Recent Sightings

DateSightingName
29/04/2026No Terns today but waders were in evidence with 9 species recorded: Bar-tailed Godwit at Watersports, Sanderling on Sailing Club shoreline, 2 Ruff on the back of Horseshoe Island, Curlew heard at Millfields and a Greenshank was around for a while before apparently flying NE. Female Red-crested Pochard and her male common Pochard admirer at WLC, Caspian Gull at Watersports, Yellow Wagtail over Stones, 4 Sedge Warblers and 2 Common Whitethroat behind Millfields Island.Clive Ashton
28/04/2026Another fantastic morning started with 9 Arctic Terns flying in over the dam at 0715hrs. Whilst counting the Terns, at 0745, Alan picked out a dark phase Arctic Skua which flew low up the middle of the res before departing NW. Paul Bennett popped in to see the Arctic Terns and found a Little Tern amongst them at Sheepwash. By 0945hr Arctic Tern numbers had increased to 26, before around half of them had apparently moved on. Large numbers of hirundines all morning and we estimate 400 Sand Martin and 200 Swallow. C6 Pochard, female Red-crested Pochard, 2 female Goldeneye at Sheepwash, 3 Egyptian Geese, 2 Swift, the ringed Caspian Gull, Yellow Wagtail (MR). Little Tern and c14 Arctic Terns still present around 1100hrs when we left site.CA/AHS
27/04/2027From Stones Island this morning, 3 Shoveller, 2 Pochard, 1 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Grey Heron, lots of Sedge and Garden Warblers, 2 Arctic Terns, 1 Common Sandpiper. 1 Dunlin at Millfields and Mediterranean Gull on Sailing Club Island (CA) Peacock butterfly and Orangetips on the wing.AHS
26/04/2026The first-summer Little Gull was still off Watersports this morning. 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 2 Common Terns there too. Female Red-crested Pochard from WLC. Second-summer Mediterranean Gull still on sailing club island. Single Curlew, Common Sandpiper and Redshank. 3 Swifts from WLC. Whitethroat in WLC creek. 13 singing Sedge Warblers across Stones and WLC creek. 3 Yellow Wagtails.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
25/04/20262 summer plumage Black-necked Grebes around Watersports area, 1 Black Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 2 Common Tern, 2 Little Gull (ad, 1s), 3 Shelduck, 2 drake Pochard, Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Common Sandpiper, Common Whitethroat at Hopton End, Reed Warbler in WLC reedbed, 3 Pied Flycatcher on east side.Clive Ashton
24/04/2026Following yesterday afternoon's movement, there were another 36 Black Terns this morning, building up between about 06:30 and 08:30, plus 3 Little Gulls (2 adults and one first-summer), all to 11:00 at least. The 2 Bar-tailed Godwits were still around and a Greenshank flew N. 3 Mandarins over the main carpark. 6 Pochard, 2 Teal. 1 Egyptian Goose. More Garden Warblers have arrived, now 6 in the Stones/WLC area. Lesser Whitethroat singing south of Sheepwash. Redstart singing at the top of WLC creek and Clive had a Yellow Wagtail over the WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
24/04/20266 Chiffchaff, 5 Cormorant, 3 Blackcap, 24 Black Tern, 1 Reed bunting, 9 Oystercatcher, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Willow warbler, 8 Sedge warbler, 1Bar tailed Godwit , 2 Little Gull, 2 Male Pochard , 1 Female Red Crested pochard , 15+ Sand Martin,2 LRPDavid Armitt
23/04/2026The 2 Bar-tailed Godwits are still present, 1 each at Watersports (with a damaged wing) and from.WLC. Common Sandpiper and 2 Redshank in the same area. Two female Goldeneye. Reed and Garden Warblers at Hopton end, and Garden on Stones. 3 singing Pied Flycatchers in Hall Wood/Warrington Knob. 3 male Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall and 2 Swifts overhead. Wheatear at Millfields (per A&R).SJR, MW, RPJ, AMD
22/04/2026Best this morning was a beautiful first-summer Little Gull off Watersports. Another surprise was 2 Redwing at Millfields, with a Swift, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Willow Tit and c100 Redpoll in the same area. Around Watersports, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, Common Sandpiper, Redshank and the pair of Egyptian Geese. Yellow Wagtail (possibly 2) on Stones causeway/dam wall. Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
21/04/2026Another excellent spring morning, with 4 new species for the year: Swift over the dam wall, Yellow Wagtail at the main centre, Garden Warblers at Hopton end and on Stones, and Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed. One Black-tailed and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits were on Watersports island and later from WLC. First-summer Caspian Gull still. Pink-footed Goose, 2 Teal, 2 Pochard and 4 Goldeneye. 10 Sedge Warblers around Stones island and 1 at WLC. Redstart still in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
19/04/2026Highlight of the monthly wildfowl count was a drake Ring-necked Duck in Brown Ale Bay at around 08:50, relocated off Big Island at 10:20. Other wildfowl: 194 Canada, 34 Greylag (plus a brood of 5), 1 Pink-foot, 2 Egyptian, 2 Mute Swan, 33 Gadwall, 70 Mallard (plus a brood of 12), 3 Pochard, 47 Tufted, 5 Goldeneye, 4 Moorhen, 18 Coot, 4 Little Grebe, 36 GCGrebe, 11 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Redshank, 2 Dunlin, 6 Cormorant (a total of 480 waterbirds as opposed to 824 in April last year) Also: first-summer Mediterranean and Caspian Gulls at Watersports, 100+ Sand Martins, male Whitethroat at Hopton end, male Pied Flycatcher still at Warrington Knob and Redstart in WLC fields. Wheatear on the dam wall (per Mick W).Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
18/04/2026This morning, 2 Egyptian Geese, drake Pochard, 3 Common Sandpipers off Stones causeway, first-summer Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Mediterranean Gulls (second-summer and a pair of adults), Common Tern at Watersports, Willow Tit on the Tail Bay path, 3 Skylarks over, 100++ Sand Martins, male Redstart in WLC fields still, 1 Redpoll.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
17/04/2026Early evening - 2 Med Gulls (a 3cy and 2cy) in or around the BHGull colony at the rear of Sailing Club Island, best viewed from the second bench along the dam wall, albeit distant. Also a German ringed Caspian Gull (2cy) on the Watersports pontoon; Pink-footed Goose and LRPlover on Watersports Island.Richard Lowe
17/04/2026Quieter than yesterday. The second-summer Mediterranean Gull was still present, Redstart still singing in WLC fields and 2 new Sedge Warblers, on Millfields island and at WLC.SJR, CA, AHS
16/04/2025A decent morning, starting with a male Pied Flycatcher singing in Warrington Knob, just south of Middle Wood on the east side (first of the year). Single Arctic Tern and Whimbrel past Stones island (also both the first of the year), and a Common Sandpiper was on the shore. Drake Pochard off Watersports. 2 male Redstarts (Hall Wood and WLC fields).SJR, CA, MW
14/04/2026Caspian Gull (2cy) on Watersports pontoon late afternoon - (yellow colour ring on left leg).Richard Lowe
14/04/2026The second-summer Mediterranean Gull flew across sailing club bay mid-morning. Common Tern at Watersports. Drake Pochard. 4 Goldeneye. At Hopton end and Hall/Middle Woods, 9 Coal Tit, 5 Willow Warbler, 17 Blackcap, 6 Nuthatch, 8 Treecreeper, 1 Redstart. Another Redstart in WLC fields. 3 Sedge Warblers around Stones.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
13/04/2026Late afternoon visit: second-summer Mediterranean Gull among the Black-heads on the back of sailing club island, as reported by Richard L a couple of days ago. Pink-footed Goose past Stones. 3 singing Sedge Warblers.Simon Roddis
11/04/20263 Little and 4 Common Terns were off Stones island from 07:55 to around 08:15 this morning. Good conditions for terns, clearly. 20+ Barnacle Geese. Second-summer Caspian Gull again off Watersports. Little Egret at Millfields. Big increase in hirundines, c100 Swallows, 300 Sand Martins and at least 4 House Martins. Sedge Warbler again on Stones.Simon Roddis
10/04/20262 Pochard, 1 female Red-Crested Pochard, 8 Gadwall, 6 Oystercatcher, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Little Grebe, 30+ Sand Martin, 20+ Swallow, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcap , 4 Long tailed Tit, 4 House Martin, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Jay , 3 Willow Warbler, 2 BullfinchDave Armitt
10/04/2026A Sedge Warbler singing on Stones island this morning is the earliest ever arrival here by 2 days. 2 House Martins also on Stones, and 100+ Sand Martins and c20 Swallows. Female Red-crested Pochard again consorting with a male Common Pochard off Stones causeway. 70 Common Gulls late morning, and a second-summer Caspian Gull off Watersports. Little Egret over Hopton end early morning. Redstart singing above WLC creek again and a brood of 3 Mallard in the fields (first I've seen this year). 1 Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
08/04/2026A very decent morning: a Sandwich Tern flew past Stones island at 08:15 and the Jack Snipe was again on Watersports island from 07:30 to at least 09:30. A Redstart was singing at the top of WLC creek and a female Wheatear was in the fields. Wildfowl included 3 Shelduck, female Red-crested Pochard, 2 drake Pochard, 4 Goldeneye and the pair of Egyptian Geese. A Curlew flew over Stones. First-summer Caspian Gull at sailing club. Willow Warblers and Blackcaps in increasing numbers.SJR, CA, AHS
07/04/2026A Jack Snipe bobbed away on Watersports island this morning, from 07:30 to 09:10 at least, with a Common Snipe almost adjacent. 4 Shoveler were out in the middle of the res. Tawny Owl calling at Penn Carr. Total of 33 Ravens, including 30 over the pastures; the presence of a couple of Buzzards and a Red Kites suggests that there might be a dead animal up there attracting their attention. 4+ Willow Warblers dotted around, and 3 Redpolls over.SJR, CA, MW
06/04/2026The pair of Egyptian Geese were on sailing club island early morning. 6 Goldeneye. 2 Curlew and 2 Herring Gulls flew S. 5 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. c60 Sand Martins and 3 Swallows off Sheepwash. Willow Warblers singing near the main entrance and at Millfields. 60 Fieldfare flew N (flocks of 24 and 36).Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
05/04/2026Following are the species recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walks (10am-noon; Stones Island to the Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Cormorant, Black-headed Gull, Magpie, Mallard, Chiffchaff, Coot, Tufted Duck, Oystercatcher, Carrion Crow, Egyptian Goose, Robin, Greylag Goose, Black-tailed Godwit, Sand Martin, Canada Goose, Moorhen, Woodpigeon, Gt Crested Grebe, Pochard, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Wren, Goldeneye, Pied Wagtail, Redshank, DunnockGary Atkins
05/04/2026A fly-through Greenshank was this morning's highlight. c80 Fieldfare also flew NW. 30 Sand Martins and 5+ Swallows off Stones/WLC. 2 Egyptian Geese, 4 Pochard and 2 Teal. Snipe at Paul Stanley hide. Barn Owl at Hopton reedbed first thing, and 15 Ravens over. Willow Tit at WLC. Black-tailed Godwit also reported on Watersports island (per Lorna).SJR, CA, MW
04/04/2026The first Willow Warbler of the year was singing near the main centre mid-morning, wonderful to hear. Other bit and pieces included 2 Shelduck, 3 redhead Goosander, 1 Egyptian Goose, 2 Pochard, 3 Redshank, 3 Herring Gulls, 1 Little Egret, 10 Sand Martin, 2 Swallows, 4 Blackcap, 1 Redpoll.SJR, MW, CA
02/04/2026A winter-plumage Turnstone was on Watersports island at 07:30 but had gone by 09:00. 3 Egyptian Geese at Millfields/Watersports. 1 Pink-footed Goose. The drake Red-crested Pochard was still at Millfields, hanging around with a group of Mallard. A light northerly movement of c.70 Woodpigeons. 21 Buzzards in a 360 scan from the dam wall late morning. Willow Tit at WLC. 10 Sand Martins.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
01/04/2026A drake Red-crested Pochard was at Millfields this morning, and a Little Egret flew S past Stones. Pair of Egyptian Geese still hanging around Watersports island. 6 Sand Martin and 1 Swallow. 2 Redpoll (over Millfields and Stones).SJR, CA, MW
31/03/2026Perimeter counts this morning: 124 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcap, 2 Egyptian Geese, 4 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, 33 Pheasant, 4 Stock Dove, 17 Oystercatcher, 4 Jay, 32 Magpies, 4 Raven, 15 Coal Tit, 4 Willow, 135 Blue, 65 Great, 8 Long-tailed, 8 Sand Martin, 2 Goldcrest, 124 Wren, 12 Nuthatch, 8 Treecreeper, 32 Song Thrush, 9 Mistle, 1 Redwing, 82 Blackbird, 177 Robin, 50 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 12 Pied, 9 Meadow Pipits, 6 Chaffinch, 10 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Redpoll, 29 Goldfinch, 18 Siskin, 2 Reed Buntings.Simon Roddis
31/03/2026An adult Kittiwake flew south down the east side, 2 Egyptian Geese, Pair Mandarin past Stones, redhead Goosander, drake Pochard, 3 Sand Martin, Blackcap singing on Stones, Willow Tit WLC.CA/AHS
30/03/2026Highlight this morning was a Sandwich Tern which flew past Watersports at 10:18. Not seen again but Clive might have heard it earlier. Pair of Egyptian Geese again. 2 Teal. 3 Pochard. 3 Redshank. Pair of Peregrines over the north end. Pair of Willow Tits near WLC. 5 Swallows. 1 Fieldfare in the main carpark, and Alan had a Redpoll on Stones.SJR, CA, MW, AHS
28/03/2026Probably 5 Swallows and 2 Sand Martins were off Stones/Watersports late morning. Drake Pintail from WLC. Pink-footed Goose off Stones. At least one pair of Egyptian Geese and 27 Barnacles. 2 Willow Tits. c70 Fieldfare, 30 Starling and Woodpigeons flushed by a Sparrowhawk north of Fishtail. 2 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall.SJR, CA, MW
26/03/2026Along the east side, Hopton to Millfields, this morning: 6 Willow Tits, 42 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 9 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Crossbill, 2 Egyptian Geese. Elsewhere, a Swallow (first of the year here) past the main centre, 4 Sand Martin, 32 Barnacle Geese, several more Chiffchaffs on Stones.SJR, CA, AHS, RPJ, AMD
22/03/2026March WeBS count: 5 Mute Swan, 189 Canada Geese, 37 Greylag Geese, 2 Egyptian Geese, 42 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Grebe, 121 Mallard, 6 Teal, 20 Gadwall, 1 Mandarin, 45 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 9 Goldeneye, 7 Moorhen, 23 Coot, 8 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 10 Oystercatcher, 4 Redshank, 1 Grey Wagtail. 2 Blackcap singing at Hopton end. CA/JBClive Ashton/ Jon Bradley
20/03/2026The first Little Ringed Plover of the year dropped into sailing club this morning, and a Little Egret flew over. The over-wintering Common Sandpiper was on the dam wall at Millfields. Drake Shoveler on Horseshoe island. First-winter Caspian and second-winter Yellow-legged Gulls off Watersports. Tawny Owl calling at Sheepwash first thing. Willow Tit at WLC. 12 Siskin over Stones.SJR, CA, MW
20/03/20266 Chiffchaff, 2 Great spotted woodpecker, 7 Goldeneye, 7 Oystercatcher , 6 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 9 Greylag goose, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Willow tit , 10 CormorantDave Armitt
19/03/2026Clive had 2 Sand Martins past Stones this morning, and 4 Shoveler were off Sheepwash. 22 Chiffchaffs between Hopton end and Stones. 93 Woodpigeons N. 12 Buzzards in the air from the dam wall. Pair of Willow Tits at Lane End and 1 singing in WLC creek (per Mike R). 1 Linnet on the dam wall and 2 Redpoll over WLC area.Simon Roddis
18/03/2026Slightly less quiet than the last few days but still awaiting migrants. Pair of Shelduck off Millfields and a pair of Mandarin flew through Tail Bay. 11 Goldeneye, 10 of them off Sheepwash. Tiny bit of movement involving 156 Woodpigeons N and 33 S, plus 13 Chaffinch N. Singing Skylark and 5 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
13/03/2026A few bits and pieces this morning: 31 Barnacle Geese, the pair of Egyptian Geese again, drake Wigeon, Curlew, c5,000 Black-headed Gulls early morning, several Buzzards and Red Kites enjoying the breeze, 70 Starlings NW, 35 Siskin in WLC creek and 2 Crossbills over.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
11/03/2026Best this morning were the 2 Egyptian Geese again, fly-over Shelduck, first-winter Caspian Gull, 30 Barnacle Geese, 230 Woodpigeons N, 4 Curlew, 3 Redshank around Horseshoe island, Willow Tit singing on Stones.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
10/03/2026Highlight this morning was a Sand Martin from Sheepwash hide, first of the year as far as I'm aware. 29 Barnacle Geese at Watersports. Pair of Egyptian Geese again. Redhead Goosander flew up the res and maybe the same bird later past Stones. 830 Woodpigeons N (and 15 S). Green Woodpecker calling at Sheepwash. Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew and 2 Redshank on Horseshoe island. 10 Buzzards in the air.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
08/03/2026Afternoon visit: adult Caspian Gull from Lane End hide. 15 Herring Gulls and adult Great Black-back from Stones. Female Red-crested Pochard off Stones causeway (found earlier by Adam Saunders). 2 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon and 40 Redwing at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
07/03/202627 Barnacle geese flew in, landed in field other side of road to dam wall around 8.30 am.Matthew Birkin
07/03/2026Another eventful morning, with highlights of 11 drake Common Scoter, 8 Kittiwakes and 70 passage Wigeon out on the water off Stones island. 2 Shoveler still at Sheepwash.SJR, CA, AHS
06/03/2026After a couple of hours looking for Willow Tits (4 found), a walk onto Stones island proved worthwhile when a Bar-tailed Godwit flew S and a scan of the water revealed a beautiful summer plumage Black-necked Grebe. 36 Great Crested Grebes (highest count since last September) suggests a small arrival - perhaps the Black-necked came in with them. 3 Chiffchaffs in Tail Bay. 2 Shoveler and 2 Wigeon at Sheepwash (per Alan S).Simon Roddis
02/03/2026Highlights this morning were a Barn Owl at Hopton reedbed early morning, a Great Egret around Horseshoe/Watersports and 2 Egyptian Geese which flew down the res late morning and settled on Watersports island (still there at 11:40). Plus 28 Barnacle Geese, 8 Curlew, Snipe at Hopton reedbed, first-winter Yellow-legged Gull off Stones island, Willow Tit at WLC, 3+ Chiffchaffs.Simon Roddis
01/03/2026Following are the species noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Great Tit, Buzzard, Blackbird, Cormorant, Coot, Mallard, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Teal, Great-crested Grebe, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Oystercatcher, Robin, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch, Pied Wagtail, Woodpigeon, Chaffinch, Barnacle Goose, Magpie, Curlew, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Gadwall, WrenGary Atkins
01/03/20262 Chiffchaffs on Stones island this morning. Redshank and 2 Pochard at Paul Stanley hide. 12 Goldeneye. 29 Barnacle Geese at Watersports. At least 10 Buzzards in the air from Millfields late morning, and 2 Skylarks on the dam wall.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
28/02/2026Perimeter counts this morning: 3 Chiffchaffs, 14 Coal Tits, 202 Blue, 73 Great, 3 Willow, 13 Long-tailed, 3 Nuthatch, 6 Treecreeper, 2 Goldcrest, 81 Wren, 50 Song Thrush, 7 Mistle, 80 Blackbird, 20 Redwing, 201 Robin, 66 Dunnock, 27 Chaffinch, 8 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 1+ Crossbill, 21 Goldfinch, 10 Siskin. Maybe as many as 20 Oystercatchers, difficult to keep track of!Simon Roddis
27/02/2026At Carsi this morning, the Common Sandpiper was on Watersports island, Redshank and Kingfisher from Paul Stanley hide, 9 Goldeneye in Brown Ale Bay, singing Willow Tit and 4 Redpoll near Lane End and a finch flock between Sheepwash and Lane End comprising 16 Chaffinch, 16 Goldfinch and 3 Greenfinch.Simon Roddis
26/02/20263 Great Spotted Woodpecker , 12 Long tailed Tit, 1 Nuthatch, 20 Redwing, 7 Gadwall, 16 Teal , 3 Grey Heron, 3 Little grebe, 7 Oystercatcher, 4 Female Goldeneye, 4 Male Goldeneye, 2 Pied wagtail, 4 Barnacle goose, 1 Buzzard, 1Coal titDave Armitt
26/02/2026Single Shelduck around Horseshoe/Watersports this morning. Pair of Barnacle Geese. 28 Tufted. 6+ Goldeneye. 12 Curlew, including 10 at sailing club early on. 1 Woodcock and 1 Tawny Owl at Hopton end first thing. 285 Lesser Black-backs flew N over Hopton as they came out of the roost. Pair of Willow Tits (one singing) south of Lane End. 50 Redwing, mostly at Paul Stanley/Sheepwash. 20 Chaffinch, including a flock of 14 NE.Simon Roddis
23/02/2026870 Woodpigeons flew N 0730-0830 this morning, plus 5 Skylarks and a Great Egret. 34 Barnacle Geese at WLC and Willow Tit nearby. 14 Curlew in WLC fields. Redshank and 5 Snipe from Paul Stanley hide. 3 Redpoll over Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
21/02/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 224 Canada, 34 Barnacle, 28 Greylag, 44 Gadwall, 16 Wigeon, 226 Mallard, 187 Teal, 7 Pochard, 7 Tufted, 10 Goldeneye, 5 Moorhen, 75 Coot, 6 Little Grebe, 24 GCGrebe, 10 Oystercatcher, 15 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 7 Cormorant. 7 Skylarks over Stones.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
20/02/2026Around Carsi this morning, 34 Barnacle Geese, 5 Curlew off Stones causeway early on, Common Sandpiper from WLC, a first-winter Mediterranean Gull from Sheepwash hide late morning, Water Rail and Redshank at Paul Stanley hide (AHS), Willow Tit singing near WLC, 50 Redwing, 10 Crossbills SW over WLC creek mid-morning.SJR, CA, AHS
19/02/2026Clive pulled another rabbit out of the hat this morning in the shape of a Grey Partridge on Stones island, the first at Carsi since November 2011. However, a search between the WLC and Shiningford for Tuesday's Bittern was to no avail. The Common Sandpiper was still on Horseshoe island and a male Sparrowhawk posed beautifully there for a while. At least 22 GCGrebes suggests a small increase, as you'd expect as we approach spring.SJR, CA
17/02/2026Just 350 Woodpigeons and 120 Starlings N this morning. A Great Egret flew S down the res mid-morning and a Shelduck flew in at the same time. 34 Barnacle Geese. 8 Curlews at sailing club early morning, and 3 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. 15 Linnets again on Stones.SJR, CA, MW
16/02/2026Credit is due to Clive for most of this morning's birds: an adult Kittiwake from Stones island late morning, last seen heading towards Millfields; 1,750 Woodpigeons N; 32 Barnacle Geese; 7 Curlew, the Common Sandpiper and 15 Linnets around Horseshoe island; Peregrine over Shiningford and a Willow Tit at WLC.CA, MW, SJR
14/02/2026On this fine sunny morning, 4 Pintail (1m,3f) were at Sheepwash late morning, only 10 Pochard, 9 Goldeneye, 12+ Oystercatchers, Redshank from Paul Stanley hide still, Curlew down the east side, adult Great Black-back, pair of Peregrines on a pylon at Shiningford, drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker in Hall Wood, Willow Tit at WLC. Surprisingly little moving, although there was a report of 60 Pink-footed Geese over.Simon Roddis
12/02/2026A bit of movement this morning, virtually everything heading N or NE: 820 Woodpigeons, 2 Stock Doves, 120 Pink-footed Geese, 166 Starlings, 5 Skylarks, 1 Curlew, 6 Lesser Black-backs. At ground/water level, 29 Greylags, 2 Pintail, 51 Pochard, 13 Goldeneye, 69 Coot, 15 GCGrebe, Woodcock at Hopton end, the Common Sandpiper back at Millfields, adult Great Black-back, Willow Tit at WLC, and in the air 6 Buzzards and 6 Ravens (3 pairs).Simon Roddis
11/02/2026Just a few bits and bobs this morning: 3 Shoveler still at Sheepwash, female Pintail off Stones, single Snipe and Redshank from Paul Stanley hide and a Skylark over, 1 (maybe 2) Willow Tit at WLC, 2 Meadow Pipits over Stones causeway, 2 Reed Buntings at the Millfields feeders.Simon Roddis
10/02/2026A bit same old, same old this morning: Common Sandpiper still from WLC, Redshank from Paul Stanley hide, 3 Shoveler and 4 Pintail at Sheepwash, 103 Pochard plus the hybrid, adult Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Willow Tits near WLC. One day there'll be a change in the weather and, hopefully, the birds. One day...SJR, CA, AHS
09/02/2026The Common Sandpiper was still on Horseshoe island late morning and the Redshank at Sheepwash. 115 Lapwing. 104 Pochard plus the male Aythya hybrid. 3 Shoveler. Drake and at least 3 female Pintail. 10 Goldeneye. 103 Coot. 43 Woodpigeons N. Adult Great Black-back and 2 immature Herring Gulls. Pair of Willow Tits on the WLC feeders and another pair near Lane End. Treecreeper singing at WLC and Red Bunting almost singing at Paul Stanley.SJR, CA, AHS
08/02/2026Highlight of a couple of hours late afternoon was a Barn Owl hunting to the left of Sheepwash hide, flushing the nearby ducks, which included 3 Shoveler and a female Pintail. Redhead Goosander at Millfields. 20+ Barnacle Geese beyond the top of WLC creek. Willow Tit at WLC (the volunteers had 2 there this morning). 100 Redwing at the top of WLC creek.Simon Roddis
07/02/2026The Common Sandpiper was on Watersports island this morning. 10 Oystercatchers. 4 Shoveler (3m,1f) at Sheepwash/Millfields. 4 Pintail (drake at Sheepwash, 3f from Paul Stanley hide. 8 Goldeneye. 35 Barnacle Geese eventually settled in the overflow carpark. Adult Great Black-backed Gull. 20 Linnet on Stones island.SJR, CA, AHS
05/02/2025The drake Pintail and 3 Shoveler (2m,1f) were at Sheepwash this morning, and 5 Goldeneye (4m,1f) and the Redshank from Paul Stanley hide. Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe island in front of the WLC. c35 Barnacle Geese over WLC creek. 125 Rooks N past Sheepwash early morning.Simon Roddis
03/02/2026Best this morning was a flock of 8 Pintail briefly past Stones island. 36 Barnacle Geese. At least 136 Pochard (quite possibly more as Clive had nearly 100 at Sheepwash/Brown Ale Bay while I only counted 65 there). 3 Shoveler from PS hide. 8 Oystercatcher.18 Lapwing. 1 Redshank still. Willow Tit at WLC. 35 Linnet on Stones.SJR, CA, MW
01/01/2-26From Paul Stanley Hide (12.30-13.15): 5 Goldeneye (4m, 1f), 8 Lapwing, Redshank, 20+ Wigeon, a lot of Teal, 3 Long-tailed Tit, Coal TitGary Atkins
01/02/2026Birds seen, through the mist, at today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island - Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Blue Tit, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose, Teal, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Little Grebe, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Robin, Song Thrush, Magpie, Cormorant, Goldfinch, Redwing, Dunnock, Woodpigeon, Goldeneye, Bullfinch, Pheasant, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Great Tit, Wren, Gt Crested Grebe, Moorhen, Chaffinch, Pied WagtailGary Atkins
01/02/2026Very foggy this morning. Woodcock, Snipe and Tawny Owl at Hopton end first thing. 133 Pochard, most of them at Sheepwash, and the drake Pintail still. 5 Oystercatchers. Redshank from PS hide. 2 Herring Gulls at Sheepwash. 15 Linnet at Millfields.Simon Roddis
28/01/2026Ad hoc wildfowl count this morning, slightly hampered by a bit of mist around the edge first thing: 274 Canada, 29 Barnacle, 8 Greylags, 115 Gadwall, 102 Wigeon, 328 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 746 Teal, 114 Pochard, 22 Tufted, 14 Goldeneye, 115 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 5 Oystercatcher, 31 Lapwing, Common Sandpiper still at Millfields, 1 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 11 Cormorant. Male Peregrine past WLC. 200 Woodpigeons N and 160 Starlings W.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
25/01/2026This morning, a pair of Shelduck (presumably the same birds as yesterday) flew N then swam back past Paul Stanley hide; drake Pintail, Redshank and redhead Goosander also from Paul Stanley and 30 Siskin in the woodland; Oystercatchers at Millfields and WLC; 2 Willow Tits at WLC, and a male Aythya hybrid, very likely the presumed Pochard x Ferruginous Duck that has been here before.Simon Roddis
23/01/2026Just a few bits and pieces this morning: Common Sandpiper still at Millfields, 2 Oystercatchers on Horseshoe island, first-winter Yellow-legged Gull at sailing club, drake Pintail from Paul Stanley hide (AHS), 60 Pochard, 30 Linnets on Stones, 40 Siskin.SJR, CA, AHS
21/01/2026The Common Sandpiper was still at Millfields this morning, while an adult Caspian Gull off the sailing club was the first of the year here, I believe. Oystercatcher at Watersports and 2 Willow Tits between there and WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
19/01/2026Very murky this morning but there was a Black-tailed Godwit on Sheepwash spit, Redshank and drake Shoveler from Paul Stanley hide, Oystercatcher at Watersports, Willow Tits at WLC and Millfields, and Common Sandpiper still at Millfields.Simon Roddis
17/01/2026I've done the monthly wildfowl count this afternoon as the forecast for tomorrow isn't great: 272 Canada, 12 Greylags, 3 Egyptian Geese (on Sheepwash spit before flying NE at 15:12), 123 Gadwall, 112 Wigeon, 461 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 936 Teal, 36 Pochard, 24 Tufted, 9 Goldeneye, 4 Moorhen, 145 Coot, 6 Little Grebes, 21 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 13 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper (presumably the bird that was around in December), 21 Cormorant. In the gull roost off Stones island late afternoon, c2,000 each of Common and Black-headed Gulls, 400 Lesser Black-backs, 2 Herring.Simon Roddis
16/01/202660 Wigeon,4 Goldeneye, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Pochard, 40 Teal, 32 Gadwall, 1 Goldfinch,1 Kestrel, 6 Long Tailed Tit, 1 Treecreeper, 11 Cormorant, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 2 Buzzard, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Peregrine, 30 Linnet , 50 LapwingDave Armitt
16/01/2026Slightly better conditions than yesterday, with the fog lifting mid-morning. The drake Pintail was off Sheepwash. 95 Pochard. The Oystercatcher still, 34 Lapwing and 1 Snipe. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. Willow Tit at WLC. Winter thrushes included at least 330 Redwing and 190 Fieldfares (270 and 150 respectively through Hopton early morning).Simon Roddis
15/01/2026Difficult to see much in thick fog this morning but there were 2 Woodcock and 3 calling Tawny Owls at Millfields first thing, Willow Tit at WLC, Oystercatcher again at Watersports/Horseshoe island, Redshank in Brown Ale Bay, and Clive had a Pink-footed Goose among the Greylags.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
14/02/2026Clive found the first Oystercatcher of the year at Watersports this morning, a relatively early first date. 29 Lapwing. 51 Pochard. Adult Great Black-backed Gull. Male Peregrine on its favoured pylon then over Sheepwash and Hall Wood. Willow Tit at WLC. Skylark S over the main centre. 10 Linnet from the WLC. 4 Crossbills in the top of Hall Wood.SJR, CA, AHS, MW
12/01/2026c35 Barnacle Geese over WLC late morning and 2 Goosander N over Hopton end first thing. 5 Goldeneye. Drake Pintail reported at WLC but I missed it. 45 Woodpigeons N. 124 Coot. Skylark N over Stones late morning. Mistle Thrush singing at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
10/01/2026Drake Pintail and Redshank from Paul Stanley hide this morning. A Pink-footed Goose was among the Greylags at Watersports and 36 Barnacle Geese from WLC. 32 Lapwing. 47 Fieldfare flew N (obviously!). 12+ Meadow Pipits.Simon Roddis
06/01/2026Yesterday's 3 Curlew were still at sailing club this morning, and a total of 51 Lapwing there and in Brown Ale Bay. Shelduck off Stones (and later Sheepwash) and redhead Goosander at Millfields. 92 Pochard. 5 Shoveler. Full compliment of Barnacle Geese. 106 Coot. 8 Little Grebes. Willow Tit at WLC. 15 Meadow Pipits at Sheepwash and 12 at WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
05/01/2026A very decent afternoon visit: 2 adult White-fronted Geese were among c200 Greylags between Lane End and Sheepwash, plus one Pink-foot. A Little Egret flew past Paul Stanley hide. 2 adult Mute Swans. Drake Shoveler from WLC. 38 Pochard. 100 Coot in Brown Ale Bay at dusk. 30 Lapwing. Clive's 3 Curlew were still at sailing club. 800 Common Gulls off Stones by 15:30. Little Owl again in WLC fields, being mobbed by Blackbirds and Blue Tits. 11 Meadow Pipits toughing it out.Simon Roddis
04/01/2026Species recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-WLC-WLC Creek): House Sparrow, Pintail, Lapwing, Little Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Teal, Pied Wagtail, Goldeneye, Wigeon, Mallard, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Canada Goose, Coot, Robin, Mute Swan, Gt Crested Grebe, Blue Tit, Greylag Goose, Moorhen, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Dunnock, Wren, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Redwing, Blackbird, Treecreeper, Pheasant, Great Tit, Snipe, Meadow Pipit, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Long-tailed TitGary Atkins
02/01/2026Juvenile GNDiver still north of Millfields this morning. Woodcock at Hopton end first thing, and Redshank later. 3 Grey Heron in Brown Ale Bay. 100 Woodpigeons NE, 40 SW. 3 Fieldfare and 2 Redpoll over Millfields.Simon Roddis
31/12/2025Juvenile GNDiver still off the east side north of Millfields. A bit of late movement, with 1,400 Woodpigeons and 192 Fieldfare heading N (Fieldfare can be tricky to see here in December so quite surprising to see such a decent number). 250 Starlings W might just have been heading out from their roost. c35 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. Great Egret at Sheepwash. Peregrine having its breakfast on Horseshoe island. 2 Willow Tits at WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
30/12/2025Afternoon visit: the juvenile GNDiver was off Millfields, female Common Scoter from Stones (and later from Sheepwash) and a Great Egret, last seen flying into Green Pond, presumably to roost. Little Owl called in WLC fields mid afternoon. Pair of Peregrines perched on Sheepwash spit and then over Brown Ale Bay at dusk. Willow Tit at WLC. Single Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls. 70 Linnets on Stones. Over BABay late afternoon, 390 Redwing, 55 Fieldfare and 26 Chaffinch.Simon Roddis


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
2011-05-17WeBS count for May: Mute Swan 5,Canada Goose 61,Barnacle Goose 14,Mallard 66,Red-Crested Pochard 2,Tufted Duck 80,Great Northern Diver 1,Little Grebe 4,Great Crested Grebe 41,Cormorant 4,Grey Heron 2,Moorhen 3,Coot 68,Oystercatcher 11,Little Ringed Plover 3,Lapwing 13,Dunlin 3,Whimbrel 1,Redshank 5,Black-headed Gull 43,Common Tern 2. Between 06.45 and 11.45Peter Gibbon
2011-05-16Adult Great Northern Diver still. Grey Heron. Pair of Red Crested Pochards at the Wildlife Centre. 3+ Buzzard, Sparrowhawk with prey, Kestrel. Dunlin, 4+ Little Ringed Plover, Whimbrel, 2 Lapwing chicks on Horseshoe Island. 4 Arctic Terns through early morning, 2 Common Terns. 50+ Black Headed Gulls, 10 LBB Gulls. 200+ Swallows, 100+ Housemartin. 100+ Swift. 6 Sandmartin. Both the Great Crested Grebes and Moorhens have both failed on Horseshoe Island. Dave Newcombe
2011-05-16A pair of Mandarin to the right of Sheepwash Hide at 15.45 hrs. 1 Curlew at Wildlife CentreNeil Moulden
2011-05-15A Red Kite drifted over Sheepwash car park at 1430hrs heading SE. Adult Great Northern Diver still. 1 Ringed Plover on Stones Island. 27 Common Tern high North (may have been 1 or 2 Arctics among them). 2 Common Tern on Flat Island. Peregrine over. 2 Red Crested Pochard Sheepwash/WLC mobile. Redstart singing in field between Visitor Center car park and WLC.Roger Carrington
2011-05-14Adult summer plumage Great Northern Diver. 2 Red Crested Pochard from Wildlife Centre. 1 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin and 2 Common Tern from Sheepwash.Roger Carrington
2011-05-12Adult summer plumage Great Northern Diver flying around early morning, then calling from the water. Sedge Warbler and Linnet singing on Stones Island. Tree Sparrow multi nest box on Stones showing 10 units being fed. Black-headed Gulls have returned to the Wildlife Centre. 50 Swifts over the water.Roger Carrington
2011-05-11Adult Great Northern Diver giving great views from Stones Island this morning. 2 Greylag Geese, Grey Heron, 2 Teal, Sanderling, 4 Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 2 Common Terns, 10 Housemartins, 4 Common Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats. Dave Newcombe
2011-05-11Highlights from the WLC: Adult Great Northern Diver, 3 Curlew, 2 Common Tern, Lapwing with at least 3 chicks, male Sparrohawk, 2 Buzzard. Also, 1 Common Sandpiper at Sheepwash.James Owen
2011-05-09Adult Great Northern Diver. 4 Greylag Geese, Osprey over Sheepwash at 13.30hrs, Hobby, 5 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Turnstone, Whimbrel, Curlew, Lapwing chick on Horseshoe Island, Common Sandpiper, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, several Redshanks and Oystercatchers, 5 LBB Gulls, Herring Gull, female Wheatear, c40 Swallow, c20 Swift, 2 Sand Martin, Linnet singing near Middle Wood, and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-05-0944 species seen Sheepwash to VC including: adult Great Northern Diver, 2x Common Tern, Little Grebe (carrying nesting material in first arm of Shiningford Creek), Lesser Whitethroat (singing at Sheepwash and in the dip just after Shinigford Creek) and 3x Song Thrush fledglings by Paul Stanley Hide.John Matkin
2011-05-08Adult and 1 juvenile GN diver together in middle of water between Lane End hide and Fishtail Creek, watched for an hour(late afternoon) until the juvenile flew off. Adult produced ritualised aggression display to the juvenile which lasted several minutes and included wailing.John Babb
2011-05-07Osprey sitting on nest platform for two hours from 07.00 despite mobbing by Jackdaws and Black-headed Gulls. Also 2 divers, 1 Whimbrel and 4 Common Tern.Peter Gibbon
2011-05-06No sign of Osprey this evening, but 4 Little ringed Plovers,4 Common sandpipers and 7 Mute Swans.Clive Ashton
2011-05-06Osprey still on Lane End perch early morning, flew from perch about 0900hrs and was fishing near Millfields at 1010hrs when disturbed by helicopter, no sign by 1100hrs. Adult and juv Great Northern Diver also.Roger Carrington
2011-05-06As Roger has already mentioned an Osprey was found yesterday evening on the new perch at Lane End. Although I didn't see it catch a fish it was seen flying around the wildlife centre with a fish being chased by an Oystercatcher. Also seen yesterday was the adult and juvenile Great Northern Divers. A pair of Gadwall, 3 Dunlin, c5 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Common Sandpipers, Greenshank, 5 Common Gulls, 2 Common Terns, Arctic Tern (C Brown). Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-05-05Osprey found at 1840hrs on Lane End Osprey perch by John Bradley. Still there at 2000hrs eating a fish. White ring on left leg marked KR.Roger Carrington
2011-05-04Barnacle Goose (14), Little Ringed Plover (2) - Horseshoe Island (HI), Lapwing (8), Black-tailed Godwit (1) - Stones Island (SI), Dunlin (2) - SI, Redshank (1) - HI, and Song Thrush (2).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-05-04Both the adult and juvenile Great Northern Divers still present. The wild Barnacle Goose (ADZ) with the feral flock. 6 Mute Swan, Shelduck, 4 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 5+ Little Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, Curlew, 2 Bar Tailed Godwits, 3+ Common Sandpipers, 2 Common Terns, Yellow Wagtail, 40+ Swift, 2 Sedge Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2011-05-032 Great Northern Divers (adult and juvenile). Grey Heron, 3+ Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, female Peregrine, 5 Little Ringed Plovers, Lapwing chick on Horseshoe Island, Dunlin, Snipe, 2 Bar Tailed Godwits, Black Tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel, 4 Common Sandpipers, Black Tern, 2 Common Terns, 31+ Swift, 2 Sedge Warblers and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2011-05-02During the monthly 'birdwatching for beginners' walk (1st Sunday of month, 10am-noon), led by STW volunteer ranger David Bennett, the following were recorded ... Highlights: Adult Gt Northern Diver was giving great and close views in front of the watersports centre, two Swifts flew over Stones Island, several warblers, notably Garden Warblers, were singing well on Stones Island; also (no specific quantities, sorry!) Canada and Barnacle Geese, Dunlin, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover (seen 'coupling' - so at least two!), Lapwing, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Gt Crested Grebe, Reed Bunting, House Martin, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Wren, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Tree Sparrow, House Sparrow, Blackbird, Robin and Starling.Gary Atkins
2011-05-011 Waxwing perched and calling at entrance to Sheepwash car park 0600hrs. 2 Stock Doves under Sheepwash feeders. 7 Swift and 1 Yellow Wagtail over Stones Island. 2 Snipe at Wildlife Centre. 3 Great Northern Divers including summer plumage adult. 1 Common and 6 Arctic Terns thru.Roger Carrington
2011-04-291 Artic Tern on Sheepwash Island early morning only. 4 common sandpiper and 2 LRP later. 2 juv + 1 summer plumage adult great northern diver. Wild Barnacle with leg ring ADZ still on Stones Island with feral flock.Roger Carrington
2011-04-292 Greenshank, 1 Whimbrel past, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper all at Sheepwash. 46 Arctic Terns thru North at 1920hrs. 2 Common Terns thru North at 1950hrs.Roger Carrington
2011-04-27The following were of particular interest on our short visit to the site:Great Northern Diver (adult) - off Horseshoe Island (HI), a Great Crested Grebe sitting on a nest just off HI near the wildlife centre, Barnacle Goose (3), a Moorhen standing by a nest on the edge of HI (this is a different nest to the one mentioned on the 18th April), Lapwing (5), Little Ringed Plover (1) - HI, Redshank - a pair mating on HI and Swallow (3).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-04-273 Great Northern Divers still present. Both juveniles were seen flying around several times. And with the adult also being seen in flight over the last few days it looks like all three will soon be leaving us. The adult in breeding plumage really is worth a look before it goes. The 'wild' Barnacle Goose (ADZ) is still present with the regular feral flock. Also of note today was a Grey Heron, 2 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, Snipe, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 5 Redshank, 3 Buzzards, 2 LBB Gulls, a 1st summer Common Gull, 3 Common Terns and 2 Raven. A walk between Millfields and Hopton End produced 28 Blackcap, 19 Willow Warbler, 7 Garden Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroat and 4 Common Whitethroat. Dave Newcombe
2011-04-26A Green Woodpecker flew over towards the visitor centre at 08:30hr, an Arctic Tern flew north between 10:10 and 10:25hr. Still 3 GN Divers with the adult now looking very smart,2 Common Sandpipers and 4 LR Plovers. Barnacle Goose ADZ still present.Clive Ashton
2011-04-25Sacred Ibis seen on Horseshoe Island. First reported 15:30John Matkin
2011-04-24WeBS count for April: Mute Swan 4, Canada Goose 59, Greylag 1,Barnacle Goose 15, Mallard 55, Tufted Duck 126, Great Northern Diver 3,Little Grebe 2,Great Crested Grebe 46, Cormorant 3, Moorhen 4, Coot 67, Oystercatcher 9, Little Ringed Plover 6, Lapwing 12,Snipe 1, Common Sandpiper 1, Redshank 3, Black-headed Gull 20.Peter Gibbon
2011-04-221 Yellow Wagtail, 32 Carrion Crow and 12 Rooks on dam wall and fields. Pied Flycatcher and 2 Goldcrest singing in Hall Wood. 2 Lesser Whitethroat, at top of Sheepwash car park and Hopton End. 2 Common Whitethroat, at Wildlife Centre and Hopton End. 2 Common Terns on Flat Island. 1 Common Sandpiper on the small new Sheepwash Island. 2 juvenile Great Northern Divers close in to Sheepwash Hide at 10:00hrs.Roger Carrington
2011-04-21Much the same as yesterday but with 5 Shellduck coming into land just in front of the Paul Stanley hide this morning. Whitethroat this afternoon around the reed beds.Adam Jones
2011-04-211 Ringed Plover flying around Stones Island with 3 Little Ringed Plover at 07.45 hrs.Neil Moulden
2011-04-202 Wheatear and 3 Meadow Pipits on the Dam Wall and a female Sparrowhawk over. Sedge Warbler singing on Stones Island. Lesser Whitethroat singing at the back of Sheepwash Car Park. 3 Great Northern Divers from Sheepwash (2 juvs and adult). Pair of Goldeneye, Common Sandpiper, 4+ Little Ringed Plover, 5+ Redshank, Yellow Wagtail on Sheepwash Spit and 4+ Garden Warbler. Shortly after 18.00 I was standing near the Watersports Centre and looked out on to the water and saw 3 Black Terns. By the time I had walked on to Stones Island there were 5 Black Terns. Whilst on Stones a Ringed Plover flew over and then a little later on a Whimbrel flew past. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-04-20Sheepwash car park feeders:2 Willow Tit,6 Bullfinch,3 Tree Sparrow, Paul Stanley Hide:1 Great Northern Diver (juv),1 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher,4 Lapwing, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker on feeder, Reed Beds: 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Reed WarblerAdam Jones
2011-04-20Sheepwash car park feeders:2 Willow Tit,6 Bullfinch,3 Tree Sparrow, Paul Stanley Hide:1 Great Northern Diver (juv),1 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher,4 Lapwing, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker on feeder, Reed Beds: 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Reed WarblerAdam Jones
2011-04-2008:45 - 11:30 Millfieds and Penn Carr. - (4+)nr Swallow, 4nr Black Cap in 2 pairs M/F, 10 pairs G.C Grebe courting / nest building & sitting. 1nr Oystercatcher near possible nest site on island, 2nr Little Grebe possible pair in Penn Carr, 1nr Mute Swan near sailing club.David Edmonds
2011-04-19Of note: Barnacle Goose (8), a female Mallard with 10 ducklings, a nesting Moorhen on very small island next to Horseshoe Island, Oystercatcher (2), Lapwing (2) plus Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-04-191 Black-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe Island until 08.25 hrs at least. Wild Barnacle Goose on Stones Island. 2 Little Ringed Plover at Sailing ClubNeil Moulden
2011-04-19Paul Stanley Hide:1 Great Northern Diver (Adult) towards dam wall, 2 Redshank, 2 G C Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 3 Lapwing, GSW (drumming)Sheepwash feeders: 6 Bullfinch, 3 Tree Sparrow, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Willow Tit, Stones Island: 2 Barnacle GeeseAdam Jones
2011-04-191 Garden warbler and 1 Sedge Warbler singing on Stones island. 1 Redstart singing in the field behind the Wildlife Centre. 2 Great Northern Divers with the adult coming into summer plumage.Clive Ashton
2011-04-18Visitor Centre:1 Great Northern Diver (juvenile)4 Barnacle GeesePaul Stanley Hide:4 Great Crested Grebe1 OystercatcherLapwings3 Cormorants2 Nuthatch1 Reed Bunting1 TreecreeperSheepwash Car park feeders:6 Bullfinch3 Tree SparrowsMany Chaffinch1 Green WoodpeckerAdam Jones
2011-04-17In addition to Roger's sightings, there was a Green Sandpiper on Sheepwash spit(now Island!)early afternoon, and still present at 17:00hr.Clive Ashton
2011-04-171 lesser whitethroat top of Sheepwash car park 0630hrs. 5 greylag south over dam. drake shoveler, pair gadwall and wild barnacle ADZ all on stones island. 4 broods of mallard; 11+7@WLC and 6+7@sheepwash. 1 common sandpiper at sheepwash. 7 common buzzards together in a thermal. 1 adult + 2 juvenile great northern divers.Roger Carrington
2011-04-15Still 3 Great Northern Divers, with the adult bird coming into summer plumage. 5+ Little ringed Plover,2 Dunlin,4 Curlew,3 Goosander over west and another north later. Clive Ashton
2011-04-142 G N Divers displaying, initially the two faced each other flapping wings before one, using its feet reared upright with its wings forming a crucifix shape but not flapping. This occurred over a 10 minute period around 11-30 just off of buoy 9 on the dam wall.Ian Scrimshaw
2011-04-14Bullfinch (at least 3 pairs). Redstart (1male) SFCreek area. Plenty of Chiffchaffs etc. Buzzard several in area showing very well, one in particular being mobbed by corvids over SFCreek.Steph Hicking
2011-04-133 Great Northern Divers, 6 Little Ringed Plover, 100+ Swallow, 50+ Sandmartin, 2 Yellow Wagtails, White Wagtail and 11 Linnet. Also a male Redstart on Shiningford Creek found by RC.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-04-123 Great Northern Divers between Tower Bank and Stones Island, viewed from Paul Stanley and Sheepwash hidesJim Clarke
2011-04-11Of note: Great Northern Diver (1), Barnacle Goose (17), Shoveler (pr)-Horseshoe Island, Oystercatcher (4), Lapwing (4), Redshank (3), Swallow (over 80), Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Bullfinch (pr), Read Bunting (a female).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-04-113 Great Northern Divers all seen from Stones Island. c30 Barnacle Geese, 4 Greylag Geese, 2 Shoveler, Mallard with 13 ducklings, 3 Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Snipe, Curlew, numerous Redshank and Oystercatcher, 5 Buzzard, male Peregrine, female Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 65 Swallow, 30 Sandmartin, 19 Blackcap, 13 Willow Warbler, 2 Wheatear, 2 Raven, 15+ Linnet on Horseshoe Island. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-04-06Warm today. Only viewed from wildlife centre and Stones Island for about an hour. 32 species identified. Of note: Barnacle Goose (28), Oystercatcher (3), Lapwing (4), Redshank (1), Blackcap (1), Chiffchaff (4)and Reed Bunting (1 male)Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-04-062 Great Northern Divers from the Dam Wall early morning then both seen from Stones Island later on. A Red Kite drifted over the Dam Wall and then disappeared behind Sailing Club. A Little Ringed Plover in front of Sailing Club. Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe Island. 2 Greylag Geese, 30+ Barnacle Geese including colour ringed bird (ADZ), Wheatear on Dam Wall, Skylark, Linnet, numerous Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Grey Heron, Grey Wagtail, Curlew, Raven. Lots of Chiff Chaffs and Blackcaps in song, also several Willow Warblers. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-04-043 Great Northern Divers, 32 Barnacle Geese including (ADZ), Curlew, Little Ringed Plover, 2 Snipe, c10 Oystercatchers, several Redshank, 19 Swallow, 9 Sand Martins, 2 Housemartins, 22 Chiff Chaff, 6 Blackcap, 5 Willow Warbler, 2 Wheatear, 120+ Lesser-black Backed Gulls. Dave Newcombe
2011-04-02An Osprey first seen by Jon Bradley at 08:30, later put on a good show between 10:25 and 10:45 from the Wildlife centre. A total of 4 Wheatear seen.Clive Ashton
2011-04-02Early am Fishtail Creek to VC- 46 species. Highlights: Red-Legged Partridge (x2) flew from path to adjacent fields at Fishtail Creek, Little Owl (heard but not seen) calling from overgrown hedge in fields by Fishtail Creek, Willow Warbler, 2x Great Northern Divers, 20+ Sand Martins, Wheatear on Dam wall stones at 9:00.John Matkin
2011-04-023 GN Divers. Willow Warbler singing by sailing club. 2 Blackcaps singing, Stones Island/Wildlife centre. 3 Snipe, Wildlife centre. ADZ Barnacle Goose still present as was the marked Tufted Duck AAS. A Common Tern was reported, though not seen by me as I left site for a couple of hours.Clive Ashton
2011-03-30The Black Redstart was still present at 15.00 in Wildlife Centre Creek. 2 Great Northern Divers, 3 Pink-Footed Geese, c30 Barnacle Geese including the colour ringed bird (ADZ), 2 Greylag Geese, 1 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 2 Goldeneye, c10 Oystercatchers, 6+ Redshank, 2 Curlew, 25 Sand Martins, 6 Swallows, 20+ Meadow Pipits, 21 Chiff Chaff between Millfields and Sheepwash, Willow Warbler again singing briefly near Black Redstart, Blackcap, 2 Raven, 25 Tree Sparrows, female Brambling at Millfields and a Linnet over Stones Island. Dave Newcombe
2011-03-30Little Egret at Brownale Bay then flew down Hopton End and then back to land on far side below Hall WoodSteph and Paul Hicking
2011-03-30Female Black Redstart still between Wldlife Centre and Creek mid morning. Also Willow Warbler nearby and blackcap singing near Sailing Club early morning [DN].Roger Carrington
2011-03-29Female type Black Redstart, half way between the Wildlife Centre and the bend on Wildlife centre creek. Viewed from the gap in the hedge where the reeds are. The bird was perching in Hawthorn bushes and dropping down to feed on the grass. Still present at 18:00hr though it went to ground when the rain came. This morning 2 Swallows and c20 Sand Martins. 3 GN Divers still present.Clive Ashton
2011-03-29Still 3 Great Northern Divers on site including an adult and 2 juveniles. One of the Divers was seen catching and eating a Crayfish near the Dam Wall in the morning. 32 Barnacle Geese including the colour ringed bird (ADZ). 3 female Goldeneye, 3 female Goosander. At least 6 Oystercatchers, several Redshank, 2 Curlew and a Snipe. c900 BH Gulls including many 1st winters, 63 LBB Gull and 1 imm GBB Gull. 1 Sand Martin. 23 Meadow Pipits on the Dam Wall mid-afternoon. 100+ Fieldfare over the Wildlife Centre. 2 Raven. A Linnet over Stones Island. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-03-2831 species identified early pm. Of note: Barnacle Goose (35), Oystercatcher (2), Lapwing (4), Chiffchaff (6) and Reed Bunting (1 female).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-03-28Redstart - maleNeil Venables
2011-03-251 Curlew --WLC 22 Barnacle geese --WLC 2 -Gt. Nortern Divers -- From Stones Island 1 - Redshank --Stones Island 2 - Oystercatcher -- From stones IslandPaul Highman
2011-03-24Great Northern Diver, at Sheepwash/Lane End Hide end of reservoir, Carsington Water. Also Raven, Chiffchaff, 2 Goosanders, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Goldeneyes.Alan Hobson
2011-03-233 Great Northern Divers off Stones Island. All together in scope and one displaying to two others.Peter Gibbon
2011-03-212 juv Great Northern Divers, 3 Little Grebe, 6 Greylag Geese, 29 Barnacle Geese including the colour ringed bird. pr Mandarin, 24 Wigeon, 4+ Buzzard, male Sparrowhawk, pr Peregrine, 12 Oystercatcher, 6 Snipe, 6 Redshank, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 5 Meadow Pipit, 3 Fieldfare, 19 Chiff Chaff counted on the circular walk, Goldcrest, Treecreeper, 2 Raven, 40 Starling, 2 Brambling with Chaffinch flock near Fishtail Creek and 2 Lesser Redpoll. Dave Newcombe
2011-03-203 GN Divers 2 Shelduck 5 Snipe 5+ Chiffchaff The colour ringed barnacle Goose still present.Clive Ashton / Roger Carrington
2011-03-183 swallows circling around stone shelter Millfields Snipe on Millfields island.Bob and Gill Smith
2011-03-18Regarding the colour ringed Barnalce Goose that has been seen with the regular feral flock of Barnacle Geese. Orange ADZ was ringed on 8/2/99 at Caerlaverock WWT in Dumfriesshire, Scotland as a male first year bird hatched in summer 1998. It was last seen on the reserve on 27/1/10 and is seen on the Solway in most winters. It has not been reported from Svalbard.Dave Newcombe
2011-03-172 Great Northern Divers, 2 Grey Heron, 20 Barnacle Geese, 21 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 9 Goldeneye, female Goosander, 5 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 2 Curlew, several Oystercatchers, 2 Chiff Chaff, 12 Meadow Pipits, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 4+ Reed Bunting and 55 Redwing. Several thousand Gulls in the roost but could only see BH, LBB and Common but viewing was difficult due to fog which lingered for most of the day. Dave Newcombe
2011-03-143 Great Northern Divers and a probable 4th Diver seen entering bay near holiday cottages. c8 Goldeneye, drake Pochard, drake Gadwall, 18 Wigeon, female Goosander, 4 Snipe, 6 Curlew, 3+ Redshank, male Sparrowhawk, 2 Lesser Redpoll, Raven, and the Barn Owl near Sheepwash Hide at 17.55. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-03-13WeBS count for March:2 Mute Swan,2 Greylag,51 Canada and 2 Barnacle Goose,1 Wigeon,81 Teal,81 Mallard,2 Pintail,3 Shoveller,270 Tufted Duck,8 Goldeneye,2 Great Northern Diver,1 Little Grebe,38 Great Crested Grebe(one pair building nest),7 Cormorant,8 Moorhen,116 Coot,10 Oystercatcher,8 Lapwing,5 Snipe,5 Curlew,4 Redshank,1 Buzzard. Also 2 Ravens.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2011-03-13ChiffchaffAlein Shreeve
2011-03-121x Greylag goose, 3x Lesser redpoll, 2x Reed bunting, 23x Pied wagtails in and around VC courtyard at 17:30, 1x Tawny owl at Fishtail Creek c20:00.John Matkin
2011-03-102 GN Divers off the dam wall. 2 Pintail Sheepwash, Redwing, c30 Sailing Club, c25 Sheepwash, 5 Stones island, 1 WLC. Curlew flock c40 seen briefly flying to fields by brick tower. The colour ringed Barnacle Goose on the dam wall, and then later on Stones Island (Orange ring black letters AOZ) The female Tufted Duck with the blue bill saddle AAS again from the dam wall.Clive Ashton
2011-03-092 Great Northern Divers, 32 Barnacle Geese including a colour ringed bird which I'm currently persuing. Greylag Goose, pr Pintail, drake Shoveler, 18 Goldeneye, pr Goosander, 17 Wigeon, c50 Curlew near dusk landed on Millfields Island, 3 Dunlin, 3+ Redshank, c10 Oystercatcher, 2 Buzzard, Kestrel, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Raven. The Gull roost consisted mostly BH Gulls and Common Gulls with c50 LBB Gulls and 2 Herring Gulls. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-03-09Flock of c. 20 Curlew circling opposite Watchtower 12.50; Bean Goose with group of Canada Geese 2.45, close in at left side of path towards Stones Island.G.S. Woodpecker and two Nuthatches on feeder at Paul Stanley, 11.00John Bell
2011-03-08A male Snow Bunting on the tip Sheepwash Spit at 0650hrs this morning. Its calls attracted me to it, after taking a very distant record photo I could not re-find it, also checked Stones Islands, no sign by 0930hrs.Roger Carrington
2011-03-0710.45am. viewed from the tip of Stones Island and looking towards Fishtail creek, 2 Great Northern Divers swimming together , and a third opposite Lane End Hide. David Bennett ( S/T VR)
2011-03-07Birding only at wildlife centre and Stones Island. Of note: Barnacle Goose (21) - by Stones Island, Oystercatcher (3), Redshank (2), Wren (1) - the first found by us since the harsh December weather, Raven (1) and Tree Sparrows & Moorhens displaying.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-03-07A Rock Pipit on Sheepwash Spit today. Also on site 2 Great Northern Divers, 30+ Barnacle Geese, drake Pintail, 104 Teal, 20 Wigeon, 15 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander, 5 Buzzards, 7 Curlew, c8 Oystercatchers, 4+ Redshank, adult Mediterranean Gull, 6 Bullfinch, 3 Reed Buntings and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2011-03-0725 curlewNo name given
2011-03-06A flock of 36 Curlew flew around Sheepwash spit,then lost to sight over Fishtail creek. The pair of Pintail still close in from Sheepwash. 2 GN Divers,4 Buzzards,2 Kestrels,Raven,13+Goldeneye.A pair of Oystercatchers mating on Sheepwash spit (bar code ringed bird) C200 Common Gulls on the water this afternoon, with many more passing through.Clive Ashton
2011-03-032 Whooper Swan on Stones Island at dawn, then circled and flew north at 0740hrs. 12 Redwing on Stones Is. 2 Gadwall, 1 Dunlin and 5 Curlew at Wildlife Centre. 2 Great Northern Divers distant. 3 first winter GBBGulls on Flat Island. Pair Pintail at Sheepwash. 24 Woodpigeon in field near Sheepwash car park and 5 Tree Sparrow on feeder there. Counts of 18 Wigeon and 68 Teal.Roger Carrington
2011-03-02No sign of yesterday's 22 Whooper Swans so I guess they must have departed early this morning. The 2 Great Northern Divers still remain, as does the pair of Pintail. Also 32 Barnacle Geese, 12+ Goldeneye, 17 Wigeon, 6 Pochard, Grey Heron, Buzzard, Dunlin, c10 Oystercatchers, several Redshank, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Lesser Redpoll, Raven and a Barn Owl near Sheepwash Car Park at 17.30. Also a Water Vole at Hopton End and a Fox behind the Wildlife Centre. Dave Newcombe
2011-03-02Viewed from Wildlife Centre and nearby area. Of note: Barnacle Goose (20), Goldeneye (pr), Oystercatcher (2), Curlew (1), Pied Wagtail (6), Willow Tit (2) and Bullfinch (1 male).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-03-01As well as flock of 15 whooper swans reported already, a further group of 6 (2 adults, 4 cygnets) in Shiningford Creek.Neil Venables
2011-03-0115 Whooper swans between Millfields and lake centre Flock of Curlew (Approx 2 dozen) in cattle field South of Fishtail creek. Bob and Gill Smith
2011-03-01Still 2 Great Northern Divers present, 2 Grey Heron, pair of Pintail, 16 Goldeneye, 5 Curlew, 5+ Oystercatchers, c5 Redshank, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 525 Common Gull, 3 GBB Gull, 10 Redwing and a Raven. A Fox was near the Wildlife Centre early morning. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-02-261 GN Diver off dam wall flying north-west 11am 1 Sparrowhawk ~25 Barnacle GeeseChris Johnstone
2011-02-25From Sheepwash at 10.00 - 11.00 a.m. 2 G N Divers, Juv G B B gull, lots of LBB and BH gulls, 10 goldeneye, teal, tufted D. Behind hide - buzzard, 4 Mistle thrush, sev red wingMartin Kaye
2011-02-24From sheepwash this afternoon, 1 GN Diver 12 Curlew 2 Pintail (m+f) 2 Shoveller (m+f) 10+ Goldeneye 3 Buzzard.Clive Ashton
2011-02-21Very misty/foggy on site today. Of note: Great Northern Diver (1) - off Watersports Island, Little Grebe (1) - by the Sailimg Club, Goldeneye (3, 2 males & a female), Oystercatcher (2) - on top of the dam wall, Lapwing (~300) - Horseshoe Island, Song Thrush (1) - singing loudly near the Wildlife Centre and a male Bullfinch - eating at the Wildlife Centre feeding station.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-02-1743 Great Black-backed Gulls on Sheepwash Spit 0730hrs. 7 Oystercatchers, 3 Little Grebe, 5 Lesser Redpoll. 3 Shelduck very mobile. 3 Great Northern Divers. Pair Pintail at Sheepwash. Pair Goosander at Millfields.Roger Carrington
2011-02-163 Great Northern Divers, 32 Barnacle Geese, 2 Pintail, c20 Goldeneye, 5 Oystercatchers, Curlew, 2 Redshank, Buzzard, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Yellow-legged Gull, 8 GBB Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 260 Common Gull. The Gull roost was c6000 birds but most were well scattered and distant. A Barn Owl again flew in front of Sheepwash Hide at 17.10 and I then saw it in the car park at 17.30. Dave Newcombe
2011-02-1510:30hr - Millfields: Tufted Duck 2 rafts of [60+ each], G.C.Grebe[5]; 11:15hr - WLC, Lapwing [120], Drake Shoveler [1], Teal [22], Oystercatcher [3], Wigeon [14], Usual Birds on Feeder - Chaffinch, Tree Sparrow, Pheasant, Mallard, Robin, plus nearby Dunnock, Thrush(not sure which), Blackbird, ; 12:00hr Sheepwash - Goldeneye [7], Cormorant [9], GN Diver [2], Oystercatcher [2], David Edmonds
2011-02-14WeBS count for February 07.45 to 10.30- 12 Cormorant,2 Mute Swan,51 Canada Goose,33 Barnacle Goose,2 Great Northern Diver,2 Little Grebe,23 Great Crested Grebe,55 Wigeon,102 Teal,106 Mallard,2 Pintail,285 Tufted Duck,6 Pochard,18 Goldeneye,2 Moorhen,171 Coot,201 Lapwing,5 Oystercatcher,1 Redshank,1 Kestrel,1 Sparrowhawk,1 Buzzard. Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2011-02-142 Great Northern Divers, 31 Barnacle Geese, 15+ Goldeneye, pair of Pintail, 5 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank, Curlew, 3 Buzzard, male Sparrowhawk, Yellow-legged Gull and 2 Skylark. At 16.40 a Barn Owl flew in front of Sheepwash Hide to the delight of several birders. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-02-1433 species of bird observed around midday. Of note: Great Northern Diver (1) - off Stones Island (SI), Barnacle Goose (30+) - flew north away from SI, Gadwall (pr), Goldeneye (1 male) - seen from the Wildlife Centre (WLC), Oystercatcher (1) - on raft near water sports centre, Lapwing (~250) - ~150 on Horseshoe Island & ~100 by Sailing Club, Redshank (2) - either side of SI causeway, Willow Tit (2) - WLC feeding station, and Rook & Crow - a combined flock of about 40 birds on the dam wall grassy area.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-02-133 oystercatchers - stone island, shore furthest from the visitors centre 12am-ishNo name given

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