| 26/02/2025 | An adult Mediterranean Gull was at Millfields this morning, and the GN and Red-throated Divers visible from there (and from Stones ). Didn't see the Lesser Scaup but it has been reported since. Ring-necked Duck at sailing club before it got disturbed, and the 2 Greater Scaup were again below Hall Wood. Kingfisher from WLC. | Simon Roddis |
| 25/02/2025 | The Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, GN and Red-throated Divers were in their usual areas this morning. Chiffchaff occasionally singing on Stones. Little Egret feeding in the fields above Fishtail Creek, had to look twice to make sure it wasn't Cattle. About 20 Buzzards in the air late morning. Kingfisher at sailing club. Willow Tits on Stones and at Millfields. Grey and Pied Wagtails singing at Millfields. | Simon Roddis |
| 24/02/2025 | A new bird to add to the cast list today: a winter-plumage Black-necked Grebe was off the south end of Stones island 08:30-08:45. The Lesser and Greater Scaup, the Ring-necked Duck and both GN and Red-throated Divers still present. Pochard numbers have dropped quite a bit, 186 is my lowest count since mid-September last year. 25 Goldeneye. 5 Woodcock and a Water Rail at Hopton reedbed first thing. 13 Oystercatcher. 17 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 6 Curlew. Little Egret at PS hide. Skylark over the dam wall. | Simon Roddis |
| 23/02/2025 | 65 Pochard, 5 Wigeon,11 Goldeneye, 2 Curlew, 8 Little Grebe,GN Diver, Red throated Diver of stones, 20 Cormorant,1 Chiffchaff, 8 Barnacle goose, 5 oystercatcher, 2 Greater Scaup, 1Lesser Scaup Mill fields ring- necked Duck | Dave Armitt |
| 23/02/2025 | The Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, GN and Red-throated Divers were all in their usual areas this morning. More of a surprise was that the 2 immature drake Greater Scaup were also at Millfields, within a few metres of the Lesser. 70 Greylags. 3+ Curlew. Chiffchaff on Stones island. Grey Wagtail singing at Millfields. 25 Redwing at Sheepwash. | Simon Roddis |
| 22/02/2025 | Willow Tit survey in the southern tetrad (which isn't quite all of the southern half of the res) yielded 2 pairs. The Red-throated Diver was way up north of Flat Island. 30 Barnacle Geese. 9 Mistle Thrushes, 5 of them singing. Redshank still on Stones causeway. | Simon Roddis |
| 21/02/2025 | The blustery conditions made finding birds a bit tricky this morning but all except the Red-throated Diver eventually gave themselves up, the Lesser Scaup finally appearing at Millfields late morning, with the Ring-necked Duck also there after being at sailing club earlier. GNDiver off the east side and the 2 Greater Scaup still below Hall Wood. 33 Barnacle Geese. 2 Curlew. At least 25, maybe 30 Snipe on Horseshoe island. Kingfisher at Millfields. | Simon Roddis |
| 20/02/2025 | The Lesser Scaup was still at Millfields first thing this morning, the Ring-necked Duck at sailing club, the GN and Red-throated Divers off Stones island, and the 2 Greater Scaup below Hall Wood (viewed from Paul Stanley hide). 33 Barnacle Geese. 20 Lapwing and 5 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 Curlew. GSWoodpecker drumming at Penn Carr. The Sheepwash/Lane End Chaffinch flock is now up to 45, along with 10 Goldfinches. | Simon Roddis |
| 19/02/2025 | All the goodies were in their usual areas this morning, although the Greater Scaup were tucked right into Flat Island when I saw them, first time I've seen them there. 4 Goosander early morning. 38 Reed Buntings came out of Hopton reedbed, calling Water Rail there and a Great Egret flew over. 1 Curlew. Willow Tit survey on the west side yielded 4 birds, a pair and 2 singles (1 also at Millfields). 30 Chaffinches between Sheepwash and Lane End. | Simon Roddis |
| 18/02/2025 | The female Lesser Scaup still at Millfields, the female Ring-necked Duck at sailing club and the GN and Red-throated Divers from Stones this morning. 13 Snipe on Horseshoe island and Alan had 4 Curlew (and a Skylark) over the east side. 37 Ravens, including a party of 20, E over Millfields early morning, presumably out of a roost not too far away. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 17/02/2025 | This morning from Stones Island, Great Northern Diver in it's usual place sleeping off the East bank, Ring Necked Duck just near the last jetty on the left of yatch club. Late morning Red Throated Diver was showing very well behind Watersports Island and relatively close.
30 Barnacle Geese in WLC bay, 1 Snipe, 1 Redkite, 2 Willow Tit plus all the usual waterfoul. | AHS, CA. |
| 16/02/2025 | Monthly wildfowl count, a little bit later in the day than usual because it was a bit dreich this morning: 207 Canada, 31 Barnacle, 88 Greylag, 4 Mute Swan, 19 Gadwall, 11 Wigeon, 116 Mallard, 3 Teal, 550 Pochard, 1 Ring-necked Duck, 158 Tufted, 2 Scaup, 1 Lesser Scaup, 1 Aythya hybrid, 22 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander, 1 Water Rail, 10 Moorhen, 570 Coot, 25 Little Grebe, 85 GCGrebe, 10 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 1 GN Diver, 1 Red-throated Diver, 1 Little Egret. Peregrine over WLC. 25 Chaffinch feeding in field south of Sheepwash. Later from Stones island, c6,000 Black-headed Gulls, 1 adult Mediterranean, 4,000 Common, 550 Lesser Black-backed and 50 Herring. | Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley |
| 16/02/2025 | Two adult Mediterranean Gulls late afternoon, one from Millfields, the other from Stones Is.
Both RTDiver and GNDiver visible at range from Millfields. Ring-necked Duck (f) off Sailing Club, courtesy of Simon Roddis. Little Egret flew over Stones Island towards Sheepwash at dusk. | Richard Lowe |
| 15/02/2025 | Little Egret over Stones at 0830. Too murky to see Divers, Ring Necked Duck off Sailing Club at 11am | Tom Eeles |
| 14/02/2025 | Caspian Gull 1st w and YL Gull 3rd w in this afternoon’s gull roost plus 2 Mediterranean Gulls (adult plus 1st w) well spotted by Clive Ashton. An eight species gull roost. Plus Ring-necked Duck (f) off sailing club. | Richard Lowe |
| 14/02/2025 | The Lesser Scaup was still at Millfields this morning, and the Ring-necked Duck was there too, just to keep us on our toes. GN and Red-throated Divers out on the water and the 2 drake Scaup again below Hall Wood. Water Rail in Hopton reedbed. Peregrine(s?) over the east and west sides. 250 Starlings. 32 Barnacle Geese. The Aythya hybrid again in sailing club bay. | Simon Roddis |
| 13/02/2025 | 1st winter Mediterranean Gull in gull roost off Watersports centre late afternoon. | Richard Lowe |
| 13/02/2025 | The Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, 2 Greater Scaup and the 2 divers were in their usual spots this morning. Otherwise as you were. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 12/02/2025 | The Lesser and 2 Greater Scaup, the Ring-necked Duck and both GN and Red-throated Divers in their respective spots this morning. The Red-throat had a bit of a fly again. The Aythya hybrid also off Stones causeway again. 2 singing Mistle Thrushes at Sheepwash. 30 Siskin over WLC creek. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 11/02/2025 | GN and Red-throated Divers distantly in the murk from Stones island this morning, and the 2 Greater Scaup below Hall Wood, seen from PS hide. I couldn't find the Lesser Scaup or the Ring-necked Duck in their usual haunts. 33 Barnacle Geese. 500+ Pochard. | Simon Roddis |
| 09/02/2025 | The Lesser and Greater Scaup, Ring-necked Duck and both GN and Red-throated Divers all present and correct this morning. The Greater Scaup were among a flock of 260 Pochard in Brown Ale Bay, seen from Paul Stanley hide (c500 Pochard in total). 3 Woodcock and a calling Tawny Owl at Hopton end first thing. | Simon Roddis |
| 07/02/2025 | 2nd winter Caspian Gull off Sailing Club late this afternoon - thankfully out of the biting wind; Ring-necked Duck showing well off Stones Is causeway; Lesser Scaup showing well from the perimeter path between Millfields car park and Fishtail creek. | Richard Lowe |
| 01/02/2025 | Adult Mediterranean Gull off Stones Is in the roost late afternoon. | Richard Lowe |
| 06/02/2025 | Late afternoon, 800 Lesser Black-backs and 30+ Herring Gulls in the roost, plus several thousand Black-heads and Commons. Both divers still, and the 5 Whoopers were still there at dusk. Earlier, the 2 Greater Scaup still under Hall Wood. | Simon Roddis |
| 06/02/2025 | The female Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck and both GN and Red-throated Divers were in their usual areas this morning. 700+ Pink-footed Geese flew NW in 6 skeins 0915-1015. 5 Whooper Swans flew in from the SW at 0940. 1 Shelduck, 2 Pintail, single Great Egret and Redshank. 8 Oystercatchers. 3 Curlew. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing and 17 Reed Buntings came out of the reedbed. | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 05/02/2025 | The Lesser and Greater Scaup, Ring-necked Duck and both GN and Red-throated Divers were in their usual areas this morning. The Red-throat called several times with its breath visible as it exhaled, something I've never heard or seen before. 33 Barnacle Geese. 5 Goosander. Mini waderfest involving 21 Lapwing, 7 Oystercatcher, 3 Curlew, 4 Snipe and a Woodcock. Barn Owl early morning. Peregrine N over Sheepwash. Totals of 13 Raven and 6 Skylark. An excellent morning, my first 70+ haul this year (73 species). | Simon Roddis |
| 04/02/2025 | The female Lesser Scaup was still at Millfields this morning, the Ring-necked Duck at sailing club, both GN and Red-throated Divers from Stones island, and the 2 Scaup still below Hall Wood. 1 Shelduck at Millfields. Totals of 558 Pochard and 32 Goldeneye. 30 Barnacle Geese. At least 3,000 Black-headed and 1,000 Common Gulls early morning. 6 Oystercatchers. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 03/02/2025 | All the main attractions still present this morning: the female Lesser Scaup at Millfields, the female Ring-necked Duck at sailing club, GN and Red-throated Divers from Stones island, and the 2 immature drake Greater Scaup towards the north end of the res below Hall Wood. 5 Oystercatchers indicates an arrival of several birds in the last day. 3 singing Mistle Thrushes and my first singing Chaffinch of the year at Sheepwash. | Simon Roddis |
| 02/02/2025 | Species seen during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon, Stones Island - Wildlife Centre): Black-headed Gull, House Sparrow, Coot, Canada Goose, Gt Crested Grebe, Robin, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Pied Wagtail, Little Grebe, Carrion Crow, Lapwing, Pochard, Magpie, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Dunnock, Common Gull, Barnacle Goose, Teal, Buzzard, Blue Tit, Blackbird, Great Northern Diver, Willow Tit, Moorhen, Chaffinch, Woodpigeon, Great Tit, Kestrel, Goldeneye, Mallard and Oystercatcher | Gary Atkins |
| 02/02/2025 | Another eventful morning: huge credit to Jon Bradley for finding a female Lesser Scaup at Millfields, a first for Carsington and just the second for the county. Red-throated and GN Divers still from Stones. The female Ring-necked Duck was at sailing club early on but then relocated to Millfields. 31 Barnacle Geese. 3 Goosander. 560 Woodpigeons flew N in 2 hours. Single Oystercatcher, GBbGull and Peregrine. | Simon Roddis |
| 01/02/2025 | The female Ring-necked Duck was again at sailing club early morning but disappeared once the inevitable boating activities started. GN and Red-throated Divers and the 2 Scaup still from Stones island. 4 Pintail on the water for a while, and 6 Shoveler at Millfields. 20 Goldeneye from Stones and the Aythya hybrid again. A Great Egret flew N and Colin Bowler had a Little Egret perched in Tail Bay. 55 Woodpigeons N. At least 1 Oystercatcher. Barn Owl at the Knockerdown early morning. | Simon Roddis |
| 31/01/2025 | All the goodies were in their usual areas this morning, the Ring-necked Duck, both divers and the 2 Scaup, although the Ring-necked Duck got a bit elusive later in the morning. The Aythya hybrid still off Stones causeway too. One Woodcock and 3 Goosander at Millfields first thing. Single Oystercatcher still at Watersports. Peregrine over Hall Wood. | SJR, AHS, CA |
| 30/01/2025 | A beautiful morning and a few decent birds to boot. The female Ring-necked Duck was in her current favoured spot at sailing club; the Red-throated Diver flew around for at least 15 minutes but was later on the water off Stones island, and the GNDiver from there too. A Great Egret flew in from the E and an Oystercatcher was at Watersports. 73 Woodpigeons NE. c30 Barnacle Geese, 1 Skylark and 55 Redwing. | Simon Roddis |
| 29/01/2025 | The female Ring-necked Duck was again at the sailing club early morning, and the Red-throated and GN (eventually) Divers from Stones. 195 Greylags flew out. 30 Barnacle Geese at WLC. The Aythya hybrid again off Stones causeway. 43 Woodpigeons flew NE. 330 Lesser Black-backs out of their roost. Peregrine on sailing club shore and later from Stones. 300 Jackdaws and 60 Rooks on the dam wall early morning. 30 Fieldfares on the east side. 4 Bullfinch, 2 Redpoll and a Linnet on Stones. | Simon Roddis |
| 28/01/2025 | The female Ring-necked Duck, presumably the same as last November and also reported a week or so ago, was at sailing club between 09:00 and 10:00 at least but couldn't find it there at 11. GN and Red-throated Divers still from Stones, and both immature drake Scaup, getting greyer by the day. 3 Redpoll on Stones and 60 Starlings over. | Simon Roddis |
| 27/01/2025 | The GN and Red-throated Divers and one of the Scaup were back in their usual areas, visible from Stones island, early morning. By late morning the GNDiver was down at Millfields. 30+ Barnacle Geese. Pair of Shoveler at WLC. Water Rail showing extremely well on the pond off the boardwalk just before the WLC. Kingfisher and the Aythya hybrid off Stones causeway. | Simon Roddis |
| 26/01/2025 | Both the GN and Red-throated Divers still this morning, again moved north of Stones, the Red-throat best seen from Sheepwash hide late morning. The 2 immature drake Scaup have also relocated to that area, not having been seen from Stones for a few days. 32 Barnacle Geese. The Aythya hybrid was in sailing club bay and later in Brown Ale Bay. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 24/01/2025 | The GNDiver was still off Stones island this afternoon, and the Red-throated was off Millfields. Minimum of 934 Pochard, including 545 at Sheepwash. | Simon Roddis |
| 22/01/2025 | Afternoon visit: the GN and Red-throated Divers from Millfields/Stones all afternoon, and the 2 Scaup landed off Stones early afternoon. The Great Egret seen elsewhere by others roosted on Flat Island for much of the afternoon. 32 Barnacle Geese still. Duck numbers: 61 Gadwall, 17 Wigeon, 5 Teal (presumably missed some), 107 Mallard, 967 Pochard, 364 Tufted, 12 Goldeneye, plus 20 Little and 74 GCGrebes. 32 Lapwing. Adult Yellow-legged Gull at sailing club. Peregrine over Hall Wood. A flock of 500+ (1,000?) Starlings flew S behind Hall Wood late afternoon. | Simon Roddis |
| 20/01/2025 | The GN and Red-throated Divers were still visible from both Stones island and Millfields this morning, although the 2 immature drake Scaup had moved maybe 200m north and we only picked them up from WLC creek, looking off Shiningford island. 33 Barnacle Geese still. Woodcock and Tawny Owl at Hopton end first thing. My first singing Song Thrush of the year at Millfields. 2 Willow Tits on Stones. | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 19/01/2025 | Afternoon visit to carry out the BTO Winter Gulls Survey. Counts of c3,200 Black-headed, 1,500 Common, 323 Lessers, 1 Greater, 3 Herring, 2 adult Yellow-legs and an adult Caspian. The GN and Red-throated Divers still and the 2 Scaup. 2 Oystercatchers again. 36 Lapwing. 32 Barnacle Geese. | Simon Roddis |
| 18/01/2025 | The first Oystercatchers of the year, presumably a pair, were at sailing club this morning. The GNDiver and both immature drake Scaup were off Stones and the Red-throated Diver finally appeared between Stones and Millfields. Willow Tit on Stones, and 2 and a Great Spotted Woodpecker were at Millfields. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 17/01/2025 | Afternoon visit: both divers and one Scaup from Stones. 33 Barnacle Geese at WLC. 58 Gadwall. 68 Wigeon. The Aythya hybrid again at sailing club. 40 Lapwing. 20 Siskin at Millfields. In the gull roost, c1,500 Common, 2,500 Black-headed, 365 Lesser Black-backs. | Simon Roddis |
| 17/01/2025 | At the Brassington road junction near the Knockerdown one Barn Owl at 7:45am, from Stones Island this morning Great Northern Diver, Red Throated Diver, 2 Scaup, 1 Peregrine, Redpoll and Willow Tit plus all the usual waterfoul. The usual Barnacle Geese flock were in the fields where the pylons are , with Canada and Greylag Geese. | AHS, CA. |
| 16/01/2025 | Both divers and the Scaup again from Stones island this morning, along with a constant stream of admirers. 25+ Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. Redhead Goosander off Stones. 30 Lapwing. Water Rail along the shore at Shiningford and a Willow Tit singing at the WLC. A bit of movement involved 97 Fieldfares and 200 Starlings NW and another 50 Starlings E. | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 15/01/2025 | Perimeter count: 27 Pheasant, 3 singing Stock Dove, 30 Lapwing, 1 Woodcock, 3 GSWoodpecker, 2 Jay, 21 Magpie, 2 Raven, 19 Coal Tit, 4 Willow, 239 Blue, 68 Great, 18 Long-tailed, 6 Skylark over, 8 Goldcrest, 39 Wren, 7 Nuthatch, 7 Treecreeper (1 singing), 9 Song Thrush, 7 Mistle (1 singing), 67 Redwing, 98 Blackbird, 85 Robin, 34 Dunnock, 8 Pied Wagtails, 18 Meadow Pipit in the dam wall fields, 16 Chaffinch, 4 Bullfinch, 8 Greenfinch, 1 Linnet N, 2 Redpoll, 14 Goldfinch, 10 Siskin. The GN and Red-throated Divers still, and the 2 Scaup off Stones island. Peregrine at Sheepwash. | Simon Roddis |
| 14/01/2025 | The GN and Red-throated Divers and the 2 Scaup were all in their usual areas off Stones island this morning. 350 Greylags early morning. 33 Barnacles at Watersports (per Alison and Roger). The Aythya hybrid again at sailing club. At least 104 Lapwing in total: 20 down, 30 S, 6 N and 48 flew in. 1 Woodcock at Millfields early morning. Adult Peregrine over the main carpark. Skylark over WLC creek, heading towards the pastures. | Simon Roddis |
| 13/01/2025 | Monthly wildfowl count: 192 Canada, 3 Barnacle, 14 Greylag, 4 Mute Swan, 77 Gadwall, 24 Wigeon, 159 Mallard, 44 Teal, 3 Shoveler, 843 Pochard, 317 Tufted, 2 Scaup, 23 Goldeneye, 7 Moorhen, 1394 Coot, 28 Little Grebe, 71 GCGrebe, 1 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 2 Woodcock, single GN and RtDivers, 33 Cormorant, 1 Heron. 130 Pink-footed Geese flew W, 9 Herring Gulls S. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 11/01/2025 | An excellent winter morning's birding. The Great Northern and Red-throated Divers and the 2 Scaup still from Stones island. 49 Whooper Swans: 31 dropped in from the east at 11:35 while another 18 kept going W. 92 Pink-feet flew W and another 11 E. 33 Barnacle Geese. 7 Shoveler (5m,2f). 56 Teal around Stones/WLC. The regular Aythya hybrid and 43 Lapwing at sailing club. 62 GCGrebe from Stones. Kingfisher from WLC and later from Stones. 3 Fieldfare and a Meadow Pipit over Stones. | Simon Roddis |
| 10/01/2025 | Both divers and both Scaup off Stones island this afternoon. 310 Canada, 33 Barnacle and 61 Greylags. 65 GCGrebe from Stones. 20 Lapwing flew in. Much smaller gull roost than before the cold weather: c1,000 each of Common and Black-headed, only 10 Lesser Black-backs by 16:20. | Simon Roddis |
| 07/01/2025 | Clive picked up both the GN and Red-throated Divers and the 2 Scaup from Stones this morning. Pochard numbers still holding up, at 725. Pair of Goosander at Millfields. 11 Snipe dropped onto Watersports/Stones islands and a Peregrine over (maybe not a coincidence). | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 06/01/2024 | Afternoon visit: the Great Northern and Red-throated Divers and the 2 immature male Scaup all visible from Stones island, although much better views of the Red-throat from Millfields (it is now the equal longest stayer ever at the res.). 33 Barnacle Geese. 38 Cormorant. 62 Collared Doves (site record) flew S down the east side, appeared to come from the Fishtail area, perhaps flushed from a farmyard by a Red Kite. | Simon Roddis |
| 03/01/2025 | Red Throated Diver from Millfields | Dave Armitt |
| 03/01/2025 | 10 Long Tailed Tit,3 Red Kite, 145 Pochard, 9 Little Grebe, 8 Gadwall, 23 Cormorant, 1 Buzzard, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 1 Coal Tit , 1 Green Finch, 7 Goldeneye, 18 Wigeon, 24 Lapwing, 11 Barnacle goose, 8 Teal, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Greylag Goose | Dave Armitt |
| 03/01/2025 | The Great Northern and Red-throated Divers and the 2 Scaup still from Stones island this morning. Water Rail showing well from WLC while it caught sticklebacks on the edge of Horseshoe island. Kingfisher there too. 9 Barnacle Geese. | SJR, AHS, CA |
| 02/01/2025 | Both the Great Northern and Red-throated Divers still from Stones/Millfields this morning, while the 2 Scaup appeared off Stones late morning. Pochard numbers have dropped a little since their peak but still 775 this morning. 10 Barnacle Geese. Water Rail in Hopton reedbed. | Simon Roddis |
| 31/12/2024 | This morning's highlight was a Velvet Scoter which Clive saw briefly from Sheepwash hide mid-morning but not thereafter as far as we're aware. The GN and RtDivers and the 2 Scaup still from Stones. 3 Shelduck past Sheepwash. 33 Barnacle Geese. Redshank in Brown Ale Bay. 12 Snipe at WLC. Peregrine and 3 Fieldfare (first and last of the month!) from Stones. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 30/12/2024 | Two 1st Winter Drake Scaup's off Stone's as of 12:30. | Tom Eeles |
| 30/12/2024 | This morning from Paul Stanley Hide, 1 Chiffchaff seen on approach to the hide, 1 Great White Egret briefly infront of hide. 4 Goldeneye, 3 Wigeon, 50 Pochard ,13 Teal, 25 Lapwing, 12 Long Tailed Tits.
CA Had Great Northern Diver and Red Throated Diver plus 1 Little Egret from Stones Island. | AHS, CA. |
| DateofSighting | Sightings | NameSupplied |
| 30/12/2024 | Red throated diver still off Stones Island this morning. | Matthew Birkin |
| 29/12/2024 | This morning at Carsington, 26 Wigeon, Great Northern Diver, Kingfisher, 16 Goldeneye, 2 Redkite, 2 Pintail, all from Stones Island, 4 Common Snipe at WLC, 1 Peregrine and Red Throated Diver from Dam wall. | AHS, CA. |
| 28/12/2024 | Common gull, Pintail, Pochard at Wildlife Centre. Kingfisher, Goldeneye and 8+ Redpoll around Stones Island. | Matthew Birkin |
| 27/12/2024 | Willow tit on feeders around 11.45 | Andy Johnson |
| 25/12/2024 | Both the GN and Red-throated Divers still this morning, the GND well north of Stones and the RtD still off the east side north of Millfields. 29 Barnacle Geese. 125 Woodpigeons N. 1 Golden Plover over the dam wall. 25+ Snipe on Horseshoe island first thing. c4,000 Common Gulls and 500 Jackdaws out of their respective roosts. 5 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall. 20+ Siskin and a Water Rail in WLC creek. Compliments of the season, everyone! | Simon Roddis |
| 24/12/2024 | The Red-throated Diver was still present this afternoon to 4pm at least, frequenting the east side between Fishtail Creek and Millfields (viewed from Stones). GNDiver still too. 1,032 Pochard - 802m,230f, an overall ratio of near enough 4.5:1, although the ratio at WLC/Shiningford was less than 2.4:1 - explain that if you can! Adult Yellow-legged Gull at sailing club (found by Richard Lowe). 191 roosting Lesser Black-backs. 40 Cormorants. | Simon Roddis |
| 24/12/2024 | From Paul Stanley Hide this morning, foggy conditions making difficult birdwatching conditions, however, Pochard 129+, Teal 45, Wigeon 10, Lapwing 20, Little Egret, Grey Heron ,Black Headed Gulls, Common Gulls and Lesser Black Backed Gulls. | AHS |
| 23/12/2024 | Another Monday, another Red-throated Diver. Well, more likely the same one as last week, off Millfields this morning. The GNDiver north of Stones. Great Egret in flight off Sheepwash. Chiffchaff still on Stones. 6 Barnacle Geese. 2 Kingfishers off Stones. At Hopton end first thing, 2 Woodcock, Water Rail and Kingfisher. | Simon Roddis |
| 20/12/2024 | The adult GNDiver from Stones again this morning. 4 adult Whooper Swans briefly but disturbed by a boat. 39 Teal. Kingfisher at Sheepwash. Pair of Peregrines over the north end. Chiffchaff again on Stones. | Simon Roddis |
| 19/12/2024 | From PS Hide 1400hrs: 1 GW Egret, 200+ Pochatd, 70 Tufted Duck, 50 Lapwing (on raft), 40-50 Coot, 10 Wigeon, 8-10 Mallard, 6 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan ... also 15 Cormorant (end of spit, viewed from Sheepwash). | Gary Atkins |
| 19/12/2024 | The adult GNDiver was off Stones island again this morning, a few raptors were enjoying the breeze, plus the 31 Barnacle Geese still. Otherwise a bit quiet. | Simon Roddis |
| 18/12/2024 | In addition to Simon's sightings, a male Goldeneye at the Hopton Arm, two Buzzard over the woods at the Hopton Arm end, at least one Teal at Paul Stanley hide. Also too distant to say which, but a skein of 34 geese flying SSE. | Stephen Plant |
| 18/12/2024 | The adult GNDiver was off Stones island all day. Total of 1,014 Pochard spread around the res (new site and county record). 31 Barnacle Geese. 12 Snipe at WLC. Water Rail in Hopton reedbed. Pair of Peregrines playing around with crows and Ravens over Watersports island. Chiffchaff on Stones. 25 Siskin at WLC. Adult Caspian and 6 Herring Gulls in the roost off Stones late afternoon. | Simon Roddis |
| 17/12/2024 | The adult GNDiver was again off Stones island this morning but no sign of yesterday's Red-throated Diver, although the murky conditions didn't help. 3 Woodcock at Millfields first thing. | Simon Roddis |
| 16/12/2024 | A double diver day: as well as the adult Great Northern, a winter plumage adult Red-throated Diver was off Millfields this morning to 11:15 at least. 31 Barnacle Geese. 46 Pink-footed Geese flew E. 8 Goosander (7+1) flew through. c4,000 Common Gulls flew out of the roost early morning, believe that's a new county record. Kingfisher(s) at WLC/Stones. 188 Woodpigeons N. Chiffchaff still on Stones island. 60 Redwing. 4 Linnet S over WLC creek. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 15/12/2024 | Highlight of this morning's monthly wildfowl count was the returning adult Great Northern Diver, for around the 15th winter in succession. 155 Canada, 46 Greylags, 5 Mute Swan, 48 Gadwall, 32 Wigeon, 139 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 36 Teal, 888 Pochard, 377 Tufted, 17 Goldeneye, 14 Moorhen, 1377 Coot, 29 Little Grebe, 50 GCGrebe, 38 Lapwing, 10 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 23 Cormorant. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 14/12/2024 | 112 Pink-footed Geese flew E in 3 skeins this morning. Adult Caspian Gull again. c2,000 Common Gulls flew out early morning. 100 Woodpigeons N. Woodcock roosting in Hopton reedbed. Redshank at sailing club. Raptors enjoying the breeze included 4 Sparrowhawks and a Peregrine, plus 10 Ravens. | SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD |
| 11/12/2024 | Pretty similar today, but Lapwings up to 91, total of 16 Goldeneye, 85 Starlings W, Chiffchaff still on Stones, and Clive had 8 Goosander early on. | Simon Roddis |
| 10/12/2024 | A coordinated count of 924 Pochard this morning, we believe that's a county record. 14 Goldeneye. At least 2,000 Common Gulls flew out post-roost. Adult Peregrine over the main centre. Kingfisher at Paul Stanley. 15+ Redpolls feeding on Stones | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 09/12/2024 | Windy, wet and cold at Carsington this morning, so a day for using the hides, Paul Stanley and Sheepwash.
About 400 Pochard in Brown ale bay, 24 Teal, Kingfisher showing well infront of Paul Stanley hide, 1 Goosander, a Redkite over Blackwell Plantation plus all the usual suspects. | AHS, CA. |
| 08/12/2024 | A site record (and county record) 858 Pochard this morning. All the birds were sheltering from the wind in 3 groups, (Paul Stanley, Sheepwash, Wildlife centre). Also 9 Goldeneye. | Clive Ashton |
| 06/12/2024 | Best bird this morning was a Great Egret which flew SE, perched up for a bit and then returned NW! Kingfisher and Shoveler at WLC. 10 Goldeneye. 62 GCGrebe. 23 Little Grebe. 10 Skylarks N over WLC and c30 Siskin in the alders. Chiffchaff again on Stones causeway. | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 05/12/2024 | This morning from Stones Island, 7 Goldeneye, Redkite, 2 Willow Tits, Common Buzzard and two Ravens.
From the WLC, Three Common Snipe, 32 Lapwing, 2 Mandarin ducks, 1 Goosander plus all the usual waterfoul. | AHS, CA. |
| 04/12/2024 | An adult Kittiwake was off Middle Wood early morning but not seen again. A mobile drake Pintail flew over the main centre and was at Millfields for a while. 12 Goldeneye. 20 Lapwing. 5 Snipe. Chiffchaff on Stones causeway. 12 Redpolls on Stones. Alison and Roger had 6 Woodcock flypasts at Millfields at first light. | Simon Roddis |
| 02/12/2024 | The female Ring-necked Duck was again at Millfields this morning. A Woodcock flew into Hall Wood early am and the Water Rail showed well on Horseshoe island. Total of 60 Siskin, including 50 at Sheepwash. | Simon Roddis |
| 01/12/2024 | Species seen during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners Walk (10am-noon; WLC to Stones Island): Goldfinch, Mute Swan, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Cormorant, Shoveler, Teal, Mallard, Great Tit, Robin, Gt Crested Grebe, Long-tailed Tit, Red Kite, Chaffinch, Moorhen, Blue Tit, Gadwall, Dunnock, Little Grebe, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Kestrel, Willow Tit, Pied Wagtail, Herring Gull, Blackbird, Lesser Redpoll, Woodpigeon, Wren, House Sparrow an Magpie (35) | Gary Atkins |
| 01/12/2024 | The female Ring-necked Duck was back at Millfields early afternoon today. 4 Goosander (3m,1f) there too. 8+ Goldeneye. The Egyptian Goose again flew in with Greylags. At least 225 Redwing between Fishtail and Millfields. 20 Redpoll again on Stones. 1150 Common and the adult Caspian Gull roosted. | Simon Roddis |
| 28/11/2024 | Didn't see the Ring-necked Duck this morning but she could easily still be around. 2 Woodcock, Water Rail and Great Egret at Hopton end early morning. 404 Woodpigeons and 12 Stock Doves N in 90 mins, plus 6 Stock S. The Redshank still around Stones causeway. 2 Chiffchaffs. 9 Redpolls on Stones. | Simon Roddis |
| 27/11/2024 | Afternoon visit: the Egyptian Goose flew in with Greylags late afternoon. Female Shoveler at WLC. 10+ Goldeneye. 600+ Pochard. 48 GCGrebes from Stones. Great Egret on the shore at Sheepwash. 30+ Greenfinches feeding in treetops above Hall Wood (highest number here since 1997). In the gull roost, 3,000+ Black-heads, c1,400 Common, 350 Lesser Black-backs, 4 Herring, 3 Yellow-legged and 1 adult Caspian. | Simon Roddis |
| 26/11/2024 | Little Egret flew over the road at the Knocker Down as I was driving to reservoir at 7:45am. Ring Necked Duck still present in Shinning Ford Creek with plenty of Birdwatchers getting excellent views, Waterrail was also seen from WLC showing very well, Redpolls on Stones Island, Redkite over Hall Wood, 2 Buzzard over the Wind Turbines and C A had 3 Pintail at Millfields. | AHS, CA. |
| 25/11/2024 | The female Ring-necked Duck had moved over to the Watersports/WLC area this morning and was very obliging for a while from the WLC. Redhead Goosander over Millfields. A bit of movement, with 216 Woodpigeons N, 270 Starlings W, 10 Fieldfare SW and 14 Skylarks mostly S. 41 Lapwing. 1 Redshank still. Pair of Peregrines again. Chiffchaff on Stones causeway. Total of 10+ Redpolls around Stones/WLC. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 24/11/2024 | Clive relocated the female Ring-necked Duck among Tufteds at Millfields this morning. Pochard now up to 620 and at least 8 Goldeneye. 5 Herring Gulls flew S. 12 Collared Doves flushed by a Sparrowhawk behind Fishtail Creek. Chiffchaff at Millfields. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 21/11/2024 | 285 Pink-footed Geese flew SW in 4 skeins 1015-1045 this morning. Total of 105 Lapwing (72 down, 33 flew S). Redshank and drake Pintail still. Water Rail on Horseshoe island. 8 Redpolls on Stones. Total of 44 Fieldfare. | SJR, AHS, CA |
| 20/11/2024 | A bit quiet this morning but a Great Egret put in an appearance at the WLC, Water Rail called in the creek, female Shoveler, 2 Peregrines, 60 Lapwing, and a Brambling on Stones. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 18/11/2024 | Couldn't find yesterday's Ring-necked Duck this morning, and Pochard numbers looked a bit lower too. 2 Shoveler in Shiningford creek. 60 Lapwing. 2 Peregrines over WLC and Water Rail on Horseshoe island. | Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson |
| 17/11/2024 | Highlight of this morning's wildfowl count was a female Ring-necked Duck which Jon B found off Stones causeway; it then flew into Shiningford creek and was visible from the WLC. Only the second for Carsi. Other figures: 314 Canada, 2 Barnacle, 166 Greylags, 13 Mute Swan, 35 Gadwall, 36 Wigeon, 1 Pintail, 74 Mallard, 52 Teal, 434 Pochard, 237 Tufted, 4 Goldeneye, 2 Water Rail, 24 Moorhen, 1127 Coot, 27 LGrebe, 54 GCGrebe, 64 Lapwing, 9 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 19 Cormorant. | Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley |
| 16/11/2024 | From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon of note in the gull roost: Caspian Gull (Ad); YLGull (2) Ads; GBBGull (Ad); Herring Gull (3) Ad, 3w; 1w. | Richard Lowe |
| 16/11/2024 | c500 Starlings came out of Hopton reedbed early morning, and Water Rail calling. 77 Lapwing at sailing club. 5 Goldeneye off Stones, a Dunlin flying around and a Chiffchaff calling. Total of 17 Ravens flew W. 100 Redwing N over WLC creek. 12 Redpoll, including 10 in Tail Bay. | Simon Roddis |
| 15/11/2024 | Afternoon visit: gull counts of c700 Common, 1,000 Lesser Black-backs and 7,000 Black-heads. 2 adult Yellow-legs. 2 Herring Gulls, my first here since June. 8 Dunlin in flight from Sheepwash hide and 6 Goldeneye (3m,3f) there. | Simon Roddis |
| 12/11/2024 | This morning from Stones Island, 234 Pochard, 365 Pink Feet Geese all heading east, 6 Redkite, 3 Ravens, 1 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Shoveller, 26 Wigeon and 4 Sparrowhawks | AHS, CA. |
