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
2012-07-07Sheepwash: group of 6 Long-tailed Tits, 5 Goldfinch, drake Pochard, pair of Great Crested Grebes with 2 young chicks. Whitethroat feeding a juv by Brownale Bay. A pair of Chaffinches with 3 young & a further 3 juv Whitethroats by new reedbed. A group of 11 Long-tailed Tits overhead between Middle Wood & Warrington Knob. Fishtail Creek: another group of 7 Long-tailed Tits, 2 juv Chiffchaffs calling to an adult bird & 10+ Sand Martins over.John Matkin
2012-07-0511 Barnacle Geese including 6 young around Stones Island/Wildlife Centre area. 3 Greylag Geese on Stones Island. 3 Common Sandpipers-1 at Sheepwash, 1 on Sailing Club Island and 1 in front of Sailing Club. Adult Redshank and 2 small young to the left of Sheepwash Hide. Pair of Great Crested Grebes with 2 young in Fishtail Creek, pair with 1 young opposite WLC, and a pair with 1 young by Sailing Club. Female Mallard with 8 fresh young at WLC, and a female with 4 young off Stones Island. 4 Teal. Coots with 2 small young at WLC. Pair of Spotted Flycatchers tending to a nest with at least 3 young on WLC creek. 2 juvenile Goldcrests on WLC creek. 3 juvenile Whitethroats on Stones Island. Grey Wagtail on Stones Island. c200 Lesser-black Backed Gulls. adult Yellow-legged Gull. Common Gull. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-07-043 Coot broods from Wildlife Centre of 3+1+1. 2 Reed Warbler still singing at WLC. Spotted Flycatcher still in WLC Creek. 3 pairs of Swallow feeding young around Millfields. 3 pairs of Great Crested Grebe with 2+2+3 young in Millfields Bay. 2 Whitethroat singing at Millfields and 1 Curlew over. 1 Common Sandpiper on Stones Island. 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull yesterday afternoon but no sign today.Roger Carrington
2012-07-01Osprey with fish perched on telegraph pole in Callow (by Fishtail Creek). Took off carrying fish, flew towards Carsington Water then arced around and flew northeast.John Matkin
2012-06-27Coot with 1 chick at Brownale Bay. New Reedbed: 3 Reed Warblers, Moorhen with 4 chicks. Hall Wood: 3 Nuthatches, 3 GS Woodpeckers, 5 Song Thrushes, Willow Warbler carrying food. Middle Wood: Nuthatch, 2 GS Woodpeckers, 4 Jays (at least 2 were newly-fledged young). Warrington Knob: Redstart, GS Woodpecker, 2 family groups of Great Tits. Sitch Plantation: GS Woodpecker.John Matkin
2012-06-26WeBS count for June:Mute Swan 13, Barnacle Goose 9(with 3+4 juv)Greylag 4,Canada Goose 311(4 juv),Cormorant 6,Great Crested Grebe 25(2 pairs seen with young and 4 still on nest),Mallard 42,Tufted Duck 67,Coot 97,Moorhen 4,Lapwing 3,Oystercatcher 4,Little Ringed Plover 2,Redshank 2,Black-headed Gull 61.Peter Gibbon
2012-06-261 Osprey flew north up the reservior at 17.40 hrs.Neil Moulden
2012-06-20Stones Island (early am): 169 Canada Geese, 12 Mute Swans, juv Robin, Carrion Crow with 4 young on Watersports Island, 2 family groups of Blue Tits, 3 Whitethroat.John Matkin
2012-06-19Fishtail Creek: Linnet, group of 4 Bullfinch and another group of 7 overhead. Sitch Plantation: 2 Garden Warblers, Nuthatch. Warrington Knob: Treecreeper, Goldcrest and male Redstart. Hall Wood: Jay, Spotted FlycatcherJohn Matkin
2012-06-12Early am: 3 Reed Warblers (2 singing) in the new reedbed, 1 Reed Warbler singing in Brownale Bay. 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Reed Buntings & 2 family groups of Blue Tits along new track. 1 family of Great Tits at Sheepwash. Millfields: Green Woodpecker, Lesser Whitethroat, 1 family of Robins, 1 juv Carrion Crow & 50+ Swifts over.John Matkin
2012-06-111 Peregrine near Millfields Car Park at 14.40 hrsNeil Moulden
2012-06-05Breeding Signs. Dam Wall 06:30hr; Pied Wagtail - 2 single adults each feeding 1 young, Barnacle Geese 2 pairs with 3 and 5 goslings, Pair of Jackdaws carrying food. Mallard with 4 young, B H Gulls with 6 chicks now. David Edmonds
2012-06-05We thought we saw an Osprey over the lake at Kedleston Hall being mobbed by gulls and an Oystercatcher. It's not far away so may be the same one seen at Carsington.B @ G
2012-06-041 Black Tern off Lane End 1000hrs.Roger Carrington
2012-05-29WLC: 5 BH Gull chicks on the raft, and 1 on Horseshoe Island. Also, 3 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew bathed mid-afternoon, the single Rook again on the bird tables, 2 Sand Martin. 2 Oystercatcher chicks on Sheepwash Spit.James Owen (STW vol ranger)
2012-05-29Osprey over Millfields Bay at 16:14. Flew off east-north eastJames Brooke
2012-05-27Pair of Barnacle Geese with 5 very young goslings swam past Wildlife Centre at about 11.00.Don Newing
2012-05-26Fishtail Creek: Treecreeper, Nuthatch, 2 Willow Tits, Reed Bunting, Jay, Raven, Spotted Flycatcher, 2 juv Great Tits. Blue Tits, Great Tit, Chaffinch, Bullfinch and Chiffchaff all carrying food. 11 Starling and 5 Rooks over. Little Owl calling (early am).John Matkin
2012-05-23WeBS count for May:Mute Swan 7,Greylag Goose 2,Canada Goose 94,Barnacle Goose 8,Mallard 72,Tufted Duck 85,Cormorant 4,Little Grebe 2,Great Crested Grebe 38,Moorhen 5,Coot 41,Oystercatcher 10,Lapwing 7,Redshank 4,Black-headed Gull 70. Also male Sparrowhawk and Kestrel plus 2 Buzzard. Peter Gibbon
2012-05-20Osprey on Lane End Platform until 0800hrs then flew towards Hall Wood. 3 Turnstone, 1 Sanderling, 4 Dunlin and 1 Common Sandpiper on Sailing Club Island at 0830hrs.Roger Carrington
2012-05-172 Whimbrel and 2 Bar-tailed Godwit on Sailing Club Island early morning then saw them flying north over Visitor centre at 0745hrs. Redstart singing in Shiningford Creek. Pair Common Scoter mid-water 1030hrs.Roger Carrington
2012-05-161st summer Med Gull briefly at Shinningford Creek at 1940hrs then flew off south also Arctic Tern present. Red Kite at Middleton Top by the bridge over the road 1800hrs.Jonathan bradley
2012-05-16Everything counted during a circular walk. Tail Bay also included. 73 Blackbirds, 17 Song Thrush, 60 Blue Tits, 41 Great Tits, 6 Coal Tits, 21 Dunnock, 59 Robins including 2 juveniles, 66 Wrens, 75 Blackcaps, 70 Chiff Chaff, 39 Willow Warbler, 17 Garden Warblers, 11 Common Whitethroats, 3 Lesser Whitethroats, 2 Sedge Warblers, 2 Reed Warblers in Hopton reed bed (possibly 3 or even 4 birds present), 65 Chaffinch, 19 Goldfinch, 1 Greenfinch, 16 Bullfinch, 2 Goldcrest, 5 Treecreeper, 2 Jays, 2 Sparrowhawk, 4 Mistle Thrush, 13 Magpie, 6 Linnets, 3 Nuthatch, 6 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Green Woodpecker in Tail Bay, 2 male Redstarts, 3 Willow Tits, 4 Reed Buntings, Hobby over Fishtail Creek, female Wheatear on Dam Wall, male Yellow Wagtail on Stones Island, Pied Flycatcher c200 yards west of Lane End Hide. 9+ Redshank including 2 young on Horseshoe Island and 2 young on Big Island, c10 Oystercatcher including 2 young on Millfields Island, 3 Shelduck, Common Sandpiper and 4 Curlew. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-05-151 Dunlin on Sheepwash Spit at 4.15 pm.Neil Moulden
2012-05-13Redshank pair with 4 tiny young on an island in the Hopton Arm. Reed Warbler singing - Hopton Arm reedbed. Raven - 2 pairs displaying independently at Hopton arm end, but at times only a few hundred yards apart. No aggression shown between the pairs (Strange!!!).11am Hobby - one bird holding in the wind above Hall Wood, then gained height before plunging over the back of the hill. 11.10 am Paul Mollatt/Derek Brownlee
2012-05-12Bright morning. - Stones Island 07:10 to 07:30hr 10nr Arctic Tern sitting on raft. 1nr Sandwich Tern, to 08:30hr - 1nr Common Sandpiper, 1nr Kestrel, 5nr Oyster Catcher, mixed flock appx 20+ Swallows + H Martins, 1nr Swift. 2nr Raven, plus Black Cap, Wren, Blackbirds, Chiff Chaff, Pied Wagtail, and usual Ducks & GC Grebe.David Edmonds
2012-05-11Treecreeper 2, Blackcap pair, Willow Warbler several, Willow Tit 2, Chiffchaff, Bullfinch, Oystercatcher, Grey Heron, Buzzard 3, Mute Swan 5. Eric Dewhurst
2012-05-102 Greylag Geese, Grey Heron, 7 Cormorants, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 2 Buzzards. Bar-tailed Godwit still on Sailing Club Island. 2 Dunlin on Horseshoe Island. 2 Common Terns. 3 female Wheatear on Dam Wall, 6 Garden Warblers, 3 Whitethroats and a Sedge Warbler. Dave Newcombe
2012-05-09Red Kite low over Visitor Centre at 1305hrs then high north. Reed Warbler singing in Hopton Arm reedbed.Roger Carrington
2012-05-08An Osprey appeared over the Dam Wall c10.30 and flew past Sheepwash heading North 5 minutes later. Another bird appeared at Millfields at 18.20 and eventually headed North East at 18.40. Neither birds attempted to take a fish. Also today was 2 Bar-tailed Godwits flitting between Sailing Club, Shiningford and Horseshoe Islands. 4+ Common Sandpipers, Ringed Plover in front of Sailing Club, Oystercatchers still with 2 young at Millfields. 4 Linnets, 3 Yellow Wagtails and a female Wheatear on the Dam. Peregrine, c5 Buzzards, 5+ Garden Warblers, 3 Common Whitethroats, Lesser Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, White Wagtail and an Arctic Tern. A male and a female Common Redstart between Middle Wood and Warrington Knob. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-05-07Birdwatching for beginners walk (10am-noon - Stones Island-Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, House Martin, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Swallow, Tree Sparrow, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, Mallard, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Willow Warbler, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Wren, Blue Tit, Carrion Crow, Reed Bunting, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Chaffinch, Buzzard, Oystercatcher, Barnacle Goose, Redshank, Lesser Whitethroat, Dunnock, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Lapwing, Gt Crested Grebe, Moorhen, Rook, Collared DoveGary Atkins
2012-05-07Bar tailed Godwit on Sailing Club Island. 2 Little ringed Plover. 2 Shelduck on Horseshoe Island. 3 Yellow Wagtails over Stones Island. Several Garden Warblers and Whitethroat singing, also a Lesser Whitethroat in Wildlife centre creek.Clive Ashton
2012-05-05Pair of Willow Tits by Hopton Reedbed. Hall Wood: Tawny Owl calling, 3 Treecreepers, 2 Jays, c10 Lesser Redpoll mobile over & Redstart singing between Hall & Middle Woods. Fishtail Creek: Garden Warbler, 10 Goldfinch, 4 Greenfinch & c150 Fieldfare over.John Matkin
2012-05-05Pink-footed Goose, 3 Shelduck, 3 Wigeon, Mallard with 2 young, 5 Buzzards, Kestrel. Oystercatchers with 2 young on Millfields Island. 2 Bar-tailed Godwits on Sailing Club Island. 2 Whimbrel (1 on Sailing Club Island and 1 flew North), Curlew on Stones Island, 6 Common Sandpipers (4 on Sailing Club Island, 1 near Watersports and 1 at Sheepwash). Little Ringed Plover in front of Sailing Club. 31 Arctic Terns through Northeast between 10.10-10.15. 1 Common Tern. Yellow Wagtail on Stones Island. Female Wheatear on Dam Wall. Several hundred Swallows, 85 House Martins, 50+ Swift, Lesser Whitethroat on Stones Island. 2 Garden Warblers. 32 Common Gulls. No sign of the Great Northern Diver. Dave Newcombe
2012-05-042 Bar-tailed Godwit on Sailing Club Island 0845hrs. 2 Lesser Redpoll Hall Wood and 5 in Middle Wood. Redstart singing between Middle Wood and Warrington Knob. 2 female Goldeneye still at Millfields, latest spring record at Carsington. 2 female Yellow Wagtails on Horseshoe Island. 55 Arctic Terns thru 0845-1300hrsRoger Carrington
2012-05-0323 Arctic Tern + 1 Black Tern in front of Sheepwash then flew NE at 0600hrs. 1 Arctic Tern past Stones Island 0710hrs. 9 distant 'commic' terns thru 0800hrs. 2 Common Sandpiper on Stones Island and 1 at Millfields. 2 female Wheatear at Millfields end of dam. 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing at Millfields + another in WLC Creek.Roger Carrington
2012-05-02Dam Wall - 1 Weatear(female) Stones Island - 1 GN Diver (showing well!), 12 Whimbrel (same group seen 4 times in flight and calling), 2 Garden Warbler,Blackcap,Willow Warbler,Chiffchaff and Lesser Whitethroat (all singing), 8+ Barnacle Goose(feral), 1 Redshank, House and Tree Sparrow singing a top same hedge, Sparrowhawk(male) Sheepwash - 1 Pink-footed Goose, 1 Actic Tern, 30+ Common Gull, 1 GBB Gull(juv), 1 Kestrel, 3 Common BuzzardPaul Thomas
2012-05-02Bar-tailed Godwit Sailing Club Island (also at dusk yesterday). 1 female Wheatear, 1 Common Sandpiper, 5 Oystercatcher and 14 Rooks on dam. 2 female Goldeneye still at Millfields. Oystercatcher pair with at least 2 chicks on Millfields Island. 2 Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Pinkfoot, 1 Great Northern Diver. 1 Arctic Tern at 1020hrs.Roger Carrington
2012-05-02Oldfield Lane to Hopton Arm (early am).23 Blackcap, 21 Chiffchaff, 14 Willow Warblers, 4 Whitethroat, 3 Garden Warblers. Fishtail Creek: Kestrel, 8 Linnets, Curlew, Great Spotted Woodpecker & 9 Swifts over. In Middle Wood: Jay, Treecreeper & male Sparrowhawk overhead. Hall Wood: Jay, 2 Treecreepers, Nuthatch, 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Mistle Thrush & assumed family group of 4 Song Thrush.John Matkin
2012-05-012 Black Tern still present at 18:30. 11 of 12 Mallard eggs hatched in the VC courtyard.John Matkin
2012-04-30Bar-tailed Godwit on Sailing Club Island 1800hrs.Roger Carrington
2012-04-302 Black Terns from 1000hrs off Stones Island. 1 Sedge and 2 Garden Warblers singing on Stones Island 0700hrs. Great Northern Diver in superb breeding plumage off Stones Island. 2 Whitethroats singing near Stone Barn and Swallows in the barn. 1 Lesser Whitethroat singing between Sheepwash and Lanes End.Roger Carrington
2012-04-2815 Fieldfare in trees at Fishtail Creek at 12:30. Later found feeding with c20 Starlings in fields by Fishtail Creek.John Matkin
2012-04-27Adult Great Northern Diver in stunning summer plumage, 2 Greylag Geese, 2 female Goldeneye, Hobby from Sheepwash at 15.02, then over the woods opposite the hide several minutes later, male Sparrowhawk, 2 Buzzards, Kestrel, 2 Dunlin, 3 Whimbrel flew North at 11.35, 3 Common Sandpipers late evening (1 near Watersports and 2 on Sailing Club island), 6 Curlew dropped in on Horseshoe Island c19.30, 4 Arctic Terns, Yellow Wagtail, Meadow Pipit in full song on the Dam Wal, c500 Swallows and 17+ Swift. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-04-2707.15-09.45 - Black-tailed Godwit flying low over Sheepwash Island. 5 Swifts. No sign of Great Northern Diver in this period.Peter Gibbon
2012-04-25Heavy and persistant rain nearly all day meant good weather for a bit of passage. 2 Black Terns were present early morning and remained until early afternoon. The first Arctic Terns didn't arrive until 12.50, but it was a flock of over 60. Then over the next few hours other smaller flocks moved through totalling over 130 birds. There was also 13 Little Gulls (7 adults and 6 1st summers). The Great Northern Diver still present, c500 Swallows and a Swift. Dave Newcombe
2012-04-25Arctic Tern still c.60 at 13:50; also 2 Black Terns and 4 Little Gulls (13:50) per Birdguides
2012-04-2515:00 - Little Gull, 13 mid-afternoon, then 6 flew off and 7 still present. per Birdguides
2012-04-2512.55h - Black Tern and c.60 Arctic Ternsper Birdguides
2012-04-251 Marsh Tit seen and heard calling near Millfields car park at 8.00 am. Also redhead Goldeneye at Millfields and 1 Common Sandpiper on Stones Island. At 5.30 pm 4 Whimbrel were on Sailing Club Island.Neil Moulden

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