Recent Sightings

NameSightingDate
Simon RoddisA flock of 7 Little Egrets flew in early morning, joining the 5 already present. Great Egret still too. Off Horseshoe island, 7 Pochard (plus duckling), female Red-crested Pochard and 7 Teal. 2+ Common Sandpiper. Fully grown juvenile Redshank at WLC and then in Brown Ale Bay (per Clive). Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 3 Redstarts and 17 Mistle Thrushes in WLC fields/Shiningford.04/07/2025
Simon Roddis2 adult Black-tailed Godwits off Stones this morning. 3 Shelduck flew in early morning. 11 Teal, female Red-crested Pochard and at least 9 Pochard (plus 1 duckling) around Horseshoe island/WLC. Adult Yellow-legged Gull among 150 Lesser Black-backs on Sheepwash spit late morning. 1 Peregrine. Two pairs of Sedge Warblers with food on Stones island, presumably feeding second broods. Female and at least 1 juvenile Redstart in WLC fields.03/07/2025
Simon RoddisYesterday's Black-tailed Godwit was still on Stones this morning, although last seen in flight. A juvenile Stonechat in the overflow carpark is the first of the year, I believe. Another flock of Crossbills, 23 in the top of Hall Wood. A very tatty first-summer Common Gull flew past Stones. 367 Greylags. Female Pochard still with one duckling (and another 5 adults). Adult Yellow-legged Gull, the Great Egret and 6 Little Egrets still. Redstart in WLC fields.02/07/2025
Simon RoddisEarly-ish morning visit: a Black-tailed Godwit and female Teal off Stones, and a fly-over Yellow Wagtail. Great Egret at the north end. Ringed Plover at Sheepwash. Common Sandpiper at sailing club. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. Spotted Flycatcher family still in Brown Ale Bay and c100 Linnets in the Sheepwash wildflower meadows.01/07/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonA Greenshank, presumably yesterday's bird, was on Stones/sailing club islands this morning. The Great Egret still, at least 6 Little Egrets and 10 Grey Herons. Female Red-crested Pochard still. 5 Common Sandpipers on Horseshoe island. Adult Yellow-legged Gull among 65 Lesser Black-backs. 2 Redstarts (female and juvenile) and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood. Alan had a Peregrine take a duckling off the water.30/06/2025
Simon RoddisA bit of a waderfest this morning, with 8 species in total. Highlights were 6 Black-tailed Godwits initially on sailing club island and later on Watersports island before flying W; a Green Sandpiper off the dam wall, a Greenshank circling Stones island and 2 Common Sandpipers on Horseshoe island, while a very small Oystercatcher chick on Watersports island was a surprise - many of the birds which bred or hatched here have already left. In addition, a Common Tern, 5 Shoveler, the female Red-crested Pochard still, adult Yellow-legged Gull, Great Egret, 5 Little Egrets, family of Willow Tits near WLC, Whitethroat still singing in Tail Bay, female Redstart again in WLC fields, and 80 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall early morning.29/06/2025
Simon RoddisA little bit quiet this morning (call it summer if you like) but still a few birds: 3 Shoveler from WLC, 420 Coot, 3 Little Egrets (5 yesterday evening), 9 Grey Heron, adult Spotted Flycatcher with recently fledged young at Brown Ale Bay, female Redstart in WLC fields, 5 Linnets in the wildflower meadows S of Sheepwash.28/06/2025
Simon Roddis6 Crossbills (a male and 5 female/juvs) flew through WLC creek mid morning, landing in a holly for a minute and giving great views before heading off SW. Adult Yellow-legged Gull off Stones. The Great Egret still, plus 2 Little Egrets. 17 Mute Swans plus the 4 cygnets. 3 Shoveler and the female Red-crested Pochard still from WLC. 65 Gadwall. 137 Tufted. Common Sandpiper on Watersports island. Total of c100 juv Black-headed Gulls doesn't seem like a particularly good return from 200+ nests.26/06/2025
Simon RoddisThe Black-tailed Godwit was still by the WLC this morning. Both egrets still and a very similar collection of duck to the last few days. Barnacle Geese pair still with 3 goslings. 2 Common Sandpipers at sailing club. Whitethroat still singing in Tail Bay. Spotted Flycatcher at Hopton end. Juvenile Redstart in WLC fields (another first of the autumn) and a Siskin over. And scores of tiny froglets on the path in Tail Bay.25/06/2025
Simon RoddisAn adult Black-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe island is the first of the autumn. Great and Little Egrets still. 19 adult Mute Swan. Just 3 Shoveler this morning, and the Red-crested Pochard from WLC. Black-headed Gulls seem to be having a poor breeding season: Millfields island appears deserted and the number of juveniles seems to be going down rather than up. Shame. 3 Sedge Warblers still singing in WLC creek and 2 near Millfields island, Reed Warbler singing at WLC, 4 Garden Warblers singing on/around Stones and another 2 in WLC creek.24/06/2025
Simon RoddisThe Great and Little Egrets still present this morning. 6 Shoveler from WLC. 7 Pochard, plus a single duckling with one of the females. Female Red-crested Pochard again from Stones. Peregrine over. 25 Sand Martins. Fledged Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed.23/06/2025
Simon Roddis, Jon BradleyMonthly wildfowl count: 1,111 Canada Geese, 4 Barnacle (plus 3 goslings), 344 Greylags, 12 Mute Swan (plus 4 cygnets), 63 Gadwall (plus 6 broods), 267 Mallard, 1 RcPochard, 7 Pochard, 120 Tufted (plus 6 broods), 11 Moorhen, 333 Coot, 16 Oystercatcher, 7 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 8 Little Grebe, 63 Great Crested, 8 Cormorant, single Little and Great Egrets, 8 Grey Heron. Pair of Peregrines over the WLC, upsetting the Black-headed Gulls.22/06/2025
Simon RoddisBack after a few days away, the water level has dropped quite a bit further! Pair of Mute Swans with 4 cygnets off Sheepwash, presumably from the Hopton nest. Pair of Barnacle Geese still with 3 young at WLC, plus another pair. Canada Geese and Greylags look to have increased significantly. Drake Teal on Horseshoe island. Female Pochard now with 2 chicks off Stones. 5 Lapwing. 3 Redshank. 1 Little Egret. 4 Grey Herons, including 3 juveniles at Sheepwash. 2 adult Willow Tits calling and singing on Stones and in WLC creek. House Martins collecting mud from sailing club shore but then flying off towards Hognaston. Fledged Garden Warbler on Stones and an adult with food in WLC creek. Reed Buntings with food on Stones.21/06/2025
Dave Armitt and Clive Ashton4 Chiffchaff , 3 LRP, 8 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Little grebe, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Reed Bunting,6 Juv Blue tits, 3 pied wagtail, 2 Common Turn, 4 Redshank, 5 Drake Pochard WLC, 2 Barnacle goose with 3 Juv ,20 Gadwall, RC Pochard female WLC, Buzzard predating BH Gull chick WLC island , 2 Sedge warbler,2 Willow Warbler ,1 Willow Tit, 1 Treecreeper13/06/2025
Simon RoddisThe first brood of 7 Tufted ducklings were off Horseshoe island this morning, but soon trumped by Laura's brood of 14! The two Gadwall broods, 4 in each, appear to have merged under just one female. Kingfisher at Hopton end. 3 Redshank and 2 Lapwing, and a Little Egret off Stones causeway.08/06/2025
Simon RoddisTotal of 8 Willow Tits in Tail Bay this morning, a pair with at least 4 fledged young, plus 2 singles. 16 Crossbills over Millfields, 2 or 3 of them landing in the top of Blackwall Plantation. 2 Egyptian Geese past Stones island. 37 Gadwall and single Common and Red-crested Pochard. 2 Ringed Plover. 1 Lapwing. 150 Lesser Black-backs. Kingfisher and Whitethroat in Tail Bay. Reed Warblers at WLC and Brown Ale Bay. Male Redstart at top of WLC creek.07/06/2025
Simon RoddisA Carsi mega this morning in the shape of a Green Woodpecker on Stones, first calling in the wildlife classroom and then seen by Mike Redfern to fly onto sailing club island,but no further sign in the time we were there. Barnacle Geese still with 3 young on Horseshoe island. Male Shoveler. 29 Gadwall plus 2 broods of 4 still. 1 Ringed Plover. 2 Lapwing. 1 Little Egret. Reed Warbler singing at WLC and Sedge in Hopton reedbed. Garden Warbler with food at Hopton end and Blackcap in WLC creek.06/06/2025
SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD, MWAn excellent morning, although difficult to tell what time of year it is. A female Garganey was on Watersports island, a summer-plumage Black-necked Grebe at the WLC (credit to Roger), a Sanderling flew over Stones island, and Crossbill and Hobby over Hall Wood. 13 Mute Swans. 95 Greylags (plus goslings). 3 male Shoveler. Red-crested Pochard still. 3 Ringed Plover. 300 loafing Lesser Black-backs. Reed Warbler singing on Stones. Redstart and 2 Spotted Flycatchers in Hall Wood.04/06/2025
Simon RoddisA brood of 4 small Gadwall ducklings were in Shiningford creek this morning, my first of the year. 4 Ringed Plover on Watersports island and 3 Redshank around Stones. Female Red-crested Pochard loafing among the moulting Gadwall. Geese numbers seem to be on the rise, including 73 Gadwall (plus goslings).03/06/2025
Amanda PalethorpeBird Walk for beginners. Sand Martin, house sparrow, sedge warbler, Canada goose, oystercatcher, mallard, gt cr grebe, coot, mute swan, tufted duck, garden warbler, carrion crow, pied wagtail, BH gull, LR Plover, Red-crested pochard(fem), pochard, swift, greylag goose, blackbird, goldfinch, robin, house martin, blackcap, LBB gull, chiffchaff, blue tit, great tit, song thrush, cormorant, redshank, gadwall, woodpigeon, swallow, wren.01/06/2025
Simon Roddis10 Sanderling (9 at sailing club, 1 on Watersports island) is the equal highest count ever here. 2 Dunlin. Pair of Shoveler and the female Red-crested Pochard still. 25 Gadwall. Pair of Kestrels over the main centre buzzed by a Sparrowhawk. Reed Warbler singing at WLC and Whitethroat at Hopton end.30/05/2025
Simon Roddis5 Dunlin and 2 Sanderling flew NW at 09:27 and another Dunlin flew in past Stones island at 10:15. A pair of Egyptian Geese at Millfields were new for the year here, I believe, and the first ever in May. Otherwise, it was mainly long-stayers: pair of Barnacle Geese with young, pair of Shoveler, drake Pochard, Little Egret, 2 Redshank, Reed Warbler on Stones causeway. A male Bullfinch was feeding a female at Millfields, presumably courtship behaviour.29/05/2025
Simon Roddis3 Sanderling this morning, one on Watersports island and 2 found by Jon Lowes on the dam wall. 3 Dunlin. 2 Shelduck. Male and female Shoveler (separately) and female Red-crested Pochard still. Little Egret. 4 singing Reed Warblers in the Stones/sailing club area, clearly still arriving.28/05/2025
Simon Roddis, Jon BradleyMonthly wildfowl count: 203 Canada Geese, 54 Greylag, 9 Mute Swan, 12 Gadwall, 106 Mallard, 52 Tufted, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 9 Moorhen, 191 Coot, 6 Little Grebe, 86 GCGrebe, 10 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 10 Dunlin, 21 Cormorant, 1 Heron, 1 Little Egret. Broods (all minima) included 12 Mallard, 5 Greylag, 2 GCGrebe, 2 Coot. A pair of Canadas at Sheepwash had 38 goslings in tow! Who knows how many broods they came from?!25/05/2025
Simon Roddis450 Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Sheepwash late morning is my highest ever May total here - not even had a three-figure count before. 2 immature Herring Gulls among them. Female Teal and Red-crested Pochard still. Lapwing displaying over Watersports island. Redstart and Chiffchaff with food at Hopton end. 1 Pied and 3 Spotted Flycatchers singing in Hall Wood, and Reed Warbler on Stones causeway.23/05/2025
Simon Roddis2 Sanderling flew between Stones island and the dam wall early morning but not seen again. 3 Ringed Plover still at sailing club. Little Egret on Stones causeway. Pair of Shoveler at WLC and a Reed Warbler singing in the creek. Single immature Yellow-legged, Great Black-backed and Common Gulls. 300+ Lesser Black-backs at Sheepwash late morning. Willow Tit singing on Stones.21/05/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonA Sanderling approaching summer plumage was on sailing club shore, with 3 Ringed Plovers there too. An Osprey from Stones island at 09:20, mobbed by Black-headed Gulls as it flew over Millfields. Female Teal in Shiningford Creek. Two more Oystercatcher chicks off Stones causeway (fourth brood so far). 2 Redshank on Horseshoe island. Fledged Great Tits at Watersports.20/05/2025
Simon RoddisThe pair of Barnacle Geese on Millfields island now have 4 chicks, last seen heading over towards sailing club. Pair of Moorhens with 5 chicks at PS hide. Pair of Little Grebe with 2 young in Shiningford creek. A few waders early on: 2 Dunlin, 2 Curlew, 3 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper around Stones/sailing club. Common Tern at Millfields. 130 Lesser Black-backs loafing at Sheepwash late morning. 1 immature Common Gull. Reed Warbler singing on Watersports island, plus 3 in Hopton reedbed. Redstart at Hopton end. And Clive had a Little Egret off Stones causeway.19/05/2025
Simon RoddisMost frustrating sighting of the morning was a tern, possibly Roseate, which flew up the res but didn't stop, kept heading NNE. Couldn't get enough on it to be sure. 4 Common Terns were at the WLC briefly. 2 pairs of Mediterranean Gulls flew over Stones, the first one consisting of an adult and a second-summer, the other 2 adults; the first pair later flew back past Stones after being seen at the WLC by Roger and Alison. A Whimbrel flew N early on. Female Red-crested Pochard back off Stones causeway. Another Oystercatcher chick, this one on Shiningford shore. Great Egret on the shore at Sheepwash. 25 House Martins. Chiffchaff with food on Stones.17/05/2025
Simon RoddisAnother brood of Oystercatchers this morning, 2 small chicks on Millfields island. Common Sandpiper and Redshank on Stones. 75 Lesser Black-backs. A gathering of c100 Carrion Crows in/over Hall Wood. 4 Reed Warblers (3 singing) in Hopton reedbed, and 2 Linnet over. Fledged Long-tailed Tits on Stones and at Hopton end. Clive had Grey Wagtail with food at Sheepwash.16/05/2025
Simon RoddisJust bits and bobs this morning: at Sheepwash, pair of Oystercatchers with 2 chicks, drake Mandarin, Little Egret, singing Sedge Warbler. Redstart and Whitethroat at Hopton end. Single Curlew, Redshank and Lapwing from Stones, and Clive had 2 Common Sandpipers. Total of 50 Lesser Black-backs through/loafing, virtually all immatures of various ages. Hirundines moving through, c35 Sand Martins, 20 House, 12 Swallows.15/05/2025
Simon RoddisThe highlight this morning was a Black Tern around Watersports island 10:20-10:30 at least, and a Ringed Plover was on the sailing club shoreline. 4 immature Common Gulls. 2 Little Egret. Pair of Redstart at the top of WLC creek.14/05/2025
Simon RoddisPerimeter count this morning (not helped by a fairly strong breeze which will have drowned out some birdsong): 16 Pheasant, 1 Cuckoo just N of Millfields, 13 Oystercatcher, 2 Little Egret, 1 GSWoodpecker, 25 Magpie, 5 Coal Tit, 56 Blue, 31 Great, 23 Long-tailed, 7 Swallow, 10 Willow Warbler, 86 Chiffchaff, 15 Sedge, 3 Reed, 57 Blackcap, 12 Garden, 2 Whitethroat (Oldfield Lane and Tail Bay), 7 Goldcrest, 139 Wren, 2 Nuthatch, 12 Treecreeper, 22 Song Thrush, 6 Mistle, 84 Blackbird, 1 Spotted and 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 105 Robin, 25 Dunnock, 1 Grey and 5 Pied Wagtail, 22 Chaffinch, 5 Bullfinch, 4 Greenfinch, 21 Goldfinch, 7 Reed Bunting. Quite a bit of breeding activity, including fledged Robin and Treecreeper, plus birds with food: Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits, Mistle Thrush, Robin.13/05/2025
Simon RoddisEarly cloud and a spot of rain may have brought in the 5 adult Sandwich Terns which sat on buoys off Stones island, 05:50-06:05, before being hassled by a Lesser Black-back and weren't seen again. 2 Shelduck past Stones. 6 Pochard (4m,2f). Several broods of Greylag included a mega-brood of 20+ small goslings crossing the res with 2 adults. 2 adult Dunlin and a Curlew on sailing club shore. A sub-adult Herring Gull flew through with c30 Lesser Black-backs during the morning, and a sub-adult Great Black-back. Little Egret again on Horseshoe island/sailing club. Barn Owl on the main road early morning. 5 Ravens over the east side may have been a family party. 3 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed and 1 on sailing club island. 3 Spotted Flycatchers singing in Hall and Middle Woods, and the Pied Fly and a Redstart still in Hall Wood.12/05/2025
Simon RoddisWaders this morning included single Lapwing, Dunlin, Curlew and Whimbrel. 2 Arctic Terns briefly. 5 Pochard (3f,2m). Immature Yellow-legged Gull again. Little Egret. A distant Peregrine. Willow Tit singing at Lane End and Reed Warbler singing on Stones. Fledged Treecreepers in WLC creek and Goldfinch at Lane End (seems quite early?).10/05/2025
D COATESTHE FIRST SWIFT ARRIVED AT DARLEY DALE APPROX { 11 }09/05/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonA pretty decent morning, with 2 Sanderling (approaching summer plumage) on sailing club shore and an Osprey later (but not for very long) over the Lane End area. Female Goldeneye off Stones still, single Little Egret and Common Tern. Pied Wagtails with food on the dam wall.09/05/2025
SJR, CA, RPJ, AMDA Bar-tailed Godwit was on Horseshoe island late morning. A Whimbrel flew NE early morning and it or another was in WLC fields later. A Yellow Wagtail flew SE over Stones island. The female Goldeneye off Stones again early morning and a Little Egret from the causeway. c75 Sand Martins, 20 House Martins and 10 Swallows. Treecreeper with food in WLC creek.08/05/2025
Simon RoddisA Whimbrel was on the dam wall early morning and departed NE at 07:45. Second-calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull again at Watersports. Female Goldeneye again off Stones island. Redstarts at Hopton end and WLC fields (per Clive). Grey Wagtail with food at Millfields.07/05/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonClive found a Spotted Flycatcher at the Lane End bombing tower this morning, first of the year we believe. Female Goldeneye and Red-crested Pochard still off Stones, the latter again hanging out with a male Common Pochard. 2 Shelduck. Curlew at sailing club and 2+ Redshank.06/05/2025
SJR, AHS, CA, KR5 Arctic Terns (4+1) through this morning (AHS,CA). Female Goldeneye still off Stones and male Mandarin at Sheepwash (KR). 20 Swifts, 100+ Sand Martins and single figures of House Martin and Swallow. Immature Common Gull again. Whitethroat singing in Tail Bay (a real scarcity here these days).05/05/2025
Amanda PalethorpeBirdwatching for beginners walk. house sparrow, BH gull, blackbird, robin, willow warbler, chiffchaff, sedge warbler, blackcap, garden warbler, swallow, swift, redshank, house Martin, sand Martin, mallard, tufted duck, gadwall, pochard, mute swan, Canada goose, greylag goose, moorhen, little grebe, gt Cr grebe, oystercatcher, coot, buzzard, crow, magpie, long-tailed tit, cormorant, goldfinch, pied wagtail, woodpigeon, wren, common sandpiper. 36 species.04/05/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonHighlights this morning were a Whimbrel and 2 fly-through Bar-tailed Godwits (only Clive saw the latter). 22 Swifts included 15 going N and 7 loitering. Female Goldeneye, female Red-crested and a pair of Common Pochard off Stones. 1 immature Common Gull. 4+ Sparrowhawks. Immature Peregrine past Stones. 3 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed, and Pied Flycatcher and Redstart in Hall Wood. 1 Siskin over Hopton end.04/05/2025
Christina KennedyThis afternoon in a field across from WLC, I saw a godwit. I'm just not 100 percent sure which one but I have photos.30/04/2025
Simon RoddisPerimeter counts this morning: 40 Pheasant, 4 singing Stock Dove, 3 Collared Dove, 2 GSWoodpecker, 3 Coal Tit, 2 Willow, 124 Blue, 47 Great, 5 Long-tailed, 50 Sand Martin, 7 Swallow, 10 Willow Warbler, 150 Chiffchaff, 14 Sedge, 3 Reed, 56 Blackcap, 9 Garden, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Goldcrest, 164 Wren, 1 Pied Flycatcher, only 1 Redstart (very disappointing), 115 Robin, 34 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle, 103 Blackbird, 37 Dunnock, 2 Grey Wagtail, 15 Chaffinch, 12 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 32 Goldfinch, 4 Reed Bunting. Clive's 3 Common Scoters still present mid-morning.26/04/2025
Dave Armitt8 Sedge Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, Great Crested Grebe with two young, 1 Male Pochard, 1 Heron , 4 Goldfinch,2 Garden Warbler, 2 Long tailed tit, 7 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Reed Warbler WLC Reed bed25/04/2025
Simon RoddisClive saw the GNDiver early doors but I couldn't find it later (probably my eyes 😉). 4 Pochard. Female Red-crested Pochard still. New brood of 4 Greylag goslings in Shiningford Creek. Immature Yellow-legged Gull again. 1 House Martin among the Sand Martins. Reed Warbler singing on Stones and Redstart calling in WLC creek. (And I see that someone has had an Osprey over Stones island at 12:21.)24/04/2025
SJR, CA, AHSThe GNDiver still this morning. 2 Pink-footed Geese over Stones were a bit of a surprise. 2 Shelduck off Watersports island. c6 Pochard (at least 2 pairs). Drake Goosander flew N. Immature GBbGull. A Great Egret did pretty much a whole circuit of the res, while a Little Egret flew past Stones. After very few early in the morning, Sand Martins built up to c100 when the rain came later. 2 Dunlin past Stones (CA,AHS).21/04/2025
Simon RoddisThe GNDiver still this morning. A Yellow Wagtail flew over Stones. Female Red-crested Pochard at Sheepwash. Red-legged Partridge at Hopton end. The second-calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull again. 100+ Sand Martins. 2 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed and another on Stones causeway, and Sedge Warblers in WLC Creek and at Millfields as well as on Stones. Song Thrush with fledged young at Hopton and Pied Flycatcher still singing in Hall Wood. And a female Roe Deer eating gorse flowers.20/04/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonA few terns appeared early on: 10 Arctics flew through while 2 Commons were harassed briefly by 2 more Arctic. The GNDiver still, again coming pretty close to Stones island. Female Red-crested Pochard. Second-calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull hanging around the buoys. 1 Little Egret. First Greylag brood, c5 below Middle Wood.19/04/2025


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
07/08/2023Another decent morning: an adult Little Gull flew off Stones 06:35-06:41, drake Common Scoter off Sheepwash, a Golden Plover flew high NW at 08:10 and the adult Caspian Gull still. 3 Shoveler off Stones. 30 Teal. 97 Woodpigeons flew S 06:00-08:30 (and c40 went the wrong way!). 2 Ringed Plover. 8 Little Egret. Kingfisher in WLC creek. 2 Redstart and 2 Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. Common Whitethroat on Stones and another in WLC creek (MJR).SJR, CA, AHS
06/08/2023Y.L.Gull - 4 (3 Ads; 1 juv.) on Flat Island @ c. 5.30pm.Richard Lowe
06/08/2023Species recorded at today's 'Birdwatching for Beginners' walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Canada Goose, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Tufted Duck, Oystercatcher, Woodpigeon, Mute Swan, Gt Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Black-headed Gull, Common Sandpiper, Goldfinch, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Caspian Gull, Ringed Plover, Pied Wagtail, Long-tailed Tit, Blackbird, Robin, Lapwing, Little Grebe, Buzzard, Willow Warbler, Gadwall, Little Egret, Greylag Goose and ChiffchaffGary Atkins
06/08/2023Adult Caspian (Watersports) and Yellow-legged (sailing club) Gulls again this morning. Great Egret flew up the res early morning. 7+ Little Egrets. 5 Shoveler in Brown Ale Bay. 26 Teal. Pair of Little Grebes with 4 small young in WLC creek - they've been very discrete! Another adult singing in BABay. 4 Ringed Plover. Single Dunlin and Snipe. Kingfisher(s) on Stones and in BABay. 10+ Ravens. Juv Whitethroat in WLC creek, and male Redstart again in the fields. Spotted Flycatcher between PS hide and BABay.Simon Roddis
05/08/2023Clive found most of the birds this morning: a Black-tailed Godwit, 4 Ringed Plover, Redshank and 10 Little Egret. The adult Caspian Gull was at sailing club and a Great Egret and Kingfisher at WLC later. And lots of rain (again).Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
04/08/2023The undoubted highlight this morning was a party (family group?) of 5 Spoonbills, at least 2 of which were juveniles, which flew from the shore of Stones island just after 06:00 and left to the west. The fifth record for Carsi and the first to involve more than one bird. The adult Caspian Gull again, mobile but settled on Flat Island late morning along with 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. And in Sheepwash carpark late morning, a female or juvenile Pied Flycatcher and 2 Spotted Fly - looks like the latest ever Pied Fly here and the first in August. And in between all that, 2 Pochard, 2 Shoveler, 6+ Common Sandpiper, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Redshank, 5 Little Egrets, Kingfisher, Hobby, Peregrine, Redstart. Cracking morning, 76 species.Simon Roddis
03/08/2023A Green Sandpiper and 2 adult Ringed Plovers were the first of the autumn this morning (and Green Sand first of the year). 10 Oystercatchers. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again. 2 Yellow Wagtails and 2 Skylarks on the dam wall. Juv male Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. Garden Warbler on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
02/08/2023The adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again this morning, both off Millfields late morning. Single Redshank, Dunlin and Curlew, and 4 Common Sandpipers. 5 Little Egrets. 2 Tree Sparrows at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
01/08/20236 adult Arctic Terns appeared off Stones island just after 07:00 and were around until 10:00 at least. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again, the Caspian showing well on sailing club shore at one point. 31 Lapwing. 1 Dunlin. 35 Swifts flew through. 33 Cormorants. 3 Little Egret. 2 Hobbies over the pastures. Total of 10 Ravens. Juv male Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
31/07/2023Just to report that I have received details of a colour-ringed Heron that has been around on and off since last summer. It has an orange ring on the right tibia and a blue one with SX in white letters on the left. It was ringed as a nestling at Attenborough NR, Notts, on 01/04/2022.Simon Roddis
31/07/2023Single Whimbrel and Turnstone past Stones island at 08:30 this morning, after the light rain had stopped. 4 adult Arctic Terns followed at 09:44 and another 2 at 11:05. The adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again present. Kingfisher past Stones causeway. 200 Starlings left sailing club island early morning, presumably having roosted there. 60 Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
30/07/2023A cream-crown Marsh Harrier flew slowly S down the east side 10:45-10:55. My first in July here and my earliest autumn record. Total of 57 Swifts SW 08:00-11:00. 1 Shoveler. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. Hobby over WLC creek and 3 Redstarts in the fields. Reed Warbler still singing at PS hide. Meadow Pipit on Horseshoe island.Simon Roddis
29/07/2023The adult Caspian Gull again this morning, from Stones island, plus adult Yellow-leg. Curlew landed on Stones shoreline. 18 Teal. Little Grebe calling in Brown Ale Bay, and Kingfisher there. 1 Snipe. 2 Redstarts (adult and juv male) in WLC fields. 1 Meadow Pipit over Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
27/07/2023Evening Walk round 2 Little Egret,3 Little Ringed Plover,3 Oystercatcher,20 Cormorant,12 Mute Swan,2 Sedge Warbler,2 Goldfinch,3 Little Grebe,27 Lapwing, Mix Flock of Tits 10 Long Tailed Tit,5 Blue Tit.David Armitt
28/07/2023An adult Caspian Gull on Horseshoe island early morning and a Greenshank over Lane End mid-morning were both new for the month. 5 Shoveler off Stones. 25 Teal. Redhead Goosander flew SW. Large juv Little Grebe at sailing club. Juv Dunlin still at WLC. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 3 Little Egret. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. 30 Swallows on the dam wall. Spotted Flycatcher at Lane End. 2 Redstarts (f and juv) in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
27/07/2023Female Common Scoter off Sheepwash all morning. 2 Shoveler on Stones. Total of 22 Teal. 32 Lapwing. 5 Common Sandpiper (2 around Stones, 3 on Flat Island). 5 Common Gulls, including an adult with a fresh juvenile - I wonder where they've come from. 2 first-summer Great Black-backs, my first here since mid May. 3 Little Egret on sailing club island. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. Reed Warblers singing in WLC creek and at PS hide. Yellow Wagtail N over Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
26/07/2023This morning, Yellow Wagtail, Kingfisher, adult Common Tern and 5 Tree Sparrows at Millfields first thing. Another 4 adult Common Terns around Flat Island later. 17 Teal in Brown Ale Bay. Totals of 455 Coot, 24 Moorhen, 13 Oystercatcher, 35 Lapwing, 27 Cormorant. The Dunlin at WLC still. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 2 Little Egrets. In WLC fields, 6 Redstarts (male and 5 juvs) and a Lesser Whitethroat.Simon Roddis
25/07/20233 (2m, 1f) Common Scoters from Stones island all morning. An adult Arctic Tern flew S 08:30 and 5 Common Terns (2 ads, 3 juvs) through too. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. A Dunlin flew over the main carpark early morning and then perhaps the same bird from WLC. 1 Redshank. 26 Cormorant. Total of 11 Ravens, including a party of 6 being mobbed by a Peregrine over Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
24/07/2023A busy hour from 06:00-07:00 in grotty conditions (probably not a coincidence) this morning: a juvenile Garganey was on the shoreline on Stones island, a Turnstone flew over, 11 Redshank flew up the res and landed in the Sheepwash area, and 6 adult Arctic Terns appeared at 06:50 and drifted south after about 10 minutes. In addition, 5 Pochard again, 2 Little Egrets, adult Yellow-legged Gull, a Hobby stooped at several Swifts over the visitor centre, 1 Curlew W, c50 Starlings in fields near Fishtail Creek and 60+ Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis
23/07/20236 Pochard. 9 Teal. 25 Lapwing. 1 Dunlin. 4 Common Sand. 190 Lesser Black-backs loafing around Flat Island mid-morning. 7 Common Gulls. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 1 adult Common Tern. 1 Little Egret. 10 Sand Martins through. Reed Warbler still singing in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
22/07/2023Female Common Scoter from Stones early morning. 5 Pochard flying around. And lots of rain.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
21/07/2023One Black-tailed Godwit S over Stones 08:40. 2 Common Sandpiper. 3 Pochard. Hobby over the north end. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 1 Little Egret still. Juv Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
20/07/20239 Shoveler off Stones were new this morning. 11 Teal. 2 Pochard. 1 Whimbrel flew W at 06:45. 1 Curlew. 2 Common Sandpiper. 2 Dunlin. Adult Yellow-legged and 2 Common Gulls. 21 Cormorant. 2 Kingfishers. 1+ Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood. Juv Redstart in WLC fields. 50+ Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
19/07/2023Ad hoc wildfowl count: 809 Canadas, 126 Greylags, 30 Mute Swans plus one cygnet, 38 Gadwall, 180 Mallard, 11 Teal, 153 Tufted, 13 Moorhen, 298 Coot, 2 LGrebe, 47 GCGrebe, 11 Oystercatcher, 21 Lapwing, 2 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper, 14 Cormorant, 5 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 2 Kingfisher. Also 62 Lesser Black-backs, 3 GSWoodpecker and a Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood, 1 Peregrine, 16 Mistle Thrush and juv Redstart over/in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
18/07/2023A bit more wader action this morning: 6 Redshanks, all adults, on Watersports island for much of the morning, and a Black-tailed Godwit dropped in at 10:35. 2 Snipe at WLC. 3 Common Sandpiper. The Dunlin still present. 22 Lapwing. 3 redhead Goosander: 2 flew through and another juv was in front of the WLC. 2 Pochard. 26 more Lesser Black-backs moved through, including one juvenile, and an immature Herring-type frustratingly failed to stop. The Little Egret still. Kingfisher past Stones island. 27 Sand Martins through. Female/juv Whitethroat on Horseshoe island - they're like gold dust this year! 2 Redstarts (male and juv) in WLC fields, and a family of Bullfinches there too.Simon Roddis
17/07/2023Correction: Mike Redfern actually found the scoters. Apologies, Mike.Simon Roddis
17/07/2023Clive found the best birds this morning: 10 Common Scoter (9m,1f) and 3 Arctic Terns off Stones island. A full-grown juvenile Little Grebe off Sheepwash has presumably flown in from elsewhere. Single Dunlin, Little Egret and adult Yellow-legged Gull still. c50 Lesser Black-backs on the move, including a flock of 34. Adult Common Tern. 11 Sand Martins through. 11 Mistle Thrush in WLC fields. 4 Redstarts - female and juv in WLC fields, 2 juvs from the WLC. Spotted Flycatcher at Sheepwash. 15 Linnets in fields just s of Sheepwash, perhaps the start of a build-up there. 2 Crossbills over Millfields. 76 species, and I missed Arctic Tern and Redshank.Simon Roddis
16/07/2023Quite a decent morning, the main highlights being 4 drake Common Scoters off Stones and an Osprey which was mobbed by Oystercatchers and B-h Gulls over the main centre area before circling over the Hall Wood area for several minutes. A Black-tailed Godwit flew past Stones 3 times, a Dunlin dropped in briefly and a Hobby flew past. 30+ Swifts, mostly moving S. 20 Lapwing. 1 Redshank. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and Little Egret still. 5 Mistle Thrush and a Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
16/07/2023Quite a decent morning, the main highlights being 4 drake Common Scoters off Stones and an Osprey which was mobbed by Oystercatchers and B-h Gulls over the main centre area before circling over the Hall Wood area for several minutes. A Black-tailed Godwit flew past Stones 3 times, a Dunlin dropped in briefly and a Hobby flew past. 30+ Swifts, mostly moving S. 20 Lapwing. 1 Redshank. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and Little Egret still. 5 Mistle Thrush and a Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
15/07/2023Totals of 137 Greylag and 270 Coot (big increase in the last week and the highest count since September 2022). 1 Curlew, 25 Swifts and 6 Sand Martins S. 3 Peregrines together over the north end. Hobby through WLC fields. Juv Redstart again in WLC fields. 7 Tree Sparrows at Millfields.Simon Roddis
14/07/2023A summer-plumage Dunlin off Stones causeway was new this morning. 4 Common Sandpipers. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and Little Egret still. New broods of Mallard and Tufted. 32 Mute Swans plus one cygnet. Reed Warblers singing at WLC and on Stones. Juv Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
13/07/20233 Redshank (2 ads, 1 juv) on Watersports island. 1 Common Sandpiper. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 147 Coot from WLC. 4 Common Terns off Stones. 1 Little Egret. c20 Swallows S past Stones. Chiffchaff feeding fledged young on Stones, and Blackcap carrying food. At least 7 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed, including 2 adults separately feeding fledged young, and 2 singing in WLC creek. Redstart calling in WLC fields. Linnet over Stones.SJR, RPJ, AMD
12/07/2023At least 1 Little Egret around the main centre area this morning. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls again. 6 Teal. 1 Common Sandpiper. Spotted Flycatcher on Stones. Juv Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
10/07/2023A couple more signs of birds starting to move around post-breeding this morning: 3 Redstarts (m,f and juv) in WLC fields, another juv Redstart on Stones, Spotted Flycatcher at sailing club and a juv Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. 7 redhead Goosander flew S at 09:00. The 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls again.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
07/07/2023July WeBS count; Great Crested Grebe 36, Little Grebe 2, Mute Swan 29, Canada Goose 917, Greylag 49, Grey Heron 5, Cormorant 12, Coot 119, Moorhen 7, Mallard 125, Gadwall 40, Tufted Duck 72, Pochard 2, Teal 4, Curlew 1, Common Sandpiper 1, Oystercatcher 10, Redshank 2, Lapwing 5.Jon Bradley/Clive Ashton
08/07/202333 Mute Swans plus one cygnet. 4 Teal. New brood of 9 Tufted from WLC. 2 Little Grebes off Stones causeway. Pair of GCGrebes with 2 chicks off Lane End. 2 Common Sand at sailing club. 3 Redshank and 1 Snipe still. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls on a raft off Watersports much of the morning. Immature female Peregrine from Stones. 30 Swallows over WLC creek. 5 Garden Warblers on Stones, mostly around Warbler Corner.Simon Roddis
06/07/20233 immature drake Common Scoters off Stones this morning, and a female-type Crossbill over Millfields carpark. 30 Mute Swans, but now only 1 cygnet at Sheepwash. 33 Gadwall. Single Teal and Pochard. New brood of 2 GCGrebe chicks at Penn Carr. 3 Redshank and the Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 3 Jays, presumably a family party, at Millfields. Sedge Warbler with food on Stones, presumably for a second brood. Fledged young Blackcaps at Millfields and Hall Wood. Juv Redstart below Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
05/07/2023This morning, 4 Common Terns, a new brood of 8 Gadwall and a Kingfisher off Stones causeway, drake Pochard, 2 Curlew, 1 Snipe from WLC (good spot, Roger), the adult Yellow-legged Gull still, 2 juv Redstarts in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
04/07/20236 Black-tailed Godwits (again!) on Stones then flew S at 07:35. Curlew at sailing club and a Common Sand off Stones causeway. The adult Yellow-legged Gull again. 2 Peregrines circling over the north end. Skylark again in dam wall fields. Juv Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
03/07/2023The first Yellow Wagtail of the autumn flew past Stones this morning. 2 Black-tailed Godwits on Horseshoe island, presumably the same birds as a couple of days ago. 31 Gadwall. Adult Yellow-legged and immature Common Gulls. 14 Sand Martins flew S. 3 juv Redstarts in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
02/07/2023Species noted at today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island- Wildlife Centre): Woodpigeon, Blackcap Chiffchaff, Tufted Duck, Canada Goose, Black-headed Bull Coot, Mallard, Redshank, Gt Crested Grebe, Teal (2 at WLC), Greylag Goose, Common Sandpiper (1 at WLC, 3 from the causeway), Cormorant, House Sparrow, Wren, Goldfinch, Little Grebe, Carrion Crow, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Pied Wagtail, Mute Swan, Blackbird, Lapwing, Shoveler, Red Kite, Raven, Buzzard, Dunnock, Reed Bunting, Sedge Warbler, Garden Warbler, Robin, Black-tailed Godwit, Gadwall, Herring GullGary Atkins
02/07/20236 more Black-tailed Godwits this morning, flew S at 07:48. 2 Shoveler at Millfields. 32 Gadwall (brood of 4 in Brown Ale Bay may be new). New broods of Tufted at Hopton end (5) and off PS hide (3). 3 Collared Doves at the ranger base. 3 GCGrebe broods (Hopton end, Brown Ale Bay and WLC). 3 Redstarts (fem/juv WLC fields, juv below Middle Wood, male below Hall Wood). 3 Tree Sparrows (adult and 2 juvs) and 6 Grey Wagtails at Millfields.Simon Roddis
01/07/2023Single Wigeon and Pochard from WLC. 8 Curlew at sailing club early morning and the Snipe again on Horseshoe island.Simon Roddis
30/06/20232 more Black-tailed Godwits this morning, on Horseshoe island, along with a Snipe and 5 Teal. Clive had 2 Dunlin fly through. Adult Common Tern. 28 Mute Swans. 25 Gadwall. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Reed Warbler still singing at WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
29/06/2023Dusk visit: 12 Curlews came in to sailing club/Watersports island. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. At Hopton end, c10 Swallows went to roost in the reedbed, 15 Swifts hawking overhead and a calling Tawny Owl.Simon Roddis
29/06/2023A couple of pleasant surprises this morning: a flock of 7 Black-tailed Godwits flew S at 06:35 - seemed to be rising when I picked them up so perhaps they'd been down on the shore somewhere - and a first-summer Kittiwake flew S down the res at 09:25. 23 Mute Swans, plus the 2 cygnets still. 2 Curlew. Snipe, Common Sandpiper and adult and juvenile Redshank off Stones causeway. Adult Yellow-legged Gull again. 10 Swifts. Total of 8 Ravens. Skylark again in dam wall fields. 13 House Martins over Shiningford.Simon Roddis
28/06/20232 Curlews this morning, one on sailing club shore early on, and another flew S late morning. A Snipe on Horseshoe island (my first ever here in June). 2 Common Sandpiper. Immature Herring Gull. Adult Common Tern. Skylark singing over the dam wall fields.Simon Roddis
27/06/2023247 Greylags. 21 Mute Swans plus the 2 cygnets still off Sheepwash. New broods of 6 Gadwall at Shiningford and 8 Tufties in Brown Ale Bay. 4 male Teal. 125 Coot, plus a large juvenile at WLC. 45 Lapwing in WLC fields. A Whimbrel flew W over the main carpark at 07:30. 4 Common Sandpiper (3 at Millfields, 1 at Hopton end). Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 2 Little Egrets.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
23/06/202316 Mute Swan, including the pair with 2 cygnets still off Sheepwash. Drake Pochard, 113 Coot and 2 Little Grebes off Stones causeway. 23 Lapwing. Dunlin and Yellow-legged Gull still. Curlew over WLC creek. 2 Common Sand at Millfields (RPJ,AMD). Peregrine sitting on the dam wall early morning. 2 Reed Warblers singing in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
18/06/2023Monthly WeBS count: 790 Canada, 205 Greylag, 17 Mute Swan (pair with 2 small cygnets off PS hide), 19 Gadwall (new brood of 5 in Brown Ale Bay), 91 Mallard, 1 Teal, 77 Tufted, 5 Moorhen, 77 Coot (young at WLC), 1 Little Grebe, 48 GCGrebe, 9 Oystercatcher (new brood of 2 on Watersports island), 23 Lapwing, 4 Redshank, 12 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher below Middle Wood. Clive had 3 Common Terns off Stones, then 1 from WLC later. Siskin over Hopton end.SJR, JB, CA

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