Recent Sightings
| Name | Sighting | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Simon Roddis | Clive and Alan saw the Wood Sandpiper at Sheepwash early morning, and a Greenshank dropped in there later. The Osprey was around again and caught a fish at around 9 and apparently another at 11. A female/juv-type Goldeneye was off Stones, perhaps the same bird as appeared a couple of times in July. 389 Pied and 7 Yellow Wagtails left their roost on Watersports island early morning, along with 25 Swallows. Totals of 22 Shoveler, 23 Pochard and at least 2 Red-crested Pochard. 2 Ruff and 8 Snipe at sailing club. 1+ Ringed Plover, and 6 Little Ringed (plus chicks) again at Sheepwash/Brown Ale Bay. 2 Great Egrets, 13 Little Egrets and 17 Grey Herons. Common Whitethroat in WLC creek and Alan had a Garden Warbler at Sheepwash. 150 Goldfinches on Stones. | 29/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | The juvenile Wood Sandpiper was visible from Sheepwash hide all morning, albeit that the shoreline is some distance away at the moment. Other waders: 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Ringed Plover, 6 Little Ringed Plovers (plus 3 large chicks), Green and Common Sandpipers, 2 Ruff, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Snipe and a fly-through Greenshank. 4 female/juv Red-crested Pochard were at sailing club early on and later at Millfields. 16 Shoveler. 29 Pochard. Adult Caspian Gull from Sheepwash early morning, and 5 Yellow-legs. 2 Great and 16 Little Egrets. Male and female Redstart and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. 100 Goldfinches on Stones. | 28/08/2025 |
| Richard Lowe | From Sheepwash Hide late this afternoon: Wood Sandpiper (juv); Ringed Plover (1) Ad; LRPlover (4) - an adult plus 3 chicks/juvs, almost certainly the same ‘family’ as noted last week. Caspian Gull (Ad) (regular bird); YLGull (3) Ads; GBBGull (1) Ad; Osprey - disappeared towards the Visitor Centre then seen later with a small fish over Fishtail Creek. | 27/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson | Star bird this morning was a Whinchat on the fence down the side of the overflow carpark, first of the year to the best of my knowledge. Waders comprised 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, 1 Black-tailed Godwit and 7 Snipe. 2 female-type Red-crested Pochard were at the sailing club end of the dam wall. 12+ Shoveler. 1 Common Tern. 45 Cormorants. 10 Little Egrets flew in over WLC creek early morning. 2 Great Egrets. Lesser Whitethroat and female Redstart in WLC creek. Kingfisher in Shiningford creek. | 27/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | A total of 20 Whimbrel, including a flock of 17, flew SW this morning, a new site record. Other waders: 1 Ringed and 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Lapwing, 5 Snipe, 2 Ruff and 2 Dunlin. Totals of 169 Teal and 14+ Shoveler. 32 Common Pochard and the female Red-crested at Millfields. 10 Swift over Millfields, my first here for over 2 weeks. 2 Common Terns. 2 adult Great Black-backs. Great Egret again in Brown Ale Bay. 40 Swallows. Common Whitethroat and female Redstart in WLC fields. Yellow Wagtail at Millfields. 15+ Crossbills in the top of Hall Wood. | 26/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson | Presumably the same Osprey as the last couple of days again for at least an hour this morning, hovering several times but we didn't see it catch anything. Three Peregrine sightings, quite possibly more than one bird. 1,200 Canadas and 174 Greylags out over the dam wall early morning. Total of 17 Shoveler, and 19 Pochard at Millfields. Black-tailed Godwit again at sailing club/dam wall, at least 3 Ruff, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, 5 Snipe. Great Egret around Sheepwash. Kingfisher at Millfields. 2 Redstarts and a Spotted Flycatcher in WLC fields, and another Redstart in front of the cafe at the main centre. 2 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall. | 25/08/2025 |
| Richard Lowe | From Sheepwash Hide of note this afternoon: Osprey (adult) fishing on and off for at least an hour; LRPlover - an adult plus two chicks/juvs, likely the same family as recent weeks albeit one chick down; Curlew (2); Ringed Plover (1); GWEgret (1); YLGull (1); The Osprey put paid to any gulls on the bank. | 24/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | A pretty decent morning. An Osprey flew past Stones and landed in a tree near Fishtail Creek; Paul Bennett saw presumably the same bird later from Sheepwash. A Marsh Harrier flew south just before 10:00 and kept on going. Duck included 149 Teal and 11 Shovelers. Waders included a Black-tailed Godwit again, 2 Ruff at Sheepwash, Dunlin, Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers, Snipe, Common Sandpiper and Oystercatcher. Adult Caspian Gull off Stones. One Great and 16 Little Egrets. 2+ Willow Tits on Stones. c50 Swallows and 70 House Martins. | 24/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | A summer-plumage Black-tailed Godwit was at sailing club/dam wall this morning and the Ruff still at Sheepwash. Other waders were Ringed Plover, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, Dunlin, 2 Snipe and 2 Oystercatchers. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls and the Great Black-back again. 220 Pied and 1 Yellow Wagtail left the roost on Watersports island early morning. Common Whitethroat again in WLC creek and 4 Willow Warns at various spots. | 23/08/2025 |
| Richard Lowe | From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Ruff (f), Ringed Plover, LRPlover; YLGull (4+) - 3+(Ads) and a Juv, Common Gull juv, GBBGull Juv. | 22/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | Two Ospreys appeared over the res just after 10:15, one of them soon catching a fish and carrying it away while being chased and harried by Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Ruff at Sheepwash (found by R&A). 43 Greylags, the juvenile Shelduck still and a fleeting visit by 7 Goosander, presumably a family group. Adult Common Tern. 2 Great and 20 Little Egrets. 44 Cormorants. c50 Swallows and 40 House Martins. In WLC creek, at least 6 Blackcaps and single Common and Lesser Whitethroats feeding on berries, and another Common on Stones. Sedge Warbler on Stones. At least 2 Wheatears on the dam wall (plus 2 at Sheepwash later, per Clive A) and 7 Yellow Wagtails (6 on the dam wall, 1 over WLC creek). Also Siskin over WLC creek. SJR, AHS, RPJ, AMD | 22/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | A Turnstone, Sanderling, Ringed Plover and Dunlin were around the sailing club end of the day wall this morning, but none appeared to stay long. Adult Caspian, Yellow-legged, Great Black-backed and Common Gulls. Possibly 2 female Red-crested Pochard, Horseshoe and Flat Islands. 1 Shelduck, looked like an adult female. | 21/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson | An Osprey flew south down the reservoir just after 09:00, putting all the gulls up out of Brown Ale Bay. Adult Caspian Gull still and 3 Yellow-legs. 750 Canadas and 20 Greylags flew out over the dam wall early morning. Female Red-crested Pochard at Flat Island. 13 Shoveler. 4 Ringed, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin and a juvenile Peregrine at Sheepwash. 2 Willow Tits on Stones and 1 at Sheepwash. A Reed Warbler singing quietly on Stones and a Yellow Wagtail at Sheepwash. | 20/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | Evening visit: drake Common scoter still from Sheepwash hide. Gulls: 1,500 Lesser Black-backs, 8 Yellow-legged (7 adults, 1 juvenile), 6 Common (4 adults, 2 juveniles), 450 Black-headed. 155 Rooks flew to roost. | 19/08/2025 |
| Richard Lowe | This afternoon of note from Sheepwash Hide: Osprey - flew from south to Brown Ale Bay then south again, lost to view. Common Scoter (drake); Wigeon (5); Red-crested Pochard (from Paul Stanley); GBB Gull (Juv); YL Gull (2) Ad+2nd s; Plus Dunlin and Ringed Plover on Sailing Club shore; Common Sandpiper and LRP (2) juvs in Brown Ale Bay. | 19/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton | The adult Caspian Gull was on Shiningford shore this morning. Totals of 5 Ringed Plover, 4 Snipe and 3 Dunlin. 9 Shoveler and 8 Pochard at Sheepwash. 12+ Little Egrets. | 19/08/2025 |
| Richard Lowe | From Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Ringed Plover (11); LR Plover - adult with two chicks plus single Juv; Redshank (2) juvs; YL Gull (3) Ads; Common Gull (1) Ad; very few (< 100) LBB Gulls compared to previous days. | 18/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton | The adult Caspian Gull was tucking into a well-matured dead fish in Brown Ale Bay this morning - rather him/her than me! 3 Yellow-legged and a rather tatty Common Gull. Waders included Redshank, Snipe, 2 Ringed and 4 Little Ringed Plovers at Sheepwash and Dunlin at sailing club. Juvenile Shelduck and female Red-crested Pochard still. 50 House Martins over the dam wall. Sedge Warbler at Sheepwash and Garden Warbler on Stones causeway. 2 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall. | 18/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | A Golden Plover at sailing club was, I think, the first of the year here. Ruff and Dunlin still there too, 5 Ringed Plovers over Stones, and a Common Sandpiper and Oystercatcher at Hopton end. Juvenile Shelduck still. 126 Teal. 11 Shoveler at Sheepwash and a juvenile Peregrine putting up the gulls there. Juvenile Common Gull past Stones. Lesser Whitethroat singing in WLC creek. | 17/08/2025 |
| Richard Lowe | Late afternoon of note: Red Kite, Greenshank (Juv), Black-tailed Godwit (c.4 flew out of Brown Ale Bay northwards), Caspian Gull (regular adult) and c. 4 YLGulls (ads) from Sheepwash; Ruff (Juv) and Dunlin in front of Sailing Club with calling Greenshank over. | 16/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | Two Ospreys from Stones island this morning, one of them carrying a fish before disappearing behind Blackwall Plantation; probably a juvenile and an adult although they weren't together, the adult later reappearing at Sheepwash. At least 2 Hobbies over the north end. 8 Shoveler at Sheepwash. A female Ruff at sailing club (found by Mike Redfern) and Ringed Plover at Sheepwash. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again. Common Tern past Stones. 52 Cormorants. Redstart in WLC creek and Yellow Wagtail at Sheepwash. | 16/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | Highlight this morning was an Osprey which circled its way down the reservoir at around 10:30. 3 Ruffs (2m,1f) flew around for a few minutes but couldn't convince themselves to land and departed SE, while 3 Black-tailed Godwits flew behind Flat Island and may have landed in Brown Ale Bay. Juvenile Shelduck still, 115 Teal and the female Red-crested Pochard now up towards Sheepwash. 2 Snipe and a Common Sandpiper at Millfields. 2 Dunlin. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Peregrine at Millfields and Hobby over Hopton end. Skylark on the dam wall and Yellow Wagtails at Sheepwash and Millfields. | 15/08/2025 |
| Richard Lowe | Black Tern (6) - 2 moulting adults and 4 juvs from Sheepwash/Lane End hides at c.4pm onwards; Sanderling (1) and Ringed Plover (2) on Watersports Is.; a very brief female-type Marsh Harrier from Sheepwash car park; Caspian Gull (the regular adult) in front of Lane End hide plus at least 4 Ad YLGulls at Sheepwash with a summer plumaged Grey Plover. A very productive late afternoon! | 13/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton | A superb summer-plumage Grey Plover was at Sheepwash this morning. 2 Ringed Plovers there and another at sailing club with 3 Dunlin. Common Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay. Juvenile Mediterranean Gull loafing among BhGs at sailing club, and Green Woodpecker calling from the woods behind. Juvenile Shelduck still. 64 Teal. 8 Shoveler. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. Yellow Wagtails at Sheepwash and Millfields. Spotted Flycatchers in Hall Wood and at Millfields. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. 19 Crossbills over Hall Wood and a Siskin over Millfields. | 13/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | In a slightly truncated visit this morning, a Green Woodpecker was calling in the woods below the dam wall; 7 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plovers and a Curlew were at sailing club; the adult Caspian Gull and Great Egret at Watersports; 20 Pochard at Sheepwash; and 175 Pied and 3 Yellow Wagtails left their roost on Watersports island. | 11/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley | Highlight of this morning's wildfowl count were 2 Black-necked Grebes, probably juveniles, initially off Middle Wood and later at Shiningford, and 3 Turnstones on/around sailing club island (per JB). Numbers were: 463 Canada, 5 Barnacle, 5 Greylag, 23 Mute Swan (plus 4 large cygnets), 82 Gadwall, 468 Mallard, 29 Teal, 13 Pochard, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 194 Tufted, 17 Moorhen, 977 Coot, 26 Little Grebe, 54 GCGrebe, 3 Oystercatcher, 5 Ringed Plover, 4 LRPlover, 1 Black-tailed Godwit (10 later in Brown Ale Bay per CA), 2 Common and 2 Green Sandpipers, 4 Dunlin, 47 Cormorant, 21 Little Egret, 1 Great Egret, 13 Grey Heron. Also a Hobby over Millfield, Yellow Wagtail over the north end, 2+ Crossbills over Hall Wood, Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood. | 10/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | An adult Arctic Tern was at sailing club this morning, and a juvenile Mediterranean Gull at Sheepwash/Brown Ale Bay (winner of the best-looking-juvenile-gull award). 3 Dunlin and 4 Ringed Plover at sailing club. 69 Gadwall just from the WLC, plus the female Red-crested Pochard. 19 Little Egrets. Redstart and 2 Garden Warblers on Stones, and another Redstart in WLC fields. 2 Yellow Wagtails over the dam wall and WLC creek. 100 Linnets in WLC creek too. | 09/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | Long-stayers this morning included the adult Caspian Gull, juvenile Shelduck, family of 5 Barnacle Geese and the Great Egret. 28 Teal and 9 Pochard are both small increases. 228 Tufted. 2 Ringed and 4 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, plus a Yellow Wagtail, at Sheepwash. 3 Common Sandpipers between Sheepwash and Lane End, and Alan S had 2 Green Sandpipers in Brown Ale Bay. 4 Spotted Flycatchers at Hopton end/Hall Wood. 2 Garden Warblers and a juvenile Common Whitethroat on Stones, and another Whitethroat at Hopton end. Juvenile Redstart in WLC creek. | 08/08/2025 |
| Richard Lowe | At Sheepwash this afternoon: LRPlover (Ad) with 3 chicks recently hatched; Ringed Plover - 3+; YLGull - 4 Ads; Peregrine - Ad plus juvenile, the latter chasing BHG’s; Little Egret - 6; | 07/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | Lots of singles this morning: Whimbrel flying SW high over the main centre, Green Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay, juvenile Little Ringed Plover at Sheepwash, Dunlin off the dam wall, adult Common Tern at sailing club, juvenile Shelduck again on Stones, female Red-crested Pochard at WLC, adult Caspian Gull at Watersports and a probable third-year at Sheepwash, Great Egret, Peregrine, Lesser Whitethroat and Redstart in WLC fields, Common Whitethroat on Stones and Crossbill SW over Millfields. Plus 2 Garden Warblers and 5 Barnacle Geese on Stones, and 2 Herring Gulls at Sheepwash. | 07/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | Bit of an arrival of coastal birds this morning, with an adult Sandwich Tern around sailing club, then at Millfields late morning, a Turnstone flew off the dam wall, 3 Ringed Plovers (courtesy of RPJ & AMD) at Millfields all morning, and a Dunlin. Long-stayers included the adult Caspian Gull, Great Egret and female Red-crested Pochard. 260 Canada Geese. 12+ Little Egrets. 2 Peregrines, the juvenile took a lump out of a Woodpigeon but flew on without stopping. In WLC fields, 2 Redstarts, 2 Lesser and a Common Whitethroat, and another Common on Stones. 12 Crossbills SW over the visitor centre mid-morning. | 06/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | Two drake Common Scoters this morning, one off Sheepwash, the other between Stones and Millfields. Green Sandpiper at WLC. Juv Shelduck, female Red-crested Pochard, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls and Great Egret still present. 16 Little Egrets. 150 Canadas. 468 Mallard. 220 Tufted. 52 Cormorants. 22 Little Grebe. 8+ Spotted Flycatchers in 3 presumed family parties in Hall Wood (seems like they've had a good year), and 20 Crossbills over. 2 Redstarts at WLC/fields. | 05/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson | A drake Common Scoter was between Stones and Millfields this morning and the adult Caspian Gull again at Watersports. Juvenile Shelduck, female Red-crested Pochard and Great Egret still. A Green Sandpiper flew past Sheepwash hide and a Yellow Wagtail over Stones causeway. A trickle of Sand Martins flying into the breeze, 32 in 2 hours. | 04/08/2025 |
| Gary Atkins | Species noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre. The grand total of 41 was surprisingly the highest of the year so far: House Sparrow; Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Carrion Crow, Swallow, Woodpigeon, Red Kite, Buzzard, LIttle Egret, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Sand Martin, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Barnacle Goose, Greylag Goose, Goldfinch (a flock of 80+), Bullfinch, Shelduck, Magpie, Blackcap, Tufted Duck, Sedge Warbler, Wren, Swift, House Martin, Mallard, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Red-crested Pochard, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Redstart, Coot, Gadwall, Oystercatcher | 03/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | Juvenile Shelduck (still?) at Lane End/Stones island. 16 Teal. Female Red-crested Pochard still from WLC. Common Sandpiper at Lane End and Common Tern off Stones. Probable third-summer Caspian Gull on Sheepwash spit. 49 Cormorants. The Great Egret still and at least 17 Little, including the colour-ringed bird LV at Sheepwash. Kingfisher at Millfields. 40 Swallows at the draw-off tower early morning. Garden Warbler on Stones. In WLC creek, female Redstart, Lesser Whitethroat and juvenile Common Whitethroat (both 'throats' in the same scope view). Family party of at least 5 Spotted Flycatchers in Sheepwash carpark and 200+ Linnets in the meadows. | 03/08/2025 |
| Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton | Family of 5 Barnacle Geese still. Juvenile Shelduck on Stones. 1 Dunlin at Sheepwash. Adult Caspian Gull still from Stones and an adult Common Tern. 38 Cormorant. One Great and a mere 27 Little Egrets. Hobby eating prey on the wing over the east side and 2 juvenile Kestrels in WLC fields. 3 Willow Tits (Brown Ale Bay, Stones and Millfields). 5 Redstarts and a Common Whitethroat in WLC fields. 12 Crossbills SW over Sheepwash. | 02/08/2025 |
| Dave Armitt | Little Egret 16, Grey Heron 5 , Pochard 4, Pied Wagtail 10, Cormorant 30, Yellow leg Gull sheep wash , Sand martin 2, Buzzard 1,Little Grebe 2, Great White Egret 1,Common Scoter, Barnacle goose 4, two flocks of Gold Finch 20+, Blackcap 2,Redstart 1,Swift 1,Swallow 1, RC Pochard 1, Oystercatcher 2,Gadwall 20 , Chiffchaff 1 | 01/08/2025 |
| SJR, AHS, MJR | Another day, another record count of Little Egrets: 30 this morning, including 13 roosting at Shiningford. The Great Egret on Stones too, and a drake Common Scoter offshore. Female Red-crested Pochard from the WLC. A Black-tailed Godwit, a Redshank (heard earlier over Millfields) and 2 Dunlin were at Sheepwash late morning. Adult Caspian Gull at Watersports. Juvenile Peregrine upsetting the gulls at Millfields. Around Stones and the WLC, 4+ Redstarts, 2 Willow Warblers, Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, several Sedge and lots of Blackcaps. | 01/08/2025 |
| David Griffin | Yellow Wagtail in rocks half way between sailing club and dam walk, flew towards dam wall. | 31/07/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | A female-type Goldeneye was off Flat Island this morning, presumably the same bird as last week. Female Red-crested Pochard still. 84 Gadwall. One Great and at least 22 Little Egrets. 3 Common Sandpipers at Lane End and a Dunlin past Millfields. Immature Common Gull over Stones and 7 Yellow-legs on Sheepwash spit. Peregrine from Stones and 2 Buzzards, an adult and a noisy juvenile, over Hall Wood. On Stones, 2 Willow Tits, a juvenile Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler. 3 Spotted Flycatchers between Hall and Middle Woods. | 31/07/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | An adult Knot in slightly fading summer plumage was on the Brown Ale Bay side of Sheepwash spit early morning, along with 4 Dunlin. Four drake Common Scoters were off Stones island mid-morning. 5 Barnacle Geese still. 484 Mallard (site record) and c900 Coot. Adult Caspian Gull, 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls and a pair of Common Terns. One Great and 13 Little Egrets. 1+ Peregrine. 20 Sand Martins came out of Hopton reedbed early morning, closely followed by 20 Swallows. Garden Warbler with food at Hopton end, presumably for a second brood. Family party of c5 adult and fledged juvenile Spotted Flycatchers in the bottom of Hall Wood. 1 Redstart in WLC fields. | 30/07/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | 6 Dunlin were on Sheepwash spit early morning, a Ringed Plover over Stones later and a Common Sandpiper at Millfields. 3 Common Terns. Adult Caspian Gull again at Watersports. One Great and 15 Little Egrets. Willow Tits on Stones and in WLC creek. Redstart in WLC fields. | 29/07/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | Small stuff caught the eye this morning: Spotted Flycatcher and juvenile Whitethroat in Tail Bay, make Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat in 'warbler corner' on Stones; 3 more Redstarts in WLC fields, Willow Tits in Tail Bay and on Stones, and a Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall. Plus Peregrine, Dunlin, 10 Swifts moving through, Red-crested Pochard, Great Egret, and 4 Yellow-legged Gulls among 335 Lesser Black-backs on Sheepwash spit. | 28/07/2025 |
| SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD | Wildfowl this morning included 5 female/juv Shoveler off the dam wall, 1 juvenile Shelduck, female R-cPochard still and 2 Common Pochard. A Dunlin landed on Watersports island. Adult Caspian Gull at Watersports and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 36 Cormorant. One Great and 21 Little Egrets. Hobby over the dam wall and it or another later over the north end, and juvenile Peregrine over the main centre. Skylark and 5 Yellow Wagtails on/over the dam wall. Female Redstart in WLC fields and another reported at WLC. | 27/07/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | A pair of Common Scoter were out in the middle this morning, the first for a while. Female Red-crested Pochard, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls and Great Egret still. 2 Dunlin flying around Stones island and a Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe. Yellow Wagtail and Skylark on/over the dam wall. 2 Redstarts and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. | 26/07/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | No sign of yesterday's Goldeneye from WLC but the female Red-crested Pochard was there, and 2 Peregrines (adult and juv?) overhead. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 5 female/juv Redstarts in WLC fields/Shiningford creek, and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. Spotted Flycatcher in Millfields viewing area and a Crossbill over. | 25/07/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | A female-type Goldeneye from WLC is my first here in July (and I think a site first too). Adult Caspian Gull still but mobile, last seen on Sheepwash spit with 2 adult Yellow-legs. 600+ Coot. 15 Little and 64 GCGrebes. One Great and 12+ Little Egrets. 1 Redshank at sailing club. 39 Cormorants. Peregrine on the usual pylon. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. 1 Crossbill over Hall Wood. | 24/07/2025 |
| Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson | Barnacle Goose family still present, the 3 young now able to fly. 2 full-grown juvenile Mandarins at Millfields. 24 Teal. Female Red-crested Pochard still off Horseshoe island. 52 GCGrebe. 2 Common Sandpipers at Sheepwash. Pair of Common Terns again at sailing club. Adult Caspian Gull again at Watersports. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls including 2 juveniles at Sheepwash. At least 4 juvenile Lesser Black-backs, first I've seen this year. 1 Great and 16 Little Egrets. Kingfisher in Tail Bay. Fledged Reed Warblers in Brown Ale Bay. Female Redstart in WLC fields and juvenile Bullfinch at Shiningford. | 23/07/2025 |
| Simon Roddis | 1 Great and 13 Little Egrets this morning. 59 Gadwall. 10 Common and one female Red-crested Pochard still. Adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and Herring Gulls, plus 4 Common. 4 GSWoodpeckers. 2, maybe 3 Peregrines. Lesser Whitethroat near WLC and 2 female-type Redstarts in the fields. 130 Linnets south of Sheepwash and 30 on Stones. 4 Crossbill SW. | 22/07/2025 |
| SJR, AHS, CA | Just a few bits and pieces this morning: juvenile Peregrine around Stones island, 2 Great and at least 8 Little Egrets, 2+ Garden Warblers and a Lesser Whitethroat on Stones, Yellow Wagtail over, female-type Redstart in WLC creek and a Crossbill SW. | 21/07/2025 |
Historic Sightings
| Date | Sighting | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-04-05 | Very showy summer plumage Black-necked grebe near the island at Millfields this morning - then scared off by fishing boats @CBCSightings @Derbyshirebirds | James Taylor |
| 2018-04-04 | An 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 |
| 2018-04-03 | An 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 |
| 2018-04-02 | Male Wheatear with meadow pipits and pied wagtails on dam bank 15.30 | Tony Wood |
| 2018-04-01 | Species 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 Gull | Gary Atkins |
| 2018-04-01 | The 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 |
| 2018-03-31 | The 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 |
| 2018-03-30 | As 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 |
| 2018-03-30 | 1 Avocet on Sailing Club Island, viewable only from dam at 0930 hrs. Also Scaup and Great Northern Diver still. | Roger Carrington |
| 2018-03-29 | Counts 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 |
| 2018-03-28 | A 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 |
| 2018-03-27 | The 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 |
| 2018-03-26 | An 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 |
| 2018-03-25 | 6 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 |
| 2018-03-25 | Monthly 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 |
| 2018-03-24 | GN Diver, 1 Shelduck, drake Scaup, 5 Ruff, 70 Redwing, Chiffchaff singing briefly at Sheepwash (RC), 2 Raven. | Clive Ashton, Roger Carrington. |
| 2018-03-20 | 5 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 |
| 2018-03-20 | This 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 |
| 2018-03-19 | 1 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 |
| 2018-03-16 | The 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 |
| 2018-03-16 | Bar-tailed Godwit 5 Ruff 3 oystercatchers 2 Redshank. Sheep wash 12-30 p.m. | David Horsley |
| 2018-03-15 | A 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 |
| 2018-03-14 | The 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 |
| 2018-03-14 | Chiffchaff 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 |
| 2018-03-11 | The 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 |
| 2018-03-10 | The 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 |
| 2018-03-09 | 5 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 Hide | Alan Hobson |
| 2018-03-09 | Brief 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 |
| 2018-03-08 | This 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 |
| 2018-03-06 | Late 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 |
| 2018-03-06 | GN 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 |
| 2018-03-05 | The 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 |
| 2018-03-05 | 2 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 |
| 2018-03-03 | 59 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 |
| 2018-02-26 | 2 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 Blackbird | Dave Armitt |
| 2018-02-26 | 15 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 Mallard | Dave Armitt |
| 2018-02-26 | 5 Ruff and a Jack Snipe close to the Wildlife Center at 10:00. Redpoll near Lane End Feeder. | Eric Dewhurst |
| 2018-02-25 | The GNDiver was off the spit from Sheepwash hide early morning. 2 Ruff there. 2 Redshank at the WLC. | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-02-25 | 4 Woodcock flew into the Hopton end between 0615 and 0630 | Simon Roddis |
| 2018-02-23 | This 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 |
| 2018-02-22 | Monthly 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 |
| 2018-02-21 | The 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 |
| 2018-02-21 | Late morning: 8 Oystercatchers (5 flying north-east towards Hopton end, 2+1 probing the now narrower strip of mud in Shiningford Creek) | Gary Atkins |
| 2018-02-21 | 21.02.18 Brambling in my garden in Hognaston | Alan Cribbens |
| 2018-02-20 | Adult 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 |
| 2018-02-19 | The 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 |
| 2018-02-19 | 2 Brambling on Sheepwash car park feeders. | Clive Ashton |
| 2018-02-16 | 4 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 |
| 2018-02-15 | This morning from Millfields 1 Peregrin bathing on shoreline,Great northern diver,1 female Sparrowhawk,3 Oystercatchers and a Redshank. | A H Stewardson |
| 2018-02-15 | 7 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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