Recent Sightings

NameSightingDate
DN, MW, RPJ, AMD,AHSThis morning from Stones Island, 1 Little Egret, 1 Great White Egret, 1 Yellow legged gull, 75 Pink Feet Geese, at least 4 Skylarks over, 1 Dunlin, Oystercatcher still present, Willow tit, groups of Redwings fly down East Bank. From WLC creek, 1 Coot, 1 Redkite, Siskins and Redpolls in the Alder trees.22/10/2025
Dave NewcombeIn addition to Simon's post: 2 Shoveler and 13 Pochard at Millfields. Chiffchaff on Stones island. Ducks counted at Lane End whilst I was sheltering from the rain: 50 Wigeon (exact count), 33 Gadwall. 370 Teal. There were a few more Teal but they got flushed before I could finish. 5 Skylark over SW. From Sheepwash: A break in the weather allowed 4 Buzzards, 2 Red Kites, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk to come out. The latter flushing 25 Redwings on far side. A Common Sand again (maybe a different bird to last week). c25 Linnets. The gull roost held c10'000 birds. Adult Caspian. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. 4 Herring Gulls. 500 Common Gulls by 17.30hrs.20/10/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonA reasonable morning given the conditions, the following all from Sheepwash hide: female Goldeneye (first of the autumn), Common Scoter off Fishtail, presumably the same as yesterday, 2 Dunlin, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 1 Little and 3 Great Egrets, 21 Gadwall, 37 Wigeon, Peregrine, Rock Pipit and a late Wheatear (possibly Greenland?).20/10/2025
SJR, CA, MW, JBIn 2 hours from Stones island this morning, 50 Pink-footed Geese SW, 1,098 Woodpigeons S, 5 Stock and 4 Collared Doves, 16 Golden Plover, 4 Great Egret (3 NE, 1 S), 16 Skylarks, 483 Starling, 739 Redwing, 170 Fieldfare. One drake Common Scoter still off the east side, 30 Pochard, 4 Lapwing, 2 Peregrine, Yellow-legged Gull.19/10/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonBest bird for me this morning was a calling Little Owl, my first there for donkey's years. 4 Common Scoter (2 drakes) were again off Fishtail Creek so perhaps part of yesterday's flock. An hour's vismig from Stones produced 265 Woodpigeons, 260 Starlings, 484 Redwing, 20 Fieldfare and 12 Chaffinch. 28 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at about 09:30. 2 Curlew and a Dunlin flew past Stones, a Ringed Plover was at Sheepwash and the Oystercatcher still on Horseshoe island. Adult Caspian and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls still. c600 Common Gulls departed early morning and 750 Jackdaws noisily left their roost. Female Pintail at Sheepwash.18/10/2025
Simon RoddisAnother 5 Common Scoter (1m, 4 female/juvs) this morning - it's been a good week for them. Female Pintail past Stones. A bit of movement included 68 Woodpigeons, 5 Stock Doves, 10 Skylarks, 31 Starling, 186 Redwing and 17 Fieldfare. Single Redshank and Dunlin, and 2 Snipe. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. c3,000 Black-headed Gulls first thing. Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed, and Crossbill over. Male Stonechat in the overflow carpark. Chiffchaff and Blackcap still on Stones.17/10/2025
Simon RoddisLate afternoon visit: c5,000 Lesser Black-backs had come into the roost by 18:30. Shelduck still at Sheepwash, along with 2 Redshank, adult Caspian Gull, Herring Gull. Also 4 Yellow-legged Gulls and a Dunlin (per RJL). 46 Cormorants. 50 Starlings, presumably going to roost somewhere.16/10/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonClive found this morning's star bird, a juvenile Gannet sitting out on the water, present to midday at least. 6 Common Scoters (an adult drake and 5 lovely barred juveniles) were off the dam wall and a Rock Pipit flew over. A few birds moving, with totals of c650 Redwing in random directions, 80 Fieldfare, 180 Woodpigeons, 11 Stock Doves, 13 Skylarks and 10 Swallows. Adult Caspian Gull still and 2 adult Yellow-legs. Single Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Ringed Plover and Dunlin. Drake Pintail off Lane End and at least 18 Pochard. Total of at least 90 Siskin.15/10/2025
Simon RoddisA flock of 22 Common Scoters (7 males, 15 females) was between Stones island and Millfields this morning. Total of 134 Redwing through. 9 Coot, more than double the number on the WeBS count on Sunday! 64 Wigeon, 200 Teal and a Dunlin in front of Lane End hide, plus the adult Caspian Gull snaffling multiple crayfish of the invasive Signal variety. At Hopton end first thing, the Cetti's Warbler (actually seen!) and 4 calling Tawny Owls. c60 Siskin in WLC creek.14/10/2025
Dave NewcombeIn addition to Simon's post. 4 Little Egrets. 115 Greylags. 17 Wigeon. 6 Gadwall. 3 Pochard. 3 Ringed Plover on the dam. 22 Skylarks SW including a flock of 16. c30 Linnets on stones island then presumably the same flock at Sheepwash. A few Redwing calling through the gloom at Millfields first thing and 10+ in Sheepwash woods. At Sheepwash: 2 Dunlin. A late Common Sandpiper. Adult Caspian Gull. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 225 Common Gulls. The roost held in excess of 2'000+ each of both BHG and LBBG.13/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe first Fieldfare of the autumn was on Stones island this morning, and at least 2 more in WLC creek. At least 20 Redwing there too. At one point there were 5 species of thrush in one tree (sadly no Ring Ouzel). Cetti's Warbler and Water Rail still in Hopton reedbed. The Oystercatcher and adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 3 Little Egrets flew in and landed below the dam wall.13/10/2025
Simon RoddisMonthly wildfowl count: 240 Canada, 195 Greylags, 3 Mute Swans, 9 Gadwall, 24 Wigeon, 143 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 162 Teal, 3 Pochard, 110 Tufted, 5 Moorhen, 4(!) Coot, 6 Little Grebe, 38 Great Crests, 1 Oystercatcher, 31 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher. (Compare those numbers with last month, the low water level clearly proved too much for a lot of birds.) Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed. 50 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 10:18. 12+ Crossbills over Hall Wood. Seem to be more Blackbirds around, at least 10 on Stones.12/10/2025
Simon RoddisA Brambling was among the Linnets, Goldfinches and Meadow Pipits on Watersports island this morning. c2,500 Black-headed Gulls from Millfields first thing, and a flock of 21 Ravens flew E. The Great Egret, Oystercatcher, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still present. 2 redhead Goosander.11/10/2025
Dave Armitt5 Grey Heron, 19 Cormorant, 8 Pochard, 4 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 2 Raven, 2 Jay, 30 Meadow Pipit, 40 Goldfinch, 1 Great White Egret , 1 Peregrine, 1 Red Kite,4 Greylag10/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cetti's Warbler was still in Hopton reedbed this morning. 140 Pink-footed Geese flew E at 10:28. 3 Pintail still. 2 redhead Goosander. c4,000 Lesser Black-backs and 370 Common Gulls flew out over WLC creek early morning. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. Great Egret at sailing club. 2 Stonechats in Tail Bay. Totals of 7 Skylark, 6 Chiffchaff, 30 Starling SW, 14 Bullfinch (8 at Penn Carr), 35 Goldfinch, 20 Siskin, 2 Crossbill.10/10/2025
Simon RoddisA pretty decent morning. A Cetti's Warbler was singing in Hopton reedbed early on, with Water Rail also calling there and Crossbill and a redhead Goosander over. 2 Whooper Swans, the Grey Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Pintail, adult Caspian Gull and Great Egret were on the shore off Lane End/Sheepwash. 48 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 08:30. The Oystercatcher was still at Watersports and 6 Lapwing, 6 Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin at sailing club. Male Peregrine on his favourite pylon. 18 Skylarks included a flock of 13 S. Stonechat and Wheatear at the sailing club end of the dam wall.08/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe Grey Plover and Black-tailed Godwit were still at Lane End this morning, and 4 Ringed Plover there and later at sailing club. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls. 115 Common Gulls flew out early morning. 3 Pintail. 2 Pochard. 2 Great Egrets at Watersports, but only 1 Little Egret. Totals of 6 Collared Doves, 9 Skylarks, 6 Greenfinch, 20 Linnets, 16 Redpoll and 65 Siskin. Roger and Alison had 10 Whooper Swans fly SE early on.07/10/2025
Dave NewcombeA Marsh Harrier (looked like a juvenile) came over from the east and continued west with several Gulls giving it some attention. 4 Red Kites. One over hall wood, and another 3 first appeared over Millfields before slowly drifting north towards hopton end. Peregrine. Kestrel. 3 Buzzards and a female Sparrowhawk enjoying the warm autumn sunshine. The 6 Whooper Swans were still viewable from Sheepwash at 18.30. 13 Linnets on the dam wall.06/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe Grey Plover was still between Sheepwash and Lane End this morning, and the Little Stint at sailing club. 6 Whooper Swans arrived mid-morning (apparently as a 4 and a 2). Long-stayers included the Great Egret, Oystercatcher and adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls. A bit of movement included (mostly in an hour on Hays Lane) 55 Chaffinch, 12 Crossbills, 7 Redpoll, 16 Siskin, 41 Meadow Pipits, 12 Skylarks, 13 Woodpigeon and 7 Stock Dove. 3 Pintail. Total of 10 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover and the Black-tailed Godwit also reportedly still here. At Hopton end first thing, 2 calling Tawny Owls and Water Rail.06/10/2025
Gary AtkinsSpecies recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Robin, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Great Egret, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Kestrel, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Little Grebe, Gt Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, Blackbird, Goldfinch, Long-tailed Tit, Willow Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coot05/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe juvenile Grey Plover (found by Richard L at Sheepwash yesterday) was at Lane End this morning and the Little Stint again at sailing club. Other waders were single Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Little Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit and Green Sandpiper (again at WLC), 4 Dunlin and 5 Ringed Plovers. 68 Wigeon. 5 Pintail. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Great Egret still. Wheatear below the dam wall (sailing club end, found by Mike R).05/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe juvenile Little Stint was again at the sailing club end of the dam wall this morning, along with the 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plover. Oystercatcher still at Watersports and Black-tailed Godwit at Lane End. Rock Pipit(s?) flew over Stones island and the dam wall. Juvenile Common Tern and Great Egret still. c100 Common Gulls off Sheepwash first thing. 70 Meadow Pipits, 80 Goldfinch and 2 Snipe at WLC. 40 Siskins over the main carpark.03/10/2025
Simon RoddisA juvenile Little Stint was at sailing club this morning; it later flew towards Millfields with 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plover. A Green Sandpiper was at the WLC and the Black-tailed Godwit still at Lane End. Nice juvenile-type Wheatear on the dam wall. Great Egret, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls all still present.02/10/2025
Simon RoddisSeveral late/long-stayers were still around this morning: Great Egret, Black-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, Common Tern. Finally caught up with 2 Stonechats from Sheepwash hide. At Lane End, 450 Teal, 3 Pintail and 21 Wigeon.01/10/2025
Simon RoddisA Rock Pipit flew S over Stones causeway at 09:55, typical autumn date. Off Stones island first thing, 2,000 Black-headed and 75 Common Gulls. Just 2 Pintail this morning, and 35 Wigeon. Long-stayers included the Great Egret, Common Tern, Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin. 12 Skylarks over. c60 Linnets at sailing club and 10 Redpoll in WLC creek.30/09/2025
Dave NewcombeIn addition to Simon's earlier post. No sign of the recent Cattle Egret in its usual spots, despite several observers on site. 8 Grey Herons. 16 Pintail. 5 at Lane End + the 11 Simon found earlier. 3 Shoveler. Just 3 Lapwings. Peregrine and Red Kite at Sheepwash. A single Snipe there was hunkered down and seemingly invisible to the above Peregrine c20 yards away. The Snipe then took off and the Peregrine gave chase. Outcome unknown. 4 Stonechats at Sheepwash around the large boulders. Still 5 Chiffchaff including one in song. Kingfisher at Paul Stanley. The gull roost held 4'500 possibly 5'000 LBB Gulls. Adult Caspian Gull. 2 adult YLGulls. I was counting Common Gulls on the point to the right of Sheepwash. I got to 66 when they all took off. Numbers probably exceeded over 100. Not many BHGulls in.29/09/2025
Simon RoddisBird of the morning was a juvenile Black Tern which Dave Newcombe found off Millfields, still there to 09:00 at least. Juvenile Common Tern still too. 2 Redwing, Water Rail and Crossbill at Hopton reedbed early morning. 11 Pintail off Stones and 42 Wigeon at Sheepwash. Black-tailed Godwit again between Sheepwash and Lane End, and 6 Ringed, juvenile Little Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin at sailing club. Great Egret still. 14 Common Gulls. 2 Willow Tits on Stones and 18+ Skylarks over, including a flock of 12 S. Wheatear on the dam wall. 8+ Redpoll.29/09/2025
Dave ArmittEarly afternoon visit 20 Meadow Pipit,8 little Grebe, 3 Grey Heron,1 Great White Egret, 50 Pied Wagtail, 1 Cattle Egret between sailing club and visitor centre catching insects, 3 Dunlin, 3 LRP, 2 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Garganey Wildlife Centre bay amongst the Mallards28/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret was still around Watersports this morning, plus a Great and 6 Little Egrets elsewhere around the res. The first Redwing of the autumn, plus 4 Crossbills, 4 Skylarks and a redhead Goosander, flew over Stones island. 7 Ringed Plover, juvenile Little Ringed and a Dunlin at sailing club and the Oystercatcher still at Watersports. c1,000 Jackdaws out of their roost early morning, 200 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall and a total of 30+ Siskins.27/09/2025
Neil Moulden (NJM)Cattle Egret still present, 3 Common Scoter off Stones Island at 10.20 hrs, 9 Ringed Plover and 5 Dunlin at Sailing Club.25/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Little Stint was still present this morning, initially at Millfields then flying to sailing club. The Cattle Egret was again around Watersports and adult Caspian Gull on the shore at Lane End. 3 Dunlin and 9 Ringed Plovers. Single Oystercatcher and Common Tern still. Tawny Owl and Kingfisher at Millfields first thing. Willow Tits on Stones and in WLC creek. Wheatear on the dam wall. Total of at least 100 Meadow Pipits. Redpolls over Stones and WLC creek.22/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret and Oystercatcher were at Watersports again early morning. At Millfields, 14 Ringed Plover, 6 Dunlin, Great Egret and Yellow Wagtail. Peregrine on pylon beyond WLC creek. At Sheepwash, single Red-crested Pochard and Pintail, 35 Wigeon, 25 Pochard and adult Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls.20/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret and Oystercatcher were still at Watersports this morning (and presumably the same Oystercatcher later at Millfields with 4 Dunlin and 15 Ringed Plover, per CA). Less movement than I'd have expected: 30 Swallows, 16 House Martins, 63 Meadow Pipits, 20 Linnet, 48 Siskin and a Redpoll. Mistle Thrush singing at Sheepwash.19/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret was again at Watersports early this morning. Vismig 0630-0900: 1 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 133 Swallows, 15 House Martins, 2 Grey Wagtails, 217 Meadow Pipits, 5 Chaffinch and 16 Siskin, all S or SW. 6 Pintail, 3 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers and adult Caspian Gull at Sheepwash. 15 Ringed Plovers at Millfields.18/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret was feeding on Watersports island early afternoon. 5 Pintail, 3 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, single Common and Herring Gulls and 3 Yellow-legs at Sheepwash. 7 Ringed Plovers at Millfields. 2 Yellow Wagtails (Sheepwash and Millfields).17/09/2025
Simon RoddisEvening visit: 5,250 Lesser Black-backed Gulls came in to roost. 37 Barnacle Geese at Sheepwash (the feral flock returns!). Hobby over sailing club at dusk. 1 Ruff. 100 Swallows. The Cattle Egret reportedly still present.16/09/2025
Simon RoddisYesterday's Cattle Egret was at sailing club late morning, feeding well. Looked much happier than it did yesterday! A mobile female Common Scoter landed in front of Sheepwash early morning but flew to Fishtail and then towards the dam wall. 105 Greylags, 6 Pintail still and one female Red-crested Pochard. 1 Curlew flew N. Adult Caspian Gull from Lane End hide. Yellow Wagtail at sailing club.16/09/2025
Simon RoddisA site record 970 Teal this morning, over 900 of them at Millfields alone. Other duck included 7 Pintail, at least 18 Shoveler and 26 Wigeon, and a female Red-crested Pochard. 10 redhead Goosander flew up the res early morning. 76 Greylags. 18 Ringed Plovers (most of them juvs) at Millfields late morning. The juvenile Oystercatcher still, 2 Ruff and a Common Sandpiper. Adult Caspian Gull still. 50+ House Martins flew through. 70+ Meadow Pipits. First Redpoll of the autumn over Sheepwash. Clive had a Whinchat at sailing club mid-morning until it was flushed.14/09/2025
Neil Moulden (NJM)Osprey from Sheepwash Hide at 17.20 hours for 10 minutes before flying off towards the dam.12/09/2025
Simon RoddisAround 700 Teal were at Millfields this morning, plus the 6 Pintail and 11 Ringed Plovers. Oystercatcher still on Horseshoe island, 1 Snipe, 1 Ruff and 2 Common Sandpipers. 2 juvenile Common Terns still. 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Great Egret still. A bit of movement, with a total of 68 Meadow Pipits, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 20 Siskin, 4 Linnet and 3 Crossbills.13/09/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonNo sign of the ibises or yesterday's Manx Shearwater this morning. 33 Shoveler, 31 Wigeon and 3 Pintail at Sheepwash. Total of 6 Ringed and 4 Little Ringed Plovers. 1 Common Sandpiper and 2 Ruff. 2 juvenile Common Terns. Great Egret still. Pair of Peregrines playing with a Buzzard. 2 Willow Tits on Stones. Female/juv Wheatear at sailing club.12/09/2025
Dave Newcombe/Chris BrownManx Shearwater found on water at Sheepwash c17.50hrs. It was drifting and doing some flapping but was still present from Sheepwash car park c19.15 per Clive Ashton.11/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe 2 Glossy Ibises were still in front of Sheepwash hide this morning. 6 Pintail. 1 Red-crested Pochard. Single Ringed plover and Ruff. 3 probable Black-tailed Godwits briefly over Stones. Great Egret on Horseshoe island. Adult and juvenile Common Terns and 2 juvenile Arctics.10/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe 2 Glossy Ibises were still at Sheepwash this evening. 21 Wigeon. Ruff and Black-tailed Godwit from Sheepwash hide. c4,000 Lesser Black-backs came in to roost by 8pm. Adult Caspian, 5 Yellow-legged, 2 Common and 500 Black-headed Gulls.09/09/2025
Simon RoddisCarsi joined in the Glossy Ibis fun this morning, with 2 from Sheepwash hide, looking fairly settled to 11:00 at least. Earlier on, 507 Pied (site record) and 1 Yellow Wagtail left their roost on Watersports island. Supporting cast of 3 Shelduck, 4 Pintail, 7 Wigeon, 2+ Red-crested Pochard, 8 Lapwing and 2 Ruff at Sheepwash, Redshank at sailing club and Greenshank over WLC creek, 2 Common Terns and 23 Little Egrets.08/09/2025
Amanda PalethorpeBird walk for beginners. House sparrow, great egret, little egret, cormorant, mute swan, Canada goose, great crested grebe, black-headed gull, pied wagtail, carrion crow, buzzard, lesser black-backed gull, red kite, chiffchaff, goldfinch , swallow, oystercatcher, common gull, greylag goose, blue tit, great tit, coot, moorhen, woodpigeon, gadwall, greenfinch, long-tailed tit, robin, little grebe, mallard, tufted duck07/09/2025
Simon Roddis, Jon BradleyMonthly wildfowl count: 87 Canada, 89 Greylags, 21 Mute Swan plus 4 cygnets, 1 Shelduck, 40 Shoveler, 66 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 380 Mallard, 518 Teal, 3 Red-crested Pochard, 84 Common Pochard, 236 Tufted, 1,343 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 29 Little Grebe, 36 GCGrebe, 5 Ringed and 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 1 Dunlin, 2 Common Terns, 64 Cormorants, 21 Little and 1 Great Egret, 10 Herons. 7 Curlew flew W.07/09/2025
Richard LoweOf special note from Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Garganey (1) with Teal just off the shoreline in front of the hide; Pintail (2); YLGull (4) ads; GBBGull (1) ad; Common Gull (1) ad;06/09/2025
Simon RoddisA steady morning, but nothing exceptional. Wildfowl included 760 Canadas, 59 Greylags, 22 Mute Swans plus 4 cygnets, 1 Shelduck, 15 Shoveler, 380 Teal, 1 Red-crested Pochard and 34 Common Pochard. The Great Egret still. Kingfisher on the dam wall and Peregrine on pylon beyond WLC creek. Total of 9 Jays. At least 60 Swallows and 50 House Martins. Yellow Wagtail over Millfields. Totals of c35 Siskin and 200 Goldfinch.06/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe ringed Osprey was around again this morning, seen by Clive early on at Sheepwash and presumably the same bird later flying down the reservoir. At least 2 Pintail still, the juvenile Shelduck, 4 Red-crested Pochard and 400+ Teal at Millfields. Waders included 4 Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Ruff and 2 Greenshank. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 22 Little Egrets. Kingfisher below Middle Wood. Hirundines included a minimum of 85 Swallows and 100 House Martins. Reed Warbler still in Hopton reedbed and 2 Lesser Whitethroats in WLC fields. 1 Yellow Wagtail over and 18 Meadow Pipits heading south.05/09/2025


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
07/09/2024Highlights this morning were a Green Woodpecker in Tail Bay, a Wheatear past Stones island and juvenile Water Rail on Horseshoe island. 2 adults Yellow-legged and juvenile Caspian Gull. 44 Teal. 4 Wigeon and 49 Pochard from WLC. 46 Swallows over Millfields.Simon Roddis
06/09/2024Forgot to say, a count of 55 Cormorants, although dwarfed by recent counts at Ogston, suggests an increase in line with theirs, some of which have been shown by colour rings to have come from Germany.Simon Roddis
06/09/2024Not a bad morning, difficult to know how much part the wind played in that. Clive picked up a juvenile Arctic Tern off Stones (still there to 11:00 at least) and then a juvenile Black Tern appeared off the Lane End area from 10:00. A flock of 11 Wigeon and a Pintail flew up the res, then a male Common Scoter from Lane End. Another Wigeon and the drake Red-crested Pochard were off Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
05/09/2024A Redshank which dropped onto Sheepwash spit late morning was the only new bird of note. Wildfowl still increasing: 97 Pochard, 36 Teal, 1 Wigeon and the drake Red-crested Pochard still. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls (2 adults, 1 juv). 50 Goldfinches again on Stones.Simon Roddis
04/09/2024900 Canada Geese and 72 Greylags flew out over the dam wall early morning. Drake Red-crested Pochard still from Stones island. Ringed Plover over Millfields early morning. Juvenile Caspian Gull and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls off Stones. At least 2 Kingfishers in the Stones/WLC area and perhaps another at Millfields. Totals of 50 Swallows and 35 House Martins. Willow Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and 3+ Sedge on Stones, plus another Willow Warbler in WLC creek. 2 Redstarts still in WLC fields.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
03/09/20243 Greenshank flew high SW over Stones island at 09:00 - difficult to know if these were the same as 2 or more over Sheepwash an hour earlier. 2 Snipe and a Curlew also from Stones. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and Common Tern. 2 Shoveler. 1 drake Wigeon. The drake Red-crested Pochard still. Kingfisher off Stones causeway. c30 House Martins over the dam wall.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
02/09/2024A female-type Pied Flycatcher at Hopton end early morning looks like the first September record here. Drake Common Scoter off Stones. 18 Teal. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls.1 Common Sandpiper. 2 Kingfishers at WLC. 2 Sedge Warblers and 2 Lesser Whitethroats on/around Stones. 3+ Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis
01/09/2024BwB walk. Canada goose, goldfinch, wood pigeon, gt cr grebe, mute swan, cormorant, house sparrow, pied wagtail, coot, moorhen, tufted duck, little grebe, kestrel, grey heron, lapwing, crow, robin, swallow, magpie, gadwall, mallard, greylag goose, pochard, BH gull, herring gull, LBB gull, teal, great tit, blue tit, chiffchaff, wrenAmanda Palethorpe
01/09/2024A Ringed Plover flew over WLC early morning. Single Shoveler over Stones causeway and the male Red-crested Pochard from the mound. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, adult and juv. Kingfisher at WLC and Redstart still in the creek.Simon Roddis
30/08/20246 Pied wagtail, 4 Gadwall, 6 Little grebe, 14 Mute swan, 9 Lapwing, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Chiffchaff, three flocks of Goldfinch 20,30 and 10 mixer of mature and young birds, 1 Lesser Whitethroat , 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Sparrow hawk , 10 Buzzard, 4 Red Kite same group that Simon saw. 6 Swallow , 6 PochardDave Armitt
30/08/2024The Cattle Egret was roosting with Cormorants between Sheepwash and Lane End early morning, then flew SW over Stones at 08:35. More wildfowl have arrived, with Pochard up to 76, 24 Teal and single Wigeon and Shoveler. 520 Coot. 2 Little Egret. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Spiral of 10 Buzzards and 4 Red Kites. 3 Kingfishers. 7 Jays between Hopton end and Middle Wood. Lesser Whitethroat still on Stones and 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. 1 Yellow Wagtail over WLC.Simon Roddis
29/08/20244 Wigeon in Brown Ale Bay were the first of the autumn. At least 11 Teal also indicates a small arrival. 30 Lapwing. Adult and juv Yellow-legged Gulls. 1 Little Egret at Lane End. Kingfishers at Millfields and in BABay. Pair of adult Hobbies were chasing Swallows around the draw-off tower at Millfields early morning. Lesser Whitethroat on Stones. 2 Redstarts (male and female/juv) in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
28/08/2024A light breeze which picked up late morning made all the difference as far as large raptors were concerned: a cream-crown Marsh Harrier flew S at 11:00, an Osprey flew around at 11:10 and several buzzards and kites circled over the woods. The eclipse male Red-crested Pochard was off Stones and a male Aythya hybrid, presumably the same one as has appeared before, was off Millfields early morning. c100 Greylags flew out early on, the most I've seen for a while. Juv Oystercatcher still. 5 Yellow-legged Gulls (2 adults, 3 juvs). Redstart still calling in WLC fields. Kingfisher and Lesser Whitethroat on Stones (per AHS/RPJ/AMD).Simon Roddis
27/08/2024Osprey again from Stones early morning, plus a juvenile Arctic Tern and a fly-over Yellow Wagtail. Adult Caspian Gull still and 2 Yellow-legged (adult and juv). Totals of at least 7 Teal, 50 Pochard and 29 Stock Doves. Redstart still in WLC fields. 9 Mistle Thrushes over the east side (flushed by the Osprey!).Simon Roddis
26/08/2024An Osprey again from Stones island this morning, 09:05 to 09:45 at least. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, Peregrine and Kingfisher also from Stones. 31 Pochard at WLC and Water Rail calling in the creek. Juvenile Oystercatcher still at sailing club. Little Egret over the dam wall. 2 Redstarts (1 male) in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
25/08/2024An Osprey was around from 07:55 to 09:55 at least, perched in a dead pine eating a fish for a while. An Arctic Tern flew NE at 08:40. 3 Ringed Plovers through and 4 Swifts from Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
23/08/2024Highlight this morning was 2 Ospreys: 1 from 08:10-09:00 from Stones; presumed same at WLC 10:00 then down east side; second bird with a fish down east side 11:00 immediately after first bird and again about 10 minutes later. 2 Hobbies seen 3 times, presumed to be the same birds each time. 5+ Swifts. 1 Oystercatcher. Common Sandpiper at Sheepwash. Adult and 2 juv Yellow-legged Gulls. Clive had a possible Arctic Tern past Sheepwash. 10 Sand Martins.SJR, CA, AHS
18/08/2024Monthly wildfowl count: 227 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacles (plus one juv), 6 Greylag, 21 Mute Swan, 56 Gadwall, 160 Mallard, 5 Teal, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 38 Pochard, 210 Tufted, 26 Moorhen, 466 Coot, 1 Water Rail (Shiningford), 24 Little Grebe, 63 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 5 Lapwing, 1 Common Sand, 38 Cormorant, 6 Heron, 2 Kingfisher. 4 Arctic Terns (ad and 3 juvs) from Stones late morning, adult Caspian Gull, 2 Yellow-legs (adult and juv), 2 Swifts, 2 Hobby, 1 juv Peregrine, 2 Yellow Wagtails.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
16/08/2024Evening visit: 2,400 Lesser Black-backed Gulls came in to roost, with single Caspian (a juvenile) and Yellow-legs. 8 Teal. 1 Swift. c500 Swallows over Watersports island before going to roost on there.Simon Roddis
17/08/20243 Sandwich Terns were off the Sheepwash/Lane End area from 07:55 to 08:30 at least, an eclipse male Red-crested Pochard from the WLC and the adult Caspian Gull still. 20 Common Pochard. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 60 Goldfinch and the juvenile Yellow Wagtail still on Stones.Simon Roddis
15/08/2024Adult Caspian and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls again. A Tree Pipit flew S over Millfields at 07:25 and a Greenshank later over WLC. 20 Pochard. 4 Swift. 1 juv Oystercatcher. 1 Common Sandpiper. 2 Kingfishers (Millfields and WLC). Total of 38 House Martins, 100+ Swallows and 6 Sand Martins. Lesser Whitethroat at the mound on Stones. Redstart calling in WLC fields. Juv Yellow Wagtail still on Stones, 4 Grey Wag and 2 Meadow Pipits at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
14/08/2024An immature drake Common Scoter was off Stones island early morning. The adult Caspian Gull again, and adult and juvenile Yellow-legged. 2 Shoveler, 18 Pochard and a KIngfisher at WLC. Common Sandpiper at sailing club. Little Egret at Sheepwash. c150 Swallows at Millfields early morning. Yellow Wagtail and Lesser Whitethroat again on Stones.Simon Roddis
13/08/2024Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 4 Teal. 20 Pochard. 6 Common Sandpipers. 1 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 Kingfishers (Tail Bay and the dam wall). 3 Willow Tit, including a brief burst of song in WLC creek. 120 Swallows. 1 Swift. In WLC fields, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, male Redstart, 30 Linnet, Yellow Wagtail flew S, and Hobby. Another Yellow Wag on Stones, along with Lesser Whitethroat and 50+ Goldfinches. Reed Warblers on Stones causeway and at WLC.Simon Roddis
12/08/2024Single adult Caspian, Yellow-legged, Common and GBbGulls this morning. Reed Warbler at WLC and Redstart up the creek.Simon Roddis
09/08/2024A moulting adult Sanderling was on sailing club shore this morning. Adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and GBbGull still. 38 Cormorants. Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat on Stones. Spotted Flycatcher at Lane End. c120 Linnets feeding in the wildflower meadow just south of Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
08/08/2024A bit quieter than the last couple of mornings. Adult Yellow-legged and GBbGulls still. 140 Woodpigeons N and 22 S in an hour - strange birds! 1 Common Sandpiper. 14 Pochard, including the 2 fully grown juvs. 29 Cormorant. 3 Redstarts (male and 2 female/juvs) in WLC fields. Painted Lady on Stones.Simon Roddis
07/08/2024Adult Arctic Tern, Caspian, Yellow-legged and GBbGulls this morning. A Great Egret flew down the res at 09:25 and landed for a short time at Millfields, and a Green Sandpiper flew S over Stones causeway at 09:30 (first of the year). 28 Mute Swan. Around Millfields and the dam wall early morning, 150 Swallows, 135 Pied and 3 Grey Wagtails. New brood of 3 Little Grebes off Stones island, and now 4 young at the WLC. Kingfisher in Tail Bay. Hobby at the top of WLC creek. Lesser Whitethroat on Stones.Simon Roddis
06/08/2024A decent morning: a Tree Pipit flew S over WLC creek at 09:30 and a Greenshank S over the dam wall at 10:30. Adult Caspian, 2 Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gull around Stones. 19 Pochard. 3 Teal. Kingfisher at WLC. A Hobby was chasing Swallows over the east side and Peregrine circling over the west. Total of 9 Ravens. 40 House Martins. Sedge Warblers still feeding young on Stones, and Garden Warbler still too. Male Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
05/08/2024Just the adult Yellow-legged Gull this morning. New brood of 2 small Little Grebes at WLC. 28 Mute Swans. Increase in hirundines: c35 House, 15 Sand Martins and 20 Swallows. Sedge Warbler possibly still feeding young on Stones island, and Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat there.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
04/08/2024Species seen during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Carrion Crow, Swift, Cormorant, Blackbird, Black-headed Gull, Pied Wagtail, Canada Goose, Coot, Common Gull, Gt Crested Grebe, Gadwall, Greylag Goose, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Chiffchaff, Willow Tit, Wren, Goldfinch, Tufted Duck, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Mallard, House Martin, Swallow, Linnet, Bullfinch, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Grebe, Great Tit, Dunnock, Pochard and BuzzardGary Atkins
04/08/2024Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again off Stones early morning. 22 Pochard. 8 Swifts. 111 Woodpigeons S (and 8N) in one hour. 4 Common Sandpipers (3 Millfields, 1 WLC creek). 8 Swifts. 1 Skylark over Stones.Simon Roddis
03/08/2024Adult Caspian Gull again at sailing club early morning and adult Yellow-leg from Sheepwash. 17 Pochard. 27 Mute Swans. Kingfisher from Sheepwash hide. 3+ Spotted Flycatchers at Lane End.Simon Roddis
02/08/20241 Coal Tit,8 Moorhen, 12 Mute Swan, 2 little Grebe, 1 Bullfinch, 14 Cormorant, 14 Greylag goose, 2 Stock Dove, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaff, 5 Chaffinch, 8 Pochard, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Redstart, 3 Swallow,4 SwiftDavid Armitt
01/08/2024A drake Common Scoter was off Stones island this morning. 5 adult Black-tailed Godwits on Horseshoe island flew off at 09:30 and 2 Snipe flew W over the WLC. Adult Caspian and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls again. Garden Warbler on Stones and Reed Warbler still singing at WLC. 16 Linnets over WLC creek.SJR, KR, AHS
31/07/2024Adult Caspian and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls again from Stones early morning. 19 Pochard. 4 Kestrels. 2 Willow Warblers singing in WLC creek. 1 Garden Warbler on Stones. 3 Meadow Pipits (highlight of the morning!) on the dam wall, first here since early April. A Muntjac crossed the road near the main entrance, only my third here.Simon Roddis
30/07/2024A Yellow Wagtail over Millfields early am was the first since the spring. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. Adult female Peregrine eating a juvenile Black-headed Gull on the pylon at the top of WLC creek, with a noisy juvenile male flying around. Pair of Common Terns off Stones. Kingfisher again at WLC and female-type Redstart in the fields. A Banded Demoiselle on Stones island was my first at Carsi.Simon Roddis
29/07/2024Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged again sitting on buoys early morning. Adult Common Tern. 17 Pochard. Kingfisher in WLC creek and male Redstart in the fields. 50 Swallows over Millfields early morning.Simon Roddis
28/07/2024Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again off Stones/Watersports. 1 Curlew flew up the res. Only 1 Oystercatcher, seems most of them left a couple of days ago. 2+ Redstart and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. No sign of yesterday's Whinchat.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
27/07/2024The major highlight this morning was a Honey Buzzard which flew very slowly W over the res between 09:55 and 10:15, finally disappearing behind Carsington Pastures. It was mobbed for a time by a Peregrine, with Common Buzzard and Red Kite in view with it at other times. A male Whinchat was in the dam wall fields and 2 juv Spotted Flycatchers on the Tail Bay path. Female/juv Redstart in WLC fields. Adult Common Tern and Yellow-legged Gull off Stones/Watersports. Kingfisher in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
26/07/2024Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again this morning. 18 Pochard. c20 Swifts drifting around. First hints of Woodpigeon movement this week, 96 S in an hour early(ish) morning. Reed, Sedge and Willow Warblers still singing, seems late, I'm wondering if they have failed to attract mates but feel compelled to keep on trying.Simon Roddis
25/07/2024An adult Turnstone was in flight off the dam wall at 06:20 this morning and the adult Caspian Gull again at Watersports. 80 Pied and 2 Grey Wagtails on the dam wall early morning. 6+ Spotted Flycatchers (at least 3 at Sheepwash and 3 at Lane End, adults and juvs). Redstart at Lane End and Reed Bunting feeding fledged young at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
23/07/2024A Sanderling flew S past Stones island at 06:50 but not seen again. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 1 redhead Goosander flew down the res. 47 Woodpigeons flew S and 4 N 06:15-06:50. 2 Common Sandpiper at sailing club. Juv Lesser Whitethroat in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
22/07/2024A handful of waders in the drizzle this morning: 2 Whimbrel, 1 Dunlin, 7 Common Sandpipers, 20 Lapwing. Adult Caspian Gull still, plus 2 Yellow-legs and a Great Black-back. Peregrine over Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
21/07/2024Monthly wildfowl count (some figures include full-grown young): 405 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacle, 48 Greylag, 25 Mute Swan, 38 Gadwall, 120 Mallard, 19 Pochard, 179 Tufted, 11 Moorhen, 179 Coot, 8 Little Grebe, 67 GCGrebe, 13 Oystercatcher, 5 Lapwing, 2 Common Sandpiper, 28 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron. Adult Caspian Gull again and 2 Yellow-legs (adult and sub-adult). 5 singing Reed Warblers. Juv Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
20/07/2024Forgot to mention a brood of 16(!) Tufted Ducklings from WLC this morning.Simon Roddis
20/07/2024A surprise this morning was a Grasshopper Warbler reeling and showing well for a few minutes in WLC creek mid-morning. 1 Redstart there too. 2 Shoveler at Millfields. 14+ Pochard. 2 Curlew and a Redshank on the dam wall. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 35 Pied Wagtails and 30 Swallows around the dam wall early morning.Simon Roddis
19/07/20241,500 Lesser Black-backs came into roost during the evening, with 1 Great Black-back and 2 Yellow-legs. 2 redhead Goosander also flew in and c100 Swallows past Sheepwash may have been going to roost in Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis
19/07/2024This morning, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 15 Pochard, 4 Common Sandpiper, young male Kingfisher at WLC, family of Spotted Flycatchers still near Lane End.Simon Roddis
18/07/2024Quieter than yesterday but the adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls are still here. Adult Common Tern. 1 Shoveler. Adult and 2 juvenile LRPlover. In WLC creek, 2 singing Reed Warblers, singing Lesser Whitethroat and juvenile Redstart.Simon Roddis
17/07/2024Much better than I'd expected on a sunny morning in July. A drake Scaup was just off Stones island early morning before flying up to Sheepwash. 3 Common Scoter (1m,2f) also from Stones. 14 Pochard. A Black-tailed Godwit flew S over the main centre at 06:50. 3 Common Sandpipers on Stones. Adult Yellow-legged Gull at sailing club early morning, then sitting on various buoys, and an adult Caspian Gull at Watersports late morning. A Great Egret flew W up WLC creek at 07:15 and a Little Egret flew into Brown Ale Bay. Juvenile GSWoodecker at Millfields. At least 3 Skylarks in the dam wall fields. 72 species, my highest total since late April.Simon Roddis

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