Recent Sightings

NameSightingDate
Simon RoddisThe juvenile GNDiver was still at Millfields this morning, and 2 Woodcock flew in. Total of 14 Ravens including 12 NE over Millfields early on. 65 Pochard. 41 Wigeon. At least 15 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields, probably more out of sight. 80 Coot. Redshank still at Hopton end but didn't see the Common Sandpiper. Peregrine over Big Island. Willow Tit on Stones. Dunnock singing at Sheepwash. Happy Christmas!25/12/2025
Simon RoddisYesterday's juvenile Great Northern Diver was again at Millfields this morning, and the Common Sandpiper and Redshank still at Hopton end. 36 Barnacle Geese at sailing club. Woodcock past Green Pond early morning. 2 adult Great Black-backed Gulls flew S, 87 Woodpigeons N and 20 S. A Heron over Green Pond was, surprisingly, my first of the month.24/12/2025
AHS, CA.A Great Northern Diver was found by CA this morning in Millfields Bay, it's a juvenile bird, not the usual adult (there's still time for that to arrive. While we were watching it, it caught and eat four Crayfish. Large numbers of Common Gulls were present early morning, at least 4 Goldeneye, plus all the usual Wildfoul.23/12/2025
Simon RoddisThe Common Sandpiper and Redshank were both at Hopton end this morning, plus a redhead Goosander. 2 Woodcock, a calling Tawny Owl and 70 Redwing at Millfields first thing. 75 Pochard. 104 Coot. 10 Fieldfare. 30 Linnet on Stones and 40 Siskin at Sheepwash.22/12/2025
Gary AtkinsBrownale Bay and surrounds: Mixed group of 250 gulls (Black-headed and Common), 50 Coot, good number of Teal (no count, sorry!), female Goldeneye and a Goldcrest ... also a Stoat.20/12/2025
SJR, CA, AHSThe Common Sandpiper (we're pretty sure it's just Common) was on the east shore near Big Island mid-morning, and Redshank on the west shore. Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. Great Egret over Big Island. c10 Crossbills in the top of Hall Wood. Adult Caspian Gull at sailing club late morning. Wildfowl numbers included 68 Gadwall, 32 Wigeon, 357 Mallard, 697 Teal, 20 Tufted, 99 Pochard, 10 Goldeneye, 21 GCGrebes.19/12/2025
Simon RoddisOver/around WLC creek early morning, 605 Redwing, 120 Starling, 35 Siskin, 8 Stock Doves. 212 Canada Geese. 95 Pochard. Skylark over Stones. Willow Tit again at WLC.18/12/2025
Simon RoddisFairly quiet again this morning, but a few numbers to report: 195 Canada Geese, 93 Gadwall, 38 Wigeon, 132 Pochard, 9 Goldeneye, 104 Coot, 8 Lapwing, 125 Redwing, 4 Mistle Thrush (2 singing), 12 Greenfinch, 80 Linnet.17/12/2025
Simon RoddisAn adult Caspian Gull was at Sheepwash late morning, along with 3 Herring Gulls and a Peregrine. Woodcock and Tawny Owl at Penn Carr first thing. c80 Pochard. 4 Goldeneye. 50+ Linnet on Stones. Willow Tit at WLC.16/12/2025
Simon Roddis, Mick WatsonMick had 3 Woodcock at Millfields first thing, and another flew into Sheepwash. 130 Pochard. 195 Woodpigeons N. 3 Herring Gulls. Willow Tit at the WLC. 60 Linnets on Stones.14/12/2025
Simon RoddisA bit grotty this morning, but 2+ Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing, and 107 Pochard, drake Goosander and adult male Peregrine at Sheepwash.12/12/2025
Dave Newcombe/Chris BrownAfternoon visit with Chris Brown. Duck counts across site include: 76 Wigeon. 96 Gadwall. 771 Teal. 29 Tufteds. 52 Pochard and 5 Goldeneye. 81 Canada Geese. 11 Greylags. 21 Cormorants. 2 Red Kites. 5 Buzzards and a Kestrel. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Adult GBBGull. 2nd winter Herring Gull. 3 Raven. Chris had Redshank and Grey Wagtail from PS hide + just 1 Little Grebe at WLC.10/12/2025
Simon RoddisAt Millfields early morning, 1,680 flew S through Millfields 07:00-08:30, presumably from their roost, while 3 Woodcock flew in. 36 Barnacle Geese at sailing club/Horseshoe island. c100 Pochard. 88 Coot. 100 Linnets on Stones island and 12 Redpoll at Millfields. Clive had a Golden Plover over WLC creek.10/12/2025
Simon RoddisA bit quiet this morning. Alan had 2 Egyptian Geese briefly flying up the res but they don't appear to have stayed. 135 Pochard. 26 GCGrebe from Millfields and 4 Little Grebes at WLC/Watersports. 3 Willow Tits (Stones, WLC, Millfields). Didn't see any sandpipers or hear any chiffchaffs.08/12/2025
Gary AtkinsSpecies recorded during today's monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail, Wigeon, Gadwall, Moorhen, Mallard, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Grebe, Robin, Cormorant, Canada Goose, Pheasant, Wren, Blackbird, Magpie, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Song Thrush, Long-tailed Tit, Goldfinch, Dunnock, Goldcrest, Willow Tit, Teal, Coot, Woodpigeon, Goldeneye07/12/2025
Simon RoddisAt Hopton end first thing, single Woodcock, Snipe, Chiffchaff, Fieldfare and Tawny Owl, and 2+ Crossbills over. 4 more Snipe on Horseshoe island and a total of 75 Coot.07/12/2025
Simon Roddis, Jon BradleyMonthly wildfowl count (in less than ideal conditions): 128 Canada Geese, 4 Mute Swans, 79 Gadwall, 78 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 355 Mallard, 691 Teal, 106 Pochard, 34 Tufted, 5 Goldeneye, 2 Moorhen, 66 Coot, 18 GCGrebe, 17 Cormorant, 1 Great Egret. Flock of 100 Woodpigeons S, surprising in such poor weather. Willow Tit at WLC. Chiffchaff in Hopton reedbed.06/12/2025
Simon RoddisA bit quiet, but a Woodcock flew into Penn Carr early morning, 3 Snipe were on Horseshoe island, 75 Pochard, the Great Egret still, and Coot are on their way back, 63 at Big Island.05/12/2025
DN, CB, SJRA few hours on site this afternoon often in fairly poor conditions. Great Egret originally at Millfields and then at Sheepwash. 4 immature Mute Swans. 71 Wigeon. 63 Gadwall. 754 Teal. 111 Pochard including 104 at Millfields. An increase in Goldeneye to 11 (7m). Single Lapwing at Millfields. Last couple of hours in Sheepwash hide with SJR. Dunlin. Adult male Peregrine. 6 Herring Gulls and an adult GBBG.04/12/2025
SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD, MWFrustrated by the murk this morning. Clive saw the Great Egret briefly at sailing club. 3 calling Tawny Owls at Millfields (R&A) and one at Sheepwash. 270 Redwing out of their roost at Sheepwash. Willow Tits on Stones and at WLC. 12 Greenfinches in WLC creek.03/12/2025
Simon RoddisA few bits and pieces this morning: at Millfields first thing, 525 Redwing S, presumably straight out of their roost; pair of Mandarin flew through; 65 Pochard. Curlew and Redshank past Stones/Watersports (Clive might have had 2 Curlews). 4 Barnacle Geese among the Canadas beyond the WLC. Willow Tit singing on Stones and another calling at WLC. 4 Skylarks over. 10 Redpoll (8 at Millfields).02/12/2025
Simon Roddis, Richard LoweAfternoon visit: adult Mediterranean Gull (the Polish-ringed bird) again at Sheepwash, plus adult Yellow-legged and Great Black-back, and 3 Herring. Drake Pintail, pair of Shoveler, Great Egret, 15 Lapwing and a Dunlin.29/11/2025
Simon RoddisThose anomalous Woodpigeons were at it again this morning, with 1,695 from Stones island 08:00-09:30, 1,325 N and 370 S. Strange birds! c5,000 Black-headed Gulls from Millfields first thing, and 100 Carrion Crows on the dam wall. First-year Peregrine on the shore at Sheepwash. 40 Linnets on Stones. Little Owl still.28/11/2025
Simon RoddisThe Little Owl was in WLC fields again this morning, deep in a blackthorn bush. Otherwise fairly quiet: 20 Fieldfare, 27 Coot, 5 Herring Gulls, 7 Goldeneye, singing Song and Mistle Thrushes.27/11/2025
Simon RoddisBird of the morning was a Little Owl in WLC fields, being mobbed by Blackbirds before it flew; presumably the bird that was there in October. 30+ Barnacle Geese still. 6 Goosander (2m,4f) off Fishtail Creek. Woodpigeons moving both north and south, albeit in smallish numbers: 181 N, 94 S. The Great Egret still, clearly coping with the cold weather better than they have in the past. Peregrine over Fishtail. Willow Tit on Stones. 10 Crossbills over Hopton end early morning, and Water Rail calling in the reedbed.26/11/2025
SJR, CA, AHS, RPJ, AMD, MWWildfowl numbers this morning included 270 Canada Geese, 34 Barnacle, 30 Greylags, 4 Mute Swans, 75 Gadwall, 417 Mallard, 688 Teal, 107 Wigeon, 21 Tufted, 28 Pochard, 5 Goldeneye, 33 Coot. Great Egret still, adult Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash and the Oystercatcher on the sailing club entrance road (RPJ,AMD)! 6 Buzzards in the air.25/11/2025
Dave NewcombeFrom Sheepwash hide. 28 Cormorants. Great Egret. 34 Barnacle Geese plus a Barnacle hybrid. 2 female Shoveler. 3 Red Kites. 3 Buzzards. 2 Peregrines. 19 Coot. Caspian Gull. YLG and 2 Herring Gulls. Several Snipe flushed from spit. Oystercatcher on grass between main centre and watersports. 4 immature Mute Swans. 2 Little Grebe. 4 Moorhen. Some duck counts across site: 114 Wigeon. 68 Gadwall. 547 Teal. 13 Pochard and 5 Goldeneye. c40 Linnets at lane end.24/11/2025
Simon Roddis710 Woodpigeons flew S in an hour this morning (08:00-09:00) and 56 N. 32 Barnacle Geese (plus one dodgy hybrid) from WLC. 10 Pochard. 7 Goldeneye. 32 GCGrebes from Millfields.21/11/2025
DN, CB, RJLA short visit this afternoon from Sheepwash. 4 Whooper Swans. Following on from yesterday's family group another presumed family of 2 adults and 2 juveniles. 4 Goldeneye. Red Kite. 3 Buzzards. Male Peregrine. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 2nd winter Mediterranean Gull (RJL only).20/11/2025
SJR, CA, AHSA bit quiet this morning. 3 Dunlin past Stones, 3 Pink-footed Geese flew W, Kingfisher at the WLC and the presumed returning male Aythya (Pochard x Ferruginous Duck?) hybrid there too.20/11/2025
Dave NewcombeDespite having a fly around a couple of times the family of Whooper Swans were still at Sheepwash at 16.20. Some duck counts produced 62 Wigeon, 61 Gadwall, 5 Pochard and 5 Goldeneye. Great Egret on shoreline between shiningford and lane end. 214 Canada Geese + 2 hybrid Canada x Greylag. 13 Coot near watersports. From Sheepwash: 28 Cormorant. 2 Peregrines including the male dining out on a Starling. 11 Pheasant. 3 Buzzards. 2 Red Kite. Kestrel. 2 Raven. c30 Linnet. c300 Starlings flew towards hopton end. Adult and 2nd winter Caspian Gulls. YLG. 1000+ Common Gulls.19/11/2025
Simon Roddis5 Whooper Swans (2 adults and 3 juveniles) flew in at 08:30 and were still between Sheepwash and Lane End to 10:45 at least. Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Peregrines and 40 Linnet again from Sheepwash.19/11/2025
Simon RoddisQuieter than yesterday, with 2,150 Woodpigeons S and 13 Ravens W in an hour from Stones. 2 Dunlin, Great Egret, 40 Linnet and a pair of Yellow-legged Gulls calling to each other at Sheepwash. 26 Lapwings at sailing club.18/11/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonQuite a busy morning. The highlight was the arrival of 2 redhead Red-breasted Mergansers which flew in and landed at the mouth of Fishtail Creek at 10:00; they stayed for around 15 minutes but we didn't see them subsequently. 20,000 Woodpigeons flew S mainly down the east side between 07:45-10:30, plus 145 Fieldfares SW and 182 Starlings W. 15 Whooper Swans flew E at 09:45 and another was on the water off sailing club island. 150 Pink-footed Geese flew E in 2 skeins. 50 Pochard off Lane End. 2,500 Common Gulls flew out over WLC creek early morning, along with 1,500 Lesser Black-backs. Single Great Egret and Dunlin still. 40 Siskin in WLC creek.17/11/2025
SJR, CA, RPJ, AMDA first-winter Little Gull off Stones island was a nice surprise, from 08:25 to 09:15 at least. First-winter Kittiwake also reported off the dam wall (JB). 9 Goldeneye off Sheepwash and 2 drake Goosander by Fishtail Creek. 7 Whooper Swans flew SE just before 11:30. 920 Woodpigeons flew S 08:00-09:00. Coot numbers have rocketed to 18! The Black-tailed Godwit still off Lane End. 2 pairs of Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end early morning, c1,500 Starlings out of the reedbed, 2 Brambling and 2+ Crossbills over. Peregrine having its breakfast on Horseshoe island.16/11/2025
SJR, CA, AHSOne Knot (presumably one of yesterday's birds) and 2 Dunlin were in front of Sheepwash hide this morning, albeit still at quite a distance, and 5 Goldeneye on the water. Black-tailed Godwit still at Lane End and Oystercatcher at Watersports.15/11/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton2 Woodcock flew into Millfields early morning, and a Snipe flew out. In 2 hours vismig 0700-0900, 740 Woodpigeons S, 9 Collared and 2 Stock Doves, 40 Starling, 900 Redwing, 12 Fieldfare and 4 Golden Plovers. 201 Greylags. Great Egret again at Watersports. 28 Lapwing, the Oystercatcher still and a Black-tailed Godwit at Lane End (and Clive might have seen another 4). 2 Peregrine, one of them tucking into a meal on top of the usual pylon. Willow Tit and Chiffchaff on Stones, and 7 Skylarks over.13/11/2025
Simon RoddisAt Hopton end first thing, 1 Woodcock came in, 2 calling Tawny Owls, 37 Pied Wagtails and 1,000+ Starlings left their roost in the reedbed, and Crossbill over. Oystercatcher still at Watersports. Adult Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls at Sheepwash. 16 Greenfinch in WLC creek.12/11/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton, Dave NewcombeMonthly wildfowl count: 120 Canada Geese, 21 Barnacle, 18 Greylags, 1 Mute Swan, 6 Shoveler, 47 Gadwall, 197 Wigeon, 315 Mallard, 555 Teal, 3 Pochard (surprisingly few, given that I had counted 114 yesterday before fog put the kybosh on the count), 30 Tufted, 6 Goldeneye, 5 Moorhen, 11 Coot, 1 Little Grebe, 35 Great Crests, 1 Oystercatcher, 42 Lapwing, 28 Cormorant, 1 Great Egret, 1 Grey Heron. In addition, Peregrine on the shore at Sheepwash all morning, 16 Raven (including 14 N over Hopton end first thing), 100s of Redwing, 20 Greenfinch in WLC creek, 70 Linnet (20 at Sheepwash, 70 at Watersports).10/11/2025
Simon RoddisNo sign of any scarce finches this morning, I even struggled to find a Linnet! A total of 36 Ravens included 33 flying E over WLC creek early morning. 1,000+ Common Gulls flew out in the opposite direction and a Brambling also flew over. Yesterday's 5 Black-tailed Godwits were still between Sheepwash and Lane End, and 45 Lapwings at sailing club. 80 Pochard and 2 Goldeneye off Sheepwash, and Peregrine on the shore there. Great Egret again at sailing club. 45 Meadow Pipits on Stones and c50 Siskin at WLC. Another birder reported 16 Golden Plover N over Stones.08/11/2025
Simon Roddis3 Woodcock flew into the Penn Carr area early morning, along with a Snipe, 300 Redwing and 2 (possibly 3) Willow Tits between there and Millfields. Great Egret at sailing club. Peregrine again on the shore at Sheepwash. 400 Starlings SW. Single Bramblings over Millfields and Stones island, Crossbill over Hopton end, 50 Linnets around Stones causeway and a total of 100+ Siskin.07/11/2025
Dave Newcombe/Chris BrownA few hours sat in Sheepwash hide this afternoon until dusk. 35 Cormorants. Great Egret. 45 Canada Geese. 112 Greylags. 111 Wigeon. 20 Gadwall. 116 Teal. 61 Pochard. Adult male Peregrine. 14 Lapwings. Adult Caspian Gull. Yellow-legged Gull. 3 Herring Gulls. A big roost of 10,000 birds with at least 550 Common Gulls.06/11/2025
Simon RoddisVismig numbers this morning included 4,460 Woodpigeons S, total of 26 Stock Doves (20 S), 13 Skylarks, 845 Starlings and 208 Fieldfare SW, and a Brambling S. Not so many Redwing moving but a guestimate of c750 in the Millfields/Oldfield Lane area. 3 Tawny Owls and a Willow Tit calling at Millfields early morning. Single adult Caspian, Yellow-legged, Great Black-backed and Herring Gulls at Sheepwash late morning.06/11/2025
Simon Roddis6 Whooper Swans were on the shore at Sheepwash late morning, along with 88 Wigeon, 26 Gadwall, single Shoveler, Lapwing and adult Caspian Gull. At Hopton end early morning, redhead Goosander and Peregrine over, 26 Pied Wagtails and 21 Reed Buntings out of the reedbed. Total of 200+ Redwing, including c100 in WLC creek, and 24 Fieldfare SW.05/11/2025
Simon RoddisJust bits and bobs this morning: single Water Rail in Hopton reedbed; Peregrine, Pintail and Goldeneye at Sheepwash; Little Egret at sailing club; Oystercatcher from WLC and Willow Tit nearby.04/11/2025
Dave NewcombeFrom today's visit and in addition to Simon's earlier post. 34 Gadwall. 119 Wigeon. 291 Teal. 73 Tufteds. 3 (poss 5) Red Kite. Adult male Peregrine at Sheepwash as usual. Only 2 waders. Single Lapwing at sailing club and the Oystercatcher at watersports. 4 YLGulls. A couple of Skylark over. 12 Siskin and 2 Redpoll on stones island.03/11/2025
Simon RoddisDuck numbers seem to be creeping up a little, perhaps as the water level slowly rises: 94 Wigeon at Sheepwash this morning, drake Shoveler, drake Pintail still, 60+ Pochard, 60 Tufted and 2 immature drake Goldeneye. Single Great and Little Egrets. Adult Caspian and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls at Sheepwash. Small numbers of Woodpigeons, Starlings and Redwing moving again.03/11/2025
Gary AtkinsSpecies recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre and WLC creek): House Sparrow, Robin, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Cormorant, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Grebe, Canada Goose, Mallard, Long-tailed Tit, Carrion Crow, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Black-headed Gull, Great White Egret, Jackdaw, Buzzard, Bullfinch, Skylark, Teal, Red Kite, Wren, Magpie, Gadwall, Coot, Pheasant, Oystercatcher, Dunnock, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Great Tit and Wigeon02/11/2025
Simon RoddisIn 2 hours from Stones Island this morning, 12,770 Woodpigeons flew S, again mostly down the east side, and 722 Starlings W; 12 Skylarks in random directions and 60 Pink-footed Geese E; a Chiffchaff still, single Brambling and Crossbill over, and another 11 Crossbill over Oldfield Lane. Single Little and Great Egrets. 2 Blackcaps near Sheepwash. Drake Pintail still. 65 Pochard at Millfields. No sign of the Firecrest on Oldfield Lane as far as I'm aware, although quite a few people were looking.02/11/2025
Simon RoddisClive has seen the Firecrest at Oldfield Lane again this morning. Other than that, a bit of movement: 705 Woodpigeons, 11 Stock Doves and 583 Redwings S, and 564 Starlings W. Immature drake Goldeneye again, and adult Caspian Gull at Sheepwash.01/11/2025


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
2020-03-22Both GNDivers still, the adult between Stones and Sheepwash and the juv off Millfields early morning. 29 Barnacle Geese. Pair of Mute Swans courting and mating at Shiningford - one of the most beautiful bits of courtship you could wish to see. 3 Mandarin. 1m Shoveler. Male R-c Pochard from WLC still. 2nd-w Yellow-legged Gull. Kingfisher at Sheepwash. 250 Jackdaws over the dam wall late morning. 10 Fieldfare N over Fishtail. 30 Redwing.Simon Roddis
2020-03-21The adult GNDiver off Stones island. Male Red-crested Pochard and female Pintail at WLC. 2m Shoveler. Pair of Mandarin in Penn Carr. 60 Canada Geese. 29+ Barnacles. Pairs of Lapwing, Redshank and Oystercatcher on Millfields island. 6 Snipe at Sheepwash. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (ad, 2w). Peregrine over Hopton end. 12 Chiffchaff. 20 Fieldfare N up the east side, and 10 meadow Pipits N. 2 Sand Martins from Stones (1 seen by Roger J only).Simon Roddis
2020-03-197 Oystercatcher ,57 Canada Goose ,23 Great Crested Grebe,6 Cormorant,8 Goldeneye,1 Redshank,2 Common Scoter,1 Jay,1 Willow Tit,3 Nuthatch,1 Great Spotted Woodpecker,5 Blue Tit,5 Great Tit,8 Greylag , 8 Gadwall, 2 Shovlers,2 Long Tailed Tit,2 Curlew ,1 Great Northern Diver David Armitt
2020-03-19Both GNDivers off Stones island. A pair of Common Scoter all morning from Stones/WLC/Sheepwash. 27+ Barnacle Geese. Pair of Mandarin at Millfields. 2m Shoveler and 1f Pintail at WLC. 10 Goldeneye (3m,7f). 10 Oystercatcher. 4 Lapwing. 5 Curlew. 6 Redshank. 1 Snipe. 185 Common Gulls from Sheepwash late morning. 4 Yellow-legged Gulls (1w,2w,3w,ad). 11 Buzzard from Sheepwash hide. 45 Redwing (40 at Sheepwash). 14 Meadow Pipits N. 8 Siskin N over Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-03-18Both GNDivers off Stones island. 2 Sand Martins around Stones at 08:00. 25 Barnacle Geese. Pair of Mandarin at Millfields. 2 GBbGull, including Onefoot. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (ad & 2w). 30 Redwing at Sheepwash. 8 Tree Sparrow at WLC.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-03-17Both GNDivers from Stones island mid-morning. 3 Black-tailed Godwits on Horseshoe island all morning at least. Total of 37 Barnacle Geese: 27 down but a skein of 10 flew S at 08:45; very unusual to see Barnacles in V formation here, probably not part of the feral flock, possibly wild birds? At least 3, possibly as many as 8 Mandarins. 4 Wigeon. 3 Yellow-legged Gull (adult, 2w and 3w). 120 Starling N. 110 Fieldfare (80 NE, 30 SW).SJR, AHS, RC
2020-03-16Willow Tit survey (second visit) in the tetrad covering the northern half of the res: 6 or 7 territories (9 birds) plus another 7 birds outside the tetrad, so 16 in total between Middle Wood and Stones via the west side. The adult GNDiver off Stones mid-morning. 22 Barnacle Geese. 17 Greylags on Big Island. 47 Wigeon, 45 of them off Sheepwash late morning. 10 Teal. Two 2w Yellow-legged Gulls again. 18 Buzzard in the air in a scan from Sheepwash hide around midday. Kingfisher at the Hopton end. 2 Skylark and 21 Meadow Pipit heading N. 17 Chiffchaff (14 singing) and 6 Mistle Thrush (4 singing) between Middle Wood and Stones.Simon Roddis
2020-03-15Both GNDivers from Stones island this morning. 19 Barnacles. 3 Wigeon (2m,1f). 5 Mandarin (3m,2f) just north of Millfields. 1w Herring and 3 Yellow-legged Gulls (ad,2x2w) at WLC. Kingfisher(s?) at Stones island and Millfields. 3 GSWoodpecker. 5 Chiffchaff. Mac and Amanda (STW vols) had 2 Sand Martins at the WLC around midday.Simon Roddis
2020-03-148 Great Crested Grebe,4 Long tailed tit,28 Canada goose,2 Robin,2 Chiffchaff ,6 Blue tit,7 Cormorant,5 Redshank,2 Wren,4 Little Grebe,4 Oystercatcher,4 Lapwing,4 Gadwall,2 Teal,1 Goldeneye,20 Barnacle goose,3 Snipe Black necked grebe in water sports bay Friday afternoon David Armitt
2020-03-14Little Ringed Plover still on Horseshoe island 15:30 and 2 Shelduck out on the res.Simon Roddis
2020-03-14A Black-necked Grebe showing the first hints of summer plumage was between Stones and Millfields around 0745, then at Millfields and off Stones island at about 10:30. Both GNDivers still from Stones. 3 Mandarin (2m,1f) at Millfields, then a pair landing in a tree in Penn Carr. 1m Pochard. 3 Yellow-legged Gull (adult, 1w, 2w). 3 singing Chiffchaff. Linnet over Stones. 5 Lesser Redpoll at Millfields. Total c15 Siskin.Simon Roddis
2020-03-13The adult GNDiver all morning from WLC/Stones. An adult Kittiwake from Stones island 0830-0930 at least. 2m Pochard. 5 Teal. 6 Lapwing, including 1 displaying at Millfields. 29 Curlew at Sheepwash. 8 Redshank. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and 2w). 21 Cormorant. Kingfisher at Sheepwash. 3 singing Chiffchaff.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
2020-03-12The adult GNDiver from Millfields and Stones island early morning. 80 Canadas. 9 Barnacles. 9 Greylag. 1m Wigeon. 12 Teal. 8+ Stock Dove. 10 Oystercatcher. 10 Curlew. 4 GBbG. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and 2w). 2 Peregrine over the dam wall. 4 Raven. 4 Chiffchaff. 10 Meadow Pipit over Stones/WLC creek.Simon Roddis
2020-03-11From Wildlife Centre 3.20pm to 4.40pm. 1Knot,1 Dunlin, 1 Curlew, 3 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 3 Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Barnacle Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Gadwall, Teal, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Black Headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, 2 Grey Heron, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail, 2 Reed Bunting, Wood Pigeon, Tree Sparrow, Jackdaw, Goldfinch, Carrion Crow, Magpie.Lorna Lomas
2020-03-11Both GNDivers still, visible from Sheepwash hide late morning. c500 BhGulls, including c200 each at Millfields and Horseshoe islands. 26 Curlew at Sheepwash. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 4 Grey Heron. 9 Buzzards in the air from Stones island; 5 over Blackwall plantation later may have been different birds. 4 Chiffchaff. Total of 100+ Starling.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2020-03-08Monthly WeBS count: 102 Canadas, 30 Barnacles, 6 Greylag, 2 Mute Swan, 23 Gadwall, 60 Mallard, 3 Pintail, 6 Teal, 77 Tufted, 12 Goldeneye, 5 Moorhen, 145 Coot, 12 Little Grebe, 52 GCGrebe, 10 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 30 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit (first of the year), 6 Snipe, 7 Redshank, 15 Cormorant, 2 GNDiver, 2 Heron, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Grey Wag. Also: 2 Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Herring Gull, Black-headed Gulls now showing interest in the raft in Brown Ale Bay as well as Millfields island, 1 (possibly 2) Chiffchaff on Stones island/causeway, 1 Fieldfare over Sheepwash, 4 singing Mistle Thrush, 8 Tree Sparrows at Millfields, 5 singing Reed Buntings.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
2020-03-07Both GNDivers still this morning, the juv from Sheepwash hide, the adult out in the middle. 24 barnacles. Pair of Wigeon. 36 Curlew on Horseshoe island early morning, then later in fields at Shiningford. 14 Snipe. 2 Woodcock at the Hopton end first thing. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (ad and 1w). 4 GSWoodpecker, including 3 together at Sheepwash. 7 Raven. 7 Willow Tit. 1 Skylark over. Chiffchaff again singing on Stones causeway. 3 Meadow Pipit on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
2020-03-06Both GNDivers from Stones island mid-morning. 4 Mandarin (2m,2f) at Millfields early morning are (I think) the first of the year here. 28+ Barnacles. 9 Greylag. Female Pintail at WLC. 12 Wigeon at Sheepwash. 17 Teal. 1m Pochard. 1(!) Lapwing. 38 Curlew on Horseshoe island early morning. 1 Dunlin flew N. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and 1w). 11 Willow Tits, including several singing birds and a pair displaying at Millfields. 2 Skylark E. Chiffchaff again singing on Stones causeway. Simon Roddis
2020-03-05The adult GNDiver was off Stones island this morning. 28 Barnacle Geese. 8 Greylags. 2 Collared Dove over Stones. 23 Curlew, 3 Redshank, 20 Snipe and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (adult and 2w) on Horseshoe island. GSWoodpecker drumming at Millfields. Chiffchaff singing on Stones causeway. 3 singing Goldcrests. 65 Redwing at Sheepwash. 4 Greenfinch.Simon Roddis
2020-03-04Both GNDivers still from Millfields and later from Stones island. 2 Shelduck. 18 Teal. 14 Goldeneye. 38 GCGrebes from Millfields. 38 Curlew, 200 Common Gull and 40 Redwing at Sheepwash. 28 Snipe at WLC. 1 adult Herring Gull. 4 Grey Heron. 4 Sparrowhawks (2 pairs?) over the west side, a bit of display, and perhaps a 5th bird, an adult male perched on a fence post in WLC creek. 3 Skylark over. 3 Meadow Pipit and 1 Chiffchaff on Stones. 1 Linnet over Millfields.SJR, AHS, RC
2020-03-03Both GNDivers from Stones island early morning and later from the WLC. 2 Pochard. 8 Goldeneye. Adult Yellow-legged Gull on Horseshoe island. 1 Kingfisher near the main centre. 2 Chiffchaff (Stones island and Millfields). 12 Tree Sparrow (8 Millfields, 4 WLC).Simon Roddis
2020-03-022 Curlew, Oystercatcher, Redshank (WLC), Redwing & Willow tit (Stones Island). 11.00amMatthew Birkin
2020-03-02Willow Tit survey around the southern half of the reservoir: 21 birds, including 6 pairs, about 15 territories in total. Adding those found on 26/2, that gives a total of 37 birds and at least 20 territories. Quite impressive! One GNDiver seen from the cafe. 26 Barnacle Geese at WLC. 2 Skylark and 2 Meadow Pipit over. 23 Song Thrush (12 singing), no overlap with the 23 on 8/2. 11 Tree Sparrow (9 at WLC, 2 north of Fishtail Creek). 5 Lesser Redpoll. Simon Roddis
2020-03-01The adult GNDiver, 1,000+ Common Gulls, c3,000 BhGull and 200 Lessers from Millfields early morning. 116 Canada Geese. 2m Wigeon, 1f Pintail and 1m Pochard at WLC. 10 Teal (8m,2f). 11 Oystercatcher. 35 Curlew on Horseshoe island. 4 Redshank. 2 Sparrowhawk. 6 Willow Tit. 2 Chiffchaff (1 snging briefly) on Stones. 13 Fieldfare S over Shiningford. 6 Skylark. Simon Roddis
2020-03-0126 Curlew,30 Barnacle Goose,2 Redshank,4 Little Grebe,2 wigeon,1 kingfisher,4 Robin,3 Reed bunting,2 Chaffinch,2 Dunock,3 Wren,4 Great Tit,2 Gadwall,8 Great Crested Grebe,1 Pochard,6 Mute Swan,2 oystercatcher,20 Cormorant,5 Goldeneye,5 Lapwing,4 Tree Sparrow,1 Kestrel,28 Canada Goose,2 GreylagDavid Armitt
2020-02-29Both GNDivers still but couldn't find yesterday's Shag. Female Pintail at WLC. 25+ Curlew. 35 Snipe and 4 Redshank on Horseshoe island. 11 Buzzards in the air from Stones island/causeway (6 to the south, 5 north). 4 Skylark N.Simon Roddis
2020-02-28A juvenile Shag was at Millfields, 07:05 to 07:30 at least, initially near the draw-off tower then flying to the east side just north of Millfields island. Both GNDivers still. 6 Wigeon at WLC. 9 Goldeneye (4m,5f) at Millfields. At least 63 Common Snipe on what's left of Horseshoe island. 22 Curlew. 2 Woodcock and 5 calling Tawny Owls at Hopton end at first light. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Simon Roddis
2020-02-27Both GNDivers still, from Stones island and later from WLC. 29 Curlew landed at Sheepwash at 11:20. 27 Barnacle Geese. 4 Greylags. 4 Mute Swan. 1 Shelduck. Pair of Shoveler. 1m Wigeon. Female Pintail at WLC. 2 Skylark N. At least 1 Chiffchaff on Stones island, with a little bit of song on this nice sunny morning.Simon Roddis
2020-02-26Covered the northern half of the res as part of the national Willow Tit survey this morning - not ideal weather conditions but birders can't be choosers. 10 birds, 6 territories identified, plus another 6 birds off the survey, so 16 in total from Middle Wood to Stones (via the west side). Both GNDivers from Sheepwash hide early afternoon. 80 Canada Geese. 27 Barnacles at Shiningford. The female Pintail in Shiningford creek. 9 Oystercatcher. 75 Lapwing. 3 Sparrowhawk. 3 Skylark N. 6+ Fieldfare among c60 Redwing at Hopton end (c100 Redwing in total). Simon Roddis
2020-02-26This morning from Stones island, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Curlew, 3 Oystercatchers,1 Sparrowhawk,and 1 Kingfisher, from the WLC 3 Redshank and 14 Common snipe. A H Stewardson
2020-02-25Both GNDivers still, the adult from Stones island mid-morning and the juv late morning with a crayfish from Sheepwash. A Merlin, probably a female, flew N up the res and over Sheepwash hide around 12:30. Total of 24 Barnacle Geese. 2 Greylag. 8 Teal. 2 Pochard. Pair of Stock Dove display flighting over Hopton end. Only c50 Lapwing. 5 Curlew and 4 Redshank on Horseshoe island. 2 GBbG. 6 Buzzard. 2 Sparrowhawk. 1 Peregrine. 5 Skylark over, including 1 singing over Millfields. 1 Chiffchaff on Stones. Totals of 6 Goldcrest and 6 Mistle Thrush. 3 Grey Wag (2m,1f) at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2020-02-24Drenching rain dictated most species seen from Sheepwash/Paul Stanley Hides and WLC (11am-3pm): Mute Swan, Magpie, Gt Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck, Coot, Mallard, Willow Tit, Black-headed Gull, House Sparrow (VC only), Goldeneye, Blue Tit, Gt Tit, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Redwing, Reed Bunting, Long-tailed Tit, Little Grebe, Common Snipe (x2), Chaffinch, Oystercatcher (x3), Woodpigeon, Robin, Goldcrest, Dunnock, Pheasant, Nuthatch and Siskin (both PS hide feeders), Canada Goose, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Lapwing (c 200), Greylag Goose, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Redshank (x3 on what's left of Horseshoe Is), Gadwall, Moorhen, Starling, Cormorant, Pied Wagtail and Tree Sparrow.Gary Atkins
2020-02-234 Curlews, 3 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 32 Barnacle Geese, c. 70 Lapwings, Kingfisher, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Tree Sparrows, 2 Goldeneye - all on Horseshoe Island or from WLC.Alan Hobson
2020-02-23One GNDiver, probably the juv, off Watersports island early morning. Pair of Shoveler off Stones island. 6 Wigeon. 3 Pochard. Pair of Goldeneye mating at Sheepwash. 2 Peregrine and 5 Buzzards over the dam wall. 1 Skylark over WLC.Simon Roddis
2020-02-22The adult GNDiver was off Millfields early morning, and 3 Jack Snipe on Horseshoe island. 13 Goldeneye (4m,9f). 3 Curlew around Horseshoe island, and 1 Dunlin there and later at Sailing Club. c250 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. 2 first-winter Yellow-legged Gulls. Peregrine over WLC. 9 Willow Tit, including 3 singing. 2 Chiffchaff on Stones island, one of them flycatching with a Goldcrest. Grey Wagtail singing at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2020-02-21Both GNDivers still, the adult from Millfields, the juv at Sheepwash. 2 Jack Snipe on Horseshoe island mid-morning. 1m Wigeon. 3 Pochard. 10 Oystercatcher. c200 Lapwing. 4 Curlew at Sailing Club early morning. 2 GBbG. 1w Yellow-legged Gull. Kingfisher at WLC. Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2020-02-20Afternoon visit: the adult GNDiver out in the middle off Stones and Jack Snipe still at WLC. c30 Barnacle Geese in flight from Sheepwash. From Lane End hide late afternoon: 1,000+ Common Gulls, c3,000 BhGulls, 212 LBbGull, 3 Herring Gull, 4 Yellow-legged Gull (ad, 3 first-winters). Peregrine over Millfields. The volunteers had 35 Snipe and 10 Curlew from WLC.Simon Roddis
2020-02-20Sightings for 19/2. Red Kite low over Millfields CP. 2 Willow Tits on Millfields feeders. GN Diver in flight from Millfields towards Stones at c10:45Simon Thompson
2020-02-19Both GNDivers still, with the juv showing really well from Sheepwash hide late morning. 1 Jack Snipe again on Horseshoe island. c30 Barnacle Geese. 2m Wigeon. 2f Pochard. 42 GCGrebes from Millfields. 10 Oystercatchers, including 2 returning colour-ringed birds, 'Barcode' and M7, both ringed while wintering in Devon (and first seen by Roger C yesterday). 2 Curlew at Sailing Club. 4 second-winter Herring Gulls. 2 ad GBbG. Adult Yellow-leg. 7 Willow Tit,including 3 on the Sheepwash carpark feeder. 1 Skylark over Millfields. Chiffchaff on Stones island still.Simon Roddis
2020-02-18Adult and juv GNDiver off Millfields early morning. 1 Jack Snipe and 20 Common Snipe at WLC. 80 Canada Geese. 34 Barnacles. 6+ Greylag. At least 8 Oystercatchers. c400 Lapwing. 2 Curlew at Sailing Club early morning. 2 GBbG again. 24 Cormorant. 3 Grey Heron. 6 Buzzards in the air over the east side. 3 Kestrel. Kingfisher at Sheepwash. 2 Skylark over the dam wall. 4 Lesser Redpoll at Penn Carr. Simon Roddis
2020-02-17Both GNDivers still, from Stones island looking towards Millfields this morning. It's now easy to tell the adult from the juv if either of them flaps its wings, the adult now being heavily in moult. 1 Shelduck off Watersports. 6 Wigeon. 4 Pochard. 7 Oystercatcher. 1 Curlew. 1 Jack Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 GBbG (ad and 1w). Peregrine from WLC. 6 Willow Tit, including 3 on the Sheepwash feeder. 1 Skylark N. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-02-16Both GNDivers still, from Stones island. The adult was robbed of prey by a Great Black-backed Gull, the first time I've seen that happen. It is also now in active wing moult, missing all its primaries. Just the 1 Pochard. c300 Lapwing. Only 7 Common Snipe visible on Horseshoe island. Kingfisher at Sheepwash. 3 GSWoodpecker. 230 Redwing at Penn Carr. 11 Tree Sparrows at Millfields. c18 Lesser Redpoll (c15 at Millfields, 3 on Stones island).Simon Roddis
2020-02-15This morning, after the fog lifted and before the storm struck: adult GNDiver off Millfields, 2 Jack Snipe (fantastic views) and 64 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. 7 Barnacle Geese, including 3 pairs on Millfields island, and a few BhGulls checking the island out as well. Female Pintail in WLC creek. Only 2 Pochard. 5 Oystercatcher. 560 Lapwing. 1 Curlew. 2 Redshank. 3 Skylark S over WLC creek. 20 Siskin and 2 Lesser Redpoll at Millfields. 2 Blackbirds singing at Millfields, I think they're the first I've heard this year.Simon Roddis
2020-02-14Both GNDivers towards the east side between Fishtail Creek and Millfields this morning. 1 Jack Snipe again on Horseshoe island, with 38 Common Snipe. 29 Barnacle Geese flew in and then split up, with a couple of pairs later at Millfields. Pair of Pintail out in the middle, but only 1 Wigeon and 4 Pochard. c400 Lapwing. 2 Curlew at Sailing Club early morning. Kingfisher at Shiningford and Brown Ale Bay, perhaps the same bird. 2 Kestrel. 5 Skylark N. 200+ Redwing, including 100 at Penn Carr and 90 at Sheepwash. Mistle Thrush singing at Millfields. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-02-133-00 to 4 00 pm WLC to Stones Island - Common Snipe. Lapwing Oystercatcher Canada Geese Mute Swan Mallard GBB Gull Black Head Gull Cormorant Long Tailed Tit Wren Blue Tit Great Tit Blackbird Goldfinch Redwing Pheasant Magpie Great Crested Grebe Little Grebe Goldeneye Coot Tufted Duck Goldcrest.David Horsley
2020-02-12Both GNDivers still, the juv off Millfields early morning and the adult from Sheepwash late morning. A first-winter Kittiwake flew through, heading SW, at 10:30. The Pink-footed Goose flew in again with Canadas. 5 Greylag. 28 Wigeon. 26 Teal. 9 Pochard. 10 Goldeneye. 7+ Oystercatcher. c400 Lapwing. 21 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 4 Curlew were flushed by a Peregrine and then settled at Sailing Club. 1w Yellow-legged Gull. 5 Willow Tit. Chiffchaff still on Stones island. Mistle Thrush singing at Shiningford. Total of c150 Starling.Simon Roddis
2020-02-11Both GNDivers again of Millfields this morning. 1 Jack and 35 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. 1 Pink-footed Goose with c40 Canadas. 14 Wigeon. 17 Teal. 10 Pochard. 2 GBbGull. 5 Tree Sparrows at Millfields. 10 Bullfinch including 7 feeding on the ground at Millfields. 3 Meadow Pipits on Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
2020-02-10Both GNDivers from Millfields late morning. 1 Jack and 26 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. 1 Shelduck. 21 Wigeon. 19 Pochard. Female Goosander at Millfields early morning. 7 Oystercatcher. 300 Lapwing. Chiffchaff on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2020-02-08Monthly WeBS count (as Storm Ciara might make it tricky tomorrow): the highlight was 3 female Scaup off Stones island, and both GNDivers are still present, the adult off Lane End hide, the juv at Millfields. 66 Canada Geese, 29 Barnacles and 5 Greylags. 2 Mute Swan. 34 Gadwall (including a pair mating at WLC). 22 Wigeon. 97 Mallard. 25 Teal. 30(!) Pochard. 96 Tufted. 15 Goldeneye. 1 Water Rail (PShide). 11 Moorhen. 291 Coot. 10 Little Grebe. 49 GCGrebe. 7 Oystercatcher. 600 Lapwing. 4 Woodcock (Hopton end, early morning). 25 Common Snipe. 3 Redshank. 2 GBbGull. 19 Cormorant. 1 Grey Heron. Also: 7 Tawny Owls calling at the Hopton end first thing, total of 10 Willow Tit (including 8 between the Hopton end and WLC creek), Chiffchaff on Stones, 23 Song Thrush (18 singing) between Hopton end and WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
2020-02-0614 Barnacle geese (WLC), Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatcher (WLC), 30+ Lapwing, Redwing, Goldcrest, Willow tit (Behind Paul Stanley hide).Matthew Birkin

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