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
2014-05-206-30pm- 2 bar tailed godwit flew NNEmark pass
2014-05-18whimbrel north at 7-45am, sanderling stones brieflymark pass
2014-05-18garganey male on stones then horsehoe. turnstone millfields islandmark pass
2014-05-17A count during on a circuit of the reservoir: 49 Woodpigeons, 48 Blackbirds, 46 Chiffchaffs, 43 Blue Tits, 41 Wrens, 34 Jackdaws, 32 Blackcaps, 31 Great Tits, 31 Chaffinches, 27 Willow Warblers, 26 Robins, 17 Tree Sparrows, 14 Dunnocks, 13 Song Thrushes, 13 Whitethroats, 13 House Sparrows, 12 Long-tailed Tits, 12 Magpies, 12 Bullfinches, 11 Carrion Crows, 9 Pheasants, 8 Garden warblers, 7 Starlings, 7 Reed Buntings (all males), 6 Collared Doves, 6 Goldfinches, 4 Pied Wagtails, 4 Swallows, 3 Coal Tits, 3 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Sand Martins, 2 House Martins, 2 Reed Warblers, 2 Nuthatches, 2 Jays, 2 Redstarts, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. 1 Garden Warbler with nesting material on Stones Island, Coot with 6 young at Tailbay, Long-tailed Tit with 4 by Upperfields Farm and another with 4 at Fishtail Creek. Group of 24 Mallard Ducklings at Penn Carr between c3 females. 8 butterfly species noted including 9 Brimstones, 2 Speckled Woods and 36 male Orange Tips.John Matkin
2014-05-16An Osprey appeared in front of Sheepwash at 12.22hrs. It then flew down Hopton End before flying towards the Dam and leaving NW at 12.39hrs. A Turnstone on Millfields Island this morning. A fine summer plumage Sanderling on Stones Island this evening. Grey Heron, drake Gadwall, pr of Mandarin, Canada Geese with 7 young, 2 Greylag Geese. 3 Buzzards, female Sparrowhawk. Pair of Oystercatchers still with 3 chicks on Millfields Island. The pair of Redshank there actually have 4 chicks. Pair of Lapwings still with 3 chicks on Big Island. 4 Little Ringed Plovers, Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, Curlew, 25 LBB Gulls, Sand Martin, Grey Wagtail, 13 Willow Warblers, 31 Blackcaps, 18 Chiffchaffs, 11 Whitethroats, 11 Garden Warblers, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Reed Warblers (locations as yesterday). Also a Spotted Flycatcher in Tail Bay this morning (RC).Dave Newcombe
2014-05-15Grey Heron, pair of Mandarin, drake Gadwall, 13 fresh Mallard chicks at Millfields. Possibly 2 broods as 2 females close by. 5 Buzzards, 15 Oystercatchers including a pair with 3 chicks on Millfields Island. 8 Redshank including a pair with 3 chicks, also on Millfields Island. Pair of Lapwings with 3 chicks on Big Island. 3 LRP, Common Sandpiper, Tawny Owl calling in Hall Wood. Male Redstart singing near Shiningford Farm. 1st summer Common Gull. Warblers counted between Penn Carr and Warrington Knob (via Sheepwash). 32 Blackcaps, 19 Willow Warblers, 28 Chiffchaffs, 15 Garden Warblers, 9 Whitethroats, 2 Sedge Warblers. 2 Reed Warblers-1 in Hopton Reed bed and another on the other side of the path to the reed bed in conservation area. 5 Swallows and a Raven. Dave Newcombe
2014-05-136 Shelduck, 2 Mandarin, 1 Goosander, 1 Gadwall, 2 LRP, 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel 4 Sand Martin landing on/going inside the sand bank at the WLC throughout the day.James Owen
2014-05-13test from website - modifications - please disregard.test user
2014-05-13Fishtail Creek: Mallard with 9 ducklings, Kingfisher, a Hobby hunting Swallows at 20:10 then again over Sitch Plantation at c20:40.John Matkin
2014-05-1216 Mute Swans inc a flock 14 mostly immatures, Grey Heron, Pink-footed Goose, drake Gadwall, drake Goosander, Red Kite drifted S over Sheepwash at 15.30hrs, male Peregrine, Kestrel, 6 Buzzards, 4 Oystercatchers, 4 Ringed Plovers, Dunlin, 1 Arctic Tern through, Kingfisher, pair of Robins feeding 2 young in Hall Wood, 15 Blackcaps, 4 Whitethroats, 10 Willow Warblers, 12 Chiffchaffs, 10 Garden Warblers, Sedge Warbler, male Redstart singing between Middle Wood and Warrington Knob, 2 Goldcrests, 4 Treecreepers. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2014-05-12Fishtail Creek: Short-eared owl over at 20:20, Kingfisher, 1 possibly 2 singing Redstarts, Mistle Thrush with 2 juvs, Moorhen.John Matkin
2014-05-11vis mig from cafe 6-30am to 11am-6 turnstone flew north west as did 36 dunlin,2+ arctic tern,common tern,yellow wagtailmark pass
2014-05-11vis mig 6am to 10-30am stones- 3 arctic tern thru south west,3 shelduck,3 peregrine,5+ dunlin,3 ringed plover,yellow wagtail,5+ herring gull,3 curlewmark pass
2014-05-10Grey Heron, drake Gadwall, 6 Ringed Plovers (5 on Sailing Club shore and 1 at Sheepwash), 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, 7 Oystercatchers, 4 Redshank, Curlew, 2 Whimbrel flew in from the SE at 19.15hrs and landed on Watersports Island, Kingfisher, 7 Garden Warblers, 15 Blackcaps, 11 Chiffchaffs, 7 Willow Warblers, Sedge Warbler, 6 Whitethroats, c80 Swifts, 14 Sand Martins, c10 Swallows, 10+ House Martins, 16 Bullfinch. Dave Newcombe
2014-05-07Pink-footed Goose with Canada Geese at WLC. Pair of Canada Geese with 7 young at Sheepwash. Canada/Greylag hybrid, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Cormorants, Grey Heron, drake Gadwall, 8 Oystercatchers, 2 LRP, Ringed Plover, 3 Redshank. 3 Dunlin at Sheepwash, then this evening at just after 18.00hrs on Stones Island a flock of 18 what appeared to be all Dunlin were flying around in Sailing Club Bay. 11 then disappeared over the visitor centre but 7 dropped in on Watersports Island. 35 Swifts, 12 Swallows, 10 Sand Martins, 5 House Martins, male Redstart in WLC Creek, 2 Sedge Warblers, 4 Whitethroats, 15 Chiffchaffs, 14 Blackcaps, 12 Garden Warblers, 7 Willow Warblers, 5 Reed Buntings. Dave Newcombe
2014-05-072 Teal, drake Gadwall. 6 Dunlin and 2 Sanderling on Horseshoe Island, 2 Common Sandpipers, 5+ Oystercatchers, 4 Redshank, Ringed Plover, 3 Common Terns, male Peregrine, Kingfisher. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2014-05-065 ringed plover, 2 sanderling, 1 dunlin, 1 common sandpiper on sailing club shore 0800hrs.Roger Carrington
2014-05-05Shelduck, 5 Teal, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 2 LRP, 2 Common Sandpipers, 5+ Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit at Sheepwash and that or another bird at WLC/Stones Island later on. 2 singing male Redstarts....one in WLC Creek and one between Sheepwash and the brick tower. 9+ Swifts, 3 Treecreepers, Raven. Warblers counted between Millfields and Middle Wood (via Sheepwash) 30 Blackcaps, 29 Chiffchaffs, 15 Willow Warblers, 11 Garden Warblers, 4 Whitethroats, Sedge Warbler. Dave Newcombe
2014-05-05Green Woodpecker at Fishtail Creek, also Red Kite over drifting south at 11:50amJohn Matkin
2014-04-30Adult Great Northern Diver still present. It had a fly around between 12.05-12.19 before dropping back on the water. 4 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 8 Pheasants, 2 Greylag Geese, 6 Teal, drake Gadwall. 10 species of wader on site today. Lapwing, Oystercatcher(9), Curlew(1), Redshank(3), Common Sandpiper(1), Little Ringed Plover(2), Dunlin(3), Bar-tailed Godwit(1), Whimbrel(2), Sanderling(2). 5 Yellow Wagtails on Dam Wall including one showing characteristics of N Fenno-Scandia race thunbergi. Grey Wagtail, 2 female Wheatear, 3 Buzzards, 6 Swallows, juvenile Robin, Kingfisher, 12 Willow Warblers, 25 Chiffchaffs, 24 Blackcaps, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, Sedge Warbler, 4 Whitethroats, 8 Garden Warblers, Raven. Dave Newcombe
2014-04-29Great Northern Diver still present late afternoon. WLC: 1 Curlew (bathed then flew W), 2 Redshank, 2 Teal (pair), 1 Grey Heron, 1 Mallard brood with 9 chicks (though kept separating throughout the day). Also, 2 Mandarin Duck and 2 Teal (both pairs) and 2 Little Ringed Plover at Sheepwash, a Redstart pair in WLC creek, 2 Common Whitethroat near Shiningford Creek, Lesser Whitethroat near Bombing Tower, 1 Sedge Warbler singing on Stones Island. James Owen
2014-04-28Adult Great Northern Diver looking very smart now in summer plumage. It was quite mobile today and was right in front of Sheepwash Hide for a while. Grey Heron, 4 Greylag Geese, 3 Shelduck, 2 Teal, drake Goosander, 5 Buzzards, 6+ Oystercatchers, 2 LRP, 5+ Redshank, Dunlin, female Wheatear, Sedge Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Common Whitethroats, 5 Garden Warblers, 18 Blackcaps, 17 Chiffchaffs, 14 Willow Warblers. Dave Newcombe
2014-04-276am-12noon stones. 3 bar tailed godwit(wlc) whimbrel flew north east 44++ arctic tern adult little gull gn diver (sum plum) swift 5+ yellow wagtailmark pass
2014-04-16Red kite being mobbed by 2 buzzards above gardens of house in Bolehill, Wirksworth. Flew off in direction of Carsington. Carole Leach
2014-04-26LITTLE TERN flew through south east past Stones Island mid morning.c10 Arctic Terns through east/south east during the morning,9 Barnacle Geese high north east over Stones, Tree Pipit heard over Stones, Female Redstart in Wildlife Centre CreekPeregrine over east bank,Great northern Diver near Fishtail Creek,1 Swift.John Bradley
2014-04-23pair of redstart at wildlife centre creekian wright
2014-04-23Great northern Diver,in summer plumage,heard calling early morning and seen flying around later. Kingfisher flew towards P Stanley hide. 4 Yellow Wagtails on Watersports island. Redstart singing in wildlife centre creek, also a pair in Warrington knob and another male nearby. Wheatear on Stones island. Drake Goosander by sailing club, also Little ringed Plover there. Common Sandpiper at Sheepwash, also 4 Teal there. A Common Tern briefly at the Wildlife centre, mobbed by BHG. Pink footed Goose at Wildlife centre. 2 Sedge Warblers,2 Garden Warblers,Lesser Whitethroat,Common Whitethroat. Also a Reed Warbler singing at Hopton reed bed. Clive Ashton/Roger Carrington
2014-04-22WLC: c.10 more Arctic Tern through from 1030-1500 (with one spending 30 minutes on a buoy mid-afternoon). !stS Little Gull showed well from WLC all afternoon. The 5 Black-tailed Godwit flew N at 1300. Later on Horseshoe Island, 3 Dunlin, 4 Snipe, 4 Curlew, 6 Yellow Wagtail and 1 White Wagtail. Also, 1 Wheatear at Sailing Club end of the dam.James Owen
2014-04-2245 Arctic Tern & 2 Little Gull through between 0620-1030hrs. First summer Little Gull still around Stones Island plus Great Northern Diver, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, drake Goosander, drake Mandarin, Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper. 5 Black-tailed Godwit at Wildlife Centre this morning.Roger Carrington
2014-04-21Great Northern Diver in full summer plumage, pair Common Scoter, first summer Little Gull, 3 Mandarin, 2 Yellow Wagtail, Sedge Warbler, Garden Warbler all on/from Stones Island. Redstart, Stock Dove Wildlife Centre Creek.Roger Carrington
2014-04-20arctic terns began appearing at 9 am and by 10-30 there were 42 present!a bar tailed godwit on millfields island early ammark pass
2014-04-193 common scoter yday. today a whimbrel on millfields island early am then flew eastmark pass
2014-04-14Adult Great Northern Diver off Stones Island. 2 Grey Herons at Sheepwash. Female Mallard with 9 ducklings at WLC. And a female with 11 at Sheepwash. Drake Goosander near Sailing Club. 3 Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks, Kestrel. Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpipers, 5+ Redshank, 3 Snipe. White Wagtail on Stones Is. Lesser Whitethroat singing on Shiningford Creek. Earliest site record, previous earliest was April 17th 2011. 26 Chiffchaffs, 15 Blackcaps and 13 Willow Warblers between Millfields and Sheepwash. 9 Swallows, Kingfisher, 2 Linnets and a Raven. Dave Newcombe
2014-04-12Counts done during a circular walk. 65 Chiffchaffs, 34 Blackcaps, 22 Willow Warblers, 4 Treecreepers, 3 Nuthatch, 18 Blackbirds, 58 Wrens. Surprisingly only 8 Robins and 6 Dunnocks. Goldcrest in Hall Wood. Male Redstart singing near bend of WLC Creek and Shiningford Creek. 9 Linnets on Stones Island. Lesser Redpoll at Fishtail Creek. Siskin at Millfields. 45 Swallows and 7 Sand Martins around Stones Island. Also of note 6 Teal, Scaup/ Tufted Duck hybrid at Millfields. 7 Redshank, 2 Ravens. Dave Newcombe
2014-04-11Adult Great Northern Diver from Stones Island. Grey Heron, Greylag Goose, Greylag/Canada Goose hybrid, 28 Barnacle Geese, pr of Mandarin, 8 Teal, drake Goosander, Scaup/ Tufted Duck hybrid. 9 Buzzards, 3 Sparrowhawks and a Kestrel from Sheepwash Hide. 7+ Oystercatchers, 6 Redshank, 4 Curlew, 2 Snipe, 30+ Pied Wagtails at dusk, 15 Chiffchaffs, 6 Blackcaps, 8 Willow Warblers, female Wheatear, White Wagtail, 11 Swallows, 4 Sand Martins, 2 House Martins, Linnet, 2 Ravens, and 340 Jackdaws towards Tail Bay at dusk. Dave Newcombe/ Clive Ashton
2014-04-10Male Wheatear and Common Sandpiper at Millfields end of dam. Shelduck, drake Goosander, pair Mandarin, pair Gadwall, 2 Greylag Geese, Linnet, 2 Meadow Pipit, Raven, 2 Common Buzzard this morning.Roger Carrington
2014-04-09This evening at just after 19.30hrs myself and Jon Bradley whilst standing on Stones Island had a Cattle Egret drop onto the back of Watersports Island. We started to walk off towards waterports to try and get a view of the back of the island. Unfortunately as we got to the causeway onto Stones Island the Egret then flew towards Stones Is. Despite searching in the fading light we couldn't relocate it. This is the first record of Cattle Egret at Carsington. Also of note today was the adult Great Northern Diver, drake Goosander, 12 Oystercatchers, 5 Redshank, 5 Snipe, 6 Buzzards, male Wheatear, White Wagtail, 10 Sand Martins, 5 Swallows, 13 Blackcaps, 28 Chiffchaffs, 11 Willow Warblers, 3 Linnets and a Raven. Dave Newcombe
2014-04-09Osprey on Lane End perch at 0800hrs and in flight over Shiningford later this morning.Great Northern Diver still.Roger Carrington
2014-04-08At least one Osprey still present this evening. Adult Great Northern Diver. 28 Barnacle Geese, drake Goosander, 2 female Goldeneye, Jack Snipe still showing well at c18.00hrs, 12 Oystercatchers, 6 Redshank, Little Ringed Plover, 30 Swallows around Stones Island, 3 Sand Martins, 4 Willow Warblers.Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown/Clive Ashton
2014-04-082 Osprey at 16:45 near Lane End, one caught a fish. Also, Jack Snipe still on Horseshoe Island, plus 2 Common Snipe, 2 Golden Plover over the WLC midday.James Owen
2014-04-08Osprey on Lane End perch early morning, seen flying around then 2 Osprey flying together at 1115hrs. Great Northern Diver still. Common Sandpiper on Sheepwash Spit.Roger Carrington
2014-04-04Adult Great Northern Diver, 4 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 23 Barnacle Geese, 2 Greylag Geese, pr Shoveler, 11 Oystercatchers, 7 Redshank, Jack Snipe showing very well from the Wildlife Centre, 8 Snipe, Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Curlew, 3 Buzzards, 15 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers.Dave Newcombe
2014-04-04Great Northern Diver still off Stones Island. Bar-tailed Godwit commuting between Wildlife Centre and Stones Island. Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Blackcap singing on Stones Island. Roger Carrington
2014-04-043 Greylag Geese, 5 Teal, 2 Wigeon, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Bar-tailed Godwit on Stones Island, 9 Oystercatchers, 16 Snipe at WLC, 7 Redshank, 2 Grey Wagtails, 14 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers, several Blackcaps. 75 Sand Martins going through with many feeding at Sheepwash, also at least 9 Swallows on site. 3+ Herring Gulls pre-roost.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2014-04-02late pm-sandwich tern north past stones at 6-41pm.2 white wags stones,gn diver,3 swallow,6 sand martin.the hybrid scaup/tufted(80% scaup)present again off stones-first saw this bird weeks ago and came via ogston resmark pass
2014-04-01Some good birds on site today. The adult Great Northern Diver is starting to moult into summer plumage. 21 feral Barnacle Geese. 2 Greylag Geese at Sheepwash. 8 Teal. 2 Shoveler. 3 Pintail all day near Fishtail Creek. 9+ Goldeneye. 4 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel 8+ Redshank, 10 Oystercatchers, Little Ringed Plover on Stones Island. Jack Snipe showing very well on Horseshoe Island. Also at least 18 Common Snipe. Bar-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe Island then on Stones Island. 38 Chiffchaffs and 8 Blackcaps between Millfields and Hopton End. Female Wheatear on Dam Wall. A Raven from Sheepwash. 4 Willow Warblers at Millfields this morning, and a Dunlin at WLC (RC)Dave Newcombe
2014-04-01WLC: 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit Also, 3 Pintail (2 drake), 2 Shoveler (pair), 1 GN Diver from Millfields. 2 Blackcap singing at Sheepwash, plus 11 Goldeneye.James Owen
2014-03-31Willow Warbler singing, Millfields 0700hrs.Sightings by other Observers: Little-ringed Plover flew through early morning [SJR, AHS, JB].Jack Snipe showing well from Wildlife Centre from Mid-afternoon [STW Volunteers, AP, PAS, RC].Bar-tailed Godwit on Sailing Club shore from 1815hrs [CA, RC].Roger Carrington
2014-03-299 Whooper Swans landed at Sheepwash at 1425hrs. Great Northern Diver still off Stones Island. Clive Ashton had 3 Rock Pipit earlier this morning but no sign this afternoon.Roger Carrington
2014-03-26Adult Great Northern Diver. 12 Whooper Swans present all day. 25 Barnacle Geese. Pink-footed Goose at WLC. 2 Greylag Geese. Gadwall. 5 Teal. 10 Goldeneye. Scaup/Tufted Duck hybrid from P.Stanley hide. 4 Buzzards. 10 Oystercatchers. 7 Redshank. 9 Snipe at WLC. 2 Curlew. 8 Sand Martins. Herring Gull. 23 Chiffchaffs between Millfields and Hopton End. 2 Grey Wagtails. 2 Ravens. Dave Newcombe
2014-03-24Adult Great Northern Diver still but distant. Pink-footed Goose on Stones Island. 23 Barnacle Geese on Horseshoe Island. 7 Teal. 2 Gadwall. 10 Goldeneye. Scaup/Tufted Duck hybrid at Millfields. 3 Buzzards. 10 Oystercatchers. 7 Redshank. Curlew. Herring Gull. 14 Sand Martins off Stones Island am only. 19 Chiffchaffs between Penn Carr and Sheepwash. 2 Meadow Pipits. 4 Willow Tits. 8 Bullfinch. Lesser Redpoll. 2 Ravens. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2014-03-21Adult Great Northern Diver still mid water. 53 Great-crested Grebes (site count), Little Grebe, Wigeon, 10 Goldeneye, Scaup/Tufted Duck hybrid at Millfields then later off Stones Island, Canada/Greylag Goose hybrid in Hopton End, 8 Oystercatchers, 6 Redshank, 8 Curlew, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel, c100 Starlings on Stones Island near dusk. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2014-03-19Adult Great Northern Diver still present mid-water. Adult Mediterranean Gull from Sheepwash mid-morning and then again mid-afternoon. 2 adult Kittiwakes at Sheepwash afternoon only. Also on site today: 7 Goldeneye. Scaup/Tufted Duck hybrid at Millfields. Female Tufted Duck with bill saddle AAS. 9 Oystercatchers. 12 Snipe at WLC. 10 Curlew at Sheepwash. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 1st winter Herring Gull. 9 Chiffchaffs. 2 Ravens. 4 Reed Buntings. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2014-03-17WeBS count for March(0630-0945hrs) Mute Swan 4,Canada Goose 89,Barnacle Goose 27,Mallard 72,Tufted Duck 125,Goldeneye 8,Great Northern Diver 1,Cormorant 7,Little Grebe 1,Great Crested Grebe 46,Moorhen 1,Coot 130,Oystercatcher 10,Lapwing 4,Snipe 32,Curlew 1,Redshank 3.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2014-03-13Adult Great Northern Diver still present mid water. 27 feral Barnacle Geese. 6 Mute Swans. 2 Grey Herons. Little Grebe. 2 Pintail. 4 Shoveler. 4 Wigeon. 19 Teal. 12 Goldeneye. 5 Buzzards. Sparrowhawk. 8 Curlew. 6 Oystercatchers. 30 Snipe including 28 at WLC. 4 Redshank. 3 Meadow Pipits. 4 Chiffchaffs in song....1 at Millfields, 1 on WLC Creek, 1 near Lane End and 1 at Sheepwash. 9 Dunnocks in song. 16 Blackbirds. 21 Redwings. 2 Ravens. 3 Reed Buntings...a male singing near brick tower and a pair at Sheepwash. Dave Newcombe
2014-03-11Adult Great Northern Diver still present but often elusive. 3 drake Shoveler from Sheepwash. 12 Goldeneye-site count. 8 Oystercatchers. Dunlin. 13 Curlew in field to right of Sheepwash. 5 Redshank. 35 Snipe-33 at WLC and 2 at Sheepwash. 3 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk. 2 Chiffchaffs-1 singing on Stones Island and 1 calling on WLC Creek. 8 Redwing, Meadow Pipit. Goldcrest singing near gate to P.S Hide. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2014-03-093 Pintail (1 drake) + 3 Shoveler from Sheepwash. 28 Snipe at WLC + 5 at P S Hide. 4 Redshank mobile. Chiffchaff singing Stones Is. 1 Greylag Goose + a Meadow Pipit at Millfields. At least 5 Curlew to right of Sheepwash.Roger Carrington
2014-03-07Adult Great Northern Diver still, mid-water. 27 feral Barnacle Geese at Widlife Centre. 1 Pink-footed Goose (probably escapee/feral). 4 Greenfinch on RSPB feeder at Visitor Centre entrance. 6 Teal, 2 Wigeon, 9 Cormorant. 38 Curlew feeding in field to right of Sheepwash Hide [SJR] later went to roost on NE side of Watersports Island. 15 Goldeneye [SJR]. 20 Redwing at Sheepwash + 10 on Stones Island. A Dunlin came into Sheepwash at 1630hrs. At least 4 pairs of Oystercatchers, 1 Redshank. Gull roost at 1700hrs: 1100 Common Gull, 250 Lesser Black-backed, 3000 Black Hdd.Roger Carrington
2014-03-05No messageDavid Bennett
2014-03-0318 Curlew in field near Sheepwash car parkPeter Hendry
2014-03-01A very early record of a singing Chiffchaff on Stones Island, seen and heard by several observers. Great northern Diver,1 Whooper Swan,1 Shelduck,9 Curlew through,3 Skylark moving north and an adult Mediterranean Gull in the roost.Also Tree Sparrow taking nesting material to box on Stones Island.Clive Ashton
2014-03-01A magnificent sight of 67 Whooper Swans this afternoon. Clive Ashton
2014-02-27Three Curlew from Sheepwash Hide on the headland.Brian Harris
2014-02-25Oystercatcher 4, Grey Heron 1, Bullfinch 12, Redwing 30+, Willow Tit 2, Wren 2, Goldfinch 10,Nuthatch 1, Coal Tit 2, Greater Spotted Woodpecker 1. Widgeon 4, Pochard 2Eric Dewhurst
2014-02-22adult winter kittiwake 9-45am then flew south westmark pass
2014-02-15WeBS count for Feb.Mute Swan 6,Canada Goose 13,Wigeon 16,Gadwall 2,Teal 41,Mallard 59,Pochard 217,Tufted Duck 190,Scaup 1,Goldeneye 14, Little Grebe 2,Great Crested Grebe 37,Cormorant 17,Moorhen 4,Coot 391,Oystercatcher 1,Lapwing 402,Snipe 44,Redshank 2,Kingfisher 1,Black-headed Gull 13,Common Gull 4,Lesser Black-backed Gull 4,Yellow-legged Gull 1. 13.00 to 16.00 hrs.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2014-02-131 Mediterranean Gull (Adult) 2 Yellow-legged Gull (1 Adult 1 3rd Winter) 1 Oystercatcher.Neil Moulden
2014-02-13Adult Great Northern Diver in Millfields Bay early morning. First winter drake Scaup still off Stones Island. 77 Snipe along Wildlife Centre Creek showing well in the sunshine. Counts of: 39 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe, 193 Pochard, 100 Mallard, 3 Gadwall and 57 Teal.Roger Carrington
2014-02-103 Adult Mediterranean gulls in the roost tonight.Clive Ashton
2014-02-071 shelduck (female?)Andy Gregory
2014-02-061 Great northern diver 1 Scaup, drake, 49 Snipe at Wildlife centre Oystercatcher Redshank 2 Mediterranean gulls in the roost along with 1000+ Common gullsClive Ashton
2014-02-03Seen on monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon): Redshank, Wigeon, Pied Wagtail, Starling, Kestrel, Greenfinch, Collared Dove, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Teal, Canada Goose, Rook, Gt Crested Grebe, Mute Swan, Lapwing, Pochard, Mallard, Coot, Tufted Duck, Black-headed Gull, Blackbird, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Jackdaw, Goldfinch, Great Tit, Bullfinch, Blue Tit, Magpie, Coal Tit and Chaffinch.Gary Atkins
2014-02-02Eurasian Oystercatcher seen today on headland from Sheepwash Hide at 12.00pm I have pictures if required.Brian Harris
2014-01-232 Whooper swans present this morning.Clive Ashton
2014-01-22WeBS count for January: 2 Great Northern Diver,40 Great Crested Grebe,3 Little Grebe,9 Mute Swan,11 Whooper Swan,17 Comorant,44 Teal,19 Wigeon,82 Mallard,11 Gadwall,492 Tufted Duck,5 Scaup,515 Pochard(second highest WeBS count),18 Goldeneye,4 Moorhen,990 Coot,945 Lapwing,36 Snipe,3 Redshank,1 Kingfisher.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2014-01-1911 Whooper Swan from 0800hrs then flew NW 0945hrs. 2 Great Northern Diver off Stones island. 5 Scaup off dam (3 imm male, 2 imm/ad female). 2 Redshank on Stones Island. 13 Snipe on Horseshoe Island.Roger Carrington
2014-01-174 immature Scaup still at Millfields. 2 GN Divers c 850 Lapwing 1 Redshank 2 Raven 1 Kingfisher 3 Yellow legged Gulls 3+ Herring Gulls 2 Great black backed Gulls Clive Ashton
2014-01-142 Great Northern Diver (1 in flight AM, landed by dam). Also, 15 Snipe in WLC creek reed bed, 2 Redshank, 5 Reed Bunting, 28 Barnacle Goose, Kingfisher, c.200 Lapwing on Horseshoe Island (many more on site).James Owen
2014-01-092 Great Northern Diver. 2 Woodcock in Hall Wood. 3 Gadwall at Hopton End. Raven over Blackwall Plantation. Common Buzzard behind Sheepwash Hide. Kingfisher past Sheepwash Hide. Gull roost: 3 Yellow-legged Gull, 400 LBBG, 800 Common G, at least 3000 BHG.Roger Carrington
2014-01-022 Great Northern Divers together at dusk. 13 Cormorant, 2 Yellow-legged Gull and a Redshank from Sheepwash. 2 Greylag from Wildlife Centre. 60 Redwing at Penn Carr. 2 female Goosander on Millfields Island.Roger Carrington
2013-12-29Now 2 Great northern Divers. Also 2 Yellow legged gulls and Redshank.Clive Ashton
2013-12-23Adult Mediterranean Gull still from Sheepwash early morning only. Adult Great Northern Diver still off Stones Island. 2 Redshank, drake Shoveler, still over 300 Pochard and 500 Lapwing on site, and 15 Cormorant and 2 Yellow-legged Gull on Sheepwash Spit.Roger Carrington
2013-12-23The adult Mediterranean gull in the roost again, along with 3 Yellow legged gulls.Clive Ashton
2013-12-19Gull roost this evening held an adult Mediterranean gull, 2 Yellow legged gulls and a leucistic Black headed gull with snow white upper parts.Clive Ashton
2013-12-17Great Northern Diver from Stones Island. 1 Redshank at Wildlife Centre. c10 Siskin at Millfields and c25 Goldfinch. 1 Kingfisher at Millfields.Neil Moulden
2013-12-16WeBS count - Mute Swan 10,Canada Goose 110,Barnacle Goose 21,Wigeon 45,Gadwall 3,Teal 153,Mallard 160,Pochard 316,Tufted Duck 495,Goldeneye 14,Great Northern Diver 1,Little Grebe 1,Great Crested Grebe 23,Cormorant 15,Grey Heron 1,Moorhen 7,Coot 985,Lapwing 623,Green Sandpiper 1,Kingfisher 1. Also Yellow-legged Gull on Sheepwash Spit and 2 Chiff Chaff outside Lane End Hide.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2013-12-16Adult Great Northern Diver from Stones Island. 21 feral Barnacle Geese near Wildlife Centre. At least 500 Lapwing on site. Usual Yellow-legged Gull on Sheepwash Spit. Gull roost from Sheepwash: 1500 Black-headed Gulls, 350 Common Gulls, 600 Lesser Black-backed and 2 Herring Gulls.Roger Carrington
2013-12-04GN Diver, Common Scoter, YL Gull, Kingfisher, Sparrowhawk also Wood Pigeons on the move 1050 heading east and north east between 09:30 and 10:15Clive Ashton
2013-12-04At least 25 common snipe flushed from Horseshoe Island during ranger work. Also, male peregrine, 1 redshank, 1 Great Northern Diver. 8 Greylag Goose James Owen
2013-12-01Birdwatching for beginners walk (this is purely a species list - no counts): Gt Northern Diver, Snipe, Gadwall, Pochard, Wigeon, Goldeneye, Coot, Gt Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Redshank, Lapwing, Cormorant, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Black-headed Gull, Tree Sparrow, House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Wren, Robin, Magpie, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit and DunnockGary Atkins
2013-11-294 Bewick's Swans ( 2 adults, 2 young) - first sighted at 13.05h, they then left west at 13.15h, returning briefly. At dusk, they were in front of Sheepwash hide. Also, 1 Great Northern Diver. Glyn Sellors and Richard Pittam
2013-11-26Adult Great northern Diver from sheepwash, also 5 Scaup there. 16 Goldeneye,7 Gadwall, 11 Siskin over Millfields and 2 Lesser Redpoll on Stones island.30+ Redwing and 15+ Blackbird behind WLC.Clive Ashton
2013-11-2210:30am Jack SnipeDave Oulsnam
2013-11-17Grey PhalaropeAnthony Rae
2013-11-13Adult Great Northern Diver. Currently the best place to view the Diver is from Stones Island, although it can be seen from Sheepwash Hide, albeit distantly. 2 Grey Herons, 15 Cormorants, 2 Gadwall, 149 Pochard, 12 Goldeneye, Green Sandpiper, Redshank, 267 Lapwings, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, Herring Gull, 16 Collared Doves near Rangers Base, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Chiffchaff in Paul Stanley woods, 18 Blackbirds, Mistle Thrush, 34 Redwings, 3 Lesser Redpolls, 3 Greenfinches, c250 Starlings. Dave Newcombe
2013-11-11Adult Great Northern Diver seen from Sheepwash Hide, though distant. 2 Kittiwakes in the roost (adult and 1st w) RJL, DN, CA. Other notable birds: 2 Grey Herons, 14 Cormorants, 2 Shoveler, 2 Gadwall, 11 Goldeneye, male Sparrowhawk, 7 Snipe, Redshank, 4 Yellow-legged Gulls, 1st w GBB Gull, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, c400 Starlings past Sheepwash in various sized flocks. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2013-11-11WeBS for November :- Mute Swan 21,Canada Goose 7,Wigeon 96,Gadwall 4,Teal 173,Mallard 162,Pochard 101,Tufted Duck 265,Goldeneye 1,Great Northern Diver 1,Cormorant 18,Grey Heron 1,Little Grebe 7,Great Crested Grebe 31,Moorhen 3,Coot 1020,Lapwing 173,Redshank 1,Yellow-legged Gull 1,Kingfisher 1,Sparrowhawk 1,Buzzard 2.Also 2 skeins of Pink-footed Goose over between 08.00 amd 09.00 both going South-East. One of 170 and another of 60.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2013-11-10Seen at Bird Feeding Station, past Visitor Centre Hide on Left along the bike path.Andrew Wordsworth
2013-11-09I'm not on site today but a Great Northern Diver is present. Presumably the returning bird. Per M.A.P. Dave Newcombe
2013-11-06Brutus the Yellow-legged Gull lived up to his reputation this afternoon when he attacked, killed and ate a 1st winter Black-headed Gull at Sheepwash. Pretty gruesome to watch! Clive disturbed a Sparrowhawk eating a Goldfinch outside Sheepwash Hide. 2 Grey Herons, 14 Cormorants, 2 Goldeneye, 81 Pochard. Green Sandpiper in front of Sheepwash Hide at 11.30hrs. Male Peregrine early morning then a female from Sheepwash early afternoon. Visible migration early morning produced 485 Wood Pigeons, 270 Starlings, 12 Fieldfares and 6 Redwings. 20+ Meadow Pipits on Dam Wall. 2 Kingfishers at Sheepwash. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton

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