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
01/05/2021A female Red-breasted Merganser was off the WLC around 10:00. The GNDiver still off Stones island. c100 Sand Martins, 100 Swallows and 20 House Martins.Simon Roddis
30/04/2021A Black Tern came into Millfields around 11:00, first seen by Jon Bradley. Still present distantly from Millfields at 12:15 but not seen subsequently. Perimeter count with Alan S: 8 Willow Tit, 95 Blue Tit, 39 Great Tit, 14 Long-tailed Tit, 27 singing Willow Warblers, 102 Chiffchaff (77 singing), 6 Sedge Warbler, 3 Reed Warbler, 68 Blackcap (58 singing), 10 Garden Warbler, 3 Lesser White, 7 Common White, 8 Goldcrest, 119 Wrens (114 singing), 80 Blackbird (37 singing), 36 Song Thrush (19 singing), 19 Mistle Thrush (8 singing), 103 Robins (77 singing), 4 Redstart, 27 Dunnock (23 singing), 10 Chaffinch, 9 Bullfinch. Also, at least 1 Hobby, 5+ Swifts, the GNDiver now looking very summery and still c30 Fieldfare at Hopton end.SJR, AHS
29/04/20211 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper and what I think we're 3 Ringed Plover on the shoreline in front of the sailing club at 15.30 today. They were structurally correct, but I couldn't make out the white wing bars on their many forays out over the water. Also a Garden Warbler on Stones Island causeway and another near the Wildlife Centre, as well as a pair of Willow Tits by the WLC and a Common Whitethroat nearby.Paul Bennett
29/04/2021Another productive morning but just 2 Arctic Terns N today, after yesterday's bonanza. The GNDiver showed very well just off Stones island. A female Brambling at Watersports was unexpected, and the site's 3rd record of Cetti's Warbler was confirmed by STW rangers John and Mike when they heard it singing in Fishtail Creek after Brian Boothby said he thought he heard one yesterday evening. 35 Herring Gulls, all immatures of various ages. A Greylag/Canada Goose pair have 2 small young under Middle Wood, along with a brood of 5 pure-bred Greylags. Hobby over Millfields and Peregrine over Stones. 100s of hirundines again, most Swallows and Sand Martins but c20 House Martins too. Lesser Whitethroat singing in WLC creek, and 3 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed. 3 Yellow Wags.SJR, RC, AHS
28/04/20214:15pm arrival at WLC for 3 Avocet (still present as of 6pm), seen on the end of Shiningford Island and briefly spooked by a passing boat. 3 Little Gulls through North at 4:53pm. 75+ Arctic Terns with a couple of Commons mixed in. 10+ Swift but only 2 House Martin was a surprise, otherwise hundreds of hirundines mostly Swallows and Sand Martins. Other notable species included pair Dunlin, single Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper all by Sailing Club. Oystercatcher and Redshank also. A host of Warblers on Stones included Chiffchaff, Blackcap and Sedge Warbler.Sam Goddard
28/04/20213 Avocets flew into the WLC at 07:30, found by Alan S, still present late morning. An excellent movement of Arctic Terns: the first went through just before 07:00, a few more before 09:00 and then an arrival of almost 100 birds between 09:45 and 10:02. Most moved through but about 50 lingered for a while, feeding between Fishtail creek and Millfields. A Hobby flew across the res mid-morning. 2+ Swifts and masses of hirundines, mainly Swallows and Sand Martins. Lesser whitethroat singing on Stones island. Great morning! The Avocets and 80 Arctic Terns still present at 16:00 (per RC).SJR, AHS, JB
27/04/2021A summer plumage Grey Plover was on the dam wall early morning, and a Great Egret flew through at 11:20, departing SE. The GNDiver off Stones island all morning. 2 male Mandarin in Tail Bay. 1 Swift again from Stones. 1 Dunlin. 3 Common Sand. 1st-summer Yellow-legged Gull from Stones. Red Kite over the east side. c200 Sand Martins, 20 Swallows and 10 House Martins. 2 Garden Warblers on Stones/causeway. Somewhat unexpectedly, c200 Fieldfare over the north end. 3 Yellow Wags over the dam wall.Simon Roddis
26/04/2021My first Swift of the year from Stones island this morning, and the GNDiver patrolling offshore. 2 Shelduck. 3 Common Sandpiper and 1 Dunlin at Sailing Club. 2 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed. 3 Yellow Wags.Simon Roddis
25/04/20214 Sedge Warbler, 2 Wren, 21 Great Crested Grebe, 4 Little Grebe, 2 Willow Tit, 9 Pied Wagtail, 14 Greylag Goose, 9 Gadwall, 4 Willow Warbler, 5 Chiffchaff, 2 Little Ringed Plover , 11 Cormorant, 2 Redshank, 2 Dunnock,, 2 Barnacle Goose, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Goldfinch, 2 Moorhen, 6 Swallow, 30 Sand MartinsDavid Armitt
25/04/2021The GNDiver was off Stones island much of the morning. At Millfields early morning, a Common Tern, a female Bar-tailed Godwit on the island and 2 male Yellow Wags on the dam wall. Dunlin at sailing club. c30 Herring Gulls early morning. A Garden Warbler singing on sailing club island (first of the year) and 8 singing Sedge Warblers around Stones. Male Redstart again in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
24/04/2021Saturday morning's highlight was a flock of 13 Little Gulls (mixed ages: adults, 1 2nd-summer, 2 1st-summer) which were off Millfields island for about 15 mins 09:45-10:00 before flying high E. Also: 2 Arctic Terns flew N at 10:20, 3 female Bar-tailed Godwit and a Whimbrel at Millfields early morning, all later flew N, 3 Shelduck, the GNDiver off Stones, 5 Sedge Warblers singing around Stones, 2 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed, 2 Yellow Wag E over Stones.Simon Roddis
23/04/2021At 1405, a Red Kite flew (outbound) over the dam wallGary Atkins
23/04/2021The GNDiver was off Stones island all morning. A female Bar-tailed Godwit initially on sailing club shore then flew towards Millfields (don't believe the message on Birdguides which said it was the same male as the last few days - it wasn't). 1 Whimbrel flew S early morning. 2 Common Sand. 1 Shelduck. 1 2nd-summer Yellow-legged Gull. 10 Buzzards. 3 Sparrowhawk. Peregrine over the north end. 6 singing Sedge Warblers (5 around Stones, 1 at Penn Carr). Somewhat surprisingly, a flock of c60 Fieldfare flew S mid-morning. 2 Yellow Wag over Stones.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
21/04/2021A decent morning. The GNDiver and the Bar-tailed Godwit still present (just saw the Barwit in flight heading for Horseshoe island). 9 Icelandic race Black-tailed Godwits were on Horseshoe and later left NW. A male Marsh Harrier over Millfields/Tail Bay for c15 mins around 09:15 (found by JB). 2 Red-legged Partridge again at Penn Carr. 2 Common Sandpiper. 1 Dunlin. c70 Sand Martin and 30 Swallow. Common Whitethroat on Stones. Redstart still singing in WLC fields. 3 Yellow Wags (1 on Stones, 2 in Shiningford creek).Simon Roddis
20/04/2021GNDiver still off Stones this morning, and the Bar-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe island to 08:00 at least. First Reed Warbler back in Hopton reedbed. Female Shelduck - quite vocal, I don't think I've heard one call at Carsi before. 2 Goldeneye. 5 singing Redstarts. 3 Yellow Wags. Pair of Red-legged Partridge again at Penn Carr. 1 Dunlin. The Oystercatchers on Horseshoe island have 4 just-hatched young. c30 Herring and 8 GBbGulls.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
19/04/2021Whimbrel flying with Bar-tailed Godwit towards Horseshoe Island early afternoon; 2 LR Plover and a Dunlin on Horseshoe Is.Richard Lowe
19/04/2021A male Bar-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe island this morning (first of the year). The GNDiver was pretty close to Stones island for much of the time. 2 Shelduck at Sheepwash. Just 1 Sedge Warbler still, on Stones island, and Redstart again singing in WLC fields. 2 Yellow Wags. Brood of 11 small Mallard ducklings in Brown Ale creek.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
18/04/2021The GNDiver is heading further into summer plumage. A 1st-summer Caspian Gull was on the raft in sailing club bay early morning. 130 Fieldfare N. Redstart singing at Hopton end. First brood of 12 Mallard ducklings off Stones.Simon Roddis
16/04/2021The GNDiver was still off Stones island this morning; it's beginning to look quite spotty above and blotchy around the head - by the end of the month it should look really good. 3 Goldeneye (2m,1f) still. 6 Fieldfare at Hopton end. Singing male Redstarts in WLC fields and at Shiningford. 6 Redshank. 2 Curlew. Pair of Red-legged Partridge at Penn Carr.Simon Roddis
14/04/2021Osprey at 15.40 seen from sheepwash car park.John Follett
14/04/2021An Osprey flew high N at 11:05 this morning. GNDiver still there and now heading into breeding plumage. A 2nd-calendar-year Med Gull flew past Stones island and a Greenshank flew in, first of the year. 2m Wigeon. Red-legged Partridge at Penn Carr. 2 Common Sand. 6 Redshank. Peregrine over Hopton end. Sedge Warbler still on Stones and Redstart still in WLC fields. 1 Redwing. 15+ Siskin at Penn Carr.Simon Roddis
13/04/2021The GNDiver still off Stones island this morning. 2 Black-tailed Godwits flew over the WLC looking for somewhere to land but kept going NW. Male Common Whitethroat in WLC creek (found by Mike Redfern). 3 Curlew. 2 Common Sand at Millfields. 12 GBbGulls and 6 Herring early morning. Redstart again singing in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
12/04/2021An excellent morning, though couldn't find the RnGrebe. The adult GNDiver off Stones, adult Caspian Gull on raft in Sailing Club bay early morning, female-type Marsh Harrier N through Hopton end at 11:15, 12 Wigeon, 2 Shoveler, 11 Teal, male Goosander N, 11 Oystercatcher, 1 Common Sand at Sailing Club, 11 GBbG early morning - presumably roosted, 100+ Sand Martin, Sedge Warbler singing on Stones, 50 Fieldfare and 1 Redwing N at Penn Carr, male Redstart singing in WLC fields, Yellow Wag and 50 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall. 78 species.SJR, RC, AHS
11/04/2021Monthly WeBS count: GNDiver, RnGrebe, 49 GCG, 17 LGrebe, 15 Cormorant, 169 Canada, 28 Greylag, 66 Mallard, 4 Teal, 9 Gadwall, 78 Tufted, 4 Goldeneye, 2 Common Scoter, 73 Coot, 7 Moorhen, Common Sand, 5 Redshank, 9 Oyc, 1 Lapwing, 1 Curlew. 30+ Meadow Pipits (20 in Hopton fields, 10+ on the dam wall). JB had Sedge Warbler singing briefly on Stones island, Yellow and 2 White Wags.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
11/04/20212 Oystercatchers, 1 Redshank, 3 Wren, 2 Song Thrush, 4 Pied Wagtail, 10 Great Crested Grebe, 50 Sand Martin , 20 Swallow, 2 Barnacle Goose, 6 Greylag Goose, 4 Chiffchaff, 6 Blue tit, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Blackcap, 1 Mistle Thrush, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew , 4 Gadwall, 4 Little GrebeDavid Armitt
08/04/2021The RnGrebe and GNDiver off the dam wall/Stones island this morning. Male Redstart in WLC creek. 8 migrant Wigeon. 1 Peregrine. Swallow numbers definitely up today, 50+, Sand Martins similar, House Martins in single figures.SJR, RPJ, AMD, AHS
07/04/2021The RnGrebe and GNDiver again from the dam wall this morning. (Apologies if this is getting a bit repetitive ?.) 36 Fieldfare and 5 Redwing at the Hopton end early morning. 100+ Sand Martin again, 20 Swallows and at least 2 House Martins. 5 Herring Gulls flew N early morning, probably roosted overnight. 5 Redshank. Struggling for new migrants though.Simon Roddis
06/04/2021RnGrebe and GNDiver still. The Barn Owl put in an appearance in Tail Bay early morning. 100+ Sand Martin, 10 Swallows. 16 Gadwall. Pair of Mandarin. 2 GBbGull including the one-footed adult. Still c100 Common Gulls in daytime roost. Chiffchaff nest-building, Mistle Thrush and Oystercatcher sitting.Simon Roddis
04/04/2021Species seen (but not counted) during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon, Stones Island-WLC): Sand Martin, Swallow, Song Thrush, Kestrel, Jackdaw, Dunnock, Canada Goose, Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Mallard, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Coot, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Black-headed Gull, Robin, Common Gull, Greylag Goose, Barnacle Goose, Great Northern Diver, Red-necked Grebe, Blue Tit, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Reed Bunting, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Cormorant, Carrion Crow, Mute Swan, Great Tit, Tree Sparrow, Willow Tit, Snipe, Redshank, Sparrowhawk, Gadwall, Teal, Oystercatcher, ShovelerGary Atkins
04/04/2021Red-necked Grebe and GNDiver still this morning. First Common Sand of the year at the Millfields end of the dam wall first thing. A few new duck suggests some movement last night: 23 Shoveler (new site record), 24 Teal and 2 Wigeon. Migrant duck usually sit out in the middle of the res, and this lot had clearly read the book 😉 8 Goldeneye still. 2nd-w Yellow-legged Gull. Fewer hirundines than yesterday, just a few Swallows and Sand Martins. 37 Fieldfare flew N.Simon Roddis
03/04/2021This morning, the Red-necked Grebe and GNDiver were on their normal beats. 2 Shelduck flew in at 09:00, still there at 11:00. 6 Snipe at WLC/WLC creek. 8 Crossbills flew NE over Millfields. 50 Sand Martin, 30 Swallows and 2 House Martins at Sheepwash. Total of 15 Tree Sparrows. Plenty of Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps, 1 Willow Warbler singing on Stones.Simon Roddis
01/04/2021Highlight this morning was a flock of 60 Whooper Swans. 27 flew straight through but 33 landed and were still present off Sheepwash at 11:00. Red-necked Grebe and GNDiver still in their usual areas. Hirundines built up off Stones during the morning to c20 Swallows, 8 Sand and 1 House Martin. Osprey also reported but doesn't appear to have hung around.Simon Roddis
30/03/2021Wheatear in field behind dam mid morningPat Warwick
30/03/2021Between Millfields and Shiningford Creek 0800-1030: 18 Barnacle Geese, 12 Chiffchaffs, pair of Goldeneye, pair of Grey Wagtails, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Blackcaps, Redshank, Snipe, Red-necked Grebe, Gt Northern DiverGary Atkins
30/03/2021An Osprey flew NW over WLC creek at 10:00 (also apparently seen from Stones island). The Red-necked Grebe (off the dam wall) and GNDiver (from Stones) still. 27 Barnacle Geese. 2m Shoveler at WLC. Pair Wigeon still at Sheepwash. Water Rail at Hopton end. 12+ Sand Martins. 3 Blackcaps between Hopton and WLC. No sign of the Cattle Egrets as far as I'm aware.Simon Roddis
29/03/2021Biggest surprise was a pair of Cattle Egrets which flew in just before 08:30 and landed on Sailing Club island. They later flew up the res and were in the Sheepwash area late morning. Long-staying Red-necked Grebe and GNDiver still present. 27 Barnacle Geese. 15 Sand Martin. 4 Linnet over.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
26/03/20211x Great Northern Diver - north-east off Stones Island. 1x Red-necked Grebe - off dam wall, half way between sailing club and Millfields. 2x Redshank - Watersports Island. 4 Oystercatcher - WS Island. 1 Redshank - shoreline by play ground.Paul Bennett
04/01/2021The adult GNDiver again off Stones island. Teal appear to have increased, 431 counted. Pochard decreasing but still 267. 180 Tufted in Brown Ale Bay. Geese again in the fields along the main road: 300+ Canadas, 22 Greylag, 1 Pink-foot and the Black Swan. 290 Lapwing. The Ruff along Stones causeway. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, a 3rd-winter early morning and an adult later. 23 Cormorant. 100 Starling (70 in WLC fields, 30 over Hopton end). 40 Siskin flew N past Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
03/01/2021The adult GNDiver was off Stones island all morning. In the fields between Shiningford and the main road, c350 Canada Geese, 75 Greylags, 2 Pink-feet, 1 Barnacle and the Black Swan. Another 46 Pink-feet flew high NW at 11:20. 8 Mute Swan. 1f Pintail. 390 Teal. 263 Pochard. 8 Goldeneye (4m,4f). 4 Goosander (1m,3f). 40 Woodpigeons S. Peregrine(s) over WLC and Hall Wood. 200 Lapwing. The male Ruff again along Stones causeway. 2 Redshank. 2 Herring Gull. 26 Cormorant.Simon Roddis
02/01/20213 Redshank, 1 Ruff, 116 Wigeon ,6 Meadow Pipit, 2 Pied Wagtail, 180 Teal, 252 Lapwing, 9 Little Grebe,15 Great Crested Grebe,1 M Goldeneye, 1 Great Black Backed Gull, 61 Pochard, 4 Robin, 15 Cormorant, 2 Raven, GN Diver of stones,3 Curlew, 2 Long Tailed Tit, 1 Nuthatch, 10 Gadwall, 1 Pintail,10 Redwing,2 Mute Swan,8 Moorhen, 1 Chaffinch,6 GoldfinchDavid Armitt
02/01/2021A Woodcock flew into roost at Horton end in the bright moonlight at 0715hrs. Adult Great Northern Diver off Millfields early morning. Male Ruff, 2 Redshank and 6 Meadow Pipits around Stones Island. 3 Curlew flew in from south and landed on Horseshoe Island at 0900hrs, 2 then continued north at 0915hrs. Drake Pintail in Shiningford Creek and 12 Snipe well camouflaged in vegetation along WLC Creek.Roger Carrington
01/01/2021Great Northern diver, Ruff, Redshank.Matthew Birkin
01/01/2021The GNDiver off Stones island again this morning. 4 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. The male Ruff along Stones causeway. Pair of Pintail at WLC. 60 Woodpigeons N. 4 Raven. 4 Willow Tits including 3 singing. 22 Fieldfare S. 69 species to start the year.Simon Roddis
31/12/2020The GNDiver again off Stones island. 378 Canada Geese. 3 Barnacles. 94 Greylags. 6 Mute Swan. 55 Gadwall. 2 Pintail (m&f in Brown Ale Bay). 297 Teal. 452 Pochard. 5 Goosander (3m,2f at Millfields). 7 Goldeneye. 1 Water Rail and 27 Snipe in WLC creek. 24 Little Grebe. 53 Great Crested Grebe. 317 Lapwing. 4 Redshank. 4 Herring Gulls N. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (ad,2w). 15 Cormorant. 2 Heron. Total of 28 Fieldfare (18S over Hall Wood). 7 Meadow Pipit on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
30/12/2020The adult GNDiver still from Stones island this morning, and a female Common Scoter there too. 52 Canada Geese. 7 Greylag. 8 Mute Swan. 46 Gadwall. 150 Wigeon. 250 Teal. 145 Mallard. 2 Pintail. 403 Pochard. 215 Tufted. 5 Goldeneye. 11 Moorhen. 1145 Coot. 18 Little Grebe. 55 Great Crested Grebe. 284 Lapwing. 1 Ruff. 3 Redshank. 2 Snipe. 13 Cormorant. 1 Heron. Chiffchaff on Stones island.Simon Roddis
29/12/2020This pm: the adult GNDiver again between Stones island and Fishtail Creek; 170 Pink-footed Geese W at 12:50; 135 Canada Geese, 2 Greylags, 16 Mute Swan, 46 Gadwall, 128 Mallard, 2 Pintail, 212 Teal, 434 Pochard, 4 Goldeneye, 1 Goosander, 8 Moorhen, 21 Little Grebe, 41 Great Crested Grebe, 485 Lapwing, 1 Ruff, 4 Redshank, 5,000 Black-headed Gulls and 2,250 Common Gulls off Stones island at 16:00, 1 Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 3 Yellow-legged Gull, 30 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 33 Cormorant. 130 Redwing feeding in fields at Hopton end, with 3 Fieldfare, 1 Mistle Thrushes and 50 Starlings.Simon Roddis
28/12/2020The GNDiver was off Stones island all morning. Hopton end early morning: 4 Woodcock, 1 Water Rail, 7 Tawny Owls calling. Only 4 Canada Geese (the geese don't seem to fly in on these foggy mornings). 12 Mute Swan. 2 Shoveler. 71 Gadwall. 139 Wigeon. 114 Mallard. 2 Pintail. 293 Teal. 425 Pochard. 228 Tufted Duck. 8 Goldeneye. 13 Moorhen. 1160 Coot. 23 Little Grebe. 36 Great Crested Grebe. 405 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 4 Snipe. 100 Common Gulls. 1 Great Black-backed Gull.1 Yellow-legged Gull. 15 Cormorant. 1 Heron.Simon Roddis
28/12/2020Great northern Diver of stones ,62 Teal, 2 Goosander, 23 Mute Swan,68 Pochard, 50 Wigeon,22 Cormorant,8 Gadwall, 6 Tree Sparrow,2 Blue Tit,2 Dunnock , 220+ Lapwing,6 Moorhen ,2 Wren,6 Goldfinch,5 Little Grebe,12 Great Crested Grebe,2 Redwing,1 KestrelDavid Armitt
27/12/2020The adult GNDiver again between Stones island and Millfields mid-morning. 436 Pochard. 8 Goldeneye. 1 Pink-footed Goose. 290 Lapwing. 1 Ruff. 3 Redshank. 4 Common Snipe. 8 Herring Gulls S. 22 Cormorant. 1 Heron. 1 Peregrine over the north end. 4 Raven.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
26/12/2020The adult GNDiver was still off Stones island this afternoon. Red Kite low over Millfields. 293 Canada Geese. 1 Barnacle Goose. 16 Mute Swan. 8 Shoveler (3m,5f) at Millfields. 167 Wigeon. 77 Gadwall. 347 Pochard. 7 Goldeneye. 13 Morhen. 150 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end at dusk. 4 adult Herring Gull. 25 Cormorant.Simon Roddis

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