| 2017-03-15 | Highlights from circular walk (0815-1230): Ruff in Brown Ale Bay, 6 Goldeneye (4m,2f) off Big Island, Jack Snipe flushed from Hopton reedbed, Sparrowhawk in Hall Wood, Buzzard on ground in field just behind Hall Wood, Gt Northern Diver off Stones, Cetti's Warbler on Stones (51 species in all). Also 2 Comma and 2 Brimstone butterflies. | Gary Atkins |
| 2017-03-15 | The GNDiver still, from Stones. 3 Wigeon. 2 Shoveler. 5 Greylags. 3 Grey Heron. The Ruff still, at Sheepwash. 8+ Redshank. 3 Jack Snipe and 2 Woodcock at Hopton reedbed early morning. 13 Feral Pigeons in Tail Bay. Green Woodpecker calling in Tail Bay early morning. Cetti's Warbler singing on Stones. 150 Starlings through. Only 2 Grey Wags out of Hopton reedbed early morning. 3 Linnets. | SJR, AHS, CA |
| 2017-03-14 | This morning, the GNDiver still, 25 Barnacle Geese, 3 Greylags including one with an orange neck collar, 1 Ringed Plover on Watersports island, 1 Dunlin, Tawny Owl calling down the Tail Bay track, 1 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin through, Cetti's Warbler singing on Stones, 15 Chiffchaff between Sheepwash and Tail Bay, 7 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall, 27 Tree Sparrows. | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 2017-03-13 | Afternoon visit great northern diver.5 little grebe.grey heron.18 cormorants.5 mute swan.148 canada geese.7 greylag geese.25 barnacle geese.23 teal.21 wigeon.12 goldeneye.2 common scoter 1 male.ruff and dunlin(at sheepwash).9 lapwing.4 redshank.12 oystercatchers | Chris brown/dave newcombe |
| 2017-03-13 | This morning, the GNDiver still, pair of Common Scoter, pair of Goosander, 3 Wigeon, 7 Greylags, 1 Ringed Plover, the Ruff still, 1 Dunlin, ad GBbG, Kingfisher at Millfields, Cetti's Warbler singing on Stones, 12 Chiffchaff, 10 Bullfinch (8 at Millfields). | SJR, AHS, RC |
| 2017-03-12 | This morning, the GNDiver still, 2 Shelduck, 3 Mandarin, 7 Wigeon, 1 Gadwall, 3 Pochard, the Ruff still, 2 Dunlin, 2 JackSnipe at Hopton reedbed early morning, ad GBbG, 2 Herring Gull, Cettis' Warbler on Stones island still, 18 Chiffchaff, 250 Starling E. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 2017-03-11 | March WeBS count - Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 7, Great Crested Grebe 56, Cormorant 25, Grey Heron 2, Mute Swan 8, Greylag Goose 5, Canada Goose 110, Barnacle Goose 21, Shelduck 1, Teal 50, Mallard 71, Pintail 2, Pochard 1, Tufted Duck 63, Goldeneye 13, Goosander 2, Moorhen 7, Coot 242, Oystercatcher 19, Lapwing 5, Dunlin 1, Ruff 1, Snipe 35, Curlew 34, Redshank 8, Kingfisher 1. Plus Sand Martin thru N over Stones 0850hrs, Cetti's Warbler singing on Stones, 2+Chiffchaff and 10 Common Buzzards over Blackwall Plantation. | JB, SJR, AHS |
| 2017-03-10 | The main event this morning was a party of 7 AVOCETS, on Stones from 0725 to 0850 and then moving up to Sheepwash. They flew around a couple of times as if they wanted to leave but were put off by the murky weather. Still at Sheepwash to 1120 at least. Also: the GNDiver still, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Greylags, 23 Barnacle Geese, 4 Wigeon, 6 Goldeneye, 22 Curlew, the Ruff, 78 Common Snipe at WLC, ad GBbG, female Kingfisher at Millfields, 1 Skylark, Cetti's Warbler on Stones, 2 Chiffchaff (Stones and Sheepwash), 120 Redwing, 2 Linnet, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Siskin, 15 Goldfinch. | SJR, CA, RC |
| 2017-03-09 | This afternoon, the GNDiver off Millfields, 21 Barnacle Geese at WLC, 2 Shelduck on Stones, 20 Cormorant, 1 ad Yellow-legged Gull, ad GBbG, 5 Curlew, 5 Redshank, 15 Common Snipe, Cetti's Warbler on Stones. Late pm at Hopton reedbed, Water Rail calling, 1 Woodcock, 1 Peregrine, 150 Starlings N. | Simon Roddis |
| 2017-03-07 | Very much the usual suspects this morning: GNDiver, Cetti's Warbler, 5 Curlew, ad GBbG etc. The main event was some extreme aggro between Mute Swans at PS hide, which started rather oddly when 2 birds flew in from the east and one of them hit a tree and crash-landed on the shore of the res. When it regained its composure it swam across towards PSH after the other bird of the two. A pair of swans were already at PSH and they took exception to the new arrivals: one of them repeatedly chased one of the new birds away (a female based on the slimness of its neck). I assume that the chasing bird was also a female but it did seem to have a rather stout neck so I'm not certain about that. The other birds, both males based on their thick necks and large knobs at the base of the bill, had a real set-to, a full-on fight, grabbing each other's wings with their bills amid lots of wing-flapping and splashing. One of them, I assume the male that had already been present, got the upper hand and repeatedly grabbed the other one's head and neck with its bill. They came out of the water and for some minutes the 'winning' bird actually stood on top of the other bird, holding its neck with its bill all the while. The 'losing'' bird broke free and ran towards the hide, the other one hot on its tail until they reached the bank behind the feeder to the right of the hide, when it again grabbed the losing bird's neck and held it down. This carried on for a while longer until I managed to catch their attention and they separated, the losing bird managing to escape over the water and the winner washing and preening itself after its exertions. I don't know how long this might have gone on had they not separated, but I suspect that the losing bird would have come out even worse than it did. I was surprised that the second bird of the initial pair didn't return, at least while I was there, so it will be interesting to see if there are any further developments there. | Simon Roddis |
| 2017-03-06 | GNDiver still this morning. 1 Shelduck at Sailing Club. 6 Wigeon at Sheepwash. 30 Curlew. The Ruff still. 3 Redshank. 1 Dunlin. 5 GBbG (2 ads inc the long-staying bird, and 3 imms). Minimum of 6 Ravens (or as many as 14 if all sightings were different birds). The Cetti's Warbler singing on Stones. 24 Tree Sparrows between Stones and Sheepwash (second highest recent count). | SJR, RC, AHS |
| 2017-03-06 | 0900-0935 Hopton End-Paul Stanley Hide: Singing male Reed Bunting in reed bed; Oystercatcher pair on Big Island, 5 Goldeneye (4 male, 1 female), 30 Common Gulls on north side of spit
1115-1200 WLC: 30+ Common Snipe on shore of Horseshoe Island (though quite mobile, so probably more), 2 Willow Tits and Reed Bunting on feeders | Gary Atkins |
| 2017-03-05 | Before the rain started the GNDiver was off Stones island and the Ruff, 33 Curlew and Cetti's Warbler were on Stones. 2 Pochard at WLC. 5 Goosander including a pair in Shiningford Creek and later at Sheepwash. 2 Redshank. 2 Herring Gull. | Simon Roddis |
| 2017-03-04 | 0600-1200: GNDiver still. 8 Barnacle Geese. 7 Wigeon including a pair displaying. 1 Pochard. 4 Goldeneye. Pair Goosander in Brownale Bay. 7 Common Buzzard. Single Jack Snipe, Woodcock and Water Rail at Hopton reedbed first thing. 41 Curlew. The Ruff still at WLC. 1 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. Ad GBbG. 4 Herring Gull. 3 Stock Dove. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton first thing. 1 Kingfisher at Millfields. 22 Carrion Crows at Millfields and 14 at WLC creek. 1 Raven. 8 Skylark going in random directions. Cetti's Warbler and Redwing singing on Stones. 180 Starling. 5 Mistle Thrush. 5 Meadow Pipit. 11 Grey Wags out of Hopton reedbed early morning. 2 Linnet. 3 Lesser Redpoll. 7 Siskin. 8 singing Reed Buntings. (77 species.) | Simon Roddis |
| 2017-03-02 | The GNDiver was between Sheepwash and Lane End this morning. Peak count of 51 Curlews, with a lot of coming and going between the shore around Lane End and the fields. Only 7 Lapwings! Ad GBbG. Cetti's and 4 Lesser Redpoll on Stones. | Simon Roddis |
| 2017-03-01 | This morning: the GNDiver between Stones and Lane End. A 2nd winter Kittiwake was off the dam wall at 08:15 then later at the WLC at 11:00. 20 Cormorant. 7 pairs of Oystercatcher. The Ruff still. 2 Redshank. 1 Dunlin. 13 Curlew. Ad GBbG. 4 Stock Dove. Female Kingfisher at Penn Carr (Millfields). 10 Rooks at small rookery at Hognaston (as seen from the dam wall). Willow Tits singing at Millfields and WLC creek. Reed Buntings singing on Stones, WLC creek, Tail Bay and Millfields island. | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 2017-02-28 | This morning, the GNDiver between Stones and Millfields. 2 Wigeon. 2 Goosander. 8 Buzzards in the air from Stones. The Ruff still. 38 Curlew at Lane End. 1 Dunlin. 2 ad GBbG over. 1 Herring Gull. 1 Peregrine. 3 Skylark over. Cetti's Warbler singing on Stones. 21 Tree Sparrows between Sheepwash and Stones Island. 1 Linnet N over WLC creek. 3 Reed Buntings singing (WLC and 2 on Stones). | SJR, AHS, RC |
| 2017-02-27 | 0820-1045: the GNDiver still, off Lane End. Ruff still around Stones. 30+ Common Snipe at the WLC. A singing Grey Wag at Sheepwash appeared to be a female by its plumage. | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 2017-02-26 | The GNDiver was off Stones this morning. 6 Wigeon. 1 Pochard. 1 Peregrine. 15 Curlew. The Ruff still. 1 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. 5 Skylark and 30 Starling W. 90 Redwing (5 on Stones, 85 WLC Creek). 9 Willow Tits between the WLC and Millfields (via Tail Bay): 3 pairs and 3 singles, including 2 singing. | Simon Roddis |
| 2017-02-25 | GNDiver at Millfields. First thing at Hopton reedbed, 3 Jack Snipe, 4 Woodcock, 11 Grey Wagtails out of their roost, 1 Tawny Owl calling. 29 Curlew from Sheepwash. Cetti's Warbler singing on Stones. | Simon Roddis |
| 2017-02-25 | 08:00-10:00 between Visitor Centre and Sheepwash.2 Kestrel, 2 Oystercatchers' 6-8 Curlew, Treecreeper, Willow Tit and 2 Nuthatches | Eric Dewhurst |
| 2017-02-24 | The GNDiver was off Stones this morning. 4 Wigeon. 4 Gadwall. 6 Buzzard. 1 Ringed Plover. 19 Curlew. Pair of Oycs mating on Horseshoe island. 2 Dunlin. The Ruff still. 2 Redshank. Ad GBbG still. 7 Stock Dove. 20 Starling and 18 Redwing N. | SJR, AHS, RC |
| 2017-02-23 | The GNDiver was off Millfields 08:20. Ruff at Sailing Club. 2 Shelduck flew up the res at 10:40, seemed to land in Brownale Bay. Not many birds singing this morning for some reason! | Simon Roddis |
| 2017-02-21 | This mornings Tree Sparrow count was 23. | A H STEWARDSON |
| 2017-02-21 | 0830-1230, west side from Hopton end to Stones island: GNDiver, 5 Buzzard, 7 Curlew, 3 Redshank, 2 GBbG, 2 Raven, 7 Goldcrest (3 singing), 51 Blue Tits, 19 Great Tits, 10 Coal Tits, 4 Willow Tits (3 singing), 13 Long-tailed Tit, 6 Nuthatch, 4 Treecreeper, 35 Wren (28 singing), 100 Starling W, 28 Blackbirds (only 1 singing), 18 Song Thrush (15 singing), 88 Robin (62 singing), 27 Dunnock (20 singing), 8 singing Chaffinches, 18 Bullfinch, 5 Reed Bunting (3 singing). | Simon Roddis |
| 2017-02-20 | Adult GNDiver still present. 26 Barnacle Geese. 2 Greylags. 1 Shelduck. 10 Goldeneye. 9 Goosander. 1 Peregrine. 9 Oystercatcher. 1 Ruff still. 1 Ringed Plover N. 4 Dunlin. 1 Curlew. 7 GBbG first thing, presumably roosted. 4 Herring Gull. 60 Woodpigeons at Millfields. 7 Raven over Millfields. Total of c.200 Starling N. 70 Redwing (20 Millfields, 50 Sheepwash). Total of 20 singing SongThrushes at Millfields (14), Stones area (4) and Sheepwash (2). | SJR, AHS, CA |
| 2017-02-19 | This morning from Stones Island, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Ruff, 4 Dunlin, 3 Oystercatchers, 70 Common Snipe, 3 Skylarks flying north and 1 Cetti's Warbler. | A H STEWARDSON |
| 2017-02-16 | 0650-1210: adult GNDiver still present. At Hopton first thing, 1 Water Rail, 1 Jack Snipe and 13 Grey Wags out of their roost. 10 Stock Doves over. 20 Barnacle Geese. 18 Wigeon. 5 Pochard. 12 Goldeneye. 8 Goosander. 1 Grey Heron. 2 Sparrowhawk. 6 Buzzard. 5+ Oystercatcher. 2 Golden Plover. 2 Redshank. 3 Curlew. 4+ Dunlin. 73 Common Snipe at WLC. 3 Herring Gull. 1 ad GBbG. 7 Feral Pigeon (Tail Bay). Female Kingfisher in Brownale Bay. 4 Raven at Millfields. 6 Skylark over. Willow Tit singing at Millfields. 2 Linnet S over Stones. 1 Reed Bunting singing at WLC. (75 species) | SJR, AHS, RC |
| 2017-02-14 | 0830-1200: the GNDiver was easier to see today in much more benign conditions. 980 Lapwing in total. 2 Dunlin. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. 4 Great Spots including 2 drumming. Reed Bunting singing on Stones. Peregrine over Sheepwash. Adult GBbG. 3 Mistle Thrushes (1 Hopton, 2 Sheepwash). | Simon Roddis |
| 2017-02-13 | February WeBs count- Mute Swan 8, Canada Goose 50, Wigeon 2, Gadwall 11, Teal 133, Mallard 97, Pochard 8, Tufted Duck 84, Goldeneye 9, Goosander 2, Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 13, Great Crested Grebe 39, Grey Heron 1, Moorhen 6, Coot 564, Oystercatcher 5, Lapwing 384, Dunlin 4, Ruff 1, Common Snipe 32, Redshank 2. | JB, SJR |
| 2017-02-13 | No sign of the diver this morning but maybe it was just sheltering from the wind. Wildfowl numbers continue to fall. 8 Goldeneye off the dam wall and 2 redhead Goosander at Millfields. Ruff, 2 Dunlin, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank. 1 GBbG. | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 2017-02-09 | 0830-1300. Whole site covered. Adult Great Northern Diver. 14 Cormorants. 45 Great Crested Grebes. 19 Little Grebes including 14 around the Wildlife Centre area. 8 Mute Swans. 156 Canada Geese. Pink-footed Goose. 12 Gadwall. 11 Wigeon. 159 Teal. 17 Pochard. 18 Goldeneye. 8 Moorhen. 4 Dunlin. Ruff. 6 Oystercatchers including a pair at Millfields. Pair on Big Island (hopton end), and a pair at Sheepwash which includes the ringed (bar code) bird returning for its 12th consecutive year. | Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown |
| 2017-02-08 | 09:00 to 11:30 from Sheepwash hide 3 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 lesser black backed gull, 1 Greater black backed gull, 1 Common gull, 65 Black headed gulls, 1 greylag Goose,2 Ravens, 1 Greater spotted woodpecker drumming, 30 Redwing. From brown ale bay 1 Redshank, 3 Dunlin. Great Northern Diver near dam wall. | A H STEWARDSON |
| 2017-02-07 | This morning from Stones Island 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 3 Ravens,from WLC 67 Common Snipe, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Ruff, 1 Pink foot Goose, 5 Common Buzzard. | A H STEWARDSON |
| 2017-02-06 | 10:oo Lane end hide 1 Skylark flying south west, 1 Curlew calling, 11:00 from Stones Island, 2 Skylarks flying south west. | A H STEWARDSON |
| 2017-02-06 | Very foggy this morning, so I walked to Laneend hide. 10 Siskins, 2 Goldeneye from hide and 8 Great crested grebes, at the feeding station near Lane end hide excellent views of many of our commoner birds, I saw in 10 minutes Great,Blue, Coal,Willow and Longtailed Tits, Nuthatch, Treecreeper,Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Robin, Blackbird, Dunnock,Woodpigeon, Mistlethrush singing close by. From Stones Island when fog had cleared, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Ruff. | A H STEWARDSON |
| 2017-02-05 | Species noted during monthly birdwatching for beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island/ Wildlife Centre): Black-headed Gull, Mute Swan, Dunnock, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Robin, Starling, Coot, Gt Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Canada Goose, Teal, Blackbird, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Lapwing, Tufted Duck, Ruff, Redshank, Cormorant, Long-tailed Tit, Wren, Mallard, Song Thrush, Greenshank, Gt Northern Diver, Goldeneye, Redwing, Pied Wagtail, Goosander, Snipe, Oystercatcher, Blue Tit, Magpie | Gary Atkins |
| 2017-02-03 | This morning from Millfields, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Skylarks, 6 Goldeneye, 1 Raven, from Stones Island 1Ruff, 2 Redshank, from the WLC, 4 Dunlin, 11 Barnacle Geese, 1 Pink foot Goose, 1 Oystercatcher and 13 Common Snipe | A H STEWARDSON |
| 2017-02-02 | In thick fog little to report, 6 Dunlin and a Redshank on Stones island. 2 Stock Dove over. Pair of Mistle Thrush in traditional breeding area near Paul Stanley hide. | Clive Ashton |
| 2017-02-01 | This morning from Sheepwash hide,fog made any observations very difficult, 1 Pintail, 1 Common Snipe, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Meadow Pipits, Greater spotted woodpecker could be heard drumming from the far bank. From Stones Island, fog turning to mist and eventually clearing,1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Ruff, 2 Dunlin, 1 Ringed Plover, 6 Common Snipe, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Redshank. From the Wildlife Centre, 42 Common Snipe. | A H STEWARDSON |
| 2017-01-29 | This morning from Stones island 6 Dunlin,1 Shelduck,1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Common Snipe, from Wildlife Centre 1 Oystercatcher, 20 Common Snipe, 1 Pink footed Goose amongst the Canada Geese and 1 Great Black Backed Gull. | A H STEWARDSON |
| 2017-01-24 | This morning at Millfields, 1 Kingfisher,5 Lesser Redpolls. From Stones Island 1 Ruff,1 Curlew. From Wild life centre, 7 Common Snipe,1 Oystercatcher and amongst the Canada Geese 1 Pink footed goose and 22 Barnacle Geese. | A H STEWARDSON |
| 2017-01-24 | Hopton end- 2 Jack Snipe, 6 Grey Wagtails,Jay. 4 Jay flew over the road at Brown Ale Bay. Stones/WLC - 2 Redshank, Curlew, Ruff, Dunlin, 36 Snipe. | Clive Ashton /Alan Stewardson |
| 2017-01-22 | Hopton End 0715hrs, 3 Jack Snipe, and 2 Woodcock flew in.
Millfields, 4 female Goosander.
Stones Island, 1 Knot (AHS, RWK, RC) flew in 1000hrs, 17 Snipe, 1 Ruff, 5 Dunlin, 1 Redshank, Great Northern Diver and Raven plus Peregrine over.
Wildlife Centre, 39 Snipe and 1 Oystercatcher. | Roger Carrington |
| 2017-01-21 | This morning from Stone's island,3 Redshank,5 Dunlin,1 Ruff,1 Oystercatcher from WLC and 4 Common Snipe. | A H STEWARDSON |
| 2017-01-20 | This morning from Stone's Island light south easterly breeze, pockets of light mist generally visibility excellent. 2 Redshank, 4 Dunlin, 1 Ruff, Great Northern Diver, Cetti's Warbler, 20 Whooper Swans distant and brief flying northwest at 9:15am 2 flying northwest at 10:07am 16 on water at 11:05am, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Skylark. From Wildlife Centre 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Great Black Backed Gull, 11 Common Snipe. | A H STEWARDSON |
| 2017-01-19 | From Stones Island GN Diver, 5 Dunlin, 1 Ruff, 1 Redshank, 11 Common Snipe, 2 Herring Gull, Grey Heron, Cetti's Warbler and 8 Lesser Redpoll. From WLC 25 more Snipe so 36 total. A pair of Teal displaying and mating in WLC Creek. | Clive Ashton |
| 2017-01-18 | Morning fog made any observations very difficult. On the causeway to Stones island I saw 4 Dunlin, 1 Ruff. 5 Common Snipe were just visible from the Wildlife centre. | A H STEWARDSON |
| 2017-01-15 | 1300-1700: GNDiver off Millfields. 333 Canada Geese. 2 Greylags 1 Pink-foot. 900 Lapwing (500 Sheepwash, 400 Sailing Club). 7 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. 1 Woodcock at Hopton at dusk. 12 Herring Gull. 1 Yellow-legged Gull. 25 Redwing at Hopton late pm. 2 Meadow Pipit. 4 Reed Bunting. | Simon Roddis |
| 2017-01-15 | January WeBs count-Mute Swan 22, Greylag Goose 2, Canada Goose 48, Cormorant 15, Great Crested Grebe 33, Little Grebe 12, Great Northern Diver 1, Wigeon 35, Teal 163, Mallard 143, Gadwall 33, Pintail 5, Tufted Duck 187, Pochard 55, Goldeneye 17, Coot 950, Moorhen 9, Lapwing 383, Dunlin 7, Ruff 1, Redshank 2, Snipe 7, Curlew 1. | JB, SJR |
| 2017-01-12 | 0730-1140: GNDiver still off Stones. 8 Goosander at Millfields early morning, and 3 calling Tawny Owls. Female Peregrine. 600 Lapwing at Sailing Club. Ruff still on Stones causeway.9 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. Ad GBbG. 2 female Kingfishers (Millfields and Brownale Bay). 40 Redwing. 15 Bullfinch, including 13 (7m,6f) on Sheepwash feeder. 3 Greenfinch. 2 Lesser Redpoll. 35 Siskin. | Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington |
| 2017-01-10 | 0715-1145: GNDiver off Stones island. 4 Jack Snipe, 4 Woodcock and 9 Grey Wagtails at Hopton reedbed first thing. 29 Barnacle Geese. 15 Gadwall. 10 Goldeneye (7m,3f). 1000 Lapwing spread between Sheepwash, WLC and Sailing Club. 7 Dunlin. Ad GBbG. Female Kingfisher again in Brownale Bay. Willow Tit singing at Hopton. Mistle Thrushes singing at Hopton and Sheepwash. 10 Bullfinch, inc. 9 (3m,6f) on the topped-up feeder in Sheepwash carpark. | Simon Roddis |
| 2017-01-08 | 0730-1230: GNDiver, Ruff and Cetti's Warbler still on/around Stones. 24 Goosander (4 ad males, 4 imm males) and 12 Goldeneye (8 males) off the dam wall at Millfields first thing. 3 Shoveler (2 males). 29 Barnacle Geese. 95 Common Snipe at the WLC (the record is 130 in 2003). 7 Dunlin. 2+ Redshank. 500 Lapwing. 1 Golden Plover. 1 ad Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. 3 GBbG. 2 GSWoodpeckers drumming at Millfields. Female Kingfisher again in Brownale Bay. 2 Raven. 2 Greenfinch. 1 Linnet. (69 species) | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 2017-01-06 | 0730-1200: I decided to do a count of small(ish) stuff this morning, so the following are totals from Hopton to Stones: 4 Woodcock, 1 Jack Snipe, 7 Moorhen, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 13 Magpie, 1 Jay, 300 Jackdaw, 52 Blue Tit, 30 Great Tit, 10 Coal Tit, 3 Willow Tit, 5 Nuthatch, 4 Treecreeper, 27 Wrens, 65 Blackbird, 19 Song Thrush, 82 Redwing, 47 Robin, 21 Dunnock, 5 Grey Wagtails, 28 Chaffinch, 8 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 27 Siskin and 5 Reed Bunting. The GN Diver is still there, along with 12 Shoveler. Surprisingly, there were some early signs of breeding activity: a pair of Mallards mating towards the Hopton end, and a pair of Mute Swans at Sheepwash which were displaying to each other, mirroring each other’s moves as they preened, dipped their heads in the water, bowed to each other and so on – beautiful to watch – but it turned out that this was also the preamble to a bit of how’s your father: at least they then had the decency to do a bit more post-coital displaying to each other afterwards. Clearly the pair bond means more to Mute Swans than it does to Mallard! Alan S. also had a pair of Coots mating near the WLC. | Simon Roddis |
| 2017-01-05 | Tawny Owl, Woodcock, Jack Snipe, 300 Jackdaw, singing Willow Tit and 9 Grey Wags at Hopton reedbed first thing. 215 Canadas, 1 Greylag, 1 Pink-foot. (72 species) | Simon Roddis |
| 2017-01-05 | Adult GN Diver, 25 Snipe, 6 Dunlin, 3 Redshank, Ruff, 3 Goosander over and Cetti's Warbler. | Clive Ashton |
| 2017-01-04 | 0800-1230: adult GNDiver off Stones. 8 Greylag. 15 Goldeneye. 3 Goosander. 24 Cormorant. 3 Dunlin. 3 Redshank. 17 Common Snipe at WLC. 4 Great Black-backs (the resident bird plus 3 adults north). 14+ Stock Doves. Female Kingfishers at Millfields and Brownale Bay, difficult to say whether one or two birds. 3 Kestrel. 3 Great Spots. The Cetti's Warbler on Stones showed incredibly well, called then popped up into a bush for about 30 seconds. (67 species) | Simon Roddis |
| 2017-01-03 | GN Diver, Ruff and Cetti's Warbler all still present around/off Stones. 2 drake Pintail also off Stones. | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 2017-01-01 | Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon) - 33 species: House Sparrow, Coot, Pochard, Gadwall, Jackdaw, Gt Tit, Robin, Little Grebe, Pheasant, Mute Swan, Mallard, Chaffinch, Tree Sparrow, Blue Tit, Magpie, Willow Tit, Tufted Duck, Woodpigeon, Lapwing, Dunnock, Teal, Blackbird, Collared Dove, Snipe, Ruff, Pied Wagtail, Gt Crested Grebe, Goldeneye, Wigeon, Black-hd Gull, Wren, Goldfinch, Carrion Crow | Gary Atkins |
| 2017-01-01 | Afternoon visit: GN Diver still off Stones. 207 Canada Geese, 28 Barnacles, 1 Pink-foot, 1 Greylag. 1 Ruff still. 1 Redshank. 6 Dunlin. 3 Woodcock at Hopton reedbed at dusk. | Simon Roddis |
| 2016-12-31 | 0720-1200: GNDiver still present. At Hopton reedbed first thing, 4 Jack Snipe, 5 Woodcock, 4 Tawny Owls calling, 9 Grey Wagtails and 5 Reed Bunting. 25 Mute Swan, 1 Shoveler, 16 Goldeneye, 5 Goosander, 5 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 2 GBbG, 14 Feral Pigeons, 3 Stock Doves, 2 Raven, 90 Redwing (Millfields), 13 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall. 71 species. | Simon Roddis |
| 2016-12-29 | WeBs count for December-Little Grebe 16, Great Crested Grebe 32, Cormorant 22, Grey Heron 1, Mute Swan 20, Canada Goose 99, Barnacle Goose 15, Wigeon 103, Gadwall 27, Teal 221, Mallard 148, Pochard 177, Tufted Duck 196, Goldeneye 16, Moorhen 11, Coot 939, Lapwing 676, Dunlin 8, Snipe 22, Redshank 2. | JB, SJR |
| 2016-12-28 | GNDiver from Millfields this morning. 1 Shoveler at WLC. 7 Dunlin. Cetti's Warbler still on Stones. 2 Raven. | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 2016-12-26 | 0730-1045: GNDiver still between Stones and Millfields. Ruff still around Stones. 2 Redshank. 10 Dunlin at Sheepwash. 3 Woodcock flew into the Hopton end conservation area first thing, and 13 Grey Wags flew out of the reedbed. 8 Stock Dove. Great Spot drumming and Willow Tit singing at Brownale Bay, plus 5 Bullfinch including 3 feeding on the ground on the footpath. 80 Redwing. | Simon Roddis |
| 2016-12-25 | GNDiver off Millfields. A dark-bellied Brent Goose among Canadas on the dam wall. 20 Barnacles. 9 Goosander. 11 Goldeneye. 150 Golden Plover over Watersports. Ruff still. 10 Dunlin at Sheepwash. 2 Redshank. 2 ad Herring Gull. 1 GBbG. 7 Lesser Redpoll on Stones. Happy Christmas! | Simon Roddis |
| 2016-12-23 | GN Diver from Millfields this morning. 10 Dunlin and 1 Redshank around Stones. 1 GBbG. 2 Raven. 6 Lesser Redpoll at Millfields. 70 Siskin (30 Millfields, 40 Brownale Bay). | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 2016-12-21 | GN Diver still present. 3 Shelduck, 11 Dunlin, Ruff, 2 Redshank, c50 Snipe and Cetti's Warbler. | Clive Ashton |
| 2016-12-20 | 1200-1500: 49 Greylag, 29 Barnacles, 12 Goosander (Millfields), 3 Shoveler, 500 Lapwing, 8 Dunlin, 2 ad Yellow-legged Gulls (Sheepwash). | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 2016-12-20 | Adult Great Northern Diver off Stones Island this morning. Also present Ruff, 2 Redshank, 8 Dunlin, 280 Golden Plover, 48 Snipe, Cetti's Warbler, 5 Goosander and Kingfisher. | CA/RC/SJR |
| 2016-12-17 | 0730-1200: Little Stint, Ruff, 8 Dunlin and Cetti's Warbler still on Stones island, and 1 Crossbill over, flying N. 1 Curlew. 31 Pink-footed Geese SE at 0935, 130 NW at 1125. 16 Barnacle Geese. 5 Shoveler. 10 Goosander. 13 Goldeneye. 6 Bullfinch and 20 Siskin at Millfields. 76 species. | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 2016-12-16 | 42 Golden Plover, Little Stint and Dunlins with Lapwing flock on Watersports Island.
Elusive Cetti's Warbler still calling occasionally on Stones Island this afternoon.
6 Shoveler(3 drakes) and 15 Barnacle Geese from Wildlife Centre.
3 Yellow-legged Gulls, 12 Herring Gulls in roost from Sheepwash Hide and 2 Raven over. | Roger Carrington |
| 2016-12-15 | Afternoon visit: Little Stint, Ruff and Cetti's Warbler still on Stones island. 2 White-fronted Geese with 11 Greylags from Lane End, presumably the 2 that were seen around the south of the county a few weeks ago. Pair of Shoveler at WLC. At least 800 Common Gull in the roost by 1530. Single Herring, Yellow-legged and GBB Gulls from Sheepwash. 3 Willow Tit at WLC. 10 Lesser Redpoll on Stones. 30 Siskin at Hopton. 66 species, not bad for a grotty afternoon! | Simon Roddis |
| 2016-12-14 | Little Stint and Ruff still around Stones/Watersports island, along with 29 Golden Plover, 13 Dunlin, 3 Redshank. Adult Herring and Yellow-legged Gulls at Sheepwash. 13 Goldeneye. 100 Redwing at Millfields. 4 Greenfinch. 14 Feral Pigeons at Tail Bay. | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 2016-12-13 | Little Stint and Ruff still on Stones island. 9 Dunlin. 39 Common Snipe. 1 Jack Snipe at Hopton reedbed early morning. 700 Lapwing. 16 Gadwall. 182 Pochard (from Sheepwash and WLC). 2 Herring Gull. 1 GBbG. In 2 hours in Hopton/Sheepwash area, 32 Robins, 26 Blackbirds, 32 Wrens, 16 Dunnocks and 11 Song Thrushes. 15 Grey Wagtails out of Hopton reedbed early morning. 1 Brambling at Hopton. 9 Lesser Redpoll on Stones. | Simon Roddis |
| 2016-12-12 | Little Stint and Ruff still on Watersports island. 16 Goosander (1m,15 redheads) at Millfields. 9 Herring Gulls. 3 Stock Doves. 1 Skylark. 28 Fieldfare S. 1 Brambling at Millfields. | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 2016-12-11 | Little Stint, Ruff, 18 Dunlin, 2 Shelduck and male Stonechat still around Stones. 10 Shoveler (5m,5f) at WLC. 250 Pink-footed Geese E. 700 Lapwing. 1 Golden Plover. 2 Redshank. 3 Jack Snipe in Hopton reedbed at first light. c40 Herring Gull S. 10 Stock Dove. 600 Redwing and 130 Fieldfare S. 13 Grey Wagtails out of Hopton reedbed first thing. 10 Lesser Redpoll (9 on Stones). 74 species. | Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley |
| 2016-12-10 | Little Stint, Ruff, 18 Dunlin and 2 Shelduck all still present. Cetti's Warbler calling and giving short bursts of song on Stones Island. Kingfisher flew over Stones. 6 Grey Wagtail out of Hopton reed bed at dawn. | Clive Ashton |
| 2016-12-09 | Little Stint, Ruff, 18 Dunlin, 2 Shelduck and Cetti's Warbler still around Stones/Watersports. Jack Snipe at Hopton reedbed early morning. 4 Herring Gull. 1 GBbG. 1+ Skylark over. 3 Raven. More southwards movement of thrushes: 2150 Redwing and 45 Fieldfare. 12 Grey Wag came out of Hopton reedbed early morning. 1 Brambling over Hopton. 8 Lesser Redpoll on Stones. | SJR, AHS, CA |
| 2016-12-08 | Little Stint still on Watersports island. 18 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. 400 Lapwing. 210 Teal. 2 Shelduck. Adult male Peregrine causing havoc. 4 Stock Dove incl 3 high to SE. 1 Skylark. Cetti's Warbler and male Stonechat on Stones island. Some of the Redwing that flew NE a couple of weeks ago clearly decided they didn't like it up there: 1400 flew S this morning. 30 Fieldfare. | Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington |
| 2016-12-07 | Brief visit this morning: 16 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, Ruff and Little Stint all on Stones Island along with 2 Shelduck and the Cetti's Warbler. | Clive Ashton |
| 2016-12-05 | Buzzard teal redshank 14 snipe 15 dunlin
Wigeon lesser black backed gull kestrel redwings
Pochard gadwall goldcrest goldeneye
All seen between 10am and 12pm
| Tom Wareham |
| 2016-12-05 | Monthly Birdwaching for Beginners walk (10am-noon); 42 species observed, which is the best total of 2016 and includes two species not seen before during 11 years of previous BfB walks. Details: Magpie, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Starling, Jackdaw, Pied Wagtail, Woodpigeon, Dunnock, Dunlin, Gt Black-backed Gull, Lapwing, Coot, Little Stint, Shelduck, Teal, Wigeon, Mallard, Canada Goose, Ruff, Gt Crested Grebe, Snipe, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Robin, Blue Tit, Black-headed Gull, House Sparrow, Collared Dove, Wren, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Redpoll, Cormorant, Pochard, Tree Sparrow, Song Thrush, Willow Tit, Coal Tit, Gt Spotted Woodpecker, Kestrel and Pink-footed Goose. | Gary Atkins |
| 2016-12-04 | 2 Shelduck off Stones Island | Ian Scrimshaw |
| 2016-12-03 | Little Stint, Ruff and Cetti's still present. 180 Canada Geese. 4 Greylags. 19 Gadwall. 17 Dunlin. 3 Redshank. Woodcock at Hopton first thing. 1 GBbG. 450 Redwing. 600 Jackdaw over Hopton early morning. | Simon Roddis |
| 2016-12-03 | Little Stint, Ruff, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 18 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 2 Shelduck on Stones/Watersports. 1 more Dunlin at WLC. Cetti's still on Stones. | SHR, JB, AHS |
| 2016-12-01 | Little Stint still on Watersports island, and a Ruff and 17 Dunlin there. 3 Redshank. Jack Snipe at Hopton reedbed first thing. 147 Canadas and 1 Pink-foot. 17 Goosander at Millfields at dawn. 17+ Gadwall. No sign of the Scaup. 1 Little Egret flew through early morning. 150 Woodpigeons N. Cetti's Warbler still on Stones island. Male Stonechat at WLC. 3 Mistle Thrush at Sheepwash. 14 Grey Wagtails out of Hopton reedbed early morning. | SJR, CA, DN, CB |
| 2016-11-30 | 2 Hawfinches NE over Hopton end are the first since 2006. Quieter vismig: 740 Redwings, 266 Fieldfare, 200 Woodpigeons, 1 Stock Dove. Little Stint, Scaup and Cetti's Warbler all still present. 44 Common Snipe (Roger C's count), big increase this week. 12 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. 1 GBbG. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. | Simon Roddis |
| 2016-11-29 | Birds on the move again at Hopton this morning: 2580 Redwing, 109 Fieldfare and 1 Blackbird NE, 235 Woodpigeons and 1 Stock Dove N, 0830-1000. 10 Dunlin at Watersports/Stones. 9 Lesser Redpoll at Hopton. | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 2016-11-28 | Vismig at Hopton, 0820-1000: 3150 Redwing, 26 Fieldfare, 1 Blackbird, 200 Starling all NE. 5 Stock Dove E. 14 Common Scoter off Stones late morning (RC) but appeared to have gone by 1300. Imm male Scaup still in Brownale Bay. Little Stint still on Watersports island. 9 Dunlin. 22 Common Snipe. 4 Herring Gull. 3 Raven. Cetti's still calling on south side of Stones, and 1 Chiffchaff at Hopton. 6 Greenfinch at Hopton. (70 species) | SJR,AHS,RC |
| 2016-11-27 | Large movement over Hopton this morning: 9270 Redwing, 82 Fieldfare, 4 Blackbird, 870 Starling, all north-east. 110 Woodpigeons N. 2 Stock Dove E. 15 Lesser Redpoll. 50 Siskin. The Scaup still in Brownale Bay. | Simon Roddis |
| 2016-11-26 | A very late Little Stint on Stones Island this morning. Also present 3 Jack Snipe in the Hopton end, Shoveler and the 1st winter drake Scaup in Brown Ale Bay [JB], 44 Pink footed Geese west, 5 Snipe, 4 Dunlin, 4 Redshank, Yellow legged Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Cetti's Warbler singing briefly and 530 Wood Pigeons north. | CA,JB,SJR,AHS. |
| 2016-11-25 | Afternoon visit: 165 Canadas with 1 Pink-foot at WLC. Scaup still in Brownale Bay. Drake Goosander. In the Gull roost, c.4000 Black-heads, 4-500 Lesser Black-backs, 500+ Commons (282 Commons at Sheepwash at 14:00). 1 GBbG. At Hopton at dusk, 450 Jackdaws over, 600 Starlings to roost, 3 Grey Wags. | Simon Roddis |
| 2016-11-25 | Drake Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Dunlin from Sheepwash (RC).
Jack Snipe at Hopton Reedbed and first winter drake Scaup still in Brownale Bay (AS).
150 Pinkfeet heading NW at 0850hrs, 250 Wood Pigeons NE in 3 flocks (RC) | Roger Carrington, Alan Stewardson |
| 2016-11-24 | First winter male Scaup back in Brownale Bay. 65 Pink-feet W. 125 Canada Geese. Male Goosander. 8 Goldeneye. 1 Peregrine. 500 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 4 Dunlin. 1 Herring Gull. 2 Raven. 14 Lesser Redpoll on Stones. Another birder heard the Cetti's sing briefly on Stones this morning. | Simon Roddis, Ken Rome |
| 2016-11-23 | Cetti's Warbler showed fairly well and calling in scrub between main path and burial mound on Stones on either side of path before flying to reeds in small pond. | Steph Hicking |
| 2016-11-23 | Cetti's Warbler still on Stones island, calling and sang briefly. Jack Snipe in Hopton reedbed first thing. Possible Lapland Bunting flew over Stones, heard calling but getting further away all the time. 8 Goldeneye. 22 Cormorant. 300 Lapwing. 5 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. 15 Common Snipe. 1 Herring Gull. 1 Stock Dove. 5 Grey Wag. 59 Fieldfare (48E, 11W). 2 Mistle Thrushes singing (Hopton and Sheepwash). 7 Brambling at Hopton. 3 Greenfinch. (66 species) | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 2016-11-22 | Cettis Warbler still on Stones Island showing in willows by the mound, calling occasionally. | Roger Carrington |
| 2016-11-19 | CETTI'S WARBLER on Stones Island seen briefly at c9:00am in Willows by the Barrow then heard calling several times till c10:00am when it was last heard in the Blackthorn hedge on the centre of Stones. 2 female Common Scoters in Fishtail Creek. | JB, SJR, AS |
| 2016-11-18 | 187 Canada Geese, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Barnacle Goose, 4 Goldeneye, 2 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, c350 Lapwing, 1,050 Wood Pigeons N/E, 70 Starling W, 50 Redwing and 30 Goldfinch WLC Creek. | Clive Ashton |
| 2016-11-14 | The highlight this morning was a first-winter male Scaup with Tufted Ducks in Brownale Bay. 1 Shelduck and adult Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. Total of 219 Pochard and 480 Lapwing. 3 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. 150 Woodpigeons N. 1 Kingfisher (Stones). 3 Kestrel. 4 GS Woodpecker. 1 Raven. 32 Fieldfare S. 14 Meadow Pipit. 10 Lesser Redpoll on Stones. 70 Siskin (30 Millfields, 40 WLC). 72 species. | Simon Roddis |
