Recent Sightings

DateSightingName
29/04/2026No Terns today but waders were in evidence with 9 species recorded: Bar-tailed Godwit at Watersports, Sanderling on Sailing Club shoreline, 2 Ruff on the back of Horseshoe Island, Curlew heard at Millfields and a Greenshank was around for a while before apparently flying NE. Female Red-crested Pochard and her male common Pochard admirer at WLC, Caspian Gull at Watersports, Yellow Wagtail over Stones, 4 Sedge Warblers and 2 Common Whitethroat behind Millfields Island.Clive Ashton
28/04/2026Another fantastic morning started with 9 Arctic Terns flying in over the dam at 0715hrs. Whilst counting the Terns, at 0745, Alan picked out a dark phase Arctic Skua which flew low up the middle of the res before departing NW. Paul Bennett popped in to see the Arctic Terns and found a Little Tern amongst them at Sheepwash. By 0945hr Arctic Tern numbers had increased to 26, before around half of them had apparently moved on. Large numbers of hirundines all morning and we estimate 400 Sand Martin and 200 Swallow. C6 Pochard, female Red-crested Pochard, 2 female Goldeneye at Sheepwash, 3 Egyptian Geese, 2 Swift, the ringed Caspian Gull, Yellow Wagtail (MR). Little Tern and c14 Arctic Terns still present around 1100hrs when we left site.CA/AHS
27/04/2027From Stones Island this morning, 3 Shoveller, 2 Pochard, 1 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Grey Heron, lots of Sedge and Garden Warblers, 2 Arctic Terns, 1 Common Sandpiper. 1 Dunlin at Millfields and Mediterranean Gull on Sailing Club Island (CA) Peacock butterfly and Orangetips on the wing.AHS
26/04/2026The first-summer Little Gull was still off Watersports this morning. 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 2 Common Terns there too. Female Red-crested Pochard from WLC. Second-summer Mediterranean Gull still on sailing club island. Single Curlew, Common Sandpiper and Redshank. 3 Swifts from WLC. Whitethroat in WLC creek. 13 singing Sedge Warblers across Stones and WLC creek. 3 Yellow Wagtails.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
25/04/20262 summer plumage Black-necked Grebes around Watersports area, 1 Black Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 2 Common Tern, 2 Little Gull (ad, 1s), 3 Shelduck, 2 drake Pochard, Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Common Sandpiper, Common Whitethroat at Hopton End, Reed Warbler in WLC reedbed, 3 Pied Flycatcher on east side.Clive Ashton
24/04/2026Following yesterday afternoon's movement, there were another 36 Black Terns this morning, building up between about 06:30 and 08:30, plus 3 Little Gulls (2 adults and one first-summer), all to 11:00 at least. The 2 Bar-tailed Godwits were still around and a Greenshank flew N. 3 Mandarins over the main carpark. 6 Pochard, 2 Teal. 1 Egyptian Goose. More Garden Warblers have arrived, now 6 in the Stones/WLC area. Lesser Whitethroat singing south of Sheepwash. Redstart singing at the top of WLC creek and Clive had a Yellow Wagtail over the WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
24/04/20266 Chiffchaff, 5 Cormorant, 3 Blackcap, 24 Black Tern, 1 Reed bunting, 9 Oystercatcher, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Willow warbler, 8 Sedge warbler, 1Bar tailed Godwit , 2 Little Gull, 2 Male Pochard , 1 Female Red Crested pochard , 15+ Sand Martin,2 LRPDavid Armitt
23/04/2026The 2 Bar-tailed Godwits are still present, 1 each at Watersports (with a damaged wing) and from.WLC. Common Sandpiper and 2 Redshank in the same area. Two female Goldeneye. Reed and Garden Warblers at Hopton end, and Garden on Stones. 3 singing Pied Flycatchers in Hall Wood/Warrington Knob. 3 male Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall and 2 Swifts overhead. Wheatear at Millfields (per A&R).SJR, MW, RPJ, AMD
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
2012-04-30Bar-tailed Godwit on Sailing Club Island 1800hrs.Roger Carrington
2012-04-302 Black Terns from 1000hrs off Stones Island. 1 Sedge and 2 Garden Warblers singing on Stones Island 0700hrs. Great Northern Diver in superb breeding plumage off Stones Island. 2 Whitethroats singing near Stone Barn and Swallows in the barn. 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing between Sheepwash and Lanes End.Roger Carrington
2012-04-2815 Fieldfare in trees at Fishtail Creek at 12:30. Later found feeding with c20 Starlings in fields by Fishtail Creek.John Matkin
2012-04-27Adult Great Northern Diver in stunning summer plumage, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 female Goldeneye, Hobby from Sheepwash at 15.02, then over the woods opposite the hide several minutes later, male Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel, 2 Dunlin, 3 Whimbrel flew North at 11.35, 3 Common Sandpipers late evening (1 near Watersports and 2 on Sailing Club island), 6 Curlew dropped in on Horseshoe Island c19.30, 4 Arctic Terns, Yellow Wagtail, Meadow Pipit in full song on the Dam Wal, c500 Swallows and 17+ Swift. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-04-2707.15-09.45 - Black-tailed Godwit flying low over Sheepwash Island. 5 Swifts. No sign of Great Northern Diver in this period.Peter Gibbon
2012-04-25Heavy and persistant rain nearly all day meant good weather for a bit of passage. 2 Black Terns were present early morning and remained until early afternoon. The first Arctic Terns didn't arrive until 12.50, but it was a flock of over 60. Then over the next few hours other smaller flocks moved through totalling over 130 birds. There was also 13 Little Gulls (7 adults and 6 1st summers). The Great Northern Diver still present, c500 Swallows and a Swift. Dave Newcombe
2012-04-25Arctic Tern still c.60 at 13:50; also 2 Black Terns and 4 Little Gulls (13:50) per Birdguides
2012-04-2515:00 - Little Gull, 13 mid-afternoon, then 6 flew off and 7 still present. per Birdguides
2012-04-2512.55h - Black Tern and c.60 Arctic Ternsper Birdguides
2012-04-251 Marsh Tit seen and heard calling near Millfields car park at 8.00 am. Also redhead Goldeneye at Millfields and 1 Common Sandpiper on Stones Island. At 5.30 pm 4 Whimbrel were on Sailing Club Island.Neil Moulden
2012-04-254 Whimbrel on Stones Island at 5.25 pm, but flew off NW after a couple of minutes.Neil Moulden
2012-04-24Mandarin DuckEric Dewhurst
2012-04-24Great northern Diver off Stones Island. 1 Common Sandpiper,1 Yellow Wagtail,1 Curlew,1 Swift.Clive Ashton
2012-04-232 female Goldeneye, Pied Flycatcher, 3 pairs of Nuthatch between Millfields and Oldfield Lane, Green Woodpecker over Millfields, Common Sandpiper on Watersports Island. On the dam: 28 Pied Wagtail, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Linnet, 14 Meadow Pipits.John Matkin
2012-04-23Adult Great Northern Diver almost in full summer plumage. 1 Little Gull seen from Sheepwash Hide for most of the day. Later from Stones Island it was joined by a 2nd bird. Arctic Tern east at 11.15. A 'commic' Tern east at 16.30. Garden Warbler singing in Sheepwash Woods. Drake Gadwall, Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, 11 Meadow Pipits, 4 Linnets and c200 Swallows. A Common Sandpiper on Watersports Island. Black-tailed Godwit on Sailing Club Island p.m only. 3 Buzzards and a Kestrel. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-04-23Great Northern Diver. 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Pinkfooted Goose on Stones Island. Pied Flycatcher singing. Lapwing with 4 chicks at Wildlife Centre. 1 Whimbrel and 2 Curlew over.roger Carrington
2012-04-20Adult Great Northern Diver still present. Roger saw a Whooper Swan fly in with 2 Mute Swans at 07.30. I saw it at around 08.45 but no further sign after that. Pink-footed Goose at the Wildlife Centre, Mallard with 2 young near Big Island, 2 female Goldeneye, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Yellow Wagtail, 50+ Swallow, 33 Blackcap, 26 Willow Warbler and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2012-04-199 Yellow Wagtails on Stones Island. GN Diver almost in summer plumage.Clive Ashton
2012-04-18Lots of Arctic Terns throughout the country today and Carsington didn't miss out. Roger had 1 fly straight through just before 09.30. Shortly after, there was 7 birds which over the course of the day built up to 28. 7 of these flew North at 15.15. The remaining 21 were present until around tea time before leaving. Also today was an adult Little Gull which was around all day feeding with the Terns. The adult Great Northern Diver is still present. 2 Goldeneye, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, 150+ Swallow, 100+ Sand Martin, 2 White Wagtails and a Yellow Wagtail. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton/Keith Bunting
2012-04-17WLC: 2 Redshank, 4 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 16 Barnacle Geese, 2 Teal (pair), 6 Tufted Duck, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Raven, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Willow Tit, Mallard still with 2 ducklings. Also, 1 male Cape Shelduck.James Owen
2012-04-16Bird sightings adequately covered by others. Plant life in flower: Red Campion, Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage (yellow), Gorse (yellow), Cowslip (yellow), Dandelion, Daisy, Lesser Celandine (yellow), Coltsfoot (yellow), Red Dead Nettle, Blackthorn (white), Bluebell, Ground Ivy (blue/maroon)and Common Mouse-ear (white). Ray and Margaret Perry
2012-04-16Adult Great Northern Diver, Pink-footed Goose, 20+ feral Barnacle Geese, female Mallard with 2 young at WLC, also a female with 7 young off S'ford Creek, female Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, female Redstart on S'ford Creek, 4 Linnets (2 on Stones Island and 2 on Big Island), Siskin in Hall Wood, Grey Heron, Raven and 50+ Swallows with smaller numbers of Sand Martins. A walk from Millfields to Fishtail Creek via Sheepwash produced 49 Chiff Chaff, 33 Blackcap and 21 Willow Warbler. 2 White Wagtails and a Yellow Wagtail on Stones Island p.m. Also 2 Curlew over. Dave Newcombe
2012-04-15Great Northern Diver still. 7 Pheasants at Sheepwash. 3 Linnet on Stones Island. 1 Wheatear in WLC Creek. 1 Yellow Wagtail flew past Sheepwash and Pink-footed Goose there. 30 Sand Martin. 2 Shelduck mobile.Roger Carrington
2012-04-14pink footed goose, scaup and great northern diver all from sheepwashscott linacre
2012-04-142 Yellow Wagtails & pair of Redshank on Millfields Island, 2 Curlew, c30 Fieldfare briefly in ash tree at Millfields then headed north, 15 Carrion Crow on dam, Nuthatch with nesting material over Oldfield Lane, c15 Swallows & Sand Martins, 20+ Willow Warblers singing around Tailbay & southern end of reservoir.John Matkin
2012-04-13Great Northern Diver, 22 Barnacle Geese, Pink-footed Goose of unknown origin, female Mallard with 12 young, female Goldeneye, 2 Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Wheatear, 2 Skylark, 2 White Wagtails, c150 Swallow, 2 Raven Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-04-13Fishtail Creek to Visitor Centre via Sheepwash (early am): 43 Chiffchaff, 31 Blackcap (including 4 males pursuing 1 female by Lane End hide), 11 Willow Warbler. 1 Jay, male Sparrowhawk carrying prey through Hall Wood, 4 Willow Tit, 1 female Goldeneye, Mallard with 4 ducklings in Wildlife Centre Creek, Common Sandpiper on Stones Island and Greenfinch singing & displaying in the VC car park.John Matkin
2012-04-121 Great Northern Diver (adult still distant towards Millfields/Dam Wall), 1 Raven, 2 Sparrowhawk (pair), 8+ Common Buzzard, 6 Black-tailed Godwit (circled and flew towards Wildlife Centre), 1 Redshank, 3 Oystercatcher, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Willow Warbler (singing), 2 House Martin with 30+ Swallow and 20+ Sand Martin, 60+ Common Gulls (all in together at 15:45), 6 LBB Gull, 1 GBB GullPaul Thomas
2012-04-121 Common Sandpiper in front of Wildlife Centre at 6.00 pmNeil Moulden
2012-04-11Adult Great Northern Diver still. Also 15 Barnacle Geese, Greylag Goose, 2 Common Scoter, 2 Shelduck, 2 Goldeneye, 6 Redshank, Curlew, 13 Swallow, 10 Sand Martin, 2 House Martin, 5 White Wagtails on Stones Island, 110 Black-headed Gull, 90 Common Gull, 26 Lesser-black Backed Gulls. Also a very young Blackbird at the bottom of the entrance road to the main car park. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2012-04-10Osprey again at 17:00hr over the dam wall, then at 17:15hr caught large fish in the same spot as this morning. Flew over Blackwall plantation pursued by Gulls at 17:25hr. 4 White Wagtail on Stones Island. Curlew at Sheepwash, LRP sailing club.Clive Ashton
2012-04-10Sacred Ibis flew from Carsington Pastures over the edge of the reservoir but quite high then left towards the Knockerdown pub but unable to relocate. Over the reservior around 11-45Ian Scrimshaw
2012-04-10Osprey at 0655 over water along side of Hall Wood. Small numbers of hirundines: 5 Swallow, 2 House Martin & 1 Sand Martin. 1 Goldcrest singing behind Lane End hide. 2 Linnet on Stones Island, 3 Fieldfare at Fishtail Creek (34 over on 09/04).John Matkin
2012-04-10 07:05hr Osprey caught fish, on east side of resevoir, and flew north pursued by BH Gulls. Clive Ashton
2012-04-082 Ospreys possibly 3; PeregrineDavid Bennett
2012-04-08WeBS count (0700-1030hrs) Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 1, Great Crested Grebe 41, Cormorant 4, Grey Heron 1, Mute Swan 3, Greylag Goose 9, Canada Goose 88, Barnacle Goose 18, Teal 19, Mallard 98, Tufted Duck 68, Goldeneye 1, Mandarin 1, Moorhen 3, Coot 72, Oystercatcher 10, Lapwing 14, Ruff 2, Snipe 1, Redshank 4, Lesser Black-backed Gull 4, Black-headed Gull 80 also 11 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk and White Wagtail.John Bradley
2012-04-07Notes today - 12:30hr to 13:30hr flock of mixed hirundines low over Sailing club boats and Stones Island - When briefly settled counted 21nr Swallow, 17nr House Martin (appx), 2 or 4nr Sand Martin. 3nr Common Scoter [2 drake female or juv], GN Diver, Wheatear, 3nr Meadow Pipit. David Edmonds
2012-04-07OspreyPaul Highman
2012-04-06All from Sheepwash Hide, unless stated. The adult Great Northern Diver is now moulting into summer plumage and is looking quite smart. 19 Barnacle Geese (Stones Island), 2 Grey Heron, Ruff (Stones Island), Little Ringed Plover in front of Watersports, Curlew, 3 Swallows, 8+ Buzzard, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 2 Raven. 21 Meadow Pipit and a Wheatear on the Dam Wall, 19 Chiff Chaff and 5 Blackcap between Millfields and Sheepwash, 2 Skylark over Dam Wall, and 5 Linnet. Dave Newcombe
2012-04-06Birds seen or heard between Fishtail Creek & Visitor Centre (via Sheepwash): 50 Tree Sparrow (inc. 28 at Wildlife Centre & 7 on Stones Island), 49 Blackbird, 44 Blue Tit, 43 Wren, 42 Great Tit, 34 Chiffchaff, 30 Dunnock, 24 Robin, 22 Bullfinch, 18 Chaffinch, 13 Song Thrush, 12 Linnet (flocks of 8 & 4), 10 Goldfinch, 10 House Sparrow, 9 Blackcap, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 7 Reed Bunting, 4 Willow Warbler, 4 Treecreeper, 3 Goldcrest (2 in Shiningford Creek & 1 singing behind Lane End Hide), 3 Willow Tit, 3 Greenfinch (1 singing at Visitor Centre), 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 Meadow Pipit. John Matkin
2012-04-06Nuthatch on bird table near Shiningford approx 2.30pmJOHN & BETTY WINNARD
2012-04-06Osprey, at height, approx 3pm observed from Stones Island flying in direction of Tail Bay from distance over Fishtail Creek.JOHN WINNARD
2012-04-05Osprey again at 1920hrs flying around Hopton Arm then went to roost in a tree close to the osprey platform at Lane Ends at 1940hrs. Also Great Northern Diver and 2 Ruff around Stones Island.Roger Carrington
2012-04-05Osprey flew between Stones Island & Watersports Island at 16:20, was carrying a fish and being mobbed by 2 Black-headed Gulls, an Oystercatcher & a Carrion Crow. It then headed over the water towards Millfields. Also on Stones Island; 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 19 Barnacle Geese, 1 Kestrel, 1 Swallow in Watersports bay.John Matkin
2012-04-03Willow Warbler singing near Visitor Centre 0800hrs. 2 Ruff mobile around Stones Island. Great Northern Diver off Stones Island early a.m. Osprey from Sheepwash car park 0935-1015hrs, then flew high north. Drake Red-breasted Merganser off Lane End at 1430hrs.Roger Carrington
2012-04-02Following is a list (no note taken of numbers, sorry!) of the birds seen during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk, led by David Bennett: Curlew, Canada Goose, Moorhen, Lapwing, Redshank, Coot, Tufted Duck, Ruff, Black-hd Gull, Greylag Goose, Barnacle Goose, Little Ringed Plover, Little Grebe, Gt Crested Grebe, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Mute Swan, Starling, Reed Bunting, Oystercatcher, Carrion Crow, Buzzard, Pied Wagtail, Tree Sparrow, House Sparrow, Magpie, Wren, Gt Tit, Jackdaw, Blackbird, Greenfinch, Dunnock, ChaffinchGary Atkins
2012-04-02Dam wall- 1 Wheatear,30 Pied wagtail,1 Grey Wagtail,15+ Meadow Pipit,1 Linnet,1 Skylark (grounded). Stones Island- 2 Ruff,1 Little ringed Plover. Sheepwash- GN Diver towards Millfields,2 Greylag,Shoveler,Curlew,Raven.Clive Ashton
2012-04-02Fishtail Creek to Visitor Centre (via Millfields)birds in song: 22 Chiffchaff, 19 Wren, 11 Blackbirds, 11 Dunnock, 10 Robin, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Blackcap, 1 Starling (Oldfield Lane) and 1 Greenfinch (VC car park). Other sightings inc. Treecreeper, Grey Heron, 6 pairs of Bullfinch, c35 Meadow Pipits & 1 Wheatear on dam (Sailing Club end). 9 pairs of Great Crested Grebe; 1 pair seem to have begun nesting on Millfields Island & a single bird in Fishtail Creek probably part of nesting pairJohn Matkin
2012-03-31Wren 4, Bullfinch 12+, Goldfinch, Nuthatch, Song Thrush 3, Blackcap, Chifchaff, Buzzard, G S Woodpecker, Grey Heron, Teal, Redshank, Meadow Pipit, Raven. Eric Dewhurst
2012-03-30First Little Ringed Plover of the year, on sailing club island today.Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe
2012-03-28All seen from Sheepwash Hide, unless stated. Great Northern Diver, 2 Grey Herons, 19 Barnacle Geese (Dam Wall), 4 Shoveler, Goldeneye, 6 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 7 Meadow Pipits (Dam Wall), and 2 Raven. 16 Chiff Chaff and 6 Blackcap between Millfields and Hopton End. 5 Redshank between Wildlife Centre and Stones Island. A further 3 Redshank and 4 Ruff flew in at Sheepwash shortly after 14.00hrs. The 4 Ruff then left North at c16.00hrs. Dave Newcombe
2012-03-27Black tailed Godwit still at Sheepwash. Blackcap singing Sheepwash car park. 1 Shelduck off Stones Island.Clive Ashton
2012-03-26Black tailed Godwit at Sheepwash. GN Diver,5 Shoveler.Clive Ashton
2012-03-246 Whooper Swans at 1730hrs off Stones Island, then flushed by boat at 1750hrs and flew north.Roger Carrington
2012-03-24Fishtail Creek to Visitor Centre: 16 Chiffchaff, 6 Linnet, Jay, 2 Reed Bunting. 23 Pied Wagtail & 16 Meadow Pipits on the damJohn Matkin
2012-03-23Adult Great Northern Diver, 11 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 2 female Pintail at Wildlife Centre, 2 Goldeneye, 6 Pheasants, 10+ Oystercatchers, 4+ Redshank, 2 Buzzards, GBB Gull, 19 Chiff Chaff in song between Millfields and Hopton End, 8 Redwing, 20+ Meadow Pipit, 2 Raven and 4 Reed Buntings. Dave Newcombe
2012-03-22Bullfinch 2 pairs, Treecreeper 4, Greylag 1, Curlew 7, Heron 1, Oystercatcher 10+, Buzzard 1, Chiffchaff at regular intervals all the way round.Eric Dewhurst
2012-03-212 Sand Martin thru' early morning. 2 female Pintail at Wildlife Centre. 24 Meadow Pipit and 24 Pied Wagtail on dam early morning. Great Northern Diver off Stones Island. 1 Red-legged Partridge, 4 Curlew, 1 Linnet on Stones Island late afternoon. Also Dave Newcombe saw 2 Red Kite drifting south over Hall Wood at 1704hrs and 2 Shelduck from Sheepwash.Roger Carrington
2012-03-20WLC: 2 female Pintail, 1 drake Shoveller, 1 Curlew over, 2 Redshank, 4 Oystercatcher. Elsewhere, 4 Redwing near Sheepwash hide early morning, 1 Greylag Goose, 2 Shelduck flew West over Shiningford Creek, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Curlew on Sheepwash Spit late evening.James Owen (STW vol.)
2012-03-19Adult Great Northern Diver, 20 Barnacle Geese, Greylag Goose, Shelduck, 69 Teal (Sheepwash), 2 female Pintail at Wildflife Centre, 4 Goldeneye, 11 Buzzard all seen from Sheepwash though well spread out, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, c12 Oystercatchers, 4 Redshank, 13 Curlew seen by Roger, 325 Common Gull, 125 LBB Gull, Herring Gull, 2 male Wheatear found by Roger near Sailing Club first thing, still there when I walked past at c09.00, 6 Chiff Chaff in song between Millfields and Sheepwash. Dave Newcombe
2012-03-17First Wheatear of the year at Millfields. Great Northern Diver,Pintail,8 Curlew,22 Meadow Pipits,c10 Redwing.Clive Ashton
2012-03-17Fishtail Creek to Hopton Arm early am:5 Fieldfare, 4 Curlew, Redwing in Middle Wood, Raven, Jay, and 4 Chiffchaff. Pair of Garganey flew from Fishtail Creek at 07:35 headed North over Sitch Farm. John Matkin
2012-03-16Great Northern Diver off Lane Ends Hide. 2 Chiffchaff, 1 singing in Fishtail Creek, 1 near Stone shelter only calling. 1 Crossbill mobile around Middle Wood. 3 Little Grebe, 6 Moorhen, 1 drake Pochard at Millfields, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Skylark over, 14 Meadow Pipit, 42 Wren, 26 Dunnock, 38 Robin, 30 Blackbird, 3 Fieldfare, 12 Song Thrush, 32 Redwing, 2 Mistle Thrush, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 6 Willow Tit including a pair excavating a nest hole, 5 Nuthatch, 14 Magpie, 120 Jackdaw on Flat Island early morning, 32 Carrion Crow, 53 Chaffinch, 22 Goldfinch, 9 Siskin, 8 Linnet, 10 Bullfinch, 5 Reed Bunting.Roger Carrington
2012-03-161 Chiff Chaff. Sheepwash carpark.B & G
2012-03-15Great Northern Diver, Grey Heron, 23 Barnacle Geese, 2 Greylag Geese, 4 Gadwall, Pochard, 5 Goldeneye, 10+ Oystercatchers, 4 Curlew, 4 Redshank, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 210 Common Gull, 51 LBB Gull, 4 GBB Gull, 2 Herring Gulls, 17 Meadow Pipits, 3 Reed Buntings and 3 Lesser Redpoll. Dave Newcombe
2012-03-12Great Northern Diver and 4 Shelduck off Stones Island this afternoon. 1 Drake Shoveler at Millfields. 20 feral Barnacle Geese at WLC + Stones Island. Gull roost: 400 Common, 2000 Black-headed, 40 Lesser Black-backed,3 Great Black-backed Gulls. 11 Pheasants around Sheepwash car park feeder at dusk.Roger Carrington
2012-03-12WeBS count for March done by Peter Gibbon and John BradleyPeter Gibbon and John Bradley
2012-03-12WeBS count for March (0700-1000hrs)Mute Swan 3,Canada Goose 89,Barnacle Goose 16, Wigeon 148,Gadwall 7,Teal 357,Mallard 136,Tufted Duck 78,Goldeneye 6,Great Northern Diver 1,Little Grebe 1,Great Crested Grebe 26,Cormorant 14,Moorhen 5,Coot 67,Oystercatcher 10,Lapwing 49,Curlew 13,Redshank 4,Black-headed Gull 300,Common Gull 57,Yellow-legged Gull 1,Sparrowhawk 1,Buzzard 1.No name given
2012-03-09Great Northern Diver off the Dam Wall, 23 Cormorants, 3 Greylag Geese, Shelduck, 23 Curlew, 10 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank, 2 GBB Gull, 19 Meadow Pipits and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton/Keith Bunting
2012-03-07Adult summer plumage Mediterranean Gull. 15 Curlew.Clive Ashton
2012-03-06WLC: 2 Curlew through, 2 Oystercatcher (mated), 2 Redshank, 3 Buzzard, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Meadow Pipit, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Willow Tit Also, Great Northern Diver off Dam WallJames Owen (STW vol)
2012-03-04Great Northern Diver off the Dam Wall. 108 Canada Geese, 21 Barnacle Geese, 8 Goldeneye, 8+ Oystercatcher, 3 Redshank, 30 Linnet, Raven, 3 Mistle Thrush. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2012-03-01Great Northern Diver - Off Dam wall.Matthew Birkin
2012-02-28Great Northern Diver off the dam wall. 4 Pintail, 10 Goldeneye, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, 10 Curlew, 115 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 8+ Oystercatcher, 4 GBB Gull, 3 Herring Gull, 50+ Linnet and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-02-28WLC: 1 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Gadwall, 2 Little Grebe, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Meadow Pipit, c.25 Linnet, 1 Redshank, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Willow Tit, 14 Barnacle Goose Also, 1 plover sp., probable Grey Plover, and 3 unidentified small waders flew toward Sheepwash mid-afternoon, very distant. Sheepwash: 4 Pintail, 4 Goldeneye, 1 Yellow-legged Gull early morning.James Owen (STW vol.)
2012-02-27Great Northern Diver from Dam/Millfields.Pair Shelduck, 4 Pintail, returning Oystercatcher with barcode leg ring and 7 Curlew from Sheepwash.Gull roost from Lane Ends Hide: 250 Common G, 60 LBBG, 1 GBBG, 3000 BHG and Curlew numbered 11 and mobile at dusk. NB sightings date 27th.Roger Carrington
2012-02-23G N Diver off Stones Island and 2 Redshank and 2 Greylag Geese there. 9 Oystercatchers between Big Island and Millfields. 5 Skylark and 1 Grey Wagtail over. 3 Pintail and 2 Curlew at Sheepwash. 26 Siskin and Willow Tit at P S Hide. 180 Lapwing.Roger Carrington
2012-02-23Fishtail Creek to Hall Wood. Good numbers of gulls around inc. Lesser Black-backed Gulls and a Common Gull, 3 Buzzards, Oystercatcher, Raven, Peregrine, flocks of 8 and c25 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Siskin, Nuthatch with nesting material in Middle Wood, flock of c70 Fieldfare, 1 Skylark over and a further 2 in fields by Fishtail Creek including one in song.John Matkin
2012-02-2211 Pheasants, 13 Barnacle Geese, 3 Pintail, 8 Goldeneye, Curlew, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank, 4 Snipe, Buzzard, 6 Herring Gull, 2 GBB Gull, c25 Linnets. 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers at P Stanley hide. A pair near feeders saw a 2nd pair off. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-02-21WLC: 2 Oystercatcher, c.30 Linnet, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Kestrel, 3 Gadwall, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Willow Tit, 3 Goldeneye, 4+ Meadow Pipit, 2 Barnacle Goose, 35+ Redwing over Shiningford Farm. Also early morning, 3 Greylag Geese on Stones Island, and 2 Pintail still at Sheepwash.James Owen (STW vol.)
2012-02-16Around Stones Island early morning: 2 Sanderling, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, Great Northern Diver, 6 Greylag, 23 feral Barnacle geese, 25 Linnet, 2 Skylark over NE. 1 Oystercatcher on Millfields Island. 4 Pintail at Sheepwash and 3 Skylark over.Roger Carrington
2012-02-15Adult Great Northern Diver, 9 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 22 Barnacle Geese, 4 Pintail, 21 Gadwall, 10 Goldeneye, 8 Pochard, 2 Peregrine, 5 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Sanderling, 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, Dunlin, 2 Yellow-legged Gull, 9 Herring Gull, 3 GBB Gull, 25 Linnets, 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2012-02-14WLC: 2 Pintail, 1 Oystercatcher, c.30 Linnet, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Willow Tit, 3 Gadwall, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Redshank, 1 Great Northern Diver, 3 Goldeneye, 1 Little GrebeJames Owen (STW vol.)
2012-02-14Adult Great Northern Diver gave good close views from Lane End hide. Also 3 Oystercatchers, c20 Gadwall, c12 Goldeneye, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 2 Raven, 2 Skylark over west at 13.20. No sign p.m of this mornings Grey Plover. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2012-02-14Very quick visit whilst doing nest box work, Great Northern Diver still, 1 Ringed Plover (Stones) and Willow Tit at the WLC were highlights.Steph Hicking
2012-02-14WeBS count for February (07.30-10.30)Mute Swan 2,Pinkfoot Goose 1,Canada Goose 322,Cormorant 8, Wigeon 170,Gadwall 37,Teal 488,Mallard 249,Pintail 2,Pochard 8,Tufted Duck 197,Goldeneye 14, Great Northern Diver 1,Great Crested Grebe 40,Moorhen 5,Coot 143,Lapwing 2,Sanderling 1,Dunlin 2,Redshank 3,Buzzard 1, Peregrine 1,Kestrel 2.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2012-02-13Walked all round reservoir (0730-1120), seeing: Carrion Crow, Gt Tit, Jackdaw, Black-hd Gull, Bullfinch, Canada Goose, Blackbird, Pied Wagtail, Coot, Tufted Duck, Gt Crested Grebe, Goldeneye, Rook, Meadow Pipit, Coal Tit, Long-tail Tit, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Teal, Mallard, Wigeon, Robin, Pheasant, Nuthatch, Raven, Chaffinch, Goldcrest, Siskin, Woodpigeon, Buzzard, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Pochard, Gadwall, Gt Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, MagpieGary Atkins
2012-02-1320 Fieldfares on Stones Island, 3 juv Great Black-backed Gulls among B.H. Gulls off Stones Island, Snipe in ditch by path to Wildlife Centre, Peregrine, Barn Owl hunting at Sheepwash car park at dusk.John Matkin
2012-02-11Great N. Diver, 2 X Sanderling, Redshank, Peregrine, 2 x Pintail (male & female),Goldeneye, Willow Tit etc.John & Fay Follett
2012-02-08Adult Great Northern Diver, Pink-footed Goose, 257 Canada Geese, 4 Pintail, 17 Gadwall, 14 Pochard, 7 Goldeneye, 3 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 6 Dunlin, 2 Sanderling, 3 Redshank, 2 Raven. Gull roost very poor due to the weather. With the fields covered in snow and ice most Gulls move further afield. Only c1'000 noted. No large Gulls, only BH and Common Gulls. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-02-0711 Dunlin, 2 Sanderling and 1 Redshank mobile around Stones Island, Sailing Club and Wildlife Centre. Great Northern Diver off Lane End. Willow Tits - 2@Millfields, 2@Lane End, 1@Sheepwash. Counts of 28 Great Crested Grebe, 16 Pochard, 14 Gadwall. Tawny Owl calling near Millields entrance at 1000hrs.Roger Carrington
2012-02-07From Visitor and Wildlife Centers. G N Diver, Redshank, Snipe, Wigeon, Cormorant, Teal, Willow Tit, GC and Little Grebe, Tree Sparrow, Dunnock. Fieldfare.Eric Dewhurst
2012-02-04GN Diver. 2 Sanderling at sailing club and later Sheepwash. 11 Dunlin at Sheepwash, with others around site. 3 Redshank. 2 Peregrine, hunting waders. 2 Pintail. 1 Goosander. c60 Linnet.Clive Ashton
2012-02-026 Sanderling (3 at Millfields, 2 on Stones Island, 1 at Sheepwash). 58 Dunlin in small flocks around the site. Adult Great Northern Diver. 2 Goosander at Millfields. 2 Pintail at Sheepwash. 30 Meadow Pipit on Stones Island.Roger Carrington
2012-01-311 Pinkfooted + 23 feral Barnacle with Canada Geese flock from Wildlife Centre this afternoon. A flock of 21 Dunlin at Sheepwash from 1500hrs and at 1630hrs a Sanderling flew in with 2 more Dunlin. Also Great Northern Diver still, 700 Common Gulls in roost and pair of Pintail all from Sheepwash.Roger Carrington
2012-01-31from the Dam Wall c20 Teal, 10 Meadow Pipit, c10 Dunlin with 1 Redshank, 1 male Goldeneye, 1 Gadwall, 2 Mute Swan from Wildlife Center female Bullfinch, Gadwall, Little Grebe, c15 Wigeon, Eric Dewhurst
2012-01-25Adult Great Northern Diver, Pink-footed Goose, 2 Pintail, 5 Goldeneye, 600 Lapwing, 7 Dunlin, Snipe, adult Yellow-legged Gull, c300 Common Gull, 2 Herring Gull, c40 Meadow Pipit, 2 Grey Heron, 3 Reed Bunting. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-01-21Great Northern Diver, just north of Fishtail Creek , seen from Lane End. 4 drake pochard + 1 female Millfields. Willow Tit and several Bullfinch ( mixture male and female) at Sheepwash feeders. john babb
2012-01-17WLC: Great Northern Diver, 3 Redshank, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Gadwall, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Kestrel, 2 Willow Tit, c.20 Siskin, c.50 Lapwing over. At least 1 Pink-footed Goose still in fields with Canada Geese. Also, 5 Dunlin at Lane End early morning. Reed Bunting and Willow Tit on Sheepwash car park bird table.James Owen (ST vol)
2012-01-16WeBS count for January - Mute Swan 2,Pink-footed Goose 1,Greylag 2,Canada Goose 100,Wigeon 128,Gadwall 10,Teal 242,Mallard 212,Pintail 2,Pochard 11,Tufted Duck 117,Goldeneye 12,Great Northern Diver 1,Little Grebe 2,Great Crested Grebe 20,Cormorant 6,Grey Heron 1,Moorhen 3,Coot 104,Lapwing 119,Redshank 3.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley

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