Recent Sightings

DateSightingName
22/04/2026Best this morning was a beautiful first-summer Little Gull off Watersports. Another surprise was 2 Redwing at Millfields, with a Swift, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Willow Tit and c100 Redpoll in the same area. Around Watersports, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, Common Sandpiper, Redshank and the pair of Egyptian Geese. Yellow Wagtail (possibly 2) on Stones causeway/dam wall. Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
21/04/2026Another excellent spring morning, with 4 new species for the year: Swift over the dam wall, Yellow Wagtail at the main centre, Garden Warblers at Hopton end and on Stones, and Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed. One Black-tailed and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits were on Watersports island and later from WLC. First-summer Caspian Gull still. Pink-footed Goose, 2 Teal, 2 Pochard and 4 Goldeneye. 10 Sedge Warblers around Stones island and 1 at WLC. Redstart still in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
19/04/2026Highlight of the monthly wildfowl count was a drake Ring-necked Duck in Brown Ale Bay at around 08:50, relocated off Big Island at 10:20. Other wildfowl: 194 Canada, 34 Greylag (plus a brood of 5), 1 Pink-foot, 2 Egyptian, 2 Mute Swan, 33 Gadwall, 70 Mallard (plus a brood of 12), 3 Pochard, 47 Tufted, 5 Goldeneye, 4 Moorhen, 18 Coot, 4 Little Grebe, 36 GCGrebe, 11 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Redshank, 2 Dunlin, 6 Cormorant (a total of 480 waterbirds as opposed to 824 in April last year) Also: first-summer Mediterranean and Caspian Gulls at Watersports, 100+ Sand Martins, male Whitethroat at Hopton end, male Pied Flycatcher still at Warrington Knob and Redstart in WLC fields. Wheatear on the dam wall (per Mick W).Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
18/04/2026This morning, 2 Egyptian Geese, drake Pochard, 3 Common Sandpipers off Stones causeway, first-summer Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Mediterranean Gulls (second-summer and a pair of adults), Common Tern at Watersports, Willow Tit on the Tail Bay path, 3 Skylarks over, 100++ Sand Martins, male Redstart in WLC fields still, 1 Redpoll.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
17/04/2026Early evening - 2 Med Gulls (a 3cy and 2cy) in or around the BHGull colony at the rear of Sailing Club Island, best viewed from the second bench along the dam wall, albeit distant. Also a German ringed Caspian Gull (2cy) on the Watersports pontoon; Pink-footed Goose and LRPlover on Watersports Island.Richard Lowe
17/04/2026Quieter than yesterday. The second-summer Mediterranean Gull was still present, Redstart still singing in WLC fields and 2 new Sedge Warblers, on Millfields island and at WLC.SJR, CA, AHS
16/04/2025A decent morning, starting with a male Pied Flycatcher singing in Warrington Knob, just south of Middle Wood on the east side (first of the year). Single Arctic Tern and Whimbrel past Stones island (also both the first of the year), and a Common Sandpiper was on the shore. Drake Pochard off Watersports. 2 male Redstarts (Hall Wood and WLC fields).SJR, CA, MW
14/04/2026Caspian Gull (2cy) on Watersports pontoon late afternoon - (yellow colour ring on left leg).Richard Lowe
14/04/2026The second-summer Mediterranean Gull flew across sailing club bay mid-morning. Common Tern at Watersports. Drake Pochard. 4 Goldeneye. At Hopton end and Hall/Middle Woods, 9 Coal Tit, 5 Willow Warbler, 17 Blackcap, 6 Nuthatch, 8 Treecreeper, 1 Redstart. Another Redstart in WLC fields. 3 Sedge Warblers around Stones.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
13/04/2026Late afternoon visit: second-summer Mediterranean Gull among the Black-heads on the back of sailing club island, as reported by Richard L a couple of days ago. Pink-footed Goose past Stones. 3 singing Sedge Warblers.Simon Roddis
11/04/20263 Little and 4 Common Terns were off Stones island from 07:55 to around 08:15 this morning. Good conditions for terns, clearly. 20+ Barnacle Geese. Second-summer Caspian Gull again off Watersports. Little Egret at Millfields. Big increase in hirundines, c100 Swallows, 300 Sand Martins and at least 4 House Martins. Sedge Warbler again on Stones.Simon Roddis
10/04/20262 Pochard, 1 female Red-Crested Pochard, 8 Gadwall, 6 Oystercatcher, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Little Grebe, 30+ Sand Martin, 20+ Swallow, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcap , 4 Long tailed Tit, 4 House Martin, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Jay , 3 Willow Warbler, 2 BullfinchDave Armitt
10/04/2026A Sedge Warbler singing on Stones island this morning is the earliest ever arrival here by 2 days. 2 House Martins also on Stones, and 100+ Sand Martins and c20 Swallows. Female Red-crested Pochard again consorting with a male Common Pochard off Stones causeway. 70 Common Gulls late morning, and a second-summer Caspian Gull off Watersports. Little Egret over Hopton end early morning. Redstart singing above WLC creek again and a brood of 3 Mallard in the fields (first I've seen this year). 1 Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
08/04/2026A very decent morning: a Sandwich Tern flew past Stones island at 08:15 and the Jack Snipe was again on Watersports island from 07:30 to at least 09:30. A Redstart was singing at the top of WLC creek and a female Wheatear was in the fields. Wildfowl included 3 Shelduck, female Red-crested Pochard, 2 drake Pochard, 4 Goldeneye and the pair of Egyptian Geese. A Curlew flew over Stones. First-summer Caspian Gull at sailing club. Willow Warblers and Blackcaps in increasing numbers.SJR, CA, AHS
07/04/2026A Jack Snipe bobbed away on Watersports island this morning, from 07:30 to 09:10 at least, with a Common Snipe almost adjacent. 4 Shoveler were out in the middle of the res. Tawny Owl calling at Penn Carr. Total of 33 Ravens, including 30 over the pastures; the presence of a couple of Buzzards and a Red Kites suggests that there might be a dead animal up there attracting their attention. 4+ Willow Warblers dotted around, and 3 Redpolls over.SJR, CA, MW
06/04/2026The pair of Egyptian Geese were on sailing club island early morning. 6 Goldeneye. 2 Curlew and 2 Herring Gulls flew S. 5 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. c60 Sand Martins and 3 Swallows off Sheepwash. Willow Warblers singing near the main entrance and at Millfields. 60 Fieldfare flew N (flocks of 24 and 36).Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
05/04/2026Following are the species recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walks (10am-noon; Stones Island to the Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Cormorant, Black-headed Gull, Magpie, Mallard, Chiffchaff, Coot, Tufted Duck, Oystercatcher, Carrion Crow, Egyptian Goose, Robin, Greylag Goose, Black-tailed Godwit, Sand Martin, Canada Goose, Moorhen, Woodpigeon, Gt Crested Grebe, Pochard, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Wren, Goldeneye, Pied Wagtail, Redshank, DunnockGary Atkins
05/04/2026A fly-through Greenshank was this morning's highlight. c80 Fieldfare also flew NW. 30 Sand Martins and 5+ Swallows off Stones/WLC. 2 Egyptian Geese, 4 Pochard and 2 Teal. Snipe at Paul Stanley hide. Barn Owl at Hopton reedbed first thing, and 15 Ravens over. Willow Tit at WLC. Black-tailed Godwit also reported on Watersports island (per Lorna).SJR, CA, MW
04/04/2026The first Willow Warbler of the year was singing near the main centre mid-morning, wonderful to hear. Other bit and pieces included 2 Shelduck, 3 redhead Goosander, 1 Egyptian Goose, 2 Pochard, 3 Redshank, 3 Herring Gulls, 1 Little Egret, 10 Sand Martin, 2 Swallows, 4 Blackcap, 1 Redpoll.SJR, MW, CA
02/04/2026A winter-plumage Turnstone was on Watersports island at 07:30 but had gone by 09:00. 3 Egyptian Geese at Millfields/Watersports. 1 Pink-footed Goose. The drake Red-crested Pochard was still at Millfields, hanging around with a group of Mallard. A light northerly movement of c.70 Woodpigeons. 21 Buzzards in a 360 scan from the dam wall late morning. Willow Tit at WLC. 10 Sand Martins.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
01/04/2026A drake Red-crested Pochard was at Millfields this morning, and a Little Egret flew S past Stones. Pair of Egyptian Geese still hanging around Watersports island. 6 Sand Martin and 1 Swallow. 2 Redpoll (over Millfields and Stones).SJR, CA, MW
31/03/2026Perimeter counts this morning: 124 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcap, 2 Egyptian Geese, 4 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, 33 Pheasant, 4 Stock Dove, 17 Oystercatcher, 4 Jay, 32 Magpies, 4 Raven, 15 Coal Tit, 4 Willow, 135 Blue, 65 Great, 8 Long-tailed, 8 Sand Martin, 2 Goldcrest, 124 Wren, 12 Nuthatch, 8 Treecreeper, 32 Song Thrush, 9 Mistle, 1 Redwing, 82 Blackbird, 177 Robin, 50 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 12 Pied, 9 Meadow Pipits, 6 Chaffinch, 10 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Redpoll, 29 Goldfinch, 18 Siskin, 2 Reed Buntings.Simon Roddis
31/03/2026An adult Kittiwake flew south down the east side, 2 Egyptian Geese, Pair Mandarin past Stones, redhead Goosander, drake Pochard, 3 Sand Martin, Blackcap singing on Stones, Willow Tit WLC.CA/AHS
30/03/2026Highlight this morning was a Sandwich Tern which flew past Watersports at 10:18. Not seen again but Clive might have heard it earlier. Pair of Egyptian Geese again. 2 Teal. 3 Pochard. 3 Redshank. Pair of Peregrines over the north end. Pair of Willow Tits near WLC. 5 Swallows. 1 Fieldfare in the main carpark, and Alan had a Redpoll on Stones.SJR, CA, MW, AHS
28/03/2026Probably 5 Swallows and 2 Sand Martins were off Stones/Watersports late morning. Drake Pintail from WLC. Pink-footed Goose off Stones. At least one pair of Egyptian Geese and 27 Barnacles. 2 Willow Tits. c70 Fieldfare, 30 Starling and Woodpigeons flushed by a Sparrowhawk north of Fishtail. 2 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall.SJR, CA, MW
26/03/2026Along the east side, Hopton to Millfields, this morning: 6 Willow Tits, 42 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 9 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Crossbill, 2 Egyptian Geese. Elsewhere, a Swallow (first of the year here) past the main centre, 4 Sand Martin, 32 Barnacle Geese, several more Chiffchaffs on Stones.SJR, CA, AHS, RPJ, AMD
22/03/2026March WeBS count: 5 Mute Swan, 189 Canada Geese, 37 Greylag Geese, 2 Egyptian Geese, 42 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Grebe, 121 Mallard, 6 Teal, 20 Gadwall, 1 Mandarin, 45 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 9 Goldeneye, 7 Moorhen, 23 Coot, 8 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 10 Oystercatcher, 4 Redshank, 1 Grey Wagtail. 2 Blackcap singing at Hopton end. CA/JBClive Ashton/ Jon Bradley
20/03/2026The first Little Ringed Plover of the year dropped into sailing club this morning, and a Little Egret flew over. The over-wintering Common Sandpiper was on the dam wall at Millfields. Drake Shoveler on Horseshoe island. First-winter Caspian and second-winter Yellow-legged Gulls off Watersports. Tawny Owl calling at Sheepwash first thing. Willow Tit at WLC. 12 Siskin over Stones.SJR, CA, MW
20/03/20266 Chiffchaff, 2 Great spotted woodpecker, 7 Goldeneye, 7 Oystercatcher , 6 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 9 Greylag goose, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Willow tit , 10 CormorantDave Armitt
19/03/2026Clive had 2 Sand Martins past Stones this morning, and 4 Shoveler were off Sheepwash. 22 Chiffchaffs between Hopton end and Stones. 93 Woodpigeons N. 12 Buzzards in the air from the dam wall. Pair of Willow Tits at Lane End and 1 singing in WLC creek (per Mike R). 1 Linnet on the dam wall and 2 Redpoll over WLC area.Simon Roddis
18/03/2026Slightly less quiet than the last few days but still awaiting migrants. Pair of Shelduck off Millfields and a pair of Mandarin flew through Tail Bay. 11 Goldeneye, 10 of them off Sheepwash. Tiny bit of movement involving 156 Woodpigeons N and 33 S, plus 13 Chaffinch N. Singing Skylark and 5 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
13/03/2026A few bits and pieces this morning: 31 Barnacle Geese, the pair of Egyptian Geese again, drake Wigeon, Curlew, c5,000 Black-headed Gulls early morning, several Buzzards and Red Kites enjoying the breeze, 70 Starlings NW, 35 Siskin in WLC creek and 2 Crossbills over.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
11/03/2026Best this morning were the 2 Egyptian Geese again, fly-over Shelduck, first-winter Caspian Gull, 30 Barnacle Geese, 230 Woodpigeons N, 4 Curlew, 3 Redshank around Horseshoe island, Willow Tit singing on Stones.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
10/03/2026Highlight this morning was a Sand Martin from Sheepwash hide, first of the year as far as I'm aware. 29 Barnacle Geese at Watersports. Pair of Egyptian Geese again. Redhead Goosander flew up the res and maybe the same bird later past Stones. 830 Woodpigeons N (and 15 S). Green Woodpecker calling at Sheepwash. Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew and 2 Redshank on Horseshoe island. 10 Buzzards in the air.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
08/03/2026Afternoon visit: adult Caspian Gull from Lane End hide. 15 Herring Gulls and adult Great Black-back from Stones. Female Red-crested Pochard off Stones causeway (found earlier by Adam Saunders). 2 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon and 40 Redwing at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
07/03/202627 Barnacle geese flew in, landed in field other side of road to dam wall around 8.30 am.Matthew Birkin
07/03/2026Another eventful morning, with highlights of 11 drake Common Scoter, 8 Kittiwakes and 70 passage Wigeon out on the water off Stones island. 2 Shoveler still at Sheepwash.SJR, CA, AHS
06/03/2026After a couple of hours looking for Willow Tits (4 found), a walk onto Stones island proved worthwhile when a Bar-tailed Godwit flew S and a scan of the water revealed a beautiful summer plumage Black-necked Grebe. 36 Great Crested Grebes (highest count since last September) suggests a small arrival - perhaps the Black-necked came in with them. 3 Chiffchaffs in Tail Bay. 2 Shoveler and 2 Wigeon at Sheepwash (per Alan S).Simon Roddis
02/03/2026Highlights this morning were a Barn Owl at Hopton reedbed early morning, a Great Egret around Horseshoe/Watersports and 2 Egyptian Geese which flew down the res late morning and settled on Watersports island (still there at 11:40). Plus 28 Barnacle Geese, 8 Curlew, Snipe at Hopton reedbed, first-winter Yellow-legged Gull off Stones island, Willow Tit at WLC, 3+ Chiffchaffs.Simon Roddis
01/03/2026Following are the species noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Great Tit, Buzzard, Blackbird, Cormorant, Coot, Mallard, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Teal, Great-crested Grebe, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Oystercatcher, Robin, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch, Pied Wagtail, Woodpigeon, Chaffinch, Barnacle Goose, Magpie, Curlew, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Gadwall, WrenGary Atkins
01/03/20262 Chiffchaffs on Stones island this morning. Redshank and 2 Pochard at Paul Stanley hide. 12 Goldeneye. 29 Barnacle Geese at Watersports. At least 10 Buzzards in the air from Millfields late morning, and 2 Skylarks on the dam wall.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
28/02/2026Perimeter counts this morning: 3 Chiffchaffs, 14 Coal Tits, 202 Blue, 73 Great, 3 Willow, 13 Long-tailed, 3 Nuthatch, 6 Treecreeper, 2 Goldcrest, 81 Wren, 50 Song Thrush, 7 Mistle, 80 Blackbird, 20 Redwing, 201 Robin, 66 Dunnock, 27 Chaffinch, 8 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 1+ Crossbill, 21 Goldfinch, 10 Siskin. Maybe as many as 20 Oystercatchers, difficult to keep track of!Simon Roddis
27/02/2026At Carsi this morning, the Common Sandpiper was on Watersports island, Redshank and Kingfisher from Paul Stanley hide, 9 Goldeneye in Brown Ale Bay, singing Willow Tit and 4 Redpoll near Lane End and a finch flock between Sheepwash and Lane End comprising 16 Chaffinch, 16 Goldfinch and 3 Greenfinch.Simon Roddis
26/02/20263 Great Spotted Woodpecker , 12 Long tailed Tit, 1 Nuthatch, 20 Redwing, 7 Gadwall, 16 Teal , 3 Grey Heron, 3 Little grebe, 7 Oystercatcher, 4 Female Goldeneye, 4 Male Goldeneye, 2 Pied wagtail, 4 Barnacle goose, 1 Buzzard, 1Coal titDave Armitt
26/02/2026Single Shelduck around Horseshoe/Watersports this morning. Pair of Barnacle Geese. 28 Tufted. 6+ Goldeneye. 12 Curlew, including 10 at sailing club early on. 1 Woodcock and 1 Tawny Owl at Hopton end first thing. 285 Lesser Black-backs flew N over Hopton as they came out of the roost. Pair of Willow Tits (one singing) south of Lane End. 50 Redwing, mostly at Paul Stanley/Sheepwash. 20 Chaffinch, including a flock of 14 NE.Simon Roddis
23/02/2026870 Woodpigeons flew N 0730-0830 this morning, plus 5 Skylarks and a Great Egret. 34 Barnacle Geese at WLC and Willow Tit nearby. 14 Curlew in WLC fields. Redshank and 5 Snipe from Paul Stanley hide. 3 Redpoll over Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
21/02/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 224 Canada, 34 Barnacle, 28 Greylag, 44 Gadwall, 16 Wigeon, 226 Mallard, 187 Teal, 7 Pochard, 7 Tufted, 10 Goldeneye, 5 Moorhen, 75 Coot, 6 Little Grebe, 24 GCGrebe, 10 Oystercatcher, 15 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 7 Cormorant. 7 Skylarks over Stones.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
20/02/2026Around Carsi this morning, 34 Barnacle Geese, 5 Curlew off Stones causeway early on, Common Sandpiper from WLC, a first-winter Mediterranean Gull from Sheepwash hide late morning, Water Rail and Redshank at Paul Stanley hide (AHS), Willow Tit singing near WLC, 50 Redwing, 10 Crossbills SW over WLC creek mid-morning.SJR, CA, AHS
19/02/2026Clive pulled another rabbit out of the hat this morning in the shape of a Grey Partridge on Stones island, the first at Carsi since November 2011. However, a search between the WLC and Shiningford for Tuesday's Bittern was to no avail. The Common Sandpiper was still on Horseshoe island and a male Sparrowhawk posed beautifully there for a while. At least 22 GCGrebes suggests a small increase, as you'd expect as we approach spring.SJR, CA
17/02/2026Just 350 Woodpigeons and 120 Starlings N this morning. A Great Egret flew S down the res mid-morning and a Shelduck flew in at the same time. 34 Barnacle Geese. 8 Curlews at sailing club early morning, and 3 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. 15 Linnets again on Stones.SJR, CA, MW
16/02/2026Credit is due to Clive for most of this morning's birds: an adult Kittiwake from Stones island late morning, last seen heading towards Millfields; 1,750 Woodpigeons N; 32 Barnacle Geese; 7 Curlew, the Common Sandpiper and 15 Linnets around Horseshoe island; Peregrine over Shiningford and a Willow Tit at WLC.CA, MW, SJR
14/02/2026On this fine sunny morning, 4 Pintail (1m,3f) were at Sheepwash late morning, only 10 Pochard, 9 Goldeneye, 12+ Oystercatchers, Redshank from Paul Stanley hide still, Curlew down the east side, adult Great Black-back, pair of Peregrines on a pylon at Shiningford, drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker in Hall Wood, Willow Tit at WLC. Surprisingly little moving, although there was a report of 60 Pink-footed Geese over.Simon Roddis
12/02/2026A bit of movement this morning, virtually everything heading N or NE: 820 Woodpigeons, 2 Stock Doves, 120 Pink-footed Geese, 166 Starlings, 5 Skylarks, 1 Curlew, 6 Lesser Black-backs. At ground/water level, 29 Greylags, 2 Pintail, 51 Pochard, 13 Goldeneye, 69 Coot, 15 GCGrebe, Woodcock at Hopton end, the Common Sandpiper back at Millfields, adult Great Black-back, Willow Tit at WLC, and in the air 6 Buzzards and 6 Ravens (3 pairs).Simon Roddis
11/02/2026Just a few bits and bobs this morning: 3 Shoveler still at Sheepwash, female Pintail off Stones, single Snipe and Redshank from Paul Stanley hide and a Skylark over, 1 (maybe 2) Willow Tit at WLC, 2 Meadow Pipits over Stones causeway, 2 Reed Buntings at the Millfields feeders.Simon Roddis
10/02/2026A bit same old, same old this morning: Common Sandpiper still from WLC, Redshank from Paul Stanley hide, 3 Shoveler and 4 Pintail at Sheepwash, 103 Pochard plus the hybrid, adult Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Willow Tits near WLC. One day there'll be a change in the weather and, hopefully, the birds. One day...SJR, CA, AHS
09/02/2026The Common Sandpiper was still on Horseshoe island late morning and the Redshank at Sheepwash. 115 Lapwing. 104 Pochard plus the male Aythya hybrid. 3 Shoveler. Drake and at least 3 female Pintail. 10 Goldeneye. 103 Coot. 43 Woodpigeons N. Adult Great Black-back and 2 immature Herring Gulls. Pair of Willow Tits on the WLC feeders and another pair near Lane End. Treecreeper singing at WLC and Red Bunting almost singing at Paul Stanley.SJR, CA, AHS
08/02/2026Highlight of a couple of hours late afternoon was a Barn Owl hunting to the left of Sheepwash hide, flushing the nearby ducks, which included 3 Shoveler and a female Pintail. Redhead Goosander at Millfields. 20+ Barnacle Geese beyond the top of WLC creek. Willow Tit at WLC (the volunteers had 2 there this morning). 100 Redwing at the top of WLC creek.Simon Roddis
07/02/2026The Common Sandpiper was on Watersports island this morning. 10 Oystercatchers. 4 Shoveler (3m,1f) at Sheepwash/Millfields. 4 Pintail (drake at Sheepwash, 3f from Paul Stanley hide. 8 Goldeneye. 35 Barnacle Geese eventually settled in the overflow carpark. Adult Great Black-backed Gull. 20 Linnet on Stones island.SJR, CA, AHS
05/02/2025The drake Pintail and 3 Shoveler (2m,1f) were at Sheepwash this morning, and 5 Goldeneye (4m,1f) and the Redshank from Paul Stanley hide. Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe island in front of the WLC. c35 Barnacle Geese over WLC creek. 125 Rooks N past Sheepwash early morning.Simon Roddis
03/02/2026Best this morning was a flock of 8 Pintail briefly past Stones island. 36 Barnacle Geese. At least 136 Pochard (quite possibly more as Clive had nearly 100 at Sheepwash/Brown Ale Bay while I only counted 65 there). 3 Shoveler from PS hide. 8 Oystercatcher.18 Lapwing. 1 Redshank still. Willow Tit at WLC. 35 Linnet on Stones.SJR, CA, MW
01/01/2-26From Paul Stanley Hide (12.30-13.15): 5 Goldeneye (4m, 1f), 8 Lapwing, Redshank, 20+ Wigeon, a lot of Teal, 3 Long-tailed Tit, Coal TitGary Atkins
01/02/2026Birds seen, through the mist, at today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island - Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Blue Tit, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose, Teal, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Little Grebe, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Robin, Song Thrush, Magpie, Cormorant, Goldfinch, Redwing, Dunnock, Woodpigeon, Goldeneye, Bullfinch, Pheasant, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Great Tit, Wren, Gt Crested Grebe, Moorhen, Chaffinch, Pied WagtailGary Atkins
01/02/2026Very foggy this morning. Woodcock, Snipe and Tawny Owl at Hopton end first thing. 133 Pochard, most of them at Sheepwash, and the drake Pintail still. 5 Oystercatchers. Redshank from PS hide. 2 Herring Gulls at Sheepwash. 15 Linnet at Millfields.Simon Roddis
28/01/2026Ad hoc wildfowl count this morning, slightly hampered by a bit of mist around the edge first thing: 274 Canada, 29 Barnacle, 8 Greylags, 115 Gadwall, 102 Wigeon, 328 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 746 Teal, 114 Pochard, 22 Tufted, 14 Goldeneye, 115 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 5 Oystercatcher, 31 Lapwing, Common Sandpiper still at Millfields, 1 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 11 Cormorant. Male Peregrine past WLC. 200 Woodpigeons N and 160 Starlings W.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
25/01/2026This morning, a pair of Shelduck (presumably the same birds as yesterday) flew N then swam back past Paul Stanley hide; drake Pintail, Redshank and redhead Goosander also from Paul Stanley and 30 Siskin in the woodland; Oystercatchers at Millfields and WLC; 2 Willow Tits at WLC, and a male Aythya hybrid, very likely the presumed Pochard x Ferruginous Duck that has been here before.Simon Roddis
23/01/2026Just a few bits and pieces this morning: Common Sandpiper still at Millfields, 2 Oystercatchers on Horseshoe island, first-winter Yellow-legged Gull at sailing club, drake Pintail from Paul Stanley hide (AHS), 60 Pochard, 30 Linnets on Stones, 40 Siskin.SJR, CA, AHS
21/01/2026The Common Sandpiper was still at Millfields this morning, while an adult Caspian Gull off the sailing club was the first of the year here, I believe. Oystercatcher at Watersports and 2 Willow Tits between there and WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
19/01/2026Very murky this morning but there was a Black-tailed Godwit on Sheepwash spit, Redshank and drake Shoveler from Paul Stanley hide, Oystercatcher at Watersports, Willow Tits at WLC and Millfields, and Common Sandpiper still at Millfields.Simon Roddis
17/01/2026I've done the monthly wildfowl count this afternoon as the forecast for tomorrow isn't great: 272 Canada, 12 Greylags, 3 Egyptian Geese (on Sheepwash spit before flying NE at 15:12), 123 Gadwall, 112 Wigeon, 461 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 936 Teal, 36 Pochard, 24 Tufted, 9 Goldeneye, 4 Moorhen, 145 Coot, 6 Little Grebes, 21 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 13 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper (presumably the bird that was around in December), 21 Cormorant. In the gull roost off Stones island late afternoon, c2,000 each of Common and Black-headed Gulls, 400 Lesser Black-backs, 2 Herring.Simon Roddis
16/01/202660 Wigeon,4 Goldeneye, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Pochard, 40 Teal, 32 Gadwall, 1 Goldfinch,1 Kestrel, 6 Long Tailed Tit, 1 Treecreeper, 11 Cormorant, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 2 Buzzard, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Peregrine, 30 Linnet , 50 LapwingDave Armitt
16/01/2026Slightly better conditions than yesterday, with the fog lifting mid-morning. The drake Pintail was off Sheepwash. 95 Pochard. The Oystercatcher still, 34 Lapwing and 1 Snipe. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. Willow Tit at WLC. Winter thrushes included at least 330 Redwing and 190 Fieldfares (270 and 150 respectively through Hopton early morning).Simon Roddis
15/01/2026Difficult to see much in thick fog this morning but there were 2 Woodcock and 3 calling Tawny Owls at Millfields first thing, Willow Tit at WLC, Oystercatcher again at Watersports/Horseshoe island, Redshank in Brown Ale Bay, and Clive had a Pink-footed Goose among the Greylags.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
14/02/2026Clive found the first Oystercatcher of the year at Watersports this morning, a relatively early first date. 29 Lapwing. 51 Pochard. Adult Great Black-backed Gull. Male Peregrine on its favoured pylon then over Sheepwash and Hall Wood. Willow Tit at WLC. Skylark S over the main centre. 10 Linnet from the WLC. 4 Crossbills in the top of Hall Wood.SJR, CA, AHS, MW
12/01/2026c35 Barnacle Geese over WLC late morning and 2 Goosander N over Hopton end first thing. 5 Goldeneye. Drake Pintail reported at WLC but I missed it. 45 Woodpigeons N. 124 Coot. Skylark N over Stones late morning. Mistle Thrush singing at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
10/01/2026Drake Pintail and Redshank from Paul Stanley hide this morning. A Pink-footed Goose was among the Greylags at Watersports and 36 Barnacle Geese from WLC. 32 Lapwing. 47 Fieldfare flew N (obviously!). 12+ Meadow Pipits.Simon Roddis
06/01/2026Yesterday's 3 Curlew were still at sailing club this morning, and a total of 51 Lapwing there and in Brown Ale Bay. Shelduck off Stones (and later Sheepwash) and redhead Goosander at Millfields. 92 Pochard. 5 Shoveler. Full compliment of Barnacle Geese. 106 Coot. 8 Little Grebes. Willow Tit at WLC. 15 Meadow Pipits at Sheepwash and 12 at WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
05/01/2026A very decent afternoon visit: 2 adult White-fronted Geese were among c200 Greylags between Lane End and Sheepwash, plus one Pink-foot. A Little Egret flew past Paul Stanley hide. 2 adult Mute Swans. Drake Shoveler from WLC. 38 Pochard. 100 Coot in Brown Ale Bay at dusk. 30 Lapwing. Clive's 3 Curlew were still at sailing club. 800 Common Gulls off Stones by 15:30. Little Owl again in WLC fields, being mobbed by Blackbirds and Blue Tits. 11 Meadow Pipits toughing it out.Simon Roddis
04/01/2026Species recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-WLC-WLC Creek): House Sparrow, Pintail, Lapwing, Little Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Teal, Pied Wagtail, Goldeneye, Wigeon, Mallard, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Canada Goose, Coot, Robin, Mute Swan, Gt Crested Grebe, Blue Tit, Greylag Goose, Moorhen, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Dunnock, Wren, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Redwing, Blackbird, Treecreeper, Pheasant, Great Tit, Snipe, Meadow Pipit, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Long-tailed TitGary Atkins
02/01/2026Juvenile GNDiver still north of Millfields this morning. Woodcock at Hopton end first thing, and Redshank later. 3 Grey Heron in Brown Ale Bay. 100 Woodpigeons NE, 40 SW. 3 Fieldfare and 2 Redpoll over Millfields.Simon Roddis
31/12/2025Juvenile GNDiver still off the east side north of Millfields. A bit of late movement, with 1,400 Woodpigeons and 192 Fieldfare heading N (Fieldfare can be tricky to see here in December so quite surprising to see such a decent number). 250 Starlings W might just have been heading out from their roost. c35 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. Great Egret at Sheepwash. Peregrine having its breakfast on Horseshoe island. 2 Willow Tits at WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
30/12/2025Afternoon visit: the juvenile GNDiver was off Millfields, female Common Scoter from Stones (and later from Sheepwash) and a Great Egret, last seen flying into Green Pond, presumably to roost. Little Owl called in WLC fields mid afternoon. Pair of Peregrines perched on Sheepwash spit and then over Brown Ale Bay at dusk. Willow Tit at WLC. Single Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls. 70 Linnets on Stones. Over BABay late afternoon, 390 Redwing, 55 Fieldfare and 26 Chaffinch.Simon Roddis


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
2015-08-02Osprey fishing at sheepwash 12:45-13:05hrs then lost to view over Hall Wood. Peregrine over Fishtail Creek. Greenshank and Common Sandpiper on spit at Sheepwash.Clive Ashton
2015-08-01Greenshank,Red Crested Pochard(female)Mark Pass
2015-07-31WeBS count for July 06.30 to 12.00. Great Crested Grebe 28(adults),Little Grebe 4,Mute Swan 29,Canada Goose 117,Barnacle Goose 1,Grey Heron 2,Cormorant 24, Mallard 130,Teal 1,Gadwall 2,Tufted Duck 302,Pochard 2,Coot 618,Moorhen 4(two pair of adults each with three young - fully grown at WLC and week-old at Hopton End),Lapwing 6,Common Sandpiper 2,Little Ringed Plover 2.Peter Gibbon
2015-07-27Common Scoter off Stones Island.Red Crested Pochard near Watersports.2 Common Terns flew west.1 Dunlin. Peregrine over Hopton end. Clive Ashton/Mark Pass
2015-07-255 Redshank and 1 Dunlin on Sailing Club Island and later WLC. 1 Ruff briefly on Watersports Island, also there 1 Black tailed Godwit ( later at Millfields Mark Pass) 2 Raven over Hall Wood.Clive Ashton
2015-07-23Adult Yellow-legged Gull and sub-adult Common Gull with Black-headed Gulls on Sailing Club shore this morning. Red-crested Pochard and Little Ringed Plover on Watersports Island. Lesser Whitethroat on Stones Island. 4 Restarts along path to Wildlife Centre Creek and butterflies, gatekeeper, meadow Browns, ringlet, small tortoiseshell, small skipper and common blue.Roger Carrington
2015-07-23A female Tufted Duck with 28 day old ducklings at Paul Stanley Hide in th afternoon were later seen at Sheepwash and Stones Island and last seen crossing the wide water towards Fishtail Creek in the evening. This size brood must have been the result of several females laying eggs in the same nest.Roger Carrington
2015-07-21WLC: 1 Hobby through to west with prey, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Grey Wagtail (juv), 2 Greylag x Canada Geese (large young), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Peregrine. Also, Wren feeding new fledglings, and House Sparrow pair feeding two young (unusually mixing with Tree Sparrow flock).James Owen
2015-07-20Little EgretMAP,RC
2015-07-20Green Sandpiper,3+ LRP,2 Raven,Common Sand,2 PochardSJR,MAP
2015-07-15Redstart 10:00am Shiningford CreekEric Dewhurst
2015-07-05Osprey fishing in front of Sheepwash Hide 1525hrs, then drifted towards Hopton in sudden heavy rain and wind.Roger Carrington
2015-06-30Sedge Warbler (Reed bed adjacent to Wildlife Centre), Spotted Flycatcher (Wildlife Centre Creek). Great Crested Grebe with 2 young Shiningford CreekEric Dewhurst
2015-06-23An Osprey again at 0800hr before drifting northwest. Mute Swans with 4 cygnets around Sailing Club.Clive Ashton
2015-06-22Curlew west 7-20amMAP
2015-06-20Great Crested Grebe 39(plus five broods of 1,2,2 well grown and two with young on back of probably 2 each),Cormorant 12,Grey Heron 2,Mute Swan 9(pair with 2 young),Greylag Goose 11(plus 4 young),Canada Goose 446(plus creche of 14, two broods of 3 well grown one 5 very small),Mallard 66 (two broods of 6 old and 7 week old). Pochard 2(pair), Tufted Duck 197, Coot 199 (1 young), Oystercatcher 5, Little Ringed Plover 2,Lapwing 26 (2 young with one missing foot on Millfields Island),Redshank 7(2 young on Horseshoe Island), Yellow-legged Gull 1,Kingfisher 1. Kestrel 2.Peter Gibbon
2015-06-19No messagePeter Gibbon
2015-06-193 Common TernMark Pass
2015-06-18An Osprey at 0720hr, mobbed by BH Gulls, remained in the area this morning. Further sightings were made at 0800hr, perched on Lane end platform, and 0830hr over the east side. Clive Ashton/Roger Carrington
2015-06-16Horseshoe Island: 6 adult Redshank and at least 3 young, also 8 Lapwing and at least one small young. 2 Oystercatcher, 6 Great Crested Grebe (including one pair with two chicks). 1 Kestrel, 1 Buzzard, 3 Pochard, 1 Kingfisher.James Owen
2015-06-012 Little Tern(9-10 to 9-35am then flew wsw as rain eased),Hobby(thru)Mark Pass
2015-05-31Stones Island/WLC 1900-2045 Probable Honey Buzzard at 1940 flew south down the west side. 1 summer plumage Sanderling on Watersports, 1 2cy Common Gull, 100+ House MartinsSimon Roddis
2015-05-31WeBS count for May 05.50 to 10.30 Only adults counted unless mentioned. Great Crested Grebe 43(pair with 3 small young at Hopton End),Mute Swan 5,Canada Goose 179,Greylag Goose 4(with young), Barnacle Goose 5(two sets of twin young)Cormorant 7,Mallard 46,Tufted Duck 107,Oystercatcher 4,Lapwing 7(pair with two small young)Little Ringed Plover 2,Redshank 1,Coot 40,Black-headed Gull 103.Peter Gibbon
2015-05-23Black Tern(9-40am to 10-00am),Arctic Tern(2nd summer),Sanderling,Red Kite(south at 9am),Grey Wagtail,4 Stock Dove,2 LRPMAP,SJR,JB
2015-05-19early am--2 Turnstone,Sanderling,Greenshank,2 Dunlin--all on terra firmaMAP
2015-05-16ROSEATE TERN Adult(9-26 to 9-55am showed very well off Stones before calling and climbing high,flying into the westerly wind),3 Turnstone(thru),2 Arctic Tern(thru),3/4 Ringed Plover,2 Whimbrel(thru nwest),Dunlin,2 Common SandMAP,JB,CA
2015-05-15Early am- 9 Arctic Tern(flew east at 7-40am),4 Ringed Plover,DunlinMAP,RC
2015-05-15Early am- 1 Sanderling,1st summer Yellow L GullMAP,CA
2015-05-132 Ringed Plover and a Dunlin on sailing club shoreline and a Common Sandpiper on Watersports Island at 14.00.Paul Bennett
2015-05-132 Sandwich Terns, 5 Sanderling on Sail Club raft. 3 Ringed Plover, 3 LRP, 1 Dunlin on Sail Club shore. Female Wheatear on dam. 0745hrs.Roger Carrington
2015-05-121 Sanderling, 1 LRP, 2 Redshank and 4 Oystercatcher on Watersports Island at 15.00.Paul Bennett
2015-05-1150+ swifts, 2 broods of greylags (both with 5 goslings).John Matkin
2015-05-10Hobby over Stones Island, 2 Shelduck, 2 Dunlin, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Arctic Tern, 3 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton Reedbed.JB, MAP
2015-05-09Marsh Harrier flew east at 9:30am, 4 Dunlin, 1 Ringed Plver, 1 Whimbrel on the lawn next to the Visitor Centre and later on Horseshoe Island.JB, SJR, AS
2015-05-073 Whimbrel on Horseshoe Island this morning, also 1 Arctic Tern and GN Diver still present. Clive Ashton
2015-05-07Pair of linnet, 8 starling, 2 little grebe, and a mandarin drake at TailbayJohn Matkin
2015-05-063 adult Kittiwakes dropped in at 8:20pm, 2 Arctic Terns, 6 Dunlin, 1 Yellow Wagtail, G N Diver,60+ Lesser Black-Backed Gulls in roost plus a Sparrowhawk caught a Swallow off Stones Island. John Bradley, Mark Pass, Roger Carrington
2015-05-04Following species are the collective sightings of the 11 people on the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon): House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Jackdaw, Song Thrush, Blue Tit, Coot, Garden Warbler, Black-headed Gull, Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, Great-crested Grebe, Goldfinch, Sedge Warbler, Canada Goose, Mallard, Swallow, Robin, Willow Warbler, Blackbird, Woodpigeon, Dunnock, Wren, Sand Martin, Arctic Tern, Carrion Crow, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Cormorant, Great Northern Diver, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Chiffchaff, Collared Dove, Magpie, Whitethroat, Lapwing, Willow Tit, Grey Heron, Chaffinch and Greylag Goose.Gary Atkins
2015-05-02For anybody visiting Carsington please be aware that on the morning of Thursday 30th April 6 vehicles were broken in to at Sheepwash car park and a number of items were stolen. Some cars were broken in to despite there being nothing on show. Therefore it might be a good idea to not leave anything of value in your car. The police are looking in to the matter and are carrying out some surveillance work. If you do see anything suspicious then please let the rangers know who will pass it on to the police. Dave Newcombe
2015-05-02The adult Great Northern Diver in full summer plumage and close in to Sheepwash hide late morning/early afternoon. 3 Grey Herons, 4 Redshank, 3 LRP, Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sands, 7 Oystercatchers, Greenshank, Snipe. 6 Yellow Wags and 2+ White Wags on Stones Island in the evening. Pair of Redstarts in Wildlife centre creek. Female Wheatear on dam wall. Warblers counted during a circular walk include 25 Willow Warblers, 51 Chiffchaffs, 52 Blackcaps, 14 Garden Warblers, 7 Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, Reed Warbler and Sedge Warbler. Dave Newcombe
2015-04-30GN Diver, Dunlin 10, LRP 5, Ringed Plover 2, Turnstone 2, Whimbrel 1, Sanderling 1, Snipe 1(11 wader species in all), Shelduck 2, Arctic Tern 8 at 0920 hrs, Osprey 0630-0650 hrs drifted west, Swift 3, Sand Martin c200, Swallow c100, House Martin c20, Yellow Wagtail 10+, White Wagtail 4, Linnet 8. Clive Ashton/Simon Roddis
2015-04-2913.30 to 14.30. 2 Sanderling, 2 Ringed Plover and 4 Dunlin in front of Sailing Club. 2 Common Sandpiper, 9 Yellow Wagtail and 1 White Wagtail on Stones Island, plus Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff. 6 Common Tern in front of Watersports Island, plus another Common Sandpiper and 2 more Dunlin on it.Paul Bennett
2015-04-28GN Diver, Black tailed Godwit 5 (Millfields Island), Common Sandpiper 8, LRP 3, Ringed Plover 2, Teal 2, Swallow 100+, Sand Martin 30+, Garden Warbler 10+, Sedge Warbler 2.Clive Ashton
2015-04-27A good selection of waders on site this morning: 1 Whimbrel,2 Ringed Plover, Little ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin and 5+ Common Sandpiper mainly on the sailing Club shoreline also a Black tailed Godwit at the WLC. The GN Diver is now in splendid summer plumage. A pair of Shelducks on Watersports Island. Yellow Wagtail on Sailing club island, a pair of Redstart in the WLC creek nest prospecting and another singing further upstream. Warblers well represented including Sedge Warbler on Stones, a Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed [SJR],several Whitethroats and an obvious influx of Garden Warbler over the last few days. Simon reported a drake Mandarin on Millfields Island, and another 2 Common Sandpiper at that location so 7+ on site. Clive Ashton
2015-04-25Spotted Redshank on Horseshoe Island at 9:00 till 9:15am but flighty and no further sign by 10:00.John Bradley
2015-04-2406:30-11:00 4 Black Terns @ 07:25, 2 Arctic Terns 06:50-06:55, 1 Little Gull, 1 Whimbrel, GNDiver in flight, several Garden Warblers around Stones Is and 2 Sedge Warblers (Stones and WLC).Simon Roddis
2015-04-2340 species logged collectively by a group on the annual evening Wagtail Walk, namely: Mute Swan, Carrion Crow, Barnacle Goose, Lapwing, Jack Snipe, House Sparrow, Canada Goose, Little Ringed Plover, Tufted Duck, Yellow Wagtail, Coot, Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Reed Bunting, Willow Warbler, Oystercatcher, Dunnock, Pied Wagtail, Redshank, Shoveler, Gadwall, Great-crested Grebe, Great Northern Diver, Wren, Woodpigeon, Blackcap, Blue Tit, Robin, Magpie, Cormorant, Little Egret, Tree Sparrow, Grey Heron, Chaffinch, Teal, Swallow, Curlew and Collared DoveGary Atkins
2015-04-22WeBS count for April 06.00-11.00 Great Northern Diver 1,Great Crested Grebe 45,Little Grebe 1,Cormorant 9,Heron 3,Mute Swan 5,Canada Goose 100,Greylag Goose 6,Barnacle Goose 6,Mallard 34,Teal 2, Gadwall 2,Tufted Duck 108,Coot 65,Moorhen 1,Lapwing 12,Little Ringed Plover 2,Redshank 9,Oystercatcher 16,Common Sandpiper 1,Black-headed Gull 84.Peter Gibbon
2015-04-21Early morning. 12 Shoveler, 1 Common Sandpiper at Millfields. Greenshank, yellow wagtail, GNDiver in summer plumage and Tree Pipit over Stones Island. 2LRP and 1 Dunlin on Sailing Club shore. F Mallard +6ducklings at WLCentre.Roger Carrington
2015-04-212 Arctic Tern {flew NE at 7-45),2 Yellow Wagtail, LRP,Golden Plover(flew NE),GN DiverMAP,JB
2015-04-20Jack Snipe feeding along the shoreline of Watersports Island at 7:45pm, GNDiver,female Common Scoter,2 Teal(pair),2 Shoveler (pair) in Shiningford Creek.John Bradley
2015-04-185 Arctic Terns at 09:45 before flying northeast, GN Diver, Black tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper, 3 LR Plover, Curlew, 2 Swift, 4+ House Martin, 2 Yellow Wagtail, Garden Warbler singing briefly Stones Island.Clive Ashton/Mark Pass/Robin Crum
2015-04-11GNDiverMAP,CA,SJR,AS
2015-04-11Arctic Tern 6(one NW at 7-45,one NW at 8-00,three 8-30 in worst rain,one at 9-35 briefly),Yellow Wagtail,White Wagtail 2,Wheatear,Common Sand,Black Tailed Godwit,Peregrine,LRP 2,(ringed plover heard),Swallow 60,House Martin,Blackcap,Willow Warbler 4+,Goldeneye 3MAP,CA,SJR,AS,
2015-04-08Osprey (from 7-10am to 7-30am approx)Mark Pass,Roger Carrington
2015-04-08Osprey seen from Stones Island at c17:30 flying north over the reservoir.John Matkin
2015-04-07Osprey circling high over Millfields carpark at 10:30am before drifting off NW up the reservoirJohn Bradley
2015-04-06Osprey(flew rapidly NW at 8-40),Common Scoter,Med Gull 1st summer,GN Diver,Shoveler 2,Redpoll,Swallow,Sand Martin 5,M Pipit(100's going NW),Shelduck 2MAP,JB,CA,RC,AS
2015-04-05Between 3pm-7pm : Great Northern Diver from Stones ( looks scruffy and neck and head still to develop full summer plumage ); pair of mandarin duck, close to east shoreline north of Fishtail Creek ; 2 redshank and 1 curlew from WLC .John Babb
2015-04-051st winter Med Gull around Stones Island causeway and WLC 0900-1000; GN Diver, 8 Wigeon, 6 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 2 Mandarin, 1 Red Kite, 1 Swallow, 2 Raven, 2 LinnetSimon Roddis
2015-04-05The following species were logged during the monthly birdwatching-for-beginners walk: Black-headed Gull, Coot, Canada Goose, Cormorant, Gt Crested Grebe, Gt Northern Diver, Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, Redshank, Shoveler, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Reed Bunting, Common Gull, Coal Tit, Barnacle Goose, Teal, Blackbird, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Mallard, Dunnock, Jackdaw, House Sparrow, Collared Dove, Chaffinch, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Chiffchaff, Carrion Crow, Gt Tit, Buzzard, Blue Tit, Wren and Tree Sparrow. No hirundines!Gary Atkins
2015-04-04Jack Snipe(watersports island),Wheatear 1(watersports),Chiffchaff 15+(fall on stones),Meadow Pipit(small passage going northwest)Mark Pass
2015-04-04Dunlin 1(evening)Mark Pass
2015-04-04Mediterranean Gull 2 Adults(from 7-30am until 11am when drifted west),Kittiwake Adult(9am to 10-30am),GN Diver Adult,Swallow 12+,Sand Martin 2,Stock Dove 2,GL Goose 6,LR Plover 1John Bradley,Mark Pass
2015-04-042 Mediterranean Gulls on Horseshoe Island at 09.20 todayAndy Marshall
2015-03-30A Black-necked Grebe close in at Millfields at 14.55 hrs. Neil Moulden
2015-03-26G.N diver, barnacle geese x27, pochard, peregrine, kestrel, sparrowhawk, buzzard x3, oystercatcher x11, redshank x5, curlew x3, snipe x7+, meadow pipit x5, chiffchaff (many around), fieldfare, willow tit, tree sparrow x50+, raven x3Scott linacre
2015-03-24GN Diver, 2 Greylag, Jack Snipe still on Horseshoe Is, 5 Redshank, Rock pipit on Stones Is, 5 Meadow Pipit on dam wall [RC].Clive Ashton
2015-03-24GN Diver, 5 Greylag, 32 Teal, 6 Goldeneye, Drake Gadwall, Drake Pochard, Mandarin heard at P Stanley, 13 Snipe, Black tailed Godwit, 31 Curlew roosted, Jack Snipe on Horseshoe Island [SJR, AHS] 2 male Wheatear on dam wall.Clive Ashton/ Dave Newcombe
2015-03-22Egyptian Goose 3(on Millfields Island early hassled by Barnacle geese finally flying SE at 8-20),Kittiwake adult(early only),Grey Plover(per SJR),Black Tailed Godwit,GN Diver,Grey Lag 5Mark Pass
2015-03-21Great Northern Diver off Stones Island, Drake Common Scoter, 4 Shelduck, adult Kittiwake, Black-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe Island plus 7 SnipeJohn Bradley
2015-03-21A good day today with some decent birds on site. The adult Great Northern Diver was quite close from Stones Island early morning. 2 Grey Herons at Sheepwash. Teal numbers have reduced to 31. Still 10 Goldeneye and a drake Pochard on site. Raptors yesterday include 3 Buzzards, Kestrel and a Sparrowhawk. Waders were well represented with 8+ Oystercatchers, 25 Curlew into roost from Stones Island, 4+ Redshank, a Ringed Plover flying around Stones Island early morning, a Knot commuting between Stones Island and Horseshoe Island, a Black-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe Island for most of the day. A single Sand Martin from Stones Island am only. 2 adult Kittiwakes at Sheepwash from 14.15 until 15.30 at least. 15 Chiffchaffs all singing between Millfields and Sheepwash. Kingfisher at Sheepwash. 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers including 2 drumming. 50+ Pied Wagtails pre roost from Stones Island. 3 Meadow Pipits on Dam wall, also a Skylark over, and a Raven at Sheepwash. Dave Newcombe
2015-03-20Late afternoon visit 1 black tailed godwit and 2 snipe at wildlife centre.33 barnacle geese and 49 canada geese in fields behind wlc.25 curlew and 50+ pied wagtails on stones island roosting.chris brown
2015-03-18Belated news Simon and Ken found 2 Avocets sheltering on Watersports Island at 1030hrs, they were last seen, around half an hour, later flying towards Millfields, subsequently no sign. Also 48 Whooper Swans flew west at 1010hrs and a Knot on Stones Island.Clive Ashton
2015-03-14Kittiwake adult( 7-20am to 7-45 ), Whooper Swan 96 (all WNW 70 at 8-13,24 at 8-23,2 at 9-45), Bar Tailed Godwit, Little EgretMark Pass, Clive Ashton, John Bradley
2015-03-127 mute swan.3 little grebe.adult great northern diver off stones island pm.2 curlew.3 redshank.4 oystercatcher.c50 tree sparrow on wlc feeders.chris brown and dave newcombe
2015-03-10WeBS count 06.30-09.00h - Mute Swan 8,Canada Goose 137,Barnacle Goose 33,Wigeon 6,Gadwall 1,Teal 69,Mallard 64,Tufted Duck 77,Goldeneye 12,Great Northern Diver 1,Little Grebe 4,Great Crested Grebe 35,Cormorant 9,Grey Heron 2,Moorhen 2,Coot 192,Oystercatcher 15,Lapwing 26,Snipe 6,Curlew 6,Redshank 3.Also 30 Redwing.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2015-03-09Chiffchaff in hedge by Bombing Tower. John Matkin
2015-03-08The adult Great Northern Diver was close in at Millfields early morning before returning to mid-water. It is already starting to show signs of moulting into breeding plumage. 33 Barnacle Geese at the Wildlife Centre. Very little in the way of Wildfowl on site as birds move off to their breeding grounds. Of note was 4 Wigeon, 53 Teal, a single Pochard and 11 Goldeneye. 8 Oystercatchers spread around the various islands. 9 Snipe at Wildlife Centre. 4 Curlew at Sheepwash. Also 3 Redshank on site. 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls in the roost from Stones Island (3 adults roosted on 4th), 13 Bullfinch between WLC and Sheepwash including 8 on Lane End feeder. Goldcrest singing in Brown Ale Bay. 5 Reed Buntings at WLC feeders. And a single Raven over Sheepwash. Dave Newcombe
2015-03-07Adult Mediterranean Gull at Sheepwash and Great Northern Diver still.Roger Carrington
2015-03-0709:45 stones island:great northern diver.11:30 wc creek stonechat making use of the fence posts both sides of the creek.ian wright
2015-03-03Stones Island: Great Northern Diver, 2 Snipe, 5 Meadow Pipit, Linnet flock of 26 over SW, 4 Oystercatcher. WLC Creek: 6 Snipe, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Siskin, Tree Creeper singing, 2 Oystercatcher. Sheepwash: 1 Ringed Plover early morning (finder JO), 13 Curlew then flying 0950hrs, 2 Oystercatcher, Sparrowhawk. PSHide: Kingfisher, 2 Redwing, GSWoodpecker drumming, 4 Snipe, 1 Little Grebe.Roger Carrington
2015-02-22WeBS count for February 07.00-10.00 Great Northern Diver 1,Great Crested Grebe 54,Little Grebe 4,Mute Swan 9(4 were last year's young),Canada Goose 122,Barnacle Goose 22,Cormorant 9,Teal 84,Wigeon 27,Mallard 86,Tufted Duck 91,Pochard 3,Goldeneye 16,Goosander 3,Moorhen 1,Coot 243,Oystercatcher 8,Lapwing 173,Golden Plover 1,Redshank 1,Snipe 2,Kingfisher 1,Buzzard 2.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2015-02-21Single Oystercatcher flying around and calling near new Osprey platform at Fishtail Creek, 2.30pmTony Wood
2015-02-20Great Northern Diver still off Stones Island. 1 Curlew flying around Stones Island 0800hrs.Roger Carrington
2015-02-10Shelduck on Horseshoe island, Oystercatcher on dam wall, 2 Redshank, 9 Snipe. GS Woodpecker drummimg,2 Nuthatch,2 Treecreeper. Sparrowhawk flew through Sheepwash Wood. 1st Winter GBB Gull.Clive Ashton
2015-02-02This was the monthly birdwatching for beginners walk, which takes in Stones Island, the ranger base and Wildlife Centre (and records species seen, not precise numbers): Coot, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Gt Crested Grebe, Gt Northern Diver, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Pied Wagtail, Teal, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Lapwing, Goldeneye, Pochard, Wigeon, Tree Sparrow, Reed Bunting, Willow Tit, Snipe, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Great Tit, Dunnock, Mallard, Blue Tit, Robin, Collared Dove, Blackbird, Chaffinch, House Sparrow and Coal Tit.Gary Atkins
2015-01-28Shelduck at Paul Stanley Hide am.Brian Harris
2015-01-19WeBS count for January 08.00-11.00. Mute Swan 5,Canada Goose 106,Barnacle Goose 2,Wigeon 56,Gadwall 16,Teal 82,Mallard 99,Pochard 159,Tufted Duck 249,Goldeneye 10,Great Northern Diver 1,Little Grebe 3,Great Crested Grebe 57,Cormorant 14,Grey Heron 1,Moorhen 2,Coot 1,273,Golden Plover 1,Lapwing 298,Redshank 2,Kingfisher 1,Sparrowhawk 1.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2015-01-18Early morning: 7 Goosander and Kingfisher at Millfields, Little Egret and 16 Snipe from WLC, Great Northern Diver and 1 Shelduck from Stones Island. 15 Whooper Swans near Millfields at 1100hrs.Roger Carrington
2015-01-0857 species this morning including: Tawny Owl calling 0730hrs Sheepwash. 12 Goosander, 11 GBBGulls, 1 Kingfisher at Millfields 0800hrs. Adult Great Northern Diver near Fishtail Creek. 13 Goldeneye, 16 Gadwall, 2 Redshank, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 3 Woodcock in Hall Wood. 7 Bullfinch on Sheepwash car park feeder. 50 Tree Sparrow on Wildlife Centre feeders.Roger carrington
2015-01-05Red Kite over Sheepwash CP 12.00 to 12.15Dave Cousins
2014-12-29Saw 50 species on a circuit of the water, although a cold day the sun shone for most of it. Unfortunately despite careful scanning there was no sign of the Great Northern Diver.Alphabetical species list:Black Headed Gull, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Bullfinch, Buzzard, Canada Goose, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Collared Dove, Coot, Cormorant, Dunnock, Gadwall, Goldeneye, Goldfinch, Great Crested Grebe, Great Tit, Greater Black Backed Gull, Grey Heron, Grey Wagtail, House Sparrow, Jackdaw, Jay, Kingfisher, Laping, Little Grebe, Long Tailed Tit, Magpie, Mallard, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Nuthatch, Pheasant, Pied Wagtail, Pochard, Redwing, Reed Bunting, Robin, Rook, Snipe, Song Thrush, Sparrowhawk, Starling, Teal, Tree Sparrow, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Willow Tit, Wood Pigeon, WrenAndrew Emmerson
2014-12-282 Whooper Swans in flight flying East approx 14:00 observed from near visitor centre over middle of res, long distance record shot (400mm lens) if req.Carl Aldred
2014-12-281st winter Med Gull in roost off Stones, c275 Pink-footed Geese flew NW at 3:45pmJohn Bradley
2014-12-28Adult Great Northern Diver still. 250+ Pink-footed Geese NW at 10.15hrs. Greylag Goose, Redshank, 10+ Snipe, Yellow-legged Gull, 18 Meadow Pipits and a male Yellowhammer on Sailing Club Island, Grey Wagtail, 16 Siskin at Millfields (RC), 12 Fieldfare, 4 Greenfinch. Clive Ashton/Roger Carrington
2014-12-261 Adult Great Northern Diver.Observed from Dam Wall,near to buoys.Clive Slack
2014-12-21Great Northern Diver still, favouring far bank near Oldfield Lane. 8 (4males) Goosander, Kingfisher and Raven at Millfields at dawn. 20 Cormorant, YLGull and 1 GBBGull at Sheepwash. 8 common Snipe at Wildlife Centre.Roger Carrington
2014-12-14Great Northern Diver off Stones Island late afternoon, adult Caspian Gull and leucistic Black- headed Gull in roost.John Bradley
2014-12-13WeBS count 07.30 - 10.30 Mute Swan 11, Greylag Goose 4,Canada Goose 73,Wigeon 42,Gadwall 17,Teal 106,Mallard 140,Pochard 109,Tufted Duck 228,Goldeneye 8,Great Northern Diver 1,Cormorant 16,Grey Heron 1,Little Grebe 6,Great Crested Grebe 48,Moorhen 3,Coot 1,125, Lapwing 342,Redshank 2, Snipe 13,Kingfisher 1. Also Sparrowhawk 1 and Kestre 1.Peter Gibbon & John Bradley

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