Recent Sightings

NameSightingDate
DN, MW, RPJ, AMD,AHSThis morning from Stones Island, 1 Little Egret, 1 Great White Egret, 1 Yellow legged gull, 75 Pink Feet Geese, at least 4 Skylarks over, 1 Dunlin, Oystercatcher still present, Willow tit, groups of Redwings fly down East Bank. From WLC creek, 1 Coot, 1 Redkite, Siskins and Redpolls in the Alder trees.22/10/2025
Dave NewcombeIn addition to Simon's post: 2 Shoveler and 13 Pochard at Millfields. Chiffchaff on Stones island. Ducks counted at Lane End whilst I was sheltering from the rain: 50 Wigeon (exact count), 33 Gadwall. 370 Teal. There were a few more Teal but they got flushed before I could finish. 5 Skylark over SW. From Sheepwash: A break in the weather allowed 4 Buzzards, 2 Red Kites, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk to come out. The latter flushing 25 Redwings on far side. A Common Sand again (maybe a different bird to last week). c25 Linnets. The gull roost held c10'000 birds. Adult Caspian. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. 4 Herring Gulls. 500 Common Gulls by 17.30hrs.20/10/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonA reasonable morning given the conditions, the following all from Sheepwash hide: female Goldeneye (first of the autumn), Common Scoter off Fishtail, presumably the same as yesterday, 2 Dunlin, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 1 Little and 3 Great Egrets, 21 Gadwall, 37 Wigeon, Peregrine, Rock Pipit and a late Wheatear (possibly Greenland?).20/10/2025
SJR, CA, MW, JBIn 2 hours from Stones island this morning, 50 Pink-footed Geese SW, 1,098 Woodpigeons S, 5 Stock and 4 Collared Doves, 16 Golden Plover, 4 Great Egret (3 NE, 1 S), 16 Skylarks, 483 Starling, 739 Redwing, 170 Fieldfare. One drake Common Scoter still off the east side, 30 Pochard, 4 Lapwing, 2 Peregrine, Yellow-legged Gull.19/10/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonBest bird for me this morning was a calling Little Owl, my first there for donkey's years. 4 Common Scoter (2 drakes) were again off Fishtail Creek so perhaps part of yesterday's flock. An hour's vismig from Stones produced 265 Woodpigeons, 260 Starlings, 484 Redwing, 20 Fieldfare and 12 Chaffinch. 28 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at about 09:30. 2 Curlew and a Dunlin flew past Stones, a Ringed Plover was at Sheepwash and the Oystercatcher still on Horseshoe island. Adult Caspian and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls still. c600 Common Gulls departed early morning and 750 Jackdaws noisily left their roost. Female Pintail at Sheepwash.18/10/2025
Simon RoddisAnother 5 Common Scoter (1m, 4 female/juvs) this morning - it's been a good week for them. Female Pintail past Stones. A bit of movement included 68 Woodpigeons, 5 Stock Doves, 10 Skylarks, 31 Starling, 186 Redwing and 17 Fieldfare. Single Redshank and Dunlin, and 2 Snipe. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. c3,000 Black-headed Gulls first thing. Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed, and Crossbill over. Male Stonechat in the overflow carpark. Chiffchaff and Blackcap still on Stones.17/10/2025
Simon RoddisLate afternoon visit: c5,000 Lesser Black-backs had come into the roost by 18:30. Shelduck still at Sheepwash, along with 2 Redshank, adult Caspian Gull, Herring Gull. Also 4 Yellow-legged Gulls and a Dunlin (per RJL). 46 Cormorants. 50 Starlings, presumably going to roost somewhere.16/10/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonClive found this morning's star bird, a juvenile Gannet sitting out on the water, present to midday at least. 6 Common Scoters (an adult drake and 5 lovely barred juveniles) were off the dam wall and a Rock Pipit flew over. A few birds moving, with totals of c650 Redwing in random directions, 80 Fieldfare, 180 Woodpigeons, 11 Stock Doves, 13 Skylarks and 10 Swallows. Adult Caspian Gull still and 2 adult Yellow-legs. Single Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Ringed Plover and Dunlin. Drake Pintail off Lane End and at least 18 Pochard. Total of at least 90 Siskin.15/10/2025
Simon RoddisA flock of 22 Common Scoters (7 males, 15 females) was between Stones island and Millfields this morning. Total of 134 Redwing through. 9 Coot, more than double the number on the WeBS count on Sunday! 64 Wigeon, 200 Teal and a Dunlin in front of Lane End hide, plus the adult Caspian Gull snaffling multiple crayfish of the invasive Signal variety. At Hopton end first thing, the Cetti's Warbler (actually seen!) and 4 calling Tawny Owls. c60 Siskin in WLC creek.14/10/2025
Dave NewcombeIn addition to Simon's post. 4 Little Egrets. 115 Greylags. 17 Wigeon. 6 Gadwall. 3 Pochard. 3 Ringed Plover on the dam. 22 Skylarks SW including a flock of 16. c30 Linnets on stones island then presumably the same flock at Sheepwash. A few Redwing calling through the gloom at Millfields first thing and 10+ in Sheepwash woods. At Sheepwash: 2 Dunlin. A late Common Sandpiper. Adult Caspian Gull. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 225 Common Gulls. The roost held in excess of 2'000+ each of both BHG and LBBG.13/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe first Fieldfare of the autumn was on Stones island this morning, and at least 2 more in WLC creek. At least 20 Redwing there too. At one point there were 5 species of thrush in one tree (sadly no Ring Ouzel). Cetti's Warbler and Water Rail still in Hopton reedbed. The Oystercatcher and adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 3 Little Egrets flew in and landed below the dam wall.13/10/2025
Simon RoddisMonthly wildfowl count: 240 Canada, 195 Greylags, 3 Mute Swans, 9 Gadwall, 24 Wigeon, 143 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 162 Teal, 3 Pochard, 110 Tufted, 5 Moorhen, 4(!) Coot, 6 Little Grebe, 38 Great Crests, 1 Oystercatcher, 31 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher. (Compare those numbers with last month, the low water level clearly proved too much for a lot of birds.) Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed. 50 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 10:18. 12+ Crossbills over Hall Wood. Seem to be more Blackbirds around, at least 10 on Stones.12/10/2025
Simon RoddisA Brambling was among the Linnets, Goldfinches and Meadow Pipits on Watersports island this morning. c2,500 Black-headed Gulls from Millfields first thing, and a flock of 21 Ravens flew E. The Great Egret, Oystercatcher, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still present. 2 redhead Goosander.11/10/2025
Dave Armitt5 Grey Heron, 19 Cormorant, 8 Pochard, 4 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 2 Raven, 2 Jay, 30 Meadow Pipit, 40 Goldfinch, 1 Great White Egret , 1 Peregrine, 1 Red Kite,4 Greylag10/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cetti's Warbler was still in Hopton reedbed this morning. 140 Pink-footed Geese flew E at 10:28. 3 Pintail still. 2 redhead Goosander. c4,000 Lesser Black-backs and 370 Common Gulls flew out over WLC creek early morning. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. Great Egret at sailing club. 2 Stonechats in Tail Bay. Totals of 7 Skylark, 6 Chiffchaff, 30 Starling SW, 14 Bullfinch (8 at Penn Carr), 35 Goldfinch, 20 Siskin, 2 Crossbill.10/10/2025
Simon RoddisA pretty decent morning. A Cetti's Warbler was singing in Hopton reedbed early on, with Water Rail also calling there and Crossbill and a redhead Goosander over. 2 Whooper Swans, the Grey Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Pintail, adult Caspian Gull and Great Egret were on the shore off Lane End/Sheepwash. 48 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 08:30. The Oystercatcher was still at Watersports and 6 Lapwing, 6 Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin at sailing club. Male Peregrine on his favourite pylon. 18 Skylarks included a flock of 13 S. Stonechat and Wheatear at the sailing club end of the dam wall.08/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe Grey Plover and Black-tailed Godwit were still at Lane End this morning, and 4 Ringed Plover there and later at sailing club. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls. 115 Common Gulls flew out early morning. 3 Pintail. 2 Pochard. 2 Great Egrets at Watersports, but only 1 Little Egret. Totals of 6 Collared Doves, 9 Skylarks, 6 Greenfinch, 20 Linnets, 16 Redpoll and 65 Siskin. Roger and Alison had 10 Whooper Swans fly SE early on.07/10/2025
Dave NewcombeA Marsh Harrier (looked like a juvenile) came over from the east and continued west with several Gulls giving it some attention. 4 Red Kites. One over hall wood, and another 3 first appeared over Millfields before slowly drifting north towards hopton end. Peregrine. Kestrel. 3 Buzzards and a female Sparrowhawk enjoying the warm autumn sunshine. The 6 Whooper Swans were still viewable from Sheepwash at 18.30. 13 Linnets on the dam wall.06/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe Grey Plover was still between Sheepwash and Lane End this morning, and the Little Stint at sailing club. 6 Whooper Swans arrived mid-morning (apparently as a 4 and a 2). Long-stayers included the Great Egret, Oystercatcher and adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls. A bit of movement included (mostly in an hour on Hays Lane) 55 Chaffinch, 12 Crossbills, 7 Redpoll, 16 Siskin, 41 Meadow Pipits, 12 Skylarks, 13 Woodpigeon and 7 Stock Dove. 3 Pintail. Total of 10 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover and the Black-tailed Godwit also reportedly still here. At Hopton end first thing, 2 calling Tawny Owls and Water Rail.06/10/2025
Gary AtkinsSpecies recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Robin, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Great Egret, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Kestrel, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Little Grebe, Gt Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, Blackbird, Goldfinch, Long-tailed Tit, Willow Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coot05/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe juvenile Grey Plover (found by Richard L at Sheepwash yesterday) was at Lane End this morning and the Little Stint again at sailing club. Other waders were single Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Little Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit and Green Sandpiper (again at WLC), 4 Dunlin and 5 Ringed Plovers. 68 Wigeon. 5 Pintail. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Great Egret still. Wheatear below the dam wall (sailing club end, found by Mike R).05/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe juvenile Little Stint was again at the sailing club end of the dam wall this morning, along with the 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plover. Oystercatcher still at Watersports and Black-tailed Godwit at Lane End. Rock Pipit(s?) flew over Stones island and the dam wall. Juvenile Common Tern and Great Egret still. c100 Common Gulls off Sheepwash first thing. 70 Meadow Pipits, 80 Goldfinch and 2 Snipe at WLC. 40 Siskins over the main carpark.03/10/2025
Simon RoddisA juvenile Little Stint was at sailing club this morning; it later flew towards Millfields with 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plover. A Green Sandpiper was at the WLC and the Black-tailed Godwit still at Lane End. Nice juvenile-type Wheatear on the dam wall. Great Egret, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls all still present.02/10/2025
Simon RoddisSeveral late/long-stayers were still around this morning: Great Egret, Black-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, Common Tern. Finally caught up with 2 Stonechats from Sheepwash hide. At Lane End, 450 Teal, 3 Pintail and 21 Wigeon.01/10/2025
Simon RoddisA Rock Pipit flew S over Stones causeway at 09:55, typical autumn date. Off Stones island first thing, 2,000 Black-headed and 75 Common Gulls. Just 2 Pintail this morning, and 35 Wigeon. Long-stayers included the Great Egret, Common Tern, Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin. 12 Skylarks over. c60 Linnets at sailing club and 10 Redpoll in WLC creek.30/09/2025
Dave NewcombeIn addition to Simon's earlier post. No sign of the recent Cattle Egret in its usual spots, despite several observers on site. 8 Grey Herons. 16 Pintail. 5 at Lane End + the 11 Simon found earlier. 3 Shoveler. Just 3 Lapwings. Peregrine and Red Kite at Sheepwash. A single Snipe there was hunkered down and seemingly invisible to the above Peregrine c20 yards away. The Snipe then took off and the Peregrine gave chase. Outcome unknown. 4 Stonechats at Sheepwash around the large boulders. Still 5 Chiffchaff including one in song. Kingfisher at Paul Stanley. The gull roost held 4'500 possibly 5'000 LBB Gulls. Adult Caspian Gull. 2 adult YLGulls. I was counting Common Gulls on the point to the right of Sheepwash. I got to 66 when they all took off. Numbers probably exceeded over 100. Not many BHGulls in.29/09/2025
Simon RoddisBird of the morning was a juvenile Black Tern which Dave Newcombe found off Millfields, still there to 09:00 at least. Juvenile Common Tern still too. 2 Redwing, Water Rail and Crossbill at Hopton reedbed early morning. 11 Pintail off Stones and 42 Wigeon at Sheepwash. Black-tailed Godwit again between Sheepwash and Lane End, and 6 Ringed, juvenile Little Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin at sailing club. Great Egret still. 14 Common Gulls. 2 Willow Tits on Stones and 18+ Skylarks over, including a flock of 12 S. Wheatear on the dam wall. 8+ Redpoll.29/09/2025
Dave ArmittEarly afternoon visit 20 Meadow Pipit,8 little Grebe, 3 Grey Heron,1 Great White Egret, 50 Pied Wagtail, 1 Cattle Egret between sailing club and visitor centre catching insects, 3 Dunlin, 3 LRP, 2 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Garganey Wildlife Centre bay amongst the Mallards28/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret was still around Watersports this morning, plus a Great and 6 Little Egrets elsewhere around the res. The first Redwing of the autumn, plus 4 Crossbills, 4 Skylarks and a redhead Goosander, flew over Stones island. 7 Ringed Plover, juvenile Little Ringed and a Dunlin at sailing club and the Oystercatcher still at Watersports. c1,000 Jackdaws out of their roost early morning, 200 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall and a total of 30+ Siskins.27/09/2025
Neil Moulden (NJM)Cattle Egret still present, 3 Common Scoter off Stones Island at 10.20 hrs, 9 Ringed Plover and 5 Dunlin at Sailing Club.25/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Little Stint was still present this morning, initially at Millfields then flying to sailing club. The Cattle Egret was again around Watersports and adult Caspian Gull on the shore at Lane End. 3 Dunlin and 9 Ringed Plovers. Single Oystercatcher and Common Tern still. Tawny Owl and Kingfisher at Millfields first thing. Willow Tits on Stones and in WLC creek. Wheatear on the dam wall. Total of at least 100 Meadow Pipits. Redpolls over Stones and WLC creek.22/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret and Oystercatcher were at Watersports again early morning. At Millfields, 14 Ringed Plover, 6 Dunlin, Great Egret and Yellow Wagtail. Peregrine on pylon beyond WLC creek. At Sheepwash, single Red-crested Pochard and Pintail, 35 Wigeon, 25 Pochard and adult Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls.20/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret and Oystercatcher were still at Watersports this morning (and presumably the same Oystercatcher later at Millfields with 4 Dunlin and 15 Ringed Plover, per CA). Less movement than I'd have expected: 30 Swallows, 16 House Martins, 63 Meadow Pipits, 20 Linnet, 48 Siskin and a Redpoll. Mistle Thrush singing at Sheepwash.19/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret was again at Watersports early this morning. Vismig 0630-0900: 1 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 133 Swallows, 15 House Martins, 2 Grey Wagtails, 217 Meadow Pipits, 5 Chaffinch and 16 Siskin, all S or SW. 6 Pintail, 3 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers and adult Caspian Gull at Sheepwash. 15 Ringed Plovers at Millfields.18/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret was feeding on Watersports island early afternoon. 5 Pintail, 3 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, single Common and Herring Gulls and 3 Yellow-legs at Sheepwash. 7 Ringed Plovers at Millfields. 2 Yellow Wagtails (Sheepwash and Millfields).17/09/2025
Simon RoddisEvening visit: 5,250 Lesser Black-backed Gulls came in to roost. 37 Barnacle Geese at Sheepwash (the feral flock returns!). Hobby over sailing club at dusk. 1 Ruff. 100 Swallows. The Cattle Egret reportedly still present.16/09/2025
Simon RoddisYesterday's Cattle Egret was at sailing club late morning, feeding well. Looked much happier than it did yesterday! A mobile female Common Scoter landed in front of Sheepwash early morning but flew to Fishtail and then towards the dam wall. 105 Greylags, 6 Pintail still and one female Red-crested Pochard. 1 Curlew flew N. Adult Caspian Gull from Lane End hide. Yellow Wagtail at sailing club.16/09/2025
Simon RoddisA site record 970 Teal this morning, over 900 of them at Millfields alone. Other duck included 7 Pintail, at least 18 Shoveler and 26 Wigeon, and a female Red-crested Pochard. 10 redhead Goosander flew up the res early morning. 76 Greylags. 18 Ringed Plovers (most of them juvs) at Millfields late morning. The juvenile Oystercatcher still, 2 Ruff and a Common Sandpiper. Adult Caspian Gull still. 50+ House Martins flew through. 70+ Meadow Pipits. First Redpoll of the autumn over Sheepwash. Clive had a Whinchat at sailing club mid-morning until it was flushed.14/09/2025
Neil Moulden (NJM)Osprey from Sheepwash Hide at 17.20 hours for 10 minutes before flying off towards the dam.12/09/2025
Simon RoddisAround 700 Teal were at Millfields this morning, plus the 6 Pintail and 11 Ringed Plovers. Oystercatcher still on Horseshoe island, 1 Snipe, 1 Ruff and 2 Common Sandpipers. 2 juvenile Common Terns still. 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Great Egret still. A bit of movement, with a total of 68 Meadow Pipits, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 20 Siskin, 4 Linnet and 3 Crossbills.13/09/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonNo sign of the ibises or yesterday's Manx Shearwater this morning. 33 Shoveler, 31 Wigeon and 3 Pintail at Sheepwash. Total of 6 Ringed and 4 Little Ringed Plovers. 1 Common Sandpiper and 2 Ruff. 2 juvenile Common Terns. Great Egret still. Pair of Peregrines playing with a Buzzard. 2 Willow Tits on Stones. Female/juv Wheatear at sailing club.12/09/2025
Dave Newcombe/Chris BrownManx Shearwater found on water at Sheepwash c17.50hrs. It was drifting and doing some flapping but was still present from Sheepwash car park c19.15 per Clive Ashton.11/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe 2 Glossy Ibises were still in front of Sheepwash hide this morning. 6 Pintail. 1 Red-crested Pochard. Single Ringed plover and Ruff. 3 probable Black-tailed Godwits briefly over Stones. Great Egret on Horseshoe island. Adult and juvenile Common Terns and 2 juvenile Arctics.10/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe 2 Glossy Ibises were still at Sheepwash this evening. 21 Wigeon. Ruff and Black-tailed Godwit from Sheepwash hide. c4,000 Lesser Black-backs came in to roost by 8pm. Adult Caspian, 5 Yellow-legged, 2 Common and 500 Black-headed Gulls.09/09/2025
Simon RoddisCarsi joined in the Glossy Ibis fun this morning, with 2 from Sheepwash hide, looking fairly settled to 11:00 at least. Earlier on, 507 Pied (site record) and 1 Yellow Wagtail left their roost on Watersports island. Supporting cast of 3 Shelduck, 4 Pintail, 7 Wigeon, 2+ Red-crested Pochard, 8 Lapwing and 2 Ruff at Sheepwash, Redshank at sailing club and Greenshank over WLC creek, 2 Common Terns and 23 Little Egrets.08/09/2025
Amanda PalethorpeBird walk for beginners. House sparrow, great egret, little egret, cormorant, mute swan, Canada goose, great crested grebe, black-headed gull, pied wagtail, carrion crow, buzzard, lesser black-backed gull, red kite, chiffchaff, goldfinch , swallow, oystercatcher, common gull, greylag goose, blue tit, great tit, coot, moorhen, woodpigeon, gadwall, greenfinch, long-tailed tit, robin, little grebe, mallard, tufted duck07/09/2025
Simon Roddis, Jon BradleyMonthly wildfowl count: 87 Canada, 89 Greylags, 21 Mute Swan plus 4 cygnets, 1 Shelduck, 40 Shoveler, 66 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 380 Mallard, 518 Teal, 3 Red-crested Pochard, 84 Common Pochard, 236 Tufted, 1,343 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 29 Little Grebe, 36 GCGrebe, 5 Ringed and 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 1 Dunlin, 2 Common Terns, 64 Cormorants, 21 Little and 1 Great Egret, 10 Herons. 7 Curlew flew W.07/09/2025
Richard LoweOf special note from Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Garganey (1) with Teal just off the shoreline in front of the hide; Pintail (2); YLGull (4) ads; GBBGull (1) ad; Common Gull (1) ad;06/09/2025
Simon RoddisA steady morning, but nothing exceptional. Wildfowl included 760 Canadas, 59 Greylags, 22 Mute Swans plus 4 cygnets, 1 Shelduck, 15 Shoveler, 380 Teal, 1 Red-crested Pochard and 34 Common Pochard. The Great Egret still. Kingfisher on the dam wall and Peregrine on pylon beyond WLC creek. Total of 9 Jays. At least 60 Swallows and 50 House Martins. Yellow Wagtail over Millfields. Totals of c35 Siskin and 200 Goldfinch.06/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe ringed Osprey was around again this morning, seen by Clive early on at Sheepwash and presumably the same bird later flying down the reservoir. At least 2 Pintail still, the juvenile Shelduck, 4 Red-crested Pochard and 400+ Teal at Millfields. Waders included 4 Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Ruff and 2 Greenshank. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 22 Little Egrets. Kingfisher below Middle Wood. Hirundines included a minimum of 85 Swallows and 100 House Martins. Reed Warbler still in Hopton reedbed and 2 Lesser Whitethroats in WLC fields. 1 Yellow Wagtail over and 18 Meadow Pipits heading south.05/09/2025


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
01/05/2021A female Red-breasted Merganser was off the WLC around 10:00. The GNDiver still off Stones island. c100 Sand Martins, 100 Swallows and 20 House Martins.Simon Roddis
30/04/2021A Black Tern came into Millfields around 11:00, first seen by Jon Bradley. Still present distantly from Millfields at 12:15 but not seen subsequently. Perimeter count with Alan S: 8 Willow Tit, 95 Blue Tit, 39 Great Tit, 14 Long-tailed Tit, 27 singing Willow Warblers, 102 Chiffchaff (77 singing), 6 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 68 Blackcap (58 singing), 10 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser White, 7 Common White, 8 Goldcrest, 119 Wrens (114 singing), 80 Blackbird (37 singing), 36 Song Thrush (19 singing), 19 Mistle Thrush (8 singing), 103 Robins (77 singing), 4 Redstart, 27 Dunnock (23 singing), 10 Chaffinch, 9 Bullfinch. Also, at least 1 Hobby, 5+ Swifts, the GNDiver now looking very summery and still c30 Fieldfare at Hopton end.SJR, AHS
29/04/20211 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper and what I think we're 3 Ringed Plover on the shoreline in front of the sailing club at 15.30 today. They were structurally correct, but I couldn't make out the white wing bars on their many forays out over the water. Also a Garden Warbler on Stones Island causeway and another near the Wildlife Centre, as well as a pair of Willow Tits by the WLC and a Common Whitethroat nearby.Paul Bennett
29/04/2021Another productive morning but just 2 Arctic Terns N today, after yesterday's bonanza. The GNDiver showed very well just off Stones island. A female Brambling at Watersports was unexpected, and the site's 3rd record of Cetti's Warbler was confirmed by STW rangers John and Mike when they heard it singing in Fishtail Creek after Brian Boothby said he thought he heard one yesterday evening. 35 Herring Gulls, all immatures of various ages. A Greylag/Canada Goose pair have 2 small young under Middle Wood, along with a brood of 5 pure-bred Greylags. Hobby over Millfields and Peregrine over Stones. 100s of hirundines again, most Swallows and Sand Martins but c20 House Martins too. Lesser Whitethroat singing in WLC creek, and 3 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed. 3 Yellow Wags.SJR, RC, AHS
28/04/20214:15pm arrival at WLC for 3 Avocet (still present as of 6pm), seen on the end of Shiningford Island and briefly spooked by a passing boat. 3 Little Gulls through North at 4:53pm. 75+ Arctic Terns with a couple of Commons mixed in. 10+ Swift but only 2 House Martin was a surprise, otherwise hundreds of hirundines mostly Swallows and Sand Martins. Other notable species included pair Dunlin, single Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper all by Sailing Club. Oystercatcher and Redshank also. A host of Warblers on Stones included Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Sedge Warbler.Sam Goddard
28/04/20213 Avocets flew into the WLC at 07:30, found by Alan S, still present late morning. An excellent movement of Arctic Terns: the first went through just before 07:00, a few more before 09:00 and then an arrival of almost 100 birds between 09:45 and 10:02. Most moved through but about 50 lingered for a while, feeding between Fishtail creek and Millfields. A Hobby flew across the res mid-morning. 2+ Swifts and masses of hirundines, mainly Swallows and Sand Martins. Lesser whitethroat singing on Stones island. Great morning! The Avocets and 80 Arctic Terns still present at 16:00 (per RC).SJR, AHS, JB
27/04/2021A summer plumage Grey Plover was on the dam wall early morning, and a Great Egret flew through at 11:20, departing SE. The GNDiver off Stones island all morning. 2 male Mandarin in Tail Bay. 1 Swift again from Stones. 1 Dunlin. 3 Common Sand. 1st-summer Yellow-legged Gull from Stones. Red Kite over the east side. c200 Sand Martins, 20 Swallows and 10 House Martins. 2 Garden Warblers on Stones/causeway. Somewhat unexpectedly, c200 Fieldfare over the north end. 3 Yellow Wags over the dam wall.Simon Roddis
26/04/2021My first Swift of the year from Stones island this morning, and the GNDiver patrolling offshore. 2 Shelduck. 3 Common Sandpiper and 1 Dunlin at Sailing Club. 2 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed. 3 Yellow Wags.Simon Roddis
25/04/20214 Sedge Warbler, 2 Wren, 21 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Willow Tit, 9 Pied Wagtail, 14 Greylag Goose, 9 Gadwall, 4 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Little Ringed Plover , 11 Cormorant, 2 Redshank, 2 Dunnock,, 2 Barnacle Goose, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Goldfinch, 2 Moorhen, 6 Swallow, 30 Sand MartinsDavid Armitt
25/04/2021The GNDiver was off Stones island much of the morning. At Millfields early morning, a Common Tern, a female Bar-tailed Godwit on the island and 2 male Yellow Wags on the dam wall. Dunlin at sailing club. c30 Herring Gulls early morning. A Garden Warbler singing on sailing club island (first of the year) and 8 singing Sedge Warblers around Stones. Male Redstart again in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
24/04/2021Saturday morning's highlight was a flock of 13 Little Gulls (mixed ages: adults, 1 2nd-summer, 2 1st-summer) which were off Millfields island for about 15 mins 09:45-10:00 before flying high E. Also: 2 Arctic Terns flew N at 10:20, 3 female Bar-tailed Godwit and a Whimbrel at Millfields early morning, all later flew N, 3 Shelduck, the GNDiver off Stones, 5 Sedge Warblers singing around Stones, 2 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed, 2 Yellow Wag E over Stones.Simon Roddis
23/04/2021At 1405, a Red Kite flew (outbound) over the dam wallGary Atkins
23/04/2021The GNDiver was off Stones island all morning. A female Bar-tailed Godwit initially on sailing club shore then flew towards Millfields (don't believe the message on Birdguides which said it was the same male as the last few days - it wasn't). 1 Whimbrel flew S early morning. 2 Common Sand. 1 Shelduck. 1 2nd-summer Yellow-legged Gull. 10 Buzzards. 3 Sparrowhawk. Peregrine over the north end. 6 singing Sedge Warblers (5 around Stones, 1 at Penn Carr). Somewhat surprisingly, a flock of c60 Fieldfare flew S mid-morning. 2 Yellow Wag over Stones.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
21/04/2021A decent morning. The GNDiver and the Bar-tailed Godwit still present (just saw the Barwit in flight heading for Horseshoe island). 9 Icelandic race Black-tailed Godwits were on Horseshoe and later left NW. A male Marsh Harrier over Millfields/Tail Bay for c15 mins around 09:15 (found by JB). 2 Red-legged Partridge again at Penn Carr. 2 Common Sandpiper. 1 Dunlin. c70 Sand Martin and 30 Swallow. Common Whitethroat on Stones. Redstart still singing in WLC fields. 3 Yellow Wags (1 on Stones, 2 in Shiningford creek).Simon Roddis
20/04/2021GNDiver still off Stones this morning, and the Bar-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe island to 08:00 at least. First Reed Warbler back in Hopton reedbed. Female Shelduck - quite vocal, I don't think I've heard one call at Carsi before. 2 Goldeneye. 5 singing Redstarts. 3 Yellow Wags. Pair of Red-legged Partridge again at Penn Carr. 1 Dunlin. The Oystercatchers on Horseshoe island have 4 just-hatched young. c30 Herring and 8 GBbGulls.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
19/04/2021Whimbrel flying with Bar-tailed Godwit towards Horseshoe Island early afternoon; 2 LR Plover and a Dunlin on Horseshoe Is.Richard Lowe
19/04/2021A male Bar-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe island this morning (first of the year). The GNDiver was pretty close to Stones island for much of the time. 2 Shelduck at Sheepwash. Just 1 Sedge Warbler still, on Stones island, and Redstart again singing in WLC fields. 2 Yellow Wags. Brood of 11 small Mallard ducklings in Brown Ale creek.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
18/04/2021The GNDiver is heading further into summer plumage. A 1st-summer Caspian Gull was on the raft in sailing club bay early morning. 130 Fieldfare N. Redstart singing at Hopton end. First brood of 12 Mallard ducklings off Stones.Simon Roddis
16/04/2021The GNDiver was still off Stones island this morning; it's beginning to look quite spotty above and blotchy around the head - by the end of the month it should look really good. 3 Goldeneye (2m,1f) still. 6 Fieldfare at Hopton end. Singing male Redstarts in WLC fields and at Shiningford. 6 Redshank. 2 Curlew. Pair of Red-legged Partridge at Penn Carr.Simon Roddis
14/04/2021Osprey at 15.40 seen from sheepwash car park.John Follett
14/04/2021An Osprey flew high N at 11:05 this morning. GNDiver still there and now heading into breeding plumage. A 2nd-calendar-year Med Gull flew past Stones island and a Greenshank flew in, first of the year. 2m Wigeon. Red-legged Partridge at Penn Carr. 2 Common Sand. 6 Redshank. Peregrine over Hopton end. Sedge Warbler still on Stones and Redstart still in WLC fields. 1 Redwing. 15+ Siskin at Penn Carr.Simon Roddis
13/04/2021The GNDiver still off Stones island this morning. 2 Black-tailed Godwits flew over the WLC looking for somewhere to land but kept going NW. Male Common Whitethroat in WLC creek (found by Mike Redfern). 3 Curlew. 2 Common Sand at Millfields. 12 GBbGulls and 6 Herring early morning. Redstart again singing in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
12/04/2021An excellent morning, though couldn't find the RnGrebe. The adult GNDiver off Stones, adult Caspian Gull on raft in Sailing Club bay early morning, female-type Marsh Harrier N through Hopton end at 11:15, 12 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 11 Teal, male Goosander N, 11 Oystercatcher, 1 Common Sand at Sailing Club, 11 GBbG early morning - presumably roosted, 100+ Sand Martin, Sedge Warbler singing on Stones, 50 Fieldfare and 1 Redwing N at Penn Carr, male Redstart singing in WLC fields, Yellow Wag and 50 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall. 78 species.SJR, RC, AHS
11/04/2021Monthly WeBS count: GNDiver, RnGrebe, 49 GCG, 17 LGrebe, 15 Cormorant, 169 Canada, 28 Greylag, 66 Mallard, 4 Teal, 9 Gadwall, 78 Tufted, 4 Goldeneye, 2 Common Scoter, 73 Coot, 7 Moorhen, Common Sand, 5 Redshank, 9 Oyc, 1 Lapwing, 1 Curlew. 30+ Meadow Pipits (20 in Hopton fields, 10+ on the dam wall). JB had Sedge Warbler singing briefly on Stones island, Yellow and 2 White Wags.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
11/04/20212 Oystercatchers, 1 Redshank, 3 Wren, 2 Song Thrush, 4 Pied Wagtail, 10 Great Crested Grebe, 50 Sand Martin , 20 Swallow, 2 Barnacle Goose, 6 Greylag Goose, 4 Chiffchaff, 6 Blue tit, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Blackcap, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew , 4 Gadwall, 4 Little GrebeDavid Armitt
08/04/2021The RnGrebe and GNDiver off the dam wall/Stones island this morning. Male Redstart in WLC creek. 8 migrant Wigeon. 1 Peregrine. Swallow numbers definitely up today, 50+, Sand Martins similar, House Martins in single figures.SJR, RPJ, AMD, AHS
07/04/2021The RnGrebe and GNDiver again from the dam wall this morning. (Apologies if this is getting a bit repetitive ?.) 36 Fieldfare and 5 Redwing at the Hopton end early morning. 100+ Sand Martin again, 20 Swallows and at least 2 House Martins. 5 Herring Gulls flew N early morning, probably roosted overnight. 5 Redshank. Struggling for new migrants though.Simon Roddis
06/04/2021RnGrebe and GNDiver still. The Barn Owl put in an appearance in Tail Bay early morning. 100+ Sand Martin, 10 Swallows. 16 Gadwall. Pair of Mandarin. 2 GBbGull including the one-footed adult. Still c100 Common Gulls in daytime roost. Chiffchaff nest-building, Mistle Thrush and Oystercatcher sitting.Simon Roddis
04/04/2021Species seen (but not counted) during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon, Stones Island-WLC): Sand Martin, Swallow, Song Thrush, Kestrel, Jackdaw, Dunnock, Canada Goose, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Mallard, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Coot, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Black-headed Gull, Robin, Common Gull, Greylag Goose, Barnacle Goose, Great Northern Diver, Red-necked Grebe, Blue Tit, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Reed Bunting, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Cormorant, Carrion Crow, Mute Swan, Great Tit, Tree Sparrow, Willow Tit, Snipe, Redshank, Sparrowhawk, Gadwall, Teal, Oystercatcher, ShovelerGary Atkins
04/04/2021Red-necked Grebe and GNDiver still this morning. First Common Sand of the year at the Millfields end of the dam wall first thing. A few new duck suggests some movement last night: 23 Shoveler (new site record), 24 Teal and 2 Wigeon. Migrant duck usually sit out in the middle of the res, and this lot had clearly read the book 😉 8 Goldeneye still. 2nd-w Yellow-legged Gull. Fewer hirundines than yesterday, just a few Swallows and Sand Martins. 37 Fieldfare flew N.Simon Roddis
03/04/2021This morning, the Red-necked Grebe and GNDiver were on their normal beats. 2 Shelduck flew in at 09:00, still there at 11:00. 6 Snipe at WLC/WLC creek. 8 Crossbills flew NE over Millfields. 50 Sand Martin, 30 Swallows and 2 House Martins at Sheepwash. Total of 15 Tree Sparrows. Plenty of Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps, 1 Willow Warbler singing on Stones.Simon Roddis
01/04/2021Highlight this morning was a flock of 60 Whooper Swans. 27 flew straight through but 33 landed and were still present off Sheepwash at 11:00. Red-necked Grebe and GNDiver still in their usual areas. Hirundines built up off Stones during the morning to c20 Swallows, 8 Sand and 1 House Martin. Osprey also reported but doesn't appear to have hung around.Simon Roddis
30/03/2021Wheatear in field behind dam mid morningPat Warwick
30/03/2021Between Millfields and Shiningford Creek 0800-1030: 18 Barnacle Geese, 12 Chiffchaffs, pair of Goldeneye, pair of Grey Wagtails, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Blackcaps, Redshank, Snipe, Red-necked Grebe, Gt Northern DiverGary Atkins
30/03/2021An Osprey flew NW over WLC creek at 10:00 (also apparently seen from Stones island). The Red-necked Grebe (off the dam wall) and GNDiver (from Stones) still. 27 Barnacle Geese. 2m Shoveler at WLC. Pair Wigeon still at Sheepwash. Water Rail at Hopton end. 12+ Sand Martins. 3 Blackcaps between Hopton and WLC. No sign of the Cattle Egrets as far as I'm aware.Simon Roddis
29/03/2021Biggest surprise was a pair of Cattle Egrets which flew in just before 08:30 and landed on Sailing Club island. They later flew up the res and were in the Sheepwash area late morning. Long-staying Red-necked Grebe and GNDiver still present. 27 Barnacle Geese. 15 Sand Martin. 4 Linnet over.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
26/03/20211x Great Northern Diver - north-east off Stones Island. 1x Red-necked Grebe - off dam wall, half way between sailing club and Millfields. 2x Redshank - Watersports Island. 4 Oystercatcher - WS Island. 1 Redshank - shoreline by play ground.Paul Bennett
04/01/2021The adult GNDiver again off Stones island. Teal appear to have increased, 431 counted. Pochard decreasing but still 267. 180 Tufted in Brown Ale Bay. Geese again in the fields along the main road: 300+ Canadas, 22 Greylag, 1 Pink-foot and the Black Swan. 290 Lapwing. The Ruff along Stones causeway. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, a 3rd-winter early morning and an adult later. 23 Cormorant. 100 Starling (70 in WLC fields, 30 over Hopton end). 40 Siskin flew N past Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
03/01/2021The adult GNDiver was off Stones island all morning. In the fields between Shiningford and the main road, c350 Canada Geese, 75 Greylags, 2 Pink-feet, 1 Barnacle and the Black Swan. Another 46 Pink-feet flew high NW at 11:20. 8 Mute Swan. 1f Pintail. 390 Teal. 263 Pochard. 8 Goldeneye (4m,4f). 4 Goosander (1m,3f). 40 Woodpigeons S. Peregrine(s) over WLC and Hall Wood. 200 Lapwing. The male Ruff again along Stones causeway. 2 Redshank. 2 Herring Gull. 26 Cormorant.Simon Roddis
02/01/20213 Redshank, 1 Ruff, 116 Wigeon ,6 Meadow Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtail, 180 Teal, 252 Lapwing, 9 Little Grebe,15 Great Crested Grebe,1 M Goldeneye, 1 Great Black Backed Gull, 61 Pochard, 4 Robin, 15 Cormorant, 2 Raven, GN Diver of stones,3 Curlew, 2 Long Tailed Tit, 1 Nuthatch, 10 Gadwall, 1 Pintail,10 Redwing,2 Mute Swan,8 Moorhen, 1 Chaffinch,6 GoldfinchDavid Armitt
02/01/2021A Woodcock flew into roost at Horton end in the bright moonlight at 0715hrs. Adult Great Northern Diver off Millfields early morning. Male Ruff, 2 Redshank and 6 Meadow Pipits around Stones Island. 3 Curlew flew in from south and landed on Horseshoe Island at 0900hrs, 2 then continued north at 0915hrs. Drake Pintail in Shiningford Creek and 12 Snipe well camouflaged in vegetation along WLC Creek.Roger Carrington
01/01/2021Great Northern diver, Ruff, Redshank.Matthew Birkin
01/01/2021The GNDiver off Stones island again this morning. 4 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. The male Ruff along Stones causeway. Pair of Pintail at WLC. 60 Woodpigeons N. 4 Raven. 4 Willow Tits including 3 singing. 22 Fieldfare S. 69 species to start the year.Simon Roddis
31/12/2020The GNDiver again off Stones island. 378 Canada Geese. 3 Barnacles. 94 Greylags. 6 Mute Swan. 55 Gadwall. 2 Pintail (m&f in Brown Ale Bay). 297 Teal. 452 Pochard. 5 Goosander (3m,2f at Millfields). 7 Goldeneye. 1 Water Rail and 27 Snipe in WLC creek. 24 Little Grebe. 53 Great Crested Grebe. 317 Lapwing. 4 Redshank. 4 Herring Gulls N. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (ad,2w). 15 Cormorant. 2 Heron. Total of 28 Fieldfare (18S over Hall Wood). 7 Meadow Pipit on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
30/12/2020The adult GNDiver still from Stones island this morning, and a female Common Scoter there too. 52 Canada Geese. 7 Greylag. 8 Mute Swan. 46 Gadwall. 150 Wigeon. 250 Teal. 145 Mallard. 2 Pintail. 403 Pochard. 215 Tufted. 5 Goldeneye. 11 Moorhen. 1145 Coot. 18 Little Grebe. 55 Great Crested Grebe. 284 Lapwing. 1 Ruff. 3 Redshank. 2 Snipe. 13 Cormorant. 1 Heron. Chiffchaff on Stones island.Simon Roddis
29/12/2020This pm: the adult GNDiver again between Stones island and Fishtail Creek; 170 Pink-footed Geese W at 12:50; 135 Canada Geese, 2 Greylags, 16 Mute Swan, 46 Gadwall, 128 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 212 Teal, 434 Pochard, 4 Goldeneye, 1 Goosander, 8 Moorhen, 21 Little Grebe, 41 Great Crested Grebe, 485 Lapwing, 1 Ruff, 4 Redshank, 5,000 Black-headed Gulls and 2,250 Common Gulls off Stones island at 16:00, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 3 Yellow-legged Gull, 30 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 33 Cormorant. 130 Redwing feeding in fields at Hopton end, with 3 Fieldfare, 1 Mistle Thrushes and 50 Starlings.Simon Roddis
28/12/2020The GNDiver was off Stones island all morning. Hopton end early morning: 4 Woodcock, 1 Water Rail, 7 Tawny Owls calling. Only 4 Canada Geese (the geese don't seem to fly in on these foggy mornings). 12 Mute Swan. 2 Shoveler. 71 Gadwall. 139 Wigeon. 114 Mallard. 2 Pintail. 293 Teal. 425 Pochard. 228 Tufted Duck. 8 Goldeneye. 13 Moorhen. 1160 Coot. 23 Little Grebe. 36 Great Crested Grebe. 405 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 4 Snipe. 100 Common Gulls. 1 Great Black-backed Gull.1 Yellow-legged Gull. 15 Cormorant. 1 Heron.Simon Roddis
28/12/2020Great northern Diver of stones ,62 Teal, 2 Goosander, 23 Mute Swan,68 Pochard, 50 Wigeon,22 Cormorant,8 Gadwall, 6 Tree Sparrow,2 Blue Tit,2 Dunnock , 220+ Lapwing,6 Moorhen ,2 Wren,6 Goldfinch,5 Little Grebe,12 Great Crested Grebe,2 Redwing,1 KestrelDavid Armitt
27/12/2020The adult GNDiver again between Stones island and Millfields mid-morning. 436 Pochard. 8 Goldeneye. 1 Pink-footed Goose. 290 Lapwing. 1 Ruff. 3 Redshank. 4 Common Snipe. 8 Herring Gulls S. 22 Cormorant. 1 Heron. 1 Peregrine over the north end. 4 Raven.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
26/12/2020The adult GNDiver was still off Stones island this afternoon. Red Kite low over Millfields. 293 Canada Geese. 1 Barnacle Goose. 16 Mute Swan. 8 Shoveler (3m,5f) at Millfields. 167 Wigeon. 77 Gadwall. 347 Pochard. 7 Goldeneye. 13 Morhen. 150 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end at dusk. 4 adult Herring Gull. 25 Cormorant.Simon Roddis

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