Recent Sightings

DateSightingName
11/10/2026From Sheepwash early evening: Ruff (1), Bl T Godwit (2), Caspian Gull (ad), YLGull (6) - 3-Ads; 2-2nd w; 1st w, Pintail (5+),Richard Lowe
11/10/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 171 Canada, 32 Greylag, 16 Mute Swan plus 3 large cygnets, 2 Garganey (Millfields), 12 Shoveler, 157 Gadwall, 78 Wigeon, 316 Mallard , 20 Pintail, 1,763 Teal(!!), 5 Red-crested Pochard, 79 Common Pochard, 92 Tufted, 7 Moorhen, 1,014 Coot, 17 Little Grebe, 33 GCGrebe, 13 Ringed Plover, 2 Grey Plover (WLC), 13 Lapwing, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Jack Snipe (Hopton reedbed), 4 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Dunlin, 26 Cormorant, 5 Little & 3 Great Egrets, 7 Herons.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
10/10/2026From Sheepwash Hide early evening: Grey Plover (Juv); Mediterranean Gull 1st w; YLGull (7) - Ad (4), 2nd w (2), 1st w; Pintail (c.15).Richard Lowe
10/10/2026A female Merlin flew down the east side mid-morning, in line with its just-about-annual status. The 2 Garganey were still at Millfields, where Clive also had 9 Ringed Plovers. 3 Ruff at sailing club. Very little moving this morning compared to the last couple of days.SJR, MW, CA
09/10/2026From Sheepwash late afternoon/early evening: Mediterranean Gull 1st w; YLGull (7) - 4Ads, 2nd w, 1st w (2); Pintail (c10); Goldeneye (1); RC Pochard (3); Ruff (1); Bl T Godwit (2);Richard Lowe
09/10/2026It was mainly Redwings on the move this morning, with 1,420 flying S or SW 07:30-10:00. 3 Whooper Swans, perhaps the same birds as yesterday, flew in from the NW but soon departed E. 2 Garganey still at Millfields and a drake Common Scoter from Sheepwash. 3 Ruff and 2 Black-tailed Godwits still. 2 Great and 8 Little Egrets. Adult Yellow-legged and Herring Gulls at Sheepwash. Male Stonechat in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
08/10/2026From Sheepwash this afternoon: Caspian Gull adult, Yellow-legged Gull 4 (3ads, 1st Winter), Great Black-backed Gull ad, Mediterranean Gull 1st winter. Pintail 3, Red-crested Pochard, Ringed Plover 7, Dunlin 1.CA/RJL
08/10/2026A very decent morning, with a bit of movement and a few birds on and around the water. Vismig included 2,200 Woodpigeons S in 90 minutes, 90 Redwing, 31 Starling, 24 Skylarks and 30 Pink-footed Geese E. 3 Whooper Swans dropped in just after 09:00 and were there to 11:00 at least (first of the year here as far as I'm aware). The 2 Garganey were still at Millfields, along with 18 Pintail, 30 Shoveler, 80 Wigeon, 104 Pochard and 4 Red-crested Pochard, and Clive had a male Mandarin there briefly. At sailing club/WLC, 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plover, 1 Ruff and 2 Black-tailed Godwits. 42 Cormorants. Probably 2 Great Egrets. 5 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. 6 Jays (5 over Millfields carpark) and at least 30 Ravens. Willow Tit in WLC creek.SJR, MW, RPJ, AMD, CA
06/10/2026The 2 juvenile-type Garganey were still at Millfields this morning. Totals of 19 Shoveler, 111 Wigeon, 11 Pintail and 106 Pochard. 86 Woodpigeons and 29 Stock Doves S in one hour. At sailing club, 5 Dunlin, 3 Ruff and 7 Ringed Plover, and 1 Black-tailed Godwit at WLC. 3 Great Egrets still. 5 Redwing flew through. 4 Stonechats again in WLC fields. 50 Linnets at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
05/10/2026As well as the report by Alan; 4 Stonechat in WLC Creek and 14 Siskin flew SW.Clive Ashton
05/10/2026This morning from Millfields, 2 Gargany, 7 Pintail, 3 Great White Egrets were visible from there, also 7 Little Egrets other waterfoul included Shovellers, Wigeon, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall and large numbers of Teal , 1 adult Yellow legged gull . From Stones Island, 3 Ruff,5 Dunlin, 5 Ringed Plovers .AHS, CA, MR.
04/10/2026Two Garganey at Millfields early evening and 1st w Mediterranean Gull and 4 YL Gulls (2Ads; 2-1st w’s) from Sheepwash.Richard Lowe
04/10/2026Species seen during today's monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island WLC creek): House Sparrow, Mallard, Little Egret, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Black-headed Gull, Canada Goose, Robin, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Lapwing, Carrion Crow, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, Wren, Magpie, Mute swan, Greylag goose, Dunnock, Great tit, Blue tit, Long-tailed tit, Kestrel, Lesser black-backed gull, Gt Crested Grebe, Linnet, Goldfinch, Snipe, Little grebe, Buzzard, Great egret, Blackbird, Teal, Gadwall, Grey heron, Black-tailed Godwit.Gary Atkins
04/10/2026The Garganey was still at Millfields this morning, and 2 redhead Goosander dropped in there. I didn't count them but a lot of wildfowl appear to have retreated to the north end of the reservoir. Wonder why that is? A Ruff and 4 Dunlin were at sailing club and 2 Black-tailed Godwits still at WLC. 3 Great Egrets still. 6 GSWoodpeckers at various spots. Male Stonechat in WLC fields, 30 Linnets on Stones and a Redpoll over Millfields.Simon Roddis
03/10/2026From Sheepwash hide late afternoon: Med Gull (Ad); YLGull (4) Ads; Pintail (8); GWEgret (1);Richard Lowe
03/10/202640 Pochard, 12. Little Grebe,17 Cormorant,2 Grey Heron,20 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler ,25 Gadwall, 8 Linnet, 4 Great White Egret , 30 + Pied Wagtail , 10 Snipe 3 at WLC 7 Sailing club,18 Lapwing, 6 Dunlin, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chiffchaff Singing at Sheepwash, 4 Ringed Plover, 4 Little Egret, Curlew sandpiper at WLC , no sign of the SpoonbillDave Armitt
03/10/2026Clive saw the Spoonbill at Millfields first thing but not thereafter. Garganey still there. Another mass disturbance event, this time caused by small boats going up the reservoir, 100s of wildfowl flushed. Some of them then dropped into Millfields, including 18 Shoveler, 81 Wigeon, 17 Pintail. 3 female-type Red-crested Pochard also there. 3 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin and 2 Black-tailed Godwits still. At least 2 Great Egrets. 11+ Skylarks over and the first Redpoll of the autumn over Stones causeway.SJR, CA, MW
02/10/2026From Sheepwash Hide early evening (with Clive Ashton): Med Gull 1st w. YLGull (4) - 2 Ads, 1st w, 2nd w. Caspian Gull - 2Ads. Plus a Ring-billed / Lesser Black-backed Hybrid that seems to tour the Midland’s reservoirs every autumn/winter, seen at Carsington in previous years and well spotted by CA. Plus Pintail (4).Richard Lowe
02/10/2026The juvenile Spoonbill was again at Millfields late morning until flushed by an irresponsible dog-owner. Not just the Spoonbill but some hundreds of duck - including the long-staying Garganey - and other wildfowl too. Very annoying! Before that, I counted 22 Shoveler, 67 Wigeon, 15 Pintail and 39 Pochard. Just one female Red-crested Pochard at Millfields. Waders included 8 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover, 3 Common Sandpipers and 2 Black-tailed Godwits. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 3 Great Egrets. 4 Tawny Owls calling early morning. 35 Meadow Pipits. 9 Siskin.Simon Roddis
01/10/2026The Spoonbill found by Simon was mobile between Millfields and Stones Island. We understand from other birders that it was still at Millfields late in the day. 7 Little Egrets. 3 Herons. 75 Wigeon. 6 Red-crested Pochard (2m) on Millfields Island. 100 Gadwall. Female Goldeneye. Sailing Club end of the dam wall-6 Dunlin, 6 Ringed Plover and a Snipe. 4 Common Sands. The 2 Blackwits and Greenshank at Wildlife centre. 2nd winter Med Gull at Sheepwash along with 3 YLG-1st w, 2nd w and an adult. 39 Common Gulls. 4 Swallows through-3 & 1. 9 Chiffchaff. 3 Raven. With Chris BrownDave Newcombe/Chris Brown
01/10/2026A juvenile Spoonbill at Millfields this morning was a bit of a surprise, the sixth Carsington record. The Garganey was also still at Millfields. 2 Egyptian Geese off Watersports late morning. At least 64 Wigeon, 10 Pintail and 4 Red-crested Pochard (3 males). 9 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwits still and 3 Common Sandpipers. 3 Great Egrets. Totals of 9 Jays, 8+ Skylarks, 2 Swallows and 2 Blackcaps.Simon Roddis
30/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon/early evening: in the gulls - Mediterranean Gull (2) - Ad plus 1st w. YLGull (13) - Ad (7); 2w (3); 1st w (3). GBBGull 1st w.Richard Lowe
30/09/2026Yesterday's Grey Plover was still at Sheepwash late morning, and the Garganey at Millfields. A flock of at least 25 Redshank flew in and landed on Watersports island; another flock of 10-12 fly-though waders might also have been Redshank. 7 Red-crested Pochard and a Green Woodpecker at Millfields. 2 Black-tailed Godwits again at WLC and totals of 5 Common Sandpiper and 8 Dunlin. 3 Great Egret. Marsh Tit calling at SHeepwash and 40 Linnets on Stones island.Simon Roddis
29/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: In the gulls - YLGull (8) - 4 Ads, 3-1st w’s plus 2nd w; GBBGull (Ad). Plus Pintail (3); GWEgret.Richard Lowe
29/09/2026A Grey Plover flew into Sheepwash early morning and was still there to 10:20 at least. The Curlew Sandpiper was still at Watersports/Horseshoe island and the Garganey at Millfields. 11 Pintail and 6 (possibly 8) Red-crested Pochard. 3 Great Egret. Waders included Greenshank, 2 Black-tailed Godwits, 4 Common Sandpipers, 8 Dunlin and 6 Ringed Plover. 30 Meadow Pipits at Watersports.SJR, RPJ, AMD, AHS
28/09/2026At 11.18 6 x Dunlin + 1 Curlew Sandpiper photographed at end of concrete slipway to left of cycle hire.Bernard Dumbleton
28/09/2026The Garganey is still at Millfields this morning but I didn't see the Curlew Sandpiper or the Dunlin flock that it hung around with. 2 Black-tailed Godwit still and 2 Common Sandpiper. A vocal Peregrine sat on one of the pylons beyond WLC creek. 3 Great Egret. Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. 4 Skylarks over.Simon Roddis
27/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon in the gulls: Caspian Gull 1st w (Dutch ringed); YLGull (4) - Ad, 2nd w plus 2-1st w’s. GBBGull 1st w. Plus Pintail (5); Wigeon (c20), GWEgret; L Egret; Ringed Plover (1).Richard Lowe
27/09/2026Juvenile Curlew Sandpiper again around Watersports and the Garganey was at Millfields again this morning. Wildfowl included 44 Shoveler, 202 Gadwall (new site record), 62 Wigeon, 11 Pintail, 5 Red-crested and 53 Common Pochard. 2 Black-tailed Godwits still, single Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper and Greenshank, and 10 Dunlin. 3 Great Egrets at Watersports. Total of at least 7 Tawny Owls calling early morning.Simon Roddis, c
26/09/2026The juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was again in the Watersports/Horseshoe area this morning, along with 12 Dunlin, 2 Black-tailed Godwits and a Greenshank. The juvenile-type Garganey also still at Millfields, along with 13 Shoveler, 3 Pintail and 30 Wigeon. Great Egret still around Watersports. 5 Skylarks over.Simon Roddis, Mick Watson
25/09/2026The juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was still in the Watersports area this morning, a Turnstone flew past Stones island and the Garganey was at Millfields. Supporting cast of 45 Wigeon, 7 Pintail, 6 Red-crested Pochard, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 12+ Dunlin, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Great Egrets, 3 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing, Marsh Tit at Sheepwash, 1 Siskin over the WLC.SJR, CA, AHS
24/09/2026A juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was at Sailing Club with at least 5 Dunlin this morning. Garganey still, 2 Black-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe, Ringed Plover heard, Common Sandpiper and 2 Great Egret.Clive Ashton
23/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon of note: Caspian Gull 1st w (yellow ring on left tibia, from Holland); YLGull (5) - 4 Ads plus 1st w; GBBGull (2) - Ad plus 1st w; Pintail (2); Ringed Plover (8);Richard Lowe
23/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon of note: Caspian Gull 1st w (yellow ring on left tibia, from Holland); YLGull (5) - 4 Ads plus 1st w; GBBGull (2) - Ad plus 1st w; Pintail (2); Ringed Plover (8);Richard Lowe
23/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon of note: Caspian Gull 1st w (yellow ring on left tibia, from Holland); YLGull (5) - 4 Ads plus 1st w; GBBGull (2) - Ad plus 1st w; Pintail (2); Ringed Plover (8);Richard Lowe
23/09/20265 Red-crested Pochard, 5 Pintail, Garganey, 2 Great Egret, 5 Little Egret, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Dunlin, Ringed Plover, 10 Snipe, 2 Common Sandpiper, Kestrel on Stones.Clive Ashton
22/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon of note: Turnstone (2); RPlover (5); Common Sandpiper (1); Pintail (2); Caspian Gull (ad) - the ‘regular’ bird, albeit spending much of its time at Ogston; YLGull (4) - 2Ads, 1st w, 2nd w;Richard Lowe
22/09/2026Garganey still at Millfields, 7 Pintail at Sheepwash, 2 Great Egret, Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, 3 Common Sandpiper, 6+ Dunlin, 6 Snipe, Kingfisher at WLC, Stonechat in the creek.CA/RPJ/AMD
21/09/2026No sign of Pectoral Sandpipers or Spotted Redshank this morning. Garganey at Millfields, 2 Great Egret, 3 Common Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit at Sailing Club, Greenshank at Wildlife centre, 2 Willow Tit and Stonechat in Wildlife Centre creek, loose flock of 6 Jay S/W over Millfields.CA,AHS
20/09/201912, Shoveler,2 pectoral sandpiper,1 Greenshank, 1 Spotted Redshank, 40 Wigeon, 20 Gadwall, 2 Little Egret, 30 Pied wagtail, 2 Wheatear, 8 Mute swan, 1 Chiffchaff, 10 Little Grebe, Dropped in midafternoon for a quick walk started at Millfield's walked the Dam wall and back surprised that the waders didn't move on with the activity along the shore line.Dave Armitt
20/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon: YLGull (8) - Ad (7); 1st w (1). GBBGull (2) - Ad plus Juv/1st w; Herring Gull (3); GWEgret (1); Dunlin (5); R Plover (3); Pintail (2); Peregrine (1);Richard Lowe
20/09/2026Both Pectoral Sandpipers and the Garganey were at Millfields again this morning. Vismig from WLC creek involved 690 Meadow Pipits SW in 2 hours, 2 Skylarks, a Yellowhammer (Carsington mega!), 21 Swallows and 17 Linnets. On the dam wall early on, Wheatear, Yellow Wagtail, 100 Pied Wagtails and a Kingfisher. 13 Shoveler, 3 Wigeon, 4 Pintail, 6 Red-crested Pochard, 38 Common Pochard and a redhead Goosander. The juvenile Black-tailed Godwit was at sailing club early morning and later in Brown Ale Bay. 2 Yellow-legged, 2 Great Black-backed and 7 Common Gulls. 2 Great Egret. 2 Stonechat, a Redstart and 60 Goldfinch in WLC fields. Willow Emerald damselfly in BABay.SJR, CA, MW
19/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon:of note in the gulls - YLGull (7) - Ad (4), 2nd w (1), 1st w (2); HGull c4+; GBBGull 1st w. Plus GWEgret (1); Pintail (2+); Shoveller (10+). Surprisingly, no waders.Richard Lowe
18/09/2026The 2 Pectoral Sandpipers and Garganey were still at Millfields this morning, the Pecs even staying despite disturbance by a paddleboarder late morning. At least 11 species of wader, including c15 Ringed Plover, 5+ Dunlin, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone on Stones (courtesy of the Hattersleys), juv Black-tailed Godwit and 2 Ruff (per Dave H) at WLC. 6 Red-crested Pochard off Lane End. 2 Great Egret. Hobby circling late morning. Skylark over the main centre. Sand Martin over Stones (getting quite late for them now). Wheatear again on the dam wall. Light movement of Meadow Pipits (25+) and 70 Pied Wagtails out of their roost in Hopton reedbed early on.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
17/09/2026The 2 Pectoral Sandpipers and Garganey were again at Millfields this morning, plus a Greenshank. 13 Ringed Plover, 7 Dunlin and 4 Red-crested Pochard at Sheepwash, plus single Common and Great Black-backed Gulls. At least 2 Great and 5 Little Egrets. Peregrine enjoying the breeze with corvids over Hall Wood. Hirundines on the move included at least 40 Swallows and 50 House Martins. Wheatear on the dam wall.SJR, CA, MW
15/09/2026From Sheepwash Hide mid/late afternoon: Garganey (at about 6pm, then flew off towards Lane End); Pintail (2); YLGull (4) - 3Ads plus a 1st w; GBBGull 1 Juv; GWEgret (1); Ringed Plover (13); Dunlin (8+); Greenshank (1);Richard Lowe
15/09/2026This morning: The 2 Pectoral Sandpipers still present at Millfields along with the Garganey and a Greenshank. Sheepwash 15 Ringed Plover and 8 Dunlin. Stones/Wildlife Centre: Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Sandpiper, 2f Red-crested Pochard and Great Egret.Clive Ashton
14/09/2026Short visit this afternoon: Total of 24 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 3 Common Sandpiper, Greenshank, Great Egret, 2 Pintail, 2 YL Gull, ad Caspian Gull.Clive Ashton
12/09/2026The 2 Pectoral Sandpipers are still here this morning, initially at sailing club/Horseshoe island and then at Millfields late morning. Monthly wildfowl count: 276 Canada, 59 Greylag, 23 Mute Swan, 1 Garganey, 29 Shoveler, 176 Gadwall, 10 Wigeon, 523 Mallard, 9 Pintail, 897 Teal, 5 Red-crested and 35 Common Pochard, 221 Tufted, 1 Goldeneye, 9 Moorhen, 839 Coot, 18 Little Grebe, 32 GCGrebe, 14 Ringed Plover, 9 Lapwing, 3 Common Sandpiper, 5 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank, 4 Snipe, 3 Little and 1 Great Egret, 8 Heron. The Gadwall and Mallard counts are both new site records.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
11/09/2026Another autumn day, another surprise: a Pectoral Sandpiper, first for the site (apparently present and photographed yesterday evening). Initially this morning at sailing club with a Ruff before being flushed; it was later relocated on Horseshoe island, there up to midday at least. The Little Stint was still at Sheepwash. Other waders: 14 Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, 4 Common Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit. Duck included a juvenile Shelduck, 29 Shoveler, 14 Wigeon, 6 Pintail, the Garganey at Millfields, and 5 Red-crested Pochard. At least 1 Great Egret. Marsh Tit at Paul Stanley.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton et al.
10/09/2026Another excellent autumn morning. The Garganey was at Millfields early morning, an Osprey flew south at 09:30 and one Little Stint was at Sheepwash late morning. A juvenile-type Whinchat and a male Stonechat were in WLC creek mid morning; the Whinchat hung around for at least an hour. Totals of 566 Canada Geese, 171 Greylags, 12 Shoveler, 6 Pintail (in Brown Ale Bay), 2 female Red-crested Pochard, 16 Ringed Plover, 7 Snipe, 7 Dunlin, 1 Greenshank. 2 Redshank at Watersports were new and a Black-tailed Godwit flew west. Great Egret also at Watersports and a Hobby flew through. Totals of 21 Ravens, 70 Swallows, 10 House and 4 Sand Martins. 5 Jays flew over Hall Wood. Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall.SJR, RPJ, AMD, MW
09/09/2026One juvenile Little Stint was atill at Sheepwash early morning, and the Garganey again at Millfields. 1 Pintail at sailing club and 2 female Red-crested Pochard off Horseshoe island. 44 Pochard. 13 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, 8 Snipe, 2 Dunlin. Adult Yellow-legged Gull again. 2 Great Egrets, at Millfields and past Lane End. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end early morning. Totals of 120 Swallows and 70 House Martins. Spotted Flycatcher beyond the top of WLC creek.SJR, CA, MW
07/09/2026The 2 Little Stints were at Sheepwash early morning and later off Stones causeway, and the Garganey was still at Millfields late morning. 4 Pintail were the first of their autumn here. 15 Shoveler. 41 Pochard. 16+ Ringed Plover. 5 Dunlin. 3 Greenshank. 2 Ruff. 8+ Snipe. Adult Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls. Hobby over Stones. At least 14 Ravens (12 over Sheepwash early morning). Whitethroat on Stones. 20 Swallows and 15 House Martins.SJR, RPJ, AMD
06/09/2026Following are the (36) species identified on the monthly Birwatching for Beginners walk (10am-12noon), taking in Stones Island and as far as the screens by the Wildlife Centre: House Sparrow, Robin, Canada Goose, Ringed Plover, Little Stint, Dunlin, Ruff, Mallard, Gt Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Coot, Moorhen, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Cormorant, Mute Swan, Chiffchaff, Hobby, Red Kite, Buzzard, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, Gadwall, Lapwing, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Swallow, Tufted Duck, Teal, Goldfinch, Blue Tit and BlackbirdGary Atkins
06/09/2026The Garganey was still at Millfields this morning, and 2 Knot at Sheepwash. Clive also had the 2 Little Stints there. 3 Ruff and 3 Greenshank. 20+ Ringed Plovers still. 2 Hobbies over Hopton end and at least 1 Reed Warbler in the reedbed. 30 each of Swallow and House Martin. 10+ Ravens.Simon Roddis
04/09/2026The excellent autumn continues, with an Osprey flying south at 08:05, 3 Knot still at Sheepwash, a new site record of at least 41 Ringed Plovers, and a Garganey - quite likely the one that was seen last week - at Millfields late morning. Also 8 Wigeon, female Red-crested Pochard, 30 Common Pochard, 3 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, the Marsh Tit still at Sheepwash, a Yellow Wagtail there, and a trickle of Swallows (48), House Martins (5) and a single Sand Martin.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
03/09/2026The 3 juvenile Knot and the Little Stint were again at Sheepwash this morning, although the stint relocated to Stones island mid-morning (per Ant Pooles). 32 Ringed Plovers, 2 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, 5 Dunlin, 4+ Common Sandpipers. Duck included 23 Shoveler, 2 female Red-crested and 40 Common Pochard, and 153 Greylags flew over the dam wall early morning. Great Egret still, and Kingfisher on the dam wall. c150 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall/sailing club.Simon Roddis
02/09/2026Popped back up to Sheepwash this evening: 3 juvenile Knot still, the Little Stint, 35 Ringed Plovers, 5 Dunlin, 9 Snipe, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 553 Teal.Simon Roddis
02/09/2026A very decent morning, mainly at Sheepwash hide because of the weather. Main highlights were 3 juvenile Knot, 2 Whinchats and a juvenile/winter-plumage Black-necked Grebe, with a supporting cast of 12 Ringed Plover, 16 Snipe, 2 Greenshank, 3 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, adult and juvenile Caspian Gull, adult Yellow-legged Gull and Yellow Wagtail. Female Red-crested Pochard off Horseshoe island and 2 Willow Tits on Stones earlier.SJR, AHS, MW
01/09/2026The Little Stint was again off Stones causeway this morning. Totals of 22 Ringed Plover, 4 Greenshank and single Curlew and Ruff (at Sheepwash). There seemed to be far fewer waterfowl to me today, perhaps they've got fed up with the disturbance. Adult Caspian Gull on Sheepwash spit. 1,200 Jackdaws early morning and a total of 19 Ravens (no shortage of corvids at the moment!). Common and Lesser Whitethroats in WLC creek. At least 150 Goldfinches in total.Simon Roddis
31/08/2026Both Little and Tawny Owls were calling in WLC creek first thing this morning. The Little Stint was on Stones island early morning and later at Sheepwash, with 3 Dunlin. 2 Greenshank, 5 Common Sandpiper, 18 Ringed Plovers. Ruff at Sheepwash late am (CA,AHS). 560 Teal. 38 Shoveler (most of them in Brown Ale Bay). 8 Wigeon. 14 Pochard. 200+ Tufted Duck - Clive counted 185 at Millfields alone. Adult Caspian Gull at MIllfields early on, then on Stones. The Great Egret still around sailing club. 4 single Sparrowhawks. Hobby through Sheepwash (AHS). 4 GSWoodpeckers, including one flying up to mob a Raven! 900 Jackdaws over WLC creek early am. Total of 20 Ravens. Willow Tit on Stones. Totals of 74 Swallows and 10 House Martins. Spotted Flycatcher and female/juv Redstart in WLC creek, and another Spot Fly in Brown Ale Bay (AHS). 2 Meadow Pipits over WLC creek, my first here since April.SJR, CA, MW, AHS
30/08/2026Knot and Little Stint again around Watersports/Stones island this morning. 26 Ringed Plovers on Stones. 2 Ruff at Sheepwash. 6 Common Sandpiper. 3 Greenshank. At least 18 Shoveler, 7 Wigeon and 16 Pochard, but sadly the wildfowl were disturbed again by boats way up the reservoir. Great Egret still and Peregrine at Sheepwash. A late Swift flew with Sand Martins over Stones. 2 Willow Tits also on Stones, a flock of 100+ Goldfinches, and Dave H had a Wheatear on the shore.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD, MW
29/08/2026The Knot (on Stones) and at least 1 Little Stint (Stones and Sheepwash) were still at Carsington this morning. Totals of c20 Ringed Plovers, 8 Dunlin, 2 Ruff (Sheepwash), 3 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpipers (Watersports/WLC), 10 Snipe. 518 Canadas and 88 Greylags flew out over the dam wall early morning. Totals of at least 23 Shoveler and 32 Pochard. Adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls at Sheepwash late morning. The Great Egret still. Swallows (24) and House Martins (20) moving again but fewer than yesterday. Yellow Wagtail on Stones.Simon Roddis
28/08/2026Another entertaining morning. The Little Stint was still at Sheepwash and the Knot (probably just one) turned up there after being around Stones island early doors. Other waders included 20+ Lapwing, 12 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, 22 Snipe, 4 Common Sandpiper, 3 Greenshank and 11 Dunlin. A fresh-looking juvenile Marsh Harrier circled the Fishtail creek area from 10:35 to 11:15 at least, at one point playing around with a Common Buzzard. At least 19 Shoveler, could have been more but they kept moving around. 4+ Red-crested Pochard (2m,2 female-types) on the shore below Middle Wood. 6 Wigeon. Adult Caspian Gull on Sheepwash spit. The Great Egret still. Hobby through WLC creek and Peregrine over the north end. Total of 18 Ravens, including a flock of 15 flying SE, escorted off the premises by one of the local birds. At least 40 Swallows and 20 House Martins moving through. 5 Willow Warblers in the Stones to WLC area.Simon Roddis
27/08/2026The Knot and one juvenile Little Stint were on the shore of Stones island early morning, and presumably the same Little Stint later in front of Sheepwash hide. A flock of 11 Turnstones dropped into Sheepwash at 10:35. Totals of at least 9 Ringed Plover, 3 Little Ringed, 6 Common Sandpiper, 2+ Greenshank, 15 Snipe and 9 Dunlin. 14 Shoveler and 17 Pochard. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and Great Egret still. Marsh Tit calling in Sheepwash wood and Reed Warbler in Brown Ale Bay. 50 Goldfinches at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
26/08/2025JB found 2 Little Stints on the dam wall just after 19:00; they flew after about 10 mins but could easily still be around. Turnstone on Horseshoe island (JB) then calling over sailing club bay, perhaps RJL's bird from Sheepwash? And RJL's Garganey still at Lane End at 19:50. Colour-ringed Little Egret at Millfields and a Black-headed Gull 236B on Stones which I think was ringed as a nestling here in 2022. 3 Spotted Flycatchers still actively flycatching near Lane End at 20:20, I could even hear their bills snapping shut. Magical!Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
26/08/2026From Sheepwash early evening: Turnstone; Shoveller (11); Wigeon (1); Caspian Gull (Ad). From Lane End: Garganey (prob Juv.) with Teal flock, Greenshank (2); Dunlin (2); Caspian Gull 1st w; GBBGull (Juv);Richard Lowe
26/08/2026The Knot was still on Stones/Watersports island this morning, though sometimes disappearing from view. Other waders included 8 Ringed and 4 Little Ringed Plovers, Curlew, 18 Snipe, 8 Common Sandpipers, 3 Greenshank and 2+ Dunlin. Female Goldeneye (same as earlier in the summer) in Brown Ale Bay. 7 Shoveler and 7 Wigeon. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 47 Cormorant. Great Egret still and 11+ Little. Hobby over Stones again. 2+ Willow Tits in the Stones to WLC area. 2 Willow Warblers on Stones.SJR, CA, AHS
25/08/2026A Marsh Tit (calling and seen) at Brown Ale Bay this morning was a surprise. A visiting birder reported a winter-plumage Knot on Stones. Other waders included 5 Greenshank, Dunlin, Ruff, at least 4 Ringed and 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 6 Common Sandpipers and 12 Snipe. Totals of 429 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 3 Red-crested and 22 Common Pochard and 612 Coot. Long-stayers included the adult Caspian Gull from Sheepwash hide and the Great Egret at Watersports. 2 Kingfishers in Shiningford creek. A Hobby low over Stones and the Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis
24/08/2026From Lane End hide early evening: Osprey flew south over Dam Wall at 5.55pm causing mass panic in the gull flock on Sailing Club Is.An obvious Juv/1st w Caspian Gull in the gull roost later. GWEgret in front of hide.Richard Lowe
24/08/2026Birds of note from this morning, 16 Snipe, 7+ Common Sandpiper, 4+Greenshank, 8 Ringed Plovers, 1 Ruff, possible Green Sandpiper and Wood Sandpiper in BABay but sun was making observation very difficult, 3 singing Willow Warblers, 1 Caspien Gull at Sheepwash and Great White Egret in Water Sports bay.AHS, CA.
23/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was right up in Shiningford creek this morning; perhaps it has been there for the last couple of days when we haven't seen it. 3 Shoveler at Sheepwash and 3 Red-crested Pochard still. Juvenile Black-tailed Godwit still at sailing club, 4 Greenshank, 10 Snipe, Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover. Great Egret still at Watersports. Hobby over WLC creek. At least 1 Willow Tit on Stones. Warblers included Cetti's still in Hopton reedbed and Whitethroat there, Sedge Warbler on Stones, 3 Willow Warblers. Spotted Flycatcher in Sheepwash carpark.SJR, CA, MW
22/08/2026Best moment of the morning was at 09:51, 18 minutes after Robin Elliott had told me that 4 Turnstones had flown through Ogston Res and were heading in the Carsington direction. Lo and behold, 4 Turnstones flew past Stones island. Marvellous! A close second was a lovely juvenile Sanderling found by Clive on Stones. The juvenile Black-tailed Godwit was still at sailing club, and other waders included single Ruff, Redshank and Dunlin, 2 Greenshank, at least 1 Ringed and 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 6 Snipe and 4 Common Sandpipers. Adult Yellow-legged and Herring Gulls. The Great Egret still and 15 Little. A kettle of birds over the east side included 10 Ravens, 7 Buzzards and 3 Red Kites. Kingfisher and Yellow Wagtail along the dam wall, and another Yellow Wag over Stones. Willow Tits on Stones and in WLC creek. Totals of at least 50 Swallows and 80 House Martins.SJR, CA, MW
21/08/2026Seemed a bit quieter today (21st), certainly fewer waders, although a fresh juvenile Black-tailed Godwit was new. 3 Greenshank, 2 Green Sandpipers, 6 Snipe, 2 Ringed and a Little Ringed Plover. 6 Curlew flew W over the WLC. 3 Red-crested Pochard at Sheepwash. 41 Cormorants. The Great Egret still. Single Hobby and Peregrine. Whitethroats at Sheepwash and WLC creek. 2 Spotted Flycatchers in Sheepwash carpark.SJR, AHS, CA, RPJ, AMD
21/08/2026Osprey flew over our heads by wildlife centre late morning. Fantastic it was so close, great view.Alan Ball
20/08/2026The highlight this morning was 2 Cattle Egrets on the shore of Stones island, from 07:30 to 09:30 at least. The Wood Sandpiper was still near the WLC. Not quite so many waders as a few days ago but still 3 Greenshank, 2 Green and 7 Common Sandpipers, 7 Snipe, 3 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plovers and a Dunlin. Female Red-crested Pochard in Brown Ale Bay. 3 Shoveler and 3 Wigeon. The Great Egret still. Hobby past the top of WLC creek and a Redstart still in the fields. Willow Tits in WLC creek and on Stones. Whitethroat on Stones and at least 2 Yellow Wagtails in the area. 175 House Martins, a few Swallows and a late Swift flew W after a heavy shower late morning.Simon Roddis
19/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was again in its favoured area at the Watersports end of Horseshoe island this morning. Totals of 5 Greenshank, 6 Common and 3 Green Sandpipers, 6 Snipe, 27 Lapwing. Juvenile Shelduck on Stones. Adult Common Tern off Lane End. The adult Caspian Gull and Great Egret still. Willow Tit, Reed Warbler and 2 Willow Warblers on Stones. Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
18/08/2026Evening visit: an Osprey circled the Sheepwash area 18:20-18:30. At least 3,500 Lesser Black-backs came into roost by 9pm. Wood Sandpiper, Greenshank, Ringed Plover and 2 Oystercatchers from the dam wall. c500 Jackdaws and 100 Rooks went to roost in Tail Bay.Simon Roddis
18/08/2026Osprey flying over at WLC.Christina Kennedy
18/08/2026Another decent morning, with a total of 11 species of wader, including the Wood Sandpiper still, 6 Green Sandpipers, 3+ Greenshank, 5 Dunlin, 2 Ringed and 2 Little Ringed Plovers, a flyover Golden Plover and an Oystercatcher. 6 Arctic Terns flew through and a juvenile Common lingered for a while. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. Egyptian Goose still, 3 Wigeon off Stones and eclipse male Red-crested Pochard on Horseshoe island. Great Egret still at Watersports. Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed. Willow Tit on Stones and 3 Yellow Wagtails flew S.SJR, AHS, CA
17/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Caspian Gull (2) - Ad and 1st s; YLGull (2) Ads; GBBGull (1) 1st s; Greenshank (2) juvs; Snipe (2); Shoveller (2).Richard Lowe
17/08/2026A Turnstone, Ringed Plover and Greenshank were at the sailing club end of the day wall early morning, and a drake Common Scoter out in the middle. The Wood Sandpiper was still around Horseshoe island and the adult Caspian Gull off Stones. Total of 5 Green Sandpipers. Adult Great Black-backed Gull eating a dead Coot! The Great Egret still off Stones causeway. Kingfisher and Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall. c50 Swallows at the draw-off tower and a total of c120 House Martins there and over Shiningford. Whitethroat at Hopton end and 4 Reed Warblers in different spots.Simon Roddis
15/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: YLGull (2) - Ad plus Juv; GBBGull Ad; GWEgret; Watersports/Wildlife hide: Wood Sandpiper juv; Green Sandpiper (3+), Common Sandpiper (4+); Dunlin (2) juvs; Greenshank (3) juvs; Ruff juv; Snipe (4);Richard Lowe
15/08/2026Monthly wildfowl count: 105 Canada Geese, 6 Greylag, 21 Mute Swans plus 3 cygnets, 8 Shoveler, 118 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 354 Mallard, 264 Teal, 3 Red-crested Pochard, 6 Pochard, 136 Tufted, 30 Moorhen, 726 Coot, 14 Little Grebe, 47 GCGrebe, 26 Lapwing, 1 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Common, 4 Green and 1 Wood Sandpiper, 2 Greenshank, 1 Ruff, 5 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 27 Cormorant, 12 Little and 1 Great Egret, 9 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher. Plus Cetti's Warbler in Hopton reedbed, Peregrine, Golden Plover (JB) and 2 Black-tailed Godwits (Mike R) over, adult Caspian Gull.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
14/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon of note: Caspian Gull 1st s; YLGull (3) - 2 Ads plus juv; GBBGull 1st s; Pochard (f); GWEgret (1); From Wildlife Hide/Watersports: Yellow Wagtail juv; Dunlin juv; Ruff (2) juvs; Green Sandpiper (3+); Common Sandpiper (4+); Snipe (5); GWEgret (1);Richard Lowe
14/08/2025A Cetti's Warbler was calling in Hopton reedbed first thing (first of the year as far as I'm aware). 5 Green Sandpipers, 2 Ruff, 7 Dunlin and 6 Snipe around Watersports/Horseshoe island. 4 Shoveler and the 2 drake Red-crested Pochard in Brown Ale Bay. Great Egret on the back of Watersports island. Kingfisher and Willow Warbler at Hopton end, and a small trickle of southbound Swallows and House Martins overhead.Simon Roddis
13/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was again between Watersports and the WLC this morning. Total of 8 Green and 4 Common Sandpipers, 2 Greenshank, 2 Ruff, 4 LRP, 6 Dunlin. Egyptian Goose in Brown Ale Bay. Great Egret at Sheepwash. Willow Warbler at Hopton end and juvenile Common Whitethroat on Stones.Simon Roddis
12/08/2026The Wood Sandpiper was still around Horseshoe island this morning, along with much of its supporting cast, including 6 Green Sandpipers, 2 Ruff, Ringed Plover, 4 LRP and a Curlew. 6 Shoveler. 96 Teal around Brown Ale Bay, and the female Red-crested Pochard there too. In one hour early morning, 159 Woodpigeons flew S and 19N, plus 14 Stock Doves S. Single adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls. 36 Cormorant. The Great Egret again, 11 Little Egrets and 12 Grey Herons. Kingfisher in WLC creek. Redstart and Wheatear in WLC fields. Yellow Wagtail over Stones island. Unfortunately, a paddleboarder caused huge disturbance of the waterfowl around Sheepwash and BABay. I don't know if they're allowed that far up the res but I'll certainly be raising it with STW.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
11/08/2026The juvenile Wood Sandpiper was still in the Watersports area this morning, along with Ruff and Greenshank. 6+ Dunlin, 4 Green and 7 Common Sandpipers. 3 juvenile Shelduck on Watersports island late morning. Single Shoveler and Wigeon at WLC. Adult Common and Yellow-legged Gulls and first-summer Great Black-back. 2 Peregrines over the north end. c100 Swallows at the draw-off tower. Garden warbler on Stones island, and another birder had a juvenile Wheatear.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
10/08/2026Waderfest continued this morning: Wood Sandpiper still around Horseshoe island, a moulting adult Sanderling at sailing club, probably 2 each of Ruff and Greenshank, 10 Dunlin, at least 3 Green Sandpipers. 4 Shoveler in Brown Ale Bay. 2 juvenile Common Terns off Stones. Adult Caspian Gull on Horseshoe island. Peregrine over the north end. Total of 4 Willow Tits. Garden Warbler and Whitethroat on Stones. Family party of 5 Spotted Flycatchers near Lane End bombing tower.SJR, AHS, MW
09/08/2026Wood Sandpiper was a welcome addition to the roll call of waders this morning, initially on Watersports island and later on the sailing club side of Stones causeway. Total of 7 Green Sandpipers (another new record), Greenshank, Ringed Plover, 2 LRP, 5 Common Sandpipers, 6 Dunlin. At least 5 Shoveler, the Wigeon still and the 2 eclipse male Red-crested Pochard. The Great Egret still and 14 Little Egrets. Kingfisher at sailing club. Whitethroat in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
08/08/2026The second-summer Mediterranean Gull was again on the dam wall early morning. Waders included 6 Green and 3 Common Sandpipers, 2 Greenshank, 11 Dunlin, Ringed Plover and 3 Little Ringed. Great Egret still. 3 Garden and at least 6 Sedge Warblers on Stones.Simon Roddis
07/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide of note this afternoon: YL Gull (2) Juvs; RC Pochard (2) eclipse drakes; Peregrine; Green Sandpiper (1); From Watersport's Is / Stones Is causeway early evening: Green Sandpiper (4+); Common Sandpiper (6+); Dunlin (8); Greenshank (1) juv; Redshank (1) juv; Ringed Plover (2); Bl T Godwit (1) Ad; Snipe (1);Richard Lowe
07/08/2026A pretty productive morning, starting with a second-summer Mediterranean Gull on the dam wall and a female Common Scoter off sailing club island. Waders included 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Little Ringed, 5 Green Sandpipers (a new site record), 8 Common Sandpipers, 10 Dunlin and a Greenshank. 21 Mute Swans plus the 3 cygnets. Female-type Wigeon in WLC creek. 2 Shoveler. The Great Egret still. Kingfisher at Millfields. 120 Swallows on the dam wall. Common Whitethroat on Stones and a Redstart in WLC fields. Total of 6 Grey Wagtails and 50+ Pied.SJR, CA, AHS
06/08/2026There must have been a small arrival of waders overnight, with at least 8 Common Sandpipers, 2 Green Sandpipers, 3 Dunlin, a Turnstone and Little and Common Ringed Plovers mainly around Stones/Watersports. 6 adult Arctic Terns flew S past Stones at 07:55. 2 Common Terns. 71 Teal is also an increase since yesterday. 2 Shoveler at sailing club. 16 Little Egrets and the Great Egret still. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. Hobby flew low up the res past Stones. Small numbers of hirundines on the move.Simon Roddis
05/08/2026From Sheepwash hide late afternoon, 6 Yellow-legged Gulls, 2 Caspian (adult and juvenile) and juvenile Common Gull. 53 Teal and Green Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay.Simon Roddis
05/08/2026Shorter than usual visit this morning. Green Sandpiper, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Snipe in Brown Ale Bay. 3 Black-tailed Godwits, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin and 2 Ringed Plover around Watersports island. Redshank and Great Egret off Stones causeway. Green Woodpecker and Whitethroat at Hopton end. 41 Teal. Willow Warbler and Willow Tit on Stones.Simon Roddis
04/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide of note late afternoon: YLGull (5) - Ad (3); 1st s; Juv; GBBGull 1st s; plus Wigeon (female/juv).Richard Lowe
04/08/2026A Turnstone flew over the dam wall at 06:35 and later over Stones with a flock of Lapwings at 08:50. A Green Sandpiper was on Watersports island and later in front of the WLC. Other waders included 3 juvenile LRPlover, 2 Common Sandpiper and a Curlew. 3 Red-crested Pochard (2m,1f) in sailing club bay. 1 Shoveler. 3 Common Terns. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Great White Egret again. Willow Tit near WLC. c100 Swallows at the draw-off tower early morning and a total of c75 House Martins. 2 Garden Warblers, a Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler on Stones. Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
03/08/2026From Sheepwash Hide early evening, gulls of note on the spit: Caspian Gull (1st s); YL Gull (5) - Juv (2), 1st s (2), Ad (1); Common Gull (Juv) - my first of the autumn; GBBGull (1st s).Richard Lowe


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
26/11/20234 calling Tawny Owls and a Woodcock were at the Hopton end first thing. Off Stones, 5 Pintail (1m,4f/imm), 5 RcPochard (3m,2f, later from WLC) and 4 fly-over Goosander (2m,2f). The separate female RcPochard still at Millfields. The Oystercatcher and 3 Redshank still. 2 adult GBbGulls, acting like a pair. Peregrine from WLC creek. Totals of 9 Bullfinch and 30 Siskin (20 at WLC).Simon Roddis
25/11/2023A slight surprise in the conditions to see 3 Redshank on Stones causeway and a total of 13 Snipe - been very thin on the ground here all autumn. The Oystercatcher still ans 53 Lapwings. c100 Pink-footed Geese flew E at 10:05. 34 Barnacles again in WLC fields. 4 RcPochard again. 2 Goosander over. 1 Little Egret flew in from E at 09:55. Kingfisher past Stones and 6 Meadow Pipits on the shore.Simon Roddis
24/11/2023Afternoon visit: 35 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. 8 Whooper Swans at Millfields, still present at dusk (Amanda P reported 20 there this morning). Drake Shoveler at WLC. 4 RcPochard. Female Common Scoter off Lane End. In the gull roost, c2,800 Common, 5,000 BhG, 1,000 Lesser Black-backs, 1 adult Yellow-leg, 5 Herring.Simon Roddis
24/11/20238 Long Tailed Tit,1 Goldcrest, 1 Treecreeper, 178 Pochard, 24 Cormorant, 10 Goldfinch with 6 Siskin mixed in, 8 Little Grebe, 16 Wigeon, 2 Wren, 1 Kingfisher, 20 Mute Swan, 12 Great Crested grebe, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Bull Finch, 6 Redwing, 4 RC Pochard, 6 Greylag Goose, 27 Gadwall , 1 Little EgretDavid Armitt
24/11/2023This morning from Stones Island 1 Redkite, 4 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Common Scoter (female), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher. From WLC, 1 Common Buzzard ,1 Kestrel and a male Shoveller.AHS
23/11/2023Highlights this morning were a juvenile Great Northern Diver which dropped in at 09:05 and was then between Stones Causeway and Shiningford until 09:20 at least, and a Great Egret which flew NE over Stones at 08:35. 35 Barnacle Geese again in flight. 315 Pochard from WLC, and the 4 RcPochard flew in. Peregrine over Stones.SJR, RPJ, AMD
22/11/2023Still a trickle of movement: 440 Woodpigeons S (and 20 the wrong way), total of 29 Stock Doves (17S), 155 Starlings W (plus c100 in fields on the east side). Totals of 150 Redwing and 50 Fieldfare. 6 Shoveler and 2 Shelduck off Stones. 27 Wigeon. 61 Teal. 282 Pochard. 35 Barnacle Geese (as seen by Alan S yesterday). 65 Lapwing. Single Dunlin, Snipe and Brambling over Stones. 4 Tawny Owls calling at Millfields/Tail Bay early morning.Simon Roddis
20/11/2023Similar fare this morning: 294 Pochard, 4 RcPochard, 9 Goldeneye, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, Kingfisher on Stones, 355 Woodpigeons flew S.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
19/11/2023Monthly wildfowl count: 214 Canada, 60 Greylag, 13 Mute, 1f Mandarin, 108 Gadwall, 31 Wigeon, 143 Mallard, 46 Teal, 5 RcPochard, 304 Pochard, 122 Tufted, at least 11 Goldeneye, 10 Moorhen, 771 Coot, 23 LGrebe, 41 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 78 Lapwing, 1 Woodcock, 20 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kingfisher. Chiffchaff singing again at PS hide.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
24/11/2023This morning from Stones Island 1 Redkite, 4 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Common Scoter (female), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher. From WLC, 1 Common Buzzard ,1 Kestrel and a male Shoveller.AHS
23/11/2023Highlights this morning were a juvenile Great Northern Diver which dropped in at 09:05 and was then between Stones Causeway and Shiningford until 09:20 at least, and a Great Egret which flew NE over Stones at 08:35. 35 Barnacle Geese again in flight. 315 Pochard from WLC, and the 4 RcPochard flew in. Peregrine over Stones.SJR, RPJ, AMD
22/11/2023Still a trickle of movement: 440 Woodpigeons S (and 20 the wrong way), total of 29 Stock Doves (17S), 155 Starlings W (plus c100 in fields on the east side). Totals of 150 Redwing and 50 Fieldfare. 6 Shoveler and 2 Shelduck off Stones. 27 Wigeon. 61 Teal. 282 Pochard. 35 Barnacle Geese (as seen by Alan S yesterday). 65 Lapwing. Single Dunlin, Snipe and Brambling over Stones. 4 Tawny Owls calling at Millfields/Tail Bay early morning.Simon Roddis
20/11/2023Similar fare this morning: 294 Pochard, 4 RcPochard, 9 Goldeneye, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, Kingfisher on Stones, 355 Woodpigeons flew S.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
19/11/2023Monthly wildfowl count: 214 Canada, 60 Greylag, 13 Mute, 1f Mandarin, 108 Gadwall, 31 Wigeon, 143 Mallard, 46 Teal, 5 RcPochard, 304 Pochard, 122 Tufted, at least 11 Goldeneye, 10 Moorhen, 771 Coot, 23 LGrebe, 41 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 78 Lapwing, 1 Woodcock, 20 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kingfisher. Chiffchaff singing again at PS hide.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
18/11/2023Afternoon visit. From WLC, 333 Pochard (254m,79f), 6 Shoveler, 4 RcPochard, the Oystercatcher. 7 Goldeneye (3m,4f) from Lane End. Minimum of 58 Lapwing. 1st-w Yellow-legged Gull. Marsh Tit at the Sheepwash feeder. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. Barn Owl at Hopton end at dusk. And Alan S had a singing Chiffchaffs at PS hide this morning.Simon Roddis
17/11/2023A much brighter day. 730 Woodpigeons flew S 07:30-09:30, 405 Starlings W. 3 Shelduck on the water off Stones and 3 Pintail (2m,1f) over. 4 RcPochard (2m,2f) from WLC. Adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Herring, 2 Great Black-back. 1 Dunlin past Stones. 31 Lapwing. A Barn Owl at the Brassington turn at first light. 10+ Ravens.Simon Roddis
16/11/2023Of note in the gull roost late afternoon: Yellow legged Gull (4) - 3Ads plus 2ndW; GBB Gull (1) 1stW; Herring Gull (2) Ads; BHGull/LBBGull/Common Gull - scattered over the entire length of the reservoir.Richard Lowe
16/11/2023Grey and getting greyer at Carsi this morning. 263 Pochard from WLC comprised 202m,61f. 1f RcPochard there too. 26 Lapwing at sailing club. 12 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall and 40+ Siskin in alders near the WLC.Simon Roddis
14/11/2023A bit of vismig this morning: 1,060 Woodpigeons flew S (and 10N), 547 Starlings W. 335 Canada and 265 Greylags flew out early morning. 41 Wigeon (22m,19f). 174 Pochard (136m,38f). 2f Rc Pochard (WLC and Sheepwash). 4 Goldeneye (2m,2 redheads). The Oystercatcher still and the Dunlin which Clive has heard a couple of times finally showed itself, in flight off Stones and then perched on Watersports island. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again. Kingfisher in Tail Bay. Peregrine over WLC creek. 2 Brambling over Tail Bay and 8 Bullfinches together over WLC creek.SJR, CA, AHS
12/11/2023Given the weather this morning, it was never going to be a repeat of the last couple of days. Nonetheless, a Barn Owl on the dam wall and a Woodcock at Millfields early morning were some consolation. 34 Pink-feet flew W over Stones 08:40. Pair of RcPochard still from WLC. 1 Redshank on Stones (and Clive heard Dunlin). Brambling and 5 Lesser Redpoll over Millfields.SJR, CA, AHS
11/11/2023They keep on coming: 12,350 Woodpigeons S this morning, 15 Stock Doves (plus 3 N), 740 Pink-footed Geese E in 4 skeins 08:35-09:10, plus 90W, 780 Starlings W (plus 750 out of Hopton reedbed at dawn), 13 Skylark. Over Hopton end early morning, 6 Crossbill N, 1 Brambling, 1 Little Egret, 13 Raven, 9 Reed Bunting. Shelduck off Stones and later off Brown Ale Bay. 5 Goldeneye. 2 RCPochard. Oystercatcher, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still.Simon Roddis
10/11/20236 Wigeon,3 Pied wagtail,18 Mute Swan,9 Little Grebe,20 Teal,28 Pochard, 20 starling , 15 Cormorant,2 Goldfinch, 2 Wren, 10 Blue Tit, 2 Willow Tit, 1 Oystercatcher, 12 Lapwing, 1 Chiffchaff on stones,10 Gadwall, 30 Greylag ,1 Coal Tit, 5 Dunnock, 20 RedwingDavid Armitt
10/11/2023Woodpigeons on the move again this morning: 13,420 S between 07:30-10:30, plus a site record 89 Stock Doves, (88S,1N), 585 Starlings W, 31 Pink-feet E at 09:42, 3 Skylark, 1 Brambling and 2 Crossbill. 3 RcPochard. 6 Goldeneye. Kingfisher at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
09/11/2023At least 1,000 Starlings came out of Hopton reedbed early morning (female Sparrowhawk in attendance) and another 380 flew W 10:00-11:00. Adult Caspian GUll from Stones island. Pair of RcPochard at WLC. 6+ Goldeneye. 24 Mute Swans. 320 Woodpigeons S. The Oystercatcher still present. 19 Ravens on/over the pastures, 4 of them playing around with a Red Kite and a Peregrine at one point. 25 Siskin, including 20 near WLC.Simon Roddis
08/11/2023Afternoon visit: 224 Greylag, 84 Gadwall, 20 Wigeon, 180 Mallard, 39 Teal, 1f RcPochard at Millfields, 196 Pochard, 137 Tufted, 5 Goldeneye, 2m Goosander flew down the res, 1,144 Coot, 15 LGrebe, 46 GCGrebe, 20 Lapwing. Roosting gulls included at least 5,000 Lesser Black-backs, at least 1,000 Common (maybe even 2k), 2 adult Yellow-legs, 1 Herring. 8 Ravens over the pastures. Brambling near WLC. 35 Siskins over Millfields carpark. And an unknown number of chattering Starlings roosting in Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis
07/11/2023Movement on a smaller scale this morning: 1,750 Woodpigeons S, 275 Starlings W, 100 Pink-footed Geese E 09:55. 201 Greylags. Drake Pintail from WLC. 1 Shoveler at Millfields. 4 Goldeneye (1m,3f). 4 Goosander (3m,1f) flew out of Millfields early morning. The Oystercatcher and Little Egret still. 100s of Redwing and Fieldfare again on the east side.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
06/11/2023A bit more vismig this morning: 7,310 Woodpigeons, 15 Stock Dove, 325 Starling, 194 Redwing, 521 Fieldfare. 4 Brambling and 22 Raven over Hopton end first thing - guess the Ravens must have roosted nearby before heading E. 4 Goldeneye. 4 Shoveler on Horseshoe Island. The Oystercatcher still. 1 Little Egret off Stones (apparently seen yesterday as well). 2 Peregrine in the air together. 1 Chiffchaff on Stones.Simon Roddis
05/11/2023Species noted by the group undertaking the Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon, Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Coot, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, Robin, Canada Goose, Long-tailed Tit, Gt Crested Grebe, Carrion Crow, Mute Swan, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Mallard, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Grebe, Oystercatcher, Gadwall, Teal, Redshank, Magpie, Greylag Goose, Wren, Red Kite, Pheasant, Grey Wagtail, Lapwing, Blackbird, Wigeon, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Pochard, Chaffinch, Willow Tit, Coal Tit, GoldfinchGary Atkins
05/11/2023Woodpigeons were on the move this morning: 32,570 counted flying S, mostly beyond the east side. c150 Greylags. 172 Pochard at WLC comprised 108m and 64f. 6 Goldeneye (2m,4 redheads) off Sheepwash. 2 Redshank and the Oystercatcher still. 12 Skylarks over in random directions. Guesstimate of 500 Fieldfares on the east side.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
03/11/2023Quite a bit of movement this morning, mostly from 07:30-09:30: 250 Pink-footed Geese E, 8,970 Woodpigeons S, 7 Stock Doves S, 18 Skylark (mostly N), 75 Starlings W, 384 Fieldfare (plus another 200 on the east side), 1 Rock Pipit over Stones, 2 Brambling over Hopton end. The adult Caspian Gull and Oystercatcher still, 2 Redshank on Stones, Water Rail in Hopton reedbed, 5 RcPochard (2m,3f) at WLC.SJR, CA, AHS
01/11/2023Later visit than usual today, counted a few ducks etc: 120 Canada, 54 Greylag, 20 Mute Swan, 55 Gadwall, 25 Wigeon, 107 Mallard, 34 Teal, 4 RcPochard (2m,2f), 338 Pochard, 233 Tufted, 2 redhead Goldeneye, 811 Coot, 10 Little Grebe, 39 Cormorant, adult Yellow-legged Gull, Marsh Tit calling in Sheepwash carpark.Simon Roddis
30/10/2023This morning's highlight was a juvenile Shag off Stones island at 08:20; it didn't stay long and appeared to be chased off by a Cormorant. The adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls and Oystercatcher still. 6 Crossbills flew E over Hopton end early morning. At Millfields, a Rock Pipit flew S, a drake Goosander flew in, and a female RcPochard (the one with the little white spots at the base of the bill) was among the Common Pochard there.SJR, CA, AHS
29/10/2023In much better conditions than the last few days, vismig from 07:30-09:30 brought 2,870 Woodpigeons S, 33 Stock Doves S, 13+ Collared Doves, 56 Skylarks (36N, 20S, possibly some double-counting), 238 Starling SW, 24 Fieldfare. 200+ Greylags flew out early morning. Totals of 30 Gadwall, 23 Wigeon, 309 Pochard, 34 Lapwing, 38 Cormorant. The adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls and the Oystercatcher again/still. Kingfisher at Millfields.SJR, CA, AHS
27/10/2023Afternoon visit: a Rock Pipit was on the dam wall mid-afternoon. 43 Lapwings over WLC and the Oystercatcher still. And lots of gulls came in to roost: c7,000 Lesser Black-backs, at least 5,000 Black-heads (could be a huge underestimate) and probably 1,000 Commons, plus 3 Yellow-legs and a Herring. 70+ Starlings went to roost on Watersports island and the Peregrine did a fly-past.Simon Roddis
26/10/2023A shorter visit than usual given the damp and foggy conditions. At least the 2 Great Egrets on Watersports island stood out, albeit briefly. Hoping for better weather tomorrow.Simon Roddis
25/10/2023Main event late morning was a total of 325 Pink-footed Geese NE in 3 skeins 11:40-12:00 (and I understand another 70 earlier). Male RcPochard from WLC. 1 Common Sandpiper on Stones and a Chiffchaff on the causeway. Kingfisher at Hopton end.SJR, RPJ, AMD
24/10/2023The first Goldeneye of the autumn/winter, a redhead, flew into Fishtail Creek this morning. At least 24 Gadwall, a definite increase on recent numbers. Oystercatcher, Common Sandpiper and adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 1 Chiffchaff on Stones. 2 Tree Sparrows at WLC.SJR, CA, AHS
23/10/2023A bit quieter this morning: the Peregrine both in the air and loafing in WLC fields, 2 redhead Goosander, the Oystercatcher and adult Yellow=legged Gull still, 17 Skylarks, 85 Redwing, and a Brambling dropped into WLC creek.Simon Roddis
22/10/2023A Carsington mega this morning: a ringtail Hen Harrier flew SE 08:12-08:17, the first here since December 2006. Other birds on the move included c200 Pink-footed Geese NE at 09:05, 328 Woodpigeons, 160 Fieldfare, 70 Redwing and 19 Skylarks. 2 adult Whooper Swans were off Lane End late morning. Totals of 55 Wigeon and 214 Pochard. 3 R-cPochard off Sheepwash late morning. 15 Little Grebes. Single Oystercatcher and Common Sandpiper still on Stones, and the Peregrine did a fly-past. 22 Common Gulls off Brown Ale Bay.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
19/10/2023From Paul Stanley Hide late this afternoon: Egyptian Goose (1); Shoveller (4); Wigeon (c.50); YL Gull (2) Ads; Caspian Gull (1) Ad; GBB Gull (1) Ad.Richard Lowe
15/10/20232 Lapwing, 4 Moorhen, 1 Meadow Pipit, 3 Chaffinch, 90 Pochard, 4 Little Grebe, 8 Long tailed Tit , 1 Mistle Thrush , 2 Pied wagtail, 1 Common Sandpiper, Red Crested Pochard 1M 2 Female, 1 Willow Tit, 12 Gadwall, 3 Skylark, 1 Peregrine, 15 Siskin , 10 Goldfinch, 10 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Mute SwanDavid Armitt
15/10/2023Monthly wildfowl count: 55 Canada Geese, 16 Greylag, 19 Mute Swan, 14 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 124 Mallard, 61 Teal, 4 RcPochard, 104 Pochard, 226 Tufted, 3 Goosander, 13 Moorhen, 909 Coot, 18 LGrebe, 35 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 54 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher, 3 Snipe, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sand, 33 Cormorant, 2 Heron, 2 Kingfisher, 4 Grey Wag. The Peregrine again in the ash tree in WLC fields, and 35 Siskin.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
14/10/2023This morning: 3 Whooper Swans, male Shoveler off Stones, 3 RcPochard, 130 Common Pochard, 4 Common Snipe among Lapwings at the end of the dam wall, 2 Common Sandpiper, the Oystercatcher and adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still, 41 Cormorants on Flat Island, Kingfisher at Lane End, Marsh Tit on the Sheepwash feeder, 9 Skylarks over, 1 Tree Sparrow on the WLC feeder - first I've seen there for months, 1 Crossbill N over Hopton end.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
12/10/2023Not a bad morning: at least 6 Whooper Swans (all adults in 2, possibly 3, groups of 3), 32 Pink-footed Geese flew SW, 6 Stonechats (site record) in the dam wall fields, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 41 Lapwing, single Common Sandpiper, Snipe and Oystercatcher, 4 RcPochard still, 84 Common Pochard, 1 Pintail, Peregrine, 30 Meadow Pipits.Simon Roddis
11/10/2023The adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, Oystercatcher, 2 Common Sand and 4 Red-crested Pochard still around this morning. In other news, work is actually starting today on removing the old Sheepwash Hide. At least 2 high viz jackets in evidence! End of an era.Simon Roddis
10/10/2023Not so many thrushes this morning, but that was offset by 2 Hawfinches: one S over Millfields at 08:10 and 1 SW from WLC creek at 11:10. [Alan Stewardson also had one over Harewood Moor at 10:00.] Also on the move were 1,310 Redwing, 6 Fieldfare, 78 Woodpigeons, 37 Skylarks (including a flock of 30 S over Millfields), 46 Chaffinch (probably a huge underestimate given the number of unid'd finches), 10 Lesser Repoll, 64 Siskin. 6 redhead Goosander. Only saw 1m RcPochard at WLC, looks like an adult so maybe a different bird. The Oystercatcher still. 2 Common Sandpipers around Horseshoe island. 1 Dunlin. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. The Peregrine again roosting in the ash tree in WLC fields after apparently tucking into a Pochard earlier.Simon Roddis
09/10/2023The winter thrushes arrived with a bang this morning, with 18,180 Redwings flying S down the east side, 07:30-10:30, plus 117 Fieldfare, 25 Starling, 13 Skylarks, 1 Brambling, 5 Swallows. 25 Wigeon. 3 Pintail off Stones, different from yesterday's 2 birds. 139 Pochard and 4 RcPochard at WLC. 1,200 Black-headed Gulls early morning.Simon Roddis
08/10/202325 Pochard ,5 Lapwing,15 Gadwall, 1 Oystercatcher, 4 Little Grebe, 14 Cormorant, 20 Long tailed tit, Red Crested Pochard 1 male 2 female, 1 Kestrel, 12 Mute Swan, 50 Teal, 20 Great Crested Grebe.David Armitt
08/10/20232 Common Sandpipers were at Millfields late morning, and 8 House Martins flew S, while the adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls were both there earlier. 4 RcPochard and the Oystercatcher still. At Sheepwash, 2 Pintail (which later moved to Millfields), 22 Wigeon and a Peregrine eating its breakfast. Redhead Goosander from Stones. 2 Kingfishers at Millfields. Total of 37 Skylarks over, including one flock of 17 NE. Appeared to have been an influx of c15 Blackbirds and 7 Song Thrushes into WLC creek, but no winter thrushes yet.Simon Roddis
07/10/2023The juv Ringed Plover was still on Stones this morning, and the 4 RcPochard at WLC. 6 Wigeon on Stones, 1 Pintail at Lane End and a redhead Goosander at Millfields. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls patrolling the shores. 3 Tawny Owls at Hopton end early morning. Peregrine at Millfields. Totals of 13 Skylarks, including a flock of 8 S over WLC creek, and at least 13 Lesser Redpoll and 35 Siskin.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
06/10/2023A juvenile Ringed Plover landed on Stones island this morning - something of a novelty in a really poor autumn for waders here. 1 Pink-foot flew out with the other geese. 1 Pintail off Stones. 4 RcPochard still at WLC. 85 Pochard. The Oystercatcher still. Adult and 3w Caspian Gulls on Flat Island late morning. Adult Yellow-leg at Millfields. 12 Swallows feeding around Hays Lane, Millfields. Total of 45 Meadow Pipits.Simon Roddis
05/10/2023A partial wildfowl count this morning yielded 23 Mute Swans, 10 Gadwall, 117 Mallard, 63 Teal, 3 RcPochard (might have missed the fourth), 79 Pochard, 285 Tufted, 11 Moorhen, 836 Coot, 10 Little Grebe, 26 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 31 Lapwing. Adult Caspian and 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls on Flat Island late morning. 10 Common Gulls early morning. Marsh Tit still at Sheepwash/Paul Stanley hide. Total of 40+ Siskin. 7 Lesser Redpoll at Millfields.Simon Roddis
04/10/2023Red Kite flying over north end of reservoir. Seen from Paul Stanley hide around 2.30pm. Returned from NW about 10 minutes later.SUE RICHARDSON
04/10/2023Plenty of the same stuff this morning, but 4 Crossbills S over Sheepwash were different. 4 R-cPochard still at WLC. 117 Pochard. 550 Canada. 155 Greylag. The Oystercatcher still. 33 Lapwing. Adult and 3w Caspian and adult Yellow-legged Gull on Flat Island late morning. 4 GSWoodpecker. The Marsh Tit again from PS hide. 2 Swallow. 3 House Martin.Simon Roddis
03/10/2023On Flat Island late morning: Caspian Gull (2) Ad and 3w. YL Gull (2) Ad plus 2w. Plus Red Kite over Shiningford Creek.Richard Lowe
03/10/2023Water Rail again in Hopton reedbed this morning, 4 RcPochard still at WLC and 2 Wheatears on the dam wall. 116 Pochard at WLC. 1 redhead Goosander. The Oystercatcher still on Stones. 14 Swallows and 3 House Martins S. 5 Skylarks over the dam wall.Simon Roddis
02/10/2023Adult and 3rd-winter Caspian Gull, adult Yellow-leg and sub-adult Herring from Paul Stanley hide late morning. Water Rail in Hopton reedbed. 102 Pochard, the highest count here since January 2021. 470 Canada Geese. 115 Greylags. 1 Pink-foot. 2 Pintail over WLC, and now 4 RcPochard (1m,3f) there. The Oystercatcher still. The colour-ringed Heron SX, ringed at Attenborough in April 2022, was on Flat Island. Kingfisher in WLC creek. Marsh Tit again at PS hide. 7 House Martins S over WLC creek. 10 Chiffchaff. 2 Blackcap.SJR, CA, AHS
01/10/23Species noted on the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island - Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Robin, Coot, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Carrion Crow, Long-tailed Tit, Woodpigeon, Mistle Thrush, Pied Wagtail, Black-headed Gull, Blackbird, Gt Crested Grebe, Teal, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Mallard, Meadow Pipit, Little Grebe, Canada Goose, Oystercatcher, Moorhen, Wren, Goldfinch, Red-crested Pochard, Pochard, Yellow-legged Gull, Gadwall, Magpie, Grey Heron, Gt Black-backed Gull, Coal Tit, Blackcap, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Grey WagtailGary Atkins
01/10/2023This morning from Paul Stanley hide, 1 Peregrine, 1 Marsh tit, 10 plus Long Tailed tits,1 Yellow Legged Gull, 1 Caspien Gull, 1 GBBG, 1 Kingfisher ,7 plus Chiffchaffs plus the usual suspects.AHS
30/09/2023The adult Caspian Gull, 3 RcPochard and Oystercatcher still this morning. Moving S over WLC creek in an hour, 178 Meadow Pipits, 49 Siskin, 14 Lesser Redpoll, 11 Stock Dove, 7 House Martin, 1 Swallow. 120 Starlings departing Stones causeway early morning.Simon Roddis
29/09/2023Gulls on Flat Island late afternoon: YL Gull - (4) Ads; Caspian Gull (1) the 'regular' Ad; LBB Gull c600+; Herring Gull (1) Ad;Richard Lowe
29/09/202365 Common and the 3 Red-crested Pochard were in front of the WLC this morning. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, Peregrine and the Oystercatcher still. Single Snipe at WLC. 1 Blackcap at Millfields. 85 Starlings out of their roost on Stones causeway early morning. Total of 25 Siskin.Simon Roddis
28/09/2023Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls on Flat Island late morning. 3 Red-crested Pochard still. 69 Pochard. 228 Tufted. c1,000 Black-headed Gulls early morning, post-roost. The Oystercatcher on Stones still. c100 Rooks and 50 Carrion Crows on the dam wall early morning. 11 Mistle Thrushes. c60 Goldfinches from Stones.Simon Roddis
27/09/2023Not much different today: 1 Shoveler, 1 Pintail, 70 Pochard, 2 RcPochard, 15 Little Grebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Caspian Gulls, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 38 Cormorants, 1 Kingfisher, 16 Swallow, 19 House Martin, 61 Meadow Pipits S in 1 hour, 12 Chiffchaff, 7 Lesser Redpoll, 17 Siskin.Simon Roddis
26/09/2023Couldn't see the Glossy Ibis this morning, maybe it's lurking in a quiet corner somewhere. c90 Pochard. Drake Mandarin in Brown Ale Bay. The Oystercatcher and 2 Caspian Gulls (adult, 3w) still. Flock of 13 Cormorants flew S. Peregrine again in WLC fields. Marsh Tit on the feeder at Paul Stanley hide.Simon Roddis
25/09/2023Glossy Ibis seen early evening on Flat Island with Caspian Gull (2) - Ad plus 3rd w; YL Gull (4) 3-ads plus 1st w.Richard Lowe
25/09/2023Evening visit to follow up an earlier report of a Glossy Ibis. The bird did appear in flight over the Shiningford area at 18:05 and flew towards sailing club before being lost to view; not seen again up to 19:20. (If the original finder of this bird sees this, perhaps you would complete a DOS rarity form, please. Thanks.)Simon Roddis
25/09/2023Two late summer migrants this morning: a Garden Warbler (equal latest ever here) on Stones causeway and the male Redstart still in WLC fields. Adult Caspian Gull again from Stones island and Yellow-leg at Millfields. 241 Greylags. 1 Pink-foot. 3 RcPochard and 29 Common Pochard from WLC. 1 Pintail. The Oystercatcher still on Stones. 2 Little Egrets.Simon Roddis
22/09/2023On Flat Island late morning: Caspian Gull (2) Ad + 3rd w; YL Gull (1) Ad; GBBGull (1) Ad.Richard Lowe
22/09/2023Mostly S over WLC creek 07:30-10:30 this morning: 447 Meadow Pipits, 44 Siskin, 11 Lesser Redpoll, 24 Linnet. Male Redstart still in WLC fields. 1 Sedge Warbler on Stones island. The regular adult Peregrine in its favoured ash in WLC fields. 3 Kestrels in the air over the pastures. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. Redhead Goosander from Stones and 6 Pintail off Sheepwash late morning.Simon Roddis
21/09/2023This morning, 550 Canadas and 220 Greylags, 1 RcPochard in Brown Ale Bay, the Oystercatcher still, the adult Caspian Gull again on Flat Island late morning, Great Egret past Stones, 10+ Buzzards, 11 Skylarks including a flock of 7S, 6 Sand and c120 House Martins, Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields, Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall, total of at least 70 Meadow Pipits (still moving through late morning), 8 Lesser Redpoll and 10 Siskin S over WLC creek, c50 Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis
19/09/2023Thinking it might be worth another look after today's winds, I was nicely surprised to find a Manx Shearwater on the water between Stones island and Millfields draw-off tower at 18:15 this evening. Still there at 19:00, after which it became difficult to see the gaps between the roosting Lesser Black-backs, c5,500 by 19:40. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 1 Pintail and 3 RcPochard also off Stones.Simon Roddis
19/09/2023Adult and first-winter Caspian and the adult Yellow-legged Gull on Flat Island late morning, plus a 1w Yellow-leg from Stones. 2 RcPochard in Brown Ale Bay, the male starting to show some colour in his crown now. c35 Pochard. Total of 18 Stock Doves (17S,1N). 6 Swallows flying into the breeze on Stones and c12 House Martins at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
18/09/2023Pretty much as you were this morning. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls from Stones, 3 R-c Pochard, 1 Pintail, 1 Little Egret, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Common Sand. 70 Starlings early morning might have been roosting on sailing club island. 2 Lesser Redpoll over Millfields. c40 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
17/09/2023Monthly wildfowl count: 429 Canada, 92 Greylag, 23 Mute Swan (including one now full-grown cygnet), 51 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 169 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 159 Teal, 3 RcPochard, 42 Pochard, 152 Tufted, 1 Goosander, 12 Moorhen, 631 Coot, 17 LGrebe, 39 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 11 Lapwing, 48 Cormorant, 3 Heron, 1 Kingfisher. Clive also had 2 Ringed Plover. Adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and GBbGulls again. 3 Common Gulls. 4 Tawny Owls calling early morning. 20 House Martin. 15 Siskin.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
16/09/2023c950 Canada, 80 Greylag and 23 Barnacle Geese flew out over the dam wall early morning, some of them returning later. 2 Pintail again off Stones island, and the Oystercatcher and Great Egret there still. Adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and GBbGulls on Flat Island late morning. 52 Cormorants. c100 Pied Wagtails, 1 Yellow Wagtail and c50 Carrion Crows on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
15/09/2023Another very decent morning. Highlight was a juvenile Knot which Clive found on Watersports island. Wildfowl included 1 Pintail, 3 Shoveler, 8 Wigeon and a drake Common Scoter (off Lane End, found by Roger Thornley). 22 Barnacle Geese plus one hybrid flew in mid-morning. Regulars included the Great Egret and Yellow-legged Gull. Passerines were pretty good this morning: 2 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed, male Redstart and 11 Magpies in WLC fields; Clive had at least 6 Yellow Wagtails and 20 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall, and another 107 Meadow Pipits flew S over WLC fields 08:00-09:30, while a Yellowhammer flew N and 18 Greenfinch (including a flock of 16) S, the highest count since 2003. Totals of 6 Siskin and 6 Lesser Redpoll. 76 species again.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
14/09/2023Slight contrast from yesterday! 3 Red-crested Pochard, 1 Pintail and 95 Teal on Stones. 3 Shoveler and a Wigeon from WLC. Great Egret, Peregrine, Yellow-legged Gull and Oystercatcher still.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
13/09/2023Skeins of 65 (at 09:50) and 88 (11:05) Pink-footed Geese flew NE (my earliest ever autumn record of genuine migrants). 2 female/juv Pintail off Stones, and later from WLC. Female/juv Common Scoter off Millfields. 7 Wigeon. 2 Red-crested Pochard off Stones. The Oystercatcher still and a mobile and vocal Ringed Plover around Stones, and 4 Common Sandpipers at Millfields. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and Great Egret still. 45 Cormorant. 3 Sparrowhawks together over Hall Wood. Kingfisher on Stones causeway and the regular Peregrine on sailing club shore early morning. Total of 6 Willow Tit (3 in WLC creek, 3 at Millfields). Hirundines included at least 10 Swallow, 3 Sand Martin and 1 House Martin. At least 25 Chiffchaffs around the Stones/WLC area, and 6 Blackcaps in WLC creek. c100 Starlings early morning. Female/juv Wheatear in WLC fields. 2 Tree Sparrows at Millfields. Quite a productive morning when you add it all up, 76 species.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
12/09/2023Very damp this morning. 7 Wigeon, 3 Red-crested Pochard and at least 25 Pochard off Stones. 26 Lapwing. Snipe at WLC. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and an odd-looking possible hybrid grey-backed gull on Flat Island. The Great Egret still. Alan had 2 Kingfishers from PS hide, and a Marsh Tit in Sheepwash carpark.SJR, CA, AHS
11/09/2023Evening visit: similar to Clive and Alan's report for this morning: the Great Egret and Peregrine eyed each other curiously on Watersports island, the adult Caspian Gull was still off Stones, and at least 3,750 Lesser Black-backs had come in to roost by 19:45.Simon Roddis
11/09/20231 Yellow Wagtail, 5 Meadow Pipits and 1 Little Egret from dam wall this morning. From Stones Island, 3 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Oystercatcher, many Chiffchaffs in the Willows. From WLC creek, 1 Peregrine, 1 Great White Egret, a small number of House Martins and Swallows, CA also saw Yellow Legged Gull, Caspien Gull and Redkite.AHS, CA.
10/09/2023This morning from Stones Island, 2 Red Crested Pochard, 14 Pochard, 1 Black Tern, 1 Hobby. Early morning CA had 3 Yellow Wagtails on dam wall, 1Great White Egret and 3 little Egrets.AHS, CA.
08/09/2023This morning at Carsington from Stones Island 21 Pochard, 2 Red Crested Pochard, 2 Shoveller ,13 Wigeon, less Chiffchaffs than of late, but the usual number of Blackcaps feeding in the Elderberry, and 1 Great Black Backed Gull. WLC creek produced Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 140 plus House Martins, Swallows and Sand Martins, 1 Great White Egret, Willow Warbler still singing. 1 Little Egret in front of Yatch club.AHS, CA.
07/09/2023On Flat Island late this afternoon: Caspian Gull 1 Ad YL Gull 2 Ads GBB Gull 1 Ad LBB Gull c150.Richard Lowe
06/09/2023Great White Egret , other side of the water opposite the wildlife centreSteve Wright
05/09/2023Quiet morning with regard to the birds probably due to the high temperatures currently. Highlights were 1Whinchat, 1 Wheatear found by CA up in the fields beyond WLC creek, also there, were 1 Peregrine , 2 Greater Spotted Woodpeckers, 1Buzzard , Swallows and House Martins.AHS, CA.
04/09/2023Plenty of Warblers at Carsington this morning, mainly Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and Blackcaps ,2 Lesser Whitethroat up WLC creek. Also up WLC creek Peregrine, Kestrel and a Tawney Owl called briefly. 4 Shoveller, 6 Wigeon from Stones Island. Butterflies included Speckled Wood, Red Admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Holy Blue and Gate Keeper.AHS, CA.
03/09/2023Following species were noted at today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon, Stones Island/WLC creek/Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Robin, Coot, Mute Swan, Swallow, Mallard, Canada Goose, Tufted Duck, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Cormorant, Gt Crested Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Little Grebe, Woodpigeon, Willow Tit, Jay, Bullfinch, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch, Wren, Blackcap, Buzzard, Blue Tit, Chiffchaff, Magpie, Moorhen, Long-tailed Tit, Red Kite, Lapwing, Gadwall and Pochard.Gary Atkins
31/08/2023Couldn't see the chats this morning but a Wheatear was in the overflow carpark. Adult Caspian (on Stones Shoreline) and Yellow-legged Gulls again. The 3 Red-crested Pochard were off Stones early on and later in Brown Ale Bay. 21 Common Pochard. New Little Grebe chick in BABay. 2 Kingfishers at WLC. Peregrine past Stones. 2 Reed Warbler fledglings still near WLC and 3+ in Hopton reedbed. 3 Common Whitethroat and male Redstart in WLC fields, and 35 Linnets over.Simon Roddis
30/08/2023A beautiful juvenile Whinchat and a slightly scruffy moulting male Stonechat were in the overflow carpark fields (off the dam wall) this morning. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, Ruff, Pink-footed Goose and 3 Red-crested Pochard still. 13 Pochard. 102 Woodpigeons S 06:00-07:00. 37 Lapwing. Peregrine on Watersports island. c250 Swallows and 25 House Martin. 2 recently-fledged Reed Warblers near WLC - they've been very discrete! Garden Warbler on Stones, and 1 Yellow Wagtail over.SJR, AHS, RPJ, AMD
29/08/2023The adult Caspian Gull was back this morning, and a juvenile as well as adult Yellow-legged Gull. The Ruff still present though mobile around Watersports/WLC and a Curlew flew over Stones. The 3 Red-crested Pochard still, plus 12 Common Pochard off Stones. A Pink-footed Goose was among the Canadas, and a Stonechat was on the dam wall. Willow Warbler singing in WLC creek, adult male Redstart still in the fields, and 2 Sedge Warblers on Stones. 1 Yellow Wagtail S over Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
28/08/2023Evening visit: a juvenile Ruff (probably a male) was on Stones island at 18:30, takes me to 150 for the year. The juv Mediterranean Gull was in the same spot at sailing club as it had been a couple of nights ago. The 3 Red-crested Pochard still off Stones. 6 Little Grebes (5 ads, 1 juv) together in Brown Ale Bay, and a Kingfisher there. c500 Swallows went to roost in Hopton reedbed at dusk.Simon Roddis
28/08/2023The full complement of 3 Red-crested Pochards were back off Stones early morning, along with 6 redhead Goosander. 92 Woodpigeons and 13 Stock Doves flew S 06:00-07:00. 1 Dunlin on Horseshoe island. 1 Redshank. 9 Common Gulls. c300 Lesser Black-backs on the water, unusual to see as many as that during the day. 4 separate GSWoodpeckers. The Peregrine again in an ash in WLC fields. 10 Mistle Thrushes over Millfields.Simon Roddis
27/08/2023The 2 juv female Red-crested Pochard were off Stones early morning and later in front of the WLC. 76 Woodpigeons and 16 Stock Doves flew S 06:20-07:20. 1 Common Sandpiper. 2 Yellow Wagtails and a Spotted Flycatcher in WLC fields, plus a Hobby over (and it or another later over Fishtail). 2 Sand Martins. 1+ Sedge Warbler on Stones.Simon Roddis
26/08/2023Evening visit: a juvenile Mediterranean Gull was at sailing club, the 3 Red-crested Pochard were still off Stones, and c4,000 Lesser Black-backs came in to roost, along with 400 Black-headed and 6 Common Gulls.Simon Roddis
26/08/23This morning's highlight was an Osprey which appeared at 10:45 (good spot, Alison), patrolled the res for 10 minutes, upsetting the ducks and gulls, before catching a fish and heading towards Millfields (just eclipsing the first Meadow Pipit of the month, which flew over Stones). Clive's 3 Red-crested Pochard (probably a juv male and 2 juv females) were still off Stones although mobile. 64 Teal in Brown Ale Bay. 65 Woodpigeons flew S (and 4N) 06:30-07:30. 13 Moorhen, including an adult with a small chick at Shiningford. 9 Little Grebes, plus the brood of 4 growing young from WLC. The adult Yellow-legged Gull on Flat Island much of the morning. 47 Cormorant. 5 Buzzards over Hall Wood. 1 Sand Martin among the Swallows and House Martins in WLC creek. 3 Redstarts (1m,2f) in WLC fields and 8 Siskin flew S. 2 Yellow Wagtails ove Stones.Simon Roddis
25/08/2023585 Canadas and 81 Greylag flew out over the dam wall early morning. c150 Pied and 3 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall. 7 Grey Wags and c80 Swallows at Millfields. 5 Shoveler on Flat Island mid-morning. 1 Wigeon. 58 Teal. 9 Pochard. Juvenile Goosander. 1 Swift among c100 House Martins beyond WLC creek. 1 Ringed Plover. 1 Dunlin. 4 Common Sand. 3 Redshank. 1 Common Snipe. 56 Cormorants. Kingfisher at Millfields. Total of 9 Jays. Male Redstart in WLC fields. 2 Siskin over Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
21/8/202313 Common Pochard and 3 Red-crested Pochard were together near Sailing Club island early morning. Myself and Alan S. also had at least 5 (probably 6) Redstart in WLC fields and a Garden Warbler in the creek also Kingfisher here after I had left. Single Dunlin and Common Sandpiper on Stones, female Sparrowhawk in the main car park.Clive Ashton
19/08/233 Greenshank flew calling south west over Stones Island at 09.20 hrs. Also 1 summer plumage Dunlin on Stones Island.Neil Moulden

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