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
13/01/2024The adult GNDiver still, from Millfields early morning. 1 Woodcock at Millfields. 3 adult GBbGulls post-roost. Trickle of Woodpigeons N, c55 in all. Peregrine past Stones island. Total of 4 Sparrowhawks, again including some display. From PS hide late morning, female Mandarin, 7 displaying Goldeneye and c250 Starlings, mostly W. Marsh Tit on the Sheepwash feeder.Simon Roddis
12/01/2024The adult GNDiver was visible from Millfields early morning but couldn't see the RcPochard there t the time. Barn Owl in Tail Bay at first light - apparently one has been seen in the area recently by a Hognaston resident so may well be hanging around.Simon Roddis
11/01/2024The GNDiver again from Stones island early morning and the female RcPochard at Millfields. 7 Whooper Swans flew in from the W at 09:35 but did a U-turn and departed again SW. 85 Pink-footed Geese SW at 10:05. 3 Goosander. Adult Yellow-legged Gull post-roost. Pair of Kestrels near the main centre, first time for a while that we've seen 2 together. 14 Long-tailed Tits on the Millfields feeders. c50 Siskin a the top of WLC creek.Simon Roddis
10/01/2024The GNDiver was much easier to see this morning, and the female RcPochard again at Millfields. 20 Wigeon. 461 Pochard (355m,106f). 9 Goldeneye. 69 GCGrebe. 20 Cormorant. 1 Redshank. Displaying female Sparrowhawk. Clive had 3 Goosander fly up the res, and 9 Magpies at Hopton end early morning.Simon Roddis
08/01/2024The adult GNDiver was off Stones island mid-morning, the female RcPochard still at Millfields and 34 Barnacle Geese feeding with Canadas in the fields at the top of WLC creek. 16 Lapwing at sailing club. Redshank on Watersports island. 3 Tree Sparrows and 2 Willow Titis on the feeders at Millfields.Simon Roddis
06/01/2024List of species noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon), from Stones Island to Wildlife Centre: Canada Goose, Barnacle Goose (33 inc Nene), House Sparrow, Mallard, Robin, Blackbird, Coot, Little Grebe, Gt Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Tufted Duck, Gt Black-backed Gull, Moorhen, Pochard, Black-headed Gull, Goldfinch, Gt Northern Diver, Teal, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Bullfinch, Magpie, Redwing, Carrion Crow, Goldeneye, Dunnock, Greylag Goose, Meadow Pipit, Wren, Goldcrest, Woodpigeon, Gadwall, Chaffinch and Jackdaw.Gary Atkins
07/02/2024The GNDiver was off Stones island early morning, and the female RcPochard still at Millfields. Also at Millfields early on, 2 Woodcock came in to roost, at least 6 (probably 3 pairs) calling Tawny Owls, and 3 Goosander. 34 Barnacle Geese. 70 Pink-feet flew NE at 10:09. Marsh and Willow Tits coming to the Paul Stanley feeders.Simon Roddis
06/01/2024The adult GNDiver still, from Millfields late am, and the female RcPochard still there too. 24 Gadwall. 25 Wigeon. 20 Teal. 442 Pochard (361m,81f). 8 Goldeneye including a pair mating at Hopton end. Water Rail calling in Hopton reedbed first thing. 16 Little Grebe. 50 GCGrebe. 1 Redshank. 1 Skylark over WLC fields. 2 Linnet over Stones and a total of 8 Reed Buntings.Simon Roddis
05/01/2024The adult GNDiver still from Stones and later this morning off Millfields. Female RcPochard still at Millfields. A pair of Shoveler off Stones, and 7 Goosander flew up the res. 37 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 10:45. c30 Barnacles. c600 Jackdaws out of their roost first thing. 30 Siskin at WLC and 2 Tree Sparrows at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
05/01/202415 Pochard, 2 Wigeon, 17 Teal, 4 Goldeneye, 18 Cormorant, 1 sparrow hawk, 1 Great black backed gull, G N Diver of stones, 20 Great crested grebe, 7 Little grebe, 10 Lapwing, 6 Long tailed Tit, 2 Shoveler, 2 Mute Swan, 8 GadwallDavid Armitt
04/01/2024The GNDiver again from Stones island but elusive. Pink-footed Geese: 90 NE 08:53 and 35 NE 09:30. 30 Barnacles. 54 Greylags. 6 redhead Goosander at Millfields early morning and the female RcPochard still. 300 Pochard. 6 Collared Doves over Fishtail Creek and a total of 15 Stock Doves. The regular Peregrine on the pylon at the top of WLC creek and later past Stones. Kingfisher at Millfields. Clive had 250+ Starlings over early morning.Simon Roddis
03/01/2024The adult GNDiver was north of Stones island this morning, diving actively. Female RcPochard at Millfields. Water Rail and Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. Kingfisher and Marsh Tit at Paul Stanley hide, plus Alan S had a Chiffchaff there.Simon Roddis
02/01/2024The GNDiver was off Stones island again this morning. 5 displaying Goldeneye off Stones too. 450 Lesser Black-backs went out over Millfields early morning. 1 adult Yellow-legged Gull. 1 Redshank on Watersports island. 65 Siskin and 5 Greenfinch in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
01/01/2024The GNDiver was out in the middle about 09:00 but I gather was a bit more elusive later. 37 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. Single female RcPochard at Millfields - also a pair of Pintail there, per the Hattersleys. 30 Lapwing. 4 Willow Tit (2 Millfields area, 2 at the Lane End feeder).Simon Roddis
31/12/2023The GNDiver was off the Sheepwash area early morning. The Barnacle Geese flock flew into the fields between Shiningford and the main road. 375 Pochard (292m,83f). 51 GCGrebe. 24 Lapwing. The Peregrine in its favourite ash tree in WLC fields. Flock of at least 100 Siskin flew over WLC creek.Simon Roddis
30/12/2023The adult GNDiver was off Stones around 3pm. Not a huge gull roost, perhaps only 2,500 birds, and rubbish light: at least 1,000 Common Gulls, 100+ Lesser Black-backs, 1 Herring, 1 adult Yellow-leg. 4 Tree Sparrows at Millfields. 70 Rooks heading to roost over Stones causeway late pm.Simon Roddis
29/12/2023Perimeter count this morning: 26 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 20 Magpie, 4 Raven, 5 Coal Tit, 1 Marsh Tit (PS hide), 5 Willow Tit, 93 Blue, 46 Great, 38 Long-tailed, 5 Nuthatch, 5 Treecreeper, 41 Starling, 15 Song Thrush, 2 Mistle, 176 Redwing, 101 Blackbird, 12 Fieldfare, 62 Robin, 19 Dunnock, 38 Chaffinch, 17 Bullfinch, 51 Goldfinch, 245 Siskin, 5 Reed Bunting, plus single GNDiver, Goosander, Peregrine.Simon Roddis
28/12/2023Clive picked up the returning adult Great Northern Diver off Stones island early morning, later showing well from Millfields. By my reckoning, this will be its 18th winter at Carsington. Not much else of note, but a total of 449 Pochard, the single female Red-crested Pochard with white at the base of the bill and a Kingfisher at Millfields.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
26/2/2023Clive had 7 Egyptian Geese off Stones early morning, then relocating to the Brown Ale Bay side of Sheepwash spit. Previous high was 5 in 2005. Adult Caspian Gull and female Mandarin from WLC mid morning. 3 RcPochard at Millfields. 300+ Pochard. 2 Woodcock at Millfields early morning. Mistle Thrush singing at the top of WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
25/12/2023Forgot to mention, c150 Pink-footed Geese flying E 09:10.Simon Roddis
25/12/2023Best this morning were 360 Pochard, pair of Red-crested Pochard at Millfields, 15 Goldeneye, Water Rail showing in Hopton reedbed, Redshank off Stones causeway, total of 12 Ravens, Linnet on Stones causeway. Happy Christmas!Simon Roddis
20/12/2023Pair of RcPochard off the south end of Stones island (Nigel, I did try to find you but I think you must have left). Kingfisher at WLC. Pair of Willow Tits on Stones. 45 Siskin in WLC creek. Alan S had Marsh Tit and Redshank at PS hide.Simon Roddis
18/12/2023Adult Caspian Gull (not the usual bird) off sailing club early morning. 80 Pink-footed Geese flew NE 10:23. 35 Barnacle Geese again. c700 Jackdaws out of their roost at the top of Tail Bay early morning. 40 Siskin in WLC creek.Simon Roddis
17/12/2023Monthly wildfowl count: 386 Canada, 35 Barnacle, 7 Greylag, 7 Mute, 138 Gadwall, 72 Wigeon, 232 Mallard, 51 Teal, 4 RcPochard, 468 Pochard, 180 Tufted, 21 Goldeneye, 8 Moorhen, 1,092 Coot, 24 Little Grebe, 28 GCGrebe, 75 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 2 Woodcock, 28 Cormorant. A couple of counts seem a but low, maybe because of the breezy conditions. The adult Caspian Gull put in an appearance and a Waxwing flew down the east side 08:05.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
16/12/2023At Millfields/Tail Bay early morning, 6 calling Tawny Owls, 4 Sparrowhawks, 89 Greylag flew out. Pair of RcPochard at sailing club plus the single female still at Millfields. 35 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. Redshank again. Total of 168 Lesser Black-backs (108 flew S from the roost early morning). Pair of Peregrine playing over the pastures in the breeze. Total of 250+ Fieldfare, including 245 SW. 120 Siskin, including 100 over WLC creek.Simon Roddis
15/12/2023At Hopton end first thing, 2+ Woodcock, 5+ Reed Buntings, 3 Raven. Counts of 117 Gadwall, 21 Wigeon, 24 Teal, 46 Tufted, 417 Pochard, 2 RcPochard, 14 Goldeneye, 21 Little Grebe, 53 GCGrebe, 24 Cormorant. 6 Buzzard. 40 Fieldfare.Simon Roddis
14/12/2023A dull and damp morning. Male RcPochard again off sailing club and the Redshank along stones causeway. 9 Goldeneye. Around WLC and creek, c120 Siskin, 13 Greenfinch and a Water Rail calling in the reedbed.Simon Roddis
13/12/2023Pretty much 'as you were' this morning. 1m RcPochard. Minimum 250 Pochard but count scuppered by a windsurfer, putting up at least 100 of them. At least 9 Goldeneye. Peregrine past the main centre. 22 Lapwing. 1 Redshank. Marsh Tit calling in Brown Ale Bay. c500 Starlings in about 10 flocks through the main carpark at 08:20 - maybe just come out of their roost?Simon Roddis
11/12/20233 RcPochard (mff) in sailing club bay this morning. The adult Caspian Gull again around Stones. Around WLC creek, the regular Peregrine, 1 Brambling, 9 Greenfinch and c60 Siskin.Simon Roddis
10/12/20233 Red-crested Pochard off Stones early morning, c250 Jackdaws left a roost near the Sailing Club, c100 Redwing over the east side, 1 Redshank on Stones, female Mandarin in WLC Creek, 8 Greenfinch there also.Clive Ashton/Alan Stewdardson
10/12/2023Afternoon visit. In the gull roost, 3,250 Common (new county record), 1,400 Black-headeds, 40 Lesser Black-back, 1 Greater and 1 Herring. 2 RcPochard off Sheepwash. At least 180 Redwings came in to Stones to roost, with single figures of Song Thrush, Fieldfare and Blackbird. Late shpwing of raptors included 5 Buzzard and single Peregrine, Kestrel and Sparrowhawk.Simon Roddis
08/12/20239 Whooper Swans early morning. 4 RcPochard (2m,2f) off Stones. 9 Goldeneye. 58 Lapwing. 1 Redshank. The adult Caspian Gull around Stones late morning. 2 Herring Gulls. The regular male Peregrine again. Marsh Tit on the Sheepwash feeder. First singing Mistle Thrush of this end of the year at Hall Wood. 11 Greenfinch in WLC hedge. 2 Linnet over Stones (1 singing). Total of 40 Goldfinch.Simon Roddis
06/12/2023No sign of yesterday's Waxwing around WLC creek to 09:30 at least, but c100 Redwing there. 4 RcPochard off Stones. 60 Lapwing. 1 Redshank. 2 Snipe in WLC creek. Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
05/12/2023Only mildly damp this morning. Pair of RcPochard off Stones and later from WLC. 255 Pochard. 2 Redshank at Sheepwash. The Peregrine eating what looked like a drake Gadwall at Shiningford. Marsh Tit on the Sheepwash feeder and 5 Tree Sparrows at Millfields.Simon Roddis
02/12/2023Fog descended this morning but managed to see/hear a few bits and pieces: drake Pintail and 3 RcPochard at WLC, Water Rail in Hopton reedbed and 3 Woodcock at Millfields.Simon Roddis
01/12/2023Very cold and a bit quiet this morning. A Little Egret flew SW (infrequent in December). 47 Lapwing. The regular Peregrine, first on Watersports island and later in his favoured tree in WLC creek. Lot of Redwings and a few Fieldfares feeding on berries there too, and 8 Greenfinches in the hedge.Simon Roddis
30/11/2023No sign of yesterday's Shorelark around Stones island to 10:15 at least. 3 skeins of Pink-footed Geese totalling 390 birds flew NW between 10:00-10:35. The adult Caspian Gull again past Stones, the Oystercatcher still, and 4 Snipe in WLC creek.Simon Roddis, Clive Ashton
29/11/2023No further sign of the Shorelark on Stones island, but still plenty of birds: highlight was a Short-eared Owl over Stones late afternoon, may have dropped onto Watersports island. Single Oystercatcher, Redshank and Pintail, 100 Lapwing, 17 Barnacles, Teal up to 172 since yesterday and Wigeon to 93. Water Rail in Hopton reedbed.Simon Roddis
29/11/2023Shore LarkMartin Hanks
28/11/2023Counted some ducks etc this morning: 4 Shoveler, 103 Gadwall, 47 Wigeon, 162 Mallard, 11 Teal, 6 RcPochard, 365 Pochard, 156 Tufted, 14 Goldeneye, 1 Goosander, 8 Mute, 11 Moorhen, 970 Coot, 26 Little Grebe, 55 GCGrebe, 53 Lapwing, 30 Cormorant. Also 3 Brambling.Simon Roddis
26/11/20234 calling Tawny Owls and a Woodcock were at the Hopton end first thing. Off Stones, 5 Pintail (1m,4f/imm), 5 RcPochard (3m,2f, later from WLC) and 4 fly-over Goosander (2m,2f). The separate female RcPochard still at Millfields. The Oystercatcher and 3 Redshank still. 2 adult GBbGulls, acting like a pair. Peregrine from WLC creek. Totals of 9 Bullfinch and 30 Siskin (20 at WLC).Simon Roddis
25/11/2023A slight surprise in the conditions to see 3 Redshank on Stones causeway and a total of 13 Snipe - been very thin on the ground here all autumn. The Oystercatcher still ans 53 Lapwings. c100 Pink-footed Geese flew E at 10:05. 34 Barnacles again in WLC fields. 4 RcPochard again. 2 Goosander over. 1 Little Egret flew in from E at 09:55. Kingfisher past Stones and 6 Meadow Pipits on the shore.Simon Roddis
24/11/2023Afternoon visit: 35 Barnacle Geese in WLC fields. 8 Whooper Swans at Millfields, still present at dusk (Amanda P reported 20 there this morning). Drake Shoveler at WLC. 4 RcPochard. Female Common Scoter off Lane End. In the gull roost, c2,800 Common, 5,000 BhG, 1,000 Lesser Black-backs, 1 adult Yellow-leg, 5 Herring.Simon Roddis
24/11/20238 Long Tailed Tit,1 Goldcrest, 1 Treecreeper, 178 Pochard, 24 Cormorant, 10 Goldfinch with 6 Siskin mixed in, 8 Little Grebe, 16 Wigeon, 2 Wren, 1 Kingfisher, 20 Mute Swan, 12 Great Crested grebe, 2 Reed Bunting, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Bull Finch, 6 Redwing, 4 RC Pochard, 6 Greylag Goose, 27 Gadwall , 1 Little EgretDavid Armitt
24/11/2023This morning from Stones Island 1 Redkite, 4 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Common Scoter (female), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher. From WLC, 1 Common Buzzard ,1 Kestrel and a male Shoveller.AHS
23/11/2023Highlights this morning were a juvenile Great Northern Diver which dropped in at 09:05 and was then between Stones Causeway and Shiningford until 09:20 at least, and a Great Egret which flew NE over Stones at 08:35. 35 Barnacle Geese again in flight. 315 Pochard from WLC, and the 4 RcPochard flew in. Peregrine over Stones.SJR, RPJ, AMD
22/11/2023Still a trickle of movement: 440 Woodpigeons S (and 20 the wrong way), total of 29 Stock Doves (17S), 155 Starlings W (plus c100 in fields on the east side). Totals of 150 Redwing and 50 Fieldfare. 6 Shoveler and 2 Shelduck off Stones. 27 Wigeon. 61 Teal. 282 Pochard. 35 Barnacle Geese (as seen by Alan S yesterday). 65 Lapwing. Single Dunlin, Snipe and Brambling over Stones. 4 Tawny Owls calling at Millfields/Tail Bay early morning.Simon Roddis
20/11/2023Similar fare this morning: 294 Pochard, 4 RcPochard, 9 Goldeneye, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls, 3 Herring Gulls, Kingfisher on Stones, 355 Woodpigeons flew S.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
19/11/2023Monthly wildfowl count: 214 Canada, 60 Greylag, 13 Mute, 1f Mandarin, 108 Gadwall, 31 Wigeon, 143 Mallard, 46 Teal, 5 RcPochard, 304 Pochard, 122 Tufted, at least 11 Goldeneye, 10 Moorhen, 771 Coot, 23 LGrebe, 41 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher, 78 Lapwing, 1 Woodcock, 20 Cormorant, 1 Little Egret, 1 Kingfisher. Chiffchaff singing again at PS hide.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
24/11/2023This morning from Stones Island 1 Redkite, 4 Red Crested Pochard, 1 Common Scoter (female), 1 Sparrowhawk, 1 Redshank, 1 Oystercatcher. From WLC, 1 Common Buzzard ,1 Kestrel and a male Shoveller.AHS

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