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
2018-04-05Very showy summer plumage Black-necked grebe near the island at Millfields this morning - then scared off by fishing boats @CBCSightings @DerbyshirebirdsJames Taylor
2018-04-04An Osprey (yesterday's bird again?) flew over the Watersports centre at 1045 and was seen again over Shiningford and Carsington Pastures before disappearing into the cloud at 1120. A Common Tern was off Stones island 0815-0845. 3 LRP. 10+ Sand Martins. 1 House Martin. 5+ Swallows. Female Wheatear on the dam wall. Willow Warbler singing on Stones causeway at 1230. The GNDiver and Scaup still there. 1 Dunlin. 1 Curlew. The imm Yellow-legged Gull. 15 Redwing at Sheepwash. 5 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2018-04-03An Osprey flew north at 1105, first seen from the WLC over Shiningford; it hovered over the water a few times before heading off. One Swallow over Brown Ale Bay (and Keith Badrick had another on the dam wall). c10 Sand Martins during the morning. At least 3 Little Ringed Plover and 1 Ringed Plover. The GNDiver and male Scaup still. Female Shelduck. 5 Goosander. Male Wheatear still on the dam wall. 20 Herring Gulls down/through. 5 GBbGulls. The imm Y-l Gull still. 4 Skylarks over. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson, Clive Ashton
2018-04-02Male Wheatear with meadow pipits and pied wagtails on dam bank 15.30Tony Wood
2018-04-01Species seen collectively by the group undertaking the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-12 noon): Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, House Sparrow, Woodpigeon, Blue Tit, Tufted Duck, Coot, Cormorant, Great Tit, Buzzard, Meadow Pipit, Black-headed Gull, Pied Wagtail, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Little Grebe, Gt Crested Grebe, Mute Swan, Mallard, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch, Tree Sparrow, Goldfinch, Kestrel, Oystercatcher, Long-tailed Tit, Redshank, Dunnock, Reed Bunting, Wren, Scaup, Willow Tit, Teal, Gt Northern Diver and Lesser Black-backed GullGary Atkins
2018-04-01The GNDiver, male Scaup and immature Yellow-legged Gull still present. 6 Chiffchaffs but I didn't see any other migrants. Millfields island is still devoid of Black-headed Gulls but 5 pairs of Barnacle Geese were back, with another 6 elsewhere.Simon Roddis
2018-03-31The GNDiver and male Scaup still present. Pair of Mandarins at the WLC. At Millfields island, where there were over 500 Black-headed Gulls earlier in the week, there were none - zero - this morning, presumably because of the inclement weather. No Barnacle Geese on the island either, although there were 7 in the fields above Penn Carr.Simon Roddis
2018-03-30As well as Roger's birds, 2 Sand Martins flew past Stones island mid-morning. 3 Mandarins: a male flew over the Hopton end at first light and a pair flew across the reservoir from Stones island and landed in a tree on the east side. 1 Ruff. 1 Snipe at Hopton reedbed. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end. 1 Skylark N. Total of 50 Redwing, including 45 at Sheepwash. Mistle Thrush nest-building near Sheepwash. A party of c5 Redpolls on Stones included a couple of pale birds which might have been Commons (though they're the same species as Lesser now anyway).Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-03-301 Avocet on Sailing Club Island, viewable only from dam at 0930 hrs. Also Scaup and Great Northern Diver still.Roger Carrington
2018-03-29Counts of birds on both sides of the reservoir yielded the following totals: 14 Chiffchaff (in contrast to 93 at the same time last year!), 57 Blackbirds, 24 Song Thrushes, 7 Mistle Thrushes (5 singing), 6 Redwing, 52 singing Robins, 21 singing Dunnocks, 24 singing Wrens (104 last year), 11 Willow Tits, 10 Nuthatch, 8 Treecreeper, 18 Bullfinch, 18 singing Chaffinch. Also: the GNDiver and male Scaup still, probably 5 Mandarins (pair at Millfields, 2m at Fishtail and 1m flew over the main carpark), 16 Goldeneye, 1 Goosander, 1f Wigeon, 6 Gadwall in BA Bay, 2 Tawny Owls on the east side, a male Sparrowhawk caught a Pied Wagtail off the Stones island causeway, dropping briefly onto the water in the process, 1 Peregrine, 7 Lesser Redpoll, 3 Siskin.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-03-28A Sand Martin flew past Stones island this morning, as did an adult Kittiwake. The GNDiver and male Scaup are still there. 7 Ruff this morning, presumably the long-staying 5 plus a couple of new arrivals. 6 Gadwall (4m,2f). 9 Goldeneye (5m,4f). 6 immature Herring, the immature Yellow-leg and 5 GBbGulls. c540 Black-headed Gulls around Millfields island. 3 Chiffchaff. 50 Redwing at Sheepwash. 5 Lesser Redpoll on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2018-03-27The GNDiver, Scaup, Shelduck and immature Y-l Gull all still present. 2 Chiffchaffs singing at Millfields. Pair of Mandarin along the Stones causeway. Pair of Grey Wagtails at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-03-26An LRP flew around Stones island, calling, for several minutes between 0950 and 1000. 2 Merlins flew north up the west side at 0950, picked up over the Shiningford area, played around a bit and then headed north together. The GNDiver, Scaup, Shelduck and 5 Ruff still present. 18 Barnacle Geese. At least 2 Sparrowhawks and a Peregrine. 6 Herring Gull, the imm Yellow-leg and 2 GBbGs. 3 Skylarks over. Steady trickle of Meadow Pipits during the morning, 56 in total, all heading north. 3 Linnet. 2 Siskin. Alan S. counted 23 Tree Sparrows between Stones and Sheepwash, and we had a total of 8 singing Chiffchaffs between us.Simon Roddis
2018-03-256 Cormorant,42 Canada Goose,5 Dunnock,6 Robin,20 Tufted Duck,6 Little Grebe,15 Great Crested Grebe,60 BH Gull,3 Mute swan,12 Mallard,6 oystercatcher,10 Teal,21 Greylag,2 Goldfinch,22 Barnacle Goose,4 Ruff,6 Magpie,17 woodpigeon,4 Redshank,6 House Sparrow,2 Shoveler,4 Blue Tit,4 Long Tailed Tit,4 Great Tit,2 Gadwall,David Armitt
2018-03-25Monthly WeBS count: 1 ad GNDiver, 13 Little Grebe, 34 GCGrebe, 13 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Mute Swan, 88 Canada Geese, 10 Barnacles, 20 Greylags, 1 Shelduck, 2 Mandarin, 44 Mallard, 32 Teal, 3 Gadwall, 2 Shoveler, 23 Wigeon, 70 Tufted, 4 Pochard, 1 Scaup, 7 Goldeneye, 108 Coot, 4 Moorhen, 16 Oystercatcher, 8 Lapwing, 5 Ruff, 11 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 1 Curlew, 1 Common Snipe, 2 Grey Wagtail. Also: 3 Golden Plover NW, 2 Peregrine, 20 Buzzards in the air from Stones island, 3 imm Herring Gull, 2 imm GBbGull, 3 Kestrel, 2 Stock Dove at Sheepwash feeder, 8 Skylark over, 70 Starlings NE, 6+ Mistle Thrush, 100+ Redwing at Sheepwash/Paul Stanley, 2 Lesser Redpoll on Stones, 4 singing Willow Tits, 4 Chiffchaff (per Roger C).Simon Roddis, John Bradley
2018-03-24GN Diver, 1 Shelduck, drake Scaup, 5 Ruff, 70 Redwing, Chiffchaff singing briefly at Sheepwash (RC), 2 Raven.Clive Ashton, Roger Carrington.
2018-03-205 Mute Swan, the single Whooper Swan still, 5 Ruff, 1 GBBG, 1 YLG, 6 Willow Tit, c30 Redwing near PS Hide and 18 Skylark flew NE.Clive Ashton
2018-03-20This morning between the Wildlife Center and Lane End. 3 Oystercatchers, 4 Ruff, 5 Gadwall, Buzzard,Scaup and a Whooper Swan flew over (low level)Eric Dewhurst
2018-03-191 Whooper Swan around Sailing Club Island, 1 Ruff, 5 Redshank, 14 Oystercatcher, 3 GBBG, 2 Linnet, 4 Stock Dove feeding at Sheepwash car park.Clive Ashton
2018-03-16The Bar-tailed Godwit was still at Sheepwash to 16:00 at least. GNDiver, male Scaup and 5 Ruff all still present. 2 Goosander. 14 Oystercatcher. 6 Redshank. 9 Curlew. Immature Grey Heron hunting frogs (successfully) in the softrush on Sheepwash spit.Simon Roddis
2018-03-16Bar-tailed Godwit 5 Ruff 3 oystercatchers 2 Redshank. Sheep wash 12-30 p.m.David Horsley
2018-03-15A female Merlin flew over the visitor centre area at about 1330, putting up lots of Jackdaws and Woodpigeons in the process. The GNDiver, male Scaup and 5 Ruff still present. 7 Redshank. 22 Barnacle Geese. 30 Redwing at Sheepwash. 12 Meadow Pipit. Linnet singing at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2018-03-14The GNDiver, male Scaup and 5 Ruff still. A pair of Pintail flew N. 1 Dunlin. Single imm Y-l and GBbGulls. 2 Kestrel. 6 Skylarks over. 1 Linnet and 7 Lesser Redpoll on Stones island.SJR, AHS, RC, CA
2018-03-14Chiffchaff singing at Millfields carpark at 0815. The GNDiver, male Scaup and 5 Ruff still present. 5 Mute Swans. 6 Greylag (3 pairs). 20+ Barnacles. Male Shelduck flew N. 1 male Pochard. 22 Cormorant. 3 Grey Heron. 16 Common Buzzards in the air. 1 Dunlin. Single imm Y-l and GBbGulls. 2 Collared Dove. At least 6 Raven. c400 Starlings flew E during the morning, and 70 Fieldfares flew NE over Sheepwash at 1120. Male Linnet at Sheepwash.SJR, AHS, RC, CA
2018-03-11The GNDiver and male Scaup still present. A Rock Pipit flew over Stones island at 0920 and appeared to land in the Stones/Sailing Club island area but I couldn't find it again. 3 Mute Swan. 5+ Greylags. 27 Barnacle Geese. 25 Cormorant. 1 Grey Heron. 6 Buzzard including one displaying. 8 Redshank around the site. 4 Herring Gull. The imm Yellow-legged Gull. 2 GBbG, the adult and 'Onefoot'. 5 Skylark over. 120 Starlings E. Redwings: 50 chattering and singing at Millfields, 57 on Stones island then flew N. Simon Roddis
2018-03-10The GNDiver, male Scaup, 5 Ruff and immature Yellow-legged Gull still this afternoon. The Yellow-leg appears to have just one leg - becoming a bit of a trend among the big gulls, it seems! 15 Redwings chattering and singing to themselves at Sheepwash. 1 Skylark over Millfields.Simon Roddis
2018-03-095 Ruff, 2 Willow Tits, 2 Snipe, 2 Oystercatchers, 15 Lapwings - all from WLC Hide Willow Tit, 2 Barnacle Geese - on Stones Island 30 Common Gulls, 2 Goldeneye, Scaup, Linnet, 2 Ravens - from Sheepwash Hide and c/p Willow Tit, 10 Wigeon, 6 Teal, 8 Lapwing - from Stanley HideAlan Hobson
2018-03-09Brief visit this morning in foggy conditions, very little visibility: 2 Shoveler at Millfields, pair of Goldeneye at Sailing Club, 28 Barnacle Geese, 5 Ruff and 2 Curlew.Clive Ashton
2018-03-08This morning from Sheepwash hide 1 Redshank, 2 Grey wagtails, 2 Linnets, Meadow pipit, 4 Oystercatchers and 2 Great black backed gulls 1 adult and the other was the one legged juvenile that was here last year. A H Stewardson
2018-03-06Late afternoon visit. Female Stonechat at Millfields carpark, perching on picnic tables and rubbish bins! GNDiver off Stones island. The male Scaup off Shiningford island. 24 Gadwall. 3 Goosander. 11 Curlew came in. 2 Ruff at Sailing Club. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end at dusk. In the gull roost, 4500 Black-headed, 1300 Common, 160 LBbG, 2 GBbG and 1 Herring. 400 Jackdaws flew over the visitor centre towards the dam wall before dusk.Simon Roddis
2018-03-06GN Diver, drake Scaup at Lane End, 3 Curlew through, 1 Bar tailed Godwit flew north with one of the Curlews, 3+ Ruff, Dunlin heard, 70 Lapwing through East, 2 Snipe, 12 Skylark mainly North, 7 Mistle Thrush, 5 Willow Tits in WLC Creek.Clive Ashton, Roger Carrington, Alan Stewardson
2018-03-05The 59 Whooper Swans were still in Brown Ale Bay until they flew off W at 1005. 2 Whoopers then flew in, difficult to say if they were part of the 59 or not. GNDiver, male Scaup and 4 Pintail all still present. An adult winter Little Gull was over the res, seen from Brown Ale Bay, 0845-0915. 8 Golden Plover flew N at 1150. Total of 130 Lapwing, including 100 E. 4 Ruff. 1 Dunlin. 3 Redshank. 3 Curlew. 18 Gadwall. 73 Skylarks flew N during the morning, including one flock of 25. 2 Herring Gull. 1ad GBbG. 1 Fieldfare at Sheepwash. Not a bad morning!Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson, Clive Ashton
2018-03-052 Whooper Swan @ Hopton end 10-15 left over Visit WLC at 11-10 but returned to Hopton end at 11-50 but after a short time left again towards Wirksworth, Pair Pintail from WLC and Peregrine circled several times before landing on the island where it proceeded to pluck a bird with the wildfow all moving to the bank below, I didn't see it catch anything prior to landing. Male Scaup from Lane End Hide.Ian Scrimshaw
2018-03-0359 Whooper Swans (57 ads, 2 juvs) in Brown Ale Bay to 4pm at least. 54 (53 ads, 1 juv) had been reported earlier in Shiningford Creek; these flew N at 1350 but it looks like they came down again and joined/were joined by another 5. The GNDiver was between Stones island and Fishtail Creek. Adult male Scaup and 4 Pintail (1m, 3f) at the WLC. 1 Dunlin. Only saw 1 Ruff, 3 Lapwing and 2 Snipe. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (1 ad, 1 imm) at Sheepwash. 16 Cormorant.Simon Roddis
2018-02-262 Ruff,13 Teal,2 Oystercatcher,2 Mallard,22 BH Gull,17 Canada Gosse,20 Tufted Duck,15 Great Crested Grebe,11 Cormorant,88 Lapwing,3 Redshank,2 Pied Wagtail,6 Blue Tit,2 Great tit,1 Long tailed Tit,4 Robin,2 Dunnock,6 C Crow,4 Woodpigeon,1 GN Diver,1 Nuthatch,6 BlackbirdDave Armitt
2018-02-2615 Coots,9 Teal,34 Canada Goose,7 BH Gull,2 Robin,4 Blue Tit,2 Pochard,12 Long Tailed Tit,1 Coal Tit,2 Goldfinch,1 Redwing,1 Mistle Thrush,3 Blackbird,3 snipe,1 Jack Snipe,5 Wigeon,2 C Crow,1 Magpie,2 MallardDave Armitt
2018-02-265 Ruff and a Jack Snipe close to the Wildlife Center at 10:00. Redpoll near Lane End Feeder.Eric Dewhurst
2018-02-25The GNDiver was off the spit from Sheepwash hide early morning. 2 Ruff there. 2 Redshank at the WLC.Simon Roddis
2018-02-254 Woodcock flew into the Hopton end between 0615 and 0630Simon Roddis
2018-02-23This morning, 28 Barnacle Geese, 5 Ruff, 3 Redshank, 12 Snipe, imm Yellow-legged Gull, at least 3 Kestrels. I reckon I've now had a total of 7 singing Mistle Thrushes at different spots around the res this week.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-02-22Monthly WebS count: 3 Mute Swan, 7 Whooper Swan (5 ads, 2 juvs),4 Greylag, 118 Canadas, 28 Barnacles, 9 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 190 Teal, 123 Mallard, 3 Pochard, 74 Tufted, 14 Goldeneye, 3 Goosander, 1 GNDiver, 26 Cormorant, 16 Little Grebe, 38 GCGrebe, 6 Moorhen, 157 Coot, 10 Oystercatcher, 260 Lapwing, 2 Curlew, 1 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, 16 Snipe. Also 2 Raven, 12 Meadow Pipits on Stones, male Brambling at Sheepwash, 20 Siskin at Tail Bay.Simon Roddis
2018-02-21The GN Diver still; it has dropped all but its outermost primaries so won't be going far any time soon! 3 Mute Swan. 26 Barnacle Geese. 10 Gadwall. 28 Cormorant. Pair of Sparrowhawks displaying at Millfields. Pair of Kestrels flew N over the visitor centre. 5 Ruff. 1 Dunlin. 3 Redshank. 19 Snipe (13 on Horseshoe island, 6 in BA Bay). Ad GBbG. 4 Raven over the visitor centre. 3 Skylark E. 60 Starlings N. 2 Mistle Thrushes singing at different locations from the 3 yesterday. Grey Wagtail singing at Sheepwash. Male Brambling at Sheepwash feeder again. Linnet singing on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-02-21Late morning: 8 Oystercatchers (5 flying north-east towards Hopton end, 2+1 probing the now narrower strip of mud in Shiningford Creek)Gary Atkins
2018-02-2121.02.18 Brambling in my garden in HognastonAlan Cribbens
2018-02-20Adult GN Diver still. 17 Barnacle Geese. 2 Curlew. Ruff. 3 Redshank. 2 GBbG. 2 Skylark over. Male Brambling at Sheepwash carpark feeder. 3 singing Mistle Thrushes.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2018-02-19The adult GN Diver still. 8 Greylags, 1 Barnacle and c50 Canada Geese. 2 Pochard. 5 Goldeneye. 22 Cormorant. 12 Little Grebe. 6 Buzzard. c600 Lapwing. Probably 7 Oystercatcher. 3 Ruff. 3 Redshank. 5 Snipe visible at WLC. 2 Herring Gull. Ad GBbG. 5 Willow Tits singing. 2 Skylark over. 6 Nuthatch. 15 Redwing at Sheepwash. 17 Meadow Pipit (7 on the dam wall, 10 on Stones).Simon Roddis
2018-02-192 Brambling on Sheepwash car park feeders.Clive Ashton
2018-02-164 Grey Wagtails out of Hopton Reedbed at dawn. From Millfields early morning: pair Goosander, pair Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatchers, 2 Skylark over and Great Northern Diver. From Stones Island: 2 Jack Snipe and 2 Oystercatchers. From Wildlife Centre: 5 Ruff and 5 Common Snipe. Male Brambling still on Sheepwash car park feeder and Curlew over calling.Roger Carrington
2018-02-15This morning from Millfields 1 Peregrin bathing on shoreline,Great northern diver,1 female Sparrowhawk,3 Oystercatchers and a Redshank.A H Stewardson
2018-02-157 Redshank around site, 5 Ruff on Watersports Island, 7 Magpie together on Stones, 2 Jay at Millfields. Plenty of species now in song including 16 Dunnock. Male Brambling on Sheepwash CP feeders.Clive Ashton

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