Recent Sightings
| Date | Sighting | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 29/04/2026 | No Terns today but waders were in evidence with 9 species recorded: Bar-tailed Godwit at Watersports, Sanderling on Sailing Club shoreline, 2 Ruff on the back of Horseshoe Island, Curlew heard at Millfields and a Greenshank was around for a while before apparently flying NE. Female Red-crested Pochard and her male common Pochard admirer at WLC, Caspian Gull at Watersports, Yellow Wagtail over Stones, 4 Sedge Warblers and 2 Common Whitethroat behind Millfields Island. | Clive Ashton |
| 28/04/2026 | Another fantastic morning started with 9 Arctic Terns flying in over the dam at 0715hrs. Whilst counting the Terns, at 0745, Alan picked out a dark phase Arctic Skua which flew low up the middle of the res before departing NW. Paul Bennett popped in to see the Arctic Terns and found a Little Tern amongst them at Sheepwash. By 0945hr Arctic Tern numbers had increased to 26, before around half of them had apparently moved on. Large numbers of hirundines all morning and we estimate 400 Sand Martin and 200 Swallow. C6 Pochard, female Red-crested Pochard, 2 female Goldeneye at Sheepwash, 3 Egyptian Geese, 2 Swift, the ringed Caspian Gull, Yellow Wagtail (MR). Little Tern and c14 Arctic Terns still present around 1100hrs when we left site. | CA/AHS |
| 27/04/2027 | From Stones Island this morning, 3 Shoveller, 2 Pochard, 1 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Grey Heron, lots of Sedge and Garden Warblers, 2 Arctic Terns, 1 Common Sandpiper. 1 Dunlin at Millfields and Mediterranean Gull on Sailing Club Island (CA) Peacock butterfly and Orangetips on the wing. | AHS |
| 26/04/2026 | The first-summer Little Gull was still off Watersports this morning. 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 2 Common Terns there too. Female Red-crested Pochard from WLC. Second-summer Mediterranean Gull still on sailing club island. Single Curlew, Common Sandpiper and Redshank. 3 Swifts from WLC. Whitethroat in WLC creek. 13 singing Sedge Warblers across Stones and WLC creek. 3 Yellow Wagtails. | SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD |
| 25/04/2026 | 2 summer plumage Black-necked Grebes around Watersports area, 1 Black Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 2 Common Tern, 2 Little Gull (ad, 1s), 3 Shelduck, 2 drake Pochard, Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Common Sandpiper, Common Whitethroat at Hopton End, Reed Warbler in WLC reedbed, 3 Pied Flycatcher on east side. | Clive Ashton |
| 24/04/2026 | Following yesterday afternoon's movement, there were another 36 Black Terns this morning, building up between about 06:30 and 08:30, plus 3 Little Gulls (2 adults and one first-summer), all to 11:00 at least. The 2 Bar-tailed Godwits were still around and a Greenshank flew N. 3 Mandarins over the main carpark. 6 Pochard, 2 Teal. 1 Egyptian Goose. More Garden Warblers have arrived, now 6 in the Stones/WLC area. Lesser Whitethroat singing south of Sheepwash. Redstart singing at the top of WLC creek and Clive had a Yellow Wagtail over the WLC. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 24/04/2026 | 6 Chiffchaff, 5 Cormorant, 3 Blackcap, 24 Black Tern, 1 Reed bunting, 9 Oystercatcher, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Willow warbler, 8 Sedge warbler, 1Bar tailed Godwit , 2 Little Gull, 2 Male Pochard , 1 Female Red Crested pochard , 15+ Sand Martin,2 LRP | David Armitt |
| 23/04/2026 | The 2 Bar-tailed Godwits are still present, 1 each at Watersports (with a damaged wing) and from.WLC. Common Sandpiper and 2 Redshank in the same area. Two female Goldeneye. Reed and Garden Warblers at Hopton end, and Garden on Stones. 3 singing Pied Flycatchers in Hall Wood/Warrington Knob. 3 male Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall and 2 Swifts overhead. Wheatear at Millfields (per A&R). | SJR, MW, RPJ, AMD |
| 22/04/2026 | Best this morning was a beautiful first-summer Little Gull off Watersports. Another surprise was 2 Redwing at Millfields, with a Swift, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Willow Tit and c100 Redpoll in the same area. Around Watersports, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, Common Sandpiper, Redshank and the pair of Egyptian Geese. Yellow Wagtail (possibly 2) on Stones causeway/dam wall. Redstart in WLC fields. | Simon Roddis, Mick Watson |
| 21/04/2026 | Another excellent spring morning, with 4 new species for the year: Swift over the dam wall, Yellow Wagtail at the main centre, Garden Warblers at Hopton end and on Stones, and Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed. One Black-tailed and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits were on Watersports island and later from WLC. First-summer Caspian Gull still. Pink-footed Goose, 2 Teal, 2 Pochard and 4 Goldeneye. 10 Sedge Warblers around Stones island and 1 at WLC. Redstart still in WLC fields. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 19/04/2026 | Highlight of the monthly wildfowl count was a drake Ring-necked Duck in Brown Ale Bay at around 08:50, relocated off Big Island at 10:20. Other wildfowl: 194 Canada, 34 Greylag (plus a brood of 5), 1 Pink-foot, 2 Egyptian, 2 Mute Swan, 33 Gadwall, 70 Mallard (plus a brood of 12), 3 Pochard, 47 Tufted, 5 Goldeneye, 4 Moorhen, 18 Coot, 4 Little Grebe, 36 GCGrebe, 11 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Redshank, 2 Dunlin, 6 Cormorant (a total of 480 waterbirds as opposed to 824 in April last year) Also: first-summer Mediterranean and Caspian Gulls at Watersports, 100+ Sand Martins, male Whitethroat at Hopton end, male Pied Flycatcher still at Warrington Knob and Redstart in WLC fields. Wheatear on the dam wall (per Mick W). | Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley |
| 18/04/2026 | This morning, 2 Egyptian Geese, drake Pochard, 3 Common Sandpipers off Stones causeway, first-summer Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Mediterranean Gulls (second-summer and a pair of adults), Common Tern at Watersports, Willow Tit on the Tail Bay path, 3 Skylarks over, 100++ Sand Martins, male Redstart in WLC fields still, 1 Redpoll. | Simon Roddis, Mick Watson |
| 17/04/2026 | Early evening - 2 Med Gulls (a 3cy and 2cy) in or around the BHGull colony at the rear of Sailing Club Island, best viewed from the second bench along the dam wall, albeit distant. Also a German ringed Caspian Gull (2cy) on the Watersports pontoon; Pink-footed Goose and LRPlover on Watersports Island. | Richard Lowe |
| 17/04/2026 | Quieter than yesterday. The second-summer Mediterranean Gull was still present, Redstart still singing in WLC fields and 2 new Sedge Warblers, on Millfields island and at WLC. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 16/04/2025 | A decent morning, starting with a male Pied Flycatcher singing in Warrington Knob, just south of Middle Wood on the east side (first of the year). Single Arctic Tern and Whimbrel past Stones island (also both the first of the year), and a Common Sandpiper was on the shore. Drake Pochard off Watersports. 2 male Redstarts (Hall Wood and WLC fields). | SJR, CA, MW |
| 14/04/2026 | Caspian Gull (2cy) on Watersports pontoon late afternoon - (yellow colour ring on left leg). | Richard Lowe |
| 14/04/2026 | The second-summer Mediterranean Gull flew across sailing club bay mid-morning. Common Tern at Watersports. Drake Pochard. 4 Goldeneye. At Hopton end and Hall/Middle Woods, 9 Coal Tit, 5 Willow Warbler, 17 Blackcap, 6 Nuthatch, 8 Treecreeper, 1 Redstart. Another Redstart in WLC fields. 3 Sedge Warblers around Stones. | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 13/04/2026 | Late afternoon visit: second-summer Mediterranean Gull among the Black-heads on the back of sailing club island, as reported by Richard L a couple of days ago. Pink-footed Goose past Stones. 3 singing Sedge Warblers. | Simon Roddis |
| 11/04/2026 | 3 Little and 4 Common Terns were off Stones island from 07:55 to around 08:15 this morning. Good conditions for terns, clearly. 20+ Barnacle Geese. Second-summer Caspian Gull again off Watersports. Little Egret at Millfields. Big increase in hirundines, c100 Swallows, 300 Sand Martins and at least 4 House Martins. Sedge Warbler again on Stones. | Simon Roddis |
| 10/04/2026 | 2 Pochard, 1 female Red-Crested Pochard, 8 Gadwall, 6 Oystercatcher, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Little Grebe, 30+ Sand Martin, 20+ Swallow, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcap , 4 Long tailed Tit, 4 House Martin, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Jay , 3 Willow Warbler, 2 Bullfinch | Dave Armitt |
| 10/04/2026 | A Sedge Warbler singing on Stones island this morning is the earliest ever arrival here by 2 days. 2 House Martins also on Stones, and 100+ Sand Martins and c20 Swallows. Female Red-crested Pochard again consorting with a male Common Pochard off Stones causeway. 70 Common Gulls late morning, and a second-summer Caspian Gull off Watersports. Little Egret over Hopton end early morning. Redstart singing above WLC creek again and a brood of 3 Mallard in the fields (first I've seen this year). 1 Redpoll on Stones. | Simon Roddis |
| 08/04/2026 | A very decent morning: a Sandwich Tern flew past Stones island at 08:15 and the Jack Snipe was again on Watersports island from 07:30 to at least 09:30. A Redstart was singing at the top of WLC creek and a female Wheatear was in the fields. Wildfowl included 3 Shelduck, female Red-crested Pochard, 2 drake Pochard, 4 Goldeneye and the pair of Egyptian Geese. A Curlew flew over Stones. First-summer Caspian Gull at sailing club. Willow Warblers and Blackcaps in increasing numbers. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 07/04/2026 | A Jack Snipe bobbed away on Watersports island this morning, from 07:30 to 09:10 at least, with a Common Snipe almost adjacent. 4 Shoveler were out in the middle of the res. Tawny Owl calling at Penn Carr. Total of 33 Ravens, including 30 over the pastures; the presence of a couple of Buzzards and a Red Kites suggests that there might be a dead animal up there attracting their attention. 4+ Willow Warblers dotted around, and 3 Redpolls over. | SJR, CA, MW |
| 06/04/2026 | The pair of Egyptian Geese were on sailing club island early morning. 6 Goldeneye. 2 Curlew and 2 Herring Gulls flew S. 5 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. c60 Sand Martins and 3 Swallows off Sheepwash. Willow Warblers singing near the main entrance and at Millfields. 60 Fieldfare flew N (flocks of 24 and 36). | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 05/04/2026 | Following are the species recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walks (10am-noon; Stones Island to the Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Cormorant, Black-headed Gull, Magpie, Mallard, Chiffchaff, Coot, Tufted Duck, Oystercatcher, Carrion Crow, Egyptian Goose, Robin, Greylag Goose, Black-tailed Godwit, Sand Martin, Canada Goose, Moorhen, Woodpigeon, Gt Crested Grebe, Pochard, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Wren, Goldeneye, Pied Wagtail, Redshank, Dunnock | Gary Atkins |
| 05/04/2026 | A fly-through Greenshank was this morning's highlight. c80 Fieldfare also flew NW. 30 Sand Martins and 5+ Swallows off Stones/WLC. 2 Egyptian Geese, 4 Pochard and 2 Teal. Snipe at Paul Stanley hide. Barn Owl at Hopton reedbed first thing, and 15 Ravens over. Willow Tit at WLC. Black-tailed Godwit also reported on Watersports island (per Lorna). | SJR, CA, MW |
| 04/04/2026 | The first Willow Warbler of the year was singing near the main centre mid-morning, wonderful to hear. Other bit and pieces included 2 Shelduck, 3 redhead Goosander, 1 Egyptian Goose, 2 Pochard, 3 Redshank, 3 Herring Gulls, 1 Little Egret, 10 Sand Martin, 2 Swallows, 4 Blackcap, 1 Redpoll. | SJR, MW, CA |
| 02/04/2026 | A winter-plumage Turnstone was on Watersports island at 07:30 but had gone by 09:00. 3 Egyptian Geese at Millfields/Watersports. 1 Pink-footed Goose. The drake Red-crested Pochard was still at Millfields, hanging around with a group of Mallard. A light northerly movement of c.70 Woodpigeons. 21 Buzzards in a 360 scan from the dam wall late morning. Willow Tit at WLC. 10 Sand Martins. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 01/04/2026 | A drake Red-crested Pochard was at Millfields this morning, and a Little Egret flew S past Stones. Pair of Egyptian Geese still hanging around Watersports island. 6 Sand Martin and 1 Swallow. 2 Redpoll (over Millfields and Stones). | SJR, CA, MW |
| 31/03/2026 | Perimeter counts this morning: 124 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcap, 2 Egyptian Geese, 4 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, 33 Pheasant, 4 Stock Dove, 17 Oystercatcher, 4 Jay, 32 Magpies, 4 Raven, 15 Coal Tit, 4 Willow, 135 Blue, 65 Great, 8 Long-tailed, 8 Sand Martin, 2 Goldcrest, 124 Wren, 12 Nuthatch, 8 Treecreeper, 32 Song Thrush, 9 Mistle, 1 Redwing, 82 Blackbird, 177 Robin, 50 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 12 Pied, 9 Meadow Pipits, 6 Chaffinch, 10 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Redpoll, 29 Goldfinch, 18 Siskin, 2 Reed Buntings. | Simon Roddis |
| 31/03/2026 | An adult Kittiwake flew south down the east side, 2 Egyptian Geese, Pair Mandarin past Stones, redhead Goosander, drake Pochard, 3 Sand Martin, Blackcap singing on Stones, Willow Tit WLC. | CA/AHS |
| 30/03/2026 | Highlight this morning was a Sandwich Tern which flew past Watersports at 10:18. Not seen again but Clive might have heard it earlier. Pair of Egyptian Geese again. 2 Teal. 3 Pochard. 3 Redshank. Pair of Peregrines over the north end. Pair of Willow Tits near WLC. 5 Swallows. 1 Fieldfare in the main carpark, and Alan had a Redpoll on Stones. | SJR, CA, MW, AHS |
| 28/03/2026 | Probably 5 Swallows and 2 Sand Martins were off Stones/Watersports late morning. Drake Pintail from WLC. Pink-footed Goose off Stones. At least one pair of Egyptian Geese and 27 Barnacles. 2 Willow Tits. c70 Fieldfare, 30 Starling and Woodpigeons flushed by a Sparrowhawk north of Fishtail. 2 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall. | SJR, CA, MW |
| 26/03/2026 | Along the east side, Hopton to Millfields, this morning: 6 Willow Tits, 42 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 9 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Crossbill, 2 Egyptian Geese. Elsewhere, a Swallow (first of the year here) past the main centre, 4 Sand Martin, 32 Barnacle Geese, several more Chiffchaffs on Stones. | SJR, CA, AHS, RPJ, AMD |
| 22/03/2026 | March WeBS count: 5 Mute Swan, 189 Canada Geese, 37 Greylag Geese, 2 Egyptian Geese, 42 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Grebe, 121 Mallard, 6 Teal, 20 Gadwall, 1 Mandarin, 45 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 9 Goldeneye, 7 Moorhen, 23 Coot, 8 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 10 Oystercatcher, 4 Redshank, 1 Grey Wagtail. 2 Blackcap singing at Hopton end. CA/JB | Clive Ashton/ Jon Bradley |
| 20/03/2026 | The first Little Ringed Plover of the year dropped into sailing club this morning, and a Little Egret flew over. The over-wintering Common Sandpiper was on the dam wall at Millfields. Drake Shoveler on Horseshoe island. First-winter Caspian and second-winter Yellow-legged Gulls off Watersports. Tawny Owl calling at Sheepwash first thing. Willow Tit at WLC. 12 Siskin over Stones. | SJR, CA, MW |
| 20/03/2026 | 6 Chiffchaff, 2 Great spotted woodpecker, 7 Goldeneye, 7 Oystercatcher , 6 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 9 Greylag goose, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Willow tit , 10 Cormorant | Dave Armitt |
| 19/03/2026 | Clive had 2 Sand Martins past Stones this morning, and 4 Shoveler were off Sheepwash. 22 Chiffchaffs between Hopton end and Stones. 93 Woodpigeons N. 12 Buzzards in the air from the dam wall. Pair of Willow Tits at Lane End and 1 singing in WLC creek (per Mike R). 1 Linnet on the dam wall and 2 Redpoll over WLC area. | Simon Roddis |
| 18/03/2026 | Slightly less quiet than the last few days but still awaiting migrants. Pair of Shelduck off Millfields and a pair of Mandarin flew through Tail Bay. 11 Goldeneye, 10 of them off Sheepwash. Tiny bit of movement involving 156 Woodpigeons N and 33 S, plus 13 Chaffinch N. Singing Skylark and 5 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 13/03/2026 | A few bits and pieces this morning: 31 Barnacle Geese, the pair of Egyptian Geese again, drake Wigeon, Curlew, c5,000 Black-headed Gulls early morning, several Buzzards and Red Kites enjoying the breeze, 70 Starlings NW, 35 Siskin in WLC creek and 2 Crossbills over. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 11/03/2026 | Best this morning were the 2 Egyptian Geese again, fly-over Shelduck, first-winter Caspian Gull, 30 Barnacle Geese, 230 Woodpigeons N, 4 Curlew, 3 Redshank around Horseshoe island, Willow Tit singing on Stones. | SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD |
| 10/03/2026 | Highlight this morning was a Sand Martin from Sheepwash hide, first of the year as far as I'm aware. 29 Barnacle Geese at Watersports. Pair of Egyptian Geese again. Redhead Goosander flew up the res and maybe the same bird later past Stones. 830 Woodpigeons N (and 15 S). Green Woodpecker calling at Sheepwash. Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew and 2 Redshank on Horseshoe island. 10 Buzzards in the air. | Simon Roddis, Ken Rome |
| 08/03/2026 | Afternoon visit: adult Caspian Gull from Lane End hide. 15 Herring Gulls and adult Great Black-back from Stones. Female Red-crested Pochard off Stones causeway (found earlier by Adam Saunders). 2 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon and 40 Redwing at Sheepwash. | Simon Roddis |
| 07/03/2026 | 27 Barnacle geese flew in, landed in field other side of road to dam wall around 8.30 am. | Matthew Birkin |
| 07/03/2026 | Another eventful morning, with highlights of 11 drake Common Scoter, 8 Kittiwakes and 70 passage Wigeon out on the water off Stones island. 2 Shoveler still at Sheepwash. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 06/03/2026 | After a couple of hours looking for Willow Tits (4 found), a walk onto Stones island proved worthwhile when a Bar-tailed Godwit flew S and a scan of the water revealed a beautiful summer plumage Black-necked Grebe. 36 Great Crested Grebes (highest count since last September) suggests a small arrival - perhaps the Black-necked came in with them. 3 Chiffchaffs in Tail Bay. 2 Shoveler and 2 Wigeon at Sheepwash (per Alan S). | Simon Roddis |
| 02/03/2026 | Highlights this morning were a Barn Owl at Hopton reedbed early morning, a Great Egret around Horseshoe/Watersports and 2 Egyptian Geese which flew down the res late morning and settled on Watersports island (still there at 11:40). Plus 28 Barnacle Geese, 8 Curlew, Snipe at Hopton reedbed, first-winter Yellow-legged Gull off Stones island, Willow Tit at WLC, 3+ Chiffchaffs. | Simon Roddis |
| 01/03/2026 | Following are the species noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Great Tit, Buzzard, Blackbird, Cormorant, Coot, Mallard, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Teal, Great-crested Grebe, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Oystercatcher, Robin, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch, Pied Wagtail, Woodpigeon, Chaffinch, Barnacle Goose, Magpie, Curlew, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Gadwall, Wren | Gary Atkins |
| 01/03/2026 | 2 Chiffchaffs on Stones island this morning. Redshank and 2 Pochard at Paul Stanley hide. 12 Goldeneye. 29 Barnacle Geese at Watersports. At least 10 Buzzards in the air from Millfields late morning, and 2 Skylarks on the dam wall. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 28/02/2026 | Perimeter counts this morning: 3 Chiffchaffs, 14 Coal Tits, 202 Blue, 73 Great, 3 Willow, 13 Long-tailed, 3 Nuthatch, 6 Treecreeper, 2 Goldcrest, 81 Wren, 50 Song Thrush, 7 Mistle, 80 Blackbird, 20 Redwing, 201 Robin, 66 Dunnock, 27 Chaffinch, 8 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 1+ Crossbill, 21 Goldfinch, 10 Siskin. Maybe as many as 20 Oystercatchers, difficult to keep track of! | Simon Roddis |
| 27/02/2026 | At Carsi this morning, the Common Sandpiper was on Watersports island, Redshank and Kingfisher from Paul Stanley hide, 9 Goldeneye in Brown Ale Bay, singing Willow Tit and 4 Redpoll near Lane End and a finch flock between Sheepwash and Lane End comprising 16 Chaffinch, 16 Goldfinch and 3 Greenfinch. | Simon Roddis |
| 26/02/2026 | 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker , 12 Long tailed Tit, 1 Nuthatch, 20 Redwing, 7 Gadwall, 16 Teal , 3 Grey Heron, 3 Little grebe, 7 Oystercatcher, 4 Female Goldeneye, 4 Male Goldeneye, 2 Pied wagtail, 4 Barnacle goose, 1 Buzzard, 1Coal tit | Dave Armitt |
| 26/02/2026 | Single Shelduck around Horseshoe/Watersports this morning. Pair of Barnacle Geese. 28 Tufted. 6+ Goldeneye. 12 Curlew, including 10 at sailing club early on. 1 Woodcock and 1 Tawny Owl at Hopton end first thing. 285 Lesser Black-backs flew N over Hopton as they came out of the roost. Pair of Willow Tits (one singing) south of Lane End. 50 Redwing, mostly at Paul Stanley/Sheepwash. 20 Chaffinch, including a flock of 14 NE. | Simon Roddis |
| 23/02/2026 | 870 Woodpigeons flew N 0730-0830 this morning, plus 5 Skylarks and a Great Egret. 34 Barnacle Geese at WLC and Willow Tit nearby. 14 Curlew in WLC fields. Redshank and 5 Snipe from Paul Stanley hide. 3 Redpoll over Stones causeway. | Simon Roddis |
| 21/02/2026 | Monthly wildfowl count: 224 Canada, 34 Barnacle, 28 Greylag, 44 Gadwall, 16 Wigeon, 226 Mallard, 187 Teal, 7 Pochard, 7 Tufted, 10 Goldeneye, 5 Moorhen, 75 Coot, 6 Little Grebe, 24 GCGrebe, 10 Oystercatcher, 15 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 7 Cormorant. 7 Skylarks over Stones. | Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley |
| 20/02/2026 | Around Carsi this morning, 34 Barnacle Geese, 5 Curlew off Stones causeway early on, Common Sandpiper from WLC, a first-winter Mediterranean Gull from Sheepwash hide late morning, Water Rail and Redshank at Paul Stanley hide (AHS), Willow Tit singing near WLC, 50 Redwing, 10 Crossbills SW over WLC creek mid-morning. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 19/02/2026 | Clive pulled another rabbit out of the hat this morning in the shape of a Grey Partridge on Stones island, the first at Carsi since November 2011. However, a search between the WLC and Shiningford for Tuesday's Bittern was to no avail. The Common Sandpiper was still on Horseshoe island and a male Sparrowhawk posed beautifully there for a while. At least 22 GCGrebes suggests a small increase, as you'd expect as we approach spring. | SJR, CA |
| 17/02/2026 | Just 350 Woodpigeons and 120 Starlings N this morning. A Great Egret flew S down the res mid-morning and a Shelduck flew in at the same time. 34 Barnacle Geese. 8 Curlews at sailing club early morning, and 3 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. 15 Linnets again on Stones. | SJR, CA, MW |
| 16/02/2026 | Credit is due to Clive for most of this morning's birds: an adult Kittiwake from Stones island late morning, last seen heading towards Millfields; 1,750 Woodpigeons N; 32 Barnacle Geese; 7 Curlew, the Common Sandpiper and 15 Linnets around Horseshoe island; Peregrine over Shiningford and a Willow Tit at WLC. | CA, MW, SJR |
| 14/02/2026 | On this fine sunny morning, 4 Pintail (1m,3f) were at Sheepwash late morning, only 10 Pochard, 9 Goldeneye, 12+ Oystercatchers, Redshank from Paul Stanley hide still, Curlew down the east side, adult Great Black-back, pair of Peregrines on a pylon at Shiningford, drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker in Hall Wood, Willow Tit at WLC. Surprisingly little moving, although there was a report of 60 Pink-footed Geese over. | Simon Roddis |
| 12/02/2026 | A bit of movement this morning, virtually everything heading N or NE: 820 Woodpigeons, 2 Stock Doves, 120 Pink-footed Geese, 166 Starlings, 5 Skylarks, 1 Curlew, 6 Lesser Black-backs. At ground/water level, 29 Greylags, 2 Pintail, 51 Pochard, 13 Goldeneye, 69 Coot, 15 GCGrebe, Woodcock at Hopton end, the Common Sandpiper back at Millfields, adult Great Black-back, Willow Tit at WLC, and in the air 6 Buzzards and 6 Ravens (3 pairs). | Simon Roddis |
| 11/02/2026 | Just a few bits and bobs this morning: 3 Shoveler still at Sheepwash, female Pintail off Stones, single Snipe and Redshank from Paul Stanley hide and a Skylark over, 1 (maybe 2) Willow Tit at WLC, 2 Meadow Pipits over Stones causeway, 2 Reed Buntings at the Millfields feeders. | Simon Roddis |
| 10/02/2026 | A bit same old, same old this morning: Common Sandpiper still from WLC, Redshank from Paul Stanley hide, 3 Shoveler and 4 Pintail at Sheepwash, 103 Pochard plus the hybrid, adult Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Willow Tits near WLC. One day there'll be a change in the weather and, hopefully, the birds. One day... | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 09/02/2026 | The Common Sandpiper was still on Horseshoe island late morning and the Redshank at Sheepwash. 115 Lapwing. 104 Pochard plus the male Aythya hybrid. 3 Shoveler. Drake and at least 3 female Pintail. 10 Goldeneye. 103 Coot. 43 Woodpigeons N. Adult Great Black-back and 2 immature Herring Gulls. Pair of Willow Tits on the WLC feeders and another pair near Lane End. Treecreeper singing at WLC and Red Bunting almost singing at Paul Stanley. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 08/02/2026 | Highlight of a couple of hours late afternoon was a Barn Owl hunting to the left of Sheepwash hide, flushing the nearby ducks, which included 3 Shoveler and a female Pintail. Redhead Goosander at Millfields. 20+ Barnacle Geese beyond the top of WLC creek. Willow Tit at WLC (the volunteers had 2 there this morning). 100 Redwing at the top of WLC creek. | Simon Roddis |
| 07/02/2026 | The Common Sandpiper was on Watersports island this morning. 10 Oystercatchers. 4 Shoveler (3m,1f) at Sheepwash/Millfields. 4 Pintail (drake at Sheepwash, 3f from Paul Stanley hide. 8 Goldeneye. 35 Barnacle Geese eventually settled in the overflow carpark. Adult Great Black-backed Gull. 20 Linnet on Stones island. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 05/02/2025 | The drake Pintail and 3 Shoveler (2m,1f) were at Sheepwash this morning, and 5 Goldeneye (4m,1f) and the Redshank from Paul Stanley hide. Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe island in front of the WLC. c35 Barnacle Geese over WLC creek. 125 Rooks N past Sheepwash early morning. | Simon Roddis |
| 03/02/2026 | Best this morning was a flock of 8 Pintail briefly past Stones island. 36 Barnacle Geese. At least 136 Pochard (quite possibly more as Clive had nearly 100 at Sheepwash/Brown Ale Bay while I only counted 65 there). 3 Shoveler from PS hide. 8 Oystercatcher.18 Lapwing. 1 Redshank still. Willow Tit at WLC. 35 Linnet on Stones. | SJR, CA, MW |
| 01/01/2-26 | From Paul Stanley Hide (12.30-13.15): 5 Goldeneye (4m, 1f), 8 Lapwing, Redshank, 20+ Wigeon, a lot of Teal, 3 Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit | Gary Atkins |
| 01/02/2026 | Birds seen, through the mist, at today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island - Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Blue Tit, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose, Teal, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Little Grebe, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Robin, Song Thrush, Magpie, Cormorant, Goldfinch, Redwing, Dunnock, Woodpigeon, Goldeneye, Bullfinch, Pheasant, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Great Tit, Wren, Gt Crested Grebe, Moorhen, Chaffinch, Pied Wagtail | Gary Atkins |
| 01/02/2026 | Very foggy this morning. Woodcock, Snipe and Tawny Owl at Hopton end first thing. 133 Pochard, most of them at Sheepwash, and the drake Pintail still. 5 Oystercatchers. Redshank from PS hide. 2 Herring Gulls at Sheepwash. 15 Linnet at Millfields. | Simon Roddis |
| 28/01/2026 | Ad hoc wildfowl count this morning, slightly hampered by a bit of mist around the edge first thing: 274 Canada, 29 Barnacle, 8 Greylags, 115 Gadwall, 102 Wigeon, 328 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 746 Teal, 114 Pochard, 22 Tufted, 14 Goldeneye, 115 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 5 Oystercatcher, 31 Lapwing, Common Sandpiper still at Millfields, 1 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 11 Cormorant. Male Peregrine past WLC. 200 Woodpigeons N and 160 Starlings W. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 25/01/2026 | This morning, a pair of Shelduck (presumably the same birds as yesterday) flew N then swam back past Paul Stanley hide; drake Pintail, Redshank and redhead Goosander also from Paul Stanley and 30 Siskin in the woodland; Oystercatchers at Millfields and WLC; 2 Willow Tits at WLC, and a male Aythya hybrid, very likely the presumed Pochard x Ferruginous Duck that has been here before. | Simon Roddis |
| 23/01/2026 | Just a few bits and pieces this morning: Common Sandpiper still at Millfields, 2 Oystercatchers on Horseshoe island, first-winter Yellow-legged Gull at sailing club, drake Pintail from Paul Stanley hide (AHS), 60 Pochard, 30 Linnets on Stones, 40 Siskin. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 21/01/2026 | The Common Sandpiper was still at Millfields this morning, while an adult Caspian Gull off the sailing club was the first of the year here, I believe. Oystercatcher at Watersports and 2 Willow Tits between there and WLC. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 19/01/2026 | Very murky this morning but there was a Black-tailed Godwit on Sheepwash spit, Redshank and drake Shoveler from Paul Stanley hide, Oystercatcher at Watersports, Willow Tits at WLC and Millfields, and Common Sandpiper still at Millfields. | Simon Roddis |
| 17/01/2026 | I've done the monthly wildfowl count this afternoon as the forecast for tomorrow isn't great: 272 Canada, 12 Greylags, 3 Egyptian Geese (on Sheepwash spit before flying NE at 15:12), 123 Gadwall, 112 Wigeon, 461 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 936 Teal, 36 Pochard, 24 Tufted, 9 Goldeneye, 4 Moorhen, 145 Coot, 6 Little Grebes, 21 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 13 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper (presumably the bird that was around in December), 21 Cormorant. In the gull roost off Stones island late afternoon, c2,000 each of Common and Black-headed Gulls, 400 Lesser Black-backs, 2 Herring. | Simon Roddis |
| 16/01/2026 | 60 Wigeon,4 Goldeneye, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Pochard, 40 Teal, 32 Gadwall, 1 Goldfinch,1 Kestrel, 6 Long Tailed Tit, 1 Treecreeper, 11 Cormorant, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 2 Buzzard, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Peregrine, 30 Linnet , 50 Lapwing | Dave Armitt |
| 16/01/2026 | Slightly better conditions than yesterday, with the fog lifting mid-morning. The drake Pintail was off Sheepwash. 95 Pochard. The Oystercatcher still, 34 Lapwing and 1 Snipe. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. Willow Tit at WLC. Winter thrushes included at least 330 Redwing and 190 Fieldfares (270 and 150 respectively through Hopton early morning). | Simon Roddis |
| 15/01/2026 | Difficult to see much in thick fog this morning but there were 2 Woodcock and 3 calling Tawny Owls at Millfields first thing, Willow Tit at WLC, Oystercatcher again at Watersports/Horseshoe island, Redshank in Brown Ale Bay, and Clive had a Pink-footed Goose among the Greylags. | SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD |
| 14/02/2026 | Clive found the first Oystercatcher of the year at Watersports this morning, a relatively early first date. 29 Lapwing. 51 Pochard. Adult Great Black-backed Gull. Male Peregrine on its favoured pylon then over Sheepwash and Hall Wood. Willow Tit at WLC. Skylark S over the main centre. 10 Linnet from the WLC. 4 Crossbills in the top of Hall Wood. | SJR, CA, AHS, MW |
| 12/01/2026 | c35 Barnacle Geese over WLC late morning and 2 Goosander N over Hopton end first thing. 5 Goldeneye. Drake Pintail reported at WLC but I missed it. 45 Woodpigeons N. 124 Coot. Skylark N over Stones late morning. Mistle Thrush singing at Sheepwash. | Simon Roddis |
| 10/01/2026 | Drake Pintail and Redshank from Paul Stanley hide this morning. A Pink-footed Goose was among the Greylags at Watersports and 36 Barnacle Geese from WLC. 32 Lapwing. 47 Fieldfare flew N (obviously!). 12+ Meadow Pipits. | Simon Roddis |
| 06/01/2026 | Yesterday's 3 Curlew were still at sailing club this morning, and a total of 51 Lapwing there and in Brown Ale Bay. Shelduck off Stones (and later Sheepwash) and redhead Goosander at Millfields. 92 Pochard. 5 Shoveler. Full compliment of Barnacle Geese. 106 Coot. 8 Little Grebes. Willow Tit at WLC. 15 Meadow Pipits at Sheepwash and 12 at WLC. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 05/01/2026 | A very decent afternoon visit: 2 adult White-fronted Geese were among c200 Greylags between Lane End and Sheepwash, plus one Pink-foot. A Little Egret flew past Paul Stanley hide. 2 adult Mute Swans. Drake Shoveler from WLC. 38 Pochard. 100 Coot in Brown Ale Bay at dusk. 30 Lapwing. Clive's 3 Curlew were still at sailing club. 800 Common Gulls off Stones by 15:30. Little Owl again in WLC fields, being mobbed by Blackbirds and Blue Tits. 11 Meadow Pipits toughing it out. | Simon Roddis |
| 04/01/2026 | Species recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-WLC-WLC Creek): House Sparrow, Pintail, Lapwing, Little Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Teal, Pied Wagtail, Goldeneye, Wigeon, Mallard, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Canada Goose, Coot, Robin, Mute Swan, Gt Crested Grebe, Blue Tit, Greylag Goose, Moorhen, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Dunnock, Wren, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Redwing, Blackbird, Treecreeper, Pheasant, Great Tit, Snipe, Meadow Pipit, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Long-tailed Tit | Gary Atkins |
| 02/01/2026 | Juvenile GNDiver still north of Millfields this morning. Woodcock at Hopton end first thing, and Redshank later. 3 Grey Heron in Brown Ale Bay. 100 Woodpigeons NE, 40 SW. 3 Fieldfare and 2 Redpoll over Millfields. | Simon Roddis |
| 31/12/2025 | Juvenile GNDiver still off the east side north of Millfields. A bit of late movement, with 1,400 Woodpigeons and 192 Fieldfare heading N (Fieldfare can be tricky to see here in December so quite surprising to see such a decent number). 250 Starlings W might just have been heading out from their roost. c35 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. Great Egret at Sheepwash. Peregrine having its breakfast on Horseshoe island. 2 Willow Tits at WLC. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 30/12/2025 | Afternoon visit: the juvenile GNDiver was off Millfields, female Common Scoter from Stones (and later from Sheepwash) and a Great Egret, last seen flying into Green Pond, presumably to roost. Little Owl called in WLC fields mid afternoon. Pair of Peregrines perched on Sheepwash spit and then over Brown Ale Bay at dusk. Willow Tit at WLC. Single Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls. 70 Linnets on Stones. Over BABay late afternoon, 390 Redwing, 55 Fieldfare and 26 Chaffinch. | Simon Roddis |
Historic Sightings
| Date | Sighting | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2017-09-15 | 06:30-08:30hr : 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 |
| 2017-09-14 | Looked 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 |
| 2017-09-14 | 29 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 |
| 2017-09-14 | Other 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 |
| 2017-09-14 | Alan 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 |
| 2017-09-12 | In 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 |
| 2017-09-12 | Manx Shearwater still present this morning,viewable from the dam wall at time of this report. | SJR,ST,CA |
| 2017-09-11 | Manx Shearwater sat on the water off the end of Stones Island at 7:55pm, 5 Yellow-legged Gulls in roost. | John Bradley |
| 2017-09-11 | 25 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 |
| 2017-09-10 | Monthly 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 |
| 2017-09-10 | 2 Greenshank at Sheepwash till 11:00am then flew east, plus 3 Redshank. | John Bradley |
| 2017-09-09 | 1 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 |
| 2017-09-08 | 36 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 |
| 2017-09-07 | 7 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 |
| 2017-09-07 | Also 100 Swallow around the dam wall, Yellow Wagtail on the dam and 6 Ringed Plover. | Clive Ashton |
| 2017-09-06 | In 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 |
| 2017-09-06 | The 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 |
| 2017-09-05 | Duck 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 |
| 2017-09-05 | Little 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 12 | David Armitt |
| 2017-09-04 | The 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 |
| 2017-09-03 | 2 Sandwich Terns perched on buoys this evening in rain. | Roger Carrington |
| 2017-09-03 | Species 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 Island | Gary Atkins |
| 2017-09-03 | A 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 |
| 2017-09-02 | 1100 -- 20 Buzzards high over Wildlife Centre creek, some being mobbed by one or two Ravens | Gary Atkins |
| 2017-09-02 | 2 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 |
| 2017-09-01 | 5 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 |
| 2017-08-31 | This 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 |
| 2017-08-31 | Juv 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 |
| 2017-08-30 | On 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 |
| 2017-08-30 | Juv Spotted Redshank still from Sheepwash Hide at 12:20hrs. | Roger Carrington |
| 2017-08-29 | Juv 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 |
| 2017-08-28 | Similar 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 |
| 2017-08-27 | 45 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 |
| 2017-08-26 | 3 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 |
| 2017-08-25 | 50 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 |
| 2017-08-24 | 44 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 |
| 2017-08-23 | A 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 |
| 2017-08-23 | 4 wheatear on dam wall 3 pm ish | Phil Davies |
| 2017-08-22 | 1 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 |
| 2017-08-21 | Should 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 |
| 2017-08-21 | At 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 |
| 2017-08-18 | 10 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 |
| 2017-08-17 | 50 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 |
| 2017-08-16 | 50 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 |
| 2017-08-15 | An 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 |
| 2017-08-14 | 49 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 |
| 2017-08-13 | Monthly 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 |
| 2017-08-11 | 10 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 |
| 2017-08-10 | The 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 |
| 2017-08-09 | 18 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 |
| 2017-08-08 | 14 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 |
| 2017-08-07 | Species 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 female | Gary Atkins |
| 2017-08-07 | A 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 |
| 2017-08-06 | An 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 |
| 2017-08-05 | Brief 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 |
| 2017-08-04 | Should also have mentioned a probable Bar-tailed Godwit over, moving north. | CA, RC |
| 2017-08-04 | At 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 |
| 2017-08-03 | 2 Common Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay at 13.30 hrs. | Neil Moulden |
| 2017-08-03 | At 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 |
| 2017-08-02 | 6 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 |
| 2017-08-01 | 6 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 |
| 2017-07-29 | At 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 |
| 2017-07-28 | 3 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 |
| 2017-07-28 | The 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 |
| 2017-07-27 | Highlight 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 |
| 2017-07-26 | 6 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 |
| 2017-07-25 | In addition today a Wheatear on Millfields Island mid morning also 2 adult Yellow legged Gulls. | Clive Ashton |
| 2017-07-25 | 48 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 |
| 2017-07-24 | On 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 |
| 2017-07-24 | 4 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 |
| 2017-07-23 | Monthly 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 |
| 2017-07-21 | 5 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 |
| 2017-07-20 | 47 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 |
| 2017-07-18 | In 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 |
| 2017-07-18 | 3 Barnacle Geese, 4 Little ringed Plover, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Willow Tit, 10+ Tree Sparrow, 1 Kestrel, 3 Chaffinch | Alex Collins-Smith |
| 2017-07-18 | 49 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 |
| 2017-07-16 | Lapwing 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 1 | David Armitt |
| 2017-07-16 | 48 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 |
| 2017-07-15 | 50 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 |
| 2017-07-13 | 3 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 |
| 2017-07-11 | Female 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 |
| 2017-07-10 | 10 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 |
| 2017-07-09 | Adult 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 |
| 2017-07-08 | 3 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 |
| 2017-07-07 | 46 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 |
| 2017-07-05 | 1 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 |
| 2017-07-03 | Red 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 |
| 2017-07-03 | 450 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 |
| 2017-07-02 | 29 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 |
| 2017-06-30 | The 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 |
| 2017-06-29 | Decent 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 |
| 2017-06-28 | 1 Black-tailed Godwit at Wildlife Centre 1615hrs, 2 Sanderling on Sail Club Island 1700hrs in wet windy conditions. | Roger Carrington |
| 2017-06-27 | New brood of 2 young Barnacle Geese at Millfields. Male Pochard flew past Stones. Otherwise, mostly the usual suspects. | Simon Roddis, Ken Rome |
| 2017-06-26 | 42 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 |
| 2017-06-26 | I 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 |
| 2017-06-25 | I 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 |
| 2017-06-24 | 31 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 |
| 2017-06-23 | 31 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 |
| 2017-06-22 | 27 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 |
| 2017-06-20 | Pair 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 |