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
2017-09-102 Greenshank at Sheepwash till 11:00am then flew east, plus 3 Redshank.John Bradley
2017-09-091 Pintail in BA bay. 23 Greylags. 4 Little Egrets. At least 3 Sparrowhawks in the Stones/WLC area. 14 Dunlin. 10 Ringed Plover. 2 LRP. 1 Common Sand. 3 Y-l Gull. 33 Rooks, mostly over the dam wall. 4 Raven. 50 Swallow. 40 House Martin. 3 Sand Martin. Common Whitethroat on Stones. 150 Goldfinch on Stones still. JB also had single Mandarin and Swift.Simon Roddis
2017-09-0836 Wigeon. 2 Pintail still. 2 R-c Pochard. 1 Pinkfoot among the Canadas. 4+ Little Egret. 85 Lapwing. 3 LRP (2 off Stones causeway, 1 Sheepwash). 5 Ringed Plover. 1 Common Sand at Sheepwash. 15+ Dunlin on Stones, and possibly another 9 which flew south past Sheepwash. Adult Y-l Gull. 1 Swift still. 30 House Martin through, and c10 hanging around. 5 Sand Martin. 1 Willow Warbler on Stones. 150 Goldfinch and 40 Linnet around Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-09-077 Little Egret, 15 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, 1 Shoveler, 2 Sparrowhawk, 12 Ringed Plover, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 8 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper, Yellow-legged Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, 6 Collared Dove, at least 2 Sand Martin, many Chiffchaff on Stones Island also 2 Blackcap there, male Redstart in WLC fields, 2 Jay over Middle Wood, 120 Goldfinch and 30 Linnet on Stones Island.Clive Ashton
2017-09-07Also 100 Swallow around the dam wall, Yellow Wagtail on the dam and 6 Ringed Plover.Clive Ashton
2017-09-06In addition to Simon's sightings. 9 Little Grebes, 36 Cormorants, Pink-footed Goose, 34 Greylag Geese, 14 Gadwall, 221 Teal, 33 Pochard, 4 Buzzards, Redshank, probably as many as 150 Pied Wagtails on site, 12 Chiffchaff including 2 in song, 2 Sand Martins, Kingfisher, 4 Willow Tits, 2 Ravens. 14 Wigeon and a Yellow Wagtail in the evening (J Bradley). Dave Newcombe
2017-09-06The first Pintail of the autumn this morning, 2 females in front of Sheepwash hide. 9 Wigeon. 8 Shoveler. 4 R-c Pochard. 1 Barnacle Goose. 5 Little Egret. 2 LRP. 15 Dunlin. 3 Common Sand. 2 GBbG. 1 Swift. 5 Blackcap (4 in WLC creek, 1 on Stones). 32 Meadow Pipits south/south-west. 150 Goldfinch and 40 Linnet on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-09-05Duck numbers still increasing: 202 Teal, 10 Shoveler, 8 Wigeon, 44 Pochard, 4 R-c Pochard. 46 adult Mute Swans + 6 cygnets. 35 Greylags. At least 4 Little Egrets and 10 Grey Herons. 2 Golden Plover flew S at 1130. 5 Ringed Plover. 15 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. 4 Common Sand. 2 GBbG. 2 Kingfisher. 1 Swift. 1 Wheatear on Stones island. 90+ Pied Wagtails around Stones causeway and Sheepwash, and a possible White Wag and 3 Yellow Wags at Sheepwash. 3 Meadow Pipits. 35 Linnet. Summer visitors are getting much thinner on the ground now - didn't even hear Blackcap this morning.SJR, AHS, RC
2017-09-05Little Egret 4 ,coot 250+,Teal 23,Pochard 8,Cormorant 10,Mallard 15,Mute Swan 19,Gadwell 7,Little Grebe 1,Great Crested Grebe 2,Red Crested Pochard 3, Tufted Duck 12,Greylag Goose 2,Moorhen 1,Canada Goose 12David Armitt
2017-09-04The 2 Sandwich Terns were still present this morning, initially heard only in the fog at around 0915, then they flew S past Stones island at 0940 and were up at Sheepwash at 1130. 7 Wigeon. 12 Shoveler. 4 R-c Pochard. 1 Little Egret. 11 Ringed Plover. 15 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. 3 Common Sand. Adult and 1st-summer Y-l Gull. Adult GBbG. 6 Blackcaps feeding on elderberries in WLC creek, and 1 Common Whitethroat there.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-09-032 Sandwich Terns perched on buoys this evening in rain.Roger Carrington
2017-09-03Species seen between Stones Island and the Wildlife Centre during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon): Black-headed Gull, Pied Wagtail, Canada Goose, Woodpigeon, Swallow, House Martin, Coot, Mute Swan, Tufted Duck, Little Grebe, Greylag Goose, Gt Crested Grebe, Mallard, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Goldfinch, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Raven, Robin, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Kestrel, Linnet, Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Chiffchaff, Meadow Pipit, Gt Black-backed Gull, Cormorant, Gadwall, Common Sandpiper, Lapwing, Willow Tit ... also a Fox on Horseshoe IslandGary Atkins
2017-09-03A new species for the site this morning: a Dipper in Tail Bay, seen from the dam wall. Not a county rarity but hey, it's still a first! 70 Greylags. 1 Pinkfoot. 152 Teal. 10 Shoveler. 30 Gadwall. 6 Wigeon. 4 R-c Pochard. 27 Pochard. 2-3 Little Egret. 2 Hobby over Millfields. 1 juv LRP. 7 Ringed Plover. 1 Greenshank. 1 Redshank. 11 Dunlin. 2 Common Sand. 5 Curlew. First-summer Y-l Gull. 1 Common and 1 commic Tern through. 3 Kingfisher. 1 Swift over Hall Wood. 100 Swallow. 30 House Martin. 20 Sand Martin. 1 Willow Warbler in Tail Bay. 5 Yellow Wag and 3 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall.SJR, CA, JB
2017-09-021100 -- 20 Buzzards high over Wildlife Centre creek, some being mobbed by one or two RavensGary Atkins
2017-09-022 Little egret, 6+Grey Heron, 8 Dunlin, 6 Ringed Plover, 1 LRP, 3 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 100 +Teal, 14 Pochard, 10 Shoveler, 6 Wigeon, 6 Gadwall, 1 Lesser Whitethroat. Clive Ashton
2017-09-015 Ringed Plover. 4 Dunlin. 1 Common Sand. 1 Common Redshank but no sign of the Spotshank. 2GBbG. Single Pinkfoot and Barnacle and 2 Greylags among 8-900 Canadas. 5 Wigeon. 1 Shoveler. 4 R-c Pochard. Only 2 Little Egrets. 12 Buzzards. 2 Peregrines, the juv female and a male. The juv female landed right in front of Sheepwash hide, she has a metal ring on her right leg. 2 Sparrowhawks. 2 Swifts. 2 Willow Warbler. 2 Common Whitethroat. 3 Redstarts in WLC fields. 1 Yellow Wag at Sheepwash.SJR, AHS, CA
2017-08-31This evening: From Sheepwash: adult Yellow Legged Gull, ad Common Gull and 2 Swifts through. Wildlife Centre: 2 Dunlin. Stones Island: 11 Ringed Plovers, 8 Dunlin and 1 Redshank (no sign of Spotted Redshank).Roger Carrington
2017-08-31Juv Spotted Redshank from Sheepwash hide again early morning. 70 Lapwing. 5 Ringed Plover. 1 Dunlin. 4 Common Sand. 2 Black-tailed and 1 Bar-tailed Godwit flew north with 3 smaller waders, possibly Greenshank. 1 Pink-foot and 4 Greylags among c800 Canada Geese. 3 Wigeon. 2 Shoveler. 22 Pochard. 3 R-c Pochard. 7 Little Egrets. 6 Grey Heron. 2 GBbG. 5 Stock Dove. 2 Swifts. 60 Rooks on the east side. 100 Swallow. 20 House Martin. 5 Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed. Common Whitethroat and 2 Redstart in WLC fields. 17 Blackbirds on Stones causeway. 2 Yellow Wag at Sailing Club. 41 Pied Wag at the WLC. 11 Meadow Pipits, mostly heading south.Simon Roddis
2017-08-30On the late shift today. The Spotted Redshank was around Sheepwash most of the afternoon. 10 Ringed Plovers on Stones. 3 Common Sand. 110 Teal. 1 Wigeon. 2 Shoveler. 10 Pochard. 4 R-c Pochard (2m, 2f/imm). 6 Little Egrets. 2500 LBbG came in to roost. 2 GBbG. Ad Y-l Gull. 4+ Swift. 1 Kingfisher in BA Bay. Tawny Owl calling at Hopton end at dusk. c200 swallows went to roost in Hopton reedbed at dusk. 2+ Reed Warblers there too. 2 Wheatear on the dam wall. 15 Linnet at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2017-08-30Juv Spotted Redshank still from Sheepwash Hide at 12:20hrs.Roger Carrington
2017-08-29Juv Spotted Redshank at Sheepwash feeding in the small pool, 1st summer and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls on the spit,3 Common Gulls in the roost plus Yellow Wagtail on Water Sports Island.John Bradley
2017-08-28Similar to yesterday. 69 Teal. 13 Gadwall. 4 Shoveler. 4 Little Egret. 4 LRP. 2 Ringed Plover. 2 Common Sand. Adult Y-l Gull. 3 GBbG. 2Swifts.. 2 Yellow Wag. 7 Meadow Pipit. 2 Redstart. 150 Goldfinch on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-08-2745 Teal, 1 Wigeon and 7 Shoveler at Sheepwash. 7 Pochard. 2 eclipse male R-c Pochard at Millfields. 5 Little Egrets. 20 Common Buzzards together in the air over Hopton end at 11:00. 4 juv LRP. 2 juv Ringed Plover. The Black-tailed Godwit still, on Stones. 3 Common Sand. 2 GBbG (adult and imm). 4 adult probably Common Terns, difficult against the light. 4 Stock Dove. 2 Raven. 35 House Martin at Hopton end. 2 Willow Warblers. Sedge Warbler on Stones. Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Redstart in WLC fields. 7 Grey Wag (6 at Millfields, 1 Hopton end).Simon Roddis
2017-08-263 Common Scoter (1m,2f) off the dam wall early morning, later at Sheepwash. 4 Wigeon. 1 Shoveler. 2 R-c Pochard. 5 Goosander. 41 Teal at Sheepwash - numbers down courtesy of a b****y hot-air balloon which flushed lots of stuff. (10 species of duck nonetheless.) 23 Greylag. 5 Little Egret. 78 Lapwing. 3 juv LRP. Adult Ringed Plover. Single Whimbrel and Greenshank through. Black-tailed Godwit initially at Sailing Club (thanks Merv) then at Sheepwash to 10:25 at least. 4 Dunlin. 2 Common Sand. 2 Kingfisher. Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Redstart in WLC fields. Juv Wheatear on the dam wall. 7 Yellow Wag, including 5 south over Millfields. 150 Goldfinch and 15 Linnet on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-08-2550 Mute Swan plus 6 cygnets. 2 Greylag. 10 Gadwall. 79 Teal. 2 Wigeon. 2 Shoveler. 7 Pochard. 2 R-c Pochard. 50 Cormorants on Sheepwash spit. 7 Little Egrets. 2 LRP. 3 Dunlin. 1 Greenshank. 5 Common Sand. Adult Y-l Gull. 2 imm GBbG. 3 Swift. 2 Kingfisher. 3 Raven. 30 Swallow at Millfields. 60-70 House Martins feeding in BA Bay. Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed. Redstart in Shiningford creek. 6 Mistle Thrush at Millfields. 5 Grey Wag. 2 Yellow Wag. 1 Meadow Pipit. (74 species)Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2017-08-2444 adult Mute Swan, 650 Canada Geese, 5 Little Egret, 64 Teal, 4 Gadwall, 2 Wigeon, 2 Rc Pochard, 1 Pochard, Marsh Harrier flew south at 07:00,imm female Peregrine, 4 Dunlin, 2 Turnstone, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Redshank, 3 Common Sandpiper, one foot GBBG, 4 Stock Dove, 4 Raven, Kingfisher, 50 Swallow and 2 Meadow Pipits on the dam. Clive Ashton
2017-08-23A Tree Pipit flew south over Stones at about 0830, first (and last?) of the year. 3 Yellow Wagtails around Stones. 46 Teal. 4 R-C Pochard. 35 Cormorant on Sheepwash spit. 5 Little Egret. 9 Grey Heron. 1 Oystercatcher. 4 Ringed Plover. 7 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. 8 Common Sand. 3 Snipe. 1 Whimbrel. 3 Swifts. Mixed flock of 100 Swallows and House Martins over Stones early on, then 60 House Martin south over BA Bay and 50 more feeding in front of Sheepwash hide. Small numbers of hirundines still going through late morning. 1 Sedge Warbler on Stones. 60 Tree Sparrows at WLC. 200 Goldfinch on Stones still.SJR, CA, RC
2017-08-234 wheatear on dam wall 3 pm ishPhil Davies
2017-08-221 Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall at Millfields. 5 Little Egrets. 9 Gadwall. 44 Teal. 2 R-c Pochard. 4 Pochard. 3 Ringed Plover. 6 Dunlin. 4 Common Sand. 3 imm GBbG including Onefoot. Kingfisher at Millfields. 7 Willow Tits. 1 Sand Martin. 3 Reed Warblers in Hopton reedbed. 200 Goldfinches on Stones island. 46 Tree Sparrows at WLC - thanks to Jill and Pat (vols) for the accurate count! An interesting bit of behaviour in WLC creek: there appeared to be a hatch of small black flies over the hawthorns and quite a few birds were feeding on them: 4 Common and 2 Lesser Whitethroats in the bushes, but several Tree Sparrows and 2 Blue Tits actively flycatching from the bushes - I've never seen either species do that before.Simon Roddis
2017-08-21Should also have mentioned 21 Tree Sparrows - fewer than recent counts, it remains to be seen if they have dispersed or if they were just playing hard to get today.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-08-21At least 4 Little Egrets still. 1100 Canada Geese - that's just too many! 1 Pink-foot. 2 Greylags. 33 Teal. 7+ Gadwall. 3 R-c Pochard in BA Bay, including the youngster. 1 Oystercatcher. 3 ad Ringed Plover. 1 ad LRP. 3 Common Sand. 6 Dunlin. Ad Y-l Gull. Onefoot the GBbG. Single Lesser Whitethroat and Spotted Flycatcher in Shiningford creek. 50 Linnet around Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-08-1810 Little Grebe, 1 Little Egret, 6 Grey Heron, 1 Pink footed Goose, 43 Teal, 2 Pochard, 7 Moorhen, 1 Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover heard, 2 Dunlin, 4 Common Sandpiper, Redstart in WLC fields.Clive Ashton
2017-08-1750 adult Mute Swans. 6 Gadwall. 28 Teal (so much for me saying numbers were increasing daily!). 6 Pochard. 4 Little Egrets. 1 Oystercatcher. 21 Lapwing. 1 LRP. 4 Ringed Plover (3 ads, 1 juv). 8 Dunlin. 4 Common Sand. 1 Snipe. Ad Y-l Gull. 2 imm GBbGs including Onefoot. 2+ Swifts. 5 Kestrels (family party?) in the air together over Carsington Pastures. 3 Peregrines (young female plus 2 males). 3 Raven. Reed Warbler in WLC reedbed. 12 Mistle Thrushes and 7 Starlings settled in tall conifers in Hall Wood. 2 Redstart in WLC fields. Huge numbers of Goldfinches: 200 again on Stones and another 100 in WLC creek, along with 40 Linnets, amazing sight. (72 species)Simon Roddis
2017-08-1650 adult Mute Swans. 2 Greylags. 7 Gadwall. 37 Teal (increasingly daily at the moment). 6 Pochard. The female R-C Pochard with her now-nearly-full-grown youngster was in BA Bay today. 40 Cormorant. At least 4 Little Egrets. 6 Grey Herons. 16 Common Buzzards in the air. 43 Lapwing. 2 juv LRP. 1 juv Ringed Plover. 9 Dunlin. 5+ Common Sand. 1 Snipe over Stones island. Adult Y-l Gull. 2 imm GBbG. 4 Swift. Kingfisher in BA Bay. 100 Jackdaw over Hopton end. 2 Lesser Whitethroat (Stones and WLC creek). 3 Redstart in WLC fields. 3 Grey Wagtail. 55 Pied Wags between Stones and the WLC. 200 Goldfinches on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-08-15An Osprey flew in at 1130 and stayed until 1145 at least, seen from the WLC. 6 Little Egrets. 26 Teal. 4 Pochard. Female R-c Pochard with one young still. Peregrine. 1 Oystercatcher. 3 Ringed Plover. 1 juv LRP. 8 Dunlin. 6 Common Sand. Adult Y-l Gull. 2 Swifts. 2 Raven. 2 Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
2017-08-1449 adult Mute Swans. 1 juv Shelduck. 4 Greylags. 8 Gadwall. 22 Teal. Female R-c Pochard with one young at WLC. 5 Little Egrets. 9 Dunlin. 4 Ringed Plover. 4 Common Sand. 1 Swift. 5 Starling north. Female/juv Redstart in WLC fields. c50 Tree Sparrows and 5 Collared Doves at WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2017-08-13Monthly WeBS count: 35 GC Grebe, 13 Little Grebe, 9 Grey Heron, 8 Little Egret, 30 Cormorant, 51 Mute Swan, 6 Greylag (including neck-collar PPX), 398 Canada Geese, 264 Mallard, 17 Teal, 8 Gadwall, 3 Red-crested Pochard, 407 Tufted Duck, 714 Coot, 13 Moorhen, 1 Oystercatcher, 26 Lapwing, 1 LRP, 1 Ringed Plover, 3 Common Sand, 4 Dunlin, 6 Redshank, 1 Kingfisher. Also Spotted Fly, 2 Redstart.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
2017-08-1110 Little Egrets this morning, a site record. 6 Grey Heron. 49 adult Mute Swans. 16 Greylags. 19 Teal. Female R-c Pochard with one young still. 6 Dunlin. 1 Ringed Plover. 1 juv LRP. 3 Common Sand. On Sheepwash spit, 110 LBbG, 2 GBBg (adult and first-summer) and 2 ad Y-l Gulls. First-summer Common Gull. Kingfisher at Millfields. 1 Peregrine. 5 Ravens. 30 Swallows on the dam wall early on. 4 Redstarts in WLC fields. 80 Goldfinch at Millfields (over 100 in total).Simon Roddis
2017-08-10The highlight this morning was an adult Sandwich Tern from Stones Island. 9 Teal, drake Pochard, 5 Dunlin, 2 LRP, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Oystercatcher. Many warblers on Stones Island including 1 Lesser Whitethroat and 2 Sedge Warblers. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields also another Lesser Whitethroat there and another Sedge Warbler in WLC Creek reed bed.Clive Ashton/Roger Carrington
2017-08-0918 Black-tailed Godwits flew through SE at 10:50. 2 Dunlin. 45 Lapwing. 3 LRP. 1 Ringed Plover. 5 Common Sand. 2 Oystercatcher. Adult Y-l Gull. 1 Common Tern. 50 adult Mute Swans. 6 Gadwall. 9 Teal. Drake Pochard. 3 female R-c Pochard - and the young bird does actually look like a miniature RcP now! 7 redhead Goosander. 2 Peregrine. 2 Raven. 4 Stock Doves. 1 Spotted Fly at Sheepwash. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. 120 Goldfinch on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-08-0814 Dunlin, 1 juv LRP, 1 Ringed Plover and a Greenshank around Stones island. 35 Lapwing. 4 Common Sand. 2 adult Common Terns. Adult Y-l Gull. 3 female R-c Pochard and 1 young again. 2 male Sparrowhawks. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-08-07Species noted during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon): Mallard, Dunlin, Mute Swan, Robin, Woodpigeon, Goldfinch, Swallow, Cormorant, Canada Goose, Tufted Duck, Great Tit, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Willow Warbler, House Martin, Black-headed Gull, Buzzard, Magpie, Little Grebe, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Wren, Gt Crested Grebe, Sand Martin, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Dunnock, Lapwing, Lesser Black-back Gull, Peregrine*, Reed Bunting**, Willow Tit, Linnet, Little Egret *Peregrine looked like young female previously noted; it emerged from long grass on Horseshoe Island with prey in its talons ** Young, recently fledged femaleGary Atkins
2017-08-07A Red Kite flew west across the Hopton end at 11:15. 8 Buzzards. 3+ Little Egret. 3 Shoveler at Sheepwash. 2 female Red-crested Pochard at Sheepwash, plus the female and young at WLC. 2 Teal. 3 Greylag. 1 Oystercatcher. 2 LRP. 12 Dunlin still. 2 Common Sand. 1 Redshank. Juv Collared Dove at WLC. 4+ Swifts. 3 Spotted Fly at Sheepwash. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. 30+ Linnet. 1 Siskin. 54 Tree Sparrow, and 2 nestboxes still with young. 41+ House Sparrow.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-08-06An Osprey was present from 0840-0900, dived once but didn't catch anything, then drifted north. Imm female Peregrine again. 5 Little Egret. 50 adult Mute Swan. 1 Pochard. 1 Greylag. 10 Little Grebe, plus small youngster in Tail Bay. Full grown young GC Grebe at Sheepwash, presumably flown in from elsewhere. 1 ad LRP at WLC. 12 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. 2 Common Sand. 1 ad Y-l Gull. 1 Stock Dove. Kingfisher at Millfields. 3 GSWoodpecker. 2 Swifts. 5 Raven. 10 Sand Martin. Spotted Fly feeding fledged young at Millfields car park. Blackcap feeding fledged young at Penn Carr. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. 40 Tree Sparrows at WLC. 30 Linnets. 120 Goldfinch. (75 species)Simon Roddis
2017-08-05Brief visit this morning: 50 adult Mute Swan, 2 Egyptian Geese at Millfields, 4+ Little Egret, 6+ Grey Heron, 9 Dunlin on Watersports Island, 1 Redshank, 3 Sedge Warbler on Stones Island, 1st Summer Herring Gull. Clive Ashton
2017-08-04Should also have mentioned a probable Bar-tailed Godwit over, moving north.CA, RC
2017-08-04At least 5 Little Egrets, possibly as many as 8. 50 adult Mute Swans. 10 Gadwall. 3 Teal. Female R-c Pochard with 1 young still. 43 Cormorants. 2+ Oystercatcher. 5+ Dunlin. 4 Common Sand. 6 Redshank. 2 ad Y-l Gull. Young female Peregrine again. 9 Swifts through. Steady trickle of Sand Martins through, at least 20 in total. SJR, CA, RC
2017-08-032 Common Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay at 13.30 hrs.Neil Moulden
2017-08-03At least 4 Little Egrets. 5 Gadwall. 2 Teal. 38 Cormorants. 1 Oystercatcher. 1 juv LRP. 1 adult Ringed Plover arrived in rain at 11:00, left SE 15 mins later when the weather cleared up. 1 Dunlin. At least 18 Swifts through to the south. 2 Raven. 2 young Spotted Fly in BA Bay. 2 Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-08-026 Little Egrets still. 2 Whimbrel flew west. 2 juv LRP. 1 Dunlin. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 9 Swifts. 2 Raven. 6 Sand Martin. 3 Redstarts in WLC fields. 1 fly-over Crossbill at Hopton end. 65 Tree Sparrows at WLC.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton

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