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
01/12/2021A decent morning, nothing exceptional but plenty of birds. Highlights were single Shelduck (found by Sam G), Pintail, Ruff, Redshank, Woodcock (flying around WLC creek), Little Egret, Peregrine, 2-3 Red Kites, total of c600 Redwing, 7 Tree Sparrows at WLC. 73 species, a pretty good start to the month!Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
26/11/2021Nothing mega this morning but a Chiffchaff on Stones island was my first of the month. Single Ruff, Redshank, Little Egret, Peregrine, Red Kite. 2 Pink-footed Geese among the Canadas. Totals of 5 GSWoodpecker and 38 Long-tailed Tit in 3 flocks at the north end.Simon Roddis
22/11/2021A little bit of vismig this morning: 148 Fieldfares NW and 384 Starlings W. 3 Shelduck flew in mid-morning. 274 Canada Geese. 3 Goldeneye (2m,1f). 1m Goosander. c450 Lapwing. A male Ruff along Stones causeway and at the WLC (maybe here for the winter?) and the Redshank still. 1 Peregrine upsetting the Lapwings. 10 Tree Sparrow (8 at WLC, 2 Millfields).Simon Roddis
21/11/20212 Woodcock came into Hopton end early morning, by the light of the Woodcock Moon, and 4 calling Tawny Owls there, including 3 within about 30 yards of each other. c180 Teal and the drake Pintail still. 2f Goldeneye. 611 Lapwings. The probable subadult Caspian Gull on Sheepwash spit again.Simon Roddis
19/11/20211m Goosander at Millfields early morning. 867 Woodpigeons N and 45 S, plus 8 Stock Doves N in one hour, 08:00-09:00. 600+ Lapwing, definite increase. 1 Redshank still. c10,000 Black-headed Gulls at first light. 2 Kingfishers. Willow Tit singing at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
18/11/202165 Pink-feet E at 10:00. 170 Canada Geese. 31 Mute Swans. 4 Goldeneye (2m,2f). 69 GCGrebe. c300 Lapwing. 1 Redshank still. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. 29 Stock Doves (23 N, 6 S) and 457 Woodpigeons N. 117 Starlings W and 39 Fieldfare SW.Simon Roddis
17/11/2021A Great Northern Diver flew south high down the res at 08:50, had a bit of a look but appeared to go straight through. 226 Canada Geese, with single Barnacle and Pink-foot among them. Drake Pintail. 178 Teal. 8 Goosander (1m,7 redheads) at Millfields early morning. 4 Goldeneye (2m,2f). 219 Woodpigeons (189 N, 30 S) and 12 Stock Doves (5 N, 7 S) through. 300 Lapwing. 2 Dunlin at WLC. 1 Redshank still. 10 Herring Gulls flew in late morning. Adult Yellow-leg still. 4 Skylarks N. Total of c200 Redwing. 16 Lesser Redpolls on Stones island.Simon Roddis
16/11/2021Very foggy this morning! 1 Woodcock, 4+ Tawny Owls and a Brambling at Hopton end first thing. Little Egret at WLC. c300 Starlings at Watersports, feeding on the shore, very unusual there. 9 Tree Sparrows (5 WLC, 4 Millfields).Simon Roddis
15/11/2021Probably conservative estimates of c10,000 Black-heads, 5,000 Lesser Black-backs and 500 Common Gulls in the roost late afternoon, watching from Stones so some birds between there and the dam wall will have been out of sight. Also 4 Herring, 1 GBbG, 1 Yellow-leg and a probable subadult Caspian. 28 Mute Swan. 46 Gadwall. 300 Lapwing. 1 Dunlin. 500+ Starlings over Stones late pm, presumably heading to a roost.Simon Roddis
14/11/20212 adult Whooper Swans were at Millfields early morning, presumably having roosted overnight, but didn't stay long. 3f Goldeneye. An unknown number of Pink-footed Geese flew over Sheepwash carpark late morning - heard but not seen as they were in the cloud! 250 Lapwing. Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. Kingfisher at Millfields.Simon Roddis
13/11/1021The first Woodcock of the autumn/winter flew into the Hopton end early morning, 4 Tawny Owls calling there and a Water Rail called in the reedbed. 9 adult Whooper Swans Flew NE at 09:10. 2f Goldeneye off the dam wall. 455 Woodpigeons N and 117 S. 250 Lapwing. 1 Redshank still. 3 Red Kites. 8 Skylarks over. 150 Starlings W. Total of 250 Redwing. 2 Brambling over Hopton end and 13 Lesser Redpoll on Stones island.Simon Roddis
12/11/2021c100 Teal. 1f Pintail. 45 Pochard. 3f Goldeneye. 100 Woodpigeons N. 255 Lapwing. 1 Redshank still. 32 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret at the WLC. 3 Red Kites over the pastures. 100 Siskin, including a flock of c90 at Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
07/11/2021Species noted collectively by the 'Birdwatching for Beginners' group (Sunday, 7th November 10am-noon): Black-headed Gull, Mute Swan, Coot, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Moorhen, Blackbird, Grey Heron, Carrion Crow, Cormorant, Gt Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Gadwall, Canada Goose, Pied Wagtail, Wigeon, Robin, Lapwing, Teal, House Sparrow, Sparrowhawk, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Redshank, Woodpigeon, Goldfinch, Snipe, Pochard, Willow Tit, Tree Sparrow, Jackdaw and RedwingGary Atkins
08/11/2021The pale bellied brent Goose that SJR found was still present from stones island and then wildlife centre around midday and had a ring on it's right leg a black ring with a white number 6 on it.Chris brown
07/11/2021Monthly WeBS count: 80 Canada Geese, 24 Mute Swan, 60 Gadwall, 118 Wigeon, 174 mallard, 1 Pintail, 128 Teal, 84 Pochard, 207 Tufted, 4 Goldeneye, 34 Moorhen, 1395 Coot, 42 Little Grebe, 44 GCGrebe, 198 Mallard, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Redshank, 37 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
05/11/2021A great day, the highlight being a juvenile Gannet off Watersports for 5 minutes just before 11:00. It flew around a bit, dived twice, terrified the Tufted Ducks when it landed near them, and then disappeared. 4 Hawfinches flew SW at the Hopton end at 09:53, and a juvenile Marsh Harrier flew W across the reservoir at 12:30. Vismig totals 07:00-14:00: 6153 Fieldfare and 2218 Redwing SW, 4 Blackbirds S, 2769 Starling W, 1938 Woodpigeons S (plus 86 N), 5 Stock Doves S and 10 N, 1 Brambling SW. At least 6 Dunlin, including a flock of 5 W. 97 Canada Geese. 51 Pochard. 2 Goldeneye (imm male and a female) off Lane End. 420 Common Gulls at Sheepwash late pm. 4 Herring Gulls. 4 Red Kites. 7 Buzzard. 54 Rooks.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
04/11/2021Vismig from Hopton end 07:00-10:00: 4,525 Redwing and 3,005 Fieldfare SW, 1,119 Starlings W and 3,524 Woodpigeons S. 75 Pink-footed Geese E (and I'm told another 150). 6 unid'd grey geese S, pretty sure they weren't either Pink-feet or Greylag. Mistle Thrush singing at Hopton end and 6 Grey Wagtails there. Total of 50+ Siskin.Simon Roddis
02/11/2021Decent Woodpigeon movement once low mist had cleared from the east side: 11,070 flew S (all but 300 from 07:00-09:45). 5 Stock Doves. 724 Starlings W. 2nd-winter Caspian Gull again at Sheepwash early pm, plus the adult Yellow-leg. Single redhead Goldeneye at Sheepwash and Goosander at Millfields. 275 Lapwing. 1 Redshank at Sheepwash. 3 Sparrowhawk. 1 Red Kite. 14 Skylarks in random directions. 1 (maybe 2) Brambling S over Stones. Total of c40 Siskin.Simon Roddis
01/11/20214 Red Kites over the east side. 3 Shoveler (1m,2f) off Stones. 1 Redshank from Stones causeway. 210 Woodpigeons S and 110 Starlings W. 5 Lesser Redpoll on Stones. 55 Siskin, including a flock of 50 over WLC creek.Simon Roddis
31/10/2021Afternoon visit after this morning's rain. 4 female-type Scaup and an immature drake Goldeneye off Sheepwash. 51 Gadwall. 312 Wigeon. 133 Teal. 51 Pochard. 40 GCGrebe. 175 Lapwing. 43 Cormorant. 1 Red Kite over Hall Wood. c30 Long-tailed Tits in 3 flocks. 20 Siskin.Simon Roddis
27/10/2021Very light movement this morning, just 300 Woodpigeons, 8 Stock Doves and 210 Starlings. 45 Pied wagtails out of their roost on Watersports island early morning, and c.1,200 Jackdaws again. Juv Ringed Plover on Watersports island (same bird as at Sheepwash a couple of days ago) and a Curlew early morning. 400 Lapwing. Adult Yellow-legged and Herring Gulls on Sheepwash spit.Simon Roddis
26/10/2021Quite morning today,mist made observation difficult. Stones Island, 1 Little Egret, Willow Tit, mixed flock of thrushes feeding in the Hawthorn, Blackbirds, Song thrushes and Redwing. WLC creek, 15 Redwings, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Kestrel,1 Shoveller,1 Redshank plus small groups of Wood pigeons passing through.A H Stewardson
25/10/2021Best this morning was a Rock Pipit S over Stones island at 09:00. Vismig somewhat frustrated by low cloud but 1,280 Starlings flew W. 1 Fieldfare S. 17 Skylarks (14N,3S). 2 female Pintail. Juv Ringed Plover at Sheepwash. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls there too. At least 25 Meadow Pipits around Stones island.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
24/10/20212 adult Whooper Swans flew in at 08:00 and 2 Great Egrets 10 minutes later, but neither stayed for long. 6 Red Kites in the air at the same time over the east side is (as far as I know) a new record for Carsi. A flock of 26 Dunlin flew S through Millfields at 10:40 and my first 2 Fieldfares of the autumn were among a flock of Redwings. Totals of 510 Woodpigeons, 332 Redwing and 76 Starling through. 11 Snipe at WLC and 70 Goldfinch nearby. 1,200 Jackdaws over the main centre after leaving their roost early on.Simon Roddis
24/10/202144 Wigeon,9 Gadwall, 20 Teal, 9 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Great White Egret, 40 Teal,120 lapwing,4 Pochard, 3 Red kite, 18 Cormorant,4 Little Grebe, 4 Snipe WLC ,5 Moorhen, 3 Tree Sparrow.David Armitt
22/10/20212 Jack Snipes at Hopton reedbed first thing. Very little movement compared to yesterday, just 220 Woodpigeons, perhaps because of the poorer weather. 1 Pintail. 2 Kingfishers (Hopton end and perhaps the same at PS hide, and sailing club). 1 Chiffchaff on Stones.Simon Roddis
21/10/20213 adult Whooper Swans flew in at 09:10 and remained off Stones island until 09:45 at least. 8,990 Woodpigeons flew S, mostly down the east side, in 3 hours from 07:30-10:30. 50 Pink-feet SE at 08:55. 29 Mute Swan. 2 redhead Goosander at Sheepwash. 190 Lapwing. 51 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret. c1,000 jackdaws over the main centre early morning. 2 Chiffchaff. c50 Starling and 100 Redwing but no real movement.Simon Roddis
19/10/2021Jack Snipe again at Hopton reedbed, along with a Common Snipe. Total of c75 Siskin, including a flock of c70 over the WLC, and a Brambling with Chaffinches over the main carpark. 2 Pintail off Stones island. 1 Little Egret. The adult Yellow-legged Gull still. Kingfisher at Millfields.Simon Roddis
18/10/2021A Jack Snipe in Hopton reedbed early morning is my first of the year here. Fog inhibited viewing so no movement seen. The adult yellow-legged Gull still present. 110 Lapwing. Definite influx of Blackbirds and Song Thrushes, several of each feeding on hawthorn berries on Stones island. 4 Chiffchaffs.Simon Roddis
14/10/20211 Great Spotted woodpecker ,4 Chaffinch,1 Coal Tit,4 Tree sparrow,1 Nuthatch,1 Willow Tit,1 Snow Bunting,4 Pied Wagtail,6 Little Grebe,12 Great Crested Grebe,10 Cormorant,2 Grey Heron,15 Mute Swan, 108 Wigeon ,3 Pochard, 16 Teal,23 Lapwing,1 Kestrel,3 Moorhen, 1 Little Egret, 2 Meadow Pipit, 17 Goldfinch, 1 Grey Wagtail, 6 Long tailed Tit,2 GadwallDavid Armitt
14/10/2021The Snow Bunting was again in Millfields viewing area early morning. Vismig from Stones 07:30-10:00: 2,100 Redwing W-ish, 230 Starling W, 262 Woodpigeon, 6 Stock Dove, 6 Lesser Redpoll and 12 Siskin S. Total of 34 Skylarks N. 4 Pintail. 2 Shoveler at Sheepwash. 125 Lapwing. 1 Dunlin. Adult GBb and Y-l Gulls again. 2 Little Egret. 3 Sparrowhawk. 4 GSWoodpecker. c1,000 Jackdaw over the dam wall at first light.Simon Roddis
13/10/2021A nice autumn morning's birding. The first Redwings flew through, 840 between 07:00 and midday, heading between NW and SW, along with 37 Starling, 44 Siskin S (including a flock of 30 over WLC creek), 21 Skylark heading towards Carsington pastures, 8 Pink-feet NE. Female-type Scaup (nice find by Mike Redfern) and Common Scoter off Stones island. 100 Lapwing. 10 Snipe on Horseshoe island (MR). 2 Little Egret. 6 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. 7+ Ravens. And others saw the Snow Bunting, again in Millfields viewing area.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
12/10/2021The Snow Bunting was in Millfields viewing area late morning and was very confiding once it was found! Much less movement than yesterday, just 490 Woodpigeons S (and 7 Stock Doves) in 1 hour. 3 Pintail off Stones. 1 Little Egret. Up to 11 Ravens over Millfields/Blackwall for much of the morning. A female House Sparrow in WLC creek was, I think, the furthest from the visitor centre I've ever seen one (310 metres).Simon Roddis
11/10/2021The Snow Bunting is still on the dam wall, towards the Millfields end. c9,000 Lesser Black-backs and 6,000 Black-headed Gulls still roosting at first light. A bit of movement this morning: 3520 Woodpigeons S, 220 Pink-feet (140 SW, 80 E), 85 Starlings S, 28 Skylark including a flock of 22 N past Stones island. 2 redhead Goosander off the dam wall early morning. c150 Lapwing. 1 Little Egret. 3 Red Kites. 6 Jays. 1 Brambling over the dam wall.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
09/10/2021Snow bunting still midway along dam wall till dusk also 2 curlew over north west at c6pm.Chris brown
10/10/2021Monthly WeBS count: we don't get Spoonbill every month! Yesterday's juvenile was at Sheepwash early morning but may have flown as not seen again to 11:00 at least. Only 73 Canada Geese and 3 Greylags. 22 Mute Swan. 4 Shoveler. 52 Gadwall. 205 Wigeon. 127 Mallard. 1 Pintail. 124 Teal. 99 Pochard. 207 Tufted. 26 Moorhen. 1223 Coot. 31 Little Grebe. 49 GCGCrebe. 118 Lapwing. 1 Snipe. 43 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret. 7 Grey Heron. 2 Kingfishers. Away from the water, the Snow Bunting and Wheatear were still on the dam wall, 21 Pink-feet flew E at 09:05, 32 Woodpigeons S (taste of things to come?), 3 Red Kite, 10 Buzzard, total of 24 Siskin, and 1 Brambling over Middle Wood.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
03/10/2021Species seen during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon): House Sparrow, Coot, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Tufted Duck, Teal, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Grey Wagtail, Cormorant, Wren, Chiffchaff, Buzzard, Goldfinch, Carrion Crow, Robin, Wigeon, Pochard, Little Egret, Tree Sparrow Great tit Jackdaw Pied wagtail Moorhen.Gary Atkins
03/10/2021Surprisingly few geese this morning, not sure why. Still 4 Pintail off Stones and 2 Shoveler at the WLC. 90 Lapwing. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 41 Cormorant. Kingfisher at Hopton end. 5 Jays. 12 Swallows over Hall Wood. 11 Chiffchaffs (9 between Sheepwash and Stones). 2 Blackcap. 43 Meadow Pipits S. 60 Goldfinch. 16 Siskin.Simon Roddis
29/09/2021A bit of southbound movement this morning, the highlight being a female Merlin over Stones island at 08:45. 420 Meadow Pipits, mostly between 09:00 and 11:00, 6 Skylarks (+1N), 9 Swallows, 1 Grey Wag, 9 Greenfinch (including a flock of 7), 2 Siskin, 2 Linnet, 2 Stock Dove. A Great Egret was near Big Island at 08:15. 1,850 Canada and 42 Barnacle Geese flew out early morning, and 615 Greylags flew back in. 7 Pintail off Stones.Simon Roddis
26/09/2021Flock of 46 Barnacle geese, accompanied by 4 Nene type geese in field near WLC creek.Gary Atkins
27/09/2021An adult Common Tern was around Stones and sailing club mid-morning. 6 Swallows through. 47 Barnacle Geese. 67 Gadwall. 6 Pintail. 61 Pochard. 3 Dunlin through. 52 Cormorants. Just 6 Chiffchaffs and a Blackcap the only other migrants.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
26/09/20213 single Rock Pipits flew S during the morning, over Stones just before 8 and just after 9, then over Brown Ale Bay at 10:40. 1,915 Canada Geese flew out over the dam wall early morning, and 763 Greylags flew back in. Both look like record counts for the site. 34 Barnacles. 7 Pintail off Stones again, and later in BABay. 80 Lapwing on Horseshoe island and 2 Dunlin from Stones. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 37 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret. Kingfisher in BABay. 7 Mistle Thrush. 150 Pied Wags on the dam wall and a total of 10 Greys. 47 Meadow Pipits, 4 Skylark and 4 Linnet flew S.Simon Roddis
23/09/20215 juv Arctic Terns flew N at 10:40. 650 Greylags is a new record count. c45 Barnacle Geese with at least 2 Nene hybrids - difficult to see and count as they were mostly sitting down on sailing club shore. 208 Wigeon. 75 Gadwall. 8 Pintail. 80 Pochard. 23 Mute Swans. 51 Cormorants. Peregrine past Stones.SJR, RC, AHS
21/09/2021A mere 1,115 Canadas this morning but the Barnacles were up to 56 and had a Nene (Hawaiian Goose) in tow with them. At least 500 Greylags again. 8 Pintail off Stones and the drake Common Scoter way up the res again. 46 Cormorants. 2 Little Egrets. 78 Rooks over the dam wall, 150 Starlings and 1 Yellow Wag. Summer migrants down to a few Chiffchaffs and 4 Swallows.Simon Roddis
20/09/2021Continuing the wildfowl theme, 26 Pintail (second highest count ever here) with 12 off Stones and another 14 flew in, the drake Common Scoter still off Lane End, 515 Greylags and the returning flock of 35 feral Barnacle Geese. 40 Cormorants. 2 Little Egrets. 17 Buzzards. 3 Grey Wagtails out of Hopton reedbed early morning.Simon Roddis
19/09/2021Wildfowl numbers definitely increasing. Drake Common Scoter off Lane End for its third day. 1,300 Canada Geese could be a record count though maybe not one to be proud of 😉 349 Greylags. 154 Wigeon. 3 Shoveler. 9 Pintail. 79 Gadwall. 66 Pochard. Adult Y-l Gull still. 47 Cormorant. 10 Grey Heron. 2 Little Egret. On the dam wall, 150+ Pied and 2 Yellow Wags, 200 Starlings.Simon Roddis
18/09/20211,185 Canadas, 1 Barnacle and 124 Greylags flew out over the dam wall early morning, plus 80 Rooks, 150 Pied and 3 Yellow Wags, 4 Skylarks. 9 Pintail (5 off Stones, 4 flew S). 57 Wigeon. 52 Pochard. 4 Little Egrets. 3 Wheatear (2 on the dam wall, 1 on wires above WLC fields). 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 4 juv Bullfinches in WLC creek still.Simon Roddis
17/09/2021A very foggy start along the dam wall but still c200 Pied Wags, 2 Yellow and 7 Grey, 1 Wheatear (and another on Stones/Watersports). 5 Pintail. 1 Common Sand. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. Peregrine past Stones. Total of 49 Meadow Pipits, mostly heading SW. 22 Swallows and 18 House Martins.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
16/09/20216 Snipe WLC Creek, 4 Grey Heron, 150+ Greylag Goose, 15 Mute Swan, 3 Chiffchaff, 5 cormorant, 12 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 45 Teal, 1 Little Egret, 20 House Martin, 5 Swallow, 3 Wren, 7 Gold Finch, 5 wigeon , 3 Pochard, 40 Lapwing, 5 Gadwall and one Ballon which disturbed all the wildlifeDavid Armitt
15/09/20215 Grey Heron, 1 Common sandpiper, 43 Lapwing, 9 Gadwall, 6 Little Grebe, 6 House Martin, 15 Pied Wagtail, 7 Chiffchaff, 30 Cormorant, 50 Teal, 1 Sparrow Hawk, 20 Goldfinch, 1 Sedge Warbler, 9 Pochard, 7 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 6 Tree Sparrow, 2 Little Egret, 15 Mute Swan , 10 Great Crested GrebeDavid Armitt

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