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
2017-06-081 Common Tern south past Sheepwash 0930. 25 Mute Swans including one apparently sitting on a nest on Horseshoe island. 1 drake Teal on Stones. Drake R-c Pochard at Millfields. Imm GBbG. Fledgling Blue, Great, Coal (BA Bay) and Willow (WLC creek) Tits. Pair of Mistle Thrushes with food at Sheepwash. Reed Warbler singing at PS Hide.Simon Roddis
2017-06-07At the Hopton end, a Hobby, probably a 2nd-year female, perched in an ash tree, giving just about my best and most prolongued views of a perched Hobby ever; Redstart and GSWoodpecker with food there, and 3 singing Reed Warblers in the reedbed. 1 imm Herring Gull. 1 imm GBbG. 2 Stock Dove. 1 Raven. 25 House Martins around Stones. Another singing Reed Warbler in BA Bay, and singing Redstart in WLC creek. Simon Roddis
2017-06-06This afternoon, 16 Mute Swan, 28 Greylag + goslings, 247 Canada Geese + goslings, pair Gadwall in BA Bay, male R-c Pochard, 11 Cormorant, 25 Swift at Sheepwash, 100 House Martin (70 around Stones, 30 Sheepwash), 6 Mistle Thrush at Sheepwash. No sign of the scoters.Simon Roddis
2017-06-066 Common Scoter mobile between Sheepwash and dam. 7 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 1 LRP from Janet Ede Hide early morning in poor weather conditions.Roger Carrington
2017-06-05A pair of Gadwall with 10 ducklings on the pond in front of Paul Stanley hide this morning, hopefully with more broods to follow. Fledgling Goldcrest in BA Bay and Chiffchaff with food there. Pair of Redstarts alarm-calling at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
2017-06-04List of species from the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon): Coot, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Oystercatcher, Great Crested Grebe, Swift, Little Ringed Plover, Pied Wagtail, Reed Bunting, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Cormorant, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Gadwall, Chiffchaff, Wren, Black-headed Gull, House Martin, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Jackdaw, Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler, Dunnock, Blackbird, Magpie, Goldfinch, Swallow, Pheasant, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Lapwing, Little Grebe and RedshankGary Atkins
2017-06-0215 Mute Swans. 180+ Canada Geese. 6 Gadwall (2 pairs and 2 drakes). Male R-c Pochard. 9 Cormorant. 3 Grey Heron. 6 adult Redshank. 2 imm GBbG. 4 Stock Dove. 2 Sand Martin briefly at the WLC wall. 2 Reed Warblers (Sailing Club island and BA Bay). 20 Starlings over BA Bay. Whitethroat and Reed Bunting with food at BA Bay.Simon Roddis
2017-05-28A Red Kite over the Blackwall end at 0520. Sanderling flew through north at 0930. 11 Mute Swan. 2 pairs Gadwall. Male R-c Pochard. 10 Cormorant. 1 Curlew. 2 singing Common Sands (Hopton and Stones). 3 GBbG. male Kingfisher in BA Bay. 25 House Martin over Stones. 1 Lesser Whitethroat at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2017-05-2713 Mute Swan, 10 Cormorant, 2 Heron, GC Grebe nest building in Brown Ale Bay, pair Shoveler, pair Mandarin, 4 Gadwall, 2 Turnstone, 1 Curlew, 1 Ringed Plover, Oystercatcher with 3 young on Millfields Island, 2 Common Tern, 1st summer YL Gull, 2 Stock Dove, 2 juv Tree Sparrow at WLC.Clive Ashton/Jon Bradley
2017-05-26A bit more from today: 3 young Redshank at Hopton end, and 2 young Lapwings there still, plus Nuthatch with food. In Hall Wood, 2 singing Spotted Flycatchers, Chiffchaff with fledged young. GSWoodpecker nest with young in Middle Wood. 3 Common Terns north at Hopton 0945. 11 Mute Swan. 27 adult Greylags, including 4 pairs with young. 70 Canada Geese. 1 Pink-footed Goose. 8 Cormorant. 5 Gadwall (2 pairs and a male). Pair R-c Pochard on Stones. Pair Little Grebes in BA Bay. 1 Common Sand. 3 imm GBbG. 2 singing Stock Doves (Hall and Middle Woods). 3 Raven at Hopton end. 3 Jays in different locations. 3 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed. 4 Mistle Thrush. Third Spotted Fly singing at BA Bay.Simon Roddis
2017-05-26Redshank broods of 2 at Hopton end, Big Island and Flat Island. Lapwing brood of 2 on Big Island, Oystercatcher sitting on Flat Island, Coot nest on Big Island. GBbG on spit at Sheepwash, Jay flying to Hall Wood, Buzzard taking prey there too. Two Ringed Plover on Stones, Sedge Warbler on Watersports Island, Reed Warbler on Sailing Club Island, drake RC Pochard at WLC and Sand Martins going to sand bank at WLC.Clive Ashton
2017-05-25Information returned on the ringed Sanderling from the flock on Tuesday; It was captured in Banc d'Arguin National Park, Mauritania in December 2012, and last observation was in August 2016 in Dublin Bay, sex is unknown. James Owen
2017-05-24Not much evidence of movement this morning, but a few birds with young, etc: a pair of Oystercatchers with at least 3 young on Millfields island; Redshank with at least one young and Lapwing with two in Hopton end (Redshanks also still alarm-calling on Big Island). Fledged Willow Tits at PS Hide. Blackcap with food and Nuthatch coming out of a nest-hole with a faecal sac at Penn Carr. Fledged Treecreeper in WLC creek. Also 27 adult Greylags, including PPX, 8 Cormorant, at least 3 male Gadwall, pair of Little Grebes in BA Bay, 34 Carrion Crows on the dam wall, 5 singing Reed Warblers, and one Curlew on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-05-23WLC: 7 Sanderling from midday then all afternoon (one bird with two white rings on either leg), also 2 Common Tern through (with brief interest in nest raft), 4 Oystercatcher (including pair with fresh young on HS Island), 1 juv Great Black-backed Gull ('one-foot'), 2 Willow Tit. Also, Red-crested Pochard pair and 2 male Gadwall from Janet Ede hide.James Owen
2017-05-222 Black Terns around 07:55, then flew north. We counted singing birds on one side of the reservoir each again today, with the following results: 12 Goldcrests, 65 Chiffchaffs, 32 Willow Warblers, 55 Blackcaps, 14 Garden Warblers, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Common Whitethroat, 1 Sedge Warbler, 5 Reed Warblers, 125 Wrens, 56 Blackbirds (out of 91 in total), 23 Song Thrushes, 1 Spotted Flycatcher (Shiningford creek), 91 Robins, 3 Redstarts, 20 Dunnocks, 17 Chaffinch, 6 Reed Bunting. Confirmed breeding for Redshank, GSWoodpecker, Goldcrest, Long-tailed Tit, Garden Warbler, Dunnock, Blackbird.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-05-201 Whimbrel on end of Stones Island at 17.00. Had moved to shore in front of Sailing Club by 17.30 Paul Bennett
2017-05-19The Knot still present to 1615 at least, at the WLC. Single Turnstone, Dunlin, Common Sandpiper and Curlew. 2 Sandwich Terns north at 1330. 3 Common and 3 Arctic Terns also through. Drake Mandarin and R-c Pochard. Pair of Gadwall. Pair of Goosander flew NE. 8 Cormorant. 2 Grey Heron. 65 LBbG through. 1 Herring Gull. 2 1st-summer GBbG. 3 Stock Dove. 40 Swift. c120 House Martin. 4 Raven. Spotted Fly and Redstart singing in Hall Wood. Male Yellow Wagtail on Watersports island. Fledgling Mistle Thrush at Sheepwash. Fledgling Great Tit on Stones. Dunnocks feeding young in the nest in gorse near Middle Wood. Male Grey Wagtail at Millfields but no fledglings seen. 1 Greenfinch at Sheepwash. A pretty good day - 83 species, my highest ever at Carsi.Simon Roddis
2017-05-18In addition to Clive's sightings. Pink-footed Goose with Greylags in field near brick tower. 3 Gadwall, drake Mandarin, 5 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel. The second pair of Lapwings mentioned by Clive had at least 2 young. Also on Big Island a pair of Redshank with 4 young. Winter plumage Knot on Horseshoe Island from 17.00. Whimbrel heard from Stones Island in the evening rain. Warblers counted between Penn Carr and Hopton: 37 Chiffchaff, 14 Willow Warblers, 32 Blackcaps, 9 Garden Warblers, 4 Whitethroats, 2 Reed Warblers and a Sedge Warbler. Also a Stoat chasing and eventually catching a Rabbit at the Wildlife Centre. Dave Newcombe
2017-05-18Hopton end to Flat Island: Canada Goose with 2 small young, 2 Mallard broods 5+4 probably 1 week old, Greylag Goose PPX neck collar, Lapwing brood of 4 and another of at least 1, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Grey Wagtail and Siskin over. Millfields: Great Crested Grebe attempting to build a nest, drake Gadwall, Coot on nest, Oystercatcher sitting on nest, Grey Wagtail feeding 1 young and at least 2 young BhG. Stones to WLC: Drake RC Pochard, drake Gadwall, Grey Heron, Reed Warbler.. Clive Ashton
2017-05-170830-1200 in the rain: c.150 House Martins around Stones, with single figures each of Swallow and Sand Martin, and 12 Swifts. 1 Ringed Plover. 2 pairs Gadwall. Pair R-c Pochard. Drake Mandarin on the WLC feeders. 6 Cormorants. 20 LBbG. 2 1st-summer GBbG. Reed Warblers singing in WLC and Hopton reedbeds. Pair of Tree Sparrows with a juv at the WLC, and another collecting insects and flying off up the creek.Simon Roddis
2017-05-160600-1100: 1 Sanderling from Sheepwash hide. 1 Common Tern south at 08:50. 4 broods each of Greylag and Canada Goose, including one young Canada leaping from its nest on a platform at Millfields. Coot with 2 young at Sheepwash. 3 Gadwall. Pair R-c Pochard. Pair of Little Grebe in Brown Ale Bay. 4 Redshank. 15 LBbG. Onefoot the GBbG. 3 Stock Dove. Reed Warbler singing in Brown Ale Bay. Spotted Flycatcher between Sheepwash and PS. Willow Tit with food at Millfields. Grey Wag feeding 2 fledged young at Penn Carr.Simon Roddis
2017-05-16Pair Gadwall. Pair R-c Pochard. 8 Cormorant. Juv Yellow-legged Gull. 3 juv GBbG. 30 House Martins. Spotted Flycatcher in Penn Carr. Grey Wagtail feeding fledged young at Penn Carr. Simon Roddis
2017-05-12Drake Mandarin, drake RC Pochard and 2 Ringed Plover from WLC. Reed Warbler singing in WLC Creek. Little Egret from Stones, Swift going under eaves of the VC, Yellow Wagtail over Stones, Lesser Whitethroat singing near Sheepwash car park and a pair of Spotted Flycatcher in Brown Ale Bay.Clive Ashton
2017-05-11In addition to Simon's sightings. Grey Plover was still at Sheepwash late afternoon. Evening on Stones 3 Sanderling, c7 Dunlin, Ringed Plover, 2 Whimbrel flew through and appeared to land at Sheepwash, and 2 Yellow Wagtails. c5 Common Sandpiper but probably more, 3 Redshank, Curlew. Another brood of 7 young with the brood of 6. Also a brood of 5 at the Wildlife Centre. Warblers counted from Millfields to Hopton: 27 Chiffchaff, 28 Blackcaps, 13 Willow Warblers, 10 Garden Warblers, 7 Whitethroat and 2 Lesser Whitethroats. 7 singing male Reed Buntings: Millfields, Stones, Hopton, Lane End, Sheepwash and Wildlife Centre (2). Dave Newcombe
2017-05-100545-1245: one Grey Plover still, initially on Stones and later from Sheepwash. 1 Ringed Plover and 2 Dunlin on Stones. 4 Common Sandpiper. 4 Redshank. The one-footed juv GBbG still. 12 Mute Swans. 65 Canada Geese. 19 Greylags at Hopton end, including PPX, plus a brood of 6 young. Drake Mandarin. Pairs of Gadwall and R-c Pochard. 3 Grey Heron. 2 Little Grebe (Tail Bay and Brown Ale Bay). 2 Stock Dove. 25 Swifts. 3 Raven. 4 Willow Tits in separate locations. Singing Lesser Whitethroats in WLC creek and Millfields car park. 2 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed and 1 at WLC. Sedge Warblers singing on Sailing Club and near Millfields islands. Redstarts singing in WLC creek and top of Hall Wood. Grey Wags at Millfields and Brown Ale Bay. Pair Linnet in gorse near Middle Wood. (75 species.)Simon Roddis
2017-05-09In addition to already noted: from WLC 2 Stock Dove below feeders, 4 Curlew (individual birds bathing through the day), drake Mandarin, Red-crested Pochard pair, Reed Bunting pair. James Owen
2017-05-09Grey Heron, 3 Shelduck, drake Goosander, 3+ Gadwall, cream crown Marsh Harrier flew north at 07:55hr, Kestrel carrying food to east side, 2 Grey Plover from WLC, 8 Ringed Plover, 5 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper and 1 Curlew around Stones Island also 1 Bar tailed Godwit flew through. The one footed GBb Gull, a single Common Tern, 50+ Swift, 25+ House Martin, 1 Yellow Wagtail, Reed Warbler at WLC reed bed, Sedge Warbler on Sailing Club Island, Lesser Whitethroat at Penn Carr, Chiffchaff carrying food on Stones Island. Blue Tit and Coal Tit feeding young at Penn Carr and 1 Raven. CA,AHS,SJR
2017-05-08Adult summer Little Gull flew north at 0835. 2 summer plumage Grey Plovers from the WLC. 3 Arctic Terns. Drake Mandarin. Pair Gadwall. Pair R-c Pochard. Drake Goosander. 5 Ringed Plover. 8 Dunlin. 1 GBbG. 2 Raven. Steady movement of hirundines, all 3 species.SJR, CA, AHS
2017-05-072 1st summer Little Gulls thru high east at 10:25am, 1 Black Tern, 1 Commic Tern, 5 Turnstones, 8 Ringed Plovers, 5 Dunlin from Stones Island, Grey Plover on Watersports Island plus a second bird in Shiningford Creek, 1 Whimbrel.John Bradley
2017-05-071Hobby flew north over Wildlife Centre mid morning veering off quickly west into the wood and out of sight. Leo Galante
2017-05-06Quite a few waders this morning: 2 Grey Plover (including the long-staying bird, now approaching full breeding plumage), 10 Ringed Plover, 4 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Turnstone, 1 Sanderling, 5 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank. 2 Common Terns. 387 Swifts flew through, heading north. A Wood Warbler was singing for a short time around 06:00 in Hall Wood. 1 Yellow Wagtail. 3 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed. 3 Gadwall. 2 Mandarin. 2 R-c Pochard. Two broods of Canada Geese (8 and 3) in Brown Ale Bay.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
2017-05-054 Turnstones, 1 Grey Plover, 3 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Curlew and Common Sandpiper on Stones Island.John Bradley
2017-05-04Pair RC Pochard, pair Sparrowhawk, 3 Common Sandpiper, Grey Plover, 4 Turnstone, 3 Herring Gull, 1 GBBg, 1 YLG, 3 Arctic Tern, 4 Swift, 5 Reed Warbler and Black Swan still at the Hopton end.CA,RC,AHS
2017-05-03Black swan at sheep wash hide,5 Blackbird,8 pheasant,5 oystercatcher,2 c.crow,20 Canada goose 15 Mallard,15 Great crested Grebe,10 cormorant,20 coot,2 BH gull,3 swallows,6 Woodpiegon,20 Tufted Duck, 1 Mute swan,1 Pied wagtail,2 Chaffinch,9 Canada goose goslings,4 Robin,1 Grey heron,6 Greylag goose,6 Long tailed titsDavid Armitt
2017-05-031 winter plumage Knot on Sailing Club Island this evening.Roger Carrington
2017-05-03Brood of 11 small Mallard ducklings on Stones island in the evening, still there on 01/05.Simon Roddis
2017-05-0314 Arctic Terns through north (10 at 0820, 4 at 0920). Grey Plover still from the WLC. 3 Common Sand in Brown Ale Bay. 3 Gadwall. Pair R-c Pochard. Canada Geese with 5 small young in Brown Ale Bay. 2 Swift. Reed Warbler still singing in WLC reedbed. Couldn't see the GNDiver this morning - perhaps it has flown... Interesting side note: I (SJR) have been to Ogston this afternoon and the one-footed juv GBbGull was there, so when it isn't at Carsi, at least some of time it would appear to be at Ogston.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2017-05-03The GNDiver, Grey Plover, Turnstone and 1 Sanderling still present. 4 Gadwall, male Mandarin and pair of R-c Pochard. Feale Mallard with 3 ducklings at WLC. 2 Sedge Warblers around Stones and 1 Reed Warbler singing in WLC reedbed.Simon Roddis
2017-05-01Another fairly busy morning. 3 Black Terns at Millfields to 1145 at least. c30 Arctic and 4 Common Terns. The Grey Plover still on Watersports island. 6 Sanderling, 6 Dunlin and a Turnstone on Stones. The GNDiver flew around and called but dropped back in. Pairs of Mandarin and R-c Pochard. 1st-summer Med Gull on Millfields island. First summer Yellow-legged and GBb Gulls. 1 Swift. 1 White Wag on Stones. Pair of Grey Wags at Tail Bay.SJR, AHS, RC, JB, CB
2017-04-301700-2000: the GNDiver still. 18 Common Scoter (6m,12f). 10 Sanderling, c20 Dunlin and a Whimbrel on Stones island. 4 Curlew. The Grey Plover was still present, initially at Millfields then on Watersports island. 2 Common Terns south at 1900. 1 Yellow Wagtail.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
2017-04-30Grey Plover at Millfields 12:15pmJohn Bradley
2017-04-30GN Diver still present and flying around, 11 Common Scoter up to 1130hr at least, pair of mandarin. Waders and Terns mainly moving straight through included: 1 Greenshank, 1 male Ruff, 11 Whimbrel, 1 Bar tailed Godwit, 2 Sanderling, 2 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 10 Black Tern, 4 Little Tern and 5 Common Tern. On Stones Island 2 Whitethroat and 1 Yellow Wagtail. 1 Swift over also first summer GBBG and YLG.JB,RC,CA
2017-04-290600-1130: the GNDiver is still present and in full summer plumage but is flying around a bit and won't be here much longer. 1 Shelduck. 4 Whimbrel. 4 Ringed Plover. 3 Dunlin. 3 Arctic Terns and 1 Common Tern. 3 Common Gull. Single first-summer Herring, Yellow-legged and GBb Gulls. 1 Yellow Wagtail. Grasshopper Warbler near Middle Wood (east side) - the first here since 2011. 2 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed. 2 singing Redstarts. 1 Siskin. (81 species between us.)SJR, CA,JB, AHS
2017-04-26Wagtail walk (6-7.30pm; around Visitor Centre, causeway and Stones Island): Redshank, Ringed Plover, Sand Martin, House Martin, Swallow, Oystercatcher, Tufted Duck, Mallard, GC Grebe, Coot, Common Sandpiper, Pied Wagtail (incl White individuals), Gt Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Cormorant, Little Ringed Plover, Gadwall, Dunlin, Yellow Wagtail, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Carrion Crow, Red-crested Pochard, Goldfinch, Blackbird, Garden Warbler, Gt Northern Diver, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Blackcap, Song Thrush, Barnacle Goose, Wren, Mute Swan, Woodpigeon and Greylag Goose, Canada GooseGary Atkins
2017-04-260800-1200, counting down one side of the reservoir each. Totals were: 86 Chiffchaff (74 singing), 46 singing Willow Warblers, 52 Blackcaps (47 singing), 3 Garden Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Common Whitethroat (Hopton), 4 Sedge Warbler, 96 singing Wrens, 77 singing Robins, 1 Redstart, 80 Blackbirds (30 singing), 21 Song Thrush (12 singing), 20 singing Dunnocks. As well as these, the GNDiver is still present, 1 Yellow Wagtail on Watersports island, 2 Mandarins, 7 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 2 Red-crested Pochard, 1 female Goldeneye, 4 LRP, 2 Ringed Plover, 14 Dunlin, 1 Curlew, 10 House Martins. (74 species)Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-04-25GN Diver, pair of Red crested Pochard, 5 Gadwall, Black tailed Godwit, 10 Dunlin, 5 LRP, 5 Common Sandpiper, 2 Ringed Plover, Gbbg, YLG, Redstart, Lesser Whitethroat, Raven. CA, SJR, AHS
2017-04-24GN Diver, 6 Teal, pair of Red crested Pochard, 4 LR Plover, 2 Ringed Plover, 11 Dunlin, 1 Black tailed Godwit, 2 Curlew, 2 Common Sandpiper, GBb Gull, 5 House Martin, Redstart behind Wildlife Centre, and 2 Raven.Clive Ashton/Alan Stewardson
2017-04-23Great Northern Diver coming into summer plumage and flying around this morning. 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls early morning in fields near Middle Wood with BHGulls and Redstart Hall Wood (JB). Red Kite flew south along east bank 0840hrs. Reed Warbler (JB), Sedge and Garden Warblers, 3 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover and 3 LRP's on Stones Island. Lesser Whitethroat and Redstart in field between car park and Wildlife Centre.Roger Carrington
2017-04-21GN Diver, 4 LR Plover, 3 Ringed Plover, 5 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper,2 Snipe, 1 Swift, 100 Sand Martin, Meadow Pipit and Yellow Wagtail on Watersports Island, 2 Garden Warbler on Stones Island and 8 Linnet. An unusual event concerned a Carrion Crow attacking a Bh Gull on Millfields Island with the two grappling on the ground for several minutes before the Gull managed to reach the water and was safe, if a little bruised!CA,RC,AHS
2017-04-20From Stones Island: GN Diver, drake Wigeon, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover, 2 LR Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper, White Wagtail, Sedge Warbler still on Sailing Club Island, 14 Linnet. From WLC: Grey Heron, Coot building nest in Shiningford creek.Clive Ashton

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