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
20/8/2023Monthly WeBS count: Canada Goose 119, Greylag 11, Mute Swan 24, Grey Heron 3, Little Egret 2, Cormorant 30, GC Grebe 36, Little Grebe 10, Gadwall 51, Mallard 168, Tufted Duck 180, Pochard 4, Teal 87, Wigeon 1, Shoveler 1, Coot 385, Moorhen 9, Kingfisher 3, Lapwing 27, Common Sandpiper 4, Dunlin 1, Ringed Plover 1. Also Yellow Wagtail 2, Grey Wagtail 1, YLG 1, LBbG 80, BhG 37, Redstart 1, Whitethroat 1, Reed Warbler 1, Red Kite 4, Buzzard 5, Kestrel 2, Sparrowhawk 1.Clive Ashton/ Jon Bradley
19/8/20233 Common Terns flew through at 0645hrs. A further 2 Common and a single Black Tern then arrived at 0700hrs and were then perched on a jetty in front of the Sailing Club until around 0745hrs, but no further sign later. A juvenile Yellow Wagtail was on Stones along with 3 Common Sandpipers.Clive Ashton
16/08/2023Not as busy as yesterday, but another 2 Tree Pipits and a Yellow Wagtail flew S over WLC fields (and 2 Redstarts there). Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. The same Peregrine which roosted in WLC fields last week took an adult Moorhen at Watersports; again went to roost in WLC fields after its breakfast. 80 Teal on Stones shoreline early morning. 4 Jays, presumably a family party, in WLC creek. 2 Spotted Flycatchers at Sheepwash, and a Garden Warbler feeding with Blackcaps on elderberries.Simon Roddis
15/08/2023An excellent morning started with a Turnstone on Stones island briefly at 06:50. The adult Caspian Gull was around most of the morning, and an Osprey flew in from the NE at 09:30, quite possibly the bird seen on Beeley Moor 40 minutes earlier. In WLC fields, 5+ Redstarts, single Wheatear and Common Whitethroat, 2 Spotted Flycatchers, fly-over Tree Pipit and Yellow Wagtail, and c75 House Martins in the air and landing on the overhead wires. 110 Woodpigeons flew S (20 N) with 7 Stock Doves. 2 juv LRPlover on Horseshoe island. 10 Common Buzzards. Kingfishers in WLC creek and at PS hide. Hobby from Stones. 7+ Raven.SJR, CA, AHS, RPJ, AMD
14/08/2023Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again from Stones this morning. 40 Cormorants. 2 Dunlin. Snipe and Kingfisher at WLC. 4 Pochard in Brown Ale Bay. A wet Whitethroat on Horseshoe island. 2+ Spotted Flycatchers in Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
13/08/2023Caspian Gull (moulting to Adult plumage) on Flat Island late afternoon - this is the same bird that was at Ogston Res. in late July and at both Carsington and Ogston in early winter 2022 as a 'sub-adult'. Also present YL Gull (3 Ads).Richard Lowe
13/08/2023The adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls off Stones again this morning. 51 Teal. 10 Swifts over the east side. Pair of Little Grebes in Brown Ale Bay, large juv off Stones/WLC, still 4 chicks in WLC creek. 35 Cormorant. 7 Grey Heron. 3 Little Egret. Kingfisher at WLC. Marsh Tit again between Sheepwash and Paul Stanley. 2 juv Common Whitethroat, a Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. Yellow Wagtail over Stones. c100 Goldfinch (70 on Stones, 30 WLC creek).Simon Roddis
09/08/2023Evening visit: a Garganey, probably an eclipse male, was off Stones with a couple of Teal, 20:00-10:15. Adult Caspian and 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls in the roost among the Lesser Black-backs. Yellow Wagtail flew over Stones. c80 Swallows went to roost in Hopton reedbed, and 2 Swifts flew over.Simon Roddis
09/08/2023Total of 5 Little Grebes (plus chicks in WLC creek). 3 Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe island. Adult Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls. 32 Cormorants. A Peregrine perched in a big ash in WLC fields for at least an hour. 2 Kingfishers (Millfields and Brown Ale Bay). A Marsh Tit called several times between PS hide and Sheepwash carpark - presumably the bird that spent some months there last winter. Juvenile Spotted Flycatcher near PS hide. In WLC fields, 3 Redstart and single Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat and Garden Warbler (and Clive had another Redstart from WLC). 3 Tree Sparrows at Millfields and 2 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
08/08/2023Evening visit: a cream-crown Marsh Harrier with red wing tags (presumably from Norfolk) flew N up the res 19:35-19:40. Peregrine over the visitor centre. c2,350 Lesser Black-backs came in to roost. 3 Pochard. 1 Ringed Plover.Simon Roddis
07/08/2023Another decent morning: an adult Little Gull flew off Stones 06:35-06:41, drake Common Scoter off Sheepwash, a Golden Plover flew high NW at 08:10 and the adult Caspian Gull still. 3 Shoveler off Stones. 30 Teal. 97 Woodpigeons flew S 06:00-08:30 (and c40 went the wrong way!). 2 Ringed Plover. 8 Little Egret. Kingfisher in WLC creek. 2 Redstart and 2 Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. Common Whitethroat on Stones and another in WLC creek (MJR).SJR, CA, AHS
06/08/2023Y.L.Gull - 4 (3 Ads; 1 juv.) on Flat Island @ c. 5.30pm.Richard Lowe
06/08/2023Species recorded at today's 'Birdwatching for Beginners' walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Canada Goose, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Tufted Duck, Oystercatcher, Woodpigeon, Mute Swan, Gt Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Black-headed Gull, Common Sandpiper, Goldfinch, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Caspian Gull, Ringed Plover, Pied Wagtail, Long-tailed Tit, Blackbird, Robin, Lapwing, Little Grebe, Buzzard, Willow Warbler, Gadwall, Little Egret, Greylag Goose and ChiffchaffGary Atkins
06/08/2023Adult Caspian (Watersports) and Yellow-legged (sailing club) Gulls again this morning. Great Egret flew up the res early morning. 7+ Little Egrets. 5 Shoveler in Brown Ale Bay. 26 Teal. Pair of Little Grebes with 4 small young in WLC creek - they've been very discrete! Another adult singing in BABay. 4 Ringed Plover. Single Dunlin and Snipe. Kingfisher(s) on Stones and in BABay. 10+ Ravens. Juv Whitethroat in WLC creek, and male Redstart again in the fields. Spotted Flycatcher between PS hide and BABay.Simon Roddis
05/08/2023Clive found most of the birds this morning: a Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Ringed Plover, Redshank and 10 Little Egret. The adult Caspian Gull was at sailing club and a Great Egret and Kingfisher at WLC later. And lots of rain (again).Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
04/08/2023The undoubted highlight this morning was a party (family group?) of 5 Spoonbills, at least 2 of which were juveniles, which flew from the shore of Stones island just after 06:00 and left to the west. The fifth record for Carsi and the first to involve more than one bird. The adult Caspian Gull again, mobile but settled on Flat Island late morning along with 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. And in Sheepwash carpark late morning, a female or juvenile Pied Flycatcher and 2 Spotted Fly - looks like the latest ever Pied Fly here and the first in August. And in between all that, 2 Pochard, 2 Shoveler, 6+ Common Sandpiper, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank, 5 Little Egrets, Kingfisher, Hobby, Peregrine, Redstart. Cracking morning, 76 species.Simon Roddis
03/08/2023A Green Sandpiper and 2 adult Ringed Plovers were the first of the autumn this morning (and Green Sand first of the year). 10 Oystercatchers. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again. 2 Yellow Wagtails and 2 Skylarks on the dam wall. Juv male Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. Garden Warbler on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
02/08/2023The adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again this morning, both off Millfields late morning. Single Redshank, Dunlin and Curlew, and 4 Common Sandpipers. 5 Little Egrets. 2 Tree Sparrows at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
01/08/20236 adult Arctic Terns appeared off Stones island just after 07:00 and were around until 10:00 at least. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again, the Caspian showing well on sailing club shore at one point. 31 Lapwing. 1 Dunlin. 35 Swifts flew through. 33 Cormorants. 3 Little Egret. 2 Hobbies over the pastures. Total of 10 Ravens. Juv male Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
31/07/2023Just to report that I have received details of a colour-ringed Heron that has been around on and off since last summer. It has an orange ring on the right tibia and a blue one with SX in white letters on the left. It was ringed as a nestling at Attenborough NR, Notts, on 01/04/2022.Simon Roddis
31/07/2023Single Whimbrel and Turnstone past Stones island at 08:30 this morning, after the light rain had stopped. 4 adult Arctic Terns followed at 09:44 and another 2 at 11:05. The adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again present. Kingfisher past Stones causeway. 200 Starlings left sailing club island early morning, presumably having roosted there. 60 Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
30/07/2023A cream-crown Marsh Harrier flew slowly S down the east side 10:45-10:55. My first in July here and my earliest autumn record. Total of 57 Swifts SW 08:00-11:00. 1 Shoveler. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. Hobby over WLC creek and 3 Redstarts in the fields. Reed Warbler still singing at PS hide. Meadow Pipit on Horseshoe island.Simon Roddis
29/07/2023The adult Caspian Gull again this morning, from Stones island, plus adult Yellow-leg. Curlew landed on Stones shoreline. 18 Teal. Little Grebe calling in Brown Ale Bay, and Kingfisher there. 1 Snipe. 2 Redstarts (adult and juv male) in WLC fields. 1 Meadow Pipit over Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
27/07/2023Evening Walk round 2 Little Egret,3 Little Ringed Plover,3 Oystercatcher,20 Cormorant,12 Mute Swan,2 Sedge Warbler,2 Goldfinch,3 Little Grebe,27 Lapwing, Mix Flock of Tits 10 Long Tailed Tit,5 Blue Tit.David Armitt
28/07/2023An adult Caspian Gull on Horseshoe island early morning and a Greenshank over Lane End mid-morning were both new for the month. 5 Shoveler off Stones. 25 Teal. Redhead Goosander flew SW. Large juv Little Grebe at sailing club. Juv Dunlin still at WLC. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 3 Little Egret. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. 30 Swallows on the dam wall. Spotted Flycatcher at Lane End. 2 Redstarts (f and juv) in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
27/07/2023Female Common Scoter off Sheepwash all morning. 2 Shoveler on Stones. Total of 22 Teal. 32 Lapwing. 5 Common Sandpiper (2 around Stones, 3 on Flat Island). 5 Common Gulls, including an adult with a fresh juvenile - I wonder where they've come from. 2 first-summer Great Black-backs, my first here since mid May. 3 Little Egret on sailing club island. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. Reed Warblers singing in WLC creek and at PS hide. Yellow Wagtail N over Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
26/07/2023This morning, Yellow Wagtail, Kingfisher, adult Common Tern and 5 Tree Sparrows at Millfields first thing. Another 4 adult Common Terns around Flat Island later. 17 Teal in Brown Ale Bay. Totals of 455 Coot, 24 Moorhen, 13 Oystercatcher, 35 Lapwing, 27 Cormorant. The Dunlin at WLC still. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 2 Little Egrets. In WLC fields, 6 Redstarts (male and 5 juvs) and a Lesser Whitethroat.Simon Roddis
25/07/20233 (2m, 1f) Common Scoters from Stones island all morning. An adult Arctic Tern flew S 08:30 and 5 Common Terns (2 ads, 3 juvs) through too. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. A Dunlin flew over the main carpark early morning and then perhaps the same bird from WLC. 1 Redshank. 26 Cormorant. Total of 11 Ravens, including a party of 6 being mobbed by a Peregrine over Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
24/07/2023A busy hour from 06:00-07:00 in grotty conditions (probably not a coincidence) this morning: a juvenile Garganey was on the shoreline on Stones island, a Turnstone flew over, 11 Redshank flew up the res and landed in the Sheepwash area, and 6 adult Arctic Terns appeared at 06:50 and drifted south after about 10 minutes. In addition, 5 Pochard again, 2 Little Egrets, adult Yellow-legged Gull, a Hobby stooped at several Swifts over the visitor centre, 1 Curlew W, c50 Starlings in fields near Fishtail Creek and 60+ Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis
23/07/20236 Pochard. 9 Teal. 25 Lapwing. 1 Dunlin. 4 Common Sand. 190 Lesser Black-backs loafing around Flat Island mid-morning. 7 Common Gulls. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 1 adult Common Tern. 1 Little Egret. 10 Sand Martins through. Reed Warbler still singing in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
22/07/2023Female Common Scoter from Stones early morning. 5 Pochard flying around. And lots of rain.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
21/07/2023One Black-tailed Godwit S over Stones 08:40. 2 Common Sandpiper. 3 Pochard. Hobby over the north end. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 1 Little Egret still. Juv Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
20/07/20239 Shoveler off Stones were new this morning. 11 Teal. 2 Pochard. 1 Whimbrel flew W at 06:45. 1 Curlew. 2 Common Sandpiper. 2 Dunlin. Adult Yellow-legged and 2 Common Gulls. 21 Cormorant. 2 Kingfishers. 1+ Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood. Juv Redstart in WLC fields. 50+ Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
19/07/2023Ad hoc wildfowl count: 809 Canadas, 126 Greylags, 30 Mute Swans plus one cygnet, 38 Gadwall, 180 Mallard, 11 Teal, 153 Tufted, 13 Moorhen, 298 Coot, 2 LGrebe, 47 GCGrebe, 11 Oystercatcher, 21 Lapwing, 2 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper, 14 Cormorant, 5 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Kingfisher. Also 62 Lesser Black-backs, 3 GSWoodpecker and a Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood, 1 Peregrine, 16 Mistle Thrush and juv Redstart over/in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
18/07/2023A bit more wader action this morning: 6 Redshanks, all adults, on Watersports island for much of the morning, and a Black-tailed Godwit dropped in at 10:35. 2 Snipe at WLC. 3 Common Sandpiper. The Dunlin still present. 22 Lapwing. 3 redhead Goosander: 2 flew through and another juv was in front of the WLC. 2 Pochard. 26 more Lesser Black-backs moved through, including one juvenile, and an immature Herring-type frustratingly failed to stop. The Little Egret still. Kingfisher past Stones island. 27 Sand Martins through. Female/juv Whitethroat on Horseshoe island - they're like gold dust this year! 2 Redstarts (male and juv) in WLC fields, and a family of Bullfinches there too.Simon Roddis
17/07/2023Correction: Mike Redfern actually found the scoters. Apologies, Mike.Simon Roddis
17/07/2023Clive found the best birds this morning: 10 Common Scoter (9m,1f) and 3 Arctic Terns off Stones island. A full-grown juvenile Little Grebe off Sheepwash has presumably flown in from elsewhere. Single Dunlin, Little Egret and adult Yellow-legged Gull still. c50 Lesser Black-backs on the move, including a flock of 34. Adult Common Tern. 11 Sand Martins through. 11 Mistle Thrush in WLC fields. 4 Redstarts - female and juv in WLC fields, 2 juvs from the WLC. Spotted Flycatcher at Sheepwash. 15 Linnets in fields just s of Sheepwash, perhaps the start of a build-up there. 2 Crossbills over Millfields. 76 species, and I missed Arctic Tern and Redshank.Simon Roddis
16/07/2023Quite a decent morning, the main highlights being 4 drake Common Scoters off Stones and an Osprey which was mobbed by Oystercatchers and B-h Gulls over the main centre area before circling over the Hall Wood area for several minutes. A Black-tailed Godwit flew past Stones 3 times, a Dunlin dropped in briefly and a Hobby flew past. 30+ Swifts, mostly moving S. 20 Lapwing. 1 Redshank. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and Little Egret still. 5 Mistle Thrush and a Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
16/07/2023Quite a decent morning, the main highlights being 4 drake Common Scoters off Stones and an Osprey which was mobbed by Oystercatchers and B-h Gulls over the main centre area before circling over the Hall Wood area for several minutes. A Black-tailed Godwit flew past Stones 3 times, a Dunlin dropped in briefly and a Hobby flew past. 30+ Swifts, mostly moving S. 20 Lapwing. 1 Redshank. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and Little Egret still. 5 Mistle Thrush and a Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
15/07/2023Totals of 137 Greylag and 270 Coot (big increase in the last week and the highest count since September 2022). 1 Curlew, 25 Swifts and 6 Sand Martins S. 3 Peregrines together over the north end. Hobby through WLC fields. Juv Redstart again in WLC fields. 7 Tree Sparrows at Millfields.Simon Roddis
14/07/2023A summer-plumage Dunlin off Stones causeway was new this morning. 4 Common Sandpipers. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and Little Egret still. New broods of Mallard and Tufted. 32 Mute Swans plus one cygnet. Reed Warblers singing at WLC and on Stones. Juv Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
13/07/20233 Redshank (2 ads, 1 juv) on Watersports island. 1 Common Sandpiper. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 147 Coot from WLC. 4 Common Terns off Stones. 1 Little Egret. c20 Swallows S past Stones. Chiffchaff feeding fledged young on Stones, and Blackcap carrying food. At least 7 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed, including 2 adults separately feeding fledged young, and 2 singing in WLC creek. Redstart calling in WLC fields. Linnet over Stones.SJR, RPJ, AMD
12/07/2023At least 1 Little Egret around the main centre area this morning. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls again. 6 Teal. 1 Common Sandpiper. Spotted Flycatcher on Stones. Juv Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
10/07/2023A couple more signs of birds starting to move around post-breeding this morning: 3 Redstarts (m,f and juv) in WLC fields, another juv Redstart on Stones, Spotted Flycatcher at sailing club and a juv Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. 7 redhead Goosander flew S at 09:00. The 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls again.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
07/07/2023July WeBS count; Great Crested Grebe 36, Little Grebe 2, Mute Swan 29, Canada Goose 917, Greylag 49, Grey Heron 5, Cormorant 12, Coot 119, Moorhen 7, Mallard 125, Gadwall 40, Tufted Duck 72, Pochard 2, Teal 4, Curlew 1, Common Sandpiper 1, Oystercatcher 10, Redshank 2, Lapwing 5.Jon Bradley/Clive Ashton
08/07/202333 Mute Swans plus one cygnet. 4 Teal. New brood of 9 Tufted from WLC. 2 Little Grebes off Stones causeway. Pair of GCGrebes with 2 chicks off Lane End. 2 Common Sand at sailing club. 3 Redshank and 1 Snipe still. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls on a raft off Watersports much of the morning. Immature female Peregrine from Stones. 30 Swallows over WLC creek. 5 Garden Warblers on Stones, mostly around Warbler Corner.Simon Roddis
06/07/20233 immature drake Common Scoters off Stones this morning, and a female-type Crossbill over Millfields carpark. 30 Mute Swans, but now only 1 cygnet at Sheepwash. 33 Gadwall. Single Teal and Pochard. New brood of 2 GCGrebe chicks at Penn Carr. 3 Redshank and the Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 3 Jays, presumably a family party, at Millfields. Sedge Warbler with food on Stones, presumably for a second brood. Fledged young Blackcaps at Millfields and Hall Wood. Juv Redstart below Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
05/07/2023This morning, 4 Common Terns, a new brood of 8 Gadwall and a Kingfisher off Stones causeway, drake Pochard, 2 Curlew, 1 Snipe from WLC (good spot, Roger), the adult Yellow-legged Gull still, 2 juv Redstarts in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
04/07/20236 Black-tailed Godwits (again!) on Stones then flew S at 07:35. Curlew at sailing club and a Common Sand off Stones causeway. The adult Yellow-legged Gull again. 2 Peregrines circling over the north end. Skylark again in dam wall fields. Juv Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
03/07/2023The first Yellow Wagtail of the autumn flew past Stones this morning. 2 Black-tailed Godwits on Horseshoe island, presumably the same birds as a couple of days ago. 31 Gadwall. Adult Yellow-legged and immature Common Gulls. 14 Sand Martins flew S. 3 juv Redstarts in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
02/07/2023Species noted at today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island- Wildlife Centre): Woodpigeon, Blackcap Chiffchaff, Tufted Duck, Canada Goose, Black-headed Bull Coot, Mallard, Redshank, Gt Crested Grebe, Teal (2 at WLC), Greylag Goose, Common Sandpiper (1 at WLC, 3 from the causeway), Cormorant, House Sparrow, Wren, Goldfinch, Little Grebe, Carrion Crow, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Pied Wagtail, Mute Swan, Blackbird, Lapwing, Shoveler, Red Kite, Raven, Buzzard, Dunnock, Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler, Garden Warbler, Robin, Black-tailed Godwit, Gadwall, Herring GullGary Atkins
02/07/20236 more Black-tailed Godwits this morning, flew S at 07:48. 2 Shoveler at Millfields. 32 Gadwall (brood of 4 in Brown Ale Bay may be new). New broods of Tufted at Hopton end (5) and off PS hide (3). 3 Collared Doves at the ranger base. 3 GCGrebe broods (Hopton end, Brown Ale Bay and WLC). 3 Redstarts (fem/juv WLC fields, juv below Middle Wood, male below Hall Wood). 3 Tree Sparrows (adult and 2 juvs) and 6 Grey Wagtails at Millfields.Simon Roddis
01/07/2023Single Wigeon and Pochard from WLC. 8 Curlew at sailing club early morning and the Snipe again on Horseshoe island.Simon Roddis
30/06/20232 more Black-tailed Godwits this morning, on Horseshoe island, along with a Snipe and 5 Teal. Clive had 2 Dunlin fly through. Adult Common Tern. 28 Mute Swans. 25 Gadwall. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Reed Warbler still singing at WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
29/06/2023Dusk visit: 12 Curlews came in to sailing club/Watersports island. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. At Hopton end, c10 Swallows went to roost in the reedbed, 15 Swifts hawking overhead and a calling Tawny Owl.Simon Roddis
29/06/2023A couple of pleasant surprises this morning: a flock of 7 Black-tailed Godwits flew S at 06:35 - seemed to be rising when I picked them up so perhaps they'd been down on the shore somewhere - and a first-summer Kittiwake flew S down the res at 09:25. 23 Mute Swans, plus the 2 cygnets still. 2 Curlew. Snipe, Common Sandpiper and adult and juvenile Redshank off Stones causeway. Adult Yellow-legged Gull again. 10 Swifts. Total of 8 Ravens. Skylark again in dam wall fields. 13 House Martins over Shiningford.Simon Roddis
28/06/20232 Curlews this morning, one on sailing club shore early on, and another flew S late morning. A Snipe on Horseshoe island (my first ever here in June). 2 Common Sandpiper. Immature Herring Gull. Adult Common Tern. Skylark singing over the dam wall fields.Simon Roddis
27/06/2023247 Greylags. 21 Mute Swans plus the 2 cygnets still off Sheepwash. New broods of 6 Gadwall at Shiningford and 8 Tufties in Brown Ale Bay. 4 male Teal. 125 Coot, plus a large juvenile at WLC. 45 Lapwing in WLC fields. A Whimbrel flew W over the main carpark at 07:30. 4 Common Sandpiper (3 at Millfields, 1 at Hopton end). Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 2 Little Egrets.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
23/06/202316 Mute Swan, including the pair with 2 cygnets still off Sheepwash. Drake Pochard, 113 Coot and 2 Little Grebes off Stones causeway. 23 Lapwing. Dunlin and Yellow-legged Gull still. Curlew over WLC creek. 2 Common Sand at Millfields (RPJ,AMD). Peregrine sitting on the dam wall early morning. 2 Reed Warblers singing in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
18/06/2023Monthly WeBS count: 790 Canada, 205 Greylag, 17 Mute Swan (pair with 2 small cygnets off PS hide), 19 Gadwall (new brood of 5 in Brown Ale Bay), 91 Mallard, 1 Teal, 77 Tufted, 5 Moorhen, 77 Coot (young at WLC), 1 Little Grebe, 48 GCGrebe, 9 Oystercatcher (new brood of 2 on Watersports island), 23 Lapwing, 4 Redshank, 12 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher below Middle Wood. Clive had 3 Common Terns off Stones, then 1 from WLC later. Siskin over Hopton end.SJR, JB, CA
17/06/2023Second brood of Tufties this morning, 9 at sailing club. 2 Sedge Warblers and at least 5 Reed (3 singing) in Hopton reedbed, plus Reed Bunting with food. Little Egret still. 2 imm Common Gulls.Simon Roddis
16/06/2023c700 Canada and 200 Greylags this morning. 37 Gadwall. 2m Teal. Pair of Oystercatchers with 2 chicks on sailing club shore, presumably brought over from SC island. 25 Lapwing in WLC fields. 1 Little Egret still. Total of 5 GSWoodpeckers in Hall/Middle Woods. 15+ Sedge Warblers on Stones, including several 'Sedglings'. 3 Spotted Flycatchers (Hopton end, Stones and WLC creek). Pied Fly still singing in Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
15/06/2023New broods of 10 Gadwall off Big Island and 6 Tufted Duck at WLC. Common Sandpiper at Big Island. 6 Teal flew past Stones. Common Tern off Watersports late morning. A pair of GCGrebes with 2 young at Hopton end may have been the ones from Brown Ale Bay a few days ago. 14 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. Little Egret at Shiningford. 1 Skylark on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
13/06/2023In addition to Simon's report: Common Tern flew N at 0800hr then another Common/Arctic at 08:15. Sedge Warbler feeding young near Janet Ede hide and another pair with food on Stones. Reed Warbler singing on Stones adjacent to Sailing Club Island.Clive Ashton
14/06/2023No great surprises this morning, but Mute Swans (17) and Coot (59) are increasing. 3 Curlews flew W to E over the res. 1 Little Egret. Reed Warblers singing on sailing club island and at WLC. Pair of Redstarts still in WLC creek and a Spotted Flycatcher at Millfields.Simon Roddis
13/06/2023An adult Kittiwake flying around off Sheepwash and Lane End from 07:20 to at least 07:50 was unexpected (although to my surprise I've found that it isn't my first in June - I had one on 30/06/2018). Fledged Willow Tits in Shiningford creek and at PS hide. Lesser Whitethroat at Sheepwash. Pair of GCGrebes with at least 1 chick in Brown Ale Bay, first I've seen this year. Oystercatcher 'Barcode' and its mate have at least 1 chick on Big Island. Juv and 2 adult Tree Sparrows in Shiningford creek.Simon Roddis
12/06/2023A colour ringed Mute Swan CPT4 this morning on Watersports Island was ringed as a male cygnet at Barbridge near Nantwich on 22/8/2020.Clive Ashton
12/06/20235 Common Terns went through N at 09:00, a mobile Little Egret, and Garden Warblers with food on Stones and feeding fledged young at Millfields. Otherwise as you were.Simon Roddis
11/06/2023A male Pochard on Watersports island is my first here since the end of February. A Little Egret flew over Stones, and Reed Warbler still singing there. 13 Mute Swans. 48 Coot. Pair of Oystercatchers with 2 chicks on sailing club island - I think that's the 3rd brood so far. 2 immature Common Gulls at Millfields. 22 Starlings over the dam wall.Simon Roddis
10/06/2023Good news: Willow Tits seem to be having a good breeding season. 3 new broods this morning - WLC creek and 2 at Millfields - makes 5 so far; 14+ birds in total. 11 Mute Swans. Pair of Teal again. 1 Ringed Plover at sailing club. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Clive had 3-4 immature Common Gulls at sailing club early morning, and 1 was off Millfields later. 15 Cormorants. Garden Warbler with food on Stones, and fledged Blackcaps at Millfields. Redstarts with food and a singing Spotted Flycatcher in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
08/06/2023Single Pink-footed Goose off Stones causeway (first time I've seen it since late Feb) and a Reed Warbler singing there early morning. One Herring Gull N among a small trickle of Lessers. 14 Cormorant. 2 Little Grebe in WLC creek. Pair of Willow Tits feeding 2+ fledged young at WLC. Tree Sparrow adult and juvs again at Millfields.Simon Roddis
07/06/2023A Sanderling was on sailing club shore early morning, and a drake Common Scoter off Sheepwash late morning. Little Egret flew past Stones. 10 Mute Swans. 400+ Canadas. 25 Swifts over the visitor centre. 9 Lapwing. 5 GSWoodpeckers, the most I've seen/heard for months, including a juvenile in the play area - where else?! 3 Redstarts, 3 Spotted and 1 Pied Flycatcher singing in Hall Wood (top path). Sedge Warbler with food on Stones, Pied Wag with food at the visitor centre. Juv Grey Wag in Hall Wood. 8 Mistle Thrushes over Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
05/06/2023A summer plumage Dunlin at sailing club, pair of Teal around Stones and a Skylark over WLC fields were new for the month (for me at least). 27 Swifts. 8 Lapwing. Little Grebe singing in WLC creek. The immature Peregrine again, sitting on the dam wall being mobbed by Swallows early morning.Simon Roddis
04/06/2023Species seen by Birdwatching for Beginners group (Stones Is to WLC, from 10am to noon): Black-headed Gull, Blackbird, Blackcap, Buzzard, Canada Goose, Carrion Crow, Chiffchaff, Coot, Cormorant, Gadwall, Garden Warbler, Goldfinch, Gt Crested Grebe, Greylag Goose, House Sparrow, Jackdaw, Lapwing, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Ringed Plover, Mallard, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Oystercatcher, Pied Wagtail, Redshank, Ringed Plover, Sedge Warbler, Song Thrush, Swallow, Swift, Tufted Duck, Willow Warbler, Woodpigeon, Wren (34)Gary Atkins
04/06/2023Could only see 2 goslings with the pair of Barnacle Geese at Millfields this morning. Moorhen with 5 chicks on the Horseshoe nest, but there's one less Black-headed Gull chick there after one was taken by a Buzzard. Willow Tits at WLC and PS hide. Reed Warbler singing in Brown Ale Bay. Chiffchaff with food at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
04/06/20234 Swallow, 5 Sand Martin, 2 Pied wagtail, 6 Cormorant, 7 Chiffchaff, 1Buzzard, 1 Greenfinch,1 Bullfinch , 1 Jay, 2 Garden Warbler, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Whitethroat, 2 WrenDavid Armitt
02/06/2023A very short visit early morning: 1 Ringed Plover at Sailing Club (one seen yesterday too), 5 Lapwing, Reed Warbler singing at WLC, Moorhen with at least 4 young on Horseshoe.Clive Ashton
02/06/2023Heard Whimbrel Horseshoe Island area around midday-crazyMark Pass
02/06/2023More birds on the move this morning, with 9 Sanderling flying N at 06:25 and 11 Arctic Terns (plus another 6 probables) passing through. 337 Canada Geese. Pair of Barnacles at Millfields island with 3 small goslings. 62 Greylag. Female Gadwall with 3 ducklings at Penn Carr. 30 Swifts over Stones. Pair of Redshank with 3 chicks on Horseshoe island. 6 Ravens over the east side. Chiffchaff with food in Hall Wood, and fledged young at Hays Lane. Still a Sedge and 3 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed. Fledged Nuthatches in Millfields carpark. Redstart, Spotted and Pied Flycatchers singing in Hall Wood. 5 Tree Sparrows (adult and 4 juvs) at Millfields.Simon Roddis
01/06/20239 Black Terns from Stones this morning: 7 at 07:45 appeared to go more or less straight through, then 2 from 08:10-08:20. 5 Common Terns. Swifts built up to 50+ over Stones mid-morning. A Peregrine (same bird as yesterday) caught its breakfast at sailing club. 2 Willow Tits singing in WLC creek (one of them presumably from the WLC pair).Simon Roddis
31/05/20232 Black Terns off Stones from 08:50-09:20 and then a presumed third bird at 09:35. Clive had a flock of at least 18 terns, probably Common, fly through at about 08:00, and a Common was at WLC at 10:45. c20 Swifts and 50 House Martins feeding over WLC/Watersports area. A second-year Peregrine past Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
29/05/2023Adult Common Tern and Curlew from Stones this morning. 12 each of Swifts and House Martins over Horseshoe island, and the first Black-headed Gull chicks have hatched there, 3 in one nest. 2+ Jays near sailing club, might have been a family party.Simon Roddis
28/05/20231 Turnstone, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 6 Cormorant, 5 Sedge Warbler, 4 Oystercatcher, 7 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 7 Goldfinch, 1 Shoveler, 2 Lapwing, 1 Reed Warbler WLC Reed Bed, 3 Pied Wagtail, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Willow Tit with food WLC, Great Tits in nest box 42David Armitt
26/05/2023A breeding plumage adult Turnstone was on sailing club island at 08:30, then reported flying over sailing club by another bird at 10:00. Drake Goosander flew into Millfields. 4 Barnacle Geese. 6 Swifts around the visitor centre. 1 Curlew over. 5 Willow Tits: adult and at least 2 fledged young at Millfields, and a pair with food at WLC. Fledged Long-tailed Tits on Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
23/05/20232 Ringed Plover at sailing club this morning. 2 Oystercatcher chicks still at Sheepwash. 1 Curlew bubbling. A dead Tawny Owl on the dam wall road. 6 Ravens on pylons above Hognaston were presumably a family party. 2 Linnet over the dam wall.Simon Roddis
21/05/2023Monthly WeBS count: 182 Canada, 38 Greylag, 4 Mute Swan, 17 Gadwall, 51 Mallard, 38 Tufted, 4 Moorhen, 23 Coot, 1 Little Grebe, 47 GCGrebe, 5 Oystercatcher (plus 2 chicks at Sheepwash), 2 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Common Sand, 2 Redshank, 250 BhGulls, 8 Cormorant, 2 Grey Herons. Typically low numbers for many species at this time of year but only 1 Little Grebe is surprising. Counts don't include ducklings or goslings.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
20/05/2023Perimeter counts this morning: 28 Pheasant, 1 Kingfisher at Hopton reedbed, 7 Coal Tit, 64 Blue, 29 Great, 14 Long-tailed, Skylark singing in dam wall fields, 26 Willow Warbler, 72 Chiffchaff, 14 Sedge, 3 Reed, 60 Blackcap, 22 Garden, 2 Lesser and 1 Common Whitethroat, 16 Goldcrest, 123 Wren, 11 Treecreeper, 46 Song Thrush, 6 Mistle, 89 Blackbird, 2 Spotted and 1 Pied Fly, 104 Robin, 6 Redstart, 32 Dunnock, 26 Chaffinch, 15 Bullfinch, 21 Goldfinch, male Linnet on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
19/05/2023An adult Little Gull flew around for a minute or two before heading off east just before 6 this morning, and a Whimbrel dropped in. A few gulls moving through: 25 Lessers, 2 Great Black-backs and at least 3 immature Common. Otherwise just the usual suspects.Simon Roddis
12/05/2023Evening visit: the GNDiver still from Stones. If it's still there tomorrow (which it presumably will be), it will equal its latest ever last date here (13/05/18). A female Wigeon at WLC and the Bar-tailed Godwit still at Watersports.Simon Roddis
12/05/2023The GNDiver was off Stones to late morning at least. An Osprey flew over Stones at 09:20 then landed in Hall Wood before appearing to head N at 09:35. It or another appeared over the east side at 09:40 and stayed to 10:10. It seemed to me that the second bird was more uniform dark above but less clean white below than the first, so I think there may have been 2 birds. A Sanderling flew N past Stones at 10:42. Also 2 Shelduck, c25 Swifts, the Bar-tailed Godwit still, an immature GBbGull, Peregrine over Stones, Spotted Flycatcher singing near Lane End, Redstart in Shiningford creek.Simon Roddis
07/05/2023Bird Walk - 7th May 2023 House sparrow, Canada goose, Greylag goose, Mallard, Oystercatcher, Coot, Sedge warbler, BHgull, Pied wagtail, Tufted duck, Cormorant, Mute swan, GNDiver, Goldfinch, Gadwall, moorhen, L R plover, Chiffchaff, Robin, Song thrush, Blackbird, Dunnock, Crow, Magpie, Wren, willow warbler, Blackcap, Bar-tailed godwit, Redshank, Lapwing, GC grebe, Wood pigeon, Buzzard, Jackdaw. 34 in total.Amanda Palethorpe
11/05/2023The GNDiver was still here this morning and had quite a lengthy flight around 10:30; last seen low over the water so may well have pitched back in. Bar-tailed Godwit still at Watersports. 1 Whimbrel over. 2 Common Terns. Drake Mandarin flew past Stones. Lesser Whitethroat on Stones. Redstart singing in WLC fields. Willow Tit, Grey Wagtail and Treecreeper all with food at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
10/05/2023The GNDiver is still present this morning, as well as the Bar-tailed Godwit. Whimbrel over Stones. 1 Arctic Tern around Stones from 07:30-08:10 and another 5 from 09:40-10:10. Lesser Whitethroat singing in Millfields carpark.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
09/05/20308 Sedge Warbler, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Willow Warbler, 6 Oystercatcher, 6 Chiffchaff, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Cormorant, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 1 Redshank, 1 Redstart, 2 Long Tailed Tit,3 Pied wagtailDavid Armitt
09/05/2023Clive had a good start to the morning, finding an Avocet on Horseshoe island (though not seen after about 07:15), Whimbrel in the overflow carpark and Ringed Plover at sailing club. Dunlin there later too. The GNDiver and Bar-tailed Godwit still and an Arctic Tern from Stones mid-morning. 2 Pied Flycatchers still singing. 4 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed and one on Stones causeway. Oystercatchers have young on Horseshoe island and Chiffchaff with food on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
08/05/2023The GNDiver was last seen at about 08:40 this morning, in flight and calling. Maybe its farewell for this end of the year? 1 Bar-tailed Godwit still at Watersports. 3 Shelduck. 2 Dunlin. 1 Curlew. Reed Warblers singing at WLC and near the visitor centre.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
07/05/2023The GNDiver was still present late morning. 2 Common Terns early morning. 5 singing Reed Warblers (2 in WLC Creek, 3 Hopton reedbed) and a Sedge Warbler in Hopton reedbed. 2 singing Pied Flycatchers and 2 singing Redstarts between Hall Wood and Warrington Knob. Still 10+ Lesser Redpolls at Millfields. And Clive saw the Bar-tailed Godwit at Watersports early on.Simon Roddis
06/05/2023The GNDiver still off Stones island and in flight. Bar-tailed Godwit still at Watersports. Little Egret N over Hopton end. 1 Yellow Wagtail SE over Stones. 4 Bullfinches and at least 5 Lesser Redpolls again feeding on Aspen catkins at Millfields.Simon Roddis
05/05/2023A bit of a waderfest this morning, with a total of 12 species. Highlights were 2 Wood Sandpipers past Stones island at 07:25, 5 Whimbrel, Greenshank and Bar-tailed Godwit. The GNDiver still from Stones. Osprey over Hall Wood at 09:08. Female Goldeneye still. 2 Common Terns.SJR, CA, AHS
04/05/2023The GNDiver still present to 10:30 at least after exercising its wings again. A Cuckoo called 4 or 5 times near the WLC early morning, less than annual here and only my second ever. 13 Oystercatchers, including 7 together at Millfields. 1 imm Common Gull. Redstart singing between Hays and Oldfield Lanes, north of Millfields. 27 Lesser Redpolls near Millfields stone barn, feeding in Blackthorn and a catkin-bearing tree that I'm struggling to identify. 1 Siskin over Millfields carpark.Simon Roddis

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