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
16/07/20246 Redshank and an unidentified godwit flew over Watersports at 09:15 but not seen again. 1 Common Sandpiper. Adult Yellow-legged Gull again and adult Common Tern.Simon Roddis
15/07/20241 adult Yellow-legged Gull off Stones Island. 2 adult Shoveler from The Wildlife Centre. 1 Honey Buzzard flying over The Wildlife Centre (about 1400).Dave Brown
15/07/20243 adult Shoveler off Stones this morning. 3 Common and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 12 Pochard, plus 2 ducklings still. At Lane End, juvenile Willow Tit, Garden Warbler, pair of Spotted Flycatchers feeding at least 2 fledged young. 2 Sedge and 1 Reed Warblers singing in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
14/07/20243 Arctic Terns were off Stones island at 06:35, lingered for a few minutes but not seen thereafter. A Common Scoter which Clive found off Stones was in juvenile plumage, rather unusual I think. The Black-tailed Godwit still near the main centre. 1 Common Sandpiper. Adult Yellow-legged Gull off Stones and the first juvenile Lesser Black-back that I've seen here this year. 2 Skylarks still in dam wall fields.Simon Roddis
12/07/2024A juvenile Wheatear was on the dam wall this morning (only my second here in July) and a Black-tailed Godwit at Shiningford (opposite the WLC). Common Sandpiper at Millfields and Redshank on Horseshoe island. New broods of Mallard in the carpark(!) and GCGrebes off the dam wall. Second-summer Common Gull at sailing club.Simon Roddis
11/07/20242 fine summer-plumage adult Knot were on sailing club shore this morning until they got disturbed. Adult Mediterranean Gull there too. The Barnacle Geese now have just one gosling, the female Pochard has 2 ducklings and the lone juvenile Shoveler again from WLC. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 2 Little Egrets flew up the res. 3+ Spotted Flycatchers, including at least 1 juvenile, at Shiningfod and a juvenile Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
10/07/202490 Greylag Goose 450 Canada Goose 17 Mute Swan 10 Gadwall 40 Mallard 9 Pochard 50 Tufted Duck 1 Pheasant (heard) 5 Little Grebe 28 Great Crested Grebe (12 adults and 15 immature 1 juvenile) 3 Swift 6 Moorhen 5 Oystercatcher 1 Lapwing 17 Cormorant 1 Buzzard 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Kestrel 30 Crow 2 Sedge Warbler (by wildlife centre) 4 Swallow 6 House Martin 10 Chiffchaff 4 Long-tailed Tit 4 Blackcap 4 Wren 3 Blackbird 12 House Sparrow 2 Pied Wagtail 1f Chaffinch 1f Bullfinch (north of brick tower) 8 GoldfinchMatthew Fletcher
10/07/2024Redshank, Kingfisher and Willow Tit at Millfields this morning, 46 Gadwall, 14 Pochard (my highest ever July count here), juvenile Shoveler at WLC.Simon Roddis
08/07/2024Osprey off Stones Island at 12.30pm then later seen perched on tall tree opposite Sheepwash Carpark. Also Red Kite over Carsington Pastures.Richard Lowe
08/07/2024An adult Caspian Gull was off Stones island/dam wall this morning, perhaps the bird which has been here on and off for the last couple of years. A first-summer Common Gull at sailing club was my first since mid May. 8 drake Pochard. 1 Common Sandpiper. A Kingfisher on Stones, probably a young female given its shortish bill and orange at the base of the bill. 4 Linnets on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
07/07/2024Species seen during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Black-Headed Gull, Magpie, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Coot, Woodpigeon, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Great Crested Grebe, Swift, Pied wagtail, Garden Warbler, Moorhen, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch, Song Thrush, Wren, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Reed Bunting, Blackbird, Sedge Warbler, Greylag Goose, Little Grebe, Oystercatcher, Pochard, Chaffinch, Common Sandpiper and Mallard.Gary Atkins
07/07/20242 Common Sandpipers this morning, a first-summer Great Black-backed Gull (my first for a while), an adult Little Egret flew in and a Hobby over the north end.Simon Roddis
05/07/20248 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 9 Chiffchaff, 2 Swift, 6 Goldfinch, 1 Buzzard, 3 Garden Warbler, 3 Little grebe, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Pochard, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 RavenDavid Armitt
04/07/2024A pair of Common Scoter were off Stones island this morning. 10 adult Pochard from WLC. The pair of Barnacle Geese seem to be down to 2 goslings now. A Swift entered the right-hand nestbox at the main centre. Curlew and Common Sandpiper on sailing club shore. Kingfisher past Stones. Adult Reed Warbler feeding fledged young in Hopton reedbed and male Redstart in Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
02/07/2024A lovely summer-plumage Black-necked Grebe was just off the mound on Stones island this morning. There were possibly 2 more out in the middle but the heat haze was dreadful and I couldn't be certain. 7 Pochard (plus 3 ducklings). Common Snadpiper on Stones. Peregrine over Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
30/06/2024Still over 1,000 Canada Geese! 106 Tufted. 19 Swifts feeding over Stones island. 10 Little Grebes (including 4 full-grown young). 50 adult GCGrebes plus 50 young in c29 broods. 3+ Common Sandpiper. 1 adult Common Tern. Juv Willow Tit and singing Whitethroat at Hopton end. 2+ Lesser Whitethroats at top of WLC creek. Full complement of 8 species of warbler - haven't been able to say that very often this year.Simon Roddis
29/06/20245 Common Sandpipers flew along the dam wall this morning, 4 Skylarks in the fields and a male Redstart in the overflow carpark.Simon Roddis
28/06/2024An adult Kittiwake was off Stones 07:45-08:05 at least, in wing moult, missing 1-2 inner primaries. 61 Gadwall. Wildfowl broods to date: Mallard 22, Gadwall 8, Shoveler 1, Pochard 1, Tufted 12, GCGrebe 20+, LGrebe 3, Coot 16+, Moorhen 5+.Simon Roddis
26/06/2024The drake Common Scoter was again north of Stones island this morning - fair to assume it's the same bird as the last 2 days, 1 think. Female Pochard still with 5 young from WLC, and flock of 44 moulting Gadwall, some clearly flightless, there too.Simon Roddis
25/06/2024A drake Common Scoter was north of Stones island this morning - difficult to know if it's the same bird as yesterday or not. Female Pochard again with 5 young from WLC. c100 juv Black-headed Gulls at Millfields. I reckon we now have 7 broods of Oystercatcher, one on each island. Kingfisher past Stones island. Garden Warbler with food on Stones. Alan S had a Hobby over Hopton end.Simon Roddis
24/06/2024An adult Sandwich Tern was off Stones island around 08:00, my first here in June. Drake Common Scoter out in the middle. Common Tern at Millfields. 1,088 Canada, 290 Greylag, 22 Mute Swans, 195 Coot. Female Shoveler off Stones. Juvenile Jays at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
21/06/2024A drake Wigeon found by Roger and Alison was a surprise this morning. A new brood of 8 Gadwall off Watersports island. 3 Teal. 3m Pochard. 62 Tufted. 1000+ Canadas again. 6 Lapwing. 1 Common Sandpiper at sailing club, plus 3 at Millfields (per A&R). 2 Common Tern.Simon Roddis
20/06/2024Continuing the 'black bird' theme, another 2 drake Common Scoters were off Stones island early morning, later moving up the res towards Big Island. 281 Greylags. 32 Gadwall. A Common Sandpiper and 9 Lapwings on sailing club shore. Willow Tit, possibly a juv, at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
19/06/2024An adult Black Tern at Watersports this morning was a surprise given the date. 23 Mute Swans - sadly it appears as if the nest at WLC has been abandoned, 3 Mallard were sitting on it at one point. 21 adult Gadwall; brood of 7 still from WLC. Pochard brood now down to 5, accompanied by 2 females! 1 Curlew N over sailing club. 1 Little Egret. 2 Reed Warblers singing on Stones island and 1 WLC creekSimon Roddis
18/06/2024An immature drake Common Scoter was off Stones island all morning. The female Shoveler with 2 young from WLC, and female Pochard and young still (not sure exactly how many). 4 Teal. 3 adult Redshanks on Horseshoe island, one with a metal ring. Pair of Skylark in the dam wall fields, one of them carrying food - looks like the first confirmed breeding this century. Reed Warbles singing at WLC and on Stones.Simon Roddis
17/06/2024Geese numbers are still on the rise: 1,001(!) Canada, 22 Barnacle plus 3 goslings, 180 Greylag. 2 Teal from WLC. New brood of c7 Gadwall in Brown Ale Bay and at least 2 new Tufted broods. 137 Coot. 1 Common Tern. Kingfisher at Hopton end. Fledged Nuthatch and Grey Wagtails at Millfields. Siskin over Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
16/06/20246 adult Pochard this morning, including the female still with 6 ducklings from WLC. New brood of 11 Tufted from there too. Kingfisher on Stones island, my first here since mid April - must be a chance it's a young bird that's flown in from elsewhere. Lesser Whitethroat again singing in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
15/06/2024After Clive found Shoveler with young a few days ago, another success today in the shape of a brood of 6 Pochard from the WLC, the first here since 1992 (we think). 1 Teal off Stones. 1 Peregrine. 2 Skylarks still in the dam wall fields and Whitethroat still singing in Tail Bay. Grey Wagtail with food at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
13/06/2024per Clive Ashton This morning from Stones/WLC Creek; 22 Mute Swan, Barnacle pair still with 3 yng, drake Pochard, 5 Little Grebe (inc pair with at least 3 yng WLC Creek), 2 Redshank, 1 Lapwing, Hobby through WLC, 8 Swift over Horseshoe, usual Warblers singing (Sedge, Reed, Garden, Blackcap, Willow, Chiff). Fresh brood of 8 Mallard on Stones 12/6/24.Clive Ashton
09/06/2024Monthly WeBS count: 44 GCGrebe (+43 young), 6 Little Grebe, 15 Cormorant, 15 Mute Swans, 746 Canada, 164 Greylag, 66 Mallard, 14 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 45 Tufted (plus the first 2 broods of the year), 107 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 8 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank. Lesser Whitethroat singing at Sheepwash, Tree Sparrow again on the WLC feeders.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
07/06/202414 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Oystercatcher, 2 Reed Bunting,2 Blackcap ,6 Goldfinch , 1 Little Grebe, 1 PochardDavid Armitt
07/06/2024A brood of 8 Gadwall from the WLC is the first of the year here (good spot by Alison). The drake Pochard again. 1 Lapwing at sailing club and 2 Curlew flew W. Hobby along the dam wall and at least 1 Peregrine from WLC. Lesser Whitethroat singing in WLC fields. At least one juvenile Pied Wagtail has fledged from the boat in sailing club bay. 5 Linnets.Simon Roddis
06/06/2024Male and female Common Pochard in WLC area this morning - interesting. Barnacle Geese still with 3 young and 2 Pink-footed Geese again. New brood of 9 Mallard ducklings off Stones. Little Grebe chicks still in WLC creek and 3 large young Oystercatchers on Shiningford shore. 5+ Willow Tits on Stones. Pied Wagtail still taking food onto a boat in sailing club bay.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
05/06/202494 Greylags this morning. The drake Shoveler still. 3+ GSWoodpeckers in Hall Wood, including a large chick sticking its head out of a nest-hole. 3 singing Redstarts in Hall/Middle Woods and Spotted Flycatcher in Middle Wood. Fledged Nuthatches in Hall Wood, plus a separate adult with food. Tree Sparrow on the WLC feeders.Simon Roddis
04/06/2024The highlight this morning was the appearance of 2 Little Terns off Stones island at 08:20; they did a circuit of the reservoir and then started to gain height before departing NE at 08:27, the first here since July 2019. Also 1 Common Tern. 1 Pink-footed Goose. 2 (separate) Curlews flew S. 2 Skylarks on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
02/06/2024In Gary's absence here is the list from the bird walk. House sparrow. robin. canada goose. BH gull. cormorant. crow. tufted duck. mallard. magpie. coot great tit. barnacle goose. gt cr grebe. mute swan. pied wagtail. wood pigeon. wren. chiffchaff. garden warbler. blackbird. song thrush. dunnock. buzzard. red kite. willow tit. blackcap. sedge warbler. swallow. moorhen. oystercatcher. greylag goose. house martin. redshank. goldfinch. jackdaw. 35 species recorded.Amanda Palethorpe
03/06/2024Geese numbers are starting to build: 435 Canada, 5 Barnacle (plus 3 goslings), 92 Greylag, 2 Pink-feet. 18 Mute Swans (one still sitting at WLC). 14 Oystercatcher plus 2 chicks each at Millfields and Sheepwash. 4 Heron (3 flew in over Hall Wood). 2 Reed Warblers singing in WLC creek and one still from Paul Stanley hide.Simon Roddis
30/05/2024Barnacle Geese pair still with 5 goslings at Watersports. Drake Pochard and Shoveler still. Brood of 10 unaccompanied small ducklings at Watersports - possibly the first Gadwall brood? 20 Swifts and 40 House Martins over WLC. Still 2 Oystercatcher chicks on Millfields island. 1 adult Common Tern. Pied Wagtails taking food into a hole in the side of the engine housing(?) on a boat in sailing club bay.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
29/05/202445 Greylags. Redhead Goosander flew NW. Drake Pochard still. 30 Swifts mid-morning. 10 Willow Tits (long time since I had a double-figure count here): family party of 9 on Stones and 2 calling in WLC creek. 2 Skylark S over Stones. 20 House Martins. Sedge Warbler with food on Stones.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
28/05/20242 singing Pied Flycatchers, one each in Hall and Middle Woods, and 3 Spotted Fly in the same area. 3 singing Redstart there too.Simon Roddis
27/05/2024A Little Egret flew in just before 09:00 this morning. The Barnacle family were at WLC. Singing Reed Warblers again at WLC and Millfields, and Whitethroat still in Tail Bay. 25 Lesser Black-backs drifted N. 3 hunting Kestrels. Pair of Willow Tits with at least 4 fledged young on Stones.Simon Roddis
26/05/2024Very soggy. Pair of Oystercatchers with at least 1 chick on Sheepwash spit and 2 chicks still on Millfields island. The Barnacle Geese now have 5 goslings at Millfields. Singing Reed Warblers at PS hide and Millfields.Simon Roddis
25/05/2024Mid-morning at the north end: 3 Shelduck and a drake Pochard off Sheepwash. Black-heads now have chicks on the raft in Brown Ale Bay. 2 new broods of Great Crests (3 and 4) between Sheepwash and Lane End. Singing Spotted Flycatchers in Hall and Middle Woods, and the Pied Flycatcher still in Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
24/05/2024A Sanderling was on the dam wall this morning, plus 3 Turnstones found by Colin Penny which I missed. c100 House Martins is easily the highest number so far this year, along with c50 Swallows, 1-2 Sand Martins and 10+ Swifts. Black-headed Gulls now have chicks on Millfields island. Reed Warbler singing at WLC and Whitethroat singing in Tail Bay.Simon Roddis
21/05/20242 Dunlin on the dam wall mid-morning were new today. 10 Swifts around the visitor centre. Total of 28 House Martins flew N. Fledged Long-tailed Tits at Millfields and Hopton end. Reed Warbler singing at WLC and a Sedge (and 3+ Reed) in Hopton reedbed. Blackcap with food at Millfields.Simon Roddis
18/05/2024A Whimbrel flew N past the main centre at 09:30. Drake Shoveler again on Horseshoe island. New brood of 7 Coot at Millfields and the Oystercatchers still have 2 chicks on the island. 4 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed. 6 male Redstart between Hopton and Warrington Knob and the male Pied Flycatcher still singing in Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
16/05/2024A Whimbrel flew N up the res mid-morning. 1 Common Tern. Drake Shoveler, Pochard and RcPochard still. Little Grebes with at least 3 chicks in WLC creek, in exactly the same spot as last year. Reed Warbler singing on sailing cub island and later on Stones, and Redstart singing in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
12/05/2024Monthly wildfowl count: 139 Canada Geese (plus 5 broods), 1 Barnacle, 47 Greylag (8 broods), 6 Mute Swan, 19 Gadwall, 63 Mallard, 1 Pochard, 47 Tufted, 5 Moorhen, 53 Coot (3 broods), 48 GCGrebe (7 broods), 1 LGrebe, 9 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Tern, 17 Cormorant, 4 Heron. Also 1 Spotted Flycatcher on Watersports island (most likely just arrived), Pied Flycatcher still singing in Middle Wood, 4 Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed and a Whitethroat nearby.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
11/05/2024Highlight this morning was a wonderful flock of 11 Black Terns which arrived at 08:38, flew around for about 5 minutes but not seen subsequently. The nice weather encouraged raptors into the air, with at least 10 Buzzards, 4 Sparrowhawks and then 2 Hobbies over Millfields. Drake RcPochard still and 4 Cimon Pochard (3m,1f).Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
09/05/2024A Spotted Flycatcher, first of the year I believe, was at Lane End this morning. 2 female Shelduck were on the shore below Middle Wood before flying off. Clive also had a pair of Teal. 4 Pochard at WLC. 14 Sedge Warbler (12 around Stones island), 18 Garden Warblers, 2 singing Common Whitethroat. Pied Flycatcher still singing in Middle Wood.Simon Roddis

Scroll to Top