Recent Sightings

DateSightingName
11/10/2026From Sheepwash early evening: Ruff (1), Bl T Godwit (2), Caspian Gull (ad), YLGull (6) - 3-Ads; 2-2nd w; 1st w, Pintail (5+),Richard Lowe
11/10/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 171 Canada, 32 Greylag, 16 Mute Swan plus 3 large cygnets, 2 Garganey (Millfields), 12 Shoveler, 157 Gadwall, 78 Wigeon, 316 Mallard , 20 Pintail, 1,763 Teal(!!), 5 Red-crested Pochard, 79 Common Pochard, 92 Tufted, 7 Moorhen, 1,014 Coot, 17 Little Grebe, 33 GCGrebe, 13 Ringed Plover, 2 Grey Plover (WLC), 13 Lapwing, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Jack Snipe (Hopton reedbed), 4 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Dunlin, 26 Cormorant, 5 Little & 3 Great Egrets, 7 Herons.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
10/10/2026From Sheepwash Hide early evening: Grey Plover (Juv); Mediterranean Gull 1st w; YLGull (7) - Ad (4), 2nd w (2), 1st w; Pintail (c.15).Richard Lowe
10/10/2026A female Merlin flew down the east side mid-morning, in line with its just-about-annual status. The 2 Garganey were still at Millfields, where Clive also had 9 Ringed Plovers. 3 Ruff at sailing club. Very little moving this morning compared to the last couple of days.SJR, MW, CA
09/10/2026From Sheepwash late afternoon/early evening: Mediterranean Gull 1st w; YLGull (7) - 4Ads, 2nd w, 1st w (2); Pintail (c10); Goldeneye (1); RC Pochard (3); Ruff (1); Bl T Godwit (2);Richard Lowe
09/10/2026It was mainly Redwings on the move this morning, with 1,420 flying S or SW 07:30-10:00. 3 Whooper Swans, perhaps the same birds as yesterday, flew in from the NW but soon departed E. 2 Garganey still at Millfields and a drake Common Scoter from Sheepwash. 3 Ruff and 2 Black-tailed Godwits still. 2 Great and 8 Little Egrets. Adult Yellow-legged and Herring Gulls at Sheepwash. Male Stonechat in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
08/10/2026From Sheepwash this afternoon: Caspian Gull adult, Yellow-legged Gull 4 (3ads, 1st Winter), Great Black-backed Gull ad, Mediterranean Gull 1st winter. Pintail 3, Red-crested Pochard, Ringed Plover 7, Dunlin 1.CA/RJL
08/10/2026A very decent morning, with a bit of movement and a few birds on and around the water. Vismig included 2,200 Woodpigeons S in 90 minutes, 90 Redwing, 31 Starling, 24 Skylarks and 30 Pink-footed Geese E. 3 Whooper Swans dropped in just after 09:00 and were there to 11:00 at least (first of the year here as far as I'm aware). The 2 Garganey were still at Millfields, along with 18 Pintail, 30 Shoveler, 80 Wigeon, 104 Pochard and 4 Red-crested Pochard, and Clive had a male Mandarin there briefly. At sailing club/WLC, 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plover, 1 Ruff and 2 Black-tailed Godwits. 42 Cormorants. Probably 2 Great Egrets. 5 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. 6 Jays (5 over Millfields carpark) and at least 30 Ravens. Willow Tit in WLC creek.SJR, MW, RPJ, AMD, CA
06/10/2026The 2 juvenile-type Garganey were still at Millfields this morning. Totals of 19 Shoveler, 111 Wigeon, 11 Pintail and 106 Pochard. 86 Woodpigeons and 29 Stock Doves S in one hour. At sailing club, 5 Dunlin, 3 Ruff and 7 Ringed Plover, and 1 Black-tailed Godwit at WLC. 3 Great Egrets still. 5 Redwing flew through. 4 Stonechats again in WLC fields. 50 Linnets at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
05/10/2026As well as the report by Alan; 4 Stonechat in WLC Creek and 14 Siskin flew SW.Clive Ashton
05/10/2026This morning from Millfields, 2 Gargany, 7 Pintail, 3 Great White Egrets were visible from there, also 7 Little Egrets other waterfoul included Shovellers, Wigeon, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall and large numbers of Teal , 1 adult Yellow legged gull . From Stones Island, 3 Ruff,5 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plovers .AHS, CA, MR.
04/10/2026Two Garganey at Millfields early evening and 1st w Mediterranean Gull and 4 YL Gulls (2Ads; 2-1st w’s) from Sheepwash.Richard Lowe
04/10/2026Species seen during today's monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island WLC creek): House Sparrow, Mallard, Little Egret, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Black-headed Gull, Canada Goose, Robin, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Lapwing, Carrion Crow, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, Wren, Magpie, Mute swan, Greylag goose, Dunnock, Great tit, Blue tit, Long-tailed tit, Kestrel, Lesser black-backed gull, Gt Crested Grebe, Linnet, Goldfinch, Snipe, Little grebe, Buzzard, Great egret, Blackbird, Teal, Gadwall, Grey heron, Black-tailed Godwit.Gary Atkins
04/10/2026The Garganey was still at Millfields this morning, and 2 redhead Goosander dropped in there. I didn't count them but a lot of wildfowl appear to have retreated to the north end of the reservoir. Wonder why that is? A Ruff and 4 Dunlin were at sailing club and 2 Black-tailed Godwits still at WLC. 3 Great Egrets still. 6 GSWoodpeckers at various spots. Male Stonechat in WLC fields, 30 Linnets on Stones and a Redpoll over Millfields.Simon Roddis
03/10/2026From Sheepwash hide late afternoon: Med Gull (Ad); YLGull (4) Ads; Pintail (8); GWEgret (1);Richard Lowe
03/10/202640 Pochard, 12. Little Grebe,17 Cormorant,2 Grey Heron,20 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler ,25 Gadwall, 8 Linnet, 4 Great White Egret , 30 + Pied Wagtail , 10 Snipe 3 at WLC 7 Sailing club,18 Lapwing, 6 Dunlin, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chiffchaff Singing at Sheepwash, 4 Ringed Plover, 4 Little Egret, Curlew sandpiper at WLC , no sign of the SpoonbillDave Armitt
03/10/2026Clive saw the Spoonbill at Millfields first thing but not thereafter. Garganey still there. Another mass disturbance event, this time caused by small boats going up the reservoir, 100s of wildfowl flushed. Some of them then dropped into Millfields, including 18 Shoveler, 81 Wigeon, 17 Pintail. 3 female-type Red-crested Pochard also there. 3 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin and 2 Black-tailed Godwits still. At least 2 Great Egrets. 11+ Skylarks over and the first Redpoll of the autumn over Stones causeway.SJR, CA, MW
02/10/2026From Sheepwash Hide early evening (with Clive Ashton): Med Gull 1st w. YLGull (4) - 2 Ads, 1st w, 2nd w. Caspian Gull - 2Ads. Plus a Ring-billed / Lesser Black-backed Hybrid that seems to tour the Midland’s reservoirs every autumn/winter, seen at Carsington in previous years and well spotted by CA. Plus Pintail (4).Richard Lowe
02/10/2026The juvenile Spoonbill was again at Millfields late morning until flushed by an irresponsible dog-owner. Not just the Spoonbill but some hundreds of duck - including the long-staying Garganey - and other wildfowl too. Very annoying! Before that, I counted 22 Shoveler, 67 Wigeon, 15 Pintail and 39 Pochard. Just one female Red-crested Pochard at Millfields. Waders included 8 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover, 3 Common Sandpipers and 2 Black-tailed Godwits. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 3 Great Egrets. 4 Tawny Owls calling early morning. 35 Meadow Pipits. 9 Siskin.Simon Roddis
01/10/2026The Spoonbill found by Simon was mobile between Millfields and Stones Island. We understand from other birders that it was still at Millfields late in the day. 7 Little Egrets. 3 Herons. 75 Wigeon. 6 Red-crested Pochard (2m) on Millfields Island. 100 Gadwall. Female Goldeneye. Sailing Club end of the dam wall-6 Dunlin, 6 Ringed Plover and a Snipe. 4 Common Sands. The 2 Blackwits and Greenshank at Wildlife centre. 2nd winter Med Gull at Sheepwash along with 3 YLG-1st w, 2nd w and an adult. 39 Common Gulls. 4 Swallows through-3 & 1. 9 Chiffchaff. 3 Raven. With Chris BrownDave Newcombe/Chris Brown
01/10/2026A juvenile Spoonbill at Millfields this morning was a bit of a surprise, the sixth Carsington record. The Garganey was also still at Millfields. 2 Egyptian Geese off Watersports late morning. At least 64 Wigeon, 10 Pintail and 4 Red-crested Pochard (3 males). 9 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwits still and 3 Common Sandpipers. 3 Great Egrets. Totals of 9 Jays, 8+ Skylarks, 2 Swallows and 2 Blackcaps.Simon Roddis
30/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon/early evening: in the gulls - Mediterranean Gull (2) - Ad plus 1st w. YLGull (13) - Ad (7); 2w (3); 1st w (3). GBBGull 1st w.Richard Lowe
30/09/2026Yesterday's Grey Plover was still at Sheepwash late morning, and the Garganey at Millfields. A flock of at least 25 Redshank flew in and landed on Watersports island; another flock of 10-12 fly-though waders might also have been Redshank. 7 Red-crested Pochard and a Green Woodpecker at Millfields. 2 Black-tailed Godwits again at WLC and totals of 5 Common Sandpiper and 8 Dunlin. 3 Great Egret. Marsh Tit calling at SHeepwash and 40 Linnets on Stones island.Simon Roddis
29/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: In the gulls - YLGull (8) - 4 Ads, 3-1st w’s plus 2nd w; GBBGull (Ad). Plus Pintail (3); GWEgret.Richard Lowe
29/09/2026A Grey Plover flew into Sheepwash early morning and was still there to 10:20 at least. The Curlew Sandpiper was still at Watersports/Horseshoe island and the Garganey at Millfields. 11 Pintail and 6 (possibly 8) Red-crested Pochard. 3 Great Egret. Waders included Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Common Sandpipers, 8 Dunlin and 6 Ringed Plover. 30 Meadow Pipits at Watersports.SJR, RPJ, AMD, AHS
28/09/2026At 11.18 6 x Dunlin + 1 Curlew Sandpiper photographed at end of concrete slipway to left of cycle hire.Bernard Dumbleton
28/09/2026The Garganey is still at Millfields this morning but I didn't see the Curlew Sandpiper or the Dunlin flock that it hung around with. 2 Black-tailed Godwit still and 2 Common Sandpiper. A vocal Peregrine sat on one of the pylons beyond WLC creek. 3 Great Egret. Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. 4 Skylarks over.Simon Roddis
27/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon in the gulls: Caspian Gull 1st w (Dutch ringed); YLGull (4) - Ad, 2nd w plus 2-1st w’s. GBBGull 1st w. Plus Pintail (5); Wigeon (c20), GWEgret; L Egret; Ringed Plover (1).Richard Lowe
27/09/2026Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper again around Watersports and the Garganey was at Millfields again this morning. Wildfowl included 44 Shoveler, 202 Gadwall (new site record), 62 Wigeon, 11 Pintail, 5 Red-crested and 53 Common Pochard. 2 Black-tailed Godwits still, single Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper and Greenshank, and 10 Dunlin. 3 Great Egrets at Watersports. Total of at least 7 Tawny Owls calling early morning.Simon Roddis, c
26/09/2026The juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was again in the Watersports/Horseshoe area this morning, along with 12 Dunlin, 2 Black-tailed Godwits and a Greenshank. The juvenile-type Garganey also still at Millfields, along with 13 Shoveler, 3 Pintail and 30 Wigeon. Great Egret still around Watersports. 5 Skylarks over.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
25/09/2026The juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was still in the Watersports area this morning, a Turnstone flew past Stones island and the Garganey was at Millfields. Supporting cast of 45 Wigeon, 7 Pintail, 6 Red-crested Pochard, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 12+ Dunlin, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Great Egrets, 3 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing, Marsh Tit at Sheepwash, 1 Siskin over the WLC.SJR, CA, AHS
24/09/2026A juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was at Sailing Club with at least 5 Dunlin this morning. Garganey still, 2 Black-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe, Ringed Plover heard, Common Sandpiper and 2 Great Egret.Clive Ashton
23/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon of note: Caspian Gull 1st w (yellow ring on left tibia, from Holland); YLGull (5) - 4 Ads plus 1st w; GBBGull (2) - Ad plus 1st w; Pintail (2); Ringed Plover (8);Richard Lowe
23/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon of note: Caspian Gull 1st w (yellow ring on left tibia, from Holland); YLGull (5) - 4 Ads plus 1st w; GBBGull (2) - Ad plus 1st w; Pintail (2); Ringed Plover (8);Richard Lowe
23/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon of note: Caspian Gull 1st w (yellow ring on left tibia, from Holland); YLGull (5) - 4 Ads plus 1st w; GBBGull (2) - Ad plus 1st w; Pintail (2); Ringed Plover (8);Richard Lowe
23/09/20265 Red-crested Pochard, 5 Pintail, Garganey, 2 Great Egret, 5 Little Egret, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Dunlin, Ringed Plover, 10 Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper, Kestrel on Stones.Clive Ashton
22/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon of note: Turnstone (2); RPlover (5); Common Sandpiper (1); Pintail (2); Caspian Gull (ad) - the ‘regular’ bird, albeit spending much of its time at Ogston; YLGull (4) - 2Ads, 1st w, 2nd w;Richard Lowe
22/09/2026Garganey still at Millfields, 7 Pintail at Sheepwash, 2 Great Egret, Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, 3 Common Sandpiper, 6+ Dunlin, 6 Snipe, Kingfisher at WLC, Stonechat in the creek.CA/RPJ/AMD
21/09/2026No sign of Pectoral Sandpipers or Spotted Redshank this morning. Garganey at Millfields, 2 Great Egret, 3 Common Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit at Sailing Club, Greenshank at Wildlife centre, 2 Willow Tit and Stonechat in Wildlife Centre creek, loose flock of 6 Jay S/W over Millfields.CA,AHS
20/09/201912, Shoveler,2 pectoral sandpiper,1 Greenshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 40 Wigeon, 20 Gadwall, 2 Little Egret, 30 Pied wagtail, 2 Wheatear, 8 Mute swan, 1 Chiffchaff, 10 Little Grebe, Dropped in midafternoon for a quick walk started at Millfield's walked the Dam wall and back surprised that the waders didn't move on with the activity along the shore line.Dave Armitt
20/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon: YLGull (8) - Ad (7); 1st w (1). GBBGull (2) - Ad plus Juv/1st w; Herring Gull (3); GWEgret (1); Dunlin (5); R Plover (3); Pintail (2); Peregrine (1);Richard Lowe
20/09/2026Both Pectoral Sandpipers and the Garganey were at Millfields again this morning. Vismig from WLC creek involved 690 Meadow Pipits SW in 2 hours, 2 Skylarks, a Yellowhammer (Carsington mega!), 21 Swallows and 17 Linnets. On the dam wall early on, Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail, 100 Pied Wagtails and a Kingfisher. 13 Shoveler, 3 Wigeon, 4 Pintail, 6 Red-crested Pochard, 38 Common Pochard and a redhead Goosander. The juvenile Black-tailed Godwit was at sailing club early morning and later in Brown Ale Bay. 2 Yellow-legged, 2 Great Black-backed and 7 Common Gulls. 2 Great Egret. 2 Stonechat, a Redstart and 60 Goldfinch in WLC fields. Willow Emerald damselfly in BABay.SJR, CA, MW
19/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon:of note in the gulls - YLGull (7) - Ad (4), 2nd w (1), 1st w (2); HGull c4+; GBBGull 1st w. Plus GWEgret (1); Pintail (2+); Shoveller (10+). Surprisingly, no waders.Richard Lowe
18/09/2026The 2 Pectoral Sandpipers and Garganey were still at Millfields this morning, the Pecs even staying despite disturbance by a paddleboarder late morning. At least 11 species of wader, including c15 Ringed Plover, 5+ Dunlin, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone on Stones (courtesy of the Hattersleys), juv Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Ruff (per Dave H) at WLC. 6 Red-crested Pochard off Lane End. 2 Great Egret. Hobby circling late morning. Skylark over the main centre. Sand Martin over Stones (getting quite late for them now). Wheatear again on the dam wall. Light movement of Meadow Pipits (25+) and 70 Pied Wagtails out of their roost in Hopton reedbed early on.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
17/09/2026The 2 Pectoral Sandpipers and Garganey were again at Millfields this morning, plus a Greenshank. 13 Ringed Plover, 7 Dunlin and 4 Red-crested Pochard at Sheepwash, plus single Common and Great Black-backed Gulls. At least 2 Great and 5 Little Egrets. Peregrine enjoying the breeze with corvids over Hall Wood. Hirundines on the move included at least 40 Swallows and 50 House Martins. Wheatear on the dam wall.SJR, CA, MW
15/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon: Garganey (at about 6pm, then flew off towards Lane End); Pintail (2); YLGull (4) - 3Ads plus a 1st w; GBBGull 1 Juv; GWEgret (1); Ringed Plover (13); Dunlin (8+); Greenshank (1);Richard Lowe
15/09/2026This morning: The 2 Pectoral Sandpipers still present at Millfields along with the Garganey and a Greenshank. Sheepwash 15 Ringed Plover and 8 Dunlin. Stones/Wildlife Centre: Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper, 2f Red-crested Pochard and Great Egret.Clive Ashton
14/09/2026Short visit this afternoon: Total of 24 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 3 Common Sandpiper, Greenshank, Great Egret, 2 Pintail, 2 YL Gull, ad Caspian Gull.Clive Ashton
12/09/2026The 2 Pectoral Sandpipers are still here this morning, initially at sailing club/Horseshoe island and then at Millfields late morning. Monthly wildfowl count: 276 Canada, 59 Greylag, 23 Mute Swan, 1 Garganey, 29 Shoveler, 176 Gadwall, 10 Wigeon, 523 Mallard, 9 Pintail, 897 Teal, 5 Red-crested and 35 Common Pochard, 221 Tufted, 1 Goldeneye, 9 Moorhen, 839 Coot, 18 Little Grebe, 32 GCGrebe, 14 Ringed Plover, 9 Lapwing, 3 Common Sandpiper, 5 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 4 Snipe, 3 Little and 1 Great Egret, 8 Heron. The Gadwall and Mallard counts are both new site records.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
11/09/2026Another autumn day, another surprise: a Pectoral Sandpiper, first for the site (apparently present and photographed yesterday evening). Initially this morning at sailing club with a Ruff before being flushed; it was later relocated on Horseshoe island, there up to midday at least. The Little Stint was still at Sheepwash. Other waders: 14 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, 4 Common Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit. Duck included a juvenile Shelduck, 29 Shoveler, 14 Wigeon, 6 Pintail, the Garganey at Millfields, and 5 Red-crested Pochard. At least 1 Great Egret. Marsh Tit at Paul Stanley.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton et al.
10/09/2026Another excellent autumn morning. The Garganey was at Millfields early morning, an Osprey flew south at 09:30 and one Little Stint was at Sheepwash late morning. A juvenile-type Whinchat and a male Stonechat were in WLC creek mid morning; the Whinchat hung around for at least an hour. Totals of 566 Canada Geese, 171 Greylags, 12 Shoveler, 6 Pintail (in Brown Ale Bay), 2 female Red-crested Pochard, 16 Ringed Plover, 7 Snipe, 7 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank. 2 Redshank at Watersports were new and a Black-tailed Godwit flew west. Great Egret also at Watersports and a Hobby flew through. Totals of 21 Ravens, 70 Swallows, 10 House and 4 Sand Martins. 5 Jays flew over Hall Wood. Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall.SJR, RPJ, AMD, MW
09/09/2026One juvenile Little Stint was atill at Sheepwash early morning, and the Garganey again at Millfields. 1 Pintail at sailing club and 2 female Red-crested Pochard off Horseshoe island. 44 Pochard. 13 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, 8 Snipe, 2 Dunlin. Adult Yellow-legged Gull again. 2 Great Egrets, at Millfields and past Lane End. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end early morning. Totals of 120 Swallows and 70 House Martins. Spotted Flycatcher beyond the top of WLC creek.SJR, CA, MW
07/09/2026The 2 Little Stints were at Sheepwash early morning and later off Stones causeway, and the Garganey was still at Millfields late morning. 4 Pintail were the first of their autumn here. 15 Shoveler. 41 Pochard. 16+ Ringed Plover. 5 Dunlin. 3 Greenshank. 2 Ruff. 8+ Snipe. Adult Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls. Hobby over Stones. At least 14 Ravens (12 over Sheepwash early morning). Whitethroat on Stones. 20 Swallows and 15 House Martins.SJR, RPJ, AMD
06/09/2026Following are the (36) species identified on the monthly Birwatching for Beginners walk (10am-12noon), taking in Stones Island and as far as the screens by the Wildlife Centre: House Sparrow, Robin, Canada Goose, Ringed Plover, Little Stint, Dunlin, Ruff, Mallard, Gt Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Coot, Moorhen, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Cormorant, Mute Swan, Chiffchaff, Hobby, Red Kite, Buzzard, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Gadwall, Lapwing, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Swallow, Tufted Duck, Teal, Goldfinch, Blue Tit and BlackbirdGary Atkins
06/09/2026The Garganey was still at Millfields this morning, and 2 Knot at Sheepwash. Clive also had the 2 Little Stints there. 3 Ruff and 3 Greenshank. 20+ Ringed Plovers still. 2 Hobbies over Hopton end and at least 1 Reed Warbler in the reedbed. 30 each of Swallow and House Martin. 10+ Ravens.Simon Roddis
04/09/2026The excellent autumn continues, with an Osprey flying south at 08:05, 3 Knot still at Sheepwash, a new site record of at least 41 Ringed Plovers, and a Garganey - quite likely the one that was seen last week - at Millfields late morning. Also 8 Wigeon, female Red-crested Pochard, 30 Common Pochard, 3 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, the Marsh Tit still at Sheepwash, a Yellow Wagtail there, and a trickle of Swallows (48), House Martins (5) and a single Sand Martin.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
03/09/2026The 3 juvenile Knot and the Little Stint were again at Sheepwash this morning, although the stint relocated to Stones island mid-morning (per Ant Pooles). 32 Ringed Plovers, 2 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, 5 Dunlin, 4+ Common Sandpipers. Duck included 23 Shoveler, 2 female Red-crested and 40 Common Pochard, and 153 Greylags flew over the dam wall early morning. Great Egret still, and Kingfisher on the dam wall. c150 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall/sailing club.Simon Roddis
02/09/2026Popped back up to Sheepwash this evening: 3 juvenile Knot still, the Little Stint, 35 Ringed Plovers, 5 Dunlin, 9 Snipe, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 553 Teal.Simon Roddis
02/09/2026A very decent morning, mainly at Sheepwash hide because of the weather. Main highlights were 3 juvenile Knot, 2 Whinchats and a juvenile/winter-plumage Black-necked Grebe, with a supporting cast of 12 Ringed Plover, 16 Snipe, 2 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, adult and juvenile Caspian Gull, adult Yellow-legged Gull and Yellow Wagtail. Female Red-crested Pochard off Horseshoe island and 2 Willow Tits on Stones earlier.SJR, AHS, MW
01/09/2026The Little Stint was again off Stones causeway this morning. Totals of 22 Ringed Plover, 4 Greenshank and single Curlew and Ruff (at Sheepwash). There seemed to be far fewer waterfowl to me today, perhaps they've got fed up with the disturbance. Adult Caspian Gull on Sheepwash spit. 1,200 Jackdaws early morning and a total of 19 Ravens (no shortage of corvids at the moment!). Common and Lesser Whitethroats in WLC creek. At least 150 Goldfinches in total.Simon Roddis
31/08/2026Both Little and Tawny Owls were calling in WLC creek first thing this morning. The Little Stint was on Stones island early morning and later at Sheepwash, with 3 Dunlin. 2 Greenshank, 5 Common Sandpiper, 18 Ringed Plovers. Ruff at Sheepwash late am (CA,AHS). 560 Teal. 38 Shoveler (most of them in Brown Ale Bay). 8 Wigeon. 14 Pochard. 200+ Tufted Duck - Clive counted 185 at Millfields alone. Adult Caspian Gull at MIllfields early on, then on Stones. The Great Egret still around sailing club. 4 single Sparrowhawks. Hobby through Sheepwash (AHS). 4 GSWoodpeckers, including one flying up to mob a Raven! 900 Jackdaws over WLC creek early am. Total of 20 Ravens. Willow Tit on Stones. Totals of 74 Swallows and 10 House Martins. Spotted Flycatcher and female/juv Redstart in WLC creek, and another Spot Fly in Brown Ale Bay (AHS). 2 Meadow Pipits over WLC creek, my first here since April.SJR, CA, MW, AHS
30/08/2026Knot and Little Stint again around Watersports/Stones island this morning. 26 Ringed Plovers on Stones. 2 Ruff at Sheepwash. 6 Common Sandpiper. 3 Greenshank. At least 18 Shoveler, 7 Wigeon and 16 Pochard, but sadly the wildfowl were disturbed again by boats way up the reservoir. Great Egret still and Peregrine at Sheepwash. A late Swift flew with Sand Martins over Stones. 2 Willow Tits also on Stones, a flock of 100+ Goldfinches, and Dave H had a Wheatear on the shore.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD, MW
29/08/2026The Knot (on Stones) and at least 1 Little Stint (Stones and Sheepwash) were still at Carsington this morning. Totals of c20 Ringed Plovers, 8 Dunlin, 2 Ruff (Sheepwash), 3 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpipers (Watersports/WLC), 10 Snipe. 518 Canadas and 88 Greylags flew out over the dam wall early morning. Totals of at least 23 Shoveler and 32 Pochard. Adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls at Sheepwash late morning. The Great Egret still. Swallows (24) and House Martins (20) moving again but fewer than yesterday. Yellow Wagtail on Stones.Simon Roddis
28/08/2026Another entertaining morning. The Little Stint was still at Sheepwash and the Knot (probably just one) turned up there after being around Stones island early doors. Other waders included 20+ Lapwing, 12 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, 22 Snipe, 4 Common Sandpiper, 3 Greenshank and 11 Dunlin. A fresh-looking juvenile Marsh Harrier circled the Fishtail creek area from 10:35 to 11:15 at least, at one point playing around with a Common Buzzard. At least 19 Shoveler, could have been more but they kept moving around. 4+ Red-crested Pochard (2m,2 female-types) on the shore below Middle Wood. 6 Wigeon. Adult Caspian Gull on Sheepwash spit. The Great Egret still. Hobby through WLC creek and Peregrine over the north end. Total of 18 Ravens, including a flock of 15 flying SE, escorted off the premises by one of the local birds. At least 40 Swallows and 20 House Martins moving through. 5 Willow Warblers in the Stones to WLC area.Simon Roddis
27/08/2026The Knot and one juvenile Little Stint were on the shore of Stones island early morning, and presumably the same Little Stint later in front of Sheepwash hide. A flock of 11 Turnstones dropped into Sheepwash at 10:35. Totals of at least 9 Ringed Plover, 3 Little Ringed, 6 Common Sandpiper, 2+ Greenshank, 15 Snipe and 9 Dunlin. 14 Shoveler and 17 Pochard. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and Great Egret still. Marsh Tit calling in Sheepwash wood and Reed Warbler in Brown Ale Bay. 50 Goldfinches at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
26/08/2025JB found 2 Little Stints on the dam wall just after 19:00; they flew after about 10 mins but could easily still be around. Turnstone on Horseshoe island (JB) then calling over sailing club bay, perhaps RJL's bird from Sheepwash? And RJL's Garganey still at Lane End at 19:50. Colour-ringed Little Egret at Millfields and a Black-headed Gull 236B on Stones which I think was ringed as a nestling here in 2022. 3 Spotted Flycatchers still actively flycatching near Lane End at 20:20, I could even hear their bills snapping shut. Magical!Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
26/08/2026From Sheepwash early evening: Turnstone; Shoveller (11); Wigeon (1); Caspian Gull (Ad). From Lane End: Garganey (prob Juv.) with Teal flock, Greenshank (2); Dunlin (2); Caspian Gull 1st w; GBBGull (Juv);Richard Lowe
26/08/2026The Knot was still on Stones/Watersports island this morning, though sometimes disappearing from view. Other waders included 8 Ringed and 4 Little Ringed Plovers, Curlew, 18 Snipe, 8 Common Sandpipers, 3 Greenshank and 2+ Dunlin. Female Goldeneye (same as earlier in the summer) in Brown Ale Bay. 7 Shoveler and 7 Wigeon. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 47 Cormorant. Great Egret still and 11+ Little. Hobby over Stones again. 2+ Willow Tits in the Stones to WLC area. 2 Willow Warblers on Stones.SJR, CA, AHS
25/08/2026A Marsh Tit (calling and seen) at Brown Ale Bay this morning was a surprise. A visiting birder reported a winter-plumage Knot on Stones. Other waders included 5 Greenshank, Dunlin, Ruff, at least 4 Ringed and 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 6 Common Sandpipers and 12 Snipe. Totals of 429 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 3 Red-crested and 22 Common Pochard and 612 Coot. Long-stayers included the adult Caspian Gull from Sheepwash hide and the Great Egret at Watersports. 2 Kingfishers in Shiningford creek. A Hobby low over Stones and the Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis
24/08/2026From Lane End hide early evening: Osprey flew south over Dam Wall at 5.55pm causing mass panic in the gull flock on Sailing Club Is.An obvious Juv/1st w Caspian Gull in the gull roost later. GWEgret in front of hide.Richard Lowe
24/08/2026Birds of note from this morning, 16 Snipe, 7+ Common Sandpiper, 4+Greenshank, 8 Ringed Plovers, 1 Ruff, possible Green Sandpiper and Wood Sandpiper in BABay but sun was making observation very difficult, 3 singing Willow Warblers, 1 Caspien Gull at Sheepwash and Great White Egret in Water Sports bay.AHS, CA.
23/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was right up in Shiningford creek this morning; perhaps it has been there for the last couple of days when we haven't seen it. 3 Shoveler at Sheepwash and 3 Red-crested Pochard still. Juvenile Black-tailed Godwit still at sailing club, 4 Greenshank, 10 Snipe, Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover. Great Egret still at Watersports. Hobby over WLC creek. At least 1 Willow Tit on Stones. Warblers included Cetti's still in Hopton reedbed and Whitethroat there, Sedge Warbler on Stones, 3 Willow Warblers. Spotted Flycatcher in Sheepwash carpark.SJR, CA, MW
22/08/2026Best moment of the morning was at 09:51, 18 minutes after Robin Elliott had told me that 4 Turnstones had flown through Ogston Res and were heading in the Carsington direction. Lo and behold, 4 Turnstones flew past Stones island. Marvellous! A close second was a lovely juvenile Sanderling found by Clive on Stones. The juvenile Black-tailed Godwit was still at sailing club, and other waders included single Ruff, Redshank and Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, at least 1 Ringed and 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 6 Snipe and 4 Common Sandpipers. Adult Yellow-legged and Herring Gulls. The Great Egret still and 15 Little. A kettle of birds over the east side included 10 Ravens, 7 Buzzards and 3 Red Kites. Kingfisher and Yellow Wagtail along the dam wall, and another Yellow Wag over Stones. Willow Tits on Stones and in WLC creek. Totals of at least 50 Swallows and 80 House Martins.SJR, CA, MW
21/08/2026Seemed a bit quieter today (21st), certainly fewer waders, although a fresh juvenile Black-tailed Godwit was new. 3 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpipers, 6 Snipe, 2 Ringed and a Little Ringed Plover. 6 Curlew flew W over the WLC. 3 Red-crested Pochard at Sheepwash. 41 Cormorants. The Great Egret still. Single Hobby and Peregrine. Whitethroats at Sheepwash and WLC creek. 2 Spotted Flycatchers in Sheepwash carpark.SJR, AHS, CA, RPJ, AMD
21/08/2026Osprey flew over our heads by wildlife centre late morning. Fantastic it was so close, great view.Alan Ball
20/08/2026The highlight this morning was 2 Cattle Egrets on the shore of Stones island, from 07:30 to 09:30 at least. The Wood Sandpiper was still near the WLC. Not quite so many waders as a few days ago but still 3 Greenshank, 2 Green and 7 Common Sandpipers, 7 Snipe, 3 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plovers and a Dunlin. Female Red-crested Pochard in Brown Ale Bay. 3 Shoveler and 3 Wigeon. The Great Egret still. Hobby past the top of WLC creek and a Redstart still in the fields. Willow Tits in WLC creek and on Stones. Whitethroat on Stones and at least 2 Yellow Wagtails in the area. 175 House Martins, a few Swallows and a late Swift flew W after a heavy shower late morning.Simon Roddis
19/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was again in its favoured area at the Watersports end of Horseshoe island this morning. Totals of 5 Greenshank, 6 Common and 3 Green Sandpipers, 6 Snipe, 27 Lapwing. Juvenile Shelduck on Stones. Adult Common Tern off Lane End. The adult Caspian Gull and Great Egret still. Willow Tit, Reed Warbler and 2 Willow Warblers on Stones. Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
18/08/2026Evening visit: an Osprey circled the Sheepwash area 18:20-18:30. At least 3,500 Lesser Black-backs came into roost by 9pm. Wood Sandpiper, Greenshank, Ringed Plover and 2 Oystercatchers from the dam wall. c500 Jackdaws and 100 Rooks went to roost in Tail Bay.Simon Roddis
18/08/2026Osprey flying over at WLC.Christina Kennedy
18/08/2026Another decent morning, with a total of 11 species of wader, including the Wood Sandpiper still, 6 Green Sandpipers, 3+ Greenshank, 5 Dunlin, 2 Ringed and 2 Little Ringed Plovers, a flyover Golden Plover and an Oystercatcher. 6 Arctic Terns flew through and a juvenile Common lingered for a while. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. Egyptian Goose still, 3 Wigeon off Stones and eclipse male Red-crested Pochard on Horseshoe island. Great Egret still at Watersports. Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed. Willow Tit on Stones and 3 Yellow Wagtails flew S.SJR, AHS, CA
17/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Caspian Gull (2) - Ad and 1st s; YLGull (2) Ads; GBBGull (1) 1st s; Greenshank (2) juvs; Snipe (2); Shoveller (2).Richard Lowe
17/08/2026A Turnstone, Ringed Plover and Greenshank were at the sailing club end of the day wall early morning, and a drake Common Scoter out in the middle. The Wood Sandpiper was still around Horseshoe island and the adult Caspian Gull off Stones. Total of 5 Green Sandpipers. Adult Great Black-backed Gull eating a dead Coot! The Great Egret still off Stones causeway. Kingfisher and Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall. c50 Swallows at the draw-off tower and a total of c120 House Martins there and over Shiningford. Whitethroat at Hopton end and 4 Reed Warblers in different spots.Simon Roddis
15/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: YLGull (2) - Ad plus Juv; GBBGull Ad; GWEgret; Watersports/Wildlife hide: Wood Sandpiper juv; Green Sandpiper (3+), Common Sandpiper (4+); Dunlin (2) juvs; Greenshank (3) juvs; Ruff juv; Snipe (4);Richard Lowe
15/08/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 105 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 21 Mute Swans plus 3 cygnets, 8 Shoveler, 118 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 354 Mallard, 264 Teal, 3 Red-crested Pochard, 6 Pochard, 136 Tufted, 30 Moorhen, 726 Coot, 14 Little Grebe, 47 GCGrebe, 26 Lapwing, 1 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Common, 4 Green and 1 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 1 Ruff, 5 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 27 Cormorant, 12 Little and 1 Great Egret, 9 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher. Plus Cetti's Warbler in Hopton reedbed, Peregrine, Golden Plover (JB) and 2 Black-tailed Godwits (Mike R) over, adult Caspian Gull.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
14/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon of note: Caspian Gull 1st s; YLGull (3) - 2 Ads plus juv; GBBGull 1st s; Pochard (f); GWEgret (1); From Wildlife Hide/Watersports: Yellow Wagtail juv; Dunlin juv; Ruff (2) juvs; Green Sandpiper (3+); Common Sandpiper (4+); Snipe (5); GWEgret (1);Richard Lowe
14/08/2025A Cetti's Warbler was calling in Hopton reedbed first thing (first of the year as far as I'm aware). 5 Green Sandpipers, 2 Ruff, 7 Dunlin and 6 Snipe around Watersports/Horseshoe island. 4 Shoveler and the 2 drake Red-crested Pochard in Brown Ale Bay. Great Egret on the back of Watersports island. Kingfisher and Willow Warbler at Hopton end, and a small trickle of southbound Swallows and House Martins overhead.Simon Roddis
13/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was again between Watersports and the WLC this morning. Total of 8 Green and 4 Common Sandpipers, 2 Greenshank, 2 Ruff, 4 LRP, 6 Dunlin. Egyptian Goose in Brown Ale Bay. Great Egret at Sheepwash. Willow Warbler at Hopton end and juvenile Common Whitethroat on Stones.Simon Roddis
12/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was still around Horseshoe island this morning, along with much of its supporting cast, including 6 Green Sandpipers, 2 Ruff, Ringed Plover, 4 LRP and a Curlew. 6 Shoveler. 96 Teal around Brown Ale Bay, and the female Red-crested Pochard there too. In one hour early morning, 159 Woodpigeons flew S and 19N, plus 14 Stock Doves S. Single adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls. 36 Cormorant. The Great Egret again, 11 Little Egrets and 12 Grey Herons. Kingfisher in WLC creek. Redstart and Wheatear in WLC fields. Yellow Wagtail over Stones island. Unfortunately, a paddleboarder caused huge disturbance of the waterfowl around Sheepwash and BABay. I don't know if they're allowed that far up the res but I'll certainly be raising it with STW.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
11/08/2026The juvenile Wood Sandpiper was still in the Watersports area this morning, along with Ruff and Greenshank. 6+ Dunlin, 4 Green and 7 Common Sandpipers. 3 juvenile Shelduck on Watersports island late morning. Single Shoveler and Wigeon at WLC. Adult Common and Yellow-legged Gulls and first-summer Great Black-back. 2 Peregrines over the north end. c100 Swallows at the draw-off tower. Garden warbler on Stones island, and another birder had a juvenile Wheatear.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
10/08/2026Waderfest continued this morning: Wood Sandpiper still around Horseshoe island, a moulting adult Sanderling at sailing club, probably 2 each of Ruff and Greenshank, 10 Dunlin, at least 3 Green Sandpipers. 4 Shoveler in Brown Ale Bay. 2 juvenile Common Terns off Stones. Adult Caspian Gull on Horseshoe island. Peregrine over the north end. Total of 4 Willow Tits. Garden Warbler and Whitethroat on Stones. Family party of 5 Spotted Flycatchers near Lane End bombing tower.SJR, AHS, MW
09/08/2026Wood Sandpiper was a welcome addition to the roll call of waders this morning, initially on Watersports island and later on the sailing club side of Stones causeway. Total of 7 Green Sandpipers (another new record), Greenshank, Ringed Plover, 2 LRP, 5 Common Sandpipers, 6 Dunlin. At least 5 Shoveler, the Wigeon still and the 2 eclipse male Red-crested Pochard. The Great Egret still and 14 Little Egrets. Kingfisher at sailing club. Whitethroat in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
08/08/2026The second-summer Mediterranean Gull was again on the dam wall early morning. Waders included 6 Green and 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Greenshank, 11 Dunlin, Ringed Plover and 3 Little Ringed. Great Egret still. 3 Garden and at least 6 Sedge Warblers on Stones.Simon Roddis
07/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide of note this afternoon: YL Gull (2) Juvs; RC Pochard (2) eclipse drakes; Peregrine; Green Sandpiper (1); From Watersport's Is / Stones Is causeway early evening: Green Sandpiper (4+); Common Sandpiper (6+); Dunlin (8); Greenshank (1) juv; Redshank (1) juv; Ringed Plover (2); Bl T Godwit (1) Ad; Snipe (1);Richard Lowe
07/08/2026A pretty productive morning, starting with a second-summer Mediterranean Gull on the dam wall and a female Common Scoter off sailing club island. Waders included 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Little Ringed, 5 Green Sandpipers (a new site record), 8 Common Sandpipers, 10 Dunlin and a Greenshank. 21 Mute Swans plus the 3 cygnets. Female-type Wigeon in WLC creek. 2 Shoveler. The Great Egret still. Kingfisher at Millfields. 120 Swallows on the dam wall. Common Whitethroat on Stones and a Redstart in WLC fields. Total of 6 Grey Wagtails and 50+ Pied.SJR, CA, AHS
06/08/2026There must have been a small arrival of waders overnight, with at least 8 Common Sandpipers, 2 Green Sandpipers, 3 Dunlin, a Turnstone and Little and Common Ringed Plovers mainly around Stones/Watersports. 6 adult Arctic Terns flew S past Stones at 07:55. 2 Common Terns. 71 Teal is also an increase since yesterday. 2 Shoveler at sailing club. 16 Little Egrets and the Great Egret still. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. Hobby flew low up the res past Stones. Small numbers of hirundines on the move.Simon Roddis
05/08/2026From Sheepwash hide late afternoon, 6 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Caspian (adult and juvenile) and juvenile Common Gull. 53 Teal and Green Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay.Simon Roddis
05/08/2026Shorter than usual visit this morning. Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Snipe in Brown Ale Bay. 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin and 2 Ringed Plover around Watersports island. Redshank and Great Egret off Stones causeway. Green Woodpecker and Whitethroat at Hopton end. 41 Teal. Willow Warbler and Willow Tit on Stones.Simon Roddis
04/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide of note late afternoon: YLGull (5) - Ad (3); 1st s; Juv; GBBGull 1st s; plus Wigeon (female/juv).Richard Lowe
04/08/2026A Turnstone flew over the dam wall at 06:35 and later over Stones with a flock of Lapwings at 08:50. A Green Sandpiper was on Watersports island and later in front of the WLC. Other waders included 3 juvenile LRPlover, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Curlew. 3 Red-crested Pochard (2m,1f) in sailing club bay. 1 Shoveler. 3 Common Terns. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Great White Egret again. Willow Tit near WLC. c100 Swallows at the draw-off tower early morning and a total of c75 House Martins. 2 Garden Warblers, a Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler on Stones. Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
03/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide early evening, gulls of note on the spit: Caspian Gull (1st s); YL Gull (5) - Juv (2), 1st s (2), Ad (1); Common Gull (Juv) - my first of the autumn; GBBGull (1st s).Richard Lowe


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
14/11/2024This morning from Stones Island, 10 Shelduck, 3 Goldeneye, 1 Whooper Swan, 2 Redkite at least over Fishtail creek and 50+ Lapwings around yatch club, 1 Yellow Legged Gull just off East bank. WLC ,6 Common Snipe and 19 Barnacle Geese including one of dubious heritage.AHS
12/11/2024From Sheepwash / Paul Stanley Hides late this afternoon: Whooper Swan (13) - distantl, off Fishtail creek then flew off to the south at c. 4pm. Mediterranean Gull 1st W; YL Gull (2) Ads; Goldeneye (4).Richard Lowe
08/11/2024Possible pair Slavonian grebe by dam seen from main visitor centre.Jonathan Lees
08/11/2024More Hawfinch action this morning: at least 2 at Millfields had probably been in the trees near the viewing area before flying out, then 2 S over WLC creek just after 10:00. Drake Pintail at Sheepwash and 2 drake Goldeneye off Sailing Club island. A Great Egret flew past WLC and Water Rail on Horseshoe Island. 32 Ravens, including a flock of 29, flew NE up the pastures. 32 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis
07/11/2024Rather murky again this morning. 45 Chaffinches and 3 Brambling in an hour over Sheepwash. First Woodcock of the autumn/winter flushed from the path to Paul Stanley hide. Dodgy Pochard hybrid again from WLC.Simon Roddis
06/11/2024Off Sheepwash Hide late this afternoon: Caspian Gull (Ad); Goldeneye 1m. Large gull roost of Common Gull/Black-headed Gull/Lesser Black-backed Gull extending from off LaneEnd hide to the Dam wall - uncountable!Richard Lowe
06/11/2024Highlight this morning was 2 single Hawfinches SW over Hopton end and Sheepwash. 26 Wigeon. Drake Pintail at Shiningford. 2 Goldeneye (drake at Sheepwash, redhead off Stones). 2 redhead Goosander. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. 50 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. Marsh Tit (returning bird?) calling along the path between Sheepwash and Paul Stanley. 400 Starlings came out of Hopton reedbed early morning. Totals of 82 Fieldfare and 70 Siskin.Simon Roddis
05/11/2024Off Sheepwash Hide late this afternoon (despite the fog): Mediterranean Gull (Ad); YL Gull 2 Ads; Goldeneye 1m.Richard Lowe
04/11/2024Nothing moving again in dull conditions this morning, but managed to drag out a first-winter Caspian Gull off Stones/Watersports, Brambling and Water Rail in WLC creek, drake Pintail and redhead Goldeneye at Sheepwash, Kingfisher and 50 Siskin at Millfields, and the Egyptian Goose flew up the res mid morning.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
03/11/2024November Birdwalk for beginners. house sparrow, mallard. coot. moorhen. tufted duck. black-headed gull. pochard. wigeon. teal. gadwall. gt cr grebe. little grebe. lapwing. lesser bb gull cormorant. Dunnock. robin. magpie. crow. kestrel. g s woodpecker. long-tailed tit. blue tit. wren. chaffinch. redwing. common gull. great tit. wood pigeon. blackbird. goldfinch. mute swan. Canada goose.Amanda Palethorpe
02/11/2024Off Sheepwash Hide of note late this afternoon: Pintail (2); Goldeneye (1); Goosander (1); Egyptian Goose (1); Caspian Gull (1) Ad.; YLGull (2) Ads.; GBBGull (1) Ad.Richard Lowe
01/11/2024Just bits and bobs of movement this morning, no great numbers: 32 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Golden Plover, 80 Woodpigeons, 304 Redwing, 20 Fieldfare, 160 Starling, 12 Brambling (including a flock of 11). 28 Reed Buntings out of Hopton reedbed early morning. Goldeneye, probably a young male, at Millfields.Simon Roddis
31/10/2024With a halo of low cloud this morning, if anything was moving it wasn't visible! A Great Egret, maybe the same as the last couple of days, flew out of Millfields at 07:20, along with similar numbers of Canada and Greylag. 29 Gadwall, 6 Wigeon, 13 Teal, 1 redhead Goosander, 396 Tufted and c400 Pochard. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 36 Cormorants.Simon Roddis
30/10/2024Movement this morning included 5,180 Woodpigeons, 290 Starlings, 220 Redwing and 22 Fieldfare. Early morning, 743 Greylags and 593 Canada Geese flew out, along with a single Egyptian Goose. 2 Goosander flew over WLC creek. Great Egret on the shore between Sheepwash and Lane End. 65 Lapwing - a marked increase. Adult Yellow-legged Gull Still. 2 Kingfishers (Millfields and Brown Ale Bay). Chiffchaff and 21 Redpoll on Stones. 20 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
29/10/2024Best this morning was a Great Egret that flew W at 09:30. Otherwise, 1520 Woodpigeons and 200 Starlings flew through. 8 Redpolls on Stones. Peregrine playing with a Carrion Crow over Hall Wood. 33 grey geese flew SW but I'm not committing myself on what they were.SJR, CA, AHS
28/10/2024Much less movement than previous days: 517 Redwing, 92 Starling and just 300 Woodpigeons. The drake Red-crested Pochard and adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 2 Chiffchaff on Stones. A Brambling over Millfields and 7 Redpoll on Stones. Didn't see or hear yesterday's Yellow-browed Warbler.Simon Roddis
27/10/2024Another(?) Yellow-browed Warbler was on Stones island this morning, the third of the autumn here. Not a great mix of species on the move but 14,180 Woodpigeons was the highest yet this autumn. 572 Canadas and 711 Greylags flew out over the dam wall early morning. 7 Grey Wagtails at Millfields. 5 Shoveler. 5 Redpoll over Stones. Clive had 4 Goosander and at least one Little Egret from Stones early in.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
26/10/2024From Sheepwash Hide late this afternoon: Of note in the gull roost: YL Gull (5) - Ads; Mediterranean Gull (1) - 1st w.Richard Lowe
26/10/2024Movement this morning: 7,620 Woodpigeons S, 3,150 Starlings W (including a flock of 1,200) and 275 Redwing S. 322 Greylags flew out early morning. Pair of Shoveler and 4 Wigeon off Stones island. 370 Pochard from WLC. 35 Lapwing and 4 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 3 Chiffchaff on Stones.Simon Roddis
25/10/2024Foggy again so limited visibility. 46 Reed Buntings (a new site record) came out of their roost in Hopton reedbed early morning, and a Brambling flew over. Total of 22 Chaffinches over. The adult Yellow-legged Gull again patrolling around.Simon Roddis
24/10/2024225 Pochard, 7 Little Grebe, 8 Red Kite, 20 Cormorant, 74 Wood Pigeon,40 Redwing, 90 Stock Dove, 20 Mute Swan, 12 Teal, 9 Gadwall, 2 Raven, 1 KestrelDave Armitt
24/10/2024In 2 hours from Stones island this morning, 5,000 Woodpigeons, 928 Redwing, 513 Starling, 17 Chaffinch and 2 Little Egrets. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. Chiffchaff on Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
23/10/2024Very foggy until late morning. Best was a Barn Owl at Sheepwash first thing, the drake Red-crested Pochard off Lane End and Kingfisher(s?) at WLC.Simon Roddis
22/10/2024Quite a decent morning after the rain stopped: a total of 10,700 Woodpigeons flew SW between 08:45-12:00, along with a Hawfinch, a Great Egret W, 63 Starlings, 29 Chaffinches (and loads of unid'd finches/pipits) and 10 Skylarks in typically random directios.. 14 Pink-footed Geese went E at 09:25.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
21/10/2024Monthly wildfowl count: 68 Canadas, 7 Greylags, 32 Mute Swan, 1 Shoveler, 13 Gadwall, 19 Wigeon, 119 Mallard, 39 Teal, 505 Pochard, 332 Tufted, 3 Goosander, 24 Moorhen, 1,088 Coot, 19 Little Grebe, 68 GCGrebe, 27 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 31 Cormorant, 3 Heron, 2 Kingfisher. Also adult Yellow-legged Gull, Peregrine, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Redpoll over WLC, 24 Siskin.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
17/10/2024A Yellow-browed Warbler called several times in WLC creek around 11:00 this morning - almost a mile from the last sighting of one at Sheepwash 2 days ago, so perhaps a different bird? Vismig numbers: 1,914 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare, 624 Starling, 750 Woodpigeon. 1 Rock Pipit over Stones at 10:00. 12 Skylarks in random directions. 1 Shelduck. 4 Shoveler. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 2 Kingfishers.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
15/10/2024The Yellow-browed Warbler was still calling near Sheepwash hide just after midday. Juvenile female Goldeneye at Millfields and Brambling over the visitor centre. Drake Red-crested Pochard at Big Island. 26 Wigeon. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. Perimeter counts: 8 Coal Tit, 2 Willow, 42 Blue, 48 Great, 48 Long-tailed, 1 Chiffchaff, 27 Goldcrest, 81 Wren, 4 Nuthatch, 11 Treecreeper, 11 Song Thrush, 266 Redwing, 68 Blackbird, 146 Robin, 29 Dunnock, 23 Chaffinch, 15 Bullfinch, 10 Greenfinch, 53 Goldfinch, 15 Reed Bunting (13 out of Hopton reedbed early morning).Simon Roddis
14/10/2024A mere 5,880 Woodpigeons flew S in 2 hours this morning. A couple of hundred of them were forced to take evasive action to avoid a pair of Peregrines at one point. 5 Fieldfare among the Redwings were the first of the autumn here. Total of 389 Pochard (283m,106f). 2 Redpoll over the main carpark. No sign of the Yellow-browed Warbler near PS hide.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
13/10/2024174 Pochard, 6 Wigeon,4 Grey Heron, 13 Cormorant,3 Pied Wagtail,4 Little Grebe, 12 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 5 Moorhen , 1 Red Kite , 1 Kestrel, 6 Long tailed Tit, 30 Greylag goose,15 Mute Swan, 6 Siskin, 2 Buzzard , 23 Whooper Swan heading east , 2 Skeins of Pink -Footed goose heading eastDave Armitt
13/10/2024Not a bad morning, the highlight being the Yellow-browed Warbler near Paul Stanley hide just after midday - thanks to Amanda P for alerting us to it. In 2 hours from Stones island, 11,500 Woodpigeons flew S (mainly down the east side), 340 Pink-footed Geese E in 4 skeins and a herd of 23 Whooper Swans E (plus another 9 probable distant Whoopers taking the same track). 300 Pochard, mostly at WLC. 3 Pintail.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
12/10/2024Afternoon visit: nice surprise was 4 winter plumage Black-necked Grebes off Millfields, looking very smart in shades of black, grey and white. 135 Common Gulls off Stones by 6pm. Shoveler in Brown Ale Bay.Simon Roddis
11/10/2024706 Woodpigeons flew S in 90 mins this morning. Handful of Redwing, Starling and Skylarks. 284 Pochard from WLC. No sign of Clive's YbWarbler at Brown Ale Bay but Tawny Owl and Kingfisher there. Redpoll over WLC creek.Simon Roddis
08/10/2024From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Caspian Gull - 1 (Ad); YL Gull - 3 (Ads); Herring Gull - 1 (Ad).Richard Lowe
06/10/2024Late afternoon from Sheepwash Hide: Caspian Gull - (Ad); YL Gull (2) - (Ad) and (1stW); GBB Gull - (Ad).Richard Lowe
06/10/2024BWB walk. House sparrow. coot. Canada goose. mute swan. pied wagtail. gt cr grebe. gadwall. moorhen. BH gull. teal. carrion crow. cormorant. long-tailed tit. kestrel. little grebe. magpie. robin. blackbird. blue tit. Dunnock. great tit. chiffchaff. raven 7. jackdaw. mallard. wood pigeon. pochard. lapwing. tufted duck. lesser Bb gullAmanda Palethorpe
06/10/2024A bit quiet this morning but a Rock Pipit flew over Stones island,125 Woodpigeons flew S, the Water Rail called on Horseshoe island and 3 Swallows over the WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
05/10/2024At least 1 Rock Pipit again on the dam wall, Millfields end, this morning. 195 Woodpigeons, 20 Stock Doves and 175 Redwings S/W in an hour. 2 Pintail, single Shoveler and Goosander. Still c2,000 Black-headed and 3,500 Lesser Black-backed Gulls post-roost early morning. 2 adult Yellow-legs. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Millfields and 5 House Martins S there.Simon Roddis
04/10/2024A Yellow Wagtail on dam wall this afternoonA & G Hattersley
04/10/2024Two Rock Pipits were on the dam wall this morning and a first-winter Caspian Gull near the cormorant raft. Not as much moving as yesterday, with 99 Woodpigeons, 25 Meadow Pipits and a redhead Goosander S and 87 Redwings W in one hour. 33 Wigeon. 2 Shoveler off Stones. Blackcap on Stones. 3 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing.Simon Roddis
03/10/20242 Red Kites over Millfields Car Park on Thursday 03/10/2024 10.30am.D and J Coates
03/10/2024First definite Redwings of the autumn this morning: 414 west(ish) in 2 hours, 08:00-10:00. Also 190 Woodpigeons, 18 Stock Dove, 17 Skylarks. Totals of 40 Swallows and 10 Jays. 740 Canadas and 233 Greylags flew out early morning. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Peregrine.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
02/10/2024I thought I'd finished for the morning when a last scan over the water produced 3 Gannets, 2 juveniles and a sub-adult, in flight off Sheepwash at 11:00. One juvenile stayed to 12:20 at least (last seen by Dave Horsley from Sheepwash hide). Second time in just over a week! Also 271 Pochard, 1 female Pintail, 12 Wigeon, 43 Cormorants, 2 Snipe, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 40 Swallows.Simon Roddis
01/10/2024In the rain this morning, 195 Greylags, 32 Mute Swans, 34 Cormorants, adult Yellow-legged Gull, Kingfisher at WLC, 25 Swallows. Alan S had a Water Rail on Sheepwash spit mid-morning.Simon Roddis
29/09/2024Roost count for the Winter Gull Survey this evening : 4,500 Lesser Black-backs, 1 Great Black-back, 3 Yellow-legs, 700 Black-heads, 120 Common. Earlier in the day, the drake Red-crested Pochard still off Stones, 65 Swallows and 30 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
28/09/2024A female Merlin flew S past Stones island 09:00, first of the year here. 96 Greylag. 2 Shoveler. The drake Red-crested Pochard still at Shiningford. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gull.s Kingfishers at Millfields and WLC. 35 Swallows.Simon Roddis
25/09/20244 Black-tailed Godwits (probably juveniles) were on Stones island this morning, and 2 Golden Plover flew W. 710 Canadas and 42 Greylags flew out early morning. Drake Red-crested Pochard still. 4 Shoveler. A late Swift was among a mixed flock of c120 Swallows and House Martins over the east side, my first since 26 August. 2 Water Rails (Hopton reedbed and Horseshoe island). 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls still. In the dam wall fields, 60 Meadow Pipits, 4 Skylarks and 35 Goldfinches, and c100 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
24/09/2024Big surprise this morning was an adult Gannet, apparently first seen around 10:00 from Stones and later at Millfields to 11:30. 2 Shoveler and the drake Red-crested Pochard still off Stones. Single fly-over Golden Plover and Yellow Wagtail, and a Ringed Plover flew around for about an hour mid-morning. 26 Common Gulls off Stones early morning. 2 adult Yellow-legs still. 1+ Kingfisher around Stones/WLC/sailing club. 7 Ravens, including 3 pairs formation-flying. 4 Skylarks and 13 Meadow Pipits on/over the dam wall. Total of 26 Swallows. Flock of 80 House Martins SW over Millfields at 13:00.Simon Roddis
23/09/2024Water Rail, male Red-crested Pochard and adult Yellow-legged Gull all still present this morning. 153 Teal, 7 Wigeon and 2 Shoveler off Stones. Total of 208 Pochard. First-winter Common Gull and 2 Great Black-backs.Simon Roddis
21/09/2024Monthly wildfowl count: 657 Canada, 13 Greylag, 25 Mute Swan, 48 Gadwall, 31 Wigeon, 121 Mallard, 162 Teal, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 183 Pochard, 264 Tufted, 1 Water Rail, 29 Moorhen, 1,238 Coot, 22 LGrebe, 55 GCGrebe, 20 Lapwing, 33 Cormorant, 1 Kingfisher, adult Yellow-legged Gull.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
19/09/2024Two skeins of Pink-footed Geese, c150 birds, flew NE at 09:30 before disappearing into the murk over Millfields. Clive heard more over the WLC later. Drake Red-crested Pochard at Shiningford. Female Shoveler off Stones. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 2 Dunlin (CA). 1 Little Egret around Stones/WLC. Kingfisher at Millfields. Total of 9 Ravens.Simon Roddis
18/09/2024A Great Egret flew N over Stones just before 8 this morning. Single Curlew and Ringed Oliver flew N into the breeze. Dunlin on Horseshoe island. 21 Wigeon, 115 Teal, 53 Gadwall, 205 Pochard and the drake Red-crested Pochard still. Single Hobby and Peregrine. 30 Swallows.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
17/09/2024A bit of an influx of duck this morning: 58 Wigeon, 7 Pintail, 4+ Shoveler, 130 Teal, 142 Pochard. 605 Canadas and 6 Greylags flew out early morning. 600 Black-headed Gulls post-roost. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 1 Dunlin on sailing club shore. Around the dam wall, Peregrine, Skylark, Yellow Wagtail and 15 Linnets. 1 Sedge Warbler still on Stones. Clive saw the Water Rail and a Snipe on Horseshoe island.Simon Roddis
15/09/2024Much less moving than yesterday. 75 Pink-footed Geese flew NE, 2 Little Egrets W up WLC creek (before one of them turned round!) and 44 Swallows. 448 Canadas and 7 Greylags flew out early morning. Drake Red-crested Pochard again off Stones. 91 Teal. Redhead Goosander. Green Woodpecker calling again in Tail Bay. The Water Rail still on Horseshoe island. One Redstart still in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
14/09/2024Movement in 2 hours (07:00-09:00) this morning: 365 Swallows and 8 House Martins SW; 59 Meadow Pipits S; 23 Stock Doves S, 13N; 82 Woodpigeons S, 44N; 76 Rooks. 1 Little Egret. 3 female-type Pintail at WLC. 3 redhead Goosander. Peregrine and Hobby from Stones. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Female/juv Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
13/09/2024Despite the high water level, the star bird this morning was a wader: a Spotted Redshank flew SW over Stones island at 08:45, calling as it went. Along the dam wall early morning, c100 Pied and 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Skylark, 4 redhead Goosander and a juvenile female Peregrine. 86 Woodpigeons (76S,10N) and 13 Stock Doves (7S,6N) in an hour. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Total of 120 Swallows and 10 House Martins. Another Peregrine perched in WLC fields, perhaps the same adult male as last winter. 2 female/juv Redstarts in WLC fields, including the long-stayer. Willow Warbler singing on Stones.Simon Roddis
12/09/2024An Osprey flew slowly S down the res at 11:10 this morning. Earlier, a cream-crown Marsh Harrier had flown N through Millfields (RPJ,AMD). Totals of 75 Teal, 168 Pochard and 240 Tufted. 1 redhead Goosander flew N. Adult Yellow-legged Gull again. 80 Swallows and 20 House Martins. 2 Sedge Warblers still on Stones and the female/juv Redstart in WLC fields. 15 Meadow Pipits S. c100 Goldfinches feeding on Stones.Simon Roddis
11/09/2024The main event between the showers this morning was a fly-over summer plumage Black-throated Diver which circled the res for 10 minutes before departing high SW at 10:30. The first in the county since 2011 (also at Carsi). Earlier, 11 Pink-footed Geese flew E, first of the autumn here. Supporting cast of Redshank, first-winter Caspian and adult Yellow-legged Gulls, Kingfisher, Sand Martin, 40 Swallows, 70 House Martins, female/juv Redstart still in WLC fields and 25 Meadow Pipits S.Simon Roddis
10/09/20244 female/juv Pintail off Stones mid-morning were new, and c150 Pochard (100+ in Brown Ale Bay) indicates a further arrival. The drake Red-crested Pochard off Stones again, and 212 Tufted. The juvenile Water Rail was on Horseshoe island again. 3 Common Sandpipers at Millfields. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Female Sparrowhawk mobbed by 3 Rooks over WLC creek. 116 Swallows, most of the moving SW. Female/juv Redstart still in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
09/09/2024A juvenile Black Tern was off Stones island from 08:00-08:30 this morning. Also off Stones, the eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard, 138 Tufted, adult Caspian Gull and 2 Common Sandpipers. The Water Rail again showed well on Horseshoe island. Total of 810 Coot. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. Kingfisher on Horseshoe island. 32 Swallows and 57 House Martins. 1 Sedge Warbler still on Stones. 16 Mistle Thrushes over Blackwall plantation, my highest count of the year.Simon Roddis
08/09/2024A tiny bit of wader activity this morning, with 7 Ringed Plovers N, 4 Snipe and 2 Common Sandpipers. The drake Red-crested Pochard still off Stones, 2 Wigeon and a total of 64 Teal. The juvenile Water Rail showed well from WLC late morning. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. Kingfisher(s) at WLC and Stones. Total of 175 Swallows.Simon Roddis
07/09/2024Highlights this morning were a Green Woodpecker in Tail Bay, a Wheatear past Stones island and juvenile Water Rail on Horseshoe island. 2 adults Yellow-legged and juvenile Caspian Gull. 44 Teal. 4 Wigeon and 49 Pochard from WLC. 46 Swallows over Millfields.Simon Roddis
06/09/2024Forgot to say, a count of 55 Cormorants, although dwarfed by recent counts at Ogston, suggests an increase in line with theirs, some of which have been shown by colour rings to have come from Germany.Simon Roddis
06/09/2024Not a bad morning, difficult to know how much part the wind played in that. Clive picked up a juvenile Arctic Tern off Stones (still there to 11:00 at least) and then a juvenile Black Tern appeared off the Lane End area from 10:00. A flock of 11 Wigeon and a Pintail flew up the res, then a male Common Scoter from Lane End. Another Wigeon and the drake Red-crested Pochard were off Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
05/09/2024A Redshank which dropped onto Sheepwash spit late morning was the only new bird of note. Wildfowl still increasing: 97 Pochard, 36 Teal, 1 Wigeon and the drake Red-crested Pochard still. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls (2 adults, 1 juv). 50 Goldfinches again on Stones.Simon Roddis
04/09/2024900 Canada Geese and 72 Greylags flew out over the dam wall early morning. Drake Red-crested Pochard still from Stones island. Ringed Plover over Millfields early morning. Juvenile Caspian Gull and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls off Stones. At least 2 Kingfishers in the Stones/WLC area and perhaps another at Millfields. Totals of 50 Swallows and 35 House Martins. Willow Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and 3+ Sedge on Stones, plus another Willow Warbler in WLC creek. 2 Redstarts still in WLC fields.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
03/09/20243 Greenshank flew high SW over Stones island at 09:00 - difficult to know if these were the same as 2 or more over Sheepwash an hour earlier. 2 Snipe and a Curlew also from Stones. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and Common Tern. 2 Shoveler. 1 drake Wigeon. The drake Red-crested Pochard still. Kingfisher off Stones causeway. c30 House Martins over the dam wall.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
02/09/2024A female-type Pied Flycatcher at Hopton end early morning looks like the first September record here. Drake Common Scoter off Stones. 18 Teal. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls.1 Common Sandpiper. 2 Kingfishers at WLC. 2 Sedge Warblers and 2 Lesser Whitethroats on/around Stones. 3+ Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis
01/09/2024BwB walk. Canada goose, goldfinch, wood pigeon, gt cr grebe, mute swan, cormorant, house sparrow, pied wagtail, coot, moorhen, tufted duck, little grebe, kestrel, grey heron, lapwing, crow, robin, swallow, magpie, gadwall, mallard, greylag goose, pochard, BH gull, herring gull, LBB gull, teal, great tit, blue tit, chiffchaff, wrenAmanda Palethorpe
01/09/2024A Ringed Plover flew over WLC early morning. Single Shoveler over Stones causeway and the male Red-crested Pochard from the mound. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, adult and juv. Kingfisher at WLC and Redstart still in the creek.Simon Roddis
30/08/20246 Pied wagtail, 4 Gadwall, 6 Little grebe, 14 Mute swan, 9 Lapwing, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Chiffchaff, three flocks of Goldfinch 20,30 and 10 mixer of mature and young birds, 1 Lesser Whitethroat , 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Sparrow hawk , 10 Buzzard, 4 Red Kite same group that Simon saw. 6 Swallow , 6 PochardDave Armitt
30/08/2024The Cattle Egret was roosting with Cormorants between Sheepwash and Lane End early morning, then flew SW over Stones at 08:35. More wildfowl have arrived, with Pochard up to 76, 24 Teal and single Wigeon and Shoveler. 520 Coot. 2 Little Egret. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Spiral of 10 Buzzards and 4 Red Kites. 3 Kingfishers. 7 Jays between Hopton end and Middle Wood. Lesser Whitethroat still on Stones and 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. 1 Yellow Wagtail over WLC.Simon Roddis
29/08/20244 Wigeon in Brown Ale Bay were the first of the autumn. At least 11 Teal also indicates a small arrival. 30 Lapwing. Adult and juv Yellow-legged Gulls. 1 Little Egret at Lane End. Kingfishers at Millfields and in BABay. Pair of adult Hobbies were chasing Swallows around the draw-off tower at Millfields early morning. Lesser Whitethroat on Stones. 2 Redstarts (male and female/juv) in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
28/08/2024A light breeze which picked up late morning made all the difference as far as large raptors were concerned: a cream-crown Marsh Harrier flew S at 11:00, an Osprey flew around at 11:10 and several buzzards and kites circled over the woods. The eclipse male Red-crested Pochard was off Stones and a male Aythya hybrid, presumably the same one as has appeared before, was off Millfields early morning. c100 Greylags flew out early on, the most I've seen for a while. Juv Oystercatcher still. 5 Yellow-legged Gulls (2 adults, 3 juvs). Redstart still calling in WLC fields. Kingfisher and Lesser Whitethroat on Stones (per AHS/RPJ/AMD).Simon Roddis
27/08/2024Osprey again from Stones early morning, plus a juvenile Arctic Tern and a fly-over Yellow Wagtail. Adult Caspian Gull still and 2 Yellow-legged (adult and juv). Totals of at least 7 Teal, 50 Pochard and 29 Stock Doves. Redstart still in WLC fields. 9 Mistle Thrushes over the east side (flushed by the Osprey!).Simon Roddis
26/08/2024An Osprey again from Stones island this morning, 09:05 to 09:45 at least. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, Peregrine and Kingfisher also from Stones. 31 Pochard at WLC and Water Rail calling in the creek. Juvenile Oystercatcher still at sailing club. Little Egret over the dam wall. 2 Redstarts (1 male) in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
25/08/2024An Osprey was around from 07:55 to 09:55 at least, perched in a dead pine eating a fish for a while. An Arctic Tern flew NE at 08:40. 3 Ringed Plovers through and 4 Swifts from Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
23/08/2024Highlight this morning was 2 Ospreys: 1 from 08:10-09:00 from Stones; presumed same at WLC 10:00 then down east side; second bird with a fish down east side 11:00 immediately after first bird and again about 10 minutes later. 2 Hobbies seen 3 times, presumed to be the same birds each time. 5+ Swifts. 1 Oystercatcher. Common Sandpiper at Sheepwash. Adult and 2 juv Yellow-legged Gulls. Clive had a possible Arctic Tern past Sheepwash. 10 Sand Martins.SJR, CA, AHS
18/08/2024Monthly wildfowl count: 227 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacles (plus one juv), 6 Greylag, 21 Mute Swan, 56 Gadwall, 160 Mallard, 5 Teal, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 38 Pochard, 210 Tufted, 26 Moorhen, 466 Coot, 1 Water Rail (Shiningford), 24 Little Grebe, 63 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 5 Lapwing, 1 Common Sand, 38 Cormorant, 6 Heron, 2 Kingfisher. 4 Arctic Terns (ad and 3 juvs) from Stones late morning, adult Caspian Gull, 2 Yellow-legs (adult and juv), 2 Swifts, 2 Hobby, 1 juv Peregrine, 2 Yellow Wagtails.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
16/08/2024Evening visit: 2,400 Lesser Black-backed Gulls came in to roost, with single Caspian (a juvenile) and Yellow-legs. 8 Teal. 1 Swift. c500 Swallows over Watersports island before going to roost on there.Simon Roddis
17/08/20243 Sandwich Terns were off the Sheepwash/Lane End area from 07:55 to 08:30 at least, an eclipse male Red-crested Pochard from the WLC and the adult Caspian Gull still. 20 Common Pochard. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 60 Goldfinch and the juvenile Yellow Wagtail still on Stones.Simon Roddis
15/08/2024Adult Caspian and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls again. A Tree Pipit flew S over Millfields at 07:25 and a Greenshank later over WLC. 20 Pochard. 4 Swift. 1 juv Oystercatcher. 1 Common Sandpiper. 2 Kingfishers (Millfields and WLC). Total of 38 House Martins, 100+ Swallows and 6 Sand Martins. Lesser Whitethroat at the mound on Stones. Redstart calling in WLC fields. Juv Yellow Wagtail still on Stones, 4 Grey Wag and 2 Meadow Pipits at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
14/08/2024An immature drake Common Scoter was off Stones island early morning. The adult Caspian Gull again, and adult and juvenile Yellow-legged. 2 Shoveler, 18 Pochard and a KIngfisher at WLC. Common Sandpiper at sailing club. Little Egret at Sheepwash. c150 Swallows at Millfields early morning. Yellow Wagtail and Lesser Whitethroat again on Stones.Simon Roddis
13/08/2024Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 4 Teal. 20 Pochard. 6 Common Sandpipers. 1 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 Kingfishers (Tail Bay and the dam wall). 3 Willow Tit, including a brief burst of song in WLC creek. 120 Swallows. 1 Swift. In WLC fields, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, male Redstart, 30 Linnet, Yellow Wagtail flew S, and Hobby. Another Yellow Wag on Stones, along with Lesser Whitethroat and 50+ Goldfinches. Reed Warblers on Stones causeway and at WLC.Simon Roddis
12/08/2024Single adult Caspian, Yellow-legged, Common and GBbGulls this morning. Reed Warbler at WLC and Redstart up the creek.Simon Roddis
09/08/2024A moulting adult Sanderling was on sailing club shore this morning. Adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and GBbGull still. 38 Cormorants. Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat on Stones. Spotted Flycatcher at Lane End. c120 Linnets feeding in the wildflower meadow just south of Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
08/08/2024A bit quieter than the last couple of mornings. Adult Yellow-legged and GBbGulls still. 140 Woodpigeons N and 22 S in an hour - strange birds! 1 Common Sandpiper. 14 Pochard, including the 2 fully grown juvs. 29 Cormorant. 3 Redstarts (male and 2 female/juvs) in WLC fields. Painted Lady on Stones.Simon Roddis
07/08/2024Adult Arctic Tern, Caspian, Yellow-legged and GBbGulls this morning. A Great Egret flew down the res at 09:25 and landed for a short time at Millfields, and a Green Sandpiper flew S over Stones causeway at 09:30 (first of the year). 28 Mute Swan. Around Millfields and the dam wall early morning, 150 Swallows, 135 Pied and 3 Grey Wagtails. New brood of 3 Little Grebes off Stones island, and now 4 young at the WLC. Kingfisher in Tail Bay. Hobby at the top of WLC creek. Lesser Whitethroat on Stones.Simon Roddis
06/08/2024A decent morning: a Tree Pipit flew S over WLC creek at 09:30 and a Greenshank S over the dam wall at 10:30. Adult Caspian, 2 Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gull around Stones. 19 Pochard. 3 Teal. Kingfisher at WLC. A Hobby was chasing Swallows over the east side and Peregrine circling over the west. Total of 9 Ravens. 40 House Martins. Sedge Warblers still feeding young on Stones, and Garden Warbler still too. Male Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
05/08/2024Just the adult Yellow-legged Gull this morning. New brood of 2 small Little Grebes at WLC. 28 Mute Swans. Increase in hirundines: c35 House, 15 Sand Martins and 20 Swallows. Sedge Warbler possibly still feeding young on Stones island, and Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat there.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
04/08/2024Species seen during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Carrion Crow, Swift, Cormorant, Blackbird, Black-headed Gull, Pied Wagtail, Canada Goose, Coot, Common Gull, Gt Crested Grebe, Gadwall, Greylag Goose, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Chiffchaff, Willow Tit, Wren, Goldfinch, Tufted Duck, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Mallard, House Martin, Swallow, Linnet, Bullfinch, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Grebe, Great Tit, Dunnock, Pochard and BuzzardGary Atkins
04/08/2024Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again off Stones early morning. 22 Pochard. 8 Swifts. 111 Woodpigeons S (and 8N) in one hour. 4 Common Sandpipers (3 Millfields, 1 WLC creek). 8 Swifts. 1 Skylark over Stones.Simon Roddis
03/08/2024Adult Caspian Gull again at sailing club early morning and adult Yellow-leg from Sheepwash. 17 Pochard. 27 Mute Swans. Kingfisher from Sheepwash hide. 3+ Spotted Flycatchers at Lane End.Simon Roddis
02/08/20241 Coal Tit,8 Moorhen, 12 Mute Swan, 2 little Grebe, 1 Bullfinch, 14 Cormorant, 14 Greylag goose, 2 Stock Dove, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaff, 5 Chaffinch, 8 Pochard, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Redstart, 3 Swallow,4 SwiftDavid Armitt
01/08/2024A drake Common Scoter was off Stones island this morning. 5 adult Black-tailed Godwits on Horseshoe island flew off at 09:30 and 2 Snipe flew W over the WLC. Adult Caspian and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls again. Garden Warbler on Stones and Reed Warbler still singing at WLC. 16 Linnets over WLC creek.SJR, KR, AHS
31/07/2024Adult Caspian and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls again from Stones early morning. 19 Pochard. 4 Kestrels. 2 Willow Warblers singing in WLC creek. 1 Garden Warbler on Stones. 3 Meadow Pipits (highlight of the morning!) on the dam wall, first here since early April. A Muntjac crossed the road near the main entrance, only my third here.Simon Roddis
30/07/2024A Yellow Wagtail over Millfields early am was the first since the spring. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. Adult female Peregrine eating a juvenile Black-headed Gull on the pylon at the top of WLC creek, with a noisy juvenile male flying around. Pair of Common Terns off Stones. Kingfisher again at WLC and female-type Redstart in the fields. A Banded Demoiselle on Stones island was my first at Carsi.Simon Roddis
29/07/2024Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged again sitting on buoys early morning. Adult Common Tern. 17 Pochard. Kingfisher in WLC creek and male Redstart in the fields. 50 Swallows over Millfields early morning.Simon Roddis
28/07/2024Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again off Stones/Watersports. 1 Curlew flew up the res. Only 1 Oystercatcher, seems most of them left a couple of days ago. 2+ Redstart and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. No sign of yesterday's Whinchat.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
27/07/2024The major highlight this morning was a Honey Buzzard which flew very slowly W over the res between 09:55 and 10:15, finally disappearing behind Carsington Pastures. It was mobbed for a time by a Peregrine, with Common Buzzard and Red Kite in view with it at other times. A male Whinchat was in the dam wall fields and 2 juv Spotted Flycatchers on the Tail Bay path. Female/juv Redstart in WLC fields. Adult Common Tern and Yellow-legged Gull off Stones/Watersports. Kingfisher in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
26/07/2024Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again this morning. 18 Pochard. c20 Swifts drifting around. First hints of Woodpigeon movement this week, 96 S in an hour early(ish) morning. Reed, Sedge and Willow Warblers still singing, seems late, I'm wondering if they have failed to attract mates but feel compelled to keep on trying.Simon Roddis

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