Recent Sightings
| Name | Sighting | Date |
|---|---|---|
| DN, MW, RPJ, AMD,AHS | This 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 Newcombe | In 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 Stewardson | A 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, JB | In 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 Ashton | Best 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 Roddis | Another 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 Roddis | Late 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 Ashton | Clive 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 Roddis | A 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 Newcombe | In 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | Monthly 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 Roddis | A 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 Armitt | 5 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 Greylag | 10/10/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | The 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 Roddis | A 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 Roddis | The 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 Newcombe | A 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 Roddis | The 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 Atkins | Species 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, Coot | 05/10/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | The 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | A 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 Roddis | Several 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 Roddis | A 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 Newcombe | In 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 Roddis | Bird 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 Armitt | Early 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 Mallards | 28/09/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | The 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | Evening 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 Roddis | Yesterday'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 Roddis | A 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 Roddis | Around 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 Ashton | No 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 Brown | Manx 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | The 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 Roddis | Carsi 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 Palethorpe | Bird 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 duck | 07/09/2025 |
| Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley | Monthly 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 Lowe | Of 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 Roddis | A 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 Roddis | The 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
| Date | Sighting | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 25/12/2020 | A GNDiver, perhaps the returning adult, was off Stones island around 10:15-10:30 at least. 3 Barnacle Geese, 1 Pintail (f), 5 Goldeneye, 1 Goosander (redhead), 85 Woodpigeons N, 40 Great Crested Grebe, 220 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 28 Cormorant, 3 Heron. Early morning from the dam wall: estimates of 10,000 Black-headed Gull, 1,000 Common Gull, 500 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Great Black-backed Gull, 3 Yellow-legged Gull (adults). 2 Chiffchaffs (Stones island and near Flat island). Happy Chiffmas! | Simon Roddis |
| 24/12/2020 | c250 Canada Geese, c100 Greylags, 14 Mute Swan, 61 Gadwall, c120 Wigeon, c100 Mallard, 320 Teal, 468 Pochard, 310 Tufted Duck, 6 Goldeneye, 12 Moorhen, 1345 Coot, 23 Little Grebe, 330 Lapwing, 1 Ruff, 2 Woodcock, 2 Redshank, 6 Common Snipe, 1 Great Black-backed Gull (adult), 1 Yellow-legged Gull (3rd-w), 1 Herring Gull (2nd-w), 360 Common Gull, 24 Cormorant, 3 Sparrowhawk, 10 Raven including 6 NE together over Hopton end, 1 Chiffchaff on Stones, 10 Tree Sparrow at WLC. | Simon Roddis |
| 20/12/2020 | Early morning from the dam wall, c1,500 LBbGulls and c15,000 BhG/Commons (maybe 1-2,000 Common, the rest BhG), plus c800 Jackdaws. Pair of Pintail and a Pink-footed Goose at WLC. Total of 396 Pochard (288m,108f). 300 Woodpigeons NE. Male Ruff again on Stones causeway. Curlew on Horsehoe island. 31 Cormorant. Chiffchaff on Stones. 11 Fieldfare and c200 Redwing over the east side. Brambling over Stones. | Simon Roddis |
| 19/12/2020 | c450 Greylags. 2 Barnacle Geese. 3 Pintail (pair at WLC, f in Brown Ale Bay). A few Woodies on the move: 1,020 NE, 220 S. Male Ruff still on Stones causeway. 2 Peregrine chasing a Woodpigeon over the north end, and 1 (young bird) over WLC. 3 Raven. 2 Skylark over WLC creek. Chiffchaff on Stones. 15 Fieldfare W. 10 Tree Sparrow at WLC. 8 Lesser Redpoll on Stones. | Simon Roddis |
| 17/12/2020 | At Hopton end first thing, 5+ Woodcock flew in, and 8 Grey Wagtails and c700 Starlings (with the obligatory hunting Sparrowhawk) flew out. 3 Goosander (1m,2f) at Millfields. Male Ruff along Stones causeway. Total of 3 Sparrowhawks. 3 Raven, including a pair eating a dead fish at the WLC, unusual to see them on the shoreline. Chiffchaff on Stones island still. | Simon Roddis |
| 15/12/2020 | Monthly WeBS count: 256 Canada Geese, 389 Greylags, 1 Pink-foot, 37 Mute Swans, 91 Gadwall, 144 Wigeon, 144 Mallard, 3 Pintail, 181 Teal, 313 Pochard, 318 Tufted, 10 Goldeneye, 1 Water Rail (Hopton reedbed), 15 Moorhen, 1265 Coot, 499 Lapwing, 1 Woodcock, 30 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 24 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Kingfishers (Hopton reedbed and Millfields), 4 Grey Wag. Also: 6 Buzzard, 2 Chiffchaff (Stones and near Flat island), total of c20 Skylarks over. | Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley |
| 12/12/2020 | At Hopton end first thing, 5 Woodcock and 4 calling Tawny Owls. Elsewhere, 7 Goldeneye, 54 GCGrebe, male Ruff around Sailing Club still, 2 Redshank, 2 Chiffchaff still on Stones. | Simon Roddis |
| 10/12/2020 | 7+ Goldeneye, including 2 pairs displaying at Millfields. 400 Woodpigeons (250 SE, 150 NE). 520 Lapwing. The male Ruff off Stones causeway still. 2 Redshank. 52 Rooks over Sheepwash. 2 Chiffchaffs on Stones still. 26 Fieldfare E over Millfields. 12 Tree Sparrows at WLC. Total of 15 Meadow Pipit. | Simon Roddis |
| 09/12/2020 | 466 Greylags, 2 Pink-feet and 191 Canada Geese at Sheepwash. Pair of Pintail in Brown Ale Bay. 9 Goldeneye (6m,3f). Male Ruff still at Sailing Club. 54 Snipe over WLC, presumably came off Horseshoe island. Imm Herring Gull at Sheepwash. | Simon Roddis |
| 08/12/2020 | 3 Woodcock, 4 Grey Wagtail and a Kingfisher at Hopton end early morning. The male Ruff again at WLC/Shiningford. 3+ Redshank. 2 Barnacle Geese and a redhead Goosander at Millfields. Chiffchaff on Stones island. 30 Fieldfare (10 on Stones, 20 in WLC creek). | Simon Roddis |
| 07/12/2020 | The male Ruff along Stones causeway and later from WLC. Pair of Shoveler on Horseshoe island. Chiffchaff on Stones island. 2 adult Herring Gull early morning. | Simon Roddis |
| 06/12/2020 | Species seen 0900-1230, mostly during Birdwatching for Beginners walk 1000-noon (numbers in brackets for few species only): Pink-footed Goose (39), Canada Goose, Snipe (20), Ruff, Little Egret, Goldeneye (3), Gt Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Mallard, Lapwing, Coot, Mute Swan, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Teal, Cormorant, Moorhen, Mistle Thrush, Redwing, Blackbird, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit (10), Tree Sparrow, Willow Tit, Wren, Woodpigeon, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Bullfinch, Goldcrest, Nuthatch, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Starling, Pied Wagtail, Pheasant, Robin, Goldfinch, Dunnock and Chaffinch. | Gary Atkins |
| 06/12/2020 | A pair of Whooper Swans were off Stones island much of the morning, with 2 Chiffchaffs on Stones itself. 39 Pink-footed Geese flew over Sheepwash carpark at 11:40, circled several times then left NW. Pair of Pintail at Shiningford. 6+ Goldeneye. 280 Pochard (217m,63f) off Sheepwash/Brown Ale Bay. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. | Simon Roddis |
| 01/12/2020 | Ad hoc wildfowl count: 130 Canada Geese, 446 Greylags, 2 Pink-feet, 40 Mute Swan, 72 Gadwall, 321 Wigeon, 116 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 261 Teal, 391 Pochard, 364 Tufted, 6 Goldeneye (3m,3f), 19 Moorhen, 23 Little Grebe, 51 GCGrebe, c600 Lapwing, 1 Dunlin, 3 Redshank, 20 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret. 2 Peregrines (m&f) over Stones island, and 6 Stock Dove S. Chiffchaff on Stones. | Simon Roddis |
| 30/11/2020 | 2 Barnacle Geese at Millfields. 2 female-type Pintail over WLC creek. 5 Goldeneye (4m,1f). 600+ Lapwing. 2 Dunlin in Brown Ale Bay (plus 1 off Stones island maybe one of those?). 1 Woodcock at Penn Carr first thing. 4 GSWoodpecker. | Simon Roddis |
| 29/11/2020 | At Hopton end first thing, 5+ Woodcock including 3 together, 3 Tawny Owls calling, 9 Grey Wagtail and 1 Water Rail. 5 Shoveler (3m,2f) at Sailing Club. At Millfields, 1 Kingfisher, c100 Redwing and 3 Linnet. Totals of 13 Tree Sparrows and 6 Mistle Thrush (1 singing in WLC fields). | Simon Roddis |
| 29/11/2020 | 45 Wigeon,73,Teal,49 Lapwing,12 Mute Swan,20 Pochard,6 Little Grebe,3 Raven,2 Goldeneye, 1 Redshank, 5 Shoveler, 3 Cormorant, 2 Dunlin, 4 Meadow Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtail, 1 Robin, 2 Snipe, 1 Coal Tit, 8 Long Tailed Tit, 2 Redwing, 1 Jay . Foggy and misty this morning visibility cross Carsington water poor | David Armitt |
| 27/11/2020 | With no sport or fishing activity and the sunny calm weather this morning, wildfowl were showing colourfully out in the bays instead of sheltering in the creeks. 35 Mute Swan, 2 drake Shoveler, 3 Goldeneye and 2 Redshank from Stones Island. Kingfisher and escape black Swan at Millfields. No sign of any Diver all week. | Roger Carrington |
| 25/11/2020 | Black Swan -Millfield 1200 | M.R.Bartle |
| 23/11/2020 | Willow Tit on middle of Stones Island Two Lesser Redpoll in same area Male Goldeneye just off Stones Island and one Redshank feeding along same area. | Chris Brewster |
| 20/11/2020 | A Snow Bunting flew over and around Stones causeway, calling constantly, about 08:00 for 2-3 minutes before dropping down onto the back of Watersports island, but not seen again. 1 Whooper Swan, presumably the same bird as yesterday. Pair of Pintail again at Millfields and pair of RcPochard off Lane End. 5 Goldeneye (4m,1f). From Millfields early morning, c1,000 LBbGulls and 11,000 BhGs. Adult Yellow-leg off Sheepwash. | Simon Roddis |
| 19/11/2020 | Couldn't find the diver this morning. A Whooper Swan dropped in at 09:25 and hung around Stones island until late morning at least. Pair of Pintail at Millfields. 1f RcPochard. Red Kite over Stones. 1 Dunlin. 2,250 Woodpigeons S. 26 Skylarks over Stones, heading towards Carsington Pastures. 2 Chiffchaff. | Simon Roddis |
| 18/11/2020 | The adult GNDiver still, from Stones early morning and later off Millfields. Early morning at Hopton end: 1 (maybe 2) Woodcock, 3 Tawny Owls calling, 8 Grey Wagtails, Kingfisher. 4 Pintail (2m,2f) at Millfields. 396 Lapwing. 2 Redshank at Sailing Club. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 3 Chiffchaff (Hopton end, Stones causeway, Sailing Club island). 20 Siskin in WLC creek. | Simon Roddis |
| 17/11/2020 | An adult Great Northern Diver (not yesterday's juvenile) was off Millfields late morning, perhaps having only just arrived. Very black-and-white at the front end with some hints of remaining black-and-white stripes on the side of the lower neck and still extensive white spotting on the upperparts, black bill. No sign of the juvenile. Monthly WeBS count: 330 Canada Geese, 464 Greylags, 2 Pink-feet, 33 Mute Swan, 84 Gadwall, 4 Pintail, 200 Teal, 154 Mallard, 337 Wigeon, 309 Pochard, 313 Tufted, 5 Goldeneye, 1 Goosander, 23 Moorhen, 1349 Coot, 24 Little Grebe, 34 GCGrebe, 456 Lapwing, 27 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 22 Cormorant, 1 Heron, 1 Kingfisher. Also, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, a juvenile Red Kite, a Chiffchaff between Hopton and Brown Ale Bay, 25 Meadow Pipits along Stones Causeway. | Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley |
| 16/11/2020 | A mobile first-winter Great Northern Diver was in the channel between Horseshoe and Shiningford islands just after 10:00, off Hall Wood shortly afterwards and then between Stones island and Millfields at 11:40. 145 Pink-footed Geese flew E in 2 skeins (60 at 08:40, 85 at 09:00). Pair of Pintail at Millfields and pair of RCPochard off Lane End. 3m Goldeneye. 390 Lapwing. 1 DUnlin. 1 Redshank. 300 Woodpigeons N. 12 Stock Dove. Chiffchaff and 8 Lesser Redpoll on Stones island. | SJR, AHS, RC |
| 15/11/2020 | A first-winter Caspian Gull was on Flat Island around midday. c500 Greylags. 35 Mute Swan. 1f Pintail. 50+ Gadwall. Pair RcPochard. 3 Goldeneye. 250 Lapwing. 1 Little Egret. Chiffchaff on Stones island. | Simon Roddis |
| 14/11/2020 | Black swan at millfields | Chris brown |
| 13/11/2020 | Solitary black swan on the edge of the water near Millfields car park. | Vicky Wright |
| 13/11/2020 | 497 Greylags. 2m Pintail and 3m Shoveler in Brown Ale Bay. Pair of RcPochard at Lane End. 158 Pochard (129m,29f) at Sheepwash. 1f Goldeneye. A bit of Woodpigeon movement, including some going the wrong way: 520 S, 85 N. 360 Lapwing. 1 Golden Plover over WLC. 1 Redshank and a Little Egret off Stones causeway. A vocal Chiffchaff on Stones island. | Simon Roddis |
| 12/11/2020 | c500 Greylags, including PXU. Female Goldeneye off Sheepwash. 7 Stock Doves flew S. 380 Lapwing. 2 Redshank at sailing club. Adult Yellow-legged Gull on Sheepwash spit. Peregrine over the east side and then upsetting the Lapwings at Sheepwash. 4 Raven. 2 Chiffchaff (Stones causeway and Sheepwash). 20 Siskin at Brown Ale Bay. | Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington |
| 10/11/2020 | A Bean Goose flew S over the Carsi dam wall at about 11:50, probably Tundra though can't be certain. Counted a few ducks: 62 Gadwall, 295 Wigeon, 192 Teal, 170 Mallard, 2 Shoveler, 1 Pintail, 2 RcPochard, 192 Pochard, 366 Tufted, 3 Goldeneye, 507 Canadas, 335 Greylag, 32 Mute Swans, 25 Moorhen, 1250 Coot, 37 GCGrebe, 16 Little Grebe, 270 Lapwing, 1 Little Egret. Chiffchaff at Hopton end. | Simon Roddis |
| 10/11/2020 | This morning occasional mist then drizzle: Black Swan at Millfields, pair Shoveler WLC. Sheepwash from car park: 2 Goldeneye, 1 Dunlin, adult Herring Gull and adult YLGull. | Roger Carrington |
| 08/11/2020 | 46 Teal, 5 Little Grebe,12 Greylag Goose,3 Red - Breasted Merganser,30 Wigeon,3 Shoveler ,6 Pied Wagtail,3 Wren, 28 Lapwing, 2 Raven,2 Mute Swan,4 Great Crested Grebe,1 Coal Tit,1 Nuthatch,1 Willow Tit, 1 Chaffinch Shoveler and Red-Breasted Merganser seen with Simon very foggy this morning. | David Armitt |
| 08/11/2020 | An excellent morning given the conditions. 3 redhead Red-breasted Mergansers flew into Sailing Club bay, off Stones causeway, just after 08:00 and actively swan and dived until they disappeared into the murk. Then a Hawfinch flew N over Lane End at 10:45, maybe heading for the Cromford wintering site? 3m Shoveler off Stones causeway. Pair of Pintail in Brown Ale Bay and a pair of R-c Pochard at Sheepwash. Water Rail in the stream at Hopton reedbed early morning. Golden Plover over Sheepwash. Redshank off Stones causeway then it or another in BA Bay late morning. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still and an adult Herring Gull. Kingfisher, 6 Grey Wags and 3+ Brambling at Hopton end. Totals of 6 Lesser Redpoll and 20 Siskin. | Simon Roddis |
| 07/11/2020 | Vismig this morning: 1920 Woodpigeons and 20 Fieldfare S, 170 Starlings W. 450 Greylag. 32 Mute Swan. 4 Shoveler. 2 Pintail. 4 Goldeneye. 1m R-c Pochard. 315 Lapwing. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end at first light. 1 Redshank. 1 Little Egret. 15 Skylark. c100 Redwing around the main centre. 1 Crossbill over Stones island. | Simon Roddis |
| 06/11/2020 | I flushed about 50 Snipe from the dam wall in the early morning fog. Blackcap calling from scrub behind Visitor Centre toilet block. Drake Goldeneye near Flat Island as fog burned off. | Roger Carrington |
| 06/11/2020 | A very different morning, with the fog not clearing until 10:00. Just 365 Woodpigeons but a superb male Merlin perched briefly on the fence below the dam wall, and 31 Pink-footed Geese flew W. | Simon Roddis |
| 05/11/2020 | Vismig from Millfields, 07:00-09:30: 10,935 Woodpigeons, 392 Fieldfare and 135 Redwing S, 2,402 Starlings W. 6 Whooper Swans flew E at 07:55. 1 Shelduck off Stones island. 5 Goosander at Millfields (4f flew out early morning, male flew in later). 1 Dunlin at Millfields. 2 Redshank at sailing club. 1 Little Egret. Totals of 8 Brambling and 12 Lesser Redpoll. | Simon Roddis |
| 04/11/2020 | A big day of Woodpigeon movement, with 43,200 counted from Stones island 07:30-11:00, flying south, mostly beyond the eastern shore. 14 Stock Doves and 240 Fieldfare also flew S, 777 Starlings W, a Great White Egret and 2 skeins of Pink-footed Geese (130 and 37) NE. 73 Gadwall. 284 Wigeon. 325 Pochard. 4 Goldeneye (2 ad m, 2 imm m). Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. 300 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. 1 Dunlin flew past Stones island. 3 adult Yellow-legged Gull. 500+ Common Gulls in Brown Ale Bay mid afternoon. 26 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret. Red Kite and Peregrine over the east side. 5 Raven. (81 species, probably the first time I've managed that in November.) | Simon Roddis |
| 03/11/2020 | Black swan at stones island | Alan Ball |
| 03/11/2020 | Vismig from Stones island this morning, 07:30-10:00: 4,250 Woodpigeons, 30 Stock Doves and 135 Fieldfare S, mostly down the east side. Also: 540 Greylags, 4 Goldeneye (now including an adult male), 273 Pochard (227m,46f) at Sheepwash/Brown Ale Bay, 1 Little Egret, 130 Lapwing, Red Kite over Fishtail creek, total of 5 GSWoodpeckers, Chiffchaff at Millfields. | Simon Roddis |
| 02/11/2020 | Vismig 07:30-10:30 from Stones island/WLC creek: 1,360 Woodpigeon S, 18 Stock Dove S, 180 Starlings W, 31 Skylark mostly to N, 79 Chaffinch SW. Also: 40 Mute Swan, c500 Greylag, 3 Goldeneye, 120 Lapwing, 1 Little Egret, 70 Rooks, Chiffchaff singing at Millfields, 30 Meadow Pipits on Watersports island, 12 Tree Sparrow. | Simon Roddis |
| 01/11/2020 | 1,120 Woodpigeons S down the east side in 30 mins this morning during a gap in the rain. 28 Mute Swan. 1 Little Egret. 6 Skylarks N over Stones. 16 Long-tailed Tit at WLC. 17 Fieldfare over Shiningford. | Simon Roddis |
| 31/10/2020 | Afternoon (post rain) visit: 7 Shoveler (3m,4f), 79 Gadwall, 2 Pintail (m,f), 3 Goldeneye, 5 redhead Goosander in Brown Ale Bay, Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed at dusk, 110 Lapwing, 570 Common Gulls on/around Sheepwash spit at 16:30, 2 adult Herring and 2 adult Yellow-legs, 2 Little Egret. | Simon Roddis |
| 30/10/2020 | 510 Greylags, including orange neck-collar PXU, originally from Windermere. 2 Barnacle Geese. 33 Mute Swans. 356 Wigeon. 2m Pintail. 51 Gadwall. 5 Shoveler (3m,2f). 1m R-c Pochard. 1m Goldeneye. 309 Pochard. 8 Stock Dove S. 153 Lapwing. c650 LBbGulls loafing at Sheepwash late morning, along with 2 adult Herring, 2 adult Yellow-legged and 2 Caspian (1w and probable 2w). 24 Cormorant. 2 Little Egret. 8 Skylark N over WLC creek. 7 Grey Wag at Hopton end early morning. | Simon Roddis Roger Carrington |
| 29/10/2020 | In a couple of damp hours this morning, a juv Garganey (presumably the same bird as has been seen on and off for a few weeks now) was at the WLC but no sight or sound of the YBW in that time. | Simon Roddis |
| 2020-10-28 | Early morning from Millfields: c4,000 LBbGulls, c10,000 BhGulls, c1000 Jackdaws, 150 Rooks and 50 Carrion Crows. 405 Woodpigeons S, an increase on the last few days. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 3 Little Egret. 30 Meadow Pipits, including 20 on the Tail Bay track. Finished off with another look at the YBW late morning. | Simon Roddis |
| 2020-10-27 | In case you haven't seen the news elsewhere, there was a Yellow-browed Warbler at the WLC and then between there and the main carpark this morning, up to around midday at least. Quite vocal and showing well now and again. Also reported early afternoon, I'm told. The third record for Carsi after birds in 2015 and 2016. | Simon Roddis |
| 2020-10-25 | This morning: 1w Caspian Gull again off Sheepwash late morning, and 4 Yellow-legs: the regular adult, 2 more adults and a 1w. 498 Greylag, including one with an orange neck collar but too far away to read. 5 Shoveler. 2 Goldeneye. 31 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret. 230 Lapwing. 2 Kingfishers. Maybe a hint of Woodpigeon movement, about 70 flew S. 25 Carrion Crow and 2 Raven over Hall Wood. 100+ Starling. Out of Hopton reedbed early morning, 11 Grey Wag and 18 Reed Bunting, and 25 Chaffinch and a Brambling flew SW. | Simon Roddis |
| 2020-10-24 | Best this morning was an adult winter Kittiwake which flew S down the res at 10:55, then presumably the same bird dropped in among the Lessers and BhGs off Sheepwash about 15 minutes later. 464 Greylag. 6 Shoveler (2m,4f). 2m Pintail. 276 Wigeon. 169 Pochard. 3 Goldeneye (1m,2f). Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. 91 Lapwing. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (ad,1w). 3 Little Egret. 1 Chiffchaff on Stones. 1 Brambling over Hall Wood. | Simon Roddis |
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