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
01/01/2023Seen from the Wildlife Centre between 11:15 to 11:50 Weasel, Snipe, Coot, Siskin, Willow Tit, Tree Sparrow, Wren, Gadwall, Teal, Blue Tit, Canada Goose, Mallard, Pheasant, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Robin, Goldfinch, Tufted duck.Jane Chadwick
31/12/2022In a wet couple of hours this morning, the GNDiver was north of Stones island and a Shelduck was on Horseshoe island. 5 Goldeneye. 6 Snipe. 6 Tree Sparrows on the WLC feeders.Simon Roddis
30/12/2022Late morning onwards: the GNDiver from Stones island, quite close late afternoon, still fully winged. 4 Mute Swan (adult and 3 juvs). 5 Goldeneye (2m,3f). 2 drake Pochard at WLC. 352 Teal. 67 Coot. 120 Lapwing. 5 Dunlin at Millfields. Definitely 2 Marsh Tits, singles at PS hide and at the WLC (seen and heard). c25 Goldfinch and 5 Lesser Redpolls feeding in alders near the WLC. Roost counts of c4,000 BhGulls, 1,200 Common, 250 Lesser Black-backs, 1 Greater, 1 Herring, 19 Cormorant.Simon Roddis
29/12/20223 Redwing,1 Willow Tit, 20 Meadow Pipit, G N Diver off stones, 1 Greenfinch, 96 Lapwing, 11 Wigeon, 4 Pied Wagtail,1 Goldeneye, 4 Snipe, 10 Gadwall, 1 Little Grebe, 1 KestrelDavid Armitt
29/12/2022From Lane End hide: 20 Teal, Little Egret, male Goldeneye ... from Paul Stanley hide: Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, 2 Willow Tit, female Pheasant, Nuthatch, 12 Common Gulls, 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, 60+ Coot, Gadwall pair, Red Kite and several Siskin high in trees by path ... from WLC: 6-7 Snipe, 40-50 Lapwing, Little Grebe, adult and juv Mute Swan, several Tree SparrowsGary Atkins
29/12/2022This morning from Stones Island 3 Ravens, 3 Common Buzzard, 2 Redkite, 1 Redshank, Great Northern Diver off Millfields. From the WLC 5 Tree Sparrows, 6 Common Snipe and approximately 30 Lapwing.A H Stewardson
27/12/2022The GNDiver was just off Stones island before the murk descended this morning. 285 Canada. 1 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. 5 Herring Gulls post-roost. Brambling over Stones island. Marsh Tit on the Sheepwash feeder.Simon Roddis
26/12/2022The adult GNDiver again off Stones island early this morning. Definite movement of Woodpigeons, 1,580 NE between 08:15-10:00. 275 Canada. 2 Pintail off Lane End. 6 Goldeneye. Only about 50 Lapwings this morning. 4 Snipe. 150 Lesser Black-backs off Millfields early morning. 50 Rooks across the northern end, E to W. The Marsh Tit came to the Sheepwash carpark feeder after Dave Horsley had seen it at Paul Stanley hide earlier. 1 Yellowhammer S over Stones island.Simon Roddis
25/12/2022The GNDiver was north of Millfields mid-morning. At least 550 Lapwings and 100 Siskins, both my highest counts since February. 2 Shoveler at WLC. 9 Goldeneye (6m,3f). 2 Redshank. 4 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. 30 Woodpigeons (3 small flocks) moving E - different! The Marsh Tit again at the Paul Stanley feeders. Happy Christmas!Simon Roddis
21/12/2022A dawn to dusk session (if you can't do it on the shortest day of the year...). The GNDiver between Stones and Millfields morning and afternoon. At Millfields first thing, 2 Woodcock, 2 calling Tawny Owls and 7 Goosander (4m,3f). Totals of 150 Canada, 31 Barnacle, 66 Greylag, 2 Shoveler, 110 Gadwall, 59 Wigeon, 187 Mallard, 3 Pintail, 422 Teal, 64 Tufted, 4 Goldeneye, 18 Stock Dove, 94 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 3 Little Grebe, 34 GCGrebe, 130 Lapwing, 4 Dunlin, 3 Snipe, 1+ Redshank, 18 Cormorant, 4+ Red Kites, 11 (15?) Ravens, 7 Willow Tits, 25 Siskin. Marsh Tit on both the Sheepwash and Paul Stanley feeders - same bird? Red-legged Partridge calling on Watersports island.Simon Roddis
20/12/2022Adult GNDiver again between Stones and Millfields/Fishtail this morning. 77 Greylag. 31 Barnacles. Redhead Goosander. 2 drake Pintail at Lane End. 85 Coot - a definite increase, things are looking up! 6 Dunlin and a Redshank at sailing club. 1 Little Egret. 2 Red Kites and 15 Ravens over Carsington pastures. 33 Fieldfare.SJR, AHS, RPJ, AMD
19/12/2022Caspian Gull (sub-adult) off Sheepwash car park this afternoon. (Note: this bird has been seen at Ogston Res. on and off from late September.) Dunlin - 6; Pintail - 3 (2 drakes) from Lane End Hide.Richard Lowe
18/12/2022The adult GNDiver was again between Stones and Millfields this morning. Great Egret at Millfields. 31 Barnacle Geese. Marsh Tit at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
13/12/2022Minus 1.5c this morning with a slight mist. 3 Whooper Swans in flight over the main centre, from Stones Island 3 Shelduck, 3 Goldeneye, Great White Egret near Millfields and Great Northern Diver off Millfields, 6 Tree Sparrows at WLC as well as Willow Tit and 3 BullfinchesA H Stewardson
12/12/2022Minus 6c at 8:30am when I arrived, from Stones Island, Goldeneye 3 males 1 female, 3 Curlews, 1 Dunlin, Common Snipe heard, Great Northern Diver off Millfields, 250 Pink Feet Geese heading west, 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Kestrel. At WLC 6 Tree Sparrows and Willow Tit on the feeders.A H Stewardson
11/12/2022Monthly WeBS count: the adult GNDiver from Lane End, still showing quite a bit of white spotting on its upperparts; 249 Canada, 32 Barnacle, 14 Greylag, 2 Mute Swan, 3 Shoveler, 66 Gadwall, 134 Wigeon, 192 Mallard, 3 Pintail, 548 Teal, 2 Pochard, 49 Tufted, 9 Goldeneye, 1 Water Rail, 6 Moorhen, 64 Coot, 3 LGrebe, 37 GCGrebe, 56 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 3 Dunlin, 3 Snipe, 20 Cormorant, single Grey Heron, Great and Little Egrets.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
10/12/2022From Lane End hide late this afternoon: GN Diver (distant, off Stones Is.); Gt. White Egret, Little Egret, Pintail - 2 drakes, Shoveller - 1.Richard Lowe
10/12/2022The GNDiver was between Stones and Millfields this morning, Great Egret at Millfields, 8 Dunlin, drake Pintail.SJR, RPJ, AMD
09/12/2022The GNDiver was off Stones this morning. Unusually, a flock of c110 Pink-footed Geese were on the shore at Sheepwash early on; they departed SW at 08:15. There was also this winter's first appearance of the wandering Barnacle Goose flock: c30 along with one Nene hybrid. 3 Curlew again at Lane End. c250 Lapwings. Great Egret at Millfields. 40 Woodpigeons flew S.Simon Roddis
08/12/2022A nice surprise this afternoon was the return of (probably) the Great Northern Diver, off Lane End hide mid-afternoon. 2 adult Whooper Swans also dropped in and there were 3 Curlews on the shoreline. Female Shoveler still there too and a fly-by Kingfisher. By 16:00 the gull roost held c2,800 Common and 6,000 Black-headed Gulls, but very few Lesser Black-backs. 34 GCGrebes - they seem to be increasing slowly. Marsh Tit still at Paul Stanley hide and the pair of Red-legged Partridges still on Stones.Simon Roddis
07/12/2022Of note in this afternoon’s gull roost: YL Gull - 1Ad; Caspian Gull - 1 sub-adult; Caspian Gull (probable hybrid) -1Ad; Dunlin - 7.Richard Lowe
07/12/2022Totals of 43 Gadwall, 74 Wigeon, 112 Mallard, 346 Teal, 10 Goldeneye. 2 drake Pintail and a female Shoveler at Lane End. 1 Little Egret still. Marsh Tit and Kingfisher at Paul Stanley hide. 73 Meadow Pipits at Lane End.Simon Roddis
06/12/2022In the gull roost this evening: Mediterranean Gull - Ad; YL Gull - 3 Ads.Richard Lowe
06/12/20222 Pintails. LANE END HIDEDAVID COATES
06/12/20223 adult Whooper Swans flew E at 08:33. 100 Woodpigeons, 63 Redwing and 73 Fieldfare N. 28 GCGrebe. 3 Redshank (2 Millfields, 1 from Paul Stanley hide). 1 Woodcock at Hopton end. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Single Great and Little Egrets. 3 Red Kite. 1 Peregrine. The pair of Red-legged Partridge again around Stones. Total of 13 Raven, including 8 together over Hopton end early morning. The Marsh Tit again from PS hide. 75 Meadow Pipits on Stones.Simon Roddis
05/12/2022Late this afternoon in the gull roost: YLGull - 2 Adults; Mediterranean Gull - 1st W; Dunlin - 1; Peregrine - a male harrying the gulls.Richard Lowe
04/12/2022'BwB'walk (10am-noon) - 32 species noted: Buzzard, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Long-tailed Tit, Canada Goose, Lapwing, Dunlin, Wigeon, Teal, Sparrowhawk, Dunnock, Kestrel, Black-headed Gull, Redwing, Common Gull, Moorhen, Magpie, House Sparrow, Mallard, Gadwall, Fieldfare, Willow Tit, Tree Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit, Coot, Pheasant, Great Tit, Wren, Robin, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Reed Bunting.Gary Atkins
04/12/2022This morning, 373 Teal (most of them in front of Lane End hide), 2f Shoveler, 62 Wigeon, 47 Gadwall. 24 GCGrebe. 19 Cormorant. Little Egret off Stones causeway. At dam wall/sailing club, c250 Lapwing, 35+ Dunlin, 1 Redshank, 11 Snipe. 1 Woodcock and 4 Tawny Owls at Hopton end first thing. The Marsh Tit on Sheepwash feeder. Little bit of movement: 85 Woodpigeon, 110 Redwing and 30 Fieldfare N. Total of 25 Siskin. Alan S had the Great Egret and a Kingfisher from Paul Stanley hide.Simon Roddis
03/12/2022The change in the weather brought a few new birds in and through this morning: 7 adult Whooper Swans off Sheepwash early morning were joined by another bird before all 8 left SE at 08:35. c100 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 09:18. 364 Canadas. 3 Woodcock at Millfields at first light. Totals of 110 Woodpigeon (90S,20N), 18 Stock Doves (12S,6N), 22 Starlings N, 177 Fieldfare N, 725 Redwings N.Simon Roddis
02/12/2022In the Gull Roost late this afternoon of note: YL Gull - 3Ads + 1-1st W; Mediterranean Gull - 1st W.Richard Lowe
02/12/2022A Black-tailed Godwit added to the early-December wader fest this morning. c300 Lapwing, 39 Dunlin still, 2 Redshank and 3 Snipe, mostly around sailing club/dam wall. 9 Goldeneye (6m,3f). 9 Pochard. 147 Canada. 25 GCGrebe. Single Great and Little Egrets. Chiffchaff on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
30/11/2022In the gull roost late this afternoon of note: YLGull - at least 4 Adults and a 1st W; Caspian Gull - 2 Adults.Richard Lowe
25/11/2022From Sheepwash Carpark late this afternoon of note: Yellow-legged Gull (4) - (1st w; 2nd w; 2 Ad). Herring Gull c. 4.Richard Lowe
25/11/2022On and around Stones island this morning, a second-winter Kittiwake, a Chiffchaff, 2 Red-legged Partridge, 2 Redshank, a male Peregrine last seen sitting on Watersports island. Total of 20+ Siskin, at least 20 Dunlin on the dam wall, 25 Greylags, 1 Little Egret.Simon Roddis
23/11/2022From Sheepwash car park late this afternoon: Yellow-legged Gull - 3 adults; Caspian Gull adult (probable hybrid); Herring Gull - c6. Still large numbers of LBB, Common and BH Gulls well spread over the reservoir, impossible to count with any accuracy.Richard Lowe
22/11/2022Nothing quite at yesterday's level today, but a few counts: 152 Mallard, c300 Lapwing, 34 Dunlin, 6 Stock Doves, 2 Peregrine, 32 Fieldfare SW, single Great and Little Egrets, Marsh Tit at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
21/11/2022Big (literally!) surprise this morning was a juvenile Common Crane on Stones island at 08:00, which flew SW about 10 minutes later. The second record for Carsi after one in March 2002. Still at least 30 Dunlins present, and a possible Little Stint distantly among the Lapwing flock. 85 Gadwall, another big increase since last week. 126 Teal from Lane End and 63 Mallard from WLC. 45 Woodpigeons and 6 Stock Doves S, and 120 Starlings SW. Marsh Tit still at Sheepwash. 1 Brambling over Stones island.Simon Roddis
20/11/2022From Lane End Hide late this afternoon of note: Dunlin (40)! Redshank (2), Shelduck (1), Yellow-legged Gull (2) adults, Herring Gull (3+). Another big gull roost - uncountable.Richard Lowe
19/11/2022194 Lapwing,10 Cormorant, 3 Redshank,48 wigeon,13 Dunlin, 2 Nuthatch, 1 Chaffinch, 74 Teal, 2 Pochard, 20 Gadwall, 1 Little Grebe,2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Coal Tit, 1 Marsh TitDavid Armitt
20/11/2022From Stones island 08:00-10:00, 70 Pink-footed Geese E at 09:00, 478 Woodpigeons S, 12 Stock Doves (10N,2S), at least 33 Skylarks, including a flock of 25, heading towards Carsington Pastures, 278 Starlings SW. 30 Dunlin, highest count this year. 8 Goldeneye (5m,3f). 1 Great Egret. 2 Redshank from PS hide, and maybe another off Stones causeway. Marsh Tit from PS hide. Woodcock, Water Rail and 2 Tawny Owls at Hopton end first thing. 75 species - not bad for November!Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
18/11/2022Of note in this evening's Gull Roost: an adult Mediterranean Gull; at least 5 adult Yellow-legged Gulls; an adult (possibly sub-adult) Caspian Gull or Hybrid which was too distant (and light too poor) to positively identify.Richard Lowe
18/11/2022From Stones island 08:00-09:00: 75 Woodpigeons S, 12 Stock Dove (11S,1N), 3 Collared Doves N, 32 Starlings SW, 1 Skylark S. 4 Little Egrets huddled at Millfields first thing, guess they had probably roosted overnight. 147 Canada. 41 Wigeon. 6 Goldeneye (4m,2f). c200 Lapwing. From PS hide, Redshank, female Shoveler and Marsh Tit. 30 Fieldfare in WLC creek. Total of 6 Ravens.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
17/11/2022Another couple of hours in Lane End hide this afternoon avoiding the rain. 2 Shelduck on the shore, 48 Gadwall (where were they yesterday?!). 4 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 1,000+ Lesser Black-backs by 4pm.Simon Roddis
15/11/2022From Lane End hide 1400-1630: a Great Egret flew S at 1445, 1 Little Egret, drake Goldeneye, c3,000 Lesser Black-backs and 1,000+ Common Gulls, 80+ Meadow Pipits, adult Peregrine.Simon Roddis
14/11/2022Just an hour at Hopton end due to the fog this morning. Had my first Woodcock of the autumn/winter there, plus a calling Water Rail in the reedbed.Simon Roddis
11/11/2022From Stones island 0730-0930: 835 Woodpigeons (785S,50N), 31 Stock Doves (24S,7N), 5+ Red Kites, 1 Peregrine, 1 Golden Plover, 4 Raven. At Sheepwash late morning, near-adult Caspian Gull, 4 adult Yellow-legs, 6 Herring, 1,250 Lesser Black-backs.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
10/11/2022In this afternoon's gull roost of note: Mediterranean Gull - 1 Adult; YL Gull - 2 adults.Richard Lowe
10/11/2022From Stones island this morning, 0730-0930: 1st-winter Kittiwake, 5 Pintail (m,4f), imm m Goldeneye, 1,100 Woodpigeons, 46 Stock Doves (including a flock of 34), 1 Peregrine, 142 Starling, 75 Redwing, 107 Fieldfare, 2 Skylark. Off Sheepwash carpark late morning, the Ring-billed x Lesser Black-back hybrid, near adult Caspian Gull, 2 adult Yellow-legs, 7 Herring and 168 Common.Simon Roddis
09/11/2022Of note in this afternoon's Gull roost: Hybrid Adult Ring-billed Gull / Lesser Black-backed Gull; YL Gull - 4 (3-Ads, 1-2W).Richard Lowe
08/11/2022Of note in the gull roost this afternoon: Mediterranean Gull (2w); YL Gull (2 Adults).Richard Lowe

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