Recent Sightings

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


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
2017-09-1506:30-08:30hr : 11 Little Egrets flew into Sheepwash at first light, 4 Shoveler and 2 Ringed Plover there also. Stones Island a Ruff, 7 Ringed Plover, Golden Plover and Curlew heard but not seen. Meadow Pipits moving throughout also Skylark heard. Clive Ashton
2017-09-14Looked for the Grey Phal until dusk with no joy. However, at least 6000 Lesser Black-backs came into roost along with 2 Y-l Gull, 1 Common Sand was at the WLC, and 40 Swallows flew over Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-09-1429 Pink-footed Geese flew E at 09:20. 1 Pintail. At least 8 Little Egrets. 4 juv LRP. 11 Ringed Plover. 12 Dunlin. 1 Swift over Hall Wood still. 1 Kingfisher at Hopton end. 2 Blackcap. 1 Mistle Thrush singing at Sheepwash. 53 Meadow Pipit. 100 Goldfinch on Stones.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-09-14Other sightings apart from the Phalarope include: 53 Mute Swans including cygnets, 30 Barnacle Geese, 2 Grey Herons, 5 Little Egrets, 29 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 7 Shoveler, 12 Gadwall, 206 Teal, 2 Red-crested Pochard, juv male Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, 9 Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Snipe, adult Yellow-legged Gull, c100 Pied Wagtails, 18 Meadow Pipits, Sand Martin, 6 Chiffchaff with 3 in song, 3 Goldcrest, c150 Goldfinch on Stones Island, and a Siskin over Sheepwash. Dave Newcombe
2017-09-14Alan Stewardson and myself found a 1st winter Grey Phalarope at Sheepwash yesterday. We first picked it up on the spit at 15.50. We watched it for about 10 minutes before it flew towards Paul Stanley Hide. After Alan had gone it reappeared at Sheepwash c17.00 and then flew towards Lane End but wasn't seen again. This is the 7th record for Carsington and the first since 2013. Dave Newcombe/ Alan Stewardson
2017-09-12In other news today...1 Pinkfoot. 15 Barnacle Geese. 34 Wigeon. 11 Shoveler. 35 Pochard. 37 Cormorant. 6 Little Egret. 2 LRP. 10 Ringed Plover. 9 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. Adult Y-l Gull. 10 Stock Dove, again all moving S or SW. 2 Kingfisher. 4 Raven. 300 Jackdaw on the dam wall at first light. 2 Sand Martin. c70 Swallow, including 40 on the dam wall first thing. Steady movement of Meadow Pipits, 100+ during the morning. 1 Siskin. 1 Redstart between WLC and Shiningford (AHS). Three other birders reported an Osprey over Stones around 12:00.Simon Roddis
2017-09-12Manx Shearwater still present this morning,viewable from the dam wall at time of this report.SJR,ST,CA
2017-09-11Manx Shearwater sat on the water off the end of Stones Island at 7:55pm, 5 Yellow-legged Gulls in roost.John Bradley
2017-09-1125 Greylags and the single Pinkfoot came in with the Canada Geese. 6 juv Shelduck stayed for a short time before leaving NE at 1040. 1 Pintail. 43 Wigeon. 206 Teal. 6 Shoveler. 44 Pochard. 2 R-c Pochard. 4 Little Egret. 16 Dunlin. 7 Ringed Plover. 2 LRP. 1 2nd-w Y-l Gull. Juv male peregrine. 1 Swift still. 35 Linnet at Sheepwash.SJR, AHS, CA
2017-09-10Monthly WeBs count: 43 Mute Swan, 1 Pinkfoot, 3 Greylag, 537 Canada Geese, 1 Shelduck, 34 Wigeon, 32 Gadwall, 212 Teal, 251 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 11 Shoveler, 2 Red-crested Pochard, 23 Pochard, 236 Tufted Duck, 27 Cormorant, 5 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 15 Little Grebe, 31 GC Grebe, 8 Moorhen, 778 Coot, 58 Lapwing, 3 LRP, 5 Ringed Plover, 11 Dunlin, 1 Snipe. Also 3 Y-l Gull, 2 GBbG, 11 Stock Dove (all heading S or SW), 3 Tawny Owls and 4 Jays calling at BA Bay first thing, 50 House Martin, 1 Sand Martin, 20 Chiffchaff between Hopton reedbed and Lane End plus 5 on Stones, Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed, 1 Yellow Wag in BA Bay, 90 Meadow Pipits in total (c30 down, the others moving through), 150 Goldfinch on Stones still. (79 species)Simon Roddis, John Bradley
2017-09-102 Greenshank at Sheepwash till 11:00am then flew east, plus 3 Redshank.John Bradley
2017-09-091 Pintail in BA bay. 23 Greylags. 4 Little Egrets. At least 3 Sparrowhawks in the Stones/WLC area. 14 Dunlin. 10 Ringed Plover. 2 LRP. 1 Common Sand. 3 Y-l Gull. 33 Rooks, mostly over the dam wall. 4 Raven. 50 Swallow. 40 House Martin. 3 Sand Martin. Common Whitethroat on Stones. 150 Goldfinch on Stones still. JB also had single Mandarin and Swift.Simon Roddis
2017-09-0836 Wigeon. 2 Pintail still. 2 R-c Pochard. 1 Pinkfoot among the Canadas. 4+ Little Egret. 85 Lapwing. 3 LRP (2 off Stones causeway, 1 Sheepwash). 5 Ringed Plover. 1 Common Sand at Sheepwash. 15+ Dunlin on Stones, and possibly another 9 which flew south past Sheepwash. Adult Y-l Gull. 1 Swift still. 30 House Martin through, and c10 hanging around. 5 Sand Martin. 1 Willow Warbler on Stones. 150 Goldfinch and 40 Linnet around Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-09-077 Little Egret, 15 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 1 Shoveler, 2 Sparrowhawk, 12 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, 6 Collared Dove, at least 2 Sand Martin, many Chiffchaff on Stones Island also 2 Blackcap there, male Redstart in WLC fields, 2 Jay over Middle Wood, 120 Goldfinch and 30 Linnet on Stones Island.Clive Ashton
2017-09-07Also 100 Swallow around the dam wall, Yellow Wagtail on the dam and 6 Ringed Plover.Clive Ashton
2017-09-06In addition to Simon's sightings. 9 Little Grebes, 36 Cormorants, Pink-footed Goose, 34 Greylag Geese, 14 Gadwall, 221 Teal, 33 Pochard, 4 Buzzards, Redshank, probably as many as 150 Pied Wagtails on site, 12 Chiffchaff including 2 in song, 2 Sand Martins, Kingfisher, 4 Willow Tits, 2 Ravens. 14 Wigeon and a Yellow Wagtail in the evening (J Bradley). Dave Newcombe
2017-09-06The first Pintail of the autumn this morning, 2 females in front of Sheepwash hide. 9 Wigeon. 8 Shoveler. 4 R-c Pochard. 1 Barnacle Goose. 5 Little Egret. 2 LRP. 15 Dunlin. 3 Common Sand. 2 GBbG. 1 Swift. 5 Blackcap (4 in WLC creek, 1 on Stones). 32 Meadow Pipits south/south-west. 150 Goldfinch and 40 Linnet on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-09-05Duck numbers still increasing: 202 Teal, 10 Shoveler, 8 Wigeon, 44 Pochard, 4 R-c Pochard. 46 adult Mute Swans + 6 cygnets. 35 Greylags. At least 4 Little Egrets and 10 Grey Herons. 2 Golden Plover flew S at 1130. 5 Ringed Plover. 15 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. 4 Common Sand. 2 GBbG. 2 Kingfisher. 1 Swift. 1 Wheatear on Stones island. 90+ Pied Wagtails around Stones causeway and Sheepwash, and a possible White Wag and 3 Yellow Wags at Sheepwash. 3 Meadow Pipits. 35 Linnet. Summer visitors are getting much thinner on the ground now - didn't even hear Blackcap this morning.SJR, AHS, RC
2017-09-05Little Egret 4 ,coot 250+,Teal 23,Pochard 8,Cormorant 10,Mallard 15,Mute Swan 19,Gadwell 7,Little Grebe 1,Great Crested Grebe 2,Red Crested Pochard 3, Tufted Duck 12,Greylag Goose 2,Moorhen 1,Canada Goose 12David Armitt
2017-09-04The 2 Sandwich Terns were still present this morning, initially heard only in the fog at around 0915, then they flew S past Stones island at 0940 and were up at Sheepwash at 1130. 7 Wigeon. 12 Shoveler. 4 R-c Pochard. 1 Little Egret. 11 Ringed Plover. 15 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. 3 Common Sand. Adult and 1st-summer Y-l Gull. Adult GBbG. 6 Blackcaps feeding on elderberries in WLC creek, and 1 Common Whitethroat there.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-09-032 Sandwich Terns perched on buoys this evening in rain.Roger Carrington
2017-09-03Species seen between Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon): Black-headed Gull, Pied Wagtail, Canada Goose, Woodpigeon, Swallow, House Martin, Coot, Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Greylag Goose, Gt Crested Grebe, Mallard, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Raven, Robin, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Kestrel, Linnet, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Chiffchaff, Meadow Pipit, Gt Black-backed Gull, Cormorant, Gadwall, Common Sandpiper, Lapwing, Willow Tit ... also a Fox on Horseshoe IslandGary Atkins
2017-09-03A new species for the site this morning: a Dipper in Tail Bay, seen from the dam wall. Not a county rarity but hey, it's still a first! 70 Greylags. 1 Pinkfoot. 152 Teal. 10 Shoveler. 30 Gadwall. 6 Wigeon. 4 R-c Pochard. 27 Pochard. 2-3 Little Egret. 2 Hobby over Millfields. 1 juv LRP. 7 Ringed Plover. 1 Greenshank. 1 Redshank. 11 Dunlin. 2 Common Sand. 5 Curlew. First-summer Y-l Gull. 1 Common and 1 commic Tern through. 3 Kingfisher. 1 Swift over Hall Wood. 100 Swallow. 30 House Martin. 20 Sand Martin. 1 Willow Warbler in Tail Bay. 5 Yellow Wag and 3 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall.SJR, CA, JB
2017-09-021100 -- 20 Buzzards high over Wildlife Centre creek, some being mobbed by one or two RavensGary Atkins
2017-09-022 Little egret, 6+Grey Heron, 8 Dunlin, 6 Ringed Plover, 1 LRP, 3 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 100 +Teal, 14 Pochard, 10 Shoveler, 6 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Clive Ashton
2017-09-015 Ringed Plover. 4 Dunlin. 1 Common Sand. 1 Common Redshank but no sign of the Spotshank. 2GBbG. Single Pinkfoot and Barnacle and 2 Greylags among 8-900 Canadas. 5 Wigeon. 1 Shoveler. 4 R-c Pochard. Only 2 Little Egrets. 12 Buzzards. 2 Peregrines, the juv female and a male. The juv female landed right in front of Sheepwash hide, she has a metal ring on her right leg. 2 Sparrowhawks. 2 Swifts. 2 Willow Warbler. 2 Common Whitethroat. 3 Redstarts in WLC fields. 1 Yellow Wag at Sheepwash.SJR, AHS, CA
2017-08-31This evening: From Sheepwash: adult Yellow Legged Gull, ad Common Gull and 2 Swifts through. Wildlife Centre: 2 Dunlin. Stones Island: 11 Ringed Plovers, 8 Dunlin and 1 Redshank (no sign of Spotted Redshank).Roger Carrington
2017-08-31Juv Spotted Redshank from Sheepwash hide again early morning. 70 Lapwing. 5 Ringed Plover. 1 Dunlin. 4 Common Sand. 2 Black-tailed and 1 Bar-tailed Godwit flew north with 3 smaller waders, possibly Greenshank. 1 Pink-foot and 4 Greylags among c800 Canada Geese. 3 Wigeon. 2 Shoveler. 22 Pochard. 3 R-c Pochard. 7 Little Egrets. 6 Grey Heron. 2 GBbG. 5 Stock Dove. 2 Swifts. 60 Rooks on the east side. 100 Swallow. 20 House Martin. 5 Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed. Common Whitethroat and 2 Redstart in WLC fields. 17 Blackbirds on Stones causeway. 2 Yellow Wag at Sailing Club. 41 Pied Wag at the WLC. 11 Meadow Pipits, mostly heading south.Simon Roddis
2017-08-30On the late shift today. The Spotted Redshank was around Sheepwash most of the afternoon. 10 Ringed Plovers on Stones. 3 Common Sand. 110 Teal. 1 Wigeon. 2 Shoveler. 10 Pochard. 4 R-c Pochard (2m, 2f/imm). 6 Little Egrets. 2500 LBbG came in to roost. 2 GBbG. Ad Y-l Gull. 4+ Swift. 1 Kingfisher in BA Bay. Tawny Owl calling at Hopton end at dusk. c200 swallows went to roost in Hopton reedbed at dusk. 2+ Reed Warblers there too. 2 Wheatear on the dam wall. 15 Linnet at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2017-08-30Juv Spotted Redshank still from Sheepwash Hide at 12:20hrs.Roger Carrington
2017-08-29Juv Spotted Redshank at Sheepwash feeding in the small pool, 1st summer and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls on the spit,3 Common Gulls in the roost plus Yellow Wagtail on Water Sports Island.John Bradley
2017-08-28Similar to yesterday. 69 Teal. 13 Gadwall. 4 Shoveler. 4 Little Egret. 4 LRP. 2 Ringed Plover. 2 Common Sand. Adult Y-l Gull. 3 GBbG. 2Swifts.. 2 Yellow Wag. 7 Meadow Pipit. 2 Redstart. 150 Goldfinch on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-08-2745 Teal, 1 Wigeon and 7 Shoveler at Sheepwash. 7 Pochard. 2 eclipse male R-c Pochard at Millfields. 5 Little Egrets. 20 Common Buzzards together in the air over Hopton end at 11:00. 4 juv LRP. 2 juv Ringed Plover. The Black-tailed Godwit still, on Stones. 3 Common Sand. 2 GBbG (adult and imm). 4 adult probably Common Terns, difficult against the light. 4 Stock Dove. 2 Raven. 35 House Martin at Hopton end. 2 Willow Warblers. Sedge Warbler on Stones. Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Redstart in WLC fields. 7 Grey Wag (6 at Millfields, 1 Hopton end).Simon Roddis
2017-08-263 Common Scoter (1m,2f) off the dam wall early morning, later at Sheepwash. 4 Wigeon. 1 Shoveler. 2 R-c Pochard. 5 Goosander. 41 Teal at Sheepwash - numbers down courtesy of a b****y hot-air balloon which flushed lots of stuff. (10 species of duck nonetheless.) 23 Greylag. 5 Little Egret. 78 Lapwing. 3 juv LRP. Adult Ringed Plover. Single Whimbrel and Greenshank through. Black-tailed Godwit initially at Sailing Club (thanks Merv) then at Sheepwash to 10:25 at least. 4 Dunlin. 2 Common Sand. 2 Kingfisher. Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Redstart in WLC fields. Juv Wheatear on the dam wall. 7 Yellow Wag, including 5 south over Millfields. 150 Goldfinch and 15 Linnet on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-08-2550 Mute Swan plus 6 cygnets. 2 Greylag. 10 Gadwall. 79 Teal. 2 Wigeon. 2 Shoveler. 7 Pochard. 2 R-c Pochard. 50 Cormorants on Sheepwash spit. 7 Little Egrets. 2 LRP. 3 Dunlin. 1 Greenshank. 5 Common Sand. Adult Y-l Gull. 2 imm GBbG. 3 Swift. 2 Kingfisher. 3 Raven. 30 Swallow at Millfields. 60-70 House Martins feeding in BA Bay. Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed. Redstart in Shiningford creek. 6 Mistle Thrush at Millfields. 5 Grey Wag. 2 Yellow Wag. 1 Meadow Pipit. (74 species)Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2017-08-2444 adult Mute Swan, 650 Canada Geese, 5 Little Egret, 64 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 2 Rc Pochard, 1 Pochard, Marsh Harrier flew south at 07:00,imm female Peregrine, 4 Dunlin, 2 Turnstone, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank, 3 Common Sandpiper, one foot GBBG, 4 Stock Dove, 4 Raven, Kingfisher, 50 Swallow and 2 Meadow Pipits on the dam. Clive Ashton
2017-08-23A Tree Pipit flew south over Stones at about 0830, first (and last?) of the year. 3 Yellow Wagtails around Stones. 46 Teal. 4 R-C Pochard. 35 Cormorant on Sheepwash spit. 5 Little Egret. 9 Grey Heron. 1 Oystercatcher. 4 Ringed Plover. 7 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. 8 Common Sand. 3 Snipe. 1 Whimbrel. 3 Swifts. Mixed flock of 100 Swallows and House Martins over Stones early on, then 60 House Martin south over BA Bay and 50 more feeding in front of Sheepwash hide. Small numbers of hirundines still going through late morning. 1 Sedge Warbler on Stones. 60 Tree Sparrows at WLC. 200 Goldfinch on Stones still.SJR, CA, RC
2017-08-234 wheatear on dam wall 3 pm ishPhil Davies
2017-08-221 Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall at Millfields. 5 Little Egrets. 9 Gadwall. 44 Teal. 2 R-c Pochard. 4 Pochard. 3 Ringed Plover. 6 Dunlin. 4 Common Sand. 3 imm GBbG including Onefoot. Kingfisher at Millfields. 7 Willow Tits. 1 Sand Martin. 3 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed. 200 Goldfinches on Stones island. 46 Tree Sparrows at WLC - thanks to Jill and Pat (vols) for the accurate count! An interesting bit of behaviour in WLC creek: there appeared to be a hatch of small black flies over the hawthorns and quite a few birds were feeding on them: 4 Common and 2 Lesser Whitethroats in the bushes, but several Tree Sparrows and 2 Blue Tits actively flycatching from the bushes - I've never seen either species do that before.Simon Roddis
2017-08-21Should also have mentioned 21 Tree Sparrows - fewer than recent counts, it remains to be seen if they have dispersed or if they were just playing hard to get today.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-08-21At least 4 Little Egrets still. 1100 Canada Geese - that's just too many! 1 Pink-foot. 2 Greylags. 33 Teal. 7+ Gadwall. 3 R-c Pochard in BA Bay, including the youngster. 1 Oystercatcher. 3 ad Ringed Plover. 1 ad LRP. 3 Common Sand. 6 Dunlin. Ad Y-l Gull. Onefoot the GBbG. Single Lesser Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatcher in Shiningford creek. 50 Linnet around Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-08-1810 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 1 Pink footed Goose, 43 Teal, 2 Pochard, 7 Moorhen, 1 Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover heard, 2 Dunlin, 4 Common Sandpiper, Redstart in WLC fields.Clive Ashton
2017-08-1750 adult Mute Swans. 6 Gadwall. 28 Teal (so much for me saying numbers were increasing daily!). 6 Pochard. 4 Little Egrets. 1 Oystercatcher. 21 Lapwing. 1 LRP. 4 Ringed Plover (3 ads, 1 juv). 8 Dunlin. 4 Common Sand. 1 Snipe. Ad Y-l Gull. 2 imm GBbGs including Onefoot. 2+ Swifts. 5 Kestrels (family party?) in the air together over Carsington Pastures. 3 Peregrines (young female plus 2 males). 3 Raven. Reed Warbler in WLC reedbed. 12 Mistle Thrushes and 7 Starlings settled in tall conifers in Hall Wood. 2 Redstart in WLC fields. Huge numbers of Goldfinches: 200 again on Stones and another 100 in WLC creek, along with 40 Linnets, amazing sight. (72 species)Simon Roddis
2017-08-1650 adult Mute Swans. 2 Greylags. 7 Gadwall. 37 Teal (increasingly daily at the moment). 6 Pochard. The female R-C Pochard with her now-nearly-full-grown youngster was in BA Bay today. 40 Cormorant. At least 4 Little Egrets. 6 Grey Herons. 16 Common Buzzards in the air. 43 Lapwing. 2 juv LRP. 1 juv Ringed Plover. 9 Dunlin. 5+ Common Sand. 1 Snipe over Stones island. Adult Y-l Gull. 2 imm GBbG. 4 Swift. Kingfisher in BA Bay. 100 Jackdaw over Hopton end. 2 Lesser Whitethroat (Stones and WLC creek). 3 Redstart in WLC fields. 3 Grey Wagtail. 55 Pied Wags between Stones and the WLC. 200 Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-08-15An Osprey flew in at 1130 and stayed until 1145 at least, seen from the WLC. 6 Little Egrets. 26 Teal. 4 Pochard. Female R-c Pochard with one young still. Peregrine. 1 Oystercatcher. 3 Ringed Plover. 1 juv LRP. 8 Dunlin. 6 Common Sand. Adult Y-l Gull. 2 Swifts. 2 Raven. 2 Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
2017-08-1449 adult Mute Swans. 1 juv Shelduck. 4 Greylags. 8 Gadwall. 22 Teal. Female R-c Pochard with one young at WLC. 5 Little Egrets. 9 Dunlin. 4 Ringed Plover. 4 Common Sand. 1 Swift. 5 Starling north. Female/juv Redstart in WLC fields. c50 Tree Sparrows and 5 Collared Doves at WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2017-08-13Monthly WeBS count: 35 GC Grebe, 13 Little Grebe, 9 Grey Heron, 8 Little Egret, 30 Cormorant, 51 Mute Swan, 6 Greylag (including neck-collar PPX), 398 Canada Geese, 264 Mallard, 17 Teal, 8 Gadwall, 3 Red-crested Pochard, 407 Tufted Duck, 714 Coot, 13 Moorhen, 1 Oystercatcher, 26 Lapwing, 1 LRP, 1 Ringed Plover, 3 Common Sand, 4 Dunlin, 6 Redshank, 1 Kingfisher. Also Spotted Fly, 2 Redstart.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
2017-08-1110 Little Egrets this morning, a site record. 6 Grey Heron. 49 adult Mute Swans. 16 Greylags. 19 Teal. Female R-c Pochard with one young still. 6 Dunlin. 1 Ringed Plover. 1 juv LRP. 3 Common Sand. On Sheepwash spit, 110 LBbG, 2 GBBg (adult and first-summer) and 2 ad Y-l Gulls. First-summer Common Gull. Kingfisher at Millfields. 1 Peregrine. 5 Ravens. 30 Swallows on the dam wall early on. 4 Redstarts in WLC fields. 80 Goldfinch at Millfields (over 100 in total).Simon Roddis
2017-08-10The highlight this morning was an adult Sandwich Tern from Stones Island. 9 Teal, drake Pochard, 5 Dunlin, 2 LRP, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Oystercatcher. Many warblers on Stones Island including 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Sedge Warblers. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields also another Lesser Whitethroat there and another Sedge Warbler in WLC Creek reed bed.Clive Ashton/Roger Carrington
2017-08-0918 Black-tailed Godwits flew through SE at 10:50. 2 Dunlin. 45 Lapwing. 3 LRP. 1 Ringed Plover. 5 Common Sand. 2 Oystercatcher. Adult Y-l Gull. 1 Common Tern. 50 adult Mute Swans. 6 Gadwall. 9 Teal. Drake Pochard. 3 female R-c Pochard - and the young bird does actually look like a miniature RcP now! 7 redhead Goosander. 2 Peregrine. 2 Raven. 4 Stock Doves. 1 Spotted Fly at Sheepwash. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. 120 Goldfinch on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-08-0814 Dunlin, 1 juv LRP, 1 Ringed Plover and a Greenshank around Stones island. 35 Lapwing. 4 Common Sand. 2 adult Common Terns. Adult Y-l Gull. 3 female R-c Pochard and 1 young again. 2 male Sparrowhawks. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-08-07Species noted during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon): Mallard, Dunlin, Mute Swan, Robin, Woodpigeon, Goldfinch, Swallow, Cormorant, Canada Goose, Tufted Duck, Great Tit, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Willow Warbler, House Martin, Black-headed Gull, Buzzard, Magpie, Little Grebe, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Wren, Gt Crested Grebe, Sand Martin, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Dunnock, Lapwing, Lesser Black-back Gull, Peregrine*, Reed Bunting**, Willow Tit, Linnet, Little Egret *Peregrine looked like young female previously noted; it emerged from long grass on Horseshoe Island with prey in its talons ** Young, recently fledged femaleGary Atkins
2017-08-07A Red Kite flew west across the Hopton end at 11:15. 8 Buzzards. 3+ Little Egret. 3 Shoveler at Sheepwash. 2 female Red-crested Pochard at Sheepwash, plus the female and young at WLC. 2 Teal. 3 Greylag. 1 Oystercatcher. 2 LRP. 12 Dunlin still. 2 Common Sand. 1 Redshank. Juv Collared Dove at WLC. 4+ Swifts. 3 Spotted Fly at Sheepwash. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. 30+ Linnet. 1 Siskin. 54 Tree Sparrow, and 2 nestboxes still with young. 41+ House Sparrow.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-08-06An Osprey was present from 0840-0900, dived once but didn't catch anything, then drifted north. Imm female Peregrine again. 5 Little Egret. 50 adult Mute Swan. 1 Pochard. 1 Greylag. 10 Little Grebe, plus small youngster in Tail Bay. Full grown young GC Grebe at Sheepwash, presumably flown in from elsewhere. 1 ad LRP at WLC. 12 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. 2 Common Sand. 1 ad Y-l Gull. 1 Stock Dove. Kingfisher at Millfields. 3 GSWoodpecker. 2 Swifts. 5 Raven. 10 Sand Martin. Spotted Fly feeding fledged young at Millfields car park. Blackcap feeding fledged young at Penn Carr. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. 40 Tree Sparrows at WLC. 30 Linnets. 120 Goldfinch. (75 species)Simon Roddis
2017-08-05Brief visit this morning: 50 adult Mute Swan, 2 Egyptian Geese at Millfields, 4+ Little Egret, 6+ Grey Heron, 9 Dunlin on Watersports Island, 1 Redshank, 3 Sedge Warbler on Stones Island, 1st Summer Herring Gull. Clive Ashton
2017-08-04Should also have mentioned a probable Bar-tailed Godwit over, moving north.CA, RC
2017-08-04At least 5 Little Egrets, possibly as many as 8. 50 adult Mute Swans. 10 Gadwall. 3 Teal. Female R-c Pochard with 1 young still. 43 Cormorants. 2+ Oystercatcher. 5+ Dunlin. 4 Common Sand. 6 Redshank. 2 ad Y-l Gull. Young female Peregrine again. 9 Swifts through. Steady trickle of Sand Martins through, at least 20 in total. SJR, CA, RC
2017-08-032 Common Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay at 13.30 hrs.Neil Moulden
2017-08-03At least 4 Little Egrets. 5 Gadwall. 2 Teal. 38 Cormorants. 1 Oystercatcher. 1 juv LRP. 1 adult Ringed Plover arrived in rain at 11:00, left SE 15 mins later when the weather cleared up. 1 Dunlin. At least 18 Swifts through to the south. 2 Raven. 2 young Spotted Fly in BA Bay. 2 Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-08-026 Little Egrets still. 2 Whimbrel flew west. 2 juv LRP. 1 Dunlin. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 9 Swifts. 2 Raven. 6 Sand Martin. 3 Redstarts in WLC fields. 1 fly-over Crossbill at Hopton end. 65 Tree Sparrows at WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2017-08-016 Little Egret, 9 Little Grebe, GC Grebe's each with 1 young at Millfields, 8 Moorhen, 2 Oystercatcher, Redshank, Dunlin, 5 Common Sandpiper, 1 Teal, 2 Mandarin, fledged Spotted Flycatchers in Brown Ale Bay, Wren family on Stones, Sedge Warblers calling around Sailing Club Island, adult YL Gull.Clive Ashton/Roger Carrington
2017-07-29At least 6 Little Egrets today. 5 Gadwall. 2 Teal. R-c Pochard with 1 young still. 33 Cormorants on Sheepwash spit. 5 Common Sand. 20 Swifts. 2 Spotted Fly in BA Bay. Juvenile Yellow Wagtail at WLC - first of the autumn!Simon Roddis
2017-07-283 Little Egret, 48 adult Mute Swan, 3 Barnacle Geese, 1 Teal, Hobby, Peregrine, Oystercatcher, 6 LR Plover, another colour ringed Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Common Sandpiper, the 2 juv LBbG's with 2 adults on Sheepwash spit, imm GBBG, 1 Common Tern, 30+ Swift, 58 Tree Sparrow. Clive Ashton/Roger Carrington
2017-07-28The colour-ringed Black-tailed Godwit was ringed as an adult male on the River Alde in Suffolk in September 2012. It was back there in the winter of 2014/15 and then in Iceland in April 2015 before returning to the River Alde in September 2015. Not recorded again until its appearance at Carsington, presumably on its southward migration.Simon Roddis
2017-07-27Highlight this morning was 11 Black-tailed Godwits on Sheepwash spit, including a colour-ringed bird. Initial search on the web suggests it was probably ringed as a non-breeding islandica race adult in Suffolk. 47 adult Mute Swans. 3 Barnacle Geese. 2 Teal. R-c Pochard with one young still. 32 Cormorant. 3 Little Egret. 4 Oystercatcher. Only saw 1 LRP. 3 Common Sand. 1 Redshank. 135 LBbG off Stones, then flew south, plus the pair with 2 juvs at Sheepwash. 1 imm GBbG. 1 Common Gull. Of 87 BhGs at Millfields, 14 were juvs. 20+ Swifts. Kingfishers in BA Bay and at WLC. Hobby over Stones island. 12+ Sand Martin. 60 House Martin over Stones causeway. 2 Redstart in WLC fields (adult male and the query imm male). 100 Goldfinch on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-07-266 Little Egret, 11 Grey Heron, 4 Barnacle Geese, 2 Pochard, Rc Pochard plus 1 young still, immature female Peregrine, Oystercatcher, 2 Dunlin, 2 Yellow legged Gull, 3 Common Tern, 2 Kingfisher, c100 Swallow, Sedge Warbler calling on Sailing Club Island, Reed Warbler calling at Hopton Pond.CA,RC,SJR
2017-07-25In addition today a Wheatear on Millfields Island mid morning also 2 adult Yellow legged Gulls.Clive Ashton
2017-07-2548 adult Mute Swans. 1 Mandarin and 3 Teal in BA Bay. R-c Pochard with chick still at WLC. 32 Cormorant. 6 Little Egret. 8 Grey Heron. 2 summer plumage Sanderling flew into Watersports island at 12:00. 1 adult Dunlin. 2 Redshank. 7 Common Sands. Adult Y-l Gull. First-summer GBbG. 2 adult Common Tern. 30 Swifts. Spotted Fly feeding young in BA Bay, presumed second brood. 3 single Redstarts (Hopton, Lane End, Shiningford creek). c30 Linnets - 20 in Shingford creek, 10 around Stones. 38 Tree Sparrows.SJR, AHS, CA
2017-07-24On the late shift today, a Whimbrel flew NW over Stones island at 1120 and a Dunlin shortly after. 4 Common Terns (3 ads, 1 juv) still, on the jetty in front of Sailing Club. Juv LBbG on Sheepwash spit - perhaps flown all the way from Chesterfield? c40 Swifts in total, including 30 drifting north into the breeze over Hopton end. 7 Raven (party of 6 plus one). Spotted Fly with at least 2 young in Hall Wood. 120 Goldfinch on Stones island.Simon Roddis
2017-07-244 Little Egret, 4 Barnacle Geese, 4 Oystercatcher, 10 LRP, 1 juvenile Ringed Plover, 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Black tailed Godwit, 4 Common Tern, immature female Peregrine. Clive Ashton/Roger Carrington
2017-07-23Monthly WeBS count: 31 GC Grebe, 8 Little Grebe, 4 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, 26 Cormorant, 47 Mute Swan, 413 Canada Geese, 3 Barnacle Geese, 14 Greylags, 191 Mallard, 10 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 262 Tufted Duck, 1 R-c Pochard, 1 drake Common Scoter, 11 Moorhen, 510 Coot, 4 Oystercatcher, 17 Lapwing, 14 LRP, 5 Common Sand, 1 Dunlin, 1 Redshank, 1 Common Tern, 1 Kingfisher. Also juv Med Gull, adult Y-l Gull, 2 Peregrine, Hobby, 6 Raven, 15 Linnet.SJR, JB, CA
2017-07-215 Little Egrets (2 flew in over Millfields at 1230). Wildfowl much as in previous days. Most of the Greylags appear to have moved out but there has been a definite increase in Coot numbers. 6 adult Moorhen, including pairs with 2 chicks each in Shiningford creek and Hopton end, plus a large youngster at Hopton end - no idea where that has come from. 95 Lapwing. 13 LRP. 6 Common Sand. At least 5 Oystercatcher. 2 Common Tern. 2 Yellow-legged Gull - the adult and the rather poorly-looking first-summer. 4 Stock Dove. 30 Swifts. 10 Sand Martin. Family of recently fledged Whitethroats at Hopton end. Song Thrush with food in Sheepwash carpark. 10 Starlings over. Female Redstart at Hopton end. 3 Grey Wag. 2 Greenfinch. Total of c100 Goldfinch on site.Simon Roddis
2017-07-2047 Mute Swans + cygnets. 6 full-grown young Gadwall in BA Bay, along with female and one smaller young. 3 Little Egrets. 6 adult and 1 large young Little Grebe (including a pair having another nesting attempt in Shiningford creek). Adult Y-l Gull. Adult and juv Common Tern. At least 50 Goldfinch in total. c40 Tree Sparrows at the WLC.Simon Roddis
2017-07-18In addition from WLC: 1 Hobby high over Carsington Pastures, 1 Teal, 40+ Tree Sparrow, 2 eclipse Gadwall. And 1 Oystercatcher at Lane End.James Owen
2017-07-183 Barnacle Geese, 4 Little ringed Plover, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Willow Tit, 10+ Tree Sparrow, 1 Kestrel, 3 ChaffinchAlex Collins-Smith
2017-07-1849 adult Mute Swan, 35 Greylag, 3 Barnacle Geese, female Rc Pochard, 2 Little Egret, 5+ Heron, 12 LRP, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Redshank, Redstart in WLC fields, Reed Warbler singing at WLC reed bed, Whitethroat family on Stones, Goldcrest family in BA Bay, GBbG, YLG, Kestrel taking prey to east side, 45 Jackdaw over Carsington pasture. Clive Ashton
2017-07-16Lapwing 7,Greylag goose 33,Cormorant 11,Great crested grebe 4,Mute swan 48 + 6 young, BH gull, Goldfinch 11, Canada goose 74,Gbb gull 2,Grey heron 2,Common sandpiper 1, Pied wagtail 2,Moorhen 2,Wren 1,Reed Bunting 1,Swift 2,Sand Martin 7,House Martins 10,Swallows 2,Great Tit 7,Blue tit 4,Reed warbler 1,Blackcap 1David Armitt
2017-07-1648 adult Mute Swans. 4 adult Gadwall; brood of 6 at Millfields and 1 in BA Bay. 1 Teal. Female R-c Pochard with 1 young at WLC still. Juv Goosander. 2 Little Egrets. 5 Grey Heron. 23 Cormorant. 14 LRP. 1 Dunlin. 2 Common Sand. 2 Y-l Gull. Kingfisher and 3 Raven at Millfields. Pair of Spotted Fly with food at Penn Carr, and another adult in BA Bay. 25 House Martin at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2017-07-1550 adult Mute Swans plus 5 and 1 cygnets. 3 Teal. 1 Little Egret. 5 Grey Heron. 3 adult Little Grebe. c30 Lapwing. 17 LRP. 1 Dunlin. 7 Common Sand. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (ad and first-summer). Stock Dove singing at the top of WLC creek. 13 Swifts over Stones. 2 Spotted Fly in BA Bay and 1 singing in WLC creek. 2 Redstart in WLC fields. Goldcrest feeding recently fleded juv in WLC creek. c12 Linnet on Stones and 1 singing in WLC creek. c50 Tree Sparrows on the WLC feeders, most of them juveniles.Simon Roddis
2017-07-133 Black-tailed Godwits at Millfields. Greenshank dropped into Stones at 1040, and later at Sheepwash. 16 LRP. 2 ad Dunlin. 4 Common Sand. 3 Little Egret. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and first-summer) and first-summer GBbG at Sheepwash. 3 Sand Martin. 5 singing Reed Warblers. Sedge Warbler on Sailing Club island. At least 4 Spotted Fly at Sheepwash/BA Bay. 1 Redstart in WLC fields and a pair with food at Hopton end (second breeding attempt?). 35 Tree Sparrows at WLC.SJR, CA, RC
2017-07-11Female Common Scoter from Sheepwash hide. 3 Little Egrets still. 2 Teal in BA Bay. Yesterday's passage waders appear to have moved on but still 18 LRP (5 ads, 13 juvs) and 5 Common Sands. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 2 Redstart in WLC fields. 1 Spotted Fly at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2017-07-1010 islandica race Black-tailed Godwits in front of the Sailing Club to 1000 at least. 17 LRPs (8 ads, 9 juvs). 1 Curlew south. 1 ad Dunlin. 4 Common Sands. 1 Common Snipe at Sheepwash. 46 adult Mute Swans. 10 adult Gadwall. 2 Teal. Female R-c Pochard plus 1 young. 32 Cormorant. 10 Grey Heron. 3 Little Egret still. Pair of Moorhen with 2 young at Hopton end. Juv female Peregrine. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Kingfisher at PS. 35 Swifts, mostly heading south. Lesser White, Sedge Warbler and 40 Goldfinch on Stones. Female Redstart in WLC fields. Spotted Fly at Sheepwash. Simon Roddis
2017-07-09Adult Little Grebe with full grown juvenile at Hopton end, 3+ Heron, 3 Little Egret, 45 adult Mute Swan, 2 female Tufted with 8 young at Hopton end (probably 7+1), Rc Pochard still with 1 young, Coots with 1 tiny young at Millfields Island and another sitting at Penn Carr, 10+ LRP, 14 Common Sandpiper, Kingfisher, Reed Warbler family at WLC reed bed and others singing WLC Creek, PS hide and Hopton end, Sedge Warbler on Sailing Club Island, female Redstart in WLC fields, Siskin over Blackwall plantation. Clive Ashton
2017-07-083 Little Egret still. 46 Mute Swans plus cygnets. 5 Gadwall plus broods of 5 and 1. Female R-c Pochard with 1young still. New brood of 11 Tufteds at Big Island. 1 Teal. 2 pairs of Little Grebe. 2 Grey Heron. 2 Sparrowhawk. 8 Common Sandpiper. 3 Stock Dove. 2 Kestrel. 3 Raven. 1 Skylark north. 4 Sand Martin. c15 Reed Warbler including 7 singing. 2 Spotted Fly at Sheepwash. 2 juv Redstarts in WLC fields. 50 Starling. 4 Mistle Thrush. (75 species.)Simon Roddis
2017-07-0746 Mute Swan. 532 Canada Geese. 1 Teal. Imm male Common Scoter from Sheepwash to 1130 at least. 29 Cormorant. 3 Little Egret (2 in BA Bay, 1 in Stones/WLC area). 2 Grey Heron (adult and juv). Little Grebe nest in Shiningford creek appears to have been abandoned. At least 10 LRP. 3 Redshank. 2 imm Common Gull. 2 imm GBbG. 10 LBbG. 4 Common Tern south at 1050. Male Peregrine over the west side. 6 Raven. 2 Sand Martin. 4 Spotted Fly between Sheepwash and BA Bay. 10 Linnet on Stones. (72 species.)Simon Roddis
2017-07-051 juv Little Egret on the west side between Shiningford and Sheepwash. 4 Grey Heron (2 ads, 2 juvs). 46 Mute Swan plus broods of 5 and 1. 51 Greylags, including 19 juvs. Mandarin, probably an eclipse mail, in Tail Bay. 4 Teal off Stones. No change in Gadwall and R-c Pochard broods. New brood of 2 small Tufted Duck at Sailing Club island. 24 Cormorant. Pair of Little Grebes at a nest in Shiningford creek, and 1 singing in BA Bay. Only 1 GCGrebe still sitting on Millfields island, all the others appear to have deserted. 25+ Lapwing. 1 ad Dunlin on Watersports island. 2 imm GBbG. 1 first-summer Common Gull from Sheepwash. 2 Jay at Millfields. Spotted Fly in WLC creek. 2 Redstart in WLC fields. 15 Starling over. Simon Roddis
2017-07-03Red shank 2,canada geese 100+,House martin 2,swallow 4,Coot 150+,Cormorant 12,BH Gull 15,Mute swan 9,Mallard 7,Lapwing 6,Tuffted Duck 15,Heron 2,Grey wagtail 1,Woodpigeon 7,Ringed plover 2,Sand Martins 6,Oystercatcher 2,Bullfinch 3,Bullfinch 3, Blackbird 8,Song thrush 2,white wagtail 2 ,David Armitt
2017-07-03450 Canada Geese. Gadwall broods of 6 and 1 still, and R-c Pochard 1. 2 Pochard and 1 Teal in BA Bay. 13 Cormorant. 2 adult Grey Heron. Pair of Little Grebe in Shiningford Creek with 2 large young. At least 16 LRP around the res. 1 Ringed Plover. 2 Raven from Sheepwash. 2 Sand Martin. 2 Lesser White and 3 Redstart in WLC creek. 22 Tree Sparrows including 7 juvs.SJR, CA, AHS
2017-07-0229 Greylags. Gadwall broods of 1 and 6 still, and R-c Pochard with 1. 1 Teal, 1 Pochard. 15 Cormorant. 2 Grey Heron. Moorhen with small young in Hopton reedbed. 2 Common Sands at Millfields. 2 GBbG. 4 Mistle Thrush. Male and female Redstart in WLC fields. 3 Spotted Fly around Sheepwash/PS. 1 Siskin over WLC creek.Simon Roddis
2017-06-30The waders of the last couple of day all appear to have moved on, but there are still at least 2 young Common Sands on Big Island. A Common Tern cruising up and down past Stones island. 42 Mute Swan, plus broods of 1 and 5. 23 Greylags. 8 adult Gadwall, plus 6 young at the WLC and just 1 now in BA Bay. The female R-c Pochard now has only 1 young at the WLC. 3 adult Moorhen (2 Hopton, 1 BA Bay). 15 LBbG. Onefooted GBbG. 1 Kingfisher in BA Bay. Blackcap with food at Hopton. 13 Reed Warblers noted: 5 singing in Hopton reedbed, plus 4 more birds there (females?), one of them feeding a fledged young bird; singles singing in BA Bay, WLC and on Stones (RC). At least 3 Sedge Warblers on Stones/Sailing Club islands, so maybe there are fledged young there now. 1 adult Spotted Fly at Sheepwash. Male and juv Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
2017-06-29Decent array of waders this morning: 2 Knot, 1 Dunlin, 1 juv Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, Lapwing, LRP, Oystercatcher, Common Sand and Redshank. Female Redstart still in WLC fields. The male Mute Swan of the pair with 5 cygnets is colour-ringed, JCA, and is now 18 years old, having been ringed as a one-year old at Burton-on-Trent in July 2000.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2017-06-281 Black-tailed Godwit at Wildlife Centre 1615hrs, 2 Sanderling on Sail Club Island 1700hrs in wet windy conditions.Roger Carrington
2017-06-27New brood of 2 young Barnacle Geese at Millfields. Male Pochard flew past Stones. Otherwise, mostly the usual suspects.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
2017-06-2642 Mute Swan, plus the one cygnet at Sailing Club and a brood of 5 small cygnets in Hopton end. 37 Greylags, including juvs. 556 Canada Geese. Drake Teal in BA Bay. Tufted Duck broods of 18 (more than one brood?) in WLC creek and 12 at Big Island. 5 drake Common Scoter off Stones. Coot with 1 small chick and 3 well-grown Common Sand chicks on Big Island. 2 Common Terns. 2 GBbG. GSWoodpecker flew east from Stones and across the reservoir. 6 singing Reed Warblers plus pair in BA Bay. At least 2 Redstarts in WLC fields and Spotted Fly still in BA Bay. Siskin over Hopton end.Simon Roddis
2017-06-26I have returned from holiday and have identified a bird I saw near the further bird hide I am 99 sure it was a Dartford Warbler. Many thanks, Jennifer for taking the time to send in your record of what you believe could have been a Dartford Warbler at Carsington Water on 17/06/2017. May I just say that Dartford Warblers are a very rare vagrant to Derbyshire and the occurence of such a bird at Carsington would be extremly unlikely. Have you considered Common Whitethroat which often sit out in the open akin to a Dartford Warbler? As this is such a rarity in Derbyshire it would need submitting to the Derbyshire Ornithological Society (DOS) to be considered for acceptance. Regards Dave Newcombe: Joint recorder for Carsington Bird Club. Dave Newcombe
2017-06-25I have returned from holiday and have identified a bird I saw near the further bird hide I am 99% sure it was a Dartford Warbler.Jennifer Cauchemet
2017-06-2431 Mute Swan. 5 Gadwall plus broods of 3 (BA Bay) and 6 (WLC). R-c Pochard f with 3 young in Shiningford creek, drake at WLC. Tufted brood of 13, female brought them across the res into Shiningford creek. Female Pochard in BA Bay. Full grown juv LRP at Sheepwash. 2 GBbG. Kingfisher in BA Bay. Pair of Reed Warblers carrying food in BA Bay, plus 4 singing in Hopton reedbed and one at PS hide. Female Redstart with one young in WLC fields. 2 Linnet on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-06-2331 Mute Swan, female Gadwall with 3 small young in BA Bay, 6 GC Grebe nests on Millfields Island, female Redstart with 1 young in WLC fields, 2 Willow Tit families Penn Carr and PSHide gate. CA,AHS,SJR
2017-06-2227 Mute Swans, including a pair with 1 cygnet off Sailing Club island. 4 Shoveler dropped into BA Bay at 1030. Female R-c Pochard with 5 young at WLC, male RCP also there, and a female Gadwall with 6 young. 12 Cormorant. 2 Grey Heron. 20 Lapwing. Pair of Redshank at WLC with 4 full-grown young. Juv BhGs now flying at Millfields island. 1 Raven at Millfields. 5 Sand Martin. Sedge Warbler still on Sailing Club island. Family party of Lesser Whitethroats in the big hedge opposite Millfields island.Simon Roddis
2017-06-20Pair of Common Sandpipers on Big Island, appear to have at least 2 small young, very agitated by the presence of nearby Coots. (Common Sand last bred in 1992 when 2 pairs reared 8 young.) 11 Redshank, including 2 almost fully grown young in Hopton end. 18 Lapwing at WLC. 24 Mute Swan. 580 Canada Geese and 34 Greylags (both plus goslings). Female Gadwall with c.8 young in Shiningford creek. 11 Cormorant. 2 Grey Heron. Onefoot the GBbG still. Sedge Warbler still on Sailing Club island. In BA Bay, at least 2 recently fledged Spotted Flycatchers being fed by adults, and similarly 3 young Carrion Crows.Simon Roddis

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