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
2011-07-04Of note: Little Grebe (1), Little Egret (1) - by the causeway to Stones Island, Moorhen (1), Oystercatcher (4), Little Ringed Plover (1) - Horseshoe Island, Lapwing (30), Redshank (1), Warblers - Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Blackcap & Chiffchaff, and also Reed Bunting (2).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-06-30Not a bad day today considering it's late June. c30 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Little Grebe. Little Egret still present around Stones Island area. 7 Grey Heron, Mute Swans still with 6 young. 3 Gadwall, 3 Teal. 5 drake Common Scoter for most of the day then another 2 drakes flew in mid afternoon, although it looked like the 2 flew off again. Female Tufted Duck still with 4 young at Sheepwash. A further 7 young were at Hopton End, but, no sign of a female. 2 Buzzards, male Sparrowahwk. 7 Oystercatcher, 2 Curlew, 2+ Common Sandpiper. Difficult to count Little Ringed Plovers exactly but there was at least 6 adults, although I think there could well be double figures. 120 Lesser Black Backed Gull, 2nd Summer Yellow Legged Gull and 2 Common Tern. Sedge Warbler at Wildlife Centre, Reed Warbler at Hopton End and finally 6 Raven over. Dave Newcombe
2011-06-28Little Egret present around Horseshoe Island/Stones Island. Grey Heron, 19 Mute Swan, Shelduck hybrid, c5 Little Ringed Plover including a flighted juvenile at Sheepwash, 276 Canada Geese, 2 Common Sandpiper and 2 Redshank at Sheepwash. 2 Common Tern, 29 LBB Gull, 3 Buzzard, female Peregrine, male Sparrowhawk. Tufted Duck with 4 chicks, and 3 Little Grebe. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-06-27A very hot day. Of note: Cormorant (4 inc. a juvenile) - Horseshoe Island; Oystercatcher (3); Little Ringed Plover (1); Lapwing (6); Redshank (2); Sand Martin (1); Whitethroat (2) - Stones Island; Reed Bunting (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-06-26Little Egret on causeway to Stones Island at 0800hrs. Fifth day on site. Reed Warblers breeding in Hopton Arm Reedbed, first confirmed RW breeding for this newish reedbed. 1 Dunlin on Sheepwash Spit. Female Mallard + 13 fresh chicks on bank below Middle Wood. Female Tufted Duck + 4 small chicks (5 Yesterday) at Sheepwash. First tufted brood out this year. Butterflies: 3 Ringlet, 2 Meadow Brown.Roger Carrington
2011-06-22Little Egret flew north at 09.25. 3 Grey Heron, 15 Mute Swans (not including the pair with 6 young), 211 Canada Geese, 2 Sparrowhawks, female Peregrine, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel, 3 Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, 4+ Oystercatchers, Common Tern, 2 Sedge Warblers, c5 Redstarts including at least 3 juveniles, 29 House Martins. Dave Newcombe
2011-06-21WLC: 3 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 4 Oystercatcher, 3 Little Grebe, male Kestrel (successfully hunted), 1 Common Tern. 10 Black-headed Gull chicks (7 on raft, 3 on Horseshoe Island). 1 presumed Shelduck x Mallard hybrid, 2 Lapwing chicks toward WLC creek. Also, Near WLC creek 2 juv and one female Redstart feeding on path, Sedge Warbler singing in WLC reed bed. Buzzard on Flat Island mid-morning mobbed by BH Gulls and pair of Common Terns for over ten minutes before flying off.James Owen (STW vol)
2011-06-21The June Club walk took place today when we started at Hopton at 9.15 and went along the eastern side of the reservoir to Millfields Car Park arriving at 12.15. We recorded 48 species after aiming for 50.Highlights included a close view of a preening female Sparrowhawk, a Willow Tit family, an Oystercatcher on a nest and two families of Moorhen. Full list :Great Crested Grebe,Cormorant,Mallard,Tufted Duck, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Common Tern, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Greater Spotted Woodpecker,Swallow,House Martin,Pied Wagtail,Wren,Dunnock,Robin,Blackbird,Song Thrush, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Reed Warbler, Goldcrest, Willow Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit,Nuthatch,Treecreeper,Jay,Magpie,Jackdaw,Carrion Crow,House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch and Reed Bunting.Roger Carrington and Peter Gibbon.
2011-06-21Red-rumped swallow 3.30pm No name given
2011-06-215 Grey Heron (RC had 6 at Hopton End), Mute Swans with 6 young, Shelduck hybrid at Wildlife Centre, 3 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, several Oystercatchers and Redshank, 3 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Tern, 10 LBB Gull, Sedge Warbler singing behind WLC, and a family of 4+ Redstart on Wildlife Centre creek including at least 2 juveniles. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-06-20Of Note: Mute Swan (13), Sparrowhawk (1), Oystercatcher (2), Redshank (1), Common Tern (1) - fishing by Stones Island, Sedge Warbler (1), Whitethroat (3) and Reed Bunting (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-06-16Little Grebe and 1 young at Wildlife Centre, 3 Grey Heron, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 9 Dunlin at Sheepwash, 2 Common Tern, 5 Buzzard, and 8+ Black Headed Gull young at the Wildlife Centre. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-06-16WeBS count for June: Mute Swan 14, Canada Goose 207, Gadwall 2, Mallard 98, Tufted Duck 171, Little Grebe 1, Great Crested Grebe 47, Cormorant 11, Grey Heron 1, Moorhen 8, Coot 142, Oystercatcher 3, Little Ringed Plover 2, Lapwing 9, Redshank 4, Black-headed Gull 71, Common Tern 2.Peter Gibbon
2011-06-14Tonight at around 7.30 there was an arctic tern feeding at the wirksworth end of the reservoir.Ruth
2011-06-1335 species logged around midday. Area covered - Stones Island to end of Wildlife Centre Creek (WCC). Adult Little Grebe + 1 chick; Gadwall (2 males and 1 female); Moorhen (1); Oystercatcher (4); Ringed Plover (1); Lapwing (5); Redshank (pr) - one seemed to be crouching on a nest on the northern side of WCC. Goldfinch (4) and Reed Bunting (1 male). Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-06-09Immature Black-throated Diver at Sheepwash. Juvenile Grey Heron, Little Ringed Plover also at Sheepwash, 5 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 50+ Swift, adult and 2 juvenile Pied Wagtails on the new mud at Sheepwash, Common Tern and Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-06-08Of note: Gadwall (1 male), Common Pochard (2), Buzzard (just off southern end of site), Moorhen (1), Oystercatcher (2), Little Ringed Plover (1) - Stones Island; Ringed Plover (1) - Horseshoe Island; Lapwing juveniles (3), Redshank (2) plus 2 chicks; Swift (1), Sand Martin (1), Song Thrush (1), Sedge Warbler (1) - in reeds nr Wildlife Centre; and Reed Bunting (2 males).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-06-07Juv Black-throated Diver mid-morning from Sheepwash, later 1 juv Heron, 1 Garden Warbler singing by the first gate. WLC: Male Pintail, 2 Red-crested Pochard, 1 Wigeon, 2 Pochard, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew. 1 Little Grebe with chick plus another adult that was chased away by the parent, 2 Gadwall, and a Sedge Warbler singing in the reedbed. The 3 large Lapwing chicks swam across the channel from Horseshoe Island to the WLC, and had later made their way to the other side of WLC Creek. 1 large Redshank chick remained on the island. Lane End: 1 Mallard with 9 small ducklings. Also, 2 Buzzard and 1 male Kestrel over Millfields.James Owen
2011-06-07just seen a black ibis sat on a barn roof at arbour low.the farm just below the site. not sure if its escaped from some where as it wasnt to fussed about us taking pictures but it had not i.d rings in its legschris
2011-06-07Black-throated Diver seen from Sheepwash. Great Crested Grebe with one juvenile at the Wildlife Centre. Drake Pintail, drake Wigeon, pair of Red-crested Pochard, 3 Little Ringed Plover, Curlew, several Buzzards and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-06-0352 species. Of note: Curlew, Little Grebe and 1x chick, Pintail drake, Pochard drakes (x2) and Wigeon drake, from Fishtail Creek to Hall Wood family groups of Blue Tit (x3 groups), Great Tit (x2 groups) and Willow Tit (x1 group)- another Willow Tit group (4 young)at Shiningford Creek, Reed Warbler at new reedbed,61x Black-headed Gulls roosting on and around Flat Island. John Matkin
2011-06-02Swifts nesting at Visitor Centre once again. Cuckoo heard calling just offsite by Fishtail Creek.John Matkin
2011-06-01OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (3), Wigeon (male), Red-crested Pochard (male), Common Pochard (2 males), Oystercatcher (2), Little Ringed Plover (1), Lapwing - on nest, Horseshoe Island; Redshank (1), Reed bunting (1) - Stones Island. Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-05-31Black-throated Diver still present. Adult Little Grebe with 1 young. 11 Cormorants. Grey Heron, drake Wigeon, 4 drake Gadwall, pair of Red-Crested Pochards, 2 drake Pochard, Sparrowhawk, 3 Buzzards, Kestrel, Peregrine, pair of Oystercatchers with 1 young, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 3 Dunlin, 5+ Redshank and 2 Turnstone. Common Tern. Good numbers of Swifts and House Martins. Several juvenile Pied Wagtails, plenty of young Blue and Great Tits. Adult Carrion Crow feeding 2 young on Stones Island. 2 Linnets at Sheepwash. Dave Newcombe
2011-05-27Reed Warbler singing in Hopton Arm Reedbed, another on causeway to Stones Island. 2 family parties of Long-tailed Tit. Pair of Swallows in Stone Barn and another pair under draw-off tower. Big Island has 3 well grown Redshank young and at least 1 near adult size Lapwing young. A very young lapwing chick appeared to the left of Sheepwash Hide with an adult.Roger Carrington
2011-05-26Black-throated Diver first seen near Flat Island early afternoon. It then drifted past Sheepwash and was later seen in front of the Wildlife Centre. Also seen today was 2 Shelduck, drake Wigeon, pair of Red-crested Pochards. 7+ Little Ringed Plover, 2 Ringed Plovers, 4+ Dunlin, Ruff, Curlew, Oystercatcher with 1 young on S'ford Island, 2 Redshank and 3 Lapwing young on Horseshoe Island. 2 Common Terns, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel, male Sparrowhawk. 3 juvenile Pied Wagtails at Millfields, also 2 juv Robins there. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-05-2536 species of bird identified on a short visit. OF NOTE: Black-throated Diver (1) - seen from Stones Island and was roughly opposite Lane End's hide. Mallard - inc, a female with 4 well developed young. Red-crested Pochard (pr) - seen from the wildlife centre (WLC). Common Pochard (1 male) - seen from the WLC in WLC Creek. Oystercatcher (2). Lapwing (2). Redshank (1). Yellowhammer (1 male) - just off the southern end of the site.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-05-24The Black throated diver was refound,and was close to the sailing club all afternoon. 8 species of wader,with Sandeling,Ruff,Ringed Plover and 5+Dunlin being the pick.Clive Ashton
2011-05-24No sign of Black-throated Diver by midday. Ruff and pair Red-crested Pochard still at Wildlife Centre. Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood. 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 4 Common Tern, 12 Black-headed Gull all in front of Sheepwash Hide and a female Peregrine selected a Common Tern among much turmoil.Roger Carrington
2011-05-23An Osprey first seen by Roger over Stones Island and then Millfields at around 08.00hrs was then seen by Roger, Clive and myself over the Dam Wall around 09.00hrs. The Black-throated Diver was seen near the Dam Wall. Also seen today was a pair of Little Grebes with 2 young. Drake Wigeon, pair of Red-crested Pochards, Hobby, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard. 10 species of Wader were seen. Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover at Sheepwash, Lapwing, Sanderling flew past Stones Island late evening, 2 Dunlin at Sheepwash, Ruff on Horseshoe Island, Curlew, Redshank and Common Sandpiper. Herring Gull, 2 Common Terns, probable Reed Warbler near Sheepwash Hide. Willow Tit family with 2 to 3 young also near Sheepwash Hide. A juvenile Tree Sparrow was attacked and killed by a Jackdaw at the feeding station at the Wildlife Centre. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-05-22One Whimbrel landed and preened twice at Horseshoe Island, between 3pm and 4.30pmDavid Bennett (Vol Rgr)
2011-05-22Immature Black-throated Diver spent most of the day in Hopton Arm then flew to Lane End this evening. Peregrine also over Hopton End. At Sheepwash 3 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Common Tern. At Wildlife Centre a female Ruff, 1 Curlew, pair Red-crested Pochard, pair Gadwall. A Jay with a full crop flew into Penn Carr.Roger Carrington
2011-05-22The Black-throated Diver was still present but quite mobile. At first it was to the right of Sheepwash Hide before drifting past the P.Stanley hide into Hopton Arm and then back out again. 8 Cormorants, 2 Grey Heron. Pair of Red-crested Pochards still at the Wildlife Centre. A Dunlin on Sailing Club Island. At least 4 Little Ringed Plover at carious locations. Sanderling at Sheepwash on the new muddy islands. 2 Common Terns, 3 LBB Gulls and a Common Gull. At around tea time at Sheepwash a 3rd Tern appeared and after a brief fly around it landed on the mud in front of the hide. I thought it looked good for a 1st summer Arctic Tern but know that 1st summers tend to stay in their wintering grounds and are quite rare in Europe never mind Derbyshire. I managed to get some photos and after several other birders seeing them it does indeed look like a 1st summer Arctic Tern.Dave Newcombe
2011-05-19Black-throated Diver still, 1 Common Tern, 2 Raven, 2 Common Buzzard, 1 Whimbrel (flew off NE at 14:25), 1 Common Sandpiper, pair Red-crested Pochard, pair Redshank with 4 chicks and pair Lapwing with 2 chicks from Wildlife Centre. No sign of Adult GND.Paul Thomas
2011-05-19The Black-throated Diver was still present today and couldn't have been much closer in front of Sheepwash Hide. No sign of the adult Great Northern Diver though. Also seen was the pair Red-crested Pochards, 4+ Little Ringed Plover and 4 Dunlin. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2011-05-18Immature Black-throated Diver first seen from Sheepwash Hide around 10.30. It then spent several hours in Brown Ale Bay to the left of Paul Stanley hide before swimming back past Sheepwash. It could still be seen from Stones Island at 19.00hrs. The adult Great Northern Diver still present. Also seen today was a pair of Red Crested Pochards, drake Wigeon, 4+ Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, 2 Sanderling, 9+ Dunlin, 2 Curlew and 2 Common Terns. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-05-18highlights Great Northern Diver (1x ad summer) Black-throated Diver (1x 1st summer) Sanderling 2 (1 summer 1 winter). Of interest a Hornet came in PSHide briefly and a single Orange Hawkweed (fox-and-cubs) is in flower on the track to PSHideSteph Hicking
2011-05-18Great Northern Diverdan taberner
2011-05-18No messageNeil Venables
2011-05-17In addition to those already reported... From WLC: 3 Redshank chicks and 2 Lapwing chicks on Horseshoe Island, 1 Wigeon, Sparrowhawk, 4 Dunlin, 2 Little Ringed Plover. 3 Curlew - following a pattern developed in recent weeks of bathing individually within the same half hour or so during mid-afternoon. Also, Great Northern Diver still late in the afternoon. The early Whimbrel at Sheepwash flew off high to the West before 10am.James Owen
2011-05-17WeBS count for May: Mute Swan 5,Canada Goose 61,Barnacle Goose 14,Mallard 66,Red-Crested Pochard 2,Tufted Duck 80,Great Northern Diver 1,Little Grebe 4,Great Crested Grebe 41,Cormorant 4,Grey Heron 2,Moorhen 3,Coot 68,Oystercatcher 11,Little Ringed Plover 3,Lapwing 13,Dunlin 3,Whimbrel 1,Redshank 5,Black-headed Gull 43,Common Tern 2. Between 06.45 and 11.45Peter Gibbon
2011-05-16Adult Great Northern Diver still. Grey Heron. Pair of Red Crested Pochards at the Wildlife Centre. 3+ Buzzard, Sparrowhawk with prey, Kestrel. Dunlin, 4+ Little Ringed Plover, Whimbrel, 2 Lapwing chicks on Horseshoe Island. 4 Arctic Terns through early morning, 2 Common Terns. 50+ Black Headed Gulls, 10 LBB Gulls. 200+ Swallows, 100+ Housemartin. 100+ Swift. 6 Sandmartin. Both the Great Crested Grebes and Moorhens have both failed on Horseshoe Island. Dave Newcombe
2011-05-16A pair of Mandarin to the right of Sheepwash Hide at 15.45 hrs. 1 Curlew at Wildlife CentreNeil Moulden
2011-05-15A Red Kite drifted over Sheepwash car park at 1430hrs heading SE. Adult Great Northern Diver still. 1 Ringed Plover on Stones Island. 27 Common Tern high North (may have been 1 or 2 Arctics among them). 2 Common Tern on Flat Island. Peregrine over. 2 Red Crested Pochard Sheepwash/WLC mobile. Redstart singing in field between Visitor Center car park and WLC.Roger Carrington
2011-05-14Adult summer plumage Great Northern Diver. 2 Red Crested Pochard from Wildlife Centre. 1 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin and 2 Common Tern from Sheepwash.Roger Carrington
2011-05-12Adult summer plumage Great Northern Diver flying around early morning, then calling from the water. Sedge Warbler and Linnet singing on Stones Island. Tree Sparrow multi nest box on Stones showing 10 units being fed. Black-headed Gulls have returned to the Wildlife Centre. 50 Swifts over the water.Roger Carrington
2011-05-11Adult Great Northern Diver giving great views from Stones Island this morning. 2 Greylag Geese, Grey Heron, 2 Teal, Sanderling, 4 Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 2 Common Terns, 10 Housemartins, 4 Common Whitethroats, 2 Lesser Whitethroats. Dave Newcombe
2011-05-11Highlights from the WLC: Adult Great Northern Diver, 3 Curlew, 2 Common Tern, Lapwing with at least 3 chicks, male Sparrohawk, 2 Buzzard. Also, 1 Common Sandpiper at Sheepwash.James Owen
2011-05-09Adult Great Northern Diver. 4 Greylag Geese, Osprey over Sheepwash at 13.30hrs, Hobby, 5 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Turnstone, Whimbrel, Curlew, Lapwing chick on Horseshoe Island, Common Sandpiper, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, several Redshanks and Oystercatchers, 5 LBB Gulls, Herring Gull, female Wheatear, c40 Swallow, c20 Swift, 2 Sand Martin, Linnet singing near Middle Wood, and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-05-0944 species seen Sheepwash to VC including: adult Great Northern Diver, 2x Common Tern, Little Grebe (carrying nesting material in first arm of Shiningford Creek), Lesser Whitethroat (singing at Sheepwash and in the dip just after Shinigford Creek) and 3x Song Thrush fledglings by Paul Stanley Hide.John Matkin

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