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
2019-01-05Great Northern Diver off Stones Island mid-morning. 7 Lesser Redpoll near the new hide on Stones Island. 1-2 Willow Tits and 1 Treecreeper from the path a few hundred yards north of the Wildlife CentreAlan Hobson
2019-01-04Great Northern Diver off Millfields early morning. Dark-bellied Brent Goose at Wildlife Centre 10:40 (found earlier by Alan Stewardson at Visitor Centre). 3 Ruff and 2 Redshank on Sailing Club shore.Roger Carrington
2019-01-041 Kestrel,129 Teal,59 lapwing,10 Cormorant,2 Goldeneye,2 Pied Wagtail,6 shoveler,10 Great crested Grebe,1 Grey Heron,51 Tuffted Duck,2 Jackdaw,7 C.Crow,2 Raven,20 Redwing,6 Blue tit,8 Great Tit,2 Robin,1 wren,7 Pheasant,3 Gadwall,1 Marsh Tit,1 Coal Tit,6 Chaffich,20 Blackbird,12 Tree Sparrow,30 BH Gull,4 LBB Gull,1 GBB Gull 200+ Coots,20 Mallard,30 woodpiegon,4 MagpieDavid Armitt
2019-01-02The GNDiver was off Stones island again this morning, along with a Shelduck. 6 Shoveler (4m,2f) at Sheepwash. 12 Pochard. 2 Sparrowhawk. 6 Moorhen. c200 Lapwing. 2 Dunlin. 3 Ruff. 4+ Redshank. 24 Snipe across WLC, Stones and Sailing Club. 3rd-w Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. Chiffchaff at Sheepwash hide. 15 Siskin at Brown Ale Bay.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2019-01-01The adult GNDiver was off Stones island mid-morning. At Hopton end first thing, 2 Woodcock, 4 calling Tawny Owls, 4 Grey Wag and a Water Rail calling in the reedbed. 84 Canadas. 1 Barnacle. 1 Greylag. 19 Pochard. 2 Sparrowhawk. 3 Buzzard. Peregrine on Sheepwash spit late morning. 365 Lapwing. 3 Dunlin. 3 Ruff. 3 Redshank. 20 Herring Gull. 2 GBbG. 2 Stock Dove. 4 Raven (2 pairs). Chiffchaff again at Brown Ale Bay. 80 Redwing and 13 Tree Sparrows at Millfields. Total of 35 Siskin.Simon Roddis
2018-12-31The GNDiver distantly from Sheepwash looking towards Millfields this morning. 154 Canadas. 19 Pochard. 20 Cormorant. 2 Grey Heron. 31 Little Grebe. 1 Golden Plover over the visitor centre. c400 Lapwing. 3 Dunlin. 3 Ruff. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash late morning. 6 GBbG. 3 Peregrine in the air together over the north end, then an imm male, presumed to be one of the 3, worrying the Lapwings over the visitor centre area. 60 Redwing at Millfields. Total of 28 Tree Sparrow: 15 at WLC, 13 at Millfields.SJR, AHS, CA
2018-12-303 more Waxwings SW over Millfields at 0830. The GNDiver still from Stones. 17 Goosander (5m,12f) at Millfields early morning. 13 Pochard. c400 Lapwing. 3 Ruff. 3 Dunlin. 4 Redshank. 42 Herring and 9 GBb Gulls at Sheepwash late morning. Female Kingfisher again in Brown Ale Bay. 3 GSWoodpeckers at Millfields (2 on the feeders, 1 over). Imm male Peregrine. 313 Redwing, mostly heading SW, at Millfields. 13 Meadow Pipit on Stones. Total of 60 Siskin (50 at Millfields, 10 at BA Bay).Simon Roddis
2018-12-294 Waxwings flew SW over the Stones causeway at 0825 (the first here since Dec 2012). GNDiver still present. 1 Pink-footed Goose among the Canadas. 2 Barnacle. 4 Mute Swan. 10 Goldeneye. 10 Goosander. 3 Buzzard. 30 Herring Gull (20 flew through, 10 at Sheepwash late morning). 2 Peregrine; an adult, probably female, perched on Sheepwash spit and an immature male flying around. 3 Raven. 13 Tree Sparrow at WLC. Simon Roddis
2018-12-28The GNDiver still this morning. 119 Canadas. 3 Barnacle. 9 Goldeneye. 12 Pochard. 6 Goosander SE. 32 Cormorant (23 flew in). 6 Moorhen. c400 Lapwing, seriously spooked at one point by 2 male Peregrines. 3 Ruff. 3 Dunlin. c10,000 BhGulls and 8 GBbG early morning. 29 Herring and the 3w Yellow-leg at Sheepwash late morning. 4 Stock Dove. Total of c200 Redwing, including c150 at Millfields. 7 Fieldfare. 6 Linnet over Stones. Willow Tit singing at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2018-12-27The GNDiver was extremely close to the shore off Stones island mid-morning. 7 Barnacle Geese: a party of 6 flew over along with a Nene (Hawaiian Goose). 5 Pochard. 6+ Goldeneye. 4 Goosander. 2 Grey Heron. 3 Ruff. 4 Dunlin. 4 Woodcock at Hopton end early morning. 28 Herring Gulls and the 3w Yellow-leg at Sheepwash late morning. Female Kingfisher again in Brown Ale Bay. 3 Raven. 9 Grey Wag out of Hopton reedbed early morning. 10 Meadow Pipit on Stones. 1 Brambling over Hopton end.Simon Roddis
2018-12-22The GNDiver was between Stones island and Millfields this afternoon. 139 Canadas. 5 Barnacles. 1 Greylag. 20 Gadwall. 9 Pochard. 15 Cormorant. 27 Little Grebe, including 15 at WLC. 5 Common Buzzards. c500 Lapwing. 3 Ruff. 2 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. 30 Snipe. c1800 Common Gulls, 600 LBbG, 20 Herrings and adult Yellow-leg. Kingfisher and Chiffchaff again in BA Bay. 55 Redwing. 5 Fieldfare.Simon Roddis
2018-12-20c30 Barnacle Geese WLC centre, Pergrine on shore line eating carrion opposite Sheepash.Ian Scrimshaw
2018-12-19The GNDiver was between Stones island and Fishtail Creek around 1130. A Chiffchaff at Brown Ale Bay, then flew across the road. c100 Wigeon: flock of 70 flew N, plus c30 down. c400 Lapwing. 3 Dunlin. 3 Redshank. Only saw 2 Ruff. 23 Snipe at WLC. 71 Herring Gulls from Sheepwash late morning. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls: 1st-w, 3rd-w and adult. Female Kingfisher on the same stump in BA Bay as earlier in the week. 1 Skylark NE. 1+ Brambling at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2018-12-17The GNDiver was off Stones island this morning. 199 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 105 Lapwing. 4 Ruff. 3 Redshank. 1 Dunlin. 47 Snipe - a real increase on recent numbers. 60 Rooks flew west.SJR, AHS, CA
2018-12-16The GNDiver was off Sailing Club island mid-morning. At the Hopton end first thing, 4 Woodcock, 7 calling Tawny Owls and 5 Grey Wags out of the reedbed. 150+ Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 17 Pochard. 5 Goosander (3m,2f). 4 Ruff at WLC. 2 Redshank. 38 Herring Gulls and the 3rd-w Yellow-leg among LBbGs at Sheepwash. 11 GBbGs (5 ads and a sub-ad at Sheepwash, plus 3 ads and 2 first-winters south). Female Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay (and it or another reported on the dam wall). Peregrine sitting for at least an hour on its favourite pylon at Shiningford. 2 Raven. Total of 24 Meadow Pipits. Decent morning - 73 species.Simon Roddis
2018-12-15The GNDiver was off Stones, seen distantly from Millfields mid-morning. 179 Canadas and 2 Barnacles at WLC. 5 Goldeneye. 18 Pochard. 4 Goosander (2m,2f) at Millfields. 2 Redshank at Sailing Club. 30+ Herring Gulls from Sheepwash. The 3rd-winter Yellow-legged Gyull was being given a hard time by 3 imm HGs at Millfields. 3 GSWoodpecker, including one on 6-inch high willow stumps on Horseshoe island. 10 Fieldfare E.Simon Roddis
2018-12-14GNDiver off the dam wall late morning. 3 Pink-feet SW. 79 Canadas. 2 Barnacles. 15 Pochard. 6 Goldeneye. Male Peregrine again. 3 Ruff and 1 Dunlin at WLC. 2 Redshank. 20 Herring and the 3rd-w Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. 3+ Raven. 100+ Redwing, including 70 E. 7 Fieldfare E. 5 Lesser Redpoll at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2018-12-13The GNDiver from Millfields still. Much smaller movement than yesterday: 135 Redwing E, 25 Fieldfare E, 40 Woodpigeon SE, 3 Stock Dove SW. Pair of Shoveler at Millfields. 8 Goldeneye. 6 Moorhen. Now 4 Ruff at WLC. 1 Redshank. Male Peregrine at Millfields then Fishtail Creek. Simon Roddis
2018-12-12The GNDiver from Millfields still. Quite a bit of movement this morning: 1210 Redwing E, 110 Fieldfare E, 15 Pink-footed Geese SW. 2f Shoveler at Millfields. 10 Pochard. 6 Moorhen. 13 Herring Gull. 3rd-w Yellow-legged Gull. 3 GSWoodpecker. 5 Jay. 15 Siskin.Simon Roddis
2018-12-07The GNDiver still, again between Stones and Millfields. 220 Pnk-footed Geese flew E at 1100. 179 Greylags flew into Sheepwash 1045-1145, including flocks of c100 and 50+. 7 Goldeneye. c200 Lapwing. 3 Ruff still. 3 Collared Dove at the ranger base. c100 Redwing. 3 Greenfinch at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2018-12-03Birdwatching for Beginners Walk. 33 species seen. 10 till 12. Black Headed Gull, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Canada Goose, Carrion Crow, Coot, Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe, Great Tit, House Sparrow, Kestrel, Lapwing, Little Grebe, Mallard, Meadow Pippit, Mute Swan, Redshank, Robin, Snipe, Teal, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Wren, Dunnock, Ruff, Goldfinch, Magpie, Tree Sparrow, Willow Tit, Wood Pigeon, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Bullfinch, Gadwall.Lorna Lomas
2018-12-03The GNDiver still, between Stones and Millfields. 9 Goldeneye (6m,3f). 175 Lapwing. 1 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. 30 Fieldfare. 40 Redwing. 3 Song Thrushes singing at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-12-02Adult Great Northern Diver, still with a few white spots on its upper parts, was off Watersports island this morning, hopefully now here for the winter. 7 Goldeneye (6m,1f) off the dam wall. 140 Lapwing. 3 Ruff. 2 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. 10 Snipe at WLC. 2 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing, and 5 Tawny Owls calling. 220 Woodpigeon N. 16 Fieldfare S. 2 Brambling.Simon Roddis
2018-11-303250 Woodpigeons NE this morning. 8 Stock Dove. 7 Dunlin. 3 Ruff. 2 Redshank. 13 Snipe at WLC. 1 Peregrine. 6 Goldeneye (5m,1f) off the dam wall. 200 Redwing and 1 Brambling at Hopton end early morning, and 6 Grey Wags out of the reedbed.Simon Roddis
2018-11-292 adult Yellow-legged Gulls in the roost from Sheepwash this evening. 3 Woodcock at Hopton end 1630-1645. 3 Redshank. 13 Dunlin. 20 Pochard.Simon Roddis
2018-11-26300 more Pink-feet went through this morning: 140 E at 1100, 160 E at 1130. 138 Canadas. 2 Barnacles. 34 Mute Swan. 97 Wigeon. 16 Gadwall. 304 Teal. 97 Mallard. 22 Pochard. 208 Tufted. 10 Goldeneye. 2 Goosander. 29 Cormorant. 1 Grey Heron. 26 Little Grebe. 42 GCGrebe. 5 Moorhen. 930 Coot. 370 Lapwing. 3 Ruff. 14 Dunlin. 8 Snipe. 1 Peregrine. 2 Skylark over. 19 Tree Sparrow (15 between WLC and Sheepwash, 4 at Millfields).Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-11-25180 Pink-footed Geese flew NE over Sheepwash at 10:05. 11 Goosander (5m,6 redhead) at Millfields at first light. 3 Ruff. 13 Dunlin. 4 Redshank (1 WLC plus 3 from PS hide - per RC). 6 GBbG early morning. 450 Woodpigeons NE-ish. 1 Kingfisher at Hopton end. 5+ Mistle Thrush including 2 singing. 15 Siskin at BA Bay.Simon Roddis
2018-11-24A site record 8 (possibly 10) Woodcock flew into the Hopton end at dawn, while 14 Reed Buntings and 5 Grey Wagtails flew out of the reedbed. 5 single Brambling there too. 100 Pink-footed Geese: 20 down at Sheepwash then flew E at 0820, and 80 flew W at 1015. 35 Mute Swan. 22 Pochard. 5 Goldeneye. 23 Cormorant. 200 Lapwing. 3 Ruff, 3 Redshank and 11 Dunlin still. 9 Snipe. 2 ad Yellow-legged Gulls at Sheepwash. c300 Redwing and c45 Meadow Pipits in total. Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2018-11-23A Hawfinch was feeding in trees between Millfields carpark and the viewing area at 10:00. At least 32 Lesser Redpoll in total: 12+ around Stones, 20+ at Millfields. 25 Siskin at Millfields. 15 Tree Sparrow (7 at WLC, 8 at Millfields). 200 Redwing. 13 Pochard. 4 Goldeneye. 3 Goosander. 2 Peregrine over Stones. 3 Ruff and 11 Dunlin at Sailing Club. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (ad, 3w) and adult Caspian (?) at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2018-11-20A adult hybrid Gull thought to be a Ring-billed x Lesser Black-backed Gull in front of Sheepwash Hide late afternoon plus a 2nd winter Caspian Gull and 3 Yellow-legged Gulls (2 adults and a 3rd winter).JB, RJL
2018-11-2011 Dunlin and 2 Ruff at Sailing Club, 1 Redshank at Millfields, 4 Shoveler. 330 Starlings at Hopton End at dawn possibly roosted at Hopton Pond, 150 Redwing. 1 Brambling at Sheepwash car park.clive ashton
2018-11-19c100 Pink-feet SW at 0915. What I think was the same 2w/3w Caspian as yesterday was at Sheepwash for a short time. Adult Yellow-leg. 2 Shoveler. 3 Ruff still. 9 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. 400 Lapwing. 23 Cormorant. c800 Woodpigeons moving but in random directions. 380 Redwing going north-ish up the west side. 30 Starlings W. Simon Roddis
2018-11-189 Goosander (3 males, 6 redheads) at Millfields early morning. 7 Goldeneye. 3 Ruff still. 10 Dunlin. Male Pintail. 2 Shoveler. Adult Peregrine at Sheepwash. Adult Yellow-leg and 5 GBbGulls. 1 Brambling at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2018-11-17A late Chiffchaff was on Stones island this morning. At first light at the Hopton end, 5 Tawny Owls, 2 Woodcock, 1 Brambling and a singing Mistle Thrush, and 22 Reed Buntings came out of the reedbed. 110 Canadas, 2 Banacles and 2 Greylags. 2 Shoveler, 2 Pintail, 3 Ruff and 3 Redshank still. 7 Dunlin. Adult and 3rd-winter Yellow-legged Gull. 1 adult Peregrine. 31 Meadow Pipits and 14 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
2018-11-16A first-winter Caspian Gull was in the roost this evening but I didn't see the Glaucous. c3000 Lesser Black-backs, 1 GBbG and 30 Herrings. c100 Canadas. 2 drake Pintail. 2 Shoveler. 4 Goldeneye. 70 Golden Plover again circled the main centre around midday. 415 Lapwing. 3 Ruff still. 5 Dunlin. 3 Redshank (1 at WLC, 2 in BA Bay). 2 (maybe 3) Woodcock at Hopton end at dusk. 40 Meadow Pipits on Stones. 1 Brambling at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2018-11-1413 nov peregrine falcon bathing in front of sheepwash hide watched for 20 mins at 11.30am then flew of towards wild life centreroy middleton
2018-11-126,450 Woodpigeons flew N between 0815-0945, including 2,500 in one 15 minute period. (I know, I should get a life!) 2 Pintail and 6 Shoveler in Brown Ale Bay. 3 Ruff still. c1,000 LBbGs loafing on Sheepwash spit at midday. 7 Collared Doves at the ranger base. 6 Willow Tits. 6 Skylark over. c100 Fieldfare and 200 Redwing. 15 Redpoll on Stones island.Simon Roddis
2018-11-12195 Lapwing,2 Raven,56 Teal,6 Mute Swan,30 Wigeon,18 Tuffted Duck,17 Cormorant,8 Great Crested Grebe,2 Pheasant,1 Pied Wagtail,2 Goldeneye,12 Gadwall,3 Little Grebe,200 BH Gull,150 LBB Gull,50 GBB Gull,1 Moorhen,10 Mallard,3 Great Tit,1 Chaffinch,1 Robin All seen late afternoon.David Armitt
2018-11-112nd winter Glaucous Gull at Sheepwash Hide 15.55 until 16.15 then presumably flew to roost. Other birders did have it prior to this at 14.45. Also 2 Yellow legged Gulls and 6 Herring Gulls, and 2 Ravens on the spit. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2018-11-11In the monthly WeBS count this morning, numbers of most species had dropped since last month: 27 Mute Swan. 70 Canada Geese. 2 Barnacles. 108 Mallard. 402 Teal. 146 Wigeon. 42 Gadwall. 2 Shoveler. 2 Pintail. 175 Tufted. 27 Pochard. 5 Goldeneye. 1 Little Egret. 1 Grey Heron. 19 Cormorant. 37 Little Grebe. 50 GCGrebe. 4 Moorhen. 748 Coot. 371 Lapwing. 4 Dunlin. 3 Ruff. 11 Snipe. 3 Woodcock. Also: 5 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end at first light. 1 Peregrine. 9 GBbGulls at Sheepwash had presumably roosted overnight. 4 Skylark over. Simon Roddis, John Bradley
2018-11-10The second-winter Glaucous Gull was again at Sheepwash late afternoon (thanks to RJL/AHS/JB for the nod). Also c1500 LBbG, 20 Herring and 4 Yellow-legs (3 ads and a second-winter). A flock of 72 Golden Plover circled the WLC area for half an hour early afternoon but couldn't pluck up the courage to land. It appears that the 'pair' of Pintail are actually 2 males: the female-looking one is developing pale grey flanks and has a tiny hint of a white line behind the eye. 4 redhead Goosander flew N. c350 Lapwing. 3 Dunlin. 3 Ruff still. 13 Snipe at WLC. Two flocks of Starlings totalling about 700 birds flew low past Brown Ale Bay towards Hopton end late afternoon, presumably on their way to roost. c300 Fieldfare and 100 Redwings in fields at the top of WLC creek. 6 Tree Sparrow and 20 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2018-11-08Second Winter Glaucous Gull from 4:10pm Sheepwash Hide, also 2 Yellow-legged Gulls and 3 Herring Gulls among many Lesser Black-backed, Black Headed and Common Gulls.Roger Carrington, Richard Lowe
2018-11-08Bit of movement this morning: 2240 Woodpigeons N, 125 Starlings W, 30 Bramblings SW over Millfields early morning. Estimated 10,000 Black-headed Gulls from Millfields at first light. 140 Canadas. 2 Barnacle. Pair of Pintail. 2 Shoveler. 4 Goldeneye. 1 Little Egret. c300 Lapwing. 3 Ruff. 8 Dunlin. 12 Snipe at WLC. 6 Collared Dove at the ranger base. Kingfisher at Millfields. 6 Raven. 220 Redwing. 70 Fieldfare. 30 Meadow Pipit. Simon Roddis
2018-11-07A lot of thrushes around this morning: c930 Fieldfare, 100 Redwings and 270 Starlings in total. Pair of Pintail in BA Bay. Not a great deal else to report.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-11-05I did the afternoon shift today because of the murk this morning, and it paid off in the shape of a 2nd-winter Glaucous Gull briefly at Sheepwash at 1525, the first here since December 2008 I believe. Gulls loafing in Brown Ale Bay included 4 Yellow-legs (2 ads, 2 3rd-winters) and adult Caspian. Still present: 2 Pintail, 1 Little Egret, 3 Ruff, 2 Redshank, 7 Dunlin. 4 Shoveler. c300 Lapwing. 11 Snipe at WLC. 30 Long-tailed Tits, including 22 on Stones. 8 Tree Sparrows and a Yellowhammer at Millfields. At least 5 (10?) Redpolls. 15+ Brambling appeared to drop into roost on the other side of the road from BA Bay. Decent afternoon!Simon Roddis
2018-11-04Adult Caspian Gull on bank in front of Sheepwash hide at 13.50 until 15.10 at least. Also 3rd winter Yellow-legged Gull. Neil Moulden
2018-11-045 Tawny Owls calling and one Woodcock at the Hopton end first thing. The Shelduck that has been around for a few days is now lying dead on the shore in Brown Ale Bay. 2 Pintail, male R-c Pochard, 3 Ruff, 2 Redshank and adult Y-l Gull still. 200 Redwing flushed by a stooping Sparrowhawk at Shiningford. 20 Meadow Pipits on Stones.Simon Roddis
2018-11-03A bit of movement this morning: 500 Woodpigeons, 11 Skylarks in various directions, 480 Starlings, 466 Fieldfare, 69 Redwing, 20 Chaffinch, 3 Greenfinch, 2 Brambling, 1 Yellowhammer (the latter 2 over Millfields). 2 Greylags. 2 Barnacles. The female Shelduck still. 2 Pintail (female at Sailing Club, drake in Brown Ale Bay). 7 Shoveler. Male RH-c Pochard. 69 Pochard. 5 Goldeneye. 3 Goosander. An adult Peregrine marauding up and down the west side. 150 Lapwing. 2 Ruff. 6 Dunlin. 2 Redshank in BA Bay. Adult Y-l Gull. 3 Collared Dove over Hopton end. c50 Rooks on the dam wall first thing. 5 Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
2018-11-02Single Little Egret, Shelduck and R-c Pochard still. 5 Shoveler. 18 Little Grebes from Sheepwash hide. 150 Lapwing. 3 Ruff and 7 Dunlin mobile between Sailing Club and Sheepwash. Adult GBb and Y-l Gulls. 2 Collared Doves on Sheepwash feeder. 6 Raven. 60 Fieldfare. 80 Redwing. 15 Tree Sparrows at WLC. 1 Brambling over BA Bay. 2 Greenfinch over.Simon Roddis
2018-11-0222 Mute Swans. 167 Canadas. 2 Barnacles. Female Shelduck still. Male Mandarin at WLC. 13 Shoveler. 1 Pintail. Male R-c Pochard. 2 Goldeneye. The Little Egret still. 6 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. 9 Snipe. Adult Herring Gull. 4 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end at first light. Kingfisher at Sheepwash. 5 Brambling SW over Sheepwash. (75 species.)Simon Roddis

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