Recent Sightings

NameSightingDate
Simon RoddisClive and Alan saw the Wood Sandpiper at Sheepwash early morning, and a Greenshank dropped in there later. The Osprey was around again and caught a fish at around 9 and apparently another at 11. A female/juv-type Goldeneye was off Stones, perhaps the same bird as appeared a couple of times in July. 389 Pied and 7 Yellow Wagtails left their roost on Watersports island early morning, along with 25 Swallows. Totals of 22 Shoveler, 23 Pochard and at least 2 Red-crested Pochard. 2 Ruff and 8 Snipe at sailing club. 1+ Ringed Plover, and 6 Little Ringed (plus chicks) again at Sheepwash/Brown Ale Bay. 2 Great Egrets, 13 Little Egrets and 17 Grey Herons. Common Whitethroat in WLC creek and Alan had a Garden Warbler at Sheepwash. 150 Goldfinches on Stones.29/08/2025
Simon RoddisThe juvenile Wood Sandpiper was visible from Sheepwash hide all morning, albeit that the shoreline is some distance away at the moment. Other waders: 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Ringed Plover, 6 Little Ringed Plovers (plus 3 large chicks), Green and Common Sandpipers, 2 Ruff, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 10 Snipe and a fly-through Greenshank. 4 female/juv Red-crested Pochard were at sailing club early on and later at Millfields. 16 Shoveler. 29 Pochard. Adult Caspian Gull from Sheepwash early morning, and 5 Yellow-legs. 2 Great and 16 Little Egrets. Male and female Redstart and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. 100 Goldfinches on Stones.28/08/2025
Richard LoweFrom Sheepwash Hide late this afternoon: Wood Sandpiper (juv); Ringed Plover (1) Ad; LRPlover (4) - an adult plus 3 chicks/juvs, almost certainly the same ‘family’ as noted last week. Caspian Gull (Ad) (regular bird); YLGull (3) Ads; GBBGull (1) Ad; Osprey - disappeared towards the Visitor Centre then seen later with a small fish over Fishtail Creek.27/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonStar bird this morning was a Whinchat on the fence down the side of the overflow carpark, first of the year to the best of my knowledge. Waders comprised 2 Oystercatchers, 1 Lapwing, 1 Ringed Plover, 2 Ruff, 1 Dunlin, 1 Black-tailed Godwit and 7 Snipe. 2 female-type Red-crested Pochard were at the sailing club end of the dam wall. 12+ Shoveler. 1 Common Tern. 45 Cormorants. 10 Little Egrets flew in over WLC creek early morning. 2 Great Egrets. Lesser Whitethroat and female Redstart in WLC creek. Kingfisher in Shiningford creek.27/08/2025
Simon RoddisA total of 20 Whimbrel, including a flock of 17, flew SW this morning, a new site record. Other waders: 1 Ringed and 3 Little Ringed Plovers, 1 Lapwing, 5 Snipe, 2 Ruff and 2 Dunlin. Totals of 169 Teal and 14+ Shoveler. 32 Common Pochard and the female Red-crested at Millfields. 10 Swift over Millfields, my first here for over 2 weeks. 2 Common Terns. 2 adult Great Black-backs. Great Egret again in Brown Ale Bay. 40 Swallows. Common Whitethroat and female Redstart in WLC fields. Yellow Wagtail at Millfields. 15+ Crossbills in the top of Hall Wood.26/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonPresumably the same Osprey as the last couple of days again for at least an hour this morning, hovering several times but we didn't see it catch anything. Three Peregrine sightings, quite possibly more than one bird. 1,200 Canadas and 174 Greylags out over the dam wall early morning. Total of 17 Shoveler, and 19 Pochard at Millfields. Black-tailed Godwit again at sailing club/dam wall, at least 3 Ruff, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, 5 Snipe. Great Egret around Sheepwash. Kingfisher at Millfields. 2 Redstarts and a Spotted Flycatcher in WLC fields, and another Redstart in front of the cafe at the main centre. 2 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall.25/08/2025
Richard LoweFrom Sheepwash Hide of note this afternoon: Osprey (adult) fishing on and off for at least an hour; LRPlover - an adult plus two chicks/juvs, likely the same family as recent weeks albeit one chick down; Curlew (2); Ringed Plover (1); GWEgret (1); YLGull (1); The Osprey put paid to any gulls on the bank.24/08/2025
Simon RoddisA pretty decent morning. An Osprey flew past Stones and landed in a tree near Fishtail Creek; Paul Bennett saw presumably the same bird later from Sheepwash. A Marsh Harrier flew south just before 10:00 and kept on going. Duck included 149 Teal and 11 Shovelers. Waders included a Black-tailed Godwit again, 2 Ruff at Sheepwash, Dunlin, Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers, Snipe, Common Sandpiper and Oystercatcher. Adult Caspian Gull off Stones. One Great and 16 Little Egrets. 2+ Willow Tits on Stones. c50 Swallows and 70 House Martins.24/08/2025
Simon RoddisA summer-plumage Black-tailed Godwit was at sailing club/dam wall this morning and the Ruff still at Sheepwash. Other waders were Ringed Plover, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, Dunlin, 2 Snipe and 2 Oystercatchers. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls and the Great Black-back again. 220 Pied and 1 Yellow Wagtail left the roost on Watersports island early morning. Common Whitethroat again in WLC creek and 4 Willow Warns at various spots.23/08/2025
Richard LoweFrom Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Ruff (f), Ringed Plover, LRPlover; YLGull (4+) - 3+(Ads) and a Juv, Common Gull juv, GBBGull Juv.22/08/2025
Simon RoddisTwo Ospreys appeared over the res just after 10:15, one of them soon catching a fish and carrying it away while being chased and harried by Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Ruff at Sheepwash (found by R&A). 43 Greylags, the juvenile Shelduck still and a fleeting visit by 7 Goosander, presumably a family group. Adult Common Tern. 2 Great and 20 Little Egrets. 44 Cormorants. c50 Swallows and 40 House Martins. In WLC creek, at least 6 Blackcaps and single Common and Lesser Whitethroats feeding on berries, and another Common on Stones. Sedge Warbler on Stones. At least 2 Wheatears on the dam wall (plus 2 at Sheepwash later, per Clive A) and 7 Yellow Wagtails (6 on the dam wall, 1 over WLC creek). Also Siskin over WLC creek. SJR, AHS, RPJ, AMD22/08/2025
Simon RoddisA Turnstone, Sanderling, Ringed Plover and Dunlin were around the sailing club end of the day wall this morning, but none appeared to stay long. Adult Caspian, Yellow-legged, Great Black-backed and Common Gulls. Possibly 2 female Red-crested Pochard, Horseshoe and Flat Islands. 1 Shelduck, looked like an adult female.21/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonAn Osprey flew south down the reservoir just after 09:00, putting all the gulls up out of Brown Ale Bay. Adult Caspian Gull still and 3 Yellow-legs. 750 Canadas and 20 Greylags flew out over the dam wall early morning. Female Red-crested Pochard at Flat Island. 13 Shoveler. 4 Ringed, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin and a juvenile Peregrine at Sheepwash. 2 Willow Tits on Stones and 1 at Sheepwash. A Reed Warbler singing quietly on Stones and a Yellow Wagtail at Sheepwash.20/08/2025
Simon RoddisEvening visit: drake Common scoter still from Sheepwash hide. Gulls: 1,500 Lesser Black-backs, 8 Yellow-legged (7 adults, 1 juvenile), 6 Common (4 adults, 2 juveniles), 450 Black-headed. 155 Rooks flew to roost.19/08/2025
Richard LoweThis afternoon of note from Sheepwash Hide: Osprey - flew from south to Brown Ale Bay then south again, lost to view. Common Scoter (drake); Wigeon (5); Red-crested Pochard (from Paul Stanley); GBB Gull (Juv); YL Gull (2) Ad+2nd s; Plus Dunlin and Ringed Plover on Sailing Club shore; Common Sandpiper and LRP (2) juvs in Brown Ale Bay.19/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonThe adult Caspian Gull was on Shiningford shore this morning. Totals of 5 Ringed Plover, 4 Snipe and 3 Dunlin. 9 Shoveler and 8 Pochard at Sheepwash. 12+ Little Egrets.19/08/2025
Richard LoweFrom Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Ringed Plover (11); LR Plover - adult with two chicks plus single Juv; Redshank (2) juvs; YL Gull (3) Ads; Common Gull (1) Ad; very few (< 100) LBB Gulls compared to previous days.18/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonThe adult Caspian Gull was tucking into a well-matured dead fish in Brown Ale Bay this morning - rather him/her than me! 3 Yellow-legged and a rather tatty Common Gull. Waders included Redshank, Snipe, 2 Ringed and 4 Little Ringed Plovers at Sheepwash and Dunlin at sailing club. Juvenile Shelduck and female Red-crested Pochard still. 50 House Martins over the dam wall. Sedge Warbler at Sheepwash and Garden Warbler on Stones causeway. 2 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall.18/08/2025
Simon RoddisA Golden Plover at sailing club was, I think, the first of the year here. Ruff and Dunlin still there too, 5 Ringed Plovers over Stones, and a Common Sandpiper and Oystercatcher at Hopton end. Juvenile Shelduck still. 126 Teal. 11 Shoveler at Sheepwash and a juvenile Peregrine putting up the gulls there. Juvenile Common Gull past Stones. Lesser Whitethroat singing in WLC creek.17/08/2025
Richard LoweLate afternoon of note: Red Kite, Greenshank (Juv), Black-tailed Godwit (c.4 flew out of Brown Ale Bay northwards), Caspian Gull (regular adult) and c. 4 YLGulls (ads) from Sheepwash; Ruff (Juv) and Dunlin in front of Sailing Club with calling Greenshank over.16/08/2025
Simon RoddisTwo Ospreys from Stones island this morning, one of them carrying a fish before disappearing behind Blackwall Plantation; probably a juvenile and an adult although they weren't together, the adult later reappearing at Sheepwash. At least 2 Hobbies over the north end. 8 Shoveler at Sheepwash. A female Ruff at sailing club (found by Mike Redfern) and Ringed Plover at Sheepwash. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again. Common Tern past Stones. 52 Cormorants. Redstart in WLC creek and Yellow Wagtail at Sheepwash.16/08/2025
Simon RoddisHighlight this morning was an Osprey which circled its way down the reservoir at around 10:30. 3 Ruffs (2m,1f) flew around for a few minutes but couldn't convince themselves to land and departed SE, while 3 Black-tailed Godwits flew behind Flat Island and may have landed in Brown Ale Bay. Juvenile Shelduck still, 115 Teal and the female Red-crested Pochard now up towards Sheepwash. 2 Snipe and a Common Sandpiper at Millfields. 2 Dunlin. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Peregrine at Millfields and Hobby over Hopton end. Skylark on the dam wall and Yellow Wagtails at Sheepwash and Millfields.15/08/2025
Richard LoweBlack Tern (6) - 2 moulting adults and 4 juvs from Sheepwash/Lane End hides at c.4pm onwards; Sanderling (1) and Ringed Plover (2) on Watersports Is.; a very brief female-type Marsh Harrier from Sheepwash car park; Caspian Gull (the regular adult) in front of Lane End hide plus at least 4 Ad YLGulls at Sheepwash with a summer plumaged Grey Plover. A very productive late afternoon!13/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonA superb summer-plumage Grey Plover was at Sheepwash this morning. 2 Ringed Plovers there and another at sailing club with 3 Dunlin. Common Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay. Juvenile Mediterranean Gull loafing among BhGs at sailing club, and Green Woodpecker calling from the woods behind. Juvenile Shelduck still. 64 Teal. 8 Shoveler. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. Yellow Wagtails at Sheepwash and Millfields. Spotted Flycatchers in Hall Wood and at Millfields. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. 19 Crossbills over Hall Wood and a Siskin over Millfields.13/08/2025
Simon RoddisIn a slightly truncated visit this morning, a Green Woodpecker was calling in the woods below the dam wall; 7 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plovers and a Curlew were at sailing club; the adult Caspian Gull and Great Egret at Watersports; 20 Pochard at Sheepwash; and 175 Pied and 3 Yellow Wagtails left their roost on Watersports island.11/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Jon BradleyHighlight of this morning's wildfowl count were 2 Black-necked Grebes, probably juveniles, initially off Middle Wood and later at Shiningford, and 3 Turnstones on/around sailing club island (per JB). Numbers were: 463 Canada, 5 Barnacle, 5 Greylag, 23 Mute Swan (plus 4 large cygnets), 82 Gadwall, 468 Mallard, 29 Teal, 13 Pochard, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 194 Tufted, 17 Moorhen, 977 Coot, 26 Little Grebe, 54 GCGrebe, 3 Oystercatcher, 5 Ringed Plover, 4 LRPlover, 1 Black-tailed Godwit (10 later in Brown Ale Bay per CA), 2 Common and 2 Green Sandpipers, 4 Dunlin, 47 Cormorant, 21 Little Egret, 1 Great Egret, 13 Grey Heron. Also a Hobby over Millfield, Yellow Wagtail over the north end, 2+ Crossbills over Hall Wood, Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood.10/08/2025
Simon RoddisAn adult Arctic Tern was at sailing club this morning, and a juvenile Mediterranean Gull at Sheepwash/Brown Ale Bay (winner of the best-looking-juvenile-gull award). 3 Dunlin and 4 Ringed Plover at sailing club. 69 Gadwall just from the WLC, plus the female Red-crested Pochard. 19 Little Egrets. Redstart and 2 Garden Warblers on Stones, and another Redstart in WLC fields. 2 Yellow Wagtails over the dam wall and WLC creek. 100 Linnets in WLC creek too.09/08/2025
Simon RoddisLong-stayers this morning included the adult Caspian Gull, juvenile Shelduck, family of 5 Barnacle Geese and the Great Egret. 28 Teal and 9 Pochard are both small increases. 228 Tufted. 2 Ringed and 4 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, plus a Yellow Wagtail, at Sheepwash. 3 Common Sandpipers between Sheepwash and Lane End, and Alan S had 2 Green Sandpipers in Brown Ale Bay. 4 Spotted Flycatchers at Hopton end/Hall Wood. 2 Garden Warblers and a juvenile Common Whitethroat on Stones, and another Whitethroat at Hopton end. Juvenile Redstart in WLC creek.08/08/2025
Richard LoweAt Sheepwash this afternoon: LRPlover (Ad) with 3 chicks recently hatched; Ringed Plover - 3+; YLGull - 4 Ads; Peregrine - Ad plus juvenile, the latter chasing BHG’s; Little Egret - 6;07/08/2025
Simon RoddisLots of singles this morning: Whimbrel flying SW high over the main centre, Green Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay, juvenile Little Ringed Plover at Sheepwash, Dunlin off the dam wall, adult Common Tern at sailing club, juvenile Shelduck again on Stones, female Red-crested Pochard at WLC, adult Caspian Gull at Watersports and a probable third-year at Sheepwash, Great Egret, Peregrine, Lesser Whitethroat and Redstart in WLC fields, Common Whitethroat on Stones and Crossbill SW over Millfields. Plus 2 Garden Warblers and 5 Barnacle Geese on Stones, and 2 Herring Gulls at Sheepwash.07/08/2025
Simon RoddisBit of an arrival of coastal birds this morning, with an adult Sandwich Tern around sailing club, then at Millfields late morning, a Turnstone flew off the dam wall, 3 Ringed Plovers (courtesy of RPJ & AMD) at Millfields all morning, and a Dunlin. Long-stayers included the adult Caspian Gull, Great Egret and female Red-crested Pochard. 260 Canada Geese. 12+ Little Egrets. 2 Peregrines, the juvenile took a lump out of a Woodpigeon but flew on without stopping. In WLC fields, 2 Redstarts, 2 Lesser and a Common Whitethroat, and another Common on Stones. 12 Crossbills SW over the visitor centre mid-morning.06/08/2025
Simon RoddisTwo drake Common Scoters this morning, one off Sheepwash, the other between Stones and Millfields. Green Sandpiper at WLC. Juv Shelduck, female Red-crested Pochard, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls and Great Egret still present. 16 Little Egrets. 150 Canadas. 468 Mallard. 220 Tufted. 52 Cormorants. 22 Little Grebe. 8+ Spotted Flycatchers in 3 presumed family parties in Hall Wood (seems like they've had a good year), and 20 Crossbills over. 2 Redstarts at WLC/fields.05/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonA drake Common Scoter was between Stones and Millfields this morning and the adult Caspian Gull again at Watersports. Juvenile Shelduck, female Red-crested Pochard and Great Egret still. A Green Sandpiper flew past Sheepwash hide and a Yellow Wagtail over Stones causeway. A trickle of Sand Martins flying into the breeze, 32 in 2 hours.04/08/2025
Gary AtkinsSpecies noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre. The grand total of 41 was surprisingly the highest of the year so far: House Sparrow; Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Carrion Crow, Swallow, Woodpigeon, Red Kite, Buzzard, LIttle Egret, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Sand Martin, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Barnacle Goose, Greylag Goose, Goldfinch (a flock of 80+), Bullfinch, Shelduck, Magpie, Blackcap, Tufted Duck, Sedge Warbler, Wren, Swift, House Martin, Mallard, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Red-crested Pochard, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Redstart, Coot, Gadwall, Oystercatcher03/08/2025
Simon RoddisJuvenile Shelduck (still?) at Lane End/Stones island. 16 Teal. Female Red-crested Pochard still from WLC. Common Sandpiper at Lane End and Common Tern off Stones. Probable third-summer Caspian Gull on Sheepwash spit. 49 Cormorants. The Great Egret still and at least 17 Little, including the colour-ringed bird LV at Sheepwash. Kingfisher at Millfields. 40 Swallows at the draw-off tower early morning. Garden Warbler on Stones. In WLC creek, female Redstart, Lesser Whitethroat and juvenile Common Whitethroat (both 'throats' in the same scope view). Family party of at least 5 Spotted Flycatchers in Sheepwash carpark and 200+ Linnets in the meadows.03/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonFamily of 5 Barnacle Geese still. Juvenile Shelduck on Stones. 1 Dunlin at Sheepwash. Adult Caspian Gull still from Stones and an adult Common Tern. 38 Cormorant. One Great and a mere 27 Little Egrets. Hobby eating prey on the wing over the east side and 2 juvenile Kestrels in WLC fields. 3 Willow Tits (Brown Ale Bay, Stones and Millfields). 5 Redstarts and a Common Whitethroat in WLC fields. 12 Crossbills SW over Sheepwash.02/08/2025
Dave ArmittLittle Egret 16, Grey Heron 5 , Pochard 4, Pied Wagtail 10, Cormorant 30, Yellow leg Gull sheep wash , Sand martin 2, Buzzard 1,Little Grebe 2, Great White Egret 1,Common Scoter, Barnacle goose 4, two flocks of Gold Finch 20+, Blackcap 2,Redstart 1,Swift 1,Swallow 1, RC Pochard 1, Oystercatcher 2,Gadwall 20 , Chiffchaff 101/08/2025
SJR, AHS, MJRAnother day, another record count of Little Egrets: 30 this morning, including 13 roosting at Shiningford. The Great Egret on Stones too, and a drake Common Scoter offshore. Female Red-crested Pochard from the WLC. A Black-tailed Godwit, a Redshank (heard earlier over Millfields) and 2 Dunlin were at Sheepwash late morning. Adult Caspian Gull at Watersports. Juvenile Peregrine upsetting the gulls at Millfields. Around Stones and the WLC, 4+ Redstarts, 2 Willow Warblers, Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, several Sedge and lots of Blackcaps.01/08/2025
David GriffinYellow Wagtail in rocks half way between sailing club and dam walk, flew towards dam wall.31/07/2025
Simon RoddisA female-type Goldeneye was off Flat Island this morning, presumably the same bird as last week. Female Red-crested Pochard still. 84 Gadwall. One Great and at least 22 Little Egrets. 3 Common Sandpipers at Lane End and a Dunlin past Millfields. Immature Common Gull over Stones and 7 Yellow-legs on Sheepwash spit. Peregrine from Stones and 2 Buzzards, an adult and a noisy juvenile, over Hall Wood. On Stones, 2 Willow Tits, a juvenile Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler. 3 Spotted Flycatchers between Hall and Middle Woods.31/07/2025
Simon RoddisAn adult Knot in slightly fading summer plumage was on the Brown Ale Bay side of Sheepwash spit early morning, along with 4 Dunlin. Four drake Common Scoters were off Stones island mid-morning. 5 Barnacle Geese still. 484 Mallard (site record) and c900 Coot. Adult Caspian Gull, 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls and a pair of Common Terns. One Great and 13 Little Egrets. 1+ Peregrine. 20 Sand Martins came out of Hopton reedbed early morning, closely followed by 20 Swallows. Garden Warbler with food at Hopton end, presumably for a second brood. Family party of c5 adult and fledged juvenile Spotted Flycatchers in the bottom of Hall Wood. 1 Redstart in WLC fields.30/07/2025
Simon Roddis6 Dunlin were on Sheepwash spit early morning, a Ringed Plover over Stones later and a Common Sandpiper at Millfields. 3 Common Terns. Adult Caspian Gull again at Watersports. One Great and 15 Little Egrets. Willow Tits on Stones and in WLC creek. Redstart in WLC fields.29/07/2025
Simon RoddisSmall stuff caught the eye this morning: Spotted Flycatcher and juvenile Whitethroat in Tail Bay, make Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat in 'warbler corner' on Stones; 3 more Redstarts in WLC fields, Willow Tits in Tail Bay and on Stones, and a Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall. Plus Peregrine, Dunlin, 10 Swifts moving through, Red-crested Pochard, Great Egret, and 4 Yellow-legged Gulls among 335 Lesser Black-backs on Sheepwash spit.28/07/2025
SJR, CA, RPJ, AMDWildfowl this morning included 5 female/juv Shoveler off the dam wall, 1 juvenile Shelduck, female R-cPochard still and 2 Common Pochard. A Dunlin landed on Watersports island. Adult Caspian Gull at Watersports and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 36 Cormorant. One Great and 21 Little Egrets. Hobby over the dam wall and it or another later over the north end, and juvenile Peregrine over the main centre. Skylark and 5 Yellow Wagtails on/over the dam wall. Female Redstart in WLC fields and another reported at WLC.27/07/2025
Simon RoddisA pair of Common Scoter were out in the middle this morning, the first for a while. Female Red-crested Pochard, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls and Great Egret still. 2 Dunlin flying around Stones island and a Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe. Yellow Wagtail and Skylark on/over the dam wall. 2 Redstarts and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields.26/07/2025
Simon RoddisNo sign of yesterday's Goldeneye from WLC but the female Red-crested Pochard was there, and 2 Peregrines (adult and juv?) overhead. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 5 female/juv Redstarts in WLC fields/Shiningford creek, and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. Spotted Flycatcher in Millfields viewing area and a Crossbill over.25/07/2025
Simon RoddisA female-type Goldeneye from WLC is my first here in July (and I think a site first too). Adult Caspian Gull still but mobile, last seen on Sheepwash spit with 2 adult Yellow-legs. 600+ Coot. 15 Little and 64 GCGrebes. One Great and 12+ Little Egrets. 1 Redshank at sailing club. 39 Cormorants. Peregrine on the usual pylon. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. 1 Crossbill over Hall Wood.24/07/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonBarnacle Goose family still present, the 3 young now able to fly. 2 full-grown juvenile Mandarins at Millfields. 24 Teal. Female Red-crested Pochard still off Horseshoe island. 52 GCGrebe. 2 Common Sandpipers at Sheepwash. Pair of Common Terns again at sailing club. Adult Caspian Gull again at Watersports. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls including 2 juveniles at Sheepwash. At least 4 juvenile Lesser Black-backs, first I've seen this year. 1 Great and 16 Little Egrets. Kingfisher in Tail Bay. Fledged Reed Warblers in Brown Ale Bay. Female Redstart in WLC fields and juvenile Bullfinch at Shiningford.23/07/2025
Simon Roddis1 Great and 13 Little Egrets this morning. 59 Gadwall. 10 Common and one female Red-crested Pochard still. Adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and Herring Gulls, plus 4 Common. 4 GSWoodpeckers. 2, maybe 3 Peregrines. Lesser Whitethroat near WLC and 2 female-type Redstarts in the fields. 130 Linnets south of Sheepwash and 30 on Stones. 4 Crossbill SW.22/07/2025
SJR, AHS, CAJust a few bits and pieces this morning: juvenile Peregrine around Stones island, 2 Great and at least 8 Little Egrets, 2+ Garden Warblers and a Lesser Whitethroat on Stones, Yellow Wagtail over, female-type Redstart in WLC creek and a Crossbill SW.21/07/2025


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
2016-12-310720-1200: GNDiver still present. At Hopton reedbed first thing, 4 Jack Snipe, 5 Woodcock, 4 Tawny Owls calling, 9 Grey Wagtails and 5 Reed Bunting. 25 Mute Swan, 1 Shoveler, 16 Goldeneye, 5 Goosander, 5 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 2 GBbG, 14 Feral Pigeons, 3 Stock Doves, 2 Raven, 90 Redwing (Millfields), 13 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall. 71 species.Simon Roddis
2016-12-29WeBs count for December-Little Grebe 16, Great Crested Grebe 32, Cormorant 22, Grey Heron 1, Mute Swan 20, Canada Goose 99, Barnacle Goose 15, Wigeon 103, Gadwall 27, Teal 221, Mallard 148, Pochard 177, Tufted Duck 196, Goldeneye 16, Moorhen 11, Coot 939, Lapwing 676, Dunlin 8, Snipe 22, Redshank 2.JB, SJR
2016-12-28GNDiver from Millfields this morning. 1 Shoveler at WLC. 7 Dunlin. Cetti's Warbler still on Stones. 2 Raven.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2016-12-260730-1045: GNDiver still between Stones and Millfields. Ruff still around Stones. 2 Redshank. 10 Dunlin at Sheepwash. 3 Woodcock flew into the Hopton end conservation area first thing, and 13 Grey Wags flew out of the reedbed. 8 Stock Dove. Great Spot drumming and Willow Tit singing at Brownale Bay, plus 5 Bullfinch including 3 feeding on the ground on the footpath. 80 Redwing.Simon Roddis
2016-12-25GNDiver off Millfields. A dark-bellied Brent Goose among Canadas on the dam wall. 20 Barnacles. 9 Goosander. 11 Goldeneye. 150 Golden Plover over Watersports. Ruff still. 10 Dunlin at Sheepwash. 2 Redshank. 2 ad Herring Gull. 1 GBbG. 7 Lesser Redpoll on Stones. Happy Christmas!Simon Roddis
2016-12-23GN Diver from Millfields this morning. 10 Dunlin and 1 Redshank around Stones. 1 GBbG. 2 Raven. 6 Lesser Redpoll at Millfields. 70 Siskin (30 Millfields, 40 Brownale Bay).Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2016-12-21GN Diver still present. 3 Shelduck, 11 Dunlin, Ruff, 2 Redshank, c50 Snipe and Cetti's Warbler. Clive Ashton
2016-12-201200-1500: 49 Greylag, 29 Barnacles, 12 Goosander (Millfields), 3 Shoveler, 500 Lapwing, 8 Dunlin, 2 ad Yellow-legged Gulls (Sheepwash).Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2016-12-20Adult Great Northern Diver off Stones Island this morning. Also present Ruff, 2 Redshank, 8 Dunlin, 280 Golden Plover, 48 Snipe, Cetti's Warbler, 5 Goosander and Kingfisher.CA/RC/SJR
2016-12-170730-1200: Little Stint, Ruff, 8 Dunlin and Cetti's Warbler still on Stones island, and 1 Crossbill over, flying N. 1 Curlew. 31 Pink-footed Geese SE at 0935, 130 NW at 1125. 16 Barnacle Geese. 5 Shoveler. 10 Goosander. 13 Goldeneye. 6 Bullfinch and 20 Siskin at Millfields. 76 species.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2016-12-1642 Golden Plover, Little Stint and Dunlins with Lapwing flock on Watersports Island. Elusive Cetti's Warbler still calling occasionally on Stones Island this afternoon. 6 Shoveler(3 drakes) and 15 Barnacle Geese from Wildlife Centre. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls, 12 Herring Gulls in roost from Sheepwash Hide and 2 Raven over.Roger Carrington
2016-12-15Afternoon visit: Little Stint, Ruff and Cetti's Warbler still on Stones island. 2 White-fronted Geese with 11 Greylags from Lane End, presumably the 2 that were seen around the south of the county a few weeks ago. Pair of Shoveler at WLC. At least 800 Common Gull in the roost by 1530. Single Herring, Yellow-legged and GBB Gulls from Sheepwash. 3 Willow Tit at WLC. 10 Lesser Redpoll on Stones. 30 Siskin at Hopton. 66 species, not bad for a grotty afternoon!Simon Roddis
2016-12-14Little Stint and Ruff still around Stones/Watersports island, along with 29 Golden Plover, 13 Dunlin, 3 Redshank. Adult Herring and Yellow-legged Gulls at Sheepwash. 13 Goldeneye. 100 Redwing at Millfields. 4 Greenfinch. 14 Feral Pigeons at Tail Bay.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2016-12-13Little Stint and Ruff still on Stones island. 9 Dunlin. 39 Common Snipe. 1 Jack Snipe at Hopton reedbed early morning. 700 Lapwing. 16 Gadwall. 182 Pochard (from Sheepwash and WLC). 2 Herring Gull. 1 GBbG. In 2 hours in Hopton/Sheepwash area, 32 Robins, 26 Blackbirds, 32 Wrens, 16 Dunnocks and 11 Song Thrushes. 15 Grey Wagtails out of Hopton reedbed early morning. 1 Brambling at Hopton. 9 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
2016-12-12Little Stint and Ruff still on Watersports island. 16 Goosander (1m,15 redheads) at Millfields. 9 Herring Gulls. 3 Stock Doves. 1 Skylark. 28 Fieldfare S. 1 Brambling at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2016-12-11Little Stint, Ruff, 18 Dunlin, 2 Shelduck and male Stonechat still around Stones. 10 Shoveler (5m,5f) at WLC. 250 Pink-footed Geese E. 700 Lapwing. 1 Golden Plover. 2 Redshank. 3 Jack Snipe in Hopton reedbed at first light. c40 Herring Gull S. 10 Stock Dove. 600 Redwing and 130 Fieldfare S. 13 Grey Wagtails out of Hopton reedbed first thing. 10 Lesser Redpoll (9 on Stones). 74 species.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
2016-12-10Little Stint, Ruff, 18 Dunlin and 2 Shelduck all still present. Cetti's Warbler calling and giving short bursts of song on Stones Island. Kingfisher flew over Stones. 6 Grey Wagtail out of Hopton reed bed at dawn.Clive Ashton
2016-12-09Little Stint, Ruff, 18 Dunlin, 2 Shelduck and Cetti's Warbler still around Stones/Watersports. Jack Snipe at Hopton reedbed early morning. 4 Herring Gull. 1 GBbG. 1+ Skylark over. 3 Raven. More southwards movement of thrushes: 2150 Redwing and 45 Fieldfare. 12 Grey Wag came out of Hopton reedbed early morning. 1 Brambling over Hopton. 8 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.SJR, AHS, CA
2016-12-08Little Stint still on Watersports island. 18 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. 400 Lapwing. 210 Teal. 2 Shelduck. Adult male Peregrine causing havoc. 4 Stock Dove incl 3 high to SE. 1 Skylark. Cetti's Warbler and male Stonechat on Stones island. Some of the Redwing that flew NE a couple of weeks ago clearly decided they didn't like it up there: 1400 flew S this morning. 30 Fieldfare.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2016-12-07Brief visit this morning: 16 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, Ruff and Little Stint all on Stones Island along with 2 Shelduck and the Cetti's Warbler.Clive Ashton
2016-12-05Buzzard teal redshank 14 snipe 15 dunlin Wigeon lesser black backed gull kestrel redwings Pochard gadwall goldcrest goldeneye All seen between 10am and 12pm Tom Wareham
2016-12-05Monthly Birdwaching for Beginners walk (10am-noon); 42 species observed, which is the best total of 2016 and includes two species not seen before during 11 years of previous BfB walks. Details: Magpie, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Starling, Jackdaw, Pied Wagtail, Woodpigeon, Dunnock, Dunlin, Gt Black-backed Gull, Lapwing, Coot, Little Stint, Shelduck, Teal, Wigeon, Mallard, Canada Goose, Ruff, Gt Crested Grebe, Snipe, Little Grebe, Tufted Duck, Mute Swan, Robin, Blue Tit, Black-headed Gull, House Sparrow, Collared Dove, Wren, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Redpoll, Cormorant, Pochard, Tree Sparrow, Song Thrush, Willow Tit, Coal Tit, Gt Spotted Woodpecker, Kestrel and Pink-footed Goose.Gary Atkins
2016-12-042 Shelduck off Stones IslandIan Scrimshaw
2016-12-03Little Stint, Ruff and Cetti's still present. 180 Canada Geese. 4 Greylags. 19 Gadwall. 17 Dunlin. 3 Redshank. Woodcock at Hopton first thing. 1 GBbG. 450 Redwing. 600 Jackdaw over Hopton early morning. Simon Roddis
2016-12-03Little Stint, Ruff, 2 Black-tailed Godwit, 18 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 2 Shelduck on Stones/Watersports. 1 more Dunlin at WLC. Cetti's still on Stones.SHR, JB, AHS
2016-12-01Little Stint still on Watersports island, and a Ruff and 17 Dunlin there. 3 Redshank. Jack Snipe at Hopton reedbed first thing. 147 Canadas and 1 Pink-foot. 17 Goosander at Millfields at dawn. 17+ Gadwall. No sign of the Scaup. 1 Little Egret flew through early morning. 150 Woodpigeons N. Cetti's Warbler still on Stones island. Male Stonechat at WLC. 3 Mistle Thrush at Sheepwash. 14 Grey Wagtails out of Hopton reedbed early morning.SJR, CA, DN, CB
2016-11-302 Hawfinches NE over Hopton end are the first since 2006. Quieter vismig: 740 Redwings, 266 Fieldfare, 200 Woodpigeons, 1 Stock Dove. Little Stint, Scaup and Cetti's Warbler all still present. 44 Common Snipe (Roger C's count), big increase this week. 12 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. 1 GBbG. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed. Simon Roddis
2016-11-29Birds on the move again at Hopton this morning: 2580 Redwing, 109 Fieldfare and 1 Blackbird NE, 235 Woodpigeons and 1 Stock Dove N, 0830-1000. 10 Dunlin at Watersports/Stones. 9 Lesser Redpoll at Hopton.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2016-11-28Vismig at Hopton, 0820-1000: 3150 Redwing, 26 Fieldfare, 1 Blackbird, 200 Starling all NE. 5 Stock Dove E. 14 Common Scoter off Stones late morning (RC) but appeared to have gone by 1300. Imm male Scaup still in Brownale Bay. Little Stint still on Watersports island. 9 Dunlin. 22 Common Snipe. 4 Herring Gull. 3 Raven. Cetti's still calling on south side of Stones, and 1 Chiffchaff at Hopton. 6 Greenfinch at Hopton. (70 species)SJR,AHS,RC
2016-11-27Large movement over Hopton this morning: 9270 Redwing, 82 Fieldfare, 4 Blackbird, 870 Starling, all north-east. 110 Woodpigeons N. 2 Stock Dove E. 15 Lesser Redpoll. 50 Siskin. The Scaup still in Brownale Bay.Simon Roddis
2016-11-26A very late Little Stint on Stones Island this morning. Also present 3 Jack Snipe in the Hopton end, Shoveler and the 1st winter drake Scaup in Brown Ale Bay [JB], 44 Pink footed Geese west, 5 Snipe, 4 Dunlin, 4 Redshank, Yellow legged Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Cetti's Warbler singing briefly and 530 Wood Pigeons north.CA,JB,SJR,AHS.
2016-11-25Afternoon visit: 165 Canadas with 1 Pink-foot at WLC. Scaup still in Brownale Bay. Drake Goosander. In the Gull roost, c.4000 Black-heads, 4-500 Lesser Black-backs, 500+ Commons (282 Commons at Sheepwash at 14:00). 1 GBbG. At Hopton at dusk, 450 Jackdaws over, 600 Starlings to roost, 3 Grey Wags.Simon Roddis
2016-11-25Drake Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Dunlin from Sheepwash (RC). Jack Snipe at Hopton Reedbed and first winter drake Scaup still in Brownale Bay (AS). 150 Pinkfeet heading NW at 0850hrs, 250 Wood Pigeons NE in 3 flocks (RC)Roger Carrington, Alan Stewardson
2016-11-24First winter male Scaup back in Brownale Bay. 65 Pink-feet W. 125 Canada Geese. Male Goosander. 8 Goldeneye. 1 Peregrine. 500 Lapwing. 2 Redshank. 4 Dunlin. 1 Herring Gull. 2 Raven. 14 Lesser Redpoll on Stones. Another birder heard the Cetti's sing briefly on Stones this morning.Simon Roddis, Ken Rome
2016-11-23Cetti's Warbler showed fairly well and calling in scrub between main path and burial mound on Stones on either side of path before flying to reeds in small pond.Steph Hicking
2016-11-23Cetti's Warbler still on Stones island, calling and sang briefly. Jack Snipe in Hopton reedbed first thing. Possible Lapland Bunting flew over Stones, heard calling but getting further away all the time. 8 Goldeneye. 22 Cormorant. 300 Lapwing. 5 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. 15 Common Snipe. 1 Herring Gull. 1 Stock Dove. 5 Grey Wag. 59 Fieldfare (48E, 11W). 2 Mistle Thrushes singing (Hopton and Sheepwash). 7 Brambling at Hopton. 3 Greenfinch. (66 species)Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
2016-11-22Cettis Warbler still on Stones Island showing in willows by the mound, calling occasionally.Roger Carrington
2016-11-19CETTI'S WARBLER on Stones Island seen briefly at c9:00am in Willows by the Barrow then heard calling several times till c10:00am when it was last heard in the Blackthorn hedge on the centre of Stones. 2 female Common Scoters in Fishtail Creek.JB, SJR, AS
2016-11-18187 Canada Geese, 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Barnacle Goose, 4 Goldeneye, 2 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, c350 Lapwing, 1,050 Wood Pigeons N/E, 70 Starling W, 50 Redwing and 30 Goldfinch WLC Creek.Clive Ashton
2016-11-14The highlight this morning was a first-winter male Scaup with Tufted Ducks in Brownale Bay. 1 Shelduck and adult Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. Total of 219 Pochard and 480 Lapwing. 3 Dunlin. 2 Redshank. 150 Woodpigeons N. 1 Kingfisher (Stones). 3 Kestrel. 4 GS Woodpecker. 1 Raven. 32 Fieldfare S. 14 Meadow Pipit. 10 Lesser Redpoll on Stones. 70 Siskin (30 Millfields, 40 WLC). 72 species.Simon Roddis
2016-11-13WeBs count for November- Little Grebe 21, Great Crested Grebe 44, Cormorant 21, Grey Heron 2, Mute Swan 29, Canada Goose 230, Greylag Goose 26, Pink-footed Goose 290 (over SE), Mallard 140, Teal 104, Wigeon 121, Gadwall 19, Tufted Duck 185, Pochard 181, Goldeneye 15, Common Scoter 2 females, Moorhen 10, Coot 837, Water Rail 1, Lapwing 292, Dunlin 4, Redshank 3, Snipe 6, Kingfisher 1, Grey Wagtail 5JB, SJR, CA
2016-11-124 Pintail at Sheepwash 0800-0830 (1 ad m, 2 imm/eclipse m, 1f). 110 Lapwing. 7 Dunlin on Stones. 5 Common Snipe at WLC. 12 Blue and 15 Long-tailed Tits in a flock near WLC. 6 Meadow Pipits at Sheepwash.Simon Roddis
2016-11-112 Common Scoter. 1 Shelduck. 78 Greylags. c200 Canadas. 160 Lapwing. 8 Dunlin. 1 GBbG, a first-winter which seems to have lost one foot. 8 Stock Dove. 4 GSWoodpecker. 2 Raven and 3 Willow Tit at Millfields. 21 Skylark over (16N,2W,3 heard only). 150 Starling W. Pair Stonechats at WLC. 1 Brambling at Hopton. (72 species)Simon Roddis
2016-11-10Drake Pintail moving around Stones/WLC/Sheepwash. 3 Goldeneye. 26 Greylag Geese. 5 Dunlin. 3 Redshank. 5 Common Snipe. 10 Collared Doves. 2 Raven. 5 Willow Tit between Stones and WLC creek. 1 Chiffchaff and pair of Stonechats at WLC. c100 Starlings W. 2 Fieldfare. 1 Greenfinch. 2 Lesser Redpoll. 30 Goldfinch.Simon Roddis, Roger Carrington
2016-11-09Midday blue morph snow goose on stones island with a greylag and 68 canada geeseChris brown
2016-11-09A Knot was on Stones island this morning until it was flushed by a beach-walker; not sure what happened to it after that. 6 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. 5 Shelduck (2 on Millfields island, 3 S at 0910). 8 Goldeneye (1m,7f). 1f Goosander. 1 GBbG. 14 Feral Pigeons (my highest ever count here!) at Tail Bay. 1 Raven. 12 Meadow Pipits. 80 Siskin (10 Hopton, 30 Sheepwash, 40 Millfields).Simon Roddis
2016-11-07Pink-footed Geese: 79 SE and 220 NE. 4f Common Scoter to 1130 at least. 2 drake Pintail. 1f Shoveler. 3 Goldeneye. 1 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. 1 GBbG. 2 Raven. Pair Stonechats at WLC.SJR,AHS,CA
2016-11-072 Whooper Swans flew in at 0800 and landed near Watersports island but didn't appear to stay long. 1f Shoveler at Sheepwash. 3 Golden Plover north over Stones. 1 Dunlin. 1 Redshank. 410 Woodpigeons south. 150 Starlings and 110 Fieldfare west. 2 Raven.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
2016-11-06Monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon) - collective sightings for whole group: Cormorant, Mute Swan, Gt Crested Grebe, Robin, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Mallard, Canada Goose, Coot, Greylag Goose, Teal, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Black-headed Gull, House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Redpoll, Little Grebe, Blackbird, Woodpigeon, Wigeon, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Willow Tit, Dunnock, Blue Tit, Moorhen, Gadwall, Snipe, Pheasant, Jackdaw, Collared DoveGary Atkins
2016-11-05Ruff x1, Dunlin x1 between watersports centre and visitor centre. Great Spotted Woodpecker - Lane End. Sparrow Hawk - Female - Shiningford creek. mick sharp

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