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
07/09/2024Highlights this morning were a Green Woodpecker in Tail Bay, a Wheatear past Stones island and juvenile Water Rail on Horseshoe island. 2 adults Yellow-legged and juvenile Caspian Gull. 44 Teal. 4 Wigeon and 49 Pochard from WLC. 46 Swallows over Millfields.Simon Roddis
06/09/2024Forgot to say, a count of 55 Cormorants, although dwarfed by recent counts at Ogston, suggests an increase in line with theirs, some of which have been shown by colour rings to have come from Germany.Simon Roddis
06/09/2024Not a bad morning, difficult to know how much part the wind played in that. Clive picked up a juvenile Arctic Tern off Stones (still there to 11:00 at least) and then a juvenile Black Tern appeared off the Lane End area from 10:00. A flock of 11 Wigeon and a Pintail flew up the res, then a male Common Scoter from Lane End. Another Wigeon and the drake Red-crested Pochard were off Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
05/09/2024A Redshank which dropped onto Sheepwash spit late morning was the only new bird of note. Wildfowl still increasing: 97 Pochard, 36 Teal, 1 Wigeon and the drake Red-crested Pochard still. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls (2 adults, 1 juv). 50 Goldfinches again on Stones.Simon Roddis
04/09/2024900 Canada Geese and 72 Greylags flew out over the dam wall early morning. Drake Red-crested Pochard still from Stones island. Ringed Plover over Millfields early morning. Juvenile Caspian Gull and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls off Stones. At least 2 Kingfishers in the Stones/WLC area and perhaps another at Millfields. Totals of 50 Swallows and 35 House Martins. Willow Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat and 3+ Sedge on Stones, plus another Willow Warbler in WLC creek. 2 Redstarts still in WLC fields.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
03/09/20243 Greenshank flew high SW over Stones island at 09:00 - difficult to know if these were the same as 2 or more over Sheepwash an hour earlier. 2 Snipe and a Curlew also from Stones. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and Common Tern. 2 Shoveler. 1 drake Wigeon. The drake Red-crested Pochard still. Kingfisher off Stones causeway. c30 House Martins over the dam wall.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
02/09/2024A female-type Pied Flycatcher at Hopton end early morning looks like the first September record here. Drake Common Scoter off Stones. 18 Teal. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls.1 Common Sandpiper. 2 Kingfishers at WLC. 2 Sedge Warblers and 2 Lesser Whitethroats on/around Stones. 3+ Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis
01/09/2024BwB walk. Canada goose, goldfinch, wood pigeon, gt cr grebe, mute swan, cormorant, house sparrow, pied wagtail, coot, moorhen, tufted duck, little grebe, kestrel, grey heron, lapwing, crow, robin, swallow, magpie, gadwall, mallard, greylag goose, pochard, BH gull, herring gull, LBB gull, teal, great tit, blue tit, chiffchaff, wrenAmanda Palethorpe
01/09/2024A Ringed Plover flew over WLC early morning. Single Shoveler over Stones causeway and the male Red-crested Pochard from the mound. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, adult and juv. Kingfisher at WLC and Redstart still in the creek.Simon Roddis
30/08/20246 Pied wagtail, 4 Gadwall, 6 Little grebe, 14 Mute swan, 9 Lapwing, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Chiffchaff, three flocks of Goldfinch 20,30 and 10 mixer of mature and young birds, 1 Lesser Whitethroat , 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Sedge Warbler, 1 Sparrow hawk , 10 Buzzard, 4 Red Kite same group that Simon saw. 6 Swallow , 6 PochardDave Armitt
30/08/2024The Cattle Egret was roosting with Cormorants between Sheepwash and Lane End early morning, then flew SW over Stones at 08:35. More wildfowl have arrived, with Pochard up to 76, 24 Teal and single Wigeon and Shoveler. 520 Coot. 2 Little Egret. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Spiral of 10 Buzzards and 4 Red Kites. 3 Kingfishers. 7 Jays between Hopton end and Middle Wood. Lesser Whitethroat still on Stones and 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. 1 Yellow Wagtail over WLC.Simon Roddis
29/08/20244 Wigeon in Brown Ale Bay were the first of the autumn. At least 11 Teal also indicates a small arrival. 30 Lapwing. Adult and juv Yellow-legged Gulls. 1 Little Egret at Lane End. Kingfishers at Millfields and in BABay. Pair of adult Hobbies were chasing Swallows around the draw-off tower at Millfields early morning. Lesser Whitethroat on Stones. 2 Redstarts (male and female/juv) in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
28/08/2024A light breeze which picked up late morning made all the difference as far as large raptors were concerned: a cream-crown Marsh Harrier flew S at 11:00, an Osprey flew around at 11:10 and several buzzards and kites circled over the woods. The eclipse male Red-crested Pochard was off Stones and a male Aythya hybrid, presumably the same one as has appeared before, was off Millfields early morning. c100 Greylags flew out early on, the most I've seen for a while. Juv Oystercatcher still. 5 Yellow-legged Gulls (2 adults, 3 juvs). Redstart still calling in WLC fields. Kingfisher and Lesser Whitethroat on Stones (per AHS/RPJ/AMD).Simon Roddis
27/08/2024Osprey again from Stones early morning, plus a juvenile Arctic Tern and a fly-over Yellow Wagtail. Adult Caspian Gull still and 2 Yellow-legged (adult and juv). Totals of at least 7 Teal, 50 Pochard and 29 Stock Doves. Redstart still in WLC fields. 9 Mistle Thrushes over the east side (flushed by the Osprey!).Simon Roddis
26/08/2024An Osprey again from Stones island this morning, 09:05 to 09:45 at least. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, Peregrine and Kingfisher also from Stones. 31 Pochard at WLC and Water Rail calling in the creek. Juvenile Oystercatcher still at sailing club. Little Egret over the dam wall. 2 Redstarts (1 male) in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
25/08/2024An Osprey was around from 07:55 to 09:55 at least, perched in a dead pine eating a fish for a while. An Arctic Tern flew NE at 08:40. 3 Ringed Plovers through and 4 Swifts from Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
23/08/2024Highlight this morning was 2 Ospreys: 1 from 08:10-09:00 from Stones; presumed same at WLC 10:00 then down east side; second bird with a fish down east side 11:00 immediately after first bird and again about 10 minutes later. 2 Hobbies seen 3 times, presumed to be the same birds each time. 5+ Swifts. 1 Oystercatcher. Common Sandpiper at Sheepwash. Adult and 2 juv Yellow-legged Gulls. Clive had a possible Arctic Tern past Sheepwash. 10 Sand Martins.SJR, CA, AHS
18/08/2024Monthly wildfowl count: 227 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacles (plus one juv), 6 Greylag, 21 Mute Swan, 56 Gadwall, 160 Mallard, 5 Teal, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 38 Pochard, 210 Tufted, 26 Moorhen, 466 Coot, 1 Water Rail (Shiningford), 24 Little Grebe, 63 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 5 Lapwing, 1 Common Sand, 38 Cormorant, 6 Heron, 2 Kingfisher. 4 Arctic Terns (ad and 3 juvs) from Stones late morning, adult Caspian Gull, 2 Yellow-legs (adult and juv), 2 Swifts, 2 Hobby, 1 juv Peregrine, 2 Yellow Wagtails.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
16/08/2024Evening visit: 2,400 Lesser Black-backed Gulls came in to roost, with single Caspian (a juvenile) and Yellow-legs. 8 Teal. 1 Swift. c500 Swallows over Watersports island before going to roost on there.Simon Roddis
17/08/20243 Sandwich Terns were off the Sheepwash/Lane End area from 07:55 to 08:30 at least, an eclipse male Red-crested Pochard from the WLC and the adult Caspian Gull still. 20 Common Pochard. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 2 Lesser Whitethroats, 60 Goldfinch and the juvenile Yellow Wagtail still on Stones.Simon Roddis
15/08/2024Adult Caspian and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls again. A Tree Pipit flew S over Millfields at 07:25 and a Greenshank later over WLC. 20 Pochard. 4 Swift. 1 juv Oystercatcher. 1 Common Sandpiper. 2 Kingfishers (Millfields and WLC). Total of 38 House Martins, 100+ Swallows and 6 Sand Martins. Lesser Whitethroat at the mound on Stones. Redstart calling in WLC fields. Juv Yellow Wagtail still on Stones, 4 Grey Wag and 2 Meadow Pipits at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
14/08/2024An immature drake Common Scoter was off Stones island early morning. The adult Caspian Gull again, and adult and juvenile Yellow-legged. 2 Shoveler, 18 Pochard and a KIngfisher at WLC. Common Sandpiper at sailing club. Little Egret at Sheepwash. c150 Swallows at Millfields early morning. Yellow Wagtail and Lesser Whitethroat again on Stones.Simon Roddis
13/08/2024Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 4 Teal. 20 Pochard. 6 Common Sandpipers. 1 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 Kingfishers (Tail Bay and the dam wall). 3 Willow Tit, including a brief burst of song in WLC creek. 120 Swallows. 1 Swift. In WLC fields, 2 Spotted Flycatcher, male Redstart, 30 Linnet, Yellow Wagtail flew S, and Hobby. Another Yellow Wag on Stones, along with Lesser Whitethroat and 50+ Goldfinches. Reed Warblers on Stones causeway and at WLC.Simon Roddis
12/08/2024Single adult Caspian, Yellow-legged, Common and GBbGulls this morning. Reed Warbler at WLC and Redstart up the creek.Simon Roddis
09/08/2024A moulting adult Sanderling was on sailing club shore this morning. Adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and GBbGull still. 38 Cormorants. Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat on Stones. Spotted Flycatcher at Lane End. c120 Linnets feeding in the wildflower meadow just south of Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
08/08/2024A bit quieter than the last couple of mornings. Adult Yellow-legged and GBbGulls still. 140 Woodpigeons N and 22 S in an hour - strange birds! 1 Common Sandpiper. 14 Pochard, including the 2 fully grown juvs. 29 Cormorant. 3 Redstarts (male and 2 female/juvs) in WLC fields. Painted Lady on Stones.Simon Roddis
07/08/2024Adult Arctic Tern, Caspian, Yellow-legged and GBbGulls this morning. A Great Egret flew down the res at 09:25 and landed for a short time at Millfields, and a Green Sandpiper flew S over Stones causeway at 09:30 (first of the year). 28 Mute Swan. Around Millfields and the dam wall early morning, 150 Swallows, 135 Pied and 3 Grey Wagtails. New brood of 3 Little Grebes off Stones island, and now 4 young at the WLC. Kingfisher in Tail Bay. Hobby at the top of WLC creek. Lesser Whitethroat on Stones.Simon Roddis
06/08/2024A decent morning: a Tree Pipit flew S over WLC creek at 09:30 and a Greenshank S over the dam wall at 10:30. Adult Caspian, 2 Yellow-legged and Great Black-backed Gull around Stones. 19 Pochard. 3 Teal. Kingfisher at WLC. A Hobby was chasing Swallows over the east side and Peregrine circling over the west. Total of 9 Ravens. 40 House Martins. Sedge Warblers still feeding young on Stones, and Garden Warbler still too. Male Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
05/08/2024Just the adult Yellow-legged Gull this morning. New brood of 2 small Little Grebes at WLC. 28 Mute Swans. Increase in hirundines: c35 House, 15 Sand Martins and 20 Swallows. Sedge Warbler possibly still feeding young on Stones island, and Garden Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat there.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
04/08/2024Species seen during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Carrion Crow, Swift, Cormorant, Blackbird, Black-headed Gull, Pied Wagtail, Canada Goose, Coot, Common Gull, Gt Crested Grebe, Gadwall, Greylag Goose, Moorhen, Mute Swan, Chiffchaff, Willow Tit, Wren, Goldfinch, Tufted Duck, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Mallard, House Martin, Swallow, Linnet, Bullfinch, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Little Grebe, Great Tit, Dunnock, Pochard and BuzzardGary Atkins
04/08/2024Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again off Stones early morning. 22 Pochard. 8 Swifts. 111 Woodpigeons S (and 8N) in one hour. 4 Common Sandpipers (3 Millfields, 1 WLC creek). 8 Swifts. 1 Skylark over Stones.Simon Roddis
03/08/2024Adult Caspian Gull again at sailing club early morning and adult Yellow-leg from Sheepwash. 17 Pochard. 27 Mute Swans. Kingfisher from Sheepwash hide. 3+ Spotted Flycatchers at Lane End.Simon Roddis
02/08/20241 Coal Tit,8 Moorhen, 12 Mute Swan, 2 little Grebe, 1 Bullfinch, 14 Cormorant, 14 Greylag goose, 2 Stock Dove, 1 Goldcrest, 4 Chiffchaff, 5 Chaffinch, 8 Pochard, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Redstart, 3 Swallow,4 SwiftDavid Armitt
01/08/2024A drake Common Scoter was off Stones island this morning. 5 adult Black-tailed Godwits on Horseshoe island flew off at 09:30 and 2 Snipe flew W over the WLC. Adult Caspian and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls again. Garden Warbler on Stones and Reed Warbler still singing at WLC. 16 Linnets over WLC creek.SJR, KR, AHS
31/07/2024Adult Caspian and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls again from Stones early morning. 19 Pochard. 4 Kestrels. 2 Willow Warblers singing in WLC creek. 1 Garden Warbler on Stones. 3 Meadow Pipits (highlight of the morning!) on the dam wall, first here since early April. A Muntjac crossed the road near the main entrance, only my third here.Simon Roddis
30/07/2024A Yellow Wagtail over Millfields early am was the first since the spring. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. Adult female Peregrine eating a juvenile Black-headed Gull on the pylon at the top of WLC creek, with a noisy juvenile male flying around. Pair of Common Terns off Stones. Kingfisher again at WLC and female-type Redstart in the fields. A Banded Demoiselle on Stones island was my first at Carsi.Simon Roddis
29/07/2024Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged again sitting on buoys early morning. Adult Common Tern. 17 Pochard. Kingfisher in WLC creek and male Redstart in the fields. 50 Swallows over Millfields early morning.Simon Roddis
28/07/2024Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again off Stones/Watersports. 1 Curlew flew up the res. Only 1 Oystercatcher, seems most of them left a couple of days ago. 2+ Redstart and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. No sign of yesterday's Whinchat.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
27/07/2024The major highlight this morning was a Honey Buzzard which flew very slowly W over the res between 09:55 and 10:15, finally disappearing behind Carsington Pastures. It was mobbed for a time by a Peregrine, with Common Buzzard and Red Kite in view with it at other times. A male Whinchat was in the dam wall fields and 2 juv Spotted Flycatchers on the Tail Bay path. Female/juv Redstart in WLC fields. Adult Common Tern and Yellow-legged Gull off Stones/Watersports. Kingfisher in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
26/07/2024Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again this morning. 18 Pochard. c20 Swifts drifting around. First hints of Woodpigeon movement this week, 96 S in an hour early(ish) morning. Reed, Sedge and Willow Warblers still singing, seems late, I'm wondering if they have failed to attract mates but feel compelled to keep on trying.Simon Roddis
25/07/2024An adult Turnstone was in flight off the dam wall at 06:20 this morning and the adult Caspian Gull again at Watersports. 80 Pied and 2 Grey Wagtails on the dam wall early morning. 6+ Spotted Flycatchers (at least 3 at Sheepwash and 3 at Lane End, adults and juvs). Redstart at Lane End and Reed Bunting feeding fledged young at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
23/07/2024A Sanderling flew S past Stones island at 06:50 but not seen again. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 1 redhead Goosander flew down the res. 47 Woodpigeons flew S and 4 N 06:15-06:50. 2 Common Sandpiper at sailing club. Juv Lesser Whitethroat in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
22/07/2024A handful of waders in the drizzle this morning: 2 Whimbrel, 1 Dunlin, 7 Common Sandpipers, 20 Lapwing. Adult Caspian Gull still, plus 2 Yellow-legs and a Great Black-back. Peregrine over Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
21/07/2024Monthly wildfowl count (some figures include full-grown young): 405 Canada Geese, 2 Barnacle, 48 Greylag, 25 Mute Swan, 38 Gadwall, 120 Mallard, 19 Pochard, 179 Tufted, 11 Moorhen, 179 Coot, 8 Little Grebe, 67 GCGrebe, 13 Oystercatcher, 5 Lapwing, 2 Common Sandpiper, 28 Cormorant, 3 Grey Heron. Adult Caspian Gull again and 2 Yellow-legs (adult and sub-adult). 5 singing Reed Warblers. Juv Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
20/07/2024Forgot to mention a brood of 16(!) Tufted Ducklings from WLC this morning.Simon Roddis
20/07/2024A surprise this morning was a Grasshopper Warbler reeling and showing well for a few minutes in WLC creek mid-morning. 1 Redstart there too. 2 Shoveler at Millfields. 14+ Pochard. 2 Curlew and a Redshank on the dam wall. Adult Yellow-legged Gull still. 35 Pied Wagtails and 30 Swallows around the dam wall early morning.Simon Roddis
19/07/20241,500 Lesser Black-backs came into roost during the evening, with 1 Great Black-back and 2 Yellow-legs. 2 redhead Goosander also flew in and c100 Swallows past Sheepwash may have been going to roost in Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis
19/07/2024This morning, adult Yellow-legged Gull, 15 Pochard, 4 Common Sandpiper, young male Kingfisher at WLC, family of Spotted Flycatchers still near Lane End.Simon Roddis
18/07/2024Quieter than yesterday but the adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls are still here. Adult Common Tern. 1 Shoveler. Adult and 2 juvenile LRPlover. In WLC creek, 2 singing Reed Warblers, singing Lesser Whitethroat and juvenile Redstart.Simon Roddis
17/07/2024Much better than I'd expected on a sunny morning in July. A drake Scaup was just off Stones island early morning before flying up to Sheepwash. 3 Common Scoter (1m,2f) also from Stones. 14 Pochard. A Black-tailed Godwit flew S over the main centre at 06:50. 3 Common Sandpipers on Stones. Adult Yellow-legged Gull at sailing club early morning, then sitting on various buoys, and an adult Caspian Gull at Watersports late morning. A Great Egret flew W up WLC creek at 07:15 and a Little Egret flew into Brown Ale Bay. Juvenile GSWoodecker at Millfields. At least 3 Skylarks in the dam wall fields. 72 species, my highest total since late April.Simon Roddis

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