Recent Sightings

DateSightingName
11/10/2026From Sheepwash early evening: Ruff (1), Bl T Godwit (2), Caspian Gull (ad), YLGull (6) - 3-Ads; 2-2nd w; 1st w, Pintail (5+),Richard Lowe
11/10/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 171 Canada, 32 Greylag, 16 Mute Swan plus 3 large cygnets, 2 Garganey (Millfields), 12 Shoveler, 157 Gadwall, 78 Wigeon, 316 Mallard , 20 Pintail, 1,763 Teal(!!), 5 Red-crested Pochard, 79 Common Pochard, 92 Tufted, 7 Moorhen, 1,014 Coot, 17 Little Grebe, 33 GCGrebe, 13 Ringed Plover, 2 Grey Plover (WLC), 13 Lapwing, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Jack Snipe (Hopton reedbed), 4 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Dunlin, 26 Cormorant, 5 Little & 3 Great Egrets, 7 Herons.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
10/10/2026From Sheepwash Hide early evening: Grey Plover (Juv); Mediterranean Gull 1st w; YLGull (7) - Ad (4), 2nd w (2), 1st w; Pintail (c.15).Richard Lowe
10/10/2026A female Merlin flew down the east side mid-morning, in line with its just-about-annual status. The 2 Garganey were still at Millfields, where Clive also had 9 Ringed Plovers. 3 Ruff at sailing club. Very little moving this morning compared to the last couple of days.SJR, MW, CA
09/10/2026From Sheepwash late afternoon/early evening: Mediterranean Gull 1st w; YLGull (7) - 4Ads, 2nd w, 1st w (2); Pintail (c10); Goldeneye (1); RC Pochard (3); Ruff (1); Bl T Godwit (2);Richard Lowe
09/10/2026It was mainly Redwings on the move this morning, with 1,420 flying S or SW 07:30-10:00. 3 Whooper Swans, perhaps the same birds as yesterday, flew in from the NW but soon departed E. 2 Garganey still at Millfields and a drake Common Scoter from Sheepwash. 3 Ruff and 2 Black-tailed Godwits still. 2 Great and 8 Little Egrets. Adult Yellow-legged and Herring Gulls at Sheepwash. Male Stonechat in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
08/10/2026From Sheepwash this afternoon: Caspian Gull adult, Yellow-legged Gull 4 (3ads, 1st Winter), Great Black-backed Gull ad, Mediterranean Gull 1st winter. Pintail 3, Red-crested Pochard, Ringed Plover 7, Dunlin 1.CA/RJL
08/10/2026A very decent morning, with a bit of movement and a few birds on and around the water. Vismig included 2,200 Woodpigeons S in 90 minutes, 90 Redwing, 31 Starling, 24 Skylarks and 30 Pink-footed Geese E. 3 Whooper Swans dropped in just after 09:00 and were there to 11:00 at least (first of the year here as far as I'm aware). The 2 Garganey were still at Millfields, along with 18 Pintail, 30 Shoveler, 80 Wigeon, 104 Pochard and 4 Red-crested Pochard, and Clive had a male Mandarin there briefly. At sailing club/WLC, 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plover, 1 Ruff and 2 Black-tailed Godwits. 42 Cormorants. Probably 2 Great Egrets. 5 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. 6 Jays (5 over Millfields carpark) and at least 30 Ravens. Willow Tit in WLC creek.SJR, MW, RPJ, AMD, CA
06/10/2026The 2 juvenile-type Garganey were still at Millfields this morning. Totals of 19 Shoveler, 111 Wigeon, 11 Pintail and 106 Pochard. 86 Woodpigeons and 29 Stock Doves S in one hour. At sailing club, 5 Dunlin, 3 Ruff and 7 Ringed Plover, and 1 Black-tailed Godwit at WLC. 3 Great Egrets still. 5 Redwing flew through. 4 Stonechats again in WLC fields. 50 Linnets at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
05/10/2026As well as the report by Alan; 4 Stonechat in WLC Creek and 14 Siskin flew SW.Clive Ashton
05/10/2026This morning from Millfields, 2 Gargany, 7 Pintail, 3 Great White Egrets were visible from there, also 7 Little Egrets other waterfoul included Shovellers, Wigeon, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall and large numbers of Teal , 1 adult Yellow legged gull . From Stones Island, 3 Ruff,5 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plovers .AHS, CA, MR.
04/10/2026Two Garganey at Millfields early evening and 1st w Mediterranean Gull and 4 YL Gulls (2Ads; 2-1st w’s) from Sheepwash.Richard Lowe
04/10/2026Species seen during today's monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island WLC creek): House Sparrow, Mallard, Little Egret, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Black-headed Gull, Canada Goose, Robin, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Lapwing, Carrion Crow, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, Wren, Magpie, Mute swan, Greylag goose, Dunnock, Great tit, Blue tit, Long-tailed tit, Kestrel, Lesser black-backed gull, Gt Crested Grebe, Linnet, Goldfinch, Snipe, Little grebe, Buzzard, Great egret, Blackbird, Teal, Gadwall, Grey heron, Black-tailed Godwit.Gary Atkins
04/10/2026The Garganey was still at Millfields this morning, and 2 redhead Goosander dropped in there. I didn't count them but a lot of wildfowl appear to have retreated to the north end of the reservoir. Wonder why that is? A Ruff and 4 Dunlin were at sailing club and 2 Black-tailed Godwits still at WLC. 3 Great Egrets still. 6 GSWoodpeckers at various spots. Male Stonechat in WLC fields, 30 Linnets on Stones and a Redpoll over Millfields.Simon Roddis
03/10/2026From Sheepwash hide late afternoon: Med Gull (Ad); YLGull (4) Ads; Pintail (8); GWEgret (1);Richard Lowe
03/10/202640 Pochard, 12. Little Grebe,17 Cormorant,2 Grey Heron,20 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler ,25 Gadwall, 8 Linnet, 4 Great White Egret , 30 + Pied Wagtail , 10 Snipe 3 at WLC 7 Sailing club,18 Lapwing, 6 Dunlin, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chiffchaff Singing at Sheepwash, 4 Ringed Plover, 4 Little Egret, Curlew sandpiper at WLC , no sign of the SpoonbillDave Armitt
03/10/2026Clive saw the Spoonbill at Millfields first thing but not thereafter. Garganey still there. Another mass disturbance event, this time caused by small boats going up the reservoir, 100s of wildfowl flushed. Some of them then dropped into Millfields, including 18 Shoveler, 81 Wigeon, 17 Pintail. 3 female-type Red-crested Pochard also there. 3 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin and 2 Black-tailed Godwits still. At least 2 Great Egrets. 11+ Skylarks over and the first Redpoll of the autumn over Stones causeway.SJR, CA, MW
02/10/2026From Sheepwash Hide early evening (with Clive Ashton): Med Gull 1st w. YLGull (4) - 2 Ads, 1st w, 2nd w. Caspian Gull - 2Ads. Plus a Ring-billed / Lesser Black-backed Hybrid that seems to tour the Midland’s reservoirs every autumn/winter, seen at Carsington in previous years and well spotted by CA. Plus Pintail (4).Richard Lowe
02/10/2026The juvenile Spoonbill was again at Millfields late morning until flushed by an irresponsible dog-owner. Not just the Spoonbill but some hundreds of duck - including the long-staying Garganey - and other wildfowl too. Very annoying! Before that, I counted 22 Shoveler, 67 Wigeon, 15 Pintail and 39 Pochard. Just one female Red-crested Pochard at Millfields. Waders included 8 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover, 3 Common Sandpipers and 2 Black-tailed Godwits. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 3 Great Egrets. 4 Tawny Owls calling early morning. 35 Meadow Pipits. 9 Siskin.Simon Roddis
01/10/2026The Spoonbill found by Simon was mobile between Millfields and Stones Island. We understand from other birders that it was still at Millfields late in the day. 7 Little Egrets. 3 Herons. 75 Wigeon. 6 Red-crested Pochard (2m) on Millfields Island. 100 Gadwall. Female Goldeneye. Sailing Club end of the dam wall-6 Dunlin, 6 Ringed Plover and a Snipe. 4 Common Sands. The 2 Blackwits and Greenshank at Wildlife centre. 2nd winter Med Gull at Sheepwash along with 3 YLG-1st w, 2nd w and an adult. 39 Common Gulls. 4 Swallows through-3 & 1. 9 Chiffchaff. 3 Raven. With Chris BrownDave Newcombe/Chris Brown
01/10/2026A juvenile Spoonbill at Millfields this morning was a bit of a surprise, the sixth Carsington record. The Garganey was also still at Millfields. 2 Egyptian Geese off Watersports late morning. At least 64 Wigeon, 10 Pintail and 4 Red-crested Pochard (3 males). 9 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwits still and 3 Common Sandpipers. 3 Great Egrets. Totals of 9 Jays, 8+ Skylarks, 2 Swallows and 2 Blackcaps.Simon Roddis
30/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon/early evening: in the gulls - Mediterranean Gull (2) - Ad plus 1st w. YLGull (13) - Ad (7); 2w (3); 1st w (3). GBBGull 1st w.Richard Lowe
30/09/2026Yesterday's Grey Plover was still at Sheepwash late morning, and the Garganey at Millfields. A flock of at least 25 Redshank flew in and landed on Watersports island; another flock of 10-12 fly-though waders might also have been Redshank. 7 Red-crested Pochard and a Green Woodpecker at Millfields. 2 Black-tailed Godwits again at WLC and totals of 5 Common Sandpiper and 8 Dunlin. 3 Great Egret. Marsh Tit calling at SHeepwash and 40 Linnets on Stones island.Simon Roddis
29/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: In the gulls - YLGull (8) - 4 Ads, 3-1st w’s plus 2nd w; GBBGull (Ad). Plus Pintail (3); GWEgret.Richard Lowe
29/09/2026A Grey Plover flew into Sheepwash early morning and was still there to 10:20 at least. The Curlew Sandpiper was still at Watersports/Horseshoe island and the Garganey at Millfields. 11 Pintail and 6 (possibly 8) Red-crested Pochard. 3 Great Egret. Waders included Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Common Sandpipers, 8 Dunlin and 6 Ringed Plover. 30 Meadow Pipits at Watersports.SJR, RPJ, AMD, AHS
28/09/2026At 11.18 6 x Dunlin + 1 Curlew Sandpiper photographed at end of concrete slipway to left of cycle hire.Bernard Dumbleton
28/09/2026The Garganey is still at Millfields this morning but I didn't see the Curlew Sandpiper or the Dunlin flock that it hung around with. 2 Black-tailed Godwit still and 2 Common Sandpiper. A vocal Peregrine sat on one of the pylons beyond WLC creek. 3 Great Egret. Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. 4 Skylarks over.Simon Roddis
27/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon in the gulls: Caspian Gull 1st w (Dutch ringed); YLGull (4) - Ad, 2nd w plus 2-1st w’s. GBBGull 1st w. Plus Pintail (5); Wigeon (c20), GWEgret; L Egret; Ringed Plover (1).Richard Lowe
27/09/2026Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper again around Watersports and the Garganey was at Millfields again this morning. Wildfowl included 44 Shoveler, 202 Gadwall (new site record), 62 Wigeon, 11 Pintail, 5 Red-crested and 53 Common Pochard. 2 Black-tailed Godwits still, single Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper and Greenshank, and 10 Dunlin. 3 Great Egrets at Watersports. Total of at least 7 Tawny Owls calling early morning.Simon Roddis, c
26/09/2026The juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was again in the Watersports/Horseshoe area this morning, along with 12 Dunlin, 2 Black-tailed Godwits and a Greenshank. The juvenile-type Garganey also still at Millfields, along with 13 Shoveler, 3 Pintail and 30 Wigeon. Great Egret still around Watersports. 5 Skylarks over.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
25/09/2026The juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was still in the Watersports area this morning, a Turnstone flew past Stones island and the Garganey was at Millfields. Supporting cast of 45 Wigeon, 7 Pintail, 6 Red-crested Pochard, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 12+ Dunlin, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Great Egrets, 3 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing, Marsh Tit at Sheepwash, 1 Siskin over the WLC.SJR, CA, AHS
24/09/2026A juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was at Sailing Club with at least 5 Dunlin this morning. Garganey still, 2 Black-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe, Ringed Plover heard, Common Sandpiper and 2 Great Egret.Clive Ashton
23/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon of note: Caspian Gull 1st w (yellow ring on left tibia, from Holland); YLGull (5) - 4 Ads plus 1st w; GBBGull (2) - Ad plus 1st w; Pintail (2); Ringed Plover (8);Richard Lowe
23/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon of note: Caspian Gull 1st w (yellow ring on left tibia, from Holland); YLGull (5) - 4 Ads plus 1st w; GBBGull (2) - Ad plus 1st w; Pintail (2); Ringed Plover (8);Richard Lowe
23/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon of note: Caspian Gull 1st w (yellow ring on left tibia, from Holland); YLGull (5) - 4 Ads plus 1st w; GBBGull (2) - Ad plus 1st w; Pintail (2); Ringed Plover (8);Richard Lowe
23/09/20265 Red-crested Pochard, 5 Pintail, Garganey, 2 Great Egret, 5 Little Egret, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Dunlin, Ringed Plover, 10 Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper, Kestrel on Stones.Clive Ashton
22/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon of note: Turnstone (2); RPlover (5); Common Sandpiper (1); Pintail (2); Caspian Gull (ad) - the ‘regular’ bird, albeit spending much of its time at Ogston; YLGull (4) - 2Ads, 1st w, 2nd w;Richard Lowe
22/09/2026Garganey still at Millfields, 7 Pintail at Sheepwash, 2 Great Egret, Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, 3 Common Sandpiper, 6+ Dunlin, 6 Snipe, Kingfisher at WLC, Stonechat in the creek.CA/RPJ/AMD
21/09/2026No sign of Pectoral Sandpipers or Spotted Redshank this morning. Garganey at Millfields, 2 Great Egret, 3 Common Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit at Sailing Club, Greenshank at Wildlife centre, 2 Willow Tit and Stonechat in Wildlife Centre creek, loose flock of 6 Jay S/W over Millfields.CA,AHS
20/09/201912, Shoveler,2 pectoral sandpiper,1 Greenshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 40 Wigeon, 20 Gadwall, 2 Little Egret, 30 Pied wagtail, 2 Wheatear, 8 Mute swan, 1 Chiffchaff, 10 Little Grebe, Dropped in midafternoon for a quick walk started at Millfield's walked the Dam wall and back surprised that the waders didn't move on with the activity along the shore line.Dave Armitt
20/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon: YLGull (8) - Ad (7); 1st w (1). GBBGull (2) - Ad plus Juv/1st w; Herring Gull (3); GWEgret (1); Dunlin (5); R Plover (3); Pintail (2); Peregrine (1);Richard Lowe
20/09/2026Both Pectoral Sandpipers and the Garganey were at Millfields again this morning. Vismig from WLC creek involved 690 Meadow Pipits SW in 2 hours, 2 Skylarks, a Yellowhammer (Carsington mega!), 21 Swallows and 17 Linnets. On the dam wall early on, Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail, 100 Pied Wagtails and a Kingfisher. 13 Shoveler, 3 Wigeon, 4 Pintail, 6 Red-crested Pochard, 38 Common Pochard and a redhead Goosander. The juvenile Black-tailed Godwit was at sailing club early morning and later in Brown Ale Bay. 2 Yellow-legged, 2 Great Black-backed and 7 Common Gulls. 2 Great Egret. 2 Stonechat, a Redstart and 60 Goldfinch in WLC fields. Willow Emerald damselfly in BABay.SJR, CA, MW
19/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon:of note in the gulls - YLGull (7) - Ad (4), 2nd w (1), 1st w (2); HGull c4+; GBBGull 1st w. Plus GWEgret (1); Pintail (2+); Shoveller (10+). Surprisingly, no waders.Richard Lowe
18/09/2026The 2 Pectoral Sandpipers and Garganey were still at Millfields this morning, the Pecs even staying despite disturbance by a paddleboarder late morning. At least 11 species of wader, including c15 Ringed Plover, 5+ Dunlin, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone on Stones (courtesy of the Hattersleys), juv Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Ruff (per Dave H) at WLC. 6 Red-crested Pochard off Lane End. 2 Great Egret. Hobby circling late morning. Skylark over the main centre. Sand Martin over Stones (getting quite late for them now). Wheatear again on the dam wall. Light movement of Meadow Pipits (25+) and 70 Pied Wagtails out of their roost in Hopton reedbed early on.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
17/09/2026The 2 Pectoral Sandpipers and Garganey were again at Millfields this morning, plus a Greenshank. 13 Ringed Plover, 7 Dunlin and 4 Red-crested Pochard at Sheepwash, plus single Common and Great Black-backed Gulls. At least 2 Great and 5 Little Egrets. Peregrine enjoying the breeze with corvids over Hall Wood. Hirundines on the move included at least 40 Swallows and 50 House Martins. Wheatear on the dam wall.SJR, CA, MW
15/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon: Garganey (at about 6pm, then flew off towards Lane End); Pintail (2); YLGull (4) - 3Ads plus a 1st w; GBBGull 1 Juv; GWEgret (1); Ringed Plover (13); Dunlin (8+); Greenshank (1);Richard Lowe
15/09/2026This morning: The 2 Pectoral Sandpipers still present at Millfields along with the Garganey and a Greenshank. Sheepwash 15 Ringed Plover and 8 Dunlin. Stones/Wildlife Centre: Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper, 2f Red-crested Pochard and Great Egret.Clive Ashton
14/09/2026Short visit this afternoon: Total of 24 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 3 Common Sandpiper, Greenshank, Great Egret, 2 Pintail, 2 YL Gull, ad Caspian Gull.Clive Ashton
12/09/2026The 2 Pectoral Sandpipers are still here this morning, initially at sailing club/Horseshoe island and then at Millfields late morning. Monthly wildfowl count: 276 Canada, 59 Greylag, 23 Mute Swan, 1 Garganey, 29 Shoveler, 176 Gadwall, 10 Wigeon, 523 Mallard, 9 Pintail, 897 Teal, 5 Red-crested and 35 Common Pochard, 221 Tufted, 1 Goldeneye, 9 Moorhen, 839 Coot, 18 Little Grebe, 32 GCGrebe, 14 Ringed Plover, 9 Lapwing, 3 Common Sandpiper, 5 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 4 Snipe, 3 Little and 1 Great Egret, 8 Heron. The Gadwall and Mallard counts are both new site records.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
11/09/2026Another autumn day, another surprise: a Pectoral Sandpiper, first for the site (apparently present and photographed yesterday evening). Initially this morning at sailing club with a Ruff before being flushed; it was later relocated on Horseshoe island, there up to midday at least. The Little Stint was still at Sheepwash. Other waders: 14 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, 4 Common Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit. Duck included a juvenile Shelduck, 29 Shoveler, 14 Wigeon, 6 Pintail, the Garganey at Millfields, and 5 Red-crested Pochard. At least 1 Great Egret. Marsh Tit at Paul Stanley.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton et al.
10/09/2026Another excellent autumn morning. The Garganey was at Millfields early morning, an Osprey flew south at 09:30 and one Little Stint was at Sheepwash late morning. A juvenile-type Whinchat and a male Stonechat were in WLC creek mid morning; the Whinchat hung around for at least an hour. Totals of 566 Canada Geese, 171 Greylags, 12 Shoveler, 6 Pintail (in Brown Ale Bay), 2 female Red-crested Pochard, 16 Ringed Plover, 7 Snipe, 7 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank. 2 Redshank at Watersports were new and a Black-tailed Godwit flew west. Great Egret also at Watersports and a Hobby flew through. Totals of 21 Ravens, 70 Swallows, 10 House and 4 Sand Martins. 5 Jays flew over Hall Wood. Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall.SJR, RPJ, AMD, MW
09/09/2026One juvenile Little Stint was atill at Sheepwash early morning, and the Garganey again at Millfields. 1 Pintail at sailing club and 2 female Red-crested Pochard off Horseshoe island. 44 Pochard. 13 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, 8 Snipe, 2 Dunlin. Adult Yellow-legged Gull again. 2 Great Egrets, at Millfields and past Lane End. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end early morning. Totals of 120 Swallows and 70 House Martins. Spotted Flycatcher beyond the top of WLC creek.SJR, CA, MW
07/09/2026The 2 Little Stints were at Sheepwash early morning and later off Stones causeway, and the Garganey was still at Millfields late morning. 4 Pintail were the first of their autumn here. 15 Shoveler. 41 Pochard. 16+ Ringed Plover. 5 Dunlin. 3 Greenshank. 2 Ruff. 8+ Snipe. Adult Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls. Hobby over Stones. At least 14 Ravens (12 over Sheepwash early morning). Whitethroat on Stones. 20 Swallows and 15 House Martins.SJR, RPJ, AMD
06/09/2026Following are the (36) species identified on the monthly Birwatching for Beginners walk (10am-12noon), taking in Stones Island and as far as the screens by the Wildlife Centre: House Sparrow, Robin, Canada Goose, Ringed Plover, Little Stint, Dunlin, Ruff, Mallard, Gt Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Coot, Moorhen, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Cormorant, Mute Swan, Chiffchaff, Hobby, Red Kite, Buzzard, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Gadwall, Lapwing, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Swallow, Tufted Duck, Teal, Goldfinch, Blue Tit and BlackbirdGary Atkins
06/09/2026The Garganey was still at Millfields this morning, and 2 Knot at Sheepwash. Clive also had the 2 Little Stints there. 3 Ruff and 3 Greenshank. 20+ Ringed Plovers still. 2 Hobbies over Hopton end and at least 1 Reed Warbler in the reedbed. 30 each of Swallow and House Martin. 10+ Ravens.Simon Roddis
04/09/2026The excellent autumn continues, with an Osprey flying south at 08:05, 3 Knot still at Sheepwash, a new site record of at least 41 Ringed Plovers, and a Garganey - quite likely the one that was seen last week - at Millfields late morning. Also 8 Wigeon, female Red-crested Pochard, 30 Common Pochard, 3 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, the Marsh Tit still at Sheepwash, a Yellow Wagtail there, and a trickle of Swallows (48), House Martins (5) and a single Sand Martin.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
03/09/2026The 3 juvenile Knot and the Little Stint were again at Sheepwash this morning, although the stint relocated to Stones island mid-morning (per Ant Pooles). 32 Ringed Plovers, 2 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, 5 Dunlin, 4+ Common Sandpipers. Duck included 23 Shoveler, 2 female Red-crested and 40 Common Pochard, and 153 Greylags flew over the dam wall early morning. Great Egret still, and Kingfisher on the dam wall. c150 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall/sailing club.Simon Roddis
02/09/2026Popped back up to Sheepwash this evening: 3 juvenile Knot still, the Little Stint, 35 Ringed Plovers, 5 Dunlin, 9 Snipe, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 553 Teal.Simon Roddis
02/09/2026A very decent morning, mainly at Sheepwash hide because of the weather. Main highlights were 3 juvenile Knot, 2 Whinchats and a juvenile/winter-plumage Black-necked Grebe, with a supporting cast of 12 Ringed Plover, 16 Snipe, 2 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, adult and juvenile Caspian Gull, adult Yellow-legged Gull and Yellow Wagtail. Female Red-crested Pochard off Horseshoe island and 2 Willow Tits on Stones earlier.SJR, AHS, MW
01/09/2026The Little Stint was again off Stones causeway this morning. Totals of 22 Ringed Plover, 4 Greenshank and single Curlew and Ruff (at Sheepwash). There seemed to be far fewer waterfowl to me today, perhaps they've got fed up with the disturbance. Adult Caspian Gull on Sheepwash spit. 1,200 Jackdaws early morning and a total of 19 Ravens (no shortage of corvids at the moment!). Common and Lesser Whitethroats in WLC creek. At least 150 Goldfinches in total.Simon Roddis
31/08/2026Both Little and Tawny Owls were calling in WLC creek first thing this morning. The Little Stint was on Stones island early morning and later at Sheepwash, with 3 Dunlin. 2 Greenshank, 5 Common Sandpiper, 18 Ringed Plovers. Ruff at Sheepwash late am (CA,AHS). 560 Teal. 38 Shoveler (most of them in Brown Ale Bay). 8 Wigeon. 14 Pochard. 200+ Tufted Duck - Clive counted 185 at Millfields alone. Adult Caspian Gull at MIllfields early on, then on Stones. The Great Egret still around sailing club. 4 single Sparrowhawks. Hobby through Sheepwash (AHS). 4 GSWoodpeckers, including one flying up to mob a Raven! 900 Jackdaws over WLC creek early am. Total of 20 Ravens. Willow Tit on Stones. Totals of 74 Swallows and 10 House Martins. Spotted Flycatcher and female/juv Redstart in WLC creek, and another Spot Fly in Brown Ale Bay (AHS). 2 Meadow Pipits over WLC creek, my first here since April.SJR, CA, MW, AHS
30/08/2026Knot and Little Stint again around Watersports/Stones island this morning. 26 Ringed Plovers on Stones. 2 Ruff at Sheepwash. 6 Common Sandpiper. 3 Greenshank. At least 18 Shoveler, 7 Wigeon and 16 Pochard, but sadly the wildfowl were disturbed again by boats way up the reservoir. Great Egret still and Peregrine at Sheepwash. A late Swift flew with Sand Martins over Stones. 2 Willow Tits also on Stones, a flock of 100+ Goldfinches, and Dave H had a Wheatear on the shore.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD, MW
29/08/2026The Knot (on Stones) and at least 1 Little Stint (Stones and Sheepwash) were still at Carsington this morning. Totals of c20 Ringed Plovers, 8 Dunlin, 2 Ruff (Sheepwash), 3 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpipers (Watersports/WLC), 10 Snipe. 518 Canadas and 88 Greylags flew out over the dam wall early morning. Totals of at least 23 Shoveler and 32 Pochard. Adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls at Sheepwash late morning. The Great Egret still. Swallows (24) and House Martins (20) moving again but fewer than yesterday. Yellow Wagtail on Stones.Simon Roddis
28/08/2026Another entertaining morning. The Little Stint was still at Sheepwash and the Knot (probably just one) turned up there after being around Stones island early doors. Other waders included 20+ Lapwing, 12 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, 22 Snipe, 4 Common Sandpiper, 3 Greenshank and 11 Dunlin. A fresh-looking juvenile Marsh Harrier circled the Fishtail creek area from 10:35 to 11:15 at least, at one point playing around with a Common Buzzard. At least 19 Shoveler, could have been more but they kept moving around. 4+ Red-crested Pochard (2m,2 female-types) on the shore below Middle Wood. 6 Wigeon. Adult Caspian Gull on Sheepwash spit. The Great Egret still. Hobby through WLC creek and Peregrine over the north end. Total of 18 Ravens, including a flock of 15 flying SE, escorted off the premises by one of the local birds. At least 40 Swallows and 20 House Martins moving through. 5 Willow Warblers in the Stones to WLC area.Simon Roddis
27/08/2026The Knot and one juvenile Little Stint were on the shore of Stones island early morning, and presumably the same Little Stint later in front of Sheepwash hide. A flock of 11 Turnstones dropped into Sheepwash at 10:35. Totals of at least 9 Ringed Plover, 3 Little Ringed, 6 Common Sandpiper, 2+ Greenshank, 15 Snipe and 9 Dunlin. 14 Shoveler and 17 Pochard. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and Great Egret still. Marsh Tit calling in Sheepwash wood and Reed Warbler in Brown Ale Bay. 50 Goldfinches at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
26/08/2025JB found 2 Little Stints on the dam wall just after 19:00; they flew after about 10 mins but could easily still be around. Turnstone on Horseshoe island (JB) then calling over sailing club bay, perhaps RJL's bird from Sheepwash? And RJL's Garganey still at Lane End at 19:50. Colour-ringed Little Egret at Millfields and a Black-headed Gull 236B on Stones which I think was ringed as a nestling here in 2022. 3 Spotted Flycatchers still actively flycatching near Lane End at 20:20, I could even hear their bills snapping shut. Magical!Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
26/08/2026From Sheepwash early evening: Turnstone; Shoveller (11); Wigeon (1); Caspian Gull (Ad). From Lane End: Garganey (prob Juv.) with Teal flock, Greenshank (2); Dunlin (2); Caspian Gull 1st w; GBBGull (Juv);Richard Lowe
26/08/2026The Knot was still on Stones/Watersports island this morning, though sometimes disappearing from view. Other waders included 8 Ringed and 4 Little Ringed Plovers, Curlew, 18 Snipe, 8 Common Sandpipers, 3 Greenshank and 2+ Dunlin. Female Goldeneye (same as earlier in the summer) in Brown Ale Bay. 7 Shoveler and 7 Wigeon. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 47 Cormorant. Great Egret still and 11+ Little. Hobby over Stones again. 2+ Willow Tits in the Stones to WLC area. 2 Willow Warblers on Stones.SJR, CA, AHS
25/08/2026A Marsh Tit (calling and seen) at Brown Ale Bay this morning was a surprise. A visiting birder reported a winter-plumage Knot on Stones. Other waders included 5 Greenshank, Dunlin, Ruff, at least 4 Ringed and 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 6 Common Sandpipers and 12 Snipe. Totals of 429 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 3 Red-crested and 22 Common Pochard and 612 Coot. Long-stayers included the adult Caspian Gull from Sheepwash hide and the Great Egret at Watersports. 2 Kingfishers in Shiningford creek. A Hobby low over Stones and the Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis
24/08/2026From Lane End hide early evening: Osprey flew south over Dam Wall at 5.55pm causing mass panic in the gull flock on Sailing Club Is.An obvious Juv/1st w Caspian Gull in the gull roost later. GWEgret in front of hide.Richard Lowe
24/08/2026Birds of note from this morning, 16 Snipe, 7+ Common Sandpiper, 4+Greenshank, 8 Ringed Plovers, 1 Ruff, possible Green Sandpiper and Wood Sandpiper in BABay but sun was making observation very difficult, 3 singing Willow Warblers, 1 Caspien Gull at Sheepwash and Great White Egret in Water Sports bay.AHS, CA.
23/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was right up in Shiningford creek this morning; perhaps it has been there for the last couple of days when we haven't seen it. 3 Shoveler at Sheepwash and 3 Red-crested Pochard still. Juvenile Black-tailed Godwit still at sailing club, 4 Greenshank, 10 Snipe, Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover. Great Egret still at Watersports. Hobby over WLC creek. At least 1 Willow Tit on Stones. Warblers included Cetti's still in Hopton reedbed and Whitethroat there, Sedge Warbler on Stones, 3 Willow Warblers. Spotted Flycatcher in Sheepwash carpark.SJR, CA, MW
22/08/2026Best moment of the morning was at 09:51, 18 minutes after Robin Elliott had told me that 4 Turnstones had flown through Ogston Res and were heading in the Carsington direction. Lo and behold, 4 Turnstones flew past Stones island. Marvellous! A close second was a lovely juvenile Sanderling found by Clive on Stones. The juvenile Black-tailed Godwit was still at sailing club, and other waders included single Ruff, Redshank and Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, at least 1 Ringed and 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 6 Snipe and 4 Common Sandpipers. Adult Yellow-legged and Herring Gulls. The Great Egret still and 15 Little. A kettle of birds over the east side included 10 Ravens, 7 Buzzards and 3 Red Kites. Kingfisher and Yellow Wagtail along the dam wall, and another Yellow Wag over Stones. Willow Tits on Stones and in WLC creek. Totals of at least 50 Swallows and 80 House Martins.SJR, CA, MW
21/08/2026Seemed a bit quieter today (21st), certainly fewer waders, although a fresh juvenile Black-tailed Godwit was new. 3 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpipers, 6 Snipe, 2 Ringed and a Little Ringed Plover. 6 Curlew flew W over the WLC. 3 Red-crested Pochard at Sheepwash. 41 Cormorants. The Great Egret still. Single Hobby and Peregrine. Whitethroats at Sheepwash and WLC creek. 2 Spotted Flycatchers in Sheepwash carpark.SJR, AHS, CA, RPJ, AMD
21/08/2026Osprey flew over our heads by wildlife centre late morning. Fantastic it was so close, great view.Alan Ball
20/08/2026The highlight this morning was 2 Cattle Egrets on the shore of Stones island, from 07:30 to 09:30 at least. The Wood Sandpiper was still near the WLC. Not quite so many waders as a few days ago but still 3 Greenshank, 2 Green and 7 Common Sandpipers, 7 Snipe, 3 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plovers and a Dunlin. Female Red-crested Pochard in Brown Ale Bay. 3 Shoveler and 3 Wigeon. The Great Egret still. Hobby past the top of WLC creek and a Redstart still in the fields. Willow Tits in WLC creek and on Stones. Whitethroat on Stones and at least 2 Yellow Wagtails in the area. 175 House Martins, a few Swallows and a late Swift flew W after a heavy shower late morning.Simon Roddis
19/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was again in its favoured area at the Watersports end of Horseshoe island this morning. Totals of 5 Greenshank, 6 Common and 3 Green Sandpipers, 6 Snipe, 27 Lapwing. Juvenile Shelduck on Stones. Adult Common Tern off Lane End. The adult Caspian Gull and Great Egret still. Willow Tit, Reed Warbler and 2 Willow Warblers on Stones. Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
18/08/2026Evening visit: an Osprey circled the Sheepwash area 18:20-18:30. At least 3,500 Lesser Black-backs came into roost by 9pm. Wood Sandpiper, Greenshank, Ringed Plover and 2 Oystercatchers from the dam wall. c500 Jackdaws and 100 Rooks went to roost in Tail Bay.Simon Roddis
18/08/2026Osprey flying over at WLC.Christina Kennedy
18/08/2026Another decent morning, with a total of 11 species of wader, including the Wood Sandpiper still, 6 Green Sandpipers, 3+ Greenshank, 5 Dunlin, 2 Ringed and 2 Little Ringed Plovers, a flyover Golden Plover and an Oystercatcher. 6 Arctic Terns flew through and a juvenile Common lingered for a while. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. Egyptian Goose still, 3 Wigeon off Stones and eclipse male Red-crested Pochard on Horseshoe island. Great Egret still at Watersports. Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed. Willow Tit on Stones and 3 Yellow Wagtails flew S.SJR, AHS, CA
17/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Caspian Gull (2) - Ad and 1st s; YLGull (2) Ads; GBBGull (1) 1st s; Greenshank (2) juvs; Snipe (2); Shoveller (2).Richard Lowe
17/08/2026A Turnstone, Ringed Plover and Greenshank were at the sailing club end of the day wall early morning, and a drake Common Scoter out in the middle. The Wood Sandpiper was still around Horseshoe island and the adult Caspian Gull off Stones. Total of 5 Green Sandpipers. Adult Great Black-backed Gull eating a dead Coot! The Great Egret still off Stones causeway. Kingfisher and Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall. c50 Swallows at the draw-off tower and a total of c120 House Martins there and over Shiningford. Whitethroat at Hopton end and 4 Reed Warblers in different spots.Simon Roddis
15/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: YLGull (2) - Ad plus Juv; GBBGull Ad; GWEgret; Watersports/Wildlife hide: Wood Sandpiper juv; Green Sandpiper (3+), Common Sandpiper (4+); Dunlin (2) juvs; Greenshank (3) juvs; Ruff juv; Snipe (4);Richard Lowe
15/08/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 105 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 21 Mute Swans plus 3 cygnets, 8 Shoveler, 118 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 354 Mallard, 264 Teal, 3 Red-crested Pochard, 6 Pochard, 136 Tufted, 30 Moorhen, 726 Coot, 14 Little Grebe, 47 GCGrebe, 26 Lapwing, 1 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Common, 4 Green and 1 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 1 Ruff, 5 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 27 Cormorant, 12 Little and 1 Great Egret, 9 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher. Plus Cetti's Warbler in Hopton reedbed, Peregrine, Golden Plover (JB) and 2 Black-tailed Godwits (Mike R) over, adult Caspian Gull.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
14/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon of note: Caspian Gull 1st s; YLGull (3) - 2 Ads plus juv; GBBGull 1st s; Pochard (f); GWEgret (1); From Wildlife Hide/Watersports: Yellow Wagtail juv; Dunlin juv; Ruff (2) juvs; Green Sandpiper (3+); Common Sandpiper (4+); Snipe (5); GWEgret (1);Richard Lowe
14/08/2025A Cetti's Warbler was calling in Hopton reedbed first thing (first of the year as far as I'm aware). 5 Green Sandpipers, 2 Ruff, 7 Dunlin and 6 Snipe around Watersports/Horseshoe island. 4 Shoveler and the 2 drake Red-crested Pochard in Brown Ale Bay. Great Egret on the back of Watersports island. Kingfisher and Willow Warbler at Hopton end, and a small trickle of southbound Swallows and House Martins overhead.Simon Roddis
13/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was again between Watersports and the WLC this morning. Total of 8 Green and 4 Common Sandpipers, 2 Greenshank, 2 Ruff, 4 LRP, 6 Dunlin. Egyptian Goose in Brown Ale Bay. Great Egret at Sheepwash. Willow Warbler at Hopton end and juvenile Common Whitethroat on Stones.Simon Roddis
12/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was still around Horseshoe island this morning, along with much of its supporting cast, including 6 Green Sandpipers, 2 Ruff, Ringed Plover, 4 LRP and a Curlew. 6 Shoveler. 96 Teal around Brown Ale Bay, and the female Red-crested Pochard there too. In one hour early morning, 159 Woodpigeons flew S and 19N, plus 14 Stock Doves S. Single adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls. 36 Cormorant. The Great Egret again, 11 Little Egrets and 12 Grey Herons. Kingfisher in WLC creek. Redstart and Wheatear in WLC fields. Yellow Wagtail over Stones island. Unfortunately, a paddleboarder caused huge disturbance of the waterfowl around Sheepwash and BABay. I don't know if they're allowed that far up the res but I'll certainly be raising it with STW.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
11/08/2026The juvenile Wood Sandpiper was still in the Watersports area this morning, along with Ruff and Greenshank. 6+ Dunlin, 4 Green and 7 Common Sandpipers. 3 juvenile Shelduck on Watersports island late morning. Single Shoveler and Wigeon at WLC. Adult Common and Yellow-legged Gulls and first-summer Great Black-back. 2 Peregrines over the north end. c100 Swallows at the draw-off tower. Garden warbler on Stones island, and another birder had a juvenile Wheatear.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
10/08/2026Waderfest continued this morning: Wood Sandpiper still around Horseshoe island, a moulting adult Sanderling at sailing club, probably 2 each of Ruff and Greenshank, 10 Dunlin, at least 3 Green Sandpipers. 4 Shoveler in Brown Ale Bay. 2 juvenile Common Terns off Stones. Adult Caspian Gull on Horseshoe island. Peregrine over the north end. Total of 4 Willow Tits. Garden Warbler and Whitethroat on Stones. Family party of 5 Spotted Flycatchers near Lane End bombing tower.SJR, AHS, MW
09/08/2026Wood Sandpiper was a welcome addition to the roll call of waders this morning, initially on Watersports island and later on the sailing club side of Stones causeway. Total of 7 Green Sandpipers (another new record), Greenshank, Ringed Plover, 2 LRP, 5 Common Sandpipers, 6 Dunlin. At least 5 Shoveler, the Wigeon still and the 2 eclipse male Red-crested Pochard. The Great Egret still and 14 Little Egrets. Kingfisher at sailing club. Whitethroat in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
08/08/2026The second-summer Mediterranean Gull was again on the dam wall early morning. Waders included 6 Green and 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Greenshank, 11 Dunlin, Ringed Plover and 3 Little Ringed. Great Egret still. 3 Garden and at least 6 Sedge Warblers on Stones.Simon Roddis
07/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide of note this afternoon: YL Gull (2) Juvs; RC Pochard (2) eclipse drakes; Peregrine; Green Sandpiper (1); From Watersport's Is / Stones Is causeway early evening: Green Sandpiper (4+); Common Sandpiper (6+); Dunlin (8); Greenshank (1) juv; Redshank (1) juv; Ringed Plover (2); Bl T Godwit (1) Ad; Snipe (1);Richard Lowe
07/08/2026A pretty productive morning, starting with a second-summer Mediterranean Gull on the dam wall and a female Common Scoter off sailing club island. Waders included 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Little Ringed, 5 Green Sandpipers (a new site record), 8 Common Sandpipers, 10 Dunlin and a Greenshank. 21 Mute Swans plus the 3 cygnets. Female-type Wigeon in WLC creek. 2 Shoveler. The Great Egret still. Kingfisher at Millfields. 120 Swallows on the dam wall. Common Whitethroat on Stones and a Redstart in WLC fields. Total of 6 Grey Wagtails and 50+ Pied.SJR, CA, AHS
06/08/2026There must have been a small arrival of waders overnight, with at least 8 Common Sandpipers, 2 Green Sandpipers, 3 Dunlin, a Turnstone and Little and Common Ringed Plovers mainly around Stones/Watersports. 6 adult Arctic Terns flew S past Stones at 07:55. 2 Common Terns. 71 Teal is also an increase since yesterday. 2 Shoveler at sailing club. 16 Little Egrets and the Great Egret still. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. Hobby flew low up the res past Stones. Small numbers of hirundines on the move.Simon Roddis
05/08/2026From Sheepwash hide late afternoon, 6 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Caspian (adult and juvenile) and juvenile Common Gull. 53 Teal and Green Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay.Simon Roddis
05/08/2026Shorter than usual visit this morning. Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Snipe in Brown Ale Bay. 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin and 2 Ringed Plover around Watersports island. Redshank and Great Egret off Stones causeway. Green Woodpecker and Whitethroat at Hopton end. 41 Teal. Willow Warbler and Willow Tit on Stones.Simon Roddis
04/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide of note late afternoon: YLGull (5) - Ad (3); 1st s; Juv; GBBGull 1st s; plus Wigeon (female/juv).Richard Lowe
04/08/2026A Turnstone flew over the dam wall at 06:35 and later over Stones with a flock of Lapwings at 08:50. A Green Sandpiper was on Watersports island and later in front of the WLC. Other waders included 3 juvenile LRPlover, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Curlew. 3 Red-crested Pochard (2m,1f) in sailing club bay. 1 Shoveler. 3 Common Terns. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Great White Egret again. Willow Tit near WLC. c100 Swallows at the draw-off tower early morning and a total of c75 House Martins. 2 Garden Warblers, a Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler on Stones. Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
03/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide early evening, gulls of note on the spit: Caspian Gull (1st s); YL Gull (5) - Juv (2), 1st s (2), Ad (1); Common Gull (Juv) - my first of the autumn; GBBGull (1st s).Richard Lowe


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
2018-08-06Species 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 WrenGary Atkins
2018-08-06160+ Tufted Duck, in two groups, at Hopton end at 0900Gary Atkins
2018-08-05A 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
2018-08-04A 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
2018-08-038 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
2018-08-02The 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
2018-08-01No 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
2018-07-31Highlight 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
2018-07-30Small 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
2018-07-27A 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
2018-07-26I 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
2018-07-26Caspian 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
2018-07-25Several Purple Hairstreaks along bottom track of Hall Wood mid afternoon (thanks JonB). 1 Spotted Flycatcher in Penn Carr this evening.Roger Carrington
2018-07-25Adult 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
2018-07-249+ Purple Hairstreak Butterflies between Hopton reedbed and the south end of the Gorse field mid evening.John Bradley
2018-07-23On 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
2018-07-22An 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
2018-07-21Shiningford Creek area between 8:30 and 10:00. Pair of Bullfinches, Pair of Linnets and a Pair of Redstarts feeding 2 young.ERIC DEWHURST
2018-07-20A 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
2018-07-18This 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
2018-07-173 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
2018-07-163 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
2018-07-1515 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 FlycatcherDavid Armitt
2018-07-1599 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 ChaffinchDavid Armitt
2018-07-14Forgot to mention Reed Warblers with food in BA Bay and Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis
2018-07-14An 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
2018-07-137 Common Scoter off Stones Island at 08:30hrsRoger Carrington
2018-07-1260 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
2018-07-1035 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
2018-07-05Just 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
2018-07-04At 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
2018-07-03Pair 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
2018-07-01Species 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 GooseGary Atkins
2018-06-30At 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
2018-06-2922 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
2018-06-257 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
2018-06-252 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
2018-06-235 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
2018-06-22Drake 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
2018-06-211 sp Dunlin at Sheepwash, 1 Little Ringed Plover Stones, Spotted Flycatcher Brown Ale Bay, 2 Redstart WLC Creek.Neil Moulden
2018-06-2115+ 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
2018-06-17Monthly 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
2018-06-112 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 GooseDavid Armitt
2018-06-106 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
2018-06-08Female 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
2018-06-071 Common Sandpiper, 2 Ringed Plover on Stones at 08.15. Neil Moulden
2018-06-03Birdwatching 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, LapwingGary Atkins
2018-06-021 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
2018-06-011 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
2018-05-3110 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
2018-05-28One 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
2018-05-27Two 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
2018-05-2710 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
2018-05-26A 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
2018-05-25No 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
2018-05-253 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
2018-05-243 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
2018-05-234 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
2018-05-22Perimeter 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
2018-05-214 Black Terns from 7:00pm till dusk feeding off Lane End.John Bradley
2018-05-213 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
2018-05-202 Turnstones on Sailing Club Island 07:50hrs.Roger Carrington
2018-05-19This morning Spotted Flycatcher WLC Creek, Blackcap at Lane EndERIC DEWHURST
2018-05-182 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
2018-05-16An 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
2018-05-15Quiet 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
2018-05-13The 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
2018-05-12The 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
2018-05-11The 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
2018-05-10The 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
2018-05-08The 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
2018-05-081 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
2018-05-06Following 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 CormorantGary Atkins
2018-05-06The 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
2018-05-05The 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
2018-05-04A 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
2018-05-03Evening 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
2018-05-03The 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
2018-05-02Stones Island 16-15 Great Northern Diver off stones 2 artic terns and swift overhead.Dave Horsley
2018-05-02Quite 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.
2018-05-013 Common Sandpiper late afternoon on Stones. At least 5 Little Ringed Plover.Neil Moulden
2018-05-0121 Arctic Terns at 16.00 hrs. 1 imm Little Gull.Neil Moulden
2018-04-301st summer Little Gull and GNDiver still off Stones Island 0830hrs.Roger Carrington
2018-04-29GN 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
2018-04-291 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
2018-04-28Little gull from Stones Island hideTom Aspinall
2018-04-26this 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
2018-04-25The 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
2018-04-24Afternoon 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
2018-04-24A 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
2018-04-22A 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
2018-04-21Singing 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
2018-04-203 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
2018-04-19At 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
2018-04-17From 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
2018-04-16A 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
2018-04-15Re 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
2018-04-15Monthly 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
2018-04-15Can 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
2018-04-1413 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

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