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
02/11/2024Off Sheepwash Hide of note late this afternoon: Pintail (2); Goldeneye (1); Goosander (1); Egyptian Goose (1); Caspian Gull (1) Ad.; YLGull (2) Ads.; GBBGull (1) Ad.Richard Lowe
01/11/2024Just bits and bobs of movement this morning, no great numbers: 32 Pink-footed Geese, 1 Golden Plover, 80 Woodpigeons, 304 Redwing, 20 Fieldfare, 160 Starling, 12 Brambling (including a flock of 11). 28 Reed Buntings out of Hopton reedbed early morning. Goldeneye, probably a young male, at Millfields.Simon Roddis
31/10/2024With a halo of low cloud this morning, if anything was moving it wasn't visible! A Great Egret, maybe the same as the last couple of days, flew out of Millfields at 07:20, along with similar numbers of Canada and Greylag. 29 Gadwall, 6 Wigeon, 13 Teal, 1 redhead Goosander, 396 Tufted and c400 Pochard. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 36 Cormorants.Simon Roddis
30/10/2024Movement this morning included 5,180 Woodpigeons, 290 Starlings, 220 Redwing and 22 Fieldfare. Early morning, 743 Greylags and 593 Canada Geese flew out, along with a single Egyptian Goose. 2 Goosander flew over WLC creek. Great Egret on the shore between Sheepwash and Lane End. 65 Lapwing - a marked increase. Adult Yellow-legged Gull Still. 2 Kingfishers (Millfields and Brown Ale Bay). Chiffchaff and 21 Redpoll on Stones. 20 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
29/10/2024Best this morning was a Great Egret that flew W at 09:30. Otherwise, 1520 Woodpigeons and 200 Starlings flew through. 8 Redpolls on Stones. Peregrine playing with a Carrion Crow over Hall Wood. 33 grey geese flew SW but I'm not committing myself on what they were.SJR, CA, AHS
28/10/2024Much less movement than previous days: 517 Redwing, 92 Starling and just 300 Woodpigeons. The drake Red-crested Pochard and adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 2 Chiffchaff on Stones. A Brambling over Millfields and 7 Redpoll on Stones. Didn't see or hear yesterday's Yellow-browed Warbler.Simon Roddis
27/10/2024Another(?) Yellow-browed Warbler was on Stones island this morning, the third of the autumn here. Not a great mix of species on the move but 14,180 Woodpigeons was the highest yet this autumn. 572 Canadas and 711 Greylags flew out over the dam wall early morning. 7 Grey Wagtails at Millfields. 5 Shoveler. 5 Redpoll over Stones. Clive had 4 Goosander and at least one Little Egret from Stones early in.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
26/10/2024From Sheepwash Hide late this afternoon: Of note in the gull roost: YL Gull (5) - Ads; Mediterranean Gull (1) - 1st w.Richard Lowe
26/10/2024Movement this morning: 7,620 Woodpigeons S, 3,150 Starlings W (including a flock of 1,200) and 275 Redwing S. 322 Greylags flew out early morning. Pair of Shoveler and 4 Wigeon off Stones island. 370 Pochard from WLC. 35 Lapwing and 4 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 3 Chiffchaff on Stones.Simon Roddis
25/10/2024Foggy again so limited visibility. 46 Reed Buntings (a new site record) came out of their roost in Hopton reedbed early morning, and a Brambling flew over. Total of 22 Chaffinches over. The adult Yellow-legged Gull again patrolling around.Simon Roddis
24/10/2024225 Pochard, 7 Little Grebe, 8 Red Kite, 20 Cormorant, 74 Wood Pigeon,40 Redwing, 90 Stock Dove, 20 Mute Swan, 12 Teal, 9 Gadwall, 2 Raven, 1 KestrelDave Armitt
24/10/2024In 2 hours from Stones island this morning, 5,000 Woodpigeons, 928 Redwing, 513 Starling, 17 Chaffinch and 2 Little Egrets. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. Chiffchaff on Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
23/10/2024Very foggy until late morning. Best was a Barn Owl at Sheepwash first thing, the drake Red-crested Pochard off Lane End and Kingfisher(s?) at WLC.Simon Roddis
22/10/2024Quite a decent morning after the rain stopped: a total of 10,700 Woodpigeons flew SW between 08:45-12:00, along with a Hawfinch, a Great Egret W, 63 Starlings, 29 Chaffinches (and loads of unid'd finches/pipits) and 10 Skylarks in typically random directios.. 14 Pink-footed Geese went E at 09:25.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
21/10/2024Monthly wildfowl count: 68 Canadas, 7 Greylags, 32 Mute Swan, 1 Shoveler, 13 Gadwall, 19 Wigeon, 119 Mallard, 39 Teal, 505 Pochard, 332 Tufted, 3 Goosander, 24 Moorhen, 1,088 Coot, 19 Little Grebe, 68 GCGrebe, 27 Lapwing, 1 Snipe, 31 Cormorant, 3 Heron, 2 Kingfisher. Also adult Yellow-legged Gull, Peregrine, 1 Chiffchaff, 2 Redpoll over WLC, 24 Siskin.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
17/10/2024A Yellow-browed Warbler called several times in WLC creek around 11:00 this morning - almost a mile from the last sighting of one at Sheepwash 2 days ago, so perhaps a different bird? Vismig numbers: 1,914 Redwing, 2 Fieldfare, 624 Starling, 750 Woodpigeon. 1 Rock Pipit over Stones at 10:00. 12 Skylarks in random directions. 1 Shelduck. 4 Shoveler. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 2 Kingfishers.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
15/10/2024The Yellow-browed Warbler was still calling near Sheepwash hide just after midday. Juvenile female Goldeneye at Millfields and Brambling over the visitor centre. Drake Red-crested Pochard at Big Island. 26 Wigeon. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. Perimeter counts: 8 Coal Tit, 2 Willow, 42 Blue, 48 Great, 48 Long-tailed, 1 Chiffchaff, 27 Goldcrest, 81 Wren, 4 Nuthatch, 11 Treecreeper, 11 Song Thrush, 266 Redwing, 68 Blackbird, 146 Robin, 29 Dunnock, 23 Chaffinch, 15 Bullfinch, 10 Greenfinch, 53 Goldfinch, 15 Reed Bunting (13 out of Hopton reedbed early morning).Simon Roddis
14/10/2024A mere 5,880 Woodpigeons flew S in 2 hours this morning. A couple of hundred of them were forced to take evasive action to avoid a pair of Peregrines at one point. 5 Fieldfare among the Redwings were the first of the autumn here. Total of 389 Pochard (283m,106f). 2 Redpoll over the main carpark. No sign of the Yellow-browed Warbler near PS hide.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
13/10/2024174 Pochard, 6 Wigeon,4 Grey Heron, 13 Cormorant,3 Pied Wagtail,4 Little Grebe, 12 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 5 Moorhen , 1 Red Kite , 1 Kestrel, 6 Long tailed Tit, 30 Greylag goose,15 Mute Swan, 6 Siskin, 2 Buzzard , 23 Whooper Swan heading east , 2 Skeins of Pink -Footed goose heading eastDave Armitt
13/10/2024Not a bad morning, the highlight being the Yellow-browed Warbler near Paul Stanley hide just after midday - thanks to Amanda P for alerting us to it. In 2 hours from Stones island, 11,500 Woodpigeons flew S (mainly down the east side), 340 Pink-footed Geese E in 4 skeins and a herd of 23 Whooper Swans E (plus another 9 probable distant Whoopers taking the same track). 300 Pochard, mostly at WLC. 3 Pintail.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
12/10/2024Afternoon visit: nice surprise was 4 winter plumage Black-necked Grebes off Millfields, looking very smart in shades of black, grey and white. 135 Common Gulls off Stones by 6pm. Shoveler in Brown Ale Bay.Simon Roddis
11/10/2024706 Woodpigeons flew S in 90 mins this morning. Handful of Redwing, Starling and Skylarks. 284 Pochard from WLC. No sign of Clive's YbWarbler at Brown Ale Bay but Tawny Owl and Kingfisher there. Redpoll over WLC creek.Simon Roddis
08/10/2024From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Caspian Gull - 1 (Ad); YL Gull - 3 (Ads); Herring Gull - 1 (Ad).Richard Lowe
06/10/2024Late afternoon from Sheepwash Hide: Caspian Gull - (Ad); YL Gull (2) - (Ad) and (1stW); GBB Gull - (Ad).Richard Lowe
06/10/2024BWB walk. House sparrow. coot. Canada goose. mute swan. pied wagtail. gt cr grebe. gadwall. moorhen. BH gull. teal. carrion crow. cormorant. long-tailed tit. kestrel. little grebe. magpie. robin. blackbird. blue tit. Dunnock. great tit. chiffchaff. raven 7. jackdaw. mallard. wood pigeon. pochard. lapwing. tufted duck. lesser Bb gullAmanda Palethorpe
06/10/2024A bit quiet this morning but a Rock Pipit flew over Stones island,125 Woodpigeons flew S, the Water Rail called on Horseshoe island and 3 Swallows over the WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
05/10/2024At least 1 Rock Pipit again on the dam wall, Millfields end, this morning. 195 Woodpigeons, 20 Stock Doves and 175 Redwings S/W in an hour. 2 Pintail, single Shoveler and Goosander. Still c2,000 Black-headed and 3,500 Lesser Black-backed Gulls post-roost early morning. 2 adult Yellow-legs. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Millfields and 5 House Martins S there.Simon Roddis
04/10/2024A Yellow Wagtail on dam wall this afternoonA & G Hattersley
04/10/2024Two Rock Pipits were on the dam wall this morning and a first-winter Caspian Gull near the cormorant raft. Not as much moving as yesterday, with 99 Woodpigeons, 25 Meadow Pipits and a redhead Goosander S and 87 Redwings W in one hour. 33 Wigeon. 2 Shoveler off Stones. Blackcap on Stones. 3 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing.Simon Roddis
03/10/20242 Red Kites over Millfields Car Park on Thursday 03/10/2024 10.30am.D and J Coates
03/10/2024First definite Redwings of the autumn this morning: 414 west(ish) in 2 hours, 08:00-10:00. Also 190 Woodpigeons, 18 Stock Dove, 17 Skylarks. Totals of 40 Swallows and 10 Jays. 740 Canadas and 233 Greylags flew out early morning. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Peregrine.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
02/10/2024I thought I'd finished for the morning when a last scan over the water produced 3 Gannets, 2 juveniles and a sub-adult, in flight off Sheepwash at 11:00. One juvenile stayed to 12:20 at least (last seen by Dave Horsley from Sheepwash hide). Second time in just over a week! Also 271 Pochard, 1 female Pintail, 12 Wigeon, 43 Cormorants, 2 Snipe, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 40 Swallows.Simon Roddis
01/10/2024In the rain this morning, 195 Greylags, 32 Mute Swans, 34 Cormorants, adult Yellow-legged Gull, Kingfisher at WLC, 25 Swallows. Alan S had a Water Rail on Sheepwash spit mid-morning.Simon Roddis
29/09/2024Roost count for the Winter Gull Survey this evening : 4,500 Lesser Black-backs, 1 Great Black-back, 3 Yellow-legs, 700 Black-heads, 120 Common. Earlier in the day, the drake Red-crested Pochard still off Stones, 65 Swallows and 30 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
28/09/2024A female Merlin flew S past Stones island 09:00, first of the year here. 96 Greylag. 2 Shoveler. The drake Red-crested Pochard still at Shiningford. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gull.s Kingfishers at Millfields and WLC. 35 Swallows.Simon Roddis
25/09/20244 Black-tailed Godwits (probably juveniles) were on Stones island this morning, and 2 Golden Plover flew W. 710 Canadas and 42 Greylags flew out early morning. Drake Red-crested Pochard still. 4 Shoveler. A late Swift was among a mixed flock of c120 Swallows and House Martins over the east side, my first since 26 August. 2 Water Rails (Hopton reedbed and Horseshoe island). 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls still. In the dam wall fields, 60 Meadow Pipits, 4 Skylarks and 35 Goldfinches, and c100 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
24/09/2024Big surprise this morning was an adult Gannet, apparently first seen around 10:00 from Stones and later at Millfields to 11:30. 2 Shoveler and the drake Red-crested Pochard still off Stones. Single fly-over Golden Plover and Yellow Wagtail, and a Ringed Plover flew around for about an hour mid-morning. 26 Common Gulls off Stones early morning. 2 adult Yellow-legs still. 1+ Kingfisher around Stones/WLC/sailing club. 7 Ravens, including 3 pairs formation-flying. 4 Skylarks and 13 Meadow Pipits on/over the dam wall. Total of 26 Swallows. Flock of 80 House Martins SW over Millfields at 13:00.Simon Roddis
23/09/2024Water Rail, male Red-crested Pochard and adult Yellow-legged Gull all still present this morning. 153 Teal, 7 Wigeon and 2 Shoveler off Stones. Total of 208 Pochard. First-winter Common Gull and 2 Great Black-backs.Simon Roddis
21/09/2024Monthly wildfowl count: 657 Canada, 13 Greylag, 25 Mute Swan, 48 Gadwall, 31 Wigeon, 121 Mallard, 162 Teal, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 183 Pochard, 264 Tufted, 1 Water Rail, 29 Moorhen, 1,238 Coot, 22 LGrebe, 55 GCGrebe, 20 Lapwing, 33 Cormorant, 1 Kingfisher, adult Yellow-legged Gull.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
19/09/2024Two skeins of Pink-footed Geese, c150 birds, flew NE at 09:30 before disappearing into the murk over Millfields. Clive heard more over the WLC later. Drake Red-crested Pochard at Shiningford. Female Shoveler off Stones. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 2 Dunlin (CA). 1 Little Egret around Stones/WLC. Kingfisher at Millfields. Total of 9 Ravens.Simon Roddis
18/09/2024A Great Egret flew N over Stones just before 8 this morning. Single Curlew and Ringed Oliver flew N into the breeze. Dunlin on Horseshoe island. 21 Wigeon, 115 Teal, 53 Gadwall, 205 Pochard and the drake Red-crested Pochard still. Single Hobby and Peregrine. 30 Swallows.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
17/09/2024A bit of an influx of duck this morning: 58 Wigeon, 7 Pintail, 4+ Shoveler, 130 Teal, 142 Pochard. 605 Canadas and 6 Greylags flew out early morning. 600 Black-headed Gulls post-roost. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 1 Dunlin on sailing club shore. Around the dam wall, Peregrine, Skylark, Yellow Wagtail and 15 Linnets. 1 Sedge Warbler still on Stones. Clive saw the Water Rail and a Snipe on Horseshoe island.Simon Roddis
15/09/2024Much less moving than yesterday. 75 Pink-footed Geese flew NE, 2 Little Egrets W up WLC creek (before one of them turned round!) and 44 Swallows. 448 Canadas and 7 Greylags flew out early morning. Drake Red-crested Pochard again off Stones. 91 Teal. Redhead Goosander. Green Woodpecker calling again in Tail Bay. The Water Rail still on Horseshoe island. One Redstart still in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
14/09/2024Movement in 2 hours (07:00-09:00) this morning: 365 Swallows and 8 House Martins SW; 59 Meadow Pipits S; 23 Stock Doves S, 13N; 82 Woodpigeons S, 44N; 76 Rooks. 1 Little Egret. 3 female-type Pintail at WLC. 3 redhead Goosander. Peregrine and Hobby from Stones. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Female/juv Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
13/09/2024Despite the high water level, the star bird this morning was a wader: a Spotted Redshank flew SW over Stones island at 08:45, calling as it went. Along the dam wall early morning, c100 Pied and 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Skylark, 4 redhead Goosander and a juvenile female Peregrine. 86 Woodpigeons (76S,10N) and 13 Stock Doves (7S,6N) in an hour. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Total of 120 Swallows and 10 House Martins. Another Peregrine perched in WLC fields, perhaps the same adult male as last winter. 2 female/juv Redstarts in WLC fields, including the long-stayer. Willow Warbler singing on Stones.Simon Roddis
12/09/2024An Osprey flew slowly S down the res at 11:10 this morning. Earlier, a cream-crown Marsh Harrier had flown N through Millfields (RPJ,AMD). Totals of 75 Teal, 168 Pochard and 240 Tufted. 1 redhead Goosander flew N. Adult Yellow-legged Gull again. 80 Swallows and 20 House Martins. 2 Sedge Warblers still on Stones and the female/juv Redstart in WLC fields. 15 Meadow Pipits S. c100 Goldfinches feeding on Stones.Simon Roddis
11/09/2024The main event between the showers this morning was a fly-over summer plumage Black-throated Diver which circled the res for 10 minutes before departing high SW at 10:30. The first in the county since 2011 (also at Carsi). Earlier, 11 Pink-footed Geese flew E, first of the autumn here. Supporting cast of Redshank, first-winter Caspian and adult Yellow-legged Gulls, Kingfisher, Sand Martin, 40 Swallows, 70 House Martins, female/juv Redstart still in WLC fields and 25 Meadow Pipits S.Simon Roddis
10/09/20244 female/juv Pintail off Stones mid-morning were new, and c150 Pochard (100+ in Brown Ale Bay) indicates a further arrival. The drake Red-crested Pochard off Stones again, and 212 Tufted. The juvenile Water Rail was on Horseshoe island again. 3 Common Sandpipers at Millfields. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Female Sparrowhawk mobbed by 3 Rooks over WLC creek. 116 Swallows, most of the moving SW. Female/juv Redstart still in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
09/09/2024A juvenile Black Tern was off Stones island from 08:00-08:30 this morning. Also off Stones, the eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard, 138 Tufted, adult Caspian Gull and 2 Common Sandpipers. The Water Rail again showed well on Horseshoe island. Total of 810 Coot. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. Kingfisher on Horseshoe island. 32 Swallows and 57 House Martins. 1 Sedge Warbler still on Stones. 16 Mistle Thrushes over Blackwall plantation, my highest count of the year.Simon Roddis
08/09/2024A tiny bit of wader activity this morning, with 7 Ringed Plovers N, 4 Snipe and 2 Common Sandpipers. The drake Red-crested Pochard still off Stones, 2 Wigeon and a total of 64 Teal. The juvenile Water Rail showed well from WLC late morning. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. Kingfisher(s) at WLC and Stones. Total of 175 Swallows.Simon Roddis

Scroll to Top