapwing, 33 Cormorant, 1 Kingfisher, adult Yellow-legged Gull.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
19/09/2024Two skeins of Pink-footed Geese, c150 birds, flew NE at 09:30 before disappearing into the murk over Millfields. Clive heard more over the WLC later. Drake Red-crested Pochard at Shiningford. Female Shoveler off Stones. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 2 Dunlin (CA). 1 Little Egret around Stones/WLC. Kingfisher at Millfields. Total of 9 Ravens.Simon Roddis
18/09/2024A Great Egret flew N over Stones just before 8 this morning. Single Curlew and Ringed Oliver flew N into the breeze. Dunlin on Horseshoe island. 21 Wigeon, 115 Teal, 53 Gadwall, 205 Pochard and the drake Red-crested Pochard still. Single Hobby and Peregrine. 30 Swallows.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
17/09/2024A bit of an influx of duck this morning: 58 Wigeon, 7 Pintail, 4+ Shoveler, 130 Teal, 142 Pochard. 605 Canadas and 6 Greylags flew out early morning. 600 Black-headed Gulls post-roost. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 1 Dunlin on sailing club shore. Around the dam wall, Peregrine, Skylark, Yellow Wagtail and 15 Linnets. 1 Sedge Warbler still on Stones. Clive saw the Water Rail and a Snipe on Horseshoe island.Simon Roddis
15/09/2024Much less moving than yesterday. 75 Pink-footed Geese flew NE, 2 Little Egrets W up WLC creek (before one of them turned round!) and 44 Swallows. 448 Canadas and 7 Greylags flew out early morning. Drake Red-crested Pochard again off Stones. 91 Teal. Redhead Goosander. Green Woodpecker calling again in Tail Bay. The Water Rail still on Horseshoe island. One Redstart still in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
14/09/2024Movement in 2 hours (07:00-09:00) this morning: 365 Swallows and 8 House Martins SW; 59 Meadow Pipits S; 23 Stock Doves S, 13N; 82 Woodpigeons S, 44N; 76 Rooks. 1 Little Egret. 3 female-type Pintail at WLC. 3 redhead Goosander. Peregrine and Hobby from Stones. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Female/juv Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
13/09/2024Despite the high water level, the star bird this morning was a wader: a Spotted Redshank flew SW over Stones island at 08:45, calling as it went. Along the dam wall early morning, c100 Pied and 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Skylark, 4 redhead Goosander and a juvenile female Peregrine. 86 Woodpigeons (76S,10N) and 13 Stock Doves (7S,6N) in an hour. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Total of 120 Swallows and 10 House Martins. Another Peregrine perched in WLC fields, perhaps the same adult male as last winter. 2 female/juv Redstarts in WLC fields, including the long-stayer. Willow Warbler singing on Stones.Simon Roddis
12/09/2024An Osprey flew slowly S down the res at 11:10 this morning. Earlier, a cream-crown Marsh Harrier had flown N through Millfields (RPJ,AMD). Totals of 75 Teal, 168 Pochard and 240 Tufted. 1 redhead Goosander flew N. Adult Yellow-legged Gull again. 80 Swallows and 20 House Martins. 2 Sedge Warblers still on Stones and the female/juv Redstart in WLC fields. 15 Meadow Pipits S. c100 Goldfinches feeding on Stones.Simon Roddis
11/09/2024The main event between the showers this morning was a fly-over summer plumage Black-throated Diver which circled the res for 10 minutes before departing high SW at 10:30. The first in the county since 2011 (also at Carsi). Earlier, 11 Pink-footed Geese flew E, first of the autumn here. Supporting cast of Redshank, first-winter Caspian and adult Yellow-legged Gulls, Kingfisher, Sand Martin, 40 Swallows, 70 House Martins, female/juv Redstart still in WLC fields and 25 Meadow Pipits S.Simon Roddis
10/09/20244 female/juv Pintail off Stones mid-morning were new, and c150 Pochard (100+ in Brown Ale Bay) indicates a further arrival. The drake Red-crested Pochard off Stones again, and 212 Tufted. The juvenile Water Rail was on Horseshoe island again. 3 Common Sandpipers at Millfields. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Female Sparrowhawk mobbed by 3 Rooks over WLC creek. 116 Swallows, most of the moving SW. Female/juv Redstart still in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
09/09/2024A juvenile Black Tern was off Stones island from 08:00-08:30 this morning. Also off Stones, the eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard, 138 Tufted, adult Caspian Gull and 2 Common Sandpipers. The Water Rail again showed well on Horseshoe island. Total of 810 Coot. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. Kingfisher on Horseshoe island. 32 Swallows and 57 House Martins. 1 Sedge Warbler still on Stones. 16 Mistle Thrushes over Blackwall plantation, my highest count of the year.Simon Roddis
08/09/2024A tiny bit of wader activity this morning, with 7 Ringed Plovers N, 4 Snipe and 2 Common Sandpipers. The drake Red-crested Pochard still off Stones, 2 Wigeon and a total of 64 Teal. The juvenile Water Rail showed well from WLC late morning. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. Kingfisher(s) at WLC and Stones. Total of 175 Swallows.Simon Roddis

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