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
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

Scroll to Top