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
2010-11-18Black Redstart this afternoon. 130 Pinkfeet low NW at 0930hrs. Tufted Duck with Turquoise/Blue bill saddle marked AS at Millfields again. 267 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 5 Dunlin, 3 Snipe all at Sheepwash. Counts of 38 Little Grebe, 58 Great Crested Grebe, 156 Mallard, 8 Goldeneye.Roger Carrington
2010-11-17Juvenile Great Northern Diver still near the Dam Wall. Also of note today was 2 Pintail, 3 Goosander, 8 Goldeneye, 6 Redshank, 3 Dunlin, Snipe, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 41 Redwing and 4 Meadow Pipits. Dave Newcombe
2010-11-15Thirty four species of bird seen around midday. Of note: Lapwing (18), Dunlin (1) - Stones Island, Redshank (2), Common Sandpiper (1) - Stones Island, Goldfinch (4) and a pair of Siskins by the wildlife centre.Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-11-15Great Northern Diver seen from Sheepwash towards Dam Wall. Other highlights include 2 Pintail, 8 Goosander, 5 Goldeneye, 4 Redshank, 2 Snipe, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 3 Skylark, Kingfisher, Yellow-legged Gull, 2 (1st winter) Great-black-Backed Gulls, 4 Herring Gull, 2 Raven, 5 Siskin, c20 Redwing and 1 Fieldfare. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2010-11-15WeBS count for November: 25 Mute Swan,85 Canada Goose,277 Wigeon,32 Gadwall,209 Teal,263 Mallard,2 Pintail,62 Pochard,578 Tufted Duck,9 Goldeneye,1 Great Northern Diver,35 Little Grebe,58 Great Crested Grebe,33 Cormorant,3 Grey Heron,15 Moorhen,1330 Coot,293 Lapwing,3 Dunlin,3 Redshank and 1 KingfisherPeter Gibbon and John Bradley
2010-11-1338 species from the WLC today, included 2 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 6 Pochard, 2 Gadwall, 2 Buzzard, 2 Raven. Late in the afternoon a Barn Owl swooped by the bird table and was chased away by Jackdaws.James Owen (RSPB vol.)
2010-11-11A male Red-breasted Merganser on the Dam Wall early morning. A total of 255 Pink-footed Geese over East. 200 at 08.35hrs and 55 at 09.00. 2 Redshank at the Wildlife Centre. A total of 15 Goldeneye. Female Pintail, Dunlin, 2 Raven, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2010-11-1033 species of bird seen in one hour of birding. Of note: Goldeneye (1 male) - by Stones Island (SI), Pheasant (1 female) - seen from the boardwalk, Lapwing (18) - Horseshoe & SI, Coal Tit (1) - rarely seen by us at Carsington, Goldfinch (10) - seen by the boardwalk.Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-11-09Yet another very quiet day after an exciting weekend. Notable from the WLC: 2 Redshank, 1 female Sparrowhawk, 1 female Kestrel (two prey consumed on Horseshoe Is - one unidentified vole and one probable Wood Mouse). 1 Yellow-legged Gull again terrifying the Little Grebes, 2 Meadow Pipit. 4 Dunlin at Sheepwash, and 1 Peregrine over just north of the reservoir.James Owen (RSPB vol.)
2010-11-08All from Sheepwash Hide. 10 Shoveler, 3 drake Red-crested Pochard, Pintail, 9 Goldeneye, 2 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, adult Yellow-legged Gull and 4 Herring Gull. No sign of the Whooper Swans or the Great Northern Diver reported yesterday. Although they could have been hiding away in one of the many bays keeping out the way of the worst of the weather. Dave Newcombe
2010-11-07Great Northern Diver 1, Whooper Swan 10 (inc 3 juvs), Goldeneye 10, Mediterranean Gull 1 (adult winter), Yellow-legged Gull 3+ (adults), Herring Gull 20+ (argentatus and argenteus), Greater Black-back 1 (1st winter), Lesser Black Back c.3500+, Black Headed Gull c.4000, Common Gull 30+, Dunlin 1, Redshank 2.Steph Hicking/Roger Carrington/John Bradley
2010-11-06c200 Wood Pigeons over south early morning. 10+ Skylark over, 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, adult Med Gull, female Pintail, Raven, 6 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Kingfisher, 2 Goosander and a female Goldeneye. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2010-11-03Only a short time on site today so only visited the wildlife centre. Dull with some rain. Just 28 species found including Lapwing (~60), Redshank (2), Wren (2) - not often seen on site, Rook (2) and a Goldfinch flock on Horseshoe Island (20). Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-11-034 Yellow-legged Gulls (3 adults and a 1st winter), 2 Pintail, 2 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, Brambling, c50 Meadow Pipits, Kingfisher, 6 Siskin, Raven and Sparrowhawk.Dave Newcombe
2010-11-01Well the obvious highlight was a cracking male Bearded Tit,in the small reed bed to the left of Sheepwash hide at 10:45hr.The bird was heard pinging and then seen well on at least 3 occassions, before flying high to the north west at 12:35hr.We had the time to get the news out and at least 7 birders caught up with this Derbyshire rarity. 2 Pintail, 50+ Meadow Pipits,2 Redshank,4 Dunlin,7+ Snipe, male Mandarin, adult Mediterranean Gull, 3+Yellow legged Gulls and Kingfisher also on site today.Clive Ashton/Dave newcombe
2010-10-29Mediterranean Gull (1 adult winter). Yellow legged Gull (3 adults). Herring Gull(c.6). Pintail (1). Lesser Black Back (c.3500). Black headed Gull (c.4000). Magpies (13 in one group outside SWhide). Buzzard. Raven (2+).Steph' Hicking
2010-10-27Of note today; Skylarks were on the move, Dave had 8 over Stones Island, and I had 5+ over the dam wall moving s/w. A Pintail at Sheepwash,also 7 Goosander flew in towards dusk. The ad Med Gull showed well from Sheepwash from 15:15hr, along with a couple of YL Gulls. A Redshank also in the area of Sheepwash spit. Raptors seen, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and Kestrel.Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe
2010-10-236 Yellow-legged Gulls (5 adults and a 1st winter), lots of Gulls in tonight but viewing wasn't easy due to bad light and distance. Also seen today was c20 Meadow Pipits, 4 Skylark, c50 Redwings, 3 Buzzard, 2 Raven and a Dunlin. Not seen by myself but 17 Golden Plover were seen early this morning. Dave Newcombe
2010-10-22Whoopers and Rock Pipit are confirmed. Spoke to the finder of the GG Shrike, who is a well known Derbyshire birder,so no problem there. Not sure who had the Red Kite, but there was a report the previous day.Clive Ashton
2010-10-22According to Birdguides' Bird News Extra yesterday (ie 21st) the Red Kite was seen at 10.15 over the fields south of the dam and at 15.00 a Great Grey Shrike was seen at 15.00 by the Wildlife Centre before flying North. Today at 8.00 seven Whooper Swans were off the dam wall and a Rock Pipit at the east end of it. Again acording to Birdguides.Peter Gibbon
2010-10-21Red Kite.Drifting over the fields south of the dam wall in the area of Millfields. 10:15am I reported the sighting at the RSPB shop.Robert Stanley
2010-10-19Another quiet day at the WLC, highlights were 2 Brambling, 1 Snipe, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel, 3 Siskin. A marauding Yellow-legged Gull hunted Little Grebes throughout the day but failed to catch any. At Sheepwash, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull in the roost, with c.9 Yellow-legs. 7 Shoveller. Many Redwing on site, 1 Fieldfare over Sheepwash car park. A visitor reported in the shop that a Red Kite overflew the dam wall, no further details.James Owen (RSPB vol.)
2010-10-17WeBS count for October: Great Crested Grebe 49,Little Grebe 47,Grey Heron 3,Cormorant 53,Mute Swan 27,Canada Goose 48,Greylag Goose 2,Wigeon 781,Teal 89,Mallard 103,Gadwall 38,Shoveler 5,Tufted Duck 741,Pochard 91,Goldeneye 1,Moorhen 16, Coot 972,Lapwing 182,Snipe 2,Kingfisher 1.Time 08.00 to 11.00.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2010-10-13Rock Pipit on the Dam Wall this morning, 45 Pink-footed Geese over. 2 Dunlin, Redshank, Yellow-legged Gull, Snipe, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 5 Siskin and 3 Lesser Redpoll. Dave Newcombe
2010-10-12Quiet day at the WLC, notable were 17 Redwing over and 2 Buzzard. From Sheepwash, 2 Kestrel, 3 Dunlin, 1 Snipe. At least 5 Yellow-legged Gull in the early roost. Also, 5 Shelduck and 1 Jay.James Owen (RSPB vol.)
2010-10-11Of note: Grey Heron (juvenile), Red-crested Pochard (1 male) - in Wildlife Centre Creek, Meadow Pipit (2) - dam wall area, Rook (1) - this species not often seen on site, and Goldfinch (~30) - on Horseshoe Island. Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-10-11Rock Pipit in front of Sheepwash Hide with c20 Meadow Pipits. c300 Pink-footed Geese surprisingly heading west at 14.40hrs. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and 9 Common Gull on Sheepwash Spit. Also of note 2 Dunlin, Golden Plover heard only flying over Stones Island. 85 Lapwing, 3 Grey Heron, 62 Cormorants, Red-crested Pochard, several Siskin, 4 Buzzard and 2 Sparrowhawks. Dave Newcombe
2010-10-082 Rock Pipits on the Sheepwash shoreline, along with Meadow Pipits. Kingfisher, Raven, Sparrowhawk,Kestrel,YL Gull.Clive Ashton
2010-10-071 Curlew SandpiperDermot Smyth
2010-10-06Bright and breezy on site today. Of note: Common Pochard (3 males). Hundreds of water birds in Wildlife Centre Creek sheltering from the wind. Predominately Tufted Ducks (~500). Sparrowhawk (1), Lapwing (44), Common Sandpiper (1). The Sparrowhawk tried to take the sandpiper but it got away. Later the sandpiper was seen feeding at the eastern end of Horseshoe Island. Goldfinch (53).Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-10-0662 Cormorants, Red-crested Pochard, Pintail, 4 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 4 Chiff Chaff, 10+ Siskin, 2 Redpoll, c30 Meadow Pipits, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gull and Raven. Dave Newcombe
2010-10-052 Rock Pipits on Stones Island at around 09.30hrs. Also one on Sheepwash Spit early afternoon and another flew over Stones Island just before 18.30hrs. Red-crested Pochard at Millfields and then at the Wildlife Centre. 6 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover and 3 Reed Buntings on Stones Island. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, Snipe, Redpoll and 6 Skylark. At around 17.30 again on Stones Island the Goldfinches and Pied Wagtails that had been feeding quite happily all shot up in obvious alarm. Their reason for such alarm was a Merlin that flew right past us and over the island. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2010-10-04Red-crested Pochard, Shoveler, Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 2 Snipe, 3 Swallow, 6 Skylark, 8 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, 8 Linnet, Raven, Siskin and Redpoll.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2010-10-02An Osprey appeared from over Hall Wood at 12.20hrs and slowly drifted south over the Dam Wall. Then at 13.05hrs presumably the same bird re-appeared and showed on and off until around 14.10hrs. A drake Red-crested Pochard was at the Wildlife Centre. c20 Meadow Pipits at Sheepwash. Also 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, 4 Buzzard, male Sparrowhawk and 11 Swallows. Dave Newcombe
2010-09-30At least 1 Rock Pipit still on Stones Island with meadow pipits at 0800hrs. A Lapland Bunting in flight over Stones Island 0810hrs. 4 Skylark, fly-over. 1 Dunlin.Roger Carrington
2010-09-29Pintail at Millfields, 4 Common Scoter off Stones Island, 9 Dunlin on Stones Island. Redshank and 2 Black-tailed Godwits at Sheepwash although the Godwits were only seen by Roger. Ruddy Shelduck, 6 Swallows and Yellow-legged Gull. At around 17.15 3 Rock Pipits were on the south side of Stones Island. Dave Newcombe
2010-09-2810 Dunlin and 2 Ringed Plover on Stones Island. Over 30 Meadow Pipits present with some on the Dam and some around Sheepwash. 29 Swallows through south. 30+ Gadwall, 12 Pochard, female Peregrine, a Hobby east at 12.40, several Yellow-legged Gulls, 5 Common Gull, Raven, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Ruddy Shelduck and a juvenile Common Tern. At 17.55 an adult Spotted Redshank flew in front of Stones Island then turned again and headed south. Dave Newcombe
2010-09-2711 Meadow Pipits on the Dam Wall and a further 20+ at Sheepwash. 8 Dunlin and 4 Ringed Plover on Stones Island then later in front of Sailing Club. A Ruddy Shelduck on Stones Island and then at Sheepwash with Canada Geese. A single Swallow through south. Adult Yellow-legged Gull on Sheepwash Spit. Female Sparrowhawk. Possible Hobby over Stones Island. Several Chiff Chaffs including one in song. Dave Newcombe
2010-09-27A very modest session today. Dull and foggy plus occasional drizzle so low light conditions. Just 29 species of bird located around midday. Of note: Grey Heron (1), Canada Goose (at least 300) - eastern edge of Stones Island; duck species present - Wigeon, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard & Tufted Duck; Kestrel (1), Coot (over 150) - between Stones Island and the Sailing Club; Lapwing (3) - the only wader noted!; Pied Wagtail (10), Goldfinch (12). The Pieds and Goldfinches seemed to be flocking together on the western edge of Stones Island. They were feeding and also drinking from puddles.Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-09-22A very good day today but the bird of the day was early this morning. I started walking the Dam Wall around 08.30 and was only getting a few Meadow Pipits and Pied Wagtails until I neared the Sailing Club. Around 150 yards from the Sailing Club I heard a bird call and more or less straight away I knew it was a Lapland Bunting. I looked up into the air expecting to see it flying over but saw nothing.I then looked onto the rocks in front of me and there it was about 10 yards away. It then walked away from me and I lost it amongst the weeds and stones. I stood there for a while waiting and then edging closer but still saw nothing. Eventually 2 walkers flushed the bird and it flew up calling several times and flew towards Stones Island. Despite several birders searching it could not be re-located. Also seen today was quite a few Dunlin. 8 flew through early morning, then 4 were on Sheepwash Spit. 2 on Horseshoe Island and another 4 flew past Stones Island. Then 3 more were flying around with 11 Redshank. Near dusk on Stones Island there was a flock of 12 Waders...10 Dunlin and 2 Curlew Sandpipers. Also 3 Ringed Plover earlier in the day. 2 Pintail, 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, Common Tern and a female Peregrine finished off what was a very good day. Dave Newcombe
2010-09-21WeBS count for September: 28 Mute Swan,213 Canada Goose,193 Wigeon,25 Gadwall,81 Teal,166 Mallard,15 Pochard,879 Tufted Duck,35 Little Grebe,47 great Crested Grebe,28 Cormorant,8 Grey Heron,17 Moorhen,1009 Coot,1 Ringed Plover,67 Lapwing,1 Common Sandpiper.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2010-09-20The level of the reservoir has dropped a couple of feet since last week. Of note: A juvenile Little Grebe observed. Grey Heron (2) - one adult and one juvenile. The juvenile was successfully fishing in a pool in front of the Wildlife Centre main window. Wigeon (6), Gadwall (8), Teal (4), Kestrel (1) - Horseshoe Island. Two well developed juvenile Moorhens seen. Lapwing (~20), Collared Dove (10), Willow Warbler (1) and Willow Tit (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-09-20Of note today: 27 Meadow Pipit, c100 Starling and a Grey Wagatil on the Dam Wall. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls, c12 Chiff Chaff, 102 Swallows south throughout the day, also 15 Housemartins. 6 Dunlin on Sheepwash Spit. 2 Spotted Flycatchers and a Lesser Whitethroat on Wildlife Centre Creek. 2 Raven, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk. Dave Newcombe
2010-09-17Of note: Canada Goose (~200) - Wildlife Cente Creek & Shiningford Creek area, Gadwall (12), Teal (2), Lapwing (2), Redshank (1), Common Sandpiper (1), Tree Sparrow (~30) - all feeding on bird table at the same time!; Goldfinch (~40) - active flock on Stones Island.Ray and Margaret Perry
2010-09-15Osprey mid morning. 22 Greylag flew over Millfields. 26 feral Barnacle Geese on Stones Island. 450 Canada Geese at dusk. Up to 9 Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank and 2 Oystercatchers flew in at dusk. 1 Adult Kittiwake flew thru east at 1630hrs. A Barn Owl used Sheepwash Hide as a hunting post around 6pm for 35minutes.Roger Carrington
2010-09-14As well as the sightings already mentioned, 16 Greylags, 105 Wigeon, 20+ Meadow Pipits, 45 Swallows, Hobby, 2 Sparrowhawks, Yellow Wagtail, 2 Raven and 2 Buzzards. The Osprey has been spending quite a bit of time around the Fishtail Creek area and could well be roosting there. It now and again flies up the water giving good views from Sheepwash and P. Stanley hides. Dave Newcombe
2010-09-14Wryneck still present until at least 18:30 mostly feeding in leaf litter around the curbs near the slipway. With patience showed very well, no need to approach. Also, WLC: Osprey fishing in the middle waters. 1 Greenshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Grey Heron, c.60 Goldfinch and 2 Linnet before midday when STW ranger mowed Horseshoe Island after which little else arrived, however 1 Kestrel successfully hunted. 1 Sedge Warbler (briefly) and 2 Chiffchaff in the willow. 2 Willow Tits, 1 Yellow-legged Gull.James Owen (RSPB vol.)
2010-09-14Wryneck. Found at 1740hrs, went into bushes, then showed from 1845 to 1930hrs. From Millfielfds car park, walk towards the dam wall, it was on the water side of the paved approach path to the large paved circle. The bird was feeding along the kerb between the paving and bushes. To give the bird space to come out of the bushes and feed we were viewing from the slipway behind the 'no swimming' sign.Roger Carrington
2010-09-13An Osprey at c11.30hrs caught a fish after several attempts and carried the fish down Hopton Arm around 30 minutes later. Also of note today was 37 Meadow Pipits, 34 Housemartins, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 23 Swallows, 4+ Grey Heron, Redshank, 2 Common Sandpipers, 60 Cormorants, 72 Wigeon, Kingfisher, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, Common Whitethroat, 3 Blackcap, 4 Bullfinch, female Sparrowhawk and c90 Goldfinch. Roger will no doubt post at some point but shortly after 17.30 this evening Roger found a Wryneck in bushes at the south end of the Dam Wall past the draw off tower near the slipway. Dave Newcombe
2010-09-09Hobby JuvenileJohn Mowbray

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