Recent Sightings

NameSightingDate
DN, MW, RPJ, AMD,AHSThis morning from Stones Island, 1 Little Egret, 1 Great White Egret, 1 Yellow legged gull, 75 Pink Feet Geese, at least 4 Skylarks over, 1 Dunlin, Oystercatcher still present, Willow tit, groups of Redwings fly down East Bank. From WLC creek, 1 Coot, 1 Redkite, Siskins and Redpolls in the Alder trees.22/10/2025
Dave NewcombeIn addition to Simon's post: 2 Shoveler and 13 Pochard at Millfields. Chiffchaff on Stones island. Ducks counted at Lane End whilst I was sheltering from the rain: 50 Wigeon (exact count), 33 Gadwall. 370 Teal. There were a few more Teal but they got flushed before I could finish. 5 Skylark over SW. From Sheepwash: A break in the weather allowed 4 Buzzards, 2 Red Kites, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk to come out. The latter flushing 25 Redwings on far side. A Common Sand again (maybe a different bird to last week). c25 Linnets. The gull roost held c10'000 birds. Adult Caspian. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. 4 Herring Gulls. 500 Common Gulls by 17.30hrs.20/10/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonA reasonable morning given the conditions, the following all from Sheepwash hide: female Goldeneye (first of the autumn), Common Scoter off Fishtail, presumably the same as yesterday, 2 Dunlin, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 1 Little and 3 Great Egrets, 21 Gadwall, 37 Wigeon, Peregrine, Rock Pipit and a late Wheatear (possibly Greenland?).20/10/2025
SJR, CA, MW, JBIn 2 hours from Stones island this morning, 50 Pink-footed Geese SW, 1,098 Woodpigeons S, 5 Stock and 4 Collared Doves, 16 Golden Plover, 4 Great Egret (3 NE, 1 S), 16 Skylarks, 483 Starling, 739 Redwing, 170 Fieldfare. One drake Common Scoter still off the east side, 30 Pochard, 4 Lapwing, 2 Peregrine, Yellow-legged Gull.19/10/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonBest bird for me this morning was a calling Little Owl, my first there for donkey's years. 4 Common Scoter (2 drakes) were again off Fishtail Creek so perhaps part of yesterday's flock. An hour's vismig from Stones produced 265 Woodpigeons, 260 Starlings, 484 Redwing, 20 Fieldfare and 12 Chaffinch. 28 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at about 09:30. 2 Curlew and a Dunlin flew past Stones, a Ringed Plover was at Sheepwash and the Oystercatcher still on Horseshoe island. Adult Caspian and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls still. c600 Common Gulls departed early morning and 750 Jackdaws noisily left their roost. Female Pintail at Sheepwash.18/10/2025
Simon RoddisAnother 5 Common Scoter (1m, 4 female/juvs) this morning - it's been a good week for them. Female Pintail past Stones. A bit of movement included 68 Woodpigeons, 5 Stock Doves, 10 Skylarks, 31 Starling, 186 Redwing and 17 Fieldfare. Single Redshank and Dunlin, and 2 Snipe. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. c3,000 Black-headed Gulls first thing. Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed, and Crossbill over. Male Stonechat in the overflow carpark. Chiffchaff and Blackcap still on Stones.17/10/2025
Simon RoddisLate afternoon visit: c5,000 Lesser Black-backs had come into the roost by 18:30. Shelduck still at Sheepwash, along with 2 Redshank, adult Caspian Gull, Herring Gull. Also 4 Yellow-legged Gulls and a Dunlin (per RJL). 46 Cormorants. 50 Starlings, presumably going to roost somewhere.16/10/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonClive found this morning's star bird, a juvenile Gannet sitting out on the water, present to midday at least. 6 Common Scoters (an adult drake and 5 lovely barred juveniles) were off the dam wall and a Rock Pipit flew over. A few birds moving, with totals of c650 Redwing in random directions, 80 Fieldfare, 180 Woodpigeons, 11 Stock Doves, 13 Skylarks and 10 Swallows. Adult Caspian Gull still and 2 adult Yellow-legs. Single Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Ringed Plover and Dunlin. Drake Pintail off Lane End and at least 18 Pochard. Total of at least 90 Siskin.15/10/2025
Simon RoddisA flock of 22 Common Scoters (7 males, 15 females) was between Stones island and Millfields this morning. Total of 134 Redwing through. 9 Coot, more than double the number on the WeBS count on Sunday! 64 Wigeon, 200 Teal and a Dunlin in front of Lane End hide, plus the adult Caspian Gull snaffling multiple crayfish of the invasive Signal variety. At Hopton end first thing, the Cetti's Warbler (actually seen!) and 4 calling Tawny Owls. c60 Siskin in WLC creek.14/10/2025
Dave NewcombeIn addition to Simon's post. 4 Little Egrets. 115 Greylags. 17 Wigeon. 6 Gadwall. 3 Pochard. 3 Ringed Plover on the dam. 22 Skylarks SW including a flock of 16. c30 Linnets on stones island then presumably the same flock at Sheepwash. A few Redwing calling through the gloom at Millfields first thing and 10+ in Sheepwash woods. At Sheepwash: 2 Dunlin. A late Common Sandpiper. Adult Caspian Gull. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 225 Common Gulls. The roost held in excess of 2'000+ each of both BHG and LBBG.13/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe first Fieldfare of the autumn was on Stones island this morning, and at least 2 more in WLC creek. At least 20 Redwing there too. At one point there were 5 species of thrush in one tree (sadly no Ring Ouzel). Cetti's Warbler and Water Rail still in Hopton reedbed. The Oystercatcher and adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 3 Little Egrets flew in and landed below the dam wall.13/10/2025
Simon RoddisMonthly wildfowl count: 240 Canada, 195 Greylags, 3 Mute Swans, 9 Gadwall, 24 Wigeon, 143 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 162 Teal, 3 Pochard, 110 Tufted, 5 Moorhen, 4(!) Coot, 6 Little Grebe, 38 Great Crests, 1 Oystercatcher, 31 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher. (Compare those numbers with last month, the low water level clearly proved too much for a lot of birds.) Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed. 50 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 10:18. 12+ Crossbills over Hall Wood. Seem to be more Blackbirds around, at least 10 on Stones.12/10/2025
Simon RoddisA Brambling was among the Linnets, Goldfinches and Meadow Pipits on Watersports island this morning. c2,500 Black-headed Gulls from Millfields first thing, and a flock of 21 Ravens flew E. The Great Egret, Oystercatcher, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still present. 2 redhead Goosander.11/10/2025
Dave Armitt5 Grey Heron, 19 Cormorant, 8 Pochard, 4 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 2 Raven, 2 Jay, 30 Meadow Pipit, 40 Goldfinch, 1 Great White Egret , 1 Peregrine, 1 Red Kite,4 Greylag10/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cetti's Warbler was still in Hopton reedbed this morning. 140 Pink-footed Geese flew E at 10:28. 3 Pintail still. 2 redhead Goosander. c4,000 Lesser Black-backs and 370 Common Gulls flew out over WLC creek early morning. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. Great Egret at sailing club. 2 Stonechats in Tail Bay. Totals of 7 Skylark, 6 Chiffchaff, 30 Starling SW, 14 Bullfinch (8 at Penn Carr), 35 Goldfinch, 20 Siskin, 2 Crossbill.10/10/2025
Simon RoddisA pretty decent morning. A Cetti's Warbler was singing in Hopton reedbed early on, with Water Rail also calling there and Crossbill and a redhead Goosander over. 2 Whooper Swans, the Grey Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Pintail, adult Caspian Gull and Great Egret were on the shore off Lane End/Sheepwash. 48 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 08:30. The Oystercatcher was still at Watersports and 6 Lapwing, 6 Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin at sailing club. Male Peregrine on his favourite pylon. 18 Skylarks included a flock of 13 S. Stonechat and Wheatear at the sailing club end of the dam wall.08/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe Grey Plover and Black-tailed Godwit were still at Lane End this morning, and 4 Ringed Plover there and later at sailing club. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls. 115 Common Gulls flew out early morning. 3 Pintail. 2 Pochard. 2 Great Egrets at Watersports, but only 1 Little Egret. Totals of 6 Collared Doves, 9 Skylarks, 6 Greenfinch, 20 Linnets, 16 Redpoll and 65 Siskin. Roger and Alison had 10 Whooper Swans fly SE early on.07/10/2025
Dave NewcombeA Marsh Harrier (looked like a juvenile) came over from the east and continued west with several Gulls giving it some attention. 4 Red Kites. One over hall wood, and another 3 first appeared over Millfields before slowly drifting north towards hopton end. Peregrine. Kestrel. 3 Buzzards and a female Sparrowhawk enjoying the warm autumn sunshine. The 6 Whooper Swans were still viewable from Sheepwash at 18.30. 13 Linnets on the dam wall.06/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe Grey Plover was still between Sheepwash and Lane End this morning, and the Little Stint at sailing club. 6 Whooper Swans arrived mid-morning (apparently as a 4 and a 2). Long-stayers included the Great Egret, Oystercatcher and adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls. A bit of movement included (mostly in an hour on Hays Lane) 55 Chaffinch, 12 Crossbills, 7 Redpoll, 16 Siskin, 41 Meadow Pipits, 12 Skylarks, 13 Woodpigeon and 7 Stock Dove. 3 Pintail. Total of 10 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover and the Black-tailed Godwit also reportedly still here. At Hopton end first thing, 2 calling Tawny Owls and Water Rail.06/10/2025
Gary AtkinsSpecies recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Robin, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Great Egret, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Kestrel, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Little Grebe, Gt Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, Blackbird, Goldfinch, Long-tailed Tit, Willow Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coot05/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe juvenile Grey Plover (found by Richard L at Sheepwash yesterday) was at Lane End this morning and the Little Stint again at sailing club. Other waders were single Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Little Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit and Green Sandpiper (again at WLC), 4 Dunlin and 5 Ringed Plovers. 68 Wigeon. 5 Pintail. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Great Egret still. Wheatear below the dam wall (sailing club end, found by Mike R).05/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe juvenile Little Stint was again at the sailing club end of the dam wall this morning, along with the 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plover. Oystercatcher still at Watersports and Black-tailed Godwit at Lane End. Rock Pipit(s?) flew over Stones island and the dam wall. Juvenile Common Tern and Great Egret still. c100 Common Gulls off Sheepwash first thing. 70 Meadow Pipits, 80 Goldfinch and 2 Snipe at WLC. 40 Siskins over the main carpark.03/10/2025
Simon RoddisA juvenile Little Stint was at sailing club this morning; it later flew towards Millfields with 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plover. A Green Sandpiper was at the WLC and the Black-tailed Godwit still at Lane End. Nice juvenile-type Wheatear on the dam wall. Great Egret, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls all still present.02/10/2025
Simon RoddisSeveral late/long-stayers were still around this morning: Great Egret, Black-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, Common Tern. Finally caught up with 2 Stonechats from Sheepwash hide. At Lane End, 450 Teal, 3 Pintail and 21 Wigeon.01/10/2025
Simon RoddisA Rock Pipit flew S over Stones causeway at 09:55, typical autumn date. Off Stones island first thing, 2,000 Black-headed and 75 Common Gulls. Just 2 Pintail this morning, and 35 Wigeon. Long-stayers included the Great Egret, Common Tern, Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin. 12 Skylarks over. c60 Linnets at sailing club and 10 Redpoll in WLC creek.30/09/2025
Dave NewcombeIn addition to Simon's earlier post. No sign of the recent Cattle Egret in its usual spots, despite several observers on site. 8 Grey Herons. 16 Pintail. 5 at Lane End + the 11 Simon found earlier. 3 Shoveler. Just 3 Lapwings. Peregrine and Red Kite at Sheepwash. A single Snipe there was hunkered down and seemingly invisible to the above Peregrine c20 yards away. The Snipe then took off and the Peregrine gave chase. Outcome unknown. 4 Stonechats at Sheepwash around the large boulders. Still 5 Chiffchaff including one in song. Kingfisher at Paul Stanley. The gull roost held 4'500 possibly 5'000 LBB Gulls. Adult Caspian Gull. 2 adult YLGulls. I was counting Common Gulls on the point to the right of Sheepwash. I got to 66 when they all took off. Numbers probably exceeded over 100. Not many BHGulls in.29/09/2025
Simon RoddisBird of the morning was a juvenile Black Tern which Dave Newcombe found off Millfields, still there to 09:00 at least. Juvenile Common Tern still too. 2 Redwing, Water Rail and Crossbill at Hopton reedbed early morning. 11 Pintail off Stones and 42 Wigeon at Sheepwash. Black-tailed Godwit again between Sheepwash and Lane End, and 6 Ringed, juvenile Little Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin at sailing club. Great Egret still. 14 Common Gulls. 2 Willow Tits on Stones and 18+ Skylarks over, including a flock of 12 S. Wheatear on the dam wall. 8+ Redpoll.29/09/2025
Dave ArmittEarly afternoon visit 20 Meadow Pipit,8 little Grebe, 3 Grey Heron,1 Great White Egret, 50 Pied Wagtail, 1 Cattle Egret between sailing club and visitor centre catching insects, 3 Dunlin, 3 LRP, 2 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Garganey Wildlife Centre bay amongst the Mallards28/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret was still around Watersports this morning, plus a Great and 6 Little Egrets elsewhere around the res. The first Redwing of the autumn, plus 4 Crossbills, 4 Skylarks and a redhead Goosander, flew over Stones island. 7 Ringed Plover, juvenile Little Ringed and a Dunlin at sailing club and the Oystercatcher still at Watersports. c1,000 Jackdaws out of their roost early morning, 200 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall and a total of 30+ Siskins.27/09/2025
Neil Moulden (NJM)Cattle Egret still present, 3 Common Scoter off Stones Island at 10.20 hrs, 9 Ringed Plover and 5 Dunlin at Sailing Club.25/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Little Stint was still present this morning, initially at Millfields then flying to sailing club. The Cattle Egret was again around Watersports and adult Caspian Gull on the shore at Lane End. 3 Dunlin and 9 Ringed Plovers. Single Oystercatcher and Common Tern still. Tawny Owl and Kingfisher at Millfields first thing. Willow Tits on Stones and in WLC creek. Wheatear on the dam wall. Total of at least 100 Meadow Pipits. Redpolls over Stones and WLC creek.22/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret and Oystercatcher were at Watersports again early morning. At Millfields, 14 Ringed Plover, 6 Dunlin, Great Egret and Yellow Wagtail. Peregrine on pylon beyond WLC creek. At Sheepwash, single Red-crested Pochard and Pintail, 35 Wigeon, 25 Pochard and adult Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls.20/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret and Oystercatcher were still at Watersports this morning (and presumably the same Oystercatcher later at Millfields with 4 Dunlin and 15 Ringed Plover, per CA). Less movement than I'd have expected: 30 Swallows, 16 House Martins, 63 Meadow Pipits, 20 Linnet, 48 Siskin and a Redpoll. Mistle Thrush singing at Sheepwash.19/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret was again at Watersports early this morning. Vismig 0630-0900: 1 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 133 Swallows, 15 House Martins, 2 Grey Wagtails, 217 Meadow Pipits, 5 Chaffinch and 16 Siskin, all S or SW. 6 Pintail, 3 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers and adult Caspian Gull at Sheepwash. 15 Ringed Plovers at Millfields.18/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret was feeding on Watersports island early afternoon. 5 Pintail, 3 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, single Common and Herring Gulls and 3 Yellow-legs at Sheepwash. 7 Ringed Plovers at Millfields. 2 Yellow Wagtails (Sheepwash and Millfields).17/09/2025
Simon RoddisEvening visit: 5,250 Lesser Black-backed Gulls came in to roost. 37 Barnacle Geese at Sheepwash (the feral flock returns!). Hobby over sailing club at dusk. 1 Ruff. 100 Swallows. The Cattle Egret reportedly still present.16/09/2025
Simon RoddisYesterday's Cattle Egret was at sailing club late morning, feeding well. Looked much happier than it did yesterday! A mobile female Common Scoter landed in front of Sheepwash early morning but flew to Fishtail and then towards the dam wall. 105 Greylags, 6 Pintail still and one female Red-crested Pochard. 1 Curlew flew N. Adult Caspian Gull from Lane End hide. Yellow Wagtail at sailing club.16/09/2025
Simon RoddisA site record 970 Teal this morning, over 900 of them at Millfields alone. Other duck included 7 Pintail, at least 18 Shoveler and 26 Wigeon, and a female Red-crested Pochard. 10 redhead Goosander flew up the res early morning. 76 Greylags. 18 Ringed Plovers (most of them juvs) at Millfields late morning. The juvenile Oystercatcher still, 2 Ruff and a Common Sandpiper. Adult Caspian Gull still. 50+ House Martins flew through. 70+ Meadow Pipits. First Redpoll of the autumn over Sheepwash. Clive had a Whinchat at sailing club mid-morning until it was flushed.14/09/2025
Neil Moulden (NJM)Osprey from Sheepwash Hide at 17.20 hours for 10 minutes before flying off towards the dam.12/09/2025
Simon RoddisAround 700 Teal were at Millfields this morning, plus the 6 Pintail and 11 Ringed Plovers. Oystercatcher still on Horseshoe island, 1 Snipe, 1 Ruff and 2 Common Sandpipers. 2 juvenile Common Terns still. 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Great Egret still. A bit of movement, with a total of 68 Meadow Pipits, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 20 Siskin, 4 Linnet and 3 Crossbills.13/09/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonNo sign of the ibises or yesterday's Manx Shearwater this morning. 33 Shoveler, 31 Wigeon and 3 Pintail at Sheepwash. Total of 6 Ringed and 4 Little Ringed Plovers. 1 Common Sandpiper and 2 Ruff. 2 juvenile Common Terns. Great Egret still. Pair of Peregrines playing with a Buzzard. 2 Willow Tits on Stones. Female/juv Wheatear at sailing club.12/09/2025
Dave Newcombe/Chris BrownManx Shearwater found on water at Sheepwash c17.50hrs. It was drifting and doing some flapping but was still present from Sheepwash car park c19.15 per Clive Ashton.11/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe 2 Glossy Ibises were still in front of Sheepwash hide this morning. 6 Pintail. 1 Red-crested Pochard. Single Ringed plover and Ruff. 3 probable Black-tailed Godwits briefly over Stones. Great Egret on Horseshoe island. Adult and juvenile Common Terns and 2 juvenile Arctics.10/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe 2 Glossy Ibises were still at Sheepwash this evening. 21 Wigeon. Ruff and Black-tailed Godwit from Sheepwash hide. c4,000 Lesser Black-backs came in to roost by 8pm. Adult Caspian, 5 Yellow-legged, 2 Common and 500 Black-headed Gulls.09/09/2025
Simon RoddisCarsi joined in the Glossy Ibis fun this morning, with 2 from Sheepwash hide, looking fairly settled to 11:00 at least. Earlier on, 507 Pied (site record) and 1 Yellow Wagtail left their roost on Watersports island. Supporting cast of 3 Shelduck, 4 Pintail, 7 Wigeon, 2+ Red-crested Pochard, 8 Lapwing and 2 Ruff at Sheepwash, Redshank at sailing club and Greenshank over WLC creek, 2 Common Terns and 23 Little Egrets.08/09/2025
Amanda PalethorpeBird walk for beginners. House sparrow, great egret, little egret, cormorant, mute swan, Canada goose, great crested grebe, black-headed gull, pied wagtail, carrion crow, buzzard, lesser black-backed gull, red kite, chiffchaff, goldfinch , swallow, oystercatcher, common gull, greylag goose, blue tit, great tit, coot, moorhen, woodpigeon, gadwall, greenfinch, long-tailed tit, robin, little grebe, mallard, tufted duck07/09/2025
Simon Roddis, Jon BradleyMonthly wildfowl count: 87 Canada, 89 Greylags, 21 Mute Swan plus 4 cygnets, 1 Shelduck, 40 Shoveler, 66 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 380 Mallard, 518 Teal, 3 Red-crested Pochard, 84 Common Pochard, 236 Tufted, 1,343 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 29 Little Grebe, 36 GCGrebe, 5 Ringed and 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 1 Dunlin, 2 Common Terns, 64 Cormorants, 21 Little and 1 Great Egret, 10 Herons. 7 Curlew flew W.07/09/2025
Richard LoweOf special note from Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Garganey (1) with Teal just off the shoreline in front of the hide; Pintail (2); YLGull (4) ads; GBBGull (1) ad; Common Gull (1) ad;06/09/2025
Simon RoddisA steady morning, but nothing exceptional. Wildfowl included 760 Canadas, 59 Greylags, 22 Mute Swans plus 4 cygnets, 1 Shelduck, 15 Shoveler, 380 Teal, 1 Red-crested Pochard and 34 Common Pochard. The Great Egret still. Kingfisher on the dam wall and Peregrine on pylon beyond WLC creek. Total of 9 Jays. At least 60 Swallows and 50 House Martins. Yellow Wagtail over Millfields. Totals of c35 Siskin and 200 Goldfinch.06/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe ringed Osprey was around again this morning, seen by Clive early on at Sheepwash and presumably the same bird later flying down the reservoir. At least 2 Pintail still, the juvenile Shelduck, 4 Red-crested Pochard and 400+ Teal at Millfields. Waders included 4 Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Ruff and 2 Greenshank. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 22 Little Egrets. Kingfisher below Middle Wood. Hirundines included a minimum of 85 Swallows and 100 House Martins. Reed Warbler still in Hopton reedbed and 2 Lesser Whitethroats in WLC fields. 1 Yellow Wagtail over and 18 Meadow Pipits heading south.05/09/2025


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
13/01/2024The adult GNDiver still, from Millfields early morning. 1 Woodcock at Millfields. 3 adult GBbGulls post-roost. Trickle of Woodpigeons N, c55 in all. Peregrine past Stones island. Total of 4 Sparrowhawks, again including some display. From PS hide late morning, female Mandarin, 7 displaying Goldeneye and c250 Starlings, mostly W. Marsh Tit on the Sheepwash feeder.Simon Roddis
12/01/2024The adult GNDiver was visible from Millfields early morning but couldn't see the RcPochard there t the time. Barn Owl in Tail Bay at first light - apparently one has been seen in the area recently by a Hognaston resident so may well be hanging around.Simon Roddis
11/01/2024The GNDiver again from Stones island early morning and the female RcPochard at Millfields. 7 Whooper Swans flew in from the W at 09:35 but did a U-turn and departed again SW. 85 Pink-footed Geese SW at 10:05. 3 Goosander. Adult Yellow-legged Gull post-roost. Pair of Kestrels near the main centre, first time for a while that we've seen 2 together. 14 Long-tailed Tits on the Millfields feeders. c50 Siskin a the top of WLC creek.Simon Roddis
10/01/2024The GNDiver was much easier to see this morning, and the female RcPochard again at Millfields. 20 Wigeon. 461 Pochard (355m,106f). 9 Goldeneye. 69 GCGrebe. 20 Cormorant. 1 Redshank. Displaying female Sparrowhawk. Clive had 3 Goosander fly up the res, and 9 Magpies at Hopton end early morning.Simon Roddis
08/01/2024The adult GNDiver was off Stones island mid-morning, the female RcPochard still at Millfields and 34 Barnacle Geese feeding with Canadas in the fields at the top of WLC creek. 16 Lapwing at sailing club. Redshank on Watersports island. 3 Tree Sparrows and 2 Willow Titis on the feeders at Millfields.Simon Roddis
06/01/2024List of species noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon), from Stones Island to Wildlife Centre: Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose (33 inc Nene), House Sparrow, Mallard, Robin, Blackbird, Coot, Little Grebe, Gt Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Gt Black-backed Gull, Moorhen, Pochard, Black-headed Gull, Goldfinch, Gt Northern Diver, Teal, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Bullfinch, Magpie, Redwing, Carrion Crow, Goldeneye, Dunnock, Greylag Goose, Meadow Pipit, Wren, Goldcrest, Woodpigeon, Gadwall, Chaffinch and Jackdaw.Gary Atkins
07/02/2024The GNDiver was off Stones island early morning, and the female RcPochard still at Millfields. Also at Millfields early on, 2 Woodcock came in to roost, at least 6 (probably 3 pairs) calling Tawny Owls, and 3 Goosander. 34 Barnacle Geese. 70 Pink-feet flew NE at 10:09. Marsh and Willow Tits coming to the Paul Stanley feeders.Simon Roddis
06/01/2024The adult GNDiver still, from Millfields late am, and the female RcPochard still there too. 24 Gadwall. 25 Wigeon. 20 Teal. 442 Pochard (361m,81f). 8 Goldeneye including a pair mating at Hopton end. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed first thing. 16 Little Grebe. 50 GCGrebe. 1 Redshank. 1 Skylark over WLC fields. 2 Linnet over Stones and a total of 8 Reed Buntings.Simon Roddis
05/01/2024The adult GNDiver still from Stones and later this morning off Millfields. Female RcPochard still at Millfields. A pair of Shoveler off Stones, and 7 Goosander flew up the res. 37 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 10:45. c30 Barnacles. c600 Jackdaws out of their roost first thing. 30 Siskin at WLC and 2 Tree Sparrows at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
05/01/202415 Pochard, 2 Wigeon, 17 Teal, 4 Goldeneye, 18 Cormorant, 1 sparrow hawk, 1 Great black backed gull, G N Diver of stones, 20 Great crested grebe, 7 Little grebe, 10 Lapwing, 6 Long tailed Tit, 2 Shoveler, 2 Mute Swan, 8 GadwallDavid Armitt
04/01/2024The GNDiver again from Stones island but elusive. Pink-footed Geese: 90 NE 08:53 and 35 NE 09:30. 30 Barnacles. 54 Greylags. 6 redhead Goosander at Millfields early morning and the female RcPochard still. 300 Pochard. 6 Collared Doves over Fishtail Creek and a total of 15 Stock Doves. The regular Peregrine on the pylon at the top of WLC creek and later past Stones. Kingfisher at Millfields. Clive had 250+ Starlings over early morning.Simon Roddis
03/01/2024The adult GNDiver was north of Stones island this morning, diving actively. Female RcPochard at Millfields. Water Rail and Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. Kingfisher and Marsh Tit at Paul Stanley hide, plus Alan S had a Chiffchaff there.Simon Roddis
02/01/2024The GNDiver was off Stones island again this morning. 5 displaying Goldeneye off Stones too. 450 Lesser Black-backs went out over Millfields early morning. 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull. 1 Redshank on Watersports island. 65 Siskin and 5 Greenfinch in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
01/01/2024The GNDiver was out in the middle about 09:00 but I gather was a bit more elusive later. 37 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. Single female RcPochard at Millfields - also a pair of Pintail there, per the Hattersleys. 30 Lapwing. 4 Willow Tit (2 Millfields area, 2 at the Lane End feeder).Simon Roddis
31/12/2023The GNDiver was off the Sheepwash area early morning. The Barnacle Geese flock flew into the fields between Shiningford and the main road. 375 Pochard (292m,83f). 51 GCGrebe. 24 Lapwing. The Peregrine in its favourite ash tree in WLC fields. Flock of at least 100 Siskin flew over WLC creek.Simon Roddis
30/12/2023The adult GNDiver was off Stones around 3pm. Not a huge gull roost, perhaps only 2,500 birds, and rubbish light: at least 1,000 Common Gulls, 100+ Lesser Black-backs, 1 Herring, 1 adult Yellow-leg. 4 Tree Sparrows at Millfields. 70 Rooks heading to roost over Stones causeway late pm.Simon Roddis
29/12/2023Perimeter count this morning: 26 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 20 Magpie, 4 Raven, 5 Coal Tit, 1 Marsh Tit (PS hide), 5 Willow Tit, 93 Blue, 46 Great, 38 Long-tailed, 5 Nuthatch, 5 Treecreeper, 41 Starling, 15 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle, 176 Redwing, 101 Blackbird, 12 Fieldfare, 62 Robin, 19 Dunnock, 38 Chaffinch, 17 Bullfinch, 51 Goldfinch, 245 Siskin, 5 Reed Bunting, plus single GNDiver, Goosander, Peregrine.Simon Roddis
28/12/2023Clive picked up the returning adult Great Northern Diver off Stones island early morning, later showing well from Millfields. By my reckoning, this will be its 18th winter at Carsington. Not much else of note, but a total of 449 Pochard, the single female Red-crested Pochard with white at the base of the bill and a Kingfisher at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
26/2/2023Clive had 7 Egyptian Geese off Stones early morning, then relocating to the Brown Ale Bay side of Sheepwash spit. Previous high was 5 in 2005. Adult Caspian Gull and female Mandarin from WLC mid morning. 3 RcPochard at Millfields. 300+ Pochard. 2 Woodcock at Millfields early morning. Mistle Thrush singing at the top of WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
25/12/2023Forgot to mention, c150 Pink-footed Geese flying E 09:10.Simon Roddis
25/12/2023Best this morning were 360 Pochard, pair of Red-crested Pochard at Millfields, 15 Goldeneye, Water Rail showing in Hopton reedbed, Redshank off Stones causeway, total of 12 Ravens, Linnet on Stones causeway. Happy Christmas!Simon Roddis
20/12/2023Pair of RcPochard off the south end of Stones island (Nigel, I did try to find you but I think you must have left). Kingfisher at WLC. Pair of Willow Tits on Stones. 45 Siskin in WLC creek. Alan S had Marsh Tit and Redshank at PS hide.Simon Roddis
18/12/2023Adult Caspian Gull (not the usual bird) off sailing club early morning. 80 Pink-footed Geese flew NE 10:23. 35 Barnacle Geese again. c700 Jackdaws out of their roost at the top of Tail Bay early morning. 40 Siskin in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
17/12/2023Monthly wildfowl count: 386 Canada, 35 Barnacle, 7 Greylag, 7 Mute, 138 Gadwall, 72 Wigeon, 232 Mallard, 51 Teal, 4 RcPochard, 468 Pochard, 180 Tufted, 21 Goldeneye, 8 Moorhen, 1,092 Coot, 24 Little Grebe, 28 GCGrebe, 75 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 2 Woodcock, 28 Cormorant. A couple of counts seem a but low, maybe because of the breezy conditions. The adult Caspian Gull put in an appearance and a Waxwing flew down the east side 08:05.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
16/12/2023At Millfields/Tail Bay early morning, 6 calling Tawny Owls, 4 Sparrowhawks, 89 Greylag flew out. Pair of RcPochard at sailing club plus the single female still at Millfields. 35 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. Redshank again. Total of 168 Lesser Black-backs (108 flew S from the roost early morning). Pair of Peregrine playing over the pastures in the breeze. Total of 250+ Fieldfare, including 245 SW. 120 Siskin, including 100 over WLC creek.Simon Roddis
15/12/2023At Hopton end first thing, 2+ Woodcock, 5+ Reed Buntings, 3 Raven. Counts of 117 Gadwall, 21 Wigeon, 24 Teal, 46 Tufted, 417 Pochard, 2 RcPochard, 14 Goldeneye, 21 Little Grebe, 53 GCGrebe, 24 Cormorant. 6 Buzzard. 40 Fieldfare.Simon Roddis
14/12/2023A dull and damp morning. Male RcPochard again off sailing club and the Redshank along stones causeway. 9 Goldeneye. Around WLC and creek, c120 Siskin, 13 Greenfinch and a Water Rail calling in the reedbed.Simon Roddis
13/12/2023Pretty much 'as you were' this morning. 1m RcPochard. Minimum 250 Pochard but count scuppered by a windsurfer, putting up at least 100 of them. At least 9 Goldeneye. Peregrine past the main centre. 22 Lapwing. 1 Redshank. Marsh Tit calling in Brown Ale Bay. c500 Starlings in about 10 flocks through the main carpark at 08:20 - maybe just come out of their roost?Simon Roddis
11/12/20233 RcPochard (mff) in sailing club bay this morning. The adult Caspian Gull again around Stones. Around WLC creek, the regular Peregrine, 1 Brambling, 9 Greenfinch and c60 Siskin.Simon Roddis
10/12/20233 Red-crested Pochard off Stones early morning, c250 Jackdaws left a roost near the Sailing Club, c100 Redwing over the east side, 1 Redshank on Stones, female Mandarin in WLC Creek, 8 Greenfinch there also.Clive Ashton/Alan Stewdardson
10/12/2023Afternoon visit. In the gull roost, 3,250 Common (new county record), 1,400 Black-headeds, 40 Lesser Black-back, 1 Greater and 1 Herring. 2 RcPochard off Sheepwash. At least 180 Redwings came in to Stones to roost, with single figures of Song Thrush, Fieldfare and Blackbird. Late shpwing of raptors included 5 Buzzard and single Peregrine, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.Simon Roddis
08/12/20239 Whooper Swans early morning. 4 RcPochard (2m,2f) off Stones. 9 Goldeneye. 58 Lapwing. 1 Redshank. The adult Caspian Gull around Stones late morning. 2 Herring Gulls. The regular male Peregrine again. Marsh Tit on the Sheepwash feeder. First singing Mistle Thrush of this end of the year at Hall Wood. 11 Greenfinch in WLC hedge. 2 Linnet over Stones (1 singing). Total of 40 Goldfinch.Simon Roddis
06/12/2023No sign of yesterday's Waxwing around WLC creek to 09:30 at least, but c100 Redwing there. 4 RcPochard off Stones. 60 Lapwing. 1 Redshank. 2 Snipe in WLC creek. Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
05/12/2023Only mildly damp this morning. Pair of RcPochard off Stones and later from WLC. 255 Pochard. 2 Redshank at Sheepwash. The Peregrine eating what looked like a drake Gadwall at Shiningford. Marsh Tit on the Sheepwash feeder and 5 Tree Sparrows at Millfields.Simon Roddis
02/12/2023Fog descended this morning but managed to see/hear a few bits and pieces: drake Pintail and 3 RcPochard at WLC, Water Rail in Hopton reedbed and 3 Woodcock at Millfields.Simon Roddis
01/12/2023Very cold and a bit quiet this morning. A Little Egret flew SW (infrequent in December). 47 Lapwing. The regular Peregrine, first on Watersports island and later in his favoured tree in WLC creek. Lot of Redwings and a few Fieldfares feeding on berries there too, and 8 Greenfinches in the hedge.Simon Roddis
30/11/2023No sign of yesterday's Shorelark around Stones island to 10:15 at least. 3 skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 390 birds flew NW between 10:00-10:35. The adult Caspian Gull again past Stones, the Oystercatcher still, and 4 Snipe in WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
29/11/2023No further sign of the Shorelark on Stones island, but still plenty of birds: highlight was a Short-eared Owl over Stones late afternoon, may have dropped onto Watersports island. Single Oystercatcher, Redshank and Pintail, 100 Lapwing, 17 Barnacles, Teal up to 172 since yesterday and Wigeon to 93. Water Rail in Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis
29/11/2023Shore LarkMartin Hanks
28/11/2023Counted some ducks etc this morning: 4 Shoveler, 103 Gadwall, 47 Wigeon, 162 Mallard, 11 Teal, 6 RcPochard, 365 Pochard, 156 Tufted, 14 Goldeneye, 1 Goosander, 8 Mute, 11 Moorhen, 970 Coot, 26 Little Grebe, 55 GCGrebe, 53 Lapwing, 30 Cormorant. Also 3 Brambling.Simon Roddis
26/11/20234 calling Tawny Owls and a Woodcock were at the Hopton end first thing. Off Stones, 5 Pintail (1m,4f/imm), 5 RcPochard (3m,2f, later from WLC) and 4 fly-over Goosander (2m,2f). The separate female RcPochard still at Millfields. The Oystercatcher and 3 Redshank still. 2 adult GBbGulls, acting like a pair. Peregrine from WLC creek. Totals of 9 Bullfinch and 30 Siskin (20 at WLC).Simon Roddis
25/11/2023A slight surprise in the conditions to see 3 Redshank on Stones causeway and a total of 13 Snipe - been very thin on the ground here all autumn. The Oystercatcher still ans 53 Lapwings. c100 Pink-footed Geese flew E at 10:05. 34 Barnacles again in WLC fields. 4 RcPochard again. 2 Goosander over. 1 Little Egret flew in from E at 09:55. Kingfisher past Stones and 6 Meadow Pipits on the shore.Simon Roddis
24/11/2023Afternoon visit: 35 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. 8 Whooper Swans at Millfields, still present at dusk (Amanda P reported 20 there this morning). Drake Shoveler at WLC. 4 RcPochard. Female Common Scoter off Lane End. In the gull roost, c2,800 Common, 5,000 BhG, 1,000 Lesser Black-backs, 1 adult Yellow-leg, 5 Herring.Simon Roddis
24/11/20238 Long Tailed Tit,1 Goldcrest, 1 Treecreeper, 178 Pochard, 24 Cormorant, 10 Goldfinch with 6 Siskin mixed in, 8 Little Grebe, 16 Wigeon, 2 Wren, 1 Kingfisher, 20 Mute Swan, 12 Great Crested grebe, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Bull Finch, 6 Redwing, 4 RC Pochard, 6 Greylag Goose, 27 Gadwall , 1 Little EgretDavid Armitt
24/11/2023This morning from Stones Island 1 Redkite, 4 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Common Scoter (female), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher. From WLC, 1 Common Buzzard ,1 Kestrel and a male Shoveller.AHS
23/11/2023Highlights this morning were a juvenile Great Northern Diver which dropped in at 09:05 and was then between Stones Causeway and Shiningford until 09:20 at least, and a Great Egret which flew NE over Stones at 08:35. 35 Barnacle Geese again in flight. 315 Pochard from WLC, and the 4 RcPochard flew in. Peregrine over Stones.SJR, RPJ, AMD
22/11/2023Still a trickle of movement: 440 Woodpigeons S (and 20 the wrong way), total of 29 Stock Doves (17S), 155 Starlings W (plus c100 in fields on the east side). Totals of 150 Redwing and 50 Fieldfare. 6 Shoveler and 2 Shelduck off Stones. 27 Wigeon. 61 Teal. 282 Pochard. 35 Barnacle Geese (as seen by Alan S yesterday). 65 Lapwing. Single Dunlin, Snipe and Brambling over Stones. 4 Tawny Owls calling at Millfields/Tail Bay early morning.Simon Roddis
20/11/2023Similar fare this morning: 294 Pochard, 4 RcPochard, 9 Goldeneye, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, Kingfisher on Stones, 355 Woodpigeons flew S.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
19/11/2023Monthly wildfowl count: 214 Canada, 60 Greylag, 13 Mute, 1f Mandarin, 108 Gadwall, 31 Wigeon, 143 Mallard, 46 Teal, 5 RcPochard, 304 Pochard, 122 Tufted, at least 11 Goldeneye, 10 Moorhen, 771 Coot, 23 LGrebe, 41 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 78 Lapwing, 1 Woodcock, 20 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kingfisher. Chiffchaff singing again at PS hide.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
24/11/2023This morning from Stones Island 1 Redkite, 4 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Common Scoter (female), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher. From WLC, 1 Common Buzzard ,1 Kestrel and a male Shoveller.AHS

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