Recent Sightings

DateSightingName
19/06/20263 Little Egret , 6 Oystercatcher, 1 Teal, 1 Little Grebe, 61 Greylag, 3 Blackcap, 8 Chiffchaff, 7 Sedge Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Long tailed tit, 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Lesser black backed GullDavid Armitt
14/06/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 1,182 Canada Geese (plus many broods), 331 Greylag (plus at least 16 broods), 7 Mute Swan, 3 Egyptian Geese, 10 Gadwall, 56 Mallard, 2 Pochard (plus broods of 1 and 4), 45 Tufted (plus a brood of 5 at WLC), 1 Moorhen, 149 Coot (plus 4 broods), 3 Little Grebe (plus 1 brood), 40 GCGrebe (plus 3 broods), 16 Oystercatcher (including some fully grown young), 2 Redshank, 2 Common Tern, 9 Cormorant, 2 Heron. Plus a total of 8 singing Reed Warblers, Goldcrest with food at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
13/06/2026There are 5 Common Scoters (4m,1f) out in the middle this morning. Egyptian Goose, first-summer Yellow-legged Gull and Common Gull still at Watersports. 125 Coot. Peregrine over Hall Wood. c100 Sand Martins around Stones.Simon Roddis
10/06/2026A Ringed Plover was at sailing club this morning, and a Redshank at Watersports. First-summer Common Gull, Egyptian Goose, 2 drake Red-crested and 2 drake Common Pochard still. 94 Coot. Skylark singing along the dam wall. In Tail Bay, a Kingfisher, pair of Common Whitethroat with food and a family party of GSWoodpeckers. 2 Reed Warblers singing in WLC creek and another 3 in Hopton reedbed. 50 Sand Martins. Grey Wagtail with a fledged youngster at Millfields and another pair at the sailing club end of the day wall.Simon Roddis
09/06/2026Adult Mediterranean Gull again over the WLC this morning. New brood of 5 Gadwall at Shiningford. The 2 drake Red-crested Pochard still on Horseshoe island, now starting to moult. 40 Swifts and 40+ Sand Martins feeding. First-summer Common Gull at Watersports. Garden Warbler with food at Millfields.Simon Roddis
07/06/2026Species noted today during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): Mallard, House Sparrow, Canada Goose, Oystercatcher, Greylag Goose, Tufted Duck, Coot, Great Crested Grebe, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Blackcap, Swift, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mute Swan, Buzzard, Carrion Crow, Robin, Sedge Warbler, Dunnock, Reed Bunting, Swallow, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Gadwall, Little Grebe and WrenGary Atkins
07/06/2026Garden Warbler with young (and alarm calling) near the WLCGary Atkins
07/06/2026A pair of adult Mediterranean Gulls flew in over WLC creek 09:45. Spotted Flycatcher in the top of Hall Wood and Pied Flycatcher singing briefly and calling in Warrington Knob. 2 drake Red-crested Pochard still at Watersports and 2 (separate) Egyptian Geese. 70+ Coot. 2 Peregrines over the north end. Willow and Garden Warblers with food in Hall Wood. Redstart still singing at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
02/06/2026This morning, 3 Red-crested Pochard (2 males and the long-staying female) were off Stones causeway, 9 Mute Swans, at least 50 Swifts feeding over the east side after the rain, 61 Coot (plus 4 chicks at sailing club), second-summer Mediterranean Gull still, adult Herring Gull, a Hobby flew across the res east to west, 10 Ravens, Reed Warbler singing on Stones causeway and a pair of Garden Warblers with food near WLC.Simon Roddis
25/05/2026Fairly brief visit this morning, I shudder to think what it'll be like up there today. Single Common Tern, the second-summer Mediterranean Gull still, one first-summer Common Gull still resisting the urge to fly north, 1 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, Garden Warbler with food at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
21/05/2026A Hobby flew past the main centre and over the road early morning, first of the year here. An Arctic Tern flew S past Stones island and a Ringed Plover flew over. First-summer Yellow-legged, Great Black-backed and Common Gulls, plus the first Black-headed Gull chick on Horseshoe island. 3 Barnacle Geese. Chiffchaff with food on Stones.Simon Roddis
20/05/2026An Arctic Tern flew past Stones island at 08:35 this morning and an Osprey flew south between 08:45 and 08:50. 2 Barnacle and 2 Egyptian Geese. 16 Swifts including 8 screaming around the main centre. 2 Redshank and 1 Dunlin. Mick had Pied Flycatcher still singing in Hall Wood.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
17/05/20262 Arctic and a Common Tern flew past Stones around 07:00. On and around Watersports island, 2 Little Egrets, female Red-crested Pochard and Pink-footed Goose. Second-summer Mediterranean Gull still on sailing club island. Yellow Wagtail flew N.Simon Roddis
16/05/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 186 Canada (plus 19+ broods), 3 Barnacle and 74 Greylag (plus 16 broods) Geese, 6 Mute Swans, 1 Egyptian Goose, 20 Gadwall, 76 Mallard, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 5 male Common Pochard, 66 Tufted, 2 Moorhen, 29 Coot, 2 Little Grebe, 45 GCGrebe, 13 Oystercatcher, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Tern, 12 Cormorant, 1 Heron. Plus 40 Swifts, 4 Reed Warbler, single Whitethroat, Redstart and Pied Flycatcher.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
15/05/2026In a relatively brief early morning visit, 3 Arctic Terns off Stones island, Dunlin and Common Sandpiper on Watersports island and the female Red-crested Pochard on Horseshoe island.Simon Roddis
12/05/2026Nothing much is changing at the moment, although Mute Swans have risen to 8, the most since last October. Pair of Barnacle and 3 Egyptian Geese. Female Red-crested Pochard still on Watersports island. 20 Swifts. 7 species of waders, including single Lapwing, Ringed Plover, Curlew and Common Sandpiper. Second-summer Mediterranean Gull past Stones. 100s of Swallows and smaller numbers of Sand and House Martins. 3 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed and a Common Whitethroat in WLC creek. 2 Pied Flycatchers and a Redstart singing in Hall/Middle Woods.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD, KR
10/05/20264 Swift, 8 Chiffchaff, 20+ Sand Martin, 10+ House Martin, 8 Sedge Warbler, 4 Willow Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 LRP, 4 Oystercatcher, 3 Garden Warbler, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Redshank, 1 Lesser Black Backed Gull ,1 Egyptian GooseDavid Armitt
07/05/2026This morning, single Pink-footed and Egyptian Geese, female RcPochard, drake Goosander, pair of Oystercatchers with 3 chicks at Shiningford, Snipe on Horseshoe island, second-summer Mediterranean Gull on Sailing Club island, first-summer Caspian Gull still, 1 Willow Tit, some hundreds of Swallows, Sand and House Martins, Redstart still in WLC Fields. Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall (per Ellen Hancock).SJR, CA, MW
05/05/2026A few bits and pieces this morning: 2 Egyptian Geese still, 2 Shelduck W over WLC creek, pair of Shoveler and female Red-crested Pochard off Horseshoe island, 8 Goosander (7 flew N plus drake at sailing club), 12 Swifts, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits (one at Watersports and one flew E), immature Great Black-back, Great Egret over the main centre, Whitethroat at Hopton, 2 Pied Flycatchers in Hall and Middle Woods, 2 singing Redstart. Clive had Wheatear in WLC creek, Spotted Flycatcher at Lane End and 16 Redpoll at Sheepwash.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
03/05/2026Species recorded (44) during today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon ... Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Canada Goose, Carrion Crow, Chiffchaff, Mallard, Swallow, Sedge Warbler, Cormorant, Coot, Garden Warbler, Tufted Duck, Black-headed Gull, Blackbird, Great Crested Grebe, Woodpigeon, Oystercatcher, Robin, Barnacle Goose, Pochard, Grey Heron, Common Sandpiper, Red-throated Diver, Dunnock, House Martin, Gadwall, Wren, Song Thrush, Blackcap, Reed Bunting, Bullfinch, Mute Swan, Goldfinch, Greylag Goose, Herring Gull, Great Tit, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Moorhen, Buzzard, Sand Martin, Swift, Redshank, Blue TitGary Atkins
03/05/2026Another excellent morning. A Red-throated Diver in almost full summer plumage was off Sheepwash early morning and flew at 11:00. Waders included a total of c20 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 1 Curlew. Jon B found a female Whinchat at sailing club late morning, a nice spring record. Drake Goosander also at sailing club. Lots of hirundines: c200 each of Swallow and Sand Martin, 50 House Martins and 20 Swifts. 2 Arctic Terns. Second-summer Mediterranean Gull again. Yellow Wagtail over Stones.SJR, CA, AHS, MW
02/05/2026A Spotted Flycatcher at Lane End is the first of the year here as far as I'm aware. Arctic Tern past Stones and Bar-tailed Godwit still at Watersports. 2 Barnacle and 1 Egyptian Goose. 6 Pochard. Female Red-crested Pochard on Horseshoe island. Redshank and Dunlin at sailing club. First-summer Caspian Gull again off Stones. 2 singing Pied Flycatchers (Hall Wood and Sheepwash) and 2 Redstarts at Hopton end.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
01/05/2026Bar-tailed Godwit still at Watersports and 2 Common Sandpiper there also. 2 "commic" Terns distant in the haze, 2 drake Pochard, drake Teal, Fresh Mallard brood of 6 at Sailing Club, Common Whitethroat singing in WLC fields.Clive Ashton
30/04/2026This morning from Stones Island: 2 Ruff (1 horseshoe, 1 Watersports Island), Bar-tailed Godwit (Watersports), 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 summer plumage Dunlin (Sailing Club), Female Red-crested Pochard, 2 Barnacle Geese. 2 Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall, and Grey Wagtail singing there.Clive Ashton/Mick Watson
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


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
2011-09-059 Grey Heron, 160 Teal, 21 Wigeon, 4 Pochard, Peregrine, Hobby, 3 Greenshank. Ruff and Curlew Sandpiper still present near Sailing Club late evening, Ringed Plover, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, 6+ Yellow Wagtails, 10+ Meadow Pipit, 2 Wheatear, Siskin, Linnet, Whitethroat, Stock Dove and 3 Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-09-051 curlew sandpiper, 1 ruff adjacent to causeway near sailing club.Richard pittam
2011-09-03The 2 juvenile Curlew Sandpipers were still present this morning in Hopton Bay. Also present today was 37 Cormorants, 8 Grey Heron, 19 Wigeon, 142 Teal, 2 Pintail, 2 Pochards, 2 Red Crested Pochards, 2 Kestrel, 4 Greenshank, 8 Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Ruff, Yellow-legged Gull, 4 Meadow Pipits, 4 Siskin, 2 Yellow Wagtails, Grey Wagtail, 45 Swallows and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-09-03For those that don't know already, there were 2 Curlew Sandpipers at the Hopton end Friday night. Also present in that area 2 Greenshank and Ruff. Bar tailed Godwit near sailing club.Clive Ashton
2011-08-31A female/immature Marsh Harrier flew over Stones Island heading North East at 17.45 this evening. This was the only Raptor seen today but don't come much better. Also of note today was 34 Cormorants, 6 Grey Heron, 11 Wigeon, Shoveler, 2 Pochard, 3 Greenshank, 3 Redshank, 4 Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpipers, 3 Yellow-legged Gulls, Yellow Wagtail, 3 Meadow Pipits, 15 Long-tailed Tits, Raven, 2 Siskin and a Blackcap. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-08-30The highlight today was an Osprey that flew South at 12.15hrs. Other birds of note were 33 Cormorants, 7 Grey Heron, 5 Greylag Geese, 3 Greenshank, 2 Dulin, Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, 6 Buzzards, Peregrine, Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail, Yellow Legged Gull, Meadow Pipit and 2 Raven. Lots of Swallows and Housemartins moving South. Dave Newcombe
2011-08-2930 Cormorants, 7 Grey Heron, 5 Greylag Geese, 114 Teal, 9 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 26 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, 4 Buzzards, 3 Greenshank, juvenile Knot, Ringed Plover, 4 Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Yellow Wagtail and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2011-08-28Fishtail Creek: several species taking advantage of large number of flying insects in sheltered spot. Several Willow Warblers, 2x Spotted Flycatcher and a Wood Warbler at 12:30. Also Hobby flew over heading southwest and 2x Raven.John Matkin
2011-08-28Just a quick visit this afternoon; 3 Greenshank,1 Green Sandpiper and 3 Common Sandpipers in Brown Ale Bay. At Sheepwash Wigeon numbers are slowly rising, with 9 present. On the way back to the car park at Sheepwash, a Hobby flew over.Clive Ashton
2011-08-278 Grey Heron, 30 Cormorants, 7 Wigeon, Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, Greenshank (another birder saw 3), Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper, Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 5 Little Ringed Plover, Yellow-legged Gull, Arctic Tern, 2 Wheatear, 5+ Yellow Wagtail, Meadow Pipit and 2 Raven. Goldfinch numbers on Stones Island have been steadily increasing and today we estimated around 150 birds. A lot of these were juveniles. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-08-26A good afternoon. Started at Sheepwash where there were 5 Shoveler, 23 Gadwall, 1 Pochard and 7 Wigeon. Went onto Stones, in the rain, and had 3 LRP,3 Turnstone, 2 Ringed Plover and a Dunlin. The wildlife centre held a Snipe and the Red crested Pochard. Back to Brown ale bay, where a Greenshank, 3 Common Sandpipers, 3+LRP and 1 Ringed Plover were present. (Roger also had 2 Greenshank at Millfields) Into Sheepwash again, where Roger picked a group of waders, which turned out to be 17 Knot. We watched 7 fly high to the north east, then the other 10 made another atempt to land, but eventually flew towards Stones. Later a Yellow Wagtail on Stones and 2 Yellow legged Gulls from Stones.Clive Ashton
2011-08-2511 Grey Heron all at Sheepwash, 6 Wigeon, c90 Teal, drake Red Crested Pochard, drake Common Pochard, 2 Buzzards, 2 Kestrel. 5 Turnstone flew past Sheepwash and towards Stones Island. Unfortunately they couldn't be re-located. 2 Greenshank at Sheepwash. Green Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay. Yellow-legged Gull, Yellow Wagtail, 13 Chiff Chaff including several in song, 4 Willow Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, Whitethroat and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2011-08-25Dam Wall:3 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Sand Martin, 7 Rook, 1 Golden Plover flying low north, 1 Greenshank. WLCentre: 1 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Yellow-legged Gull. Stones Island: 1 Yellow Wagtail. 1 Whitethroat. Sheepwash: 1 Greenshank, 2 Peregrine together, 4 Wigeon, 14 Gadwall. Brown Ale Bay: 1 Green Sandpiper.Roger Carrington
2011-08-248+ Grey Heron, 5 Wigeon, 71 Teal, drake Red Crested Pochard, Pochard, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Greenshank, 3 Ruff briefly at Sheepwash but couldn't be re-located, Green Sandpiper, 8 Common Sandpiper, 4 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Yellow-legged Gull, 91 Pied Wagtails, several Yellow Wagtails. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-08-22Short stay around midday. Only common bird species noted. Butterflies: Peacock, Small White, Large White, Common Blue, Small Tortoiseshell, Gatekeeper and Small Copper. Plants in bloom: Red Goosefoot & Brooklime (blue) not previously reported. Berries: A sign of autumn approaching. The following red berries were seen:- Guelder Rose, Woody Nightshade, Dog Rose (Hips) and Hawthorn (Haws). Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-08-22The main highlight today was seeing 19 Yellow Wagtails on Stones Island around teatime. We could hear some calling and then had a flock of 17 fly in front of us and then over our heads. We then picked out another 2 in flight. Also seen today was 11 Grey Heron, 8 Greylag Geese, 4 Wigeon, drake Red Crested Pochard, 4 Buzzards, Peregrine (twice), Hobby, 2 Ringed Plover, 6 Little Ringed Plover, 5+ Common Sandpipers, Yellow Legged Gull, 100+ Swallow and 5 Linnets. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-08-21A couple of hours on site this evening. Green Sandpiper, 5 Common Sandpiper. A total of 10 Plovers, one of these was a Ringed Plover and the other 9 all looked like Little Ringed but viewed from distance. A total of 38 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon and drake Red Crested Pochard. 2 Yellow Wagtails, Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Greylag Geese, Buzzard and Kestrel. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-08-208 LRP mainly juvs, 1 adult Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper all at Paul Stanley Hide. 403 Canada Geese total count, 6 Greylag at Millfields. 1 Juv Ruff with Lapwings around WLC.Roger Carrington
2011-08-20Only a few hours on site today. 78 Teal, 4 Wigeon, Pochard, Red Crested Pochard, 6 Greylag Geese, 2 Kestrel, 8 Common Sandpipers, 5 Little Ringed Plovers, 5 Yellow Wagtails, 2 Grey Wagtails, and the Yellow Legged Gull. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-08-19No sign of yesterdays spotted redshank. 1 Wheatear on dam wall 0700hrs. 1 Yellow Wagtail over WLC Creek and Redstart there. 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Little Ringed Plover from Paul Stanley Hide. Osprey from Sheepwash Hide at 0950hrs mobbed by Peregrine and 2 Buzzards, later mobbed by 3 Herons with their necks outstretched, last seen at 1030hrs. Roger Carrington
2011-08-19Juvenile Spotted Redshank first found in Brown Ale Bay, the Paul Stanley side of Sheepwash Spit. This area is best viewed from the new path and is currently pulling in a few Waders. Also seen there was 6 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Ringed Plover, 6 Common Sandpipers and a Green Sandpiper. The Spot Red then flew and was re-located at the Wildlife Centre and a little later it was seen from Sheepwash Hide. Also seen today was a Little Egret, 12 Grey Heron, 4 Wigeon, 5 Shoveler, Red Crested Pochard, 2 Peregrines, 2 Buzzards, Dunlin, Yellow-legged Gull, Common Tern, 2 Wheatear, Stock Dove, Whitethroat, 85 Pied Wagtails and a singing Reed Warbler at the Wildlife Centre.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-08-17Little Egret, 9 Grey Heron, 2 Greylag Geese, 5 juvenile Shelduck flew in just before lunch, Wigeon, c25 Gadwall, Red Crested Pochard, 2 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin, Ruff flew in late evening, Curlew, Greenshank, 7 Common Sandpiper, Common Gull, Yellow-Legged Gull, lots of Swallows moving south, 3 Yellow Wagtails, female Wheatear, 7 Song Thrush in woods near Sheepwash Hide, Whitethroat, Raven, c100 Goldfinch on Stones Island and 2 Linnets. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-08-16Sheepwash: 2 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 2 Buzzard, 3 Raven, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Kestrel, 2 Stock Dove. WLC: 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Green Sandpiper, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Linnet. Also, 1 Redstart near Shiningford Creek.James Owen (STW vol)
2011-08-16WeBS count for August:Mute Swan 13(adults and excluding 6 cygnets),Canada Goose 247,Gadwall 15,Teal 25,Mallard 319,Red-crested Pochard 1,Tufted Duck 277,Little Grebe 19,Great Crested Grebe 42,Cormorant 23, Little Egret 2, Grey Heron 4,Moorhen 7,Coot 664,Oystercatcher 1,Little Ringed Plover 4,Ringed Plover 1,Common Sandpiper 7,Redshank 1,Black-headed Gull 19,Yellow-legged Gull 2.Peter Gibbon
2011-08-15Comprehensive bird reports already submitted for today by others but it's worth mentioning Chiffchaff singing on Stones Island plus a Willow Warbler seen. Very few birds seem to be singing. Also seen: 7-spot Ladybird and Common Blue Damselfly. Many butterflies seen in the sunshine. Species identified: Brimstone, Gatekeeper, Small Tortoiseshell, Small White, Large White, Peacock and Small Copper. Many flowering plants are now past their best. However, the following species have not previously been reported and are around in profusion: Hedge Bindweed (white), Autumn Hawkbit (yellow) and Cat's-ear (yellow).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-08-1554 species seen. Including: Yellow Wagtail and Yellow-Legged Gull at Sheepwash, Spotted Flycatcher between Sheepwash carpark and bombing tower, Redstarts showing well (x1 Shiningford Creek, x2 WLC Creek),x2 Grey Wagtail on far bank of Shiningford Creek, x27 Goldfinches on Stones Island, Green Woodpecker over Ranger Base at 12:45, 6x Little Grebes and Red-Crested Pochard at WLC (pm).John Matkin
2011-08-1532 Cormorants, 2 Little Egrets, 12 Grey Heron, Wigeon, 25 Teal, 15+ Gadwall, eclipse drake Red Crested Pochard, 5 Buzzard, juvenile Peregrine, Oystercatcher, Redshank, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 3 Snipe, 3 Whimbrel flew in late evening, 8 Common Sandpipers, 2 adult Yellow-Legged Gulls, 800 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, juvenile Mediterranean Gull, 2 Stock Doves, Skylark on Dam Wall, Yellow Wagtail and 2 Linnets. Dave Newcombe
2011-08-142 calling curlews over visitor centre at 12.00noon, heading south.David Bennett
2011-08-14Dam wall 0700hrs: 70 Pied Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail. Stones Island: 8 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 1 Yellow Wagtail. Shiningford Creek: 1 Greensandpiper, 1 Common Sandpiper. Millfields: 1 Drake Wigeon, 1 Common Sandpiper. Sheepwash: 1 Greenshank. Paul Stanley Hide: 2 Common Sandpiper, LRP family. Other sightings (by RMRJ) 2 Whimbrel over SW, 4 Little Egret at Sheepwash plus 1 Sanderling briefly 0900hrs.Roger Carrington
2011-08-14The juvenile Little Stint that was found by Clive on Friday evening was still present early on Saturday morning but then more than likely left site. Some sightings for Friday include 11 Grey Heron, 2 Greenshank, 3 Turnstone, 12 Ringed Plover, 4 Dunlin, Curlew, 8 Little Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher, Redshank and Yellow Wagtail. Some sightings for Saturday include 27 Cormorants, 29 Mute Swans, Little Egret, 10+ Gadwall, Red Crested Pochard, 14 Teal, 3 Buzzard, 8 Common Sandpiper, 7 Ringed Plover (16 recorded earlier), 4 Dunlin, Whimbrel, Ruff, 2 adult Sandwich Terns, Yellow Legged Gull, Yellow Wagtail, 2 Raven, 2 Swift, c50 Goldfinch, 2 Linnets, and 3 Crosssbil flew over Hopton End.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-08-1025 Cormorants, 10 Grey Heron, Little Egret, 29 Mute Swans including the pair with 6 young, 261 Canada Geese, 11 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 2 Wigeon, female Tufted Duck with 2 young (was 5 on Monday), 2 Buzzards, juvenile Peregrine. Green Sandpiper at Millfields. 7 Common Sandpiper, 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plover, 4 Little Ringed Plover. A juvenile Knot on Stones Island this evening. 2 adult Yellow-Legged Gulls, c50 Lesser Black Backed Gulls, 3 Redstarts and 5 Swift. Dave Newcombe
2011-08-09Of note: Grey Heron (1), Tufted Ducks including a female with 5 tiny ducklings, Little Ringed Plover (3) - adult & 2 juvs, edge of Stones Island; Black-tailed Godwit (1) - in small bay between the Wildlife Centre [WLC] & Watersports Centre; Common Sandpiper (2) - just outside main window of WLC; Willow Warbler (4); Tree Sparrow (60+) - WLC feeding station. Gatekeeper butterfly. Plants in bloom not previously mentioned: Great Mullein (or Aaron's Rod) [yellow] and Rough Hawkbit [yellow].Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-08-088+ Grey Heron, Wigeon, 4 Gadwall, Teal, Pochard, Shoveler, female Tufted Duck with 5 fresh young and female Mallard with 6 fresh young. 3 Peregrines together from Sheepwash. Also 3 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. At least 6 Ringed Plover. 4 of these were with 4 Turnstone near the Sailing Club this evening. 6+ Little Ringed Plover including an adult with 3 young. 3 Dunlin, Black-Tailed Godwit present all day on Horseshoe Island, and 6+ Common Sandpipers. Adult Yellow-legged Gull, 7 Collared Dove including a juvenile, 3 Swift. 5 Redstart in field behind Wildlife Centre, 2 Wheatear and 2 Raven. Finally c70 Tree Sparrows at the Wildlife Centre. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-08-039 Little Grebe, Little Egret, 27 Mute Swan including the pair with 6 young, 16 Teal, 7 Gadwall, female Peregrine, 2 Buzzard, Greenshank, c5 Common Sandpipers, Oystercatcher, adult Yellow-Legged Gull, 3 Common Tern, Kingfisher, c75 Housemartin,, 7 Willow Tits, Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-08-02Of note: A Great Crested Grebe on a nest at the edge of Wildlife Centre Creek (northern side). Two female Mallards with 2 young & four young respectively. Lapwing (~20) - Horseshoe Island [HI]. Common Sandpiper (2) - HI. Common Tern (1) - fishing by the Stones Island causeway. House Martin (~30) around the visitor centre. Pied Wagtail (2 juvs). Yellowhammer (1 male) just off site. Common Blue damselflies. Butterflies: Red Admiral, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Large White, Small White and Small Copper (many). Plants in bloom but not previously reported: Redshank (pink flower & red stem), Zigzag Clover (very dark red) - a first for us; Water Mint (pale blue) and Gipsywort (white).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-08-017 Little Grebe, 10 Grey Heron, 11 Gadwall, 2 Teal, Sparrowhawk with prey, 3 Oystercatchers, 4+ Common Sandpipers, 4+ Little Ringed Plovers, Black-Tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Common Tern (adult and 2 juveniles straight through South), 100+ Swallows, 50+ House Martin, 3 Redstart and 2 Linnets. A Marsh Tit was heard calling near to Sheepwah Hide morning only. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-07-311 Greenshank 1 Black tailed Godwit 3+ Common Sandpiper 2 Common Scoter 1 Teal YL GullClive Ashton
2011-07-30Sheepwash hide at 18:00hr-2 Greenshank1 Little Egret4 Common ScoterA mole crawling on the dry bank was attacked and killed by 3 Magpies.A Southern Hawker dragonfly was taken by a Blackbird.Clive Ashton
2011-07-302 ravens soaring high over visitor centre. 2 greenshanks were feeding at sheepwash hide.Alex Barnett
2011-07-292 Greenshank at Sheepwash 1 Little Egret at Sheepwash 3 Common Sandpiper 1 Dunlin c8 Little ringed Plover 24 Cormorant 8+ Heron Wigeon,Gadwall,Yellow legged Gull. Clive Ashton /Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-07-292x Red Kites over Fishtail Creek at 18:45. Observed for about half an hour then drifted northeast.John Matkin
2011-07-28Little Egret on Horseshoe Island 0800hrs. 9 linnet on Stones Island. 2 Green Sandpiper in flight then settled at Millfields. 1 Wheatear on dam wall. Young Common Buzzards calling from Hall Wood. 11 Great Tit on Paul Stanley feeders and pair of Moorhen with 2 chicks on pond there. Counts: 263 Canada Geese, 21 Cormorant, 19 Mute Swan plus pair with 6 cygnets, 9 Heron, 3 Common Sandpiper. Butterflies: small tortoiseshell, gatekeepers, meadow browns and a small skipper in WLC Creek.Roger Carrington
2011-07-28We were only on site for a couple of hours yesterday. 12 Grey Heron, 21 Cormorants, 3 Common Sandpipers at Sheepwash. Dunlin, Yellow-legged Gull and 2 Common Tern. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-07-281 Little Egret flew N over the Hopton Reedbed at @7.45pm (seemed to be flushed by a Hot Air Ballon Launched from behing Carsington Village) 2 Common Scoters in centre of reservoir. 1 Common Sandpiper Hopton Arm. 8 'red head' Goosander Steph and Paul Hicking
2011-07-25Short visit: Species worth a mention: Little Grebe (1), Swallow (1), House Martin (12), Grey Wagtail (1), Pied Wagtail (10) - mostly juveniles, Willow Warbler (2), Rook (2) and Reed Bunting (1). Dave and Clive : Re: juvenile Little Ringed Plovers comment. Good points but ours was not a juvenile bird; it was definitely an adult Ringed. Just passing through I guess.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-07-255 Little Grebe, 19 Cormorants, 25 Mute Swan including 6 juveniles, 2 Teal, 2 Pochard, 2 Kestrel, Sparrowhawk with prey at Millfields, 2 Oystercatchers, 10+ Little Ringed Plover including an adult with 4 small young, 5 Common Sandpipers, Yellow-legged Gull, c50 Housemartins, 65 Pied Wagtail, 2 Grey Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail on Sheepwash Spit, Grasshopper Warbler reeling near to Millfields Island, 5 Linnet and a Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-07-24I know nothing about this eagle report! I do not know why it has been sent to our Website as the record was so far away from Carsington. It will be removed when possible.Roger Carrington
2011-07-24White Tailed Eagle flying not at great height towards Castleton area away from Hope/Bradwell. Looked like a mature bird certainly not a juvenile bird. Having watched these birds in the North West Highlands for 12 plus years I was amazed to see this bird over this part of the country. I nearly crashed the car as it flew overhead! Once seen never mistaken for anything else. I note that a similar bird was seen in Lincolnshire at the end of June. Hope someone else sees it, was heading Westerly direction.Ryan
2011-07-214 Pochard, 5+ Little Ringed Plover, 4 Common Sandpipers, 2 Dunlin, 3 Oystercatchers, Curlew, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Yellow-legged Gull, 270 Black-headed Gulls including 55 juveniles, 180 Lesser-black Backed Gulls, 4 Common Gulls, Common Tern, 2 adult and at least 2 juvenile Reed Warblers at Hopton End, also one singing at the Wildlife Centre along with a Sedge Warbler. Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood, 3 Siskin, 2 Greenfinch and a Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-07-19Still several Common Sandpipers on site, but nowhere near yesterdays count of 18. 6 Dunlin,1 Sanderling,3+ Little Ringed Plover,2 Oystercatcher,Several sightings of Peregrine,Adult Yellow legged Gull,Juvenille Mediterranean Gull,Common Tern.Clive Ashton
2011-07-19The water levels at Carsington are dropping fast and providing ideal conditions for Waders. Yesterday we had at least 18 Common Sandpipers. 14 together at Sheepwash including 2 juveniles and 4 at the Wildlife Centre. We believe this to be a site record after 17 were recorded in July 1993. Also yesterday was 7 Dunlin at the Wildlife Centre including a juvenile, 6+ Little Ringed Plover, c50 Lapwing, a Redshank and an Oystercatcher. Mark Pass had another 4 Redshank on Stones Island in the evening. Other sightings include adult Yellow-legged Gull, Common Tern, c50 Tree Sparrows at the WLC, and c20 Long-tailed Tits and c20 Goldfinch on Stones Island.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-07-18On site for a short time in the early afternoon. Of note: Mallard including a female with 3 tiny ducklings. Moorhen (1) - on Wildlife Centre (WLC) feeding station! Where have all the Moorhens gone? Oystercatcher (1). Ringed Plover (1) - just outside WLC main window. No eye ring. A very plump bird. Lapwing (20). Dunlin (3) - Horseshoe Island (HI). Strong summer plumage. Redshank (1) - HI. Common Sandpiper (2) - outside WLC main window. Pied Wagtail - including 2 juveniles. Long-tailed Tits (3) - Stones Island (SI). Goldfinch (12) - an active flock on SI. Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-07-18WeBS count for July:Great Crested Grebe 32,Little Grebe 4,Cormorant 9,Grey Heron 5,Mute Swan 25,Canada Goose 359,Mallard 228,Tufted Duck 182,Pochard 2,Moorhen 7,Coot 408,Dunlin 7,Common Sandpiper 11,Redshank 1,Little Ringed Plover 3,Lapwing 16,Black-headed Gull 38,Common Gull 1,Common Tern 1,Peregrine 1,Sparrowhawk 1.Peter Gibbon
2011-07-17Pair of Dunlin, in bay between water sports centre and Stones Island, at middayNeil Venables
2011-07-151 Green Sandpiper flying and calling around Stones Island 0830hrs. 1 Black-tailed Godwit at Wildlife Centre. 110 Black-headed Gulls on Horseshoe Island, 2 Common Tern past Stones Island, 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull on Sheepwash Spit, 326 Canada Geese.Roger Carrington
2011-07-1413 Cormorants, 7 Grey Heron, drake Wigeon, 2 Teal, 2 drake Pochard, 7 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, 3 Oystercatchers, Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Common Terns. Spotted Flycatcher family still at Millfields. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-07-1312 Cormorants, 8 Grey Heron, Mute Swans with 6 young, 4 Teal, 2 Gadwall, 6 Buzzards, female Sparrowhawk, 3 Oystercatcher, 7 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Dunlin, 4 Common Sandpipers, 1st summer Herring Gull, adult Yellow Legged Gull, juv Great Spotted Woodpecker, c50 Swift. Pair of Spotted Flycatchers feeding 3 recently fledged juveniles at Millfields. At around 19.20hrs 5 Greenshank were spotted to the right of Sheepwash Hide. They were looking jittery and soon took flight towards the Wildlife Centre. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-07-11Of note: Common Pochard (1 male), Common Buzzard (1), Oystercatcher (1); Common Sandpiper (2) - immediately in front of the main Wildlife Centre window. They were very lively! Sand Martin (1), Pied Wagtail (2). Only 28 species identified around midday.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-07-118 Grey Heron, 2 Gadwall, 2 Teal, drake Pochard, female Tufted Duck with 3 young, Mallard with fresh brood of 10 young, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Peregrine, 5 Oystercatchers, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpipers, Yellow Legged Gull, Green Woodpecker and 2 Spotted Flycatchers. Roger found 3 Black-Tailed Godwits late afternoon at the Wildlife Centre. I had a look and they were still present at 19.00hrs.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-07-0628 Mute Swans, 4 Grey Heron, 347 Canada Geese, 5 Gadwall, 4 Teal, female Tufted Duck with 4 young, 2 Peregrines, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk seen on 3 occasions including one with prey, Kestrel, 6 Little Ringed Plover, 2 juvenile Ringed Plover, 5 Oystercatcher, adult Yellow Legged Gull, Common Tern, adult and juvenile Redstart, family of 5 Dunnocks, and a Raven. Dave Newcombe
2011-07-04Of note: Little Grebe (1), Little Egret (1) - by the causeway to Stones Island, Moorhen (1), Oystercatcher (4), Little Ringed Plover (1) - Horseshoe Island, Lapwing (30), Redshank (1), Warblers - Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Blackcap & Chiffchaff, and also Reed Bunting (2).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-06-30Not a bad day today considering it's late June. c30 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe. Little Egret still present around Stones Island area. 7 Grey Heron, Mute Swans still with 6 young. 3 Gadwall, 3 Teal. 5 drake Common Scoter for most of the day then another 2 drakes flew in mid afternoon, although it looked like the 2 flew off again. Female Tufted Duck still with 4 young at Sheepwash. A further 7 young were at Hopton End, but, no sign of a female. 2 Buzzards, male Sparrowahwk. 7 Oystercatcher, 2 Curlew, 2+ Common Sandpiper. Difficult to count Little Ringed Plovers exactly but there was at least 6 adults, although I think there could well be double figures. 120 Lesser Black Backed Gull, 2nd Summer Yellow Legged Gull and 2 Common Tern. Sedge Warbler at Wildlife Centre, Reed Warbler at Hopton End and finally 6 Raven over. Dave Newcombe
2011-06-28Little Egret present around Horseshoe Island/Stones Island. Grey Heron, 19 Mute Swan, Shelduck hybrid, c5 Little Ringed Plover including a flighted juvenile at Sheepwash, 276 Canada Geese, 2 Common Sandpiper and 2 Redshank at Sheepwash. 2 Common Tern, 29 LBB Gull, 3 Buzzard, female Peregrine, male Sparrowhawk. Tufted Duck with 4 chicks, and 3 Little Grebe. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-06-27A very hot day. Of note: Cormorant (4 inc. a juvenile) - Horseshoe Island; Oystercatcher (3); Little Ringed Plover (1); Lapwing (6); Redshank (2); Sand Martin (1); Whitethroat (2) - Stones Island; Reed Bunting (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-06-26Little Egret on causeway to Stones Island at 0800hrs. Fifth day on site. Reed Warblers breeding in Hopton Arm Reedbed, first confirmed RW breeding for this newish reedbed. 1 Dunlin on Sheepwash Spit. Female Mallard + 13 fresh chicks on bank below Middle Wood. Female Tufted Duck + 4 small chicks (5 Yesterday) at Sheepwash. First tufted brood out this year. Butterflies: 3 Ringlet, 2 Meadow Brown.Roger Carrington
2011-06-22Little Egret flew north at 09.25. 3 Grey Heron, 15 Mute Swans (not including the pair with 6 young), 211 Canada Geese, 2 Sparrowhawks, female Peregrine, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel, 3 Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, 4+ Oystercatchers, Common Tern, 2 Sedge Warblers, c5 Redstarts including at least 3 juveniles, 29 House Martins. Dave Newcombe
2011-06-21WLC: 3 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 4 Oystercatcher, 3 Little Grebe, male Kestrel (successfully hunted), 1 Common Tern. 10 Black-headed Gull chicks (7 on raft, 3 on Horseshoe Island). 1 presumed Shelduck x Mallard hybrid, 2 Lapwing chicks toward WLC creek. Also, Near WLC creek 2 juv and one female Redstart feeding on path, Sedge Warbler singing in WLC reed bed. Buzzard on Flat Island mid-morning mobbed by BH Gulls and pair of Common Terns for over ten minutes before flying off.James Owen (STW vol)
2011-06-21The June Club walk took place today when we started at Hopton at 9.15 and went along the eastern side of the reservoir to Millfields Car Park arriving at 12.15. We recorded 48 species after aiming for 50.Highlights included a close view of a preening female Sparrowhawk, a Willow Tit family, an Oystercatcher on a nest and two families of Moorhen. Full list :Great Crested Grebe,Cormorant,Mallard,Tufted Duck, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Greater Spotted Woodpecker,Swallow,House Martin,Pied Wagtail,Wren,Dunnock,Robin,Blackbird,Song Thrush, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Reed Warbler, Goldcrest, Willow Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit,Nuthatch,Treecreeper,Jay,Magpie,Jackdaw,Carrion Crow,House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch and Reed Bunting.Roger Carrington and Peter Gibbon.
2011-06-21Red-rumped swallow 3.30pm No name given
2011-06-215 Grey Heron (RC had 6 at Hopton End), Mute Swans with 6 young, Shelduck hybrid at Wildlife Centre, 3 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, several Oystercatchers and Redshank, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Tern, 10 LBB Gull, Sedge Warbler singing behind WLC, and a family of 4+ Redstart on Wildlife Centre creek including at least 2 juveniles. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-06-20Of Note: Mute Swan (13), Sparrowhawk (1), Oystercatcher (2), Redshank (1), Common Tern (1) - fishing by Stones Island, Sedge Warbler (1), Whitethroat (3) and Reed Bunting (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-06-16Little Grebe and 1 young at Wildlife Centre, 3 Grey Heron, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 9 Dunlin at Sheepwash, 2 Common Tern, 5 Buzzard, and 8+ Black Headed Gull young at the Wildlife Centre. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-06-16WeBS count for June: Mute Swan 14, Canada Goose 207, Gadwall 2, Mallard 98, Tufted Duck 171, Little Grebe 1, Great Crested Grebe 47, Cormorant 11, Grey Heron 1, Moorhen 8, Coot 142, Oystercatcher 3, Little Ringed Plover 2, Lapwing 9, Redshank 4, Black-headed Gull 71, Common Tern 2.Peter Gibbon
2011-06-14Tonight at around 7.30 there was an arctic tern feeding at the wirksworth end of the reservoir.Ruth
2011-06-1335 species logged around midday. Area covered - Stones Island to end of Wildlife Centre Creek (WCC). Adult Little Grebe + 1 chick; Gadwall (2 males and 1 female); Moorhen (1); Oystercatcher (4); Ringed Plover (1); Lapwing (5); Redshank (pr) - one seemed to be crouching on a nest on the northern side of WCC. Goldfinch (4) and Reed Bunting (1 male). Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-06-09Immature Black-throated Diver at Sheepwash. Juvenile Grey Heron, Little Ringed Plover also at Sheepwash, 5 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 50+ Swift, adult and 2 juvenile Pied Wagtails on the new mud at Sheepwash, Common Tern and Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-06-08Of note: Gadwall (1 male), Common Pochard (2), Buzzard (just off southern end of site), Moorhen (1), Oystercatcher (2), Little Ringed Plover (1) - Stones Island; Ringed Plover (1) - Horseshoe Island; Lapwing juveniles (3), Redshank (2) plus 2 chicks; Swift (1), Sand Martin (1), Song Thrush (1), Sedge Warbler (1) - in reeds nr Wildlife Centre; and Reed Bunting (2 males).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-06-07Juv Black-throated Diver mid-morning from Sheepwash, later 1 juv Heron, 1 Garden Warbler singing by the first gate. WLC: Male Pintail, 2 Red-crested Pochard, 1 Wigeon, 2 Pochard, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew. 1 Little Grebe with chick plus another adult that was chased away by the parent, 2 Gadwall, and a Sedge Warbler singing in the reedbed. The 3 large Lapwing chicks swam across the channel from Horseshoe Island to the WLC, and had later made their way to the other side of WLC Creek. 1 large Redshank chick remained on the island. Lane End: 1 Mallard with 9 small ducklings. Also, 2 Buzzard and 1 male Kestrel over Millfields.James Owen
2011-06-07just seen a black ibis sat on a barn roof at arbour low.the farm just below the site. not sure if its escaped from some where as it wasnt to fussed about us taking pictures but it had not i.d rings in its legschris
2011-06-07Black-throated Diver seen from Sheepwash. Great Crested Grebe with one juvenile at the Wildlife Centre. Drake Pintail, drake Wigeon, pair of Red-crested Pochard, 3 Little Ringed Plover, Curlew, several Buzzards and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-06-0352 species. Of note: Curlew, Little Grebe and 1x chick, Pintail drake, Pochard drakes (x2) and Wigeon drake, from Fishtail Creek to Hall Wood family groups of Blue Tit (x3 groups), Great Tit (x2 groups) and Willow Tit (x1 group)- another Willow Tit group (4 young)at Shiningford Creek, Reed Warbler at new reedbed,61x Black-headed Gulls roosting on and around Flat Island. John Matkin
2011-06-02Swifts nesting at Visitor Centre once again. Cuckoo heard calling just offsite by Fishtail Creek.John Matkin
2011-06-01OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (3), Wigeon (male), Red-crested Pochard (male), Common Pochard (2 males), Oystercatcher (2), Little Ringed Plover (1), Lapwing - on nest, Horseshoe Island; Redshank (1), Reed bunting (1) - Stones Island. Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-05-31Black-throated Diver still present. Adult Little Grebe with 1 young. 11 Cormorants. Grey Heron, drake Wigeon, 4 drake Gadwall, pair of Red-Crested Pochards, 2 drake Pochard, Sparrowhawk, 3 Buzzards, Kestrel, Peregrine, pair of Oystercatchers with 1 young, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Dunlin, 5+ Redshank and 2 Turnstone. Common Tern. Good numbers of Swifts and House Martins. Several juvenile Pied Wagtails, plenty of young Blue and Great Tits. Adult Carrion Crow feeding 2 young on Stones Island. 2 Linnets at Sheepwash. Dave Newcombe
2011-05-27Reed Warbler singing in Hopton Arm Reedbed, another on causeway to Stones Island. 2 family parties of Long-tailed Tit. Pair of Swallows in Stone Barn and another pair under draw-off tower. Big Island has 3 well grown Redshank young and at least 1 near adult size Lapwing young. A very young lapwing chick appeared to the left of Sheepwash Hide with an adult.Roger Carrington
2011-05-26Black-throated Diver first seen near Flat Island early afternoon. It then drifted past Sheepwash and was later seen in front of the Wildlife Centre. Also seen today was 2 Shelduck, drake Wigeon, pair of Red-crested Pochards. 7+ Little Ringed Plover, 2 Ringed Plovers, 4+ Dunlin, Ruff, Curlew, Oystercatcher with 1 young on S'ford Island, 2 Redshank and 3 Lapwing young on Horseshoe Island. 2 Common Terns, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel, male Sparrowhawk. 3 juvenile Pied Wagtails at Millfields, also 2 juv Robins there. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-05-2536 species of bird identified on a short visit. OF NOTE: Black-throated Diver (1) - seen from Stones Island and was roughly opposite Lane End's hide. Mallard - inc, a female with 4 well developed young. Red-crested Pochard (pr) - seen from the wildlife centre (WLC). Common Pochard (1 male) - seen from the WLC in WLC Creek. Oystercatcher (2). Lapwing (2). Redshank (1). Yellowhammer (1 male) - just off the southern end of the site.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-05-24The Black throated diver was refound,and was close to the sailing club all afternoon. 8 species of wader,with Sandeling,Ruff,Ringed Plover and 5+Dunlin being the pick.Clive Ashton
2011-05-24No sign of Black-throated Diver by midday. Ruff and pair Red-crested Pochard still at Wildlife Centre. Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood. 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 4 Common Tern, 12 Black-headed Gull all in front of Sheepwash Hide and a female Peregrine selected a Common Tern among much turmoil.Roger Carrington
2011-05-23An Osprey first seen by Roger over Stones Island and then Millfields at around 08.00hrs was then seen by Roger, Clive and myself over the Dam Wall around 09.00hrs. The Black-throated Diver was seen near the Dam Wall. Also seen today was a pair of Little Grebes with 2 young. Drake Wigeon, pair of Red-crested Pochards, Hobby, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard. 10 species of Wader were seen. Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover at Sheepwash, Lapwing, Sanderling flew past Stones Island late evening, 2 Dunlin at Sheepwash, Ruff on Horseshoe Island, Curlew, Redshank and Common Sandpiper. Herring Gull, 2 Common Terns, probable Reed Warbler near Sheepwash Hide. Willow Tit family with 2 to 3 young also near Sheepwash Hide. A juvenile Tree Sparrow was attacked and killed by a Jackdaw at the feeding station at the Wildlife Centre. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-05-22One Whimbrel landed and preened twice at Horseshoe Island, between 3pm and 4.30pmDavid Bennett (Vol Rgr)
2011-05-22Immature Black-throated Diver spent most of the day in Hopton Arm then flew to Lane End this evening. Peregrine also over Hopton End. At Sheepwash 3 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Common Tern. At Wildlife Centre a female Ruff, 1 Curlew, pair Red-crested Pochard, pair Gadwall. A Jay with a full crop flew into Penn Carr.Roger Carrington
2011-05-22The Black-throated Diver was still present but quite mobile. At first it was to the right of Sheepwash Hide before drifting past the P.Stanley hide into Hopton Arm and then back out again. 8 Cormorants, 2 Grey Heron. Pair of Red-crested Pochards still at the Wildlife Centre. A Dunlin on Sailing Club Island. At least 4 Little Ringed Plover at carious locations. Sanderling at Sheepwash on the new muddy islands. 2 Common Terns, 3 LBB Gulls and a Common Gull. At around tea time at Sheepwash a 3rd Tern appeared and after a brief fly around it landed on the mud in front of the hide. I thought it looked good for a 1st summer Arctic Tern but know that 1st summers tend to stay in their wintering grounds and are quite rare in Europe never mind Derbyshire. I managed to get some photos and after several other birders seeing them it does indeed look like a 1st summer Arctic Tern.Dave Newcombe
2011-05-19Black-throated Diver still, 1 Common Tern, 2 Raven, 2 Common Buzzard, 1 Whimbrel (flew off NE at 14:25), 1 Common Sandpiper, pair Red-crested Pochard, pair Redshank with 4 chicks and pair Lapwing with 2 chicks from Wildlife Centre. No sign of Adult GND.Paul Thomas
2011-05-19The Black-throated Diver was still present today and couldn't have been much closer in front of Sheepwash Hide. No sign of the adult Great Northern Diver though. Also seen was the pair Red-crested Pochards, 4+ Little Ringed Plover and 4 Dunlin. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-05-18Immature Black-throated Diver first seen from Sheepwash Hide around 10.30. It then spent several hours in Brown Ale Bay to the left of Paul Stanley hide before swimming back past Sheepwash. It could still be seen from Stones Island at 19.00hrs. The adult Great Northern Diver still present. Also seen today was a pair of Red Crested Pochards, drake Wigeon, 4+ Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, 2 Sanderling, 9+ Dunlin, 2 Curlew and 2 Common Terns. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-05-18highlights Great Northern Diver (1x ad summer) Black-throated Diver (1x 1st summer) Sanderling 2 (1 summer 1 winter). Of interest a Hornet came in PSHide briefly and a single Orange Hawkweed (fox-and-cubs) is in flower on the track to PSHideSteph Hicking
2011-05-18Great Northern Diverdan taberner
2011-05-18No messageNeil Venables
2011-05-17In addition to those already reported... From WLC: 3 Redshank chicks and 2 Lapwing chicks on Horseshoe Island, 1 Wigeon, Sparrowhawk, 4 Dunlin, 2 Little Ringed Plover. 3 Curlew - following a pattern developed in recent weeks of bathing individually within the same half hour or so during mid-afternoon. Also, Great Northern Diver still late in the afternoon. The early Whimbrel at Sheepwash flew off high to the West before 10am.James Owen

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