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
2019-08-15Drake Common Scoter among a small raft of GCGrebes off Sheepwash spit late morning. 534 Canadas. 64 Mute Swan. 13 Gadwall. 3 Little Egret. 66 Cormorant (39 at Sheepwash, 27 on Flat island). 1 Curlew through. 2 Common Sand. 2nd-s Common Gull. 1st-s Yellow-leg at Sailing Club. 1 Swift. 2 Kingfishers again in Brown Ale Bay. Juv Peregrine at Millfields. 4 Raven. 10 Sand Martin. 7 House Martin. Total of 56 Starling, including 40 feeding in a field at Shiningford. Juv Spotted Fly in Sheepwash wood. Only 1 Redstart seen in WLC fields in breezy and damp conditions.Simon Roddis
2019-08-14Very little happening this morning apart from 2 Yellow Wagtails over Millfields and 2 Kingfishers in Brown Ale Bay.Simon Roddis
2019-08-13A decent morning: drake Common Scoter off Stones island, an adult Sanderling on Watersports island and an Osprey over the res from 1145-1205 before drifting N. Also 4 Little Egret, 50 Cormorant (including 9 SW), 2 Redshank (my first here since 29/7), 2 Dunlin through, sub-ad Y-l Gull, 8 Stock Dove, 2 Swift, 4 Raven, 2+ Reed Warbler in Brown Ale Bay, 60 Goldfinch on Stones.SJR, AHS, RC
2019-08-11Just a couple of things to mention: maybe as many as 4 Kingfishers this morning: one at Millfields early morning, 2 at WLC mid-morning and 1 around Sheepwash/Brown Ale Bay late morning. And during an interval in the Hen Harrier Day event, 7 Turnstones flew NW over Stones island.Simon Roddis
2019-08-10A major surprise this morning was a Corn Bunting which landed briefly in a tree on Stones island before dropping/flying off. Despite us looking for about an hour, we didn't see it again. The first here since 1995. Also a summer-plumage limosa Black-tailed Godwit, adult Dunlin, adult Ringed Plover, 10 Common Sand, Greenshank through, and 38 Lapwing in WLC fields.SJR, RC, JB
2019-08-09Roger C had a Turnstone and a Dunlin on Flat island early morning but not seen later. 26 Gadwall. 14 Teal. 2 Pochard. 47 Cormorant on Flat island. 1 Oystercatcher. 2 Common Sand. Sub-ad Y-l Gull. 1 Swift. 2 Hobbies. Reed Warbler feeding fledged youngster at WLC. Simon Roddis
2019-08-08At least 3 Little Egret still. Drake Pochard again. 45 Lapwing. 4 Common Sand. Sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. 4 Collared Dove, including 3 again at Sheepwash carpark. 4 Swift. 7 Sand Martin. 3 Sedge and 2 Garden Warbler on Stones. 4+ Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed. 7 Redstart in WLC fields. Simon Roddis
2019-08-073 Little Egret. 18 Teal. Drake Pochard. 2 Sparrowhawk. Hobby down the east side. 1 Oystercatcher. 4 Common Sand. 4 GBbG. Sub-ad Yellow-leg. 5 Stock Dove. 3 Swift. Kingfisher at Millfields. 8 Willow Tit. 4 Sand Martin. 70 Swallow on the dam wall early morning. Total of 45 House Martin. 2 Sedge Warblers on Stones. Spotted Flycatcher in Sheepwash carpark. 6 Redstart in WLC fields. Simon Roddis
2019-08-0640 Greylag. 68 Mute Swan. 4 Common Sand. Adult Common Gull. 2nd-summer Herring Gull. 7 Swift. 7 Willow Tit. 4 Sand Martin. 7 Redstarts in various plumages in WLC fields. 35 Tree Sparrows at WLC. 60 Linnets in fields at top of WLC creek.Simon Roddis
2019-08-05Species seen/heard during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-12 noon): House Sparrow, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Pied Wagtail, House Martin, Black-headed Gull, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe, Barnacle Goose, Coot, Mallard, Willow Warbler, Little Egret, Lapwing, Little Ringed Plover, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Woodpidgeon, Goldfinch, Magpie, Willow Tit, Blackcap, Greylag Goose, Swallow, Wren, Blue Tit, Blackbird, Tree Sparrow, Great Tit, Eed-crested Pochard, Kestrel, Sand MartinGary Atkins
2019-08-04Monthly WeBS count: 230 Canada Geese, 39 Greylag, 4 Barnacle, 73 Mute Swan (plus cygnet), 2 Shoveler, 20 Gadwall, 193 Mallard, 18 Teal, 1 Red-crested Pochard (female at WLC), 294 Tufted, 20 Little Grebe, 47 GCGrebe, 6 Grey Heron, 4 Little Egret, 39 Cormorant, 17 Moorhen, 590 Coot, 1 Oystercatcher, 44 Lapwing, 2 LRP, 1 Dunlin, 6 Common Sand, 2 Kingfisher. Also 30 Linnet between Sheepwash and Lane End, and a Yellow Wagtail over Millfields.Simon Roddis, John Bradley
2019-08-03Evening visit: 1730 Lesser Black-backs flew in to roost by 21:15; 3 adult Common Gulls; 1 Dunlin; 66 Greylags; 46 Cormorant; 80 Jackdaw.Simon Roddis
2019-08-033 Red Kites circled over the Millfields area for a while around 10:00 (the first time I've seen more than one here). 1 Oystercatcher. Juv LRP. 4 Common Sand. 278 Lesser Black-backs flew in from the W late morning and settled on the water. Sub-ad Yellow-leg still. 4 Collared Dove (3 at Sheepwash, 1 over WLC creek). 1 Peregrine. 4+ Raven. 40 Swallows on the dam wall early morning. 5 Sedge Warbler on Stones. Reed Warbler singing at WLC. 4 Redstart in WLC fields. 50+ Pied Wags, including 32 on Sailing Club shore. Total of 34 Linnet, including 10 at Sheepwash and 15 over WLC creek. 40 Goldfinch on Stones.Simon Roddis
2019-08-02An adult Sanderling was on Watersports/Stones islands this morning, and a drake Common Scoter off Stones. 70 Mute Swan (plus the cygnet). 12 Gadwall. 6 Grey Heron. 3 Little Egret. 43 Cormorant. 2 juv LRP. 3 Common Sand. A total of 226 Black-headed Gulls included 47 juveniles. The adult Caspian hybrid gull still. 1 adult Common Tern. 5 Raven. 3 Sedge and 1 Garden Warbler on Stones. At least 6 Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed, including an adult with food. Lesser Whitethroat and 3 Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2019-08-01Osprey flew past Sheeepwash towards Hopton @ 12-45 plus Tufted Duck young as follows, 2 Hopton, 11 Millfields and 2 by 4 and 1 X 3 Stones IslandIan Scrimshaw
2019-08-014 male Common Scoter today, still present early evening. 68 Mute Swans from Millfields early morning. 9 Teal. 4 Little Egret. 50 Cormorants at Sheepwash early evening. Heron number 61 at Sheepwash again. Juv LRP on Stones. Adult Dunlin on Watersports island. 4 Common Sand. 35 LBbG. Sub-ad Yellow-leg and adult Caspian hybrid again. A pair of GBbGs at Sheepwash appeared to be displaying, perhaps pair-bonding behaviour - calling, walking together and one of them, perhaps the male, picking up feathers. 3 Kingfisher: 2 at Tail Bay and presumably another at Sheepwash. Hobby over the east side. In WLC fields, 6 Redstart (3m,3 juv), 2 Common Whitethroat, single Lesser Whitethroat and Reed Warbler. Total of 7 Linnet.Simon Roddis
2019-07-3137 Common Scoter (36m,1f) early morning; 26 flew off W at 09:10; remaining 11 present to 11:15 at least. 10 Teal. 4+ Little Egret. Little Grebes with 3 small young from WLC. 40 Lapwing. Single Whimbrel, Greenshank and Turnstone through to S 08:00-09:00. Juv LRP. Adult Common Tern early morning and 3 Common/Arctic briefly mid-morning. 2 Sparrowhawk. 12 Swift. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. 9 Willow Tit. 12 Sand Martin. 4 Redstart in WLC fields. 6 Linnet. Simon Roddis
2019-07-30This afternoon, 3 drake Common Scoters off Stones Island. 1 Black-tailed Godwit from Wildlife Centre.Roger Carrington
2019-07-30This afternoon, 3 drake Common Scoters off Stones Island. 1 Black-tailed Godwit from Wildlife Centre.Roger Carrington
2019-07-298 drake Common Scoter sitting in the middle of the res all morning. An Osprey flew in from the SW at 1040, flew up the west side and hovered and dived several times off Sheepwash but didn't appear to catch anything, then headed off north. It landed briefly on Sheepwash spit when mobbed by a juvenile Peregrine. 3 f/juv Shoveler at WLC. 6 Teal in Brown Ale Bay. 1 Pochard. 5 Little Egret. 40 Cormorant at Sheepwash. 30 Lapwing. Juv LRP on Stones. 2 Common Sand. 1 Redshank. Adult Common Gull. The one-footed GBbG at Sheepwash. 25 LBbG through. Garden Warbler on Stones. 3 Redstart and 2 Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. Simon Roddis
2019-07-28With a movement of Common Scoters across England this morning it was not surprising that numbers built up to 35 drakes by 09:35 and they were still present at 11:15 when I left site. Also 1 Common Tern briefly.Roger Carrington
2019-07-2767 Mute Swans counted from Millfields early morning. 5 Barnacle Geese - 4 ads and now just one gosling. 2 Teal. 3 Pochard. A pair of Little Grebes look as if they might nest in the dead trees at Penn Carr. 6 Little Egret. 6 Grey Heron. 12 ad/full-grown Moorhen. Pair of Coot with 3 small young in Brown Ale Bay. 1 Oystercatcher. Juv LRP on Stones. Adult Dunlin on Watersports island. Total of 8 Common Sand. 1 adult Common Gull. The adult Caspian-type hybrid still. Kingfisher in BABay. 15 Sand Martin. 35 House Martin. 2 Garden Warbler on Stones. 18 Mistle Thrush (17 Hopton end, 1 Sheepwash). 3 Redstart (2 WLC fields, 1 Millfields). At least 42 Tree Sparrows at WLC. Total of 5 Greenfinch. 2 Siskin at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
2019-07-2661 Mute Swan. 12 Gadwall (including one full grown brood) and 3 broods of smaller young. 5 Grey Heron (including colour-ringed bird 61). 5 Little Egret. Pair of Little Grebes with 2 small young in Shiningford creek. 3 Common Sand around Stones island. 75 Lesser Black-backs, 73 of which flew in from the north mid-morning and settled on the water. Sub-ad Yellow-leg and adult Caspian-type hybrid still. 2 Swifts checking out the eaves of the visitor centre. Kingfisher at Millfields. 4 GSWoodpecker. 3 juv Peregrines, probably all females, chasing B-h Gulls around Sheepwash and Brown Ale Bay. 4 Raven over Hall Wood. 5 Redstarts and 2 Common Whitethroats in WLC fields and a Reed Warbler singing in the hedgerow. Blackbird with food at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2019-07-245+ Little Egrets. 6 Grey Heron. 1 Oystercatcher. 30 Lapwing. 4+ Common Sand. 1 Redshank. The adult Caspian-type gull. A Hobby through Sheepwash carpark. Total of 7 Willow Tit. 6+ Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed, including a very short-tailed recently fledged youngster. Sedge and Garden Warblers on Stones. 6 Redstart (including 2 adult males) and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
2019-07-22A female Shelduck and 3 adult Dunlin were on Horseshoe island. 2 adult Common Tern past the WLC and 1 Curlew through. A sixth brood of Gadwall, the female which has been around Millfields island finally has about 8 ducklings. 3+ Little Egret. 33 Cormorant. 4 Teal. Sub-ad Y-l Gull still. 4 Kestrel over Sheepwash, presumably a family party. Hobby over the Hopton end. 1 Peregrine. 5 Stock Dove. 5 Redstart in WLC fields. Bullfinch family at Watersports.Simon Roddis
2019-07-21A Wood Sandpiper was on Watersports island for a short time this morning before flying high E at 0805, then an Osprey performed really well from Sheepwash hide between 10:00 and 11:00 at least. 4 Little Egrets. 6+ Grey Heron. At least 62 Mute Swans. 3 Pochard. 32 Cormorant. At least 6, possibly as many as 12, Common Sand. The adult Caspian-type Gull from Sheepwash hide. 8 Redstart (5 in WLC fields, 3 juvs together at Millfields).Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2019-07-203 Little Egrets in Brown Ale Bay. 4 Barnacle geese plus 2 large young. 14 Gadwall, including 8 full-grown young. 1 male Pochard. 6 Grey Heron. 2 juv LRP on Watersports island. 2 Common Sand (WLC and Sheepwash). 2 1st-s Common Gull. Sub-ad Yellow-leg. Tawny Owl at Penn Carr. 10 Swift. 14 Sand Martin. Mistle Thrush still carrying food at the Hopton end. 4+ Redstart (juv at Millfields, 3+ in WLC fields). Grey Wags feeding 3rd-brood fledged young at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2019-07-184 Little Egrets this morning, 2 in Brown Ale Bay, 2 around Stones island. 10 LRP (7 ads, 3 juvs; 1 ad at Sheepwash, the rest on Watersports island). 2 Curlew flew S. 2 Common Sand at Sheepwash. 13 Swift. Juv female Peregrine again from Stones. 5 Sand Martin. 2 Garden Warbler on Stones. 19 Tree Sparrows at WLC, only 1 adult, the rest juvs. A Yellow Wagtail dropped onto Stones from the SE at 0830, stayed for about 10 mins then flew NW.Simon Roddis
2019-07-17Osprey with fish at 2.30. Peregrine at 3.15Ken Brailsford
2019-07-1763 Mute Swans, plus one cygnet - a site record count, I believe. The Barnacle Goose brood is now down to 2 young. 12 Gadwall, with 3 broods at Hopton end: 8 large enough to be counted as full grown, 3 still fairly small, and 10 small (so the 8 at Stones island yesterday are the fifth brood). 5+ Grey Heron. 29 Cormorant. 12 adult/full grown Moorhens, plus 2 half-grown (still downy) young from Sheepwash and 4 small young at Hopton end. Two 1st-summer Common Gulls. A juv Herring Gull at Sailing Club. Sub-ad Yellow-leg and query adult bird still. Peregrine over the dam wall. Whitethroats feeding fledged young on Stones, and a Garden Warbler there. 3+ Redstarts and a Spotted Fly in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
2019-07-16Probably yet another brood of Gadwall this morning - 8 off Stones island. 55 Mute Swan. 2 adult Little Egret. 4 Grey Heron including colour-ringed bird number 61 again at Sheepwash. 4 LRP (2 ads, 2 juvs) on Watersports island. First-summer Common Gull. Lesser Whitethroat on Stones. 2 Redstart in WLC fields - male (not the moulting bird) and juv. 14 House Sparrows feeding on Sailing Club island shore.Simon Roddis
2019-07-15Roger C picked up an Osprey circling over Stones island just before 11:00 and it continued floating around the west side of the res, hovering now and again, for at least the next 15 mins. A fourth brood of Gadwall has appeared, 10 small young under the north end of Hall Wood (and the other 3 broods of 8, 6 and 3 still going strong). 4 Grey Heron, including the colour-ringed bird at Sheepwash. 2 adult Little Egrets off Stones causeway. Moorghen with one youngster on Sheepwash spit. 3 Oystercatcher. 19 Lapwing. 4 LRP (2 ads, 2 juvs). 1 adult Dunlin. 2 juv Redshank. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and the long-staying sub-ad). 3 GBbG, including the one-footed bird. Adult Common Gull. Peregrine over. 6+ Sedge Warbler on Stones. 5 Garden Warbler (4 on Stones, 1 in WLC fields). Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. c30 Tree Sparrows, mostly juvs, at WLC. 1 Siskin over Millfields.Simon Roddis
2019-07-13New wildfowl broods this morning: 13 Tufted at Penn Carr; 4 Mallard at Penn Carr and 3 at WLC; and 4 Moorhen at Hopton reedbed. The Gadwall brood of 8, now almost full grown, were at Hopton end and the 6 small ducklings at WLC. 521 Canada Geese, 35 Greylags, 4 adult Barnacles (plus 3 goslings) and 57 Mute Swans, plus the cygnet. 9 Oystercatcher. 21 Lapwing. 5 LRP (3 ads, 2 juvs). 4 Redshank. 1 Dunlin. 26 Swifts over Hall Wood. 3 GSWoodpeckers at Hopton end. 4 Redstarts in WLC fields, the moulting male plus 3 juvs.Simon Roddis
2019-07-1212.15 Wildlife centre bay .. Watched Great crested Grebe nest for 30 mins. .. No sign of adult Grebes .. Mature BhG probing in Grebe nest .. two immature BhGs clambering on nestPat
2019-07-12Skylark on dam, flushed from long grass. 2 red-legged partridge, 5 ravens and 3 kestrels at Fishtail Creek.John Matkin
2019-07-12A third brood of Gadwall this morning, making it the best ever breeding season for them here: female with 6 small ducklings off Stones causeway then around Stones and into Shiningford creek. Curiously, a small Tufted duckling had attached itself to the brood and appeared to have been 'adopted'. A new brood of 6 Tufted in Tail Bay. 4 Barnacles and 3 goslings still. 1 Little Egret. 28 Cormorant. 11 Oystercatcher. 5 Redshank (all juvs). 5 LRP (3 ads, 2 juvs). Sub-ad Y-l Gull still. Juv female Peregrine over again. Juv Redstart again in WLC fields. Simon Roddis
2019-07-11An influx of LRPs this morning: 8 (5 ads, 3 full grown juvs). 4 ad Barnacles plus 3 goslings. 57 Mute Swans plus one cygnet. 1 Teal. 1 Little Egret at Sheepwash. 9+ Oystercatcher. 2 Common Sand at Sheepwash. 2 Redshank. Sub-ad Y-l Gull still. 4 GSWoodpecker, including one on Stones. Peregrine over Stones. Skylark on the dam wall still. 2 Redstart (moulting male and a juv) in WLC fields. Simon Roddis
2019-07-10New brood of 9 Mallard ducklings in Brown Ale Bay, while the female Gadwall has taken her 3 up to Hopton end. 1 Common Tern. 11 Oystercatcher, including 10 together at Millfields. Sub-ad Y-l Gull still. Juvenile female Peregrine low past Stones island mid-morning and 2 Kestrels hunting over the east side. At least 5 (maybe 8) Raven. Whitethroat with food at the viewing point on Stones. Male Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
2019-07-09A handful of new birds this morning: single Greenshank and Curlew over, Snipe on Watersports island, 2 Common Sand and 3 Pochard (2m,1f flew in at 0710) at Millfields. New duckling broods: 4 Mallard at Millfields, 3 Gadwall at Brown Ale Bay and 16 Tufted at Hopton end. Pair of Barnacles now with 3 young at Millfields. 42 Mute Swan plus 1 cygnet. Little Grebes with 2 large young at Hopton end and still 2 small young in BA Bay. Little Egret at Sheepwash. 3 Grey Herons including a colour-ringed bird at Sheepwash (looks like it was ringed in Yorkshire). 7 Oystercatcher. 6 Redshank. Skylark still on the dam wall. 5+ Sedge Warbler on Stones. Total of 9+ Reed Warblers including a fledged youngster in Hopton reedbed. Lesser Whitethroat at Millfields. Total of 13 Mistle Thrush, including one carrying food at Hopton end. 2 juv Redstarts (Millfields viewing area and WLC fields). 50+ House Sparrows around the visitor centre. 8 Grey Wags at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2019-07-08Female Gadwall now with 8 large young at Shiningford. Tufted broods of 16, 4 & 2 at Sailing Club, and 8 at Shiningford. Adult Little Egret at Sheepwash. 8 Buzzard. 13 Lapwing. 1 Curlew. 11 Redshank, including a flock of 7 on Stones island. 2 adult Common Gull. 1 GBbG and the sub-ad Yellow-leg still. Peregrine over the east side. Juv Lesser White and juv Treecreeper on Stones. Male Redstart in WLC fields. 17 Mistle Thrush at Hopton end. Simon Roddis
2019-07-07103 Canada Goose,10 Greylag Goose ,12 Mute Swan,7 oystercatcher,7 Pied Wagtail,6 Great Crested Grebe,11 Blue Tit,2 Long Tailed Tit,1 Treecreeper ,2 Chiffchaff ,1 Goldcrest,1 Blackcap,1 Goldfinch,4 Great Tit,2 Robin,5 Lapwing,1 Redshank,2 Garden Warbler,1 white wagtail,3 Little GrebeDavid Armitt
2019-07-07Species list from today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; circuit of Stones Island and on to the Wildlife Centre) -- Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, House Martin, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Canada Goose, Mallard, Song Thrush, Magpie, Whimbrel, Gadwall, Coot, Woodpigeon, Great Tit, Wren, Black-headed Gull, Mute Swan, Little Grebe, Redshank, Kestrel, Little Ringed Plover, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Goldfinch, Whitethroat, Blackbird, Blackcap, Common Tern, Pied Wagtail, Lapwing, Willow Warbler, Common Sandpiper, Oystercatcher, Tree Sparrow and Reed BuntingGary Atkins
2019-07-07Monthly WeBS count: 430 Canada Geese, 72 Greylags, 39 Mute Swan, 1 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 99 Mallard, 169 Tufted, 13 Little Grebe (plus 2 small young at the Brown Ale Bay nest), 39 GCGrebe, 1 Little Egret, 1 Grey Heron, 31 Cormorant, 7 Moorhen, 254 Coot, 10 Oystercatcher, 10 Lapwing, 1 LRP, 6 Black-tailed Godwit (1 at Sheepwash early morning, 5 over the Stones area later), 3 Common Sand, 6 Redshank. Additionally, a Common Tern N early morning, a Whimbrel flying around at 1025, a 1st-summer Common Gull and the sub-ad Yellow-leg still, 4 Stock Dove including 1 singing at PS hide, 9 Reed Warbler (7 singing), juv Redstart in WLC fields, Treecreeper on Stones.Simon Roddis, John Bradley
2019-07-0642 Mute Swans plus the cygnet this morning. 4 Gadwall, 1 Teal and a female Goosander from Stones. 18 Cormorant. 11 Lapwing. 8 Redshank. Curlew, Dunlin and 2 Common Sand around Stones. Sub-adult Yellow-legged Gull still. Just-fledged Sedge Warbler and a Goldcrest on Stones. 6 Grey Wags at Millfields. 16+ Tree Sparrows at WLC.Simon Roddis
2019-07-04A handful of new birds today suggested a little bit of movement: a Dunlin, a Common Sand and 3 Shoveler on Watersports island, 2 Yellow Wags flew S over the Millfields end of the dam wall, and a Kingfisher - possibly a juv based on its short-looking bill - at Millfields. Pair of Barnacles still with 4 goslings at Millfields. Tufted broods of 11 (Millfields island) and 5 (Sailing Club). Adult Little Egret on Stones. Sub-ad Yellow-leg and 2 first-summer Common Gulls at Sailing Club. 15 Rooks over Stones. Presumably the same Skylark still perched on the same bit of fence and later singing over the dam wall. Lesser White on Stones. 5 separate Goldcrests at scattered spots around Millfields and WLC creek. 1 Redstart between WLC creek and Shiningford. 5+ Grey Wags including juvs (second brood?) at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2019-07-021 Redshank 2 Juvenile's plus a flock of 9,7 lapwing,14 Mute swan,16 Tufted Duck,18 Great crested Grebe,3 Pied Wagtail,2 Reed bunting,2 Willow Warbler,2 Chiffchaff, flock of 35 Blue tits mostly young,1 Bullfinch,4 Curlew on the stone in front of the yacht club,2 Barnacle Goose,6 long tailed Tits,1 Oystercatcher (evening of the 1st) David Armitt
2019-07-012 broods of Little Grebe: 2 large young beneath Hall Wood and the nest in Brown Ale Bay now has at least 2 fluffy little grebelets. 710 Canada Geese. 72 Greylag. 23 Mute Swan plus 1 cygnet. 1 Teal. 30 Cormorant. The second BhG nest on the BA Bay raft now has 3 small chicks. 1 rather bleached 1st-summer Common Gull and 2 Yellow-legs (sub-ad and 2nd-summer) at Sailing Club. 24 Swift. 2 Sand Martin. Male Redstart again in WLC fields. 22 Tree Sparrows between Stones island and Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2019-06-29Juv Redstart east side Shiningford creekERIC DEWHURST
2019-06-292 Little Egrets, adult and juv, around Stones. 4 Barnacle Geese at Millfields with 4 goslings still. The WLC Mute Swans are now down to 1 cygnet. Gadwall female with 9 half-grown ducklings at WLC, presumably the brood from Brown Ale Bay. Little Grebe still sitting in BA Bay. GCGrebes still sitting at WLC and Millfields island, but the Penn Carr nest has been flooded out. 1 Skylark on the dam wall. At least 2 Garden Warblers in full song on Stones. 3+ Lesser Whitethroats - 1 singing on Hays Lane and at least 2 in WLC fields. Male Redstart in WLC fields. Simon Roddis
2019-06-298 Lapwing,2 Little Egret,5 Little Grebe,335 Canada Goose,18 Cormorant,7 Sedge Warbler,2 Garden Warbler,4 Blackcap,8 Goldfinch,10 Blue Tit,1 Lesser Whitethroat ,1 Reed Warbler,2 Reed Bunting,7 Great Tit, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Robin,10 Tree Sparrow,1 Pied Wagtail,6 Long-tailed Tit,14 Great Crested Grebe,2 Swallow,6 House Martin ,1 Oystercatcher David Armitt

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