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 šŸ˜‰). 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
09/03/2024Monthly WeBS count (as the weather forecast for tomorrow looks rubbish): 84 Canada Geese, 28 Barnacle, 3 Greylag, 5 Whooper Swans, 4 Gadwall, 102 Mallard, 4 Teal, 170 Pochard, 79 Tufted, 21 Goldeneye, 10 Moorhen, 185 Coot, 10 LGrebe, 55 GCGrebe, 11 Oystercatcher, 14 Curlew, 3 Redshank, 1 Snipe, 1 GNDiver, 20 Cormorant, 4 Grey Heron. Also 3 Chiffchaff (Stones, WLC, Lane End), 5 Willow Tits, c100 Redwing at Sheepwash, some singing.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
08/03/2024The GNDiver still out in the middle. Couldn't see yesterday's Smew. 32 Barnacle Geese. Pair of Mandarin below Hall Wood. 133 Pochard. 13 Oystercatcher. 16 Curlew. Woodcock at Hall Wood early am. Adult Peregrine upsetting the gulls and Oystercatchers at Millfields. 4 Skylarks E and 8 Meadow Pipits N. Chiffchaff singing at Millfields.Simon Roddis
07/03/2024A female Smew from Paul Stanley hide was a great find by Alan S just after 9; it flew towards Sheepwash at 11:00 (per CA): first here since Dec 2021. The GNDiver still. 35 Barnacle Geese on Horseshoe island. 2 Wigeon and 2 Goosander from PShide. 18 Goldeneye. 2 Water Rails calling in Hopton reedbed. 8 Curlew. 2 Redshank.Simon Roddis
06/03/2024The GNDiver still off Stones island. 33 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. 109 Pochard. The female RcPochard still. At least 25 Goldeneye, again many displaying. 12 Oystercatcher. Redshank on Horseshoe island. Yellowhammer on Stones island, flew off over sailing club.Simon Roddis
05/03/2024Late afternoon visit: the GNDiver from Stones island. 37 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. 79 Pochard. 11 Curlew and 2 Redshank on Horseshoe island. 12 Oystercatcher. Chiffchaff at Millfields. In the gull roost by 18:00, 2,650 Common, 1,500 Black-heads, 3 Caspian (2 ads and a first-winter), 1 Greater, 504 Lessers.Simon Roddis
04/03/2024The GNDiver was off the dam wall late morning, starting to show a few white spots on its upperparts. A Med Gull flew past Stones (heard only!). 1 Shelduck. 37 Barnacle Geese. The female RcPochard still. 29 Curlew at sailing club early morning. 214 Woodpigeons flew N 07:30-11:00. 16 Buzzards in the air. 8 Skylarks. 1 Chiffchaff singing at north end of Dam Trail. 21 Meadow Pipits on the dam wall. 28 Siskin, including 17 N over the dam wall.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
03/03/2024Species noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island, WLC Creek, WLC): House Sparrow, Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Canada Goose, Coot, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Magpie, Little grebe, Blackbird, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Pochard, Long-tailed Tit, Great tit, Wren, Blue Tit, Robin, Dunnock, Redwing, Oystercatcher, Song thrush, LBB gull, Curlew, Buzzard, Woodpigeon, Gadwall, Pied wagtail, Pheasant, Chaffinch, Redshank, Barnacle Goose, Greylag Goose, Grey Heron and Coal Tit (37).Gary Atkins
02/03/2024The GNDiver was off Stones island this afternoon. Adult Caspian Gull again. 37 Barnacle Geese and 9 Curlew in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
01/03/2024Afternoon visit: the GNDiver still. 11 Golden Plover flew SE at 13:48. 37 Barnacle Geese. Female RcPochard still. 15 Little Grebe. 10 Curlew on Horseshoe island. 12 Oystercatcher. Adult Caspian Gull on Watersports raft late pm. 8 Buzzards in the air. Total of 155 Redwing.Simon Roddis
29/02/2024The GNDiver and RcPochard still this morning. 2 calling Tawnies and the Barn Owl at Tail Bay early doors. 35 Barnacle Geese. Pair of Goosander flew in. 62 GCGrebe. 24 Curlew on Stones/sailing club. 1 Redshank. 70 Redwing, including 60+ near main entrance. Chiffchaff singing at north end of dam wall.Simon Roddis
28/02/2024A drake Common Scoter off Stones Island is the first of the year here (I think). GNDiver still towards the north end. Drake Shoveler from Stones (courtesy Roger J). The female RcPochard still. 17 Goldeneye (10m,7f), lots of display going on. 8 Curlew. 1 Redshank.Simon Roddis
27/02/2024Late afternoon from Stones: adult Mediterranean Gull (assume same as this morning), 1,250 Common, 1,650 Black-heads, 100 Lessers, 2 Herring, 1 Yellow-leg, adult Caspian, GNDiver, RcPochard, 16 Curlew.Simon Roddis
27/02/2024This morning's highlight was an adult Mediterranean Gull which flew out of Millfields with Black-headed Gulls just before 07:00. First of the year a far as I'm aware. The GNDiver was off Stones island all morning. 11 Curlew. c500 Jackdaws out of their roost between Tail Bay and Hognaston first thing. A Yellowhammer was between Sheepwash and Lane End mid-morning (maybe same bird as a couple of days ago?).Simon Roddis
26/02/2024The Cattle Egret was roosting with a Little Egret just south of Sheepwash carpark early morning, and the GNDiver off Stones. 223 Pochard. Female RcPochard again on the east side. 18 Goldeneye. 6 Buzzards enjoying the breeze. 15 Curlew around Horseshoe island. 10 Siskins feeding on the ground beneath alders at Penn Carr.Simon Roddis
25/02/2024The GNDiver still this morning - flight feathers now growing back nicely. 20-30 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. 1 Shelduck at Millfields and the female RcPochard between there and Fishtail. 24 Curlew at sailing club early morning. 28 Cormorant. A Yellowhammer (first of the year) flew N over WLC creek.Simon Roddis
24/02/2024The GNDiver was again towards the north end this morning, and the Cattle Egret was roosting between Sheepwash and Lane End first thing. 16 Gadwall. 2 Wigeon. Water Rail in Hopton reedbed. Perimeter counts: 25 Pheasant, 7 Stock Dove, 10 LGrebe, 11+ Oystercatcher, 22 Magpie, 9 Coal Tit, 6 Willow, 144 Blue, 60 Great, 25 Long-tailed, 6 Goldcrest, 107 Wren, 6 Nuthatch, 9 Treecreeper, 60 Song Thrush, 5 Mistle, 27 Redwing, 74 Blackbird, 177 Robin, 49 Dunnock, 20 Meadow Pipit, 27 Chaffinch, 4 Bullfinch, 12 Goldfinch, 9 Siskin, 5 Reed Bunting. 700 Common Gulls loafing off BABay late morning.Simon Roddis
23/02/2024The GNDiver was towards the north end of the res this morning, off Sheepwash spit. 217 Pochard - numbers beginning to drop, as expected. 16 Goldeneye. Early morning, at least 2,500 Black-headed Gulls off Millfields, adult Caspian Gull, 23 Curlews at sailing club/Stones, 50 Carrion Crows on the dam wall, and Barn Owl. 2 singing Mistle Thrushes. 16 Goldfinch at the main centre.Simon Roddis
22/02/2024This morning from Lane End hide, Great Northern Diver sleeping of East bank, 114 Pochard, 7 Oystercatchers, 16 Curlew, 8 Goldeneye and a Cattle EgretAHS
21/02/2024Afternoon visit (I wonder why!). The Cattle Egret was feeding with Canada Geese in fields between the WLC and Shiningford. GNDiver off Stones, Chiffchaff by the mound and 1,170 Common Gulls in the roost by 16:45. 250 Pochard at WLC and the female Red-crest at Millfields. 20 Siskin flew N over WLC creek.Simon Roddis
20/02/2024The Cattle and Little Egrets were both around this morning though mobile. GNDiver between Stones and Millfields. Female RcPochard again off the east shore. 3 Shelduck (drake and 2 females). 18 Curlew on sailing club shore early morning. 1 Dunlin over Stones. 1 Woodcock and 3 calling Tawny Owls at Millfields. 13 Long-tailed Tits at WLC. 60 Fieldfare N over Hall Wood. 2 Tree Sparrows at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
19/02/2024The Cattle Egret was roosting between Sheepwash and Lane End early morning, along with a Little Egret, later in WLC fields then reported flying back towards Sheepwash. The GNDiver still between Millfields and Stones island. 344 Pochard. 17 Goldeneye. 62 Woodpigeons flew N (largest group of 40 birds). 13 Oystercatcher. 6 Curlew. Total of 6 Skylarks, including 2 singing over dam wall fields, where there were also 15 Meadow Pipits. 5 Treecreepers singing in Hall and Middle Woods. 25 Goldfinch over Hopton village.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
18/02/2024This morning between Sheepwash carpark and Lane end hide, Great Northern Diver sleeping and hunting to the North of Stones Island, Cattle Egret roosting with Cormorants near carpark, Peregrine over Hallwood plus all the usual species.AHS
16/02/2024This morning from Lane End hide, Great Northern Diver could be seen sleeping just off Stones Island, at 9:35am a Marsh Harrier flew low over the main centre and continued North West, Willow Tit on feeder at the feeding sight and two Skylarks over Sheepwash carpark, plus all the usual stuff.AHS
12/02/2024The GNDiver again between Stones and Millfields this morning. 2 Shelduck. The female RcPocahrd still. 366 Woodpigeons and 13 Stock Doves flew N. 1 Curlew. Woodcock at Millfields and Barn Owl in Tail Bay early on. 10 Skylarks over Stones island.Simon Roddis
11/02/2024Monthly wildfowl count this morning: GNDiver, 60 GCGrebe, 9 Little Grebe, 1 Heron, 19 Cormorant, 140 Canada, 37 Barnacle, 20 Greylag, 110 Mallard, 19 Teal, 1 Gadwall, 3 Shoveler, 86 Tufted, 322 Pochard, 1 RcPochard, the Aythya hybrid again, 22 Goldeneye, 436 Coot, 6 Moorhen, 12 Oystercatcher, 35 Lapwing (plus one that got snaffled by a Peregrine), adultĀ CaspianĀ Gull. Totals of 12 Skylarks and 5 Willow Tits (2 singing).SJR, JB, CA
09/02/2024GNDiver and adult Caspian Gull off Watersports 08:00-08:30 before the damp and grey really set in.Simon Roddis
07/02/2024The GNDiver again off Millfields/Stones island this morning. 37 Barnacle Geese. Female RcPochard on the east side south of Fishtail creek. c10 Oystercatchers. 2 Snipe. 1 Redshank. Barn Owl in Tail Bay early morning. 30 House Sparrows at the main centre.Simon Roddis
05/02/2024The GNDiver was off Millfields early morning. 36 Barnacle Geese. 460 Pochard. 20 Goldeneye. 7 Oystercatcher. 1 Woodcock in Hall Wood. c3,000 Common and Black-headed Gulls early morning (maybe 2k Common, 1k BhG?). 35 Cormorants. 3 Willow Tits (1 Hopton end, pair on Stones).Simon Roddis
04/02/2024Species recorded during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island/WLC): Canada Goose, House Sparrow, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Cormorant, Black-headed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Dunnock, Song thrush, Robin, Redwing, Shelduck, Blackbird, Goldcrest, Sparrowhawk, Barnacle Goose, Pheasant, Chaffinch, MagpieGary Atkins
04/02/2024The GNDiver was on its usual beat between Stones and Millfields this morning. 2 Shelduck. Single Curlew, Redshank, Snipe and Woodcock. 39 Lapwing. A Kingfisher flew across the res from Stones to Fishtail. A Chiffchaff on Stones and 4 Skylarks over. 15 Reed Buntings left their roost in Hopton reedbed early morning.SJR, CA, AHS
03/02/2024The GNDiver again between Stones island and Millfields mid-morning. 37 Barnacle Geese. 6 Shelduck (1 flew W, 5 dropped in). 7 Oystercatcher. 1,200 Common Gulls flew out early morning. 3 Skylarks over Stones.Simon Roddis
02/02/2024The adult GNDiver still present. 37 Barnacle Geese. 3 redhead Goosander at Millfields early am, and 12 Goldeneye off Stones. 4 Oystercatchers. 1 Redshank and a sub-adult Herring Gull from PS hide. 12 Long-tailed Tit on Stones and a Treecreeper singing near the ranger base. c100 Redwing at Penn Carr. 25 Siskin over WLC creek and a Linnet over Stones causeway.Simon Roddis
01/02/2024The GNDiver again off Stones island this morning. Pochard have increased further to the highest count so far this winter: 551 (441m,111f). 19 Goldeneye. The female RcPochard off Oldfield Lane, female Mandarin at Big Island and 3 Goosander at Millfields. 37 Barnacle Geese. Water Rail showed well in Hopton reedbed. 18 Little and 60+ GCGrebe. 3 Oystercatcher. 39 Lapwing. 1 Snipe on Horseshoe island.Simon Roddis
31/01/2024The GNDiver again off Stones early morning but elusive thereafter. 37 Barnacle Geese. The single female RcPochard off the east side south of Fishtail Creek. An odd-looking duck at the WLC, perhaps a Pochard x Ferruginous Duck hybrid, judging by comparison with photographs online. Now 3 Oystercatchers. 44 Lapwing. One Curlew at sailing club early morning.Simon Roddis
30/01/2024The adult GNDiver was again off Stones island this morning. Adult Caspian around for much of the morning, off Watersports and cruising the shores. 37 Barnacle Geese. Female Goosander and Mandarin at Millfields. 12 Goldeneye. The 2 Oystercatchers still. Barn Owl in Tail Bay at first light. Kingfisher in WLC creek. Marsh Tit at Paul Stanley hide and Mistle Thrush singing in WLC fields.Simon Roddis
28/01/2024GNDiver still off Stones island this morning, and 4 Shelduck were the first here this year. 37 Barnacle Geese. A few more Woodpigeons moving this morning, 151N and 25S, and a total of 12 Stock Doves. 63+ GCGrebes. 2 Oystercatcher, 47 Lapwing and a Redshank.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
27/01/2024G N Diver, 2 Willow tit, Coal tit, 20+ Pochard ( Millfields Car park).Matthew Birkin
27/01/2024The adult GNDiver again off Stones island this morning. Now 2 Oystercatchers on Horseshoe island. 31 Barnacle Geese. Barn Owl on the dam wall first thing and 3 Tawnies calling at Millfields. 32 Woodpigeon N in small groups.Simon Roddis
26/01/2024The GNDiver was between Stones and Millfields this morning, and the first Oystercatcher of the year was at Watersports. Pochard numbers are holding up: 453 (336m,117f), but dabblers are thin on the ground: 4 Gadwall, 4 Wigeon, 17 Teal and a drake Shoveler. 16 Goldeneye (9m,7f). The female RcPochard still around Fishtail. 32 Barnacle Geese. 50 GCGrebes from Millfields. 38 Lapwing. 1 Redshank. 2 Skylarks over.Simon Roddis
25/01/2024The GNDiver was off the south end of Stones island late morning when the murk finally lifted. 2 pairs of Goosander at Millfields. Displaying Goldeneyes and GCGrebes off Stones. A post-roost count of 2,200 Common Gulls departing W over WLC creek early morning. 40 Lapwings at sailing club. Unexpected sightings of House Sparrows: a pair in the bottom of Tail Bay and 5 (3m,2f) at the Millfields feeders. I think they're my first at either location.Simon Roddis
24/01/2024The adult GNDiver was off Millfields/the dam wall all morning. 32 Barnacle Geese at WLC. 2 Woodcock into Hopton end at first light. At least 4 Sparrowhawks enjoying the breeze. 1 Little Egret flew down the east side. 1 Skylark over (and Clive had another 2). 2 Tree Sparrows and a Willow Tit at Millfields.Simon Roddis
22/01/2024The GNDiver still between Stones and Millfields. 3 displaying Sparrowhawks. Total of 230 Starlings, mostly heading W. 1 Redshank.Simon Roddis
21/01/2024The GNDiver again between Stones and Millfields this morning. Early on, a Barn Owl again in Tail Bay (good to know it's survived the cold spell), adult Caspian Gull off the dam wall, and 240 Greylags flew out. 3 Pintail (1m,2f), presumably the same as a couple of days ago. Drake Goosander. c35 Barnacle Geese feeding with Canadas in fields between Sheepwash and the road late morning. The first singing Stock Dove of the year in WLC fields. At least 110 Lapwing (seemed to be on the move). Marsh and Willow Tits on the Sheepwash feeder.Simon Roddis
20/01/2024The GNDiver was between Stones island and Millfields most of the morning. Adult Caspian Gull from Stones. The single female RcPochard was off the east side between Millfields and Fishtail, picked up from Stones. 37 Barnacle Geese. 30 Lapwing.Simon Roddis
19/01/202433 Barnacle goose,17 Cormorant, 3 Pintail, 2 Mistle thrush , 3 Greylag goose, 1 Kestrel, 7 Little grebe, 123 Pochard, 16 Teal, 14 Gadwall, 76 Wigeon, 1 Bullfinch, 14 Long tailed Tit, 1 Brambling , 1 Goldcrest, 10 Siskin,David Armitt
19/01/2024The adult GNDiver was between Stones island and Millfields mid-morning, although elusive. 3 Pintail (1m,2f) from Stones and later at the WLC. 37 Barnacle Geese. 71 Wigeon (mostly off Stones causeway) and 84 Lapwing at sailing club, both substantial increases since yesterday. 2 Curlew and 2 Redshank also at sailing club. 54 GCGrebes from Stones.Simon Roddis
18/01/2024The adult GNDiver was again over towards the east side this morning (not so much heat haze today!). 37 Barnacle Geese. 30 Pink-feet flew high S at 10:00. 35 Wigeon. At sailing club, 5 Shoveler (4m,1f), 36 Lapwing and 4 Curlew. 3 Goosander flew down the res. 1 Redshank at Sheepwash. Pair of Sparrowhawks displaying. Marsh Tit at the Sheepwash feeder.Simon Roddis
17/01/2024Adult Caspian Gull on the raft off the dam wall this morning, and 4 Curlews at sailing club, but the diver eluded me. 35 Barnacle Geese. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing, and 2 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 20 Meadow Pipits in the overflow carpark.Simon Roddis
16/01/2024The adult GNDiver again from Stones although way over towards the east side. 2 Curlew at sailing club. A Little Egret flew SW at 09:00. 360 Canadas. 35 Barnacles. Pair of Goosander. 47 GCGrebes from Stones. 14 Fieldfare in/over WLC creek. Relatively few gulls from Millfields early morning, maybe 3,000 Black-headed and Commons and a few Lesser Black-backs.Simon Roddis
14/01/2024Monthly wildfowl count: 160 Canadas, 35 Barnacle, 21 Greylag, 1f Mandarin, 2 Shoveler, 20 Gadwall (huge decrease since last month), 35 Wigeon, 211 Mallard, 29 Teal, 403 Pochard, 1f RcPochard, 124 Tufted, 25 Goldeneye (highest since 2011), 8 Moorhen, 771 Coot, 23 LGrebe, 54 GCGrebe, 17 Lapwing, 2 Snipe, 1 Curlew, 1 Woodcock, 2 Redshank, 1 GNDiver, 22 Cormorant, 3 Heron.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley

Scroll to Top