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
10/05/2022Evening walk round 8 Oystercatcher, 9 Chiffchaff, 1 Buzzard, 30 Sand martin,1 Peregrine, 1 Garden Warbler, 2 Redshank, 1 Heron, 1 Wigeon, 2 Lapwing, 1 Kestrel, 1 Pink - Footed Goose with Canada geese ,1 Tawny Owl. Blue tits in nest box 79David Armitt
10/05/2022Highlight this morning was 3 Sanderling on sailing club shore, first seen in flight around 07:00, still present 09:45. A summer plumage Dunlin sang briefly off Stones causeway. Drake Wigeon again at WLC and adult Med Gull at Millfields island. 1 Common Tern. 13 Swifts. 8 Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks and a Peregrine. Pied Flycatcher again singing in Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
08/05/2022New broods of Canada and Greylag, and 2 of Mallard. 2 Red-legged Partridge near Penn Carr (first of the year). 4 Swifts from Stones island. Oystercatcher taking food onto Shiningford island, so presumably a new brood of chicks on there. 3 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed. Pied Flycatcher singing in Hall Wood. 1 Yellow Wag on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
07/05/2022No sign of the GNDiver this morning (but I said that once before...). A female Bar-tailed Godwit and Whimbrel on sailing club shore early morning and Dunlin again on Watersports island. 2 imm male Goldeneye at Millfields. 2 Arctic Terns past Stones at 09:00. 11 sedge Warblers, including 1 singing in Millfields carpark.Simon Roddis
06/05/2022The GNDiver was on the water early morning but last seen in flight 07:30. 6 Shelduck flew in mid-morning. Oystercatchers still with at least 2 chicks on Horseshoe island. Summer plumage Dunlin on Watersports island. 45 Carrion Crows in the dam wall fields. Pair of Raven feeding 2 fledged young.Simon Roddis
05/05/2022Couldn't see the GNDiver this morning so I guess it has flown. Drake Wigeon at Shiningford and pair of Teal at Sheepwash. Brood of 4 Coot chicks off Stones causeway. 4 Common Sandpipers. 3 Common Gulls. 2 Sparrowhawks including one bathing at the edge of the water at Shiningford. Lesser Whitethroat singing at Hopton end. 2 singing Pied Flycatchers and 6 singing Redstarts in the Hopton end/Hall and Middle Woods area.Simon Roddis
04/05/2022An Osprey fished over the res 11:05 to 11:15 this morning, my first ever here in May. The GNDiver flew around for a while, called a couple of times, but was back on the water late morning. A bit of movement but not as much as I'd hoped for in the conditions: single Bar-tailed Godwit (female), Turnstone, Whimbrel, Common and Arctic Terns. Adult Med Gull again at Millfields island. Not quite so many hirundines as yesterday but still c200 Sand Martins, 50 Swallows and 20 House Martins. Tree Sparrow with food near WLC.Simon Roddis
03/05/2022A nice bit of movement this morning: 10 Arctic Terns, 6 Ringed Plover, 4 Turnstone, 2 Dunlin, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit, 5 Whimbrel. A Green Sandpiper on sailing club shore later also flew N. The GNDiver close to Stones island, resplendent in its pristine breeding plumage. Pair of Mandarins at Lane End. 1 Swift from Stones, plus c300 Sand Martins, 100 Swallows and 50 House Martins. Now 2 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
02/05/2022After spending a long time way across towards Millfields, the GNDiver obligingly came close to Stones island late morning. 6 Arctic Terns (1,3 and 2) through. 2 male Goosander flew N. A Peregrine pylon-hopping at the top of WLC creek. Fewer hirundines but still c50 Sand Martins, 25 Swallows and 5 House Martins. Male Common Whitethroat (at last!) in WLC creek and Lesser White still singing there.Simon Roddis
01/05/2022Sightings for Bird Watching for Beginners walk. Canada Goose; Greylag Goose; Mallard; Coot; Tufted Duck; Oystercatcher; Little Grebe; Great Crested Grebe; Black Headed Gull; Common Gull; House Sparrow; Pied Wagtail; Swallow; Sand Martin; Willow Warbler; Garden Warbler; Chiffchaff; Blackcap; Wren; Woodpigeon; Pochard; Willow tit; Blue Tit; Reed Bunting; Blckbird; Goldfinch; Sedge Warbler; Carrion Crow; Redshank; Cormorant. 33 speciesDavid Bennett (Back out of retirement)
01/05/2022The GNDiver kept its distance from Stones island this morning, but still present along the east side. At least 3 Arctic Terns from Stones mid/late morning. 4 Pochard (3m,1f) off Shiningford and a drake Goosander past Stones. Broods of 9 Mallard ducklings on Stones and 10 in WLC creek. 1 Curlew at sailing club early morning. 2 Common Sandpiper. The adult Med Gull at Millfields island. Lots of hirundines: c300 Sand Martins, 100 Swallows and 20 House Martins. 2 Yellow Wag (dam wall and over Stones).Simon Roddis
30/04/20226 Sedge Warbler,4 Oystercatcher, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 11 Cormorant, 15 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Chiffchaff, Great Northern Diver,4 Moorhen , 2 Song Thrush, 6 Goldfinch, 3 Wren, 1 Garden Warbler, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap,1 Reed Bunting, 1 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 1 Little Egret, 2 Little GrebeDavid Armitt
30/04/2022The GNDiver still off Stones island this morning. Pair of Shelduck and pair of Mandarin from Stones. Sub-adult female Caspian Gull and a first-summer presumed Caspian making as if to mate on a buoy until they were chucked off by a Cormorant! A new Reed Warbler singing in WLC creek. Treecreeper with food at Lane End.Simon Roddis
29/04/2022Perimeter count this morning: 6(5 singing) Stock Dove, 3 GSWoodpecker, 7 Jay, 83 Blue Tit, 41(29) Great Tit, 22(21) Willow Warbler, 90(77) Chiffchaff, 10 Sedge Warbler, 1 Reed, 85(72) Blackcap, 9 Garden, 5 Lesser White, 131(125) Wren, 37(25) Song Thrush, 12 Mistle, 104(42) Blackbird, 88(58) Robin, 4 Pied Fly, 12 Redstart, 24(17) Dunnock, 28(20) Chaffinch, 11 Bullfinch, 29 Goldfinch. In addition, the first Swift of the year over Stones (thanks Roger), 5 Arctic Terns N at 09:08, the GNDiver still, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 4 Goldeneye (2 imm male, 2 female), pair of Teal, Lapwing displaying over Horseshoe island, 1 Yellow Wag N over Stones.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
28/04/20222 singing male Pied Flycatchers this morning, one in Hall Wood in the area where they bred last year, and one just S of Middle Wood. The GNDiver still, flew again. 2 imm male Goldeneye still. Single Curlew and Dunlin; 2 Common Sandpiper along Stones causeway. The adult Med Gull still at Millfields island. At least 100 Sand Martins, 40 Swallows, 5 House Martins. Totals of 8 Sedge Warblers, 6 Garden, 1 Lesser White, 4 Redstart. 1 Yellow Wag N over Stones. Fledged Song Thrush on Stones and Blackbird in WLC creek. My first 80 species haul of the year.Simon Roddis
27/04/2022The GNDiver again off Stones this morning and a female Common Scoter off Watersports. Single Snipe and Common Sand again, and the adult Med Gull again at Millfields island. Male Kestrel flew twice to the east side carrying prey. Total of 5 Skylarks. At least 100 Sand Martins, 50 Swallows and 10 House Martins. 4 singing Garden Warblers. Blackbird fledglings on Stones and at Hopton end. Male Yellow Wag on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
26/04/2022The GNDiver was still off Stones island this morning. An adult Kittiwake at sailing club, later flew N over Stones. 3 Arctic Terns hanging around. Brood of 9 Greylag goslings at Shiningford. Pair of Teal again in Brown Ale Bay. Common Sandpiper at Watersports. Lots of hirundines again, 100+ Sand Martins, 30+ Swallows, handful of House Martins. Garden Warbler (my first of the year) singing on Stones causeway, along with a Reed Warbler. 2 Yellow Wagtails, one each on Stones and Horseshoe islands.Simon Roddis
25/04/2022The GNDiver flew around for several minutes this morning before coming back down and sleeping. An Arctic Tern from Stones 08:00-11:00 at least. 6 Shelduck (pair on the water early morning then flew N; another 4 flew through to N). 1 Pink-footed Goose. Drake Mandarin flew out of Millfields. 1 Snipe at WLC and 1 Curlew through. c100 Sand Martins, 30 Swallows and 10+ House Martins. 10 Sedge Warblers singing in the Stones area, plus a Lesser Whitethroat on Stones and a Yellow Wag over. Treecreeper with food near WLC.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
24/04/2022The GNDiver again off Stones island, Lesser Whitethroat singing at the top of WLC creek and the adult Mediterranean Gull again at Millfields island. 2 imm male Goldeneye at Sheepwash. 5 Redstarts singing between Hopton end and Middle Wood. Brood of 6 Greylags at Middle Wood and Chiffchaff nest-building on Stones.Simon Roddis
23/04/2022This morning's highlights were the GNDiver off Stones island, 4 Ruff flew E, a summer-plumage male Bar-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe island, drake Goosander and a Lesser Whitethroat singing at the top of WLC creek. Song Thrush nest-building at Penn Carr, Blackbird with food near the main centre.Simon Roddis
22/04/2022On and around Stones island this morning, 3 Arctic Terns N at 11:22, a lingering Common Tern, the GNDiver still, 3 Whimbrel past N at 07:50, drake Mandarin, and a female Brambling late morning.Simon Roddis
21/04/2022The GNDiver was right over towards Fishtail Creek late morning, and a Black-tailed Godwit at sailing club 08:30.Simon Roddis
20/04/2022The GNDiver out in the middle this morning, looking fairly smart now. 4 Goldeneye. 1 Common Sandpiper. 3 GSWoodpecker in Hall Wood. Peregrine again (third day on the trot). A Grasshopper Warbler singing on Watersports island, one Reed Warbler still in Hopton reedbed and 5 Sedge again around Stones.Simon Roddis
19/04/2022A quieter morning, but the GNDiver was still off Stones and my first Common Tern of the year. The bizarre Jay goings-on continue: total of 8, including 1 S over Stones and the dam wall, and 4 dropped into Middle Wood from the south. Very strange!Simon Roddis
18/04/2022Most frustrating sighting of the year so far: a ringtail harrier, probably Pallid or Montagu's, flew N over the res just before 08:30, last seen disappearing behind Carsington Pastures. Slim shape, long, narrow, relatively pointed wings, didn't feel bulky enough for Hen. Hey ho. The GNDiver off Stones island still. I think it's safe to say that the Red-necked Grebes have gone now - last seen on 15th as far as I'm aware. First Reed Warbler of the year singing in Hopton reedbed. Sub-adult Yellow-legged Gull. A distant Peregrine. 5 Sedge Warblers singing around Stones and 5 singing Redstarts, 4 in Middle/Hall Woods, 1 in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
18/04/20222 Little Egret, 6 Chiffchaff, 8 Oystercatcher, GN Diver of water sports island,6 Gadwall, 1 Teal, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Willow Tit, 6 Barnacle Goose, 4 Wren, 2 Bullfinch, 6 Starlings, 4 Sedge Warbler, 18 Cormorant, 2 Redshank, 60 Sand martin, 2 Blackcap, 1 Common sandpiper, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Little Ringed ploverDavid Armitt
17/04/20221 Whimbrel on the grass left of the Visitor Centre first thing this morning looking out over the res. 3 Pied wagtail, 5 Oystercatcher, 4 Reed Bunting,4 Sedge Warbler, 2 Gadwall, 4 Wren, 10 Cormorant, 20 Great Crested Grebe, 8 Mute Swan,9 Chiffchaff, 8 Greylag Goose, 4 Blackcap, 4 Bullfinch, 1 Kestrel, 1 Great Black-backed GullDavid Armitt
16/04/2022Monthly WeBS count: 135 Canada Geese, 8 Barnacle, 45 Greylag, 8 Mute Swan, 27 Gadwall, 63 Mallard, 2 Teal, 66 Tufted, 2 Goldeneye, 10 Moorhen, 78 Coot, 13 LGrebe, 71 GCGrebe, 12 Oystercatcher, 12 Redshank, 18 Cormorant. Couldn't find the Red-necked Grebes. Additionally, the adult Med Gull again, total of 13 Jays (unusually obvious at the moment), 4 Redstart (3 in/around Hall Wood, 1 in WLC fields), first Mallard brood (8-9) at Millfields, first Greylag brood at WLC.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
15/04/2022The GNDiver is colouring up nicely now, well marked on its upperparts and getting darker around the head. The adult Med Gull again at Millfields island. 1 Wigeon at Sheepwash. Common Sandpiper at sailing club. 4 Sedge Warblers again singing around Stones. 3 Redstart: pair in WLC fields and one singing at Shiningford.Simon Roddis
14/04/20222 Black Terns off Millfields Adult Med Gull in gull colony Millfields 1 Red Kite over visitor Centre 1 Great Northern Diver 2 Red-necked GrebesSteve, Tracy and Alex Mann
13/04/2022A decent morning: Richard Pittam found an Osprey early morning which hung around for a couple of hours, the 2 Red-necked Grebes and the GNDiver still, Ringed Plover still, total of 6 Jays, 2 Skylarks singing along the dam wall, c200 Sand Martins around Stones, 20 Swallows and 3 House Martins, 2 Sedge Warbler still on Stones, a Redstart (first of the year) singing at Hopton end, 3 Wheatears (female on a raft off Watersports and 2 first-summer males on the dam wall) and 1 White Wagtail at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
11/04/2022A bit more spring action this morning, with 2 Sedge Warblers singing on Stones island and causeway, and 2 Sandwich Terns flew S past Stones at 07:50. Plenty of hirundines at last: c100 Sand Martins, 20 Swallows and 1 House Martin. The 2 Red-necked Grebes and the GNDiver still present. 1 Dunlin on the dam wall, the Ringed Plover still and a Common Sand on Stones. 10 GBbGulls. 55 Carrion Crows on the dam wall and nearby fields early morning.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
11/04/2022Highlight this morning was a flock of 9 Little Gulls (7 adults, some showing a beautiful pink flush to the underparts, and 2 first-summers) at Millfields, 09:40 to 10:25, before they left E. And finally a few hirundines: at least 12 Sand Martins, 6 Swallows and 2 House Martins. The 2 Red-necked Grebes and GNDiver still. 11 Barnacles, 1 Pink-foot and 1 Ringed Plover again. 6 Willow Warblers.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
10/04/2022My first Common Sandpiper of the year was on Stones island this morning. The 2 Red-necked Grebes still off Lane End and the GNDiver from Stones. An adult Whooper Swan with a yellow ring on its left leg flew out at 08:20. 11 Barnacle Geese. 3 Shoveler (2m,1f) at WLC. The Ringed Plover still. 54 Carrion Crows on the dam wall and nearby fields early morning. Pair of Mistle Thrushes with food near PS hide. 7 Redwing N. Not a single hirundine - madness!Simon Roddis
09/04/2022The 2 Red-necked Grebes still off Lane End early morning and the GNDiver off Stones island. 2 Willow Warblers singing on Stones. 2 Shelduck, left to SE at 07:15. 8 Goldeneye. Ringed Plover again at sailing club. 5 Curlew early morning. 3 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end early morning. 66 Fieldfare flew N.Simon Roddis
08/04/2022Red Kite over fields adjacent to Fish Tail Creek.Robert Smith
08/04/2022The 2 Red-necked grebes again off Lane End early morning, then went out towards the east side. The GNDiver off Stones, now showing quite a bit of white spotting on its upperparts. Female Wheatear on the dam wall. Meadow Pipits on the move: 444 NW in an hour between 8 and 9am. 1 Ringed Plover at sailing club. 3 Sparrowhawks and 8 Buzzards in the air. Skylark singing over the dam wall. 3 Sand Martins and 1 Swallow.Simon Roddis
07/04/2022House Martin (1) and at least 6 Swallows seen from Lane End Hide mid-afternoon; Red-necked Grebe (1) and GN Diver still present.Richard Lowe
06/04/2022All this morning. Red-necked Grebe from Lane End hide. Great Northern Diver close in to Stones Island and my first Willow Warbler of the year singing on the causeway to Stones. Ringed Plover on Sailing Club shore and a Little Egret mobile.Roger Carrington
04/04/2022The Red-necked Grebes were within a few feet of Lane End hide first thing this morning, pity the light was rubbish. One of them caught a fish which I think was a Ruffe. The GNDiver was between Stones and Millfields and 1 Swallow flew past the main centre. Otherwise grey and damp.Simon Roddis
03/04/2022Species noted during the monthly 'Birdwatching for Beginners' walk (10am-noon; Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): Song Thrush, House Sparrow, Tufted Duck, Pied Wagtail, Great Northern Diver, Blackbird, Woodpigeon, Black-headed Gull, Chiffchaff, Mallard, Great Crested Grebe, Ringed Plover, Long-tailed Tit, Willow Tit, Greylag Goose, Redshank, Cormorant, Goldfinch, Canada Goose, Wren, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Common Gull, Dunnock, Robin, Bullfinch, Blackcap, Blue Tit, Moorhen, Buzzard, Gadwall, Little Grebe, Shoveler (pair), Great Tit, Mute Swan, Pink-footed Goose, Tree Sparrow, Reed Bunting, Jackdaw, Grey Wagtail, Goldeneye and Carrion CrowGary Atkins
03/04/2022A flock of 30 Whooper Swans (14 adults, 16 immatures) was off Sheepwash at 06:45 and departed W at 08:30, and an adult Kittiwake was off Stones island, along with the GNDiver. The 2 Red-necked Grebes still off Lane End. 82 GCGrebes. 12 Wigeon acting like migrants, sitting out in the middle, and a pair of Shoveler at the WLC. Kingfisher at Millfields. 5 Sand Martins.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
02/04/2022Mediterranean Gull 2nd winter off Lane End Hide at 3.30pm, then flew towards Sheepwash.Richard Lowe
02/04/2022Both Red-necked grebes off Lane End this morning and the GNDiver off Watersports, quite close to the main centre. 8 Wigeon and 9+ Teal. Ringed Plover again at sailing club. Kingfisher below Middle Wood. 5 Sand Martins through. 32 Redwing N and 18 Fieldfare NW.Simon Roddis
01/04/2022One Red-necked Grebe off Lane End this morning, and the GNDiver off Stones. A Black-tailed Godwit flew N at 07:40 and the Ringed Plover again on sailing club shore. 13 Oystercatchers. 2 ad GBbGulls, including Onefoot.Simon Roddis
31/03/2022The GNDiver off Stones again this morning and the 2 Red-necked Grebes out in the middle between Lane End and Sheepwash. 1 Pink-footed Goose. The male Shoveler still. Ringed Plover at sailing club. A Little Egret near Paul Stanley hide (also seen there yesterday by Roger C) was my first ever here in March. Totals of 350 Redwing NE, 44 Pied Wagtails (couldn't turn any of them into Whites) and 29 Meadow Pipits (both the latter mainly around sailing club and on the dam wall).Simon Roddis
30/03/2022The 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End and the GNDiver and a drake Common Scoter off Stones this morning. The male Shoveler still present. 2 second-winter Yellow-legged Gulls. 103 Carrion Crows on the dam wall and nearby fields early morning. 3 Sand Martins off Stones. 120 Redwing flew N.Simon Roddis
29/03/2022Perimeter count this morning: 148 singing Chiffchaffs! 8 singing Blackcaps. 9 GSWoodpecker. 99 Blue Tit. 61 Great Tit. 5 Willow Tit. 8 L-t Tit. 114 Wren (96 singing). 6 Nuthatch. 3 Treecreeper. 40 Song Thrush (20 singing). 14 Mistle Thrush. 112 Blackbird (40 singing). 132 Robin (101 singing). 9 Tree Sparrow. 41 Dunnock (27 singing). 4 Grey and 10 Pied Wag. 28 Chaffinch. 15 Bullfinch. 8 Greenfinch. 38 Goldfinch. 9 Reed Bunting. The GNDiver and 2 Red-necked Grebes still. A female Merlin flew N through Hopton end at 07:10. Male Shoveler again. 102 Herring Gulls (77 flew N, 25 on the water). 2nd-winter Yellow-legged Gull again. Total of 180 Redwing, including 160 N.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
28/03/2022The GNDiver again off Stones and the 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End. 8 Redshank around sailing club/Stones/Horseshoe island. 66 Carrion Crows in the dam wall fields.SJR, RC, AHS
27/03/2022The GNDiver off Stones and 1 Red-necked Grebe off Lane End early morning. 27 Greylags. Male Shoveler and male Pochard at Millfields (and presumably the same Shoveler at WLC later). 10 Goldeneye (5m,5f). At least 8 Buzzards. Pair of Kestrel. 2 Sand Martins on Stones. 5 Treecreepers singing (4 in Hall Wood). 25 Redwing, 14 Meadow Pipits and 3 Redpoll N.Simon Roddis

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