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
2017-04-20Sedge warbler singing on Sailing club island. Clive Ashton
2017-04-19This morning the GN Diver, drake Red crested Pochard off Stones, 6 Whimbrel on Sailing Club Island until flew off at 08:05hr, 6 LRP, 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper, male Wheatear at Sheepwash, 4 White Wagtail.CA,RC,AHS.
2017-04-18Hopton end 3 Goldeneye, GBb Gull with missing foot, Grey Wagtail, Jay. From Stones Island GN Diver, Bar tailed Godwit on the back of Sailing Club Island, 2 Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin, 6 LR Plover, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1st summer Mediterranean Gull, Raven. WLC 3 Common Sandpiper.CA,JB,AHS
2017-04-17 Great Northern Diver, Pink footed Goose, 3 Gadwall, still at least 5 Ringed Plover present, 4 LRP, 2 Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper, 1 Whimbrel through, 2 White Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1st summer Yellow legged Gull and Mediterranean Gull. CA,JB,RC,AHS
2017-04-16Hopton end to Flat Island, pair of Mandarin, pair of Goldeneye, 2 Common Sandpiper, pair of Little Ringed Plover around Flat Island, Lapwing sitting on Big Island also 5 Redshank and 3 pairs of Greylag there. From Stones Island GN Diver occasionally flying around, 2 Shelduck, 1 Pink footed Goose, 7 Ringed Plover, 5+ LRP, 1 Dunlin, GBbG, 3 Herring Gull, adult Kittiwake at 09:35hr until 10:45hr, 3rd summer Yellow legged Gull, 2 Stock Dove, 2 Sparrowhawk, 2 Kestrel, 5+ Buzzard, Raven, male Redstart, 3 pairs of Song Thrush, 2 White Wagtail, Meadow Pipit over. Sheepwash 1 Dunlin. Millfields 4 pairs Barnacle Geese and 1st summer Mediterranean Gull.CA,RC,JB,AHS
2017-04-15GN Diver, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Gadwall, Mallard brood of 4, 7 Ringed Plover, 4 Little ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Wheatear on Watersports Island, 5 White Wagtail, 1 Yellow Wagtail, 1 Skylark over, 2 Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, 1st summer Mediterranean Gull at Millfields, 10 Linnet on Stones Island.Clive Ashton/Jon Bradley
2017-04-14Osprey at Carsington water 13:00 made a failed attempt dive near shiningford creek then circled high and drifted north at 13:17. Adrian Siddall
2017-04-14Arctic Tern mid AM, Yellow Wagtail over Stones, 2 Ringed Plovers, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Dunlin, 1 Snipe, 1 Common Sandpiper, Great Northern Diver and a leucistic Black-headed Gull on Millfields Island.JB, AHS
2017-04-14WeBS count for April - Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 6, Great Crested Grebe 37, Cormorant 12, Grey Heron 1, Mute Swan 5, Greylag Goose 9, Canada Goose 128, Barnacle Goose 14, Gadwall 3, Teal 11, Mallard 41, Tufted Duck 58, Goldeneye 4, Moorhen 8, Coot 72, Oystercatcher 12, Little Ringed Plover 4, Lapwing 8, Snipe 1, Redshank 11, Common Sandpiper 2, Turnstone 1.JB, SJR
2017-04-14morning between 10.00 and 12.00. Red Necked Grebe identified from photo at RSPB Coombe Valley reserve by warden who suggested I submit my sighting. It was near the osprey platforms.Pam Harwood
2017-04-13GN Diver still present,15 Barnacle Geese around site,3 Ringed Plover, 4 Little Ringed Plover and 1 Common Sandpiper around Stones Island,1 Snipe at WLC,1 Yellow Wagtail on Watersports Island. Clive Ashton
2017-04-10This morning from Stones Island 2 Little ringed Plovers, Great Northern Diver still present, 100 plus hirudines mainly Sand Martins but including 30 Swallows and 1 House Martin, Curlews heard as was Yellow Wagtail but unfortunately not seen. Alan Stewardson
2017-04-09Yellow Wagtail on Horseshoe Island this evening. Turnstone still on Stones Island plus 2 Willow Warblers. Dave Newcombe
2017-04-09Sandwich Tern briefly at 9:10am off Stones Island plus 2 on Horseshoe Island at 10:40am with at least 1 still present at 11:00. Mallard with a brood of 11 in Shiningford Creek, Turnstone on Watersports Island.JB, CA
2017-04-08Green Woodpecker, Tawny Owl, Stock Dove & Blackcap at Tailbay. Also fox around Tailbay ponds.John, Matkin
2017-04-07An Osprey flew NW over Brown Ale Bay at 12:08, flushing a few ducks and gulls as it did so, but didn't stop. 1 Turnstone on Horseshoe island. The GNDiver still. 3 Gadwall. 1m Shoveler in BA Bay. 3 Golden Plover flew through. 2 LRP. 1 sum plum Dunlin at Sheepwash. 1 ad Yellow-legged Gull. 150 Sand Martins with 5+ Swallows and at least 1 House Martin. 10+ Linnets around Stones island.SJR, CA, AHS, KR
2017-04-061 House Martin among 100 Sand Martins and 5 Swallows in Sailing Club Bay this morning. The GNDiver still. 2 Gadwall. 2 female Goldeneye from Sheepwash. 24 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. 2 Fieldfare north over WLC creek. 2 Mistle Thrush at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2017-04-05This morning from Stones Island, Great Northern Diver still present, 50+ Sand Martins, 3 Swallows, 2 Shellduck, 1 Skylark plus the now good numbers of chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers. Alan Stewardson
2017-04-04A Little Egret dropped in at 0845 and appeared to land in Brown Ale Bay but not seen again to 11:00. GNDiver still present. 7+ Swallows and 12+ Sand Martins. Male Mandarin in Fishtail and at least 3 Gadwall around. 1 Curlew, 1 Dunlin, 1 LRP.SJR, CA, AHS
2017-04-01The GNDiver still. 8 Swallows and 50 Sand Martins on Stones. Whooper Swan briefly. 2 Wigeon. 2 LRP and 1 Ringed Plover.SJR, JB, AHS
2017-04-01Common Sandpiper - Millfields 12.10A and G Hattersley
2017-03-31A Swallow briefly from Stones island this morning. The GNDiver still, 2 LRP, Ringed Plover, Willow Warbler on Stones, Blackcap at Millfields, 20+ Sand Martins, pair Gadwall, female Goosander.SHR, RC, AHS
2017-03-300620-1125: the GNDiver still, off Stones. 2 Willow Warblers (WLC and Stones) and a Common Sandpiper (Stones) were the first of the year. 20 Sand Martins arrived during a rain shower mid-morning. 1 Herring Gull. 2 GBbG. 1 Redwing at Hopton. 5 Grey Wags out of Hopton reedbed early morning. 3 Linnet and 2 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-03-29The GNDiver still, 2 drake Common Scoter, 7 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall (Brown Ale Bay), 18 Barnacles, 11 Greylags, 1 LRP display flighting on Stones, 1 Dunlin, 32 Carrion Crows on the dam wall early morning, 1 Raven, 3 Skylark, 5+ Sand Martin and male Wheatear on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
2017-03-28Misty AM, 2 Curlew, 2 Goldeneye, 3 Lapwing, 6 Snipe at Sheepwash, also 2 Shoveler and 1 Grey Wagtail at Lane End WLC: 8 Snipe, 8 Sand Martin through, Great Northern Diver, 10 Barnacle Geese, 1 Greylag, 8 Tree Sparrow, 2 Willow Tit, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank, 6 Teal, c.300 Jackdaw over Carsington pastures No sign of yesterday's Grey Plover.James Owen
2017-03-28Very foggy this morning so I decided to do another Tree Sparrow survey, I managed to count 23 Tree Sparrows and also found a singing male Blackcap.Alan Stewardson
2017-03-27Stones island, 1730-1915: this must be the best time of day to see the GNDiver, quite close and in great light from Stones. 2 LRP, 3 Curlew and 1 Dunlin. 600 Common Gulls roosting, 150 LBbGs, 1 GBbG, 1 Herring Gull and 1 1st-winter Yellow-legged. 33 Pied Wags.Simon Roddis
2017-03-270800-1100: Alan and I did a count of singing birds this morning, taking one side of the reservoir each. Totals were: 93 Chiffchaffs, 104 Wrens, 104 Robins (yes, identical numbers of Wren and Robin), 14 Blackbirds, 20 Song Thrush, 3 Mistle Thrush, 31 Dunnock, 11 Chaffinch, 1 Skylark. Also: The GNDiver still present, a winter plumage Grey Plover on Horseshoe island, pair of Gadwall in Brown Ale Bay, pair of Mandarin, 13 Oystercatcher, 6 Redshank, 1st-w GBBG, 11 GS Woodpecker, 4 Redwing, 31 Bullfinch.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-03-260615-1000: the GNDiver still from Stones. 1 LRP on Watersports island. 14 Curlew. 8 GBbGulls. 2 Jack Snipe and 2 Mandarins at Hopton reedbed early morning. 12 Greylags. 24 Lesser Redpolls.SJR, CA, RC
2017-03-24Black-necked Grebe off Dam Wall at 6:00pm, 2 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull in roost.John Bradley
2017-03-24Yesterday's possible Red-necked Grebe was looked for but not seen this morning. The GNDiver was still present, and LRP again on Watersports island. 3 Greylags. 1 Mandarin. Pair of Goosander. 8 Goldeneye at Sheepwash. 11 Buzzards. 3 Curlew. 2 Jack Snipe in Hopton reedbed early morning. 'One-foot' the juv GBbG still there. 2 Raven at Lane End. 5 Willow Tits. 2 Skylark.SJR, AHS, CA
2017-03-23I had a visitor at Coombes Valley today who'd just been to Carsington. They showed me a photo that they'd taken (today) of a 'strange' grebe. It was slightly blurred, but it look rather like a winter Red-necked Grebe. From what they told me, it sounds like they saw it from Lane Ends Hide. Worth checking out? Regards, PaulPaul Bennett
2017-03-231 Little Ringed Plover this morning, first on Watersports island then later on Horseshoe island with a Ringed Plover. The GNDiver still. 4 Shoveler (3m,1f) and male Gadwall, at first at Millfields then at the WLC. 1f Goosander, 1f Mandarin and 1 Kingfisher at Millfields. 19 Cormorant. 1 Grey Heron. Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-03-22The GNDiver still present. 3 Dunlin on the Stones causeway were new. There's a one-footed 1st-winter GBbG around at the moment, it was at Sheepwash around 10:00. And also in the last few days I've seen Common Gulls sitting on the water, stretching their heads up and braying, just like Herrings and LBbGs do, though not quite as loud! I've not seen Commons doing that before.Simon Roddis
2017-03-21Afternoon visit full curcuit of the res great northern diver from lane end hide.8 little grebes.2 grey herons.11 cormorants.7 mute swans.189 canada geese.16 barnacle geese.2 greylag geese (inc orange neck collar bird ppx).15 teal.drk shoveler.80 tufted ducks.17 goldeneyes (7 drakes).13 oystercatchers.12 curlew.9 redshank.2 lapwings.3 moorhens.male wheatear still on the dam wall late afternoon.Chris brown
2017-03-21The GNDiver still. 4 Mandarins (2 pairs) at Millfields. 3 Goosander. 6+ Redshank. 1 1st-winter Herring Gull. 1+ Peregrine. Skylark singing on the dam wall. 15 Starling E. 12 Redwing. Male Wheatear on the dam wall. 11 Bullfinch at Millfields including a party of 9 (5m,4f).Simon Roddis
2017-03-201130-1630: the highlight was an early Osprey which flew W over Stones island at 14:25, the earliest ever at Carsington by 6 days. The GNDiver was between Stones and Millfields. 21 Barnacle Geese on Horseshoe island. 4 Greylags. Maybe as many as 15 Buzzards in the air - 8 down the east side, 7 on the west. An immature, probably female, Peregrine. 3 sub-ad Herring Gull. 1 ad GBbG. 5 Stock Doves. 120 Starlings E. 2 Linnet and 3 Lesser Redpolls on Stones.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2017-03-170550-1140: the GNDiver still. 4 Greylags including the neck-collar, 25 Barnacles, 4 Wigeon, 36 Curlew on Stones early morning, 1 imm GBbG, 3 Herring Gull, 2 Raven at Millfields, 20 Redwing, male Wheatear on the dam wall, 1 Lesser Redpoll on Stones, 12 Siskin.Simon Roddis
2017-03-16Greylag Goose with red neck ring Hopton end island. Unable to read the numberIan Scrimshaw
2017-03-16The GNDiver still this morning, and a male Wheatear on the dam wall. 3 Greylags. 12 Barnacle Geese. Pair of Mandarins. Female Goosander. 2 Grey Herons. The Ruff from Sheepwash. 1 imm Herring Gull. 5 Stock Dove. 1 Raven. 30 Redwing. Simon Roddis
2017-03-15Highlights from circular walk (0815-1230): Ruff in Brown Ale Bay, 6 Goldeneye (4m,2f) off Big Island, Jack Snipe flushed from Hopton reedbed, Sparrowhawk in Hall Wood, Buzzard on ground in field just behind Hall Wood, Gt Northern Diver off Stones, Cetti's Warbler on Stones (51 species in all). Also 2 Comma and 2 Brimstone butterflies.Gary Atkins
2017-03-15The GNDiver still, from Stones. 3 Wigeon. 2 Shoveler. 5 Greylags. 3 Grey Heron. The Ruff still, at Sheepwash. 8+ Redshank. 3 Jack Snipe and 2 Woodcock at Hopton reedbed early morning. 13 Feral Pigeons in Tail Bay. Green Woodpecker calling in Tail Bay early morning. Cetti's Warbler singing on Stones. 150 Starlings through. Only 2 Grey Wags out of Hopton reedbed early morning. 3 Linnets.SJR, AHS, CA
2017-03-14This morning, the GNDiver still, 25 Barnacle Geese, 3 Greylags including one with an orange neck collar, 1 Ringed Plover on Watersports island, 1 Dunlin, Tawny Owl calling down the Tail Bay track, 1 Skylark, 1 Sand Martin through, Cetti's Warbler singing on Stones, 15 Chiffchaff between Sheepwash and Tail Bay, 7 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall, 27 Tree Sparrows.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-03-13Afternoon visit great northern diver.5 little grebe.grey heron.18 cormorants.5 mute swan.148 canada geese.7 greylag geese.25 barnacle geese.23 teal.21 wigeon.12 goldeneye.2 common scoter 1 male.ruff and dunlin(at sheepwash).9 lapwing.4 redshank.12 oystercatchersChris brown/dave newcombe
2017-03-13This morning, the GNDiver still, pair of Common Scoter, pair of Goosander, 3 Wigeon, 7 Greylags, 1 Ringed Plover, the Ruff still, 1 Dunlin, ad GBbG, Kingfisher at Millfields, Cetti's Warbler singing on Stones, 12 Chiffchaff, 10 Bullfinch (8 at Millfields).SJR, AHS, RC
2017-03-12This morning, the GNDiver still, 2 Shelduck, 3 Mandarin, 7 Wigeon, 1 Gadwall, 3 Pochard, the Ruff still, 2 Dunlin, 2 JackSnipe at Hopton reedbed early morning, ad GBbG, 2 Herring Gull, Cettis' Warbler on Stones island still, 18 Chiffchaff, 250 Starling E.SJR, CA, AHS
2017-03-11March WeBS count - Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 7, Great Crested Grebe 56, Cormorant 25, Grey Heron 2, Mute Swan 8, Greylag Goose 5, Canada Goose 110, Barnacle Goose 21, Shelduck 1, Teal 50, Mallard 71, Pintail 2, Pochard 1, Tufted Duck 63, Goldeneye 13, Goosander 2, Moorhen 7, Coot 242, Oystercatcher 19, Lapwing 5, Dunlin 1, Ruff 1, Snipe 35, Curlew 34, Redshank 8, Kingfisher 1. Plus Sand Martin thru N over Stones 0850hrs, Cetti's Warbler singing on Stones, 2+Chiffchaff and 10 Common Buzzards over Blackwall Plantation.JB, SJR, AHS
2017-03-10The main event this morning was a party of 7 AVOCETS, on Stones from 0725 to 0850 and then moving up to Sheepwash. They flew around a couple of times as if they wanted to leave but were put off by the murky weather. Still at Sheepwash to 1120 at least. Also: the GNDiver still, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 3 Greylags, 23 Barnacle Geese, 4 Wigeon, 6 Goldeneye, 22 Curlew, the Ruff, 78 Common Snipe at WLC, ad GBbG, female Kingfisher at Millfields, 1 Skylark, Cetti's Warbler on Stones, 2 Chiffchaff (Stones and Sheepwash), 120 Redwing, 2 Linnet, 1 Lesser Redpoll, 5 Siskin, 15 Goldfinch.SJR, CA, RC
2017-03-09This afternoon, the GNDiver off Millfields, 21 Barnacle Geese at WLC, 2 Shelduck on Stones, 20 Cormorant, 1 ad Yellow-legged Gull, ad GBbG, 5 Curlew, 5 Redshank, 15 Common Snipe, Cetti's Warbler on Stones. Late pm at Hopton reedbed, Water Rail calling, 1 Woodcock, 1 Peregrine, 150 Starlings N.Simon Roddis
2017-03-07Very much the usual suspects this morning: GNDiver, Cetti's Warbler, 5 Curlew, ad GBbG etc. The main event was some extreme aggro between Mute Swans at PS hide, which started rather oddly when 2 birds flew in from the east and one of them hit a tree and crash-landed on the shore of the res. When it regained its composure it swam across towards PSH after the other bird of the two. A pair of swans were already at PSH and they took exception to the new arrivals: one of them repeatedly chased one of the new birds away (a female based on the slimness of its neck). I assume that the chasing bird was also a female but it did seem to have a rather stout neck so I'm not certain about that. The other birds, both males based on their thick necks and large knobs at the base of the bill, had a real set-to, a full-on fight, grabbing each other's wings with their bills amid lots of wing-flapping and splashing. One of them, I assume the male that had already been present, got the upper hand and repeatedly grabbed the other one's head and neck with its bill. They came out of the water and for some minutes the 'winning' bird actually stood on top of the other bird, holding its neck with its bill all the while. The 'losing'' bird broke free and ran towards the hide, the other one hot on its tail until they reached the bank behind the feeder to the right of the hide, when it again grabbed the losing bird's neck and held it down. This carried on for a while longer until I managed to catch their attention and they separated, the losing bird managing to escape over the water and the winner washing and preening itself after its exertions. I don't know how long this might have gone on had they not separated, but I suspect that the losing bird would have come out even worse than it did. I was surprised that the second bird of the initial pair didn't return, at least while I was there, so it will be interesting to see if there are any further developments there.Simon Roddis

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