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
15/09/2021On the dam wall early morning, c200 Pied and 2 Yellow Wags, 15 Meadow Pipits, 1 Wheatear, 150 Starling and 50 Goldfinch. 2 Pintail again off Stones island. 262 Greylags flew in, most then loafing at Sheepwash. 4+ Red Kites over the east side, 10+ Buzzards, a total of at least 5 Sparrowhawks, and an adult Hobby past Stones. 31 Lapwing, 4 Snipe and a Common Sand around WLC/Horseshoe island. 2 Little Egrets. Total of 45 Swallows and 6 House Martins. 2 Willow Warblers (Stones and WLC creek), a Sedge Warbler on Stones and Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. 15 Mistle Thrushes flew up the east side, first flock I've seen this year.SJR, AHS, RC
12/09/20211 wheatear on the damLauren Batt
12/09/2021Monthly WeBS count: 1,211 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacle, 167 Greylag, 36 Mute Swan, 77 Gadwall, 65 Wigeon, 240 Mallard, 253 Teal, 40 Pochard, 231 Tufted, 31 Moorhen, 1,032 Coot, 28 Little Grebe, 56 GCGrebe, 48 Lapwing, 1 Common Sand, 2 Snipe, 41 Cormorant, 9 Heron, 3 Little Egret, 3 Kingfisher. c50 each of Swallows and House Martins moving through.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
11/09/2021This morning, 200 Pied, 3 Yellow Wags, 1 Wheatear and 70 Starlings on the dam wall. A few Meadow Pipits moving, counted 18. Adult and juv Yellow-legged Gull. 3 Little Egret. 26 Pochard. The 2 Pintail again off Stones. Common Whitethroat and Spotted Fly in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
10/09/2021On the dam wall early morning, 215 Pied, 2+ Yellow and 3 Grey Wags, 2 Wheatear, 5 Meadow Pipit, 1 Skylark, 89 Rooks over and 1,030 Canada Geese flew out. 2 Pintail again off Stones. Black-tailed Godwit on Stones and Common Sand at Sheepwash. 43 Cormorants. 2 Spotted Flycatchers, a Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields, and a Common Whitethroat on Stones.Simon Roddis
08/09/2021A decent morning: a Grey Plover flew SW (calling several times) over the dam wall at 06:45, an Osprey went down the east side at 10:40 and a Spotted Flycatcher was in WLC creek. 224 Greylags. 2 Pintail. 36 Wigeon. 210 Teal. 21 Pochard. 46 Lapwing. 2 Common Sand. 38 Cormorant. 4 Little Egrets. 76 Rooks flew SE over the dam wall early morning, and 180 Pied and 5 Yellow Wags were along the wall. 1 Reed Warbler on Stones island.Simon Roddis
05/09/2021Species seen during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon ... apologies for late submission!): Red Kite (over Hall Wood), Buzzard (4 together, also over Hall Wood), House Sparrow, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe, Coot, Canada Goose, Mallard, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Black-headed Gull, Little Grebe, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Pied Wagtail, Moorhen, Lapwing, Little Egret, Woodpigeon, Teal, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Swallow, House Martin, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Pochard, Blue Tit, Black-tailed Godwit, Tree Sparrow, Jackdaw, Gadwall, Chiffchaff, Robin, Wren, Goldfinch and Tufted Duck. (Also seen by leaders outside the time of the walk: Swift, Gt Spotted Woodpecker, Great Egret and Cattle Egret)Gary Atkins
06/09/2021Roger Carrington, Alan Stewardson, Neil Moulden, Brian Boothby and I have covered the site from dawn to dusk today. 84 species in total. Highlights were a Marsh Harrier and an Osprey, both from Stones island late afternoon. 4 Pintail. 4 Shoveler. 52 Wigeon. 29 Pochard. 5 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. 6,000 Lesser Black-backs came in to roost. 5 Little Egrets. 1 Red Kite. 4 Kingfishers (Millfields, Stones area and 2 at Brown Ale Bay). 7 Raven. c100 Swallows. Common Whitethroat, Reed and Sedge Warblers on Stones. Lesser Whitethroat in WLC creek. 180 Pied and 4 Yellow Wags on the dam wall early morning. 10 Meadow Pipits, mostly flying N.Simon Roddis
05/09/2021A Great Egret flew in at 07:10 and was still around, on Shiningford island, at 11:00. 3 Little Egret. A Black-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe island, Ringed Plover on Stones and 3 Common Sand. 595 Canadas. 53 Greylag. 31 Mute Swan. 211 Teal. 32 Wigeon. Female Shoveler at Sheepwash. 19 Pochard. 2 Swifts again around the visitor centre. 5 Raven. 120 Swallows, including 100 on the dam wall early morning, along with 200 Pied and 4 Yellow Wags. Willow and Sedge Warblers on Stones and a Lesser Whitethroat again in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
04/09/2021A Cattle Egret was on sailing club island around 07:00 this morning then flew past Stones at 08:30. Still reported as present off Sheepwash carpark early afternoon. Third site record. 3 Pintail flew through, departing SW. 177 Teal. 18 Wigeon. 12 Pochard. 3 Swifts around the visitor centre. Juv LRP on Stones. A Dunlin over the dam wall and a Common Sand on Watersports island. 3+ Kingfishers (Millfields, Horseshoe island and possibly 2 in Brown Ale Bay). Adult Y-l Gull still. 50+ House Martins over Stones. Common and 2 Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. 150 Pied and 3 Yellow Wags on the dam wall. 130 Goldfinch on Stones. Not a bad morning 🙂Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
04/09/2021Cattle Egret still on shoreline at 18.25, viewable from Sheepwash car park.Paul Bennett
03/09/2021163 Teal, 19 Wigeon and 12 Pochard. 3 Little Egrets. Another Swift over the visitor centre, and totals of 25 House and 15 Sand Martins. 36 Lapwing. 3 Dunlin and a Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe island and 6 Snipe at WLC. Hobby over the road near Sheepwash. 150 Pied and 2 Yellow Wags on the dam wall early morning.SJR, AHS, RPJ, AMD
30/08/20215 Little Egrets again, and Teal up further to 155. 14 Wigeon. 3 Red Kites together over Hall Wood mid-morning. 3 Snipe, single Common Sandpiper and Redshank. 2 ad Yellow-legged Gulls. 2 Sedge Warblers still on Stones.Simon Roddis
30/08/20214 Grey Heron, 5 Little Egret, 16 Mute Swan, 1 little Ringed Plover, 30 Lapwing, 9 Little Grebe, 1 Kingfisher,20 Pied Wagtail, 2 Pochard,79 Teal, 10 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Redshank,1 Red Kite, 1 Buzzard, 10 Cormorant, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Gadwall, 5 Tree Sparrow, 30 Goldfinch, 6 Long Tailed Tit, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 NuthatchDavid Armitt
29/08/2021190 Pied and 1 Yellow Wag on the dam wall early morning, along with 2 juv Wheatears. 5+ Little Egrets. Wildfowl numbers increasing: 144 Teal, 16 Wigeon, 15 Pochard. 32 Lapwing. 3 Ringed Plover on Flat island. 35 Cormorant. Kingfisher at Millfields. c80 House Martins, most of them over Sheepwash. 2 Sedge Warbler, Common Whitethroat and Willow Warbler still on Stones.Simon Roddis
28/08/2021Plenty of birds though no surprises this morning. 4 Little Egrets. 1f Shoveler. 2 Red Kites over the east side. 3 GBbGull and 2 Yellow-legs (adult and juvenile). Kingfisher at Hopton end. 2 Lesser and a Common Whitethroat at top of WLC creek.Simon Roddis
26/08/2021Evening visit: at least 7,150 Lesser Black-backs came in to roost. 3 adult Yellow-legs. 2 juvenile Ruffs on Stones. c150 Starlings looked as if they were going to roost on Watersports island.Simon Roddis
26/08/2021A juv Ringed Plover was on the dam wall early morning and a late Swift flew past the main centre around 10:45. 2 Little Egrets still. 7+ Raven including a group of 6 N over WLC creek. Numbers of warblers and hirundines dropping daily.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
25/08/20214 Shelduck flew through at 08:40. Teal now up to 70. 6 Wigeon. 11 Pochard. 3 Little Egrets still, 2 Red Kites again over the east side and the juvenile Greenshank still in Brown Ale Bay late morning. Kingfisher at Millfields and 180 Pied wags on the dam wall. 70 Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis
23/08/2021This morning, 460 Canada Geese, 30 Mute Swans, 48 Teal, sub-ad Herring Gull, 2 adult Yellow-legs, 2 Little Egret, 2 Red Kite over the east side, a Reed Warbler singing at WLC, and 220 Pied and 2 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall early on.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
22/08/2021Monthly WeBS count: 267 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacle, 233 Greylag, 27 Mute Swan, 4 Shoveler, 49 Gadwall, 221 Mallard, 42 Teal, 5 Pochard, 299 Tufted, 32 Moorhen, 607 Coot, 16 Little Grebe, 51 GCGrebe, 9 Lapwing (+28 over), 1 Common Sand, 1 Greenshank, 27 Cormorant, 10 Heron, 3 Little Egret, 2 Kingfisher. Also: 3 Swifts over Carsington village, 1 Peregrine, 3 Curlew flew N, 2 Snipe S, 5 Raven, Redstart on Stones, Wheatear on the dam wall.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
20/08/2021A Turnstone flew over the dam wall just before 07:00 and a Greenshank dropped onto Stones island at 09:45. 30 Mute Swans. 3 Little Egret. 50 Lapwing. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 240 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall early morning, and a Kingfisher at each end. Lesser Whitethroat and Redstart in WLC fields. 2 Yellow Wagtails over. 55 Linnet at the top of WLC creek.Simon Roddis
19/08/20213 pristine juvenile Black-tailed Godwits dropped into Stones island for a few minutes this morning, and a juvenile Grasshopper Warbler (another August tick) was in the same bushes as a Reed and 3 Sedge. 28 Teal. 2 Ringed Plover over the dam wall. 16 Buzzards, including a kettle of 10 with 2 Red Kites. 2 Little Egrets. 200 Pied Wags on the dam wall early morning, and a total of 6 Yellows: 2 over the dam wall and 4 on Watersports island.Simon Roddis
18/08/2021A productive morning started with a small wader arrival and movement: a Turnstone and a Ringed Plover on the dam wall, which then flew S; 3 more Ringed Plovers during the morning; 2 Redshank along the dam wall, an Oystercatcher at sailing club and 2 Curlew flew N. Later, an Osprey gave a great performance, coming down the res and floating around for 20 minutes, 10:40-11:00, the first here since April as far as I'm aware. 161 Greylags flew in. Female Shoveler on Horseshoe island. 26 Teal. 7 Pochard. 2+ Little Egret. 1 Swift. 2 Yellow Wagtail and a Lesser Whitethroat on Stones.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
17/08/20212 adult Kittiwakes flew down the res at 09:00 and stayed to 10:30 at least: my first ever August Kittiwakes at Carsi. 305 Greylags. 28 Mute Swan. 45 Gadwall. 7 Pochard. 32 Cormorant. 1 Dunlin. 2 Common Sand. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 1 Little Egret. 2 Red Kite beyond Fishtail creek. 2 Kingfishers (Hopton end and WLC creek). 25 Sand Martins. c90 Goldfinches on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
16/08/2021A flock of 11 Dunlin flying N up the res at 10:50 was this morning's highlight. c300 Greylags flew in during the morning. 35 Mute Swan. 27 Teal. 5 Pochard. 29 Cormorant. 2 Little Egret. Peregrine past Stones. 9 Swifts flew SW. 18 Common Gull. Single adult GBb and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 190 Pied Wags on the dam wall early morning. Single Common Whitethroat, Reed Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher in WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
15/08/2021Evening visit: Ruff flew through, Greenshank dropped in, 20 Teal, Kingfisher in BA Bay, 160 Swallows past Stones, presumably going to roost. Gull roost: 4,000 Lesser Black-backs, 1 GBbG, 2 Yellow-legs, 26 Common, 400 Black-heads.Simon Roddis
14/08/2021Trying for that Pied Wag record: 240 along the dam wall this morning. 2 Red Kites over the east side. 3 Little Egret. 20 Teal. 5 Pochard. Kingfishers at Hopton end, WLC creek and BA Bay (2 birds maybe? Difficult to know). Totals of 50 Swallow, 25 House Martin and 4 Sand Martin. 1 Swift. Female Redstart in WLC fields. The Stones Goldfinch flock now up to c70.Simon Roddis
13/08/2021Pied Wagtails up to 225 along the dam wall early morning. Juv LRP and adult Peregrine on Watersports island. 3 Little Egrets, adult GBb and Yellow-legged Gulls and 4 Swifts still. Spotted Fly on Stones. c100 House Sparrows again at the main centre. 30 Linnets in fields S of Sheepwash carpark.Simon Roddis
12/08/2021A bit quieter this morning. Just 150 Pied Wags, a Wheatear and the Barnacle Goose family on the dam wall. 1 Ringed Plover over. 3 Little Egrets. 15 Teal. Single adult Yellow-legged and GBbGulls. Garden Warbler at Millfields.Simon Roddis
11/08/2021A Great Egret flew past Stones island about 08:30 and was then mobile, settling on Watersports island and in Shiningford creek before departing S over Millfields at 09:40. 3 Little Egrets. Wildfowl numbers: 29 Mute Swan, 71 Canada, 30 Greylag, 43 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon (first of the autumn), 182 Mallard, 15 Teal, 4 Pochard, 370 Tufted (and a late brood of 2 at Hopton end), 16 Moorhen, 728 Coot, 49 GCGrebe, 17 Little Grebe, 30 Cormorant. 205 Pied, 8 Grey and 1 Yellow Wagtail plus 80 Swallows along the dam wall early morning. 3 Swifts. 4 Kestrel over Carsington pastures. Redstart and 4 Lesser Whitethroats in WLC creek/fields. Spotted Flycatcher on Stones. 20 Tree Sparrows at WLC.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
10/08/2021c300 Swallows from Millfields early morning, looked as if many of them might have roosted on Stones. 27 Mute Swan. 40 Greylag. The Barnacle family, still with 4 young, are back at Millfields. 7 Pochard (4m,3f). 1 Little Egret. 3 Swifts still around the main centre, and 100+ House Sparrows there. c100 Lapwing around Horseshoe island. Adult GBb and Yellow-legged Gulls. 2 Kingfishers (Millfields and BA Bay). 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Common Whitethroat and female Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
09/08/2021Early Monday morning, 65 Swallows out of Hopton reedbed and c100 at Millfields, 160 Pied Wags along the dam wall, and single Wheatears on the dam wall and at sailing club. Spotted Flycatcher and 2 Garden Warblers at Millfields. 2 Little Egrets. 12 Teal. 6 Pochard (4m,2f). 4 Swifts around the main centre. 60 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. Adult LRP and juv Ringed Plover on Watersports island. 2 Common Sand. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 90 House Sparrows at the main centre and 70 Goldfinch on Stones. 1f Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
03/08/2021This morning from Stones Island, 2 Shoveller, 1 Yellow legged gull,1 Redstart, 3 Swift, warblers included Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap,Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Sedge Warbler.A H Stewardson
02/08/2021A female-type Common Scoter was off Stones island early morning and later off Sheepwash carpark. 2 Little Egret. 47 Swifts flew SW. Kingfisher at Millfields. 2 Common and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
01/08/2021Species noted during the monthly 'Birdwatching for Beginners' walk (10am-noon, around Stones Island, WLC and WLC Creek): House Sparrow, Swift, Great Crested Grebe, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Pied Wagtail, Coot, Mallard, Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Blue Tit, Goldfinch, Moorhen, Lapwing, Grey Heron, Little Grebe, Lesser Black-backed Gull, House Martin, Sand Martin, Blackbird, Dunnock, Willow Tit, Swallow, Tufted Duck, Sedge Warbler, Woodpigeon, Whitethroat, Redstart, Gadwall, Chiffchaff, Magpie, Cormorant, Wren, Blackcap, Robin, Song Thrush, Pochard and RedshankGary Atkins
01/08/2021130 Pied Wagtails and a Skylark on the dam wall early morning. Hobby and Peregrine from Stones island. 3 Redshank (2 adults and a juv) on Horseshoe island. 1 Common Sand. Garden Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher at Millfields. 2 Redstart and 2 Whitethroat in WLC fields. 30 Sand Martins.Simon Roddis
31/07/2021Evening visit 1930-2100: a few gulls in by then, 530 Black-heads, 60 Lessers, 8 Common, 2 GBbG, 3 Yellow-legs. 120 Carrion Crows on the dam wall/overflow carpark fields.Simon Roddis
31/07/20213 juv Shelduck flew through SE early morning. 1 Little Egret. Kingfisher at Millfields. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and sub-ad). c150 Sand Martins and 100 Swallows from PS hide. 26 Swifts. Total of at least 9 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed and Brown Ale Bay. 50+ Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis
30/07/2021One adult Common Tern around for most of the morning, and a Whimbrel through Millfields early on. c100 House Sparrows at the main centre, the highest count in recent years at least (and one seen carrying and dismembering a Poplar Hawkmoth!). From Stones, c25 Sand Martins, Hobby, Red Kite, adult Yellow-legged Gull, Little Egret, 2 Common Sandpiper. c110 Lapwings on Horseshoe island.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
29/07/20212 adult Arctic Terns were on a buoy off the dam wall early morning, and then I assume one of them around Stones island mid-morning. A summer plumage Black-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe island. 13 Grey Herons. 2 Little Egrets. 95 Pied Wagtails (72 of them along the dam wall early morning). c25 Swifts. 80 Lapwing. Juv LRP still. Reed Warbler singing in WLC creek. Redstarts in WLC fields and Middle Wood. 7 Willow Tits.Simon Roddis
28/07/20213 Common Terns through this morning, a single and a pair, all adults. 8 Barnacle Geese at Millfields, including the 4 growing youngsters (they must have been hiding in the long grass the last few days!). The 2 Ruddy Shelducks were at Millfields early morning (and they can fly!). 1 Little Egret. 2 Common Sand. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (adult and sub-ad). 20 Swifts over Stones. At least 2 Lesser Whites in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
27/07/20212 Arctic Terns (adult and juvenile) were on a buoy off the dam wall early morning (perhaps having roosted overnight?) until flushed by swimmers. 27 Mute Swans. 2 Little Egret. 1 Ruddy Shelduck at Flat Island. Sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull and 2 GBbG, including Onefoot. 1 Skylark on the dam wall. Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat again in WLC fields, and 2 Garden Warblers on Stones.Simon Roddis
26/07/20218 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret from Stones causeway, 7 Teal, 2 Pochard, juvenile Red Kite, juv LRP, 1 Common Sand, 2 Redshank on the dam wall, sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull, Kingfisher at Millfields early morning, Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields, Reed Warbler on Stones (in Warbler Corner, to be precise) and Garden Warbler on the causeway, 12+ Raven including a flock of 10 N.Simon Roddis
25/07/2021Monthly WeBS count: 2 Little Egret, 8 Grey Heron, 47 GCGrebe, 16 LGrebe, 29 Cormorant, 22 Mute Swan, 350 Canadas, 85 Greylag, 1 Barnacle, 2 Ruddy Shelduck, 137 Mallard, 4 Teal, 35 Gadwall, 261 Tufted,, 1 Pochard, 1 juv Goosander, 19 Moorhen, 333 Coot, 92 Lapwing, 1 juv LRP, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sand. Also 2 Yellow-legged Gull (ad and sub-ad), 1 ad Common Gull, 2 Hobby, 6 Swifts screaming around the main centre, 4 Redstarts under Middle Wood.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
20/07/20216 Common Scoter (4 drakes) off Stones Island 08:15. 1 Dublin flying around Stones Island. 3 Little Egrets and a Common Sandpiper on Sailing Club shore early morning. 2 Ruddy Shelduck still from Sheepwash car park. No Black-headed Gulls on Millfields Island at 10:00!Roger Carrington
15/07/20218 Common Scoter, including 5 drakes, mid-water at 10am. 2 Little Egrets. Adult Yellow-legged Gull on raft near dam. 24 Mute Swans and Tufted with 4 fresh young from Stones Island. Reed Warbler and 2 singing Sedge Warblers still on Stones. Immature female Peregrine diving at Black-headed Gulls around Millfields. Still 2 Ruddy Shelduck at Sheepwash.Roger Carrington
13/07/20212 Little Egrets at Wildlife Centre early morning. Adult Common Gull at Sailing Club, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (ad+sub ad) and 2 Great Blacked-backed (ad+tailless imm) from Millfields. 2 Ruddy Shelduck still with geese from Sheepwash car park this morning.Roger Carrington
11/07/2021Ad hoc wildfowl count: 969 Canadas, 4 Barnacle (plus 4 young), 240 Greylag, 16 Mute Swan, 2 Ruddy Shelduck from Sheepwash carpark, 28 Gadwall, 125 Mallard, 4 Teal, 1 Pochard, 110 Tufted (plus new brood of 9 at Hopton end), 15 Moorhen, 309 Coot, 11 Little Grebe (plus 2 young below Hall Wood), 50 GCGrebe, 7 Oyc, 40 Lapwing, 2 LRP, 19 Cormorant, 7 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, adult Yellow-legged Gull. Also 200 Jackdaws over Tail Bay, Lesser Whitethroat with food on Stones island, female Redstart with 3+ juvs below Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
10/07/20215 drake Common Scoter off the dam wall/Stones island early morning. A Little Egret at Paul Stanley hide late morning. 23 Mute Swans. New broods of 7 and 8 Tufted off Stones causeway. 5 male Pochard. 1 Ruddy Shelduck just visible on the shoreline from Sheepwash carpark late morning. Adult LRP and Common Sand at sailing club. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 7 Grey Herons. Skylark and c40 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall early morning. Lesser Whitethroat singing but mobile in WLC fields.Simon Roddis

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