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
2013-04-07Walking between WLC and Sheepwash - 15:00hr to 16:30hr - Redshank 1, Reed bunting 5, Barnacle Goose 19+, Oyster Catcher 4, Chiffchaff 3, Little Grebe 1, Collar Dove 1David Edmonds
2013-04-07The Birdwatching for Beginners walk group had 2 Little Ringed Plovers and 3 Snipe on Horseshoe island (and a total of 28 species). Gary Atkins
2013-04-074 Great Northern Divers together early morning. 3 Sandwich Terns SE over dam/Millfields at 0635hrs seen by Mark Pass. 1 Ringed Plover briefly on Stones Island early morning, 1 LRP, 1 Curlew over, 5+ Redshank, 8+ Oystercatcher. Kingfisher at Wildlife Centre, 16 Barnacle Geese, 1 Skylark over, 2 Lesser Redpoll.Roger Carrington
2013-04-06Counted during a walk around the reservoir 7:00-11:00: 128 Woodpigeon, 80 Starling, 52 Blue Tit, 46 Jackdaw, 41 Fieldfare, 39 Great Tit, 34 Blackbird, 25 Chaffinch, 22 Robin, 22 Carrion Crow, 19 Tree Sparrow, 17 Bullfinch, 17 Wren, 13 Long-tailed Tit, 12 Pied Wagtail, 11 Song Thrush, 9 Willow Tit, 8 Dunnock, 7 Reed Bunting, 7 Pheasant, 7 Chiffchaff (all singing), 6 Goldfinch, 6 Magpie, 5 House Sparrow, 4 Meadow Pipit, 4 Great Spotted Woodpecker (1 drumming), 3 Mistle Thrush, 2 Nuthatch, 2 Redwing (1 with Fieldfares,1 on Stones Island), 1 Raven, 1 Goldcrest. Also of note: 5 Goldeneye, 2 Pochard, 2 Great Northern Diver, c60 Wigeon over at 10:30, Kingfisher, Buzzard, Fox sleeping on shoreline at Shiningford Creek. John Matkin
2013-04-054 Great Northern Divers visable simultaneously from Stones Island (3 juvs, 1 moulting adult), 2 Willow Tits coming to Wildlife Centre feeders, 25 Barnacle Geese, 5+ Redshank, 5+ Oystercatcher, 1 SnipePaul Thomas
2013-04-04In very windy choppy conditions only 2 juv Great Northern Divers seen this morning. Kingfisher at Wildlife Centre. 19 Wigeon, 11 Teal, 22 Pochard, 6 Goldeneye. 6 Cormorant, 1 Heron. At least 8 Oystercatcher, 4 Redshank. 2W Herring Gull, 9 Meadow Pipits north. 2 Siskin, 1 singing. A few silent Chiffchaff.Roger Carrington
2013-04-023 Whooper Swan off dam wall early morning onlyJames Owen
2013-03-284 Great Northern Divers. drake Red-breasted Merganser seen from Stones Island this morning. A couple of other birders saw it this afternoon. 46 Great Crested Grebes, Grey Heron, Greylag Goose, 59 Canada Geese, 23 Wigeon, 14 Teal, 2 Pochard, 13 Goldeneye, Buzzard, 8+ Oystercatchers, 4 Redshank, 40 Curlew, 2 probably 3 adult Kittiwakes, Grey Wagtail, 4 Skylarks over, 14 Blackbirds, 2 Song Thrush, 3 Fieldfares, 2 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Ravens, Dave Newcombe
2013-03-263 Great Northern Divers. 9 Whooper Swans in front of Sheepwash for most of the day. We then watched them finally leave North at 17.02hrs. 2 adult Kittiwakes through this morning. 41 Curlews into roost. 70 Canada Geese, 6 Cormorants, 20 Wigeon, 9 Teal, 6 Goldeneye, 9+ Oystercatchers, 4 Redshank, Buzzard and a Kestrel. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2013-03-244 Great Northern Divers all seen together from Sheepwash Hide this afternoon. 77 Canada Geese, 39 Wigeon, 8 Goldeneye, 10+ Oystercatchers, 4 Redshank, 8 Snipe. Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. Barn Owl hunting around Sheepwash at 16.05hrs. Kestrel near the Wildlife Centre with prey which looked like a Blackbird. 56 Curlew roosted on Stones Island this evening. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2013-03-204 Great Northern Divers still. Whooper Swan, 51 Great Crested Grebes, 26 Barnacle Geese, 5 Cormorants, 17 Wigeon, drake Gadwall, 12 Goldeneye, 10+ Oystercatchers, Dunlin, 4+ Redshank, pair of Peregrines at Hopton End, Buzzard, Kestrel, Kingfisher, male Stonechat at Hopton End, 3 Meadow Pipits, Chiff Chaff, 17 Redwings, 2 Ravens. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2013-03-20Three Great Northern Divers(1 adult)off Stones Island at 18.15 plus 18 Curlew,11+ Oystercatchers and 4 Meadow Pipit,3 Goldeneye,2 Redshank, 2 Barnacle Goose and the Whooper Swan.Peter Gibbon
2013-03-184 Great Northern Divers (3 immatures and an adult) seen together. Whooper Swan still at Millfields. 26 Barnacle Geese, 40 Canada Geese and 2 Greylag Geese. Grey Heron, 5 Cormorants, female Pintail, drake Gadwall, 42 Wigeon, 18 Teal, 14 Goldeneye, 4 Goosanders. 16 Snipe at the WLC early evening, 8+ Oystercatchers, 21 Curlew over near dusk, 4 Redshank, 5 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, 4 Herring Gulls, Grey Wagtail, 4 Meadow Pipits, 120 Starlings, Raven and 6+ Reed Buntings. Dave Newcombe
2013-03-154 Great Northern Divers seen from Stones Island late afternoon early evening. The Whooper Swan still at Millfields. Greylag Goose, 6 Pintail, 90 Tufted Ducks, 9 Goldeneye, 4 Pochard, Little Grebe at P.Stanley hide, 29 Curlew at dusk, 7+ Oystercatchers, 2+ Redshank, adult Kittiwake in the roost, 3 Meadow Pipits, 4 Skylarks over west early morning, 9 Reed Buntings spread around Stones Island and various feeding stations. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2013-03-143 GN divers from Stones Island pm Whooper Swan still at Millfields.John Babb
2013-03-13Female Brambling on Ranger Base feeder. Good numbers of Curlew arrived late afternoon, were scattered and very mobile. 6 on Horseshoe Island & 31 on back of Stones Island/Sailing Club Island at 18:00.John Matkin
2013-03-12Additional to DN/CA sightings today; Barn Owl hunting over Sheepwash Spit and hide area around 15.00 hours.Stuart Maclean
2013-03-12Some good birds on site today. Before I arrived Clive and Roger had a Red Kite that came over from the west and heading up the res and north. 4 Great Northern Divers seen from Sheepwash and Stones Island. An adult Kittiwake present all day. A single Whooper Swan at Millfields. 24 Barnacle Geese on Stones Island. 43 Wigeon, 16 Goldeneye, 9 Curlew, 8+ Oystercatchers, Redshank, c80 Lapwings, 3 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Stock Dove, 7 Redwings, Goldcrest, 4 Greenfinches on feeders outside visitor centre, 3 Ravens, and a Lesser Redpoll over Stones Island. Female Stonechat briefly at Sheepwash. A visiting birder also reported what he believed was a Stonechat on Stones Island earlier in the day. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2013-03-10WeBS count 07.30 to 10.30- 4 Canada Goose;14 Wigeon,4 Teal,59 Mallard,1 Pochard,74 Tufted Duck,11 Goldeneye,2 Great Northern Diver,2 Little Grebe,46 Great Crested Grebe,6 Cormorant,1 Moorhen,202 Coot,10 Oystercatcher,64 lapwing,4 Snipe,1 Redshank,2 Kittiwake (1 early on and 1 at 10.10 by JB),1 Sparrowhawk,2 Buzzard,5 Skylark,1 Meadow Pipit and 1 Rock Pipit(JB).Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2013-03-073 Great Northern Divers near Stones Island 0800hrs 3 Curlew heading north. 1 Shelduck mobile. 2 Barnacle Geese on Millfields Island. Tree Sparrows - 32 at Wildlife Centre, 2 at Ranger Base, 17 on Sheepwash car park feeder.Roger Carrington
2013-03-052 Great Northern Divers (RC had 3), Little Grebe, 26 Barnacle Geese, 7 Cormorants, 5 Shoveler, 8 Pochard, 11 Goldeneye, Kestrel, Buzzard, 8+ Oystercatchers, 7 Curlew, 5 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 3 Reed Buntings in song. Dave Newcombe
2013-03-034 Great Northern Divers from Stones Island. 8 Magpie and 10 Redwing on Stones Island and 3 Curlew and 5 Greylags past. First Winter Herring Gull. Grey Wagtail in Brown Ale Bay. Counts: 86 Tufted Duck, 35 Wigeon,14 Teal, 93 Mallard, 2 Gadwall, 1 Pochard and 19 Goldeneye.Roger Carrington
2013-03-014 Great Northern Divers all visible from Sheepwash Hide, although distant. 26 Barnacle Geese on Stones Island. 28 Wigeon, 13 Pochard, 14+ Goldeneye. 5 Curlew over Stones Island early evening. 4 Dunlin in flight with Lapwing (136) around Horseshoe Island. 9+ Oystercatchers spread around various islands, 2 Redshank, 1 Snipe. 3 Buzzards over Hall Wood, also a male Sparrowhawk at Sheepwash. Gull roost held an impressive and site record 1'500 Common Gulls. Also 5'000 Black-headed Gulls, an adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Herring Gulls, 1st winter Great Black Backed Gull and a 2nd winter Yellow-legged Gull. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2013-02-284 Great Northern Divers all visible from Stones Island this afternoon. 3 towards Fishtail Creek and the 4th between Stones and Horseshoe Island. 26 Barnacle Geese at the WLC, also 165 Lapwings and 6 Snipe there. 7 Oystercatchers ( 2 at Millfields, 2 at Sheepwash and 3 at the WLC), 2 Redshank, 17 Wigeon, 13 Teal, Little Grebe, and 18 Goldeneye spread around the reservoir. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2013-02-262 Great Northern Divers. Juvenile between Stones and Horseshoe Islands, and an adult at Sheepwash. 10 Cormorants, 25 Barnacle Geese in field off Shiningford Creek, 11+ Goldeneye, 6+ Oystercatchers, 120 Lapwings at the WLC, also 5 Snipe there. 180 Common Gulls mid afternoon, male Sparrowhawk in Paul Stanley woods. c40 Redwings and 3 Mistle Thrush over. Dave Newcombe
2013-02-20Adult Mediterranean Gull at Sheepwash at dawn with roosting BHGulls, then flew east at 0720hrs. 2 (or 3) Great Northern Divers off Stones Island plus another in Millfields Bay at 0900hrs. 1 Shelduck and 2 Whooper Swans mobile about the site. At least 7 Oystercatchers around. 2 Redpoll Stones Island.Roger Carrington
2013-02-193 GN Divers , John Babb
2013-02-15Small groups of skylarks were moving north all morning, 24 counted in total. 1 Brambling flew east over Sheepwash. 7 Oystercatchers have returned, including the one with barcode ring for what is at least the 6th breeding season. 4 GN Divers visible from Sheepwash for much of the afternoon, though for best views Stones Island was the place to be. Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail in Brown Ale bay. 6 Buzzard over the woods on the east bank, also 2 Raven and 2 Sparrowhawk. An adult Mediterranean gull in the roost from Sheepwash from 15:00hr.Clive Ashton/ Roger Carrington
2013-02-133 GN Divers at dusk, with one bird heard calling. 800+ Common Gulls in the roost.Clive Ashton
2013-02-11WeBS count for February - Mute Swan 2,Canada Goose 72,Wigeon 12,Teal 60,Mallard 83,Pochard 17,Tufted Duck 93,Goldeneye 18,Goosander 1(m),Great Northern Diver 3(although another juvenile at Brown Ale Bay an hour later than other three counted in southern part of reservoir),Great Crested Grebe 51,Cormorant 10,Lapwing 95,Curlew 2,Redshank 4,Black-headed Gull 1600,Common Gull 300,Lesser Black-backed Gull 35,Yellow-legged Gull 2Peter Gibbon & John bradley
2013-02-083 (probably 4) Great Northern Divers, Ad+juv off Stones and juv at Millfields at 0900hrs and juv near Flat Island at 1015hrs. Little Gull at Millfields at 0900hrs. F Goosander, 9 Rooks on dam. 2 Oystercatcher and 2 Redshank at Wildlife Centre. Woodcock, Tawny Owl, 2 Raven and 15 Siskin in Hall Wood.Roger Carrington
2013-02-02Little Gull from Sheepwash @ 15-15I Scrimshaw
2013-02-01First winter Little Gull still from Sheepwash Hide this morning. 3 Great Northern Divers around Stones Island. 4 (2 drakes) Red-crested Pochard at Millfields. 5 Fieldfare, 7 Siskin, 2 Mistle Thrush in Sheepwash car park and 3 Skylark and 1 Stock dove over. 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 48 Great-crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Oystercatcher on Shiningford Island.Roger Carrington
2013-01-293 GN Divers,1st winter Little Gull,Yellow legged Gull,191 Pochard,12 Goldeneye,1 Goosander,2 Redshank,5 Skylark over.Clive Ashton/ Roger Carrington
2013-01-28The 1st winter Little Gull was still present at 15:25hr today. Also 2 Yellow legged Gulls,3 Herring Gulls and a 1st winter Great black backed Gull. clive ashton
2013-01-27First winter Little Gull briefly in gull roost at Sheepwash at 1600hrs. Ad+juv Great Northern Divers off Stones Island still. Female Pintail at Wildlife Centre. 8 Greylag and pair Goosander at Sheepwash early morning and 16 Cormorant. 7 Tree Sparrow and 8 Pheasants around Sheepwash car park feeder. 3 Reed Bunting, 7 Chaffinch, 4 Robin and Great Spotted Woodpecker on PSHide feeder.Roger Carrington
2013-01-25Flock of Brambling mobile over and around Fishtail Creek for most of the day, highest count of 14. Flock of 13 Herring Gulls high over at 13:15John Matkin
2013-01-232 Great Northern Divers, Grey Heron, 15 Cormorants, 9 Gadwall, 228 Pochard, Sanderling on Horseshoe Island, 2 Redshank, Dunlin, 2 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 2 Ravens. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2013-01-223 Great Northern Divers seen from Stones Island mid-afternoon (looked like an adult and 2 juvs), 13 Cormorants, Grey Heron, female Shoveler, 9 Gadwall, 167 Pochards, 17 Goldeneye, 2 Redshank, Snipe, Yellow-legged Gull. Also a Barn Owl hunting over Sheepwash Spit at 15.50hrs. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2013-01-20Walk around site 9:00 onwards. 2 Grey Herons, 12 Cormorants, 3 Moorhens, Goosander, Redshank, 211 Pochard, 2 Yellow-Legged Gulls. 74 Blackbirds, 8 Song Thrush, 16 Robins, 16 Dunnocks, 18 Wrens, 31 Blue Tits, 22 Great Tits, 10 Willow Tits, 3 Coal Tits, 7 Long-tailed Tits, 12 Carrion Crows, 49 Jackdaws, 11 Magpies, 7 Jays, 21 Woodpigeons, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 5 Nuthatch, 47 Tree Sparrows, 7 House Sparrows, 15 Chaffinch, 17 Bullfinch, 9 Goldfinch, 46 Siskin, 3 Reed Buntings, 1 male Sparrowhawk in Middle Wood another in Hall Wood (may have been same bird), Tawny Owl calling in Hall Wood. 48 species.John Matkin
2013-01-172 Great Northern Divers Adult+Juv. Barn Owl hunting around Sheepwash car park at dawn and Tawny Owl calling. 2 Whooper Swans from 1145hrs. 35 Tree Sparrow and 20 Chaffinch around Wildlife Centre feeders. 1 Redshank and 2 Fieldfare on Stones Island. 6 Redwing at Millfields.Roger Carrington
2013-01-16WeBS count for January - Mute Swan 9,Pink-footed Goose 1,Canada Goose 129,Wigeon 34,Gadwall 2,Teal 73,Mallard 155,Pochard 187,Tufted Duck 251,Goldeneye 18,Great Northern Diver 2,Cormorant 13,Grey Heron 2,Great Crested Grebe 35,Moorhen 4,Coot 613,Lapwing 192,Redshank 2.Peter Gibbon
2013-01-152 Great Northern Divers seen from Stones Island. Dark-bellied Brent Goose from Stones Island looking towards Millfields. Grey Heron, 2 Pink-footed Geese with 113 Canada Geese. 124 Pochard, 9 Gadwall, 15 Goldeneye, Redshank, Dunlin, 4 Snipe, male Peregrine, male Sparrowhawk, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2013-01-14Fishtail Creek (early am): flock of c30 Siskin, 22 Redwing over, Woodcock across path.John Matkin
2013-01-112 G N Divers by Watersports at 0915hrs. 165 Pochard, 13 Goldeneye, pair Gadwall, 1 Shoveler, 11 Redwing on Stones Island. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, 1 GBBGull from Sheepwash. 5 Moorhen, 1 Little Grebe, 1 'aylesbury' duck at Wildlife Centre. Roger Carrington
2013-01-10Just a flying visit to Sheepwash this afternoon. 2 distant Great Northern Divers, Grey Heron, several Goldeneye, Redshank, male Sparrowhawk, 3 Yellow-legged Gulls pre roost. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2013-01-093 Great Northern Divers. 16 Cormorant. 21 Barnacle Geese. 1 Oystercatcher on dam wall early morning. 1 Dunlin at Wildlife Centre. 3 Snipe. 1 Redshank. 2 Yellow-legged Gull. 17 Woodpigeon. 1 Tawny Owl. 12 Meadow Pipit. 20 Wren. 12 Dunnock. 67 Robin most singing. 32 Blackbird. 3 Song Thrush. 19 Redwing. 13 Long-tailed Tit. 5 Coal Tit. 3 Willow Tit. 28 Blue Tit. 39 Great Tit. 3 Treecreeper including 1 singing. 16 Magpie. 25 Carrion Crow. 18 Chaffinch. 15 Goldfinch. 16 Siskin. 18 Lesser Redpoll. 23 BullfinchRoger Carrington
2013-01-043 Great northern Divers (2 Juvs near Sailing Club, adult mid water) 300+ Lapwing,2Redshank,5 Shelduck,2Kingfisher,3 Yellow legged Gulls,10+ Herring Gulls.clive ashton
2013-01-02Great Northern Diver 1, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Goosander 1, Kestrel 1, Pheasant 2, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Snipe 2, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser-Black Backed Gull, Great Black Backed Gull, Herring Gull, Yellow-legged Gull 2, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Willow Tit 2, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow c20, CHaffinch, Greenfinch 2+, Goldfinch, Siskin c60T.D.Goddard
2013-01-01Adult plus Juvenile Great Northern Divers from Stones Island this morning. 1 Pink-footed Goose and 26 feral Barnacle Geese from Wilflife Centre. 3 Redshank, Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Great Black-backed Gulls and 12 Lesser Redpoll on/from Stones Island.Roger Carrington

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