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
2011-05-08Adult and 1 juvenile GN diver together in middle of water between Lane End hide and Fishtail Creek, watched for an hour(late afternoon) until the juvenile flew off. Adult produced ritualised aggression display to the juvenile which lasted several minutes and included wailing.John Babb
2011-05-07Osprey sitting on nest platform for two hours from 07.00 despite mobbing by Jackdaws and Black-headed Gulls. Also 2 divers, 1 Whimbrel and 4 Common Tern.Peter Gibbon
2011-05-06No sign of Osprey this evening, but 4 Little ringed Plovers,4 Common sandpipers and 7 Mute Swans.Clive Ashton
2011-05-06Osprey still on Lane End perch early morning, flew from perch about 0900hrs and was fishing near Millfields at 1010hrs when disturbed by helicopter, no sign by 1100hrs. Adult and juv Great Northern Diver also.Roger Carrington
2011-05-06As Roger has already mentioned an Osprey was found yesterday evening on the new perch at Lane End. Although I didn't see it catch a fish it was seen flying around the wildlife centre with a fish being chased by an Oystercatcher. Also seen yesterday was the adult and juvenile Great Northern Divers. A pair of Gadwall, 3 Dunlin, c5 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Common Sandpipers, Greenshank, 5 Common Gulls, 2 Common Terns, Arctic Tern (C Brown). Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-05-05Osprey found at 1840hrs on Lane End Osprey perch by John Bradley. Still there at 2000hrs eating a fish. White ring on left leg marked KR.Roger Carrington
2011-05-04Barnacle Goose (14), Little Ringed Plover (2) - Horseshoe Island (HI), Lapwing (8), Black-tailed Godwit (1) - Stones Island (SI), Dunlin (2) - SI, Redshank (1) - HI, and Song Thrush (2).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-05-04Both the adult and juvenile Great Northern Divers still present. The wild Barnacle Goose (ADZ) with the feral flock. 6 Mute Swan, Shelduck, 4 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 5+ Little Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, Curlew, 2 Bar Tailed Godwits, 3+ Common Sandpipers, 2 Common Terns, Yellow Wagtail, 40+ Swift, 2 Sedge Warblers, 2 Lesser Whitethroats and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2011-05-032 Great Northern Divers (adult and juvenile). Grey Heron, 3+ Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, female Peregrine, 5 Little Ringed Plovers, Lapwing chick on Horseshoe Island, Dunlin, Snipe, 2 Bar Tailed Godwits, Black Tailed Godwit, 2 Whimbrel, 4 Common Sandpipers, Black Tern, 2 Common Terns, 31+ Swift, 2 Sedge Warblers and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2011-05-02During the monthly 'birdwatching for beginners' walk (1st Sunday of month, 10am-noon), led by STW volunteer ranger David Bennett, the following were recorded ... Highlights: Adult Gt Northern Diver was giving great and close views in front of the watersports centre, two Swifts flew over Stones Island, several warblers, notably Garden Warblers, were singing well on Stones Island; also (no specific quantities, sorry!) Canada and Barnacle Geese, Dunlin, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover (seen 'coupling' - so at least two!), Lapwing, Coot, Moorhen, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Gt Crested Grebe, Reed Bunting, House Martin, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Wren, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Tree Sparrow, House Sparrow, Blackbird, Robin and Starling.Gary Atkins
2011-05-011 Waxwing perched and calling at entrance to Sheepwash car park 0600hrs. 2 Stock Doves under Sheepwash feeders. 7 Swift and 1 Yellow Wagtail over Stones Island. 2 Snipe at Wildlife Centre. 3 Great Northern Divers including summer plumage adult. 1 Common and 6 Arctic Terns thru.Roger Carrington
2011-04-291 Artic Tern on Sheepwash Island early morning only. 4 common sandpiper and 2 LRP later. 2 juv + 1 summer plumage adult great northern diver. Wild Barnacle with leg ring ADZ still on Stones Island with feral flock.Roger Carrington
2011-04-292 Greenshank, 1 Whimbrel past, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Common Sandpiper all at Sheepwash. 46 Arctic Terns thru North at 1920hrs. 2 Common Terns thru North at 1950hrs.Roger Carrington
2011-04-27The following were of particular interest on our short visit to the site:Great Northern Diver (adult) - off Horseshoe Island (HI), a Great Crested Grebe sitting on a nest just off HI near the wildlife centre, Barnacle Goose (3), a Moorhen standing by a nest on the edge of HI (this is a different nest to the one mentioned on the 18th April), Lapwing (5), Little Ringed Plover (1) - HI, Redshank - a pair mating on HI and Swallow (3).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-04-273 Great Northern Divers still present. Both juveniles were seen flying around several times. And with the adult also being seen in flight over the last few days it looks like all three will soon be leaving us. The adult in breeding plumage really is worth a look before it goes. The 'wild' Barnacle Goose (ADZ) is still present with the regular feral flock. Also of note today was a Grey Heron, 2 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpipers, Snipe, 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 5 Redshank, 3 Buzzards, 2 LBB Gulls, a 1st summer Common Gull, 3 Common Terns and 2 Raven. A walk between Millfields and Hopton End produced 28 Blackcap, 19 Willow Warbler, 7 Garden Warbler, 5 Lesser Whitethroat and 4 Common Whitethroat. Dave Newcombe
2011-04-26A Green Woodpecker flew over towards the visitor centre at 08:30hr, an Arctic Tern flew north between 10:10 and 10:25hr. Still 3 GN Divers with the adult now looking very smart,2 Common Sandpipers and 4 LR Plovers. Barnacle Goose ADZ still present.Clive Ashton
2011-04-25Sacred Ibis seen on Horseshoe Island. First reported 15:30John Matkin
2011-04-24WeBS count for April: Mute Swan 4, Canada Goose 59, Greylag 1,Barnacle Goose 15, Mallard 55, Tufted Duck 126, Great Northern Diver 3,Little Grebe 2,Great Crested Grebe 46, Cormorant 3, Moorhen 4, Coot 67, Oystercatcher 9, Little Ringed Plover 6, Lapwing 12,Snipe 1, Common Sandpiper 1, Redshank 3, Black-headed Gull 20.Peter Gibbon
2011-04-221 Yellow Wagtail, 32 Carrion Crow and 12 Rooks on dam wall and fields. Pied Flycatcher and 2 Goldcrest singing in Hall Wood. 2 Lesser Whitethroat, at top of Sheepwash car park and Hopton End. 2 Common Whitethroat, at Wildlife Centre and Hopton End. 2 Common Terns on Flat Island. 1 Common Sandpiper on the small new Sheepwash Island. 2 juvenile Great Northern Divers close in to Sheepwash Hide at 10:00hrs.Roger Carrington
2011-04-21Much the same as yesterday but with 5 Shellduck coming into land just in front of the Paul Stanley hide this morning. Whitethroat this afternoon around the reed beds.Adam Jones
2011-04-211 Ringed Plover flying around Stones Island with 3 Little Ringed Plover at 07.45 hrs.Neil Moulden
2011-04-202 Wheatear and 3 Meadow Pipits on the Dam Wall and a female Sparrowhawk over. Sedge Warbler singing on Stones Island. Lesser Whitethroat singing at the back of Sheepwash Car Park. 3 Great Northern Divers from Sheepwash (2 juvs and adult). Pair of Goldeneye, Common Sandpiper, 4+ Little Ringed Plover, 5+ Redshank, Yellow Wagtail on Sheepwash Spit and 4+ Garden Warbler. Shortly after 18.00 I was standing near the Watersports Centre and looked out on to the water and saw 3 Black Terns. By the time I had walked on to Stones Island there were 5 Black Terns. Whilst on Stones a Ringed Plover flew over and then a little later on a Whimbrel flew past. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-04-20Sheepwash car park feeders:2 Willow Tit,6 Bullfinch,3 Tree Sparrow, Paul Stanley Hide:1 Great Northern Diver (juv),1 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher,4 Lapwing, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker on feeder, Reed Beds: 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Reed WarblerAdam Jones
2011-04-20Sheepwash car park feeders:2 Willow Tit,6 Bullfinch,3 Tree Sparrow, Paul Stanley Hide:1 Great Northern Diver (juv),1 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher,4 Lapwing, 1 Greater Spotted Woodpecker on feeder, Reed Beds: 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Reed WarblerAdam Jones
2011-04-2008:45 - 11:30 Millfieds and Penn Carr. - (4+)nr Swallow, 4nr Black Cap in 2 pairs M/F, 10 pairs G.C Grebe courting / nest building & sitting. 1nr Oystercatcher near possible nest site on island, 2nr Little Grebe possible pair in Penn Carr, 1nr Mute Swan near sailing club.David Edmonds
2011-04-19Of note: Barnacle Goose (8), a female Mallard with 10 ducklings, a nesting Moorhen on very small island next to Horseshoe Island, Oystercatcher (2), Lapwing (2) plus Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler. Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-04-191 Black-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe Island until 08.25 hrs at least. Wild Barnacle Goose on Stones Island. 2 Little Ringed Plover at Sailing ClubNeil Moulden
2011-04-19Paul Stanley Hide:1 Great Northern Diver (Adult) towards dam wall, 2 Redshank, 2 G C Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 3 Lapwing, GSW (drumming)Sheepwash feeders: 6 Bullfinch, 3 Tree Sparrow, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Willow Tit, Stones Island: 2 Barnacle GeeseAdam Jones
2011-04-191 Garden warbler and 1 Sedge Warbler singing on Stones island. 1 Redstart singing in the field behind the Wildlife Centre. 2 Great Northern Divers with the adult coming into summer plumage.Clive Ashton
2011-04-18Visitor Centre:1 Great Northern Diver (juvenile)4 Barnacle GeesePaul Stanley Hide:4 Great Crested Grebe1 OystercatcherLapwings3 Cormorants2 Nuthatch1 Reed Bunting1 TreecreeperSheepwash Car park feeders:6 Bullfinch3 Tree SparrowsMany Chaffinch1 Green WoodpeckerAdam Jones
2011-04-17In addition to Roger's sightings, there was a Green Sandpiper on Sheepwash spit(now Island!)early afternoon, and still present at 17:00hr.Clive Ashton
2011-04-171 lesser whitethroat top of Sheepwash car park 0630hrs. 5 greylag south over dam. drake shoveler, pair gadwall and wild barnacle ADZ all on stones island. 4 broods of mallard; 11+7@WLC and 6+7@sheepwash. 1 common sandpiper at sheepwash. 7 common buzzards together in a thermal. 1 adult + 2 juvenile great northern divers.Roger Carrington
2011-04-15Still 3 Great Northern Divers, with the adult bird coming into summer plumage. 5+ Little ringed Plover,2 Dunlin,4 Curlew,3 Goosander over west and another north later. Clive Ashton
2011-04-142 G N Divers displaying, initially the two faced each other flapping wings before one, using its feet reared upright with its wings forming a crucifix shape but not flapping. This occurred over a 10 minute period around 11-30 just off of buoy 9 on the dam wall.Ian Scrimshaw
2011-04-14Bullfinch (at least 3 pairs). Redstart (1male) SFCreek area. Plenty of Chiffchaffs etc. Buzzard several in area showing very well, one in particular being mobbed by corvids over SFCreek.Steph Hicking
2011-04-133 Great Northern Divers, 6 Little Ringed Plover, 100+ Swallow, 50+ Sandmartin, 2 Yellow Wagtails, White Wagtail and 11 Linnet. Also a male Redstart on Shiningford Creek found by RC.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-04-123 Great Northern Divers between Tower Bank and Stones Island, viewed from Paul Stanley and Sheepwash hidesJim Clarke
2011-04-11Of note: Great Northern Diver (1), Barnacle Goose (17), Shoveler (pr)-Horseshoe Island, Oystercatcher (4), Lapwing (4), Redshank (3), Swallow (over 80), Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Bullfinch (pr), Read Bunting (a female).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-04-113 Great Northern Divers all seen from Stones Island. c30 Barnacle Geese, 4 Greylag Geese, 2 Shoveler, Mallard with 13 ducklings, 3 Little Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Snipe, Curlew, numerous Redshank and Oystercatcher, 5 Buzzard, male Peregrine, female Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 65 Swallow, 30 Sandmartin, 19 Blackcap, 13 Willow Warbler, 2 Wheatear, 2 Raven, 15+ Linnet on Horseshoe Island. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-04-06Warm today. Only viewed from wildlife centre and Stones Island for about an hour. 32 species identified. Of note: Barnacle Goose (28), Oystercatcher (3), Lapwing (4), Redshank (1), Blackcap (1), Chiffchaff (4)and Reed Bunting (1 male)Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-04-062 Great Northern Divers from the Dam Wall early morning then both seen from Stones Island later on. A Red Kite drifted over the Dam Wall and then disappeared behind Sailing Club. A Little Ringed Plover in front of Sailing Club. Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe Island. 2 Greylag Geese, 30+ Barnacle Geese including colour ringed bird (ADZ), Wheatear on Dam Wall, Skylark, Linnet, numerous Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Grey Heron, Grey Wagtail, Curlew, Raven. Lots of Chiff Chaffs and Blackcaps in song, also several Willow Warblers. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-04-043 Great Northern Divers, 32 Barnacle Geese including (ADZ), Curlew, Little Ringed Plover, 2 Snipe, c10 Oystercatchers, several Redshank, 19 Swallow, 9 Sand Martins, 2 Housemartins, 22 Chiff Chaff, 6 Blackcap, 5 Willow Warbler, 2 Wheatear, 120+ Lesser-black Backed Gulls. Dave Newcombe
2011-04-02An Osprey first seen by Jon Bradley at 08:30, later put on a good show between 10:25 and 10:45 from the Wildlife centre. A total of 4 Wheatear seen.Clive Ashton
2011-04-02Early am Fishtail Creek to VC- 46 species. Highlights: Red-Legged Partridge (x2) flew from path to adjacent fields at Fishtail Creek, Little Owl (heard but not seen) calling from overgrown hedge in fields by Fishtail Creek, Willow Warbler, 2x Great Northern Divers, 20+ Sand Martins, Wheatear on Dam wall stones at 9:00.John Matkin
2011-04-023 GN Divers. Willow Warbler singing by sailing club. 2 Blackcaps singing, Stones Island/Wildlife centre. 3 Snipe, Wildlife centre. ADZ Barnacle Goose still present as was the marked Tufted Duck AAS. A Common Tern was reported, though not seen by me as I left site for a couple of hours.Clive Ashton
2011-03-30The Black Redstart was still present at 15.00 in Wildlife Centre Creek. 2 Great Northern Divers, 3 Pink-Footed Geese, c30 Barnacle Geese including the colour ringed bird (ADZ), 2 Greylag Geese, 1 Wigeon, 2 Teal, 2 Goldeneye, c10 Oystercatchers, 6+ Redshank, 2 Curlew, 25 Sand Martins, 6 Swallows, 20+ Meadow Pipits, 21 Chiff Chaff between Millfields and Sheepwash, Willow Warbler again singing briefly near Black Redstart, Blackcap, 2 Raven, 25 Tree Sparrows, female Brambling at Millfields and a Linnet over Stones Island. Dave Newcombe
2011-03-30Little Egret at Brownale Bay then flew down Hopton End and then back to land on far side below Hall WoodSteph and Paul Hicking
2011-03-30Female Black Redstart still between Wldlife Centre and Creek mid morning. Also Willow Warbler nearby and blackcap singing near Sailing Club early morning [DN].Roger Carrington
2011-03-29Female type Black Redstart, half way between the Wildlife Centre and the bend on Wildlife centre creek. Viewed from the gap in the hedge where the reeds are. The bird was perching in Hawthorn bushes and dropping down to feed on the grass. Still present at 18:00hr though it went to ground when the rain came. This morning 2 Swallows and c20 Sand Martins. 3 GN Divers still present.Clive Ashton
2011-03-29Still 3 Great Northern Divers on site including an adult and 2 juveniles. One of the Divers was seen catching and eating a Crayfish near the Dam Wall in the morning. 32 Barnacle Geese including the colour ringed bird (ADZ). 3 female Goldeneye, 3 female Goosander. At least 6 Oystercatchers, several Redshank, 2 Curlew and a Snipe. c900 BH Gulls including many 1st winters, 63 LBB Gull and 1 imm GBB Gull. 1 Sand Martin. 23 Meadow Pipits on the Dam Wall mid-afternoon. 100+ Fieldfare over the Wildlife Centre. 2 Raven. A Linnet over Stones Island. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton

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