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
16/07/20246 Redshank and an unidentified godwit flew over Watersports at 09:15 but not seen again. 1 Common Sandpiper. Adult Yellow-legged Gull again and adult Common Tern.Simon Roddis
15/07/20241 adult Yellow-legged Gull off Stones Island. 2 adult Shoveler from The Wildlife Centre. 1 Honey Buzzard flying over The Wildlife Centre (about 1400).Dave Brown
15/07/20243 adult Shoveler off Stones this morning. 3 Common and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 12 Pochard, plus 2 ducklings still. At Lane End, juvenile Willow Tit, Garden Warbler, pair of Spotted Flycatchers feeding at least 2 fledged young. 2 Sedge and 1 Reed Warblers singing in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
14/07/20243 Arctic Terns were off Stones island at 06:35, lingered for a few minutes but not seen thereafter. A Common Scoter which Clive found off Stones was in juvenile plumage, rather unusual I think. The Black-tailed Godwit still near the main centre. 1 Common Sandpiper. Adult Yellow-legged Gull off Stones and the first juvenile Lesser Black-back that I've seen here this year. 2 Skylarks still in dam wall fields.Simon Roddis
12/07/2024A juvenile Wheatear was on the dam wall this morning (only my second here in July) and a Black-tailed Godwit at Shiningford (opposite the WLC). Common Sandpiper at Millfields and Redshank on Horseshoe island. New broods of Mallard in the carpark(!) and GCGrebes off the dam wall. Second-summer Common Gull at sailing club.Simon Roddis
11/07/20242 fine summer-plumage adult Knot were on sailing club shore this morning until they got disturbed. Adult Mediterranean Gull there too. The Barnacle Geese now have just one gosling, the female Pochard has 2 ducklings and the lone juvenile Shoveler again from WLC. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 2 Little Egrets flew up the res. 3+ Spotted Flycatchers, including at least 1 juvenile, at Shiningfod and a juvenile Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
10/07/202490 Greylag Goose 450 Canada Goose 17 Mute Swan 10 Gadwall 40 Mallard 9 Pochard 50 Tufted Duck 1 Pheasant (heard) 5 Little Grebe 28 Great Crested Grebe (12 adults and 15 immature 1 juvenile) 3 Swift 6 Moorhen 5 Oystercatcher 1 Lapwing 17 Cormorant 1 Buzzard 2 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Kestrel 30 Crow 2 Sedge Warbler (by wildlife centre) 4 Swallow 6 House Martin 10 Chiffchaff 4 Long-tailed Tit 4 Blackcap 4 Wren 3 Blackbird 12 House Sparrow 2 Pied Wagtail 1f Chaffinch 1f Bullfinch (north of brick tower) 8 GoldfinchMatthew Fletcher
10/07/2024Redshank, Kingfisher and Willow Tit at Millfields this morning, 46 Gadwall, 14 Pochard (my highest ever July count here), juvenile Shoveler at WLC.Simon Roddis
08/07/2024Osprey off Stones Island at 12.30pm then later seen perched on tall tree opposite Sheepwash Carpark. Also Red Kite over Carsington Pastures.Richard Lowe
08/07/2024An adult Caspian Gull was off Stones island/dam wall this morning, perhaps the bird which has been here on and off for the last couple of years. A first-summer Common Gull at sailing club was my first since mid May. 8 drake Pochard. 1 Common Sandpiper. A Kingfisher on Stones, probably a young female given its shortish bill and orange at the base of the bill. 4 Linnets on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
07/07/2024Species seen during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Black-Headed Gull, Magpie, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Coot, Woodpigeon, Lesser Black-Backed Gull, Great Crested Grebe, Swift, Pied wagtail, Garden Warbler, Moorhen, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch, Song Thrush, Wren, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Reed Bunting, Blackbird, Sedge Warbler, Greylag Goose, Little Grebe, Oystercatcher, Pochard, Chaffinch, Common Sandpiper and Mallard.Gary Atkins
07/07/20242 Common Sandpipers this morning, a first-summer Great Black-backed Gull (my first for a while), an adult Little Egret flew in and a Hobby over the north end.Simon Roddis
05/07/20248 Oystercatcher, 1 Lapwing, 9 Chiffchaff, 2 Swift, 6 Goldfinch, 1 Buzzard, 3 Garden Warbler, 3 Little grebe, 1 Willow Warbler, 3 Sedge Warbler, 3 Pochard, 1 Reed Warbler, 1 RavenDavid Armitt
04/07/2024A pair of Common Scoter were off Stones island this morning. 10 adult Pochard from WLC. The pair of Barnacle Geese seem to be down to 2 goslings now. A Swift entered the right-hand nestbox at the main centre. Curlew and Common Sandpiper on sailing club shore. Kingfisher past Stones. Adult Reed Warbler feeding fledged young in Hopton reedbed and male Redstart in Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
02/07/2024A lovely summer-plumage Black-necked Grebe was just off the mound on Stones island this morning. There were possibly 2 more out in the middle but the heat haze was dreadful and I couldn't be certain. 7 Pochard (plus 3 ducklings). Common Snadpiper on Stones. Peregrine over Hall Wood.Simon Roddis
30/06/2024Still over 1,000 Canada Geese! 106 Tufted. 19 Swifts feeding over Stones island. 10 Little Grebes (including 4 full-grown young). 50 adult GCGrebes plus 50 young in c29 broods. 3+ Common Sandpiper. 1 adult Common Tern. Juv Willow Tit and singing Whitethroat at Hopton end. 2+ Lesser Whitethroats at top of WLC creek. Full complement of 8 species of warbler - haven't been able to say that very often this year.Simon Roddis
29/06/20245 Common Sandpipers flew along the dam wall this morning, 4 Skylarks in the fields and a male Redstart in the overflow carpark.Simon Roddis
28/06/2024An adult Kittiwake was off Stones 07:45-08:05 at least, in wing moult, missing 1-2 inner primaries. 61 Gadwall. Wildfowl broods to date: Mallard 22, Gadwall 8, Shoveler 1, Pochard 1, Tufted 12, GCGrebe 20+, LGrebe 3, Coot 16+, Moorhen 5+.Simon Roddis
26/06/2024The drake Common Scoter was again north of Stones island this morning - fair to assume it's the same bird as the last 2 days, 1 think. Female Pochard still with 5 young from WLC, and flock of 44 moulting Gadwall, some clearly flightless, there too.Simon Roddis
25/06/2024A drake Common Scoter was north of Stones island this morning - difficult to know if it's the same bird as yesterday or not. Female Pochard again with 5 young from WLC. c100 juv Black-headed Gulls at Millfields. I reckon we now have 7 broods of Oystercatcher, one on each island. Kingfisher past Stones island. Garden Warbler with food on Stones. Alan S had a Hobby over Hopton end.Simon Roddis
24/06/2024An adult Sandwich Tern was off Stones island around 08:00, my first here in June. Drake Common Scoter out in the middle. Common Tern at Millfields. 1,088 Canada, 290 Greylag, 22 Mute Swans, 195 Coot. Female Shoveler off Stones. Juvenile Jays at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
21/06/2024A drake Wigeon found by Roger and Alison was a surprise this morning. A new brood of 8 Gadwall off Watersports island. 3 Teal. 3m Pochard. 62 Tufted. 1000+ Canadas again. 6 Lapwing. 1 Common Sandpiper at sailing club, plus 3 at Millfields (per A&R). 2 Common Tern.Simon Roddis
20/06/2024Continuing the 'black bird' theme, another 2 drake Common Scoters were off Stones island early morning, later moving up the res towards Big Island. 281 Greylags. 32 Gadwall. A Common Sandpiper and 9 Lapwings on sailing club shore. Willow Tit, possibly a juv, at Hopton end.Simon Roddis
19/06/2024An adult Black Tern at Watersports this morning was a surprise given the date. 23 Mute Swans - sadly it appears as if the nest at WLC has been abandoned, 3 Mallard were sitting on it at one point. 21 adult Gadwall; brood of 7 still from WLC. Pochard brood now down to 5, accompanied by 2 females! 1 Curlew N over sailing club. 1 Little Egret. 2 Reed Warblers singing on Stones island and 1 WLC creekSimon Roddis
18/06/2024An immature drake Common Scoter was off Stones island all morning. The female Shoveler with 2 young from WLC, and female Pochard and young still (not sure exactly how many). 4 Teal. 3 adult Redshanks on Horseshoe island, one with a metal ring. Pair of Skylark in the dam wall fields, one of them carrying food - looks like the first confirmed breeding this century. Reed Warbles singing at WLC and on Stones.Simon Roddis
17/06/2024Geese numbers are still on the rise: 1,001(!) Canada, 22 Barnacle plus 3 goslings, 180 Greylag. 2 Teal from WLC. New brood of c7 Gadwall in Brown Ale Bay and at least 2 new Tufted broods. 137 Coot. 1 Common Tern. Kingfisher at Hopton end. Fledged Nuthatch and Grey Wagtails at Millfields. Siskin over Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
16/06/20246 adult Pochard this morning, including the female still with 6 ducklings from WLC. New brood of 11 Tufted from there too. Kingfisher on Stones island, my first here since mid April - must be a chance it's a young bird that's flown in from elsewhere. Lesser Whitethroat again singing in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
15/06/2024After Clive found Shoveler with young a few days ago, another success today in the shape of a brood of 6 Pochard from the WLC, the first here since 1992 (we think). 1 Teal off Stones. 1 Peregrine. 2 Skylarks still in the dam wall fields and Whitethroat still singing in Tail Bay. Grey Wagtail with food at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
13/06/2024per Clive Ashton This morning from Stones/WLC Creek; 22 Mute Swan, Barnacle pair still with 3 yng, drake Pochard, 5 Little Grebe (inc pair with at least 3 yng WLC Creek), 2 Redshank, 1 Lapwing, Hobby through WLC, 8 Swift over Horseshoe, usual Warblers singing (Sedge, Reed, Garden, Blackcap, Willow, Chiff). Fresh brood of 8 Mallard on Stones 12/6/24.Clive Ashton
09/06/2024Monthly WeBS count: 44 GCGrebe (+43 young), 6 Little Grebe, 15 Cormorant, 15 Mute Swans, 746 Canada, 164 Greylag, 66 Mallard, 14 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 45 Tufted (plus the first 2 broods of the year), 107 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 8 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank. Lesser Whitethroat singing at Sheepwash, Tree Sparrow again on the WLC feeders.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
07/06/202414 Chiffchaff, 2 Reed Warbler, 3 Oystercatcher, 2 Reed Bunting,2 Blackcap ,6 Goldfinch , 1 Little Grebe, 1 PochardDavid Armitt
07/06/2024A brood of 8 Gadwall from the WLC is the first of the year here (good spot by Alison). The drake Pochard again. 1 Lapwing at sailing club and 2 Curlew flew W. Hobby along the dam wall and at least 1 Peregrine from WLC. Lesser Whitethroat singing in WLC fields. At least one juvenile Pied Wagtail has fledged from the boat in sailing club bay. 5 Linnets.Simon Roddis
06/06/2024Male and female Common Pochard in WLC area this morning - interesting. Barnacle Geese still with 3 young and 2 Pink-footed Geese again. New brood of 9 Mallard ducklings off Stones. Little Grebe chicks still in WLC creek and 3 large young Oystercatchers on Shiningford shore. 5+ Willow Tits on Stones. Pied Wagtail still taking food onto a boat in sailing club bay.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
05/06/202494 Greylags this morning. The drake Shoveler still. 3+ GSWoodpeckers in Hall Wood, including a large chick sticking its head out of a nest-hole. 3 singing Redstarts in Hall/Middle Woods and Spotted Flycatcher in Middle Wood. Fledged Nuthatches in Hall Wood, plus a separate adult with food. Tree Sparrow on the WLC feeders.Simon Roddis
04/06/2024The highlight this morning was the appearance of 2 Little Terns off Stones island at 08:20; they did a circuit of the reservoir and then started to gain height before departing NE at 08:27, the first here since July 2019. Also 1 Common Tern. 1 Pink-footed Goose. 2 (separate) Curlews flew S. 2 Skylarks on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
02/06/2024In Gary's absence here is the list from the bird walk. House sparrow. robin. canada goose. BH gull. cormorant. crow. tufted duck. mallard. magpie. coot great tit. barnacle goose. gt cr grebe. mute swan. pied wagtail. wood pigeon. wren. chiffchaff. garden warbler. blackbird. song thrush. dunnock. buzzard. red kite. willow tit. blackcap. sedge warbler. swallow. moorhen. oystercatcher. greylag goose. house martin. redshank. goldfinch. jackdaw. 35 species recorded.Amanda Palethorpe
03/06/2024Geese numbers are starting to build: 435 Canada, 5 Barnacle (plus 3 goslings), 92 Greylag, 2 Pink-feet. 18 Mute Swans (one still sitting at WLC). 14 Oystercatcher plus 2 chicks each at Millfields and Sheepwash. 4 Heron (3 flew in over Hall Wood). 2 Reed Warblers singing in WLC creek and one still from Paul Stanley hide.Simon Roddis
30/05/2024Barnacle Geese pair still with 5 goslings at Watersports. Drake Pochard and Shoveler still. Brood of 10 unaccompanied small ducklings at Watersports - possibly the first Gadwall brood? 20 Swifts and 40 House Martins over WLC. Still 2 Oystercatcher chicks on Millfields island. 1 adult Common Tern. Pied Wagtails taking food into a hole in the side of the engine housing(?) on a boat in sailing club bay.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
29/05/202445 Greylags. Redhead Goosander flew NW. Drake Pochard still. 30 Swifts mid-morning. 10 Willow Tits (long time since I had a double-figure count here): family party of 9 on Stones and 2 calling in WLC creek. 2 Skylark S over Stones. 20 House Martins. Sedge Warbler with food on Stones.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
28/05/20242 singing Pied Flycatchers, one each in Hall and Middle Woods, and 3 Spotted Fly in the same area. 3 singing Redstart there too.Simon Roddis
27/05/2024A Little Egret flew in just before 09:00 this morning. The Barnacle family were at WLC. Singing Reed Warblers again at WLC and Millfields, and Whitethroat still in Tail Bay. 25 Lesser Black-backs drifted N. 3 hunting Kestrels. Pair of Willow Tits with at least 4 fledged young on Stones.Simon Roddis
26/05/2024Very soggy. Pair of Oystercatchers with at least 1 chick on Sheepwash spit and 2 chicks still on Millfields island. The Barnacle Geese now have 5 goslings at Millfields. Singing Reed Warblers at PS hide and Millfields.Simon Roddis
25/05/2024Mid-morning at the north end: 3 Shelduck and a drake Pochard off Sheepwash. Black-heads now have chicks on the raft in Brown Ale Bay. 2 new broods of Great Crests (3 and 4) between Sheepwash and Lane End. Singing Spotted Flycatchers in Hall and Middle Woods, and the Pied Flycatcher still in Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
24/05/2024A Sanderling was on the dam wall this morning, plus 3 Turnstones found by Colin Penny which I missed. c100 House Martins is easily the highest number so far this year, along with c50 Swallows, 1-2 Sand Martins and 10+ Swifts. Black-headed Gulls now have chicks on Millfields island. Reed Warbler singing at WLC and Whitethroat singing in Tail Bay.Simon Roddis
21/05/20242 Dunlin on the dam wall mid-morning were new today. 10 Swifts around the visitor centre. Total of 28 House Martins flew N. Fledged Long-tailed Tits at Millfields and Hopton end. Reed Warbler singing at WLC and a Sedge (and 3+ Reed) in Hopton reedbed. Blackcap with food at Millfields.Simon Roddis
18/05/2024A Whimbrel flew N past the main centre at 09:30. Drake Shoveler again on Horseshoe island. New brood of 7 Coot at Millfields and the Oystercatchers still have 2 chicks on the island. 4 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed. 6 male Redstart between Hopton and Warrington Knob and the male Pied Flycatcher still singing in Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
16/05/2024A Whimbrel flew N up the res mid-morning. 1 Common Tern. Drake Shoveler, Pochard and RcPochard still. Little Grebes with at least 3 chicks in WLC creek, in exactly the same spot as last year. Reed Warbler singing on sailing cub island and later on Stones, and Redstart singing in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
12/05/2024Monthly wildfowl count: 139 Canada Geese (plus 5 broods), 1 Barnacle, 47 Greylag (8 broods), 6 Mute Swan, 19 Gadwall, 63 Mallard, 1 Pochard, 47 Tufted, 5 Moorhen, 53 Coot (3 broods), 48 GCGrebe (7 broods), 1 LGrebe, 9 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Common Tern, 17 Cormorant, 4 Heron. Also 1 Spotted Flycatcher on Watersports island (most likely just arrived), Pied Flycatcher still singing in Middle Wood, 4 Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed and a Whitethroat nearby.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
11/05/2024Highlight this morning was a wonderful flock of 11 Black Terns which arrived at 08:38, flew around for about 5 minutes but not seen subsequently. The nice weather encouraged raptors into the air, with at least 10 Buzzards, 4 Sparrowhawks and then 2 Hobbies over Millfields. Drake RcPochard still and 4 Cimon Pochard (3m,1f).Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
09/05/2024A Spotted Flycatcher, first of the year I believe, was at Lane End this morning. 2 female Shelduck were on the shore below Middle Wood before flying off. Clive also had a pair of Teal. 4 Pochard at WLC. 14 Sedge Warbler (12 around Stones island), 18 Garden Warblers, 2 singing Common Whitethroat. Pied Flycatcher still singing in Middle Wood.Simon Roddis

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