Recent Sightings

NameSightingDate
Simon RoddisA flock of 7 Little Egrets flew in early morning, joining the 5 already present. Great Egret still too. Off Horseshoe island, 7 Pochard (plus duckling), female Red-crested Pochard and 7 Teal. 2+ Common Sandpiper. Fully grown juvenile Redshank at WLC and then in Brown Ale Bay (per Clive). Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 3 Redstarts and 17 Mistle Thrushes in WLC fields/Shiningford.04/07/2025
Simon Roddis2 adult Black-tailed Godwits off Stones this morning. 3 Shelduck flew in early morning. 11 Teal, female Red-crested Pochard and at least 9 Pochard (plus 1 duckling) around Horseshoe island/WLC. Adult Yellow-legged Gull among 150 Lesser Black-backs on Sheepwash spit late morning. 1 Peregrine. Two pairs of Sedge Warblers with food on Stones island, presumably feeding second broods. Female and at least 1 juvenile Redstart in WLC fields.03/07/2025
Simon RoddisYesterday's Black-tailed Godwit was still on Stones this morning, although last seen in flight. A juvenile Stonechat in the overflow carpark is the first of the year, I believe. Another flock of Crossbills, 23 in the top of Hall Wood. A very tatty first-summer Common Gull flew past Stones. 367 Greylags. Female Pochard still with one duckling (and another 5 adults). Adult Yellow-legged Gull, the Great Egret and 6 Little Egrets still. Redstart in WLC fields.02/07/2025
Simon RoddisEarly-ish morning visit: a Black-tailed Godwit and female Teal off Stones, and a fly-over Yellow Wagtail. Great Egret at the north end. Ringed Plover at Sheepwash. Common Sandpiper at sailing club. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. Spotted Flycatcher family still in Brown Ale Bay and c100 Linnets in the Sheepwash wildflower meadows.01/07/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonA Greenshank, presumably yesterday's bird, was on Stones/sailing club islands this morning. The Great Egret still, at least 6 Little Egrets and 10 Grey Herons. Female Red-crested Pochard still. 5 Common Sandpipers on Horseshoe island. Adult Yellow-legged Gull among 65 Lesser Black-backs. 2 Redstarts (female and juvenile) and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood. Alan had a Peregrine take a duckling off the water.30/06/2025
Simon RoddisA bit of a waderfest this morning, with 8 species in total. Highlights were 6 Black-tailed Godwits initially on sailing club island and later on Watersports island before flying W; a Green Sandpiper off the dam wall, a Greenshank circling Stones island and 2 Common Sandpipers on Horseshoe island, while a very small Oystercatcher chick on Watersports island was a surprise - many of the birds which bred or hatched here have already left. In addition, a Common Tern, 5 Shoveler, the female Red-crested Pochard still, adult Yellow-legged Gull, Great Egret, 5 Little Egrets, family of Willow Tits near WLC, Whitethroat still singing in Tail Bay, female Redstart again in WLC fields, and 80 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall early morning.29/06/2025
Simon RoddisA little bit quiet this morning (call it summer if you like) but still a few birds: 3 Shoveler from WLC, 420 Coot, 3 Little Egrets (5 yesterday evening), 9 Grey Heron, adult Spotted Flycatcher with recently fledged young at Brown Ale Bay, female Redstart in WLC fields, 5 Linnets in the wildflower meadows S of Sheepwash.28/06/2025
Simon Roddis6 Crossbills (a male and 5 female/juvs) flew through WLC creek mid morning, landing in a holly for a minute and giving great views before heading off SW. Adult Yellow-legged Gull off Stones. The Great Egret still, plus 2 Little Egrets. 17 Mute Swans plus the 4 cygnets. 3 Shoveler and the female Red-crested Pochard still from WLC. 65 Gadwall. 137 Tufted. Common Sandpiper on Watersports island. Total of c100 juv Black-headed Gulls doesn't seem like a particularly good return from 200+ nests.26/06/2025
Simon RoddisThe Black-tailed Godwit was still by the WLC this morning. Both egrets still and a very similar collection of duck to the last few days. Barnacle Geese pair still with 3 goslings. 2 Common Sandpipers at sailing club. Whitethroat still singing in Tail Bay. Spotted Flycatcher at Hopton end. Juvenile Redstart in WLC fields (another first of the autumn) and a Siskin over. And scores of tiny froglets on the path in Tail Bay.25/06/2025
Simon RoddisAn adult Black-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe island is the first of the autumn. Great and Little Egrets still. 19 adult Mute Swan. Just 3 Shoveler this morning, and the Red-crested Pochard from WLC. Black-headed Gulls seem to be having a poor breeding season: Millfields island appears deserted and the number of juveniles seems to be going down rather than up. Shame. 3 Sedge Warblers still singing in WLC creek and 2 near Millfields island, Reed Warbler singing at WLC, 4 Garden Warblers singing on/around Stones and another 2 in WLC creek.24/06/2025
Simon RoddisThe Great and Little Egrets still present this morning. 6 Shoveler from WLC. 7 Pochard, plus a single duckling with one of the females. Female Red-crested Pochard again from Stones. Peregrine over. 25 Sand Martins. Fledged Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed.23/06/2025
Simon Roddis, Jon BradleyMonthly wildfowl count: 1,111 Canada Geese, 4 Barnacle (plus 3 goslings), 344 Greylags, 12 Mute Swan (plus 4 cygnets), 63 Gadwall (plus 6 broods), 267 Mallard, 1 RcPochard, 7 Pochard, 120 Tufted (plus 6 broods), 11 Moorhen, 333 Coot, 16 Oystercatcher, 7 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 8 Little Grebe, 63 Great Crested, 8 Cormorant, single Little and Great Egrets, 8 Grey Heron. Pair of Peregrines over the WLC, upsetting the Black-headed Gulls.22/06/2025
Simon RoddisBack after a few days away, the water level has dropped quite a bit further! Pair of Mute Swans with 4 cygnets off Sheepwash, presumably from the Hopton nest. Pair of Barnacle Geese still with 3 young at WLC, plus another pair. Canada Geese and Greylags look to have increased significantly. Drake Teal on Horseshoe island. Female Pochard now with 2 chicks off Stones. 5 Lapwing. 3 Redshank. 1 Little Egret. 4 Grey Herons, including 3 juveniles at Sheepwash. 2 adult Willow Tits calling and singing on Stones and in WLC creek. House Martins collecting mud from sailing club shore but then flying off towards Hognaston. Fledged Garden Warbler on Stones and an adult with food in WLC creek. Reed Buntings with food on Stones.21/06/2025
Dave Armitt and Clive Ashton4 Chiffchaff , 3 LRP, 8 Oystercatcher, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Little grebe, 2 Goldfinch, 1 Reed Bunting,6 Juv Blue tits, 3 pied wagtail, 2 Common Turn, 4 Redshank, 5 Drake Pochard WLC, 2 Barnacle goose with 3 Juv ,20 Gadwall, RC Pochard female WLC, Buzzard predating BH Gull chick WLC island , 2 Sedge warbler,2 Willow Warbler ,1 Willow Tit, 1 Treecreeper13/06/2025
Simon RoddisThe first brood of 7 Tufted ducklings were off Horseshoe island this morning, but soon trumped by Laura's brood of 14! The two Gadwall broods, 4 in each, appear to have merged under just one female. Kingfisher at Hopton end. 3 Redshank and 2 Lapwing, and a Little Egret off Stones causeway.08/06/2025
Simon RoddisTotal of 8 Willow Tits in Tail Bay this morning, a pair with at least 4 fledged young, plus 2 singles. 16 Crossbills over Millfields, 2 or 3 of them landing in the top of Blackwall Plantation. 2 Egyptian Geese past Stones island. 37 Gadwall and single Common and Red-crested Pochard. 2 Ringed Plover. 1 Lapwing. 150 Lesser Black-backs. Kingfisher and Whitethroat in Tail Bay. Reed Warblers at WLC and Brown Ale Bay. Male Redstart at top of WLC creek.07/06/2025
Simon RoddisA Carsi mega this morning in the shape of a Green Woodpecker on Stones, first calling in the wildlife classroom and then seen by Mike Redfern to fly onto sailing club island,but no further sign in the time we were there. Barnacle Geese still with 3 young on Horseshoe island. Male Shoveler. 29 Gadwall plus 2 broods of 4 still. 1 Ringed Plover. 2 Lapwing. 1 Little Egret. Reed Warbler singing at WLC and Sedge in Hopton reedbed. Garden Warbler with food at Hopton end and Blackcap in WLC creek.06/06/2025
SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD, MWAn excellent morning, although difficult to tell what time of year it is. A female Garganey was on Watersports island, a summer-plumage Black-necked Grebe at the WLC (credit to Roger), a Sanderling flew over Stones island, and Crossbill and Hobby over Hall Wood. 13 Mute Swans. 95 Greylags (plus goslings). 3 male Shoveler. Red-crested Pochard still. 3 Ringed Plover. 300 loafing Lesser Black-backs. Reed Warbler singing on Stones. Redstart and 2 Spotted Flycatchers in Hall Wood.04/06/2025
Simon RoddisA brood of 4 small Gadwall ducklings were in Shiningford creek this morning, my first of the year. 4 Ringed Plover on Watersports island and 3 Redshank around Stones. Female Red-crested Pochard loafing among the moulting Gadwall. Geese numbers seem to be on the rise, including 73 Gadwall (plus goslings).03/06/2025
Amanda PalethorpeBird Walk for beginners. Sand Martin, house sparrow, sedge warbler, Canada goose, oystercatcher, mallard, gt cr grebe, coot, mute swan, tufted duck, garden warbler, carrion crow, pied wagtail, BH gull, LR Plover, Red-crested pochard(fem), pochard, swift, greylag goose, blackbird, goldfinch, robin, house martin, blackcap, LBB gull, chiffchaff, blue tit, great tit, song thrush, cormorant, redshank, gadwall, woodpigeon, swallow, wren.01/06/2025
Simon Roddis10 Sanderling (9 at sailing club, 1 on Watersports island) is the equal highest count ever here. 2 Dunlin. Pair of Shoveler and the female Red-crested Pochard still. 25 Gadwall. Pair of Kestrels over the main centre buzzed by a Sparrowhawk. Reed Warbler singing at WLC and Whitethroat at Hopton end.30/05/2025
Simon Roddis5 Dunlin and 2 Sanderling flew NW at 09:27 and another Dunlin flew in past Stones island at 10:15. A pair of Egyptian Geese at Millfields were new for the year here, I believe, and the first ever in May. Otherwise, it was mainly long-stayers: pair of Barnacle Geese with young, pair of Shoveler, drake Pochard, Little Egret, 2 Redshank, Reed Warbler on Stones causeway. A male Bullfinch was feeding a female at Millfields, presumably courtship behaviour.29/05/2025
Simon Roddis3 Sanderling this morning, one on Watersports island and 2 found by Jon Lowes on the dam wall. 3 Dunlin. 2 Shelduck. Male and female Shoveler (separately) and female Red-crested Pochard still. Little Egret. 4 singing Reed Warblers in the Stones/sailing club area, clearly still arriving.28/05/2025
Simon Roddis, Jon BradleyMonthly wildfowl count: 203 Canada Geese, 54 Greylag, 9 Mute Swan, 12 Gadwall, 106 Mallard, 52 Tufted, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 9 Moorhen, 191 Coot, 6 Little Grebe, 86 GCGrebe, 10 Oystercatcher, 1 Redshank, 10 Dunlin, 21 Cormorant, 1 Heron, 1 Little Egret. Broods (all minima) included 12 Mallard, 5 Greylag, 2 GCGrebe, 2 Coot. A pair of Canadas at Sheepwash had 38 goslings in tow! Who knows how many broods they came from?!25/05/2025
Simon Roddis450 Lesser Black-backed Gulls at Sheepwash late morning is my highest ever May total here - not even had a three-figure count before. 2 immature Herring Gulls among them. Female Teal and Red-crested Pochard still. Lapwing displaying over Watersports island. Redstart and Chiffchaff with food at Hopton end. 1 Pied and 3 Spotted Flycatchers singing in Hall Wood, and Reed Warbler on Stones causeway.23/05/2025
Simon Roddis2 Sanderling flew between Stones island and the dam wall early morning but not seen again. 3 Ringed Plover still at sailing club. Little Egret on Stones causeway. Pair of Shoveler at WLC and a Reed Warbler singing in the creek. Single immature Yellow-legged, Great Black-backed and Common Gulls. 300+ Lesser Black-backs at Sheepwash late morning. Willow Tit singing on Stones.21/05/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonA Sanderling approaching summer plumage was on sailing club shore, with 3 Ringed Plovers there too. An Osprey from Stones island at 09:20, mobbed by Black-headed Gulls as it flew over Millfields. Female Teal in Shiningford Creek. Two more Oystercatcher chicks off Stones causeway (fourth brood so far). 2 Redshank on Horseshoe island. Fledged Great Tits at Watersports.20/05/2025
Simon RoddisThe pair of Barnacle Geese on Millfields island now have 4 chicks, last seen heading over towards sailing club. Pair of Moorhens with 5 chicks at PS hide. Pair of Little Grebe with 2 young in Shiningford creek. A few waders early on: 2 Dunlin, 2 Curlew, 3 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper around Stones/sailing club. Common Tern at Millfields. 130 Lesser Black-backs loafing at Sheepwash late morning. 1 immature Common Gull. Reed Warbler singing on Watersports island, plus 3 in Hopton reedbed. Redstart at Hopton end. And Clive had a Little Egret off Stones causeway.19/05/2025
Simon RoddisMost frustrating sighting of the morning was a tern, possibly Roseate, which flew up the res but didn't stop, kept heading NNE. Couldn't get enough on it to be sure. 4 Common Terns were at the WLC briefly. 2 pairs of Mediterranean Gulls flew over Stones, the first one consisting of an adult and a second-summer, the other 2 adults; the first pair later flew back past Stones after being seen at the WLC by Roger and Alison. A Whimbrel flew N early on. Female Red-crested Pochard back off Stones causeway. Another Oystercatcher chick, this one on Shiningford shore. Great Egret on the shore at Sheepwash. 25 House Martins. Chiffchaff with food on Stones.17/05/2025
Simon RoddisAnother brood of Oystercatchers this morning, 2 small chicks on Millfields island. Common Sandpiper and Redshank on Stones. 75 Lesser Black-backs. A gathering of c100 Carrion Crows in/over Hall Wood. 4 Reed Warblers (3 singing) in Hopton reedbed, and 2 Linnet over. Fledged Long-tailed Tits on Stones and at Hopton end. Clive had Grey Wagtail with food at Sheepwash.16/05/2025
Simon RoddisJust bits and bobs this morning: at Sheepwash, pair of Oystercatchers with 2 chicks, drake Mandarin, Little Egret, singing Sedge Warbler. Redstart and Whitethroat at Hopton end. Single Curlew, Redshank and Lapwing from Stones, and Clive had 2 Common Sandpipers. Total of 50 Lesser Black-backs through/loafing, virtually all immatures of various ages. Hirundines moving through, c35 Sand Martins, 20 House, 12 Swallows.15/05/2025
Simon RoddisThe highlight this morning was a Black Tern around Watersports island 10:20-10:30 at least, and a Ringed Plover was on the sailing club shoreline. 4 immature Common Gulls. 2 Little Egret. Pair of Redstart at the top of WLC creek.14/05/2025
Simon RoddisPerimeter count this morning (not helped by a fairly strong breeze which will have drowned out some birdsong): 16 Pheasant, 1 Cuckoo just N of Millfields, 13 Oystercatcher, 2 Little Egret, 1 GSWoodpecker, 25 Magpie, 5 Coal Tit, 56 Blue, 31 Great, 23 Long-tailed, 7 Swallow, 10 Willow Warbler, 86 Chiffchaff, 15 Sedge, 3 Reed, 57 Blackcap, 12 Garden, 2 Whitethroat (Oldfield Lane and Tail Bay), 7 Goldcrest, 139 Wren, 2 Nuthatch, 12 Treecreeper, 22 Song Thrush, 6 Mistle, 84 Blackbird, 1 Spotted and 1 Pied Flycatcher, 2 Redstart, 105 Robin, 25 Dunnock, 1 Grey and 5 Pied Wagtail, 22 Chaffinch, 5 Bullfinch, 4 Greenfinch, 21 Goldfinch, 7 Reed Bunting. Quite a bit of breeding activity, including fledged Robin and Treecreeper, plus birds with food: Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits, Mistle Thrush, Robin.13/05/2025
Simon RoddisEarly cloud and a spot of rain may have brought in the 5 adult Sandwich Terns which sat on buoys off Stones island, 05:50-06:05, before being hassled by a Lesser Black-back and weren't seen again. 2 Shelduck past Stones. 6 Pochard (4m,2f). Several broods of Greylag included a mega-brood of 20+ small goslings crossing the res with 2 adults. 2 adult Dunlin and a Curlew on sailing club shore. A sub-adult Herring Gull flew through with c30 Lesser Black-backs during the morning, and a sub-adult Great Black-back. Little Egret again on Horseshoe island/sailing club. Barn Owl on the main road early morning. 5 Ravens over the east side may have been a family party. 3 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed and 1 on sailing club island. 3 Spotted Flycatchers singing in Hall and Middle Woods, and the Pied Fly and a Redstart still in Hall Wood.12/05/2025
Simon RoddisWaders this morning included single Lapwing, Dunlin, Curlew and Whimbrel. 2 Arctic Terns briefly. 5 Pochard (3f,2m). Immature Yellow-legged Gull again. Little Egret. A distant Peregrine. Willow Tit singing at Lane End and Reed Warbler singing on Stones. Fledged Treecreepers in WLC creek and Goldfinch at Lane End (seems quite early?).10/05/2025
D COATESTHE FIRST SWIFT ARRIVED AT DARLEY DALE APPROX { 11 }09/05/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonA pretty decent morning, with 2 Sanderling (approaching summer plumage) on sailing club shore and an Osprey later (but not for very long) over the Lane End area. Female Goldeneye off Stones still, single Little Egret and Common Tern. Pied Wagtails with food on the dam wall.09/05/2025
SJR, CA, RPJ, AMDA Bar-tailed Godwit was on Horseshoe island late morning. A Whimbrel flew NE early morning and it or another was in WLC fields later. A Yellow Wagtail flew SE over Stones island. The female Goldeneye off Stones again early morning and a Little Egret from the causeway. c75 Sand Martins, 20 House Martins and 10 Swallows. Treecreeper with food in WLC creek.08/05/2025
Simon RoddisA Whimbrel was on the dam wall early morning and departed NE at 07:45. Second-calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull again at Watersports. Female Goldeneye again off Stones island. Redstarts at Hopton end and WLC fields (per Clive). Grey Wagtail with food at Millfields.07/05/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonClive found a Spotted Flycatcher at the Lane End bombing tower this morning, first of the year we believe. Female Goldeneye and Red-crested Pochard still off Stones, the latter again hanging out with a male Common Pochard. 2 Shelduck. Curlew at sailing club and 2+ Redshank.06/05/2025
SJR, AHS, CA, KR5 Arctic Terns (4+1) through this morning (AHS,CA). Female Goldeneye still off Stones and male Mandarin at Sheepwash (KR). 20 Swifts, 100+ Sand Martins and single figures of House Martin and Swallow. Immature Common Gull again. Whitethroat singing in Tail Bay (a real scarcity here these days).05/05/2025
Amanda PalethorpeBirdwatching for beginners walk. house sparrow, BH gull, blackbird, robin, willow warbler, chiffchaff, sedge warbler, blackcap, garden warbler, swallow, swift, redshank, house Martin, sand Martin, mallard, tufted duck, gadwall, pochard, mute swan, Canada goose, greylag goose, moorhen, little grebe, gt Cr grebe, oystercatcher, coot, buzzard, crow, magpie, long-tailed tit, cormorant, goldfinch, pied wagtail, woodpigeon, wren, common sandpiper. 36 species.04/05/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonHighlights this morning were a Whimbrel and 2 fly-through Bar-tailed Godwits (only Clive saw the latter). 22 Swifts included 15 going N and 7 loitering. Female Goldeneye, female Red-crested and a pair of Common Pochard off Stones. 1 immature Common Gull. 4+ Sparrowhawks. Immature Peregrine past Stones. 3 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed, and Pied Flycatcher and Redstart in Hall Wood. 1 Siskin over Hopton end.04/05/2025
Christina KennedyThis afternoon in a field across from WLC, I saw a godwit. I'm just not 100 percent sure which one but I have photos.30/04/2025
Simon RoddisPerimeter counts this morning: 40 Pheasant, 4 singing Stock Dove, 3 Collared Dove, 2 GSWoodpecker, 3 Coal Tit, 2 Willow, 124 Blue, 47 Great, 5 Long-tailed, 50 Sand Martin, 7 Swallow, 10 Willow Warbler, 150 Chiffchaff, 14 Sedge, 3 Reed, 56 Blackcap, 9 Garden, 1 Lesser Whitethroat, 8 Goldcrest, 164 Wren, 1 Pied Flycatcher, only 1 Redstart (very disappointing), 115 Robin, 34 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle, 103 Blackbird, 37 Dunnock, 2 Grey Wagtail, 15 Chaffinch, 12 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 32 Goldfinch, 4 Reed Bunting. Clive's 3 Common Scoters still present mid-morning.26/04/2025
Dave Armitt8 Sedge Warbler, 7 Chiffchaff, Great Crested Grebe with two young, 1 Male Pochard, 1 Heron , 4 Goldfinch,2 Garden Warbler, 2 Long tailed tit, 7 Oystercatcher, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Reed Warbler WLC Reed bed25/04/2025
Simon RoddisClive saw the GNDiver early doors but I couldn't find it later (probably my eyes 😉). 4 Pochard. Female Red-crested Pochard still. New brood of 4 Greylag goslings in Shiningford Creek. Immature Yellow-legged Gull again. 1 House Martin among the Sand Martins. Reed Warbler singing on Stones and Redstart calling in WLC creek. (And I see that someone has had an Osprey over Stones island at 12:21.)24/04/2025
SJR, CA, AHSThe GNDiver still this morning. 2 Pink-footed Geese over Stones were a bit of a surprise. 2 Shelduck off Watersports island. c6 Pochard (at least 2 pairs). Drake Goosander flew N. Immature GBbGull. A Great Egret did pretty much a whole circuit of the res, while a Little Egret flew past Stones. After very few early in the morning, Sand Martins built up to c100 when the rain came later. 2 Dunlin past Stones (CA,AHS).21/04/2025
Simon RoddisThe GNDiver still this morning. A Yellow Wagtail flew over Stones. Female Red-crested Pochard at Sheepwash. Red-legged Partridge at Hopton end. The second-calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull again. 100+ Sand Martins. 2 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed and another on Stones causeway, and Sedge Warblers in WLC Creek and at Millfields as well as on Stones. Song Thrush with fledged young at Hopton and Pied Flycatcher still singing in Hall Wood. And a female Roe Deer eating gorse flowers.20/04/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonA few terns appeared early on: 10 Arctics flew through while 2 Commons were harassed briefly by 2 more Arctic. The GNDiver still, again coming pretty close to Stones island. Female Red-crested Pochard. Second-calendar-year Yellow-legged Gull hanging around the buoys. 1 Little Egret. First Greylag brood, c5 below Middle Wood.19/04/2025


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
01/12/2021A decent morning, nothing exceptional but plenty of birds. Highlights were single Shelduck (found by Sam G), Pintail, Ruff, Redshank, Woodcock (flying around WLC creek), Little Egret, Peregrine, 2-3 Red Kites, total of c600 Redwing, 7 Tree Sparrows at WLC. 73 species, a pretty good start to the month!Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
26/11/2021Nothing mega this morning but a Chiffchaff on Stones island was my first of the month. Single Ruff, Redshank, Little Egret, Peregrine, Red Kite. 2 Pink-footed Geese among the Canadas. Totals of 5 GSWoodpecker and 38 Long-tailed Tit in 3 flocks at the north end.Simon Roddis
22/11/2021A little bit of vismig this morning: 148 Fieldfares NW and 384 Starlings W. 3 Shelduck flew in mid-morning. 274 Canada Geese. 3 Goldeneye (2m,1f). 1m Goosander. c450 Lapwing. A male Ruff along Stones causeway and at the WLC (maybe here for the winter?) and the Redshank still. 1 Peregrine upsetting the Lapwings. 10 Tree Sparrow (8 at WLC, 2 Millfields).Simon Roddis
21/11/20212 Woodcock came into Hopton end early morning, by the light of the Woodcock Moon, and 4 calling Tawny Owls there, including 3 within about 30 yards of each other. c180 Teal and the drake Pintail still. 2f Goldeneye. 611 Lapwings. The probable subadult Caspian Gull on Sheepwash spit again.Simon Roddis
19/11/20211m Goosander at Millfields early morning. 867 Woodpigeons N and 45 S, plus 8 Stock Doves N in one hour, 08:00-09:00. 600+ Lapwing, definite increase. 1 Redshank still. c10,000 Black-headed Gulls at first light. 2 Kingfishers. Willow Tit singing at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
18/11/202165 Pink-feet E at 10:00. 170 Canada Geese. 31 Mute Swans. 4 Goldeneye (2m,2f). 69 GCGrebe. c300 Lapwing. 1 Redshank still. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. 29 Stock Doves (23 N, 6 S) and 457 Woodpigeons N. 117 Starlings W and 39 Fieldfare SW.Simon Roddis
17/11/2021A Great Northern Diver flew south high down the res at 08:50, had a bit of a look but appeared to go straight through. 226 Canada Geese, with single Barnacle and Pink-foot among them. Drake Pintail. 178 Teal. 8 Goosander (1m,7 redheads) at Millfields early morning. 4 Goldeneye (2m,2f). 219 Woodpigeons (189 N, 30 S) and 12 Stock Doves (5 N, 7 S) through. 300 Lapwing. 2 Dunlin at WLC. 1 Redshank still. 10 Herring Gulls flew in late morning. Adult Yellow-leg still. 4 Skylarks N. Total of c200 Redwing. 16 Lesser Redpolls on Stones island.Simon Roddis
16/11/2021Very foggy this morning! 1 Woodcock, 4+ Tawny Owls and a Brambling at Hopton end first thing. Little Egret at WLC. c300 Starlings at Watersports, feeding on the shore, very unusual there. 9 Tree Sparrows (5 WLC, 4 Millfields).Simon Roddis
15/11/2021Probably conservative estimates of c10,000 Black-heads, 5,000 Lesser Black-backs and 500 Common Gulls in the roost late afternoon, watching from Stones so some birds between there and the dam wall will have been out of sight. Also 4 Herring, 1 GBbG, 1 Yellow-leg and a probable subadult Caspian. 28 Mute Swan. 46 Gadwall. 300 Lapwing. 1 Dunlin. 500+ Starlings over Stones late pm, presumably heading to a roost.Simon Roddis
14/11/20212 adult Whooper Swans were at Millfields early morning, presumably having roosted overnight, but didn't stay long. 3f Goldeneye. An unknown number of Pink-footed Geese flew over Sheepwash carpark late morning - heard but not seen as they were in the cloud! 250 Lapwing. Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. Kingfisher at Millfields.Simon Roddis
13/11/1021The first Woodcock of the autumn/winter flew into the Hopton end early morning, 4 Tawny Owls calling there and a Water Rail called in the reedbed. 9 adult Whooper Swans Flew NE at 09:10. 2f Goldeneye off the dam wall. 455 Woodpigeons N and 117 S. 250 Lapwing. 1 Redshank still. 3 Red Kites. 8 Skylarks over. 150 Starlings W. Total of 250 Redwing. 2 Brambling over Hopton end and 13 Lesser Redpoll on Stones island.Simon Roddis
12/11/2021c100 Teal. 1f Pintail. 45 Pochard. 3f Goldeneye. 100 Woodpigeons N. 255 Lapwing. 1 Redshank still. 32 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret at the WLC. 3 Red Kites over the pastures. 100 Siskin, including a flock of c90 at Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
07/11/2021Species noted collectively by the 'Birdwatching for Beginners' group (Sunday, 7th November 10am-noon): Black-headed Gull, Mute Swan, Coot, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Moorhen, Blackbird, Grey Heron, Carrion Crow, Cormorant, Gt Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Gadwall, Canada Goose, Pied Wagtail, Wigeon, Robin, Lapwing, Teal, House Sparrow, Sparrowhawk, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Redshank, Woodpigeon, Goldfinch, Snipe, Pochard, Willow Tit, Tree Sparrow, Jackdaw and RedwingGary Atkins
08/11/2021The pale bellied brent Goose that SJR found was still present from stones island and then wildlife centre around midday and had a ring on it's right leg a black ring with a white number 6 on it.Chris brown
07/11/2021Monthly WeBS count: 80 Canada Geese, 24 Mute Swan, 60 Gadwall, 118 Wigeon, 174 mallard, 1 Pintail, 128 Teal, 84 Pochard, 207 Tufted, 4 Goldeneye, 34 Moorhen, 1395 Coot, 42 Little Grebe, 44 GCGrebe, 198 Mallard, 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Redshank, 37 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 1 Kingfisher.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
05/11/2021A great day, the highlight being a juvenile Gannet off Watersports for 5 minutes just before 11:00. It flew around a bit, dived twice, terrified the Tufted Ducks when it landed near them, and then disappeared. 4 Hawfinches flew SW at the Hopton end at 09:53, and a juvenile Marsh Harrier flew W across the reservoir at 12:30. Vismig totals 07:00-14:00: 6153 Fieldfare and 2218 Redwing SW, 4 Blackbirds S, 2769 Starling W, 1938 Woodpigeons S (plus 86 N), 5 Stock Doves S and 10 N, 1 Brambling SW. At least 6 Dunlin, including a flock of 5 W. 97 Canada Geese. 51 Pochard. 2 Goldeneye (imm male and a female) off Lane End. 420 Common Gulls at Sheepwash late pm. 4 Herring Gulls. 4 Red Kites. 7 Buzzard. 54 Rooks.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
04/11/2021Vismig from Hopton end 07:00-10:00: 4,525 Redwing and 3,005 Fieldfare SW, 1,119 Starlings W and 3,524 Woodpigeons S. 75 Pink-footed Geese E (and I'm told another 150). 6 unid'd grey geese S, pretty sure they weren't either Pink-feet or Greylag. Mistle Thrush singing at Hopton end and 6 Grey Wagtails there. Total of 50+ Siskin.Simon Roddis
02/11/2021Decent Woodpigeon movement once low mist had cleared from the east side: 11,070 flew S (all but 300 from 07:00-09:45). 5 Stock Doves. 724 Starlings W. 2nd-winter Caspian Gull again at Sheepwash early pm, plus the adult Yellow-leg. Single redhead Goldeneye at Sheepwash and Goosander at Millfields. 275 Lapwing. 1 Redshank at Sheepwash. 3 Sparrowhawk. 1 Red Kite. 14 Skylarks in random directions. 1 (maybe 2) Brambling S over Stones. Total of c40 Siskin.Simon Roddis
01/11/20214 Red Kites over the east side. 3 Shoveler (1m,2f) off Stones. 1 Redshank from Stones causeway. 210 Woodpigeons S and 110 Starlings W. 5 Lesser Redpoll on Stones. 55 Siskin, including a flock of 50 over WLC creek.Simon Roddis
31/10/2021Afternoon visit after this morning's rain. 4 female-type Scaup and an immature drake Goldeneye off Sheepwash. 51 Gadwall. 312 Wigeon. 133 Teal. 51 Pochard. 40 GCGrebe. 175 Lapwing. 43 Cormorant. 1 Red Kite over Hall Wood. c30 Long-tailed Tits in 3 flocks. 20 Siskin.Simon Roddis
27/10/2021Very light movement this morning, just 300 Woodpigeons, 8 Stock Doves and 210 Starlings. 45 Pied wagtails out of their roost on Watersports island early morning, and c.1,200 Jackdaws again. Juv Ringed Plover on Watersports island (same bird as at Sheepwash a couple of days ago) and a Curlew early morning. 400 Lapwing. Adult Yellow-legged and Herring Gulls on Sheepwash spit.Simon Roddis
26/10/2021Quite morning today,mist made observation difficult. Stones Island, 1 Little Egret, Willow Tit, mixed flock of thrushes feeding in the Hawthorn, Blackbirds, Song thrushes and Redwing. WLC creek, 15 Redwings, 2 Mistle Thrushes, 2 Sparrowhawks, 1 Kestrel,1 Shoveller,1 Redshank plus small groups of Wood pigeons passing through.A H Stewardson
25/10/2021Best this morning was a Rock Pipit S over Stones island at 09:00. Vismig somewhat frustrated by low cloud but 1,280 Starlings flew W. 1 Fieldfare S. 17 Skylarks (14N,3S). 2 female Pintail. Juv Ringed Plover at Sheepwash. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls there too. At least 25 Meadow Pipits around Stones island.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
24/10/20212 adult Whooper Swans flew in at 08:00 and 2 Great Egrets 10 minutes later, but neither stayed for long. 6 Red Kites in the air at the same time over the east side is (as far as I know) a new record for Carsi. A flock of 26 Dunlin flew S through Millfields at 10:40 and my first 2 Fieldfares of the autumn were among a flock of Redwings. Totals of 510 Woodpigeons, 332 Redwing and 76 Starling through. 11 Snipe at WLC and 70 Goldfinch nearby. 1,200 Jackdaws over the main centre after leaving their roost early on.Simon Roddis
24/10/202144 Wigeon,9 Gadwall, 20 Teal, 9 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Great White Egret, 40 Teal,120 lapwing,4 Pochard, 3 Red kite, 18 Cormorant,4 Little Grebe, 4 Snipe WLC ,5 Moorhen, 3 Tree Sparrow.David Armitt
22/10/20212 Jack Snipes at Hopton reedbed first thing. Very little movement compared to yesterday, just 220 Woodpigeons, perhaps because of the poorer weather. 1 Pintail. 2 Kingfishers (Hopton end and perhaps the same at PS hide, and sailing club). 1 Chiffchaff on Stones.Simon Roddis
21/10/20213 adult Whooper Swans flew in at 09:10 and remained off Stones island until 09:45 at least. 8,990 Woodpigeons flew S, mostly down the east side, in 3 hours from 07:30-10:30. 50 Pink-feet SE at 08:55. 29 Mute Swan. 2 redhead Goosander at Sheepwash. 190 Lapwing. 51 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret. c1,000 jackdaws over the main centre early morning. 2 Chiffchaff. c50 Starling and 100 Redwing but no real movement.Simon Roddis
19/10/2021Jack Snipe again at Hopton reedbed, along with a Common Snipe. Total of c75 Siskin, including a flock of c70 over the WLC, and a Brambling with Chaffinches over the main carpark. 2 Pintail off Stones island. 1 Little Egret. The adult Yellow-legged Gull still. Kingfisher at Millfields.Simon Roddis
18/10/2021A Jack Snipe in Hopton reedbed early morning is my first of the year here. Fog inhibited viewing so no movement seen. The adult yellow-legged Gull still present. 110 Lapwing. Definite influx of Blackbirds and Song Thrushes, several of each feeding on hawthorn berries on Stones island. 4 Chiffchaffs.Simon Roddis
14/10/20211 Great Spotted woodpecker ,4 Chaffinch,1 Coal Tit,4 Tree sparrow,1 Nuthatch,1 Willow Tit,1 Snow Bunting,4 Pied Wagtail,6 Little Grebe,12 Great Crested Grebe,10 Cormorant,2 Grey Heron,15 Mute Swan, 108 Wigeon ,3 Pochard, 16 Teal,23 Lapwing,1 Kestrel,3 Moorhen, 1 Little Egret, 2 Meadow Pipit, 17 Goldfinch, 1 Grey Wagtail, 6 Long tailed Tit,2 GadwallDavid Armitt
14/10/2021The Snow Bunting was again in Millfields viewing area early morning. Vismig from Stones 07:30-10:00: 2,100 Redwing W-ish, 230 Starling W, 262 Woodpigeon, 6 Stock Dove, 6 Lesser Redpoll and 12 Siskin S. Total of 34 Skylarks N. 4 Pintail. 2 Shoveler at Sheepwash. 125 Lapwing. 1 Dunlin. Adult GBb and Y-l Gulls again. 2 Little Egret. 3 Sparrowhawk. 4 GSWoodpecker. c1,000 Jackdaw over the dam wall at first light.Simon Roddis
13/10/2021A nice autumn morning's birding. The first Redwings flew through, 840 between 07:00 and midday, heading between NW and SW, along with 37 Starling, 44 Siskin S (including a flock of 30 over WLC creek), 21 Skylark heading towards Carsington pastures, 8 Pink-feet NE. Female-type Scaup (nice find by Mike Redfern) and Common Scoter off Stones island. 100 Lapwing. 10 Snipe on Horseshoe island (MR). 2 Little Egret. 6 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. 7+ Ravens. And others saw the Snow Bunting, again in Millfields viewing area.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
12/10/2021The Snow Bunting was in Millfields viewing area late morning and was very confiding once it was found! Much less movement than yesterday, just 490 Woodpigeons S (and 7 Stock Doves) in 1 hour. 3 Pintail off Stones. 1 Little Egret. Up to 11 Ravens over Millfields/Blackwall for much of the morning. A female House Sparrow in WLC creek was, I think, the furthest from the visitor centre I've ever seen one (310 metres).Simon Roddis
11/10/2021The Snow Bunting is still on the dam wall, towards the Millfields end. c9,000 Lesser Black-backs and 6,000 Black-headed Gulls still roosting at first light. A bit of movement this morning: 3520 Woodpigeons S, 220 Pink-feet (140 SW, 80 E), 85 Starlings S, 28 Skylark including a flock of 22 N past Stones island. 2 redhead Goosander off the dam wall early morning. c150 Lapwing. 1 Little Egret. 3 Red Kites. 6 Jays. 1 Brambling over the dam wall.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
09/10/2021Snow bunting still midway along dam wall till dusk also 2 curlew over north west at c6pm.Chris brown
10/10/2021Monthly WeBS count: we don't get Spoonbill every month! Yesterday's juvenile was at Sheepwash early morning but may have flown as not seen again to 11:00 at least. Only 73 Canada Geese and 3 Greylags. 22 Mute Swan. 4 Shoveler. 52 Gadwall. 205 Wigeon. 127 Mallard. 1 Pintail. 124 Teal. 99 Pochard. 207 Tufted. 26 Moorhen. 1223 Coot. 31 Little Grebe. 49 GCGCrebe. 118 Lapwing. 1 Snipe. 43 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret. 7 Grey Heron. 2 Kingfishers. Away from the water, the Snow Bunting and Wheatear were still on the dam wall, 21 Pink-feet flew E at 09:05, 32 Woodpigeons S (taste of things to come?), 3 Red Kite, 10 Buzzard, total of 24 Siskin, and 1 Brambling over Middle Wood.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
03/10/2021Species seen during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon): House Sparrow, Coot, Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Tufted Duck, Teal, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Lapwing, Black-headed Gull, Grey Wagtail, Cormorant, Wren, Chiffchaff, Buzzard, Goldfinch, Carrion Crow, Robin, Wigeon, Pochard, Little Egret, Tree Sparrow Great tit Jackdaw Pied wagtail Moorhen.Gary Atkins
03/10/2021Surprisingly few geese this morning, not sure why. Still 4 Pintail off Stones and 2 Shoveler at the WLC. 90 Lapwing. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 41 Cormorant. Kingfisher at Hopton end. 5 Jays. 12 Swallows over Hall Wood. 11 Chiffchaffs (9 between Sheepwash and Stones). 2 Blackcap. 43 Meadow Pipits S. 60 Goldfinch. 16 Siskin.Simon Roddis
29/09/2021A bit of southbound movement this morning, the highlight being a female Merlin over Stones island at 08:45. 420 Meadow Pipits, mostly between 09:00 and 11:00, 6 Skylarks (+1N), 9 Swallows, 1 Grey Wag, 9 Greenfinch (including a flock of 7), 2 Siskin, 2 Linnet, 2 Stock Dove. A Great Egret was near Big Island at 08:15. 1,850 Canada and 42 Barnacle Geese flew out early morning, and 615 Greylags flew back in. 7 Pintail off Stones.Simon Roddis
26/09/2021Flock of 46 Barnacle geese, accompanied by 4 Nene type geese in field near WLC creek.Gary Atkins
27/09/2021An adult Common Tern was around Stones and sailing club mid-morning. 6 Swallows through. 47 Barnacle Geese. 67 Gadwall. 6 Pintail. 61 Pochard. 3 Dunlin through. 52 Cormorants. Just 6 Chiffchaffs and a Blackcap the only other migrants.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
26/09/20213 single Rock Pipits flew S during the morning, over Stones just before 8 and just after 9, then over Brown Ale Bay at 10:40. 1,915 Canada Geese flew out over the dam wall early morning, and 763 Greylags flew back in. Both look like record counts for the site. 34 Barnacles. 7 Pintail off Stones again, and later in BABay. 80 Lapwing on Horseshoe island and 2 Dunlin from Stones. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 37 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret. Kingfisher in BABay. 7 Mistle Thrush. 150 Pied Wags on the dam wall and a total of 10 Greys. 47 Meadow Pipits, 4 Skylark and 4 Linnet flew S.Simon Roddis
23/09/20215 juv Arctic Terns flew N at 10:40. 650 Greylags is a new record count. c45 Barnacle Geese with at least 2 Nene hybrids - difficult to see and count as they were mostly sitting down on sailing club shore. 208 Wigeon. 75 Gadwall. 8 Pintail. 80 Pochard. 23 Mute Swans. 51 Cormorants. Peregrine past Stones.SJR, RC, AHS
21/09/2021A mere 1,115 Canadas this morning but the Barnacles were up to 56 and had a Nene (Hawaiian Goose) in tow with them. At least 500 Greylags again. 8 Pintail off Stones and the drake Common Scoter way up the res again. 46 Cormorants. 2 Little Egrets. 78 Rooks over the dam wall, 150 Starlings and 1 Yellow Wag. Summer migrants down to a few Chiffchaffs and 4 Swallows.Simon Roddis
20/09/2021Continuing the wildfowl theme, 26 Pintail (second highest count ever here) with 12 off Stones and another 14 flew in, the drake Common Scoter still off Lane End, 515 Greylags and the returning flock of 35 feral Barnacle Geese. 40 Cormorants. 2 Little Egrets. 17 Buzzards. 3 Grey Wagtails out of Hopton reedbed early morning.Simon Roddis
19/09/2021Wildfowl numbers definitely increasing. Drake Common Scoter off Lane End for its third day. 1,300 Canada Geese could be a record count though maybe not one to be proud of 😉 349 Greylags. 154 Wigeon. 3 Shoveler. 9 Pintail. 79 Gadwall. 66 Pochard. Adult Y-l Gull still. 47 Cormorant. 10 Grey Heron. 2 Little Egret. On the dam wall, 150+ Pied and 2 Yellow Wags, 200 Starlings.Simon Roddis
18/09/20211,185 Canadas, 1 Barnacle and 124 Greylags flew out over the dam wall early morning, plus 80 Rooks, 150 Pied and 3 Yellow Wags, 4 Skylarks. 9 Pintail (5 off Stones, 4 flew S). 57 Wigeon. 52 Pochard. 4 Little Egrets. 3 Wheatear (2 on the dam wall, 1 on wires above WLC fields). 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 4 juv Bullfinches in WLC creek still.Simon Roddis
17/09/2021A very foggy start along the dam wall but still c200 Pied Wags, 2 Yellow and 7 Grey, 1 Wheatear (and another on Stones/Watersports). 5 Pintail. 1 Common Sand. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. Peregrine past Stones. Total of 49 Meadow Pipits, mostly heading SW. 22 Swallows and 18 House Martins.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
16/09/20216 Snipe WLC Creek, 4 Grey Heron, 150+ Greylag Goose, 15 Mute Swan, 3 Chiffchaff, 5 cormorant, 12 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 45 Teal, 1 Little Egret, 20 House Martin, 5 Swallow, 3 Wren, 7 Gold Finch, 5 wigeon , 3 Pochard, 40 Lapwing, 5 Gadwall and one Ballon which disturbed all the wildlifeDavid Armitt
15/09/20215 Grey Heron, 1 Common sandpiper, 43 Lapwing, 9 Gadwall, 6 Little Grebe, 6 House Martin, 15 Pied Wagtail, 7 Chiffchaff, 30 Cormorant, 50 Teal, 1 Sparrow Hawk, 20 Goldfinch, 1 Sedge Warbler, 9 Pochard, 7 Moorhen, 1 Buzzard, 6 Tree Sparrow, 2 Little Egret, 15 Mute Swan , 10 Great Crested GrebeDavid Armitt

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