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
2008-02-01Thursday 31st January 3.45pm Peregrine mantling either a moorhen or coot on wateredge below shinigford field All other birds sitting watching from water!David Bennett (Carsington VR)
2008-01-30Sunny but cold on site today. Of the 34 species seen in the early afternoon the following are worth a mention: Mute Swan (7: 2 adults & 5 well developed cygnets), Greylag Goose (1), Barnacle Goose (41), Goldeneye (1 female), Oystercatcher (2), Lapwing (over 200), Snipe (1), Redshank (3) and Song Thrush (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2008-01-29Bit of a cold one today! I had a great day despite the cold and rain later in the afternoon. I saw some Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Goldeneye, Great Northern Diver at Sheepwash hide about 3ish. Bullfinch, some fantastic sightings of about 10 Long tailed Tits.Daryn Godfrey
2008-01-27Blackbird 7 Collared dove 6 Great tit 4 Blue tit 2 Robin 2 Woodpigeon 5 Chaffinch 2 Squirrel 1 Magpie 3 Starlings 7 Sparrows 5 Wynne Lovegrove
2008-01-26Peregrine flew low over road towards Middleton Top this morning @ 8.30am, heading towards peak. Also male sparrowhawk over road 1/2 mile further south.Mark Smiles
2008-01-23Very quiet on site today. Few visitors and relatively few birds compared to other visits. Weather quite mild but dull. Just 30 species of bird noted around midday. The best find was the Great Norhern Diver seen approaching the island closest to the water sports centre. About 200 Lapwings were seen wheeling over and around the sailing club. There were apparantly NO birds on Horseshoe Island! Ray and Margaret Perry
2008-01-23Great Northern Diver from Stones Island. 28 Goosander, including 8 Drakes, on Millfields Island. 1 Oystercatcher on Millfields Is. 37 Siskin in Millfields Car Park.Roger Carrington
2008-01-21Of note today were: An Oystercatcher at Millfields, A female Pintail, still associating with Mallards at Paul Stanley hide, 14+ Goldeneye, 2 Shelduck flew in at 15:00 hr and landed towards Stones Island, 50+ Redwing in the trees around Sheepwash hide. Clive Ashton
2008-01-21Coot,Moorhen,Wigeon,Wren,Tufted duck,Chaffinch,Greenfinch,Blue tit,Great tit,Collared dove, Mute swan,Lapwing,Little grebe,Pochard, Carrion crow,Grey heron,Magpie,Gadwall,Canada goose,Black headed gull,Pied wagtail,Teal,Tree sparrow,Great tit,Cormorant,Dunnock,Jay,Blackbird,Reed bunting,Great northern diver,Buzzard,Kestrel,Robin,Peregrin,Lesser black back gull,Goldeneye, Redshank, Barnacle goose, Jackdaw,Starling,Common gull,Fieldfare,Pete Furniss R.S.P.B.
2008-01-19From the Wildlife Centre: Lapwing, Redwing, Tufted Duck, Redshank, Wren, Canada Geese, Tree Sparrow, chaffinch, Blue tit, Great tit, Pochard, Wigeon, Grt Crested Grebe, Coot. From Millfields: 30 GoosanderRichard and Frances Pittam
2008-01-17Mistle Thrush on telephone line near Holiday CottagesBob and Gill Smith
2008-01-171 male and 1 female Goldeneye in bay near Holiday Cottages.Bob and Gill Smith
2008-01-17Approx 80 Redwing in copse behind Holiday Cottages. Sparrowhawk at end of Fishtail Creek. Bob and Gill Smith
2008-01-16Very quiet on site today. Weather mild for the time of year. No rain and quite bright light. 36 bird species seen around midday. OF NOTE; 16 Barnacle Geese, a pair of Gadwall, 50+ Pochard in Shiningford Creek, a female Goldeneye - seen from the wildlife centre, a single Kestrel, well over 300 Lapwings and two Song Thrushes. The most interesting and charming encounter today was with many, many Robins singing heartily AND very, very visible.Ray and Margaret Perry
2008-01-13Wildlife Centre highlights: 2 Snipe, c40 Barnacle Geese, 30 Lapwing From the Lane End feeder: 4 Bullfinch, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Willow Tit. From Shiningford: 1 Little Owl, 1 RedshankRichard and Frances Pittam
2008-01-13WeBS count for January :Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 44, Great Crested Grebe 18,Cormorant 34, Grey Heron 2, Mute Swan 14, Canada Goose 33, Wigeon 229,Gadwall 70, Teal 162, Mallard 237, Pochard 113, Tufted Duck 495, Goldeneye 13, Moorhen 30, Coot 1880, Lapwing 275,Redshank 2.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2008-01-13Great Northern Diver near Stones Island. Adult Mediterranean Gull in roost from Lane End.Roger Carrington
2008-01-1248 Species seen today those of note, for me anyway, are A young female kestrel some meadow pipits a red shank and a couple of greylag geese at millfields in the morning. Two common snipe were well hidden on millfields island. The usual willow tits, a great spotted woodpecker, jackdaws, bullfinch and pheasants could be seen from or near the Paul Stanley hide. With the help of Roger Carrington I can also report there were black headed gulls, common gulls, lesser black backed gulls and herring gulls. Thanks RogerCaroline and Julian Walters
2008-01-11Five Pink-footed Geese flew in a SW direction, high over Tail Bay at 11:00 a.m.Paul Bennett
2008-01-093 male Gooseanders adjacent to small island near Millfields. 2 female goldeneye in bay near holiday cottagesBob and Gill Smith
2008-01-071 adult Great Northern Diver near Stones Island. 8 Goosanders [3 drakes] at Millfields. Also confirming that there were 2 Bewick Swans on Saturday Morning.Roger Carrington
2008-01-05Possible 2 Bewick's Swans from Wildlife Centre - 10.20am - lifted, then circled and then flew to centre of reservoir, then drifted towards dam - not seen after that.Richard and Frances Pittam
2008-01-041230 - 1330 5 male bullfinch between P Stanley Hide and Lane End feeding station. 1400 60+ siskin Shiningford Creek.John Payne
2008-01-03Great Northern Diver still present at dusk near Stones Island. Adult Yellow-legged Gull in roost.Roger Carrington
2008-01-02Cold and a bit misty on site today. 37 bird species seen around midday from the Wildlife Centre (WC) and close by. OF NOTE: Canada Geese (~500) and Barnacle Geese (~50)- sheltering from the wind in Shiningford Creek. Gadwall (~6), Goldeneye (1 female), Common Buzzard (1) - just off site, Kestrel (1 female), PEREGRINE (1) - hunting in front of WC; great views. Lapwing (over 200 on grassy area of dam wall, Redshank (1), Song Thrush (1), Bullfinch (1 female).Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-12-31Great Northern Diver seen this morning at Dam Wall, very close and showing well. David Naylor
2007-12-27This afternoon from Sheepwash hide; Great Northern Diver,adult Mediterranean gull and a Peregrine attacking Lapwings and gulls at dusk.Clive Ashton
2007-12-26Very busy on site today including at the Wildlife Centre (WC). Main car park full by midday. Mainly walkers, strollers and a handful of birders. Weather good for birding. Clear and bright. Southerly wind. 36 species identified from WC. OF NOTE: Goldeneye (1 female), Kestrel (1), Lapwing - well over 200 on Horseshoe Island and the rafts, Redshank (1). From the WC logbook: 24th December: Greylag Goose (13), Snipe (1). Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-12-21Peregrine flew across front of Sheepwash and Paul Stanley Hides early this morning. Adult Great Northern Diver off Stones Island. 318 Lapwing counted from Sailing Club to Wildlife Centre. 50 Pinkfooted Geese flew low over the site at 1015hrs generally going northwest but a little undecided in misty conditions.Roger Carrington
2007-12-18Cold & overcast today. 44 species observed at Wildlife Centre (WiC) and close by. OF NOTE: Great Northern Diver (1) - near Watersports Centre, early pm, Barnacle Goose (16), Gadwall (5), Goldeneye (a pair), Kestrel (2), Peregrine (2), Snipe (1) - Horseshoe Island, Redshank (1) - several positions near WiC, Mistle Thrush (2), Bullfinch (1 male) - on feeder unit by the WiC. Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-12-18Great Northern Diver reported present on pager again today.No name given
2007-12-15Great northern diver off dam wall Goldeneye 2M 7F Goosander 1M 2F Whooper swan x2 seen from main carpark Kingfisher x2 sheepwash Redshank x2 sheepwash 2x Magpies were observed taking prey from a Kestrel on horseshoe island All the usual suspects were also presentZachary Harkin
2007-12-13Adult Great Northern Diver off Stones Island 0900hrs. Skylark flew over Sheepwash early morning. Drake Pintail from Sheepwash early afternoon and 2 Shoveler.Roger Carrington
2007-12-11From Wildlife Centre: Coot, Moorhen, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Mallard, Tree Sparrow, Wren, Chaffinch, Little Owl, Peregrine, Goldeneye (fem), Mute Swan, Canada Geese, Barnacle Geese, Snipe (3), Lapwing, Gadwall, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Jackdaw, Collared Dove, Redshank. Paul Stanley: Great Spotted Woodpecker (2), Dunnock, Wren, Robin, Lesser black backed gull, black headed gull, Kestrel, Buzzard, Teal, Gadwall, Little Grebe, Redshank.Richard, Ken and Frances Pittam
2007-12-09The WeBS count for 9/12/2007 done between 8 and 11am.Great Northern Diver 1, Little grebe 78, Great Crested grebe 41,Cormorant 30, Grey heron 2, Mute Swan 17, Canada Geese 71, Wigeon 450,Teal 132, Mallard 202, Pintail 1, Pochard 217, Tufted Duck 783, Goldeneye 7, Moorhen 53, Coot 1770, Lapwing 343, Redshank 3, Kingfisher 2. Black-headed Gull 30, Common Gull 15, Lesser Blck-backed Gull 6, Herring Gull 3, Great Black-backed Gull 1.Also on path down to Paul Stanley hide 2 roosting Tawney Owl in tree together.Finally fox walked slowly in front of sheepwash hide at 10.10 and walked round the corner,jumped the brook and 'through' two wire fences.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2007-12-09Great Northern Diver still present in Fishtail Creek area. An adult Caspian Gull showed superbly close to Sheepwash Hide in the roost tonight along with 2 Yellow Legged Gulls-an adult and a third winter. Also 2 Redshanks and 40 Barnacle Geese flew in at dusk.Rod Key
2007-12-07Rather overcast today with a strong W-NW wind blowing. OF NOTE: Kestrel (1 male), Redshank (1), Little Owl (1) and Bullfinch (2 males). From the logbook for the 4th December: Siskin (~70), Woodcock (1) - Hall Wood, Raven (1), Snipe (5) and a Common Buzzard. Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-12-03All after 2pm from Sheepwash area.2 adult Mediterranean Gulls from Sheepwash at 1530hrs.1 Great Northern Diver off Lane End, first reported about 1500hrs and seen by several observers.1 female Pintail from Sheepwash and PS Hides this afternoon.1 male and at least 3 female Goldeneye from Sheepwash.1 drake Goosander in flight past Sheepwash.Roger Carrington
2007-12-03From the wildlife Centre this morning:1 Redshank, 1 Grey Heron, 12 Lapwing, 16 Tree Sparrows, 26 Chaffinch, 8 Goldfinch, 3 Magpie, 2 Blue Tit, 2 Great tit, 4 Jackdaw, 1 Goldeneye (female), 4 Pochard, 13 Wigeon, 12 Little Grebe, 8 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Wren, 2 Blackbird, 8 Teal, 1 Ringed Plover, 4 Cormorant.richard and Frances Pittam
2007-11-30A very mild day at 12 degrees C. Good visibility and little wind. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (~40), Lapwing (~300), Redshank (1), Long-tailed Tit (10). From the logbook for the 28th: Pintail (1 female), Goosander (1 male), Mediterranean Gull (1 adult), Fieldfare (~200).Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-11-30Adult Ring-billed Gull from Paul Stanley Hide, 1440hrs to dusk. Adult Mediterranean Gull from Lane End, at dusk.Roger Carrington
2007-11-29red necked grebe was the only bird i saw today, bad day today.mitch
2007-11-28A male Blackcap on stones islandtom w and r c
2007-11-27Little Owl and Barn OwlPeter Gibbon
2007-11-23I saw an unusual looking bird of prey in the sinfin estate today at 9:10am it was on the roof of a house on Montrose Close. I have no idea what it was hence this message. It was brown in colour with a white tail, it also had a black crest on its head. Anyone have any ideas what this bird is? It looked like an unusual coloured kestrel.No name given
2007-11-21Drake Common Scoter from Sheepwash Hide. Drake Red-crested Pochard from Sheepwash Hide. 5 Dunlin flying around Stones Island. 1 Redshank on Stones Island. 1 adult Caspian Gull in roost from Lane End Hide. 1 adult Mediterranean Gull in roost.Roger Carrington
2007-11-17Paul Stanley Hide early this morning a single male Red Crested Pochard was sighted. Sheepwash Hide a Great Northern Diver showed well for 15 minutes before disappearing. Had a fantastic view of a female Peregrine in full hunting mode, she swiftly caught a Moorhen and proceeded to fly to the nearest pylon and in full view she devoured the unfortunate bird. Hunting prowess at its very bestLeslie Fisher
2007-11-14Bright with no discernible wind today. 36 species seen from the Wildlife Centre. OF NOTE: Common Pochard (~40 male birds) mainly in Shiningford Creek. Lapwing (~100) - Horseshoe Island. Snipe(1) - Horseshoe Island. Redshank (1) - Wildlife centre creek. Little Owl (1) - usual position, Shiningford Farm area. Curlew (1) - near the water sports centre.Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-11-11WeBS count for November done between 07.15 and 10.20Little Grebe 96, Great Crested Grebe 51, Cormorant 53, Grey Heron 3,Mute Swan 25, Canada Goose 120, Wigeon 515, Gadwall 25, Teal 148,Mallard 234, Red-crested Pochard 1, Pochard 115, Tufted Duck 338,Goldeneye 9, Moorhen 71, Coot 1731, Lapwing 141, Redshank 3.Also one peregrine with a moorhen in its talons flying past sheepwash and then lane end hides around 08.00.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2007-11-11The Ring Billed Gull showed well on flat island, Paul Stanley Hide from about 2pm. About 2.30 all the gulls went up and we couldn't refind it after that point. Presume it went off towards Sheepwash. There was also a Yellow Legged Gull from Paul Stanley. No sign of yesterday's Great Northern Diver. Matthew Capper

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