| 2009-10-15 | Shoveler (1), Pintail (5) Eclipsed and maybe single drake, Gadwall (4), Pochard, Teal, Wigeon, Mallard, (all large numbers) Coot, Moorhen, Grey Heron (2), Cormorant (7). Gulls – BH, LBB, Herring, Yellow Leg, Mediterranean (1) and a probable Caspian Gull (1) in gull roost [17:45 – 18:25hr]. Dunlin (6-7) flying north .
The GN Diver was seen by MAP near Dam at Millfields end. Circled and flew off north without settling. In Winter Plumage
[Posted this report only after ID. help and consultation with MAP & J.Bradley.]
| David Edmonds |
| 2009-10-15 | Regarding the Great Northern Diver. The report was that it only circled Carsington before flying off North. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2009-10-15 | A Great Northern Diver has been reported on the BirdGuides website this morning. I'm afraid that I have no information as to where it was seen or if it is still on site. | Paul Bennett |
| 2009-10-15 | Tuesday 13th Oct 2009
Mediterranean Gull - 1 adult
Yellow-legged Gull - 1 adult
The gulls formed in two flocks pre-roost, one of which parked themselves between the spit and the far bank, affording good views from the Sheepwash hide.
I picked up the Med Gull towards 5.45 (including a short view in flight) and the Yellow-legged Gull shortly after and towards 6.15 they drifted towards the middle of the reservoir with the other gulls. | Paul Mollatt |
| 2009-10-15 | 5 Common Scoter near Dam Wall, 5 Pintail around Sheepwash, also 2 Shoveler, Yellow-legged Gull, Dunlin, Kingfisher, 2 Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks and 55 Redwings. | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 2009-10-13 | WeBS count for the month:- Mute Swan 40,Canada Goose 157,Shelduck 6,Wigeon 590,Gadwall 39,Teal 123,Mallard 132,Pintail 1,Shoveller 3,Pochard 148,Red-crested Pochard 12,Tufted Duck 733,Little Grebe 83,Great Crested Grebe 42,Cormorant 57,Grey Heron 3,Moorhen 49,Coot 1770,Lapwing 160,Kingfisher 4,Black-headed Gull 27,Lesser Black-backed Gull 51,Peregrine 1,Sparrowhawk 1,Buzzard 1. | Peter Gibbon and John Bradley |
| 2009-10-12 | Nice sunny day. Birds of note: Common Buzzard (1) and Common Sandpiper (1) - Horseshoe Island.
Dragonflies: Common Hawker; Common Darter (pr) - this species is on the wing until mid-November. Butterfly: Speckled Wood only.
Plants: Stunted plants by the edge of Stones Island. Area covered in water until relatively recently. Drying out and recent sunshine has brought Brooklime (deep blue), Water forget-me-not (pale blue) and Redshank (pink) into flower. Very late flowering Lesser Periwinkle (dark blue) found elsewhere. Probably seeds had been dormant, then disturbed in late summer. Also found Scented Mayweed or Wild Chamomile (yellow domed centre with white petals). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2009-10-12 | 4 Buzzards at Millfields, 6 Meadow Pipits on Dam Wall and a Skylark over, also 3 Skylarks over Stones Island. From Sheepwash, 2 Ravens, Kingfisher, Dunlin, Yellow-legged Gull, 6 Grey Herons, 16 Redwings, Shoveler and Pintail. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2009-10-10 | From Sheepwash and Paul Stanley: 2(f) Goldeneye, 1(f) Common Scoter, 2 Pintail, 3 Snipe, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Common Gull
WLC: 2(m) Red-crested Pochard | James Owen |
| 2009-10-09 | Afew hours this afternoon:
3 Pintail
1 Red crested Pochard
1 Chiloe Wigeon
295 Wigeon
143 Pochard
65 Teal
1 Tern sp. probably an Arctic.
3 Buzzard,Sparrowhawk,Kestrel,Raven and 2 Kingfishers. | Clive Ashton |
| 2009-10-08 | Good No's of Duck species at Sheepwash, Pochard, Tufted, Teal and Wigeon, plus the Chiloe Wigeon drake which seems to be displaying aggressively to the female Wigeons! Lapwings were roosting on the floating weed mats out in the middle of the water, some sinking up to their bellies!The roost was a few thousand Lesser Black Backs, with 2 or 3 Yellow-legged Gulls and 3 or so Herrings....(ads and Imms).Best views were of a Kingfisher fishing for over an hour in the small pool to the right of Sheepwash Hide! Cracking views. | Steph' Hicking |
| 2009-10-07 | Rock Pipit on the Dam Wall early morning, 5 Buzzards, Yellow-legged Gull, Raven, Kingfisher, 107 Pochard, 54 Cormorants, Chiloe Wigeon and 5 Chiff Chaffs including one singing. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2009-10-06 | 41 species during today's event in the Wildlife Centre. Notable were a Raven and Peregrine mobbing each other (or playing?) around the pylons near Shiningford Farm. A single Snipe and Yellow-legged Gull, the Kingfisher showed exceptionally well on the new post. A Kestrel caught prey on the bank beyond Horseshoe Is, a Buzzard flew low into WLC Creek, and a Sparrowhawk caught prey by the bird table. A single Little Grebe chick still present. 1 Mistle Thrush overflew.
Stones Is: 1 Chiffchaff singing again, and a Great Spotted Woodpecker flew over the Visitor Centre. | James Owen |
| 2009-10-05 | Of note: Grey Heron (2) - Horseshoe Island & Shiningford Island, Barnacle Goose (45) - Sailing Club Island, Common Buzzard (1) - over Shiningford Farm, Yellow-legged Gull (1) - from Wildlife Centre (WC), Robin - at least 10 singing near WC, and Blackcap (1) - singing on Stones Island. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2009-10-05 | 3 Whooper Swans flew north at 10.05, Common Sandpiper and Kingfisher at Sheepwash, Chiloe Wigeon still present, Raven, 3 Buzzards, 4 Linnets, Greylag Goose, Chiff Chaff, Yellow-legged Gull, 3'000 Lesser black Backed Gulls, 7 Common Gulls, 6+ Crossbils flew over Paul Stanley hide (RC). | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 2009-10-01 | 2 Kingfishers,
2 Ravens,
Peregrine,
Chiloe Wigeon, still present.
2 Jays. | Clive Ashton |
| 2009-09-30 | Of note: Grey Heron (1) - Wildlife Centre Creek, Kestrel (1) - over Watersports Island, Collared Dove (8) - on Wildlife Centre feeding table and in the trees behind, Blackcap (1) - singing male on Stones Island. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2009-09-30 | 1 Skylark flew over Stones Island.
A Dunlin flew past past Sheepwash towards Stones Island at 1700hrs.
An adult Kittiwake was in the gull roost from 1700hrs.
A female Common Scoter was off Stones Island at dusk. | Roger Carrington |
| 2009-09-29 | First visit this year! 44 species seen and a further 4 either heard or probables. All 4 Hides and Stones Island visited, on a very drizzly day. Highlights include: Canada Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Gadwall, Lapwing, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Tree Sparrow, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Snipe, Kingfisher, Pochard, Teal, Pheasant, Greylag Goose, Grey Heron, Jay, House Martin (in good numbers considering its nearly October!), Goldfinch, Chiffchaff, Bullfinch, and both Black-backed Gulls. Nothing major, and several notables missing! However, there was the male Chiloe Wigeon (unringed) showing very well from Sheepwash. Presumably this is an escape rather than a first for Britain? Also seen were several Rats at PS Hide, and a Water Vole at WLC pool. | Peter Charlton |
| 2009-09-28 | On site today was a drake Chiloe Wigeon (presumably the same bird that's been at Ogston since early summer). Also on site a Shoveler, 85 Pochards, 10 Housemartins, Swallow, 2 Kingfishers, Grey Wagtail, 3 Meadow Pipits, 4 Linnets, 4 Chiff Chaffs, 3 Buzzards, 2 Ravens, 6 Grey Herons, 54 Cormorants and a Greylag Goose. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2009-09-24 | Of note: Little Grebe - adult feeding a very tiny young bird (in front of the wildlife centre (WC) main window), Great Crested Grebe - adults with three striped young, Mute Swan - inc. one pair with 6 large grey cygnets, Cormorant (24) - Horseshoe Island (HI), Pochard (5) - Shiningford Creek, Lapwing (~60) - in the air and on HI, House Martin (2), Swallow (1), Chiffchaff (1) - singing on Stones Island and a Jackdaw flecked, with many white feathers, feeding at the WC feeding table. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2009-09-22 | 1 Yellow-legged Gull at WLC on the usual raft.Kingfisher showing very well at WLC and Paul Stanley.Also notables at PS Hide, 2 Buzzard, 1 Raven, 1 Greylag Goose among many Canadas on Flat Is, 2 Heron, several Long-tailed Tits, 300 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew in at 6pm.WLC: 5 Snipe, 3 Swallow, 1 Kestrel, 32 Cormorant, 6 Wigeon, many Teal, c.35 Lapwing, a pair of Little Grebe with 1 very small chick, 3 Pied Wagtail, 4 Pochard, 1 Black-headed GullStones Island, 1 calling Chiffchaff, 2 Great Crested Grebe with 2 young.Sparrowhawk flew from Shiningford Creek. | James Owen (RSPB vol) |
| 2009-09-20 | WeBS count for September done between 7.30 and 11.00.
Mute Swan 23, Canada Goose 158, Wigeon 270, Gadwall 19, Teal 57, Mallard 170, pochard 48, Tufted Duck 1008 (double the number for this time last year), Little Grebe 53, Great Crested Grebe 41, Cormorant 41, Grey Heron 4, Moorhen 25, Coot 1,379. Lapwing 111, Snipe 4 and Kingfisher 1. Also 2 Buzzard. Total 3375. | Peter Gibbon |
| 2009-09-17 | Overcast today but no rain. Few birding visitors seen.
Of note:
Cormorant (25) - Horseshoe Island, Grey Heron (1) - Shiningford Island, Mute Swan - two pairs of adults with 4 & 5 very large grey cygnet broods respectively, Teal (~ 100) - much increased in numbers since last week, Mallard - including 5 well formed ducklings innocently feeding at our feet on the edge of Stones Island, GARGANEY (1 imm) - in front of the Wildlife Centre and Lapwing (~40) - Horseshoe Island.
| Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2009-09-15 | 107 Pied Wagtails, 6 Meadow Pipits, Yellow-legged Gull, 91 Wigeon, 27 Gadwall, Pintail, 2 Redshanks, 43 Cormorants, 3 Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks, Kestrel, Grey Heron, Kingfisher, 50+ Housemartins, 10+ Swallows. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2009-09-09 | Of note: Grey Heron (1) - on Horseshoe Island (HI), Gadwall (4 prs) in amongst the mass of Tufted Ducks (several hundred!) immediately in front of the Wildlife Cente (WC) and in WC Creek, Teal (10) - HI, Lapwing (~50) - HI, Swallow (10) and Willow Warbler (1)- Stones Island. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2009-09-09 | On site for around 9 hours today and saw 23 Pochard, 21 Gadwall, 14 Wigeon, Yellow-Legged Gull, 2 Sparrowhawks including one chasing Pied Wagtails near Dam wall, 35 Pied Wagtails, Grey Wagtail, 8 Meadow Pipits, 4 Buzzards, 3 Ravens, Kestrel, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Grey Herons, Kingfisher, Oystercatcher (poss 2). On shiningford creek by the bend near the farm there was a lot of bird activity. I stood there for a good half hour and watched Willow Warblers, Chiff Chaffs (including 3 singing), male Blackcap, 2 Common Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Bullfinches including 3 juveniles, 2 Willow Tits and lots of other common birds. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2009-09-07 | An Osprey flew south today at 15.00, also 14 Buzzards in the air together, 12 high over sheepwash spit and 2 over the dam wall, Pintail, 2 Common Sandpipers, 19 Gadwall, 11 Wigeon, 2 Meadow Pipits, good sized tit flock on stones island with maybe as many as 20 Warblers with most if not all being Chiff Chaffs. | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 2009-09-04 | Of note: Cormorant (14) - Stones Island, Gadwall (4 prs) - from the Wildlife Centre(WC), Teal (2) - Horseshoe Island (HI), Pheasant (1 male) - by the WC feeding station, Lapwing (~30) - HI, Yellow-legged Gull (1) - Tern raft and KINGFISHER (1) - flew past the WC THREE times within 10 minutes around midday. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2009-08-27 | Of note: 19 Mute Swans including 5 cygnets, Gadwall (2 prs) - from wildlife centre (WC); Lapwing (~60) - on Horseshoe Island; Yellow-legged Gull (1) - on Tern raft; Swallow and House Martin (20+ each); Tree Sparrow (20+) - all around and on the WC feeding table; many were youngsters. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2009-08-27 | A family walk round the res today, so whilst not really birding I did note the following;
Brood of 3 GC Grebe at Lane End
Brood of at least 3 GC Grebe at Shiningford Creek, 2 youngsters in the water and at least 1 on adults back.
A pair of Pochard in Shiningford Creek and 3 males in Fishtail Creek.
6 Wigeon at Millfields.
| Clive Ashton |
| 2009-08-24 | Not a bad day today. Black Tern towards Millfields, Wheatear on Millfields Island, Yellow-legged Gull, 5 Gadwall, Teal, Pochard, 3 Wigeon, Great Crested Grebe with 3 small young, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Kingfishers, 2 Swifts, Curlew, male Sparrowhawk, adult Common Gull. | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 2009-08-24 | From WLC, all usual suspects, but along with Chris from RSPB-ABB between 09:30 and 10:30 we observed :- Pochard (1), Yellow Leg Gull (1), Chiff Chaff (1) and Willow Warbler (1) | David & Sue Edmonds |
| 2009-08-24 | I was out for a walk yesterday afternoon and took the second footpath off the track, after entering the site at the North End. Whilst crossing the third field, heading for Stainsborough Lane, a flock of Common Crossbills flew over (heading ESE)and into the trees on the edge of Rough Pitty Side. They were quite active, but hung around in the same area in the tops of the trees. I managed a best count of 19. | Paul Bennett |
| 2009-08-23 | WeBS count for August done today between 7.30 and 10.30.
27 Mute Swan, 224 Canada Goose, 3 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 6 Teal, 83 Mallard, 309 Tufted Duck, 46 Little Grebe, 27 Great Crested Grebe, 16 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 10 Moorhen, 575 Coot, 55 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Black-Headed Gull, 1 Kingfisher. | Peter Gibbon |
| 2009-08-20 | Yellow-Legged Gull, 3 Wigeon, 4 Buzzards, adult male Peregrine, female Gadwall, 50+ Goldfinches including 40+ juveniles, Common Sandpiper, Raven. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2009-08-16 | Osprey from sheepwash 15:35-15:45, mobbed by Peregrine, before flying over Hall Wood.
Also Common Sandpiper, Kingfisher and YL Gull. | Clive Ashton |
| 2009-08-15 | A pair of Hobbies were hunting hirundines over Shiningford farm, for at least an hour this morning.One was observed with prey, which it ate on one of the pylons.
Also present from the Wildlife centre,Sparrowhawk,Raven, 2 Buzzard,4 Gadwall,Shoveler and Teal.
Common Sandpiper at Sheepwash. | Clive Ashton |
| 2009-08-13 | Oversights! Thistles are mainly over, just showing fluffy white heads instead of purple flowers. This situation is very good for Goldfinches. Also very noticable today were masses of Hover flies and various bee species. We had a very enjoyable time on site today. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2009-08-13 | Very busy on site today because it was sunny. However, few birders about. Of note: Tufted Duck (female with 5 quite small ducklings), Lapwing (10) - on Horseshoe Island, Yellow-legged Gull (1) - on the raft opposite the wildlife centre, Goldfinch (10) - on Horseshoe Island, Bullfinch (pair) on wildlife centre feeding station.
It was reported to us that an Osprey was seen over the dam on the 12th August. Also the Little Egret was seen. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2009-08-11 | An angler reported an Osprey flying south along the west bank, from near the brick bombing tower at 15.00 today. This was subsequently radioed through to STW staff by Phil from Fisheries. Fortunately, I happened to have a pair of binoculars in the van and after a few minutes, I managed to locate it flying south down the centre of the reservoir. It then started circling just north-east of Watersports Island. I then carried on with what I was doing, so I'm not sure where it went after that. | Paul Bennett (STW Ranger Service) |
| 2009-08-05 | Little Owl in field between main car park and wildlife centre. Yellow-Legged Gull, drake Common Scoter, Little Egret, 2 Common Sandpipers, Oystercatcher, Kinghfisher, 2 Buzzards, male Sparrowhawk, 3 Little Grebe young, Whitethroat. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2009-08-03 | Overall quite busy on-site but few birders about. Weather: quite warm and no rain for a change! Of note: Lapwing (10), Wren (1) - juvenile, hit Wildlife Centre (WC)window but seemed unharmed. Dunnock (2 juveniles) - feeding at the WC feeding station, Willow Warbler (2) - one adult and a juvenile in the willow in front of the WC. House Sparrow - several including a juvenile being fed by adults, Bullfinch (pr) - feeding at the WC feeding station.
A Weasel observed from the WC front window. Great! Butterflies: Small White, Green-veined White, Large White, Small Copper, Gatekeeper, Painted Lady, Peacock and Meadow Brown. Buff-tailed and Red-tailed Bumblebees seen on Stones Island. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2009-08-02 | House Martin (50+) near Visitor Centre; Swift (20-30) end of Stones Island; Tufted Duck (3 families); Litte Grebe (12) engaging in squabbles; Gold Finch (20 appx) Stones Island; Little Egret (1) flying past Stones Island towards watersports ctr. | David & Sue Edmonds |
| 2009-07-27 | It was very noticable today that there was hardly any birdsong. Very few species located. Of note: Barnacle Goose (6), Common Tern (1), Swift (3), Goldfinch (10) - Stones Island, Bullfinch (a pair).
Plants: A large mass of Redhank noticed on Horseshoe Island. Plants in flower but not previously noted: Hedge Bindweed, Large Bird's-foot Trefoil, Common St John's-wort and Short-fruited Willowherb. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2009-07-27 | Little Egret still present around Stones Island area. Kingfisher and drake Pochard at the Wildlife Centre. The pair of Common Terns have successfully raised one young which made several brief flights around flat island today. Other sightings include Hobby, Whimbrel,and Common Sandpiper. Several Tufted Duck broods around including one of 13 plus three more of 3/3 and 8. | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 2009-07-25 | Just a walk today with wife so not really birding but spotted a single Little Tern close to stones island | Leslie Fisher |
| 2009-07-22 | Little Egret on Stones Island and later on Watersports Island, Male Redstart in field behind the Wildlife Centre, juvenile Perergine over Middle Wood, Gadwall and Kingfisher at Sheepwash. Two Tufted Duck broods of 5 & 10. Two Common Terns still presumably feeding one young on Flat Island. | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 2009-07-20 | Few birds on site today. A tufted duck family has been reduced to 8 ducklings since last week. Only two Lapwings found on Horseshoe Island. Of the warblers only Chiffchaff and Blackcap found.
Common Blue damselflies over the pool close to the wildlife centre. Butterflies: Small White, Large White, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Small Copper & Small Tortoiseshell.
The plants in flower last week are the same except that a small patch of Black Medick was found. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2009-07-16 | 38 species seen around midday. Of note: LITTLE EGRET (1)- Horseshoe Island & Wildlife Centre Creek; Barnacle Goose (1); Red-crested Pochard (1 juv/fem)- from Wildlife Centre (WC); Tufted Duck - including a female with 9 ducklings; Sparrowhawk (1 fem); Lapwing (34) - Horseshoe Island; Song Thrush (1); Blackcap (2); Chiffchaff (1); Bullfinch (pr) - on the WC feeding table; Reed Bunting (1) - Stones Island.
Insects: Bumblebees: Red-tailed & Buff-tailed. Damselflies: Common Blue & a Beautiful Demoiselle (Stones Island). This latter species is a first for us! Great views. Butterflies: Green-veined White, Small White and Gatekeeper. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2009-07-14 | A juvenile female Peregrine from Paul Stanley hide at 11.00, female Gadwall, Kingfisher, 2 Buzzards, 2 Linnets, Common Tern, Grey Heron, Tufted Duck broods of 9&12, female/imm Red Crested Pochard. | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 2009-07-14 | WeBS count for July:Mute Swan 26(plus 5+6+6 cygnets),Canada Goose 334,Barnacle Goose 8,Gadwall 4,Mallard 81,Red-crested Pochard 1,Tufted Duck 113 (plus two broods with one of 10, Little Grebe 17, Great Crested Grebe 18, Cormorant 2,Grey Heron 3,Moorhen 11,Coot 377,Oystercatcher 4,Lapwing 27,Black-headed Gull 8,Common Tern 2(feeding hidden young) and 1 Buzzard. | Peter Gibbon |
| 2009-07-10 | The pair of Common Terns on Flat Island were feeding 1 young this morning. Also the Black-headed Gull pair on this Island have at least 1 chick.
3+ Spotted Flycatchers in Hall Wood.
Reed Warbler singing from Hopton Reedbed and from Hopton Pond.
Adult Yellow-legged Gull on Sailing Club jetty. | Roger Carrington |
| 2009-07-08 | A Barn Owl was flying around Shiningford Creek area at 10.00 this morning. 2 Little Ringed Plovers in front of sailing club. 5 Linnets over Stones Island. 12+ Bullfinches including 4 juveniles, 2 Common Terns, 2 Ravens, 2 Buzzards, Curlew, Grey Wagtail, 2 Grey Herons, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers and female Tufted Duck with 6 very small young. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2009-07-04 | oystercatcher canada geese common tern blackbird dunnock chiffchaff mute swan with six cygnets lapwing coot moorhen tufted duck buzzard black headed gull great crested grebe little grebe house martins crows jackdaws sparrows pied wagtail wood pigeon cormorant swifts magpie
| tom wareham |
| 2009-07-03 | No message | Clive Ashton |
| 2009-07-01 | From Sheepwash: Yellow-Legged Gull, 2 Shelduck, 9 Oystercatcher, 5 Raven, female Gadwall, Common Tern, Common Gull. From Wildlife Centre: Pair of Red Crested Pochards, male Wigeon. Little Ringed Plover in front of Sailing club. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2009-06-29 | A pair of Red crested Pochard and a male Wigeon at the Wildlife centre.
A Hobby flew over the fields towards Wildlife centre creek.
Swift twice went under the eaves of the visitor centre.
| Clive Ashton |
| 2009-06-17 | Of note: Mute Swan - including two broods of cygnets, 5 & 6 respectively. Barnacle Goose (3), Oystercatcher (6) - all adults. Redshank (1). Song Thrush (1). Reed Bunting (1).
Common Blue damselfly (13) - including one female over the wildlife centre pond. Painted Lady butterfly. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2009-06-16 | WLC: 2 Gadwall, 5 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 3 Bullfinch, 2 Common Tern, 4 Cormorant, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 2 Lapwing, c.20 Tree Sparrow (including fledglings) on the bird tables at one time.
Also at PS Hide: 9 Mallard ducklings with apparently no mother, 3 Redshank, 2 Raven, and a Treecreeper on the path down. | James Owen (ABB) |
| 2009-06-16 | WeBS count for Sunday 14th June 07.15 to 10.15 hours.
16 Mute Swan,537 Canada Goose,6 Barnacle Goose,47 Mallard,129 Tufted Duck,10 Little Grebe,25 Great Crested Grebe,4 Cormorant,3 Heron,11 Moorhen,68 Coot,8 Oystercatcher,2 Lapwing,4 Redshank,25 Black-headed Gull,2 Common Tern,1 Kingfisher and 1 Sparrowhawk. | Peter Gibbon |
| 2009-06-16 | Fairly quiet on site, of note were;
Broods of 3 Moorhen at Sheepwash,and 4 at WLC pond.
Single drake Gadwall still at WLC.
Common Tern on Flat Island.
Pair of Bullfinch on Paul Stanley feeding station. | Clive Ashton |
| 2009-06-15 | Thought you'd be interested to hear that during a walk from Carsington Water I spotted a Red Kite being mobbed by crows! I'm not sure if they've been seen in the area before but thought I'd contact you just in case they haven't. Seeing it made mine and my husband's day! A brilliant sight.
Regards,
Glen | Glenys Torr |
| 2009-06-14 | A Yellowhammer (red listed) seen at Bullhill Farm Kirk Ireton.
The first I have seen in the Parish for years. 54 sightings in the parish in 1988.
Appears not to have been recorded in CBC sightings so be aware that they are in the neighbourhood. | dave williams |
| 2009-06-11 | 3 Black-tailed Godwits on Stones Island, 0730hrs.
At least 2 Swifts around the Visitor Centre eaves, breeding would be a first at Carsington.
Jay carrying food in Hall Wood, showing breeding.
Pair of Reed Bunting feeding young in Hopton Arm Reedbed, and Reed Warbler still singing.
Common Tern pair with nest on Flat Island, but hidden behind vegitation when viewed from P S Hide. | Roger Carrington |
| 2009-06-10 | Of note: A pair of Mute Swans with five quite small cygnets. A pair of Gadwall. A female Mallard with four sturdy ducklings. Four Oystercatchers. A Common Tern fishing near the sailing club.
A pair of Redshanks behaved as if defending a nest or young. Another observer told us he thought he had seen a very young bird but we did not see it. The Redshank pair attacked a Moorhen and also drove off a Crow and a Jackdaw. They were very aggressive. The pair were active at the water's edge between the wildlife centre and the watersports centre. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2009-06-10 | A few highlights for today. At the Wildlife Centre was 3 Gadwall, and a pair of Redshank with one small youngster. A pair of Common Terns, and Oystercatcher with one young on Flat Island. Reed Warbler singing at Hopton End and also a Spotted Flycatcher there. 3 Broods of Mute Swan 3/5/6. | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 2009-06-04 | Of note: Barnacle Goose (4), Gadwall (pr), Mallard inc. a female with 3 very small ducklings & a female with 3 well grown youngsters, Oystercatcher (2), Redshank (1), Common Tern (2) - sitting on orange buoys near Horseshoe Island, Song Thrush (2): WARBLERS: Sedge, Garden, Willow, Whitethroat, and Blackcap + Chiffchaff; Blue Tits feeding young in box 0305, Great Tits feeding young in box 0304. A Great Tit youngster could occasionally be seen poking its fluffy head out through the hole in the box. Reed Bunting (singing male).
Insects: Common Blue damselfly - a mating pair, Buff-tailed Bumblebee, Small White, Large White and Painted Lady butterflies. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2009-06-01 | As already stated a Black Tern this morning, also 4 Black Terns to at least 17.15. Reed Warbler briefly singing to the left of Sheepwash Hide. Not many more highlights apart from several Buzzards and a Raven. A pair of Oystercatchers feeding 2 young on flat island, Coots feeding 5 young to the left of Paul Stanley hide and a family of Blue Tits by Sheepwash Hide. | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 2009-06-01 | 4 Black Terns now present at 17:30hrs, and the 2 Common Scoters also.
Reed Warbler singing at base of Sheepwash spit. | Clive Ashton |
| 2009-06-01 | This morning: 1 Black Tern, at least 2 Common Terns, pair of Common Scoter, Reed Warbler singing in Hopton Arm Reedbed, Pied Flycatcher still singing in Fishtail Creek but distant, 2 Spotted Flycatchers in Hall Wood and 1 in Middle Wood, Treecreeper singing and 1 family party in Hall Wood and another Treecreeper singing in Middle Wood. | No name given |
| 2009-05-28 | Because of half-term and the sunny weather it was very busy on site today. We found 40 species of bird around midday. Of note: Barnacle Goose (4), Mallard - including a female with 5 very well developed ducklings, Common Buzzard being harrassed by Crows near the dam wall, Pheasant (2 heard), Common Tern (2) - on the raft near the Watersports Centre, Swift (2), Great Spotted Woodpecker (1 female) - next to Shiningford Creek, Common Whitethroat (2), Garden Warbler (1), Blackcap(2), Chiffchaff (2), Willow Warbler (2) and Reed Bunting (2 singing males).
Butterflies: Orange Tip, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Wall and Red Admiral.
Also Water Boatmen and hundreds, perhaps thousands of tadpoles in the pond next to the Wildlife Centre. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2009-05-24 | Millfields Island late afternoon - Barnacle Geese 3 pairs with 4nr goslings between them. Looked like 1+1&2. Swallows nesting inside the wooden furniture house. | David & Sue Edmonds |
| 2009-05-22 | A Whitethroat probably female, near the reed beds by the Hopton crossing. | Bob and Gill Smith |
| 2009-05-18 | Not a lot about today but did get two cracking birds. A Cuckoo flew over Wildlife Centre Creek and perched long enough for me to get my scope on it before disappearing. And then a Hobby flew from the east and headed over Sheepwash hide shortly before 15.00.
Also of note was a pair of Barnacle Geese with 4 young on Stones Island, a single Dunlin on Horseshoe Island, a flock of 7 Waders flew across the water which I think were also Dunlin.
| Dave Newcombe |
| 2009-05-17 | Belated WeBS count done on Sunday 10th May.
Mute Swan 13,Canada Goose 107,Barnacle Goose 14,Mallard 34,Tufted Duck 101,Great Northern Diver 1,Little Grebe 16,Great Crested Grebe 24,Cormorant 1,Grey Heron 1,Moorhen 19,Coot 80,Oystercatcher 12,Little Ringed Plover 2,Lapwing 4,Redshank 5,Common Sandpiper 2,Black-headed Gull 20,Common Tern 2. | Peter Gibbon |
| 2009-05-15 | Quick visit this morning:
8 Turnstone,5 on the raft near Watersports and 3 on the Island.
1 Sanderling on Sailing Club Island
3 Gadwall on Horseshoe Island.
100+ Swallows, and many House Martins/Swifts. | Clive Ashton |
| 2009-05-13 | With the weather being wet and windy today I thought there was a good chance of getting some migrants blown in but I didn't expect it to be quite so good. Spoke to a birder first thing who said he had had about a dozen distant Terns but couldn't quite ID them so they went down as 'Commic Terns'
I made my way to Sheepwash and sat there a while before the first flock of Terns flew through....17 Arctics and 1 Black Tern followed by a further 7 Arctics 10 minutes later. Another Black Tern flew through and then 4 more later in the day. Throughout the day there were more flocks including one of 27 Arctics around 17.00. In total there was at least 80 Arctic Terns throughout the day plus 2 Common Terns. Other highlights include 3 or 4 Common Sandpipers, at least 2 Sanderlings, a Turnstone, several Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plovers, at least 2 Little Ringed Plovers, female Yellow Wagtail and a stunning adult Med Gull on Horseshoe Island to end the day. There were also literally 100's of Swifts, Housemartins and Swallows with a fair few Sandmartins too.
| Dave Newcombe |
| 2009-05-12 | From WLC:
2 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Tern, 1 Buzzard over toward pylons on left, 8 House Martins, 6 Swift.
From Paul Stanley:
1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin (in plumage), 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 3 Pheasants (1 male), 1 Blackcap, 2 Willow tit, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Sand Martin (north). | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 2009-05-11 | Pair of Oystercatchers with 2 chicks on Millfields island | Bob and Gill Smith |
| 2009-05-09 | Great Northern Diver (1) - Still present against the dam wall, sailing club end, immediately after the dawn chorus walk. | David & Sue Edmonds |
| 2009-05-09 | DAWN CHORUS WALK :Willow Warbler,Chiffcaff,Garden Warbler,Blackcap and Whitethroat all singing well and showing themselves for the group.
Also Robin,Dunnock,Wren,Blackbird,Song Thrush,Great and Blue Tit,Chaffinch,Bullfinch,Woodpigeon,Tree Sparrow and Reed Bunting singing or calling.Great Spotted Woodpecker and Kestrel.Pair of Common Terns trying valiantly to fight for the tern raft against Black-headed Gulls.A Whimbrel and two Dunlin seen from the hide at the end of the walk.Finally the Dunlin and a Redshank were scared off from the west bank by a Fox that slowly made its way along the shoreline looking for food. | Peter Gibbon & Roger Carrington |
| 2009-05-08 | Yesterday afternoon, Phil and Mike from Fisheries towed the tern raft back into position, in front of the Wildlife Centre. Whilst locking up the Wildlife Centre at 18.30, I had a look around and noticed the two Common Terns, which I believe have been hanging around the site for a few days. They were both sat on the new Watersports raft initially, but then one moved over to the tern raft and fought off five Black-headed Gulls. It was then joined by the other tern. Chris Johnstone informed me that they were both still on the raft this morning. | Paul Bennett |
| 2009-05-06 | 4 Whimbrel and a Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe Island, 2 Dunlin on Stones Island and then 5 on Sheepwash Spit later in the day.
Good views of the Great Northern Diver from the Wildlife Centre and then at Lane End Hide. Shelduck, c50 Swifts, Ringed Plover, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Raven. Lots of Hirundines in the early morning drizzle. Female Teal, Mallard with 8 young and Canada Geese with 6 young.
A lot of Warblers in now including Lesser Whitethroat by brick tower, 5+ Common Whitethroats and numerous Chiff Chaffs, Willow Warblers, Blackcaps and Garden Warblers.
Also Robin feeding young in Hall Wood. | Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton |
| 2009-05-06 | Whilst checking the CCTV function in the Wildlife Centre this morning, I found three Whimbrel on the back of Horseshoe Island at 07.20. They were still there at 08.45, but were still in the same place, so frustratingly, could still only be viewed with the camera!(at least we've got one I suppose!).
I also had a Yellow Wagtail on Stones Island at 18.40 on Monday 4th. | Paul Bennett |
| 2009-05-04 | Barnacle Goose (7), Mallard ducklings (9), Oystercatcher (3), Redshank (3), Common Gull (1), Garden Warbler (1) - Stones Island, Blackcap (2), Chiffchaff (1). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2009-05-04 | Great Northern Diver (Adult Summer) from Sheepwash Hide late afternoon. 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher from Wildlife Centre. 20+ Barnacle Goose, 3 Cackling Canada Goose, 12+ Swift from Stones Island. | Paul Thomas |
| 2009-05-02 | Sheepwash Hide Common Sandpiper (1), GN Diver (1) 4:45pm - 6pm.; Kestrel(1):
6pm Paul Stanley same Diver still well visible, Little Ringed plover (1), Redshank (1). Pied Wagtail (2, see notes) | David & Sue Edmonds |
| 2009-05-01 | 1 Great Northern Diver,between Lane End and Watersports.
2 Lesser Whitethroat,and 2 Common Whitethroat between Sheepwash and WLC.
Butterflies:
30+ Green veined White,3 Orange Tip,2 Brimstone and 1 Peacock. | Clive Ashton |
| 2009-04-28 | 1 Bar tailed Godwit
1 GN Diver
1 LRP
c8 Swift
2 Greylag | Clive Ashton |
| 2009-04-27 | Steady rain until late afternoon.
Barnacle Goose (10), Oystercatcher (2), Lapwing (2), Curlew (2) - Horseshoe Island; Redshank (3), Sand Martin (1), Swallow (over 50), House Martin (1), Song Thrush (2), Chiffhaff (1), Willow Warbler (5), Bullfinch (pr) and Reed Bunting (1 male). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2009-04-27 | Highlights.... 1 Avocet (Horseshoe), 1 (summer plumage) Bar tailed Godwit (SFord Creek), Lesser Whitethroat (SFord creek), Redshank 2plus pairs displaying etc, 1 pair Mandarin. | Steph Hicking |
| 2009-04-25 | The two Great Northern Divers still present off Fishtail Creek pm. | Alan Lewin |
| 2009-04-24 | Black Tern | John Mowbray |
| 2009-04-23 | CBC Evening walk of the 21st April:
The 2 Great Northern Divers were seen clearly and 1 Shelduck. All the Wagtails seen were pied and summer migrants included House and Sand Martin Swallow in good numbers. Little Ringed Plovers on the yachting launch area were seen plus Oystercatcher, Redshank and 3 Curlew. Before the walk a Snipe was flushed on Stones Island and at 16.30 a Common Tern appeared on a buoy before being found again with the Black-headed Gulls at the Wildlife Centre. Unfortunately by the time the group came to the centre at 20.15 it had gone. | Peter Gibbon |
| 2009-04-22 | A Honey Buzzard circled over the Hopton Inlet from about 12.20-12.30.p.m. having come in from the West. Escorted east by 2 Common Buzzards. Also 1 Dunlin briely on Stones mid-morning and a Garden Warbler singing quietly behind Sheepwash Hide at dinnertime. Both Great Northern Divers still present and a Shelduck of Lane End Hide. | rOD kEY |
| 2009-04-21 | 2 Great Northern Divers towards the dam early morning.Of note from WLC: 2 Redshank, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 White Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Shelduck, 1 Cackling Goose (among many Canadas and Barnacles). 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Bullfinch all on bird table.Elsewhere, 1 White Wagtail on Flat Is, many singing Blackcaps between WLC and Sheepwash. | James Owen (ABB) |
| 2009-04-21 | WeBS count for April(7.00-10.00) 1 Great Northern Diver, 31 Great Crested Grebe, 18 Little Grebe, 9 Mute Swan, 98 Canada Goose, 12 Barnacle Goose, 2 Shelduck, 38 Mallard(+10 young), 215 Tufted Duck, 16 Moorhen, 115 Coot, 2 Lapwing, 8 Oystercatcher, 4 Redshank, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 113 Black-headed Gull. Also big numbers of swallow. | Peter Gibbon |
| 2009-04-21 | 7:45pm Millfields Bay - Mandarin Duck pair M&F. | David & Sue Edmonds |
| 2009-04-20 | Nice day on site. Wall to wall sunshine and a blue sky.
OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (19), Mallard (inc 10 ducklings) - near Sailing Club; Pheasant (1), Oystercatcher (3), Lapwing (2), Redshank (2), House Martin - several around the visitor centre; COMMON WHITETHROAT (1) - in hedge by path next to Shiningford Creek [near post 5G]; Blackcap (4) - 3 singing males & 1 fem; Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
