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
2014-05-12Fishtail Creek: Short-eared owl over at 20:20, Kingfisher, 1 possibly 2 singing Redstarts, Mistle Thrush with 2 juvs, Moorhen.John Matkin
2014-05-11vis mig from cafe 6-30am to 11am-6 turnstone flew north west as did 36 dunlin,2+ arctic tern,common tern,yellow wagtailmark pass
2014-05-11vis mig 6am to 10-30am stones- 3 arctic tern thru south west,3 shelduck,3 peregrine,5+ dunlin,3 ringed plover,yellow wagtail,5+ herring gull,3 curlewmark pass
2014-05-10Grey Heron, drake Gadwall, 6 Ringed Plovers (5 on Sailing Club shore and 1 at Sheepwash), 2 Little Ringed Plovers, 2 Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, 7 Oystercatchers, 4 Redshank, Curlew, 2 Whimbrel flew in from the SE at 19.15hrs and landed on Watersports Island, Kingfisher, 7 Garden Warblers, 15 Blackcaps, 11 Chiffchaffs, 7 Willow Warblers, Sedge Warbler, 6 Whitethroats, c80 Swifts, 14 Sand Martins, c10 Swallows, 10+ House Martins, 16 Bullfinch. Dave Newcombe
2014-05-07Pink-footed Goose with Canada Geese at WLC. Pair of Canada Geese with 7 young at Sheepwash. Canada/Greylag hybrid, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 Cormorants, Grey Heron, drake Gadwall, 8 Oystercatchers, 2 LRP, Ringed Plover, 3 Redshank. 3 Dunlin at Sheepwash, then this evening at just after 18.00hrs on Stones Island a flock of 18 what appeared to be all Dunlin were flying around in Sailing Club Bay. 11 then disappeared over the visitor centre but 7 dropped in on Watersports Island. 35 Swifts, 12 Swallows, 10 Sand Martins, 5 House Martins, male Redstart in WLC Creek, 2 Sedge Warblers, 4 Whitethroats, 15 Chiffchaffs, 14 Blackcaps, 12 Garden Warblers, 7 Willow Warblers, 5 Reed Buntings. Dave Newcombe
2014-05-072 Teal, drake Gadwall. 6 Dunlin and 2 Sanderling on Horseshoe Island, 2 Common Sandpipers, 5+ Oystercatchers, 4 Redshank, Ringed Plover, 3 Common Terns, male Peregrine, Kingfisher. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2014-05-065 ringed plover, 2 sanderling, 1 dunlin, 1 common sandpiper on sailing club shore 0800hrs.Roger Carrington
2014-05-05Shelduck, 5 Teal, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 2 LRP, 2 Common Sandpipers, 5+ Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit at Sheepwash and that or another bird at WLC/Stones Island later on. 2 singing male Redstarts....one in WLC Creek and one between Sheepwash and the brick tower. 9+ Swifts, 3 Treecreepers, Raven. Warblers counted between Millfields and Middle Wood (via Sheepwash) 30 Blackcaps, 29 Chiffchaffs, 15 Willow Warblers, 11 Garden Warblers, 4 Whitethroats, Sedge Warbler. Dave Newcombe
2014-05-05Green Woodpecker at Fishtail Creek, also Red Kite over drifting south at 11:50amJohn Matkin
2014-04-30Adult Great Northern Diver still present. It had a fly around between 12.05-12.19 before dropping back on the water. 4 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 8 Pheasants, 2 Greylag Geese, 6 Teal, drake Gadwall. 10 species of wader on site today. Lapwing, Oystercatcher(9), Curlew(1), Redshank(3), Common Sandpiper(1), Little Ringed Plover(2), Dunlin(3), Bar-tailed Godwit(1), Whimbrel(2), Sanderling(2). 5 Yellow Wagtails on Dam Wall including one showing characteristics of N Fenno-Scandia race thunbergi. Grey Wagtail, 2 female Wheatear, 3 Buzzards, 6 Swallows, juvenile Robin, Kingfisher, 12 Willow Warblers, 25 Chiffchaffs, 24 Blackcaps, 2 Lesser Whitethroats, Sedge Warbler, 4 Whitethroats, 8 Garden Warblers, Raven. Dave Newcombe
2014-04-29Great Northern Diver still present late afternoon. WLC: 1 Curlew (bathed then flew W), 2 Redshank, 2 Teal (pair), 1 Grey Heron, 1 Mallard brood with 9 chicks (though kept separating throughout the day). Also, 2 Mandarin Duck and 2 Teal (both pairs) and 2 Little Ringed Plover at Sheepwash, a Redstart pair in WLC creek, 2 Common Whitethroat near Shiningford Creek, Lesser Whitethroat near Bombing Tower, 1 Sedge Warbler singing on Stones Island. James Owen
2014-04-28Adult Great Northern Diver looking very smart now in summer plumage. It was quite mobile today and was right in front of Sheepwash Hide for a while. Grey Heron, 4 Greylag Geese, 3 Shelduck, 2 Teal, drake Goosander, 5 Buzzards, 6+ Oystercatchers, 2 LRP, 5+ Redshank, Dunlin, female Wheatear, Sedge Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, 4 Common Whitethroats, 5 Garden Warblers, 18 Blackcaps, 17 Chiffchaffs, 14 Willow Warblers. Dave Newcombe
2014-04-276am-12noon stones. 3 bar tailed godwit(wlc) whimbrel flew north east 44++ arctic tern adult little gull gn diver (sum plum) swift 5+ yellow wagtailmark pass
2014-04-16Red kite being mobbed by 2 buzzards above gardens of house in Bolehill, Wirksworth. Flew off in direction of Carsington. Carole Leach
2014-04-26LITTLE TERN flew through south east past Stones Island mid morning.c10 Arctic Terns through east/south east during the morning,9 Barnacle Geese high north east over Stones, Tree Pipit heard over Stones, Female Redstart in Wildlife Centre CreekPeregrine over east bank,Great northern Diver near Fishtail Creek,1 Swift.John Bradley
2014-04-23pair of redstart at wildlife centre creekian wright
2014-04-23Great northern Diver,in summer plumage,heard calling early morning and seen flying around later. Kingfisher flew towards P Stanley hide. 4 Yellow Wagtails on Watersports island. Redstart singing in wildlife centre creek, also a pair in Warrington knob and another male nearby. Wheatear on Stones island. Drake Goosander by sailing club, also Little ringed Plover there. Common Sandpiper at Sheepwash, also 4 Teal there. A Common Tern briefly at the Wildlife centre, mobbed by BHG. Pink footed Goose at Wildlife centre. 2 Sedge Warblers,2 Garden Warblers,Lesser Whitethroat,Common Whitethroat. Also a Reed Warbler singing at Hopton reed bed. Clive Ashton/Roger Carrington
2014-04-22WLC: c.10 more Arctic Tern through from 1030-1500 (with one spending 30 minutes on a buoy mid-afternoon). !stS Little Gull showed well from WLC all afternoon. The 5 Black-tailed Godwit flew N at 1300. Later on Horseshoe Island, 3 Dunlin, 4 Snipe, 4 Curlew, 6 Yellow Wagtail and 1 White Wagtail. Also, 1 Wheatear at Sailing Club end of the dam.James Owen
2014-04-2245 Arctic Tern & 2 Little Gull through between 0620-1030hrs. First summer Little Gull still around Stones Island plus Great Northern Diver, 6 Yellow Wagtail, 1 White Wagtail, drake Goosander, drake Mandarin, Dunlin, 2 Common Sandpiper. 5 Black-tailed Godwit at Wildlife Centre this morning.Roger Carrington
2014-04-21Great Northern Diver in full summer plumage, pair Common Scoter, first summer Little Gull, 3 Mandarin, 2 Yellow Wagtail, Sedge Warbler, Garden Warbler all on/from Stones Island. Redstart, Stock Dove Wildlife Centre Creek.Roger Carrington
2014-04-20arctic terns began appearing at 9 am and by 10-30 there were 42 present!a bar tailed godwit on millfields island early ammark pass
2014-04-193 common scoter yday. today a whimbrel on millfields island early am then flew eastmark pass
2014-04-14Adult Great Northern Diver off Stones Island. 2 Grey Herons at Sheepwash. Female Mallard with 9 ducklings at WLC. And a female with 11 at Sheepwash. Drake Goosander near Sailing Club. 3 Buzzards, 2 Sparrowhawks, Kestrel. Little Ringed Plover, 2 Common Sandpipers, 5+ Redshank, 3 Snipe. White Wagtail on Stones Is. Lesser Whitethroat singing on Shiningford Creek. Earliest site record, previous earliest was April 17th 2011. 26 Chiffchaffs, 15 Blackcaps and 13 Willow Warblers between Millfields and Sheepwash. 9 Swallows, Kingfisher, 2 Linnets and a Raven. Dave Newcombe
2014-04-12Counts done during a circular walk. 65 Chiffchaffs, 34 Blackcaps, 22 Willow Warblers, 4 Treecreepers, 3 Nuthatch, 18 Blackbirds, 58 Wrens. Surprisingly only 8 Robins and 6 Dunnocks. Goldcrest in Hall Wood. Male Redstart singing near bend of WLC Creek and Shiningford Creek. 9 Linnets on Stones Island. Lesser Redpoll at Fishtail Creek. Siskin at Millfields. 45 Swallows and 7 Sand Martins around Stones Island. Also of note 6 Teal, Scaup/ Tufted Duck hybrid at Millfields. 7 Redshank, 2 Ravens. Dave Newcombe
2014-04-11Adult Great Northern Diver from Stones Island. Grey Heron, Greylag Goose, Greylag/Canada Goose hybrid, 28 Barnacle Geese, pr of Mandarin, 8 Teal, drake Goosander, Scaup/ Tufted Duck hybrid. 9 Buzzards, 3 Sparrowhawks and a Kestrel from Sheepwash Hide. 7+ Oystercatchers, 6 Redshank, 4 Curlew, 2 Snipe, 30+ Pied Wagtails at dusk, 15 Chiffchaffs, 6 Blackcaps, 8 Willow Warblers, female Wheatear, White Wagtail, 11 Swallows, 4 Sand Martins, 2 House Martins, Linnet, 2 Ravens, and 340 Jackdaws towards Tail Bay at dusk. Dave Newcombe/ Clive Ashton
2014-04-10Male Wheatear and Common Sandpiper at Millfields end of dam. Shelduck, drake Goosander, pair Mandarin, pair Gadwall, 2 Greylag Geese, Linnet, 2 Meadow Pipit, Raven, 2 Common Buzzard this morning.Roger Carrington
2014-04-09This evening at just after 19.30hrs myself and Jon Bradley whilst standing on Stones Island had a Cattle Egret drop onto the back of Watersports Island. We started to walk off towards waterports to try and get a view of the back of the island. Unfortunately as we got to the causeway onto Stones Island the Egret then flew towards Stones Is. Despite searching in the fading light we couldn't relocate it. This is the first record of Cattle Egret at Carsington. Also of note today was the adult Great Northern Diver, drake Goosander, 12 Oystercatchers, 5 Redshank, 5 Snipe, 6 Buzzards, male Wheatear, White Wagtail, 10 Sand Martins, 5 Swallows, 13 Blackcaps, 28 Chiffchaffs, 11 Willow Warblers, 3 Linnets and a Raven. Dave Newcombe
2014-04-09Osprey on Lane End perch at 0800hrs and in flight over Shiningford later this morning.Great Northern Diver still.Roger Carrington
2014-04-08At least one Osprey still present this evening. Adult Great Northern Diver. 28 Barnacle Geese, drake Goosander, 2 female Goldeneye, Jack Snipe still showing well at c18.00hrs, 12 Oystercatchers, 6 Redshank, Little Ringed Plover, 30 Swallows around Stones Island, 3 Sand Martins, 4 Willow Warblers.Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown/Clive Ashton
2014-04-082 Osprey at 16:45 near Lane End, one caught a fish. Also, Jack Snipe still on Horseshoe Island, plus 2 Common Snipe, 2 Golden Plover over the WLC midday.James Owen
2014-04-08Osprey on Lane End perch early morning, seen flying around then 2 Osprey flying together at 1115hrs. Great Northern Diver still. Common Sandpiper on Sheepwash Spit.Roger Carrington
2014-04-04Adult Great Northern Diver, 4 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 23 Barnacle Geese, 2 Greylag Geese, pr Shoveler, 11 Oystercatchers, 7 Redshank, Jack Snipe showing very well from the Wildlife Centre, 8 Snipe, Bar-tailed Godwit, 2 Curlew, 3 Buzzards, 15 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers.Dave Newcombe
2014-04-04Great Northern Diver still off Stones Island. Bar-tailed Godwit commuting between Wildlife Centre and Stones Island. Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Blackcap singing on Stones Island. Roger Carrington
2014-04-043 Greylag Geese, 5 Teal, 2 Wigeon, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Bar-tailed Godwit on Stones Island, 9 Oystercatchers, 16 Snipe at WLC, 7 Redshank, 2 Grey Wagtails, 14 Chiffchaffs, 2 Willow Warblers, several Blackcaps. 75 Sand Martins going through with many feeding at Sheepwash, also at least 9 Swallows on site. 3+ Herring Gulls pre-roost.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2014-04-02late pm-sandwich tern north past stones at 6-41pm.2 white wags stones,gn diver,3 swallow,6 sand martin.the hybrid scaup/tufted(80% scaup)present again off stones-first saw this bird weeks ago and came via ogston resmark pass
2014-04-01Some good birds on site today. The adult Great Northern Diver is starting to moult into summer plumage. 21 feral Barnacle Geese. 2 Greylag Geese at Sheepwash. 8 Teal. 2 Shoveler. 3 Pintail all day near Fishtail Creek. 9+ Goldeneye. 4 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel 8+ Redshank, 10 Oystercatchers, Little Ringed Plover on Stones Island. Jack Snipe showing very well on Horseshoe Island. Also at least 18 Common Snipe. Bar-tailed Godwit on Horseshoe Island then on Stones Island. 38 Chiffchaffs and 8 Blackcaps between Millfields and Hopton End. Female Wheatear on Dam Wall. A Raven from Sheepwash. 4 Willow Warblers at Millfields this morning, and a Dunlin at WLC (RC)Dave Newcombe
2014-04-01WLC: 1 Jack Snipe, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit Also, 3 Pintail (2 drake), 2 Shoveler (pair), 1 GN Diver from Millfields. 2 Blackcap singing at Sheepwash, plus 11 Goldeneye.James Owen
2014-03-31Willow Warbler singing, Millfields 0700hrs.Sightings by other Observers: Little-ringed Plover flew through early morning [SJR, AHS, JB].Jack Snipe showing well from Wildlife Centre from Mid-afternoon [STW Volunteers, AP, PAS, RC].Bar-tailed Godwit on Sailing Club shore from 1815hrs [CA, RC].Roger Carrington
2014-03-299 Whooper Swans landed at Sheepwash at 1425hrs. Great Northern Diver still off Stones Island. Clive Ashton had 3 Rock Pipit earlier this morning but no sign this afternoon.Roger Carrington
2014-03-26Adult Great Northern Diver. 12 Whooper Swans present all day. 25 Barnacle Geese. Pink-footed Goose at WLC. 2 Greylag Geese. Gadwall. 5 Teal. 10 Goldeneye. Scaup/Tufted Duck hybrid from P.Stanley hide. 4 Buzzards. 10 Oystercatchers. 7 Redshank. 9 Snipe at WLC. 2 Curlew. 8 Sand Martins. Herring Gull. 23 Chiffchaffs between Millfields and Hopton End. 2 Grey Wagtails. 2 Ravens. Dave Newcombe
2014-03-24Adult Great Northern Diver still but distant. Pink-footed Goose on Stones Island. 23 Barnacle Geese on Horseshoe Island. 7 Teal. 2 Gadwall. 10 Goldeneye. Scaup/Tufted Duck hybrid at Millfields. 3 Buzzards. 10 Oystercatchers. 7 Redshank. Curlew. Herring Gull. 14 Sand Martins off Stones Island am only. 19 Chiffchaffs between Penn Carr and Sheepwash. 2 Meadow Pipits. 4 Willow Tits. 8 Bullfinch. Lesser Redpoll. 2 Ravens. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2014-03-21Adult Great Northern Diver still mid water. 53 Great-crested Grebes (site count), Little Grebe, Wigeon, 10 Goldeneye, Scaup/Tufted Duck hybrid at Millfields then later off Stones Island, Canada/Greylag Goose hybrid in Hopton End, 8 Oystercatchers, 6 Redshank, 8 Curlew, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel, c100 Starlings on Stones Island near dusk. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2014-03-19Adult Great Northern Diver still present mid-water. Adult Mediterranean Gull from Sheepwash mid-morning and then again mid-afternoon. 2 adult Kittiwakes at Sheepwash afternoon only. Also on site today: 7 Goldeneye. Scaup/Tufted Duck hybrid at Millfields. Female Tufted Duck with bill saddle AAS. 9 Oystercatchers. 12 Snipe at WLC. 10 Curlew at Sheepwash. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 1st winter Herring Gull. 9 Chiffchaffs. 2 Ravens. 4 Reed Buntings. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2014-03-17WeBS count for March(0630-0945hrs) Mute Swan 4,Canada Goose 89,Barnacle Goose 27,Mallard 72,Tufted Duck 125,Goldeneye 8,Great Northern Diver 1,Cormorant 7,Little Grebe 1,Great Crested Grebe 46,Moorhen 1,Coot 130,Oystercatcher 10,Lapwing 4,Snipe 32,Curlew 1,Redshank 3.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2014-03-13Adult Great Northern Diver still present mid water. 27 feral Barnacle Geese. 6 Mute Swans. 2 Grey Herons. Little Grebe. 2 Pintail. 4 Shoveler. 4 Wigeon. 19 Teal. 12 Goldeneye. 5 Buzzards. Sparrowhawk. 8 Curlew. 6 Oystercatchers. 30 Snipe including 28 at WLC. 4 Redshank. 3 Meadow Pipits. 4 Chiffchaffs in song....1 at Millfields, 1 on WLC Creek, 1 near Lane End and 1 at Sheepwash. 9 Dunnocks in song. 16 Blackbirds. 21 Redwings. 2 Ravens. 3 Reed Buntings...a male singing near brick tower and a pair at Sheepwash. Dave Newcombe
2014-03-11Adult Great Northern Diver still present but often elusive. 3 drake Shoveler from Sheepwash. 12 Goldeneye-site count. 8 Oystercatchers. Dunlin. 13 Curlew in field to right of Sheepwash. 5 Redshank. 35 Snipe-33 at WLC and 2 at Sheepwash. 3 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk. 2 Chiffchaffs-1 singing on Stones Island and 1 calling on WLC Creek. 8 Redwing, Meadow Pipit. Goldcrest singing near gate to P.S Hide. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2014-03-093 Pintail (1 drake) + 3 Shoveler from Sheepwash. 28 Snipe at WLC + 5 at P S Hide. 4 Redshank mobile. Chiffchaff singing Stones Is. 1 Greylag Goose + a Meadow Pipit at Millfields. At least 5 Curlew to right of Sheepwash.Roger Carrington
2014-03-07Adult Great Northern Diver still, mid-water. 27 feral Barnacle Geese at Widlife Centre. 1 Pink-footed Goose (probably escapee/feral). 4 Greenfinch on RSPB feeder at Visitor Centre entrance. 6 Teal, 2 Wigeon, 9 Cormorant. 38 Curlew feeding in field to right of Sheepwash Hide [SJR] later went to roost on NE side of Watersports Island. 15 Goldeneye [SJR]. 20 Redwing at Sheepwash + 10 on Stones Island. A Dunlin came into Sheepwash at 1630hrs. At least 4 pairs of Oystercatchers, 1 Redshank. Gull roost at 1700hrs: 1100 Common Gull, 250 Lesser Black-backed, 3000 Black Hdd.Roger Carrington
2014-03-05No messageDavid Bennett
2014-03-0318 Curlew in field near Sheepwash car parkPeter Hendry

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