Recent Sightings

DateSightingName
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
03/08/2026Green Woodpecker and Kingfisher at Hopton end first thing. Willow Tit in Brown Ale Bay and 17 Mistle Thrushes at Sheepwash. Around Stones and Watersports, Egyptian Goose, Oystercatcher, 25 Lapwing, Ringed Plover, 2 juvenile Little Ringed Plover, Redshank, Snipe, Great Egret and Whitethroat. Juvenile Peregrine buzzing Horseshoe island. Willow Warbler and Clouded Yellow in WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
02/08/2026GW Egret and YL Gull (Ad) from Sheepwash Hide late afternoon; Dunlin (2) (Ad and Juv) off Stones Is causeway.Richard Lowe
02/08/2026Species noted during today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Canada Goose, Mallard, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Pied Wagtail, Willow Tit, Blckbird, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper, Common Tern, Gt Crested Grebe, Long-tailed Tit, Treecreeper, Magpie, Swift, Chiffchaff, Woodpigeon, Linnet, Sedge Warbler, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Robin, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch, Blackcap, Red Kite, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Wren, Swallow, Greylag Goose, Grey Heron, Gt White Egret, Little EgretGary Atkins
02/08/20262 Greenshank were on Horseshoe island but were flushed and went around the back of Watersports island. A Great Egret flew in and landed at Lane End. 3 Shoveler at WLC. Small numbers of Woodpigeons moving already, 74 S and 20 N 06:00-07:00. Single Snipe, Redshank and Oystercatcher from Stones causeway. The adult Caspian Gull again at Watersports and the Yellow-leg at Sheepwash. 2 Kingfishers in Tail Bay and 150 Swallows on the dam wall early morning. Willow Tit at Sheepwash. Reed Warbler and Whitethroat on Stones.Simon Roddis
01/08/2026An adult Sandwich Tern was off Millfields early morning, last seen (by us, at least) from Stones island, gaining height at 08:55. Pair of Common Terns too. At Watersports, adult Caspian Gull and single Oystercatcher and Redshank. One Ringed Plover over Millfields. Female Shoveler from WLC. 26 Teal. 10 Little Egrets. Juvenile Peregrine at Sheepwash and a family party (3+) of Spotted Flycatchers in the wood there. Willow Tits on Stones and at WLC. 55 House Martins over the main centre. Reed and Willow Warblers on Stones. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
31/07/2026A few waders today, the best being a Turnstone which flew in and appeared to land on the back of Watersports island at 08:30. Two Black-tailed Godwits flew SE off the dam wall early on but there were then 3 on Watersports island. 3 juvenile Redshank were new, as was a juvenile Oystercatcher. 1 Curlew. Lapwings have increased to at least 22. Adult Caspian Gull still at Watersports. Eclipse male Shoveler still. 3 adult Common Terns. Willow Tits on Stones and in WLC creek. 100+ Swallows.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
30/07/2026An Avocet dropped onto sailing club shore just before 06:00 but soon flew south; however, presumably the same bird flew off Watersports island at 07:45, but we didn't see it again. Drake Common Scoter off Millfields. Adult Caspian Gull at Watersports late morning and the adult Yellow-legged Gull still too. 2 eclipse male Red-crested Pochard from WLC. 1 Shoveler off Stones. Pair of Common Terns still. Willow Tit on Stones causeway. 120 Swallows around the draw-off tower early morning, and a total of at least 45 House Martins. Willow Warbler again singing in WLC creek, and Dave H had a Redstart in the fields.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
29/07/2026A juvenile Spotted Flycatcher was near the WLC this morning (very thin on the ground here this year) and the adult Caspian Gull was again on Watersports island. A mobile Green Woodpecker at Millfields was perhaps the same bird as on 20 July, and a female Yellow Wagtail was on the viewing area. 20 Mute Swans, plus 3 cygnets still. 15 Little Egrets. Pair of Common Terns. 4 Common Sandpiper and the Redshank still. 2+ Garden Warblers on Stones and a Common Whitethroat in WLC fields. 2 Muntjac near Millfields island.Simon Roddis
28/07/2026This morning, 11 Teal, the female Red-crested Pochard from WLC, 6 Common Sandpiper, 1 Redshank, 3 Dunlin, 1 Common Tern, adult Yellow-legged Gull at Millfields, Willow Warbler singing in WLC creek, Garden Warbler on Stones, 16 Mistle Thrushes over Shiningford.Simon Roddis
27/07/2026From Watersports Is of note early this evening: Mediterranean Gull (Juv) still present, also seen here on 24th and 25th July.Richard Lowe
27/07/2026Another Marsh Harrier (the second in two days) flew SW at 10:40 this morning. A Peregrine also put in a couple of appearances. The female Red-crested Pochard was at Watersports. One Redshank, 5 Common Sandpipers, 2 Dunlin and 2 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls in Brown Ale Bay early morning. c12 Little Egrets. 26 Cormorants. 2+ Willow Tits (Stones and WLC). Reed Warbler with food in Hopton reedbed. Common Whitethroat in Warbler Corner on Stones.SJR, CA, MW
26/07/2026Bird of the morning was a Marsh Harrier which Alan Stewardson saw flying down the res from Sheepwash hide at 07:15. Waders included 6 Dunlin, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 4+ Common Sandpiper and single Redshank and Oystercatcher. Adult Caspian Gull again on Watersports island. 3 Common Terns. 10+ Little Egrets.Simon Roddis
25/07/2026A drake Common Scoter was off Millfields this morning, and 3 juvenile Goosander off the dam wall. 20 Mute Swans. 2 adult Black-tailed Godwits in Brown Ale Bay, 3 summer plumage Dunlin on Watersports island, 1 Redshank and 4 Common Sandpiper. 3 Common Terns. 12 Little Egrets. Kingfisher in Tail Bay. 150 Swallows and a Skylark on the dam wall (I wonder if the Swallows had roosted there?). 10 Sedge Warblers around Stones island and a Garden Warbler in Warbler Corner.Simon Roddis
23/07/2026One Black-tailed Godwit was on Horseshoe island this morning. 5 Common Sandpipers and 1 Dunlin. Adult Caspian Gull at Watersports. Adult Yellow-legged Gull in Brown Ale Bay was turfed off its meal by a pair of Ravens. The female Red-crested Pochard is now also in BABay. 16 Pochard. 10+ Little Egrets and 9 Grey Herons. 120 Swallows around the draw-off tower early on. 2+ Garden Warblers on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
22/07/2026Gulls of note from Sheepwash Hide and Watersports Is / jetty this afternoon: Caspian Gull (3) - Ad (the ‘regular’ bird), 1st s, 3rd s (probable hybrid); YLGull (4) - Ad (2), 2nd s (2), Juv. ; GBBGull 1st s; Excellent views from Sheepwash Hide at the moment.Richard Lowe
22/07/2026Highlights this morning were a juvenile Mediterranean Gull (found by Mike Redfern) on Watersports island, a Whimbrel south over Stones island, 5 Common Terns (4 adults, 1 juv), 2 Shoveler still, 5 Common Sandpipers and the adult Yellow-legged Gull.Simon Roddis
21/07/2026From Sheepwash hide mid-afternoon of note, YLGull (5) - Juv (my first of the year), 1st s, 2nd s (2), Ad.Richard Lowe
21/07/20266 Black-tailed Godwits on Horseshoe island mid-morning had arrived in 2 groups of 3. Other waders were 1 Oystercatcher, 12 Lapwing, 2 Curlew, 1 Redshank, 1 Snipe and 5 Common Sandpipers. Adult Caspian, second-summer Yellow-legged and GBb Gulls at Watersports. 2 Common Terns. 2 Shoveler off Horseshoe island and a redhead Goosander flew N. The female Red-crested Pochard still at Shiningford but, sadly, she appears to have lost her ducklings. 10 Little Egrets. 2+ Willow Tits (Stones and WLC). c100 Swallows and 30 Sand Martins, mostly around the draw-off tower early morning. Willow Warbler at Millfields, 6 Garden Warblers on Stones and Sedge Warbler with food in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
20/07/2026A Green Woodpecker was calling at Millfields mid-morning and a juvenile Peregrine flew over. 18 Mute Swans plus 3 cygnets. Egyptian Goose at Watersports. 15 Teal. 12 Pochard. Single Curlew and Black-tailed Godwit and 2 each of Redshank and Common Sandpiper. The regular adult Caspian Gull off Watersports then from WLC. 3 Common Terns. 6 Little Egrets. 2+ Garden Warblers in Warbler Corner on Stones and a Whitethroat at Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
19/07/20262 Black-tailed Godwits this morning, one each on Horseshoe and Watersports islands. 3 Common Sandpipers and 5 Redshank. Female Red-crested Pochard still at Shiningford. Pair of Common Terns. 3 Little Egrets. Kingfisher from WLC. c20 Sand Martins. Yellow Wagtail over the dam wall, first of the autumn.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
18/07/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 819 Canada Geese, 134 Greylag, 1 Egyptian, 16 Mute Swan (plus 3 cygnets), 103 Gadwall, 260 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 10 Teal, 15 Pochard, 134 Tufted, 20 Moorhen, 481 Coot, 11 Little and 55 GCGrebe, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 15 Lapwing, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 2 Common Tern, 23 Cormorant (plus 7 over), 5 Little Egret, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Common Gull, 1 second-summer Yellow-legged and the probable Caspian x Yellow-legged hybrid.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
17/07/202620 Swift, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Reed Bunting, 4 little Egret, 6 Redshank & one with young on water sports island, 7 Lapwing, 9 Cormorant, 3 Sedge Warbler, 5 Pied wagtail, 1 Buzzard, 3 Little grebe, 4 Blackcap, 1 Sparrow Hawk, 1 Garden Warbler, 15 Goldfinch, 7 Pochard, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Willow Tit WLC creek, 1 Bullfinch, 3 Swallow, 1 Reed WarblerDave Armitt
15/07/2026216 Swifts flew N in 2 hours this morning, plus another 10 around the visitor centre. 5 adult Black-tailed Godwits on Watersports island. Pair of Mute Swans still with 3 cygnets at Shiningford, and the female Red-crested Pochard with 4 young. 2 Little Egrets. Juvenile Sedge Warbler in Hopton reedbed, presumably a migrant starting its southward journey.Simon Roddis
14/07/2026This morning, one Egyptian Goose in Brown Ale Bay, female Red-crested Pochard with 4 young at Shiningford, Black-tailed Godwit still on Watersports island, 3+ Common Sandpipers at WLC, adult Caspian Gull on Flat Island early morning, at least one Common Gull, c200 Lesser Black-backs, 19 Cormorant, c400 Coot, Willow Tit singing near the main carpark.SJR, CA, MW
13/07/2026A small northerly movement of Swifts this morning, a total of 79 heading into the wind. Black-tailed Godwit still on Watersports island, a Curlew at sailing club and a Whimbrel flew S. Adult Caspian Gull (looks like the bird that has been here the last couple of years) on Watersports jetty. 108 Gadwall, 12 Pochard (plus 2 broods) and the female Red-crested Pochard still with young. 2 Little Egrets. Hobby over sailing club. Willow Tit on Stones. Linnets are starting to gather in the meadows south of Sheepwash, at least 10 there this morning.Simon Roddis
22/07/2026Biggest surprise of the morning was the appearance of a brood of 3 Mute Swan cygnets being walked off Horseshoe Island to the water by 2 adults; presumably they had nested out of sight on the island. Adult Black-tailed Godwit on Watersports island. Common Sandpiper at Sheepwash. 10 Pochard, plus 2 broods from WLC. Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Millfields. 2 Little Egrets. Juvenile GSWoodpecker near PS hide. 2 Willow Tits at Penn Carr/Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
10/07/2026A female-type Goldeneye was in Brown Ale Bay this morning, a very dowdy bird looking very much like the one that was here last summer. 5 Teal. 9 Pochard. Female Red-crested Pochard now with just 3 young as far as I could see. 230 Coot. 9 Lapwing. First-summer Caspian Gull on Watersports jetty. Common Gull there too. Adult Common Tern. 2 Little Egrets.Simon Roddis
09/07/20263 drakes Common Scoters between Stones Island and Millfields this morning. 4 Teal. Female Pochard with 2 young from WLC, plus 4 males. 16 Mute Swans. Pair of Common Terns off the dam wall. Redshank still with 2 young. 1 Little Egret. Richard's possible Caspian Gull hybrid on Watersports jetty.Simon Roddis
08/07/202674 Gadwall from WLC this morning. 12 Mute Swans. 2 new broods of Coot, one of GCGrebe and 4 of Mallard. Redshank still with 2 chicks on Watersports island. Total of 3 Common Sandpipers. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and c100 Lesser Black-backs. 2 Willow Tits (Stones and WLC). Reed Warbler with food in Hopton reedbed and a Whitethroat there. R&A had a Kingfisher at Millfields.SJR, RPJ, AMD
05/07/2026Mid-evening on Watersports jetty: Caspian Gull (3rd s) - probably a hybrid due to darkish upperparts and yellow legs (as YLGull) but Caspian structure. Plus YLGull (ad).Richard Lowe
05/07/2026Species recorded during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Mallard, Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Cormorant, Canada Goose, Gt Crested Grebe, Magpie, Blackbird, Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Coot, Red Kite, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Buzzard, Little Egret, Moorhen, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Chiffchaff, Dunnock, Woodpigeon, Swift, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Goldfinch, Blackcap, Long-tailed Tit, Swallow, Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler, Red Crested Pochard (f plus six chicks), Blacktailed Godwit (3 flying over), Oystercatcher, Robin and Song Thrush (40 was well up on expectations) Three Curlew were also seen later in the afternoon from the Wildlife CentreGary Atkins
05/07/2026Quiet on a short visit this morning: Redshank still with 2 young on Watersports, 6 Pochard, 2 Teal, 2 Egyptian Geese, 1 ad Yellow-legged Gull.Clive Ashton
03/07/20266 Swift, 3 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing 1 Great White Egret of stones, 4 Chiffchaff, 8 Sedge Warbler, 2 Blackcap,2 Long tailed tit, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Willow Tit on stones, 14 Goldfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Common Sandpiper on sailing Club ,1 Buzzard, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 TealDavid Armitt
30/06/2026The main highlight this morning was an adult Redshank with 2 small young on Watersports Island. Fresh Mallard broods of 9+6 at Sailing Club, fresh Coot broods 3+1, 2 Pochard, f Red-crested Pochard, 2 Teal, c10 Lapwing, ad YL Gull, Herring Gull, 6 Swift around VC. Roger and Alison had Common Sandpiper and Little Egret at Millfields, Whitethroat a d Willow Tit on Stones.Clive Ashton/RPJ/AMD.
19/06/20263 Little Egret , 6 Oystercatcher, 1 Teal, 1 Little Grebe, 61 Greylag, 3 Blackcap, 8 Chiffchaff, 7 Sedge Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Long tailed tit, 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Lesser black backed GullDavid Armitt
14/06/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 1,182 Canada Geese (plus many broods), 331 Greylag (plus at least 16 broods), 7 Mute Swan, 3 Egyptian Geese, 10 Gadwall, 56 Mallard, 2 Pochard (plus broods of 1 and 4), 45 Tufted (plus a brood of 5 at WLC), 1 Moorhen, 149 Coot (plus 4 broods), 3 Little Grebe (plus 1 brood), 40 GCGrebe (plus 3 broods), 16 Oystercatcher (including some fully grown young), 2 Redshank, 2 Common Tern, 9 Cormorant, 2 Heron. Plus a total of 8 singing Reed Warblers, Goldcrest with food at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
13/06/2026There are 5 Common Scoters (4m,1f) out in the middle this morning. Egyptian Goose, first-summer Yellow-legged Gull and Common Gull still at Watersports. 125 Coot. Peregrine over Hall Wood. c100 Sand Martins around Stones.Simon Roddis
10/06/2026A Ringed Plover was at sailing club this morning, and a Redshank at Watersports. First-summer Common Gull, Egyptian Goose, 2 drake Red-crested and 2 drake Common Pochard still. 94 Coot. Skylark singing along the dam wall. In Tail Bay, a Kingfisher, pair of Common Whitethroat with food and a family party of GSWoodpeckers. 2 Reed Warblers singing in WLC creek and another 3 in Hopton reedbed. 50 Sand Martins. Grey Wagtail with a fledged youngster at Millfields and another pair at the sailing club end of the day wall.Simon Roddis
09/06/2026Adult Mediterranean Gull again over the WLC this morning. New brood of 5 Gadwall at Shiningford. The 2 drake Red-crested Pochard still on Horseshoe island, now starting to moult. 40 Swifts and 40+ Sand Martins feeding. First-summer Common Gull at Watersports. Garden Warbler with food at Millfields.Simon Roddis
07/06/2026Species noted today during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): Mallard, House Sparrow, Canada Goose, Oystercatcher, Greylag Goose, Tufted Duck, Coot, Great Crested Grebe, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Blackcap, Swift, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mute Swan, Buzzard, Carrion Crow, Robin, Sedge Warbler, Dunnock, Reed Bunting, Swallow, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Gadwall, Little Grebe and WrenGary Atkins
07/06/2026Garden Warbler with young (and alarm calling) near the WLCGary Atkins
07/06/2026A pair of adult Mediterranean Gulls flew in over WLC creek 09:45. Spotted Flycatcher in the top of Hall Wood and Pied Flycatcher singing briefly and calling in Warrington Knob. 2 drake Red-crested Pochard still at Watersports and 2 (separate) Egyptian Geese. 70+ Coot. 2 Peregrines over the north end. Willow and Garden Warblers with food in Hall Wood. Redstart still singing at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
02/06/2026This morning, 3 Red-crested Pochard (2 males and the long-staying female) were off Stones causeway, 9 Mute Swans, at least 50 Swifts feeding over the east side after the rain, 61 Coot (plus 4 chicks at sailing club), second-summer Mediterranean Gull still, adult Herring Gull, a Hobby flew across the res east to west, 10 Ravens, Reed Warbler singing on Stones causeway and a pair of Garden Warblers with food near WLC.Simon Roddis
25/05/2026Fairly brief visit this morning, I shudder to think what it'll be like up there today. Single Common Tern, the second-summer Mediterranean Gull still, one first-summer Common Gull still resisting the urge to fly north, 1 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, Garden Warbler with food at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
21/05/2026A Hobby flew past the main centre and over the road early morning, first of the year here. An Arctic Tern flew S past Stones island and a Ringed Plover flew over. First-summer Yellow-legged, Great Black-backed and Common Gulls, plus the first Black-headed Gull chick on Horseshoe island. 3 Barnacle Geese. Chiffchaff with food on Stones.Simon Roddis
20/05/2026An Arctic Tern flew past Stones island at 08:35 this morning and an Osprey flew south between 08:45 and 08:50. 2 Barnacle and 2 Egyptian Geese. 16 Swifts including 8 screaming around the main centre. 2 Redshank and 1 Dunlin. Mick had Pied Flycatcher still singing in Hall Wood.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson


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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