Recent Sightings
| Date | Sighting | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 29/04/2026 | No Terns today but waders were in evidence with 9 species recorded: Bar-tailed Godwit at Watersports, Sanderling on Sailing Club shoreline, 2 Ruff on the back of Horseshoe Island, Curlew heard at Millfields and a Greenshank was around for a while before apparently flying NE. Female Red-crested Pochard and her male common Pochard admirer at WLC, Caspian Gull at Watersports, Yellow Wagtail over Stones, 4 Sedge Warblers and 2 Common Whitethroat behind Millfields Island. | Clive Ashton |
| 28/04/2026 | Another fantastic morning started with 9 Arctic Terns flying in over the dam at 0715hrs. Whilst counting the Terns, at 0745, Alan picked out a dark phase Arctic Skua which flew low up the middle of the res before departing NW. Paul Bennett popped in to see the Arctic Terns and found a Little Tern amongst them at Sheepwash. By 0945hr Arctic Tern numbers had increased to 26, before around half of them had apparently moved on. Large numbers of hirundines all morning and we estimate 400 Sand Martin and 200 Swallow. C6 Pochard, female Red-crested Pochard, 2 female Goldeneye at Sheepwash, 3 Egyptian Geese, 2 Swift, the ringed Caspian Gull, Yellow Wagtail (MR). Little Tern and c14 Arctic Terns still present around 1100hrs when we left site. | CA/AHS |
| 27/04/2027 | From Stones Island this morning, 3 Shoveller, 2 Pochard, 1 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Grey Heron, lots of Sedge and Garden Warblers, 2 Arctic Terns, 1 Common Sandpiper. 1 Dunlin at Millfields and Mediterranean Gull on Sailing Club Island (CA) Peacock butterfly and Orangetips on the wing. | AHS |
| 26/04/2026 | The first-summer Little Gull was still off Watersports this morning. 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 2 Common Terns there too. Female Red-crested Pochard from WLC. Second-summer Mediterranean Gull still on sailing club island. Single Curlew, Common Sandpiper and Redshank. 3 Swifts from WLC. Whitethroat in WLC creek. 13 singing Sedge Warblers across Stones and WLC creek. 3 Yellow Wagtails. | SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD |
| 25/04/2026 | 2 summer plumage Black-necked Grebes around Watersports area, 1 Black Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 2 Common Tern, 2 Little Gull (ad, 1s), 3 Shelduck, 2 drake Pochard, Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Common Sandpiper, Common Whitethroat at Hopton End, Reed Warbler in WLC reedbed, 3 Pied Flycatcher on east side. | Clive Ashton |
| 24/04/2026 | Following yesterday afternoon's movement, there were another 36 Black Terns this morning, building up between about 06:30 and 08:30, plus 3 Little Gulls (2 adults and one first-summer), all to 11:00 at least. The 2 Bar-tailed Godwits were still around and a Greenshank flew N. 3 Mandarins over the main carpark. 6 Pochard, 2 Teal. 1 Egyptian Goose. More Garden Warblers have arrived, now 6 in the Stones/WLC area. Lesser Whitethroat singing south of Sheepwash. Redstart singing at the top of WLC creek and Clive had a Yellow Wagtail over the WLC. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 24/04/2026 | 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Cormorant, 3 Blackcap, 24 Black Tern, 1 Reed bunting, 9 Oystercatcher, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Willow warbler, 8 Sedge warbler, 1Bar tailed Godwit , 2 Little Gull, 2 Male Pochard , 1 Female Red Crested pochard , 15+ Sand Martin,2 LRP | David Armitt |
| 23/04/2026 | The 2 Bar-tailed Godwits are still present, 1 each at Watersports (with a damaged wing) and from.WLC. Common Sandpiper and 2 Redshank in the same area. Two female Goldeneye. Reed and Garden Warblers at Hopton end, and Garden on Stones. 3 singing Pied Flycatchers in Hall Wood/Warrington Knob. 3 male Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall and 2 Swifts overhead. Wheatear at Millfields (per A&R). | SJR, MW, RPJ, AMD |
| 22/04/2026 | Best this morning was a beautiful first-summer Little Gull off Watersports. Another surprise was 2 Redwing at Millfields, with a Swift, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Willow Tit and c100 Redpoll in the same area. Around Watersports, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, Common Sandpiper, Redshank and the pair of Egyptian Geese. Yellow Wagtail (possibly 2) on Stones causeway/dam wall. Redstart in WLC fields. | Simon Roddis, Mick Watson |
| 21/04/2026 | Another excellent spring morning, with 4 new species for the year: Swift over the dam wall, Yellow Wagtail at the main centre, Garden Warblers at Hopton end and on Stones, and Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed. One Black-tailed and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits were on Watersports island and later from WLC. First-summer Caspian Gull still. Pink-footed Goose, 2 Teal, 2 Pochard and 4 Goldeneye. 10 Sedge Warblers around Stones island and 1 at WLC. Redstart still in WLC fields. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 19/04/2026 | Highlight of the monthly wildfowl count was a drake Ring-necked Duck in Brown Ale Bay at around 08:50, relocated off Big Island at 10:20. Other wildfowl: 194 Canada, 34 Greylag (plus a brood of 5), 1 Pink-foot, 2 Egyptian, 2 Mute Swan, 33 Gadwall, 70 Mallard (plus a brood of 12), 3 Pochard, 47 Tufted, 5 Goldeneye, 4 Moorhen, 18 Coot, 4 Little Grebe, 36 GCGrebe, 11 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Redshank, 2 Dunlin, 6 Cormorant (a total of 480 waterbirds as opposed to 824 in April last year) Also: first-summer Mediterranean and Caspian Gulls at Watersports, 100+ Sand Martins, male Whitethroat at Hopton end, male Pied Flycatcher still at Warrington Knob and Redstart in WLC fields. Wheatear on the dam wall (per Mick W). | Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley |
| 18/04/2026 | This morning, 2 Egyptian Geese, drake Pochard, 3 Common Sandpipers off Stones causeway, first-summer Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Mediterranean Gulls (second-summer and a pair of adults), Common Tern at Watersports, Willow Tit on the Tail Bay path, 3 Skylarks over, 100++ Sand Martins, male Redstart in WLC fields still, 1 Redpoll. | Simon Roddis, Mick Watson |
| 17/04/2026 | Early evening - 2 Med Gulls (a 3cy and 2cy) in or around the BHGull colony at the rear of Sailing Club Island, best viewed from the second bench along the dam wall, albeit distant. Also a German ringed Caspian Gull (2cy) on the Watersports pontoon; Pink-footed Goose and LRPlover on Watersports Island. | Richard Lowe |
| 17/04/2026 | Quieter than yesterday. The second-summer Mediterranean Gull was still present, Redstart still singing in WLC fields and 2 new Sedge Warblers, on Millfields island and at WLC. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 16/04/2025 | A decent morning, starting with a male Pied Flycatcher singing in Warrington Knob, just south of Middle Wood on the east side (first of the year). Single Arctic Tern and Whimbrel past Stones island (also both the first of the year), and a Common Sandpiper was on the shore. Drake Pochard off Watersports. 2 male Redstarts (Hall Wood and WLC fields). | SJR, CA, MW |
| 14/04/2026 | Caspian Gull (2cy) on Watersports pontoon late afternoon - (yellow colour ring on left leg). | Richard Lowe |
| 14/04/2026 | The second-summer Mediterranean Gull flew across sailing club bay mid-morning. Common Tern at Watersports. Drake Pochard. 4 Goldeneye. At Hopton end and Hall/Middle Woods, 9 Coal Tit, 5 Willow Warbler, 17 Blackcap, 6 Nuthatch, 8 Treecreeper, 1 Redstart. Another Redstart in WLC fields. 3 Sedge Warblers around Stones. | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 13/04/2026 | Late afternoon visit: second-summer Mediterranean Gull among the Black-heads on the back of sailing club island, as reported by Richard L a couple of days ago. Pink-footed Goose past Stones. 3 singing Sedge Warblers. | Simon Roddis |
| 11/04/2026 | 3 Little and 4 Common Terns were off Stones island from 07:55 to around 08:15 this morning. Good conditions for terns, clearly. 20+ Barnacle Geese. Second-summer Caspian Gull again off Watersports. Little Egret at Millfields. Big increase in hirundines, c100 Swallows, 300 Sand Martins and at least 4 House Martins. Sedge Warbler again on Stones. | Simon Roddis |
| 10/04/2026 | 2 Pochard, 1 female Red-Crested Pochard, 8 Gadwall, 6 Oystercatcher, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Little Grebe, 30+ Sand Martin, 20+ Swallow, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcap , 4 Long tailed Tit, 4 House Martin, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Jay , 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Bullfinch | Dave Armitt |
| 10/04/2026 | A Sedge Warbler singing on Stones island this morning is the earliest ever arrival here by 2 days. 2 House Martins also on Stones, and 100+ Sand Martins and c20 Swallows. Female Red-crested Pochard again consorting with a male Common Pochard off Stones causeway. 70 Common Gulls late morning, and a second-summer Caspian Gull off Watersports. Little Egret over Hopton end early morning. Redstart singing above WLC creek again and a brood of 3 Mallard in the fields (first I've seen this year). 1 Redpoll on Stones. | Simon Roddis |
| 08/04/2026 | A very decent morning: a Sandwich Tern flew past Stones island at 08:15 and the Jack Snipe was again on Watersports island from 07:30 to at least 09:30. A Redstart was singing at the top of WLC creek and a female Wheatear was in the fields. Wildfowl included 3 Shelduck, female Red-crested Pochard, 2 drake Pochard, 4 Goldeneye and the pair of Egyptian Geese. A Curlew flew over Stones. First-summer Caspian Gull at sailing club. Willow Warblers and Blackcaps in increasing numbers. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 07/04/2026 | A Jack Snipe bobbed away on Watersports island this morning, from 07:30 to 09:10 at least, with a Common Snipe almost adjacent. 4 Shoveler were out in the middle of the res. Tawny Owl calling at Penn Carr. Total of 33 Ravens, including 30 over the pastures; the presence of a couple of Buzzards and a Red Kites suggests that there might be a dead animal up there attracting their attention. 4+ Willow Warblers dotted around, and 3 Redpolls over. | SJR, CA, MW |
| 06/04/2026 | The pair of Egyptian Geese were on sailing club island early morning. 6 Goldeneye. 2 Curlew and 2 Herring Gulls flew S. 5 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. c60 Sand Martins and 3 Swallows off Sheepwash. Willow Warblers singing near the main entrance and at Millfields. 60 Fieldfare flew N (flocks of 24 and 36). | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 05/04/2026 | Following are the species recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walks (10am-noon; Stones Island to the Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Cormorant, Black-headed Gull, Magpie, Mallard, Chiffchaff, Coot, Tufted Duck, Oystercatcher, Carrion Crow, Egyptian Goose, Robin, Greylag Goose, Black-tailed Godwit, Sand Martin, Canada Goose, Moorhen, Woodpigeon, Gt Crested Grebe, Pochard, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Wren, Goldeneye, Pied Wagtail, Redshank, Dunnock | Gary Atkins |
| 05/04/2026 | A fly-through Greenshank was this morning's highlight. c80 Fieldfare also flew NW. 30 Sand Martins and 5+ Swallows off Stones/WLC. 2 Egyptian Geese, 4 Pochard and 2 Teal. Snipe at Paul Stanley hide. Barn Owl at Hopton reedbed first thing, and 15 Ravens over. Willow Tit at WLC. Black-tailed Godwit also reported on Watersports island (per Lorna). | SJR, CA, MW |
| 04/04/2026 | The first Willow Warbler of the year was singing near the main centre mid-morning, wonderful to hear. Other bit and pieces included 2 Shelduck, 3 redhead Goosander, 1 Egyptian Goose, 2 Pochard, 3 Redshank, 3 Herring Gulls, 1 Little Egret, 10 Sand Martin, 2 Swallows, 4 Blackcap, 1 Redpoll. | SJR, MW, CA |
| 02/04/2026 | A winter-plumage Turnstone was on Watersports island at 07:30 but had gone by 09:00. 3 Egyptian Geese at Millfields/Watersports. 1 Pink-footed Goose. The drake Red-crested Pochard was still at Millfields, hanging around with a group of Mallard. A light northerly movement of c.70 Woodpigeons. 21 Buzzards in a 360 scan from the dam wall late morning. Willow Tit at WLC. 10 Sand Martins. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 01/04/2026 | A drake Red-crested Pochard was at Millfields this morning, and a Little Egret flew S past Stones. Pair of Egyptian Geese still hanging around Watersports island. 6 Sand Martin and 1 Swallow. 2 Redpoll (over Millfields and Stones). | SJR, CA, MW |
| 31/03/2026 | Perimeter counts this morning: 124 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcap, 2 Egyptian Geese, 4 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, 33 Pheasant, 4 Stock Dove, 17 Oystercatcher, 4 Jay, 32 Magpies, 4 Raven, 15 Coal Tit, 4 Willow, 135 Blue, 65 Great, 8 Long-tailed, 8 Sand Martin, 2 Goldcrest, 124 Wren, 12 Nuthatch, 8 Treecreeper, 32 Song Thrush, 9 Mistle, 1 Redwing, 82 Blackbird, 177 Robin, 50 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 12 Pied, 9 Meadow Pipits, 6 Chaffinch, 10 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Redpoll, 29 Goldfinch, 18 Siskin, 2 Reed Buntings. | Simon Roddis |
| 31/03/2026 | An adult Kittiwake flew south down the east side, 2 Egyptian Geese, Pair Mandarin past Stones, redhead Goosander, drake Pochard, 3 Sand Martin, Blackcap singing on Stones, Willow Tit WLC. | CA/AHS |
| 30/03/2026 | Highlight this morning was a Sandwich Tern which flew past Watersports at 10:18. Not seen again but Clive might have heard it earlier. Pair of Egyptian Geese again. 2 Teal. 3 Pochard. 3 Redshank. Pair of Peregrines over the north end. Pair of Willow Tits near WLC. 5 Swallows. 1 Fieldfare in the main carpark, and Alan had a Redpoll on Stones. | SJR, CA, MW, AHS |
| 28/03/2026 | Probably 5 Swallows and 2 Sand Martins were off Stones/Watersports late morning. Drake Pintail from WLC. Pink-footed Goose off Stones. At least one pair of Egyptian Geese and 27 Barnacles. 2 Willow Tits. c70 Fieldfare, 30 Starling and Woodpigeons flushed by a Sparrowhawk north of Fishtail. 2 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall. | SJR, CA, MW |
| 26/03/2026 | Along the east side, Hopton to Millfields, this morning: 6 Willow Tits, 42 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 9 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Crossbill, 2 Egyptian Geese. Elsewhere, a Swallow (first of the year here) past the main centre, 4 Sand Martin, 32 Barnacle Geese, several more Chiffchaffs on Stones. | SJR, CA, AHS, RPJ, AMD |
| 22/03/2026 | March WeBS count: 5 Mute Swan, 189 Canada Geese, 37 Greylag Geese, 2 Egyptian Geese, 42 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Grebe, 121 Mallard, 6 Teal, 20 Gadwall, 1 Mandarin, 45 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 9 Goldeneye, 7 Moorhen, 23 Coot, 8 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 10 Oystercatcher, 4 Redshank, 1 Grey Wagtail. 2 Blackcap singing at Hopton end. CA/JB | Clive Ashton/ Jon Bradley |
| 20/03/2026 | The first Little Ringed Plover of the year dropped into sailing club this morning, and a Little Egret flew over. The over-wintering Common Sandpiper was on the dam wall at Millfields. Drake Shoveler on Horseshoe island. First-winter Caspian and second-winter Yellow-legged Gulls off Watersports. Tawny Owl calling at Sheepwash first thing. Willow Tit at WLC. 12 Siskin over Stones. | SJR, CA, MW |
| 20/03/2026 | 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Great spotted woodpecker, 7 Goldeneye, 7 Oystercatcher , 6 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 9 Greylag goose, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Willow tit , 10 Cormorant | Dave Armitt |
| 19/03/2026 | Clive had 2 Sand Martins past Stones this morning, and 4 Shoveler were off Sheepwash. 22 Chiffchaffs between Hopton end and Stones. 93 Woodpigeons N. 12 Buzzards in the air from the dam wall. Pair of Willow Tits at Lane End and 1 singing in WLC creek (per Mike R). 1 Linnet on the dam wall and 2 Redpoll over WLC area. | Simon Roddis |
| 18/03/2026 | Slightly less quiet than the last few days but still awaiting migrants. Pair of Shelduck off Millfields and a pair of Mandarin flew through Tail Bay. 11 Goldeneye, 10 of them off Sheepwash. Tiny bit of movement involving 156 Woodpigeons N and 33 S, plus 13 Chaffinch N. Singing Skylark and 5 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 13/03/2026 | A few bits and pieces this morning: 31 Barnacle Geese, the pair of Egyptian Geese again, drake Wigeon, Curlew, c5,000 Black-headed Gulls early morning, several Buzzards and Red Kites enjoying the breeze, 70 Starlings NW, 35 Siskin in WLC creek and 2 Crossbills over. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 11/03/2026 | Best this morning were the 2 Egyptian Geese again, fly-over Shelduck, first-winter Caspian Gull, 30 Barnacle Geese, 230 Woodpigeons N, 4 Curlew, 3 Redshank around Horseshoe island, Willow Tit singing on Stones. | SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD |
| 10/03/2026 | Highlight this morning was a Sand Martin from Sheepwash hide, first of the year as far as I'm aware. 29 Barnacle Geese at Watersports. Pair of Egyptian Geese again. Redhead Goosander flew up the res and maybe the same bird later past Stones. 830 Woodpigeons N (and 15 S). Green Woodpecker calling at Sheepwash. Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew and 2 Redshank on Horseshoe island. 10 Buzzards in the air. | Simon Roddis, Ken Rome |
| 08/03/2026 | Afternoon visit: adult Caspian Gull from Lane End hide. 15 Herring Gulls and adult Great Black-back from Stones. Female Red-crested Pochard off Stones causeway (found earlier by Adam Saunders). 2 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon and 40 Redwing at Sheepwash. | Simon Roddis |
| 07/03/2026 | 27 Barnacle geese flew in, landed in field other side of road to dam wall around 8.30 am. | Matthew Birkin |
| 07/03/2026 | Another eventful morning, with highlights of 11 drake Common Scoter, 8 Kittiwakes and 70 passage Wigeon out on the water off Stones island. 2 Shoveler still at Sheepwash. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 06/03/2026 | After a couple of hours looking for Willow Tits (4 found), a walk onto Stones island proved worthwhile when a Bar-tailed Godwit flew S and a scan of the water revealed a beautiful summer plumage Black-necked Grebe. 36 Great Crested Grebes (highest count since last September) suggests a small arrival - perhaps the Black-necked came in with them. 3 Chiffchaffs in Tail Bay. 2 Shoveler and 2 Wigeon at Sheepwash (per Alan S). | Simon Roddis |
| 02/03/2026 | Highlights this morning were a Barn Owl at Hopton reedbed early morning, a Great Egret around Horseshoe/Watersports and 2 Egyptian Geese which flew down the res late morning and settled on Watersports island (still there at 11:40). Plus 28 Barnacle Geese, 8 Curlew, Snipe at Hopton reedbed, first-winter Yellow-legged Gull off Stones island, Willow Tit at WLC, 3+ Chiffchaffs. | Simon Roddis |
| 01/03/2026 | Following are the species noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Great Tit, Buzzard, Blackbird, Cormorant, Coot, Mallard, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Teal, Great-crested Grebe, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Oystercatcher, Robin, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch, Pied Wagtail, Woodpigeon, Chaffinch, Barnacle Goose, Magpie, Curlew, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Gadwall, Wren | Gary Atkins |
| 01/03/2026 | 2 Chiffchaffs on Stones island this morning. Redshank and 2 Pochard at Paul Stanley hide. 12 Goldeneye. 29 Barnacle Geese at Watersports. At least 10 Buzzards in the air from Millfields late morning, and 2 Skylarks on the dam wall. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 28/02/2026 | Perimeter counts this morning: 3 Chiffchaffs, 14 Coal Tits, 202 Blue, 73 Great, 3 Willow, 13 Long-tailed, 3 Nuthatch, 6 Treecreeper, 2 Goldcrest, 81 Wren, 50 Song Thrush, 7 Mistle, 80 Blackbird, 20 Redwing, 201 Robin, 66 Dunnock, 27 Chaffinch, 8 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 1+ Crossbill, 21 Goldfinch, 10 Siskin. Maybe as many as 20 Oystercatchers, difficult to keep track of! | Simon Roddis |
| 27/02/2026 | At Carsi this morning, the Common Sandpiper was on Watersports island, Redshank and Kingfisher from Paul Stanley hide, 9 Goldeneye in Brown Ale Bay, singing Willow Tit and 4 Redpoll near Lane End and a finch flock between Sheepwash and Lane End comprising 16 Chaffinch, 16 Goldfinch and 3 Greenfinch. | Simon Roddis |
| 26/02/2026 | 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker , 12 Long tailed Tit, 1 Nuthatch, 20 Redwing, 7 Gadwall, 16 Teal , 3 Grey Heron, 3 Little grebe, 7 Oystercatcher, 4 Female Goldeneye, 4 Male Goldeneye, 2 Pied wagtail, 4 Barnacle goose, 1 Buzzard, 1Coal tit | Dave Armitt |
| 26/02/2026 | Single Shelduck around Horseshoe/Watersports this morning. Pair of Barnacle Geese. 28 Tufted. 6+ Goldeneye. 12 Curlew, including 10 at sailing club early on. 1 Woodcock and 1 Tawny Owl at Hopton end first thing. 285 Lesser Black-backs flew N over Hopton as they came out of the roost. Pair of Willow Tits (one singing) south of Lane End. 50 Redwing, mostly at Paul Stanley/Sheepwash. 20 Chaffinch, including a flock of 14 NE. | Simon Roddis |
| 23/02/2026 | 870 Woodpigeons flew N 0730-0830 this morning, plus 5 Skylarks and a Great Egret. 34 Barnacle Geese at WLC and Willow Tit nearby. 14 Curlew in WLC fields. Redshank and 5 Snipe from Paul Stanley hide. 3 Redpoll over Stones causeway. | Simon Roddis |
| 21/02/2026 | Monthly wildfowl count: 224 Canada, 34 Barnacle, 28 Greylag, 44 Gadwall, 16 Wigeon, 226 Mallard, 187 Teal, 7 Pochard, 7 Tufted, 10 Goldeneye, 5 Moorhen, 75 Coot, 6 Little Grebe, 24 GCGrebe, 10 Oystercatcher, 15 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 7 Cormorant. 7 Skylarks over Stones. | Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley |
| 20/02/2026 | Around Carsi this morning, 34 Barnacle Geese, 5 Curlew off Stones causeway early on, Common Sandpiper from WLC, a first-winter Mediterranean Gull from Sheepwash hide late morning, Water Rail and Redshank at Paul Stanley hide (AHS), Willow Tit singing near WLC, 50 Redwing, 10 Crossbills SW over WLC creek mid-morning. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 19/02/2026 | Clive pulled another rabbit out of the hat this morning in the shape of a Grey Partridge on Stones island, the first at Carsi since November 2011. However, a search between the WLC and Shiningford for Tuesday's Bittern was to no avail. The Common Sandpiper was still on Horseshoe island and a male Sparrowhawk posed beautifully there for a while. At least 22 GCGrebes suggests a small increase, as you'd expect as we approach spring. | SJR, CA |
| 17/02/2026 | Just 350 Woodpigeons and 120 Starlings N this morning. A Great Egret flew S down the res mid-morning and a Shelduck flew in at the same time. 34 Barnacle Geese. 8 Curlews at sailing club early morning, and 3 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. 15 Linnets again on Stones. | SJR, CA, MW |
| 16/02/2026 | Credit is due to Clive for most of this morning's birds: an adult Kittiwake from Stones island late morning, last seen heading towards Millfields; 1,750 Woodpigeons N; 32 Barnacle Geese; 7 Curlew, the Common Sandpiper and 15 Linnets around Horseshoe island; Peregrine over Shiningford and a Willow Tit at WLC. | CA, MW, SJR |
| 14/02/2026 | On this fine sunny morning, 4 Pintail (1m,3f) were at Sheepwash late morning, only 10 Pochard, 9 Goldeneye, 12+ Oystercatchers, Redshank from Paul Stanley hide still, Curlew down the east side, adult Great Black-back, pair of Peregrines on a pylon at Shiningford, drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker in Hall Wood, Willow Tit at WLC. Surprisingly little moving, although there was a report of 60 Pink-footed Geese over. | Simon Roddis |
| 12/02/2026 | A bit of movement this morning, virtually everything heading N or NE: 820 Woodpigeons, 2 Stock Doves, 120 Pink-footed Geese, 166 Starlings, 5 Skylarks, 1 Curlew, 6 Lesser Black-backs. At ground/water level, 29 Greylags, 2 Pintail, 51 Pochard, 13 Goldeneye, 69 Coot, 15 GCGrebe, Woodcock at Hopton end, the Common Sandpiper back at Millfields, adult Great Black-back, Willow Tit at WLC, and in the air 6 Buzzards and 6 Ravens (3 pairs). | Simon Roddis |
| 11/02/2026 | Just a few bits and bobs this morning: 3 Shoveler still at Sheepwash, female Pintail off Stones, single Snipe and Redshank from Paul Stanley hide and a Skylark over, 1 (maybe 2) Willow Tit at WLC, 2 Meadow Pipits over Stones causeway, 2 Reed Buntings at the Millfields feeders. | Simon Roddis |
| 10/02/2026 | A bit same old, same old this morning: Common Sandpiper still from WLC, Redshank from Paul Stanley hide, 3 Shoveler and 4 Pintail at Sheepwash, 103 Pochard plus the hybrid, adult Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Willow Tits near WLC. One day there'll be a change in the weather and, hopefully, the birds. One day... | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 09/02/2026 | The Common Sandpiper was still on Horseshoe island late morning and the Redshank at Sheepwash. 115 Lapwing. 104 Pochard plus the male Aythya hybrid. 3 Shoveler. Drake and at least 3 female Pintail. 10 Goldeneye. 103 Coot. 43 Woodpigeons N. Adult Great Black-back and 2 immature Herring Gulls. Pair of Willow Tits on the WLC feeders and another pair near Lane End. Treecreeper singing at WLC and Red Bunting almost singing at Paul Stanley. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 08/02/2026 | Highlight of a couple of hours late afternoon was a Barn Owl hunting to the left of Sheepwash hide, flushing the nearby ducks, which included 3 Shoveler and a female Pintail. Redhead Goosander at Millfields. 20+ Barnacle Geese beyond the top of WLC creek. Willow Tit at WLC (the volunteers had 2 there this morning). 100 Redwing at the top of WLC creek. | Simon Roddis |
| 07/02/2026 | The Common Sandpiper was on Watersports island this morning. 10 Oystercatchers. 4 Shoveler (3m,1f) at Sheepwash/Millfields. 4 Pintail (drake at Sheepwash, 3f from Paul Stanley hide. 8 Goldeneye. 35 Barnacle Geese eventually settled in the overflow carpark. Adult Great Black-backed Gull. 20 Linnet on Stones island. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 05/02/2025 | The drake Pintail and 3 Shoveler (2m,1f) were at Sheepwash this morning, and 5 Goldeneye (4m,1f) and the Redshank from Paul Stanley hide. Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe island in front of the WLC. c35 Barnacle Geese over WLC creek. 125 Rooks N past Sheepwash early morning. | Simon Roddis |
| 03/02/2026 | Best this morning was a flock of 8 Pintail briefly past Stones island. 36 Barnacle Geese. At least 136 Pochard (quite possibly more as Clive had nearly 100 at Sheepwash/Brown Ale Bay while I only counted 65 there). 3 Shoveler from PS hide. 8 Oystercatcher.18 Lapwing. 1 Redshank still. Willow Tit at WLC. 35 Linnet on Stones. | SJR, CA, MW |
| 01/01/2-26 | From Paul Stanley Hide (12.30-13.15): 5 Goldeneye (4m, 1f), 8 Lapwing, Redshank, 20+ Wigeon, a lot of Teal, 3 Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit | Gary Atkins |
| 01/02/2026 | Birds seen, through the mist, at today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island - Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Blue Tit, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose, Teal, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Little Grebe, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Robin, Song Thrush, Magpie, Cormorant, Goldfinch, Redwing, Dunnock, Woodpigeon, Goldeneye, Bullfinch, Pheasant, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Great Tit, Wren, Gt Crested Grebe, Moorhen, Chaffinch, Pied Wagtail | Gary Atkins |
| 01/02/2026 | Very foggy this morning. Woodcock, Snipe and Tawny Owl at Hopton end first thing. 133 Pochard, most of them at Sheepwash, and the drake Pintail still. 5 Oystercatchers. Redshank from PS hide. 2 Herring Gulls at Sheepwash. 15 Linnet at Millfields. | Simon Roddis |
| 28/01/2026 | Ad hoc wildfowl count this morning, slightly hampered by a bit of mist around the edge first thing: 274 Canada, 29 Barnacle, 8 Greylags, 115 Gadwall, 102 Wigeon, 328 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 746 Teal, 114 Pochard, 22 Tufted, 14 Goldeneye, 115 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 5 Oystercatcher, 31 Lapwing, Common Sandpiper still at Millfields, 1 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 11 Cormorant. Male Peregrine past WLC. 200 Woodpigeons N and 160 Starlings W. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 25/01/2026 | This morning, a pair of Shelduck (presumably the same birds as yesterday) flew N then swam back past Paul Stanley hide; drake Pintail, Redshank and redhead Goosander also from Paul Stanley and 30 Siskin in the woodland; Oystercatchers at Millfields and WLC; 2 Willow Tits at WLC, and a male Aythya hybrid, very likely the presumed Pochard x Ferruginous Duck that has been here before. | Simon Roddis |
| 23/01/2026 | Just a few bits and pieces this morning: Common Sandpiper still at Millfields, 2 Oystercatchers on Horseshoe island, first-winter Yellow-legged Gull at sailing club, drake Pintail from Paul Stanley hide (AHS), 60 Pochard, 30 Linnets on Stones, 40 Siskin. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 21/01/2026 | The Common Sandpiper was still at Millfields this morning, while an adult Caspian Gull off the sailing club was the first of the year here, I believe. Oystercatcher at Watersports and 2 Willow Tits between there and WLC. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 19/01/2026 | Very murky this morning but there was a Black-tailed Godwit on Sheepwash spit, Redshank and drake Shoveler from Paul Stanley hide, Oystercatcher at Watersports, Willow Tits at WLC and Millfields, and Common Sandpiper still at Millfields. | Simon Roddis |
| 17/01/2026 | I've done the monthly wildfowl count this afternoon as the forecast for tomorrow isn't great: 272 Canada, 12 Greylags, 3 Egyptian Geese (on Sheepwash spit before flying NE at 15:12), 123 Gadwall, 112 Wigeon, 461 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 936 Teal, 36 Pochard, 24 Tufted, 9 Goldeneye, 4 Moorhen, 145 Coot, 6 Little Grebes, 21 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 13 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper (presumably the bird that was around in December), 21 Cormorant. In the gull roost off Stones island late afternoon, c2,000 each of Common and Black-headed Gulls, 400 Lesser Black-backs, 2 Herring. | Simon Roddis |
| 16/01/2026 | 60 Wigeon,4 Goldeneye, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Pochard, 40 Teal, 32 Gadwall, 1 Goldfinch,1 Kestrel, 6 Long Tailed Tit, 1 Treecreeper, 11 Cormorant, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 2 Buzzard, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Peregrine, 30 Linnet , 50 Lapwing | Dave Armitt |
| 16/01/2026 | Slightly better conditions than yesterday, with the fog lifting mid-morning. The drake Pintail was off Sheepwash. 95 Pochard. The Oystercatcher still, 34 Lapwing and 1 Snipe. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. Willow Tit at WLC. Winter thrushes included at least 330 Redwing and 190 Fieldfares (270 and 150 respectively through Hopton early morning). | Simon Roddis |
| 15/01/2026 | Difficult to see much in thick fog this morning but there were 2 Woodcock and 3 calling Tawny Owls at Millfields first thing, Willow Tit at WLC, Oystercatcher again at Watersports/Horseshoe island, Redshank in Brown Ale Bay, and Clive had a Pink-footed Goose among the Greylags. | SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD |
| 14/02/2026 | Clive found the first Oystercatcher of the year at Watersports this morning, a relatively early first date. 29 Lapwing. 51 Pochard. Adult Great Black-backed Gull. Male Peregrine on its favoured pylon then over Sheepwash and Hall Wood. Willow Tit at WLC. Skylark S over the main centre. 10 Linnet from the WLC. 4 Crossbills in the top of Hall Wood. | SJR, CA, AHS, MW |
| 12/01/2026 | c35 Barnacle Geese over WLC late morning and 2 Goosander N over Hopton end first thing. 5 Goldeneye. Drake Pintail reported at WLC but I missed it. 45 Woodpigeons N. 124 Coot. Skylark N over Stones late morning. Mistle Thrush singing at Sheepwash. | Simon Roddis |
| 10/01/2026 | Drake Pintail and Redshank from Paul Stanley hide this morning. A Pink-footed Goose was among the Greylags at Watersports and 36 Barnacle Geese from WLC. 32 Lapwing. 47 Fieldfare flew N (obviously!). 12+ Meadow Pipits. | Simon Roddis |
| 06/01/2026 | Yesterday's 3 Curlew were still at sailing club this morning, and a total of 51 Lapwing there and in Brown Ale Bay. Shelduck off Stones (and later Sheepwash) and redhead Goosander at Millfields. 92 Pochard. 5 Shoveler. Full compliment of Barnacle Geese. 106 Coot. 8 Little Grebes. Willow Tit at WLC. 15 Meadow Pipits at Sheepwash and 12 at WLC. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 05/01/2026 | A very decent afternoon visit: 2 adult White-fronted Geese were among c200 Greylags between Lane End and Sheepwash, plus one Pink-foot. A Little Egret flew past Paul Stanley hide. 2 adult Mute Swans. Drake Shoveler from WLC. 38 Pochard. 100 Coot in Brown Ale Bay at dusk. 30 Lapwing. Clive's 3 Curlew were still at sailing club. 800 Common Gulls off Stones by 15:30. Little Owl again in WLC fields, being mobbed by Blackbirds and Blue Tits. 11 Meadow Pipits toughing it out. | Simon Roddis |
| 04/01/2026 | Species recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-WLC-WLC Creek): House Sparrow, Pintail, Lapwing, Little Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Teal, Pied Wagtail, Goldeneye, Wigeon, Mallard, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Canada Goose, Coot, Robin, Mute Swan, Gt Crested Grebe, Blue Tit, Greylag Goose, Moorhen, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Dunnock, Wren, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Redwing, Blackbird, Treecreeper, Pheasant, Great Tit, Snipe, Meadow Pipit, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Long-tailed Tit | Gary Atkins |
| 02/01/2026 | Juvenile GNDiver still north of Millfields this morning. Woodcock at Hopton end first thing, and Redshank later. 3 Grey Heron in Brown Ale Bay. 100 Woodpigeons NE, 40 SW. 3 Fieldfare and 2 Redpoll over Millfields. | Simon Roddis |
| 31/12/2025 | Juvenile GNDiver still off the east side north of Millfields. A bit of late movement, with 1,400 Woodpigeons and 192 Fieldfare heading N (Fieldfare can be tricky to see here in December so quite surprising to see such a decent number). 250 Starlings W might just have been heading out from their roost. c35 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. Great Egret at Sheepwash. Peregrine having its breakfast on Horseshoe island. 2 Willow Tits at WLC. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 30/12/2025 | Afternoon visit: the juvenile GNDiver was off Millfields, female Common Scoter from Stones (and later from Sheepwash) and a Great Egret, last seen flying into Green Pond, presumably to roost. Little Owl called in WLC fields mid afternoon. Pair of Peregrines perched on Sheepwash spit and then over Brown Ale Bay at dusk. Willow Tit at WLC. Single Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls. 70 Linnets on Stones. Over BABay late afternoon, 390 Redwing, 55 Fieldfare and 26 Chaffinch. | Simon Roddis |
Historic Sightings
| Date | Sighting | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-08-06 | Species noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon): Carrion Crow, Coot, Gt Crested Grebe, Mallard, Teal, Lapwing, Cormorant, Woodpigeon, Tufted Duck, Black-headed Gull, Raven, House Martin, Blue Tit, Swallow, House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Canada Goose, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Mute Swan, Blackbird, Goldfinch, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Kestrel, Jackdaw, Reed Bunting, Little Grebe, Reed Warbler, Chaffinch and Wren | Gary Atkins |
| 2018-08-06 | 160+ Tufted Duck, in two groups, at Hopton end at 0900 | Gary Atkins |
| 2018-08-05 | A few more duck in today: 8 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 32 Teal, 1 Pochard, 2 R-c Pochard still at Millfields. 2 Little Egret. 1 Oystercatcher. 2 LRP. 2 adult Dunlin. 1 Snipe. Imm Y-l Gull still. 1 Swift. 1 Peregrine. 4 Jay. 6 Raven. 3 Garden Warbler on Stones, including presumed second brood fledged young. 3 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall. 1 Crossbill over Brown Ale Bay early morning. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 2018-08-04 | A pretty good morning - 78 species. A juvenile Marsh Harrier drifted south over the res 0845-0850. 2 separate Peregrines, adult and juv. 2 Turnstone flew SE over Millfields, calling, at 0730. Adult Black-tailed Godwit on Sailing Club island. 1 juv LRP. 1+ adult Dunlin. 1 Snipe at WLC. 1 Oystercatcher. 2 Little Egret. 47 Mute Swans plus one cygnet. 11 Greylags. 1 Barnacle. 7 Gadwall. 22 Teal (again). 1 Shoveler at WLC. 2 R-c Pochard at Millfields. Imm Yellow-legged Gull still. 12 Rooks below the dam wall. 2 Garden Warblers on Stones. Sedge and Reed Warblers in WLC creek reedbed. 4 Raven. 2 Crossbill over Brown Ale Bay at 0615. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-08-03 | 8 grey-backed big gulls among the Lesser Black-backs at Sheepwash late morning: adult and sub-ad Caspian, second-summer and 3 adult Yellow-legs, 2 indeterminate. Definite hierarchy among them, the immature Yellow-leg kicked the adult Caspian off a dead fish which the Caspian in turn had taken off a couple of Carrion Crows on the shoreline. 120 Lapwing. Single juv Ringed and LRP. 2 Gadwall. 22 Teal. 1 Shoveler. 1 Pochard. 41 Cormorant. 2 Little Egret. 30 House Martin. 6 Sedge Warblers on Stones. Roger C had a Green Sand early on in Brown Ale Bay and 2 R-c Pochard at Millfields. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-08-02 | The adult Caspian Gull still, plus adult and possibly 2 immature Yellow-legs. One adult Common Gull and the one-footed GBbG. 2 adult Common Tern. Green Sandpiper in Tail Bay, found by Roger C and still there to 10.10 at least. 5 LRP. 8 Common Sand. 1 Oystercatcher. 45 Mute Swan. 14 Greylag. The Barnacle Goose flew into Millfields with Canadas at 10.00. 15 Teal (plus another 7 seen by CA on Stones). 2 f/imm Red-crested Pochard still at Millfields. 4 Pochard. 1 Little Egret. 6 Grey Heron. 4 Sand Martin past Stones. 2 Garden and 5+ Sedge Warblers on Stones. 4 Tree Sparrows at Millfields carpark. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-08-01 | No sign of the Wood Sandpiper this morning but 2 Black-tailed Godwits at WLC and 2 RC Pochard at Sailing Club. Caspian and YL Gull still present. | clive ashton / Roger Carrington |
| 2018-07-31 | Highlight this morning was a juvenile Wood Sandpiper on Stones island from 0830, still there this afternoon. A Turnstone flew through at 0825 and a Black-tailed Godwit was in Brown Ale Bay at 1145-1200. 5 LRP. 9 Common Sand. 1 Shelduck. 16 Teal. 2 Shoveler at WLC. 2 Pochard in BA Bay. 28 Cormorants on Sheepwash spit. 1 Little Egret. 5 Grey Herons. Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 25 Swifts. 6 Sand Martin. 5+ (maybe as many as 10) Ravens. 30 Goldfinch on Stones. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 2018-07-30 | Small influx of waders though nothing unusual: 15+ Common Sands and 10 LRP around the site. Caspian and Y-l Gulls still, and Onefoot the GBbG was back after an absence of 3 weeks or so. 9 Goosander through. 16 Teal. 46 adult Mute Swan. 2 Raven. 2 Sand Martin. | SJR, AHS, CA |
| 2018-07-27 | A Green Sandpiper briefly at Sheepwash at 0700 then flew into Brown Ale Bay. 5 Common Sand. 1 Whimbrel through. Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again off Stones island. 14 Teal. 8 Pochard. 2 Little Egret. 7 Moorhen. 16 Raven SE over the dam wall. 5 Garden and 6 Sedge Warbler around Stones island. 1 Yellow Wag. | SJR, CA, RC, AHS |
| 2018-07-26 | I forgot to mention Blackbirds: quite a few are now feeding along the shoreline of the res because the ground elsewhere is so dry and hard. There were 5 along Stones causeway, 4 on Sailing Club island and 3 in Shiningford creek. There was also one on Stones island with a beakful of what looked like worms, presumably for young in the nest or recently-fledged young. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-07-26 | Caspian Gull again off Stones/Sailing Club and the imm Yellow-leg still. 11 Teal. 4 Gadwall. 1 Wigeon in BA Bay. 6 Pochard (5 BA Bay, 1 WLC). 28 Cormorant on Sheepwash spit. 3 Little Egret. 2 LRP on Sailing Club island. 4 Common Sand. 1 Dunlin in BA Bay. 4 Raven. At least 10 Whitethroat between WLC creek and Stones, and 4 Garden Warbler. 3 Sedge Warbler on Stones island. Recently fledged Reed Warbler in BA Bay. Moulting female Redstart in WLC creek. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-07-25 | Several Purple Hairstreaks along bottom track of Hall Wood mid afternoon (thanks JonB). 1 Spotted Flycatcher in Penn Carr this evening. | Roger Carrington |
| 2018-07-25 | Adult Caspian Gull and adult Med Gull at/off Sailing Club 0830-0900; the Med then flew over the Stones causeway, didn't see it again. Imm Yellow-leg still and adult Common Tern. 1 Whimbrel down in BA Bay. 2+ Common Sand. 2 Redshank. 2 Oycs. 45 adult Mute Swan. 2 Little Egret. Good showing of warblers again on Stones, at least 2 each of Lesser White, Garden and Sedge. | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 2018-07-24 | 9+ Purple Hairstreak Butterflies between Hopton reedbed and the south end of the Gorse field mid evening. | John Bradley |
| 2018-07-23 | On the west side from Hopton end to the visitor centre this morning: 12 Teal, 1 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 30 Cormorant, 3 Little Egret, 6 Moorhen, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Common Sand, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, fledged Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed, 4 Redstart, 1 Yellow Wag, 4 Grey Wag, plus 6 Ravens over Millfields. Also a possible Garganey very briefly from the WLC which flew behind Shingingford island. Not claiming it but worth looking out for. | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 2018-07-22 | An adult Sandwich Tern was on number 1 buoy off Stones/Sailing Club 0730-0745 at least but had gone by 0910. 2 adult Common Gulls through and the imm Yellow-leg still. 6 Wigeon. 3 Gadwall. 11 Teal. 1 Pochard. 2 Little Egret. One Dunlin on Horseshoe island. 4 Reed Warblers in BA Bay, presumably a family with fledged young. Male Redstart in WLC fields. | Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington |
| 2018-07-21 | Shiningford Creek area between 8:30 and 10:00. Pair of Bullfinches, Pair of Linnets and a Pair of Redstarts feeding 2 young. | ERIC DEWHURST |
| 2018-07-20 | A pretty decent morning, 74 species. 46 adult Mute Swan plus one cygnet. 42 Greylags. Pair of Shoveler and female Gadwall at Sheepwash. 10 Teal in total. 1 Pochard. 4 Little Egret in Shiningford creek. 5 Grey Heron. 2 Oystercatcher. 6 LRP. 5 Common Sand. Snipe at WLC. Imm Y-l Gull. Adult Common Tern. Kingfisher in BA Bay. 4+ Raven. 6 Sand Martin. Excellent showing of warblers on Stones: minima of 8 Common Whitethroat, 5 Sedge, 5 Blackcap, 4 Garden, 2 Lesser White plus Willows and Chiffs. 10 Tree Sparrows at WLC and 2 at Millfields. 2 Yellow Wags over. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-07-18 | This morning: 1 Shelduck and 1 vocal Oystercatcher on Horseshoe Island. 1 Common Snipe asleep on now fledged Grebe nest in WLC Creek. An adult Coot feeding 1 very small young in Shiningford Creek. 1 mobile Common Tern. 1 Redshank and 1 Barnacle Goose on Stones Island, also 2 Whitethroat there, one carrying food and the other with a neat white line down its forehead. Still 44 Mute Swans but could only find 1 of the 2 cygnets. 3 LRP young still on Sheepwash Spit. Adult Coot feeding a big young on Tail Bay pond. 1 Little Egret mobile. | Roger Carrington |
| 2018-07-17 | 3 Little Egrets again. 44 adult Mute Swans. 6 Teal. 2 Pochard. 3 Oystercatcher. 1 Snipe in BA Bay. Imm Y-l Gull still. 15 Swifts over Shiningford. 11 Rooks over Sheepwash. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-07-16 | 3 Little Egrets, 2 at Sheepwash, 1 on Stones. 41 adult Mute Swans but just one cygnet with the breeding pair. 4 Teal. 5 LRP. 5 Common Sand. Imm Y-l Gull still. 4 Raven. Bit of a warbler fest on Stones: 3 Sedge, 2 Garden, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Willow, Chiff, most of them in a small patch of hawthorn. Reed Warbler still in BA Bay, and Reed Bunting with food there. 3 Tree Sparrows at Millfields. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-07-15 | 15 Lapwing,28 Cormorant,2 Pied Wagtail,57 Tufted Duck,1 Great Tit, 2 C.Crow,113 Canada Goose,1 Little ringed plover,5 Mallard,11 Greylag Goose,11 Great Crested Grebe + 2 young,23 Mute Swan,5 Goldfinch,1 Oystercatcher,1 Willow Tit,1 Spotted Flycatcher | David Armitt |
| 2018-07-15 | 99 Canada Goose,22 Greylag Goose,10 Cormorant,9 Grey Heron + 1 young,35 Mute Swan,1 Yellow leg Gull,1 GBBG,6 Lapwing, 1 Little ringed plover + 1 Young,3 Great Crested Grebe,1 Little Grebe,1 Bullfinch,1 Chaffinch | David Armitt |
| 2018-07-14 | Forgot to mention Reed Warblers with food in BA Bay and Hopton reedbed. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-07-14 | An Avocet flew north past Paul Stanley hide at 07:40 but no further sign. Monthly WeBS count: 41 Mute Swans (plus 2 cygnets), 39 Greylag, 466 Canadas, 1 Barnacle, 5 Teal, 160 Mallard, 4 Pochard, 227 Tufted, 33 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 5 Grey Heron, 6 Little Grebe, 33 GCGrebe, 345 Coot, 3 Oystercatcher, 29 Lapwing, 3 LRP, 3 Common Sand, 1 Snipe. Also, 5 Raven over Lane End, 1 Meadow Pipit at BA Bay, 45 Linnet between Sheepwash and Lane End, and JB had 8 Crossbill over Blackwall Plantation. | Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley |
| 2018-07-13 | 7 Common Scoter off Stones Island at 08:30hrs | Roger Carrington |
| 2018-07-12 | 60 Greylags. 28 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret. 5 Grey Heron. 60 Lapwing. 8 LRP (5 juvs). 4 Common Sand. Imm Yellow-legged Gull. 40 Swallows around the draw-off tower. | Simon Roddis, Ken Rome |
| 2018-07-10 | 35 adult Mute Swans plus 2 cygnets. 7 Teal. Tufted Duck broods of 12 (possibly actually 2 x 6) in Shiningford creek and 13 at Sailing Club. 2 Little Egrets (adult in BA Bay, juv from WLC). 3 ad and 2 juv LRP. Full-grown juv Redshank on Horseshoe island, and a Snipe there. Imm Yellow-legged and GBb Gulls still. At least 10, possibly 13, Ravens over. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-07-05 | Just looked at the Hopton end, Hall Wood and Sheepwash this morning. 3 Crossbill over Hall Wood (1N,2S). 3 male Pochard. 30 Cormorant. 6 Grey Heron. 1 Common Tern. 2nd-summer Y-l Gull. 3 Raven. 15 House Martin over Hopton end, presumably the birds from the villages. Loads of butterflies (whites, Ringlets, Meadow Browns, 2 Red Admiral, 2 Commas) and several dragonflies, including Broad-bodied Chaser, Black-tailed Skimmer and Southern Hawker. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-07-04 | At Millfields, pair of GCGrebe with 2 small young, plus 2 sitting birds at Penn Carr and one on Millfields island; 3 GSWoodpecker; family party of 3 Jays (at least one juv) (and another Jay in BA Bay); 5 Mistle Thrush at Penn Carr (plus one over Hall Wood); Grey Wags with food - second brood; 5 Starlings over. Totals of 33 adult Mute Swan (plus 2 cygnets), 524 Canada Geese, 1 Barnacle, 2 Teal, 1 Pochard, 30 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 9 Little Grebe (including a pair with a large chick at Big Island), 3 Collared Dove. Second-summer Common Gull at Sailing Club. Second-summer Y-l Gull still. Juv Redstart in WLC fields. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-07-03 | Pair of Common Terns from Sheepwash mid-morning, and imm Yellow-legged Gull there. 62 Lapwing. 4 ad LRP. 44 Greylag. 1 Barnacle. Drake Pochard at WLC. 31 Cormorant, most of them loafing at Sheepwash. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-07-01 | Species seen/heard during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon): Blackcap, Mallard, Coot, Wren, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon, House Martin, Chaffinch, Carrion Crow, Tufted Duck, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Black-headed Gull, Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler, Great Crested Grebe, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Whitethroat, Blue Tit, Willow Warbler, Cormorant, Pied Wagtail, Starling, Jackdaw, Barnacle Goose | Gary Atkins |
| 2018-06-30 | At Hopton end 0600-0800: adult Kittiwake flew SW at 0645; 137 Swifts flew NE into the wind, and a Hobby on the same flight path; the GCGrebes nesting near the reedbed now have 1 young; female Tufted with 23(!) young. Imm Yellow-leg and 2 drake Teal from Sheepwash. Pair of Pochard and a Mallard with 8 small young in BA Bay. Stock Dove singing near PS hide. Female Tufted with 9 small young at WLC. Total of 26 Mute Swans plus 2 cygnets. 46 Greylag. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-06-29 | 22 Mute Swans plus 2 cygnets. 41+ Greylag. Drake Teal at WLC. Female Tufted Duck in BA Bay with, as far as I could see, just 1 young. 23 Cormorant. 8 juv/imm Grey Herons from Sheepwash. Adult Common Tern at WLC - it even tried to land on the tern raft! Imm Yellow-leg and 2 GBbG at Sheepwash. Reed Warblers still singing at WLC and PS hide. Female Redstart in WLC fields. 11 Tree Sparrow, mostly juvs, at WLC. 1 Siskin over the main carpark. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-06-25 | 7 drake Common Scoter off Stones, 0830 to 1130 at least. 7 Gadwall. 4 Grey Heron. 15 Lapwing. Adult Herring Gull, not to the liking of the BhGs on Horseshoe island. Imm GBb and Y-l Gulls still. 2 Sedge Warbler singing on Stones, and 1 Reed Warbler at PS hide. Adult Garden Warbler feeding fledged young on Stones. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-06-25 | 2 Redshank,21 Cormorant,2 Lapwing,190 Canada Goose,20 coot,2 Ringed Plover,6 Grey Heron,1 White Wagtail,1 Little Ringed Plover,7 Great Crested Grebe+ 3 Young,9 Mute swan,1 Moorhen,3 Greylag Goose,1 little Grebe, 1 GBBG, 2 Carrion Crow,30 Tufted duck,1 Reed Bunting,1 Spotted Flycatcher,1 Blackcap,1 chiffchaff | David Armitt |
| 2018-06-23 | 5 drake Common Scoter from Stones island 0800-0900 at least. 519 Canada Geese. 64 Greylags plus 10 goslings. 4+ Little Grebe, one nest-building in BA Bay. 7 Oycs over WLC. 1 Ringed Plover over Stones. 3 Common Sand. Pair of Redshank alarming on Watersports island. Imm Y-l Gull. 20 Swifts. 4 Raven. At BA Bay, recently fledged Goldcrest and Blackcap, and Garden Warbler with food. 3+ Sedge Warblers on Stones island (1 singing). | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-06-22 | Drake Pochard again in WLC creek. Moorhen with 2 small young at Hopton reedbed. GCGrebe with small young on its back (probably 2) in BA Bay. Only one BhG still sitting there. Pair of Redstarts alarm-calling at north end of Hall Wood. Spotted Fly alarming in BA Bay but only one bird seen. Alan S had 11 Tree Sparrows (2 juvs) - not helped by the empty feeders. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-06-21 | 1 sp Dunlin at Sheepwash, 1 Little Ringed Plover Stones, Spotted Flycatcher Brown Ale Bay, 2 Redstart WLC Creek. | Neil Moulden |
| 2018-06-21 | 15+ Mute Swans. 387 Canada Geese. 1 Barnacle. Drake Pochard in WLC creek. 2 drake Teal at Sheepwash. 19 Cormorant. 2 Grey Heron. Imm Y-l and GBb Gulls. 20 Swifts. 2 Ravens. Fledged Willow Warbers and Chiffchaff at Millfields. Blackcap nestbuilding at Penn Carr, presumably for a second time. Sedge Warbler singing on Stones island and 2 Reed Warblers at WLC/creek. At least 5 juv Tree Sparrows at WLC. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-06-17 | Monthly WeBS count: 19 Mute Swan (+ 2 cygnets), 37 Greylags, 326 Canadas, 1 Barnacle, 63 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 87 Tufted, 18 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 4 Little Grebe, 29 Great Crested Grebe, 133 Coot, 6 Oystercatcher, 12 Lapwing, 6 LRP, 1 Common Sand, 8 Redshank. Now only 2 BhG nests in BA Bay, but a fully flying juvenile at WLC looked too old to be a Carsington-bred bird. 25 Swifts. 6 singing Reed Warblers. | Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley |
| 2018-06-11 | 2 Redshank,1 lapwing,1 Little Grebe,18 Cormorant,16 Tufted Duck,30 Coot,10 BH Gull,87 Canada goose, 1 GBB Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 8 Great Crested Grebe,3 Mallard,2 C crow,2 Chaffinch,3 Reed Bunting,10 Greylag Goose | David Armitt |
| 2018-06-10 | 6 Crossbills (probably all females/immatures) over Millfields at 0635. c250 Canadas, 41 Greylag and 4 Barnacles (+ 1 chick). Broods of 4 small Canadas and 9 small Mallard around Stones island. 21 Cormorant. 9 Lapwing. 2 Common Sand on Stones. 1 Curlew. 2nd-summer Yellow-legged Gull at Sailing Club and later at Sheepwash. Lots of fledged Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits, plus Coal Tit at Sheepwash and families of Willow Tit near WLC and on Stones island (at least 4 young). Fledged Nuthatch at Sheepwash carpark. Garden Warbler with food on Stones. Sedge Warbler singing and song-flighting on Stones. Singing Reed Warblers in WLC reedbed, WLC creek and between Sheepwash and PS hides. Redstart alarming at the top of WLC creek. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-06-08 | Female Pochard in BA Bay. c50 Swifts feeding. Breeding stuff: family of fledged Willow Tits between Hopton end and BA Bay; Chiffchaffs with food at Hopton end and BA Bay; Redstart with at least 2 fledged young in Shiningford creek; Nuthatch with fledged young at Paul Stanley. Alan S. counted 17 Tree Sparrows, including one juvenile in WLC creek. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-06-07 | 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Ringed Plover on Stones at 08.15. | Neil Moulden |
| 2018-06-03 | Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon) sightings: House Sparrow, Gt Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck, Redshank, Buzzard, Canada Goose, Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Oystercatcher, Mallard, Willow Tit, Black-headed Gull, House Martin, Swallow, Blue Tit, Whitethroat, Reed Bunting, Greylag Goose, Coot, Carrion Crow, Chiffchaff, Wren, Blackbird, Willow Warbler, Dunnock, Tree Sparrow, Blackcap, Barnacle Goose, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Lapwing | Gary Atkins |
| 2018-06-02 | 1 Turnstone again in front of Sailing Club. 1 Sanderling dropped into Stones island, 1 Ringed Plover over and 1 Hobby past. Red Kite over the east side. Common Tern at the visitor centre. Breeding activity: GCGrebe with 2 small young at Big Island, and 2 Oystercatcher chicks there. Little Grebe nest-building at Hopton end. At Brown Ale Bay, Blackcap with food, Reed Warbler nest-building and Spotted Flycatcher chasing a Grey Squirrel away from its usual nesting tree. Male Redstart still at Hopton end. | SJR, AHS, JB |
| 2018-06-01 | 1 Turnstone in front of Sailing Club. Pair of Common Terns around Stones island. 10 Mute Swan. 229 Canada Geese. 1 Barnacle. 29 Greylags. 1 Pink-foot. Young Mallard at Hopton end: 1 fully feathered; 8x2-week old; 3x2-day old. GCGrebe with a small chick at Sailing Club island, a nest with 3 eggs at Hopton end. Coot with small young in BA Bay. 8 Lapwing. After the mass failure of two colonies, there are now about 13 BhGull nests on the wire basket in BA Bay. Imm Yellow-legged Gull still. Reed Warblers singing in WLC reedbed and WLC creek. Nuthatch with food at Sheepwash. Spotted Flycatcher back in its usual spot at BA Bay. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-05-31 | 10 Mute Swan: 4 incomers being given a hard time by the resident birds. New brood of 3 small Canadas at Millfields. 21 Cormorant at Sheepwash. 1 Whimbrel around Stones. Imm Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. Reed Warbler singing near Millfields island, and Sedge Warbler still there. 2 young Grey Wags being fed by 2 adults at Millfields viewing area. 1 Crossbill over Millfields. | Simon Roddis, Ken Rome |
| 2018-05-28 | One Ringed Plover at Sheepwash; otherwise just the usual waders. 8 Mute Swan. Grey Wags with fledged young at Millfields, and Pied Wag also with young on Sailing Club island. Nuthatch with food in Penn Carr. Tree Sparrow again in Millfields carpark, this time collecting food and flying off over the carpark entrance, so it presumably has a nest over the road somewhere. Also Song Thrush with food in Millfields carpark. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-05-27 | Two more Ringed Plover at Sheepwash this evening brings my total for the day to 15. With the north-easterly gale that has been blowing all week, forcing waves onto the north end of Sailing Club island, several of the low-lying Black-headed Gull nests have been washed out. A pity, they must have been close to hatching. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-05-27 | 10 species of wader this morning: 13 Ringed Plover (1 down, 4+8 through), 2 Whimbrel, 1 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin all went through, still 1 Turnstone, plus the regulars. 20 Cormorant. 3 Stock Dove (2 on Stones, 1 at Sheepwash). 20 House Martin (14 through, 6 around the visitor centre). Pair of Pied Wags taking food onto Sheepwash spit. 2 male Bullfinches feeding on dandelion seed heads at BA Bay, and Willow Tit with food there. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-05-26 | A Sanderling dropped into Watersports island at 10:05 but flew off a little later. 3 Turnstone still. 3 Ringed Plover. 1 Common Tern. Drake R-c Pochard. c30 Swallows moving through. 6 singing Reed Warblers (5 Hopton, 1 Stones). 3 singing Spotted Fly around Hall Wood. Fledged Tawny Owl in Hall Wood. Willow Tit with food at Hopton end. | SJR, CA, JB, AHS |
| 2018-05-25 | No sign of any terns this evening, but c100 House Martins around Stones causeway, 3 Turnstones still, and Whitethroat with food. Black-headed Gulls now have chicks on Horseshoe island. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-05-25 | 3 Black Terns from 10:20 to 11:30 at least. 5 Common and 10 Arctic Terns stayed a while but moved on. 3 Turnstone still. Drake R-c Pochard. Pair of Shoveler. Second-summer Common Gull again. 4 imm GBbG. Imm Yellow-leg. 2 Linnet on Stones causeway. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 2018-05-24 | 3 Turnstones still on Stones island and 4 Arctic Terns past at 08:40. 20 LBbG and 1 Herring Gull through. Reed Warbler singing in WLC reedbed. 2 Tree Sparrows in Millfields carpark, first I've ever seen away from the west side. Confirmed breeding on Stones island: Long-tailed Tit (FL), Willow Tit (FF), Great Tit (NY), Reed Bunting (FF); and at Millfields, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit and Blackcap (all FF). | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-05-23 | 4 Turnstones still around Stones/Sailing Club. Arctic Tern past Stones at 08:20. 3 GBbG. Imm Yellow-leg. Second-summer Common Gull. (One of the Great Black-backs was hovering over the dam wall, following a Stoat as it ran through the rocks. Probably best for the Gull that it didn't catch it). 28 Greylags. 3 Stock Doves in WLC fields. 30 Swifts. Reed Warbler singing on Sailing Club island, and 4 in Hopton reedbed. Redstart singing at Hopton end. Breeding evidence: Willow Tit with food and Tree Sparrows with young in nest box. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-05-22 | Perimeter counts of singing birds this morning: 31 Chiffchaffs, 17 Willow Warblers, 54 Blackcaps, 10 Garden Warblers, 8 Whitethroat, 5 Reed Warblers in Hopton end, 53 Wrens, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 7 Song Thrush, 60 Blackbirds (91 in total), 38 Robins, 15 Dunnock and 15 Chaffinch. Also: 4 Turnstones on Stones island, 5 Jays and 11 Bullfinch. Black-headed Gulls now have chicks on the platform in front of the WLC, and there is still one Oystercatcher chick on Horseshoe island, I guess the survivor of the brood there on 5/5. 7 Starlings were feeding in the overflow carpark at the end of the dam wall and flying out with food for young. I was able to follow one of them back to the church tower in Hognaston village, which it entered via a gap in the louvre-style window, where it presumably has a nest full of young Starlings. | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 2018-05-21 | 4 Black Terns from 7:00pm till dusk feeding off Lane End. | John Bradley |
| 2018-05-21 | 3 Turnstones on Sailing Club island. Monthly WeBS count: 5 Mute Swan (2 nests), 7 Greylag, 71 Canada, 4 Barnacle, 14 Gadwall, 52 Mallard, 95 Tufted, 17 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 4 Little Grebe, 40 GCGrebe (8 nests), 61 Coot, 9 Oystercatcher, 5 Lapwing, 4 LRP, 2 Common Sand, 5 Redshank, 400 BhG, 5 LBbG, 4 GBbG, 1 imm Y-l Gull. Also 5 Reed Warblers singing at Hopton end and 2 Spotted Fly (Brown Ale and Penn Carr). | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-05-20 | 2 Turnstones on Sailing Club Island 07:50hrs. | Roger Carrington |
| 2018-05-19 | This morning Spotted Flycatcher WLC Creek, Blackcap at Lane End | ERIC DEWHURST |
| 2018-05-18 | 2 Mute Swan nests with sitting adults. Broods of 6, 6 and 2 Canada Geese at Sheepwash/Brown Ale. New brood of 9 small Mallard ducklings at Millfields. 12 Cormorant. 3 Grey Heron. 3 Little Grebes. 8 Lapwing. 8 Redshank. 4 Reed Warblers singing at Hopton end. 3 Spotted Fly singing (Hall Wood, Brown Ale Bay, Penn Carr). Redstarts singing at Hopton end and top of Hall Wood. Fledged Robin at WLC. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-05-16 | An immature (probably first-summer) Caspian Gull off Stones island/Sailing Club. Noticeable increase in hirundines today: 80 Sand Martins, 18 House Martins and 15 Swallows. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 2018-05-15 | Quiet this morning. 9 imm GBbGulls. Sedge Warblers still on Sailing Club island and near Millfields island. 4 Reed Warblers singing at Hopton end. Spotted Flycatcher in Penn Carr. Redstart singing in WLC fields. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-05-13 | The GNDiver was off Stones for much of the morning and an Arctic Tern stayed for a while. Red Kite flew down the east side 0915-0920. Drake Pochard. Greylag (9) and Canada Goose (6) broods at Sheepwash. Single Ringed Plover and Dunlin. 2 singing Common Sands. 30 Swifts. Male Peregrine. Redstart and Lesser Whitethoat singing in WLC fields. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 2018-05-12 | The GNDiver was off Stones still this morning. A Little Egret, initially on Stones and then up at Sheepwash, is the first of the year at Carsi. One Common Tern early on. 1 Whimbrel. 2 Collared Doves at Millfields. Spotted Flycatcher in Penn Carr. 38 Carrion Crows on the dam wall early morning. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-05-11 | The GNDiver still, had a fly around mid-morning. A Red Kite flew over the pastures at 09:10. 70+ Swifts. 1 Ringed Plover. 1 Dunlin. 3 Common Sandpiper. Imm Y-l Gull. 4 GBbG. 25 Sand Martins. Reed Warbler singing on Stones island. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 2018-05-10 | The GNDiver is hanging on, looking splendid now. Drake Common Scoter still there too, off Sheepwash. 1 Arctic Tern through. 2 Ringed Plover. 2 Dunlin. 2 Whimbrel. 1 Common Sandpiper. 1 first-summer Common Gull. 3 imm GBbGs. 30 Swifts. 30 Sand Martins. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-05-08 | The GNDiver was still there this morning but flew around for 10 mins at about 9am. Drake Common Scoter also still there. 10 Mute Swan. 2 Ringed Plover. 2 Common Sandpiper. Reed Warbler singing on Stones causeway. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-05-08 | 1 Red-crested Pochard, 22 Canada Goose,10 Mallard,9 Oystercatcher,5 Pied Wagtail,7 Cormorant,15 BH Gull,4 Redshank,3 Lapwing,8 Great Crested Grebe,4 Mute Swan,25 Tufted Duck,4 Gadwall,1 Buzzard,1 Barnacle Goose,2 Tree Sparrow,1 GBB Gull,1 Robin,2 LRP,1 Grey Heron,2 Greylag Goose,1 LBB Gull,2 Chiffchaff, GN Diver ( From sheep wash Hide) | David Armitt |
| 2018-05-06 | Following species were logged collectively by the Birdwatching for Beginners group, 10am-noon: Blue Tit, Woodpigeon, Jackdaw, Chiffchaff, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Carrion Crow, Robin, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Wren, Mallard, Coot, Great Tit, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Magpie, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, Gt Crested Grebe, Gt Northern Diver, Black-headed Gull, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Buzzard, Dunnock and Cormorant | Gary Atkins |
| 2018-05-06 | The GNDiver was still there this morning, along with the drake Common Scoter and a mobile drake Red-crested Pochard (first of the year). 10 Gadwall. 2 Stock Doves singing at Hopton end. 3 singing Sedge Warblers (Millfields, Sailing Club island and WLC creek). 3 singing Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-05-05 | The GNDiver was still present this evening, from Stones island. The Oystercatchers on Horseshoe island now have 4 small chicks. Imm Y-l Gull. 18 Pied and 1 Grey Wagtail flew into Hopton reedbed at dusk, and 1 Yellow Wag flew NE over. Going slightly off-topic, while watching from the Hopton end I saw 46 large bats (Noctules?) fly east to west over the res in 2-3 minutes around 8.50pm, probably coming out of Hall Wood. Never seen anything like it. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-05-04 | A Spotted Flycatcher in Penn Carr is the earliest ever at Carsington by one day. Alan S. had a Whinchat in the gorse field above Middle Wood. The GNDiver, drake Common Scoter and first-summer Little Gull all still present off Stones island. 11 Mute Swan. 1 male Mandarin. 10 Gadwall. 1 Arctic Tern through. Imm Y-l Gull. 1 Skylark over Stones. 2 Sedge Warblers (Millfields and Sailing Club island). At least 3 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed. Interesting bit of Sparrowhawk hunting behaviour: a male chased a Song Thrush and both crashed into a willow; they both seemed to rest for a few seconds but when the thrush tried to get away, the Sparrowhawk quickly brought it back to ground under the willow, at which point a female Sparrowhawk dived into the fray. Surprisingly, the Song Thrush made another getaway but the female Spar chased and caught it - which I guess spelt the end for the Song Thrush. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-05-03 | Evening visit: a drake Common Scoter dropped in just before 1930 but flew again shortly afterwards. The GNDiver still from Stones and the Little Gull at WLC. Imm Yellow-legged Gull. 1 Snipe at WLC. 1 Grey Wag and 3 Moorhens at Hopton reedbed. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-05-03 | The GNDiver, now in virtually compete summer plumage, was off Stones island this morning. First-summer Little Gull also still present. 12 Swifts from Stones. Total of 7 LRP. Lesser Whitethroat singing between WLC and Shiningford creeks. Reed Warbler singing in BA Bay. | SJR, AHS, CA |
| 2018-05-02 | Stones Island 16-15 Great Northern Diver off stones 2 artic terns and swift overhead. | Dave Horsley |
| 2018-05-02 | Quite a morning: c240 Arctic and 10 Common Terns counted up to 1130hrs, 2 Little Gulls (adult and first summer), GN Diver, 2 Dunlin, a Greenshank flew over Stones Island, Yellow Wagtail on Stones, pair of Mandarin. | Clive Ashton, Roger Carrington. |
| 2018-05-01 | 3 Common Sandpiper late afternoon on Stones. At least 5 Little Ringed Plover. | Neil Moulden |
| 2018-05-01 | 21 Arctic Terns at 16.00 hrs. 1 imm Little Gull. | Neil Moulden |
| 2018-04-30 | 1st summer Little Gull and GNDiver still off Stones Island 0830hrs. | Roger Carrington |
| 2018-04-29 | GN Diver still, 4 Arctic Terns through, 1st summer Little Gull, 3 Yellow wags on the dam wall [JB] and 1 on Stones [AHS], pair of Goosander over, imm YL Gull, 3+ Herring Gull, 2 GBB Gull. | clive ashton |
| 2018-04-29 | 1 Arctic Tern at 0745hr then 8 at 0935 until 1020hr at least, GN Diver almost in summer plumage, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Yellow Wags, imm Peregrine, 100+ Swallow, 5+ Swift. | clive ashton |
| 2018-04-28 | Little gull from Stones Island hide | Tom Aspinall |
| 2018-04-26 | this morning from stones island Great northern diver still present and well into its moult, 2 Common sandpipers,2 Little ringed plovers,1 Swift, Swallows,Sand and House martins increased in numbers,warblers present were Sedge,Common whitethroat, Lesser whitethroat,Blackcap,Garden, Chiffchaff and Willow warbler, and 1 Yellow wagtail. | A H Stewardson |
| 2018-04-25 | The GNDiver still off Stones. Male Pochard. 2 Sparrowhawk. 2 Peregrines, m&f. 1 Ringed Plover. 3 Dunlin. 2 Common Sand. 2 Snipe at WLC. 2 Common Tern. 1 Swift over Stones. c100 Sand Martin, 20 House and 40 Swallows. 2 Sedge Warblers (Sailing Club island and Millfields). Now 2 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed. 1 Yellow Wag over Stones, and 1 White Wag down. 4 Linnet. | Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington |
| 2018-04-24 | Afternoon visit great northern diver off stones island.5 mute swan.60 canada geese.8 greylag geese.26 barnacle geese(16 wlc.10 millfields).3 gadwall.96 tufted duck.3 common sandpipers(stones island).4 snipe(wlc).3 little ringed plover.7 redshank.8 oystercatchers.3 lapwing.min 15 sand martins(off stones island).grey wagtail.sparrowhawk.2s g b b gull. | Chris brown.dave newcombe |
| 2018-04-24 | A count around the perimeter of the res this morning recorded 52 Chiffchaffs (38 singing), 32 singing Willow Warblers, 70 Blackcaps (55 singing), 3 singing Garden Warblers, 3 singing Common and 2 singing Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Sedge Warbler still on Sailing Club island, 1 Reed Warbler singing in Hopton reedbed (first of the year, I believe), 56 singing Wrens, 36 singing Blackbirds, 11 singing Song Thrushes, 45 singing Robins, 5 singing Redstarts and 16 singing Chaffinches. Also: the GNDiver still, 4 Lapwing, 4 LRP, 3 Common Sand, 8 Willow Tits, and a brood of 6 Mallard ducklings at PS hide. | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 2018-04-22 | A superb 1-year old Red Kite flew low over Stones island this morning (seen earlier by the vols at WLC), as good a view as you could ask for. GNDiver still. 1 Arctic Tern. 1 Common Tern. 25 Barnacle Geese. 2 Goldeneye. 2 Peregrines. Pair of Kestrels mating on Watersports island. 2 LRP. 2 Garden Warblers on Stones. 3 Yellow Wags over. | Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley, Dan Martin |
| 2018-04-21 | Singing Garden Warbler on Stones island and Sedge Warbler on Sailing Club island, plus Jon Bradley had Common Whitethroat between BA Bay and Hopton. 2 Swifts flew SW over the Shiningford area just before 0900. The GNDiver still. Brood of 8 Mallard ducklings on Stones. 10 Gadwall. 2 Teal. 2 LRP. 4 Curlew. 16 imm GBbG. 4 Stock Doves. Redstart singing at the Hopton end. 7 Treecreepers singing in the Hopton end/Hall Wood area. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-04-20 | 3 Sandwich Terns first seen at 1005, spent some time perched on a buoy before gaining height and presumably leaving at 1050. GNDiver still. Drake Common Scoter and Shoveler. 2 Shelduck. 4 Ringed Plover. 3 LRP. 2 Dunlin. 2 Whimbrel. 1 Curlew. 3 Common Sandpiper. 7 GBbG (6 through). Lesser Whitethroat singing on Shiningford side of WLC creek. Pair (m&f) of Redstarts in WLC fields (Roger C had 2 singing earlier). | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 2018-04-19 | At least 2, possibly 3, Sandwich Terns this morning: 1 at 0800 appeared to fly NE at 0815 but it probably returned at 0820, before another came in at 0900 and they both flew NE. 5 LRP, Bar-tailed Godwit still, 3 Lesser Whitethroat singing (WLC Creek, adjacent to Flat Island and Stones). | Clive Ashton |
| 2018-04-17 | From Stones island this morning, 4 Arctic Terns, 2 Whimbrel, 1 summer plumage Dunlin, 1 winter plumage Barwit (presumably yesterday's bird still), drake Common Scoter, the GNDiver, 2 Goosander, 2 LRP, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 8 Fieldfare and 8 Linnet. Redstart again singing at the top of WLC creek. | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 2018-04-16 | A male Pied Flycatcher was at the bottom end of WLC fields around 0915, and a male Redstart was singing at the top of the creek. Winter-plumage Bar-tailed Godwit from the WLC itself. The GNDiver still. 4 Mandarin (3m,1f) at WLC. 11 Gadwall (5m,2f at WLC, 3m,1f BA Bay). 3 LRP. 1 Common Sand. 1 Curlew. c400 BhGs around Millfields island. 2 Peregrine (adult m, imm f). 1 Yellow Wagtail over Stones. Single Lesser Redpoll and Siskin at Millfields. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-04-15 | Re Peter's request: you can usually see the GNDiver from Stones island, most likely out in the middle of the res but sometimes quite close. Occasionally it goes down towards Millfields or even up to Sheepwash, so try those if Stones doesn't work. About the Scaup - it looks as if it has gone, not been seen the last 2 days; it was best looked for from the WLC or Stones causeway. If it's any consolation, a male Common Scoter has been there for 3 days now, again best seen from Stones. Hope that helps. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-04-15 | Monthly WeBS count: 11 Mute Swan, 17 Greylags, 12 Barnacle Geese, 110 Canadas, 4 Mandarin, 10 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 59 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 79 Tufted Duck, 1 Common Scoter, 4 Goldeneye, 1 GNDiver, 10 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 8 Little Grebe, 32 GCGrebe, 2 Moorhen, 53 Coot, 11 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing, 2 LRP, 9 Redshank, 6 Common Snipe. Also: 7 ad Little Gulls (6 straight through, 1 lingered a while), 10+ imm Herring Gulls, imm Y-l Gull, 2 Arctic and 1 Common Tern through, 3 Stock Doves and 2 Redwing at Sheepwash, 11 Chiffchaff and 8 Blackcap between lane End and the Hopton end, 6 Linnets flew N. | Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley, Clive Ashton |
| 2018-04-15 | Can anyone help Peter? Peter Smitham We’re is the best place to locate the GND and Male Scaup on Carsington?..a few of us visiting tomorrow and would like to be in for a chance in spotting them....TIA... | RichardP |
| 2018-04-14 | 13 Common Scoters this morning, probably yesterday's male plus 9m and 3f. 6 Wigeon and a drake Pochard were also new in. 8 Goldeneye. The GNDiver is starting to get a bit of spotting on its upperparts. Didn't see the Scaup. A Red Kite over Carsington Pastures was the first of the year here. Adult Kittiwake. Hirundines: 15 Swallows, 10 Sand Martins and 2 House Martins. 2 Yellow Wags over and 6 White Wags down on Stones island. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |