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
2011-01-28Smew still present, swimming amidst the Goldeneye, off the top end of the dam.john babb
2011-01-282 Great Northern Divers ( looked like the usual two) together just south of Fishtail Creek. No other divers spotted in 3 1/2 hours spent watching from various points.john babb
2011-01-26Both Great Northern Divers were seen together in front of Sheepwash around lunchtime. I then scanned the open water towards Millfields and picked out a third Diver. Although distant and in the mist it was clearly a Diver sp and due to its apparent smaller size I would plump for a Red-throated Diver. Despite Clive and me searching we couldn't re-locate the bird. RTD's rarely stay long and maybe it came down in the mist and then left when it cleared. Would be nice though if somebody could re-find it. Also seen today was the female Smew near the draw off tower. 3 Pink-footed Geese with the flock of Canada Geese near the Dam. Also 32 Barnacle Geese, a Canada/Greylag hybrid, 2 Pintail, c25 Goldeneye, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls and a skein of c150 Pink-feet flew West at 14.25hrs. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-01-26Half a dozen or so M and F Immature Smew. Hopton end.Bob and Gill Smith
2011-01-24Usual viewing time around midday. Thirty three species of bird observed. Only covered the Wildlife Centre (WC) and Stones Island (SI). Of note: Grey Heron (1) - Shiningford Creek, Barnacle Goose (33) - 31 on Watersport's Island, Pink-footed Goose (1) - with a flock of Canada Geese on SI; it was a bit jumpy but did not fly off when the flock was approached. The Canada Goose flock took no notice of the close proximity of people. Lapwing (~90) - mainly on Horseshoe Island (HI), Redshank (2) - one near the WC and one on SI, Song Thrush (1), Redwing (12) - on SI and a Chaffinch flock (~40) - flying between HI and trees by the WC.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-01-24Female Smew near the draw off tower and 3 female Goosander at Millfields. 2 juv Great Northern Divers seen well from both Lane End and Sheepwash. 43 Pink-footed Geese over west at 09.55hrs and 170 west at 11.00hrs. 24 Barnacle Geese, c25 Goldeneye, 2 Pintail, 315 Lapwing, 4 Redshank, female Sparrowhawk, 15 Pheasants, Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming. c10 GBB Gull, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, c350 Common Gulls and an adult Med Gull. Dave Newcombe
2011-01-192 Great Northern Divers, 2 Pink-footed Geese with Canada Geese on Stones Island, female Smew, 3 Pintail, 4 Goosander, c25 Goldeneye, 3 Redshank, 144 Lapwing, 5 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Grey Heron and a Meadow Pipit. Dave Newcombe
2011-01-192 GN divers from Lane End hidejohn babb
2011-01-1732 species seen around midday. Worth mentioning: Great Northern Diver (1) - off Stones Island, Little Grebe (1), Barnacle Goose (6) - on the back of Horseshoe Island, Moorhen (3), Lapwing (24) - mostly by the Sailing Club, Redshank (3) - Wildlife Centre Creek and Shiningford Creek, Willow Tit (1) - in trees next to the Wildlife Centre (WC), Rook (~30) - just off site at the southern end of the site, quite close to the dam and Reed Bunting (pair) - behind WC feeding station.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-01-171 Great Northern Diver, 2 Pintail, c30 Goldeneye, 3 Redshank, Curlew over Stones Island at c09.00, Dunlin, 65 Lapwing, Snipe, 2 Shelduck on Stones Island and then later at Sheepwash. Yellow-legged Gull, 12 Herring Gull, Peregrine over Sheepwash, Kingfisher, Meadow Pipit and 12 Pheasant. Didn't see the female Smew today but a few birders had seen it between Millfields and Sailing Club.Dave Newcombe
2011-01-16WeBS count for January - Mute Swan 10,Canada Goose 38,Barnacle Goose 33,Wigeon 231,Gadwall 2,Teal 110,Mallard 210,Pintail 2,Pochard 17,Tufted Duck 553(BTO say unusually high number),Goldeneye 25(also BTO says high) Smew 1,Great Northern Diver 1,Little Grebe 1,Great Crested Grebe 24,Cormorant 27,Grey Heron 1,Moorhen 4,Coot 1340,Lapwing 41,Redshank 1.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2011-01-132 Great Northern Diver. Female Smew near draw-off tower, Millfields end of dam wall. 104 Teal. 3 Heron. 1 Skylark flew over west. 1 Little Egret briefly on Sheepwash Spit at 1045hrs, then at Hopton End reedbed, also 1 Grey Wagtail there.Roger Carrington
2011-01-1229 species of bird seen around midday. Only explored from the wildlife centre to Stones Island. Of note: Coot (~700) - mainly between Stones Island and the Sailing Club. Lapwing - just one by Wildlife Centre Creek, Redshank (1), Song Thrush (1), Coal Tit (1) and Goldfinch (2).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-01-122 Great Northern Divers, drake Pintail, 33 Goldeneye, female Goosander, 2 Redshank, Sparrowhawk, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 23 Herring Gulls, 4 GBB Gulls and a Raven.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-01-102 Great Northern Divers, 1 near the Dam Wall and 1 off Stones Island. Female Smew by the draw off tower. Drake Pintail, 41 Goldeneye (32 near the Dam Wall in two groups of 22 and 10, and 9 between Sheepwash and P.Stanley). 5 Pheasant, 2 Redshank, Kestrel, Yellow-legged Gull, 6 Fieldfare, 2 Lesser Redpoll, and c40 Siskin. Dave Newcombe
2011-01-089 Pintails, Male Goldeneye, Yellow Legged Gull 2 Sparrowhawks from PS Hide 35 Widgeon from SW hideLes Fisher
2011-01-0631 species around midday. Of note: Great Crested Grebe (8), Sparrowhawk (1), Lapwing (10), Willow Tit (3) - repeatedly feeding from wildlife centre feeding station, Coal Tit (1), Reed Bunting (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-01-06Sheepwash to Fishtail Creek- 38 species- including: Pochard (x5), Goldeneye, Little Grebe (x4), Great Crested Grebe (x17), Great Northern Diver. Hall Wood: Treecreeper (x2), Nuthatch (x3), Goldcrest (x2), Siskin (x35+).John Matkin
2011-01-062 juv Great Northern Divers. Female Smew off dam wall at 0915hrs but no sign later. 2 Drake Shoveler on Millfields Spit. 3 Skylark south over Stones Island. Gull roost poor and widely spread, conservative estimate; 2500 Black-headed, 300 Common, 150 Herring, 200 LBBG, 26 GBBG, 1 Yellow-legged Gull.Roger Carrington
2011-01-042 GN Divers, including 1 in flight,1 Drake Pintail,1 Female Goosander,1 Redshank,YL Gull and 2+GBBG.Gull roost c1000 birds mainly on the ice, best viewed from Lane End.Clive Ashton
2011-01-02Female Smew in Hopton Arm near Big Island. 2 Great Northern Diver this morning near Fishtail. 1 Pinkfoot flew in to Millfields with Canadas. 2 Skylark NE over Millfields. 2 drake Goosander near Millfields Island. Also 2 Redshank, Tawny Owl, Fieldfare, Nuthatch, 52 species 0800-1200hrs.Roger Carrington
2011-01-02Sheepwash Hide - 15:30hr. Cormorant [9], Pintail pair M&F, Teal, Wigeon, Pochard, Tufted, Coot, BH Gull, LBB Gull, Redshank [1], David & Sue Edmonds
2010-12-31A low list today, as the reservoir is still partly frozen. Good flocks of Wigeon, Mallard and Coot from WLC.Richard, Frances and Ken Pittam
2010-12-27Great northern diver. Raven. Smew. antony wilson
2010-12-242 Great Northern Divers near the mouth of Fishtail Creek plus a hybrid Athya duck (Pochard x Tufted Duck)?, with small flock of Pochard in Upperfields Bay.Jonathan Bradley
2010-12-24Walked from Stones island to Paul Stanley,good to see some of the small birds are surviving the cold spell. 23 Fieldfare,16 Blackbird,6 Song Thrush,8 Willow Tit,8 Bullfinch,3 Treecreeper,2 Wren,plenty of Chaffinch and Tree Sparrow.A Peregrine flew over Sheepwash carpark. Reservoir still mainly frozen.Clive Ashton
2010-12-215 Waxwing feeding in small trees in the hedge along the path between Sheepwash and Paul Stanley hides at 9:00, but none present 30 minutes later. Also, 2 Great Northern Divers in the open waters on East Bank - one viewed from Sheepwash, the other throughout the day from WLC. And 1 Little Owl showing in the field behind WLC. From the Wildlife Centre: 1 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Grey Heron, and 1 Kingfisher. A group of upto 18 Wigeon in small area of water behind Horseshoe Island. Several Goldeneye and more than 15 Great Crested Grebe very distant. Many Redwing and Fieldfare now allowing much closer observation around WLC and Shiningford Creeks.James Owen (RSPB vol.)
2010-12-21WeBS count for December:Mute Swan 27,Pink-footed Goose 44 flying over,Canada Goose 54,Wigeon 325,Gadwall 70,Teal 23,Mallard 204,Pochard 75,Tufted Duck 692('unusually high number'BTO),Goldeneye 19,Smew 1,Goosander 1,Great Northern Diver 2(UHN says BTO),Little Grebe 18,Great Crested Grebe 95(UHN),Slavonian Grebe 1,Cormorant 25,Sparrowhawk 1,Buzzard 1,Kestrel 2,Moorhen 6,Coot 1,783(UHN),Lapwing 5,Snipe 1,Redshank 2. Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2010-12-20Most of the reservoir was sitting under ice today with only a few small pockets of water. There was one pocket off Sailing Club Island where there was a couple of Goldeneye amongst the usual stuff. Also a Redshank on the back of the island. Another small pocket was near Lane End but I couldn't see anything of note there. I saw Roger who said that there was a narrow strip of water running along the East Bank where he had seen both GN Divers. There was a Dunlin on the Dam Wall and I had 4 Siskin near the Wildlife Centre but that was about it. Dave Newcombe
2010-12-192 Great Northern Divers off Stones Island, Slavonian Grebe in Millfields Bay plus 4 Ravens over and a redhead Smew in Shiningford Creek.Jonathan Bradley
2010-12-15Low count of species today at 27. It was nice to see a black rumped male Gadwall by Stones Island, a very smart looking duck. We also noted 43 Barnacle Geese in Wildlife Centre Creek. There was also a Redshank on Stones Island. Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-12-15Slavonian Grebe still in Millfields Bay. 2 Great Northern Divers, the juvenile in front of Sheepwash Hide late afternoon. A Knot on Stones Island. 23 Goldeneye between Millfields and Stones Island and a total count of 29. 3 Pintail, 2 female Goosander, Dunlin, Redshank. A Peregrine was having a mid-air battle with 2 Ravens over Hall Wood early afternoon, and then that or another bird was attacking BH Gulls near dusk. 2 Buzzards, Yellow-legged Gull, 17 Herring Gull, 2 Mistle Thrush and c75 Redwing. Dave Newcombe
2010-12-14Slavonian Grebe still present in Millfields bay at 08:00 this morning, 13 Goosander flew over east.Clive Ashton
2010-12-13Slavonian Grebe still present in Millfields Bay. Great Northern Diver, pr of Mandarin, 3 Pintail (2 drakes and a female), drake Goosander, 16 Goldeneye, Redshank, Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 150 Common Gulls, 23 Hering Gulls, adult Yellow-legged Gull, Grey Wagtail, 50+ Siskin, 2 Lesser Redpoll and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2010-12-122 Great Northern Divers seen at same time late pm. 1juv, the other too distant to age. 5 Drake Shoveler at WLC. 5 Curlew flew east at dusk. Slavonian Grebe early afternoon at Millfields, could not be found there late pm. Recorded by others; Yellow-legged Gull reported eating a grebe at Sailing Club late pm !!. 6 Whooper Swan flew west. 2 Waxings flew over P S Hide. Roger Carrington
2010-12-11Just a quick visit this morning. The Slavonian Grebe which was found yesterday was showing well in Millfields Bay best viewed from near the slipway. Also in the bay was 14 Goosander. Not seen by me but the Great Northern Diver was seen near Stones Island with there possibly being 2 birds present. Dave Newcombe
2010-12-10From Birdguides - Slavonian Grebe - from Millfields..
2010-12-08water rail, spotted by chance as i was at the kitchen sink, it was looking for food in the brook which runs past my house down speedwell mill ,millers green , wirksworth.chris wilbraham
2010-12-06Great Northern Diver off Stones Island, 12 Goldeneye, 3 Shoveler, 3 Grey Heron, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Redshank, Dunlin, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Great-black Backed Gulls, Grey Wagtail, Kingfisher, Brambling, 5 Song Thrush and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2010-11-292 Whooper Swans located off Stones Island late afternoon before flying off West. 15+ Goldeneye, 2 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, adult Yellow-legged Gull, c20 Siskin, 15+ Bullfinch, 2 Jays, c75 Redwing, 3 Song Thrush and a Kingfisher. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2010-11-28Four waxwing, garden in Kirk IretonNeil Venables
2010-11-251 Snow Bunting on Stones Island from 0830hrs this morning. Elusive and mobile, calling when in flight. Mainly feeding on seed, creeping among short weeds on shore.Roger Carrington
2010-11-252 Whooper Swans behind Stones Island 1 DunlinMartin Hanks
2010-11-24Great Northern Diver, 2 Pintail, Red-crested Pochard, 13 Goldeneye, 3 Buzzards, 4 Sparrowhawks, 8 Snipe, 5 Redshank, Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Raven and a Brambling. Dave Newcombe
2010-11-2342 species at the WLC today, included 5 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Siskin, 1 Dunlin, 1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 8 Fieldfare over, and 1 Little Owl. Very large and active flocks of Lapwing c.400 mobile throughout the day. Elsewhere 2 Redshank on Stones Island, and 1 male Sparrowhawk over the main car park.James Owen (RSPB vol.)
2010-11-23Goldeneye 10 Millfields. Yellowhammer 1 flew over Millfields. Lapwing c.350. Common Gull 300+ (I stopped counting at 300!). Yellow Legged Gull 2 adult. Herring Gull 3. Steph Hicking
2010-11-22Thirty one species around midday. Of note: Kestrel (female) - hovering & hunting on Stones Island (SI), Coot (at least 600) - in the bay next to SI and the sailing club, Lapwing (160) - Horseshoe Island (HI) and in front of the sailing club, Redshank (1) - HI, Bullfinch (male) - near wildlife centre. Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-11-22Black Redstart again present by the overflow at the Millfields end of the Dam Wall. Please note that Millfields car park is now open. Great Northern Diver off Stones Island. 2 Pintail, 9 Goldeneye, 4 Redshank, 3 Buzzards, 13 Meadow Pipit, 35 Redwing, c25 Blackbirds, 2 Fieldfare, 9 Pheasant, 6 Bullfinch, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, several Herring Gulls and a Raven. A joint effort from Roger and myself produced 282 Common Gulls.Dave Newcombe
2010-11-20Black Redstart still present near the overflow at the Millfields end of the Dam Wall. The juvenile Great Northern Diver close to the Dam Wall early morning. At least 6 Yellow-legged Gulls in the roost and the resident adult was seen killing and eating a female Tufted Duck on Sheepwash Spit. 1st winter Med Gull also in the roost together with several Herring and GBB Gulls. Also seen from Sheepwash was 3 Redshank, 3 Snipe, 2 Dunlin, 326 Lapwing, 2 Pintail, 8 Goldeneye, 2 Raven, Peregrine, 13 Redwing, 9 Pheasant, 10 Meadow Pipits and a Fieldfare. Dave Newcombe
2010-11-181 Brambling (Sheepwash feeders) 12.55 2 Willow Tits Lane End Feeders and 2 @ PS Feeders; Female Sparrowhawk causing chaos around the sheepwash spit; 4 Dunlin; 1 Redshank; 1 Yellow Legged Gull. David Bennett (VR)

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