Recent Sightings

NameSightingDate
DN, MW, RPJ, AMD,AHSThis morning from Stones Island, 1 Little Egret, 1 Great White Egret, 1 Yellow legged gull, 75 Pink Feet Geese, at least 4 Skylarks over, 1 Dunlin, Oystercatcher still present, Willow tit, groups of Redwings fly down East Bank. From WLC creek, 1 Coot, 1 Redkite, Siskins and Redpolls in the Alder trees.22/10/2025
Dave NewcombeIn addition to Simon's post: 2 Shoveler and 13 Pochard at Millfields. Chiffchaff on Stones island. Ducks counted at Lane End whilst I was sheltering from the rain: 50 Wigeon (exact count), 33 Gadwall. 370 Teal. There were a few more Teal but they got flushed before I could finish. 5 Skylark over SW. From Sheepwash: A break in the weather allowed 4 Buzzards, 2 Red Kites, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk to come out. The latter flushing 25 Redwings on far side. A Common Sand again (maybe a different bird to last week). c25 Linnets. The gull roost held c10'000 birds. Adult Caspian. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. 4 Herring Gulls. 500 Common Gulls by 17.30hrs.20/10/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonA reasonable morning given the conditions, the following all from Sheepwash hide: female Goldeneye (first of the autumn), Common Scoter off Fishtail, presumably the same as yesterday, 2 Dunlin, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 1 Little and 3 Great Egrets, 21 Gadwall, 37 Wigeon, Peregrine, Rock Pipit and a late Wheatear (possibly Greenland?).20/10/2025
SJR, CA, MW, JBIn 2 hours from Stones island this morning, 50 Pink-footed Geese SW, 1,098 Woodpigeons S, 5 Stock and 4 Collared Doves, 16 Golden Plover, 4 Great Egret (3 NE, 1 S), 16 Skylarks, 483 Starling, 739 Redwing, 170 Fieldfare. One drake Common Scoter still off the east side, 30 Pochard, 4 Lapwing, 2 Peregrine, Yellow-legged Gull.19/10/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonBest bird for me this morning was a calling Little Owl, my first there for donkey's years. 4 Common Scoter (2 drakes) were again off Fishtail Creek so perhaps part of yesterday's flock. An hour's vismig from Stones produced 265 Woodpigeons, 260 Starlings, 484 Redwing, 20 Fieldfare and 12 Chaffinch. 28 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at about 09:30. 2 Curlew and a Dunlin flew past Stones, a Ringed Plover was at Sheepwash and the Oystercatcher still on Horseshoe island. Adult Caspian and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls still. c600 Common Gulls departed early morning and 750 Jackdaws noisily left their roost. Female Pintail at Sheepwash.18/10/2025
Simon RoddisAnother 5 Common Scoter (1m, 4 female/juvs) this morning - it's been a good week for them. Female Pintail past Stones. A bit of movement included 68 Woodpigeons, 5 Stock Doves, 10 Skylarks, 31 Starling, 186 Redwing and 17 Fieldfare. Single Redshank and Dunlin, and 2 Snipe. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. c3,000 Black-headed Gulls first thing. Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed, and Crossbill over. Male Stonechat in the overflow carpark. Chiffchaff and Blackcap still on Stones.17/10/2025
Simon RoddisLate afternoon visit: c5,000 Lesser Black-backs had come into the roost by 18:30. Shelduck still at Sheepwash, along with 2 Redshank, adult Caspian Gull, Herring Gull. Also 4 Yellow-legged Gulls and a Dunlin (per RJL). 46 Cormorants. 50 Starlings, presumably going to roost somewhere.16/10/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonClive found this morning's star bird, a juvenile Gannet sitting out on the water, present to midday at least. 6 Common Scoters (an adult drake and 5 lovely barred juveniles) were off the dam wall and a Rock Pipit flew over. A few birds moving, with totals of c650 Redwing in random directions, 80 Fieldfare, 180 Woodpigeons, 11 Stock Doves, 13 Skylarks and 10 Swallows. Adult Caspian Gull still and 2 adult Yellow-legs. Single Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Ringed Plover and Dunlin. Drake Pintail off Lane End and at least 18 Pochard. Total of at least 90 Siskin.15/10/2025
Simon RoddisA flock of 22 Common Scoters (7 males, 15 females) was between Stones island and Millfields this morning. Total of 134 Redwing through. 9 Coot, more than double the number on the WeBS count on Sunday! 64 Wigeon, 200 Teal and a Dunlin in front of Lane End hide, plus the adult Caspian Gull snaffling multiple crayfish of the invasive Signal variety. At Hopton end first thing, the Cetti's Warbler (actually seen!) and 4 calling Tawny Owls. c60 Siskin in WLC creek.14/10/2025
Dave NewcombeIn addition to Simon's post. 4 Little Egrets. 115 Greylags. 17 Wigeon. 6 Gadwall. 3 Pochard. 3 Ringed Plover on the dam. 22 Skylarks SW including a flock of 16. c30 Linnets on stones island then presumably the same flock at Sheepwash. A few Redwing calling through the gloom at Millfields first thing and 10+ in Sheepwash woods. At Sheepwash: 2 Dunlin. A late Common Sandpiper. Adult Caspian Gull. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 225 Common Gulls. The roost held in excess of 2'000+ each of both BHG and LBBG.13/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe first Fieldfare of the autumn was on Stones island this morning, and at least 2 more in WLC creek. At least 20 Redwing there too. At one point there were 5 species of thrush in one tree (sadly no Ring Ouzel). Cetti's Warbler and Water Rail still in Hopton reedbed. The Oystercatcher and adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 3 Little Egrets flew in and landed below the dam wall.13/10/2025
Simon RoddisMonthly wildfowl count: 240 Canada, 195 Greylags, 3 Mute Swans, 9 Gadwall, 24 Wigeon, 143 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 162 Teal, 3 Pochard, 110 Tufted, 5 Moorhen, 4(!) Coot, 6 Little Grebe, 38 Great Crests, 1 Oystercatcher, 31 Cormorant, 2 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher. (Compare those numbers with last month, the low water level clearly proved too much for a lot of birds.) Cetti's Warbler still in Hopton reedbed. 50 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 10:18. 12+ Crossbills over Hall Wood. Seem to be more Blackbirds around, at least 10 on Stones.12/10/2025
Simon RoddisA Brambling was among the Linnets, Goldfinches and Meadow Pipits on Watersports island this morning. c2,500 Black-headed Gulls from Millfields first thing, and a flock of 21 Ravens flew E. The Great Egret, Oystercatcher, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still present. 2 redhead Goosander.11/10/2025
Dave Armitt5 Grey Heron, 19 Cormorant, 8 Pochard, 4 Wigeon, 30 Teal, 2 Raven, 2 Jay, 30 Meadow Pipit, 40 Goldfinch, 1 Great White Egret , 1 Peregrine, 1 Red Kite,4 Greylag10/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cetti's Warbler was still in Hopton reedbed this morning. 140 Pink-footed Geese flew E at 10:28. 3 Pintail still. 2 redhead Goosander. c4,000 Lesser Black-backs and 370 Common Gulls flew out over WLC creek early morning. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. Great Egret at sailing club. 2 Stonechats in Tail Bay. Totals of 7 Skylark, 6 Chiffchaff, 30 Starling SW, 14 Bullfinch (8 at Penn Carr), 35 Goldfinch, 20 Siskin, 2 Crossbill.10/10/2025
Simon RoddisA pretty decent morning. A Cetti's Warbler was singing in Hopton reedbed early on, with Water Rail also calling there and Crossbill and a redhead Goosander over. 2 Whooper Swans, the Grey Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Pintail, adult Caspian Gull and Great Egret were on the shore off Lane End/Sheepwash. 48 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 08:30. The Oystercatcher was still at Watersports and 6 Lapwing, 6 Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin at sailing club. Male Peregrine on his favourite pylon. 18 Skylarks included a flock of 13 S. Stonechat and Wheatear at the sailing club end of the dam wall.08/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe Grey Plover and Black-tailed Godwit were still at Lane End this morning, and 4 Ringed Plover there and later at sailing club. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls. 115 Common Gulls flew out early morning. 3 Pintail. 2 Pochard. 2 Great Egrets at Watersports, but only 1 Little Egret. Totals of 6 Collared Doves, 9 Skylarks, 6 Greenfinch, 20 Linnets, 16 Redpoll and 65 Siskin. Roger and Alison had 10 Whooper Swans fly SE early on.07/10/2025
Dave NewcombeA Marsh Harrier (looked like a juvenile) came over from the east and continued west with several Gulls giving it some attention. 4 Red Kites. One over hall wood, and another 3 first appeared over Millfields before slowly drifting north towards hopton end. Peregrine. Kestrel. 3 Buzzards and a female Sparrowhawk enjoying the warm autumn sunshine. The 6 Whooper Swans were still viewable from Sheepwash at 18.30. 13 Linnets on the dam wall.06/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe Grey Plover was still between Sheepwash and Lane End this morning, and the Little Stint at sailing club. 6 Whooper Swans arrived mid-morning (apparently as a 4 and a 2). Long-stayers included the Great Egret, Oystercatcher and adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls. A bit of movement included (mostly in an hour on Hays Lane) 55 Chaffinch, 12 Crossbills, 7 Redpoll, 16 Siskin, 41 Meadow Pipits, 12 Skylarks, 13 Woodpigeon and 7 Stock Dove. 3 Pintail. Total of 10 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plover and the Black-tailed Godwit also reportedly still here. At Hopton end first thing, 2 calling Tawny Owls and Water Rail.06/10/2025
Gary AtkinsSpecies recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Robin, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Great Egret, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Kestrel, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Little Grebe, Gt Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, Blackbird, Goldfinch, Long-tailed Tit, Willow Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Coot05/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe juvenile Grey Plover (found by Richard L at Sheepwash yesterday) was at Lane End this morning and the Little Stint again at sailing club. Other waders were single Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Little Ringed Plover, Black-tailed Godwit and Green Sandpiper (again at WLC), 4 Dunlin and 5 Ringed Plovers. 68 Wigeon. 5 Pintail. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Great Egret still. Wheatear below the dam wall (sailing club end, found by Mike R).05/10/2025
Simon RoddisThe juvenile Little Stint was again at the sailing club end of the dam wall this morning, along with the 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plover. Oystercatcher still at Watersports and Black-tailed Godwit at Lane End. Rock Pipit(s?) flew over Stones island and the dam wall. Juvenile Common Tern and Great Egret still. c100 Common Gulls off Sheepwash first thing. 70 Meadow Pipits, 80 Goldfinch and 2 Snipe at WLC. 40 Siskins over the main carpark.03/10/2025
Simon RoddisA juvenile Little Stint was at sailing club this morning; it later flew towards Millfields with 3 Dunlin, 5 Ringed and 1 Little Ringed Plover. A Green Sandpiper was at the WLC and the Black-tailed Godwit still at Lane End. Nice juvenile-type Wheatear on the dam wall. Great Egret, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls all still present.02/10/2025
Simon RoddisSeveral late/long-stayers were still around this morning: Great Egret, Black-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, Common Tern. Finally caught up with 2 Stonechats from Sheepwash hide. At Lane End, 450 Teal, 3 Pintail and 21 Wigeon.01/10/2025
Simon RoddisA Rock Pipit flew S over Stones causeway at 09:55, typical autumn date. Off Stones island first thing, 2,000 Black-headed and 75 Common Gulls. Just 2 Pintail this morning, and 35 Wigeon. Long-stayers included the Great Egret, Common Tern, Black-tailed Godwit, 6 Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin. 12 Skylarks over. c60 Linnets at sailing club and 10 Redpoll in WLC creek.30/09/2025
Dave NewcombeIn addition to Simon's earlier post. No sign of the recent Cattle Egret in its usual spots, despite several observers on site. 8 Grey Herons. 16 Pintail. 5 at Lane End + the 11 Simon found earlier. 3 Shoveler. Just 3 Lapwings. Peregrine and Red Kite at Sheepwash. A single Snipe there was hunkered down and seemingly invisible to the above Peregrine c20 yards away. The Snipe then took off and the Peregrine gave chase. Outcome unknown. 4 Stonechats at Sheepwash around the large boulders. Still 5 Chiffchaff including one in song. Kingfisher at Paul Stanley. The gull roost held 4'500 possibly 5'000 LBB Gulls. Adult Caspian Gull. 2 adult YLGulls. I was counting Common Gulls on the point to the right of Sheepwash. I got to 66 when they all took off. Numbers probably exceeded over 100. Not many BHGulls in.29/09/2025
Simon RoddisBird of the morning was a juvenile Black Tern which Dave Newcombe found off Millfields, still there to 09:00 at least. Juvenile Common Tern still too. 2 Redwing, Water Rail and Crossbill at Hopton reedbed early morning. 11 Pintail off Stones and 42 Wigeon at Sheepwash. Black-tailed Godwit again between Sheepwash and Lane End, and 6 Ringed, juvenile Little Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin at sailing club. Great Egret still. 14 Common Gulls. 2 Willow Tits on Stones and 18+ Skylarks over, including a flock of 12 S. Wheatear on the dam wall. 8+ Redpoll.29/09/2025
Dave ArmittEarly afternoon visit 20 Meadow Pipit,8 little Grebe, 3 Grey Heron,1 Great White Egret, 50 Pied Wagtail, 1 Cattle Egret between sailing club and visitor centre catching insects, 3 Dunlin, 3 LRP, 2 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover, 1 Garganey Wildlife Centre bay amongst the Mallards28/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret was still around Watersports this morning, plus a Great and 6 Little Egrets elsewhere around the res. The first Redwing of the autumn, plus 4 Crossbills, 4 Skylarks and a redhead Goosander, flew over Stones island. 7 Ringed Plover, juvenile Little Ringed and a Dunlin at sailing club and the Oystercatcher still at Watersports. c1,000 Jackdaws out of their roost early morning, 200 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall and a total of 30+ Siskins.27/09/2025
Neil Moulden (NJM)Cattle Egret still present, 3 Common Scoter off Stones Island at 10.20 hrs, 9 Ringed Plover and 5 Dunlin at Sailing Club.25/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Little Stint was still present this morning, initially at Millfields then flying to sailing club. The Cattle Egret was again around Watersports and adult Caspian Gull on the shore at Lane End. 3 Dunlin and 9 Ringed Plovers. Single Oystercatcher and Common Tern still. Tawny Owl and Kingfisher at Millfields first thing. Willow Tits on Stones and in WLC creek. Wheatear on the dam wall. Total of at least 100 Meadow Pipits. Redpolls over Stones and WLC creek.22/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret and Oystercatcher were at Watersports again early morning. At Millfields, 14 Ringed Plover, 6 Dunlin, Great Egret and Yellow Wagtail. Peregrine on pylon beyond WLC creek. At Sheepwash, single Red-crested Pochard and Pintail, 35 Wigeon, 25 Pochard and adult Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls.20/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret and Oystercatcher were still at Watersports this morning (and presumably the same Oystercatcher later at Millfields with 4 Dunlin and 15 Ringed Plover, per CA). Less movement than I'd have expected: 30 Swallows, 16 House Martins, 63 Meadow Pipits, 20 Linnet, 48 Siskin and a Redpoll. Mistle Thrush singing at Sheepwash.19/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret was again at Watersports early this morning. Vismig 0630-0900: 1 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin, 133 Swallows, 15 House Martins, 2 Grey Wagtails, 217 Meadow Pipits, 5 Chaffinch and 16 Siskin, all S or SW. 6 Pintail, 3 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers and adult Caspian Gull at Sheepwash. 15 Ringed Plovers at Millfields.18/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe Cattle Egret was feeding on Watersports island early afternoon. 5 Pintail, 3 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, single Common and Herring Gulls and 3 Yellow-legs at Sheepwash. 7 Ringed Plovers at Millfields. 2 Yellow Wagtails (Sheepwash and Millfields).17/09/2025
Simon RoddisEvening visit: 5,250 Lesser Black-backed Gulls came in to roost. 37 Barnacle Geese at Sheepwash (the feral flock returns!). Hobby over sailing club at dusk. 1 Ruff. 100 Swallows. The Cattle Egret reportedly still present.16/09/2025
Simon RoddisYesterday's Cattle Egret was at sailing club late morning, feeding well. Looked much happier than it did yesterday! A mobile female Common Scoter landed in front of Sheepwash early morning but flew to Fishtail and then towards the dam wall. 105 Greylags, 6 Pintail still and one female Red-crested Pochard. 1 Curlew flew N. Adult Caspian Gull from Lane End hide. Yellow Wagtail at sailing club.16/09/2025
Simon RoddisA site record 970 Teal this morning, over 900 of them at Millfields alone. Other duck included 7 Pintail, at least 18 Shoveler and 26 Wigeon, and a female Red-crested Pochard. 10 redhead Goosander flew up the res early morning. 76 Greylags. 18 Ringed Plovers (most of them juvs) at Millfields late morning. The juvenile Oystercatcher still, 2 Ruff and a Common Sandpiper. Adult Caspian Gull still. 50+ House Martins flew through. 70+ Meadow Pipits. First Redpoll of the autumn over Sheepwash. Clive had a Whinchat at sailing club mid-morning until it was flushed.14/09/2025
Neil Moulden (NJM)Osprey from Sheepwash Hide at 17.20 hours for 10 minutes before flying off towards the dam.12/09/2025
Simon RoddisAround 700 Teal were at Millfields this morning, plus the 6 Pintail and 11 Ringed Plovers. Oystercatcher still on Horseshoe island, 1 Snipe, 1 Ruff and 2 Common Sandpipers. 2 juvenile Common Terns still. 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Great Egret still. A bit of movement, with a total of 68 Meadow Pipits, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 20 Siskin, 4 Linnet and 3 Crossbills.13/09/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonNo sign of the ibises or yesterday's Manx Shearwater this morning. 33 Shoveler, 31 Wigeon and 3 Pintail at Sheepwash. Total of 6 Ringed and 4 Little Ringed Plovers. 1 Common Sandpiper and 2 Ruff. 2 juvenile Common Terns. Great Egret still. Pair of Peregrines playing with a Buzzard. 2 Willow Tits on Stones. Female/juv Wheatear at sailing club.12/09/2025
Dave Newcombe/Chris BrownManx Shearwater found on water at Sheepwash c17.50hrs. It was drifting and doing some flapping but was still present from Sheepwash car park c19.15 per Clive Ashton.11/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe 2 Glossy Ibises were still in front of Sheepwash hide this morning. 6 Pintail. 1 Red-crested Pochard. Single Ringed plover and Ruff. 3 probable Black-tailed Godwits briefly over Stones. Great Egret on Horseshoe island. Adult and juvenile Common Terns and 2 juvenile Arctics.10/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe 2 Glossy Ibises were still at Sheepwash this evening. 21 Wigeon. Ruff and Black-tailed Godwit from Sheepwash hide. c4,000 Lesser Black-backs came in to roost by 8pm. Adult Caspian, 5 Yellow-legged, 2 Common and 500 Black-headed Gulls.09/09/2025
Simon RoddisCarsi joined in the Glossy Ibis fun this morning, with 2 from Sheepwash hide, looking fairly settled to 11:00 at least. Earlier on, 507 Pied (site record) and 1 Yellow Wagtail left their roost on Watersports island. Supporting cast of 3 Shelduck, 4 Pintail, 7 Wigeon, 2+ Red-crested Pochard, 8 Lapwing and 2 Ruff at Sheepwash, Redshank at sailing club and Greenshank over WLC creek, 2 Common Terns and 23 Little Egrets.08/09/2025
Amanda PalethorpeBird walk for beginners. House sparrow, great egret, little egret, cormorant, mute swan, Canada goose, great crested grebe, black-headed gull, pied wagtail, carrion crow, buzzard, lesser black-backed gull, red kite, chiffchaff, goldfinch , swallow, oystercatcher, common gull, greylag goose, blue tit, great tit, coot, moorhen, woodpigeon, gadwall, greenfinch, long-tailed tit, robin, little grebe, mallard, tufted duck07/09/2025
Simon Roddis, Jon BradleyMonthly wildfowl count: 87 Canada, 89 Greylags, 21 Mute Swan plus 4 cygnets, 1 Shelduck, 40 Shoveler, 66 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 380 Mallard, 518 Teal, 3 Red-crested Pochard, 84 Common Pochard, 236 Tufted, 1,343 Coot, 3 Moorhen, 29 Little Grebe, 36 GCGrebe, 5 Ringed and 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 1 Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 1 Dunlin, 2 Common Terns, 64 Cormorants, 21 Little and 1 Great Egret, 10 Herons. 7 Curlew flew W.07/09/2025
Richard LoweOf special note from Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Garganey (1) with Teal just off the shoreline in front of the hide; Pintail (2); YLGull (4) ads; GBBGull (1) ad; Common Gull (1) ad;06/09/2025
Simon RoddisA steady morning, but nothing exceptional. Wildfowl included 760 Canadas, 59 Greylags, 22 Mute Swans plus 4 cygnets, 1 Shelduck, 15 Shoveler, 380 Teal, 1 Red-crested Pochard and 34 Common Pochard. The Great Egret still. Kingfisher on the dam wall and Peregrine on pylon beyond WLC creek. Total of 9 Jays. At least 60 Swallows and 50 House Martins. Yellow Wagtail over Millfields. Totals of c35 Siskin and 200 Goldfinch.06/09/2025
Simon RoddisThe ringed Osprey was around again this morning, seen by Clive early on at Sheepwash and presumably the same bird later flying down the reservoir. At least 2 Pintail still, the juvenile Shelduck, 4 Red-crested Pochard and 400+ Teal at Millfields. Waders included 4 Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Ruff and 2 Greenshank. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 22 Little Egrets. Kingfisher below Middle Wood. Hirundines included a minimum of 85 Swallows and 100 House Martins. Reed Warbler still in Hopton reedbed and 2 Lesser Whitethroats in WLC fields. 1 Yellow Wagtail over and 18 Meadow Pipits heading south.05/09/2025


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
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
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

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