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
2006-10-08Black Headed Gull, Bullfinch, Cormorant, Gadwall (5), Goldfinch, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Heron, Lapwing, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Pintail (2) Sheepwash, Pochard (60), Red-crested Pochard (2) Millfields, Wigeon (60) Millfields, Greenfinch, Siskin (2) Stones Is, Tree Sparrow (20) Stones Is.Richard and Frances Pittam
2006-10-0936 species of bird seen on or near the site around midday. The following are worthy of note: Barnacle Goose (2) - near the Sailing Club; Gadwall (6) - from the Wildlife Centre (WC); Red-crested Pochard (1) - female on Horseshoe Island; Common Pochard (2) - from WC; Sparrowhawk (1) - Brassington; Pheasant (4) - near Millfields; Snipe (3) - edge of WC Creek; House Martin (2) - over the WC; Long-tailed Tit (13) - Stones Island. Butterflies: Red Admiral and Speckled Wood. Plants: Common Knapweed, Ragwort and Water Forget-me-not. Only the leaves of the Horse Chestnut are beginning to change colour, heralding a very late autumn. A Dip into the Logbook: 6th October: Red-crested Pochard. 5th October: Snipe (15); Pink-footed Goose (2) - overflying the site.Ray and Margaret Perry
2006-10-10A knot dropped in mid-afternoon and stayed for an hour before flying off. It was re-found at 5.15pm by Ben Young in front of the Fisheries building. 9 Snipe commuting between horseshoe island and shiningford creek A kingfisher belted past twice in the morning The female red-crested pochard present all day Due to the fog, the Little Owl was just an indistinct blob for much of the day Wildfowl numbers at the Wildlife Centre much reduced on previous days. We even struggled to find the visiting school party a Canada Goose! Of other note, a Ringed Plover reported from Paul Stanley (also at Sheepwash on 8th) Two Water Voles showed well all day outside the wildlife centreMatthew Capper
2006-10-1241 species were seen from the Wildlife Centre during the day with the following highlights: Three drake Common Scoter on the main lake were visible from the Wildlife Centre but gave exceptional views from Stones Island. A Stonechat on the fence opposite the Wildlife Centre was first seen a week or so back but had gone awol for a few days. A Dunlin stopped in only briefly but 12 Snipe were visible for much of the day. The female Red Crested Pochard is still present in front of the wildlife centre - it is the laziest bird you will ever see! The Little Owl showed in the morning but not in the afternoon and the Water Vole was only sporadic today. Dave Newcombe also reported Pintail and Common Sandpiper from Stones Island and another visitor saw Shovelor from Paul Stanley Hide.Matthew Capper
2006-10-123 Male Common Scoter -Best seen from Stones Island, but visible from Lane End and Sheepwash. 1 Common Sandpiper- Seen from Paul Stanley and Sheepwash (probably same bird.) At least 6 Pintail- Including 3 Drakes in breeding plumage. 1 Dunlin and 1 Stonechat- from Wildlife Centre. 1 Grey Wagtail- Sheepwash Spit. Also seen-Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Raven and Snipe.Clive Ashton / Dave Newcombe
2006-10-15Wildlife Centre (8.30am) 31 Pochard ,12 Gadwall ,50+ Lapwing ,95 Wigeon ,2 Cormorant ,11 Snipe ,1 Pheasant (on the feeder) ,1 Kingfisher ,1 Shelduck ,15 Teal ,Stones Island (10.30am) ,3 Little Grebe ,75 Lesser Black-backed Gull ,1 Shelduck (it followed me around all day) ,25 Teal ,1 Tree Sparrow (only 1 at the feeder, although lots of ground rats!) ,2 Robin ,2 Long-tailed Tit ,No sign of the Common Scoters Paul Stanley (12.30pm) 13 Gadwall 1 Shoveler 56 Teal 85 Wigeon 1 Kestrel 87 Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 Shelduck (I told you it followed me!) 2 Pintail 45 Lapwing Sheepwash (1.40pm) 43 Cormorant 2 Grey Heron 90 Wigeon 5 Little Grebe 36 Teal 31 Pochard Millfields (2.30pm) 1 Kingfisher 20 Pochard 62 Wigeon 28 Canada Geese 1 Barnacle Goose 8 Great Crested GrebeRichard Pittam
2006-11-175 Snipe were on Horseshoe Island and the two Red Crested Pochards were quite active for a change. A Weasel showed in front of the Wildlife Centre and two Water Voles showed on and off in the pond outside. A Little Owl sat on its usual post near the pylon on the hill opposite the Wildlife Centre and another was heard closer by. Kingfisher and Grey Heron also showed well down at Tailbay early morning.Matthew Capper
2006-10-22Millfields: Coot 150, Long-tailed tit 2, Pochard 20, Tufted 80, Wigeon 55. WLCentre: Barnacle goose 5, chaffinch 10, Coot 200, Cormorant 3, Gadwall 4, goldfinch 2, great Crested Grebe 6, Lapwing 55, Lesser Black-backed Gull 2, Little Grebe 5, Mallard 30, Moorhen 15, Mute Swan 3, Pochard 45, Snipe 5, Teal 45, Tree Sparrow 20, tufted duck 40 and Wigeon 65.Richard, Frances and Ken Pittam
2006-10-24Quite warm and sunny on site today. Many visitors about because of the half term school holidays. The "Aren't Birds Brilliant" event was run again today by Matthew Capper who manned a stall in the open area within the visitor centre. His band of RSPB volunteers showed birds to people in the Wildlife Centre (WC). Many telescopes were available for use by the general public. There were no birds on Horseshoe Island today due to the presence of rangers reinforcing the edges of the island's pools. Very few species of bird were found but the following are worth a mention: Barnacle Goose (1), winter ducks - Wigeon & Pochard as well as Teal (mostly winter visitors), Gadwall, Mallard and Tufted Duck. Also Kestrel (male) and Long-tailed Tit (4). A Commn Hawker dragonfly was found by the water's edge near the WLC. Holly trees are full of berries, a month earlier than normal. The "fall" of autumn leaves has barely started. Horse Chesnut leaves are rapidly turning to yellow and gold and some are dropping onto the ground. Most other species of trees are still very green. The splendour of autumn tints will be very late this year. A dip into the logbook for the last few days: 23rd October: Whooper Swan (1), Pied Wagtail (40), Meadow Pipit (18), Skylark (2), Red-crested Pochard (2), Kingfisher (2). 22nd October: Barnacle Goose (3), Gadwall (2), Pochard (80), Snipe (5). 21st October: Garganey (female), Water Vole. 18th October: Barn Owl (1) - near WC, Snipe (20+).Ray and Margaret Perry
2006-10-295 Snipe - Bank to the left of the Wildlife Centre 2 Red-Crested Pochards - Infront of the Wildlife Centre 3 Barnacle Geese - In the the field to the left of the Wildlife Cenre 1 female Goldeneye - Swimming and diving near the bank to the left of the Wildlife Centresam Pedley
2006-11-022 Whooper Swans were seen briefly in front of Sheepwash hide but,harassed by Mute Swans,flew away South/East.They were later relocated in Fishtail Creek. At least 10 Goldeneye were seen,4 Drakes and 6 Female/immature. 1 Reed Bunting and several Lesser Redpoll were seen on Stones Island. 2 Jays were seen on the bank below Hall Wood. Also seen were Snipe,Buzzard,Sparrowhawk and Great Spotted Woodpecker.Clive Ashton / Dave Newcombe
2006-11-03Wildlife Centre: Mistle Thrush (2), Bullfinch (m and f), Wren (2), Canada Geese (110), Gadwall (2), Barnacle Geese (5), Little Grebe (10), Wigeon (40), Little Owl (1), Dunnock (1), Redwing (21), Kestrel (1), Red Crested Pochard (2), Collared Dove (2), Jackdaw (2), Goldfinch (6), Redshank (1), Snipe (1), Pochard (10) Paul Stanley Hide: Willow Tit (1), Coal Tit (1), Tree Sparrow (4), Lesser Black backed Gull (50), Yellow-legged Gull (1), Pheasant (1), Wigeon (245), Little Grebe (12), Cormorant (15), Sheepwash Hide: Wigeon (36), Teal (18), Pied Wagtail (2), Lesser Black backed Gull (50), Grey Heron (1), Cormorant (13), Moorhen (3)richard and Frances Pittam
2006-11-04Sunny on site around midday, with a stiffish breeze. A total of 38 species found on Stones Island and at the Wildlife Centre. OF NOTE: Barnacle Goose (2), Gadwall - many pairs, Snipe (2), Lapwing (100+), Little Owl (1). The best sighting of all was of a Water Vole seen at the back of the pond next to the Wildlife Centre. It sat there quite happily in full view munching on leaves, taking no notice of the audience (about 8 of us) leaning on the rail by the pool. It performed for us for about 10 minutes before disappearing into the undergrowth. GREAT!! A dip into the logbook: 3rd November: Bullfinch (a pair), Barnacle Goose (5), Kestrel (1). 2nd November: Dunlin (1), Meadow Pipit (8), Skylark (1), Brambling (1). 1st November: Red-crested Pochard (2 females), Redshank (1), Snipe (3), Brown Hare (1). 31st October: Garganey (one female), Redwing (25). 30th October: Kittiwake (one adult), Golden Plover (1).Ray and Margaret Perry
2006-11-05At ten to four, as we were going home in our car over the dam, I noticed a long-winged grey bird of prey. It had a longish tail . It was was battling with the wind trying to hunt on the grass on the dam wall. I thought it was a Hen Harrier but I am not 100% sure.Sam Pedley
2006-11-09Goosander (1 female), Kingfisher (1), Goldeneye (pair).Ray and Margaret Perry
2006-11-10An adult Ring billed Gull was reported on the Birdnet pager as being outside Paul Stanley Hide at 2.50pm. Presumably this is the returning bird from 2003 and 2004 following an apparently blank year last year. Hopefully it may remain in the gull roost for a while as it has done previously in 2003/2004. It can, on past experience, if it's the same bird, be a little erratic in its' visits and difficult to pick out at times.Steph' hicking
2006-11-12Highlights - Wildlife Centre highlights: Snipe (8), Red Crested Pochard (2 male, 2 female), Gadwall (8), Wren (2), Willow Tit (1), Redwing (12), Fieldfare (15), Goldfinch (4), Redpoll (8), Dunnock (2), Jackdaw (2), Carrion Crow (10), Tree Sparrow (8), Brambling (1), Siskin (1). Stones Island: Greenfinch (1), Brambling (1), Bullfinch (2), Goldfinch (4). Sheepwash: Redshank (1 - ringed) Paul Stanley: Lesser Black Backed Gull (78), Gadwall (8), Wigeon (95), Black Headed Gull (70).richard Pittam
2006-11-13Kittiwake (1) - juvenile.Ray and Margaret Perry
2006-11-15Gull Roost on 14th included 1 adult Caspian Gull, 1 adult Yellow Legged Gull.50-100 Common Gulls (moving around!), around 3000 Lesser Black-backs and around 2000 Black Headed Gulls. Also present of note, 10 plus Goldeneye around Sheepwash area,20 Gadwall (Sheepwash/Paul Stanley) 1 or 2 Redshank (Sheepwash, 3 Snipe (Paul Stanley Hide.Steph' Hicking
2006-11-15Snipe (21), Redshank (1), Goldcrest (2).Ray and Margaret Perry
2006-11-16Birdnet pager again reports adult Ring-billed Gull from Paul Stanley Hide at 2.50pm this pm.Steph' Hicking
2006-11-17Adult Ring-billed Gull showed in the roost from around 3.15pm till dusk. Viewed from Sheepwash Hide.Steph' Hicking
2006-11-182 Black Swans and 9 Goosander off Millfields/Dam wall. 1 Black-tailed Godwit at W.Centre.Richard and Frances Pittam / Barry and Jose
2006-11-19Black Swan still present today between Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre. Adult Male Red Crested Pochard also at the Wildlife Centre and at least 7 Snipe. Matthew Capper ( Aren't birds brilliant! Project Officer )Matthew Capper
2006-11-20A Tittesworth Water Snippet: A Ring-billed Gull turned up on the site today.Ray and Margaret Perry
2006-11-21Wildlife centre- 1 Black Tailed Godwit,1 Dunlin,1 Redshank, 1 Black Swan, 1 Red Crested Pochard and 1 Peregrine. Sheepwash-Peregrine again sighted (could be same bird) 4 Meadow Pipits,1 Grey Wagtail also a Singing Song Thrush in the car park. Lane End-2 Goldeneye.Clive Ashton / Dave Newcombe
2006-11-213 Redshank, 1 at Wildlife Centre, 1 at Millfields, 1 at Paul Stanley Hide. 1 Black-tailed Godwit at WLC. 1 Dunlin at WLC. 3 Snipe at WLC. 1 Black Swan at WLC. 1 Stoat seen several times on Horseshoe Island today. 1 Peregrine reported from WLC.Roger Carrington
2006-11-23Cormorant (51), Goldeneye (4), Grey Wagtails (2).Ray and Margaret Perry
2006-11-24Black Swan (1), Kestrel (one male), Snipe (3), Black-tailed Godwit (1), Redshank (1), Collared Dove (10).Ray and Margaret Perry

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