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
08/11/20222,100 Woodpigeons flew S in 2 hours (07:45-09:45) this morning, plus 16 Stock Doves, 105 Redwing, 85 Starling. The almost-adult Caspian Gull again from Stones. 2+ Goldeneye. 6 Red Kites, 5 Buzzards and 3 Sparrowhawks enjoying the breeze.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
06/11/2022Species noted during today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre: Canada Goose, Blue Tit, Great Tit, House Sparrow, Black-headed Gull, Long-tailed Tit, Goldcrest, Pied Wagtail, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Robin, Dunnock, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Song Thrush, Moorhen, Gt Crested Grebe, Mallard, Magpie, Lapwing, Meadow Pipit, Carrion Crow, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Goldfinch, Grey Heron, Dunlin (13), Wigeon, Coot, Greylag Goose, Chaffinch, Gt Spotted Woodpecker, Willow Tit, Jackdaw, Sparrowhawk, Wren, Tree Sparrow, Teal, Gadwall, StarlingGary Atkins
04/11/2022The day of the Woodpigeon: a total of 62,600 flew S to the east of the reservoir, watching/counting from Stones island, looking towards Alport Heights, 07:15-10:30. A site record! Drake Pintail at WLC. Redhead Goosander. 1 Redshank. Adult Caspian Gull and 2 Yellow-legs at Sheepwash. A Yellowhammer over Stones and Chiffchaff there still.Simon Roddis
03/11/2022The Little Stint was again with the Dunlin flock (18 birds) at the north end of the dam wall mid-morning. Just 1,080 Woodpigeons S in grey conditions early on. Water Rail in Hopton reedbed early morning. 175 Canadas. 43 Greylag. 118 Lapwing. 2 Little Egrets. The Marsh Tit again in Sheepwash carpark. 70 Meadow Pipits feeding on Stones shore. Total of 24 Lesser Redpoll including a flock of 15 S over Stones.Simon Roddis
02/11/2022The juvenile Little Stint was with 16 Dunlin at the sailing club end of the dam wall this morning. Movement included 4,450 Woodpigeons, 15 Stock Doves, 22 Skylarks, 273 Starlings, 432 Redwing and 22 Fieldfare heading S or SW. c1,000 Jackdaws left their roost early morning. 2 Chiffchaffs on Stones.Simon Roddis
01/11/2022Not as much moving this morning, at least at Carsi, presumably because of low cloud and rain: 1,690 Woodpigeons, 16 Stock Doves and 80 Starling. 50 Gadwall. 41 Wigeon. 126 Mallard. 174 Teal. 127 Tufted. An adult Peregrine tucked into a snack on Lane End shore. Chiffchaff still on Stones causeway and the 2 Red-legged Partidges on Stones again. Marsh Tit calling at Sheepwash. Total of 45 Siskin.Simon Roddis
30/10/2022Woodpigeon numbers continue to increase: 7,450 S and SW this morning, mostly between 07:30-09:30, along with 13 Stock Doves, 290 Starling, 165 Redwing and 105 Fieldfare. 2 Brambling in WLC creek. A male Mandarin over Brown Ale Bay early morning is my first here since early May. 204 Teal. 8 Pochard. 30 Coot. 104 Lapwing. 13 Dunlin. 2 Little Egrets. The Marsh Tit again at Paul Stanley hide. Chiffchaff singing on Stones causeway. 7 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
30/10/2022In the gull roost tonight of note: Mediterranean Gull 1W; Caspian Gull (sub-adult); Yellow-legged Gull 6 Adults. Total number of gulls un-countable but guessed well in excess of 10,000.Richard Lowe
28/10/2022Brownale Bay (from PS Hide), 1530 hrs: 2 Great Egrets, 6 Shoveler, 2 (m/f) WigeonGary Atkins
30/10/2022A bit of movement this morning: 4,280 Woodpigeons, 10 Stock Doves, 261 Starlings and 165 Redwings SW (most of it 07:30-10:00). 45 Greylags. 4 Shoveler. 37 Gadwall. 9 Pochard. Drake Goosander at Millfields early morning. A surprise pair of Red-legged Partridge on Stones/sailing club islands - they should be safe here! 191 Lapwing. 14 Dunlin. 32 Cormorants. 1 Little Egret. 9 Red Kites together over Carsington pastures.Simon Roddis
28/10/20223-Mediterranean Gulls (Adult plus two 1w's) in the gull roost tonight plus at least 5 Adult and 1-1w Yellow-legged Gulls, all from Lane end Hide.Richard Lowe
28/10/2022A juvenile Little Stint, presumably the one that was off Lane End on Sunday, was with the Lapwing flock (c140) at Watersports 10:30-11:15 at least. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 1 Little Egret. 4 Red Kites. 3 Tawny Owls early morning at Hopton end/PS hide. 5 Raven. 8 Skylark over. c500 Starlings and 12 Chaffinch SW.Simon Roddis
27/10/2022A 1st winter Mediterranean Gull and at least 5 adult Yellow-legged Gulls in the gull roost this evening from Lane End Hide.Richard Lowe
25/10/2022Frustrated by low cloud this morning (although that did allow a view of the solar eclipse!) but in a brief window of brightness 09:00-09:30, there was a bit of movement: 2,050 Woodpigeons, 300 Redwing, 70 Fieldfare, 250 Starlings, 25 Siskin. A Yellowhammer over Stones and perhaps the same bird later over the WLC, plus a Brambling over Stones. 6 Shoveler. Marsh Tit in Sheepwash carpark.Simon Roddis
DateofSightingSightingsNameSupplied
24/10/2022The first Goldeneye of the autumn, a male, was off Brown Ale Bay this morning. 36 Gadwall. 1 (2?) Little Egret. 4 Red Kites over Carsington pastures. The Marsh Tit again on the Paul Stanley feeder. 2 Brambling over Stones. Totals of 185 Redwing, 85 Fieldfare, 9 Lesser Redpoll, 45 Goldfinch and 27 Siskin. Couldn't see yesterday's Little Stint at Lane End.Simon Roddis
23/10/2022A juvenile Little Stint from Lane End hide this afternoon, found by Richard Lowe, as was a first-winter Mediterranean Gull there. The 3rd/4th-winter Caspian Gull - it has tiny bits of black in the primary coverts and tail-centre - caught a crayfish but was mugged by a gang of young Lesser Black-backs. 4 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 3 Shoveler. 35 Gadwall (definite increase). 111 Wigeon. 95 Mallard. 286 Teal. 4 Pochard. 104 Tufted. 34 GCGrebe. 85 Lapwing. 19 Dunlin at Millfields. 1 Little Egret. 114 Redwing. 130 Fieldfare.Simon Roddis
22/10/2022An adult Hybrid Ring-billed Gull / Lesser black-backed Gull was off Lane end Hide late this afternoon. This (or a very similar bird) was first seen at Carsington in November 2018. A Caspian Gull (sub-adult or possibly a hybrid) was also present along with at least 7 adult Yellow-legged Gulls.Richard Lowe
21/10/2022Fog pretty much put an end to vismigging after 8 this morning. 275 Redwing by then. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls at Sheepwash - the Yellow-leg is getting very good at catching crayfish! A Peregrine was upsetting the Wigeon there too, and a Marsh Tit at the carpark. 50 Meadow Pipits on Stones and 20 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis
19/10/2022The floodgates opened this morning: masses of Redwing in particular, 29,190 counted moving SW 07:45-14:00 (with a gap at lunchtime so I'm sure it will have exceeded 30k in reality), 286 Fieldfare, 200 Starling, 3,170 Woodies, 31 Stock Dove. 60 Pink-feet SW at 08:45. Other bits and pieces included a Brambling, 2 Golden Plover, Peregrine.Simon Roddis
18/10/2022Little movement evident this morning, just 190 Woodies S. 18 Canada, 2 Barnacle and 64 Greylag Geese. 2 Shoveler, 16 Gadwall, 53 Wigeon and 5 Pochard. 6 Coot! 120 Lapwing, my highest count here since February. A first-year Caspian Gull off Lane End mid-morning, and 2 Yellow-legs. Kingfisher at Millfields. A Peregrine took a Skylark off Stones island. Total of 13 Ravens, including 9 flying SW. 33 Carrion Crows on the shore at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
16/10/20226 Wigeon, 30 Pied wagtail, 3 Little Grebe, 15 Cormorant, 12 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Grey Heron, 1 Sparrow Hawk, 1 Jay, 48 Lapwing, 7 Mute Swan, 100+ Meadow Pipit, 2 Willow Tit, 12 Dunlin, 2 Raven afternoon walk roundDavid Armitt
16/10/2022A late Swallow through WLC creek, my first for a week, was the best this morning. 1 redhead Goosander. 8 Dunlin. 25 Redwing. 19 Skylarks over Stones, heading N. Total of 29 Siskin, including a flock of 22 S over Hall Wood, and 10 Greenfinch (8 S over Shiningford). Pretty quiet.Simon Roddis
14/10/2022A frustrating first 2 or 3 hours of this morning due to low-lying murk, although 4 adult Whooper Swans on the water at around 07:30 lifted the gloom. A little surprisingly, 5 Whoopers flew past Stones island shortly afterwards, leaving to the N. Have to assume that the 5 included the earlier 4. The Kingfisher again at Millfields. 10 Dunlin still. c120 Meadow Pipits on Stones, flushed by a low-flying male Sparrowhawk. A few finches, including Chaffinches and Siskin, appeared to be on the move but the conditions were less than ideal for vismig!SJR, AHS, RPJ, AMD
13/10/2022A Rock Pipit flew over the dam wall at 09:45. Movement this morning: 19 Stock Doves, 223 Woodpigeons and 39 Redwings S or SW, and 35 Skylarks N. Green Sandpiper again near Big Island. 12 Dunlin. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls (adult and 2 first-years). 5 Red Kites and 8 Buzzards in the air. Peregrine loafing on Lane End shore. 5 Chiffchaffs. 7 Lesser Redpolls flew onto Watesports island.Simon Roddis
12/10/2022Tiny bit of vismig this morning: 45 Redwing, 23 Starling, 75 Woodpigeon and 16 Stock Doves S or SW 08:00-09:00. Nice male Stonechat in WLC creek. 1 Pintail off Sheepwash. 65 Lapwing. 1 Little Egret. 1 Peregrine. 3 Tawny Owls calling in Tail Bay early morning. Kingfisher again at Millfields. 1 Chiffchaff in WLC creek. c100 Meadow Pipits on Stones island.Simon Roddis
10/10/20224 Great Egrets flew through SW at 09:44, a site record (never more than 2 at a time before). Adult Caspian Gull at sailing club, along with 20 Dunlin and 4 Ringed Plover. 4 Pintail flew in at 09:20. 9 Pochard. 32 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret. 24 Skylarks over Stones, but possibly some double-counting. 150 Starlings flew SW in several flocks.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
09/10/2022Monthly WeBS count - numbers generally much lower than last month, no doubt due to the low water level: 12 Canada, 30 Greylag, 9 Mute Swan, the Garganey still at sailing club, 20 Shoveler, 7 Gadwall, 92 Wigeon, 150 Mallard, 254 Teal, 1 Pochard, 135 Tufted, 6 Moorhen, 34 Coot, 23 LGrebe, 41 GCGrebe, 47 Lapwing, 4 Ringed Plover, 15 Dunlin, 2 Green Sandpiper near Big Island, 1 Jack Snipe at Watersports, 20 Cormorant, 10 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher at Millfields. Juvenile Arctic Tern flew SW at 08:15. 1 Rock Pipit and 3 Brambling over Stones island. 4 Red Kite. 7 Skylark. 18 Redwing. Total of 25 Siskin.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
07/10/2022Waders this morning were 24 Dunlin, 12 Ringed Plover, single Golden Plover and Snipe. c2,000 BhGulls early morning before most of them dispersed. 46 Cormorants. 1 Little Egret. 5 Red Kites. 4 House Martins SW. 4 Redwing.Simon Roddis
06/10/2022Highlight this morning was a female Merlin which flew south over Carsington Pastures. 22 Lapwing, 13 Ringed Plover and 19 Dunlin in sailing club bay. 3+ Red Kites. Peregrine over Hopton end. Great Egret in Brown Ale Bay. 13 Skylarks over, most heading N. 8 Tree Sparrows at WLC. Total of 20+ Siskin over. 40 House Martins (flocks of 27 and 13) SW.Simon Roddis
05/10/2022Afternoon visit, after the rain abated. Duck numbers seem much reduced, though 480 Teal was up on the last WeBS count. (We'll see what this coming weekend's WeBS brings.) 24 Dunlin at sailing club. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls (adult and 2 first-years) at Sheepwash. Great Egret and Marsh Tit still from Paul Stanley hide. 3 Kestrels, including 2 being harassed by a Magpie in the main carpark. 1 Peregrine. 8 Swallows and 2 House Martins moved through. I didn't get round to posting yesterday (4/10) but the highlights were the RbMerganser again flying out of Hopton end at 07:05, and a Yellowhammer over Stones island.Simon Roddis
03/10/2022A pretty decent morning: a juvenile Marsh Harrier (probably a female) came in from the NE at 09:15, hung around Brown Ale Bay for a while and play-chased a Peregrine before heading off SW over Carsington pastures at 09:30; a female-type Red-breasted Merganser flew NE over Hopton end at 07:10 (wonder if it's the same bird as last week, perhaps roosting here overnight and going elsewhere in the day?); Great Egret also NE over Hopton end at 06:40; and a Merlin came in over Shiningford, upsetting the Lapwings, at 10:20. 25 Mute Swans. 15 Shoveler. 13 Ringed Plover and 18 Dunlin in sailing club bay early morning. A juv female Sparrowhawk took a Meadow Pipit off the dam wall. 8 Buzzards. 11 Skylarks over in random directions. c60 House Martins still hanging about. 9 Redwing.Simon Roddis
02/10/2022Species seen 10am to noon on Birdwatching for Beginners Walk (38). Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Tufted Duck, Woodpigeon, Moohen, Coot, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Little Egret, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Magpie, Jackdaw, Raven, Willow Tit, Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Wren, Blackbird, Robin, House Sparrow, Dunnock, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit and Goldfinch.Lorna Lomas
02/10/20222 skeins of Pink-feet, 165 birds, flew E between 08:25 and 08:30. 72 Greylags. 15 Shoveler. 9 Pintail. 17 Ringed Plover, 23 Dunlin and a Redshank at sailing club early morning. 2 Yellow-legged and 15 Common Gulls at Sheepwash late morning. Kingfisher in Tail Bay. 2 Jays flying across Hopton end carrying acorns. 10 Skylarks over. 70+ House Martins and 8 Swallows. 4 Redwing. 20 Linnet.Simon Roddis
01/10/2022Hobby, Great Egret and Marsh Tit from Paul Stanley hide late morning. 21 Ringed Plover and 12 Dunlin at sailing club. 3 Tawny Owls calling in Tail Bay early morning, and 500 Jackdaws out of their roost. Kingfisher at Millfields. 43 House Martins and 12 Swallows. Total of c300 Meadow Pipits across Lane End, Stones and sailing club. 6 Siskin and 1 Lesser Redpoll over.Simon Roddis
30/09/2022Very foggy this morning, could finally see across to the other side of the water at 11. The ghostly Great Egret and a calling Marsh Tit from PS hide early on. 44 Cormorants. Kingfisher at Millfields. 13 Ringed Plovers. 32 House Martins flew S past Stones island at 11:15. 14 Chiffchaff. At least 16 Redwing. 9 Bullfinch, including 7 in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
29/09/2022Great Egret from Paul Stanley hide early morning. 19 Dunlin and 15 Ringed Plover in sailing club bay but I didn't see the Curlew Sandpiper. 2 skeins of Pink-feet totalling 98 birds flew NE. 71 Gadwall including 62 from Lane End hide. 4 Pintail. 12 Tree Sparrows at WLC (my highest figure this year) and a Lesser Redpoll over Millfields (my first here since 4th April).Simon Roddis
27/09/2023The highlight this afternoon was a juvenile Little Gull from Lane End hide. It was present for c30 mins before disappearing from view. Great Egret also from the hide. 7 Grey Herons. 143 Wigeon. 50 Gadwall. 6 Pintail at Lane End. 17 Shoveler. Female Red-crested Pochard off Shiningford Creek, 19 Ringed Plover. 20 Dunlin. 2 Ruff. Peregrine. 2000+ LBB Gulls. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Adult Herring and GBB Gull. 29 Common Gull. 3 House Martin over dam. 2 Blackcap. 2 Raven.Dave Newcombe
28/09/2022A female/immature Red-breasted Merganser flew SW over the dam wall at 07:10 and the juv Curlew Sandpiper was among the Dunlin flock in sailing club bay. 8 skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 300 birds flew E between 09:10 and 10:45. 37 Shoveler. 4 Pintail. Loose flock of 22 Little Grebes off Shiningford. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (adult and first-year). 5 Red Kites, 9 Buzzards and 6 Ravens in the air. Kingfisher and Marsh Tit at PS hide. 25 Swallows and 5 House Martins. 102 Meadow Pipits and 40 Linnet on Stones island. 350 Jackdaws out of their roost early morning.Simon Roddis
27/09/2022The first Redwings of the autumn, 10 in total, flew through this morning, while a single Sand Martin is the latest ever here (previous latest 25 Sep in 2012 and 2017). The Curlew Sandpiper was still in sailing club bay. Total of 497 Teal (332 of them at Millfields). 3 Pintail. Drake RcPochard still. 6 Little Egrets. Kingfisher at Millfields. 9 Skylarks over, heading towards Carsington pastures. High numbers of Meadow Pipits again: 90 at sailing club and Alan S counted 128 from Lane End hide.Simon Roddis
25/09/2022The juv Curlew Sandpiper was at sailing club early morning and later in front of Lane End hide at 10:45. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls at Sheepwash. Also from Lane End, Great Egret, 44 Shoveler, 9 Pintail, 2 RcPochard, 14 Pochard, 121 Meadow Pipits feeding. 21 Dunlin and 16 Ringed Plover. 2 Hobbies (adult and probably a juv) flew fast south over the main centre at 11:35. Male Peregrine. 12 Swallows.Simon Roddis
24/09/202265 Meadow Pipit, 10 Ringed Plover, 27 Dunlin, 15 Goldfinch, 1 Curlew sandpiper on Stones opposite sailing Club , 6 Little Grebe, 2 Kestrel, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Buzzard, 6 Little Egret, 8 Grey Heron, 14 Gadwall,16 Wigeon, 35 Cormorant, 1 PochardDavid Armitt
24/09/2022Evening visit: c4,500 Lesser Black-backs roosting, plus c1,000 BhGs, 34 Common, 5 Yellow-leg (3 ads, 2 first years) and 1 GBbG. The Curlew Sand still at sailing club. 2 RcPochard off Shiningford. c200 Pied Wagtails, 25 Swallows and 10 Starlings went to roost on Watersports island.Simon Roddis
24/09/2022The juv Curlew Sandpiper was again in sailing club bay this morning, along with 24 Dunlin, 19 Ringed Plover, a Redshank and a Great Egret. 3 skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 213 birds flew E between 08:48 and 09:35. Totals of 57 Shoveler (site record, I think), 238 Wigeon and 8 Pintail. The male RcPochard off Shiningford. 47 Cormorant. Kingfisher at Millfields. Skylark over WLC creek.Simon Roddis
23/09/2022The juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was still present in front of sailing club later in the day. Plus 21 Ringed Plover, 15 Dunlin and 5 Ruff in the area. 9 Little Egrets and 10 Grey Herons. 46 Cormorants. 122 Wigeon. 45 Shoveler mostly from lane end hide with some further towards sheepwash. Also 9 Pintail from lane end. 5 in front of the hide and 4 more nearer sheepwash. Female Wheatear on the dam wall. 5 Buzzards, female Sparrowhawk and Kestrel. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls at sheepwash along with 320 Lessers, adult Herring and 10 Common Gulls. 2 Raven over middle wood.Dave Newcombe
23/09/2022The juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was again in sailing club bay early morning. 22 Dunlin, Ringed Plover are up to 28 and now 5 Ruff. Two flocks of House Martins totalling 138 went SW. 4 Pintail. 2 RcPochard still. 10 Little Egrets. At least 100 Pied Wagtails and 50 Meadow Pipits around the dam wall and sailing club bay.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
22/09/2022The juv Curlew Sandpiper was still in sailing club bay early afternoon. Other main highlights this morning were a Great Egret in Brown Ale Bay, a juvenile female Merlin past Stones island and a Marsh Tit at the feeder to the side of Paul Stanley hide. Perimeter counts: 8 Coal Tit, 5 Willow Tit, 30 Long-tailed Tit, 49 Chiffchaff, 7 Blackcap, 31 Goldcrests, 78 Wren, 9 Nuthatch, 13 Treecreeper, 9 Song Thrush, 45 Blackbird, 205(!) Robins, 19 Dunnock, 13 Bullfinch. 20 Dunlin, 2 Ruff and 18 Ringed Plover at sailing club. 8 Little Egrets. A Peregrine sitting in front of Lane End hide. 14 Swallows and a House Martin flew through.Simon Roddis
21/09/2022The juv Curlew Sandpiper was at sailing club early morning and then at Millfields to 11:30 at least. 23 Dunlin, 2 Ruff, 6 Ringed Plover, 6 Snipe, 29 Lapwing. 781 Canada Geese and 1 Pink-foot flew out early morning, and 311 Greylags flew in. 38 Shoveler. 2 Pintail. The 2 RcPochard still. Single adult Yellow-legged, GBb and Common Gulls. 9 Little Egrets. 1 Peregrine. Very few hirundines today, just 7 Swallow, 1 Sand Martin and a handful unid'd. 15 Chiffchaff. 3 Blackcaps.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
20/09/2022The juv Curlew Sandpiper was at Millfields first thing and then at sailing club. 24 Dunlin. 10 Ringed Plover. 2 LRP. 2 Ruff. 2 Barnacle Geese at Millfields. 5 Pintail off Lane End. c1,000 BhGulls along the dam wall early morning. 8 Little Egrets. c100 Swallows and 5 House Martins. 12 Chiffchaff.Simon Roddis
19/09/2022A juvenile Curlew Sandpiper was in sailing club bay and later at Millfields this morning - much hoped for given the numbers on the east coast recently. 21 Dunlin, the Ruff still, 4 Ringed, 2 LRP and 1 Golden Plover. The 2 RcPochard again roosting at Shiningford. 10 Little Egrets. 22 Chiffchaff and 2 Blackcap. 70 Starlings in fields above Penn Carr. 60 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall. 50 Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis

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