Recent Sightings

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


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
2013-01-012 x Great Northern Divers from Stones island @ 1140h.Richard pittam
2012-12-27Juvenile Great Northern Diver at Sailing Club, attempting to swallow a large fish. Adult GN Diver at Millfields. 6+ Goldeneye, 2 Redshank.Clive Ashton
2012-12-27Two Great Northern Divers close in at Millfields at 10.30 hrs. Neil Moulden
2012-12-18Adult Great Northern Diver from Sheepwash Hide although mostly distant. Slavonian Grebe at the Wildlife Centre. 49 Greylag Geese circled around Sheepwash and then flew West. 100+ Canada Geese, 12 Goldeneye, 140 Pochard, Redshank, 110 Lapwings, Kestrel, Buzzard, male Sparrowhawk caught a Pied Wagtail near the shoreline at Sheepwash.Dave Newcombe
2012-12-17WeBS count for December- Mute Swan 16, Canada Goose 65,Wigeon 44,Gadwall 5,Teal 109,Mallard 137,Pochard 192,Tufted Duck 220,Goldeneye 21,Great Northern Diver 1,Cormorant 17,Little Grebe 1,Great Crested Grebe 44,Slavonian Grebe 1,Moorhen 4,Coot 784,Lapwing 142,Snipe 1,Redshank 2,Black-headed Gull 30,Common Gull 1,Lesser Black-backed Gull 17,Herring Gull 4,Yellow-legged Gull 1,Sparrowhawk 1, Kestrel 1. 26 Species and 1861 individuals.Peter Gibbon and Roger Carrington
2012-12-132 Great Northern Divers, juv in Millfields Bay, adult in next bay towards Oldfield Lane at 1000hrs. Slav Grebe still at Wildlife Centre.Roger Carrington
2012-12-11Slavonian Grebe still from Wildlife Centre. Adult Great Northern Diver showing very well from Millfields Car Park in fading light this evening -mostly feeding less than 10m from shore!Paul Thomas
2012-12-091 Slav Grebe, 1 Dunlin from Wildlife Centre.1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Redshank and 4 Waxwing[seen by MAP] briefly from Stones Island.Roger Carrington
2012-12-09Local news - Ashbourne : 36 WaxwingRosie Hamilton
2012-12-08Slavonian Grebe from WLC. Juv. Great Northern Diver from Stones Island at 1300h.Richard Pittam
2012-12-06Adult and Juvenile Great Northern Divers this morning. Slavonian Grebe near Lane End. 150 Jackdaw + 40 Crow over Sheepwash at Dawn. 2 Redshank on Stones Island. Counts of 167 Mallard and 115 Teal.Roger Carrington
2012-12-04Both Great Northern Divers present today although both quite distant from Sheepwash Hide. Slavonian Grebe from Wildlife Centre. 18 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 121 Canada Geese, Pink-footed Goose, Barnacle Goose, 49 Wigeon, 150+ Pochard, 9 Goldeneye, 2 Redshank, Dunlin, Yellow-legged Gull, 44 Common Gulls, Kingfisher, Meadow Pipit, Chiff Chaff, c15 Goldfinch, 3 Bullfinch. Dave Newcombe
2012-12-04Slavonian Grebe - From wildlife centre at 10.30am. Good views.Richard Pittam
2012-12-0310am-12noon (regular 'Birdwatching for Beginners' walk, taking in Stones Island, Wildlife Centre and areas in between): Siskin, House Sparrow, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, Canada Goose, Great Crested Grebe, Tufted Duck, Coot, Mallard, Slavonian Grebe, Mute Swan, Black-headed Gull, Magpie, Robin, Teal, Lapwing, Goldeneye, Redshank, Blue Tit, Reed Bunting, Wren, Kestrel, Dunlin, Pied Wagtail, Little Grebe, Jackdaw, Collared Dove, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Buzzard, Tree Sparrow, Willow Tit, Dunnock, Gt Northern Diver, Pochard, Wigeon Gary Atkins
2012-12-02redshank in front of lane end hide at midday, great northern diver from lane end hide at about 2pm right across in fish tail creek, slavionion grebe showing well from wildlife centrecolin penny
2012-12-012 kingfishers at sheepwash. Yellow legged gull at both sheepwash and wildlife centre. Redshank at wildlife centre. At least 5 raven around the reserve. 3 shelduck between sheppwash and lane end hide. Great northern diver from lane end hide. Partial albino lapwing near wildlife centre showing a white crest and white spots on its back. 26 barnacle geese sticking with canadas near wildlife centre. Pink footed goose with canadas. Upto 10 goldeneye at sheepwash. Sparrowhawk, kestrel and buzzard also seen.scott linacre
2012-11-304 adult Whooper Swans from Sheepwash, late afternoon, then flew south at 1610hrs. Only 1 Great Northern Diver seen at dusk.Roger Carrington
2012-11-30Bullfinch 10+ spread around. Kinfisher near Hopton, Kestrel pair over Sheepwash Carpark, Nuthatch 2 on Lane End Feeder, Gadwall Wildlife Center Creek, Redshank from Wildlife Center, Goldeneye 5 (3M 2F) with Tufted Ducks off the Dam Wall Eric Dewhurst
2012-11-3015 Shoveler,in 2 flocks of 4 and 11, consisting of 5 drakes and 10 females. Slavonian Grebe still at the Wildlife Centre. Great northern Diver, Fishtail creek. Redshank on Watersports Island.Clive Ashton
2012-11-29Slavonian Grebe still from Wildlife Centre all day. I could only find 1 Great Northern Diver today. Female Common Scoter early morning, 2 female type Red-breasted Merganser, 111 Pochard and 5 Goldeneye all found by RMRJ. Mergansers still present from PSHide 1500hrs. 1 Dunlin on Flat Island. Kingfisher and 1 Redshank from WLC. Gull roost: 600 Common Gull, 3000 LBBG, at least 4000 BHG.Roger Carrington
2012-11-27The adult Great Northern Diver still present today was joined by a 2nd bird. We first spotted it at 14.10 and shortly after both birds could be seen together. It was too distant to age with any certainty but could be the immature that was briefly at Ogston and seemingly left. Also of note was a Slavonian Grebe at the Wildlife Centre, 3 Scaup at Sheepwash, 28 Pink-footed Geese South East at 11.45hrs. 20 Cormorants, 14 Mute Swans, Grey Heron, 167 Pochard, drake Red-crested Pochard, 3 Goldeneye, 3 Goosander, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Yellow-legged Gull, 2 Herring Gulls, and 6+ Raven over Blackwall Plantation. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton/Chris Brown
2012-11-27A Slavonian Grebe was found at the Wildlife centre,this morning,by Mark Pass and Roger Carrington. 3 Scaup were found by James Owen at Sheepwash,and were present all day. shortly after 2pm a second Great northern Diver was found,from Sheepwash,and whilst too distant to age is almost certainly the juvenile reported at Ogston reservoir earlier in the day, which left around 13:30hr. At least 6 Ravens were over Blackwall plantation. Clive Ashton
2012-11-27Further to Roger's sightings,C280 Lapwing,30 Blackbird,c30 Chaffinch,c20 Siskin,Peregrine,Sparrowhawk,Kingfisher,2 Yellow legged Gull,5 Herring Gull,Great black backed Gull.Clive Ashton
2012-11-26Great Northern Diver off Stones Island this morning. Red-crested Pochard in Hopton Arm. 1 Chiffchaff PSHide. 1 Dunlin flying with Lapwing. 151 Teal. 168 Mallard.Roger Carrington
2012-11-23Great Northern Diver mobile but mainly between Sheepwash and Stones Island.Drake Red-crested Pochard at Wildlife Centre.245 Lapwing in front of Sailing Club at 0900hrs.12 Lesser Redpoll on Stones Island. 5 Reed Bunting in Wildlife Centre Creek. 2 Willow Tit, 2 Nuthatch and Great Spotted Woodpecker on Paul Stanley Hide feeders.Roger Carrington
2012-11-21WLC: 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 1 Willow Tit, 1 Linnet, 1 Yellow-legged GullJames Owen (STW vol ranger)
2012-11-195 Woodcock noted during a short Woodland Survey in Hall Wood this morning. Great Northern Diver at dusk, found by RJL checking the gull roost from Lane Ends Hide.Roger Carrington
2012-11-19WeBS count for November - 07.30 to 10.30 Mute Swan 28,Canada Goose 36,Wigeon 41,Gadwall 9,Teal 116,Mallard 146,Red-crested Pochard 1,Pochard 143,Tufted Duck 168,Goldeneye 4,Great Crested Grebe 53,Cormorant 18,Moorhen 6,Coot 633,Lapwing 80,Redshank 2,Kingfisher 1.Peter Gibbon and John Bradley
2012-11-1837 Waxwing feeding on red berries between Wildlife Centre and main car park 0845-0915hrs. 120 Jackdaw and 2 Raven over Sheepwash at Dawn. 2 Redshank and 11 Meadow Pipit on Stones Island.Roger Carrington
2012-11-132 Redshank and 1 Red-crested Pochard at Wildlife Centre. 22 Collared Dove in Visitor Centre car park. Drake Goosander at Sailing Club. 81 Pochard total count. 142 Lapwing and a female Pintail at Sheepwash. 20 Fieldfare over Sheepwash car park and 7 Tree Sparrow, 5 Bullfinch, Willow Tit, Nuthatch on car park feeder.Roger Carrington
2012-11-10WLC: 5 Dunlin, 2 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Yellow-legged Gull, 1 Willow Tit Also early morning, female Pintail, adult GBB Gull on Sheepwash Spit, and a stoat all day on Horseshoe Island.James Owen (STW vol ranger)
2012-11-02WATER RAIL ON PATH GO DOWN TO PAULS HIDE.DAVID & JANET COATES
2012-11-0122 Mute Swans, Grey Heron, 200 Teal, female Pintail, 113 Wigeon, 13 Gadwall, 271 Pochard, Redshank, female Sparrowhawk, 15 Meadow Pipits, Kingfisher, 2 Raven. 2 Yellow-legged Gulls in the roost. Barn Owl hunting around Sheepwash car park at dusk. Also 2 Tawny Owls calling from Sheepwash Woods. Dave Newcombe
2012-10-2933 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 49 Wigeon, 2 Pintail, Shoveler, 213 Teal, 204 Pochard, 7 Goldeneye, redhead Goosander, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel, 2 Dunlin, Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, 10 Meadow Pipits, 9 Skylarks, 35 Siskin, c350 Starlings, c100 Redwing, 2 Raven. 220 Common Gulls, 6 Herring Gulls, 2 GBB Gulls, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls. Dave Newcombe
2012-10-28Pair + 1 juv Whooper Swans 0945-1015 then flew east. 4 Shelduck, 1 Shoveler,1 Pintail, 62 Pochard, 1 Bar-tailed Godwit at Sheepwash. 70 Pochard at Millfields. Kingfisher, 15 Meadow Pipit and 1 Dunlin flying around Stones Island. Fly-over Redpoll, Brambling, Yellowhammer. 1700 Starlings thru west in 14 flocks this morning. 180 Wood Pigeon thru west in 5 flocks. Roger Carrington
2012-10-264 Whooper Swans present at Sheepwash all day. 54 Great Crested Grebes, 29 Cormorants, female Pintail, 170 Teal, 87 Wigeon, 134 Pochard, 9 Goldeneye, Dunlin, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel, Grey Wagtail, 2 Skylarks, Kingfisher, 9 Meadow Pipits, 220 Fieldfare, 64 Redwings, Yellow-legged Gull, 3 Herring Gulls (adult and 2 1st winters), 1st winter GBB Gull, 65 Common Gulls, 2 Ravens, 120 Jackdaws. Dave Newcombe
2012-10-253 Gadwall, 3 Pintail, Scaup, 162 Pochard, Curlew, Kingfisher, 2 Skylarks, c100 Redwings, 6 Goldcrests, 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton/Chris Brown
2012-10-22Drake Scaup still at the Wildlife Centre. A little later in the day two other birders had the drake and 3 more Scaup. 2 Grey Herons, 8 Little Grebes, 45 Great Crested Grebes, 25 Cormorants, 28 Mute Swans, 95 Wigeon, 9 Gadwall, 174 Teal, female Pintail, 85 Pochards, Yellow-legged Gull, 29 Common Gulls, 2 Herring Gulls. First thing this morning I had a probable Sanderling at Millfields. I only saw the bird briefly. Dave Newcombe
2012-10-21We was on site from just after light until 12.15pm and there wasn't any sign of the Grey Phalarope. The drake Scaup is still at the Wildlife Centre. 41 Pochard, 4 Gadwall, 112 Lapwings, 2 Grey Herons, Yellow-legged Gull, Kingfisher, c20 Meadow Pipits, 26 Cormorants, 22 Mute Swans. Female Pintail and 3 Shoveler at Sheepwash. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2012-10-20I'm not on site today but for anybody interested the Grey Phalarope is still present as of 14.00hrs for its 4th day (per Bird Guides). It still sounds very mobile and is commuting between Sheepwash Hide and Lane End Hide. Dave Newcombe
2012-10-19The probable Baltic Gull - (larus fuscus fuscus) first reported on Sat. 13th October, seen and videoed subsequently, is now considered by expert opinion to be more likely an 'intermedius' based on primary moult, despite showing many other typical features. This bird, however, is still striking and its close resemblance to 'fucus' is undeniable, highlighting the difficulty of positively identifying adult Baltic Gull out of range without a ring. This is now the second 'probable' Baltic Gull in recent years at Carsington - let's hope the next one has a readable ring!Richard Lowe
2012-10-19The 1st winter Grey Phalarope is still present and being seen mostly from Sheepwash Hide. It's very mobile and at times distant and spent some considerable time down towards Lane End Hide. It was still present this evening at 18.00 opposite Sheepwash Hide near the far bank. Also on site was a drake Scaup at the Wildlife Centre. 2 Red-breasted Mergansers seen from both Sheepwash and Lane End Hides, though distant. 10 Goosander at Millfields early morning (9 female types and a drake), 32 Cormorants, Grey Heron, female Pintail, Shoveler, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Pipit on Dam Wall, c20 Meadow Pipits, 50+ Pied Wagtails, Kingfisher, c40 Lesser Redpoll on Stones Island, a Brambling in Sheepwash Car Park, and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-10-171st winter Grey Phalarope first seen from Sheepwash Hide at 15.45. I lost it for around 25 minutes when it suddenly reappeared behind the spit only for it to get mobbed by a Lesser Black Backed Gull and disappear again. By this time a few more birders turned up and we refound it in Brown Ale Bay and had good views for around 40 minutes. We last saw it from Sheepwash Hide at c17.45 as it once again flew past the spit and towards Brown Ale Bay. Also seen by CB, RJL, MAP, JB. Also of note was 65 Great Crested Grebes, 11 Little Grebes, 32 Cormorants, 11 Gadwall, 45 Wigeon, 155 Teal, female Pintail, 80 Pochard, Yellow-legged Gull, 78 Lapwings, 2 Kestrel, c20 Meadow Pipits, 6 Skylarks, Kingfisher, 8 Lesser Redpoll and 6 Siskins. Dave Newcombe
2012-10-16WeBS count for Oct.08.00 to 11.00. Mute Swan 32,Canada Goose 2,Wigeon 119,Gadwall 9,Teal 116,Pochard 79,Tufted Duck 136,Little Grebe 15,Great Crested Grebe 54,Cormorant 39,Moorhen 4,Coot 631,Lapwing 52,Common Sandpiper 1,Kingfisher 1. SparrowhawkPeter Gibbon + John Bradley
2012-10-15Gull in the roost tonight showing many characteristics of Baltic Gull (Larus Fuscus). Dark back, long winged, all black wing tips, small clean head. Also in the roost was a 3rd winter Caspian Gull, 4+ Yellow-legged Gulls, 6 Herring Gulls and 38 Common Gulls. Also of note was 31 Cormorants, 70 Great Crested Grebes, 14 Little Grebes, 70 Wigeon, 133 Teal, 5 Gadwall, female Wheatear, 3 Reed Buntings, 3 Greenfinch, 8 Bullfinch and 28 Lesser Redpoll. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-10-15Fishtail Creek, early am: c50 Redwing over heading southwest, 14 pheasants from roost in trees, 2 Tree Sparrows with 11 Chaffinches, 7 Linnet, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 5 Lesser Redpoll over.John Matkin
2012-10-13Possible baltic gull: an adult with LBBGs at sheepwash after dinner then flew off, it was a little smaller than the LBBGs and had a pure white head with a dark back and black wingtipsscaup: 1 drake at sheepwash with a tufted duck around 11-12 in the morningraven: 2 flew together and 1 calling over wildlife centre areajay: 7 seen in flight together at sheepwash in the morningyellow legged gull: adult around sheepwash area all morningscott linacre
2012-10-12Some good birds on site today, perhaps brought in with yesterday's wind and rain. 4 Scaup (2 drakes and 2 fem/imm) were present all day, either in front of Sheepwash Hide or in the bay to the right of the hide. There was 5 fem/imm Common Scoter towards Millfields early morning. The 5 then increased to 7 and then later in the day there was 11 (9 fem/imm and 2 drakes). A Grey Plover flew past Stones Island at 09.40 and probably flew straight through. 2 Dunlin flying around Stones Island and a further 5 on the back of Horseshoe Island. Also of note was 29 Mute Swans, 32 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 21 Little Grebes, 48 Great Crested Grebes, 124 Teal, 125 Wigeon, 8 Gadwall, 5 female Pintail, 3 Shoveler, 69 Pochard, Common Sandpiper, 105 Lapwings, Grey Wagtail, Buzzard, Kestrel, male Sparrowhawk, Skylark, 16 Redwing and 9 Lesser Redpoll.Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-10-10A Rock Pipit flew over Stones Island just after 18.15 this evening. c350 Pink-footed Geese flew west this morning at 09.40. 17 Little Grebes, 4 Grey Herons, female Pintail, 90+ Teal, 59 Wigeon, 2 Gadwall, 38 Pochard, Common Sandpiper, 2 Yellow-legged Gulls including the resident one which killed and ate a Little Grebe at the Wildlife Centre, 3 Herring Gulls, 11 Common Gulls, 2 Skylarks, Kingfisher, 7 Chiff Chaffs, Blackcap, 3 Lesser Redpoll, 2 Linnets. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-10-101 Common Sandpiper on Stones Island at 18.00 hrs.Neil Moulden

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