Recent Sightings
| Name | Sighting | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Simon Roddis | The juvenile GNDiver was still at Millfields this morning, and 2 Woodcock flew in. Total of 14 Ravens including 12 NE over Millfields early on. 65 Pochard. 41 Wigeon. At least 15 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields, probably more out of sight. 80 Coot. Redshank still at Hopton end but didn't see the Common Sandpiper. Peregrine over Big Island. Willow Tit on Stones. Dunnock singing at Sheepwash. Happy Christmas! | 25/12/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | Yesterday's juvenile Great Northern Diver was again at Millfields this morning, and the Common Sandpiper and Redshank still at Hopton end. 36 Barnacle Geese at sailing club. Woodcock past Green Pond early morning. 2 adult Great Black-backed Gulls flew S, 87 Woodpigeons N and 20 S. A Heron over Green Pond was, surprisingly, my first of the month. | 24/12/2025 |
| AHS, CA. | A Great Northern Diver was found by CA this morning in Millfields Bay, it's a juvenile bird, not the usual adult (there's still time for that to arrive. While we were watching it, it caught and eat four Crayfish. Large numbers of Common Gulls were present early morning, at least 4 Goldeneye, plus all the usual Wildfoul. | 23/12/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | The Common Sandpiper and Redshank were both at Hopton end this morning, plus a redhead Goosander. 2 Woodcock, a calling Tawny Owl and 70 Redwing at Millfields first thing. 75 Pochard. 104 Coot. 10 Fieldfare. 30 Linnet on Stones and 40 Siskin at Sheepwash. | 22/12/2025 |
| Gary Atkins | Brownale Bay and surrounds: Mixed group of 250 gulls (Black-headed and Common), 50 Coot, good number of Teal (no count, sorry!), female Goldeneye and a Goldcrest ... also a Stoat. | 20/12/2025 |
| SJR, CA, AHS | The Common Sandpiper (we're pretty sure it's just Common) was on the east shore near Big Island mid-morning, and Redshank on the west shore. Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. Great Egret over Big Island. c10 Crossbills in the top of Hall Wood. Adult Caspian Gull at sailing club late morning. Wildfowl numbers included 68 Gadwall, 32 Wigeon, 357 Mallard, 697 Teal, 20 Tufted, 99 Pochard, 10 Goldeneye, 21 GCGrebes. | 19/12/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | Over/around WLC creek early morning, 605 Redwing, 120 Starling, 35 Siskin, 8 Stock Doves. 212 Canada Geese. 95 Pochard. Skylark over Stones. Willow Tit again at WLC. | 18/12/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | Fairly quiet again this morning, but a few numbers to report: 195 Canada Geese, 93 Gadwall, 38 Wigeon, 132 Pochard, 9 Goldeneye, 104 Coot, 8 Lapwing, 125 Redwing, 4 Mistle Thrush (2 singing), 12 Greenfinch, 80 Linnet. | 17/12/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | An adult Caspian Gull was at Sheepwash late morning, along with 3 Herring Gulls and a Peregrine. Woodcock and Tawny Owl at Penn Carr first thing. c80 Pochard. 4 Goldeneye. 50+ Linnet on Stones. Willow Tit at WLC. | 16/12/2025 |
| Simon Roddis, Mick Watson | Mick had 3 Woodcock at Millfields first thing, and another flew into Sheepwash. 130 Pochard. 195 Woodpigeons N. 3 Herring Gulls. Willow Tit at the WLC. 60 Linnets on Stones. | 14/12/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | A bit grotty this morning, but 2+ Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing, and 107 Pochard, drake Goosander and adult male Peregrine at Sheepwash. | 12/12/2025 |
| Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown | Afternoon visit with Chris Brown. Duck counts across site include: 76 Wigeon. 96 Gadwall. 771 Teal. 29 Tufteds. 52 Pochard and 5 Goldeneye. 81 Canada Geese. 11 Greylags. 21 Cormorants. 2 Red Kites. 5 Buzzards and a Kestrel. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Adult GBBGull. 2nd winter Herring Gull. 3 Raven. Chris had Redshank and Grey Wagtail from PS hide + just 1 Little Grebe at WLC. | 10/12/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | At Millfields early morning, 1,680 flew S through Millfields 07:00-08:30, presumably from their roost, while 3 Woodcock flew in. 36 Barnacle Geese at sailing club/Horseshoe island. c100 Pochard. 88 Coot. 100 Linnets on Stones island and 12 Redpoll at Millfields. Clive had a Golden Plover over WLC creek. | 10/12/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | A bit quiet this morning. Alan had 2 Egyptian Geese briefly flying up the res but they don't appear to have stayed. 135 Pochard. 26 GCGrebe from Millfields and 4 Little Grebes at WLC/Watersports. 3 Willow Tits (Stones, WLC, Millfields). Didn't see any sandpipers or hear any chiffchaffs. | 08/12/2025 |
| Gary Atkins | Species recorded during today's monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail, Wigeon, Gadwall, Moorhen, Mallard, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Grebe, Robin, Cormorant, Canada Goose, Pheasant, Wren, Blackbird, Magpie, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Song Thrush, Long-tailed Tit, Goldfinch, Dunnock, Goldcrest, Willow Tit, Teal, Coot, Woodpigeon, Goldeneye | 07/12/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | At Hopton end first thing, single Woodcock, Snipe, Chiffchaff, Fieldfare and Tawny Owl, and 2+ Crossbills over. 4 more Snipe on Horseshoe island and a total of 75 Coot. | 07/12/2025 |
| Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley | Monthly wildfowl count (in less than ideal conditions): 128 Canada Geese, 4 Mute Swans, 79 Gadwall, 78 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 355 Mallard, 691 Teal, 106 Pochard, 34 Tufted, 5 Goldeneye, 2 Moorhen, 66 Coot, 18 GCGrebe, 17 Cormorant, 1 Great Egret. Flock of 100 Woodpigeons S, surprising in such poor weather. Willow Tit at WLC. Chiffchaff in Hopton reedbed. | 06/12/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | A bit quiet, but a Woodcock flew into Penn Carr early morning, 3 Snipe were on Horseshoe island, 75 Pochard, the Great Egret still, and Coot are on their way back, 63 at Big Island. | 05/12/2025 |
| DN, CB, SJR | A few hours on site this afternoon often in fairly poor conditions. Great Egret originally at Millfields and then at Sheepwash. 4 immature Mute Swans. 71 Wigeon. 63 Gadwall. 754 Teal. 111 Pochard including 104 at Millfields. An increase in Goldeneye to 11 (7m). Single Lapwing at Millfields. Last couple of hours in Sheepwash hide with SJR. Dunlin. Adult male Peregrine. 6 Herring Gulls and an adult GBBG. | 04/12/2025 |
| SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD, MW | Frustrated by the murk this morning. Clive saw the Great Egret briefly at sailing club. 3 calling Tawny Owls at Millfields (R&A) and one at Sheepwash. 270 Redwing out of their roost at Sheepwash. Willow Tits on Stones and at WLC. 12 Greenfinches in WLC creek. | 03/12/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | A few bits and pieces this morning: at Millfields first thing, 525 Redwing S, presumably straight out of their roost; pair of Mandarin flew through; 65 Pochard. Curlew and Redshank past Stones/Watersports (Clive might have had 2 Curlews). 4 Barnacle Geese among the Canadas beyond the WLC. Willow Tit singing on Stones and another calling at WLC. 4 Skylarks over. 10 Redpoll (8 at Millfields). | 02/12/2025 |
| Simon Roddis, Richard Lowe | Afternoon visit: adult Mediterranean Gull (the Polish-ringed bird) again at Sheepwash, plus adult Yellow-legged and Great Black-back, and 3 Herring. Drake Pintail, pair of Shoveler, Great Egret, 15 Lapwing and a Dunlin. | 29/11/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | Those anomalous Woodpigeons were at it again this morning, with 1,695 from Stones island 08:00-09:30, 1,325 N and 370 S. Strange birds! c5,000 Black-headed Gulls from Millfields first thing, and 100 Carrion Crows on the dam wall. First-year Peregrine on the shore at Sheepwash. 40 Linnets on Stones. Little Owl still. | 28/11/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | The Little Owl was in WLC fields again this morning, deep in a blackthorn bush. Otherwise fairly quiet: 20 Fieldfare, 27 Coot, 5 Herring Gulls, 7 Goldeneye, singing Song and Mistle Thrushes. | 27/11/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | Bird of the morning was a Little Owl in WLC fields, being mobbed by Blackbirds before it flew; presumably the bird that was there in October. 30+ Barnacle Geese still. 6 Goosander (2m,4f) off Fishtail Creek. Woodpigeons moving both north and south, albeit in smallish numbers: 181 N, 94 S. The Great Egret still, clearly coping with the cold weather better than they have in the past. Peregrine over Fishtail. Willow Tit on Stones. 10 Crossbills over Hopton end early morning, and Water Rail calling in the reedbed. | 26/11/2025 |
| SJR, CA, AHS, RPJ, AMD, MW | Wildfowl numbers this morning included 270 Canada Geese, 34 Barnacle, 30 Greylags, 4 Mute Swans, 75 Gadwall, 417 Mallard, 688 Teal, 107 Wigeon, 21 Tufted, 28 Pochard, 5 Goldeneye, 33 Coot. Great Egret still, adult Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash and the Oystercatcher on the sailing club entrance road (RPJ,AMD)! 6 Buzzards in the air. | 25/11/2025 |
| Dave Newcombe | From Sheepwash hide. 28 Cormorants. Great Egret. 34 Barnacle Geese plus a Barnacle hybrid. 2 female Shoveler. 3 Red Kites. 3 Buzzards. 2 Peregrines. 19 Coot. Caspian Gull. YLG and 2 Herring Gulls. Several Snipe flushed from spit. Oystercatcher on grass between main centre and watersports. 4 immature Mute Swans. 2 Little Grebe. 4 Moorhen. Some duck counts across site: 114 Wigeon. 68 Gadwall. 547 Teal. 13 Pochard and 5 Goldeneye. c40 Linnets at lane end. | 24/11/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | 710 Woodpigeons flew S in an hour this morning (08:00-09:00) and 56 N. 32 Barnacle Geese (plus one dodgy hybrid) from WLC. 10 Pochard. 7 Goldeneye. 32 GCGrebes from Millfields. | 21/11/2025 |
| DN, CB, RJL | A short visit this afternoon from Sheepwash. 4 Whooper Swans. Following on from yesterday's family group another presumed family of 2 adults and 2 juveniles. 4 Goldeneye. Red Kite. 3 Buzzards. Male Peregrine. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 2nd winter Mediterranean Gull (RJL only). | 20/11/2025 |
| SJR, CA, AHS | A bit quiet this morning. 3 Dunlin past Stones, 3 Pink-footed Geese flew W, Kingfisher at the WLC and the presumed returning male Aythya (Pochard x Ferruginous Duck?) hybrid there too. | 20/11/2025 |
| Dave Newcombe | Despite having a fly around a couple of times the family of Whooper Swans were still at Sheepwash at 16.20. Some duck counts produced 62 Wigeon, 61 Gadwall, 5 Pochard and 5 Goldeneye. Great Egret on shoreline between shiningford and lane end. 214 Canada Geese + 2 hybrid Canada x Greylag. 13 Coot near watersports. From Sheepwash: 28 Cormorant. 2 Peregrines including the male dining out on a Starling. 11 Pheasant. 3 Buzzards. 2 Red Kite. Kestrel. 2 Raven. c30 Linnet. c300 Starlings flew towards hopton end. Adult and 2nd winter Caspian Gulls. YLG. 1000+ Common Gulls. | 19/11/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | 5 Whooper Swans (2 adults and 3 juveniles) flew in at 08:30 and were still between Sheepwash and Lane End to 10:45 at least. Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Peregrines and 40 Linnet again from Sheepwash. | 19/11/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | Quieter than yesterday, with 2,150 Woodpigeons S and 13 Ravens W in an hour from Stones. 2 Dunlin, Great Egret, 40 Linnet and a pair of Yellow-legged Gulls calling to each other at Sheepwash. 26 Lapwings at sailing club. | 18/11/2025 |
| Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton | Quite a busy morning. The highlight was the arrival of 2 redhead Red-breasted Mergansers which flew in and landed at the mouth of Fishtail Creek at 10:00; they stayed for around 15 minutes but we didn't see them subsequently. 20,000 Woodpigeons flew S mainly down the east side between 07:45-10:30, plus 145 Fieldfares SW and 182 Starlings W. 15 Whooper Swans flew E at 09:45 and another was on the water off sailing club island. 150 Pink-footed Geese flew E in 2 skeins. 50 Pochard off Lane End. 2,500 Common Gulls flew out over WLC creek early morning, along with 1,500 Lesser Black-backs. Single Great Egret and Dunlin still. 40 Siskin in WLC creek. | 17/11/2025 |
| SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD | A first-winter Little Gull off Stones island was a nice surprise, from 08:25 to 09:15 at least. First-winter Kittiwake also reported off the dam wall (JB). 9 Goldeneye off Sheepwash and 2 drake Goosander by Fishtail Creek. 7 Whooper Swans flew SE just before 11:30. 920 Woodpigeons flew S 08:00-09:00. Coot numbers have rocketed to 18! The Black-tailed Godwit still off Lane End. 2 pairs of Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end early morning, c1,500 Starlings out of the reedbed, 2 Brambling and 2+ Crossbills over. Peregrine having its breakfast on Horseshoe island. | 16/11/2025 |
| SJR, CA, AHS | One Knot (presumably one of yesterday's birds) and 2 Dunlin were in front of Sheepwash hide this morning, albeit still at quite a distance, and 5 Goldeneye on the water. Black-tailed Godwit still at Lane End and Oystercatcher at Watersports. | 15/11/2025 |
| Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton | 2 Woodcock flew into Millfields early morning, and a Snipe flew out. In 2 hours vismig 0700-0900, 740 Woodpigeons S, 9 Collared and 2 Stock Doves, 40 Starling, 900 Redwing, 12 Fieldfare and 4 Golden Plovers. 201 Greylags. Great Egret again at Watersports. 28 Lapwing, the Oystercatcher still and a Black-tailed Godwit at Lane End (and Clive might have seen another 4). 2 Peregrine, one of them tucking into a meal on top of the usual pylon. Willow Tit and Chiffchaff on Stones, and 7 Skylarks over. | 13/11/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | At Hopton end first thing, 1 Woodcock came in, 2 calling Tawny Owls, 37 Pied Wagtails and 1,000+ Starlings left their roost in the reedbed, and Crossbill over. Oystercatcher still at Watersports. Adult Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gulls at Sheepwash. 16 Greenfinch in WLC creek. | 12/11/2025 |
| Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton, Dave Newcombe | Monthly wildfowl count: 120 Canada Geese, 21 Barnacle, 18 Greylags, 1 Mute Swan, 6 Shoveler, 47 Gadwall, 197 Wigeon, 315 Mallard, 555 Teal, 3 Pochard (surprisingly few, given that I had counted 114 yesterday before fog put the kybosh on the count), 30 Tufted, 6 Goldeneye, 5 Moorhen, 11 Coot, 1 Little Grebe, 35 Great Crests, 1 Oystercatcher, 42 Lapwing, 28 Cormorant, 1 Great Egret, 1 Grey Heron. In addition, Peregrine on the shore at Sheepwash all morning, 16 Raven (including 14 N over Hopton end first thing), 100s of Redwing, 20 Greenfinch in WLC creek, 70 Linnet (20 at Sheepwash, 70 at Watersports). | 10/11/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | No sign of any scarce finches this morning, I even struggled to find a Linnet! A total of 36 Ravens included 33 flying E over WLC creek early morning. 1,000+ Common Gulls flew out in the opposite direction and a Brambling also flew over. Yesterday's 5 Black-tailed Godwits were still between Sheepwash and Lane End, and 45 Lapwings at sailing club. 80 Pochard and 2 Goldeneye off Sheepwash, and Peregrine on the shore there. Great Egret again at sailing club. 45 Meadow Pipits on Stones and c50 Siskin at WLC. Another birder reported 16 Golden Plover N over Stones. | 08/11/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | 3 Woodcock flew into the Penn Carr area early morning, along with a Snipe, 300 Redwing and 2 (possibly 3) Willow Tits between there and Millfields. Great Egret at sailing club. Peregrine again on the shore at Sheepwash. 400 Starlings SW. Single Bramblings over Millfields and Stones island, Crossbill over Hopton end, 50 Linnets around Stones causeway and a total of 100+ Siskin. | 07/11/2025 |
| Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown | A few hours sat in Sheepwash hide this afternoon until dusk. 35 Cormorants. Great Egret. 45 Canada Geese. 112 Greylags. 111 Wigeon. 20 Gadwall. 116 Teal. 61 Pochard. Adult male Peregrine. 14 Lapwings. Adult Caspian Gull. Yellow-legged Gull. 3 Herring Gulls. A big roost of 10,000 birds with at least 550 Common Gulls. | 06/11/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | Vismig numbers this morning included 4,460 Woodpigeons S, total of 26 Stock Doves (20 S), 13 Skylarks, 845 Starlings and 208 Fieldfare SW, and a Brambling S. Not so many Redwing moving but a guestimate of c750 in the Millfields/Oldfield Lane area. 3 Tawny Owls and a Willow Tit calling at Millfields early morning. Single adult Caspian, Yellow-legged, Great Black-backed and Herring Gulls at Sheepwash late morning. | 06/11/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | 6 Whooper Swans were on the shore at Sheepwash late morning, along with 88 Wigeon, 26 Gadwall, single Shoveler, Lapwing and adult Caspian Gull. At Hopton end early morning, redhead Goosander and Peregrine over, 26 Pied Wagtails and 21 Reed Buntings out of the reedbed. Total of 200+ Redwing, including c100 in WLC creek, and 24 Fieldfare SW. | 05/11/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | Just bits and bobs this morning: single Water Rail in Hopton reedbed; Peregrine, Pintail and Goldeneye at Sheepwash; Little Egret at sailing club; Oystercatcher from WLC and Willow Tit nearby. | 04/11/2025 |
| Dave Newcombe | From today's visit and in addition to Simon's earlier post. 34 Gadwall. 119 Wigeon. 291 Teal. 73 Tufteds. 3 (poss 5) Red Kite. Adult male Peregrine at Sheepwash as usual. Only 2 waders. Single Lapwing at sailing club and the Oystercatcher at watersports. 4 YLGulls. A couple of Skylark over. 12 Siskin and 2 Redpoll on stones island. | 03/11/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | Duck numbers seem to be creeping up a little, perhaps as the water level slowly rises: 94 Wigeon at Sheepwash this morning, drake Shoveler, drake Pintail still, 60+ Pochard, 60 Tufted and 2 immature drake Goldeneye. Single Great and Little Egrets. Adult Caspian and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls at Sheepwash. Small numbers of Woodpigeons, Starlings and Redwing moving again. | 03/11/2025 |
| Gary Atkins | Species recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre and WLC creek): House Sparrow, Robin, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Cormorant, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Grebe, Canada Goose, Mallard, Long-tailed Tit, Carrion Crow, Tufted Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Black-headed Gull, Great White Egret, Jackdaw, Buzzard, Bullfinch, Skylark, Teal, Red Kite, Wren, Magpie, Gadwall, Coot, Pheasant, Oystercatcher, Dunnock, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Great Tit and Wigeon | 02/11/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | In 2 hours from Stones Island this morning, 12,770 Woodpigeons flew S, again mostly down the east side, and 722 Starlings W; 12 Skylarks in random directions and 60 Pink-footed Geese E; a Chiffchaff still, single Brambling and Crossbill over, and another 11 Crossbill over Oldfield Lane. Single Little and Great Egrets. 2 Blackcaps near Sheepwash. Drake Pintail still. 65 Pochard at Millfields. No sign of the Firecrest on Oldfield Lane as far as I'm aware, although quite a few people were looking. | 02/11/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | Clive has seen the Firecrest at Oldfield Lane again this morning. Other than that, a bit of movement: 705 Woodpigeons, 11 Stock Doves and 583 Redwings S, and 564 Starlings W. Immature drake Goldeneye again, and adult Caspian Gull at Sheepwash. | 01/11/2025 |
Historic Sightings
| Date | Sighting | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2007-02-14 | Kirk Ireton starlings still there, no idea how many couldn't think of estimating numbers, but lots. 4.40 to 5.50, most spectacular about 5.20 to 5.40. | D Eberlin |
| 2007-02-13 | 3 Bullfinch-Sheepwash Wood 1 Grey Wagtail-Sheepwash Hide 1 Treecreeper-Sheepwash Wood 1 Black-Necked Grebe-Paul Stanley Hide 1 Reed Bunting-Paul Stanley Feeders 1 Willow Tit-Paul Stanley Feeders | Samn Pedley |
| 2007-02-12 | 2 G N Divers from Lane End Hide,at 1450, one fairly close, one distant. Black-necked grebe from P.S.Hide. | Alan Lewin |
| 2007-02-11 | 0800 to 1130hrs: 1 Black-necked Grebe from PSHide then out of sight probably in Hopton Arm. 1 GNDiver off Stones Island, 1 GND at Millfields. 4 Skylarks flew over the dam wall. 5 Oystercatchers were around Stones Island and WLC areas. 2 Buzzards and 1 Raven over Hall Wood. | Roger Carrington |
| 2007-02-07 | Best guesses at Starlings tonight seemed to range around the 30-50,000 mark, but as Peter Gibbon says its really difficult to count birds as they are spread out over at least four actual roost centres, over at least a square mile, usually in the thick Holly hedges. Several Sparrowhawks were also seen tonight including a bird which dropped a Starling which almost hit myself and several other observers near the village! | Steph' Hicking |
| 2007-02-07 | The Kirk Ireton Starlings at their best about 5pm. To view the full splendour get back a bit. It was spectacular from the top Hulland/Callow(Blind Lane) road to see the gathering with a bemused Buzzard with them but then go down into Kirk Ireton and drive up out towards Callow and up the hill just past the farm/stables with guard dog warning and park. Then look back at close quarters at the display. As for counting I think it is hard to say beacuse so many go down into so many stands of trees. A great spectacle ! | Peter Gibbon |
| 2007-02-07 | Female Blackcap visited my bird table on and off for about 20 minutes from approx 8.30am. I live along Windmill Lane, Ashbourne. | Simon Truscott |
| 2007-02-06 | Sunday 5 feb 2007, 4:30pm. The starlings at Kirk Ireton are amazing there must be 999,999 birds not quite a million because I saw a sparrow hawk take one right in front of me. Sent a mate today who also thought there must be a million. Hope to go again at the weekend. Does anyone have any idea this event will carry on? | DALE LEES |
| 2007-02-05 | The Great Northern Diver was showing well between Watersports and Wildlife Centre first thing. The Little Owl was in the usual spot at lunch time and a couple of Oystercatchers were in a field near Shiningford Bend. Dave Newcombe had a harrier through north this morning. Unfortunatley it was flying against the sun in silhouette so a positive id wasn't possible but a probable Marsh. Dave had lots of other raptor activity with Buzzard and Sparrowhawk showing well and a couple of Raven over as well. | Matthew Capper |
| 2007-02-04 | Sightings included the following:-1 Redshank,5 Snipe,1 Goldeneye,Numerous Black Headed Gull, Teal, Wigeon, Lapwing, Crow, Coot, Moorhen, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Black Necked Grebe, Herring Gull, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Cormorant, GS Woodpecker, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Robin, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Tree Sparrow, Wren, Blackbird | Dean Powell |
| 2007-02-03 | Highlights from a gloriously sunny day. Millfields: 4 Goosander (2M, 2F), 1 G.N.diver, 3 nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Bullfinch, 1 Redshank, 1 Song Thrush, 8 Redwing, 1 G.S Woodpecker. Paul Stanley: 1 black-necked Grebe, 3 willow tit, 2 Long-tailed tit, 1 Coal Tit, 6 Goldcrest. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 2007-02-03 | Brilliant starling roost last night and tonight near Scotland Nurseries at Tansley. Best views from road from the top of 'The Slack' across to Tansley Moor near to Nursery. | John Winnard |
| 2007-02-03 | black necked grebe,cackling geese, tufted ducks, heron, pochard, coots, great crested grebe, little grebe, robin, blackbird, jackdaw, starling, bullfinch, blue tit, great tit, reed bunting, dunnocks, tree sparrows, buzzards,swan, barnacle geese, canada geese, black headed gulls, chaffinches | Carolyn |
| 2007-02-03 | Lunchtime to Dusk. 9 Common Buzzards on thermals at same time from PSHide. 2 Sparrow Hawk and 2 Raven over Hall Wood. 4 Reed Bunting at Lane End feeders. 4 Shelduck off Lane End. 7 Pintail [4 males] from Millfields. 3 Redshank at Wildlife Centre. 1 Great Northern Diver towards Fishtail. 1 Black-necked Grebe from PSHide. At dusk from Sheepwash Hide, Starling numbers were counted in flocks going south, then again distantly when a Sparrow Hawk attacked the main swarm of starlings in the sky, estimated 30,000 birds. | Roger Carrington |
| 2007-02-02 | A pleasant site visit. Sunny. Viewed only from Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WC). 30 species counted. Of note: Barnacle Goose (19), Gadwall (pair), Kestrel (male), Lapwing (about 250), Redshank (2). Other people's observations for today taken from the WC logbook: Black-necked Grebe (1), Goldeneye (3), Reed Bunting (3 pairs), Jay (1), Willow Tit (2), Bullfinch (20 - from two locations). | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2007-02-01 | A quiet day was transformed by the spectacular hunting display given by a Peregrine from Sheepwash hide.The bird was first spotted high above a nervous Lapwing flock,it then made a couple of dives into the flock and managed to take one,which it then dropped onto the water.The Lapwing managed to struggle out of the water and headed for the spit, but the Peregrine came sweeping down and hit it again before appearing to go down with it on the end of the spit.Moments later,mobbed by gulls, the Peregrine appeared minus the Lapwing.The Peregrine headed off towards the draw off tower where it was seen to make several more attempts at the Lapwings,high above the water. | CLIVE ASHTON |
| 2007-01-30 | A relatively quiet day today with 33 species recorded from the Wildlife Centre. Certainly not as many wildfowl sat out in front of the Centre. The diver was reported off Stones Island and the Black Necked Grebe was still showing at Paul Stanley Hide. Geese Included Canada, Cackling, Greylag and Barnacle and a Lesser Redpoll gave very good views near the feeders. Once the Aren't birds brilliant! event had finished I sneaked off with one of the volunteers to Kirk Ireton for the Starling roost. Wow! Got there around 4.30pm but still something to behold. Thousands upon thousands wheeling and swirling. Several sightings of Sparrowhawk including one late on that flew by with a starling in its talons. One Sparrowhawk that won't go hungry tonight. | Matthew Capper |
| 2007-01-28 | 1 Great Northern Diver still in Millfields area. Good Numbers Redwing in Tail Bay area. 1+ Willow Tits by Millfields Car park. Went for the Kirk Ireton Starling roost, amazing sight, will leave the counting to those better equiped, but tens of thousands present. | Paul and Steph' Hicking |
| 2007-01-27 | Went to view the Starlings at Kirk Ireton tonight,tens of thousands of birds, many of which seemed to drop down S/W of Moor Lane, possibly in the area of Blackwall Plantation? A spectacle well worth seeing.Many thanks for the information provided. | Clive Ashton |
| 2007-01-27 | Adult Mediterranean Gull in roost from Stones Is thie evening. 2 Great Northern Divers, 1 off Stones Is, 1 at Millfields. 1 Black-necked Grebe from PSHide. 6 Shoveler off Stones Is early am. 1 Oystercatcher on Millfields Is. 1 Greylag and 3 Barnacle with Canada Geese at Wildlife Centre. | Roger Carrington |
| 2007-01-26 | GN Diver again near watersports and Black Necked Grebe again from Paul Stanley. | Matthew Capper |
| 2007-01-26 | Many thousands of Starlings coming in to roost at Kirk Ireton.Virtually impossible to count but surely we are talking about 100,000 plus! | Mick, Bec Sharp & Les |
| 2007-01-26 | To add to Roger's details.. 43 species from the Wildlife Centre today including a Redshank to add to Roger's total and 6 snipe. A Shelduck flew across late on - about 4pm. The Diver near the Watersports Island was showing very well on very still calm water. 3 Lesser Redpoll were in the Alders near the Wildlife Centre early morning and 2 Little Owls were making the most of the sun for much of the day. A fox was also seen nea to where the owls were perching. | Matthew Capper |
| 2007-01-25 | This afternoon: 1 Great Northern Diver at Millfields, 1 Great Northern Diver near Watersports Island, 1 Black-necked Grebe at PSHide, 1 Kingfisher at PSHide, Single Redshanks at: Millfields Is, Stones Is, Sheepwash and PSHide. Gull Roost: 70 Herring Gull, 30 Great Black-backed Gulls, LBBG+BHG+CommonG's were spread over the whole water and impossible to count. | Roger Carrington |
| 2007-01-23 | 45 species seen from the Wildlife Centre today including the usual suspects - little owl, redshank, 3 snipe 30 Barnacle Geese, 3 Cackling Geese. A male bullfinch gave excellent views on the feeders and a Peregrine put all the wildfowl up as it cruised through at about 12.30pm. The Black Necked Grebe was by the far opposite bank from Paul Stanley Hide and one of the Great Northern Divers was down at that end today also. Both divers are still around - the Bird Club's monthly WeBs count picked up both of them at the weekend. | Matthew Capper |
| 2007-01-22 | a 1st winter Great Northern Diver nr Horseshoe Island (2nd Bird reported in Millfields Bay, plus Black-necked Grebe reported in the top of Hopton arm). 2000+ Lesser Black Backs roosted with 4500 Black headed Gulls. 250+ Common Gulls. 3+ Goldeneye(Sheepwash). 2 Oystercatchers (Sheepwash), 1 Redshank (Sheepwash), 32 Barnacle Geese, 3 Cackling Geese (WLC). | Steph' Hicking |
| 2007-01-19 | In response to the question of a large starling roost. In recent weeks, a flock of many thousands has regularly gathered in the evening NW / over kirk Ireton and the roost can be heard from the village and surrounding lanes. | Neil Venables |
| 2007-01-19 | A massive flock of Starlings flew across the water and on past Sheepwash at 0755hrs, rough estimate 10,000 birds. This has occurred several times over the past few months, does anyone know of a large roost just south of Carsington Water? 1 Black-necked Grebe 0815hrs from PSHide. 3 Reed Buntings on Sheepwash Car Park feeders. 1 Oystercatcher on Stones Island then Sheepwash Spit. I failed to locate any Great Northern Divers this morning. | Roger Carrington |
| 2007-01-18 | Jim Craw was filling the feeders on site this morning and refound the Black Necked Grebe, close in shore from Sheepwash Hide. The Great Northern Diver was still around yesterday (17th) but no reports so far today. | Matthew Capper |
| 2007-01-17 | Very few species located at around midday at or near the Wildlife Centre. Of note and seen from the Wildlife Centre - Redshank (2) and a single Greylag Goose with the Canada Geese. | Ray and Margaret Perry |
| 2007-01-16 | 42 species seen from the Wildlife Centre today in generally dank and rainy weather. Best bird was Great Northern Diver which initially showed relatively close to the centre off from Watersports bay. It then moved off and was later seen over towards the dam on the main body of water. A shelduck was around early on, on the far bank from the wildlife centre. 5 snipe circled for a while but only one was seen on the ground and there was also just the one Redshank. The local Little Owl was around for the morning but decided to drop out of sight just as I was about to show it to a visitor. Sods law I suppose! 5 bullfinches were also in the same area as the owl and showed well for a while. Lastly, a kestrel put on fantastic show just before we finished, hovering in full telescope view for several minutes. | Matthew Capper (Aren't birds brillaint! Project Officer) |
| 2007-01-15 | Highlight of the day: c400 Pink-footed Geese flew high (SW)over Wildlife Centre at 10.40am. Wildlife Centre: 2 Redshank, 20 Pochard, 55 Wigeon, 8 Goldfinch, 55 Lapwing, 2 Pied Wagtail, 12 Redwing. Paul Stanley: Both male and female Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Willow tits, 2 Coal Tits, 1 Redshank, 39 Teal, 1 goldeneye (female). | Richard, Frances and Ken Pittam |
| 2007-01-15 | 1 Oystercatcher on Watersports Island. 1 Shelduck near Watersports Island 1 Great Northern Diver between Millfields and Oldfield Lane close inshore. 4 Redshank. Gull Roost: 5000+ Black-headed Gulls 1400 Lesser Black-backed Gulls 2 immature Great Black-backed Gulls 18 Herring Gulls 2 Adult Yellow-legged Gulls 200 Common Gulls. | Roger Carrington |
| 2007-01-14 | Paul Stanley Hide 9:30 1 Blacknecked grebe in Brownale Bay 2 willow tits on the feeders 10 widgeon and teal Sheepwash hide 10:30 1 redshank a second seen at the wildlife centre 11:30 Sailing club area 13:00 1 oyster catcher 6 gadwall 3 pochard and many wigeon sheepwash Hide 14:30 30 teal | Caroline and Julian Walters |
| 2007-01-14 | 3 Cackling Geese with around 30 Barnacle Geese - Wildlife Centre 1 Redshank - Wildlife Centre 1 Little Owl - In a bush near the Plyon to the left of the Wildlife Centre 1 Kingfisher - Flew into Wildlife Centre Creek | Sam Pedley |
| 2007-01-13 | A mixed morning. 30 species from the Wildlife Centre - numbers of Canada Geese were high, with only 2 Barnacle Geese present (no Cackling geese). 10-15 Redwing at the back of the Centre, including approx. 12 Blackbirds. Millfields: 1 Goldeneye (drake) and 8 Great crested Grebe. | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 2007-01-09 | 45 species seen from the Wildlife Centre today during the Aren't birds brilliant! event. Kingfisher was seen several times dashing about but never settled out in the open. In contrast a peregrine that dashed across the reservoir scaring, in particular one timid moorhen, flew up and landed in full view at the top of a pylon. Soon after a couple of Buzzard were circling in the same area. Plenty of geese around in the afternoon. First a large flock of Canadas came in with a lone Greylag and then later, 30 Barnacles came in accompanied by the 3 Cackling Geese. A couple of Goldeneye were on show and a Redshank gave good views. Lots of redwings about and a very showy Goldcrest hawking for insects by the path. No sign of Little Owl though all day. | Matthew Capper (Aren't birds brilliant! project officer) |
| 2007-01-07 | 2 GNDiver (1 Millfields, 1 by Fishing hut/Horseshoe Island), 3500 Black headed Gulls inc a white one, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, less than 1000 Lesser Black Backs, Several Willow Tits at PS HIde along with Coal Tit and Great Spotted Woodpecker. | Steph' Hicking |
| 2007-01-07 | Highlights: W.Centre: Kingfisher, 38 Barnacle Geese, Kestrel, Redshank, 1 drake Goldeneye, Sheepwash: 3 Bullfinch, Lesser Redpoll, Goldcrest, 2 Goldeneye(1 male) Paul Stanley: Black-necked Grebe, 3 Goldeneye(1 male), Kestrel, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers (male and female), 3 Willow Tit, Coal Tit, 2 Reed Bunting, 3 Dunnock, Robin | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 2007-01-04 | 7 Pintail (3 Drakes 4 Female)were at Sheepwash. Black-necked Grebe at Paul Stanley. 3 Cackling Geese with Barnacle Geese at the Wildlife Centre. Also a few Lesser Redpoll in Paul Stanley wood along with a pair of Reed Bunting on the feeding station. | Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe |
| 2006-12-31 | Highlights: W.Centre - 2 Redshank, 65 Lapwing, 1 Oystercatcher Sheepwash - 5 Goldeneye (2 Drake, 3 ducks) | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 2006-12-31 | 2 GN Divers reported on Birdnet Pager as present this am, near dam and at the Sailing Club. | Steph' Hicking |
| 2006-12-30 | Highlights: W.Centre 37 Barnacle Geese, 55 Redwing, 2 Black-headed Gulls (with darkish head cap) | Richard and Frances Pittam |
| 2005-01-03 | Thanks to Peter Hill for his observations at Carsington today: Spent 5 hours walking around Carsington today. Some of the birds we saw were, Great Grey Shrike (showing near the tower) Black necked grebe (bay near wildlife centre) Goldcrest, Goldfinch, Snipe, Treecreepers, wren, willow tit, coal tit, male and female Greater Spotted Woodpeckers (Paul Stanley), goosander (2) wigeon, teal, pochard, goldeneye, common gulls and Redwings. | . |
| 2005-01-08 | Thanks to Paul Bennett (STW Ranger) for an update on the current highlights at Carsington: The Black-necked Grebe that has been around for a week or two now, was showing very well in Shiningford Creek today (Saturday 8th). It was also viewable there from the Wildlife Centre with a telescope. The Great Grey Shrike was elusive today, but was seen daily up until yesterday (7th), either in the field just north of the brick tower, or around the Shiningford Farm area. A drake Ferruginous Duck was found in Millfields Bay on the morning of Monday 3rd. It later flew north and was re-located from Sheepwash Hide. Unfortunately, despite a good number of birders spending all day on Tuesday looking for it, it was not found again. | . |
| 2005-01-13 | Thanks to Ray & Margaret Perry for their highlights at Carsington today: Visited Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre (WLC) as usual plus covered the area on the western edge of the water from the WLC to the brick look-out tower. Weather mild. Site generally quiet but there was a notable presence of birdwatchers! Thirty seven species of bird identified around midday. OF NOTE: Black-necked Grebe (1) - Shiningford Creek. Barnacle Goose (36) - Eight by the playground and 28 in a Shiningford Farm field with Canadas. Lapwing (~200) - mainly on Horseshoe Island. Redshank (1) - seen from WLC by first bay/creek north of the WLC. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (1) - in woodland near Lane End hide. Great Grey Shrike (1) - on field posts near the Brick Tower. Redwing (3) - by Shiningford Creek. Also a mixed flock of Redwings and Fieldfares (~60) at Longcliffe. In addition others reported Goosanders (3) at Sheepwash today and a Caspian Gull at Sheepwash yesterday the 12th January. | . |
| 2005-01-16 | Thanks to Paul Bennett for an update on the following current highlights at Carsington: Two female Common Scoter off the Dam Wall on the afternoon of Sunday 16th, along with six Shelduck and 14 Goosander. The Great Grey Shrike and the Black-necked Grebe were both still around the Sheepwash area. | . |
| 2005-01-22 | A visit by members of Bakewell & District Bird Study group to the Sheepwash area of Carsington today produced the following list of 52 species today - just in this area. How many more species would we have found if we had gone all the way round! Sparrowhawk Dunnock Carrion Crow Rook Bullfinch Magpie Little Grebe Song Thrush Lapwing Moorhen Greenfinch Teal Heron Goosander Goldeneye G.S. Woodpecker Pied Wagtail Raven Stock Dove Canada Goose Chaffinch Mistle Thrush Robin Coot Black-headed Gull Goldfinch Great Crested Grebe Ruddy Duck Long-tailed Tit Mute Swan Treecreeper Black-necked Grebe Willow Tit Coal Tit Common Gull Blackbird Jackdaw Great Tit Redwing Cormorant Blue Tit Kestrel Widgeon Tufted Duck Tree Sparrow Little Owl Pheasant Redshank Pochard Snipe Herring Gull Lesser Black-backed Gull | . |
| 2005-01-23 | 33 Barnacle Geese, 1287 Coot, 20 Gadwall and 14 Goldeneye counted at Carsington today. | . |
| 2005-01-24 | Thanks to Ray and Margaret Perry for their update for Carsington today: Visited Stones Island and the WLC. Very, very cold. Snow in the northerly wind. Only 29 species found. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (6) - Horseshoe Island. Ruddy Duck (~70) - all seen from the WLC. Oystercatcher (1) - Horseshoe Island. Song Thrush (2) - just off site. Mistle Thrush (1) - by WLC. EARLIER SIGHTINGS: 19th January: Great Grey Shrike (1) - taken from the "Water Rail" logbook. 22nd January: Pink-footed Goose (~70) - flew over. From "Water Rail" logbook. Black-necked Grebe (1) - found by Macclesfield RSPB visitors. Goosander (3) - Macc RSPB. Little Owl (1) - Macc RSPB. Great Grey Shrike (1) - Macc RSPB. Kingfisher (1) - near WLC. Taken from "Water Rail" logbook. | . |
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