Recent Sightings
| Date | Sighting | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 27/02/2026 | At Carsi this morning, the Common Sandpiper was on Watersports island, Redshank and Kingfisher from Paul Stanley hide, 9 Goldeneye in Brown Ale Bay, singing Willow Tit and 4 Redpoll near Lane End and a finch flock between Sheepwash and Lane End comprising 16 Chaffinch, 16 Goldfinch and 3 Greenfinch. | Simon Roddis |
| 26/02/2026 | 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker , 12 Long tailed Tit, 1 Nuthatch, 20 Redwing, 7 Gadwall, 16 Teal , 3 Grey Heron, 3 Little grebe, 7 Oystercatcher, 4 Female Goldeneye, 4 Male Goldeneye, 2 Pied wagtail, 4 Barnacle goose, 1 Buzzard, 1Coal tit | Dave Armitt |
| 26/02/2026 | Single Shelduck around Horseshoe/Watersports this morning. Pair of Barnacle Geese. 28 Tufted. 6+ Goldeneye. 12 Curlew, including 10 at sailing club early on. 1 Woodcock and 1 Tawny Owl at Hopton end first thing. 285 Lesser Black-backs flew N over Hopton as they came out of the roost. Pair of Willow Tits (one singing) south of Lane End. 50 Redwing, mostly at Paul Stanley/Sheepwash. 20 Chaffinch, including a flock of 14 NE. | Simon Roddis |
| 23/02/2026 | 870 Woodpigeons flew N 0730-0830 this morning, plus 5 Skylarks and a Great Egret. 34 Barnacle Geese at WLC and Willow Tit nearby. 14 Curlew in WLC fields. Redshank and 5 Snipe from Paul Stanley hide. 3 Redpoll over Stones causeway. | Simon Roddis |
| 21/02/2026 | Monthly wildfowl count: 224 Canada, 34 Barnacle, 28 Greylag, 44 Gadwall, 16 Wigeon, 226 Mallard, 187 Teal, 7 Pochard, 7 Tufted, 10 Goldeneye, 5 Moorhen, 75 Coot, 6 Little Grebe, 24 GCGrebe, 10 Oystercatcher, 15 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 1 Redshank, 7 Cormorant. 7 Skylarks over Stones. | Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley |
| 20/02/2026 | Around Carsi this morning, 34 Barnacle Geese, 5 Curlew off Stones causeway early on, Common Sandpiper from WLC, a first-winter Mediterranean Gull from Sheepwash hide late morning, Water Rail and Redshank at Paul Stanley hide (AHS), Willow Tit singing near WLC, 50 Redwing, 10 Crossbills SW over WLC creek mid-morning. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 19/02/2026 | Clive pulled another rabbit out of the hat this morning in the shape of a Grey Partridge on Stones island, the first at Carsi since November 2011. However, a search between the WLC and Shiningford for Tuesday's Bittern was to no avail. The Common Sandpiper was still on Horseshoe island and a male Sparrowhawk posed beautifully there for a while. At least 22 GCGrebes suggests a small increase, as you'd expect as we approach spring. | SJR, CA |
| 17/02/2026 | Just 350 Woodpigeons and 120 Starlings N this morning. A Great Egret flew S down the res mid-morning and a Shelduck flew in at the same time. 34 Barnacle Geese. 8 Curlews at sailing club early morning, and 3 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. 15 Linnets again on Stones. | SJR, CA, MW |
| 16/02/2026 | Credit is due to Clive for most of this morning's birds: an adult Kittiwake from Stones island late morning, last seen heading towards Millfields; 1,750 Woodpigeons N; 32 Barnacle Geese; 7 Curlew, the Common Sandpiper and 15 Linnets around Horseshoe island; Peregrine over Shiningford and a Willow Tit at WLC. | CA, MW, SJR |
| 14/02/2026 | On this fine sunny morning, 4 Pintail (1m,3f) were at Sheepwash late morning, only 10 Pochard, 9 Goldeneye, 12+ Oystercatchers, Redshank from Paul Stanley hide still, Curlew down the east side, adult Great Black-back, pair of Peregrines on a pylon at Shiningford, drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker in Hall Wood, Willow Tit at WLC. Surprisingly little moving, although there was a report of 60 Pink-footed Geese over. | Simon Roddis |
| 12/02/2026 | A bit of movement this morning, virtually everything heading N or NE: 820 Woodpigeons, 2 Stock Doves, 120 Pink-footed Geese, 166 Starlings, 5 Skylarks, 1 Curlew, 6 Lesser Black-backs. At ground/water level, 29 Greylags, 2 Pintail, 51 Pochard, 13 Goldeneye, 69 Coot, 15 GCGrebe, Woodcock at Hopton end, the Common Sandpiper back at Millfields, adult Great Black-back, Willow Tit at WLC, and in the air 6 Buzzards and 6 Ravens (3 pairs). | Simon Roddis |
| 11/02/2026 | Just a few bits and bobs this morning: 3 Shoveler still at Sheepwash, female Pintail off Stones, single Snipe and Redshank from Paul Stanley hide and a Skylark over, 1 (maybe 2) Willow Tit at WLC, 2 Meadow Pipits over Stones causeway, 2 Reed Buntings at the Millfields feeders. | Simon Roddis |
| 10/02/2026 | A bit same old, same old this morning: Common Sandpiper still from WLC, Redshank from Paul Stanley hide, 3 Shoveler and 4 Pintail at Sheepwash, 103 Pochard plus the hybrid, adult Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Willow Tits near WLC. One day there'll be a change in the weather and, hopefully, the birds. One day... | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 09/02/2026 | The Common Sandpiper was still on Horseshoe island late morning and the Redshank at Sheepwash. 115 Lapwing. 104 Pochard plus the male Aythya hybrid. 3 Shoveler. Drake and at least 3 female Pintail. 10 Goldeneye. 103 Coot. 43 Woodpigeons N. Adult Great Black-back and 2 immature Herring Gulls. Pair of Willow Tits on the WLC feeders and another pair near Lane End. Treecreeper singing at WLC and Red Bunting almost singing at Paul Stanley. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 08/02/2026 | Highlight of a couple of hours late afternoon was a Barn Owl hunting to the left of Sheepwash hide, flushing the nearby ducks, which included 3 Shoveler and a female Pintail. Redhead Goosander at Millfields. 20+ Barnacle Geese beyond the top of WLC creek. Willow Tit at WLC (the volunteers had 2 there this morning). 100 Redwing at the top of WLC creek. | Simon Roddis |
| 07/02/2026 | The Common Sandpiper was on Watersports island this morning. 10 Oystercatchers. 4 Shoveler (3m,1f) at Sheepwash/Millfields. 4 Pintail (drake at Sheepwash, 3f from Paul Stanley hide. 8 Goldeneye. 35 Barnacle Geese eventually settled in the overflow carpark. Adult Great Black-backed Gull. 20 Linnet on Stones island. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 05/02/2025 | The drake Pintail and 3 Shoveler (2m,1f) were at Sheepwash this morning, and 5 Goldeneye (4m,1f) and the Redshank from Paul Stanley hide. Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe island in front of the WLC. c35 Barnacle Geese over WLC creek. 125 Rooks N past Sheepwash early morning. | Simon Roddis |
| 03/02/2026 | Best this morning was a flock of 8 Pintail briefly past Stones island. 36 Barnacle Geese. At least 136 Pochard (quite possibly more as Clive had nearly 100 at Sheepwash/Brown Ale Bay while I only counted 65 there). 3 Shoveler from PS hide. 8 Oystercatcher.18 Lapwing. 1 Redshank still. Willow Tit at WLC. 35 Linnet on Stones. | SJR, CA, MW |
| 01/01/2-26 | From Paul Stanley Hide (12.30-13.15): 5 Goldeneye (4m, 1f), 8 Lapwing, Redshank, 20+ Wigeon, a lot of Teal, 3 Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit | Gary Atkins |
| 01/02/2026 | Birds seen, through the mist, at today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island - Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Blue Tit, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose, Teal, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot, Little Grebe, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Robin, Song Thrush, Magpie, Cormorant, Goldfinch, Redwing, Dunnock, Woodpigeon, Goldeneye, Bullfinch, Pheasant, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Great Tit, Wren, Gt Crested Grebe, Moorhen, Chaffinch, Pied Wagtail | Gary Atkins |
| 01/02/2026 | Very foggy this morning. Woodcock, Snipe and Tawny Owl at Hopton end first thing. 133 Pochard, most of them at Sheepwash, and the drake Pintail still. 5 Oystercatchers. Redshank from PS hide. 2 Herring Gulls at Sheepwash. 15 Linnet at Millfields. | Simon Roddis |
| 28/01/2026 | Ad hoc wildfowl count this morning, slightly hampered by a bit of mist around the edge first thing: 274 Canada, 29 Barnacle, 8 Greylags, 115 Gadwall, 102 Wigeon, 328 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 746 Teal, 114 Pochard, 22 Tufted, 14 Goldeneye, 115 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 5 Oystercatcher, 31 Lapwing, Common Sandpiper still at Millfields, 1 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 11 Cormorant. Male Peregrine past WLC. 200 Woodpigeons N and 160 Starlings W. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 25/01/2026 | This morning, a pair of Shelduck (presumably the same birds as yesterday) flew N then swam back past Paul Stanley hide; drake Pintail, Redshank and redhead Goosander also from Paul Stanley and 30 Siskin in the woodland; Oystercatchers at Millfields and WLC; 2 Willow Tits at WLC, and a male Aythya hybrid, very likely the presumed Pochard x Ferruginous Duck that has been here before. | Simon Roddis |
| 23/01/2026 | Just a few bits and pieces this morning: Common Sandpiper still at Millfields, 2 Oystercatchers on Horseshoe island, first-winter Yellow-legged Gull at sailing club, drake Pintail from Paul Stanley hide (AHS), 60 Pochard, 30 Linnets on Stones, 40 Siskin. | SJR, CA, AHS |
| 21/01/2026 | The Common Sandpiper was still at Millfields this morning, while an adult Caspian Gull off the sailing club was the first of the year here, I believe. Oystercatcher at Watersports and 2 Willow Tits between there and WLC. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 19/01/2026 | Very murky this morning but there was a Black-tailed Godwit on Sheepwash spit, Redshank and drake Shoveler from Paul Stanley hide, Oystercatcher at Watersports, Willow Tits at WLC and Millfields, and Common Sandpiper still at Millfields. | Simon Roddis |
| 17/01/2026 | I've done the monthly wildfowl count this afternoon as the forecast for tomorrow isn't great: 272 Canada, 12 Greylags, 3 Egyptian Geese (on Sheepwash spit before flying NE at 15:12), 123 Gadwall, 112 Wigeon, 461 Mallard, 1 Pintail, 936 Teal, 36 Pochard, 24 Tufted, 9 Goldeneye, 4 Moorhen, 145 Coot, 6 Little Grebes, 21 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 13 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper (presumably the bird that was around in December), 21 Cormorant. In the gull roost off Stones island late afternoon, c2,000 each of Common and Black-headed Gulls, 400 Lesser Black-backs, 2 Herring. | Simon Roddis |
| 16/01/2026 | 60 Wigeon,4 Goldeneye, 3 Little Grebe, 1 Pochard, 40 Teal, 32 Gadwall, 1 Goldfinch,1 Kestrel, 6 Long Tailed Tit, 1 Treecreeper, 11 Cormorant, 2 Fieldfare, 1 Redwing, 2 Buzzard, 2 Greenfinch, 1 Peregrine, 30 Linnet , 50 Lapwing | Dave Armitt |
| 16/01/2026 | Slightly better conditions than yesterday, with the fog lifting mid-morning. The drake Pintail was off Sheepwash. 95 Pochard. The Oystercatcher still, 34 Lapwing and 1 Snipe. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. Willow Tit at WLC. Winter thrushes included at least 330 Redwing and 190 Fieldfares (270 and 150 respectively through Hopton early morning). | Simon Roddis |
| 15/01/2026 | Difficult to see much in thick fog this morning but there were 2 Woodcock and 3 calling Tawny Owls at Millfields first thing, Willow Tit at WLC, Oystercatcher again at Watersports/Horseshoe island, Redshank in Brown Ale Bay, and Clive had a Pink-footed Goose among the Greylags. | SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD |
| 14/02/2026 | Clive found the first Oystercatcher of the year at Watersports this morning, a relatively early first date. 29 Lapwing. 51 Pochard. Adult Great Black-backed Gull. Male Peregrine on its favoured pylon then over Sheepwash and Hall Wood. Willow Tit at WLC. Skylark S over the main centre. 10 Linnet from the WLC. 4 Crossbills in the top of Hall Wood. | SJR, CA, AHS, MW |
| 12/01/2026 | c35 Barnacle Geese over WLC late morning and 2 Goosander N over Hopton end first thing. 5 Goldeneye. Drake Pintail reported at WLC but I missed it. 45 Woodpigeons N. 124 Coot. Skylark N over Stones late morning. Mistle Thrush singing at Sheepwash. | Simon Roddis |
| 10/01/2026 | Drake Pintail and Redshank from Paul Stanley hide this morning. A Pink-footed Goose was among the Greylags at Watersports and 36 Barnacle Geese from WLC. 32 Lapwing. 47 Fieldfare flew N (obviously!). 12+ Meadow Pipits. | Simon Roddis |
| 06/01/2026 | Yesterday's 3 Curlew were still at sailing club this morning, and a total of 51 Lapwing there and in Brown Ale Bay. Shelduck off Stones (and later Sheepwash) and redhead Goosander at Millfields. 92 Pochard. 5 Shoveler. Full compliment of Barnacle Geese. 106 Coot. 8 Little Grebes. Willow Tit at WLC. 15 Meadow Pipits at Sheepwash and 12 at WLC. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 05/01/2026 | A very decent afternoon visit: 2 adult White-fronted Geese were among c200 Greylags between Lane End and Sheepwash, plus one Pink-foot. A Little Egret flew past Paul Stanley hide. 2 adult Mute Swans. Drake Shoveler from WLC. 38 Pochard. 100 Coot in Brown Ale Bay at dusk. 30 Lapwing. Clive's 3 Curlew were still at sailing club. 800 Common Gulls off Stones by 15:30. Little Owl again in WLC fields, being mobbed by Blackbirds and Blue Tits. 11 Meadow Pipits toughing it out. | Simon Roddis |
| 04/01/2026 | Species recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-WLC-WLC Creek): House Sparrow, Pintail, Lapwing, Little Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Teal, Pied Wagtail, Goldeneye, Wigeon, Mallard, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Canada Goose, Coot, Robin, Mute Swan, Gt Crested Grebe, Blue Tit, Greylag Goose, Moorhen, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Dunnock, Wren, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Redwing, Blackbird, Treecreeper, Pheasant, Great Tit, Snipe, Meadow Pipit, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Long-tailed Tit | Gary Atkins |
| 02/01/2026 | Juvenile GNDiver still north of Millfields this morning. Woodcock at Hopton end first thing, and Redshank later. 3 Grey Heron in Brown Ale Bay. 100 Woodpigeons NE, 40 SW. 3 Fieldfare and 2 Redpoll over Millfields. | Simon Roddis |
| 31/12/2025 | Juvenile GNDiver still off the east side north of Millfields. A bit of late movement, with 1,400 Woodpigeons and 192 Fieldfare heading N (Fieldfare can be tricky to see here in December so quite surprising to see such a decent number). 250 Starlings W might just have been heading out from their roost. c35 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. Great Egret at Sheepwash. Peregrine having its breakfast on Horseshoe island. 2 Willow Tits at WLC. | Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton |
| 30/12/2025 | Afternoon visit: the juvenile GNDiver was off Millfields, female Common Scoter from Stones (and later from Sheepwash) and a Great Egret, last seen flying into Green Pond, presumably to roost. Little Owl called in WLC fields mid afternoon. Pair of Peregrines perched on Sheepwash spit and then over Brown Ale Bay at dusk. Willow Tit at WLC. Single Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls. 70 Linnets on Stones. Over BABay late afternoon, 390 Redwing, 55 Fieldfare and 26 Chaffinch. | Simon Roddis |
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Historic Sightings
| Date | Sighting | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2006-09-01 | Paul Stanley Hide - 10.00 - 12.30hrs Very little activity - highlight was 2 Common Sandpipers on "Cormorant" Island (far side). WLC - 13.30 - 15.30h - highlights: Gadwall - 6 Pied Wagtail - 20+ Grey Wagtail - 1 Ruddy Shelduck - 1 Tree Sparrows - 15+ | richard Pittam |
| 2006-09-05 | 1 Ruddy Shelduck - On Horseshoe Island 2 Snipe - Feeding on Horseshoe Island 1 Buzzard - Flew over Horseshoe Island making everything fly off 1 Little Owl - On a dead tree near the pylon to the left of the Wildlife Centre | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-09-07 | Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre. Mute Swan (14); Teal (6); Kestel (female); Lapwing - the only wader. Swallow (30); House Martin (6); Pied Wagtail (16); Willow Warbler (1); Tree Sparrow (~40) - around the Wildlife Centre & on Horseshoe Island. Insects: Gatekeeper butterfly; Southern Hawker dragonfly (male): Water Boatman; Pond Skater. Plantlife: Hips and Haws: Flowers in bloom: Redshank, Yarrow, Silverweed, Hawkweed, Meadow Vetchling, Selfheal, Daisy, White Dead-nettle, Water Forget-me-not, and Gipsywort - not noted by us before at Carsington. There were also a few specimens only of Tufted Vetch, Great Willowherb and Field Thistle. The most interesting observation was as follows; A Grey Squirrel was seen in the shallows of the Sailing Club Island. It then proceeded to swim strongly to Stones Island. When it arrived it ran off quickly into the trees. We have never seen a squirrell swim before! A dip into the Wildlife Centre logbook: 3rd September: Yellow Wagtail, Peregrine, Swift. 5th September: Little Owl, Snipe (2) - Horseshoe Island; Ruddy Shelduck. 6th September: Stoat, Water Vole, Red Fox and the Ruddy Shelduck. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-09-10 | Buzard (1) Wigeon (15) Teal (4) Dunlin (3) Grt Spotted Woodpecker (1 young female) Bullfinch (heard only) Wren (1) Dunnock (1 + 1 young) Lesser Black backed (3 x 1st winter) + 1 adult House Martins (11) Wildlife Centre - 11.00 - 16.00hr Teal (5) Black Tailed Godwit (1 non-breeding or young)) Snipe (1) Tree Sparrrows (15) Little Grebe (8) Kestrel (1 on camera) Red Crested Pochard (1 female) Little Owl (1 showing) Willow Warbler (by pond) Water Vole (3 - on pond o/s Wildlife Centre) Southern Hawkers ( 8 - on pond) Common Darters (6 - on pond) | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 2006-09-15 | Mute Swan (24 including two well developed cygnets); Gadwall (6). Common Buzzard (1); Kestrel (1 female) - caught a small mammal on Horseshoe Island; Snipe (2); Collared Dove (1); Little Owl (1); Swallow (1); House Martin (4); Willow Warbler (2); Linnet (2). OTHER SIGHTINGS: A Water Vole was found at the back of the pool next to the WC. It could not be seen with the naked eye. Although partially hidden by vegetation, it could be seen feeding by using binoculars. Odonata: Common Hawker & Common Darter dragonflies; Common Blue damselfly. Butterflies: Large White & Speckled Wood. Plants: As well as Hips & Haws berries of the Elder and Woody Nightshade (or Bittersweet) were noticed. All parts of the Woody Nightshade plant are poisonous. It contains the alkaloid solanine. A DIP INTO THE LOGBOOK: Recent interesting sightings: 14th September: Black-tailed Godwit (2); Dunlin (1); Snipe (6). 13th September: Arctic Tern (2 juveniles); Wigeon (88); Pochard (32). These observations were reported by Roger Carrington. 12th September: Yellow-legged Gull (1); Yellow Wagtail (5); Red-crested Pochard (1 female); Curlew Sandpiper (1 juvenile). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-09-22 | Wigeon (2); Gadwall (2 males); Pintail (one female) - off Horseshoe Island; Red-crested Pochard (one female) - Horseshoe Island; Common Pochard (2); House Martin (9); Willow Warbler (1); Linnet (5); Reed Bunting (one male) - on WC feeder. OTHER SIGHTINGS: Mammals: Weasel (1); Wood Mouse (1) - both just outside the WC. Insects: Southern Hawker dragonfly (one male); Pond Skater (dozens) - pond by the WC. Plants: Herb Robert; Water Forget-me-not. A DIP INTO THE LOGBOOK: Recent interesting sightings: 21st September: Golden Plover (1); Snipe (1). 18th September: Shoveler (1); Kestrel (1); Snipe (2); Bullfinch (1); Nuthatch (1); Jay (2). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-09-23 | 4 Grey Heron - 3 from Sheepwash Hide and 1 from Paul Stanley Hide 3 Pochard - From Sheepwash Hide 1 Pintail - Wildlife Centre | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-09-28 | Fem/Imm Garganey at the WLC 1st winter Caspian Gull in roost off Stones. Late news concerned a Black Tern reported on the 27th. | Steph' Hicking |
| 2006-10-02 | Visited Stones Island (SI) and the Wildlife Centre (WC). Four large parties of secondary school children on site. All visited SI and the WC. Most seemed to be interested in the information given to them and the birds that they observed. A very good sign! Weather: Warm. Slightly overcast. BIRDS OF NOTE: Red-crested Pochard (1 female) - Horseshoe Island, Wigeon, Gadwall (6), Teal, Pochard (1) - Shiningford Creek, Snipe (10) - seen from the WC, Little Owl - seen from the WC, Goldfinch (~ 70) - on SI. OTHER SIGHTINGS: Mammals: Red Fox - WC Creek, Weasal - immediately in front of the WC, spotted by one of the students! Water Vole - feeding at the back of the WC pool. Excellent views! Plants: Several clumps of Redshank were noticed on SI. This has to be the birdwatchers plant! A DIP INTO THE LOGBOOK: 2nd October: Stonechat. Noted by another observer. 1st October: Meadow Pipit (8), Swallow (3). 30th September: Mediterranean Gull - first winter bird. 29th September: Cackling Goose (3). 27th September: Kingfisher, Water Vole. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-10-05 | Snipe - 14 (continually mobbed by Coot) Pochard - 8 Wigeon - 150+ (put up by some idiot in a speedboat) Red Crested Pochard - 2 Tree Sparrows - 20 Goldfinch - 20+ Pied Wagtail - 4 Little Grebe - 8 Great Crested grebe - 5 Kestrel - 1 (being mobbed by Lapwings) | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 2006-10-08 | Black Headed Gull, Bullfinch, Cormorant, Gadwall (5), Goldfinch, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Heron, Lapwing, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Pintail (2) Sheepwash, Pochard (60), Red-crested Pochard (2) Millfields, Wigeon (60) Millfields, Greenfinch, Siskin (2) Stones Is, Tree Sparrow (20) Stones Is. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 2006-10-09 | 36 species of bird seen on or near the site around midday. The following are worthy of note: Barnacle Goose (2) - near the Sailing Club; Gadwall (6) - from the Wildlife Centre (WC); Red-crested Pochard (1) - female on Horseshoe Island; Common Pochard (2) - from WC; Sparrowhawk (1) - Brassington; Pheasant (4) - near Millfields; Snipe (3) - edge of WC Creek; House Martin (2) - over the WC; Long-tailed Tit (13) - Stones Island. Butterflies: Red Admiral and Speckled Wood. Plants: Common Knapweed, Ragwort and Water Forget-me-not. Only the leaves of the Horse Chestnut are beginning to change colour, heralding a very late autumn. A Dip into the Logbook: 6th October: Red-crested Pochard. 5th October: Snipe (15); Pink-footed Goose (2) - overflying the site. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-10-10 | A knot dropped in mid-afternoon and stayed for an hour before flying off. It was re-found at 5.15pm by Ben Young in front of the Fisheries building. 9 Snipe commuting between horseshoe island and shiningford creek A kingfisher belted past twice in the morning The female red-crested pochard present all day Due to the fog, the Little Owl was just an indistinct blob for much of the day Wildfowl numbers at the Wildlife Centre much reduced on previous days. We even struggled to find the visiting school party a Canada Goose! Of other note, a Ringed Plover reported from Paul Stanley (also at Sheepwash on 8th) Two Water Voles showed well all day outside the wildlife centre | Matthew Capper |
| 2006-10-12 | 41 species were seen from the Wildlife Centre during the day with the following highlights: Three drake Common Scoter on the main lake were visible from the Wildlife Centre but gave exceptional views from Stones Island. A Stonechat on the fence opposite the Wildlife Centre was first seen a week or so back but had gone awol for a few days. A Dunlin stopped in only briefly but 12 Snipe were visible for much of the day. The female Red Crested Pochard is still present in front of the wildlife centre - it is the laziest bird you will ever see! The Little Owl showed in the morning but not in the afternoon and the Water Vole was only sporadic today. Dave Newcombe also reported Pintail and Common Sandpiper from Stones Island and another visitor saw Shovelor from Paul Stanley Hide. | Matthew Capper |
| 2006-10-12 | 3 Male Common Scoter -Best seen from Stones Island, but visible from Lane End and Sheepwash. 1 Common Sandpiper- Seen from Paul Stanley and Sheepwash (probably same bird.) At least 6 Pintail- Including 3 Drakes in breeding plumage. 1 Dunlin and 1 Stonechat- from Wildlife Centre. 1 Grey Wagtail- Sheepwash Spit. Also seen-Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Raven and Snipe. | Clive Ashton / Dave Newcombe |
| 2006-10-15 | Wildlife Centre (8.30am) 31 Pochard ,12 Gadwall ,50+ Lapwing ,95 Wigeon ,2 Cormorant ,11 Snipe ,1 Pheasant (on the feeder) ,1 Kingfisher ,1 Shelduck ,15 Teal ,Stones Island (10.30am) ,3 Little Grebe ,75 Lesser Black-backed Gull ,1 Shelduck (it followed me around all day) ,25 Teal ,1 Tree Sparrow (only 1 at the feeder, although lots of ground rats!) ,2 Robin ,2 Long-tailed Tit ,No sign of the Common Scoters Paul Stanley (12.30pm) 13 Gadwall 1 Shoveler 56 Teal 85 Wigeon 1 Kestrel 87 Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 Shelduck (I told you it followed me!) 2 Pintail 45 Lapwing Sheepwash (1.40pm) 43 Cormorant 2 Grey Heron 90 Wigeon 5 Little Grebe 36 Teal 31 Pochard Millfields (2.30pm) 1 Kingfisher 20 Pochard 62 Wigeon 28 Canada Geese 1 Barnacle Goose 8 Great Crested Grebe | Richard Pittam |
| 2006-11-17 | 5 Snipe were on Horseshoe Island and the two Red Crested Pochards were quite active for a change. A Weasel showed in front of the Wildlife Centre and two Water Voles showed on and off in the pond outside. A Little Owl sat on its usual post near the pylon on the hill opposite the Wildlife Centre and another was heard closer by. Kingfisher and Grey Heron also showed well down at Tailbay early morning. | Matthew Capper |
| 2006-10-22 | Millfields: Coot 150, Long-tailed tit 2, Pochard 20, Tufted 80, Wigeon 55. WLCentre: Barnacle goose 5, chaffinch 10, Coot 200, Cormorant 3, Gadwall 4, goldfinch 2, great Crested Grebe 6, Lapwing 55, Lesser Black-backed Gull 2, Little Grebe 5, Mallard 30, Moorhen 15, Mute Swan 3, Pochard 45, Snipe 5, Teal 45, Tree Sparrow 20, tufted duck 40 and Wigeon 65. | Richard, Frances and Ken Pittam |
| 2006-10-24 | Quite warm and sunny on site today. Many visitors about because of the half term school holidays. The "Aren't Birds Brilliant" event was run again today by Matthew Capper who manned a stall in the open area within the visitor centre. His band of RSPB volunteers showed birds to people in the Wildlife Centre (WC). Many telescopes were available for use by the general public. There were no birds on Horseshoe Island today due to the presence of rangers reinforcing the edges of the island's pools. Very few species of bird were found but the following are worth a mention: Barnacle Goose (1), winter ducks - Wigeon & Pochard as well as Teal (mostly winter visitors), Gadwall, Mallard and Tufted Duck. Also Kestrel (male) and Long-tailed Tit (4). A Commn Hawker dragonfly was found by the water's edge near the WLC. Holly trees are full of berries, a month earlier than normal. The "fall" of autumn leaves has barely started. Horse Chesnut leaves are rapidly turning to yellow and gold and some are dropping onto the ground. Most other species of trees are still very green. The splendour of autumn tints will be very late this year. A dip into the logbook for the last few days: 23rd October: Whooper Swan (1), Pied Wagtail (40), Meadow Pipit (18), Skylark (2), Red-crested Pochard (2), Kingfisher (2). 22nd October: Barnacle Goose (3), Gadwall (2), Pochard (80), Snipe (5). 21st October: Garganey (female), Water Vole. 18th October: Barn Owl (1) - near WC, Snipe (20+). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-10-29 | 5 Snipe - Bank to the left of the Wildlife Centre 2 Red-Crested Pochards - Infront of the Wildlife Centre 3 Barnacle Geese - In the the field to the left of the Wildlife Cenre 1 female Goldeneye - Swimming and diving near the bank to the left of the Wildlife Centre | sam Pedley |
| 2006-11-02 | 2 Whooper Swans were seen briefly in front of Sheepwash hide but,harassed by Mute Swans,flew away South/East.They were later relocated in Fishtail Creek. At least 10 Goldeneye were seen,4 Drakes and 6 Female/immature. 1 Reed Bunting and several Lesser Redpoll were seen on Stones Island. 2 Jays were seen on the bank below Hall Wood. Also seen were Snipe,Buzzard,Sparrowhawk and Great Spotted Woodpecker. | Clive Ashton / Dave Newcombe |
| 2006-11-03 | Wildlife Centre: Mistle Thrush (2), Bullfinch (m and f), Wren (2), Canada Geese (110), Gadwall (2), Barnacle Geese (5), Little Grebe (10), Wigeon (40), Little Owl (1), Dunnock (1), Redwing (21), Kestrel (1), Red Crested Pochard (2), Collared Dove (2), Jackdaw (2), Goldfinch (6), Redshank (1), Snipe (1), Pochard (10) Paul Stanley Hide: Willow Tit (1), Coal Tit (1), Tree Sparrow (4), Lesser Black backed Gull (50), Yellow-legged Gull (1), Pheasant (1), Wigeon (245), Little Grebe (12), Cormorant (15), Sheepwash Hide: Wigeon (36), Teal (18), Pied Wagtail (2), Lesser Black backed Gull (50), Grey Heron (1), Cormorant (13), Moorhen (3) | richard and Frances Pittam |
| 2006-11-04 | Sunny on site around midday, with a stiffish breeze. A total of 38 species found on Stones Island and at the Wildlife Centre. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (2), Gadwall - many pairs, Snipe (2), Lapwing (100+), Little Owl (1). The best sighting of all was of a Water Vole seen at the back of the pond next to the Wildlife Centre. It sat there quite happily in full view munching on leaves, taking no notice of the audience (about 8 of us) leaning on the rail by the pool. It performed for us for about 10 minutes before disappearing into the undergrowth. GREAT!! A dip into the logbook: 3rd November: Bullfinch (a pair), Barnacle Goose (5), Kestrel (1). 2nd November: Dunlin (1), Meadow Pipit (8), Skylark (1), Brambling (1). 1st November: Red-crested Pochard (2 females), Redshank (1), Snipe (3), Brown Hare (1). 31st October: Garganey (one female), Redwing (25). 30th October: Kittiwake (one adult), Golden Plover (1). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-11-05 | At ten to four, as we were going home in our car over the dam, I noticed a long-winged grey bird of prey. It had a longish tail . It was was battling with the wind trying to hunt on the grass on the dam wall. I thought it was a Hen Harrier but I am not 100% sure. | Sam Pedley |
| 2006-11-09 | Goosander (1 female), Kingfisher (1), Goldeneye (pair). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-11-10 | An adult Ring billed Gull was reported on the Birdnet pager as being outside Paul Stanley Hide at 2.50pm. Presumably this is the returning bird from 2003 and 2004 following an apparently blank year last year. Hopefully it may remain in the gull roost for a while as it has done previously in 2003/2004. It can, on past experience, if it's the same bird, be a little erratic in its' visits and difficult to pick out at times. | Steph' hicking |
| 2006-11-12 | Highlights - Wildlife Centre highlights: Snipe (8), Red Crested Pochard (2 male, 2 female), Gadwall (8), Wren (2), Willow Tit (1), Redwing (12), Fieldfare (15), Goldfinch (4), Redpoll (8), Dunnock (2), Jackdaw (2), Carrion Crow (10), Tree Sparrow (8), Brambling (1), Siskin (1). Stones Island: Greenfinch (1), Brambling (1), Bullfinch (2), Goldfinch (4). Sheepwash: Redshank (1 - ringed) Paul Stanley: Lesser Black Backed Gull (78), Gadwall (8), Wigeon (95), Black Headed Gull (70). | richard Pittam |
| 2006-11-13 | Kittiwake (1) - juvenile. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-11-15 | Gull Roost on 14th included 1 adult Caspian Gull, 1 adult Yellow Legged Gull.50-100 Common Gulls (moving around!), around 3000 Lesser Black-backs and around 2000 Black Headed Gulls. Also present of note, 10 plus Goldeneye around Sheepwash area,20 Gadwall (Sheepwash/Paul Stanley) 1 or 2 Redshank (Sheepwash, 3 Snipe (Paul Stanley Hide. | Steph' Hicking |
| 2006-11-15 | Snipe (21), Redshank (1), Goldcrest (2). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-11-16 | Birdnet pager again reports adult Ring-billed Gull from Paul Stanley Hide at 2.50pm this pm. | Steph' Hicking |
| 2006-11-17 | Adult Ring-billed Gull showed in the roost from around 3.15pm till dusk. Viewed from Sheepwash Hide. | Steph' Hicking |
| 2006-11-18 | 2 Black Swans and 9 Goosander off Millfields/Dam wall. 1 Black-tailed Godwit at W.Centre. | Richard and Frances Pittam / Barry and Jose |
| 2006-11-19 | Black Swan still present today between Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre. Adult Male Red Crested Pochard also at the Wildlife Centre and at least 7 Snipe. Matthew Capper ( Aren't birds brilliant! Project Officer ) | Matthew Capper |
| 2006-11-20 | A Tittesworth Water Snippet: A Ring-billed Gull turned up on the site today. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-11-21 | Wildlife centre- 1 Black Tailed Godwit,1 Dunlin,1 Redshank, 1 Black Swan, 1 Red Crested Pochard and 1 Peregrine. Sheepwash-Peregrine again sighted (could be same bird) 4 Meadow Pipits,1 Grey Wagtail also a Singing Song Thrush in the car park. Lane End-2 Goldeneye. | Clive Ashton / Dave Newcombe |
| 2006-11-21 | 3 Redshank, 1 at Wildlife Centre, 1 at Millfields, 1 at Paul Stanley Hide. 1 Black-tailed Godwit at WLC. 1 Dunlin at WLC. 3 Snipe at WLC. 1 Black Swan at WLC. 1 Stoat seen several times on Horseshoe Island today. 1 Peregrine reported from WLC. | Roger Carrington |
| 2006-11-23 | Cormorant (51), Goldeneye (4), Grey Wagtails (2). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2006-11-24 | Black Swan (1), Kestrel (one male), Snipe (3), Black-tailed Godwit (1), Redshank (1), Collared Dove (10). | Ray and Margaret Perry |