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
08/05/2024A Common Tern was the only suggestion of movement this morning. Drake Common and RcPochard still. 1 Common Sandpiper. Fledged Long-tailed Tits at WLC and female Blackcap with food on Stones. 60+ Canada Geese gathered off Watersports island at one point while 50 Black-headed Gulls circled overhead. The cause of their anxiety: a female Roe Deer on the island (that's 3 days on the trot I've seen Roe Deer here, the other 2 being a buck/bucks).Simon Roddis
07/05/2024A flock of 8 Little Egrets this morning was unexpected, although they didn't stay long. First time I've seen more than 3 here in the first half of the year. Drake PcPochard still. 11 Garden Warblers in the areas I covered. 4 Reed Warblers singing in Hopton reedbed. Pied Flycatcher still in Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
05/05/2024Species noted during monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island/WLC): Canada Goose, Greylag Goose, Mute Swan, Cormorant, Mallard, Coot, Moorhen, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Shoveler, Pochard, Gt Crested Grebe, Red-throated Diver, House Sparrow, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Wren, Robin, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Chiffchaff, Willow warbler, Sedge warbler, BH Gull, Buzzard, Red Kite, Reed Bunting, Oystercatcher, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Lapwing.Gary Atkins
05/05/20243.40pm Red Throated Diver still present. Viewed from Stones Island looking NE. Quite distant.Emma Hattersley-Hornett
05/05/2024The Red-throated Diver was still present this morning, looking from Stones island. Drake Shoveler and RcPochard still. 3 Common Sandpiper. And a Roe Deer buck swam across the reservoir (west to east), as they do...Simon Roddis
05/05/2024A very decent morning. Biggest surprise was a Red-throated Diver which Clive initially picked up in flight; it circled for 3-4 minutes and seemed to be gaining height when we lost it at 09:05. Twenty minutes later it appeared on the water and remained for the rest of the morning at least. It is in transitional plumage, not full summer but on its way there. An adult Kittiwake flew down the res at almost the same time and showed now and them over the next hour. 3 (or more?) Arctic Terns passed through, 3 Whimbrel were on Horseshoe island and 3 Dunlin on the dam wall, plus 8 and 2 unidentified small waders. A White Wagtail on Stones causeway. Drake Red-crested and 3 Common Pochard still. 4 Swifts, 100s of hirundines (mostly Swallows and Sand Martins). 1 Lesser Redpoll at Millfields.Simon Roddis
02/05/2024Very little to report from 1/5/24; 3 Pochard (2m,1f), 2m Shoveler, drake R-c Pochard, a Shelduck flew towards WLC 19:15 hr, 2 Common Sandpiper. Great Crested Grebes at WLC with young.Clive Ashton
03/05/2024This morning, Clive picked up 3 Arctic Terns off Stones, followed later by another 2. 1 Common Tern. Drake Shoveler and RcPochard, and 3 Common Pochard still. Curlew at sailing club early on. 1 immature Great Black-back. Lesser Whitethroat singing in WLC fields and Common Whitethroat singing on Stones causeway. 2 Tree Sparrows at Millfields and 3 Lesser Redpoll flew N (seem to be a few moving through at the moment).Simon Roddis
01/05/2024Perimeter count this morning: 7 Jay, 23 Magpie, 9 Coal Tit, 4 Willow, 126 Blue, 46 Great, 13 Long-tailed, 5 Nuthatch, 5 Treecreeper, 17 Willow Warbler, 122 Chiffchaff, 9 Sedge, 3 Reed, 65 Blackcap, 11 Garden, 1 Lesser White, 118 Wren, 31 Song Thrush, 8 Mistle, 103 Blackbird, 122 Robin, 1 Pied Fly, 6 Redstart, 39 Dunnock, 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Yellow Wag, 5 Pied Wag, 15 Chaffinch, 13 Bullfinch, 2 Greenfinch, 12 Linnet, 22 Goldfinch, 4 Reed Bunting. The female Bar-tailed Godwit was still around WLC creek, drake Shoveler still, 1 Swift, 3 Common Sand, 1 Little Egret, 9 Buzzard.Simon Roddis
26/04/2024Male and female Bar-tailed Godwits still, feeding in Shiningford creek this morning. Pair of Common Scoter off Lane End. Drake Red-crested and 2 Common Pochard still. Pair of Moorhen on Stones with 4 chicks. 4 Sparrowhawks. 2 Garden Warblers singing on Stones. Pied Flycatcher singing in Middle Wood. 4 singing Redstarts. 2 Yellow Wagtails over the dam wall. Male Brambling still singing on Stones. Lesser Redpoll over Millfields.Simon Roddis
28/04/2024A bit damp for a Songbird Walk, but a Hobby from the WLC (found by Jon B), 9 Arctics and a Common Tern made up for it. Drake Shoveler and RcPochard. 4 Pochard. 1 fly-over Black-tailed Godwit. 1 Swift from Stones. Guesstimates of hirundine numbers: c500 Swallow, 200 Sand and 30 House Martins.Simon Roddis
24/04/2024Early evening visit. An Osprey flew N over the WLC, mobbed by gulls, at 18:25, and the first Swift of the year from Stones at 19:00. Single Arctic Tern off Stones. Pairs of Common and Red-crested Pochards still. Vocal Whimbrel around Horseshoe island. Common Whitethroat in WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
23/04/2024The Bar-tailed Godwit again on Horseshoe island and in WLC fields this morning. Influx of Redshank included 12 at sailing club (16 in total). Couldn't find the GNDiver - it would be an extremely early departure date if it has in fact left. A cream-crown Marsh Harrier flew W past Stones at 09:10. Clive had a single Arctic Tern early morning. Pair of RcPochard again, 3 Pochard, 3 Mandarin. 1 Dunlin past Stones. 2 Whimbrel in WLC fields. 2 Lesser Whitethroats singing at Sheepwash/Lane End. A male Brambling on Stones.SJR, CA, RPJ, AMD
22/04/2024Early evening in light rain off Millfields: 13 Arctic Terns, 3 Kittiwake (2 ads and 1st s), RC Pochard pr., GN Diver, plus Bar tailed Godwit with BH Gulls on Horseshoe Is.Richard Lowe
22/04/2024The poor weather brought 17 Arctic Terns in between 07:35-08:10. The GNDiver still from Stones, 2 Shelduck, pairs of Shoveler, Pochard and RcPochard, 3 Whimbrel on Horseshoe island early morning and presumably the same birds later over Stones. Hirundines: c100 each of Swallow and Sand Martin, and 10 House Martins.Simon Roddis
18/04/2024Slavonian Grebe showing well at Hopton End. Blackcap and maybe Garden Warbler singing in Hopton itself. Reed Warbler singing Hopton end. Reed Warbler, Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff singing Stones Island.Natalie Windsor
18/04/2024Osprey, flying over near Janet Ede hide. Attempted to dive for a fish although gulls began mobbing. We lost sight of it after 5-10 minutes.Natalie Windsor
20/04/2024Three new birds for the year (as far as I'm aware) this morning: a Whimbrel on Horseshoe island early morning, a Lesser Whitethroat singing on Watersports island and a Grasshopper Warbler singing at Millfields. The GNDiver was looking splendid off Stones island. Pair of RcPochard north of Millfields. 2 drake Shoveler. 5 Goldeneye. 3 Pochard. Far fewer hirundines this morning, c80 Sand Martins, 10 Swallows, 2 House Martins. 2 male Wheatears on the dam wall.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
19/04/20242 Sandwich Terns flew past Flat Island early morning, the GNDiver was still between Stones and Millfields, but no sign of yesterday's Slavonian Grebe. 9 Black-tailed Godwit (8 lovely summer-plumage Icelandic birds) and 5 Dunlin on Horseshoe Island. 3+ Common Sandpiper. 3 Goldeneye. c500 Sand Martins and 100 Swallows. Whitethroat singing near Flat Island. 6 Mistle Thrushes, including 4 (perhaps a family party) over Hopton end.Simon Roddis
17/04/2024A drake Red-breasted Merganser was at Millfields first thing, and later off Stones to 10:00 at least - completes the set of 3 sawbills for the year. The GNDiver still from Stones. Female RcPochard still. 1 Dunlin on Horseshoe island. 3 Common Sandpiper at Millfields and Willow Tit singing there. 4 male Wheatears on the dam wall.SJR, AHS, CA
16/04/2024The GNDiver was between Stones island and Millfields much of the morning. Pair of Mandarin in Shiningford creek. 3 Goldeneye. Common Tern around Horseshoe island. Loads of hirundines: c200 Sand Martin, 5 House, 30 Swallows. 3 singing Sedge Warblers. At least 2 male Redstarts in WLC creek. 3 male Wheatears on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
15/04/2024A couple of hours in Sheepwash hide in horrible conditions. The only things of note were a White Wagtail on the spit and 3 Common Sandpipers. Neil Loverock had a Yellow Wagtail near the bombing tower.Clive Ashton/Alan Stewardson
12/04/20242 Little grebe,5 Chiffchaff, 2 Goldfinch, 5 Redshank, 2 Wren, 2 Blackcap, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Bullfinch, 14 Barnacle Goose, 10 Cormorant, 1 Pied Wagtail, 2 Oystercatcher, 5 Sand Martin, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Willow WarblerDavid Armitt
11/04/2024The GNDiver still from Stones. 2 Sandwich Terns off Stones/Watersports most of the morning. 1 Common Tern. The first-summer Little and Med Gulls again on Horseshoe island. 25 Barnacles. 6 Mute Swan. Male Mandarin in WLC creek. Pair of Pochard in BABay. Female RcPochard at Millfields. 2 Common Sandpiper. Kingfisher at Millfields. First-summer male Wheatear again on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
10/04/2024The GNDiver still from Stones this morning, and the first-summer Little and Med Gulls again at WLC. A singing Reed Warbler in Hopton reedbed is the earliest record here by 4 days. 4 singing Redstarts in the Hopton, Hall/Middle Woods area. 31 Barnacle Geese. The female RcPochard still at Millfields. 2 drake Goosander flew N. Common Sandpiper at sailing club. Male Wheatear and 2 Skylarks on the dam wall.Simon Roddis
09/04/2024As far as I'm aware, no sign of yesterdays' Slavonian Grebe to 11:00 at least. The GNDiver still from Stones, and first-summer Little and Mediterranean Gulls at the WLC. 1 Common Tern. 1 Little Egret flew past the new Sheepwash hide. 6 Common and the female Red-crested Pochard at Millfields.Simon Roddis
08/04/2024Star bird this morning (and the year so far) was a summer-plumage Slavonian Grebe found by Neil Loverock at the WLC. Gorgeous bird, deservedly attracting some admirers. Supporting cast of GNDiver, first-summer Little and Med Gulls, 1 Common and 2 Arctic Terns, Common Sandpiper, 2 Yellow Wagtails and a Brambling.SJR, AHS, CA
08/04/2024Slavonian Grebe still distant from behind Horseshoe Island.Richard Pittam
07/04/2024Species noted during today's monthly Birdwatching for Beginner's walk (10am-noon; Stones Island - Wildlife Centre): Canada Goose, House Sparrow, Coot, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Cormorant, Gt Northern Diver, BH Gull, LBB Gull, House Martin, Sand Martin, Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Redshank, Blackbird, Robin, Wren, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Song Thrush, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Oystercatcher, Magpie, Goldfinch, Gt Crested Grebe, Siskin, Chaffinch, Woodpigeon.Gary Atkins
06/04/2024Red Kite over, Great Northern diver, 2 Grey wagtail around dam wall.Matthew Birkin
07/04/2024Another decent morning: the first-summer Med Gull was on Horseshoe island early on (and later from Stones), a Common Tern really close on Stones causeway and later 3 Arctic Terns, the earliest ever here by 4 days, off Stones. The GNDiver still from Stones, took a short flight at one point. 30+ Barnacle Geese. Drake Shoveler. 2 Red-legged Partridge on Hays Lane (Millfields). 2 Dunlin. The most hirundines yet this year: c50 Swallows, 30 Sand Martins and 2+ House Martins on Stones.SJR, CA, AHS, JB
06/04/2024An excellent spring morning. In the WLC/Stones area, 2 Little Gulls, single Common and Sandwich Terns and a first-summer Med Gull. The GNDiver still. Male Redstart in Hall Wood. And the monthly wildfowl count: 179 Canada, 2 Barnacle, 38 Greylag, 4 Mute Swan, 10 Gadwall, 77 Mallard, 1 Pochard, the female RcPochard, 67 Tufted, 10 Goldeneye, 1 Water Rail in Hopton reedbed, 6 Moorhen, 60 Coot, 5 LGrebe, 60 GCGrebe, 15 Oystercatcher, 5 Redshank, 8 Curlew, 13 Cormorant, 4 Heron.SJR, JB, CA
05/04/20246 Chiffchaff,1 shoveler, 6 Oystercatcher, 3 Buzzard, 5 Barnacle goose, 1 Red Kite, 3 Willow Warbler, 9 Cormorant, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Gadwall, 4 Sand martin , 1 House MartinDavid Armitt
05/04/2024Another Osprey this morning, fairly briefly over Shiningford/Lane End at 08:35. The GNDiver off Stones still and the female RcPochard off the east side. Drake Shoveler and Teal. 2 Kestrels (my first here since February). 1 adult Herring Gull. 1 House Martin from Stones.Simon Roddis
04/04/2024The GNDiver still this morning. 10 Goldeneye (6m,4f). Clive had a House Martin over the dam wall and it or another was over Stones causeway with Sand Martins later. Total of 6 Jays.Simon Roddis
02/04/2024The highlight this morning was an Osprey which flew slowly north between 10:50-10:58, mobbed at one point by a Buzzard. The GNDiver was still off Stones. 12 Curlew on Horseshoe island early morning. 2 Swallows and 15 Sand Martins. 4 singing Willow Warblers. Small northward movement of Woodpigeons (35) and Meadow Pipits (23). 14 Siskin at Millfields. Clive and Alan also had 2 Shoveler, 2 Wigeon and a Pochard.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
01/04/2024The GNDiver from Stones island all morning. 35 Barnacle Geese. Pair of Shoveler. The female RcPochard still off Oldfield Lane. Water Rail in Hopton reedbed. 13 Oystercatcher. 4 Redshank. Willow Warbler singing at the main centre.Simon Roddis
31/03/2024Perimeter count this morning: 32 Pheasant (29 males), 9 Moorhen, 4 LGrebe, 10 Oystercatcher, 5 Redshank, 3 drumming GSWoodpecker, 15 Coal, 5 Willow, 101 Blue, 64 Great and 10 Long-tailed Tits, 3 Skylark, 1 Willow Warbler, 185 Chiffchaffs (169 singing), 18 singing Blackcaps, 135 Wren, 11 Nuthatch, 17 Treecreeper, 40 Song Thrush, 6 Mistle, 91 Blackbirds, 144 Robin, 49 Dunnock, 21 Chaffinch, 1 Hawfinch, 7 Bullfinch, 24 Goldfinch, 22 Siskin, 5 Reed Bunting. 6 Shoveler (4m,2f), 2 drake Pochard and my first brood of Mallard ducklings, 7 at Millfields island.Simon Roddis
30/03/2023The GNDiver was off Stones all morning. 35 Barnacle Geese. 12 Goldeneye. 12 Curlew on Horseshoe island early morning. 5 Redshank. 2 immature Herring Gulls. Black cap, Willow Warbler and Willow Tit - 2 of each singing. Total of 5 Linnet over Stones/dam wall.Simon Roddis
29/03/2024The GNDiver off Stones still. A Whooper Swan flew in early morning and lingered off the dam wall. 9 Black-tailed Godwits still, but flushed by a Peregrine and not seen subsequently. 2 drake Pochard. 4 Redshank. Swallow and Sand Martin over Stones causeway. Singing Blackcaps on Stones and in Middle Wood. Clive had the singing Willow Warbler again near the main centre. 8 Treecreepers in Hall/Middle Woods. 2 Tree Sparrows at WLC.SJR, CA, AHS
26/03/2024This morning started cold but warmed up as the morning progressed, one lucky person had an Osprey fly over near Hopton, we could not refind it unfortunately. 5 Redshank, 2 Curlew, 1 Barn owl, 3 Shoveller, 28 Barnacle Geese, 2 Peregrines, 3 Grey Herons, 25 Fieldfares flying over Blackwall plantation, 1 Redkite, 1 Sparrowhawk, 200 Common Gulls, 7 Buzzards, Great Northern Diver and a Blackcap singing on Stones Island. Chiffchaffs everywhere at the moment.AHS, CA.
22/03/2024This morning from Stones Island and the WLC, 2 CURLEW, 5 Redshank, 2 Black Tailed Godwits, 14 Goldeneye, 30 + Barnacle Geese, 3 Grey Heron, 1 Little Egret, 4 Sand Martins and the Great Northern Diver.AHS, CA.
21/03/2024Misty morning today, 1 Curlew, 2 Redshank and a Dunlin at the WLC, Stones Island produced 24 Sand Martins, 1 Little Ringed Plover, Great Northern Diver off the East bank, 6 Chiffchaffs and 23 Barnacle Geese.AHS, CA.
18/03/2024The GNDiver still from Stones island this morning. Movement included 246 Woodpigeons N, 120 Fieldfare N and 52 S, 34 Redwing N, 50 Starling N. 4 drake Shoveler, flighty but hanging around. Only 10 Pochard, must have been a big clear-out overnight (113 yesterday). 19 Goldeneye. The female RcPochard still at Millfields. Water Rail, Kingfisher and Woodcock at Hopton end early morning. 1 Sand Martin on Stones.Simon Roddis
16/03/2023A cracking early spring morning. A drake Common Scoter, 2 adult Caspian Gulls (presumably roosted overnight) and the GNDiver from the dam wall first thing. An adult Kittiwake flew in at 08:25 and settled amongst B-h Gulls at Millfields, and a male Wheatear was on the dam wall at 09:10. c35 Barnacle Geese. The female RcPochard still north of Millfields. 4 Redshank on Horseshoe island. A 360 scan from the dam wall mid-morning produced 44 Buzzards and 4 Sparrowhawks. Steady trickle of northbound Woodpigeons amounted to at least 100. 3 singing Skylarks. 33 Fieldfare above Penn Carr.Simon Roddis
15/03/2024The GNDiver still from Stones island. A Jack Snipe was in Hopton reedbed early morning. An Egyptian Goose flew S past Stones at 09:18 (Carsi tick for Alan). 16 Wigeon and a drake Pintail flew in early morning, very skittish. 31 Barnacle Geese. 73 Mallard. 176 Pochard. 23 Goldeneye. 55 GCGrebe. 15 Oystercatcher. A Kingfisher flew past Middle Wood. 15 singing Chiffchaffs.Simon Roddis
13/03/2024From Stones island this morning, GNDiver, pair of Shelduck, Sand Martin, 12 Buzzards. At WLC, adult Med Gull, 33 Barnacle Geese. Pair of Mandarin at Millfields early on, and Barn Owl in Tail Bay. The female RcPochard off the east side. 3 Chiffchaffs.Simon Roddis
11/03/2024This morning from Paul Stanley hide, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Grey Heron, 2 Redkite, 73 Pochard, 6 Goldeneye , 7 Gadwall, 2 Teal,5 Whooper Swans, Great Northern Diver and 5 Oystercatchers.AHS
11/03/2024The GNDiver was between Stones island and the dam wall late morning. The 5 Whooper Swans still, towards the north end of the res; must be a chance they'll leave now that the weather has improved a bit. Little Egret at Sheepwash. Chiffchaffs singing at Millfields and on Stones.Simon Roddis
10/03/2024The GNDiver was off Stones mid-morning, now looking pretty full-winged. A Golden Plover flew NE over Stones at 09:30. Yesterday's 5 Whooper Swans still. 3+ Redshank. 3 Chiffchaffs. 70 Starlings at Hays Lane.Simon Roddis

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