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
2017-04-20Sedge warbler singing on Sailing club island. Clive Ashton
2017-04-19This morning the GN Diver, drake Red crested Pochard off Stones, 6 Whimbrel on Sailing Club Island until flew off at 08:05hr, 6 LRP, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper, male Wheatear at Sheepwash, 4 White Wagtail.CA,RC,AHS.
2017-04-18Hopton end 3 Goldeneye, GBb Gull with missing foot, Grey Wagtail, Jay. From Stones Island GN Diver, Bar tailed Godwit on the back of Sailing Club Island, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 6 LR Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1st summer Mediterranean Gull, Raven. WLC 3 Common Sandpiper.CA,JB,AHS
2017-04-17 Great Northern Diver, Pink footed Goose, 3 Gadwall, still at least 5 Ringed Plover present, 4 LRP, 2 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Whimbrel through, 2 White Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1st summer Yellow legged Gull and Mediterranean Gull. CA,JB,RC,AHS
2017-04-16Hopton end to Flat Island, pair of Mandarin, pair of Goldeneye, 2 Common Sandpiper, pair of Little Ringed Plover around Flat Island, Lapwing sitting on Big Island also 5 Redshank and 3 pairs of Greylag there. From Stones Island GN Diver occasionally flying around, 2 Shelduck, 1 Pink footed Goose, 7 Ringed Plover, 5+ LRP, 1 Dunlin, GBbG, 3 Herring Gull, adult Kittiwake at 09:35hr until 10:45hr, 3rd summer Yellow legged Gull, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 5+ Buzzard, Raven, male Redstart, 3 pairs of Song Thrush, 2 White Wagtail, Meadow Pipit over. Sheepwash 1 Dunlin. Millfields 4 pairs Barnacle Geese and 1st summer Mediterranean Gull.CA,RC,JB,AHS
2017-04-15GN Diver, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Gadwall, Mallard brood of 4, 7 Ringed Plover, 4 Little ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Wheatear on Watersports Island, 5 White Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Skylark over, 2 Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, 1st summer Mediterranean Gull at Millfields, 10 Linnet on Stones Island.Clive Ashton/Jon Bradley
2017-04-14Osprey at Carsington water 13:00 made a failed attempt dive near shiningford creek then circled high and drifted north at 13:17. Adrian Siddall
2017-04-14Arctic Tern mid AM, Yellow Wagtail over Stones, 2 Ringed Plovers, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, Great Northern Diver and a leucistic Black-headed Gull on Millfields Island.JB, AHS
2017-04-14WeBS count for April - Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 6, Great Crested Grebe 37, Cormorant 12, Grey Heron 1, Mute Swan 5, Greylag Goose 9, Canada Goose 128, Barnacle Goose 14, Gadwall 3, Teal 11, Mallard 41, Tufted Duck 58, Goldeneye 4, Moorhen 8, Coot 72, Oystercatcher 12, Little Ringed Plover 4, Lapwing 8, Snipe 1, Redshank 11, Common Sandpiper 2, Turnstone 1.JB, SJR
2017-04-14morning between 10.00 and 12.00. Red Necked Grebe identified from photo at RSPB Coombe Valley reserve by warden who suggested I submit my sighting. It was near the osprey platforms.Pam Harwood
2017-04-13GN Diver still present,15 Barnacle Geese around site,3 Ringed Plover, 4 Little Ringed Plover and 1 Common Sandpiper around Stones Island,1 Snipe at WLC,1 Yellow Wagtail on Watersports Island. Clive Ashton
2017-04-10This morning from Stones Island 2 Little ringed Plovers, Great Northern Diver still present, 100 plus hirudines mainly Sand Martins but including 30 Swallows and 1 House Martin, Curlews heard as was Yellow Wagtail but unfortunately not seen. Alan Stewardson
2017-04-09Yellow Wagtail on Horseshoe Island this evening. Turnstone still on Stones Island plus 2 Willow Warblers. Dave Newcombe
2017-04-09Sandwich Tern briefly at 9:10am off Stones Island plus 2 on Horseshoe Island at 10:40am with at least 1 still present at 11:00. Mallard with a brood of 11 in Shiningford Creek, Turnstone on Watersports Island.JB, CA
2017-04-08Green Woodpecker, Tawny Owl, Stock Dove & Blackcap at Tailbay. Also fox around Tailbay ponds.John, Matkin
2017-04-07An Osprey flew NW over Brown Ale Bay at 12:08, flushing a few ducks and gulls as it did so, but didn't stop. 1 Turnstone on Horseshoe island. The GNDiver still. 3 Gadwall. 1m Shoveler in BA Bay. 3 Golden Plover flew through. 2 LRP. 1 sum plum Dunlin at Sheepwash. 1 ad Yellow-legged Gull. 150 Sand Martins with 5+ Swallows and at least 1 House Martin. 10+ Linnets around Stones island.SJR, CA, AHS, KR
2017-04-061 House Martin among 100 Sand Martins and 5 Swallows in Sailing Club Bay this morning. The GNDiver still. 2 Gadwall. 2 female Goldeneye from Sheepwash. 24 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. 2 Fieldfare north over WLC creek. 2 Mistle Thrush at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2017-04-05This morning from Stones Island, Great Northern Diver still present, 50+ Sand Martins, 3 Swallows, 2 Shellduck, 1 Skylark plus the now good numbers of chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers. Alan Stewardson
2017-04-04A Little Egret dropped in at 0845 and appeared to land in Brown Ale Bay but not seen again to 11:00. GNDiver still present. 7+ Swallows and 12+ Sand Martins. Male Mandarin in Fishtail and at least 3 Gadwall around. 1 Curlew, 1 Dunlin, 1 LRP.SJR, CA, AHS
2017-04-01The GNDiver still. 8 Swallows and 50 Sand Martins on Stones. Whooper Swan briefly. 2 Wigeon. 2 LRP and 1 Ringed Plover.SJR, JB, AHS
2017-04-01Common Sandpiper - Millfields 12.10A and G Hattersley
2017-03-31A Swallow briefly from Stones island this morning. The GNDiver still, 2 LRP, Ringed Plover, Willow Warbler on Stones, Blackcap at Millfields, 20+ Sand Martins, pair Gadwall, female Goosander.SHR, RC, AHS
2017-03-300620-1125: the GNDiver still, off Stones. 2 Willow Warblers (WLC and Stones) and a Common Sandpiper (Stones) were the first of the year. 20 Sand Martins arrived during a rain shower mid-morning. 1 Herring Gull. 2 GBbG. 1 Redwing at Hopton. 5 Grey Wags out of Hopton reedbed early morning. 3 Linnet and 2 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-03-29The GNDiver still, 2 drake Common Scoter, 7 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall (Brown Ale Bay), 18 Barnacles, 11 Greylags, 1 LRP display flighting on Stones, 1 Dunlin, 32 Carrion Crows on the dam wall early morning, 1 Raven, 3 Skylark, 5+ Sand Martin and male Wheatear on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2017-03-28Misty AM, 2 Curlew, 2 Goldeneye, 3 Lapwing, 6 Snipe at Sheepwash, also 2 Shoveler and 1 Grey Wagtail at Lane End WLC: 8 Snipe, 8 Sand Martin through, Great Northern Diver, 10 Barnacle Geese, 1 Greylag, 8 Tree Sparrow, 2 Willow Tit, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 6 Teal, c.300 Jackdaw over Carsington pastures No sign of yesterday's Grey Plover.James Owen
2017-03-28Very foggy this morning so I decided to do another Tree Sparrow survey, I managed to count 23 Tree Sparrows and also found a singing male Blackcap.Alan Stewardson
2017-03-27Stones island, 1730-1915: this must be the best time of day to see the GNDiver, quite close and in great light from Stones. 2 LRP, 3 Curlew and 1 Dunlin. 600 Common Gulls roosting, 150 LBbGs, 1 GBbG, 1 Herring Gull and 1 1st-winter Yellow-legged. 33 Pied Wags.Simon Roddis
2017-03-270800-1100: Alan and I did a count of singing birds this morning, taking one side of the reservoir each. Totals were: 93 Chiffchaffs, 104 Wrens, 104 Robins (yes, identical numbers of Wren and Robin), 14 Blackbirds, 20 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush, 31 Dunnock, 11 Chaffinch, 1 Skylark. Also: The GNDiver still present, a winter plumage Grey Plover on Horseshoe island, pair of Gadwall in Brown Ale Bay, pair of Mandarin, 13 Oystercatcher, 6 Redshank, 1st-w GBBG, 11 GS Woodpecker, 4 Redwing, 31 Bullfinch.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-03-260615-1000: the GNDiver still from Stones. 1 LRP on Watersports island. 14 Curlew. 8 GBbGulls. 2 Jack Snipe and 2 Mandarins at Hopton reedbed early morning. 12 Greylags. 24 Lesser Redpolls.SJR, CA, RC
2017-03-24Black-necked Grebe off Dam Wall at 6:00pm, 2 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull in roost.John Bradley
2017-03-24Yesterday's possible Red-necked Grebe was looked for but not seen this morning. The GNDiver was still present, and LRP again on Watersports island. 3 Greylags. 1 Mandarin. Pair of Goosander. 8 Goldeneye at Sheepwash. 11 Buzzards. 3 Curlew. 2 Jack Snipe in Hopton reedbed early morning. 'One-foot' the juv GBbG still there. 2 Raven at Lane End. 5 Willow Tits. 2 Skylark.SJR, AHS, CA
2017-03-23I had a visitor at Coombes Valley today who'd just been to Carsington. They showed me a photo that they'd taken (today) of a 'strange' grebe. It was slightly blurred, but it look rather like a winter Red-necked Grebe. From what they told me, it sounds like they saw it from Lane Ends Hide. Worth checking out? Regards, PaulPaul Bennett
2017-03-231 Little Ringed Plover this morning, first on Watersports island then later on Horseshoe island with a Ringed Plover. The GNDiver still. 4 Shoveler (3m,1f) and male Gadwall, at first at Millfields then at the WLC. 1f Goosander, 1f Mandarin and 1 Kingfisher at Millfields. 19 Cormorant. 1 Grey Heron. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-03-22The GNDiver still present. 3 Dunlin on the Stones causeway were new. There's a one-footed 1st-winter GBbG around at the moment, it was at Sheepwash around 10:00. And also in the last few days I've seen Common Gulls sitting on the water, stretching their heads up and braying, just like Herrings and LBbGs do, though not quite as loud! I've not seen Commons doing that before.Simon Roddis
2017-03-21Afternoon visit full curcuit of the res great northern diver from lane end hide.8 little grebes.2 grey herons.11 cormorants.7 mute swans.189 canada geese.16 barnacle geese.2 greylag geese (inc orange neck collar bird ppx).15 teal.drk shoveler.80 tufted ducks.17 goldeneyes (7 drakes).13 oystercatchers.12 curlew.9 redshank.2 lapwings.3 moorhens.male wheatear still on the dam wall late afternoon.Chris brown
2017-03-21The GNDiver still. 4 Mandarins (2 pairs) at Millfields. 3 Goosander. 6+ Redshank. 1 1st-winter Herring Gull. 1+ Peregrine. Skylark singing on the dam wall. 15 Starling E. 12 Redwing. Male Wheatear on the dam wall. 11 Bullfinch at Millfields including a party of 9 (5m,4f).Simon Roddis
2017-03-201130-1630: the highlight was an early Osprey which flew W over Stones island at 14:25, the earliest ever at Carsington by 6 days. The GNDiver was between Stones and Millfields. 21 Barnacle Geese on Horseshoe island. 4 Greylags. Maybe as many as 15 Buzzards in the air - 8 down the east side, 7 on the west. An immature, probably female, Peregrine. 3 sub-ad Herring Gull. 1 ad GBbG. 5 Stock Doves. 120 Starlings E. 2 Linnet and 3 Lesser Redpolls on Stones.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2017-03-170550-1140: the GNDiver still. 4 Greylags including the neck-collar, 25 Barnacles, 4 Wigeon, 36 Curlew on Stones early morning, 1 imm GBbG, 3 Herring Gull, 2 Raven at Millfields, 20 Redwing, male Wheatear on the dam wall, 1 Lesser Redpoll on Stones, 12 Siskin.Simon Roddis
2017-03-16Greylag Goose with red neck ring Hopton end island. Unable to read the numberIan Scrimshaw
2017-03-16The GNDiver still this morning, and a male Wheatear on the dam wall. 3 Greylags. 12 Barnacle Geese. Pair of Mandarins. Female Goosander. 2 Grey Herons. The Ruff from Sheepwash. 1 imm Herring Gull. 5 Stock Dove. 1 Raven. 30 Redwing. Simon Roddis
2017-03-15Highlights from circular walk (0815-1230): Ruff in Brown Ale Bay, 6 Goldeneye (4m,2f) off Big Island, Jack Snipe flushed from Hopton reedbed, Sparrowhawk in Hall Wood, Buzzard on ground in field just behind Hall Wood, Gt Northern Diver off Stones, Cetti's Warbler on Stones (51 species in all). Also 2 Comma and 2 Brimstone butterflies.Gary Atkins
2017-03-15The GNDiver still, from Stones. 3 Wigeon. 2 Shoveler. 5 Greylags. 3 Grey Heron. The Ruff still, at Sheepwash. 8+ Redshank. 3 Jack Snipe and 2 Woodcock at Hopton reedbed early morning. 13 Feral Pigeons in Tail Bay. Green Woodpecker calling in Tail Bay early morning. Cetti's Warbler singing on Stones. 150 Starlings through. Only 2 Grey Wags out of Hopton reedbed early morning. 3 Linnets.SJR, AHS, CA
2017-03-14This morning, the GNDiver still, 25 Barnacle Geese, 3 Greylags including one with an orange neck collar, 1 Ringed Plover on Watersports island, 1 Dunlin, Tawny Owl calling down the Tail Bay track, 1 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin through, Cetti's Warbler singing on Stones, 15 Chiffchaff between Sheepwash and Tail Bay, 7 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall, 27 Tree Sparrows.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-03-13Afternoon visit great northern diver.5 little grebe.grey heron.18 cormorants.5 mute swan.148 canada geese.7 greylag geese.25 barnacle geese.23 teal.21 wigeon.12 goldeneye.2 common scoter 1 male.ruff and dunlin(at sheepwash).9 lapwing.4 redshank.12 oystercatchersChris brown/dave newcombe
2017-03-13This morning, the GNDiver still, pair of Common Scoter, pair of Goosander, 3 Wigeon, 7 Greylags, 1 Ringed Plover, the Ruff still, 1 Dunlin, ad GBbG, Kingfisher at Millfields, Cetti's Warbler singing on Stones, 12 Chiffchaff, 10 Bullfinch (8 at Millfields).SJR, AHS, RC
2017-03-12This morning, the GNDiver still, 2 Shelduck, 3 Mandarin, 7 Wigeon, 1 Gadwall, 3 Pochard, the Ruff still, 2 Dunlin, 2 JackSnipe at Hopton reedbed early morning, ad GBbG, 2 Herring Gull, Cettis' Warbler on Stones island still, 18 Chiffchaff, 250 Starling E.SJR, CA, AHS
2017-03-11March WeBS count - Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 7, Great Crested Grebe 56, Cormorant 25, Grey Heron 2, Mute Swan 8, Greylag Goose 5, Canada Goose 110, Barnacle Goose 21, Shelduck 1, Teal 50, Mallard 71, Pintail 2, Pochard 1, Tufted Duck 63, Goldeneye 13, Goosander 2, Moorhen 7, Coot 242, Oystercatcher 19, Lapwing 5, Dunlin 1, Ruff 1, Snipe 35, Curlew 34, Redshank 8, Kingfisher 1. Plus Sand Martin thru N over Stones 0850hrs, Cetti's Warbler singing on Stones, 2+Chiffchaff and 10 Common Buzzards over Blackwall Plantation.JB, SJR, AHS
2017-03-10The main event this morning was a party of 7 AVOCETS, on Stones from 0725 to 0850 and then moving up to Sheepwash. They flew around a couple of times as if they wanted to leave but were put off by the murky weather. Still at Sheepwash to 1120 at least. Also: the GNDiver still, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Greylags, 23 Barnacle Geese, 4 Wigeon, 6 Goldeneye, 22 Curlew, the Ruff, 78 Common Snipe at WLC, ad GBbG, female Kingfisher at Millfields, 1 Skylark, Cetti's Warbler on Stones, 2 Chiffchaff (Stones and Sheepwash), 120 Redwing, 2 Linnet, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Siskin, 15 Goldfinch.SJR, CA, RC
2017-03-09This afternoon, the GNDiver off Millfields, 21 Barnacle Geese at WLC, 2 Shelduck on Stones, 20 Cormorant, 1 ad Yellow-legged Gull, ad GBbG, 5 Curlew, 5 Redshank, 15 Common Snipe, Cetti's Warbler on Stones. Late pm at Hopton reedbed, Water Rail calling, 1 Woodcock, 1 Peregrine, 150 Starlings N.Simon Roddis
2017-03-07Very much the usual suspects this morning: GNDiver, Cetti's Warbler, 5 Curlew, ad GBbG etc. The main event was some extreme aggro between Mute Swans at PS hide, which started rather oddly when 2 birds flew in from the east and one of them hit a tree and crash-landed on the shore of the res. When it regained its composure it swam across towards PSH after the other bird of the two. A pair of swans were already at PSH and they took exception to the new arrivals: one of them repeatedly chased one of the new birds away (a female based on the slimness of its neck). I assume that the chasing bird was also a female but it did seem to have a rather stout neck so I'm not certain about that. The other birds, both males based on their thick necks and large knobs at the base of the bill, had a real set-to, a full-on fight, grabbing each other's wings with their bills amid lots of wing-flapping and splashing. One of them, I assume the male that had already been present, got the upper hand and repeatedly grabbed the other one's head and neck with its bill. They came out of the water and for some minutes the 'winning' bird actually stood on top of the other bird, holding its neck with its bill all the while. The 'losing'' bird broke free and ran towards the hide, the other one hot on its tail until they reached the bank behind the feeder to the right of the hide, when it again grabbed the losing bird's neck and held it down. This carried on for a while longer until I managed to catch their attention and they separated, the losing bird managing to escape over the water and the winner washing and preening itself after its exertions. I don't know how long this might have gone on had they not separated, but I suspect that the losing bird would have come out even worse than it did. I was surprised that the second bird of the initial pair didn't return, at least while I was there, so it will be interesting to see if there are any further developments there.Simon Roddis

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