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
2018-05-213 Turnstones on Sailing Club island. Monthly WeBS count: 5 Mute Swan (2 nests), 7 Greylag, 71 Canada, 4 Barnacle, 14 Gadwall, 52 Mallard, 95 Tufted, 17 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron, 4 Little Grebe, 40 GCGrebe (8 nests), 61 Coot, 9 Oystercatcher, 5 Lapwing, 4 LRP, 2 Common Sand, 5 Redshank, 400 BhG, 5 LBbG, 4 GBbG, 1 imm Y-l Gull. Also 5 Reed Warblers singing at Hopton end and 2 Spotted Fly (Brown Ale and Penn Carr).Simon Roddis
2018-05-202 Turnstones on Sailing Club Island 07:50hrs.Roger Carrington
2018-05-19This morning Spotted Flycatcher WLC Creek, Blackcap at Lane EndERIC DEWHURST
2018-05-182 Mute Swan nests with sitting adults. Broods of 6, 6 and 2 Canada Geese at Sheepwash/Brown Ale. New brood of 9 small Mallard ducklings at Millfields. 12 Cormorant. 3 Grey Heron. 3 Little Grebes. 8 Lapwing. 8 Redshank. 4 Reed Warblers singing at Hopton end. 3 Spotted Fly singing (Hall Wood, Brown Ale Bay, Penn Carr). Redstarts singing at Hopton end and top of Hall Wood. Fledged Robin at WLC. Simon Roddis
2018-05-16An immature (probably first-summer) Caspian Gull off Stones island/Sailing Club. Noticeable increase in hirundines today: 80 Sand Martins, 18 House Martins and 15 Swallows.SJR, CA, AHS
2018-05-15Quiet this morning. 9 imm GBbGulls. Sedge Warblers still on Sailing Club island and near Millfields island. 4 Reed Warblers singing at Hopton end. Spotted Flycatcher in Penn Carr. Redstart singing in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
2018-05-13The GNDiver was off Stones for much of the morning and an Arctic Tern stayed for a while. Red Kite flew down the east side 0915-0920. Drake Pochard. Greylag (9) and Canada Goose (6) broods at Sheepwash. Single Ringed Plover and Dunlin. 2 singing Common Sands. 30 Swifts. Male Peregrine. Redstart and Lesser Whitethoat singing in WLC fields.SJR, CA, AHS
2018-05-12The GNDiver was off Stones still this morning. A Little Egret, initially on Stones and then up at Sheepwash, is the first of the year at Carsi. One Common Tern early on. 1 Whimbrel. 2 Collared Doves at Millfields. Spotted Flycatcher in Penn Carr. 38 Carrion Crows on the dam wall early morning.Simon Roddis
2018-05-11The GNDiver still, had a fly around mid-morning. A Red Kite flew over the pastures at 09:10. 70+ Swifts. 1 Ringed Plover. 1 Dunlin. 3 Common Sandpiper. Imm Y-l Gull. 4 GBbG. 25 Sand Martins. Reed Warbler singing on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2018-05-10The GNDiver is hanging on, looking splendid now. Drake Common Scoter still there too, off Sheepwash. 1 Arctic Tern through. 2 Ringed Plover. 2 Dunlin. 2 Whimbrel. 1 Common Sandpiper. 1 first-summer Common Gull. 3 imm GBbGs. 30 Swifts. 30 Sand Martins.Simon Roddis
2018-05-08The GNDiver was still there this morning but flew around for 10 mins at about 9am. Drake Common Scoter also still there. 10 Mute Swan. 2 Ringed Plover. 2 Common Sandpiper. Reed Warbler singing on Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
2018-05-081 Red-crested Pochard, 22 Canada Goose,10 Mallard,9 Oystercatcher,5 Pied Wagtail,7 Cormorant,15 BH Gull,4 Redshank,3 Lapwing,8 Great Crested Grebe,4 Mute Swan,25 Tufted Duck,4 Gadwall,1 Buzzard,1 Barnacle Goose,2 Tree Sparrow,1 GBB Gull,1 Robin,2 LRP,1 Grey Heron,2 Greylag Goose,1 LBB Gull,2 Chiffchaff, GN Diver ( From sheep wash Hide)David Armitt
2018-05-06Following species were logged collectively by the Birdwatching for Beginners group, 10am-noon: Blue Tit, Woodpigeon, Jackdaw, Chiffchaff, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Carrion Crow, Robin, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Wren, Mallard, Coot, Great Tit, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Magpie, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, Gt Crested Grebe, Gt Northern Diver, Black-headed Gull, Redshank, Oystercatcher, Buzzard, Dunnock and CormorantGary Atkins
2018-05-06The GNDiver was still there this morning, along with the drake Common Scoter and a mobile drake Red-crested Pochard (first of the year). 10 Gadwall. 2 Stock Doves singing at Hopton end. 3 singing Sedge Warblers (Millfields, Sailing Club island and WLC creek). 3 singing Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed. Simon Roddis
2018-05-05The GNDiver was still present this evening, from Stones island. The Oystercatchers on Horseshoe island now have 4 small chicks. Imm Y-l Gull. 18 Pied and 1 Grey Wagtail flew into Hopton reedbed at dusk, and 1 Yellow Wag flew NE over. Going slightly off-topic, while watching from the Hopton end I saw 46 large bats (Noctules?) fly east to west over the res in 2-3 minutes around 8.50pm, probably coming out of Hall Wood. Never seen anything like it.Simon Roddis
2018-05-04A Spotted Flycatcher in Penn Carr is the earliest ever at Carsington by one day. Alan S. had a Whinchat in the gorse field above Middle Wood. The GNDiver, drake Common Scoter and first-summer Little Gull all still present off Stones island. 11 Mute Swan. 1 male Mandarin. 10 Gadwall. 1 Arctic Tern through. Imm Y-l Gull. 1 Skylark over Stones. 2 Sedge Warblers (Millfields and Sailing Club island). At least 3 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed. Interesting bit of Sparrowhawk hunting behaviour: a male chased a Song Thrush and both crashed into a willow; they both seemed to rest for a few seconds but when the thrush tried to get away, the Sparrowhawk quickly brought it back to ground under the willow, at which point a female Sparrowhawk dived into the fray. Surprisingly, the Song Thrush made another getaway but the female Spar chased and caught it - which I guess spelt the end for the Song Thrush.Simon Roddis
2018-05-03Evening visit: a drake Common Scoter dropped in just before 1930 but flew again shortly afterwards. The GNDiver still from Stones and the Little Gull at WLC. Imm Yellow-legged Gull. 1 Snipe at WLC. 1 Grey Wag and 3 Moorhens at Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis
2018-05-03The GNDiver, now in virtually compete summer plumage, was off Stones island this morning. First-summer Little Gull also still present. 12 Swifts from Stones. Total of 7 LRP. Lesser Whitethroat singing between WLC and Shiningford creeks. Reed Warbler singing in BA Bay.SJR, AHS, CA
2018-05-02Stones Island 16-15 Great Northern Diver off stones 2 artic terns and swift overhead.Dave Horsley
2018-05-02Quite a morning: c240 Arctic and 10 Common Terns counted up to 1130hrs, 2 Little Gulls (adult and first summer), GN Diver, 2 Dunlin, a Greenshank flew over Stones Island, Yellow Wagtail on Stones, pair of Mandarin.Clive Ashton, Roger Carrington.
2018-05-013 Common Sandpiper late afternoon on Stones. At least 5 Little Ringed Plover.Neil Moulden
2018-05-0121 Arctic Terns at 16.00 hrs. 1 imm Little Gull.Neil Moulden
2018-04-301st summer Little Gull and GNDiver still off Stones Island 0830hrs.Roger Carrington
2018-04-29GN Diver still, 4 Arctic Terns through, 1st summer Little Gull, 3 Yellow wags on the dam wall [JB] and 1 on Stones [AHS], pair of Goosander over, imm YL Gull, 3+ Herring Gull, 2 GBB Gull.clive ashton
2018-04-291 Arctic Tern at 0745hr then 8 at 0935 until 1020hr at least, GN Diver almost in summer plumage, 1 Dunlin, 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Yellow Wags, imm Peregrine, 100+ Swallow, 5+ Swift.clive ashton
2018-04-28Little gull from Stones Island hideTom Aspinall
2018-04-26this morning from stones island Great northern diver still present and well into its moult, 2 Common sandpipers,2 Little ringed plovers,1 Swift, Swallows,Sand and House martins increased in numbers,warblers present were Sedge,Common whitethroat, Lesser whitethroat,Blackcap,Garden, Chiffchaff and Willow warbler, and 1 Yellow wagtail.A H Stewardson
2018-04-25The GNDiver still off Stones. Male Pochard. 2 Sparrowhawk. 2 Peregrines, m&f. 1 Ringed Plover. 3 Dunlin. 2 Common Sand. 2 Snipe at WLC. 2 Common Tern. 1 Swift over Stones. c100 Sand Martin, 20 House and 40 Swallows. 2 Sedge Warblers (Sailing Club island and Millfields). Now 2 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed. 1 Yellow Wag over Stones, and 1 White Wag down. 4 Linnet. Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2018-04-24Afternoon visit great northern diver off stones island.5 mute swan.60 canada geese.8 greylag geese.26 barnacle geese(16 wlc.10 millfields).3 gadwall.96 tufted duck.3 common sandpipers(stones island).4 snipe(wlc).3 little ringed plover.7 redshank.8 oystercatchers.3 lapwing.min 15 sand martins(off stones island).grey wagtail.sparrowhawk.2s g b b gull.Chris brown.dave newcombe
2018-04-24A count around the perimeter of the res this morning recorded 52 Chiffchaffs (38 singing), 32 singing Willow Warblers, 70 Blackcaps (55 singing), 3 singing Garden Warblers, 3 singing Common and 2 singing Lesser Whitethroats, 1 Sedge Warbler still on Sailing Club island, 1 Reed Warbler singing in Hopton reedbed (first of the year, I believe), 56 singing Wrens, 36 singing Blackbirds, 11 singing Song Thrushes, 45 singing Robins, 5 singing Redstarts and 16 singing Chaffinches. Also: the GNDiver still, 4 Lapwing, 4 LRP, 3 Common Sand, 8 Willow Tits, and a brood of 6 Mallard ducklings at PS hide.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-04-22A superb 1-year old Red Kite flew low over Stones island this morning (seen earlier by the vols at WLC), as good a view as you could ask for. GNDiver still. 1 Arctic Tern. 1 Common Tern. 25 Barnacle Geese. 2 Goldeneye. 2 Peregrines. Pair of Kestrels mating on Watersports island. 2 LRP. 2 Garden Warblers on Stones. 3 Yellow Wags over.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley, Dan Martin
2018-04-21Singing Garden Warbler on Stones island and Sedge Warbler on Sailing Club island, plus Jon Bradley had Common Whitethroat between BA Bay and Hopton. 2 Swifts flew SW over the Shiningford area just before 0900. The GNDiver still. Brood of 8 Mallard ducklings on Stones. 10 Gadwall. 2 Teal. 2 LRP. 4 Curlew. 16 imm GBbG. 4 Stock Doves. Redstart singing at the Hopton end. 7 Treecreepers singing in the Hopton end/Hall Wood area.Simon Roddis
2018-04-203 Sandwich Terns first seen at 1005, spent some time perched on a buoy before gaining height and presumably leaving at 1050. GNDiver still. Drake Common Scoter and Shoveler. 2 Shelduck. 4 Ringed Plover. 3 LRP. 2 Dunlin. 2 Whimbrel. 1 Curlew. 3 Common Sandpiper. 7 GBbG (6 through). Lesser Whitethroat singing on Shiningford side of WLC creek. Pair (m&f) of Redstarts in WLC fields (Roger C had 2 singing earlier).Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-04-19At least 2, possibly 3, Sandwich Terns this morning: 1 at 0800 appeared to fly NE at 0815 but it probably returned at 0820, before another came in at 0900 and they both flew NE. 5 LRP, Bar-tailed Godwit still, 3 Lesser Whitethroat singing (WLC Creek, adjacent to Flat Island and Stones).Clive Ashton
2018-04-17From Stones island this morning, 4 Arctic Terns, 2 Whimbrel, 1 summer plumage Dunlin, 1 winter plumage Barwit (presumably yesterday's bird still), drake Common Scoter, the GNDiver, 2 Goosander, 2 LRP, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 8 Fieldfare and 8 Linnet. Redstart again singing at the top of WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-04-16A male Pied Flycatcher was at the bottom end of WLC fields around 0915, and a male Redstart was singing at the top of the creek. Winter-plumage Bar-tailed Godwit from the WLC itself. The GNDiver still. 4 Mandarin (3m,1f) at WLC. 11 Gadwall (5m,2f at WLC, 3m,1f BA Bay). 3 LRP. 1 Common Sand. 1 Curlew. c400 BhGs around Millfields island. 2 Peregrine (adult m, imm f). 1 Yellow Wagtail over Stones. Single Lesser Redpoll and Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2018-04-15Re Peter's request: you can usually see the GNDiver from Stones island, most likely out in the middle of the res but sometimes quite close. Occasionally it goes down towards Millfields or even up to Sheepwash, so try those if Stones doesn't work. About the Scaup - it looks as if it has gone, not been seen the last 2 days; it was best looked for from the WLC or Stones causeway. If it's any consolation, a male Common Scoter has been there for 3 days now, again best seen from Stones. Hope that helps.Simon Roddis
2018-04-15Monthly WeBS count: 11 Mute Swan, 17 Greylags, 12 Barnacle Geese, 110 Canadas, 4 Mandarin, 10 Gadwall, 2 Teal, 59 Mallard, 1 Shoveler, 79 Tufted Duck, 1 Common Scoter, 4 Goldeneye, 1 GNDiver, 10 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 8 Little Grebe, 32 GCGrebe, 2 Moorhen, 53 Coot, 11 Oystercatcher, 3 Lapwing, 2 LRP, 9 Redshank, 6 Common Snipe. Also: 7 ad Little Gulls (6 straight through, 1 lingered a while), 10+ imm Herring Gulls, imm Y-l Gull, 2 Arctic and 1 Common Tern through, 3 Stock Doves and 2 Redwing at Sheepwash, 11 Chiffchaff and 8 Blackcap between lane End and the Hopton end, 6 Linnets flew N.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley, Clive Ashton
2018-04-15Can anyone help Peter? Peter Smitham We’re is the best place to locate the GND and Male Scaup on Carsington?..a few of us visiting tomorrow and would like to be in for a chance in spotting them....TIA...RichardP
2018-04-1413 Common Scoters this morning, probably yesterday's male plus 9m and 3f. 6 Wigeon and a drake Pochard were also new in. 8 Goldeneye. The GNDiver is starting to get a bit of spotting on its upperparts. Didn't see the Scaup. A Red Kite over Carsington Pastures was the first of the year here. Adult Kittiwake. Hirundines: 15 Swallows, 10 Sand Martins and 2 House Martins. 2 Yellow Wags over and 6 White Wags down on Stones island. Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2018-04-13A drake Common Scoter was off Horseshoe island this morning and was still present mid-afternoon. The GNDiver and Scaup are also still there. A few hirundines this afternoon, 15 Swallows, 5 Sand Martins and 4 House Martins.Simon Roddis
2018-04-12Not a bad morning despite the murk. A sub-adult Mediterranean Gull (found by Roger C) was at Millfields island; just a couple of thin slivers of black on the primaries. The GNDiver and male Scaup are still present. 18 Greylags. 10 Barnacle Geese. 3 Mandarins at the WLC. 7 Gadwall. 5 Goldeneye. 17 Cormorant. 3 LRP. Common Sandpiper on Stones island. 5 Snipe at WLC. The imm Yellow-legged Gull still. 3 imm Herring Gull. 2 Jay at Millfields. 6 Swallow. A mixed flock of 90 Fieldfares and Redwings flew NE over the Hopton end at 1215; they seemed to be in roughly equal numbers, so c45 of each. 2 Siskin over WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
2018-04-09The GNDiver and male Scaup are still there. 2 adult Kittiwakes from 0830 to 1310 at least, first from Stones and later from Millfields. 2 White Wagtails on Stones island for most of the morning. 3 Mandarins at the WLC. A pair of Shoveler dropped into Millfields at 1300 and 2 pairs of Gadwall there. 10 Common Snipe at the WLC. Blackcaps, Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs now all in but didn't see any new migrants other than the White Wags.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
2018-04-091 Scaup,1 Barnacle Goose,50 Canada Goose,16 Tufted Duck,16 Mallards, 4 oystercatcher,4 Sand Martins,2 Chiffchaff,4 Long Tailed Tit,1 Little ring Plover,8 Teal,4 Gadwall,2 Mute Swans,2 Tree Sparrows,2 Dunnock,1 Swallow,1 Buzzard,1 GBB Gull,1 little Grebe, Mandarin 2 Male 1 Female, 19 Great Crested Grebe,4 Chaffinch,2 Blue Tit,1 Nuthatch,2 Redshank,6 Cormorant,1 Sparrow Hawk David Armitt
2018-04-081 Common Sandpiper and 1 Redshank on Watersports Island at 12.30pm. Paul Bennett
2018-04-082 Willow Warblers and 5+ Chiffchaffs on stones island. Also Scaup still from Wildlife Centre.Luke Stoppard
2018-04-08Species noted at today's Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon): Canada Goose, Tufted Duck, House Sparrow, Carrion Crow, Great Crested Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Goldfinch, Woodpigeon, Coot, Little Grebe, Scaup, Redshank, Pied Wagtail, Bullfinch, Blue Tit, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Great Northern Diver, Great Black-backed Gull, Jackdaw, Mute Swan, Wren, Dunnock, Cormorant, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover (x2), Buzzard, Tree Sparrow, Reed Bunting, Sparrowhawk, Long-tailed Tit, Mallard, Robin, Greylag Goose, Kestrel, Great Tit, Teal, Blackbird, Raven, Gadwall, Sand Martin, Swallow, Magpie, Willow Tit and Chaffinch. Gary Atkins
2018-04-084 adult Kittiwakes (initially 3 but then joined by another) from Stones 0900-1000. The GNDiver and male Scaup still present. 2 pairs Mandarin. 1m Wigeon. 2 LRP. 1 Curlew. Roger C had a Common Sand on Stones causeway early morning but not subsequently. Imm Yellow-leg, 2 Herring and 4 GBbGulls. Pair of Kestrels mating in WLC fields. Blackcaps singing at Penn Carr, WLC and near PS hide. 1 Redwing at Millfields. Simon Roddis
2018-04-06New this morning were 2 male Blackcaps, at Millfields and WLC creek. The GNDiver and male Scaup are still there. 2 Willow Warblers singing on Stones island. 5 Swallows. 1 LRP. 13 Barnacle Geese including 4 pairs at Millfields island. 8 Gadwall (4 pairs). Male Shoveler. 4 Goldeneye. 7 Stock Dove including a pair displaying at the top of WLC creek. 40 Fieldfare flew NE up the west side.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson, Roger Carrington
2018-04-05The Black-necked Grebe was still off the dam wall, viewable from Millfields, to 1245 at least. The GNDiver and Scaup still present. 5 Pochard (1m,4f). 4 Goldeneye. 4+ LRP. 1 Curlew. 38 GBbGulls off Sailing Club early morning, presumably having roosted overnight, and most headed off north during the morning. 3 Herring Gull. 1 Peregrine. 4 Raven. 10+ Sand Martin and c5 Swallows. 2 Willow Warblers on Stones/the causeway.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson, Clive Ashton

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