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
2020-10-22This morning’s bonkers bird of the day award goes to a Common Swift over the Watersports centre, 4 weeks later than the previous latest there (24 Sep 1998). And I did check, it was definitely Common. 460 Greylags. 3 Shoveler. 2m Pintail. 170 Lapwing. 10 Common Snipe at WLC. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 3 Little Egret. 2 Chiffchaff.Simon Roddis
2020-10-21This morning, a Jack Snipe (first of autumn/winter) on Horseshoe island, a Rock Pipit south over Tail Bay and a 1w Caspian Gull again off Sheepwash. 4 Shoveler. 2m Pintail at Millfields. 162 Lapwing. 3 Little Egret. 1 Chiffchaff in WLC creek and a Blackcap at Sheepwash. 196 Redwing flew off Stones island early morning, presumably having roosted there.Simon Roddis
2020-10-19A 1w Caspian Gull at Sheepwash was the best this morning. 520 Canadas. 490 Greylag. 1f Goldeneye. 128 Lapwing. 7 Snipe. Adult Yellow-leg. 29 Cormorant. 11+ Crossbill S including 7 over WLC creek. c500 Redwing in the WLC fields/Shiningford area. 2 Chiffchaff. 3 Brambling. 22 Lesser Redpoll including a flock of17 which landed on Watersports island.Simon Roddis
2020-10-18Highlight of the WeBS count wasn’t a waterbird but a Lapland Bunting which Jon Bradley had fly N over Stones island at 08:35. On the wildfowl front: 158 Canadas, 343 Greylag, 28 Mute Swan, 4 Shoveler, 63 Gadwall, 260 Wigeon, 166 Mallard, 366 Teal, 266 Pochard, 234 Tufted, 1 Goldeneye, 2 Goosander, 1 Water Rail (Hopton reedbed), 21 Moorhen, 1211 Coot, 35 Little Grebe, 42 GCGrebe, 86 Lapwing, 5 Snipe, 26 Cormorant, 5 Heron, 2 Little Egret. Also: 4 Tawny Owls, 2 Chiffchaff, 160 Fieldfare, 300 Redwing, 2 Brambling, 1 Crossbill.Simon Roddis
2020-10-172 1st-winter Caspian Gulls off Sheepwash at midday (#150 for my patch year list). Adult Yellow-leg there too. 40 Barnacle Geese (doubtless the feral flock) with 2 Nene (Hawaiian Goose among them – as uncountable as the Black Swan!). 181 Wigeon at Millfields. 120 Pochard. The imm male Goldeneye again off Sheepwash. Redhead Goosander N over Hopton end early morning. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed (first of autumn/winter). 155 Lapwing. 1 Dunlin over Stones island. 1 Little Egret. 3 Chiffchaff. c200 Redwing, many feeding in hedgerows and trees. Total of 10 Lesser Redpoll. 2 Crossbill (WLC creek and Hall Wood)Simon Roddis
2020-10-169 Gadwall,3 Little Egret,50 Teal,4 Little Grebe, 10 Great Crested Grebe,5 Robin,1 Kestrel,140 Pochard,11 Meadow Pipit,30 Lapwing,18 Wigeon,3 Raven,16 Cormorant,10 Goldfinch,60 Redwing,1 Willow Tit,1 Shoveler, 4 WrenDavid Armitt
2020-10-163 Goldeneye (a young male and 2 f/imms) off Sheepwash late morning, the first of the winter. 2 redhead Goosander at Millfields early morning. 164 Wigeon. 167 Pochard (138m,29f). 2f Pintail. 1m Shoveler. 469 Greylag. 2 Barnacle. 28 Mute Swan (and their black Antipodean cousin). 91 Lapwing. 1 Dunlin in Brown Ale Bay. The adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 2 Little Egret. 2 Kingfishers (Millfields and Hopton end). Total of 6 Jays. 500 Jackdaws over the dam wall early morning. 2 Chiffchaff in WLC creek. No really concerted movement this morning but totals of 400 Redwing and 65 Fieldfare. 10 Crossbill N past Hall Wood late morning.Simon Roddis
2020-10-15Errant Black Swan back off Millfields Island 11.30Tony and Jan Wood
2020-10-15Vismig from WLC creek 08:10-10:30: 17 Stock Dove (7S,10N); 4 Snipe W; 44 Skylark N; 1 Swallow past WLC; 142 Starling SW; 262 Fieldfare SW, 4 NE; 499 Redwing SW, 81 NE; 4 Lesser Redpoll and 6 Siskin S; 1 Crossbill N; 1 Yellowhammer N. 125 Pink-footed Geese SW over the main centre 10:45. 490 Greylag. 1 Whooper Swan still. Male Shoveler in WLC creek. 122 Pochard (97m,25f). Adult Yellow-legged Gull still, and an adult GBbG had another crayfish. 501 LBbG N over Hopton end early morning. 1 Little Egret. Kingfisher at Hopton end. 3 Chiffchaff. Simon Roddis
2020-10-14A female/imm Garganey was off Stones causeway briefly at 07:45. 3 Whooper Swans SW over WLC fields at 09:40 and another on the water near Flat island late morning. The north-easterly wind this morning seemed to confuse the migrating thrushes - some wanted to fly into it, some in the more expected south-westerly direction: 20 Skylarks N; 29 Starlings SW and 10 NE; 31 Fieldfare SW and 20 NE; 484 Redwing SW and 196 NE. 160 Wigeon. 111 Pochard (88m,23f). 2 Dunlin. 2 Little Egret. The one-footed GbBG had a crayfish for breakfast. Adult Yellow-leg still. 165 Rooks over Millfields early morning, post-roost. 2 Chiffchaff in WLC creek. 1 Blackcap at Sheepwash. Total of 60 Goldfinch and 12 Siskin.Simon Roddis
2020-10-1373 Lapwing,6 Little Grebe,127 Pochard, 117 Wigeon, 25 Gadwall, 1 Little Egret, 19 Great Crested Grebe, 6 wren, 2 Raven, 1 Kestrel, 25 Greylag Goose, 11 Meadow Pipit, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Willow Tit, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker,1 Song Thrush, 10 Pied Wagtail, 8 Robin, 15 Goldfinch, 7 Moorhen, 12 Cormorant,1 Peregrine, 21 Mute Swan, 10 Redwing, 2 Bullfinch,1 Coal Tit, 1 Sparrow Hawk David Armitt
2020-10-13A bit more movement this morning, with 269 Fieldfare and 169 Starlings SW, 2 skeins of Pink-feet: 42 SE at 10:05 and 180 SE at 11:00, 16 Stock Doves (15 S) and 82 Skylarks (60 N) (site record?). 29 Mute Swan. 87 Pochard (60m,27f) and 2m R-c Pochard at WLC. 2 Little Egret. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (the adult and a 2w). Male Kingfisher in WLC creek. Juv Peregrine playing around with Lapwings and BhGs at WLC. 4 Chiffchaff. 50 Redwing.Simon Roddis
2020-10-12Not so much movement this morning but still 845 Redwing and 96 Starling SW from WLC creek in 75 mins. 2m RcPochard at WLC. 31 Mute Swan. 130 Wigeon. 9 Stock Dove. 31 GCGrebe from Stones island. c5,000 BhGulls from Millfields early morning. 3 GBbGull. 1 Little Egret.Simon Roddis
2020-10-121 Little Egret, 3 Raven,109 lapwing,6 Little Grebe,21 Gadwall, 124 Teal, 11 Wigeon, 10 Pied wagtail,6 Great Crested Grebe,3 Grey Heron, 46 Greylag Goose , 20 Mute Swan,30 Goldfinch,11 Cormorant, 4 Meadow Pipit, 8 Reed Bunting, 2 Snipe,56 Pochard, 2 Red Crested Pochard, 6 Lesser Black Back Gull , 1 Buzzard, 6 Blue Tit, 2 Long Tailed Tit ,5 Great Tit, 7 Robin, 1 Jay, 3 Bullfinch, 1 Grey Wagtail, 3 Wren David Armitt
2020-10-1173 Teal,85 Lapwing,7 Moorhen, 10 Great Crested Grebe, 36 Mute Swan,4 Pied Wagtail,2 Little Grebe,12 Gadwall, 95 Pochard, 1 Grey Heron, 40 Wigeon, 2 Red Crested Pochard, 15 Cormorant, 34 Greylag Goose, 20 Goldfinch,6 Robin, 2 Wren, 1 RavenDavid Armitt
2020-10-11In 2.5 hours in WLC creek this morning: 345 Pink-footed Geese SE (300 09:43, 45 10:08); 50 Golden Plover W; 1,678 Redwing and 286 Fieldfare SW; 25 Skylarks going all over the place; 20 Siskin and 4 Lesser Redpoll S. Also: 8 Stock Dove, 110 Lapwing on Horseshoe island, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 586 LBbG N over Hopton end at first light, 1 Red Kite over Hall Wood, 2 Chiffchaff, 2 Blackcap, 12 Reed Bunting out of Hopton reedbed early morning. And the Black Swan off Stones.Simon Roddis
2020-10-10176 Wigeon, 213 Teal, 45 Gadwall, 129 Pochard (99m,30f). 2 Pintail and a Shoveler off Stones island. 1 Little Egret. Adult yellow-legged Gull still. 8 Stock Doves S and 65 Rooks N over Stones. 2 Chiffchaff.Simon Roddis
2020-10-09Surprisingly little moving this morning after yesterday's rain but a Grey Plover flew over Stones island (appeared to try to land though not seen again) and 2 Yellowhammers S over WLC creek (first of the year). 2 Barnacle Geese. 1 Pink-foot. 155 Wigeon. 6 Red-crested Pochard (4m,2f) off Sheepwash. Juv Peregrine over WLC creek. Adult Yellow-leg and 2 GBbG, including Onefoot. 1 Little Egret. 1+ Kingfisher. Totals of 6 Stock Dove and 4 GSWoodpecker. 4 Raven. 20 Skylarks (15N,5S) over WLC creek/Stones. 2 Chiffchaff. 2 Blackcap. The Black Swan had moved over to sailing club/Stones for a change.SJR,RC,AHS
2020-10-08Black swan still off Millfields Island, two Meadow Pipits on dam wall, 3pmTony and Jan Wood
2020-10-08Late visit after the early rain. 132 Pochard at WLC. 1 Pintail over Stones island. 2 Barnacle Geese. A Red Kite over the res at midday. 20+ Common Gulls and 135 LBbG at Sheepwash early afternoon. 4 Chiffchaff. 3 Blackcap. Total of 12 Siskin.Simon Roddis
2020-10-07In 2 hours vismig from WLC creek this morning (mostly to SW): 7 Golden Plover W, 5 Swallow, 24 Redwing, 161 Meadow Pipit, 12 Skylark (3N), 12 Chaffinch, 4 Linnet, 2 Crossbill, 20 Siskin. Also: c170 Wigeon. 207 Teal around Stones/WLC. 3 Pintail off Stones. 129 Pochard (103m,24f) at WLC. 60 Lapwing. 1 adult Herring Gull. 1 Little Egret. Kingfisher at Hopton end. Peregrine over Horsehoe island. 3 Chiffchaff in WLC creek. Alan S had 6 RcPochard off Sheepwash and the Black Swan was at Millfields, being harassed by a pair of Mute Swans.Simon Roddis
2020-10-06The 5 RcPochard still, in Brown Ale Bay late morning, along with an immature/moulting male Pintail. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 48 Rooks N over Stones island. 4 Skylark over. 3 House Martins over sailing club. 7 Chiffchaff. 1 Blackcap at Hopton end.5 Greenfinch beyond top of WLC creek.SJR,AHS,RPJ,AMD
2020-10-05Dam wall walk mid afternoon 1 Wheatear, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Grey Wagtail, several Pied Wagtail.David Horsley
2020-10-05The single Pink-foot flew in with Canadas and 480 Greylags this morning. 2 Pintail again off Stones. 103 Wigeon at Millfields. 5 RcPochard still. 64 Lapwings on Horseshoe island. 1 Dunlin. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 402 LBbGulls flew N over Hiopton end early morning. 1 Little Egret. Kingfisher at Hopton end. 16 Skylarks over, mostly N over Stones. 7 Chiffchaff. 7 Redwing S over WLC creek. 12 Siskin.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-10-04A Rock Pipit flew over Stones causeway early morning and perhaps the same bird later on the dam wall (sailing club end). 36 Mute Swan. 113 Wigeon. 313 Teal. 2 Pintail off Stones. 2 Shoveler. The 5 RcPochard again off Sheepwash/Brown Ale Bay. 4 Dunlin briefly on Stones. 9 Common Gull. 2 ad GBbG. 7 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. 2 Skylarks over. 9 Chiffchaff. Juv Wheatear at the Millfields end of the dam wall. 70 Meadow Pipits in the fields between the dam wall and Tail Bay. 50 Goldfinch on Stones. 1 Swallow through Sheepwash. And the Black Swan put in another appearance, flying around mid-morning.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2020-10-03160 Wigeon and 166 Pochard around midday but no sign of yesterday's mucky duck.Simon Roddis
2020-10-02Plenty of duck again: 72 Gadwall, 96 Wigeon, 248 Teal, 157 Pochard (117m,40f). 4 redhead Goosander flew N. The 5 RcPochard (3m,2f) and 2 female-type Pintail were in Brown Ale Bay at midday. 2 Barnacle Geese. 31 Mute Swan. 83 Lapwing. 5 Common Gull. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 1 Little Egret. 2 Sparrowhawk. Peregrine(s?) over Stones causeway and later BABay. 11 Swallows (5+6) through. 11 Chiffchaff. Blackcap singing to itself N of BABay. And I don't really like mentioning untickable birds, but there was a Black Swan at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-10-0115-00 to 16-0 0 mid afternoon walk from Millfields to Stones Island revealed single Wheatear and 2 Meadow Pipits on Dam wall.DAVID HORSLEY
2020-10-011 Rock Pipit and 2 Female Wheatears on Dam Wall 3-30pmJan and Tony Wood
2020-10-01A Rock Pipit on the dam wall early morning, first of the year I believe. 500 Greylags. 3 Barnacle Geese. 2 Pintail again off Stones. 105 Pochard at WLC (86m,19f). 1 Ringed Plover at Watersports. Adult yellow-legged Gull. 1 Little Egret. 2 Kingfishers (Hopton end and WLC creek). 12 Skylarks over WLC creek. 2 House Martin. 9 Chiffchaff. 1 Blackcap trying to sing at Hopton end. 1 Redwing in WLC creek, and a definite increases in Blackbird and Song Thrush activity there and on Stones. 8 Reed Bunting.Simon Roddis
2020-09-305 Red-crested Pochard (3m,2f) off Horseshoe island. 6 Shoveler. 2 Pintail again off Stones. 90 Pochard (78m,12f) at WLC. 67 Lapwing. From Millfields first thing, 1,500 Lesser Black-backs flew out over the dam wall, and c3,000 BhGs on the water. 1 Little Egret. c45 Goldfinch, including a flock of 30 on the dam wall.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-09-29A lovely morning for counting geese: 796 Canadas, 575 Greylags and 1 Barnacle. 29 Mute Swans. 121 Wigeon. 2 Pintail off Stones still. 82 Lapwing. 1 Ringed Plover. 3 Snipe. Adult Common, Yellow-leg and 2 GBbGulls. 1 Little Egret. 7 Jays. 3 Skylark over. 3 Swallows at Millfields. 5 Treecreepers including 1 singing at Hopton end. 1 Redwing and 1 Tree Sparrow over Hopton end.Simon Roddis
2020-09-282 Redwing over Sheepwash, first of the autumn here. 4 Barnacle Geese. 2 Shoveler. 2 Pintail off Stones. 34 Lapwing. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 2 Kingfishers. 10 Swallow and 2 House Martins S. 1 Skylark over WLC creek. 2 Blackcap. 2 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-09-27Approx. 09-30hrs Golden Plover high and fast above Stones Island (Record photos confirmed by Simon Roddis), also on Stones - Tree Creeper, Willow Tit, Wren and 3 Dunlin, 1 Ringed Plover on Stones CausewayDAVID HORSLEY
2020-09-27Monthly WeBS count (a week later than scheduled): 519 Canada Geese, 1 Barnacle, 490 Greylags, 25 Mute Swan, 1 Whooper Swan, 66 Gadwall, 109 Wigeon, 107 Mallard, 8 Pintail, 194 Teal, 213 Pochard, 302 Tufted, 21 Moorhen, 1270 Coot, 33 Little Grebe, 42 GCGrebe, 21 Lapwing, 2 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, 35 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron, 2 Kingfisher, 6 Grey Wagtail. Also: 2 Yellow-legged Gull (ad,1w), 5 Tawny Owls at Hopton end first thing, 2 House Martin, 13 Chiffchaff, 1 Blackcap.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
2020-09-26This am: c500 Greylags, 1 Barnacle. Definite increase in some duck numbers: 45 Gadwall, 97 Wigeon, 1 Shoveler, 2 Pintail, 198 Teal, 166 Pochard. 1,500 BhGulls from Millfields early morning. 1w Common and adult Yellow-leg. Kingfisher in WLC creek. 2 Skylark, 4 Swallows and 14 House Martins SW. 17 Chiffchaff. 1 Blackcap on Stones. 40 /goldfinch at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2020-09-23Grey wet morning. A Dunlin and Ringed Plover on Stones Island but we couldn’t find yesterday’s Garganey. 2 Shoveler at Wildlife Centre and Lesser Whitethroat plus a Spotted Flycatcher down the Creek.Roger Carrington, Alan Stewardson
2020-09-22The Garganey was still off Stones island early morning, then later at the WLC. A massive 570 Greylags flew in during the morning. 6 Shoveler at Sailing Club. 110 Pochard (85m,25f). 1 Ringed Plover and 2 Dunlin. Red Kite from WLC creek. 5 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. 7 Skylarks, 24 Meadow Pipits, 5 Swallow and 6 House Martins through. 26 Chiffchaff. 7 Blackcap. Sedge Warbler on Watersports island. 8 Lesser Redpoll on Stones island and several, perhaps as many as 12, around WLC.Simon Roddis
2020-09-21465 Greylag Geese flew in this morning, possibly a record count for Carsi. 33 Mute Swan. 2 Shoveler. 48 Wigeon. 1 Pintail. 211 Teal. 95 Pochard from WLC. 3 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin and 3 Snipe on Watersports/Stones islands. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 1 Little Egret in Tail Bay. 2 Kingfishers (Millfields and WLC creek). 3 Skylark and 33 Meadow Pipits flew S. 24 Chiffchaff. 3 Blackcap. Reed Warbler on Stones causeway. Lesser Whitethroat in same spot as yesterday at top of WLC creek. Wheatear and 50 Pied Wags on the dam wall early morning. 5 Grey Wag at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-09-20In addition to Simon's report 1 common Snipe overhead WLC Creek before I left him and before hundreds of runners took over!!Dave Horsley
2020-09-20The Garganey was again off Stones causeway this morning. 400 Greylag. 19 Mute Swan. 2 Shoveler. 26 Gadwall. 52 Wigeon. 221 Teal. 1 Pintail. 60 Pochard. 1f R-c Pochard. 4 Ringed Plover and 3 Dunlin from Stones causeway. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (ad and 1w again). 1,000+ BhGulls from Millfields first thing. 1w Common Gull. 32 Cormorant on Sheepwash spit. 6 House Martin. 16 Chiffchaff. 1 Lesser Whitethroat at the top of WLC creek. 60 Starlings on farmland on the east side.Simon Roddis
2020-09-19Retro sighting from 18/09/2020 as reported to CBC Sightings page 18 00hrs Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plovers, Little Stint on Stones Island.Dave Horsley
2020-09-19A Garganey, perhaps a juv with its beautiful pale feather edgings on its upperparts, was off Watersports island, viewable from Stones causeway, 07:30-09:15 at least. 2 Shoveler. 2 Pintail (WLC and Brown Ale Bay). 223 (at least) Teal. Female R-c Pochard from WLC. The Little Stint sill on Watersports island and a Grey Plover flew N at 08:30. 4 Ringed Plover. 2 Dunlin. 3 Snipe. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (ad and 1w). 1 Little Egret. 1 Red Kite over the east side. 4 Tawny Owls calling around BABay first thing, and a Kingfisher there. 1 Swallow. 3 House Martin. 11 Chiffchaff. Female Stonechat in the field with the pylon above WLC creek (same spot as a male yesterday). 10 Siskin over WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-09-18Little Stint still present, 3 Ringed Plovers from the mound on Stones island, 2 Pintail, 2 Snipe from WLC, with Great White Egret reported flying over, 1male Stone chat in the fields leading up to the Pylons, WLC creek also in the creek feeding on Elderberries many Chiffchaffs, 1 Blackcap and a Lesser Whitethroat. 49 Widgeon around site and 3 Redpolls over Sheepwash. AHS,RC..
2020-09-174 Sandwich Terns (3 ads,1 juv) off Stones/Lane End from 07:30 to about 09:00 but not seen thereafter, but then a Little Stint appeared on Watersports island (first seen by Mike Redfern) and stayed there, along with juv Ringed and LRPlovers, just in front of the main viewing spot on Stones island, to 10:15 at least. 2 Snipe. 1 Curlew. 48 Wigeon. 223 Teal. 65 Pochard. Adult Common and Yellow-legged Gulls. 35 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret. 4 Red Kite in the air together beyond Fishtail creek. Peregrine over Carsington pastures. 3 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end at first light, and at least 1 Reed Warbler in the reedbed. 16 Chiffchaff. 2 Blackcap. Simon Roddis
2020-09-16375 Greylags. 36 Mute Swan. 1 Shelduck at sailing club. 241 Teal. 58 Pochard (44m,14f). 80 Lapwing. 1 juv LRP and 2 juv Ringed again on Watersports island. 1 adult Common Gull. 1st-year Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. 2 Little Egret. 2 Kingfishers (dam wall and Brown Ale Bay). 4 GSWoodpecker. 13 House Martin. 24 Chiffchaff. 3 Blackcap. 1 Wheatear and 85 Pied Wags on the dam wall early morning. 13 Meadow Pipit.Simon Roddis
2020-09-15340 Greylags. 3 Shoveler off Stones island. 27 Pochard. 68 Lapwing. Juv LRPlover at Watersports and 2 juv Ringed Plovers on Watersports island. 1 Snipe on Horseshoe island. Adult Yellow-legged and Onefoot the GBbG still. 1 Little Egret. Red Kite over Stones. Kingfisher from Stones causeway. c10 Swallow and 45 House Martins still. 2 Yellow Wag over Stones.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
2020-09-14361 Greylag, 2 Barnacle and 1 Pink-footed Geese. 2 Little Egret. 67 Lapwing. 1 juv LRP at Watersports. 1 Snipe in WLC creek. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 1 Skylark over WLC creek. 20+ Chiffchaff. 8 Blackcap. c40 Tree Sparrows at WLC. 6 Crossbills S over Sheepwash carpark.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-09-12Red Kite flying over Wildlife Centre. Little Egret off Stones Island.Matthew Birkin
2020-09-12Kingfisher, 2 Yellow Wagtails, 11 Meadow Pipits on dam wall and Lesser Redpoll heard overhead. 1 Little Egret, 1 Pink-footed Goose and 6 singing Chiffchaff on Stones Island early morning in sunshine. 5 Lapwing at WLC were the only waders located this morning.Roger Carrington

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