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
09/07/2021A Greenshank was on Horseshoe island around 08:00 this morning. 23 Mute Swans. 4 Barnacle Geese plus 4 large young. 5 Grey Herons. 2 Raven over the dam wall. 4 Willow Warblers still singing at Millfields and Stones island.Simon Roddis
07/07/202136 Swifts flew S, most between 10:00 and 11:00, along with a few hirundines this morning. 40 Lapwing. 1 Common Sand on Watersports island. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Red Kite over the west side. Total of 5 Spotted Flycatchers in Hall and Middle Woods. 2 juv Redstarts (WLC fields and Middle Wood). And the 2 Ruddy Shelducks still off Sheepwash carpark.Simon Roddis
05/07/2021A beautiful pair of adult Mediterranean Gulls were on Horseshoe island mid-morning, and a Red Kite overhead. 1 Common Sandpiper at Millfields. 27 adult Gadwall, plus a new brood of 9 in Brown Ale Bay (sixth brood at least this year), and 6 and 4 in WLC creek. 17 Mute Swans. The 2 Ruddy Shelduck in front of Sheepwash carpark late morning. Total of 16+ Tree Sparrows at WLC and Millfields. 1 Skylark S.Simon Roddis
04/07/2021Male Ruddy Shelduck below Hall Wood again this morning. 19 Mute Swans. 10 Oystercatcher. Spotted Flycatcher singing in Hall Wood; nestbox now empty, young presumably fledged. Family parties of Blackcap (4 young) on Hays Lane, Goldcrest at BABay and Bullfinch at Sheepwash. In other news, 2 albino Stoats with two regular ones at sailing club.Simon Roddis
02/07/20211 Ruddy Shelduck again among Greylags off Sheepwash. 16 Mute Swans. Barnacle geese still with 4 young at Millfields. 6 Teal at WLC. New brood of 9 Tufted at Hopton end, and probably a sixth brood of Gadwall (4 young) off Stones. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 10+ Tree Sparrows at WLC.Simon Roddis
30/06/2021Swifts appear to have been on the move this morning: 330 flew N, most of them over Millfields between 10:00 and 10:45. The 2 Ruddy Shelducks still from Sheepwash. 819 Canada Geese. 304 Greylags. 12 Mute Swans. 91 Tufted. 145 Coot. 46 GCGrebe. 11 Oystercatcher. 30 Lapwing. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 1 Hobby.Simon Roddis
27/06/2021Already a post breeding flock of 200 Jackdaws swirling above fields behind the Ranger Base. 140 young Black-headed Gulls visible around Millfields Island this morning. Others will still be hidden in nests in the deep vegetation there and some have left the island. 2 female type Ruddy Shelduck with mixed goose flock at Sheepwash again.Roger Carrington
25/06/202112 Goldfinch, 5 Pied Wagtail,4 Lapwing,3 Little Grebe, 4 Swift, 20 Sandmartin, 10 Greylag Goose,7 Mute Swan, 3 Sedge Warbler, 10 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Blackcap, 2 Bullfinch, 3 Chiffchaff, 3 Grey Heron, 7 Oystercatcher, 3 Reed Bunting, 3 Great Tit,2 Cormorant, 1 lesser whitethroat, 2 Garden Warbler, 12 Long Tailed Tit,1 Redshank, 2 Teal, 11 Tree Sparrow, 2 Redstart+ 1 young,1 KestrelDavid Armitt
25/06/2021Little Egret and Curlew at sailing club early morning. 11 adult Mute Swans but haven't seen the cygnets for a few days, bit concerning. 4 Barnacles with 4 young still. The female Ruddy Shelduck with Canadas at Watersports. 3 Teal. New brood of 10 Gadwall off Stones. 10 Oystercatcher. 15 Lapwing. Adult Yellow-legged and 1st-summer Common Gulls. Family of Willow Tits at top of WLC creek. Fledged Swallows at Millfields draw-off tower. 1 Meadow Pipit over main centre. 3 Spotted Fly. 12 Tree Spoarrows (10 WLC, 2 Millfields).Simon Roddis
23/06/2021Roger C had 2 Ruddy Shelducks from Sheepwash this morning. 778 Canada Geese. 182 Greylags. 2 male Pochard. New broods of 6 Tufted Duck at WLC and 4 at Millfields island. 7 Oystercatcher. 1 Curlew W. 3 Common Sandpiper at sailing club/WLC. 5 redshank. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and 2nd-summer). 3 Common Terns. Kingfisher again in WLC creek. New brood of 2 young Coots at Millfields island. 7 Raven. Pair of Spotted Flycatchers now feeding young in a nestbox. Redstarts still with fledged young in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
22/06/2021Frustrating highlight was a possible Black Kite seen distantly over the east side, first over the north end then probably again over Millfields. Tail didn't look as forked as Red Kite but too far away to be sure. Barnacle Geese still with 4 young at Millfields. 2 male Pochard (WLC and Millfields). c40 Swifts. Part of 7 Stock Doves. 7 Oystercatcher. 5 Redshank (all adults) at WLC. 2 Curlew W. Adult Yellow-leg and 1st-summer Caspian Gulls at sailing club. 3 Common Terns early morning. Male Peregrine from Stones. Total of 15 Raven (5,2,4 & 4). Redstart family in WLC creek, at least 3 juvs.Simon Roddis
21/06/2021Cetti’s Warbler still singing on north shore of Fishtail Creek. Ruddy Shelduck with flock of 180 Greylag Geese below Hall Wood this morning.Roger Carrington
19/06/2021Highlight this morning was confirming breeding by Pied Flycatcher for the first time at Carsington: a female with food in Hall Wood. Brood of 6 Gadwall at Watersports, several days old but I think the 4th brood of the year. 16 Lapwings at sailing club. Sedge Warblers with food on Stones and male Redstart with food in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
18/06/2021Forgot to mention a new brood of 8 Tufted at WLC and 2 new Mallard: 5-6 at Millfields island and 11-12 off Stones.Simon Roddis
18/06/2021The Cetti's Warbler still singing in Fishtail creek this morning. Pied Fly alarm-calling in Hall Wood. Spotted Flys in Hall and Middle Woods. 819 Canada. 251 Greylags. Male Teal and Pochard at WLC. 12 Swifts. 14 Lapwing. c350 Black-headed Gulls, plus young. Kingfisher again in WLC creek. Total of 8 GSWoodpeckers, including a family of 4 (2 juvs) at Millfields. 5 Raven, presumably a family party.Simon Roddis
16/06/20212 Great White Egrets flew S over the Hopton end at 06:10 this morning, not seen again. 8 Mute Swans, plus the 3 cygnets. Red Kite again over the east side. More breeding evidence: Willow Warblers feeding fledged young in WLC creek, Chiffchaff and Treecreeper with food in Hall Wood, Whitethroat with food at Hopton reedbed, juv Tree Sparrows in WLC creek, along with a juv Siskin.Simon Roddis
14/06/2021Red Kite over the east side, Common Tern early morning and a Kingfisher in WLC creek (my first here since 23rd January). The WLC Mute Swans are now down to 3 cygnets. Brood of 7 Gadwall at Paul Stanley, c.1 week old but I've not seen them before, and the 10 young Tufteds still. 1 Curlew flew SW. 2 imm Herring Gulls through. 4 Ravens at Millfields. 10 Sand Martins at Brown Ale Bay.Simon Roddis
13/06/2021Monthly WeBS count: 687 Canada, 4 Barnacle (plus 4 young), 188 Greylag, 6 Mute (plus 4 cygnets), 18 Gadwall, 57 Mallard, 67 Tufted (plus first brood of 10+), 7 Moorhen, 62 Coot, 8 LGrebe, 52 GCGrebe, 4 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing, 3 Redshank. Redstarts with food at Hopton end and in WLC fields. 8+ Reed Warblers, including 4 (2 singing) in Brown Ale Bay.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
11/06/2021A second brood of Gadwall, 5 ducklings, was in Brown Ale Bay on Friday morning, and a new brood of 8 Mallard at WLC. A Peregrine took a Jackdaw over WLC fields, much to the annoyance of lots of other corvids. Chiffchaff with food at top of WLC creek, and Sedge Warbler with food at WLC. Pair of Redstart in WLC fields and at least 1 at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
10/06/2021Pair Gadwall at Millfields with 7yg (noted yesterday by Simon Roddis with 9yg). Pair Mute Swan still with 4 cygnets on the water near the Visitor Centre toilet block and Reed Warbler singing there. Today I noted my 34th pair of birds taking food into nest boxes this breeding season. All these boxes with box numbers were observed from the main paths. Nearly all species were Blue or Great Tit and I found 2 boxes today that had been taken over by Tree Bumblebees. Please note and report any nest box activity you see.Roger Carrington
07/06/2021Geese numbers increasing: 377 Canada and 77 Greylag. Barnacles still with 4 young at Millfields and Mute Swans still with 5 at WLC. 11 Lapwing. Moorhens with 4 young at WLC. Fledged GSWoodpeckers at Sheepwash. Chiffchaff with food in Hall Wood, Redstarts and Garden Warbler with food at Hopton end. 22 Starlings over Sheepwash. 10 Tree Saprrow (8 in WLC creek, 2 at Millfields).Simon Roddis
06/06/2021Species noted by the Birdwatching for Beginners group between 10am and noon: Canada goose, Greylag goose, Mute swan, Gadwall, Mallard, Tufted duck, Little grebe, Great crested grebe, Grey heron, Cormorant, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Redshank, Black-headed gull, Woodpigeon, Swift, Swallow, Sand Martin, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion crow, Blue tit, Great tit, Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Garden warbler, Sedge Warbler, Dunnock, Wren, Blackbird, Song thrush, House sparrow, Tree sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Bullfinch, Goldfinch and Reed buntingGary Atkins
04/06/2021The WLC/Horseshoe Island Mute Swans now have 5 cygnets. 2 male Teal at WLC. A 2nd-summmer Yellow-legged Gull on the raft off sailing club. Pair of Swifts again checking out the visitor centre. Juvenile Tree Sparrows at both Millfields (1) and WLC (2). And 2 Broad-bodied Chaser dragonflies at Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis
31/05/20211 Reed Bunting, 3 Mute Swan, 21 Greylag Goose,16 Great Crested Grebe,1 Oystercatcher, 4 Grey Heron, 1 Cormorant, 1 Moorhen, 4 Chiffchaff, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Jay,2 Reed Warbler, 2 Long-tailed Tit, 1 Male pochard of big island, Mute Swan with 4 young in Brown Ale BayDavid Armitt
30/05/20213 Wren, 5 oystercatcher, 1 Dunnock, 2 Gadwall, 6 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Sedge Warbler, 4 Chiffchaff, 3 Reed Bunting, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Swift, 12 House Martin, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Redstart, 12 Long-tailed TitDavid Armitt
01/06/2021The Hopton Mute Swans have hatched - 7 cygnets on Saturday according to the STW rangers though I only saw 3 this morning. Barnacle Geese still with 4 young at Millfields. 349 Canadas and 39 greylags. 3 Swifts checking out the visitor centre. GSWoodpecker nest with noisy young. Fledged Willow Tits at Hopton end. The Cetti's Warbler still singing in Fishtail creek. Total of 9 Reed Warblers (7 singing). Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
29/05/2021A pair of Shoveler at the WLC this morning were slightly unexpected; 1 Common Tern; 10 Oystercatcher including 4 full grown young - 2 will have come from Horseshoe island but not sure about the other 2; Lesser White and Redstart in WLC creek, plus Common Whitethroat with food. And an obliging Tawny owl sat out for photos.Simon Roddis
28/05/2021A total of 11+ Reed Warblers this morning, 9 of them singing. The male Pied Fly still in Hall Wood, and Spotted Fly there and at Penn Carr. 1 Curlew over Millfields.Simon Roddis
27/05/20217 Common Scoter (5 imm male, 2 female) off Stones island this morning, and 2 summer plumage Black-tailed Godwits on Horseshoe island. Pair of Barnacle Geese with 4 small goslings at Millfields. Red Kite over Carsington Pastures. Male Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
26/05/20212 adult Arctic Terns from Stones island from 09:45 for the next hour at least. A Green Woodpecker was calling behind sailing club early morning. 13 LBbG and 2 Herring Gull through. Fledged Willow Tits, Robin and Wrens. Black-headed Gull chicks starting to hatch on Millfields island.Simon Roddis
20/05/2021The Turnstone was still on sailing club shore this morning. Tawny Owl calling late morning at Millfields. c20 Swifts and 50 Sand Martins. Reed Warbler singing on Sailing Club island. Redstart singing at Penn Carr. Willow Tit with food near WLC.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
17/05/20211 Little Ringed Plover,20 Sandmartin, 11 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 1 Pied Wagtail, 5 Chiffchaff, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 Blackcap, 1 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher , 1 Sedge Warbler, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Great Spotted WoodpeckerDavid Armitt
19/05/2021We did the (early) WeBS count this morning: 133 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacles, 40 Greylags, 4 Mute Swans, 1 female Shelduck at WLC, 14 Gadwall, 47 Mallard, 79 Tufted, 2 Moorhen, 56 Coot, 13 Little Grebe, 44 GCGrebe, 8 Oystercatcher, a summer plumage Turnstone at sailing club, 1 Redshank, 12 Cormorant, 7 Herons. On top of that, single Red Kite and Hobby, 6 Jays including a family party of 4, 6 singing Reed Warblers: 3 Hopton reedbed, singles in BABay, WLC creek and PSHide (first time I've said that for over a year!), 4 (maybe 5) singing Spotted Flycatcher between Hopton and Middle Wood and the 2 singing Pied Flys again in Hall and Middle Woods, and 3+ Lesser Redpoll at PSHide.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
18/05/20213 Arctic (late morning) and 3 Common Terns (early morning) from the dam wall/Stones island. 2 male Pied Fly, in Middle and Hall Woods. Male Redstart at Hopton end. Cetti's Warbler still singing in Fishtail Creek. 10 Buzzards in the air. Breeding confirmed for Chiffchaff, Nuthatch, Willow, Blue and Long-tailed Tits.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
17/05/20213 Whimbrel on sailing club shore this morning, along with the one-footed adult GBbGull. c80 Sand Martin, 30 House and 20 Swallows feeding around Stones island. Reed Warbler singing in WLC creek and Redstart singing near sailing club. Fledged grey Wagtail at Millfields and Tree Sparrows taking food to a box near WLC.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
14/05/2021Pied Flycatcher still singing in Hall Wood this morning, along with 2 Spotted Fly (and another at Hopton). 1 Sedge and 3 Reed Warbler singing in Hopton reedbed, and the Cetti's still at Fishtail Creek. c20 Swifts and 50 House Martins over Stones island. Redstarts singing in Middle Wood and at Hopton end. 1 Yellow Wag over Stones causeway. 6 Ravens (family party?) perched above Penn Carr. 1 Red Kite down the east side.Simon Roddis
13/05/2021It looks as if the GNDiver has gone - no sign this morning though I gather it was still there mid-afternoon yesterday. 2 Shelduck flew in early morning. 1 Hobby. 2-3 Moorhen chicks on Stones island and 2 GCGrebe chicks at the WLC. A Reed Warbler singing on Stones causeway near the visitor centre. Total of 7 singing Garden Warblers at Millfields and on Stones island. House Sparrow fledglings at the main carpark.Simon Roddis
12/05/2021The GNDiver had a good fly around this morning but did settle back on the water. 1 Common Tern off Stones. Male Wheatear still on the dam wall. Red Kite down the west side. Tawny Owl at Millfields.SJR, AHS, JB
11/05/2021A brief watch this evening from 4:45-5:45pm. Managed to catch up with the Great Northern Diver in full Summer plumage. An ample supporting cast in a single Little Gull briefly at 5:30pm before floating SW, Yellow Wagtail over Stones and a Lesser Whitethroat on the causeway.Sam Goddard
11/05/2021Undoubted highlight this morning was a Spoonbill which flew in just after 10:00, stayed for a while on Horseshoe island before departing high to the west just after 10:30. Earlier, the GNDiver called in the early morning mist and was then off Stones during the morning. 2 Dunlin. 2 Yellow Wags. 10 Lesser Redpoll at Millfields.Simon Roddis
10/05/2021The GNDiver is looking stunning now although a bit elusive at times this morning. 3 Common Terns. 15 Swifts. 6 Raven. New singing Reed Warblers in WLC creek and BA Bay. At least 1 Wheatear on the dam wall. Singing Pied and 3 Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood.SJR, RC, AHS, NJM
09/05/2021The GNDiver was off Stones island all morning. 4 Whimbrel on Horseshoe island. 1 Common Tern past Stones and the Grasshopper Warbler still singing there. 14 Swifts. 2 Red-legged Partridge on Hays Lane. 25 LBbGulls W. 12 Buzzards, a Red Kite and female Peregrine in the air. 12 Sedge and 3 Garden Warblers around Stones.Simon Roddis
07/05/2021The GNDiver in summer plumage again from Stones island. A well-plumed Little Egret on Horseshoe island late morning. 1 Ringed Plover. 4 Common Sandpiper. 2 Dunlin. Grasshopper Warbler still singing on Stones. 7 Yellow Wags, including 5 on Stones. 2 Wheatear (probably Greenland birds) on the dam wall. Both John Matkin and Jon Bradley heard the Cetti's Warbler in Fishtail Creek this morning.Simon Roddis
06/05/2021The GNDiver, now in almost pristine condition, was off Stones this morning. Hundreds of hirundines: 300+ Sand Martins, much smaller numbers of Swallow and House Martin. 10 Swifts. 2 Common Sandpiper. 4 Redshank. 1 Dunlin. 10 Buzzards in the air, and a Red Kite floating around. Grasshopper Warbler still reeling (and seen briefly) on Stones. 3 singing Lesser and 6 Common Whitethroat. 9 Fieldfare still at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
05/05/2021(Evening) 4 Goldfinch,4 Chiffchaff, 200+ sand martin, 4 Little Grebe, 15 Great Crested Grebe,3 Redshank,1 Dunlin,2 Gadwall,1 Lesser Whitethroat ,1 Garden Warbler ,1 Swift, 150 + Swallow,50+ House Martin, Mallards on stones with 7 young,4 Pied Wagtail,10 Cormorant,1 Little ringed plover,2 oystercatcher and 2 young on WLC island,1 Grey wagtail GN Diver from stonesDavid Armitt
05/05/2021GNDiver still, Yellow Wagtail and 2 Wheatear on dam early morning. Pair Greylag with 6yg in Shiningford Creek, Redstart singing in Wildlife Centre Creek and Lesser Whitethroat singing between the Creeks. Another Lesser Whitethroat still singing on Stones Island and no sign of yesterday’s Gropper.Roger Carrington
04/05/2021The GNDiver is still there this morning. 4 Arctic Terns from Millfields to 07:45 but not thereafter. A Ringed Plover at Sailing Club and a singing Grasshopper Warbler on Stones island were first of the year for me. 3 Dunlin. 1 Common Sand. 12 Herring Gulls flew N. Loads of hirundines: guesstimates of c200 each of Swallow and Sand Martin, and 10 House Martin. 3 Yellow Wags on Millfields viewing area.Simon Roddis
03/05/2021The GNDiver again from Stones island this morning but it took a couple of flights, so probably won't be here much longer. 2 Wheatears (male and female) along the dam wall. Hundreds of hirundines, especially Swallows and Sand Martins but an increase in House Martin numbers too.SJR, RC, AHS
02/05/2021The highlight of today's 'Birdwatching for Beginners' walk (10am-noon around Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre) were seven warbler species on Stones - Garden, Sedge and Willow Warblers, Lesser and Common Whitethroat, Blackcap and Chiffchaff. A big surprise (albeit escapees) were two Snow Geese that dropped in to say 'hi' to the Canada Geese on Watersports island. Other species today were: Coot, Moorhen, Barnacle, Canada and Greylag Geese, Great Crested and Little Grebes, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Gt Northern Diver, Cormorant, Black-headed and Common Gulls, Little Ringed Plover, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Mute Swan, Buzzard, Blue, Great and Willow Tits, House and Tree Sparrows, Goldfinch, Wren, Robin, Dunnock, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Pied Wagtail, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Swallow, Woodpigeon and Reed Bunting.Gary Atkins
02/05/2021The GNDiver was off Stones island again, now looking pretty smart. An Arctic Tern was off Millfields late morning and a Shelduck flew towards the WLC. 1 male Teal. 2 male Pochard. 9 singing Garden Warblers. 60+ Fieldfare still at Hopton end. 3 Yellow Wags.Simon Roddis

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