Recent Sightings

DateSightingName
11/10/2026From Sheepwash early evening: Ruff (1), Bl T Godwit (2), Caspian Gull (ad), YLGull (6) - 3-Ads; 2-2nd w; 1st w, Pintail (5+),Richard Lowe
11/10/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 171 Canada, 32 Greylag, 16 Mute Swan plus 3 large cygnets, 2 Garganey (Millfields), 12 Shoveler, 157 Gadwall, 78 Wigeon, 316 Mallard , 20 Pintail, 1,763 Teal(!!), 5 Red-crested Pochard, 79 Common Pochard, 92 Tufted, 7 Moorhen, 1,014 Coot, 17 Little Grebe, 33 GCGrebe, 13 Ringed Plover, 2 Grey Plover (WLC), 13 Lapwing, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Jack Snipe (Hopton reedbed), 4 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Dunlin, 26 Cormorant, 5 Little & 3 Great Egrets, 7 Herons.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
10/10/2026From Sheepwash Hide early evening: Grey Plover (Juv); Mediterranean Gull 1st w; YLGull (7) - Ad (4), 2nd w (2), 1st w; Pintail (c.15).Richard Lowe
10/10/2026A female Merlin flew down the east side mid-morning, in line with its just-about-annual status. The 2 Garganey were still at Millfields, where Clive also had 9 Ringed Plovers. 3 Ruff at sailing club. Very little moving this morning compared to the last couple of days.SJR, MW, CA
09/10/2026From Sheepwash late afternoon/early evening: Mediterranean Gull 1st w; YLGull (7) - 4Ads, 2nd w, 1st w (2); Pintail (c10); Goldeneye (1); RC Pochard (3); Ruff (1); Bl T Godwit (2);Richard Lowe
09/10/2026It was mainly Redwings on the move this morning, with 1,420 flying S or SW 07:30-10:00. 3 Whooper Swans, perhaps the same birds as yesterday, flew in from the NW but soon departed E. 2 Garganey still at Millfields and a drake Common Scoter from Sheepwash. 3 Ruff and 2 Black-tailed Godwits still. 2 Great and 8 Little Egrets. Adult Yellow-legged and Herring Gulls at Sheepwash. Male Stonechat in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
08/10/2026From Sheepwash this afternoon: Caspian Gull adult, Yellow-legged Gull 4 (3ads, 1st Winter), Great Black-backed Gull ad, Mediterranean Gull 1st winter. Pintail 3, Red-crested Pochard, Ringed Plover 7, Dunlin 1.CA/RJL
08/10/2026A very decent morning, with a bit of movement and a few birds on and around the water. Vismig included 2,200 Woodpigeons S in 90 minutes, 90 Redwing, 31 Starling, 24 Skylarks and 30 Pink-footed Geese E. 3 Whooper Swans dropped in just after 09:00 and were there to 11:00 at least (first of the year here as far as I'm aware). The 2 Garganey were still at Millfields, along with 18 Pintail, 30 Shoveler, 80 Wigeon, 104 Pochard and 4 Red-crested Pochard, and Clive had a male Mandarin there briefly. At sailing club/WLC, 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plover, 1 Ruff and 2 Black-tailed Godwits. 42 Cormorants. Probably 2 Great Egrets. 5 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. 6 Jays (5 over Millfields carpark) and at least 30 Ravens. Willow Tit in WLC creek.SJR, MW, RPJ, AMD, CA
06/10/2026The 2 juvenile-type Garganey were still at Millfields this morning. Totals of 19 Shoveler, 111 Wigeon, 11 Pintail and 106 Pochard. 86 Woodpigeons and 29 Stock Doves S in one hour. At sailing club, 5 Dunlin, 3 Ruff and 7 Ringed Plover, and 1 Black-tailed Godwit at WLC. 3 Great Egrets still. 5 Redwing flew through. 4 Stonechats again in WLC fields. 50 Linnets at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
05/10/2026As well as the report by Alan; 4 Stonechat in WLC Creek and 14 Siskin flew SW.Clive Ashton
05/10/2026This morning from Millfields, 2 Gargany, 7 Pintail, 3 Great White Egrets were visible from there, also 7 Little Egrets other waterfoul included Shovellers, Wigeon, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall and large numbers of Teal , 1 adult Yellow legged gull . From Stones Island, 3 Ruff,5 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plovers .AHS, CA, MR.
04/10/2026Two Garganey at Millfields early evening and 1st w Mediterranean Gull and 4 YL Gulls (2Ads; 2-1st w’s) from Sheepwash.Richard Lowe
04/10/2026Species seen during today's monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island WLC creek): House Sparrow, Mallard, Little Egret, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Black-headed Gull, Canada Goose, Robin, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Lapwing, Carrion Crow, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, Wren, Magpie, Mute swan, Greylag goose, Dunnock, Great tit, Blue tit, Long-tailed tit, Kestrel, Lesser black-backed gull, Gt Crested Grebe, Linnet, Goldfinch, Snipe, Little grebe, Buzzard, Great egret, Blackbird, Teal, Gadwall, Grey heron, Black-tailed Godwit.Gary Atkins
04/10/2026The Garganey was still at Millfields this morning, and 2 redhead Goosander dropped in there. I didn't count them but a lot of wildfowl appear to have retreated to the north end of the reservoir. Wonder why that is? A Ruff and 4 Dunlin were at sailing club and 2 Black-tailed Godwits still at WLC. 3 Great Egrets still. 6 GSWoodpeckers at various spots. Male Stonechat in WLC fields, 30 Linnets on Stones and a Redpoll over Millfields.Simon Roddis
03/10/2026From Sheepwash hide late afternoon: Med Gull (Ad); YLGull (4) Ads; Pintail (8); GWEgret (1);Richard Lowe
03/10/202640 Pochard, 12. Little Grebe,17 Cormorant,2 Grey Heron,20 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler ,25 Gadwall, 8 Linnet, 4 Great White Egret , 30 + Pied Wagtail , 10 Snipe 3 at WLC 7 Sailing club,18 Lapwing, 6 Dunlin, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chiffchaff Singing at Sheepwash, 4 Ringed Plover, 4 Little Egret, Curlew sandpiper at WLC , no sign of the SpoonbillDave Armitt
03/10/2026Clive saw the Spoonbill at Millfields first thing but not thereafter. Garganey still there. Another mass disturbance event, this time caused by small boats going up the reservoir, 100s of wildfowl flushed. Some of them then dropped into Millfields, including 18 Shoveler, 81 Wigeon, 17 Pintail. 3 female-type Red-crested Pochard also there. 3 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin and 2 Black-tailed Godwits still. At least 2 Great Egrets. 11+ Skylarks over and the first Redpoll of the autumn over Stones causeway.SJR, CA, MW
02/10/2026From Sheepwash Hide early evening (with Clive Ashton): Med Gull 1st w. YLGull (4) - 2 Ads, 1st w, 2nd w. Caspian Gull - 2Ads. Plus a Ring-billed / Lesser Black-backed Hybrid that seems to tour the Midland’s reservoirs every autumn/winter, seen at Carsington in previous years and well spotted by CA. Plus Pintail (4).Richard Lowe
02/10/2026The juvenile Spoonbill was again at Millfields late morning until flushed by an irresponsible dog-owner. Not just the Spoonbill but some hundreds of duck - including the long-staying Garganey - and other wildfowl too. Very annoying! Before that, I counted 22 Shoveler, 67 Wigeon, 15 Pintail and 39 Pochard. Just one female Red-crested Pochard at Millfields. Waders included 8 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover, 3 Common Sandpipers and 2 Black-tailed Godwits. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 3 Great Egrets. 4 Tawny Owls calling early morning. 35 Meadow Pipits. 9 Siskin.Simon Roddis
01/10/2026The Spoonbill found by Simon was mobile between Millfields and Stones Island. We understand from other birders that it was still at Millfields late in the day. 7 Little Egrets. 3 Herons. 75 Wigeon. 6 Red-crested Pochard (2m) on Millfields Island. 100 Gadwall. Female Goldeneye. Sailing Club end of the dam wall-6 Dunlin, 6 Ringed Plover and a Snipe. 4 Common Sands. The 2 Blackwits and Greenshank at Wildlife centre. 2nd winter Med Gull at Sheepwash along with 3 YLG-1st w, 2nd w and an adult. 39 Common Gulls. 4 Swallows through-3 & 1. 9 Chiffchaff. 3 Raven. With Chris BrownDave Newcombe/Chris Brown
01/10/2026A juvenile Spoonbill at Millfields this morning was a bit of a surprise, the sixth Carsington record. The Garganey was also still at Millfields. 2 Egyptian Geese off Watersports late morning. At least 64 Wigeon, 10 Pintail and 4 Red-crested Pochard (3 males). 9 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwits still and 3 Common Sandpipers. 3 Great Egrets. Totals of 9 Jays, 8+ Skylarks, 2 Swallows and 2 Blackcaps.Simon Roddis
30/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon/early evening: in the gulls - Mediterranean Gull (2) - Ad plus 1st w. YLGull (13) - Ad (7); 2w (3); 1st w (3). GBBGull 1st w.Richard Lowe
30/09/2026Yesterday's Grey Plover was still at Sheepwash late morning, and the Garganey at Millfields. A flock of at least 25 Redshank flew in and landed on Watersports island; another flock of 10-12 fly-though waders might also have been Redshank. 7 Red-crested Pochard and a Green Woodpecker at Millfields. 2 Black-tailed Godwits again at WLC and totals of 5 Common Sandpiper and 8 Dunlin. 3 Great Egret. Marsh Tit calling at SHeepwash and 40 Linnets on Stones island.Simon Roddis
29/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: In the gulls - YLGull (8) - 4 Ads, 3-1st w’s plus 2nd w; GBBGull (Ad). Plus Pintail (3); GWEgret.Richard Lowe
29/09/2026A Grey Plover flew into Sheepwash early morning and was still there to 10:20 at least. The Curlew Sandpiper was still at Watersports/Horseshoe island and the Garganey at Millfields. 11 Pintail and 6 (possibly 8) Red-crested Pochard. 3 Great Egret. Waders included Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Common Sandpipers, 8 Dunlin and 6 Ringed Plover. 30 Meadow Pipits at Watersports.SJR, RPJ, AMD, AHS
28/09/2026At 11.18 6 x Dunlin + 1 Curlew Sandpiper photographed at end of concrete slipway to left of cycle hire.Bernard Dumbleton
28/09/2026The Garganey is still at Millfields this morning but I didn't see the Curlew Sandpiper or the Dunlin flock that it hung around with. 2 Black-tailed Godwit still and 2 Common Sandpiper. A vocal Peregrine sat on one of the pylons beyond WLC creek. 3 Great Egret. Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. 4 Skylarks over.Simon Roddis
27/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon in the gulls: Caspian Gull 1st w (Dutch ringed); YLGull (4) - Ad, 2nd w plus 2-1st w’s. GBBGull 1st w. Plus Pintail (5); Wigeon (c20), GWEgret; L Egret; Ringed Plover (1).Richard Lowe
27/09/2026Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper again around Watersports and the Garganey was at Millfields again this morning. Wildfowl included 44 Shoveler, 202 Gadwall (new site record), 62 Wigeon, 11 Pintail, 5 Red-crested and 53 Common Pochard. 2 Black-tailed Godwits still, single Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper and Greenshank, and 10 Dunlin. 3 Great Egrets at Watersports. Total of at least 7 Tawny Owls calling early morning.Simon Roddis, c
26/09/2026The juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was again in the Watersports/Horseshoe area this morning, along with 12 Dunlin, 2 Black-tailed Godwits and a Greenshank. The juvenile-type Garganey also still at Millfields, along with 13 Shoveler, 3 Pintail and 30 Wigeon. Great Egret still around Watersports. 5 Skylarks over.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
25/09/2026The juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was still in the Watersports area this morning, a Turnstone flew past Stones island and the Garganey was at Millfields. Supporting cast of 45 Wigeon, 7 Pintail, 6 Red-crested Pochard, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 12+ Dunlin, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Great Egrets, 3 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing, Marsh Tit at Sheepwash, 1 Siskin over the WLC.SJR, CA, AHS
24/09/2026A juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was at Sailing Club with at least 5 Dunlin this morning. Garganey still, 2 Black-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe, Ringed Plover heard, Common Sandpiper and 2 Great Egret.Clive Ashton
23/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon of note: Caspian Gull 1st w (yellow ring on left tibia, from Holland); YLGull (5) - 4 Ads plus 1st w; GBBGull (2) - Ad plus 1st w; Pintail (2); Ringed Plover (8);Richard Lowe
23/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon of note: Caspian Gull 1st w (yellow ring on left tibia, from Holland); YLGull (5) - 4 Ads plus 1st w; GBBGull (2) - Ad plus 1st w; Pintail (2); Ringed Plover (8);Richard Lowe
23/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon of note: Caspian Gull 1st w (yellow ring on left tibia, from Holland); YLGull (5) - 4 Ads plus 1st w; GBBGull (2) - Ad plus 1st w; Pintail (2); Ringed Plover (8);Richard Lowe
23/09/20265 Red-crested Pochard, 5 Pintail, Garganey, 2 Great Egret, 5 Little Egret, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Dunlin, Ringed Plover, 10 Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper, Kestrel on Stones.Clive Ashton
22/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon of note: Turnstone (2); RPlover (5); Common Sandpiper (1); Pintail (2); Caspian Gull (ad) - the ‘regular’ bird, albeit spending much of its time at Ogston; YLGull (4) - 2Ads, 1st w, 2nd w;Richard Lowe
22/09/2026Garganey still at Millfields, 7 Pintail at Sheepwash, 2 Great Egret, Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, 3 Common Sandpiper, 6+ Dunlin, 6 Snipe, Kingfisher at WLC, Stonechat in the creek.CA/RPJ/AMD
21/09/2026No sign of Pectoral Sandpipers or Spotted Redshank this morning. Garganey at Millfields, 2 Great Egret, 3 Common Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit at Sailing Club, Greenshank at Wildlife centre, 2 Willow Tit and Stonechat in Wildlife Centre creek, loose flock of 6 Jay S/W over Millfields.CA,AHS
20/09/201912, Shoveler,2 pectoral sandpiper,1 Greenshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 40 Wigeon, 20 Gadwall, 2 Little Egret, 30 Pied wagtail, 2 Wheatear, 8 Mute swan, 1 Chiffchaff, 10 Little Grebe, Dropped in midafternoon for a quick walk started at Millfield's walked the Dam wall and back surprised that the waders didn't move on with the activity along the shore line.Dave Armitt
20/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon: YLGull (8) - Ad (7); 1st w (1). GBBGull (2) - Ad plus Juv/1st w; Herring Gull (3); GWEgret (1); Dunlin (5); R Plover (3); Pintail (2); Peregrine (1);Richard Lowe
20/09/2026Both Pectoral Sandpipers and the Garganey were at Millfields again this morning. Vismig from WLC creek involved 690 Meadow Pipits SW in 2 hours, 2 Skylarks, a Yellowhammer (Carsington mega!), 21 Swallows and 17 Linnets. On the dam wall early on, Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail, 100 Pied Wagtails and a Kingfisher. 13 Shoveler, 3 Wigeon, 4 Pintail, 6 Red-crested Pochard, 38 Common Pochard and a redhead Goosander. The juvenile Black-tailed Godwit was at sailing club early morning and later in Brown Ale Bay. 2 Yellow-legged, 2 Great Black-backed and 7 Common Gulls. 2 Great Egret. 2 Stonechat, a Redstart and 60 Goldfinch in WLC fields. Willow Emerald damselfly in BABay.SJR, CA, MW
19/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon:of note in the gulls - YLGull (7) - Ad (4), 2nd w (1), 1st w (2); HGull c4+; GBBGull 1st w. Plus GWEgret (1); Pintail (2+); Shoveller (10+). Surprisingly, no waders.Richard Lowe
18/09/2026The 2 Pectoral Sandpipers and Garganey were still at Millfields this morning, the Pecs even staying despite disturbance by a paddleboarder late morning. At least 11 species of wader, including c15 Ringed Plover, 5+ Dunlin, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone on Stones (courtesy of the Hattersleys), juv Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Ruff (per Dave H) at WLC. 6 Red-crested Pochard off Lane End. 2 Great Egret. Hobby circling late morning. Skylark over the main centre. Sand Martin over Stones (getting quite late for them now). Wheatear again on the dam wall. Light movement of Meadow Pipits (25+) and 70 Pied Wagtails out of their roost in Hopton reedbed early on.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
17/09/2026The 2 Pectoral Sandpipers and Garganey were again at Millfields this morning, plus a Greenshank. 13 Ringed Plover, 7 Dunlin and 4 Red-crested Pochard at Sheepwash, plus single Common and Great Black-backed Gulls. At least 2 Great and 5 Little Egrets. Peregrine enjoying the breeze with corvids over Hall Wood. Hirundines on the move included at least 40 Swallows and 50 House Martins. Wheatear on the dam wall.SJR, CA, MW
15/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon: Garganey (at about 6pm, then flew off towards Lane End); Pintail (2); YLGull (4) - 3Ads plus a 1st w; GBBGull 1 Juv; GWEgret (1); Ringed Plover (13); Dunlin (8+); Greenshank (1);Richard Lowe
15/09/2026This morning: The 2 Pectoral Sandpipers still present at Millfields along with the Garganey and a Greenshank. Sheepwash 15 Ringed Plover and 8 Dunlin. Stones/Wildlife Centre: Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper, 2f Red-crested Pochard and Great Egret.Clive Ashton
14/09/2026Short visit this afternoon: Total of 24 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 3 Common Sandpiper, Greenshank, Great Egret, 2 Pintail, 2 YL Gull, ad Caspian Gull.Clive Ashton
12/09/2026The 2 Pectoral Sandpipers are still here this morning, initially at sailing club/Horseshoe island and then at Millfields late morning. Monthly wildfowl count: 276 Canada, 59 Greylag, 23 Mute Swan, 1 Garganey, 29 Shoveler, 176 Gadwall, 10 Wigeon, 523 Mallard, 9 Pintail, 897 Teal, 5 Red-crested and 35 Common Pochard, 221 Tufted, 1 Goldeneye, 9 Moorhen, 839 Coot, 18 Little Grebe, 32 GCGrebe, 14 Ringed Plover, 9 Lapwing, 3 Common Sandpiper, 5 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 4 Snipe, 3 Little and 1 Great Egret, 8 Heron. The Gadwall and Mallard counts are both new site records.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
11/09/2026Another autumn day, another surprise: a Pectoral Sandpiper, first for the site (apparently present and photographed yesterday evening). Initially this morning at sailing club with a Ruff before being flushed; it was later relocated on Horseshoe island, there up to midday at least. The Little Stint was still at Sheepwash. Other waders: 14 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, 4 Common Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit. Duck included a juvenile Shelduck, 29 Shoveler, 14 Wigeon, 6 Pintail, the Garganey at Millfields, and 5 Red-crested Pochard. At least 1 Great Egret. Marsh Tit at Paul Stanley.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton et al.
10/09/2026Another excellent autumn morning. The Garganey was at Millfields early morning, an Osprey flew south at 09:30 and one Little Stint was at Sheepwash late morning. A juvenile-type Whinchat and a male Stonechat were in WLC creek mid morning; the Whinchat hung around for at least an hour. Totals of 566 Canada Geese, 171 Greylags, 12 Shoveler, 6 Pintail (in Brown Ale Bay), 2 female Red-crested Pochard, 16 Ringed Plover, 7 Snipe, 7 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank. 2 Redshank at Watersports were new and a Black-tailed Godwit flew west. Great Egret also at Watersports and a Hobby flew through. Totals of 21 Ravens, 70 Swallows, 10 House and 4 Sand Martins. 5 Jays flew over Hall Wood. Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall.SJR, RPJ, AMD, MW
09/09/2026One juvenile Little Stint was atill at Sheepwash early morning, and the Garganey again at Millfields. 1 Pintail at sailing club and 2 female Red-crested Pochard off Horseshoe island. 44 Pochard. 13 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, 8 Snipe, 2 Dunlin. Adult Yellow-legged Gull again. 2 Great Egrets, at Millfields and past Lane End. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end early morning. Totals of 120 Swallows and 70 House Martins. Spotted Flycatcher beyond the top of WLC creek.SJR, CA, MW
07/09/2026The 2 Little Stints were at Sheepwash early morning and later off Stones causeway, and the Garganey was still at Millfields late morning. 4 Pintail were the first of their autumn here. 15 Shoveler. 41 Pochard. 16+ Ringed Plover. 5 Dunlin. 3 Greenshank. 2 Ruff. 8+ Snipe. Adult Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls. Hobby over Stones. At least 14 Ravens (12 over Sheepwash early morning). Whitethroat on Stones. 20 Swallows and 15 House Martins.SJR, RPJ, AMD
06/09/2026Following are the (36) species identified on the monthly Birwatching for Beginners walk (10am-12noon), taking in Stones Island and as far as the screens by the Wildlife Centre: House Sparrow, Robin, Canada Goose, Ringed Plover, Little Stint, Dunlin, Ruff, Mallard, Gt Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Coot, Moorhen, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Cormorant, Mute Swan, Chiffchaff, Hobby, Red Kite, Buzzard, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Gadwall, Lapwing, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Swallow, Tufted Duck, Teal, Goldfinch, Blue Tit and BlackbirdGary Atkins
06/09/2026The Garganey was still at Millfields this morning, and 2 Knot at Sheepwash. Clive also had the 2 Little Stints there. 3 Ruff and 3 Greenshank. 20+ Ringed Plovers still. 2 Hobbies over Hopton end and at least 1 Reed Warbler in the reedbed. 30 each of Swallow and House Martin. 10+ Ravens.Simon Roddis
04/09/2026The excellent autumn continues, with an Osprey flying south at 08:05, 3 Knot still at Sheepwash, a new site record of at least 41 Ringed Plovers, and a Garganey - quite likely the one that was seen last week - at Millfields late morning. Also 8 Wigeon, female Red-crested Pochard, 30 Common Pochard, 3 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, the Marsh Tit still at Sheepwash, a Yellow Wagtail there, and a trickle of Swallows (48), House Martins (5) and a single Sand Martin.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
03/09/2026The 3 juvenile Knot and the Little Stint were again at Sheepwash this morning, although the stint relocated to Stones island mid-morning (per Ant Pooles). 32 Ringed Plovers, 2 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, 5 Dunlin, 4+ Common Sandpipers. Duck included 23 Shoveler, 2 female Red-crested and 40 Common Pochard, and 153 Greylags flew over the dam wall early morning. Great Egret still, and Kingfisher on the dam wall. c150 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall/sailing club.Simon Roddis
02/09/2026Popped back up to Sheepwash this evening: 3 juvenile Knot still, the Little Stint, 35 Ringed Plovers, 5 Dunlin, 9 Snipe, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 553 Teal.Simon Roddis
02/09/2026A very decent morning, mainly at Sheepwash hide because of the weather. Main highlights were 3 juvenile Knot, 2 Whinchats and a juvenile/winter-plumage Black-necked Grebe, with a supporting cast of 12 Ringed Plover, 16 Snipe, 2 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, adult and juvenile Caspian Gull, adult Yellow-legged Gull and Yellow Wagtail. Female Red-crested Pochard off Horseshoe island and 2 Willow Tits on Stones earlier.SJR, AHS, MW
01/09/2026The Little Stint was again off Stones causeway this morning. Totals of 22 Ringed Plover, 4 Greenshank and single Curlew and Ruff (at Sheepwash). There seemed to be far fewer waterfowl to me today, perhaps they've got fed up with the disturbance. Adult Caspian Gull on Sheepwash spit. 1,200 Jackdaws early morning and a total of 19 Ravens (no shortage of corvids at the moment!). Common and Lesser Whitethroats in WLC creek. At least 150 Goldfinches in total.Simon Roddis
31/08/2026Both Little and Tawny Owls were calling in WLC creek first thing this morning. The Little Stint was on Stones island early morning and later at Sheepwash, with 3 Dunlin. 2 Greenshank, 5 Common Sandpiper, 18 Ringed Plovers. Ruff at Sheepwash late am (CA,AHS). 560 Teal. 38 Shoveler (most of them in Brown Ale Bay). 8 Wigeon. 14 Pochard. 200+ Tufted Duck - Clive counted 185 at Millfields alone. Adult Caspian Gull at MIllfields early on, then on Stones. The Great Egret still around sailing club. 4 single Sparrowhawks. Hobby through Sheepwash (AHS). 4 GSWoodpeckers, including one flying up to mob a Raven! 900 Jackdaws over WLC creek early am. Total of 20 Ravens. Willow Tit on Stones. Totals of 74 Swallows and 10 House Martins. Spotted Flycatcher and female/juv Redstart in WLC creek, and another Spot Fly in Brown Ale Bay (AHS). 2 Meadow Pipits over WLC creek, my first here since April.SJR, CA, MW, AHS
30/08/2026Knot and Little Stint again around Watersports/Stones island this morning. 26 Ringed Plovers on Stones. 2 Ruff at Sheepwash. 6 Common Sandpiper. 3 Greenshank. At least 18 Shoveler, 7 Wigeon and 16 Pochard, but sadly the wildfowl were disturbed again by boats way up the reservoir. Great Egret still and Peregrine at Sheepwash. A late Swift flew with Sand Martins over Stones. 2 Willow Tits also on Stones, a flock of 100+ Goldfinches, and Dave H had a Wheatear on the shore.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD, MW
29/08/2026The Knot (on Stones) and at least 1 Little Stint (Stones and Sheepwash) were still at Carsington this morning. Totals of c20 Ringed Plovers, 8 Dunlin, 2 Ruff (Sheepwash), 3 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpipers (Watersports/WLC), 10 Snipe. 518 Canadas and 88 Greylags flew out over the dam wall early morning. Totals of at least 23 Shoveler and 32 Pochard. Adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls at Sheepwash late morning. The Great Egret still. Swallows (24) and House Martins (20) moving again but fewer than yesterday. Yellow Wagtail on Stones.Simon Roddis
28/08/2026Another entertaining morning. The Little Stint was still at Sheepwash and the Knot (probably just one) turned up there after being around Stones island early doors. Other waders included 20+ Lapwing, 12 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, 22 Snipe, 4 Common Sandpiper, 3 Greenshank and 11 Dunlin. A fresh-looking juvenile Marsh Harrier circled the Fishtail creek area from 10:35 to 11:15 at least, at one point playing around with a Common Buzzard. At least 19 Shoveler, could have been more but they kept moving around. 4+ Red-crested Pochard (2m,2 female-types) on the shore below Middle Wood. 6 Wigeon. Adult Caspian Gull on Sheepwash spit. The Great Egret still. Hobby through WLC creek and Peregrine over the north end. Total of 18 Ravens, including a flock of 15 flying SE, escorted off the premises by one of the local birds. At least 40 Swallows and 20 House Martins moving through. 5 Willow Warblers in the Stones to WLC area.Simon Roddis
27/08/2026The Knot and one juvenile Little Stint were on the shore of Stones island early morning, and presumably the same Little Stint later in front of Sheepwash hide. A flock of 11 Turnstones dropped into Sheepwash at 10:35. Totals of at least 9 Ringed Plover, 3 Little Ringed, 6 Common Sandpiper, 2+ Greenshank, 15 Snipe and 9 Dunlin. 14 Shoveler and 17 Pochard. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and Great Egret still. Marsh Tit calling in Sheepwash wood and Reed Warbler in Brown Ale Bay. 50 Goldfinches at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
26/08/2025JB found 2 Little Stints on the dam wall just after 19:00; they flew after about 10 mins but could easily still be around. Turnstone on Horseshoe island (JB) then calling over sailing club bay, perhaps RJL's bird from Sheepwash? And RJL's Garganey still at Lane End at 19:50. Colour-ringed Little Egret at Millfields and a Black-headed Gull 236B on Stones which I think was ringed as a nestling here in 2022. 3 Spotted Flycatchers still actively flycatching near Lane End at 20:20, I could even hear their bills snapping shut. Magical!Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
26/08/2026From Sheepwash early evening: Turnstone; Shoveller (11); Wigeon (1); Caspian Gull (Ad). From Lane End: Garganey (prob Juv.) with Teal flock, Greenshank (2); Dunlin (2); Caspian Gull 1st w; GBBGull (Juv);Richard Lowe
26/08/2026The Knot was still on Stones/Watersports island this morning, though sometimes disappearing from view. Other waders included 8 Ringed and 4 Little Ringed Plovers, Curlew, 18 Snipe, 8 Common Sandpipers, 3 Greenshank and 2+ Dunlin. Female Goldeneye (same as earlier in the summer) in Brown Ale Bay. 7 Shoveler and 7 Wigeon. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 47 Cormorant. Great Egret still and 11+ Little. Hobby over Stones again. 2+ Willow Tits in the Stones to WLC area. 2 Willow Warblers on Stones.SJR, CA, AHS
25/08/2026A Marsh Tit (calling and seen) at Brown Ale Bay this morning was a surprise. A visiting birder reported a winter-plumage Knot on Stones. Other waders included 5 Greenshank, Dunlin, Ruff, at least 4 Ringed and 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 6 Common Sandpipers and 12 Snipe. Totals of 429 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 3 Red-crested and 22 Common Pochard and 612 Coot. Long-stayers included the adult Caspian Gull from Sheepwash hide and the Great Egret at Watersports. 2 Kingfishers in Shiningford creek. A Hobby low over Stones and the Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis
24/08/2026From Lane End hide early evening: Osprey flew south over Dam Wall at 5.55pm causing mass panic in the gull flock on Sailing Club Is.An obvious Juv/1st w Caspian Gull in the gull roost later. GWEgret in front of hide.Richard Lowe
24/08/2026Birds of note from this morning, 16 Snipe, 7+ Common Sandpiper, 4+Greenshank, 8 Ringed Plovers, 1 Ruff, possible Green Sandpiper and Wood Sandpiper in BABay but sun was making observation very difficult, 3 singing Willow Warblers, 1 Caspien Gull at Sheepwash and Great White Egret in Water Sports bay.AHS, CA.
23/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was right up in Shiningford creek this morning; perhaps it has been there for the last couple of days when we haven't seen it. 3 Shoveler at Sheepwash and 3 Red-crested Pochard still. Juvenile Black-tailed Godwit still at sailing club, 4 Greenshank, 10 Snipe, Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover. Great Egret still at Watersports. Hobby over WLC creek. At least 1 Willow Tit on Stones. Warblers included Cetti's still in Hopton reedbed and Whitethroat there, Sedge Warbler on Stones, 3 Willow Warblers. Spotted Flycatcher in Sheepwash carpark.SJR, CA, MW
22/08/2026Best moment of the morning was at 09:51, 18 minutes after Robin Elliott had told me that 4 Turnstones had flown through Ogston Res and were heading in the Carsington direction. Lo and behold, 4 Turnstones flew past Stones island. Marvellous! A close second was a lovely juvenile Sanderling found by Clive on Stones. The juvenile Black-tailed Godwit was still at sailing club, and other waders included single Ruff, Redshank and Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, at least 1 Ringed and 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 6 Snipe and 4 Common Sandpipers. Adult Yellow-legged and Herring Gulls. The Great Egret still and 15 Little. A kettle of birds over the east side included 10 Ravens, 7 Buzzards and 3 Red Kites. Kingfisher and Yellow Wagtail along the dam wall, and another Yellow Wag over Stones. Willow Tits on Stones and in WLC creek. Totals of at least 50 Swallows and 80 House Martins.SJR, CA, MW
21/08/2026Seemed a bit quieter today (21st), certainly fewer waders, although a fresh juvenile Black-tailed Godwit was new. 3 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpipers, 6 Snipe, 2 Ringed and a Little Ringed Plover. 6 Curlew flew W over the WLC. 3 Red-crested Pochard at Sheepwash. 41 Cormorants. The Great Egret still. Single Hobby and Peregrine. Whitethroats at Sheepwash and WLC creek. 2 Spotted Flycatchers in Sheepwash carpark.SJR, AHS, CA, RPJ, AMD
21/08/2026Osprey flew over our heads by wildlife centre late morning. Fantastic it was so close, great view.Alan Ball
20/08/2026The highlight this morning was 2 Cattle Egrets on the shore of Stones island, from 07:30 to 09:30 at least. The Wood Sandpiper was still near the WLC. Not quite so many waders as a few days ago but still 3 Greenshank, 2 Green and 7 Common Sandpipers, 7 Snipe, 3 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plovers and a Dunlin. Female Red-crested Pochard in Brown Ale Bay. 3 Shoveler and 3 Wigeon. The Great Egret still. Hobby past the top of WLC creek and a Redstart still in the fields. Willow Tits in WLC creek and on Stones. Whitethroat on Stones and at least 2 Yellow Wagtails in the area. 175 House Martins, a few Swallows and a late Swift flew W after a heavy shower late morning.Simon Roddis
19/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was again in its favoured area at the Watersports end of Horseshoe island this morning. Totals of 5 Greenshank, 6 Common and 3 Green Sandpipers, 6 Snipe, 27 Lapwing. Juvenile Shelduck on Stones. Adult Common Tern off Lane End. The adult Caspian Gull and Great Egret still. Willow Tit, Reed Warbler and 2 Willow Warblers on Stones. Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
18/08/2026Evening visit: an Osprey circled the Sheepwash area 18:20-18:30. At least 3,500 Lesser Black-backs came into roost by 9pm. Wood Sandpiper, Greenshank, Ringed Plover and 2 Oystercatchers from the dam wall. c500 Jackdaws and 100 Rooks went to roost in Tail Bay.Simon Roddis
18/08/2026Osprey flying over at WLC.Christina Kennedy
18/08/2026Another decent morning, with a total of 11 species of wader, including the Wood Sandpiper still, 6 Green Sandpipers, 3+ Greenshank, 5 Dunlin, 2 Ringed and 2 Little Ringed Plovers, a flyover Golden Plover and an Oystercatcher. 6 Arctic Terns flew through and a juvenile Common lingered for a while. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. Egyptian Goose still, 3 Wigeon off Stones and eclipse male Red-crested Pochard on Horseshoe island. Great Egret still at Watersports. Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed. Willow Tit on Stones and 3 Yellow Wagtails flew S.SJR, AHS, CA
17/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Caspian Gull (2) - Ad and 1st s; YLGull (2) Ads; GBBGull (1) 1st s; Greenshank (2) juvs; Snipe (2); Shoveller (2).Richard Lowe
17/08/2026A Turnstone, Ringed Plover and Greenshank were at the sailing club end of the day wall early morning, and a drake Common Scoter out in the middle. The Wood Sandpiper was still around Horseshoe island and the adult Caspian Gull off Stones. Total of 5 Green Sandpipers. Adult Great Black-backed Gull eating a dead Coot! The Great Egret still off Stones causeway. Kingfisher and Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall. c50 Swallows at the draw-off tower and a total of c120 House Martins there and over Shiningford. Whitethroat at Hopton end and 4 Reed Warblers in different spots.Simon Roddis
15/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: YLGull (2) - Ad plus Juv; GBBGull Ad; GWEgret; Watersports/Wildlife hide: Wood Sandpiper juv; Green Sandpiper (3+), Common Sandpiper (4+); Dunlin (2) juvs; Greenshank (3) juvs; Ruff juv; Snipe (4);Richard Lowe
15/08/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 105 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 21 Mute Swans plus 3 cygnets, 8 Shoveler, 118 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 354 Mallard, 264 Teal, 3 Red-crested Pochard, 6 Pochard, 136 Tufted, 30 Moorhen, 726 Coot, 14 Little Grebe, 47 GCGrebe, 26 Lapwing, 1 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Common, 4 Green and 1 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 1 Ruff, 5 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 27 Cormorant, 12 Little and 1 Great Egret, 9 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher. Plus Cetti's Warbler in Hopton reedbed, Peregrine, Golden Plover (JB) and 2 Black-tailed Godwits (Mike R) over, adult Caspian Gull.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
14/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon of note: Caspian Gull 1st s; YLGull (3) - 2 Ads plus juv; GBBGull 1st s; Pochard (f); GWEgret (1); From Wildlife Hide/Watersports: Yellow Wagtail juv; Dunlin juv; Ruff (2) juvs; Green Sandpiper (3+); Common Sandpiper (4+); Snipe (5); GWEgret (1);Richard Lowe
14/08/2025A Cetti's Warbler was calling in Hopton reedbed first thing (first of the year as far as I'm aware). 5 Green Sandpipers, 2 Ruff, 7 Dunlin and 6 Snipe around Watersports/Horseshoe island. 4 Shoveler and the 2 drake Red-crested Pochard in Brown Ale Bay. Great Egret on the back of Watersports island. Kingfisher and Willow Warbler at Hopton end, and a small trickle of southbound Swallows and House Martins overhead.Simon Roddis
13/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was again between Watersports and the WLC this morning. Total of 8 Green and 4 Common Sandpipers, 2 Greenshank, 2 Ruff, 4 LRP, 6 Dunlin. Egyptian Goose in Brown Ale Bay. Great Egret at Sheepwash. Willow Warbler at Hopton end and juvenile Common Whitethroat on Stones.Simon Roddis
12/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was still around Horseshoe island this morning, along with much of its supporting cast, including 6 Green Sandpipers, 2 Ruff, Ringed Plover, 4 LRP and a Curlew. 6 Shoveler. 96 Teal around Brown Ale Bay, and the female Red-crested Pochard there too. In one hour early morning, 159 Woodpigeons flew S and 19N, plus 14 Stock Doves S. Single adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls. 36 Cormorant. The Great Egret again, 11 Little Egrets and 12 Grey Herons. Kingfisher in WLC creek. Redstart and Wheatear in WLC fields. Yellow Wagtail over Stones island. Unfortunately, a paddleboarder caused huge disturbance of the waterfowl around Sheepwash and BABay. I don't know if they're allowed that far up the res but I'll certainly be raising it with STW.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
11/08/2026The juvenile Wood Sandpiper was still in the Watersports area this morning, along with Ruff and Greenshank. 6+ Dunlin, 4 Green and 7 Common Sandpipers. 3 juvenile Shelduck on Watersports island late morning. Single Shoveler and Wigeon at WLC. Adult Common and Yellow-legged Gulls and first-summer Great Black-back. 2 Peregrines over the north end. c100 Swallows at the draw-off tower. Garden warbler on Stones island, and another birder had a juvenile Wheatear.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
10/08/2026Waderfest continued this morning: Wood Sandpiper still around Horseshoe island, a moulting adult Sanderling at sailing club, probably 2 each of Ruff and Greenshank, 10 Dunlin, at least 3 Green Sandpipers. 4 Shoveler in Brown Ale Bay. 2 juvenile Common Terns off Stones. Adult Caspian Gull on Horseshoe island. Peregrine over the north end. Total of 4 Willow Tits. Garden Warbler and Whitethroat on Stones. Family party of 5 Spotted Flycatchers near Lane End bombing tower.SJR, AHS, MW
09/08/2026Wood Sandpiper was a welcome addition to the roll call of waders this morning, initially on Watersports island and later on the sailing club side of Stones causeway. Total of 7 Green Sandpipers (another new record), Greenshank, Ringed Plover, 2 LRP, 5 Common Sandpipers, 6 Dunlin. At least 5 Shoveler, the Wigeon still and the 2 eclipse male Red-crested Pochard. The Great Egret still and 14 Little Egrets. Kingfisher at sailing club. Whitethroat in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
08/08/2026The second-summer Mediterranean Gull was again on the dam wall early morning. Waders included 6 Green and 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Greenshank, 11 Dunlin, Ringed Plover and 3 Little Ringed. Great Egret still. 3 Garden and at least 6 Sedge Warblers on Stones.Simon Roddis
07/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide of note this afternoon: YL Gull (2) Juvs; RC Pochard (2) eclipse drakes; Peregrine; Green Sandpiper (1); From Watersport's Is / Stones Is causeway early evening: Green Sandpiper (4+); Common Sandpiper (6+); Dunlin (8); Greenshank (1) juv; Redshank (1) juv; Ringed Plover (2); Bl T Godwit (1) Ad; Snipe (1);Richard Lowe
07/08/2026A pretty productive morning, starting with a second-summer Mediterranean Gull on the dam wall and a female Common Scoter off sailing club island. Waders included 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Little Ringed, 5 Green Sandpipers (a new site record), 8 Common Sandpipers, 10 Dunlin and a Greenshank. 21 Mute Swans plus the 3 cygnets. Female-type Wigeon in WLC creek. 2 Shoveler. The Great Egret still. Kingfisher at Millfields. 120 Swallows on the dam wall. Common Whitethroat on Stones and a Redstart in WLC fields. Total of 6 Grey Wagtails and 50+ Pied.SJR, CA, AHS
06/08/2026There must have been a small arrival of waders overnight, with at least 8 Common Sandpipers, 2 Green Sandpipers, 3 Dunlin, a Turnstone and Little and Common Ringed Plovers mainly around Stones/Watersports. 6 adult Arctic Terns flew S past Stones at 07:55. 2 Common Terns. 71 Teal is also an increase since yesterday. 2 Shoveler at sailing club. 16 Little Egrets and the Great Egret still. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. Hobby flew low up the res past Stones. Small numbers of hirundines on the move.Simon Roddis
05/08/2026From Sheepwash hide late afternoon, 6 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Caspian (adult and juvenile) and juvenile Common Gull. 53 Teal and Green Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay.Simon Roddis
05/08/2026Shorter than usual visit this morning. Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Snipe in Brown Ale Bay. 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin and 2 Ringed Plover around Watersports island. Redshank and Great Egret off Stones causeway. Green Woodpecker and Whitethroat at Hopton end. 41 Teal. Willow Warbler and Willow Tit on Stones.Simon Roddis
04/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide of note late afternoon: YLGull (5) - Ad (3); 1st s; Juv; GBBGull 1st s; plus Wigeon (female/juv).Richard Lowe
04/08/2026A Turnstone flew over the dam wall at 06:35 and later over Stones with a flock of Lapwings at 08:50. A Green Sandpiper was on Watersports island and later in front of the WLC. Other waders included 3 juvenile LRPlover, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Curlew. 3 Red-crested Pochard (2m,1f) in sailing club bay. 1 Shoveler. 3 Common Terns. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Great White Egret again. Willow Tit near WLC. c100 Swallows at the draw-off tower early morning and a total of c75 House Martins. 2 Garden Warblers, a Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler on Stones. Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
03/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide early evening, gulls of note on the spit: Caspian Gull (1st s); YL Gull (5) - Juv (2), 1st s (2), Ad (1); Common Gull (Juv) - my first of the autumn; GBBGull (1st s).Richard Lowe


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
2012-10-19The probable Baltic Gull - (larus fuscus fuscus) first reported on Sat. 13th October, seen and videoed subsequently, is now considered by expert opinion to be more likely an 'intermedius' based on primary moult, despite showing many other typical features. This bird, however, is still striking and its close resemblance to 'fucus' is undeniable, highlighting the difficulty of positively identifying adult Baltic Gull out of range without a ring. This is now the second 'probable' Baltic Gull in recent years at Carsington - let's hope the next one has a readable ring!Richard Lowe
2012-10-19The 1st winter Grey Phalarope is still present and being seen mostly from Sheepwash Hide. It's very mobile and at times distant and spent some considerable time down towards Lane End Hide. It was still present this evening at 18.00 opposite Sheepwash Hide near the far bank. Also on site was a drake Scaup at the Wildlife Centre. 2 Red-breasted Mergansers seen from both Sheepwash and Lane End Hides, though distant. 10 Goosander at Millfields early morning (9 female types and a drake), 32 Cormorants, Grey Heron, female Pintail, Shoveler, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Pipit on Dam Wall, c20 Meadow Pipits, 50+ Pied Wagtails, Kingfisher, c40 Lesser Redpoll on Stones Island, a Brambling in Sheepwash Car Park, and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-10-171st winter Grey Phalarope first seen from Sheepwash Hide at 15.45. I lost it for around 25 minutes when it suddenly reappeared behind the spit only for it to get mobbed by a Lesser Black Backed Gull and disappear again. By this time a few more birders turned up and we refound it in Brown Ale Bay and had good views for around 40 minutes. We last saw it from Sheepwash Hide at c17.45 as it once again flew past the spit and towards Brown Ale Bay. Also seen by CB, RJL, MAP, JB. Also of note was 65 Great Crested Grebes, 11 Little Grebes, 32 Cormorants, 11 Gadwall, 45 Wigeon, 155 Teal, female Pintail, 80 Pochard, Yellow-legged Gull, 78 Lapwings, 2 Kestrel, c20 Meadow Pipits, 6 Skylarks, Kingfisher, 8 Lesser Redpoll and 6 Siskins. Dave Newcombe
2012-10-16WeBS count for Oct.08.00 to 11.00. Mute Swan 32,Canada Goose 2,Wigeon 119,Gadwall 9,Teal 116,Pochard 79,Tufted Duck 136,Little Grebe 15,Great Crested Grebe 54,Cormorant 39,Moorhen 4,Coot 631,Lapwing 52,Common Sandpiper 1,Kingfisher 1. SparrowhawkPeter Gibbon + John Bradley
2012-10-15Gull in the roost tonight showing many characteristics of Baltic Gull (Larus Fuscus). Dark back, long winged, all black wing tips, small clean head. Also in the roost was a 3rd winter Caspian Gull, 4+ Yellow-legged Gulls, 6 Herring Gulls and 38 Common Gulls. Also of note was 31 Cormorants, 70 Great Crested Grebes, 14 Little Grebes, 70 Wigeon, 133 Teal, 5 Gadwall, female Wheatear, 3 Reed Buntings, 3 Greenfinch, 8 Bullfinch and 28 Lesser Redpoll. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-10-15Fishtail Creek, early am: c50 Redwing over heading southwest, 14 pheasants from roost in trees, 2 Tree Sparrows with 11 Chaffinches, 7 Linnet, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 5 Lesser Redpoll over.John Matkin
2012-10-13Possible baltic gull: an adult with LBBGs at sheepwash after dinner then flew off, it was a little smaller than the LBBGs and had a pure white head with a dark back and black wingtipsscaup: 1 drake at sheepwash with a tufted duck around 11-12 in the morningraven: 2 flew together and 1 calling over wildlife centre areajay: 7 seen in flight together at sheepwash in the morningyellow legged gull: adult around sheepwash area all morningscott linacre
2012-10-12Some good birds on site today, perhaps brought in with yesterday's wind and rain. 4 Scaup (2 drakes and 2 fem/imm) were present all day, either in front of Sheepwash Hide or in the bay to the right of the hide. There was 5 fem/imm Common Scoter towards Millfields early morning. The 5 then increased to 7 and then later in the day there was 11 (9 fem/imm and 2 drakes). A Grey Plover flew past Stones Island at 09.40 and probably flew straight through. 2 Dunlin flying around Stones Island and a further 5 on the back of Horseshoe Island. Also of note was 29 Mute Swans, 32 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 21 Little Grebes, 48 Great Crested Grebes, 124 Teal, 125 Wigeon, 8 Gadwall, 5 female Pintail, 3 Shoveler, 69 Pochard, Common Sandpiper, 105 Lapwings, Grey Wagtail, Buzzard, Kestrel, male Sparrowhawk, Skylark, 16 Redwing and 9 Lesser Redpoll.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-10-10A Rock Pipit flew over Stones Island just after 18.15 this evening. c350 Pink-footed Geese flew west this morning at 09.40. 17 Little Grebes, 4 Grey Herons, female Pintail, 90+ Teal, 59 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 38 Pochard, Common Sandpiper, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls including the resident one which killed and ate a Little Grebe at the Wildlife Centre, 3 Herring Gulls, 11 Common Gulls, 2 Skylarks, Kingfisher, 7 Chiff Chaffs, Blackcap, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Linnets. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-10-101 Common Sandpiper on Stones Island at 18.00 hrs.Neil Moulden
2012-10-0825 Mute Swans, 30 Cormorants, 2 Grey Herons, 15 Little Grebes, Pink-footed Goose with Canadas, Barnacle Goose, 41 Greylag Geese, female Pintail, 53 Wigeon, 113 Teal, 8 Gadwall, 28 Pochard, Tufted Duck with bill saddle AAS, 2 Sparrowhawks, Buzzard, c75 Lapwings, 26 Golden Plover over Stones Island this morning, 7 Swallows, Grey Wagtail, Kingfisher, Skylark, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 6 Goldcrests (4 with tit flock at Millfields and 2 at P.Stanley), 2 Linnets, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 4 Chiff Chaffs and c100 Jackdaws. Gull roost: c5'000 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, c2'000 Black-headed Gulls, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 5 Herring Gulls and 5 Common Gulls. Also a Water Vole in Brown Ale Bay. Dave Newcombe
2012-10-081 first winter Little Gull from Sheepwash Hide at 14.30hrs. Flew off with Black-headed Gulls towards the Dam after a few minutes.Neil Moulden and Alf Moulden
2012-10-072 Grey Heron in the trees at Hopton Hall + 1 in Wildlife Center creek. 8/10 Widgeon east side near Hopton. 2 Nuthatch on the Lane End feeder. Chiffchaff calling in Sitch Plantation.Eric Dewhurst
2012-10-06Wheatear on dam wall early morning. Also Grey Wagtail over dam.Clive Ashton
2012-10-05A few sightings for today that I forgot to add. 1 Dunlin commuting between the Wildlife Centre and Stones Island, 6 Golden Plover in front of Sailing Club. Also 19 Little Grebe. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-10-05Grey Heron, 18 Greylag Geese, Barnacle Goose, female type Pintail, 3 Shoveler, 103 Teal, 34 Wigeon, 31 Pochard, 3 Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, Sparrowhawk, c30 Meadow Pipits, 3 Skylarks, 9 Lesser Redpoll, Kingfisher, 3 Mistle Thrush, Greenfinch, 7+ Chiff Chaffs, 2 Ravens, several 1000 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, Herring Gull, 1'700 Black-headed Gulls. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-10-032 presumed escaped Cape Shelduck types at Millfields, 4 Grey Herons, 63 Great Crested Grebes, 17 Little Grebes, 11 Buzzards all in the air from Sheepwash Hide, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 79 Teal, 28 Wigeon, 23 Pochard, 60 Lapwings, Yellow-legged Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, 20 Meadow Pipits, 2 Skylarks, 28 Robins, 11 Siskin, 9 Chiff Chaffs, 5 Bullfinch. 4'500 Lesser Black Backed Gulls in the roost, also 530 Bh Gulls. Dave Newcombe
2012-10-023 Swallow through, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Sparrowhawk (juv male), 2 Kestrel, 7 Little Grebe, 5 Grey Heron 2 foxes by WLC Creek.James Owen (STW vol ranger)
2012-10-0125 Barnacle Geese, 3 Greylag Geese, Grey Heron, 18 Pochard, 12 Little Grebe, Peregrine, 2 Buzzards, 90 Lapwings, 2 Common Sandpipers, Snipe, Yellow-legged Gull, several 1000 LBB Gulls, c400 Bh Gulls, 10 Swallows, 11 Chiff Chaffs, 4 Goldcrests, c30 Meadow Pipits. 2 foxes at the wildlife centre. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-10-01Stones Island: 11 Pochard, 20 Mute Swans, 40 Teal, c80 Starlings, 2 Chiffchaff singing and 8 Siskins. Wildlife Centre: 4 Little Grebe, Grey Heron, 28 Lapwing, Reed Bunting. Fox along shoreline in Wildlife Centre CreekJohn Matkin
2012-09-296 GoosanderEric Dewhurst
2012-09-25WLC: 1 Hobby through, 1 juv Common Tern (a single bird appeared to stay all day), 1 Snipe, 2 Grey Heron, at least 1 Sand Martin among c.50 Swallow and c.10 House Martin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Yellow-legged Gull devoured a Little Grebe leaving 4 remaining around Horseshoe Island. Male Sparrowhawk, female Kestrel, 1 Buzzard.James Owen (STW vol ranger)
2012-09-241 Juv Arctic Tern from early morning to 1530hrs. At least 1 (possibly 4) Juv Common Tern early evening. 2 Sand Martin. Drake Common Scoter near Fishtail at 1900hrs. 1 Dunlin + 1 Little Stint mobile around Stones Island at dusk.Roger Carrington
2012-09-241 Common Scoter, 1 Little Egret, 1 Common Sandpiper all around Sheepwash. Neil Moulden and Alf Moulden
2012-09-21At around 18.00 this evening whilst Roger and myself were standing on Stones Island we picked out 4 adult dark phase Arctic Skuas that had just put the gulls up. Light primary patches and a short pointed tail projection around half the tail length was evident. They didn't stay long and within minutes were heading off in a Northwesterly direction. Unfortunately, Clive had left site and missed them. Also of note was 47 Cormorants, 348 Canada Geese, Pink-footed Goose, female/juvenile Pintail, 11 Gadwall, 9 Wigeon, Snipe, Yellow-legged Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, juvenile Common Tern, Kingfisher, 4 Sand Martins, 12 Siskins and 2 Ravens. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton/Roger Carrington
2012-09-185 Grey Herons, 42 Cormorants, 66 Teal, 9 Wigeon, 8 Gadwall, 7 Pochards, 48 Lapwing, 5 Golden Plover through west this morning, 2 Common Sandpipers, adult Yellow-legged Gull, Kingfisher, Sand Martin, 290 Swallows through south-most between 10.30-11.30, Grey Wagtail, 79 Pied Wagtails, 2 Raven Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-09-1716.30 to 17.30 today after 'low turn out of geese for WeBS count yesterday' there were 111 Canada Geese and 1 Barnacle Goose. Also 28 Lapwing and 50 Cormorant.Peter Gibbon
2012-09-17WeBS count done on Sunday 16th September between 06.45 and 10.45. Mute Swan 19,Canada Goose 12,Grey Heron 3,Great White Egret 1, Cormorant 36,Great Crested Grebe 35,Little Grebe 19,Mallard 207,Teal 42,Gadwall 9,Wigeon 12, Tufted Duck 120,Pochard 6,Goosander 3,Moorhen 2,Coot 606,Lapwing 1,Common Sandpiper 1, Yellow-legged Gull 1.Peter Gibbon
2012-09-16A Great White Egret was found by Roger this morning at 08.50 from Sheepwash Hide. It was then seen on and off at several locations until around 10.00. I was lucky enough to see it in flight at 10.10 from Sheepwash car park. Unfortunately it was never seen again. 47 Cormorants, 3 Grey Herons, 13 Wigeon, 3 Common Sandpipers, Yellow-legged Gull. Dave Newcombe
2012-09-13Little Egret at Millfields, Barnacle Goose, Greylag Goose, 14 Wigeon, 6 Pochard, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, c70 Goldfinch, 10+ Meadow Pipit and a Wheatear on Dam Wall, 2 Kingfishers at Sheepwash, 6 Sand Martins off Stones Island. Dave Newcomeb/Clive Ashton
2012-09-11WLC: Hobby over, 2 Common Sandpiper, 3 Gadwall, 2 PochardJames Owen (STW vol ranger)
2012-09-1045 Cormorants, 4 Grey Heron, 301 Canada Geese, 2 Greylag Geese, Barnacle Goose, 7 Shoveler, 29 Teal, 14 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 8 Pochard, 2 Common Sandpipers, 55 Lapwings, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 225 Black-headed Gulls, 130 Swallows, 60 House Martins, Wheatear, Green Woodpecker, 8 Linnets, c25 Goldfinch, Meadow Pipit, 7 Chiff Chaffs, Blackcap, 5 Raven flew south at 08.35. Dave Newcombe
2012-09-08Osprey flew north along the east side just after 8am. Also 2 Wheatear on the Dam Wall.Eric Dewhurst
2012-09-08A Red Kite flew south over Stones Island at 17.51hrs. 47 Cormorants, 13 Little Grebes, several Grey Herons, 26 Teal, 9 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 6 Pochard, 75 Lapwing, Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Kingfisher, 50+ House Martins, Meadow Pipit, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Ravens. 5 Yellow-legged Gulls and c4'000 LBB Gulls in the roost (RC and JB). Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-09-072 Tawny Owls in Sitch Plantation (1 calling and being mobbed by a Jay, 2nd on opposite side of the track was being hassled by Blackbird & Wrens before flying off), 1 Common Sandpiper, 7 Grey Heron, 16 Mute Swans, 3 Greylag Geese, 8 Little Grebes, 2 Kestrels, 4 Buzzards (1 chased off by Yellow-Legged Gull), 11 Willow Tits, 4 Coal Tits, 10 Nuthatch, 4 Goldcrest, 2 Blackcap, 3 Willow Warblers, 5 Chiffchaff (2 singing), Spotted Flycatcher at Warrington Knob, 17 Blackbirds feeding on Rowan berries at Fishtail Creek and c150 hirundines feeding over Shiningford CreekJohn Matkin
2012-09-05Ringed Plover north over Stones Island at c1715hrs.Jonathan Bradley, Mark Pass.
2012-09-0448 Cormorants in front of Sheepwash. 10 Grey Herons (8 at Sheepwash, 1 at Millfields and 1 on Watersports Island), 28 Mute Swans, 5 Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, 23 Teal, 2 Shoveler, 7 Pochard, 4 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrels, Common Sandpiper, 70 Swallows, 3 Meadow Pipits on Dam Wall, Willow Warbler in song, 3 Raven, c300 Starling on Stones Island, 6 Linnets. 3'000+ Lesser Black Backed Gulls in the roost, also 3 Yellow-legged Gulls (usual resident one plus 2 in the roost), 2 Herring Gulls and 70 Black-headed Gulls. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-09-01Juv. Marsh Harrier at 16:45 heading southwest past Fishtail Creek towards Millfields.John Matkin
2012-08-28WLC: Osprey over heading south at 10:10 and possibly a second bird but too distant to confirm. Plus, 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 6 Gadwall, 8 Teal, 1 Wigeon, 4 Great Crested Grebe (and still one large chick), 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Little Grebe (with one large chick), 1 Raven, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel (male), 1 juv Sparrowhawk, 1 Pied/possible juv White Wagtail still. Also, single Common Sandpipers at Sheepwash and Lane End, and a Spotted Flycatcher photographed by a visitor in Hall Wood.James Owen (STW vol ranger)
2012-08-28An Osprey flew south this morning between 10.10 and 10.15. 43 Cormorants in front of Sheepwash. 28 Mute Swans, 4 Grey Heron, 8 Teal, 6 Gadwall, drake Wigeon, 3 Pochard, Greenshank, 3 Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper, Hobby south at 13.18, 3 Buzzards, 25+ Swallows, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Linnets, 2 Raven. 1'300 Lesser Black Backed Gulls at 19.30 with more birds still coming in. Also 55 BH Gulls in front of Sailing Club. Dave Newcombe
2012-08-27Webs count for August - Mute Swan 23, Canada Goose 306, Barnacle Goose 9, Cormorant 15, Grey Heron 4, Little Egret 1, Great Crested Grebe 31, Little Grebe 3, Moorhen 2, Coot 263, Mallard 124, Teal 2, Tufted Duck 143, Lapwing 37, Curlew 1, Common Sandpiper 2, Black-headed Gull 67, Lesser Black- backed Gull 16, Yellow-legged Gull 1 plus 1 Kestrel and 3 Common Buzzards.Jonathan Bradley
2012-08-23Yellow-legged Gull killed and ate Dabchick in front of WLC. 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Whitethroat and c8 Linnet Stones Island. Neil Moulden
2012-08-21In addition to James' sightings. 4 Grey Herons, 6 Barnacle Geese, Wigeon, Shoveler, 4 Gadwall, 3 Teal, Pochard, 3 Whitethroats, c35 Goldfinch. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-08-21WLC: 1 Greenshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Snipe, 2 Raven, 3 Teal, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, Little Grebe pair with 2 large chicks, Great Crested Grebe pair with two large chicks, and another pair still nesting, juv Grey Heron. Also, Kingfisher by Sheepwash early AM.James Owen (STW vol ranger)
2012-08-2121 Cormorant from Sheepwash. Greenshank, 2 Snipe on Horseshoe Island. Osprey through low past Stones Island at 1920hrs, flushing the gathering gull roost, then high south. Hobby flushed the starling roost on Stones Island then chased hirrundines at 2000hrs. 1 Redshank and 1 Common sandpiper. Gull roost at dusk: 2400 Lesser Black-backed, 3 Yellow-legged and 1 Herring Gull.Roger Carrington
2012-08-201 Little Egret,1 Ringed Plover,2 Common Sandpiper,1 Greenshank,4 Snipe,5 Teal,1 Pochard,c400 Starling and 1 Green Woodpecker.Clive Ashton
2012-08-19Kingfisher around Millfields. Eclipse male Red-crested Pochard, 1 Greylag, female Tufted with bill saddle 'AAS' still near Sailing Club. 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 2 Whitethroat in WLC Creek. 8 Heron, 2 Teal, 1 Common Sandpiper from Sheepwash.Roger Carrington
2012-08-161 Greenshank,2 Common Sandpiper,3 Grey Heron,3 Linnet,Sparrowhawk.Clive Ashton
2012-07-284 Grey Heron, 9 Barnacle Geese, 18 Cormorants, 3 Buzzards, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, 9 Black-tailed Godwits late evening, Redshank, 2 Common Sandpipers, Yellow-legged Gull, Herring Gull, 43 LBB Gulls, juv Common Gull, 5 Common Terns, c350 Starlings on Stones Island late evening.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton/Roger Carrington
2012-07-24Several pairs of Great Crested Grebes with young. 9 Barnacle Geese, 5 Grey Heron, female type Shoveler, 3 Oystercatchers, 3 Common Sandpipers, Redstart on WLC Creek, adult Yellow-legged Gull eating a Bh Gull in front of Sailing Club, 50+ LBB Gulls, 2 Common Gulls, 5 Common Terns, 15 Pied Wagtails, 4 Sand Martins, 300 Starlings around Stones Island late evening. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-07-24Juv Redstart near Shiningford Creek, and a Yellow Wagtail over mid-morning. 4 or 5 Common Tern around Sailing Club Island. WLC: 1 Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe Island, Great Crested Grebe pair with two chicks, Little Grebe pair with two chicks. Yellow-legged Gull on raft. James Owen (STW vol ranger)
2012-07-23WeBS count for July:Mute Swan 25,Canada Goose 282, Barnacle Goose 9,Cormorant 6,Mallard 133,Gadwall 2,Tufted Duck 116(four broods of 6,7,2 and 5),Great Crested Grebe 32(eleven broods of 1,3,2,2,2,2,1,1,4,2 and 3),Little Grebe 5,Coot 212,Moorhen 1,Common Tern 5,Black-headed Gull 42,Yellow-legged Gull 1,Lapwing 28,Oystercatcher 1,Redshank 1.Peter Gibbon
2012-07-22Sheepwash hide: Tufted Duck with 4 fresh young, Stock Dove, group of 5 Jays. New Reedbed: 2 broods of x4 Tufted Ducks, 2 Reed Warblers singing. Great Crested Grebes with young chicks at Brownale Bay, New Reedbed & Big Island (2, 2 & at least 1). Yellow-Legged Gull on Watersports raft, 2 Common Terns. Tufted Duck with large brood of fresh chicks on Watersports Island. Grey Wagtail on Stones IslandJohn Matkin
2012-07-2024 Common Scoter (13 drakes) at 1630hrs then flew high SW at 1815hrs. At least 6 Common Terns including a pair displaying on Watersports raft. Tree Sparrow feeding young in box 0304 WLC Creek. 7 Oystercatcher flying around together. 1 Turnstone, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper on Sailing Club Island and a Greenshank mobile at 1930hrs. 4 Cormorants roosting on Lane Ends osprey platform/perch.Roger Carrington
2012-07-194 drake Common Scoter present all day off Stones Island. Grey Heron, 9 Barnacle Geese. 3 Common Sandpipers and 4 Oystercatchers. A male Sparrowhawk inside the Wildlife Centre was released unharmed. The adult Yellow-legged Gull. 6 Common Terns (5 adults and a juvenile) and 1 Arctic Tern. Spotted Flycatcher on WLC Creek. Following on from the 9 broods of Great-crested Grebe I had last week, Roger has noted a further 3 separate broods which constitutes an exceptional year! Tufted Duck broods are now starting to appear. We had a female with 6 young near the Sailing Club and several other broods have been noted. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-07-17WLC: 1 Peregrine, 1 Kestrel, 1 Yellow-legged Gull on raft, Coot pair with 2 chicks, Great Crested Grebe pair with 3 chicks, 8 Lapwing Also, 1 female Redstart with at least one fledged young near Shiningford Creek, 1 Common Sandpiper and 1 Raven at Sheepwash mid-morning, Tufted Duck brood with 10 chicks at Paul Stanley.James Owen (STW vol. ranger)
2012-07-12An Osprey on site this evening. First seen from Stones Island at 18.20 flying south. Both myself and Roger watched it seemingly disappear over Blackwall Plantation. Then just before 19.00 as we were standing on the causeway to Stones Island the Osprey re-appeared over Horseshoe Island carrying a fish. It then flew approx west and was lost to view. Also of note was 9 broods of Great Crested Grebes totalling 17 young. Also 3 Grey Herons, 321 Canada Geese, 10 Barnacle Geese, 4 Greylag Geese, 3 Gadwall, Teal, 3 Buzzards, Kestrel, adult and flighted juvenile Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpipers, adult Yellow-legged Gull, Green Woodpecker, Spotted Flycatchers feeding young still on WLC Creek, 5 Whitethroats, 2 Raven and a Linnet. Dave Newcome
2012-07-103 Greylag Geese, 1 Greylag/Canada hybrid, Great crested Grebes still feeding 3 young at Sheepwash, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Raven, 4 Buzzard, adult Yellow legged Gull.Clive Ashton
2012-07-09Wildlife Centre: Mallard with 5. Hall Wood: Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff & Blackcap all feeding fledged young. Goldcrest with at least 3 fledged chicks. 2 Buzzards over. Fishtail Creek: 2 family groups of Willow Tits (total of 8 counted around the reservoir). Millfields: 10 Barnacle Geese, 3 Jays (also single birds at Fishtail Creek & Tail Bay). Also of note: 2 Kestrels, Swallow feeding young on tower, juv Bullfinch at Shinigford Creek & 127 Coots countedJohn Matkin
2012-07-09A total of 11 drake Common Scoters. 9 were present early morning, but by mid morning only 1 remained. Then by mid afternoon the 1 that was left was joined by 2 more. Also of note: Grey Heron, 10 Barnacle Geese, 4 Greylag Geese, drake Pochard, Great Crested Grebes with 3 fresh young at Sheepwash, 2 Kestrel, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 1st summer Common Gull, 3 juvenile Redstarts on WLC creek, Spotted Flycatchers still feeding young on WLC creek, 2 Grey Wagtails on Stones Island, 4 Reed Warblers (2 at the WLC, and 2 in Hopton Reedbed.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-07-07Sheepwash: group of 6 Long-tailed Tits, 5 Goldfinch, drake Pochard, pair of Great Crested Grebes with 2 young chicks. Whitethroat feeding a juv by Brownale Bay. A pair of Chaffinches with 3 young & a further 3 juv Whitethroats by new reedbed. A group of 11 Long-tailed Tits overhead between Middle Wood & Warrington Knob. Fishtail Creek: another group of 7 Long-tailed Tits, 2 juv Chiffchaffs calling to an adult bird & 10+ Sand Martins over.John Matkin
2012-07-0511 Barnacle Geese including 6 young around Stones Island/Wildlife Centre area. 3 Greylag Geese on Stones Island. 3 Common Sandpipers-1 at Sheepwash, 1 on Sailing Club Island and 1 in front of Sailing Club. Adult Redshank and 2 small young to the left of Sheepwash Hide. Pair of Great Crested Grebes with 2 young in Fishtail Creek, pair with 1 young opposite WLC, and a pair with 1 young by Sailing Club. Female Mallard with 8 fresh young at WLC, and a female with 4 young off Stones Island. 4 Teal. Coots with 2 small young at WLC. Pair of Spotted Flycatchers tending to a nest with at least 3 young on WLC creek. 2 juvenile Goldcrests on WLC creek. 3 juvenile Whitethroats on Stones Island. Grey Wagtail on Stones Island. c200 Lesser-black Backed Gulls. adult Yellow-legged Gull. Common Gull. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-07-043 Coot broods from Wildlife Centre of 3+1+1. 2 Reed Warbler still singing at WLC. Spotted Flycatcher still in WLC Creek. 3 pairs of Swallow feeding young around Millfields. 3 pairs of Great Crested Grebe with 2+2+3 young in Millfields Bay. 2 Whitethroat singing at Millfields and 1 Curlew over. 1 Common Sandpiper on Stones Island. 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull yesterday afternoon but no sign today.Roger Carrington
2012-07-01Osprey with fish perched on telegraph pole in Callow (by Fishtail Creek). Took off carrying fish, flew towards Carsington Water then arced around and flew northeast.John Matkin
2012-06-27Coot with 1 chick at Brownale Bay. New Reedbed: 3 Reed Warblers, Moorhen with 4 chicks. Hall Wood: 3 Nuthatches, 3 GS Woodpeckers, 5 Song Thrushes, Willow Warbler carrying food. Middle Wood: Nuthatch, 2 GS Woodpeckers, 4 Jays (at least 2 were newly-fledged young). Warrington Knob: Redstart, GS Woodpecker, 2 family groups of Great Tits. Sitch Plantation: GS Woodpecker.John Matkin
2012-06-26WeBS count for June:Mute Swan 13, Barnacle Goose 9(with 3+4 juv)Greylag 4,Canada Goose 311(4 juv),Cormorant 6,Great Crested Grebe 25(2 pairs seen with young and 4 still on nest),Mallard 42,Tufted Duck 67,Coot 97,Moorhen 4,Lapwing 3,Oystercatcher 4,Little Ringed Plover 2,Redshank 2,Black-headed Gull 61.Peter Gibbon
2012-06-261 Osprey flew north up the reservior at 17.40 hrs.Neil Moulden
2012-06-20Stones Island (early am): 169 Canada Geese, 12 Mute Swans, juv Robin, Carrion Crow with 4 young on Watersports Island, 2 family groups of Blue Tits, 3 Whitethroat.John Matkin
2012-06-19Fishtail Creek: Linnet, group of 4 Bullfinch and another group of 7 overhead. Sitch Plantation: 2 Garden Warblers, Nuthatch. Warrington Knob: Treecreeper, Goldcrest and male Redstart. Hall Wood: Jay, Spotted FlycatcherJohn Matkin
2012-06-12Early am: 3 Reed Warblers (2 singing) in the new reedbed, 1 Reed Warbler singing in Brownale Bay. 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Reed Buntings & 2 family groups of Blue Tits along new track. 1 family of Great Tits at Sheepwash. Millfields: Green Woodpecker, Lesser Whitethroat, 1 family of Robins, 1 juv Carrion Crow & 50+ Swifts over.John Matkin
2012-06-111 Peregrine near Millfields Car Park at 14.40 hrsNeil Moulden
2012-06-05Breeding Signs. Dam Wall 06:30hr; Pied Wagtail - 2 single adults each feeding 1 young, Barnacle Geese 2 pairs with 3 and 5 goslings, Pair of Jackdaws carrying food. Mallard with 4 young, B H Gulls with 6 chicks now. David Edmonds
2012-06-05We thought we saw an Osprey over the lake at Kedleston Hall being mobbed by gulls and an Oystercatcher. It's not far away so may be the same one seen at Carsington.B @ G
2012-06-041 Black Tern off Lane End 1000hrs.Roger Carrington
2012-05-29WLC: 5 BH Gull chicks on the raft, and 1 on Horseshoe Island. Also, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew bathed mid-afternoon, the single Rook again on the bird tables, 2 Sand Martin. 2 Oystercatcher chicks on Sheepwash Spit.James Owen (STW vol ranger)
2012-05-29Osprey over Millfields Bay at 16:14. Flew off east-north eastJames Brooke
2012-05-27Pair of Barnacle Geese with 5 very young goslings swam past Wildlife Centre at about 11.00.Don Newing
2012-05-26Fishtail Creek: Treecreeper, Nuthatch, 2 Willow Tits, Reed Bunting, Jay, Raven, Spotted Flycatcher, 2 juv Great Tits. Blue Tits, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Bullfinch and Chiffchaff all carrying food. 11 Starling and 5 Rooks over. Little Owl calling (early am).John Matkin
2012-05-23WeBS count for May:Mute Swan 7,Greylag Goose 2,Canada Goose 94,Barnacle Goose 8,Mallard 72,Tufted Duck 85,Cormorant 4,Little Grebe 2,Great Crested Grebe 38,Moorhen 5,Coot 41,Oystercatcher 10,Lapwing 7,Redshank 4,Black-headed Gull 70. Also male Sparrowhawk and Kestrel plus 2 Buzzard. Peter Gibbon
2012-05-20Osprey on Lane End Platform until 0800hrs then flew towards Hall Wood. 3 Turnstone, 1 Sanderling, 4 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper on Sailing Club Island at 0830hrs.Roger Carrington
2012-05-172 Whimbrel and 2 Bar-tailed Godwit on Sailing Club Island early morning then saw them flying north over Visitor centre at 0745hrs. Redstart singing in Shiningford Creek. Pair Common Scoter mid-water 1030hrs.Roger Carrington
2012-05-161st summer Med Gull briefly at Shinningford Creek at 1940hrs then flew off south also Arctic Tern present. Red Kite at Middleton Top by the bridge over the road 1800hrs.Jonathan bradley
2012-05-16Everything counted during a circular walk. Tail Bay also included. 73 Blackbirds, 17 Song Thrush, 60 Blue Tits, 41 Great Tits, 6 Coal Tits, 21 Dunnock, 59 Robins including 2 juveniles, 66 Wrens, 75 Blackcaps, 70 Chiff Chaff, 39 Willow Warbler, 17 Garden Warblers, 11 Common Whitethroats, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Sedge Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers in Hopton reed bed (possibly 3 or even 4 birds present), 65 Chaffinch, 19 Goldfinch, 1 Greenfinch, 16 Bullfinch, 2 Goldcrest, 5 Treecreeper, 2 Jays, 2 Sparrowhawk, 4 Mistle Thrush, 13 Magpie, 6 Linnets, 3 Nuthatch, 6 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Green Woodpecker in Tail Bay, 2 male Redstarts, 3 Willow Tits, 4 Reed Buntings, Hobby over Fishtail Creek, female Wheatear on Dam Wall, male Yellow Wagtail on Stones Island, Pied Flycatcher c200 yards west of Lane End Hide. 9+ Redshank including 2 young on Horseshoe Island and 2 young on Big Island, c10 Oystercatcher including 2 young on Millfields Island, 3 Shelduck, Common Sandpiper and 4 Curlew. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-05-151 Dunlin on Sheepwash Spit at 4.15 pm.Neil Moulden
2012-05-13Redshank pair with 4 tiny young on an island in the Hopton Arm. Reed Warbler singing - Hopton Arm reedbed. Raven - 2 pairs displaying independently at Hopton arm end, but at times only a few hundred yards apart. No aggression shown between the pairs (Strange!!!).11am Hobby - one bird holding in the wind above Hall Wood, then gained height before plunging over the back of the hill. 11.10 am Paul Mollatt/Derek Brownlee
2012-05-12Bright morning. - Stones Island 07:10 to 07:30hr 10nr Arctic Tern sitting on raft. 1nr Sandwich Tern, to 08:30hr - 1nr Common Sandpiper, 1nr Kestrel, 5nr Oyster Catcher, mixed flock appx 20+ Swallows + H Martins, 1nr Swift. 2nr Raven, plus Black Cap, Wren, Blackbirds, Chiff Chaff, Pied Wagtail, and usual Ducks & GC Grebe.David Edmonds
2012-05-11Treecreeper 2, Blackcap pair, Willow Warbler several, Willow Tit 2, Chiffchaff, Bullfinch, Oystercatcher, Grey Heron, Buzzard 3, Mute Swan 5. Eric Dewhurst
2012-05-102 Greylag Geese, Grey Heron, 7 Cormorants, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 2 Buzzards. Bar-tailed Godwit still on Sailing Club Island. 2 Dunlin on Horseshoe Island. 2 Common Terns. 3 female Wheatear on Dam Wall, 6 Garden Warblers, 3 Whitethroats and a Sedge Warbler. Dave Newcombe
2012-05-09Red Kite low over Visitor Centre at 1305hrs then high north. Reed Warbler singing in Hopton Arm reedbed.Roger Carrington
2012-05-08An Osprey appeared over the Dam Wall c10.30 and flew past Sheepwash heading North 5 minutes later. Another bird appeared at Millfields at 18.20 and eventually headed North East at 18.40. Neither birds attempted to take a fish. Also today was 2 Bar-tailed Godwits flitting between Sailing Club, Shiningford and Horseshoe Islands. 4+ Common Sandpipers, Ringed Plover in front of Sailing Club, Oystercatchers still with 2 young at Millfields. 4 Linnets, 3 Yellow Wagtails and a female Wheatear on the Dam. Peregrine, c5 Buzzards, 5+ Garden Warblers, 3 Common Whitethroats, Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, White Wagtail and an Arctic Tern. A male and a female Common Redstart between Middle Wood and Warrington Knob. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-05-07Birdwatching for beginners walk (10am-noon - Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, House Martin, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Swallow, Tree Sparrow, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, Mallard, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Willow Warbler, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Wren, Blue Tit, Carrion Crow, Reed Bunting, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Chaffinch, Buzzard, Oystercatcher, Barnacle Goose, Redshank, Lesser Whitethroat, Dunnock, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Lapwing, Gt Crested Grebe, Moorhen, Rook, Collared DoveGary Atkins
2012-05-07Bar tailed Godwit on Sailing Club Island. 2 Little ringed Plover. 2 Shelduck on Horseshoe Island. 3 Yellow Wagtails over Stones Island. Several Garden Warblers and Whitethroat singing, also a Lesser Whitethroat in Wildlife centre creek.Clive Ashton
2012-05-05Pair of Willow Tits by Hopton Reedbed. Hall Wood: Tawny Owl calling, 3 Treecreepers, 2 Jays, c10 Lesser Redpoll mobile over & Redstart singing between Hall & Middle Woods. Fishtail Creek: Garden Warbler, 10 Goldfinch, 4 Greenfinch & c150 Fieldfare over.John Matkin
2012-05-05Pink-footed Goose, 3 Shelduck, 3 Wigeon, Mallard with 2 young, 5 Buzzards, Kestrel. Oystercatchers with 2 young on Millfields Island. 2 Bar-tailed Godwits on Sailing Club Island. 2 Whimbrel (1 on Sailing Club Island and 1 flew North), Curlew on Stones Island, 6 Common Sandpipers (4 on Sailing Club Island, 1 near Watersports and 1 at Sheepwash). Little Ringed Plover in front of Sailing Club. 31 Arctic Terns through Northeast between 10.10-10.15. 1 Common Tern. Yellow Wagtail on Stones Island. Female Wheatear on Dam Wall. Several hundred Swallows, 85 House Martins, 50+ Swift, Lesser Whitethroat on Stones Island. 2 Garden Warblers. 32 Common Gulls. No sign of the Great Northern Diver. Dave Newcombe
2012-05-042 Bar-tailed Godwit on Sailing Club Island 0845hrs. 2 Lesser Redpoll Hall Wood and 5 in Middle Wood. Redstart singing between Middle Wood and Warrington Knob. 2 female Goldeneye still at Millfields, latest spring record at Carsington. 2 female Yellow Wagtails on Horseshoe Island. 55 Arctic Terns thru 0845-1300hrsRoger Carrington
2012-05-0323 Arctic Tern + 1 Black Tern in front of Sheepwash then flew NE at 0600hrs. 1 Arctic Tern past Stones Island 0710hrs. 9 distant 'commic' terns thru 0800hrs. 2 Common Sandpiper on Stones Island and 1 at Millfields. 2 female Wheatear at Millfields end of dam. 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing at Millfields + another in WLC Creek.Roger Carrington
2012-05-02Dam Wall - 1 Weatear(female) Stones Island - 1 GN Diver (showing well!), 12 Whimbrel (same group seen 4 times in flight and calling), 2 Garden Warbler,Blackcap,Willow Warbler,Chiffchaff and Lesser Whitethroat (all singing), 8+ Barnacle Goose(feral), 1 Redshank, House and Tree Sparrow singing a top same hedge, Sparrowhawk(male) Sheepwash - 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Actic Tern, 30+ Common Gull, 1 GBB Gull(juv), 1 Kestrel, 3 Common BuzzardPaul Thomas
2012-05-02Bar-tailed Godwit Sailing Club Island (also at dusk yesterday). 1 female Wheatear, 1 Common Sandpiper, 5 Oystercatcher and 14 Rooks on dam. 2 female Goldeneye still at Millfields. Oystercatcher pair with at least 2 chicks on Millfields Island. 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Pinkfoot, 1 Great Northern Diver. 1 Arctic Tern at 1020hrs.Roger Carrington
2012-05-02Oldfield Lane to Hopton Arm (early am).23 Blackcap, 21 Chiffchaff, 14 Willow Warblers, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Garden Warblers. Fishtail Creek: Kestrel, 8 Linnets, Curlew, Great Spotted Woodpecker & 9 Swifts over. In Middle Wood: Jay, Treecreeper & male Sparrowhawk overhead. Hall Wood: Jay, 2 Treecreepers, Nuthatch, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Mistle Thrush & assumed family group of 4 Song Thrush.John Matkin
2012-05-012 Black Tern still present at 18:30. 11 of 12 Mallard eggs hatched in the VC courtyard.John Matkin

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