Recent Sightings

NameSightingDate
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonAn Osprey flew south down the reservoir just after 09:00, putting all the gulls up out of Brown Ale Bay. Adult Caspian Gull still and 3 Yellow-legs. 750 Canadas and 20 Greylags flew out over the dam wall early morning. Female Red-crested Pochard at Flat Island. 13 Shoveler. 4 Ringed, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin and a juvenile Peregrine at Sheepwash. 2 Willow Tits on Stones and 1 at Sheepwash. A Reed Warbler singing quietly on Stones and a Yellow Wagtail at Sheepwash.20/08/2025
Simon RoddisEvening visit: drake Common scoter still from Sheepwash hide. Gulls: 1,500 Lesser Black-backs, 8 Yellow-legged (7 adults, 1 juvenile), 6 Common (4 adults, 2 juveniles), 450 Black-headed. 155 Rooks flew to roost.19/08/2025
Richard LoweThis afternoon of note from Sheepwash Hide: Osprey - flew from south to Brown Ale Bay then south again, lost to view. Common Scoter (drake); Wigeon (5); Red-crested Pochard (from Paul Stanley); GBB Gull (Juv); YL Gull (2) Ad+2nd s; Plus Dunlin and Ringed Plover on Sailing Club shore; Common Sandpiper and LRP (2) juvs in Brown Ale Bay.19/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonThe adult Caspian Gull was on Shiningford shore this morning. Totals of 5 Ringed Plover, 4 Snipe and 3 Dunlin. 9 Shoveler and 8 Pochard at Sheepwash. 12+ Little Egrets.19/08/2025
Richard LoweFrom Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Ringed Plover (11); LR Plover - adult with two chicks plus single Juv; Redshank (2) juvs; YL Gull (3) Ads; Common Gull (1) Ad; very few (< 100) LBB Gulls compared to previous days.18/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonThe adult Caspian Gull was tucking into a well-matured dead fish in Brown Ale Bay this morning - rather him/her than me! 3 Yellow-legged and a rather tatty Common Gull. Waders included Redshank, Snipe, 2 Ringed and 4 Little Ringed Plovers at Sheepwash and Dunlin at sailing club. Juvenile Shelduck and female Red-crested Pochard still. 50 House Martins over the dam wall. Sedge Warbler at Sheepwash and Garden Warbler on Stones causeway. 2 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall.18/08/2025
Simon RoddisA Golden Plover at sailing club was, I think, the first of the year here. Ruff and Dunlin still there too, 5 Ringed Plovers over Stones, and a Common Sandpiper and Oystercatcher at Hopton end. Juvenile Shelduck still. 126 Teal. 11 Shoveler at Sheepwash and a juvenile Peregrine putting up the gulls there. Juvenile Common Gull past Stones. Lesser Whitethroat singing in WLC creek.17/08/2025
Richard LoweLate afternoon of note: Red Kite, Greenshank (Juv), Black-tailed Godwit (c.4 flew out of Brown Ale Bay northwards), Caspian Gull (regular adult) and c. 4 YLGulls (ads) from Sheepwash; Ruff (Juv) and Dunlin in front of Sailing Club with calling Greenshank over.16/08/2025
Simon RoddisTwo Ospreys from Stones island this morning, one of them carrying a fish before disappearing behind Blackwall Plantation; probably a juvenile and an adult although they weren't together, the adult later reappearing at Sheepwash. At least 2 Hobbies over the north end. 8 Shoveler at Sheepwash. A female Ruff at sailing club (found by Mike Redfern) and Ringed Plover at Sheepwash. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again. Common Tern past Stones. 52 Cormorants. Redstart in WLC creek and Yellow Wagtail at Sheepwash.16/08/2025
Simon RoddisHighlight this morning was an Osprey which circled its way down the reservoir at around 10:30. 3 Ruffs (2m,1f) flew around for a few minutes but couldn't convince themselves to land and departed SE, while 3 Black-tailed Godwits flew behind Flat Island and may have landed in Brown Ale Bay. Juvenile Shelduck still, 115 Teal and the female Red-crested Pochard now up towards Sheepwash. 2 Snipe and a Common Sandpiper at Millfields. 2 Dunlin. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Peregrine at Millfields and Hobby over Hopton end. Skylark on the dam wall and Yellow Wagtails at Sheepwash and Millfields.15/08/2025
Richard LoweBlack Tern (6) - 2 moulting adults and 4 juvs from Sheepwash/Lane End hides at c.4pm onwards; Sanderling (1) and Ringed Plover (2) on Watersports Is.; a very brief female-type Marsh Harrier from Sheepwash car park; Caspian Gull (the regular adult) in front of Lane End hide plus at least 4 Ad YLGulls at Sheepwash with a summer plumaged Grey Plover. A very productive late afternoon!13/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonA superb summer-plumage Grey Plover was at Sheepwash this morning. 2 Ringed Plovers there and another at sailing club with 3 Dunlin. Common Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay. Juvenile Mediterranean Gull loafing among BhGs at sailing club, and Green Woodpecker calling from the woods behind. Juvenile Shelduck still. 64 Teal. 8 Shoveler. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. Yellow Wagtails at Sheepwash and Millfields. Spotted Flycatchers in Hall Wood and at Millfields. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. 19 Crossbills over Hall Wood and a Siskin over Millfields.13/08/2025
Simon RoddisIn a slightly truncated visit this morning, a Green Woodpecker was calling in the woods below the dam wall; 7 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plovers and a Curlew were at sailing club; the adult Caspian Gull and Great Egret at Watersports; 20 Pochard at Sheepwash; and 175 Pied and 3 Yellow Wagtails left their roost on Watersports island.11/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Jon BradleyHighlight of this morning's wildfowl count were 2 Black-necked Grebes, probably juveniles, initially off Middle Wood and later at Shiningford, and 3 Turnstones on/around sailing club island (per JB). Numbers were: 463 Canada, 5 Barnacle, 5 Greylag, 23 Mute Swan (plus 4 large cygnets), 82 Gadwall, 468 Mallard, 29 Teal, 13 Pochard, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 194 Tufted, 17 Moorhen, 977 Coot, 26 Little Grebe, 54 GCGrebe, 3 Oystercatcher, 5 Ringed Plover, 4 LRPlover, 1 Black-tailed Godwit (10 later in Brown Ale Bay per CA), 2 Common and 2 Green Sandpipers, 4 Dunlin, 47 Cormorant, 21 Little Egret, 1 Great Egret, 13 Grey Heron. Also a Hobby over Millfield, Yellow Wagtail over the north end, 2+ Crossbills over Hall Wood, Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood.10/08/2025
Simon RoddisAn adult Arctic Tern was at sailing club this morning, and a juvenile Mediterranean Gull at Sheepwash/Brown Ale Bay (winner of the best-looking-juvenile-gull award). 3 Dunlin and 4 Ringed Plover at sailing club. 69 Gadwall just from the WLC, plus the female Red-crested Pochard. 19 Little Egrets. Redstart and 2 Garden Warblers on Stones, and another Redstart in WLC fields. 2 Yellow Wagtails over the dam wall and WLC creek. 100 Linnets in WLC creek too.09/08/2025
Simon RoddisLong-stayers this morning included the adult Caspian Gull, juvenile Shelduck, family of 5 Barnacle Geese and the Great Egret. 28 Teal and 9 Pochard are both small increases. 228 Tufted. 2 Ringed and 4 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, plus a Yellow Wagtail, at Sheepwash. 3 Common Sandpipers between Sheepwash and Lane End, and Alan S had 2 Green Sandpipers in Brown Ale Bay. 4 Spotted Flycatchers at Hopton end/Hall Wood. 2 Garden Warblers and a juvenile Common Whitethroat on Stones, and another Whitethroat at Hopton end. Juvenile Redstart in WLC creek.08/08/2025
Richard LoweAt Sheepwash this afternoon: LRPlover (Ad) with 3 chicks recently hatched; Ringed Plover - 3+; YLGull - 4 Ads; Peregrine - Ad plus juvenile, the latter chasing BHG’s; Little Egret - 6;07/08/2025
Simon RoddisLots of singles this morning: Whimbrel flying SW high over the main centre, Green Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay, juvenile Little Ringed Plover at Sheepwash, Dunlin off the dam wall, adult Common Tern at sailing club, juvenile Shelduck again on Stones, female Red-crested Pochard at WLC, adult Caspian Gull at Watersports and a probable third-year at Sheepwash, Great Egret, Peregrine, Lesser Whitethroat and Redstart in WLC fields, Common Whitethroat on Stones and Crossbill SW over Millfields. Plus 2 Garden Warblers and 5 Barnacle Geese on Stones, and 2 Herring Gulls at Sheepwash.07/08/2025
Simon RoddisBit of an arrival of coastal birds this morning, with an adult Sandwich Tern around sailing club, then at Millfields late morning, a Turnstone flew off the dam wall, 3 Ringed Plovers (courtesy of RPJ & AMD) at Millfields all morning, and a Dunlin. Long-stayers included the adult Caspian Gull, Great Egret and female Red-crested Pochard. 260 Canada Geese. 12+ Little Egrets. 2 Peregrines, the juvenile took a lump out of a Woodpigeon but flew on without stopping. In WLC fields, 2 Redstarts, 2 Lesser and a Common Whitethroat, and another Common on Stones. 12 Crossbills SW over the visitor centre mid-morning.06/08/2025
Simon RoddisTwo drake Common Scoters this morning, one off Sheepwash, the other between Stones and Millfields. Green Sandpiper at WLC. Juv Shelduck, female Red-crested Pochard, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls and Great Egret still present. 16 Little Egrets. 150 Canadas. 468 Mallard. 220 Tufted. 52 Cormorants. 22 Little Grebe. 8+ Spotted Flycatchers in 3 presumed family parties in Hall Wood (seems like they've had a good year), and 20 Crossbills over. 2 Redstarts at WLC/fields.05/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonA drake Common Scoter was between Stones and Millfields this morning and the adult Caspian Gull again at Watersports. Juvenile Shelduck, female Red-crested Pochard and Great Egret still. A Green Sandpiper flew past Sheepwash hide and a Yellow Wagtail over Stones causeway. A trickle of Sand Martins flying into the breeze, 32 in 2 hours.04/08/2025
Gary AtkinsSpecies noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre. The grand total of 41 was surprisingly the highest of the year so far: House Sparrow; Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Carrion Crow, Swallow, Woodpigeon, Red Kite, Buzzard, LIttle Egret, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Sand Martin, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Barnacle Goose, Greylag Goose, Goldfinch (a flock of 80+), Bullfinch, Shelduck, Magpie, Blackcap, Tufted Duck, Sedge Warbler, Wren, Swift, House Martin, Mallard, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Red-crested Pochard, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Redstart, Coot, Gadwall, Oystercatcher03/08/2025
Simon RoddisJuvenile Shelduck (still?) at Lane End/Stones island. 16 Teal. Female Red-crested Pochard still from WLC. Common Sandpiper at Lane End and Common Tern off Stones. Probable third-summer Caspian Gull on Sheepwash spit. 49 Cormorants. The Great Egret still and at least 17 Little, including the colour-ringed bird LV at Sheepwash. Kingfisher at Millfields. 40 Swallows at the draw-off tower early morning. Garden Warbler on Stones. In WLC creek, female Redstart, Lesser Whitethroat and juvenile Common Whitethroat (both 'throats' in the same scope view). Family party of at least 5 Spotted Flycatchers in Sheepwash carpark and 200+ Linnets in the meadows.03/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonFamily of 5 Barnacle Geese still. Juvenile Shelduck on Stones. 1 Dunlin at Sheepwash. Adult Caspian Gull still from Stones and an adult Common Tern. 38 Cormorant. One Great and a mere 27 Little Egrets. Hobby eating prey on the wing over the east side and 2 juvenile Kestrels in WLC fields. 3 Willow Tits (Brown Ale Bay, Stones and Millfields). 5 Redstarts and a Common Whitethroat in WLC fields. 12 Crossbills SW over Sheepwash.02/08/2025
Dave ArmittLittle Egret 16, Grey Heron 5 , Pochard 4, Pied Wagtail 10, Cormorant 30, Yellow leg Gull sheep wash , Sand martin 2, Buzzard 1,Little Grebe 2, Great White Egret 1,Common Scoter, Barnacle goose 4, two flocks of Gold Finch 20+, Blackcap 2,Redstart 1,Swift 1,Swallow 1, RC Pochard 1, Oystercatcher 2,Gadwall 20 , Chiffchaff 101/08/2025
SJR, AHS, MJRAnother day, another record count of Little Egrets: 30 this morning, including 13 roosting at Shiningford. The Great Egret on Stones too, and a drake Common Scoter offshore. Female Red-crested Pochard from the WLC. A Black-tailed Godwit, a Redshank (heard earlier over Millfields) and 2 Dunlin were at Sheepwash late morning. Adult Caspian Gull at Watersports. Juvenile Peregrine upsetting the gulls at Millfields. Around Stones and the WLC, 4+ Redstarts, 2 Willow Warblers, Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, several Sedge and lots of Blackcaps.01/08/2025
David GriffinYellow Wagtail in rocks half way between sailing club and dam walk, flew towards dam wall.31/07/2025
Simon RoddisA female-type Goldeneye was off Flat Island this morning, presumably the same bird as last week. Female Red-crested Pochard still. 84 Gadwall. One Great and at least 22 Little Egrets. 3 Common Sandpipers at Lane End and a Dunlin past Millfields. Immature Common Gull over Stones and 7 Yellow-legs on Sheepwash spit. Peregrine from Stones and 2 Buzzards, an adult and a noisy juvenile, over Hall Wood. On Stones, 2 Willow Tits, a juvenile Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler. 3 Spotted Flycatchers between Hall and Middle Woods.31/07/2025
Simon RoddisAn adult Knot in slightly fading summer plumage was on the Brown Ale Bay side of Sheepwash spit early morning, along with 4 Dunlin. Four drake Common Scoters were off Stones island mid-morning. 5 Barnacle Geese still. 484 Mallard (site record) and c900 Coot. Adult Caspian Gull, 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls and a pair of Common Terns. One Great and 13 Little Egrets. 1+ Peregrine. 20 Sand Martins came out of Hopton reedbed early morning, closely followed by 20 Swallows. Garden Warbler with food at Hopton end, presumably for a second brood. Family party of c5 adult and fledged juvenile Spotted Flycatchers in the bottom of Hall Wood. 1 Redstart in WLC fields.30/07/2025
Simon Roddis6 Dunlin were on Sheepwash spit early morning, a Ringed Plover over Stones later and a Common Sandpiper at Millfields. 3 Common Terns. Adult Caspian Gull again at Watersports. One Great and 15 Little Egrets. Willow Tits on Stones and in WLC creek. Redstart in WLC fields.29/07/2025
Simon RoddisSmall stuff caught the eye this morning: Spotted Flycatcher and juvenile Whitethroat in Tail Bay, make Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat in 'warbler corner' on Stones; 3 more Redstarts in WLC fields, Willow Tits in Tail Bay and on Stones, and a Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall. Plus Peregrine, Dunlin, 10 Swifts moving through, Red-crested Pochard, Great Egret, and 4 Yellow-legged Gulls among 335 Lesser Black-backs on Sheepwash spit.28/07/2025
SJR, CA, RPJ, AMDWildfowl this morning included 5 female/juv Shoveler off the dam wall, 1 juvenile Shelduck, female R-cPochard still and 2 Common Pochard. A Dunlin landed on Watersports island. Adult Caspian Gull at Watersports and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 36 Cormorant. One Great and 21 Little Egrets. Hobby over the dam wall and it or another later over the north end, and juvenile Peregrine over the main centre. Skylark and 5 Yellow Wagtails on/over the dam wall. Female Redstart in WLC fields and another reported at WLC.27/07/2025
Simon RoddisA pair of Common Scoter were out in the middle this morning, the first for a while. Female Red-crested Pochard, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls and Great Egret still. 2 Dunlin flying around Stones island and a Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe. Yellow Wagtail and Skylark on/over the dam wall. 2 Redstarts and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields.26/07/2025
Simon RoddisNo sign of yesterday's Goldeneye from WLC but the female Red-crested Pochard was there, and 2 Peregrines (adult and juv?) overhead. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 5 female/juv Redstarts in WLC fields/Shiningford creek, and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. Spotted Flycatcher in Millfields viewing area and a Crossbill over.25/07/2025
Simon RoddisA female-type Goldeneye from WLC is my first here in July (and I think a site first too). Adult Caspian Gull still but mobile, last seen on Sheepwash spit with 2 adult Yellow-legs. 600+ Coot. 15 Little and 64 GCGrebes. One Great and 12+ Little Egrets. 1 Redshank at sailing club. 39 Cormorants. Peregrine on the usual pylon. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. 1 Crossbill over Hall Wood.24/07/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonBarnacle Goose family still present, the 3 young now able to fly. 2 full-grown juvenile Mandarins at Millfields. 24 Teal. Female Red-crested Pochard still off Horseshoe island. 52 GCGrebe. 2 Common Sandpipers at Sheepwash. Pair of Common Terns again at sailing club. Adult Caspian Gull again at Watersports. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls including 2 juveniles at Sheepwash. At least 4 juvenile Lesser Black-backs, first I've seen this year. 1 Great and 16 Little Egrets. Kingfisher in Tail Bay. Fledged Reed Warblers in Brown Ale Bay. Female Redstart in WLC fields and juvenile Bullfinch at Shiningford.23/07/2025
Simon Roddis1 Great and 13 Little Egrets this morning. 59 Gadwall. 10 Common and one female Red-crested Pochard still. Adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and Herring Gulls, plus 4 Common. 4 GSWoodpeckers. 2, maybe 3 Peregrines. Lesser Whitethroat near WLC and 2 female-type Redstarts in the fields. 130 Linnets south of Sheepwash and 30 on Stones. 4 Crossbill SW.22/07/2025
SJR, AHS, CAJust a few bits and pieces this morning: juvenile Peregrine around Stones island, 2 Great and at least 8 Little Egrets, 2+ Garden Warblers and a Lesser Whitethroat on Stones, Yellow Wagtail over, female-type Redstart in WLC creek and a Crossbill SW.21/07/2025
Simon Roddis7 Crossbills flew SW over the main carpark at 07:25. Dunlin on Watersports island, and presumably the same bird at Sheepwash later. Adult Caspian Gull still off Watersports. 19 Pochard at Sheepwash. Female Red-crested Pochard still from the WLC. Pair of Common Terns again. Siskin over the main centre.20/07/2025
Richard LoweMid-afternoon from Sheepwash Hide: Osprey flew up the res. and departed North at just gone 3pm; Goldeneye (1); Pochard/Ferruginous Duck type Hybrid; GWEgret (2); LRP (4); Common Sandpiper (3); YLGull (2) - Ad and 2nd s; Common Tern (2).19/07/2025
Simon Roddis2 Black-tailed Godwits flew SW early morning, and a Snipe over the dam wall was my first for a while. 10 Common Sandpipers (9 at Sheepwash, 1 on Horseshoe island). 14 Oystercatchers, plus 2 chicks. Adult Caspian and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls off Stones. Pair of Common Terns. At least 2 Great Egrets. 36 Gadwall, 20 Teal and 12 Pochard at Sheepwash. Female Shoveler off Horseshoe. Female Red-crested Pochard still from the WLC. 23 Mute Swans, plus 4 cygnets still. 3 Yellow and 7 Grey Wagtails. Redstart on sailing club island.19/07/2025
Simon Roddis, Jon BradleyMonthly wildfowl count: 1,154 Canada, 5 Barnacle (3 young now almost fully grown), 154 Greylag, 20 Mute Swan (plus 4 cygnets), 24 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 305 Mallard, 22 Teal, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 11 Common Pochard, 231 Tufted, 15 Moorhen, 495 Coot, 22 Little Grebe, 47 GCGrebe, 6 Oystercatcher (plus 2 chicks), 10 Little Ringed Plover (8 at Sheepwash), 7 Common Sandpiper, 18 Cormorant, 14 Little Egret, 12 Grey Heron. Also the adult Caspian Gull again, 3 Yellow Wagtails, pair of Peregrine.13/07/2025
Andrew CarmichaelJuvenile Little Ringed Plover from Sheepwash hide10/07/2025
Simon RoddisAn adult Caspian Gull (very likely the one that has visited in previous years) was at Watersports this morning. A Greenshank on sailing club island and 2 Yellow Wagtails (plus 6 Grey and 50 Pied) on the dam wall/Millfields. Female Red-crested Pochard, Yellow-legged Gull and Great Egret still. 2 Common Sandpiper at sailing club. 3 Peregrines over the north end, and possibly a fourth over Millfields. Female Redstart in WLC fields. Single Crossbill over Millfields.12/07/2025
Simon Roddis2 fully grown juvenile Goosander off the dam wall early morning, my first here since 21 April. 10 Pochard. 4 Common Sandpiper. 2 Great and 10 Little Egrets. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls again. Juvenile male Redstart in WLC fields (little bit of orange-red on side of breast). At least 2 Crossbills calling over Middle Wood.11/07/2025
Simon RoddisA male Common Whitethroat was in WLC fields this morning (plus female Redstart) and a Yellow Wagtail flew S over Stones and appeared to land in the dam wall. Female Red-crested Pochard, adult Yellow-legged Gull and Great Egret still. 12 Little Egrets. Skylark singing on the dam wall. Clive had a Black-tailed Godwit at Ps hide. 16 species of butterfly must be easily my highest ever total here.10/07/2025
Simon RoddisA Green Sandpiper was on the dam wall early morning, and a Curlew at sailing club. Also at least 1 Yellow Wagtail and a Skylark along the dam wall. Another Skylark and 8 Crossbills later over WLC creek. Female Red-crested Pochard, Wigeon and Great Egret still. At least 8 Little Egrets. 10 Lapwing from WLC and 3 Redshank off Stones island. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 2 Redstarts and 35 Goldfinches in WLC fields.09/07/2025
Simon RoddisNo repeat of yesterday's wader passage - too 'nice' a day for it - but other bits and pieces included at least 12 Crossbills N through WLC creek, 3 Redstarts and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields, Great Egret and Yellow-legged Gull still, 12 Teal and 13 Pochard in Brown Ale Bay.08/07/2025
Simon RoddisA total of 37 Black-tailed Godwits this morning, including a flock of 31 which circled Stones before departing S. 13 Redshank and a Dunlin also indicative of wader movement. Moulting drake Wigeon (which Clive saw yesterday) still at Sheepwash. 1, possibly 2, adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Great Egret still, and 10 Little Egrets. At least 1 Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall.07/07/2025
Gary AtkinsSpecies noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon, areas from Stones Island to the Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Mallard, Chiffchaff, Swift, Swallow, Blue Tit, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Goldfinch, Little Egret, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Cormorant, Dunnock, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Blackbird, Gt Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Oystercatcher, Song Thrush, Pied Wagtail, Magpie, Wren, Common Tern, Yellow-legged Gull, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Little Grebe, Barnacle Goose, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Greylag Goose, Buzzard, Peregrine, Great Tit06/07/2025


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
08/11/20222,100 Woodpigeons flew S in 2 hours (07:45-09:45) this morning, plus 16 Stock Doves, 105 Redwing, 85 Starling. The almost-adult Caspian Gull again from Stones. 2+ Goldeneye. 6 Red Kites, 5 Buzzards and 3 Sparrowhawks enjoying the breeze.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
06/11/2022Species noted during today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre: Canada Goose, Blue Tit, Great Tit, House Sparrow, Black-headed Gull, Long-tailed Tit, Goldcrest, Pied Wagtail, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Song Thrush, Moorhen, Gt Crested Grebe, Mallard, Magpie, Lapwing, Meadow Pipit, Carrion Crow, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Goldfinch, Grey Heron, Dunlin (13), Wigeon, Coot, Greylag Goose, Chaffinch, Gt Spotted Woodpecker, Willow Tit, Jackdaw, Sparrowhawk, Wren, Tree Sparrow, Teal, Gadwall, StarlingGary Atkins
04/11/2022The day of the Woodpigeon: a total of 62,600 flew S to the east of the reservoir, watching/counting from Stones island, looking towards Alport Heights, 07:15-10:30. A site record! Drake Pintail at WLC. Redhead Goosander. 1 Redshank. Adult Caspian Gull and 2 Yellow-legs at Sheepwash. A Yellowhammer over Stones and Chiffchaff there still.Simon Roddis
03/11/2022The Little Stint was again with the Dunlin flock (18 birds) at the north end of the dam wall mid-morning. Just 1,080 Woodpigeons S in grey conditions early on. Water Rail in Hopton reedbed early morning. 175 Canadas. 43 Greylag. 118 Lapwing. 2 Little Egrets. The Marsh Tit again in Sheepwash carpark. 70 Meadow Pipits feeding on Stones shore. Total of 24 Lesser Redpoll including a flock of 15 S over Stones.Simon Roddis
02/11/2022The juvenile Little Stint was with 16 Dunlin at the sailing club end of the dam wall this morning. Movement included 4,450 Woodpigeons, 15 Stock Doves, 22 Skylarks, 273 Starlings, 432 Redwing and 22 Fieldfare heading S or SW. c1,000 Jackdaws left their roost early morning. 2 Chiffchaffs on Stones.Simon Roddis
01/11/2022Not as much moving this morning, at least at Carsi, presumably because of low cloud and rain: 1,690 Woodpigeons, 16 Stock Doves and 80 Starling. 50 Gadwall. 41 Wigeon. 126 Mallard. 174 Teal. 127 Tufted. An adult Peregrine tucked into a snack on Lane End shore. Chiffchaff still on Stones causeway and the 2 Red-legged Partidges on Stones again. Marsh Tit calling at Sheepwash. Total of 45 Siskin.Simon Roddis
30/10/2022Woodpigeon numbers continue to increase: 7,450 S and SW this morning, mostly between 07:30-09:30, along with 13 Stock Doves, 290 Starling, 165 Redwing and 105 Fieldfare. 2 Brambling in WLC creek. A male Mandarin over Brown Ale Bay early morning is my first here since early May. 204 Teal. 8 Pochard. 30 Coot. 104 Lapwing. 13 Dunlin. 2 Little Egrets. The Marsh Tit again at Paul Stanley hide. Chiffchaff singing on Stones causeway. 7 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
30/10/2022In the gull roost tonight of note: Mediterranean Gull 1W; Caspian Gull (sub-adult); Yellow-legged Gull 6 Adults. Total number of gulls un-countable but guessed well in excess of 10,000.Richard Lowe
28/10/2022Brownale Bay (from PS Hide), 1530 hrs: 2 Great Egrets, 6 Shoveler, 2 (m/f) WigeonGary Atkins
30/10/2022A bit of movement this morning: 4,280 Woodpigeons, 10 Stock Doves, 261 Starlings and 165 Redwings SW (most of it 07:30-10:00). 45 Greylags. 4 Shoveler. 37 Gadwall. 9 Pochard. Drake Goosander at Millfields early morning. A surprise pair of Red-legged Partridge on Stones/sailing club islands - they should be safe here! 191 Lapwing. 14 Dunlin. 32 Cormorants. 1 Little Egret. 9 Red Kites together over Carsington pastures.Simon Roddis
28/10/20223-Mediterranean Gulls (Adult plus two 1w's) in the gull roost tonight plus at least 5 Adult and 1-1w Yellow-legged Gulls, all from Lane end Hide.Richard Lowe
28/10/2022A juvenile Little Stint, presumably the one that was off Lane End on Sunday, was with the Lapwing flock (c140) at Watersports 10:30-11:15 at least. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 1 Little Egret. 4 Red Kites. 3 Tawny Owls early morning at Hopton end/PS hide. 5 Raven. 8 Skylark over. c500 Starlings and 12 Chaffinch SW.Simon Roddis
27/10/2022A 1st winter Mediterranean Gull and at least 5 adult Yellow-legged Gulls in the gull roost this evening from Lane End Hide.Richard Lowe
25/10/2022Frustrated by low cloud this morning (although that did allow a view of the solar eclipse!) but in a brief window of brightness 09:00-09:30, there was a bit of movement: 2,050 Woodpigeons, 300 Redwing, 70 Fieldfare, 250 Starlings, 25 Siskin. A Yellowhammer over Stones and perhaps the same bird later over the WLC, plus a Brambling over Stones. 6 Shoveler. Marsh Tit in Sheepwash carpark.Simon Roddis
DateofSightingSightingsNameSupplied
24/10/2022The first Goldeneye of the autumn, a male, was off Brown Ale Bay this morning. 36 Gadwall. 1 (2?) Little Egret. 4 Red Kites over Carsington pastures. The Marsh Tit again on the Paul Stanley feeder. 2 Brambling over Stones. Totals of 185 Redwing, 85 Fieldfare, 9 Lesser Redpoll, 45 Goldfinch and 27 Siskin. Couldn't see yesterday's Little Stint at Lane End.Simon Roddis
23/10/2022A juvenile Little Stint from Lane End hide this afternoon, found by Richard Lowe, as was a first-winter Mediterranean Gull there. The 3rd/4th-winter Caspian Gull - it has tiny bits of black in the primary coverts and tail-centre - caught a crayfish but was mugged by a gang of young Lesser Black-backs. 4 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 3 Shoveler. 35 Gadwall (definite increase). 111 Wigeon. 95 Mallard. 286 Teal. 4 Pochard. 104 Tufted. 34 GCGrebe. 85 Lapwing. 19 Dunlin at Millfields. 1 Little Egret. 114 Redwing. 130 Fieldfare.Simon Roddis
22/10/2022An adult Hybrid Ring-billed Gull / Lesser black-backed Gull was off Lane end Hide late this afternoon. This (or a very similar bird) was first seen at Carsington in November 2018. A Caspian Gull (sub-adult or possibly a hybrid) was also present along with at least 7 adult Yellow-legged Gulls.Richard Lowe
21/10/2022Fog pretty much put an end to vismigging after 8 this morning. 275 Redwing by then. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls at Sheepwash - the Yellow-leg is getting very good at catching crayfish! A Peregrine was upsetting the Wigeon there too, and a Marsh Tit at the carpark. 50 Meadow Pipits on Stones and 20 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis
19/10/2022The floodgates opened this morning: masses of Redwing in particular, 29,190 counted moving SW 07:45-14:00 (with a gap at lunchtime so I'm sure it will have exceeded 30k in reality), 286 Fieldfare, 200 Starling, 3,170 Woodies, 31 Stock Dove. 60 Pink-feet SW at 08:45. Other bits and pieces included a Brambling, 2 Golden Plover, Peregrine.Simon Roddis
18/10/2022Little movement evident this morning, just 190 Woodies S. 18 Canada, 2 Barnacle and 64 Greylag Geese. 2 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall, 53 Wigeon and 5 Pochard. 6 Coot! 120 Lapwing, my highest count here since February. A first-year Caspian Gull off Lane End mid-morning, and 2 Yellow-legs. Kingfisher at Millfields. A Peregrine took a Skylark off Stones island. Total of 13 Ravens, including 9 flying SW. 33 Carrion Crows on the shore at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
16/10/20226 Wigeon, 30 Pied wagtail, 3 Little Grebe, 15 Cormorant, 12 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrow Hawk, 1 Jay, 48 Lapwing, 7 Mute Swan, 100+ Meadow Pipit, 2 Willow Tit, 12 Dunlin, 2 Raven afternoon walk roundDavid Armitt
16/10/2022A late Swallow through WLC creek, my first for a week, was the best this morning. 1 redhead Goosander. 8 Dunlin. 25 Redwing. 19 Skylarks over Stones, heading N. Total of 29 Siskin, including a flock of 22 S over Hall Wood, and 10 Greenfinch (8 S over Shiningford). Pretty quiet.Simon Roddis
14/10/2022A frustrating first 2 or 3 hours of this morning due to low-lying murk, although 4 adult Whooper Swans on the water at around 07:30 lifted the gloom. A little surprisingly, 5 Whoopers flew past Stones island shortly afterwards, leaving to the N. Have to assume that the 5 included the earlier 4. The Kingfisher again at Millfields. 10 Dunlin still. c120 Meadow Pipits on Stones, flushed by a low-flying male Sparrowhawk. A few finches, including Chaffinches and Siskin, appeared to be on the move but the conditions were less than ideal for vismig!SJR, AHS, RPJ, AMD
13/10/2022A Rock Pipit flew over the dam wall at 09:45. Movement this morning: 19 Stock Doves, 223 Woodpigeons and 39 Redwings S or SW, and 35 Skylarks N. Green Sandpiper again near Big Island. 12 Dunlin. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls (adult and 2 first-years). 5 Red Kites and 8 Buzzards in the air. Peregrine loafing on Lane End shore. 5 Chiffchaffs. 7 Lesser Redpolls flew onto Watesports island.Simon Roddis
12/10/2022Tiny bit of vismig this morning: 45 Redwing, 23 Starling, 75 Woodpigeon and 16 Stock Doves S or SW 08:00-09:00. Nice male Stonechat in WLC creek. 1 Pintail off Sheepwash. 65 Lapwing. 1 Little Egret. 1 Peregrine. 3 Tawny Owls calling in Tail Bay early morning. Kingfisher again at Millfields. 1 Chiffchaff in WLC creek. c100 Meadow Pipits on Stones island.Simon Roddis
10/10/20224 Great Egrets flew through SW at 09:44, a site record (never more than 2 at a time before). Adult Caspian Gull at sailing club, along with 20 Dunlin and 4 Ringed Plover. 4 Pintail flew in at 09:20. 9 Pochard. 32 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret. 24 Skylarks over Stones, but possibly some double-counting. 150 Starlings flew SW in several flocks.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
09/10/2022Monthly WeBS count - numbers generally much lower than last month, no doubt due to the low water level: 12 Canada, 30 Greylag, 9 Mute Swan, the Garganey still at sailing club, 20 Shoveler, 7 Gadwall, 92 Wigeon, 150 Mallard, 254 Teal, 1 Pochard, 135 Tufted, 6 Moorhen, 34 Coot, 23 LGrebe, 41 GCGrebe, 47 Lapwing, 4 Ringed Plover, 15 Dunlin, 2 Green Sandpiper near Big Island, 1 Jack Snipe at Watersports, 20 Cormorant, 10 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher at Millfields. Juvenile Arctic Tern flew SW at 08:15. 1 Rock Pipit and 3 Brambling over Stones island. 4 Red Kite. 7 Skylark. 18 Redwing. Total of 25 Siskin.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
07/10/2022Waders this morning were 24 Dunlin, 12 Ringed Plover, single Golden Plover and Snipe. c2,000 BhGulls early morning before most of them dispersed. 46 Cormorants. 1 Little Egret. 5 Red Kites. 4 House Martins SW. 4 Redwing.Simon Roddis
06/10/2022Highlight this morning was a female Merlin which flew south over Carsington Pastures. 22 Lapwing, 13 Ringed Plover and 19 Dunlin in sailing club bay. 3+ Red Kites. Peregrine over Hopton end. Great Egret in Brown Ale Bay. 13 Skylarks over, most heading N. 8 Tree Sparrows at WLC. Total of 20+ Siskin over. 40 House Martins (flocks of 27 and 13) SW.Simon Roddis
05/10/2022Afternoon visit, after the rain abated. Duck numbers seem much reduced, though 480 Teal was up on the last WeBS count. (We'll see what this coming weekend's WeBS brings.) 24 Dunlin at sailing club. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls (adult and 2 first-years) at Sheepwash. Great Egret and Marsh Tit still from Paul Stanley hide. 3 Kestrels, including 2 being harassed by a Magpie in the main carpark. 1 Peregrine. 8 Swallows and 2 House Martins moved through. I didn't get round to posting yesterday (4/10) but the highlights were the RbMerganser again flying out of Hopton end at 07:05, and a Yellowhammer over Stones island.Simon Roddis
03/10/2022A pretty decent morning: a juvenile Marsh Harrier (probably a female) came in from the NE at 09:15, hung around Brown Ale Bay for a while and play-chased a Peregrine before heading off SW over Carsington pastures at 09:30; a female-type Red-breasted Merganser flew NE over Hopton end at 07:10 (wonder if it's the same bird as last week, perhaps roosting here overnight and going elsewhere in the day?); Great Egret also NE over Hopton end at 06:40; and a Merlin came in over Shiningford, upsetting the Lapwings, at 10:20. 25 Mute Swans. 15 Shoveler. 13 Ringed Plover and 18 Dunlin in sailing club bay early morning. A juv female Sparrowhawk took a Meadow Pipit off the dam wall. 8 Buzzards. 11 Skylarks over in random directions. c60 House Martins still hanging about. 9 Redwing.Simon Roddis
02/10/2022Species seen 10am to noon on Birdwatching for Beginners Walk (38). Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Woodpigeon, Moohen, Coot, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Magpie, Jackdaw, Raven, Willow Tit, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Wren, Blackbird, Robin, House Sparrow, Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit and Goldfinch.Lorna Lomas
02/10/20222 skeins of Pink-feet, 165 birds, flew E between 08:25 and 08:30. 72 Greylags. 15 Shoveler. 9 Pintail. 17 Ringed Plover, 23 Dunlin and a Redshank at sailing club early morning. 2 Yellow-legged and 15 Common Gulls at Sheepwash late morning. Kingfisher in Tail Bay. 2 Jays flying across Hopton end carrying acorns. 10 Skylarks over. 70+ House Martins and 8 Swallows. 4 Redwing. 20 Linnet.Simon Roddis
01/10/2022Hobby, Great Egret and Marsh Tit from Paul Stanley hide late morning. 21 Ringed Plover and 12 Dunlin at sailing club. 3 Tawny Owls calling in Tail Bay early morning, and 500 Jackdaws out of their roost. Kingfisher at Millfields. 43 House Martins and 12 Swallows. Total of c300 Meadow Pipits across Lane End, Stones and sailing club. 6 Siskin and 1 Lesser Redpoll over.Simon Roddis
30/09/2022Very foggy this morning, could finally see across to the other side of the water at 11. The ghostly Great Egret and a calling Marsh Tit from PS hide early on. 44 Cormorants. Kingfisher at Millfields. 13 Ringed Plovers. 32 House Martins flew S past Stones island at 11:15. 14 Chiffchaff. At least 16 Redwing. 9 Bullfinch, including 7 in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
29/09/2022Great Egret from Paul Stanley hide early morning. 19 Dunlin and 15 Ringed Plover in sailing club bay but I didn't see the Curlew Sandpiper. 2 skeins of Pink-feet totalling 98 birds flew NE. 71 Gadwall including 62 from Lane End hide. 4 Pintail. 12 Tree Sparrows at WLC (my highest figure this year) and a Lesser Redpoll over Millfields (my first here since 4th April).Simon Roddis
27/09/2023The highlight this afternoon was a juvenile Little Gull from Lane End hide. It was present for c30 mins before disappearing from view. Great Egret also from the hide. 7 Grey Herons. 143 Wigeon. 50 Gadwall. 6 Pintail at Lane End. 17 Shoveler. Female Red-crested Pochard off Shiningford Creek, 19 Ringed Plover. 20 Dunlin. 2 Ruff. Peregrine. 2000+ LBB Gulls. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Adult Herring and GBB Gull. 29 Common Gull. 3 House Martin over dam. 2 Blackcap. 2 Raven.Dave Newcombe
28/09/2022A female/immature Red-breasted Merganser flew SW over the dam wall at 07:10 and the juv Curlew Sandpiper was among the Dunlin flock in sailing club bay. 8 skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 300 birds flew E between 09:10 and 10:45. 37 Shoveler. 4 Pintail. Loose flock of 22 Little Grebes off Shiningford. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (adult and first-year). 5 Red Kites, 9 Buzzards and 6 Ravens in the air. Kingfisher and Marsh Tit at PS hide. 25 Swallows and 5 House Martins. 102 Meadow Pipits and 40 Linnet on Stones island. 350 Jackdaws out of their roost early morning.Simon Roddis
27/09/2022The first Redwings of the autumn, 10 in total, flew through this morning, while a single Sand Martin is the latest ever here (previous latest 25 Sep in 2012 and 2017). The Curlew Sandpiper was still in sailing club bay. Total of 497 Teal (332 of them at Millfields). 3 Pintail. Drake RcPochard still. 6 Little Egrets. Kingfisher at Millfields. 9 Skylarks over, heading towards Carsington pastures. High numbers of Meadow Pipits again: 90 at sailing club and Alan S counted 128 from Lane End hide.Simon Roddis
25/09/2022The juv Curlew Sandpiper was at sailing club early morning and later in front of Lane End hide at 10:45. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls at Sheepwash. Also from Lane End, Great Egret, 44 Shoveler, 9 Pintail, 2 RcPochard, 14 Pochard, 121 Meadow Pipits feeding. 21 Dunlin and 16 Ringed Plover. 2 Hobbies (adult and probably a juv) flew fast south over the main centre at 11:35. Male Peregrine. 12 Swallows.Simon Roddis
24/09/202265 Meadow Pipit, 10 Ringed Plover, 27 Dunlin, 15 Goldfinch, 1 Curlew sandpiper on Stones opposite sailing Club , 6 Little Grebe, 2 Kestrel, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Buzzard, 6 Little Egret, 8 Grey Heron, 14 Gadwall,16 Wigeon, 35 Cormorant, 1 PochardDavid Armitt
24/09/2022Evening visit: c4,500 Lesser Black-backs roosting, plus c1,000 BhGs, 34 Common, 5 Yellow-leg (3 ads, 2 first years) and 1 GBbG. The Curlew Sand still at sailing club. 2 RcPochard off Shiningford. c200 Pied Wagtails, 25 Swallows and 10 Starlings went to roost on Watersports island.Simon Roddis
24/09/2022The juv Curlew Sandpiper was again in sailing club bay this morning, along with 24 Dunlin, 19 Ringed Plover, a Redshank and a Great Egret. 3 skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 213 birds flew E between 08:48 and 09:35. Totals of 57 Shoveler (site record, I think), 238 Wigeon and 8 Pintail. The male RcPochard off Shiningford. 47 Cormorant. Kingfisher at Millfields. Skylark over WLC creek.Simon Roddis
23/09/2022The juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was still present in front of sailing club later in the day. Plus 21 Ringed Plover, 15 Dunlin and 5 Ruff in the area. 9 Little Egrets and 10 Grey Herons. 46 Cormorants. 122 Wigeon. 45 Shoveler mostly from lane end hide with some further towards sheepwash. Also 9 Pintail from lane end. 5 in front of the hide and 4 more nearer sheepwash. Female Wheatear on the dam wall. 5 Buzzards, female Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls at sheepwash along with 320 Lessers, adult Herring and 10 Common Gulls. 2 Raven over middle wood.Dave Newcombe
23/09/2022The juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was again in sailing club bay early morning. 22 Dunlin, Ringed Plover are up to 28 and now 5 Ruff. Two flocks of House Martins totalling 138 went SW. 4 Pintail. 2 RcPochard still. 10 Little Egrets. At least 100 Pied Wagtails and 50 Meadow Pipits around the dam wall and sailing club bay.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
22/09/2022The juv Curlew Sandpiper was still in sailing club bay early afternoon. Other main highlights this morning were a Great Egret in Brown Ale Bay, a juvenile female Merlin past Stones island and a Marsh Tit at the feeder to the side of Paul Stanley hide. Perimeter counts: 8 Coal Tit, 5 Willow Tit, 30 Long-tailed Tit, 49 Chiffchaff, 7 Blackcap, 31 Goldcrests, 78 Wren, 9 Nuthatch, 13 Treecreeper, 9 Song Thrush, 45 Blackbird, 205(!) Robins, 19 Dunnock, 13 Bullfinch. 20 Dunlin, 2 Ruff and 18 Ringed Plover at sailing club. 8 Little Egrets. A Peregrine sitting in front of Lane End hide. 14 Swallows and a House Martin flew through.Simon Roddis
21/09/2022The juv Curlew Sandpiper was at sailing club early morning and then at Millfields to 11:30 at least. 23 Dunlin, 2 Ruff, 6 Ringed Plover, 6 Snipe, 29 Lapwing. 781 Canada Geese and 1 Pink-foot flew out early morning, and 311 Greylags flew in. 38 Shoveler. 2 Pintail. The 2 RcPochard still. Single adult Yellow-legged, GBb and Common Gulls. 9 Little Egrets. 1 Peregrine. Very few hirundines today, just 7 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin and a handful unid'd. 15 Chiffchaff. 3 Blackcaps.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
20/09/2022The juv Curlew Sandpiper was at Millfields first thing and then at sailing club. 24 Dunlin. 10 Ringed Plover. 2 LRP. 2 Ruff. 2 Barnacle Geese at Millfields. 5 Pintail off Lane End. c1,000 BhGulls along the dam wall early morning. 8 Little Egrets. c100 Swallows and 5 House Martins. 12 Chiffchaff.Simon Roddis
19/09/2022A juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was in sailing club bay and later at Millfields this morning - much hoped for given the numbers on the east coast recently. 21 Dunlin, the Ruff still, 4 Ringed, 2 LRP and 1 Golden Plover. The 2 RcPochard again roosting at Shiningford. 10 Little Egrets. 22 Chiffchaff and 2 Blackcap. 70 Starlings in fields above Penn Carr. 60 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall. 50 Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis

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