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
2017-08-016 Little Egret, 9 Little Grebe, GC Grebe's each with 1 young at Millfields, 8 Moorhen, 2 Oystercatcher, Redshank, Dunlin, 5 Common Sandpiper, 1 Teal, 2 Mandarin, fledged Spotted Flycatchers in Brown Ale Bay, Wren family on Stones, Sedge Warblers calling around Sailing Club Island, adult YL Gull.Clive Ashton/Roger Carrington
2017-07-29At least 6 Little Egrets today. 5 Gadwall. 2 Teal. R-c Pochard with 1 young still. 33 Cormorants on Sheepwash spit. 5 Common Sand. 20 Swifts. 2 Spotted Fly in BA Bay. Juvenile Yellow Wagtail at WLC - first of the autumn!Simon Roddis
2017-07-283 Little Egret, 48 adult Mute Swan, 3 Barnacle Geese, 1 Teal, Hobby, Peregrine, Oystercatcher, 6 LR Plover, another colour ringed Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Common Sandpiper, the 2 juv LBbG's with 2 adults on Sheepwash spit, imm GBBG, 1 Common Tern, 30+ Swift, 58 Tree Sparrow. Clive Ashton/Roger Carrington
2017-07-28The colour-ringed Black-tailed Godwit was ringed as an adult male on the River Alde in Suffolk in September 2012. It was back there in the winter of 2014/15 and then in Iceland in April 2015 before returning to the River Alde in September 2015. Not recorded again until its appearance at Carsington, presumably on its southward migration.Simon Roddis
2017-07-27Highlight this morning was 11 Black-tailed Godwits on Sheepwash spit, including a colour-ringed bird. Initial search on the web suggests it was probably ringed as a non-breeding islandica race adult in Suffolk. 47 adult Mute Swans. 3 Barnacle Geese. 2 Teal. R-c Pochard with one young still. 32 Cormorant. 3 Little Egret. 4 Oystercatcher. Only saw 1 LRP. 3 Common Sand. 1 Redshank. 135 LBbG off Stones, then flew south, plus the pair with 2 juvs at Sheepwash. 1 imm GBbG. 1 Common Gull. Of 87 BhGs at Millfields, 14 were juvs. 20+ Swifts. Kingfishers in BA Bay and at WLC. Hobby over Stones island. 12+ Sand Martin. 60 House Martin over Stones causeway. 2 Redstart in WLC fields (adult male and the query imm male). 100 Goldfinch on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-07-266 Little Egret, 11 Grey Heron, 4 Barnacle Geese, 2 Pochard, Rc Pochard plus 1 young still, immature female Peregrine, Oystercatcher, 2 Dunlin, 2 Yellow legged Gull, 3 Common Tern, 2 Kingfisher, c100 Swallow, Sedge Warbler calling on Sailing Club Island, Reed Warbler calling at Hopton Pond.CA,RC,SJR
2017-07-25In addition today a Wheatear on Millfields Island mid morning also 2 adult Yellow legged Gulls.Clive Ashton
2017-07-2548 adult Mute Swans. 1 Mandarin and 3 Teal in BA Bay. R-c Pochard with chick still at WLC. 32 Cormorant. 6 Little Egret. 8 Grey Heron. 2 summer plumage Sanderling flew into Watersports island at 12:00. 1 adult Dunlin. 2 Redshank. 7 Common Sands. Adult Y-l Gull. First-summer GBbG. 2 adult Common Tern. 30 Swifts. Spotted Fly feeding young in BA Bay, presumed second brood. 3 single Redstarts (Hopton, Lane End, Shiningford creek). c30 Linnets - 20 in Shingford creek, 10 around Stones. 38 Tree Sparrows.SJR, AHS, CA
2017-07-24On the late shift today, a Whimbrel flew NW over Stones island at 1120 and a Dunlin shortly after. 4 Common Terns (3 ads, 1 juv) still, on the jetty in front of Sailing Club. Juv LBbG on Sheepwash spit - perhaps flown all the way from Chesterfield? c40 Swifts in total, including 30 drifting north into the breeze over Hopton end. 7 Raven (party of 6 plus one). Spotted Fly with at least 2 young in Hall Wood. 120 Goldfinch on Stones island.Simon Roddis
2017-07-244 Little Egret, 4 Barnacle Geese, 4 Oystercatcher, 10 LRP, 1 juvenile Ringed Plover, 4 Common Sandpiper, 1 Black tailed Godwit, 4 Common Tern, immature female Peregrine. Clive Ashton/Roger Carrington
2017-07-23Monthly WeBS count: 31 GC Grebe, 8 Little Grebe, 4 Grey Heron, 3 Little Egret, 26 Cormorant, 47 Mute Swan, 413 Canada Geese, 3 Barnacle Geese, 14 Greylags, 191 Mallard, 10 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 262 Tufted Duck, 1 R-c Pochard, 1 drake Common Scoter, 11 Moorhen, 510 Coot, 4 Oystercatcher, 17 Lapwing, 14 LRP, 5 Common Sand, 1 Dunlin, 1 Redshank, 1 Common Tern, 1 Kingfisher. Also juv Med Gull, adult Y-l Gull, 2 Peregrine, Hobby, 6 Raven, 15 Linnet.SJR, JB, CA
2017-07-215 Little Egrets (2 flew in over Millfields at 1230). Wildfowl much as in previous days. Most of the Greylags appear to have moved out but there has been a definite increase in Coot numbers. 6 adult Moorhen, including pairs with 2 chicks each in Shiningford creek and Hopton end, plus a large youngster at Hopton end - no idea where that has come from. 95 Lapwing. 13 LRP. 6 Common Sand. At least 5 Oystercatcher. 2 Common Tern. 2 Yellow-legged Gull - the adult and the rather poorly-looking first-summer. 4 Stock Dove. 30 Swifts. 10 Sand Martin. Family of recently fledged Whitethroats at Hopton end. Song Thrush with food in Sheepwash carpark. 10 Starlings over. Female Redstart at Hopton end. 3 Grey Wag. 2 Greenfinch. Total of c100 Goldfinch on site.Simon Roddis
2017-07-2047 Mute Swans + cygnets. 6 full-grown young Gadwall in BA Bay, along with female and one smaller young. 3 Little Egrets. 6 adult and 1 large young Little Grebe (including a pair having another nesting attempt in Shiningford creek). Adult Y-l Gull. Adult and juv Common Tern. At least 50 Goldfinch in total. c40 Tree Sparrows at the WLC.Simon Roddis
2017-07-18In addition from WLC: 1 Hobby high over Carsington Pastures, 1 Teal, 40+ Tree Sparrow, 2 eclipse Gadwall. And 1 Oystercatcher at Lane End.James Owen
2017-07-183 Barnacle Geese, 4 Little ringed Plover, 1 Grey Wagtail, 1 Treecreeper, 1 Nuthatch, 1 Willow Tit, 10+ Tree Sparrow, 1 Kestrel, 3 ChaffinchAlex Collins-Smith
2017-07-1849 adult Mute Swan, 35 Greylag, 3 Barnacle Geese, female Rc Pochard, 2 Little Egret, 5+ Heron, 12 LRP, 3 Common Sandpiper, 2 Redshank, Redstart in WLC fields, Reed Warbler singing at WLC reed bed, Whitethroat family on Stones, Goldcrest family in BA Bay, GBbG, YLG, Kestrel taking prey to east side, 45 Jackdaw over Carsington pasture. Clive Ashton
2017-07-16Lapwing 7,Greylag goose 33,Cormorant 11,Great crested grebe 4,Mute swan 48 + 6 young, BH gull, Goldfinch 11, Canada goose 74,Gbb gull 2,Grey heron 2,Common sandpiper 1, Pied wagtail 2,Moorhen 2,Wren 1,Reed Bunting 1,Swift 2,Sand Martin 7,House Martins 10,Swallows 2,Great Tit 7,Blue tit 4,Reed warbler 1,Blackcap 1David Armitt
2017-07-1648 adult Mute Swans. 4 adult Gadwall; brood of 6 at Millfields and 1 in BA Bay. 1 Teal. Female R-c Pochard with 1 young at WLC still. Juv Goosander. 2 Little Egrets. 5 Grey Heron. 23 Cormorant. 14 LRP. 1 Dunlin. 2 Common Sand. 2 Y-l Gull. Kingfisher and 3 Raven at Millfields. Pair of Spotted Fly with food at Penn Carr, and another adult in BA Bay. 25 House Martin at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2017-07-1550 adult Mute Swans plus 5 and 1 cygnets. 3 Teal. 1 Little Egret. 5 Grey Heron. 3 adult Little Grebe. c30 Lapwing. 17 LRP. 1 Dunlin. 7 Common Sand. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (ad and first-summer). Stock Dove singing at the top of WLC creek. 13 Swifts over Stones. 2 Spotted Fly in BA Bay and 1 singing in WLC creek. 2 Redstart in WLC fields. Goldcrest feeding recently fleded juv in WLC creek. c12 Linnet on Stones and 1 singing in WLC creek. c50 Tree Sparrows on the WLC feeders, most of them juveniles.Simon Roddis
2017-07-133 Black-tailed Godwits at Millfields. Greenshank dropped into Stones at 1040, and later at Sheepwash. 16 LRP. 2 ad Dunlin. 4 Common Sand. 3 Little Egret. 2 Yellow-legged Gull (adult and first-summer) and first-summer GBbG at Sheepwash. 3 Sand Martin. 5 singing Reed Warblers. Sedge Warbler on Sailing Club island. At least 4 Spotted Fly at Sheepwash/BA Bay. 1 Redstart in WLC fields and a pair with food at Hopton end (second breeding attempt?). 35 Tree Sparrows at WLC.SJR, CA, RC
2017-07-11Female Common Scoter from Sheepwash hide. 3 Little Egrets still. 2 Teal in BA Bay. Yesterday's passage waders appear to have moved on but still 18 LRP (5 ads, 13 juvs) and 5 Common Sands. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 2 Redstart in WLC fields. 1 Spotted Fly at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2017-07-1010 islandica race Black-tailed Godwits in front of the Sailing Club to 1000 at least. 17 LRPs (8 ads, 9 juvs). 1 Curlew south. 1 ad Dunlin. 4 Common Sands. 1 Common Snipe at Sheepwash. 46 adult Mute Swans. 10 adult Gadwall. 2 Teal. Female R-c Pochard plus 1 young. 32 Cormorant. 10 Grey Heron. 3 Little Egret still. Pair of Moorhen with 2 young at Hopton end. Juv female Peregrine. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Kingfisher at PS. 35 Swifts, mostly heading south. Lesser White, Sedge Warbler and 40 Goldfinch on Stones. Female Redstart in WLC fields. Spotted Fly at Sheepwash. Simon Roddis
2017-07-09Adult Little Grebe with full grown juvenile at Hopton end, 3+ Heron, 3 Little Egret, 45 adult Mute Swan, 2 female Tufted with 8 young at Hopton end (probably 7+1), Rc Pochard still with 1 young, Coots with 1 tiny young at Millfields Island and another sitting at Penn Carr, 10+ LRP, 14 Common Sandpiper, Kingfisher, Reed Warbler family at WLC reed bed and others singing WLC Creek, PS hide and Hopton end, Sedge Warbler on Sailing Club Island, female Redstart in WLC fields, Siskin over Blackwall plantation. Clive Ashton
2017-07-083 Little Egret still. 46 Mute Swans plus cygnets. 5 Gadwall plus broods of 5 and 1. Female R-c Pochard with 1young still. New brood of 11 Tufteds at Big Island. 1 Teal. 2 pairs of Little Grebe. 2 Grey Heron. 2 Sparrowhawk. 8 Common Sandpiper. 3 Stock Dove. 2 Kestrel. 3 Raven. 1 Skylark north. 4 Sand Martin. c15 Reed Warbler including 7 singing. 2 Spotted Fly at Sheepwash. 2 juv Redstarts in WLC fields. 50 Starling. 4 Mistle Thrush. (75 species.)Simon Roddis
2017-07-0746 Mute Swan. 532 Canada Geese. 1 Teal. Imm male Common Scoter from Sheepwash to 1130 at least. 29 Cormorant. 3 Little Egret (2 in BA Bay, 1 in Stones/WLC area). 2 Grey Heron (adult and juv). Little Grebe nest in Shiningford creek appears to have been abandoned. At least 10 LRP. 3 Redshank. 2 imm Common Gull. 2 imm GBbG. 10 LBbG. 4 Common Tern south at 1050. Male Peregrine over the west side. 6 Raven. 2 Sand Martin. 4 Spotted Fly between Sheepwash and BA Bay. 10 Linnet on Stones. (72 species.)Simon Roddis
2017-07-051 juv Little Egret on the west side between Shiningford and Sheepwash. 4 Grey Heron (2 ads, 2 juvs). 46 Mute Swan plus broods of 5 and 1. 51 Greylags, including 19 juvs. Mandarin, probably an eclipse mail, in Tail Bay. 4 Teal off Stones. No change in Gadwall and R-c Pochard broods. New brood of 2 small Tufted Duck at Sailing Club island. 24 Cormorant. Pair of Little Grebes at a nest in Shiningford creek, and 1 singing in BA Bay. Only 1 GCGrebe still sitting on Millfields island, all the others appear to have deserted. 25+ Lapwing. 1 ad Dunlin on Watersports island. 2 imm GBbG. 1 first-summer Common Gull from Sheepwash. 2 Jay at Millfields. Spotted Fly in WLC creek. 2 Redstart in WLC fields. 15 Starling over. Simon Roddis
2017-07-03Red shank 2,canada geese 100+,House martin 2,swallow 4,Coot 150+,Cormorant 12,BH Gull 15,Mute swan 9,Mallard 7,Lapwing 6,Tuffted Duck 15,Heron 2,Grey wagtail 1,Woodpigeon 7,Ringed plover 2,Sand Martins 6,Oystercatcher 2,Bullfinch 3,Bullfinch 3, Blackbird 8,Song thrush 2,white wagtail 2 ,David Armitt
2017-07-03450 Canada Geese. Gadwall broods of 6 and 1 still, and R-c Pochard 1. 2 Pochard and 1 Teal in BA Bay. 13 Cormorant. 2 adult Grey Heron. Pair of Little Grebe in Shiningford Creek with 2 large young. At least 16 LRP around the res. 1 Ringed Plover. 2 Raven from Sheepwash. 2 Sand Martin. 2 Lesser White and 3 Redstart in WLC creek. 22 Tree Sparrows including 7 juvs.SJR, CA, AHS
2017-07-0229 Greylags. Gadwall broods of 1 and 6 still, and R-c Pochard with 1. 1 Teal, 1 Pochard. 15 Cormorant. 2 Grey Heron. Moorhen with small young in Hopton reedbed. 2 Common Sands at Millfields. 2 GBbG. 4 Mistle Thrush. Male and female Redstart in WLC fields. 3 Spotted Fly around Sheepwash/PS. 1 Siskin over WLC creek.Simon Roddis
2017-06-30The waders of the last couple of day all appear to have moved on, but there are still at least 2 young Common Sands on Big Island. A Common Tern cruising up and down past Stones island. 42 Mute Swan, plus broods of 1 and 5. 23 Greylags. 8 adult Gadwall, plus 6 young at the WLC and just 1 now in BA Bay. The female R-c Pochard now has only 1 young at the WLC. 3 adult Moorhen (2 Hopton, 1 BA Bay). 15 LBbG. Onefooted GBbG. 1 Kingfisher in BA Bay. Blackcap with food at Hopton. 13 Reed Warblers noted: 5 singing in Hopton reedbed, plus 4 more birds there (females?), one of them feeding a fledged young bird; singles singing in BA Bay, WLC and on Stones (RC). At least 3 Sedge Warblers on Stones/Sailing Club islands, so maybe there are fledged young there now. 1 adult Spotted Fly at Sheepwash. Male and juv Redstart in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
2017-06-29Decent array of waders this morning: 2 Knot, 1 Dunlin, 1 juv Ringed Plover, 1 Curlew, Lapwing, LRP, Oystercatcher, Common Sand and Redshank. Female Redstart still in WLC fields. The male Mute Swan of the pair with 5 cygnets is colour-ringed, JCA, and is now 18 years old, having been ringed as a one-year old at Burton-on-Trent in July 2000.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2017-06-281 Black-tailed Godwit at Wildlife Centre 1615hrs, 2 Sanderling on Sail Club Island 1700hrs in wet windy conditions.Roger Carrington
2017-06-27New brood of 2 young Barnacle Geese at Millfields. Male Pochard flew past Stones. Otherwise, mostly the usual suspects.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
2017-06-2642 Mute Swan, plus the one cygnet at Sailing Club and a brood of 5 small cygnets in Hopton end. 37 Greylags, including juvs. 556 Canada Geese. Drake Teal in BA Bay. Tufted Duck broods of 18 (more than one brood?) in WLC creek and 12 at Big Island. 5 drake Common Scoter off Stones. Coot with 1 small chick and 3 well-grown Common Sand chicks on Big Island. 2 Common Terns. 2 GBbG. GSWoodpecker flew east from Stones and across the reservoir. 6 singing Reed Warblers plus pair in BA Bay. At least 2 Redstarts in WLC fields and Spotted Fly still in BA Bay. Siskin over Hopton end.Simon Roddis
2017-06-26I have returned from holiday and have identified a bird I saw near the further bird hide I am 99 sure it was a Dartford Warbler. Many thanks, Jennifer for taking the time to send in your record of what you believe could have been a Dartford Warbler at Carsington Water on 17/06/2017. May I just say that Dartford Warblers are a very rare vagrant to Derbyshire and the occurence of such a bird at Carsington would be extremly unlikely. Have you considered Common Whitethroat which often sit out in the open akin to a Dartford Warbler? As this is such a rarity in Derbyshire it would need submitting to the Derbyshire Ornithological Society (DOS) to be considered for acceptance. Regards Dave Newcombe: Joint recorder for Carsington Bird Club. Dave Newcombe
2017-06-25I have returned from holiday and have identified a bird I saw near the further bird hide I am 99% sure it was a Dartford Warbler.Jennifer Cauchemet
2017-06-2431 Mute Swan. 5 Gadwall plus broods of 3 (BA Bay) and 6 (WLC). R-c Pochard f with 3 young in Shiningford creek, drake at WLC. Tufted brood of 13, female brought them across the res into Shiningford creek. Female Pochard in BA Bay. Full grown juv LRP at Sheepwash. 2 GBbG. Kingfisher in BA Bay. Pair of Reed Warblers carrying food in BA Bay, plus 4 singing in Hopton reedbed and one at PS hide. Female Redstart with one young in WLC fields. 2 Linnet on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-06-2331 Mute Swan, female Gadwall with 3 small young in BA Bay, 6 GC Grebe nests on Millfields Island, female Redstart with 1 young in WLC fields, 2 Willow Tit families Penn Carr and PSHide gate. CA,AHS,SJR
2017-06-2227 Mute Swans, including a pair with 1 cygnet off Sailing Club island. 4 Shoveler dropped into BA Bay at 1030. Female R-c Pochard with 5 young at WLC, male RCP also there, and a female Gadwall with 6 young. 12 Cormorant. 2 Grey Heron. 20 Lapwing. Pair of Redshank at WLC with 4 full-grown young. Juv BhGs now flying at Millfields island. 1 Raven at Millfields. 5 Sand Martin. Sedge Warbler still on Sailing Club island. Family party of Lesser Whitethroats in the big hedge opposite Millfields island.Simon Roddis
2017-06-20Pair of Common Sandpipers on Big Island, appear to have at least 2 small young, very agitated by the presence of nearby Coots. (Common Sand last bred in 1992 when 2 pairs reared 8 young.) 11 Redshank, including 2 almost fully grown young in Hopton end. 18 Lapwing at WLC. 24 Mute Swan. 580 Canada Geese and 34 Greylags (both plus goslings). Female Gadwall with c.8 young in Shiningford creek. 11 Cormorant. 2 Grey Heron. Onefoot the GBbG still. Sedge Warbler still on Sailing Club island. In BA Bay, at least 2 recently fledged Spotted Flycatchers being fed by adults, and similarly 3 young Carrion Crows.Simon Roddis
2017-06-19Pair of Red-crested Pochard at the Wildlife Centre with 6 young. Dave Newcombe
2017-06-19Drake Ruddy Shelduck type distant from Stones, Rc Pochard still with 6 chicks, Jay back and forth to Hall Wood, Coots with 2 small young on Big Island, 3 Heron, 24 Mute Swan, Moorhen calling from Hopton pond, 30+ LBbG, Kingfisher at Hopton end, Sedge Warbler still Sailing Club Island, several juv Goldfinch on Stones.Clive Ashton
2017-06-16Grey Heron, 2 Little Grebes, 10 Barnacle Geese including pair with 1 gosling, 32 Greylag Geese, 23 Mute Swans including pair with 1 small cygnet at Sailing Club, drake Red-crested Pochard at Wildlife Centre, 13 Oystercatchers, 4 LRP, 7 Redshank including 3 well grown young, 4 Common Terns early morning then flew SW, 6 Grey Wags at Hopton End, male Redstart in field near Sheepwash, 7 juv Pied Wags, 7 Reed Buntings, Linnet, 11 Song Thrush, 41 Chiffchaff, 31 Blackcap, 6 Willow Warblers, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Garden Warblers, 4 Reed Warblers, 6 Goldcrests, 2 juv Swallows being fed on rocks near draw off tower. Dave Newcombe
2017-06-15Sedge Warbler and Linnet on Sailing Club Island, drake RC Pochard and drake Gadwall at WLC, Lesser Whitethroat family in the hedge near WLC Creek, 2 Stock Dove over, 5 Buzzard, 7 Lapwing, 6 LR Plover.Clive Ashton
2017-06-13Drake Common Scoter off Stones, though mobile. 2 Curlew on Stones and 2 Crossbill south over Middle Wood. Male R-c Pochard at WLC. 14 Starlings over, mostly juvs. At Hopton end, Spotted Fly singing and 4 juv Grey Wagtails.Simon Roddis
2017-06-12Just the usual suspects this morning. Female R-c Pochard again off Stones, the male at WLC. Two large young Oycs at Millfields. Recently fledged Reed Bunting in BA Bay.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-06-11Monthly WeBS count: 24 Mute Swan, 40 Greylag, 417 Canada Geese, 7 Barnacle Geese, 10 Gadwall, 78 Mallard, 1 R-c Pochard, 79 Tufted Duck, 10 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Little Grebe, 41 GCGrebe, 1 Moorhen, 148 Coot, 15 Oystercatcher, 2 Lapwing, 2 Ringed Plover, 9 LRP, 1 Dunlin, 12 Redshank. Also 1 GBbG, 1 Common Tern, 6 Goldcrests singing between Lane End and BA Bay, total of 7 singing Reed Warblers, Redstart singing at Sheepwash carpark.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2017-06-101 Common Tern south and 1 Dunlin at Sheepwash. Pair of Lesser Whitethroats with food at Millfields. 4 Great Crested Grebes sitting on nests on the landward side of Millfields island, and another pair prospecting. Just pray that the water level doesn't rise! 6 Mistle Thrushes over Millfields.Simon Roddis
2017-06-09A few more observations from today: 313 Canada Geese, 9 adult Gadwall (6m,3f, including female with 11 young in BABay - same brood as earlier in the week), male Teal again on Stones, at least 10 Buzzard, 2 Sparrowhawk, 1st-summer Yellow-legged Gull, imm GBbG, 3 Stock Dove, fledged Willow Tits at Hopton end, Sheepwash and WLC creek, 6 singing Reed Warblers (3 Hopton reedbed, 3 BABay/PS hide), fledgling Whitethroat in WLC creek, young Nuthatch being fed by adult near PS hide.Simon Roddis
2017-06-09Sheepwash: 18 Greylag, 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 Jay. Paul Stanley: Reed Warbler singing. Stones/WLC: 4 Gadwall, Mallard brood of 5 (3-5 days old), Kingfisher flew towards Sheepwash, c20 Tree Sparrow, Redstart singing behind WLC, family of 5 Mistle Thrush in WLC Creek. Millfields: 2 GC Grebe sitting on Island, Jay.Clive Ashton

Scroll to Top