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
15/09/2021On the dam wall early morning, c200 Pied and 2 Yellow Wags, 15 Meadow Pipits, 1 Wheatear, 150 Starling and 50 Goldfinch. 2 Pintail again off Stones island. 262 Greylags flew in, most then loafing at Sheepwash. 4+ Red Kites over the east side, 10+ Buzzards, a total of at least 5 Sparrowhawks, and an adult Hobby past Stones. 31 Lapwing, 4 Snipe and a Common Sand around WLC/Horseshoe island. 2 Little Egrets. Total of 45 Swallows and 6 House Martins. 2 Willow Warblers (Stones and WLC creek), a Sedge Warbler on Stones and Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. 15 Mistle Thrushes flew up the east side, first flock I've seen this year.SJR, AHS, RC
12/09/20211 wheatear on the damLauren Batt
12/09/2021Monthly WeBS count: 1,211 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacle, 167 Greylag, 36 Mute Swan, 77 Gadwall, 65 Wigeon, 240 Mallard, 253 Teal, 40 Pochard, 231 Tufted, 31 Moorhen, 1,032 Coot, 28 Little Grebe, 56 GCGrebe, 48 Lapwing, 1 Common Sand, 2 Snipe, 41 Cormorant, 9 Heron, 3 Little Egret, 3 Kingfisher. c50 each of Swallows and House Martins moving through.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
11/09/2021This morning, 200 Pied, 3 Yellow Wags, 1 Wheatear and 70 Starlings on the dam wall. A few Meadow Pipits moving, counted 18. Adult and juv Yellow-legged Gull. 3 Little Egret. 26 Pochard. The 2 Pintail again off Stones. Common Whitethroat and Spotted Fly in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
10/09/2021On the dam wall early morning, 215 Pied, 2+ Yellow and 3 Grey Wags, 2 Wheatear, 5 Meadow Pipit, 1 Skylark, 89 Rooks over and 1,030 Canada Geese flew out. 2 Pintail again off Stones. Black-tailed Godwit on Stones and Common Sand at Sheepwash. 43 Cormorants. 2 Spotted Flycatchers, a Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields, and a Common Whitethroat on Stones.Simon Roddis
08/09/2021A decent morning: a Grey Plover flew SW (calling several times) over the dam wall at 06:45, an Osprey went down the east side at 10:40 and a Spotted Flycatcher was in WLC creek. 224 Greylags. 2 Pintail. 36 Wigeon. 210 Teal. 21 Pochard. 46 Lapwing. 2 Common Sand. 38 Cormorant. 4 Little Egrets. 76 Rooks flew SE over the dam wall early morning, and 180 Pied and 5 Yellow Wags were along the wall. 1 Reed Warbler on Stones island.Simon Roddis
05/09/2021Species seen during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon ... apologies for late submission!): Red Kite (over Hall Wood), Buzzard (4 together, also over Hall Wood), House Sparrow, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe, Coot, Canada Goose, Mallard, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Black-headed Gull, Little Grebe, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Pied Wagtail, Moorhen, Lapwing, Little Egret, Woodpigeon, Teal, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Swallow, House Martin, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Pochard, Blue Tit, Black-tailed Godwit, Tree Sparrow, Jackdaw, Gadwall, Chiffchaff, Robin, Wren, Goldfinch and Tufted Duck. (Also seen by leaders outside the time of the walk: Swift, Gt Spotted Woodpecker, Great Egret and Cattle Egret)Gary Atkins
06/09/2021Roger Carrington, Alan Stewardson, Neil Moulden, Brian Boothby and I have covered the site from dawn to dusk today. 84 species in total. Highlights were a Marsh Harrier and an Osprey, both from Stones island late afternoon. 4 Pintail. 4 Shoveler. 52 Wigeon. 29 Pochard. 5 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. 6,000 Lesser Black-backs came in to roost. 5 Little Egrets. 1 Red Kite. 4 Kingfishers (Millfields, Stones area and 2 at Brown Ale Bay). 7 Raven. c100 Swallows. Common Whitethroat, Reed and Sedge Warblers on Stones. Lesser Whitethroat in WLC creek. 180 Pied and 4 Yellow Wags on the dam wall early morning. 10 Meadow Pipits, mostly flying N.Simon Roddis
05/09/2021A Great Egret flew in at 07:10 and was still around, on Shiningford island, at 11:00. 3 Little Egret. A Black-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe island, Ringed Plover on Stones and 3 Common Sand. 595 Canadas. 53 Greylag. 31 Mute Swan. 211 Teal. 32 Wigeon. Female Shoveler at Sheepwash. 19 Pochard. 2 Swifts again around the visitor centre. 5 Raven. 120 Swallows, including 100 on the dam wall early morning, along with 200 Pied and 4 Yellow Wags. Willow and Sedge Warblers on Stones and a Lesser Whitethroat again in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
04/09/2021A Cattle Egret was on sailing club island around 07:00 this morning then flew past Stones at 08:30. Still reported as present off Sheepwash carpark early afternoon. Third site record. 3 Pintail flew through, departing SW. 177 Teal. 18 Wigeon. 12 Pochard. 3 Swifts around the visitor centre. Juv LRP on Stones. A Dunlin over the dam wall and a Common Sand on Watersports island. 3+ Kingfishers (Millfields, Horseshoe island and possibly 2 in Brown Ale Bay). Adult Y-l Gull still. 50+ House Martins over Stones. Common and 2 Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. 150 Pied and 3 Yellow Wags on the dam wall. 130 Goldfinch on Stones. Not a bad morning 🙂Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
04/09/2021Cattle Egret still on shoreline at 18.25, viewable from Sheepwash car park.Paul Bennett
03/09/2021163 Teal, 19 Wigeon and 12 Pochard. 3 Little Egrets. Another Swift over the visitor centre, and totals of 25 House and 15 Sand Martins. 36 Lapwing. 3 Dunlin and a Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe island and 6 Snipe at WLC. Hobby over the road near Sheepwash. 150 Pied and 2 Yellow Wags on the dam wall early morning.SJR, AHS, RPJ, AMD
30/08/20215 Little Egrets again, and Teal up further to 155. 14 Wigeon. 3 Red Kites together over Hall Wood mid-morning. 3 Snipe, single Common Sandpiper and Redshank. 2 ad Yellow-legged Gulls. 2 Sedge Warblers still on Stones.Simon Roddis
30/08/20214 Grey Heron, 5 Little Egret, 16 Mute Swan, 1 little Ringed Plover, 30 Lapwing, 9 Little Grebe, 1 Kingfisher,20 Pied Wagtail, 2 Pochard,79 Teal, 10 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Redshank,1 Red Kite, 1 Buzzard, 10 Cormorant, 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Gadwall, 5 Tree Sparrow, 30 Goldfinch, 6 Long Tailed Tit, 3 Chiffchaff, 1 NuthatchDavid Armitt
29/08/2021190 Pied and 1 Yellow Wag on the dam wall early morning, along with 2 juv Wheatears. 5+ Little Egrets. Wildfowl numbers increasing: 144 Teal, 16 Wigeon, 15 Pochard. 32 Lapwing. 3 Ringed Plover on Flat island. 35 Cormorant. Kingfisher at Millfields. c80 House Martins, most of them over Sheepwash. 2 Sedge Warbler, Common Whitethroat and Willow Warbler still on Stones.Simon Roddis
28/08/2021Plenty of birds though no surprises this morning. 4 Little Egrets. 1f Shoveler. 2 Red Kites over the east side. 3 GBbGull and 2 Yellow-legs (adult and juvenile). Kingfisher at Hopton end. 2 Lesser and a Common Whitethroat at top of WLC creek.Simon Roddis
26/08/2021Evening visit: at least 7,150 Lesser Black-backs came in to roost. 3 adult Yellow-legs. 2 juvenile Ruffs on Stones. c150 Starlings looked as if they were going to roost on Watersports island.Simon Roddis
26/08/2021A juv Ringed Plover was on the dam wall early morning and a late Swift flew past the main centre around 10:45. 2 Little Egrets still. 7+ Raven including a group of 6 N over WLC creek. Numbers of warblers and hirundines dropping daily.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
25/08/20214 Shelduck flew through at 08:40. Teal now up to 70. 6 Wigeon. 11 Pochard. 3 Little Egrets still, 2 Red Kites again over the east side and the juvenile Greenshank still in Brown Ale Bay late morning. Kingfisher at Millfields and 180 Pied wags on the dam wall. 70 Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis
23/08/2021This morning, 460 Canada Geese, 30 Mute Swans, 48 Teal, sub-ad Herring Gull, 2 adult Yellow-legs, 2 Little Egret, 2 Red Kite over the east side, a Reed Warbler singing at WLC, and 220 Pied and 2 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall early on.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
22/08/2021Monthly WeBS count: 267 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacle, 233 Greylag, 27 Mute Swan, 4 Shoveler, 49 Gadwall, 221 Mallard, 42 Teal, 5 Pochard, 299 Tufted, 32 Moorhen, 607 Coot, 16 Little Grebe, 51 GCGrebe, 9 Lapwing (+28 over), 1 Common Sand, 1 Greenshank, 27 Cormorant, 10 Heron, 3 Little Egret, 2 Kingfisher. Also: 3 Swifts over Carsington village, 1 Peregrine, 3 Curlew flew N, 2 Snipe S, 5 Raven, Redstart on Stones, Wheatear on the dam wall.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
20/08/2021A Turnstone flew over the dam wall just before 07:00 and a Greenshank dropped onto Stones island at 09:45. 30 Mute Swans. 3 Little Egret. 50 Lapwing. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 240 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall early morning, and a Kingfisher at each end. Lesser Whitethroat and Redstart in WLC fields. 2 Yellow Wagtails over. 55 Linnet at the top of WLC creek.Simon Roddis
19/08/20213 pristine juvenile Black-tailed Godwits dropped into Stones island for a few minutes this morning, and a juvenile Grasshopper Warbler (another August tick) was in the same bushes as a Reed and 3 Sedge. 28 Teal. 2 Ringed Plover over the dam wall. 16 Buzzards, including a kettle of 10 with 2 Red Kites. 2 Little Egrets. 200 Pied Wags on the dam wall early morning, and a total of 6 Yellows: 2 over the dam wall and 4 on Watersports island.Simon Roddis
18/08/2021A productive morning started with a small wader arrival and movement: a Turnstone and a Ringed Plover on the dam wall, which then flew S; 3 more Ringed Plovers during the morning; 2 Redshank along the dam wall, an Oystercatcher at sailing club and 2 Curlew flew N. Later, an Osprey gave a great performance, coming down the res and floating around for 20 minutes, 10:40-11:00, the first here since April as far as I'm aware. 161 Greylags flew in. Female Shoveler on Horseshoe island. 26 Teal. 7 Pochard. 2+ Little Egret. 1 Swift. 2 Yellow Wagtail and a Lesser Whitethroat on Stones.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
17/08/20212 adult Kittiwakes flew down the res at 09:00 and stayed to 10:30 at least: my first ever August Kittiwakes at Carsi. 305 Greylags. 28 Mute Swan. 45 Gadwall. 7 Pochard. 32 Cormorant. 1 Dunlin. 2 Common Sand. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 1 Little Egret. 2 Red Kite beyond Fishtail creek. 2 Kingfishers (Hopton end and WLC creek). 25 Sand Martins. c90 Goldfinches on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
16/08/2021A flock of 11 Dunlin flying N up the res at 10:50 was this morning's highlight. c300 Greylags flew in during the morning. 35 Mute Swan. 27 Teal. 5 Pochard. 29 Cormorant. 2 Little Egret. Peregrine past Stones. 9 Swifts flew SW. 18 Common Gull. Single adult GBb and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 190 Pied Wags on the dam wall early morning. Single Common Whitethroat, Reed Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher in WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
15/08/2021Evening visit: Ruff flew through, Greenshank dropped in, 20 Teal, Kingfisher in BA Bay, 160 Swallows past Stones, presumably going to roost. Gull roost: 4,000 Lesser Black-backs, 1 GBbG, 2 Yellow-legs, 26 Common, 400 Black-heads.Simon Roddis
14/08/2021Trying for that Pied Wag record: 240 along the dam wall this morning. 2 Red Kites over the east side. 3 Little Egret. 20 Teal. 5 Pochard. Kingfishers at Hopton end, WLC creek and BA Bay (2 birds maybe? Difficult to know). Totals of 50 Swallow, 25 House Martin and 4 Sand Martin. 1 Swift. Female Redstart in WLC fields. The Stones Goldfinch flock now up to c70.Simon Roddis
13/08/2021Pied Wagtails up to 225 along the dam wall early morning. Juv LRP and adult Peregrine on Watersports island. 3 Little Egrets, adult GBb and Yellow-legged Gulls and 4 Swifts still. Spotted Fly on Stones. c100 House Sparrows again at the main centre. 30 Linnets in fields S of Sheepwash carpark.Simon Roddis
12/08/2021A bit quieter this morning. Just 150 Pied Wags, a Wheatear and the Barnacle Goose family on the dam wall. 1 Ringed Plover over. 3 Little Egrets. 15 Teal. Single adult Yellow-legged and GBbGulls. Garden Warbler at Millfields.Simon Roddis
11/08/2021A Great Egret flew past Stones island about 08:30 and was then mobile, settling on Watersports island and in Shiningford creek before departing S over Millfields at 09:40. 3 Little Egrets. Wildfowl numbers: 29 Mute Swan, 71 Canada, 30 Greylag, 43 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon (first of the autumn), 182 Mallard, 15 Teal, 4 Pochard, 370 Tufted (and a late brood of 2 at Hopton end), 16 Moorhen, 728 Coot, 49 GCGrebe, 17 Little Grebe, 30 Cormorant. 205 Pied, 8 Grey and 1 Yellow Wagtail plus 80 Swallows along the dam wall early morning. 3 Swifts. 4 Kestrel over Carsington pastures. Redstart and 4 Lesser Whitethroats in WLC creek/fields. Spotted Flycatcher on Stones. 20 Tree Sparrows at WLC.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
10/08/2021c300 Swallows from Millfields early morning, looked as if many of them might have roosted on Stones. 27 Mute Swan. 40 Greylag. The Barnacle family, still with 4 young, are back at Millfields. 7 Pochard (4m,3f). 1 Little Egret. 3 Swifts still around the main centre, and 100+ House Sparrows there. c100 Lapwing around Horseshoe island. Adult GBb and Yellow-legged Gulls. 2 Kingfishers (Millfields and BA Bay). 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Common Whitethroat and female Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
09/08/2021Early Monday morning, 65 Swallows out of Hopton reedbed and c100 at Millfields, 160 Pied Wags along the dam wall, and single Wheatears on the dam wall and at sailing club. Spotted Flycatcher and 2 Garden Warblers at Millfields. 2 Little Egrets. 12 Teal. 6 Pochard (4m,2f). 4 Swifts around the main centre. 60 Lapwing on Horseshoe island. Adult LRP and juv Ringed Plover on Watersports island. 2 Common Sand. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. 90 House Sparrows at the main centre and 70 Goldfinch on Stones. 1f Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
03/08/2021This morning from Stones Island, 2 Shoveller, 1 Yellow legged gull,1 Redstart, 3 Swift, warblers included Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap,Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Sedge Warbler.A H Stewardson
02/08/2021A female-type Common Scoter was off Stones island early morning and later off Sheepwash carpark. 2 Little Egret. 47 Swifts flew SW. Kingfisher at Millfields. 2 Common and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
01/08/2021Species noted during the monthly 'Birdwatching for Beginners' walk (10am-noon, around Stones Island, WLC and WLC Creek): House Sparrow, Swift, Great Crested Grebe, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Pied Wagtail, Coot, Mallard, Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Blue Tit, Goldfinch, Moorhen, Lapwing, Grey Heron, Little Grebe, Lesser Black-backed Gull, House Martin, Sand Martin, Blackbird, Dunnock, Willow Tit, Swallow, Tufted Duck, Sedge Warbler, Woodpigeon, Whitethroat, Redstart, Gadwall, Chiffchaff, Magpie, Cormorant, Wren, Blackcap, Robin, Song Thrush, Pochard and RedshankGary Atkins
01/08/2021130 Pied Wagtails and a Skylark on the dam wall early morning. Hobby and Peregrine from Stones island. 3 Redshank (2 adults and a juv) on Horseshoe island. 1 Common Sand. Garden Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher at Millfields. 2 Redstart and 2 Whitethroat in WLC fields. 30 Sand Martins.Simon Roddis
31/07/2021Evening visit 1930-2100: a few gulls in by then, 530 Black-heads, 60 Lessers, 8 Common, 2 GBbG, 3 Yellow-legs. 120 Carrion Crows on the dam wall/overflow carpark fields.Simon Roddis
31/07/20213 juv Shelduck flew through SE early morning. 1 Little Egret. Kingfisher at Millfields. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and sub-ad). c150 Sand Martins and 100 Swallows from PS hide. 26 Swifts. Total of at least 9 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed and Brown Ale Bay. 50+ Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis
30/07/2021One adult Common Tern around for most of the morning, and a Whimbrel through Millfields early on. c100 House Sparrows at the main centre, the highest count in recent years at least (and one seen carrying and dismembering a Poplar Hawkmoth!). From Stones, c25 Sand Martins, Hobby, Red Kite, adult Yellow-legged Gull, Little Egret, 2 Common Sandpiper. c110 Lapwings on Horseshoe island.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
29/07/20212 adult Arctic Terns were on a buoy off the dam wall early morning, and then I assume one of them around Stones island mid-morning. A summer plumage Black-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe island. 13 Grey Herons. 2 Little Egrets. 95 Pied Wagtails (72 of them along the dam wall early morning). c25 Swifts. 80 Lapwing. Juv LRP still. Reed Warbler singing in WLC creek. Redstarts in WLC fields and Middle Wood. 7 Willow Tits.Simon Roddis
28/07/20213 Common Terns through this morning, a single and a pair, all adults. 8 Barnacle Geese at Millfields, including the 4 growing youngsters (they must have been hiding in the long grass the last few days!). The 2 Ruddy Shelducks were at Millfields early morning (and they can fly!). 1 Little Egret. 2 Common Sand. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (adult and sub-ad). 20 Swifts over Stones. At least 2 Lesser Whites in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
27/07/20212 Arctic Terns (adult and juvenile) were on a buoy off the dam wall early morning (perhaps having roosted overnight?) until flushed by swimmers. 27 Mute Swans. 2 Little Egret. 1 Ruddy Shelduck at Flat Island. Sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull and 2 GBbG, including Onefoot. 1 Skylark on the dam wall. Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat again in WLC fields, and 2 Garden Warblers on Stones.Simon Roddis
26/07/20218 Grey Heron, 2 Little Egret from Stones causeway, 7 Teal, 2 Pochard, juvenile Red Kite, juv LRP, 1 Common Sand, 2 Redshank on the dam wall, sub-ad Yellow-legged Gull, Kingfisher at Millfields early morning, Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields, Reed Warbler on Stones (in Warbler Corner, to be precise) and Garden Warbler on the causeway, 12+ Raven including a flock of 10 N.Simon Roddis
25/07/2021Monthly WeBS count: 2 Little Egret, 8 Grey Heron, 47 GCGrebe, 16 LGrebe, 29 Cormorant, 22 Mute Swan, 350 Canadas, 85 Greylag, 1 Barnacle, 2 Ruddy Shelduck, 137 Mallard, 4 Teal, 35 Gadwall, 261 Tufted,, 1 Pochard, 1 juv Goosander, 19 Moorhen, 333 Coot, 92 Lapwing, 1 juv LRP, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sand. Also 2 Yellow-legged Gull (ad and sub-ad), 1 ad Common Gull, 2 Hobby, 6 Swifts screaming around the main centre, 4 Redstarts under Middle Wood.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
20/07/20216 Common Scoter (4 drakes) off Stones Island 08:15. 1 Dublin flying around Stones Island. 3 Little Egrets and a Common Sandpiper on Sailing Club shore early morning. 2 Ruddy Shelduck still from Sheepwash car park. No Black-headed Gulls on Millfields Island at 10:00!Roger Carrington
15/07/20218 Common Scoter, including 5 drakes, mid-water at 10am. 2 Little Egrets. Adult Yellow-legged Gull on raft near dam. 24 Mute Swans and Tufted with 4 fresh young from Stones Island. Reed Warbler and 2 singing Sedge Warblers still on Stones. Immature female Peregrine diving at Black-headed Gulls around Millfields. Still 2 Ruddy Shelduck at Sheepwash.Roger Carrington
13/07/20212 Little Egrets at Wildlife Centre early morning. Adult Common Gull at Sailing Club, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (ad+sub ad) and 2 Great Blacked-backed (ad+tailless imm) from Millfields. 2 Ruddy Shelduck still with geese from Sheepwash car park this morning.Roger Carrington
11/07/2021Ad hoc wildfowl count: 969 Canadas, 4 Barnacle (plus 4 young), 240 Greylag, 16 Mute Swan, 2 Ruddy Shelduck from Sheepwash carpark, 28 Gadwall, 125 Mallard, 4 Teal, 1 Pochard, 110 Tufted (plus new brood of 9 at Hopton end), 15 Moorhen, 309 Coot, 11 Little Grebe (plus 2 young below Hall Wood), 50 GCGrebe, 7 Oyc, 40 Lapwing, 2 LRP, 19 Cormorant, 7 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, adult Yellow-legged Gull. Also 200 Jackdaws over Tail Bay, Lesser Whitethroat with food on Stones island, female Redstart with 3+ juvs below Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
10/07/20215 drake Common Scoter off the dam wall/Stones island early morning. A Little Egret at Paul Stanley hide late morning. 23 Mute Swans. New broods of 7 and 8 Tufted off Stones causeway. 5 male Pochard. 1 Ruddy Shelduck just visible on the shoreline from Sheepwash carpark late morning. Adult LRP and Common Sand at sailing club. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 7 Grey Herons. Skylark and c40 Pied Wagtails on the dam wall early morning. Lesser Whitethroat singing but mobile in WLC fields.Simon Roddis

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