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
23/02/2023Managed to locate the Jack Snipe at the Hopton End reedbed this afternoon (15.20). It was quite close to the blue bucket! Also a Willow Tit singing on the other side of the road.Paul Bennett
23/02/2023The GNDiver was north of Stones island early morning. 25 Barnacle Geese. 34 Greylags. 8 Curlew. Peregrine over Watersports island. 12+ Ravens. Marsh and Willow Tits on the Sheepwash feeder late morning. 2 Skylarks over.Simon Roddis
22/02/2023The GNDiver was off Fishtail this morning, as viewed from Stones. Jack Snipe and Water Rail at Hopton reedbed first thing. 26 Barnacle Geese. 1 Dunlin flying around Sheepwash spit. Marsh Tit still at the Sheepwash feeder. 4 Skylarks SW over WLC creek. Totals of 10 Moorhen, 12 Herring Gull, 18 Raven (13 around the dead sheep), 8 Goldcrest, 11 Bullfinch (1 singing at top of WLC creek), 9 Reed Bunting.Simon Roddis
21/02/2023The GNDiver was off Fishtail early on and then off Flat Island late morning. 26 Barnacle Geese. 40 Wigeon in Brown Ale Bay. 1 Goosander. 9 Curlew at sailing club early morning. 9 Herring Gulls. 12 Ravens on the latest sheep carcass. 3 Skylarks over. 70 Linnet on Stones causeway, and 6+ Lesser Redpolls among Goldfinches and Siskins feeding at the top of WLC creek.Simon Roddis
20/02/2023The GNDiver was off Stones island this morning. A male Mandarin and a Jack Snipe at Hopton end first thing (and the Mandarin and a pair of Shoveler later from PS hide). 31 Barnacle Geese. 1 Pink-foot. 13 Curlew around Stones (and 10 of them later near Sheepwash). 8 Herring Gulls on Sheepwash spit. Peregrine over Watersports island. Another sheep carcass on the pastures attracted 15 Ravens (and another pair over Stones). Marsh Tit still coming to the Sheepwash feeder. 60 Linnet from Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
19/02/202310 Goldfinch, 7 oystercatcher, 72 Wigeon, 2 pied Wagtail, 69 Teal, 48 Gadwall, 1 goldeneye, 2 Little Grebe, 20 Redwing, 1 Curlew, 15 Cormorant, 200+ Jackdaw going to roostDavid Armitt
18/02/2023The GNDiver was towards the north end early morning. 18 Barnacles. 7 Herring Gulls. One, maybe 2 Peregrines from Stones. 5 Skylarks over. 25 Siskin at Penn Carr.Simon Roddis
12/02/2023Early WeBS count (should really be next Sunday): 1 GNDiver, 251 Canada, 5 Barnacle, 5 Greylag, 1 Mute Swan, 68 Gadwall, 70 Wigeon, 188 Mallard, drake Pintail, 641 Teal, 10 Tufted, drake Common Scoter between Stones and Millfields, 10 Goldeneye (6m,4f), 8 Moorhen, 91 Coot, 8 LGrebe, 19 GCGrebe, 10 Oystercatcher, 110 Lapwing, 5 Snipe, 4 Redshank, 1 Curlew, 12 Cormorant, 1 Heron. 3 GSWoodpeckers drumming. Willow Tit singing between PS and Sheepwash, 60 Linnet on Stones.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
11/02/2023Flock of barnacle geese on the small island in front of the wildlife centre as were some canadian geese. Teals and mallards thriving well in this stretch of water. 1 goldcrest in the shrubbery on stones island. Lapwings flying in circles overhead. Tits feeding well at the bird table at Lane end as was the willow tits or marsh tits. Not sure which.Love reading the resident bird watchers sightings.Ann F
10/02/2023The adult GNDiver was again up the res this morning. Drake Pintail off Stones - such a beautiful duck. 27+ Barnacles. A Curlew flew in then settled between Sheepwash and Lane End. 1 Dunlin. 3 Redshank. c20 Herring Gulls post-roost. c1,000 Jackdaws early morning on and over the dam wall. 6 Ravens over the pastures.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
07/02/2023The GNDiver was off Stones this morning. Shelduck at Millfields, pair of Shoveler, 1f Pochard, 30 Barnacles, 7 Oystercatcher, 3 Redshank, 5 Snipe. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. Perimeter counts: 6 GSWoodpecker (4 drumming), 23 Magpie, 15 Coal Tit, 1 Marsh (PS hide), 8 Willow, 164 Blue, 86 Great, 20 Long-tailed, 6 Goldcrest, 45 Wren, 3 Nuthatch, 8 Treecreeper, 38 Song Thrush, 11 Mistle, 30 Redwing, 83 Blackbird, 140 Robin, 44 Dunnock, 4 Grey Wag, 16 Pied, 40 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall, 38 Chaffinch, 24 Bullfinch (mostly on the east side), 7 Greenfinch, 45 Linnet, 5 Lesser Redpoll (near WLC), 21 Goldfinch, 6 Siskin. (73 species)Simon Roddis
06/02/2023The GNDiver was showing well but mobile this morning; the adult Caspian Gull was off Hall Wood and a Jack Snipe in Hopton reedbed. A good day for counting ducks: 191 Canada, 10 Greylag, 4 Shelduck, 277 Mallard, 84 Gadwall, 64 Wigeon, 1f Pintail, 733 Teal, 14 Tufted, 6 Goldeneye, 8 Moorhen, 98 Coot, 4 LGrebe, 18 GCGrebe, 5+ Oystercatcher, 111 Lapwing, 3 Redshank, 11 Cormorant. Singing Willow Tits at Hopton and Stones. c75 Siskin over Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
05/02/2023Species noted by group during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon): Canada Goose, House Sprrow, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Robine, Gadwall, Mallard, Goldeneye, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Teal, Wigeon, Tufted Duck, Blue Tit, Meadow Pipit, Redwing, Blackbird, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, Little Grebe, Moorhen, Barnacle Goose, Greylag Goose, Red Kite, Raven, Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe, Great Northern Diver, Linnet, Song Thrush, Magpie, Jackdaw, Snipe, Tree Sparrow, Willow Tit, Pheasant, Little Egret, Dunnock, Redshank, Buzzard and GoldfinchGary Atkins
05/02/2023The GNDiver was off Stones early morning, then off Sheepwash around 10:00. 48 Wigeon at Sheepwash/Paul Stanley. Female Pintail off Horsehoe island. 4 Goosander (3m,1f) early morning. 3 Oystercatcher (2 Horseshoe, 1 Millfields). 500+ Lesser Black-backs off the dam wall early morning. Pair of Red-legged Partridge in WLC fields - the Stones birds maybe? Marsh Tit at the Sheepwash feeder.Simon Roddis
03/02/2023The GNDiver was off Stones early morning; it flew about 50m, appeared spooked by the BhGs - so still fully winged but the first time I've seen it fly other than prior to its departure. 1 Pink-footed Goose. 2 Barnacles. 7 Goldeneye including 5 (2m,3f) displaying in Brown Ale Bay. 2 Oystercatcher. 2 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. 2 pairs of Sparrowhawks interacting over Hall Wood. 1 Skylark N over Stones. 80 Linnets still around Watersports island.SJR, CA, AHS
02/02/2023The GNDiver again in front of the WLC for part of the morning although conditions were much calmer than yesterday. 3 Woodcock at Millfields at first light. 3 adult GBbGulls post-roost. A Green Woodpecker (less than annual) called from behind the sailing club. Singing Willow Tits at Millfields and WLC creek. Total of 60 Redwing. c80 Linnets still around Watersports island.Simon Roddis
01/02/2023The adult GNDiver sought the calm waters in front of the WLC mid-morning. c150 Lapwings. 1 Redshank. The 2 Red-legged Partridges again near sailing club. Only a handful of Ravens around the sheep carcass, presumably not a lot left on it for them to feed on. Marsh Tit at PS hide.Simon Roddis
31/01/2023The GNDiver was off Sheepwash for much of the morning. Just the 16 Ravens on the sheep carcass on Carsington pastures, though a Buzzard was keeping 6 of them off late morning. Otherwise pretty much as you were.Simon Roddis
30/01/2023The GNDiver was off Lane End early morning. 31 Barnacles. 47 Greylags. 7 Goldeneye. Water Rail in Hopton reedbed. 50 Woodpigeons NE. 8 Herring Gulls S. The dead sheep on the pastures attracted 24 Ravens at one point this morning. Marsh Tit at PS hide. 1 Skylark over Millfields. 80 Linnets on Watersports island.Simon Roddis
29/01/2023The GNDiver was at the north end again, feeding actively off Paul Stanley hide late morning, and the adult Caspian Gull there too. Barn Owl again in Tail Bay early morning. 31 Barnacles. 1 Shelduck (yesterday's bird?) off Sheepwash. 6 Goosander. 148 Woodpigeons flew NE. The Oystercatcher still around Horseshoe island, and c350 Lapwings. 24 Cormorants. 6 Buzzards. A dead sheep on the pastures attracted 30-40 Carrion Crows and 5 Ravens. Total of 120 Starlings in various directions. c75 Siskin: 50 near the WLC and 25 at Millfields.Simon Roddis
28/01/2023The GN Diver was directly in front of Lane Ends Hide at 16.00 and drifted slowly south until 16.20, at least. The Shelduck was there at 14.50. A Marsh Tit was at the Paul Stanley feeders at 14.30 and 2 Pink-footed Geese flew over Sheepwash at 13.45.Paul Bennett
28/01/2023The GNDiver right up at the north end again around 08:30 this morning. 1 Barn and 2 Tawny Owls in Tail Bay early morning. 31 Barnacle Geese. 1 Pink-foot flew out with Canadas. 1 Shelduck off Stones. 3 Sparrowhawks. Marsh Tit at the Sheepwash feeder. 1 Skylark flew S over WLC creek. 70+ Linnets still on Watersports island, and the first singing Reed Bunting of the year there too.Simon Roddis
27/01/2023The Great Northern Diver was back at the northern end by 1.50 pm. I saw it from path between Sheepwash and Lane End (viewed across the sheep field) for 10 mins. Showed well intermittently, between dives, until 2.00 pm. Also a huge flock of 350+ Lapwings. 1 male Reed Bunting on Sheepwash feeder; 1 Kestrel nearby; 4 Goldeneye on water.Alan Hobson
27/01/2023A total of 1,410 Pink-footed Geese in 10 skeins flew WNW between 09:23 and 10:10, a wonderful sight and my highest ever count here. The GNDiver was off Fishtail Creek mid-morning. The first Oystercatcher of the year was at Sheepwash, and a Woodcock and 3 Tawny Owls also there early morning. 31 Barnacle Geese. Pair of Goosander flew up the res. 2 Redshank. 70 Linnet over Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
26/01/2023The GNDiver on its now regular beat at the north of the reservoir early morning. 2+ Woodcock, 4 Goosander (2m,2f) and adult Yellow-legged Gull at Millfields first thing. 351 Canada, 30 Barnacle and 80 Greylags. 35 Woodpigeons N. 90 Lapwing. Pair of displaying Sparrowhawks. Marsh Tit in Sheepwash carpark.Simon Roddis
24/01/2023A walk from sheepwash to stones island and back from 09.30 to 14.00. Highlights were marsh tit.willow tit and 3 reed buntings on the sheepwash car park feeder.2 mistle thrush in the field near lane end and a nuthatch on the lane end feeder.c20 siskins between lane end and shiningford creek 30 barnacle geese and 2 nene x barnacle geese hybrids in the field behind WLC.4 tree sparrow and willow tit on the WLC feeder the 2 red legged partridge were still on watersports island along with c60 linnets on the stones island shoreline also the great northern diver was close in from stones island around midday.Chris brown
24/01/2023The GNDiver again north of Stones island much of the morning, and the near-adult Caspian Gull over Stones 09:30 and later at Millfields. 175 Greylags. 30 Barnacle. The pair of R-l Partridge and c100 Linnets on Watersports island. 2 Peregrines again. c100 Lapwing. 2 drumming GSWoodpeckers.SJR, CA, AHS
23/01/20232 adult Whooper Swans around Stones early morning, departed at 08:20. 6 adult Shelduck. The GNDiver up towards the north end again. 30 Barnacle Geese. 6 Goosander, a drake Shoveler and 3 calling Tawny Owls at Millfields early morning. 2 Red-legged Partridge on Watersports island again. 9 Fieldfare NW.SJR, CA, AHS
22/01/2023Monthly WeBS count: 1 GNDiver, 180 Canada, 30 Barnacle, 39 Greylag, 1 Mute Swan, 113 Gadwall, 45 Wigeon, 274 Mallard, 536 Teal, 13 Pochard, 48 Tufted, 11 Goldeneye, 9 Moorhen, 98 Coot, 5 Little Grebe, 16 GCGrebe, 83 Lapwing, 6 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 14 Cormorant, 1 Heron. Red-legged Partridge again on Watersports island, Marsh Tit at Sheepwash, first singing Willow Tit of the year at Hopton end.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
21/01/2023The GNDiver was towards the north end of the res this morning, and just off Paul Stanley hide at 11:00, first time I've seen it from there. 272 Canada, 8 Barnacle and 1 Pink-foot (what were we saying yesterday, Roger?!). 1 redhead Goosander loafing on Millfields island. The 2 Red-legged Partridges rooted to the spot on Watersports island. 81 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 5 Snipe again from WLC. The Marsh Tit at both Sheepwash and Paul Stanley feeders.Simon Roddis
20/01/2023The GNDiver was north of Stones island for much of the morning. 4 Shelduck off Stones. 5 Goldeneye. The pair of Red-legged Partridge again on Watersports island. 3 Redshank. 60 Lapwing. 6 Buzzards. Superb adult male Peregrine past the WLC and elsewhere around the res. 6 Tree Sparrows at WLC.Simon Roddis
19/01/2023Another 13 Whooper Swans, all adults again, off Stones this morning; they departed NW at 10:43 - the third day in a row for Whoopers here. The GNDiver off Sheepwash. 170 Canada. 38 Greylags. 51 Tufted, a definite increase since I last counted them. The pair of Red-legged Partridge huddling on Watersports island. The marsh Tit again at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
18/01/2023Highlight this morning was a herd of 36 Whooper Swans (all adults) off Stones island - the occasional bugling call while they were on the water but much more calling as they flew off NW at 08:48. The GNDiver still, off Shiningford. 3m Pochard. 82 Coot. 95 Lapwing. 3 Redshank. 16 Fieldfare flew SW.Simon Roddis
17/01/2023It was so cold first thing this morning that a Lapwing, 2 Coots and several Canada Geese had frost on their backs! The adult GNDiver from Stones island all morning. 3 adult Whooper Swans flew in at 10:30, still off Horseshoe island 11:15. A Great Egret flew N up the res at 09:50. 95 Lapwing. 250 Common Gulls off Millfields mid-morning, probably finding it difficult to feed in frozen fields. 4 Fieldfare at the main carpark. 20 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis
16/01/2023The GNDiver still, off Sheepwash early on and later off Fishtail. 48 Lapwing. 13 Snipe at WLC. Marah Tit on the Sheepwash feeder and a Crossbill over Paul Stanley hide (and I forgot to mention 2 Crossbill over Millfields yesterday).Simon Roddis
15/01/2023Several Redpoll with goldfinches feeding on seeds in alder trees between the horseshoe island bird hide & the visitor centre.Dean Vallender
15/01/2023The GNDiver was off the Sheepwash area this morning, a Curlew flew over Stones island, and 3 Pochard (2m,1f).Simon Roddis
13/01/2023Late morning early afternoon visit: the GNDiver just off Stones island, still showing some spotting on its upperparts. 213 Canadas. 61 Greylag. 63 Gadwall. 36 Wigeon. 224 Mallard. 392 Teal. 10(!) Tufted. 6 Goldeneye. 6 Moorhen. 88 Coot. 3 LGrebe. 16 GCGrebe. c500 Common Gulls in front of PS hide. 14 Cormorant. Marsh Tit at PS hide. 60 Redwing at Hopton end. c50 Linnet near WLC.Simon Roddis
12/01/2023The GNDiver towards Hall Wood (from Stones) early afternoon. 65 Greylags. 7 Snipe. 17 Cormorant. Peregrine cruising around. Marsh Tit at Paul Stanley hide. Finch flock between Watersports and WLC included 60 Linnet, Goldfinches, Siskin and Redpoll.Simon Roddis
05/01/2022Red Kite cruising around Callow Farm area, Marsh Tit visiting feeder at Paul Stanley Hide during the morning, 2 Willow Tit visiting feeders at the Wildlife Centre (including oddly marked marked bird with grey flecks in cap and a blackish stripe down ear coverts - also a bird with grey flecks in its cap at Peter Fidler Country Park last year), 5 Tree Sparrow at Wildlife Centre, Great Northern Diver off Sheepwash and later Stones Island.Jim Clarke, Chet Cunago, Gerard Hobley
09/01/2023The adult GNDiver was off Sheepwash early morning and the near-adult Caspian Gull briefly at Millfields mid-morning. 57 Greylags. Pair of Shoveler and c50 Siskin at Millfields. Pair of Sparrowhawks displaying in the breeze. The Marsh Tit again on the Sheepwash carpark feeder. 6 Tree Sparrows at WLC.Simon Roddis
08/01/2023Species recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon, Stones Island/WLC): House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Carrion Crow, Tufted Duck, Teal, Mallard, Kestrel, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Little Grebe, Meadow Pipit, Gadwall, Redshank, Goldeneye, Black-headed Gull, Moorhen, Cormorant, Robin, Blue Tit, Gt Northern Diver, Gt Crested Grebe, Peregrine (2), Bullfinch, Red Kite, Long-tailed Tit, Redwing, Wren, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Rook, Wigeon, Coot, Lapwing (15), Gt Tit, Pheasant, Willow Tit, Dunnock, Blackbird, Tree Sparrow (6), Gt Black-backed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Goldfinch, Jackdaw and Siskin.Gary Atkins
08/01/2023The GNDiver was off Sheepwash for much of the morning, the highest up the res I've seen it so far this winter. Woodpigeons on the move: 372 NE, 48 SW. 1 Woodcock at Millfields. Kingfisher at Paul Stanley hide. Peregrine chasing a BhGull at sailing club. 6 Willow Tits. 150 Redwing (100 at Sheepwash, 50 near Fishtail). 4 Lesser Redpolls feeding on seeds on Stones.Simon Roddis
07/01/2023After the rain, the GNDiver was over by the east bank near Fishtail Creek late morning. 280 Lapwings overhead. Female Pintail from WLC. c500 Common Gulls from Paul Stanley hide by 2pm. Marsh Tit again in Sheepwash carpark. 45 Linnets at Watersports. c300 Starlings up on Carsington Pastures.Simon Roddis
06/01/2023The GNDiver was again north of Stones island this morning, and the near-adult Caspian Gull was at Millfields around 11:00 (I very narrowly escaped being hit by its droppings as as it flew off!). 320 Woodpigeons NE. 1 Curlew at sailing club early morning, later flew N up the res. 1 Woodcock at Sheepwash. Peregrine again. 10 Fieldfare W. Total of 50 Siskin.Simon Roddis
05/01/2023The GNDiver off Stones this morning. The near-adult Caspian Gull, a Great Egret and a Shelduck at Millfields late morning. 76 Gadwall. 6 Goldeneye. A lovely drake Goosander near Fishtail Creek. 3 Little Grebe. 7 Moorhen. Peregrine chasing a Lapwing over the WLC. Marsh Tit again on the Sheepwash feeder. Perimeter counts of 5 Jay, 9 Coal Tit, 4 Willow Tit, 123 Blue Tit, 64 Great Tit, 43 Long-tailed Tit, 10 Goldcrest, 44 Wren, 4 Nuthatch, 5 Treecreeper, 11 Song Thrush, 7 Mistle (3 singing), 95 Redwing, 110 Blackbird, 91 Robin, 25 Dunnock, 41 Pied Wag, 20 Chaffinch, 11 Bullfinch, 24 Lesser Redpoll (15 on Stones), 80 Goldfinch, 76 Siskin. 60 Linnets at Watersports.Simon Roddis
05/01/2022Great northern diver near Lane end hide, Tree sparrow & Willow tit at the Visitors Centre hideMatthew Birkin
04/01/2023The adult GNDiver still, north of Stones island mid-morning. At Tail Bay first thing, 3 Woodcock, 1 Tawny Owl, Peregrine, c400 Lesser Black-backs flying out post-roost. 236 Canadas. Drake Shoveler from WLC. 6 Goldeneye. 40 Woodpigeons NE. 5+ Ravens. Marsh Tit on the Sheepwash carpark feeder. c65 Siskin, including c50 at WLC. 5 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
02/01/2023The GNDiver was north of Stones island mid-morning and then at Millfields late morning - appeared to eat a couple of crayfish. c250 Canada and 50 Greylag. 1 redhead Goosander. 110 Woodpigeons flew NE in small parties. Dunlin past Stones. 1 Woodcock and c150 Jackdaws at Hopton end first thing. 40 Meadow Pipits on Stones.Simon Roddis
01/01/2023This afternoon, the GNDiver from Stones island, 65 Pink-footed Geese flew NE over Millfields at 14:43, 80 Wigeon, female Pintail off Stones, 3 Pochard, 65 Coot, 32 GCGrebe, 239 lapwing, 2 Redshank, 10 Snipe (9 at WLC, 1 Millfields), Marsh Tit at Paul Stanley hide, 80 Redwing at Sheepwash, 7 Tree Sparrow (6 WLC, 1 Millfields).Simon Roddis

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