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
2009-06-16WeBS count for Sunday 14th June 07.15 to 10.15 hours. 16 Mute Swan,537 Canada Goose,6 Barnacle Goose,47 Mallard,129 Tufted Duck,10 Little Grebe,25 Great Crested Grebe,4 Cormorant,3 Heron,11 Moorhen,68 Coot,8 Oystercatcher,2 Lapwing,4 Redshank,25 Black-headed Gull,2 Common Tern,1 Kingfisher and 1 Sparrowhawk.Peter Gibbon
2009-06-16Fairly quiet on site, of note were; Broods of 3 Moorhen at Sheepwash,and 4 at WLC pond. Single drake Gadwall still at WLC. Common Tern on Flat Island. Pair of Bullfinch on Paul Stanley feeding station.Clive Ashton
2009-06-15Thought you'd be interested to hear that during a walk from Carsington Water I spotted a Red Kite being mobbed by crows! I'm not sure if they've been seen in the area before but thought I'd contact you just in case they haven't. Seeing it made mine and my husband's day! A brilliant sight. Regards, GlenGlenys Torr
2009-06-14A Yellowhammer (red listed) seen at Bullhill Farm Kirk Ireton. The first I have seen in the Parish for years. 54 sightings in the parish in 1988. Appears not to have been recorded in CBC sightings so be aware that they are in the neighbourhood. dave williams
2009-06-113 Black-tailed Godwits on Stones Island, 0730hrs. At least 2 Swifts around the Visitor Centre eaves, breeding would be a first at Carsington. Jay carrying food in Hall Wood, showing breeding. Pair of Reed Bunting feeding young in Hopton Arm Reedbed, and Reed Warbler still singing. Common Tern pair with nest on Flat Island, but hidden behind vegitation when viewed from P S Hide.Roger Carrington
2009-06-10Of note: A pair of Mute Swans with five quite small cygnets. A pair of Gadwall. A female Mallard with four sturdy ducklings. Four Oystercatchers. A Common Tern fishing near the sailing club. A pair of Redshanks behaved as if defending a nest or young. Another observer told us he thought he had seen a very young bird but we did not see it. The Redshank pair attacked a Moorhen and also drove off a Crow and a Jackdaw. They were very aggressive. The pair were active at the water's edge between the wildlife centre and the watersports centre.Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-06-10A few highlights for today. At the Wildlife Centre was 3 Gadwall, and a pair of Redshank with one small youngster. A pair of Common Terns, and Oystercatcher with one young on Flat Island. Reed Warbler singing at Hopton End and also a Spotted Flycatcher there. 3 Broods of Mute Swan 3/5/6.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2009-06-04Of note: Barnacle Goose (4), Gadwall (pr), Mallard inc. a female with 3 very small ducklings & a female with 3 well grown youngsters, Oystercatcher (2), Redshank (1), Common Tern (2) - sitting on orange buoys near Horseshoe Island, Song Thrush (2): WARBLERS: Sedge, Garden, Willow, Whitethroat, and Blackcap + Chiffchaff; Blue Tits feeding young in box 0305, Great Tits feeding young in box 0304. A Great Tit youngster could occasionally be seen poking its fluffy head out through the hole in the box. Reed Bunting (singing male). Insects: Common Blue damselfly - a mating pair, Buff-tailed Bumblebee, Small White, Large White and Painted Lady butterflies.Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-06-01As already stated a Black Tern this morning, also 4 Black Terns to at least 17.15. Reed Warbler briefly singing to the left of Sheepwash Hide. Not many more highlights apart from several Buzzards and a Raven. A pair of Oystercatchers feeding 2 young on flat island, Coots feeding 5 young to the left of Paul Stanley hide and a family of Blue Tits by Sheepwash Hide.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2009-06-014 Black Terns now present at 17:30hrs, and the 2 Common Scoters also. Reed Warbler singing at base of Sheepwash spit.Clive Ashton
2009-06-01This morning: 1 Black Tern, at least 2 Common Terns, pair of Common Scoter, Reed Warbler singing in Hopton Arm Reedbed, Pied Flycatcher still singing in Fishtail Creek but distant, 2 Spotted Flycatchers in Hall Wood and 1 in Middle Wood, Treecreeper singing and 1 family party in Hall Wood and another Treecreeper singing in Middle Wood.No name given
2009-05-28Because of half-term and the sunny weather it was very busy on site today. We found 40 species of bird around midday. Of note: Barnacle Goose (4), Mallard - including a female with 5 very well developed ducklings, Common Buzzard being harrassed by Crows near the dam wall, Pheasant (2 heard), Common Tern (2) - on the raft near the Watersports Centre, Swift (2), Great Spotted Woodpecker (1 female) - next to Shiningford Creek, Common Whitethroat (2), Garden Warbler (1), Blackcap(2), Chiffchaff (2), Willow Warbler (2) and Reed Bunting (2 singing males). Butterflies: Orange Tip, Small White, Large White, Green-veined White, Wall and Red Admiral. Also Water Boatmen and hundreds, perhaps thousands of tadpoles in the pond next to the Wildlife Centre.Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-05-24Millfields Island late afternoon - Barnacle Geese 3 pairs with 4nr goslings between them. Looked like 1+1&2. Swallows nesting inside the wooden furniture house.David & Sue Edmonds
2009-05-22A Whitethroat probably female, near the reed beds by the Hopton crossing.Bob and Gill Smith
2009-05-18Not a lot about today but did get two cracking birds. A Cuckoo flew over Wildlife Centre Creek and perched long enough for me to get my scope on it before disappearing. And then a Hobby flew from the east and headed over Sheepwash hide shortly before 15.00. Also of note was a pair of Barnacle Geese with 4 young on Stones Island, a single Dunlin on Horseshoe Island, a flock of 7 Waders flew across the water which I think were also Dunlin. Dave Newcombe
2009-05-17Belated WeBS count done on Sunday 10th May. Mute Swan 13,Canada Goose 107,Barnacle Goose 14,Mallard 34,Tufted Duck 101,Great Northern Diver 1,Little Grebe 16,Great Crested Grebe 24,Cormorant 1,Grey Heron 1,Moorhen 19,Coot 80,Oystercatcher 12,Little Ringed Plover 2,Lapwing 4,Redshank 5,Common Sandpiper 2,Black-headed Gull 20,Common Tern 2.Peter Gibbon
2009-05-15Quick visit this morning: 8 Turnstone,5 on the raft near Watersports and 3 on the Island. 1 Sanderling on Sailing Club Island 3 Gadwall on Horseshoe Island. 100+ Swallows, and many House Martins/Swifts.Clive Ashton
2009-05-13With the weather being wet and windy today I thought there was a good chance of getting some migrants blown in but I didn't expect it to be quite so good. Spoke to a birder first thing who said he had had about a dozen distant Terns but couldn't quite ID them so they went down as 'Commic Terns' I made my way to Sheepwash and sat there a while before the first flock of Terns flew through....17 Arctics and 1 Black Tern followed by a further 7 Arctics 10 minutes later. Another Black Tern flew through and then 4 more later in the day. Throughout the day there were more flocks including one of 27 Arctics around 17.00. In total there was at least 80 Arctic Terns throughout the day plus 2 Common Terns. Other highlights include 3 or 4 Common Sandpipers, at least 2 Sanderlings, a Turnstone, several Dunlin, 2 Ringed Plovers, at least 2 Little Ringed Plovers, female Yellow Wagtail and a stunning adult Med Gull on Horseshoe Island to end the day. There were also literally 100's of Swifts, Housemartins and Swallows with a fair few Sandmartins too. Dave Newcombe
2009-05-12From WLC: 2 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Tern, 1 Buzzard over toward pylons on left, 8 House Martins, 6 Swift. From Paul Stanley: 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin (in plumage), 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Pied Wagtail, 3 Pheasants (1 male), 1 Blackcap, 2 Willow tit, 1 Chiffchaff, 1 Sand Martin (north).Richard and Frances Pittam
2009-05-11Pair of Oystercatchers with 2 chicks on Millfields islandBob and Gill Smith
2009-05-09Great Northern Diver (1) - Still present against the dam wall, sailing club end, immediately after the dawn chorus walk.David & Sue Edmonds
2009-05-09DAWN CHORUS WALK :Willow Warbler,Chiffcaff,Garden Warbler,Blackcap and Whitethroat all singing well and showing themselves for the group. Also Robin,Dunnock,Wren,Blackbird,Song Thrush,Great and Blue Tit,Chaffinch,Bullfinch,Woodpigeon,Tree Sparrow and Reed Bunting singing or calling.Great Spotted Woodpecker and Kestrel.Pair of Common Terns trying valiantly to fight for the tern raft against Black-headed Gulls.A Whimbrel and two Dunlin seen from the hide at the end of the walk.Finally the Dunlin and a Redshank were scared off from the west bank by a Fox that slowly made its way along the shoreline looking for food. Peter Gibbon & Roger Carrington
2009-05-08Yesterday afternoon, Phil and Mike from Fisheries towed the tern raft back into position, in front of the Wildlife Centre. Whilst locking up the Wildlife Centre at 18.30, I had a look around and noticed the two Common Terns, which I believe have been hanging around the site for a few days. They were both sat on the new Watersports raft initially, but then one moved over to the tern raft and fought off five Black-headed Gulls. It was then joined by the other tern. Chris Johnstone informed me that they were both still on the raft this morning.Paul Bennett
2009-05-064 Whimbrel and a Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe Island, 2 Dunlin on Stones Island and then 5 on Sheepwash Spit later in the day. Good views of the Great Northern Diver from the Wildlife Centre and then at Lane End Hide. Shelduck, c50 Swifts, Ringed Plover, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Raven. Lots of Hirundines in the early morning drizzle. Female Teal, Mallard with 8 young and Canada Geese with 6 young. A lot of Warblers in now including Lesser Whitethroat by brick tower, 5+ Common Whitethroats and numerous Chiff Chaffs, Willow Warblers, Blackcaps and Garden Warblers. Also Robin feeding young in Hall Wood. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2009-05-06Whilst checking the CCTV function in the Wildlife Centre this morning, I found three Whimbrel on the back of Horseshoe Island at 07.20. They were still there at 08.45, but were still in the same place, so frustratingly, could still only be viewed with the camera!(at least we've got one I suppose!). I also had a Yellow Wagtail on Stones Island at 18.40 on Monday 4th.Paul Bennett
2009-05-04Barnacle Goose (7), Mallard ducklings (9), Oystercatcher (3), Redshank (3), Common Gull (1), Garden Warbler (1) - Stones Island, Blackcap (2), Chiffchaff (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-05-04Great Northern Diver (Adult Summer) from Sheepwash Hide late afternoon. 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher from Wildlife Centre. 20+ Barnacle Goose, 3 Cackling Canada Goose, 12+ Swift from Stones Island.Paul Thomas
2009-05-02Sheepwash Hide Common Sandpiper (1), GN Diver (1) 4:45pm - 6pm.; Kestrel(1): 6pm Paul Stanley same Diver still well visible, Little Ringed plover (1), Redshank (1). Pied Wagtail (2, see notes)David & Sue Edmonds
2009-05-011 Great Northern Diver,between Lane End and Watersports. 2 Lesser Whitethroat,and 2 Common Whitethroat between Sheepwash and WLC. Butterflies: 30+ Green veined White,3 Orange Tip,2 Brimstone and 1 Peacock.Clive Ashton
2009-04-281 Bar tailed Godwit 1 GN Diver 1 LRP c8 Swift 2 GreylagClive Ashton
2009-04-27Steady rain until late afternoon. Barnacle Goose (10), Oystercatcher (2), Lapwing (2), Curlew (2) - Horseshoe Island; Redshank (3), Sand Martin (1), Swallow (over 50), House Martin (1), Song Thrush (2), Chiffhaff (1), Willow Warbler (5), Bullfinch (pr) and Reed Bunting (1 male).Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-04-27Highlights.... 1 Avocet (Horseshoe), 1 (summer plumage) Bar tailed Godwit (SFord Creek), Lesser Whitethroat (SFord creek), Redshank 2plus pairs displaying etc, 1 pair Mandarin. Steph Hicking
2009-04-25The two Great Northern Divers still present off Fishtail Creek pm.Alan Lewin
2009-04-24Black TernJohn Mowbray
2009-04-23CBC Evening walk of the 21st April: The 2 Great Northern Divers were seen clearly and 1 Shelduck. All the Wagtails seen were pied and summer migrants included House and Sand Martin Swallow in good numbers. Little Ringed Plovers on the yachting launch area were seen plus Oystercatcher, Redshank and 3 Curlew. Before the walk a Snipe was flushed on Stones Island and at 16.30 a Common Tern appeared on a buoy before being found again with the Black-headed Gulls at the Wildlife Centre. Unfortunately by the time the group came to the centre at 20.15 it had gone. Peter Gibbon
2009-04-22A Honey Buzzard circled over the Hopton Inlet from about 12.20-12.30.p.m. having come in from the West. Escorted east by 2 Common Buzzards. Also 1 Dunlin briely on Stones mid-morning and a Garden Warbler singing quietly behind Sheepwash Hide at dinnertime. Both Great Northern Divers still present and a Shelduck of Lane End Hide.rOD kEY
2009-04-212 Great Northern Divers towards the dam early morning.Of note from WLC: 2 Redshank, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 White Wagtail, 2 Pied Wagtail, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Shelduck, 1 Cackling Goose (among many Canadas and Barnacles). 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Bullfinch all on bird table.Elsewhere, 1 White Wagtail on Flat Is, many singing Blackcaps between WLC and Sheepwash.James Owen (ABB)
2009-04-21WeBS count for April(7.00-10.00) 1 Great Northern Diver, 31 Great Crested Grebe, 18 Little Grebe, 9 Mute Swan, 98 Canada Goose, 12 Barnacle Goose, 2 Shelduck, 38 Mallard(+10 young), 215 Tufted Duck, 16 Moorhen, 115 Coot, 2 Lapwing, 8 Oystercatcher, 4 Redshank, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 113 Black-headed Gull. Also big numbers of swallow.Peter Gibbon
2009-04-217:45pm Millfields Bay - Mandarin Duck pair M&F.David & Sue Edmonds
2009-04-20Nice day on site. Wall to wall sunshine and a blue sky. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (19), Mallard (inc 10 ducklings) - near Sailing Club; Pheasant (1), Oystercatcher (3), Lapwing (2), Redshank (2), House Martin - several around the visitor centre; COMMON WHITETHROAT (1) - in hedge by path next to Shiningford Creek [near post 5G]; Blackcap (4) - 3 singing males & 1 fem; Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler.Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-04-17At Sheepwash this evening: 35 Arctic Terns 12 Little Gulls 2 Mallard young. Also 4 Yellow Wagatils over Stones Island.Clive Ashton
2009-04-17Swallows (8 - 10nr), difficult to count in the strong wind Yellow Wagtail (5nr) looked like 4 male 1 female, Pied Wagtail (11 - 12nr) including 1nr possible White Wagtail, Goldfinch (2) Redshank (4), Little Ringed Plover (2), Oystercatcher (3), Barnacle Goose (2) David & Sue Edmonds
2009-04-15Misty and rather dull on site today. A very strong northerly wind was blowing. White horses on the res!OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (13), Oystercatcher (3), Lapwing (4), Redshank (7), Swallow (~50), House Martin (1), Chiffchaff (2) and Willow Warbler (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-04-14Sandwich Tern off Stones Island, mid morning. 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 GN Diver.Clive Ashton
2009-04-134 Common Scoter, 2m2f,from Stones Island this evening. 2 GN Divers from Sheepwash.Clive Ashton
2009-04-12Quiet again from the Wildlife Centre, with 4 Redshank, who appear to be attracted to the roof, squabbling Oystercatchers, squabbling Barnacle Geese - guess its the time of year. View of the GND from rear of Watersports Centre. From Stones Island - 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher (nesting?), 12 Barnacle Geese, numerous Chiffchaff, at least 4 Willow Warblers, 1 possible Garden Warbler, 2 Bullfinch, 10 Sand Martin. From Visitor Centre - 4 House Martins, 2 Swallows.Richard and Frances Pittam
2009-04-08Early evening walk, Stones Island area: 40 Pied Wagtail on Stones Island. 1 White Wagtail on Watersports Island. 1 Yellow Wagtail between Watersports and Wildlife Centre. 1 Redpoll near steps to cafe,interesting looking bird for a possible Common, but lost sight of before better views could be obtained. 1 Common Sandpiper on Watersports Island/Horseshoe Island. Clive Ashton
2009-04-07Still 2 Great Northern Divers, 2 Ravens. Female Wheatear and 6 Meadow Pipits on dam wall. 12 Chiff Chaffs, 7 Willow Warblers and 3 Blackcaps. 30+ Sand Martins, 10+ Swallows, 4 Buzzards, 2 Goldeneye, Grey Heron, 2 Snipe, Common Sandpiper. Dave Newcombe
2009-04-06Of note: Barnacle Goose (26), Gadwall (pr), Pheasant (1 calling), Oystercatcher (2), Redshank (3), Pied Wagtail (9), Chiffchaff (4), Long-tailed Tit (2), Bullfinch (pr) and Reed Bunting (1 male).Ray and Margaret Perry
2009-04-06Hall Wood - Treecreeper, Gt Spttd Woodpecker, Ponds North of by-pass Pair Reed Bunting,Mallard, Tufted Duck, Coot. Near Paul Stanley - Long tailed tits, Chiff Chaff, Oyster Catchers Bullfinch, Reed Bunting. Nesting box Nth of Wildlife centre pair of Jackdaws seeing off Sparrow Hawk investigating box.Dave Williams

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