Recent Sightings

DateSightingName
19/06/20263 Little Egret , 6 Oystercatcher, 1 Teal, 1 Little Grebe, 61 Greylag, 3 Blackcap, 8 Chiffchaff, 7 Sedge Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Long tailed tit, 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Lesser black backed GullDavid Armitt
14/06/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 1,182 Canada Geese (plus many broods), 331 Greylag (plus at least 16 broods), 7 Mute Swan, 3 Egyptian Geese, 10 Gadwall, 56 Mallard, 2 Pochard (plus broods of 1 and 4), 45 Tufted (plus a brood of 5 at WLC), 1 Moorhen, 149 Coot (plus 4 broods), 3 Little Grebe (plus 1 brood), 40 GCGrebe (plus 3 broods), 16 Oystercatcher (including some fully grown young), 2 Redshank, 2 Common Tern, 9 Cormorant, 2 Heron. Plus a total of 8 singing Reed Warblers, Goldcrest with food at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
13/06/2026There are 5 Common Scoters (4m,1f) out in the middle this morning. Egyptian Goose, first-summer Yellow-legged Gull and Common Gull still at Watersports. 125 Coot. Peregrine over Hall Wood. c100 Sand Martins around Stones.Simon Roddis
10/06/2026A Ringed Plover was at sailing club this morning, and a Redshank at Watersports. First-summer Common Gull, Egyptian Goose, 2 drake Red-crested and 2 drake Common Pochard still. 94 Coot. Skylark singing along the dam wall. In Tail Bay, a Kingfisher, pair of Common Whitethroat with food and a family party of GSWoodpeckers. 2 Reed Warblers singing in WLC creek and another 3 in Hopton reedbed. 50 Sand Martins. Grey Wagtail with a fledged youngster at Millfields and another pair at the sailing club end of the day wall.Simon Roddis
09/06/2026Adult Mediterranean Gull again over the WLC this morning. New brood of 5 Gadwall at Shiningford. The 2 drake Red-crested Pochard still on Horseshoe island, now starting to moult. 40 Swifts and 40+ Sand Martins feeding. First-summer Common Gull at Watersports. Garden Warbler with food at Millfields.Simon Roddis
07/06/2026Species noted today during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): Mallard, House Sparrow, Canada Goose, Oystercatcher, Greylag Goose, Tufted Duck, Coot, Great Crested Grebe, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Blackcap, Swift, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mute Swan, Buzzard, Carrion Crow, Robin, Sedge Warbler, Dunnock, Reed Bunting, Swallow, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Gadwall, Little Grebe and WrenGary Atkins
07/06/2026Garden Warbler with young (and alarm calling) near the WLCGary Atkins
07/06/2026A pair of adult Mediterranean Gulls flew in over WLC creek 09:45. Spotted Flycatcher in the top of Hall Wood and Pied Flycatcher singing briefly and calling in Warrington Knob. 2 drake Red-crested Pochard still at Watersports and 2 (separate) Egyptian Geese. 70+ Coot. 2 Peregrines over the north end. Willow and Garden Warblers with food in Hall Wood. Redstart still singing at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
02/06/2026This morning, 3 Red-crested Pochard (2 males and the long-staying female) were off Stones causeway, 9 Mute Swans, at least 50 Swifts feeding over the east side after the rain, 61 Coot (plus 4 chicks at sailing club), second-summer Mediterranean Gull still, adult Herring Gull, a Hobby flew across the res east to west, 10 Ravens, Reed Warbler singing on Stones causeway and a pair of Garden Warblers with food near WLC.Simon Roddis
25/05/2026Fairly brief visit this morning, I shudder to think what it'll be like up there today. Single Common Tern, the second-summer Mediterranean Gull still, one first-summer Common Gull still resisting the urge to fly north, 1 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, Garden Warbler with food at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
21/05/2026A Hobby flew past the main centre and over the road early morning, first of the year here. An Arctic Tern flew S past Stones island and a Ringed Plover flew over. First-summer Yellow-legged, Great Black-backed and Common Gulls, plus the first Black-headed Gull chick on Horseshoe island. 3 Barnacle Geese. Chiffchaff with food on Stones.Simon Roddis
20/05/2026An Arctic Tern flew past Stones island at 08:35 this morning and an Osprey flew south between 08:45 and 08:50. 2 Barnacle and 2 Egyptian Geese. 16 Swifts including 8 screaming around the main centre. 2 Redshank and 1 Dunlin. Mick had Pied Flycatcher still singing in Hall Wood.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
17/05/20262 Arctic and a Common Tern flew past Stones around 07:00. On and around Watersports island, 2 Little Egrets, female Red-crested Pochard and Pink-footed Goose. Second-summer Mediterranean Gull still on sailing club island. Yellow Wagtail flew N.Simon Roddis
16/05/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 186 Canada (plus 19+ broods), 3 Barnacle and 74 Greylag (plus 16 broods) Geese, 6 Mute Swans, 1 Egyptian Goose, 20 Gadwall, 76 Mallard, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 5 male Common Pochard, 66 Tufted, 2 Moorhen, 29 Coot, 2 Little Grebe, 45 GCGrebe, 13 Oystercatcher, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Tern, 12 Cormorant, 1 Heron. Plus 40 Swifts, 4 Reed Warbler, single Whitethroat, Redstart and Pied Flycatcher.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
15/05/2026In a relatively brief early morning visit, 3 Arctic Terns off Stones island, Dunlin and Common Sandpiper on Watersports island and the female Red-crested Pochard on Horseshoe island.Simon Roddis
12/05/2026Nothing much is changing at the moment, although Mute Swans have risen to 8, the most since last October. Pair of Barnacle and 3 Egyptian Geese. Female Red-crested Pochard still on Watersports island. 20 Swifts. 7 species of waders, including single Lapwing, Ringed Plover, Curlew and Common Sandpiper. Second-summer Mediterranean Gull past Stones. 100s of Swallows and smaller numbers of Sand and House Martins. 3 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed and a Common Whitethroat in WLC creek. 2 Pied Flycatchers and a Redstart singing in Hall/Middle Woods.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD, KR
10/05/20264 Swift, 8 Chiffchaff, 20+ Sand Martin, 10+ House Martin, 8 Sedge Warbler, 4 Willow Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 LRP, 4 Oystercatcher, 3 Garden Warbler, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Redshank, 1 Lesser Black Backed Gull ,1 Egyptian GooseDavid Armitt
07/05/2026This morning, single Pink-footed and Egyptian Geese, female RcPochard, drake Goosander, pair of Oystercatchers with 3 chicks at Shiningford, Snipe on Horseshoe island, second-summer Mediterranean Gull on Sailing Club island, first-summer Caspian Gull still, 1 Willow Tit, some hundreds of Swallows, Sand and House Martins, Redstart still in WLC Fields. Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall (per Ellen Hancock).SJR, CA, MW
05/05/2026A few bits and pieces this morning: 2 Egyptian Geese still, 2 Shelduck W over WLC creek, pair of Shoveler and female Red-crested Pochard off Horseshoe island, 8 Goosander (7 flew N plus drake at sailing club), 12 Swifts, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits (one at Watersports and one flew E), immature Great Black-back, Great Egret over the main centre, Whitethroat at Hopton, 2 Pied Flycatchers in Hall and Middle Woods, 2 singing Redstart. Clive had Wheatear in WLC creek, Spotted Flycatcher at Lane End and 16 Redpoll at Sheepwash.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
03/05/2026Species recorded (44) during today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon ... Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Canada Goose, Carrion Crow, Chiffchaff, Mallard, Swallow, Sedge Warbler, Cormorant, Coot, Garden Warbler, Tufted Duck, Black-headed Gull, Blackbird, Great Crested Grebe, Woodpigeon, Oystercatcher, Robin, Barnacle Goose, Pochard, Grey Heron, Common Sandpiper, Red-throated Diver, Dunnock, House Martin, Gadwall, Wren, Song Thrush, Blackcap, Reed Bunting, Bullfinch, Mute Swan, Goldfinch, Greylag Goose, Herring Gull, Great Tit, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Moorhen, Buzzard, Sand Martin, Swift, Redshank, Blue TitGary Atkins
03/05/2026Another excellent morning. A Red-throated Diver in almost full summer plumage was off Sheepwash early morning and flew at 11:00. Waders included a total of c20 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 1 Curlew. Jon B found a female Whinchat at sailing club late morning, a nice spring record. Drake Goosander also at sailing club. Lots of hirundines: c200 each of Swallow and Sand Martin, 50 House Martins and 20 Swifts. 2 Arctic Terns. Second-summer Mediterranean Gull again. Yellow Wagtail over Stones.SJR, CA, AHS, MW
02/05/2026A Spotted Flycatcher at Lane End is the first of the year here as far as I'm aware. Arctic Tern past Stones and Bar-tailed Godwit still at Watersports. 2 Barnacle and 1 Egyptian Goose. 6 Pochard. Female Red-crested Pochard on Horseshoe island. Redshank and Dunlin at sailing club. First-summer Caspian Gull again off Stones. 2 singing Pied Flycatchers (Hall Wood and Sheepwash) and 2 Redstarts at Hopton end.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
01/05/2026Bar-tailed Godwit still at Watersports and 2 Common Sandpiper there also. 2 "commic" Terns distant in the haze, 2 drake Pochard, drake Teal, Fresh Mallard brood of 6 at Sailing Club, Common Whitethroat singing in WLC fields.Clive Ashton
30/04/2026This morning from Stones Island: 2 Ruff (1 horseshoe, 1 Watersports Island), Bar-tailed Godwit (Watersports), 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 summer plumage Dunlin (Sailing Club), Female Red-crested Pochard, 2 Barnacle Geese. 2 Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall, and Grey Wagtail singing there.Clive Ashton/Mick Watson
29/04/2026No Terns today but waders were in evidence with 9 species recorded: Bar-tailed Godwit at Watersports, Sanderling on Sailing Club shoreline, 2 Ruff on the back of Horseshoe Island, Curlew heard at Millfields and a Greenshank was around for a while before apparently flying NE. Female Red-crested Pochard and her male common Pochard admirer at WLC, Caspian Gull at Watersports, Yellow Wagtail over Stones, 4 Sedge Warblers and 2 Common Whitethroat behind Millfields Island.Clive Ashton
28/04/2026Another fantastic morning started with 9 Arctic Terns flying in over the dam at 0715hrs. Whilst counting the Terns, at 0745, Alan picked out a dark phase Arctic Skua which flew low up the middle of the res before departing NW. Paul Bennett popped in to see the Arctic Terns and found a Little Tern amongst them at Sheepwash. By 0945hr Arctic Tern numbers had increased to 26, before around half of them had apparently moved on. Large numbers of hirundines all morning and we estimate 400 Sand Martin and 200 Swallow. C6 Pochard, female Red-crested Pochard, 2 female Goldeneye at Sheepwash, 3 Egyptian Geese, 2 Swift, the ringed Caspian Gull, Yellow Wagtail (MR). Little Tern and c14 Arctic Terns still present around 1100hrs when we left site.CA/AHS
27/04/2027From Stones Island this morning, 3 Shoveller, 2 Pochard, 1 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Grey Heron, lots of Sedge and Garden Warblers, 2 Arctic Terns, 1 Common Sandpiper. 1 Dunlin at Millfields and Mediterranean Gull on Sailing Club Island (CA) Peacock butterfly and Orangetips on the wing.AHS
26/04/2026The first-summer Little Gull was still off Watersports this morning. 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 2 Common Terns there too. Female Red-crested Pochard from WLC. Second-summer Mediterranean Gull still on sailing club island. Single Curlew, Common Sandpiper and Redshank. 3 Swifts from WLC. Whitethroat in WLC creek. 13 singing Sedge Warblers across Stones and WLC creek. 3 Yellow Wagtails.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
25/04/20262 summer plumage Black-necked Grebes around Watersports area, 1 Black Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 2 Common Tern, 2 Little Gull (ad, 1s), 3 Shelduck, 2 drake Pochard, Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Common Sandpiper, Common Whitethroat at Hopton End, Reed Warbler in WLC reedbed, 3 Pied Flycatcher on east side.Clive Ashton
24/04/2026Following yesterday afternoon's movement, there were another 36 Black Terns this morning, building up between about 06:30 and 08:30, plus 3 Little Gulls (2 adults and one first-summer), all to 11:00 at least. The 2 Bar-tailed Godwits were still around and a Greenshank flew N. 3 Mandarins over the main carpark. 6 Pochard, 2 Teal. 1 Egyptian Goose. More Garden Warblers have arrived, now 6 in the Stones/WLC area. Lesser Whitethroat singing south of Sheepwash. Redstart singing at the top of WLC creek and Clive had a Yellow Wagtail over the WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
24/04/20266 Chiffchaff, 5 Cormorant, 3 Blackcap, 24 Black Tern, 1 Reed bunting, 9 Oystercatcher, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Willow warbler, 8 Sedge warbler, 1Bar tailed Godwit , 2 Little Gull, 2 Male Pochard , 1 Female Red Crested pochard , 15+ Sand Martin,2 LRPDavid Armitt
23/04/2026The 2 Bar-tailed Godwits are still present, 1 each at Watersports (with a damaged wing) and from.WLC. Common Sandpiper and 2 Redshank in the same area. Two female Goldeneye. Reed and Garden Warblers at Hopton end, and Garden on Stones. 3 singing Pied Flycatchers in Hall Wood/Warrington Knob. 3 male Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall and 2 Swifts overhead. Wheatear at Millfields (per A&R).SJR, MW, RPJ, AMD
22/04/2026Best this morning was a beautiful first-summer Little Gull off Watersports. Another surprise was 2 Redwing at Millfields, with a Swift, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Willow Tit and c100 Redpoll in the same area. Around Watersports, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, Common Sandpiper, Redshank and the pair of Egyptian Geese. Yellow Wagtail (possibly 2) on Stones causeway/dam wall. Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
21/04/2026Another excellent spring morning, with 4 new species for the year: Swift over the dam wall, Yellow Wagtail at the main centre, Garden Warblers at Hopton end and on Stones, and Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed. One Black-tailed and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits were on Watersports island and later from WLC. First-summer Caspian Gull still. Pink-footed Goose, 2 Teal, 2 Pochard and 4 Goldeneye. 10 Sedge Warblers around Stones island and 1 at WLC. Redstart still in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
19/04/2026Highlight of the monthly wildfowl count was a drake Ring-necked Duck in Brown Ale Bay at around 08:50, relocated off Big Island at 10:20. Other wildfowl: 194 Canada, 34 Greylag (plus a brood of 5), 1 Pink-foot, 2 Egyptian, 2 Mute Swan, 33 Gadwall, 70 Mallard (plus a brood of 12), 3 Pochard, 47 Tufted, 5 Goldeneye, 4 Moorhen, 18 Coot, 4 Little Grebe, 36 GCGrebe, 11 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Redshank, 2 Dunlin, 6 Cormorant (a total of 480 waterbirds as opposed to 824 in April last year) Also: first-summer Mediterranean and Caspian Gulls at Watersports, 100+ Sand Martins, male Whitethroat at Hopton end, male Pied Flycatcher still at Warrington Knob and Redstart in WLC fields. Wheatear on the dam wall (per Mick W).Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
18/04/2026This morning, 2 Egyptian Geese, drake Pochard, 3 Common Sandpipers off Stones causeway, first-summer Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Mediterranean Gulls (second-summer and a pair of adults), Common Tern at Watersports, Willow Tit on the Tail Bay path, 3 Skylarks over, 100++ Sand Martins, male Redstart in WLC fields still, 1 Redpoll.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
17/04/2026Early evening - 2 Med Gulls (a 3cy and 2cy) in or around the BHGull colony at the rear of Sailing Club Island, best viewed from the second bench along the dam wall, albeit distant. Also a German ringed Caspian Gull (2cy) on the Watersports pontoon; Pink-footed Goose and LRPlover on Watersports Island.Richard Lowe
17/04/2026Quieter than yesterday. The second-summer Mediterranean Gull was still present, Redstart still singing in WLC fields and 2 new Sedge Warblers, on Millfields island and at WLC.SJR, CA, AHS
16/04/2025A decent morning, starting with a male Pied Flycatcher singing in Warrington Knob, just south of Middle Wood on the east side (first of the year). Single Arctic Tern and Whimbrel past Stones island (also both the first of the year), and a Common Sandpiper was on the shore. Drake Pochard off Watersports. 2 male Redstarts (Hall Wood and WLC fields).SJR, CA, MW
14/04/2026Caspian Gull (2cy) on Watersports pontoon late afternoon - (yellow colour ring on left leg).Richard Lowe
14/04/2026The second-summer Mediterranean Gull flew across sailing club bay mid-morning. Common Tern at Watersports. Drake Pochard. 4 Goldeneye. At Hopton end and Hall/Middle Woods, 9 Coal Tit, 5 Willow Warbler, 17 Blackcap, 6 Nuthatch, 8 Treecreeper, 1 Redstart. Another Redstart in WLC fields. 3 Sedge Warblers around Stones.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
13/04/2026Late afternoon visit: second-summer Mediterranean Gull among the Black-heads on the back of sailing club island, as reported by Richard L a couple of days ago. Pink-footed Goose past Stones. 3 singing Sedge Warblers.Simon Roddis
11/04/20263 Little and 4 Common Terns were off Stones island from 07:55 to around 08:15 this morning. Good conditions for terns, clearly. 20+ Barnacle Geese. Second-summer Caspian Gull again off Watersports. Little Egret at Millfields. Big increase in hirundines, c100 Swallows, 300 Sand Martins and at least 4 House Martins. Sedge Warbler again on Stones.Simon Roddis
10/04/20262 Pochard, 1 female Red-Crested Pochard, 8 Gadwall, 6 Oystercatcher, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Little Grebe, 30+ Sand Martin, 20+ Swallow, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcap , 4 Long tailed Tit, 4 House Martin, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Jay , 3 Willow Warbler, 2 BullfinchDave Armitt
10/04/2026A Sedge Warbler singing on Stones island this morning is the earliest ever arrival here by 2 days. 2 House Martins also on Stones, and 100+ Sand Martins and c20 Swallows. Female Red-crested Pochard again consorting with a male Common Pochard off Stones causeway. 70 Common Gulls late morning, and a second-summer Caspian Gull off Watersports. Little Egret over Hopton end early morning. Redstart singing above WLC creek again and a brood of 3 Mallard in the fields (first I've seen this year). 1 Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
08/04/2026A very decent morning: a Sandwich Tern flew past Stones island at 08:15 and the Jack Snipe was again on Watersports island from 07:30 to at least 09:30. A Redstart was singing at the top of WLC creek and a female Wheatear was in the fields. Wildfowl included 3 Shelduck, female Red-crested Pochard, 2 drake Pochard, 4 Goldeneye and the pair of Egyptian Geese. A Curlew flew over Stones. First-summer Caspian Gull at sailing club. Willow Warblers and Blackcaps in increasing numbers.SJR, CA, AHS
07/04/2026A Jack Snipe bobbed away on Watersports island this morning, from 07:30 to 09:10 at least, with a Common Snipe almost adjacent. 4 Shoveler were out in the middle of the res. Tawny Owl calling at Penn Carr. Total of 33 Ravens, including 30 over the pastures; the presence of a couple of Buzzards and a Red Kites suggests that there might be a dead animal up there attracting their attention. 4+ Willow Warblers dotted around, and 3 Redpolls over.SJR, CA, MW
06/04/2026The pair of Egyptian Geese were on sailing club island early morning. 6 Goldeneye. 2 Curlew and 2 Herring Gulls flew S. 5 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. c60 Sand Martins and 3 Swallows off Sheepwash. Willow Warblers singing near the main entrance and at Millfields. 60 Fieldfare flew N (flocks of 24 and 36).Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
05/04/2026Following are the species recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walks (10am-noon; Stones Island to the Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Cormorant, Black-headed Gull, Magpie, Mallard, Chiffchaff, Coot, Tufted Duck, Oystercatcher, Carrion Crow, Egyptian Goose, Robin, Greylag Goose, Black-tailed Godwit, Sand Martin, Canada Goose, Moorhen, Woodpigeon, Gt Crested Grebe, Pochard, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Wren, Goldeneye, Pied Wagtail, Redshank, DunnockGary Atkins
05/04/2026A fly-through Greenshank was this morning's highlight. c80 Fieldfare also flew NW. 30 Sand Martins and 5+ Swallows off Stones/WLC. 2 Egyptian Geese, 4 Pochard and 2 Teal. Snipe at Paul Stanley hide. Barn Owl at Hopton reedbed first thing, and 15 Ravens over. Willow Tit at WLC. Black-tailed Godwit also reported on Watersports island (per Lorna).SJR, CA, MW
04/04/2026The first Willow Warbler of the year was singing near the main centre mid-morning, wonderful to hear. Other bit and pieces included 2 Shelduck, 3 redhead Goosander, 1 Egyptian Goose, 2 Pochard, 3 Redshank, 3 Herring Gulls, 1 Little Egret, 10 Sand Martin, 2 Swallows, 4 Blackcap, 1 Redpoll.SJR, MW, CA
02/04/2026A winter-plumage Turnstone was on Watersports island at 07:30 but had gone by 09:00. 3 Egyptian Geese at Millfields/Watersports. 1 Pink-footed Goose. The drake Red-crested Pochard was still at Millfields, hanging around with a group of Mallard. A light northerly movement of c.70 Woodpigeons. 21 Buzzards in a 360 scan from the dam wall late morning. Willow Tit at WLC. 10 Sand Martins.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
01/04/2026A drake Red-crested Pochard was at Millfields this morning, and a Little Egret flew S past Stones. Pair of Egyptian Geese still hanging around Watersports island. 6 Sand Martin and 1 Swallow. 2 Redpoll (over Millfields and Stones).SJR, CA, MW
31/03/2026Perimeter 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
31/03/2026An 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
30/03/2026Highlight 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
28/03/2026Probably 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
26/03/2026Along 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
22/03/2026March 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/JBClive Ashton/ Jon Bradley
20/03/2026The 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
20/03/20266 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 CormorantDave Armitt
19/03/2026Clive 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
18/03/2026Slightly 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
13/03/2026A 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
11/03/2026Best 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
10/03/2026Highlight 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
08/03/2026Afternoon 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
07/03/202627 Barnacle geese flew in, landed in field other side of road to dam wall around 8.30 am.Matthew Birkin
07/03/2026Another 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
06/03/2026After 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
02/03/2026Highlights 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
01/03/2026Following 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, WrenGary Atkins
01/03/20262 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
28/02/2026Perimeter 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
27/02/2026At 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
26/02/20263 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 titDave Armitt
26/02/2026Single 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
23/02/2026870 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
21/02/2026Monthly 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
20/02/2026Around 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
19/02/2026Clive 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
17/02/2026Just 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
16/02/2026Credit 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
14/02/2026On 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
12/02/2026A 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
11/02/2026Just 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
10/02/2026A 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
09/02/2026The 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
08/02/2026Highlight 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
07/02/2026The 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
05/02/2025The 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
03/02/2026Best 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
01/01/2-26From 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 TitGary Atkins
01/02/2026Birds 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 WagtailGary Atkins
01/02/2026Very 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
28/01/2026Ad 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
25/01/2026This 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
23/01/2026Just 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
21/01/2026The 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
19/01/2026Very 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


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
2019-11-04Great northern diver is still present off Stones island, 1 Redshank,2 Ravens, 12 Collard doves in trees near ranger base, many Redwings and Blackbirds in the fields behind WLC.Alan Stewardson
2019-11-03Species seen today 9am-noon (mostly during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk from Sheepwash): Goldfinch, Robin, Tufted Duck, Black-headed Gull, Coot, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Gt Crested Grebe, Bullfinch, Canada Goose, Lapwing, Magpie, Little Grebe, Pochard, Wren, Mute Swan, Mallard, Pheasant, Chaffinch, Nuthatch, Gt Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Cormorant, Woodpigeon, Jackdaw, Goldeneye, Willow Tit, Coal Tit, Common Gull, Wigeon, Kingfisher, Gt Spotted Woodpecker, Blue Tit, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Teal, Dunnock, Grey HeronGary Atkins
2019-11-02This morning from Stones island, the weather started cloudy but with good visibility and then deteriorated to rain by 9:30.1 Redshank,a juvenile Great northern diver was found by MR near the WLC,2 kingfishers in front of Sheepwash hide,4 Goldeneye and a Yellow legged gull also from this hide. AHS,RC.
2019-10-29This morning from Millfieids, cold north wind but plenty of birds on the move,3 skanes of Pink feet geese heading North West total 230,30 plus Skylarks flying as a single flock low over the water, many Wood pidgeons moving South, I counted 89 Redwing but there were many more,a Bramberling called whilst I was in the carpark, 64 Fieldfare along the East bank and 1 female type Goldeneye.Alan Stewardson
2019-10-29From 08-30 this morning, cold windy but lovely sun nothing exciting from WLC and Sheepwash :- Redshank, Cormorant, Mute Swan, Mallard, Gadwall, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Canada Geese, Greylag Geese, Great Black Backed Gull, Blackhead Gull, Moorhen, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Wigeon, Teal, Snipe, Magpie, Blackbird, Tree Sparrow, Great Tit, BlueTit, Longtailed Tit, Wren, Wood Pigeon,Dave Horsley
2019-10-26If you haven't noticed its been raining heavily all morning so these observations are from the shelter of Sheepwash Hide, Kingfisher seen several times,Common Snipe in the softbrush, Redshank feeding in the bay, one Grey Wagtail and a pair of Shoveller.A H Stewardson
2019-10-24Continuing to be very miserable this morning walk from Hopton end to Sheepwash revealed:- two pairs of Shoveler, female Goldeneye, Kingfisher, Gagwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Mute Swan, Coot, Cormorant, Black Head Gull, Lapwing, Wren, Blackbird, Bluetit, Carrion Crow, Lapwing, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe.Dave Horsley
2019-10-23Very foggy this morning at Stones island with appalling visibility but I could just see 5 Shoveller the Slavonian grebe,the usual flock of Long-tailed tits and numerous Blackbirds in the berry bearing bushes. Alan Stewardson
2019-10-21This morning from Millfieids RC had 3 Whooper swans at 7:45,a Manx Shearwater was first seen at 8:30 and was present all morning, 17 Whooper Swans flew NE at 9:10 followed by 20 more Whooper swans at 9:15,RC saw 52 Pink feet geese heading SE,Slavonian still present off Stones island, 50 Redwing heading south and 9 Tree sparrows at Millfieids. AHS,RC.
2019-10-19This morning from Stones island, Slavonian grebe still present and showing well from Stones island, 2 Great Spotted woodpeckers, 1 Golden plover overhead, Blackbirds still abundant as are the Long tailed tits.A H Stewardson
2019-10-18This morning from Stones island, Slavonian grebe still present, 40 plus Long tailed tits,at least 6 Willow tits,Blackbirds very active in the Hawthorn bushes, flocks of Redwings moving down both banks all morning,small groups of Starlings passing overhead, 4 Skylarks and 10 Tree Sparrows at WLC A H Stewardson
2019-10-17This morning from Stones island, Slavonian grebe still present a pair of Shoveler from the causeway, 6 Skylark overhead, 1 Redshank,Common Sandpiper reported, 20 plus Long tailed tits and 4 male Bullfinch. Alan Stewardson
2019-10-15The Slav Grebe still off Stones island this morning, a Common Sandpiper on the sailing club shore, perhaps the same bird as was there on Saturday, and a female Stonechat in WLC creek. 91 Canada Geese. Pair Shoveler again off Stones causeway. Water Rail calling in the narrows of Brown Ale Bay (perhaps the same one as at PS hide last week). 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and sub-ad) from Sheepwash, plus a GBbG which caught and ate a signal crayfish. 4 Collared Doves at the ranger base. 4 Kingfishers (Millfields, WLC creek, BA Bay and Hopton end). 2 Swallows over Stones, plus a Chiffchaff, a female Blackcap, c20 Blackbirds and 10 Song Thrushes there. Totals of 106 Starling (including 50 in fields up Hays Lane), 254 Redwing and 32 Siskin (23 at Sheepwash). 26 Tree Sparrows (16 WLC, 10 Millfields). Simon Roddis
2019-10-14The Slav Grebe again off Stones island this morning. 18 Mute Swans, including yesterday's 5 juvs still. Pair of Shoveler off Stones causeway. 1 Little Egret. 2 Dunlin through. 50 Woodpigeons S. 16 Skylarks SW. 3 Chiffchaff. There's clearly been an influx of thrushes, with 32 Blackbirds and 16 Song Thrushes on Stones island. 5 Greenfinch and 6+ Siskin over.Simon Roddis
2019-10-131 Slovenian Grebe,6 Great crested Grebe,2 Little grebe,2 Gadwall,6 Teal,2 Mute Swan,2 Cormorant,4 Goldfinch,10 Tufted Duck this afternoon David Armitt
2019-10-13The Slav Grebe still off Stones this morning, in the rain. 16 Mute Swan including 5 juveniles, clearly come in from somewhere. 27 Wigeon. 70 Lapwing. 2 Kingfishers at Sheepwash. 1 Chiffchaff among a tit flock on Stones. 41 Redwing. Simon Roddis
2019-10-12Monthly WeBS count done this morning as the forecast isn't too sparkling for tomorrow: 53 Canada Geese, 22 Greylags, 10 Mute Swan, 2 Shoveler, 23 Gadwall, 14 Wigeon, 142 Mallard, 62 Teal, 96 Pochard, 147 Tufted Duck, 1 Goosander, 20 Little Grebe, 38 GCGrebe, 1 Slavonian Grebe, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 29 Cormorant, 750 Coot, 7 Moorhen, 88 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper on Stones causeway, 3 Kingfisher. In other news: 4 Whooper Swans dropped in briefly at 11:00 before heading off E; 5 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end early morning, and 6 Grey Wags left the reedbed; 10+ Goldcrest; 37 Redwing; and 2 very pale redpoll sp. over.Simon Roddis, John Bradley
2019-10-11The Slav Grebe again off Stones island mid-afternoon. A first-year Mediterranean Gull from Sheepwash at 17:45, and 131 Common Gulls there. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls (1 ad, 2 sub-ads). 57 Lapwing. 29 Cormorant. Little Egret at Sheepwash. c150 Woodpigeons flushed from the Shiningford area by 2 police choppers flying up the west side. Kingfishers at Sheepwash and WLC creek. 2 Chiffchaff. 26 Tree Sparrows (18 at WLC, 8 at Millfields).Simon Roddis
2019-10-10The Slav Grebe again off Stones island this morning. From the dam wall early morning, c5,000 Black-headed Gull, c3,500 Lesser Black-backs, 11 Great Black-backs and 84 Rooks. Total of 112 Pochard. 14 Magpie and 14 Tree Sparrows at the Millfields carpark feeders. 5 Chiffchaff. Male Blackcap and 35 Long-tailed Tits on Stones causeway. Tiny bit of movement: 90 Woodpigeon, 1 Skylark, 5 Starling, 24 Redwing, 32 Meadow Pipit and 5 Siskin, all S.Simon Roddis
2019-10-09The Slav Grebe still among the Coots off Stones island. A bit of movement, with a skein of c300 Pink-footed Geese SE at 09:20, and 12 Skylark, 6 Swallow, 19 Starling, 81 Redwing, 42 Meadow Pipit and 2 Siskin S. 2 Shoveler off Stones causeway, 62 Lapwing, a flock of 8 Stock Dove, 4 Kestrel, 7 Chiffchaff between Stones and Lane End, 7 Greenfinch, and 10 Tree Sparrow at WLC.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2019-10-08Sadly, no sign of yesterday's Long-tailed Skua, but the Slav Grebe was still off Stones island. 88 Pochard. 1 Little Egret. 3 Sparrowhawk (1m,2f) in the air together over Hopton village. 4 Kestrel. 1 Peregrine. 3 Tawny Owls calling around Brown Ale Bay early morning, and 2 Kingfishers there. 5 Skylark over. 1 Blackcap on Stones causeway. 30 Starling and 75 Redwing through. 4 Greenfinches feeding on berries on Watersports island.Simon Roddis
2019-10-07A rather good session today. A juvenile Long-tailed Skua was on the water near Flat Island (north of Paul Stanley hide), found at 14:15 and still there at 15:30, not looking as if it wanted to move far in the poor conditions. The Slavonian Grebe was still off Stones island, presumably yesterday's juvenile Black Tern still from Sheepwash and Stones island mid-morning, a 2nd/3rd-winter Caspian Gull off Brown Ale Bay early afternoon, and a Rock Pipit over WLC creek and maybe the same bird later dropped onto Watersports island. 98 Canada Geese. 182 Greylag. 3 Shelduck. 1 Shoveler. 83 Pochard. 52 Lapwing. A flock of 48 Long-tailed Tits at Watersports. 6 Chiffchaff. 12 Blackbirds and 6 Song Thrushes on Stones. 155 Redwing. 6 Linnet. c50 Goldfinch on Stones. 22 Siskin at Millfields. As I said, a good day!Simon Roddis
2019-10-06Seen/heard during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk: Canada Goose, Coot, Robin, Long-tailed Tit, Greylag Goose, Slavonian Grebe, Little Grebe, Gt Crested Grebe, Teal, Carrion Crow, Mallard, Wigeon, Moorhen, Pochard, Gadwall, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Pink-footed Goose, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, Raven, Jackdaw, Buzzard, Mute Swan, Kingfisher, Lapwing, Coal Tit, Willow Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Tree Sparrow, Woodpigeon, Snipe, Starling and MagpieGary Atkins
2019-10-06The Slav Grebe again off Stones island this morning. A Rock Pipit flew W up WLC creek with an alba wagtail at 09:10. 185 Greylags at Sheepwash. 1 Pink-footed Goose. 34 Wigeon. 7 Buzzard. 1 Dunlin around Stones island. 3 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end early morning. 2 Swallow. 3 Chiffchaff. Total of 70 Starlings. 160 Redwings through. 4 Siskin.SJR, RC, AHS
2019-10-05The Slav Grebe was again in the Stones/Watersports/Horseshoe islands area this morning. Among moving birds, the biggest surprise was a flock of 46 Ravens which flew E over Millfields at 07:00 (plus another at Sheepwash). That was a whole lotta ronking! 130 Redwing and a total of 36 Skylarks, including one flock of 28 going NE. Also 203 Greylags, 23 Wigeon, 52 Teal, 70+ Pochard, 1 Little Egret, 7 Common Gull, 3 Collared Dove, 2+ Kingfishers, 8 Jay, 350 Jackdaws out of their roost below the dam wall early morning, 6 Willow Tit, 3 Swallow, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap, 6 Grey Wag.Simon Roddis
2019-10-04A good morning! Roger found a winter-plumage Slavonian Grebe between Watersports and Horseshoe islands. Although elusive at times as it dived frequently, it then showed well off Stones island. While watching the grebe at Watersports, I saw a small wader fly off the water and go behind Horseshoe island. Suspecting that it may be a phalarope, I went round to the WLC and there it was, a juvenile Grey Phalarope feeding on the water. At times it walked along the shore of Horseshoe island and we last saw it there at about 09:00. And the first Redwings of the autumn flew through: a total of 650 SW over WLC creek. In addition, 1 Shoveler, 14 Gadwall, 7 Wigeon, 66 Pochard, 5 Common Gull, 7 Chiffchaff, and c100 Goldfinch on Shiningford island.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2019-10-02A little bit of movement this morning, with 33 Meadow Pipits, 8 Skylark, 13 House Martin, 13 Swallow, 6 Greenfinch, 4 Siskin, 1 Dunlin and 1 Golden Plover. Totals of 148 Canada Geese, 161 Greylags, 2 Barnacle, 1 Pink-foot, 65 Teal, 10 Little Grebe, 32 Cormorant at Sheepwash, 2 Little Egret, 1200 Black-headed Gulls early morning, sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull, 12 Jay, 10 Chiffchaff and 2 Blackcap.Simon Roddis
2019-10-013 juvenile Arctic Terns were around from at least 12:30 to 14:20, feeding out in the middle of the res. 13 Mute Swan. 54 Teal. 58 Pochard. 2 Common Gull. 2 Swallow and 5 House Martins through. 5 Chiffchaff and 2 Blackcap still.Simon Roddis
2019-09-30Much quieter on the vismig front than yesterday, with just 119 Meadow Pipits, 4 'alba' wagtails, 10 Skylarks, 6 Swallows and 4 House Martins. Otherwise, 2 Shoveler off Horseshoe island, 11 Wigeon, 1 Little Egret, 11 Chiffchaff and 3 Blackcap.Simon Roddis
2019-09-29A significant SW movement of Meadow Pipits this morning, with 1,404 counted from Stones causeway between 08:15 and 10:15, plus 31 Linnets. A Lesser Redpoll dropped into Stones island, first of the autumn here. 4 Chiffchaff on the causeway and 2 House Martins over the visitor centre. 2 Little Egrets and colour-ringed Grey Heron number 61 at WLC.Simon Roddis
2019-09-25A few snippets from after the early morning murk cleared. 2 Little Egrets and a 1st-w Yellow-legged Gull from Sheepwash hide. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Millfields. 3 Kingfishers (1 at Millfields, 2 at WLC). 16 House Martins over Shiningford creek. 12 Chiffchaff. 6 Blackcap. 2+ Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed and 7+ Raven over (and maybe another 3 over Blackwall plantation).Simon Roddis
2019-09-23A pretty good morning. The first Great Egret of the year (as far as I know) was seen initially from Sheepwash hide by John Geary, then flew E over Hall Wood at 10:05. A female/juv Red-breasted Merganser (second of the year) flew W at 08:50, seen from Stones island, then a juvenile Osprey flew S over the visitor centre at 09:15. 1 Little Egret. 2 juv Common Gull. 2 Skylark over WLC creek. 12 Swallows. 7 House Martins through. A Sedge Warbler, 12 Chiffchaff and 2 Blackcap on Stones island, and another 3 Blackcaps feeding on elderberries in WLC creek. Simon Roddis
2019-09-19The highlight this morning was 13 Pintail at Millfields. 3 Wigeon. 31 Teal. 435 Canada Geese, 30 Barnacles and 19 Greylags over the dam wall early morning. 2+ Kingfisher at Millfields. 1 Skylark over Stones island. Total of 22 Meadow Pipits, 20 House Martins and 25 Chiffchaff.Simon Roddis
2019-09-18Around Stones island this morning, 2 female-type Pintail, 9 Wigeon, juv Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, juv Arctic Tern flew N, sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Siskin N. A Tree Pipit flew S over WLC creek, 1 Hobby from WLC, 30 Swallows and 45 House Martins.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2019-09-17On/over the dam wall early morning: 1,075 Canada Geese, 29 Barnacle, 16 Greylag (33 later at Sheepwash), 1 Pink-foot (plus a skein of 27 NE at 0955), 2 Yellow Wag, 33 Rook, 7 Linnet. A flock of unidentified grey geese flew W at 0820 - definitely not Greylags and I don't think they were Pink-feet or White-fronts... Totals of 43 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, 24 Meadow Pipit, 6+ Raven, 20 Swallow, 15 House Martin, 2 Skylark, plus single Shoveler, Wigeon, Little Egret, sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull, Hobby, Sand Martin, Reed Warbler. Simon Roddis
2019-09-16A handful of new waders this morning, despite the high water level: a Black-tailed Godwit (spotted by Roger C) and 2 Oystercatchers flew in at 0810 and a Golden Plover flew S at 0900. c800 Canada Geese. 2 Wigeon. One Little Egret still. 20 House Martins over Shiningford creek. A singing Willow Warbler on Stones. 2 Common Whitethroat (Stones causeway and Shiningford creek). 1 Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed. 80 Goldfinch on Stones. 45 Starlings up Hays Lane.Simon Roddis
2019-09-157 Mute Swan,9 Lapwing,37 Tuffted Duck,4 Heron,2 Little Grebe,14 Great Crested Grebe,11 Pochard,6 Cormorant,1 Little Egret,9 Greylag Goose,16 Great Tit,15 Blue Tit,1 Long Tailed Tit,1 Coal Tit,1 Treecreeper ,2 Goldcrest ,1 Wren, 1 ChiffchaffDavid Armitt
2019-09-15Monthly WeBS count: 683 Canada Geese, 26 Barnacles, 6 Greylag, 14 Mute Swan, 17 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 132 Mallard, 25 Teal, 56 Pochard, 293 Tufted, 1 redhead Goosander, 17 Little Grebe, 50 GCGrebe, 5 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 30 Cormorant, 10 Moorhen, 625 Coot, 97 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 4 Kingfisher. Also: second-winter Common Gull, sub-ad Yellow-leg, 6 Willow Tit, 40 Chiffchaff and 15 Blackcap between Hopton end and Stones island, 1 Lesser Whitethroat in Shiningford creek, 2 Yellow Wag over.Simon Roddis, John Bradley
2019-09-12Totals this morning (covering Millfields, Stones island to Shiningford and Sheepwash to Hopton end): 730 Canada Geese, 15 Greylags, 28 Pochard, 5 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 55 Lapwing, 6 Curlew flew S, c600 Black-headed Gulls early morning, 3 Yellow-legs, 2 Kingfisher, 4 GSWoodpecker, 57 Rook, 7 Willow Tit, 2 Sand Martin, c100 Swallow, c50 House Martin, 60 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler (Hopton reedbed), 16 Blackcap (several feeding on elderberries), 1 Garden Warbler and 1 Whitethroat (both WLC creek), 9 Goldcrest, 1 Spotted Fly (Shiningford creek), 1 Redstart (WLC fields), 1 Wheatear and 2 Yellow Wag (dam wall), 60 Meadow Pipit (10 on the dam wall, the rest moving over), 11 Bullfinch (7 in Brown Ale Bay including a very blotchy moulting juvenile male). The WLC fields were full of small stuff mid-morning: 5 species of tit, 2 Goldcrests, the Whitethroat and Redstart, 15 Chiffchaffs, c20 Tree Sparrows, Robins, Dunnocks, Goldfinches, Swallows flying through. Very entertaining. Simon Roddis
2019-09-10A dawn to dusk session recorded 81 species, whilst the STW vols had an Osprey past the WLC which we didn't see. From the dam wall early morning: 670 Canada Geese, 10 Greylag, 2 Barnacle, 1 Pink-foot, c.4,500 roosting Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 88 Rook, 1 Skylark, 1 Wheatear. Elsewhere, 19 Little Grebe, at least 15 Wigeon and 24 Pochard, 7 Grey Heron, the Little Egret still, 7 Black-tailed Godwits, 1 Curlew and 2 Snipe through, 2 Hobby, at least 9 Raven, at least 100 each of House Martin and Swallow, Willow Warbler singing on Stones island, 2 Lesser Whitethroats and 1 Redstart in WLC creek/fields, 5 Goldcrest at Millfields, 4 Spotted Flycatcher in Shiningford creek still, 23 Tree Sparrow, 3 Yellow Wag (2 on the dam wall, 1 over Stones) and 127 Pied Wag going to roost on Watersports.SJR, RC, DN, AHS
2019-09-08On/over the dam wall early morning: 435 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacle, 6 redhead Goosander flew in, 1 Dunlin, 11 Stock Dove, 2 Kingfisher, 102 Rook, 1 Skylark, 1 Wheatear. Totals of 12 Gadwall, 17 Teal, 10 Pochard, 44 Lapwing, Hobby from WLC, 120 Swallow (50 on the dam wall, others moving through), 2 Sand Martin, 45 House Martin at the VC, 3 singing Willow Warbler (2 on Stones, 1 WLC fields), 10 Blackcap, 1+ Common Whitethroat in WLC fields, 30 Meadow Pipit (16 on the dam wall, the others moving over).Simon Roddis
2019-09-07Highlight of the morning was a female Merlin which stooped through Stones island, doubtless attracted by the large flock of Goldfinches there (c100). On/over/from the dam wall early morning: c3000 Lesser Black-backed Gulls; 430 Canada Geese, 15 Greylag and 1 Pink-foot; 1 Oystercatcher; 2 calling Tawny Owls; 67 Rooks; 40 Swallow; 3 Wheatear; 12 Grey Wagtails, including a party of 9 SW. Elsewhere, 4 Spotted Flycatchers still in Shiningford creek, the Little Egret still, second-year Yellow-legged Gull, 25 Chiffchaff, a Willow Warbler on Stones, House Martins still attending young in the nest under the eaves of the visitor centre, and totals of 70 Pied Wag and 16 Meadow Pipit.Simon Roddis
2019-09-05On/over the dam wall early morning: 960 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacle, 5 Greylag, 1 Pink-foot, c600 Black-headed Gulls, 1 Redshank, 109 Rooks and 1 Wheatear. 12 Pochard and 2 Wigeon at WLC. The Little Egret still. 31 Lapwing. 1 Golden Plover W. Sub-ad Common Gull. 1 Redstart and 2 Lesser White in WLC fields and a Tree Pipit in Shiningford creek. Totals of 80 House Martin, 20+ Swallows, 3 Sand Martin, 29 Chiffchaff, 10 Blackcap, 6 Grey Wag, 16 Meadow Pipit and c100 Goldfinch (including 80 on Stones).Simon Roddis
2019-09-04An Osprey put in a brief appearance at 09:20, carrying a fish over and beyond Hall Wood. 2 Barnacle Geese. 1 Pink-foot. 12 Pochard. The Little Egret still. 1 Peregrine. Over/around Stones island, 85 House Martin, 17 Swallow and 3 Sand Martin. 1 Reed Warbler singing(!) on Stones causeway. 3 Lesser Whitethroat and a Redstart in WLC fields. The family party of 4 Spotted Flycatchers still in Shiningford creek. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2019-09-03650 Canada Geese and one Pink-foot this morning. The Little Egret still. 1 Oystercatcher. At least 1 Common Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler on Stones island, and a Yellow Wagtail and a Sand Martin over. In WLC fields, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Redstart and a Tree Pipit over. 4 Spotted Flycatcher (family party of 2 ads, 2 young) and another Lesser White in Shiningford creek. Totals of 25 Chiffchaff and 9 Blackcap.Simon Roddis
2019-09-02Species noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk around Stones Island/WLC: Highlight was a close-up view of dashing Peregrine; other species Mute Swan, Little Grebe, Woodpigeon, Canada Goose, Lapwing, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Wren, Goldfinch, Coot, Great Tit, Tufted Duck, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Buzzard, House Martin, Sand Martin, Great Crested Grebe, Mallard, Teal, Raven, Blue Tit, Cormorant, Robin, Greylag Goose, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Common Sandpiper, Jackdaw, Chaffinch, Pochard and Pied Wagtail.Gary Atkins
2019-09-01Two pale adult Arctic Skuas were at Millfields for about 3 minutes around 07:15 before flying off SW. An Osprey flew in from the north at 09:10, as seen from Stones island. On/over the dam wall early morning: 535 Canada Geese, 123 Rooks, 45 Swallow, 1 Wheatear, 70 Starling, 5 Grey Wag. Elsewhere, 3 Shoveler at WLC (and maybe another 2 flying around), 20 Gadwall, 1 Little Egret, 2 Common Sandpiper on Stones island, 1 Redshank at WLC, 8 Stock Dove, 2 Hobby over the east side, 25 House Martin at the visitor centre, 16 Chiffchaff, 6 Blackcap, Common Whitethroat on Stones, Lesser White and 2 Redstart in WLC fields, 9 Meadow Pipit. A decent start to the month!Simon Roddis
2019-09-01Osprey around Sheepwash 16.00 to 16.15 hrs then drifted off west. Neil Moulden
2019-09-01Osprey around Sheepwash 16.00 to 16.15 hrs then drifted off west. Neil Moulden
2019-08-31Less action on the dam wall this morning given the howling gale. c600 Canada Geese mid-morning. 15 Gadwall. 14 Teal. 9 Pochard. 1 Little Egret still. 71 Lapwing. The moulting sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. 2 Common Tern (ad and juv) through. 1 Swift over WLC creek. Peregrine over Stones causeway and 1, maybe 2, Hobby from Stones island. 6+ Raven. 30 Swallow. 7 Sand Martin. 2 House Martin. 32 Chiffchaff, including 20 on Stones, 15 of them in a flock with Blue, Great, Willow and Long-tailed Tits. 8 Blackcap, including one singing in WLC fields. Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Redstart in WLC fields. 3 Yellow Wag over Stones. 6 Grey Wag. c100 Goldfinch on Stones.Simon Roddis
2019-08-30The Osprey arrived early this morning, at 08:05, and spent most of the next hour flying up and down the res but didn't catch anything in that time. On or over the dam wall early morning, 640 Canada Geese, 23 Greylags, 6 Stock Doves SE, 120 Rooks, 30 Swallow and 1 Yellow Wag. 43 Mute Swan. 4 Wigeon. 23 Teal. 3 female/juv Red-crested Pochard at Millfields. 1 Little Egret still. 76 Cormorant. 62 Lapwing. 1 Snipe at WLC. 1 Common Gull. 4 GBbG. 1 2nd-summer Yellow-leg at Sheepwash. Totals of 31 Chiff-chaff, 2 Willow Warbler and 13 Blackcap. 3 Redstart and a Reed Warbler in WLC fields. 80+ Pied Wag (50 on the dam wall, 30 at Sailing Club).Simon Roddis
2019-08-29A decent morning, with a bit of an arrival of small stuff. A juv Whinchat (first of the year), 2 juv Wheatears and 3 yellow Wags on the dam wall early morning, a Spotted Flycatcher at Millfields, 37 Chiffchaffs counted, with at least 15 in Millfields viewing area. Osprey from 10:10 to 10:20, mobbed at one point by 2 Ravens, one of which pulled out one of the Osprey's tail feathers! 2 Arctic Terns (adult straight through and a juv which hung around from 0-8:10 to 09:30 at least). 530 Canada Geese flew out early morning, along with 37 Greylag, 2 Barnacle and 1 Pink-foot. Female Pintail through. 25 Gadwall. 11 Pochard. 1 Little Egret still. 10 Buzzard. 60 Lapwing. 1 Snipe at WLC. 1 Common Gull. 1 sub-ad Herring Gull. 2 Yellow-legs (first-year and the moulting sub-ad). 2 Swift. 2+ Kingfishers. 3 Kestrel. 1 Peregrine. 79 Rooks over the dam wall early morning. 60 Swallows on the dam wall, 50 House Martins around the visitor centre, and 5 Sand Martins. 1 Sedge Warbler on Stones causeway. Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. 70 House Sparrows at the visitor centre and 150 Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis
2019-08-28This morning from Stones island one Greenshank at 8:30, one Yellow Wagtail at 9:15,three distant Terns at 9:35 flying north,Couldn't identify them,an Osprey flew down the Reservoir at 9:40 towards Millfieids. I found one Lesser Whitethroat in the fields behind the Wildlife centre. A H Stewardson
2019-08-26More wildfowl today: a female-type Common Scoter, drake Wigeon, 3 Shoveler, 32+ Teal and 5 Pochard. 1 Little Egret. 45 Lapwing. 2 Snipe on Watersports island. 1 Common Sand at Millfields. 1 Redshank at Sheepwash. 2 Common Gull (ad and 1st-year) at Sailing Club. The mouting sub-ad Yellow-leg (same as on 22/8). 3+ Kingfishers. 50 Rook (exact count) over the dam wall early morning, biggest count for ages. 70 Swallow, 25 House Martin and 3 Sand Martin on the dam wall. 4 Willow Warbler at various spots. In WLC fields, 2 Tree Pipit, 1 Meadow Pipit over, 2 Redstart, 3 Spot Fly and single Common and Lesser Whitethroats. 4 Yellow Wag through. Simon Roddis
2019-08-25Looks like there has been a mini wildfowl arrival: female Pintail at Millfields, 2 Shoveler flew in and totals of 24 Gadwall and 15 Teal. 1 Barnacle Goose and the Pink-foot again. 6 Grey Herons at Sheepwash, including number 61. 1 Little Egret still. 42 Lapwing. At least 2 Kingfishers (1, maybe 2, at Millfields, 1 in Brown Ale Bay). Reed Warbler in Brown Ale Bay. Lesser Whitethroat and 3 Redstarts in WLC fields. 7 Yellow Wags and a Meadow Pipit on/over the dam wall early morning. Simon Roddis
2019-08-242 Black Terns flew in over the dam wall early morning but not seen subsequently. Alan S. picked up an Osprey from Stones island about 09:40; if flew up and down the res then at 10:30 a second Osprey appeared. At least one remained to 11:00 at least. 2 distant unid'd terns (not the Blacks) from Sheepwash at the same time as the 2 Ospreys. 66 Greylags flew out early morning and one Pink-foot flew in with Canadas. 1 Little Egret still. 2 Sparrowhawks on Stones. 35 Lapwing. 1st-year Yellow-legged Gull. 1 Swift. Kingfisher at Millfields. 50 Swallows on the dam wall early morning and a total of at least 50 House Martins. 1 Meadow Pipit and 5 Grey Wag on the dam wall. In WLC fields, 2 Tree Pipit, 2 Common Whitethroat and single Lesser White and Garden Warbler. 2 Sedge on Stones. Simon Roddis
2019-08-233 Tree Pipits in WLC fields this morning, along with 3 Redstart, 3 Common Whitethroat (and another on Stones) and a Garden Warbler. Juv Black-tailed Godwit still. 36 Lapwing. 52 Greylags. 12 Teal. 4 Pochard. 42 Cormorant. 40 House Martins over Stones island. Simon Roddis
2019-08-22At least one Tree Pipit in WLC fields mid-morning, along with a Redstart and a Spotted Flycatcher. Moulting sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull (not the regular bird). Kingfisher at Sheepwash. 43 Mistle Thrushes came out of Sheepwash wood. 60 Starlings in fields up Hays Lane. c25 Tree Sparrows in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
2019-08-2153 Greylags. 10 Teal. 1 Pochard. 1 Little Egret. 44 Cormorant. Juv Black-tailed Godwit on Watersports island. 1 Common Sand at Sheepwash. 1 Redshank on Flat island. 2 Herring Gull through. 1 Yellow-leg. 18 Swifts (4 over Shiningford, 14 over Blackwall Plantation). Kingfisher in Tail Bay. Hobby over Stones island. 25 House Martin over Stones. 5 Sand Martin. Garden Warbler on Stones. Single Redstart and Reed Warbler in WLC fields. At least 3 Spotted Flycatcher on the edge of Sheepwash wood. 2 Yellow Wag on the dam wall early morning. 100+ Linnet at top of WLC creek and c100 Goldfinch on Watersports island.Simon Roddis
2019-08-2010:20 to 10:40 - Osprey (one) - seen from Stones Island - flew around full length of water, then out of sight to the west.Regular Visitor
2019-08-15Drake Common Scoter among a small raft of GCGrebes off Sheepwash spit late morning. 534 Canadas. 64 Mute Swan. 13 Gadwall. 3 Little Egret. 66 Cormorant (39 at Sheepwash, 27 on Flat island). 1 Curlew through. 2 Common Sand. 2nd-s Common Gull. 1st-s Yellow-leg at Sailing Club. 1 Swift. 2 Kingfishers again in Brown Ale Bay. Juv Peregrine at Millfields. 4 Raven. 10 Sand Martin. 7 House Martin. Total of 56 Starling, including 40 feeding in a field at Shiningford. Juv Spotted Fly in Sheepwash wood. Only 1 Redstart seen in WLC fields in breezy and damp conditions.Simon Roddis
2019-08-14Very little happening this morning apart from 2 Yellow Wagtails over Millfields and 2 Kingfishers in Brown Ale Bay.Simon Roddis
2019-08-13A decent morning: drake Common Scoter off Stones island, an adult Sanderling on Watersports island and an Osprey over the res from 1145-1205 before drifting N. Also 4 Little Egret, 50 Cormorant (including 9 SW), 2 Redshank (my first here since 29/7), 2 Dunlin through, sub-ad Y-l Gull, 8 Stock Dove, 2 Swift, 4 Raven, 2+ Reed Warbler in Brown Ale Bay, 60 Goldfinch on Stones.SJR, AHS, RC
2019-08-11Just a couple of things to mention: maybe as many as 4 Kingfishers this morning: one at Millfields early morning, 2 at WLC mid-morning and 1 around Sheepwash/Brown Ale Bay late morning. And during an interval in the Hen Harrier Day event, 7 Turnstones flew NW over Stones island.Simon Roddis
2019-08-10A major surprise this morning was a Corn Bunting which landed briefly in a tree on Stones island before dropping/flying off. Despite us looking for about an hour, we didn't see it again. The first here since 1995. Also a summer-plumage limosa Black-tailed Godwit, adult Dunlin, adult Ringed Plover, 10 Common Sand, Greenshank through, and 38 Lapwing in WLC fields.SJR, RC, JB
2019-08-09Roger C had a Turnstone and a Dunlin on Flat island early morning but not seen later. 26 Gadwall. 14 Teal. 2 Pochard. 47 Cormorant on Flat island. 1 Oystercatcher. 2 Common Sand. Sub-ad Y-l Gull. 1 Swift. 2 Hobbies. Reed Warbler feeding fledged youngster at WLC. Simon Roddis
2019-08-08At least 3 Little Egret still. Drake Pochard again. 45 Lapwing. 4 Common Sand. Sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. 4 Collared Dove, including 3 again at Sheepwash carpark. 4 Swift. 7 Sand Martin. 3 Sedge and 2 Garden Warbler on Stones. 4+ Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed. 7 Redstart in WLC fields. Simon Roddis
2019-08-073 Little Egret. 18 Teal. Drake Pochard. 2 Sparrowhawk. Hobby down the east side. 1 Oystercatcher. 4 Common Sand. 4 GBbG. Sub-ad Yellow-leg. 5 Stock Dove. 3 Swift. Kingfisher at Millfields. 8 Willow Tit. 4 Sand Martin. 70 Swallow on the dam wall early morning. Total of 45 House Martin. 2 Sedge Warblers on Stones. Spotted Flycatcher in Sheepwash carpark. 6 Redstart in WLC fields. Simon Roddis
2019-08-0640 Greylag. 68 Mute Swan. 4 Common Sand. Adult Common Gull. 2nd-summer Herring Gull. 7 Swift. 7 Willow Tit. 4 Sand Martin. 7 Redstarts in various plumages in WLC fields. 35 Tree Sparrows at WLC. 60 Linnets in fields at top of WLC creek.Simon Roddis
2019-08-05Species seen/heard during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-12 noon): House Sparrow, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Pied Wagtail, House Martin, Black-headed Gull, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe, Barnacle Goose, Coot, Mallard, Willow Warbler, Little Egret, Lapwing, Little Ringed Plover, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpidgeon, Goldfinch, Magpie, Willow Tit, Blackcap, Greylag Goose, Swallow, Wren, Blue Tit, Blackbird, Tree Sparrow, Great Tit, Eed-crested Pochard, Kestrel, Sand MartinGary Atkins
2019-08-04Monthly WeBS count: 230 Canada Geese, 39 Greylag, 4 Barnacle, 73 Mute Swan (plus cygnet), 2 Shoveler, 20 Gadwall, 193 Mallard, 18 Teal, 1 Red-crested Pochard (female at WLC), 294 Tufted, 20 Little Grebe, 47 GCGrebe, 6 Grey Heron, 4 Little Egret, 39 Cormorant, 17 Moorhen, 590 Coot, 1 Oystercatcher, 44 Lapwing, 2 LRP, 1 Dunlin, 6 Common Sand, 2 Kingfisher. Also 30 Linnet between Sheepwash and Lane End, and a Yellow Wagtail over Millfields.Simon Roddis, John Bradley
2019-08-03Evening visit: 1730 Lesser Black-backs flew in to roost by 21:15; 3 adult Common Gulls; 1 Dunlin; 66 Greylags; 46 Cormorant; 80 Jackdaw.Simon Roddis
2019-08-033 Red Kites circled over the Millfields area for a while around 10:00 (the first time I've seen more than one here). 1 Oystercatcher. Juv LRP. 4 Common Sand. 278 Lesser Black-backs flew in from the W late morning and settled on the water. Sub-ad Yellow-leg still. 4 Collared Dove (3 at Sheepwash, 1 over WLC creek). 1 Peregrine. 4+ Raven. 40 Swallows on the dam wall early morning. 5 Sedge Warbler on Stones. Reed Warbler singing at WLC. 4 Redstart in WLC fields. 50+ Pied Wags, including 32 on Sailing Club shore. Total of 34 Linnet, including 10 at Sheepwash and 15 over WLC creek. 40 Goldfinch on Stones.Simon Roddis
2019-08-02An adult Sanderling was on Watersports/Stones islands this morning, and a drake Common Scoter off Stones. 70 Mute Swan (plus the cygnet). 12 Gadwall. 6 Grey Heron. 3 Little Egret. 43 Cormorant. 2 juv LRP. 3 Common Sand. A total of 226 Black-headed Gulls included 47 juveniles. The adult Caspian hybrid gull still. 1 adult Common Tern. 5 Raven. 3 Sedge and 1 Garden Warbler on Stones. At least 6 Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed, including an adult with food. Lesser Whitethroat and 3 Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2019-08-01Osprey flew past Sheeepwash towards Hopton @ 12-45 plus Tufted Duck young as follows, 2 Hopton, 11 Millfields and 2 by 4 and 1 X 3 Stones IslandIan Scrimshaw
2019-08-014 male Common Scoter today, still present early evening. 68 Mute Swans from Millfields early morning. 9 Teal. 4 Little Egret. 50 Cormorants at Sheepwash early evening. Heron number 61 at Sheepwash again. Juv LRP on Stones. Adult Dunlin on Watersports island. 4 Common Sand. 35 LBbG. Sub-ad Yellow-leg and adult Caspian hybrid again. A pair of GBbGs at Sheepwash appeared to be displaying, perhaps pair-bonding behaviour - calling, walking together and one of them, perhaps the male, picking up feathers. 3 Kingfisher: 2 at Tail Bay and presumably another at Sheepwash. Hobby over the east side. In WLC fields, 6 Redstart (3m,3 juv), 2 Common Whitethroat, single Lesser Whitethroat and Reed Warbler. Total of 7 Linnet.Simon Roddis
2019-07-3137 Common Scoter (36m,1f) early morning; 26 flew off W at 09:10; remaining 11 present to 11:15 at least. 10 Teal. 4+ Little Egret. Little Grebes with 3 small young from WLC. 40 Lapwing. Single Whimbrel, Greenshank and Turnstone through to S 08:00-09:00. Juv LRP. Adult Common Tern early morning and 3 Common/Arctic briefly mid-morning. 2 Sparrowhawk. 12 Swift. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. 9 Willow Tit. 12 Sand Martin. 4 Redstart in WLC fields. 6 Linnet. Simon Roddis
2019-07-30This afternoon, 3 drake Common Scoters off Stones Island. 1 Black-tailed Godwit from Wildlife Centre.Roger Carrington
2019-07-30This afternoon, 3 drake Common Scoters off Stones Island. 1 Black-tailed Godwit from Wildlife Centre.Roger Carrington
2019-07-298 drake Common Scoter sitting in the middle of the res all morning. An Osprey flew in from the SW at 1040, flew up the west side and hovered and dived several times off Sheepwash but didn't appear to catch anything, then headed off north. It landed briefly on Sheepwash spit when mobbed by a juvenile Peregrine. 3 f/juv Shoveler at WLC. 6 Teal in Brown Ale Bay. 1 Pochard. 5 Little Egret. 40 Cormorant at Sheepwash. 30 Lapwing. Juv LRP on Stones. 2 Common Sand. 1 Redshank. Adult Common Gull. The one-footed GBbG at Sheepwash. 25 LBbG through. Garden Warbler on Stones. 3 Redstart and 2 Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. Simon Roddis
2019-07-28With a movement of Common Scoters across England this morning it was not surprising that numbers built up to 35 drakes by 09:35 and they were still present at 11:15 when I left site. Also 1 Common Tern briefly.Roger Carrington
2019-07-2767 Mute Swans counted from Millfields early morning. 5 Barnacle Geese - 4 ads and now just one gosling. 2 Teal. 3 Pochard. A pair of Little Grebes look as if they might nest in the dead trees at Penn Carr. 6 Little Egret. 6 Grey Heron. 12 ad/full-grown Moorhen. Pair of Coot with 3 small young in Brown Ale Bay. 1 Oystercatcher. Juv LRP on Stones. Adult Dunlin on Watersports island. Total of 8 Common Sand. 1 adult Common Gull. The adult Caspian-type hybrid still. Kingfisher in BABay. 15 Sand Martin. 35 House Martin. 2 Garden Warbler on Stones. 18 Mistle Thrush (17 Hopton end, 1 Sheepwash). 3 Redstart (2 WLC fields, 1 Millfields). At least 42 Tree Sparrows at WLC. Total of 5 Greenfinch. 2 Siskin at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
2019-07-2661 Mute Swan. 12 Gadwall (including one full grown brood) and 3 broods of smaller young. 5 Grey Heron (including colour-ringed bird 61). 5 Little Egret. Pair of Little Grebes with 2 small young in Shiningford creek. 3 Common Sand around Stones island. 75 Lesser Black-backs, 73 of which flew in from the north mid-morning and settled on the water. Sub-ad Yellow-leg and adult Caspian-type hybrid still. 2 Swifts checking out the eaves of the visitor centre. Kingfisher at Millfields. 4 GSWoodpecker. 3 juv Peregrines, probably all females, chasing B-h Gulls around Sheepwash and Brown Ale Bay. 4 Raven over Hall Wood. 5 Redstarts and 2 Common Whitethroats in WLC fields and a Reed Warbler singing in the hedgerow. Blackbird with food at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2019-07-245+ Little Egrets. 6 Grey Heron. 1 Oystercatcher. 30 Lapwing. 4+ Common Sand. 1 Redshank. The adult Caspian-type gull. A Hobby through Sheepwash carpark. Total of 7 Willow Tit. 6+ Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed, including a very short-tailed recently fledged youngster. Sedge and Garden Warblers on Stones. 6 Redstart (including 2 adult males) and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
2019-07-22A female Shelduck and 3 adult Dunlin were on Horseshoe island. 2 adult Common Tern past the WLC and 1 Curlew through. A sixth brood of Gadwall, the female which has been around Millfields island finally has about 8 ducklings. 3+ Little Egret. 33 Cormorant. 4 Teal. Sub-ad Y-l Gull still. 4 Kestrel over Sheepwash, presumably a family party. Hobby over the Hopton end. 1 Peregrine. 5 Stock Dove. 5 Redstart in WLC fields. Bullfinch family at Watersports.Simon Roddis
2019-07-21A Wood Sandpiper was on Watersports island for a short time this morning before flying high E at 0805, then an Osprey performed really well from Sheepwash hide between 10:00 and 11:00 at least. 4 Little Egrets. 6+ Grey Heron. At least 62 Mute Swans. 3 Pochard. 32 Cormorant. At least 6, possibly as many as 12, Common Sand. The adult Caspian-type Gull from Sheepwash hide. 8 Redstart (5 in WLC fields, 3 juvs together at Millfields).Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2019-07-203 Little Egrets in Brown Ale Bay. 4 Barnacle geese plus 2 large young. 14 Gadwall, including 8 full-grown young. 1 male Pochard. 6 Grey Heron. 2 juv LRP on Watersports island. 2 Common Sand (WLC and Sheepwash). 2 1st-s Common Gull. Sub-ad Yellow-leg. Tawny Owl at Penn Carr. 10 Swift. 14 Sand Martin. Mistle Thrush still carrying food at the Hopton end. 4+ Redstart (juv at Millfields, 3+ in WLC fields). Grey Wags feeding 3rd-brood fledged young at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2019-07-184 Little Egrets this morning, 2 in Brown Ale Bay, 2 around Stones island. 10 LRP (7 ads, 3 juvs; 1 ad at Sheepwash, the rest on Watersports island). 2 Curlew flew S. 2 Common Sand at Sheepwash. 13 Swift. Juv female Peregrine again from Stones. 5 Sand Martin. 2 Garden Warbler on Stones. 19 Tree Sparrows at WLC, only 1 adult, the rest juvs. A Yellow Wagtail dropped onto Stones from the SE at 0830, stayed for about 10 mins then flew NW.Simon Roddis
2019-07-17Osprey with fish at 2.30. Peregrine at 3.15Ken Brailsford
2019-07-1763 Mute Swans, plus one cygnet - a site record count, I believe. The Barnacle Goose brood is now down to 2 young. 12 Gadwall, with 3 broods at Hopton end: 8 large enough to be counted as full grown, 3 still fairly small, and 10 small (so the 8 at Stones island yesterday are the fifth brood). 5+ Grey Heron. 29 Cormorant. 12 adult/full grown Moorhens, plus 2 half-grown (still downy) young from Sheepwash and 4 small young at Hopton end. Two 1st-summer Common Gulls. A juv Herring Gull at Sailing Club. Sub-ad Yellow-leg and query adult bird still. Peregrine over the dam wall. Whitethroats feeding fledged young on Stones, and a Garden Warbler there. 3+ Redstarts and a Spotted Fly in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
2019-07-16Probably yet another brood of Gadwall this morning - 8 off Stones island. 55 Mute Swan. 2 adult Little Egret. 4 Grey Heron including colour-ringed bird number 61 again at Sheepwash. 4 LRP (2 ads, 2 juvs) on Watersports island. First-summer Common Gull. Lesser Whitethroat on Stones. 2 Redstart in WLC fields - male (not the moulting bird) and juv. 14 House Sparrows feeding on Sailing Club island shore.Simon Roddis
2019-07-15Roger C picked up an Osprey circling over Stones island just before 11:00 and it continued floating around the west side of the res, hovering now and again, for at least the next 15 mins. A fourth brood of Gadwall has appeared, 10 small young under the north end of Hall Wood (and the other 3 broods of 8, 6 and 3 still going strong). 4 Grey Heron, including the colour-ringed bird at Sheepwash. 2 adult Little Egrets off Stones causeway. Moorghen with one youngster on Sheepwash spit. 3 Oystercatcher. 19 Lapwing. 4 LRP (2 ads, 2 juvs). 1 adult Dunlin. 2 juv Redshank. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and the long-staying sub-ad). 3 GBbG, including the one-footed bird. Adult Common Gull. Peregrine over. 6+ Sedge Warbler on Stones. 5 Garden Warbler (4 on Stones, 1 in WLC fields). Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. c30 Tree Sparrows, mostly juvs, at WLC. 1 Siskin over Millfields.Simon Roddis
2019-07-13New wildfowl broods this morning: 13 Tufted at Penn Carr; 4 Mallard at Penn Carr and 3 at WLC; and 4 Moorhen at Hopton reedbed. The Gadwall brood of 8, now almost full grown, were at Hopton end and the 6 small ducklings at WLC. 521 Canada Geese, 35 Greylags, 4 adult Barnacles (plus 3 goslings) and 57 Mute Swans, plus the cygnet. 9 Oystercatcher. 21 Lapwing. 5 LRP (3 ads, 2 juvs). 4 Redshank. 1 Dunlin. 26 Swifts over Hall Wood. 3 GSWoodpeckers at Hopton end. 4 Redstarts in WLC fields, the moulting male plus 3 juvs.Simon Roddis
2019-07-1212.15 Wildlife centre bay .. Watched Great crested Grebe nest for 30 mins. .. No sign of adult Grebes .. Mature BhG probing in Grebe nest .. two immature BhGs clambering on nestPat
2019-07-12Skylark on dam, flushed from long grass. 2 red-legged partridge, 5 ravens and 3 kestrels at Fishtail Creek.John Matkin
2019-07-12A third brood of Gadwall this morning, making it the best ever breeding season for them here: female with 6 small ducklings off Stones causeway then around Stones and into Shiningford creek. Curiously, a small Tufted duckling had attached itself to the brood and appeared to have been 'adopted'. A new brood of 6 Tufted in Tail Bay. 4 Barnacles and 3 goslings still. 1 Little Egret. 28 Cormorant. 11 Oystercatcher. 5 Redshank (all juvs). 5 LRP (3 ads, 2 juvs). Sub-ad Y-l Gull still. Juv female Peregrine over again. Juv Redstart again in WLC fields. Simon Roddis
2019-07-11An influx of LRPs this morning: 8 (5 ads, 3 full grown juvs). 4 ad Barnacles plus 3 goslings. 57 Mute Swans plus one cygnet. 1 Teal. 1 Little Egret at Sheepwash. 9+ Oystercatcher. 2 Common Sand at Sheepwash. 2 Redshank. Sub-ad Y-l Gull still. 4 GSWoodpecker, including one on Stones. Peregrine over Stones. Skylark on the dam wall still. 2 Redstart (moulting male and a juv) in WLC fields. Simon Roddis
2019-07-10New brood of 9 Mallard ducklings in Brown Ale Bay, while the female Gadwall has taken her 3 up to Hopton end. 1 Common Tern. 11 Oystercatcher, including 10 together at Millfields. Sub-ad Y-l Gull still. Juvenile female Peregrine low past Stones island mid-morning and 2 Kestrels hunting over the east side. At least 5 (maybe 8) Raven. Whitethroat with food at the viewing point on Stones. Male Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
2019-07-09A handful of new birds this morning: single Greenshank and Curlew over, Snipe on Watersports island, 2 Common Sand and 3 Pochard (2m,1f flew in at 0710) at Millfields. New duckling broods: 4 Mallard at Millfields, 3 Gadwall at Brown Ale Bay and 16 Tufted at Hopton end. Pair of Barnacles now with 3 young at Millfields. 42 Mute Swan plus 1 cygnet. Little Grebes with 2 large young at Hopton end and still 2 small young in BA Bay. Little Egret at Sheepwash. 3 Grey Herons including a colour-ringed bird at Sheepwash (looks like it was ringed in Yorkshire). 7 Oystercatcher. 6 Redshank. Skylark still on the dam wall. 5+ Sedge Warbler on Stones. Total of 9+ Reed Warblers including a fledged youngster in Hopton reedbed. Lesser Whitethroat at Millfields. Total of 13 Mistle Thrush, including one carrying food at Hopton end. 2 juv Redstarts (Millfields viewing area and WLC fields). 50+ House Sparrows around the visitor centre. 8 Grey Wags at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2019-07-08Female Gadwall now with 8 large young at Shiningford. Tufted broods of 16, 4 & 2 at Sailing Club, and 8 at Shiningford. Adult Little Egret at Sheepwash. 8 Buzzard. 13 Lapwing. 1 Curlew. 11 Redshank, including a flock of 7 on Stones island. 2 adult Common Gull. 1 GBbG and the sub-ad Yellow-leg still. Peregrine over the east side. Juv Lesser White and juv Treecreeper on Stones. Male Redstart in WLC fields. 17 Mistle Thrush at Hopton end. Simon Roddis

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