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
2018-09-11130 Greylag. 23 Barnacles. 6 Shoveler. Male R-c Pochard at WLC. 28 Cormorant. 4 Ringed Plover and a Dunlin in BA Bay. 2 Greenshank at Sheepwash. 5 Snipe. Adult Herring Gull past Stones. 3 Yellow-legged Gull (first-, second- and third-winter). 2 GBbG. 2 Hobby (juv from Stones and adult over BA Bay). 15 Swallow. 70 House Martin. c25 Chiffchaff, including 20 on Stones. 2 Willow Warbler (Stones and WLC). 14 Meadow Pipit over during the morning. 15 Tree Sparrow at WLC. 80 Goldfinch on Stones.Simon Roddis
2018-09-09Monthly WeBS count: 41 Mute Swan, 21 Greylag, 1 Barnacle, 530 Canadas, 20 Wigeon, 36 Gadwall, 399 Teal, 279 Mallard, 3 Shoveler, 3 Red-crested Pochard, 30 Pochard, 307 Tufted, 28 Cormorant, 9 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 24 Little Grebe, 44 GCGrebe, 15 Moorhen, 926 Coot, 4 Lapwing, 9 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 1 Common Sand, 1 Greenshank, 3 Snipe. Also, juv Peregrine trying but failing to catch the Greenshank, 5 Raven, 10 Swallow, c50 House Martin, 2 Spotted Flycatcher (Sheepwash and Stones), 6 Meadow Pipit over.Simon Roddis, John Bradley
2018-09-09Ruddy shelduck x1 14:20 WLC Red crested pochard x1 f plus 2 juv WLCAmanda Palethorpe
2018-09-089 Little Egrets this morning, including 8 together at Watersports. 1 juv Shelduck. Male Mandarin flew past Sheepwash towards Brown Ale Bay. 19 Greylag. 1 Barnacle. 8 Ringed Plover. 2 Dunlin. 2 Greenshank from Sheepwash. 7 Snipe. 2 Yellow-legged and 2 GBb Gulls. Tawny Owl freshly dead on the road at the entrance to Sailing Club. 4 Raven. Between 0930-1000, 90 House Martin, 4 Sand Martin and 15 Swallow past Sheepwash hide, with another 50 House Martins earlier over Stones island. 1 Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. 120 Goldfinch on Stones.SJR, RC, AHS
2018-09-07Alan S. found a juv Wood Sandpiper to the right of Sheepwash hide this morning. 7 Little Egret. 2 Common Sand. 1 Dunlin. c100 Rooks over the dam wall then flew down the west side. 20 Mistle Thrushes over BA Bay. 20 Tree Sparrows at WLC.Simon Roddis
2018-09-06Great Egret still present at 17:00hr at Sheepwash also 9 Mistle Thrush there.clive ashton
2018-09-06Great Egret again in Brown Ale Bay, 7 Little Egret, 9 Ringed Plover on Stones, Peregrine over Stones, Hobby over Sheepwash, Yellow Wagtail over Stones, 6 Grey Wagtails at Millfields, Skylark over Sheepwash. Warblers on Stones: 2 Sedge, Garden, 5 Blackcap and 2 Willow singing. 20 Rooks over Stones.clive ashton
2018-09-05A moulting adult Black Tern (a different bird from yesterday) was off Stones from 0800 until it flew W at 0815. 7 Little Egret. Single Ringed Plover and Dunlin on Stones island. 3 Common Sand. 3rd-winter Y-l Gull still. Lots of hirundines moving, including c100 each of Swallow and House Martin S past Sheepwash in 15 mins around 1130. c20 Meadow Pipits over during the morning, and 1 Wheatear over the visitor centre.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-09-043 (possibly 4) Black and 8 Common/Arctic Terns through 1015-1125. An adult and juv Black Tern hung around for a while before gaining height and disappearing. 36 Mute Swan. 409 Teal. 19 Gadwall. 19 Wigeon. 12 Shoveler. 12 Pochard. 1 Goosander W. 5 Little Egret. 6 Grey Heron. 1 Dunlin at WLC. 2 Common Sand. 5 Tawny Owls calling at the Hopton end at first light. 31 Rooks over. 15 Swallow. 30 House Martin. Totals of 29 Chiffchaff and 15 Blackcap. 15+ Blackbirds on Stones island. 9 Mistle Thriush at Sheepwash. 1 (maybe 2) Redstart in WLC fields. 100 Goldfinch on Stones.Simon Roddis
2018-09-03Osprey with catch. 18.15 (approx) Wapentake Lane near Kirk Ireton.Heather Venables
2018-09-03Osprey again from 1732hrs and still flying around high at 18:00hrs.Roger Carrington
2018-09-03A Red Kite briefly over sailing club at 0830. 31 Wigeon. 26 Gadwall. 7 Shoveler. 2 R-c Pochard still. 16 Pochard. 5 Little Egret. 6 Ringed and 3 juv LRP on Stones. 3 Common Sand. 4 Yellow-legged Gulls (the 3rd-winter and 3 juvs). On Stones island, 200 House Martins, 2 Sedge Warbler, 1 Whitethroat, 7 Chiffchaff (10 in total) and 6 Blackcap (plus one at WLC).Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-09-035 Little Ergret,4 Grey Heron, 44 Canada Goose,12 Gadwall,10 Great Crested Grebe,9 Mute Swan,52 Tufted Duck,10 Wigeon, 2 C.Crow,30 Teal,2 Little Grebe,14 Pochard,Great White Egret on the opposite bank to Sheepwash hide.David Armitt
2018-09-03Species noted by group attending the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon): House Martin, Great White Egret (bird of the day!), Canada Goose, House Sparrow, Swallow, Cormorant, Mute Swan, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Tufted Duck, Gt Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Pied Wagtail, Gadwall, Mallard, Ringed Plover, Chiffchaff, Wren, Willow Warbler, Woodpigeon, Goldfinch, Grey Heron, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Lesser Black-backed Gul, Jackdaw, Jay, TealGary Atkins
2018-09-03Yesterday- Osprey. 13:20 until 13:55 circling over north end. Dived near Fishtail no catch. Left flying north. WLC vols plus visitors witnessed.Amanda Palethorpe
2018-09-02The Great Egret was on the east side of the res early morning then later on Sheepwash spit. 5 Little Egret. 403 Teal. 16 Gadwall. 8 Wigeon. 2 Shoveler. 2 R-c Pochard. 7 Ringed Plover on Stones. 3 Common Sand. 2 Snipe. Imm Y-l Gull still. 6 Jay. 2 Raven. Total of c200 House Martins (100+ on Stones, 65 BA Bay, 25 Shiningford). 18 Chiffchaff (15 Stones/WLC area, 3 Sheepwash), 1 Willow Warbler in BA Bay, 8 Black cap on Stones/WLC, 2 Garden Warbler and 1 Common Whitethroat on Stones, 1 Lesser White in WLC fields. Adult White Wag on the dam wall. Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2018-09-01Great White Egret viewed from Sheepwash hide and Brown Ale Bay gate far side of reservoir 4-30 to 5-00p.m. Three Little Egret in Brown Ale Bay. Nine Ringed Plovers on Stones Island.David Horsley
2018-09-01Osprey seen coming off from Fishtail creek (no fish), circled clockwise via Millfileds over resv. towards Sheepwash then lost - 11:20 for 10 mins from dam wall. 4 Ringed Plover at Stones Island - 10:10.Regular Visitor
2018-08-31An Osprey flew over Sheepwash hide at 1145, caught a fish with its second attempt and flew around with it being harried by a Lesser Black-back for several minutes until lost at 1155. 2 R-c Pochard still. 5 Little Egret. 12 Ringed Plover and 1 juv LRP on Stones. 1 Whimbrel. 3 Common Sand. 1 Peregrine. 5 Raven. 6 Lesser Whitethroats (4 in WLC fields, 2 on Stones). Sedge Warbler on Stones. Female Redstart in WLC fields. Juv Wheatear on Stones. 2 Yellow Wags.SJR, AHS, CA, RC
2018-08-30Dusk at Millfields: 1600 LBbG, 280 BhG, 1 Curlew, 65 Pied Wag, 5+ Grey WagSimon Roddis
2018-08-308 Shelduck (2 ads, 6 juvs) at Sheepwash and the Ruddy Shelduck at Millfields. 239 Teal. 23 Gadwall. 2 R-c Pochard. 32 Mute Swan, including the cygnet. 847 Canada Geese. 1 Barnacle. 5 Little Egret. 12 Ringed Plover on Stones and 2 juv LRP on the causeway. 2 Common Sand. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (second-summer and juv). 3 Jay at BA Bay. 12 Rook. Total of c100 House Martins. Warblers on Stones: 5 Blackcap, 2 Garden, 2 Lesser White, 5 Chiff, 2 Willow. Another 2 Lesser Whites in WLC creek and Reed in BA Bay. 2 male Redstart in WLC fields. 1 Yellow Wag. 4 Grey Wag. 1 Meadow Pipit SW. 130 Goldfinch (100 on Stones, 30 in WLC creek).Simon Roddis
2018-08-29Winter plumage Turnstone on Stones island, along with 17 Ringed and 1 juv LR Plover. Greenshank still. 2 Common Sand. 2 GBb, second-summer Yellow-legged and adult Caspian-type Gulls around Sheepwash spit. 6 Little Egret. 16 Greylags. The Ruddy Shelduck still. 225 Teal. 27 Gadwall. 2 R-c Pochard still. 2 Sparrowhawk over Hall Wood. c50 Swallows and c50 House Martins moving through. Male Redstart in WLC fields. Garden Warbler, 2 Whitethroat and 3 Willow Warblers on Stones.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-08-28Osprey for 10mins before flying off south 16:25hrs. The 2 juv Knot still this evening on Stones Island with Ringed Plover flock and 1Dunlin. 6 Little Egrets still around the site.Roger Carrington
2018-08-282 juv Knot on Stones island still. 12 Ringed Plover, 2 juv LRP, 1 Dunlin, 1 Snipe also there. Greenshank from Sheepwash hide. 5 Common Sand. 2 Yellow-legged Gull, second-summer and juv. 6 Little Egret in Brown Ale Bay. 200 Teal. 14 Gadwall. 3 Shoveler. 2 R-c Pochard. The Ruddy Shelduck flew past Stones mid-morning. 5 Raven. Wheatear, 2 Garden Warbler and 3 Common Whitethroat on Watersports island. c10 Chiffchaff on Stones. 2 Redstart, Spotted Fly and 3 Lesser Whites in WLC fields. c30 Tree Sparrow at WLC, a welcome increase on recent counts. Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2018-08-272 juv Knot on Stones island 0730-0830 at least. 6 Ringed Plover there too and a vocal Whimbrel flying round. Second-summer Yellow-leg and adult Caspian-type Gulls. Juv Common Tern off Stones. Total of 84 Cormorants, including 25 SW and 34 which flew in. 224 Teal at BA Bay/Sheepwash. 21 Gadwall. 8 Shoveler. 7 Pochard. Single Hobby over Hall Wood and juv Peregrine over the dam wall. Kingfisher at Tail Bay. Only c50 Swallows on the dam wall this morning, and 3 Yellow Wags over. 12 Rook. 8 Blackcap on Stones/WLC creek. c100 Goldfinch on Stones. Redstart, Lesser White and 18 Tree Sparrows in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
2018-08-26On Stones island, 16 Ringed Plover, juv LRP, 6 Dunlin and Greenshank (Roger C later had 2 Greenshank at Sheepwash). 2 Common Tern. Juv Shelduck flew SW with 19 Cormorants at 0700. 200 Swallows and 100 BhGs on the dam wall early morning. 5+ Yellow Wags. Lesser White in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
2018-08-25Juv Ruff on Horseshoe island. The Greenshank still in Shiningford creek. 10 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin and 1 Snipe on Stones island. Juv LRP in BA Bay. 4 Commmon Sand. 197 Teal. 4 Shoveler. 14 Gadwall. 2 R-c Pochard off Horseshoe island. The Ruddy Shelduck flew out with Canadas at 0640 and returned at 0800, then loafed for much of the morning on Stones island. 30 Cormorant on Sheepwash spit. 5 Little Egret in BA Bay. Adult Caspian-type Gull on Watersports island. 150 Swallows roosting on the dam wall early morning until flushed by a Hobby, and the same or another Hobby over the res mid-morning. Total of 7 Yellow Wags (3 on the dam wall, 2 on Watersports, 2 over WLC creek). 6 Raven. Reed and at least 2 Garden Warblers on Stones. Imm male Redstart and 3+ Lesser Whitethroats in WLC fields. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-08-24Teal numbers continue to rise: 189 in Brown Ale Bay this morning. 3 Shoveler off Stones. 2 Little Egret. 4 Grey Heron. On Stones, 1 Greenshank, 2 Redshank, 6 Ringed Plover, 1 Snipe. 3 Dunlin in total. 4 Common Sand and juv LRP in BA Bay. Spotted Flycatcher in Shiningford creek. 18 Tree Sparrows (16 at WLC).Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-08-24Hobby over Stones Island at 10.15 hrs, and then around Stones Island and Sailing Club at 16.00 hrs. 5 Common Sandpiper and 2 Dunlin Brown Ale Bay late afternoon. 2 Wheatear Tail Bay mid morning. Neil Moulden
2018-08-23A Ruddy Shelduck, unringed and of unknown origin, at Millfields, apparently since yesterday. 4 Greylag. 1 Barnacle. 169 Teal (166 in BA Bay). 19 Gadwall. 1 Wigeon in BA Bay. 11 Shoveler off Stones. 4 Pochard. 22 Cormorant on Sheepwash spit. 3 Little Egret. 2 juv LRP in BA Bay. 4 Ringed on Stones. 4 Common Sand. Hobby(s?) over Hopton village and Tail Bay. 2 GBbG. 1 Swift over Tail Bay. 100+ Swallow, 50+ House Martin and 7 Sand Martin. 2 Yellow Wag in Tail Bay. Reed Warbler on Stones. 3 Redstart (2m,1f/imm), Lesser Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatcher in WLC fields. Simon Roddis
2018-08-22Juv Greenshank dropped into Stones island mid-morning. 1 juv LRP. 1 juv Oyc. 2 Dunlin. 2 Snipe. 2 Common Sand. Adult Yellow-legged Gull and second-summer GBbG. 9 Gadwall. 4 Shoveler. 1m Pochard. 1 Peregrine. 3 Yellow Wags. Single Garden and Reed Warblers on Stones. 2 Lesser Whitethroats and a Redstart in WLC fields. 8 Mistle Thrush at Sheepwash. 4 Greenfinch.SJR, CA, RC
2018-08-18Several Whitethroat and Tree Sparrows WLC Creek Pair of Redstart Shiningford CreekMr ERIC DEWHURST
2018-08-161 Little Egret on Sailing Club island. 3 juv LRP, 2 Dunlin and 1 Common Sand in BA Bay. 4 Ringed Plover on Stones. Second-summer Yellow-legged Gull still. 1 Pink-footed Goose. 13 Gadwall. 68 Teal. 1 R-c Pochard at WLC. Juv Peregrine at Watersports. Reed Warbler in BA Bay. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. A Carrion Crow in front of Sheepwash hide was eating a dead crayfish, presumably a Signal Crayfish, with red claws.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-08-152 Little Egrets in Brown Ale Bay, along with 61 Teal and 2 Dunlin. 14 Gadwall in total. 4 Ringed Plover, 2 Shoveler, adult Common Tern and 80+ Goldfinch around Stones island.Simon Roddis
2018-08-14Moulting adult Sanderling on Stones island 0800-0830. 3 Ringed and 1 LRP there. 3 Dunlin. 4 Common Sand. Bewildering selection of gulls on Sheepwash spit, including the adult Caspian type, second-summer Yellow-leg and 3 probable juv Yellow-legs. 2 imm GBbGs. Adult Common Tern. 12 Gadwall. 54 Teal in BA Bay. 1 f/imm R-c Pochard at WLC. 3 Pochard. 2 Little Egret. 6 Swifts over Hall Wood. 2 Redstart in WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
2018-08-11Monthly WeBS count: 42 Mute Swan, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 192 Canada Geese, 14 Gadwall, 36 Teal, 282 Mallard, 2 Pochard, 456 Tufted, 1 Common Scoter, 38 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 7 Grey Heron, 16 Little Grebe, 39 GCGrebe, 14 Moorhen, 563 Coot, 48 Lapwing, 1 LRP, 7 Dunlin, 4 Common Sand, 2 Snipe, 2 Common Tern. Also a Tree Pipit over Stones island (JB,AHS,RC), 5 Stock Dove, 1 Peregrine, 9+ Reed Warbler (including 2 family parties in Hopton reedbed, presumably second broods), 2 Crossbill over Hopton end.Simon Roddis, John Bradley
2018-08-10Adult Caspian type and imm Yellow-legged Gull still. 2 adult Common Tern. 2 juv LRP. 3 Common Sand. 3 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. 11 Greylag. 33 Teal. 1m Pochard. 16 Goosander flew N. 1 Little Egret. 36 Cormorant on Sheepwash spit. 1 Collared Dove at ranger base. 2 Swifts. 13 Ravens. 90 Swallows on the dam wall first thing, presumably having roosted there. 10+ Sand Martins on Stones causeway. 25 House Martins. 3 Garden Warblers on Stones. 2 Lesser Whites (Stones and WLC creek). 3 Grey Wags at Millfields. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-08-09Juv Black-tailed Godwit on Stones island. Adult Caspian type Gull again, adult and imm Yellow-legs. 1 adult Common Tern. 2 Little Egret. 33 Teal. 3 Pochard. In BA Bay, 12 Gadwall, 5 juv LRP, 1 adult Ringed Plover, 5 Common Sand, 3 Dunlin. 1 Skylark over Stones and lots of warblers (7 species) still there. CA also had a Wheatear on the dam wall and Green Sand at WLC, and RC had Green Woodpecker at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2018-08-0853 Teal. 7 Gadwall. 2 f/imm R-c Pochard. 1m Pochard. 42 Cormorant on Sheepwash spit. 1 Little Egret. 2 Heron. 3 juv LRP in BA Bay. 1 Ringed Plover over. 1 ad Dunlin. 5+ Common Sand. 3 Snipe at WLC. Adult Caspian (type?), imm Y-l Gull and one-footed GBbG still. 1 Swift. 8+ Sand Martin. 3+ Garden Warbler on Stones. Reed Warbler at WLC. F/imm Redstart in WLC fields. SJR, AHS, CA
2018-08-07A Turnstone, Ringed Plover and 3 Black-tailed Godwit flew through between 0825-0845, seen from Stones. 1 Oystercatcher. 6 Common Sand. 2 summer plumage Dunlin. Imm Y-l Gull still. 46 Mute Swan plus the cygnet. 18 Greylag. 8 Shoveler. 24 Teal. 160 Tufted at Hopton end, as per Gary on Sunday. 2 Little Egret. 2 second brood young Moorhen from WLC. 2 Reed Warblers on Stones, and still in BA Bay and Hopton reedbed. A possible Lesser Emperor dragonfly in the meadow at Hopton village.Simon Roddis
2018-08-06Species noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon): Carrion Crow, Coot, Gt Crested Grebe, Mallard, Teal, Lapwing, Cormorant, Woodpigeon, Tufted Duck, Black-headed Gull, Raven, House Martin, Blue Tit, Swallow, House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Canada Goose, Gadwall, Willow Tit, Mute Swan, Blackbird, Goldfinch, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Kestrel, Jackdaw, Reed Bunting, Little Grebe, Reed Warbler, Chaffinch and WrenGary Atkins
2018-08-06160+ Tufted Duck, in two groups, at Hopton end at 0900Gary Atkins
2018-08-05A few more duck in today: 8 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 32 Teal, 1 Pochard, 2 R-c Pochard still at Millfields. 2 Little Egret. 1 Oystercatcher. 2 LRP. 2 adult Dunlin. 1 Snipe. Imm Y-l Gull still. 1 Swift. 1 Peregrine. 4 Jay. 6 Raven. 3 Garden Warbler on Stones, including presumed second brood fledged young. 3 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall. 1 Crossbill over Brown Ale Bay early morning.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2018-08-04A pretty good morning - 78 species. A juvenile Marsh Harrier drifted south over the res 0845-0850. 2 separate Peregrines, adult and juv. 2 Turnstone flew SE over Millfields, calling, at 0730. Adult Black-tailed Godwit on Sailing Club island. 1 juv LRP. 1+ adult Dunlin. 1 Snipe at WLC. 1 Oystercatcher. 2 Little Egret. 47 Mute Swans plus one cygnet. 11 Greylags. 1 Barnacle. 7 Gadwall. 22 Teal (again). 1 Shoveler at WLC. 2 R-c Pochard at Millfields. Imm Yellow-legged Gull still. 12 Rooks below the dam wall. 2 Garden Warblers on Stones. Sedge and Reed Warblers in WLC creek reedbed. 4 Raven. 2 Crossbill over Brown Ale Bay at 0615.Simon Roddis
2018-08-038 grey-backed big gulls among the Lesser Black-backs at Sheepwash late morning: adult and sub-ad Caspian, second-summer and 3 adult Yellow-legs, 2 indeterminate. Definite hierarchy among them, the immature Yellow-leg kicked the adult Caspian off a dead fish which the Caspian in turn had taken off a couple of Carrion Crows on the shoreline. 120 Lapwing. Single juv Ringed and LRP. 2 Gadwall. 22 Teal. 1 Shoveler. 1 Pochard. 41 Cormorant. 2 Little Egret. 30 House Martin. 6 Sedge Warblers on Stones. Roger C had a Green Sand early on in Brown Ale Bay and 2 R-c Pochard at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2018-08-02The adult Caspian Gull still, plus adult and possibly 2 immature Yellow-legs. One adult Common Gull and the one-footed GBbG. 2 adult Common Tern. Green Sandpiper in Tail Bay, found by Roger C and still there to 10.10 at least. 5 LRP. 8 Common Sand. 1 Oystercatcher. 45 Mute Swan. 14 Greylag. The Barnacle Goose flew into Millfields with Canadas at 10.00. 15 Teal (plus another 7 seen by CA on Stones). 2 f/imm Red-crested Pochard still at Millfields. 4 Pochard. 1 Little Egret. 6 Grey Heron. 4 Sand Martin past Stones. 2 Garden and 5+ Sedge Warblers on Stones. 4 Tree Sparrows at Millfields carpark.Simon Roddis
2018-08-01No sign of the Wood Sandpiper this morning but 2 Black-tailed Godwits at WLC and 2 RC Pochard at Sailing Club. Caspian and YL Gull still present.clive ashton / Roger Carrington
2018-07-31Highlight this morning was a juvenile Wood Sandpiper on Stones island from 0830, still there this afternoon. A Turnstone flew through at 0825 and a Black-tailed Godwit was in Brown Ale Bay at 1145-1200. 5 LRP. 9 Common Sand. 1 Shelduck. 16 Teal. 2 Shoveler at WLC. 2 Pochard in BA Bay. 28 Cormorants on Sheepwash spit. 1 Little Egret. 5 Grey Herons. Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 25 Swifts. 6 Sand Martin. 5+ (maybe as many as 10) Ravens. 30 Goldfinch on Stones. Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2018-07-30Small influx of waders though nothing unusual: 15+ Common Sands and 10 LRP around the site. Caspian and Y-l Gulls still, and Onefoot the GBbG was back after an absence of 3 weeks or so. 9 Goosander through. 16 Teal. 46 adult Mute Swan. 2 Raven. 2 Sand Martin. SJR, AHS, CA
2018-07-27A Green Sandpiper briefly at Sheepwash at 0700 then flew into Brown Ale Bay. 5 Common Sand. 1 Whimbrel through. Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again off Stones island. 14 Teal. 8 Pochard. 2 Little Egret. 7 Moorhen. 16 Raven SE over the dam wall. 5 Garden and 6 Sedge Warbler around Stones island. 1 Yellow Wag.SJR, CA, RC, AHS

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