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
2017-03-06GNDiver still this morning. 1 Shelduck at Sailing Club. 6 Wigeon at Sheepwash. 30 Curlew. The Ruff still. 3 Redshank. 1 Dunlin. 5 GBbG (2 ads inc the long-staying bird, and 3 imms). Minimum of 6 Ravens (or as many as 14 if all sightings were different birds). The Cetti's Warbler singing on Stones. 24 Tree Sparrows between Stones and Sheepwash (second highest recent count).SJR, RC, AHS
2017-03-060900-0935 Hopton End-Paul Stanley Hide: Singing male Reed Bunting in reed bed; Oystercatcher pair on Big Island, 5 Goldeneye (4 male, 1 female), 30 Common Gulls on north side of spit 1115-1200 WLC: 30+ Common Snipe on shore of Horseshoe Island (though quite mobile, so probably more), 2 Willow Tits and Reed Bunting on feedersGary Atkins
2017-03-05Before the rain started the GNDiver was off Stones island and the Ruff, 33 Curlew and Cetti's Warbler were on Stones. 2 Pochard at WLC. 5 Goosander including a pair in Shiningford Creek and later at Sheepwash. 2 Redshank. 2 Herring Gull.Simon Roddis
2017-03-040600-1200: GNDiver still. 8 Barnacle Geese. 7 Wigeon including a pair displaying. 1 Pochard. 4 Goldeneye. Pair Goosander in Brownale Bay. 7 Common Buzzard. Single Jack Snipe, Woodcock and Water Rail at Hopton reedbed first thing. 41 Curlew. The Ruff still at WLC. 1 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. Ad GBbG. 4 Herring Gull. 3 Stock Dove. 2 Tawny Owls calling at Hopton first thing. 1 Kingfisher at Millfields. 22 Carrion Crows at Millfields and 14 at WLC creek. 1 Raven. 8 Skylark going in random directions. Cetti's Warbler and Redwing singing on Stones. 180 Starling. 5 Mistle Thrush. 5 Meadow Pipit. 11 Grey Wags out of Hopton reedbed early morning. 2 Linnet. 3 Lesser Redpoll. 7 Siskin. 8 singing Reed Buntings. (77 species.)Simon Roddis
2017-03-02The GNDiver was between Sheepwash and Lane End this morning. Peak count of 51 Curlews, with a lot of coming and going between the shore around Lane End and the fields. Only 7 Lapwings! Ad GBbG. Cetti's and 4 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-03-01This morning: the GNDiver between Stones and Lane End. A 2nd winter Kittiwake was off the dam wall at 08:15 then later at the WLC at 11:00. 20 Cormorant. 7 pairs of Oystercatcher. The Ruff still. 2 Redshank. 1 Dunlin. 13 Curlew. Ad GBbG. 4 Stock Dove. Female Kingfisher at Penn Carr (Millfields). 10 Rooks at small rookery at Hognaston (as seen from the dam wall). Willow Tits singing at Millfields and WLC creek. Reed Buntings singing on Stones, WLC creek, Tail Bay and Millfields island.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-02-28This morning, the GNDiver between Stones and Millfields. 2 Wigeon. 2 Goosander. 8 Buzzards in the air from Stones. The Ruff still. 38 Curlew at Lane End. 1 Dunlin. 2 ad GBbG over. 1 Herring Gull. 1 Peregrine. 3 Skylark over. Cetti's Warbler singing on Stones. 21 Tree Sparrows between Sheepwash and Stones Island. 1 Linnet N over WLC creek. 3 Reed Buntings singing (WLC and 2 on Stones).SJR, AHS, RC
2017-02-270820-1045: the GNDiver still, off Lane End. Ruff still around Stones. 30+ Common Snipe at the WLC. A singing Grey Wag at Sheepwash appeared to be a female by its plumage.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-02-26The GNDiver was off Stones this morning. 6 Wigeon. 1 Pochard. 1 Peregrine. 15 Curlew. The Ruff still. 1 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. 5 Skylark and 30 Starling W. 90 Redwing (5 on Stones, 85 WLC Creek). 9 Willow Tits between the WLC and Millfields (via Tail Bay): 3 pairs and 3 singles, including 2 singing.Simon Roddis
2017-02-25GNDiver at Millfields. First thing at Hopton reedbed, 3 Jack Snipe, 4 Woodcock, 11 Grey Wagtails out of their roost, 1 Tawny Owl calling. 29 Curlew from Sheepwash. Cetti's Warbler singing on Stones.Simon Roddis
2017-02-2508:00-10:00 between Visitor Centre and Sheepwash.2 Kestrel, 2 Oystercatchers' 6-8 Curlew, Treecreeper, Willow Tit and 2 NuthatchesEric Dewhurst
2017-02-24The GNDiver was off Stones this morning. 4 Wigeon. 4 Gadwall. 6 Buzzard. 1 Ringed Plover. 19 Curlew. Pair of Oycs mating on Horseshoe island. 2 Dunlin. The Ruff still. 2 Redshank. Ad GBbG still. 7 Stock Dove. 20 Starling and 18 Redwing N.SJR, AHS, RC
2017-02-23The GNDiver was off Millfields 08:20. Ruff at Sailing Club. 2 Shelduck flew up the res at 10:40, seemed to land in Brownale Bay. Not many birds singing this morning for some reason!Simon Roddis
2017-02-21This mornings Tree Sparrow count was 23.A H STEWARDSON
2017-02-210830-1230, west side from Hopton end to Stones island: GNDiver, 5 Buzzard, 7 Curlew, 3 Redshank, 2 GBbG, 2 Raven, 7 Goldcrest (3 singing), 51 Blue Tits, 19 Great Tits, 10 Coal Tits, 4 Willow Tits (3 singing), 13 Long-tailed Tit, 6 Nuthatch, 4 Treecreeper, 35 Wren (28 singing), 100 Starling W, 28 Blackbirds (only 1 singing), 18 Song Thrush (15 singing), 88 Robin (62 singing), 27 Dunnock (20 singing), 8 singing Chaffinches, 18 Bullfinch, 5 Reed Bunting (3 singing).Simon Roddis
2017-02-20Adult GNDiver still present. 26 Barnacle Geese. 2 Greylags. 1 Shelduck. 10 Goldeneye. 9 Goosander. 1 Peregrine. 9 Oystercatcher. 1 Ruff still. 1 Ringed Plover N. 4 Dunlin. 1 Curlew. 7 GBbG first thing, presumably roosted. 4 Herring Gull. 60 Woodpigeons at Millfields. 7 Raven over Millfields. Total of c.200 Starling N. 70 Redwing (20 Millfields, 50 Sheepwash). Total of 20 singing SongThrushes at Millfields (14), Stones area (4) and Sheepwash (2).SJR, AHS, CA
2017-02-19This morning from Stones Island, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Ruff, 4 Dunlin, 3 Oystercatchers, 70 Common Snipe, 3 Skylarks flying north and 1 Cetti's Warbler.A H STEWARDSON
2017-02-160650-1210: adult GNDiver still present. At Hopton first thing, 1 Water Rail, 1 Jack Snipe and 13 Grey Wags out of their roost. 10 Stock Doves over. 20 Barnacle Geese. 18 Wigeon. 5 Pochard. 12 Goldeneye. 8 Goosander. 1 Grey Heron. 2 Sparrowhawk. 6 Buzzard. 5+ Oystercatcher. 2 Golden Plover. 2 Redshank. 3 Curlew. 4+ Dunlin. 73 Common Snipe at WLC. 3 Herring Gull. 1 ad GBbG. 7 Feral Pigeon (Tail Bay). Female Kingfisher in Brownale Bay. 4 Raven at Millfields. 6 Skylark over. Willow Tit singing at Millfields. 2 Linnet S over Stones. 1 Reed Bunting singing at WLC. (75 species) SJR, AHS, RC
2017-02-140830-1200: the GNDiver was easier to see today in much more benign conditions. 980 Lapwing in total. 2 Dunlin. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. 4 Great Spots including 2 drumming. Reed Bunting singing on Stones. Peregrine over Sheepwash. Adult GBbG. 3 Mistle Thrushes (1 Hopton, 2 Sheepwash).Simon Roddis
2017-02-13February WeBs count- Mute Swan 8, Canada Goose 50, Wigeon 2, Gadwall 11, Teal 133, Mallard 97, Pochard 8, Tufted Duck 84, Goldeneye 9, Goosander 2, Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 13, Great Crested Grebe 39, Grey Heron 1, Moorhen 6, Coot 564, Oystercatcher 5, Lapwing 384, Dunlin 4, Ruff 1, Common Snipe 32, Redshank 2. JB, SJR
2017-02-13No sign of the diver this morning but maybe it was just sheltering from the wind. Wildfowl numbers continue to fall. 8 Goldeneye off the dam wall and 2 redhead Goosander at Millfields. Ruff, 2 Dunlin, 3 Oystercatchers, 2 Redshank. 1 GBbG.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-02-090830-1300. Whole site covered. Adult Great Northern Diver. 14 Cormorants. 45 Great Crested Grebes. 19 Little Grebes including 14 around the Wildlife Centre area. 8 Mute Swans. 156 Canada Geese. Pink-footed Goose. 12 Gadwall. 11 Wigeon. 159 Teal. 17 Pochard. 18 Goldeneye. 8 Moorhen. 4 Dunlin. Ruff. 6 Oystercatchers including a pair at Millfields. Pair on Big Island (hopton end), and a pair at Sheepwash which includes the ringed (bar code) bird returning for its 12th consecutive year. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2017-02-0809:00 to 11:30 from Sheepwash hide 3 Goldeneye, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 lesser black backed gull, 1 Greater black backed gull, 1 Common gull, 65 Black headed gulls, 1 greylag Goose,2 Ravens, 1 Greater spotted woodpecker drumming, 30 Redwing. From brown ale bay 1 Redshank, 3 Dunlin. Great Northern Diver near dam wall.A H STEWARDSON
2017-02-07This morning from Stones Island 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Redshank, 1 Dunlin, 3 Ravens,from WLC 67 Common Snipe, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Ruff, 1 Pink foot Goose, 5 Common Buzzard. A H STEWARDSON
2017-02-0610:oo Lane end hide 1 Skylark flying south west, 1 Curlew calling, 11:00 from Stones Island, 2 Skylarks flying south west.A H STEWARDSON
2017-02-06Very foggy this morning, so I walked to Laneend hide. 10 Siskins, 2 Goldeneye from hide and 8 Great crested grebes, at the feeding station near Lane end hide excellent views of many of our commoner birds, I saw in 10 minutes Great,Blue, Coal,Willow and Longtailed Tits, Nuthatch, Treecreeper,Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Robin, Blackbird, Dunnock,Woodpigeon, Mistlethrush singing close by. From Stones Island when fog had cleared, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Ruff. A H STEWARDSON
2017-02-05Species noted during monthly birdwatching for beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island/ Wildlife Centre): Black-headed Gull, Mute Swan, Dunnock, Carrion Crow, Chaffinch, Robin, Starling, Coot, Gt Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Canada Goose, Teal, Blackbird, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Lapwing, Tufted Duck, Ruff, Redshank, Cormorant, Long-tailed Tit, Wren, Mallard, Song Thrush, Greenshank, Gt Northern Diver, Goldeneye, Redwing, Pied Wagtail, Goosander, Snipe, Oystercatcher, Blue Tit, MagpieGary Atkins
2017-02-03This morning from Millfields, 1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Skylarks, 6 Goldeneye, 1 Raven, from Stones Island 1Ruff, 2 Redshank, from the WLC, 4 Dunlin, 11 Barnacle Geese, 1 Pink foot Goose, 1 Oystercatcher and 13 Common SnipeA H STEWARDSON
2017-02-02In thick fog little to report, 6 Dunlin and a Redshank on Stones island. 2 Stock Dove over. Pair of Mistle Thrush in traditional breeding area near Paul Stanley hide. Clive Ashton
2017-02-01This morning from Sheepwash hide,fog made any observations very difficult, 1 Pintail, 1 Common Snipe, 1 Grey Wagtail, 2 Meadow Pipits, Greater spotted woodpecker could be heard drumming from the far bank. From Stones Island, fog turning to mist and eventually clearing,1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Ruff, 2 Dunlin, 1 Ringed Plover, 6 Common Snipe, 1 Oystercatcher, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Redshank. From the Wildlife Centre, 42 Common Snipe. A H STEWARDSON
2017-01-29This morning from Stones island 6 Dunlin,1 Shelduck,1 Great Northern Diver, 2 Common Snipe, from Wildlife Centre 1 Oystercatcher, 20 Common Snipe, 1 Pink footed Goose amongst the Canada Geese and 1 Great Black Backed Gull. A H STEWARDSON
2017-01-24This morning at Millfields, 1 Kingfisher,5 Lesser Redpolls. From Stones Island 1 Ruff,1 Curlew. From Wild life centre, 7 Common Snipe,1 Oystercatcher and amongst the Canada Geese 1 Pink footed goose and 22 Barnacle Geese.A H STEWARDSON
2017-01-24Hopton end- 2 Jack Snipe, 6 Grey Wagtails,Jay. 4 Jay flew over the road at Brown Ale Bay. Stones/WLC - 2 Redshank, Curlew, Ruff, Dunlin, 36 Snipe. Clive Ashton /Alan Stewardson
2017-01-22Hopton End 0715hrs, 3 Jack Snipe, and 2 Woodcock flew in. Millfields, 4 female Goosander. Stones Island, 1 Knot (AHS, RWK, RC) flew in 1000hrs, 17 Snipe, 1 Ruff, 5 Dunlin, 1 Redshank, Great Northern Diver and Raven plus Peregrine over. Wildlife Centre, 39 Snipe and 1 Oystercatcher.Roger Carrington
2017-01-21This morning from Stone's island,3 Redshank,5 Dunlin,1 Ruff,1 Oystercatcher from WLC and 4 Common Snipe.A H STEWARDSON
2017-01-20This morning from Stone's Island light south easterly breeze, pockets of light mist generally visibility excellent. 2 Redshank, 4 Dunlin, 1 Ruff, Great Northern Diver, Cetti's Warbler, 20 Whooper Swans distant and brief flying northwest at 9:15am 2 flying northwest at 10:07am 16 on water at 11:05am, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 1 Skylark. From Wildlife Centre 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Great Black Backed Gull, 11 Common Snipe.A H STEWARDSON
2017-01-19From Stones Island GN Diver, 5 Dunlin, 1 Ruff, 1 Redshank, 11 Common Snipe, 2 Herring Gull, Grey Heron, Cetti's Warbler and 8 Lesser Redpoll. From WLC 25 more Snipe so 36 total. A pair of Teal displaying and mating in WLC Creek. Clive Ashton
2017-01-18Morning fog made any observations very difficult. On the causeway to Stones island I saw 4 Dunlin, 1 Ruff. 5 Common Snipe were just visible from the Wildlife centre. A H STEWARDSON
2017-01-151300-1700: GNDiver off Millfields. 333 Canada Geese. 2 Greylags 1 Pink-foot. 900 Lapwing (500 Sheepwash, 400 Sailing Club). 7 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. 1 Woodcock at Hopton at dusk. 12 Herring Gull. 1 Yellow-legged Gull. 25 Redwing at Hopton late pm. 2 Meadow Pipit. 4 Reed Bunting.Simon Roddis
2017-01-15January WeBs count-Mute Swan 22, Greylag Goose 2, Canada Goose 48, Cormorant 15, Great Crested Grebe 33, Little Grebe 12, Great Northern Diver 1, Wigeon 35, Teal 163, Mallard 143, Gadwall 33, Pintail 5, Tufted Duck 187, Pochard 55, Goldeneye 17, Coot 950, Moorhen 9, Lapwing 383, Dunlin 7, Ruff 1, Redshank 2, Snipe 7, Curlew 1.JB, SJR
2017-01-120730-1140: GNDiver still off Stones. 8 Goosander at Millfields early morning, and 3 calling Tawny Owls. Female Peregrine. 600 Lapwing at Sailing Club. Ruff still on Stones causeway.9 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. Ad GBbG. 2 female Kingfishers (Millfields and Brownale Bay). 40 Redwing. 15 Bullfinch, including 13 (7m,6f) on Sheepwash feeder. 3 Greenfinch. 2 Lesser Redpoll. 35 Siskin.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2017-01-100715-1145: GNDiver off Stones island. 4 Jack Snipe, 4 Woodcock and 9 Grey Wagtails at Hopton reedbed first thing. 29 Barnacle Geese. 15 Gadwall. 10 Goldeneye (7m,3f). 1000 Lapwing spread between Sheepwash, WLC and Sailing Club. 7 Dunlin. Ad GBbG. Female Kingfisher again in Brownale Bay. Willow Tit singing at Hopton. Mistle Thrushes singing at Hopton and Sheepwash. 10 Bullfinch, inc. 9 (3m,6f) on the topped-up feeder in Sheepwash carpark.Simon Roddis
2017-01-080730-1230: GNDiver, Ruff and Cetti's Warbler still on/around Stones. 24 Goosander (4 ad males, 4 imm males) and 12 Goldeneye (8 males) off the dam wall at Millfields first thing. 3 Shoveler (2 males). 29 Barnacle Geese. 95 Common Snipe at the WLC (the record is 130 in 2003). 7 Dunlin. 2+ Redshank. 500 Lapwing. 1 Golden Plover. 1 ad Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. 3 GBbG. 2 GSWoodpeckers drumming at Millfields. Female Kingfisher again in Brownale Bay. 2 Raven. 2 Greenfinch. 1 Linnet. (69 species)Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-01-060730-1200: I decided to do a count of small(ish) stuff this morning, so the following are totals from Hopton to Stones: 4 Woodcock, 1 Jack Snipe, 7 Moorhen, 1 Kingfisher, 3 Great Spotted Woodpecker, 13 Magpie, 1 Jay, 300 Jackdaw, 52 Blue Tit, 30 Great Tit, 10 Coal Tit, 3 Willow Tit, 5 Nuthatch, 4 Treecreeper, 27 Wrens, 65 Blackbird, 19 Song Thrush, 82 Redwing, 47 Robin, 21 Dunnock, 5 Grey Wagtails, 28 Chaffinch, 8 Bullfinch, 3 Greenfinch, 27 Siskin and 5 Reed Bunting. The GN Diver is still there, along with 12 Shoveler. Surprisingly, there were some early signs of breeding activity: a pair of Mallards mating towards the Hopton end, and a pair of Mute Swans at Sheepwash which were displaying to each other, mirroring each other’s moves as they preened, dipped their heads in the water, bowed to each other and so on – beautiful to watch – but it turned out that this was also the preamble to a bit of how’s your father: at least they then had the decency to do a bit more post-coital displaying to each other afterwards. Clearly the pair bond means more to Mute Swans than it does to Mallard! Alan S. also had a pair of Coots mating near the WLC.Simon Roddis
2017-01-05Tawny Owl, Woodcock, Jack Snipe, 300 Jackdaw, singing Willow Tit and 9 Grey Wags at Hopton reedbed first thing. 215 Canadas, 1 Greylag, 1 Pink-foot. (72 species)Simon Roddis
2017-01-05Adult GN Diver, 25 Snipe, 6 Dunlin, 3 Redshank, Ruff, 3 Goosander over and Cetti's Warbler.Clive Ashton
2017-01-040800-1230: adult GNDiver off Stones. 8 Greylag. 15 Goldeneye. 3 Goosander. 24 Cormorant. 3 Dunlin. 3 Redshank. 17 Common Snipe at WLC. 4 Great Black-backs (the resident bird plus 3 adults north). 14+ Stock Doves. Female Kingfishers at Millfields and Brownale Bay, difficult to say whether one or two birds. 3 Kestrel. 3 Great Spots. The Cetti's Warbler on Stones showed incredibly well, called then popped up into a bush for about 30 seconds. (67 species)Simon Roddis
2017-01-03GN Diver, Ruff and Cetti's Warbler all still present around/off Stones. 2 drake Pintail also off Stones.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2017-01-01Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon) - 33 species: House Sparrow, Coot, Pochard, Gadwall, Jackdaw, Gt Tit, Robin, Little Grebe, Pheasant, Mute Swan, Mallard, Chaffinch, Tree Sparrow, Blue Tit, Magpie, Willow Tit, Tufted Duck, Woodpigeon, Lapwing, Dunnock, Teal, Blackbird, Collared Dove, Snipe, Ruff, Pied Wagtail, Gt Crested Grebe, Goldeneye, Wigeon, Black-hd Gull, Wren, Goldfinch, Carrion CrowGary Atkins
2017-01-01Afternoon visit: GN Diver still off Stones. 207 Canada Geese, 28 Barnacles, 1 Pink-foot, 1 Greylag. 1 Ruff still. 1 Redshank. 6 Dunlin. 3 Woodcock at Hopton reedbed at dusk.Simon Roddis

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