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
2010-03-23Adult Great Northern Diver, no sign of the Red Throated Diver from yesterday. 3 Snipe, 6+ Redshank, 5+ Oystercatcher, 12+ Goldeneye, 2 Shelduck, pr Shoveler, Meadow Pipit over Shiningford Creek, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Raven and 2 Chiff Chaffs. Dave Newcombe
2010-03-22Only 33 species seen around midday. Raining. Hardly any birdsong. Of note: Barnacle Goose (32), Teal (5), Oystercatcher (2), Lapwing (2), Snipe (3) - Horseshoe Island, Redshank (5), Bullfinch (pr) and Reed Bunting (pr) - from Wildlife Centre.Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-03-222 Wheatear WLC 3 Chiffchaff Sheepwash to WLCIan Scrimshaw
2010-03-22The adult Mediterranean Gull present from Sheepwash at 15:45, before flying high over the Hopton end.Clive Ashton
2010-03-210 Moorhen,32 Tufted Duck,10 Coot,6 Mallard,6 Blue Tit,4 Blackbird,1 Great Crested Grebe,1 Pied Wagtaildave williams
2010-03-208 Snipe 4 Oystercatchers 3 Redshank 2 Curlew 1 Willow Tit 1 Raven adult Great Northern Diver from Wildlife Center Weasel in front of CenterPete Furniss
2010-03-19Further to Roger's sightings there was a Rock Pipit on Sheepwash spit. Clive Ashton
2010-03-191 Male Wheatear, 12 Sand Martin, 13 Pied Wagtails, 1 Meadow Pipit, all on dam wall 0630hrs. 5 Chiffchaff - 1 singing 0700hrs near Sailing Club, 2 Millfields, 1 Stones Island, 1 Sheepwash. Adult Great Northern Diver, 2 Greylag Geese, 18 Moorhen between Millfields and P S Hide, 5 Curlew, 6 Redshank, 2 Redwing, 1 Skylark fly-over.Roger Carrington
2010-03-1610+ Goldeneye, 5+ Oystercatchers, 2 Dunlin, 2 Buzzard, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, 2 Raven and 120+ Common Gull. All seen from Sheepwash Hide. Dave Newcombe
2010-03-16Gull roost: Adult Mediterranean Gull + Ad G N Diver from Lane Ends Hide, no sign of the described gull of last night, but only half the roost checked as gulls were widespread. 1 Pink-footed Goose on Stones Island. Several pairs of Oystercatcher. 5 Curlew.Roger Carrington
2010-03-15Of note: Pink-footed Goose (1), Barnacle Goose (41), Wigeon (pr), Oystercatcher (3), Lapwing (11), Redshank (1), Song Thrush (1) and Goldfinch (10).Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-03-15Ring-billed Gull, first winter. A little smaller than the Lesser Black-backeds and a paler mantle than the obviously smaller Commons. Very heavily blotched underparts and back of the neck, heavily streaked head. Bill, eye, legs and upper wing good for the species. I am sure of the identification , but would like confirmation. Also an adult Great Northern Diver. Paul Mollatt
2010-03-142 Snipe,2 Oystercatchers,1 Redshank,1 G.N.Diver from Wildlife Centre Reed bunting and Willow tit on feeding station Pete Furniss
2010-03-14WeBS count for March: Mute Swan 7, Pink-foot Goose 1, Canada Goose 102, Barnacle Goose 46, Wigeon 23, Gadwall 3, Teal 9, Mallard 59, Pintail 1, Tufted Duck 325, Goldeneye 14, Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 25, Great Crested Grebe 35, Cormorant 14, Grey Heron 3, Sparrowhawk 2, Buzzard 8 (6 at once over Hall Wood), Kestrel 1, Moorhen 8, Coot 247, Oystercatcher 7, Lapwing 8, Curlew 10, Redshank 4Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2010-03-14All from Sheepwash hide 10:50 - 11:50, 7 oystercatchers, 5 curlew, 7 goldeneye, 1 Great Northern Diver off Fishtail Creek Martin Kaye
2010-03-143 Oystercatcher in field between water and footpath close to Sheepwash Car Park. Early afternoon.David Meredith
2010-03-10Of note: Pink-footed Goose (1) - feeding with Canadas on Stones Island, Barnacle Goose (39) - on the Sailing Club Island, Common Buzzard (1), Kestrel (1), Pheasant (a pr), Oystercatcher (4), Dunlin (2) - Horseshoe Island, Redshank (1), Yellow-legged Gull (1) - seen from the Wildlife Centre, Pied Wagtail (~10), Song Thrush (1) and an over-wintering Blackcap in trees near the Wildlife Centre.Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-03-10Sheepwash.. 1 GN Diver,48 Wigeon and 18 Goldeneye. Wildlife centre.. adult Mediterranean Gull at 16:20 until 17:05 when flushed to middle of res.Clive Ashton
2010-03-08Oystercatcher 1each from Paul Stanley, Sheepwash and Wildlife Centre Hides. G N Diver, 4 Curlew, 24 Whooper Swan, Raven(heard),Redshank seen from Sheepwash Hide. Willow Tit,Tree Sparrow,Bullfinch & Reed Bunting at Feeding Station between Sheepwash and Wildlife Centre. Water Rail & @ 50 Barnacle Goose from Wildlife Centre. Little Owl seen in field to right of track from Wildlife Centre to Car ParKPhilip Burnham c/o Netherfield wildlife Group, Nottingham
2010-03-0824 Whooper swans 1 Pink footed goose I Snipe 3 Redshank from wildlife centre swans still there at 4-00pmPete Furniss
2010-03-086 Snipe in flight Warrington Knob 1 Redshank just Sth of Oldfield Lane holiday letsdave williams
2010-03-08One kingfisher along stream leading into Brownale Bay.dave williams
2010-03-0724 Whooper Swans flew in at 09:30 and were still present when I left site at 10:30. Also present 1 Dunlin on Stones Island,1 GN Diver and 4 Curlew.Clive Ashton
2010-03-03GarganeyDermot Smyth
2010-03-02Large area of the reservoir frozen over today, but an interesting day all the same.3 Curlew on Sheepwash spit, 2 More flew east and later a flock of 7-8 flew over middle wood.2 GN Divers beyond Fishtail creek.Pintail(f) at Sheepwash. Scaup(f) at Wildlife centre.Clive Ashton
2010-03-01Fairly quiet on site today. Very few birders and walkers. We only managed 29 species from Stones Island to the end of Wildlife Centre Creek around midday. Weather was good, sunny and quite mild. Of note: Barnacle Goose (46) - Horseshoe Island (HI), Pheasant (1,m) - calling near the Wildlife centre (WC), Oystercatcher (2) - Stones Island, Lapwing (~120) - HI, Curlew (3) - overflying WC creek, Redshank (1) -HI, Robin - many singing. Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-02-2810 Oystercatchers this morning - 2 on Big Island, 5 on Stones Is, 1 in front of Sailing Club and a pair mating on Millfields Is. 13 Goldeneye near dam wall. 2 Pochard at Millfields. 1 Skylark flying north. 2 Curlew flew east and 3 landed at Sheepwash. At Sheepwash - drake Shoveler, drake Pintail, 48 Wigeon, juv Great Northern Diver. In the air - 5 Buzzard, 2 Raven, Sparrow Hawk, Peregrine. 4 Song Thrush singing.Roger Carrington
2010-02-252 Great Northern Divers together from Sheepwash. 5 Shelduck flew north at Hopton end before returning a few minutes later,(with another or one of the same from Sheepwash later.) 2 Goosander towards Millfields, with probably several more on Millfields island. No sign of Red necked Grebes at Hopton end. 2 Raven from Sheepwsh and an Oystercatcher on Big island.Clive Ashton
2010-02-23Since submitting WeBS count figures I am adding the following as seen by Roger Carrington later in the day. Great Crested Grebe will be 14, an extra 3 Moorhen makes a total of 5 and he also saw 6 Wigeon. Thank you Roger.Peter Gibbon
2010-02-23February WeBS count : 2 Great Northern Diver,4 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Red-necked Grebe, 22 Little Grebe, 6 Mute Swan,60 Canada Goose, 29 Cormorant, 6 Gadwall, 42 Teal,141 Mallard, 442 Tufted Duck, 19 Goldeneye, 2 Moorhen, 401 Coot, 4 Oystercatcher, 36 Lapwing,1 Woodcock(seen by Roger Carrington), 1 Buzzard, 1 Peregrine(seen by RC),1 Kestrel.Peter Gibbon
2010-02-23One Red-necked Grebe just south of Big Island watched between 16.00 and 16.30 on Sunday. It was viewed from the lower track at the bottom of Hall Wood and occasionally drifted round to the eastern side of the island. Paul Bennett
2010-02-23On arrival at Carsington yesterday I was shocked to see so much ice. I reckon around 80% of the water was frozen over. In all my years of going I have never seen it so bad. There was still several large pockets of water where the wildfowl had gathered and one such area was sheepwash. From here I had 11 Goldeneye, 6 Gadwall and many Teal, Wigeon and Tufted Ducks. Also seen was 7 Oystercatchers, 4 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 2 Grey Heros, 3 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. As the day went on I eventually picked out the 2 Great Northern Divers towards Fishtail Creek. I also possibly had the 2 Red-necked Grebes briefly towards Hopton End.Dave Newcombe
2010-02-202 Red necked Grebes (Between Big and Flat Islands) 2 Great Northern Divers(Sheepwash) 5 Shoveler (4m 1f Sheepwash) Oystercatcher (returning bird with bar code ring on Sheepwash spit)Clive Ashton
2010-02-191 Red-necked Grebe Hopton Arm. 1 Jack Snipe Hopton Arm near Reedbed area on mud at waters edge. Also sev' Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck, Pochard and 2 plus Buzzard in the top end area.Steph Hicking
2010-02-17Very foggy on site around midday. Visibility at best 100m, therefore birding difficult. Low species count at 24. Of note: Lapwing (1), Redwing (1), Lesser Redpoll (10) - next to wildlife centre, and a pair of Bullfinches.Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-02-16Goldeneyes close in at Sheepwash 2 male 5 female. Courting calls and male displays very advanced!Dave Farrer
2010-02-16Red-necked Grebe at extreme end of Hopton arm. 50+ Fieldfare, 20+ Redwing,3 GS Woodpecker,2 Reed Bunting. A Grey Heron was struggling to swallow the carcase of a gull at Sheepwash.Clive Ashton
2010-02-15Red-necked Grebe at Sheepwash at c13.20 heading towards Lane End. I went to Lane End and had quite good views before it then headed back towards Sheepwash. I then went back to Sheepwash only to watch it disappear behind the spit. Unfortunatley it couldn't be re-located despite several birders looking. After a bit of perseverance some birders located 2 adults in Hopton Arm at 17.00. Also on site today was 2 Great Northern Divers, 8 Goldeneye, female Goosander, Oystercatcher, Yellow-legged Gull, Sparrowhawk, 45 Cormorants and 2 Grey Herons. Dave Newcombe
2010-02-151 Redshankin creek left of Wildlife centre 1 M Goldeneye Shining Ford Creek 1 Red Necked Grebe off Lane end hide.Bob and Gill Smith
2010-02-11It was cold on site today with few visitors. We just worked from Stones Island to the Wildlife Centre. Nothing very unusual seen except for a high number of Magpies (15). We only found 23 species, all quite common but just as important and interesting to us. It was good to see various catkins and Daffodil shoots pushing up. Maybe Spring is on the way. Let's hope so.Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-02-113m + 1f Goldeneye, 1m Goosander and 1 Redshank. Between Millfields and Holiday cottages.Bob and Gill Smith
2010-02-102 Great Northern Divers, 6 Buzzards, 2 Ravens, 2 Sparrowhawks, 2 Snipe, 2 Grey Herons and 43 Barnacle Geese. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2010-02-022 Great Northern Divers present, a juvenile off Stones Island and an adult behind Millfields Island. 3 Shoveler at WLC. Clive Ashton
2010-02-011 Great Northern Diver off Stones Island. 46 feral Barnacle Geese on Stones Island. 1 drake Goosander on Millfields Island. 149 Lapwing on Sailing Club foreshore. 55 Teal and 1 female Shoveler from Sheepwash.Roger Carrington
2010-01-29WeBS count for January: Mute Swan 28,Canada Goose 107,Wigeon 23(compared with 210 last Jan),Gadwal 36,Teal 49,Mallard 122,Pochard 134,Tufted Duck 596,Scaup 1, Goldeneye 12, Goosander 3,Great Northern Diver 1,Little Grebe 46,Great Crested Grebe 45,Cormorant 31,Grey Heron 3,Moorhen 11,Coot 1424,Lapwing 7,Snipe 2,Black-headed Gull 7,Common Gull 19,Lesser Black-backed Gull 27,Yellow-legged Gull 1.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2010-01-25Of note: Great Northern Diver (1) - off Horseshoe Island, Grey Heron (1) by Wildlife Centre Creek, Barnacle Goose (10) - flying with Canadas, Yellow-legged Gull (1) - by Wildlife Centre Creek eating a dead fish! Bullfinch (4; 3 males & one female) - near ranger base.Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-01-20Great Northern Diver, female Scaup, female Peregrine, male Sparrowhawk, 2 Ravens, drake Goosander, Yellow-legged Gull, 5 Greylag Geese, 45 Barnacle Geese. Dave Newcombe
2010-01-194 Goosanders, 8 Goldeneye, 4 Snipe, Peregrine, Raven, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 6 Siskin and Skylark. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2010-01-193m + 1f Goldeneye Dam wall 4m Goosander Millfields island 2 small egrets Horseshoe IslandBob and Gill Smith
2010-01-19Great Northern Diver, juv, near Millfields, 1200hrs. Little Egret near Wildlife Centre. Adult Yellow-legged Gull eating a Little Grebe on shoreline in front of Sailing Club, left the carcase and skin with feathers floating on the water. 2 Skylark flying east.Roger Carrington
2010-01-11Female Scaup, female Pintail, Yellow-legged Gull, Little Egret, Raven, c40 Siskin, 7 Goldeneye, 3 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 6 Bullfinch and 2 Grey Heron. Dave Newcombe
2010-01-07Juvenile Great Northern Diver off Stones Island, Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash, 8 Goldeneye, 18 Gadwall, Skylark, 10 Siskin, female Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Raven.Dave Newcombe
2010-01-04Juv Great Northern Diver near Watersports Island. Little Egret near Wildlife Centre until 1100hrs when it flew over dam and probably landed. 25 Barnacle Geese on Horseshoe Island. 35 Siskin by path to P S Hide.Roger Carrington
2010-01-011 Little Egret-Wildlife Centre near the fence that runs to the water on the left. 1 male Bullfinch-Wildlife Centre FeedersSam Pedley
2009-12-312 Redshank from Stones Island. 3 Willow tits Millfields.Richard and Frances Pittam
2009-12-27Little Egret at Sheepwash at 3pm then went into the small creek to right of hide. Adult Caspian Gull in roost from Sheepwash from 3:15pm. Adult Great Northern Diver off Stones Island. 9 Goosander (5 males) on Millfields Island.Roger Carrington
2009-12-23Great Northern Diver, adult Yellow-legged Gull, female Pintail, 3 Lesser Redpolls, 31 Gadwall, 6 Goldeneye, Redshank, Snipe, 12 Song Thrush, Buzzard and Raven. Dave Newcombe
2009-12-16Of note: Scaup (female) - from wildlife centre. Also seen yesterday by another observer. Lapwing (~80) and Redshank (2).Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-12-14A quiet morning from the Wildlife Centre. Highlight was a visit from the Yellow-legged Gull.Richard, Frances and Ken Pittam
2009-12-102 Great Northern Divers, adult winter + juvenile. 44 Pinkfeet going northwest at 1205hrs. 1 adult winter Mediterranean Gull in roost from Sheepwash from 1430hrs.Roger Carrington
2009-12-102 Buzzards being mobbed by Rooks at Millfields 1 Great Northern Diver following Dam wall towards Millfields 1M and 1F Goldeneye off sailing club 1M AND 1F Tufted Ducks with bright blue/Turquoise Bills with other Tufted ducks at MillfieldsBob and Gill Smith
2009-12-06Highlights- 2xBuzzard over Millfields spit.Great Spotted Woodpecker-Sheepwash carpark. Male Bullfinch-Sheepwash carpark & nr Miners Arms,Carsington village.Widgeon- Millfields Bay.Flock of 20+ Goldfinchs-Carr Wood.Simon Moody
2009-12-02Ring-billed Gull in the roost from Lane Ends from c.3.40pm. Only 1 Yellow Legged Gull.Steph' Hicking
2009-12-02Pretty good day today. 2 Bewick's Swans in front of Sailing Club around 09.15 then flew towards Sheepwash. Got round to Sheepwash about 10.15 and they were just in front of the hide but before I could open the window they flew off west. Walking along Shiningford Creek and a Grey Plover flew over calling but I didn't see it land. Other sightings include adult winter Great Northern Diver, Yellow-legged Gull, Great-black Backed Gull, 4 Shelduck, female Pintail, male Shoveler, 3 Redshanks, 2 Ravens, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, 30 Siskins, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Meadow Pipits and Kingfisher.Dave Newcombe
2009-12-01The Ring billed Gull briefly on Flat Island at about 14:30, before being flushed, and lost to sight over the spit. Egyptian Goose on the spit. Female Goosander and Pintail at Paul Stanley.Clive Ashton
2009-12-01Adult winter plumage Great Northern Diver from 0930hrs this morning off Stones Island. Escapee drake Chiloe Wigeon at Millfields. 3 Redshank. The adult Ring-billed Gull was reported in the roost at dusk last night.Roger Carrington
2009-11-29Willow Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Blackbird, Redwing, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Robin, Wren, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Reed Bunting, Starling, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Rook, Raven, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Buzzard, Kestrel, Kingfisher, Canada Goose, Mallard, Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall, Shoveler, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Coot, Moorhen, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Pheasant, Common Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Great Black Backed Gull, Yellow Legged Gull, Herring Gull, Black Headed Gull, Lapwing, Snipe, Redshank, Cormorant. Craig Morris
2009-11-28Willow Tit, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Nuthatch, BH Gulls, GBB Gulls, LBB Gulls, Teal, Pochard, Cormorants, Widgeon, Goshawk female at 09.33h. Little Grebes, Great Crested Grebes. At least 10 Goldeneye, Grey Wagtail. Female Peregrine harrying Lapwings,Pied Wagtail, Herring Gull, Grey Heron, Gadwall.Leslie Fisher
2009-11-25Ring billed Gull at 14:55 on Flat island. Male Merlin flew down East bank. Female Pintail at Sheepwash and Paul Stanley. Female Shoveler at Wildlife centre. 2 Raven.Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe
2009-11-22WeBS count done today by John Bradley and Peter GibbonPeter Gibbon and John BradleyW
2009-11-22WeBS count for November:Mute Swan 35,Canada Goose 32,Great Northern Diver 1(juv),Great Crested Great 32,Little Grebe 71,Grey Heron 3,Cormorant 39,Mandarin Duck 1,Mallard 183,Wigeon 407,Teal 253,Gadwall 70,Pintail 2,Tufted Duck 889,Pochard 256,Goldeneye 7,Moorhen 41,Coot 1645,Lapwing 255,Redshank 1,Dunlin 1,Kingfisher 1,Blackheaded Gull 82,Common Gull 2,Ring-billed Gull 1,Lesser Black-backed Gull 38,Yellow-legged Gull,Buzzard 1 and Sparrowhawk 1.Peter Gibbon
2009-11-20Drake mandarin at Wildlife centre, where also 1 Dunlin and 1 Redshank. Ring billed Gull again on Flat island. 1 Pintail at Paul stanley.Clive Ashton
2009-11-17Ring billed Gull and Mediterranean Gull on Flat Island 15:00 also Great Black backed and 2 Yellow legged Gulls. 2 Pintail at Sheepwash, with 11 Meadow Pipits also present.2 Raven being aggressive to Buzzards. Skylark over dam wall.Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe
2009-11-16Rather quiet on site today but a few birders about. Mainly sunny around midday. Of note: Grey Heron (1), Garganey (1) - last reported on the 6th November - seen from the wildlife centre (WC); Lapwing (~30) - Horseshoe Island, Redshank (1) - on Tern raft, Stock Dove (2) - with 9 Woodpigeons in field near WC, Redwing (~20) in trees at the edge of a field near the WC.Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-11-164 plus adult Yellow Legged Gulls and 1-3rd/4th winter type. 1adult Med Gull, 1 adult Ring billed Gull, many more Herring Gulls in tonight (20+), Common Gulls very numerous 200+ Steph Hicking
2009-11-13Yellow-legged Gull - 4 adults Mediterranean Gull - 1 adult Great Northern Diver 1 From Sheepwash hide.Paul Mollatt
2009-11-12Great Northern Diver and 6 Skylarks (over) from Stones Island,6 Pintail at Sheepwash.Ring billed Gull at Lane End.Also 7 Snipe and a Redshank at Wildlife Centre.Raven and Sparrowhawk at sheepwash.Clive Ashton
2009-11-11Great Northern Diver distant from Sheepwash, 6 Pintail and Raven. Not seen by me but in the Gull roost was the Ring-billed Gull, 4 Yellow-legged Gulls and an adult Mediterranean Gull.Dave Newcombe
2009-11-09Of note: From or near to Wildlife Centre. Grey Heron (1), Shoveler (1 male), Stock Dove (5), Bullfinch (pr). Sunny. No wind. Few people about.Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-11-09Great Northern Diver - 1 seen distantly near Dam Wall from Sheepwash at around 11.30am. Yellow-legged Gull - 1+ at Sheepwash. Pintail - 2+ female at Sheepwash. Shoveler - 2+ at Wildlife Centre. Willow Tit - 1 in hedgerow near Lane End Hide. Barnacle Goose - 4 with Canada Geese at Wildlife Centre.Pete Mella
2009-11-07Black Redstart (Dam wall), Common Scoter (fem), Scaup (fem), Great Northern Diver (adult summer), Ring billed Gull (roost off Lane Ends), Yellow legged Gull ad and 2nd winter in roost. Pintail 3plusSteph Hicking
2009-11-07First Winter Black Redstart on Sailing Club roof and dam wall area, second record at Carsington. Great Northern Diver still in summer plumage.Roger Carrington
2009-11-067 Pintail,1 Common Scoter, 1 Garganey and 1 GN Diver from Sheepwash also 2 Dunlin flew West. At the Wildlife centre 2 Shoveler,2 Snipe and a Redshank.Clive Ashton
2009-11-06Highlights... Common Scoter (Fm), Pintail (3), Yellow legged Gull (3+), Ring billed Gull (ad) (was located late at about 4.30pm off Lane Ends), Great Northern Diver (adult showing some summer plumage off Fishtail from Lane Ends). The Garganey was to the right of Sheepwash hide earlier but I didn't see it. Steph' Hicking
2009-11-04Of note: Grey Heron (1) - Horseshoe Island (HI), Gadwall - many with some attempting to mate near WC, Lapwing (~50), Kingfisher (1) - seen from the Wildlife Centre (WC), Redwing (20-30) - in trees near the WC, Starling (flock of over 200) - on HI, Goldfinch (10) and Bullfinch (1 female).Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-11-04Highlights.... Ring-billed Gull 1 adult off Lane ends Hide from 4.25pm, Sheepwash produced Scaup 1 fem, Common Scoter 1 fem, 2 Shoveler male, 2 plus Yellow legged Gull (in the semi resident bird on spit showing well). Plus the usual other wildfowl etc.Steph' Hicking
2009-11-03Garganey again at Wildlife Centre,(and later from Sheepwash.) From Sheepwash.. 4 Pintail,Common Scoter,Mandarin(drake),Peregrine, Curlew,Raven,several Meadow Pipits and the usual showy Kingfisher. A lot of birders in for the Gull roost, one of whom picked out a Great Northern Diver, though no sign of the RB Gull.Clive Ashton
2009-11-02Ring-Billed Gull came into roost at 16.05 just behind the spit at sheepwash. Also seen today 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, female Scaup, 8 Goldeneye, 7 Shoveler, 3 Pintail, 2 Raven, 3 Skylarks, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Kingfisher, c100 Redwings and c15 Meadow Pipits. Also seen today although not by us was the Garganey at the wildlife centre. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2009-10-31Adult Ring billed Gull in the roost tonight along with up to 5 adult Yellow legged Gulls. The RBG is the returning bird from previous years.Steph Hicking
2009-10-30In the gloom of dusk this evening it looked like 2 Little Egrets flew across the water and into Fishtail Creek to roost [viewed distant from Sheepwash Hide]Roger Carrington
2009-10-29Busy on site today. Half-term. Quite warm and no wind. Just visited the wildlife centre (WC) and Stones Island. Of note: Grey Heron (1 juv) - on the end of Watersports Island. Barnacle Goose (30+) - in a Shiningford Farm field. Shoveler (pair) - seen from the WC. Wigeon Gadwall, Teal, Mallard and Tufted Duck also present. Lapwing (~10) - Horseshoe Island. Song Thrush (1). Goldfinch - a few near the WC.Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-10-29Highlights were a Garganey (female/imm) Sheepwash, Common Scoter (1 fem), Yellow legged Gull 3 (2 adults 1 1st winter).Steph Hicking
2009-10-28A Peregrine flew through just before 11.00, c40 Redwings and several Fieldfare around wildlife centre creek, 15+ Siskin including several Lesser Redpolls, 10+ Meadow Pipits, 2 Skylarks, 2 Kingfishers, Raven, 2 Buzzards, 3 Snipe and a Grey Wagtail. At around 16.00 many of the Gulls and Wildfowl took to the air in what seemed to be a mass panic. Something had clearly upset them but we never found out what. At around dusk several flocks of Starlings totalling around 200 were flying towards the wildlife centre. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2009-10-27Approximately 400 Fieldfares were roosting in the trees, within the reservoir boundary, just south of Hays Lane at 16.00 this afternoon (SE corner of Millfields Bay). As I drove the Land Rover around the track, they alighted and moved into the trees in Riddings Farm, just over the fence. A good record of a species I rarely see within the recording area. Paul Bennett
2009-10-26great crested grebe, adult mediteranian gull, canada goose, herring gull, redwing, sparrowhawk, buzzard, greylag goose flying over, osprey, great and lesser black backed gulls. Niall
2009-10-25Adult Med. Gull again at 14:50 3 Pintail 1 Shoveler 1 Common Scoter fem/imm 2 YL Gulls Clive Ashton
2009-10-242 Mediterranean Gulls in the roost last night, an adult came in at 16:05 and a 1st winter at 16:20.Clive Ashton
2009-10-23Adult Y.L.Gull Sheepwash Hide 3 Male & 2 Female Red-crested Pochard WLCIan Scrimshaw
2009-10-19Adult Yellow-legged Gull, adult Mediterranean Gull, 20 Meadow Pipits, Skylark, Grey Wagtail, 3 Pintail, 2 Shoveler, Dunlin, c100 Starling, 20 Redwing, 15 Collared Doves, Kingfisher, 2 Buzzard and Kestrel. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2009-10-17Gull roost 16:40hr to 18:25hr from Lane End. Mostly LBB Gull interspersed with BH Gull, Yellow Leg, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Med Gull adult (1), Juvenile GBB Gull 1st winter (1). Unable to confirm presence of Caspian Gull.David Edmonds

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