Recent Sightings
| Date | Sighting | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 12/08/2026 | The 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 |
| 11/08/2026 | The 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 |
| 10/08/2026 | Waderfest 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 |
| 09/08/2026 | Wood 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 |
| 08/08/2026 | The 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 |
| 07/08/2026 | From 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 |
| 07/08/2026 | A 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 |
| 06/08/2026 | There 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 |
| 05/08/2026 | From 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 |
| 05/08/2026 | Shorter 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 |
| 04/08/2026 | From Sheepwash Hide of note late afternoon: YLGull (5) - Ad (3); 1st s; Juv; GBBGull 1st s; plus Wigeon (female/juv). | Richard Lowe |
| 04/08/2026 | A 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 |
| 03/08/2026 | From 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 |
| 03/08/2026 | Green 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 |
| 02/08/2026 | GW Egret and YL Gull (Ad) from Sheepwash Hide late afternoon; Dunlin (2) (Ad and Juv) off Stones Is causeway. | Richard Lowe |
| 02/08/2026 | Species 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 Egret | Gary Atkins |
| 02/08/2026 | 2 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 |
| 01/08/2026 | An 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 |
| 31/07/2026 | A 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 |
| 30/07/2026 | An 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 |
| 29/07/2026 | A 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 |
| 28/07/2026 | This 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 |
| 27/07/2026 | From Watersports Is of note early this evening: Mediterranean Gull (Juv) still present, also seen here on 24th and 25th July. | Richard Lowe |
| 27/07/2026 | Another 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 |
| 26/07/2026 | Bird 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 |
| 25/07/2026 | A 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 |
| 23/07/2026 | One 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 |
| 22/07/2026 | Gulls 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 |
| 22/07/2026 | Highlights 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 |
| 21/07/2026 | From Sheepwash hide mid-afternoon of note, YLGull (5) - Juv (my first of the year), 1st s, 2nd s (2), Ad. | Richard Lowe |
| 21/07/2026 | 6 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 |
| 20/07/2026 | A 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 |
| 19/07/2026 | 2 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 |
| 18/07/2026 | Monthly 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 |
| 17/07/2026 | 20 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 Warbler | Dave Armitt |
| 15/07/2026 | 216 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 |
| 14/07/2026 | This 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 |
| 13/07/2026 | A 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 |
| 22/07/2026 | Biggest 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 |
| 10/07/2026 | A 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 |
| 09/07/2026 | 3 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 |
| 08/07/2026 | 74 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 |
| 05/07/2026 | Mid-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 |
| 05/07/2026 | Species 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 Centre | Gary Atkins |
| 05/07/2026 | Quiet 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 |
| 03/07/2026 | 6 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 Teal | David Armitt |
| 30/06/2026 | The 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. |
| 19/06/2026 | 3 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 Gull | David Armitt |
| 14/06/2026 | Monthly 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 |
| 13/06/2026 | There 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 |
| 10/06/2026 | A 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 |
| 09/06/2026 | Adult 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 |
| 07/06/2026 | Species 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 Wren | Gary Atkins |
| 07/06/2026 | Garden Warbler with young (and alarm calling) near the WLC | Gary Atkins |
| 07/06/2026 | A 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 |
| 02/06/2026 | This 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 |
| 25/05/2026 | Fairly 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 |
| 21/05/2026 | A 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 |
| 20/05/2026 | An 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 |
| 17/05/2026 | 2 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 |
| 16/05/2026 | Monthly 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 |
| 15/05/2026 | In 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 |
| 12/05/2026 | Nothing 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 |
| 10/05/2026 | 4 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 Goose | David Armitt |
| 07/05/2026 | This 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 |
| 05/05/2026 | A 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 |
| 03/05/2026 | Species 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 Tit | Gary Atkins |
| 03/05/2026 | Another 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 |
| 02/05/2026 | A 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 |
| 01/05/2026 | Bar-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 |
| 30/04/2026 | This 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 |
| 29/04/2026 | No 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 |
| 28/04/2026 | Another 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 |
| 27/04/2027 | From 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 |
| 26/04/2026 | The 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 |
| 25/04/2026 | 2 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 |
| 24/04/2026 | Following 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 |
| 24/04/2026 | 6 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 LRP | David Armitt |
| 23/04/2026 | The 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 |
| 22/04/2026 | Best 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 |
| 21/04/2026 | Another 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 |
| 19/04/2026 | Highlight 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 |
| 18/04/2026 | This 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 |
| 17/04/2026 | Early 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 |
| 17/04/2026 | Quieter 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 |
| 16/04/2025 | A 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 |
| 14/04/2026 | Caspian Gull (2cy) on Watersports pontoon late afternoon - (yellow colour ring on left leg). | Richard Lowe |
| 14/04/2026 | The 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 |
| 13/04/2026 | Late 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 |
| 11/04/2026 | 3 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 |
| 10/04/2026 | 2 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 Bullfinch | Dave Armitt |
| 10/04/2026 | A 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 |
| 08/04/2026 | A 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 |
| 07/04/2026 | A 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 |
| 06/04/2026 | The 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 |
| 05/04/2026 | Following 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, Dunnock | Gary Atkins |
| 05/04/2026 | A 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 |
| 04/04/2026 | The 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 |
| 02/04/2026 | A 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 |
| 01/04/2026 | A 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
| Date | Sighting | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2005-12-22 | 7+Goldfinchs and 2 Lesser Redpoll in trees next to path to Wildlife Centre 5 Wigeon-near the wooden walkway on the way to the Wildlife Centre 1 Gadwall-near Horseshoe Island 2 Pochard-left of Wildlife Centre 1 Redshank-far left bank from Wildlife Centre | Sam Pedley |
| 2005-12-26 | Noted by Chloe Pye at the Paul Stanley Hide: 2 Black-necked Grebe showing well most of the day in the bay at the front of the hide Great Spotted Woodpecker, Treecreeper, Dunnock, Robin, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Blue Tit. Goosander, Goldeneye, Mute Swan, Coot, Gadwall, Ruddy Duck, Wigeon, Teal, Pochard, Moorhen, Lapwing, Cormorant, Black-headed Gull. Also in the area: Mediterranean Gull, Willow Tit, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Redshank. The Carsington Bird Club Boxing Day walk produced 37 species. Birds seen but not included in the above list: Kestrel, Greenfinch, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Robin, Redpoll, Siskin, Magpie, Tree and House Sparrow, Goldcrest, Bullfinch, Dunnock, Long-tailed Tit, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Snipe and Canada Goose. | . |
| 2006-12-30 | Quiet, usual wildfowl plus Black-necked Grebe (Paul Stanley Hide)1 adult Yellow-legged Gull in roost 150+ Common Gulls (Sheepwash). | Steph Hicking |
| 2006-12-26 | highlights:- W.Centre: Blackcap (Horeshoe Island), Kestrel, 2xRedshank Paul Stanley: Black-necked Grebe, Great Northern Diver, 27 chaffinch, 1xRedshank Millfields: Great Northern diver | Richard, Frances and Ken Pittam |
| 2006-12-24 | W. Centre Redshank, Teal (no Green-winged), Wigeon, Cormorant, Great Northern Diver, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Canada Geese, Barnacle Geese, 2 Bullfinch, Redwing, Robin Sheepwash 'Grey' Coot, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Teal, Wigeon, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull, 5 Goldeneye (4 drake,1 duck), Little Grebe, 4 Bullfinch (car park) Paul Stanley Black-necked Grebe, Kingfisher, Wigeon, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Teal, LBB Gull, BH Gull, Common Gull | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 2006-12-22 | Highlights: Wildlife Centre Bullfinch, 2 Redshank, 3 Barnacle Geese, 1 Male Hen Harrier (over boat shop/visitor centre) Paul Stanley 2 Goldcrest, 1 Black-necked Grebe, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Willow Tits, 3 Goldeneye, 1 Grt Spotted Woodpecker(m) | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 2006-12-22 | 3 Wrens - In front of Wildlife Centre 3 Redshanks - from Wildlife Centre 1 Goldeneye - Female from Wildlife Centre 1 Hen Harrier - Male flew over Horsehoe Island 1 Great Northern Diver - Very distant over the back of Horseshoe Island | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-12-21 | Green-winged Teal(WLC) and Black-necked Grebe (Paul Stanley Hide) and 1 Great Northern Diver (Lane Ends) reported on Birdnet Pager system today. | Steph' Hicking |
| 2006-12-20 | The drake Green Winged Teal briefly from Paul Stanley Hide at 2.15 p.m. and the Black Necked Grebe was also showing well from here. An adult Caspian Gull was on Flat Island up to at least 2.45 p.m. The adult Ring Billed Gull again in the roost at 3.40.p.m. along with 3 Yellow Legged Gulls-an adult and 2 first winters. At least 2 juvenile Great Northern Divers still present-1 near the dam by the sailing club, the other showing well from the Wildlife Centre. Also 1 was near Sheepwash about 2.45 p.m. Also present 4 Barnacle Geese from the Wildlife Centre and a Willow Tit near here, 3 Shoveler from Sheepwash and at least 5 Goldeneye and 3 Redshank around the reservoir | Rod Key |
| 2006-12-18 | 36 species of bird seen around midday. Main observation points: Stones Island (SI) and from the Wildlife Centre (WC). Very quiet on site. Quite misty to start with, then cleared up. Of note: Snipe (8) - Horseshoe Island; Redshank (3) - one SI & 2 Horseshoe Island; Redwing (1) - near WC; Bullfinch (pair) - near WC. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-12-18 | The drake Green-winged Teal was seen today on the spit of land to the right of Sheepwash hide, before moving off with other Teal. The Black-necked Grebe was also present,catching many small fish in front of Sheepwash hide. c10 Goldeneye,2 Goosander (over Lane End hide),distant views of a Great Northern Diver (also from Lane End) were amongst the other highlights. | CLIVE ASHTON and DAVE NEWCOMBE. |
| 2006-12-17 | No sign today of the drake Green Winged Teal. Two juv. Great Northern Divers at Millfields at 12.00.p.m. with a third juvenile close to Horeshoe Island from the windsurfing club. Later at 3.00 p.m. a juv. Great Northern Diver was just behind Sheepwash spit. The Black necked Grebes was showing well from Paul Stanley Hide. A first winter Glaucous Gull spent about 20 mins on Flat Island before taking off and flying down the Reservoir at 2.55 p.m. and disappearing off to the West. An adult Yellow Legged Gull in a fair sized roost. Up to 6 Redshank about the reservoir | Richard James and Rod Key |
| 2006-12-16 | Highlights: W.Centre: Green Winged Teal, Goldcrest, Treecreeper, Wren, Redwing Paul Stanley: Willow Tit(2), GS Woodpecker, Coal tit Millfields: Great Northern Diver(1) | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 2006-12-15 | W.Centre 24 snipe, 60 Black-headed gull, 21 Pochard, 11 Teal (no green-winged), 9 Wigeon, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Redwing, 1 Bullfinch(F), 1 Redshank Sheepwash 1 Black-necked Grebe, 2 Redshank, 3 Meadow Pipit, 23 Teal, 1 Goldeneye(f) Millfields 8 Long-tailed tits | Richard, Frances and Ken Pittam |
| 2006-12-14 | Green-winged Teal (drake) again reported at WLC and 2 Great Northerns at Sailing Club (off Birdnet pager. | Steph' Hicking |
| 2006-12-13 | Drake Green-winged Teal still present till just before dusk at least, to the left of the Wildlife Centre,1 adult Yellow-legged Gull in front of WLC at 3pm, 1 Great Northern Diver reported at the Sailing Club this am. Black-necked Grebe reported still at Sheepwash this pm. 20+ Common Gulls in area in front of WLC 3pm. | Steph' Hicking |
| 2006-12-13 | Green Winged Teal and Pintail | Matthew Capper |
| 2006-12-13 | Green-winged Teal (drake) reported on Birdnet Pager as being in front of Wildlife Centre at 9.40am | Steph' Hicking |
| 2006-12-12 | 35 species seen from the Wildlife Centre today - not as high a number as recently. No sign of the of the Green Winged Teal from the wildlife centre but reasonable numbers of gulls came in to roost. The Black Grebe and Diver(s) were not reported at the Wildlife Centre but are presumably are still on site. | Matthew Capper (Aren't birds brilliant! Project Officer) |
| 2006-12-11 | 3 Great Northern Divers were seen together off the Sailing Club this pm, all juveniles. Close in between the jettys and near the dam at times. | Steph' Hicking |
| 2006-12-11 | Black Necked Grebe from Sheepwash Hide mid afternoon Ring Billed Gull again seen from Sheepwash Hide Great Northern Diver still present Green Winged Teal present to dusk yesterday but not reported today. | Matthew Capper (Aren't birds brilliant! Project Officer) |
| 2006-12-10 | Green Winged Teal | Matthew Capper (Aren't birds brilliant! Project Officer) |
| 2006-12-09 | Black-necked Grebe commuting between Paul Stanley and Sheepwash Hides this pm. | Steph' Hicking |
| 2006-12-09 | Wildlife Centre 1 Treecreeper, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Greenfinch, 1 Goldfinch, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Barnacle Geese, 2 Snipe, 2 Redshank Paul Stanley 6 Pochard, 1 Dunnock, 3 Snipe, 6 Little Grebe, 1 Sparrowhawk, 11 Cormorant, 1 Willow Tit, 2 Grt Spotted W/Peckers(m f), 1 Redshank, 4 Tree Sparrow, 250 Lapwing, 2 Canada Geese, 6 Great Tit, 20 Lesser Black Backed Gull, 1 Black Swan, 2 Gadwall, 12 Grt Crested Grebe Sheepwash 4 Goldeneye (1m, 3f), 45 Teal, 1 Redshank, 2 Pied Wagtail, 12 Cormorant, 85 Wigeon, 150 Lapwing, 12 Grt Crested Grebe, 6 Gadwall Millfields 80 Tufted Duck, 2 Great Northern Divers (3.10pm) | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 2006-12-08 | 2 G N Divers, both juvenile, one in Millfields Bay from car park, one halfway along the dam wall.1 Black-necked Grebe at Sheepwash. | Roger Carrington (Carsington Bird Recorder) |
| 2006-12-08 | Of interest, on 6th December Severn Trent Ranger Paul Bennet found a dead Leach's Petrol whilst working on the east bank at Ogston Reservoir.The first record in Derbyshire since 1994 it ended up temporarily in the freezer at Carsington.Sadly I'm not sure the Bird Club Committee will therefore let me submit it as a record for Carsington but interesting never the less. | Matthew Capper (RSPB) |
| 2006-12-07 | Black-necked grebe seen from Sheepwash Hide from 2.30pm. No sign of Ring-billed gull in large roost spread out from Lane end hide south | . |
| 2006-12-05 | Very quiet at Carsington today not helped by the windy weather and frequent heavy showers.4 Redshank and 6 Snipe at the Wildlife Centre and both juvenile Great Northen Divers from the dam - three divers were again seen yesterday.43 Barnacle Geese were counted along with the three Cackling Geese which are still present. Look for a Canada Goose that is much smaller - smaller than the Barnacles. Also, whilst Canada Geese have a pale breast, these birds are a chocolate brown all over giving a much darker appearance and less contrast between the breast and black neck.No reports of the Black Necker Grebe but not to say that it isn't still present. The Gull roost this evening seemed to be building off Stones Island rather the Sheepwash / Paul Stanley area. | Matthew Capper |
| 2006-12-04 | A good number and range of birds seen today from the Wildlife Centre. The most unusual observation was of 50 Barnacle Geese, quite a high number. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-12-02 | Further interesting sightings for this date taken from the Wildlife Centre logbook:Woodcock (2), Siskin (10), Raven (1), Common Buzzard. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-12-03 | A busy day at Carsington with plenty of birders on site. A respectable 43 species seen during the day from the wildlife centre including the regular Little Owl and the long staying Black Tailed Godwit. The Canada Goose flock included 18 Barnacle Geese - a much improved number and with them for the first time in a while were three Cackling Geese. Also here were several snipe and 5 Redshank including a flock of 4. The biggest talking point of the day was the Great Northern Divers with several people reporting three birds - and one report positive about 2 juvenile birds and one adult winter. Certainly two of the birds showed very well just off the dam near the draw off tower for much of the day. The Black Necked Grebe was seen from Sheepwash Hide and the Black Swan was also in this area. Late on, the bird news services reported the adult Ring Billed Gull again in the roost as well as a first winter Yellow Legged Gull. The roost is best observed from Paul Stanley or Sheepwash hides and you need to be in place by about 2.30 - 3pm. | Matthew Capper (Aren't birds brilliant! Officer) |
| 2006-12-03 | Two Bar - tailed Godwit observed fling off muddy shore of Millfields Bay @ 0805hrs today as I arrived , no white wing bars and whitish V between wings with white rump identifies. Also two Great Northern Diver, one seen very well at damwall and the other out in Millfields, but could still be followed between dives. | Gavin Lord |
| 2006-12-03 | Two Great Northern Divers | Roy Smith |
| 2006-12-02 | Great Northern Diver showing well at Millfields (tower) and Dam wall. Also at Wildlife Centre and Shiningford Creek | richard and Frances Pittam |
| 2006-12-02 | adult Ring billed Gull again present in roost from Paul Stanley Hide. 4 adult Yellow Legged Gulls. 2 Great Northern Divers Millfields/Draw off Tower (one showing very well just off car park. | Paul and Steph Hicking |
| 2006-12-01 | In addition to the sightings submitted by Roger Carrington, the female red breasted merganser was also reported today. | Matthew Capper |
| 2006-12-01 | 2 GNDivers near draw-off tower this afternoon. 1 Black-necked Grebe from Sheepwash Hide at 1200hrs. 2 Whooper Swans flew northwest over Sheepwash at 1130hrs. | Roger Carrington |
| 2006-11-29 | Just to let you know that the Diver was just north of the draw-down tower, just off the dam wall at 09:15 this morning. | Paul Bennett Ranger Service, Severn Trent Water Ltd |
| 2006-11-28 | A respectable 45 species seen from the Wildlife Centre today. The best bird however, was the juvenile Great Northern Diver found by Roger Carrington first thing this morning. Present all day giving close views at time from the dam wall. The Black Swan is still present, as is the Black Tailed Godwit - both from the Wildlife Centre where Little Owl also showed on and off. Other sightings included 1 redshank at Millfields Island and 2 on Horseshoe Island; 1 Dunlin on Stones Island; 14 Snipe from Paul Stanley Hide and 11 from the Wildlife Centre; 5 Goldeneye off Stones Island; 2 Buzzard over Blackwall Plantation; 7 Lesser Redpoll on Stones Island and a female Goosander at Millfields. | Matthew Capper (Aren't birds brilliant! Officer) |
| 2006-11-28 | A juv. Great Northern Diver found mid-morning on Nov. 28th mid way along the dam | Derbyshire Ornithological Society website |
| 2006-11-26 | Adult Ring-billed Gull present in roost from 3.30pm, 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, 5000+ Lesser Black backed Gulls,3000-4000 Black headed gulls, 30 Common Gulls, about 10 Greater Black backed Gulls. (All from Sheepwash Hide) Good numbers of wildfowl present in the Sheepwash area. | Paul and Steph Hicking |
| 2006-11-26 | W. Centre - 8 Lesser Redpoll, 12 Goldfinch, 1 Kestrel, 6 Redwing, 1 Redshank Stones Island - 3 Redwing, 2 Song Thrush Paul Stanley - 1 Red-breasted Merganser (F), 1 Mediterranean Gull, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 30 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Bullfinch, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers (M+F), 2 Willow Tit, 1 Dunnock Sheepwash - 1 Redshank, 1 Pied Wagtail Millfields - 10 Goosander (8F+2M), 1 Redshank, 1 Meadow Pipit Richard and Frances Pittam | None |
| 2006-01-01 | The following were either observed by us today or were taken from the logbook in the WLC: OF NOTE: Red-necked Grebe (1) - Millfields. Black-necked Grebe (2) - Paul Stanley hide. Gadwall (3) - Shiningford/WLC creeks. Goosander (1 male) Ruddy Duck (~70) - Shiningford Creek. Kestrel (1) - near the Knockerdown Inn. Lapwing (~500) - Horseshoe Island and by the boat club. Redshank (1) - WLC Creek. Skylark (1) - edge of WLC Creek. Reed Bunting (1) - Stones Island. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-01-02 | 2 Little Grebe-in front of Lane End Hide 3+ Great Crested Grebe-in front of Lane End Hide 48 Canada Goose- swimming left to right of Lane End Hide 1 Redshank-left of Lane End Hide 1 Willow Tit-between Sheepwash Hide and Paul Stanley Hide 2 Black-Necked Grebe-left of Paul Stanley Hide 5 Snipe - Spit next to Paul Stanley Hide 1 Grey Heron-on Sheepwash Spit with the Cormorants A mystery Silvery-Grey bird sitting in trees opposite Sheepwash Hide. Great Grey Shrike? | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-01-04 | 2 Black-necked Grebes still present - Paul Stanley hide (near tern raft) showing well again 5 Snipe - to the left of Paul Stanley hide 7 Goosander - (3 males) Millfields bay 6 Little Grebes in Millfields bay but no sign of Red Necked grebe | None |
| 2006-01-05 | Today, the Red Necked Grebe has moved North East from Millfields car park and is in the bay overlooked by Upperfield Farm, a 10-15 minute walk from Millfields. A pleasant walk, with a couple of Bull Finches around and a Weasel near the small pond. | Mick Sharp |
| 2006-01-07 | Red-necked Grebe still present in front of sailing Club. 2No. Black-necked Grebe left of Paul Stanley Hide. c50 Wigeon ‘grazing’ on grass bank opposite Paul Stanley Hide 16 Teal left of Wildlife Centre | John and Pam Eaton |
| 2006-01-11 | Kingfisher at Shiningford creek c 12 mid day c 15 Siskin Paul Stanley Hide | J Mowbray |
| 2006-01-14 | Today's visit to the site, by Ray and Margaret Perry, yielded 31 species of bird for the Stones Island area and those seen from the WLC.It was a very mild day with no wind and good light. OF NOTE: Red-necked Grebe (1) - near the Sailing Club. Gadwall (at least 3 pairs) - near the Sailing Club. Pochard (17) - off Stones Island. Sparrowhawk (1 female) - working Shiningford and WLC creeks. Lapwings frequently "put up". Lapwing (over 400) - Stones Island & by the Sailing Club. Snipe (1) - Horseshoe Island. Redshank (1) - Horseshoe Island. Little Owl (1) - by the WLC creek. Sightings taken from the Wildlife Centre (WLC) logbook for the last few days: 9th January: Red-necked Grebe (1) Goldeneye (3) Shoveler (1 female) Mediterranean Gull (1 adult) Nuthatch (1) Treecreeper (1) Raven (1) Reed Bunting (1) 12th January: Black-necked Grebe (2) Siskin (50+) 13th January: Red-necked Grebe (1) Goldeneye (15) Redshank (1) Snipe (1) Common Buzzard (1) Sparrowhawk (1) Redwing (~50) Siskin (25) Lesser Redpoll (2) | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-01-19 | Weather warmer than of late but cloudy: Hopton End 2 Blue Tit, 1 Great Tit, 100 Rooks, 30 Mallards Hall Wood 4 Goldcrest, 9 Long-tail Tits, 1 Coal Tit, 2 Great Tit, 1 Blue Tit. Fishtail Creek 1 Robin, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Jackdaw Upperfields Bay 10 Wigeon, 1 Pochard 1 Squirrel, 1 Rabbit, 1 Jay, 1 Female Blackbird, 4 GreatTtits, 12 Mallards, 1 Magpie Millfields Bay 8 Little Grebe, 100 Tufties, 2 Mute Swans, 30 Canada's, 12 Wigeon, 2 Pochard Dam Wall 40 Tufties, 1 Pr Goosander, 2 Great Crested Grebe Boat Club 20 Tufties, 80 Canada's, 8 Great Crested Grebe Visitor Centre 40 Barnacle Geese, 100 Lapwings Shiningford Creek 32 Wigeon, 5 Little Grebe, 1 Stoat, 40 Canada's, 2 Mute Swans 30 Barnacles (in field), 1 Female Teal, 4 Male Teal, 40 Lapwing, 2 Cormorant, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Tufties, 10 Pochard Feeding Station Brick Tower 1 Male Bullfinch, 1 Female Bullfinch, 5 Sparrows, 2 Great Tit, 2 Blue Tit, 1 Coal Tit, 2 Chaffinch | Jan and Elv Sheppard |
| 2006-01-19 | Black Swan was found with a Mute Swan in the Watersports Bay yesterday morning (18/01) at 09:00 by Jim Craw. Unfortunately, it immediately took off and headed south and wasn't reported again. Sixty-six Pink-footed Geese flew over Shiningford Farm on the afternoon of 18th. They then peeled off and carried on in a NW direction. The two Black-necked Grebes are still being seen regularly from Paul Stanley Hide and were seen this morning. It was recently realised that there are two Red-necked Grebes on site, rather than one mobile bird. This morning there was a juvenile seen from Lane Ends Hide and an adult seen in Millfields Bay. The adult bird has been present in front of the sailing club for some time now and was very close in and easily viewable from the patio area at the back of the restaurant yesterday. However, it does make excursions south of the Sailing Club Island into Millfields Bay. There was a juvenile Kittiwake seen over Sheepwash this morning, whilst a Chiffchaff sang there briefly. A Blackcap was seen between the Visitor centre car park and the Wildlife Centre, also this morning. | Paul Bennett, Severn Trent Ranger Service |
| 2006-01-25 | We visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WLC) today, the 25th and found 36 species around midday. There was a cold northerly wind blowing and the sky was largely overcast. The following represents a summary of the best finds today and in the previous six days. Data from our own observations, the WLC logbook and the notice board outside the visitor centre. 25th: Red-necked Grebe (1) - off Stones Island, near the sailing club. Black-necked Grebe (2) - near the Paul Stanley hide. Barnacle Goose (40-50) - WLC creek. Redshank (1) - WLC creek. Song Thrush (1) Raven (2) Siskin (23) Lesser Redpoll (~10) 24th: Red-necked Grebe (1) Barnacle Goose (47) Goosander (a pair) Little Owl (2) Snipe (2) Redshank (3) 23rd: Largely similar to the 24th and 25th. 22nd:Pintail (a pair). 21st: Kingfisher (1), Snipe (1) 20th: Hawfinch (1) - Stones Island. 19th: Peregrine (1),Goldeneye (12), Caspian Gull (2) | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-02-08 | Peregrine flying SE over Millfields. Two Ravens over Hall Wood. Also, in the space of 90 minutes during the morning, among daily visitors on and around birdtable and feeders in Belper: 2 Blackcap (separately, 1M /1F). Gtr Spotted Woodpecker (M). 2 Nuthatch. Pr Bullfinch, 7 Long tailed tits, 3 Siskin (1M/2F), Song Thrush. | Neil Hallam |
| 2006-02-09 | Visited the site today - the . A very sunny day. No clouds but a cold breeze. Birdwatching from Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WLC). Of note today: Barnacle Goose (20) - on the water, WLC Creek & Shiningford Creek. More in a field near Shiningford Farm but uncounted. Gadwall (a pair) - WLC Creek. Redshank (1) - Horseshoe Island. Little Owl (1) - near WLC Creek. The following were noted from the WLC logbook and the notice board outside the visitor centre: 8th February: Oystercatcher (3),Redshank (3), Great Black-backed Gull (1), Nuthatch (2), Treecreeper (6) 6th February: Black-necked Grebe (1), Goldeneye (15), Goosander (10), Ruddy Duck (42), Common Buzzard (3), Kingfisher (1), Bullfinch (7), 5th February: Dunlin (1), Redshank (1), 4th February: Dunlin (1), Snipe (2) 1st February: Red-necked Grebe (1), Goosander (5), Peregrine (1), Siskin (21) 31st January: Black-necked Grebe (2), Red-necked Grebe (1) 27th January: Black-necked Grebe (2), Red-necked Grebe (1), Goldeneye, (10), Snipe (9), Sparrowhawk (1) | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-02-15 | Here is a list of the birds I saw during 1 hour in Paul Stanley hide today, both on the water and on the Bird Feeders between 13:00 - 14:00 Hours. Weather bright and breezy - birds sheltering in Brown Ale Bay. If I can see them anyone can, although I did use a telescope. Little Grebe 1, GCrested Grebe 4, Cormorant 12, Heron 1, Mute Swan 2, Canada Goose 1, Wigeon 50, Gadwall 1, Teal 60, Mallard 2, Pochard 5, Tufted Duck 125, Goldeneye 1, Moorhen 2, Coot 175, Oystercatcher 1, Lapwing 30, Snipe 1, B-headed Gull 6, Lesser B-b Gull 15, Pied Wagtail 1, Willow Tit 1, Blue Tit 1, Great Tit 2, Nuthatch 1, Carrion Crow 2, Tree Sparrow 1, Chaffinch 2, Goldfinch 1. Total Species 30 | Roy Smith |
| 2006-02-16 | Between approx 14.35hrs to 15.45hrs: Sheepwash Hide. As well as large numbers of coot, wigeon and lapwings there were: Five dabchicks (but no trace of black-necked grebes), two curlew on the spit, one oystercatcher (spit), one redshank (spit), one kingfisher (flying past the hide, heading towards Paul Stanley), one kittiwake (flying north over the spit), three goldeneye (2F/1M), 1 pochard (briefly beneath far bank), one raven (in field below Hall Wood), three redpoll (near car park), one male brambling (with chaffinches, in bush on far side of car park). On way home, little owl perched on telegraph pole near between Ridgway and Belper. | Neil Hallam |
| 2006-02-26 | 1 Goldcrest-Visitor centre car park 1 Barnacle Goose-on bank left of Wildlife Centre 5 Oystercatchers-on Horseshoe Island 1 Little Grebe-Infront of Wildlife Centre | sam Pedley |
| 2006-02-27 | 2 Black-necked Grebe, 19 Snipe (Paul Stanley hide), Redshank, 6 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander (Millfields), Oystercatcher, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 5 Common Gulls, Buzzard, Raven displaying, Kingfisher, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Reed Bunting as well as all the usual waterfowl and woodland birds | None |
| 2006-03-03 | I Black-necked Grebe, pair Red-crested Pochard , 5 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew flew into VC creek at14.50, 45 Barnacles, 2 Willow Tit PS hide feeder. | Alan Lewin |
| 2006-03-04 | The Red-necked Grebe and Goosander (pictures shortly on the Picture Gallery page) seen today alongside the dam wall. Also Nuthatch on the Paul Stanley hide feeders | Eric Dewhurst |
| 2006-03-04 | A friend and I spotted a single Red Kite hunting over Carsington Pasture on Saturday 4th March 2006, at approximately 10.30 AM. The bird was hovering and swooping fairly low to the ground (15 – 20 ft?) and at one point landed and appeared to pick up some prey. The bird did not seem that bothered about us – we were on a family sledging trip and making quite a bit of noise and moving around a great deal – but after approximately 2 minutes it was mobbed by crows and flew off in the direction of Carsington Water. The bird’s markings were very clear – this was on a bright, sunny and crisp morning with excellent visibility – with my friend clearly seeing the V-shaped tail and I had an excellent view of the underside of the wing, showing distinct white markings and black wing tips. The shape, size, colouring, markings and behaviour of the bird indicated quite clearly that this was a Red Kite and this was confirmed when we reviewed the literature and online image galleries related to the breed. Also, severe winter weather in Wales during the period could well have driven the animal eastwards and beyond its normal habitat in order to hunt on clearer ground. Did anyone else see | Will Hoon |
| 2006-03-13 | Thirty five species seen from or near to the Wildlife Centre at around midday. Weather: Overcast with a cold northerly wind blowing. Very few people on the site. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (19); Oystercatcher (3); Snipe (1); Song Thrush (1); Bullfinch (a pair); Reed Bunting (1). Gleaned from the logbook and the display board outside the visitor centre: 12th March: Oystercatcher (9). 11th March: Common Scoter (1). 10th March: Curlew (20); Goldeneye (20). 8th March: Black-necked Grebe (2). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-03-21 | Of interest today between 13:00 and 18:00 were, The Red Necked Grebe, along with a pair of Goosander at Millfields. 7 Redshank - Horseshoe Island, Watersports area, and Stones Island. 15 Lesser Redpoll feeding on the grass bank at the end of Stones Island, along with several Goldfinch and a solitary Redwing. Towards dusk a single Dunlin on Horseshoe Island was joined by the fine sight of 61 Curlew coming in to roost. | Clive Ashton |
| 2006-03-25 | Red-necked Grebe and a pair of Goosander in Millfields Bay today | P Stoppard |
| 2006-03-27 | Sightings for Saturday 25th March: Two Sand Martins over Stones Island at 07:15 (RC) One Chiffchaff singing by Stones Island feeding station (RC) Two Wheatears reported to RC on the Dam Wall at 08:15 One Chiffchaff reported to me as singing at the bottom of Tail Bay One Swallow reported to RC as being seen from Lane Ends Hide One Lesser Spotted Woodpecker seen at the Paul Stanley Feeders at 10.30 and 13.00 Two Common Scoter seen from Paul Stanley Hide (I think) (SJH) Sunday 26th March Two Sand Martins along the Dam Wall at 17.00 Monday 27th March Up to five Sand Martins all day between the Visitor Centre and the Wildlife Centre One Stonechat on the Dam Wall | Paul Bennett Ranger Service, Severn Trent Water Ltd |
| 2006-03-29 | The Red-Necked Grebe fishing at Millfields near the tower. c100 Sand Martins along the dam wall and on Stones Island, along with c20 Swallows and a single House Martin near the Sailing Club. 3 Chiffchaff ( Millfields,Paul Stanley and W.L.C.) 4 Buzzard seen soaring around the site. 2 Little Owl at Shiningford Creek. 3 Goldcrest and 1 Willow Tit seen at Wildlife Centre Creek. 7 Redpoll and 2 Redwing on Stones Island. Good numbers of Tree Sparrow seen, with 20 around the feeding station on Stones Island. A Kingfisher seen flying from the Wildlife Centre towards Shiningford farm. Several sightings of Meadow Pipit along the dam wall. Also seen at various locations, though difficult to count with confidence,Redshank, Oystercatcher,Curlew,Snipe and healthy numbers of Reed Bunting. | Clive Ashton and Dave Newcombe |
| 2006-03-30 | More spring migrants arrived: Tues 28th, 1 House Martin. Thur 30th, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Blackcap but it could be a wintering bird, and a pager report of a first winter Little Gull. | Roger Carrington |
| 2006-04-05 | Red-necked Grebe showing well from the Dam wall, near to the tower with Swallow, Sand Martin and House Martin over the water in the sailing club bay. Buzzard and Raven showing well from several places Several Chiffchaff around, Blackcap, Redstart, Willow Tit and Reed Bunting have all been seen today | None |
| 2006-04-07 | The Red-Necked Grebe showing very close from the amphitheatre at the end of the dam wall. Also from the Millfields end of the dam wall 2 female Wheatear. Stones Island proved productive with 2 Little Ringed Plover,1 Common Sandpiper and 1 Yellow Wagtail. A male Redstart in the field behind the Wildlife Centre. | Clive Ashton and Dave Newcombe |
| 2006-04-09 | Round the reservoir: 19 Chiffchaff, 8 Willow Warbler. Millfields: 1 Red-necked Grebe off towards the water tower, 1 Marsh Tit, 1 Sparrowhawk taking a Woodpigeon corpse away. Dam Wall: Approx. 50 Sand Martins and 25 Swallows through in five minutes heading north over the water, with more feeding over the reservoir as the day progressed. Stones Island: 3 White Wagtails (m). WLC: 3 Redshank, 5 Oystercatcher. North End: 2 Oystercatcher on shingle spit. | Matthew Kelly |
| 2006-04-10 | 2 Buzzard - Soaring over Hall Wood 2 Goldeneye - left of Sheepwash Hide 3 Swallows - Sheepewash and Paul Stanley Hide 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker- Paul Stanley Hide feeders 2 Bullfinch - Paul Stanley Hide feeders 1 Blackcap - Drinking from a pool left of the path to Paul Stanley Hide | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-04-11 | The Red-necked Grebe was still by the draw-down tower this morning (11th). A Whooper Swan was found behind Horseshoe Island at 10:30 yesterday. It hung around there all day until at least 17:00. The Common Sandpiper that's been on site for a few days now, was on Horseshoe Island early on yesterday, along with a Little Ringed Plover, but it later moved to the Watersports Island. There were also one or two White Wagtails on Stones Island and Horseshoe Island throughout the day. This morning I found a burgundy RSPB note pad on the track to the wildlife Centre. It has notes in it from Spurn, Donna Nook, Old Moor, Blacktoft and Linacre. I will keep hold of it at the Ranger Base. Any enquiries to the reception desk (01629 540696) or this website. | Paul Bennett, Ranger Service |
| 2006-04-12 | On Stones Island this morning (08:00): 1 Wheatear (female) 1 Yellow Wagtail (male) 4 White Wagtail 1 Common Sandpiper 4 House Martins (in trees on eastern end) 63 Swallows (in trees on eastern end) 3 Meadow Pipits 1 Willow Warbler | Paul Bennett, Ranger Service |
| 2006-04-11 | Two migrating Ospreys sighted on Tuesday 11th – one over the River Wye above Rowsley and the other above the Derwent near Chatsworth. | Neil Venables |
| 2006-04-17 | At least 14 Yellow Wagtails (including one blue headed), eight White Wagtails and over 30 Pied wagtails were seen feeding on the south side of Stones Island in the evening (19:15). There was also a female Brambling (found by John Bradley), a Little Ringed Plover and good numbers of Reed Buntings, Tree Sparrows and Hirundines. Two male Common Redstarts were in the field north-west of the Wildlife Centre (RH side of the track, heading north-west). | Paul Bennett STW Ranger |
| 2006-04-18 | At least 36 Species seen on the Bird Club walk this evening just going round Stones Island and up to the Wildlife Centre between 7 and 8.15pm. Species included: Good views of the White, Pied and Yellow Wagtails (included one blue headed), Tree Sparrow, Brambling, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Reed Bunting, Swallow, House Martin, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Curlew and Raven. | None |
| 2006-04-24 | Highlights for last week as follows: 24/04 Garden Warblers arrived on site. At least two on Stones Island and two at Sheepwash car park. Also a Little Egret was seen flying over the reservoir by John Bradley and Alan Stewardson at around 18:45. 25/04 Alan Stewardson drew my attention to a pair of Cackling Geese on Horseshoe Island. Alan found these on Stones Island on the 24th and after consulting the appropriate field guides, decided on the aforementioned identification. They are superficially similar to Canada Geese, but are at least half the size and have a darker breast. They also appear to be slightly smaller than Barnacle Geese. Cackling Geese occur naturally in north-west America (I think) and it is unlikely that they are genuine vagrants, but are still interesting to see on site. 28/04 Thirty-nine Black-tailed Godwits were found spread between fields around the Wildlife Centre and Stones Island this morning. Jim Craw counted 42 in to roost on Horseshoe Island in the evening, along with three Whimbrel. Also seen today were three Arctic Terns, which were off Stones Island briefly in the morning. 29/04 Nine Black-tailed Godwits still present this morning, feeding in the fields opposite the Wildlife Centre. Also of interest locally was an Alpine Swift, found at Ogston on the evening of the 27th. It was seen over Ogston Hall at around 18:45 and then moved over to Carr Wood. It was relocated at 06:05 the following morning, but didn't hang around long. It has not been seen since. | Paul Bennett, Ranger Service |
| 2006-04-29 | Willow Warbler - trees at the back of the Wildlife Centre 10 Black-Tailed Godwits & 1 Bar-Tailed Godwit - On Horseshoe Island and flew to the field to the left of the Wildlife Centre 1 Little Ringed Plover - Running around Horseshoe Island 2 Barnacle Geese - Swam past the Wildlife Centre 1 Little Owl - Siting on a post behind the electricity pylon at the Wildlife Centre | None |
| 2006-05-04 | Today was the warmest day of the year so far - at 22-24C. Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WC). 39 species of bird identified. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (10). Pintail (1 male) - Horseshoe Island. Oystercatcher (2) - Horseshoe Island. Dunlin (1) - Horseshoe Island. Redshank (2) - Horseshoe Island | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-05-07 | *****Another first for Carsington!! A Roseate Tern along with other Tern species dropped in at Carsington for a couple of hours today. This is the first seen in Derbyshire since 1979 | None |
| 2006-05-11 | Three Black Terns were just north-west of Watersports Island between 15:30 and 17:00 at least. Two Whimbrel flew in from the south at 15:30 and landed on Horseshoe Island. One was reported as still being there at 18:00 (five Whimbrel passed through on Monday 8th). Other waders of note were three Little Ringed Plovers flying around Watersports Bay, a Common Sandpiper on Watersports Island, a Dunlin on Horseshoe Island and a Turnstone along the shoreline by the fishery office (present, on and off, since Friday 7th). | Paul Bennett, STW Ranger Service |
| 2006-05-20 | A male Pied Flycatcher in the small wood at the side of Lane End hide (Sheepwash side.) Also c30 Swifts in front of Lane End hide. 3 Dunlin on Horseshoe Island. 1 Little Ringed Plover on Stones Island. 1 Curlew flew over by Shiningford Farm. Clive Ashton. 2 Coots - One on the nest in front of the Wildlife Centre while the other one kept fetching sticks 1 Redshank - Flew and landed right in front of the Wildlife Centre 3 Dunlin - Feeding on Horseshoe Island 3 Tree Sparrow - On the feeders next to the Wildlife Centre 1 Little Owl - Sat on the same post as last time then dropped down & caught something then flew to the nest box | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-05-22 | Approx 14.00 to 16.00: Large numbers of Sand and House Martins around the Visitor Centre in the aftermath of a severe downpour. One Little Ring Plover and a male Wheatear on Stones Island, the latter only for about 30 seconds before flying north. Very little activity around the Wildlife Centre - three Redshank, four Oystercatcher, three Tree Sparrows and a Dabchick - until a Short Eared Owl appeared along the shoreline in the vicinity of Horseshoe Island. It was quickly mobbed, first by a pair of Oystercatchers and then by Jackdaws before disappearing in the trees. A group of visitors claimed to have seen a hobby hawking over the fields behind the Wildlife Centre but investigation revealed a merlin being harrassed by a kestrel before settling briefy on a fence post and then departing in a westerly direction. Male Pied Flycatcher and Greater Spotted Woodpecker seen later from the (strongly recommended) tea room at Lea Rhododendron Gardens and a Little Owl was on its usual telegraph pole at Ridgway near Belper. Two Hobby were also seen in the afternoon (RC) at Carsington | None |
| 2006-06-01 | Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WC) around midday. Sunny but a strong breeze noted when on Stones Island. Water level very high. Horseshoe Island (HI) has become four smaller islands. 37 species of bird identified. The following were of note: Pink-footed Goose (1) - with Canada Geese near WC Creek. Greylag Goose (1) - on HI. Barnacle Goose (10) Bar-headed Goose (1) - on HI then joined Canada Geese in fields near Shiningford Farm. Oystercatcher (1) - field by WC Creek. Redshank (4) - on HI. Reed Bunting (1) - Stones Island. Very young birds of the following species were seen: Mallard, Moorhen, Coot and one Lapwing chick was seen on HI. The following sightings were entered in the logbook by others for today: Hobby (1) and Whitethroat (2). BUTTERFLIES: Green-veined White and Brimstone. PLANTS in flower: Hawthorn, Gorse, Meadow Buttercup, Daisy, Silverweed, Germander Speedwell, Bogbean, Water Forget-me-not, Field Forget-me-not, Cow Parsley, Red Campion, Cowslip, Bluebell, Bush Vetch (or Crow-peas), Ribwort Plantain and Common Sorrel. A DIP into the LOGBOOK for the last few days: MAY 31st: Little Ringed Plover (2), Shelduck (1), Common Buzzard (4), Raven (2), Lesser Whitethroat (1) and a Great Crested Grebe with striped young on its back. MAY 28th: Turnstone (1) and Curlew (1). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-06-08 | 33 species of birds identified during the morning. Main viewing sites were Stones Island and from the Wildlife Centre (WC). Hot and sunny. Hottest day so far this year 26-27degrees C. OF NOTE: Great Crested Grebe - two females were carrying striped young on their backs. Greylag Goose (1) - off Stones Island. Barnacle Goose (10) - mainly on Horseshoe Island (HI). Shoveler (one male) - off HI. Oystercatcher (2) - one HI and one seen from Stones Island. Lapwing - including one chick on HI. Redshank (2) - HI. Reed Bunting (2) - Stones Island. Also identified today but found by others: Curlew (1), Grasshopper Warbler (one heard between Sheepwash and Lane Ends hide), Bullfinches. BUTTERFLIES: Only Orange Tip and Small White seen. DAMSELFLY: Common Blue - 16 pairs of this species were laying eggs in plant material on the pond by the WC. Each male was in tandem with the female, the tail of the male locked onto the neck or head of the female while she deposited the eggs from her tail. Quite a sight! PLANTS: Most of the plants reported on the 1st June are still in bloom but the following additional species were noted today: Yellow Iris, Yellow-rattle, Dog Rose, Hogweed, Common Mouse-ear, Marsh Marigold and Broad-leaved Willowherb. FROM the LOGBOOK for the last few days: 7th JUNE: Bar-headed Goose (1); Redshank (5). 6th JUNE: Redshank - two very young birds on HI; Red-crested Pochard (one hybrid or leucistic bird) - on HI. Lapwing - including three chicks. 5th JUNE: Curlew (1); Common Tern (1). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-06-24 | 4 Tree Sparrows - On the feeders next to the Wildlife Centre 2 Common Terns - On the tern rafts in front of the Wildlife Centre 3 Barnacle Geese - Right in front of the Wildlife Centre 3 Little Grebes - 1 adult with two young 1 Little Ringed Plover - On Horseshoe Island 1 Male Red-Crested Pochard - on Horseshoe Island 2 Curlews - Flew in and landed on Horseshoe Island 3 Cackling Canada Geese - To the left of the Wildlife Centre 1 Little Owl - Sitting on a dead tree near the electricity pylon 1 Bar-Headed Goose - With Canada Geese near the childrens' play area | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-07-04 | 40 species of bird identified. OF NOTE: Mute Swan (6) - one adult with cygnet. Greylag Goose (1) - with Canadas near the sailing club. Barnacle Goose (5) Kestrel (one female) Oystercatcher (3) - Horseshoe Island (HI). Little Ringed Plover (2) - HI. Black-tailed Godwit (1) - HI, in full summer plumage. Redshank (1) - HI. Lesser Black-backed Gull (~200) - centre of reservoir. Common Tern (2) - nesting on raft in front of the WC. One bird frequently hunted by Stones Island and often caught small fish. It was reported to us verbally that one tern egg had been stolen by a gull. Little Owl (1) - seen from WC on far side of WC creek. BUTTERFLIES on the wing: Meadow Brown, Small Blue, Large White, Small Tortoiseshell. ODONATA: Common Blue damselfly - pool by WC. (also many Water Boatmen). PLANTS in bloom: Thirty one species noted including Black Medick, Kidney Vetch, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Bush & Tufted Vetches, Meadow Vetchling, Bramble, Sweet Briar, Cleavers, Great Willowherb, Broad- leaved Willowherb, Woody Nightshade (or Bittersweet), Meadow Crane's-bill, Common Knapweed, Spear & Field Thistles, Hawkweed, Oxeye Daisy, Selfheal, Common Ragwort and Nipplewort. An "Aren't Birds Brilliant" event was started on Sunday and will run for a week in the WC. Volunteers are present with telescopes to introduce the public to birds. This is a joint venture between Severn Trent Water and the RSPB. A DIP INTO THE LOGBOOK on recent dates: 2nd JULY: Jay, Great Spotted Woodpecker, a Redshank chick. 1st JULY: Lapwing chicks, Pochard. 30th JUNE: Common Sandpiper (2), Curlew, Redshank (2), Ruddy Duck. 29th JUNE: Common Scoter (one male), Gadwall (one male). The arrival of the first Common Tern was on the 21st JUNE. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-07-13 | A few records for today from Roger Carrington, our club recorder: 2 Blacktailed Godwits at Wildlife Centre pair of Common Terns breeding at Wildlife Centre 2 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton Arm reedbed 1 Reed Warbler singing in Brown Ale Bay reedbed. 1 Common Sandpiper Sheepwash. For Sunday 9th 1 Whistling Swan [escape] in front of Sailing Club | Roger Carrington |
| 2006-07-13 | Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WC) as usual. Only 33 species of bird identified around midday. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (4) - WC. Oystercatcher (2) - Horseshoe Island (HI). Redshank (4) - Stones Island (SI). Common Tern (2) - raft opposite WC. One bird sitting in place, presumably on a nest and the other hunting for fish. Warblers only sing occasionally now or not at all. However, the following were noted; Blackcap, Garden Warbler and Willow Warbler. Juvenile birds from the following species were noted: Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Redshank, House Martin, Pied Wagtail, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Starling and Greenfinch. INSECTS present: Water Boatmen, Common Blue damselfly (~10) - some laying eggs. (WC pond). Large White, Meadow Brown and Brimstone butterflies. PLANTLIFE: Plants identified on the 4th July are still in bloom plus Perennial Sow-thistle, Welted Thistle, Cat's Ear, Autumn Hawkbit (starts flowering in June), Tufted Vetch and Hedge Bedstraw. A dip into the logbook: 10th JULY: Cackling Goose (1) - looks like a small Canada Goose. 9th JULY: Whistling Swan (1) - like a Whooper Swan but its beak is completely black. Was this the same bird that visited Tittesworth on the 18th June? 7th JULY: Tawny Owl (2) - juveniles. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-07-16 | Terns seem to have hatched 3 young on raft in front of WLC on Friday14th July, I only saw one but RSPB team have seen 3. Was at a meeting so didn't note much else of note just the Cackling Geese still on Horseshoe and male Black-tailed Skimmer Dragonfly on WLC pond. Steph' Hicking 1 Wren - Wood behind Sheepwash Hide 7 Shelduck - Sheepwash Hide 1 Common Tern - Feeding in front of Sheepwash Hide 2 Oystercatchers - Sheepwash Spit 1 Common Scoter - Drake from Sheepwash Hide 1 Garden Warbler - Woods behind Sheepwash Hide | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-07-17 | A female/imm Marsh Harrier flew towards Fishtail Creek at 5.00.p.m., 3 Black Tailed Godwits on Sheepwash Spit and a Green Sandpiper by the Wildlife Centre | None |
| 2006-07-22 | Short afternoon visit to Wildlife Centre produced: 1 adult Whistling Swan at wildlife centre (WLC) (presumed escape) - see picture gallery for photograph 3 Cackling Geese (WLC) (escapes). 200+ Tufted Duck (WLC). 1 Snipe (WLC). 2 Common Sandpiper (WLC). 4 Common Tern adults (2 pair) 3 chicks seen 1 on left hand raft 2 on right hand (have they been swimming?). 8 Mute Swan plus the usual numbers of Lapwing, Redshank, Oystercatcher etc. | Steph Hicking |
| 2006-07-25 | 4 Barnacle Geese - Came and fed under the bird feeders 1 of the Common Tern chicks fell off the Tern Raft and was bobbing up and down until a boat came and rescued it and put it back on the Tern Raft. then a few minutes later the two of them on that raft fell out again. 1 Cormorant - Few and landed near the Wildlife Centre and then disappeared 1 Whistling Swan - To the left of the Wildlife Centre | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-06-30 | 1 Black-Tailed Godwit - Flew onto Horseshoe Island 2 Snipe - On Horseshoe Island 1 Kestrel - Hunting over the back of Horseshoe Island 1 Song Thrush - In the Visitor Center Car Park | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-08-11 | Ruddy Shell Duck from the Wild Life Centre (far bank). Also lots of activity around the W.L.C. feeders including Male Bull Finch and Tree Sparrows feeding juveniles. Common Sandpiper x 2 from Paul Stanley hide. Also Great Spotted Woodpecker and Willow Tit on the feeders. | Mick Sharp |
| 2006-08-19 | 1 Common Sandpiper - Horseshoe Island 1 Cormorant - Flew in next to one of the Tern Rafts 18 Teal - feeding on Horseshoe Island and on the bank to the far left of the Wildlife Centre 1 Male Bullfinch - On the the Wildlife Centre feeders for about 3 minutes | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-08-21 | 2 Common terns,1 Kingfisher & 1 Common sand from WLC plus 1 Common sand & 1 LRP on Stones Island | Geoff Barter, Hook, Surrey |
| 2006-08-25 | 2 Red-Crested Pochard - Sighting on Horseshoe Island 1 Sparrowhawk - Flew over Horseshoe Island making all the Lapwings and Teal fly up 1 Buzzard - Flew over Horseshoe Island | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-08-28 | Just to let you know that on my walk around Carsington today (Monday 28th August 2006) I saw 2 Female Teal in front of the Paul Stanley Hide at around 5pm. | Anita Dale |
| 2006-08-30 | Very busy on the site today but there were few people walking around Stones Island or visiting the Wildlife Centre. Teal numbers have increased and there are five smart looking Gadwall present. The best find of the day was a Ruddy Shelduck on Horseshoe Island. Two Pochards were spied in Shiningford Creek and there were plenty of Tufted Ducks about. The only wader species present was Lapwing but in good numbers. The only warbler detected today was Willow Warbler. One bird was detected because it was making a contact call and a second bird was found because it sang part of its song - a descending trill or warble. Arctic Terns were seen yesterday but unfortunately not today. According to the logbook there was an immature Peregrine present on the 28th. Most plants have finished flowering but the following were in bloom today: Greater Reedmace, Water Mint, Silverweed and a small patch of Redshank on Stones Island. | Ray and Margaret Perry |