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
2020-02-05Great Northern Diver still present, seen from Stones island, 8 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers,2 Redshank ,1 Chiffchaff and 20 Common Snipe TALC. AHS,RC.
2020-02-02Species seen during Birdwatching for Beginners walk today (10am-noon) from WLC to Stones Island: Dunnock, Robin, Blue Tit, Redwing, Great Tit, Song Thrush, Long-tailed Tit, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Jackdaw, Collared Dove, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Coot, Mallard, Gt Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Goldeneye, Little Grebe, Pochard, Wigeon, Chaffinch, Coal Tit, Willow Tit, Snipe, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Gt Black-backed Gull, Teal, Canada Goose, Moorhen, Redshank, Gt Northern Diver, Cormorant, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mute Swan, House Sparrow, Goldcrest, PeregrineGary Atkins
2020-02-02The adult GNDiver still, but didn't see the juv. 31 Barnacle Geese. 11 Greylags. 9 Goldeneye (4m,5f) at Sheepwash. c350 Lapwing. 2 Oystercatcher. 46 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 first-winter Yellow-legged Gulls. 5 Stock Dove. 3 GSWoodpecker, including one drumming at the top of WLC creek. 2 Skylark over WLC creek. Chiffchaff at the WLC. 35 Siskin at Millfields. Simon Roddis
2020-02-01The adult GNDiver again, out in the middle. 203 Canada Geese. 16 Wigeon. 550 Lapwing and 20 Common Snipe on Horsehoe island. 2 Redshank. 1w Yellow-legged Gull. Chiffchaff on Stones island. Total of 150 Redwing (including 70 at Millfields, 60 at Sheepwash). 10 Tree Sparrows (7 Millfields, 3 WLC).Simon Roddis
2020-01-31The adult GNDiver out in the middle still. 160 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 10 Wigeon. 13 Goldeneye. c450 Lapwing. 1 Oystercatcher. 1 Curlew S over the visitor centre. 30 Snipe on Horseshoe island. Kingfisher at Sheepwash. 9 Tree Sparrow (8 at Millfields, 1 at WLC). 15 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2020-01-29Adult and juv GNDivers still. The juv caught a crayfish (I think it's the first time in over 500 sightings of GND at Carsington that I've seen one with prey - they usually swallow it underwater) and shook it so that there were bits of crayfish flying everywhere, which it then retrieved and swallowed. 170 Canada Geese. 355 Pochard. 15 Goldeneye. 3 Grey Heron. 27 Cormorant. 1 Oystercatcher on Millfields island, then flew towards Stones. 1 Dunlin through. c200 Lapwing. 23 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 1 Peregrine seen several times from Stones/WLC creek. Chiffchaff still on Stones. 200 Starlings in fields at the top of WLC creek. Simon Roddis
2020-01-28The adult GNDiver from Stones island early morning and a Jack Snipe at the WLC. 11 Pintail (7m,4f) also off Stones but very skittish and flew shortly after I saw them. A Red Kite flew south down the west side, over Carsington Pastures then behind the Visitor Centre and over Hognaston around 11:00. 10 Goldeneye. 38 GCGrebe from Millfields. 22 Cormorant on the Sailing Club raft. c400 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. 2 Redshank. 1w Yellow-legged Gull and adult GBbG. Simon Roddis
2020-01-25Great Northern diver, Sparrowhawk, Kingfisher, Redwing. (Around Stones Island)Matthew Birkin
2020-01-24Both GNDivers still, the juv off the WLC and the adult off Millfields. 1 Jack and 27 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. Female Pintail off WLC and the Cetti's Warbler still in the reedbed. 159 Pochard from Sheepwash (121m,38f). c350 Lapwing. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and 1w). Chiffchaff and singing Willow Tit on Stones island. c100 Redwing at Sheepwash. 40 Goldfinch (plus 1 Siskin and 1 Lesser Redpoll) at WLC.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-01-23Both GNDivers found once the fog had lifted late morning, the adult out in the middle and the juv close in at Millfields. 1 Jack Snipe, 45 Common Snipe and c300 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. The juv Grey Heron there had another vole for elevenses. At Hopton end early morning, 1 Woodcock, 4 calling Tawny Owls, 2, maybe 3 Grey Wags out of the reedbed, and singing Willow Tit. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (ad and 1w). The Cetti's Warbler still in WLC creek. Total of 170 Redwing. 20+ Chaffinch at Penn Carr. 50 Goldfinch at WLC. Total of 40 Siskin including 25 at Brown Ale Bay.Simon Roddis
2020-01-22The adult GNDiver was off Stones island and the juv was seen by Dan Martin in front of the WLC. Dan also reported a Heron catching and swallowing a vole on Horseshoe island. 100 Canada Geese. 4 Greylags. 4 Mute Swans. 26 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. Didn't see any Jacks but I guess they're still there. 370 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. Chiffchaff on Stones island.Simon Roddis
2020-01-21The adult GNDiver was between Stones and Millfields, and one Jack Snipe at the WLC. 22 Greylags. Female Pintail at WLC. 4 Goosander (2m,2f) at Millfields, and 57 GCGrebe counted from the viewing area. 2 Grey Heron. 20 Snipe on Horseshoe island. Single adult Herring, 1w Yellow-leg and adult GBbGulls. Kingfisher in WLC/Shiningford creeks. Willow Tit singing in WLC creek. 50 Starling in fields above WLC creek. 8 Tree Sparrows at WLC.Simon Roddis
2020-01-21No sign of yesterday’s Black-necked Grebe around the WLC early morning. Note this species requires rarity form submission to Derbyshire Ornithological Society.Roger Carrington
2020-01-20Enjoy your blog. Visited Carsington for first time today (20th Jan). Thought you might like to know that there was a Black-necked Grebe about 100 metres north of the Wildlife Centre between 13:30 and 14:15 today - probably still around, and 100% certain of identity - textbook winter plumage.Paul Swinhoe
2020-01-20Both GNDivers this morning, the juv close to the shore at Millfields, guess it's been tucked into the west bank for the last few days, and the adult out in the middle. 1 Jack Snipe and 20 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. 3 Curlew flew past Sheepwash hide at 12:40 but couldn't find anywhere to land and turned back south. 169 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 27 Gadwall (16m,11f). 30 Teal (19m,11f). 52 Wigeon (29m,23f). 194 Pochard. 11 Goldeneye (6m,5f). 15 Little Grebe. 50 GCGrebe. 2 Redshank. 1 imm Herring, 2 Yellow-leg (adult and 1w) and 1 adult GBbGull. 8 Willow Tit. 3 Raven.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-01-19Just the adult GNDiver again this morning, between Stones and Millfields. 3, possibly 4, Jack Snipe on Horseshoe island, plus 20 Common Snipe. At Hopton end early morning, 2 Woodcock, 4 calling Tawny Owls, 4 Stock Dove, 7 Reed Buntings out of the reedbed (plus 2 elsewhere later), 5 Fieldfare SW. 220 Pink-footed Geese NW over the north end at 10:45. 2 Barnacle Geese. Female Pintail from Stones causeway. 282 Lapwing on Sailing Club shore. 5 adult Herring Gulls through. Kingfisher from WLC. 5 Willow Tit. 3 Lesser Redpoll among Goldfinches at WLC.Simon Roddis
2020-01-18The adult GNDiver was between Stones island and Millfields this morning, and 2 Jack Snipe on Horseshoe island. 166 Canada Geese. 10 Greylags (2 out with Canadas, 8 flew in later). 22 Cormorant on the raft off Sailing Club early morning. 330 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 19 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. 765 Lesser Black-backs out over Millfields early morning, plus 1 Herring Gull. 2 adult Yellow-legs on the water. Adult GBbG. 500+ (possibly 1,000) Jackdaws over the dam wall early morning. Brief Willow Tit song on Stones, and the Chiffchaff there still. 4 Mistle Thrush, including singing birds at Brown Ale Bay and Hognaston end of the dam wall. 7 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
2020-01-17Millfields 13 00 hrs, 4 Lesser Redpoll (Male plus Female), Bullfinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Mute Swan, 9 Whooper Swan, GC Grebe, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Pochard, Nuthatch, Robin, Mallard, Blackbird, Goldfinch, Goldeneye.David Horsley
2020-01-17Millfields 13 00 hrs, 4 Lesser Redpoll (Male plus Female), Bullfinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Mute Swan, 9 Whooper Swan, GC Grebe, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Pochard, Nuthatch, Robin, Mallard, Blackbird, Goldfinch, Goldeneye.David Horsley
2020-01-17Just the adult GNDiver again today, I wonder if we're just missing the juv? Roger spotted 9 Whooper Swans (7 adults,2 juvs) off Millfields mid-morning, there to 13:00 at least. 1, maybe 2, Jack Snipe on Horseshoe island. 17 Common Snipe there. The Cetti's Warbler showed along the fence down the side of WLC reedbed again. First-winter Yellow-legged Gull. Chiffchaff on Stones. 14 Blackbird in Sheepwash carpark. 50 Goldfinch at WLC.SJR,RC,AD,RJ
2020-01-15Only saw the adult GNDiver this morning, off Stones island. Early morning at Millfields, 500+ LBbGulls and 2 Herring flew out, with 2 Yellow-leg (adult and 1w) and 11 Goldeneye on the water. 172 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 8 Greylag. Total of 186 Pochard (147m,39f) at WLC and Brown Ale Bay. 5 Buzzard over the dam wall. 300 Lapwing. 16 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 Redshank. Kingfisher and Chiffchaff on Stones. The Cetti's Warbler called and showed briefly in WLC reedbed. 6 Willow Tit. 50 Goldfinch and 2 Lesser Redpolls feeding on alders at the WLC. 2m Reed Bunting on Sheepwash carpark feeder.Simon Roddis
2020-01-14Adult and juv GNDivers again from Stones island, and Chiffchaff and Long-tailed Tits flycatching there. 2 Barnacle Geese. 5 Mute Swans. 14 Goldeneye. 350 Lapwing. 13 Common Snipe. 6 Willow Tit. 20 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2020-01-13Both GNDivers from Stones island this morning, plus a Chiffchaff there again. One Jack Snipe showing on Horseshoe island. 34 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 10:10. 291 Pochard. 350 Lapwing. 14 Common Snipe. 1 first-winter Herring Gull. 52 Rooks. 170 Redwing (120 at Sheepwash, 50 at Millfields). 30 Chaffinch (20 at Sheepwash, 10 at WLC). Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-01-12Monthly WeBS count: 2 GNDivers, 101 Canadas, 5 Mute Swan (including colour-ringed bird JCA back at Paul Stanley), 33 Gadwall (20m,13f), 54 Wigeon (28m,26f), 147 Mallard (89m,58f), 1f Pintail, 62 Teal (40m,22f), 306 Pochard (223m,83f), 133 Tufted (100m,33f), 11 Goldeneye (6m,5f), 1m Goosander, 15 Little Grebe, 37 GCGrebe, 1 Grey Heron, 27 Cormorant, 8 Moorhen, 487 Coot, 370 Lapwing, 3 Woodcock, 16 Snipe, 3 Jack Snipe, 2 Redshank, 2 Kingfisher. Also: 5 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end early morning. 1 Skylark over Millfields. Chiffchaff on Stones. 4 Mistle Thrush, including singing birds at Sheepwash and Brown Ale Bay. 25 Siskin at BABay.Simon Roddis, John Bradley
2020-01-11Jack Snipe again on Horseshoe island. Adult GNDiver from Stones island looking towards Millfields (juv also reported off Stones). c380 Lapwing. 3 Woodcock into Hopton end early morning. 15 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. Simon Roddis
2020-01-10The juv GNDiver was right in front of the WLC at around 09:00 this morning, and the adult between Stones island and Millfields. The Jack Snipe was among the cut-off brambles on Horseshoe island. 117 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 2 Greylag. 75 Pink-feet flew W just after 11:00. 37 Teal at Sheepwash. 38 GCGrebes from Millfields. 2 Grey Heron. c 200 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. Adult GBbGull and near-ad Yellow-leg. 2 GSWoodpecker, including one drumming at Brown Ale Bay, and 20 Siskin there. Simon Roddis
2020-01-09Adult and juv GNDivers again on their usual beats. 5 Shelduck at Millfields (and flying around). 3 Goosander at Millfields early morning. c280 Lapwing. 2 adult Herring Gull. 4 Raven (2 pairs). 6 Willow Tit. Chiffchaff still on Stones. 35 Starling and 2 Fieldfare over WLC creek. Simon Roddis
2020-01-08Both GNDivers still; the juv seems to be spending more time in the Watersports/WLC area now, the adult still out in the middle. 127 Canada Geese. 38 Gadwall. 41 Wigeon. 102 Mallard. 35 Teal. Female Pintail in Shiningford creek. 299 Pochard (198m,101f). 13 Goldeneye. 15 Little Grebe. 23 Cormorant. c400 Lapwing. 14 Snipe on Horseshoe island. First-winter Yellow-legged Gull. 3+ Raven. The Cetti's Warbler again called from WLC reedbed. Chiffchaff on Stones. 9 Tree Sparrow at Millfields. 14 Bullfinch (12 at Millfields). 15 Lesser Redpoll (13 at Millfields).Simon Roddis
2020-01-07Both GNDivers initially from Stones island, then the juv again later from the WLC. The Jack Snipe showed well on Horseshoe island mid-morning. 160 Canada Geese. 2 Shelduck. 242 Pochard from Sheepwash hide (181m,61f). 2 Grey Heron. Adult GBBGull. Chiffchaff again flycatching on Stones island.Simon Roddis
2020-01-06Adult and juv GNDiver from Stones again, then the juv at WLC mid-morning. 90 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 1 Shelduck. 30 Wigeon. 4 Buzzard. c350 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 14 Snipe. 1 adult Herring Gull. Kingfisher from PS hide. 6 Willow Tit. The Cetti's Warbler showed really well just after 10:00 in WLC reedbed, low in the single Alder near the main track; it and a Wren appeared to be scolding something on the ground (a Stoat maybe?). Chiffchaff on Stones. 70+ Redwing at Sheepwash. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-01-056 Goldeneye,26 Wigeon, 14 Gadwall,275 lapwing,8 Blue Tit,10 Goldfinch,8 Long Tailed Tit,4 Robin,120 Canada Goose,1 Redwing, 10 Great Crested Grebe,20 Cormorant,1 Kestrel,2 Little Grebe,2 Chaffinch,1 Dunnock,4 Snipe,1 Redshank,2 Willow Tit,7 Tree Sparrow,5 Great Tit,62 Pochard,6 Teal,1 Great Northern Diver off stonesDavid Armitt
2020-01-05Species (39) noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon between Stones Island and WLC): Coot, House Sparrow, Mute Swan, Mallard, Goldeneye, Wigeon, Pheasant, Black-headed Gull, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Gt Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Canada Goose, Goldfinch, Blackbird, Lapwing, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Wren, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Long-tailed Tit, Gt Northern Diver, Dunnock, Raven, Robin, Little Grebe, Blue Tit, Nuthatch, Jackdaw, Great Tit, Redshank, Tree Sparrow, Snipe, Willow Tit, Woodpigeon, Pochard, Barnacle Goose, Moorhen, ChaffinchGary Atkins
2020-01-058 Goosander at Millfields at dawn. Water Rail feeding at side of PSHide. Chiffchaff still on Stones Island. Cetti’s Warbler calling with ‘rattle’ and single note calls while moving rapidly through small reedbed by Wildlife Centre mid morning.Roger Carrington
2020-01-04The adult and juv GNDivers were still in their favoured areas this morning. 2 adult Whooper Swans untill 11:00 at least, in the Stones/WLC area. 230 Canadas. 30 Barnacles (the flock of 28 plus 2 which flew out with Canadas). 23 Gadwall. 29 Wigeon. 2m Goosander at Millfields early morning, and 29 Cormorants on the raft in Sailing Club Bay. c300 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. Adult Yellow-legged Gull off Brown Ale Bay. 1 Peregrine. 600 Jackdaws over the dam wall early morning. 4+ Raven. Chiffchaff on Stones still. Total of 85 Redwing. 15 Tree Sparrow (10 WLC, 5 Millfields). 10 Bullfinch, including 7 at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2020-01-03Both GNDivers from Stones and the Jack Snipe showed again on Horseshoe island from the WLC. 110 Canada Geese. 28 Barnacles. 4 Shoveler (2m,2f) around Horseshoe. 225 Pochard. 415 Lapwing. 33 Rooks and 5 Raven over Hall Wood. 5 Willow Tit. Chiffchaff again on Stones. 12 Tree Sparrow (11 WLC, 1 Millfields).Simon Roddis
2020-01-023 Tree sparrow on feeders at Millfields car park. Matthew Birkin
2020-01-02Goldcrest on trail to Sheepwash car park from the centre about 11.30Sandra Coxon
2020-01-02The adult and juv GNDivers from Stones still this morning and the Jack Snipe again at the WLC. 4 Woodcock flew into Hopton end at first light and a Water |rail calling in the reedbed. 80 Pink-footed Geese flew NE at 11:40. 170 Canada Geese. 24 Barnacles. 27 Gadwall. 22 Wigeon. 9 Goldeneye. 350 Lapwing, rather unsettled by a Peregrine. 12 Snipe on Horseshoe island. c50 Redwing, 50 Goldfinch and 20 Siskin at Sheepwash. Simon Roddis
2020-01-01Reasonable start to 2020 with, Woodcock flying in to Hopton end at 07:30 and a rather vocal Water Rail in the Reedbed there. Adult and juv GNDivers off Stones Island. The Jack Snipe occasionally ‘bouncing’ but mainly hidden in brambles on Horseshoe Island. Also a pair of Shoveler and 21 Barnacles there. Near adult Yellow-legged Gull mobile around the site.Roger Carrington
2019-12-31Both GNDivers still. 21 Barnacle Geese. 7 Greylags. 41 Wigeon. 317 Pochard - definite increase on recent days. 1 Goosander. 35 GCGrebe from Millfields. 32 Cormorant. 4 Buzzard. 540 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. 1 Redshank. 18 Snipe (Alan S's count). Gull counts from Lane End at 4pm: c5,000 Black-heads, 2,000 Common, 420 Lesser Black-back, 4 Greater, 3 Yellow-leg. 5 Willow Tit. 85 Redwing. 7 Tree Sparrow (2 WLC, 5 Millfields). 1 Linnet over Millfields. 3 Lesser Redpoll. 20 Siskin.Simon Roddis
2019-12-30Both GNDivers between Stones and Millfields. 98 Canada Geese. 22 Greylags flew in at dusk. 2 Mute Swan. 1 Shelduck at WLC (Alan S.). 38 Gadwall. 36 Wigeon. 114 Mallard. 18 Teal. 190 Pochard. 126 Tufted. 11 Goldeneye. 15 Little Grebe. 47 GCGrebe. (Failed to find the reported Red-necked Grebe.) 2 Grey Heron. 15 Cormorant. 4 Buzzard. 2 Water Rail (Hopton reedbed and Brown Ale Bay). 3 Moorhen. 449 Coot. 300 Lapwing. 6 Snipe. 1 Redshank. c1000 Common Gulls from Sheepwash hide by 15:00. 1 adult Yellow-leg. 1 GBbG. Kingfisher at Sheepwash/BABay. Alan and I had a total of 8 GSWoodpeckers on the west side. 2 Kestrel. 1 Peregrine worrying the Lapwing flock on Horseshoe island. 10 Coal Tit. 7 Willow Tit. 39 Blue Tit. 25 Great Tit. 22 Long-tailed Tit. 1 Chiffchaff on Stones. 33 Blackbird. 98 Redwing. 5 Tree Sparrows at Millfields. Totals of 16 Bullfinch and 34 Siskin.Simon Roddis
2019-12-29The adult GNDiver was between Stones island and Millfields this morning, didn't see the juv. The Jack Snipe was visible on Horseshoe island mid-morning. 174 Canada Geese. 1 Barnacle. 3 Mute Swans. 21 Gadwall. 42 Wigeon. 129 Mallard. 24 Teal. 202 Pochard. 12 Goldeneye. 9 Goosander (4m,4f at Millfields early morning and a f N over Stones). 500 Lapwing, 10 Snipe and 2 Redshank on Horseshoe island. 760 LBbG out over Millfields early morning. The near-ad Yellow-leg still. 3 Tawny Owls calling at Millfields. Kingfisher at Sheepwash and Hopton end (same bird?). 500 Jackdaw and 55 Rooks on/over the Millfields end of the dam wall early morning. 26 Long-tailed Tit. 2 Chiffchaff on Stones. Totals of 135 Goldfinch and 75 Siskin (flock of 70 at Millfields).Simon Roddis
2019-12-28The adult and juv GNDivers still from Stones island this morning. 130 Canada Geese. 3 Mute Swans. 34 Gadwall. 6 Goldeneye. 22 Pheasant (most at Hopton end). 14 Little Grebe. 50 GCGrebe. 1 Grey Heron. 18 Cormorant. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. c400 Lapwing, 14 Snipe and 1 Redshank on Horseshoe island. 4 Woodcock flew into the Hopton end at first light, and 8 Tawny Owls calling there. 1 Peregrine over Horseshoe island. Passerine counts: 14 Magpie, 66 Jackdaw, 23 Rook, 27 Carrion Crow, 4 Coal Tit, 3 Willow Tit, 40 Blue Tit, 15 Great Tit, 22 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Chiffchaff on Stones, 3 Goldcrest, 18 Wren, 4 Nuthatch, 2 Treecreeper, 39 Starling, 31 Blackbird, 2 Fieldfare, 101 Redwing, 5 Song Thrush, 1 Mistle Thrush, 34 Robin, 40 House Sparrow at VC, 9 Tree Sparrow, 15 Dunnock, 2 Grey Wag, 7 Pied Wag, 2 Meadow Pipit, 23 Chaffinch, 9 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 50 Goldfinch, 8 Siskin and 8 Reed Bunting.Simon Roddis
2019-12-27Both GNDivers again from Stones island, the adult quite distantly towards Millfields but the juv patrolled up and down not too far out. The Jack Snipe was visible for a few minutes on Horseshoe island late morning. 149 Canada Geese. 3 Mute Swans. 25 Gadwall. 31 Wigeon. 157 Pochard. 7 Goldeneye. 450 Lapwing and 6 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 Redshank. 500+ Common Gulls flew out of Sailing CLub bay early morning. The near-ad Yellow-leg, 1 Herring and 1 GBbGull. Female Kingfisher in Brown Ale bay. 2 GSWoodpecker, including one drumming at Penn Carr. 5 Willow Tit. Chiffchaff again on Stones island. Totals of 170 Redwing, 28 Goldfinch and 40 Siskin. SJR, AHS, Rowan Wakefield, Lindsey Wakefield
2019-12-26The adult and juv GNDivers again in their usual areas this morning. 4 Whooper Swans flew W at 08:55. 197 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 1 Greylag. 16 Gadwall. 16 Wigeon. c100 Mallard. 156 Pochard. 10 Goldeneye. 500 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. c7,000 BhGulls, 650 LBbG and 600 Jackdaws from Millfields early morning. 6 Willow Tit. Chiffchaff on Stones.Simon Roddis
2019-12-25Both GNDivers again in their usual spots early morning. 201 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacle Geese. Female Pintail again at WLC. 10 Goosander (5m,5f) at Millfields. 24 Cormorant. 370 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 4 Woodcock at the Hopton end at first light. 1 adult Herring Gull and the near-ad Yellow-leg. 6 Stock Dove. At least 5 Tawny Owls calling at the Hopton end, seemingly reacting to a barking Muntjac behind the village. 2 Chiffchaff (Stones and Paul Stanley). 10 Tree Sparrows (8 at Millfields, 2 WLC). 20 Siskin and a Lesser Redpoll at Millfields. Happy Christmas!Simon Roddis
2019-12-24Both GNDivers still. 142 Canada Geese. 4 Mute Swans. 35 Gadwall. Female Pintail at WLC. 61 Teal. 215 Pochard. 13 Goldeneye. 20 Little Grebe. 1 Grey Heron. 27 Cormorant. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. 548 Lapwing. 1 Golden Plover. 1 Redshank. Kingfisher and Chiffchaff on Stones island, and 70 Rooks over. 240 Redwing (200 at Sheepwash). 1 Grey Wag and 6 Reed Bunting in Hopton reedbed early morning.Simon Roddis
2019-12-23Both GNDivers off Stones island early morning. 158 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacle and 9 Greylags. 177 Pochard (138m,39f). 8 Goosander (3m,5f) at Millfields first thing. 17 Cormorant. 1 Woodcock at Penn Carr at first light, and 2 Tawny Owls calling. c7,000 BhGulls off Millfields first thing. The near-ad Yellow-legged Gull still. 8 Stock Doves over the east side. 70 Rooks over Stones. 95 Redwing at Sheepwash. c50 Goldfinch in Shiningford creek and a mixed flock of c40 Goldfinch and Siskin at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2019-12-22A Great White Egret flew over Stones island at 08:40, landed for a minute on Watersports and then flew on and landed in Shiningford creek but not seen again as far as I know. Both GNDivers still. c220 Pink-footed Geese flew E over Stones at 09:55. 157 Canadas. 1 Greylag. c500 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. 2 Woodcock, 1 Water Rail, 4 calling Tawny Owls, 1 Kingfisher and 1 Grey Wag at Hopton end early morning. 2 GBbGulls. 3 Kestrels (2 on Stones, 1 at Millfields). Chiffchaff on Stones again. c350 Redwing at Penn Carr, and 1 singing on Stones. 4+ Lesser Redpoll (2 on Stones, 2+ at Millfields).Simon Roddis
2019-12-21Both GNDivers again this morning, the juvenile only feet away from the shoreline off Stones early morning, and the adult from Millfields later. 570 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. 2 Yellow-legged Gull. c500 Jackdaw over the visitor centre early morning. 120 Redwing at Millfields.Simon Roddis

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