Recent Sightings

DateSightingName
12/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was still around Horseshoe island this morning, along with much of its supporting cast, including 6 Green Sandpipers, 2 Ruff, Ringed Plover, 4 LRP and a Curlew. 6 Shoveler. 96 Teal around Brown Ale Bay, and the female Red-crested Pochard there too. In one hour early morning, 159 Woodpigeons flew S and 19N, plus 14 Stock Doves S. Single adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls. 36 Cormorant. The Great Egret again, 11 Little Egrets and 12 Grey Herons. Kingfisher in WLC creek. Redstart and Wheatear in WLC fields. Yellow Wagtail over Stones island. Unfortunately, a paddleboarder caused huge disturbance of the waterfowl around Sheepwash and BABay. I don't know if they're allowed that far up the res but I'll certainly be raising it with STW.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
11/08/2026The juvenile Wood Sandpiper was still in the Watersports area this morning, along with Ruff and Greenshank. 6+ Dunlin, 4 Green and 7 Common Sandpipers. 3 juvenile Shelduck on Watersports island late morning. Single Shoveler and Wigeon at WLC. Adult Common and Yellow-legged Gulls and first-summer Great Black-back. 2 Peregrines over the north end. c100 Swallows at the draw-off tower. Garden warbler on Stones island, and another birder had a juvenile Wheatear.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
10/08/2026Waderfest continued this morning: Wood Sandpiper still around Horseshoe island, a moulting adult Sanderling at sailing club, probably 2 each of Ruff and Greenshank, 10 Dunlin, at least 3 Green Sandpipers. 4 Shoveler in Brown Ale Bay. 2 juvenile Common Terns off Stones. Adult Caspian Gull on Horseshoe island. Peregrine over the north end. Total of 4 Willow Tits. Garden Warbler and Whitethroat on Stones. Family party of 5 Spotted Flycatchers near Lane End bombing tower.SJR, AHS, MW
09/08/2026Wood Sandpiper was a welcome addition to the roll call of waders this morning, initially on Watersports island and later on the sailing club side of Stones causeway. Total of 7 Green Sandpipers (another new record), Greenshank, Ringed Plover, 2 LRP, 5 Common Sandpipers, 6 Dunlin. At least 5 Shoveler, the Wigeon still and the 2 eclipse male Red-crested Pochard. The Great Egret still and 14 Little Egrets. Kingfisher at sailing club. Whitethroat in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
08/08/2026The second-summer Mediterranean Gull was again on the dam wall early morning. Waders included 6 Green and 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Greenshank, 11 Dunlin, Ringed Plover and 3 Little Ringed. Great Egret still. 3 Garden and at least 6 Sedge Warblers on Stones.Simon Roddis
07/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide of note this afternoon: YL Gull (2) Juvs; RC Pochard (2) eclipse drakes; Peregrine; Green Sandpiper (1); From Watersport's Is / Stones Is causeway early evening: Green Sandpiper (4+); Common Sandpiper (6+); Dunlin (8); Greenshank (1) juv; Redshank (1) juv; Ringed Plover (2); Bl T Godwit (1) Ad; Snipe (1);Richard Lowe
07/08/2026A pretty productive morning, starting with a second-summer Mediterranean Gull on the dam wall and a female Common Scoter off sailing club island. Waders included 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Little Ringed, 5 Green Sandpipers (a new site record), 8 Common Sandpipers, 10 Dunlin and a Greenshank. 21 Mute Swans plus the 3 cygnets. Female-type Wigeon in WLC creek. 2 Shoveler. The Great Egret still. Kingfisher at Millfields. 120 Swallows on the dam wall. Common Whitethroat on Stones and a Redstart in WLC fields. Total of 6 Grey Wagtails and 50+ Pied.SJR, CA, AHS
06/08/2026There must have been a small arrival of waders overnight, with at least 8 Common Sandpipers, 2 Green Sandpipers, 3 Dunlin, a Turnstone and Little and Common Ringed Plovers mainly around Stones/Watersports. 6 adult Arctic Terns flew S past Stones at 07:55. 2 Common Terns. 71 Teal is also an increase since yesterday. 2 Shoveler at sailing club. 16 Little Egrets and the Great Egret still. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. Hobby flew low up the res past Stones. Small numbers of hirundines on the move.Simon Roddis
05/08/2026From Sheepwash hide late afternoon, 6 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Caspian (adult and juvenile) and juvenile Common Gull. 53 Teal and Green Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay.Simon Roddis
05/08/2026Shorter than usual visit this morning. Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Snipe in Brown Ale Bay. 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin and 2 Ringed Plover around Watersports island. Redshank and Great Egret off Stones causeway. Green Woodpecker and Whitethroat at Hopton end. 41 Teal. Willow Warbler and Willow Tit on Stones.Simon Roddis
04/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide of note late afternoon: YLGull (5) - Ad (3); 1st s; Juv; GBBGull 1st s; plus Wigeon (female/juv).Richard Lowe
04/08/2026A Turnstone flew over the dam wall at 06:35 and later over Stones with a flock of Lapwings at 08:50. A Green Sandpiper was on Watersports island and later in front of the WLC. Other waders included 3 juvenile LRPlover, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Curlew. 3 Red-crested Pochard (2m,1f) in sailing club bay. 1 Shoveler. 3 Common Terns. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Great White Egret again. Willow Tit near WLC. c100 Swallows at the draw-off tower early morning and a total of c75 House Martins. 2 Garden Warblers, a Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler on Stones. Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
03/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide early evening, gulls of note on the spit: Caspian Gull (1st s); YL Gull (5) - Juv (2), 1st s (2), Ad (1); Common Gull (Juv) - my first of the autumn; GBBGull (1st s).Richard Lowe
03/08/2026Green Woodpecker and Kingfisher at Hopton end first thing. Willow Tit in Brown Ale Bay and 17 Mistle Thrushes at Sheepwash. Around Stones and Watersports, Egyptian Goose, Oystercatcher, 25 Lapwing, Ringed Plover, 2 juvenile Little Ringed Plover, Redshank, Snipe, Great Egret and Whitethroat. Juvenile Peregrine buzzing Horseshoe island. Willow Warbler and Clouded Yellow in WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
02/08/2026GW Egret and YL Gull (Ad) from Sheepwash Hide late afternoon; Dunlin (2) (Ad and Juv) off Stones Is causeway.Richard Lowe
02/08/2026Species noted during today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Canada Goose, Mallard, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Pied Wagtail, Willow Tit, Blckbird, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper, Common Tern, Gt Crested Grebe, Long-tailed Tit, Treecreeper, Magpie, Swift, Chiffchaff, Woodpigeon, Linnet, Sedge Warbler, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Robin, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch, Blackcap, Red Kite, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Wren, Swallow, Greylag Goose, Grey Heron, Gt White Egret, Little EgretGary Atkins
02/08/20262 Greenshank were on Horseshoe island but were flushed and went around the back of Watersports island. A Great Egret flew in and landed at Lane End. 3 Shoveler at WLC. Small numbers of Woodpigeons moving already, 74 S and 20 N 06:00-07:00. Single Snipe, Redshank and Oystercatcher from Stones causeway. The adult Caspian Gull again at Watersports and the Yellow-leg at Sheepwash. 2 Kingfishers in Tail Bay and 150 Swallows on the dam wall early morning. Willow Tit at Sheepwash. Reed Warbler and Whitethroat on Stones.Simon Roddis
01/08/2026An adult Sandwich Tern was off Millfields early morning, last seen (by us, at least) from Stones island, gaining height at 08:55. Pair of Common Terns too. At Watersports, adult Caspian Gull and single Oystercatcher and Redshank. One Ringed Plover over Millfields. Female Shoveler from WLC. 26 Teal. 10 Little Egrets. Juvenile Peregrine at Sheepwash and a family party (3+) of Spotted Flycatchers in the wood there. Willow Tits on Stones and at WLC. 55 House Martins over the main centre. Reed and Willow Warblers on Stones. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
31/07/2026A few waders today, the best being a Turnstone which flew in and appeared to land on the back of Watersports island at 08:30. Two Black-tailed Godwits flew SE off the dam wall early on but there were then 3 on Watersports island. 3 juvenile Redshank were new, as was a juvenile Oystercatcher. 1 Curlew. Lapwings have increased to at least 22. Adult Caspian Gull still at Watersports. Eclipse male Shoveler still. 3 adult Common Terns. Willow Tits on Stones and in WLC creek. 100+ Swallows.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
30/07/2026An Avocet dropped onto sailing club shore just before 06:00 but soon flew south; however, presumably the same bird flew off Watersports island at 07:45, but we didn't see it again. Drake Common Scoter off Millfields. Adult Caspian Gull at Watersports late morning and the adult Yellow-legged Gull still too. 2 eclipse male Red-crested Pochard from WLC. 1 Shoveler off Stones. Pair of Common Terns still. Willow Tit on Stones causeway. 120 Swallows around the draw-off tower early morning, and a total of at least 45 House Martins. Willow Warbler again singing in WLC creek, and Dave H had a Redstart in the fields.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
29/07/2026A juvenile Spotted Flycatcher was near the WLC this morning (very thin on the ground here this year) and the adult Caspian Gull was again on Watersports island. A mobile Green Woodpecker at Millfields was perhaps the same bird as on 20 July, and a female Yellow Wagtail was on the viewing area. 20 Mute Swans, plus 3 cygnets still. 15 Little Egrets. Pair of Common Terns. 4 Common Sandpiper and the Redshank still. 2+ Garden Warblers on Stones and a Common Whitethroat in WLC fields. 2 Muntjac near Millfields island.Simon Roddis
28/07/2026This morning, 11 Teal, the female Red-crested Pochard from WLC, 6 Common Sandpiper, 1 Redshank, 3 Dunlin, 1 Common Tern, adult Yellow-legged Gull at Millfields, Willow Warbler singing in WLC creek, Garden Warbler on Stones, 16 Mistle Thrushes over Shiningford.Simon Roddis
27/07/2026From Watersports Is of note early this evening: Mediterranean Gull (Juv) still present, also seen here on 24th and 25th July.Richard Lowe
27/07/2026Another Marsh Harrier (the second in two days) flew SW at 10:40 this morning. A Peregrine also put in a couple of appearances. The female Red-crested Pochard was at Watersports. One Redshank, 5 Common Sandpipers, 2 Dunlin and 2 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls in Brown Ale Bay early morning. c12 Little Egrets. 26 Cormorants. 2+ Willow Tits (Stones and WLC). Reed Warbler with food in Hopton reedbed. Common Whitethroat in Warbler Corner on Stones.SJR, CA, MW
26/07/2026Bird of the morning was a Marsh Harrier which Alan Stewardson saw flying down the res from Sheepwash hide at 07:15. Waders included 6 Dunlin, 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 4+ Common Sandpiper and single Redshank and Oystercatcher. Adult Caspian Gull again on Watersports island. 3 Common Terns. 10+ Little Egrets.Simon Roddis
25/07/2026A drake Common Scoter was off Millfields this morning, and 3 juvenile Goosander off the dam wall. 20 Mute Swans. 2 adult Black-tailed Godwits in Brown Ale Bay, 3 summer plumage Dunlin on Watersports island, 1 Redshank and 4 Common Sandpiper. 3 Common Terns. 12 Little Egrets. Kingfisher in Tail Bay. 150 Swallows and a Skylark on the dam wall (I wonder if the Swallows had roosted there?). 10 Sedge Warblers around Stones island and a Garden Warbler in Warbler Corner.Simon Roddis
23/07/2026One Black-tailed Godwit was on Horseshoe island this morning. 5 Common Sandpipers and 1 Dunlin. Adult Caspian Gull at Watersports. Adult Yellow-legged Gull in Brown Ale Bay was turfed off its meal by a pair of Ravens. The female Red-crested Pochard is now also in BABay. 16 Pochard. 10+ Little Egrets and 9 Grey Herons. 120 Swallows around the draw-off tower early on. 2+ Garden Warblers on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
22/07/2026Gulls of note from Sheepwash Hide and Watersports Is / jetty this afternoon: Caspian Gull (3) - Ad (the ‘regular’ bird), 1st s, 3rd s (probable hybrid); YLGull (4) - Ad (2), 2nd s (2), Juv. ; GBBGull 1st s; Excellent views from Sheepwash Hide at the moment.Richard Lowe
22/07/2026Highlights this morning were a juvenile Mediterranean Gull (found by Mike Redfern) on Watersports island, a Whimbrel south over Stones island, 5 Common Terns (4 adults, 1 juv), 2 Shoveler still, 5 Common Sandpipers and the adult Yellow-legged Gull.Simon Roddis
21/07/2026From Sheepwash hide mid-afternoon of note, YLGull (5) - Juv (my first of the year), 1st s, 2nd s (2), Ad.Richard Lowe
21/07/20266 Black-tailed Godwits on Horseshoe island mid-morning had arrived in 2 groups of 3. Other waders were 1 Oystercatcher, 12 Lapwing, 2 Curlew, 1 Redshank, 1 Snipe and 5 Common Sandpipers. Adult Caspian, second-summer Yellow-legged and GBb Gulls at Watersports. 2 Common Terns. 2 Shoveler off Horseshoe island and a redhead Goosander flew N. The female Red-crested Pochard still at Shiningford but, sadly, she appears to have lost her ducklings. 10 Little Egrets. 2+ Willow Tits (Stones and WLC). c100 Swallows and 30 Sand Martins, mostly around the draw-off tower early morning. Willow Warbler at Millfields, 6 Garden Warblers on Stones and Sedge Warbler with food in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
20/07/2026A Green Woodpecker was calling at Millfields mid-morning and a juvenile Peregrine flew over. 18 Mute Swans plus 3 cygnets. Egyptian Goose at Watersports. 15 Teal. 12 Pochard. Single Curlew and Black-tailed Godwit and 2 each of Redshank and Common Sandpiper. The regular adult Caspian Gull off Watersports then from WLC. 3 Common Terns. 6 Little Egrets. 2+ Garden Warblers in Warbler Corner on Stones and a Whitethroat at Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
19/07/20262 Black-tailed Godwits this morning, one each on Horseshoe and Watersports islands. 3 Common Sandpipers and 5 Redshank. Female Red-crested Pochard still at Shiningford. Pair of Common Terns. 3 Little Egrets. Kingfisher from WLC. c20 Sand Martins. Yellow Wagtail over the dam wall, first of the autumn.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
18/07/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 819 Canada Geese, 134 Greylag, 1 Egyptian, 16 Mute Swan (plus 3 cygnets), 103 Gadwall, 260 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 10 Teal, 15 Pochard, 134 Tufted, 20 Moorhen, 481 Coot, 11 Little and 55 GCGrebe, 3 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 15 Lapwing, 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 2 Common Tern, 23 Cormorant (plus 7 over), 5 Little Egret, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Common Gull, 1 second-summer Yellow-legged and the probable Caspian x Yellow-legged hybrid.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
17/07/202620 Swift, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Reed Bunting, 4 little Egret, 6 Redshank & one with young on water sports island, 7 Lapwing, 9 Cormorant, 3 Sedge Warbler, 5 Pied wagtail, 1 Buzzard, 3 Little grebe, 4 Blackcap, 1 Sparrow Hawk, 1 Garden Warbler, 15 Goldfinch, 7 Pochard, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Willow Tit WLC creek, 1 Bullfinch, 3 Swallow, 1 Reed WarblerDave Armitt
15/07/2026216 Swifts flew N in 2 hours this morning, plus another 10 around the visitor centre. 5 adult Black-tailed Godwits on Watersports island. Pair of Mute Swans still with 3 cygnets at Shiningford, and the female Red-crested Pochard with 4 young. 2 Little Egrets. Juvenile Sedge Warbler in Hopton reedbed, presumably a migrant starting its southward journey.Simon Roddis
14/07/2026This morning, one Egyptian Goose in Brown Ale Bay, female Red-crested Pochard with 4 young at Shiningford, Black-tailed Godwit still on Watersports island, 3+ Common Sandpipers at WLC, adult Caspian Gull on Flat Island early morning, at least one Common Gull, c200 Lesser Black-backs, 19 Cormorant, c400 Coot, Willow Tit singing near the main carpark.SJR, CA, MW
13/07/2026A small northerly movement of Swifts this morning, a total of 79 heading into the wind. Black-tailed Godwit still on Watersports island, a Curlew at sailing club and a Whimbrel flew S. Adult Caspian Gull (looks like the bird that has been here the last couple of years) on Watersports jetty. 108 Gadwall, 12 Pochard (plus 2 broods) and the female Red-crested Pochard still with young. 2 Little Egrets. Hobby over sailing club. Willow Tit on Stones. Linnets are starting to gather in the meadows south of Sheepwash, at least 10 there this morning.Simon Roddis
22/07/2026Biggest surprise of the morning was the appearance of a brood of 3 Mute Swan cygnets being walked off Horseshoe Island to the water by 2 adults; presumably they had nested out of sight on the island. Adult Black-tailed Godwit on Watersports island. Common Sandpiper at Sheepwash. 10 Pochard, plus 2 broods from WLC. Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Millfields. 2 Little Egrets. Juvenile GSWoodpecker near PS hide. 2 Willow Tits at Penn Carr/Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
10/07/2026A female-type Goldeneye was in Brown Ale Bay this morning, a very dowdy bird looking very much like the one that was here last summer. 5 Teal. 9 Pochard. Female Red-crested Pochard now with just 3 young as far as I could see. 230 Coot. 9 Lapwing. First-summer Caspian Gull on Watersports jetty. Common Gull there too. Adult Common Tern. 2 Little Egrets.Simon Roddis
09/07/20263 drakes Common Scoters between Stones Island and Millfields this morning. 4 Teal. Female Pochard with 2 young from WLC, plus 4 males. 16 Mute Swans. Pair of Common Terns off the dam wall. Redshank still with 2 young. 1 Little Egret. Richard's possible Caspian Gull hybrid on Watersports jetty.Simon Roddis
08/07/202674 Gadwall from WLC this morning. 12 Mute Swans. 2 new broods of Coot, one of GCGrebe and 4 of Mallard. Redshank still with 2 chicks on Watersports island. Total of 3 Common Sandpipers. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and c100 Lesser Black-backs. 2 Willow Tits (Stones and WLC). Reed Warbler with food in Hopton reedbed and a Whitethroat there. R&A had a Kingfisher at Millfields.SJR, RPJ, AMD
05/07/2026Mid-evening on Watersports jetty: Caspian Gull (3rd s) - probably a hybrid due to darkish upperparts and yellow legs (as YLGull) but Caspian structure. Plus YLGull (ad).Richard Lowe
05/07/2026Species recorded during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Mallard, Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Cormorant, Canada Goose, Gt Crested Grebe, Magpie, Blackbird, Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Coot, Red Kite, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Buzzard, Little Egret, Moorhen, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Chiffchaff, Dunnock, Woodpigeon, Swift, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Goldfinch, Blackcap, Long-tailed Tit, Swallow, Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler, Red Crested Pochard (f plus six chicks), Blacktailed Godwit (3 flying over), Oystercatcher, Robin and Song Thrush (40 was well up on expectations) Three Curlew were also seen later in the afternoon from the Wildlife CentreGary Atkins
05/07/2026Quiet on a short visit this morning: Redshank still with 2 young on Watersports, 6 Pochard, 2 Teal, 2 Egyptian Geese, 1 ad Yellow-legged Gull.Clive Ashton
03/07/20266 Swift, 3 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing 1 Great White Egret of stones, 4 Chiffchaff, 8 Sedge Warbler, 2 Blackcap,2 Long tailed tit, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Willow Tit on stones, 14 Goldfinch, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Common Sandpiper on sailing Club ,1 Buzzard, 2 Reed Warbler, 2 TealDavid Armitt
30/06/2026The main highlight this morning was an adult Redshank with 2 small young on Watersports Island. Fresh Mallard broods of 9+6 at Sailing Club, fresh Coot broods 3+1, 2 Pochard, f Red-crested Pochard, 2 Teal, c10 Lapwing, ad YL Gull, Herring Gull, 6 Swift around VC. Roger and Alison had Common Sandpiper and Little Egret at Millfields, Whitethroat a d Willow Tit on Stones.Clive Ashton/RPJ/AMD.
19/06/20263 Little Egret , 6 Oystercatcher, 1 Teal, 1 Little Grebe, 61 Greylag, 3 Blackcap, 8 Chiffchaff, 7 Sedge Warbler, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Long tailed tit, 4 Reed Bunting, 2 Lesser black backed GullDavid Armitt
14/06/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 1,182 Canada Geese (plus many broods), 331 Greylag (plus at least 16 broods), 7 Mute Swan, 3 Egyptian Geese, 10 Gadwall, 56 Mallard, 2 Pochard (plus broods of 1 and 4), 45 Tufted (plus a brood of 5 at WLC), 1 Moorhen, 149 Coot (plus 4 broods), 3 Little Grebe (plus 1 brood), 40 GCGrebe (plus 3 broods), 16 Oystercatcher (including some fully grown young), 2 Redshank, 2 Common Tern, 9 Cormorant, 2 Heron. Plus a total of 8 singing Reed Warblers, Goldcrest with food at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
13/06/2026There are 5 Common Scoters (4m,1f) out in the middle this morning. Egyptian Goose, first-summer Yellow-legged Gull and Common Gull still at Watersports. 125 Coot. Peregrine over Hall Wood. c100 Sand Martins around Stones.Simon Roddis
10/06/2026A Ringed Plover was at sailing club this morning, and a Redshank at Watersports. First-summer Common Gull, Egyptian Goose, 2 drake Red-crested and 2 drake Common Pochard still. 94 Coot. Skylark singing along the dam wall. In Tail Bay, a Kingfisher, pair of Common Whitethroat with food and a family party of GSWoodpeckers. 2 Reed Warblers singing in WLC creek and another 3 in Hopton reedbed. 50 Sand Martins. Grey Wagtail with a fledged youngster at Millfields and another pair at the sailing club end of the day wall.Simon Roddis
09/06/2026Adult Mediterranean Gull again over the WLC this morning. New brood of 5 Gadwall at Shiningford. The 2 drake Red-crested Pochard still on Horseshoe island, now starting to moult. 40 Swifts and 40+ Sand Martins feeding. First-summer Common Gull at Watersports. Garden Warbler with food at Millfields.Simon Roddis
07/06/2026Species noted today during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): Mallard, House Sparrow, Canada Goose, Oystercatcher, Greylag Goose, Tufted Duck, Coot, Great Crested Grebe, Blackbird, Chiffchaff, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Blackcap, Swift, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mute Swan, Buzzard, Carrion Crow, Robin, Sedge Warbler, Dunnock, Reed Bunting, Swallow, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Gadwall, Little Grebe and WrenGary Atkins
07/06/2026Garden Warbler with young (and alarm calling) near the WLCGary Atkins
07/06/2026A pair of adult Mediterranean Gulls flew in over WLC creek 09:45. Spotted Flycatcher in the top of Hall Wood and Pied Flycatcher singing briefly and calling in Warrington Knob. 2 drake Red-crested Pochard still at Watersports and 2 (separate) Egyptian Geese. 70+ Coot. 2 Peregrines over the north end. Willow and Garden Warblers with food in Hall Wood. Redstart still singing at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
02/06/2026This morning, 3 Red-crested Pochard (2 males and the long-staying female) were off Stones causeway, 9 Mute Swans, at least 50 Swifts feeding over the east side after the rain, 61 Coot (plus 4 chicks at sailing club), second-summer Mediterranean Gull still, adult Herring Gull, a Hobby flew across the res east to west, 10 Ravens, Reed Warbler singing on Stones causeway and a pair of Garden Warblers with food near WLC.Simon Roddis
25/05/2026Fairly brief visit this morning, I shudder to think what it'll be like up there today. Single Common Tern, the second-summer Mediterranean Gull still, one first-summer Common Gull still resisting the urge to fly north, 1 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, Garden Warbler with food at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
21/05/2026A Hobby flew past the main centre and over the road early morning, first of the year here. An Arctic Tern flew S past Stones island and a Ringed Plover flew over. First-summer Yellow-legged, Great Black-backed and Common Gulls, plus the first Black-headed Gull chick on Horseshoe island. 3 Barnacle Geese. Chiffchaff with food on Stones.Simon Roddis
20/05/2026An Arctic Tern flew past Stones island at 08:35 this morning and an Osprey flew south between 08:45 and 08:50. 2 Barnacle and 2 Egyptian Geese. 16 Swifts including 8 screaming around the main centre. 2 Redshank and 1 Dunlin. Mick had Pied Flycatcher still singing in Hall Wood.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
17/05/20262 Arctic and a Common Tern flew past Stones around 07:00. On and around Watersports island, 2 Little Egrets, female Red-crested Pochard and Pink-footed Goose. Second-summer Mediterranean Gull still on sailing club island. Yellow Wagtail flew N.Simon Roddis
16/05/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 186 Canada (plus 19+ broods), 3 Barnacle and 74 Greylag (plus 16 broods) Geese, 6 Mute Swans, 1 Egyptian Goose, 20 Gadwall, 76 Mallard, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 5 male Common Pochard, 66 Tufted, 2 Moorhen, 29 Coot, 2 Little Grebe, 45 GCGrebe, 13 Oystercatcher, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Tern, 12 Cormorant, 1 Heron. Plus 40 Swifts, 4 Reed Warbler, single Whitethroat, Redstart and Pied Flycatcher.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
15/05/2026In a relatively brief early morning visit, 3 Arctic Terns off Stones island, Dunlin and Common Sandpiper on Watersports island and the female Red-crested Pochard on Horseshoe island.Simon Roddis
12/05/2026Nothing much is changing at the moment, although Mute Swans have risen to 8, the most since last October. Pair of Barnacle and 3 Egyptian Geese. Female Red-crested Pochard still on Watersports island. 20 Swifts. 7 species of waders, including single Lapwing, Ringed Plover, Curlew and Common Sandpiper. Second-summer Mediterranean Gull past Stones. 100s of Swallows and smaller numbers of Sand and House Martins. 3 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed and a Common Whitethroat in WLC creek. 2 Pied Flycatchers and a Redstart singing in Hall/Middle Woods.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD, KR
10/05/20264 Swift, 8 Chiffchaff, 20+ Sand Martin, 10+ House Martin, 8 Sedge Warbler, 4 Willow Warbler, 6 Blackcap, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Reed Warbler, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 LRP, 4 Oystercatcher, 3 Garden Warbler, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Redshank, 1 Lesser Black Backed Gull ,1 Egyptian GooseDavid Armitt
07/05/2026This morning, single Pink-footed and Egyptian Geese, female RcPochard, drake Goosander, pair of Oystercatchers with 3 chicks at Shiningford, Snipe on Horseshoe island, second-summer Mediterranean Gull on Sailing Club island, first-summer Caspian Gull still, 1 Willow Tit, some hundreds of Swallows, Sand and House Martins, Redstart still in WLC Fields. Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall (per Ellen Hancock).SJR, CA, MW
05/05/2026A few bits and pieces this morning: 2 Egyptian Geese still, 2 Shelduck W over WLC creek, pair of Shoveler and female Red-crested Pochard off Horseshoe island, 8 Goosander (7 flew N plus drake at sailing club), 12 Swifts, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits (one at Watersports and one flew E), immature Great Black-back, Great Egret over the main centre, Whitethroat at Hopton, 2 Pied Flycatchers in Hall and Middle Woods, 2 singing Redstart. Clive had Wheatear in WLC creek, Spotted Flycatcher at Lane End and 16 Redpoll at Sheepwash.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
03/05/2026Species recorded (44) during today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon ... Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Canada Goose, Carrion Crow, Chiffchaff, Mallard, Swallow, Sedge Warbler, Cormorant, Coot, Garden Warbler, Tufted Duck, Black-headed Gull, Blackbird, Great Crested Grebe, Woodpigeon, Oystercatcher, Robin, Barnacle Goose, Pochard, Grey Heron, Common Sandpiper, Red-throated Diver, Dunnock, House Martin, Gadwall, Wren, Song Thrush, Blackcap, Reed Bunting, Bullfinch, Mute Swan, Goldfinch, Greylag Goose, Herring Gull, Great Tit, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Moorhen, Buzzard, Sand Martin, Swift, Redshank, Blue TitGary Atkins
03/05/2026Another excellent morning. A Red-throated Diver in almost full summer plumage was off Sheepwash early morning and flew at 11:00. Waders included a total of c20 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plovers, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 1 Curlew. Jon B found a female Whinchat at sailing club late morning, a nice spring record. Drake Goosander also at sailing club. Lots of hirundines: c200 each of Swallow and Sand Martin, 50 House Martins and 20 Swifts. 2 Arctic Terns. Second-summer Mediterranean Gull again. Yellow Wagtail over Stones.SJR, CA, AHS, MW
02/05/2026A Spotted Flycatcher at Lane End is the first of the year here as far as I'm aware. Arctic Tern past Stones and Bar-tailed Godwit still at Watersports. 2 Barnacle and 1 Egyptian Goose. 6 Pochard. Female Red-crested Pochard on Horseshoe island. Redshank and Dunlin at sailing club. First-summer Caspian Gull again off Stones. 2 singing Pied Flycatchers (Hall Wood and Sheepwash) and 2 Redstarts at Hopton end.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
01/05/2026Bar-tailed Godwit still at Watersports and 2 Common Sandpiper there also. 2 "commic" Terns distant in the haze, 2 drake Pochard, drake Teal, Fresh Mallard brood of 6 at Sailing Club, Common Whitethroat singing in WLC fields.Clive Ashton
30/04/2026This morning from Stones Island: 2 Ruff (1 horseshoe, 1 Watersports Island), Bar-tailed Godwit (Watersports), 3 Common Sandpiper, 1 summer plumage Dunlin (Sailing Club), Female Red-crested Pochard, 2 Barnacle Geese. 2 Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall, and Grey Wagtail singing there.Clive Ashton/Mick Watson
29/04/2026No Terns today but waders were in evidence with 9 species recorded: Bar-tailed Godwit at Watersports, Sanderling on Sailing Club shoreline, 2 Ruff on the back of Horseshoe Island, Curlew heard at Millfields and a Greenshank was around for a while before apparently flying NE. Female Red-crested Pochard and her male common Pochard admirer at WLC, Caspian Gull at Watersports, Yellow Wagtail over Stones, 4 Sedge Warblers and 2 Common Whitethroat behind Millfields Island.Clive Ashton
28/04/2026Another fantastic morning started with 9 Arctic Terns flying in over the dam at 0715hrs. Whilst counting the Terns, at 0745, Alan picked out a dark phase Arctic Skua which flew low up the middle of the res before departing NW. Paul Bennett popped in to see the Arctic Terns and found a Little Tern amongst them at Sheepwash. By 0945hr Arctic Tern numbers had increased to 26, before around half of them had apparently moved on. Large numbers of hirundines all morning and we estimate 400 Sand Martin and 200 Swallow. C6 Pochard, female Red-crested Pochard, 2 female Goldeneye at Sheepwash, 3 Egyptian Geese, 2 Swift, the ringed Caspian Gull, Yellow Wagtail (MR). Little Tern and c14 Arctic Terns still present around 1100hrs when we left site.CA/AHS
27/04/2027From Stones Island this morning, 3 Shoveller, 2 Pochard, 1 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Grey Heron, lots of Sedge and Garden Warblers, 2 Arctic Terns, 1 Common Sandpiper. 1 Dunlin at Millfields and Mediterranean Gull on Sailing Club Island (CA) Peacock butterfly and Orangetips on the wing.AHS
26/04/2026The first-summer Little Gull was still off Watersports this morning. 1 Bar-tailed Godwit and 2 Common Terns there too. Female Red-crested Pochard from WLC. Second-summer Mediterranean Gull still on sailing club island. Single Curlew, Common Sandpiper and Redshank. 3 Swifts from WLC. Whitethroat in WLC creek. 13 singing Sedge Warblers across Stones and WLC creek. 3 Yellow Wagtails.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
25/04/20262 summer plumage Black-necked Grebes around Watersports area, 1 Black Tern, 1 Arctic Tern, 2 Common Tern, 2 Little Gull (ad, 1s), 3 Shelduck, 2 drake Pochard, Bar-tailed Godwit, 3 Common Sandpiper, Common Whitethroat at Hopton End, Reed Warbler in WLC reedbed, 3 Pied Flycatcher on east side.Clive Ashton
24/04/2026Following yesterday afternoon's movement, there were another 36 Black Terns this morning, building up between about 06:30 and 08:30, plus 3 Little Gulls (2 adults and one first-summer), all to 11:00 at least. The 2 Bar-tailed Godwits were still around and a Greenshank flew N. 3 Mandarins over the main carpark. 6 Pochard, 2 Teal. 1 Egyptian Goose. More Garden Warblers have arrived, now 6 in the Stones/WLC area. Lesser Whitethroat singing south of Sheepwash. Redstart singing at the top of WLC creek and Clive had a Yellow Wagtail over the WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
24/04/20266 Chiffchaff, 5 Cormorant, 3 Blackcap, 24 Black Tern, 1 Reed bunting, 9 Oystercatcher, 2 Bullfinch, 2 Willow warbler, 8 Sedge warbler, 1Bar tailed Godwit , 2 Little Gull, 2 Male Pochard , 1 Female Red Crested pochard , 15+ Sand Martin,2 LRPDavid Armitt
23/04/2026The 2 Bar-tailed Godwits are still present, 1 each at Watersports (with a damaged wing) and from.WLC. Common Sandpiper and 2 Redshank in the same area. Two female Goldeneye. Reed and Garden Warblers at Hopton end, and Garden on Stones. 3 singing Pied Flycatchers in Hall Wood/Warrington Knob. 3 male Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall and 2 Swifts overhead. Wheatear at Millfields (per A&R).SJR, MW, RPJ, AMD
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


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
2006-12-31Highlights: W.Centre - 2 Redshank, 65 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher Sheepwash - 5 Goldeneye (2 Drake, 3 ducks)Richard and Frances Pittam
2006-12-312 GN Divers reported on Birdnet Pager as present this am, near dam and at the Sailing Club.Steph' Hicking
2006-12-30Highlights: W.Centre 37 Barnacle Geese, 55 Redwing, 2 Black-headed Gulls (with darkish head cap)Richard and Frances Pittam
2005-01-03Thanks 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..
2005-01-08Thanks 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..
2005-01-13Thanks 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..
2005-01-16Thanks 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..
2005-01-22A 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.
2005-01-2333 Barnacle Geese, 1287 Coot, 20 Gadwall and 14 Goldeneye counted at Carsington today..
2005-01-24Thanks 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..
2005-01-25Thanks 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..
2005-01-29Thanks 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..
2005-02-02Thanks 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..
2005-02-03Highlights 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.
2005-02-04Thanks 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..
2005-02-05Thanks 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)..
2005-02-08Thanks 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..
2005-02-09Thanks 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..
2005-02-10Thanks 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.
2005-02-14Thanks 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..
2005-02-22Thanks 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..
2005-02-23Thanks 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..
2005-03-05Thirteen 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
2005-03-06Many 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
2005-03-07Thanks 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..
2005-03-09Only 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
2005-03-10Just 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..
2005-03-13In 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 WagtailsMatthew Kelly
2005-03-18The 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
2005-03-19Brief 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 OystercatchersJohn & Pam Eaton
2005-03-21Visited 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
2005-03-27Willow 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
2005-03-31On 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.
2005-04-03The 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
2005-04-08Visited 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 ?
2005-04-12A 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
2005-04-13The 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
2005-04-14Saw 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
2005-04-15More 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..
2005-04-15A 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
2005-04-19Carsington 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..
2005-04-20Visited 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
2005-04-234 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
2005-04-24It 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)
2005-04-25Just 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 17.45hrsDave Newcombe
2005-04-26Highlight 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
2005-04-273 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 WhitethroatDave Newcombe
2005-05-02coot, 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
2005-05-0343 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
2005-05-04Visited 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
2005-05-06We 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
2005-05-07Walked 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
2005-05-09A 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
2005-05-11Visted 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
2005-05-12In 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)
2005-05-22A 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
2005-05-27Visited 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
2005-06-06I 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
2005-06-07We 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
2005-06-10The 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
2005-06-11Here'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
2005-06-14Sightings 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
2005-06-17A 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
2005-06-21A 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..
2005-06-222 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
2005-07-01Myself 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.
2005-07-11Visited 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
2005-07-13Wildlife 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 GoldfinchBrian Cuttell
2005-07-20A 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
2005-07-24A 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)
2005-08-25Not 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..
2005-09-05Our 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
2005-09-06On 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..
2005-09-22Visited 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
2005-10-05The 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
2005-10-071 - 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
2005-10-08Today 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
2005-10-09A 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)
2005-10-13Taken 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
2005-10-18The 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..
2005-10-20A 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
2005-10-25Of 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
2005-10-2720 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
2005-11-02The 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
2005-11-02Recent 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
2005-11-09The 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
2005-11-12When 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
2005-11-13Female goosander by dam wall at 4.30 p.m.Neil Venables
2005-11-17A 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
2005-11-18Recent 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
2005-11-183-30pm Red necked grebe near far bank near old boat..also red deer - far bank waters edge.
2005-11-19Lane 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
2005-11-25The 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)
2005-11-26We 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
2005-11-27Goldcrest sighted in bushes between Watersports and field next to visitor centre. 27/11/05 am.Rose Day STW Ranger
2005-11-28I 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
2005-12-021 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 islandSam Pedley
2005-12-07The 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
2005-12-10The 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
2005-12-20Two 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..

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