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
2018-07-26I forgot to mention Blackbirds: quite a few are now feeding along the shoreline of the res because the ground elsewhere is so dry and hard. There were 5 along Stones causeway, 4 on Sailing Club island and 3 in Shiningford creek. There was also one on Stones island with a beakful of what looked like worms, presumably for young in the nest or recently-fledged young.Simon Roddis
2018-07-26Caspian Gull again off Stones/Sailing Club and the imm Yellow-leg still. 11 Teal. 4 Gadwall. 1 Wigeon in BA Bay. 6 Pochard (5 BA Bay, 1 WLC). 28 Cormorant on Sheepwash spit. 3 Little Egret. 2 LRP on Sailing Club island. 4 Common Sand. 1 Dunlin in BA Bay. 4 Raven. At least 10 Whitethroat between WLC creek and Stones, and 4 Garden Warbler. 3 Sedge Warbler on Stones island. Recently fledged Reed Warbler in BA Bay. Moulting female Redstart in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
2018-07-25Several Purple Hairstreaks along bottom track of Hall Wood mid afternoon (thanks JonB). 1 Spotted Flycatcher in Penn Carr this evening.Roger Carrington
2018-07-25Adult Caspian Gull and adult Med Gull at/off Sailing Club 0830-0900; the Med then flew over the Stones causeway, didn't see it again. Imm Yellow-leg still and adult Common Tern. 1 Whimbrel down in BA Bay. 2+ Common Sand. 2 Redshank. 2 Oycs. 45 adult Mute Swan. 2 Little Egret. Good showing of warblers again on Stones, at least 2 each of Lesser White, Garden and Sedge.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-07-249+ Purple Hairstreak Butterflies between Hopton reedbed and the south end of the Gorse field mid evening.John Bradley
2018-07-23On the west side from Hopton end to the visitor centre this morning: 12 Teal, 1 Gadwall, 2 Pochard, 30 Cormorant, 3 Little Egret, 6 Moorhen, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Common Sand, 3 Lesser Whitethroat, fledged Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed, 4 Redstart, 1 Yellow Wag, 4 Grey Wag, plus 6 Ravens over Millfields. Also a possible Garganey very briefly from the WLC which flew behind Shingingford island. Not claiming it but worth looking out for.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-07-22An adult Sandwich Tern was on number 1 buoy off Stones/Sailing Club 0730-0745 at least but had gone by 0910. 2 adult Common Gulls through and the imm Yellow-leg still. 6 Wigeon. 3 Gadwall. 11 Teal. 1 Pochard. 2 Little Egret. One Dunlin on Horseshoe island. 4 Reed Warblers in BA Bay, presumably a family with fledged young. Male Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2018-07-21Shiningford Creek area between 8:30 and 10:00. Pair of Bullfinches, Pair of Linnets and a Pair of Redstarts feeding 2 young.ERIC DEWHURST
2018-07-20A pretty decent morning, 74 species. 46 adult Mute Swan plus one cygnet. 42 Greylags. Pair of Shoveler and female Gadwall at Sheepwash. 10 Teal in total. 1 Pochard. 4 Little Egret in Shiningford creek. 5 Grey Heron. 2 Oystercatcher. 6 LRP. 5 Common Sand. Snipe at WLC. Imm Y-l Gull. Adult Common Tern. Kingfisher in BA Bay. 4+ Raven. 6 Sand Martin. Excellent showing of warblers on Stones: minima of 8 Common Whitethroat, 5 Sedge, 5 Blackcap, 4 Garden, 2 Lesser White plus Willows and Chiffs. 10 Tree Sparrows at WLC and 2 at Millfields. 2 Yellow Wags over. Simon Roddis
2018-07-18This morning: 1 Shelduck and 1 vocal Oystercatcher on Horseshoe Island. 1 Common Snipe asleep on now fledged Grebe nest in WLC Creek. An adult Coot feeding 1 very small young in Shiningford Creek. 1 mobile Common Tern. 1 Redshank and 1 Barnacle Goose on Stones Island, also 2 Whitethroat there, one carrying food and the other with a neat white line down its forehead. Still 44 Mute Swans but could only find 1 of the 2 cygnets. 3 LRP young still on Sheepwash Spit. Adult Coot feeding a big young on Tail Bay pond. 1 Little Egret mobile.Roger Carrington
2018-07-173 Little Egrets again. 44 adult Mute Swans. 6 Teal. 2 Pochard. 3 Oystercatcher. 1 Snipe in BA Bay. Imm Y-l Gull still. 15 Swifts over Shiningford. 11 Rooks over Sheepwash. Simon Roddis
2018-07-163 Little Egrets, 2 at Sheepwash, 1 on Stones. 41 adult Mute Swans but just one cygnet with the breeding pair. 4 Teal. 5 LRP. 5 Common Sand. Imm Y-l Gull still. 4 Raven. Bit of a warbler fest on Stones: 3 Sedge, 2 Garden, Whitethroat, Blackcap, Willow, Chiff, most of them in a small patch of hawthorn. Reed Warbler still in BA Bay, and Reed Bunting with food there. 3 Tree Sparrows at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2018-07-1515 Lapwing,28 Cormorant,2 Pied Wagtail,57 Tufted Duck,1 Great Tit, 2 C.Crow,113 Canada Goose,1 Little ringed plover,5 Mallard,11 Greylag Goose,11 Great Crested Grebe + 2 young,23 Mute Swan,5 Goldfinch,1 Oystercatcher,1 Willow Tit,1 Spotted FlycatcherDavid Armitt
2018-07-1599 Canada Goose,22 Greylag Goose,10 Cormorant,9 Grey Heron + 1 young,35 Mute Swan,1 Yellow leg Gull,1 GBBG,6 Lapwing, 1 Little ringed plover + 1 Young,3 Great Crested Grebe,1 Little Grebe,1 Bullfinch,1 ChaffinchDavid Armitt
2018-07-14Forgot to mention Reed Warblers with food in BA Bay and Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis
2018-07-14An Avocet flew north past Paul Stanley hide at 07:40 but no further sign. Monthly WeBS count: 41 Mute Swans (plus 2 cygnets), 39 Greylag, 466 Canadas, 1 Barnacle, 5 Teal, 160 Mallard, 4 Pochard, 227 Tufted, 33 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 5 Grey Heron, 6 Little Grebe, 33 GCGrebe, 345 Coot, 3 Oystercatcher, 29 Lapwing, 3 LRP, 3 Common Sand, 1 Snipe. Also, 5 Raven over Lane End, 1 Meadow Pipit at BA Bay, 45 Linnet between Sheepwash and Lane End, and JB had 8 Crossbill over Blackwall Plantation.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
2018-07-137 Common Scoter off Stones Island at 08:30hrsRoger Carrington
2018-07-1260 Greylags. 28 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret. 5 Grey Heron. 60 Lapwing. 8 LRP (5 juvs). 4 Common Sand. Imm Yellow-legged Gull. 40 Swallows around the draw-off tower. Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
2018-07-1035 adult Mute Swans plus 2 cygnets. 7 Teal. Tufted Duck broods of 12 (possibly actually 2 x 6) in Shiningford creek and 13 at Sailing Club. 2 Little Egrets (adult in BA Bay, juv from WLC). 3 ad and 2 juv LRP. Full-grown juv Redshank on Horseshoe island, and a Snipe there. Imm Yellow-legged and GBb Gulls still. At least 10, possibly 13, Ravens over. Simon Roddis
2018-07-05Just looked at the Hopton end, Hall Wood and Sheepwash this morning. 3 Crossbill over Hall Wood (1N,2S). 3 male Pochard. 30 Cormorant. 6 Grey Heron. 1 Common Tern. 2nd-summer Y-l Gull. 3 Raven. 15 House Martin over Hopton end, presumably the birds from the villages. Loads of butterflies (whites, Ringlets, Meadow Browns, 2 Red Admiral, 2 Commas) and several dragonflies, including Broad-bodied Chaser, Black-tailed Skimmer and Southern Hawker.Simon Roddis
2018-07-04At Millfields, pair of GCGrebe with 2 small young, plus 2 sitting birds at Penn Carr and one on Millfields island; 3 GSWoodpecker; family party of 3 Jays (at least one juv) (and another Jay in BA Bay); 5 Mistle Thrush at Penn Carr (plus one over Hall Wood); Grey Wags with food - second brood; 5 Starlings over. Totals of 33 adult Mute Swan (plus 2 cygnets), 524 Canada Geese, 1 Barnacle, 2 Teal, 1 Pochard, 30 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 9 Little Grebe (including a pair with a large chick at Big Island), 3 Collared Dove. Second-summer Common Gull at Sailing Club. Second-summer Y-l Gull still. Juv Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
2018-07-03Pair of Common Terns from Sheepwash mid-morning, and imm Yellow-legged Gull there. 62 Lapwing. 4 ad LRP. 44 Greylag. 1 Barnacle. Drake Pochard at WLC. 31 Cormorant, most of them loafing at Sheepwash. Simon Roddis
2018-07-01Species seen/heard during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon): Blackcap, Mallard, Coot, Wren, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon, House Martin, Chaffinch, Carrion Crow, Tufted Duck, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Black-headed Gull, Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler, Great Crested Grebe, Dunnock, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Redshank, Whitethroat, Blue Tit, Willow Warbler, Cormorant, Pied Wagtail, Starling, Jackdaw, Barnacle GooseGary Atkins
2018-06-30At Hopton end 0600-0800: adult Kittiwake flew SW at 0645; 137 Swifts flew NE into the wind, and a Hobby on the same flight path; the GCGrebes nesting near the reedbed now have 1 young; female Tufted with 23(!) young. Imm Yellow-leg and 2 drake Teal from Sheepwash. Pair of Pochard and a Mallard with 8 small young in BA Bay. Stock Dove singing near PS hide. Female Tufted with 9 small young at WLC. Total of 26 Mute Swans plus 2 cygnets. 46 Greylag.Simon Roddis
2018-06-2922 Mute Swans plus 2 cygnets. 41+ Greylag. Drake Teal at WLC. Female Tufted Duck in BA Bay with, as far as I could see, just 1 young. 23 Cormorant. 8 juv/imm Grey Herons from Sheepwash. Adult Common Tern at WLC - it even tried to land on the tern raft! Imm Yellow-leg and 2 GBbG at Sheepwash. Reed Warblers still singing at WLC and PS hide. Female Redstart in WLC fields. 11 Tree Sparrow, mostly juvs, at WLC. 1 Siskin over the main carpark.Simon Roddis
2018-06-257 drake Common Scoter off Stones, 0830 to 1130 at least. 7 Gadwall. 4 Grey Heron. 15 Lapwing. Adult Herring Gull, not to the liking of the BhGs on Horseshoe island. Imm GBb and Y-l Gulls still. 2 Sedge Warbler singing on Stones, and 1 Reed Warbler at PS hide. Adult Garden Warbler feeding fledged young on Stones.Simon Roddis
2018-06-252 Redshank,21 Cormorant,2 Lapwing,190 Canada Goose,20 coot,2 Ringed Plover,6 Grey Heron,1 White Wagtail,1 Little Ringed Plover,7 Great Crested Grebe+ 3 Young,9 Mute swan,1 Moorhen,3 Greylag Goose,1 little Grebe, 1 GBBG, 2 Carrion Crow,30 Tufted duck,1 Reed Bunting,1 Spotted Flycatcher,1 Blackcap,1 chiffchaff David Armitt
2018-06-235 drake Common Scoter from Stones island 0800-0900 at least. 519 Canada Geese. 64 Greylags plus 10 goslings. 4+ Little Grebe, one nest-building in BA Bay. 7 Oycs over WLC. 1 Ringed Plover over Stones. 3 Common Sand. Pair of Redshank alarming on Watersports island. Imm Y-l Gull. 20 Swifts. 4 Raven. At BA Bay, recently fledged Goldcrest and Blackcap, and Garden Warbler with food. 3+ Sedge Warblers on Stones island (1 singing).Simon Roddis
2018-06-22Drake Pochard again in WLC creek. Moorhen with 2 small young at Hopton reedbed. GCGrebe with small young on its back (probably 2) in BA Bay. Only one BhG still sitting there. Pair of Redstarts alarm-calling at north end of Hall Wood. Spotted Fly alarming in BA Bay but only one bird seen. Alan S had 11 Tree Sparrows (2 juvs) - not helped by the empty feeders.Simon Roddis
2018-06-211 sp Dunlin at Sheepwash, 1 Little Ringed Plover Stones, Spotted Flycatcher Brown Ale Bay, 2 Redstart WLC Creek.Neil Moulden
2018-06-2115+ Mute Swans. 387 Canada Geese. 1 Barnacle. Drake Pochard in WLC creek. 2 drake Teal at Sheepwash. 19 Cormorant. 2 Grey Heron. Imm Y-l and GBb Gulls. 20 Swifts. 2 Ravens. Fledged Willow Warbers and Chiffchaff at Millfields. Blackcap nestbuilding at Penn Carr, presumably for a second time. Sedge Warbler singing on Stones island and 2 Reed Warblers at WLC/creek. At least 5 juv Tree Sparrows at WLC.Simon Roddis
2018-06-17Monthly WeBS count: 19 Mute Swan (+ 2 cygnets), 37 Greylags, 326 Canadas, 1 Barnacle, 63 Mallard, 7 Gadwall, 87 Tufted, 18 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 4 Little Grebe, 29 Great Crested Grebe, 133 Coot, 6 Oystercatcher, 12 Lapwing, 6 LRP, 1 Common Sand, 8 Redshank. Now only 2 BhG nests in BA Bay, but a fully flying juvenile at WLC looked too old to be a Carsington-bred bird. 25 Swifts. 6 singing Reed Warblers.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
2018-06-112 Redshank,1 lapwing,1 Little Grebe,18 Cormorant,16 Tufted Duck,30 Coot,10 BH Gull,87 Canada goose, 1 GBB Gull, 1 LBB Gull, 8 Great Crested Grebe,3 Mallard,2 C crow,2 Chaffinch,3 Reed Bunting,10 Greylag GooseDavid Armitt
2018-06-106 Crossbills (probably all females/immatures) over Millfields at 0635. c250 Canadas, 41 Greylag and 4 Barnacles (+ 1 chick). Broods of 4 small Canadas and 9 small Mallard around Stones island. 21 Cormorant. 9 Lapwing. 2 Common Sand on Stones. 1 Curlew. 2nd-summer Yellow-legged Gull at Sailing Club and later at Sheepwash. Lots of fledged Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits, plus Coal Tit at Sheepwash and families of Willow Tit near WLC and on Stones island (at least 4 young). Fledged Nuthatch at Sheepwash carpark. Garden Warbler with food on Stones. Sedge Warbler singing and song-flighting on Stones. Singing Reed Warblers in WLC reedbed, WLC creek and between Sheepwash and PS hides. Redstart alarming at the top of WLC creek. Simon Roddis
2018-06-08Female Pochard in BA Bay. c50 Swifts feeding. Breeding stuff: family of fledged Willow Tits between Hopton end and BA Bay; Chiffchaffs with food at Hopton end and BA Bay; Redstart with at least 2 fledged young in Shiningford creek; Nuthatch with fledged young at Paul Stanley. Alan S. counted 17 Tree Sparrows, including one juvenile in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
2018-06-071 Common Sandpiper, 2 Ringed Plover on Stones at 08.15. Neil Moulden
2018-06-03Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon) sightings: House Sparrow, Gt Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck, Redshank, Buzzard, Canada Goose, Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Oystercatcher, Mallard, Willow Tit, Black-headed Gull, House Martin, Swallow, Blue Tit, Whitethroat, Reed Bunting, Greylag Goose, Coot, Carrion Crow, Chiffchaff, Wren, Blackbird, Willow Warbler, Dunnock, Tree Sparrow, Blackcap, Barnacle Goose, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Cormorant, LapwingGary Atkins
2018-06-021 Turnstone again in front of Sailing Club. 1 Sanderling dropped into Stones island, 1 Ringed Plover over and 1 Hobby past. Red Kite over the east side. Common Tern at the visitor centre. Breeding activity: GCGrebe with 2 small young at Big Island, and 2 Oystercatcher chicks there. Little Grebe nest-building at Hopton end. At Brown Ale Bay, Blackcap with food, Reed Warbler nest-building and Spotted Flycatcher chasing a Grey Squirrel away from its usual nesting tree. Male Redstart still at Hopton end.SJR, AHS, JB
2018-06-011 Turnstone in front of Sailing Club. Pair of Common Terns around Stones island. 10 Mute Swan. 229 Canada Geese. 1 Barnacle. 29 Greylags. 1 Pink-foot. Young Mallard at Hopton end: 1 fully feathered; 8x2-week old; 3x2-day old. GCGrebe with a small chick at Sailing Club island, a nest with 3 eggs at Hopton end. Coot with small young in BA Bay. 8 Lapwing. After the mass failure of two colonies, there are now about 13 BhGull nests on the wire basket in BA Bay. Imm Yellow-legged Gull still. Reed Warblers singing in WLC reedbed and WLC creek. Nuthatch with food at Sheepwash. Spotted Flycatcher back in its usual spot at BA Bay.Simon Roddis
2018-05-3110 Mute Swan: 4 incomers being given a hard time by the resident birds. New brood of 3 small Canadas at Millfields. 21 Cormorant at Sheepwash. 1 Whimbrel around Stones. Imm Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. Reed Warbler singing near Millfields island, and Sedge Warbler still there. 2 young Grey Wags being fed by 2 adults at Millfields viewing area. 1 Crossbill over Millfields.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
2018-05-28One Ringed Plover at Sheepwash; otherwise just the usual waders. 8 Mute Swan. Grey Wags with fledged young at Millfields, and Pied Wag also with young on Sailing Club island. Nuthatch with food in Penn Carr. Tree Sparrow again in Millfields carpark, this time collecting food and flying off over the carpark entrance, so it presumably has a nest over the road somewhere. Also Song Thrush with food in Millfields carpark.Simon Roddis
2018-05-27Two more Ringed Plover at Sheepwash this evening brings my total for the day to 15. With the north-easterly gale that has been blowing all week, forcing waves onto the north end of Sailing Club island, several of the low-lying Black-headed Gull nests have been washed out. A pity, they must have been close to hatching.Simon Roddis
2018-05-2710 species of wader this morning: 13 Ringed Plover (1 down, 4+8 through), 2 Whimbrel, 1 Sanderling, 1 Dunlin all went through, still 1 Turnstone, plus the regulars. 20 Cormorant. 3 Stock Dove (2 on Stones, 1 at Sheepwash). 20 House Martin (14 through, 6 around the visitor centre). Pair of Pied Wags taking food onto Sheepwash spit. 2 male Bullfinches feeding on dandelion seed heads at BA Bay, and Willow Tit with food there.Simon Roddis
2018-05-26A Sanderling dropped into Watersports island at 10:05 but flew off a little later. 3 Turnstone still. 3 Ringed Plover. 1 Common Tern. Drake R-c Pochard. c30 Swallows moving through. 6 singing Reed Warblers (5 Hopton, 1 Stones). 3 singing Spotted Fly around Hall Wood. Fledged Tawny Owl in Hall Wood. Willow Tit with food at Hopton end.SJR, CA, JB, AHS
2018-05-25No sign of any terns this evening, but c100 House Martins around Stones causeway, 3 Turnstones still, and Whitethroat with food. Black-headed Gulls now have chicks on Horseshoe island.Simon Roddis
2018-05-253 Black Terns from 10:20 to 11:30 at least. 5 Common and 10 Arctic Terns stayed a while but moved on. 3 Turnstone still. Drake R-c Pochard. Pair of Shoveler. Second-summer Common Gull again. 4 imm GBbG. Imm Yellow-leg. 2 Linnet on Stones causeway.SJR, CA, AHS
2018-05-243 Turnstones still on Stones island and 4 Arctic Terns past at 08:40. 20 LBbG and 1 Herring Gull through. Reed Warbler singing in WLC reedbed. 2 Tree Sparrows in Millfields carpark, first I've ever seen away from the west side. Confirmed breeding on Stones island: Long-tailed Tit (FL), Willow Tit (FF), Great Tit (NY), Reed Bunting (FF); and at Millfields, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit and Blackcap (all FF).Simon Roddis
2018-05-234 Turnstones still around Stones/Sailing Club. Arctic Tern past Stones at 08:20. 3 GBbG. Imm Yellow-leg. Second-summer Common Gull. (One of the Great Black-backs was hovering over the dam wall, following a Stoat as it ran through the rocks. Probably best for the Gull that it didn't catch it). 28 Greylags. 3 Stock Doves in WLC fields. 30 Swifts. Reed Warbler singing on Sailing Club island, and 4 in Hopton reedbed. Redstart singing at Hopton end. Breeding evidence: Willow Tit with food and Tree Sparrows with young in nest box.Simon Roddis
2018-05-22Perimeter counts of singing birds this morning: 31 Chiffchaffs, 17 Willow Warblers, 54 Blackcaps, 10 Garden Warblers, 8 Whitethroat, 5 Reed Warblers in Hopton end, 53 Wrens, 3 Spotted Flycatcher, 7 Song Thrush, 60 Blackbirds (91 in total), 38 Robins, 15 Dunnock and 15 Chaffinch. Also: 4 Turnstones on Stones island, 5 Jays and 11 Bullfinch. Black-headed Gulls now have chicks on the platform in front of the WLC, and there is still one Oystercatcher chick on Horseshoe island, I guess the survivor of the brood there on 5/5. 7 Starlings were feeding in the overflow carpark at the end of the dam wall and flying out with food for young. I was able to follow one of them back to the church tower in Hognaston village, which it entered via a gap in the louvre-style window, where it presumably has a nest full of young Starlings.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-05-214 Black Terns from 7:00pm till dusk feeding off Lane End.John Bradley

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