Recent Sightings

NameSightingDate
Simon RoddisClive and Alan saw the Wood Sandpiper at Sheepwash early morning, and a Greenshank dropped in there later. The Osprey was around again and caught a fish at around 9 and apparently another at 11. A female/juv-type Goldeneye was off Stones, perhaps the same bird as appeared a couple of times in July. 389 Pied and 7 Yellow Wagtails left their roost on Watersports island early morning, along with 25 Swallows. Totals of 22 Shoveler, 23 Pochard and at least 2 Red-crested Pochard. 2 Ruff and 8 Snipe at sailing club. 1+ Ringed Plover, and 6 Little Ringed (plus chicks) again at Sheepwash/Brown Ale Bay. 2 Great Egrets, 13 Little Egrets and 17 Grey Herons. Common Whitethroat in WLC creek and Alan had a Garden Warbler at Sheepwash. 150 Goldfinches on Stones.29/08/2025
Simon RoddisThe juvenile Wood Sandpiper was visible from Sheepwash hide all morning, albeit that the shoreline is some distance away at the moment. Other waders: 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Ringed Plover, 6 Little Ringed Plovers (plus 3 large chicks), Green and Common Sandpipers, 2 Ruff, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Snipe and a fly-through Greenshank. 4 female/juv Red-crested Pochard were at sailing club early on and later at Millfields. 16 Shoveler. 29 Pochard. Adult Caspian Gull from Sheepwash early morning, and 5 Yellow-legs. 2 Great and 16 Little Egrets. Male and female Redstart and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. 100 Goldfinches on Stones.28/08/2025
Richard LoweFrom Sheepwash Hide late this afternoon: Wood Sandpiper (juv); Ringed Plover (1) Ad; LRPlover (4) - an adult plus 3 chicks/juvs, almost certainly the same ‘family’ as noted last week. Caspian Gull (Ad) (regular bird); YLGull (3) Ads; GBBGull (1) Ad; Osprey - disappeared towards the Visitor Centre then seen later with a small fish over Fishtail Creek.27/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonStar bird this morning was a Whinchat on the fence down the side of the overflow carpark, first of the year to the best of my knowledge. Waders comprised 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, 1 Black-tailed Godwit and 7 Snipe. 2 female-type Red-crested Pochard were at the sailing club end of the dam wall. 12+ Shoveler. 1 Common Tern. 45 Cormorants. 10 Little Egrets flew in over WLC creek early morning. 2 Great Egrets. Lesser Whitethroat and female Redstart in WLC creek. Kingfisher in Shiningford creek.27/08/2025
Simon RoddisA total of 20 Whimbrel, including a flock of 17, flew SW this morning, a new site record. Other waders: 1 Ringed and 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Lapwing, 5 Snipe, 2 Ruff and 2 Dunlin. Totals of 169 Teal and 14+ Shoveler. 32 Common Pochard and the female Red-crested at Millfields. 10 Swift over Millfields, my first here for over 2 weeks. 2 Common Terns. 2 adult Great Black-backs. Great Egret again in Brown Ale Bay. 40 Swallows. Common Whitethroat and female Redstart in WLC fields. Yellow Wagtail at Millfields. 15+ Crossbills in the top of Hall Wood.26/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonPresumably the same Osprey as the last couple of days again for at least an hour this morning, hovering several times but we didn't see it catch anything. Three Peregrine sightings, quite possibly more than one bird. 1,200 Canadas and 174 Greylags out over the dam wall early morning. Total of 17 Shoveler, and 19 Pochard at Millfields. Black-tailed Godwit again at sailing club/dam wall, at least 3 Ruff, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, 5 Snipe. Great Egret around Sheepwash. Kingfisher at Millfields. 2 Redstarts and a Spotted Flycatcher in WLC fields, and another Redstart in front of the cafe at the main centre. 2 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall.25/08/2025
Richard LoweFrom Sheepwash Hide of note this afternoon: Osprey (adult) fishing on and off for at least an hour; LRPlover - an adult plus two chicks/juvs, likely the same family as recent weeks albeit one chick down; Curlew (2); Ringed Plover (1); GWEgret (1); YLGull (1); The Osprey put paid to any gulls on the bank.24/08/2025
Simon RoddisA pretty decent morning. An Osprey flew past Stones and landed in a tree near Fishtail Creek; Paul Bennett saw presumably the same bird later from Sheepwash. A Marsh Harrier flew south just before 10:00 and kept on going. Duck included 149 Teal and 11 Shovelers. Waders included a Black-tailed Godwit again, 2 Ruff at Sheepwash, Dunlin, Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers, Snipe, Common Sandpiper and Oystercatcher. Adult Caspian Gull off Stones. One Great and 16 Little Egrets. 2+ Willow Tits on Stones. c50 Swallows and 70 House Martins.24/08/2025
Simon RoddisA summer-plumage Black-tailed Godwit was at sailing club/dam wall this morning and the Ruff still at Sheepwash. Other waders were Ringed Plover, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, Dunlin, 2 Snipe and 2 Oystercatchers. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls and the Great Black-back again. 220 Pied and 1 Yellow Wagtail left the roost on Watersports island early morning. Common Whitethroat again in WLC creek and 4 Willow Warns at various spots.23/08/2025
Richard LoweFrom Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Ruff (f), Ringed Plover, LRPlover; YLGull (4+) - 3+(Ads) and a Juv, Common Gull juv, GBBGull Juv.22/08/2025
Simon RoddisTwo Ospreys appeared over the res just after 10:15, one of them soon catching a fish and carrying it away while being chased and harried by Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Ruff at Sheepwash (found by R&A). 43 Greylags, the juvenile Shelduck still and a fleeting visit by 7 Goosander, presumably a family group. Adult Common Tern. 2 Great and 20 Little Egrets. 44 Cormorants. c50 Swallows and 40 House Martins. In WLC creek, at least 6 Blackcaps and single Common and Lesser Whitethroats feeding on berries, and another Common on Stones. Sedge Warbler on Stones. At least 2 Wheatears on the dam wall (plus 2 at Sheepwash later, per Clive A) and 7 Yellow Wagtails (6 on the dam wall, 1 over WLC creek). Also Siskin over WLC creek. SJR, AHS, RPJ, AMD22/08/2025
Simon RoddisA Turnstone, Sanderling, Ringed Plover and Dunlin were around the sailing club end of the day wall this morning, but none appeared to stay long. Adult Caspian, Yellow-legged, Great Black-backed and Common Gulls. Possibly 2 female Red-crested Pochard, Horseshoe and Flat Islands. 1 Shelduck, looked like an adult female.21/08/2025
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


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
22/04/2023Beautiful Male Wheatear X 1 just below the tower by the overflowSean O'Keefe
22/04/2023Failed miserably to find any Little Gulls again this afternoon, despite there seemingly being plenty about! There were getting on for 100 Sand Martins feeding just off Stones Island at 16.00, plus two House Martins, one of which was being relentlessly pursued by a single Swallow. There was a single Dunlin on Watersports Island and a Redstart sang briefly, just uphill of the WLC Creek at 15.30.Paul Bennett
21/04/202311 adult Little Gulls off Stones Is late afternoon.Richard Lowe
20/04/2023We joined in the Little Gull action this morning, with 4 adults on the water that had presumably roosted overnight, picked up by Clive. 4 Bar-tailed Godwits this morning, 3 females and a male, after just 1 female and the male yesterday. 3 Teal. 2 Curlew. On and around Stones island, the GNDiver, 90 Carrion Crows first thing, and at least 3 Sedge Warblers.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
19/04/2023Some nice birds this morning: yesterday's 2 Bar-tailed Godwits were still on Watersports/Horseshoe islands; a herd of 23 Whooper Swans were off Sheepwash before flying NW at 08:08; the GNDiver also off Sheepwash; a Yellow Wagtail N over Stones island and a Crossbill N over WLC. Sedge Warbler still singing on sailing club island.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
18/04/2023Lesser Whitethroat heard singing in trees adjacent to Shiningford Creek.Gary Atkins
17/04/2023At Hopton end/Hall and Middle Woods early morning, singing Pied Flycatcher, 4 singing Redstarts, 1 (possibly 3) Yellowhammers in the gorse field, 9 Goldcrests, 7 Treecreepers. The GNDiver still from Stones. 24 Barnacle Geese. 1 Curlew S. Sedge Warbler still on sailing club island. Blackbird with food near main centre.Simon Roddis
16/04/2023A morning with a bit of everything. Winter birds: the GNDiver from Stones, 3 Goldeneye still, 60 Fieldfare and 1 Redwing flew N. Summer visitors: 3 hirundine and 4 warbler species. Passage: a Greenshank flew in over Stones at 09:52. Others: 29 Barnacle Geese, a redhead Goosander flew S, 4+ Redshank, 1 Curlew, 75 Carrion Crows on the dam wall early morning, 11 Lesser Redpoll. 75 species.Simon Roddis
14/04/2023The GNDiver still from Stones this morning. Sedge Warbler singing on sailing club island, a Yellow Wagtail on Stones (CA,AHS) and an adult Common Tern buoy-hopping. 29 Barnacle Geese. 2 Wigeon and 2 Teal still hanging on. 1+ Curlew. A sub-adult GBbGull around Stones. Barn Owl again at Millfields. 3 singing Willow Tits. Singing Skylark over the dam wall/sailing club. Total of 16 Lesser Redpoll, including 13 near WLC.Simon Roddis
13/04/2023The GNDiver still, now fully winged again. c200 hirundines, mostly Sand Martins and Swallows, but 11 House Martins perched in a willow on Stones at one point. 26 Barnacle Geese. 6 Mute Swans. 1 Curlew over Stones. Small trickle of Lesser Black-backs heading north.Simon Roddis
12/04/2023The GNDiver still from Stones island this morning. Nice mixed hirundine flock of 70+ Sand, 5 House Martins and 10 Swallows on Stones, perching in trees. 30 Barnacle Geese. 1 Little Egret. c1,100 BhGulls early morning.Simon Roddis
11/04/20232 Redstarts singing, at Hopton End and Hall Wood. The GNDiver north of Stones island. 32 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. 1 House Martin again on Stones, with 10 Sand and 10 Swallows.Simon Roddis
10/04/202310am-noon: Dozens of Swallows, House Martins and Sand Martins hawking low over the water off Stones Is; Blackcap, several singing Chiffchaffs and at least three singing Willow Warblers, plus Teal on Stones; and an Oystercatcher on Watersports IsGary Atkins
10/04/2023Afternoon visit in a failed attempt to avoid the rain. The GNDiver, c50 Sand and 1 House Martin, 10+ Swallows, 3 Fieldfare from Stones. 27 Herring Gulls on the water. c20 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
08/04/202312 Chiffchaff, 4 Blackap, 1 Garden Warbler,2 Raven,8 Greylag, 20 Sand Martin, 3 Redshank, 4 Oystercatcher, 10 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 3 Mute Swan, 2 Chaffinch,6 Redpoll, and one deer having an early morning swim in the fog.David Armitt
08/04/2023The GNDiver was north of Stones island this morning. 2 Shelduck. Perimeter counts of 158 Chiffchaffs, 8 Willow Warbler, 22 Blackcap, 47 Pheasant (43m, many displaying), 16 Oystercatcher, 8 Grey Herons, 4 GSWoodpecker, 20 Magpie, 12 Coal Tit, 117 Blue Tit, 50 Great Tit, 6 LtTit, 4 Goldcrest, 118 Wren, 8 Nuthatch, 9 Treecreeper, 33 Song Thrush, 11 Mistle, 65 Blackbird, 141 Robins, 30 Dunnock, 24 Chaffinch, 23 Bullfinch, 6 Greenfinch, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 27 Goldfinch, 6 Reed Bunting.Simon Roddis
06/04/2023The GNDiver was off Stones mid-morning. 29 Barnacle Geese. 10 Swallows and 20 Sand Martins feeding off Lane End/Sheepwash. A flock of c150 Fieldfares flew NE over the north end.Simon Roddis
05/04/2023Two LRP's, a Dunlin and a Yellow Wagtail on the Sailing Club side of Stones Island causeway at 17.00 today. Also two Reed Buntings there and a Willow Warbler singing on Stones Island. Slightly later at around 17.30, there were around 30 Sand Martins, feeding between Stones and Watersports Island.Paul Bennett
05/04/2023An adult Common Tern was off Millfields and the dam wall early morning (perhaps having roosted overnight?). The GNDiver from Stones. 16 Barnacle Geese. c2,000 Black-headed and 6 Herring Gulls early morning. Barn Owl at Millfields first thing, and Tawny Owl calling. At least 23 Sand Martins and 6 Swallows. 2 Blackcaps on Stones (CA) and 2 at Sheepwash. Willow Warblers in WLC creek (CA) and on Stones.Simon Roddis
04/04/2023Ad hoc wildfowl count: 240 Canada, 31 Barnacle, 36 Greylag, 7 Mute Swans, 1m Shoveler, 23 Gadwall, 3 Wigeon, 104 Mallard, 7 Teal, 36 Tufted, 8 Goldeneye, 7 Moorhen, 17 Coot, 57 GCGrebe, 14 Oystercatcher, 1 LRP, 2 Curlew, 1 Snipe, 6 Redshank, the adult GNDiver, 21 Cormorant, 5 Heron. A Willow Warbler singing at Millfields, and Blackcaps at Hall Wood and Millfields. Total of 7 Jays, including 1 at Hopton end which imitated Sparrowhawk and Buzzard calls. 1 Redwing at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
03/04/20233 singing Blackcaps this morning, first of the year. 2 Merlins flew N over the pastures, seemingly being seen off by a Peregrine. The GNDiver still off Stones island. At least 7 Swallows and 4 Sand Martins. 31 Barnacle Geese. Marsh Tit still coming to Sheepwash feeder.SJR, CA, AHS
02/04/2023At today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Blackbird, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Dunnock, Tufted Duck, Gt Crested Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Mallard, Oystercatcher, Coot, Goldeneye, Common Gull, Gadwall, Carrion Crow, Robin, Wren, Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff, Blue Tit, Reed Bunting, Goldcrest, Cormorant, Gt Northern Diver, Redshank, Jackdaw, Great Tit, Mute Swan, Woodpigeon, Barnacle Goose (Hawaiian 'Ne-ne' in attendance), Moorhen, Tree Sparrow, Kestrel, Willow Tit, Pied Wagtail, House Sparrow and Goldfinch ... and, probably Sand Martin (WLC volunteer also saw a lot of Swallows early on)Gary Atkins
31/03/2023Willow Warbler, one singing on Stones Island this morningA and G Hattersley
23/03/2023GN Diver off Stones, 3 Mute Swan, 3 Wheatear still on the dam wall, 11 Redpoll on Stones, 2 Sand Martin, Blackbird carrying nesting material near main centre.Clive Ashton/ Alan Stewardson
22/03/2023An adult and 1st-winter Mediterranean Gull from the WLC mid-morning were the first of the year (I think). The GNDiver and 6 Pintail (3m,3f) from Stones. 2 Little Egrets again. The Marsh Tit calling at Sheepwash. 1 Sand Martin. And Clive had 3 male Wheatears on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
21/03/2023A Barn Owl was sat on the fence on the Hopton side of the road, just south of the Hopton End reedbed this evening, at 17.50.Paul Bennett
21/03/2023Nice morning at Carsi: the first Swallow and LRP of the year around Stones, 2 Sand Martins, 3 male Wheatears on the dam wall, Barn Owl first thing, 4 Dunlin, the GNDiver still from Stones, 11 Curlew at sailing club, 4 Dunlin, 2 Little Egret, 1 Peregrine, 6 Fieldfare.SJR, CA, AHS
18/03/2023The GNDiver still this morning. Pair of Shelduck at Millfields. Male Shoveler and redhead Goosander off Stones. 2+ Tawny Owls calling at Millfields early morning. 53 Carrion Crows in the dam wall fields. 6+ Chiffchaffs.Simon Roddis
17/03/2023Signs of spring: 6+ Chiffchaffs (at least 4 on Stones) and 5 Sand Martins this morning. Bit of movement, mainly northward: 901 Woodpigeons, 22 Fieldfare, 1 Golden Plover. The GNDiver moving around. Pair of Mandarins over Hopton end. 18 Buzzards and 2 Red Kites in the air in a 360 scan from the dam wall late morning. 2 singing Willow Tits. Singing Skylark over the dam wall fields. 60 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall. 8 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.SJR, CA, AHS
16/03/2023A very nice start to the morning with a Barn Owl hunting in Tail Bay, a male Wheatear (whoopee, a migrant!) on the dam wall (equal earliest since 2000) and an immature drake Common Scoter on the water (off Stones to 9.30 at least). At least 4 Redshank. 1 Dunlin. Marsh Tit still at Sheepwash. 6 Willow Tits. 60 Redwing over Fishtail and 44 Fieldfare N. 8 Lesser Redpolls feeding among other finches at WLC.Simon Roddis
15/03/2023Alan S and I covered the east side and Tail Bay this morning, looking for Willow Tits. A bit concerning that we only found 4. Maybe it was a bit too cold for them to sing. A Jack Snipe showed well at Hopton reedbed first thing, a pair of Mandarin at Fishtail Creek and a male Stonechat in the dam wall fields (overflow carpark).Simon Roddis
14/03/2023The GNDiver north of Stones this morning, near-adult Caspian Gull at Millfields early on, the female Stonechat again on Stones causeway, 75 Woodpigeons N and 19 Skylarks heading towards the pastures.SJR, CA, AHS
12/03/20239 Oystercatcher,12 Gadwall, 85 Teal,55 Wigeon,1 Kingfisher,1 Goldcrest,10 Goldfinch,3 Redshank, Great Northern Diver of stones, 1 Little Grebe,12 Great Crested Grebe,6 Pied Wagtail,6 Meadow Pipit, 2 Greylag Goose,2 Long Tailed Tit, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker,2F Goldeneye,1 Jay,2 Song ThrushDavid Armitt
13/03/2023Highlights of a wet and windy morning were an adult Kittiwake off Stones 07:45-08:00, 6 Pintail (2m,4f), the GNDiver (starting to show a bit more black around the head) and 3 Mandarin (2m,1f), presumably the same birds as yesterday.Simon Roddis
12/03/2023Further to Simon and John's post: A Barn Owl flew across the main road towards Sheepwash at 07:05hr.Clive Ashton
12/03/2023Monthly WeBS count: the GNDiver still from Stones, 151 Canada, 17 Greylag, 3 Mandarin, 56 Gadwall, 100 Wigeon, 145 Mallard, 210 Teal, 26 Tufted, 12 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander, 6 Moorhen, 126 Coot, 1 LGrebe, 25 GCGrebe, 12 Oystercatcher, 5 Lapwing, 35 Curlew, 1 Dunlin, 4 Redshank, 11 Snipe, 9 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron. The near-adult Caspian Gull again, from PS hide early morning and later from Stones. A female Stonechat from Stones causeway. JB counted 130 Skylarks heading over Stones towards the pastures (a site record) and 10 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
11/03/2023Short afternoon visit, the GNDiver was off Stones Island at 13:00 and the near-adult Caspian Gull feeding on a dead fish from Paul Stanley hide 14:30-14:50 at least.Simon Roddis
11/03/2023Short afternoon visit, the GNDiver was off Stones Island at 13:00 and the near-adult Caspian Gull feeding on a dead fish from Paul Stanley hide 14:30-14:50 at least.Simon Roddis
11/03/2023Dam wall, Stones, WLC 0740-0910hr. 36 Curlew at Sailing Club, 4 Snipe, 4 Lapwing, Redshank, 2 Shelduck, c30 Meadow Pipit, 4+ Skylark over. Single Fieldfare near Sheepwash 10/3/23.Clive Ashton
08/03/2023A flock of 8 Black-necked Grebes (6 in breeding plumage, 2 still wintry) was off Millfields first thing, then heading over to Stones for much of the morning. Apparently a county record and a nice bird for my 100th species of the year at Carsi. The GNDiver still. Drake Mandarin at Millfields early morning. 20 Barnacle Geese. 40 GCGrebes, a definite increase since yesterday - not the only grebe on the move! At least 43 Curlews early morning at sailing club/Stones island. Marsh Tit still at PS hide.Simon Roddis
07/03/2023The GNDiver again from Stones. 9 Goldeneye. 250 Woodpigeons N. 15 Curlew. 1 Dunlin. 5 Grey Herons. 1 Little Egret at WLC. 7 Buzzards. Imm Peregrine on Horseshoe island. 50 Linnets again on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
06/03/2023A bit of movement this morning, after a spell of little change: 3 Shelduck flew in, a drake Shoveler was at Millfields and later at WLC, 570 Woodpigeons, 78 Lapwings and 6 Skylarks flew N. The GNDiver still from Stones. 22 GCGrebe. Immature Peregrine again over WLC. Totals of 100 Redwing and 120 Starlings. Marsh Tit still at PS hide. 40 Linnets on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
05/02/2023Species recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners Walk (10am-noon; Stones Island and Wildlife Centre): Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Moorhen, Coot, Gt Crested Grebe, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Snipe, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Cormorant, Red Kite, Peregrine, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Willow Tit, Blue Tit, Gt Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Wren, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Robin, Tree Sparrow, Woodpigeon, House Sparrow, Dunnock, Pied Wagtail, Chaffinch, Linnet, Goldfinch, Reed BuntingGary Atkins
05/03/2023The GNDiver was at the north end of the res again this morning. 2 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. Otherwise just the usual suspects.Simon Roddis
04/03/2023The GNDiver was up the res most of this morning. The near-adult Caspian Gull dropped into the WLC around 10:45. A possible Water Pipit flew over Stones island: called several times but only seen in silhouette so I'm reluctant to claim it for certain. 34 Curlews at sailing club early morning. Total of 17 Herring Gulls. Immature Peregrine loafing on Horseshoe and Shiningford shores. Marsh Tit still at PS hide.Simon Roddis
02/03/2023The GNDiver was just off Stones Island this morning. 31 Curlews on sailing club shore early on. Peregrine through WLC fields. The Marsh Tit again at PS hide. 6 Willow Tits, including 3 together near WLC. 8 Reed Buntings, including 4 males at the Sheepwash feeder.Simon Roddis
01/03/2023The GNDiver was up between Flat and Big Islands this morning, and the Marsh Tit came to the feeder at Paul Stanley hide. Otherwise a bit same old, same old.Simon Roddis
28/02/2023Perimeter counts from this morning: 7 Buzzards (over Hall Wood), 5 GSWoodpecker, 5 Jay, 40 Magpie, 6 Coal Tit, only 2 Willow, 175 Blue, 69 Great, 33 Long-tailed, 4 Skylark, 5 Goldcrest, 54 Wren, 5 Nuthatch, 14 Treecreeper, 45 Song Thrush, 12 Mistle, 93 Blackbird, 156 Robin, 6 Tree Sparrow, 45 Dunnock, 14 Pied Wag, 33 Chaffinch, 18 Bullfinch, 8 Greenfinch, 42 Linnet, 5 Lesser Redpoll, 45 Goldfinch, 48 Siskin. The GNDiver was seen though I didn't clock it myself.Simon Roddis
27/02/202314 Whooper Swans this morning, which departed at 8:08 (10 including 6 juvs) and 8:25 (the other 4), the GNDiver was off Fishtail Creek and c150 Pink-footed Geese flew N at 8:55. Wildfowl numbers: 260 Canada, 2 Barnacle, 32 Greylag, 1 more Pinkfoot at Millfields, 2 Mute Swan (Hopton Hall pond), 69 Gadwall, 161 Wigeon, 178 Mallard, 615 Teal, 1m Pochard, 14 Tufted, 10 Goldeneye (5m,5f), 8 Moorhen, 135 Coot, 1 LGrebe (must have missed some), 24 GCGrebe, 12 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 1 Woodcock (Millfields), 14 Cormorant. Peregrine on Horseshoe Island. 4 Skylarks N.Simon Roddis
26/02/2023Wonderful views of Jack Snipe and Water Rail in Hopton reedbed first thing, and the GNDiver was towards the north end below Hall Wood. 2 Shelduck. c70 Wigeon. 7 Goldeneye. 15 Curlew. 10 Buzzards in the air over Hall Wood. Marsh Tit at the Sheepwash feeder. 6 Willow Tits, including singing birds at Hopton, ranger base and WLC creek. 2 Skylarks N over Stones. c50 Linnets off Stones causeway.Simon Roddis

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