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
15/09/2021On the dam wall early morning, c200 Pied and 2 Yellow Wags, 15 Meadow Pipits, 1 Wheatear, 150 Starling and 50 Goldfinch. 2 Pintail again off Stones island. 262 Greylags flew in, most then loafing at Sheepwash. 4+ Red Kites over the east side, 10+ Buzzards, a total of at least 5 Sparrowhawks, and an adult Hobby past Stones. 31 Lapwing, 4 Snipe and a Common Sand around WLC/Horseshoe island. 2 Little Egrets. Total of 45 Swallows and 6 House Martins. 2 Willow Warblers (Stones and WLC creek), a Sedge Warbler on Stones and Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. 15 Mistle Thrushes flew up the east side, first flock I've seen this year.SJR, AHS, RC
12/09/20211 wheatear on the damLauren Batt
12/09/2021Monthly WeBS count: 1,211 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacle, 167 Greylag, 36 Mute Swan, 77 Gadwall, 65 Wigeon, 240 Mallard, 253 Teal, 40 Pochard, 231 Tufted, 31 Moorhen, 1,032 Coot, 28 Little Grebe, 56 GCGrebe, 48 Lapwing, 1 Common Sand, 2 Snipe, 41 Cormorant, 9 Heron, 3 Little Egret, 3 Kingfisher. c50 each of Swallows and House Martins moving through.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
11/09/2021This morning, 200 Pied, 3 Yellow Wags, 1 Wheatear and 70 Starlings on the dam wall. A few Meadow Pipits moving, counted 18. Adult and juv Yellow-legged Gull. 3 Little Egret. 26 Pochard. The 2 Pintail again off Stones. Common Whitethroat and Spotted Fly in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
10/09/2021On the dam wall early morning, 215 Pied, 2+ Yellow and 3 Grey Wags, 2 Wheatear, 5 Meadow Pipit, 1 Skylark, 89 Rooks over and 1,030 Canada Geese flew out. 2 Pintail again off Stones. Black-tailed Godwit on Stones and Common Sand at Sheepwash. 43 Cormorants. 2 Spotted Flycatchers, a Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields, and a Common Whitethroat on Stones.Simon Roddis
08/09/2021A decent morning: a Grey Plover flew SW (calling several times) over the dam wall at 06:45, an Osprey went down the east side at 10:40 and a Spotted Flycatcher was in WLC creek. 224 Greylags. 2 Pintail. 36 Wigeon. 210 Teal. 21 Pochard. 46 Lapwing. 2 Common Sand. 38 Cormorant. 4 Little Egrets. 76 Rooks flew SE over the dam wall early morning, and 180 Pied and 5 Yellow Wags were along the wall. 1 Reed Warbler on Stones island.Simon Roddis
05/09/2021Species seen during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon ... apologies for late submission!): Red Kite (over Hall Wood), Buzzard (4 together, also over Hall Wood), House Sparrow, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe, Coot, Canada Goose, Mallard, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Black-headed Gull, Little Grebe, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Pied Wagtail, Moorhen, Lapwing, Little Egret, Woodpigeon, Teal, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Swallow, House Martin, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Pochard, Blue Tit, Black-tailed Godwit, Tree Sparrow, Jackdaw, Gadwall, Chiffchaff, Robin, Wren, Goldfinch and Tufted Duck. (Also seen by leaders outside the time of the walk: Swift, Gt Spotted Woodpecker, Great Egret and Cattle Egret)Gary Atkins
06/09/2021Roger Carrington, Alan Stewardson, Neil Moulden, Brian Boothby and I have covered the site from dawn to dusk today. 84 species in total. Highlights were a Marsh Harrier and an Osprey, both from Stones island late afternoon. 4 Pintail. 4 Shoveler. 52 Wigeon. 29 Pochard. 5 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. 6,000 Lesser Black-backs came in to roost. 5 Little Egrets. 1 Red Kite. 4 Kingfishers (Millfields, Stones area and 2 at Brown Ale Bay). 7 Raven. c100 Swallows. Common Whitethroat, Reed and Sedge Warblers on Stones. Lesser Whitethroat in WLC creek. 180 Pied and 4 Yellow Wags on the dam wall early morning. 10 Meadow Pipits, mostly flying N.Simon Roddis
05/09/2021A Great Egret flew in at 07:10 and was still around, on Shiningford island, at 11:00. 3 Little Egret. A Black-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe island, Ringed Plover on Stones and 3 Common Sand. 595 Canadas. 53 Greylag. 31 Mute Swan. 211 Teal. 32 Wigeon. Female Shoveler at Sheepwash. 19 Pochard. 2 Swifts again around the visitor centre. 5 Raven. 120 Swallows, including 100 on the dam wall early morning, along with 200 Pied and 4 Yellow Wags. Willow and Sedge Warblers on Stones and a Lesser Whitethroat again in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
04/09/2021A Cattle Egret was on sailing club island around 07:00 this morning then flew past Stones at 08:30. Still reported as present off Sheepwash carpark early afternoon. Third site record. 3 Pintail flew through, departing SW. 177 Teal. 18 Wigeon. 12 Pochard. 3 Swifts around the visitor centre. Juv LRP on Stones. A Dunlin over the dam wall and a Common Sand on Watersports island. 3+ Kingfishers (Millfields, Horseshoe island and possibly 2 in Brown Ale Bay). Adult Y-l Gull still. 50+ House Martins over Stones. Common and 2 Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. 150 Pied and 3 Yellow Wags on the dam wall. 130 Goldfinch on Stones. Not a bad morning 🙂Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
04/09/2021Cattle Egret still on shoreline at 18.25, viewable from Sheepwash car park.Paul Bennett
03/09/2021163 Teal, 19 Wigeon and 12 Pochard. 3 Little Egrets. Another Swift over the visitor centre, and totals of 25 House and 15 Sand Martins. 36 Lapwing. 3 Dunlin and a Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe island and 6 Snipe at WLC. Hobby over the road near Sheepwash. 150 Pied and 2 Yellow Wags on the dam wall early morning.SJR, AHS, RPJ, AMD
30/08/20215 Little Egrets again, and Teal up further to 155. 14 Wigeon. 3 Red Kites together over Hall Wood mid-morning. 3 Snipe, single Common Sandpiper and Redshank. 2 ad Yellow-legged Gulls. 2 Sedge Warblers still on Stones.Simon Roddis
30/08/20214 Grey Heron, 5 Little Egret, 16 Mute Swan, 1 little Ringed Plover, 30 Lapwing, 9 Little Grebe, 1 Kingfisher,20 Pied Wagtail, 2 Pochard,79 Teal, 10 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Redshank,1 Red Kite, 1 Buzzard, 10 Cormorant, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Gadwall, 5 Tree Sparrow, 30 Goldfinch, 6 Long Tailed Tit, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 NuthatchDavid Armitt
29/08/2021190 Pied and 1 Yellow Wag on the dam wall early morning, along with 2 juv Wheatears. 5+ Little Egrets. Wildfowl numbers increasing: 144 Teal, 16 Wigeon, 15 Pochard. 32 Lapwing. 3 Ringed Plover on Flat island. 35 Cormorant. Kingfisher at Millfields. c80 House Martins, most of them over Sheepwash. 2 Sedge Warbler, Common Whitethroat and Willow Warbler still on Stones.Simon Roddis
28/08/2021Plenty of birds though no surprises this morning. 4 Little Egrets. 1f Shoveler. 2 Red Kites over the east side. 3 GBbGull and 2 Yellow-legs (adult and juvenile). Kingfisher at Hopton end. 2 Lesser and a Common Whitethroat at top of WLC creek.Simon Roddis
26/08/2021Evening visit: at least 7,150 Lesser Black-backs came in to roost. 3 adult Yellow-legs. 2 juvenile Ruffs on Stones. c150 Starlings looked as if they were going to roost on Watersports island.Simon Roddis
26/08/2021A juv Ringed Plover was on the dam wall early morning and a late Swift flew past the main centre around 10:45. 2 Little Egrets still. 7+ Raven including a group of 6 N over WLC creek. Numbers of warblers and hirundines dropping daily.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
25/08/20214 Shelduck flew through at 08:40. Teal now up to 70. 6 Wigeon. 11 Pochard. 3 Little Egrets still, 2 Red Kites again over the east side and the juvenile Greenshank still in Brown Ale Bay late morning. Kingfisher at Millfields and 180 Pied wags on the dam wall. 70 Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis
23/08/2021This morning, 460 Canada Geese, 30 Mute Swans, 48 Teal, sub-ad Herring Gull, 2 adult Yellow-legs, 2 Little Egret, 2 Red Kite over the east side, a Reed Warbler singing at WLC, and 220 Pied and 2 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall early on.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
22/08/2021Monthly WeBS count: 267 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacle, 233 Greylag, 27 Mute Swan, 4 Shoveler, 49 Gadwall, 221 Mallard, 42 Teal, 5 Pochard, 299 Tufted, 32 Moorhen, 607 Coot, 16 Little Grebe, 51 GCGrebe, 9 Lapwing (+28 over), 1 Common Sand, 1 Greenshank, 27 Cormorant, 10 Heron, 3 Little Egret, 2 Kingfisher. Also: 3 Swifts over Carsington village, 1 Peregrine, 3 Curlew flew N, 2 Snipe S, 5 Raven, Redstart on Stones, Wheatear on the dam wall.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
20/08/2021A Turnstone flew over the dam wall just before 07:00 and a Greenshank dropped onto Stones island at 09:45. 30 Mute Swans. 3 Little Egret. 50 Lapwing. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 240 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall early morning, and a Kingfisher at each end. Lesser Whitethroat and Redstart in WLC fields. 2 Yellow Wagtails over. 55 Linnet at the top of WLC creek.Simon Roddis
19/08/20213 pristine juvenile Black-tailed Godwits dropped into Stones island for a few minutes this morning, and a juvenile Grasshopper Warbler (another August tick) was in the same bushes as a Reed and 3 Sedge. 28 Teal. 2 Ringed Plover over the dam wall. 16 Buzzards, including a kettle of 10 with 2 Red Kites. 2 Little Egrets. 200 Pied Wags on the dam wall early morning, and a total of 6 Yellows: 2 over the dam wall and 4 on Watersports island.Simon Roddis
18/08/2021A productive morning started with a small wader arrival and movement: a Turnstone and a Ringed Plover on the dam wall, which then flew S; 3 more Ringed Plovers during the morning; 2 Redshank along the dam wall, an Oystercatcher at sailing club and 2 Curlew flew N. Later, an Osprey gave a great performance, coming down the res and floating around for 20 minutes, 10:40-11:00, the first here since April as far as I'm aware. 161 Greylags flew in. Female Shoveler on Horseshoe island. 26 Teal. 7 Pochard. 2+ Little Egret. 1 Swift. 2 Yellow Wagtail and a Lesser Whitethroat on Stones.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
17/08/20212 adult Kittiwakes flew down the res at 09:00 and stayed to 10:30 at least: my first ever August Kittiwakes at Carsi. 305 Greylags. 28 Mute Swan. 45 Gadwall. 7 Pochard. 32 Cormorant. 1 Dunlin. 2 Common Sand. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 1 Little Egret. 2 Red Kite beyond Fishtail creek. 2 Kingfishers (Hopton end and WLC creek). 25 Sand Martins. c90 Goldfinches on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
16/08/2021A flock of 11 Dunlin flying N up the res at 10:50 was this morning's highlight. c300 Greylags flew in during the morning. 35 Mute Swan. 27 Teal. 5 Pochard. 29 Cormorant. 2 Little Egret. Peregrine past Stones. 9 Swifts flew SW. 18 Common Gull. Single adult GBb and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 190 Pied Wags on the dam wall early morning. Single Common Whitethroat, Reed Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher in WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
15/08/2021Evening visit: Ruff flew through, Greenshank dropped in, 20 Teal, Kingfisher in BA Bay, 160 Swallows past Stones, presumably going to roost. Gull roost: 4,000 Lesser Black-backs, 1 GBbG, 2 Yellow-legs, 26 Common, 400 Black-heads.Simon Roddis
14/08/2021Trying for that Pied Wag record: 240 along the dam wall this morning. 2 Red Kites over the east side. 3 Little Egret. 20 Teal. 5 Pochard. Kingfishers at Hopton end, WLC creek and BA Bay (2 birds maybe? Difficult to know). Totals of 50 Swallow, 25 House Martin and 4 Sand Martin. 1 Swift. Female Redstart in WLC fields. The Stones Goldfinch flock now up to c70.Simon Roddis
13/08/2021Pied Wagtails up to 225 along the dam wall early morning. Juv LRP and adult Peregrine on Watersports island. 3 Little Egrets, adult GBb and Yellow-legged Gulls and 4 Swifts still. Spotted Fly on Stones. c100 House Sparrows again at the main centre. 30 Linnets in fields S of Sheepwash carpark.Simon Roddis
12/08/2021A bit quieter this morning. Just 150 Pied Wags, a Wheatear and the Barnacle Goose family on the dam wall. 1 Ringed Plover over. 3 Little Egrets. 15 Teal. Single adult Yellow-legged and GBbGulls. Garden Warbler at Millfields.Simon Roddis
11/08/2021A Great Egret flew past Stones island about 08:30 and was then mobile, settling on Watersports island and in Shiningford creek before departing S over Millfields at 09:40. 3 Little Egrets. Wildfowl numbers: 29 Mute Swan, 71 Canada, 30 Greylag, 43 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon (first of the autumn), 182 Mallard, 15 Teal, 4 Pochard, 370 Tufted (and a late brood of 2 at Hopton end), 16 Moorhen, 728 Coot, 49 GCGrebe, 17 Little Grebe, 30 Cormorant. 205 Pied, 8 Grey and 1 Yellow Wagtail plus 80 Swallows along the dam wall early morning. 3 Swifts. 4 Kestrel over Carsington pastures. Redstart and 4 Lesser Whitethroats in WLC creek/fields. Spotted Flycatcher on Stones. 20 Tree Sparrows at WLC.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
10/08/2021c300 Swallows from Millfields early morning, looked as if many of them might have roosted on Stones. 27 Mute Swan. 40 Greylag. The Barnacle family, still with 4 young, are back at Millfields. 7 Pochard (4m,3f). 1 Little Egret. 3 Swifts still around the main centre, and 100+ House Sparrows there. c100 Lapwing around Horseshoe island. Adult GBb and Yellow-legged Gulls. 2 Kingfishers (Millfields and BA Bay). 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Common Whitethroat and female Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
09/08/2021Early Monday morning, 65 Swallows out of Hopton reedbed and c100 at Millfields, 160 Pied Wags along the dam wall, and single Wheatears on the dam wall and at sailing club. Spotted Flycatcher and 2 Garden Warblers at Millfields. 2 Little Egrets. 12 Teal. 6 Pochard (4m,2f). 4 Swifts around the main centre. 60 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. Adult LRP and juv Ringed Plover on Watersports island. 2 Common Sand. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 90 House Sparrows at the main centre and 70 Goldfinch on Stones. 1f Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
03/08/2021This morning from Stones Island, 2 Shoveller, 1 Yellow legged gull,1 Redstart, 3 Swift, warblers included Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap,Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Sedge Warbler.A H Stewardson
02/08/2021A female-type Common Scoter was off Stones island early morning and later off Sheepwash carpark. 2 Little Egret. 47 Swifts flew SW. Kingfisher at Millfields. 2 Common and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
01/08/2021Species noted during the monthly 'Birdwatching for Beginners' walk (10am-noon, around Stones Island, WLC and WLC Creek): House Sparrow, Swift, Great Crested Grebe, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Pied Wagtail, Coot, Mallard, Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Blue Tit, Goldfinch, Moorhen, Lapwing, Grey Heron, Little Grebe, Lesser Black-backed Gull, House Martin, Sand Martin, Blackbird, Dunnock, Willow Tit, Swallow, Tufted Duck, Sedge Warbler, Woodpigeon, Whitethroat, Redstart, Gadwall, Chiffchaff, Magpie, Cormorant, Wren, Blackcap, Robin, Song Thrush, Pochard and RedshankGary Atkins
01/08/2021130 Pied Wagtails and a Skylark on the dam wall early morning. Hobby and Peregrine from Stones island. 3 Redshank (2 adults and a juv) on Horseshoe island. 1 Common Sand. Garden Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher at Millfields. 2 Redstart and 2 Whitethroat in WLC fields. 30 Sand Martins.Simon Roddis
31/07/2021Evening visit 1930-2100: a few gulls in by then, 530 Black-heads, 60 Lessers, 8 Common, 2 GBbG, 3 Yellow-legs. 120 Carrion Crows on the dam wall/overflow carpark fields.Simon Roddis
31/07/20213 juv Shelduck flew through SE early morning. 1 Little Egret. Kingfisher at Millfields. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and sub-ad). c150 Sand Martins and 100 Swallows from PS hide. 26 Swifts. Total of at least 9 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed and Brown Ale Bay. 50+ Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis
30/07/2021One adult Common Tern around for most of the morning, and a Whimbrel through Millfields early on. c100 House Sparrows at the main centre, the highest count in recent years at least (and one seen carrying and dismembering a Poplar Hawkmoth!). From Stones, c25 Sand Martins, Hobby, Red Kite, adult Yellow-legged Gull, Little Egret, 2 Common Sandpiper. c110 Lapwings on Horseshoe island.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
29/07/20212 adult Arctic Terns were on a buoy off the dam wall early morning, and then I assume one of them around Stones island mid-morning. A summer plumage Black-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe island. 13 Grey Herons. 2 Little Egrets. 95 Pied Wagtails (72 of them along the dam wall early morning). c25 Swifts. 80 Lapwing. Juv LRP still. Reed Warbler singing in WLC creek. Redstarts in WLC fields and Middle Wood. 7 Willow Tits.Simon Roddis
28/07/20213 Common Terns through this morning, a single and a pair, all adults. 8 Barnacle Geese at Millfields, including the 4 growing youngsters (they must have been hiding in the long grass the last few days!). The 2 Ruddy Shelducks were at Millfields early morning (and they can fly!). 1 Little Egret. 2 Common Sand. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (adult and sub-ad). 20 Swifts over Stones. At least 2 Lesser Whites in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
27/07/20212 Arctic Terns (adult and juvenile) were on a buoy off the dam wall early morning (perhaps having roosted overnight?) until flushed by swimmers. 27 Mute Swans. 2 Little Egret. 1 Ruddy Shelduck at Flat Island. Sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull and 2 GBbG, including Onefoot. 1 Skylark on the dam wall. Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat again in WLC fields, and 2 Garden Warblers on Stones.Simon Roddis
26/07/20218 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret from Stones causeway, 7 Teal, 2 Pochard, juvenile Red Kite, juv LRP, 1 Common Sand, 2 Redshank on the dam wall, sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull, Kingfisher at Millfields early morning, Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields, Reed Warbler on Stones (in Warbler Corner, to be precise) and Garden Warbler on the causeway, 12+ Raven including a flock of 10 N.Simon Roddis
25/07/2021Monthly WeBS count: 2 Little Egret, 8 Grey Heron, 47 GCGrebe, 16 LGrebe, 29 Cormorant, 22 Mute Swan, 350 Canadas, 85 Greylag, 1 Barnacle, 2 Ruddy Shelduck, 137 Mallard, 4 Teal, 35 Gadwall, 261 Tufted,, 1 Pochard, 1 juv Goosander, 19 Moorhen, 333 Coot, 92 Lapwing, 1 juv LRP, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sand. Also 2 Yellow-legged Gull (ad and sub-ad), 1 ad Common Gull, 2 Hobby, 6 Swifts screaming around the main centre, 4 Redstarts under Middle Wood.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
20/07/20216 Common Scoter (4 drakes) off Stones Island 08:15. 1 Dublin flying around Stones Island. 3 Little Egrets and a Common Sandpiper on Sailing Club shore early morning. 2 Ruddy Shelduck still from Sheepwash car park. No Black-headed Gulls on Millfields Island at 10:00!Roger Carrington
15/07/20218 Common Scoter, including 5 drakes, mid-water at 10am. 2 Little Egrets. Adult Yellow-legged Gull on raft near dam. 24 Mute Swans and Tufted with 4 fresh young from Stones Island. Reed Warbler and 2 singing Sedge Warblers still on Stones. Immature female Peregrine diving at Black-headed Gulls around Millfields. Still 2 Ruddy Shelduck at Sheepwash.Roger Carrington
13/07/20212 Little Egrets at Wildlife Centre early morning. Adult Common Gull at Sailing Club, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (ad+sub ad) and 2 Great Blacked-backed (ad+tailless imm) from Millfields. 2 Ruddy Shelduck still with geese from Sheepwash car park this morning.Roger Carrington
11/07/2021Ad hoc wildfowl count: 969 Canadas, 4 Barnacle (plus 4 young), 240 Greylag, 16 Mute Swan, 2 Ruddy Shelduck from Sheepwash carpark, 28 Gadwall, 125 Mallard, 4 Teal, 1 Pochard, 110 Tufted (plus new brood of 9 at Hopton end), 15 Moorhen, 309 Coot, 11 Little Grebe (plus 2 young below Hall Wood), 50 GCGrebe, 7 Oyc, 40 Lapwing, 2 LRP, 19 Cormorant, 7 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, adult Yellow-legged Gull. Also 200 Jackdaws over Tail Bay, Lesser Whitethroat with food on Stones island, female Redstart with 3+ juvs below Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
10/07/20215 drake Common Scoter off the dam wall/Stones island early morning. A Little Egret at Paul Stanley hide late morning. 23 Mute Swans. New broods of 7 and 8 Tufted off Stones causeway. 5 male Pochard. 1 Ruddy Shelduck just visible on the shoreline from Sheepwash carpark late morning. Adult LRP and Common Sand at sailing club. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 7 Grey Herons. Skylark and c40 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall early morning. Lesser Whitethroat singing but mobile in WLC fields.Simon Roddis

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