Recent Sightings

NameSightingDate
DN, MW, RPJ, AMD,AHSThis morning from Stones Island, 1 Little Egret, 1 Great White Egret, 1 Yellow legged gull, 75 Pink Feet Geese, at least 4 Skylarks over, 1 Dunlin, Oystercatcher still present, Willow tit, groups of Redwings fly down East Bank. From WLC creek, 1 Coot, 1 Redkite, Siskins and Redpolls in the Alder trees.22/10/2025
Dave NewcombeIn addition to Simon's post: 2 Shoveler and 13 Pochard at Millfields. Chiffchaff on Stones island. Ducks counted at Lane End whilst I was sheltering from the rain: 50 Wigeon (exact count), 33 Gadwall. 370 Teal. There were a few more Teal but they got flushed before I could finish. 5 Skylark over SW. From Sheepwash: A break in the weather allowed 4 Buzzards, 2 Red Kites, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk to come out. The latter flushing 25 Redwings on far side. A Common Sand again (maybe a different bird to last week). c25 Linnets. The gull roost held c10'000 birds. Adult Caspian. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. 4 Herring Gulls. 500 Common Gulls by 17.30hrs.20/10/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonA reasonable morning given the conditions, the following all from Sheepwash hide: female Goldeneye (first of the autumn), Common Scoter off Fishtail, presumably the same as yesterday, 2 Dunlin, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 1 Little and 3 Great Egrets, 21 Gadwall, 37 Wigeon, Peregrine, Rock Pipit and a late Wheatear (possibly Greenland?).20/10/2025
SJR, CA, MW, JBIn 2 hours from Stones island this morning, 50 Pink-footed Geese SW, 1,098 Woodpigeons S, 5 Stock and 4 Collared Doves, 16 Golden Plover, 4 Great Egret (3 NE, 1 S), 16 Skylarks, 483 Starling, 739 Redwing, 170 Fieldfare. One drake Common Scoter still off the east side, 30 Pochard, 4 Lapwing, 2 Peregrine, Yellow-legged Gull.19/10/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonBest bird for me this morning was a calling Little Owl, my first there for donkey's years. 4 Common Scoter (2 drakes) were again off Fishtail Creek so perhaps part of yesterday's flock. An hour's vismig from Stones produced 265 Woodpigeons, 260 Starlings, 484 Redwing, 20 Fieldfare and 12 Chaffinch. 28 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at about 09:30. 2 Curlew and a Dunlin flew past Stones, a Ringed Plover was at Sheepwash and the Oystercatcher still on Horseshoe island. Adult Caspian and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls still. c600 Common Gulls departed early morning and 750 Jackdaws noisily left their roost. Female Pintail at Sheepwash.18/10/2025
Simon RoddisAnother 5 Common Scoter (1m, 4 female/juvs) this morning - it's been a good week for them. Female Pintail past Stones. A bit of movement included 68 Woodpigeons, 5 Stock Doves, 10 Skylarks, 31 Starling, 186 Redwing and 17 Fieldfare. Single Redshank and Dunlin, and 2 Snipe. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. c3,000 Black-headed Gulls first thing. Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed, and Crossbill over. Male Stonechat in the overflow carpark. Chiffchaff and Blackcap still on Stones.17/10/2025
Simon RoddisLate afternoon visit: c5,000 Lesser Black-backs had come into the roost by 18:30. Shelduck still at Sheepwash, along with 2 Redshank, adult Caspian Gull, Herring Gull. Also 4 Yellow-legged Gulls and a Dunlin (per RJL). 46 Cormorants. 50 Starlings, presumably going to roost somewhere.16/10/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonClive found this morning's star bird, a juvenile Gannet sitting out on the water, present to midday at least. 6 Common Scoters (an adult drake and 5 lovely barred juveniles) were off the dam wall and a Rock Pipit flew over. A few birds moving, with totals of c650 Redwing in random directions, 80 Fieldfare, 180 Woodpigeons, 11 Stock Doves, 13 Skylarks and 10 Swallows. Adult Caspian Gull still and 2 adult Yellow-legs. Single Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Ringed Plover and Dunlin. Drake Pintail off Lane End and at least 18 Pochard. Total of at least 90 Siskin.15/10/2025
Simon RoddisA flock of 22 Common Scoters (7 males, 15 females) was between Stones island and Millfields this morning. Total of 134 Redwing through. 9 Coot, more than double the number on the WeBS count on Sunday! 64 Wigeon, 200 Teal and a Dunlin in front of Lane End hide, plus the adult Caspian Gull snaffling multiple crayfish of the invasive Signal variety. At Hopton end first thing, the Cetti's Warbler (actually seen!) and 4 calling Tawny Owls. c60 Siskin in WLC creek.14/10/2025
Dave NewcombeIn addition to Simon's post. 4 Little Egrets. 115 Greylags. 17 Wigeon. 6 Gadwall. 3 Pochard. 3 Ringed Plover on the dam. 22 Skylarks SW including a flock of 16. c30 Linnets on stones island then presumably the same flock at Sheepwash. A few Redwing calling through the gloom at Millfields first thing and 10+ in Sheepwash woods. At Sheepwash: 2 Dunlin. A late Common Sandpiper. Adult Caspian Gull. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 225 Common Gulls. The roost held in excess of 2'000+ each of both BHG and LBBG.13/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe first Fieldfare of the autumn was on Stones island this morning, and at least 2 more in WLC creek. At least 20 Redwing there too. At one point there were 5 species of thrush in one tree (sadly no Ring Ouzel). Cetti's Warbler and Water Rail still in Hopton reedbed. The Oystercatcher and adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 3 Little Egrets flew in and landed below the dam wall.13/10/2025
Simon RoddisMonthly wildfowl count: 240 Canada, 195 Greylags, 3 Mute Swans, 9 Gadwall, 24 Wigeon, 143 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 162 Teal, 3 Pochard, 110 Tufted, 5 Moorhen, 4(!) Coot, 6 Little Grebe, 38 Great Crests, 1 Oystercatcher, 31 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher. (Compare those numbers with last month, the low water level clearly proved too much for a lot of birds.) Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed. 50 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 10:18. 12+ Crossbills over Hall Wood. Seem to be more Blackbirds around, at least 10 on Stones.12/10/2025
Simon RoddisA Brambling was among the Linnets, Goldfinches and Meadow Pipits on Watersports island this morning. c2,500 Black-headed Gulls from Millfields first thing, and a flock of 21 Ravens flew E. The Great Egret, Oystercatcher, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still present. 2 redhead Goosander.11/10/2025
Dave Armitt5 Grey Heron, 19 Cormorant, 8 Pochard, 4 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 2 Raven, 2 Jay, 30 Meadow Pipit, 40 Goldfinch, 1 Great White Egret , 1 Peregrine, 1 Red Kite,4 Greylag10/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cetti's Warbler was still in Hopton reedbed this morning. 140 Pink-footed Geese flew E at 10:28. 3 Pintail still. 2 redhead Goosander. c4,000 Lesser Black-backs and 370 Common Gulls flew out over WLC creek early morning. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. Great Egret at sailing club. 2 Stonechats in Tail Bay. Totals of 7 Skylark, 6 Chiffchaff, 30 Starling SW, 14 Bullfinch (8 at Penn Carr), 35 Goldfinch, 20 Siskin, 2 Crossbill.10/10/2025
Simon RoddisA pretty decent morning. A Cetti's Warbler was singing in Hopton reedbed early on, with Water Rail also calling there and Crossbill and a redhead Goosander over. 2 Whooper Swans, the Grey Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Pintail, adult Caspian Gull and Great Egret were on the shore off Lane End/Sheepwash. 48 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 08:30. The Oystercatcher was still at Watersports and 6 Lapwing, 6 Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin at sailing club. Male Peregrine on his favourite pylon. 18 Skylarks included a flock of 13 S. Stonechat and Wheatear at the sailing club end of the dam wall.08/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe Grey Plover and Black-tailed Godwit were still at Lane End this morning, and 4 Ringed Plover there and later at sailing club. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls. 115 Common Gulls flew out early morning. 3 Pintail. 2 Pochard. 2 Great Egrets at Watersports, but only 1 Little Egret. Totals of 6 Collared Doves, 9 Skylarks, 6 Greenfinch, 20 Linnets, 16 Redpoll and 65 Siskin. Roger and Alison had 10 Whooper Swans fly SE early on.07/10/2025
Dave NewcombeA Marsh Harrier (looked like a juvenile) came over from the east and continued west with several Gulls giving it some attention. 4 Red Kites. One over hall wood, and another 3 first appeared over Millfields before slowly drifting north towards hopton end. Peregrine. Kestrel. 3 Buzzards and a female Sparrowhawk enjoying the warm autumn sunshine. The 6 Whooper Swans were still viewable from Sheepwash at 18.30. 13 Linnets on the dam wall.06/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe Grey Plover was still between Sheepwash and Lane End this morning, and the Little Stint at sailing club. 6 Whooper Swans arrived mid-morning (apparently as a 4 and a 2). Long-stayers included the Great Egret, Oystercatcher and adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls. A bit of movement included (mostly in an hour on Hays Lane) 55 Chaffinch, 12 Crossbills, 7 Redpoll, 16 Siskin, 41 Meadow Pipits, 12 Skylarks, 13 Woodpigeon and 7 Stock Dove. 3 Pintail. Total of 10 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover and the Black-tailed Godwit also reportedly still here. At Hopton end first thing, 2 calling Tawny Owls and Water Rail.06/10/2025
Gary AtkinsSpecies recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Robin, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Great Egret, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Kestrel, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Little Grebe, Gt Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, Blackbird, Goldfinch, Long-tailed Tit, Willow Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coot05/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe juvenile Grey Plover (found by Richard L at Sheepwash yesterday) was at Lane End this morning and the Little Stint again at sailing club. Other waders were single Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Little Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit and Green Sandpiper (again at WLC), 4 Dunlin and 5 Ringed Plovers. 68 Wigeon. 5 Pintail. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Great Egret still. Wheatear below the dam wall (sailing club end, found by Mike R).05/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe juvenile Little Stint was again at the sailing club end of the dam wall this morning, along with the 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plover. Oystercatcher still at Watersports and Black-tailed Godwit at Lane End. Rock Pipit(s?) flew over Stones island and the dam wall. Juvenile Common Tern and Great Egret still. c100 Common Gulls off Sheepwash first thing. 70 Meadow Pipits, 80 Goldfinch and 2 Snipe at WLC. 40 Siskins over the main carpark.03/10/2025
Simon RoddisA juvenile Little Stint was at sailing club this morning; it later flew towards Millfields with 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plover. A Green Sandpiper was at the WLC and the Black-tailed Godwit still at Lane End. Nice juvenile-type Wheatear on the dam wall. Great Egret, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls all still present.02/10/2025
Simon RoddisSeveral late/long-stayers were still around this morning: Great Egret, Black-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, Common Tern. Finally caught up with 2 Stonechats from Sheepwash hide. At Lane End, 450 Teal, 3 Pintail and 21 Wigeon.01/10/2025
Simon RoddisA Rock Pipit flew S over Stones causeway at 09:55, typical autumn date. Off Stones island first thing, 2,000 Black-headed and 75 Common Gulls. Just 2 Pintail this morning, and 35 Wigeon. Long-stayers included the Great Egret, Common Tern, Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin. 12 Skylarks over. c60 Linnets at sailing club and 10 Redpoll in WLC creek.30/09/2025
Dave NewcombeIn addition to Simon's earlier post. No sign of the recent Cattle Egret in its usual spots, despite several observers on site. 8 Grey Herons. 16 Pintail. 5 at Lane End + the 11 Simon found earlier. 3 Shoveler. Just 3 Lapwings. Peregrine and Red Kite at Sheepwash. A single Snipe there was hunkered down and seemingly invisible to the above Peregrine c20 yards away. The Snipe then took off and the Peregrine gave chase. Outcome unknown. 4 Stonechats at Sheepwash around the large boulders. Still 5 Chiffchaff including one in song. Kingfisher at Paul Stanley. The gull roost held 4'500 possibly 5'000 LBB Gulls. Adult Caspian Gull. 2 adult YLGulls. I was counting Common Gulls on the point to the right of Sheepwash. I got to 66 when they all took off. Numbers probably exceeded over 100. Not many BHGulls in.29/09/2025
Simon RoddisBird of the morning was a juvenile Black Tern which Dave Newcombe found off Millfields, still there to 09:00 at least. Juvenile Common Tern still too. 2 Redwing, Water Rail and Crossbill at Hopton reedbed early morning. 11 Pintail off Stones and 42 Wigeon at Sheepwash. Black-tailed Godwit again between Sheepwash and Lane End, and 6 Ringed, juvenile Little Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin at sailing club. Great Egret still. 14 Common Gulls. 2 Willow Tits on Stones and 18+ Skylarks over, including a flock of 12 S. Wheatear on the dam wall. 8+ Redpoll.29/09/2025
Dave ArmittEarly afternoon visit 20 Meadow Pipit,8 little Grebe, 3 Grey Heron,1 Great White Egret, 50 Pied Wagtail, 1 Cattle Egret between sailing club and visitor centre catching insects, 3 Dunlin, 3 LRP, 2 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Garganey Wildlife Centre bay amongst the Mallards28/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret was still around Watersports this morning, plus a Great and 6 Little Egrets elsewhere around the res. The first Redwing of the autumn, plus 4 Crossbills, 4 Skylarks and a redhead Goosander, flew over Stones island. 7 Ringed Plover, juvenile Little Ringed and a Dunlin at sailing club and the Oystercatcher still at Watersports. c1,000 Jackdaws out of their roost early morning, 200 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall and a total of 30+ Siskins.27/09/2025
Neil Moulden (NJM)Cattle Egret still present, 3 Common Scoter off Stones Island at 10.20 hrs, 9 Ringed Plover and 5 Dunlin at Sailing Club.25/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Little Stint was still present this morning, initially at Millfields then flying to sailing club. The Cattle Egret was again around Watersports and adult Caspian Gull on the shore at Lane End. 3 Dunlin and 9 Ringed Plovers. Single Oystercatcher and Common Tern still. Tawny Owl and Kingfisher at Millfields first thing. Willow Tits on Stones and in WLC creek. Wheatear on the dam wall. Total of at least 100 Meadow Pipits. Redpolls over Stones and WLC creek.22/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret and Oystercatcher were at Watersports again early morning. At Millfields, 14 Ringed Plover, 6 Dunlin, Great Egret and Yellow Wagtail. Peregrine on pylon beyond WLC creek. At Sheepwash, single Red-crested Pochard and Pintail, 35 Wigeon, 25 Pochard and adult Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls.20/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret and Oystercatcher were still at Watersports this morning (and presumably the same Oystercatcher later at Millfields with 4 Dunlin and 15 Ringed Plover, per CA). Less movement than I'd have expected: 30 Swallows, 16 House Martins, 63 Meadow Pipits, 20 Linnet, 48 Siskin and a Redpoll. Mistle Thrush singing at Sheepwash.19/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret was again at Watersports early this morning. Vismig 0630-0900: 1 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 133 Swallows, 15 House Martins, 2 Grey Wagtails, 217 Meadow Pipits, 5 Chaffinch and 16 Siskin, all S or SW. 6 Pintail, 3 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers and adult Caspian Gull at Sheepwash. 15 Ringed Plovers at Millfields.18/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret was feeding on Watersports island early afternoon. 5 Pintail, 3 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, single Common and Herring Gulls and 3 Yellow-legs at Sheepwash. 7 Ringed Plovers at Millfields. 2 Yellow Wagtails (Sheepwash and Millfields).17/09/2025
Simon RoddisEvening visit: 5,250 Lesser Black-backed Gulls came in to roost. 37 Barnacle Geese at Sheepwash (the feral flock returns!). Hobby over sailing club at dusk. 1 Ruff. 100 Swallows. The Cattle Egret reportedly still present.16/09/2025
Simon RoddisYesterday's Cattle Egret was at sailing club late morning, feeding well. Looked much happier than it did yesterday! A mobile female Common Scoter landed in front of Sheepwash early morning but flew to Fishtail and then towards the dam wall. 105 Greylags, 6 Pintail still and one female Red-crested Pochard. 1 Curlew flew N. Adult Caspian Gull from Lane End hide. Yellow Wagtail at sailing club.16/09/2025
Simon RoddisA site record 970 Teal this morning, over 900 of them at Millfields alone. Other duck included 7 Pintail, at least 18 Shoveler and 26 Wigeon, and a female Red-crested Pochard. 10 redhead Goosander flew up the res early morning. 76 Greylags. 18 Ringed Plovers (most of them juvs) at Millfields late morning. The juvenile Oystercatcher still, 2 Ruff and a Common Sandpiper. Adult Caspian Gull still. 50+ House Martins flew through. 70+ Meadow Pipits. First Redpoll of the autumn over Sheepwash. Clive had a Whinchat at sailing club mid-morning until it was flushed.14/09/2025
Neil Moulden (NJM)Osprey from Sheepwash Hide at 17.20 hours for 10 minutes before flying off towards the dam.12/09/2025
Simon RoddisAround 700 Teal were at Millfields this morning, plus the 6 Pintail and 11 Ringed Plovers. Oystercatcher still on Horseshoe island, 1 Snipe, 1 Ruff and 2 Common Sandpipers. 2 juvenile Common Terns still. 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Great Egret still. A bit of movement, with a total of 68 Meadow Pipits, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 20 Siskin, 4 Linnet and 3 Crossbills.13/09/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonNo sign of the ibises or yesterday's Manx Shearwater this morning. 33 Shoveler, 31 Wigeon and 3 Pintail at Sheepwash. Total of 6 Ringed and 4 Little Ringed Plovers. 1 Common Sandpiper and 2 Ruff. 2 juvenile Common Terns. Great Egret still. Pair of Peregrines playing with a Buzzard. 2 Willow Tits on Stones. Female/juv Wheatear at sailing club.12/09/2025
Dave Newcombe/Chris BrownManx Shearwater found on water at Sheepwash c17.50hrs. It was drifting and doing some flapping but was still present from Sheepwash car park c19.15 per Clive Ashton.11/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe 2 Glossy Ibises were still in front of Sheepwash hide this morning. 6 Pintail. 1 Red-crested Pochard. Single Ringed plover and Ruff. 3 probable Black-tailed Godwits briefly over Stones. Great Egret on Horseshoe island. Adult and juvenile Common Terns and 2 juvenile Arctics.10/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe 2 Glossy Ibises were still at Sheepwash this evening. 21 Wigeon. Ruff and Black-tailed Godwit from Sheepwash hide. c4,000 Lesser Black-backs came in to roost by 8pm. Adult Caspian, 5 Yellow-legged, 2 Common and 500 Black-headed Gulls.09/09/2025
Simon RoddisCarsi joined in the Glossy Ibis fun this morning, with 2 from Sheepwash hide, looking fairly settled to 11:00 at least. Earlier on, 507 Pied (site record) and 1 Yellow Wagtail left their roost on Watersports island. Supporting cast of 3 Shelduck, 4 Pintail, 7 Wigeon, 2+ Red-crested Pochard, 8 Lapwing and 2 Ruff at Sheepwash, Redshank at sailing club and Greenshank over WLC creek, 2 Common Terns and 23 Little Egrets.08/09/2025
Amanda PalethorpeBird walk for beginners. House sparrow, great egret, little egret, cormorant, mute swan, Canada goose, great crested grebe, black-headed gull, pied wagtail, carrion crow, buzzard, lesser black-backed gull, red kite, chiffchaff, goldfinch , swallow, oystercatcher, common gull, greylag goose, blue tit, great tit, coot, moorhen, woodpigeon, gadwall, greenfinch, long-tailed tit, robin, little grebe, mallard, tufted duck07/09/2025
Simon Roddis, Jon BradleyMonthly wildfowl count: 87 Canada, 89 Greylags, 21 Mute Swan plus 4 cygnets, 1 Shelduck, 40 Shoveler, 66 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 380 Mallard, 518 Teal, 3 Red-crested Pochard, 84 Common Pochard, 236 Tufted, 1,343 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 29 Little Grebe, 36 GCGrebe, 5 Ringed and 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 1 Dunlin, 2 Common Terns, 64 Cormorants, 21 Little and 1 Great Egret, 10 Herons. 7 Curlew flew W.07/09/2025
Richard LoweOf special note from Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Garganey (1) with Teal just off the shoreline in front of the hide; Pintail (2); YLGull (4) ads; GBBGull (1) ad; Common Gull (1) ad;06/09/2025
Simon RoddisA steady morning, but nothing exceptional. Wildfowl included 760 Canadas, 59 Greylags, 22 Mute Swans plus 4 cygnets, 1 Shelduck, 15 Shoveler, 380 Teal, 1 Red-crested Pochard and 34 Common Pochard. The Great Egret still. Kingfisher on the dam wall and Peregrine on pylon beyond WLC creek. Total of 9 Jays. At least 60 Swallows and 50 House Martins. Yellow Wagtail over Millfields. Totals of c35 Siskin and 200 Goldfinch.06/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe ringed Osprey was around again this morning, seen by Clive early on at Sheepwash and presumably the same bird later flying down the reservoir. At least 2 Pintail still, the juvenile Shelduck, 4 Red-crested Pochard and 400+ Teal at Millfields. Waders included 4 Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Ruff and 2 Greenshank. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 22 Little Egrets. Kingfisher below Middle Wood. Hirundines included a minimum of 85 Swallows and 100 House Martins. Reed Warbler still in Hopton reedbed and 2 Lesser Whitethroats in WLC fields. 1 Yellow Wagtail over and 18 Meadow Pipits heading south.05/09/2025


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
16/07/20246 Redshank and an unidentified godwit flew over Watersports at 09:15 but not seen again. 1 Common Sandpiper. Adult Yellow-legged Gull again and adult Common Tern.Simon Roddis
15/07/20241 adult Yellow-legged Gull off Stones Island. 2 adult Shoveler from The Wildlife Centre. 1 Honey Buzzard flying over The Wildlife Centre (about 1400).Dave Brown
15/07/20243 adult Shoveler off Stones this morning. 3 Common and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 12 Pochard, plus 2 ducklings still. At Lane End, juvenile Willow Tit, Garden Warbler, pair of Spotted Flycatchers feeding at least 2 fledged young. 2 Sedge and 1 Reed Warblers singing in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
14/07/20243 Arctic Terns were off Stones island at 06:35, lingered for a few minutes but not seen thereafter. A Common Scoter which Clive found off Stones was in juvenile plumage, rather unusual I think. The Black-tailed Godwit still near the main centre. 1 Common Sandpiper. Adult Yellow-legged Gull off Stones and the first juvenile Lesser Black-back that I've seen here this year. 2 Skylarks still in dam wall fields.Simon Roddis
12/07/2024A juvenile Wheatear was on the dam wall this morning (only my second here in July) and a Black-tailed Godwit at Shiningford (opposite the WLC). Common Sandpiper at Millfields and Redshank on Horseshoe island. New broods of Mallard in the carpark(!) and GCGrebes off the dam wall. Second-summer Common Gull at sailing club.Simon Roddis
11/07/20242 fine summer-plumage adult Knot were on sailing club shore this morning until they got disturbed. Adult Mediterranean Gull there too. The Barnacle Geese now have just one gosling, the female Pochard has 2 ducklings and the lone juvenile Shoveler again from WLC. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 2 Little Egrets flew up the res. 3+ Spotted Flycatchers, including at least 1 juvenile, at Shiningfod and a juvenile Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
10/07/202490 Greylag Goose 450 Canada Goose 17 Mute Swan 10 Gadwall 40 Mallard 9 Pochard 50 Tufted Duck 1 Pheasant (heard) 5 Little Grebe 28 Great Crested Grebe (12 adults and 15 immature 1 juvenile) 3 Swift 6 Moorhen 5 Oystercatcher 1 Lapwing 17 Cormorant 1 Buzzard 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Kestrel 30 Crow 2 Sedge Warbler (by wildlife centre) 4 Swallow 6 House Martin 10 Chiffchaff 4 Long-tailed Tit 4 Blackcap 4 Wren 3 Blackbird 12 House Sparrow 2 Pied Wagtail 1f Chaffinch 1f Bullfinch (north of brick tower) 8 GoldfinchMatthew Fletcher
10/07/2024Redshank, Kingfisher and Willow Tit at Millfields this morning, 46 Gadwall, 14 Pochard (my highest ever July count here), juvenile Shoveler at WLC.Simon Roddis
08/07/2024Osprey off Stones Island at 12.30pm then later seen perched on tall tree opposite Sheepwash Carpark. Also Red Kite over Carsington Pastures.Richard Lowe
08/07/2024An adult Caspian Gull was off Stones island/dam wall this morning, perhaps the bird which has been here on and off for the last couple of years. A first-summer Common Gull at sailing club was my first since mid May. 8 drake Pochard. 1 Common Sandpiper. A Kingfisher on Stones, probably a young female given its shortish bill and orange at the base of the bill. 4 Linnets on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
07/07/2024Species seen during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Black-Headed Gull, Magpie, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Coot, Woodpigeon, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Great Crested Grebe, Swift, Pied wagtail, Garden Warbler, Moorhen, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch, Song Thrush, Wren, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Reed Bunting, Blackbird, Sedge Warbler, Greylag Goose, Little Grebe, Oystercatcher, Pochard, Chaffinch, Common Sandpiper and Mallard.Gary Atkins
07/07/20242 Common Sandpipers this morning, a first-summer Great Black-backed Gull (my first for a while), an adult Little Egret flew in and a Hobby over the north end.Simon Roddis
05/07/20248 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 9 Chiffchaff, 2 Swift, 6 Goldfinch, 1 Buzzard, 3 Garden Warbler, 3 Little grebe, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Pochard, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 RavenDavid Armitt
04/07/2024A pair of Common Scoter were off Stones island this morning. 10 adult Pochard from WLC. The pair of Barnacle Geese seem to be down to 2 goslings now. A Swift entered the right-hand nestbox at the main centre. Curlew and Common Sandpiper on sailing club shore. Kingfisher past Stones. Adult Reed Warbler feeding fledged young in Hopton reedbed and male Redstart in Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
02/07/2024A lovely summer-plumage Black-necked Grebe was just off the mound on Stones island this morning. There were possibly 2 more out in the middle but the heat haze was dreadful and I couldn't be certain. 7 Pochard (plus 3 ducklings). Common Snadpiper on Stones. Peregrine over Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
30/06/2024Still over 1,000 Canada Geese! 106 Tufted. 19 Swifts feeding over Stones island. 10 Little Grebes (including 4 full-grown young). 50 adult GCGrebes plus 50 young in c29 broods. 3+ Common Sandpiper. 1 adult Common Tern. Juv Willow Tit and singing Whitethroat at Hopton end. 2+ Lesser Whitethroats at top of WLC creek. Full complement of 8 species of warbler - haven't been able to say that very often this year.Simon Roddis
29/06/20245 Common Sandpipers flew along the dam wall this morning, 4 Skylarks in the fields and a male Redstart in the overflow carpark.Simon Roddis
28/06/2024An adult Kittiwake was off Stones 07:45-08:05 at least, in wing moult, missing 1-2 inner primaries. 61 Gadwall. Wildfowl broods to date: Mallard 22, Gadwall 8, Shoveler 1, Pochard 1, Tufted 12, GCGrebe 20+, LGrebe 3, Coot 16+, Moorhen 5+.Simon Roddis
26/06/2024The drake Common Scoter was again north of Stones island this morning - fair to assume it's the same bird as the last 2 days, 1 think. Female Pochard still with 5 young from WLC, and flock of 44 moulting Gadwall, some clearly flightless, there too.Simon Roddis
25/06/2024A drake Common Scoter was north of Stones island this morning - difficult to know if it's the same bird as yesterday or not. Female Pochard again with 5 young from WLC. c100 juv Black-headed Gulls at Millfields. I reckon we now have 7 broods of Oystercatcher, one on each island. Kingfisher past Stones island. Garden Warbler with food on Stones. Alan S had a Hobby over Hopton end.Simon Roddis
24/06/2024An adult Sandwich Tern was off Stones island around 08:00, my first here in June. Drake Common Scoter out in the middle. Common Tern at Millfields. 1,088 Canada, 290 Greylag, 22 Mute Swans, 195 Coot. Female Shoveler off Stones. Juvenile Jays at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
21/06/2024A drake Wigeon found by Roger and Alison was a surprise this morning. A new brood of 8 Gadwall off Watersports island. 3 Teal. 3m Pochard. 62 Tufted. 1000+ Canadas again. 6 Lapwing. 1 Common Sandpiper at sailing club, plus 3 at Millfields (per A&R). 2 Common Tern.Simon Roddis
20/06/2024Continuing the 'black bird' theme, another 2 drake Common Scoters were off Stones island early morning, later moving up the res towards Big Island. 281 Greylags. 32 Gadwall. A Common Sandpiper and 9 Lapwings on sailing club shore. Willow Tit, possibly a juv, at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
19/06/2024An adult Black Tern at Watersports this morning was a surprise given the date. 23 Mute Swans - sadly it appears as if the nest at WLC has been abandoned, 3 Mallard were sitting on it at one point. 21 adult Gadwall; brood of 7 still from WLC. Pochard brood now down to 5, accompanied by 2 females! 1 Curlew N over sailing club. 1 Little Egret. 2 Reed Warblers singing on Stones island and 1 WLC creekSimon Roddis
18/06/2024An immature drake Common Scoter was off Stones island all morning. The female Shoveler with 2 young from WLC, and female Pochard and young still (not sure exactly how many). 4 Teal. 3 adult Redshanks on Horseshoe island, one with a metal ring. Pair of Skylark in the dam wall fields, one of them carrying food - looks like the first confirmed breeding this century. Reed Warbles singing at WLC and on Stones.Simon Roddis
17/06/2024Geese numbers are still on the rise: 1,001(!) Canada, 22 Barnacle plus 3 goslings, 180 Greylag. 2 Teal from WLC. New brood of c7 Gadwall in Brown Ale Bay and at least 2 new Tufted broods. 137 Coot. 1 Common Tern. Kingfisher at Hopton end. Fledged Nuthatch and Grey Wagtails at Millfields. Siskin over Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
16/06/20246 adult Pochard this morning, including the female still with 6 ducklings from WLC. New brood of 11 Tufted from there too. Kingfisher on Stones island, my first here since mid April - must be a chance it's a young bird that's flown in from elsewhere. Lesser Whitethroat again singing in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
15/06/2024After Clive found Shoveler with young a few days ago, another success today in the shape of a brood of 6 Pochard from the WLC, the first here since 1992 (we think). 1 Teal off Stones. 1 Peregrine. 2 Skylarks still in the dam wall fields and Whitethroat still singing in Tail Bay. Grey Wagtail with food at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
13/06/2024per Clive Ashton This morning from Stones/WLC Creek; 22 Mute Swan, Barnacle pair still with 3 yng, drake Pochard, 5 Little Grebe (inc pair with at least 3 yng WLC Creek), 2 Redshank, 1 Lapwing, Hobby through WLC, 8 Swift over Horseshoe, usual Warblers singing (Sedge, Reed, Garden, Blackcap, Willow, Chiff). Fresh brood of 8 Mallard on Stones 12/6/24.Clive Ashton
09/06/2024Monthly WeBS count: 44 GCGrebe (+43 young), 6 Little Grebe, 15 Cormorant, 15 Mute Swans, 746 Canada, 164 Greylag, 66 Mallard, 14 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 45 Tufted (plus the first 2 broods of the year), 107 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 8 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank. Lesser Whitethroat singing at Sheepwash, Tree Sparrow again on the WLC feeders.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
07/06/202414 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Oystercatcher, 2 Reed Bunting,2 Blackcap ,6 Goldfinch , 1 Little Grebe, 1 PochardDavid Armitt
07/06/2024A brood of 8 Gadwall from the WLC is the first of the year here (good spot by Alison). The drake Pochard again. 1 Lapwing at sailing club and 2 Curlew flew W. Hobby along the dam wall and at least 1 Peregrine from WLC. Lesser Whitethroat singing in WLC fields. At least one juvenile Pied Wagtail has fledged from the boat in sailing club bay. 5 Linnets.Simon Roddis
06/06/2024Male and female Common Pochard in WLC area this morning - interesting. Barnacle Geese still with 3 young and 2 Pink-footed Geese again. New brood of 9 Mallard ducklings off Stones. Little Grebe chicks still in WLC creek and 3 large young Oystercatchers on Shiningford shore. 5+ Willow Tits on Stones. Pied Wagtail still taking food onto a boat in sailing club bay.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
05/06/202494 Greylags this morning. The drake Shoveler still. 3+ GSWoodpeckers in Hall Wood, including a large chick sticking its head out of a nest-hole. 3 singing Redstarts in Hall/Middle Woods and Spotted Flycatcher in Middle Wood. Fledged Nuthatches in Hall Wood, plus a separate adult with food. Tree Sparrow on the WLC feeders.Simon Roddis
04/06/2024The highlight this morning was the appearance of 2 Little Terns off Stones island at 08:20; they did a circuit of the reservoir and then started to gain height before departing NE at 08:27, the first here since July 2019. Also 1 Common Tern. 1 Pink-footed Goose. 2 (separate) Curlews flew S. 2 Skylarks on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
02/06/2024In Gary's absence here is the list from the bird walk. House sparrow. robin. canada goose. BH gull. cormorant. crow. tufted duck. mallard. magpie. coot great tit. barnacle goose. gt cr grebe. mute swan. pied wagtail. wood pigeon. wren. chiffchaff. garden warbler. blackbird. song thrush. dunnock. buzzard. red kite. willow tit. blackcap. sedge warbler. swallow. moorhen. oystercatcher. greylag goose. house martin. redshank. goldfinch. jackdaw. 35 species recorded.Amanda Palethorpe
03/06/2024Geese numbers are starting to build: 435 Canada, 5 Barnacle (plus 3 goslings), 92 Greylag, 2 Pink-feet. 18 Mute Swans (one still sitting at WLC). 14 Oystercatcher plus 2 chicks each at Millfields and Sheepwash. 4 Heron (3 flew in over Hall Wood). 2 Reed Warblers singing in WLC creek and one still from Paul Stanley hide.Simon Roddis
30/05/2024Barnacle Geese pair still with 5 goslings at Watersports. Drake Pochard and Shoveler still. Brood of 10 unaccompanied small ducklings at Watersports - possibly the first Gadwall brood? 20 Swifts and 40 House Martins over WLC. Still 2 Oystercatcher chicks on Millfields island. 1 adult Common Tern. Pied Wagtails taking food into a hole in the side of the engine housing(?) on a boat in sailing club bay.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
29/05/202445 Greylags. Redhead Goosander flew NW. Drake Pochard still. 30 Swifts mid-morning. 10 Willow Tits (long time since I had a double-figure count here): family party of 9 on Stones and 2 calling in WLC creek. 2 Skylark S over Stones. 20 House Martins. Sedge Warbler with food on Stones.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
28/05/20242 singing Pied Flycatchers, one each in Hall and Middle Woods, and 3 Spotted Fly in the same area. 3 singing Redstart there too.Simon Roddis
27/05/2024A Little Egret flew in just before 09:00 this morning. The Barnacle family were at WLC. Singing Reed Warblers again at WLC and Millfields, and Whitethroat still in Tail Bay. 25 Lesser Black-backs drifted N. 3 hunting Kestrels. Pair of Willow Tits with at least 4 fledged young on Stones.Simon Roddis
26/05/2024Very soggy. Pair of Oystercatchers with at least 1 chick on Sheepwash spit and 2 chicks still on Millfields island. The Barnacle Geese now have 5 goslings at Millfields. Singing Reed Warblers at PS hide and Millfields.Simon Roddis
25/05/2024Mid-morning at the north end: 3 Shelduck and a drake Pochard off Sheepwash. Black-heads now have chicks on the raft in Brown Ale Bay. 2 new broods of Great Crests (3 and 4) between Sheepwash and Lane End. Singing Spotted Flycatchers in Hall and Middle Woods, and the Pied Flycatcher still in Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
24/05/2024A Sanderling was on the dam wall this morning, plus 3 Turnstones found by Colin Penny which I missed. c100 House Martins is easily the highest number so far this year, along with c50 Swallows, 1-2 Sand Martins and 10+ Swifts. Black-headed Gulls now have chicks on Millfields island. Reed Warbler singing at WLC and Whitethroat singing in Tail Bay.Simon Roddis
21/05/20242 Dunlin on the dam wall mid-morning were new today. 10 Swifts around the visitor centre. Total of 28 House Martins flew N. Fledged Long-tailed Tits at Millfields and Hopton end. Reed Warbler singing at WLC and a Sedge (and 3+ Reed) in Hopton reedbed. Blackcap with food at Millfields.Simon Roddis
18/05/2024A Whimbrel flew N past the main centre at 09:30. Drake Shoveler again on Horseshoe island. New brood of 7 Coot at Millfields and the Oystercatchers still have 2 chicks on the island. 4 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed. 6 male Redstart between Hopton and Warrington Knob and the male Pied Flycatcher still singing in Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
16/05/2024A Whimbrel flew N up the res mid-morning. 1 Common Tern. Drake Shoveler, Pochard and RcPochard still. Little Grebes with at least 3 chicks in WLC creek, in exactly the same spot as last year. Reed Warbler singing on sailing cub island and later on Stones, and Redstart singing in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
12/05/2024Monthly wildfowl count: 139 Canada Geese (plus 5 broods), 1 Barnacle, 47 Greylag (8 broods), 6 Mute Swan, 19 Gadwall, 63 Mallard, 1 Pochard, 47 Tufted, 5 Moorhen, 53 Coot (3 broods), 48 GCGrebe (7 broods), 1 LGrebe, 9 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Tern, 17 Cormorant, 4 Heron. Also 1 Spotted Flycatcher on Watersports island (most likely just arrived), Pied Flycatcher still singing in Middle Wood, 4 Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed and a Whitethroat nearby.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
11/05/2024Highlight this morning was a wonderful flock of 11 Black Terns which arrived at 08:38, flew around for about 5 minutes but not seen subsequently. The nice weather encouraged raptors into the air, with at least 10 Buzzards, 4 Sparrowhawks and then 2 Hobbies over Millfields. Drake RcPochard still and 4 Cimon Pochard (3m,1f).Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
09/05/2024A Spotted Flycatcher, first of the year I believe, was at Lane End this morning. 2 female Shelduck were on the shore below Middle Wood before flying off. Clive also had a pair of Teal. 4 Pochard at WLC. 14 Sedge Warbler (12 around Stones island), 18 Garden Warblers, 2 singing Common Whitethroat. Pied Flycatcher still singing in Middle Wood.Simon Roddis

Scroll to Top