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
2012-04-254 Whimbrel on Stones Island at 5.25 pm, but flew off NW after a couple of minutes.Neil Moulden
2012-04-24Mandarin DuckEric Dewhurst
2012-04-24Great northern Diver off Stones Island. 1 Common Sandpiper,1 Yellow Wagtail,1 Curlew,1 Swift.Clive Ashton
2012-04-232 female Goldeneye, Pied Flycatcher, 3 pairs of Nuthatch between Millfields and Oldfield Lane, Green Woodpecker over Millfields, Common Sandpiper on Watersports Island. On the dam: 28 Pied Wagtail, 5 Yellow Wagtail, 3 Linnet, 14 Meadow Pipits.John Matkin
2012-04-23Adult Great Northern Diver almost in full summer plumage. 1 Little Gull seen from Sheepwash Hide for most of the day. Later from Stones Island it was joined by a 2nd bird. Arctic Tern east at 11.15. A 'commic' Tern east at 16.30. Garden Warbler singing in Sheepwash Woods. Drake Gadwall, Yellow Wagtail, White Wagtail, 11 Meadow Pipits, 4 Linnets and c200 Swallows. A Common Sandpiper on Watersports Island. Black-tailed Godwit on Sailing Club Island p.m only. 3 Buzzards and a Kestrel. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-04-23Great Northern Diver. 1 Common Sandpiper, 1 Pinkfooted Goose on Stones Island. Pied Flycatcher singing. Lapwing with 4 chicks at Wildlife Centre. 1 Whimbrel and 2 Curlew over.roger Carrington
2012-04-20Adult Great Northern Diver still present. Roger saw a Whooper Swan fly in with 2 Mute Swans at 07.30. I saw it at around 08.45 but no further sign after that. Pink-footed Goose at the Wildlife Centre, Mallard with 2 young near Big Island, 2 female Goldeneye, 2 Little Ringed Plover, 3 Buzzards, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Yellow Wagtail, 50+ Swallow, 33 Blackcap, 26 Willow Warbler and 2 Raven. Dave Newcombe
2012-04-199 Yellow Wagtails on Stones Island. GN Diver almost in summer plumage.Clive Ashton
2012-04-18Lots of Arctic Terns throughout the country today and Carsington didn't miss out. Roger had 1 fly straight through just before 09.30. Shortly after, there was 7 birds which over the course of the day built up to 28. 7 of these flew North at 15.15. The remaining 21 were present until around tea time before leaving. Also today was an adult Little Gull which was around all day feeding with the Terns. The adult Great Northern Diver is still present. 2 Goldeneye, 4 Little Ringed Plovers, 150+ Swallow, 100+ Sand Martin, 2 White Wagtails and a Yellow Wagtail. Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton/Keith Bunting
2012-04-17WLC: 2 Redshank, 4 Oystercatcher, 1 Curlew, 2 Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, 16 Barnacle Geese, 2 Teal (pair), 6 Tufted Duck, 2 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Raven, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Reed Bunting, 1 Willow Tit, Mallard still with 2 ducklings. Also, 1 male Cape Shelduck.James Owen
2012-04-16Bird sightings adequately covered by others. Plant life in flower: Red Campion, Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage (yellow), Gorse (yellow), Cowslip (yellow), Dandelion, Daisy, Lesser Celandine (yellow), Coltsfoot (yellow), Red Dead Nettle, Blackthorn (white), Bluebell, Ground Ivy (blue/maroon)and Common Mouse-ear (white). Ray and Margaret Perry
2012-04-16Adult Great Northern Diver, Pink-footed Goose, 20+ feral Barnacle Geese, female Mallard with 2 young at WLC, also a female with 7 young off S'ford Creek, female Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, female Redstart on S'ford Creek, 4 Linnets (2 on Stones Island and 2 on Big Island), Siskin in Hall Wood, Grey Heron, Raven and 50+ Swallows with smaller numbers of Sand Martins. A walk from Millfields to Fishtail Creek via Sheepwash produced 49 Chiff Chaff, 33 Blackcap and 21 Willow Warbler. 2 White Wagtails and a Yellow Wagtail on Stones Island p.m. Also 2 Curlew over. Dave Newcombe
2012-04-15Great Northern Diver still. 7 Pheasants at Sheepwash. 3 Linnet on Stones Island. 1 Wheatear in WLC Creek. 1 Yellow Wagtail flew past Sheepwash and Pink-footed Goose there. 30 Sand Martin. 2 Shelduck mobile.Roger Carrington
2012-04-14pink footed goose, scaup and great northern diver all from sheepwashscott linacre
2012-04-142 Yellow Wagtails & pair of Redshank on Millfields Island, 2 Curlew, c30 Fieldfare briefly in ash tree at Millfields then headed north, 15 Carrion Crow on dam, Nuthatch with nesting material over Oldfield Lane, c15 Swallows & Sand Martins, 20+ Willow Warblers singing around Tailbay & southern end of reservoir.John Matkin
2012-04-13Great Northern Diver, 22 Barnacle Geese, Pink-footed Goose of unknown origin, female Mallard with 12 young, female Goldeneye, 2 Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Wheatear, 2 Skylark, 2 White Wagtails, c150 Swallow, 2 Raven Dave Newcombe/Clive Ashton
2012-04-13Fishtail Creek to Visitor Centre via Sheepwash (early am): 43 Chiffchaff, 31 Blackcap (including 4 males pursuing 1 female by Lane End hide), 11 Willow Warbler. 1 Jay, male Sparrowhawk carrying prey through Hall Wood, 4 Willow Tit, 1 female Goldeneye, Mallard with 4 ducklings in Wildlife Centre Creek, Common Sandpiper on Stones Island and Greenfinch singing & displaying in the VC car park.John Matkin
2012-04-121 Great Northern Diver (adult still distant towards Millfields/Dam Wall), 1 Raven, 2 Sparrowhawk (pair), 8+ Common Buzzard, 6 Black-tailed Godwit (circled and flew towards Wildlife Centre), 1 Redshank, 3 Oystercatcher, 2 Goldeneye, 2 Willow Warbler (singing), 2 House Martin with 30+ Swallow and 20+ Sand Martin, 60+ Common Gulls (all in together at 15:45), 6 LBB Gull, 1 GBB GullPaul Thomas
2012-04-121 Common Sandpiper in front of Wildlife Centre at 6.00 pmNeil Moulden
2012-04-11Adult Great Northern Diver still. Also 15 Barnacle Geese, Greylag Goose, 2 Common Scoter, 2 Shelduck, 2 Goldeneye, 6 Redshank, Curlew, 13 Swallow, 10 Sand Martin, 2 House Martin, 5 White Wagtails on Stones Island, 110 Black-headed Gull, 90 Common Gull, 26 Lesser-black Backed Gulls. Also a very young Blackbird at the bottom of the entrance road to the main car park. Dave Newcombe/Chris Brown
2012-04-10Osprey again at 17:00hr over the dam wall, then at 17:15hr caught large fish in the same spot as this morning. Flew over Blackwall plantation pursued by Gulls at 17:25hr. 4 White Wagtail on Stones Island. Curlew at Sheepwash, LRP sailing club.Clive Ashton
2012-04-10Sacred Ibis flew from Carsington Pastures over the edge of the reservoir but quite high then left towards the Knockerdown pub but unable to relocate. Over the reservior around 11-45Ian Scrimshaw
2012-04-10Osprey at 0655 over water along side of Hall Wood. Small numbers of hirundines: 5 Swallow, 2 House Martin & 1 Sand Martin. 1 Goldcrest singing behind Lane End hide. 2 Linnet on Stones Island, 3 Fieldfare at Fishtail Creek (34 over on 09/04).John Matkin
2012-04-10 07:05hr Osprey caught fish, on east side of resevoir, and flew north pursued by BH Gulls. Clive Ashton
2012-04-082 Ospreys possibly 3; PeregrineDavid Bennett
2012-04-08WeBS count (0700-1030hrs) Great Northern Diver 1, Little Grebe 1, Great Crested Grebe 41, Cormorant 4, Grey Heron 1, Mute Swan 3, Greylag Goose 9, Canada Goose 88, Barnacle Goose 18, Teal 19, Mallard 98, Tufted Duck 68, Goldeneye 1, Mandarin 1, Moorhen 3, Coot 72, Oystercatcher 10, Lapwing 14, Ruff 2, Snipe 1, Redshank 4, Lesser Black-backed Gull 4, Black-headed Gull 80 also 11 Common Buzzards, 1 Sparrowhawk and White Wagtail.John Bradley
2012-04-07Notes today - 12:30hr to 13:30hr flock of mixed hirundines low over Sailing club boats and Stones Island - When briefly settled counted 21nr Swallow, 17nr House Martin (appx), 2 or 4nr Sand Martin. 3nr Common Scoter [2 drake female or juv], GN Diver, Wheatear, 3nr Meadow Pipit. David Edmonds
2012-04-07OspreyPaul Highman
2012-04-06All from Sheepwash Hide, unless stated. The adult Great Northern Diver is now moulting into summer plumage and is looking quite smart. 19 Barnacle Geese (Stones Island), 2 Grey Heron, Ruff (Stones Island), Little Ringed Plover in front of Watersports, Curlew, 3 Swallows, 8+ Buzzard, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 2 Raven. 21 Meadow Pipit and a Wheatear on the Dam Wall, 19 Chiff Chaff and 5 Blackcap between Millfields and Sheepwash, 2 Skylark over Dam Wall, and 5 Linnet. Dave Newcombe
2012-04-06Birds seen or heard between Fishtail Creek & Visitor Centre (via Sheepwash): 50 Tree Sparrow (inc. 28 at Wildlife Centre & 7 on Stones Island), 49 Blackbird, 44 Blue Tit, 43 Wren, 42 Great Tit, 34 Chiffchaff, 30 Dunnock, 24 Robin, 22 Bullfinch, 18 Chaffinch, 13 Song Thrush, 12 Linnet (flocks of 8 & 4), 10 Goldfinch, 10 House Sparrow, 9 Blackcap, 7 Long-tailed Tit, 7 Reed Bunting, 4 Willow Warbler, 4 Treecreeper, 3 Goldcrest (2 in Shiningford Creek & 1 singing behind Lane End Hide), 3 Willow Tit, 3 Greenfinch (1 singing at Visitor Centre), 2 Mistle Thrush, 2 Meadow Pipit. John Matkin
2012-04-06Nuthatch on bird table near Shiningford approx 2.30pmJOHN & BETTY WINNARD
2012-04-06Osprey, at height, approx 3pm observed from Stones Island flying in direction of Tail Bay from distance over Fishtail Creek.JOHN WINNARD
2012-04-05Osprey again at 1920hrs flying around Hopton Arm then went to roost in a tree close to the osprey platform at Lane Ends at 1940hrs. Also Great Northern Diver and 2 Ruff around Stones Island.Roger Carrington
2012-04-05Osprey flew between Stones Island & Watersports Island at 16:20, was carrying a fish and being mobbed by 2 Black-headed Gulls, an Oystercatcher & a Carrion Crow. It then headed over the water towards Millfields. Also on Stones Island; 1 Willow Warbler, 2 Chiffchaff, 19 Barnacle Geese, 1 Kestrel, 1 Swallow in Watersports bay.John Matkin
2012-04-03Willow Warbler singing near Visitor Centre 0800hrs. 2 Ruff mobile around Stones Island. Great Northern Diver off Stones Island early a.m. Osprey from Sheepwash car park 0935-1015hrs, then flew high north. Drake Red-breasted Merganser off Lane End at 1430hrs.Roger Carrington
2012-04-02Following is a list (no note taken of numbers, sorry!) of the birds seen during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk, led by David Bennett: Curlew, Canada Goose, Moorhen, Lapwing, Redshank, Coot, Tufted Duck, Ruff, Black-hd Gull, Greylag Goose, Barnacle Goose, Little Ringed Plover, Little Grebe, Gt Crested Grebe, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Mute Swan, Starling, Reed Bunting, Oystercatcher, Carrion Crow, Buzzard, Pied Wagtail, Tree Sparrow, House Sparrow, Magpie, Wren, Gt Tit, Jackdaw, Blackbird, Greenfinch, Dunnock, ChaffinchGary Atkins
2012-04-02Dam wall- 1 Wheatear,30 Pied wagtail,1 Grey Wagtail,15+ Meadow Pipit,1 Linnet,1 Skylark (grounded). Stones Island- 2 Ruff,1 Little ringed Plover. Sheepwash- GN Diver towards Millfields,2 Greylag,Shoveler,Curlew,Raven.Clive Ashton
2012-04-02Fishtail Creek to Visitor Centre (via Millfields)birds in song: 22 Chiffchaff, 19 Wren, 11 Blackbirds, 11 Dunnock, 10 Robin, 3 Chaffinch, 2 Song Thrush, 2 Goldfinch, 2 Blackcap, 1 Starling (Oldfield Lane) and 1 Greenfinch (VC car park). Other sightings inc. Treecreeper, Grey Heron, 6 pairs of Bullfinch, c35 Meadow Pipits & 1 Wheatear on dam (Sailing Club end). 9 pairs of Great Crested Grebe; 1 pair seem to have begun nesting on Millfields Island & a single bird in Fishtail Creek probably part of nesting pairJohn Matkin
2012-03-31Wren 4, Bullfinch 12+, Goldfinch, Nuthatch, Song Thrush 3, Blackcap, Chifchaff, Buzzard, G S Woodpecker, Grey Heron, Teal, Redshank, Meadow Pipit, Raven. Eric Dewhurst
2012-03-30First Little Ringed Plover of the year, on sailing club island today.Clive Ashton/Dave Newcombe
2012-03-28All seen from Sheepwash Hide, unless stated. Great Northern Diver, 2 Grey Herons, 19 Barnacle Geese (Dam Wall), 4 Shoveler, Goldeneye, 6 Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 7 Meadow Pipits (Dam Wall), and 2 Raven. 16 Chiff Chaff and 6 Blackcap between Millfields and Hopton End. 5 Redshank between Wildlife Centre and Stones Island. A further 3 Redshank and 4 Ruff flew in at Sheepwash shortly after 14.00hrs. The 4 Ruff then left North at c16.00hrs. Dave Newcombe
2012-03-27Black tailed Godwit still at Sheepwash. Blackcap singing Sheepwash car park. 1 Shelduck off Stones Island.Clive Ashton
2012-03-26Black tailed Godwit at Sheepwash. GN Diver,5 Shoveler.Clive Ashton
2012-03-246 Whooper Swans at 1730hrs off Stones Island, then flushed by boat at 1750hrs and flew north.Roger Carrington
2012-03-24Fishtail Creek to Visitor Centre: 16 Chiffchaff, 6 Linnet, Jay, 2 Reed Bunting. 23 Pied Wagtail & 16 Meadow Pipits on the damJohn Matkin
2012-03-23Adult Great Northern Diver, 11 Cormorants, Grey Heron, 2 female Pintail at Wildlife Centre, 2 Goldeneye, 6 Pheasants, 10+ Oystercatchers, 4+ Redshank, 2 Buzzards, GBB Gull, 19 Chiff Chaff in song between Millfields and Hopton End, 8 Redwing, 20+ Meadow Pipit, 2 Raven and 4 Reed Buntings. Dave Newcombe
2012-03-22Bullfinch 2 pairs, Treecreeper 4, Greylag 1, Curlew 7, Heron 1, Oystercatcher 10+, Buzzard 1, Chiffchaff at regular intervals all the way round.Eric Dewhurst
2012-03-212 Sand Martin thru' early morning. 2 female Pintail at Wildlife Centre. 24 Meadow Pipit and 24 Pied Wagtail on dam early morning. Great Northern Diver off Stones Island. 1 Red-legged Partridge, 4 Curlew, 1 Linnet on Stones Island late afternoon. Also Dave Newcombe saw 2 Red Kite drifting south over Hall Wood at 1704hrs and 2 Shelduck from Sheepwash.Roger Carrington
2012-03-20WLC: 2 female Pintail, 1 drake Shoveller, 1 Curlew over, 2 Redshank, 4 Oystercatcher. Elsewhere, 4 Redwing near Sheepwash hide early morning, 1 Greylag Goose, 2 Shelduck flew West over Shiningford Creek, 1 Great Northern Diver, 1 Curlew on Sheepwash Spit late evening.James Owen (STW vol.)
2012-03-19Adult Great Northern Diver, 20 Barnacle Geese, Greylag Goose, Shelduck, 69 Teal (Sheepwash), 2 female Pintail at Wildflife Centre, 4 Goldeneye, 11 Buzzard all seen from Sheepwash though well spread out, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, c12 Oystercatchers, 4 Redshank, 13 Curlew seen by Roger, 325 Common Gull, 125 LBB Gull, Herring Gull, 2 male Wheatear found by Roger near Sailing Club first thing, still there when I walked past at c09.00, 6 Chiff Chaff in song between Millfields and Sheepwash. Dave Newcombe

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