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
2011-03-2831 species identified early pm. Of note: Barnacle Goose (35), Oystercatcher (2), Lapwing (4), Chiffchaff (6) and Reed Bunting (1 female).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-03-28Redstart - maleNeil Venables
2011-03-251 Curlew --WLC 22 Barnacle geese --WLC 2 -Gt. Nortern Divers -- From Stones Island 1 - Redshank --Stones Island 2 - Oystercatcher -- From stones IslandPaul Highman
2011-03-24Great Northern Diver, at Sheepwash/Lane End Hide end of reservoir, Carsington Water. Also Raven, Chiffchaff, 2 Goosanders, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Goldeneyes.Alan Hobson
2011-03-233 Great Northern Divers off Stones Island. All together in scope and one displaying to two others.Peter Gibbon
2011-03-212 juv Great Northern Divers, 3 Little Grebe, 6 Greylag Geese, 29 Barnacle Geese including the colour ringed bird. pr Mandarin, 24 Wigeon, 4+ Buzzard, male Sparrowhawk, pr Peregrine, 12 Oystercatcher, 6 Snipe, 6 Redshank, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 5 Meadow Pipit, 3 Fieldfare, 19 Chiff Chaff counted on the circular walk, Goldcrest, Treecreeper, 2 Raven, 40 Starling, 2 Brambling with Chaffinch flock near Fishtail Creek and 2 Lesser Redpoll. Dave Newcombe
2011-03-203 GN Divers 2 Shelduck 5 Snipe 5+ Chiffchaff The colour ringed barnacle Goose still present.Clive Ashton / Roger Carrington
2011-03-183 swallows circling around stone shelter Millfields Snipe on Millfields island.Bob and Gill Smith
2011-03-18Regarding the colour ringed Barnalce Goose that has been seen with the regular feral flock of Barnacle Geese. Orange ADZ was ringed on 8/2/99 at Caerlaverock WWT in Dumfriesshire, Scotland as a male first year bird hatched in summer 1998. It was last seen on the reserve on 27/1/10 and is seen on the Solway in most winters. It has not been reported from Svalbard.Dave Newcombe
2011-03-172 Great Northern Divers, 2 Grey Heron, 20 Barnacle Geese, 21 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 9 Goldeneye, female Goosander, 5 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 2 Curlew, several Oystercatchers, 2 Chiff Chaff, 12 Meadow Pipits, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 4+ Reed Bunting and 55 Redwing. Several thousand Gulls in the roost but could only see BH, LBB and Common but viewing was difficult due to fog which lingered for most of the day. Dave Newcombe
2011-03-143 Great Northern Divers and a probable 4th Diver seen entering bay near holiday cottages. c8 Goldeneye, drake Pochard, drake Gadwall, 18 Wigeon, female Goosander, 4 Snipe, 6 Curlew, 3+ Redshank, male Sparrowhawk, 2 Lesser Redpoll, Raven, and the Barn Owl near Sheepwash Hide at 17.55. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-03-13WeBS count for March:2 Mute Swan,2 Greylag,51 Canada and 2 Barnacle Goose,1 Wigeon,81 Teal,81 Mallard,2 Pintail,3 Shoveller,270 Tufted Duck,8 Goldeneye,2 Great Northern Diver,1 Little Grebe,38 Great Crested Grebe(one pair building nest),7 Cormorant,8 Moorhen,116 Coot,10 Oystercatcher,8 Lapwing,5 Snipe,5 Curlew,4 Redshank,1 Buzzard. Also 2 Ravens.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2011-03-13ChiffchaffAlein Shreeve
2011-03-121x Greylag goose, 3x Lesser redpoll, 2x Reed bunting, 23x Pied wagtails in and around VC courtyard at 17:30, 1x Tawny owl at Fishtail Creek c20:00.John Matkin
2011-03-102 GN Divers off the dam wall. 2 Pintail Sheepwash, Redwing, c30 Sailing Club, c25 Sheepwash, 5 Stones island, 1 WLC. Curlew flock c40 seen briefly flying to fields by brick tower. The colour ringed Barnacle Goose on the dam wall, and then later on Stones Island (Orange ring black letters AOZ) The female Tufted Duck with the blue bill saddle AAS again from the dam wall.Clive Ashton
2011-03-092 Great Northern Divers, 32 Barnacle Geese including a colour ringed bird which I'm currently persuing. Greylag Goose, pr Pintail, drake Shoveler, 18 Goldeneye, pr Goosander, 17 Wigeon, c50 Curlew near dusk landed on Millfields Island, 3 Dunlin, 3+ Redshank, c10 Oystercatcher, 2 Buzzard, Kestrel, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Raven. The Gull roost consisted mostly BH Gulls and Common Gulls with c50 LBB Gulls and 2 Herring Gulls. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-03-09Flock of c. 20 Curlew circling opposite Watchtower 12.50; Bean Goose with group of Canada Geese 2.45, close in at left side of path towards Stones Island.G.S. Woodpecker and two Nuthatches on feeder at Paul Stanley, 11.00John Bell
2011-03-08A male Snow Bunting on the tip Sheepwash Spit at 0650hrs this morning. Its calls attracted me to it, after taking a very distant record photo I could not re-find it, also checked Stones Islands, no sign by 0930hrs.Roger Carrington
2011-03-0710.45am. viewed from the tip of Stones Island and looking towards Fishtail creek, 2 Great Northern Divers swimming together , and a third opposite Lane End Hide. David Bennett ( S/T VR)
2011-03-07Birding only at wildlife centre and Stones Island. Of note: Barnacle Goose (21) - by Stones Island, Oystercatcher (3), Redshank (2), Wren (1) - the first found by us since the harsh December weather, Raven (1) and Tree Sparrows & Moorhens displaying.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-03-07A Rock Pipit on Sheepwash Spit today. Also on site 2 Great Northern Divers, 30+ Barnacle Geese, drake Pintail, 104 Teal, 20 Wigeon, 15 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander, 5 Buzzards, 7 Curlew, c8 Oystercatchers, 4+ Redshank, adult Mediterranean Gull, 6 Bullfinch, 3 Reed Buntings and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2011-03-0725 curlewNo name given
2011-03-06A flock of 36 Curlew flew around Sheepwash spit,then lost to sight over Fishtail creek. The pair of Pintail still close in from Sheepwash. 2 GN Divers,4 Buzzards,2 Kestrels,Raven,13+Goldeneye.A pair of Oystercatchers mating on Sheepwash spit (bar code ringed bird) C200 Common Gulls on the water this afternoon, with many more passing through.Clive Ashton
2011-03-032 Whooper Swan on Stones Island at dawn, then circled and flew north at 0740hrs. 12 Redwing on Stones Is. 2 Gadwall, 1 Dunlin and 5 Curlew at Wildlife Centre. 2 Great Northern Divers distant. 3 first winter GBBGulls on Flat Island. Pair Pintail at Sheepwash. 24 Woodpigeon in field near Sheepwash car park and 5 Tree Sparrow on feeder there. Counts of 18 Wigeon and 68 Teal.Roger Carrington
2011-03-02No sign of yesterday's 22 Whooper Swans so I guess they must have departed early this morning. The 2 Great Northern Divers still remain, as does the pair of Pintail. Also 32 Barnacle Geese, 12+ Goldeneye, 17 Wigeon, 6 Pochard, Grey Heron, Buzzard, Dunlin, c10 Oystercatchers, several Redshank, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Lesser Redpoll, Raven and a Barn Owl near Sheepwash Car Park at 17.30. Also a Water Vole at Hopton End and a Fox behind the Wildlife Centre. Dave Newcombe
2011-03-02Viewed from Wildlife Centre and nearby area. Of note: Barnacle Goose (20), Goldeneye (pr), Oystercatcher (2), Curlew (1), Pied Wagtail (6), Willow Tit (2) and Bullfinch (1 male).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-03-01As well as flock of 15 whooper swans reported already, a further group of 6 (2 adults, 4 cygnets) in Shiningford Creek.Neil Venables
2011-03-0115 Whooper swans between Millfields and lake centre Flock of Curlew (Approx 2 dozen) in cattle field South of Fishtail creek. Bob and Gill Smith
2011-03-01Still 2 Great Northern Divers present, 2 Grey Heron, pair of Pintail, 16 Goldeneye, 5 Curlew, 5+ Oystercatchers, c5 Redshank, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 525 Common Gull, 3 GBB Gull, 10 Redwing and a Raven. A Fox was near the Wildlife Centre early morning. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-02-261 GN Diver off dam wall flying north-west 11am 1 Sparrowhawk ~25 Barnacle GeeseChris Johnstone
2011-02-25From Sheepwash at 10.00 - 11.00 a.m. 2 G N Divers, Juv G B B gull, lots of LBB and BH gulls, 10 goldeneye, teal, tufted D. Behind hide - buzzard, 4 Mistle thrush, sev red wingMartin Kaye
2011-02-24From sheepwash this afternoon, 1 GN Diver 12 Curlew 2 Pintail (m+f) 2 Shoveller (m+f) 10+ Goldeneye 3 Buzzard.Clive Ashton
2011-02-21Very misty/foggy on site today. Of note: Great Northern Diver (1) - off Watersports Island, Little Grebe (1) - by the Sailimg Club, Goldeneye (3, 2 males & a female), Oystercatcher (2) - on top of the dam wall, Lapwing (~300) - Horseshoe Island, Song Thrush (1) - singing loudly near the Wildlife Centre and a male Bullfinch - eating at the Wildlife Centre feeding station.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-02-1743 Great Black-backed Gulls on Sheepwash Spit 0730hrs. 7 Oystercatchers, 3 Little Grebe, 5 Lesser Redpoll. 3 Shelduck very mobile. 3 Great Northern Divers. Pair Pintail at Sheepwash. Pair Goosander at Millfields.Roger Carrington
2011-02-163 Great Northern Divers, 32 Barnacle Geese, 2 Pintail, c20 Goldeneye, 5 Oystercatchers, Curlew, 2 Redshank, Buzzard, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Yellow-legged Gull, 8 GBB Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 260 Common Gull. The Gull roost was c6000 birds but most were well scattered and distant. A Barn Owl again flew in front of Sheepwash Hide at 17.10 and I then saw it in the car park at 17.30. Dave Newcombe
2011-02-1510:30hr - Millfields: Tufted Duck 2 rafts of [60+ each], G.C.Grebe[5]; 11:15hr - WLC, Lapwing [120], Drake Shoveler [1], Teal [22], Oystercatcher [3], Wigeon [14], Usual Birds on Feeder - Chaffinch, Tree Sparrow, Pheasant, Mallard, Robin, plus nearby Dunnock, Thrush(not sure which), Blackbird, ; 12:00hr Sheepwash - Goldeneye [7], Cormorant [9], GN Diver [2], Oystercatcher [2], David Edmonds
2011-02-14WeBS count for February 07.45 to 10.30- 12 Cormorant,2 Mute Swan,51 Canada Goose,33 Barnacle Goose,2 Great Northern Diver,2 Little Grebe,23 Great Crested Grebe,55 Wigeon,102 Teal,106 Mallard,2 Pintail,285 Tufted Duck,6 Pochard,18 Goldeneye,2 Moorhen,171 Coot,201 Lapwing,5 Oystercatcher,1 Redshank,1 Kestrel,1 Sparrowhawk,1 Buzzard. Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2011-02-142 Great Northern Divers, 31 Barnacle Geese, 15+ Goldeneye, pair of Pintail, 5 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank, Curlew, 3 Buzzard, male Sparrowhawk, Yellow-legged Gull and 2 Skylark. At 16.40 a Barn Owl flew in front of Sheepwash Hide to the delight of several birders. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-02-1433 species of bird observed around midday. Of note: Great Northern Diver (1) - off Stones Island (SI), Barnacle Goose (30+) - flew north away from SI, Gadwall (pr), Goldeneye (1 male) - seen from the Wildlife Centre (WLC), Oystercatcher (1) - on raft near water sports centre, Lapwing (~250) - ~150 on Horseshoe Island & ~100 by Sailing Club, Redshank (2) - either side of SI causeway, Willow Tit (2) - WLC feeding station, and Rook & Crow - a combined flock of about 40 birds on the dam wall grassy area.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-02-133 oystercatchers - stone island, shore furthest from the visitors centre 12am-ishNo name given
2011-02-12From Sheepwash 14:00-17:00 Probable 3rd winter Caspian Gull at 15:30 for 30mins before flying off towards wildlife centre and out of view 1 Adult Yellow-legged Gull on end of spit 2 Great Northern Divers together, distantly towards Millfields 5 Goldeneye (1 drake) 1 Pintail (drake) 1 Barn Owl first seen at 16:39, absolutely superb views with several fly pasts right by the hide Paul Thomas
2011-02-09Of note: Barnacle Goose (25), Gadwall (1 male), Kestrel (1 male), Lapwing (140) - mainly on Horseshoe Island, Redshank (1), Pied Wagtail (2), Robin - many singing, Willow Tit (2) - Wildlife Centre (WLC) feeding station and Reed Bunting (1 male) - behind the WLC feeding station. Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-02-092 Great Northern Divers, 31 Barnacle Geese, 2 Shelduck, 2 Pintail, c20 Goldeneye, Oystercatcher, Yellow-legged Gull, 15 Redwing, Fieldfare, 40 Rook, 2 Raven and a Linnet. Also a Stoat near the Sailing Club. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-02-08A Dark Bellied Brent Goose at Sheepwash today. The bird was on the spit in the morning and was still present to the right of the hide near dusk. Also seen today was 2 Great Northern Divers, 28 Barnacle Geese, 18+ Goldeneye, pair of Pintail, 4 Redshank, 235 Lapwing, Dunlin, 5 Skylark over, 15 Redwing, 2 Buzzard, Raven and c180 Jackdaw. The adult Yellow-legged Gull was there as usual and the Gull roost consisted of around 3000 birds and apart from 1 Herring Gull I only saw BH, Lesser and Common Gulls. Dave Newcombe
2011-02-06from Sheepwash at 2.00 - 3.30 p.m.- teal, tufted d, 21 goldeneye, wigeon, mallard, pair pintail, herring, lesser black, black headed and 1 Y legged gull. Lapwing, coot, pied wagtail from dam wall 4.00 - 5.00 p.m. pair goosander and female smew.Martin Kaye
2011-02-05Snipe at paul stanley memorial hide, feeding in runnoff to left of hide at mid-day on Thursday, 3rd Feb.jane burgess
2011-02-033 Great Northern Divers, female Smew near the Draw Off Tower then briefly at Sheepwash. Pair of Pintail, c35 Goldeneye, female Goosander, 207 Lapwing, 3 Redshank and Yellow-legged Gull. Dave Newcombe
2011-02-023 Great Northern Divers,pair of Pintail(Sheepwash),3 Pink footed Geese(Stones Island)30+Goldeneye,c15 Redwing also on Stones Island. Gull roost very spread and mainly Common and Black headed, though the Yellow legged Gull was present as usual.Clive Ashton
2011-01-31Very misty on site. Of note: Wigeon (80+) - Horseshoe Island, Lapwing (6) - dam wall area, Snipe - one flew past the Wildlife Centre (WC) window, Fieldfare (1) - dam wall area and Willow Tit (1) - WC feeding station.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-01-313 Great Northern Divers, 3 first reported several days ago so that could well be the answer to my 3 Divers that I saw last Wednesday. Although I'm still sure the third one that I had was smaller than a G.N.Diver. Also seen today was 2 drake Goosander, 3 Pink-footed Geese in field in Tail Bay. Grey Heron, 18 Pochard, c15 Goldeneye, Adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Redshank, Reed Bunting and Raven. Didn't see the Smew but spoke to a couple who saw it near the Sailing Club. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton

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