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
13/01/2024The adult GNDiver still, from Millfields early morning. 1 Woodcock at Millfields. 3 adult GBbGulls post-roost. Trickle of Woodpigeons N, c55 in all. Peregrine past Stones island. Total of 4 Sparrowhawks, again including some display. From PS hide late morning, female Mandarin, 7 displaying Goldeneye and c250 Starlings, mostly W. Marsh Tit on the Sheepwash feeder.Simon Roddis
12/01/2024The adult GNDiver was visible from Millfields early morning but couldn't see the RcPochard there t the time. Barn Owl in Tail Bay at first light - apparently one has been seen in the area recently by a Hognaston resident so may well be hanging around.Simon Roddis
11/01/2024The GNDiver again from Stones island early morning and the female RcPochard at Millfields. 7 Whooper Swans flew in from the W at 09:35 but did a U-turn and departed again SW. 85 Pink-footed Geese SW at 10:05. 3 Goosander. Adult Yellow-legged Gull post-roost. Pair of Kestrels near the main centre, first time for a while that we've seen 2 together. 14 Long-tailed Tits on the Millfields feeders. c50 Siskin a the top of WLC creek.Simon Roddis
10/01/2024The GNDiver was much easier to see this morning, and the female RcPochard again at Millfields. 20 Wigeon. 461 Pochard (355m,106f). 9 Goldeneye. 69 GCGrebe. 20 Cormorant. 1 Redshank. Displaying female Sparrowhawk. Clive had 3 Goosander fly up the res, and 9 Magpies at Hopton end early morning.Simon Roddis
08/01/2024The adult GNDiver was off Stones island mid-morning, the female RcPochard still at Millfields and 34 Barnacle Geese feeding with Canadas in the fields at the top of WLC creek. 16 Lapwing at sailing club. Redshank on Watersports island. 3 Tree Sparrows and 2 Willow Titis on the feeders at Millfields.Simon Roddis
06/01/2024List of species noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon), from Stones Island to Wildlife Centre: Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose (33 inc Nene), House Sparrow, Mallard, Robin, Blackbird, Coot, Little Grebe, Gt Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Gt Black-backed Gull, Moorhen, Pochard, Black-headed Gull, Goldfinch, Gt Northern Diver, Teal, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Bullfinch, Magpie, Redwing, Carrion Crow, Goldeneye, Dunnock, Greylag Goose, Meadow Pipit, Wren, Goldcrest, Woodpigeon, Gadwall, Chaffinch and Jackdaw.Gary Atkins
07/02/2024The GNDiver was off Stones island early morning, and the female RcPochard still at Millfields. Also at Millfields early on, 2 Woodcock came in to roost, at least 6 (probably 3 pairs) calling Tawny Owls, and 3 Goosander. 34 Barnacle Geese. 70 Pink-feet flew NE at 10:09. Marsh and Willow Tits coming to the Paul Stanley feeders.Simon Roddis
06/01/2024The adult GNDiver still, from Millfields late am, and the female RcPochard still there too. 24 Gadwall. 25 Wigeon. 20 Teal. 442 Pochard (361m,81f). 8 Goldeneye including a pair mating at Hopton end. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed first thing. 16 Little Grebe. 50 GCGrebe. 1 Redshank. 1 Skylark over WLC fields. 2 Linnet over Stones and a total of 8 Reed Buntings.Simon Roddis
05/01/2024The adult GNDiver still from Stones and later this morning off Millfields. Female RcPochard still at Millfields. A pair of Shoveler off Stones, and 7 Goosander flew up the res. 37 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 10:45. c30 Barnacles. c600 Jackdaws out of their roost first thing. 30 Siskin at WLC and 2 Tree Sparrows at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
05/01/202415 Pochard, 2 Wigeon, 17 Teal, 4 Goldeneye, 18 Cormorant, 1 sparrow hawk, 1 Great black backed gull, G N Diver of stones, 20 Great crested grebe, 7 Little grebe, 10 Lapwing, 6 Long tailed Tit, 2 Shoveler, 2 Mute Swan, 8 GadwallDavid Armitt
04/01/2024The GNDiver again from Stones island but elusive. Pink-footed Geese: 90 NE 08:53 and 35 NE 09:30. 30 Barnacles. 54 Greylags. 6 redhead Goosander at Millfields early morning and the female RcPochard still. 300 Pochard. 6 Collared Doves over Fishtail Creek and a total of 15 Stock Doves. The regular Peregrine on the pylon at the top of WLC creek and later past Stones. Kingfisher at Millfields. Clive had 250+ Starlings over early morning.Simon Roddis
03/01/2024The adult GNDiver was north of Stones island this morning, diving actively. Female RcPochard at Millfields. Water Rail and Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. Kingfisher and Marsh Tit at Paul Stanley hide, plus Alan S had a Chiffchaff there.Simon Roddis
02/01/2024The GNDiver was off Stones island again this morning. 5 displaying Goldeneye off Stones too. 450 Lesser Black-backs went out over Millfields early morning. 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull. 1 Redshank on Watersports island. 65 Siskin and 5 Greenfinch in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
01/01/2024The GNDiver was out in the middle about 09:00 but I gather was a bit more elusive later. 37 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. Single female RcPochard at Millfields - also a pair of Pintail there, per the Hattersleys. 30 Lapwing. 4 Willow Tit (2 Millfields area, 2 at the Lane End feeder).Simon Roddis
31/12/2023The GNDiver was off the Sheepwash area early morning. The Barnacle Geese flock flew into the fields between Shiningford and the main road. 375 Pochard (292m,83f). 51 GCGrebe. 24 Lapwing. The Peregrine in its favourite ash tree in WLC fields. Flock of at least 100 Siskin flew over WLC creek.Simon Roddis
30/12/2023The adult GNDiver was off Stones around 3pm. Not a huge gull roost, perhaps only 2,500 birds, and rubbish light: at least 1,000 Common Gulls, 100+ Lesser Black-backs, 1 Herring, 1 adult Yellow-leg. 4 Tree Sparrows at Millfields. 70 Rooks heading to roost over Stones causeway late pm.Simon Roddis
29/12/2023Perimeter count this morning: 26 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 20 Magpie, 4 Raven, 5 Coal Tit, 1 Marsh Tit (PS hide), 5 Willow Tit, 93 Blue, 46 Great, 38 Long-tailed, 5 Nuthatch, 5 Treecreeper, 41 Starling, 15 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle, 176 Redwing, 101 Blackbird, 12 Fieldfare, 62 Robin, 19 Dunnock, 38 Chaffinch, 17 Bullfinch, 51 Goldfinch, 245 Siskin, 5 Reed Bunting, plus single GNDiver, Goosander, Peregrine.Simon Roddis
28/12/2023Clive picked up the returning adult Great Northern Diver off Stones island early morning, later showing well from Millfields. By my reckoning, this will be its 18th winter at Carsington. Not much else of note, but a total of 449 Pochard, the single female Red-crested Pochard with white at the base of the bill and a Kingfisher at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
26/2/2023Clive had 7 Egyptian Geese off Stones early morning, then relocating to the Brown Ale Bay side of Sheepwash spit. Previous high was 5 in 2005. Adult Caspian Gull and female Mandarin from WLC mid morning. 3 RcPochard at Millfields. 300+ Pochard. 2 Woodcock at Millfields early morning. Mistle Thrush singing at the top of WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
25/12/2023Forgot to mention, c150 Pink-footed Geese flying E 09:10.Simon Roddis
25/12/2023Best this morning were 360 Pochard, pair of Red-crested Pochard at Millfields, 15 Goldeneye, Water Rail showing in Hopton reedbed, Redshank off Stones causeway, total of 12 Ravens, Linnet on Stones causeway. Happy Christmas!Simon Roddis
20/12/2023Pair of RcPochard off the south end of Stones island (Nigel, I did try to find you but I think you must have left). Kingfisher at WLC. Pair of Willow Tits on Stones. 45 Siskin in WLC creek. Alan S had Marsh Tit and Redshank at PS hide.Simon Roddis
18/12/2023Adult Caspian Gull (not the usual bird) off sailing club early morning. 80 Pink-footed Geese flew NE 10:23. 35 Barnacle Geese again. c700 Jackdaws out of their roost at the top of Tail Bay early morning. 40 Siskin in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
17/12/2023Monthly wildfowl count: 386 Canada, 35 Barnacle, 7 Greylag, 7 Mute, 138 Gadwall, 72 Wigeon, 232 Mallard, 51 Teal, 4 RcPochard, 468 Pochard, 180 Tufted, 21 Goldeneye, 8 Moorhen, 1,092 Coot, 24 Little Grebe, 28 GCGrebe, 75 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 2 Woodcock, 28 Cormorant. A couple of counts seem a but low, maybe because of the breezy conditions. The adult Caspian Gull put in an appearance and a Waxwing flew down the east side 08:05.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
16/12/2023At Millfields/Tail Bay early morning, 6 calling Tawny Owls, 4 Sparrowhawks, 89 Greylag flew out. Pair of RcPochard at sailing club plus the single female still at Millfields. 35 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. Redshank again. Total of 168 Lesser Black-backs (108 flew S from the roost early morning). Pair of Peregrine playing over the pastures in the breeze. Total of 250+ Fieldfare, including 245 SW. 120 Siskin, including 100 over WLC creek.Simon Roddis
15/12/2023At Hopton end first thing, 2+ Woodcock, 5+ Reed Buntings, 3 Raven. Counts of 117 Gadwall, 21 Wigeon, 24 Teal, 46 Tufted, 417 Pochard, 2 RcPochard, 14 Goldeneye, 21 Little Grebe, 53 GCGrebe, 24 Cormorant. 6 Buzzard. 40 Fieldfare.Simon Roddis
14/12/2023A dull and damp morning. Male RcPochard again off sailing club and the Redshank along stones causeway. 9 Goldeneye. Around WLC and creek, c120 Siskin, 13 Greenfinch and a Water Rail calling in the reedbed.Simon Roddis
13/12/2023Pretty much 'as you were' this morning. 1m RcPochard. Minimum 250 Pochard but count scuppered by a windsurfer, putting up at least 100 of them. At least 9 Goldeneye. Peregrine past the main centre. 22 Lapwing. 1 Redshank. Marsh Tit calling in Brown Ale Bay. c500 Starlings in about 10 flocks through the main carpark at 08:20 - maybe just come out of their roost?Simon Roddis
11/12/20233 RcPochard (mff) in sailing club bay this morning. The adult Caspian Gull again around Stones. Around WLC creek, the regular Peregrine, 1 Brambling, 9 Greenfinch and c60 Siskin.Simon Roddis
10/12/20233 Red-crested Pochard off Stones early morning, c250 Jackdaws left a roost near the Sailing Club, c100 Redwing over the east side, 1 Redshank on Stones, female Mandarin in WLC Creek, 8 Greenfinch there also.Clive Ashton/Alan Stewdardson
10/12/2023Afternoon visit. In the gull roost, 3,250 Common (new county record), 1,400 Black-headeds, 40 Lesser Black-back, 1 Greater and 1 Herring. 2 RcPochard off Sheepwash. At least 180 Redwings came in to Stones to roost, with single figures of Song Thrush, Fieldfare and Blackbird. Late shpwing of raptors included 5 Buzzard and single Peregrine, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.Simon Roddis
08/12/20239 Whooper Swans early morning. 4 RcPochard (2m,2f) off Stones. 9 Goldeneye. 58 Lapwing. 1 Redshank. The adult Caspian Gull around Stones late morning. 2 Herring Gulls. The regular male Peregrine again. Marsh Tit on the Sheepwash feeder. First singing Mistle Thrush of this end of the year at Hall Wood. 11 Greenfinch in WLC hedge. 2 Linnet over Stones (1 singing). Total of 40 Goldfinch.Simon Roddis
06/12/2023No sign of yesterday's Waxwing around WLC creek to 09:30 at least, but c100 Redwing there. 4 RcPochard off Stones. 60 Lapwing. 1 Redshank. 2 Snipe in WLC creek. Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
05/12/2023Only mildly damp this morning. Pair of RcPochard off Stones and later from WLC. 255 Pochard. 2 Redshank at Sheepwash. The Peregrine eating what looked like a drake Gadwall at Shiningford. Marsh Tit on the Sheepwash feeder and 5 Tree Sparrows at Millfields.Simon Roddis
02/12/2023Fog descended this morning but managed to see/hear a few bits and pieces: drake Pintail and 3 RcPochard at WLC, Water Rail in Hopton reedbed and 3 Woodcock at Millfields.Simon Roddis
01/12/2023Very cold and a bit quiet this morning. A Little Egret flew SW (infrequent in December). 47 Lapwing. The regular Peregrine, first on Watersports island and later in his favoured tree in WLC creek. Lot of Redwings and a few Fieldfares feeding on berries there too, and 8 Greenfinches in the hedge.Simon Roddis
30/11/2023No sign of yesterday's Shorelark around Stones island to 10:15 at least. 3 skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 390 birds flew NW between 10:00-10:35. The adult Caspian Gull again past Stones, the Oystercatcher still, and 4 Snipe in WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
29/11/2023No further sign of the Shorelark on Stones island, but still plenty of birds: highlight was a Short-eared Owl over Stones late afternoon, may have dropped onto Watersports island. Single Oystercatcher, Redshank and Pintail, 100 Lapwing, 17 Barnacles, Teal up to 172 since yesterday and Wigeon to 93. Water Rail in Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis
29/11/2023Shore LarkMartin Hanks
28/11/2023Counted some ducks etc this morning: 4 Shoveler, 103 Gadwall, 47 Wigeon, 162 Mallard, 11 Teal, 6 RcPochard, 365 Pochard, 156 Tufted, 14 Goldeneye, 1 Goosander, 8 Mute, 11 Moorhen, 970 Coot, 26 Little Grebe, 55 GCGrebe, 53 Lapwing, 30 Cormorant. Also 3 Brambling.Simon Roddis
26/11/20234 calling Tawny Owls and a Woodcock were at the Hopton end first thing. Off Stones, 5 Pintail (1m,4f/imm), 5 RcPochard (3m,2f, later from WLC) and 4 fly-over Goosander (2m,2f). The separate female RcPochard still at Millfields. The Oystercatcher and 3 Redshank still. 2 adult GBbGulls, acting like a pair. Peregrine from WLC creek. Totals of 9 Bullfinch and 30 Siskin (20 at WLC).Simon Roddis
25/11/2023A slight surprise in the conditions to see 3 Redshank on Stones causeway and a total of 13 Snipe - been very thin on the ground here all autumn. The Oystercatcher still ans 53 Lapwings. c100 Pink-footed Geese flew E at 10:05. 34 Barnacles again in WLC fields. 4 RcPochard again. 2 Goosander over. 1 Little Egret flew in from E at 09:55. Kingfisher past Stones and 6 Meadow Pipits on the shore.Simon Roddis
24/11/2023Afternoon visit: 35 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. 8 Whooper Swans at Millfields, still present at dusk (Amanda P reported 20 there this morning). Drake Shoveler at WLC. 4 RcPochard. Female Common Scoter off Lane End. In the gull roost, c2,800 Common, 5,000 BhG, 1,000 Lesser Black-backs, 1 adult Yellow-leg, 5 Herring.Simon Roddis
24/11/20238 Long Tailed Tit,1 Goldcrest, 1 Treecreeper, 178 Pochard, 24 Cormorant, 10 Goldfinch with 6 Siskin mixed in, 8 Little Grebe, 16 Wigeon, 2 Wren, 1 Kingfisher, 20 Mute Swan, 12 Great Crested grebe, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Bull Finch, 6 Redwing, 4 RC Pochard, 6 Greylag Goose, 27 Gadwall , 1 Little EgretDavid Armitt
24/11/2023This morning from Stones Island 1 Redkite, 4 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Common Scoter (female), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher. From WLC, 1 Common Buzzard ,1 Kestrel and a male Shoveller.AHS
23/11/2023Highlights this morning were a juvenile Great Northern Diver which dropped in at 09:05 and was then between Stones Causeway and Shiningford until 09:20 at least, and a Great Egret which flew NE over Stones at 08:35. 35 Barnacle Geese again in flight. 315 Pochard from WLC, and the 4 RcPochard flew in. Peregrine over Stones.SJR, RPJ, AMD
22/11/2023Still a trickle of movement: 440 Woodpigeons S (and 20 the wrong way), total of 29 Stock Doves (17S), 155 Starlings W (plus c100 in fields on the east side). Totals of 150 Redwing and 50 Fieldfare. 6 Shoveler and 2 Shelduck off Stones. 27 Wigeon. 61 Teal. 282 Pochard. 35 Barnacle Geese (as seen by Alan S yesterday). 65 Lapwing. Single Dunlin, Snipe and Brambling over Stones. 4 Tawny Owls calling at Millfields/Tail Bay early morning.Simon Roddis
20/11/2023Similar fare this morning: 294 Pochard, 4 RcPochard, 9 Goldeneye, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, Kingfisher on Stones, 355 Woodpigeons flew S.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
19/11/2023Monthly wildfowl count: 214 Canada, 60 Greylag, 13 Mute, 1f Mandarin, 108 Gadwall, 31 Wigeon, 143 Mallard, 46 Teal, 5 RcPochard, 304 Pochard, 122 Tufted, at least 11 Goldeneye, 10 Moorhen, 771 Coot, 23 LGrebe, 41 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 78 Lapwing, 1 Woodcock, 20 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kingfisher. Chiffchaff singing again at PS hide.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
24/11/2023This morning from Stones Island 1 Redkite, 4 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Common Scoter (female), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher. From WLC, 1 Common Buzzard ,1 Kestrel and a male Shoveller.AHS

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