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
2007-08-01From the Wildlife Centre: 1 Snipe, 6 Tufted ducklings, 8 Tree Sparrows, 4 Little Grebe, 5 Black-headed Gull young, 3 Little Owls, 1 Song Thrush, 14 Collared Doves. Plus 1 odd Tufted duck with a green ring on it's beak - a BTO ring! (No. ?3H?). Millfields: 1 Greylag goose, 5 Pied Wagtails (incl. 3 young).Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-07-31Re YN Albatross on 2nd July.Steph' Hicking
2007-07-31Unconfirmed report of yellow nosed albatross on DOS WEbsiteUNconfirmed report
2007-07-28Wildlife Centre: 6 young Tufted ducklings with parents, 4 young Mallard ducklings, 6 young Black-headed Gulls, Little Owl.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-07-22An hour either side of noon produced 36 bird species from Stones Island, Wildlife Centre, Sheepwash and Paul Stanley Hides. Of note, two Raven flying towards the dam.6 Oystercatchers on Stones Island also a large flock of Goldfinches (@30+) feeding on Thistle heads. There were several newly emerged Ringlets on the wing in front of the Paul Stanley Hide and a Great Spotted Woodpecker near feeding station.Martin Froggatt
2007-07-202 Red crested Pochard (male/female) at the Wildlife Centre, along with 3 Gadwall,1 Teal and at least 6 Pochard.Clive Ashton
2007-07-19A sunny day at Carsington. Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WC). Only 30 species of bird identified. OF NOTE: Greylag Goose (1). Tufted Duck - one female had nine tiny ducklings in tow! Oystercatcher (2). Black-headed Gull juveniles (2). Goldfinch (3 juveniles). Butterflies etc: Gatekeeper (or Hedge Brown). Small White. Meadow Brown. Common Blue damselfly - three pairs mating over the pond next to the WC. Flowering plants: 19 species identified including - Tufted Vetch, Black Medick, Herb Robert, Common Knapweed, Self-heal, Rosebay Willowherb, Great Willowherb, Broad-leaved Willowherb and Oxeye Daisy. Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-07-172 Sightings of Peregrine today, 1 young bird over towards the dam wall, from Sheepwash, flew hard towards the Hopton end. At one point it actually made a half hearted attack on a Cormorant!!! The other, possibly the same, bird was seen later from the Wildlife Centre with prey of a more realistic size in its grasp, as it flew towards Middle Wood.Clive Ashton
2007-07-14From the wildlife Centre (8.30am): 9 Mute Swans (including 7 Cygnets), 2 Little Grebe, 7 Tree sparrow, 19 Lapwing, 250+ Canada Geese, 4 Oystercatchers, 2 Jays (Shiningford Creek from WLC), 4 Great Crested Grebe.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-07-14There was a sighting of a bird from Millfields Car Park on 2nd July at 15.10hrs which was probably a Yellow-nosed Albatross. This bird was on the Somerset coast on 29/30th June and arrived on a fishing lake near Messingham [North Lincs] about 19.00hrs, so calling in at Carsington would be on route.Roger Carrington
2007-07-1135 species of bird seen on site today around midday. Viewing points: Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WC). OF NOTE: Greylag Goose (1) - near the sailing club. Oystercatcher (2) - Horseshoe Island. Black-headed Gull chicks (2) - raft in front of the WC. Common Tern (2). Swift (6). Blackcap (1) - singing on Stones Island. Reed Bunting (1) - Stones Island. Plant species in flower: (lots of yellows, reds and purples). Meadow Vetchling, Kidney Vetch, Woody Nightshade, Common Knapweed, Field Thistle, Spear Thistle, Welted Thistle, Nipplewort, Autumn Hawkbit, Meadow Crane's-bill, Crowpeas, Common Sorrel, Red Clover, Daisy, Cow Parsley, Water forget-me-not, Redshank (Persicaria maculosa). The only butterfly species on the wing was Meadow Brown. Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-07-08The Open Day was held today. Highlights from the Wildlife Centre: Oystercatchers, Mute Swans, Coot, Buzzard, Common Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plovers, Bullfinch, Redshank, Tree Sparrow, Common Tern.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-07-07A male Redstart was seen briefly -distant from the wildlife centre. 3 Little Ringed Plover were on Horseshoe Island and were joined by a Curlew. The adult Black-headed Gulls on the tern raft now also have young (2 I think) the first summer pair have apparently relocated to the main island as their island is now almost under water. Though the adult Common Terns were still around,I could see no sign of the chick. The Coots on the front of Horseshoe island now have 3 young. Clive Ashton
2007-07-051 Ruddy Shelduck-Flew over the Wildlife Centre and then towards Sheepwash 2 Bullfinches-Male & FemaleSam Pedley
2007-07-04Cormorant, and unusually a shoveler and goldeneye Mitch
2007-07-04cormorant, and unusually a shoveler and goldeneye mitch
2007-07-04Hobby over dam wall at 7.20pm. From DOS websiteDOS website news
2007-07-02An immature Peregrine was over Sheepwash spit.Four Black Tailed Godwits dropped onto Horseshoe Island.Also present were a single Pochard and a couple of Greylag Geese.The Black Headed Gull chicks made an excursion to the main island.Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe
2007-07-01From the Wildlife Centre: 5 Oystercatchers (2 adult 3 young) 2 Redshank 6 Black-headed Gull (incl. 2 young). 3 Common Tern (incl. 1 young).Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-06-30The pair of first summer BHGulls have still 2 young despite a rapidly reducing island in the rising water! The other adult pair sitting tight on the tern raft so not able to see whats happening! The Common tern on the new raft left the nest a couple of times and at least one youngsters head was seen over the edge! Tree sparrows were present in numbers around the nest box scheme and youngsters were visiting the feeders at the WLC. Mute Swans still have 7 cygnets at the WLC and one Barnacle Goose gosling was under the feeders...the hybrid Barni-Canada adult was also present!Steph' Hicking
2007-06-26Pair of Black-headed Gulls have 2 chicks, from Wildlife Centre. Pair of Common Terns have 1 chick so far, from WLC. Pair of Mute Swans still have 7 cygnets, from WLC.Roger Carrington
2007-06-23From the Wildlife Centre: Mute Swan with 7 very young Cygnets, 6 Redshank, Little Ringed Plover, 2 Oystercatchers, 165 Canada Geese, 3 Coot young, Bullfinch, Young Pied Wagtail, 8 Tree Sparrow.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-06-22The WeBS count for June done between 6 and 9am12 Little Grebe, 21 Great Crested Grebe, 7 Mute Swan with 7 young (6 in one family), 5 Greylag Geese, 786 Canada Geese (a high number for June), 33 Barnacle Geese, 3 Gadwall, 86 Mallard, 96 Tufted Duck, 28 Moorhen, 215 Coot, 11 Oystercatcher, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 16 Lapwing, 5 Redshank, 4 Black-headed Gull, 2 Common Tern.Also 4 Cackling Geese.Peter Gibbon
2007-06-181 Ruddy Shelduck and 1 Shelduck flew together past the Wildlife Centre, they appeared to be coming in to land , but unfortunately flew off to the west.Also of note: 2 L.R.Plover,1 Curlew,4 Gadwall,10 Redshank (including 2 young),1 young G.C.Grebe,7 Mute Swan cygnets,1 Sparrowhawk and 3 Common Terns were all at the Wildlife Centre. Clive Ashton
2007-06-17coot,moorhen,blackbird,lapwing,reed bunting,mallard,mute swan,greenfinch,black headed gull,common tern,redshanks,canada geese,house sparrow,blue tit,great tit,tufted duck,barnacle geese,little owl,bullfinch,chaffinch,robin,chiff chaff,whitethroat,pied wagtail,oystercatcher,heron,jackdaw,carrion crow,rook,tree sparrow,little grebe,great crested grebe,starling,magpie,gadwall,collared dove,wood pigeon,pheasant,dunnock.Peter Hill
2007-06-16From Stones Island: Approx. 260 Canada Geese, 2 Willow Warblers Wildlife Centre:2 Redshank, 3 Barnacle Geese (1 gosling), 1 Bullfinch, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Owl, 8 Lapwing (1 young). Paul Stanley:2 Oystercatchers, 2 families of coots (3 2)Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-06-07OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose with a yellow gosling, Coot - one adult with a single chick, Oystercatcher (3), Ringed Plover (1), Lapwing - inc one chick, Redshank (2), Common Sandpiper (1).Plants newly into flower: Foxglove, Herb Robert, Cleavers, Meadow Cranesbill, Dog Rose, Spear Thistle. Also Horsetail, a flowerless plant is now obvious. Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-06-03Wildlife centre 2 oystercatchers with 4 chicks, 1 coot with chick, two mallard families with ducklings, 2 barnacle geese with single gosling redshank,common tern and little ringed ploverJulian and Caroline Walters
2007-06-02Wildlife Centre highlights: 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher (c/w 4 young), 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Tern, 1 Pochard (male).Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-05-29Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre around midday.Only 33 species of bird identified. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (6), Oystercatcher (2), Ringed Plover (2) - Horseshoe Island, Lapwing - including one chick on Horseshoe Island, and Redshank (2) - also on Horseshoe Island.Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-05-242 Spotted Flycatchers in Hall Wood. 1 Reed Warbler singing from the reedbed in Hopton Arm. Pair of Oystercatchers with 3 young, on Horseshoe Island viewed from the Wildlife Centre. Also 3 other pairs of Oystercatchers have young on other more remote Islands.Roger Carrington
2007-05-22Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WG)in the late morning. Sunny and no obvious breeze. 38 species of bird identified. OF NOTE: Canada Goose goslings - 3 and 4 with respective parents. Barnacle Goose (4). Gadwall (one male). Three juvenile Moorhens. Oystercatcher (4). Little Ringed Plover (2). Reed Bunting (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-05-22Whilst carrying out a Breeding Bird Survey of our Islands this afternoon, I was lucky enough to have superb views of an Arctic Tern circling the boat at the North End of the Reservoir. According to Mike from fisheries, there has been a single Tern sitting on a Buoy next to Big Island for the last couple of days. Although we have a pair of Common Terns on site, I think that the Arctic may have been around for a few days now. I saw presumably the same bird around Shiningford Creek last night(21st at 19:30)and I believe RC saw one on site a couple of days ago.Paul Bennett
2007-05-19Short visit this morning - no Garganey at WLC up to 10.00am. Other highlights: 22 Dunlin dropped in on sailing club island. 2 Little Ringed Plovers on Horseshoe Island. 4 Willow Warblers on Stones Island. Richard Pittam
2007-05-18A drake Garganey at the Wildlife centre today. Also present:G.N Diver,2 Curlew,1 Whimbrel,1 Dunlin,2 L.R.Plover,3 Gadwall,1 Teal, and 2 Common Terns. One Lapwing chick was also seen. Clive Ashton
2007-05-18BARN OWLCLIVE AND RUTH SLACK
2007-05-162 Whimbrel from the visitor centre at 2.46.p.m. DOS Report
2007-05-12Stones Island: 3 Willow Warbler, 1 Kestrel, 1 Great Northern Diver (off Watersports, 4 young Canada goslings Wildlife Centre: 1 Whimbrel, 1 Curlew, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank, 6 Canada Goslings, 2 young Coot Paul Stanley Hide: 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Redshank, 8 Canada goslings, 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker (male and female), 2 Wren.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-05-0240 species of bird seen from Stones Island or the Wildlife Centre around midday. Sunny but a cold north easterly wind was blowing. OF NOTE: Great Northern Diver (1) - off Stones Island; Canada Geese with goslings - one pair with a single gosling and another pair with 3 goslings; Barnacle Goose (2); Shelduck (4); Mallard ducklings - a female with five and another with 12; Oystercatcher (1); Little Ringed Plover (2) - exploring terra cotta shelters on Stones Island; Lapwing (6); Curlew (1); Redshank (2); Common Tern (1); Garden Warbler (2); Blackcap (2); Willow Warbler (3); Reed Bunting (2 singing males). Ray and Margaret Perry
2007-05-011 Great Northern Diver [1W/1S] near Millfields. 4 Shelduck, mobile, at many locations. 1 Common Tern at Wildlife Centre most of today, looking at the rafts. 1 Arctic Tern flew through. 1 Bar-tailed Godwit Wildlife Centre then Stones Is. 2 Curlew Wildlife Centre. 1 Yellow Wagtail flew over Stones Is. Many Garden Warblers and Whitethroats and some Sedge Warblers now present.Roger Carrington
2007-04-29In addition to Sam's sightings: Bar Tailed Godwit initially on Stones Island and then near the Wildlife Centre. Curlew dropped in to Horseshoe Island for a preen. Reed Bunting and Willow Tit on the feeders Matthew Capper
2007-04-292 Goldfinches-Wildlife Centre Feeders 2 Little Ringed Plovers-Horseshoe Island 1 Common Sandpiper-Horseshoe Island 25+Swifts-Visitor Centre Car ParkSam Pedley
2007-04-28Stones Island:7 Barnacle Geese, 1 Common Sandpiper, 2 Oystercatcher. Wildlife Centre:15 Swift (over watersports centre), 4 Cackling Geese, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 4 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Owl.Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-04-232 Sandwich Terns reported on the Birdnet pager from Paul Stanley Hide at 12pmSteph' Hicking
2007-04-21Stones Island: 2 Oystercatcher, 13 Barnacle Geese, 2 Cackling Geese, 1 Common Sandpiper, 4 Pied Wagtails. Wildlife Centre: 1 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Lesser Whitethroat (heard only).Richard and Frances Pittam
2007-04-191 G N Diver from Stones Island. 5 Turnstones on Sailing Club Is from Stones Is at 7pm. 1 Common Sandpiper on Watersports Is. 2 Curlew on Stones Is. 1 Lesser Whitethroat in Shiningford Creek. 1 at Sheepwash CP. 1 Yellow Wagtail on Stones Is. Many Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Blackcap singing.Roger Carrington
2007-04-191 House martin-Stones1 LRP @ WLC2 Dunlin -StonesGeoff Barter
2007-04-191 Arctic Tern, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Common Swift, Sand Martins, 2 Little Ringed Plovers, Willow Warbler, Great Northern Diver, 2 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher, Barnacle Geese, 2 Cackling Geese.Leo Galante
2007-04-18Highlights included, Common Scoter 1 drake, Yellow Wagtail 1, Dunlin 2, Swallow 3, Sand Martin 1. Great Northern Diver also seen. Steph' Hicking
2007-04-176 Black Tailed Godwits at Wildlife CentreRichard & Frances Pittam

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