| 2006-12-31 | Highlights:
W.Centre - 2 Redshank, 65 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher
Sheepwash - 5 Goldeneye (2 Drake, 3 ducks) | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 2006-12-31 | 2 GN Divers reported on Birdnet Pager as present this am, near dam and at the Sailing Club. | Steph' Hicking |
| 2006-12-30 | Highlights:
W.Centre
37 Barnacle Geese, 55 Redwing, 2 Black-headed Gulls (with darkish head cap) | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 2005-01-03 | Thanks to Peter Hill for his observations at Carsington today:
Spent 5 hours walking around Carsington today. Some of the birds we saw were,
Great Grey Shrike (showing near the tower)
Black necked grebe (bay near wildlife centre)
Goldcrest, Goldfinch, Snipe, Treecreepers, wren, willow tit, coal tit, male and female Greater Spotted Woodpeckers (Paul Stanley), goosander (2) wigeon, teal, pochard, goldeneye, common gulls and Redwings. | . |
| 2005-01-08 | Thanks to Paul Bennett (STW Ranger) for an update on the current highlights at Carsington:
The Black-necked Grebe that has been around for a week or two now, was showing very well in Shiningford Creek today (Saturday 8th). It was also viewable there from the Wildlife Centre with a telescope. The Great Grey Shrike was elusive today, but was seen daily up until yesterday (7th), either in the field just north of the brick tower, or around the Shiningford Farm area.
A drake Ferruginous Duck was found in Millfields Bay on the morning of Monday 3rd. It later flew north and was re-located from Sheepwash Hide. Unfortunately, despite a good number of birders spending all day on Tuesday looking for it, it was not found again. | . |
| 2005-01-13 | Thanks to Ray & Margaret Perry for their highlights at Carsington today:
Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WLC) as usual plus covered the area on the western edge of the water from the WLC to the brick look-out tower.
Weather mild. Site generally quiet but there was a notable presence of birdwatchers! Thirty seven species of bird identified
around midday.
OF NOTE:
Black-necked Grebe (1) - Shiningford Creek.
Barnacle Goose (36) - Eight by the playground and 28 in a Shiningford Farm field with Canadas.
Lapwing (~200) - mainly on Horseshoe Island.
Redshank (1) - seen from WLC by first bay/creek north of the WLC.
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (1) - in woodland near Lane End hide.
Great Grey Shrike (1) - on field posts near the Brick Tower.
Redwing (3) - by Shiningford Creek. Also a mixed flock of Redwings and Fieldfares (~60) at Longcliffe.
In addition others reported Goosanders (3) at Sheepwash today and a Caspian Gull at Sheepwash yesterday the 12th January. | . |
| 2005-01-16 | Thanks to Paul Bennett for an update on the following current highlights at Carsington:
Two female Common Scoter off the Dam Wall on the
afternoon of Sunday 16th, along with six Shelduck and 14 Goosander.
The Great Grey Shrike and the Black-necked Grebe were both still around the Sheepwash area. | . |
| 2005-01-22 | A visit by members of Bakewell & District Bird Study group to the Sheepwash area of Carsington today produced the following list of 52 species today - just in this area. How many more species would we have found if we had gone all the way round!
Sparrowhawk
Dunnock
Carrion Crow
Rook
Bullfinch
Magpie
Little Grebe
Song Thrush
Lapwing
Moorhen
Greenfinch
Teal
Heron
Goosander
Goldeneye
G.S. Woodpecker
Pied Wagtail
Raven Stock Dove
Canada Goose
Chaffinch
Mistle Thrush
Robin
Coot
Black-headed Gull
Goldfinch
Great Crested Grebe
Ruddy Duck
Long-tailed Tit
Mute Swan
Treecreeper
Black-necked Grebe
Willow Tit
Coal Tit
Common Gull Blackbird
Jackdaw
Great Tit
Redwing
Cormorant
Blue Tit
Kestrel
Widgeon
Tufted Duck
Tree Sparrow
Little Owl
Pheasant
Redshank
Pochard
Snipe
Herring Gull
Lesser Black-backed Gull | . |
| 2005-01-23 | 33 Barnacle Geese, 1287 Coot, 20 Gadwall and 14 Goldeneye counted at Carsington today. | . |
| 2005-01-24 | Thanks to Ray and Margaret Perry for their update for Carsington today:
Visited Stones Island and the WLC. Very, very cold. Snow in the
northerly wind. Only 29 species found.
OF NOTE:
Barnacle Goose (6) - Horseshoe Island.
Ruddy Duck (~70) - all seen from the WLC.
Oystercatcher (1) - Horseshoe Island.
Song Thrush (2) - just off site.
Mistle Thrush (1) - by WLC.
EARLIER SIGHTINGS:
19th January:
Great Grey Shrike (1) - taken from the "Water Rail" logbook.
22nd January:
Pink-footed Goose (~70) - flew over. From "Water Rail" logbook.
Black-necked Grebe (1) - found by Macclesfield RSPB visitors.
Goosander (3) - Macc RSPB.
Little Owl (1) - Macc RSPB.
Great Grey Shrike (1) - Macc RSPB.
Kingfisher (1) - near WLC. Taken from "Water Rail" logbook. | . |
| 2005-01-25 | Thanks to our recorder, Roger for the following highlights he found round Carsington today:
Black-necked Grebe (Sheepwash), 2 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank, 4 Goosander, 200 Pinkfoot Geese flew west at 11.00 hrs and 100 also going west at 12.00 hrs. | . |
| 2005-01-29 | Thanks to Paul Bennett (STW Ranger) for the following observations at Carsington today:
c700 Pink-footed Geese on the move over Carsington today in skeins of 230, 200, 96, 100, 100 - all heading NW or W and between 12.25 and 13.25 hours.
The Great Grey Shrike was last seen on the 27th January near Shiningford Farm and the Black-necked Grebe was also last seen on the same day in Sheepwash Bay. | . |
| 2005-02-02 | Thanks to Ray and Margaret Perry for their highlights at Carsington today:
Visited Stones Island (SI) and the wildlife centre (WLC) as usual.
Weather mild. Few visitors at the site. Only 31 species of bird
identified at around midday.
OF NOTE:
Pink-footed Goose (1) - with Canada and Barnacle Geese in
the field nearest to the WLC.
Barnacle Goose (31) - nearest field to the WLC.
Goldeneye (1 male) - off SI.
Ruddy Duck (40) - seen from WLC.
Kestrel (1 male) - Horseshoe Island.
Lapwing (300+) - Horseshoe Island.
Redshank (1) - Horseshoe Island.
From the "Water Rail" logbook for the 1st February.
Oystercatcher (1)
Goosander (7; 2 males + 5 females)
Great Spotted Woodpecker (1)
Lesser Redpoll (6)
All from Peter Johnson. | . |
| 2005-02-03 | Highlights today at Carsington thanks to our Recorder Roger Carrington:
Great Grey Shrike still present around Brick Tower
Black-necked Grebe still from Sheepwash hide
Adult Mediterranean Gull, winter plumage, in roost | . |
| 2005-02-04 | Thanks to Jon Lowes for his update on the current highlights at Carsington:
The Black-necked Grebe was still present today, plus two Oystercatchers. I was told the Great Grey Shrike was still about, but didn't see it myself. | . |
| 2005-02-05 | Thanks to Matthew Reed for an update on the current highlights at Carsington:
The Black Necked Grebe was showing well from Sheepwash pm (though was drifting SE away from the Sheepwash hide as the afternoon progressed.
There was also a Mediterranean Gull from Sheepwash Hide. Had virtually no black markings on its wing tips, although its summer head moult was not very advanced.
Great Crested Grebe's were also doing their famous courtship displays and a pair of Goldeneye were seen together (though sadly without any courtship displays). | . |
| 2005-02-08 | Thanks to G Riley for today's update on the Great Grey Shrike:
This bird was present on stone island today - left hand side- at 15.30hrs. | . |
| 2005-02-09 | Thanks to Mick & Jean Sharp for their update and highlights today at Carsington:
The Great Grey Shrike was on Stones Island 4-5 p.m. It also spent a long time in the shrubbery next to the paved cafe area. There were also Redpoll's in the copse, where the feeders are, at the back of Lane End Hide. The Black Necked Grebe was in the bay viewed from the first field up the path from Sheepwash car park towards Lane End Hide. Two Oystercatchers flew towards Sheepwash from the wild life centre area. We saw 43 species in 3 hours. | . |
| 2005-02-10 | Thanks to Dave Newcombe for his list of sightings at Carsington today:
All were seen between the Wildlife Centre and Paul Stanley hide
16 Tree Sparrows
3 Long Tail Tits
3 Pied Wagtails
c80 Chaffinch (mostly around the woods by Sheepwash hide)
A single Redpoll and a female Siskin were with around 50 Goldfinches in the same area.
9 Bullfinch
Goldcrest
4 Song Thrush
Female Great Spotted Woodpecker
c 100 Jackdaws
c 130 Redwings
Kestrel male
43 Great Crested Grebes
18 Little Grebes
Black Necked Grebe giving good views from Sheepwash hide
7 Goldeneye 2 males and 5 females
148 Ruddy Ducks
3 female Shelduck on the spit from Sheepwash
34 Barnacle geese around WLC
Oystercather and
a single Redshank | . |
| 2005-02-14 | Thanks to Ray & Margaret Perry for their observations at Carsington today:
Visited Stones Island and the WLC as usual. 32 species of
bird identified at around midday. Generally overcast. Strong, very
cold westerly wind blowing. Site very busy because of 'half term'.
OF NOTE:
Ruddy Duck (~90) - Shiningford Creek.
Oystercatcher (4) - from WLC. On rafts & edge of reservoir.
Lapwing (~250) - Horseshoe Island.
Redshank (2) - from WLC. Horseshoe Island & edge of reservoir.
Collared Dove (1) - by the ranger base.
Song Thrush (1) - Stones Island.
Also seen today in the Millfields area by Peter Johnson:
Goosanders (6)
Tufted Duck (150+)
Redwing (~30)
Jay (1)
From the Water Rail log for yesterday, the 13th:
Dunlin (1) - Horseshoe Island.
Oystercatcher (5) - from WLC. | . |
| 2005-02-22 | Thanks for this snippet on today's visit to Carsington from Dave Newcombe:
Black Necked Grebe took some finding but eventually located it just off the spit from Sheepwash hide where it spent most of the afternoon.
Great Grey Shrike on the footpath by Shiningford farm.
2 Buzzards soaring over Hall Wood.
After quite a heavy snow shower at about 16.30, 9 Curlews and 5 Golden Plovers dropped in onto Horseshoe Island. Other Waders included 2 Snipe, 5 Oystercatchers and 4 Redshanks. | . |
| 2005-02-23 | Thanks to Paul Bennett (STW Ranger) for today's update on the following highlights around the reservoir:
The Great Grey Shrike was present on Stones Island yesterday (22nd) all afternoon and was back there again this morning. A single Curlew was on Horseshoe Island in front of the Wildlife Centre this morning with two Redshank, a Snipe and a Kingfisher seen nearby. A Common Buzzard was over Millfields car park at 10:30 this morning.
A couple of good early morning sightings from Roger Carrington today. He saw a female Peregrine flying low over the reservoir and a first winter Iceland Gull flying east.
Peter Johnson counted 19 Goldeneye yesterday; two off the dam wall and 17 in Millfields Bay. He also saw two Goosander in Millfields Bay this morning. Both Roger and Peter have seen a flock of Meadow Pipits around the Dam Wall area this week, with the highest count in excess of 20. | . |
| 2005-03-05 | Thirteen Curlew flew over the rangers base at 1515 hrs today. They circled in strong winds eventually settling on Horseshoe Island in front of the Wildlife Centre. Upon locking the Wildlife Centre at 1750 hrs this evening, I counted 29 Curlew settling in to roost. Unfortunately they were bullied along the island by a large noisy flock of Canada Geese.
Also seen from the Wildlife centre were three Oystercatchers, two Redshank and a Snipe.
Earlier in the day Peter Johnson saw a pair of Reed Buntings flying from Stones Island to the Watersports Island. He saw a single Reed Bunting at the Paul Stanley Hide on Friday 4th along with a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.
The Black-necked Grebe was last reported from Sheepwash Bay on the 1st, with the Great Grey Shrike not being reported (as far as I know) since the 28th February. | Paul Bennett |
| 2005-03-06 | Many thanks to Bernard Robinson for his update on the two main highlights we have had at Carsington recently:
Following your report on 5 March, we saw both the Black Necked Grebe and Great Grey Shrike during our visit on 2 March. | Bernard Robinson |
| 2005-03-07 | Thanks to Paul Bennett again for the following news: 26 Curlew again on Horseshoe Island at 18:00 last night along with a single Dunlin. I also heard Pink-footed Geese overhead just north of the north end of the reservoir, but couldn't see them to count how many. I think there were only around five to ten.
More of PJ's sightings from yesterday. One Ringed Plover on Horseshoe Island at 13:20 and the Black-necked Grebe in Sheepwash Bay. | . |
| 2005-03-09 | Only visited Stones Island & the WLC. Overcast. Very quiet on site today.
OF NOTE:
Great Crested Grebe - including one pair displaying. Chest to chest, with head shaking. From the WLC.
Barnacle Goose (29) - mainly on Horseshoe Island.
Oystercatcher (4) - two on Stones Island and two on Horseshoe Island.
Great Grey Shrike (1) - Stones Island. Stunning views from just a few feet away. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2005-03-10 | Just a brief visit to the Sheepwash area this morning between 11.30am and 12.30pm and the following 29 species were counted. It was a lovely spring like morning, the sun was shining and all the birds were singing!
Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Willow Tit, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Sparrowhawk, Raven, Carrion Crow, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Goldcrest, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Ruddy Duck, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Snipe, Lapwing, Coot, Teal, Wigeon and Canada Goose. | . |
| 2005-03-13 | In a 10 minute stop at Stones Island after returning from Lathkill Dale this pm:
1 Great Grey Shrike, looking well fed and incredibly obliging
4 Oystercatcher
2 Redshank
12 Pied Wagtails | Matthew Kelly |
| 2005-03-18 | The Great Grey Shrike is still being seen daily on Stones Island. I counted 21 Goldeneye in Sheepwash Bay this morning (four drakes), along with four Goosander (three drakes).
What is left of Horseshoe Island (s) was very busy this afternoon. There were at least seven Redshank displaying or chasing each other round and one of them sitting. A single Dunlin was also present along with at least three Snipe which were feeding out in the open. There was a Pink-footed
Goose sitting on the right-hand side of the island. This bird was at Millfields car park last night associating with Canada Geese.
Also of note was a pair of Tree Sparrows on Horseshoe Island collecting nesting material (feathers).
Spring migrants are in the country now, with a Little Ringed Plover being seen today at Castle Donnington and a House Martin being reported from Cannock Chase. Further south, more exotic species have been reported such
as Wryneck, Stone Curlew and Osprey. | Paul Bennett |
| 2005-03-19 | Brief visit between 14:00 and 16:00 revealed:
Paul Stanley Hide: All at feeder
Brambling with Chaffinches
GS Woodpecker (F)
Reed Bunting
Sheepwash Hide
11 Goldeneye (3M)
1 Shoveler (M)
Ruddy Duck
Tufted Duck
Redshank
2 Oystercatchers
Wildlife Centre
1 Snipe
2 Redshank
2 Oystercatchers | John & Pam Eaton |
| 2005-03-21 | Visited the WLC and Stones Island as usual. Weather: reasonably mild, in spite of a brisk breeze across Stones Island. 33 species found around midday. Water level very high. Horseshoe Island is now split into two by the water.
OF NOTE:
Barnacle Goose (12) - Stones & Horseshoe islands.
Oystercatcher (3) - Horseshoe Island.
Redshank (5) - Horseshoe Island.
CHIFFCHAFF (1) - singing in scrub by the edge of the reservoir, not far from the visitor centre.
Reed Bunting (3) - 2 by the feeders next to the WLC and one on
Stones Island.
Today is the first day of Spring. The following flowering plants were
noted: Daisy, Lesser Celandine and Coltsfoot.
GLEANED from the Water Rail diary:
The Chiffchaff was first noted on Stones Island on the 19th. The Great Grey Shrike was present on the 19th and the 20th. A Red-breasted Merganser was seen on the 18th and the 20th. On the 19th a Little Ringed Plover was observed on Horseshoe Island (PHJ). On the 20th the following were also noted: Black-tailed Godwit, Raven (2), Sand Martin (all PHJ) and an adult Kittiwake. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2005-03-27 | Willow Warblers have now joined the many Chiffchaffs on site. Willow Warblers can be heard singing around the rangers base and at the start of the track to the wildlife Centre, even on a dull day.
A male White Wagtail (European Pied Wagtail) was seen on Stones Island on Saturday 26th (PHJ).
A female Merlin flew behind Horseshoe Island at 15:45 also on Saturday
There were seven Redshank and three Oystercatchers on one of the tern rafts this morning.
A Swallow was reported from Ogston yesterday. | Paul Bennett |
| 2005-03-31 | On a murky day with poor visibility, the highlights at Carsington from RC today were:
2 Common Scoter off Stones Island
6 Chiffchaff
4 Willow Warblers
plus Swallows and Sand Martins | . |
| 2005-04-03 | The following were all seen in a 40 minute stay on Stones Island.
A White Wagtail was present with a flock of 8-12 Pied at the far end of Stones Island (on the shore line).
Great Grey Shrike was either invisible or showing very conspicuously, in trees again on the far side of Stones Island overhanging the waters edge. A male Reed Bunting took it's life in it's hands by perching 6 feet away from it! Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff song heard in small numbers.
Small numbers of Lapwing and Oystercatcher present. 2 Barnacle Geese with Canada Geese just off Stones Island. | Matthew Reed |
| 2005-04-08 | Visited carsington on the afternoon of 08/04/05, and saw 51 species on a walk down from Sheepwash car park to the visitor centre, and Stones Island. Most of the usual birds were seen, but, the highlights were mainly waders and passerines including: Oystercatcher, Redshank, Sand Martin, Swallow (Good numbers), House Martin, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail (about 50 with at least 8 Whites, and a fantasticly close view of a male Yellow Watail of the flavissima variety on Stones Island*), Redstart (a very showy male, the first one this spring, near the bonfire site on Stones Island), Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Coal Tit (gathering nesting material in Shiningford creek), Treecreeper (working the wicker fences by the Paul Stanley feeders), Great Grey Shrike (In the tree nearest the back of the bookshop - a very lucky, and close up view), Tree Sparrow, Bullfinch, Reed Bunting, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Stock Dove and Pheasant. Unusually though, I saw no Teal, Long-tailed or Willow Tits, and only 2 species of Gull!
A few weeks ago I had a very brief view of a possible Northern Long-tailed Tit in the woods by Sheepwash Hide. It was in a flock of normal Long-tails, but I couldn't be 100% sure. | Peter ? |
| 2005-04-12 | A fall of spring migrants this morning on Stones Island at 09:15, all on the eastern bank. A Common Sandpiper was feeding along the waters edge, whilst four White Wagtails were on the grass nearby (with a Pied Wagtail nearby for comparison).
Around fifty Swallows and fifteen Sand Martins perched in trees, with many more feeding in the low cloud and drizzle. There were also at least five House Martins feeding above the viewing area there, providing good views as they flew below me.
Also of interest were three Willow Warblers, a pair of Reed Buntings, including a singing male, a Meadow Pipit and a Song Thrush.
Around the Sheepwash area during the middle of the day, a walk between the Viewing area and Lane End hide produced 29 species including: Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Raven, Bullfinch, Reed Bunting, Tree Sparrow, Song Thrush and Blackcap. | Paul Bennett |
| 2005-04-13 | The Common Sandpiper was on Stones Island again at 08:15 this morning. It was still on the eastern bank to the right of the bonfire site between two small woodland blocks. There were eight White Wagtails also there this morning, along with a single Yellow Wagtail and three Pied Wagtails. They
were feeding on the open grass to the west of the stones. | Paul Bennett |
| 2005-04-14 | Saw a pair of ruddy ducks in the area to the left of the main hide. Not sure if they are regular there but I don't recall seeing them listed on the sightings board. Didn't recognise them till I returned home and looked them up. | Don Singleton |
| 2005-04-15 | More from Paul from Stones Island this morning at 08:50.
1 Common Sandpiper
1 Yellow Wagtail (male)
7 plus White Wagtails
There were large numbers of hirundines feeding in the bay in front of the sailing club. Also nice to see 41 Swallows, three House Martins and five Sand Martins perched together in a small willow just 20 feet in front of me on the causeway to the island. | . |
| 2005-04-15 | A further update from Paul: There was a single Little Ringed Plover on Watersports Island at 11:00 this morning, and a pair of Little Ringed Plovers in the field by Millfields Island at 14:30 (no public access - viewable from the footpath only). A drake Goosander flew north out of Millfields bay at 12:00 p.m. | Paul Bennett |
| 2005-04-19 | Carsington Bird Club evening walk around Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre between 19.00-20.45 hrs produced the following list of species this evening:
Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Ruddy Duck, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Sand Martin, Swallow, House Martin, Yellow Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, White Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Willow Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Linnet and Reed Bunting. | . |
| 2005-04-20 | Visited Stones Island and the WLC around midday. 38 species of bird identified. Weather: Misty. Strongish cold easterly wind. Nearly 300 schoolchildren on site learning about wildlife!!
Water level very, very high. Horseshoe Island now fragmented.
OF NOTE:
Barnacle Goose (5)
Wigeon (1 female) - Horseshoe Island.
Ruddy Duck (1 male) - from WLC.
Kestrel (1) - Stones Island.
Oystercatcher (4) - 2 on Horseshoe Island & 2 (mating) on 'Sailing Club' island, just off Stones Island.
Redshank (4) - 2 on Horseshoe Island, one by the water sports centre and one on Stones Island.
Sand Martin (a few) - with Swallows over the reservoir.
Swallow - 'hundreds', a minimum of 500 hunting close to the reservoir surface, off Stones Island.
White Wagtail (4) - Stones Island.
Willow Warbler - 'dozens' around the WLC and on Stones Island.
Reed Bunting (1 male) - Stones Island.
The only new flowering plant noted today was the Marsh Marigold
growing in the pond next to the WLC. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2005-04-23 | 4 plus White Wagtail - Stones Island
3 plus Yellow Wagtail - Stones Island
4 plus Redshank - Stones Island
1 Little Ringed Plover - in front of the Sailing Club
1 Black-tailed Godwit - Watersports Island and in front of the Wildlife Centre
1 Common Scoter - in front of Fishtail Creek
On Saturday 23rd April there were four Yellow Wagtails, a single White Wagtail and a Common Sandpiper on Stones Island.
Roger Carrington located a singing Garden Warbler on Stones Island on the 23rd. I went to find it today (24th) and found at least two and possibly three there. Roger also saw two Yellow Wagtails and a White Wagtail on the Watersports Island today and a Little Ringed Plover in front of the Wildlife Centre. | Steph Hicking |
| 2005-04-24 | It was a great birding morning at Carsington today, for the Website [not all seen by me];
1 Shelduck flying to various locations.
1 female Common Scoter distant from Sheepwash.
2 Little Ringed Plovers, WLC and Millfields.
1 Common Sandpiper at Hopton End.
Whimbrels heard flying over early am.
7 Arctic Terns from Sheepwash together with 1 adult Little Gull.
2 Yellow + 1 White Wagtail
1 Garden Warbler on Stones Island.
2 Whitethroat + 1 Lesser between Millfields and Oldfield Lane.
1 Redstart singing near Middle Wood.
10+ Swifts flying through.
4 summer plumage Black-necked Grebes found in Shiningford Creek at 12:15hrs. | Roger Carrington (Recorder) |
| 2005-04-25 | Just a snippet of todays visit:
Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall
3 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Millfields & 1 WLC
Garden Warbler on Stones Island
2 Whitethroats, 1 by Middle wood & 1 at Millfields
Common Sandpiper on the spit
2 probable Arctic Terns at Sheepwash
2 Whimbrels on Horseshoe Island at 17.45hrs | Dave Newcombe |
| 2005-04-26 | Highlight of a brief visit to Millfields and the anglers' car park area was the distant sight of dozens of terns (presumably arctic) fishing over deep water in late afternoon. It was impossible to do an accurate count but I would estimate not far short of 70. Could not find the summer plumaged black-necked grebes listed as having been seen earlier in the day but in addition to the regulars we noted:
Grey Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, White Wagtail, Green Woodpecker, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, one markedly yellow-looking warbler (Seen very briefly - Garden Warbler?), Redstart, Treecreeper, Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper (on rocks nr the Water Tower), Redstart, Barnacle Geese, Widgeon (one male), Ruddy Duck (one male), Buzzard (over fields to rear of Millfields), Sparrowhawk (nr WC).
Also noted Moschatel (known locally as Town Hall Clock), Opposite Leaved Golden Saxifrage, Wood Sorrel and Wood Anemone growing in dampish woodlands sections between Millsfields and Upperfields Farm.
A pair of Curlew were seen flying north as we drove back adjacent to the dam wall. | Enid & Neil Hallam |
| 2005-04-27 | 3 Wheatear on the dam wall @ 17.10hrs. Presumably the same three that were also reported in the morning. Also on the dam wall were at least 4 White Wagtails and a Meadow Pipit.
21 Swifts were seen throughout the day.
2 Little Ringed Plovers at the Wildlife Centre.
2 Buzzards
2 Ravens
Large numbers of Willow Warblers & Chiff Chaffs
17 Blackcaps
Whitethroat | Dave Newcombe |
| 2005-05-02 | coot, tufted duck, willow warbler, canada geese, magpie, great tit, blue tit, little grebe, cormorant, goldfinch, black bird, 4 bullfinches (field behind tower), lapwing, greenfinch, robin, chaffinch, tree sparrow, reed bunting, chiffchaff, whitethroat, swallow, swan, 2 curlew flying over, ruddy ducks, moorhen, Pied Flycatcher (showing well in shiningford creek), mallard, house martin, jackdaw, carrion crows, starling, lesser black back gull, oystercatchers, pied wagtail, 2 little ring plovers (horseshoe island), redshanks, great crested grebe, song thrush, blackcap, garden warblers, pheasant and 5 swifts. | Peter & Donna Hill |
| 2005-05-03 | 43 species seen today on a walk from Sheepwash car park to Stones Island and back.
Male Pied Flycatcher on the ouside edge of the bend in the path as it hairpins around the river closest to the WLC (not Shinningford creek as last year); Tree Sparrows flitting in and out of the nest boxes; Displaying Great Crested Grebes; Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers, Barnacle Geese, Oystercatcher, Willow Tit, Redshank, Reed Bunting, Pheasant, Great Spotted Woodpecker, and over a dozen singing Garden Warblers all over the place, but especially on Stones Island. | Peter Charlton |
| 2005-05-04 | Visited Stones Island (SI) and the Wildlife Centre (WLC). 38 species
of bird identified around midday. Weather: Initially breezy and chilly
but the wind dropped so the air then felt quite mild. Water level higher
than on our last visit on the 20th April. Horseshoe Island (HI) is now four seperate islands!!
OF NOTE:
Barnacle Goose (18) - WLC, SI and HI.
Ruddy Duck (5) - seen from the WLC.
Oystercatcher (2) - HI and satellite island off SI.
Little Ringed Plover (1) - HI.
Redshank (3) - two on HI & one on SI.
Swift, Swallow & House Martin (~20 of each) - hunted close to the
water off SI.
Song Thrush (2) - SI.
Garden Warbler (~20) - around the WLC, water sports centre and on SI.
Blackcap (~20) - same locations as the Garden Warbler.
Willow Warbler (6) - WLC area.
Reed Bunting (2) - male SI and a female near the WLC.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
A male OrangeTip butterfly by the pond next to the WLC.
Plants in bloom:
Bluebell, Forget-me-not, Cowslip, Bogbean, Ribwort Plantain,
Greater Stitchwort, White Dead-nettle, Red Dead-nettle,
Bush Vetch or Crow-peas, Meadow Buttercup, Cuckooflower or
Lady's-smock, Marsh Marigold, Dandelion, Daisy and Lesser
Celandine. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2005-05-06 | We called in at Carsington on Friday, 6th May. From the Sheepwash hide we managed to pick up a male hen harrier over Stones Island, at no great height. He came down even lower, drifted across the water & moved away, heading NW. A lovely bird! | Andrew & Nicola Cox from Essex |
| 2005-05-07 | Walked Sheepwash to Stones Island and back, 5.45 p.m. to 8.15 p.m. on May 7th. 42 species identified including 1 whimbrel, 2 dunlin, 1 common sandpiper (all on or near Horseshoe Island), 2 little ringed plover (viewed from Stones Island), flock of 5 bullfinch (near Shiningford Farm) and male pied flycatcher (same place as reported on May 3). | Neil Venables |
| 2005-05-09 | A good day for waders today. There were two Ringed Plovers in front of the Wildlife Centre all day, being chased around by two Little Ringed Plovers.
There were also up to six Dunlin and a Common Sandpiper, as well as the usual Redshank and Lapwing. This afternoon there was a Whimbrel calling from the Sailing Club Island. | Paul Bennett |
| 2005-05-11 | Visted just Stones Island and the WLC Hide today, but still saw 39 species, including:
Reed Buntings
Willow Warblers
Barnacle Geese
Tree Sparrows
Garden Warblers (Not as many as last time, but very obliging)!
Redshanks (3)
Ringed Plovers (4)
Dunlins (6)
Little Ringed Plovers (2)
Whimbrels (3) (Confirmed following previous reports of call only. Very obvious with black caps and central crown stripe)
Turnstones (8)
(The last 5 species were all on Horseshoe Island at around 15:15hrs)
Also saw several Newts in the pond by the WLC. All in all a very nice afternoon out!!! | Peter Charlton |
| 2005-05-12 | In addition to sightings already received for yesterday (11/05) there was also a Temmincks Stint reported from Horseshoe Island at 07:45. It then flew off towards Stones Island but was not relocated. There were six Turnstone and five Dunlin seen by the Dam Wall, a Shelduck near to the Watersports Centre and a male Redstart on the Shiningford track.
There were at least two Lapwing chicks on the right-hand side of Horseshoe Island this morning. Hopefully the start of a successful breeding season. | Paul Bennett (STW Ranger) |
| 2005-05-22 | A Black Tern was reported off Stones Island on the 12th when a Sanderling was seen by the Sailing Club. An immature Bar-tailed Godwit was found by the watersports centre and re-located on the end of Stones Island on the 15th. Observers also found a Turnstone and two Common Sandpipers on
Watersports Island on the same day. The Godwit was on Stones Island again on the following morning, when a Sanderling was seen in front of the Wildlife Centre. A Spotted Flycatcher was found at the bottom of Oldfield Lane and a male Redstart was found at the first Shiningford bend, also on the 16th.
The Bar-tailed Godwit dropped in at lunch time, in front of the Wildlife Centre on the 17th, along with a Curlew. Another Spotted Flycatcher was located close to Middle Wood on the same day. A Redstart was again seen at the first bend on the 18th when a Black-tailed Godwit was reported from the Wildlife centre. Two Whimbrel sightings for the 19th, a single bird near the Visitor Centre and two in front of the Wildlife Centre. The male Pied
Flycatcher continued to sing at Shiningford first bend until the 21st at least.
A Temmincks Stint that was seen in front of the Wildlife Centre on the 18th. I believe it was seen mid-afternoon, but was flushed off by a helicopter. | Paul Bennett |
| 2005-05-27 | Visited the WLC & Stones Island at around midday. Only 32 species of bird identified. Weather: Warm. Site overall quite quiet. Water level still very high.
OF NOTE:
Canada Goose - only one gosling seen!
Barnacle Goose (10)
Oystercatcher (1)
Dunlin (2) - Horseshoe Island.
Redshank (1) - Stones Island.
Garden Warbler, Blackcap and Willow Warbler -
many singing in the WLC, Stones Island, visitor centre area.
Reed Bunting (2) - Stones Island.
FROM THE WLC LOGBOOK:
Today:
Curlew (1) - Horseshoe Island.
Little Ringed Plover (3) - Horseshoe Island.
Common Tern (3) - rafts opposite the WLC.
The above three observations by I Wright. None of these species were present at midday.
Yesterday - 25th May:
Shoveler (1)
Pied Flycatcher (1 male) - first bend Shiningford Creek.
Common Redstart (1) - first bend Shiningford Creek.
The above three observations by D.Newcombe.
PLANTS:
Most of the plants recorded for the 4th May are still in flower.
In addition the following in-flower species were noted:
Bugle, Common Mouse-ear and Hawthorn (or May-tree).
Also noted: "Carpets" of Daisies by the playground, by the visitor centre, by the causeway leading to Stones Island and on Stones Island itself. | Thanks to Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2005-06-06 | I walked from Paul Stanley Hide to Stones Island and back today, and saw 44 species including:
Kestrel
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Oystercatchers
Tree Sparrows (many with chicks)
Garden Warblers
Goldfinches
Pochard (only 1 male with Tufted Ducks)
Barnacle Geese (6 chicks with 1 adult)
Reed Buntings (taking food to nest on Stones Island)
Cormorant
Redshank
Willow Warbler
Song Thrush
Chiffchaff
Blackcap
However, the undoubted highlight was the pair of Redstarts zipping in and out of nest box right above the footpath just beyond the Wildlife Centre. I saw at least 3 hungry mouths screaming for food each time the parents returned. Fantastic! | Peter C |
| 2005-06-07 | We covered the area from Stones Island to Shiningford Creek.
A lovely warm day with a clear blue sky. Surprisingly quiet on site.
35 species of bird identified around midday. A good day for young
birds.
OF NOTE:
Great Crested Grebe - several including one pair with striped young, one riding on the back of an adult. Charming.
Canada Goose - two pairs with young goslings, six with one pair and four with the other.
Barnacle Goose (17) - including five goslings with two pairs of adults and four goslings with three adults + one adult on its own.
Pochard (1 male) - creek next to the Wildlife Centre (WLC).
Lapwing - including two chicks on Horseshoe Island.
Redshank (4) - on Horseshoe Island.
Great Spotted Woodpecker (2) - female feeding a calling juvenile which was seen poking its red head out of the nest hole ~ 20ft up the trunk of an Ash tree by the cycle track adjacent to Shiningford Creek.
Pied Wagtail - one juvenile and two adult birds seen.
Robin - two spotty juveniles seen feeding on their own.
Redstart (2) - a pair were feeding young in a nest box by the stream entering the reservoir at the first bend north-west of the WLC.
Song Thrush (2)
Magpie - one short-tailed young bird was being fed by an adult.
Starling (~50) - including many juveniles.
Tree Sparrow - several adults seen but four juveniles were found fending for themselves!
Reed Bunting (1) - on Stones Island.
Several Green-veined White butterflies noted.
PLANTS:
The following were very obvious today mainly in the conservation
meadows by Shiningford Creek:
Red Campion, Germander Speedwell, Bugle (some specimens were very tall), Meadowsweet, Cut-leaved Crane's-bill, Meadow Buttercup, Creeping Buttercup, Yellow Iris, Common Sorrell, Yellow-rattle, Broad-leaved Dock, Great Burnet, Dog Rose and Silverweed.
There is still a lot of Hawthorn in flower, mostly white but some a
lovely pink hue. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2005-06-10 | The highlight for me (Ian Wright) today has been the Barn Owl in the nest box doorway, a fantastic sight!
Other sightings: around the Wildlife Centre - Kestrel, Reed Bunting, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Starling, Wren, Robin, Swift, Canada Geese with young, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Great Crested Grebe with young on back, Little Grebe, Redshanks, Lapwings, Magpie, Carrion Crows, Jackdaw.
Walking towards Sheepwash from Wildlife Centre: Redstart, Chiffchaff, Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Wood Pigeon, Ruddy Duck, Oystercatcher (in the field),
Stones Island: Mallard, Heron, 2 pairs Barnacle Geese with young, and House Martin, Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Tree Sparrows and Dunnock overhead.
From Sheepwash hide, Cormorant and Lesser Black-backed Gulls (young birds).
44 Species in total from 7am to 10am. | Ian Wright |
| 2005-06-11 | Here's a round up of what's been about over the last week:
Two Little Ringed Plovers were seen together in front of the Wildlife Centre (no sign of breeding though) on the 10th, with possibly another pair seen on Stones Island at the same time. Also seen that day were a family group of 13 Gadwall (not bred here according to Roger) off stones Island, seven Redshank and 32 Curlew on Horseshoe Island. An Osprey was seen circling briefly over Millfields Bay and the Dam Wall on the 11th. A Red Kite was recorded in the sightings book on the 12th, although no location was noted. Finally, there have been two drake Red Crested Pochard in front of the Wildlife Centre since the 14th. | Paul Bennett
Ranger Service |
| 2005-06-14 | Sightings today at Carsington Water.
Visited Stones Island and the WLC. Weather: Mainly overcast with a north-easterly breeze. 38 bird species identified.
OF NOTE:
Great Crested Grebe - several, including a pair with two striped young.
Canada Goose - not counted but one pair seen with four sturdy goslings.
Barnacle Goose (38) - including 13 adults with 24 goslings. One adult was on its own.
Mallard One female seen with 10 ducklings, two of which were white!
Red-crested Pochard (2) - the logbook suggests they arrived yesterday. Initially seen on Horseshoe Island, then they swam across Shiningford Creek before flying north and out of sight.
Oystercatcher (1) - Horseshoe Island.
Little Ringed Plover (1) - On Horseshoe Island for a short time, then flew west up the first creek by the WLC.
Redshank (2) - Horseshoe Island.
Swift (10).
Sand Martin (~30).
Swallow (~50) - four sat in a tree, one of which was a juvenile.
House Martin (10).
Blackcap, Garden Warbler and Willow Warbler.
Reed Bunting (2) - Stones Island.
PLANTS:
Most of the plants reported last time are still in flower.
Newly flowered species noted were - Meadow Crane's-bill
(purple - blue) and Perennial Sow-thistle (yellow).
EXTRACTED FROM THE WLC LOGBOOK for the 13th June:
Great Spotted Woodpecker (3, two were immature)
Buzzard (1)
Sparrowhawk (1 female)
Curlew (1)
Redshank (5)
These logbook entries were made by D Newcombe. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2005-06-17 | A few sightings for today at Carsington: 2 Little Ringed Plovers, c6 Redshank, 2 Drake Red Crested Pochards, Curlew & c4 Oystercatchers. All seen on or near Horseshoe island.
Whitethroat on Shiningford creek and a Lesser Whitethroat between Sheepwash car park & the observation tower.
Juvenile birds include Robin, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Mute Swan, Mallard, Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose, Great Crested Grebe and 2 Little Grebe chicks in the bay just past Paul Stanley hide.
The highlight for me was a superb Sanderling on Horseshoe island late afternoon, seen by many observers. | D. Newcombe |
| 2005-06-21 | A family group of nine Crossbills were observed at 11:30 today in a dead tree by Penn Carr. They were found by Brian Woods and Eric Machin (Volunteer Rangers). The birds sat obligingly in the tree for around 10 minutes and then moved into an Alder tree in the wood. | . |
| 2005-06-22 | 2 Male Red Crested Pochard - showing very close Sheepwash end of reservoir, but very mobile and very quick in water.
Barn Owl in usual place
Little Owl perched on pylons
WOODLAND - Garden Warbler,Whitethroat,Chiffchaff,Willow Warbler
HORSESHOE ISLAND & SURROUNDS - Little Ringed Plover,Redshank,Oystercatcher,Lapwing,Little Grebe
Teal,Barnacle Geese (flyover),1 (untickable!) Snow Goose (with Canada flock nr Horseshoe island) | Matthew Reed |
| 2005-07-01 | Myself and my husband visit Carsington almost every week - sometimes twice a week from Nottingham. We were there today and just before leaving we decided a final stroll to the Wildlife Centre was appropriate. We were observing a few species in the Willow trees to the left hand side of the main building at the Wildlife Centre and amongst Tree Sparrows, Willow Tits,
Willow Warblers and a few of the usual suspects like Chaffinch's and Blue Tits we noticed a very noisy chap having a mid-flight fight with a male Greenfinch. We reckon it was a male Serin. Unlikely I know but after looking up everything in the books and later on the internet the call and form of the bird we saw only matches with a Serin. Hope we have spotted a good one here! Hope that it was likely sighting and that other's spot him! We observed for about 15-20 minutes around 18.30-19.00 hrs. After his "scrap" he spent a lot of time around the lower branches of the trees and kept dipping down to the bird tables behind the gate - making a lot of noise. Mr & Mrs Callaghan
[Any comments from other bird watchers around the site today?]
Other sightings we observed today:
Paul Stanley Hide- Coot + chicks, Moorhen + chicks, Tufted Duck + chicks, Mute Swan + cygnets, Chaffinch, Jackdaw, Dabchick, Wood Pigeon, G.C. Grebe (+chicks at Wildlife Centre), Lapwing (+chicks W.L. Centre), Mallard, Ruddy Duck (2 pairs), Kestrel
Sheepwash- Chiffchaff, Grey Heron, 2 Oystercatchers, Canada Goose, Pheasant, Coot, Moorhen, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, G.C. Grebe, Dabchick
Wildlife Centre- Redshank, Marsh Tit, Willow Tit, Black Headed Gull, Swifts, Reed Warbler, Housemartin, Serin?? Greenfinch, Tree Sparrow, Blue Tit, Robin (juvenile), Pied Wagtail, Reed Bunting | . |
| 2005-07-11 | Visited the site after four weeks absence. Very hot today at around 29 degrees C. Scanned from Stones Island and the WLC. Only 29 species counted. Woodland birds are more difficult to find now because many have either stopped or cut down on their singing, and vegetation & leafage is at its densest.
OF NOTE:
Ruddy Duck (1 male) - off Stones Island.
Oystercatcher (2) - from WLC.
Swift (2)
Blackcap (1) and Willow Warbler (1) - both Stones Island.
Reed Bunting (1 male) - singing occasionally on Stones Island.
From the WLC logbook: Little Ringed Plover and Curlew
in the last two days.
NON-AVIAN SPECIES:
Common Blue Damselfly, Meadow Brown and Speckled
Wood butterflies.
FLOWERING PLANTS:
Buttercups and Daisies plus the following:
Spear Thistle, Field Thistle, Common Knapweed, Yarrow,
Common Sorrel, Ragwort, Meadow Vetchling, Sweet Briar,
Agrimony, (Blackberry) Bramble, Black Medick, Meadow
Crane's Bill, Cow Parsley, Water Forget-me-not, Common
Bird's-foot-trefoil, Rosebay Willowherb, Great Willowherb,
Broad-leaved Willowherb, Bulrush, Woody Nightshade,
and Selfheal. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2005-07-13 | Wildlife Centre/Horseshoe Island - 3 Black Tailed Godwits (one had two white rings on its right leg plus one white ring on its left leg), 2 Dunlin, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Teal, 1 Ruddy Duck, 64 Lapwing & 1 Starling.
Hopton Arm end (SK2653) - 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 House Martin, 1 Swallow & 1 BH Gull (flew in from north-east at 1958hrs)
Near WLC (SK239519) - 4 Goldfinch | Brian Cuttell |
| 2005-07-20 | A nice mild day on the site. Visited Stones Island & the WLC as usual. Only 26 species of bird identified. Most woodland birds have fallen silent.
OF NOTE:
Mute Swan (20) - including 4 cygnets.
Barnacle Goose (34) - including juveniles.
Ruddy Duck (13) - 12 from WLC & one off Stones Island.
Kestrel (1) - Stones Island.
Oystercatcher (2) - seen from the visitor centre flying across Stones Island.
Song Thrush (1) - singing weakly near the WLC.
From the logbook in the WLC: Black-tailed Godwits were reported on the 15th.
NON-AVIAN SPECIES:
Butterflies: Hedge Brown (or Gatekeeper), Large White,
and Green-veined White.
On the pond by the WLC: Pond Skaters and Water Boatmen.
PLANTLIFE in flower: As for last week plus -
Scentless Mayweed, Broad-leaved Dock, Curled Dock,
Groundsel, Hawkweed, Shining Crane's-bill, Cotton (or
Scotch) Thistle, Marsh Thistle, Prickly Sow-thistle,
Nipplewort and Great Burnet. There is loads of colour on Stones Island and in the grassy areas close to the WLC. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2005-07-24 | A few interesting sightings to brighten up an otherwise wet and dull day. I observed a family group of three Garden Warblers moving through the bushes by the Sailing Club entrance this morning. A Common Sandpiper was heard calling on Stones Island at 09:30. A Grey Wagtail was flushed from the shore at Millfields at 11:30 and flew towards Tail Bay. A Whimbrel flew over at the same time, calling as it headed over the Blackwall Plantation. This is the second time that I've seen/heard Whimbrel overhead this week, having seen two flying low over the fields behind the ranger Base on Wednesday 20th.
I also spoke to two visitors who reported a Little Ringed Plover and a Snipe from Horseshoe Island and a Redshank and a Common Sandpiper on the end of Sheepwash Spit. | Paul Bennett (STW Ranger) |
| 2005-08-25 | Not too many highlights at Carsington this month but on the 19th 47 Common Scoter, 5 Sandwich Terns and an Osprey were observed.
On the 23rd, and on several other days, the Kingfisher has been showing well from the Paul Stanley Hide and a Willow Tit on the feeders and on the 25th two Dunlin were seen. | . |
| 2005-09-05 | Our first visit since the 18th July. Visited the WLC and scoured
Stones Island but only found 23 species, the lowest count for a
long time.
Weather: Very humid but also very misty with poor light.
OF NOTE:
Ruddy Duck (11) - by the WLC.
Robin - many now singing again after falling silent during mid - late
summer whilst refeathering.
Willow Warbler (1) - Stones Island. Most warblers no longer sing
and many have now left.
A male Southern Hawker dragonfly was spotted on Stones Island.
Most wild plants have finished flowering but Oxeye Daisy and Agrimony were noted. These have not been previously reported.
Autumn approaches! Hips were observed on the Dog Rose plants. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2005-09-06 | On a visit around the Sheepwash area today: a Tern species was flying in front of Hall Wood but too far away to identify precisely and a Common Sandpiper was on the scrape in front of the Paul Stanley Hide. Pochard, Wigeon, Lapwing and four Snipe were seen during the day as well as four Mistle Thrush, Willow Warbler and Kingfisher. | . |
| 2005-09-22 | Visited the Wildlife Centre and Stones Island as usual.
A warm day ~ 20 degrees C. Breezy. Unfortunately there were less than 30 bird species about.
OF NOTE: AVIAN SPECIES:
Gadwall (6) - Horseshoe Island.
Teal - several dozen, an increase in the last three weeks.
Red-crested Pochard (2 females) - Wildlife Centre creek.
Kestrel (1 female) - Horseshoe Island.
Coot (at least 500) - in the WLC and Shiningford creeks.
Lapwing (~10) - Horseshoe Island, the only waders seen today.
Swallow (2).
House Martin (6) - around the visitor centre.
PLEASE NOTE: Up to four Red-crested Pochards have been
seen in the last few days. Also two Dunlin were present on the
20th September and a Green Sandpiper was present on
Stones Island up to the 20th.
NON-AVIAN WILDLIFE:
By the WLC or on/over the pond adjacent to the WLC:
Butterflies: Red Admiral, Small White, Meadow Brown
and Speckled Wood.
Dragonflies: Common Darter (largely orange coloured) and
Southern Hawker (bright green and blue).
Other insects: Water Boatmen and Pond Skaters.
PLANTLIFE:
Most flowering plants are now over, however, the following had
a few specimens in bloom: Daisy, Meadow Buttercup,
Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil, Water Forget-me-not, Spear Thistle, Bulrush, Autumn Hawkbit, Hawkweed and Meadow Crane's-bill.
There were several clumps of Redshank (Persicaria maculosa) in
the Low Water Garden near the visitor centre. The Redshank
plant is definitely THE birders plant!! | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2005-10-05 | The following recent sightings were taken from the Wildlife Centre (WLC) logbook:
1st October:
Red-crested Pochard (2) - from WLC.
Common Tern (1) - from WLC.
Merlin (1) - from WLC.
2nd October:
Red-crested Pochard (4) - from WLC.
Lesser Redpoll (8) - WLC area.
3rd October:
Common Sandpiper (1) - Horseshoe Island.
4th October:
Snipe (1) - Horseshoe Island.
Lesser Redpoll (15) - WLC area.
Water Vole (1) - from WLC.
The following observations were made today the 5th October:
Visited Stones Island, the WLC and Sheepwash hide.
Weather: Mild. Sunny most of the time around midday.
36 species of bird identified.
OF NOTE:
Cormorant (48) - on the Spit.
Grey Heron (1) - on the Spit.
Eight species of duck present: Wigeon, Gadwall (2), Teal, Mallard, Shoveler (pair) - near Sheepwash hide, Red-crested Pochard (2 males) - the Spit, Pochard (10), Tufted Duck and Ruddy Duck (1 female).
Kestrel (1 female) - Horseshoe Island.
Lapwing (~100) - the Spit.
Common Sandpiper (1) - near the WLC.
Long-tailed Tit (14) - Stones Island.
Goldfinch (14) - Stones Island.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS:
Speckled Wood butterfly, male Southern Hawker dragonfly, Weasal.
Flowering plants: Redshank, Herb Robert, Daisy & Meadow Buttercup. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2005-10-07 | 1 - Kingfisher - - Hopton end of resvervoir
1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker - Fishtail Creek
3 -Great Tits - Hall Wood
2 - Blue Tits - Hall Wood
1 - Red Crested Pochard (male) - Inlet near Millfields
lots of Chaffinches everywhere
6 - Pied Wagtails along the dam
4 - Rock Pippets along the dam wall
6 Magpies, 6 Goldfinch, 2 Blackbirds, 3 Robins, Tufties, Coots, Moorhens, 5 Dabchicks, 2 Gt. Crested Grebe, 2 pairs of swans, 1 with 3 young, and 1 pair with 1 cygnet, 3 Jays. | Elvin & Jan Sheppard |
| 2005-10-08 | Today from the wildlife centre hide I heard and observed a Bar Tailed Godwit which flew in from the North to Horseshoe Island at 2.55pm landing on the exposed mud. Further scanning along the waters edge I located a second bird and this was followed at 3.17pm by a third bird which flew in from the same direction. | Peter Nuttall |
| 2005-10-09 | A Sandwich Tern was reported to me as being on Horseshoe Island last Sunday(9th). The description fitted but I didn't get out to see it myself. I was told that it was only viewable from Shiningford Creek area as it was on the North-east side, although it take to the air occasionally.
For anyone interested in gulls, the roost is just off the end of Stones island at the moment, allowing quite close views (17:30 onwards). The vast majority of them are Lesser Black-backed and Black-headed Gulls, but even if you're not interested in picking through to find something interesting (there was a Laughing Gull in Yorkshire last week!), it makes for a real
spectacle. | Paul Bennett (STW Ranger) |
| 2005-10-13 | Taken from the WLC logbook:
8th October: Pintail (1) - eclipse male, WLC:
9th: Jay (1); Common Sandpiper (1); Sandwich Tern (1);
10th: Pintail (1) - eclipse male.
13th: Kingfisher (1) - near WLC; the Pintail again.
Further sightings made by us also on the 13th:
Barnacle Goose (4) - Horseshoe Island.
Gadwall (pair) - WLC creek.
Pintail (1)
Red-crested Pochard (1) - off Stones Island.
Kestrel (1 female) - over Horseshoe Island.
Lapwing (26) - Horseshoe Island.
Long-tailed Tit (~6) - near WLC. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2005-10-18 | The following were seen among the more usual species at Carsington on October 18 between noon and 12.45pm:
Female Pintail in the boat club bay; stayed only briefly before flying off in direction of the wildlife centre.
Pair of Buzzards wheeling over Hall Wood.
Pair of Bullfinch in bushes on Stones Island.
Small flock of Linnet passing across the car par near the visitor centre.
C9 Long-tailed Tits in bushes on Stones Island.
Five Gadwall (3m/2F) in open water in front of the cycle hire shop.
Sparrowhawk (male) - flying across the road into Millfields area.
Also: C12 fieldfare in trees close to the Tiger Inn at Turnditch and C40 in trees at Blackbrook. | . |
| 2005-10-20 | A 1st Winter Goldeneye was seen from Paul Stanley hide, as was 49 Gadwall & 5 Shoveler. 2 Sparrowhawks were seen flying past the hide.
72 Cormorants were on the spit from sheepwash.
53 Barnacle Geese, 1 Redshank & and eclipse male Pintail were seen from the Wildlife Centre. | D.Newcombe |
| 2005-10-25 | Of note this morning: Two Curlew flying low over the VC car park at 07:45. Four Fieldfares flew out of the trees at the start of the track to the Wildlife Centre and headed west and five Siskin flew south. At least four Redwings were in the back of the hedgerow on the left-hand side of the track (This area has been quite productive recently, with Thrushes and Finches in reasonable numbers. I also saw/heard a Little Owl there in the
evening last week). The highlight this morning though, was a flock of around 30 Redpolls, feeding in the trees next to and behind the Visitor Centre. They then moved on down to Stones Island. | Paul Bennett: Ranger Service |
| 2005-10-27 | 20 October
100 plus Pochard, Buzzard, 6 Blackbirds, 20 Cormorants
6 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Fieldfare, 2 Pied Wagtail.
50 Barnacle Geese - Shiningford Creek
30 Lapwing, Horseshoe Island
200 Starlings - Shiningford Creek
27th October (Thursday) Sunny warm day:
Long-tail tits - Scow Brock, Robin, Gt.Tit, 80 Fieldfares flew over Scow Brock, 1 Sparrowhawk, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, lots of Gulls, 1 Gt.Crested Grebe, 5 Swans and 1 Cygnet, 6 Redwing - Shiningford Creek, 100 - Lapwing, 1Kestrel
1 - Stonechat - Shiningford Creek, on the wire fence and posts. | Elvin & Jan Sheppard |
| 2005-11-02 | The track from the Visitor Centre to the Wildlife Centre is still proving to very productive at the moment. Roger Carrington saw eight Bramblings and 100+ Redwing on Sunday 30th (see October Monthly Bird Notes). A very distinctive call led me to a single Brambling sitting in a tree above the Wildlife Centre this morning (02/11). There were also 15+ Siskin and 20+ Redpoll feeding in the Alders around the Wildlife Centre, along with Goldfinches and Chaffinches.
Numbers of Siskin and Redpoll around the site are likely to be much higher than those counted, as they seem to be calling overhead all day around the Visitor Centre area.
Other recent highlights have included a single Dunlin by the Fisheries Jetty (RC), nine Meadow Pipits on Horseshoe Island (RC) and 12 Redpoll on Stones Island (RC), (all on 30/10). I saw two Grey Wagtails on Sheepwash spit along with four Snipe on 31/10. A Kingfisher flew across the front of the Wildlife Centre this morning (02/11). | Paul Bennett
Ranger Service |
| 2005-11-02 | Recent sightings extracted from the Wildlife Centre (WLC) logbook:
30th October:
Brambling (8), Redwing (100+), Dunlin (1), Redshank (1), Redpoll (12), Meadow Pipits (9).
31st October:
Grey Wagtail (2), Snipe (4).
1st November:
Great Spotted Woodpecker (1), Siskin (1), Nuthatch (1), Redshank (2).
2nd November (am):
Brambling (1), Siskin (13), Kingfisher (1), Redwing (15), Redpoll (22).
The following refers to our visit to the site today the 2nd November (pm):
Visited Stones Island and the WLC. Very quiet on site today. We identified 37 species of bird during the early afternoon. Weather - mild again. Very little wind. Overcast and sunny by turns.
OF NOTE:
Barnacle Goose (13) - from Visitor Centre to Horseshoe Island.
Gadwall (2 - a pair) - seen from the WLC.
Pochard (14) - Horseshoe Island and the edge of Shiningford Creek.
Goldeneye (1 female) - seen from the WLC. Our first sighting for this "winter" period.
Lapwing (100+) - Horseshoe Island.
Long-tailed Tit (~10) - near the WLC.
Redpoll (10) - near the WLC. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2005-11-09 | The following recent sightings were obtained from the Wildlife Centre (WLC) logbook, the sightings board outside the visitor centre and by word of mouth:
3rd November: Peregrine (1).
4th: Redwing (15).
5th: Blackcap (one, female). " : Marsh Tit (1). " : Raven (1).
6th: Kingfisher (1).
7th: Brambling (5).
8th: Ring-necked Duck (one, first winter) - Fishtail Creek.
" : Treecreeper (1). Bullfinch (1).
9th: Redpoll (1) - WLC. Willow Tit (1) - WLC.
We visited the site on the 9th.Reasonably mild. Visited Stones Island and the WLC. 31 species identified around midday.
OF NOTE:
Barnacle Goose (8) - 4 Stones Island & 4 Horseshoe Island.
Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Tufted Duck and Ruddy Duck in good
numbers.
Pochard (1) - Shiningford Creek.
Lapwing (~200) - mainly on Horseshoe Island.
Snipe (1) - Horseshoe Island.
Redshank (2) - one on Horseshoe Island & one on the edge
of WLC Creek. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2005-11-12 | When I was at Carsington Water at 14:44 0n the 12th November at Sheepwash Hide I was helped to see a Great Northern Diver by some more knowlegeable birdwatchers. | Sam, aged 13 |
| 2005-11-13 | Female goosander by dam wall at 4.30 p.m. | Neil Venables |
| 2005-11-17 | A few notes for today at Carsington.
The obvious highlight was a Red-necked Grebe which a friend and I found from Lane end hide, it was showing very well after lunch up to at least 15.00hrs. Also seen were 17 Goldeneye (9 males and 8 females) 2 Pintail, 2 Raven and a Redshank. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2005-11-18 | Recent observations taken from the Wildlife Centre (WLC) logbook:
13th November: Water Rail (1); Chiffchaff (1).
14th November: Dunlin (5); Goldeneye (3).
15th November: Goldeneye (7); Kingfisher (2); Raven (3);
Lapwing (510).
17th November: Excluding D Newcombe's observations already
reported. Siskin (30); Grey Wagtail (1); Redwing (21);
Fieldfare (7). Please note that the sightings reported for today were from Lane Ends hide or its close environs.
18th November (am): Little Owl (2) - Shiningford Creek area.
Our observations for early pm on the 18th November:
Visited Stones Island and the WLC. A lowly count of just 30 species made. Weather:
Frost on the ground but sunny. Temperature: -6 degrees C. The site was very quiet. Very few visitors. Ideal for birding!
OF NOTE:
Barnacle Goose (4) - with Canada Geese in the fields near the WLC.
Gadwall (a pair) - near the Watersports Centre.
Pochard (4) - Shiningford Creek.
Other ducks visible: Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Wigeon and
Ruddy Duck. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2005-11-18 | 3-30pm Red necked grebe near far bank near old boat..also red deer - far bank waters edge | . |
| 2005-11-19 | Lane End Hide -
1 Red Necked Grebe (Was showing from left viewing window, or from the path by the tower. In winter plumage but clearly distinctive)
3 Shelduck
Sheepwash Hide -
B.H Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, LBB Gull, Grey Heron, c5 Cormorant, large numbers of G.C Grebe, Little Grebe, Wigeon, Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Lapwing (the Sun was actually so bright it silhouetted everything in the South vista from this hide). | Matthew Reed |
| 2005-11-25 | The Red-necked Grebe has been seen everyday this week. Roger Carrington has twice found it to the left of the Watersports Island early in the morning and it usually ends up back in front (to the left) of Lane Ends hide by the afternoon.
Yesterday Richard Lowe found a Slavonian Grebe from Sheepwash Hide at 10.00a.m. It was seen over by the far bank in front of what Roger called the 'half moon field'. | Paul Bennett (STW Ranger) |
| 2005-11-26 | We noted recent sightings from the board outside the visitor centre and submit those which are not already recorded on the website.
25th November: Excluding observations reported by Paul Bennett.
Redshank (5).
24th November:
Slavonian Grebe (1).
Red-necked Grebe (1).
23rd November:
Red-necked Grebe (1).
Goosander (1 female).
Goldeneye (14).
Redshank (4).
Yellow-legged Gull (1).
Raven (1).
Grey Wagtail (2).
Lesser Redpoll (40+).
22nd November:
Red-necked Grebe (1).
Dunlin (1). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2005-11-27 | Goldcrest sighted in bushes between Watersports and field next to visitor centre. 27/11/05 am. | Rose Day
STW Ranger |
| 2005-11-28 | I braved the conditions today so I have a few highlights.
The Red-necked Grebe which has been around for almost two weeks now was giving good views again from lane end hide.
50+ Fieldfares were flying over Wildlife Centre creek.
Siskin and Redpoll, at least 10 of each on Shiningford creek.
At least 7 Goldeneye and a female Goosander were visible from Sheepwash hide, as were 2 Redshank.
Just before leaving at 16.00pm I noticed around 25 Golden Plover on Horseshoe Island alongside the usual Lapwings. | Dave Newcombe |
| 2005-12-02 | 1 Bullfinch-behind wildlife centre 12:30
2 Tree Sparrows- feeders
Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Great Tit and Blue Tits - very active
1 Little Grebe- in front of wildlife centre
1 Great Crested Grebe-far back off horseshoe island
8+ Gadwall-left of wildlife centre and of Horseshoe island
15+ Ruddy Duck-in middle of reservoir
4+ Pochard- close to front of wildlife centre
2 Kestrel in fields left of wildlife centre and over horseshoe island | Sam Pedley |
| 2005-12-07 | The Red-necked Grebe was seen in front of Lane Ends again at 12:15 today. There was also a Grey Wagtail there at 10:15. Two Ravens flew low over Sheepwash at 10:30, calling. There were two Redshank and c15 Redwings in the fields between Sheepwash and Lane Ends as well. | Paul Bennett: Ranger Service |
| 2005-12-10 | The following observations were noted from the logbook in the Wildlife Centre (WLC) for the 7th December but excluding those sightings already recorded on the website:
Little Owl (2).
Raven (2).
Green Woodpecker (1).
Goosander (8).
Goldeneye (2).
Today, the 10th December, visited Stones Island and the WLC at around midday. Mainly sunny and reasonably warm.
Not many birding visitors. 35 species identified.
OF NOTE:
Barnacle Goose (5).
Gadwall (2 pairs) - from WLC.
Golden Plover (1) - on Horseshoe Island with the Lapwings.
Lapwing (~400) - Horseshoe Island.
Snipe (2) - WLC Creek.
Redshank (1) - Stones Island.
Little Owl (1) - tree by Shiningford Creek.
Song Thrush (1) - Stones Island.
Tree Sparrow (~20) - Stones Island.
The Red-necked Grebe was not seen today.
Additional:
Curlew (1) - near the Knockerdown Inn.
Little Owl (1) - at Pikehall. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2005-12-20 | Two Black-necked Grebe seen today from the Sheepwash hide. The Red-necked Grebe is still around and usually seen from Lane end hide.
Seen on Sunday 18th were Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Green Sandpiper (calling in flight) & two Whooper swans that flew over.
Wildfowl numbers are still increasing with site records for Tufted duck (1078), Little Grebe (105). Also around: 2000+ Coot, 600+ Wigeon, four Ruddy Duck, approx. 20 Goldeneye and nine Goosander. Small flocks of Siskin, a few Redpoll, last week RC found a Mealy Redpoll (a rare sight for Carsington) and a few wintering Thrushes. | . |
