Recent Sightings

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


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
2017-08-016 Little Egret, 9 Little Grebe, GC Grebe's each with 1 young at Millfields, 8 Moorhen, 2 Oystercatcher, Redshank, Dunlin, 5 Common Sandpiper, 1 Teal, 2 Mandarin, fledged Spotted Flycatchers in Brown Ale Bay, Wren family on Stones, Sedge Warblers calling around Sailing Club Island, adult YL Gull.Clive Ashton/Roger Carrington
2017-07-29At least 6 Little Egrets today. 5 Gadwall. 2 Teal. R-c Pochard with 1 young still. 33 Cormorants on Sheepwash spit. 5 Common Sand. 20 Swifts. 2 Spotted Fly in BA Bay. Juvenile Yellow Wagtail at WLC - first of the autumn!Simon Roddis
2017-07-283 Little Egret, 48 adult Mute Swan, 3 Barnacle Geese, 1 Teal, Hobby, Peregrine, Oystercatcher, 6 LR Plover, another colour ringed Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Common Sandpiper, the 2 juv LBbG's with 2 adults on Sheepwash spit, imm GBBG, 1 Common Tern, 30+ Swift, 58 Tree Sparrow. Clive Ashton/Roger Carrington
2017-07-28The colour-ringed Black-tailed Godwit was ringed as an adult male on the River Alde in Suffolk in September 2012. It was back there in the winter of 2014/15 and then in Iceland in April 2015 before returning to the River Alde in September 2015. Not recorded again until its appearance at Carsington, presumably on its southward migration.Simon Roddis
2017-07-27Highlight this morning was 11 Black-tailed Godwits on Sheepwash spit, including a colour-ringed bird. Initial search on the web suggests it was probably ringed as a non-breeding islandica race adult in Suffolk. 47 adult Mute Swans. 3 Barnacle Geese. 2 Teal. R-c Pochard with one young still. 32 Cormorant. 3 Little Egret. 4 Oystercatcher. Only saw 1 LRP. 3 Common Sand. 1 Redshank. 135 LBbG off Stones, then flew south, plus the pair with 2 juvs at Sheepwash. 1 imm GBbG. 1 Common Gull. Of 87 BhGs at Millfields, 14 were juvs. 20+ Swifts. Kingfishers in BA Bay and at WLC. Hobby over Stones island. 12+ Sand Martin. 60 House Martin over Stones causeway. 2 Redstart in WLC fields (adult male and the query imm male). 100 Goldfinch on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-07-266 Little Egret, 11 Grey Heron, 4 Barnacle Geese, 2 Pochard, Rc Pochard plus 1 young still, immature female Peregrine, Oystercatcher, 2 Dunlin, 2 Yellow legged Gull, 3 Common Tern, 2 Kingfisher, c100 Swallow, Sedge Warbler calling on Sailing Club Island, Reed Warbler calling at Hopton Pond.CA,RC,SJR
2017-07-25In addition today a Wheatear on Millfields Island mid morning also 2 adult Yellow legged Gulls.Clive Ashton
2017-07-2548 adult Mute Swans. 1 Mandarin and 3 Teal in BA Bay. R-c Pochard with chick still at WLC. 32 Cormorant. 6 Little Egret. 8 Grey Heron. 2 summer plumage Sanderling flew into Watersports island at 12:00. 1 adult Dunlin. 2 Redshank. 7 Common Sands. Adult Y-l Gull. First-summer GBbG. 2 adult Common Tern. 30 Swifts. Spotted Fly feeding young in BA Bay, presumed second brood. 3 single Redstarts (Hopton, Lane End, Shiningford creek). c30 Linnets - 20 in Shingford creek, 10 around Stones. 38 Tree Sparrows.SJR, AHS, CA
2017-07-24On the late shift today, a Whimbrel flew NW over Stones island at 1120 and a Dunlin shortly after. 4 Common Terns (3 ads, 1 juv) still, on the jetty in front of Sailing Club. Juv LBbG on Sheepwash spit - perhaps flown all the way from Chesterfield? c40 Swifts in total, including 30 drifting north into the breeze over Hopton end. 7 Raven (party of 6 plus one). Spotted Fly with at least 2 young in Hall Wood. 120 Goldfinch on Stones island.Simon Roddis
2017-07-244 Little Egret, 4 Barnacle Geese, 4 Oystercatcher, 10 LRP, 1 juvenile Ringed Plover, 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Black tailed Godwit, 4 Common Tern, immature female Peregrine. Clive Ashton/Roger Carrington
2017-07-23Monthly WeBS count: 31 GC Grebe, 8 Little Grebe, 4 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, 26 Cormorant, 47 Mute Swan, 413 Canada Geese, 3 Barnacle Geese, 14 Greylags, 191 Mallard, 10 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 262 Tufted Duck, 1 R-c Pochard, 1 drake Common Scoter, 11 Moorhen, 510 Coot, 4 Oystercatcher, 17 Lapwing, 14 LRP, 5 Common Sand, 1 Dunlin, 1 Redshank, 1 Common Tern, 1 Kingfisher. Also juv Med Gull, adult Y-l Gull, 2 Peregrine, Hobby, 6 Raven, 15 Linnet.SJR, JB, CA
2017-07-215 Little Egrets (2 flew in over Millfields at 1230). Wildfowl much as in previous days. Most of the Greylags appear to have moved out but there has been a definite increase in Coot numbers. 6 adult Moorhen, including pairs with 2 chicks each in Shiningford creek and Hopton end, plus a large youngster at Hopton end - no idea where that has come from. 95 Lapwing. 13 LRP. 6 Common Sand. At least 5 Oystercatcher. 2 Common Tern. 2 Yellow-legged Gull - the adult and the rather poorly-looking first-summer. 4 Stock Dove. 30 Swifts. 10 Sand Martin. Family of recently fledged Whitethroats at Hopton end. Song Thrush with food in Sheepwash carpark. 10 Starlings over. Female Redstart at Hopton end. 3 Grey Wag. 2 Greenfinch. Total of c100 Goldfinch on site.Simon Roddis
2017-07-2047 Mute Swans + cygnets. 6 full-grown young Gadwall in BA Bay, along with female and one smaller young. 3 Little Egrets. 6 adult and 1 large young Little Grebe (including a pair having another nesting attempt in Shiningford creek). Adult Y-l Gull. Adult and juv Common Tern. At least 50 Goldfinch in total. c40 Tree Sparrows at the WLC.Simon Roddis
2017-07-18In addition from WLC: 1 Hobby high over Carsington Pastures, 1 Teal, 40+ Tree Sparrow, 2 eclipse Gadwall. And 1 Oystercatcher at Lane End.James Owen
2017-07-183 Barnacle Geese, 4 Little ringed Plover, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Willow Tit, 10+ Tree Sparrow, 1 Kestrel, 3 ChaffinchAlex Collins-Smith
2017-07-1849 adult Mute Swan, 35 Greylag, 3 Barnacle Geese, female Rc Pochard, 2 Little Egret, 5+ Heron, 12 LRP, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Redshank, Redstart in WLC fields, Reed Warbler singing at WLC reed bed, Whitethroat family on Stones, Goldcrest family in BA Bay, GBbG, YLG, Kestrel taking prey to east side, 45 Jackdaw over Carsington pasture. Clive Ashton
2017-07-16Lapwing 7,Greylag goose 33,Cormorant 11,Great crested grebe 4,Mute swan 48 + 6 young, BH gull, Goldfinch 11, Canada goose 74,Gbb gull 2,Grey heron 2,Common sandpiper 1, Pied wagtail 2,Moorhen 2,Wren 1,Reed Bunting 1,Swift 2,Sand Martin 7,House Martins 10,Swallows 2,Great Tit 7,Blue tit 4,Reed warbler 1,Blackcap 1David Armitt
2017-07-1648 adult Mute Swans. 4 adult Gadwall; brood of 6 at Millfields and 1 in BA Bay. 1 Teal. Female R-c Pochard with 1 young at WLC still. Juv Goosander. 2 Little Egrets. 5 Grey Heron. 23 Cormorant. 14 LRP. 1 Dunlin. 2 Common Sand. 2 Y-l Gull. Kingfisher and 3 Raven at Millfields. Pair of Spotted Fly with food at Penn Carr, and another adult in BA Bay. 25 House Martin at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2017-07-1550 adult Mute Swans plus 5 and 1 cygnets. 3 Teal. 1 Little Egret. 5 Grey Heron. 3 adult Little Grebe. c30 Lapwing. 17 LRP. 1 Dunlin. 7 Common Sand. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (ad and first-summer). Stock Dove singing at the top of WLC creek. 13 Swifts over Stones. 2 Spotted Fly in BA Bay and 1 singing in WLC creek. 2 Redstart in WLC fields. Goldcrest feeding recently fleded juv in WLC creek. c12 Linnet on Stones and 1 singing in WLC creek. c50 Tree Sparrows on the WLC feeders, most of them juveniles.Simon Roddis
2017-07-133 Black-tailed Godwits at Millfields. Greenshank dropped into Stones at 1040, and later at Sheepwash. 16 LRP. 2 ad Dunlin. 4 Common Sand. 3 Little Egret. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and first-summer) and first-summer GBbG at Sheepwash. 3 Sand Martin. 5 singing Reed Warblers. Sedge Warbler on Sailing Club island. At least 4 Spotted Fly at Sheepwash/BA Bay. 1 Redstart in WLC fields and a pair with food at Hopton end (second breeding attempt?). 35 Tree Sparrows at WLC.SJR, CA, RC
2017-07-11Female Common Scoter from Sheepwash hide. 3 Little Egrets still. 2 Teal in BA Bay. Yesterday's passage waders appear to have moved on but still 18 LRP (5 ads, 13 juvs) and 5 Common Sands. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 2 Redstart in WLC fields. 1 Spotted Fly at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2017-07-1010 islandica race Black-tailed Godwits in front of the Sailing Club to 1000 at least. 17 LRPs (8 ads, 9 juvs). 1 Curlew south. 1 ad Dunlin. 4 Common Sands. 1 Common Snipe at Sheepwash. 46 adult Mute Swans. 10 adult Gadwall. 2 Teal. Female R-c Pochard plus 1 young. 32 Cormorant. 10 Grey Heron. 3 Little Egret still. Pair of Moorhen with 2 young at Hopton end. Juv female Peregrine. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Kingfisher at PS. 35 Swifts, mostly heading south. Lesser White, Sedge Warbler and 40 Goldfinch on Stones. Female Redstart in WLC fields. Spotted Fly at Sheepwash. Simon Roddis
2017-07-09Adult Little Grebe with full grown juvenile at Hopton end, 3+ Heron, 3 Little Egret, 45 adult Mute Swan, 2 female Tufted with 8 young at Hopton end (probably 7+1), Rc Pochard still with 1 young, Coots with 1 tiny young at Millfields Island and another sitting at Penn Carr, 10+ LRP, 14 Common Sandpiper, Kingfisher, Reed Warbler family at WLC reed bed and others singing WLC Creek, PS hide and Hopton end, Sedge Warbler on Sailing Club Island, female Redstart in WLC fields, Siskin over Blackwall plantation. Clive Ashton
2017-07-083 Little Egret still. 46 Mute Swans plus cygnets. 5 Gadwall plus broods of 5 and 1. Female R-c Pochard with 1young still. New brood of 11 Tufteds at Big Island. 1 Teal. 2 pairs of Little Grebe. 2 Grey Heron. 2 Sparrowhawk. 8 Common Sandpiper. 3 Stock Dove. 2 Kestrel. 3 Raven. 1 Skylark north. 4 Sand Martin. c15 Reed Warbler including 7 singing. 2 Spotted Fly at Sheepwash. 2 juv Redstarts in WLC fields. 50 Starling. 4 Mistle Thrush. (75 species.)Simon Roddis
2017-07-0746 Mute Swan. 532 Canada Geese. 1 Teal. Imm male Common Scoter from Sheepwash to 1130 at least. 29 Cormorant. 3 Little Egret (2 in BA Bay, 1 in Stones/WLC area). 2 Grey Heron (adult and juv). Little Grebe nest in Shiningford creek appears to have been abandoned. At least 10 LRP. 3 Redshank. 2 imm Common Gull. 2 imm GBbG. 10 LBbG. 4 Common Tern south at 1050. Male Peregrine over the west side. 6 Raven. 2 Sand Martin. 4 Spotted Fly between Sheepwash and BA Bay. 10 Linnet on Stones. (72 species.)Simon Roddis
2017-07-051 juv Little Egret on the west side between Shiningford and Sheepwash. 4 Grey Heron (2 ads, 2 juvs). 46 Mute Swan plus broods of 5 and 1. 51 Greylags, including 19 juvs. Mandarin, probably an eclipse mail, in Tail Bay. 4 Teal off Stones. No change in Gadwall and R-c Pochard broods. New brood of 2 small Tufted Duck at Sailing Club island. 24 Cormorant. Pair of Little Grebes at a nest in Shiningford creek, and 1 singing in BA Bay. Only 1 GCGrebe still sitting on Millfields island, all the others appear to have deserted. 25+ Lapwing. 1 ad Dunlin on Watersports island. 2 imm GBbG. 1 first-summer Common Gull from Sheepwash. 2 Jay at Millfields. Spotted Fly in WLC creek. 2 Redstart in WLC fields. 15 Starling over. Simon Roddis
2017-07-03Red shank 2,canada geese 100+,House martin 2,swallow 4,Coot 150+,Cormorant 12,BH Gull 15,Mute swan 9,Mallard 7,Lapwing 6,Tuffted Duck 15,Heron 2,Grey wagtail 1,Woodpigeon 7,Ringed plover 2,Sand Martins 6,Oystercatcher 2,Bullfinch 3,Bullfinch 3, Blackbird 8,Song thrush 2,white wagtail 2 ,David Armitt
2017-07-03450 Canada Geese. Gadwall broods of 6 and 1 still, and R-c Pochard 1. 2 Pochard and 1 Teal in BA Bay. 13 Cormorant. 2 adult Grey Heron. Pair of Little Grebe in Shiningford Creek with 2 large young. At least 16 LRP around the res. 1 Ringed Plover. 2 Raven from Sheepwash. 2 Sand Martin. 2 Lesser White and 3 Redstart in WLC creek. 22 Tree Sparrows including 7 juvs.SJR, CA, AHS
2017-07-0229 Greylags. Gadwall broods of 1 and 6 still, and R-c Pochard with 1. 1 Teal, 1 Pochard. 15 Cormorant. 2 Grey Heron. Moorhen with small young in Hopton reedbed. 2 Common Sands at Millfields. 2 GBbG. 4 Mistle Thrush. Male and female Redstart in WLC fields. 3 Spotted Fly around Sheepwash/PS. 1 Siskin over WLC creek.Simon Roddis
2017-06-30The waders of the last couple of day all appear to have moved on, but there are still at least 2 young Common Sands on Big Island. A Common Tern cruising up and down past Stones island. 42 Mute Swan, plus broods of 1 and 5. 23 Greylags. 8 adult Gadwall, plus 6 young at the WLC and just 1 now in BA Bay. The female R-c Pochard now has only 1 young at the WLC. 3 adult Moorhen (2 Hopton, 1 BA Bay). 15 LBbG. Onefooted GBbG. 1 Kingfisher in BA Bay. Blackcap with food at Hopton. 13 Reed Warblers noted: 5 singing in Hopton reedbed, plus 4 more birds there (females?), one of them feeding a fledged young bird; singles singing in BA Bay, WLC and on Stones (RC). At least 3 Sedge Warblers on Stones/Sailing Club islands, so maybe there are fledged young there now. 1 adult Spotted Fly at Sheepwash. Male and juv Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
2017-06-29Decent array of waders this morning: 2 Knot, 1 Dunlin, 1 juv Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, Lapwing, LRP, Oystercatcher, Common Sand and Redshank. Female Redstart still in WLC fields. The male Mute Swan of the pair with 5 cygnets is colour-ringed, JCA, and is now 18 years old, having been ringed as a one-year old at Burton-on-Trent in July 2000.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2017-06-281 Black-tailed Godwit at Wildlife Centre 1615hrs, 2 Sanderling on Sail Club Island 1700hrs in wet windy conditions.Roger Carrington
2017-06-27New brood of 2 young Barnacle Geese at Millfields. Male Pochard flew past Stones. Otherwise, mostly the usual suspects.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
2017-06-2642 Mute Swan, plus the one cygnet at Sailing Club and a brood of 5 small cygnets in Hopton end. 37 Greylags, including juvs. 556 Canada Geese. Drake Teal in BA Bay. Tufted Duck broods of 18 (more than one brood?) in WLC creek and 12 at Big Island. 5 drake Common Scoter off Stones. Coot with 1 small chick and 3 well-grown Common Sand chicks on Big Island. 2 Common Terns. 2 GBbG. GSWoodpecker flew east from Stones and across the reservoir. 6 singing Reed Warblers plus pair in BA Bay. At least 2 Redstarts in WLC fields and Spotted Fly still in BA Bay. Siskin over Hopton end.Simon Roddis
2017-06-26I have returned from holiday and have identified a bird I saw near the further bird hide I am 99 sure it was a Dartford Warbler. Many thanks, Jennifer for taking the time to send in your record of what you believe could have been a Dartford Warbler at Carsington Water on 17/06/2017. May I just say that Dartford Warblers are a very rare vagrant to Derbyshire and the occurence of such a bird at Carsington would be extremly unlikely. Have you considered Common Whitethroat which often sit out in the open akin to a Dartford Warbler? As this is such a rarity in Derbyshire it would need submitting to the Derbyshire Ornithological Society (DOS) to be considered for acceptance. Regards Dave Newcombe: Joint recorder for Carsington Bird Club. Dave Newcombe
2017-06-25I have returned from holiday and have identified a bird I saw near the further bird hide I am 99% sure it was a Dartford Warbler.Jennifer Cauchemet
2017-06-2431 Mute Swan. 5 Gadwall plus broods of 3 (BA Bay) and 6 (WLC). R-c Pochard f with 3 young in Shiningford creek, drake at WLC. Tufted brood of 13, female brought them across the res into Shiningford creek. Female Pochard in BA Bay. Full grown juv LRP at Sheepwash. 2 GBbG. Kingfisher in BA Bay. Pair of Reed Warblers carrying food in BA Bay, plus 4 singing in Hopton reedbed and one at PS hide. Female Redstart with one young in WLC fields. 2 Linnet on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-06-2331 Mute Swan, female Gadwall with 3 small young in BA Bay, 6 GC Grebe nests on Millfields Island, female Redstart with 1 young in WLC fields, 2 Willow Tit families Penn Carr and PSHide gate. CA,AHS,SJR
2017-06-2227 Mute Swans, including a pair with 1 cygnet off Sailing Club island. 4 Shoveler dropped into BA Bay at 1030. Female R-c Pochard with 5 young at WLC, male RCP also there, and a female Gadwall with 6 young. 12 Cormorant. 2 Grey Heron. 20 Lapwing. Pair of Redshank at WLC with 4 full-grown young. Juv BhGs now flying at Millfields island. 1 Raven at Millfields. 5 Sand Martin. Sedge Warbler still on Sailing Club island. Family party of Lesser Whitethroats in the big hedge opposite Millfields island.Simon Roddis
2017-06-20Pair of Common Sandpipers on Big Island, appear to have at least 2 small young, very agitated by the presence of nearby Coots. (Common Sand last bred in 1992 when 2 pairs reared 8 young.) 11 Redshank, including 2 almost fully grown young in Hopton end. 18 Lapwing at WLC. 24 Mute Swan. 580 Canada Geese and 34 Greylags (both plus goslings). Female Gadwall with c.8 young in Shiningford creek. 11 Cormorant. 2 Grey Heron. Onefoot the GBbG still. Sedge Warbler still on Sailing Club island. In BA Bay, at least 2 recently fledged Spotted Flycatchers being fed by adults, and similarly 3 young Carrion Crows.Simon Roddis
2017-06-19Pair of Red-crested Pochard at the Wildlife Centre with 6 young. Dave Newcombe
2017-06-19Drake Ruddy Shelduck type distant from Stones, Rc Pochard still with 6 chicks, Jay back and forth to Hall Wood, Coots with 2 small young on Big Island, 3 Heron, 24 Mute Swan, Moorhen calling from Hopton pond, 30+ LBbG, Kingfisher at Hopton end, Sedge Warbler still Sailing Club Island, several juv Goldfinch on Stones.Clive Ashton
2017-06-16Grey Heron, 2 Little Grebes, 10 Barnacle Geese including pair with 1 gosling, 32 Greylag Geese, 23 Mute Swans including pair with 1 small cygnet at Sailing Club, drake Red-crested Pochard at Wildlife Centre, 13 Oystercatchers, 4 LRP, 7 Redshank including 3 well grown young, 4 Common Terns early morning then flew SW, 6 Grey Wags at Hopton End, male Redstart in field near Sheepwash, 7 juv Pied Wags, 7 Reed Buntings, Linnet, 11 Song Thrush, 41 Chiffchaff, 31 Blackcap, 6 Willow Warblers, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Garden Warblers, 4 Reed Warblers, 6 Goldcrests, 2 juv Swallows being fed on rocks near draw off tower. Dave Newcombe
2017-06-15Sedge Warbler and Linnet on Sailing Club Island, drake RC Pochard and drake Gadwall at WLC, Lesser Whitethroat family in the hedge near WLC Creek, 2 Stock Dove over, 5 Buzzard, 7 Lapwing, 6 LR Plover.Clive Ashton
2017-06-13Drake Common Scoter off Stones, though mobile. 2 Curlew on Stones and 2 Crossbill south over Middle Wood. Male R-c Pochard at WLC. 14 Starlings over, mostly juvs. At Hopton end, Spotted Fly singing and 4 juv Grey Wagtails.Simon Roddis
2017-06-12Just the usual suspects this morning. Female R-c Pochard again off Stones, the male at WLC. Two large young Oycs at Millfields. Recently fledged Reed Bunting in BA Bay.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-06-11Monthly WeBS count: 24 Mute Swan, 40 Greylag, 417 Canada Geese, 7 Barnacle Geese, 10 Gadwall, 78 Mallard, 1 R-c Pochard, 79 Tufted Duck, 10 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Grebe, 41 GCGrebe, 1 Moorhen, 148 Coot, 15 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 2 Ringed Plover, 9 LRP, 1 Dunlin, 12 Redshank. Also 1 GBbG, 1 Common Tern, 6 Goldcrests singing between Lane End and BA Bay, total of 7 singing Reed Warblers, Redstart singing at Sheepwash carpark.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2017-06-101 Common Tern south and 1 Dunlin at Sheepwash. Pair of Lesser Whitethroats with food at Millfields. 4 Great Crested Grebes sitting on nests on the landward side of Millfields island, and another pair prospecting. Just pray that the water level doesn't rise! 6 Mistle Thrushes over Millfields.Simon Roddis
2017-06-09A few more observations from today: 313 Canada Geese, 9 adult Gadwall (6m,3f, including female with 11 young in BABay - same brood as earlier in the week), male Teal again on Stones, at least 10 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1st-summer Yellow-legged Gull, imm GBbG, 3 Stock Dove, fledged Willow Tits at Hopton end, Sheepwash and WLC creek, 6 singing Reed Warblers (3 Hopton reedbed, 3 BABay/PS hide), fledgling Whitethroat in WLC creek, young Nuthatch being fed by adult near PS hide.Simon Roddis
2017-06-09Sheepwash: 18 Greylag, 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 Jay. Paul Stanley: Reed Warbler singing. Stones/WLC: 4 Gadwall, Mallard brood of 5 (3-5 days old), Kingfisher flew towards Sheepwash, c20 Tree Sparrow, Redstart singing behind WLC, family of 5 Mistle Thrush in WLC Creek. Millfields: 2 GC Grebe sitting on Island, Jay.Clive Ashton

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