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
2017-12-10Millfields 5/6 Redpoll, Treecreeper, Mistle Thrush, Willow Tit, 4/5 RedshankMr ERIC DEWHURST
2017-12-08GN Diver off Sailing Club Island, 5 Ruff, 5 Redshank and a male Hawfinch at Millfields. A further 3 Redshank on Stones Island. c150 Common Gulls still at 10:00hr, 1 GBBG, 1 Sparrowhawk.Clive Ashton
2017-12-07On the afternoon shift today. The GNDiver still. 1 Hawfinch, probably the female, again at Millfields. Female Pintail at Sheepwash again. Approx 2000 Common Gulls in the roost, and 3 Yellow-legs (2 ads, 1 2nd-w). 1 Herring Gull through. 2 Water Rails: one squealing in Hopton reedbed and another 'kik-kik'-ing in the pool near Sheepwash hide. 350 Lapwing. 5 Ruff. 4 Redshank. 3 Dunlin. 2 Peregrine (female and male) at Millfields, and the female over WLC later. Female Kingfisher at Sheepwash. 40+ Rooks on/over the dam wall mid-afternoon. 15 Meadow Pipits. 30 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2017-12-06Just the usual suspects really. The GNDiver still. Female Pintail in BA Bay. 363 Lapwings and 4 Dunlin at Sheepwash. 5 Ruff at Millfields. 4 Redshank. Ad and imm GBbGull. 4 Raven. 50 Siskin again at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2017-12-05The GN Diver still. 3 redhead Goosander at Millfields. 300 Lapwing. 2 Dunlin. 5 Ruff. 5 Redshank. 4 Common Snipe. 2 Herring Gulls through. Seven sightings of Sparrowhawk, probably 6 birds (5f,1m). 1 Peregrine. 3 GS Woodpecker. 3 Raven. 6 Fieldfare and 50 Redwing at Millfields. 50 Siskin at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2017-12-05Hopton end at dawn: 6 Tawny Owls calling, 1 Woodcock. Millfields (CA,RC): Great Northern Diver, 1 Barnacle Goose, 5 Ruff, 3 Redshank, 1 Hawfinch and c 20 Siskin. Stones (CA,RC): 2 further Redshank Sheepwash: 2 Dunlin, 50+ Redwing and 3 Mistle Thrush.Clive Ashton
2017-12-03In addition to the 'BwB' group sightings, I also saw the following from 8 and 10am between Millfields and Upperfields Farm: Gt Spotted Woodpecker, Treecreeper, Goldcrest, Jay, Mistle Thrush, Nuthatch, Siskin, Bullfinch, Song Thrush and Ruff (3) ... also worth noting there were at least 40 Blackbirds in this short-ish sectionGary Atkins
2017-12-03Following species seen during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon around Stones Island and Wildlife Centre): Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Pied Wagtail, Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Robin, Dunnock, Black-headed Gull, Blackbird, Pheasant, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Coot, Teal, Gt Black-backed Gull, Magpie, Mallard, Pochard, Wren, Redwing, Jackdaw, Gt Crested Grebe, Lapwing, Willow Tit, Goldfinch, Goldeneye, Gt Northern Diver, Snipe, Chaffinch, Redshank, Meadow Pipit, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow and MoorhenGary Atkins
2017-12-02Little Egret in Shiningford Creek this morning.Eric Dewhurst
2017-12-02The GNDiver still. Female Hawfinch at Millfields late morning. 80 Pink-footed Geese W at 1155. 200 Canada Geese. 1 Barnacle. 21 Greylags. 9 Shoveler. Female Pintail at WLC. 3 Sparrowhawks. At Hopton reedbed first thing, 3 Woodcock, Water Rail calling, 6 Grey Wags. at least 6 Redshank. 4 Ruff. 19 Common Snipe. 6 Herring Gulls. 35 Meadow Pipits. 8 Treecreeper and 6 Nuthatch in Hall/Middle Woods, and another 2 Treecreeper and 4 Nuthatch at Sheepwash. (74 species.) A tip re the Hawfinch: I located her this morning from the sound of her crunching on alder seeds. Didn't see her fly in or make any calls today.Simon Roddis
2017-12-0101-12-2017 - Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson - The GNDiver still, but mobile. 44 Mute Swans. 5 Ruff. 6 Redshank. 1 Dunlin. 6 Common Snipe. Single adult Herring and GBb Gulls. Adult Peregrine..Simon Roddis
2017-12-0130-11-2017 - Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton - The GNDiver still; 2 Woodcock, 2 Jack Snipe and 4 Grey Wags at Hopton end first thing; at least 8 (maybe 10) Redshank, 5 Ruff, 2 Shoveler, 2nd-w Yellow-legged Gull, adult GBbG, 2 Sparrowhawk, 3 Kestrel, 3 Raven, 20 Fieldfare, 30 Meadow Pipits.Simon Roddis
2017-11-29The GNDiver still present. On the western side from Hopton end to Stones island: 2 Stock Dove, 3 Jay, 18 Rook, 2 Raven, 8 Goldcrest, 38 Blue Tit, 44 Great Tit, 4 Coal Tit, 11 Willow Tit, 9 Nuthatch, 3 Treecreeper, 36 Wren, 50 Blackbird, 21 Fieldfare,18 Song Thrush, 43 Redwing, 1 Mistle Thrush, 50 Robin, 24 Dunnock, 21 Chaffinch, 18 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 20 Goldfinch, 11 Siskin. Also: Water Rail in Hopton reedbed, female Pintail and 4 male Ruff at Sheepwash, 16 Snipe at WLC. Alan counted 24 Tree Sparrows Between Stones and Sheepwash, and also had 3 Hawfinches flying from Shiningford towards WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-11-28The GNDiver still, and mobile again this morning. Alan saw a Hawfinch briefly near Paul Stanley hide before it flew. 6 adult Whooper Swans flew in at 1140, still present at Lane End 1200. Female Pintail at Sheepwash. 500 Lapwing. 3 Ruff. 5 Redshank. 6 Dunlin. 23 Common Snipe. 5 Linnet on Stones. And the volunteers Pat and Jill had a Chiffchaff at the WLC.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-11-27The adult GNDiver still, quite mobile this morning, and 2 Hawfinches at Millfields viewing area. 42 Mute Swans. 67 Canadas at Sheepwash. 3 Shoveler at Millfields. 3 Ruff and 6 Redshank at Sailing Club. 6 Dunlin at Sheepwash. Adult Y-l and GBb Gulls. Female Kingfisher fishing on the pool to the left of Sheepwash hide. 25 Meadow Pipts. 3 Linnets.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-11-26The adult GNDiver from Millfields early morning and a female Hawfinch in the viewing area again. Hopton end at first light: 2 Woodcock, Water Rail calling, 7 Tawny Owls calling, 8 Grey Wags came out of the reedbed. 3 Shoveler at Millfields. 3 Ruff at Sailing Club. 6 Redshank. 20 Common Snipe at WLC. 2nd-w Yellow-leg and adult GBbGull. 16 Rooks over Millfields, again returning will full cheeks. Simon Roddis
2017-11-25Brief visit in the snow,the GN Diver was near Millfields Island this morning, also at least 1 and probably as many as 3 Hawfinch in the Millfields area.Clive Ashton
2017-11-24It looks as if the Great Northern Diver has returned - an adult was off Stones island at 1130. Still showing quite a bit of spotting on its upperparts and a hint of barring on its neck. (And credit where credit's due, Alan spotted it first.) Just 1 Ruff, 8 Redshank, 18 Common Snipe. 60 Fieldfare SW. 7 Linnet. Quite a few Rooks were flying over the dam wall (towards Hognaston) with full cheeks - they are known to store food such as acorns for later consumption if the weather turns hard, and I guess that is what they were up to.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-11-23At Hopton end first thing, 3 (maybe 4) Woodcock came in to roost, whilst 10 Grey Wags and c50 Starlings left the reedbed. 2 Hawfinches - 1 at Millfields again and another at Shiningford. Female Common Scoter off the dam wall - 12 Goldeneye there as well. Of 157 Pochard at WLC/Sheepwash/Brown Ale Bay, only 28 (18%) were females. 3 Ruff at Sailing Club still. 21 Common Snipe at WLC. 150 Woodpigeons north. Male Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay, repeatedly hovering before diving, great to watch. 2 Raven. Small numbers of Redwing and Fieldfare moving but much fewer than yesterday.Simon Roddis
2017-11-221 Hawfinch flew SW with a group of 6 Starlings at Millfields at 0920 (and Roger C had 2 earlier which appeared to join a flock of Redwings). 450 Redwing and 30 Fieldfare also SW. Drake Pintail at WLC. 3 Shoveler at Millfields. 160 Canada Geese in WLC fields. 260 Lapwing and 9 Dunlin at Sheepwash. 8 Redshank (7 Sailing Club, 1 Sheepwash). 3 Ruff at Sailing Club. Adult Y-l Gull. 50 Goldfinch in Brown Ale Bay.Simon Roddis
2017-11-215 Hawfinches at Millfields this morning: 3 flew SW at 0910 and 2 ( a male and a female) were in the trees in the viewing area. At least 13 Goldeneye. 3 Shoveler and 3 Ruff still. 13+ Dunlin. 7 Redshank. 24 Common Snipe at the WLC. 14 Stock Doves flew SE. 17 Lesser Redpoll on Stones island. Totals of c30 Meadow Pipits and c50 Siskin.SJR, AHS, CA
2017-11-201 Hawfinch again at Millfields this morning.Clive Ashton
2017-11-201st-winter Kittiwake flew south at 1140, otherwise much the same.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-11-19John and Mark Pass had a Great Northern Diver, probably an adult, fly SE at 0800. It may have been on the water beforehand but was only seen flying off. Monthly WeBS count: 42 GCGrebe, 30 Little Grebe, 36 Mute Swan, 270 Canada Geese, 1 Greylag, 1 Pink-foot, 108 Mallard, 227 Teal, 174 Wigeon, 48 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, 227 Tufted, 276 Pochard, 8 Goldeneye, 5 Goosander, 860 Coot, 10 Moorhen, 1 Water Rail, 31 Cormorant, 1 Heron, 97 Lapwing, 3 Ruff, 16 Dunlin, 9 Redshank, 23 Common Snipe, 1 Kingfisher. Also: 1 Hawfinch in the Millfields viewing area early morning, 1 Whooper Swan SW at 1215, 1 Peregrine, 24 Blackbirds between Lane End and Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis, John Bradley
2017-11-183 Shoveler. 6 Goldeneye (5m,1f). 3 Sparrowhawk. 3 Ruff still. 15 Dunlin at Sheepwash. 7+ Redshank. 36 Common Snipe at WLC. 2nd-w Y-l Gull. Total of 10 Stock Doves. Song Thrush singing at Sheepwash. Simon Roddis
2017-11-18At Hopton first thing, 2 Woodcock came in, and 2 Water Rails calling. Rather fewer roosting birds left the reedbed this morning than previously: c500 Starlings, 6 Grey Wags and 5 Reed Buntings. 1 Hawfinch in Millfields carpark (John B had another 3 earlier) - they seem to be settling a bit more rather than just moving through now. 72 Greylags. 1 Pink-foot. 3 Shoveler. 5 Goldeneye. 9 Goosander (2m,7 redheads) flew into Millfields at 1045. 23 Cormorant. 3 Ruff still. 7 Redshank. 21 Common Snipe at WLC. 6 Dunlin at Sheepwash. At least 6 Raven (6 over the dam wall and 4 from Sheepwash). 40 Fieldfare. Singing Song Thrush at WLC and Mistle Thrush at Shiningford. 1 Brambling over Hopton. 30 Siskin. 6 Lesser Redpoll and 7 Linnet on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-11-161 Hawfinch in hedgerow near the WLC, then flew towards the main centre at 1020. 100 Pink-feet E at 0935. 470 Fieldfare SW and 80 NE. 100 Redwing SW. 250 Starlings SW and another 500 feeding in fields on the east side. Female Pintail. 2 Shoveler. 5 Goldeneye (4m,1f). 2 Golden Plover. 14 Dunlin. 7 Redshank. 32 Common Snipe. 2nd-w Y-l Gull. 1 Peregrine. 35 Siskin at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2017-11-15Female Pintail at Sheepwash. 3 Shoveler at Millfields. 5 Goldeneye (3m,2f). 3 Ruff at Millfields. Totals of 650 Lapwing, 8 Redshank, 15 Dunlin and 43 Common Snipe (40 at WLC). 34 Fieldfare over Millfields. c20 Blackbirds, including 12 feeding on hawthorns in WLC creek. 130 Redwings in WLC creek. 13 Lesser Redpoll on Stones island, and 2 Brambling over.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2017-11-13A bit quieter this morning, but 1 Whooper Swan down at Millfields. 3 Shoveler. 3 Goosander. 20 Cormorant. Only 200 Lapwing. 3 Ruff. 4 Redshank. 20 Common Snipe. Adult Herring and GBb Gulls. 2nd-w Y-l Gull. 1 Skylark. 3 Brambling.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-11-12A Great White Egret landed in front of Sheepwash hide at 1110 and flew towards Paul Stanley hide/Brown Ale Bay a few minutes later. A total of 26 Whooper Swans including 19 on the water at Millfields. 650 Lapwings. 11 Dunlin. 4 Ruff. 17 Snipe at the WLC. Total of 10 Skylarks over. c4000 Starlings, 19 Grey Wagtails and 10 Reed Buntings left Hopton reedbed early morning. 3 Brambling over and a total of 10 Greenfinch.SJR, CA, RC
2017-11-11At Hopton end first thing, at least 6 Tawny Owls calling, and 2000+ Starlings, 16 Grey Wagtails and 5 Reed Buntings left the reedbed. 2 Hawfinch, 3 Crossbill and 4 Whooper Swan (pair and 2 juvs) at Millfields. c5 Goldeneye. 6 Redshank and 4 Ruff at Stones. 25 Common Snipe at WLC. 14 Dunlin at Sheepwash. 16 Stock Dove in total (at least 11 flew E). 1 Skylark. 11 Goldcrest. 25 Siskin. 1 Yellowhammer at Millfields.SJR, CA, JB
2017-11-11174 Lapwing,4 Blue tit,6 Goldfinch ,2 Blackbird,4 Robin ,2 Snipe,12 Dunlin,6 Cormorant,7 Great Crested Grebe,20 Pochard,25 Teal,17 Wigeon,10 Mute swan,4 C Crow,36 Tufted Duck,10 pheasant,36 Canada goose,206 Greylag goose,1 Ruff,1 wren,2 Pied wagtail,2 Redshank,4 Little grebe,1 Moorhen,30 Mallard,2 Goldeneye M+f,3 willow Tit,2 Coal Tit,6 Chaffinch,4 Great Tit,1 JackdawDavid Armitt
2017-11-10This morning from Stones Island late am 1 Black tailed godwit,5 Redshank, 15 Dunlin, 3 Golden Plovers and 5 Lessser redpoll. RC, AHS.
2017-11-09Another 10 Hawfinches flew SW over Millfields between 0800-1000. 1 winter-plumage Bar-tailed Godwit among the Lapwings at the Sailing Club end of the dam wall. 4 Shoveler. 4 Goldeneye. 430 Lapwing. 11 Dunlin (6 Stones, 5 Sheepwash). 4 (possibly 5) Ruff at Sheepwash. 2 Redshank. 26 Common Snipe (25 WLC, 1 Sheepwash). 4+ Raven. 11 Meadow Pipits at Millfields. 240 Starling, 55 Fieldfare, 120 Redwing and 4 Brambling SW. 7 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-11-081 Hawfinch over Millfields just before 0900, but much less moving than yesterday: 300 Starling, 50 Redwing, 80 Fieldfare, 3 Brambling. 3 Shoveler at Millfields. 400 Lapwing. 1 Ringed Plover. 10 Dunlin. 4 Ruff. 4 Redshank. 1 Woodcock at Hopton reedbed at dusk, Water Rail calling, and a fleeting flight view of a probable Jack Snipe there. Guestimates of 2000 LBbG, 5000 BhG and 1000 Common Gulls in the roost. Single adult Herring, Yellow-legged and GBb Gulls. 4 Raven. 4 Skylark. Simon Roddis
2017-11-08From Millfields carpark, 0745-1030: 25 Hawfinches flew SW in parties of 2,6,4,2,3 and 8 (2 landed briefly, and Clive Ashton had another 3 in WLC creek), 6 Stock Doves SE, 1185 Starling, 1890 Redwing, 230 Fieldfare and 21 Brambling all SW. Another female Brambling at the WLC feeders. 5 Shoveler and 1f Goldeneye at Millfields. 10 Common Snipe at WLC. 3 Dunlin and 1 Ringed Plover at Sheepwash. 1m Peregrine. At least 3 Raven.Simon Roddis
2017-11-063 ruff, 3 dunlin, 1 ringed plover around stones island also singles of redshank, dunlin and ringed plover at Sheepwash Clive Ashton
2017-11-066 Hawfinches (5+1) in the WLC creek/Shiningford area, feeding in hedgerows but only seen briefly. 1 Golden Plover among c300 Lapwings at Sheepwash. 500 Woodpigeons S. 4 Stock Doves SE. 500 Starlings SW. 6 Skylark. 2 Brambling. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-11-05A pretty decent morning. At least 1 Hawfinch over/in WLC creek: 1 flew S at 1147 then it or another flew up the creek 10 minutes later and landed in a tree, where it stayed for 3-4 mins before dropping and being lost from sight. 3 Whooper Swans on Sheepwash spit late morning, flew S at 1120. 160 Pinkfeet NE at 0920. 1 Barnacle Goose. 3 Shoveler. 1m Goldeneye. 17 Pheasants at Hopton end first thing, and 2 Water Rails calling in Hopton reedbed. 4 Golden Plover SW. 3 Dunlin. 11 Snipe. Adult Y-l and GBb Gulls. 5 Stock Dove. 960 Woodpigeon S. 5 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton end first thing. 10 Skylarks (9N,1S). 930 Starlings SW. 13 Rook, 1 Brambling, 40 Chaffinch and 25 Siskin over Sheepwash. 5 Greenfinch. 40 Goldfinch. 8 Reed Buntings, including 7 out of their roost in Hopton reedbed. 78 species, not bad for November!Simon Roddis
2017-11-031 Pinkfoot among the Greylags again. 2 Shoveler at Millfields. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. 303 Lapwings at Sheepwash. 2 Redshank. 5 Common Snipe at the WLC. Adult Y-l Gull at Sheepwash. 3 Raven from Sheepwash. 42 Fieldfare south. 150 Redwing. 35 Siskin in total. 1 Yellowhammer at Millfields.Simon Roddis
2017-11-02A bit of movement this morning: 1 Hawfinch flew SW over the Hopton end at 0650, 16 Whooper Swans E (in groups of 5 and 11) at 0740, 190 Pinkfeet (skeins of 100 and 90), 1400 Starlings SW, 370 Woodpigeons S, 10 Stock Dove SE and 1 SW. 11 Grey Wags and 300 Starlings came out of their roost in Hopton reedbed early morning, and Water Rail calling there. 390 Greylag. 1m Goldeneye. 350 Lapwing. 2 Dunlin. 9 Common Snipe. 3 Redshank. Adult Y-l Gull. 30 Fieldfare. 100 Redwing. 4 Raven. Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2017-11-01A mere 364 Greylags this morning, but 2 Pink-feet. 5 Dunlin and 4 Redshank still. 3 Collared Dove at Sheepwash. Kingfisher at WLC. 5 Skylarks (3N, 2S) and c200 Starlings through. 50 Meadow Pipits (20 at Sheepwash, 30 on Watersports island).Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-10-31401 Greylags. 3 Shelduck. 4 f/imm Goldeneye at Millfields. 1m Goosander. 2 Shoveler. 4 Ruff still. 6 Dunlin at Sheepwash. 3 Redshank. 2 Stock Dove. 4 Raven. 3 Skylark. 1 Chiffchaff at WLC. 22 Linnet (18 Stones, 4 Sheepwash). 13 Lesser Redpoll (2 Millfields, 11 Stones). 20 Siskin at Millfields. c200 Starlings through.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-10-30This afternoon, 2 Shelduck, 356 Greylags, 1 Pinkfoot, 4 Ruff, 4 Redshank, 3 Dunlin, 8 Common Snipe, 40 Common Gulls, 1 Yellow-leg, 1 Herring, 3 Raven.Simon Roddis
2017-10-30This morning from Stones Island and WLC, 4 Ruff, 4 Redshank, 2 Dunlin, 3 Common Snipe and 5 Red poll. Alan Stewardson
2017-10-28Hawfinch over Millfields car park at 10:25am plus another over Penn Carr at 10:35am.JB, AHS
2017-10-2824 Hawfinch flew Southwest over Millfields between 08:15hrs and 09:52hrs, including a group of 15 at 09:25hrs. JB,CA,AHS
2017-10-268 Robin,1 Dunnock,162 lapwing,17 Mute swan,180 Teal,12 Cormorant,46 tufted Duck,11 Great Created Grebe,10 C Crow,21 Wigeon,4 Little Grebe,6 Blackbird ,6 Blue Tit,4 Redwing,1 Little Egret,4 Shoveler,1 Redshank,50 Canada Goose,4 Magpie,66 Pochard,40 Mallard,1 Raven,1 Kestrel,223 Greylag Goose,4 Ringed Plover,4 Dunlin,1Pintail,3 Pied Wagtail,3 Snipe,1 Goldeneye,4 Great Tit,2 Ruff,2 Moorhen,16 Goldfinch,6 Lesser Redpoll,4 Pheasant,12 Tree Sparrow David Armitt
2017-10-25On dam wall(approx 0845 hrs): 30-40 Meadow Pipits, plus a Kingfisher sat on a rock close to water; also counted 32 Mute Swans in that area (probably more around the corner) ... WLC (1000 hrs): 6 female Pheasants hoovering up feeder debris; single Little EgretGary Atkins
2017-10-244 Goosanders at Millfields early a.m. plus 1 Brambling and 3Skylark over. Drake Green-winged still on Stones Island and 19 Rooks over. 5 Lesser Redpoll and 20 Siskin mobile. From Sheepwash Hide, 3 Ringed Plover, 3 Ruff, 4 Dunlin, 16 Barnacle Geese, 10 Pintail, 4 Shoveler, 24 Meadow Pipits and at least another 20 elsewhere on site.Roger Carrington

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