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
2020-03-22Both GNDivers still, the adult between Stones and Sheepwash and the juv off Millfields early morning. 29 Barnacle Geese. Pair of Mute Swans courting and mating at Shiningford - one of the most beautiful bits of courtship you could wish to see. 3 Mandarin. 1m Shoveler. Male R-c Pochard from WLC still. 2nd-w Yellow-legged Gull. Kingfisher at Sheepwash. 250 Jackdaws over the dam wall late morning. 10 Fieldfare N over Fishtail. 30 Redwing.Simon Roddis
2020-03-21The adult GNDiver off Stones island. Male Red-crested Pochard and female Pintail at WLC. 2m Shoveler. Pair of Mandarin in Penn Carr. 60 Canada Geese. 29+ Barnacles. Pairs of Lapwing, Redshank and Oystercatcher on Millfields island. 6 Snipe at Sheepwash. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (ad, 2w). Peregrine over Hopton end. 12 Chiffchaff. 20 Fieldfare N up the east side, and 10 meadow Pipits N. 2 Sand Martins from Stones (1 seen by Roger J only).Simon Roddis
2020-03-197 Oystercatcher ,57 Canada Goose ,23 Great Crested Grebe,6 Cormorant,8 Goldeneye,1 Redshank,2 Common Scoter,1 Jay,1 Willow Tit,3 Nuthatch,1 Great Spotted Woodpecker,5 Blue Tit,5 Great Tit,8 Greylag , 8 Gadwall, 2 Shovlers,2 Long Tailed Tit,2 Curlew ,1 Great Northern Diver David Armitt
2020-03-19Both GNDivers off Stones island. A pair of Common Scoter all morning from Stones/WLC/Sheepwash. 27+ Barnacle Geese. Pair of Mandarin at Millfields. 2m Shoveler and 1f Pintail at WLC. 10 Goldeneye (3m,7f). 10 Oystercatcher. 4 Lapwing. 5 Curlew. 6 Redshank. 1 Snipe. 185 Common Gulls from Sheepwash late morning. 4 Yellow-legged Gulls (1w,2w,3w,ad). 11 Buzzard from Sheepwash hide. 45 Redwing (40 at Sheepwash). 14 Meadow Pipits N. 8 Siskin N over Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-03-18Both GNDivers off Stones island. 2 Sand Martins around Stones at 08:00. 25 Barnacle Geese. Pair of Mandarin at Millfields. 2 GBbGull, including Onefoot. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (ad & 2w). 30 Redwing at Sheepwash. 8 Tree Sparrow at WLC.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-03-17Both GNDivers from Stones island mid-morning. 3 Black-tailed Godwits on Horseshoe island all morning at least. Total of 37 Barnacle Geese: 27 down but a skein of 10 flew S at 08:45; very unusual to see Barnacles in V formation here, probably not part of the feral flock, possibly wild birds? At least 3, possibly as many as 8 Mandarins. 4 Wigeon. 3 Yellow-legged Gull (adult, 2w and 3w). 120 Starling N. 110 Fieldfare (80 NE, 30 SW).SJR, AHS, RC
2020-03-16Willow Tit survey (second visit) in the tetrad covering the northern half of the res: 6 or 7 territories (9 birds) plus another 7 birds outside the tetrad, so 16 in total between Middle Wood and Stones via the west side. The adult GNDiver off Stones mid-morning. 22 Barnacle Geese. 17 Greylags on Big Island. 47 Wigeon, 45 of them off Sheepwash late morning. 10 Teal. Two 2w Yellow-legged Gulls again. 18 Buzzard in the air in a scan from Sheepwash hide around midday. Kingfisher at the Hopton end. 2 Skylark and 21 Meadow Pipit heading N. 17 Chiffchaff (14 singing) and 6 Mistle Thrush (4 singing) between Middle Wood and Stones.Simon Roddis
2020-03-15Both GNDivers from Stones island this morning. 19 Barnacles. 3 Wigeon (2m,1f). 5 Mandarin (3m,2f) just north of Millfields. 1w Herring and 3 Yellow-legged Gulls (ad,2x2w) at WLC. Kingfisher(s?) at Stones island and Millfields. 3 GSWoodpecker. 5 Chiffchaff. Mac and Amanda (STW vols) had 2 Sand Martins at the WLC around midday.Simon Roddis
2020-03-148 Great Crested Grebe,4 Long tailed tit,28 Canada goose,2 Robin,2 Chiffchaff ,6 Blue tit,7 Cormorant,5 Redshank,2 Wren,4 Little Grebe,4 Oystercatcher,4 Lapwing,4 Gadwall,2 Teal,1 Goldeneye,20 Barnacle goose,3 Snipe Black necked grebe in water sports bay Friday afternoon David Armitt
2020-03-14Little Ringed Plover still on Horseshoe island 15:30 and 2 Shelduck out on the res.Simon Roddis
2020-03-14A Black-necked Grebe showing the first hints of summer plumage was between Stones and Millfields around 0745, then at Millfields and off Stones island at about 10:30. Both GNDivers still from Stones. 3 Mandarin (2m,1f) at Millfields, then a pair landing in a tree in Penn Carr. 1m Pochard. 3 Yellow-legged Gull (adult, 1w, 2w). 3 singing Chiffchaff. Linnet over Stones. 5 Lesser Redpoll at Millfields. Total c15 Siskin.Simon Roddis
2020-03-13The adult GNDiver all morning from WLC/Stones. An adult Kittiwake from Stones island 0830-0930 at least. 2m Pochard. 5 Teal. 6 Lapwing, including 1 displaying at Millfields. 29 Curlew at Sheepwash. 8 Redshank. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and 2w). 21 Cormorant. Kingfisher at Sheepwash. 3 singing Chiffchaff.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
2020-03-12The adult GNDiver from Millfields and Stones island early morning. 80 Canadas. 9 Barnacles. 9 Greylag. 1m Wigeon. 12 Teal. 8+ Stock Dove. 10 Oystercatcher. 10 Curlew. 4 GBbG. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and 2w). 2 Peregrine over the dam wall. 4 Raven. 4 Chiffchaff. 10 Meadow Pipit over Stones/WLC creek.Simon Roddis
2020-03-11From Wildlife Centre 3.20pm to 4.40pm. 1Knot,1 Dunlin, 1 Curlew, 3 Snipe, 3 Redshank, 3 Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Barnacle Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Gadwall, Teal, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Black Headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, 2 Grey Heron, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail, 2 Reed Bunting, Wood Pigeon, Tree Sparrow, Jackdaw, Goldfinch, Carrion Crow, Magpie.Lorna Lomas
2020-03-11Both GNDivers still, visible from Sheepwash hide late morning. c500 BhGulls, including c200 each at Millfields and Horseshoe islands. 26 Curlew at Sheepwash. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 4 Grey Heron. 9 Buzzards in the air from Stones island; 5 over Blackwall plantation later may have been different birds. 4 Chiffchaff. Total of 100+ Starling.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2020-03-08Monthly WeBS count: 102 Canadas, 30 Barnacles, 6 Greylag, 2 Mute Swan, 23 Gadwall, 60 Mallard, 3 Pintail, 6 Teal, 77 Tufted, 12 Goldeneye, 5 Moorhen, 145 Coot, 12 Little Grebe, 52 GCGrebe, 10 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 30 Curlew, 1 Black-tailed Godwit (first of the year), 6 Snipe, 7 Redshank, 15 Cormorant, 2 GNDiver, 2 Heron, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Grey Wag. Also: 2 Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Herring Gull, Black-headed Gulls now showing interest in the raft in Brown Ale Bay as well as Millfields island, 1 (possibly 2) Chiffchaff on Stones island/causeway, 1 Fieldfare over Sheepwash, 4 singing Mistle Thrush, 8 Tree Sparrows at Millfields, 5 singing Reed Buntings.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
2020-03-07Both GNDivers still this morning, the juv from Sheepwash hide, the adult out in the middle. 24 barnacles. Pair of Wigeon. 36 Curlew on Horseshoe island early morning, then later in fields at Shiningford. 14 Snipe. 2 Woodcock at the Hopton end first thing. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (ad and 1w). 4 GSWoodpecker, including 3 together at Sheepwash. 7 Raven. 7 Willow Tit. 1 Skylark over. Chiffchaff again singing on Stones causeway. 3 Meadow Pipit on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
2020-03-06Both GNDivers from Stones island mid-morning. 4 Mandarin (2m,2f) at Millfields early morning are (I think) the first of the year here. 28+ Barnacles. 9 Greylag. Female Pintail at WLC. 12 Wigeon at Sheepwash. 17 Teal. 1m Pochard. 1(!) Lapwing. 38 Curlew on Horseshoe island early morning. 1 Dunlin flew N. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and 1w). 11 Willow Tits, including several singing birds and a pair displaying at Millfields. 2 Skylark E. Chiffchaff again singing on Stones causeway. Simon Roddis
2020-03-05The adult GNDiver was off Stones island this morning. 28 Barnacle Geese. 8 Greylags. 2 Collared Dove over Stones. 23 Curlew, 3 Redshank, 20 Snipe and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (adult and 2w) on Horseshoe island. GSWoodpecker drumming at Millfields. Chiffchaff singing on Stones causeway. 3 singing Goldcrests. 65 Redwing at Sheepwash. 4 Greenfinch.Simon Roddis
2020-03-04Both GNDivers still from Millfields and later from Stones island. 2 Shelduck. 18 Teal. 14 Goldeneye. 38 GCGrebes from Millfields. 38 Curlew, 200 Common Gull and 40 Redwing at Sheepwash. 28 Snipe at WLC. 1 adult Herring Gull. 4 Grey Heron. 4 Sparrowhawks (2 pairs?) over the west side, a bit of display, and perhaps a 5th bird, an adult male perched on a fence post in WLC creek. 3 Skylark over. 3 Meadow Pipit and 1 Chiffchaff on Stones. 1 Linnet over Millfields.SJR, AHS, RC
2020-03-03Both GNDivers from Stones island early morning and later from the WLC. 2 Pochard. 8 Goldeneye. Adult Yellow-legged Gull on Horseshoe island. 1 Kingfisher near the main centre. 2 Chiffchaff (Stones island and Millfields). 12 Tree Sparrow (8 Millfields, 4 WLC).Simon Roddis
2020-03-022 Curlew, Oystercatcher, Redshank (WLC), Redwing & Willow tit (Stones Island). 11.00amMatthew Birkin
2020-03-02Willow Tit survey around the southern half of the reservoir: 21 birds, including 6 pairs, about 15 territories in total. Adding those found on 26/2, that gives a total of 37 birds and at least 20 territories. Quite impressive! One GNDiver seen from the cafe. 26 Barnacle Geese at WLC. 2 Skylark and 2 Meadow Pipit over. 23 Song Thrush (12 singing), no overlap with the 23 on 8/2. 11 Tree Sparrow (9 at WLC, 2 north of Fishtail Creek). 5 Lesser Redpoll. Simon Roddis
2020-03-01The adult GNDiver, 1,000+ Common Gulls, c3,000 BhGull and 200 Lessers from Millfields early morning. 116 Canada Geese. 2m Wigeon, 1f Pintail and 1m Pochard at WLC. 10 Teal (8m,2f). 11 Oystercatcher. 35 Curlew on Horseshoe island. 4 Redshank. 2 Sparrowhawk. 6 Willow Tit. 2 Chiffchaff (1 snging briefly) on Stones. 13 Fieldfare S over Shiningford. 6 Skylark. Simon Roddis
2020-03-0126 Curlew,30 Barnacle Goose,2 Redshank,4 Little Grebe,2 wigeon,1 kingfisher,4 Robin,3 Reed bunting,2 Chaffinch,2 Dunock,3 Wren,4 Great Tit,2 Gadwall,8 Great Crested Grebe,1 Pochard,6 Mute Swan,2 oystercatcher,20 Cormorant,5 Goldeneye,5 Lapwing,4 Tree Sparrow,1 Kestrel,28 Canada Goose,2 GreylagDavid Armitt
2020-02-29Both GNDivers still but couldn't find yesterday's Shag. Female Pintail at WLC. 25+ Curlew. 35 Snipe and 4 Redshank on Horseshoe island. 11 Buzzards in the air from Stones island/causeway (6 to the south, 5 north). 4 Skylark N.Simon Roddis
2020-02-28A juvenile Shag was at Millfields, 07:05 to 07:30 at least, initially near the draw-off tower then flying to the east side just north of Millfields island. Both GNDivers still. 6 Wigeon at WLC. 9 Goldeneye (4m,5f) at Millfields. At least 63 Common Snipe on what's left of Horseshoe island. 22 Curlew. 2 Woodcock and 5 calling Tawny Owls at Hopton end at first light. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Simon Roddis
2020-02-27Both GNDivers still, from Stones island and later from WLC. 29 Curlew landed at Sheepwash at 11:20. 27 Barnacle Geese. 4 Greylags. 4 Mute Swan. 1 Shelduck. Pair of Shoveler. 1m Wigeon. Female Pintail at WLC. 2 Skylark N. At least 1 Chiffchaff on Stones island, with a little bit of song on this nice sunny morning.Simon Roddis
2020-02-26Covered the northern half of the res as part of the national Willow Tit survey this morning - not ideal weather conditions but birders can't be choosers. 10 birds, 6 territories identified, plus another 6 birds off the survey, so 16 in total from Middle Wood to Stones (via the west side). Both GNDivers from Sheepwash hide early afternoon. 80 Canada Geese. 27 Barnacles at Shiningford. The female Pintail in Shiningford creek. 9 Oystercatcher. 75 Lapwing. 3 Sparrowhawk. 3 Skylark N. 6+ Fieldfare among c60 Redwing at Hopton end (c100 Redwing in total). Simon Roddis
2020-02-26This morning from Stones island, 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Curlew, 3 Oystercatchers,1 Sparrowhawk,and 1 Kingfisher, from the WLC 3 Redshank and 14 Common snipe. A H Stewardson
2020-02-25Both GNDivers still, the adult from Stones island mid-morning and the juv late morning with a crayfish from Sheepwash. A Merlin, probably a female, flew N up the res and over Sheepwash hide around 12:30. Total of 24 Barnacle Geese. 2 Greylag. 8 Teal. 2 Pochard. Pair of Stock Dove display flighting over Hopton end. Only c50 Lapwing. 5 Curlew and 4 Redshank on Horseshoe island. 2 GBbG. 6 Buzzard. 2 Sparrowhawk. 1 Peregrine. 5 Skylark over, including 1 singing over Millfields. 1 Chiffchaff on Stones. Totals of 6 Goldcrest and 6 Mistle Thrush. 3 Grey Wag (2m,1f) at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2020-02-24Drenching rain dictated most species seen from Sheepwash/Paul Stanley Hides and WLC (11am-3pm): Mute Swan, Magpie, Gt Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck, Coot, Mallard, Willow Tit, Black-headed Gull, House Sparrow (VC only), Goldeneye, Blue Tit, Gt Tit, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Redwing, Reed Bunting, Long-tailed Tit, Little Grebe, Common Snipe (x2), Chaffinch, Oystercatcher (x3), Woodpigeon, Robin, Goldcrest, Dunnock, Pheasant, Nuthatch and Siskin (both PS hide feeders), Canada Goose, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Lapwing (c 200), Greylag Goose, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Redshank (x3 on what's left of Horseshoe Is), Gadwall, Moorhen, Starling, Cormorant, Pied Wagtail and Tree Sparrow.Gary Atkins
2020-02-234 Curlews, 3 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 32 Barnacle Geese, c. 70 Lapwings, Kingfisher, 2 Reed Buntings, 2 Tree Sparrows, 2 Goldeneye - all on Horseshoe Island or from WLC.Alan Hobson
2020-02-23One GNDiver, probably the juv, off Watersports island early morning. Pair of Shoveler off Stones island. 6 Wigeon. 3 Pochard. Pair of Goldeneye mating at Sheepwash. 2 Peregrine and 5 Buzzards over the dam wall. 1 Skylark over WLC.Simon Roddis
2020-02-22The adult GNDiver was off Millfields early morning, and 3 Jack Snipe on Horseshoe island. 13 Goldeneye (4m,9f). 3 Curlew around Horseshoe island, and 1 Dunlin there and later at Sailing Club. c250 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. 2 first-winter Yellow-legged Gulls. Peregrine over WLC. 9 Willow Tit, including 3 singing. 2 Chiffchaff on Stones island, one of them flycatching with a Goldcrest. Grey Wagtail singing at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2020-02-21Both GNDivers still, the adult from Millfields, the juv at Sheepwash. 2 Jack Snipe on Horseshoe island mid-morning. 1m Wigeon. 3 Pochard. 10 Oystercatcher. c200 Lapwing. 4 Curlew at Sailing Club early morning. 2 GBbG. 1w Yellow-legged Gull. Kingfisher at WLC. Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2020-02-20Afternoon visit: the adult GNDiver out in the middle off Stones and Jack Snipe still at WLC. c30 Barnacle Geese in flight from Sheepwash. From Lane End hide late afternoon: 1,000+ Common Gulls, c3,000 BhGulls, 212 LBbGull, 3 Herring Gull, 4 Yellow-legged Gull (ad, 3 first-winters). Peregrine over Millfields. The volunteers had 35 Snipe and 10 Curlew from WLC.Simon Roddis
2020-02-20Sightings for 19/2. Red Kite low over Millfields CP. 2 Willow Tits on Millfields feeders. GN Diver in flight from Millfields towards Stones at c10:45Simon Thompson
2020-02-19Both GNDivers still, with the juv showing really well from Sheepwash hide late morning. 1 Jack Snipe again on Horseshoe island. c30 Barnacle Geese. 2m Wigeon. 2f Pochard. 42 GCGrebes from Millfields. 10 Oystercatchers, including 2 returning colour-ringed birds, 'Barcode' and M7, both ringed while wintering in Devon (and first seen by Roger C yesterday). 2 Curlew at Sailing Club. 4 second-winter Herring Gulls. 2 ad GBbG. Adult Yellow-leg. 7 Willow Tit,including 3 on the Sheepwash carpark feeder. 1 Skylark over Millfields. Chiffchaff on Stones island still.Simon Roddis
2020-02-18Adult and juv GNDiver off Millfields early morning. 1 Jack Snipe and 20 Common Snipe at WLC. 80 Canada Geese. 34 Barnacles. 6+ Greylag. At least 8 Oystercatchers. c400 Lapwing. 2 Curlew at Sailing Club early morning. 2 GBbG again. 24 Cormorant. 3 Grey Heron. 6 Buzzards in the air over the east side. 3 Kestrel. Kingfisher at Sheepwash. 2 Skylark over the dam wall. 4 Lesser Redpoll at Penn Carr. Simon Roddis
2020-02-17Both GNDivers still, from Stones island looking towards Millfields this morning. It's now easy to tell the adult from the juv if either of them flaps its wings, the adult now being heavily in moult. 1 Shelduck off Watersports. 6 Wigeon. 4 Pochard. 7 Oystercatcher. 1 Curlew. 1 Jack Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 GBbG (ad and 1w). Peregrine from WLC. 6 Willow Tit, including 3 on the Sheepwash feeder. 1 Skylark N. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-02-16Both GNDivers still, from Stones island. The adult was robbed of prey by a Great Black-backed Gull, the first time I've seen that happen. It is also now in active wing moult, missing all its primaries. Just the 1 Pochard. c300 Lapwing. Only 7 Common Snipe visible on Horseshoe island. Kingfisher at Sheepwash. 3 GSWoodpecker. 230 Redwing at Penn Carr. 11 Tree Sparrows at Millfields. c18 Lesser Redpoll (c15 at Millfields, 3 on Stones island).Simon Roddis
2020-02-15This morning, after the fog lifted and before the storm struck: adult GNDiver off Millfields, 2 Jack Snipe (fantastic views) and 64 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. 7 Barnacle Geese, including 3 pairs on Millfields island, and a few BhGulls checking the island out as well. Female Pintail in WLC creek. Only 2 Pochard. 5 Oystercatcher. 560 Lapwing. 1 Curlew. 2 Redshank. 3 Skylark S over WLC creek. 20 Siskin and 2 Lesser Redpoll at Millfields. 2 Blackbirds singing at Millfields, I think they're the first I've heard this year.Simon Roddis
2020-02-14Both GNDivers towards the east side between Fishtail Creek and Millfields this morning. 1 Jack Snipe again on Horseshoe island, with 38 Common Snipe. 29 Barnacle Geese flew in and then split up, with a couple of pairs later at Millfields. Pair of Pintail out in the middle, but only 1 Wigeon and 4 Pochard. c400 Lapwing. 2 Curlew at Sailing Club early morning. Kingfisher at Shiningford and Brown Ale Bay, perhaps the same bird. 2 Kestrel. 5 Skylark N. 200+ Redwing, including 100 at Penn Carr and 90 at Sheepwash. Mistle Thrush singing at Millfields. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2020-02-133-00 to 4 00 pm WLC to Stones Island - Common Snipe. Lapwing Oystercatcher Canada Geese Mute Swan Mallard GBB Gull Black Head Gull Cormorant Long Tailed Tit Wren Blue Tit Great Tit Blackbird Goldfinch Redwing Pheasant Magpie Great Crested Grebe Little Grebe Goldeneye Coot Tufted Duck Goldcrest.David Horsley
2020-02-12Both GNDivers still, the juv off Millfields early morning and the adult from Sheepwash late morning. A first-winter Kittiwake flew through, heading SW, at 10:30. The Pink-footed Goose flew in again with Canadas. 5 Greylag. 28 Wigeon. 26 Teal. 9 Pochard. 10 Goldeneye. 7+ Oystercatcher. c400 Lapwing. 21 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 4 Curlew were flushed by a Peregrine and then settled at Sailing Club. 1w Yellow-legged Gull. 5 Willow Tit. Chiffchaff still on Stones island. Mistle Thrush singing at Shiningford. Total of c150 Starling.Simon Roddis
2020-02-11Both GNDivers again of Millfields this morning. 1 Jack and 35 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. 1 Pink-footed Goose with c40 Canadas. 14 Wigeon. 17 Teal. 10 Pochard. 2 GBbGull. 5 Tree Sparrows at Millfields. 10 Bullfinch including 7 feeding on the ground at Millfields. 3 Meadow Pipits on Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
2020-02-10Both GNDivers from Millfields late morning. 1 Jack and 26 Common Snipe on Horseshoe island. 1 Shelduck. 21 Wigeon. 19 Pochard. Female Goosander at Millfields early morning. 7 Oystercatcher. 300 Lapwing. Chiffchaff on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2020-02-08Monthly WeBS count (as Storm Ciara might make it tricky tomorrow): the highlight was 3 female Scaup off Stones island, and both GNDivers are still present, the adult off Lane End hide, the juv at Millfields. 66 Canada Geese, 29 Barnacles and 5 Greylags. 2 Mute Swan. 34 Gadwall (including a pair mating at WLC). 22 Wigeon. 97 Mallard. 25 Teal. 30(!) Pochard. 96 Tufted. 15 Goldeneye. 1 Water Rail (PShide). 11 Moorhen. 291 Coot. 10 Little Grebe. 49 GCGrebe. 7 Oystercatcher. 600 Lapwing. 4 Woodcock (Hopton end, early morning). 25 Common Snipe. 3 Redshank. 2 GBbGull. 19 Cormorant. 1 Grey Heron. Also: 7 Tawny Owls calling at the Hopton end first thing, total of 10 Willow Tit (including 8 between the Hopton end and WLC creek), Chiffchaff on Stones, 23 Song Thrush (18 singing) between Hopton end and WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
2020-02-0614 Barnacle geese (WLC), Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatcher (WLC), 30+ Lapwing, Redwing, Goldcrest, Willow tit (Behind Paul Stanley hide).Matthew Birkin

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