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
2010-11-18Black Redstart this afternoon. 130 Pinkfeet low NW at 0930hrs. Tufted Duck with Turquoise/Blue bill saddle marked AS at Millfields again. 267 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 5 Dunlin, 3 Snipe all at Sheepwash. Counts of 38 Little Grebe, 58 Great Crested Grebe, 156 Mallard, 8 Goldeneye.Roger Carrington
2010-11-17Juvenile Great Northern Diver still near the Dam Wall. Also of note today was 2 Pintail, 3 Goosander, 8 Goldeneye, 6 Redshank, 3 Dunlin, Snipe, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 41 Redwing and 4 Meadow Pipits. Dave Newcombe
2010-11-15Thirty four species of bird seen around midday. Of note: Lapwing (18), Dunlin (1) - Stones Island, Redshank (2), Common Sandpiper (1) - Stones Island, Goldfinch (4) and a pair of Siskins by the wildlife centre.Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-11-15Great Northern Diver seen from Sheepwash towards Dam Wall. Other highlights include 2 Pintail, 8 Goosander, 5 Goldeneye, 4 Redshank, 2 Snipe, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 3 Skylark, Kingfisher, Yellow-legged Gull, 2 (1st winter) Great-black-Backed Gulls, 4 Herring Gull, 2 Raven, 5 Siskin, c20 Redwing and 1 Fieldfare. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2010-11-15WeBS count for November: 25 Mute Swan,85 Canada Goose,277 Wigeon,32 Gadwall,209 Teal,263 Mallard,2 Pintail,62 Pochard,578 Tufted Duck,9 Goldeneye,1 Great Northern Diver,35 Little Grebe,58 Great Crested Grebe,33 Cormorant,3 Grey Heron,15 Moorhen,1330 Coot,293 Lapwing,3 Dunlin,3 Redshank and 1 KingfisherPeter Gibbon and John Bradley
2010-11-1338 species from the WLC today, included 2 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 6 Pochard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Buzzard, 2 Raven. Late in the afternoon a Barn Owl swooped by the bird table and was chased away by Jackdaws.James Owen (RSPB vol.)
2010-11-11A male Red-breasted Merganser on the Dam Wall early morning. A total of 255 Pink-footed Geese over East. 200 at 08.35hrs and 55 at 09.00. 2 Redshank at the Wildlife Centre. A total of 15 Goldeneye. Female Pintail, Dunlin, 2 Raven, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2010-11-1033 species of bird seen in one hour of birding. Of note: Goldeneye (1 male) - by Stones Island (SI), Pheasant (1 female) - seen from the boardwalk, Lapwing (18) - Horseshoe & SI, Coal Tit (1) - rarely seen by us at Carsington, Goldfinch (10) - seen by the boardwalk.Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-11-09Yet another very quiet day after an exciting weekend. Notable from the WLC: 2 Redshank, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 female Kestrel (two prey consumed on Horseshoe Is - one unidentified vole and one probable Wood Mouse). 1 Yellow-legged Gull again terrifying the Little Grebes, 2 Meadow Pipit. 4 Dunlin at Sheepwash, and 1 Peregrine over just north of the reservoir.James Owen (RSPB vol.)
2010-11-08All from Sheepwash Hide. 10 Shoveler, 3 drake Red-crested Pochard, Pintail, 9 Goldeneye, 2 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, adult Yellow-legged Gull and 4 Herring Gull. No sign of the Whooper Swans or the Great Northern Diver reported yesterday. Although they could have been hiding away in one of the many bays keeping out the way of the worst of the weather. Dave Newcombe
2010-11-07Great Northern Diver 1, Whooper Swan 10 (inc 3 juvs), Goldeneye 10, Mediterranean Gull 1 (adult winter), Yellow-legged Gull 3+ (adults), Herring Gull 20+ (argentatus and argenteus), Greater Black-back 1 (1st winter), Lesser Black Back c.3500+, Black Headed Gull c.4000, Common Gull 30+, Dunlin 1, Redshank 2.Steph Hicking/Roger Carrington/John Bradley
2010-11-06c200 Wood Pigeons over south early morning. 10+ Skylark over, 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, adult Med Gull, female Pintail, Raven, 6 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Kingfisher, 2 Goosander and a female Goldeneye. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2010-11-03Only a short time on site today so only visited the wildlife centre. Dull with some rain. Just 28 species found including Lapwing (~60), Redshank (2), Wren (2) - not often seen on site, Rook (2) and a Goldfinch flock on Horseshoe Island (20). Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-11-034 Yellow-legged Gulls (3 adults and a 1st winter), 2 Pintail, 2 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, Brambling, c50 Meadow Pipits, Kingfisher, 6 Siskin, Raven and Sparrowhawk.Dave Newcombe
2010-11-01Well the obvious highlight was a cracking male Bearded Tit,in the small reed bed to the left of Sheepwash hide at 10:45hr.The bird was heard pinging and then seen well on at least 3 occassions, before flying high to the north west at 12:35hr.We had the time to get the news out and at least 7 birders caught up with this Derbyshire rarity. 2 Pintail, 50+ Meadow Pipits,2 Redshank,4 Dunlin,7+ Snipe, male Mandarin, adult Mediterranean Gull, 3+Yellow legged Gulls and Kingfisher also on site today.Clive Ashton/Dave newcombe
2010-10-29Mediterranean Gull (1 adult winter). Yellow legged Gull (3 adults). Herring Gull(c.6). Pintail (1). Lesser Black Back (c.3500). Black headed Gull (c.4000). Magpies (13 in one group outside SWhide). Buzzard. Raven (2+).Steph' Hicking
2010-10-27Of note today; Skylarks were on the move, Dave had 8 over Stones Island, and I had 5+ over the dam wall moving s/w. A Pintail at Sheepwash,also 7 Goosander flew in towards dusk. The ad Med Gull showed well from Sheepwash from 15:15hr, along with a couple of YL Gulls. A Redshank also in the area of Sheepwash spit. Raptors seen, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and Kestrel.Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe
2010-10-236 Yellow-legged Gulls (5 adults and a 1st winter), lots of Gulls in tonight but viewing wasn't easy due to bad light and distance. Also seen today was c20 Meadow Pipits, 4 Skylark, c50 Redwings, 3 Buzzard, 2 Raven and a Dunlin. Not seen by myself but 17 Golden Plover were seen early this morning. Dave Newcombe
2010-10-22Whoopers and Rock Pipit are confirmed. Spoke to the finder of the GG Shrike, who is a well known Derbyshire birder,so no problem there. Not sure who had the Red Kite, but there was a report the previous day.Clive Ashton
2010-10-22According to Birdguides' Bird News Extra yesterday (ie 21st) the Red Kite was seen at 10.15 over the fields south of the dam and at 15.00 a Great Grey Shrike was seen at 15.00 by the Wildlife Centre before flying North. Today at 8.00 seven Whooper Swans were off the dam wall and a Rock Pipit at the east end of it. Again acording to Birdguides.Peter Gibbon
2010-10-21Red Kite.Drifting over the fields south of the dam wall in the area of Millfields. 10:15am I reported the sighting at the RSPB shop.Robert Stanley
2010-10-19Another quiet day at the WLC, highlights were 2 Brambling, 1 Snipe, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 3 Siskin. A marauding Yellow-legged Gull hunted Little Grebes throughout the day but failed to catch any. At Sheepwash, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull in the roost, with c.9 Yellow-legs. 7 Shoveller. Many Redwing on site, 1 Fieldfare over Sheepwash car park. A visitor reported in the shop that a Red Kite overflew the dam wall, no further details.James Owen (RSPB vol.)
2010-10-17WeBS count for October: Great Crested Grebe 49,Little Grebe 47,Grey Heron 3,Cormorant 53,Mute Swan 27,Canada Goose 48,Greylag Goose 2,Wigeon 781,Teal 89,Mallard 103,Gadwall 38,Shoveler 5,Tufted Duck 741,Pochard 91,Goldeneye 1,Moorhen 16, Coot 972,Lapwing 182,Snipe 2,Kingfisher 1.Time 08.00 to 11.00.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2010-10-13Rock Pipit on the Dam Wall this morning, 45 Pink-footed Geese over. 2 Dunlin, Redshank, Yellow-legged Gull, Snipe, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 5 Siskin and 3 Lesser Redpoll. Dave Newcombe
2010-10-12Quiet day at the WLC, notable were 17 Redwing over and 2 Buzzard. From Sheepwash, 2 Kestrel, 3 Dunlin, 1 Snipe. At least 5 Yellow-legged Gull in the early roost. Also, 5 Shelduck and 1 Jay.James Owen (RSPB vol.)
2010-10-11Of note: Grey Heron (juvenile), Red-crested Pochard (1 male) - in Wildlife Centre Creek, Meadow Pipit (2) - dam wall area, Rook (1) - this species not often seen on site, and Goldfinch (~30) - on Horseshoe Island. Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-10-11Rock Pipit in front of Sheepwash Hide with c20 Meadow Pipits. c300 Pink-footed Geese surprisingly heading west at 14.40hrs. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and 9 Common Gull on Sheepwash Spit. Also of note 2 Dunlin, Golden Plover heard only flying over Stones Island. 85 Lapwing, 3 Grey Heron, 62 Cormorants, Red-crested Pochard, several Siskin, 4 Buzzard and 2 Sparrowhawks. Dave Newcombe
2010-10-082 Rock Pipits on the Sheepwash shoreline, along with Meadow Pipits. Kingfisher, Raven, Sparrowhawk,Kestrel,YL Gull.Clive Ashton
2010-10-071 Curlew SandpiperDermot Smyth
2010-10-06Bright and breezy on site today. Of note: Common Pochard (3 males). Hundreds of water birds in Wildlife Centre Creek sheltering from the wind. Predominately Tufted Ducks (~500). Sparrowhawk (1), Lapwing (44), Common Sandpiper (1). The Sparrowhawk tried to take the sandpiper but it got away. Later the sandpiper was seen feeding at the eastern end of Horseshoe Island. Goldfinch (53).Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-10-0662 Cormorants, Red-crested Pochard, Pintail, 4 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 4 Chiff Chaff, 10+ Siskin, 2 Redpoll, c30 Meadow Pipits, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gull and Raven. Dave Newcombe
2010-10-052 Rock Pipits on Stones Island at around 09.30hrs. Also one on Sheepwash Spit early afternoon and another flew over Stones Island just before 18.30hrs. Red-crested Pochard at Millfields and then at the Wildlife Centre. 6 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover and 3 Reed Buntings on Stones Island. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, Snipe, Redpoll and 6 Skylark. At around 17.30 again on Stones Island the Goldfinches and Pied Wagtails that had been feeding quite happily all shot up in obvious alarm. Their reason for such alarm was a Merlin that flew right past us and over the island. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2010-10-04Red-crested Pochard, Shoveler, Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 3 Swallow, 6 Skylark, 8 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 8 Linnet, Raven, Siskin and Redpoll.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2010-10-02An Osprey appeared from over Hall Wood at 12.20hrs and slowly drifted south over the Dam Wall. Then at 13.05hrs presumably the same bird re-appeared and showed on and off until around 14.10hrs. A drake Red-crested Pochard was at the Wildlife Centre. c20 Meadow Pipits at Sheepwash. Also 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, 4 Buzzard, male Sparrowhawk and 11 Swallows. Dave Newcombe
2010-09-30At least 1 Rock Pipit still on Stones Island with meadow pipits at 0800hrs. A Lapland Bunting in flight over Stones Island 0810hrs. 4 Skylark, fly-over. 1 Dunlin.Roger Carrington
2010-09-29Pintail at Millfields, 4 Common Scoter off Stones Island, 9 Dunlin on Stones Island. Redshank and 2 Black-tailed Godwits at Sheepwash although the Godwits were only seen by Roger. Ruddy Shelduck, 6 Swallows and Yellow-legged Gull. At around 17.15 3 Rock Pipits were on the south side of Stones Island. Dave Newcombe
2010-09-2810 Dunlin and 2 Ringed Plover on Stones Island. Over 30 Meadow Pipits present with some on the Dam and some around Sheepwash. 29 Swallows through south. 30+ Gadwall, 12 Pochard, female Peregrine, a Hobby east at 12.40, several Yellow-legged Gulls, 5 Common Gull, Raven, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Ruddy Shelduck and a juvenile Common Tern. At 17.55 an adult Spotted Redshank flew in front of Stones Island then turned again and headed south. Dave Newcombe
2010-09-2711 Meadow Pipits on the Dam Wall and a further 20+ at Sheepwash. 8 Dunlin and 4 Ringed Plover on Stones Island then later in front of Sailing Club. A Ruddy Shelduck on Stones Island and then at Sheepwash with Canada Geese. A single Swallow through south. Adult Yellow-legged Gull on Sheepwash Spit. Female Sparrowhawk. Possible Hobby over Stones Island. Several Chiff Chaffs including one in song. Dave Newcombe
2010-09-27A very modest session today. Dull and foggy plus occasional drizzle so low light conditions. Just 29 species of bird located around midday. Of note: Grey Heron (1), Canada Goose (at least 300) - eastern edge of Stones Island; duck species present - Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard & Tufted Duck; Kestrel (1), Coot (over 150) - between Stones Island and the Sailing Club; Lapwing (3) - the only wader noted!; Pied Wagtail (10), Goldfinch (12). The Pieds and Goldfinches seemed to be flocking together on the western edge of Stones Island. They were feeding and also drinking from puddles.Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-09-22A very good day today but the bird of the day was early this morning. I started walking the Dam Wall around 08.30 and was only getting a few Meadow Pipits and Pied Wagtails until I neared the Sailing Club. Around 150 yards from the Sailing Club I heard a bird call and more or less straight away I knew it was a Lapland Bunting. I looked up into the air expecting to see it flying over but saw nothing.I then looked onto the rocks in front of me and there it was about 10 yards away. It then walked away from me and I lost it amongst the weeds and stones. I stood there for a while waiting and then edging closer but still saw nothing. Eventually 2 walkers flushed the bird and it flew up calling several times and flew towards Stones Island. Despite several birders searching it could not be re-located. Also seen today was quite a few Dunlin. 8 flew through early morning, then 4 were on Sheepwash Spit. 2 on Horseshoe Island and another 4 flew past Stones Island. Then 3 more were flying around with 11 Redshank. Near dusk on Stones Island there was a flock of 12 Waders...10 Dunlin and 2 Curlew Sandpipers. Also 3 Ringed Plover earlier in the day. 2 Pintail, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, Common Tern and a female Peregrine finished off what was a very good day. Dave Newcombe
2010-09-21WeBS count for September: 28 Mute Swan,213 Canada Goose,193 Wigeon,25 Gadwall,81 Teal,166 Mallard,15 Pochard,879 Tufted Duck,35 Little Grebe,47 great Crested Grebe,28 Cormorant,8 Grey Heron,17 Moorhen,1009 Coot,1 Ringed Plover,67 Lapwing,1 Common Sandpiper.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2010-09-20The level of the reservoir has dropped a couple of feet since last week. Of note: A juvenile Little Grebe observed. Grey Heron (2) - one adult and one juvenile. The juvenile was successfully fishing in a pool in front of the Wildlife Centre main window. Wigeon (6), Gadwall (8), Teal (4), Kestrel (1) - Horseshoe Island. Two well developed juvenile Moorhens seen. Lapwing (~20), Collared Dove (10), Willow Warbler (1) and Willow Tit (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-09-20Of note today: 27 Meadow Pipit, c100 Starling and a Grey Wagatil on the Dam Wall. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, c12 Chiff Chaff, 102 Swallows south throughout the day, also 15 Housemartins. 6 Dunlin on Sheepwash Spit. 2 Spotted Flycatchers and a Lesser Whitethroat on Wildlife Centre Creek. 2 Raven, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. Dave Newcombe
2010-09-17Of note: Canada Goose (~200) - Wildlife Cente Creek & Shiningford Creek area, Gadwall (12), Teal (2), Lapwing (2), Redshank (1), Common Sandpiper (1), Tree Sparrow (~30) - all feeding on bird table at the same time!; Goldfinch (~40) - active flock on Stones Island.Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-09-15Osprey mid morning. 22 Greylag flew over Millfields. 26 feral Barnacle Geese on Stones Island. 450 Canada Geese at dusk. Up to 9 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank and 2 Oystercatchers flew in at dusk. 1 Adult Kittiwake flew thru east at 1630hrs. A Barn Owl used Sheepwash Hide as a hunting post around 6pm for 35minutes.Roger Carrington
2010-09-14As well as the sightings already mentioned, 16 Greylags, 105 Wigeon, 20+ Meadow Pipits, 45 Swallows, Hobby, 2 Sparrowhawks, Yellow Wagtail, 2 Raven and 2 Buzzards. The Osprey has been spending quite a bit of time around the Fishtail Creek area and could well be roosting there. It now and again flies up the water giving good views from Sheepwash and P. Stanley hides. Dave Newcombe
2010-09-14Wryneck still present until at least 18:30 mostly feeding in leaf litter around the curbs near the slipway. With patience showed very well, no need to approach. Also, WLC: Osprey fishing in the middle waters. 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Grey Heron, c.60 Goldfinch and 2 Linnet before midday when STW ranger mowed Horseshoe Island after which little else arrived, however 1 Kestrel successfully hunted. 1 Sedge Warbler (briefly) and 2 Chiffchaff in the willow. 2 Willow Tits, 1 Yellow-legged Gull.James Owen (RSPB vol.)
2010-09-14Wryneck. Found at 1740hrs, went into bushes, then showed from 1845 to 1930hrs. From Millfielfds car park, walk towards the dam wall, it was on the water side of the paved approach path to the large paved circle. The bird was feeding along the kerb between the paving and bushes. To give the bird space to come out of the bushes and feed we were viewing from the slipway behind the 'no swimming' sign.Roger Carrington
2010-09-13An Osprey at c11.30hrs caught a fish after several attempts and carried the fish down Hopton Arm around 30 minutes later. Also of note today was 37 Meadow Pipits, 34 Housemartins, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 23 Swallows, 4+ Grey Heron, Redshank, 2 Common Sandpipers, 60 Cormorants, 72 Wigeon, Kingfisher, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, Common Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 4 Bullfinch, female Sparrowhawk and c90 Goldfinch. Roger will no doubt post at some point but shortly after 17.30 this evening Roger found a Wryneck in bushes at the south end of the Dam Wall past the draw off tower near the slipway. Dave Newcombe
2010-09-09Hobby JuvenileJohn Mowbray

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