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
2011-03-2831 species identified early pm. Of note: Barnacle Goose (35), Oystercatcher (2), Lapwing (4), Chiffchaff (6) and Reed Bunting (1 female).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-03-28Redstart - maleNeil Venables
2011-03-251 Curlew --WLC 22 Barnacle geese --WLC 2 -Gt. Nortern Divers -- From Stones Island 1 - Redshank --Stones Island 2 - Oystercatcher -- From stones IslandPaul Highman
2011-03-24Great Northern Diver, at Sheepwash/Lane End Hide end of reservoir, Carsington Water. Also Raven, Chiffchaff, 2 Goosanders, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Goldeneyes.Alan Hobson
2011-03-233 Great Northern Divers off Stones Island. All together in scope and one displaying to two others.Peter Gibbon
2011-03-212 juv Great Northern Divers, 3 Little Grebe, 6 Greylag Geese, 29 Barnacle Geese including the colour ringed bird. pr Mandarin, 24 Wigeon, 4+ Buzzard, male Sparrowhawk, pr Peregrine, 12 Oystercatcher, 6 Snipe, 6 Redshank, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 5 Meadow Pipit, 3 Fieldfare, 19 Chiff Chaff counted on the circular walk, Goldcrest, Treecreeper, 2 Raven, 40 Starling, 2 Brambling with Chaffinch flock near Fishtail Creek and 2 Lesser Redpoll. Dave Newcombe
2011-03-203 GN Divers 2 Shelduck 5 Snipe 5+ Chiffchaff The colour ringed barnacle Goose still present.Clive Ashton / Roger Carrington
2011-03-183 swallows circling around stone shelter Millfields Snipe on Millfields island.Bob and Gill Smith
2011-03-18Regarding the colour ringed Barnalce Goose that has been seen with the regular feral flock of Barnacle Geese. Orange ADZ was ringed on 8/2/99 at Caerlaverock WWT in Dumfriesshire, Scotland as a male first year bird hatched in summer 1998. It was last seen on the reserve on 27/1/10 and is seen on the Solway in most winters. It has not been reported from Svalbard.Dave Newcombe
2011-03-172 Great Northern Divers, 2 Grey Heron, 20 Barnacle Geese, 21 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 9 Goldeneye, female Goosander, 5 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 2 Curlew, several Oystercatchers, 2 Chiff Chaff, 12 Meadow Pipits, 4 Lesser Redpoll, 4+ Reed Bunting and 55 Redwing. Several thousand Gulls in the roost but could only see BH, LBB and Common but viewing was difficult due to fog which lingered for most of the day. Dave Newcombe
2011-03-143 Great Northern Divers and a probable 4th Diver seen entering bay near holiday cottages. c8 Goldeneye, drake Pochard, drake Gadwall, 18 Wigeon, female Goosander, 4 Snipe, 6 Curlew, 3+ Redshank, male Sparrowhawk, 2 Lesser Redpoll, Raven, and the Barn Owl near Sheepwash Hide at 17.55. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-03-13WeBS count for March:2 Mute Swan,2 Greylag,51 Canada and 2 Barnacle Goose,1 Wigeon,81 Teal,81 Mallard,2 Pintail,3 Shoveller,270 Tufted Duck,8 Goldeneye,2 Great Northern Diver,1 Little Grebe,38 Great Crested Grebe(one pair building nest),7 Cormorant,8 Moorhen,116 Coot,10 Oystercatcher,8 Lapwing,5 Snipe,5 Curlew,4 Redshank,1 Buzzard. Also 2 Ravens.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2011-03-13ChiffchaffAlein Shreeve
2011-03-121x Greylag goose, 3x Lesser redpoll, 2x Reed bunting, 23x Pied wagtails in and around VC courtyard at 17:30, 1x Tawny owl at Fishtail Creek c20:00.John Matkin
2011-03-102 GN Divers off the dam wall. 2 Pintail Sheepwash, Redwing, c30 Sailing Club, c25 Sheepwash, 5 Stones island, 1 WLC. Curlew flock c40 seen briefly flying to fields by brick tower. The colour ringed Barnacle Goose on the dam wall, and then later on Stones Island (Orange ring black letters AOZ) The female Tufted Duck with the blue bill saddle AAS again from the dam wall.Clive Ashton
2011-03-092 Great Northern Divers, 32 Barnacle Geese including a colour ringed bird which I'm currently persuing. Greylag Goose, pr Pintail, drake Shoveler, 18 Goldeneye, pr Goosander, 17 Wigeon, c50 Curlew near dusk landed on Millfields Island, 3 Dunlin, 3+ Redshank, c10 Oystercatcher, 2 Buzzard, Kestrel, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Raven. The Gull roost consisted mostly BH Gulls and Common Gulls with c50 LBB Gulls and 2 Herring Gulls. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-03-09Flock of c. 20 Curlew circling opposite Watchtower 12.50; Bean Goose with group of Canada Geese 2.45, close in at left side of path towards Stones Island.G.S. Woodpecker and two Nuthatches on feeder at Paul Stanley, 11.00John Bell
2011-03-08A male Snow Bunting on the tip Sheepwash Spit at 0650hrs this morning. Its calls attracted me to it, after taking a very distant record photo I could not re-find it, also checked Stones Islands, no sign by 0930hrs.Roger Carrington
2011-03-0710.45am. viewed from the tip of Stones Island and looking towards Fishtail creek, 2 Great Northern Divers swimming together , and a third opposite Lane End Hide. David Bennett ( S/T VR)
2011-03-07Birding only at wildlife centre and Stones Island. Of note: Barnacle Goose (21) - by Stones Island, Oystercatcher (3), Redshank (2), Wren (1) - the first found by us since the harsh December weather, Raven (1) and Tree Sparrows & Moorhens displaying.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-03-07A Rock Pipit on Sheepwash Spit today. Also on site 2 Great Northern Divers, 30+ Barnacle Geese, drake Pintail, 104 Teal, 20 Wigeon, 15 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander, 5 Buzzards, 7 Curlew, c8 Oystercatchers, 4+ Redshank, adult Mediterranean Gull, 6 Bullfinch, 3 Reed Buntings and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2011-03-0725 curlewNo name given
2011-03-06A flock of 36 Curlew flew around Sheepwash spit,then lost to sight over Fishtail creek. The pair of Pintail still close in from Sheepwash. 2 GN Divers,4 Buzzards,2 Kestrels,Raven,13+Goldeneye.A pair of Oystercatchers mating on Sheepwash spit (bar code ringed bird) C200 Common Gulls on the water this afternoon, with many more passing through.Clive Ashton
2011-03-032 Whooper Swan on Stones Island at dawn, then circled and flew north at 0740hrs. 12 Redwing on Stones Is. 2 Gadwall, 1 Dunlin and 5 Curlew at Wildlife Centre. 2 Great Northern Divers distant. 3 first winter GBBGulls on Flat Island. Pair Pintail at Sheepwash. 24 Woodpigeon in field near Sheepwash car park and 5 Tree Sparrow on feeder there. Counts of 18 Wigeon and 68 Teal.Roger Carrington
2011-03-02No sign of yesterday's 22 Whooper Swans so I guess they must have departed early this morning. The 2 Great Northern Divers still remain, as does the pair of Pintail. Also 32 Barnacle Geese, 12+ Goldeneye, 17 Wigeon, 6 Pochard, Grey Heron, Buzzard, Dunlin, c10 Oystercatchers, several Redshank, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Lesser Redpoll, Raven and a Barn Owl near Sheepwash Car Park at 17.30. Also a Water Vole at Hopton End and a Fox behind the Wildlife Centre. Dave Newcombe
2011-03-02Viewed from Wildlife Centre and nearby area. Of note: Barnacle Goose (20), Goldeneye (pr), Oystercatcher (2), Curlew (1), Pied Wagtail (6), Willow Tit (2) and Bullfinch (1 male).Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-03-01As well as flock of 15 whooper swans reported already, a further group of 6 (2 adults, 4 cygnets) in Shiningford Creek.Neil Venables
2011-03-0115 Whooper swans between Millfields and lake centre Flock of Curlew (Approx 2 dozen) in cattle field South of Fishtail creek. Bob and Gill Smith
2011-03-01Still 2 Great Northern Divers present, 2 Grey Heron, pair of Pintail, 16 Goldeneye, 5 Curlew, 5+ Oystercatchers, c5 Redshank, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 525 Common Gull, 3 GBB Gull, 10 Redwing and a Raven. A Fox was near the Wildlife Centre early morning. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-02-261 GN Diver off dam wall flying north-west 11am 1 Sparrowhawk ~25 Barnacle GeeseChris Johnstone
2011-02-25From Sheepwash at 10.00 - 11.00 a.m. 2 G N Divers, Juv G B B gull, lots of LBB and BH gulls, 10 goldeneye, teal, tufted D. Behind hide - buzzard, 4 Mistle thrush, sev red wingMartin Kaye
2011-02-24From sheepwash this afternoon, 1 GN Diver 12 Curlew 2 Pintail (m+f) 2 Shoveller (m+f) 10+ Goldeneye 3 Buzzard.Clive Ashton
2011-02-21Very misty/foggy on site today. Of note: Great Northern Diver (1) - off Watersports Island, Little Grebe (1) - by the Sailimg Club, Goldeneye (3, 2 males & a female), Oystercatcher (2) - on top of the dam wall, Lapwing (~300) - Horseshoe Island, Song Thrush (1) - singing loudly near the Wildlife Centre and a male Bullfinch - eating at the Wildlife Centre feeding station.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-02-1743 Great Black-backed Gulls on Sheepwash Spit 0730hrs. 7 Oystercatchers, 3 Little Grebe, 5 Lesser Redpoll. 3 Shelduck very mobile. 3 Great Northern Divers. Pair Pintail at Sheepwash. Pair Goosander at Millfields.Roger Carrington
2011-02-163 Great Northern Divers, 32 Barnacle Geese, 2 Pintail, c20 Goldeneye, 5 Oystercatchers, Curlew, 2 Redshank, Buzzard, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Yellow-legged Gull, 8 GBB Gull, 2 Herring Gull and 260 Common Gull. The Gull roost was c6000 birds but most were well scattered and distant. A Barn Owl again flew in front of Sheepwash Hide at 17.10 and I then saw it in the car park at 17.30. Dave Newcombe
2011-02-1510:30hr - Millfields: Tufted Duck 2 rafts of [60+ each], G.C.Grebe[5]; 11:15hr - WLC, Lapwing [120], Drake Shoveler [1], Teal [22], Oystercatcher [3], Wigeon [14], Usual Birds on Feeder - Chaffinch, Tree Sparrow, Pheasant, Mallard, Robin, plus nearby Dunnock, Thrush(not sure which), Blackbird, ; 12:00hr Sheepwash - Goldeneye [7], Cormorant [9], GN Diver [2], Oystercatcher [2], David Edmonds
2011-02-14WeBS count for February 07.45 to 10.30- 12 Cormorant,2 Mute Swan,51 Canada Goose,33 Barnacle Goose,2 Great Northern Diver,2 Little Grebe,23 Great Crested Grebe,55 Wigeon,102 Teal,106 Mallard,2 Pintail,285 Tufted Duck,6 Pochard,18 Goldeneye,2 Moorhen,171 Coot,201 Lapwing,5 Oystercatcher,1 Redshank,1 Kestrel,1 Sparrowhawk,1 Buzzard. Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2011-02-142 Great Northern Divers, 31 Barnacle Geese, 15+ Goldeneye, pair of Pintail, 5 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank, Curlew, 3 Buzzard, male Sparrowhawk, Yellow-legged Gull and 2 Skylark. At 16.40 a Barn Owl flew in front of Sheepwash Hide to the delight of several birders. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-02-1433 species of bird observed around midday. Of note: Great Northern Diver (1) - off Stones Island (SI), Barnacle Goose (30+) - flew north away from SI, Gadwall (pr), Goldeneye (1 male) - seen from the Wildlife Centre (WLC), Oystercatcher (1) - on raft near water sports centre, Lapwing (~250) - ~150 on Horseshoe Island & ~100 by Sailing Club, Redshank (2) - either side of SI causeway, Willow Tit (2) - WLC feeding station, and Rook & Crow - a combined flock of about 40 birds on the dam wall grassy area.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-02-133 oystercatchers - stone island, shore furthest from the visitors centre 12am-ishNo name given
2011-02-12From Sheepwash 14:00-17:00 Probable 3rd winter Caspian Gull at 15:30 for 30mins before flying off towards wildlife centre and out of view 1 Adult Yellow-legged Gull on end of spit 2 Great Northern Divers together, distantly towards Millfields 5 Goldeneye (1 drake) 1 Pintail (drake) 1 Barn Owl first seen at 16:39, absolutely superb views with several fly pasts right by the hide Paul Thomas
2011-02-09Of note: Barnacle Goose (25), Gadwall (1 male), Kestrel (1 male), Lapwing (140) - mainly on Horseshoe Island, Redshank (1), Pied Wagtail (2), Robin - many singing, Willow Tit (2) - Wildlife Centre (WLC) feeding station and Reed Bunting (1 male) - behind the WLC feeding station. Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-02-092 Great Northern Divers, 31 Barnacle Geese, 2 Shelduck, 2 Pintail, c20 Goldeneye, Oystercatcher, Yellow-legged Gull, 15 Redwing, Fieldfare, 40 Rook, 2 Raven and a Linnet. Also a Stoat near the Sailing Club. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2011-02-08A Dark Bellied Brent Goose at Sheepwash today. The bird was on the spit in the morning and was still present to the right of the hide near dusk. Also seen today was 2 Great Northern Divers, 28 Barnacle Geese, 18+ Goldeneye, pair of Pintail, 4 Redshank, 235 Lapwing, Dunlin, 5 Skylark over, 15 Redwing, 2 Buzzard, Raven and c180 Jackdaw. The adult Yellow-legged Gull was there as usual and the Gull roost consisted of around 3000 birds and apart from 1 Herring Gull I only saw BH, Lesser and Common Gulls. Dave Newcombe
2011-02-06from Sheepwash at 2.00 - 3.30 p.m.- teal, tufted d, 21 goldeneye, wigeon, mallard, pair pintail, herring, lesser black, black headed and 1 Y legged gull. Lapwing, coot, pied wagtail from dam wall 4.00 - 5.00 p.m. pair goosander and female smew.Martin Kaye
2011-02-05Snipe at paul stanley memorial hide, feeding in runnoff to left of hide at mid-day on Thursday, 3rd Feb.jane burgess
2011-02-033 Great Northern Divers, female Smew near the Draw Off Tower then briefly at Sheepwash. Pair of Pintail, c35 Goldeneye, female Goosander, 207 Lapwing, 3 Redshank and Yellow-legged Gull. Dave Newcombe
2011-02-023 Great Northern Divers,pair of Pintail(Sheepwash),3 Pink footed Geese(Stones Island)30+Goldeneye,c15 Redwing also on Stones Island. Gull roost very spread and mainly Common and Black headed, though the Yellow legged Gull was present as usual.Clive Ashton
2011-01-31Very misty on site. Of note: Wigeon (80+) - Horseshoe Island, Lapwing (6) - dam wall area, Snipe - one flew past the Wildlife Centre (WC) window, Fieldfare (1) - dam wall area and Willow Tit (1) - WC feeding station.Ray and Margaret Perry
2011-01-313 Great Northern Divers, 3 first reported several days ago so that could well be the answer to my 3 Divers that I saw last Wednesday. Although I'm still sure the third one that I had was smaller than a G.N.Diver. Also seen today was 2 drake Goosander, 3 Pink-footed Geese in field in Tail Bay. Grey Heron, 18 Pochard, c15 Goldeneye, Adult Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Redshank, Reed Bunting and Raven. Didn't see the Smew but spoke to a couple who saw it near the Sailing Club. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton

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