Recent Sightings

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


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
2018-04-05Very showy summer plumage Black-necked grebe near the island at Millfields this morning - then scared off by fishing boats @CBCSightings @DerbyshirebirdsJames Taylor
2018-04-04An Osprey (yesterday's bird again?) flew over the Watersports centre at 1045 and was seen again over Shiningford and Carsington Pastures before disappearing into the cloud at 1120. A Common Tern was off Stones island 0815-0845. 3 LRP. 10+ Sand Martins. 1 House Martin. 5+ Swallows. Female Wheatear on the dam wall. Willow Warbler singing on Stones causeway at 1230. The GNDiver and Scaup still there. 1 Dunlin. 1 Curlew. The imm Yellow-legged Gull. 15 Redwing at Sheepwash. 5 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2018-04-03An Osprey flew north at 1105, first seen from the WLC over Shiningford; it hovered over the water a few times before heading off. One Swallow over Brown Ale Bay (and Keith Badrick had another on the dam wall). c10 Sand Martins during the morning. At least 3 Little Ringed Plover and 1 Ringed Plover. The GNDiver and male Scaup still. Female Shelduck. 5 Goosander. Male Wheatear still on the dam wall. 20 Herring Gulls down/through. 5 GBbGulls. The imm Y-l Gull still. 4 Skylarks over. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson, Clive Ashton
2018-04-02Male Wheatear with meadow pipits and pied wagtails on dam bank 15.30Tony Wood
2018-04-01Species seen collectively by the group undertaking the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-12 noon): Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, House Sparrow, Woodpigeon, Blue Tit, Tufted Duck, Coot, Cormorant, Great Tit, Buzzard, Meadow Pipit, Black-headed Gull, Pied Wagtail, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Little Grebe, Gt Crested Grebe, Mute Swan, Mallard, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, Tree Sparrow, Goldfinch, Kestrel, Oystercatcher, Long-tailed Tit, Redshank, Dunnock, Reed Bunting, Wren, Scaup, Willow Tit, Teal, Gt Northern Diver and Lesser Black-backed GullGary Atkins
2018-04-01The GNDiver, male Scaup and immature Yellow-legged Gull still present. 6 Chiffchaffs but I didn't see any other migrants. Millfields island is still devoid of Black-headed Gulls but 5 pairs of Barnacle Geese were back, with another 6 elsewhere.Simon Roddis
2018-03-31The GNDiver and male Scaup still present. Pair of Mandarins at the WLC. At Millfields island, where there were over 500 Black-headed Gulls earlier in the week, there were none - zero - this morning, presumably because of the inclement weather. No Barnacle Geese on the island either, although there were 7 in the fields above Penn Carr.Simon Roddis
2018-03-30As well as Roger's birds, 2 Sand Martins flew past Stones island mid-morning. 3 Mandarins: a male flew over the Hopton end at first light and a pair flew across the reservoir from Stones island and landed in a tree on the east side. 1 Ruff. 1 Snipe at Hopton reedbed. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end. 1 Skylark N. Total of 50 Redwing, including 45 at Sheepwash. Mistle Thrush nest-building near Sheepwash. A party of c5 Redpolls on Stones included a couple of pale birds which might have been Commons (though they're the same species as Lesser now anyway).Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-03-301 Avocet on Sailing Club Island, viewable only from dam at 0930 hrs. Also Scaup and Great Northern Diver still.Roger Carrington
2018-03-29Counts of birds on both sides of the reservoir yielded the following totals: 14 Chiffchaff (in contrast to 93 at the same time last year!), 57 Blackbirds, 24 Song Thrushes, 7 Mistle Thrushes (5 singing), 6 Redwing, 52 singing Robins, 21 singing Dunnocks, 24 singing Wrens (104 last year), 11 Willow Tits, 10 Nuthatch, 8 Treecreeper, 18 Bullfinch, 18 singing Chaffinch. Also: the GNDiver and male Scaup still, probably 5 Mandarins (pair at Millfields, 2m at Fishtail and 1m flew over the main carpark), 16 Goldeneye, 1 Goosander, 1f Wigeon, 6 Gadwall in BA Bay, 2 Tawny Owls on the east side, a male Sparrowhawk caught a Pied Wagtail off the Stones island causeway, dropping briefly onto the water in the process, 1 Peregrine, 7 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Siskin.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-03-28A Sand Martin flew past Stones island this morning, as did an adult Kittiwake. The GNDiver and male Scaup are still there. 7 Ruff this morning, presumably the long-staying 5 plus a couple of new arrivals. 6 Gadwall (4m,2f). 9 Goldeneye (5m,4f). 6 immature Herring, the immature Yellow-leg and 5 GBbGulls. c540 Black-headed Gulls around Millfields island. 3 Chiffchaff. 50 Redwing at Sheepwash. 5 Lesser Redpoll on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2018-03-27The GNDiver, Scaup, Shelduck and immature Y-l Gull all still present. 2 Chiffchaffs singing at Millfields. Pair of Mandarin along the Stones causeway. Pair of Grey Wagtails at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-03-26An LRP flew around Stones island, calling, for several minutes between 0950 and 1000. 2 Merlins flew north up the west side at 0950, picked up over the Shiningford area, played around a bit and then headed north together. The GNDiver, Scaup, Shelduck and 5 Ruff still present. 18 Barnacle Geese. At least 2 Sparrowhawks and a Peregrine. 6 Herring Gull, the imm Yellow-leg and 2 GBbGs. 3 Skylarks over. Steady trickle of Meadow Pipits during the morning, 56 in total, all heading north. 3 Linnet. 2 Siskin. Alan S. counted 23 Tree Sparrows between Stones and Sheepwash, and we had a total of 8 singing Chiffchaffs between us.Simon Roddis
2018-03-256 Cormorant,42 Canada Goose,5 Dunnock,6 Robin,20 Tufted Duck,6 Little Grebe,15 Great Crested Grebe,60 BH Gull,3 Mute swan,12 Mallard,6 oystercatcher,10 Teal,21 Greylag,2 Goldfinch,22 Barnacle Goose,4 Ruff,6 Magpie,17 woodpigeon,4 Redshank,6 House Sparrow,2 Shoveler,4 Blue Tit,4 Long Tailed Tit,4 Great Tit,2 Gadwall,David Armitt
2018-03-25Monthly WeBS count: 1 ad GNDiver, 13 Little Grebe, 34 GCGrebe, 13 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Mute Swan, 88 Canada Geese, 10 Barnacles, 20 Greylags, 1 Shelduck, 2 Mandarin, 44 Mallard, 32 Teal, 3 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 23 Wigeon, 70 Tufted, 4 Pochard, 1 Scaup, 7 Goldeneye, 108 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 16 Oystercatcher, 8 Lapwing, 5 Ruff, 11 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 1 Curlew, 1 Common Snipe, 2 Grey Wagtail. Also: 3 Golden Plover NW, 2 Peregrine, 20 Buzzards in the air from Stones island, 3 imm Herring Gull, 2 imm GBbGull, 3 Kestrel, 2 Stock Dove at Sheepwash feeder, 8 Skylark over, 70 Starlings NE, 6+ Mistle Thrush, 100+ Redwing at Sheepwash/Paul Stanley, 2 Lesser Redpoll on Stones, 4 singing Willow Tits, 4 Chiffchaff (per Roger C).Simon Roddis, John Bradley
2018-03-24GN Diver, 1 Shelduck, drake Scaup, 5 Ruff, 70 Redwing, Chiffchaff singing briefly at Sheepwash (RC), 2 Raven.Clive Ashton, Roger Carrington.
2018-03-205 Mute Swan, the single Whooper Swan still, 5 Ruff, 1 GBBG, 1 YLG, 6 Willow Tit, c30 Redwing near PS Hide and 18 Skylark flew NE.Clive Ashton
2018-03-20This morning between the Wildlife Center and Lane End. 3 Oystercatchers, 4 Ruff, 5 Gadwall, Buzzard,Scaup and a Whooper Swan flew over (low level)Eric Dewhurst
2018-03-191 Whooper Swan around Sailing Club Island, 1 Ruff, 5 Redshank, 14 Oystercatcher, 3 GBBG, 2 Linnet, 4 Stock Dove feeding at Sheepwash car park.Clive Ashton
2018-03-16The Bar-tailed Godwit was still at Sheepwash to 16:00 at least. GNDiver, male Scaup and 5 Ruff all still present. 2 Goosander. 14 Oystercatcher. 6 Redshank. 9 Curlew. Immature Grey Heron hunting frogs (successfully) in the softrush on Sheepwash spit.Simon Roddis
2018-03-16Bar-tailed Godwit 5 Ruff 3 oystercatchers 2 Redshank. Sheep wash 12-30 p.m.David Horsley
2018-03-15A female Merlin flew over the visitor centre area at about 1330, putting up lots of Jackdaws and Woodpigeons in the process. The GNDiver, male Scaup and 5 Ruff still present. 7 Redshank. 22 Barnacle Geese. 30 Redwing at Sheepwash. 12 Meadow Pipit. Linnet singing at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2018-03-14The GNDiver, male Scaup and 5 Ruff still. A pair of Pintail flew N. 1 Dunlin. Single imm Y-l and GBbGulls. 2 Kestrel. 6 Skylarks over. 1 Linnet and 7 Lesser Redpoll on Stones island.SJR, AHS, RC, CA
2018-03-14Chiffchaff singing at Millfields carpark at 0815. The GNDiver, male Scaup and 5 Ruff still present. 5 Mute Swans. 6 Greylag (3 pairs). 20+ Barnacles. Male Shelduck flew N. 1 male Pochard. 22 Cormorant. 3 Grey Heron. 16 Common Buzzards in the air. 1 Dunlin. Single imm Y-l and GBbGulls. 2 Collared Dove. At least 6 Raven. c400 Starlings flew E during the morning, and 70 Fieldfares flew NE over Sheepwash at 1120. Male Linnet at Sheepwash.SJR, AHS, RC, CA
2018-03-11The GNDiver and male Scaup still present. A Rock Pipit flew over Stones island at 0920 and appeared to land in the Stones/Sailing Club island area but I couldn't find it again. 3 Mute Swan. 5+ Greylags. 27 Barnacle Geese. 25 Cormorant. 1 Grey Heron. 6 Buzzard including one displaying. 8 Redshank around the site. 4 Herring Gull. The imm Yellow-legged Gull. 2 GBbG, the adult and 'Onefoot'. 5 Skylark over. 120 Starlings E. Redwings: 50 chattering and singing at Millfields, 57 on Stones island then flew N. Simon Roddis
2018-03-10The GNDiver, male Scaup, 5 Ruff and immature Yellow-legged Gull still this afternoon. The Yellow-leg appears to have just one leg - becoming a bit of a trend among the big gulls, it seems! 15 Redwings chattering and singing to themselves at Sheepwash. 1 Skylark over Millfields.Simon Roddis
2018-03-095 Ruff, 2 Willow Tits, 2 Snipe, 2 Oystercatchers, 15 Lapwings - all from WLC Hide Willow Tit, 2 Barnacle Geese - on Stones Island 30 Common Gulls, 2 Goldeneye, Scaup, Linnet, 2 Ravens - from Sheepwash Hide and c/p Willow Tit, 10 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 8 Lapwing - from Stanley HideAlan Hobson
2018-03-09Brief visit this morning in foggy conditions, very little visibility: 2 Shoveler at Millfields, pair of Goldeneye at Sailing Club, 28 Barnacle Geese, 5 Ruff and 2 Curlew.Clive Ashton
2018-03-08This morning from Sheepwash hide 1 Redshank, 2 Grey wagtails, 2 Linnets, Meadow pipit, 4 Oystercatchers and 2 Great black backed gulls 1 adult and the other was the one legged juvenile that was here last year. A H Stewardson
2018-03-06Late afternoon visit. Female Stonechat at Millfields carpark, perching on picnic tables and rubbish bins! GNDiver off Stones island. The male Scaup off Shiningford island. 24 Gadwall. 3 Goosander. 11 Curlew came in. 2 Ruff at Sailing Club. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end at dusk. In the gull roost, 4500 Black-headed, 1300 Common, 160 LBbG, 2 GBbG and 1 Herring. 400 Jackdaws flew over the visitor centre towards the dam wall before dusk.Simon Roddis
2018-03-06GN Diver, drake Scaup at Lane End, 3 Curlew through, 1 Bar tailed Godwit flew north with one of the Curlews, 3+ Ruff, Dunlin heard, 70 Lapwing through East, 2 Snipe, 12 Skylark mainly North, 7 Mistle Thrush, 5 Willow Tits in WLC Creek.Clive Ashton, Roger Carrington, Alan Stewardson
2018-03-05The 59 Whooper Swans were still in Brown Ale Bay until they flew off W at 1005. 2 Whoopers then flew in, difficult to say if they were part of the 59 or not. GNDiver, male Scaup and 4 Pintail all still present. An adult winter Little Gull was over the res, seen from Brown Ale Bay, 0845-0915. 8 Golden Plover flew N at 1150. Total of 130 Lapwing, including 100 E. 4 Ruff. 1 Dunlin. 3 Redshank. 3 Curlew. 18 Gadwall. 73 Skylarks flew N during the morning, including one flock of 25. 2 Herring Gull. 1ad GBbG. 1 Fieldfare at Sheepwash. Not a bad morning!Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson, Clive Ashton
2018-03-052 Whooper Swan @ Hopton end 10-15 left over Visit WLC at 11-10 but returned to Hopton end at 11-50 but after a short time left again towards Wirksworth, Pair Pintail from WLC and Peregrine circled several times before landing on the island where it proceeded to pluck a bird with the wildfow all moving to the bank below, I didn't see it catch anything prior to landing. Male Scaup from Lane End Hide.Ian Scrimshaw
2018-03-0359 Whooper Swans (57 ads, 2 juvs) in Brown Ale Bay to 4pm at least. 54 (53 ads, 1 juv) had been reported earlier in Shiningford Creek; these flew N at 1350 but it looks like they came down again and joined/were joined by another 5. The GNDiver was between Stones island and Fishtail Creek. Adult male Scaup and 4 Pintail (1m, 3f) at the WLC. 1 Dunlin. Only saw 1 Ruff, 3 Lapwing and 2 Snipe. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (1 ad, 1 imm) at Sheepwash. 16 Cormorant.Simon Roddis
2018-02-262 Ruff,13 Teal,2 Oystercatcher,2 Mallard,22 BH Gull,17 Canada Gosse,20 Tufted Duck,15 Great Crested Grebe,11 Cormorant,88 Lapwing,3 Redshank,2 Pied Wagtail,6 Blue Tit,2 Great tit,1 Long tailed Tit,4 Robin,2 Dunnock,6 C Crow,4 Woodpigeon,1 GN Diver,1 Nuthatch,6 BlackbirdDave Armitt
2018-02-2615 Coots,9 Teal,34 Canada Goose,7 BH Gull,2 Robin,4 Blue Tit,2 Pochard,12 Long Tailed Tit,1 Coal Tit,2 Goldfinch,1 Redwing,1 Mistle Thrush,3 Blackbird,3 snipe,1 Jack Snipe,5 Wigeon,2 C Crow,1 Magpie,2 MallardDave Armitt
2018-02-265 Ruff and a Jack Snipe close to the Wildlife Center at 10:00. Redpoll near Lane End Feeder.Eric Dewhurst
2018-02-25The GNDiver was off the spit from Sheepwash hide early morning. 2 Ruff there. 2 Redshank at the WLC.Simon Roddis
2018-02-254 Woodcock flew into the Hopton end between 0615 and 0630Simon Roddis
2018-02-23This morning, 28 Barnacle Geese, 5 Ruff, 3 Redshank, 12 Snipe, imm Yellow-legged Gull, at least 3 Kestrels. I reckon I've now had a total of 7 singing Mistle Thrushes at different spots around the res this week.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-02-22Monthly WebS count: 3 Mute Swan, 7 Whooper Swan (5 ads, 2 juvs),4 Greylag, 118 Canadas, 28 Barnacles, 9 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 190 Teal, 123 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 74 Tufted, 14 Goldeneye, 3 Goosander, 1 GNDiver, 26 Cormorant, 16 Little Grebe, 38 GCGrebe, 6 Moorhen, 157 Coot, 10 Oystercatcher, 260 Lapwing, 2 Curlew, 1 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, 16 Snipe. Also 2 Raven, 12 Meadow Pipits on Stones, male Brambling at Sheepwash, 20 Siskin at Tail Bay.Simon Roddis
2018-02-21The GN Diver still; it has dropped all but its outermost primaries so won't be going far any time soon! 3 Mute Swan. 26 Barnacle Geese. 10 Gadwall. 28 Cormorant. Pair of Sparrowhawks displaying at Millfields. Pair of Kestrels flew N over the visitor centre. 5 Ruff. 1 Dunlin. 3 Redshank. 19 Snipe (13 on Horseshoe island, 6 in BA Bay). Ad GBbG. 4 Raven over the visitor centre. 3 Skylark E. 60 Starlings N. 2 Mistle Thrushes singing at different locations from the 3 yesterday. Grey Wagtail singing at Sheepwash. Male Brambling at Sheepwash feeder again. Linnet singing on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-02-21Late morning: 8 Oystercatchers (5 flying north-east towards Hopton end, 2+1 probing the now narrower strip of mud in Shiningford Creek)Gary Atkins
2018-02-2121.02.18 Brambling in my garden in HognastonAlan Cribbens
2018-02-20Adult GN Diver still. 17 Barnacle Geese. 2 Curlew. Ruff. 3 Redshank. 2 GBbG. 2 Skylark over. Male Brambling at Sheepwash carpark feeder. 3 singing Mistle Thrushes.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-02-19The adult GN Diver still. 8 Greylags, 1 Barnacle and c50 Canada Geese. 2 Pochard. 5 Goldeneye. 22 Cormorant. 12 Little Grebe. 6 Buzzard. c600 Lapwing. Probably 7 Oystercatcher. 3 Ruff. 3 Redshank. 5 Snipe visible at WLC. 2 Herring Gull. Ad GBbG. 5 Willow Tits singing. 2 Skylark over. 6 Nuthatch. 15 Redwing at Sheepwash. 17 Meadow Pipit (7 on the dam wall, 10 on Stones).Simon Roddis
2018-02-192 Brambling on Sheepwash car park feeders.Clive Ashton
2018-02-164 Grey Wagtails out of Hopton Reedbed at dawn. From Millfields early morning: pair Goosander, pair Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Skylark over and Great Northern Diver. From Stones Island: 2 Jack Snipe and 2 Oystercatchers. From Wildlife Centre: 5 Ruff and 5 Common Snipe. Male Brambling still on Sheepwash car park feeder and Curlew over calling.Roger Carrington
2018-02-15This morning from Millfields 1 Peregrin bathing on shoreline,Great northern diver,1 female Sparrowhawk,3 Oystercatchers and a Redshank.A H Stewardson
2018-02-157 Redshank around site, 5 Ruff on Watersports Island, 7 Magpie together on Stones, 2 Jay at Millfields. Plenty of species now in song including 16 Dunnock. Male Brambling on Sheepwash CP feeders.Clive Ashton

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