Recent Sightings

DateSightingName
22/04/2026Best this morning was a beautiful first-summer Little Gull off Watersports. Another surprise was 2 Redwing at Millfields, with a Swift, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Willow Tit and c100 Redpoll in the same area. Around Watersports, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, Common Sandpiper, Redshank and the pair of Egyptian Geese. Yellow Wagtail (possibly 2) on Stones causeway/dam wall. Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
21/04/2026Another excellent spring morning, with 4 new species for the year: Swift over the dam wall, Yellow Wagtail at the main centre, Garden Warblers at Hopton end and on Stones, and Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed. One Black-tailed and 2 Bar-tailed Godwits were on Watersports island and later from WLC. First-summer Caspian Gull still. Pink-footed Goose, 2 Teal, 2 Pochard and 4 Goldeneye. 10 Sedge Warblers around Stones island and 1 at WLC. Redstart still in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
19/04/2026Highlight of the monthly wildfowl count was a drake Ring-necked Duck in Brown Ale Bay at around 08:50, relocated off Big Island at 10:20. Other wildfowl: 194 Canada, 34 Greylag (plus a brood of 5), 1 Pink-foot, 2 Egyptian, 2 Mute Swan, 33 Gadwall, 70 Mallard (plus a brood of 12), 3 Pochard, 47 Tufted, 5 Goldeneye, 4 Moorhen, 18 Coot, 4 Little Grebe, 36 GCGrebe, 11 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Redshank, 2 Dunlin, 6 Cormorant (a total of 480 waterbirds as opposed to 824 in April last year) Also: first-summer Mediterranean and Caspian Gulls at Watersports, 100+ Sand Martins, male Whitethroat at Hopton end, male Pied Flycatcher still at Warrington Knob and Redstart in WLC fields. Wheatear on the dam wall (per Mick W).Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
18/04/2026This morning, 2 Egyptian Geese, drake Pochard, 3 Common Sandpipers off Stones causeway, first-summer Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Mediterranean Gulls (second-summer and a pair of adults), Common Tern at Watersports, Willow Tit on the Tail Bay path, 3 Skylarks over, 100++ Sand Martins, male Redstart in WLC fields still, 1 Redpoll.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
17/04/2026Early evening - 2 Med Gulls (a 3cy and 2cy) in or around the BHGull colony at the rear of Sailing Club Island, best viewed from the second bench along the dam wall, albeit distant. Also a German ringed Caspian Gull (2cy) on the Watersports pontoon; Pink-footed Goose and LRPlover on Watersports Island.Richard Lowe
17/04/2026Quieter than yesterday. The second-summer Mediterranean Gull was still present, Redstart still singing in WLC fields and 2 new Sedge Warblers, on Millfields island and at WLC.SJR, CA, AHS
16/04/2025A decent morning, starting with a male Pied Flycatcher singing in Warrington Knob, just south of Middle Wood on the east side (first of the year). Single Arctic Tern and Whimbrel past Stones island (also both the first of the year), and a Common Sandpiper was on the shore. Drake Pochard off Watersports. 2 male Redstarts (Hall Wood and WLC fields).SJR, CA, MW
14/04/2026Caspian Gull (2cy) on Watersports pontoon late afternoon - (yellow colour ring on left leg).Richard Lowe
14/04/2026The second-summer Mediterranean Gull flew across sailing club bay mid-morning. Common Tern at Watersports. Drake Pochard. 4 Goldeneye. At Hopton end and Hall/Middle Woods, 9 Coal Tit, 5 Willow Warbler, 17 Blackcap, 6 Nuthatch, 8 Treecreeper, 1 Redstart. Another Redstart in WLC fields. 3 Sedge Warblers around Stones.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
13/04/2026Late afternoon visit: second-summer Mediterranean Gull among the Black-heads on the back of sailing club island, as reported by Richard L a couple of days ago. Pink-footed Goose past Stones. 3 singing Sedge Warblers.Simon Roddis
11/04/20263 Little and 4 Common Terns were off Stones island from 07:55 to around 08:15 this morning. Good conditions for terns, clearly. 20+ Barnacle Geese. Second-summer Caspian Gull again off Watersports. Little Egret at Millfields. Big increase in hirundines, c100 Swallows, 300 Sand Martins and at least 4 House Martins. Sedge Warbler again on Stones.Simon Roddis
10/04/20262 Pochard, 1 female Red-Crested Pochard, 8 Gadwall, 6 Oystercatcher, 7 Chiffchaff, 1 Little Grebe, 30+ Sand Martin, 20+ Swallow, 1 Sedge Warbler, 3 Blackcap , 4 Long tailed Tit, 4 House Martin, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Jay , 3 Willow Warbler, 2 BullfinchDave Armitt
10/04/2026A Sedge Warbler singing on Stones island this morning is the earliest ever arrival here by 2 days. 2 House Martins also on Stones, and 100+ Sand Martins and c20 Swallows. Female Red-crested Pochard again consorting with a male Common Pochard off Stones causeway. 70 Common Gulls late morning, and a second-summer Caspian Gull off Watersports. Little Egret over Hopton end early morning. Redstart singing above WLC creek again and a brood of 3 Mallard in the fields (first I've seen this year). 1 Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
08/04/2026A very decent morning: a Sandwich Tern flew past Stones island at 08:15 and the Jack Snipe was again on Watersports island from 07:30 to at least 09:30. A Redstart was singing at the top of WLC creek and a female Wheatear was in the fields. Wildfowl included 3 Shelduck, female Red-crested Pochard, 2 drake Pochard, 4 Goldeneye and the pair of Egyptian Geese. A Curlew flew over Stones. First-summer Caspian Gull at sailing club. Willow Warblers and Blackcaps in increasing numbers.SJR, CA, AHS
07/04/2026A Jack Snipe bobbed away on Watersports island this morning, from 07:30 to 09:10 at least, with a Common Snipe almost adjacent. 4 Shoveler were out in the middle of the res. Tawny Owl calling at Penn Carr. Total of 33 Ravens, including 30 over the pastures; the presence of a couple of Buzzards and a Red Kites suggests that there might be a dead animal up there attracting their attention. 4+ Willow Warblers dotted around, and 3 Redpolls over.SJR, CA, MW
06/04/2026The pair of Egyptian Geese were on sailing club island early morning. 6 Goldeneye. 2 Curlew and 2 Herring Gulls flew S. 5 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. c60 Sand Martins and 3 Swallows off Sheepwash. Willow Warblers singing near the main entrance and at Millfields. 60 Fieldfare flew N (flocks of 24 and 36).Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
05/04/2026Following are the species recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walks (10am-noon; Stones Island to the Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Cormorant, Black-headed Gull, Magpie, Mallard, Chiffchaff, Coot, Tufted Duck, Oystercatcher, Carrion Crow, Egyptian Goose, Robin, Greylag Goose, Black-tailed Godwit, Sand Martin, Canada Goose, Moorhen, Woodpigeon, Gt Crested Grebe, Pochard, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Wren, Goldeneye, Pied Wagtail, Redshank, DunnockGary Atkins
05/04/2026A fly-through Greenshank was this morning's highlight. c80 Fieldfare also flew NW. 30 Sand Martins and 5+ Swallows off Stones/WLC. 2 Egyptian Geese, 4 Pochard and 2 Teal. Snipe at Paul Stanley hide. Barn Owl at Hopton reedbed first thing, and 15 Ravens over. Willow Tit at WLC. Black-tailed Godwit also reported on Watersports island (per Lorna).SJR, CA, MW
04/04/2026The first Willow Warbler of the year was singing near the main centre mid-morning, wonderful to hear. Other bit and pieces included 2 Shelduck, 3 redhead Goosander, 1 Egyptian Goose, 2 Pochard, 3 Redshank, 3 Herring Gulls, 1 Little Egret, 10 Sand Martin, 2 Swallows, 4 Blackcap, 1 Redpoll.SJR, MW, CA
02/04/2026A winter-plumage Turnstone was on Watersports island at 07:30 but had gone by 09:00. 3 Egyptian Geese at Millfields/Watersports. 1 Pink-footed Goose. The drake Red-crested Pochard was still at Millfields, hanging around with a group of Mallard. A light northerly movement of c.70 Woodpigeons. 21 Buzzards in a 360 scan from the dam wall late morning. Willow Tit at WLC. 10 Sand Martins.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
01/04/2026A drake Red-crested Pochard was at Millfields this morning, and a Little Egret flew S past Stones. Pair of Egyptian Geese still hanging around Watersports island. 6 Sand Martin and 1 Swallow. 2 Redpoll (over Millfields and Stones).SJR, CA, MW
31/03/2026Perimeter counts this morning: 124 Chiffchaffs, 3 Blackcap, 2 Egyptian Geese, 4 Pochard, 2 Goldeneye, 33 Pheasant, 4 Stock Dove, 17 Oystercatcher, 4 Jay, 32 Magpies, 4 Raven, 15 Coal Tit, 4 Willow, 135 Blue, 65 Great, 8 Long-tailed, 8 Sand Martin, 2 Goldcrest, 124 Wren, 12 Nuthatch, 8 Treecreeper, 32 Song Thrush, 9 Mistle, 1 Redwing, 82 Blackbird, 177 Robin, 50 Dunnock, 1 Grey Wagtail, 12 Pied, 9 Meadow Pipits, 6 Chaffinch, 10 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Redpoll, 29 Goldfinch, 18 Siskin, 2 Reed Buntings.Simon Roddis
31/03/2026An adult Kittiwake flew south down the east side, 2 Egyptian Geese, Pair Mandarin past Stones, redhead Goosander, drake Pochard, 3 Sand Martin, Blackcap singing on Stones, Willow Tit WLC.CA/AHS
30/03/2026Highlight this morning was a Sandwich Tern which flew past Watersports at 10:18. Not seen again but Clive might have heard it earlier. Pair of Egyptian Geese again. 2 Teal. 3 Pochard. 3 Redshank. Pair of Peregrines over the north end. Pair of Willow Tits near WLC. 5 Swallows. 1 Fieldfare in the main carpark, and Alan had a Redpoll on Stones.SJR, CA, MW, AHS
28/03/2026Probably 5 Swallows and 2 Sand Martins were off Stones/Watersports late morning. Drake Pintail from WLC. Pink-footed Goose off Stones. At least one pair of Egyptian Geese and 27 Barnacles. 2 Willow Tits. c70 Fieldfare, 30 Starling and Woodpigeons flushed by a Sparrowhawk north of Fishtail. 2 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall.SJR, CA, MW
26/03/2026Along the east side, Hopton to Millfields, this morning: 6 Willow Tits, 42 Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap, 9 Mistle Thrushes, 1 Crossbill, 2 Egyptian Geese. Elsewhere, a Swallow (first of the year here) past the main centre, 4 Sand Martin, 32 Barnacle Geese, several more Chiffchaffs on Stones.SJR, CA, AHS, RPJ, AMD
22/03/2026March WeBS count: 5 Mute Swan, 189 Canada Geese, 37 Greylag Geese, 2 Egyptian Geese, 42 Great Crested Grebe, 5 Little Grebe, 121 Mallard, 6 Teal, 20 Gadwall, 1 Mandarin, 45 Tufted Duck, 5 Pochard, 9 Goldeneye, 7 Moorhen, 23 Coot, 8 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 10 Oystercatcher, 4 Redshank, 1 Grey Wagtail. 2 Blackcap singing at Hopton end. CA/JBClive Ashton/ Jon Bradley
20/03/2026The first Little Ringed Plover of the year dropped into sailing club this morning, and a Little Egret flew over. The over-wintering Common Sandpiper was on the dam wall at Millfields. Drake Shoveler on Horseshoe island. First-winter Caspian and second-winter Yellow-legged Gulls off Watersports. Tawny Owl calling at Sheepwash first thing. Willow Tit at WLC. 12 Siskin over Stones.SJR, CA, MW
20/03/20266 Chiffchaff, 2 Great spotted woodpecker, 7 Goldeneye, 7 Oystercatcher , 6 Redwing, 1 Song Thrush, 9 Greylag goose, 1 Coal Tit, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Willow tit , 10 CormorantDave Armitt
19/03/2026Clive had 2 Sand Martins past Stones this morning, and 4 Shoveler were off Sheepwash. 22 Chiffchaffs between Hopton end and Stones. 93 Woodpigeons N. 12 Buzzards in the air from the dam wall. Pair of Willow Tits at Lane End and 1 singing in WLC creek (per Mike R). 1 Linnet on the dam wall and 2 Redpoll over WLC area.Simon Roddis
18/03/2026Slightly less quiet than the last few days but still awaiting migrants. Pair of Shelduck off Millfields and a pair of Mandarin flew through Tail Bay. 11 Goldeneye, 10 of them off Sheepwash. Tiny bit of movement involving 156 Woodpigeons N and 33 S, plus 13 Chaffinch N. Singing Skylark and 5 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
13/03/2026A few bits and pieces this morning: 31 Barnacle Geese, the pair of Egyptian Geese again, drake Wigeon, Curlew, c5,000 Black-headed Gulls early morning, several Buzzards and Red Kites enjoying the breeze, 70 Starlings NW, 35 Siskin in WLC creek and 2 Crossbills over.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
11/03/2026Best this morning were the 2 Egyptian Geese again, fly-over Shelduck, first-winter Caspian Gull, 30 Barnacle Geese, 230 Woodpigeons N, 4 Curlew, 3 Redshank around Horseshoe island, Willow Tit singing on Stones.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
10/03/2026Highlight this morning was a Sand Martin from Sheepwash hide, first of the year as far as I'm aware. 29 Barnacle Geese at Watersports. Pair of Egyptian Geese again. Redhead Goosander flew up the res and maybe the same bird later past Stones. 830 Woodpigeons N (and 15 S). Green Woodpecker calling at Sheepwash. Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew and 2 Redshank on Horseshoe island. 10 Buzzards in the air.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
08/03/2026Afternoon visit: adult Caspian Gull from Lane End hide. 15 Herring Gulls and adult Great Black-back from Stones. Female Red-crested Pochard off Stones causeway (found earlier by Adam Saunders). 2 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon and 40 Redwing at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
07/03/202627 Barnacle geese flew in, landed in field other side of road to dam wall around 8.30 am.Matthew Birkin
07/03/2026Another eventful morning, with highlights of 11 drake Common Scoter, 8 Kittiwakes and 70 passage Wigeon out on the water off Stones island. 2 Shoveler still at Sheepwash.SJR, CA, AHS
06/03/2026After a couple of hours looking for Willow Tits (4 found), a walk onto Stones island proved worthwhile when a Bar-tailed Godwit flew S and a scan of the water revealed a beautiful summer plumage Black-necked Grebe. 36 Great Crested Grebes (highest count since last September) suggests a small arrival - perhaps the Black-necked came in with them. 3 Chiffchaffs in Tail Bay. 2 Shoveler and 2 Wigeon at Sheepwash (per Alan S).Simon Roddis
02/03/2026Highlights this morning were a Barn Owl at Hopton reedbed early morning, a Great Egret around Horseshoe/Watersports and 2 Egyptian Geese which flew down the res late morning and settled on Watersports island (still there at 11:40). Plus 28 Barnacle Geese, 8 Curlew, Snipe at Hopton reedbed, first-winter Yellow-legged Gull off Stones island, Willow Tit at WLC, 3+ Chiffchaffs.Simon Roddis
01/03/2026Following are the species noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Great Tit, Buzzard, Blackbird, Cormorant, Coot, Mallard, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Teal, Great-crested Grebe, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Oystercatcher, Robin, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch, Pied Wagtail, Woodpigeon, Chaffinch, Barnacle Goose, Magpie, Curlew, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Gadwall, WrenGary Atkins
01/03/20262 Chiffchaffs on Stones island this morning. Redshank and 2 Pochard at Paul Stanley hide. 12 Goldeneye. 29 Barnacle Geese at Watersports. At least 10 Buzzards in the air from Millfields late morning, and 2 Skylarks on the dam wall.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
28/02/2026Perimeter counts this morning: 3 Chiffchaffs, 14 Coal Tits, 202 Blue, 73 Great, 3 Willow, 13 Long-tailed, 3 Nuthatch, 6 Treecreeper, 2 Goldcrest, 81 Wren, 50 Song Thrush, 7 Mistle, 80 Blackbird, 20 Redwing, 201 Robin, 66 Dunnock, 27 Chaffinch, 8 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 1+ Crossbill, 21 Goldfinch, 10 Siskin. Maybe as many as 20 Oystercatchers, difficult to keep track of!Simon Roddis
27/02/2026At Carsi this morning, the Common Sandpiper was on Watersports island, Redshank and Kingfisher from Paul Stanley hide, 9 Goldeneye in Brown Ale Bay, singing Willow Tit and 4 Redpoll near Lane End and a finch flock between Sheepwash and Lane End comprising 16 Chaffinch, 16 Goldfinch and 3 Greenfinch.Simon Roddis
26/02/20263 Great Spotted Woodpecker , 12 Long tailed Tit, 1 Nuthatch, 20 Redwing, 7 Gadwall, 16 Teal , 3 Grey Heron, 3 Little grebe, 7 Oystercatcher, 4 Female Goldeneye, 4 Male Goldeneye, 2 Pied wagtail, 4 Barnacle goose, 1 Buzzard, 1Coal titDave Armitt
26/02/2026Single Shelduck around Horseshoe/Watersports this morning. Pair of Barnacle Geese. 28 Tufted. 6+ Goldeneye. 12 Curlew, including 10 at sailing club early on. 1 Woodcock and 1 Tawny Owl at Hopton end first thing. 285 Lesser Black-backs flew N over Hopton as they came out of the roost. Pair of Willow Tits (one singing) south of Lane End. 50 Redwing, mostly at Paul Stanley/Sheepwash. 20 Chaffinch, including a flock of 14 NE.Simon Roddis
23/02/2026870 Woodpigeons flew N 0730-0830 this morning, plus 5 Skylarks and a Great Egret. 34 Barnacle Geese at WLC and Willow Tit nearby. 14 Curlew in WLC fields. Redshank and 5 Snipe from Paul Stanley hide. 3 Redpoll over Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
21/02/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 224 Canada, 34 Barnacle, 28 Greylag, 44 Gadwall, 16 Wigeon, 226 Mallard, 187 Teal, 7 Pochard, 7 Tufted, 10 Goldeneye, 5 Moorhen, 75 Coot, 6 Little Grebe, 24 GCGrebe, 10 Oystercatcher, 15 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 7 Cormorant. 7 Skylarks over Stones.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
20/02/2026Around Carsi this morning, 34 Barnacle Geese, 5 Curlew off Stones causeway early on, Common Sandpiper from WLC, a first-winter Mediterranean Gull from Sheepwash hide late morning, Water Rail and Redshank at Paul Stanley hide (AHS), Willow Tit singing near WLC, 50 Redwing, 10 Crossbills SW over WLC creek mid-morning.SJR, CA, AHS
19/02/2026Clive pulled another rabbit out of the hat this morning in the shape of a Grey Partridge on Stones island, the first at Carsi since November 2011. However, a search between the WLC and Shiningford for Tuesday's Bittern was to no avail. The Common Sandpiper was still on Horseshoe island and a male Sparrowhawk posed beautifully there for a while. At least 22 GCGrebes suggests a small increase, as you'd expect as we approach spring.SJR, CA
17/02/2026Just 350 Woodpigeons and 120 Starlings N this morning. A Great Egret flew S down the res mid-morning and a Shelduck flew in at the same time. 34 Barnacle Geese. 8 Curlews at sailing club early morning, and 3 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. 15 Linnets again on Stones.SJR, CA, MW
16/02/2026Credit is due to Clive for most of this morning's birds: an adult Kittiwake from Stones island late morning, last seen heading towards Millfields; 1,750 Woodpigeons N; 32 Barnacle Geese; 7 Curlew, the Common Sandpiper and 15 Linnets around Horseshoe island; Peregrine over Shiningford and a Willow Tit at WLC.CA, MW, SJR
14/02/2026On this fine sunny morning, 4 Pintail (1m,3f) were at Sheepwash late morning, only 10 Pochard, 9 Goldeneye, 12+ Oystercatchers, Redshank from Paul Stanley hide still, Curlew down the east side, adult Great Black-back, pair of Peregrines on a pylon at Shiningford, drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker in Hall Wood, Willow Tit at WLC. Surprisingly little moving, although there was a report of 60 Pink-footed Geese over.Simon Roddis
12/02/2026A bit of movement this morning, virtually everything heading N or NE: 820 Woodpigeons, 2 Stock Doves, 120 Pink-footed Geese, 166 Starlings, 5 Skylarks, 1 Curlew, 6 Lesser Black-backs. At ground/water level, 29 Greylags, 2 Pintail, 51 Pochard, 13 Goldeneye, 69 Coot, 15 GCGrebe, Woodcock at Hopton end, the Common Sandpiper back at Millfields, adult Great Black-back, Willow Tit at WLC, and in the air 6 Buzzards and 6 Ravens (3 pairs).Simon Roddis
11/02/2026Just a few bits and bobs this morning: 3 Shoveler still at Sheepwash, female Pintail off Stones, single Snipe and Redshank from Paul Stanley hide and a Skylark over, 1 (maybe 2) Willow Tit at WLC, 2 Meadow Pipits over Stones causeway, 2 Reed Buntings at the Millfields feeders.Simon Roddis
10/02/2026A bit same old, same old this morning: Common Sandpiper still from WLC, Redshank from Paul Stanley hide, 3 Shoveler and 4 Pintail at Sheepwash, 103 Pochard plus the hybrid, adult Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Willow Tits near WLC. One day there'll be a change in the weather and, hopefully, the birds. One day...SJR, CA, AHS
09/02/2026The Common Sandpiper was still on Horseshoe island late morning and the Redshank at Sheepwash. 115 Lapwing. 104 Pochard plus the male Aythya hybrid. 3 Shoveler. Drake and at least 3 female Pintail. 10 Goldeneye. 103 Coot. 43 Woodpigeons N. Adult Great Black-back and 2 immature Herring Gulls. Pair of Willow Tits on the WLC feeders and another pair near Lane End. Treecreeper singing at WLC and Red Bunting almost singing at Paul Stanley.SJR, CA, AHS
08/02/2026Highlight of a couple of hours late afternoon was a Barn Owl hunting to the left of Sheepwash hide, flushing the nearby ducks, which included 3 Shoveler and a female Pintail. Redhead Goosander at Millfields. 20+ Barnacle Geese beyond the top of WLC creek. Willow Tit at WLC (the volunteers had 2 there this morning). 100 Redwing at the top of WLC creek.Simon Roddis
07/02/2026The Common Sandpiper was on Watersports island this morning. 10 Oystercatchers. 4 Shoveler (3m,1f) at Sheepwash/Millfields. 4 Pintail (drake at Sheepwash, 3f from Paul Stanley hide. 8 Goldeneye. 35 Barnacle Geese eventually settled in the overflow carpark. Adult Great Black-backed Gull. 20 Linnet on Stones island.SJR, CA, AHS
05/02/2025The drake Pintail and 3 Shoveler (2m,1f) were at Sheepwash this morning, and 5 Goldeneye (4m,1f) and the Redshank from Paul Stanley hide. Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe island in front of the WLC. c35 Barnacle Geese over WLC creek. 125 Rooks N past Sheepwash early morning.Simon Roddis
03/02/2026Best this morning was a flock of 8 Pintail briefly past Stones island. 36 Barnacle Geese. At least 136 Pochard (quite possibly more as Clive had nearly 100 at Sheepwash/Brown Ale Bay while I only counted 65 there). 3 Shoveler from PS hide. 8 Oystercatcher.18 Lapwing. 1 Redshank still. Willow Tit at WLC. 35 Linnet on Stones.SJR, CA, MW
01/01/2-26From Paul Stanley Hide (12.30-13.15): 5 Goldeneye (4m, 1f), 8 Lapwing, Redshank, 20+ Wigeon, a lot of Teal, 3 Long-tailed Tit, Coal TitGary Atkins
01/02/2026Birds seen, through the mist, at today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island - Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Blue Tit, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose, Teal, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Little Grebe, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Robin, Song Thrush, Magpie, Cormorant, Goldfinch, Redwing, Dunnock, Woodpigeon, Goldeneye, Bullfinch, Pheasant, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Great Tit, Wren, Gt Crested Grebe, Moorhen, Chaffinch, Pied WagtailGary Atkins
01/02/2026Very foggy this morning. Woodcock, Snipe and Tawny Owl at Hopton end first thing. 133 Pochard, most of them at Sheepwash, and the drake Pintail still. 5 Oystercatchers. Redshank from PS hide. 2 Herring Gulls at Sheepwash. 15 Linnet at Millfields.Simon Roddis
28/01/2026Ad hoc wildfowl count this morning, slightly hampered by a bit of mist around the edge first thing: 274 Canada, 29 Barnacle, 8 Greylags, 115 Gadwall, 102 Wigeon, 328 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 746 Teal, 114 Pochard, 22 Tufted, 14 Goldeneye, 115 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 5 Oystercatcher, 31 Lapwing, Common Sandpiper still at Millfields, 1 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 11 Cormorant. Male Peregrine past WLC. 200 Woodpigeons N and 160 Starlings W.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
25/01/2026This morning, a pair of Shelduck (presumably the same birds as yesterday) flew N then swam back past Paul Stanley hide; drake Pintail, Redshank and redhead Goosander also from Paul Stanley and 30 Siskin in the woodland; Oystercatchers at Millfields and WLC; 2 Willow Tits at WLC, and a male Aythya hybrid, very likely the presumed Pochard x Ferruginous Duck that has been here before.Simon Roddis
23/01/2026Just a few bits and pieces this morning: Common Sandpiper still at Millfields, 2 Oystercatchers on Horseshoe island, first-winter Yellow-legged Gull at sailing club, drake Pintail from Paul Stanley hide (AHS), 60 Pochard, 30 Linnets on Stones, 40 Siskin.SJR, CA, AHS
21/01/2026The Common Sandpiper was still at Millfields this morning, while an adult Caspian Gull off the sailing club was the first of the year here, I believe. Oystercatcher at Watersports and 2 Willow Tits between there and WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
19/01/2026Very murky this morning but there was a Black-tailed Godwit on Sheepwash spit, Redshank and drake Shoveler from Paul Stanley hide, Oystercatcher at Watersports, Willow Tits at WLC and Millfields, and Common Sandpiper still at Millfields.Simon Roddis
17/01/2026I've done the monthly wildfowl count this afternoon as the forecast for tomorrow isn't great: 272 Canada, 12 Greylags, 3 Egyptian Geese (on Sheepwash spit before flying NE at 15:12), 123 Gadwall, 112 Wigeon, 461 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 936 Teal, 36 Pochard, 24 Tufted, 9 Goldeneye, 4 Moorhen, 145 Coot, 6 Little Grebes, 21 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 13 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper (presumably the bird that was around in December), 21 Cormorant. In the gull roost off Stones island late afternoon, c2,000 each of Common and Black-headed Gulls, 400 Lesser Black-backs, 2 Herring.Simon Roddis
16/01/202660 Wigeon,4 Goldeneye, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Pochard, 40 Teal, 32 Gadwall, 1 Goldfinch,1 Kestrel, 6 Long Tailed Tit, 1 Treecreeper, 11 Cormorant, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 2 Buzzard, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Peregrine, 30 Linnet , 50 LapwingDave Armitt
16/01/2026Slightly better conditions than yesterday, with the fog lifting mid-morning. The drake Pintail was off Sheepwash. 95 Pochard. The Oystercatcher still, 34 Lapwing and 1 Snipe. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. Willow Tit at WLC. Winter thrushes included at least 330 Redwing and 190 Fieldfares (270 and 150 respectively through Hopton early morning).Simon Roddis
15/01/2026Difficult to see much in thick fog this morning but there were 2 Woodcock and 3 calling Tawny Owls at Millfields first thing, Willow Tit at WLC, Oystercatcher again at Watersports/Horseshoe island, Redshank in Brown Ale Bay, and Clive had a Pink-footed Goose among the Greylags.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
14/02/2026Clive found the first Oystercatcher of the year at Watersports this morning, a relatively early first date. 29 Lapwing. 51 Pochard. Adult Great Black-backed Gull. Male Peregrine on its favoured pylon then over Sheepwash and Hall Wood. Willow Tit at WLC. Skylark S over the main centre. 10 Linnet from the WLC. 4 Crossbills in the top of Hall Wood.SJR, CA, AHS, MW
12/01/2026c35 Barnacle Geese over WLC late morning and 2 Goosander N over Hopton end first thing. 5 Goldeneye. Drake Pintail reported at WLC but I missed it. 45 Woodpigeons N. 124 Coot. Skylark N over Stones late morning. Mistle Thrush singing at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
10/01/2026Drake Pintail and Redshank from Paul Stanley hide this morning. A Pink-footed Goose was among the Greylags at Watersports and 36 Barnacle Geese from WLC. 32 Lapwing. 47 Fieldfare flew N (obviously!). 12+ Meadow Pipits.Simon Roddis
06/01/2026Yesterday's 3 Curlew were still at sailing club this morning, and a total of 51 Lapwing there and in Brown Ale Bay. Shelduck off Stones (and later Sheepwash) and redhead Goosander at Millfields. 92 Pochard. 5 Shoveler. Full compliment of Barnacle Geese. 106 Coot. 8 Little Grebes. Willow Tit at WLC. 15 Meadow Pipits at Sheepwash and 12 at WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
05/01/2026A very decent afternoon visit: 2 adult White-fronted Geese were among c200 Greylags between Lane End and Sheepwash, plus one Pink-foot. A Little Egret flew past Paul Stanley hide. 2 adult Mute Swans. Drake Shoveler from WLC. 38 Pochard. 100 Coot in Brown Ale Bay at dusk. 30 Lapwing. Clive's 3 Curlew were still at sailing club. 800 Common Gulls off Stones by 15:30. Little Owl again in WLC fields, being mobbed by Blackbirds and Blue Tits. 11 Meadow Pipits toughing it out.Simon Roddis
04/01/2026Species recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-WLC-WLC Creek): House Sparrow, Pintail, Lapwing, Little Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Teal, Pied Wagtail, Goldeneye, Wigeon, Mallard, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Canada Goose, Coot, Robin, Mute Swan, Gt Crested Grebe, Blue Tit, Greylag Goose, Moorhen, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Dunnock, Wren, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Redwing, Blackbird, Treecreeper, Pheasant, Great Tit, Snipe, Meadow Pipit, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Long-tailed TitGary Atkins
02/01/2026Juvenile GNDiver still north of Millfields this morning. Woodcock at Hopton end first thing, and Redshank later. 3 Grey Heron in Brown Ale Bay. 100 Woodpigeons NE, 40 SW. 3 Fieldfare and 2 Redpoll over Millfields.Simon Roddis
31/12/2025Juvenile GNDiver still off the east side north of Millfields. A bit of late movement, with 1,400 Woodpigeons and 192 Fieldfare heading N (Fieldfare can be tricky to see here in December so quite surprising to see such a decent number). 250 Starlings W might just have been heading out from their roost. c35 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. Great Egret at Sheepwash. Peregrine having its breakfast on Horseshoe island. 2 Willow Tits at WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
30/12/2025Afternoon visit: the juvenile GNDiver was off Millfields, female Common Scoter from Stones (and later from Sheepwash) and a Great Egret, last seen flying into Green Pond, presumably to roost. Little Owl called in WLC fields mid afternoon. Pair of Peregrines perched on Sheepwash spit and then over Brown Ale Bay at dusk. Willow Tit at WLC. Single Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls. 70 Linnets on Stones. Over BABay late afternoon, 390 Redwing, 55 Fieldfare and 26 Chaffinch.Simon Roddis


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
2007-11-30Adult Ring-billed Gull from Paul Stanley Hide, 1440hrs to dusk. Adult Mediterranean Gull from Lane End, at dusk.Roger Carrington
2007-11-29red necked grebe was the only bird i saw today, bad day today.mitch
2007-11-28A male Blackcap on stones islandtom w and r c
2007-11-27Little Owl and Barn OwlPeter Gibbon
2007-11-23I saw an unusual looking bird of prey in the sinfin estate today at 9:10am it was on the roof of a house on Montrose Close. I have no idea what it was hence this message. It was brown in colour with a white tail, it also had a black crest on its head. Anyone have any ideas what this bird is? It looked like an unusual coloured kestrel.No name given
2007-11-21Drake Common Scoter from Sheepwash Hide. Drake Red-crested Pochard from Sheepwash Hide. 5 Dunlin flying around Stones Island. 1 Redshank on Stones Island. 1 adult Caspian Gull in roost from Lane End Hide. 1 adult Mediterranean Gull in roost.Roger Carrington
2007-11-17Paul Stanley Hide early this morning a single male Red Crested Pochard was sighted. Sheepwash Hide a Great Northern Diver showed well for 15 minutes before disappearing. Had a fantastic view of a female Peregrine in full hunting mode, she swiftly caught a Moorhen and proceeded to fly to the nearest pylon and in full view she devoured the unfortunate bird. Hunting prowess at its very bestLeslie Fisher
2007-11-14Bright with no discernible wind today. 36 species seen from the Wildlife Centre. OF NOTE: Common Pochard (~40 male birds) mainly in Shiningford Creek. Lapwing (~100) - Horseshoe Island. Snipe(1) - Horseshoe Island. Redshank (1) - Wildlife centre creek. Little Owl (1) - usual position, Shiningford Farm area. Curlew (1) - near the water sports centre.Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-11-11WeBS count for November done between 07.15 and 10.20Little Grebe 96, Great Crested Grebe 51, Cormorant 53, Grey Heron 3,Mute Swan 25, Canada Goose 120, Wigeon 515, Gadwall 25, Teal 148,Mallard 234, Red-crested Pochard 1, Pochard 115, Tufted Duck 338,Goldeneye 9, Moorhen 71, Coot 1731, Lapwing 141, Redshank 3.Also one peregrine with a moorhen in its talons flying past sheepwash and then lane end hides around 08.00.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2007-11-11The Ring Billed Gull showed well on flat island, Paul Stanley Hide from about 2pm. About 2.30 all the gulls went up and we couldn't refind it after that point. Presume it went off towards Sheepwash. There was also a Yellow Legged Gull from Paul Stanley. No sign of yesterday's Great Northern Diver. Matthew Capper
2007-11-10Adult Great Northern Diver from Sheepwash. Adult Ring-billed Gull again in roost from Sheepwash. Adult Mediterranean Gull in roost. 4 Yellow-legged Gulls in roost [1W+3W+2xad]. Roger Carrington
2007-11-09A petrel species [Probable Leach's] was found [by CA] and seen [by DN] several times this morning but no further sign by dusk. Gull roost included an adult Ring-billed Gull from Sheepwash Hide from 1600hrs, and an adult Mediterranean Gull from Lane End Hide. Also on site were 15 Whooper Swans including 5 Juvs.Roger Carrington
2007-11-07Very quiet on site today. Weather: dull - poor visibility, quite breezy. 32 species seen around midday from or near the Wildlife Centre (WC). Of note: Barnacle Goose (16), six duck species including Pochard (10). Only two wader species present. Lapwing (~50) and Redshank (1). Interestingly around 20 Magpies were spotted. Normally we only see a couple. Amusingly there was a Dunnock on the bird feeding table by the WC. Usually this species is a ground feeder. Birds learn quickly when it is to their advantage. Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-11-06From the Wildlife centre; A Peregrine on the pylons for about 30 minutes, a female Sparrowhawk in the willow in front of the hide, 1 Greylag and 2 Redshank. Stones Island;10+ Redpoll. From Sheepwash; 2 Peregrine in the air together over Hall wood,7 Goldeneye including 3 drakes, a drake Shoveler, 2 Redshank and 1 Kingfisher.Clive Ashton
2007-11-04On organised bird walk--Wigeon,Teal,Cormorant,Tufted Duck,Goldeneye,many Lapwing,Goldfinch,Little Grebe, Redwing, Willow Tit,Dunnock.From Wildlife Centre--Little Owl,Snipe, Kestrel,Gadwall.TED
2007-11-031 Redshank from Sheepwash. 1 Drake Goosander from Sheepwash. 1 Adult Caspian Gull in Roost. 5 [4xAd, 1x3W] Yellow-legged Gulls in roost.Roger Carrington
2007-11-02reply to request for information on grebe sightings last saturday 27 10 07 john kelsall
2007-10-31Red-breasted Merganser - 3 in Millfields Bay.No name given
2007-10-29If anyone has any information they wish to share or any photo images of the possible Grebe sightings over the weekend, please get in touch with us as soon as they can. ThanksRichard Pittam
2007-10-2983 Little Grebe between Millfields - Stones Island - PS Hide this morning. 1 Redshank at Wildlife Centre. 1 Shoveler at Wildlife Centre. 2 Brambling flew over Sheepwash calling. 3 Skylark flew over Stones Is.Roger Carrington
2007-10-28Of interest on saturday was a colour ringed meadow pipit on the dam wall. The bird had 2 pink rings on the left leg and a metal bto ring on the right leg.Having searched the internet, it appears the bird was ringed at Kex Gill near Harrogate Aug/Sept this year.Clive Ashton
2007-10-271 Slavonian Grebe - Wildlife centre 10:00am RSPB Feed the Birds
2007-10-266 Shoveler,5 Goldeneye,1 Goosander,1 Redshank, from Sheepwash and P.Stanley. 3 L.Redpoll on Stones Island.Clive Ashton
2007-10-20From the Wildlife Centre this morning: Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Snipe (1), Teal, Tree Sparrow, Little Grebe, Pochard, Black-headed Gull, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Wren (young), Canada Geese, Barnacle Geese, Song Thrush, Lapwing, Magpie, Robin, Moorhen, Coot, Great-crested Grebe, Greenfinch, Collared dove.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-10-1729 Golden Plover flew infront of Sheepwash hide, but then continued West. 1 Turnstone landed at Sheepwash and gave good views infront of the hide. Peregrine were seen on 3 occasions. 8 Siskin by the Wildlife Centre. Also 2 Raven,Buzzard,Sparrowhawk,Kestrel.Clive Ashton
2007-10-11Lapland Bunting reported on Birdnet pager this am over the dam.Steph' Hicking
2007-10-10Viewed from Stones Island & the Wildlife Centre (WC) around midday. 37 bird species identified. Quite warm. Very bright. Of note: Grey Heron (1), Barnacle Goose (41), Gadwall (2 prs), Common Pochard (6), REDSHANK (1), Little Owl (1) and Coal Tit (1). From the WC logbook: 7th October: Merlin, Grey Plover and 65 Pink-footed Geese. 9th October: Grey Wagtail (1), Meadow Pipit (25), Redpoll (7), Common Buzzard (1) and a female Sparrowhawk. Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-10-08WeBS count for Sunday 7th October : 52 Little Grebe, 45 Great Crested Grebe, 30 Cormorant, 6 Grey Heron, 18 Mute Swan, 279 Canada Goose, 3 Barnacle Goose, 972 Wigeon, 29 Gadwall, 156 Teal, 205 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 125 Pochard, 706 Tufted Duck, 122 Moorhen, 1785 Coot, 185 Lapwing, 1 Jack Snipe, 2 Snipe, 6 Black-headed Gull, 106 Lesser Black-backs and 1 Yellow-legged Gull.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2007-10-07Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Teal, Long Tailed Tits,Wren, while on Birding for Beginners Walk. Wheatear(11-55),Little Owl, Gadwall, Wigeon,from Wildlife Centre, and many others.Ted
2007-10-05Pintail Sheep Wash Hide Stonechat Paul Stanley HideIvan Webb
2007-10-04Just 33 species of bird found at around midday. Of Note: Barnacle Goose (1), Wigeon (~40), Gadwall (10), Common Pochard (1), Lapwing (~50), Long-tailed Tit (10) and Rook (3). It's unusual for us to find Rook at Carsington. Common Darter dragonfly, Large White and Speckled Wood butterflies were present. Many flowering plants previously reported can still be found in very small numbers. There is still a small patch of Scarlet Pimpernel on Stones Island. Two species found today but previuosly overlooked were Oxford Ragwort and Lesser Hawkbit.Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-10-032 Common Scoter (m/f) off Stones Island. 1 Red-breasted Merganser from Sheepwash 1 Common Sandpiper from Sheepwash.Clive Ashton
2007-10-03Carsington Water (SK2451) An Osprey first spotted by school children in a tree opposite the Wildlife Centre at 10:55 and flew off north up the reservoir shortly afterwards . From DOS records
2007-10-01Peregrine flew from Horsehoe Island 10:30, and juvenile Water Rail on the water edge near the reed bed at the northern tip.James Owen
2007-09-286 adult + 8 juv/first winter Common Gulls on Sheepwash Spit mid-afternoon. 3 Dunlin in flight eastwards past Sheepwash. Gull Roost: At least 2 Herring Gulls. At least 2 near adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 1 adult + 1 juv/first winter Little Gulls.Roger Carrington
2007-09-272 Redwings and 4 Meadow Pipits over Wildlife Centre Creek. 1 Grey Plover flew low over Horseshoe Island, calling, went west. 3 Snipe, 1 Dunlin on Stones Island. 3 Siskin near boardwalk at Wildlife Centre. Pink-footed Geese southwards: 60 at 0845hrs and 150 at 0950hrs.Roger Carrington
2007-09-26A cold north westerly wind blew across the site today. Only 29 species of bird counted just after lunch. Visited Stones Island (SI)and the Wildlife Centre (WC). Because of the weather conditions all the water birds huddled into sheltered bays e.g. Wildlife Centre Bay and by the sailing club. Last week 23 adult Mute Swans were counted but today none were seen, obviously they were in a bay out of our sight. Of Note: Barnacle Goose (3), Gadwall (2 pairs), Red-crested Pochard (3), Common Pochard (1), Lapwing (17) - the only wader seen, Willow Warbler (2) - SI. The same plants were in flower as last week but only a few specimens could be found and required some effort to find some species such as Self Heal and Black Medick. One Greater Bird's-foot-trefoil plant was the only additional species this week. There are plenty of berries about now. In addition to the berry bearing plants found last week the fruit of the Spindle-tree shrub was noticed today in the hedge by the main carpark towards the WC end. The fruit is a pinky red with four bulbous parts. Some of these berries had split open so that the bright yellowy orange seeds could be seen. PLEASE NOTE: These seeds are poisonous to humans but not to birds.Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-09-24WeBS count for September done on Sunday 23rd.Little Grebe 34, Great Crested Grebe 20, Cormorant 39, Grey Heron 6,Mute Swan 36, Canada Goose 123, Barnacle Goose 28, Wigeon 318, Gadwall 39, Teal 95, Mallard 203, Pintail 3, Red-Crested Pochard 5,Pochard 25, Tufted Duck 650, Moorhen 61, Coot 1611, Lapwing 56, Green Sandpiper 1, Black-headed Gull 14, Lesser Black-backed Gull 7.Total number of birds counted 3377.Peter Gibbon
2007-09-201 Green Sandpiper still around PSHide. 1 Common Sandpiper PSHide. 2 Dunlin still on Flat Island. 69 Wigeon and 37 Gadwall. 3 Common Buzzard, 2 Raven. 7000 Lesser Black-backed Gulls in roost, several Yellow-legged Gulls, and Black-headed Gulls numbers are building up into hundreds but not counted due to being spread all over. 1 Little Stint late yesterday evening in front of Watersports [no sign today].Roger Carrington
2007-09-20A juv. Yellow Wagtail was on Stones Island. 5 Red Crested Pochard at the Wildlife Centre. A Green Sandpiper at Paul Stanley hide,also 2 Dunlin on Flat Island. Later at the Wildlife Centre a flock of 7 small waders were seen briefly (probably Dunlin) Sparrowhawk and 2 Raven over the woods from Sheepwash.Clive Ashton
2007-09-17Few visitors on site today. Dull and a cold north westerly breeze was blowing. Visited Stones Island (SI) and the Wildlife Centre (WC). 36 species of bird identified around midday. OF NOTE: Mute Swan (23 adults), Gadwall (2 pairs), Red-crested Pochard (5) - all asleep by the WC! Common Pochard (12 males) - Shiningford Creek, Green Sandpiper (1) - not seen by us, a logbook entry, House Martin (6), Willow Warbler (4) - SI, Raven (2) - over Shiningford Farm and Goldfinch (flock of ~ 40) - SI. From the logbook: 15th: Little Owl (1), Red-crested Pochard (5), Common Pochard (12), Gadwall (6), Teal (40), Lapwing (30) and Common Buzzard (2). 16th: Sparrowhawk (1), Common Tern (1). Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-09-12Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre around midday. Sunny and warm. 35 species of bird identified. Of Note: Red-crested Pochard (1 female), Common Pochard (five males), Teal (over 20), Little Owl (1), Swallow (20), House Martin (~20), White Wagtail (1) - by res. near the visitor centre, Chiffchaff (1) - short bursts of its monotonous song, Willow Warbler (1) - both warblers on Stones Island. From the Wildlife Centre logbook for the 9th September: Red-crested Pochard (3), Wigeon (2), Wood Sandpiper (1), Dunlin (1) and Hobby (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-09-111 juvenile Arctic Tern from Sheepwash. At least 1 juv Common Tern from Stones Is. 3 Red-crested Pochard at Wildlife Centre and 1 from Sheepwash. 1 Green Sandpiper occasionally from Wildlife Centre. Male Peregrine took juvenile Coot from Stones Island at 7pm. 2000 Lesser black-backed Gulls in roost and 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. On 10/9/07, 3 Pintail at Millfields. On 9/9/07, 1 Wood Sandpiper late morning/lunchtime at Wildlife Centre.Roger Carrington
2007-09-09From the Wildlife Centre (08.30): 2 Goldcrest, 3 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Little Owl, 1 Kestrel, 2 Pheasant, 12 Lapwing From Paul Stanley: 1 Buzzard, 4 Little Grebe, 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 1 Kestrel, 2 TreecreeperRichard and Frances Pittam
2007-09-041 ECLIPSE MALE RED CRESTED POCHARD WITH TUFTEDS P STANLEY HIDE 1 JUV LITTLE TERN FROM P STANLEY HIDE 10-30HOURS and 14-00 HRS OFF STONES ISLAND 1 GREEN SAND IN BAY FRONT WILDLIFE CENTRE EARLY MORNING 1 RING PLOVER ON ISLAND NORTH OF STONES ISLAND FLUSHED BY BOATS 14-00HRS 1 ADULT YELLOW LEGGED GULL FROM SHEEPWASH HIDE WITH CORMORANTS ON SPITA G MACEY . OGSTON BIRD CLUB.
2007-09-031 Coal Tit-Paul Stanley Hide Feeders 1 Kingfisher-Flew left to right infront of Sheepwash HideSam Pedey
2007-09-021 raven on The Spit with cormorants at 10:00. 1 little tern in Millfield Bay at 14:25. Flew round two or three times then disappearedTony Cooper
2007-08-311 Green Sandpiper from Paul Stanley Hide. 19 Wigeon from PSHide. 1 Dunlin in front of Sailing Club. No sign of Garganey.Roger Carrington
2007-08-30All from the Wildlife Centre 1 Garganey 1 Little Owl 1 Willow Tit 1 female BlackcapSam Pedley
2007-08-28Juv Black-necked Grebe showed in front of Wildlife Centre 1700-1730hrs, otherwise elusive. Juv Common Tern still present in evening. Gull roost: at least 7 Yellow-legged Gulls of various ages, 1 juv Herring Gull and 1 Common Gull.Roger Carrington
2007-08-28A juvenile Black-necked Grebe at the Wildlife Centre this morning. Also present; 34 Teal,12 Wigeon,1 Common Sandpiper,1 Kingfisher, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1 juvenile Common Tern and a singing Willow Warbler.Clive Ashton
2007-08-26From the Wildlife Centre: 1 Sparrowhawk, 7 Teal, 4 Wigeon, 8 Tree Sparrow, 6 Pochard, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 1 Greylag Goose.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-08-23Of interest today; 24 Teal,1 Pochard,1 Drake Wigeon,2 Shelduck.A Greenshank flew from Sheepwash towards Lane End.A male Redstart,with a probable female/juvenile, towards the pylons from the Wildlife Centre.A Spotted Flycatcher and 4 Linnet were around Sheepwash spit.5 Buzzard were in the air together over Hall wood.There were 4 Grey Heron at Paul Stanley hide along with a single Whitethroat.Clive Ashton
2007-08-211 Little Stint from the Wildlife Centre with 1 Dunlin at about 11:00. 1 Sparrowhawk on Horseshoe IslandSam Pedley
2007-08-19From Paul Stanley hide: 4 Gadwall,2 Teal,2 Common Sandpiper,2 Jay on the feeding station and a Kingfisher on the posts to the left of the hide. From Sheepwash: 2 Raven and 2 Buzzard over Hall wood.Also a Common Sandpiper (one of the 2 from P.Stanley ?) From the Wildlife centre: 2 Snipe and 1 more Gadwall. From Stones Island : c50 Goldfinch,also Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap. There were c25 Swallows over the Dam wall,and c20 more moving through from other areas of the reservoir.Clive Ashton
2007-08-18Family of Spotted Flycatchers in Shiningford Creek. Water Vole in Wildlife Centre Creek. Common Sandpiper from Sheepwash Hide. Gull roost, 2030hrs from Stones Island: 1200 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 3 Yellow-legged Gulls, 1 adult and 1 juvenile Common Gulls.Roger Carrington
2007-08-15An early afternoon visit yielded 31 species of bird. Weather sunny and warm. There was hardly any wind. OF NOTE: Greylag Goose (1) - near sailing club. The only warblers found were Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. Linnet (6). The juveniles of the following species were observed: Great Crested Grebe (3), Tufted Duck (5), Coot (1), Robin (2) and Goldfinch (4). Interesting observations taken from the Wildlife Centre logbook: 14th August: Curlew (2), Golden Plover (6). 12th August: Teal (5), Common Pochard (2), Kingfisher (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-08-11from the Wildlife Centre: Juv male Great Spotted Woodpecker, SparrowhawkRichard and Frances Pittam
2007-08-06As usual visited Stones Island (SI) and the Wildlife Centre (WC) around midday. Only 29 bird species identified. Nothing suprising to report but it was good to see a Gadwall from the WC. Also two Linnets flew overhead. The only warbler present appeared to be Willow Warbler singing on SI. There were at least 14 adult Mute Swans present in the area plus five developing cygnets. Two well developed juvenile Black-headed Gulls were also seen. Other youngsters about today included one young Lapwing and severel Pied Wagtails. Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-08-034 hours on duty in the wildlife centre, produced 31 species including 1 Redshank and the regular pr of Bullfinches on the feeding table. ...Until 2.30pm, when I found 2 Turnstones behind the little stone Island to the left of Horseshoe Island. Needed the island camera to see them.David Bennett Carsington Vol Ranger
2007-08-01From the Wildlife Centre: 1 Snipe, 6 Tufted ducklings, 8 Tree Sparrows, 4 Little Grebe, 5 Black-headed Gull young, 3 Little Owls, 1 Song Thrush, 14 Collared Doves. Plus 1 odd Tufted duck with a green ring on it's beak - a BTO ring! (No. ?3H?). Millfields: 1 Greylag goose, 5 Pied Wagtails (incl. 3 young).Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-07-31Re YN Albatross on 2nd July.Steph' Hicking
2007-07-31Unconfirmed report of yellow nosed albatross on DOS WEbsiteUNconfirmed report
2007-07-28Wildlife Centre: 6 young Tufted ducklings with parents, 4 young Mallard ducklings, 6 young Black-headed Gulls, Little Owl.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-07-22An hour either side of noon produced 36 bird species from Stones Island, Wildlife Centre, Sheepwash and Paul Stanley Hides. Of note, two Raven flying towards the dam.6 Oystercatchers on Stones Island also a large flock of Goldfinches (@30+) feeding on Thistle heads. There were several newly emerged Ringlets on the wing in front of the Paul Stanley Hide and a Great Spotted Woodpecker near feeding station.Martin Froggatt
2007-07-202 Red crested Pochard (male/female) at the Wildlife Centre, along with 3 Gadwall,1 Teal and at least 6 Pochard.Clive Ashton
2007-07-19A sunny day at Carsington. Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WC). Only 30 species of bird identified. OF NOTE: Greylag Goose (1). Tufted Duck - one female had nine tiny ducklings in tow! Oystercatcher (2). Black-headed Gull juveniles (2). Goldfinch (3 juveniles). Butterflies etc: Gatekeeper (or Hedge Brown). Small White. Meadow Brown. Common Blue damselfly - three pairs mating over the pond next to the WC. Flowering plants: 19 species identified including - Tufted Vetch, Black Medick, Herb Robert, Common Knapweed, Self-heal, Rosebay Willowherb, Great Willowherb, Broad-leaved Willowherb and Oxeye Daisy. Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-07-172 Sightings of Peregrine today, 1 young bird over towards the dam wall, from Sheepwash, flew hard towards the Hopton end. At one point it actually made a half hearted attack on a Cormorant!!! The other, possibly the same, bird was seen later from the Wildlife Centre with prey of a more realistic size in its grasp, as it flew towards Middle Wood.Clive Ashton
2007-07-14From the wildlife Centre (8.30am): 9 Mute Swans (including 7 Cygnets), 2 Little Grebe, 7 Tree sparrow, 19 Lapwing, 250+ Canada Geese, 4 Oystercatchers, 2 Jays (Shiningford Creek from WLC), 4 Great Crested Grebe.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-07-14There was a sighting of a bird from Millfields Car Park on 2nd July at 15.10hrs which was probably a Yellow-nosed Albatross. This bird was on the Somerset coast on 29/30th June and arrived on a fishing lake near Messingham [North Lincs] about 19.00hrs, so calling in at Carsington would be on route.Roger Carrington
2007-07-1135 species of bird seen on site today around midday. Viewing points: Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WC). OF NOTE: Greylag Goose (1) - near the sailing club. Oystercatcher (2) - Horseshoe Island. Black-headed Gull chicks (2) - raft in front of the WC. Common Tern (2). Swift (6). Blackcap (1) - singing on Stones Island. Reed Bunting (1) - Stones Island. Plant species in flower: (lots of yellows, reds and purples). Meadow Vetchling, Kidney Vetch, Woody Nightshade, Common Knapweed, Field Thistle, Spear Thistle, Welted Thistle, Nipplewort, Autumn Hawkbit, Meadow Crane's-bill, Crowpeas, Common Sorrel, Red Clover, Daisy, Cow Parsley, Water forget-me-not, Redshank (Persicaria maculosa). The only butterfly species on the wing was Meadow Brown. Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-07-08The Open Day was held today. Highlights from the Wildlife Centre: Oystercatchers, Mute Swans, Coot, Buzzard, Common Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plovers, Bullfinch, Redshank, Tree Sparrow, Common Tern.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-07-07A male Redstart was seen briefly -distant from the wildlife centre. 3 Little Ringed Plover were on Horseshoe Island and were joined by a Curlew. The adult Black-headed Gulls on the tern raft now also have young (2 I think) the first summer pair have apparently relocated to the main island as their island is now almost under water. Though the adult Common Terns were still around,I could see no sign of the chick. The Coots on the front of Horseshoe island now have 3 young. Clive Ashton
2007-07-051 Ruddy Shelduck-Flew over the Wildlife Centre and then towards Sheepwash 2 Bullfinches-Male & FemaleSam Pedley
2007-07-04Cormorant, and unusually a shoveler and goldeneye Mitch
2007-07-04cormorant, and unusually a shoveler and goldeneye mitch
2007-07-04Hobby over dam wall at 7.20pm. From DOS websiteDOS website news
2007-07-02An immature Peregrine was over Sheepwash spit.Four Black Tailed Godwits dropped onto Horseshoe Island.Also present were a single Pochard and a couple of Greylag Geese.The Black Headed Gull chicks made an excursion to the main island.Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe
2007-07-01From the Wildlife Centre: 5 Oystercatchers (2 adult 3 young) 2 Redshank 6 Black-headed Gull (incl. 2 young). 3 Common Tern (incl. 1 young).Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-06-30The pair of first summer BHGulls have still 2 young despite a rapidly reducing island in the rising water! The other adult pair sitting tight on the tern raft so not able to see whats happening! The Common tern on the new raft left the nest a couple of times and at least one youngsters head was seen over the edge! Tree sparrows were present in numbers around the nest box scheme and youngsters were visiting the feeders at the WLC. Mute Swans still have 7 cygnets at the WLC and one Barnacle Goose gosling was under the feeders...the hybrid Barni-Canada adult was also present!Steph' Hicking
2007-06-26Pair of Black-headed Gulls have 2 chicks, from Wildlife Centre. Pair of Common Terns have 1 chick so far, from WLC. Pair of Mute Swans still have 7 cygnets, from WLC.Roger Carrington
2007-06-23From the Wildlife Centre: Mute Swan with 7 very young Cygnets, 6 Redshank, Little Ringed Plover, 2 Oystercatchers, 165 Canada Geese, 3 Coot young, Bullfinch, Young Pied Wagtail, 8 Tree Sparrow.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-06-22The WeBS count for June done between 6 and 9am12 Little Grebe, 21 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Mute Swan with 7 young (6 in one family), 5 Greylag Geese, 786 Canada Geese (a high number for June), 33 Barnacle Geese, 3 Gadwall, 86 Mallard, 96 Tufted Duck, 28 Moorhen, 215 Coot, 11 Oystercatcher, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 16 Lapwing, 5 Redshank, 4 Black-headed Gull, 2 Common Tern.Also 4 Cackling Geese.Peter Gibbon
2007-06-181 Ruddy Shelduck and 1 Shelduck flew together past the Wildlife Centre, they appeared to be coming in to land , but unfortunately flew off to the west.Also of note: 2 L.R.Plover,1 Curlew,4 Gadwall,10 Redshank (including 2 young),1 young G.C.Grebe,7 Mute Swan cygnets,1 Sparrowhawk and 3 Common Terns were all at the Wildlife Centre. Clive Ashton
2007-06-17coot,moorhen,blackbird,lapwing,reed bunting,mallard,mute swan,greenfinch,black headed gull,common tern,redshanks,canada geese,house sparrow,blue tit,great tit,tufted duck,barnacle geese,little owl,bullfinch,chaffinch,robin,chiff chaff,whitethroat,pied wagtail,oystercatcher,heron,jackdaw,carrion crow,rook,tree sparrow,little grebe,great crested grebe,starling,magpie,gadwall,collared dove,wood pigeon,pheasant,dunnock.Peter Hill
2007-06-16From Stones Island: Approx. 260 Canada Geese, 2 Willow Warblers Wildlife Centre:2 Redshank, 3 Barnacle Geese (1 gosling), 1 Bullfinch, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Owl, 8 Lapwing (1 young). Paul Stanley:2 Oystercatchers, 2 families of coots (3 2)Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-06-07OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose with a yellow gosling, Coot - one adult with a single chick, Oystercatcher (3), Ringed Plover (1), Lapwing - inc one chick, Redshank (2), Common Sandpiper (1).Plants newly into flower: Foxglove, Herb Robert, Cleavers, Meadow Cranesbill, Dog Rose, Spear Thistle. Also Horsetail, a flowerless plant is now obvious. Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-06-03Wildlife centre 2 oystercatchers with 4 chicks, 1 coot with chick, two mallard families with ducklings, 2 barnacle geese with single gosling redshank,common tern and little ringed ploverJulian and Caroline Walters
2007-06-02Wildlife Centre highlights: 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher (c/w 4 young), 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Tern, 1 Pochard (male).Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-05-29Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre around midday.Only 33 species of bird identified. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (6), Oystercatcher (2), Ringed Plover (2) - Horseshoe Island, Lapwing - including one chick on Horseshoe Island, and Redshank (2) - also on Horseshoe Island.Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-05-242 Spotted Flycatchers in Hall Wood. 1 Reed Warbler singing from the reedbed in Hopton Arm. Pair of Oystercatchers with 3 young, on Horseshoe Island viewed from the Wildlife Centre. Also 3 other pairs of Oystercatchers have young on other more remote Islands.Roger Carrington
2007-05-22Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WG)in the late morning. Sunny and no obvious breeze. 38 species of bird identified. OF NOTE: Canada Goose goslings - 3 and 4 with respective parents. Barnacle Goose (4). Gadwall (one male). Three juvenile Moorhens. Oystercatcher (4). Little Ringed Plover (2). Reed Bunting (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-05-22Whilst carrying out a Breeding Bird Survey of our Islands this afternoon, I was lucky enough to have superb views of an Arctic Tern circling the boat at the North End of the Reservoir. According to Mike from fisheries, there has been a single Tern sitting on a Buoy next to Big Island for the last couple of days. Although we have a pair of Common Terns on site, I think that the Arctic may have been around for a few days now. I saw presumably the same bird around Shiningford Creek last night(21st at 19:30)and I believe RC saw one on site a couple of days ago.Paul Bennett
2007-05-19Short visit this morning - no Garganey at WLC up to 10.00am. Other highlights: 22 Dunlin dropped in on sailing club island. 2 Little Ringed Plovers on Horseshoe Island. 4 Willow Warblers on Stones Island. Richard Pittam
2007-05-18A drake Garganey at the Wildlife centre today. Also present:G.N Diver,2 Curlew,1 Whimbrel,1 Dunlin,2 L.R.Plover,3 Gadwall,1 Teal, and 2 Common Terns. One Lapwing chick was also seen. Clive Ashton
2007-05-18BARN OWLCLIVE AND RUTH SLACK
2007-05-162 Whimbrel from the visitor centre at 2.46.p.m. DOS Report
2007-05-12Stones Island: 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Kestrel, 1 Great Northern Diver (off Watersports, 4 young Canada goslings Wildlife Centre: 1 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank, 6 Canada Goslings, 2 young Coot Paul Stanley Hide: 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Redshank, 8 Canada goslings, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (male and female), 2 Wren.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-05-0240 species of bird seen from Stones Island or the Wildlife Centre around midday. Sunny but a cold north easterly wind was blowing. OF NOTE: Great Northern Diver (1) - off Stones Island; Canada Geese with goslings - one pair with a single gosling and another pair with 3 goslings; Barnacle Goose (2); Shelduck (4); Mallard ducklings - a female with five and another with 12; Oystercatcher (1); Little Ringed Plover (2) - exploring terra cotta shelters on Stones Island; Lapwing (6); Curlew (1); Redshank (2); Common Tern (1); Garden Warbler (2); Blackcap (2); Willow Warbler (3); Reed Bunting (2 singing males). Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-05-011 Great Northern Diver [1W/1S] near Millfields. 4 Shelduck, mobile, at many locations. 1 Common Tern at Wildlife Centre most of today, looking at the rafts. 1 Arctic Tern flew through. 1 Bar-tailed Godwit Wildlife Centre then Stones Is. 2 Curlew Wildlife Centre. 1 Yellow Wagtail flew over Stones Is. Many Garden Warblers and Whitethroats and some Sedge Warblers now present.Roger Carrington

Scroll to Top